News Story not available

This story has been published on: 2022-10-22. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

This story is no longer available on our site.
Ukraine, as the whole civilized world, should change the paradigm of the state drug policy, Michel Kazatchkine, the United Nations secretary generals special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, has said.

The Global Commission on Drug Policy insists on changing the paradigm: from the repressive paradigm to the priority of healthcare, he said at the Drugpolicy Talk held in Kyiv on March 3.

This could be a good signal to international society that the Health Ministry controls drugs turnover in Ukraine and the change of the paradigm should not be only on paper, this should mean redirecting of a large sum of funds spent on the ineffective repressive machine to the creation of the treatment and care system, he said.

Kazatchkine pointed at the inefficiency of fighting drug traffic, as well as transmission of HIV/AIDS based on repressions and restricting access to drug containing products. Most of the countries recognize this.

He said that at the special session of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem in April the matters of easing access to painkillers, mitigating the prosecution of people who use drugs and minor offenders who sold drugs and toughening the prosecution of 'big fishes' in drug trafficking, as well as the matters of the transfer of the drug market to the control of the state.

Acting Chair of the State Service of Ukraine for Drug Control Oleh Dzysiak said that supervision over illegal and legal drug turnover should be divided in the country.

He also said that the state should conduct the balanced policy towards stimulation of the recovery of the cannabis and poppy planting sector.

"Our farmers cannot use the potential and opportunities of the ratified international conventions that allow growing these plants for the scientific and medical purposes. I hear the problems with law enforcement agencies from Ukrainian scientists," he said.

He said that it is impossible to transfer issues linked to narcotic drug turnover to the field of Health Ministry's responsibility.
Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary, Oleksandr Turchynov, believes Kyiv and its Western partners should set up a common comprehensive security system in Europe, which should integrate missile and air defense systems.

"This is a complicated issue. I spoke of possible consultations on the matter when Russia started preparing to deploy offensive weapons in Crimea, including those capable of carrying nuclear warheads. I insisted that this is not only Ukraine's problem, but also a problem for Europe and the entire civilized world, and therefore, Ukraine cannot oppose this very dangerous process on its own," Turchynov said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Ukraine voluntarily gave up one of the most powerful nuclear arsenals in the world, Turchynov said. "And when someone plans to deploy nuclear weapons in an occupied territory, this is a very serious challenge. This is precisely why I believe a security system in Europe should be not formal but efficient. This should include a reliable missile defense system, with Ukraine as its component," Turchynov said.

"There is a need for a common missile defense system in Europe, which would protect both our country and the whole of Europe. An Eastern Wall impenetrable to aircraft and missiles, and also impenetrable to ground vehicles, should be set up. It should run from Norway through Ukraine and to Turkey. Call this system not a missile defense system but, for instance, a European security system or an Eastern Wall. What matters is not the name, but the essence," he said.

Turchynov said he has been trying to raise awareness about this position at all international negotiations. "I can't say it is always taken with understanding, but increasingly more politicians and military officials have been thinking about this, especially in the wake of the events in Syria," he said.
Ukraine plans to test missiles which were fully produced by Ukrainian enterprises, National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Secretary Oleksandr Turchynov has said.

"Our scientists, designers and engineers have ensured the production of all the required components [for missiles] at our Ukrainian enterprises, whereas previously these components were manufactured in cooperation with Russia, giving us the opportunity not only to showcase our missiles at exhibitions, but also to use them in combat situations. Besides, in the nearest future we plan to conduct test launches of missiles, which were entirely domestically produced, as a result of the co-operation of solely Ukrainian enterprises," he said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Turchynov said the recovery of the rocket industry was the priority for Ukraine's government. "On the one hand, we should develop, as a space state, producing high-tech spacecraft, but we also need to restore the necessary range of combat missiles to defend the country," Turchynov added.

He assured that Ukraine invested a lot of effort in this matter. "I have recently held a meeting with leading designers and managers of defense enterprises, who have expertise in this area [combat missiles]. We have outlined preliminary results, compared plans, and refined details. The work goes smoothly," Turchynov said.

He also noted that it was difficult to recover Ukraine's rocket industry, as the country closely cooperated with Russia until 2014. "Under the current circumstances, after the Crimean occupation, the aggression in the east, there is no room for cooperation in the military and technical sector with Russia. It is a matter of principle," the NSDC Secretary stressed.

At the same time, Turchynov didn't provide details on the type of missiles that were to be tested, saying only that "Ukraine was strengthening its defense in line with its international obligations."
The 25th session of the Advisory Committee of the Ukrainian and Polish Presidents was held in Warsaw on March 3-4, 2016, co-chaired by deputy head of the Ukrainian presidential administration Kostiantyn Yeliseyev and Polish chancellery Secretary of State Krzysztof Szczerski.

The parties discussed a wide range of issues of the Ukrainian-Polish relations, the press service of the Ukrainian head of state reported on Friday.

"The participants of the Advisory Committee discussed the cooperation algorithm of the two countries in the context of regional cooperation, Ukraine's rapprochement with the EU, as well as the European security agenda," the administration said.

Besides, the parties discussed the 2016 schedule for bilateral contacts on the highest level, as well as priorities for cooperation.

"Special attention was paid to the further process of reconciliation and maintenance of constructive dialogue on sensitive issues of common history of the two peoples," the administration said.
The Donbas militants have shelled Ukrainian government forces' positions 50 times over the past 24 hours, including 42 times in the Donetsk sector, the press center of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) in eastern Ukraine reported on its Facebook account on Saturday.

In particular, the militants fired 76 mines using mortars of various calibers upon Ukrainian Donbasarmed forces' strongholds near Chermalyk and Zaitseve; they also shelled Krasnohorivka, Mayorsk, and Starohnativka, it said.

The militants also used grenade launchers, machineguns, and small arms to attack government forces' positions near Avdiyivka, Pisky, Luhanske, Zaitseve, Mayorsk, Troyitske, Popasna, and Bohuslavske, the press center said.
The militants have been shelling the Maryinka checkpoint in Donetsk region since Saturday morning, and therefore the border guards decided to suspend the passage of individuals and vehicles through it, the Ukrainian State Border Service reports.

The checkpoint has been attacked using a grenade launcher and a sniper rifle from the village of Oleksandrivka located in a territory not controlled by Kyiv; the attacks are continuing at the moment, the Border Service said.

The Border Service decided to suspend the passage of individuals and vehicles through the Maryinka checkpoint due to the failure to comply with the ceasefire agreements, it said.

The operations of the Maryinka checkpoint were suspended twice because of gunfire in February.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk has said that the new prosecutor general of Ukraine, who will be unbiased and depoliticized, must be urgently appointed in the near term.

"Society demand obeying law and society takes the side of the police. I as prime minister demand that courts, Prosecutor General's Office and new prosecutor general who must be urgently appointed and who must be unbiased, professional and depoliticized also take the side of law," he said at the patrol police oath taking ceremony in Poltava on Saturday.

He said that Poltava is the sixteenth city of Ukraine where the patrol police has been launched.

Interior Minister of Ukraine Arsen Avakov said that 245 policemen, including 36 combat veterans of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO, mainly from the Poltava battalion) have started fulfilling their duties in Poltava.
Two Ukrainian military servicemen have been killed and five others injured in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian presidential spokesman for the military operation Andriy Lysenko said.

"Two soldiers have been killed and five others injured because of the military activities over the past 24 hours," Lysenko said at a news briefing in Kyiv on Saturday.

The two servicemen were killed in an armed clash with militiamen in the Mariupol sector at nighttime, Lysenko said. "Due to coordinated actions by Ukrainian armed forces servicemen from different service arms, the enemy sustained heavy losses in that battle, namely up to 30 fatalities. Unfortunately, two Ukrainian armed forces servicemen died in the clash with the occupiers," he said.

The militants also fired more than 80 mines upon government forces' positions in Starohnativka, Chermalyk, and Shyrokyne in the Mariupol sector, Lysenko said.

The situation in Maryinka was relatively stable on Friday, with only one act of provocation committed by the militants, he said.

In the Luhansk sector, the militants violated the ceasefire twice in the Popasna district by opening fire from Pervomaisk, he said.

In the Donetsk sector, Ukrainian government forces' positions were attacked along the entire line of contact stretching from Troyitske to Krasnohorivka, Lysenko said. In particular, the enemy fired mortars 13 times near Horlivka and Donetsk, he said.
First Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine Ivan Rusnak and Head of Group for Inter-parliamentary Relations with Ukraine of the Estonian Parliament Iohannes Kert at a meeting on March 3 discussed the situation in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone, the state of the implementation of Minsk agreements and the Russian military presence in eastern Ukraine, the press service of the Defense Ministry has reported.

The sides also discussed the course of the reforms in the Defense Ministry of Ukraine in the context of integration to the NATO and EU, aspects of regional security and the key issues of defense cooperation between the two countries.

Ukraine continues taking actions for the conflict de-escalation of the conflict in eastern Ukraine and implementing Minsk agreements, Rusnak said.

He also said that this year the Defense Ministry starts the active phase of the reforms of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Jointly with foreign experts and advisors at the Defense Ministry and Armed Forces of Ukraine, the key reforms of the Defense Ministry and Armed Forces of Ukraine have been designed to approach them to the NATO standards. We plan to finish the reforms by 2020," Rusnak said.

He said that the Defense Ministry of Ukraine is ready to continue cooperation with Estonia, as well as in the framework of the NATO, EU, and OSCE. The Ministry is interested in the development of cooperation in military education and professional training, WIA rehabilitation, as well as obtaining of advisory assistance from Estonian colleagues.

Kert said that the exchange of opinions on today's challenges and threats, possibilities of resisting a threat to national integrity and the search for new mutually beneficial ways of cooperation are very helpful for Ukraine and Estonia.
The chief intelligence department of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine has reported that there were more fatalities among Russian military servicemen in Donbas and attempts of their commanders to hide this fact.

"New fatalities of Russian servicemen from the ninth special motorized rifle regiment of the Marine Corps (Novoazovsk) of the first Army Corps have been confirmed. On March 4 during a failed attempt to attack as part of the sabotage-reconnaissance group, a senior lieutenant has been killed and three others injured. The regiment's commanding officer and Colonel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation Dmytro Bondarev (under cover identification documents  Yevhen Kovalenko) is trying to hide the real reason of the death and injury of the subordinates," the chief intelligence department said in a report posted on its website on Saturday.

The intelligence established a fact of arrival the ninth special motorized rifle regiment of the Marine Corps of the 22nd subunit of the separate special mission brigade (Kovalevka, Rostov region) of the chief intelligence department of General Staff of Armed Forces of the Russian Federation from the territory of Russia.

The chief intelligence department reported that Ukraine provided information about tanks, self-propelled artillery platforms and 122-mm Grad multiple-launch rocket systems near Kalynivka, Lozove and Markine to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM).
Leader of Mejlis of Crimean Tatar People: Russia to open way to repressions by ban of Mejlis

If the activity of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People in Crimea is banned by court, around two thousands of active Crimean Tatars could be considered terrorists, leader of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People, MP (Petro Poroshenko Bloc) Refat Chubarov has said.

"The ban of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People will be the sign that a way to repressions of many people who are active members of Crimean Tatar society will be opened, as the Mejlis is the highest executive power agency of the Kurultai (the national assembly) that is elected by the Kurultai," the press service of the Petro Poroshenko Bloc reported, citing Chubarov.

Chubarov said that the Mejlis consists of over 250 local mejlises which were always elected by Crimean Tatars.

"These are over 2,000 people and at once they could be declared extremists, and even terrorists. This is the situation," he said.

He said that the current situation on the territory of temporarily occupied Crimea is unlawful.
Estonian Interior Minister Hanno Pevkur and Justice Minister Urmas Reinsalu have discussed measures to improve the country's preparedness to deal with illegal immigrants, Justice Ministry press secretary Maria-Elisa Tuulik told Interfax on Saturday.

"We should be prepared that a lot of people seeking asylum could approach Estonia's borders," Tuulik quoted Pevkur as saying at the meeting between the two ministers on Saturday.

"True, in the event of illegal migration, Estonia will chiefly remain a transit state to be used to get to North European and Central European states," Pevkur said.

"It is important in the coming years to install extra equipment along Estonia's borders to ensure the protection of the European Union's external borders. This concerns the equipment of the borderline and border facilities and the installation of security systems along the border," he said.

The two ministers also discussed the police's, security police's, and prosecution service's priorities in combating crime.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a government work report during the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 12th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2016. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday expressed his confidence of realizing China's 2020 goals, while mentioning to fight "a difficult battle" in face of tougher challenges.

The government work report, delivered by Li at the opening meeting of the national legislature annual session, sets this year's economic growth target at between 6.5 and 7 percent as well as the average annual growth rate for the next five years at above 6.5 percent.

The year 2016 is the starting year of China's 13th five-year plan towards 2020 by when China vowed to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. China aims to double the 2010 GDP and per capita personal income by 2020.

"We... become more aware of the need of uphold political integrity, keep in mind the bigger picture, follow the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the core of the Chinese leadership, act consistently with CPC Central Committee policies," Li said in his report.

Li's remarks echoed a recent article by Qiushi Journal, the CPC Central Committee flagship magazine, which said the "four consciousnesses."

Faithfulness to the core leadership of the Party is characterized by staunch loyalty to "the Communist Party of China Central Committee, [its] General Secretary Xi Jinping as well as to Party theories, guidelines, principles and policies," the journal said.

About 3,000 deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) listened to Li's report at the opening meeting, chaired by Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee and executive chairperson of the session's presidium, along with top Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli.

In his report, Li called on all Chinese to "rally closer around the CPC Central Committee headed by General Secretary Xi."

GROWTH FOR FIVE YEARS

China is facing slower growth and trying to shift its development to a more sustainable model.

Explaining why setting the growth rate in this range, Li said, "We have taken into consideration the need to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the need to advance structural reform."

Such a growth might help ensure employment and people's welfare, he said.

Last year, China realized a GDP growth of 6.9 percent, with a total output exceeding 60 trillion yuan (9.19 trillion U.S. dollars), which means every percentage point of GDP growth is equivalent to 1.5 points five years before or 2.5 points ten years before.

"The larger the economy grows, the greater the difficulty of achieving growth," Li said.

Despite slower growth, China still created 13.12 million new jobs and increased per capita disposable income by 7.4 percent.

The progress was achieved in the context of "extremely complicated and challenging international environment" and prominent deep-rooted domestic problem, Li stressed.

Warning "more and tougher problems and challenges" this year, the premier noted that the country must be fully prepared to fight a difficult battle.

As the world sees weak growth in trade and fluctuations in financial and commodity markets, whose impact should not be underestimated, China is facing the changing pace of economic growth, difficulties in restructuring, shift of growth engines and downward pressure, Li said.

"We will not be daunted by these problems and challenges," he said. "There is no difficulty we cannot get beyond."

The report listed a number of advantages, including a solid foundation laid by fast growth for years, hugely resilient economy, enormous potential, ample room for growth, new impetus provided by reform and finer macro-economic regulation.

Chi Fulin, a national political advisor and director of the China (Hainan) Institute for Reform and Development, said, "There are several very positive indicators in China's economy, for instance, fundamentals still in a reasonable range, a booming service sector and industrial restructuring."

China will continue to be a growth engine for the world as it is unveiling a new round of opening up, featured by the Belt and Road Initiative, international production capacity cooperation and infrastructure investment initiatives, he said.

BIGGER DEFICIT &OVERCAPACITY CUT

Li's reform listed a package of pragmatic policies to address economic weakness, including tax cut, flexible monetary policy, cut of overcapacity, and business creativity.

This year China's government deficit is expected to stand at 2.18 trillion yuan (335 billion U.S. dollars), 560 billion yuan more than last year, while the deficit-to-GDP ratio up from 2.3 to 3 percent.

The policy is mainly to cover tax and fee reduction, which is expected to ease the financial burden on industry by over 500 billion yuan together with other policies.

The premier also vowed to address capacity glut in steel, coal and other heavy industries as well as strictly control the expansion. About 100 billion yuan will be spent on resettling laid-off employees in these industries.

Wang Shiling, an NPC deputy and president of a real estate and trade company in east China's Shandong Province, told Xinhua that he feels positive about in China's economic future.

"The government has included targeted policies to close loopholes and encourage initiative in industry. These are exactly what we need now," he said.

OUTLINING 2016-2020 PLAN

A draft outline of the 13th five-year national development was also submitted for lawmakers' reading. Apart from GDP growth, it listed a set of targets from industrial upgrading, agriculture, environment and people's livelihood, as well as a considerable number of important scientific, technological and infrastructure investment projects.

Noting that China's priority for next five years will be development, Premier Li said that it must take particular care to avoid falling into the "middle-income trap."

"Pursuing development is like sailing against the current: you either forge ahead or drift downstream," he said, also stressing two key issues, restructuring and shift of growth engines.

He highlighted the country's workforce of over 900 million, of whom over 100 million have received higher education or are professionally trained. "This is our greatest resource and strength," he said.

Ou Chengzhong, an NPC deputy from north China's Tianjin Municipality, said he is looking forward to a good beginning of this five-year plan.

"There are still a lot of policy tools the government has not resorted to. I believe there are ample wiggle room to deal with current problems," he said.
Visa is not enough, Chinese required extra info to enter US

US Customers and Border Protection shows the visa type on its website.

San Francisco, Mar. 4, US Customers and Border Protection stated online recently that Chinese nationals have to update their biographic information with a newly designed system to be admitted into the United States, in addition to a valid visa.

According to the US Customers and Border Protection website, in addition to a valid visa, nationals of China holding a 10-year B1/B2, B1 or B2 (visitor) visa periodically will be required to complete an EVUS enrollment to be admitted into the United States.

The Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) is the online system for Chinese travelers to update basic biographic information to facilitate their travel to the United States. Beginning in November 2016, Chinese travelers will need to go online and update their information in order to comply with EVUS requirements.

Each EVUS enrollment must contain the visa holders name, birth date, and passport information as well as other biographical and employment information.

It also stated that those who have not complied with EVUS requirements may be delayed in their travel plans.

The U.S. government also said that there will be a nominal fee to enroll with EVUS. The fee will be used to cover the cost of running the system.

This requirement is new. The U.S. Government expects that this requirement may be applied to additional countries in the future.
A Chinese web security company attracts crowds with the Peking Opera costumes at the RSA conference in San Francisco on March 2, 2016. (People's Daily Online/Han Shasha)

San Francisco, Mar.4, --As a top security conference, the annual RSA is estimated to attract more than 30,000 attendees and over 550 companies specializing in information security to San Francisco from February 29 to March 4 2016.

More than 20 Chinese companies bring their products and services to the expo to connect with the trends and seek opportunities, making China the third largest origin of the attending companies following the United States and Germany, according to Zhongguancun Technology Park, organizer of the Chinese vendors at the expo. American companies take a dominant 76% percent of all the presenting firms, including Cisco, Dell, Semantic, Gartner, and FireEye, followed by 28 German companies.

Terry Ray, chief product strategist of Imperva, a U.S. cyber security leader, said that more participation means bigger progress in information security development in China. The company's pavilion is one meter away from Qihoo 360, a Chinese leading Internet security firm.

Yunkun Wu, a senior executive at Qihoo 360, told the reporter that he has witnessed more and more Chinese companies joining the event during the past 10 years. The first batch just took a look at the wares from other countries and the U.S. security market. And then those Chinese companies started to develop their international businesses. Now Chinese companies are seeking cooperation with global partners.

360 Security brings a solid, intuitive, and well-designed antivirus program to the Android platform with a multitude of features aside from just antivirus protection, such as an app manager, memory booster, junk file cleaner, and real time protection on top of it all. Wu said that now the company has almost 400 million users globally.

Terry Ray said that if not take a close look, he cannot tell that Qihoo 360 is actually a Chinese company. While Xiaowen Quan, founder and CEO of WebRAY, a web security provider, highlighted its Chinese characters with red couplets and the Peking Opera costumes. He said that cooperation is based on technology. "If we have good technology, no matter it is a Chinese company or not, they are willing to cooperate." He said that the Chinese elements have attracted many potential customers."Even big companies, such as Intel and Cisco came to our pavilion."

At the conference, China's Huawei and FireMon signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and announced a partnership to provide proactive firewall management solution on Huawei NGFW worldwide, helping users reduce the cost of operations and maintenance. Raymong Yang, manager of Firemon in greater China area, introduced that by having FireMon proactive firewall management solution, Huawei NGFW users could manage firewall policy changes, locate incorrect configurations, analyze the utilization of existing policies, and perform compliance audits against the access rules between security zones. In addition, the firewall change process on Huawei NGFW will be automated with an intelligent workflow solution that dramatically improves accuracy while reducing time and costs associated with access change requests.

Starting in 1991, RSA is widely considered an indicator of the security industry as experts, industry leaders and cyber security officials gathered and discussed new trend at the conference. The theme of this year is "Connect to protect".
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, March 5

By Azad Hasanli - Trend:

A delegation from Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF) will visit Azerbaijan in May, Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijan's Economy Minister said.

He made remarks at the meeting with France's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Aurelia Bouchez.

MEDEF is a private organization and the most important representative of the French business. The organization brings together 800,000 French companies of all sizes and spheres.

This visit will have a positive impact on development of relations between the two countries, said the minister.

Currently, 40 French companies operate in Azerbaijan, noted Mustafayev adding that Azerbaijan actively cooperates with a number of regions of France.

He supported the ongoing discussion on the creation of Azerbaijan-France Interregional Cooperation Council.

The minister once again brought Azerbaijan's fair position over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to the ambassador's attention and said that the activities of a number of French companies in Azerbaijan's occupied territories are unacceptable.

Azerbaijan is an important partner of France in the South Caucasus, and France is interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan, said the ambassador.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.

Azerbaijan's trade turnover with France exceeded $1 billion in 2015, some $864.2 million of which were accounted for Azerbaijan's export to this country, according to Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @AzadHasanli
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

Trend:

Military vehicles and manpower of the Armenian armed forces have been destroyed, said Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry in a message issued March 5.

Divisions of Azerbaijan's armed forces delivered a pre-emptive strike March 4 along the contact line between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia in response to the Armenian side's attempt to carry out a diversion.

"Armenian leadership, who suffered losses of tens of people and military vehicles, continues to hide its bloody acts from its people," said the ministry.

"Defense Ministry warns that Azerbaijan's armed forces will immediately and decisively prevent diversion attempts and shelling of civilian settlements," read the message.

"Armenia's military infrastructure, located in Aghdere, Madagis, Talish and other settlements, will be destroyed," added the ministry.

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 withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

A meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran will be held in Tehran, the Milliyet newspaper reported March 5.

Currently, the parties are working to define a date for the meeting, said the report.

The meeting is expected to discuss trilateral relations, further joint plans and cooperation on foreign policy issues of common interest.

The trilateral meetings of the foreign ministers are held on the basis of agreements reached by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran on expanding contacts, relations and interaction among the three countries.

Previously, the meetings of such format were held in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan and Iran's Urmia.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

Trend:

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin discussed relations with the states of the South Caucasus in Baku, TASS news agency reported March 5.

Karasin, who is also the state secretary of Russia, visited Baku March 4.

Commenting on the visit, the Russian official said he is satisfied with results of his meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.

The meeting, which discussed relations with the countries in the South Caucasus, was productive, said Karasin, adding the parties also mulled bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Russia and the schedule of upcoming meetings at political level.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

Trend:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai.

UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Refai recalled his previous visits and meetings with President Ilham Aliyev.

He hailed the fact that a range of issues discussed during the meetings, including work on visa issuance and execution of low-cost flights, are being successfully implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Taleb Refai said he was impressed with the beauty of Baku every time he visited the country.

The head of state recalled with pleasure his meetings with UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Refai, thanked him for supporting the development of tourism in Azerbaijan, and stressed the importance of his recommendations in this regard.

President Ilham Aliyev said tourism was always one of the priorities in Azerbaijan, adding the country's favourable geographical location, its beautiful nature created good opportunities for developing tourism industry.

The head of state stressed the significance of tourism in ensuring the financial flow to the country and creating new jobs amid the global economic crisis, adding that reforms in the field of tourism were continued in the country.

The head of state expressed his hope that as a result of work done the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan would increase.

They exchanged views on the issues related to the expansion of tourism services, coordination of tourism with other fields of economy, and improvement of tourism infrastructure in Azerbaijan.

Then photographs were taken.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 4

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkey will accelerate launching the serial production of the country's domestic car, Turkish Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Fikri Isk said March 4.

Earlier, Turkey planned to start serial production of the country's domestic car in 2019, Kanal7 TV channel reported citing Isk as saying.

The minister added that after the work is accelerated in this area, the serial production can be launched May 2018.

The local car modelled on Saab 9-3 will come in different body types and power units.

Earlier, the minister said Turkey acquired a license from Sweden's car maker Saab to produce a car modelled on Saab 9-3.

Turkey is interested in exporting the domestically produced cars to Azerbaijan, Turkish Science, Industry and Technology Ministry earlier told Trend.

The ministry said that Turkey is also interested in exporting cars to a number of foreign countries once the car mass production starts.

Turkey ranks sixth in Europe in terms of car production. It produces cars of such brands as Ford, FIAT, Renault, Toyota, Honda, Opel, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and MAN.

Aside from that, Turkey manufactures buses of local brands - BMC, Temsa and Otokar.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

By Umid Niayesh - Trend:

Iran and Turkey, the Middle East's two powerful players, share very close economic ties despite taking part in opposing political blocs.

Tehran and Ankara are already clashing over a number of issues, in particular their supporting opposing sides in the Syrian crisis. However, both sides are determined not to allow the political tensions to affect their economic goals.

The two countries have targeted to increase their trade volume to $30 billion, something that has not been realized so far. They also have signed a preferential trade agreement with a hope to pave way for a hike in bilateral trade.

The trade turnover between the two countries was $13.71 billion in 2014 and $9.76 billion in 2015. Although the trade turnover dropped by 29 percent in 2015 compared to the preceding year, many observers believe that the decline came amid global economic crisis ruling out the role of the political disagreements.

Amid all these developments, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited Tehran March 5 to discuss mutual relations with Iranian officials.

Given that political differences between Tehran and Ankara on regional matters, in particular on Syria and Yemen, are so deep that they can hardly be settled, the economic issues and saving the falling trade turnover should be considered the main purpose of Davutoglu's visit to Tehran.

Davutoglu was accompanied by ministers of economy, customs and trade, energy, transport, communications and development - which is indicative of the economic weight of the visit.

The expected increase in trade volume has failed to come true so far due to sanctions on Tehran and the two parties have postponed the $30 billion trade goal several times.

Iran's First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, after his meeting with Davutoglu, outlined a two-year timeframe for upping the trade turnover from its current $10 billion.

While Turkish exporters and industrialists hope that the removal of sanctions on Tehran will contribute to an 8 to 10 percent increase in Turkish exports to Iran in 2016, the latest statistic data by Turkish Statistical Institute indicate that mutual trade in January fell by 44 percent and stood at $624 million.

As Iran exports mainly raw materials to Turkey, including crude oil and gas, sharp fall in oil prices in global markets has led to decrease in trade value.

Non-oil products share less than 20 percent of the Islamic Republic's export to the neighboring country.

Turkey faced substantial losses due to declining exports to Iran during the sanctions period and now is determined to return to Iran's attractive market, to recover the pre-sanctions trade level.

In 2012, when the embargo was imposed against Iran, the volume of trade between Tehran and Ankara was standing at $22 billion, with $9.9 billion in exports and $11.9 billion in imports.

Iranian market promises a huge opportunity to Turkey in various sectors, including tourism, automotive industry, clothing, textiles, machinery, chemistry, petrochemistry and energy industry, as well as banking, telecommunications and transportation.

And apparently Turkey is not going to lose this tempting market for political disputes.

---

Umid Niayesh is Trend Agency's staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @UmidNiayesh
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 5

By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:

Turkmenistan's Supreme Control Chamber (SCC) and Prosecutor's Office revealed bribery cases in the country's oil and gas complex, Turkmen government's message said March 5.

Turkmen Cabinet of Ministers Deputy Chairman Baymyrat Hojamuhammedov, who was dismissed in November 2015 from his position by own request, is also suspected of corruption, according to the message.

It also reported that serious shortcomings were revealed as a result of monitoring.

Firms, which do not perform their obligations properly, were also involved in negative activities as a result of which the state was seriously damaged, said Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

The Turkmen president noted the importance to continue monitoring in the energy industry structures and accept the appropriate measures against all perpetrators required by law, regardless of their positions.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, March 5

By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:

The issue on preparation for the aimed visit of the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on March 6-7 to Turkmenistan was discussed at the meeting of the Turkmen Cabinet of Ministers, Altyn Asyr TV channel reported March 5.

The upcoming high level talks, as a result of which it is planned to sign a package of bilateral documents designed to further stimulate international cooperation corresponding to the common interest, said the report.

Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated consistent friendly nature of the relations between Turkmenistan and Qatar, noting the presence of diverse potential for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and economic sphere, as well as to strengthen the traditional humanitarian contacts on the basis of which lies the historical, cultural and spiritual unity of the peoples of the two countries.

It was previously reported that Turkmenistan Qatar exploring partnership opportunities in the spheres of trade, construction, transport, textile.
Tehran, Iran, March 5

By Mehdi Sepahvand -- Trend:

Iranian businessmen who invest in Afghanistan and move their production lines to that country will receive customs exemption, Homayoon Rasa, Afghan minister of trade and industries said.

Right now 16 percent of Afghanistan's needs are provided from Iran, he said, the Iranian Trade Development Organization's Public Relations reported March 5.

"It will help Afghanistan's economy if Iranians to launch production lines here because our country has cheap labor force as well as energy," Rasa stated.

"Imbalance between the two countries' imports and exports is a problems ahead. We expect Iran to help us by reducing customs tariffs for Afghanistan as a means to improve trade turnover."

Iran's export to Afghanistan stands at $3 billion, comprising 40 percent of Afghanistan's total import. The exported goods include consumer goods such as detergents, food, construction material, fuel, drugs, wood, and plastic.

Afghanistan's major exports to Iran are fresh and dried fruits, herbals, and saffron.

Iran and Afghanistan signed a trade contract worth $50 million last year.

Afghanistan is seeking to import one million metric tons per annum of gas oil from Iran. Iran is currently exporting 200 thousand metric tons of gas oil to Afghanistan, which is also seeking 200 thousand metric tons of LPG for which the price has to be settled.
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said that he will pay a visit to Iran in the near future within the framework of the Russian-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission, Irna reported.



'During my meeting with Iranian officials will talk about the expansion of economic and trade cooperation and different areas of bilateral ties,' Novak told reporters on Friday.



He underlined that the Iran-Russia Joint Economic Cooperation Commission will held in Tehran, but the exact date for holding it is not known as yet.



Minister Novak, co-chair of the Russian-Iranian Intergovernmental Committee on trade and economic cooperation, said last year he met with the Iranian co-chair of the agency during his visit to Tehran.



'Today we outlined the directions for development of our cooperation and those projects which will be discussed soon to make sure they develop. I hope that in these two days we shall get a positive result and maybe tomorrow, summing everything up, we would be able to talk about... specific contracts,' Novak said.



According to the Russian minister, the sides discussed Iranian energy development issues.



Russian President Vladimir Putin said in September that Russia was highly satisfied with the progress in cooperation with Iran in various areas, including the fight against terrorism and projects in peaceful nuclear energy.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

By Fatih Karimov- Trend:

Iran's first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri has officially welcomed Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu at Tehran's Saadabad Palace March 5.

Davutoglu heading a high-ranking delegation arrived in Tehran's Mehrabad airport March 4, where he welcomed by Iran's ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi, Iran's state run-TV IRINN reported.

Davutoglu is accompanied by ministers of economy, customs and trade, energy, transport, communications and development, government officials and representatives of major Turkish media.

The Turkish prime minister, in his two-day visit to Iran, is scheduled to negotiate and meet with Jahangiri, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani.

The visit follows consultations between the two countries' foreign ministries with the objective of expansion and strengthening of political, cultural, and economic relations.

The two parties will discus the issues of mutual interests as well as regional developments including the Syrian crisis.

Turkey intends to give a new impetus to its trade ties with neighboring Iran following removal of sanctions thorough a more active role by its private sector in order to take the rising golden opportunity in Iran's economy.

Following Davutoglu's visit to Iran, the upcoming visits by Foreign Minister Zarif and President Rouhani to Turkey are on the schedule.

The 25th round of Iran-Turkey Joint Economic Cooperation Council is scheduled to convene in Turkey later this year.




Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

By Fatih Karimov - Trend:

Iran and Turkey are determined to deal with their differences regarding the regional issues in order to safeguard security in the region, said Eshaq Jahangiri, Iran's first vice president.

He made the remarks during a joint press conference with visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Tehran March 5, Iran's state-run IRINN TV reported.

During the meeting with Davutoglu, the two parties discussed regional issues, as well as the issues of mutual interest, according to Jahangiri

Tehran and Ankara share the same viewpoint on many issues, Jahangiri underlined, adding however in some regional matters there are differences.

He further said the two countries share mutual interest in establishing security and stability in the entire region.

Jahangiri added that terrorist groups are negatively affecting security in the region.

"The officials from the two sides have held fruitful talks on cooperation in oil and energy fields, as well as transportation, customs issues, preferential tariffs, banking ties, as well as tourism," Jahangiri added.

"Turkey is the main target for Iranian tourists," he said, expressing hope that Turkish investors will invest in Iran's tourism sector.

"The two sides are determined to boost annual trade to $30 billion," Jahangiri added.

He said it was agreed that the next round of Iran-Turkey joint economic cooperation commission will be held in a month to settle the barriers ahead of materializing this purpose.

Davutoglu, heading a high-ranking delegation, arrived in Tehran's Mehrabad Airport March 4, where he was welcomed by Iran's ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi.

Davutoglu is accompanied by ministers of economy, customs and trade, energy, transport, communications and development, government officials and representatives of major Turkish media.

Turkish prime minister, during his two-day visit to Iran, is scheduled to negotiate and meet with senior Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani.

Following Davutoglu's visit to Iran, the upcoming visits by Foreign Minister Zarif and President Rouhani to Turkey are also on the schedule.

Tehran and Ankara intend to increase their trade volume to $30 billion. The two states have signed a preferential trade agreement that could pave the way for a rise in the bilateral trade. The two countries' trade turnover stood at $13.7 billion in 2014, according to the data released by the Turkish Statistical Institute.

The trade turnover between Turkey and Iran stood at $22 billion in 2012 before dipping to $14.5 billion in the following year due to the economic sanctions imposed on Tehran by the West.
Tehran, Iran, March 5

By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) has provided suitable grounds for economic relations between Iran and Europe, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said.

There is no legal obstacle for economic relations with Iran and various countries have already expressed interest in starting relations, he stated addressing an Iran-Europe trade and banking conference in Tehran, Shana news agency reported March 5.

However, he noted, lack of ample knowledge is a problem with European banks.

On the same day, Assadollah Asgar Oladi, prominent businessman and member of Tehran Chamber of Commerce, said Iranians still cannot use SWIFT banking transaction system despite one and a half months since the JCPOA was put into action.

"European banks do not cooperate because they fear the US," Asgar Oladi said.

In contrary remarks, Central Bank of Iran Chairman Valiollah Seif said the same day that all Iranian banks are connected to SWIFT.

Iranians could not use SWIFT under sanctions. But the implementation of the JCAPOA created hopes that the restriction would be lifted and business would boom.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu hold talks in Tehran on mutual relations and the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly the Syrian crisis, Press TV reported.

Davutoglu arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking political and economic delegation Friday night for a two-day official visit.

Iran's Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri earlier on Saturday officially received Davutoglu in Tehran. During a joint news conference with Jahangiri, the Turkish premier said Tehran and Ankara must develop a "common perspective" in order to help end the crises plaguing the region.
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

Farhad Daneshvar - Trend:

The heads of Iran-Turkey Joint Commission have called for the expansion of bilateral ties between Tehran and Ankara saying differences over regional developments cannot harm friendly ties between two neighboring countries.

"Both sides call for the expansion of bilateral ties," IRNA news agency quoted Iran's Communications and Information Technology Minister Mahmoud Vaezi who is also head of Iran-Turkey Joint Commission as saying at a meeting with Turkish Development Minister Cevdet Yilmaz and Turkish head of the commission in Tehran.

The meeting between the heads of the joint-commission took place as part of the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's official visit to Tehran aimed at maintaining bilateral ties.

"Two neighboring countries of Iran and Turkey should keep the ties in the highest levels and prevent the political developments from harming the existing ties," Vaezi added.

Speaking about the necessity for mutual cooperation in tourism, customs, energy, banking and other sectors, Vaezi said that both countries should maintain their relations and support existing infrastructure and capacities.

In turn, describing ties between Iran and Turkey as deep, Cevdet Yilmaz said the temporary developments are not capable of having negative impact on the bonds.

A Turkish high-ranking economic and politic delegation headed by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu arrived in Tehran's Mehrabad Airport, last night.

Commentators believe the Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's ongoing visit to Tehran is aimed at maintaining and continuing trade ties between Tehran and Ankara.

Despite the outstanding disagreements between Tehran and Ankara over gas prices as well as differences over the Syrian crisis, Iran and Turkey appear reluctant to spoil the trade ties.

The trade turnover between the countries was $13.71 billion in 2014 and $9.76 billion in 2015.

Although the trade turnover dropped by 29 percent in 2015 compared to the preceding year, many observers believe that the decline came amid global economic crisis ruling out the role of the political and economic disagreements in the decline.

Over the past five and following the Syrian crisis, Tehran and Moscow have supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey is among Syrian president's most outspoken critics.
President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that Iran-Turkey cooperation will consolidate bases of stability in the region, IRNA reported.

In a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Saturday, President Rouhani emphasized positive impact of the Tehran-Ankara cooperation on settlement of regional issues.

'Iran and Turkey share common goals and interests and they should through cooperation and coordination and focusing on campaign against terrorism as common enemy, consolidate bases of stability and peace in the region,' he said.

He added that Iran and Turkey are two brotherly neighboring countries, sharing abundant religious and cultural commonalties. 'The basis of religious ideology of the two countries is totally different with that of certain violence seeking countries.'

He noted, 'Today, forging Islamic unity and solidarity among Muslims is a big public duty and mission and as two important neighbors, Tehran and Ankara can take constructive and effective steps in establishing of unity in the Islamic world.'

The president underlined the need for campaign against terrorism as a common danger and threat to all nations and said that foreign countries are not after drastic settlement of regional problems and only seek their own interests.

He added, 'So, we believe that regional problems should be solved by countries and nations of the region and undoubtedly, Iran-Turkey cooperation will play a constructive role in establishment of durable peace in the region.'

Emphasizing commonalities of Tehran and Ankara, he said, 'There is no difference of opinion between the two countries in terms of honoring territorial integrity of countries, any country's people deciding its fate, stopping war and bloodshed and rushing aid to refugees. Tehran and Ankara, sharing commonalty in the fields, can along with each other take serious and helpful steps towards step-by-step settlement of regional problems and issues.'

The president opined that today, many regional nations have pinned hope on mutual and multilateral cooperation so that Muslim countries will add up their capacity and potential to solve current problems.

He stressed that certain regional problems have not harmed Tehran-Ankara relations. 'There is no obstacle on the way of expansion of bilateral relations and today there is a suitable opportunity to make optimum use of potential available to expand bilateral ties in line with interests of the two nations.'

He also said that Tehran and Ankara enjoy many capacities for growing relations in various domains, especially in the transportation, energy, trade, joint investment, tourism, scientific and technological sectors and they are ready to start common cooperation in all the fields.

President Rouhani underlined further activation of Iran-Turkey Joint Cooperation Commission and hoped that compilation of operational mechanism in the near future will bring a new change in bilateral relations.

Davutoglu for his part underlined the need for Tehran-Ankara regional cooperation to fight terrorism and said, 'As far as regional issues are concerned, we should join hands and stand the barbaric methods of the terrorist groups.'

He emphasized that Turkey is ready to have full cooperation with Iran in fighting terrorist groups in the region.

The Turkish prime minister said Turkey's foreign policy is based on respecting national sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-intervention of foreign countries, and right of people of countries to decide their fate.
Georgian authorities and the Russian energy giant Gazprom have formalized a new agreement allotting Tbilisi 10 percent out of overall supplies to neighboring Armenia in transit fees, Georgian Energy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Kakha Kaladze said Saturday.

Georgia imports the majority of its gas from neighboring Azerbaijan. Although Tbilisi has not acquired gas from Russia since 2007, it gets 10 percent of Russian gas as a transit fee to Armenia.

"The agreement implies that we are still under the terms of the previous contract, and Georgia will receive 10 percent of the natural gas transit," Kaladze told reporters.

The latest deal was reached after months of regular negotiations following the expiration of a previous Gazprom-Georgia agreement on December 31, 2015.

The minister expressed hope that the new deal, in force until the end of 2016, would yield to monetary compensation at next stages of negotiation, a position that Tbilisi had lobbied for in lieu of a transit fee.
Italy on Friday put forward the Neapolitan pizza as a candidate for inclusion in UNESCO'S cultural heritage list for next year, Reuters reported.



The national commission for UNESCO said in a statement that it had voted unanimously to protect the Neapolitan pizza as part of the country's cultural and gastronomic tradition.



If UNESCO accepts the bid it will win a place on the world body's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as "The Traditional Art of Neapolitan Pizza Makers".



Traditional Neapolitan Pizza has a relatively thin crust with the exception of the rim, which, when baked, bloats like a tiny bicycle tyre .



It is religiously made in a wood-burning brick oven and has two classic versions: Marinara (tomato, garlic, oregano and oil) and, the most famous, Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, oil and basil).



According to tradition, the Pizza Margherita was created in 1889 by a local chef in honour of Queen Margherita, who was visiting the city. It has the red, white and green colours of the Italian flag.



Food culture already on the UNESCO list includes Turkish coffee culture and tradition, Gingerbread craft from northern Croatia and the traditional ancient Georgian method of Qvevri wine-making.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda said he was not hurt when a rear tire blew in the limousine he was riding in Friday, The Washington Post reported.



Officers of the Government Protection Office were driving Duda on the A4 highway when the tire blew, sending the BMW into a grassy ditch. Footage from a passing car that was aired on TVN24 showed a sudden cloud of dirt.



"The car skidded and went into a ditch but nothing happened to anyone," Duda said on TVN24. "Theoretically this should not have happened."



The police are investigating the circumstances.



In 2010, President Lech Kaczynski was killed in a plane crash in Russia. His twin brother, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who now leads Poland's ruling party, blames the crash on Moscow.
The only African-American candidate running in the 2016 contest to succeed President Barack Obama announced he was pulling out of the race, Dr. Ben Carson told a conservative political gathering, Sputnik reported.



Carson, a retired neurosurgeon, briefly led the Republican field, but rapidly lost support due to his failure to appear convincing on national security issues.



"I did the math. I looked at the delegate counts... and I realized it simply wasn't going to happen," Carson said in a speech on Friday to the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland.



He received negligible support in the 12 primary and caucus contests on March 1, known as "Super Tuesday."

"I will still continue to be heavily involved in trying to save our nation," Carson told the CPAC audience, who gave him a standing ovation.



Carson did not announce any endorsement for any of the four remaining Republican candidates who debated on Thursday night in Detroit, Michigan without him.




Berlin called on Paris to shut down the oldest operating nuclear power plant (NPP) in the country, Sputnik reported with the reference to the local media.



According to German Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper, German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety called for the closure of the Fessenheim NPP, located north-eastern France near the German border.



The newspaper added that the request had been made following an accident at the NPP in April 2014, when the operators of the power plant lost control over its reactor.



The Fessenheim NPP was constructed in the 1970s. Due to its age and location in the relatively seismic active area, French neighbors have repeatedly expressed their views about the necessity to close the facility due to safety concerns. French President Francois Hollande has pledged to close the NPP before the end of his tenure in 2017.


Baku, Azerbaijan, March 5

By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:

Turkey's armed forces are completely ready for a war, said the country's national defense minister Ismet Yilmaz, the local newspaper Milliyet reported March 5.

"The country's armed forces are much stronger than before and ready to face any threat from outside," said the minister.

The "Islamic State" (IS, ISIL, ISIS, or Daesh) terrorist group is a serious threat for Turkey and neighboring countries, added Yilmaz.

"Turkey, as always, will fight to completely eliminate the terror threat in the country," said the minister.

Currently, ensuring security is one of the priorities for Turkey, according to him.

"Turkey is strengthening its defense industry," added Yilmaz.

In 2015, Turkish Armed Forces Foundation (TSKGV) directed 70 million Turkish liras for the development of the national defense industry.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Qingpu District (Photo : Wikipedia)

Homes that were a thousand years old in Qingpu District were destroyed by mistake, but housing authorities ordered the contractors to keep all the beams, tiles and other materials that were saved. These materials would be used again when the district government restores these hundred-year-old homes that form part of the ancient Liantang Town.



Advertisement

Some of the homes were built during the Qing Dynasty, or the Manchu Dynasty, the last dynasty to rule China from 1644 to 1912. Puyi was the last emperor who had little choice except to abdicate when Yuan Shikai became president of the Republic of China, according to Hindu Times.



The restoration work is being supervised by architects and historians. On Saturday, the district would meet with experts on the best ways to restore the heritage homes. They also invited some professionals to present plans to restore the homes, Shanghai Daily reported.



Xu, vice manager of Qingpus tourism and development company, justified the demolition because some of the old homes were deemed dangerous and in state of disrepair, leading the housing administration authority to destroy the houses. However, the government ordered the suspension of the demolition which it allowed to resume after the Spring Festival and ended on Feb. 29.



Xu added that the old structures were in different styles. She assured district residents that the government is working to repair existing homes and restore the ones demolished by mistake. Shanghai Daily observed that the construction site on Dongfeng Street in Liantang were cordoned off and there were no construction workers. But the building materials and tiles were piled in the site.



Qingpu is divided into Shang Tang and Xia Tang, the upper and lower portions, respectively. Shang Tang was home to pastry shops and dining establishments.






Thousands of Chinese Americans attended the Brooklyn protest march on Feb. 20 to show support for Peter Liang's cause. (Photo : YouTube)

Police accountability has become a dividing issue among Chinese Americans after the conviction of former New York Police Department (NYPD) Officer Peter Liang, Cathy Dang told NBC News.



Advertisement

Cathy Dang, the executive director of the Committee Against Anti-Asian Violence (CAAAV), was one of those who went to East New York to meet with people organizing on behalf of the family of Akai Gurley, the man accidentally shot by Liang, a few days after the incident.



According to the report, CAAAV, which was founded in 1986 to address police and hate violence toward Asian immigrants, has previously rallied behind civilians injured in police incidents, and Liang's case was no different except that the officer involved was Chinese American.



"When this happened, when Akai was killed in 2014, we thought it was important to make sure there was solidarity coming from allies, knowing that there's the issue of race that can become divisive in this particular case," Dang told NBC News. "But we knew that justice had to be won for Akai Gurley and his family."



Phil Gim, one of those who helped organize the Feb. 20 Brooklyn rally in support of Liang, said the shooting was a tragedy for both Gurley and Liang. Like thousands of those who attended nationwide demonstrations in over 30 cities that day, Gim also believes that Liang was sacrificed to compensate for white officers who were not indicted in other incidents such as that of Eric Garner in Staten Island and Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.



"They want to make their voices heard about some of the things they find unfair or discriminatory," Gim told NBC News. "They're speaking up."



The guilty verdict for Liang on Feb. 11 for second-degree manslaughter and official misconduct has exposed a division in the way Chinese Americans view the former officer's prosecution and conviction, which, according to the report, is the result of generational differences between older immigrants and their children who grew up in the United States.



About a month later after the Liang incident, another Chinese American NYPD officer made headlines across the country. On Dec. 20, 2014, Wenjian Liu and his partner, Officer Rafael Ramos, were shot to death while sitting on a patrol car in Brooklyn.



The shooter, Ismaaiyl Brinsley is a 28-year-old with a history of arrests. He committed suicide on a subway platform later that day, killing himself with the same gun he used on Liu and Ramos.



The report said that the two incidents were both reported extensively by Chinese media.



According to the report, most of Liang's supporters were from older Chinese American immigrants, who mostly communicated through WeChat.



"Chinese immigrants from China are the ones mainly out there because the organizers are mainly that," said Gim, who left Hong Kong for the U.S. in 1962 when he was 10.



"With the new wave of immigrants that have come, there's a change," Gim continued, adding that nowadays most hail from China, not Taiwan or Hong Kong. "They're here to make a life, and they're going through the same things we went through 40 years ago, about being equal."



Doug Lee, a member of the Greater New York Coalition for Supporting Officer Liang, emigrated from Hong Kong in 1970, explained it another way.



"The young Chinese generation do have local education, and they do tend to be taught more about police brutality and abuse," he said. "For the older generation, however, there's a lot more appreciation for law and order, particularly for people who have come from China who experienced older regimes that did not supply stability. That's why many of them are here."



Liang's supporters largely communicated through WeChat, which also allows users to participate in chat rooms. One of the most popular is "CivilRights," which is now closed to new users because it has reached its limit.



Joe Wei, city-metro editor of the World Journal, a U.S. Chinese-language newspaper, told NBC News that many participants in the Feb. 20 Liang rallies were Chinese immigrants who came to the U.S. during the last 20 years.


Airbus has started the construction of the Airbus Tianjin A330 Completion and Delivery Center on Wednesday, March 2. (Photo : REUTERS)

Europe's largest aircraft manufacturer Airbus has begun construction on Wednesday, March 2, on a new facility to deliver wide-body planes in China, challenging U.S. rival Boeing for market share in the country, the Global Times reported.



Advertisement

Airbus CEO Fabrice Bregier and Chinese officials attended the official ground-breaking ceremony in the northern port of Tianjin for the Completion and Delivery Center, which is expected to produce two A330s a month. The center is an expansion of the company's existing final assembly plant for A320 single-aisle aircraft in the city, the report said.



Although the country is experiencing a slow economic growth at its weakest and bleak outlook, Bregier said that "this is not true for our market," adding that Chinese air travel is in boom, driven by increased middle-class incomes and loosened visa rules.



As Asia's biggest aircraft buyer, China has a growing middle class that travel by air in ever-increasing numbers. It is expected to have 1.7 billion air passengers by 2034, and become the largest civil aviation market in the world in the next two decades.



Bregier said the new $150-million center "marks a new milestone for Airbus' international footprint," as it is the company's first facility for wide-body aircraft outside Europe.



The company said that flyable unpainted aircraft will be taken from their headquarters in Toulouse, France, and cabins, furnishings and paint will be added, before they are delivered to customers.



On the other hand, Boeing announced last year that it will open a completion center in China. In 2015, the company sold 300 aircraft worth $38 billion during President Xi Jinping's visit to the U.S.



The two firms have been competing for market share in China, with Airbus taking 27 percent of shares in 2004 (before it opened the Tianjin final assembly line) to roughly 50 percent at present.



China is now Airbus' largest market, accounting for nearly a quarter of the planes it delivered in 2015, the report said.



Air China announced orders for 12 wide-body aircraft for $2.9 billion, days before the ground-breaking ceremony.



As an important component of an advanced economy, China prioritizes the development of its aerospace industry. Aircraft manufacturers also invested in new plants to increase production and win the approval of the government, which controls the airline industry.



"Our industrial cooperation serves a purpose, and that purpose is to facilitate our sales . . . to China," said Andreas Ockel, general manager of the Tianjin assembly facility. "It's a give and take."



The Airbus A320 assembly plant is a joint venture, with Chinese stakeholders having 49 percent control, while the European firm has joint operations with partners across China manufacturing doors, wings and other parts for A320 family aircraft.


DJI now accounts for 70 percent of the consumer drone market. (Photo : Reuters)

Leading Chinese consumer drone maker DJI is aiming to sell drones in the potentially profitable Japanese market after regulations on drones were eased in the country three months ago, according to a report by technologynewschina.com.



Advertisement

On Thursday, March 3, DJI Japan General Manager Allen Wu launched the latest model, Phantom 4, in a mall in Tokyo.



DJI also made a demonstration of the machine, which has propellers, cameras, sensors and automatic tracking technology, followed by a stunt bicycle-rider around, carrying a signboard.



The Shenzen-based company said that it controls 70 percent of the world's consumer drone market and it is expecting its niche market to grow, especially in Japan, a nation of avid photographers and videographers, where many are already using drones.



According to the report, the first law on drones was implemented in Japan in December, with restrictions that included limiting drones to daytime use, prohibiting explosives and not allowing flights over big crowds. The law also required users to get government permission to enable them to use drones near airports and other special areas.



Wu said that DJI drones have taken some 70 million shots in the past year. The footage shown at the launching made maximum use of the camera lens but still delivered high-definition-quality imagery and smooth panning.



The Phantom 4 sells for 189,000 yen ($1,600) in Japan and $1,399 in the U.S. It has a flight range of 5 kilometers (3 miles), at a maximum speed is 72 kph (45 mph).



The model is equipped with a "return to home" (RTH) function, which enables it to come back safely, evading obstacles while it still has battery life.



DJI, the first Chinese company to lead in an emerging technology, is seen to profit in the Japanese market because of the lack of major local competition.



The report said that although Yamaha Motor Co. makes drones, they are only for businesses.



Last year, Sony Corp. invested in Japanese drone company Aerosense, but its drones also are not also meant to be sold to consumers.


An Egyptian flight student who was arrested after he wrote on his Facebook page that he would be willing to serve a life sentence for killing Donald Trump agreed Friday to leave the United States by July

Related Egyptian student may be deported after Trump threat

An Egyptian flight student who was arrested after he wrote on his Facebook page that he would be willing to serve a life sentence for killing Donald Trump agreed Friday to leave the United States by July.

Immigration authorities will allow Emadeldin Elsayed, 23, to return home voluntarily instead of deporting him, as long as he departs by July 5. Elsayed has not been charged with a crime but had his visa revoked by the State Department and is being held at a Southern California jail.

His lawyer, Hani Bushra, told Immigration Judge Kevin Riley in Los Angeles that he may seek another bond hearing for the aspiring pilot from Cairo because he believes Elsayed's detention is illegal.

Bushra said after the hearing that he understands why the Feb. 3 Facebook post led to his client being investigated. But in the absence of criminal charges, Elsayed should be freed, the attorney said.

"He's being detained, I think, primarily because he's a Muslim and he's a Middle Easterner," Bushra said, adding that social media sites are teeming with similar comments. "This kid is going to become a poster boy for hating America."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Elsayed at his Los Angeles-area flight school on Feb. 12, eight days after the Secret Service interviewed him about his post on the Republican presidential front-runner.

U.S. officials often use immigration laws to quickly remove people from the country who are suspected of crimes rather than drag out a lengthy prosecution, said Claude Arnold, a recently retired special agent in charge of ICE's homeland security investigations in Los Angeles.

"It accomplishes the same goal: You neutralize the potential threat," Arnold said, adding that the goal is to protect Trump and public safety.

Threatening a presidential candidate is a crime, regardless of a person's immigration status, Arnold said.

"If you are a guest, you are more vulnerable if you do something stupid like that," he said.

Elsayed said in a phone interview earlier this week that Trump's comments about Muslims angered him, but he never intended to hurt anyone.

Trump has used especially tough talk on immigration during his campaign. He has vowed to build a wall along the entire Mexican border and called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the U.S.

Elsayed said the agent who interviewed him mentioned last year's shooting rampage by a Muslim couple in San Bernardino and the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks, which were carried out by Muslims who had sought flight training in the United States.

Elsayed said he would seek a refund of some of the $65,000 he spent to pursue his pilot's license and try to get it elsewhere.

Immigration authorities said the flight school tipped off investigators to Elsayed's Facebook post, Bushra said.

Alex Khatib, owner of Universal Air Academy, said he was not aware of the case until federal agents showed up to interview and later detain Elsayed.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


In late February, a brawl between the policeman and a taxi driver let to the policeman shooting dead the man

Cairo Criminal Court adjourned Saturday the trial of a policeman who allegedly killed a citizen in a street brawl to 7 March, so witness testimonies can be heard.

Earlier, before the beginning of the trial, locals of Cairos working class district Darb Al-Ahmar, where the victim lived and was shot dead, gathered in front of the court in New Cairo where the trial was to begin.

In late February, a brawl between the policeman and a taxi driver over the taxi fare led to the policeman shooting the man dead.

Following the incident, hundreds of residents converged outside Cairo Security Directorate to protest the killing.

The low-ranking policeman, Mostafa Mahmoud Adel Hassib, is charged with deliberate murder.

The incident caused the president to order legislative changes that aim at regulation of security services' performance, guaranteeing that those who unjustly violate citizen rights" will be punished.

The incident came on the back of public fury over alleged abuses by police in recent weeks.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Egyptian state security prosecutors ordered on Saturday the release of journalist Mahmoud El-Sakka, detained since January, pending his upcoming trial on charges of joining an outlawed group.

El-Sakka is charged with joining a group called 25 January Youth, which prosecutors allege tried to prevent state institutions from performing their functions, called for the overthrow of the regime, and endangered general security.

At the time of his detention, a few weeks before the fifth anniversary of the 25 January Revolution, security forces arrested large number of activists on terror-related charges.

El-Sakka works for the leftwing website Bawabet Yanayer, which was founded in 2014 by activist Amr Badr and a group of progressive journalists and supporters of the 2011 revolution.

Last week, dozens of journalists organised a sit-in inside the press syndicate headquarters in downtown Cairo to protest police abuses against jailed colleagues.

They suspended their strike after some demands were met, including providing healthcare to jailed reporters whose lives, according to the striking journalists, were said to be in danger.

At least 30 journalists in the country are currently imprisoned or detained pending trial on various criminal and misdemeanour charges.

The Egyptian government has repeatedly denied that those journalists who are behind bars were arrested as a result of their journalistic work.



Search Keywords:

Short link:


The Egyptian parliament will finish debating its new bylaws this week, including a new article that puts the salary of MPs at EGP 15,000 per month

This week Egypt's parliament will hold final debates on the new set of parliamentary bylaws that will regulate the conduct of its MPs over the next five years, including articles that specify MPs' salaries.

The House of Representatives has so far approved 300 bylaw articles, with the remaining 140 to be discussed on Sunday and Monday.

The secretary-general of the Wafd Party, Bahaa El-Din Abu Shukka, who is chairman of the 25-member committee that took charge of the drafting the regulations, told reporters on Saturday that the coming 140 articles are highly important because they deal with controversial issues such as the procedures necessary to strip an MP of his parliamentary immunity or membership.

"We will also hold debates on sensitive issues such as how chairmen of state watchdog institutions should be selected and what their roles are," said Abu Shukka, adding that "a complete chapter, including articles 347 to 351, aims to regulate the house's relationship with the Central Auditing Agency, the country's main watchdog institution."

Abu Shukka said while the constitution grants the president the prerogative to appoint heads of such institutions, it gives parliament the right of reviewing the appointees and the power to veto them.

Two months ago, the House launched a scathing attack against the Central Auditing Agency's chairman Hesham Geneina, accusing him of inflating figures about corruption in Egypt in a report issued last December.

Upon the request of hundreds of MPs, an ad hoc parliamentary committee was formed to overhaul Genina's report, which claimed that corruption in the public sector had led to the loss of EGP 600 million in state revenues between 2012 and 2015.

Many MPs, who accuse Genina of being a Muslim Brotherhood sympathiser who is trying to tarnish the image of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, insisted that Geneina should be dismissed from his position and referred to trial.

Article 347 of the draft bylaws make it obligatory for the head of the Central Auditing Agency to submit annual reports about corruption in Egypt.

Other important articles will also fix the monthly salary of MPs at EGP 15,000 (around $1,900). Their salaries will be tax free, and MPs are also guaranteed an annual increase of seven percent.

"These figures, according to Articles 430, 431, 432, and 433, do not include additional benefits and allowances to cover costs such as transport and medical treatment," said Abu Shukka.

"These articles are not part of the existing bylaws and they were drafted for the first time for the purpose of transparency," he said.

"In the past, people were kept in the dark about how much MPs earn, but this must change."

Abu Shukka also indicated that "an MP's total income from parliament cannot exceed in any way the maximum salary limit imposed on all state officials  that is EGP 42,000 (around $5,360) per month."

"This maximum, put in place by a law in 2015, applies to the president of the republic, the prime minister, the chairman of the Supreme Constitutional Court, cabinet ministers and MPs," said Abu Shukka.

Egypt's parliament is composed of 596 MPs, although this total has been temporarily reduced in recent weeks with two parliamentarians leaving the chamber; Tawfiq Okasha was voted out after a controversial meeting with the Israeli ambasador to Egypt, while judicial figure Sirri Siam resigned.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


The plight of millions of drought-stricken people across the Horn of Africa is set to worsen, with rains expected only later in the year and harvests months away

Scanty or failed rainfall in the Horn of Africa over the past two years has already forced thousands of Somalis to flee the country and ruined the livelihoods of millions in parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

"We are possibly seeing a perfect storm in the coming months ... We are going to do everything we can to ameliorate it," UNICEF director Anthony Lake told AFP as he left for a trip to a drought-hit northern Kenya region.

"We are scaling up in every way we can ... It is very bad now. There will be no major harvests until some time next year. The next six months are going to be very tough," added Lake.

The UNICEF chief will tour Turkana, one of Kenya's badly-affected regions where malnutrition rates have increased to 37 percent, compared to 15 percent in 2010, according to the aid organisation Oxfam.

Kenya is also home to the world's biggest refugee camp, where hundreds of thousands of Somalis have sought refuge from relentless conflict back home and thousands more are arriving daily due to the current drought.

Relief groups are struggling to cope with the influx and have urged the Kenyan government to ease camp congestion by openning a new camp that has already been constructed.

The camps that are currently operational host 380,000 people, more than four times the initial capacity.

Western countries and other donors have pledged millions of dollars in aid for the drought-stricken population and Lake said more still needs to be done to ease the suffering of the affected people.

UNICEF said last week it needed 31.8 million dollars (22 million euro) for the coming three months to assist millions of affected women and children.

The agency estimates that more than two million children are malnourished across the drought-ravaged Horn of Africa region and are in need of urgent help to survive.

Around 500,000 of them face imminent, life-threatening conditions.

Experts have called for long-term measures to deal with the effects of recurring drought, arguing that the resultant human suffering can be avoided. "Although governments and their development partners cannot make the rains come, they can mitigate the impact of these recurring droughts in East Africa," Kevin Cleaver of the International Fund for Agricultural Development said this week.

He argued that governments and donors should invest more in agricultural research to develop drought resistant crops and fodder for livestock.

The regions in the Horn of Africa often affected by cyclical drought have also been neglected by governments, with no electricity, roads, water and other basic health and education facilities.

These arid regions, many of them far removed from capitals, have also seen frequent inter-clan clashes over scarce resources as well insurgencies.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Beneath the soaring arches of the bombed out ruins of Mogadishu's Roman Catholic cathedral, desperate families fleeing extreme drought and famine put up huts of rag and plastic for shelter

Over 100,000 people have fled into Somalia's famine-hit and war-torn capital in the past two months in search of food, water and medicine. But with makeshift camps already overcrowded, hundreds have sought refuge in the crumbling shell of the cathedral, built by Italian colonial authorities in the 1920s but destroyed in years of bloody civil war.

"We had to leave our land, because all the animals died," said Numur Moalim, who fled the drought-hit Bay region of southern Somalia, taking 15 days to trek into the dangerous capital with his wife and five children.

Huts are built on almost every space inside the cathedral, squeezed between giant chunks of masonry blasted from the still dramatic white stone building, while more huts are packed tight in the overgrown graveyard outside.

"I didn't come because it was a church, but because I needed protection and shelter, and there was nowhere else to go," Moalim said. Sharp cracks of rifle fire ring out close by, with the sounds echoing in the high walls of the building, but Moalim does not flinch.

Shootings are common here, and heavily armed gunmen perched on top of pick-up trucks cruise the sandy streets nearby.

Instead, crouching on the rubble-strewn stone flags of the cathedral's floor, Moalim tries to chip out holes to slot in thin branches for the poles of the hut. "We have nothing, and my children cry because they are hungry, but I have not got food to give them," he added, lifting up some of the plastic bags and small scraps of grubby material that will form the hut's patchwork roof.

High up on the wall above his head a life-size stone statues of Jesus Christ and his disciples -- their heads blasted with bullet holes -- stare down on the crowded people struggling for survival below.

Islamic extremists -- who still control much of southern and central Somalia and continue with a draconian ban on several foreign agencies -- reportedly used the cathedral for target practice.

Conflict-wracked Somalia is the country hardest hit by the extreme drought affecting 12 million people across the Horn of Africa.

The United Nations has officially declared famine in Somalia for the first time this century, including in Mogadishu and four southern regions.

Despite a withdrawal earlier this month from the city by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Shebab rebels, government forces backed by African Union troops continue to struggle to secure one of the world's most dangerous capitals.

"People died in my village -- it was not a choice that we come here," said Huwa Adan Ismail, from the famine-struck Lower Shabelle region.

"It has rained heavily in the last few nights, and there is no protection from the rain -- it is so cold," she added.

Some of her seven young children peer out from holes in their rag hut, while Ismail struggles to boil a saucepan of grain over an open fire beneath a pillar of the cathedral.

"We are not getting enough support," said Mohamed Ahmed Ali, a community leader of the cathedral camp.

"People come and take assessments, and we see the aeroplanes coming in over our head to land, but we don't get the food that they bring," he added.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


World leaders hailed "real progress" in Syria, but fresh air strikes showed the fragility of the week-old truce as the opposition cast doubt on its attendance at talks next week in Geneva.

Warplanes on Friday struck a key rebel bastion east of the Syrian capital for the first time since the US-Russia brokered truce -- which excludes the fight against Islamist militants -- began last weekend, a monitor said.

"Two air strikes hit the edge of the town of Douma in Eastern Ghouta and one person was killed," said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

He said either Syrian or Russian planes carried out the strikes.

Eastern Ghouta had been regularly bombarded by government forces, but has been relatively calm since the ceasefire came into force, which has also allowed the United Nations began delivering aid to three rebel towns in the area.

British, French, German and EU foreign ministers met in Paris to discuss the truce, saying there had been "real progress".

"This cessation of hostilities is by no means perfect but it has reduced the level of violence, it has created an opportunity for some humanitarian access," said British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.

Protesters in opposition-held areas -- buoyed by the ceasefire -- also took to the streets for the first time in years to demonstrate against the regime under the slogan "The Revolution Continues!"

Waving the three-starred tricolour flag that has become the uprising's emblem, demonstrators in opposition-held areas of Aleppo, Damascus, Daraa and Homs called for Assad's downfall.

Late Friday, a group of rebel fighters seized control of a crossing on the Iraqi border, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The border point at Al-Tanaf, which is controlled on the Iraqi side by the Islamic State group.

The quartet of foreign ministers said the focus now was on convincing all parties to return to UN-brokered peace talks in Switzerland tentatively set for next Wednesday.

"We want a speedy resumption of the negotiations in Geneva, but two conditions must be fulfilled: access for all Syrians to humanitarian aid, and full respect of the ceasefire," said French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

But Riad Hijab, head of Syria's main opposition body, the High Negotiations Committee, said the opposition had not yet decided whether it would come to the talks.

Citing continued sieges and the fact that thousands still languish in regime jails, Hijab said President Bashar Al-Assad would have "no place" in a political transition because he has "blood on his hands".

Speaking by phone on Friday, US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov agreed on the need for a return to the negotiating table.

"The two sides called for a speedy start to negotiations in Geneva between the Syrian government and the opposition under the UN's auspices," a Russian foreign ministry statement said.

Turkish armed forces launched new artillery strikes on positions of the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria, the state-run Anatolia news agency reported.

Russia however accused Turkey of continuing to bombard Kurdish positions and allowing militant groups to receive weapons across its border, putting "the ceasefire in danger", the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

World leaders expressed a sharp difference of opinion over Assad's plans to hold elections next month -- way ahead of a roadmap agreed in November.

"The idea that there could be elections (in April) is not just provocative but totally unrealistic," said French President Francois Hollande.

But Assad's key backer, Russian President Vladimir Putin, shot back that the plan for elections "does not interfere with steps to build the peace process".

The UN envoy on the crisis, Staffan de Mistura, said that whatever the timetable, it had to be Syrians who decided their president's fate, not outsiders.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said tens of thousands of displaced Syrians along Turkey's border have not returned home despite the truce.

"Some 100,000 people gathered near the border -- including 50,000 in past weeks after the spike in violence in early February from the Syrian government coalition -- have not yet started to return home because it's too dangerous," MSF head Joanne Liu told AFP.

"We're in a transition period and I think it will take another few days for things to settle and for people to become convinced there really is a truce."

Search Keywords:

Short link:


UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has warned that the future of Libya, and the stability of the whole Sahel region, is at stake as it faces the "terrifying threat" of Islamic State.

But he warned international powers not to "stoke the fires of conflict" in the country.

Ban left Mauritania on Saturday and headed to Algeria as part of a tour of West and North Africa.

While meeting Mauritanian leaders, including President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Prime Minister Yahya Ould Hademine, in the capital Nouakchott on Friday he said he was "deeply concerned about the situation in Libya".

Chaos has engulfed Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of dictator Muammar Gaddafi and rival administrations are being urged to sign up to a UN-brokered national unity government to help restore stability.

The internationally recognised government is based in the far east of the North African country.

The Islamic State group and other extremist organisations have exploited the power vacuum, making gains along the oil-rich coastal regions and triggering concern among Western nations over Islamist militants controlling territory just 300 kilometres (185 miles) from Europe.

"There are alarming reports of widespread human rights violations, including serious abuses that may amount to war crimes," Ban said in his comments Friday.

"All those with influence must use it to calm the situation and stop the fighting. It is utterly irresponsible for any outside player to stoke the fires," he added.

Ban said that his special representative Martin Kobler "is facilitating talks on a national unity government" as "we face the terrifying scourge of Daesh (IS) expanding in Libya and beyond its borders."

Delays would only worsen the dire humanitarian needs, he warned, adding that "Libya's future is at stake" and "the reverberations echo far".

Success in stabilising Libya would also benefit the whole Sahel region and "our world" in general, he added.

The UN chief also called for Mauritania's help in a territorial dispute between Morocco and a Western Sahara separatist group that has displaced tens of thousands in decades of fighting.

"Making progress on the situation in Western Sahara is also of importance here too," he said, referring to Mauritania. "Numerous refugees share the same culture and family ties with Mauritanians."

The United Nations has been trying to oversee an independence referendum for Western Sahara since 1992 after a ceasefire was reached to end a war that broke out when Morocco sent its forces to the former Spanish territory in 1975.

Before visiting Mauritania, Ban held talks in Burkina Faso. He will spend Saturday and Sunday in Algeria.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Saturday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must leave at the beginning of a political transition, not at the end.

"For us it is very clear it's at the beginning of the process, not at the end of the process, it's not going to be 18 months," Jubeir said during a visit to France.

His comments came days before the United Nations plans to reconvene peace talks to try to end the five-year-old civil war in Syria.

The United States and other Western governments that were previously calling for Assad's early departure have quietly backed away from that demand as his position has been strengthened by Russia's military involvement in Syria since last September.

Jubeir also said Saudi Arabia will take delivery of French arms it originally ordered for Lebanon.

In February, Saudi Arabia suspended a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army in response to Beirut's failure to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.

"We made the decision that we will stop the $3 billion from going to the Lebanese military and instead they will be rediverted to the Saudi military," Jubeir told journalists during a visit in Paris.

"So the contracts (with France) will be completed but the clients will be the Saudi military".

Search Keywords:

Short link:


A recent, 14-year dry spell in the Middle East was the worst drought in the past 900 years, according to a new NASA study released this week.

NASA's researchers examined records of rings of trees in several Mediterranean countries to determine patterns of dry and wet years across a span of 900 years. They concluded that the years from 1998 to 2012 were drier than any other period, and that the drought was likely caused by humans.

The study's lead author Ben Cook said the range of extreme weather events in the eastern Mediterranean has varied widely in the past nine centuries, but the past two decades stand out.

"This recent drought falls outside the range of natural variability," he said. Drought has continued in parts of the Middle East, he added.

Cook is a climate scientist at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University in New York City.

The researchers used records of tree rings in Northern Africa, Greece, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Turkey, and combined the data with records from Spain, southern France and Italy to examine patterns of drought across time in the region.

They studied rings of trees, both living and dead, that were sampled all over the region. Rings in the trunks of trees represent years. Thin rings indicate dry years; thick rings show years when water was abundant.

Cook said the research supported other studies indicating human causes of extreme climate events.

Last year, researchers at Columbia University and the University of California Santa Barbara found that drought triggered a collapse in agriculture in Syria and the migration of 1.5 million farmers to the cities, straining resources.

The water shortage was one of several contributing factors that had worsened the situation in Syria in the lead-up to the outbreak of that country's devastating civil war in 2011.

Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University, said the NASA study is one of several worrying reports about unprecedented climate conditions.

Mann was not involved in NASA's study.

In an e-mail to The Associated Press, Mann noted that tree rings "have their limitations and uncertainties," but said "the authors have done a reasonable job in assessing the uncertainties."

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Prominent Sudanese political figure and chairman of the Popular Congress Party Hassan Al-Turabi passed away on Saturday at the age of 84 after being hospitalised in a critical condition earlier in the day.

Al-Turabi, one of the driving forces that led to the introduction of Sharia law in Sudan in 1983, was formerly one of President Omar Al-Bashir's closest advisers, and chairman of Sudan's ruling National Congress Party. He was elected speaker of parliament in 1996.

However, a rift took place between the two after Al-Turabis introduction of a bill in 1999 to limit the president's powers. In 2001, Al-Turabi founded the National Congress Party in 2001.

He was the only Sudanese politician to support a warrant issued for Bashir's arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes over the regime's conduct of the conflict in Darfur, AFP reported.

The Islamist opposition leader was detained several times over a career spanning four decades, including in January 2009 two days after he urged Bashir to surrender to the ICC.

Al-Turabi held a master's degree in law from the University of London and a doctorate from the Sorbonne in Paris.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Syria peace talks are to resume on March 10, the UN envoy said on Saturday, despite opposition reluctance and its backers Saudi Arabia saying President Bashar al-Assad must step down.

The new round of indirect negotiations between the Damascus regime and the opposition will be the first since a truce between government forces and rebels began more than a week ago.

A spokesman for the main opposition body, the High Negotiations Committee, told AFP it has still not decided whether to attend.

"The HNC has not taken a decision yet," Monzer Makhos said.

"We are waiting for progress on the humanitarian issue and respect for the ceasefire. What has happened so far is not enough for us to participate."

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura told the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat that the peace talks would start on Thursday.

"I think that we will begin on March 10. That is when the process will start," he said according to an Arabic translation of his remarks published by the newspaper.

While some delegates are expected to arrive in Geneva on March 9, others are not expected until March 11 or even 14 because of "problems with hotel reservations", De Mistura said.

He said preparatory meetings will be held ahead of "in-depth discussions separately" which each faction.

Since the failure of a first round of peace talks in 2014, the main sticking point in the negotiations has been the fate of Assad.

The Syrian president has refused to step down since peaceful protests in early 2011 developed into a multi-faceted war that has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions of people.

Al-Hayat reported De Mistura as saying a transition process would include "first, talks on a new government, second a new constitution and third parliamentary and presidential polls within the next 18 months".

The envoy said on Friday that the Syrian people, not foreigners, should decide Assad's fate.

But key opposition backer Riyadh on Saturday called for Assad -- whose clan has ruled Syria for more than half a century -- to step down at the start of any transition.

"Assad has to leave at the beginning of the process," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Paris.

On the sequence of events, Jubeir said: "There is a transitional body, power shifts from Assad to the transitional body, and then he goes."

After that "the transitional body drafts a constitution, prepares for elections. Some are arguing that no, Bashar leaves at the elections in 18 months, that's not how we think."

Peace talks in early February were cut short amid intensifying Russian air strikes in Syria in support of Assad's forces.

A regime advance supported by Russian warplanes inflicted serious setbacks on the rebels and weakened the opposition's position in negotiations.

However, a fragile ceasefire drawn up by Russia and the United States with UN Security Council backing is now in its second week, despite accusations of violations.

Jubeir said Syria's opposition "can't go into talks empty-handed".

HNC leader Riad Hijab said Friday conditions were not yet right for talks to resume, stressing shortfalls in humanitarian aid and breaches of the ceasefire implemented a week ago.

The opposition has demanded the release of prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid according to UN Security Council resolution 2254.

De Mistura on Friday said aid had reached 115,000 people in besieged areas.

"Despite the drop in military operations in the field, there has been a pickup in hostilities from the Syrian regime and its allies, including Russia," Makhos said.

Russia's defence ministry reported nine violations of the truce on Saturday, compared with 27 the previous day.

The ceasefire has given some respite to ordinary Syrians, exhausted after five years of war, destruction and shortages.

On Saturday, the day after water returned to pumping stations in Aleppo after a three-month shortage, electricity also slowly returned to Syria's former economic powerhouse.

But attacks continued, including on territory held by the Islamic State group and Syria's Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, both of which are not included in the ceasefire.

On the political front, the Istanbul-based opposition Syrian National Coalition meanwhile elected Anas al-Abde as its new leader to succeed Khaled Khoja.

Search Keywords:

Short link:


African leaders will meet Thursday to pledge funds to tackle the famine in Somalia and extreme drought across the Horn of Africa which are putting millions of people at risk of starvation

African Union Commission chairman Jean Ping will appeal to the continents' leaders and the international community to assist more than 12 million drought-hit people in the region, during a pledging conference in the Ethiopian capital.

"(I) wish to make this clarion call to all Africans to... act out against hunger by providing both cash and in-kind support for urgent life-saving assistance to our brothers and sisters in the Horn of Africa," Ping said in a statement.

Some 12.4 million people in the Horn of Africa, including parts of Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda, are affected by the worst drought in decades in the region and are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN.

The demands are huge, with a $1.1 billion shortfall from a total $2.4 billion needed, according to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Somalia is the worst hit, with several southern regions in famine, where more than 390,000 children are at risk of dying from malnutrition, according to OCHA.

The UN has described Somalia, where a civil war has been going on since 1991, as facing the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world.

The conference will be attended by the AU representative to Somalia and former Ghanaian president, Jerry Rawlings, as well as the deputy secretary general of the United Nations, Asha Rose Migiro, AU spokesperson Nabo Sene told AFP.

"African countries should be proactive in addressing the drought situation in the affected states," the AU said in a statement.

The conference will give a "concrete expression of solidarity" from other African nations and the drought-hit regions, it added.

Also expected to attend are leaders of African economic blocs and heads of state from East Africa's Intergovernmental Authority on Development, which includes Uganda, Kenya, Djibouti, Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia.

But a pan-African fundraising campaign, Africans Act 4 Africa, has criticised African governments and the AU for not responding quickly enough to the crisis.

"The overall international donor response to this humanitarian crisis has been slow and inadequate," the organisation said in a statement.

"Contributions (have been) too modest to decisively change the conditions for the millions who need this support."

Organisers of the campaign said the African community should offer a minimum of $50 million to relief efforts. The African Union has so far pledged $500,000.

"This was a preventable catastrophe. It is an extreme example of our broken food system. Droughts may be inevitable in this region, but disasters are not," the coalition of civil society groups that make up the fundraising campaign added.

"Decades of marginalisation, neglect and under-investment in pastoralists and smallholder food producers, many of them women, have contributed to the current crisis."

Last week the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation pledged $350 million to assist drought-struck Somalis.

Ping was in Mogadishu last Saturday, where he met with famine victims and called for a strengthening of the Djibouti Accord and the Kampala Accord, which call for peace in the country.

Relief agencies have boosted aid delivery to the affected population, but insecurity in one of the world's most dangerous countries is hobbling a wider reach.

Last week Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan toured Mogadishu on the first visit to the war-torn city by a major leader in almost 20 years, calling the situation in Somalia "a problem for all humanity".

Search Keywords:

Short link:


On 4 March, a performance Aga Boom by the Theatre of Physical Comedy from the United States opened the Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children at Hanager Arts Centre

What would you do if you found a large sign reading "Do not touch" hanging over a large red shiny button?

With hundreds of eyes watching you, while your moves evoke laughter and comment, when the audience interacts and expects you to press the button, the choice is difficult ...

The clown that enters the stage cannot resist the temptation and, just as many of us would do in similar situation, finds a way to ignore the warning and presses the button. The siren sounds and dynamic lights flash across the stage.

What follows is boundless commotion, fun and childrens laughter, all provided by the performance of the Theatre of Physical Comedy (USA) in Aga Boom that opened the 6th Hakawy International Arts Festival for Children on Friday, 4 March, at the Hanager Arts Centre (Cairo Opera Grounds).

From the tempting red button to the papers and baloons flying across the auditorium, one cannot think of a better show to launch a festival that targets the youngest audience.

The 10-day event is filled with plays from all around the world, hand picked by Mohamed El-Ghawy, founder and artistic director of the festival.

Aga Boom has a special position in the festivals history. While each year El-Ghawy makes sure to bring new performances to Egyptian viewers, Aga Boom is the only one visiting the festival for the second time. We still remember the enormous crowd  and occasional skirmishes between parents wanting to assure their children catch the show  which filled the theatre back in 2013, when Aga Boom paid their first visit.

Pressured by the young audience asking for the performance, this year, El-Ghawy not only decided to re-invite the show but also, unlike 2013, he brought its complete 75-minute long version (instead of 45 minutes) that is staged a total of 10 times during the festival.

Aga Boom is not limited to children. It is a show that the whole family can enjoy. Created by veteran of Cirque Du Soleil member Dimitri Bogatirev, the show crosses all barriers, be they cultural, social or linguistic, reaching out with clownesque fun and theatrical professionalism to the hearts and minds of all attendees.

The three clown protagonists, who are comics each unique in his own way, captivate with their energy and excitement. The absurd situations, slapstick humour, unexpected turns and funny stunts are among the many elements used by the performers to create zeal and excitement among the young audience.

Since its creation several years ago, the show toured many countries around the world, in each received with fullsome applause. Aga Boom was nominated for the Ovation Award in the category of best touring show.

Following Aga Boom, which heated up the audience, the first day of the festival continued with a word from the organisers followed by other shows, including Pling, Little Thing from Germany, Sticks Stones from Australia, and the opening of the exhibition of Khadija El-Dessouky.

The festival continues until 14 March.

Australia is represented by the Bunk Puppets troupe performing Sticks Stones Broken Bones. Germany comes with Theatre o.N. performing Pling, Little Thing.

From Switzerland, El-Ghawy brought Rigolo Swiss Nouveau Cirque performing Sanddorn Balance, an unimagined, outlandish sculpture of equilibrium, as the troupes website describes it.

The Velo Theatre, from France, will stage a show titled Enveloppes et Debalages (Envelopes and Unpacking), while Egypt joins forces with Sweden in a performance Jinan, which fuses classical music with Pippi Longstocking storytelling.

In parallel, the festival includes workshops and highlights the work of young sculptor Khadija El-Dessouky in a solo exhibition.

Check the festivals programme here

Read more about the festival's 6th edition here

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:


Spanish Ballet Flamenco de Madrid dance troupe will return to Egypt after last year's successful Carmen

Fiesta Flamenca and Carmina Burana, two dance shows which merge classical ballet with Spanish flamenco, will be staged in Cairo between 8 and 11 March and in Alexandria on 13 March.

The show will be staged by Ballet Flamenco de Madrid, a troupe familiar to Egyptian audiences. The company visited Cairo and Alexandria in February last year with Carmen, a show that transported the audiences through the traditions of Spain, fusing extracts of Bizets music with traditional flamenco.

The Ballet Flamenco de Madrid was founded in 2001 as an independent theatre company becoming a non-profit cultural association in 2009.

On its website, the company states that all its performances were born from the need to break the cliche that states the Spanish dance is just flamenco dancing."

Programme:

8, 9, 10, 11 March at 8pm

Cairo Opera House, main hall, Zamalek

13 March at 8pm

Alexandria Opera House (Sayed Darwish Theatre), 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:


Vizhinjam police said a cheating case was registered against the woman director of the movie and the streaming platform based on his complaint.
Demonstration against pastor who defends death-penalty-for-gays dogma hosted on campus of University of Nebraska, Omaha, week after week. MSNBC's Ed Schultz called Rev. Kayser's views "jaw-dropping"

slyly flas

hes a nipple to the CBS eye

while trying to talk his best buddy Dobie Gillis (Dwayne Hickman) into taking off all his clothes.

Whoever said 1950s television was a vast wasteland obviously didn't know where to look.
#coronavirus-additional cases New COVID-19 cases under 30,000 for 4th consecutive day South Korea's new coronavirus cases stayed below 30,000 for a fourth straight day Saturday with the daily death toll down to its 14-week low for a Saturday. The country reporte...

#BLACKPINK BLACKPINK to headline BST Hyde Park festival next year K-pop sensation BLACKPINK will headline British Summer Time (BST) Hyde Park in London next year, the group's agency and the festival announced Saturday. The four-member act will...
ElvireFabry (Notre Europe  Jacques Delors Institute)

The level of support of the public for the finalization of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) obviously varies among individual EU countries. However, what comes as a surprise is the hesitant and sometimes even wary view of the German public because the country has always been among the major supporters of trade cooperation. The current cautious approach stems mainly from the concerns that the TTIP could threaten the lifestyles and values of the Europeans and, at the same time, EU countries would lose their sovereignty in market regulation, which would get out of the democratic scrutiny. Regulators would namely become hostages of big corporations, which would use their lobbying to make them use the so-called regulatory dumping, which basically means lowering standards to the bottom. These concerns are, however, largely in vain.

Previously, the trade cooperation mainly consisted of reducing import duties. This tool is now largely exhausted, which is why the attention of the negotiators of trade agreements is moving towards the harmonization of norms and standards. The claim that the US regulatory standards are clearly worse than the EU ones is not a reflection of the reality. The American adaptation of preventive measures is at the very least comparable to  and in many areas it even surpasses  the EU adaption of the preventive measures. For example, some cosmetic products are registered as non-prescription medicines in the US, and they are therefore monitored more strictly than in European countries.

It is also important to realize that the aim of the TTIP is not to regulate but to facilitate regulatory cooperation. Therefore, like in many other trade agreements, the TTIP does not want to name areas that will be excluded from the jurisdiction of individual regulators, but it aspires to determine those areas in which the regulators will actively cooperate by a careful analysis of various sectors. Because they will still have their democratic mandate and their powers will be transferred to another entity, there should be no threat to the TTIPs democratic legitimacy. It will be then also necessary to pay attention to maximum transparency to ensure democratic scrutiny by the public, which will also facilitate the acceptance of the TTIP by public opinion.

(The study can be downloaded here: http://www.institutdelors.eu/media/ttipgermanpublicopinion-fabry-jdi-dec15.pdf?pdf=ok)
Li: Emerging sectors to provide impetus Updated: 2016-03-05 03:21 By Zhang Yue(China Daily)

Premier Li Keqiang is looking to the technology industry and emerging sectors as a leading factor to give impetus to the economy during its difficult transition.

The growth industries also have helped the country create more jobs than expected, Li told some political advisers on Friday, one day before he is to deliver the Government Work Report to lawmakers and political advisers as the National Peoples Congress convenes its annual session in Beijing.

In the coming months, the government will provide more support to growth industries, such as information technology, biotechnology and new energy, in policies and in financial incentives, Li said.

He made the remarks while meeting with members of the economy and agriculture groups of the nations top advisory body.

Li also told the advisers at the meeting that the country has achieved most of its goals set in its previous Five-Year Plan (2011-15).

The country is ready to unveil its 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) during the annual session of the top legislature.

On the policy front, the premier promised that the government will release more supply-side reform initiatives aimed at cutting overcapacity and easing taxation burdens on enterprises.

The premier said that enough funds and favorable terms will be guaranteed so the economy can achieve a reasonable growth rate this year, widely estimated at 6.5 percent or higher.

During the meeting, Yang Yuanqing, CEO of Lenovo Group, suggested that large enterprises provide a platform for startups and young entrepreneurs.

These enterprises, with wide brand recognition, ample funds and a technological edge, can help small technology enterprises to translate research results into gains in the market, said Yang.

Yang also called for support from the government so that the countrys scientific research achievements can be applied in the marketplace.

Citing information security as an example, he suggested that government departments purchase more equipment from domestic high-tech companies rather than from transnationals.

Wu Yueshi, vice-president of Longping High-Tech Agriculture in Hunan province and also a political adviser, suggested that the government provide more support on the research and innovation of seed breeding to further develop the modern agriculture sector.

The enterprise was set up by Yuan Longping, the scientist who pioneered the countrys high-yield hybrid rice.

It is the third straight year that the premier has solicited opinions and suggestions from political advisers with the agriculture and economy sectors before delivering the Government Work Report.

Xu Hongcai, an economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, said this shows that the government has prioritized stable economic growth for the years ahead.
Record year in sight for overseas mergers and acquisitions Updated: 2016-03-05 07:46 By Chris Peterson(China Daily)

An airplane with HNA Group waits to take off in Haikou, Hainan on Sept, 19, 2015. HNA Group, the Chinese aviation and shipping conglomerate, and a consortium led by Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Board and Borealis Infrastructure, are in the lead to buy London City Airport from its United States owners, Bloomberg reported in February, 2016. Photo/CFP]

Editor's Note: At this year's two sessionsthe biggest political event of the yearChina's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), which maps out the country's development path for the next five years, will be the major point of discussion. The draft plan stipulates that China will continue the reform and opening-up policy in the late 1970s. As the second of our in-depth reports during the two sessions, China Daily examines the prospects for mergers and acquisitions abroad by some of the nation's most progressive businesses.

Chinese companies large and small, private and State-owned, are embarking on a spree of overseas mergers and acquisitions, spurred by government policies that encourage overseas expansion.

All the signs are that M&A activity will break all records this year, even at a time of economic slowdown.

But what are the targets? Where are they? And, more importantly, how will Chinese companies overcome the inevitable challenges?

Ministry of Commerce data suggest smaller enterprises rather than larger, State-owned and private entities are behind the latest surge. In January, China's non-financial outbound investment rose to 78.7 billion yuan ($12 billion) almost three times the rate in December and a rise of 18.2 percent from a year earlier. Of the country's total overseas direct investment in January, 92.5 percent came from smaller enterprises, up 175 percent from the same period last year.

Figures from information provider Morning Whistle Group show that private companies completed 76.78 percent of the M&A deals last year, while State-owned enterprises accounted for 20.29 percent. The target areas were technology, media and telecommunications, agriculture and food, and energy and mineral resources. That is likely to remain the same this year, according to analysts.

Commerce Ministry spokesman Shen Danyang attributed the trend to government policies aimed at promoting collaboration between Chinese entities and international companies. Chinese investment in foreign manufacturing rose 87.8 percent year-on-year to 10.6 billion yuan in January, with much of the money flowing into the telecommunications, electronics, pharmaceuticals and motor vehicle sectors, Shen said.

And the data supporting the boom keep coming. Chinese investment in the United States rose to more than 10 billion yuan in January, nearly four times the amount in the same month last year, according to ministry data.
China sets 2020 goals as legislature convenes Updated: 2016-03-05 11:06 (Xinhua)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a government work report during the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 12th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday expressed his confidence of realizing China's 2020 goals, while mentioning to fight "a difficult battle" in face of tougher challenges.

The government work report, delivered by Li at the opening meeting of the national legislature annual session, sets this year's economic growth target at between 6.5 and 7 percent as well as the average annual growth rate for the next five years at above 6.5 percent.

The year 2016 is the starting year of China's 13th five-year plan towards 2020 by when China vowed to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. China aims to double the 2010 GDP and per capita personal income by 2020.

"We... become more aware of the need to uphold political integrity, keep in mind the bigger picture, follow the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the core of the Chinese leadership, act consistently with CPC Central Committee policies," Li said in his report.

Li's remarks echoed a recent article by Qiushi Journal, the CPC Central Committee flagship magazine, which said the "four consciousnesses."

Faithfulness to the core leadership of the Party is characterized by staunch loyalty to "the Communist Party of China Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping as well as to Party theories, guidelines, principles and policies," the journal said.

Growth for five years

China is facing slower growth and trying to shift its development to a more sustainable model.

Explaining why setting the growth rate in this range, Li said, "We have taken into consideration the need to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the need to advance structural reform."

Such a growth might help ensure employment and people's welfare, he said.

Last year, China realized a GDP growth of 6.9 percent, with a total output exceeding 60 trillion yuan ($9.19 trillion), which means every percentage point of GDP growth is equivalent to 1.5 points five years before or 2.5 points ten years before.

"The larger the economy grows, the greater the difficulty of achieving growth," Li said.

Warning "more and tougher problems and challenges" this year, the premier noted that the country must be fully prepared to fight a difficult battle.
Military expenditure increase justified to safeguard nation and people Updated: 2016-03-04 14:52 By Lu Yin(China Daily)

Fu Ying, spokesperson for the fourth session of China's 12th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a press conference on the session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2016. The fourth session of the 12th NPC is scheduled to open in Beijing on March 5. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will increase military expenditure by about 7 to 8 percent this year, according to Fu Ying, spokeswoman for the fourth session of the 12th National Peoples Congress. No wonder it has drawn worldwide attention as usual despite it will be a slower growth than that in the past years.

In recent years, foreign critics have been most concerned about the modernization of Chinas military, which is basically supported and guaranteed by the increase in its defense budget. But what these critics dont understand is that Chinas growing military capacity will not pose a threat to regional peace and security.

First, the increase in Chinas defense budget is justified, especially because its militarys modernization has always been at an appropriate level.

China needs its armed forces to protect its peaceful development. This is important for maintaining peace and managing crises. China has to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests, and to deal with both traditional and non-traditional security threats. Given these facts, China has every reason to develop its militarys capabilities.

Militaries of all countries need to develop, for that is the global trend, and the Chinese military is no exception. Since Chinas military is in the semi-mechanized/mechanized stage of development, it still lags behind others in terms of capacity. And it will take a long time to become a fully modernized force.

The Chinese militarys development is in proportion to its economic development, with the latter being the countrys priority.

Second, to determine whether a countrys military poses a threat to other countries, the key factor is not defense expenditure or the size and capability of its armed forces; instead, it is its defense policy and military strategy. A country with an aggressive policy could invade another country despite having a weaker military.

Another typical misconception about Chinas military is that, since its missiles can strike a certain country, it is capable of destroying that countrys satellites and thus poses a threat to it. But the fact is, many countries have developed long-range strategic missiles, and the United States has the greatest capability of destroying other countries space assets, and its weapon systems can attack any country. So, is the US the greatest threat to the world?

Also, let us not forget that the US has 11 aircraft carriers while China has just one, which is not fully operational. It is, therefore, clear that it is a countrys defense policy that matters most whether it poses a threat to other countries. And Chinas national defense policy has always been defensive in nature and its military strategy is to strike only when it is struck.

Third, since China has developed at an unprecedented pace because of a peaceful environment, it is committed to maintaining peace. China plans to double the average income of its people by 2020 compared with 2010 and become a mid-level developed country by 2050. All this can be achieved only in a peaceful environment  a conflict or war will disrupt the process.

Today we live in a world of shared destinies and interdependence. In the 21st century, no country, including China, can rise by using military force. More importantly, China is dedicated to the path of peaceful development, a defensive defense policy and a military strategy of active defense.

China has a chapter of history of being bullied, invaded and semi-colonized. As a result, it will never pursue expansionism or hegemonism.

And fourth, with a reasonable increase in its budget, the Chinese military will develop steadily to fulfill its domestic and international obligations and responsibilities. Besides, Chinas military will continue to participate in UN peacekeeping missions, keep conducting escort and anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden and other seas, as required, and work with other countries to maintain world peace.

The Chinese military is also committed to reducing risks, managing crises and controlling conflicts, so as to prevent untoward incidents that could disrupt peace and stability. With the growth in Chinas national strength, its military will be better prepared to shoulder more international responsibilities, provide more public security services to the international community and contribute more to world peace and common development.

The author is an associate researcher with the Institute of Strategic Studies, National Defense University, PLA.
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. They are all easy to use, just like any other hormone supplement would be.Testosterone is a natural hormone that is mainly produced in males. It is the best testosterone booster you can get when burning fat  even if you have a low testosterone level. You need some testosterone to make your muscles hard and your body feel healthier. The best thing about this hormone supplement is that its use does not require a prescription for any condition. More importantly, this drug has no side effects and should be used only by adults.This hormone regulates fertility. However, this is not the only reason why it is so popular. Oxytocin helps you increase your connection and trust with other people, which makes some people addicted. Sometimes, oxytocin is used instead of morphine because of its analgesic effect. Nowadays, oxytocin fat burners are very popular among women and men who want to get rid of extra calories. Oxytocin is beneficial to lose weight faster without any side effects.Cortisol reduces stress and increases blood pressure levels in the body. It also increases blood sugar levels, contributing to more energy during a workout session or sports activities. The best thing about cortisol is that it can increase your metabolism, making it the perfect hormone for people who dont have the time and energy to go to the gym to lose fat.This is a direct response to the leptin level in your body. If it becomes too low, your hunger will increase, and you will feel inclined to eat more food than needed. Leptin can help suppress that feeling and regulate your eating habits and diet plans for losing weight fast.T3 and T4 are the hormones that promote healthy metabolism, essential for burning more calories. The only drawback to these two hormones is that they require prescriptions like any other hormone supplement and from a specialist. 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.
Amazon

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Israeli soldiers stand guard during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on October 5, 2015 (AFP Photo/Thomas Coex) (AFP/File)

Ramallah (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Amnesty International and Palestinian cultural institutions have launched an appeal for help for 23-year-old Palestinian circus performer and teacher Mohammad Abu Sakha, held by Israel for nearly three months without trial.

Abu Sakha was arrested on December 14 in the occupied West Bank, and held since January in administrative detention, the controversial measure under which Israel can hold suspects without trial for periods of six months, renewable indefinitely.

Amnesty said Israel believes Abu Sakha is a member of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is considered a militant movement by Israel due to its armed wing.

The Israeli army could not immediatly comment on the reasons behind Abu Sakha's detention.

The Palestinian Performing Arts Network (PPAN), representing artists and cultural institutions, said it was "deeply concerned" over the detention of Abu Sakha, who since 2008 has been part of the Palestinian Circus School in Bir Zeit, first as a student and later as a clown and teacher.

PPAN called on artists and cultural organisations "to raise awareness of Israel's illegal policy of administrative detention" and pressure Israel to release Abu Sakha.

Amnesty called to pressure Israel ahead of a military court hearing of Abu Sakha's appeal against his detention, scheduled for March 21.

Abu Sakha's mother was allowed to visit him once in the Megiddo prison in northern Israel, where he was entertaining his fellow inmates to help the time pass, Amnesty said.

Administrative detention is intended to allow authorities to hold suspects while continuing to gather evidence, with the aim of preventing further attacks in the meantime.

The system has been criticised by Palestinians, human rights groups and the international community.

More than 7,000 Palestinians are currently in Israeli jails, of whom approximately 10 percent are under administrative detention, according to Palestinian rights groups.

One Israeli Jew has been held under the measure for seven months on suspicion of being a leader of a group of extremists targeting Palestinians and Christians in hate crimes.
Chamath Palihapitiya, Launch Festival 2013

Chamath Palihapitiya, the founder of VC firm Social Capital, thinks the American political system is broken.

But he sees a way to fix it: get Mike Bloomberg elected the next US president.

In fact, he believes in it so much that he's willing to temporarily shut down his firm and use its resources on backing Bloomberg's presidential bid instead, if he decides to run.

"I've told them (Bloomberg's folks) that most of us would pause our day jobs to get him elected. I've offered to run 'Growth' for the period of his campaign," Palihapitiya told Business Insider. "We are 100% serious  he needs to run."

Palihapitiya hopes to establish through Bloomberg's election that there's a way for independent candidates to win the presidency, and ultimately, to bust the two-party system of American politics, which he says is "holding back the country."

Palihapitiya, estimated to be worth over $1 billion, made his fortune as an early Facebook executive, running its original "growth team" that took the site to a billion users. Part of that growth team is now at Social Capital, a fast-growing VC firm that's funded companies like Slack, SurveyMonkey, and Yammer.

"If he does run, the same team (Social Capital's Growth Team) that helped build Facebook to 1 billion users would do our best to activate the entire United States to put him in The White House. I think we'd be successful," Palihapitiya added.

Bloomberg hasn't launched an official presidential campaign, but told the Financial Times that he's considering a 2016 presidential run.

Palihapitiya has been vocal about this idea for some time now. He first mentioned it during a Quora Q&A session held in January, and reiterated it in a speech at last week's startup event, called LAUNCH Festival.

But in order to get Bloomberg to win, Palihapitiya says there's one important thing that needs to happen first: Donald Trump has to win the Republican nomination.

Story continues

If Trump wins, it'll possibly fragment the Republican Party into three separate groups (centrists, tea party, evangelical), which will eventually have the effect of breaking down the two-party duopoly in US politics. Once that happens, independent candidates will have a better chance of winning with a legitimate agenda, without being affected by lobbyists or "monied interests," he says.

"Thats how important it is in many ways, that we validate a third-party alternative, because it just creates so much more possibilities, its just a much brighter future," Palihapitiya said at the LAUNCH Festival.

NOW WATCH: Mike Bloomberg, Spike Lee, and the NBA are teaming up to call for an end to gun violence





More From Business Insider


(Reuters) - A federal prosecutor in Brazil has launched a civil inquiry into McDonald's Corp (MCD.N), franchisee Arcos Dorados Holdings Inc (ARCO.N) and other franchise groups over alleged violations of franchise law, antitrust provisions and tax avoidance, the prosecutor's office said on Friday.

McDonald's referred questions to Arcos Dorados, which said it had not been officially notified of the action by Brazilian prosecutor Marcos Jose Gomes Correa.

"The company provides every assurance that it complies with all the laws in all of the markets in which it does business," Argentina-based Arcos Dorados said in a statement.

Correa's office said the probe had just started and did not provide further details.

The UGT, one of Brazil's largest labor federations, and other labor groups have been pressing prosecutors to investigate McDonald's on a range of issues including tax evasion, unfair competition and labor violations.

(Reporting by Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Why Reynolds American's 4Q15 Results Cheered Investors

(Continued from Prior Part)

Reynolds stock performance after 4Q15 results

Reynolds Americans (RAI) stock price rose 2.2% to $48.50 on February 11, 2016, after results were announced. Reynolds Americans stock has consistently seen upward movement since the beginning of 2015. However, the stock price fell 8.1% to $40.41 on August 24, 2015, from $43.98 on August 5, 2015. This was primarily due to the fall in global markets. However, Reynolds American has recovered since then and was trading at its peak of $49.95 on January 29, 2016.

Stock prices

Reynolds Americans stock is up 49.8% since January 2, 2015. In comparison, the benchmark S&P 500 Index (SPY) (IVV) (VOO) is down 9.4%. The stock prices of Philip Morris (PM), Vector Group Limited (VGR), and British American Tobacco (BTI) have also risen 9.9%, 9.1%, and 2.6%, respectively, since January 2, 2015.

RAIs stock gained momentum due to its recent announcement of an asset sale to Japan Tobacco (JAPAF) (JAPAY) for $5 billion on September 29. RAI is up ~10% since then. To learn more about the deal, please read Japan Tobacco Buys Natural American Spirits International Assets.

Dividend payment and debt repayment

During 4Q15, RAIs board approved an increase of 16.7% in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.42 per share or an annualized $1.68. This is consistent with RAIs 75% target payout ratio. The dividend will be payable on April 1 to shareholders of record on March 10.

The companys trailing-12-month dividend yield came in at 2.9%. However, Altria Group (MO) and Philip Morris have higher dividend yields of 3.6% and 4.5%, respectively, compared to RAI. The company aims to repay debt and remains focused on deleveraging as quickly and efficiently as possible while continuing to return excellent value to shareholders.

RAI has 5.2% exposure in the PowerShares DWA Consumer Staples Momentum Portfolio ETF (PSL).

Continue to Next Part

Browse this series on Market Realist:
EMC: What Drives the Data Storage Giant?

(Continued from Prior Part)

Revenues rise 10% year-over-year

EMC (EMC) controls an 80% stake in VMware (VMW). The companys NSX and Virtual SAN segments recorded triple-digit growth in fiscal 2015. VMware has stated that the companys transition towards new offerings such as NSX, end-user computing, and Virtual SAN were the driving factors for its growth.

NSX, a part of VMwares SDDC (software-defined data center) architecture, is a virtual networking and security software platform. VMware stated that NSX grew by more than 100% on a YoY basis, which led it to achieve an annual bookings run rate of $600 million. VMwares revenues rose by 10% YoY (year-over-year) in 4Q15 to $1.9 billion and by 10% in fiscal 2015 to $6.6 billion.

Developments in storage and hyper-converged infrastructure

VMwares Virtual SAN is the companys virtual storage offering in the HCI (hyper-converged infrastructure) space. According to TechTarget, A hyper-converged infrastructure product includes storage, servers and networking all in neat little nodes  but some assembly may be required.

Hyper-converged infrastructure startups such as Nutanix and SimpliVity could serve as a good fit for large server or storage vendors. Some of these vendors already have partnerships with global systems vendors Dell, Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), and Cisco Systems (CSCO). Dell made news in late 2015 when it announced the proposed acquisition of EMC (EMC) for $67 billion.

Investors who want broad-based exposure to VMware could consider investing in the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF). IWF invests ~13% of its holdings in application software and ~0.04% of its holdings in VMW.

Continue to Next Part

Browse this series on Market Realist:
The Zaman newspaper has been ordered into administration, Turkey's state-run Anatolia news agency says (AFP Photo/Ozan Kose)

Istanbul (AFP) - An Istanbul court on Friday ordered into administration a Turkish daily newspaper that is sharply critical of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding to growing alarm over freedom of expression in the country.

The Zaman newspaper, closely linked to Erdogan's arch-foe the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, was ordered into administration by the court on the request of Istanbul prosecutors, the state-run Anatolia news agency said.

There was no immediate official explanation for the court's decision.

The move means the court will appoint new managers to run the newspaper, who will be expected to transform its editorial line.

Hundreds of supporters were gathered outside the paper's headquarters in Istanbul awaiting the arrival of bailiffs and security forces after the court order.

"We will fight for a free press," and "We will not remain silent" said placards held by protestors, according to live images broadcast on the pro-Gulen Samanyolu TV.

"Democracy will continue and free media will not be silent," Zaman's editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici was quoted as saying by the Cihan news agency outside its headquarters.

"I believe that free media will continue even if we have to write on the walls. I don't think it is possible to silence media in the digital age," he told Cihan, part of the Zaman media group.

- 'Last free edition' -

It was not yet clear when the bailiffs would arrive. Sevgi Akarcesme, the editor-in-chief of the paper's English language edition Today's Zaman, said on Twitter that staff were working on the "last free edition" of their newspaper.

Gulen has been based in the United States since 1999 when he fled charges against him laid by the former secular authorities.

Turkey has asked the United States to extradite him but Washington has shown little appetite for doing so.

Despite living outside of Turkey, Gulen built up huge influence in the country through allies in the police and judiciary, media and financial interests and a vast network of cramming school.

Story continues

Ankara now accuses Gulen of running what it calls the Fethullahaci Terror Organisation/Parallel State Structure (FeTO/PDY) and seeking to overthrow the legitimate Turkish authorities.

There have been numerous legal crackdowns on structures linked to the group and on Friday Turkish police arrested four executives of one of the country's largest conglomerates, accusing them of financing Gulen.

Boydak Holding group president Haci Boydak, director general Memduh Boydak and two board members were questioned at their homes in the central city of Kayseri.

Gulen supporters decry the accusations as ridiculous, saying all he leads is a more informal group known as Hizmet (Service).

- 'Just before EU summit' -

The effective seizure of the newspaper by the state comes amid growing concerns over freedom of expression in Turkey under Erdogan's rule.

The Cumhuriyet newspaper's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul were released on an order from Turkey's top court last week after three months in jail on charges of publishing state secrets.

But they still face trial on March 25.

Meanwhile almost 2,000 journalists, bloggers and ordinary citizens, including high school students, have found themselves prosecuted on accusations of insulting Erdogan.

"By lashing out and seeking to rein in critical voices, President Erdogan's government is steamrolling over human rights," said Andrew Gardner, Amnesty International's Turkey expert in a statement.

Independent pro-Kurdish television channel IMV TV was taken off air in Turkey last weekend following accusations that it broadcast "terrorist propaganda" for militants.

The decision on Zaman comes as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu heads to Brussels Monday for a crucial summit meeting with EU leaders. The news broke as Erdogan was holding talks in Istanbul with EU President Donald Tusk.

Critics have accused the EU of turning a blind eye to the situation with media freedom in Turkey in exchange for Ankara's cooperation in the refugee crisis.

Opponents say Erdogan, who served as premier from 2003-2014, has become an increasingly polarising figure unable to tolerate any criticism.

However the government angrily dismisses allegations it is cracking down on the press, saying the cases against Cumhuriyet and pro-Gulen media have nothing to do with freedom of expression.
Marcel Lazar Lehel, 40, is escorted by masked policemen in Bucharest, after being arrested in Arad, 550 km (337 miles) west of Bucharest January 22, 2014. REUTERS/Mediafax/Silviu Matei/Files

By Radu-Sorin Marinas

REUTERS - Romania's top court has approved a request by U.S. authorities to extradite a convicted hacker known as Guccifer, a source within Romania's DIICOT anti-organised crime and terrorism unit told Reuters on Friday.

"The court approved an 18-month temporary extradition to America for the hacker. This follows a request made by U.S. authorities," the source said.

A Romanian justice ministry spokeswoman said details of the extradition request had not yet been made public.

The U.S. Justice Department said in 2014 that a U.S. federal grand jury had indicted Marcel Lazar Lehel on charges of wire fraud, unauthorized access to a protected computer, aggravated identity theft, cyberstalking and obstruction of justice.

The United States accuses Lehel, known by aliases including "Guccifer" and "Small Fume",of stealing data from email and social media accounts of U.S. celebrities and politicians.

Lehel was sentenced by a Romanian court to four years in jail in 2014 for illegally accessing email accounts of public figures "with the aim of getting ... confidential data" and is serving another three-year term for other offences.

That case focused only on Lehel's activities in Romania, prosecutors have said. His victims included former secret service chief George Maior and other Romanian officials.

Lehel uploaded documents to a U.S. website, The Smoking Gun, saying there he had used methods including guessing the answers to security questions to access accounts at Facebook, Comcast Corp, AOL Inc and other companies.

The hacker Guccifer shot to fame in 2013 after he claimed responsibility for hacking into George W. Bush family emails and posted artwork by the former president, including self-portraits in the bathtub.

He also distributed emails exchanged by former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and Corina Cretu, a Romanian member of the European Parliament, prompting Powell to deny the two had had an affair.
IED baghdad

ISIS has taken the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to a nearly industrial level as the terror group continues to hold onto territory in Iraq and Syria, Foreign Affairs reports.

The terror group, which holds large swathes of territory in both Iraq and Syria despite being pressured from nearly all sides, has turned to the use of IEDs as a major force multiplier.

An investigator for Conflict Armament Research (CAR) told Foreign Affairs that ISIS' use of IEDs has reached a "quasi-industrial scale."

Its unprecedented. We have never seen this beforeits in the thousands and thousands. Its not just a few roadside bombs. There are literally fields of them," the CAR researcher told Foreign Affairs.

CAR's analysis has been confirmed by the US Department of Defense's Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Agency (JIDA). A spokesman from that organization told Foreign Affairs that ISIS has totally changed the nature of the threat from IEDs in Iraq.

"Previously in Iraq, we would go after the lone bomb-maker using captured biometrics off an IED and try to link events together from that," the JIDA spokesman told Foreign Affairs. "But now, we face IED factories on an industrial scale, with significant supply chains and funding lines.

isis oil plant airstrike

JIDA notes that this huge ramping up of the construction of IEDs has caused Iraq to become the single most affected country by IED attacks in the world. According to the organization, 11,500 IED explosions caused upward of 35,000 casualties in 2015 alone.

And this upsurge in IED-related casualties linked to ISIS comes even as the US-led anti-ISIS coalition continues to hammer away at the group with airstrikes. Coalition airstrikes in the past have targeted multiple ISIS car-bomb and IED factories.

However, due to the large amount of territory and civilian areas that ISIS holds, the group is still managing to find hidden locations to continue constructing its most devastating weapon.

Story continues

NOW WATCH: EX-PENTAGON CHIEF: These are the 2 main reasons ISIS was born





More From Business Insider


BEIJING (Reuters) - China's wider fiscal deficit rate budgeted for 2016 should not be considered as strong stimulus and the government still has ample policy tools to counter downward economic pressure, a senior official of China's cabinet research unit, said on Saturday.

Huang Shouhong, deputy director of the State Council Research Office, also told reporters at a news conference that China should take various measures to keep the property market stable.

China budgeted a 2016 deficit of 3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), the Ministry of Finance said on Saturday in its work plan unveiled at the annual meeting of parliament.

The fiscal deficit to GDP ratio was budgeted at 2.3 percent in 2015.

(Reporting By Kevin Yao; Editing by Kim Coghill)
A platform for the connoisseurs to indulge with the mesmerizing beverages and lip smacking global cuisines, access the information and review and interact at the same time. This is also a huge support tool for the Hospitality aspirants pursuing any Hotel Management Program or is a beginner with the Hospitality Industry.
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.
To activate the text-to-speech service, please first agree to the privacy policy below.

Jakarta, March 5 (CNA) In response to a terrorist attack warning issued by Australia for Indonesia, Indonesian police has said that there is no imminent security threat for the country and that they are continuing efforts to track down terrorists, adding that all places in Indonesia remain safe.
You may want to go to the updated version Denmark for Dummies 2017 This post is from 2008. All Danes are blond and gorgeous. And all of...
Colpy said: To be fair, his speaking engagements for pay were cleared by the Ethics Commissioner.......so yes, they were above board. Click to expand...

Indeed but that doesn't mean jacksh*t to a Spastic because they don't know any better.MPs can have side jobs and business all they want as long as there is no conflict of interest and income is claimed.Another thread that is a shining beacon of stupidity.They even get trips paid by Charities....and yes this includes CPC MPs.There sure are a lot of ponies in Ottawa!OTTAWA  Canadian charities that raise money to feed malnourished children and develop sanitation projects in the developing world have spent more than $40,000 taking MPs on foreign trips over the past two years.Registered charities World Vision Canada, Engineers without Borders and Canadian Economic Development Assistance for Southern Sudan have all sponsored trips for MPs  and, in some cases, their spouses  according to reports filed with the federal ethics commissioner.All MPs are required to file a report when they accept trips from third parties, which are considered a perk for backbench or opposition MPs who normally travel only between their ridings and Ottawa.Most sponsors of MP junkets are trade associations or diplomatic groups, such as the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association or the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.But it is unusual for charitable organizations that raise funds in Canada to use their money to fly MPs around the world.Travel reports show that last year World Vision Canada took Conservative Dean Allison, Liberal Wayne Easter and New Democrat Isabelle Morin to Bangkok, Thailand, and Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to raise awareness of human trafficking. The MPs trips cost the charity a total of $13,097.The year before, World Vision sponsored Conservative Peter Braid, Liberal John McCallum and Liberal Lise Zarac to travel to Ethiopia on a trip focused on maternal health. Braid and McCallum brought their wives along. Total cost for the travel: $8,711.World Vision raises money for poor and hungry children around the world and is known for advertisements encouraging Canadians to sponsor a needy child.This year, the charity plans to take a group of yet-unidentified MPs to Bangladesh, scene of a building collapse that killed more than 500 garment workers earlier this month.Its about helping bring childrens voices to MPs, said Elly Vandenberg, World Visions senior director of policy and advocacy.She defended the MP learning trips as a good use of the charitys money.In the House of Commons, MPs hear from government staff or experts on development issues but dont often get to speak directly to the people affected by Canadian policy abroad, she said: It helps MPs better understand the issues affecting poor people  children, families.Vandenberg says she has heard from World Vision supporters who are pleased to learn about the outreach to MPs.The organization selects the MPs for the delegations carefully, Vandenberg says, and asks them to commit to sharing what they learn on the trips with constituents. They fly economy class only, she said, unless they decided to upgrade at their own expense. Some MPs decline the offer, she said.Conservative Allison also took a weeklong trip to Juba, Sudan, in March 2013, along with along with fellow Tory Dave Van Kesteren, a member of the foreign affairs committee. They went to observe the activities of a Canadian NGO, according to Allisons report.The trip was arranged by the Canadian Economic Development Assistance for Southern Sudan, a registered Canadian charity. The cost of their travel  $10,490 in total  was not paid from charity funds but by an unnamed donor who is passionate about the cause, according the groups founder, David Tennant.I would take MP over there at any time because were trying to create an awareness of what were doing, said Tennant.Allison and Van Kesteren have been supporters for several years, Tennant said, and he stressed that the trip was difficult travel.Its not Vegas. Its not someplace you think, gee, Id like a little break. Ill go South Sudan.Neither Allison nor Van Kesteren responded to requests for comment.Van Kesteren also travelled, along with then-Conservative MP Peter Goldring, to Ghana in 2011 to provide Canadian MPs with insight into opportunities for Canada to support and invest in development of Ghana and of Africa more broadly.The cost for the two MPs travel, $7,804, was paid by Engineers Without Borders, a charity that helps develop sanitation and agricultural projects in Africa. The charity did not respond to a request for comment.Allison, chair of the House of Commons foreign affairs committee, last year took another trip to Senegal, paid for by Micronutrient Initiative, a non-profit organization funds health and nutrition initiatives in the developing world. The trip cost the organization $7,381. (Although it has a charity number from the Canada Revenue Agency, Micronutrient Initiative doesnt solicit donations from the public and is primarily funded by CIDA.Allison visited Dakar to attend the launch of program promoting zinc for children.
Whoa!________________________________Scientists are watching a new species evolve before their eyes  even as the original species evolves in another direction.A new study published in PLOS Genetics by researchers from Eawag and the University of Bern examines the rapid evolution of new species of threespine stickleback in a Swiss lake, reported Phys.org.The fish are considered a nuisance by fisherman in Lake Constance, and they appear to be successful in various parts of the lake, which is broken into three main bodies of water, regardless of environmental factors.Thats because they can evolve so rapidly to adapt to new environments they encounter in the lake, which is on the Rhine River in the Swiss Alps.An elaborate genetic study found two forms of the fish  one that thrives in the lake itself and another adapted to inflowing streams.Lake stickleback migrate into those streams during spawning season, yet the two distinct forms have evolved away from one another in a short period of time.Independent species typically develop by adapting to separate habitats and reproducing in isolation  but the new variation of the stickleback evolved alongside its original variant.It was completely unexpected for the species to diverge over such a short period, given that the sticklebacks breed at the same time and at the same sites, said the studys lead author, David Marques.The researchers said the rapid evolution serves as a model for how other species diverged into two or more distinct species.
Belfast bomb: PSNI fear Easter Rising centenary murder bids on security forces

BBC News4 March 2016Dissident republicans in Northern Ireland want to kill members of the security forces in the run up to the centenary of the Easter Rising , a senior police officer has said.Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin was speaking after a bomb exploded under a prison officer's van.The device partially detonated when he drove over a speed ramp at Hillsborough Drive in Belfast, at 07:10 GMT.The 52-year-old man, a father-of-three, is in a stable condition in hospital.It is understood he works in the Prison Service Training Centre at Hydebank College in Belfast.The van has been removed from the scene for examination and the road has reopened.ACC Martin, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), said the threat from dissidents is "severe"."That means an attack is highly possible," he said."In recent weeks we have been increasing patrols across Northern Ireland and we intend to do that in the coming weeks up to and through Easter."[This year] is the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising."That's a very important date, particularly for people from the nationalist/republican community."The rising was a short and ill-fated republican rebellion in 1916 against British rule in Ireland.In spite of its military failure, it is seen by many historians as a significant stepping-stone in the partition of the island and the eventual creation of the Republic of Ireland.ACC Martin said: "There are people within dissident republican groupings who want to mark the anniversary in an entirely sinister way, who want to kill police officers, prison officers or soldiers."He appealed for the help of the community to deal with the dissident threat.Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers said the attack showed "how lethal the terrorist threat continues to be"."Thankfully these incidents happen very rarely but that is only because of the outstanding work of the PSNI and their security partners," she added.Northern Ireland's First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said it was a "disgraceful and despicable attack" "Our thoughts and prayers are with this senior prison officer and his family as he is treated for his injuries in hospital," they said in a joint statement."We join all right-thinking people in condemning these cowardly actions."As a prison officer, he is someone who serves and protects our community and we are united in our rejection of this attack."Finlay Spratt, from the Prison Officers Association, said officers had continued to be targeted since the ceasefires in Northern Ireland's Troubles and the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. "There is no let up for prison officers. We can't live a normal life. We're not allowed to live a normal life by these thugs," he said."It doesn't matter how often you condemn it, it just seems to go on and on and they're attacking people who are serving all the community."Three years ago dissident republicans shot and killed prison officer David Black on the M1 motorway as he made his way to work.Mr Black was the 30th prison worker to be murdered in Northern Ireland since 1974.
Will voters take the reins if state lawmakers dont act on property taxes this year?

Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson says the group has no immediate plans to organize a petition drive to place a property tax measure on the ballot  but he didnt rule out the possibility.

We certainly would keep all of the options open, Nelson said Thursday. Thats not our first choice. We want to deal with this in the Legislature.

However, he said, some things need to start getting done.

Members of the Legislatures Revenue and Education committees are considering components of a property tax plan pushed by Gov. Pete Ricketts and backed by the Farm Bureau this year. Farm Bureau leaders have since overhauled the groups lobbying team.

Revenue Committee members discussed the governors proposal for several hours Wednesday and Thursday, finding more questions than answers.

Committee Chairman Mike Gloor of Grand Island said Thursday that he and fellow committee members have misgivings about portions of the Revenue bill (LB958) which are aimed at clamping down on tax increases and spending by cities, counties and villages.

Theres a lack of traction on those with a concern that it may be too broad, too generic, Gloor said.

While the goal is limiting abusive taxation and budgeting by local governments, committee members werent convinced the bill would be effective and worried that it might actually harm cities and counties that budget responsibly.

Ricketts has said he is open to compromise on the proposal.

The Revenue Committee voted 6-1 to scrap part of the working copy of the bill and replace it with something different. But the replacement language could trigger a $47 million increase in state aid to schools in the first year, based on estimates from the state Department of Revenue.

The original bill would cap statewide aggregate growth in property valuations at 3 percent each year. Committee members worried the change was too confusing and might have unintended consequences.

The new language would widen the window of time used for calculating land valuations from three years to five years, with the goal of smoothing the rise and fall of property tax bills.

Committee members agreed to place a five-year sunset on the new language, meaning it would need to be reconsidered after five years in law.

Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus voted against the change. Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion was present but did not vote.

Members also considered whether other lawmakers would try to yank the bill out of committee through a vote of the full Legislature, forcing debate on the floor. It takes 25 votes for outsiders to pull a bill from committee.

I dont want them to pull it, Smith said. I think its a bluff.

As for a ballot initiative, Gloor said no one has told him directly about plans to petition.

The Farm Bureaus Nelson said the governors plan would make steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done at some point.

I think we really need to wait and see what the Legislature does, Nelson said. I cant predict what happens if we continue to move down the road and dont address the property tax issue.
This past week in the Legislature signaled the end of what many feel is the most important phase of our process here.

The public hearing portion of the session has now been completed. As many of you know, Nebraska allows public testimony in the form of a hearing on any bill so long, obviously, as it has a current senator introducing it. Every year I will get requests, in one form or another, to introduce bills well after the time allowed for bill introduction.

I also have people contact my office or come to the capitol wanting to talk to committees about a bill after public hearings have ended. It is a great system but one that does come with deadlines. We begin all-day debate on the legislative floor Monday.

Ive spoken before about a constitutional amendment that had been offered dealing with the Right to Farm. Ive spoken about the procedure of a constitutional amendment and my misgivings about this idea for this topic. As Ive said, on its face, this concept appears to be a no-brainer in a state such as ours but, as I have learned during my time here, nothing ever is quite as it seems.

I was quoted as saying I felt this measure was dead for this session as a result of committee action that had only two senators favoring advancing the notion. Three senators, myself included, either voted against this amendment or abstained. I abstained from voting for this measure for several reasons but primarily, I was concerned as to whether this offering should be a part of our Nebraska Constitution or should we look at it over the summer and decide if a statutory fix is more in order. Also, I noted in conversation with the various ag groups in the state that support was only lukewarm at best. Members of the committee that are attorneys promised a filibuster on the issue if it were to appear on the floor. I felt comfortable at that point that the wishes of the committee had been fulfilled.

Early this past week however, I was approached by the sponsor of the Constitutional Amendment who assured me he now had the necessary five votes to pull this out of committee if we were to reconsider and that an amendment was to be offered.

It is my choice if we are to re-consider and I really had second thoughts but I allowed this if he could assure me he had the majority. We held an executive meeting and the offering was advanced by the necessary number of members of the committee. I still abstained from voting and will oppose this bill when it comes for debate on the floor. The amendment offered will possibly deal with water rights but we may have to get an attorney generals opinion on this.

As I said, I am disappointed this amendment will advance but that is the wishes of the committee and I respect that. As I began this offering, I do respect our system in Nebraska and this is a part of the process.

Hoping to continue the great institution we have here in Nebraska, I want to mention a program offered through the Legislature, the Clerk of the Legislature and the University of Nebraska/Lincoln Extension 4-H Youth Development Office.

The Unicameral Youth Legislature will be offered June 5-8. High school students with an interest in law, government, leadership or public speaking are encouraged to give this program consideration. This program is a four-day simulation of legislative activity conducted at the State Capitol Building.

Student senators will sponsor bills, conduct committee hearings, debate legislation and explore the process of the Unicameral. Current senators and their staff personnel will guide the attendees as they consider issues based on current legislative issues. Those attending are housed at the University and daily transportation and meals are provided.

More information and registration forms can be obtained from the Unicameral Youth Legislation page: www.NebraskaLegislature.gov/uyl. Registration is due by May 15.
If you have ever dealt with audio recording, whether character voice acting for a game or a voice-over for a video, then you probably noticed that it is not cheap. It is important to do everything right the first time in order to reduce additional costs. The same thing applies to the localization of audio: every error is multiplied by the number of languages. In this article, we will share some tips on how to interact with recording studios and localization services, how to optimize and accelerate the process, and how to reduce the risks as well as the costs of audio localization. It does not matter whether you are ordering these services from Alconost or from another company  knowledge of all the following pitfalls will stand you in good stead.

Captain C-3PO by Jeff Nickel

1. Project Formatting Matters

The proper formatting of the script ensures a smooth and problem-free recording process. One best practice is to format the script in the form of a table, where each row corresponds to a single audio file.

We at Alconost are sometimes faced with situations where a customer only wants us to record narration in a foreign language, and they leave it to themselves to synchronize the audio narration with their video. In this case, the customer must work with audio recorded in a language they do not know, and we for our part must do everything possible to simplify this task for the customer:

- When transcribing we ask the editor (a native speaker of the source language) to mark the timing (indicating what phrase should be said at what second) and to break the text into segments (for example, each scene occupies a separate cell in the table). The transcription itself is a process of "lifting" the text from the original recording, that is, of converting the spoken text into a written one;

- When translating we ask the translator (a native speaker of the target language) to preserve the original layout (so that it is clear how each part of the original corresponds to a respective part of the translation);

- When recording we ask the narrator to break the recording down into scenes (e.g., the recordings for each new scene are stored in a separate file).

2. Create a List of Characters and Describe their Personalities

If you need several voices, create a list of characters and briefly describe them, including their name, age, gender, and other characteristics. This will help the audio recording studio to provide an adequate selection of narrators for the roles, to ensure that there are enough voice actors given the different languages, and to avoid mistakes such as recording a female voice instead of a male one or vice versa. Incidentally, the gender of the character does not have to match the gender of the narrator: professional voice actors with a wide creative range can successfully voice tomboy girls and respected ladies, for example.

Describe the character's personality in order to allow the voice actor to present the character in the best possible way. For example:

Character A: male, 40 years old, good-natured, simple-minded (farmer), "one of the guys." He is friendly towards his own (though he doesn't horse around), and he is curt to outsiders (though he stops short of being outright rude). He has a powerful voice, though it is not harsh. Normal rate of speech.

Or:

Raccoon character: high-pitched, child-like voice, but laughs and makes snarky asides in a husky voice. His rate of speech is very fast, but it must always be intelligible. He must have five kinds of laughter (good-humored, malevolent, hysterical, demonic, and loud laughter), and three kinds of exclamations of fright.

It is ideal when the customer's assignment includes a screenshot or video clip depicting the character.

Melancolia by Kristina Alexanderson

If the voice actors could have the opportunity to listen to the recordings of their characters in any other languages, this would be plus. Any clarifications are welcome: "not as fast as in the reference clip," "just like in the example."

What if the Narrators Ignore My Descriptions of the Characters?

If the voice actors are unclear about a certain point, they will either ask you questions (this is the best option, but the need to exchange questions and answers can make it harder to keep to deadlines) or make a decision at their own discretion (what they think is right). In the second case, if it turns out that you do not like the version the narrator decided on, though the formal criteria have been satisfied, your complaint will be about something that was not stipulated in advance. In this case you may have to pay for another recording, although voice actors will often try to accommodate the customer's request.

3. Limit the Number of Voices

Often people want to spend less money on the localization of an audio recording than on the original audio. Since voice actors usually have high minimum rates, so limiting the number of voices is a good way to reduce costs. For example, just two professional voice actors, one man and one woman, may be all that are needed to provide the voice-overs for a video featuring 12 different interviewees.

4. Avoid Audio Files that Feature Multiple Characters

Ideally, the audio recording process should be simple and fast. The assignment should be provided with sufficient detail. The voice actors record their parts, and the recordings are checked by linguists who are native speakers and cleaned of any extraneous sounds and noises (such as the turning of pages). The recordings are split into files, and the files are named according to the assigned specifications.

When you have a single audio file that contains several voice actors, everything becomes much more complicated. Since voice actors always record their files in isolation from each other, the audio files are divided and recombined during the final stages of the process. This increases the risk that something will go wrong. After all, the engineers who edit the files are hardly familiar with all the foreign languages in which the recordings are made.

5. Prepare a Pronunciation Guide

If you read the text aloud, you will soon realize that some words are pronounced differently. This is especially true of abbreviations. Foreign languages make the task even more difficult.

Some rules of pronunciation are generally accepted, but others must be determined by the company itself. Your studio should study the script and make a list of all the words whose pronunciation may present discrepancies. Translators and editors should clarify any difficult points before recording.

If a recording should have a time limit, then Captain Obvious suggests that the voice actor should be warned about this in advance.

6. Leave Space in Your Video

If you are familiar with localization, then you probably know that English is one of the most compact languages. If we were to translate the same text into Russian, it would increase in length by 10%, and if we were to translate it into French or Spanish, then it would increase by 20%.

If you cannot change the length of your video, then it will be hard to speed up the localized audio to match the video without accelerating the rate of speech or reducing the length of the original text. Both of these options can make it more difficult for your audience to comprehend your video. Moreover, the text or action in a particular frame may not match the sense of the localized audio. This is particularly problematic for videos that would cost lots of money to lengthen or edit.

Therefore, the best option would be to leave a little extra space in your original video: add pauses of a few seconds where this is possible. This will simplify and speed up the localization process. We at Alconost always try to adapt the word length to the necessary length of the phrases when translating or editing a text for our customers. This is how we are able to avoid unnecessary pauses or undue haste in our voice-overs.

7. Provide Plenty of Source Materials

You will most likely be asked for them. In any case remember: you must provide samples of the original audio if you want the voice-over to be done in the style and tone of the original.

When it comes to video, make sure that you have the source video: this way you can slightly slow down or speed up the scenes when localizing so that the animation matches the rate of speech of the voice artist in the new language. It is desirable in this case that the narrator's voice be separated from the music and sound effects in the sound track so that you can simply adjust the placement of the sound effects as you move the animations.

And one more thing. When it comes to video, often the on-screen captions must be localized in addition to the text read by the voice artist. If you want to translate them as well, you will make this task easier for the service provider if you submit the video source files as well.

8. Ensure that the Script and the Video Match Each Other Exactly

This is particularly important when it comes to videos. The voice-over usually corresponds to the written script, but often changes are made to the video clip at the last minute. This is how inconsistencies crop up between the audio and video tracks. Carefully check the final video.

9. Select Professionals Who Speak Foreign Languages and Have Experience in Audio Localization

Often texts that are to be recorded are translated by the author's friends, the author him- or herself or by translators who are not native speakers of the target language. All of this provides reason to consider that you should allow a native speaker to proofread your text before recording the voice-over. Indeed, some voice actors may even refuse to provide a voice-over if they see that a text in their own language is not grammatical. Voice artists may offer their own proofreading services, and they may be better than nothing. However, ideally it is worth it to recruit your own editor (a native speaker of the target language) to proofread a text that has been translated by a non-native speaker. If the quality of the translation is poor, or if the sense of the original has been changed or lost in the translation, then it may be better to order editing instead of proofreading services (when the text is edited, it is compared to the original).

Working with foreign languages adds complexity to the entire audio recording process. Localization of audio requires the utmost care when recruiting voice artists and ensuring that they are able to work well with each other, drafting scripts, determining recording techniques, and linguistic testing of the final product. For example, if you entrust an Asian language localization project to a studio that mainly translates into English, you risk discovering in the final product that a Korean voice artist was used instead of a Chinese one, phrases were cut off in mid-sentence, or other inconsistencies occurred due to lack of knowledge of the target languages.

When you select a service provider to localize audio, make sure that they employ voice artists and editors who are professional native speakers of their working languages, have years of successful experience working in this market, and have received feedback from satisfied customers. The team here at Alconost is ready to help you with your localization projects to ensure that they are localized to high quality standards, even if the project should involve less common languages.
Blog accompanying the Gold Coast DataBase with historical, biographical, and genealogical information on the relationship between Ghana and the Netherlands, from the sixteenth to the twenty-first century.
DES MOINES  Officials with the state Department of Education announced Friday that 38 school districts have been added to Iowas teacher leadership and compensation program, bringing the total to 332 of 333 Iowa districts in the 2016-17 school year. All Iowa school districts have applied to join the teacher leadership system, said Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise.

The 38 newly accepted districts will implement their teacher leadership plans in the next school year. The remaining district, Riceville Community School District, will refine and re-submit its plan for approval, he added. About 25 percent of Iowa teachers will be in leadership roles when the system is fully phased in.

With higher expectations for all students today, we must do everything we can to support the complex work of teaching, Wise said. Im pleased that so many school districts have shown they share this commitment by joining the teacher leadership system.

Approved in 2013, Iowas teacher leadership system taps into the expertise of top teachers to improve classroom instruction and raise student achievement, and paves the way for more support and greater collaboration for all teachers to learn from each other instead of operating largely in isolation within their classrooms. The teacher leadership system  which sets a minimum annual teacher salary of $33,500 in participating districts  cost nearly $50 million in fiscal r 2015 and is expected to grow to about $150 million annually by fiscal 2017, which would enable all districts to participate.

IOWA MARKETS IT TOURISM SITES: Officials with the Iowa Tourism Office said Friday they have launched a multi-faceted marketing campaign in hopes of convincing travelers to spend time and money in Iowa.

Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office, said the state has spent about $1.5 million on television, digital and print advertising in Midwest markets that surround Iowa. Beginning this week, she said, millions of people around the Midwest will see and hear advertising messages inspiring them to consider Iowa as a travel destination. When the weather warms, winter-weary Midwesterners start thinking about where to spend their spring and summer leisure time, Lode said. Our research shows that more than half of travelers plan to come to Iowa during June, July and August.

Our advertising introduces them and invites them to Iowa now, when theyre still considering their summer travel options. More than 176 million people are expected to see the Iowa ads, which will air in Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City and Omaha, can be viewed on traveliowa.com. Tourism in Iowa generates more than $8.06 billion in expenditures, employs 66,500 people statewide and generates $374 million in state taxes.

INMATE DEATH: Gregory Eugene Simmons, 51, an inmate assigned to the Clarinda Correctional Facility, died Wednesday, according to the state Department of Corrections. Emergency medical assistance was called to Simmons cell shortly after 11 a.m. due to excessive vomiting. Upon entering the cell, medical staff determined that Simmons was not breathing and there was no pulse, said department spokesman Fred Scaletta in a news release.

Emergency medical protocols were immediately implemented and a local ambulance service was contacted to transport Simmons to the Clarinda Regional Health Center, where he was pronounced dead at about noon. According to the department, Simmons cause of death was believed to be unknown natural causes, but an autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death. In review of the incident by security personnel there was no trauma, injury or foul play discovered, Scaletta said. Simmons was serving a 25-year sentence from Marion County for second-degree sexual abuse. He began serving the prison term on Dec. 13, 2010.
We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today
On January 31st, 47-year-old Grisel Soto was rushed to Coney Island Hospital, screaming in pain and unable to speak. She suffered multiple heart attacks overnight and was dead the next morning. Now, the family is threatening legal action, and three of the hospital's top officials are stepping down from their positions, the New York Times reports.

According to initial reports after Soto's death, hospital personnel seriously botched her treatment. Rather than taking her pain seriously, her husband said, the triage nurse determined that Soto's symptoms matched those of people reacting to synthetic marijuana, and had her restrained and sedated.

"I told her, 'No, she dont do any drugs,'" her husband told CBS New York in February. "And she kept on [saying], 'She has been smoking synthetic weed.' She kept on talking to the rest of the staff and they all started laughing about it."

Soto's family believes that she had meningitis, but won't know for sure for some time; her death is currently under investigation by the city medical examiner's office.

According to the NY Post, her death prompted a review of the hospital's hiring practices, which found that hundreds of nursing staff had been hired without the approval of NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), the group that runs CIH and 10 other city hospitals. The Times notes that the city disputes this claim about unauthorized hiring, and that HHC says that the administrative shakeup is unrelated to Soto's case.

One of the executives stepping down from Coney Island Hospital is retiring, while the other two will be taking different positions with HHC. A spokesperson for HHC said Friday that "it was decided that changes were necessary to improve the patient experience...Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience to every patient and their family, and we are committed to the appropriate changes to deliver on that promise."

According to the Times, Soto's family has retained personal injury attorney Sanford Rubenstein (whose name you may know for other reasons), who has filed a complaint with the state's Health Department and may pursue more legal action against the hospital.


A Thursday afternoon subway ride turned disgusting for one woman and now police are looking for a suspect wanted for public lewdness.

According to the NYPD, at about 3 p.m. on March 3rd, a man aboard a Brooklyn-bound B train "exposed his genitals to a 23-year-old female. The [suspect] then exited the train as it entered into the Sheepshead Bay train station."

The police released images of the suspect, who is described as last seen wearing black sneakers, a black jacket and blue jeans.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

If you see or experience sexual misconduct in the subway (this includes seeing a masturbator, being groped, being grinded on, etc.), you can report it to the MTA and police on this website. There's also a place for you to upload photos and/or video. Do not let the perverts win.
As skyrocketing rents force more and more of the city's beloved restaurants to close, those that remain have to be strategic in their business models to avoid going under. As CBS New York reports, a lease for a Midtown restaurant can be as much as $70,000 a month, and things aren't much better in the outer boroughs: last December, Williamsburg's Nita Nita was forced to close when its rent tripled to $24,000 a month. One common solution to the tricky math involved in keeping a restaurant afloat? Rush customers through their meals to seat as many as possible in one night.

You know how this goes: you finally get a reservation at that trendy new restaurant no one will shut up about, and have just taken the last bite of your entree when the plates are swept away and replaced by the check, just 45 minutes after you sat down. Thinking of ordering some dessert to stretch out your dinner date? Too bad: some restaurants are actually ditching the dessert menu to cut down on the time that parties spend at any given table.

"It's hard to make money on desserts in the restaurant business today," economist Tyler Cowen told The Washington Post when asked about that new trend. "I don't think many [restaurants] benefit when people order them anymore...Dessert needs good ingredients to taste good, but you can't psychologically convince people to pay even $20 for dessert."

Another time-saving and cost-cutting trend, according to Rigie, is the use of iPads in place of waitstaff. In theory, that technology could effectively eliminate the need for some waiters and waitresses, making ordering and paying a digital-only experience and requiring just a few servers to deliver food to tables. That said, there are still a lot of kinks to work out (at least in the United States): I had the displeasure of experiencing this newfangled technology at one of the restaurants in Newark Airport last December, and found it to be anything but efficient. It took at least three tries to get the device to read your credit card (and passport), which you had to swipe before ordering, and the iPad was hooked up to the airport's public WiFi, which cut out approximately once every thirty seconds. The server wound up being more of an IT technician, as she was contractually not allowed to take our orders herself.

In 2011, Zagat surveyed people to see whether they'd support explicit time limits during peak hours, the idea being that if you know what you're signing up for, you can't bristle every time the waiter asks if you're finished eating. Sixty percent of diners nationwide thought that sounded greatbut New Yorkers, or at least the sample that responded to Gothamist's poll on the matter, swung in the opposite direction, with 66 percent opposing a dining time limit.

For what it's worth, the New York Times frowns upon hurrying customers. In a list of the 100 things that restaurant staff should never do, it's number 17: "Do not take an empty plate from one guest while others are still eating the same course. Wait, wait, wait."
Queen Elizabeth can breath a sigh of relief. Chances are by the end of this year she is still Queen of Jamaica and Queen of Barbados. It looks like both independent Caribbean island states will not carry out their plans to abolish the monarchy and exchange it for a republic. In both countries the Labour Party has been less than enthusiastic about the proposal, famously questioning in Jamaica's case how [a Jamaican] Queen would help end poverty.

Jamaica on Thursday welcomed a new Prime Minister, Labour-leader Andrew Holness who asked that pointed question four years earlier when then Prime Minister Potia Simpon-Miller was preparing the Caribbean nation for a switch to a republican form of government.

I am the biggest fan of Queen Elizabeth. She is a wonderful woman and I have a lot of love and respect for her, but it is after 50 years of independence time we settle our own affairs, she said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Holness though has different priorities. The priority of this government is to grow the economy and create meaningful jobs, he said in his inauguration speech in Kingston. In so doing we will more rapidly and sustainably reduce debt.

The new Prime Minister had also a different view of what form of republic Jamaica should become  one with a ceremonial president or an executive president. Simpson-Miller and her People's National Party supported the former option, Holness and Labour the latter: a ceremonial president with limited powers.

Simpson-Miller, who lost her position by the narrowest of margins (JLP 32 seats, PNP 31) never carried out her desired reform, also because she did not have the required two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament, which means Jamaica will remain one of Her Majesty's realms for the foreseeable future.

BARBADOS

Barbados looks to be the same story. Prime Minister Freundel Stuart announced last year March that he envisioned his country becoming a republic before the 50th anniversary of independence on November 30, 2016. Decolonization has to be finished, and a republican form comes with it, he told his party's faithful.

With only eight months left till Independence Day Mr Stuart still has not followed up on his plans, as Barbados Today pointed out in an article in January: 'And whither Mr Stuarts republic plan?'

The paper questioned the Prime Minister's silence: There are many Barbadians, we are quite sure, who were expecting Prime Minister Freundel Stuart to update the nation on his republic plan when he addressed the launch of an almost year-long celebration of the islands 50th Independence anniversary. That he did not was obviously a disappointment. Adding: Given his silence and the fact that there are just 11 months remaining to the 50th Independence anniversary on November 30, a pertinent question does arise. Is the plan still on, or is it off?

The paper continued: Stuarts announcement almost a year ago was a statement of intention. However, effecting the change requires the support of a two-thirds parliamentary majority which the incumbent DLP does not have.

The support of the Opposition, therefore, would be necessary. If such support is not forthcoming from the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) which has made it clear there are more pressing issues to be addressed, the plan is effectively stalled.

Which means Barbados too will remain one of Her Majesty's realms for the foreseeable future. A fitting birthday present for a Queen 'long to reign over us'.

 RB Hans Jacobs
News

Woman claims losing Dhs542000 due to relationship in Abu Dhabi

The woman said she knew the appellee for a long time and trusted in him, so she lent him Dhs542,000, which he asked to pay off his financial obligations, as he claimed.
404

  

              
LINCOLN  Wilderness base camps dont usually have a rack of electric guitars and a well-tuned espresso machine available.

Those are facts a group informally known as the Lincoln Base Camp hopes to capitalize on.

On Wednesday evening, a dozen Base Camp participants found their way to Lincolns Lost Woodsman studio to hear how the concept is coming together. While not replacing more formal organizations like the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the group does plan to leverage Lincolns livelihood to its fortunate location.

Its a town in transition, said University of Montana geography professor Rick Graetz, who helped start the meetings after seeing the Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild park in 2014. Logging is not what it used to be. Mining is not there any more. But its got all this history. Its the only place thats totally surrounded by the Crown of the Continent. You have all these trails and roads going in all directions like spokes from a wheel into this natural area, which is between the 12th and 24th biggest of all natural systems in the world, depending on how you rank them.

Lincoln sits on the southern edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex -- the 2 million-acre roadless country between Montana Highway 200 and Glacier National Park. Its also just below Rogers Pass, and where tourists can find art/music studios like the Lost Woodsman and restaurants like the Lincoln Pit Stop as well as gas and snack food.

Two graduate students from UMs Geography Department, Verena Henners and Katherine Shank, are researching ways to justify including another 50 miles of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest south of Lincoln as part of the Crown. They want to show that both ecologically and historically, Lincoln sits in the middle of a culturally rich land worth an extended visit.

The group really formed around what Rick was talking about, said Jordan Reeves, a Wilderness Society staff member who helps organize the meetings. There were all these cool historical aspects that many community members werent aware of. There were official things like the Forest Service travel planning process and the forest plan revision that make you realize that conservation and recreation tie back to the community, which needs economic engines that drive it. Then theres the education part, about getting kids in the schools outdoors more. All that overlaps.

This time, the table included a U.S. Forest Service representative, school volunteers, the co-owner of an excavation business, the Blackfoot Valley Dispatch editor, a rancher and other local residents, along with the UM Geography Department scholars. Theres no formal membership, or meeting time. Reeves said he tries to pull together a new session every six weeks or so.

Opportunities abound. Wednesdays meeting included updates on a nine-acre private land purchase that will become a public park alongside the Blackfoot River just south of town, concepts for an extensive cross-country ski trail system, a potential snowmobile park, a new brochure touting the Alice Creek Historic District attractions and continuing additions to the sculpture park east of town.

One happy problem was finding ways to keep the opportunities from interfering with one another.

Local rancher Jerry Cain noted that a mistake in plowing parking access to cross-country ski trails at the Beaver Creek campground could cut the trail used by the Race to the Sky dogsled teams. And while it seems like a natural fit to use winter ski trails as summer biking routes, Lincoln Ranger District representative Josh Lattin pointed out the bike riders prefer a different design with more hills and banked corners.

Seeley Lake Elementary School Superintendent Chris Stout, who has spearheaded an effort to get all the districts children on cross-country skis, spoke at a previous meeting.

Seeley Lake is like our neighbor, said Karyn Good, who helped coordinate Wednesday's meeting and also brought in the new Alice Creek brochures. We may not be able to run a program here through the schools the same way they do, but we all want more outdoor recreation for our kids.
MISSOULA -- The Montana Meth Project is calling all Treasure State filmmakers as the organization gathers submissions for a national 30-second commercial competition featuring a grand prize of $20,000 and nationwide air time for the winner.

Aspiring and established filmmakers from around the United States are encouraged to create an impactful commercial centered on the theme of Life or Meth. The submissions will be evaluated by four of the country's Meth Project executive directors. The 10 best submissions will be invited to participate in an exclusive panel to be held at Series Fest in Denver on June 22-26.

The 10 panelists will then be narrowed down to the top three in an online vote held in July, with the final winner to be determined by a celebrity panel of judges and announced Sept. 1.

Additional prizes of $2,500 and travel for two to Series Fest in Denver also will be awarded to the top production in each of these Meth Project partner states: Montana, Colorado, Idaho and Georgia.

Entries will be screened and approved by the Montana Meth Project and will be judged on the following criteria: cinematography, screenwriting, sound, acting, editing, originality and the thematic integration of Life or Meth.

Entries will be accepted through Tuesday, May 31, at lifeormethcontest.com. Contestants will also find a link to the submission platform on the Montana Meth Project Facebook page.

Previous Meth Project commercials have influenced viewers through graphic, hard-hitting campaigns that followed young adults from first-time users to full-blown addicts as a means of educating people about the dangers of using methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug that severely alters a persons brain activity.
Can safety

Dear Dr. Roach: I recently read to be aware of dangers when eating canned tomatoes from dented cans. A new salvage grocery has opened locally and features many items that are dented, crushed packages or slightly out of date. Many of these items are still good, and offer an opportunity to save money.

As a home gardener, I realize that it's much easier to buy a dented can of tomatoes for a very small price than to spend hours canning tomatoes. Is it safe?

 M.K.

A: With damaged cans, our concern is for the toxin from a bacterium, Clostridium botuli, which causes the disease botulism. Botulism is extremely rare, but is higher in low acid or tomato-based foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends discarding any cans with deep dents (those with sharp edges), because they may contain holes that allow the bacteria to enter. Also, any can that lets out contents or gas when opening should be discarded without tasting. Small dents are generally not worrisome.

Home canning is associated with a higher risk of botulism, as inexperienced home canners may not strictly follow safe canning techniques.

The expiration date on a shelf-stable food like canned tomatoes refers to quality, not safety. In other words, although it is still safe to consume, it may not have the same quality after its expiration date.

Pressured speech

Dear Dr. Roach: Some years ago, my psychiatrist, a psychiatry resident and I went into a small room. The psychiatrist asked me why I was speaking so fast, and I replied that I wasn't. I asked the resident if he heard me speaking quickly, and he said yes. Why couldn't I hear myself speaking fast?

 P.R.V.

A: We use the term "pressured speech" to describe the rapid talking that people with some psychiatric disorders, especially those who are bipolar, have during the manic phase of their illness. During these times, the brain works extraordinarily quickly, so your speech comes out sounding normal to you, but it can be hard for others to catch up to how fast your thoughts are communicated. I wonder if everybody else's speech sounded slow to you.

In mild forms of bipolar disorder, people can become what we term "hypomanic," where they are capable of enormous amounts of productive work in a short period of time. A classic description is a person who cleans the house at 2 in the morning. In fully developed mania, the thoughts move so quickly that people are rarely capable of actually getting things done; I have seen people with five different pens in their hands but unable to write anything down.

There are many effective treatments for bipolar disorder.

Red yeast rice

Dear Dr. Roach: In a recent article, you talked about red yeast rice. You implied that red yeast rice has risks that are similar to all the bad side effects of statins. This worries me, because I am on a statin drug. What should I do?

 G.V.

A: Most people won't have bad responses to statins or to red yeast rice. I warned that people who have a history of problems with statins might need to be cautious of red yeast rice, since they appear to work the same way.

* * *

The booklet on sodium, potassium chloride and bicarbonate explain the functions of these body chemicals and how low or high readings are corrected. To obtain a copy, write: Dr. Roach Book No. 202, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803. Enclose a check or money order (no cash) for $4.75 with the recipient's printed name and address. Please allow four weeks for delivery.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
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.
In this photo taken on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy inspects a bottle of water which contains water from Flint, Michigan, resident Tia Simpson's tap at her home on Flint's south side.
Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Urban affairs, investigations, consumer help ("SOS") Follow Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal 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

In the wake of what could be the latest screw-up by the states jobs agency, Madison-area Democrats wasted no time Thursday speculating to their partisan hearts content about what might have been.

I figured if speculation is the rule of the day, why stop with the jobs agency?

Newly released emails show that five months before Kraft Heinz announced it would close its Madison Oscar Mayer plant, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. got word from Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce that other states were looking to poach at least one of the companys Wisconsin facilities  specifically, a cheese-processing plant in Beaver Dam.

Heeding assurances from WMC that it probably wasnt necessary to reach out to the company, WEDC did, well, nothing.

During a press conference on Thursday, Sen. Fred Risser and Rep. Chris Taylor, both Democrats, made the emails an excellent excuse for assigning blame for the loss of 1,000 jobs in their districts to WEDC and, by extension, the Republicans who created it. And never mind that the emails dont make any mention of Oscar Mayer, or that the Beaver Dam facility remains open.

Certainly you cant rule out the possibility that a few phone calls by WEDC to Kraft Heinz might have resulted in a deal to keep Oscar Mayer open.

You never know whats going to happen until you try, Risser said.

But then I suppose you also cant rule out the possibility if there were any path to keeping Oscar Mayer in Madison, Kraft Heinz officials would have gone to WEDC themselves.

Everybody knows that big companies are not shy these days about asking state and local governments for millions in economic development grants, loans and tax breaks that (they say) are critical to keeping this or that plant open, to hiring this or that many more workers.

As Democratic state Sen. Mark Miller put it on Thursday, they can blackmail states.

I suppose its also only fair to speculate on what might have been if Risser and Taylor had reached out to Kraft Heinz themselves after the March 2015 merger that created the company. Thats what Madison Mayor Paul Soglin says he did.

After all, its no secret that downsizing and other efficiencies often follow close on the heels of big corporate mergers.

But no, Taylor said, we did not contact Kraft Heinz on these issues.

She and Risser arent the state agency charged with attracting and retaining jobs, she noted. Thats true, and WEDC isnt Oscar Mayers (and many of its employees) elected representative in the Legislature.

If there were any chance of keeping Oscar Mayor open, it probably wouldnt have been cheap, if Kraft Heinzs experiences in Iowa and New York are any indication.

Iowa provided it with $14.75 million in incentives to help it build a new plant there that will employ hundreds fewer workers than the old plant did. New York provided $20 million just to keep its three plants open.

Risser, Taylor and Miller wouldnt say whether they thought those were good deals or whether they would have supported similar deals to keep Oscar Mayer open.

Thank goodness for that. Those sound like exactly the kinds of policy matters that are way too important for idle speculation.
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
However, once the war was won, America had to protect its own fleets.

Thus, the birth of the U.S. Navy. Beginning in 1784, 17 years before he would become president, Thomas Jefferson became America's Minister to

France. That same year, the U.S. Congress sought to appease its Muslim adversaries by following in the footsteps of European nations who paid

bribes to the Barbary States rather than engaging them in war.

In July of 1785, Algerian pirates captured American ships, and the Dye of Algiers demanded an unheard-of ransom of $60,000. It was a plain and

simple case of extortion, and Thomas Jefferson was vehemently opposed to any further payments.



Instead, he proposed to Congress the formation of a coalition of allied nations who together could force the Islamic states into peace.



A disinterested Congress decided to pay the ransom.



In 1786, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams met with Tripoli's ambassador to Great Britain to ask by what right his nation attacked American ships and enslaved American citizens, and why Muslims held so much hostility towards America, a nation with which they had no previous contacts.

The two future presidents reported that Ambassador Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja had answered that Islam "was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Quran that all nations who would not acknowledge their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty

to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as prisoners, and that every Musselman (Muslim) who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise."

Despite this stunning admission of premeditated violence on non-Muslim nations, as well as the objections of many notable American leaders,

including George Washington, who warned that caving in was both wrong and would only further embolden the enemy, for the following fifteen years the American government paid the Muslims millions of dollars for the safe passage of American ships or the return of American hostages.



The payments in ransom and tribute amounted to over 20 percent of the United States government annual revenues in 1800.

Jefferson was disgusted. Shortly after his being sworn in as the third President of the United States in 1801, the Pasha of Tripoli sent him a

note demanding the immediate payment of $225,000 plus $25,000 a year for every year forthcoming.



That changed everything.



Jefferson let the Pasha know, in no uncertain terms, what he could do with his demand. The Pasha responded by cutting down the flagpole at the

American consulate and declared war on the United States.



Tunis, Morocco, and Algiers immediately followed suit.



Jefferson, until now, had been against America raising a naval force for anything beyond coastal defense, but, having watched his nation be cowed by Islamic thuggery for long enough, decided that it was finally time to meet force with force.



He dispatched a squadron of frigates to the Mediterranean and taught the Muslim nations of the Barbary Coast a lesson he hoped they would never

forget. Congress authorized Jefferson to empower U.S. ships to seize all vessels and goods of the Pasha of Tripoli and to "cause to be done all

other acts of precaution or hostility as the state of war would justify".

When Algiers and Tunis, who were both accustomed to American cowardice and acquiescence, saw the newly independent United States had both the will and the right to strike back, they quickly abandoned their allegiance to Tripoli.



The war with Tripoli lasted for four more years, and raged up again in 1815. The bravery of the U.S. Marine Corps in these wars led to the line "to the shores of Tripoli" in the Marine Hymn, and they would forever be known as "leathernecks" for the leather collars of their uniforms, designed to prevent their heads from being cut off by the Muslim scimitars when boarding enemy ships.



Islam, and what its Barbary followers justified doing in the name of their prophet and their god, disturbed Jefferson quite deeply.



America had a tradition of religious tolerance. In fact Jefferson, himself, had co-authored the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, but

fundamentalist Islam was like no other religion the world had ever seen.

A religion based on supremacy, whose holy book not only condoned but mandated violence against unbelievers, was unacceptable to him.



His greatest fear was that someday this brand of Islam would return and pose an even greater threat to the United States. This should concern every American. That Muslims have brought about women-only classes and swimming times at taxpayer-funded universities and public pools; that Christians, Jews, and Hindus have been banned from serving on juries where Muslim defendants are being judged; Piggy banks and Porky Pig tissue dispensers have been banned from workplaces because they offend Islamist sensibilities; ice cream has been discontinued at certain Burger King locations because the picture on the wrapper looks similar to the Arabic script for Allah; public schools are pulling pork from their menus; on and on and on and on..



It's death by a thousand cuts, or inch-by-inch as some refer to it, and most Americans have no idea that this battle is being waged every day

across America. By not fighting back, by allowing groups to obfuscate what is really happening, and not insisting that the Islamists adapt to

our culture, the United States is cutting its own throat with a politically correct knife, and helping to further the Islamists' agenda.

Sadly, it appears that today America's leaders would rather be politically correct than victorious!
This is the blog of the Irish Climate Analysis and Research Units hosted by the Department of Geography at Maynooth University. It is primarily used to highlight newly published research and activities that may be of general interest.
Take the Chicago Tribune, which contacted Senator Kirk and Republican Senate candidate James Marter for its usual editorial board interview. Senator Kirk did not make himself available to the Tribune editorial board. What does the senator fear? A blurted remark, similar to his joke about Senator Lindsey Graham, a bro without a ho?

Senator Mark Kirk is running for reelection, despite pleas by many, Illinois Governor Rauner included, that Kirk not run in 2016. Kirk is widely listed as the most seriously endangered reelection risk among all Republican Senators running. Formerly, Kirk was never happier than before a camera or microphone. Now, Kirk has turned down many requests for interview, including those requests by media whose editorial boards regularly interview statewide candidates before elections.

The Tribune editorial board chose to make its March 4th endorsement of Senator Kirk based on Kirk's thorny (to Republicans) voting record, not an in person interview. Busy man, the Senator! Shouldn't be bothered! Who is the Chicago Tribune accountable to -- its readers, or the campaign of an incumbent senator, whose health and effectivity may be seriously compromised, and who prefers to let sleeping dogs lie? About Kirk's health, the Trib writes: To keep his seat, he'll need to assure the people of Illinois that he's still up to the job. But Trib editorial board, you're advising we give him the job, in less than two weeks, for six more years!!

When do we get that assurance? Kirk's opponent, James Marter, deserves better than the pat on the head the editorial board gave him: Marter lacks experience in national and global affairs. But he's a thoughtful citizen-candidate running for the right reasons. We hope he'll stay engaged in politics. Kirk is endorsed.

What about ABC-TV Chicago, whose practice is to bring US Senate candidates before its cameras? Kirk refused their request for interview or debate format. Kirk's refusal denies his Republican opponent, James Marter, a platform to the Chicago ABC7 audience. It denies the Illinois voter knowledge of a 53-year old vigorous Oswego businessman candidate, who has managed million dollar projects and holds positions more compatible with Republican Party principles. Isn't this the part that the Fourth Estate is supposed to play in the electoral process?

Are you as angry as I am that Chicago media have rolled over and played dead at Senator Kirk's refusal to be interviewed? Are you willing to contact media to express your disappointment? GOOGLE ABC7 Chicago news tips and Chicago Tribune News Tips to write a line or two requesting these outlets provide information on a US senate race very important to the people of Illinois. ABC7's I-Team is led by Chuck Goudie, whose Twitter handle is @chuckgoudieabc7

Illinoisans deserve to know that conservative businessman and NRA member James Marter is running for the U.S. Senate. Why do the preferences of a threatened incumbent U.S. Senator weigh more strongly than the people's right to know the candidates?




By Mark Weyermuller -

I'm on the lookout for presidential candidates. The big primary day now for both Democrats and Republicans is March 15, 2016, which includes the big delegate states of Florida, Ohio, and Illinois. That means all "the boys" will be back in town. I'm ready to get some new selfies and hear what they have to say.

Donald Trump will be at the UIC Pavilion on Friday March 11, 2016 speaking at 6:00pm. It's free and doors open at 3:00pm. More information HERE.

Ted Cruz will also be here on Friday first speaking at Governor Rauner's Ball downtown then heading out to the Northwest Suburban Lincoln Day Dinner in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The first event is $500 and second is $120.
According to the reports submitted by US News Education World Report, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been placed above Delhi University and second to Punjab University.

By India Today Web Desk: According to the US News Education World Report, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been placed above the University of Delhi and second to Punjab University on Best Global Universities rankings. The Banaras Hindu University also follows AMU in the list. The rankings take into account research performance of the universities as well as their ratings by members of the academic community around the world.

advertisement

These rankings are displayed on the US News education's website, www.usnews.com. The US News Education highly recommends international students to explore AMU and other top Indian universities for pursuing higher education. The list also has the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore; Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay; Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur; and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur in the list of top ten institutes in India.

According to a newspaper report, eminent scientist C N R Rao, on Thursday, urged young India to participate in the nanotechnology revolution and produce more results at the eighth Bangalore India Nano summit.

"Time has come for India to produce more results. One has to be determined, do good work and not give up. I urge young India to take this up and bring greater loyalty. Nano is a big revolution and I hope we all will be participants," said Rao during the inaugural session of the summit.

Praising nanotechnology, Bharat Ratna awardee highlighted that the discipline is helping West Bengal and Punjab face water scarcity with water purification methods.

The Aligarh Muslim University has also been awarded grade 'A' by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (Naac), which conducted an assessment exercise at the campus.



Read: Septuagenarian Shiv Charan Yadav to give 47th attempt in 10th board exams



Read: 57 students, 14 teachers booked for mass cheating in UP board exams



For information on more latest news and updates, click here.



--- ENDS ---
The Kerala High Court directed the state government to ensure 220 academic days, excluding examinations and co-curricular activities, in schools from next academic year as prescribed under the relevant acts. The ruling was made on Friday i.e. March 4.

By India Today Web Desk: The Kerala High Court directed the state government to ensure 220 academic days, excluding examinations and co-curricular activities, in schools from the next academic year as prescribed under the relevant acts. The ruling was made on Friday i.e. March 4.

According to PTI, Justice K Vinodchandran issued the direction on a petition filed by one P T Suresh, who claimed that his two children studying in different schools were not getting proper education, as the schools were not functioning for the number of days as prescribed under Kerala education rules.

advertisement

The Right to Education Act, 2009 states that schools must provide 200 working days for class I to V and 220 for class VI to VIII.

The Kerala education rules also recommends 220 educational instructional days, excluding the days of examinations in every academic year.

In its defense, the state government submitted that some of the schools were not able to achieve the minimum number of instructional days due to unpredictable reasons such as sudden holidays, strikes etc.

They further stated that they were taking all possible steps to ensure the said working days.

The petitioner produced the educational calendar issued by the schools for the academic year 2015-16, which showed only 200 working days including 34 examination days.



Check: Delhi govt forms three-member committee to review policy on aided schools

Click here to get more education news.

Get latest updates on exam notifications and scholarships across India and abroad here .



--- ENDS ---
Over 120 Hindu pilgrims from India arrived in Lahore today to celebrate Maha Shivratri.

By Press Trust of India: As many 125 Hindu pilgrims from India arrived in Lahore today to celebrate Maha Shivratri.



Saddiqul Farooq, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB),which looks after the temples and gurdwaras across Pakistan, and Pakistan Gurdwara Parbhandik Committee officials greeted the pilgrims at Wagah Border.

"125 Hindu pilgrims today arrived here from Wagah Border," Amir Hashmi, spokesperson of the ETPB, told PTI.

advertisement

The pilgrims will stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore Fort before they leave for the historic Katas Raj temple in Punjab province's Chakwal distrcit, some 250 kilometres from here, on Monday to take part in the festivities.

Maha Shivratri is on March 7.

While talking to reporters, the visiting Hindu pilgrims' leader Sateesh Kumar said the authorities here extended full cooperation to them.

"We are impressed by the love of Pakistanis for us," Kumar said, adding that there should be cordial relations between both the neighbouring countries as their people wanted peace and prosperity in the region.

The pilgrims also chanted Pak-India friendship slogans at the Wagah Border.

Farooq said on the special order of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the ETPB has ensured security, transport, boarding and medical facilities to the visiting Hindus.

"We will make sure that the visiting yatrees (pilgrims) enjoy their time here," Farooq said.

He said the government would also ensure that the pilgrims would not face any visa related issues in the future.

Farooq said a special tour of old city of Lahore has been arranged for the visiting Hindus on their request.

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (February or March) every year. It is believed that Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on this day.

--- ENDS ---
Speaking at the national convention of BJP's youth wing - Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha - in Mathura, Amit Shah said Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed of supporting anti-national elements.

By India Today Web Desk: Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah today took on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and his party for backing "anti-nationals" amid the Jawaharlal Nehru University controversy.

Speaking at the national convention of BJP's youth wing - Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha - in Mathura, Shah said Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed of supporting anti-national elements.

advertisement

"There is a big conspiracy going on in the country. Some people are trying to justify anti-national sloganeering as freedom of expression and such anti-national elements are being portrayed as patriots," Shah said.

"The Congress should be ashamed of backing such elements. The youth of this country will give a befitting reply to Rahul Gandhi for supporting those who raised slogans to break India," the BJP president said while demanding Congress president Sonia Gandhi to come out clear on her stand over the JNU row.

Lessons in 'nationalism' and the alleged raising of 'anti-national slogans' at the JNU are among the top issues likely to be taken up for discussion during the convention.

BJYM national president and MP Anurag Thakur is presiding over the event and Union Ministers like Smriti Irani and JP Nadda are likely to address separate sessions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to attend the two-day event.

Rahul Gandhi has visited the JNU campus on February 13 to show solidarity with the students protesting against JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar's arrest. Kanhaiya was arrested in a sedition case over an event at the varsity campus against hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

During his JNU visit, Rahul Gandhi had said that Modi government was "bullying" an institution like JNU which was "completely condemnable".

"Modi government and the ABVP bullying an institution like JNU simply because it won't toe their line is completely condemnable," he had said.

ALSO READ:

PM Modi lambasts Congress' MGNREGA legacy claims



Arun Jaitley fires back: How much does Rahul Gandhi know, when will he know?

Rahul Gandhi's fair and lovely remark racist: BJP complains to Lok Sabha Speaker



--- ENDS ---
Meet Baloo the bear, Leo the lion and Shere Khan the tiger, the three 'brothers' from an animal Sanctuary in the US whose love for one another will be one of the best things you see today.

Meet Baloo the bear, Leo the lion and Shere Khan the tiger. Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

By India Today Web Desk: You must have heard that phase from your male friends, "Brother from another mother".

Turns out this 'concept' applies to the animal kingdom as well!

Meet Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan, the three 'brothers' living in Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Georgia, US.

In case you haven't figured it out, Baloo is a bear (American Black Bear), Leo is a lion (African lion) and Shere Khan is a tiger (Bengal Tiger).

advertisement

The three animals were only cubs when police rescued them from a basement during a drug raid in 2001. Frightened, malnourished and sick, the three cubs were then brought to Noah's Ark.

Little Baloo had to even undergo a surgery because of an infected wound he had got from a harness put on him in the house.

That surgery was the only time the three animals have been away from one another.

As Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary writes on their Facebook page, "Baloo, Leo and Shere Khan eat, sleep, and play together and even seek out grooming and affection from one another, head rubbing and licking each other."

Here are a few pictures of these three 'brothers' that will melt your heart:

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Source: Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary/ Facebook

Cute, aren't they?



--- ENDS ---
65-year-old Mohammed Ali, a well-known agent in the gambling circles in Bengaluru, had remained elusive for the last few years in the city.

By Aravind Gowda: The Bengaluru police managed to nab a notorious Matka (gambling) agent, who had remained elusive for the last few years in the city.

According to the police, 65-year-old Mohammed Ali was a well-known agent in the gambling circles in Bengaluru. Despite launching an extensive search operation, the police were unable to lay their hands on him.

On March 2, the police received credible information about a gambling circle operating out of Kalasipalya locality, which is known for such illegal activities. The police raided the premises and ended up arresting Mohammed Ali, against whom several cases are pending.

advertisement

The City Crime Branch (CCB) has taken over the probe and two fresh cases were filed against Mohammed AlI.

ALSO READ:

--- ENDS ---
Election Commission announces grueling election schedule in five states. Take a look at who stands where in each of the five states, a status check on alliance, prospects and issues.

By Kumar Vikram: The stage is set for the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry. Though not in power in any of the states or Union Territory, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) poses serious challenge to the Congress government in Assam hoping to make inroads into the east.

In other states, where BJP's aim is to consolidate its position, it is hoping to make its mark.

advertisement

Announcement

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi on Friday announced the election dates for the four states and one Union Territory. Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will go to polls on May 16 polls, whereas polling in West Bengal will be held in six phases. In Assam, the polling will be held on two days and the results will be declared on May 19.

The Congress is in power in Assam and Kerala while the BJP fancies itself as being a top contender in Assam having forced an alliance with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and smaller outfits. Changing its strategy, the BJP has already projected Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal as its CM candidate in Assam.

The BJP has agreed to give 24 out of 126 Assembly seats to AGP and 16 seats have been offered to Bodoland People's Front and two other local tribal parties.

In West Bengal, the BJP is hoping to emerge as a major player amidst the possibilities of Congress and Left joining hands to take on the ruling Trinamool Congress. The first phase of polls in West Bengal will be held in Left wing extremism affected areas on April 4 and April 11. The other phases will be held on April 17, 21, 25, 30 and May 5.

Assam will go to polls on April 4 and 11. In Tamil Nadu, Vijayakanth has spurned the BJP's offer for an alliance with his outfit DMDK. Sources said that he even refused to meet Union Minister for Environment Prakash Javadekar, who was deputed to forge an electoral alliance with the actor-turned politician.

Only this week, BJP announced its alliance in Kerala where it struck a partnership with BJDS (popularly known as Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana SNDP Yogam) propagating the moral teachings and dharma of Shree Narayana Guru. A party insider said that BJP will open account in Kerala while trying to become a significant force.

The elections will also see for the first time a symbol, which has been created by the National School of Design, allotted to NOTA (None of the above) that will be placed at the bottom of the list of candidates.

advertisement

A total of 17 crore voters in the five states will use over 1.18 lakh polling stations to cast their votes.



--- ENDS ---
The budget aims at taking forward the People's Liberation Army's ongoing sweeping military reform. Under President Xi Jinping, the PLA has been pushing for a high-tech force transformation.

NPC spokesperson Fu Ying announced China's military budget, which for the first time will cross $150 billion that is almost four times that of India's outlay.

China's military outlay this year will for the first time cross $150 billion, marking a rise of around seven to eight per cent, which is almost four times that of India's outlay, officials said on Friday.

The defence budget, which will be formally approved by the Chinese Parliament or the National People's Congress (NPC), which opens its annual session on Saturday, will increase by an amount "smaller than last year, but by about seven to eight percent", NPC spokesperson Fu Ying told reporters.

advertisement

China's budget last year saw a hike of 10.1 per cent, which was around $145 billion.

The rise this year will be more than four times that of India's $38 billion, which was announced earlier during this week's budget, not including the outlay on the pension bill. India's outlay, excluding pensions, have risen by four per cent.

When it comes to the budget, China considers "defence to be top priority, economic development second, and fiscal position third," Fu, who also heads the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters.

The budget aims at taking forward the People's Liberation Army's ongoing sweeping military reform. Under President Xi Jinping, the PLA has been pushing for a high-tech force transformation.

In September, Xi announced a demobilisation of three lakh soldiers out of the 2.3 million army. This was followed by sweeping reforms in January that saw centralisation of military commands into five theatres and the setting up of a PLA Rocket Force and a new Strategic Support Force, expected to include expanded cyberwarfare capabilities.

Fu justified the hike amid rising tensions with the US over the South China Sea - she hit out at the US for accusing China of militarising islands and reefs, saying, "My impression is that the US military by creating hype over the issue wants more [defence] appropriation [for its military]."

"Talking of militarisation, if you look at the most advanced aircraft and ships entering and exiting the South China Sea, the majority are from the US," Fu said.

Beijing hits outat US official

A day after Beijing responded warily to United States Admiral Harry Harris calling in New Delhi for an Asian quadrilateral dialogue, the Chinese government slammed the US official for making "irresponsible" remarks and asked Washington to stop its military officials from making "adverse" comments. Speaking in New Delhi, Harris, who heads the US Pacific Command, called up on India, Japan and Australia to step up maritime security cooperation, while apparently hitting out at Beijing, saying that "some countries seek to bully smaller nations through intimidation and coercion." Harris also announced at the Raisina Dialogue that this year's Exercise Malabar, with India and Japan, will take place in the northern Philippine Sea, close to the South China Sea.

advertisement

China had on Thursday said that moves such as the quadrilateral security dialogue and naval exercises "should not be targeted against a third party", amid rising tensions with the US over the South China Sea dispute. On Friday, Beijing responded more sternly, asking Washington "to put some restraint" on its officials from commenting adversely about China.

"We have noted that some officials of the US military have been saying negative words," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said. "We urge the US government to put some restraint on them and stop them from irresponsible sensationalisation so as to avoid undermining regional peace and stability."

- By Ananth Krishnan/ Beijing

--- ENDS ---
BJYM Badaun district president Kuldeep Varshney has been expelled from the party for 6 years after he announced Rs 5 lakh prize money for cutting off the tongue of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.

By India Today Web Desk: A leader of Bharatiya Janata Party's youth wing, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha or BJYM, has been expelled from the party for six years hours after he announced Rs 5 lakh prize money for cutting off the tongue of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar.

Kuldeep Varshney, BJYM's Badaun district chief, said Kanhaiya has been speaking against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he was released on bail Thursday. "He shouted anti-national slogans in support of a terrorist like Afzal Guru. I will award Rs 5 lakh to the person who cut off Kanhaiya's tongue," Varshney said.

Kanhaiya was arrested on February 12 on sedition charges and was released from the Tihar jail on March 3 after the Delhi High Court granted him interim bail for six months.

advertisement

Shoot Kanhaiya, get Rs 11 lakh: Posters in Delhi

Separately, in Delhi, posters were seen announcing a reward of Rs 11 lakh to anyone who shoots dead Kanhaiya Kumar.

The posters put by a little know organisation named, Purvanchal Sena, an organisation which claims to work for the people of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, were seen at various places across the national capital today.

"Whoever shoots JNUSU president and traitor Kanhaiya Kumar will be rewarded Rs 11 lakh from the Purvanchal Sena," the posters in Hindi said.

Delhi Police asks JNU to keep it informed about Kanhaiya's movement

The Delhi Police has asked the JNU authorities to inform it about the Kanhaiya's movements outside the campus and nature of his visits so that he can be provided foolproof security.

In a letter to university authorities sent after Kanhaiya's release from jail, DCP (South) Prem Nath said that the SHO of Vasant Kunj (North) Police Station, which has the campus under its jurisdiction, should be informed well in time about "the movements/visits of Kanhaiya Kumar outside the campus, including nature of visit and travel mode so that necessary security/preventive measures may be taken to prevent any untoward incident".

A police source said that the move comes in view of the court's directive after the attack on Kanhaiya Kumar at Patiala House court complex on February 17, which said police must ensure that none of the students arrested in connection with the sedition case suffer even a scratch.

Soon after his release on Thursday evening, Kanhaiya made a fiery speech on JNU campus saying he wanted 'azadi in India and not azadi from India'.

"I am a student and not a politician. The citizens of this country have not voted for me, it is the students of JNU who have voted for me. I am a student leader of this university and will always fight for students' rights," he said when asked about his political plans.

Explaining the difference between treason and being anti-government, he said that no one in the university can ever be anti-national. "Our constitution talks about equality, brotherhood and nationalism. There is a difference between desh droh (anti-national) and rajdroh (sedition). We want to convey this to everyone that no one in JNU can ever be anti-national," Kanhaiya said during an exclusive interview with India Today's Consulting Editor Rajdeep Sardesai.

ALSO READ



Exclusive: People will decide whether I should contest elections or not, says Kanhaiya Kumar



Kanhaiya Kumar to speak at Student Assembly Against Fascism event by AISF in Kerala

Kanhaiya Kumar's azadi speech at JNU: 10 best quotesTwitter reacts to Kanhaiya Kumar's 'free speech' at JNU


The state government had undertaken a survey to identify foreigners, who were staying in Karnataka, without a valid visa. This survey was prompted by the attack on African students last month in Bengaluru.

By Aravind Gowda: Karnataka has deported 253 foreigners, who were staying illegally in the state, in the last one month.

The government had undertaken a survey to identify foreigners, who were staying in Karnataka, without a valid visa. This survey was prompted by the attack on African students last month in Bengaluru.

"Of the 23,708 foreign nationals in Karnataka, the visa of 1,156 has expired. We are deporting them in batches. We are working in coordination with the FRRO and the Union government," Karnataka's Home Minister G Parameshwara informed the Legislative Council.

advertisement

ALSO READ:

Tanzanian student stripped, assaulted by locals in Bengaluru



--- ENDS ---
From a hijacking to an alien abduction, countless theories have arisen about the fate of the Malaysian airliner that disappeared nearly two years ago.

From a hijacking to an alien abduction, countless theories have arisen about the fate of the Malaysian airliner that disappeared nearly two years ago.

By AP: From a hijacking to an alien abduction, countless theories have arisen about the fate of the Malaysian airliner that disappeared nearly two years ago.

With search crews just months away from finishing their thus-far fruitless sweep of a remote stretch of seabed where Flight 370 is believed to have crashed, officials appear no closer to solving one of the most mind-boggling mysteries of modern times. That stubborn lack of resolution has only increased speculation about what might have happened to the Boeing 777 after it vanished with 239 people on board on March 8, 2014. Some believe officials are simply looking in the wrong part of the Indian Ocean, while social media sites are peppered with comments suggesting they're looking on the wrong planet: "MH370 was abducted by aliens," reads a typical tweet.

advertisement

"We knew this was a very high-profile, publicized event and because it was such a great mystery, there was going to be a lot of scrutiny," says the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's chief commissioner Martin Dolan, who is leading the search for the plane far off Australia's west coast. "We are always open to informed criticism. What we find a bit more difficult is when occasionally people criticize us on the basis of a misunderstanding or a misrepresentation of what we're doing or saying."

Here's a look at a few of the theories that investigators have considered but view as unlikely:

THE PLANE WENT NORTH INSTEAD OF SOUTH

After veering off-course shortly after takeoff on its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, officials believe the plane flew south on a straight path into the abyss of the southern Indian Ocean. They arrived at that conclusion after analyzing exchanges between the plane's engine and a satellite. But some people insist the plane instead flew north into Asia, and that the satellite data indicating otherwise was tampered with.

Dolan dismisses that theory, noting that British satellite company Inmarsat, which provided the satellite data to investigators, is a widely respected company with a solid track record. There's no reason to doubt their data, he says.

"Those sorts of theories just seem to over complicate what's going on here," Dolan says. "We think that had any data been manipulated, there would have been a trace of it."

Beyond that, a wing part from the plane washed ashore on Reunion Island in the western Indian Ocean in July, effectively eliminating the possibility that the rest of the plane ended up in the Northern Hemisphere. That said, a few people have suggested the wing flap was planted on the island by terrorists.

IT WENT WEST TO THE MALDIVES

Some argue the plane must have traveled west to the remote Indian Ocean island nation of the Maldives after early reports emerged of locals spotting a low-flying plane in the area around the time Flight 370 vanished.

The military in the Maldives told Malaysia that those reports of sightings turned out to be false. Last year, Malaysian investigators traveled to the Maldives to examine possible debris that had washed ashore, but it was determined to be unrelated to Flight 370.

Former Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss has said that while the plane may have had enough fuel to reach the islands, it wasn't detected by air traffic control or any other local authority. The flight path to the Maldives is also inconsistent with investigators' satellite and radar data.

"It is not considered a likely possibility," Truss said last year.

IT WAS SHOT DOWN

One of the earliest theories suggested the plane was headed toward Diego Garcia, a British atoll in the Indian Ocean where the U.S. has a military base. The former head of the now-defunct Proteus Airlines, Marc Dugain, voiced his own theory that U.S. military, fearing a Sept. 11-style attack, may have shot down the plane as it approached the atoll. The U.S. has denied the aircraft came anywhere near Diego Garcia.

IT WAS HIJACKED BY PASSENGERS

Immediately after the plane disappeared, many speculated that one or more passengers hijacked the plane. This theory gained traction after it was discovered that two Iranians on board were traveling on stolen passports. Investigators cleared the two after finding nothing linking them to terror groups; it is believed they were trying to illegally immigrate to Europe. Police scrutinized the backgrounds of every passenger on the plane - but nothing suspicious was found.

Also read:

advertisement

Families of missing MH370 passengers sue airline as deadline nears

Australian transport chief says debris find consistent with MH370 modelling

Mozambique plane debris believed to be from MH370, says Malaysia minister


By India Today Travel Plus: Formerly a city of kings, Pune has something for everyone. Be it a student, traveller or an adventure junkie, there is always something to do here. To a health enthusiast, it was the first city to have a cycle-lane, and still does. To the film buffs, it was where V. Shantaram shot his first film and is home to National Film Archive of India, and of course the Film & Television Institute of India--both living museums of the craft and commerce of cinema. For the history buff, it is littered with monuments and forts (but unfortunately, no heritage walks). For the retail therapist, there is the Hong Kong lane to buy cheap stuff and Laxmi Road for traditional offerings. Though there is nothing to do, there is always plenty to do in Pune.



Day 1

BE SPIRITUAL: Pune got lucky in the geographical lottery. It has great weather and its serpentine lanes are a lovely place to aimlessly walk around. But Pune has something for those with a plan too. For the religious, Pune is home to Dagdu Halwai's Ganpati. Considered one of the most auspicious anywhere in India, this Ganpati sees lakhs of devotees line up every day for a glimpse. During the famous Ganesh Chaturthi festival, the 10 days see more than 3 million people visit the Ganpati. The fanfare and folklore attached to it make it a complete journey by itself.

advertisement

Day 2

BE ACTIVE: For trekkers, Pune is the perfect pad to start. Its close proximity to Raigad, Rajmachi, Khodala and Bhivpuri allow trekkers to try their knees at any of these treks, ranging from easy to intermediate. As for the romantics, Pune is a few hours away from Maharashtra's finest hill stations Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Khandala, Panhala, Panchgani, Malshej Ghats and Matheran. Idyllic, green and serene, they are perfect for a couple at any stage of their relationship: To woo, to do or to rue. For the adrenaline aficionado, head to amby valley--India's only destination to indulge in some skydiving, zorbing and other seemingly bizarre activities that adventure enthusiasts keep on their to-do list. Of course, there is Lavasa, Maharashtra's very own European-style town to wander in too.



Day 3

BE A FOODIE: Explore more than 100-year-old haunts--from Good Luck Caf (the caramel custard melts in your mouth and hence your heart) to Vaishali, which has cutlets to die for! The city is a runway to the Prince of Chilly (the king being the Naga Chilly)--Kolhapur. If you are up for mouth-watering and eye-watering food, head to Kolhapur and bite into the mutton keema, fried chicken, goli pulaav, misal paav and kat vada.

Day 4

BE BY THE SEA: Finally, end your week with Maharashtra's best kept secret--the beaches near Pune. A few hours away are some of west coast's finest beaches, Harihareshwar, Bhandardhara, Sriwardhan, Kihim, to name a few. Clean beaches with tranquil waters and non-greedy locals, each of these little beach towns still measure time with sunrises and sunsets. A weekend trip to any of these is the perfect antidote to civilisation.
The Allahabad University students union president has accused the institution's administration of harassing her.

By India Today Web Desk: After JNU, IIMC and Hyderabad Central University, a new controversy is brewing at the Allahabad University. The university's students union president has accused the institution's administration of harassing her.

Richa Singh, the first woman president of Allahabad University Students' Union, said that one of the top administrators has been questioning the validity of her admission ever since she raised certain issues. The OSD of the university has raised questions over her admission.

advertisement

According to media reports, an inquiry was conducted against Richa following allegations that she got admission in the university on a reserved seat.

Richa, who won the union election as an independent candidate, has also claimed that eversince she opposed Bharatiya Janata Party MP Yogi Adityanath's programme in the university premises, she is being targeted by the university administration and others.

The student leader accused the university administration of cementing a background to cancel her admission and throw her out of institution.

Meanwhile, the Allahabad University administration has ordered a fresh enquiry into the issue and a report is awaited. The Vice Chancellor couldn't be reached for his stance over the issue.

ALSO READ

Kanhaiya Kumar to speak at Student Assembly Against Fascism event by AISF in Kerala

Cut off Kanhaiya Kumar's tongue, take Rs 5 lakh prize from me, says BJP youth wing leader

--- ENDS ---
Justice Rohinton Nariman, son of eminent jurist and senior lawyer Fali S Nariman, said he is a victim of the recurring phenomenon despite his home being near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Race Course Road official residence.

By Harish V Nair: It's not just the aam admi, even judges of the Supreme Court are suffering from call drops, a blot in India's much-lauded telecom revolution.

Justice Rohinton Nariman, son of eminent jurist and senior lawyer Fali S Nariman, said he is a victim of the recurring phenomenon despite his home being near Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Race Course Road official residence. The emphasis being that if this was the situation in an area where the PM resides, the plight of people in far-flung areas is worse.

"I stay near the PM's house and even then I suffer from call drops," Justice Nariman said during the hearing of an appeal by Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), a body of Unified Telecom Service Providers and 21 telecom operators, including Vodafone, Airtel and Reliance, against the February 29 order of the Delhi HC. The order upheld Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's decision making it mandatory for them to compensate subscribers for call drops from January 1, 2016.

advertisement

TRAI made it mandatory for telcos to pay consumers Rs 1 per call drop, subject to a cap of Rs 3 a day.

Though senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, representing telcos, urged for staying the HC order, the SC refused it saying: "Prima facie we do not find anything ultra virus (beyond one's legal power or authority) in the decision of the high court. If call drop fault is on your (telecos) part, you will have to pay for it."

India, the world's secondlargest mobile user market after China, is adding millions of new mobile users each quarter and the country's active subscriber base of 869 million is fast closing in on a billion. Telcos, however, have been unable to ramp up infrastructure and technology to keep pace.

Saying that it will "examine" COAI's appeal, the bench comprising justices Kurian Joseph and Nariman issued notice to the Centre, TRAI and others, directing them to file their response before next week.

Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi opposed the telcos' plea, saying the HC has rightly upheld TRAI's decision.

"I also oppose their (operators') request for no coercive steps as the decision was in the consumer's interest. Therefore, we succeeded before the high court," the AG submitted.

Refusing to stay the TRAI notification, the Delhi HC had said the telecom regulator is at liberty to implement its decision January 1, 2016 onwards.

HC had said the norm was made by TRAI keeping in mind the paramount interest of the user. The telcos had moved the HC seeking quashing of TRAI's regulation contending that it was a knee-jerk reaction which penalised them without proving any wrong-doing. The operators had termed the regulation as "arbitrary and whimsical" contending that providing compensation to consumers amounted to interfering with companies' tariff structure which could be done only by order, not regulation.

What they said



Supreme Court: Prima facie we do not find anything ultra virus (beyond one's legal power or authority) in the decision of the high court. If the call drop fault is on your (telcos) part, you will have to pay for it.



Cellular operators: Order for call drop compensation is a knee-jerk reaction, which penalised us without proving any wrong-doing.



Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi for centre: I oppose their (cellular operators) request for no coercive steps as the decision was in the consumers' interest.

ALSO READ



No relief for telcos in call drop

TRAI to ensure that telcos pay for call drops


In a series of tweets today, Swaraj said that the ministry's camp office in Djibouti is trying to ascertain the whereabouts of Father Tom Uzhunnalil and secure his release.

On Friday, Sushma Swaraj had urged all Indians living in the 'danger zones' to return to India. Photo: PTI

By India Today Web Desk: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said that Indian embassy in Yemen has been closed after Operation Rahat and the search for abducted Indian priest still continues.

According to family sources, Father Tom Uzhunnalil (57), belonging to Bangalore province of Don Bosco Congregation, had gone missing at Aden in Yemen and continues to be untraceable.

The development comes a day after an old-age home, run by Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity in the Yemeni port of Aden, was attacked by four gunmen on Friday. At least, 15 people were killed, including 4 nuns from India, in the attack.

Following the incident, Sushma Swaraj had urged all Indians living in the 'danger zones' to return to India. She also said that the four nuns stayed back in Yemen despite the government advisories.

advertisement

In a series of tweets today, Swaraj said that the ministry's camp office in Djibouti is trying to ascertain the whereabouts of Father Tom Uzhunnalil and secure his release.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil - an Indian national has been abducted by terrorists in Yemen./1 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 5, 2016

We closed Indian Embassy in Yemen after Operation RAHAT was over. /2 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 5, 2016

However, our Camp office in Djibouti is trying to ascertain the whereabouts of Father Tom Uzhunnalil so that we can secure his release./3 Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 5, 2016

Also read:

Old people's home in Yemen attacked, 15 including 4 Indian nuns killed



4 Indian nuns killed in Yemen, Sushma urges 'trapped' Indians to return
Instructed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "explain" the budget provisions to the people, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar clarified that figures conceal the real picture. The defence budget for 2016-17 stood at Rs 3.41 lakh crore which is 17.23 per cent of the overall expenditure.

By Mail Today: Statistics can give conflicting picture, said Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday allaying apprehensions that spending on the modernisation of armed forces had shrunk.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's budget omitted any reference to defence and the numbers mentioned in the accompanying documents reflected only a marginal hike.

Instructed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "explain" the budget provisions to the people, Parrikar clarified that figures conceal the real picture.

advertisement

In broad terms, the defence budget for 2016-17 stood at Rs 3.41 lakh crore which is 17.23 per cent of the overall expenditure.

The defence pension will consume Rs 82,000 crore and Rs 78,000 crore has been kept for acquisitions to augment the fighting capacity of the forces. After paying the committed liabilities for the contracts signed earlier, Rs 12,000 crore will be left for the new deals in the offing.

Parrikar said that adequate funds are available for new contracts including the much anticipated purchase of 36 French Rafale fighter jets negotiations for which were underway.

The acquisition funds for last year could not be exhausted and the minister attributed this to an ingenious way evolved by the ministry to make use of available money.

The NDA government has finalised purchases worth Rs 1.20 lakh crore ever since it came to power and around one lakh crore is in the pipeline.

Several measures have been taken to rationalise expenses. On asked if the government has any alternative plan in mind if the purchase of French Rafale fighter jets did not fructify, the minister said the government will take a call once that stage reaches. Parrikar said he was a tough bargainer and would save the money for the country.

ALSO READ



Defence sector now open to private players, MoS Defence Rao Inderjit Singh



Budget 2016: Need for greater defence revenue

Union Budget 2016: Arun Jaitley's 9 pillars to transform India

No food licences for defence canteens



--- ENDS ---
Parrikar, who had put the corpus figure at about USD 3 billion, countered reports that the ministry has failed to utilise about Rs 11,000 crore from the capital budget of 2015-16. He said the country has actually saved money.

By Press Trust of India: The Indian government has "recalibrated" the management of an account, which was used to pay money to the US under Foreign Military Sales route, after a review showed that nearly USD 2.3 billion had piled up without earning any interest, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said.

The minister also said that the Defence Budget for the next fiscal, "nearly Rs 2.59 lakh crore" sans the pension allocation, was adequate and as per the ministry's requirement.

India and the US have now fine tuned the FMS procedure whereby rather than raising bills case-wise every quarter, all the funds against various cases have been pooled together in a corpus.

The corpus had been created in September last year, defence sources said.

A statement released by the ministry said that as and when funds are required to be paid per case, fullfilment of contractual liabilities, the said amount is being withdrawn from the corpus.

advertisement

"Consequent to this creation of the corpus in consultation with the US government, no payments have been made in the last two quarters of the financial year 2015-16, against cases which necessitated payments, against the said contracts.

"Instead, payment is being effected from the corpus of 2.3 billion US dollars. It is hoped that no payments shall be required to be made till the amount of 2.3 billion US dollars is depleted and there is a necessity for us to replenish certain amount as required," the ministry said.

It said that this has happened through "scrupulous and holistic financial management".

Consequently, while the US government will continue to meet their contractual obligations, there will be no additional burden on the Indian government on this account.

It enables utilisation of scarce funds on other projects and hedges the country against adverse exchange rates, the ministry said.

Earlier in the day, Parrikar, who had put the corpus figure at about USD 3 billion, countered reports that the ministry has failed to utilise about Rs 11,000 crore from the capital budget of 2015-16. He said the country has actually saved money.

He said that even though the provision of capital acquisition in the budget was around Rs 77,000 crore, the actual anticipated spending will be around Rs 66,000 crore.

"We have taken measures by which Rs 11,000 crore saving appears there," Parrikar said, briefing reporters about the defence budget for the next fiscal.

The minister said this was the "first time" that Defence Ministry took stock of Foreign Military Sales under which defence equipment is bought from the US via a government-to- government route.

"We pay to the government in an account which is held by the US or managed by the government of US from where the payments, as per the contract, is made to private companies.

"Unluckily, because of ill management or lack of attention to the provision of this account, we had slightly less than USD 3 billion dollars (USD 2.3 bn) which had piled up in this account and was not earning any interest," Parrikar said.

He added that somewhere around May and June last year, the ministry held a "review" and realised that "unnecessarily money is lying with the US government without appropriate contractual obligation being carried out".

"And we are transferring the money without actually taking stock of the balance. So, it was a government of India account with the American government for FMS. I am happy to tell you that we have recalibrated the full management of the account," he said.

Parrikar said the amount in the account has now come down to around "USD 1.7-1.8 billion". Explaining how so much money got accumulated, he said the money is sent in stages as per the contract schedule.

"At times, for some reason the schedule gets disturbed. Sometimes, the amount is calibrated based on rough calculations and the actual expenditure is slightly less. Sometimes, it goes up but most of the time it is less. In nutshell, money got accumulated, disbursal was less. There was a delay in payment and we are now using it for clearing," he said.

Parrikar said that last year, the ministry paid about Rs 5,000-6,000 crore from this fund for the country's committed liability for supply against the US government's direct military sales route.

"Money has been paid, but the government is saving from its budget Rs 5,000-6,000 crore which we paid. We have saved USD 700-800 million precious foreign exchange that has been utilised from the fund which was lying there because of lack of management. We have now started managing it," he said.

advertisement

Parrikar said that even though an expenditure was incurred, money did not leave its coffers.

"The money was already in someone else's pocket. We have only asked him to pay on our behalf," he said, adding that another Rs 2,000-3,000 crore was saved because the ministry is now strictly monitoring staged payment clauses.

"We are not allowing it to be loosely paid even to defence PSUs. So, these payments of committed liability have slipped," he said.

Talking about the budget for the next fiscal, he said there is Rs 70,000 crore for defence acquisition even though the actual capital budget is over Rs 86,000 crore. The spending through the capital route is over a period of time, he said.

As per new contracts being signed, nearly 10-15 per cent of the amount has to be paid at the onset, he added.

Parrikar explained that for the nearly Rs 1.20 lakh crore worth of contracts signed since the NDA government took over, it would have paid a maximum of Rs 17,000 crore.

advertisement

"Acquisition funds provided is as per calibrated purchases which are going to be done. For the first time in Defence Ministry, we have carried out an extensive review of the next 10 years' cash flow position vis-a-vis the requirement of the military," he said.

Replying to a query on the Mountain Strike Corps, which was cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in September, 2013, Parrikar said, "Whatever arrangements need to be made, have been done."

Asked about large sums to be spent on salaries and pensions in the wake of the expected decision on the Seventh Pay Commission, Parrikar said the "expenditure is inevitable".

He added that the government was keen on rationalising the strength of the army through a process undertaken by the force itself.

"We have asked army to undertake the exercise," he said.

Parrikar said another way of cutting down expenditure was to use simulators for training pilots and drivers.

ALSO READ:

Manohar Parrikar seeks report from Army chief over semi-nude exam in Bihar

Government is reviewing all aspects of OROP: Manohar Parrikar




Speaking on government formation in the state, the PDP president said she is not afraid of criticism for allying with BJP and she is not adamant on the precondition that the Centre first initiate confidence-building measures to create a congenial atmosphere for its functioning.

By India Today Web Desk: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Friday softened her stand over government formation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The state has been under Governor's Rule since January 7 after then chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away.

Speaking on government formation in the state, the PDP president said she is not afraid of criticism for allying with BJP and she is not adamant on the precondition that the Centre first initiate confidence-building measures to create a congenial atmosphere for its functioning.

"Mein jiddi nahin hoon. Agar mujhe laghta hai ki central government riyasat ki behtari ke liye kaam kar raha hai to mujhe sarkar bananey mein koi objection nahin hai (I am not a stubborn person, if it is for welfare of the state then surely Government will be formed)," she told party workers after launching a membership drive in Jammu.

advertisement

"Mufti Sahab ne jis maqsad k liye bada faisla kiya,agar maqsad poora hua to koi diqqat nhi ki log BJP ke saath jane pe kya kahenge," she added.

Earlier, Mehbooba had added conditions for the realliance with BJP as she said Jammu and Kashmir should become the bridge for India and Pakistan's friendship.

According to reports, BJP General Secretary Ram Madhav had flown to Srinagar and held talks with the PDP chief after which he had said that "both parties are positive" on continuing with the arrangement.

ALSO READ:

Mehbooba Mufti hints at conditions for realliance with BJP

Only time can tell: Mehbooba on government formation in J&K

Hope floats in J&K as Ram Madhav meets Mehbooba Mufti




A five-year-old deaf and mute Pakistan girl, who inadvertently crossed over into the Indian territory in Punjab's Abohar sector, was handed over to the Pakistani Rangers by Border Security Force (BSF) today.

By India Today Web Desk: A five-year-old deaf and mute Pakistan girl, who inadvertently crossed over into the Indian territory in Punjab's Abohar sector, was handed over to the Pakistani Rangers by Border Security Force (BSF) today.

This came after the BSF jawans found the girl in Natha Singh Wala Border Outpost area along the international border.

"At about 10.30 am, BSF troops of border outpost Natha Singh Wala, Abohar sector, apprehended a girl while she inadvertently crossed International Boundary, entered inside Indian territory and reached near border security fence," said BSF DIG RS Kataria.

"During questioning, the Pakistan girl was found to be deaf and dumb since could not reveal her name. She inadvertently came inside the Indian territory and was apprehended by alert BSF troopers. Pakistan Rangers were contacted and the girl was handed over to them at 2 pm on humanitarian grounds," he added.

advertisement

According to Inspector General of BSF, Punjab Frontier, Anil Paliwal, it was only during the course of investigation that the BSF personnel found that the girl was mute and deaf. The girl failed to respond to any of the BSF's queries.

Also read: Intelligence Bureau warns Gujarat about possible infiltration bid




BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday praised the speech of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar after his release from prison.

The actor-turned politician even praised Kanhaiya's speech after his release from prison.

By India Today Web Desk: BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha today supported JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, who is facing sedition charges for raising anti-national slogans in JNU campus on the death anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

In an apparent variance with his party's stance over the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) row, the actor-turned politician even praised Kanhaiya's speech after his release from prison.

advertisement

"Happy about the granting of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison," Sinha said in a tweet.

"Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," he said in another tweet.

He said he spoke in favour of Kanhaiya because he did not find the young man speaking anything against the country and also because he was a native of Bihar.

"Bihar is my strength and Bihar is also my weakness," Sinha added.



Unlike most of his party leaders, Sinha said there was nothing wrong if Kanhaiya demanded azadi (freedom) from poverty, casteism, hunger besides his stand on freedom of expression under the rights provided by the constitution.

Sinha said he heard that several top leaders, including Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, have lauded Kanhaiya and his speech.

ALSO READ | Stop commenting on Kanhaiya, nobody takes you seriously: Bihar BJP MP to Shatrughan Sinha

JNU row: Shatrughan slams BJP, says Kanhaiya did nothing anti-national



--- ENDS ---
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked his Cabinet colleague to rollback the tax proposal. Modi's reported directive to Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has come after a massive uproar over the proposed 60 per cent tax on EPF withdrawal.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to reconsider the amendments made in the Budget under which Employees Provident Fund withdrawal will be taxed. According to sources, PM Modi has asked his Cabinet colleague to rollback the tax proposal.

Modi's reported directive to Jaitley has come after a massive uproar over the proposed 60 per cent tax on EPF withdrawal.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has in his Budget for 2016-17 proposed taxing 60 per cent of withdrawals from the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) on contributions to be made after April 1, unless the sum is reinvested in pension product such as an annuity.

A top finance ministry official had said on Thursday that the government will notify categories of employees who will be excluded from the controversial tax proposal on provident fund withdrawals.

advertisement

The excluded employees would primarily be the ones drawing statutory wages of up to Rs 15,000 per month. Following a backlash from employees union and political parties, Jaitley has already signalled willingness to reconsider the proposal.

ALSO READ:

Govt to notify categories of employees exempt from EPF tax

Service tax of Rs 20-25 won't hurt middle-class, says Power Minister Piyush Goyal


President Pranab Mukherjee today while addressing a national conference of women legislators emphasised on the need to give appropriate representation to women in parliament and state legislatures.

By India Today Web Desk: President Pranab Mukherjee today while addressing a national conference of women legislators emphasised on the need of giving appropriate representation to women in parliament and state legislatures.

"It's unfortunate (for the country) for not being able to ensure 33 percent representation of women in parliament," Mukherjee said.

The national conference, titled 'Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India', had three sessions- contributing to social development, contributing to economic development, and contributing to better governance and legislation.

Mukherjee praised Modi for working towards women empowerment."I thank prime minister for 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (save girl child, educate girl child) programme," said Mukherjee.

He also asserted that giving women their due representation in the parliament and state legislatures will promote women empowerment. "How can there a be empowerment of women without proper representation," the president added.

advertisement

ALSO READ:

Budget Session 2016: Democratic temper calls for debate, discussion not disruption: President Pranab Mukherjee




We're quite certain you didn't know these things about her...

By Somya Abrol: This girl's been making waves, and how! Not only has she got the Indian media buzzing, with back-to-back movies like Bajirao Mastani and Gangajal, she's also taken over Hollywood newsprint with her role--that of Alex Parish--in the ongoing FBI drama series, Quantico, AND her stint in the upcoming movie, Baywatch (which also starts David Hasselhoff in a cameo, BTW).

advertisement

After owning the red carpet at the 2016 Academy Awards recently, Priyanka decided to make an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. How she manages to balance all this work, we seriously fail to understand!

Anyway, her 7-minute stint on Fallon's show obviously left us wanting more, but also gave us a sneak-peek into a little Priyanka Chopra trivia. And unless you've been a crazy stalker, we're sure you didn't know these 5 things about PeeCee either!

1) She went to school in Queens, New York



That's right. She moved to New York when she was 12, went to school at Robert F Kennedy High School, Queens, and returned to India when she turned 17.

2) PeeCee started shooting for Baywatch the morning after Oscars' after-party

On the show, Priyanka went on to reveal that right after she got out of the Vanity Fair party-which was held after the Academy Awards-she left for Miami to shoot for Baywatch. PeeCee changed out of her lovely gown and into her rugged jeans while on the move!

3) She hadn't walked the ramp even once before enrolling herself in Miss India

"When I returned to India after high school, my mom thought I'd grown up to be a beautiful girl so she entered my name in the Miss India pageant, which I just happened to win!"

4) Ms Chopra can handle spice like a boss!

And to demonstrate the same, she challenged the show's host, Jimmy Fallon, to a hot chicken wings eating contest! "I'm Indian, we're all about the spice," said PeeCee, before commencing the challenge. And well, she went on to eat three hot wings in 20 seconds, while Fallon could just about manage one!

PS: Both of them decided to pour some Tabasco sauce on the already-hot wings!

5) She sure loves her hotdogs!

And she likes them with pretty much everything on top-relish, mustard, ketchup-everything!



--- ENDS ---
The Modi government is likely to defer the proposal of provident fund tax introduced in the Union Budget.

By Rahul Kanwal: In a major relief to the aam aadmi, the Modi government is likely to defer the proposal of provident fund tax introduced in the Union Budget.

Highly placed sources in the government have told India Today Television that the prime minister is in favour of a detailed examination and deferment of the provident fund tax.

The announcement is likely to be made by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on the floor of the House when Parliament convenes next week.

advertisement

The prime minister has taken into account all the feedback from the middle class people after the announcement of the tax on provident fund withdrawals. The decision will be positioned as a deferment and not termed as rollback.

The development comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already asked Finance Minister Jaitley to reconsider the amendments made in the Budget under which Employees Provident Fund withdrawal will be taxed. PM Modi has even asked his Cabinet colleague to rollback the tax proposal.

Modi's reported directive to Jaitley has come after a massive uproar over the proposed 60 per cent tax on EPF withdrawal.

Jaitley has in his Budget for 2016-17 proposed taxing 60 per cent of withdrawals from the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) on contributions to be made after April 1, unless the sum is reinvested in pension product such as an annuity.

A top finance ministry official had said on Thursday that the government will notify categories of employees who will be excluded from the controversial tax proposal on provident fund withdrawals.

The excluded employees would primarily be the ones drawing statutory wages of up to Rs 15,000 per month. Following a backlash from employees union and political parties, Jaitley has already signalled willingness to reconsider the proposal.



PM asks Jaitley to reconsider taxing EPF withdrawal



ALSO READ | Budget rollback: PPF remains tax exempt, EPF interest to be taxed



--- ENDS ---
With her sister Sonam Kapoor in tow, this younger Kapoor has changed the face of celebrity fashion as we know it and has made Indian fashion scene a more fun place to be at.

By Hemul Goel: It's fair to say that Rhea Kapoor hit the fashion scene of our country like a wrecking ball. She's made sure her sister, Bollywood actress and style maven Sonam Kapoor, became the talk of the town with the style statements she made at the Cannes Film Festival. A nath with an Anamika Khanna saree, a nude and white dare-to-bare Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla blouse or her yellow frou frou Elie Saab gown that was compared to the Big Bird--Sonam set tongues wagging in her favour, landing her a spot in various best-dressed lists because of her risk-taking, and the credit goes to...Rhea Kapoor.

advertisement

At 21, Rhea produced Aisha, a movie regarded as a flop cinematically, but one that still fails to take the tumble when one thinks about a movie that celebrates the idea of style with such grandeur. It continues to make girls' hearts skip a beat, right from the scene when Sonam opens her L'Oreal makeup box, to reveal a plethora of makeup, to her shopping expenditures. Bringing in the keen-eyed Pernia Qureshi (now a successful entrepreneur who own Pernia's Pop-up Shop) to style the looks, and Dubai-based designer Ayesha Depala to design Sonam's looks, Aisha managed to achieve a cult status among the fashionably inclined crowd.

Try Googling 'Khoobsurat Sonam Kapoor' and the suggestions you'd see would be to the tune of 'Khoobsurat Sonam Kapoor dresses'. Trust the film's producer, Rhea Kapoor's, penchant for all things beautiful to hire Karuna Laungani who created the comfortably clashing looks that inspired scores of women in the country.

Picture courtesy: Instagram/Rhea Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor has always been the most (and we daresay best) dressed girl in any room, and it's thanks to her sister Rhea, who plays her stylist and probably zeroes down on the minutest of details for her look, till they fall in perfect symphony. However, besides making Sonam Kapoor a household name when one thinks about fashionistas in the Indian scene, Rhea swept the culture of casual dressing under the carpet, forcing members of the film fraternity to not only take notice but also take their own appearances a notch up. She started the culture of highly stylised appearances, curated with the help of an expert stylist accompanied with fancy hairstyling and the perfect makeup.

Fashion students aware about a career in styling for ages could actually point a finger at stylists like Tanya Ghavri, Ami Patel among others and explain to their parents exactly what they wanted to do in their lives, all thanks to Rhea Kapoor.

Instead of forcing Sonam to wear her nationality in a bland manner every time she made an appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Rhea let Sonam flaunt the best of Haute Couture and at the same time used statement sarees by Anamika Khanna and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla to give the world an update about the evolution of Indian fashion.

advertisement

At home ground, she continues her run of fearless fashion. Sometimes, she'll dress Sonam all androgynous, others times, she'll let her be the girliest girl in the room--the kinds who could give candy floss a run for its money. But an important insight that probably goes out to all of use is that she teaches us to own whatever we want to be!

In an interview with DNA, she confirmed just that, "Fashion allows you to explore different parts of yourself--whether I am feeling androgynous today or slutty today. As a girl you should be able to be what you want and fashion gives you that power."

Picture courtesy: Instagram/Rhea Kapoor

And as one of the best in her field in a country where fashion is still influenced by Bollywood, and Sonam reigns as the supreme queen, Rhea was quietly democratising access and giving smaller labels a more even playing field. When the big guns of Bollywood were too busy wearing outfits by a few established names, Rhea Kapoor started giving new and upcoming labels a boost by letting her sister don their ensembles.

advertisement

With the increasing power of social media in our lives, we all know the traction a celebrity appearance can get for a label, and if the label in question is a small player, getting someone like Sonam Kapoor to wear something from your brand is equal to giving everyone a fair start to the race.

Gone are the times when small brands would have to wait for ages to get a celebrity endorsement. A Rashmi Varma, a p.e.l.l.a, or a Bhaavya Bhatnager can all dream of being spotted on Sonam Kapoor just like a Dior or a Ralph & Russo. You didn't need to be a Goliath to get noticed. Being a David could get you acclaim too, at least in the world Rhea Kapoor lives in, that's very much a possibility.



--- ENDS ---
A decision has been taken by the top brass of the Delhi Police that there should be no delay in approving leaves for officials on occasions like their wedding anniversaries and birthdays of their children.

By Ankur Sharma: An alarming rise in suicides amongst Delhi Police officials has shaken the top brass to the core. With complaints of high stress levels among cops, the Delhi Police has decided to become more liberal while sanctioning leaves to its personnel. A decision has been taken that there should be no delay in approving leaves for officials on occasions like their wedding anniversaries and birthdays of their children.

advertisement

According to a senior officers, in the past few months, there have been cases where policemen have committed suicide due to stress. Two officers of the Delhi Police committed suicide in the last two months triggering the need to have a lenient view on the leave policy.

High stress

Last month, a 45-year-old Delhi Police sub inspector posted with the ATS, allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself at his residence in Greater Noida at 1 am. Family members of the deceased, identified as Yash Pal Singh, claim that he was under depression due to work pressure. Yash Pal was posted at the Kalkaji area in south-east Delhi.

"Recently, a sub-inspector committed suicide due to stress and work pressure. On Friday, Special CP welfare issued a circular regarding the rising stress levels in the force. It was noticed that seniors didn't approve leave of juniors even for special functions. We are hopeful that junior staff will get leaves at least on special occasions," a police officer said. The order came into force after Pankaj Kumar Singh, Additional DCP (Outer district) issued an order for his district asking officials not to deny leaves to juniors unnecessarily.

Job perils

"Policing is a job, which demands not only physical alertness but also deep application of mental faculties. The levels of stress in policemen are resultantly observed to be very high. The absence from various social/family functions heightens their stress levels and deteriorates situations. It is therefore directed that all the police personnel working at police stations may be given leave/off on the days of their marriage anniversary and birthdays of their children," Pankaj Singh said in his letter.

Appreciating the efforts of the Additional DCP, Delhi Police welfare department also issued a letter to all units asking them to implement the same circular. "The DCP of a district has way in strengthening team spirit and bonding among members.

The same may, as far as possible, be replicated in other districts/units," S Vasudeva Rao, Special Commissioner, Welfare, said in his letter on Friday.

Blood trail



February: A 45-yrold sub-inspector committed suicide at his residence. Family claims he was depressed due to work pressure. ?

January: 33-yr-old sub-inspector committed suicide after shooting a 28-yr-old woman dead in Dwarka. Cops said Vijendra Kumar was n?ot happy with his marriage. ?

November, 2015: 30-yr-old ACP allegedly shot himself in Noida sector 100 & wife also attempted suicide by jumping off their fourth-floor balcony.

advertisement

Also Read:

Ex-Armyman commits suicide outside Haryana Secretariat, says police repeatedly raped his minor daughter



Hyderabad Wipro employee, suffering from depression, commits suicide

Thane man kills 14 family members, including 7 children, then commits suicide

--- ENDS ---
The Union minister said that it was unfortunate to see the Opposition backing Afzal Guru supporters.

By India Today Web Desk: HRD Smriti Irani today lashed out at the Opposition leaders for extending their support to the JNU students accused of raising anti-national slogans in the campus.

Addressing a group of BJP's youth wing in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, the Union minister said that it was unfortunate to see the Opposition backing Afzal Guru supporters.

"It is quite unfortunate that some political leaders have shown their support to those raising anti-national slogans and also to terrorists like Afzal Guru, Maqbool Bhat and Yakub Memon... All this in the name of right to free speech and expression," Smriti Irani said.

advertisement

Stepping up her attack on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, the Union minister said there is a politician, who has remained an MP, since the last ten years all because of his mother's blessings but has not been able to show any progress in his constituency. Taking a subtle dig at the Gandhi scion, she even said that a leader, who is approaching 50, calls himself a youth icon.

"There is a politician who has remained an MP since the last ten years because of his mother's blessings. However, he has been unable to show any progress on the work front in his Lok Sabha constituency," she said.

"A leader who is nearly approaching 50, calls himself a youth leader," she added.

This is not the first time when Smriti Irani has attacked the Congress leader. In a 50-minute speech in the Lok Sabha last week, she attacked Rahul Gandhi saying the Congress vice-president saw political opportunity in the suicide case of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula. She also said that she had been targeted by the Congress because of her work in Rahul Gandhi's constituency Amethi.

Earlier during the day, BJP president Amit Shah also launched a scathing attack on Rahul Gandhi and his party for backing "anti-nationals" amid the JNU controversy. Shah said Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed of supporting anti-national elements.

The NDA has been facing severe criticism over its handling of the JNU incident and the attack on students and journalist in the aftermath of the arrest of student leader Kanhaiya Kumar.

Watch: BJP leaders hit out at Oppn, say it's unfortunate that they are backing anti-nationals



Also read:

Amit Shah on JNU row: Rahul Gandhi, Congress should be ashamed of backing anti-nationals



Modi has launched fair and lovely scheme for thieves, says Rahul in Assam



Opposition ups the ante against Smriti Irani





--- ENDS ---
Smriti Irani who was returning to Delhi from a meeting of the BJP's youth wing in Vrindavan has reportedly met with an accident near Yamuna Expressway.

By India Today Web Desk: Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani's convoy met with an accident on the Yamuna Expressway near Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh late on Saturday. While she received minor injuries, a person died and two others were injured in the subsequent car pile-up.

Good Samaritan Manoj Chopra and his wife also helped injured citizens. God bless them for their empathy and kindness.&; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016

advertisement

According to the police, a speeding car on its way to Delhi with two women passengers hit a motorbike on which three people were travelling. The deceased, identified as Agra resident Ramesh, was riding the bike.

Tried to help the injured who were lying on the road for quiet sometime and ensured they reach a hospital. Pray for their safety.&; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016

The minister's convoy failed to notice the stationary car and rammed into it leading to a pile-up. Smriti reportedly suffered injuries on her knee. Police said the accident, which took place 102 km from the zero point of the expressway which connects Greater Noida and Agra, was caused due to rain and poor visibility.

There was a pile up of vehicles due to an accident on the expressway. Unfortunately the police vehicle before mine & my car also crashed.&; Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 5, 2016

The Human Resource Development minister was on her way to the Capital from Vrindavan after addressing a convention when the mishap occurred.

She then left for Delhi after ensuring the injured were taken to hospital.



--- ENDS ---
The Kansas Republican Party is filled with characters on the inside. I'm looking through the window and holding up a mirror.
To the best of my ability I write about my experience of the Universe Past, Present and Future
Something other than politics in Washington, D.C.




(b) any misuse, imitation or evocation, even if the true origin of the product is indicated or the geographical indication is used in translation or accompanied by an expression such as like, type, style, made, flavour or any other similar term.

(1) When assessing where there has been an evocation within the meaning of Article 16(b) of Regulation [No 110/2008], should reference be made to an average consumer who is reasonably well informed and reasonably observant and circumspect?

(2) When assessing whether to prohibit the use of the name Verlados used to market nationally a spirit drink distilled from apples in order to protect the geographical indication Calvados, what importance should be given to the following facts in the interpretation of the concept of evocation in Article 16(b) of Regulation No 110/2008 and the application of that regulation:



(a) The first part of the name Verlados, Verla, is a village in Finland whose name may be recognised by Finnish consumers;



(b) The first part of the name Verlados, Verla, refers to the producer of Verlados, Viiniverla Oy;



(c) Verlados is a local product produced in Verla village of which a few hundred litres on average are sold each year in the winerys own restaurant and a limited amount by order from the State-owned alcohol business referred to in the Law on alcohol;



(d) The words Verlados and Calvados have only one syllable in common (dos) out of three, although the last four letters (ados) of the words, that is, half of the total number of letter in each word, are identical?

(3) If there is considered to be an evocation within the meaning of Article 16(b) of Regulation No 110/2008, may the use of the name Verlados nevertheless be authorised on one of the grounds mentioned above or on other grounds, such as that Finnish consumers at least are unlikely to imagine that Verlados is produced in France?

It is relatively rare for the CJEU to rule on a case about geographical indications involving spirit drinks. Lindesay Low, Senior Legal Counsel at the Scotch Whisky Association, has shared his thoughts on the recent case of"In the decision of C-75/15, the CJEU responded to a request by the Finnish Market Court (markkinaoikeus) for a preliminary ruling to assist it in considering whether the use of the name Verlados on a Finnish cider spirit, was an illegal evocation of the geographical indication Calvados. The case is interesting not only because rulings about spirit drink GIs are comparatively few, but also because the Court has given some clear guidance on the scope of the protection that they enjoy in the European Union.Under EU law, geographical indications, or GIs, for spirit drinks enjoy their own exclusive system which is contained in EC Regulation 110/2008, known as the Spirit Drinks Regulation. Article 16 of the Regulation lists the various things that they are protected against, which includes:Calvados, a potent apple brandy from Normandy, is one of the GIs covered by the Regulation. The Finnish company Viiniverla Oy produced its own cider spirit in the Finnish village of Verla and in 2001 began to sell it under the name Verlados. The French were not happy and complained. After some pressure from the EU Commission, the Sosiaali- ja terveysalan lupa- ja valvontavirasto (the Finnish National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health) issued an order prohibiting Viiniverla Oy from using the name on the grounds that it was an evocation of Calvados, contrary to Article 16(b) of Regulation 110/2008.Viiniverla, which argued that its customers were fully aware that their product was made in Verla, applied to the Market Court to have the order annulled. The national court posed three questions to the CJEU:By reference to past case law, including two cases brought by the Bureau National Interprofessionel du Cognac (C-4/10 and C-27/10) regarding evocation of the well-known French wine spirit, the CJEU noted that evocation covers a situation in which the term used to designate a product incorporates part of a protected designation, so that when the consumer is confronted with the name of the product, the image triggered in his mind is that of the product whose designation is protected, i.e. the GI. It is for the national court to determine if evocation exists.As the purpose of Regulation 110/2008 includes the attainment of a high level of consumer protection, again having regard to past case law, it is necessary for the national court to take account of the presumed expectation of the average consumer, who is reasonably well informed and reasonably observant and circumspect (e.g. Mars C-470/93).However, importantly, the court added that to ensure the uniform protection of GIs it is necessary to take account of the presumed expectation of the European, rather than the Finnish consumer.The CJEU essentially answered that these matters had no relevance to the question at hand. For similar products, in this case two apple spirits, the relevant factors to be considered are the phonetic and visual relationship between the names and also any evidence that the relationship is not fortuitous i.e. not accidental. (It was claimed that the Finnish drink was previously known as Verla and Viiniverla only added the last syllable to its name around the time that Calvados became popular in Finland).The simple answer was that, in the absence of any specific rules in Regulation 110/2008, the national court could not take account of the factors in question 2. Further the question of whether or not there is confusion is not relevant when considering if there is evocation. (After all Article 16(b) provides that there can be evocation even where the true origin of the product is indicated).This decision will be welcome to all who are interested in protecting GIs. Whereas the CJEU had previously considered when a trade mark application could be refused for evoking a spirit drink GI in the Cognac cases, here they were looking at the situation where the national court was being asked to prevent the sale of an infringing product. The judgment succinctly summarises what constitutes the evocation and drives home the point that deception is unnecessary. It is also helpful in pointing out that it is the viewpoint of the European Union consumer, and not the local consumer that must be considered, even, as in this case, when it was mainly local consumers who were drinking the infringing product. The only depressing point is that it seems to have taken Calvados almost 15 years to achieve this result.
Even if Chitchians plans can be carried out, it is understood that they will depend upon a high degree of foreign investment. And although Iran News Update previously reported upon the continuing expansion of economic relations between Iran and such countries as India, South Korea, and Australia, it is nonetheless true that ever-important American businesses and industries are still holding back from this rush to investment. That wariness is having a global impact, and depending on the course of US-Iranian relations over the next several months, it could even convince foreign entities that the continued pursuit of Iranian trade is not in their best interests.

Despite familiar Iranian rhetoric about a resistance economy and ability to thrive independent of the US, it is clear that Iranian officials are eager to secure foreign investment from at least certain American businesses. Case in point, Irans English-language broadcast network Press TV reported on Thursday that Abbas Akhoundi, the countrys minister for roads and urban development, had formally invited the aircraft manufacturer Boeing to talk with Iranian companies and explore the prospect of helping Iran to modernize its aging commercial air fleet.

And Boeing is reportedly interested in these talks, having received clearance from the US government in mid-July to begin exploring the re-opening of trade relations with the Islamic theocracy. This simultaneously highlights two circumstances: the fact that the US is not, as a rule, isolated from the push for foreign investment, and the fact that leading American companies had been constrained against reentering the Iranian market, at least over the short-term.

This was discussed in more detail in an editorial by Al Monitor, which was re-published by US News and World on Thursday. It points out that Boeing had previously engaged in unofficial talks with Iranian entities while waiting for formal authorization from the US, but also that it had kept these talks secret, partly out of fear of the political consequences if highly skeptical American lawmakers and citizens became aware of them.

These informal impediments to American reentry into the Iranian market are supplemental to the legal and structural obstacles that still exist, including the need for special licenses, the prohibition on the use of American banking institutions for transactions with the Islamic Republic, and a range of sanctions that remain in effect related to Irans human rights abuses and support of international terrorism.

And it is not only the United States that continues to use the terrorism issue as a basis for limiting or discouraging outside investment in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Breaking Energyrecently reported upon the mid-February statement issued by the 37-nation-member Financial Action Task Force regarding the outstanding risks of re-integrating Iran into the global transaction system.

The FATFs warnings to its member states banks focused in large part upon the persistent Iranian deficiencies in addressing the organizations guidelines for anti-money laundering measures and countering the financing of terrorism. In fact, the task force indicated that it could even strengthen countermeasures against Iran, related to the tendency of Iranian banks to deliberately hide illicit activities, thereby retaining the countrys status as a high-risk jurisdiction.

The Breaking Energy report notes that the adoption of FATF guidelines could be extremely beneficial to the Islamic Republic, but also that it is entirely unclear whether the regime will take effective steps to do so, considering that past efforts have never made it out of the Iranian parliament.

Al Monitor appeared optimistic about the possibility that the results of last weeks Iranian national elections could help to improve the countrys prospects for engagement with the international community. The same possibility was considered by CNBC in a report dealing with concerns that lingering restrictions could allow the US to be left behind much of the rest of the world when it comes to reentering the Iranian market.

Al Monitor indicates that the provision of American investment to Iran will depend upon a mutual tamping-down of rhetoric directed against each government by the other. But this will clearly be difficult on the American side as long as Iran continues to provide money to terrorist groups like Hezbollah, as well as openly defying international standards in that regard.

CNBC adds that even if the new makeup of the Iranian parliament promotes more constructive engagement with the West, the situation is complicated on the American side by the forthcoming presidential elections in November. The US government and American companies are unlikely to seriously pursue new investment until after that election is determined, and depending on the results it is possible that a new president will use Irans ongoing support for terrorism as a pretense to dispense with the nuclear agreement and much of the Obama administrations Iran policy.
The bill said in part, the vast majority of the civilians who have died in the Syrian conflict have been killed by the Government of Syria and its allies, specifically the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Irans terrorist proxies including Hezbollah.

Congressional opponents of the bill suggested that such a confrontational resolution would be counterproductive at a time when the US and Russia had reportedly made a breakthrough in pursuing a negotiated solution to the Syrian Civil War. But some longstanding critics of the Obama administration worry that the US may be pushed in the direction of accepting a situation that serves the interests of Russian and Iran to a much greater extent than those of the US.

Traditional US allies in the Middle East have similarly expressed concern that recent US policy has given too long a leash to the Islamic Republic. This has led to Saudi Arabia and its supporters in the region taking action on their own to confront the growth of Iranian influence in areas including Syria and Yemen.

In Yemen, this has meant deployment of troops by the Arab coalition, against Houthi rebels supported by Tehran. And there is some worry that the Saudis are gearing up for direct involvement in Syria, as well, against the wishes of the US.

But the worsening proxy war between Iran and the Gulf Arab states has also brought the latter more into line with Western views in some respects. Quadrangle reports that this has led to the Gulf Cooperation Council adding Hezbollah and all of its affiliates to their list of terrorist organizations.

The Iran-controlled Lebanese paramilitary group has been on Western terror lists virtually since its inception. But the political stakes of making such a declaration were problematic for the Saudis and their allies, since doing so could alienate a portion of the Lebanese population. Indeed, Quadrangle indicates that Iran is poised to try to take advantage of the situation, but Saudi Arabia seems willing to take a desperate gambit to compel the Lebanese government to pull away from Hezbollah and Tehran, and affiliate itself with Riyadh instead.

Such moves are certainly reactions to ever-escalating concerns about unchecked Iranian influence in the region  something the ministers of several GCC countries roundly condemned this week, according to Gulf News.

The Iranian interference is considered to be a threat to a number of countries in the region, Bahrains Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said in the 33rd session of Arab Interior Ministers on Wednesday. Their interference includes support for terrorism, promoting chaos, and political interference. The goal is to achieve Persian domination over Arabism with the use of the Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah. Even Irans media groups play a role.
This blogsite is not active any more, but is still maintained because some of Bill's past articles were posted here. Please visit
[March 04, 2016] Technavio Releases New Report on the Global Smart Connected Communities Market

Technavio's latest report covers the present scenario and growth prospects for the global smart connected communities market 2016-2020. In this report, Technavio's research experts announce their key market highlights for the global smart connected communities market. Their findings include: Vendors predicted to leverage advances in converged systems and integrated platforms The use of smart sensor technologies is supporting the adoption of converged systems and integrated platforms, which include M2M communications and analytics. Smart motion sensors capture information and relay a signal to intelligent systems in case any changes are detected in the activity of residents. The use of sensor technology to support smart projects, such as smart traffic, smart lighting, smart waste management, and smart grids, is therefore on the rise. One of Technavio's lead analysts Amit Sharma, who specializes in IT professional services research added, "Fiber optic sensors, are helping build smart waste management systems in many communities. Sensors are embedded in IoT to provide seamless connectivity. For instance, Intel (News - Alert) is collaborating with Chungwah Telecom Taiwan, to install sensor-enabled smart poles that capture the information related to traffic, weather conditions, and power consumption in localities." Request sample report: http://bit.ly/1T97Jta Most APAC governments are aligning their policies to support urbanization and creation of smart communities Southeast Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are investing heavily in ICT technologies for developing sustainable community management through smart public services. To that end, Southeast Asian countries are investing more in intelligent transportation systems, smart grid technologies, smart buildings, and smart water management systems. Governments in APAC are investing in smart technologies to build smart communities that can balance resource demand and supply. Hence, these APAC countries are attracting significant investments from local banks and foreign investors. The Australian government is also investing significantly for promoting smart grids and smart city projects. Riding on this trend, Cisco (News - Alert) is providing technology for Smart + Connected Communities o Adelaide's Smart City studio in South Australia so that citizens and executives can connect to Cisco's Internet of Everything (IoE) innovation center. Many similar initiatives in other APAC countries are anticipated to immensely benefit this market until 2020.



Smart community grid likely to emerge as the largest segment of the global smart connected communities market by 2020 Smart community grids are next-generation power supply systems that use a smart grid architecture to save electricity. As sustainable development is gaining prominence effective management of power supply systems by using solar and wind energy is helping communities reduce power consumption at minimal costs. Implementation of ICT infrastructure and automated control systems, such as smart grid technologies are anticipated to significantly reduce transmission losses and conserve electricity for future consumption. Further, IT solution, such as data management, real-time analytics, communications systems, and automation technologies designed to manage smart grid architecture will play a key role in helping communities remain connected with power grids by using electricity judiciously.

There are many vendors in the market, who irrespective of their size, are providing smart grid technologies for communities. Leading vendors, such as Toshiba, Cisco, Siemens (News - Alert), ABB, and IBM are some of the leading market vendors providing smart grid technology solutions. eCAMION is another prominent vendor, providing energy storage solutions known as community energy storage (CES (News - Alert)), which uses lithium-ion batteries. The company received funding support from the Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). Similarly, the Australian government has launched Smart Grid Smart City (SGSC), a USD 100 million project in Australia that is eyed by many potential vendors. The project is funded by the Australian government, in collaboration with Ausgrid, Energy Australia and other technology partners, such as IBM (News - Alert), GE Energy Australia, Sydney Water, and New Castel Council. The aim of the project is to conduct test cases and gather data and perform cost and benefit analyses of smart city projects. The outcomes of the project may drive future decisions by governments, technology suppliers, and consumers, across Australia. Some of the communities have also tested smart micro-grid projects to reduce power consumption. Smart micro-grid projects based on pulse energy management systems have been successfully implemented in Hartley Bay, British Columbia. The community reduced its diesel consumption with the help of smart devices. These key developments therefore indicate that smart community grids are emerging as the next-generation power supply systems across the globe. Browse related reports: Global Smart Cities IT Services Market 2015-2019

Global Smart Cities Market 2015-2019

Global Industrial Internet-of-Things Market 2016-2020 Purchase 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160304005039/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
anterior

Video. El primer ministro de Israel y su esposa recorren los Altos del Golan
Reggie Phillips is a good example of a hard working American that has made a go of it and continues to build the dream. He and his wife Martha had become one of the major employers of the area. He has developed several apartment complexes that depend on the student population. Any attempt not to support our community as our state legislator would only hurt himself economically. Reggie has a long track record of hard work and building successes where many benefit. I have confidence Reggie will do the right things to preserve and build our community.
Between

This is a blog written while trying to live creatively between the times; between the death and resurrection of Christ and the expected consummation signified by the Kingdom of God. It features the people and things that inspire me to live creatively in the tension of the now and the not yet. This blog is dedicated to the memory of my brother, Nick Evens, who died, together with 23 other aid workers and plane staff, when their UN-chartered plane crashed in Kosovo in 1999. Ex-59 commando, youthworker and firefighter, Nick had been working in Kosovo with Tear Fund's Disaster Response Team.
There are plenty of pro-circumcision "information resources." In this blog, I present what they leave out.
Dr. Marvin E. Kanne, Ph.D, 74, died February 25, 2016. Marv was born on December 3, 1941, in Carroll, Iowa, to Martinus and Elizabeth (Mattes) Kanne. He worked as a research analyst for the State of Nebraska - Health and Human Services.

Marv is survived by his wife, Olga R. Kanne of Lincoln; daughter, Nicole Kanne of Phoenix; brother, Duane (Carol) Kanne and their children, Steve (Kiki) Kanne and Ann Kanne; sister, Alice (Mike) Schenkelberg and their children, Scott (Susan Gillespie) Schenkelberg, Doug (Rachel Unruh) Schenkelberg, and Jim (Nora Lahl) Schenkelberg; sister, Linda (John) McElvain and their children Brian McElvain and Julie McElvain; sister, Sharon (Chuck) Chylinski. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1940 South 77th St., Lincoln, with Monsignor Liam M. Barr as celebrant. Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 7, with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Butherus Maser and Love funeral home, 4040 A St., Lincoln. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 7, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Ocer Campion Jesuit College, Gulu, Uganda, which was founded by Fr. Tony Wach, SJ, of Creighton University.
You need to leave.

They are coming for you.

The voice on the other end is whispering in hushed, forceful gasps.

Its 4 a.m. on a late July night, 2012, in a seaside city in northwest Syria.

He is standing by the phone, trying to control the panic, the fear crippling his body. He hears his wife scream from a back bedroom, where she cradles the other phone, listening in. He hears her cries until she finally faints, falling to the floor unconscious.

He recognizes the terrified voice on the other end. Its a young man who years ago had worked as a farmhand on his 15 acres of hillside orchards. Now a member of the Islamic State, the man slipped away from the band of armed men to warn his old boss:

They are coming to kidnap you and drive you to the village.

They will behead you in the public square.

They will make your family watch.

This is what they do to Christians who dont convert.

With two bags of clothes and $3,000 folded in his pockets, Gabriel Jabbour ducks his tall frame into a nephews taxi and inhales the fresh Syrian air one last time. He does not cry. Throughout the two-hour ride to the Lebanese border, he talks with God and comforts his wife as he watches the sun rise. There are no memorized prayers for moments like these, so he asks for peace. Just peace. Again and again. Peace. Peace. Peace.

On a single muggy night more than three years ago, the devout 57-year-old farmer, the devoted head of a family of more than 700 Catholic Syrians, lost his home, his country and his purpose.

Now 60, the farmers mustache has grayed; his hair has thinned. The nights spent lying awake, night after night in a West Omaha apartment, show on his face. His gaze is unfocused, distant, faraway. He is often quiet and serious, surrounded by a language he doesnt understand and doesnt want to learn. But when he does speak, his voice grows strong, resolved: As soon as his village is ISIS-free, he will return to his beloved homeland.

But theres a hitch: Going home means abandoning his son and daughter in Omaha. It means leaving his only grandchild -- a darling 3-year-old with dark pigtails and a quick smile. It also means giving up the possibility of ever returning to the U.S.

For months, hes tried to explain it to his wife and his daughter: In Syria, the man who does not love his country more than his children loses all honor. A man not ready to die on his land is not worthy to live.

In a crowded Omaha restaurant, the tears come a lot easier. They flow into his hands, dampen his mustache. He begins to sob and his shoulders shudder, rising and falling as he tries to speak. He swallows hard and the words eventually tumble out. He longs to stand in the shade of the peach and fig trees his father planted. At the opposite end of the table, his granddaughter hums happily, squirming in her tiny seat.

Gabriel bows his head for a long moment, opens his eyes and stares across the table at his daughter and his wife.

I need to go home to see my mother and fathers graves, he finally says.

Today, the man who escaped death in Syria spends his days in Nebraska dreaming of the distant cemetery, the one surrounded by rolling foothills of tall grass and wispy trees.

I am living to go back to my home to die.

***

Gabriel is sitting on a second-hand couch in a sparsely decorated Omaha apartment. Its nearing midnight on New Years Eve, 2015, and hes leaning toward the television, trying to hear the news over the exploding firecrackers outside. This is the Arabic channel he relies on to find out when he can go home.

The screen is filled with scenes of holiday celebrations in the Holy Land. The camera zooms in on an Arab singer performing a haunting chant of poetry called ataaba -- dirge -- an improvised folk song that sounds more like praying than singing.

As fireworks bloom in colorful bursts outside the apartment, the vocalist from Syria chants about love of homeland, about pride for his country. At the end of the song, the man on the screen raises his hand and his voice: We will go back home no matter what.

Gabriel ends his year in tears.

He believes 2016 will bring him home to Kinesbba. But he knows the village where he spent every weekend is not the same. The family members who have not fled give him the realities in small doses over the phone. They email before- and after-ISIS photos to his daughters inbox.

The village he remembers  the tall tan homes with unlocked doors and open windows, the gently sloping roads winding through the rolling hills, the rooftop gardens of hanging vines -- is now just a pile of pockmarked rubble.

Gabriel was on his way to America when ISIS forces first stormed into Kinsebba at the end of July 2012. He was in the clouds somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean as the walls of his familys home took the first barrage of bullets and grenades. He sat in a Chicago airport as men toting torches set ablaze his neat rows of vineyards and turned his parked car into a mangled mess of charred metal. He prayed silently, reciting the Apostles Creed, as militants marched into his Catholic church and shot bullets into the altar, ripped down depictions of saints, stole the Lenten candelabras.

Gabriel helped build the St. Elijah church in 2004, after collecting $80,000 from devout villagers. It was to be the only Christian church within the 80 surrounding towns, but he insisted then that the cross must not be displayed on the roof. He wanted the house of God to be a place for praying Muslims too.

This is the church at the heart of a village that was Christian centuries before Islam came to be. This is the church that houses an etched stone dating back more than two millennia. This is the church where he mourned at the funerals of his mother and father. This is the church Gabriel attended every Sunday, always sitting in the front row.

As summer turned to winter and the Syrian nights grew cold and damp, ISIS fighters chopped the pews of his church into splintery firewood. They huddled around the flames, warming their hands as the polished wood turned to ash.

When they discuss St. Elijah Cemetery, Gabriels children talk in English so their father wont understand. Propaganda videos show camouflage-clad ISIS militants running amid gravestones in Christian cemeteries across Syria and Iraq. They swing sledgehammers into ancient grave markers and mausoleums and then smile at the camera as they rest their weapons on the littered burial ground. The hill where his parents and his great-great-great grandparents are buried -- where he dreams of being laid to rest -- is likely a pile of crumbled concrete too.

Today, Gabriel spends many of his mornings dialing long-distance, praying hell hear good news from family members in the Syrian army. In late January, the Russian-assisted airstrikes pushed ISIS out of Kinsebba. Gabriel had hope. He called his relatives and told them to look for an affordable used car he could drive when he returned.

But less than two weeks later, the rebels were back in the village. A phone call on a mid-February morning confirmed it: Theyd come in and torched the remaining walls of his church. Gabriel stayed quiet for the rest of the day. In the evening, he dipped his finger into the holy water near the door of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Omaha. He crossed himself and dropped his head to his chest.

His daughter, Rula Jabbour, stood beside him. She touched him gently and looked at him for a long moment. As a child, Rula was expected to stand up when her father entered the room. Now she is his chauffeur, his translator, his caretaker.

Back on that July night in 2012, one of Gabriels first calls was to Rula. It was 10 p.m. in Omaha when her cellphone started ringing. She was seven months pregnant and had already arranged for her parents visas, hoping they would come visit the U.S. for their first grandchilds birth.

Gabriel had been insistent then: I cannot make it to America. Your mother can go but not me. It is dangerous now and my family here needs me much more.

For months, Rula jumped through bureaucratic hoops to try and get him a part-time job, temporary drivers licenses, English courses. Every job required English; every English course required a willing participant. Gabriel felt that learning the language was an act of submission.

I watched him have to leave the heaven of home to live through his own hell here, Rula said. At 57 years old, he was really forced to be reborn.

For the first two years, Gabriel spent his days inside his humble apartment, watching television, praying, waiting. He would open his worn Bible, rereading passages from Revelations -- lines like You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

But he was weary. The depression came in waves of boredom and loneliness.

I was in a maze, he said. I didnt know where I was going. I could not go back and I could not go forward. A dead end.

Whenever the night came, Gabriel laid in bed, counting the hours until morning. When the morning came, he longed for the quiet comfort of the night.

Every minute of every day, I thought about my village, my family, he said, bringing his hand to his chest. Hundreds of times a day I felt it push on my heart -- my purpose is there.

But hes found purpose here too. Thats what God wants him to do, he said. All of this -- the war, the fleeing, the depression -- a lesson from Him. One who has faith does not ask Why?

In 2014, Gabriel began working with Rulas husband, Awad Qumseya, a Palestinian Catholic from Bethlehem who runs a business selling carvings from the Holy Land to Catholic churches around the Midwest. Gabriel spends every Sunday in a different church, holding a hymnbook he cannot read, listening to sermons he cannot translate.

He lines up the polished figurines and crosses and prays for the Christian families in the Holy Land. So many of them have left, but Awads business tries to support the ones who have chosen not to flee.

Gabriel has been saving the paychecks. There are nights he doesnt want to go out to eat with his family because hes calculating just how much money it will take to get home. This is for you, he tells his children.

If I go back, I know that you can one day come home too.

***

Gabriel is sitting on the floor of Rulas living room, his granddaughter Sama sitting in his lap. She reaches to his face and touches her fingertips to his mustache, giggling at the pricks of the coarse hair. She tugs at his collar. His face grows soft and he mimics the funny faces shes making at him. He chuckles at her curiosity, plays with the toys she piles around him.

That little girl is what has healed his soul, Rula said. She reminds the macho man how to be a child again.

But the afternoons spent laughing with his only grandchild arent enough to keep him here. These are the moments he knows his family is safe and happy. His daughter has built something here -- a family, a career, an American life. And she did it without him.

He has so much to rebuild in Kinsebba. So many Christian families have already left, but hes promised many he would come back to restore the village.

Over the phone, he reassures them that peace will come again. After this is over, only the good people will be left there, he said.

Rula would love to share her fathers hope, but she continues to plead with him to stay. She worries that once he leaves, she may never see him again.

He wants to be a hero, but this is a war without heroes, she said. Hell be another number if he goes back. Instead of 1,000 dead and buried, it will be 1,001.

Still, he cannot extinguish the hope, cannot relinquish the dream, a dream he clings to when the darkness closes in.

In his dream, hes once again in that cemetery on the grassy hill, walking past the cypress trees toward the humble gravestones where he knows his parents and his grandparents and his great-grandparents are buried. Someday, when God grants peace, when only the good people remain, hell run his fingers over the stone, and hell bend down on one knee and hell tell them the good news.

I came home, hell tell his parents. I came home.
RACINE COUNTY  As societal needs have changed, so have religious-affiliated day care centers and preschools.

Mothers Day Out Preschool & Childcare Center began its tenure in Racine 35 years ago as a place for play days, Director Michelle Halstead said.

Because there were so many stay-at-home moms, it was to give moms a day off, she said of the program that has been popular in the South.

Initially, its hours were 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., three days a week. With increasing demand, it evolved this year into 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week, with schooling still from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 a.m., Halstead said.

Once the economy took a dive five years ago, we had stay-at-home moms (who had) to start working, she said. Our enrollment started to decline. Our 9:15 to 2:15 hours werent conducive to working mothers.

The preschool program, and before- and after-school care programs are hosted inside Evangelical United Methodist Church, 212 11th St., and accept children ages 1 through 5, Halstead said. Once the church board voted to expand the programs hours, enrollment increased by 10 percent to 15 percent, she estimated.

Halstead said 65 children currently are enrolled from 57 families, but she expects the enrollment to increase for September. Last years enrollment hovered around 50, she said.

Now were actually being used for the child care portion, she said, adding that even during these periods, our kids learn through play. Kids need that. They need that social aspect to be well-rounded.

They dont have computers in the classrooms, opting for hands-on learning, Halstead explained. When they make slime during science lessons, theyre learning.

Its all about learning through playing, she said.

An open house is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6, at Mothers Day Out Preschool & Childcare Center, 212 11th St., Racine.

Adaptable hours

At St. Mary Preschool in the City of Burlington, their hours currently span from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., which includes before- and after-school care, said preschool Director Carrie Kysely. The preschool offers 2-year-old classes, which were reinstated in the past two years.

Next year (these classes) will expand to five days a week. Many (parents) loved the three-day option, but wanted their 2-year-olds in these classes Monday through Friday, she said.

The preschools 3-year-old classes now are offered up to five days a week instead of three days, in additional to the schools 4-year-old classes and 4K, Kysely said.

The preschool, at 108 McHenry St., has been open for at least 15 years, she said. During that time, their Catholic grade school has offered extended-care hours and the preschool is aligned so siblings can be picked up at the same time, if parents wish, she said.

But to meet both parents and childrens needs, theyve been adapting schedules, Kysely said. That means if a girl is in Girl Scouts, she may leave after-care to attend meetings, then return to after-care before a family member picks her up, Kysely said.

Just this year, if parents want to tailor the before- and after-care hours to accommodate work schedules, staff will do so within their hours of operation, she said. One 3-year-old girl receives after-care from 2:15 p.m. to 5 p.m., Kysely said, because her mother is a second-shift nurse and needed to cover that time span.

Were honored she chose us. We adapted the schedule so (the girl) still gets a lot of that enrichment, she said. Im glad we can adapt and help.

The preschool doesnt offer a summer program yet, Kysely said, but thats one of our areas of growth and they could decide to expand into summer hours in the future.

We want to be adapting for our families, Kysely said. Everyones lives are changing.
STURTEVANT  Security and safety at the Marcus Renaissance Cinema could be in danger if the theaters owners decide to stop using off-duty village police officers to protect and serve the complex, village officials say.

Currently, off-duty officers working at the 13-screen cinema complex, 10411 Washington Ave., serve as Marcus employees.

But Marcus Corp. recently decided it wants the officers to be independent contractors, or have officers work as village employees and reimburse the village for the costs.

Marcus no longer wants police officers on their payroll, Village Police Chief Sean Marschke said. They believe there are some liability concerns.

Marschke, who discussed the corporate shift with village officials, disagreed with the Marcus viewpoint. The off-duty officers would immediately revert back to village police officers  and under the villages liability  when dealing with law enforcement matters, Marschke said.

The Village Board has decided to decline the Marcus proposal, said Village Administrator Mary Cole.

If they want to use our officers, they will not be under our liability, Cole said. They will not be village employees, they will be Marcus employees.

Repeated requests in recent weeks for comment from Marcus Corp. went unanswered.

Marcus plans to terminate all the off-duty officers serving as Marcus employees across the state in the next few weeks, Marschke said.

Security advised

Marschke said he is neutral on the change, but strongly urged that the theater continue to have some kind of security presence.

There have been problems at the theater, but only when police were not present, Marschke said. Disorderly conduct, thefts, vehicle break-ins. We have always recommended that the theater provide security to protect their patrons and property.

Village officers usually provide security at the complex from 5 p.m. to close on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Marschke said.

Off-duty officers can write citations and handle incidents at the theater, but are available to handle emergencies in the village if needed, Marschke said.

Security got a bit trickier in November 2015, when the complex opened a new lounge and restaurant that offer alcoholic drinks and an expanded menu to the public and movie patrons.

Marcus built the complex at Renaissance Business Park in 2004. The corporation owns or operates 504 screens at 45 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio.
RACINE COUNTY  A rule being created by the U.S. Department of Labor is an example of massive overkill by the federal government, House Speaker Paul Ryan told The Journal Times on Friday.

The federal rule being crafted by the U.S. Department of Labor is designed to provide protections to residents who obtain financial planning services, including a host of retirement accounts. The proposed rule would require financial advisers, including brokers, to become fiduciaries.

Being a fiduciary means the financial advisers put their clients needs ahead of their own personal financial gain. They must disclose any real or even potential conflicts of interest. Financial advisers havent been subject to this professional standard, although lawyers, trustees and certified public accountants long have been subject to this standard.

Ryan, R-Wis., said the intent of making sure people get sound advice and conflicts of interest (disclosures) is a good idea. This rule, however, is such overkill it is destined to put people out of business and making it harder for middle-class investors to get sound financial advice.

In late February, President Barack Obama directed Department of Labor officials to pursue a new rule that would require retirement advisers to abide by the fiduciary standard. The rule is meant to crack down on back-door payments to some financial advisers and the hidden fees assessed to some clients. Not all financial advisers work in their clients best interests, according to a White House report.

Financial advisers basically fall into two categories: brokers and registered investment advisers, according to a report from the presidents Council of Economic Advisers. Those who help one plan for those golden years might be paid based on the types of accounts in which one invests versus those who receive an hourly rate, or a percentage of the assets or some other fee-based system not dependent on the specific financial product in which their clients invest.

I get more mail on this than anything. From financial planners, who are telling me this is gonna cost them their business  because of the cost of liability insurance, said Ryan, who represents Racine County in Congress. Youre damaging the livelihoods of investment advisers.

Financial advisers would have to pay for liability insurance if they are forced to become fiduciaries, he said, and that will increase the cost  for consumers  of saving for retirement. Financial planners costs would be passed along to customers through increased fees, Ryan said.

It will dramatically increase the cost for middle-class savers and place it out of their reach, Ryan said. One Wisconsin broker, whom he declined to name, told Ryan it will cause them to triple their fees to middle-income clients. The cost of compliance and liability protection exceeds the cost of providing the service.

The best interest of their clients

Many Democrats agree, Ryan said.

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., isnt one of them. She backs the pending rule.

Unlike Speaker Ryan, I believe that retirement investment advisers should work in the best interest of their clients, the Milwaukee Democrat and Racine native said in a written statement. Over the past several years, Ive been working with the administration to ensure that the rule benefits hardworking men and women planning for their future. Both Rep. Ron Kind (D-Wis.) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.) have joined me in this endeavor.

Moore is one of 96 members of Congress who signed a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez in favor of the rule, but points out areas that are a cause for concern and the need for possible modification. They call for making changes to the proposed rule, while keeping its intent.

The final rule may be published sometime this month, Ryan said. He said those opposed to the rule intend to invoke the Congressional Review Act, by which they would adopt a resolution to stop the regulation.

We expect a very large, bipartisan vote on this, Ryan said, but added that it might not be enough to override a presidential veto.
RACINE  John Magerus is an unabashed, unashamed, unapologetic archivist.

He loves delving into dusty, deteriorating documents and determining their historical significance. He could spend hours in small, dimly-lit rooms among antiques, yellowed letters and bulky leather tomes.

Im a history junkie, said the retired college professor, administrator and writer. You can learn an awful lot about who we are by studying who we were.

For the past two years Magerus has spent about 15 hours a week studying, shaping and saving the abundant archives at the DeKoven Center, 600 21st St.

He has collected and organized documents and other material on the life and work of Dr. James DeKoven, the history of Racine College (the centers original tenant), the work of the Community of Saint Mary and of the DeKoven Foundation.

DeKoven Center Director Max Dershem asked Magerus to help organize and protect the documents, books, photo albums and other items from the past.

John is the worlds worst retiree, Dershem said. We knew we had to get our archives in order. This project keeps our history here and its truly incredible what John has found.

Magerus will share some his findings  his historical treasures, gems and stories  at 10 a.m. Tuesday at DeKoven. The public is invited to the presentation.

Documents come home

Much of the centers archives were previously stored at the Milwaukee County Historical Society. In 2014, Magerus drove north to get them, expecting about nine boxes of material. It turned out to be 28 boxes worth.

Another 32 boxes came from the Community of Saint Marys, an Episcopal order which bought the Racine College campus in 1935 and operated it until 1986.

As archivist, Magerus goes through each box of material, catalogs the contents, removes rust-causing staples and paper clips, places the fragile and delicate documents in acid-free folders, and places the folders in acid-free boxes.

His finds include a letter from 1852, signed by various Racine leaders, pledging money to build the original Racine College. All the historic Racine names are on it  Knapp, Durand, Raymond.

Another plum was a heavy leather register of all students who attended Racine College between 1852 and 1923.

Magerus said he would like to digitize some of the documents some day, but the process is time consuming and expensive. Besides, theres nothing like holding a piece of the past in your hand.

Theres just no difference between looking at an image and holding the original, he said. Youre touching history.

Mageruss detective worked also has helped solve several DeKoven mysteries, Dershem said. Magerus discovered diaries and letters describing an 1857 fire that destroyed the college. The legendary James DeKoven and college students saved many of DeKovens sermons and books, but much of his personal correspondence burned in the blaze. That explained gaps in DeKovens papers, which had been puzzling because he was prodigious letter writer, Magerus said.

Magerus also got to the bottom of how and why Racine College closed for good in 1888.

But if you want to hear that answer, attend Tuesdays presentation, he said.
TOWN OF BURLINGTON  A local woman facing felony theft charges for allegedly stealing nearly $70,000 from a business that had fired her has also been sanctioned by the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

Joanne L. Cramer, 63, of the Town of Burlington was sanctioned in February by OCI, state online records show. Cramer was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and to fully and timely disclose to OCI all administrative actions and other matters requiring disclosure.

OCI said those actions were taken based on allegations of failing to timely report an administrative action taken by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and failing to timely report a pending criminal proceeding to OCI. FINRA is an independent, nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to protect Americas investors by making sure the securities industry operates fairly and honestly.

OCI spokesman JP Wieske said the agencys action against Cramer evidently stems from her pending criminal charges and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the state regulatory body for securities brokers. Other information is not yet public, he said.

OCI records show Cramer is licensed to sell life, accident and health, casualty and property insurance. However, she is not registered to sell for any particular company.

She could not be reached for comment Friday.

Criminal case

In Cramers pending criminal action, authorities allege she stole nearly $70,000 by writing company checks to herself in the two days after she received her termination notice in September 2009.

According to a criminal complaint, the Racine County Sheriffs Office began investigating the incident in August 2012. Cramer had reportedly been working for Polar Investment Counsel and its parent company the Kodiak Group in multiple capacities since 1995.

According to the complaint, the company issued Cramer a termination notice on Sept. 17, 2009. It informed her she was no longer authorized to use any company bank accounts and instructed her to return any money or undeposited checks she had to the company that day.

Cramer reportedly rebuffed the termination notice and stated she did not intend to comply. She allegedly deposited a check for $4,000 from a Kodiak Group account into her personal bank account that day.

Two days later, Cramer allegedly brought another check to the bank written out to herself for $65,679.88 from an account for Kodiaks defined-benefit plan.

Cramer faces two felony charges of theft in a business setting. The more serious charge is a class G felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison, five subsequent years on extended supervision and a fine of up to $25,000.

After an initial court appearance, Cramer remained free on a $5,000 signature bond, according to court records. Her case is scheduled for an April 20 jury trial and an April 11 pretrial hearing.
This was a perfectly beautiful spring day! I was outside in the morning doing some cleanup after the winter snow. Almost all of the snow is...
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...

Fraud Central German Professor: NASA Has Fiddled Climate Data On Unbelievable Scale by James Delingpole BreitbartLondon A German professor ha...

Statist Groupthink More and More Fashionable The Rise of Liberal Intolerance in America Edward Luce Financial Times I t ought to be a triumphal moment for American liberalism ....

Vacuous Greenism Anti-Fracking Luddiocy Think of any technology that involves carbon based energy and its utilisation, and the lunatic fringe can be found ...

"It is Finished": the Sixth Word from the Cross It is Finished: our Lords Sixth Word from the Cross What is history? That simple question covers a multitude of complexity, profundity...
[JURIST] The US Supreme Court on Friday temporarily blocked [order, PDF] a Louisiana abortion law that would require abortion doctors to have admitting privileges in a nearby hospital and significant surgical upgrades to abortion centers. In a one-sentence order, the Court reinstated the stay initially put in place by the US District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana in the case of June Medical Services v. Gee [SCOTUSblog report], but that had been vacated [order, PDF] by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals [official websites] in late February. Critics of the law say it is unduly burdensome on women. Critics argue that if the law is enforced, then all except one abortion clinic in the state will be forced to shut down, and that last clinic will be unable to meet the needs of the state. It also argues that the law creates unreasonable delays for women who need abortions, and does not further valid state interests. Proponents contend that the law is legitimate in light of the states interest in regulating health.

The order indicated that the temporary block may hinge on the outcome of Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt , which the Court heard argument on [JURIST report] earlier this week. Abortion procedures and issues of reproductive rights [JURIST backgrounder] have been heated topics throughout the US. Last month the Indiana Senate released a bill [JURIST report] from committee that would ban abortions based on genetic disabilities and would also require aborted or miscarried fetuses to be cremated or interred. Also last month the Oklahoma Supreme Court reversed [JURIST report] a lower court decision upholding a law that restricts use of medication abortion drugs. Just prior, Ohios governor signed [JURIST report] a bill that would purportedly cut state-funds to Planned Parenthood by $1.3 million.
[JURIST] The ceasefire [press release] between the Syrian government and rebels seeking to overthrow president Bashar al-Assad [official website] survived its first week on Saturday, and the nation experienced a marked drop in violence. The five-year civil war has killed more than 250,000 Syrians and forced millions from their homes. In the last week, the overall violence is estimated to have dropped 90 percent; excluding violence in ISIL or Nusra Front-held areas as these areas are exempt from the ceasefire. Other goals of the ceasefire, including increased aid to war-torn areas and a decrease in Syrian refugees in Europe, have yet to be realized. However, the Russian and US-backed pact has made some progress on seeking the resignation of al-Assad, which marks an important step in preventing further violence.

The Syrian Civil War [JURIST backgrounder] has been ongoing since 2011 when opposition groups first began protesting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad, and the increasingly bloody nature of the conflict has put pressure on the international community to intervene. Earlier this week, Amnesty International reported that Russian and Syrian armed forces are deliberately attacking hospitals and other medical facilities as part of a military strategy to clear the way to northern Aleppo. Just prior, the US House Foreign Affairs Committee passed [press release] two resolutions calling for an international tribunal in the Middle East to address the alleged war crimes [JURIST report] committed by the government of Syria and its allies, specifically Russia and Iran. In February the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights reported that the Syrian government is systematically exterminating detainees [JURIST report]. In November Human Rights Watch released a report stating that the practice of caging captured soldiers and civilians constitutes hostage-taking [JURIST report] and an outrage against their personal dignity. In October France opened a torture investigation [JURIST report] into the actions of the Syrian government under Assad in detention facilities.
Will Charity be able to trust again?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



Title: Charity's Cross

Series: Charles Towne Bells, Volume #4

Author: MaryLu Tyndall

Publisher: Ransom Press

Release Date: January 16, 2016

ABOUT THE BOOK

Suspected of killing her husband, Charity Westcott flees on the first ship out of Portsmouth, England heading for the colonies. Loathing all men after her abusive marriage, she hopes to reunite with her family in Charles Towne, but the ship ends up in Nassau. When she spots her husbands brother, who is intent on seeing her hang, boarding her ship, she jumps overboard.

Elias Dutton, preacher and son of the famous pirate, Rowan Dutton, must get to Barbados as soon as possible. His sister is in danger, and his parents have charged him with her safety. He cannot let them downagain. But after rescuing a madcap woman from the bay, he now finds himself tricked into masquerading as her husband so they both can procure passage to Barbados.



Pirates, storms, shipwreck and betrayal threaten to delay the couple in their journey even as sparks fly between them. With her brother-in-law in fast pursuit, the last thing Charity wants is help from a man, especially a religious one, but she has no choice. After Elias heart was broken by a sordid woman who nearly ruined his life, he seeks a godly woman pure as the virgin sands of the Caribbean. He believes he has found such a woman in Charity. Until he discovers she is a murderer and is now faced with two choices: letting her go or turning her in to the authorities.





MY THOUGHTS

"Thank God, He is in the business of not only forgiveness but restoration." (84)

"People have to know they need help before they ask it. God is a gentleman. He never forces himself on anyone. He just makes the offer and waits 'til they accept." (95)

Give ear to my prayer, O God;

And do not hide Yourself from my supplication.

My heart is in anguish within me

And the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fear and trembling come upon me,

And horror has overwhelmed me.....

I would hasten to my place of refuge

From the stormy wind and tempest....

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you;

He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Psalm 55

TO PURCHASE A COPY













ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Award-winning author MaryLu Tyndall dreamt of pirates and sea-faring adventures during her childhood days on Florida's Coast. With more than seventeen books published, she makes no excuses for the spiritual themes embedded within her romantic adventures. Her hope is that readers will not only be entertained but will be brought closer to the Creator who loves them beyond measure. In a culture that accepts the occult, wizards, zombies, and vampires without batting an eye, MaryLu hopes to show the awesome present and powerful acts of God in a dying world. A Christy award nominee and Inspirational Readers Choice Award winner, MaryLu makes her home with her husband, six children, two grandchildren and several stray cats on the California coast.





CONNECT WITH MARYLU: website, facebook, twitter





GIVEAWAY











TOUR SCHEDULE



Check out other tour stops with reviews, guest posts and interviews with MaryLu! Click on the CelebrateLit logo below.









Ahoy! When you think of pirates? Who comes to mind? Maybe Captain Hook from, or is itTV series, or Captain Jack Sparrow from thefranchise? Whoever it is, I can assure you, they are no where near swoon-worthy or simply worthy enough to be the hero in MaryLu Tyndall'sas Elias Dutton, pirate turned preacher is.Elias bears his own guilt from his past, and how it affected his family. As he journeys back to Barbados to help one of his sisters, he rescues Charity Westcott, a woman with a tough exterior and spark that rivals any pirate. Yet, beyond that tough facade, Elias sees a certain frailty and pain that only our Almighty Father can heal, if only she lets Him.Charity's experience and lack of judgement with men in the past have caused her not only her independence, but a life that is most dear to her. Even when she declares to ward off men altogether, she can't seem to get Elias' smile out of her mind, or any of his good qualities, or his claim that God is always near. Now that she's a fugitive, she needs God even more, but will she find it in herself to hear and trust Him?This is my first MaryLu novel, and it won't be my last. With fast-paced action, unforgettable romance, and the bond of comrades, as well as redemption of past mistakes, readers are in for a ride as Charity and Elias travels the seas to reach not only Barbados, but towards each other's hearts. MaryLu tackled not only the issues of the heart romantically, but emotional and spiritual turmoil as well. Alcoholism, domestic abuse, the end of pregnancies and greed were all touched upon with honesty and grace as redemption made its presence. A great story on discerning and accepting God's will and be the tool to further His plans had me from the start,How will God use that? You'll just have to read and see.Lastly, I would like to share this image and these verses with you, that I saw on MaryLu's website,NOTE: I received a complimentary ARC of this book through Celebrate Lit Publicity Tours for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
Artistry over mass appeal

Success of this Nepali video may be hindered as people consume media to engage in a fantasy world, and this video is a reminder of the harsh realities in Nepal
Beyond the call of duty

Sonam Kapoor is believable and watchable in Neerja, a film that is a great deal more restrained than expected and demonstrates a sense of real respect for its subject
Citizenship to dominate CSW agenda

Womans right to pass on citizenship to her children is set to take centre stage regarding the rights of women in Nepal in the upcoming meeting of the Committee on the Status of Women (CSW), the UN body on women, which kicks off in New York next week.
Conspiracy afoot against Nepal-China trade deal: Bijukchhe

Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) Chairman Naryanman Bijukchhe has accused Indian government of conspiring to forestall Nepals attempt to seal a trade deal with China.
Industrialists concerned by growing human settlements around industrial corridors

Industrialists in Birgunj have complained that increasing human settlements around the Birgunj industrial corridor has made it difficult for them to operate their factories.
IRC team searching for bodies killed during insurgency in Rolpa

Members of the International Red Cross (IRC) have started searching for the bodies of those who had gone missing in March 2002 when the Maoist insurgency was at its peak in Libang-1 of Rolpa district.
KMC begins stray dogs management campaign from Singha Durbar

City authority removed 40 dogs from the countrys main administrative hub Singha Durbar on Friday, beginning its campaing to rid Kathmandu of stray dogs.
Nigeria's Boko Haram 'cattle markets' shut down

Four cattle markets in northern Nigeria, where stolen animals were allegedly being sold to finance the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency, have been shut down.
Not vulgar. Against violence.

The Vagina Monologues is a play written by American feminist playwright, Eve Ensler, weaving together monologues based on interviews done with women of different age groups and backgrounds. The monologues are based on the topics of sex, rape, menstruation, love, masturbation, orgasm, genital mutilation, birth and sexual violence meted out to women in different forms. The play, initially performed by Ensler alone in 1996, has become phenomenal, as women across the world have performed it in different languages, making it a fight against violence against women. Nepal saw its second consecutive performance this year.
Paperwork hassles stymie tea industry

Non-tariff barriers have stymied Nepals tea exports and growth of the industry, said tea growers. Traders said that India had imposed yet another strict provision this year.
Pokhara International Airport: Loan deal may be signed during Olis China visit

The government is likely to sign a $215.96 million loan deal with China EXIM Bank to build a new international airport in Pokhara during Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis planned visit to Beijing on March 20.
State not behind prosecution of Editor Mahfuz: Bdesh minister

A senior Bangladeshi official has said that the state is not behind the prosecution of Bangladeshi journalist and editor of Daily Star Mahfuz Anam.
The CON(G)-RACE!

It really doesnt matter who becomes the next NC President. All the three candidates will do nothing to transform the party, nor will they find middle ground and bring all the Kangaroos together
Transforming party my goal: Gagan Thapa

Currently, the NC is a party of limited cadres and I am on the field to make it the party of the people, which is not possible from the old leadership.
1. Yes. Its important to cast my votes early and avoid the lines on Election Day.

2. Yes. With nearly two weeks of early voting, its a more convenient way to take part.

3. No. Its better to wait until Election Day, in case any last-minute information surfaces.

4. No. Im not planning to vote early or on Election Day. It isnt worth my time.

5. Unsure. It depends on how the campaigns are shaping up. Ill play it by ear.

Vote

View Results
George Shorty E. Ready, 88, of La Crescent passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at his home while surrounded by his loving wife and family.

He was born April 23, 1927, in Dresbach Township, Winona County, to Joseph and Mary (Buehler) Ready. Shorty was a lifetime member of the Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent, and it was there on March 26, 1951, that he married Donna Gittens. He had worked as a foreman for Peter Nelson and Sons Construction for many years and was the oldest living member of the Iron Workers Union Local 383, with 61 years of membership. Shortys passions in life were the special times he spent with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, trout fishing and hunting.

In addition to his wife, Donna, of La Crescent, he is survived by his two sons, Steve (Sherry) Ready of La Crescent and Rob (Kim) Ready of New Glarus, Wis.; four grandchildren, Chad, Heather, Karly and Ty Ready; and two great-grandchildren, Erin and Cameron Ready. He is further survived by two brothers, Joe (Arlene) Ready of La Crescent and LeRoy Ready of La Crescent; Mary Ann (Marty) Luedtke of Mukwonago, Wis.; his special nephew, Kevin (Annette) Gittens and their children; sisters-in-law, Carole Ready and Jean Ready; and a special family friend, Betty Baier.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Pearl Sorenson; and three brothers, Lawrence, Robert and Ronald Ready.

The family would like to thank Dr. Scott Chapman and Dr. Peter Franta, the nursing staff at Mayo Clinic Heath System, the Hospice staff at Gundersen Health System and Shortys special nurse, Natalie Ready.

A Mass of Christian Burial was Monday, March 7, 2016, at the Church of The Crucifixion in La Crescent. The Rev. Gregory Havel officiated. Burial with military rites by the Gittens-Leidel American Legion Post 595 followed in Crucifixion cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either the La Crescent First Responders or ABLE Inc. of La Crescent. An online guestbook may be signed at www.schumacher-kish.com.
LA CRESCENT, Minn.  Patricia A. Justin, 86, of La Crescent passed away while surrounded by her family Friday, March 4, 2016, at Golden Living Center.

She was born Nov. 12, 1929, in La Crosse, to John and Mary (Horihan) Scanlan. On Aug. 18, 1943, she married Robert J. Justin in La Crescent, and they were blessed with seven loving, wonderful children.

Pat and Bob had owned and operated the Dugout in La Crescent. In later years, Pat worked in the food service industry until her retirement.

Pat enjoyed spending time with her family and sharing in the many activities of her grandkids. She had a deep love of the La Crescent community and was very active socially. She was always waiting for the next casino run! Her Irish heritage was a source of deep pride and she treasured her trip to Ireland. Pat will be remembered as a very faithful servant of God.

Survivors include her husband, Bob of La Crescent; her seven children, Mary Rusin, Connie Veglahn, John (Janet) Justin, Rose Tande, Kathy (Andy) McCulloch, Patty (Dan) Harlos, Terri (Dale) Williams; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren on the way.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Joann Rudolf, Alice Loken; and one son-in-law, John Veglahn.

The family would like to thank the entire staff and all the residents at Golden Living Center for everything they did for mom. She thought of you all as her extended family. Thanks also to Dr. Joe Caron for his compassion and support of mom and the family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent. The Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on the family from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Saturday morning at the church. In honor of moms Irish heritage, the family will be dressed in green. Please feel free to join in. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used in Pats memory. Online guestbook is available at www.schumacher-kish.com.
SAUK RAPIDS, Minn. (AP)  Ida Sass efficiently guided her class of 10 students through exercise after exercise for almost 25 minutes. Stretches, wrist rolls, scissor kicks, repeat.

Sass rarely misses her class, which she leads twice a week. Her attendance record is even more impressive considering that in December, Sass celebrated her 100th birthday.

Sass would likely match no ones expectations of what a 100-year-old woman looks like. Nationwide, centenarians are growing in numbers but are still a relatively small group compared with the rest of the population.

Sass lives by herself at Good Shepherd Court Apartments in Sauk Rapids. She keeps a full book of appointments. With the exception of a relatively new pacemaker, Sass has never had surgery and is in good health.

There are three other 100-year-old residents in the Good Shepherd system, including one who will turn 107 this year, said Jodi Speicher, vice president of sales and marketing. Speicher, who calls Sass the Energizer Bunny, said Sass did 104 consecutive exercise sessions without being absent.

Speicher once asked her what the secret to her longevity is. Vitamins, Sass told her.

So I started taking vitamins right away, Speicher said. I want to be just like her.

A positive attitude

Sass credits her positive attitude for keeping her in good health. She remembers when her now-late husband was sick, and she cried in her car because she was overwhelmed.

I finally said, Lord, you take over. And a calm came over me. I said, Ill accept anything you will. Ive been that way ever since, she said.

Her exercise classes sometimes draw as many as 14 participants. Sass said she considered quitting leading them when she turned 100, but the people who come inspire her to keep going.

I want to go anyway. I can kick as high as they can, she said.

Her participants like her leading the class and say shes friendly.

Weve had a few subs, but nothing takes her place, said LaVern Reischl, 83.

Sass daughter Joanne Froelke, who lives in St. Augusta, noted that her mother has the 30 or so routines memorized; theres no cheat sheet.

Does she ever tell Sass to slow down? You dont tell my mother anything, Froelke said. If she has her mind made up, she will do it.

Sass son, Loren Sass of Beloit, Wis., agrees.

She has that walker and we take her to the grocery store and by golly you better try to keep up with her, he said.

Living the Depression

Sass life story so far is wide ranging. She went from growing up near Arapahoe, Neb., to a fun-filled life in St. Louis to a pioneer lifestyle in Canada back to the States, and eventually to Good Shepherd.

With the help of her oldest son, Loren, she has her life story typed up, and it fits on almost three pages. But talk to Sass for even a minute and youll realize what a vivid memory she has.

She remembers people from years ago, Loren Sass said. Theres never an argument that we can win about what we had for Christmas dinner in 1982. She just cares about people. She has all her life.

Sass was born Dec. 31, 1915. Her first memory is from 1918 when she was 3, when she got vaccinated for the Spanish flu. She and her older brother heard the county nurse was coming and promptly hid under their parents bed to avoid a shot.

Then came the rough years, the Depression and the Dust Bowl. That black wall of dirt  I was in it. It was 12 noon and it was pitch black, Sass said. You had to clean the farmhouse three times a day to exist.

What does she remember about the Depression? Everything. I lived through it. Those were horrible years, she said. But then again, everybody was poor at that time.

Sass first job was taking care of four children for $3 a week while their mother was in the hospital. But soon brighter things beckoned: Her older brother had become a teacher in St. Louis and urged Sass to move there. She moved to St. Louis when she was 23.

I packed my suitcase and got on the train by myself, she said. Traveled all the way to St. Louis and didnt know a soul. I was brave.

A move to Minnesota

Sass loved the bustle of St. Louis and met the man she wanted to spend her life with: She married a Lutheran minister, the Rev. Frank Sass from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He was tall, with golden blond hair and blue eyes, Sass said.

They left St. Louis for a town of 70 residents in Saskatchewan, and lived without electricity and running water for seven years. Sass did laundry using a washboard. She said she was happy, though.

I was so in love, I didnt care where I went, Sass said.

The Sasses lost their first child, a girl, just hours after the baby was born in 1945; Sass had birth complications. The family moved around Canada and eventually ended up having four children. Massive snowstorms around the time Loren arrived forced the Sasses to travel by train for 40 miles, and then have a farmer with a horse-drawn open sleigh take them home, according to her written history. Three more children, a girl and two sons, followed, with Sass giving birth to the last one at age 42.

The family eventually moved back to the States, first to Arcadia, Iowa, then Pine City, Minn.. At age 50, Sass enrolled at the local vocational/technical college; her daughter graduated from high school the same spring she did. It gave you a lift to be able to go to school, she said. Was it difficult going back to school when she was older? A lot of us were older, she said. I was young at that time. Age 50  thats young.

Moves to Vergas and Perham later came for the Sasses. After years of health issues, Frank Sass died, and Ida Sass came to Good Shepherd in 2003.

Life of a servant

Sass says she loves living at Good Shepherd. She attends as many activities as she can; staying busy is important to her.

She received a computer for Christmas, and she uses email. Loren Sass is hooked up to her computer, too, so he can help her remotely if she gets confused. Shes not going to venture on the Internet, though.

Sass, who has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, had five birthday parties to mark the 100-year milestone. That she would be so celebrated isnt a surprise to her loved ones.

Shes been a servant her whole life, very involved in helping others, Froelke said.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  Support is growing to replace Minnesotas precinct caucus system with a presidential primary.

On Friday, DFL Chairman Ken Martin released a statement saying he supports transitioning to a presidential primary. The leader of the states Democratic party joins Gov. Mark Dayton and a Republican lawmaker who says he will push a bill this session.

Even though there was a tremendous turnout at the precinct caucuses for both parties on Super Tuesday, it has become clear to me that the process by which we do our presidential nominating here in Minnesota needs to be reformed, Martin said.

Opponents have long argued that the insider nature of the caucus system discourages the average citizen from voting and that in years of high turnout, volunteers and facilities can become overwhelmed.

Over 206,000 people participated in the DFL caucuses on Tuesday  the second-highest in state history  and a record 115,000 came out for Republicans. The high turnout bottlenecked at caucuses held at schools and gymns around the state, leading to long lines and some people leaving without ever voting.

On Tuesday night, GOP Rep. Pat Garofalo of Farmington announced that he plans to introduce a measure the first week of the session that would replace the caucus system in favor of a presidential primary.

Martin said he prefers a hybrid model in which the state would conduct a presidential primary and the DFL would hold caucuses the following week.

GOP Chairman Keith Downey on Friday didnt endorse a primary but said the party is very willing to be part of discussions to improve the system. In a statement, he said critiques of the current method, which tries to jam an entire statewide election into one room for one hour in every precinct, are legitimate.
ST. PAUL  Four people died in vehicle-train collisions at Minnesota railroad crossings last year, the second lowest number of deaths since 1970, state transportation officials said Friday.

There were 32 total crashes last year with 19 reported injuries. An additional three people were killed in trespassing incidents, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. (Light rail crashes are not included in the numbers.)

Fatalities have been declining since at least 1970, when there were 56 fatalities and 392 crashes, MnDOT noted. In 2014, nine people were killed and there were 48 crashes.

The total number of crashes is far lower than 30 and 40 years ago, but its still too high, Bill Gardner, director of the states Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations, said in a statement. We must continue to work to make crossings safer and educate the public about the risks at crossings.

Gov. Mark Dayton made rail crossing safety a priority last year. Hes called on the railroads to pay more of the cost of safety improvements along the congested tracks used by oil trains. Part of that work includes a planned upgrade to Winonas Main Street crossing, to add a concrete median and other safety features.

Oil train traffic from North Dakotas Bakken oil fields brought a spike in train traffic across Minnesota in recent years.

While that traffic has dropped along with oil prices, concerns about safety at Minnesotas 4,030 public rail crossings remain.

Part of the explanation is driver inattention. Drivers looking at their cellphones, texting, thinking about whats going on this weekend, said Tim Spencer, MnDOTs manager of rail planning and development. Nationally somewhere between a third and a half of crashes at grade crossings occur at signalized crossings.

Spencer said 38 percent of Minnesota rail crossings now have warning signals.

MnDOT noted the drop in deaths in Minnesota bucks the national trend. In 2015, there were 1,780 vehicle-train crashes in the U.S., down slightly from 2014, but about the same from 2012 and 2013. There were 244 fatalities in 2015. An additional 511 people were killed in trespassing incidents, the department added.
Eight years ago, Kathy Redig was ordained a Roman Catholic priest, in defiance of church law, which denies women ordination to the priesthood. For eight years she has led the All Are One Roman Catholic Church, celebrating Mass in the Lutheran Student Center on Huff Street.

The Daily News sat down with Redig to talk about the role of the church and religion in contemporary life and politics. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.

How do you see your relationship with the Catholic Church?

Most of us have grown up with religion, for good or bad, and I think many of us within the Catholic Church really love the upbringing that we had in the Catholic Church ... unless you were abused by a priest. Thankfully that was not something I ever saw or was aware of until my adult years. I loved the sisters. I even went to the convent for two-and-a-half years, because I thought I was being called to that ... when I was growing up in the 50s and 60s thats all women could do was become nuns.

The one thing I want people to know about me is that I have always loved the Catholic Church. Its been a big part of my life. The only reason I do what Ive done is that I want the Catholic Church to be the best church that it can. When I see it not serving people and if I can do something about that, then I want to do that.

As for getting ordained ... why would you do that, unless that were truly who you were because of the flak youre going to take? I knew in this small town, in the bishops seat, this was not going to be received well by everyone. I received some anonymous letters, hate mail, and I had somebody chase me down at the post office saying, Kathy, you have to not do this. Ill pray for you. I knew who the man was, and I said to him, Well, thank you. Ill pray for you,too.

What is your prayer then for the Church?

I think our Church fathers need to sit down with women and just have an honest conversation ... and really listen  weve listened to the men for years and years  just listen to us. The hierarchy needs to sit down with youth and find out, What do you need? If the most important thing is to get women or to get youth into our churches, then why dont we turn ourselves inside out trying to figure out how to do that, to work at that.

Thats why any of us want to be a part of anything ... because what we have to say matters. Were willing to do whatever if we know were needed. Its not enough to just tell people we need you without really caring what they think or whats important to them.

I see that as important  being able to listen to each others stories.

How do politics fit into this discussion?

I think the mix of (politics and religion) is bad when you, as a political candidate for instance, you want to impose your religion on everyone else and you will not see anybody elses side or listen to anybody elses story.

We all need to be better listeners. Thats what is wrong with our Congress right now, they just cant sit and talk and listen. Even if each side doesnt get everything that they want, wheres the place of everybody getting something? Can we find some middle ground here?

Then does faith have a role in public life?

We use our faith to guide us in life. Hopefully to be the best people we can be. That shows itself, hopefully, in politics. It shows itself in education. It shows itself right down the line in everything.

It should educate us, it should convict us, really, it should convict us to be a certain kind of person. Then I think you would see people, whether its on the Supreme Court or in Congress or the President of the United States doing certain things because they just believe so strongly this is what God is calling them to do.

I dont think religion should be something that you just do on Sunday. It has to instruct all of your life.

They dont have to talk about it all the time. Show by your actions what you say you believe. I cant tell you the number of times Ive heard from people that they dont go to church anymore because everyone there is a hypocrite. They see how they live during the week.

The only thing that faith really should have to do with anything that any of us do out in the world is help us to be better people. Now, everybody is going to look at that a little differently  you know thats what people do and thats why theres a bazillion churches, because everyone sees it differently. But whatever you do, just be true to yourself.

Its just being consistent. Your faith should help you to live a true life ... thats the place of faith in politics and in life  to make you the best person you can be and show it by your actions.

An example?

I think this is what Pope Francis was doing in regard to Mr. Trump. As I heard it, he didnt even mention Trump by name but he said that if youre keeping people from moving to freedom, if youre fighting against migrants getting a better place to be, thats not a very Christian action. Mr. Trump took that personally. Hes objecting. He said, Im a Christian. Well, if youre going to say you are, then you have to act a certain way. There are certain things we dont do if we say were following our brother Jesus.

Its not like he  Francis  is just anyone. He is the head of the Catholic Church and we do expect leaders to make some statements on faith from time to time. Hes not saying that anybody has to do a certain thing, hes just saying that to be a Christian it means that you reach out to those who are less fortunate, you dont stop them from going to freedom ... So I think the two can work well together, but its like anything in life, whats so very important is balance.

What sort of balance?

The very conservative folks who see no place for women, womens rights to her body, for abortion or even birth control, thats looking very narrowly at a particular issue and expecting the whole country to react in the same way.

Having said that, realize there are going to be people who will fight you to the death against abortion, or whatever issue they very strongly believe in. I will very much more believe with Cardinal Bernardin, who looked at life as a seamless garment. So many times the people who dont want life to end in the womb might be the same people who vote against food stamps and who vote for capital punishment. If youre for life, then be for life from birth to death.

Do you foresee a time when the official Church welcomes you and your parish back into the fold?

If it never happens in my lifetime, its all right. If our All are One Catholic Church does no more than serve the people that we serve then we will have considered it a success. Because there are many people who come to us and say, If it werent for this church we wouldnt be going to church. So it fills a need, and as long as it does, well be there.

And as long as I have strength in my body and Im not senile, Ill be there ... much to the consternation of the bishop, Im sure  but thats all right.
Jordan Holter transformed from a casual drug user into an addict and finally into a player in a massive trafficking ring.

Authorities arrested him Oct. 19, days before his scheduled graduation from La Crosse Countys drug treatment court, as part of a multi-jurisdictional investigation into the distribution of high-grade crystal methamphetamine.

But Holters conduct in the case predated his involvement in drug court. By the time prosecutors filed charges, Holter was sober, enrolled in college, caring for four children and had restored relationships with his family.

It was a surprise to all of us that you were charged with these offenses, La Crosse County Circuit Judge Scott Horne said Friday during a sentencing hearing.

Calling Holters an exceptional case, the judge adopted a joint recommendation from attorneys and placed him on 18 months of probation.

You are not the same person today that you were two years ago, Horne said. Rather, you are an example of what we accomplish with people in drug court.

Holter, 31, is the first of 17 people sentenced in connection with the case that moved hundreds of pounds of crystal meth throughout the region from the Twin Cities.

One defendant, 35-year-old Yia Vang, told investigators that he sold meth with his brothers for more than a decade, bringing two to three pounds from Mexican drug cartels into the area each week for others, including Holter, to distribute, according to court records.

Holter, of La Crosse, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit delivery of meth more than 50 grams.

Holter, set to graduate from drug court in the near future, cooperated with police after his arrest, Deputy District Attorney Brian Barton said.

Putting him in jail at this point would do more harm, he said. We need him to get through school, to get a job and to be a productive member of society.

Holter said he was an addict unable to afford drugs while participating in the conspiracy.

I found a way I could use and use for free  and it tore my life down, he said. Im grateful that Im here and in recovery. Im not tearing apart my community, as I once was.

Meth has devastated the community, destroying lives and throwing countless others off track, and Holter had a role in the problem, the judge said. Holter since has severed ties with users and become a model drug court participant.

You have proven through actions that youre committing to changing the course of your life, Horne said.

As part of the plea agreement, Holter must testify against his co-defendants and spend more than 100 hours sharing his story of addiction with high school and college students.
You have the power to keep local news strong for the coming months. Your financial support today keeps our reporters ready to meet the needs of our city. Thank you for investing in your community.

Stories like these are only possible with your help!

Start your day with LAist Sign up for How To LA, delivered weekday mornings. Subscribe



A young man was fatally stabbed while attending a show at a nightclub in Santa Ana Thursday night.ABC 7 reports 23-year-old Nathan Joe Alfaro was at the Underground DTSA nightclub, on the 200 block of East 3rd Street, listening to a band play when he got into an altercation with another manallegedly while they were both in the mosh pit. The man then stabbed Alfara in the upper torso, and fled, according to police.

Alfaro made his way out of the club, and collapsed on the street. He was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition, and was later pronounced dead.

According to the L.A. Times, the club was hosting Top Acid Thursdays, billed as an "indie, garage, psychedelic and funk show." The bands playing included Feels, Santoros, the Hurricane, Ghali and the Jail Birds. The show was canceled and the club shut down after the stabbing, says NBC Los Angeles.

On Friday afternoon, Santa Ana police announced that 21-year-old Juan Angel Rivera had been arrested in connection with the stabbing.

Laena Geronimo, vocalist/guitarist for Feels recounted the stabbing to the O.C. Weekly:

...The suspect was definitely pissing off the the crowd with his one-man mosh pit and was even attacking people on the outskirts of the room away from the band. "Not moshing in a punk way," Geronimo says. "More like 'this is my excuse to fuck people up' kinda style." The unidentified victim was described as a bigger guy who tried to control the suspect who Geronimo says appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident. Someone even got the suspect to leave briefly, Geronimo says. But then he returned moments later and a fight broke out.



"All of the [sic] sudden it became a dog pile on the stage, it knocked over the mic, the band was still playing, the drummer was still going and it was this crazy dog pile on the stage of people swinging at each other and trying to pull people off each other," Geronimo says. She found out later that the suspect had a knife tucked in a sheath on his belt. The victim who was stabbed was apparently tangled in the dog pile with the suspect.





Geronimo continued, "I didn't think it was that bad and then I looked at the floor and there was just blood dripping everywhere...Then the paramedics came and were opening this guy's shirt and putting him on a gurney. It was really brutal. There was blood everywhere, it was really messed up."

Feels also posted this message on their Facebook page today:
Freedom from hunger, poverty, the caste system." - LISTEN.

I want to thank everyone who has stood with JNU.

I want to thank the people sitting in Parliament deciding what is right and what is wrong.

I want thank their police and some media channels.

I have no hatred towards anybody, especially towards ABVP.

Because the ABVP we have on campus is more rational than the ABVP outside.

There will be no witch hunt against them.

We have no ill feelings towards ABVP because we truly believe in democracy and the Constitution.

We don't look at ABVP as the enemy, we look at them like the Opposition.

The best thing about how JNU has stood up in one voice was that it was spontaneous

They had all of it planned but we were spontaneous.

We stand up for all parts of Constitution - socialism, secularism and equality.

I don't want to comment on the case. It is sub judice.

I have many differences with the PM but I agree with his tweet - Satyameva Jayate - truth will triumph.

In railway stations you will find a guy who shows you magic tricks. We have some people like that in our country.

They say black money will come back, sabka saath sabka vikas, equality and all that.

Yes we Indians forget things too soon but this time the tamasha is too big. These jumlas wont be forgotten.

But what will happen if you speak up?

Their cyber-cell will release doctored videos and count condoms in your dustbins.

This is a planned attack to delegitimise the UGC protests, to prevent justice to Rohith Vemula.

But let me just say it is not easy to get admission in JNU neither it is easy to silence those in JNU.

You cannot dilute our struggle.

They say soldiers are dying on the borders - I salute them.

I want to ask the BJP lawmaker who said in Parliament that soldiers are dying on the border - is he your son or brother?

He is the son or father of the farmer who is dying of drought.

Do not create a false debate in this country.

Who is responsible for their deaths?

We will not rest till everybody has an equal right to prosperity.

We are not asking for freedom from India because India has not colonised anyone.

The man fighting on the border, perhaps he wanted to study but he couldn't get to JNU.

You want to silence one Rohith, today look how big that revolution has become.

I realized one thing in jail. We people of JNU speak in civilized voices, but we use heavy terminologies.

Perhaps it doesn't reach the common man. We have to establish communication with the common people.

We will bring Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas for real.

Today the honourable PM was talking about Stalin, I say Modi ji speak about Hitler too sometimes. Or maybe Mussolini?

He speaks of Mann Ki Baat but doesn't listen.

What is happening today in the country is very dangerous.

It is not about one party, one news channel.

I have never told this to anybody but my family makes Rs. 3,000. Can you imagine somebody like me doing a PhD in any other college?

And they are calling anybody who stands up for this, traitor?

What kind of a self-proclaimed nationalism is this?

I want to remind our government that 69 per cent voted against you.

Just 31 per cent voted for you and some of them were caught up in your jumlas.

And today they are running a distraction campaign so that people don't ask them the real questions.

RSS mouthpiece The Organiser did a cover story on JNU.

If they can reason in a debate why JNU should be shut for four months, I will agree with them.

They want to suppress the voice of dissent but I want to tell them, you will never be able to do that.

Once again let's raise slogans for freedom - not from India, but within India.
I see my art practice as an investigative tool, as a way to engage in dialogue, a platform for thinking and a means to develop knowledge. My work has evolved from figurative and symbolic explorations in painting to a variety of modes that include drawing, video, performance, installation and public intervention projects. Therefore, the emphasis of my work does not lie in the medium, but in creating a space to explore social contexts and collective narratives. History, film, soap-operas, fairy-tales and mythology all inform my work in that they are both narrative modes that I use as well as sites of investigation. I look for the narratives inscribed in various objects and places and find ways to add to them and at times subvert them. Because I live in the Virgin Islands, a place that has changed colonial hands seven times, the longest being Denmark and the last being the United States, I am particularly interested in the colonial and neocolonial narrative and how it shapes identity, memory and reality. (return to website)
Wednesday, November 10, 2021

The Supreme Court will hear arguments this morning in a case testing Austin's sign code, which allows digitization of on-premises signs, but not of off-premises signs. Here's my preview, from the ABA Preview of United States Supreme Court Cases, with permission:

Issue

Does Austins city code, which distinguishes between on-premises signs (which may be digitized) and off-premises signs (which may not), constitute an impermissible content-based regulation of speech, in violation of the First Amendment?

Case at a Glance

The Austin Sign Code allows sign owners to digitize their on-premises signs (those that are located at the same site as the business or activity to which they relate). But it forbids owners from digitizing their off-premises signs (those that are not located at the same site as the business or activity to which they relate). Applying those regulations, the City denied permission to two corporations to digitize their off-premises signs.

INTRODUCTION

Government speech regulations that are based on the content of the speech are subject to strict scrutiny, and are presumptively invalid, under the First Amendment. But its not always clear when a government regulation is content based. The Court sought to clarify this in Reed v. Town of Gilbert, 576 U.S. 155 (2015). In Reed, the Court held that a government speech regulation is based on content if the plain text of the regulation discriminates by the content of speech, or if the government cannot justify the regulation without reference to the content. Applying the first part of test, the Fifth Circuit held that Austins sign regulations were content based, because a person would have to read the sign (and its content) in order to determine whether the sign was on premises or off premises.

ISSUE

Is Austins distinction between on-premises signs and off-premises signs facially unconstitutional under Reed?

FACTS

The City of Austin regulates signs within its jurisdiction based on their location. Under City regulations, the owner of an on-premises signa sign that advertises a business or activity that is located on the site where the sign is locatedcan digitize the sign. But the owner of an off-premises signa sign that advertises a business, person, activity, good, products, or services not located on the site where the sign is installedcannot. Austin says that these rules protect the aesthetic value of the City and protect public safety.

In April and June 2017, Reagan National Advertising of Austin and Lamar Advantage Outdoor Company filed separate applications to digitize their off-premises billboards. The City denied the applications, citing its sign policy.

Reagan sued the City in state court. Reagan argued that Austins sign policy amounted to content-based discrimination of speech, and that it was facially unconstitutional. Austin removed the case to federal court, based on the federal constitutional question.

Then, in August 2017, Austin amended its Sign Code. The amended Code defines an off-premise sign as as sign that displays any message directing attention to a business, product, institution, or other commercial message which is generally conducted, sold, manufactured, produced, offered, or occurs elsewhere than on the premises where the sign is located. The regulations define an on-premise sign as a sign that is not an off-premise sign.

The amended Code also includes a new provision, dealing with non-commercial signs. It reads:

(A) Signs containing noncommercial speech are permitted anywhere that signs regulated by this chapter are permitted, subject to the same regulations applicable to the type of sign used to display the noncommercial message. No provision of this chapter prohibits an ideological, political, or other noncommercial message on a sign otherwise allowed and lawfully displayed under this chapter.

(B) The owner of any sign allowed and lawfully displayed under this chapter may substitute noncommercial speech in lieu of any other commercial or noncommercial speech, with no permit or other approval required from the City solely for the substitution of copy.

(C) This section does not authorize the substitution of an off-premise commercial message in place of a noncommercial or on-premise commercial message.

In October 2017, Lamar joined Reagans suit as a plaintiff. The district court ruled for the City, but the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed. This appeal followed.

CASE ANALYSIS

The Court has long held that government regulations of speech that discriminate based on the content of the speech are subject to strict scrutiny and presumptively invalid. But determining whether a speech regulation discriminates based on content turns out to be much harder than it would seem. For decades, lower courts struggled with this.

In particular, in order to assess the question, lower courts before 2015 applied two different, and sometimes inconsistent, tests to determine whether a law restricted speech based on its content. One test looked to the plain text of a law or regulation and asked whether it discriminated on its face, based on the content or subject-matter of the speech. The other test looked to the purpose of the law or regulation and asked whether the government could justify its restriction without reference to the content of [the] speech. Hill v. Colorado, 530 U.S. 703 (2000).

Then, in 2015, the Court sought to clarify the confusion. The Court in Reed v. Town of Gilbert 135 S. Ct. 2218 (2015), adopted a two-part test to determine when a speech regulation is based on content. First, courts must read the text of the regulation to determine whether it distinguishes between speech based on its content, or message. Under Reed, a speech regulation that discriminates based on content on its face is automatically subject to strict scrutiny and presumptively invalid. This holds even if the regulation is based on a content-neutral purpose.

Next, if the facial text of the regulation is content-neutral, courts must examine the purpose of the regulation. If the regulation cannot be justified without reference to the content of the regulated speech, or if the government adopted the regulation because of disagreement with the message [the speech] conveys, then the court must treat the regulation as content based. Such a regulation is subject to strict scrutiny, and it is presumptively invalid.

The parties frame their arguments around Reed.

Austin argues first that its distinction between on-premises signs and off-premises signs is content neutral on its face. The City says that its distinction draws on a long, well recognized, and validated (even ubiquitous) tradition in zoning and sign-code practices, in which all levels of government distinguish in different ways between on-premises and off-premises signs. It claims that this traditional distinction is based upon the substantial government interests in regulating off-premises signs (like highway billboards), which pose especial traffic, safety, and even aesthetic concerns. Austin contents that digital billboards only add to those concerns. On the other hand, the City claims that on-premises signs are generally smaller, less distracting, and well-integrated into the existing property; it says that they also implicate the compelling interest of businesses and property owners to advertise their goods and services on their own property.

Austin contends that laws and regulations distinguishing between off-premises and on-premises signs, including its own, are content neutral. According to the City, thats because the distinction is based on a signs location, not its content, subject, or viewpoint. It says that its sign regulation singl[es] out no subject or viewpoint as a regulatory target.

Austin argues next that the Fifth Circuit wrongly applied Reed in striking this provision of its Sign Code. The City claims that the lower court interpreted Reed to require a read the sign test, where a sign regulation is content-based if a person must read the sign itself in order to know if the regulation applies. But Austin contends that Reed does not support this test. It points to Justice Samuel Alitos concurrence in Reed, joined by Justices Anthony Kennedy and Sonia Sotomayor, which provided examples of some rules that would not be content based, including [r]ules distinguishing between signs with fixed messages and electronic signs with messages that change and [r]ules distinguishing between on-premises and off-premises signsexactly the rules at issue in this case.

Moreover, Austin contends that Reeds reasoning itself refutes the Fifth Circuits read-the-sign test. The City claims that Reed relied on cases holding that laws were content neutral even when a person would have to read the sign to determine the laws content-neutrality. Austin claims that Court cases instead turn on whether speech regulations single out topics or subjects for distinct regulations and thus favor[] or disfavor[] particular topics or viewpoints. The City says that the Fifth Circuits rule, which would subject virtually all distinctions in sign regulation to strict scrutiny, would perversely lead to less speech, because government officials, to avoid this, may regulate with a far broader brush, thus suppressing more speech. Alternatively, the City claims, courts would dilute strict scrutiny in order to uphold sensible laws (like house-number identifications or event-related sign regulation), thus undermining the law and creating further uncertainty.

Finally, Austin argues that its sign regulations are subject to intermediate scrutiny, and that they pass. It claims that because its regulations are content neutral, the proper test is intermediate scrutiny, not strict scrutiny. And it says that its regulations are sufficiently tailored to meet its important interests in safety and aesthetics. Alternatively, the City claims that because it validly rejected the plaintiffs requests to digitize their signs under the commercial-speech doctrine (which also uses intermediate scrutiny), the plaintiffs can only argue that the regulations are unconstitutionally overbroad (with respect to commercial speech). Austin says that the plaintiffs never raised this argument, and the evidence doesnt support it.

The government weighs in as amicus to support Austin, emphasizing many of the same points. In particular, the government echoes the Citys arguments that its regulations are content neutral, and that they easily satisfy intermediate scrutiny. The government also claims that any constitutional infirmities in the regulations do not justify striking the regulations on their face.

The plaintiffs counter that Austins regulations are content based on their face, because they depend on the communicative content of the signsspecifically whether they advertise activities on the premises . . . . They point to the language of the regulation defining off-premises signs: those signs that advertise a business, person, activity, goods, products, or services not located on the site where the sign is installed. They say that this definition turns on a signs content. Moreover, the plaintiffs contend that the regulations consideration of the location of the signs (a concededly content-neutral consideration) does not save them; instead, it merely makes the regulations a content-based restriction on speech, not an all-out ban. According to the plaintiffs, the regulations still turn on the content of a sign.

The plaintiffs assert that this interpretation reflects the correct reading of Reed. That case, they say, made clear that a law may be subject to strict scrutiny either because it draws facial distinctions based on content or because it is motivated by an impermissible content-based purpose. The plaintiffs contend that Austins regulations fall squarely into the first category. They claim that Justice Alitos examples are not to the contrary: a regulation that defines off-premises by its distance from a building, for example, is still content neutral; but a regulation that also depends on a signs content (as here) is content based. Contrary to the City, the plaintiffs contend that this is consistent with the Courts prior opinions, and will not lead to courts striking laws that regulate speech based on its medium. They write, A regulation is content-based when it depends on the content of the message expressed through a particular medium, not when it regulates the medium itself.

Having established that strict scrutiny applies, the plaintiffs contend that Austins regulations fail. They say that even assuming that Austins interests in safety and protecting aesthetics are compelling government interests, the regulations are not narrowly tailored, because Austin has provided no reason to think that digitizing the limited number of . . . off-premises signs would be more problematic than the unrestricted digitization of on-premises signs, which the [City] currently permits. In other words, the plaintiffs say that Austins interests apply equally to on-premises signs, but Austin does not similarly restrict on-premises signs. The plaintiffs assert, contrary to the City, that this does not mean that all other premises regulations must fail, only that they cannot distinguish based on the content of the sign (as Austins do).

The plaintiffs argue next that even if the Court were to apply intermediate scrutiny, Austins regulations would fail. They say that the City has better tailored ways to achieve its interests in safety and aesthetics. For example, they contend that the City could simply limit[] the frequency of message changes for both on-premises and off-premises signs in order to meet the Citys concern about periodically changing off-premises signs that could threaten safety and aesthetics.

Finally, the plaintiffs argue that the City is wrong to say that their claims fail under the commercial-speech doctrine. The plaintiffs contend that their signs contain both commercial and non-commercial speech, and that the challenged regulations distinguish between off-premises and on-premises signs for both commercial speech and non-commercial speech. Based on these two facts, the plaintiffs assert that the commercial-speech test simply does not apply. In any event, for the same reasons as above, the plaintiffs claim that the regulations fail the commercial-speech test, intermediate scrutiny.

SIGNIFICANCE

While Reed sought to clarify the approach that courts must use in determining whether a government speech regulation is content based, the case instead generated mass confusion among the lower courts and often led to results that are inconsistent with the Courts own pre-Reed precedents.

As most relevant here, lower courts have adopted very different approaches to Reeds first question, whether the government regulation is content based on its face. For example, while the Fifth Circuit has adopted a broad understanding of Reed, reflected in its read-the-sign approach, other circuits have adopted narrower understandings that might tolerate regulations like Austins.

The confusion and uncertainty around Reed maybe shouldnt surprise us. After all, the Reed Court itself seemed a little uncertain about its ruling. Thats why Justice Alito wrote his concurrence, joined by Justices Kennedy and Sotomayor, providing a list of longstanding and traditional content-neutral speech regulations that Reed would not overturn. Among these, Justice Alito explicitly included premises regulations, like Austins. The fact that the Fifth Circuit expressly distinguished Austins actual premises regulations from Justice Alitos idealized premises regulations only further illustrates the confusion over Reeds first question.

This case will (hopefully) provide some clarity and guidance. Still, this is no easy feat. The Court can readily see how a fixed, determinate rule, like the Fifth Circuits read-the-sign rule, may give courts clear guidance, but could also apply in an overly rigid way to strike speech regulations that dont really have anything to do with the content of the speech. At the same time, the Court also understands that a more flexible rulefor example, one that looks to the purpose behind a government speech regulationmay more accurately reveal a governments intent to discriminate by content, but is also much harder to measure with certainty, and may invite governments to implement content-based regulations under the guise of facial content neutrality.

Some of the amici offer suggestions. For example, the Knight Center and Professor Genevieve Lakier suggest that the Court adopt a more nuanced approach, in the form of a multi-factor test. Under this approach, courts would determine whether a regulation is content based by looking at the two questions in Reed, along with several other considerations that can help reveal when a government regulation actually discriminates by content. Look for the Court to road test these ideas, and others, at oral argument, as it seeks to clarify Reed and bring determinacy to the doctrine.

November 10, 2021 in Cases and Case Materials, First Amendment, News, Speech | Permalink | Comments (0)
Saturday, March 5, 2016

Land Use Prof Blog is excited to welcome back Jesse Richardson (WVU Law) as our March guest blogger. Here is a bio:

Jess J. Richardson, Jr. .is the Lead Land Use Attorney at the Land Use and Sustainable Development Law Clinic and Associate Professor of Law at the West Virginia University College of Law. Before coming to WVU, Jesse was an Associate Professor in Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech, teaching land use law, environmental law, urban growth management and real estate. His research and experience focuses on land use law and water law. Prior to his academic endeavors, Jesse was in private practice in his home town of Winchester, Virginia, first with a large law firm, then as a solo practitioner. He presently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Agricultural Law Association, the Universities Council on Water Resources and the National Cave and Karst Research Institute. He previously served on the Virginia Farmland Protection Task Force and the Virginia Water Policy Technical Advisory Committee. Jesse was honored with the 1999 Professional Scholarship Award from the American Agricultural Law Association, the 2004 William E. Wine Award for a history of teaching Excellence from Virginia Tech (the highest teaching award granted by the university), and the 2009 University Certificate of Excellence in Outreach. He has worked with communities in West Virginia and Virginia on land use planning issues, including issues related to karst and water resources. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Virginia Tech and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.

Welcome!

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/land_use/2016/03/welcome-to-our-march-guest-blogger-jesse-richardson.html
Saturday, March 5, 2016

An Alabama Judge has agreed to shield the will of To Kill A Mockingbird author Harper Lee. There has been a great deal of curiosity about the authors estate, but the Judges decision will respect the families wishes for privacy. In the order Probate Judge Greg Norris held that the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that information contained in the will and associated court filings pertains to wholly private family matters; poses a serious threat of harassment, exploitation, physical intrusion, or other particularized harm to persons identified in those documents or otherwise entitled to notice of this proceeding; and poses potential for harm to third persons not entitled to notice of this proceeding. There is also speculation about where Harper Lees papers will be donated which many consider to be a literary treasure trove.

See Tom Steele, Judge seals Mockingbird author Harper Lees will from publics scrutiny, The Dallas Morning News, March 4, 2016.

Special thanks to Jim Hartnett (The Hartnett Law Firm) for bringing this article to my attention.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/trusts_estates_prof/2016/03/alabama-judge-shields-harper-lees-will-from-public.html
Saturday, March 5, 2016

Wesley D. Cain (J.D. Candidate, University of Connecticut School of Law) recently published an article entitled, Judgment proof: can Connecticut residents insulate assets from creditors using a Delaware Domestic Asset Protection Trust?, 47 Conn. L. Rev. 1463-1490 (2015). Provided below is an excerpt from the article:

Domestic Asset Protection Trusts are an asset protection vehicle that let settlors retain beneficial title to assets while simultaneously insulating those assets from creditors claims. The strategy essentially renders settlors who place assets in a Domestic Asset Protection Trust judgment proof. Such settlors enjoy the benefits of the assets, but because they do not hold legal title to the assets, their creditors are unable to reach the assets. Sixteen states have enacted legislation sanctioning Domestic Asset Protection Trusts. The majority of states, however, consider Domestic Asset Protection Trusts to be against public policy. Settlors who reside in a state that is hostile to Domestic Asset Protection Trusts, but who seek the asset protection that Domestic Asset Protection Trusts offer can simply create a Domestic Asset Protection Trust in one of the sixteen states that sanction such trusts. It is unclear, however, if a Domestic Asset Protection Trust would effectively shield assets from creditors when the settlor of the trust is domiciled in a state that prohibits Domestic Asset Protection Trusts as a matter of public policy. This Note seeks to predict whether Connecticut residents can effectively shield assets from creditors using a Delaware Domestic Asset Protection Trust thus making themselves judgment proof.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/trusts_estates_prof/2016/03/article-on-delaware-.html
Friday, March 4, 2016

President Obama is currently vetting Judge Jane L. Kelly of the Eight Circuit Federal Court of Appeals to the seat vacated by Justice Anthony Scalia on the Supreme Court. The F.B.I. has been conducting background interviews on Judge Kelly, 51, according to a person with knowledge of the process. If appointed Judge Kelly would face an uncertain confirmation battle in the Senate because Republican leaders have already expressed their intention to not confirm any Supreme Court Justices until after a new President is elected and takes office. Senator Charles E. Grassley would be in a difficult situation as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee because he has praised Judge Kelly in 2013 before she was unanimously confirmed to her current position on the Eighth Circuit.

See Julie Hirschfeld Davis and David M. Herszenhorn, White House Is Said to Be Vetting Iowa Judge for Supreme Court Seat, The New York Times, March 2, 2016.

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/trusts_estates_prof/2016/03/white-house-may-be-vetting-iowa-judge-jane-l-kelly-for-supreme-court-seat.html
Screen shot of IOSH homepage





We'll get to the fraternities and alcohol in a minute.



Scalia died at what appears to have been a meeting (perhaps merely informal), of the Back in 2011 I made a facetious post about "evil Masonic braumeisters". A little jest to be sure, but strangely prophetic. Five years on and we're in a bit of a constitutional tizzy over how to best go about replacing our recently-deceased Supreme Court Justice. Doesn't look like the congressional Republicans are going to budge and will block any Obama nominee until he's out of office and can no longer press the issue.We'll get to the fraternities and alcohol in a minute.Scalia died at what appears to have been a meeting (perhaps merely informal), of the Order of St. Hubert , an aristocratic order of hunters founded by one Count Anton von Sporck in 1695, a man who is also said to have dabbled in Freemasonry. The order promotes hunting and sportsmanlike conduct, in addition to respecting animals and minimizing their suffering; responsible hunters, in other words. These are teachings handed down by their namesake.





Reading about St. Hubert (656-727 CE), I came across a passage about the vision he had one Good Friday; he'd skipped Church to go hunting, a pursuit in which he'd become immersed after the death of his wife. He had retired from the world to hunt.





Chasing a stag (or hart) on that day, he was astounded to see it stop and turn towards him; a glowing crucifix appeared between its antlers and a voice said to him: "Hubert, unless thou turnest to the Lord, and leadest an holy life, thou shalt quickly go down into hell". Hubert dismounted, prostrated himself and said, "Lord, what wouldst Thou have me do?" He received the answer, "Go and seek Lambert, and he will instruct you."





Hubert then sought out Lambert, Bishop of Maastricht, becoming his protege and successor. Hubert embarked upon a life of piety and evangelism, becoming Bishop of Liege in 708 CE. He laid down several principles for ethical hunting and wildlife management that are still highly-regarded among German-speaking hunters to this day. He generally seems to have been a decent fellow and died peacefully in 727.





Drive Dull Care away with some Jager shots

Hubert's vision of the hart made me think of the Jagermeister label; which I've been meaning to use in a post for years. Finally the opportunity has arisen. The Jager label is indeed a reference to St. Hubert's vision.





another patron of hunters. Even the church says that Eustace is probably a spurious figure, as no evidence proves he ever existed, but his legend has become mixed with that of Hubert. But it does not only honor St. Hubert. The label also represents the vision of St. Eustace patron of hunters. Even the church says that Eustace is probably a spurious figure, as no evidence proves he ever existed, but his legend has become mixed with that of Hubert.





This legend has it that Eustace was a Roman general. Once, out hunting, he had a vision of a crucifix between a stag's antlers under pretty much the same circumstances as Hubert. It seems Eustace's cult pre-existed that of Hubert, but it's possible they both have pre-Christian antecedents. The stag (or hart, or hind) makes many appearances in various pagan mythologies.



According to the legend, after his vision Eustace converted to Christianity and baptized his family. Eustace then went through a series of Job-like misfortunes, yet he always remained steadfast in his faith. His patience served him well, for a time. He was eventually restored to his position and reunited with his family. But like many early Christians, the occasion arose where he refused to sacrifice to a pagan altar and thus he set the chain of events into motion that would lead to his martyrdom. In this case he and his family were roasted to death inside a giant bronze bull (or ox) in 118 CE.





The refusal to sacrifice before a pagan altar is a common theme in the hagiographies of these early Christian martyrs. St. Sernin of Toulouse (Hubert's birthplace) refused a pagan sacrifice and was killed by being tied to a bull (or ox) and dragged down the street until his head cracked open. This road is now called the Rue du Taur and the site of his original tomb is a small church called Notre Dame du Taur. The Matabiau quarter of Toulouse also takes it's name from this event and the big bell in a Toulouse-style carillon is known as the "big bull".









When the Nazis reformed the hunting laws in 1934 "Jagermeister" was applied to senior foresters, game wardens, and gamekeepers. Hermann Goring, who was a particularly active hunter, was appointed Reichsjagermeister at that time, so when the drink was introduced in 1935, some people called it "Goring-Schnaps." In addition to being an avid hunter, Mast was a local politician and joined the NSDAP on May Day, 1933. He claimed it was political opportunism and a way to help his fragile business (he was never prosecuted after the war), but Mast did become pals with Goring, probably bonding over hunting. (



Now here's something I've just read and had already suspected:

Some historians have noted that Hitler and Gorings hunting regulations actually had little to do with concerns for animal welfare and were merely part of a concerted attack upon the German aristocracy. Hitler and Goring had a dream of giving each of the Jagermeisters their own private hunting grounds as a symbol of their position of privilege within the Reich. Curt Mast became a Jagermeister and organised hunting parties for leading Nazi dignitaries at the Reichsjagerhof, Gorings hunting lodge. Sensing an opportunity to rebuild his business interests on the back of his association with the new hunting fraternity, Mast re-branded the herbal liqueur that his company produced as the official drink of the hunt. (boldface added)

Goring's relationship to the Order of St. Hubert bears this speculation out: Anyway, Curt Mast, original distiller of Jagermeister, was an avid hunter and so named his drink appropriately; Jagermeister translates to "Hunting Master", a title familiar to Germans for centuries.When the Nazis reformed the hunting laws in 1934 "Jagermeister" was applied to senior foresters, game wardens, and gamekeepers. Hermann Goring, who was a particularly active hunter, was appointedat that time, so when the drink was introduced in 1935, some people called it "Goring-Schnaps." In addition to being an avid hunter, Mast was a local politician and joined the NSDAP on May Day, 1933. He claimed it was political opportunism and a way to help his fragile business (he was never prosecuted after the war), but Mast did become pals with Goring, probably bonding over hunting. ( source Now here's something I've just read and had already suspected:Goring's relationship to the Order of St. Hubert bears this speculation out:

In 1938, after Austria was absorbed by the German Reich, Herman Goring demanded membership on the Order [sic] and executed the Grand Prior when he was denied. At the end of the World War surviving members of the Order, were authorized by Halvor O. Ekern, chief political adviser of the US Armed Forces in Austria to use their sporting guns to provide winter food to the rural population, avoiding not only famine but helping to save the country from falling behind the Iron Curtain. ( source



The Order was Restituted on May 1st 1950 by Albert Franz Messany at the request of Chancellor Figi of Austria. In order to better reflect its new multi-national character it was redesignated as International Order of St. Hubertus.

Reichsjagermeister Hermann Goring --

1937 Hunting Exposition in Berlin

I wonder if "helping to save the country" meant using their sporting rifles for more than hunting. Could they have been re-armed in order to fight the Communists? The aristocracy had a lot to lose to both the Communists as with the Nazis before them....





Despite the Nazi's attacks on the aristocracy and the apparent sympathy of Curt Mast, the hunting ethics espoused by Jagermeister, the Order of St. Hubert, and the Nazi reforms all kind of match. There is an un-credited verse from a poem by outdoorsman Oskar von Riesenthal (18301898) on each bottle which the company translates as:

It is the hunters honour that he

Protects and preserves his game,

Hunts sportsmanlike, honours the

Creator in His creatures.

This is very much the same creed as the Order of St. Hubertus: "Honoring God by Honoring His Creatures". Jagermeister, as the story goes, was intended to go with "a toast with which every hunt would begin and end."





The symbolism of Hubert, patron of hunters is reproduced in the crests of various German hunting clubs to this day. Thus it is so with the Deutsches Jagerverein, the Nazi-era German hunting organization. Interesting how the swastika has replaced the cross.

Deutsches Jagerverein collar pin, custom-made for Goring himself, a collar pin with the antler/swastika motif we see on the flag above. Goring posed for a painting wearing this collar pin and in his Jagermeister uniform, and this painting of him appeared on the covers of both Time and Life, in 1940 and 1939, respectively. Goring apparently took his role as Jagermeister seriously and sincerely threw himself into the reforms of German hunting laws. This page shows a collector's one-of-a-kindcollar pin, custom-made for Goring himself, a collar pin with the antler/swastika motif we see on the flag above. Goring posed for a painting wearing this collar pin and in hisuniform, and this painting of him appeared on the covers of bothand, in 1940 and 1939, respectively.





If Goring took his role this seriously, imagine his fury when he was refused membership in the Order of St. Hubert. Furious enough to execute the prior, apparently. This really is a medieval saga. Whatever else you want to say about the Order, that their leader would die rather than admit Goring speaks volumes about their attitude towards the Nazis. This was a microcosm of the tensions and conflicts in Nazi Germany, the uneasy relationship between the old aristocrats, the Church, and the Party. Although anti-Bolshevism united them, the old guard must have resented this new Nazi power structure and the Church certainly couldn't have been happy with seeing a swastika replace the cross; this wasn't just a question of the hunting clubs. It also reminds me that assassination attempts on Hitler were organized by aristocrats within the Army; Clause von Stauffenberg was one of the last conspirators, but a quick glance at the list of assassination attempts on Hitler between 1940 and 1944 -- and there are quite a few -- show that most were organized by members of the aristocracy, after the war began. Before the war, there were also a few attempts on Hitler's life, but these did not seem to implicate the aristocracy.





I'm betting that when it was "restituted" in 1950, those Americans invited to join the Order of St. Hubert were neck deep in de-Nazification and anti-Communist activities. Just a hunch. Ambassadors, Generals, and "others", including the George Wood who established the American branch at the Bohemian Club in 1968. It would be interesting to see what other groups the Order has links to, either within the arcane labyrinth of Catholic lay orders (Knights of Malta, Knights of Columbus, Opus Dei, the Jesuits....) or factions or within the intelligence community.





Something about that period between the Order's dissolution by the Nazis and their Postwar rebirth intrigues me. A group of powerful men which spread out to include Americans at the highest levels of the Postwar occupation. It seems a bit strange that five years after the war's end, ambassadors and generals were joining the clubs of their recent enemies, and 16 years later creating an American chapter at the site of the most elite group of men in America, the Bohemian Club.





What intrigues me in this context about the Bohemian Club (despite the name -- remember the Order is of Bohemian origin) is its tangential connection to another German organization called the Schlaraffia. It would appear that a number of American elite groups have their roots in German culture.





The Schlaraffia is a fraternal society founded in Prague (Bohemia) in 1859. It is a German-speaking club founded by people much like the founders of the Bohemian Club, people involved in the arts and theater. Like the Bohemian Club, their symbol is an owl and their philosophy is one of fun; once stepping into their "castle", they remind themselves to leave dull care outside. The Bohemian Club was founded in 1879 and we know the Schlaraffia existed in San Francisco in 1884. Is it possible that they are connected, that the Bohemian Club was inspired by the Schlaraffia? The latter conduct their meetings in German, so perhaps the B.C. was created to make a more accessible organization? (I'd be remiss not to point out that Terry Melanson first made me aware of these connections).





I almost feel apologetic bringing it up, but I'd also like to mention the Skull and Bones, founded at Yale in 1832 by William Huntington Russell and Alphonso Taft (father of the future president and no small shakes himself).





Skull and Bones doings are largely unknown, but there is talk of a rebirth initiation ritual which involves the candidate lying in a coffin and recounting their sexual history. There are photos of Bohemian Grove encampments where a similar ritual is enacted, a man lying in a coffin-shaped array of candles prayed over by robed figures. This rebirth ritual is a fairly well-known element in various Masonic Rites. The Schlaraffia has three grades, which also brings to mind Masonic organization. What interests me here though, is that like the Order of St. Hubert, the Schlaraffia, and the Bohemian Club, the Skull and Bones has a connection to the German-speaking world. Founder Wm. Russell allegedly got his idea for the Skull and Bones after returning from a trip to Germany, where quasi-Masonic secret societies were quite popular, some of which are said to have modeled themselves on the Illuminati (a group I have purposefully avoided in my writings on this topic thus far). The Bavarian Illuminati was founded in 1776 at Ingolstadt, about 360 KM from Prague, basically a stone's throw from Bohemia.





a Roman Catholic dynastic order of knighthood founded in 1444 or 1445 to commemorate a victory on Saint Hubert's day. There doesn't appear to be a connection to this order and the International Order of St. Hubertus, despite the name, but if we're looking to complete a Bavarian/Bohemia axis, I suppose there's value in following up on this. St. Hubert was in fact the patron saint not only of hunters, but soldiers as well, which is logical. At least one historical military unit used the horns and cross imagery: the Lord of the Rings: aristocrat, woodsman, badass soldier, Ranger. The first Jager units were indeed recruited from gamekeepers, hunstmen, and foresters, people with both a knowledge of the woods and firearms, and who were also closely linked to the aristocracy who appointed them. The first units of this type were formed in 1632 in Hesse-Kassel and in the modern German army the term is still used for elite Special Forces. Interestingly, there is another order, The Bavarian Order of Saint Hubert a Roman Catholic dynastic order of knighthood founded in 1444 or 1445 to commemorate a victory on Saint Hubert's day. There doesn't appear to be a connection to this order and the International Order of St. Hubertus, despite the name, but if we're looking to complete a Bavarian/Bohemia axis, I suppose there's value in following up on this. St. Hubert was in fact the patron saint not only of hunters, but soldiers as well, which is logical. At least one historical military unit used the horns and cross imagery: the Royal Bavarian Jager Regiment Nr. 1 (again with the Bavarians!). Jager units were elite light infantry and the word in this sense can translate to "Ranger", which has the sense of both the US Army's elite units and forest rangers. Think Aragorn in: aristocrat, woodsman, badass soldier, Ranger. The first Jager units were indeed recruited from gamekeepers, hunstmen, and foresters, people with both a knowledge of the woods and firearms, and who were also closely linked to the aristocracy who appointed them. The first units of this type were formed in 1632 in Hesse-Kassel and in the modern German army the term is still used for elite Special Forces.

Crest of the 1st and 2nd Battalions and the 2nd Reserve Battalion - Royal Bavarian Jager Regt. 1

So, a lot of elements to ponder. My German history is piss-poor, so I have probably missed some interesting connections someone else might have easily picked up on. I did, however, think of one other thing, which is almost embarrassing to include; but what the Hell....





Satanic Bible, from John Dee to Ayn Rand and Ragnar Redbeard). Interesting time the 60's, especially 1966 (666 get it?); the same year George Wood was appointed Grand Prior, Anton LaVey launched the Church of Satan, on April 30th, which in the occult world goes by the German name of Walpurgisnacht.... The Church of Satan has a rebirth ritual involving sexual rites and a coffin, called the Ceremony of the Stifling Air . Anton LaVey obviously cribbed his work from pre-existing Masonic Rites (like he cribbed everything in thefrom John Dee to Ayn Rand and Ragnar Redbeard). Interesting time the 60's, especially 1966 (666 get it?); the same year George Wood was appointed Grand Prior, Anton LaVey launched the Church of Satan, on April 30th, which in the occult world goes by the German name of Walpurgisnacht....





Which brings me back to the question....who the f--k is George Wood?
. . . . Emperors and kings

Are but obeyed in their several provinces,

Nor can they raise the wind or rend the clouds;

But his domain that exceeds in this

Stretcheth as far as doth the mind of man.

A sound magician is a mighty god.



* * *



Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight,

And burned is Apollo's laurel bough,

That sometimes grew within this learned man.

Faustus is gone; regard his hellish fall,

Whose fiendful fortune may exhort the wise

Only to wonder at unlawful things,

Whose deepness doth entice such forward wits

To practise more than heavenly power permits.





Christopher Marlowe, "Dr. Faustus" (before 1593)




Donna-Lane Nelson was so upset after giving up her U.S. citizenship that she threw up.

Like the day I was divorced, this was one of the saddest of my life, Nelson wrote of the day in 2011 her paper work to renounce U.S. citizenship was approved.

In 2011, Nelson was one of nearly 2,000 Americans to give up their citizenship. Last year, a record 4,279 people gave up their American citizenship, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

This year, the Google search How to move to Canada? surged as businessman Donald Trump won seven of 11 Republican contests on Super Tuesday.

Peter Spiro is a Temple University law professor. He is not sure if those who oppose Donald Trump would consider leaving the U.S.

Trump, if he wins, may be president for only four years (eight years if he wins a second term) and giving up your citizenship cannot be reversed, Spiro said.

Why do people give up U.S. citizenship?

Most of those giving up their U.S. citizenship do so for tax reasons. The surge, Spiro said, is due to a 2010 law to increase enforcement of an existing law requiring U.S. citizens to pay taxes on worldwide income, not just money earned in the United States.

Joyce Angio of Quebec, Canada, gave up her U.S. citizenship last year. She is an English as a Second Language teacher at Universite Laval in Quebec City.

Angio never planned to live in Canada. But in 1973, while studying French in Quebec City, she met a man who would become her husband.

Angio said she had no idea Americans must pay taxes on income earned outside the United States. Even her father, an accountant, she said, never told her, Joyce, you'd better file every year because the U.S. law requires it.

In 2013, she learned that the U.S. government was ready to collect fines on Americans who did not pay U.S. taxes while living outside the country.

Emotions: I hesitated for two years, Angio wrote in an email to Voice of America. Lost sleep. Read. Discussed. Debated. Cried twice in front of the Consul on the date I was given to formally renounce my citizenship. Felt heartbroken the day I had to go back to pick up my cancelled passport.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said the federal government has a responsibility to ensure all Americans pay their taxes.

Offshore tax evasion undermines confidence in our tax system and deprives the United States of revenues necessary to protect and provide for its citizens, Lew said in a statement.

Donna-Lane Nelson lives in Switzerland. She also writes a blog and has reported for trade newspapers. It was not just the tax burden that led her to give up U.S. citizenship. It was all the additional paper work, she said.

Also playing a role was the refusal of Swiss banks to accept deposits from U.S. citizens. Banks, Nelson said, want nothing to do with increased reporting required now by the U.S. government.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Americans living abroad are required to pay income taxes based on their worldwide income. They can exclude up to $100,800 from their income as well as certain housing costs, the Treasury Department said.

The State Department estimates 7.6 million Americans live outside the United States. Better enforcement can bring in an extra $800 million a year to the United States government, according to a congressional report.

Spiro, the Temple University law professor, said the cost of filing and paying taxes on Americans overseas is falling most heavily on people of modest means. The United States, he said, is the only major country that taxes its citizens on income earned overseas.

Downsides of giving up U.S. citizenship

As for downsides of giving up citizenship, there definitely are some. Fees for completing the application process went up recently from $450 to $2,350.

And before Americans can give up their citizenship, they must settle U.S. tax liabilities covering the last five years, according to the Treasury Department.

U.S. Tax Services is a private tax services company. It says Americans who renounce their citizenship can still return to the U.S. for short visits. But longer visits are a problem.

For example, if a relative who lives in the U.S. were to become sick, you would not be allowed to simply move to the U.S. to take care of them, Tax Services says in its guide to renouncing citizenship. Or if your kids end up residing in the U.S., you would not be able to simply move in with them as you grow older.

Angio, the Canadian English instructor, said she can use her Canadian passport to continue regular visits with friends and family in the United States.

The difference is emotional, Angio said. I'm bitter that I have to use the non-citizen line at the airport. I'm resentful that the immensely wealthy will still find clever ways to illegally hide their money while I had to make a painful decision to renounce.

I'm Bruce Alpert.

Bruce Alpert reported on this story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or share your views on our Facebook Page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

threw up  v. to have the food, liquid, etc., that is in your stomach come out through your mouth

divorce  v. the ending of a marriage by a legal process

reverse  v. to change something to an opposite state or condition

surge  v. to move very quickly and suddenly in a particular direction

renounce  v. to formally give up something

exclude  v. period of time during which someone does not work at his or her regular job

evasion  n. the act of avoiding something that you do not want to do or deal with

modest  adj. not very large in size or amount

resentful  adj. having or showing a feeling of anger or displeasure about someone or something unfair

immensely  adv. very great in size or amount


On a 500-hectare estate of rolling hills in the Virginia countryside live 11 Trappist monks.

There used to be almost 70. But the decision to become a monk is not as popular as it once was.

This might explain why: The monks follow the Rule of St. Benedict, which dates from the 6th century. They have given up their worldly possessions. They have promised to remain in the same community under a vow of stability. They agree to remain celibate, and they live separately from the world.

And silence is maintained as much as possible.

The first rule of St. Benedict is listen. He believed in a restraint of words. Its a particular message for our era, in which words have become so cheap, explained Father James Orthmann.

He is originally from New York City, and has lived at the Our Lady of the Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia for 39 years. Now, he is 65.

The Benedictine monks motto in Latin is Ora et Labora, or in English, Pray and Work. Each day, the monks pray for eight hours, sleep for eight hours, and work for eight hours. The work can be manual labor, sacred reading, or charity.

And they pray. The monks pray five times a day at 3:30 and 7 in the morning, 2 and 5:30 in the afternoon, and 7:30 in the evening. They sing medieval chants in English, and every two weeks they pray all 150 Psalms or inspirations from the Bible.

By about 7:45 pm each evening, they go to bed.

But the monks and the abbey are facing a difficult reality. The number of monks has declined since the abbey was founded in 1950. At its peak, there were 68 monks. Today, there are just 11, and many are older than 70.

Nowadays, its hard to recruit new monks, said Father James. Its a huge adjustment in our culture, much more than when I entered 39 years ago.

Advertising for monks doesnt work, said Kurt Aschermann, a lay person -- or helper -- who promotes the abbey as a volunteer. The target market for monks is men between the ages of 35 and 55. Men of that age have enough life experience to know they want to join the monastery.

Candidates must pass a background check, said Father James. They live at the abbey for three months to see if its right for them. They participate as active members for one year, but are not formal members yet. Then they are considered novices for two years.

They finally take simple vows, then solemn vows.

Lastly, they have to sell all their possessions before they are formally monks in the Trappist brotherhood.

Adapting to Modern Realities

Because fewer men have entered the monastic service, the abbey has taken some innovative steps to ensure its survival.

We are changing our relationship with the society around us, said Father James. There is an inter-penetration and an interaction with non-monastic people.

For example, Holy Cross Abbey has launched Monastic Immersion Weekends for both men and women. Those have been wildly popular, said Aschermann.

During the immersion weekends, you can spend 48 hours living the life of a Trappist monk. People of any religion  or no religion  can come.

There are lots and lots of people who find monastic life to be an interesting lifestyle, said Aschermann. But they have wives and children and jobs. Very few have the capacity to give up everything and go to the monastery.

The immersion weekend gives people a taste of monastic life.

Last year, the abbey offered a free event on the 100th birthday of Thomas Merton, a famous Benedictine monk. All 50 tickets were claimed in just two hours, said Aschermann.

The Holy Cross Abbey also rents rooms in a retreat house where up to 16 guests can come for weekend or weekday visits. No religious study is required. Guests can come to enjoy the scenery and quiet around the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River.

Englishman Ralph Wormeley, a friend of George Washington, bought the property in 1730 and named it the Cool Spring Estate. There is an historic house on the grounds that was built around 1784. It was built by the Wormeley family and sits next to the abbey.

The monks also raise money by selling fruitcake and creamed honey in their gift shop. In addition, they sell hooded T-shirts with the Abbey logo, scented soaps and biscotti.

The monks are self-sufficient financially. And theyve become innovative about raising income from the estate. They rent pasture to a local farmer, who grazes black Angus cattle on the property. They lease land to another farmer who is growing organic vegetables.

And they offer eco-friendly burials that are less expensive than usual burial methods. You can be buried with a monument made out of local rocks.

Last November, we won a Lord Fairfax award for an outstanding farm since 2010, Father James noted proudly.

History of the Benedictine Communities

The first Benedictine monastery in the U.S. was St. Vincent, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1832 by Bonifice Wimmer, a German monk. He brought Benedictine nuns from Germany to serve in Pennsylvania and other states.

Today, there are more than 2,000 Benedictine monasteries on six continents, according to Christian Spirituality: The Classics. Holy Cross Abbey is one of 12 Trappist monasteries for men, and five for women in the United States. Trappist monasteries are also called Cistercian monasteries, and they follow the Rule of St. Benedict.

Deep prayer is practiced in other religions, as well. Zen Buddhists emphasize meditation as a path to spiritual enlightenment. Sufism explores an inner mystical dimension of Islam. And Kabbalah is a branch of Judaism that promotes spirituality through mysticism.

Im Mary Gotschall.

Mary Gotschall wrote this story for VOANews.com. Kathleen Struck 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

estate  n. a large piece of land with a large house on it

monk  n. a member of a religious community of men who usually promise to remain poor, unmarried, and separated from the rest of society

motto  n. a short sentence or wording that expresses a rule guiding the behavior of a particular person or group

charity  n. the act of giving money, food, or other help to people who are sick or needy

medieval  adj. of or relating to the Middle Ages; of or relating to the period of European history from about A.D. 500 to about 1500

recruit  v. to find suitable people and get them to join a company, an organization or the armed forces

immersion  n. complete involvement in some activity or interest

fruitcake  n. a very sweet baked good that contains nuts, fruits, and spices

T-shirt  n. a shirt that has short sleeves and no collar and that is usually made of cotton

biscotti  n. an Italian food containing almond biscuits.

mystical  adj. having a spiritual meaning that is difficult to see or understand


This is Whats Trending Today

The Google search How to move to Canada reached an all-time high this week, right after Super Tuesday in the United States.

On Super Tuesday, 13 states and one territory voted to choose their preferred Republican Party and Democratic Party presidential candidates. It was the most important day yet in the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign.

Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump both won seven states on Super Tuesday. Trump now has one-third of the total delegates needed to win his partys nomination.

As Trump gets closer and closer to the Republican nomination, it seems, more and more Americans are looking into moving to Canada.

Simon Rogers is a data editor at Google. He tweeted about the sudden search increase. He wrote earlier this week: Searches for "How can I move to Canada" on Google have spiked 350 percent in the past four hours #SuperTuesday.

But that was only the start of the Google trend. The Google search How to move to Canada actually spiked more than 1,000 percent this week.

The travel search engine Kayak took notice. Using the hashtag #1waytocanada, it offered 10 winners on Twitter one-way plane tickets to Canada.

An official from the Canadian city of Toronto also offered help to Americans looking to move to their neighbor to the north.

Toronto City Councillor Norm Kelly tweeted: To all my American followers tweeting at me tonight, heres the link. His tweet included a link to the web page Apply to Immigrate to Canada.



Norm Kellys post has been re-tweeted more than 46,000 times.

And, a resident of Canadas Cape Breton created the website CBifTrumpwins.com. The island off Canadas east coast is experiencing a bit of a population problem, as the site says.

The website also says Cape Breton would welcome all, no matter who you support, be it Democratic, Republican or Donald Trump.

And thats Whats Trending Today.

I'm Dan Friedell.

Ashley Thompson wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

Would you move to another country if a politician you did not like won an election? Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

spike - v. to increase greatly in a short period of time

ticket - n. a piece of paper that lets the user see a show, travel on a vehicle or take part in an event
LEXINGTON, Neb.  Dawson County Farm Bureau, Dawson County Cattlemen and Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., teamed up to buy enough beef to feed more than 5,000 students in Dawson County, Elwood and Eustis-Farnam.

The collaboration is meant to promote beef during National Agriculture Week March 13-19. Representatives from the DC Farm Bureau, DC Cattlemen and Tyson picked up and loaded 1,300 pounds of beef on the back of a pick-up truck Thursday morning. The beef will be delivered to Gothenburg, Cozad,Lexington, Overton, Eustis-Farnam and Sumner-Eddyville-Miller Schools to prove a quarter pound of beef for lunch for each student.

Schools can choose which day during Ag Week the beef is served and how the meat will be prepared, said Shannon Peterson with the Dawson County Cattlemen.

Our big purpose is to teach kids where their food comes from. It does not come from the grocery store it is raised on the farm. We also want to teach them the nutritional value of beef, Peterson said.

She said beef is a great source of protein with very few calories. For example, a three ounce piece of beef can provide 25 grams of protein, Peterson said.

Peterson said a media event promoting beef in Dawson County will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at 10:35 a.m. at Gothenburg High School. Representatives from Dawson County Cattlemen and the Dawson County Farm Bureau will be available to talk to the public and members of the media, she said.

Promoting beef and agriculture was a nice way to thank area producers and promote a vital health food thats vital to the local economy, Peterson said.

Agriculture producers take very good care of their animals. They like to share stories and talk about how they raise their animals. They take a lot of pride in what they do, she said.

Besides National Agriculture Week, National Agriculture Day is Tuesday March 15. The Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Farm and Ranch Banquet will on the evening of Ag Day at Kirks Nebraskaland Restaurant in Lexington. For more information or to register call Lexi Christensen at the Lexington Chamber of Commerce at 308-324-5504.
LEXINGTON, Neb.  It started as just another day.

The members of the Arredondo family (Bernardo and Cindy, older daughter Adamaris, and baby Ailyn) were juggling school, childcare and jobs. Bernardo works in the slaughter department at Tyson Fresh Meats and Cindy worked at Great Western Bank.

Bernardo, an immigrant from Michoacan, Mexico and Cindy, born in California and raised in Lexington, embody the can-do working class of Lexington. Their story could be used to describe many households in the community.

Their idyllic small town lives changed forever on Aug. 31, 2015 when Cindys sister, Alejandra Zamora, took Ailyn out for a walk in a stroller. The pair were struck by a motorist and immediately transported to Lexington Regional Health Center with life threatening injuries.

Cindy recalled that day at the hospital. I was with my girl, and then next thing I know, I went outside and the doctor said my sister died, she said.

Excessive head trauma caused swelling in Ailyns brain and prompted her transfer to CHI Good Samaritan in Kearney. Eventually she was transported to Omaha for further intensive care treatment. She had to be sedated and hooked to a respirator for much of her treatment, Bernardo said.

Six months ago was very difficult. I didnt know what would happen, Cindy said.

Bernardo said it was hard to describe the rush of emotions he felt the day the accident occurred.

I cant find words to say how I felt. In that time you need God. One seeks God, say your Hail Marys, you pray. Its a form of seeking help for you to go forward, Bernardo said.

All of a sudden, he found himself in Omaha for a three-week period, Bernardo said.

Doctors made a hole in Ailyns head to allow the pressure in her brain to drop and release fluid from the aperture. Bernardo said a doctor in Omaha told him Ailyn could die, or if she lived she wouldnt be normal like before.

Ailyn spent 16 days at Omaha Childrens Hospital in the intensive care unit. She was released Sept. 17. Ailyn spent about a month in rehabilitation at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln. She was released from Madonna on Nov. 5.

Really, God did a miracle by keeping her alive, Bernardo said.

Despite living a nightmare, the Arredondos were never abandoned by the Lexington community. My sisters, Cindys family, people at Tyson, school friends, Pizza Hut and Great Western bank collected money for us. It was very beautiful what they did, Bernardo said.Lexington club El Tropico even hosted a fundraiser dance for Ailyn, he added.

The family is grateful for the financial and moral support, calls and prayers, Bernardo said.

The family has a long road ahead. Cindy said she wanted Ailyn, now eight-months-old, to grow and be as normal as possible.

With the head injury affecting Ailyns brain development, Bernardo said his daughters brain needed to start over. We dont know if in five years she will be able to walk or talk, he said.

Ailyns readjustment to home still requires visits to Family Physical Therapy inLexington twice a week, where she gets help using her muscles. Rehab has also helped

Ailyn learn to use her bib, or teta, as its known in Spanish.

Currently, she is not able to hold her head up straight with her neck or crawl or talk. Ailyn cant use her hands or arms on her own either.

Bernardo said it was best for Cindy to stay home and take care of Ailyn, who needs constant care, leaving him as the sole income-earner for the family.

Having been close to losing their youngest daughter, the Arredondos view each day as a blessing filled with little goals that Ailyn is bound to meet. Cindy said she attends a support group for mothers who have children that have suffered similar injuries that Ailyn has, she said.

In the wake of the accident, Ailyn didnt smile or seem to recognize him or Cindy, but time and rehabilitation has allowed her to grow. Now she recognizes when one of her parents talks to her, Bernardo said.

Figuring out if Ailyn needed her milk or food or to be carried was easy. She cries when she needs something, he said.

Bernardo mentioned a memorable conversation he had recently at St. Anns Catholic Church.

A lady at church talked to us about how she dedicates her time to helping the needy, like those who suffer after car accidents. She told us that kids can improve, she has seen it. Never lose faith, miracles are for God to do, Bernardo said.

Just like a parents love knows no limits, the Arredondos philosophy for Ailyn is a very loving and Hispanic one. Hispanic culture, especially families with recent immigrants, always know how to siguir adelante or move forward.

We have goals for her. The biggest thing is to heal her brain, have it grow and develop. Since she came back from Madonna she looks at us, she recognizes us. At therapy she can do little things. The little things are big accomplishments for her, Cindy said.

The Arredondo Family will be a beneficiary of the Eighth Annual Red and Wild Ladies on the Town event on Thursday, April 21 from 5-8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express in Lexington. Tickets are &7 in advance and $8 at the door. The event is organized by the Lexington Clipper-Herald.
By Paul Hammel

World-Herald BUreau

LINCOLN  Wednesdays brawl at the Douglas County Courthouse would have been a lot more menacing if the combatants would have been allowed to carry firearms.

And a lot more pricey for taxpayers.

Thats what a panel of state lawmakers was told Thursday as they considered a proposal that would relax the states requirement of gun-free zones at schools, universities, bars, banks, hospitals and courthouses.

State Sen. Tommy Garrett of Bellevue introduced Legislative Bill 769 to address concerns about the proliferation of mass shootings across the nation.

Gun-free zones, Garrett said, are the targets of choice for the criminally deranged. Because concealed-carry permit holders are banned from carrying guns in those zones, he said, the public is left defenseless.

Somebody has to fight back, Garrett said, and not get slaughtered.

Under LB 769, the states gun-free zones would be abolished, though schools, bars and others could opt to declare their own property gun free and post signs to indicate that.

But opponents of the bill said creating a potential patchwork of gun-free zones would be confusing and having more armed people in more places would increase firearm accidents and not deter shootings.

Do Nebraska lawmakers really want to replace textbooks with guns? asked Jan Hobbs of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

The Nebraska Bar Association, the states lawyers group, also opposed the bill, which

could allow concealed-carry guns in courthouses but ban them inside courtrooms. That led to a discussion of the violent melee in the hallways of the Douglas County Courthouse during a break in a double-homicide trial on Wednesday.

There are metal detectors at three entrances to the Douglas County Courthouse, which is a gun-free zone. The Douglas County Sheriffs Office estimated that it would need 31 more security guards and metal detectors outside each of the 34 courtrooms if the gun-free status ended. The cost was estimated at $2.7 million in the first year and $1.9 million in the second.

Garrett said the expensive fiscal note from Douglas County was a specious argument, because the county, under his bill, could opt to retain the courthouses gun-free status, thus there would be no extra cost.

But Bill Moeller, a lobbyist for the Bar Association, said it was important to maintain uniformity in all 93 of Nebraskas counties by retaining the gun ban at all courthouses.

Beyond that, most of the debate over LB 769 focused on the standard argument: Does allowing more guns make us safer or put us in greater peril?

Garrett said if guns were allowed in what now are gun-free zones, armed citizens could reduce the carnage of mass shootings. He said his bill would decriminalize personal protection.

Rod Moeller of the Nebraska Firearm Owners Association said predictions that there would be blood on the streets if concealed handguns were permitted in Nebraska have not come true. Permit holders, he said, are law-abiding citizens who should be allowed to defend themselves.

But several opponents criticized the bill, saying that putting more guns in more places would increase accidental shootings. Because concealed-carry holders are not trained in combat, the oppnents said it was doubtful that mass shootings could be deterred.

Teachers said they feared more gun violence in schools and universities if upset parents or students could carry handguns. Emergency room workers said theyd seen too many wounded children from accidental shootings. And university officials said it would be difficult to post enough gun-free signs at their wide-open campuses.

Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks said the state risked losing $117 million in federal funding of schools if LB 769 was adopted because it would put Nebraska out of compliance with a federal gun-free schools act.

The Legislatures Judiciary Committee took no action on LB 769 and three other gun bills after a public hearing. Most are not expected to be debated this year.

The other gun-related bills presented to the committee:

 LB 681, which would allow concealed-carry permit holders who accidentally carried a handgun into a prohibited location a chance to correct their mistake before they are charged with a crime.

 LB 1090, which would require that the State Patrol to notify other law enforcement agencies if someone fraudulently tried to obtain a state handgun buyers permit or a concealed-carry permit.

 LB 971, which would require a court hearing before a firearm confiscated by law enforcement as part of an emergency mental health commitment and not used in a crime could be returned to its owner. The bill was introduced on behalf of the Nebraska Sheriffs Association because of a concern that people with a recent mental health crisis could too easily and too quickly get their guns returned to them.
By LORI POTTER

Kearney Hub

KEARNEY  Scott Aughenbaugh, a historian by training, has a reason for choosing a career focused on the future.

Im concerned about the future because Im going to spend the rest of my life there, he said in his presentation, Seven Revolutions: Scanning the Horizon Out to the Year 2035 and Beyond, at this weeks Governors Ag Conference in Kearney.

Aughenbaugh is deputy director of strategic futures at the bipartisan, nonprofit Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

The first revolution is a world population growing to more than 9 billion by 2050. It will feature a spike in mega cities and longer life expectancies that will leave some countries with fewer young people than old people.

Aughenbaugh said that by 2029, there will be more people in the least-developed countries than in the most-developed ones. By 2035, 80 percent of the worlds gross domestic product will be concentrated in cities and there could be 56 cities of 10 million people or more.

There will be big opportunities for food-producing countries such as the United States, but also the challenge of developing relationships with those population centers, Aughenbaugh said.

The other revolutions he predicts are:

2. Resources  Food, Water, Energy

While still a huge problem, chronic hunger is declining and is expected to drop from 795 million to 625 million by 2040. The irony, Aughenbaugh said, is growing obesity means well actually have more cases of diabetes than hunger.

Farmers will need to grow more food on less land  some countries already have developed 99 percent of tillable land  with fewer inputs, such as scarce water supplies, and fewer effects on an environment influenced by climate change.

Aughenbaugh said technologies are helping ag producers gain greater efficiencies, but also are providing competition.

He showed a photo of a meat patty grown in a petri dish and said, The good news is it doesnt taste very good. ... The bad news is it eventually will be made to taste better.

It represents broader protein competition for beef and pork.

Genetically engineered crops containing nutrients or pharmaceuticals are other tools to address hunger.

A hurdle is gaining acceptance of such advances by consumers and even countries that have rejected other GMO crops, despite science confirming their safety.

There has not been one connection with a food-borne illness and a genetically modified food, Aughenbaugh said, beyond food handling safety issues.

Ag producers also will see more competition for transportation, especially if oil continues to be transported by rail instead of pipelines, he said.

Because the energy industry is slow to change, he doesnt expect major changes in the mix of fossil fuels, renewable energy and nuclear power by 2035. Aughenbaugh said that means people, including farmers, need to prepare for a world that is hotter because of global warming.

3. Technology

Growth of computing capacity will depend on new technologies because semiconductors have reached capacity, he said.

The number of phones exceeded the number of people in 2014.

Commercial use of robotics is growing in such areas as driverless cars, limb replacements and drones.

But not everybody is going to want them, Aughenbaugh said. My parents in Ohio no way want to bring a robot home.

He said biotechnology has been used to map genomes and develop DNA test kits. Research continues on growing new organs from tissue samples, making many things with 3-D printers, micromachines and managing multiple technologies from digital devices.

4. Information and Data

The world will generate 44 zettabytes of data by 2020, which Aughenbaugh said is the equivalent of everyone on the planet tweeting three times a minute for 27,643 years.

Despite all the information and many delivery options, he said average users have only five apps on their phones, watch 18 TV channels and spend 44 percent of their time on five websites. So the question is: How do you get customers to actually read what you put out there?

Meanwhile, promoters of artificial intelligence aim to allow things to make more decisions for humans.

5. Global Economics

Were not going to defeat inequality and poverty in the 21st century, Aughenbaugh said, noting that two-thirds of the population has just 13 percent of the wealth.

So what happens when robots replace people in millions of jobs? Aughenbaugh said 47 percent of U.S. jobs will be threatened by technology in the next 20 years.

The growing sharing economy  people renting instead of buying, or making deals to share equipment or services  already has put a stress on jobs, he added.

As an example of global economic interdependency Aughenbaugh said no one country today makes all the parts for aircraft, cars or electronics.

He said expanding trade should be good for Nebraska agriculture, but the demand will be for corn-fed protein, not the corn. Aughenbaugh advised producers to pay attention to new primary trade markets in Indonesia and Mexico.

Debt is a huge, lingering issue for many countries.

Aughenbaugh said if changes are not made now, by 2037 there may be no discretionary spending in the U.S. budget because it all will go to required benefit programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

6. Security

Because the United States cant do everything, risks need to be prioritized. Aughenbaugh said one area of concern is the South China Sea, a vital trade route where China is building islands to claim ownership of more area.

Security issues include more than armed conflicts and terrorism. He said diseases, including pest-borne ones, will increase because of global warming and greater concentrations of people.

Space is extremely important, he added. Were not spending enough time in this area.

7. Governance

What a government looks like depends on a countrys identity, where people live, what they do and how they were raised. Aughenbaugh said there are many special interest groups today for issues governments didnt have to deal with in the past.

Although there are problems such as debt and governance, he said, Things are looking pretty good for the United States, despite the junk you hear coming out of D.C.

His lists of positives include continuing development of great technologies and a growing population, although it will need to be sustained by immigrants in the future.

There still are roles for world institutions, partnerships and alliances, he said, but the world needs the United States at the top as the connector.
By LORI POTTER

Kearney Hub

KEARNEY  Nebraska agriculture organizations and other industry leaders generally agree on the need to better protect farming and ranching from groups seeking to make some modern crop and livestock production practices unlawful, but there is disagreement about the best way to provide that protection.

Should Nebraska voters be asked to approve a right to farm amendment to the state constitution or should the first steps be an interim study and statutes?

I dont need to sell the value or reinforce the value of agriculture to this crowd, state Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell said Wednesday at the Governors Ag Conference in Kearney while describing his 2016 priority bill to place an amendment on the November general election ballot.

Earlier Wednesday, the Agriculture Committee voted 5-2 to advance Kuehns LR378CA to the full Legislature.

Unlike other legislation, Gov. Pete Ricketts signature isnt required if the resolution is supported by at least 30 state senators. However, he told the Hub he supports Kuehns efforts.

In conference-opening remarks, Ricketts said that not only is agriculture Nebraskas No. 1 industry and responsible for one of four jobs, It is the heart and soul of what we do and what drives the growth were going to see here.

Kuehn, a veterinarian, farmer and livestock producer, said critical pieces of innovation have allowed farmers and ranchers to sustainably produce more food, fiber and renewable energy with fewer natural resources, a smaller carbon footprint, and a greater concern for animal health and welfare.

We all know that with social media, an idea, a fear or a myth can spread rapidly, he said, even to decision-makers who dont have the facts about the science and technology of modern agriculture.

Nebraska Farm Bureau members have the same concerns, but the organizations leaders have a neutral stance on Kuehns bill because they believe an interim study and statutory changes should come first.

First Vice-President Mark McHargue of Central City, who was at a Governors Ag Conference breakfast roundtable this morning, told the Hub that time is needed to make sure all constitutional amendment questions have been asked and answered.

Farm Bureau members in North Dakota and Missouri, where right to farm amendments have been passed, have advised McHargue that a very good ground game is needed to put a constitutional change before voters. Were a long way from that, he said.

McHargue said key questions include whether a constitutional amendment will accomplish the goals and if it will stand up to a judicial review, since there hasnt yet been a legal challenge of the other states amendments.

Constitutional amendments must be short and simple, he said, so statutes will be needed to define terms and address the complexity of protecting the different segments of agriculture even if the proposed Nebraska amendment passes.

Kuehn worries that future rural-urban demographics for the Legislature and Nebraska population in general dont favor right to farm issues, plus term limits for legislators and governors make it easier for activist groups to have more influence in changing statutory protections.

The constitutional amendment ballot issue requires 30 votes in the 49-member Unicameral, but other bills need a simple majority of 25. We want to ensure that a runaway idea or runaway concept will not get the 25 votes to make changes in what agriculture does, Kuehn said, adding that he doesnt take changing the state constitution lightly.

When asked about the term-limit factor, McHargue said that doesnt mean its not best to start with statute changes.

He said the right to farm amendment issue came as a surprise because ag organizations didnt request it. Their focus this session is property tax relief, McHargue said, so we didnt gear up for this.

Kuehn believes there are at least 30 senators who support putting the constitutional amendment on the ballot. He told the Hub he expects to have 33 votes for cloture, a parliamentary action to end debate and immediately vote on a bills advancement.

Sen. (Ernie) Chambers does not particularly like this bill, Kuehn said.

According to the Associated Press, Chambers warned his Ag Committee colleagues Wednesday that he will mount a filibuster to stop LR378CA from passing because it has no place in the state constitution.

Kuehn said that because the resolution is his priority bill and was advanced by the committee, it will be heard this legislative session.

Some people in agriculture think that if we dont address an issue directly, we wont draw attention to it, he said at the Governors Ag Conference. Im telling you the battle is already taking place.

Thats because the Humane Society of the United States and other groups already have a presence in Nebraska. Ricketts said that without a constitutional amendment, such groups can promote legislative initiatives to control what ag producers do.

HSUS is not our friend. ... They want to outlaw animal agriculture as we know it, he said. What do you think that would do to Nebraska? That would ruin our economy and our way of life.

Lets not nibble around the edges, but address this straightforward, Kuehn said.
Frida Henrietta (Rickertsen) Cline, 95, of Newton, Kan., formerly of Gothenburg, died March 1, 2016, at Asbury Park in Newton, Kan. She was a 1938 graduate of Lexington High School. Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Sunday, March 6, 2016, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. with the family present from 2:00-4:00. Services will be held at Banner United Methodist Church, March 7, 2016, at 10:00 am with Rev. Janie Freeman officiating. Interment will follow in the Peckham Cemetery, Gothenburg. Memorials may be given to the Banner United Methodist Church Banner Road, Gothenburg, NE 69138. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.
Blog con contenidos diversos: educativos, pensamientos,artisticos, humoristicos, trascendentes. Un perfecto cajon de sastre.
Nicht Ihr Computer? Dann konnen Sie fur die Anmeldung ein Fenster zum privaten Surfen offnen. Weitere Informationen
When Olympus Has Fallen came out three years ago it felt like a harmless retread of Die Hard, with a small injection of Xenophobia. Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) ran around the White House trying to save the President of the United States (Aaron Eckhart) and machine-gunned the cookie cutter middle eastern terrorists with a vague plan to destroy the world.

Since that movie made a ton of money, as most bad movies with jingoistic overtones do, we now have a sequel called London Has Fallen. You dont need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that this is the exact same film once again, with the shooting location shifting to London. It is also predictably much worse than the first film.

This time Banning and the POTUS arrive in London to attend the funeral of the British Prime Minister, and against all odds the terrorists swoop down upon them to rain bullets and bombs. Youd imagine an event where the worlds top leaders gather would probably be secured to the hilt. So the four screenwriters of the film insert a super smart tactic to address how the attack takes place  the terrorists are disguised as cops.

And thats pretty much the peak of ingenuity and imagination in the film - the plot lurches on from one explosion to another, with Banning and the terrorists spraying bullets at each other like pichkaaris on Holi. The terrorist leader meanwhile barks threats on TV about how he would flatten every major city around the world.

But its not the plot that frustrates the viewer  plenty of action films that have lousy storylines (Die Hard 2, John Wick) are fun because the action in the films has some new and interesting edge. John Wick also had some hilarious subversive quality which made fun of action film tropes. Unfortunately director Babak Najafi plays it straight in London Has Fallen, presenting the movie as if its the next level in action filmmaking, when all it does is remind you of every single bad straight to VHS 90s thriller.

London Bridge falls, buildings explode and our heroes run through the rubble as the United States flag flutters in the chaos, and jingoistic dialogue emanates reassuring you that America will save the whole world. The CGI in the scenes where the touristy landmarks are destroyed will get your palm closer to your face.

The film also isnt making a nuanced point on terrorism, because Banning mouths lines like Why dont you guys pack up your shit and head back to Fuckheadistan. Every brown dude around is a terrorist until proven otherwise, Banning later says. It feels like the four screenwriters had the singular mission to appease Donald Trump and his most ardent followers.

The performances in the film make you side with the terrorists. You get a top cast of Eckhart, Angela Basset (a Secret Service honcho), Melissa Leo (Defense honcho), Jackie Earle Haley (White House honcho), and Morgan Freeman (POTUS) all phoning in their performances, making no effort to hide the fact that theyre in this movie for the easy money. Ironically Freeman disclosed in a recent interview that this film made him very rich, and the director has previously made a movie called Easy Money 2.

To eradicate awful memories of these Fallen films the sequel that the world needs is John Wick 2. And if youve see the recent viral video of Keanu Reeves prepping for the shoot youll already be standing in the ticket line for the movie that releases next February.
Just a day after taxi aggregators Uber and Ola launched their bike taxis in Bengaluru, the Regional Transport Authority has thrown a spanner in their works terming them illegal.

Media reports say the authority has not only asked the commuters to not use them but even seized some the vehicles.

According to a report in The Times of India, the Karnataka transport department has said these two companies have not obtained permit or licence to run ride sharing bikes in Bengaluru.

It has also cautioned that these vehicles are not entitled for insurance cover and has threatened to take action against both the companies, said the ToI report.

Another report in the Deccan Herald, meanwhile, said the transport department officials have started seizing such vehicles from the roads.

According to a senior official quoted in the report, the bikes are being run as non-transport vehicles. There are no badges and yellow boards on these bikes which are required for transport vehicles. "We will not allow them to operate," the official has been quoted as saying in the report.

Ola's pilot 'Bike Taxis' service in the city is offering customers ride for as low as Rs 2 per km. The company had incorporated the feature on its application too. The minimum fare is Rs 30 with Rs 2 charged per km and Re 1 per minute of trip time.

Uber's 'uberMOTO' was priced at Rs 15 (base price), followed by Rs 3 per km and Rs 1 per min of ride-time charges.

"Bike Taxis will help users in Bengaluru get to where they want to be within minutes, especially in traffic-prone areas. We aim to enable safe pillion rides for our users with trained two-wheeler drivers at competitive fares," Ola Chief Operating Officer Pranay Jivrajka had told PTI.

Sources told PTI that some 500 people had signed up on Ola's platform for the service.

Bike taxis as a mode of transport has been gaining prominence. Players like Baxi and N.O.W are already offering their services in the Delhi-NCR region.

With inputs from PTI
The fate of governments in four states and one union territory will be known on 19 May, when counting for assembly elections will be conducted. The Election Commission on Friday announced the dates for five assembly polls to be held in different parts of the country.

While elections for Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will be held in a single phase on 16 May, elections for West Bengal and Assam will be held in six phases and two phases respectively, Chief Election Commissioner of India Nasim Zaidi announced in a media conference. The model code of conduct comes into existence with immediate effect for all five states. The election process will be completed by 21 May, the commission said.

West Bengal

The first phase, to be held on 4 and 11 April, in West Bengal will include areas which are affected by left-wing extremism. The remaining phases will be held on 17, 21, 25, 30 April, and on 5 May. The last phase will include the Cooch Behar district, which has several enclaves which have newly become a part of India after the border agreement with Bangladesh.

Assam

The Assam elections will be held in two phases. These will be on 4 and 11 April.

Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry

All these three elections will be held in one phase on 16 May.

LIVE: 5 central observers in each district to oversee election process#AssemblyElectionshttps://t.co/QhCZq4kAXK pic.twitter.com/bIm55pZEHI  PIB India (@PIB_India) March 4, 2016

LIVE: Here is the schedule of #AssemblyElections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry pic.twitter.com/esaNR5XwS2  PIB India (@PIB_India) March 4, 2016

The Election Commission appears to be making a special effort to allow women voters to cast their ballot, and has announced that all women polling stations will be set at different places during all five assembly polls.

Among other measures to ensure smooth organisation of elections include displaying of candidates' photographs to prevent confusion over namesakes, a symbol for the NOTA (none of the above) option and deployment of central paramilitary forces.

The number of voters who will go to polls during this series of elections is 1.98 crores in Assam, 2.56 crores in Kerala, 5.8 crore in Tamil Nadu, 6.55 crore in West Bengal and 9.27 lakh in Puducherry.

PN16_04032016
New Delhi: Cautioning against any interference in the legal system, JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar today said he had full faith in the country's judiciary and hoped it is not influenced by the RSS. "Those who were burning flags earlier are now standing with the same flags asking people to show their nationalism certificates. I have faith in judiciary and Constituion but what they should do should not be decided in Nagpur at RSS headquarters," Kanhaiya told PTI in an interview.

The 29-year-old research scholar, who walked out of Tihar yesterday on interim bail after being lodged there for 18 days in a sedition case, said his agenda is not to be a politician but to be a teacher. "I am an activist as a student and I will be an activist as a professor as well five years down the line. I do not have any intentions to join mainstream politics. Neither I want to use the kind of support I have got from public at large for petty political gains," he said.

According to Kanhaiya, the entire row about the university being allegedly branded as anti-national has created a particular image of the varsity which is affecting the students.

"I was inside, what was happening outside jail, I was getting to know only from news reports. It's not just Left supporters which stood by me but also those who haven't been able to decide whether they should hold the left flag or the right are also coming out in support of JNU," he said. "I am being told students are finding it difficult travelling in trains if passengers get to know they are from JNU, autowallahs are refusing to ferry them. This is the sad part of this controversy, all the rest is a fight which will go on," he added.

Defining his idea of politics, Kanhaiya said, "Politics has two centres  one in parliament and another on the streets. The former needs struggle while the latter needs strategy. I believe there should be two-way traffic between both".

Asked whether the controversy will affect his relationship with the students on campus who are affiliated to ABVP, Kanhaiya said, "My room in hostel is next to the president of JNU's ABVP unit. This is what is the beauty of JNU. It is a fight between two idelogies and not individuals".

"Those who are bothered about the tax-payers money being spent on anti-nationals should rest assured about their investments. Their money is also being used for developing businesses of a select few, may be it's time to bother about those investments," he said.

Jawaharlal Nehru University is caught in a row over an event on the campus to commemorate the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, where "anti-national" slogans were allegedly raised. Besides Kanhaiya, two other students  Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya are also in custody in connection with the case.

"Our primary focus is to get them released but one thing I am sure of is if I adopt this ideology of raising our voice these trips to prison will become a frequent thing," he said. While the varsity administration has been under criticism from teachers and students over their alleged mishandling of the row, Kanhaiya refused to comment on the issue maintaining he has not been approached by anybody from the authorities.

PTI
By Prakash Nanda

Over the last three days, the national media has extensively reported on Kanhaiya Kumar, the president of the Jawharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), who has come out on conditional bail from the Tihar jail after being charged by the Delhi Police with sedition charges. On the night of the release, he gave a mesmerizing speech that was telecast live by almost all the TV channels. The next day, he addressed a live media conference. The print media has not remained behind in both news and views, giving an impression that India is Kanhaiya and Kanhaiya is India.

I too heard Kanhaiya speaking. He came out as a forceful orator, one of the best I have heard. No wonder why a nonpolitical retired civil servant friend (who had occupied high positions as an IAS officer), my senior in my university days, says: I was greatly impressed to hear Kanhaiya Kumar's speech live after his release from Tihar. I liked his fluent oratory, conviction and commitment to social democracy. He has appealed to a vast majority of the people perhaps because he is superb in Hindi. And his thought process is amazingly coherent, bereft of vindictiveness. Certainly a role model for the nextgen politicians of the country. I wish him a long and fruitful political career ahead.

This is the best observation on Kanhaiya that I have heard from my colleagues, friends and critics. There cannot be any second opinion on his oratorical skills. As far as political communication is concerned, he is as good as, if not better than, former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and present Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kanhaiya is every inch a politician. But he, and here many bhakts of Kanhaiya will not agree, has no scholarly touch. A research scholar that he is in Indias premier university, Kanhaiya does not appear to have any intellectual depth, if his speech was any indication.

Let us have a look at the content of his speech. It was full of kranti (revolution) within the confines of the Indian Constitution (obviously it is because of this Constitution that a person of his background could study in JNU); menace of capitalism; caste exploitation; communalism, particularly spread by RSS; evils like Modi and Smriti Irani, particularly their conspiracy against the downtrodden etc.

Now, what is new in all these points, particularly coming from a person with communist leanings (Kanhaiyas father has been a follower of Communist party of India and Kanhaiya belongs to the AISF, the student wing of the CPI)? Day in and day out, he must have heard and practiced all these krantikari (revolutionary) talks. Lal Salaam, RSS murdabad, capitalism murdabad , imperialism murdabad and America murdabad have been the staple slogans of every Leftist in the country ( RSS-bashing of course has been a little more broad-based to include the Congress party as well). I have been hearing all these my childhood and I heard them most recently from Kanhaiya the other day.

This brings me back to the student politics in JNU and some of the JNUSU presidents who have opted for politics as their careers and made marks in national politics. Let me reveal that I was a student leader in JNU and member of JNUSU. From my experience, I can talk of Prakash Karat (I heard him during election time only as he had already left the campus by the time I came to the JNU), Debiprasad Tripathi, better known as DPT and Sitaram Yechury as presidents and late Divijay Singh(one of my closest friends) as general secretary.

I came to know from DPT (who has always treated me with love and affection as an elder brother) the other day that Congress leader Ashwini Kumar (a cabinet minister under the prime ministership of Manmohan Singh) is also a JNU alumnus. Then there is my contemporary Nirmala Sitaraman, who, like me, was not aligned with any political party as such, though she did not contest elections to enter the JNUSU.

Karat, DPT and Sita were outstanding speakers, but unlike Kanhaiya, they were (and are) great intellectuals. Had they opted for academics, each one of them would have been a great scholar of international fame. Kanhaiya can be said to be in Divijays mould  fluency in Hindi with contents that could appeal a bigger general crowd than smaller intellectual gatherings. Of course, Kanhaiya will have an edge over Divijay when it comes to manner of speech delivery.

Now, let us see the careers of these leaders. Karat became the chief of the CPM, Indias largest Communist party that believes in parliamentary democracy. Sita is CPMs present chief; in addition, he is also a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, having been elected by the West Bengal Assembly. DPT is also Rajya Sabha member, but he has come through the Maharashtra assembly, thanks to the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party of which he is also a General Secretary. Ashwini Kumar, again a Rajya Sabha member, represents Punjab. Divijay, who came to both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha at different times, represented JD(U), then an ally of the BJP (though his last stint in the Lok Sabha was as an Independent after he was denied a ticket by Nitish Kumar). Nirmala is a BJP member in Rajya Sabha, courtesy BJPs ally Telugu Desam in Andhra Pradesh.

If we go a little deeper, we can see from the above that for any JNU student leader to do well in national politics, he or she must have an established political party for support. The bigger the party or the partys alliance is, greater is ones achievement. A party like CPM or NCP will make you a MP at the most; but for becoming a minister, you need to be from a bigger national party like Ashwini Kumar from the Congress, Divijay from a BJP-ally and Nirmala from the BJP.

So where does Kanhaiya, who, going by the predictions or impressions of his bhakts inside and outside the media, will be the nemesis of none other than Modi, stand in reality? His party, the CPI, is literally living on the oxygen supplied by the CPM in Indian politics. In other words, Kanhaiya does not have any political future at the national level if he sticks with the CPI, that too at a time when the CPM is battling hard to regain its past glory. Kanhaiya cannot go the BJP, given his strong ideological provenance. I think Congress is a party that he should look forward to. I will love to see Kanhaiya as a Congress MP or minister.

But then, there is every possibility of Kanhaiya spurning my unsolicited advice. He could well say that for him, principles and loyalty matter more than opportunism; he could give a wonderful lecture on why he will love to be a pauper in CPI rather than being a king in Congress. And my respect for him will further go up if he says so. However, I have a problem with his bhakts. Addressing a gathering of 3000 students (at the most) in JNU before TV channels is one thing but winning an election to enter Parliament as a direct challenger to Modi (now, one feels sad for Arvind Kejriwal, who was only comparing himself with Modi) is a different ball game. But the bhakts are adding to Kanhaiyas ego that Modi has not been doing anything of late other than conspiring against him, day in and day out. That is the surest way of ruining a very promising political talent, who, otherwise, should be nurtured to enliven and reinforce Indian democracy.
As Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton vowed to punish companies that leave the US, her rival dug out a video of hers saying in India that there are "pluses and minuses" to outsourcing US jobs.

Rival Bernie Sanders's campaign is planning to widely distribute the video of Clinton from 2012 in a bid to gain advantage ahead of next week's Democratic presidential primary in Michigan, according to the Washington Post.

Appearing on Indian television during her tenure as Secretary of State, Clinton was asked during a town hall-style public affairs programme for her thoughts on outsourcing from the US to India. "Well, you know, it's been going on for many years now. And it is a part of our economic relationship with India," Clinton had said.

"And I think there are advantages with it that have certainly benefited many parts of our country, and there are disadvantages that go to the need to, you know, improve the job skills of our own people and create a better economic environment, so it's, like anything, it's, you know, got pluses and minuses," she added.

While Sanders's camp is prepared to argue that Clinton's words show an insensitivity to the plight of US workers, Clinton's team suggests what she said is consistent with her view that trade can be a mixed bag, the Post said.

Sanders's campaign manager, Jeff Weaver also argued that Clinton's comments in India differed from what she has said about outsourcing during appearances in the US.

In the video, Clinton is asked about a political ad that President Barack Obama was airing during his 2012 re-election campaign against Republican Mitt Romney that was critical of Romney's outsourcing of jobs as a businessman.

The hosts told Clinton that the ad is causing "a lot of heartburn" in India. "Well, it's an election year," Clinton responded, adding, "It's an obligation in an election campaign to talk about what's on people's minds."

She said that Americans who have lost manufacturing jobs are fearful because they "don't feel like they have any other job possibilities".

Meanwhile, speaking at a car part manufacturing plant in Detroit on Friday, Clinton pledged to punish companies that leave the US, as she laid out a sweeping plan to boost American workers and enforce trade policies, CNN reported.

In what her campaign billed as major policy address on the economy and jobs, Clinton proposed an exit tax that would punish companies for moving their headquarters overseas while still benefiting from US laws.

"If you aren't going to invest in us, why should taxpayers invest in you?" she said.

IANS
Maputo (Mozambique): Mozambique authorities on Saturday said they will discuss the investigation of the plane debris found off the country's coast with Malaysia.

Debris that washed up in Mozambique has been tentatively identified as a part from the same type of aircraft as the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that disappeared on March 8, 2014.

As reported by Xinhua news agency, Joao de Abreu, the director of Mozambique's National Civil Aviation Institute, said on Friday that his institute would like to hand over the debris to the expert team from Malaysia.

As to whether the Mozambican government would launch a search for more possible debris afterwards, Abreu was reported saying it would be considered after the identification results.

The debris, with a honeycomb structure inside, was found by Mozambican fishermen accompanying an American tourist on a sandbank near Vilanculos town in Mozambique.

The state news agency AIM on Friday quoted Abreu as saying any claim that the debris came from Flight MH370 was "premature" and "speculative".

During an interview with a local TV, Abreu expressed doubts that the wreckage could possibly come from the missing Malaysian Boeing 777, citing that the object looked too clean to have been in the ocean for the past two years, AIM quoted.

However, he said "no aircraft which has overflown Mozambican airspace has reported losing a panel of this nature."

Currently, the institute has received two contacts who want to investigate the piece, one from Australia, and the other from Malaysia.

"We are open to anyone who wants to collaborate to find out what type of plane this belongs to," said Abreu.

The MH370, with 239 lives on board, most of them Chinese, is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.

If confirmed, the object found in Mozambique would be the second piece of debris discovered from the MH370. Last year, a piece of the plane's wing was found on the shore of Reunion island in the Indian Ocean.

IANS
Whiplash often follows a car accident after the passengers' bodies are thrown forwards and backwards. With no physical symptoms, it can be hard to prove or disprove.

Drivers in the United Kingdom seem to suffer it more than others, with whiplash making up about 70 per cent of all post-accident claims from 2008 to 2013.

Suspecting this unusually high rate of whiplash had more to do with exaggerated claims than weak neck muscles, the British government announced last year that people could no longer get cash compensation for minor whiplash claims. Further, it was increasing the upper limit in the small claims court to 5000 ($9675), removing the need for lawyers.

And with that, the British government totally smashed the value of a conglomerate business previously called Quindell, which Melbourne-based law firm Slater & Gordon had just bought for a whopping $1.2 billion.
Progress in the bombing campaign against Islamic State has heightened the risk of the terror group lashing out and striking back on Australian soil, one of the world experts on suicide terrorism has warned.

Professor Robert Pape, the director of the Chicago Project on Security and Terrorism, has told a series of top-level meetings with Australian government officials and researchers that IS is purposely lashing out at members of the coalition involved in the air strikes.

In an interview with Fairfax Media, Professor Pape said Australia must not be complacent and think it is too far away or out of reach. He said Australia is very much on the radar of IS.
It also comes as survivors were informed on Friday that their request to meet Pope Francis was never received.

Even his staunchest defenders now accept that Cardinal George Pell is an embattled figure seemingly under attack from all sides. Credit:Getty Images

The statement comes after Australian child sex abuse survivors who flew to Rome to watch Cardinal Pell give evidence, said they were unimpressed he told the inquiry he had no knowledge of offending by paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale in Ballarat in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Vatican has issued a statement praising Cardinal George Pell for his testimony at the royal commission and rejecting claims the Catholic Church had done nothing, or very little, to respond to child sex abuse.

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said Cardinal Pell's appearance at the live inquiry and the presentation of a Best Picture Oscar to Spotlight  a film about The Boston Globe's investigation into Catholic Church sex abuse cover up there  had brought a new wave of attention from the media and public to the issue of child sex abuse by clergy.

Cardinal Pell gave evidence to the royal commission via video link from Rome in February last year.

"The sensationalist presentation of these two events has ensured that, for a significant part of the public, especially those who are least informed or have a short memory, it is thought that the Church has done nothing, or very little, to respond to these terrible problems, and that it is necessary to start anew," Father Lombardi wrote.

"Objective consideration shows that this is not the case."

He said following the events that were the subject of the Spotlight film, the previous archbishop of Boston resigned in 2002 and was replaced by Cardinal Sean O'Malley, an adviser to the Pope and president of the Commission for the Protection of Minors, established in 2013.
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, at present living somewhere in Russia. Credit:Getty Over the past 12 months, while living at his undisclosed location in Russia, Snowden has spoken a few times with media. In February, he even zapped in via video link to a libertarian forum in New Hampshire. He will do the same in Australia in May, in a series of capital city talks put together by Sydney-based "edu-tainment" event organisers, Think Inc. Like many aspects of Snowden's profile, however, these interviews invite differing interpretations. One is that they represent extensions of Snowden's continuing activism in the field of civil liberties. Another is that for a man charged with espionage by a country with a history of suspect rendition, black prison sites, enhanced interrogation techniques and covert assassinations, hiding in plain sight is a bloody good idea. Defend your privacy: Snowden is calling on people to protect their rights online. Credit:Reuters Certainly, it's crossed his mind that his biography might end early.

"If something happens to me tomorrow, if I get hit by a bus, or mysteriously fall downstairs, or simply disappear, that's obviously not something I'm hoping for," he said. Snowden leaked US internet and phone monitoring details. Credit:AFP via AAP/The Guardian "But it's something I'm prepared to accept. The nature of liberty, of being truly free, is founded on a willingness to accept risk. Of course there could be a backlash. Of course, there could be some crazy person, or government, who tries to take direct action  but all they'll do is prove my own point." Few people, if any, would call Edward Snowden "truly free", even given his oddly utopian assertion in a previous exchange in which he said his physical location was unimportant because he "lives on the internet". He relies on the largesse of Vladimir Putin for continued asylum. He has no US passport. Most countries to which he has applied for permanent asylum have refused. The charges he faces under the US Espionage Act carry prison sentences of up to three decades. The trial would be held in secret. New York City Parks workers remove a moulded bust of Snowden that was erected by a group of anonymous artists in 2015. Credit:Reuters

Talking to him involves a series of hoops and cut-outs. In the case of this interview, discussions between Snowden, his lawyer, and Think Inc started the process. Suzi Jamil, one half of Think Inc, then approached this reporter  by phone only; nothing was to be put in writing. Interest was confirmed, but the timing remained open for weeks: the decision to talk was Snowden's and Snowden's alone. Questions were demanded in advance, drafted, and provided to Think Inc, which in turn sent them to Snowden and his lawyer. He would choose five, we were told  although in the event he answered 10, and talked for a generous 90 minutes. Snowden receiving the Sam Adams Associates for Integrity in Intelligence Award (SAAII) alongside UK WikiLeaks journalist Sarah Harrison (second from right) who took Snowden from Hong Kong to Moscow and obtained his asylum, and the United States government whistleblowers who presented the award, Coleen Rowley (FBI), Thomas Drake (NSA), Jesselyn Raddack (Department of Justice) and Ray McGovern (CIA) in October 2013 in Russia. Credit:Getty Images On no account would he speak directly to the reporter. The questions had to be asked by a trusted intermediary. The interview, with Jamil asking the questions and recording the results, took place via a Google Hangout (he refuses to use Skype). It can be assumed the call was rerouted through an anonymising service such as Tor. If the US National Security Agency or ASIO were listening in, the spooks would be unable to trace the contact back to his current place of residence.

A protester carries a picture of Snowden with the German word for ''asylum'' during a 2013 protest in Berlin. Credit:Getty Such a level of paranoia is understandable, whether or not one views his actions as admirable whistle-blowing or damnable treason. The bleak fate of Chelsea Manning and the parlous living arrangements of Julian Assange must serve as graphic examples of what can happen when you get on the wrong side of the American spy guys. Unlike Manning and Assange, however, Snowden says he doesn't find his new life difficult. Passengers eat at a cafe with a TV screen showing a news program report on Snowden, in the background, at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow. Credit:AP "My psychological strength is very strong," he said. "Of course I paid a price, though. I was living an extraordinarily comfortable and privileged life. Nobody in the world knew my name."

When he downloaded his explosive collection of secret documents he was living in Hawaii. Before that, he spent time as a CIA employee in Geneva, and then as an NSA operative in Tokyo. Throughout, he said, he was "extraordinarily well paid, for very little work." Think Inc founders Desh Amila (left) and Suzi Jamil found some companies were worried about being associated with US whisteblower Edward Snowden's virtual tour of Australia. Credit:Peter Rae "I was living with the woman that I loved, surrounded by friends, able to contact my family freely. And you have to ask yourself, when you have everything that you've ever wanted, what would it take, how bad would it have to get, for you to light a match and burn it all to the ground?" It's plain that he has asked that question many times. When he answers himself, it has the ring of practised testimony. "We all have a line, a level of incivility and inhumanity and injustice that we can tolerate," he said. "And there's that one step beyond to that point that we can't tolerate. I found my line.

"Despite that, despite the things that I've lost, I'm more connected today than I've ever been. My family supports me, and, despite the global manhunt, I'm still with the same woman. I can go to sleep at night proud of the work I did during the day." He pauses a lot when he talks. They are long lacunae  15, 20 seconds of dead air at a time  and when he speaks again he rarely smiles and almost never laughs. He looks away from the camera a lot. When he hits his stride, however, he has a natural rhythm, and perhaps a well-rehearsed collection of responses, that lend his words a definite oratorical air. This comes to the fore particularly when he talks about internet activism. He notes, for instance, that "governments will always have a political incentive to control speech" online. "This leads inevitably to a context of diminishing liberties, diminishing freedoms, because the public commons becomes more regulated over time," he said. "It's sort of a death by a thousand cuts, because exceptions are carved out until you can only stand and speak in a particular way. If we can provide a platform for public discussion even in the most closed-off and repressive regimes, what we are building is a foundation for liberty that is irrevocable without regard to time and tide."

Indeed, it is when talking about the internet that he reveals a belief in a kind of technologically-mediated freedom that is dramatically at odds with the evidence of widespread online surveillance that his actions revealed. While condemning the spying, he remains an apologist for the structure that enabled it. "You can abuse any tool. We don't set the value of our tools based on whether or not they've ever been abused," he said. "There is a global cohort of skilled and technical people developing new technical means of enforcing human rights across borders without regard to jurisdictions. The aim is to guarantee the same rights that are recognised in countries such as Australia or France to, for instance, a young woman growing up in central Africa." The dream that somehow the internet can transform human rights and bring about equal, uniform enfranchisement across the globe is pervasive, and seems touchingly innocent. It also provides an ethical framework through which to interpret Snowden's theft of thousands of secret documents. But there are other frameworks available, too. In a book published last month, Michael Hayden, retired director of both the NSA and CIA, described Snowden as "an incredibly naive, hopelessly narcissistic and insufferably self-important defector."

The evidence suggests that in one respect, at least, Hayden is wrong. Snowden has not defected to Russia; he has unsuccessfully applied for asylum to more than a dozen countries, many in South America. He is on record as saying he would return to the US and take his chances with the legal system if he wasn't facing charges that prevented him testifying in public. (One of the few times he chuckles during the interview is when he recounts that the only guarantee he has received from the US is the assurance that he won't be tortured.) Hayden's allegation of naivety, however, perhaps strikes a chord, especially in the matter of Snowden's desired "global cohort" of self-described and self-appointed human rights monitors happy to operate "without regard to jurisdictions." It doesn't take a lot to imagine such a body inviting much the same kind of objection that Snowden makes about today's globally interlinked and legally questionable state-sponsored security agencies. "You see programs and policies that were publicly justified on the basis of preventing terrorism  which we all want  in fact being used for very different purposes," he said. "This raises a question. It suggests that abuse is the natural by-product of power in the same way that pollution is the by-product of industry. This is not a new or novel occurrence. It's recognised in the language of our public discourse. It's the reason our leaders are called public officials and we are called private citizens."

During the interview, he often framed his arguments in terms of the liberty of the individual and its progressive erosion by the state. Without guaranteed rights, he said, government "starts to look less like the rule of law and more like the rule of men." The position constitutes a further irony. In his libertarian argument he puts himself (perhaps unintentionally) in close proximity to the Tea Party loud-mouths who frame their gun-toting notion of freedom around getting governments out of the affairs of individuals  and who regard him as a traitor. "Increasingly," he said, "we're seeing that we the public  we, the people  are becoming more and more transparent to government, but at the same time it is becoming more and more opaque to us." Snowden has always maintained that in reality there is no great philosophical distance between him and those at the highest levels of the US government entrusted with safeguarding his nation's constitution. Perhaps he is right  and perhaps, in that position, he is not quite the hero of the left he is often thought to be. Regardless, as the catalyst for the post-Snowden era of surveillance and suspicion, he can't be ignored. It seems vanishingly unlikely that he, Assange and Manning will ever be able to meet up in a Manhattan bar for a beer or two  or, perhaps more poignantly, that he will ever again sit down in his dad's house for Thanksgiving.

If the cost of his actions has been too high in personal terms, however, he isn't about to admit it any time soon. "People ask me, would you do it again," he said, "and I say, yes, absolutely. Not only would I do it again, I regret I didn't do it sooner." An Evening With Edward Snowden Fri, May 20: Riverside Theatre, Perth Sat, May 21: Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide

Sun, May 22: The Plenary, MCED, Melbourne Fri, May 27: Courier Mail Piazza, Brisbane Sat, May 28: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Sun, May 29: Llewelyn Hall, Canberra When the whistle blew

July, 2010: Chelsea (then, Bradley) Manning, an intelligence analyst based in Baghdad, is charged by the US military, which alleges he provided classified documents to Wikileaks. June, 2011: Wikileaks founder Julian Assange seeks refuge in London's Ecuadorean embassy, and requests asylum. February, 2013: Manning pleads guilty to misusing classified information and is jailed. June 5, 2013: The Guardian newspaper reveals that the US NSA has been secretly collecting millions of telephone records. June 9, 2013: Edward Snowden, having fled to Hong Kong from Hawaii, outs himself as the source for the Guardian story.
As the sun rose over northern Greece Saturday and the damp mist slid away, refugees, mostly Syrians and Iraqis, lit fires again in muddy fields and prepared for another day of struggle  of foraging for food, queuing for toilets and wondering if the Macedonians would open the border or would instead continue to block their passage into Europe.

The adults roused themselves, and the sprawling makeshift refugee camp came alive with bleary-eyed children.

For days now most of the children have gone unwashed  there are only a handful of washing facilities available for a burgeoning population of asylum-seekers that U.N. officials here say numbers 12,000 people.

Workers from the French charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders), the real driving force of relief efforts at Idomeni, acknowledge the facilities are inadequate and are urging other international non-profits to provide more assistance in the face of insufficient support from Greek and European authorities.

We are desperately calling for people to come and support us, said Gemma Gillie, MSFs spokesperson in Greece.

MSF has 135 staff here who are distributing thousands of meals and blankets a day.

For us this is unsustainable. We cant keep going at this rate. There is a constant stream of people arriving every morning. But to be honest these people have come to Europe for safety and it is the responsibility of European governments to meet their needs and not NGOs. We are trying to fill the gap, Gillie said. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has a small presence here; so too the charity Save the Children.

MSF is running a 20-strong medical team  and a couple of other relief organizations, the Greek Red Cross and Greek charity Praxis are providing smaller medical teams to assist. But the medical operation isnt enough to cope with the demand. The MSF tent facility was designed to accommodate 1,500 refugees.

Medical needs



Many refugees, especially the children, have respiratory infections. The asylum-seekers are suffering also from gastric ailments and diarrhea. All basic illnesses associated with not having adequate shelter and adequate hygiene facilities, said Gillie.

Many of the old are weak and have preexisting conditions, like 77-year-old Dahab from Damascus. She is sitting in a wheel-chair being comforted by her son and his wife, who is six months pregnant.

They have been at Idomeni for ten days. And if the border isnt opened what then? We have nothing," she said. "I dont know what will happen to us. She wants to join another daughter who is in Holland.

Gillie said there are also psychological needs not being met.

We are seeing signs of trauma amongst adults and children alike. We have one psychologist doing group and individual sessions for people who are suffering various mental health issues associated with the journey, what they fled or the current situation they are in now. The anxiety about not knowing what is going to happen is putting a strain on people. The not-knowing is difficult. There are some people who have been here for more than two weeks and they are fed up and sick of waiting and dont understand why they are being halted.

Tension on the border



Feeling the tension on the border and seeing on the other side soldiers and Humvees, some of the children ask whether Macedonia and Greece are at war. The sound of a helicopter prompts some Syrian kids who associate choppers with barrel-bombs instinctively ducking.

The strain for the refugees shows at times among the adults.

On Thursday a fight broke out in one of the food distribution lines. Tempers flare quickly. On Friday, relief workers several times had to shout at people to step back.

Also on Thursday, an Iraqi husband beat up his wife  news photographers were quick to snap her bloodied face.

Even so, relief workers remain amazed at the overall patience of the refugees. Mondays incident, when 200 or 300 people clashed with Macedonian border guards, is being seen by relief workers as more the fault of the guards than the refugees.

The refugees were peacefully protesting, they shook the fence and then the guards started to hit them with batons. That prompted the refugees to throw stones at the guards who then responded with tear gas, said a relief worker, who asked not to be named.

The camp effectively is split into two: an official camp with eight huge tents and several smaller community ones that Doctors Without Borders erected, and then around the official camp a sprawling tent city spread across muddy fields and among trees and along the tracks of a railway line.

Razor-wire fences



In the distance the refugees can see the snow-capped mountains of Macedonia. The Macedonian razor-wire fences glint in the morning sunshine.

There are over 10,000 people here and we are expecting many more, Babar Baloch, a spokesman for the UN refugee agency, told VOA.

The majority are Syrians and Iraqis and there are many women and children. We dont expect there to be any change at the border and you can see the result here. The Macedonians are only letting a trickle of people through  280 on Thursday. The situation is desperate. This is not a proper camp. No one anticipated a proper reception center would be needed here. The Greek authorities are doing their best but they are struggling and we need more resources and proper relief coordination.

Refugees ask reporters frequently if they have any news of whether the Macedonians will re-open the border, or what they will face in other Balkan countries that, along with Austria, have imposed border restrictions. Why wont they allow us to pass? asked Ahlam, a dark-haired 23-year-old Kurd Aleppo. She said she and her husband, a computer science teacher, left Syria because, It is just too hard to survive there now.

There are dead bodies everywhere. That is why we decided to come. We dont like going to another country but we just didnt have another option. We want to go to Germany. We have cousins there, she added. But why dont the Europeans want us? We are educated. My family was successful. We owned three apartments and had land. We lost everything. But we can do well in Europe.

Hopeful about the future



For all the anxiety about what the future may hold for them and their anger at being held up, most of the refugees show a remarkable patience and friendliness.

Shermin, a 19-year-old Yezidi from the Iraqi town of Dohuk, remains ebullient and hopeful about the future. She and her sisters and mother left Dohuk because they felt highly vulnerable as Yezidis and worried about whether Islamic State militants would manage to revive their battlefield fortunes and arrive in Dohuk.

God willing, we will make it to Germany, she said with a laugh and a smile.

The refugees display a protectiveness towards each other  including strangers. A small girl who couldn't find her tent and burst into tears near a food queue immediately had people bustling around to assist her. Shortly after, an old, wrinkled Iraqi woman rose to embrace several journalists she saw enter the collective tent she was in  her way of thanking them for chronicling the story of the refugees at Idomeni.

With another 20,000 war refugees from the Middle East and migrants mainly from Africa bottled up elsewhere in Greece, Idomeni will soon swell with even more desperate asylum-seekers. Greek authorities are increasing their estimate of how many will arrive on their shores this month from 70,000 to 150,000. Local aid agencies say that may be an under-estimate and expect 200,000 by the end of the month.
Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will open a state-of-the art, technology-rich, library in 2018, designed for social and academic interaction on campus and in the surrounding community.

Ground was recently broken on the new building, which is a joint venture of Oslo, Norway-based architectural firm Snohetta and the Philadelphia office of the North American architecture firm Stantec.

The design, part of a $1.2 billion capital improvement program at Temple University, received unanimous support from the city of Philadelphias Civic Design Review in fall 2015.

Cecil Baker of Philadelphias Civic Design Review Committee described the new library as sophisticated poetry.

A challenging project

According to Snohetta, the project was inspired by the historic academies of Greek antiquity, where social spaces for exchanging ideas and collaborative learning were primary and storage of books and archives had a secondary role.

With about 20,500 square meters of space, it will accommodate the university's 2.5 million volume collection, a considerable number of special collections, study and research space for about 38,000 students, staff areas, as well as a 24/7 space, an expanded lobby and a cafe.

The outstanding feature of the library will be an automated storage retrieval system (ASRS) for storing the majority of the volumes in the collection. The ASRS significantly reduces the amount of space needed as a repository for books, while widening the space for knowledge sharing and student resources.

The one-of-a-kind, sun-filled, four-story structure, which replaces the existing 1960s building, will combine stone, glass and timber in its construction.
Turkish police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at hundreds of protesters trying to resist a takeover of the country's biggest newspaper, seized by authorities in a crackdown on opposition media linked to a religious group whose leader lives in exile in the United States.

Police confronted around 500 protesters Saturday outside the Istanbul offices of Zaman, Turkey's largest-circulation daily.

Demonstrators chanted "free media cannot be silenced" as police closed in, spraying tear gas and firing rubber bullets at the demonstrators, many of whom were women.



The police action began Friday, when helmeted officers used powerful streams of water and clouds of tear gas to push demonstrators away from the newspaper's headquarters, then cut through a metal fence to occupy the building and install court-appointed trustees.

Zaman's chief editor, Abdulhamit Bilici, addressing his staff before police stormed in, called Friday "a black day for democracy" in Turkey. Media-rights groups have denounced the crackdown by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government

The crackdown, which also affected the English-language newspaper Today's Zaman, was the latest in a series of actions against Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, now a U.S. resident, whom the Ankara government accuses of treason.

Conspiracy accusations

Erdogan accuses Gulen of conspiring to overthrow the government by building a network of supporters in the judiciary, police and media. Gulen denies the charges. The two men were allies until police and prosecutors seen as sympathetic to Gulen opened a corruption probe into Erdogan's inner circle in 2013.

Zaman is Turkey's biggest-selling newspaper with a circulation of 650,000, according to media-sector monitor MedyaTava website.

EU stance

"Zaman Media Group being silenced in Turkey. Crackdown on press freedom continues sadly," Kati Piri, the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey, said in a tweet.

The EU is accused of turning a blind eye to Turkey's human rights breaches, including the deaths of hundreds of civilians during security operations against Kurdish militants, because it needs Turkey's help curbing the flow of migrants.

The U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists spoke out against Friday's action. The head of the rights group, Joel Simon, said "Turkish authorities should be fulfilling their constitutional obligation to defend press freedom" rather than undermining opposition media with aggressive action.

CPJ has reported that Turkey is one of the top jailers of journalists in the world, with government officials taking advantage of laws that can be broadly interpreted to imprison journalists on suspicion of espionage, conspiracy, or defaming the government.

The crackdown on Zaman comes at an already worrying time for press freedom in Turkey.

Journalists facing potential life sentences



Two prominent journalists from the pro-opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper are facing potential life sentences on charges of endangering state security for publishing material that purports to show intelligence officials trucking arms to Syria.

Authorities have seized and shut down opposition media outlets associated with the Gulen movement before. The state deposit insurance fund said this past week an Islamic bank founded by Gulen followers might be liquidated within months.

The Zaman takeover came hours after police detained businessmen over allegations of financing what prosecutors described as a "Gulenist terror group," Anadolu said.

Memduh Boydak, chief executive of furniture-to-cables conglomerate Boydak Holding, as well as the group's chairman Haci Boydak and two board members, were taken into custody.

Nobody from the company, based in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, was available to comment.

Because of Turkey's geographical position as a bridge between East and West, and as a member of NATO, it has been a valuable ally to the United States and Europe on issues such as the civil war in Syria and the tide of refugees flowing west from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Critics of Turkey's government say the nation's value as an ally keeps Western nations from protesting too loudly about the Ankara's human rights record.
There has been no breakthrough in the latest diplomatic attempt to implement a peace deal in eastern Ukraine, but observers say the so-called Minsk agreements are not "dead" yet.

In Paris on Thursday, foreign ministers from France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine  the so-called Normandy Format  tried to get the peace process back on track. The terms agreed to in Minsk during February of 2015 were not fully carried out by the deadline, which was the end of last year.

Analyst Jeff Rathke, Senior Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Friday both Moscow-backed separatists and Kyiv need to do their parts to move on with a permanent cease-fire and political reforms to break the stalemate.

"On the one hand, decisions have to be made by the Ukrainian authorities, he said, but most importantly is the need for the separatists backed by Russia to do their part, and so that remains as a problem, as progress is correspondingly slow and there [have] been no breakthroughs."

Rathke told VOA that Russia's intention in participating in the talks is trying to "find a way out of the sanctions" posed by the West.

A senior State Department official told VOA a full cease-fire and heavy-weapons withdrawal is needed for the implementation of political, economic and humanitarian aspects of Minsk  including voting in local elections.

No agreements reached

After hours of talks, French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault called for an April 30 deadline for a prisoner exchange in the Ukraine conflict, and for local elections to be held by the end of June in the Donbas region.

"We emphasized the importance of the creation and adoption of an electoral code by the Ukrainian government and the parliament in order to hold the local elections. We hope the elections will take place before the first half of 2016," he said.

But Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said in a tweet that "no agreements were reached."

Klimkin said there needs to be more progress toward an endurable cease-fire, though, to create security on the ground for local elections. He said Russians were not ready to discuss anything in detail.

Germanys foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, expressed his frustration after the meeting.

He said in a statement that "sometimes I also have the impression that Moscow and Kyiv forgot how serious the situation is and what pressure we are under to implement Minsk faster, because otherwise our efforts risk losing their legitimacy and their credibility."

Suspicions regarding Russia

The United States has urged Russia-supported separatists to start an immediate heavy weapons withdrawal in eastern Ukraine. Washington also called for Kyiv to adopt political reforms.

"We recognize that political reform is important not just to the stability of their government but to the Ukrainian people, and we want to see that continue to progress," said State Department spokesman John Kirby on Thursday.

While top U.S. officials continue to voice support for the western-brokered Minsk peace deal, critics say it does not change Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea.

Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the State Adam Ereli said that what the West saw in Russia's behavior in eastern Ukraine and Crimea was "the gradual erosion of established rules of international behavior, the respect for international boundaries, the intervention in internal conflicts, [and] the arming of separatist movements by hostile powers."

Ereli warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been utilizing all tools to undermine the western alliance.

"Clearly he's got his eyes on Moldova, clearly he's got his eyes on Eastern Europe," said Ereli of Putin, adding that "it's all part of an integrated plan."
A Cuban police officer arrests a member of the Damas de Blanco, or "Ladies In White."

The Cuba President Barack Obama will visit this month has in 2016 suffered some of the most brutal repression in the past decade.

The Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation this week reported it had counted at least 1,141 political arrests in February, the third-highest tally since January 2010, surpassed only by the 1,447 arrests in November 2015 and 1,414 in January. The count so far for 2016 -- at least 2,555 -- is almost a third of the 8,616 arrests recorded in all of 2015.

Raul Castro, not Barack Obama, is responsible for the repression suffered by peaceful opposition activists and others in Cuba. But Obama is not absolved of culpability because his capitulation to the dictatorship on human rights issues so that American tourists can hit Cuban beaches and he can build his legacy -- as evidenced by his silence and inaction as the regime cracked down even harder -- has been received as a signal in Havana that there will be no price to pay.

The president has a chance to come down on the right side in Cuba, by using his visit to the island to highlight and embrace those brave Cubans who each day and each week take to the streets to demand democracy, freedom and a respect for human rights. If he does -- and Secretary of State John Kerry's decision to cancel his visit in advance of Obama's suggests he might be planning to -- I will be surprised. But then I will applaud him for delivering such a powerful blow to tyranny.

And if Obama doesn't, it guarantees there will be in Cuba many more months like February.
"He got sucked in like a wet noodle. He just, poof, gone," said Blake.

That's how a scuba diver described the disappearance of his friend, who got sucked into the water intake of a nuclear power plant in St. Lucie. Chris Le Cun has filed suit against Florida Power and Light following his five-minute ride through the 16-foot-diameter pipe into a reservoir on the power plant grounds; FPL denies responsibility and claims that he deliberately swam close to the intake.

Elsewhere,

Mark Hefley of Greenwood, Ind., was in stable condition about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday after he fell from a balcony at Ocean Reef Condos at 14415 Front Beach Road, into about 4 feet of water in the pool, according to Panama City Beach police.

The balcony was eleven stories up; he and a friend had been laying hardwood flooring in the apartment, and Hefley was stretching his back over the balcony railing when he lost his footing and went over.

A security guard on the ground in front of the building heard Hefley scream as he fell behind the building. When the guard got there, Hefley had pulled himself out of the water and was lying on the ground beside the pool. He then stood up and walked to a pool chair to wait for EMS, police reported.

Ta-Da!
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.
(HealthDay)Both rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens surface and multipurpose contact lens care solutions (MPSs) impact adhesion rates of Acanthamoeba castellanii (AC) trophozoites, according to a study published in the March issue of Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics.

Ga-Hyun Lee, from California State University in Chico, and colleagues examined the effect of MPSs on the adhesion of Acanthamoeba to RGP contact lenses. They inoculated AC trophozoites onto untreated RGP contact lenses (FP, Extra, or Menicon Z) and at 18 hours post-inoculation counted the numbers of trophozoites adhering to lenses under a phase contrast microscope (control). Adhering trophozoites were also counted at six hours post-inoculation on each of three RGP lens types with use of one of three MPSs (Boston Simplus, Menicare Plus, and O 2 Care).

The researchers found that adhesion of AC trophozoites was greater to untreated FP than untreated Extra or Menicon Z lenses; compared with FP lenses, the surfaces of Extra and Menicon Z lenses were waxier, smoother, and more homogenous. Compared to controls, adhesion of AC trophozoites was significantly reduced for all lens types with Boston Simplus (P < 0.0001). On FP lenses only, Menicare Plus and O 2 Care treatment reduced the number of adherent AC trophozoites significantly versus controls (P < 0.0001).

"The adhesion rates of AC trophozoites to RGP lenses depended on lens surfaces," the authors write. "Appropriate RGP lens and MPS selection could decrease the prevalence of Acanthamoeba keratitis."

Explore further Contact lenses are home to pathogenic amoebae

Copyright  2016 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
After rejecting legislation to require the greyhound racing industry to report animal injuries for the last four years, the Florida House approved an amendment Friday that requires track owners to disclose dog deaths, and is poised to pass the measure last week.

The bill is a concession to animal rights advocates, who have fought for the measure that has passed the Senate unanimously in the last two years, but has been entangled in pari-mutuel industry politics in the House.

After the gaming bill was declared dead by House leaders this week, supporters of the measure pushed to the measure added to a routine regulatory bill, said Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, the sponsor of the the amendment to HB 1167.

Under the amendment, any injury to a racing greyhound in Florida must be reported to the Division of Pari-mutuel Wagering within 7 days.

"This would be the first significant piece of greyhound protection legislation to ever pass the Florida legislature,'' said Carey M. Theil, executive Director of GREY2K USA Worldwide, which advocates for an end to dog racing. "We're hopeful lawmakers will send this good bill to the governor in the coming days."

Unlike other states, Floridas greyhound industry does not have to report when dogs are injured as a result of racing or training. The measure imposes fines on track veterinarians who fail to report race-related injuries and follows a similar bill passed in 2013 that requires tracks to report greyhound deaths.

Under the current law, the reports show that 79 greyhounds died in 2013, 113 in 2014 and 93 in 2015 -- an average of one every three days due to race-related causes.

If a greyhound dies on the racetrack, it has to be reported, but if the death occurs outside the track and they euthanize the dog somewhere else, they don't have to report it as a race-related death.

The requirement to report all injuries, "closes that loophole,'' Moskowitz said. "If the greyhound dies in a car or at the vet, it should be reported."

He suggested that dog trainers and owners don't want to report the deaths because if the reporting shows there are hundreds more deaths than previously known, it might increase the public opposition to racing.

Moskowitz said that when an injury reporting requirement was passed in Massachusetts, deaths to racing dogs declined by 40 percent in the first year, he said, because "it's less expensive to euthanize dogs than it is to fix a broken leg and they don't want you to know they are euthanizing the dogs."

In the last two years, the Senate named its bill after Vicky Gaetz, the wife of former Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, who is an animal lover and who worked to help persuade lawmakers to pass the death reporting bill

The Florida Greyhound Association, which represents owners, trainers and breeders, has opposed injury reporting without passing additional requirements to keep dogs safe, suggesting that instead it is a public relations effort by the animal activists aimed to end dog racing. The organization has repeatedly pushed for a three-pronged plan to require tracks to end practices that cause most dog injuries -- poorly maintained track surfaces, electrocution caused by non-insulated electrical lines carrying the "lure," and lures that injure dogs.



"If they really wanted to help dogs, they'd try to prevent injuries,'' said Ramon Maury, lobbyist for the greyhound association. "But they don't care about dogs. They want to use the strategy against us."
A disappointed Corrections Secretary Julie Jones did not expect legislative leaders to deny her request to hire 734 additional correctional officers. Sen. Tom Lee and Rep. Richard Corcoran said Friday night that they rejected the proposal.

The agency said it will have enough money to hire the 734 officers, but it needed legislative authorization to fill the positions, which three separate operational reviews concluded are urgently needed.

Jones said she thought she had a deal with the Legislature, and she released a statement in which she said "we believed we had consensus." Here is Jones' complete statement:

"After hearing the Legislature's concerns regarding the Department's request for 734 additional FTE (full-time employees), we brokered a compromise to phase the positions in using a two-year implementation plan. Our strategy was to have the Legislature authorize the 734 positions, immediately releasing 361 for the Department to recruit and hire in the first year, and placing the remaining 373 positions in reserve. Having hired the 361 additional staff in the first year and reported our success back to the Legislature, phase two would begin and the remaining 373 positions would be released from the reserve to complete the hiring process. We believed that we had consensus in this compromise. The Department's request to implement 8-hour shifts is an operational imperative. This is an inmate and officer safety issue and something that the agency will continue to fight for this session."

The Legislature's decision to not authorize the 734 positions is yet another political defeat for Gov. Rick Scott as well. Scott's initial budget recommendation last November did not include those positions, but he did endorse Jones' request in January. Scott's release is here. In it, the governor said adding the officers will reduce the costly rate of recidivism in Florida prisons.
@PatriciaMazzei

Ahead of President Barack Obama's trip to Cuba, a top White House lieutenant will travel to Miami to meet with leaders of the Cuban-American community, the Miami Herald has learned.

Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes will meet with human rights and civil society advocates, faith leaders and business people on March 11. Rhodes helped broker the deal that normalized diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Cuban exiles were left out of the White House's talks, and were shocked to learn the news in December 2014. That has left a lot of hurt feelings from hardliners and longtime Cuban democracy advocates. Rhodes' visit may be the first chance to start addressing those concerns before the president's historic trip March 21.

Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to Cuba was canceled Thursday after the U.S. and Cuba disagreed over aspects of Kerry's itinerary, including his ability to meet with dissidents. Kerry will travel with Obama, and the White House said Friday the president will choose whom he wants to meet on the island.
@MichaelAuslen

The Florida Senate on Friday passed a rewrite of divorce laws, changing formulas for alimony and child custody.

Under the change, a party in a divorce could try to change the terms of the alimony agreement if the other partys income increases by 10 percent. It also sets a formula for calculating alimony and eliminates lifetime alimony payments.

The bill (SB 668) passed the Senate on a 24-14 vote and now goes to the House, where Speaker Steve Crisafulli said he plans to take up the Senates provision, sponsored by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, and advocated by Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon.

Supporters say its a necessary shift, which would create more consistency in the courts during divorce cases.

This is a very, very emotional thing. Going through a divorce is heart wrenching for all the parties, Stargel said. This was supposed to be empowering to people going through divorce.

But opponents have decried it as an attack on women, who comprise 97 percent of alimony recipients in Florida. Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, said in a lengthy debate that the changes would be unfair to people who put their own careers on hold to care for children but are left by their spouses only to have alimony decreased once they do start working again.

Think about the man or woman who leaves their profession because they love their spouse and love their children and want to provide the best a mother can do, Joyner said. Wrinkles occur, a little love spots here and there  and then you get kicked to the curb.

Four Republicans, including three women  Sens. Nancy Detert of Venice, Dorothy Hukill of Port Orange and Anitere Flores of Miami  broke with party leaders to vote against the provision.

In 2013, Gov. Rick Scott vetoed similar legislation, writing that he worried the retroactive adjustment of alimony could result in unfair, unanticipated results.

Lee amended the legislation Friday to make the child time-sharing portion of the legislation affect only those cases beginning Oct. 1.
@ByKristenMClark

As rank-and-file senators grow more worried that a controversial teacher bonus program could be slipped into the annual budget for the second year in a row, Senate President Andy Gardiner said this evening he endorses that approach as a possible "appropriate" compromise with the House.

"It was in the implementing bill last year. I think its an issue thats very important to the speaker-designate (Rep. Richard Corcoran), and its not a new issue," Gardiner, R-Orlando, said of the "Best & Brightest" program that awards bonuses to "highly effective" teachers based on their high school SAT/ACT scores.

"Maybe thats the compromise - where instead of codifying it in statute in Senate Bill 524, its a one-year implementation," Gardiner said, referencing a massive education bill that includes permanently extending the bonuses.

"I think that might be appropriate, but Ill leave that to the chairs to see if they want to do that," he said.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Tom Lee, R-Brandon, and Corcoran, R-Land O'Lakes, are still negotiating the 2016-17 budget in conference committee.

To the frustration of some of his fellow senators (Republicans and Democrats), Lee said earlier this week he "absolutely would" consider extending the teacher bonuses for another year through implementing language -- which was how the program was enacted last year. Lee said Corcoran "deserves some deference" on his priorities, as the Senate does their's.

When asked whether the Senate should grant an up-or-down vote to the controversial policy, Gardiner told reporters: "If its in the budget, there will be a floor vote."
Senate and House negotiators struck agreements on many spending items Friday, including a rejection of the prison system's request for 734 new correctional officers and giving Cabinet members the option of state trooper protection for the first time.

Those decisions were among dozens of deals brokered by the Legislature's two main budget-writers, Sen. Tom Lee, R-Brandon, and Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O'Lakes, who publicly ratified deals they and their staffs made in criminal justice, courts, tourism, transportation and economic development.

In the prison system, independent audits have repeatedly flagged staff shortages as a security crisis. But even though lawmakers budgeted $12.2 million for new hires, they have approved 215 new correctional officer jobs, not the 734 that Corrections Secretary Julie Jones says she needs, especially because the agency is changing from 12-hour shifts back to eight-hour shifts. Jones calls the 734 positions "an operational imperative that will increase both safety and security in our institutions."

Lee said he and Corcoran decided that the agency could not handle so much hiring while also reworking a contract for inmate health care. "Our staff felt the department pretty much had its hands full dealing with the health care issues," Lee said, "and this was probably more than they could swallow."

Friday's deal included a one-year program to assign a state trooper to each of the three elected Cabinet members "if deemed appropriate by the department (of highway safety) or in response to a threat, and upon written request of such Cabinet member."

Corcoran said the request originated with Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has had threats. Having a trooper behind the wheel of a sleek new SUV could ease transportation headaches for Cabinet members, who have largely traveled by car after Gov. Rick Scott eliminated state aircraft when he took office in 2011.

Lee and Corcoran also agreed on dozens of local projects in lawmakers' districts that still must survive Scott's veto pen. Examples include $3 million for the historic Cocoa Village Playhouse parking garage; $2 million for Nathan Benderson Park, a rowing facility in Sarasota; $2 million for an African-American memorial park in Deerfield Beach; $1.5 million for a veterans memorial park in Hillsborough; $1 million for the Ruth Eckerd Hall expansion in Clearwater; and $600,000 to relocate the Tampa Heights Youth Civic Center.
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who has endorsed Sen. Marco Rubio, will keynote the Broward GOP dinner three days before the March 15 primary.

Scott will speak at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina March 12.

His personal story -- about being an African-American raised by a single mother and then climbing the political ladder -- has appealed to Republican Party leaders as they try to diversify the party. However, nationally and in Florida the vast majority of African-American voters are Democrats.

Republican presidential candidates have not released their schedule for the weekend before the primary so it's unclear if any will attend the event. But it's a likely spot for a presidential candidate to appear because it's a chance for free publicity before election day in a county with about 240,000 registered Republican voters -- behind only Miami-Dade and Hillsborough counties.

Other speakers include CFO Jeff Atwater, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, State Rep. George Moraitis, Republican Party of Florida chairman Blaise Ingoglia, Republican National Committee Co-Chair Sharon Day, and National committeeman Peter Feaman.

The Lincoln Day dinner is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Broward Republican Executive Committee. For more information go to www.browardlincolnday.com
For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page
Blog Archive March (5) January (190) December (300) November (359) October (297) September (270) August (344) July (323) June (336) May (274) April (291) March (268) February (201) January (217) December (243) November (228) October (182) September (174) August (186) July (181) June (174) May (228) April (225) March (290) February (289) January (333) December (252) November (270) October (336) September (349) August (324) July (346) June (385) May (425) April (422) March (354) February (285) January (321) December (364) November (346) October (306) September (291) August (274) July (276) June (275) May (313) April (279) March (277) February (287) January (326) December (293) November (369) October (418) September (397) August (391) July (385) June (224) May (267) April (193) March (190) February (198) January (218) December (235) November (315) October (303) September (254) August (264) July (237) June (253) May (261) April (204) March (325) February (318) January (224) December (188) November (255) October (285) September (428) August (403) July (324) June (163) May (207) April (184) March (155) February (108) January (147) December (243) November (236) October (188) September (73) August (14) July (10) June (3) May (5) April (5) March (8) February (7) January (9) December (21) November (18) October (34) September (11) August (31) July (25) June (34) May (11) April (9) March (29) February (27) January (9) December (23) November (6) October (20) September (13) August (2) July (6) June (3) May (20) April (2) March (4) February (3) January (2) December (2) November (6) October (4) September (11) August (28) July (27) June (32) May (59) April (44) March (47) February (36) January (48) December (41) November (55) October (80) September (50) August (30) July (63) June (46) May (36) April (24) March (46) February (36) January (30)
Mile 14 on the Kenai River, well, its a special place on earth. I tell people the Kenai river is like my first girlfriend, always changing, fickle, unpredictable but absolutely gorgeous. This place is the major league of salmon fishing, and you'll see why. No politics here, well maybe a little fish politics, just plain simple fun and adventure.
Thoughts on the military and military activities of a diverse nature. Free-ranging and eclectic. Blog ego cogito ergo sum.
Buddhists believe that bodhisattvas reside in heavenly realms but can also appear on Earth disguised as humans, animals or other types of beings.
Shes been running with the fast dogs for so long, no one knows better than Jessie Royer what it will take to catch them.

The 39-year-old musher who lives and trains in the upper Bitterroot Valley near Darby returns Saturday to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska for the 14th time, and shes on a forward lean.

Royer, coming off her second straight victory in Montanas Race to the Sky 300 in February, has five top-10 finishes in the 1,000-mile Iditarod. Her best ones were the last ones  seventh place in 2014 and fourth place last year.

Could this be her year?

I have no idea, Royer said at the finish line of the Race to the Sky in Lincoln last month. Theres a lot of good teams in the race, and every year you just dont know.

Like last year, Royer drew bib No. 3 at Iditarod, meaning shell be near the front at the start. Montanas other entrant, Martin Koenig, a machinist from Seeley Lake, begins his second Iditarod with No. 86 and will be driving the last team across the starting line.

***

Saturdays ceremonial start in Anchorage has been modified from an 11-mile run to three miles due to lack of snow. The restart is Sunday in Willow, 50 miles to the north.

All eyes will be on the Seaveys. Either Dallas Seavey or his father Mitch have won the last four Iditarods, and they went 1-2 last year.

Dallas, who turned 29 on Friday, became the youngest musher to run the Iditarod in 2005 and the youngest to win it in 2012. He edged fellow Alaskan musher Aily Zirkle by just over two minutes in 2014 in the fastest Iditarod on record  eight days, 13 hours, 4 minutes and 19 seconds.

Last year, Royer overhauled Zirkle on the grueling stretch to Nome along the Bering Sea coast to finish fourth in just under nine days and 2 hours, her best time yet. That was roughly 7 1/2 hours behind Dallas Seavey, 3 1/2 behind Seavey's father, and two hours behind third-place Aaron Burmeister.

Royer finished with 13 of the 16 dogs she started with in 2015. Only six of the 65 other finishers reached Nome with more.

In an interview afterward, she said she went 150 miles in one stretch on a mere four hours of rest.

It was probably a bit of a gamble, but (the dogs) handled it really, really well, she told KNOM Radio. When youre at the top youve got to know how far you can push your team and youve got to be able to gamble because everybody else is pushing hard too.

Knowing her team is key, she added. Many top Alaskan mushers have teams of helpers, but Royer doesnt.

Its been a long winter, 90- to 100-hour weeks all winter long, she said in the radio interview. I dont have a lot of help, so I have to do everything myself. But I know the dogs real well and know what theyre capable of.

Royer, who grew up on a cattle ranch in Philipsburg, moved back to Montana five years ago from her ranch near Fairbanks after spending 13 years in Alaska.

One of her early mentors was Montana mushing legend Doug Swingley, who became the first non-Alaskan to win an Iditarod in 1995 and went on to win three more, the last in 2001. Its been done only once since, by Robert Sorlie of Norway in 2003.

Besides an estimated $70,000 in prize money, with a win Royer could become the first woman to do so since the late Susan Butcher won her fourth Iditarod in 1990.

***

Royer should feel right at home Saturday. The forecast calls for snow or sleet for the ceremonial start in Anchorage, where there is no snow on the ground. Race organizers have hauled in seven rail carloads of snow from Fairbanks, last years starting point when a lack of snow dogged southern Alaska.

The Race to the Sky in February ended in a torrential rain in Lincoln, on a slope otherwise barren of snow. Hi-Country Snack Foods hauled in several truckloads to grease the start/finish area.

After crossing the line in Lincoln, Royer said she was worried about a couple of her really good dogs sitting back home at the Triple Creek Ranch on the West Fork of the Bitterroot, where she trains and works as a guide and horse wrangler.

Theyre some of my main dogs, but theyve had little injuries so I havent decided whether theyre going to be ready to go, she said. So when everyone thinks, Oh, youre going to win this year, well, Id rather have a couple of those main guys back on the team.

She had to decide quickly. She was leaving for Alaska just a few days later with whatever dogs would make up her 16-dog team, plus six for another musher and some for a junior musher as well.

Royer said she uses Race to the Sky as a tune-up and tryout for the Iditarod.

The whole point of me running this race is I have all 2- and 3-year-olds that havent done much racing, so I needed to test them to see how they would hold up, to see if they would make my main team or not, she said.

Ranger, a veteran of four Iditarods and one of the dogs that will be in the lead traces for Royer on Saturday, got the weekend off at Race to the Sky.

Im saving him. I dont need to bring him to this race and take a chance on getting him injured, she said.

At Nome last year, Royer praised Ranger as well as her other leader, Phaser, who at age 4 was in his first Iditarod.

Hes not always the best eater, but I threw him in there and he ate like a rock star the whole race, she said. He pretty much led the team a big, big majority of the race. I never thought hed finish, but he did.

***

Koenig, the 64-year-old Swiss-born musher from Seeley Lake, finished his only other Iditarod in 2008 in 76th place. He told Iditarod.com he quit racing dogs two years ago and became a recreational musher.

I dont miss the race scene, but I do miss traveling with the dogs and running new trails. I decided it was time for another trip to Alaska and to take the dogs to Nome, he said.

Of the 20 dogs he trained for the Iditarod, all but one were rookies.

Should be interesting, he said. I do like a good challenge.

Linwood Fiedler, 62, is back for his 22nd Iditarod. A Carroll College and University of Montana graduate, Fiedler won two of the first three Races to the Sky in the late 1980s before moving to Alaska. He was second to Swingley in 2001.

Cindy Gallea, 64, will make her 14th Iditarod start. She was a nurse practitioner and musher in Seeley Lake before moving back to her native Minnesota six years ago. Gallea has yet to crack the top 30.
The fate of the Missoula Mercantile building, one of the citys most important historical icons, is a powerfully divisive issue.

On one hand, the Bozeman-based developers who want to deconstruct it for a new downtown hotel say it isnt economically realistic to save the structure due to major structural deficiencies and an asbestos-laden roof.

City leaders agree and want to see the building put to use after six years of sitting vacant in a prime location at Higgins Avenue and Front Street. They point to a long line of potential buyers who have backed out because of the millions of dollars that would be needed to bring the structure up to modern safety codes.

On the other hand, historic preservation advocates are passionate about protecting what they see as a cultural treasure, a site that had a reputation as one of the busiest commercial hubs between Minnesota and Seattle for many decades after it was built in 1877.

The two sides have a long way to go before they see eye to eye, and it remains to be seen whether they can reconcile.

Less than 15 hours after receiving a hostile reception in front of the Missoula Historic Preservation Commission, HomeBase Montana  the development company that is proposing to demolish the Mercantile and replace it with a 154-room Residence Inn by Marriott hotel  held a news conference with the mayor to again make its pitch.

Engen started the session Friday morning by explaining why he backs HomeBase Montanas plan. He recalled getting the best piece of candy of his life at the Merc, and later stocking up on clothing and furniture there.

When I was a little boy growing up in the 1960s in Missoula, Montana, the Mercantile was a place, Engen said. I remember visiting the store with my dad, who is now gone. ... I dont remember a lot about the building, frankly. But I remember the people and the place. I remember the time and the activity, the smells, the sounds, the tastes, the laughs, the smiles. And if I had my druthers, which I dont, some days I would turn back the clock and I would eat that piece of candy all over again when I was a little boy with my mother or hold my dads hand again while waiting in line to talk to Santa Claus about my desires, or being a young married man looking for furnishings for his home.

Engen said his preference would be to find a way to return an old cobbled-together center of commerce back to its former rustic glory.

But after six years of kicking tires and dashing hopes, the practical matter is that the perfect is the enemy of the good,  he said. And this is a good project. I appreciate the emotion that comes with the idea of an old building coming down. But the building is not the icon for me. That corner though, is iconic. And the people who conducted their business there. The proprietor, the customers, the clerk, the bankers, the accountants, the corporations, the neer-do-wells, the folks who made that corner something are gone. The building is empty, and its ghosts ought to be sad. Because theyre wont to haunt someplace thats alive and vibrant.

Engen said HomeBases proposal would bring commerce, life and people to a place that deserves all of that and more.

The community will benefit, the past will be honored and history will be made every day in a new building in an old place that will last for another 100 years, he said. The folks from HomeBase are proposing to build a hotel that will be filled with people and a building that will be filled with energy and a place that will matter again in Missoula.

Engen said the Historic Preservation Commission does not have the authority to kill the project.

The process is such that the commission weighs in in an advisory manner, he said. City Council has opportunity to weigh in as well with regard to the demolition permit. I think the process is important. One of the things I heard last night was this is a done deal. But this has come together fairly quickly in terms of design, and really the notion that deconstruction is where were opting to proceed here is a relatively recent decision. Clearly, lots of folks are passionate about it. I think folks need to get used to the idea a little bit.

***

We respect and appreciate and honor the history of this building, said Andy Holloran of HomeBase. It has been a symbol for what Missoula and the surrounding communities are all about. But I also echo and agree with the mayor that its just not a physical presence. We believe more importantly that it stands for a center of commerce, a center of trade, a center of activity and life. And, unfortunately, that building has sat empty for six years and many, many companies and people have looked at the repurposing of this building as it currently stands, as have we. And we have come to a similar conclusion that the physical structure is past its life, structurally. Its no longer occupiable.

Holloran said HomeBase considered a full renovation of the Merc, then a partial renovation and finally tried to see if saving the facade was even possible.

At every step of the way, we were met with financial and economic challenges, he said. So today, we are looking at a deconstruction of the building. We are working closely with the Home ReSource folks, Jason Nuckolls, to really work on a repurposing and salvaging of as much material as we can.

Holloran said the developers chose Marriott because it is the largest and most successful hotel company in the world, and it would allow HomeBase to customize the building.

This is going to be Missoulas living room, Holloran said. Its going to be a place where people can visit and live for a short period of time.

Holloran said the 24,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space and a proposed public connector from Pattee Street to Higgins called the Missoula Mews will bring a vibrancy that is missing on an important corner downtown.

He said the firm would like to move forward with the project as soon as possible due to favorable market conditions. The goal would be to open the hotel at the end of 2017 or early 2018.

We believe now is a great time, he said. We also understand there is a process we need to go through. We look forward to that.

***

There are already dozens of large hotels in Missoula, and several downtown, but Holloran is confident the market can support more  especially an extended-stay model like the one HomeBase is proposing, and especially in that location.

He said the company has done a tremendous amount of market research to determine that there is indeed a need for more hotel rooms in Missoula's downtown.

When we look at the Missoula community, its almost two markets, he said. We have the Reserve Street expansion, which has a lot of new growth. But we also have downtown. Its similar to our experience in Bozeman. Weve seen the traveler, the business person, the family that generally much prefer to be in an urban, walkable situation. And we couldnt think of a better location than Front Street and Higgins (Avenue). Thats why we are going with the extended-stay concept. I think its a great complement to the existing DoubleTree, the existing Holiday Inn and its a product type that does not exist downtown.

He reiterated that the hotel would draw 300 to 500 visitors to downtown every night who would be eating, drinking and shopping at local establishments.

Our sense around Missoula is the hospitality industry is growing, Engen added. It is tough to find a room on peak nights.

As of yet, the developers have not asked for any public money, but the site lies within an urban renewal district so they could ask the Missoula Redevelopment Agency for help in the future.

Holloran was asked again if the reason they aren't trying to save the Mercs facade is simply about saving money.

We are a real-estate development company, and certainly for us, economics plays a role, he said. Cost matters. When we and our engineer looked at this building, structurally, it is not up to code. Those have changed significantly over the last few years. The facade itself is crumbling. That brick was sandblasted in 1976. And if you go touch the brick, you can see how fragile it is. Our original goal was to renovate it. But given the asbestos on the roof, given the structural integrity of the existing building and the deterioration of the facade, all of our steps (to renovate the building) have proven uneconomic for us.

Holloran said its no coincidence that all potential buyers of the Merc have come to the same conclusion.

HomeBase, which has built several hotels in Bozeman, started analyzing the Missoula market last summer. The company decided the Merc site was the ideal location for their project after looking at multiple locations.

Nicole Nathan, an architect hired by HomeBase, said the design team didnt want to try to re-create the original Merc for the new building because it would do a disservice.

We want to put something there that is of this time, that has enduring and lasting materials, but is also about 2016 and not try to re-create something that was there before, she said.

Holloran noted that retailers today like natural light, high ceilings and the ability to easily access pedestrian sidewalks.

If we keep the facade as is, it really eliminates all those fundamentals in restaurants and retail, he said.

Holloran said he would be able to attract a diverse, beautiful list of restaurants and retailers to be tenants in the 24,000 square feet of ground-floor space.

***

At the Historic Preservation Commission meeting Thursday night, Holloran and his team faced a barrage of criticism, questions and assertions that the building would be relatively easy to renovate.

Holloran disputed claims that the building can be salvaged within reasonable financial limitations.

We had an interesting evening last night and people are full of incredible passion, and we think that is beautiful, Holloran said. We look forward to working with the city and the commission to hopefully bring this project to reality.

The developers have said their decision to use Home ReSource to methodically deconstruct the building and repurpose the materials, rather than simply haul everything to a landfill, will add significant cost and time to the project if it proceeds.

It is a private building with lots of public sentiment attached to it, Engen said. The fact of the matter is we want to work with anybody who is interested in downtown development. Downtown is very close to my heart. Downtown real estate is the most expensive real estate in the city, and its value is high and that translates into property taxes, right? So downtown investment is a real investment in the community and a real investment in municipal infrastructure and the long-term health of the city. And so I am very interested in something other than nothing happening at that location.

Engen said Whole Foods, which considered buying the site, would have been a fabulous tenant.

Those folks repurpose buildings around the country all day long  its what they do  but they couldnt make it work in this location, he said. I have a developer who has done some pretty remarkable work in downtown Boise (Idaho) who took a run at this, and couldnt make it work. I spent some time with the library for public use. Took a run at it and couldnt make it work.

Fundamentally, Engen said the Merc is a building that was cobbled together over time for all sorts of good reasons.

And the cobbling just doesnt work for modern purposes, and it certainly doesnt work for a modern, five-story hotel product with retail on the bottom without being expensive to the point that a reasonable person would not engage in the project, he said. And thats fundamentally what this is about, is reasonableness and how we get there. Reasonableness and greed are not the same thing. As a practical matter, folks gotta make money at the end of the day. My hunch is nobody gets rich here. But I think folks get to make a decent living and create something that lasts.

Holloran said he wasnt discouraged by the reaction he got from the Historic Preservation Commission.

As we reflected after the hearing, I think we came away with appreciation, he said. And certainly to be presented with a full deconstruction, when their role is historic preservation, thats at odds. And I thought the commissioners were very respectful. I thought they asked constructive questions. I wouldnt say discouraged. Obviously, there is a tremendous amount of passion in this community. There is a tremendous amount of passion for the Mercantile.

He also met Minie Smith, who wrote The Missoula Mercantile: The Store That Ran an Empire.

When you read that book, its not about the building  its all about the people, Holloran said. And thats what we want to bring back. The soul of that location, the sense of commerce and trade.

Engen added that many people have worked hard to make sure downtown is a vibrant area of Missoula, and this project is key to that mission.
If a university doesn't graduate as many students as it could, it might not get all the money that's on the table.

It's called "performance funding," and its creation in the Montana Legislature caused consternation among some educators and lawmakers. This week, the Montana Board of Regents talked about how it's been working out for the Montana University System to date.

"I think there will be years under this model not everyone gets full funding," said Commissioner Clay Christian. "I'm almost assured of that, but it still drives us the direction we need to go."

In a presentation, deputy commissioner for planning and analysis Tyler Trevor said the goal is to increase the number of degrees the system produces and raise the percentage of the population in Montana that has higher education.

In the past, from 1972 to 2014, enrollment was the only factor used to determine the amount of money going to each campus, he said.

The university system first instituted the performance model in 2015 and has tweaked it since, Trevor said. This fiscal year and next, he said, an estimated 8 percent of the state appropriation to higher education is based on performance, or some $15 million a year.

One major change is campuses no longer compete against each other for the pot of money, they compete against themselves, he said. In the past, if one campus didn't get all its money, the ones making progress would get those dollars.

Now, the university system holds onto the money from a campus that didn't make the grade in the hopes it will make a plan to improve and earn the money back, Trevor said.

"You can apply for a portion of these funds if you can give us an explanation and a plan of what you're going to do to increase these metrics," he said.

Campuses that succeed with the right mix of degrees, retention and, for the flagships, research expenditures, get the full amount of money they're eligible for based on their share of the average resident enrollment over three years.

This year, nearly every campus got 100 percent of the money for which it was eligible, with the University of Montana getting all of its $4.07 million, and Montana State University in Bozeman getting its full $4.59 million, he said.

"I don't believe that's always going to be the case," Trevor said.

According to his presentation, Montana Tech in Butte is eligible for 85 percent of its allocation in 2017, and MSU-Billings earned back $760,706 from an earlier withholding. The regents met in Dillon, and the Montana University System provides live video-streaming of their meetings.

***

Regent Fran Albrecht of Missoula said campuses originally were worried about the model, and it's important for the public to know the metrics came out of much engagement with educators and discussion with faculty. Now that the model has been in place for a couple of years, she's interested in seeing the outcomes.

Albrecht herself wondered if the formula was too lenient in allowing campuses to earn back money they'd lost: "Are we really giving it the incentive that it needs to make sure we're making an impact in those areas?"

Trevor said he has considered the same question. The university system clearly doesn't want to harm institutions, he said, and he believes the metrics set a stringent enough standard and also put more focus on outcomes.

"If it's done anything, it's elevated the amount we talk about retention and completion," he said.

So far, feedback from legislators has been positive in that performance funding is helping public education serve the needs of Montanans, Commissioner Christian said. And he said Montana is focusing on student success with a model that may need tweaking, but other systems are still only studying the idea.

"There tends to be a great appreciation for the fact it's in place (here)," Christian said.

However, Christian said one valid concern raised by Chancellor Mark Nook of MSU-Billings is that withholding money could send campuses into a "death spiral."

According to MSU President Waded Cruzado, the best measure of the model's effectiveness is that department heads provide data about how well they're doing in terms of initiatives for student success. She said the model is an investment in the future.

"It's important to allow it some time to mature before we rush to tweak it or to implement additional changes," Cruzado said.

Regent Martha Sheehy also noted that any adjustments should be done carefully so the university system can compare numbers from year to year.

However, Sheehy said the model is critical for the regents. It demonstrates to the Legislature that the university system is willing to be performance-driven, and it forces the board to commit to metrics and be held accountable, she said.

"I think this is one of our most important tools," Sheehy said.
Clearly, most legislators like the idea: A portion of money Montana's campuses get is tied to how well the schools perform.

The amount tied to performance is 8 percent, according to the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education. And the campuses have input into the measures, generally graduation and retention, plus research for the flagships (see related story).

This week, the Board of Regents reviewed the way the new formula is working. Commissioner Clay Christian said at least one campus leader raised a valid concern about it, but the idea has strong support because it bolsters student success.

Not every lawmaker is a fan, though, starting with Rep. Tom Woods of Bozeman, who votes to fund the university system, but objects to the performance model. He admits he's an outlier.

"It's part of putting a corporate model on a university, which really should not operate on a corporate model," said Woods, a Democrat.

If a university is supposed to measure graduation rates, or retention, it will fulfill those expectations, he said. But he said some of the most important components of an education aren't easy to count, and they could get lost in the focus on metrics.

"We take our eye off the ball of good teaching, which is a really hard thing to measure," Woods said.

In general, he said, Republicans got energized about placing market models on public institutions during the Reagan era, and it's dangerous because the goal is efficiency: "When you look for just efficiency ... there's a heckuva lot that you miss."

For Rep. David "Doc" Moore of Missoula, it isn't the performance model itself that he doesn't like, it's the entity in control of it. Moore sees the regents having too much power over higher education, "a fourth branch of government."

"They operate outside the purview of legislative oversight," said Moore, a Republican. "They come to Helena and ask for money, and if we give it to 'em, they can spend it any way they want  or misspend it any way they want."

He pointed to deferred maintenance of buildings on the University of Montana campus as one example of the latter.

The idea to keep legislators at arm's length from academia, and prevent inappropriate meddling, was key during the 1972 Montana Constitutional Convention. According to a Montana Legislative Services Division report, the framers selected a model of governance that allowed higher education the most autonomy, and the people adopted it.

Several decades later, Moore sees a downside.

"The unfortunate side effect is we've ended up with the Board of Regents being able to do whatever they want without really any oversight," he said.

Sen. Tom Facey of Missoula sees the university system as an investment in community and the economy, and he doesn't believe enough money is going into higher education. Now, he said, the state contributes 40 percent of a student's education, compared to some 70 percent years ago.

Performance funding is only a small portion of the money the Legislature appropriates to higher education, said Facey, a Democrat. Still, he has concerns about it.

One thing Facey said he appreciates about education in the U.S. compared to other countries is students have more than one opportunity to figure out what their major might be, and they're free to leave the university, take a job and return.

The country is good at second chances, and it should be, Facey said: "If it takes a couple bites of the apple, it does."

He himself jokes about being in the top 90 percent of his class.

"What about those of us that are a little slow in figuring out the system or want to do something else in the middle?" Facey said. "How many college freshmen stay with the same major by the time they're a senior?"

He said he wouldn't go so far as to call the performance model part of the push to place a corporate construct on higher education, but he does see flaws.

"This drive for efficiency, I think, is a little misplaced," Facey said.
KALISPELL  David Joseph Lenio, who allegedly threatened on social media to kill local schoolchildren and Jewish leaders, will not face charges related to the threats if he steers clear of trouble for the next two years.

His public defender, Brent Getty, filed a deferred prosecution agreement Friday that would lead to a felony charge of intimidation being dropped if Lenio breaks no laws in that time.

Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan signed off on the agreement.

The man who uncovered the alleged threats, alerted law enforcement and flew to Montana to encourage the Flathead County Attorneys Office to pursue felony charges, was disappointed with the news.

The state of Montana is re-arming a man who threatened to massacre school kids and religious leaders, said Jonathan Hutson of Maryland, a former spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Hutson joined local Jewish leaders and members of a human rights group in Kalispell in November to publicly encourage Corrigan not to enter into a potential plea agreement with Lenio that might remove the felony charge. They said they wanted a felony conviction that would keep Lenio from ever legally owning a gun again.

But Getty said Lenios alleged tweets about wanting to shoot up a school or put two in the head of a rabbi or Jewish leader were never directed at anyone in particular.

The facts that the state outlined did not support a charge of intimidation, Getty said. Intimidation is a very specific crime. You have to coerce another person into doing something, or not doing something. What keeps getting lost in the description of threats and tweets is that intimidation requires a very specific intent of coercing someone to do something.

A second felony charge against Lenio, for criminal defamation, was dismissed earlier after Getty argued the law was unconstitutionally broad.

***

Lenio had lived in Kalispell, where he was employed as a restaurant cook, for just a few weeks when he got in a Twitter duel with Hutson just over a year ago.

Lenio responded after Hutson tweeted a link to a New York Times story about deadly attacks at a free-speech event and synagogue in Denmark, allegedly with tweets of his own filled with anti-Semitic images. When Hutson started digging into Lenio postings, he discovered mounds of anti-Semitic content, followed by dozens of threats to execute grade-school kids.

Hutson also came to believe Lenio was from Michigan, which was true, and might be living in Oregon, which was not. He alerted the FBI in Portland, Oregon.

Getty says the fact that the alleged tweets were reported to a state 700 miles away, and they had to spend a day figuring out where Lenio actually was, supports his position that no one specific was being targeted.

Lenio, 28 at the time, was arrested last February after a day of snowboarding on Whitefish Mountain.

He was originally held on $500,000 bail. In late July, District Court Judge Heidi Ulbricht released Lenio on his own recognizance, and into the custody of his parents, who live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

In November, a blogger for the Southern Poverty Law Center, Bill Morlin, accused Lenio of violating the conditions of his release 348 times by re-tweeting messages from other people.

***

With the deferred prosecution agreement, his court case is closed and there are no restrictions on Lenio's liberties, as long as he remains a law-abiding citizen for two years.

The criminal justice system showed a preferential pattern of behavior from start to finish, Hutson said Friday.

He said the FBI failed to read Lenio his Miranda rights before taping an interview with him, and that Ulbricht had let Lenio go home to his wealthy white banker-dad, with no bail, no psychological evaluation and no objection from the prosecution."

Lenio violated his release conditions 348 times but was not held accountable, even though three dozen other people in Flathead County were arrested for violations of their release conditions," Hutson continued. "I doubt that a Native American or Muslim would receive the same kid-glove treatment after threatening to massacre more kids than the 20 who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

Corrigan was not in the office late Friday afternoon, and was unavailable for comment.

Attempts to reach Rabbi Francine Green Roston, who had pushed for putting Lenio on trial, were also unsuccessful.
HELENA  Montana is putting more people in prison than it releases  not necessarily because there are more criminals, but largely because the state keeps arresting the same people over and over.

Thats according to a long-awaited report from the Council of State Governments Justice Center, a national nonprofit organization contracted by state legislators to help figure out how to reduce prison spending and jail crowding.

The report, presented Tuesday to lawmakers and others appointed to Montanas Commission on Sentencing, found a 12 percent rise in arrests between 2009 and 2015, despite an 18 percent decline in property and violent crimes between 2000 and 2014.

It also found Native Americans represent a disproportionate share of those totals, accounting for nearly one in five arrests while making up only 7 percent of the states population.

Native Americans represented an even greater share, more than one-quarter, of those cuffed for parole violations and failure to appear in court  offenses that combined to account for nearly half of the statewide spike in arrests.

None of that should qualify as news to state officials, said Jim Taylor, legal director at the ACLU of Montana.

Taylor said the Montana Department of Corrections has more than three decades of data illustrating Native Americans lopsided share of Montanas arrest total.

What state leaders dont seem to know is why, or how they plan to change it.

"Theres literally been no interest in drilling down and really seeing whats going on," Taylor told the commission. "We think there needs to be more study done by the state and more training throughout the system on cultural differences and the effects of historical trauma."

LeAnn Montes, an attorney with the Chippewa Cree tribe, recommended a similar review of causes underlying Native arrest totals.

She went on to call for beefed-up sentences to help prosecute repeat offenders, along with licensed prosecutors and public defenders to try tribal cases.

Attorney and commission member Majel Russell said many Native offenders simply can't comply with the terms of their probation. She encouraged tweaks to streamline those requirements, including efforts to defray the offender-paid cost of drug tests, mental health evaluations and often lengthy drives some have to make to meet with a parole or probation officer.

Tribal Police Chief Allen Primeau said he wanted to brainstorm solutions with Utah Rep. Eric Hutchings, who earlier told the commission his state managed to shed 700 prisoners through efforts to distinguish between hardcore, repeat lawbreakers and certain people who are not really criminals, theyve just done criminal things.

Hutchings said Utah reduced hundreds of penalties down to misdemeanors and adopted new programs to better address parolees mental health and substance abuse needs, instead of just throwing parole violators back in jail.

He expects those programs  total cost: $14.5 million  will pay for themselves by the end of next year.

Hutchings offered to simply give Montana sentencing and supervision guidelines Utah used to achieve those savings.

Commission members didn't exactly fall over themselves to take up the offer, though Department of Corrections Director Mike Batista said he sort of liked the concept behind other prison diversion efforts recently undertaken in Seattle and Santa Fe, New Mexico, where cops are increasingly tasked with on-the-spot drug interventions, as opposed to arrests.

Sentencing commission members plan to reconvene for meetings in June and September, before passing along final recommendations to state lawmakers in December.
LAST month, Representative Marsha Blackburn, Republican of Tennessee, in her capacity as chairwoman of the newly created House Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives, issued subpoenas to three organizations: StemExpress, a company that supplies biological specimens for research; the University of New Mexico, where scientists conduct medical research using fetal tissue; and Southwestern Womens Options, an abortion clinic in Albuquerque.

In addition to requiring these groups to produce exhaustive documentation about how exactly they procure and handle fetal tissue, the subpoenas demand that the organizations identify personnel, including medical students, who were in proximity to abortions and their aftermath. Despite objections from the panels minority members, Ms. Blackburn is insisting that the subpoenas targets name names.

House committee leaders have rarely issued unilateral subpoenas. In the last 50 years it appears that only the Republicans Dan Burton of Indiana and Darrell Issa of California used them, each as chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform committee. Both men created divisive and ultimately unproductive investigations. Despite the poor example these investigations set, House Republicans recently moved to grant at least seven congressional leaders the power to issue subpoenas unilaterally.

In issuing the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives subpoenas, Ms. Blackburn claims to be motivated to get the facts about medical practices of abortion service providers and the business practices of the procurement organizations who sell baby body parts. But the surreptitiously recorded videos made by anti-abortion activists that accused abortion providers of selling baby body parts have been found to be deceptively edited and essentially fraudulent.
AUSTIN, Tex.  From its start in 1999, the office of the solicitor general of Texas was run by a plain-spoken Mormon, a by-the-books lawyer known for mentoring young attorneys and defending the state, whatever the political consequences.

The young lawyers loved him. The states legal community hailed him as a man of dignity and integrity. And the office seldom showed up in the headlines.

But everything changed in January 2003, when Ted Cruz took over.

Within months of his appointment to the job, Mr. Cruz, then 31, set about transforming this under-the-radar, apolitical office into an aggressively ideological, attention-grabbing one. From a nondescript government building in the shadow of the Capitol, he inserted himself into scores of politically charged cases around the country, bombarding the United States Supreme Court with amicus briefs on hot-button issues like abortion and gun control.

His focus on gaining attention clashed with the sensibilities of many of the lawyers who worked for him and were accustomed to a more scrupulous and less publicity-minded approach. Before the end of his first year, half of the eight attorneys working in the office had left, raising concern inside the attorney generals office about whether Mr. Cruz was the right choice for the job.
Energy and the Environment

Even as the Chinese government is trying to shore up economic growth, it is attempting to reduce smog, polluted water and contaminated soil, topics that have stirred popular anger.

But reducing the pollution blighting many parts of China depends on cutting back on the heavy industry, mining and coal use that underwrite much of the economy.

The governments next five-year plan, which was issued along with Mr. Lis report, laid out goals to cut pollution from this year to the end of 2020. The carbon intensity of the economy  the amount of carbon dioxide pollution released to create each unit of growth  would fall 18 percent over those years, according to the plan.

More Than Air Pollution

For many Chinese citizens, industrial toxins that have soaked into the water and soil are equal, if not greater, worries than smoggy skies. They worry that heavy metals and other pollutants have contaminated so much of the countryside that food is unsafe.

The five-year plan includes proposals to expand monitoring of polluted soil, and to set up hundreds of model farming and construction sites to show how toxic earth can be cleaned up. But a lasting solution may be a long way off.

Military Spending Slows as Revenue Dips

China surprised many experts when its military budget for the year grew by 7.6 percent, far below the double-digit increases that have become the norm. But the Ministry of Finance report shows that the growth of government revenue is slowing down, along with the general economy. This year, revenues for the central and local governments are projected to grow by 3 percent, about half of last years rate of 5.8 percent.
Image Randal J. Kirk, chief executive of Intrexon, is hoping to lead the world into a golden age of biotechnology. Credit... Ryan Stone for The New York Times

His supporters say that if anyone can pull off such an enterprise it is R. J. Kirk, whom they call an uncommon visionary and quick study, though he lacks formal training in science. When Mr. Kirk tells people, as he often does, that he is just a country lawyer, they know theyre about to get a schooling in biology or business, interlaced with references to history, philosophy and opera.

He has an astonishing grasp of science, said Dr. Samuel Broder, a former director of the National Cancer Institute who now runs Intrexons health division. Dr. Broder recalled one instance in which it took him a day to understand the intricacies of a genetic disease. Mr. Kirk, after hearing Dr. Broders explanation, got it in five minutes.

Even the hedge fund manager Thomas U. Barton, who made his mark as a skeptical short-seller, gushes. He understands all businesses, he said.

Still, there are skeptics. It is hard to judge the strength of Intrexons core technology, known as UltraVector, which is a computerized system for putting together modular DNA pieces to make complex genetic circuits. The company, saying it wants to protect its trade secrets, has not published articles about it in scientific literature. Some start-up companies, not Intrexon, have taken the lead in the hot new genome editing technique called Crispr.

The biggest criticism is that Intrexon keeps announcing new acquisitions and new collaborations, dozens of them in all. Yet no product made with the companys technology has reached the market, and it is not clear when any will.

Theres a mixture here of spectacle and speculation, said Jim Thomas of the nonprofit ETC Group, which says that synthetic biology needs to be more rigorously regulated. Whats curious about this is the way in which they are putting together all these controversial and often failing one-trick companies and trying to wrap them up in a fancy synthetic biology front.
For 60 seconds, the accusations fly: Massive Scam. Operating a phony university. Habitual liar. Seizing on one of his more questionable business ventures, this ad  helpfully titled Scam  assaults Donald J. Trumps character and fitness for the presidency. The commercial was produced by Our Principles PAC, a group that is not aligned with any of his rivals but that sees Mr. Trump as calamitous to the Republican Party if he becomes its nominee.

Message

Mr. Trump, the ad all but screams, is a liar and a fraud. Relying on news reports and a lawsuit by the New York State attorney general, the ad accuses him of making millions of dollars while students at Trump University, a for-profit company, got scammed. Mr. Trump belongs in 3 a.m. infomercials, the ad concludes, showing a photo of the White House, not here. For good measure, Mr. Trump is shown several times in unflattering photos in which a viewer might conclude he is laughing or grinning at his customers misfortune.

Impact

The Trump University attack appears to be gaining traction. Mr. Trump dismisses it as a small civil case, but he was questioned aggressively by Megyn Kelly over the subject in Thursdays debate and attacked by Senator Marco Rubio. Senator Ted Cruz worried aloud at the prospect of the Republican nominee facing a fraud trial.

Takeaway

Our Principles PAC had spent barely $305,000 as of Feb. 27, according to Kantar Media/CMAG. But with major donors signing up in a desperate bid to derail Mr. Trump, the group is promising to intensify its efforts. So far it has bought about $700,000 in broadcast time in Florida along with national cable time on CNN. Judging from how Mr. Trump responded in Thursdays debate, the subject is a sore spot for him. So expect to see more.
Senator Ted Cruz scored decisive wins in the Kansas and Maine caucuses on Saturday, demonstrating his enduring appeal among conservatives as he tried to reel in Donald J. Trumps significant lead in the Republican presidential race.

Mr. Trump contained Mr. Cruzs advances by winning in Louisiana and Kentucky. But the Texas senators wins were sure to energize the anti-Trump forces who are desperately trying to stop Mr. Trumps march to the nomination, and they left little doubt that Mr. Cruz, who has now captured six states, is their best hope.

In Democratic contests, Hillary Clinton scored a commanding victory in Louisiana, the state with the most delegates in play on Saturday, while Senator Bernie Sanders won the Nebraska and Kansas caucuses, according to The Associated Press. The results did not alter the contours of a race in which Mrs. Clinton maintains a significant delegate lead.

The biggest stakes were on the Republican side, and the voters sensed it; turnout in Kansas, for example, was more than double that of 2012. Mr. Cruz won 48 percent of the vote there, while Mr. Trump received 23 percent, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida won 17 percent and Gov. John Kasich of Ohio won 11 percent. The results were tighter in Maine, but Mr. Cruz still easily defeated Mr. Trump there by 13 percentage points. With Mr. Trumps victories coming by smaller margins, Mr. Cruz had the biggest delegate haul of the day, appearing to net at least 15 more than the front-runner.
BEIJING  As economic growth has fallen while debts and excess industrial output have risen, Chinese leaders have faced growing questions about whether they will carry out the painful policy surgery many experts say is needed to cut away the financial dead weight on the economy.

But the answer that Prime Minister Li Keqiang gave on Saturday was to wager that China could enjoy a relatively painless cure that avoids hard choices between spurring growth and restructuring. Chinese leaders usual two-sided rhetoric about their options  peril is close at hand, but so is a sure cure  was especially striking in Mr. Lis latest annual report to the legislature, the National Peoples Congress.

Domestically, problems and risks that have been building up over the years are becoming more evident, Mr. Li told the roughly 3,000 delegates to the congress, a Communist Party-controlled body. But there is no difficulty we cannot get beyond, he said in the speech, which was broadcast live nationwide.

Continued economic growth of at least 6.5 percent can be achieved in 2016, and a similar rate is foreseeable until 2020, he said. That, Mr. Li suggested, would help dull the pain from cuts to wheezing state-supported industries that must shed millions of workers, as part of a program that Chinas powerful president, Xi Jinping, has promoted as supply-side structural reform.
She solicited grants from sponsors, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, the accounting firm, and a local architect designed the restaurants interior for free. It is on the ground floor of the dormitory for prison guards; inmates are housed in a different part of the prison. She hired a maitre d  who seats guests and handles the money  and a professional chef, Ivan Manzo, who was unfazed by working with convicts.

Ive seen a lot of crazy people working in kitchens outside of here! Mr. Manzo said.

In the kitchen, inmates were busily preparing dishes as one, Mirko, was showing another how to make tarts. Inmates are paid up to 1,000 euros a month to work in the restaurant, and share tips.

It is a matter of pride, a way to make people happy and show them that even inmates can change and evolve, said Mirko, who like the other inmates wanted to be identified only by his first name.

Ms. Polleri says that she realizes the restaurant may bother some people and that she does not want to offend victims of crime. But she argued that prisons must train inmates to become responsible citizens capable of re-entering society, and noted that the recidivism rate of inmates in similar programs is far lower than average.

Before the dinner crowd arrived on a recent night, Ms. Polleri hovered over the waiters, reminding Carlos to walk straight. Her most nerve-racking moment came in early December when she learned that a food critic for one of the countrys most important newspapers, Corriere della Sera, had secretly come for dinner one night and was preparing a review.

I couldnt sleep for a week, Ms. Polleri said. The critic praised the food, the waiters and the convivial atmosphere. He even praised the prices, which are more reasonable than most Milanese restaurants. To have honest prices, he wrote, you have to come to jail.

Looking across the dining room, Ms. Polleri pointed to the guests enjoying their meals. This is the revolution, she said. A lot of these people before didnt know where the prison was.
Manlai Baatar Damdinsuren with two of his adjutants. Damdinsuren was Mongolian patriot and nationalist who took part in revival of Mongolian...
Welcome to the Social Media Research @ JNU Blog!!! This Blog is created to share information, knowledge networking and debating on the issues related to Social Media Studies and Advanced Social Media Research. Topics to be covered in this blog are (but not limited to): Mass Media, Social Media, New Media, Broadcasting, Print Media, Educational Media, Journalism, Mass Communication, Development Communication, Media Law, Media Literacy, ICT for Development and other relevant areas.
To qualify for the dean's list, a student must be classified as a degree candidate and have attained a grade point average for the term of 3.50 or better on a 4.00 scale, with 12 credit hours or more and no incomplete grades at the time the list is declared. Students with a grade point average of 3.35  3.49 at the time of reporting for the term are listed as honorable mention.
IOWA CITY, Iowa  The following local and area studnets received degrees from the University of Iowa at the close of the fall 2015 semester.

Muscatine: Brittany Donald, Bachelor of Science in Nursuring-RN degree; Jessica Enriquez, Bachelor of Applied Studies; CER-nonprofit management degree; Britney Fry, Bachelor of Science-sport and recreation management with high distinction degree; Jeffery Jones, Bachelor Arts, English degree; Ethan LeBeau, Bachelor of Arts, psychology degree; Justin Lovan Bachelor of Arts, Economics degree; Stephanie Mathis, Masters in Business Administration, professional MBA program degree; Lindsey McGrew, received a Bachelor of Applied Studies degree; Emily Schroeder, Bachelor of Arts, elementary education degree.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Daniel Wang will be the featured speaker at the next Startup Grind Muscatine event 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at the Riverview Center, 110 Harbor Drive.

Wang's presentation is titled "Making Muscatine a Window to the World." Wang is co-founder and CEO of China Windows Group Inc., which has made several investments in Muscatine. Those investments include the Muscatine "Friendship House," the home where Chinese President Xi Jinping slept for a couple of nights in 1985; The Merrill Hotel, a $42 million, 114-room hotel and conference center in downtown Muscatine; the Muscatine Center in the city of Jinan, China; and a soon to open Distributors Showroom in Yiwu, China.

Daniel and Glad Cheng, co-founder of China Windows Group, started their first private business venture in 2007 doing commercial movie animation and internet business. China Windows Group Inc. launched in 2013 in Muscatine and the U.S. to focus on tourism and the export of Midwest goods. Prior to his business career, Wang had a successful marketing career heading retail territory management in China for Kodak growing the company from 4,800 retail stores to over 9,800. He also worked for Hoffmann-La Roche, Colgate-Polmolive, as well as Johnson & Johnson in China.

For more information on attending, visit www.startupgrind.com/muscatine.
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 []
I brought you a peek back in Dec, and now this from New Belgium:





Ft. Collins, Colo., March 3, 2016  As most of the U.S. starts to usher in springtime weather, New Belgium Brewings new seasonal offers the perfect easy-drinking companion. Hoppy Blonde takes a leap into the tropics with an exhilarating rush of hops at the start, that softens into a light and refreshing finish. The delicate malt base of this beer combines with vibrant notes of mango, lemon, blueberry and pine thanks to Mosaic, UK Admiral and Centennial dry-hopping. The result is a sessionable blonde ale with a head rush of hops.



Blonde ales offer the ideal beer for every occasion and for everyone, said Lauren Salazar, New Belgiums specialty brand manager and blender. Hoppy Blonde is super easy drinking, flavorful and refreshing, yet it still has a hop base that even the biggest hops fans will enjoy.

Hoppy Blonde is a medium body beer that pours bright golden. It starts toasty sweet and has a tropical fruit aroma that quickly turns into an approachable bitterness.



Hoppy Blonde Ale

Base Malt: Pale

Specialty Malts: Caramel 80 and Munich

Hops: Nugget, Simcoe, UK Admiral, Mosaic and Centennial

ABV: 5.75%

IBU: 45



Food Pairing Ideas: spaghetti and meatballs, complements the flavorful and refreshing qualities of Hoppy Blonde; Swiss/pepper jack cheese, which brings out the freshness of the hops; chicken Caesar salad, the dressing pairs perfectly with the sweet malt and ester notes; sugar or snickerdoodle cookies, which celebrates the elegant simplicity of blonde ales.



Hoppy Blonde will be available in New Belgium markets now through April. To find it near you, use the New Belgium Libation Location tool: NewBelgium.com/Beer/Finder or download New Belgiums Beer Mode app.

About MyBeer Buzz Founder, owner, author, graphic designer, CEO, CFO, webmaster, president, mechanic and janitor for mybeerbuzz.com. Producer and Co-host of the WILK Friday BeerBuzz live weekly craft beer radio show. Small craft-brewer of the craft beer news sites and one-man-band with way too many instruments to play........Copyright 2007-2022 mybeerbuzz.com All Rights Reserved: Use of this content on ANY site without written permission is not allowed.
Napa County Supervisors know they want a sales tax measure on the June 7 ballot, but suddenly they are no longer certain for how much.

It all looked so clear last Tuesday. Supervisors asked staff to prepare language for a quarter-cent general tax measure that could raise money to help build a new jail. They would take final action this Tuesday, which is the deadline for them to approve a measure for the ballot.

But the Board of Supervisors met again Friday afternoon. Childrens advocates want more money for childrens programs, such as early education and more child care. That could lead to adding another eighth-cent to the tax measure, for a total three-eighths-cent hike.

A quarter cent or three-eighths-cent? Supervisors couldnt decide and want both options coming to them next Tuesday.

I do have concerns about the city not being informed about this, Supervisor Diane Dillon said. St. Helena is considering all kinds of tax measures that it desperately needs. How is it going to feel about this?

A somewhat tangled tale has its roots in the proposed Napa County Child Wellness Act that proponents hope to qualify for the November ballot. They must gather 3,900 signatures to do so.

That ballot measure seeks to raise money for more childrens programs, but not through a tax measure. Rather, it would mandate the county to set aside a portion of the county budget for the Fund for Children.

The county would have to fill the fund with .2 percent of its discretionary revenue in 2017-18, 1 percent in 2018-19, 3 percent in 2020-21 and 4 percent a year thereafter. Several million dollars annually would go to such endeavors as school readiness, child abuse prevention and childrens health programs.

But County Counsel Minh Tran filed papers with Napa County Superior Court saying the initiative, if passed, would be illegal under the state constitution.

It unconstitutionally interferes with the Board of Supervisors exclusive statutory responsibility for management of the countys fiscal affairs by improperly attempting to establish priorities for county funds, the filing says.

Napa County Superior Court Judge Rodney Stone is scheduled to hold a March 17 hearing on the matter.

That led to the talk among county officials and childrens advocates about having a general sales tax measure that could provide money for both a new jail and childrens programs. Then the Childs Wellness Act wouldnt go forward.

Supervisors pointed out the awkwardness of talking publicly about a possible solution to a legal matter that they are also talking about in closed session. Also, some supervisors seemed rankled that the Child Wellness Act would mandate how a portion of county money is spent.

Its hard to talk about this without talking about the sword that dangles over our head on this initiative that wants to claim a good piece of our future, Supervisor Brad Wagenknecht said.

Supervisor Keith Caldwell said 11th-hour talks to possibly change the proposed sales tax measure felt a little awkward to him.

We are here today because you sued us, Child Wellness Act proponent Joelle Gallagher said. We believe our measure is valid. You believe it is not. We wanted to come up with a compromise so we do not have to spend time and resources in court; so that we do not and you do not.

They were led to believe that a compromise might be possible to support both a needed jail and to support children, she said.

Later on Friday, proponents of the Child Wellness Act filed a paper with the county Registrar of Voters asking to withdraw the measure from consideration for the November ballot. They would have to submit a revised version if they want to go forward.

Supervisors last Tuesday decided to place a quarter-cent sales tax on the June ballot to raise money for a new, 256 -bed jail along Highway 221 near Syar quarry. They say this would ease pressure on the undersized, deteriorating downtown jail and allow the county to have more programs aimed at reducing recidivism.

The 10-year sales tax would raise $8 million annually, providing the debt service to cover a $68 million gap in the $103 million project. The Board is to sign off next Tuesday on the ballot details to make things official.

Because polling showed a tax targeted specifically for the jail wouldnt receive the necessary two-thirds vote to pass, supervisors chose a general tax that legally can be spent on any county program. These type of taxes can be passed by majority vote.

Some supervisors noted Friday that this opens the door to another possibility. At some point, the state might make money available that could pay for a portion of a new jail. If that happens, supervisors could choose to spend portion of a quarter-cent sales tax for childrens programs.

In 1991, San Francisco voters passed an initiative requiring the set-aside of 4 percent of property tax revenues for childrens programs. Margaret Brodkin of Funding the Next Generation said that led to cutting child abuse in half and reducing the number of young people in juvenile hall by 75 percent.

I am here to tell you what an incredible difference it makes, Brodkin told Napa County Supervisors. It has really transformed our ability to serve children.

No county supervisor on Friday questioned that programs benefiting children are a good thing. But they werent certain whether adding an eighth-cent to their intended general use, quarter-cent sales tax measure is the best way to raise money for these programs.

Tuesday will be the day of decision for the proposed, general use sales tax. The Board of Supervisors meets at 9 a.m. in its chamber at 1195 Third St.
As California slowly builds up a system to regulate the growing and distribution of medical marijuana, how far should Yountville crack open its door to the drug?

An answer to that question continued to elude the Town Council as members stumbled over how much cannabis residents should be allowed to grow, whether outdoor cultivation would be acceptable  and how to enforce whatever law emerges.

Without the beginnings of agreement, council members deferred any change to its current laws, which prohibit marijuana cultivation or sales.

In recent months, Yountville has passed an emergency cultivation ban and reaffirmed a six-year-old ordinance barring dispensaries. The renewed laws, similar to steps taken in American Canyon, St. Helena and Calistoga, were meant to maintain local control of the drug before a March 1 deadline, after which new state regulations would have become the local law for cities lacking their own.

The state Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act allows those using cannabis with a doctors recommendation to grow the plant on up to 100 square feet of their private property. Licensed caregivers can cultivate as much as 500 square feet to supply pot to as many as five patients, but the state law does not make clear whether those limits also apply to multi-family housing, or whether indoor or outdoor spaces can be used.

The lack of a lawful way to grow medical marijuana in Yountville undermines local patients, especially those too ill to travel to legal dispensaries elsewhere, according Councilman Richard Hall.

Its like saying No, you cant produce your own vegetables on your property; you can only get them at the store, he said during Tuesdays meeting. I have difficulty believing this is a reasonable thing to put the onus on the individual like that, to say you cant do something thats for your benefit.

I recognize the challenge in enforcement. But theres just as much challenge in enforcement by saying we wont allow cultivation of it.

Allowing cultivation out of doors appeared to garner little support from Yountville leaders. But even indoor marijuana growing is likely to cause quality of life to fray, said Councilwoman Margie Mohler, pointing to the increased electrical use and pollution from the grow lights and fertilizer required. Allowing indoor growing also could cause conflicts within multi-family housing by pitting tenant against landlord or neighbor versus neighbor, she argued.

If youre a renter, its like smoking in an apartment complex; this stuff can really permeate, Mohler said. A pregnant woman upstairs, some kids downstairs  it has so many different implications.

Despite such worries, some growing for medical use may be necessary to keep effective control of the drug, Mayor John Dunbar replied.

If we prohibit all cultivation, theres an even greater enforcement component to make sure its not happening anywhere, he said. If we allow it, we have some level of control on who is allowed to do it and for what reason.

MARIN CLEAN ENERGY

In other business, the council voted to accept Marin Clean Energy as the Upvalley towns new power provider. Yountville is the third local government to make the switch, after Napa county and city; St. Helena, Calistoga and American Canyon also are seeking membership.

Pacific Gas & Electric customers in Yountville will have their service shifted to the not-for-profit firm, which buys electricity generated at renewable-power stations on the West Coast and resells them to about 125,000 customers in various Bay Area cities.

The process, known as community choice aggregation, is intended to make environmentally friendly power sources available to renters, low-income families and those unable to install solar panels at the their homes.

Residents will be given up to six months to retain their existing PG&E accounts if they choose.

Though the Town Council accepted the change of power provider in a 4-1 vote, Mohler opposed the switch, saying the renewable energy certificates  ownership credits for 1 megawatt-hour of renewable power  bought by Marin Clean Energy and other utilities are not directly tied to power projects, and, thus, cannot guarantee that customers receive green electricity.
Why is the Republican Party obstructing the Presidents appointment of a new Supreme Court justice? It has nothing to do with finding the best woman or man for the job, but it does have everything to do with nominating a Republican that adheres to that partys political line. It is, in other words, pure partisan politics.

But that is only one part of an overall strategy of the Republican Party, one that unfortunately threatens the separation of political powers. Remember the election of 2000? President Bushs attorney argued for the Supreme Court to stop the counting of all ballets in Florida, because it would do irreparable harm to George Bush if ballets were counted. But hold on  if you get fewer votes than your opponent, does that constitute irreparable harm, or is it simply the way democracy works? And by the way, what about irreparable harm to the other candidate, Al Gore?

This irreparable harm argument was evidently nothing but a smoke screen for what the majority of Republicans on the court really wanted, which was to hand the presidency to fellow Republican George Bush. Since all the justices who voted for this outrageous expedient were Republicans, it seems clear that the judgment was based not on law, but on political affiliation.

The whole thing was rotten, and since that terrible moment in American public life, the Supreme Court has stunk like a dumpster of week-old fish.

But the corruption goes much deeper than Bush vs. Gore. In the 1980s, right-wing foundations and corporate billionairesincluding Charles and David Kochorganized and funded the Federalist Society, an organization that seeks to elect or appoint right-wing judges that can impose their extremist ideology on legal issues before the courts.

Before, U.S. presidents had chosen candidates for the Supreme Court from the American Bar Association, whose members include Democrats, Republicans and Independents. In 2001, the Bush administration announced it would no longer consult the ABA regarding judicial nominees. In practice, it selected candidates only from the Federalist Society, made up of 25,000 right-wing attorneys.

In other words, the Koch brothers and other billionaires had discovered a way to use their wealth to impose their ideology on our supposedly independent judiciary. Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and the late Antonin Scalia were all on record as being members of the Federalist Society, as is Chief Justice John Roberts. Of course, it was these same Republicans who once complained that Democratic nominees tended to be judicial activists, but rarely in modern times have we seen such blatant activism as we have witnessed from Republicans on the Supreme Court.

Nor have we seen successive administrations pack the court with them so quickly.

The prime example of the current hard-right extremism on the Supreme Court is the disastrous Citizens United case, or Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. One of the most treacherous decisions of all time, matched only by Dred Scot and Plessy v. Ferguson in sheer anti-democratic malevolence, its effect is to lay the legal groundwork for oligarchy. The Supreme Court Republican majority declared that money spent to fund candidates was the same as protected speech, and that therefore the rich should have more speech, because they have more money!

To justify this perverse idea of freedom as something that can be bought and sold, the Federalist Society members on the Roberts Court argued that a corporation has the same rights as a personbut, predictably, none of the same responsibilities.

Furthermore, the Roberts Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, Americas most important legislation governing free and fair elections. That and Citizens United are worst-case examples of judicial activismso much so, indeed, that one shudders to think what new attacks on democracy might emanate from the remaining right-wing jurists on the Supreme Court.

How could the Republicans engage in such extreme and destructive judicial activism, after criticizing Democrats so vehemently for the same thing? The great French theologian Jacques Ellul once wrote about this, casting it as a recurring dynamic typical of demagogues. The propagandist, he wrote, will never accuse his enemy of just any misdeed. He will accuse his adversary of the very intention that he himself has, and of trying to commit the very crime that he himself is about to commit.

Todays Republican Party is attempting to impose changes in American institutions and political culture that must be opposed by all fair-minded people. Never has a party traveled so rapidly to the right, and not in a century has there been a political ideology so nakedly mean-spirited and so destructive.

For that reason alone, thoughtful people should support President Obamas nomination of a new Supreme Court justicehopefully someone less extreme than the courts current Republican activists masquerading as judges.

Lawrence Swaim is executive director of the Interfaith Freedom Foundation. His latest book is How Finkelstein Broke the Trauma Bond, and Beat the Holocaust: Traumatic Memory and the Struggle against Systemic Evil.
Mike McGarey

2006  2007

2008

Frank Jablonski





2010

In the 2010 election for governor, won by Republican Scott Walker, both candidates had supported nuclear energy. Nuclear moratorium legislation was introduced in several more sessions, but invariably languished, despite the efforts of Democratic lawmakers such as Assemblyman Jim Soletski and Senator Jeffrey Plale, who were great champions and devoted legislators.

2011  2014

The March 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan effectively ended the moratorium repeal movement for several years, as the U.S. nuclear industry rebuilt the publics trust in the inherent safety of the American reactor fleet. The attempted 2012 recall of Governor Walker (which failed) and 13 sitting state senators from both parties in 2011 and 2012 (all but three recall attempts failed) didnt help prospects for bipartisan cooperation on repealing the ban.





2015  2016

But Frank Jablonski kept in touch with nuclear supporters in the legislature, governors office, Public Service Commission and in the labor, business, academic, environmental and Madison policy communities, looking for opportunities to grow awareness of nuclears special attributes. He met Assemblyman Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca), a Navy veteran and nuclear reactor operator-turned-small businessman, who resurrected the effort to finally repeal Wisconsins nuclear ban. Assembly and Senate committees prepared for hearings on Rep. Petersens repeal bill, AB 384, in November 2015, and its Senate companion.

In December, the Assembly Committee on Energy & Utilities unanimously approved Rep. Petersens bill 13-0 prior to its adoption by the full body by voice vote. Last week, the Senate adopted the bill on a strong, bipartisan vote of 23-9, with the Senate Democratic leadership joining the majority.





The Wisconsin Legislature did the right thing by removing outdated restrictions on building nuclear power plants in Wisconsin.



I have been a lifelong environmentalist, citizen member of Gov. Jim Doyle's global warming task force, and former board chair of Clean Wisconsin. I had always opposed nuclear power because I considered it to be dangerous. However, I now know that my opposition was not supported by science but was ideologically-driven, parroting many of the organizations on which I depended for my information. I have learned to look instead to the best sources of science: the National Academies of Science, the World Health Organization, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and consensus science generally.



Questions arise: When might Wisconsin build new nuclear? Would new reactors be of the large scale presently under construction in Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia, or one of the promising small reactor designs now under development? These questions are premature, as its not certain when load growth will require new generation.





The moratorium repeal bill allows Wisconsinites interested in clean, safe, reliable baseload electricity and a diverse energy portfolio to consider a technology that does it all: nuclear. And just as earlier classes of UW-Madison engineering students had welcomed the pro-nuclear co-founder of Greenpeace to campus like a rock star eight years ago, todays engineers are ready to work in nuclearin Wisconsin! The states skilled workforce continues to maintain the two operating reactors and is ready to build more.Questions arise: When might Wisconsin build new nuclear? Would new reactors be of the large scale presently under construction in Tennessee, South Carolina and Georgia, or one of the promising small reactor designs now under development? These questions are premature, as its not certain when load growth will require new generation. An NEI witness recently told legislators its hard to predict our energy future, but its wise to provide policymakers with options.The moratorium repeal bill allows Wisconsinites interested in clean, safe, reliable baseload electricity and a diverse energy portfolio to consider a technology that does it all: nuclear.

Over the weekend, at a governors conference here in Washington, I greeted a friend whom Id met 10 years earlier when she was a staffer to then-Wisconsin Assemblyman (now Wisconsin Public Service Commission Chairman) Phil Montgomery. My friends former boss was among the early advocates for repealing Wisconsins longstanding moratorium on new nuclear, and we high-fived last weeks bipartisan state Senate passage of the repeal bill . The bill now awaits Governor Scott Walkers promised signature. Enactment will ensure that reliable, zero-emissions nuclear will be among a host of technologies Wisconsins utilities and policymakers can consider going forward to meet the states energy, environmental and economic needs.Looking back, I recall a number of key players and events that slowly turned a polarizing issue  viewed by some as partisan, and a long shot in a purple state  into the successful reform of outdated policy. Heres a brief timeline on the moratorium repeal effort. NEI participated in a debate in Madison with anti-nuclear activists before a Special Legislative Committee on Nuclear Power, which was reviewing the nuclear ban. Introduction of repeal legislation, sponsored by Rep. Montgomery and others, soon followed and the Assembly Energy & Utility Committee held hearings in December 2007. Organized Labor, particularly the building trades, quickly emerged as reliable champions of nuclear energy (see IBEW and MBCTC statements below).But Wisconsins divided government  a Republican-majority House and Democratic-led state Senate and governor  was in no hurry to move repeal legislation. A respected labor leader in the state observed, Our key will be converting Democrats. And making inroads with Democratic-leaning constituencies, such as environmental activists.One such activist emerged at a March 2008 Wisconsin Public Utility Institute Advances in Nuclear conference in Madison, in the person of an environmental attorney and former general counsel to Clean Wisconsin's predecessor organization, Wisconsin's Environmental Decade. Frank Jablonski had litigated environmental cases for years but was largely self-taught (and remarkably conversant on) nuclear safety, reactor technology, used fuel management and the considerable clean air and zero-carbon benefits of nuclear energy. Before the audience of policymakers, academics, utility representatives and more than a few nuclear opponents, Frank told the story of how his own dogged research and open mind had caused him to change his stance on nuclear energy from against to strongly in favor. Despite the disapproval of some of his former allies in the environmental movement, Frank became a one-man nuclear advocacy machine.In July, a task force appointed by Governor Jim Doyle (D) issued its report,, which recommended modifying the states moratorium so that the nuclear option might be considered, among others, in the effort to meet emissions reduction goals.That autumn, Dr. Patrick Moore, the co-founder of Greenpeace, addressed the Energy Hub conference at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and told the crowd that basic scientific literacy clearly indicated the need for nuclear energy in addressing climate change. Conference organizers later reported that attendees evaluations identified Dr. Moores nuclear presentation as the best in the day-long event.
Japan and U.S. will hold joint military exercises

France withdraws from Energy Charter Treaty

CNN: White House is in talks with Elon Musk to create satellite Internet service Starlink in Iran

Baku outraged by Iran's statements and frightened by IRGC military exercises

Who are main beneficiaries of 'Zangezur' corridor?: Another anonymous article by 'Haykakan Zhamanak' newspaper

Ankara decides to stand up for Riyadh amid deteriorating relations between Saudi Arabia and U.S.

French Foreign Minister considers it vital to keep lines of communication with Russia open

Pentagon refuses to give details of conversation between Austin and Shoigu

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin: Head of Caucasus Muslims Department again made slanderous and false statements

Erdogan denies using chemical weapons against Kurds and threatens those who dare to talk about it

Saudi Arabia and China will strengthen their ties in energy sector

Governor of Gegharkunik province receives representatives of OSCE fact-finding mission

Penny Mordaunt runs for Prime Minister of Great Britain

Sweden expects ratification of NATO membership application by Hungary and Turkey to be completed soon

European Union will allocate 1.5 billion euros per month to Kiev in 2023

An Israeli-built flight school opened in Greece

Russian Railways is negotiating with Azerbaijan and Iran to launch the Rasht-Astara route

Overchuk: Construction of road through Meghri, whose sovereignty is not in question, depends on Armenia's position

Armenian Defense Minister's working visit to India is over

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

Delegation from United Arab Emirates visits Armenia at invitation of head of MONKS: Two agreements signed

Dollar, euro drop in Armenia

Iran consul general in Armenias Kapan: We do not accept any change of borders

Baza: Mobile military registration and enlistment offices will be removed on Russian-Georgian border

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
The detention took place two days after police arrested 23 Bangladeshi citizens for illegally entering in India on Wednesday.

"BSF troopers on Friday evening arrested 35 Bangladeshis, all tribals, as they came to market in Raishyabari (in northern Tripura) to sell their products and buy other items," police spokesman Uttam Kumar Bhowmik told IANS.

The intruders were later handed over to the police.

The Bangladeshi residents came to Tripura from tribal dominated Chittagong Hill tracts.

The previously detained group came to seek consultation about their ailment from a tribal traditional practitioner.

Northeastern state of Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh. However, most parts of the frontier are fenced, mountainous and riverine.

--Indo-Asian News Service sc/py/rd

( 156 Words)

2016-03-05-14:09:32 (IANS)
According to sources, Samsung is likely to invest about Rs. 100 crore on marketing its latest smartphones, which will be launched in India on March 8 and go on sale from the third week of March at prices that could match Apple's iPhone 6s models.

It has asked the dealers to ensure maximum mileage for the Samsung brand on shop floors, senior industry executives said.

Samsung India has issued an advisory linking payments to dealers to the visibility of its branding on store fronts and inside.

Industry executives said Samsung may offer the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge at a cheaper rate than the Rs. 50,000-plus launch price for last year's flagship Galaxy S6.

The company is looking at a price of about Rs. 45,000 to compete with iPhone 6s that's selling at Rs. 44,000-45,000.

Samsung has advised the dealers that any discounting will entail strict disciplinary actions, including blacklisting, since it does not want a price war on the new models. (ANI)
Actor Ram Charan, who owns a sprawling mansion in Hyderabad, wants to expand his base to Mumbai as he's looking for properties to set up an estate to shuttle between the cities with family and friends. The star, who keeps flying to Mumbai on business and wife Upasana, who is in the process of expanding the Apollo chain of hospitals in the city, think it'd be ideal to have a residence in Mumbai as it would be convenient. "While the couple have already purchased a property in a building in Mumbai, they are on the lookout for a nice estate where they can build a mansion, on the lines of what they have in Hyderabad,a a source close to Charan told IANS. "Ram and Upasana stay at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, one of the most luxurious and expensive properties and hope to create a similar kind of living space in Mumbai, making it convenient for the two especially since they travel to the city so often on business". Currently, Ram Charan is busy shooting for the Telugu remake of Tamil blockbuster "Thani Oruvan". --Indo-Asian News Service hp/pku ( 198 Words) 2016-03-05-07:05:41 (IANS)
BJP today announced that Asom Gana Parishad, its electoral ally in Assam, will contest on 24 seats in the coming state assembly polls. The announcement of seats follows the sealing of alliance between the two parties, aimed at dethroning 15-year old Tarun Gogoi led Congress state government. Addressing mediapersons here, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the main objective behind the partnership is to ''free Assam of the corrupt, non-development, mal-governance of the present Chief Minister.'' '' Out of 126 assembly seats, 24 seats have been given to AGP. Rest of the seats, the BJP will fight along with its other allies,'' said Mr Prasad, flanked by BJP's Assam chief ministerial Candidate Sarbananda Sonowal. Alleging that the developmental process of Assam stands still due to failed policies of Mr Gogoi, Mr Prasad said both the parties will take issues like 'rampant corruption' and 'influx of illegal migrants' to public during coming Assembly polls. '' Corruption is at its zenith in Assam. There is mass illegal infiltration going on unhindered in the state with the collusion and patronage of Congress,'' Mr Prasad said. AGP Chief Atul Bora and Assam BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was once a senior Congress leader, were also present during the press conference. Mr Prasad said the alliance was forged after Mr Bora met BJP Chief Amit Shah yesterday and discussed the modalities of the electoral partnership. '' AGP and BJP are two different political parties but both share similar concerns about the fast changing demographics of Assam due to illegal migration. In fact, the whole movement of AGP stands on this issue,'' the BJP leader said. Asked whether there was anger amongst the party workers against the pre-poll alliance, Mr Prasad refuted such reports, saying state leaders and workers are fully united under leadership of Mr Sonowal to uproot the Gogoi led regime. '' We want to give Assam a government that can work jointly with the central government and fulfill the aspirations of the people so that it may touch new heights of progress,'' Mr Prasad said. AGP Chief Bora said he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and expressed his confidence that both parties will form the next government in this north-eastern state. ''Congress is ruling since 2001 but it never lived up to the expectations of the Assamese people. It is working only for the welfare of illegal foreigners,'' Mr Bora said. The Assembly elections are likely to be held in April/May this year. The saffron party had won 7 seven Lok Sabha seats out of 14 during the 2014 general elections. UNI RG RSA 2055 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0377-619988.Xml
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul today suggested corrective measures for the Chief Ministers Universal Health Insurance Scheme (CMUHIS), to make it more relevant to its desired objective of providing free medical treatment. On interacting with indoor patients here at Samaritan Hormin Hospital, he was informed about the shortcomings in the insurance scheme that wasnt entirely cashless. Much of the medical expenses were pocketed from the insurance beneficiaries, while only a minor portion was covered by the scheme, the chief minister observed. The chief minister enquired the matter with the hospital authority, to which he was informed that medical expenses were covered in a package, as per the agreement between insurance company and the hospital. The package may include consultation fee, medicine, cabin charges, food and all other charges during the treatment. But despite all these benefits, patients may be charged separately because certain services may not be covered under the insurance scheme, informed the authority. Pointing out the lacunae, the chief minister questioned the effectiveness of the scheme if it did not cover the entire medical expenses. The benefit of the scheme should be complete, and not in piecemeal manner. If there are any shortcomings with the schemes, the hospital authority should suggest corrective measures, and if the contract doesnt suits them, they should not accept it, the chief minister said. Once they accept it, they should implement it in its totality. The scheme is for poor people and not for the benefit of the hospital, he said. The chief minister, however, termed the scheme as a novel initiative and assured to carry it forward. He also informed that he will call all the stakeholders, insurance companies and the health officials for valuable inputs in effecting strategies and operations essential for leveraging full potential of the health insurance scheme. UNI PB BM CJ RSA VN2256 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-621663.Xml
An Indian nun from Jharkhand was among the four nuns who were massacred by unidentified gunmen at a retirement home run by the Missionaries of Charity in Aden, Yemen today. "This happened when the sisters were serving breakfast. There were five sisters present when the incident happened. One of them is a superior who wasn't located by the gunmen, but the other four were shot dead. The Indian nun was sister M. Anselm from Gumla in Jharkhand, the two sisters from Rwanda were sister Marguerite and sister Reginette, and sister Judith from Kenya," Missionaries Of Charity Spokesperson Sunita Kumar told ANI. The superior, sister Sally who hails from Kerala, survived after she hid herself from the gunmen after a guard sounded a warning cry about the attackers. According to reports, the nuns were first handcuffed and then shot at point blank range. Father Tony, a priest from Bengaluru who was present at the home, was praying in the chapel when the incident happened and escaped unharmed, however, he is still missing. "All of the old people in the home were unharmed but all the workers were killed. It's amazing that all this happened within seconds," Kumar added. No terror group immediately claimed credit for the slaughter. Missionaries of Charity nuns also came under attack in Yemen in 1998, when gunmen killed three nuns in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida. (ANI)
A special event to honour Sanskrit language was organised by the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, with the support of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, on the occasion of International Mother Language Day. The eminent Indologist, Economist and Member of NITI Aayog, Dr. Bibek Debroy was UNESCO's Special Guest of the event titled "A classical Language- Beyond Heritage". The programme at UNESCO comprised two main segments. The morning segment featured a panel discussion with panelists Dr. Debroy and Dr. Daniel Negers of the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations, France, bringing out the nuances of the rich and diverse treasures of Sanskrit to an international audience comprising of diplomats, UNESCO civil staff, Indologists, academics, prominent French personalities, Indians in Paris and media. The discussion was moderated by Christopher Moseley, Expert Linguist and former journalist with the BBC, who is also the Editor in Chief of the UNESCO Atlas of the Worlds' Languages in Danger. The event concluded with an announcement by India, gifting to UNESCO various Sanskrit publications, with an English translation, for its library. The evening segment was hosted jointly by the Permanent Mission of India along with the Missions of Bangladesh, China, Greece, Iran, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The theme of the evening was "Celebrating Linguistic and Cultural Diversity" which saw a rich mosaic of cultural and artistic presentations from the participating countries. The highlight was a poetry recital in Sanskrit by Dr. Debroy, which represents a historic first at UNESCO, and which received much appreciation and applause from a packed audience. Sharing the platform with Dr. Debroy as a Special Guest of UNESCO was the Minister of Cultural Affairs of Bangladesh. His Excellency Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor, who was also on official visit to UNESCO especially for this occasion India is a founder member of UNESCO and among the active role players, whose global leadership role is well acknowledged and recognised at UNESCO both among member states and the Secretariat. To this end, and building on the momentum generated by the "historic" visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UNESCO in April 2015, followed by that of Human Resource Development Minister Smt. Smriti Irani in November 2015 for the Leaders' Forum in connection with the Organization's 70th anniversary celebrations, Dr. Debroy held a meeting with Mr. Eric Falt, Additional Director-General, External Relations and Public Information, who was also the Representative of the Director General, UNESCO for this event. The two sides agreed to further expand and deepen India-UNESCO collaboration in the coming years through enhanced cooperation in the sectors of education, culture, the sciences and communication and information. (ANI)
Silencing all critics' post the February 9 event in the JNU campus, students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar asserted on Friday that nationalism cannot be anyone's 'patented' idea while stating that he has full faith in the Indian Constitution as it was a document which can't be 'doctored'. Speaking to the media a day after he was released from Tihar Jail after he was charged for sedition, Kanhaiya thanked everyone who supported him and alleged that a conspiracy was afoot to malign the JNU campus and its students. "The JNU row is not a new one. This controversy that has been forged to malign our campus is also not new. Whenever there have been attempts to suppress democratic voices, JNU stands up and tells that JNU thinks today, while the society thinks tomorrow. The media is the fourth pillar of democracy and JNU is a historic institution that is trying to fight for the future," Kanhaiya said. Asserting that the JNU students can never be anti-national, he added that he was part of the fight to not let those succeed who use the Constitution as a tool against those who raise their voices for nationalism. "The Constitution calls for equality, brotherhood and harmony and it is not a video that can be doctored, it is a document written by the revolutionary men and women of this country. There are many who are attempting to create a divide in this country but the sacrifices of jawans, farmers and Rohith Vemula will not go to waste," he said. Stating that there was a lot of difference between patriotism and sedition, Kanhaiya said that the Britishers had made the sedition law to suppress the voices of freedom fighters. He added that he condemns what happened on the night of February 9 but it was up to the court to decide if it was sedition or not. "We will not say anything based on merit. We believe in the law and the constitution. The government belongs to the nation, but it has turned into the government of a party. We need to make them realise that they owe their allegiance to the nation. The way the campus is facing the ire of the nation because of a conspiracy, we want to tell the nation that JNU is the voice of the nation. Sedition must not be used to attack students, we know the meaning of freedom," Kanhaiya said. Talking about Afzal Guru, he clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula. "Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will a Rohith Vemula in every house," Kanhaiya said. The JNU students' union president, however, downplayed a media poser as to whether he would campaign for the Left in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls. "I am not a political leader. I am a student which is why I am not thinking about it now. I want to become a teacher in the future. First, I will fight for the rights of the students at the University and Bengal is too far now," he said. However, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury earlier told ANI that Kanhaiya would campaign for the Left in Bengal. "All students supporting Left will participate in the campaign along with Kanhaiya. For the first time, the nation can see the power of the youth of Left," Yechury said. Earlier, the government had warned Kanhaiya after his release that he must help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the February 9 event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity. "He is enjoying the publicity, what else is there? The question is let him condemn those slogans and distance himself from that. Let him help the authorities to see that such activities are curbed in the university," Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu told ANI. "They must study and stay away from politics. If they are interested in politics, they can leave studies and join politics. He can join any political party. His favourite party is now in single digit in the Parliament. Let him join that party. Let him not use the grab of students and students union to take up the cause of Afzal guru, Yakub Memon and Maqbool Bhatt. All these three people are anti-nationals," he added. Kanhaiya, who was released last evening after being granted a six-month interim bail by the Delhi High Court, led a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA regime at the Centre. "I am not asking for freedom from India, I am asking for freedom in India," he said. "I would like to thank everyone at the JNU. All the people , whether media, political people, non civil society , who stood for saving JNU and those who want justice for Rohith Vemula, I want to salute them," he added. In a sarcastic tone, he said, "I want to thank the people sitting in Parliament deciding wrong and right, the police and those few media channels." (ANI)
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury said on Friday that Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who was released from Tihar jail yesterday, will campaign for the Left in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls. "All students supporting Left will participate in the campaign along with Kanhaiya. For the first time, the nation can see the power of the youth of Left," Yechury told ANI. He added the CPI (M) wants the assurance from the Centre that arrangements will be made for a 'fair' election so that the people of Bengal can come out and vote without any hesitation. "There should absolutely be no violence, which is all we want. You cannot leave this responsibility on the state police," he said. Asserting that the Left will win in Kerala this time, Yechury stated the rampant corruption prevalent in the state right now would be alleviated by the Left as they are committed to bettering the life of the people. He also flatly ruled out any chances of forging an alliance with Congress despite admitting that the Left was facing a massive challenge in West Bengal. In West Bengal, the polling for 294 assembly seats will be held in six phases starting from April 4 to May 5. The first phase would take place in two parts- April 4 and 11. The second phase polling will be held on April 17, third on April 21, fourth on April 15, fifth on April 30 and sixth on May 5. In Kerala, voting for 140 assembly seats would be held in a single phase on May16. (ANI)
In an apparent attack at the Left Parties, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Friday advised JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar to help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the February 9 event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity. "He is enjoying the publicity. What is there? The question is let him condemn those slogans and distance himself from that. Let him help the authorities to see that such activities are curbed in the university," Naidu told ANI. "They must study and stay away from politics. If they are interested in politics, they can leave studies and join politics. He can join any political party. His favourite party is now in single digit in the Parliament. Let him join that party. Let him not use the grab of students and students union to take up the cause of Afzal guru, Yakub Memon and Maqbool Bhatt. All these three people are anti-nationals," he added. Kanhaiya, who was released last evening after being granted a six-month interim bail by the Delhi High Court, led a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA regime at the Centre. "I am not asking for freedom from India, I am asking for freedom in India," he said. "I have many differences with the Prime Minister but I agree with his tweet - Satyameva Jayate. I also say Satyameva Jayate, the truth shall triumph, because it belongs to the country and the Constitution," he added. The 28-year-old said that he saluted the soldiers guarding the country. "But the soldiers, who die at the border are the sons and brothers of those who die within the country," he said, while referring to the farmer suicides. Kanhaiya further said the crackdown on JNU was planned because the university students spoke out against the death of Hyderabad University research scholar Rohith Vemula. "This attack is to de-legitimise the UGC protest and to prevent justice to Rohith Vemula. The fight which was initiated by Rohith Vemula, all of you and peace-loving people in the country, will be pursued by us and we'll win this battle," he said. "I would like to thank everyone at the JNU. All the people , whether media, political people, non civil society , who stood for saving JNU and those who want justice for Rohith Vemula, I want to salute them," he added. In a sarcastic tone, he said, "I want to thank the people sitting in Parliament deciding wrong and right, the police and those few media channels." (ANI)
The 28-year-old TV star recently expressed his love for Chyna on his Instagram page by sharing a pic, wherein the 27-year-old model, sporting neon green hair, is seen sleeping, which was captioned as, "Love this woman right here so fuck y'all with your negative comments ?" E! Online reports.

Previously, it was reported that both of them want to have their own reality show.

An insider revealed that Kardashian has bought a 4,256 sq. ft crib in Calabasas, after being kicked out of his sister Khloe Kardashian's house, adding that Chyna has been helping the 'Dancing with the Stars' star with the house and will be living there once it is up and running.

Interestingly, both are also planning to include special accommodations for Chyna's 3-year-old son, King Cairo, whom she shares with Kylie Jenner's boyfriend Tyga.

It is being said that Kardashian and Chyna's brewing love has proved controversial for the whole Kardashian family as well as for the public.(ANI)
Chandrani's latest collection "Mrityunjay" inspired by Lord Shiva's avatar will use his symbols like the Trishul, conch shell and cannabis leaves in the form of ingenious prints and sparkling embroidery techniques. White, rust, grey, indigo and bottle green will add flavour to this line. Interestingly, this is the first time she will be using hand woven fabrics and has experimented with delightful stripes and ombre dyeing techniques.

The designer is being sponsored by one of the biggest brands of India, Boroline in association with AIFW 2016.

Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, "We are proud to associate with the iconic brand Boroline which has its roots in the city of Kolkata. It will be interesting to see how Chandrani Siingh Fllora, our designer from Kolkata reinterprets the age-old symbols of Lord Shiva in a modern milieu through inventive thinking and modern silhouettes."

The event, which is slated to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Lodhi Road, will begin on March 15 and will go on till March 20. (ANI)
The Prime Minister had yesterday in his address to the Lok Sabha sought to reach out to the Opposition for passage of key legislations, including the GST Bill, while targeting Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi without naming him.

Quoting former prime ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, he criticized Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his 'Make in India' jibe.

"We are mocking things like Make in India? This is for the nation. If there are shortcomings it may be shared and discussed," he said while asserting that the former UPA regime failed to meet its set targets.

Criticising the Congress for disrupting the Parliament and stalling important legislations, Prime Minister Modi said the main Opposition party was doing so due to 'inferiority complex' of its top brass. (ANI)
The Prakash Singh committee set up by the Manohar Lal Khattar Government to inquire into the acts of 'omission and commission' civil and police officers during the Jat quota agitation is set to visit Rohtak today. The panel headed by retired IPS officer Prakash Singh, will visit the affected areas of the district and interact with both civil and police officers. It would also meet people of different sections of the society and seek information about the role of the officers. Meanwhile, the Haryana government has fixed March 5 as the last date for submission of claims by those whose properties were damaged in the incidents of violence and arson during the Jat agitation for quota. "The last date would be March 5. As March 4 and 5 are holidays, all departments concerned have been asked to make necessary arrangement for receiving claims on both these days," a government statement said. These departments will also ensure that the interim compensation is paid or released within four days of the receipt of claims. The remaining compensation will be paid within 15 days, it said. (ANI)
Expressing happiness over the release of Kanhaiya Kumar from Tihar prison, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday said that he hoped the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union president would prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he had been wronged. "Happy about the grant of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison. Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," Sinha said in a series of tweets. The rebel BJP leader had come out in support of Kanhaiya earlier saying that he had said nothing that amounted to sedition. "Have heard transcript of speech of Kanhaiya, our Bihar boy president of JNUSU. He has said nothing anti national or against constitution. Hope wish and pray that he's release soon, sooner the better," Sinha tweeted. Sinha further stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru University is going through a crisis 'for reasons best known to politicians'. He went on to say that the JNU is an institution of international repute, enviable record and history. "It is a seat of learning for some of India's brightest young minds & also some very respectable teachers. Save it from further embarrassment, he tweeted. Speaking to the media yesterday after he was released from Tihar Jail after he was charged for sedition, Kanhaiya asserted that nationalism cannot be anyone's 'patented' idea while stating that he has full faith in the Indian Constitution as it was a document which can't be 'doctored'. Talking about Afzal Guru, he clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula. "Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will a Rohith Vemula in every house," Kanhaiya said. Earlier, the government had warned Kanhaiya after his release that he must help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the February 9 event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity. However, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury earlier told ANI that Kanhaiya would campaign for the Left in Bengal. "All students supporting Left will participate in the campaign along with Kanhaiya. For the first time, the nation can see the power of the youth of Left," Yechury said. (ANI)
Bonthu Rammohan, Mayor and the first citizen of Greater Hyderabad will receive the Vice President at the Begumpet Airport at around 1600 Hrs.

During his two-day visit, Mr Ansari would visit the Qutb Shahi tombs, where the restoration work is being carried out by the Aga Khan Foundation.

He would leave for New Delhi from Begumpet Airport at 1150 Hrs tomorrow after examining the work going on in tombs.

Meanwhile, the first Council meeting of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) proposed to be held today has been postponed in view of the Vice-Presidents visit.UNI KNR CS 0935

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-621981.Xml
To prevent any law and order problems, hundreds of additional security forces and state police personnel remained deployed in these areas, where pro freedom demonstrations were witnessed after Friday prayers yesterday . Business and other activities remained affected in these areas and traffic also off the road in Tral and adjoining areas for the third day today.

Life also remained affected at Awantipora and adjacent areas wit h shops and business establishments closed and traffic off the roads.

However, traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, passing through Awantipora, was plying normally as additional security forces had been deployed to foil any stone pelting incident.

Situation elsewhere in the south Kashmir was normal.

Three local HM militants were killed in an encounter during the intervening night of March 2 and 3.UNI BAS SV PM1029

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-621992.Xml
In a tweet, the Prime Minister extended his wishes to Mr Chouhan describing him as a friend and a hard-working karmayogi Chief Minister who has taken Madhya Pradesh to great heights of development.

The Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) Madhya Pradesh unit is celebrating Mr Chouhans birthday as Sewa Diwas during which creative programmes for public service would be undertaken.

According to a party release, yoga camps, 'Sundarkand,' 'bhajan sandhya' and other religious programs would be organised. Blood donation camps and fruits distribution programs would be organised at old age homes, hospitals and orphanages by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.

The party workers would also select a colony, institution, hospital, market or other place to carry out cleanliness of that particular place under the Prime Minister 'Swach Bharat Abhiyan. Several other programmes of 'kanyapujan', 'kanya bhoj' and sahbhoj and programmes for handicaps and weaker sections of the society would also be organised. UNI PSSV PM1215

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-622064.Xml
Earlier, veteran actor Anupam Kher, who was to attend the Karachi Literature Festival on February 5 this year, was denied visa by Pakistan.

Kher was due to arrive in Karachi to attend the festival as one of the distinguished guest.

The festival, founded by Ameena Saiyid, OBE, and Dr. Asif Farrukhi, is jointly organised by Oxford University Press, Pakistan and British Council.

The festival consists of literary discussions, book launches, and creative writing workshops. There is also an opportunity to meet authors, book signings and visit a book fair. (ANI)
The workers of All India Mahila Congress today staged a protest outside BJP headquarters at Ashoka Road demanding rollback of the EPF taxation scheme. Showing placards and raising slogans against the government, the protesters said the government is doing injustice to the middle class who will be affected by the taxation in Employees Provident Fund (EPF). Talking to reporters here, All India Mahila Congress president Shobha Oza said, ''We demand total rollback of EPF taxation scheme. This clearly shows injustice being done to service class people. EPF is security of middle class and the government is trying to break the backbone of ordinary people.''The government is trying to relax people who have black money. It is a double burden on middle class people. We will continue to protest throughout the country till our demands are not be met, she added. The proposal of the government to tax 60 per cent of the EPF corpus at the time of withdrawal after April 1 has evoked strong opposition from salaried people. UNI SM SV 1306 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0271-622141.Xml
The Ministry of Railways has decided to provide additional stoppage for a minute for Train No. 12718/12717 Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada Ratnachal Express at Anaparti Railway Station for a period of six months with effect from March 18 instead of March 17 on experimental basis. Accordingly, Train No. 12718 Vijayawada-Visakhapatnam Ratnachal Express will arrive/depart Anaparti at 0840/0841 hrs. In the opposite direction, Train No.12717 Visakhapatnam Vijayawada Ratnachal Express will arrive/depart Anaparti at 1510/1511 hrs, an SCR statement said here today.UNI VV CS 1324 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-622199.Xml
The Uttar Pradesh Assembly today witnessed noisy scenes after BSP and the Congress members raised the issue of murder of a dalit employee of a university in Agra and the alleged threat by the BJYM Badaun district president to honour who can slit the tongue of JNU student union president Kanhaiya Kumar. The BSP members trouped in the well of the House demanding Rs 20 lakh for the family of the dalit Satyendra Kumar, a clerk of the Agra University, who was murdered on February 13 last. The BSP members also alleged that the UP government gave Rs 10 lakh to the family of VHP leader Arun Mahaur due to 'political reasons' but another dalit was ignored. The House witnessed noisy scenes for about five minutes and later, state Parliamentary Affairs minister Mohammad Azam Khan pacified the members saying that the guilty would be punished and he would talk to CM about the compensation. The minister also said that the UP government gave Rs 10 lakh to Mahaur to crush the communal forces and it should not be compared with another dalit murder. The BSP raised the issue yesterday after Union Minister of state for HRD Ramashanker Kateharia questioned the BSP leadership on why they were mum on the murder of dalits in Agra. The Congress members too raised the issue of the statement of the Badaun BJYM president announcing an award of Rs 5 lakh to anyone who would slit the tongue of the JNU president. "The statement is an effort to divide the country and create communal disturbances ," alleged Congress member Pankaj Malik. Replying to the issue, state Parliamentary Affairs minister Mr Khan said , " some people have no work so they are trying to spread hatred." "Earlier there were threats to us but now it has also covered, Kanhaiya so you all should beware of the conspiracy," he said while adding that the government would look into matter and take necessary action. UNI MB ADG CS1217 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-622132.Xml
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah on Saturday lashed out at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for backing JNU students and asked whether raising 'anti-national' slogans was freedom of speech and expression. "A different kind of environment is being created in the country wherein anti-national slogans are being raised on the name of freedom of expression. In one of the universities of New Delhi (JNU), slogans about the destruction of India were raised," Shah said while speaking at the national convention of Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Mathura. "The Congress should feel ashamed. The vice-president of the Congress Party, Rahul Gandhi, goes there and says that these students should be listened. He says that students have the right to speech and they should be allowed to speak," he added. Meanwhile, Congress leader Shobha Oza launched a counter attack on the BJP president and said that he was labelling wrong allegations on Rahul Gandhi. "He should be ashamed for labelling wrong allegations on Rahul Gandhi. If he thinks that he can mislead the country then he should answer that why his government is supporting Godse, isn't it anti-national?" Oza told ANI. "The Congress vice-president supported the students of the JNU, but he never supported 'anti national' activity," she added. The Congress vice-president had on February 13 visited the JNU campus to support the students after Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly raising 'anti-national' slogans at an event held in the campus on February 9 to commemorate 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru. (ANI)
After an unsucessful attempt at Shani Shingnapur in Ahmednagar district, now Pune-based womens group Bhumata Brigade has decided to storm the famous Trimbakeshwar temple in Nashik onthe occasion of Mahashivratri festival on Monday. However, the Trimbakeshwar temple trust has written to the Bhumata Brigade not to commit any act against the age-old traditions and to the police and local administration for stopping the Bhumata Brigade. Some Hindutva groups have vowed to prevent the womens group from entering the temple. Ms Desai, who heads the Bhumata Brigade, today said, ''We are not against the Hindu traditions, but we would continue to oppose wrong traditions. We want gender equality. If the constitution has given equal rights to men and women, they why such practices of not allowing entry to women still on?, she said. About 200 women would reach Nashik by 1400 hrs on Monday, and agitate against the wrong practice. the police will be informed it. Instead of preventing us from entering temple, the Hindutva groups should also work for women empowerment and issues like farmer suicides, Ms Desai said. Meanwhile, a press release issued by Hindu Janjagruti Samiti stated that all devout Hindu groups would prevent the Bhumata Brigade from entering the Try ambakeshwar temple. Every temple has its own different traditions. Similarly, in the Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga of Bharat, onlyhalf-naked men wearing solave (a clean, washed, silk or cotton dhoti to be worn during worship) are allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum. This tradition is hundreds of years old. It was respectfully followed by many female VIPs, including ex-President Pratibha Patil, ex-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, chief minister of Rajasthan Vasundhararaje Sindhia and others, the release said. It also mentioned that 1,200 local women in the town have submitted a petition to the local administration for preventing the breaking of the tradition in the temple. On the day of Mahashivratri, lakhs of devotees visit Trimbakeshwar. There is every likelihood of an undesirable incident and a law and order problem due to the agitation by Bhumata Brigade. In such a case, the entire responsibility will rest on the administration, the release said. Kailas Ghule, a temple trustee, called Bhumata Brigades agitation as a publicity stunt. UNI SP NV SB AN1524 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-622195.Xml
The meet, being convened by Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Nirmal Khatri, will be attended by district unit presidents, general secretaries, senior functionaries, UP in-charge Madhusudan Mistry, members of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) and Prashant Kishore.

Chairman of the UP Congress Communcations Cell Satyadev Tripathi, while informing about the meeting, said the meet's motive is to first deliberate on various issues before the party in the state and to prepare an election strategy for 2017 assembly polls.

Two days after poll strategist Prashant Kishore met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, he has been officially roped in for reviving the political fortunes of the Congress in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections due early next year.

Congress, which ruled the state for over 40 years has been relegated to fourth position in the state in past two decades.

Regional parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have been ruling the state for the past several years. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the state, winning 71 of the 80 seats.

Congress managed to retain Amethi and Rae Bareli, the two constituencies held by party vice president Rahul Gandhi and party chief Sonia Gandhi.

--Indo-Asian News Service md/sd/dg

( 257 Words)

2016-03-05-16:59:39 (IANS)
:Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu, several ministers and party legislators visited the NTR ghat near state-secretariat here today and paid floral tributes to the actor-turned-politician and founder of Telugu Desam Party,N.T.Rama Rao. Mr.Naidu and others later left for the assembly complex to attend the budget session, which is slated to start at 1500 hours with an address by Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan to the joint sitting of both houses of the state Legislature. By now, it has become a well-established custom for the TDP ministers and legislators to visit the NTR ghat before coming to the assembly on its opening day.UNI SMS KVV RSS 1710 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-622614.Xml
Former AIADMK functionary Liaquat Ali Khan,today announced that he had re-christened his seven-year-old Party as the MGR Munnetra Kazhagam (MGRMK) to uphold the ideals and principles of the late stalwart and pledged his support to the Opposition DMK in the May 16 Assembly polls. Talking to reporters here, he said after coming out of theAIADMK, in which he had served as party's organising secretary, he formed the Minority Communities Revolutionary (MCR) Party in 2009. He said since then his party had been supporting the DMK in the 2009 and 2014 Lok Sabha polls and in 2011 Assembly polls. ''But, in the run up to the present elections, the MCR Partyhas been rechristened as the MGRMK and decided to continue its support to the DMK for this polls also'', he added. He said his party has more than two lakh members in theCoimbatore, Tiruppur, Krishnagiri, Salem and Hosur regions and has sought appointment with the DMK leadership to seekseats to contest the polls. Mr Liaquat Ali Khan said his party would be campaigningfor the DMK led front in the polls. He also demanded that either the ruling AIADMK or thegovernment that would assume office after the elections should construct a Manimandapam for AIADMK Founder MGR, He said the Manimandapam should be constructed in thecity itself and it should be set up at Marina itself wherehis 'samadhi' was located.UNI GV RSS 1557 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0415-622494.Xml
National Anthem should be sung in all privateschools in the state during the morning assembly, the Madras HighCourt has ruled. When the hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed byan ex-serviceman came up for hearing, the First Bench comprisingChief Justice S K Kaul and Mr Justice M M Sundaresh said singingof national anthem should be made mandatory in the schools in theState. The private should follow this and singing of national anthem during the morning assembly should be made part of the curriculum,the Bench said, after recording the submission of the authorities,including the Central government that national anthem should be sungin schools. After recording the submission, the Bench directed the Central and State Departments of Secondary Education and the Union Human Resources Department to verify weather national anthem was sung in all private schools in the state. UNI XR-GV RSS 1609 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0415-622525.Xml
A release issued by CMIA stated that after the successful execution of Marathwada Auto Cluster(MAC) and the current ongoing work on establishing Deogiri Electronic Cluster, CMIA has now focused attention on establishing Defence Cluster at Aurangabad.

Incidentally, AURIC City at MIDC Shendra-Bidkin also has special focus on Defence Sector and Aurangabad is now poised to emerge as Important Destination for Defence related manufacturing.

CMIA has formed a group of ten CMIAs Member Units, who are manufacturing products related to Defence Sector and will be participating for the first time in the important Defence exhibition Defexpo India 2016 at Goa to be held between 28 to 31 March,2016 which is organizing by ministry of defence.

Seeing the importance of Defexpo-2016 exhibition, CMIAs has taken a lead to create pavilion for showcasing Aurangabads potential in manufacturing connected with defence, it added.UNI VKB NV SB AN1650

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-622291.Xml
Poll strategist Prashant Kishore will make his maiden visit at the Uttar Pradesh Congress office here on March 10, to meet senior party leaders to discuss over the party's Mission 2017. Mr Kishore will participate in a meeting of district and city Congress committee presidents convened by UPCC chief Nirmal Khatri and AICC general secretary in charge of UP, Madhusudan Mistry. Mr Khatri told reporters here today that the meeting will discuss on the poll prepardness of the party for the 2017 assembly elections. He said all vice-presidents, general secretaries, district and city presidents along with in-charge of the state would be present in the meeting where Mr Kishore would be the main attraction. Mr Kishore, who was the man behind the success of Nitish Kumar in Bihar, has been recently roped in to assist the Congress ahead of two major poll battles in Punjab and UP. Mr Kishore also held at meeting with Congress leaders from UP in New Delhi on March 2, but he remained a silent participant, taking notes while about 30 leaders delivered speeches on ways to ensure the party's revival in poll-bound UP. Of the 38 senior Congress leaders who were invited to attend the meeting , former ministers Beni Prasad Verma and Salman Khurshid remained absent. Mr Khatri said, "All speakers gave several suggestions ranging from the need for discipline, to take to the streets to register our presence, ensure public connect, and to consolidate Congress' traditional votebanks. All the suggestions were taken note of and will be discussed in meetings later." While talk of pre-poll alliances was discussed during last meeting, some leaders also raised the importance of projecting a CM candidate in the polls.UNI MB SW SB AN1646 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-622321.Xml
BJP members today staged a noisy walkout from the Uttar Pradesh assembly alleging faulty government orders on the policy of admission in the primary section by the private and unaided schools under the Right to Education(RTE) Act. The BJP members said the state government has issued a faulty government order saying that the students can go only to private and unaided schools after the seats in the government primary schools are full but as per accordance of the Act the schools even if it is a private or non aided has to admit 25 per cent poor children of their total strength of admission. Raising the issue through an adjournment notice during Zero Hour, BJP member Radha Mohan Das Agarwal said due to the faulty orders of the state government, Allahabad High Court had quashed all the orders. " The RTE act of the Central government do not discriminate between the government and non-government schools but the state government was just interested in covering its own schools which lacks facilities," he said. However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mohammad Azam Khan defended the government order saying that it was a natural justice that those schools who were not getting aid should not be burdened with such decision. Mr Khan, however, making a political comment, said BJP members are just trying to promote their own schools and Niketans by bringing in such issues. State Education Minister Ram Govind Choudhury intervening into the matter said that government has to pay Rs 430 for each student admitted in the private or unaided schools but as our own schools have adequate seats, so why we should pay for it. But the BJP members refused to buy the clarification made by the ministers and staged a noisy walkout from the House. The assembly also took the issue of decreasing ground water level. RLD leader Dalbir Singh too raised the issue of indefinite strike by the diploma engineers in the state leading to disruption of developmental works in the last month of the financial year.UNI MB SW SB AN1642 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-622377.Xml
Congress vice-president and MP Rahul Gandhi today accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making hollow promises before elections and said that the people of the country are now demanding refund for the assurances made by him. Narendra Modi came to power by making a slew of promises to the people. He was very good at marketing his promises but all the assurances turned out to be hollow. Now, the people of India are demanding refund from Modiiji, Mr Gandhi said, addressing a public rally at the end of a 7-km foot march in Nagaon in central Assam. He pointed that Modi had made promises of bringing down prices of essential commodities, getting back black money from abroad and other such assurances before elections but failed to keep any of his pre-poll promises. When we demand reply from Modiji on what he has done to keep his promises, he makes personal attacks on me as he has no answer, he added. Referring to Modis recent remarks against the Gandhi family, including himself, the Gandhi family scion said, It is not befitting of a prime minister to make such personal attacks against me or any person. The Prime Ministers office is of high stature. But he indulges in such personal attack as he has no reply to our questions. Mr Gandhi also criticized the Prime Minister for not responding to the select questions, on issues like getting back black money, job creation for youth, etc, put by Gandhi in the floor of Parliament to him. Modiji makes false promises everywhere. He did so in Bihar (before Assembly polls last year) and will do so in Assam now, he said, adding, Not only has he not done anything for Assam, he even curtailed facilities like special category status and investment promotion policy, for the state. Accusing the BJP of indulging in divisive politics, Gandhi held the BJP government in Haryana responsible for the recent violence in the Jat agitiation. He said, The Congress was in power in Haryana for ten years and there was peace and progress. The BJP came to power and soon people are now fighting against each other there. Referring to the JNU incident, Mr Gandhi maintained that JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, who was booked on sedition charges, had not made any anti-India remarks but the BJP government was putting the future of all 8,000 students of the Universtiy at stake by going after him, while the real culprits have remained undetected. He maintained that the Congress biggest achievement in Assam had been bringing back peace in the last 15 years, without which progress could not have been possible, and shared the credit with the people of the state for helping the party in this regard. The Congress claimed that the Congress government, under Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, has been pursuing a series of schemes for all sections, especially targeting the marginalized and downtrodden sections, and urged the peoples support for the party to win a fourth straight term in the state. Mr traveled a distance of about 7 km on foot from Nagaon town to Barghat in Nagaon district itself, accompanied by several top Congress leaders, including state party president Anjan Dutta and MP Gaurav Gogoi. Mr Gogoi had walked a few metres with Gandhi at the start of the padyatra and later left for the public rally in a vehicle owing to health reasons. He will be proceeding to Tezpur in northern Assam this afternoon before concluding his two-day trip to Assam. The Congress leader had visited Silchar in southern part of the state on the first day yesterday.UNI SG KK SB NS1605 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-622372.Xml
Police said the Maoist sympathisers who surrendered at Mathali police station in the red rebel infested Malkangiri district belonged the three villages of Pujariguda,Temripali and Kukrukundi.

They surrendered before the Malkangiri Superintendent of Police and other police officials of the district.

Last year also hundreds of Maoists supporters have surrendered before the police. Official sources said surrendered Maoists sympathisers will be provided assistance as per the norms of the surrender and rehabilitation policy of the state government.UNI DP AKM SB NS1655

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-622533.Xml
Drinking water crisis in the city inHyderabad-Karnataka region has turned grim as the Water storage inthe Saradagi Barrage, has gone below the actual storage level. With pumping of water from dead storage the city could beprovided with water for next two weeks. If immediate steps were nottaken by seeking water from Bhima river reservoirs upstream fromMaharashtra, the drinking water crisis will worsen in the city. Talking to newspersons here, the Executive Engineer of theKarnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board (KUWSDB) AshokMadyal said that the water available in the Saradagi Barrage nowwould last only another 15 days. Mr. Madyal said that a minor portion of Kalaburagi gets watersupply from the backwaters of Bennethora Dam and there is enoughwater available in the backwaters of the Bennethora Dam to last tillApril. While 55 MLD of water is drawn from the Saradagi Barrage, 20MLD of water is drawn from the Bennethora Dam backwaters. The engineer alsoo said that Karnataka Bhagya Jala Nigama Limited(KBJNL) had agreed to provide .4 tmcft of water from Kallur Barrageand initially 0.2 tmcft of water would be released in a couple ofdays from Kallur Barrage and it would take 70-80 hours to reachSaradagi Barrage and the district administration has taken steps todisconnect power supply to all irrigation pumpsets along the banksof the Bhima so that the released water is not used for irrigation purposes. Meanwhile, Corporation Commissioner P. Sunil Kumar said that inaddition to this, 29 new borewells have been drilled in the city andpumping motors would be installed in all high-yielding borewellssoon to supplement the existing drinking water supply system.UNI SD RS KVV RSS 1733 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0284-622437.Xml
Final master plans for development of Shimla and Hamirpur as Solar cities approved by MNREThe growing need of energy and increasing environmental concern is a challenge to the mankind, hence, other alternatives of conventional resources of energy has to be explored, said Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh after inaugurating workshop on Promotion of Solar Technologies in Himachal Pradesh under Solar City programme organized by HIMURJA and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India (GoI), at Hotel Holiday Home today.It is essential to tackle the energy crisis through judicious utilization of abundant renewable energy resources, such as Biomass, Solar, Wind and Geothermal Energy, he said. The Chief Minister said that our country is facing an acute energy scarcity which is hampering its industrial growth and economic progress. Setting up of new power plants is inevitably dependent on import of highly volatile fossil fuels. He said that amid the growing demand for sustainable energy, the solar power technologies are on the verge of large scale global deployment for being clean renewable resource with zero emission and having tremendous potential of energy. He said that with recent developments in the field, solar energy systems are easily available for industrial and domestic use with the added advantage of minimum maintenance. It was the then Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who admitted that solar energy will transform rural India and had launched a National Solar Mission in 2010, he said . Mr. Singh said that Himachal Pradesh endorses the National Policy for promoting clean and environment friendly technologies for exploiting the available power potential. Time has come to adopt renewable sources of energy instead of polluting fossil fuels as such resources are in abundance in the country, he said, adding that State Government has been working for development of renewable energy resources. We have planned to reduce environmental de-gradation and de-forestation by promoting renewable energy technologies in the State, he said. He said that final master plans for development of Shimla and Hamirpur cities, as solar cities, have been approved by MNRE, GoI. The Ministry has conveyed the sanction of 15 kWp Solar Power Plant at Panchayat Bhawan, Shimla, 20 kWp Solar Plants each at Ridge Shimla and at Old Bus Stand. Chief Minister said that as Himachal Pradesh was having increased solar radiation level, it had the potential of becoming a model State in terms of promotion and development of Solar Energy. Our Government is endeavoured to promote the solar energy programme and has notified the revised Solar Power Policy in January, 2016, which is valid upto March 2022, he said adding further that the government had simplified the procedures with time lines for setting up of solar power plants in the State.As small hydro-power sector also play a vital role in producing power at cheaper rates, five projects at Juthed, Kothi, Lingti, Sural and Purthi of 900 Kilo Watt capacity have been commissioned by HIMURJA in small hydro power sector, besides four projects of 1470 KW capacity had been commissioned under State sector funding at Sarahan, Gharola, Saach, Billing and Bara Bangal. It is the endeavor of our Government to pursue the people to install grid connected roof top solar power plants for which regulation under the policy of Net Metering have been notified by the State Government, said the Chief Minister. To provide reliable power supply in the remote and tribal areas, solar power plants upto 1 kWp have been installed in Spiti Valley. It has been conveyed to me that Shimla is being developed as a Pilot Solar City and the projects under this programme are nearing completion, he said. He further added that he would like to see Shimla as a Model Solar City and the department should work on other projects so as to develop Solar Cities in other parts of Himachal Pradesh, he said.UNI ML KS AY NS1742 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0292-622359.Xml
BJP MP Yogi Adityanath today stirred another controversy when he said he would not let JNU or any other university to produce any Mohammad Ali Jinnah.JNU ya anya koi vishvidhalaya me Jinnah paida nahi hone denge, agar hue to unhe dafnayenge. Hum deshdrohiyon ke liye sakht hai (We will not let Jinnah be born in any university and if it happens, we will finish them. We are very tough on anti-nationals), the firebrand leader told reporters here.Retaliating to charges made by Allahabad University president Richa Singh and JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Mr Adityanath said they were confused people and there was no answer to their questions."The existence of these people have finished," he added.Commenting on the statement of Kanhaiya, the Mahant said, "These people should see on what condition the judiciary has given him bail and the bail is just an interim not full."''The BJP has no vengeance against anyone and every individual has certain rights under the Constitution. But the rights does not mean that they are free to conspire against the nation and honour the anti-nationals," he said. It was unfortunate that handful of people were challenging the country's unity and integrity, the BJP leader said.He said the case has not ended and probe was still on and the court will again hear the bail plea after six months. "Let the probe complete. You will get to know more details about their illegal act." Mr Adiytanath did not spare the JNU teachers and alleged that it was unfortunate that the teachers of the renowned university were also supporting the students involved in the anti-national activities. "Such act of the JNU teachers are condemnable and it should be protested." "A person should take care of what he speaks and he should respect and honour every institutions of the country," he said commenting on whether the languages used by Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan and Kanhaiya are on similar tone.UNI MB SW SB 1833 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-622610.Xml
Teaching and non-teaching employees of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar will donate their one day salary for the rehabilition of the violence-hit victims during Jat Agitation in Haryana. Prof Tankeshwar Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said it was their prime duty to participate in societal building. Especially educational institutions should come forward to contribute in bringing peace and harmony in the society. He said that Haryana is known for its brotherhood all over the country and it should be remained. Prof Kumar also prayed to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for maximum help to the victims because many of them have not only lost their hard earned money of the whole life, but livelihood also. They are now looking for the help from the Government and the Society. The cheque of the donation will be handed over for Chief Minister Relief Fund after options of employees are received.UNI XC JS1733 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-622712.Xml
The delegation on a Sikkim visit discussed investment opportunities in non-polluting industries which would generate employment.

Mr Patil talked about investment in tourism of Sikkim and spoke on a pool of educated English speaking human resource available in Sikkim.

He also informed the delegation on Sikkim as a fully organic state with the most peaceful environment in India.UNI XC-BM SHS SB VN2002

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-622967.Xml
The Punjab Congress Legislature Party chief Charanjit Singh Channi today expressed shock over rise in crime against Dalits in the state since Mr Parkash Singh Badal took over as the Chief Minister. He said the Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal had perhaps overlooked this achievement of his government while making presentation earlier this week to remove what he termed as misconceptions among the people. Mr Channi cited data received by RTI activist Dr Jasdeepak Singh from the Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission to hammer the issue and prove his criticism of the state government being anti-Dalit and weaker sections. He substantiated his charge saying the number of total complaints with the Commission increased from just 651 in 2007 to a staggering 12,834 and these complaints were in various categories including services. What was all the more serious was the increase in atrocities on Dalits under this government that keep on talking of Raaj Nahin Seva to mislead the people, Mr Channi added. The complaints against atrocities on Dalits increased to 7709 in 2015 as compared to 473 in 2007, which is almost fifteen times. The cases of complaints registered with the commission about the service matters increased from 106 to 1311 in these eight years while the government was only able to resolve 768 out of these complaints, 543 are still pending, he said. Mr Channi also questioned the Chief Minister as to why the Dalits continue to be targeted so blatantly. "Out of these 12,834 complaints, the end of 2015 had decided only 5456. In case of atrocities, 3714 cases had been decided and still 3995 are pending in the process of the commission. In total 7378 complaints are pending till today," he said. He asserted the disturbing rise in such complaints was proof enough that the government was anti-dalit and running rough-shod over them who constitute 33 per cent of the population in Punjab, the highest as compared to other states in the country. Mr Channi said these people would not now be misled by utter lies of this government whose real face now stand exposed. He also blamed the Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also the home minister of the state to explain the people of Punjab out of these 7709 cases of Dalit atrocities, which victim family was visited by the Chief Minister, Deputy chief minister or any of your senior colleagues in the government. "This is shame on the face of the state government and they should also include these figures in the list achievements, which they project in the seven star hotels in corporate style of functioning. Still there are N Number of cases who are not reported even, these are those strata of the society who even do not approach any police or commission", Mr Channi said, adding there are many glaring examples where the victims family is pressurized to reach compromise by the goons of the Shiromani Akali Dal and even the Police also. This is the Gundaraaj of the Badal government in the state, he added. Mr Channi also questioned the registration of the cases with the commission because very less people approach the commission more of them only file complaint with the police. "This is only 2-3 per cent of the actual facts of Dalit complainants in the state of Punjab," he said. Mr Channi challenged Mr Badal to face the facts as people had seen through his nefarious designs.UNI JS DS SB VN1933 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-622794.Xml
A pall of gloom descended over Meghalaya and especially in Garo Hills region when the mortal remains of former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma, was brought to his hometown here in Meghalaya. As Sangmas body was being taken from the helipad at Dobasipara to his residence at Walbakgre followed by convoy of vehicles across Tura town, people thronged on both sides of the streets to have a last glimpse of their beloved leader. All shops and business establishments remained closed on the arrival of the body as a mark of respect to the late leader. The casket containing Sangma's body, the former Meghalaya Chief Minister reached Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills, and a large number of people lined up on both sides of the road to have a final glimpse of their beloved leader. The mortal remains of Sangma were brought to Tura from Assam's Guwahati International Airport in a MI-17 helicopter after being flown there from Delhi in a special Indian Air Force aircraft. Union minister of state Home, Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jitendra Singh, former Union water resources minister Vincent Pala along with Sangmas family members accompanied the casket from New Delhi. Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan later accompanied the mortal remains of Sangma from Guwahati to Sangmas residence at Walbakgre. Sangmas residence at Walbakgre became a sea of humanity as thousands of people from all walks of life had gathered there to receive the mortal remains and show their solidarity to the bereaved family. Speaking to the crowd at his residence, Union Minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju said, ''He was the first politician from northeast who was the face of the region and championed the cause of his people and the entire northeast. He has connected us to rest of India.'' Describing Sangma as a guide and a mentor, Mr Rijiju said, We have learned a lot from PA Sangma saheb. Cutting across political ideologies, he gave ideas for development of northeast and always worked for the people. We have not forgotten his ideas; we will always work to fulfill his unfinished tasks. We will always remember him in our hearts and will take his ideas as a guide, he added, while paying his tribute. DoNER minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, The sea of humanity waiting in the streets of Tura speaks volume about his contribution to the people of Garo hills. I saw tears in the eyes of the people. Ever since I became DoNER minister I have been in touch with Sangmaji seeking his guidance on how to initiate developmental works in northeast, he said. He also informed that a day before his demise, he had talks with Purno for hosting a get together of all MPs from northeast on March 10 to brainstorm on new initiatives for northeast. Nobody could ever imagine that he would die so young and suddenly. I thought he would live longer and guide us to run DoNER ministry, Dr Singh said. Meghalaya governor V Shanmuganathan expressing his deepest condolence before the crowd at his residence compared Purno with the Himalayas. Mr PA Sangma was a person of generosity. Atalji in poetic words used to describe him as a rainfall, who made his presence everywhere. He has shaped thoughts of the people in the country. He still lives in our heart, Mr Shanmuganathan said. Sangmas youngest son Conrad Sangma speaking to the crowd thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of Garo hills and government of India for extending support for ensuring that his mortal remains reaches Tura in an appropriate time. My father and mother used to fight because of us (four siblings) as we were naught. My mother use to tell my father to take care of us but my father said that it was my mothers responsibility as his children were the people of Garo hills, Mr Conrad said. UNI RRK BM SHS VN2115 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-623069.Xml
Criminals today looted Rs 2.5 lakhs from an employee of a businessman near Dubania village under Pratapganj police station area in this district . Police said here the employee of a businessman was returning on his motorcycle after collecting dues from customers, when he was attacked by criminals near Dubania village. They looted Rs 2.5 lakhs from him and managed to escape from the spot. "Raids were being carried out to nab the criminals and recover looted cash from them," police said adding that an FIR in this connection had been registered at concerned police station.UNI XC KKS BM SHS BL -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-623197.Xml
Addressing a conference of the Bharatiya Janata (BJP) Yuva Morcha here, Shah said efforts were being made to dress up seditious anti-national outbursts.

He sought to know if Rahul Gandhi supported anti-national slogans. Shah remarked that in the garb of free expression anti-national sentiments were being aired.

On the occasion, the BJP president praised the Narendra Modi government for taking major initiatives for taking the country to new heights. He urged the youth activists to ensure that the party remained in power not just for five but 25 years to take the country forward.

Shah asked the party workers to ensure the victory of the BJP in the forthcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

--Indo-Asian News Service bk/sd/dg

( 158 Words)

2016-03-05-22:09:38 (IANS)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said administrative officers are playing a key role in implementing major programmes and policies of the government.He was addressing the students of 'Rafiqul Mulk Mulayam Singh Yadav Urdu IAS Study Centre' who cleared the lower prelims examination conducted by Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission and Civil Services Board of other States. Mr Yadav, who met the students here at his residence said the candidates would also clear the final examination and will bring proud for the study centre as well as for the State. The CM said besides All India Civil Services, there are various other competitive examinations which are very tough to crack so it needs proper guidance and help to the candidates.He said the Urdu IAS study centre is contributing a lot for the youngsters to facilitate them in clearing examinations. Mr Yadav said socialism always promote youths from all caste and religion to come forward and take the State on the path of progress and development. Besides Chief Minister, the other prominent persons present during the meeting includes Cabinet Minister Mohammad Azam Khan, State Minister Abhisekh Mishra, senior government officials and others. Speaking on the occasion, Azam Khan said through the study centre, they were facilitating the students of Urdu language to prepare and get success in various civil services and other competitive examinations. He said to further support Urdu, State government would soon open Mass Communication and Media Centre in Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy. UNI MB DS SHS 2244 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-623227.Xml
The commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh provided new lease of life to four people as the city created green corridors for the sixth time to send human organs to Mumbai and Delhi today. A 21-year-old youth Durgesh, who met with an accident here on Wednesday and was admitted to a private hospital where doctors declared him brain dead last evening, Divisional Commissioner (Indore) Sanjay Dubey told UNI. Mr Dubey said the kin of the deceased agreed to donate organs after persuasion. After which, the heart was sent to a private hospital in Mumbai and the liver was dispatched to a private hospital in Gurgaon by creating green corridors up to airport at 12.28 and 1315 hrs respectively, he said, while adding that kidneys were sent to two hospitals here. Earlier, human organs were dispatched from here to different hospitals on October 7 and November 8 last year and also January 3 and 22 and February 9 this year for transplantation after forming green corridors. UNI XC-BDG SHS VN2203 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0044-623218.Xml
With the enforcement of model code of conduct due to Assam elections, the proposed bandh between Mariani-New Sonowal-Mokokchung has been quashed by authorities in Assam from this afternoon. In a statement said, this was informed in an official notification issued by additional deputy commissioner of Mangkolemba under Mokokchuing district, Imtiwapang Aier. He also informed that the indefinite bandh was called by various NGOs of Assam for not improving the dilapidated road conditions in that area beside the assurance given by the border road organisation, which has failed to maintain the roads in Assam and Nagaland for years, the statement said. UNI AS AKM SHS VN2240 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-622878.Xml
The gunmen, who first told the guard that they were on a visit to their mother, stormed into the home with rifles and opened fire, reports CBC News.

They fled after the attack.

It has been alleged that the attackers were 'extremists' and the government blamed the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria(ISIS) group, which has been gaining ground in Aden in recent months.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. (ANI)
The PIA Corporation Conversion Bill 2015 was introduced by Federal Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid, reports Dawn.

Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Abdul Gafoor Haideri, sought verbal consent to take the bill into consideration twice, which was rejected by majority voice both times.

The senate standing committee rejected the bill in its report presented to the house.

The bill has now been referred to a joint session of the Parliament, which is expected to take place next week.

The bill is expected to be passed as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) enjoys a simple majority in a joint session.

Earlier, the National Assembly passed the PIAC Bill amid protests by the Opposition. The bill was then sent to the upper house, which referred it to the standing committee.

The PIA employees went on a protest last month after the government refused to accept a four-point agenda proposed by the Joint Action Committee and put off privatisation.(ANI)
Buddhist monks from around the world gathered at Thailand's ancient Ayutthaya city on Thursday for the last day of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) during which they laid emphasis on actions to tackle climate change. The delegates from 320 organisations in 39 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico and Brazil, participated in the second gathering of the IBC. "What is exciting is that we heard a lot of young voices coming up with their ideas on how we should spread the message. I think it's novel for us to hear that people are talking about Facebook, about internet, about tablets, iPads, new methods of communications, how to raise funds. Totally different from the traditional, you know, view point of Buddhist leaders who talked about sermons," said Lalit Mansingh, a former Indian diplomat and founder president of Kalinga Langka Foundation. One of the key issues discussed were how the monks in different countries find ways to address the climate change. Buntenh But, a Buddhist monk from Penom Penh, Cambodia, said he has initiated a movement in his home country to create awareness for people to preserve the forest. He explained that he learned through the 2011 flood disaster in Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand and Cambodia, which faces severe flooding nationwide. "Land is the life, forest is the backbone of our life. If we lost the land, we lost the life. We lost the forest, we lost our backbone. No one can live without backbone. Backbone is very important so I use this message, simple message to attract those people, those young people. That is why they joined me freely," he said. As China faces health-damaging pollution problem, Beijing's fourth-quarter pollution woes were mirrored elsewhere in northern China, where concentrations of PM2.5 were significantly higher than in 2013 and 2014, Greenpeace said. China has worked to toughen environmental protection laws in recent years. Amended legislation took effect this month giving authorities more power to punish firms and officials responsible for violations. On the religion side, a temple in Boshan, east of China's Shandong Province, is pioneering to become an eco-friendly temple by installing solar power energy. "We installed the 600 kilowatt solar system in our park and in our rooftop. So that we have enough electricity generated by solar, so we can really be 100 percent self sufficient. And that is very good example, right now, all of our fellows that devoted to our temple wanted the solar," said Ven. Miao Haiyan. The meeting also realised the importance of concerning global issues including various conflicts around the world, said the IBC's Governing Council vice-president Jamie Creswell, where he believes that Buddhism can contribute to enhance the religion's wisdom and peace values to people in disturbed areas. "We believe that Buddhism can help in many of those situations. For example, we're already very involved in the environmental issues, climate change, looking after animals properly, all the various things that goes along with environmental issues. And also, we're getting more and more involved in issues like gender issues and human rights, but also conflict problems," Creswell explained with regard to the significance of the IBC's forum. (ANI)
Epron is a submarine rescue ship of the Black Sea Fleet commanded by Captain 3rd Rank Denis A. Bergs. It is 89.7 meters in length with a displacement of 3,380 tonnes and can carry a crew of 138 naval personnel, reports Lanka Page.

Commander of the Ship Squadron, Captain 1st Rank Sergey V. Ignatov, and the Commanding Officer paid a courtesy call on the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters in Colombo.

They held cordial discussions and exchanged mementos as a goodwill gesture.

The Russian ship will stay in Lanka till March 5. The crewmembers of this ship would be visiting places of interest in Colombo, Galle and Kandy. (ANI)
Nitish had come to attend the inaugural ceremony of the 13th convention of the Nepali Congress, reports The Himalayan Times.

Sadbhawana Party's Rajendra Mahato told the Bihar Chief Minister that the Madhesis were agitating against the new Constitution because the major parties did not honour the agreements that the government had signed with the Madhesi forces and snatched away marginalised communities' rights that the Interim Constitution had ensured.

Mahato said Nitish assured the UDMF leaders that he would take their message positively to the Government of India.

Mahato further said the UDMF leaders also urged the Bihar Chief Minister to play his role in establishing direct flights and bus services between the towns in Nepal and Patna. (ANI)
Kamal, moreover, announced the formation of a new political party, which he said is yet to be named. He raised a Pakistani flag and said it is the official emblem of his newly-launched organisation, reports Dawn.

Kamal broke down into tears while addressing the press conference, as he went on to make major revelations about the internal workings of the party and what he called the cult of personality made around Hussain.

He said that Hussain did not pay heed to the advice given by the party leaders despite repeated requests.

Kamal further said Altaf ruined two generations of Urdu-speaking youth.

He further stated that he tried to reverse the trend, which was prevalent within the party for five years, but left when he grew frustrated with the lack of progress. (ANI)
The agreement was signed by representatives of the four nations and the TAPI Pipeline Project Company in Istanbul, reports Dawn.

They had already registered the company in November 2014 in which Afghanistan, Pakistan and India would have five percent shareholding each and the remaining 85 percent stake would be held by Turkmenistan.

"We have initialed an investment agreement in Istanbul and the final deal will be signed soon," The Express Tribune quoted Interstate Gas Systems Managing Director Mobin Saulat as saying.

Pakistan would contribute five percent of the financing for different activities of the project, he said.

The TAPI pipeline is expected to bring peace and stability in the region in the wake of regional cooperation as Afghanistan, Pakistan and India will be depending on each other. This project will also connect South Asia and Central Asia. (ANI)
"The sides called for a quick resumption of talks between the Syrian government and the entire spectrum of opposition under the UN aegis in Geneva, where the Syrians must decide on the future of their country," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Lavrov and Kerry reaffirmed the course of close military interaction between Moscow and Washington in order to support the Syrian ceasefire regime, which has been approved by the Russian and the US presidents, Xinhua news agency reported.

It was agreed to continue the active efforts to promote all aspects of the Syrian settlement through the International Syria Support Group co-chaired by Russia, the US and the UN, according to the statement.

During a phone conference earlier in the day, state leaders of Russia, Britain, Germany, France and Italy praised the Russian-US agreement on ceasefire in Syria, which came into force at midnight of February 26.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain expressed their hope for a rapid resumption of negotiations in Geneva, warning that Syrian peace talks would fail unless humanitarian aid was granted and a ceasefire respected.

Currently the UN-mediated intra-Syrian peace talks are scheduled to resume on March 9.

The talks sought to broker a political solution between warring factions in Syria, namely Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government and opposition forces, but came to a standstill on February 3 after parties failed to see eye-to-eye on a number of issues.

--Indo-Asian News Service pku

( 278 Words)

2016-03-05-05:45:33 (IANS)
French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday showed united front to handle migration crisis after differences on how to curb migrants flows likely to strain ties between Europe's two leading powerhouses. "Given the current migrants situation, France and Germany are united and wishing the answers will come through Europe which must be the one able to bring answers to this crisis," Hollande stressed after their meeting in Paris. "France and Germany are working with the same spirit and the same will (on the crisis)," he added. At a joint press meeting, Merkel said "together, we are convinced that unilateral solutions won't help us. It won't lead to a reduction in refugee numbers", Xinhua news agency reported. "Our efforts are not done yet (to address migration crisis)," she added. In 2015, Germany opened its borders to 1.1 million asylum seekers, most of them from Syria. Facing rampant migrants flows, Berlin asked for a permanent system to redistribute more refugees around Europe. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls considered Germany's liberal approach to treat migration crisis can not work in the long term. As part of France's efforts to contribute in resolving the crisis, Hollande confirmed that France was sending a naval vessel to patrol the eastern Mediterranean to help NATO initiative to control the flow of migrants. At the meeting, Hollande and Merkel also discussed the Syrian truce deal. Taking effect on February 27, the accord is widely considered as pillar stone to a peace dialogue and able to end fighting that forced thousands to flee to Europe, triggering the continent's worst migration crisis. Over conference call with leaders from Britain, Italy and Germany, Russian President Vladimir Putin "has expressed his willingness to make sure the ceasefire is respected and that there are no attacks on civilian targets", Hollande said. "There is also a willingness, that I believe is sincere, to help the civilian population in this human drama," he told reporters, adding "we have a chance to make the situation as easier as possible for the Syrians and kick off a political dialogue to lead to transition". German Chancellor said, for her turn, Putin confirmed Russia's commitment to a ceasefire. "I would like to stress one more time that the commitment to hold the ceasefire was confirmed as a key message by the Russian President: only attacks on Daesh and al-Nusra Front," she noted. During the call, the two leaders "ask Russia to use influence to make sure that this principle is also respected by Bashar-al Assad regime", she said. "The political process must start as soon as possible as it's the main condition of a transition," she added. An intra-Syrian talk was scheduled for March 9 in Geneva in a fresh diplomatic effort to stop four-year-long conflict in Syria. --Indo-Asian News Service pku ( 479 Words) 2016-03-05-07:01:38 (IANS)
Germany and Italy's interior ministers have written to the European Commission calling for an EU-wide system to register migrants and a harmonisation of selection procedures and rights for asylum seekers, a German newspaper reported.In the letter seen by Sueddeutsche Zeitung, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere and Italy's Angelino Alfano called for an "ambitious reform" of the Dublin rules - which oblige migrants to request asylum in the first EU country they enter - by means of a "newly adjusted Common European Asylum System".The EU has been seeking to establish a Common European Asylum System since 1999 but differences between member countries have persisted despite attempts to unify asylum laws in the bloc.Germany and Italy's interior ministers said in their letter to European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans and EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos that an EU-wide registration mechanism that includes security checks should be set up with the help of EU border agency Frontex.They also called for a harmonisation of the differing conditions throughout the bloc for accepting migrants, selection procedures and rights for asylum seekers. They said the EU's Asylum Support Office (EASO) should get extra staff and funds so it could become a "real European asylum agency".They suggested identifying people in need of protection within their countries of origin or transit countries before bringing them to Europe - the approach currently being pursued in the EU's cooperation with Turkey - and said the aim was to create an "institutionalised relocation system in the EU".The EU's external borders need to be secured to sustainably reduce the influx and refugees should be spread around the bloc by means of set annual quotas, they said.In the midst of the worst migration crisis in Europe since World War Two, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have been among the staunchest opponents of EU plans to transfer asylum seekers arriving in southern Europe to other EU states.The ministers called for an EU list of safe countries of origin and said a "robust and coordinated European repatriation mechanism" was needed to send illegal economic migrants back to their countries of origin.REUTERS PS GC0611 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0135-621936.Xml
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.
Mozambique authorities said they will discuss the investigation of the plane debris found off the coutry's coast with Malaysia on Saturday. Debris that washed up in Mozambique has been tentatively identified as a part from the same type of aircraft as the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that disappeared on March 8, 2014. Joao de Abreu, the director of Mozambique's National Civil Aviation Institute, said on Friday that his institute would like to hand over the debris to the expert team from Malaysia, Xinhua news agency reported. As to whether the Mozambican government would launch a search for more possible debris afterwards, Abreu said it would be considered after the identification results. The debris, with a honeycomb structure inside, was found by Mozambican fishermen accompanying an American tourist on a sandbank near Vilanculos town in Mozambique. The state news agency AIM on Friday quoted Abreu as saying any claim that the debris came from Flight MH370 was "premature" and "speculative". During an interview with a local TV, Abreu expressed doubts that the wreckage could possibly come from the missing Malaysian Boeing 777, citing that the object looked too clean to have been in the ocean for the past two years, AIM quoted. However, he said "no aircraft which has overflown Mozambican airspace has reported losing a panel of this nature." Currently, the institute has received two contacts who want to investigate the piece, one from Australia, and the other from Malaysia. "We are open to anyone who wants to collaborate to find out what type of plane this belongs to," said Abreu. The MH370, with 239 lives on board, most of them Chinese, is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean. If confirmed, the object found in Mozambique would be the second piece of debris discovered from the MH370. Last year, a piece of the plane's wing was found on the shore of Reunion island in the Indian Ocean. --Indo-Asian News Service mg/ksk/rd ( 336 Words) 2016-03-05-13:29:37 (IANS)
 

         

                     ,  ,    ,       ,   .
TV nerds everywhere are eagerly waiting for Netflix (NFLX) to release the fourth season of its hit political drama House of Cards.

For Netflixs investors, the question remains how long the company can stay red-hot.

Netflix has experienced impressive growth in both its subscriptions and its stock price. But there are some major challenges that need to be addressed before the video-streaming service can realize its next leg of growth.

Award-winning series like House of Cards have brought lots of attention to Netflix, which currently serves over 75 million subscribers worldwide. And investors have been rewarded generously with Netflix shares surging around 60% in the past year.

Despite the already impressive gains, RBC analyst Mark Mahaney remains bullish and believes shares could go even higher. In a new note to clients, Mahaney reiterated his outperform rating and $140 price target for the stock, which is currently trading near $100.

We believe NFLX can amass 180 million subscribers by 2020, assuming a range of adoptions for each of its markets, from 60% penetration in the U.S. to 15% in its 16 launch markets, Mahaney said.

Mahaneys forecast may not seem too overly optimistic, especially following Netflixs announcement in January that it when live in 130 new countries.

But some experts note that Netflix faces major hurdles. Importantly, theres the issue of limited broadband infrastructure, which is critical for streaming video content.

The challenge remains titanic given high-speed broadband remains a luxury for many, Deutsche Banks Stuart Kirk explained, adding that only 1.5% of Indonesian households have it.

Building out infrastructure is no simple task, and it is something largely outside of Netflix's control.

For investors seeking that long-term growth, itll come down to whether the the worldwide infrastructure buildout will continue and the demand for Netflix content will persist for years.

While Mahaneys current forecast lookout to 2020, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings is clearly looking out much further.

Its a big deal, but the real work is the next 20 years, he said.
Even when she's not supposed to be the center of attention, Sweden's Princess Estelle ends up the star of the show.



The adorably high-spirited 4-year-old did just that on March 3 at a formal religious service for her newborn baby brother.



The Swedish royal family organized the ceremony to give thanks for the safe delivery on March 2 of Prince Oscar.













The setting was appropriately grand: Sweden's 18th-century royal chapel features ornately gilded stone architecture, intricately worked statues and fine ceiling paintings.









But all eyes were on the new big sister and third-in-line to the Swedish throne during the traditional Te Deum service.



Princess Estelle, in a hand-me-down pink coat borrowed from the wardrobe of her aunt, Princess Madeleine, sat between her father Prince Daniel and her uncle Prince Carl Philip, whose wife stunned in blue at 8 months pregnant.



 Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter.



Estelle, clearly comfortable in the warm coat her aunt had often worn as a child, carried a matching pink bag "filled with her secret, favorite things" according to the Swedish newspaper Expressen.



Although she'd been asleep when he was born, Princess Estelle was quick to make up for lost time and visited her new sibling first thing at the hospital the following morning.



Princess Estelle "was incredibly proud and excited" about her new brother, Urban Ahlin, the Swedish parliamentarian told the Swedish outlet Svenskedam after attending a cabinet meeting with the King just before the church service.



"But she was a little disappointed that he had his eyes closed all the time, and couldn't see the drawings she had made," he added.
A massive corruption scandal in Brazil reached the doorstep of one of Brazils most well known and charismatic politicians on Friday, when federal police raided the home and briefly detained former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The sprawling investigation has resulted in allegations against dozens of senior politicians, some of the countrys richest executives and its biggest companies, including state-run oil company Petrobras.

#1: A Massive Investigation

Brazilian prosecutors say that executives from state-run oil firm Petroleo Brasileiro SA and some of the nations largest construction firms colluded for more than a decade to inflate the price of contracts, kicking back a portion of the ill-gotten gains to lawmakers and other political officials. Executives from the companys biggest construction companies and roughly 50 politicians have been accused, including the heads of Brazils senate and lower house. Eduardo Cunha, Brazils powerful speaker of the lower house of Congress, and Sen. Delcidio do Amaral, a member of the Workers Party and the Senate whip, have denied wrongdoing.

#2: Scandal Reaches Popular Former President

With the allegations against Mr. da Silva, the scandal has reached the doorstep of Brazils best-known politician. Mr. da Silva is an icon to supporters of the ruling Workers Party, and he is a political mentor to Brazils president, Dilma Rousseff. Prosecutors have accused him of spearheading a scheme to divert money from Petrobras to fund election campaigns and benefiting from renovations made to a beachside penthouse and a sprawling country estate by two construction companies implicated in the Petrobras investigation. He has denied the charges and has not ruled out running for president again in 2018.

#3: What It Means for Brazil's Current President

Ms. Rousseff is not under investigation in the Petrobras case, but her popularity is at near-record lows. Separately, Ms. Rousseff is battling impeachment proceedings launched last year by Brazils lower house of congress. The president is accused of manipulating the numbers of her governments budget to disguise its poor fiscal performance, a charge she strongly denies. The impeachment effort and widening corruption probe have significantly hobbled her administrations ability to govern.

Story continues

#4: Scandal Adds to Turmoil as Economy Falters

While the corruption scandal roils the countrys political class, Brazils economy continues to suffer. Unemployment is rising, the countrys currency has crumbled, and this week the government reported its worst economic performance in 25 years, as the GDP contracted 3.8%. Ms. Rousseffs finance minister, Joaquim Levy, stepped down late last year after intense scrutiny, and was replaced by a minister many analysts think is less market-friendly. The corruption probe has paralyzed much of the oil and construction sectors, pillars of the local economy, which led in part to Brazil losing its sovereign-credit rating last last year.

#5: Petrobras, a Fallen Giant

Brazils once-thriving national oil producer wrote off some $20 billion related to the corruption scandal last year, is saddled with the oil industrys biggest debt load and is struggling with low oil prices. The company cut investment spending to about $23 billion last year, compared with $48 billion in 2013. Those cutbacks have had a powerful ripple effect on Brazils oil, shipbuilding and manufacturing sectors, among others. Its debt was downgraded to junk status by all three major ratings agencies. In addition to the Brazilian probe, Petrobras is also the target of corruption probes by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.
Washington (AFP) - American rapper Bankroll Fresh, who real name was Trentavious White, was shot dead at an Atlanta recording studio, authorities said Saturday.

White, 28, and known for his hit "Hot Boy," was declared dead late Friday at a hospital, the Cobb County coroner's office spokesman Clint Harbin told AFP.

Police had been called to the studio when shots were heard and several people were seen running out of the building.

Witnesses told local media they heard several shots at Street Execs studio. White co-owned the studio with rapper 2 Chainz.

"Man I'm a fan of Bru and always wil be, I'm in shock at the moment !! Senseless deaths we just got to stop it, I'm speaking up now," 2 Chainz said on Twitter.
By David Schwartz

PHOENIX (Reuters) - A suburban Phoenix police officer was charged with second-degree murder on Friday in connection with the fatal shooting of an unarmed Texas man at a hotel, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said Philip Mitchell Brailsford, of the Mesa Police Department, should not have used deadly force in the Jan. 18 incident involving Daniel Shaver, 26, outside his hotel room.

Shaver was shot five times after police responded to a report of a man pointing a rifle out a window at a La Quinta Inn. Shaver was pronounced dead at the scene.

After carefully reviewing the relevant facts and circumstances, we have determined that the use of deadly physical force was not justified in this instance, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery said in a statement.

Brailsford could not be immediately reached for comment.

The incident is another in a series of shootings by police of unarmed people nationwide, sparking concern about the use of deadly force by law enforcement.

Marc Victor, an attorney for Shavers widow, Laney Sweet, called the charges a good first step to ensuring that justice was served for the victim, his wife and two young daughters.

We expect that there will be a fair trial and we expect a just result, he said.

Sweet has filed a $35 million wrongful death claim against Mesa over the incident. A claim is required before a lawsuit can be filed.

Police were called to the hotel southeast of Phoenix following reports of someone sticking a gun out a fifth-floor window.

Officers set up outside Shaver's room and ordered him and a woman to leave, get on the hallway floor and crawl toward police, prosecutors said. The woman complied and was taken into custody.

Shaver was fatally shot when he made a motion with his right hand toward his waistline as he crawled toward officers, prosecutors said in a statement.

Police said investigators later found two pellet rifles in the hotel room.

Brailsford had been with the police department for more than two years. He was placed on administrative leave following the shooting.

(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Leslie Adler)
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly is back on Earth after a 340-day stay in space, but the "one-year mission" is far from over.

The goal of sending Kelly and cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko to the International Space Station for nearly a year was to learn about the ways that long-duration spaceflight affects the human body and psyche. The two space travelers returned home to Earth on March 1, but the science experiments that will study the two men are still in progress.

The information collected before, during and after this extended stay in space will soon be in the hands of scientists, who will analyze it to better understand how humans might fare on a long trip to Mars or some other destination. Today (March 4), scientists involved with the One-Year Mission answered questions about the mission during a news conference on NASA TV, as well as via a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) earlier in the day. [Welcome Home! Year-in-Space Astronaut Scott Kelly's Earth Return in Photos]

The typical stay on the space station lasts only six months, and while Kelly and Kornienko are not the first people to spend a year in space, the international One-Year Mission is the most in-depth study of how a mission this long affects the human body.

"From the perspective of NASA's Human Research program, [the One-Year] Mission is not yet over just because the flight has landed," John Charles, associate manager for international science for NASA's Human Research Program, wrote during the Reddit AMA.

In today's news conference, Charles told reporters that the studies conducted on Kelly and Kornienko have not been completed and that no conclusions can be made yet. Many of the studies require studying Kelly prior to, during and after flight, which means tests and sample collection will continue now that he is on the ground. Some of the experiments will not have their final data sets until September.

In addition, some of the blood and urine samples Kelly collected during flight are coming back to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle in May. That means scientists will still be working on their results well into 2017, and perhaps beyond.

Story continues

"The data analysis is only now beginning in earnest," Charles said in the news conference.

Scientists also conducted tests on Kelly's twin brother, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, to see how spaceflight affects humans on a genetic level.

"Especially for the Twins Study, the metabolic data that were acquired are going to be batch analyzed, which means that all the samples or most of the samples will be analyzed by the same technician, with the same hardware, at the same time and the same place," Charles said in the news conference. "So any differences we'd see are not related to variations between the technician or the location or the time or how long they were in the freezer and so forth."

Scott M. Smith, nutritional biochemistry laboratory manager for NASA's Human Research Program, wrote in the AMA that scientists anticipated publishing a "main paper" about the Twins Study "with likely smaller piece papers to follow."

Back on the ground

As soon as Scott Kelly exited the Soyuz space capsule on March 1 when it landed in Kazakhstan, he underwent tests to see how well an astronaut might be able to perform physical tasks on the surface of Mars immediately after completing a long spaceflight.

"What I've been told is that he completed all the testing, which, in itself, is a real accomplishment because it's a lot of work to do after a very strenuous  and, I think, harrowing  episode when you land in the Soyuz," Charles said. "So he has continued to perform at very significant levels. He's been there for all the studies; he's been a full participant and seems to be doing it by taking it in stride."

So, if Kelly's year in space had been a trip to Mars, would he have been able to land on the Red Planet, get into a spacesuit and immediately begin work?

"I get the sense that he could have," Charles said. "That's my strictly qualitative, nonprofessional assessment having never interacted with the spacesuits myself. But if he couldn't, I can't imagine somebody that could have."

During the NASA news conference, a reporter asked Charles what his top three concerns are for long-duration spaceflight, and how the One-Year Mission addresses those concerns.

At first, Charles' response sounded organized. He mentioned concerns about the psychological impacts of a trip to Mars, where astronauts are confined to a small space with the same group of people. He also noted that a ship traveling to Mars might have long radio delays with Earth, making it impossible to talk to friends and family in real time.

But the answer quickly spiraled away from a short list of three items. Charles said the people in NASA's human spaceflight division are concerned about the changes in astronaut circadian rhythms and sleep-wake cycles, the need for medical care on a trip to Mars (when astronauts can't even talk to a doctor on the phone in real time because of the radio delay), radiation exposure once astronauts leave the protective shield of Earth's magnetic field, the challenge of providing nutritious food that is also satisfying to the astronauts so they don't lose interest in eating, changes to astronauts' vision, changes in bone integrity and bone loss and changes in muscle function. And NASA is concerned about how those problems will affect the astronauts not just while they're traveling to Mars, but also once they return to Earth.

"Essentially, every kind of body system that you can imagine is influenced by the factors of spaceflight," Charles said. "You name it  we're interested in all of it."

"Missions like this help us to answer the questions that we have in front of us," Charles continued. "So, at the end of the space station era or thereafter, we can give a 'go' to the manager of the Mars program and say that yes, we think we understand what needs to be done to keep astronauts happy, healthy and performing at [a] high level  not just alive, but performing at a high level for the duration of the Mars missions."

Another yearlong mission?

While the tests on Scott Kelly and Kornienko will be extremely useful, Julie Robinson, chief scientist for the International Space Station Program, said there is still a need for more test subjects in order to fully understand how long-duration spaceflight affects the human body.

"We really would like to see 10 or 12 crewmembers with long-duration data [prior to a human Mars mission] in order to be confident  that we know what all the risks are and alleviated them all," she said. "So, at its core, scientifically, we need more subjects."

Charles confirmed in the Reddit AMA that "NASA's Human Research Program has requested additional year-long missions on ISS, but all the other aspects of such missions must be considered by all the partner agencies, so no final decision has been made one way or the other."

"One thing that's really important is getting this first set of data back," Roberts said, referring to the data on Kelly and Kornienko. That information may suggest to NASA scientists that they should either try to send up more long-duration crews right away, or wait until later in the life of the space station.

Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield . Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.

Copyright 2016 SPACE.com, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Australian Cardinal George Pell said in an interview with Sky News he will not resign from his position as the Vatican's finance chief over the Catholic Church's responses to child sex abuse in his homeland.

Pell has denied any wrongdoing during his time in Australia's Victoria state, where paedophile priests abused dozens of children in the 1970s and 1980s.

The 74-year-old cardinal has told the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that he was deceived by senior clergy about what was happening during a time of "crimes and cover-ups".

"No, I wouldn't resign. That would be taken as an admission of guilt," he told Sky News in an interview in Rome broadcast in Australia on Friday.

"If the Holy Father (Pope Francis) asked me to do it I would point this out but I would do whatever he wanted."

Pell last week spent four days giving evidence to the royal commission about his time in the town of Ballarat, where he grew up and worked, and Melbourne.

In his evidence via videolink from Rome, he admitted that having notorious priest Gerald Ridsdale and other paedophile religious in Ballarat at the same time in the 1970s was a "disastrous coincidence".

But said he had no idea about the offences that were occurring, telling Sky that much of his work in Melbourne had been to help set things right for victims and their families.

Pell had drawn criticism for failing to attend the hearings in person in Australia, but said during the interview he was unable to due to a heart condition that had seen him collapse twice after long trips.

The Vatican on Friday defended the Catholic Church's actions on paedophile priests, saying while more needed to be done, Popes Francis and Benedict XVI had taken courageous action. It also stood by Pell.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said "sensationalism" surrounding the Oscar-winning film "Spotlight" about sexual abuse by clergy in Boston and the Pell hearings had given the public the wrong impression.

Abuse survivors have questioned the credibility of Pell's claims that he had not been aware of widespread paedophilia among priests, but Lombardi said the cardinal had given "a dignified and coherent personal testimony".

The result was "an objective and lucid picture of the errors committed in many church environments in the previous decades," Lombardi said.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Malcolm Turnbull risks a political backlash within Australia's coalition government led by the conservative Liberal Party by attending Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Saturday, the first sitting prime minister to do so. Some coalition members have warned that it might be "dangerous" for Turnbull to attend in his capacity as prime minister, despite the fact he attends the event every year. In a statement, Turnbull described Mardi Gras as a celebration of Australia's diversity. "The hard work and commitment of Sydney's LGBTQI community has seen this event grow to a festival drawing visitors to Sydney from around the world," he said. "However, we cannot forget the history of Mardi Gras and the ongoing need to promote inclusion and deliver equality for all Australians." (Reporting by Peter Gosnell; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Beijing stepped up its rhetoric against Taiwanese independence on Saturday, with Premier Li Keqiang warning against "separatist activities" on the island and pledging to safeguard China's "territorial integrity".

Li's comments at the opening of the mainland's National People's Congress (NPC) parliament came weeks after Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the Beijing-sceptic Democratic People's Party, was elected Taiwan's next president.

Beijing will "oppose separatist activities for the independence of Taiwan" and "safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity", Li told the Communist-controlled legislature.

Both clauses were additions to the remarks he made on the issue at last year's NPC, when the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang of current leader Ma Ying-jeou was still hoping to retain power in Taipei.

China and Taiwan split in 1949 after a civil war but Beijing still considers the self-ruled island part of its territory awaiting reunification, and has an estimated 1,500 missiles aimed at stopping Taiwan from declaring independence.

Beijing has repeatedly asserted its belief in the "1992 consensus", which says that there is only "one China", despite allowing Taiwan to make its own interpretation.

But the DPP -- which does not recognise either the "one China" principle or the "consensus" -- triumphed in the island's January parliamentary and presidential elections as voters turned their backs on closer ties with the mainland.

Li Keqiang spoke Saturday of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait as "fellow compatriots" belonging to "one and the same family" sharing a "common destiny".

The phrasing echoed President Xi Jinping's rhetoric from last November, when the leaders of China and Taiwan reached across decades of Cold War-era estrangement and rivalry to exchange a historic handshake in the first summit since the two sides split.

"We are brothers connected by flesh even if our bones are broken. We are a family whose blood is thicker than water," Xi said then.

Tsai will take office in May, and though she has radically toned down her party's traditionally pro-independence platform, analysts agree a deterioration of ties is inevitable.
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md.  The socially conservative doctor whose inspirational biography and deeply held faith galvanized the red blood of America this past fall officially announced that he is leaving the campaign trail Friday.

With characteristic earnestness, Ben Carson assured the crowd at the American Conservative Unions 2016 Political Action Conference (CPAC) that he would keep fighting on behalf of we the people  albeit not as a contender for commander in chief.

Im hopeful that some people, now that I am leaving the campaign trail  Carson said before pausing. The crowd was audibly upset before rising to its feet with thunderous applause for the job hes done so far.

Carson continued, Even though I might be leaving the campaign trail  you know, theres a lot of people who love me, they just wont vote for me, but its OK, its not a problem  I will still continue to be heavily involved in trying to save our nation.



Carsons formal announcement at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center that he was turning the page on this chapter of his political career did not come as a surprise.

Ben Carson declares the end of his campaign at the CPAC conference in Maryland on Friday. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images)

Slideshow: Conservatives unite at CPAC 2016 >>>

After disappointing Super Tuesday results, the doctor-turned-politician released a statement saying that he would not participate in Thursday nights GOP debate in his hometown of Detroit and said he no longer saw a political path forward.

Earlier on Friday, Carson announced that he had taken the post of national chairman for My Faith Votes, an organization focused on mobilizing Christian voters.

Nothing is more important to me than my personal faith, and it is my faith that motivated me to be involved in the political process to begin with, Carson said in a video statement posted to the groups website Friday.

I believe Christians in this country can easily determine the next president of the United States and all other national and local leaders, should they simply show up at the polls, he said.

Story continues

A cardboard cutout of Ben Carson is displayed at the 43rd annual Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Md. (Photo: Pete Marovich/Corbis)



Early on in the race, Carsons mild manner and quiet disposition distinguished him from the overcrowded GOP stage. The Republican primaries have been defined (or marred, depending on your perspective) by bombastic personalities, radical ideas and grade school-level insults. Hed have his share of head-shaking quotes, but that came later.

Increasingly frustrated with establishment politics, the Republican electorate embraced political outsiders such as Carson, real estate magnate Donald Trump and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina.

With this surge came increased scrutiny of Carsons dramatic life story. The media questioned his oft-told tales about winning a scholarship to West Point and trying to stab a childhood friend. Had he exaggerated or been taken out of context?

It also became clear that Carson held some controversial beliefs: among these, that Egyptians built the pyramids to store grain, Satan encourages the lie of evolution, homosexuality is a choice (or a side effect of going to prison) and Obamacare is the worst thing to happen in the U.S. since slavery.

Ben Carson greets supporters during a visit to a campaign office in Manchester, N.H. (Photo: Matt Rourke/AP)



When asked in an interview Thursday with Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric whether, in retrospect, he would not have said those things, Carson responded, I would have said them differently.

Concern over his biography and beliefs dissipated as his poll numbers declined, and he struggled to capture the attention his more publicity-hungry rivals received, as they bloviated from their debate podiums.

Trump, a bona fide showman and ratings titan, knew better than anyone else in the race how to drum up free publicity. He spent far less than former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, an establishment favorite, but a cavalcade of reporters followed his every utterance. Political newcomers Fiorina and Carson were less adept at media manipulation, and their stars waned as the contest dragged on.

Carson harshly criticized the primaries focus on clashing personalities at the expense of policy proposals and ideals. As parting advice, he encouraged voters to examine each candidates values to determine who best aligns with their own.

According to Carson, Republican infighting only serves to fracture the party and all but guarantees a Democratic victory in the general election. Now he wants all conservatives to put aside their differences and support the GOPs eventual nominee  putting his faith once again in we the people to make the right decision.

Carson has not yet officially endorsed a GOP candidate, but he told Couric Thursday that he would support whoever the people have chosen.

Somehow we must abandon the thinking that there are a bunch of politically elite people who know whats best, he said.



Related video:

(Cover tile photo: Carolyn Kaster/AP)
Celebrity

Best-selling author Pat Conroy dies at 70

Pat Conroy, who turned tales of his painfully dysfunctional family into best-selling novels such as The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides, died on Friday at the age of 70, his publishing company Doubleday said. Conroy, who had announced in a Feb. 15 Facebook post that he had pancreatic cancer, died at his home in Beaufort, South Carolina, surrounded by family and loved ones, said Todd Doughty, a spokesman for Doubleday.

My family is my portion of hell, my eternal flame, my fate, and my time on the cross. Pat Conroy wrote in Death of Santini

Conroy once told People magazine that his books were an effort to explain his life to himself, which was a complicated undertaking. Much of Conroys work was inspired by a dark muse - his father, U.S. Marine Colonel Donald Conroy. He was a tyrant who beat his wife and children. In the mid-60s, Pat Conroy cleaned up his lifestyle after dealing with diabetes, escalating weight, high blood pressure and a failing liver. He lost weight, quit drinking and joined his personal trainer in opening a fitness studio in Port Royal, South Carolina.
Maiduguri (Nigeria) (AFP) - The Borno state government in northeast Nigeria has suspended trading in four cattle markets to prevent the sale of stolen livestock to raise funds for Boko Haram Islamists.

Governor Kashim Shettima said "all trading activities have been suspended until further notice in line with (the) government commitment to ensure that no public place is turned into an avenue for funding activities of the terrorists".

The affected markets are in the towns of Gamboru, Dusuman, Shuwarin and Ngom all outside the provincial capital Maiduguri.

Sales of dried meat such as "kilishi" -- a popular delicacy in northern Nigeria made from roasted thin strips of spiced beef, lamb or goat -- have also been banned, he added on Friday.

A military counter-offensive that began last year has recaptured territory lost to Boko Haram in Borno and two neighbouring states and the government in Abuja believes the group is "technically" defeated.

Hit-and-run raids on remote villages in the mainly agricultural region -- a trademark tactic of the group -- have increasingly seen Boko Haram fighters make off with cattle and foodstuffs.

The army says it has cut off the rebels' supply lines, making it difficult for them to source food, fuel for vehicles and weapons. Some raids have been carried out on foot or even on bicycle.

Shettima told a meeting of cattle traders that security officials have reported the markets were being used by unscrupulous middlemen to sell stolen livestock in raids at inflated prices.

"The money realised from such transactions will then be channelled to fund the deadly activities of the terrorists," Shettima said.

Maiduguri's cattle market has previously been shut for similar reasons, leading to a shortage of meat in the city and a public outcry.

Imports of cattle into Maiduguri have been banned for the next two weeks and only licenced cattle traders and butchers were allowed to bring in livestock, slaughter and sell meat, the governor added.
By Reese Ewing SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Senior judges in Brazil voiced concern on Saturday over the detention of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, even as they threw their support behind the sweeping corruption investigation that threatens to topple his embattled successor. Lula's three hours of questioning in police custody on Friday was the highest profile development in the two-year-old probe focused on state oil firm Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras). The detention of 70-year-old Lula, Brazil's first working class president and a hero to millions of Brazilians, shocked many in the South American nation. His 2003-2010 government helped lift an estimated 40 million Brazilians out of poverty and raised the nation's international profile. Supporters and opponents of the former union leader clashed outside his home on the outskirts of Sao Paulo after he was detained by police early on Friday. There were also noisy protests outside the police offices where he was questioned. Supreme Court Justice Marco Aurelio Mello told CBN Radio on Saturday that "nothing justified the use of force" when police picked up Lula unannounced from his apartment. Even Justice Gilmar Mendes, who has publicly said there is strong evidence the ruling Workers' Party used graft proceeds to fund electoral campaigns, called Lula's interrogation in police custody a "delicate" situation in O Estado de S.Paulo newspaper. The federal judge who ordered Lula to be brought in for questioning, Sergio Moro, said in a statement on Saturday that steps were taken to protect Lula's image during the operation, and he expressed regret that it sparked violence. Speaking to his supporters at Workers' Party headquarters in Sao Paulo after being released on Friday, Lula said that investigators were "disrespectful of democracy" and abusing their authority. He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing either while in office or since. President Dilma Rousseff flew from Brasilia on Saturday morning to meet with Lula in his apartment in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in a show of support for her predecessor and political mentor. Rousseff said on Friday it was "unnecessary" to take Lula into custody because he had already voluntarily answered investigators' questions. Before Friday, some analysts had questioned whether the crackdown on graft could be at risk of fizzling out after the justice minister stepped down amid a barrage of criticism from the ruling Workers Party over the investigation. But Supreme Court justices were unambiguous in support for prosecutors pursuing their investigations into Brazil's biggest ever corruption scandal. Justice Rosa Weber late on Friday rejected a request by Lula's lawyers to suspend investigations into real estate assets and the ex-president's institute, which police allege he and his family likely used to launder money stolen from Petrobras. Even Justice Mello, who was critical of Lula's arrest, said the evidence uncovered by prosecutors was "very serious" and deserved further investigation. The pressure on Rousseff and Lula shows no sign of abating. Local media has reported on a spate of new plea bargains by senior politicians that could further ensnare the government. IstoE newsmagazine on Thursday published alleged testimony by Workers' Party Senator Delcidio Amaral claiming that Rousseff and Lula both directly benefited from corruption. He alleged Rousseff had tried to hamper the investigation. The president strongly denied the reported accusations on Friday. Epoca weekly magazine, meanwhile, published on Saturday testimony from ex-Congressman Pedro Correa, who also outlined graft at Petrobras stretching back to Lula's government. Ratcheting up political tensions, opposition lawmakers said on Friday they will block Congressional voting until the Supreme Court clears the way for the impeachment process against Rousseff. Congress is due to hear the proceedings against the president, on grounds that she broke budgetary guidelines to boost her 2014 re-election campaign, but is awaiting guidelines on how to proceed from the court first. (Additional reporting by Pedro Fonseca; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Tom Brown)
China on Saturday set less ambitious climate change goals for this year than it achieved in 2015, as the world's biggest polluter struggles to wean itself off harmful fossil fuels.

Beijing has said its emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change will carry on rising until "around 2030".

It frequently prefers to point instead to its achievements in energy intensity -- the amount of power used per unit of GDP -- which it has repeatedly reduced in recent years.

Last year it cut it by "at least 5.6 percent", the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top planning body, said in a report to the National People's Congress, the country's Communist-controlled parliament.

But the document set a goal of only a 3.4 percent cut this year.

Similarly, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP went down "at least six percent", the NDRC said, but the 2016 target was set at 3.9 percent.

Other pollutants also had weaker targets for this year than had been achieved in 2015.

China's rise to become the world's second largest economy was largely powered by cheap, dirty coal. But as growth slows, the country has had a difficult time weaning itself off the fuel, even as the pollution it causes wreaks havoc on the environment and public health.

Earlier this week, China reported that its coal consumption had fallen for the second year in a row, with coal use dropping 3.7 percent compared to 2014 levels.

Yet there are widespread doubts over the accuracy of official statistics in China, which critics say can be subject to political manipulation.

It emerged in November that China had been under-reporting its coal consumption for years, prompting a revision of official data that shot the figure for 2012 alone up 17 percent, or 600 million tonnes.

Parts of China are often blanketed with toxic smog, much of it the result of using the fuel in industries such as power generation and steel.

Story continues

Nearly 300 Chinese cities failed to meet national standards for air quality last year, according to a Greenpeace report.

"We should strive for major progress in the control and prevention of air pollution," Premier Li Keqiang told the NPC's opening session Saturday.

Within five years, he said, city air quality should be rated "good" or better 80 percent of the time.

He pledged that 3.8 million old or high-emission vehicles would be taken off the roads this year.

"Every one of us has an obligation to protect the environment -- we call on every member of society to act and contribute to the building of a beautiful China," Li said.
ted cruz

Ted Cruz notched another two victories on Saturday against GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trump.

A swath of news outlets projected early Saturday evening that Cruz would win the Kansas Republican caucuses.

A couple hours later, the Maine Republican Party announced that Cruz was the victor in its caucuses.

But Trump climbed back with victories in the Louisiana Republican primary and the Kentucky caucuses.

The Associated Press, CNN, and Fox News called Kentucky for Trump late Saturday evening.

In Louisiana, The Associated Press and multiple television networks called the race early after polls closed in the state, but as more votes were counted, the margin between the two candidates tightened considerably. Trump nevertheless appeared headed to a relatively narrow victory in the state.

The real-estate mogul was expected to perform well in both states he lost to Cruz, despite a lack of reliable public polling.

Trump campaigned in Wichita, Kansas, on Saturday morning, and a relatively recent poll of the state found that Trump had a small lead over Cruz.

In Maine, Trump had the prominent endorsement from Gov. Paul LePage. Additionally, Trump scored an easy win in neighboring New Hampshire and dominated in nearby Massachusetts.



Part of Cruz's success on Saturday could be due to Maine and Kansas' caucus format, which require voters to show up at a specific time and stay longer than traditional primary elections. Cruz previously defeated Trump in the Iowa and Alaska caucuses.

This weekend's two Cruz wins boost Cruz's argument that he, not fellow Sen. Marco Rubio, is the leading non-Trump candidate in the primary race. Cruz has also beaten Trump in Oklahoma and his home state of Texas, while Rubio has only won the Minnesota caucuses.

At a Saturday-evening campaign rally in Idaho, Ted Cruz made an appeal to voters backing Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, reiterating that he was the only candidate who has repeatedly beaten Trump.

Story continues

"Our campaign is the only campaign that has beaten Donald Trump over and over and over again  and that will beat Donald Trump over and over and over again," Cruz said.

Earlier in the day, Cruz also won a straw poll at CPAC, the prominent conservative conference that Trump snubbed in order to campaign in Kansas.

NOW WATCH: TRUMP: Here's why I supported Hillary Clintons 2008 presidential run





More From Business Insider


KINSHASA (Reuters) - An appeals court on Friday reduced the prison sentences for six Congolese activists jailed for preparing banners demanding that President Joseph Kabila step down when his term ends this year, their lawyer said. The sentences for the activists from Struggle for Change (Lucha), convicted of incitement to revolt after police found them making the signs in a private home, were cut from two years to six months, Georges Kapiamba said. Kapiamba said the appeals court's decision was political and the judges did not provide a clear rationale for the reduction. He added that his clients would appeal again. "They reduced the sentence to six months but we reject that," Kapiamba said. "This is shameful. The dossier is empty." The United Nations' human rights office in Congo confirmed the verdict. Rights groups, the United Nations and several Western countries condemned last week's verdict as politically motivated. The government denied the accusation and accused critics of meddling in its judiciary. Kabila succeeded his assassinated father in 2001 and won disputed elections in 2006 and 2011. The constitution bars him from standing for a third term. But critics say he is working to delay a presidential poll scheduled for November so he can stay in power. Dozens died in violent anti-government protests in January 2015 over the issue. Four Lucha activists were sentenced to 12 months in prison last September for inciting civil disobedience after they encouraged public demonstrations on behalf of an imprisoned fellow activist. Two others are on trial in Goma on similar charges. The United Nations said in a report in December that the crackdown on political dissent, including summary executions and arbitrary detentions, was likely to undermine the credibility of coming elections. (Reporting by Aaron Ross; editing by Andrew Roche)
US Large-Cap Mutual Funds: Should You Consider Them in 2016?

(Continued from Prior Part)

US large-cap mutual funds: Not a great run so far

As investors, we look for strength in numbers. That was why we chose the 12 largest US large-cap mutual funds for this review. We left out a few large funds, though, because several products from a single fund house would have dominated the list.

The graph above shows that according to point-to-point return calculation, none of the funds in this review have outdone the S&P 500 in 2016 so far. We acknowledge that the index is neither the stated nor the implied benchmark for all of the funds in this review. However, it represents the broad stock market and can be accessed through mutual funds and ETFs. To maintain parity, weve used it as a benchmark for all of the funds in this review.

The FKGRX and AMCPX came close to the S&P 500 in terms of returns, while the FDGRX and HCAIX were quite far from the index. In 2015, all but one fund, the SHRAX, were able to outperform the index. However, in the one-year period to February 12, 2016, only five funds were able to do this. However, returns dont tell the whole story.

When volatility matters

2015 was a volatile year for stocks and 2016 has been even more volatile. This series aims to show how volatility impacts pure returns and drags down risk-adjusted performance, which is a more accurate measure than just returns. Weve also evaluated the alpha and consistency of returns provided by the funds managers.

Though numbers are no guarantee of repetition and have their limitations, they do paint a picture of the past. What is important to understand is that these numbers need to be looked at within a context. It could be anything important to you given the prevailing circumstances: the consistency of returns, alpha generation, risk-adjusted performance, or volatility.

Crude oil prices (SLB) (CVX) (COP) will continue to dominate market movement in the short term. Given the geopolitical scenario and economic woes being faced by emerging markets in general, and China in particular, its expected that volatility will remain high. This being an election year, there will be a focus on the economic policies of presidential candidates and on how they plan to navigate these testing times. Financial markets will react to these agendas as the election pitch reaches its crescendo.

Story continues

The US economy has shown signs of slowing but is still much better placed than a lot of developed economies. The context you choose will decide whether US large-cap mutual funds are for you. Weve tried to equip you with an armory of information to help you, in case you decide to venture into that arena. On the other hand, if you agree with BlackRock and feel that US equities should be avoided this year and that Japan could be interesting, weve done an analysis of Asia-Pacific mutual funds. You may also want to read some more of our work on our Mutual Funds page.

Browse this series on Market Realist:
On Thursday, Costco announced that it will be raising wages for both new and current entry-level workers in the U.S. and Canada. The raise is small$1.50 extra per hourbut it means that Costco will be paying workers at least $13 an hour, up from $11.50. This increase is significant because the company hasnt raised wages for entry-level of workers in nine years, and its move to do so now might suggest that, as the economy adds jobs, retailers will have to start paying their frontline workers more in order to hold onto them.

Costco, one the nations largest employers, has been known to pay its employees much more than its competitors pay theirs. Some of Costcos employees are unionized and its CEO has been outspoken in supporting a federal minimum wage above $10. As a result of all this, Costco workers tend to be satisfied in a way thats unusual for the retail industryin the companys 30-some-year existence, there havent been any major strikes or protests.

Recommended: Live Coverage of Super Saturday

Which prompts Costco to be contrasted with Walmart, the U.S.s largest employer, which has a history of being stingy with compensation in order to keep its prices low. (Walmart employees have found their company to be extremely resistant to unionization efforts.) Costcos average hourly wage (about $21 an hour) is $8 higher than Walmarts, and that probably has something to do with the companys low turnover rate.

Because Costco is a smaller company than Walmartit has around 200,000 full-time and part-time employees at its roughly 700 warehouse stores, compared to Walmarts 1.3 million U.S. employeesthe announcement about its raise is less significant than when Walmart announced its own raise two months ago. Hourly wages for full-time Walmart employees increased from an average of $13 to $13.38.

The fact that both Costco and Walmart are raising wages for their workers is evidence that the U.S. labor market might be tightening. The last two jobs reports have seen the unemployment rate below 5 percentas the U.S. economy improves and job opportunities become more abundant, its expected that workers will have options to jump from job to job. Many businesses are now reporting that its harder to find employees to fill vacant positions, and the competition for low-wage workers is growing as well. As wage growth still remains tepid for most workers in America, Costco workers raise is hopefully not just a move consistent with the companys past treatment of workers, but an encouraging sign that wages will start to rise more generally.

Story continues

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
London (AFP) - Chelsea were denied a much-needed boost ahead of their crucial Champions League showdown against Paris Saint Germain as a late Mame Biram Diouf goal gave Stoke a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Guus Hiddink's side looked to be easing to their fourth straight Premier League win when emerging 20-year-old Bertrand Traore drove home from outside the area six minutes before the break at Stamford Bridge.

But Diouf struck with five minutes left as Stoke battled to a point which they will feel they deserved on the balance of play.

Chelsea interim manager Hiddink claimed the record for the best unbeaten run at the start of a Premier League reign -- taking his unbeaten start in the division to 12 matches -- but the Blues will need to improve on this performance to overturn their 2-1 first leg deficit against French champions PSG on Wednesday.

Burkina Faso forward Traore was given the nod as the central striker thanks to the absence of Diego Costa due to a minor tendon problem.

Chelsea had dominated the opening moments as John Obi Mikel shot off target, while an Oscar effort was too close to Stoke keeper Jack Butland.

But the visitors were more than playing their part and should have broken the deadlock when Ibrahim Afellay's drive from outside the area was kept out by Thibaut Courtois.

Diouf then missed an even better chance from six yards out as he stretched to reach Afellay's cross, but the ball missed the target.

At the other end, Willian shot just over after Cesar Azpilicueta had won the ball cheaply off Marko Arnautovic, before Diouf's frustrations continued for Stoke.

- Individual skill -

Afellay had picked the Senegalese striker out but, unmarked in the area, he shot wide.

The failure of Mark Hughes' side to take their chances proved costly when Traore scored a goal out of nothing.

He received the ball from Nemanja Matic before beating Butland with a powerful left-footed drive for his second Premier League goal and his fourth in his last five appearances in all competitions.

Story continues

Courtois had to be in top form early in the second half to deny Stoke an equaliser as he tipped over a long-range drive from Arnautovic.

The Belgian then made an even better stop to deny Xherdan Shaqiri, who had created the chance with an excellent piece of individual skill.

Chelsea broke with the lively Willian firing straight at Butland from 15 yards, while Gary Cahill came close to bundling home from a corner, before the Chelsea centre-back could only shoot tamely at Butland after the ball fell to him kindly in the area.

Hiddink withdrew Eden Hazard early in the second half, no doubt with Wednesday in mind, to bring on youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Traore went off to a standing ovation as he was replaced by Loic Remy.

It was Remy who should have sealed victory when he weakly headed wide from Willian's cross, while Willian's 30-yard free-kick went well wide.

Loftus-Cheek was next to go close when he was denied by Butland's legs as he attempted to shoot from an acute angle.

But Stoke levelled five minutes from time with Diouf finally getting on the scoresheet.

Willian lost the ball to substitute Bojan in midfield and the Spaniard fed Shaqiri, whose cross was not claimed by Courtois, with Diouf taking full advantage.

The visitors might have even won it in stoppage-time as Giannelli Imbula burst down the left and crossed for Bojan, who saw his shot well saved by Courtois.
Today in One Paragraph

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said a brokered convention would be highly unlikely during the Conservative Political Action Conference. Ben Carson formally suspended his presidential campaign. And Donald Trump, who was scheduled to speak at the conference this weekend, canceled his appearance.The U.S. Labor Department announced that the economy added 242,000 jobs in February. Researchers took a step forward in identifying a possible link between the Zika virus and microcephaly, a birth defect in which babies are born with small heads. And former Democratic presidential candidate Jim Webb said he wouldnt vote for Hillary Clinton if she became the nominee.

Top News

Brokered Convention Highly Unlikely. Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said there is an 85 to 90 percent chance there wont be a contested convention when asked onstage at CPAC what he thought about the likelihood of a shake-up on the Republican side. Priebus said a situation where a candidate doesnt have a clear majority of delegates when its time for the nomination is extremely hypothetical." (Nick Gass, Politico)

Recommended: Live Coverage of Super Saturday

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. The economy added 242,000 jobs in the month of February and maintained a steady unemployment rate of 4.9 percent, according to new figures from the U.S. Labor Department. President Obama touted the data, saying There seems to be an alternative reality out there, from some of the political folks, that Americas down in the dumps. (Wall Street Journal; USA Today)

Over and Out. Ben Carson, who effectively ended his presidential campaign, announced his next move: national chairman of My Faith Votes, an organization aimed at encouraging Christian voters to head to the polls. (Julie Zauzmer, The Washington Post)

Jim Webb Wont Vote for Clinton. In an interview on MSNBCs Morning Joe, the former presidential candidate said he wouldnt support the Democratic front-runner if she won the nomination, and when asked if he would vote for Donald Trump, Webb said he hadnt ruled it out. (Maya Rhodan, Time)

Story continues

Zika Breakthrough. A new study published in Cell Stem Cell is the first research to show how the Zika virus might be causing children to be born with microcephaly, or abnormally small heads. The study doesnt officially confirm that Zika is causing the birth defects, but the results can be used to help screen for drugs to prevent the virus from harming brain development. (Loren Grush, The Verge)

The Weekend in One Paragraph. On Saturday, the Nebraska Democratic caucuses, Maine Republican caucuses, Kentucky Republican caucuses, Kansas caucuses, and Louisiana primary will be underway. And on Sunday, Democrats will caucus in Maine, and voters will head to the polls in Puerto Rico. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton will also meet in Flint, Michigan, on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET in a debate hosted by CNN. Well be covering it all live here.

Follow stories throughout the day with our new Politics & Policy page. And keep on top of the campaign with our 2016 Distilled election dashboard.

Top Read

While its positive effects are certainly noteworthy for elderly women, Medicare just doesnt seem to have the horsepower to accommodate their longer life spans and higher rates of poverty to anywhere near the point of gender equality. The Atlantics Vann Newkirk on how U.S. health policy is failing the nations oldest female patients.

Top Lines

Whats Plan B? Some Republicans have vowed to find an alternative if Donald Trump is the Republican nominee, but so far their fallback optionslike an eleventh-hour Mitt Romney candidacy or founding a new partycome with several challenges. (Benjy Sarlin, MSNBC)

Recommended: The 40 Seconds John Kasich Will Regret for the Rest of his Life

Reid vs. Grassley. Heres how Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid is making Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the poster child of the Supreme Court crisis. (David Dayen, The New Republic)

Top Views

Visualizing the Jobs Report. The Washington Post breaks down the unemployment figures by race, education, and gender.

Galactic Baby Photos. NASA spotted a surprisingly bright infant galaxy more than 13.4 billion years in the pastfarther than any galaxy ever seen from Earth. View the video here. (Bill Chappell, NPR)

We want to hear from you! Were reimagining what The Edge can be, and would love to receive your complaints, compliments, and suggestions. Tell us what youd like to find in your inbox by sending a message to newsletters@theatlantic.com.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested building a new city in northern Syria to house some of the millions of refugees escaping the country's civil war, reports said Saturday.

Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul late Friday that the new city would be located near the Turkish border and said he had even discussed the idea with US President Barack Obama.

"I am going to tell you something. What is the formula? We found a city in the north of Syria," said Erdogan, quoted by the Anatolia news agency.

He said that the city would be 4,500 square kilometres in area and its infrastructure could be built in cooperation with the international community.

Refugees from Syria could be "resettled" there, he said. Such an area would make the city comparable to some of the largest urban centres in the United States.

"We have discussed this with Mr Obama and even set the coordinates but it has not yet come to fruition," said Erdogan. He gave no timescale for how the project could be realised.

Turkey has repeatedly sought to persuade its Western allies to help create a so-called safe zone inside Syria that could house Syrian refugees.

But this appears to be the first time that Erdogan has proposed building a permanent city in which they could be housed.

Turkey is currently home to an estimated 2.7 million Syria refugees who fled the five year civil war and has complained of the lack of international support in looking after them.
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Credit ratings agency Fitch downgraded South Africa's Barclays Africa Group <BGAJ.J>, citing a lower likelihood of support from the bank's British parent as it sells down its stake.

Barclays plc <BARC.L> said on Wednesday it would sell its 62 percent holding in Johannesburg-listed Barclays Africa down to a minority stake over the next two to three years.

Fitch announced late on Friday that it had downgraded the African unit's foreign currency and local currency long-term issuer default ratios to BBB-, from BBB and BBB+ respectively, saying it sees a limited probability of support from Barclays in the transition phase up to the point of sale.

"The downgrades reflect Fitch's view that there is a lower support propensity from Barclays for Barclays Africa Group and Absa given the parent's intention to sell its controlling stake in Barclays Africa Group (which fully owns South African domestic bank, Absa) and deconsolidate the subsidiary," Fitch Ratings said in a statement.

The ratings agency added that it considers Barclays Africa Group to be of limited strategic importance to Britain's Barclays and will not be able to fully rely on potential institutional support from the parent.

(Reporting by TJ Strydom; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Washington (AFP) - Five more states including Louisiana and Kansas began voting Saturday in the hotly contested White House primary race, with Republican challengers like Marco Rubio desperate to cut into Donald Trump's lead.

The contests will provide the first test of whether the Republican establishment's desperate effort to end the inevitability of his drive to the party's nomination is having any effect among voters.

The brash billionaire is ahead in the all-important delegate count for the Republicans, having won 10 of the 15 states that have voted to date in the process that determines the nominees for both parties.

Hillary Clinton is well ahead of rival Senator Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side, hoping to expand her lead as she inches closer to securing the nomination.

Clinton and Sanders do battle Saturday in Kansas, Louisiana and Nebraska, while the Republicans are contesting Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maine.

The former secretary of state is expected to dominate in Louisiana, the weekend's biggest prize, because of its large African-American vote.

But Sanders could bounce back in the other two states -- plus Maine, which holds its Democratic caucus Sunday -- because they have largely white populations, a demographic with which Sanders has done well.

The GOP race has been winnowed down to four candidates -- the political outsider Trump, Florida's Rubio, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich -- with many in the Republican establishment in virtual panic over whether anyone can stop Trump's march to the nomination.

Saturday's races are wedged between far more consequential contests: the dozen states that voted on "Super Tuesday" March 1 and the big battles on March 15, when many Republican races, including in Rubio's Florida and Kasich's Ohio, become winner-take-all affairs.

Trump made waves when he cancelled a scheduled Saturday morning appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington, opting instead to hold a rally in Wichita, Kansas.

Story continues

The move angered members of the American Conservative Union which hosts CPAC.

"I think it was a big mistake for Donald Trump not to be here," ACU chairman Matt Schlapp told CNN.

Trump told the Wichita crowd that Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee who on Thursday called Trump "a fraud," was a "loser" who should have defeated President Barack Obama.

"It's the establishment. The establishment is against us," Trump said.

"We're going to change things so badly and so quickly, it's going to go so fast, and you're going to be so proud."

Cruz, who won his home state of Texas and three others, later ventured to the same Wichita venue to rally his supporters.

"We are here because our country is in crisis... and we want our country back," he said, using what has become a common Republican refrain after seven years of the Obama presidency.

Military and economic morale has been "plummeting," he added.

"You want to unleash incredible jobs? Take the boot of the federal government off the necks and backs of small businesses."

Cruz largely held his fire against Trump, but Rubio issued a forceful repudiation of the frontrunner, challenging him, like many Republicans have, on Trump's conservative credentials.

Young Americans will not be able to fulfill their potential and destiny, Rubio said in an address to CPAC, "if the conservative movement is hijacked by someone that's not a conservative."

With Trump's challengers insisting they are in it for the long haul, there is a chance no candidate will rack up the 1,237 delegates needed to secure the nomination before the convention in July.

- 'Troublemakers' -

That would mean a contested or "brokered" convention, a scenario that could turn chaotic, especially if establishment figures seek to somehow actively prevent delegates from coalescing around Trump.

There are 155 delegates at stake in Saturday's Republican races.

Heading into Saturday, Trump leads the field with 329 delegates, followed by Cruz with 231 and Rubio with 110. Kasich trails with 25.

In a further sign of tensions surrounding Trump's rise, his Friday night rally in New Orleans, Louisiana saw skirmishes inside and outside the venue.

"This is what hate looks like," a protester screamed as he pointed to the rally venue, in video footage posted by The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Another protester held a sign that read "Return of the Fuher," an apparent reference to Adolf Hitler.

"You spelled 'fuhrer' wrong," a Trump supporter yelled.

"You're voting wrong!" the woman shot back.

The Kansas City Star reported big lines Saturday at caucus sites in the state, as well as enthusiastic Republican voters. Democrats were to caucus later in the day.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. and Cuban foreign ministers discussed President Barack Obama's forthcoming visit to Cuba during a telephone conversation on Friday and reiterated their commitment to normalizing relations, the State Department said. Secretary of State John Kerry said Obama looked forward to "meeting with a wide array of Cuban officials and citizens to include members of civil society," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a news briefing. Kerry told Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez he was disappointed that "scheduling issues" had prevented him from visiting Cuba before Obama's trip, and that he would accompany the president during his March 21-22 visit, Kirby said. (Reporting by Arshad Mohammed; Writing by Washington Newsroom; Editing by Chris Reese)
By Andrew M. Seaman (Reuters Health) - Autism spectrum disorders and gender identity issues often occur together in children, according to new research that supports previous findings. Children with an autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) were seven times more likely than other children to report gender variance on a questionnaire, researchers at one U.S. medical center found. "Like many research ideas, this is one that was born from clinical experience," said lead researcher Dr. Aron Janssen, director of NYU Langone Medical Center's Gender and Sexuality Service in New York City. People who work with transgender and gender variant youth have been noticing the overlap with ASDs for the last several years, he told Reuters Health. Gender variance describes variability between the sex a person is assigned at birth and their experienced or expressed gender, Janssen and colleagues write in the journal Transgender Health. ASDs can affect behavior as well as social and communication skills. Studies in Europe and North America have found higher rates of ASDs among gender variant youths, and vice versa. For the new study, the researchers examined the Child Behavior Checklist of 492 children, ages six to 18, diagnosed with ASDs between 2011 and 2015 - including 409 who were assigned male at birth, and 83 who were assigned female. The children's answer to one question on the checklist about gender identity was then compared to the answers of 1,605 other children. Overall, 5.1 percent of children with ASDs said they wished to be the opposite sex, compared to 0.7 percent of the other children. In a 2014 study that used a similar design, 5.4 percent of children with ASDs said they wished to be the opposite sex on the same questionnaire. "Its quite striking that through a very similar procedure he had almost the same numbers," said John Strang, the lead researcher of the 2014 paper from the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. In both studies, children with ASDs were about seven times more likely to report gender variance, compared to other children. Likewise, a 2010 Dutch study found children at a gender clinic were about seven times more likely to meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ASDs. No study answers why gender identity issues and ASDs often occur together, but there are several possible explanations. Strang told Reuters Health people with ASDs may be less aware of social expectations to conform to their sex assigned at birth. As a result they may be less likely to hide their gender variance. It could also be that people who are gender variant are more socially isolated and demonstrate traits similar to those of ASDs, Janssen said. "When you have two conditions that are both on a spectrum and you see there is an overlap, I think it gets even more complex and more interesting," he said. Janssen said identifying an overlap between ASDs and gender variance is just a first step. "At the end of the day its about how we help people, whether or not theyre on the spectrum, lead happy fulfilling lives," he said. Strang said people with ASDs and gender variance need a lot of support. "We just concluded a two-year project bringing together specialists who either published in this are or working with this co-occurrence to produce a set of guidelines," he said. "Hopefully those will be out soon." SOURCE: http://bit.ly/1p57qTX Transgender Health, online February 18, 2016.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany and Italy's interior ministers have written to the European Commission calling for an EU-wide system to register migrants and a harmonization of selection procedures and rights for asylum seekers, a German newspaper reported. In the letter seen by Sueddeutsche Zeitung, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere and Italy's Angelino Alfano called for an "ambitious reform" of the Dublin rules - which oblige migrants to request asylum in the first EU country they enter - by means of a "newly adjusted Common European Asylum System". The EU has been seeking to establish a Common European Asylum System since 1999 but differences between member countries have persisted despite attempts to unify asylum laws in the bloc. Germany and Italy's interior ministers said in their letter to European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans and EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos that an EU-wide registration mechanism that includes security checks should be set up with the help of EU border agency Frontex. They also called for a harmonization of the differing conditions throughout the bloc for accepting migrants, selection procedures and rights for asylum seekers. They said the EU's Asylum Support Office (EASO) should get extra staff and funds so it could become a "real European asylum agency". They suggested identifying people in need of protection within their countries of origin or transit countries before bringing them to Europe - the approach currently being pursued in the EU's cooperation with Turkey - and said the aim was to create an "institutionalized relocation system in the EU". The EU's external borders need to be secured to sustainably reduce the influx and refugees should be spread around the bloc by means of set annual quotas, they said. In the midst of the worst migration crisis in Europe since World War Two, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have been among the staunchest opponents of EU plans to transfer asylum seekers arriving in southern Europe to other EU states. The ministers called for an EU list of safe countries of origin and said a "robust and coordinated European repatriation mechanism" was needed to send illegal economic migrants back to their countries of origin. (Reporting by Michelle Martin; Editing by Matthew Lewis)
Be careful discussing sensitive topics. Drop certain topics from your curriculum. [Dont] go there if you sense anger.

A faculty working group at the University of Houston recently offered these recommendations to professors preparing for Texass new campus-carry law, set to take effect August 1. The situation to which these recommendations are alludinggun violence in response to controversial or otherwise difficult classroom discussionsis at this point only a hypothetical worst-case scenario. But critics of the legislation are still appalled: To abide by the law, and keep everyone safe in classrooms with armed students, faculty may ultimately have to resort to self-censorship.

Proponents of the legislation, which allows individuals with concealed-carry permits to possess firearms on public-university campuses, argue that fears surrounding campus carry are overblown. In the eight states that have already enacted such a law, none of the predicted nightmares have taken placestudents drawing their weapons on professors who fail them, for example, or students firing on one another in heated classroom arguments. In fact, campus-carry supporters maintain that the law will keep the peace, enabling students and faculty to defend themselves effectively, and deter would-be shooters. So long as universities are gun-free zones, gun-rights advocates argue, they are well-advertised targets for prospective attackers.

Recommended: Why Im a Public-School Teacher But a Private-School Parent

But the potential benefits of the law are slight, and dubious at best. It turns out, for example, there were armed students at Umpqua Community College in Oregon on the day of its shooting last fall. Their presence did not deter the attack, nor did they halt it; the students wisely decided not to jump into the fray for fear it would compound the mayhem.

By contrast, campus carrys potential for harm is quite real. Its principal threat is less than obvious, however; its impact may not be physically manifest at all. Im counting its cost in terms of what is lost in the classroomand it is a loss that may be deeply damaging to the countrys democracy.

Story continues

This can be gleaned from the faculty concerns at the University of Houston. In short, they argued that guns in the classroom pose an intolerable threat to free speech. Its unclear whether campus carry does and will in fact undermine the freedom of expression, but if theres one place in society where the citizenry must not tolerate such threats, its the college classroom. The college classroom is meant to be a special space where all manner of ideas are aired, considered, and debated, and differences negotiatedthrough speech and argumentwith no fear of violent recrimination, no fear of inciting angry students to draw their guns.

In my philosophy and politics classes, for example, Ilike peers in my fieldroutinely broach contentious issues: topics such as structural racism, abortion, and gun rights (the most contentious of them all). Few young adults have put significant thought into these kinds of issues; they must experiment with them to understand them properly and deeply, and to develop mature and critical views. Its important to ensure that students feel free to explore their thoughts and express themfranklyso they can experiment and develop. They must feel free to push their intellectual limits, and entertain lines of argument that are controversial, probably offensive to some.

Recommended: Will the New SAT Be Any Better?

It is a goal, an often elusive ideal, that the college classroom be that space where the circulation and contest of ideas are freewheeling and dynamic, as ideas are subjected to the close inspection of logic, and measured in the light of history and personal experience. This canand many will say shouldbe a raucous affair on occasion.

Campus carry will make students and faculty less inclined to engage in the critical intellectual work that must take place in the classroom.

It seems that campus carry stands opposed to these pedagogical goals. Will guns encourage speech and invite people to discussion and debate in the classroom? The reality could be quite to the contrary: Guns could have a chastening effect. If students suspect that neighbors in the classroom may be armed, this may make them less inclined to engage them in frank and open discussion, on potentially uncomfortable or challenging topics. Guns speak; they send a message, which, gun owners and gun rights advocates readily admit, is something like this: Dont mess with mebe carefulI am armed; I know how to use my weapon, and am prepared to do so if need be. Thanks to Stand Your Ground, they may draw their weapons on merely perceived threats.

Stand Your Ground laws protect citizens from prosecution in cases where they feel threatened in public, and fire their weapons. Predictably, the legislation has spawned numerous controversies, and several tragedies, across the country. Gun owners have shot and killed unarmed citizensand sought Stand Your Ground protectionsin cases in which they misjudged or overestimated the threats before them. Or the law emboldened them to wield their weapons when they were just plain angry. In 2014, a Montana man invoked Stand Your Ground after he shot and killed an unarmed German exchange student trespassing in his garage. That same year, Cyle Quadlin killed an unarmed man with whom he argued in an Arizona Walmart; he drew his weapon when he felt he was losing the fight, and police accepted his plea of self-defense. These are just two of many similar controversies stemming from the law.

Recommended: Live Coverage of Super Saturday

What does Stand Your Ground tell students soon to enter armed classrooms? It may tell them to be wary around those who are armed, or possibly armed, for fear of seeming threatening. Of course, no one knows precisely what is threatening to whom, which could mean the message is more open-ended, and potentially devastating: Curtail your behavior in generalrein it in; watch what you say, to whom, and how. In fact, it may even send the message that its best to approach and engage others as little as possible.

One University of Houston professor, Maria Gonzalez, expressed her concerns over campus carry in the context of her own classes, which cover Marxist and Queer Theory. In so doing, she invoked the added mission universities have to provide safe harbor for ideas that may be unpopular in society at large, ideas that are radical to some. This is a key reason why universities offer tenure to faculty: to protect academic freedom and defend against censorship. Expansions of civil rights are almost always deeply unpopular at first; this was the case in the fight for womens rights, suffrage for African Americans, and marriage equality for gays and lesbians. Universities play a key role in early discussions about expanding these rights: Radical ideas must be given a hearing, and require a space to be vetted and honed before emerging into the culture at large, and ultimately the political stage.

I fear that campus carry will make students and faculty less inclined to engage in the critical intellectual work that must take place in the classroom, the courageous inquiry and experimentation American democracy requires. As Gonzalez suggests, classes devoted to highly controversial topics could be the most vulnerable in this respect. How many students are going to risk uncomfortable and potentially intrusive lines of inquiry about gender identity, for example, in conservative Texaswhen some of their conservative peers may well be armed? Why even go there, if you are an instructor, and cant hope to have a productive or illuminating conversation?

Its impossible to measure the cost of campus carry. But I wager that the cost will be evidenced in the mounting silence on college campuses, and the trepidation, timidity, and lack of creativity among new generations of voters. American democracy will be the poorer for it.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
A US government team that monitors religious freedom around the world has been denied visas to India, New Delhi's embassy in Washington confirmed.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) visits countries to report on violations of religious freedom and make policy recommendations to US officials.

The group said Thursday that India had refused its request for visas for a long-planned trip, saying it was "deeply disappointed."

USCIRF chairman Robert George said the group's members had traveled to nations that "are among the worst offenders of religious freedom," including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and China.

It comes as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government faces accusations it has fostered an atmosphere of rising intolerance and emboldened religious hardliners.

In its response, the Indian embassy in Washington questioned the right of a "foreign entity like USCIRF to pass its judgment and comment on the state of Indian citizens' constitutionally protected rights."

"There is no change in the policy of the government of India with respect to such visits," it said in a statement, adding that the Indian constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion.

The US group has been denied visas to visit India in the past, a spokesman for the Indian foreign ministry told AFP, without giving specific dates.

The religious monitors will still try to visit India, "given the ongoing reports from religious communities, civil society groups and NGOs that the conditions for religious freedom in India have been deteriorating since 2014," George said.

A recent spate of violent attacks on secular intellectuals and Muslims suspected of killing cows, which Hindus consider sacred, have heightened concerns of mounting intolerance under Modi's two-year-old government.
By Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi and Rajesh Kumar Singh ZURICH/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Trade tensions between India and the United States intensified on Friday as New Delhi filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization over steep fee increases for U.S. non-immigrant temporary work visas. The WTO said in a statement that India has disputed the doubling of the fees for H-1B and L-1 work visas and limits on their numbers. The visas are typically used by thousands of Indian nationals hired by information technology services firms operating in the United States. The complaint comes just days after the United States won a WTO ruling in favor of its challenge to India's domestic content rules for its solar power subsidy program after months of negotiations failed to produce a settlement. In its filing, India said the new U.S. visa measures seemed inconsistent with the WTO commitments the United States had made, because the moves treat Indian IT workers in the United States less favourably than their American counterparts. In December, the U.S. Congress doubled the cost of sponsoring H-1B visas to $4,000 each and L-1 visas to $4,500 each as part of a major spending bill. Indian business lobby NASSCOM estimated that would inflate costs for Indian IT export firms by $400 million a year. India is upset that the visa fees were raised without consultation. Its $150 billion outsourcing sector provides about three quarters of the country's annual revenue from the United States. The outsourcing companies send thousands of staff every year to work at client locations. Analysts say the measure will cut 50 to 60 basis points off the profit margins of companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys starting this fiscal year, which begins in April. A spokesman for the Indian trade ministry declined to comment on the filing. In Washington, U.S. Trade Representative spokesman Andrew Bates said that the United States "looks forward to discussing our H-1B visa program with our Indian counterparts." "We are confident that the United States visa program, which was recently updated on a bipartisan basis by Congress, is fully consistent with our WTO obligations," Bates added. The United States has 10 days to respond to the request, which will go to the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body if the two countries cannot reach an agreement. (Additional reporting by David Lawder in Washington)
A group of Indian banks has petitioned a court seeking the arrest of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the beleaguered businessman accused of defaulting on hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, a lawyer said Saturday.

Heavily indebted Mallya has been deep in a financial fight over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, which owes more than $1 billion to a consortium of state-run banks and creditors.

The net now appears to be tightening around the flamboyant businessman, who last month stepped down as the chairman of United Spirits, the Indian arm of Britain's Diageo, following allegations of financial lapses.

As well as seeking Mallya's arrest, the consortium of bankers and creditors led by the State Bank of India (SBI) is trying to lay claim to a $75 million severance payout from Diageo.

The bankers, who petitioned the High Court in the southern state of Karnataka on Friday, have also asked for Mallya's passport to be impounded.

The court's Justice A.S. Bopanna on Friday issued a notice to Mallya seeking his response to the bankers' petition.

"The High Court has issued notice to Mallya on our writ petition to arrest him and impound his passport for his statement to the media that he would soon be moving to Britain to live with his family," a lawyer for the SBI told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Mallya last month said that, having recently turned 60, he plans to move to Britain to be closer to his children.

At his height the liquor baron was nicknamed "India's Richard Branson", but his empire later began to crumble under the weight of Kingfisher's losses.

Last year, the SBI declared the tycoon a "wilful defaulter" for not repaying loans made to Kingfisher Airlines. The airline was grounded in 2012.

Mallya, who is also an independent lawmaker in the Indian parliament's upper house, sold a large chunk of United Spirits, which he inherited from his father, to Diageo in April 2014.

But the London-based drinks giant had been reportedly trying to oust him as chairman after an internal inquiry found financial irregularities at the Indian group's Bangalore arm.

Known for his lavish lifestyle, he owns a stake in the Force India Formula One team and is the chief mentor of the Bangalore team in the lucrative Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition.
What is voting in the Puerto Rico primary like? As we reported earlier this week, there are no polls in advance of Puerto Ricos March 6 Republican primary, so it is hard to get a sense of what issues are shaping the race or even how Puerto Rican residents view the primaries. Puerto Ricans on the island cant vote for president in the general elections, but the Republican primary on Sunday, March 6, and the Democratic caucus on June 5 give the territory a chance to put its delegates to use in perhaps addressing some of the islands pressing issues, including mass emigration, an economic crisis, a potential health-care collapse, and the rising threat of Zika.

The lack of national insights into the primary process is mirrored by some local lack of enthusiasm for participating in national politics. Anthony Carrillo, chair of the Hispanic Caucus of the Young Democrats of America and a resident of Puerto Rico, says that disconnect is partly caused by Puerto Ricos unique local politics.

Recommended: Live Coverage of Super Saturday

Theres some complex local politics, Carrillo says. We have three parties. We have the Statehood Party, we have the Commonwealth Party, which is the status quo party, and we have the Independence Party. Local politics here basically dominate the scenarios.

Carrillo stresses that education and awareness initiatives, such as instructing people on the differences between primaries and caucuses, and more party outreach can help Puerto Rico advocate for itself more in national affairs. But his biggest concern is that apathy often stems from the simple fact that, while Puerto Ricans can vote in the primaries, they cannot vote for president. I served in the Army, Carrillo says. But I dont get to vote for the commander-in-chief. Thats not right.

The ubiquitous TV ads and yard signs of campaign season on the mainland are absent through most of Puerto Rico. Most of the information people receive about the races comes from sparse radio coverage. The lack of media penetration combined with the factors Carrillo mentioned contribute to a climate in which many Puerto Ricans are not even sure that they can participate in the primary elections. I wasnt really aware that we could vote this weekend, says Leandra Davila, an advertising representative in San Juan. What weve been told always is that we cant vote. We dont have a right for voting. So with that, we thought that we could not even vote in the primaries.

Story continues

Recommended: The 40 Seconds John Kasich Will Regret for the Rest of his Life

Even working in advertising, Davila has not come across national political advertisements or endorsements often. We do have some influencers that are political analysts and they do talk about the primaries, but not many people follow them because they are mostly on blogs, Davila says. The 24-hour news and debate cycle of the campaign in the mainland is largely substituted by a handful of in-person candidate visits and hyperlocal rallies and events by the parties and affiliates.

I served in the Army. But I dont get to vote for the commander-in-chief. Thats not right.

Newly armed with the info that she can vote in the primary elections, Davila plans on availing herself of the tool. We can have a voice, since were a U.S. territory. We can have our participation in politics, she stresses. Her enthusiasm underscores Carrillos point that awareness and unclarity about voting status are key barriers to turnout.

For those people who are planning on voting, it appears that party identification takes a backseat to the questions surrounding Puerto Ricos status and economic future. Even Carrillo, an avowed surrogate of Hillary Clinton, emphasizes that the Puerto Rican primaries in the aggregate are unique in that many Puerto Ricans are making choices to stack the deck in the territorys interest as opposed to deciding on party lines. If we split up in both parties and we engage and have a vote inside, whoever wins the election, we can make sure Puerto Rico is included in the agenda and not forgotten, Carrillo says. We need to make sure the next president presents a resolution for Puerto Ricos status that is final, is clear, and is fair.

Recommended: Free Speech on Campus Is Under Attack

The implications of that status reverberate throughout policy decisions on the island. After multiple defaults and a credit-rating downgrade to junk levels, the statehood movement has gained traction as an economic respite. Statehood would allow Puerto Rico the bankruptcy protections that states are afforded and from which Puerto Rico is currently barred. Statehood would have the drawbacks of more limited local decision making and an exposure of citizenswho already have incredibly high local taxesto federal taxes. Those on the commonwealth side are pushing for a federal decision to simply allow Puerto Rico bankruptcy protections without statehood.

The issues in front of Puerto Ricans are complex, and many are downstream effects of the territorys dire financial situation. Davila worries most about public education, as the university system and local schools have all faced funding cuts, and student protests have sparked as young people have defaulted on loans and felt the pressures of rising costs.

Fabiola Torres, a biological-science technician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Lajas, plans to vote in one of the primaries and also sees education as a key issue. They are trying to change some public schools to private schools, she says, which would increase costs. Torres is also concerned about the health-care system, which faces its own crisis as lower Medicare and Medicaid rates push doctors to the mainland, emigration leaves sicker people behind, and the threat of Zika looms.

Social issues, while more distant than the pressing economic and health-care issues, are also important for Puerto Rican voters, according to Carrillo. For Carrillo, solidarity for Latino citizens and immigrants on the mainland is important. The Latino community nationwide, we need economic help, Carrillo says. We need to get immigration reform done for our immigrant brothers and sisters.

So who will win? Senator Marco Rubio supports statehood, while Donald Trump and Governor John Kasich support self-determination, both of which endear them to some pro-statehood organizers on the island. However, Rubio has also opposed the option of Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, which has angered many Puerto Ricans. Senator Ted Cruz has remained silent on the issue. On the Democratic side, Clinton does not have an official campaign promise on the issue, although she has said that she would ensure whatever choice Puerto Rico makes will be respected. Carrillo has been convinced that she will work for a resolution. Senator Bernie Sanders has explicitly endorsed only the ability for Puerto Rico to be provided bankruptcy protections.

Torres recognized Rubio and Trump by their name valueboth candidates have invested the most on the islandand Carrillo has seen an uptick in Trump support. However, PredictWises market-based predictions put Rubio in a commanding lead in the Republican primary on Sunday, with a 77 percent chance of winning. He will look to solidify that commanding lead and his hold on all of Puerto Ricos delegates with a rally tomorrow night. While some Trump surrogates on the island are mounting a last-minute push, the Republican primary appears to be Rubios to lose.

The June 5 Democratic-caucus predictions are much cloudier. No polls or PredictWise data exist yet this far out. However, Clinton has already racked up key endorsements from prominent Puerto Rican figures, and many Puerto Ricans fondly remember her visit as first lady to the island in 1998, after the astonishing devastation of Hurricane Georges. In our worst times, Clinton came here, recalls Carrillo. These accomplishments may already be more than enough for Clinton, given how late the election is and the difficulty of scoring big wins or suffering big losses in the Democrats favored proportional systems.

This is the most pivotal political and economic time on the island since that hurricane, and some leaders are imploring Puerto Ricans to use their voices in the primaries to push to secure Puerto Ricos future. Perhaps this will help lead to the kinds of political exchanges and insights that can better connect American citizens on the mainland and on the island. At the very least, for Puerto Ricans, the elections offer a chance to put their concerns at the top of a candidates docket. As Carrillo notes, In our present time, our community needs someone that can deliver results.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Rome (AFP) - Thousands of gay rights activists and LGBT families rallied in Rome Saturday in protest at the watering down of Italy's civil union's bill, which no longer envisages adoption rights for homosexual couples.

"We want equality" read banners held aloft under grey skies in the Eternal city.

Protesters sported the gay pride rainbow on their faces with one man naked apart from a cardboard fig leaf with the words "civil unions" on it.

Activists say the bill, which had to be cut back to the bare bones to pass in the senate and is now being examined in the lower house, is only a small step towards securing rights for homosexual families.

They are particularly angry over the scrapping of a clause which would have allowed gays to adopt their partners' biological children -- a proposal Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was forced to dump under Catholic pressure.

"Today in Italy, in 2016, we still have to beg for charity, for crumbs, in terms of rights. We want equal weddings, adoptions and full rights. Full rights," Alessia Avellino, a 21-year old sociology student, told AFP.

Veronica Croce, 40, who was at the demo with her partner and her partner's young son, said there was something "fundamental missing from the law: the possibility to adopt partners' children."

If the bill passes scrutiny in the lower house and becomes law -- expected within the next two months -- adoption will not be ruled out entirely, but couples will have to go to court where judges will decide on a case by case basis.

Protesters are hoping to force a change to the draft law before it is ratified -- or at least open a debate on rights that could eventually lead to an adoption bill.

"The law is unsatisfactory. It's a first step, (but) it doesn't give us those rights that are fundamentally ours," 23-year-old law student Edoardo Messineo said.
Bangkok (AFP) - Laos is the latest country to report a local transmission of Zika virus, according to the World Health Organization, as fears mount over the mosquito-borne illness that has been linked to birth defects.

Asia has seen only a sprinkling of cases of the virus, but a surge in Latin America this year has pushed the UN health agency to declare Zika a global health emergency.

Laos joined a total of 41 countries that have reported local transmissions of the virus since the beginning the year, a WHO report said.

Health authorities in Laos, a rural Communist country with minimal infrastructure, were not available to comment.

Neighbouring Thailand reported one case last month of a 22-year-old who contracted the illness domestically and has since recovered.

Thailand's health ministry urged the public not to panic, saying there have been an average of five cases per year since 2012 with no outbreaks.

The sickness is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also spreads dengue fever.

It breeds in tropical areas, including Southeast Asia, which has seen a spike in cases of dengue in recent months and most often causes mild, flu-like symptoms.

A growing body of evidence suggests Zika can also trigger microcephaly, a severe deformation of the brain among newborns, in babies born to mothers infected while pregnant.

Brazil was first to sound the alarm on the apparent link with birth defects.

It has since become the hardest hit country, with an estimated 1.5 million cases of active Zika transmission and 641 confirmed cases of microcephaly.

On Friday scientists in the United States said they found the first concrete evidence of a link between the virus and the birth defect, which has so far been circumstantial.

The findings may help to identify drugs to prevent or cure the Zika virus, which currently lacks a vaccine or specific treatment.
Tindouf (Algeria) (AFP) - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Saturday visited a camp in Algeria for refugees from the Western Sahara territory disputed between Morocco and the Polisario Front group.

Algeria is the main supporter of the Polisario Front.

Ban arrived from the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott, where he also warned that the future of Libya, and the stability of the whole Sahel region, is at stake as it faces the "terrifying threat" of the Islamic State group.

The UN chief's visit to both countries is part of a tour of West and North Africa.

Ban, who met Polisario Front leaders including its Secretary General Mohamed Abdelaziz, said he would "spare no effort" in trying to find a solution to the Western Sahara issue.

The UN chief said warring factions had failed to make "any progress towards a solution" to a conflict that has lasted 40 years.

He began his visit at the Smara refugee camp near Tindouf 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) west of Algiers near the border with Morocco and was greeted by a crowd of several thousand.

Ban said that refugee camps built in Algeria more than four decades ago and which currently shelter near 200,000 people "are among the oldest in the world".

He voiced sadness that people have been trapped there for so long, and added that the United Nations will strive to improve conditions for the refugees.

The UN has been trying to oversee an independence referendum for Western Sahara since 1992 after a ceasefire was reached to end a war that broke out when Morocco sent its forces to the former Spanish territory in 1975.

Tens of thousands of refugees from Western Sahara live in refugee camps in Algeria, which were built when the fighting began.

Ban also visited a UN base at Bir-Lahou in the disputed territory.

In Nouakchott on Friday, Ban also called for Mauritania's help in the Western Sahara dispute.

"Making progress on the situation in Western Sahara is also of importance here too," he said. "Numerous refugees share the same culture and family ties with Mauritanians."

Story continues

He also said he was "deeply concerned about the situation in Libya".

Chaos has engulfed Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of dictator Moamer Kadhafi and rival administrations are being urged to sign up to a UN-brokered national unity government to help restore stability.

The internationally recognised government is based in the far east of the North African country.

The Islamic State group and other extremist organisations have exploited the power vacuum, making gains along the oil-rich coastal regions and triggering concern among Western nations over jihadists controlling territory just 300 kilometres (185 miles) from Europe.

Success in stabilising Libya would also benefit the whole Sahel region and "our world" in general, Ban said.
Watford (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Leicester took a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League as a wonderful strike by Riyad Mahrez sealed a 1-0 at Watford on Saturday that boosted their hopes of a fairytale title triumph.

Algeria winger Mahrez blasted an unstoppable shot into the top corner in the 56th minute for his 15th goal of a brilliant season.

That clinched a 17th win of the campaign for the Foxes, who took full advantage of a 2-2 draw for title rivals Tottenham and Arsenal earlier on Saturday.

Victory took Claudio Ranieri's men five points clear of second placed Tottenham and eight ahead of Arsenal in third with only nine games standing between the Foxes and a truly incredible title success.

Mahrez also has 11 assists this season to go with his impressive tally of goals and his latest moment of inspiration kept Leicester firmly in pole position.

Leicester signalled their intentions early on when a direct, forward pass by Marc Albrighton sent Jamie Vardy racing through on goal and forced Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes into a vital interception.

The visitors forced a corner soon afterwards and looked dangerous when Watford failed to clear it properly.

The ball fell to Christian Fuchs just outside the penalty and the defender saw his low shot beaten away by Gomes.

There was a scare for the home side, however, when Nathan Ake rose above Wes Morgan in the 11th minute to meet a right-wing free-kick and his header skimmed the top of Kasper Schmeichel's crossbar.

Leicester were pressing relentlessly and they forced another error that led to a chance for Vardy.

The England forward latched onto another ball over the top by Albrighton but fired wide of the far post from a difficult angle.

Ranieri thought his side were ahead in the 23rd minute when Vardy stole possession and fed Mahrez before bursting to the near post to meet the midfielder's cross.

But the normally lethal striker fired wastefully into the side netting when he should have broken the deadlock.

Story continues

- Reshaped -

Watford should then have broken the deadlock three minutes later when Odion Ighalo's cross from the right found captain Troy Deeney, but his shot deflected through to a grateful Schmeichel.

After a scrappy spell in the run-up to half-time, Danny Simpson swung in a cross from the Leicester right after the Foxes kept alive a poor corner but captain Wes Morgan headed straight at Gomes.

Schmeichel had to race out of the area to head away from the onrushing Deeney in the final minute of the half following an under-hit header by Morgan.

Ranieri made a double change at half-time with Jeff Schlupp and Andy King introduced in a reshaped system.

But it was the home side who threatened first when Mario Suarez found himself on the edge of the box but his shot flew straight at Gomes.

Danny Drinkwater then found the ball at his feet 20 yards from the Watford goal after a smart Leicester passing move but he fired wide.

But the deadlock was broken on 56 minutes in spectacular style.

Fuchs' cross from the left was half-cleared by the head of Jose Holebas, but Mahrez picked up possession just inside the area and lashed a wonderful effort into the top corner.

Gomes then made an important save from a Robert Huth header and Ake cleared crucially from inside his own goalmouth as Leicester tried to press home their advantage.

Mahrez carved out another chance for himself with some fine footwork on the edge of the box, but his curling shot went through to Gomes.

The Foxes should have been punished for some hesitant defending with 10 minutes to go when the ball bounced around their box and fell for Ighalo, but the striker headed straight at Schmeichel.

And Hornets substitute Almen Abdi lashed a shot a fraction wide as Leicester became nervous.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Greece needs to deliver quickly on its promise to provide accommodation for 50,000 refugees and the European Union should help Athens with this task, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a media interview published on Saturday. Austria, one of the last stepping stones to Germany for hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants, recently imposed border restrictions, setting off a domino effect in Europe and leaving tens of thousands stranded in poor conditions in Greece. "Originally, Greece should have created 50,000 accommodation places for refugees by the end of 2015," Merkel told German tabloid Bild am Sonntag. "The backlog must be resolved now at lightning speed because the Greek government has to guarantee decent accommodation." Merkel, under pressure to reduce the number of new arrivals after more than one million migrants entered Germany last year, said Greece could count on more help from other EU states. "I know from my talks with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras that he wants to do this, but that he needs our help, and that's why the EU must and will support Greece in solidarity." She also said that Austria and Balkan countries were largely to blame for the changed situation in Greece by deciding unilaterally to impose borders controls. Tsipras has accused Austria and Balkan countries of "ruining Europe" by imposing border restrictions to slow the flow of migrants heading north from Greece. By contrast, Merkel's Bavarian ally said the imposition of border controls by Austria and other countries was benefiting Germany by reducing the number of new arrivals. "There is a turning point in the refugee policy due to the closure of large parts of the Balkan route," Horst Seehofer told Der Spiegel magazine. (Reporting by Michael Nienaber; Editing by Ros Russell)
Caen (France) (AFP) - Monaco suffered a fifth Ligue 1 away match without a win on Friday when a last-minute goal from Christian Kouakou allowed Caen to snatch a 2-2 draw.

Monaco remain in second spot, a huge 22 points behind defending champions Paris Saint-Germain while Caen are third, eight points further back.

All four goals came in the second half with Thomas Lemar putting Monaco ahead on the 56th minute mark with a sweetly-struck direct free-kick.

Julien Feret levelled after 64 minutes with a penalty awarded when Brazilian defender Wallace was punished for a hand ball.

Four minutes later, Monaco were back in front when Alaeddine Yahia put through his own goal as he struggled to clear a cross from Bernardo Silva.

Ivory Coast's Kouakou then ensured a share of the spoils with an acrobatic strike from a last-minute corner.
By Hugh Bronstein and Maximilian Heath BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - President Barack Obama and the first lady will visit the lake-side Patagonian tourist city of Bariloche later this month during an official trip to Argentina, a U.S. diplomat told local radio on Friday. The trip will follow the couple's visit to Cuba on March 21 and 22, another major step toward ending decades of animosity between former Cold War foes. They will meet with newly elected Argentine President Mauricio Macri on March 23 and fly to Bariloche the following day, Kevin Sullivan, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires, told Radio Mitre. The stopover in ski-destination Bariloche, known for its crystal clear lakes and panoramic mountain vistas, appeared to be first lady Michelle Obama's idea, Sullivan said. "I believe she heard what Bariloche is like ... and it seemed to her it would be a good place to share a little family time," Sullivan said. Relations have improved between Argentina and the United States since Macri took office in December. Macri has moved to open Latin America's No. 3 economy to foreign investment by ditching trade and currency controls enacted by his predecessor. "It seems to us to be a good moment for President Obama to get to know Argentina and have a dialogue with President Macri," Sullivan said. The agenda will include international cooperation, terrorism, human rights and energy investment. Argentina has some of the world's largest untapped shale oil and natural gas formations. China is a major investor in Argentina's energy and grains sectors. March 24 will be the 40th anniversary of the 1976 coup that installed a military dictatorship, which the United States initially supported. Argentina returned to democracy in 1983. Adolfo Perez Esquivel, who won the Nobel peace prize for his human rights work during the dictatorship, wrote an open letter to Obama this week saying that if the U.S. president stayed in Buenos Aires on the 24th, many Argentines would see that as "a provocation." Marches and demonstrations in honor of the victims of the military junta are planned for that date in the Argentine capital. (Reporting by Hugh Bronstein; Editing by Richard Chang)
ADEN (Reuters) - Gunmen opened fire and killed a police colonel and his aide as their vehicle was passing through a roundabout in the southern Yemeni city of Aden on Saturday, a local security official and witnesses said. The attack on Col. Salem al-Milqat, police chief of Tawahi district, occurred in the restive district of al-Mansoura which has seen several assaults on local security officials. Yemen's embattled government has been forced out of the capital Sanaa by Iran-allied Houthi rebels and is now based in Aden but struggles to impose its authority even there. On Friday, gunmen attacked an old people's home in the Yemeni port of Aden, killing at least 15 people, including four Christian nuns from India, local officials and medical sources said. The southern city has gone from being one of the world's busiest ports as a hub of the British empire to a backwater and then in recent months to a conflict zone. A Saudi-led coalition began a military campaign a year ago to prevent the Houthis from taking complete control of Yemen. (Reporting by Mohammed Mukhashaf; Writing by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Ros Russell)
Aden (AFP) - Yemeni authorities have blamed the Islamic State group for an attack on a care home run by missionaries that killed 16 people and was condemned by Pope Francis as "diabolical".

Rival jihadist movement Al-Qaeda distanced itself from the mass shooting Friday in the main southern city of Aden, saying it was not responsible.

Gunmen stormed the refuge for the elderly operated by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, killing a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees, officials said.

Four foreign nuns working as nurses were among those killed.

The Vatican missionary news agency Fides identified the nuns as two Rwandans, a Kenyan and an Indian, adding that the mother superior managed to hide and survive while an Indian priest was missing.

Screams of elderly residents echoed from the home during the shooting rampage, witnesses said, recounting seeing the bodies of slain workers with their arms tied behind their back.

No group has yet claimed the attack in the war-torn country, where the internationally recognised government is grappling with both an Iran-backed rebellion and a growing jihadist presence.

- 'Treacherous terrorist acts' -

An unnamed Yemeni presidency source in Riyadh said that those behind such "treacherous terrorist acts" are individuals who have "sold themselves to the devil," in a statement on the official sabanew.net website.

"There was no trace of these groups, which go under the name of the Islamic State or (its Arabic acronym) Daesh" when pro-government forces were battling the Huthi rebels and their allies to push them out of Aden last year, the source said, accusing them of "switching roles" with the Iran-backed rebels.

In a statement addressed to the residents of Aden, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), also known as Ansar al-Sharia, denied "any links to the attack on the elderly care home".

"These are not our operations and this is not our way of fighting," said the group, which has seized parts of southern and eastern Yemen.

Story continues

Al-Qaeda has previously criticised IS for attacks on Shiite mosques in Yemen that left dozens dead.

Al-Qaeda and IS have stepped up attacks in Aden, targeting mainly loyalists and members of a Saudi-led coalition battling the Huthi rebels since March last year.

The Huthis controlled Aden for months before government loyalists pushed them out in July.

On Saturday, gunmen opened fire at a police patrol in Aden killing two policemen, a security official said.

President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has declared the city to be Yemen's temporary capital as Sanaa has been in the hands of the Huthis and their allies since September 2014.

But Hadi and many senior officials spend most of their time in Riyadh.

- 'Senseless and diabolical' -

The Vatican's Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said that "his Holiness Pope Francis was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the killing of four Missionaries of Charity (nuns) and 12 others at a home for the elderly in Aden."

"He sends the assurance of his prayers for the dead and his spiritual closeness to their families and to all affected from this act of senseless and diabolical violence," Cardinal Parolin said in a statement.

Violence has mounted in Yemen during the past year with more than 6,000 people killed since the Saudi-led coalition began its campaign of air strikes in late March 2015.

On Saturday, Hadi discussed the stalled peace process with UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed in Riyadh, sabanew.net reported.

"Goodwill gestures and confidence-building measures by releasing detainees, lifting the siege on cities, and opening safe corridors to deliver humanitarian assistance to besieged provinces... are necessities that must be met" by the rebels, Hadi told the UN envoy.

Saudi Arabia's UN ambassador said Friday that he hoped peace talks could resume by March 15.

The United Nations says more than 80 percent of the population is in dire need of food, medicine and other basic necessities and the crisis ranks as a "Level 3 emergency", the most serious in the UN system.
Ralph Baruch, a pioneering executive at Viacom who guided the companys spinoff from CBS in the early 1970s, has died. He was 92.

Baruch, who served as Viacoms president and CEO from 1971-83 and as its chairman until July 1987, died Thursday at his home in New York City, his family announced.

A native of Frankfurt, Germany, Baruch began his communications career in radio and joined the DuMont Television Network in 1950. He moved to CBS in 1954, progressing to CBS Group president, and was instrumental in spinning off Viacom from CBS in 1971. (Viacom was then the home of the networks syndication business.)

Under his watch, Viacom grew by acquiring cable television systems; launching Showtime, The Cable Health Network (now Lifetime), MTV, Nickelodeon, The Movie Channel and VH1; and buying back the half of Showtime that had been sold to Warner Bros.

Baruch, though, was ousted when shareholder Sumner Redstone won a takeover battle and wrested control of Viacom in 1987 in a deal valued at $3.4 billion.

It was a terrible feeling, he said in a 2010 interview with the Archive of American Television. I saw everything that I had built go down the drain, a complete change to a company that I had built, [because of] one man whose greed dictated that he wouldnt make me part of it.

Baruch and his family fled the Nazis in 1933 and relocated in Paris, where he was educated. In 1940, they had to escape again, embarking on a three-month journey through France in which Baruch carried his grandmother through the Pyrenees mountains. Eventually, the family arrived in the U.S. in December 1940.

Baruch detailed all of this in his 2007 autobiography, Television Tightrope  How I Escaped Hitler, Survived CBS and Fathered Viacom.

Ralph Baruch was a true pioneer and a giant in the media industry, a Viacom spokesman said in a statement. We are privileged and honored to carry on his legacy.

Baruch served as vice chairman of Carnegie Hall, was a member of the board of the PBS station WNET and a trustee of the Museum of Television and Radio (now the Paley Center for Media). He also helped underwrite the fledgling cable channel C-SPAN in the late 1970s.

Story continues

Baruch was a founder of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and served on its board and executive committee. In 1985, the IRTS honored him with its prestigious gold medal, and in 1999 he received an International Emmy, presented to him by Walter Cronkite.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Jean, and daughters Eve, Renee, Alice and Michele.

See More: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016
Samoa's ruling Human Rights Protection Party won a crushing victory in the Pacific island nation's general election, preliminary results released on Saturday showed.

The HRPP, which has dominated Samoan politics since the early 1980s, won 47 of the 49 seats, results released by the electoral commissioner's office showed.

This is a substantial improvement on the previous election in 2011 when the party won 36 of 49 seats.

The main opposition Tautua Samoa Party was all but wiped out with only deputy leader, Aeau Peniamina and new MP Ili Setefano Ta'ateo elected.

In an election where parties can put up multiple candidates for one seat several HRPP MPs, including three cabinet ministers, were voted out and replaced by younger members of the same party.

"I would like to extend my gratitude to all of Samoa for the support, and the overwhelming vote of confidence in our vision for this country," said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who has led the country since 1998.

"Looking at the results, about half of parliament's seats are going to change. This is democracy at work."

The election returned only four women to parliament and under new measures a fifth woman will be added, taking the number of seats in parliament to 50.

Malielegaoi said the overwhelming support for the HRPP was indicative of the level of trust the country had in their leadership.

"HRPP has been leading Samoa for a very long time and there are many developments done during that time. The country is mindful of it."

More than 110,000 people registered to cast their vote for more than 170 candidates vying for a place in Samoa's parliament.
London (AFP) - Leicester moved a step closer to fulfilling their improbable dream of winning the Premier League as Riyad Mahrez gave the surprise leaders a 1-0 win at Watford, while 10-man Arsenal rescued a 2-2 draw against title rivals Tottenham on Saturday.

Claudio Ranieri's side extended their lead over second placed Tottenham to five points thanks to the latest moment of magic from Footballer of the Year contender Mahrez.

The Algeria winger lashed a fine finish past Watford goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes from just inside the penalty area in the 56th minute.

With just nine games remaining, the unfancied Foxes are closing in on the most unlikely title triumph in the history of English football.

"An important win, a big battle," said Ranieri, who eased injury fears over Mahrez after he limped off in the final minutes.

"We are so happy. We wanted to show what we have inside. The desire is so high and we have a great opportunity.

"The title is not ours. We have to fight a lot and keep our feet on the ground."

Leicester's title charge had already received a boost earlier in the day when Tottenham squandered the lead in a pulsating north London derby at White Hart Lane.

With Gunners midfielder Francis Coquelin sent off after Aaron Ramsey's 39th minute opener, Arsenal looked in trouble when Tottenham hit back with two goals in three minutes from Toby Alderweireld and Harry Kane after the interval.

But Arsenal, criticised after successive league defeats this week, recovered to equalise through Alexis Sanchez with 14 minutes remaining.

"I am proud of the spirit, but going down to 10 men was the big regret for the day and it was hard to take," said boss Arsene Wenger, whose side are eight points behind Leicester.

Although they wasted a chance to go top for the first time in seven years, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was still satisfied.

"I am pleased. It's true, when it was 2-1 I am little bit disappointed with the result, but we have to be happy we keep the three-point gap to Arsenal," Pochettino said.

Story continues

At Eastlands, Manchester City ended a run of three successive league defeats with a 4-0 rout of Aston Villa at Eastlands.

Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure broke the deadlock in the 48th minute and Sergio Aguero doubled the lead two minutes later.

Aguero struck again in the 60th minute and Raheem Sterling added the fourth six minutes later before Aguero squandered a chance for a hat-trick when his penalty hit a post.

Manuel Pellegrini's fourth-placed side remain 10 points behind Leicester, while woeful Villa are slipping closer to playing in the second tier for the first time since 1988 after their fourth consecutive defeat.

- Beleaguered -

Chelsea warmed up for their crucial Champions League showdown against Paris Saint Germain with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Stoke at Stamford Bridge.

With Diego Costa rested ahead of the last 16, second leg against PSG, who hold a 2-1 advantage, Burkina Faso forward Bertrand Traore bagged his fourth goal in his last five appearances in the 39th minute.

But Chelsea were pegged back five minutes from full-time when Stoke forward Mame Biram Diouf headed home.

Bournemouth piled more pressure on beleaguered Newcastle manager Steve McClaren with a 3-1 win over the crisis-torn Magpies at St James' Park.

After a week that featured reports of a dressing room rebellion against McClaren, who also became embroiled in an angry exchange with a journalist on Friday, Newcastle fell behind in the 28th minute through Steven Taylor's own goal.

Josh King increased Bournemouth's lead in the 70th minute and although Ayoze Perez got one back in the 80th minute, it was too late for second-from-bottom Newcastle, who are one point from safety, because Charlie Daniels added the visitors' third deep into stoppage-time.

"I'm very disappointed. That was definitely a poor performance and 'going down' material," McClaren said.

West Ham staged a superb fightback to remain in the hunt for a Champions League berth with a 3-2 win at 10-man Everton.

Romelu Lukaku struck in the 13th minute and, despite Kevin Mirallas's dismissal, Aaron Lennon doubled Everton's lead in the 56th minute.

But Lukaku saw a penalty saved by Adrian and Michail Antonio reduced the deficit in the 78th minute.

Diafra Sakho equalised three minutes later and Dimitri Payet won it in the last minute.

Struggling Sunderland had to settle for a 1-1 draw at 10-man Southampton, while Swansea climbed nine points clear of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win over third bottom Norwich at the Liberty stadium.
Bratislava (AFP) - Slovaks voted in a general election Saturday forecast to hand firebrand leftist Prime Minister Robert Fico a third term on the back of a staunchly anti-refugee platform.

His policies echo those of other hardliners in the EU's poorer ex-communist east, including Czech President Milos Zeman, Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban and Poland's Jaroslaw Kaczynski. All have shunned refugees as Europe grapples with its worst migration and humanitarian crisis since World War II.

Arguing that jihadists posing as refugees could infiltrate the European Union, the populist Fico has insisted on "monitoring every Muslim" in predominantly Catholic Slovakia after November's attacks in Paris.

"We'll never bring even a single Muslim to Slovakia, we won't create any Muslim communities here because they pose a serious security risk," Fico told thousands at a pre-election rally in Bratislava for his Smer-Social Democracy (Smer-SD) party.

Exit polls were set to be published around 2100 GMT when polling stations close. Full official results are expected Sunday, according to election officials.

- 'I feel safe' -

Fico "even changed his party's slogan to 'Protecting Slovakia', as in 'protecting Slovakia against migrants'," said Jan Baranek, an analyst with the Polis Slovakia think tank.

Billboards blasting the message blanketed the country before election day.

The strategy appears to have worked despite very few refugees arriving, as most prefer richer nations.

"I like how they (Smer-SD) lead this country. I find Fico trustworthy," a pensioner who identified herself only as Anna told AFP at a Bratislava polling station.

Fellow pensioner Stefan Kralko told AFP Fico has his vote "because I feel safe."

Fico and regional EU allies have vowed to help Bulgaria and Macedonia seal their borders with EU member Greece, should Athens fail to stem the tide of refugees from Turkey by mid-March.

Story continues

As Slovakia gears up for the EU's rotating presidency in July, Fico starkly warned that "we have reached the point when... Greece is likely to be sacrificed for the sake of Schengen", referring to the 26-nation passport-free travel zone.

He also insists that Slovakia, a eurozone member since 2009, opposes further bailouts for troubled Greece, calling this "a red line for us".

Greece shot back Friday, accusing Fico of running "his election campaign with vitriol and human drama" and questioned his ability to lead the EU presidency.

Not all at home have been wooed by Fico's strident anti-refugee stance.

Public sector workers who feel left behind by Slovakia's economic success staged strikes demanding wage hikes ahead of the vote.

"Fico keeps talking about Muslim migrants and forgets about Slovak teachers and nurses," Alena Takacova, a 44-year-old Bratislava office worker, told AFP.

She will vote for "someone from the opposition".

Smer-SD holds 83 seats in the 150-member parliament, but analysts cite surveys predicting a cut to 65-70 amid concerns about bread-and-butter issues.

- Populist streak -

To clinch his third term, leftist Fico could relaunch a controversial coalition with the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) he first forged for 2006-10, or team up with moderate right-wing and centrist parties, say analysts.

Although Andrej Danko, the SNS's new leader, toned down its anti-EU, anti-Roma and xenophobic views, his deputy wants EU reforms to rein in "the exaggerated ambitions of (the) Brussels administration to rule, command and regulate free European nations."

"I chose the new SNS. Danko changed the party for better," Milos, a 41-year-old teacher who refused to disclose his surname, told AFP after voting in Bratislava.

Commentators also admit the possibility, albeit unlikely, that a gaggle of right-wing and centrist liberal parties could scrape together a coalition to dethrone Fico.

A 51-year-old ex-communist with a strong populist streak, Fico cut food taxes and hiked childcare allowances and the minimum wage to engineer a quick recovery after philanthropist Andrej Kiska beat him to the presidency in 2014.

Slovakia's debt is among the eurozone's lowest while growth in the export-oriented economy of 5.4 million people hit 3.5 percent in 2015 and is set to expand by up to 3.3 percent this year and next. Joblessness sank to a 10-year low of 10.4 percent in January.
Khartoum (AFP) - Hassan al-Turabi, the Sudanese Islamist leader who died on Saturday, was an outspoken veteran politician who was in and out of jail over a career spanning some four decades.

The 84-year-old died of a heart attack, a medical source said.

A key figure in the regime of President Omar al-Bashir for a decade after his 1989 coup, Turabi later became one of its fiercest critics and led the opposition in urging a Tunisia-style uprising.

The authorities long accused him of having links with the most heavily armed of the rebel groups in the war-torn western region of Darfur -- the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).

In May 2010, a month after Sudan's first competitive polls since 1986, Turabi was detained after denouncing the vote as fraudulent.

Bashir's former ally was the only Sudanese politician to support a warrant issued for the president's arrest by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide over the regime's conduct of the conflict in Darfur.

He was also arrested in January 2009 two days after he urged Bashir to surrender to the world court.

A year earlier, Turabi was arrested after an unprecedented assault on Khartoum by the JEM, which saw the Islamist rebels reach the capital's twin city of Omdurman, just across the Nile from the presidential palace, before being repulsed with heavy losses.

- Influential ideologue -

An ideologue with influence beyond Sudan's borders, Turabi was one of the driving forces behind the introduction of Islamic sharia law in Sudan in 1983, which sparked a devastating 22-year civil war with the mainly Christian, African south that cost an estimated two million lives.

Since the 2005 peace deal which led to full independence in July 2011 for South Sudan, Turabi repeatedly warned of the wider disintegration of the largest nation in Africa and the Arab world.

The Western-educated Turabi held a master's degree in law from London and a doctorate from the Sorbonne University in Paris.

Story continues

He spoke English, French and German fluently as well as Arabic, and his language skills helped him gain access to foreign news media through which he issued repeated calls for an international Islamic revolution.

Born in the eastern town of Kassala in 1932 to moderately religious parents, Turabi had his first Koranic lessons from his grandfather, the head of a Sufi order of Muslim mystics.

Wooed by the Islamists after returning from his studies abroad, he became secretary of the Charter Front, a forerunner of the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan.

Arrested three times in the 1970s under president Gaafar Nimeiri, he made up with the regime to became attorney general in 1979 and was a driving force behind Nimeiri's fateful decision to impose sharia in 1983.

- Senior statesman -

After the Nimeiri dictatorship fell in 1986, Turabi formed the National Islamic Front and ran unsuccessfully in presidential polls.

In 1989, he rallied behind Bashir, then an obscure military man who had just been promoted to general, to overthrow the democratically elected government of his brother-in-law, Sadeq al-Mahdi.

As senior statesman, he became what many considered to be the real power in a country that he directed towards rigorous Islamic practices.

Sudan became a welcoming refuge for militant Islamists, including for a time Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, resulting in the regime being accused of sponsoring terrorism and its subsequent blacklisting by governments from the United States to Egypt.

Under Turabi's influence, the regime used Islam as a rallying cry to recruit ideological shock troops for its war with southern rebels during the civil war.

But in 1999 Turabi spearheaded moves to limit Bashir's powers in the culmination of a protracted power struggle, prompting the president to dissolve parliament and declare a state of emergency.

The following year he opposed Bashir's bid for re-election and broke away from the president's National Congress Party to form his own Popular Congress Party in opposition.

In February 2001, Turabi was arrested along with many of his followers after his new party signed a memorandum of understanding with the southern rebels.

He was released from house arrest in October 2003 and detained again in March 2004 after an alleged military coup in Khartoum.

In March 2014, he and Bashir met officially for the first time in 14 years, as the government reached out to opponents after calls for reform.
Beirut (AFP) - Syria peace talks are to resume on March 10, the UN envoy said on Saturday, despite opposition reluctance and its backers Saudi Arabia saying President Bashar al-Assad must step down.

The new round of indirect negotiations between the Damascus regime and the opposition will be the first since a truce between government forces and rebels began more than a week ago.

A spokesman for the main opposition body, the High Negotiations Committee, told AFP it has still not decided whether to attend.

"The HNC has not taken a decision yet," Monzer Makhos said.

"We are waiting for progress on the humanitarian issue and respect for the ceasefire. What has happened so far is not enough for us to participate."

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura told the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat that the peace talks would start on Thursday.

"I think that we will begin on March 10. That is when the process will start," he said according to an Arabic translation of his remarks published by the newspaper.

While some delegates are expected to arrive in Geneva on March 9, others are not expected until March 11 or even 14 because of "problems with hotel reservations", De Mistura said.

He said preparatory meetings will be held ahead of "in-depth discussions separately" which each faction.

- Fate of Assad -

Since the failure of a first round of peace talks in 2014, the main sticking point in the negotiations has been the fate of Assad.

The Syrian president has refused to step down since peaceful protests in early 2011 developed into a multi-faceted war that has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions of people.

Al-Hayat reported De Mistura as saying a transition process would include "first, talks on a new government, second a new constitution and third parliamentary and presidential polls within the next 18 months".

The envoy said on Friday that the Syrian people, not foreigners, should decide Assad's fate.

Story continues

But key opposition backer Riyadh on Saturday called for Assad -- whose clan has ruled Syria for more than half a century -- to step down at the start of any transition.

"Assad has to leave at the beginning of the process," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Paris.

On the sequence of events, Jubeir said: "There is a transitional body, power shifts from Assad to the transitional body, and then he goes."

After that "the transitional body drafts a constitution, prepares for elections. Some are arguing that no, Bashar leaves at the elections in 18 months, that's not how we think."

Peace talks in early February were cut short amid intensifying Russian air strikes in Syria in support of Assad's forces.

A regime advance supported by Russian warplanes inflicted serious setbacks on the rebels and weakened the opposition's position in negotiations.

However, a fragile ceasefire drawn up by Russia and the United States with UN Security Council backing is now in its second week, despite accusations of violations.

- Opposition demands -

Jubeir said Syria's opposition "can't go into talks empty-handed".

HNC leader Riad Hijab said Friday conditions were not yet right for talks to resume, stressing shortfalls in humanitarian aid and breaches of the ceasefire implemented a week ago.

The opposition has demanded the release of prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid according to UN Security Council resolution 2254.

De Mistura on Friday said aid had reached 115,000 people in besieged areas.

"Despite the drop in military operations in the field, there has been a pickup in hostilities from the Syrian regime and its allies, including Russia," Makhos said.

Russia's defence ministry reported nine violations of the truce on Saturday, compared with 27 the previous day.

The ceasefire has given some respite to ordinary Syrians, exhausted after five years of war, destruction and shortages.

On Saturday, the day after water returned to pumping stations in Aleppo after a three-month shortage, electricity also slowly returned to Syria's former economic powerhouse.

But attacks continued, including on territory held by the Islamic State group and Syria's Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, both of which are not included in the ceasefire.

On the political front, the Istanbul-based opposition Syrian National Coalition meanwhile elected Anas al-Abde as its new leader to succeed Khaled Khoja.
Oxon Hill (United States) (AFP) - US Senator Ted Cruz, the most conservative candidate left in the 2016 presidential race, won Saturday's straw poll at a prominent gathering of grass roots conservatives, while Republican frontrunner Donald Trump finished third.

Cruz placed first with 40 percent of the vote, followed by rival Senator Marco Rubio with 30 percent, according to results of the survey taken at the Conservative Political Action Conference held in Maryland, near Washington.

Trump was further back at 15 percent, followed by Ohio Governor John Kasich at eight percent and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who had already suspended his campaign, earning two percent.

Cruz's victory was not unexpected here; CPAC attracts thousands of far-right activists and voters every year, and many of them see the senator from Texas as their movement flagbearer.

The informal vote is an important gauge of where core conservative voters stand in the midst of one of the most contentious primary seasons in decades.

In 2012, the last time the straw poll was conducted in an election year, Mitt Romney won and eventually became the Republican Party's nominee.

The latest results could be seen as a reprimand of Trump, who backed out of a scheduled Saturday morning appearance at CPAC in order to campaign in Kansas, which was holding Republican and Democratic caucuses Saturday.

CPAC attendees also offered their vice presidential picks, with Kasich and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley emerging in a first place tie, with 12 percent each, and former Hewlett-Packard chief executive and onetime White House hopeful Carly Fiorina third with 11 percent.
By Marice Richter

DALLAS (Reuters) - A Texas doctor has been found guilty of bilking $10 million from health insurance companies and the U.S. government through fraud, including being paid for attending surgeries while he was actually on his private jet, U.S. prosecutors said on Friday.

Anesthesiologist Richard Toussaint Jr., 58, was convicted by a federal jury in Dallas on seven counts of fraud for submitting false claims for payments in 2009 and 2010 from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and others, they said.

His lawyers were not immediately available for comment.

Toussaint falsely claimed he personally supervised the administration of anesthesia by certified nurse anesthetists on occasions when he was discovered to be out of state, at another hospital, on his private jet, and in one case, when he was undergoing surgery himself, prosecutors said.

Besides creating false records, Toussaint directed others to claim "that he was present for these procedures when he knew he was not," according to court papers from prosecutors.

Toussaint faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the seven counts. He will have to pay restitution and forfeit any property with money traceable to the fraud, including his collection of Bentleys, Rolls Royces and other luxury vehicles, prosecutors said.

A sentencing date has yet to be set.

Toussaint owned an anesthesia practice and worked at several Dallas hospitals, including the luxury physician-owned Forest Park Medical Center hospital chain, which he founded and substantially owned, prosecutors said.

The for-profit hospital chain faces financial problems, and several of its hospitals have filed for bankruptcy.

(Reporting by Marice Richter; Writing by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Leslie Adler)
La Esperanza (Honduras) (AFP) - Thousands of mourners paid their final tributes Saturday to Berta Caceres, the indigenous activist killed on Thursday, demanding justice for the renowned environmentalist.

The 45-year-old head of the Civic Council of Indigenous and People's Organizations (COPINH) was gunned down in her hometown of La Esperanza, 125 miles (200 kilometers) northwest of the Honduran capital Tegicigalpa, in what her family has called an assassination.

Mourners from across the country attending the funeral in La Esperanza chanted "Justice, justice!" "Berta lives!" and "The struggle continues!" as her coffin was taken to a church service before its burial.

Caceres's brother Gustavo, one of the first to find her body, told AFP that at least two masked men entered the back of the house where his sister was sleeping early on Thursday.

She got up to investigate the noise and confronted the men, who fractured her arm and leg before shooting her at least eight times at point blank range, he said.

A bullet also wounded Gustavo Castro Soto of the organization Friends of the Earth Mexico, who had been sleeping in the next room, when he came out to see what was happening. The attackers fled after he pretended to be dead.

Caceres lived in the house, which belongs to her mother, until moving out two months ago.

"Now we understand it was a way to protect her family," Gustavo Caceres said.

A mother of four who would have turned 45 Friday, Caceres rose to prominence for leading the indigenous Lenca people in a struggle against a hydroelectric dam project that would have flooded large areas of native lands and cut off water supplies to hundreds.

In 2015, she won the Goldman Environmental Prize, considered the world's top award for grassroots environmental activism.

She persevered in her activism despite numerous death threats.

Caceres was arrested in 2013 for illegal possession of firearms in what critics say was harrassment. She was acquitted in 2014.

Story continues

Caceres's killing has drawn international condemnation, including from the United Nations, the United States and many environmental activists.

The activist's family has accused the authorities of trying to mask her death as a random murder, insisting that she was assassinated because of her activism against environmental destruction by large mining and hydroelectric companies.

They also accuse the government of responsibility in her murder for failing to provide protection and investigate the threats against her.
Oxon Hill (United States) (AFP) - Ben Williams played bagpipes at the funeral of conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia last month. On Friday, the retired schoolteacher urged a Republican resurrection that would prevent Donald Trump from becoming the party flag bearer.

Trump, the celebrity billionaire who has enthralled and distressed the US political world, has qualities that would be "disastrous in a president," Williams told AFP at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the country's largest grassroots gathering for right-wing activists.

Arrogance, impetuosity and vulgarity, to name a few.

"For the right wing of the party, no" he is not conservative enough, said Williams, who, dressed in a kilt to honor Scottish American month, played his bagpipes for dignitaries and young activists alike.

His view appeared to be in the majority at CPAC, where cheers rang out when it was announced that Trump, the real estate mogul on a glide path to the Republican nomination, had cancelled his scheduled Saturday appearance here.

"I don't think he's on the conservative spectrum," said Brent Tidwell, 29, a Young Republicans volunteer at CPAC.

"I think he saw there was a need and an interest in certain conservative ideas, and espoused them because they were convenient."

Trump, who has won 10 of the first 15 statewide contests in the Republican primary race, has promised all-out war against Democrat Hillary Clinton in the general election.

But before taking her on, he must woo his own party, and among the die-hard activists gathering near Washington, he appears to be losing the battle.

"So Donald Trump is skipping CPAC," his arch-conservative rival for the nomination Senator Ted Cruz said as he took the stage.

"He was told there were conservatives that were going to be here!" the senator said to a huge roar.

"Never Trump!" a man shouted from the audience, repeating a phrase that has become a popular Twitter hashtag signalling disgust at the rise of the controversial political outsider.

Story continues

- Conservative enough? -

Cruz prides himself on his strict right-wing purity.

Trump is anything but, despite his professed love for the Bible, gun rights and a strong military, pledges to build a wall on the Mexican border to halt illegal immigration, and opposition to President Barack Obama's health care reforms.

But not everyone agreed about the real-estate tycoon whose spectacular success is threatening to unravel the party of Abraham Lincoln.

"He's conservative enough to me," insisted Roland Trevino, 60, a software architect originally from San Antonio, Texas, who said he appreciates Trump's success as a billionaire businessman.

There is a storied CPAC tradition among Republican White House seekers, including Ronald Reagan, who extolled conservatism at the conference in the 1970s before he won the presidency.

Trump is all too aware of CPAC's place in the right-wing firmament, having donated more than $100,000 to the American Conservative Union -- which hosts CPAC -- Politico reported this week.

Despite universal agreement about the need to prevent a Clinton presidency, there were dramatic divisions about who would be best to prosecute the case against four more years of Democratic leadership.

When Cruz told the crowd he welcomed to his team those conservatives who "don't want Donald to be our nominee," there were boos from Trump supporters.

Jenny Beth Martin, a co-founder of the grassroots Tea Party movement, gave Trump a dressing down, arguing he was far from meeting the conservative threshold.

She hammered him for reversing a plank of his immigration plan during Thursday's debate to say he now supports an increase in visas for highly skilled foreign workers.

"We don't even know where he stands on this position today. That is not Tea Party," Martin said.

Carthage College student Chris Roche, who said he supports Senator Marco Rubio as the candidate best positioned to defeat Trump and then Clinton, winced when asked about Trump's conservative bona fides.

"He's been liberal for way too long, and all of a sudden he happens to turn conservative?" he said. "I just don't trust him."

Although Trump's campaign explained his absence saying he was attending rallies in Kansas and Florida on Saturday ahead of primaries in those states, Roche had a different assessment for why he might have cancelled his CPAC appearance.

"He didn't want to walk out on stage and get booed by almost everyone."
Somebody please tell Donald Trump: A trade deficit isnt a loss. You could even argue its a gain.

The Republican presidential frontrunner has been railing against bad trade deals since declaring his candidacy last summer. And hes amplified the criticism, if thats possible, in recent weeks. If you look at China, and you look at Japan, and if you look at Mexico  theyre killing us, he said during the latest Republican debate on Fox News. With China were going to lose $505 billion in terms of trade . Mexico, $58 billion. Japan, probably about $109 billion.

Trump is talking about the annual U.S. trade deficit with those three countriesbut the amounts in question are anything but losses. Trade occurs when one party buys something from another, and trade between countries has the same mutual benefit as trade between an individual consumer and a merchant: each side gets something they want. Theyre sending us goods and were sending them green pieces of paper, says Patrick Newport, U.S. economist for forecasting firm IHS Global Insight. I dont see how thats a loss.

Trump's numbers, incidentally, are off. Here are the U.S. trade deficits with each country in 2015:

China: $366 billion

Japan: $69 billion

Mexico: $58 billion

Those numbers might seem high, but in an $18 trillion economy, they don't really worry economists. What does worry economists is Trump's plan to slap tariffs of 35% to 45% on imports from China and Mexico, a tax that would be passed along almost entirely to consumers. Trump's logic seems to be this: Low-wage countries where workers get paid a fraction of U.S. wages are basically undercutting American workers, and therefore ought to be punished. But his tariffs would punish Americans too, especially lower-income consumers who benefit most from cheap imports. Most economists decry the kind of protectionism Trump is calling for, because it props up inefficient firms, reduces the incentive to innovate and depresses living standards over time.

Story continues

Even so, free trade has been controversial for years, especially during downturns when it seems like Americans who lose their jobs are suffering at the expense of foreign workers gaining jobs, usually for less pay. Trump is only the latest populist to blame unfair trade practices for the plight of many Americans who feel theyre falling behind. And he calls out name-brand companies who have recently decided to locate major facilities outside the U.S., including Ford (F), Carrier (UTX) and Nabisco (MDLZ).

Free trade can be tough to defend because the benefits to Americanscheaper goods, stronger purchasing power and a more efficient economyare spread broadly across the entire population. And those benefits are often intangible. Yet the costs of free trade, such as an individual companys decision to close a U.S. factory and move it overseas, create concentrated loss thats intuitively easy to understand. Free trade creates far more winners than losers, but the losers are more visible and often, more vocal.

The evidence that free trade has harmed the overall U.S. economy, however, is very thin. The United States has had an overall trade deficitbuying more stuff from foreigners than it sells to themevery year since 1976. Here's the data since 1960, with positive numbers being a surplus and negative numbers being a deficit:

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis

Prolonged trade deficits obviously didnt interfere with terrific booms in the late 1980s and late 1990s. The trade deficit peaked in 2006 at $762 billion, which was about 5.5% of GDP. That year was also the peak of the credit-fueled housing and spending boom; Americans were spending too much on imports because they were spending too much on everything--and borrowing to pay for it.

The trade deficit today has fallen to about $540 billion, or roughly 3% of GDPnothing to worry about, most economists say. Its true that incomes have stagnated and part of the middle class is falling behind. But thats happening everywhereincluding China and Mexicoand theres no reason to think trade is to blame. Our economy is doing better than any economy in the world right now, Newport says. If you grade on a curve, the United States gets an A. Were not losing jobs to China or Mexico.

Job growth, in fact, has been strong, with employers adding 242,000 jobs in January, slightly above the average of about 205,000 new jobs each month during the last year. Incomes are starting to rise and the portion of high-paying jobs in the economy is rising, according to Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at consulting firm RSM. If Trump's tariffs and other protectionist measures ever went into effect, they would harm most workers before helpeing them, if they helped at all. The logic might work if applied selectively in a rousing campaign speech, but in the real world, it fails.

Rick Newmans latest book is Liberty for All: A Manifesto for Reclaiming Financial and Political Freedom. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman.
At last night's Republican debate, a new issue surfaced when candidate Donald J. Trump responded to Sen. Marco Rubio's previous remark about the size of certain body parts.

"And he [Rubio] referred to my hands: 'If they're small, something else must be small.' I guarantee you there's no problem. I guarantee," Trump said.

Although news organizations have understandably decided to pass on fact-checking this claim, it does raise a scientific question: Is the size of a man's hands related to the size of his manhood? [8 Wild Facts About the Penis]

There have been conflicting results about this question, said Debby Herbenick, a sex researcher at Indiana University.

Some studies have found a correlation between finger length and penis size, and others have not, Herbenick told Live Science. But these studies look at groups of people, not individuals, she said. Certainly, you'll find people with big hands and small penises, small hands and big penises, and every other combination in the real world, she said.

A 2011 study, for example, suggests that there may, in fact, be a link between hand size and penis size. The study, published in the Asian Journal of Andrology, found that the ratio between a man's index finger and ring finger was linked to penis size. Specifically, the researchers found that having mismatched index and ring fingers (meaning these two fingers are different lengths) was linked to having a longer penis.

The association is not as out-of-left-field as it may seem. Some research suggests that testosterone exposure in the womb may play a role in both penis size and finger length, although more studies are needed to confirm this idea, the researchers said.

How big are we talking?

In a 2013 study, researchers found that the average American man's penis is 5.6 inches (14.2 centimeters) long when erect. But there's a great deal of variability. In the study, the researchers found that the shortest penis measured 1.5 inches (4 cm), while the longest measured 10.3 inches (26.2 cm).

Story continues

Given the range of sizes, it's no surprise that a European condom company, TheyFit LLC, set out to broaden the playing field in 2011 by offering an array of condoms in 95 different sizes.

But, as the age-old question goes, does size really matter?

According to a 2012 study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, the answer is yes  well, for some women that is. In particular, women who have frequent vaginal orgasms are more likely than other women to say they climax more easily with men with larger penises, according to the study.

"Male anxiety about penis size may not reflect internalized, culturally arbitrary masculine stereotypes but an accurate appreciation that size matters to many women," study researcher Stuart Brody, a psychologist at the University of the West of Scotland, told Live Science in 2012.

But men need not fret if they aren't well endowed. There's also a great deal of variability in women's size preferences, Barry Komisaruk, who researches female sexual response at Rutgers University, told Live Science at the time.

Another study, from 2013, found that penis size is a bigger factor for taller men. In the study, the researchers found that a larger penis had a greater effect on how attractive taller men were to women.

Of course, on the question of whether size matters for the Office of the President, well  "whatever your genitals look like, it just doesn't matter," Herbenick said.

Follow Sara G. Miller on Twitter @SaraGMiller. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Originally published on Live Science.

Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
DIKILI, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkish authorities on Saturday detained at least two human traffickers after they shuttled some 120 Syrian refugees to the Aegean coast in a sign Turkey may be stepping up efforts to curb the flow of migrants to Europe. Gendarmes stopped the group, mostly made up of women and children, on a beach near a wooded area by the village of Bademli, located across from the Greek island of Lesbos, a Reuters witness said. The raid occurred on the eve of a summit in Brussels Monday at which Turkey and the EU will tackle the migrant crisis after more than a million people fleeing turmoil in the Middle East, Africa and Asia sought safety and prosperity in Europe in 2015. The influx has revealed political faultlines among European Union states and threatened the bloc's open-border policy. Europe wants candidate country Turkey to step up security along its coast and take back migrants caught at sea to help reduce the flow of refugees to the EU. In exchange it has pledged 3 billion euros ($3.3 billion) in funds to help Turkey with the 2.7 million Syrian refugees it hosts. President Tayyip Erdogan late on Friday accused the EU of dragging its feet on the funds four months. "You can pay up or not, we have not closed our door to refugees like Westerners have. We've kept it open," Erdogan said, adding he wants to build a city for refugees in northern Syria near the Turkish border with international money but has not received concrete support for the plan from other countries. On the coast, at least one trafficker escaped on foot, while officers towed away the half-dozen or so minibuses they had driven to the coast. The refugees, who included a pregnant women and newborns, were bussed back to the port city of Izmir. One Syrian who appeared to be in his 30s said he was forced to attempt the route because of a lack of opportunity in Turkey. "It's not bad here but there is no work. I have relatives in Germany and will go to be with them," he said, declining to give his name. Separately, news media reported that Turkey had shut its last open border gate with Syria to all traffic except for humanitarian aid convoys and Syrians wishing to leave. The report on CNN Turk did not give a reason for the decision to shut the Cilvegozu gate in Turkey's southern Hatay province, located across from Syria's Bab al-Hawa. (Reporting by Umit Bektas; writing by Ayla Jean Yackley; Editing by Ros Russell)
Istanbul (AFP) - A leading Turkish newspaper opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and seized by authorities warned of the "darkest days" in the history of the press in a defiant edition Saturday as police used rubber bullets to disperse a new protest.

The late-night swoop against the Zaman newspaper raised fresh concerns over declining media freedoms in Turkey, a key European Union ally, ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Brussels Monday for a crucial summit meeting with EU leaders.

Zaman, closely linked to Erdogan's arch-foe, the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, was placed on Friday under administration after a court order which critics said was another attempt to silence opposition media.

"The Constitution is suspended," the newspaper, which managed to print its latest issue despite the takeover, said on its front page in large font on a black background.

"Yesterday (Friday) marked one of the darkest days in the history of Turkish press," it said.

Turkish riot police on Saturday fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse a new protest by the newspaper's supporters outside its Istanbul headquarters.

"Free press cannot be silenced," a group of demonstrators shouted.

Police used large amounts of tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets to disperse around 500 people, an AFP photographer at the scene reported.

Zaman, with an estimated circulation of 650,000, went to print earlier than usual on Friday evening before the police raid and the number of its pages was reduced to 16 from 24, one of its journalists said.

- EU warning -

Sevgi Akarcesme, the editor-in-chief of the paper's English language edition Today's Zaman, said on Twitter on Saturday that the raided building had had all Internet connections cut.

"We are not able to work anymore," she wrote.

During Friday's raid, police first cleared protesters with tear gas and water cannon, then used bolt-cutters to open the gates before dozens of officers marched in to take over the building and formally place it under administration, media images showed.

Story continues

Once the building was cleared, court-appointed administrators were bussed inside the complex to begin their work, local media reported.

The new administrators on Saturday fired Zaman's editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici, press reports said.

The raid prompted a worried response from the European Union, which urged Ankara to respect media freedom.

"The EU has repeatedly stressed that Turkey, as (an EU) candidate country, needs to respect and promote high democratic standards and practices, including freedom of the media," the EU's diplomatic service said in a statement.

- 'Veiled move'-

The Russian foreign ministry called for a probe by the international community including the Council of Europe into the crackdown.

"It is essential that Ankara respect European and international requirements concerning freedom of speech and freedom of press," a ministry spokeswoman said.

Washington also urged Turkey to protect freedom of speech, saying the court order was "the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by the Turkish government targeting media outlets and others critical of it."

Emma Sinclair-Webb, senior Turkey researcher for Human Rights Watch, called the court order "a veiled move by the president to eradicate opposition media and scrutiny of government policies."

Ankara accuses Gulen of running what it calls the Fethullahci Terror Organisation/Parallel State Structure (FeTO/PDY) and seeking to overthrow the legitimate Turkish authorities.

Local media said the court order was issued on the grounds that Zaman supported the activities of this "terror organisation".

Gulen has been based in the United States since 1999 when he fled charges against him laid by the former secular authorities.

Despite living outside of Turkey, Gulen has built up huge influence in the country through allies in the police and judiciary, media and financial interests and a vast network of cramming schools.

There have been numerous legal crackdowns on structures linked to the group and on Friday Turkish police arrested four executives of one of the country's largest conglomerates, accusing them of financing Gulen.

The Zaman seizure is the latest incident to raise concerns about freedom of expression in Turkey under Erdogan's rule.

The daily Cumhuriyet newspaper's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul were released on an order from Turkey's top court last week after three months in jail on charges of publishing state secrets.

But they still face trial on March 25.
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkey's top-selling Zaman newspaper published a defiant edition Saturday warning of the "darkest days" in the history of the press after authorities seized control of its headquarters in a dramatic late-night raid by riot police.

The swoop against the paper, staunchly opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, caused immediate concern in Washington and Brussels over declining media freedoms in Turkey, a key EU ally.

It came ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Brussels Monday for a crucial summit meeting with EU leaders,

Police fired tear gas and water cannon just before midnight Friday at a hundreds-strong crowd that had formed outside the headquarters of the Zaman daily in Istanbul following a court order issued earlier in the day, an AFP photographer said.

Zaman, closely linked to Erdogan's arch-foe, the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, was ordered into administration by the court on the request of Istanbul prosecutors, the state-run Anatolia news agency said.

"The Constitution is suspended," the newspaper, which managed to print its latest issue after the violent takeover, said on its front page in large font on a black background.

"The Turkish press has experienced one of the darkest days in its history," it added.

"Turkey's mass circulation newspaper was seized despite Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's assurance that 'free press is our redline.'"

Shortly before midnight (2200 GMT), a team of police arrived with two Turkish-made TOMA water cannon trucks, which are used by the police and exported to several countries.

They advanced military style towards the waiting supporters, firing the freezing water directly at them.

Using bolt-cutters to unlock the iron gate in front of the building, dozens of police then marched into the premises to seize the headquarters and formally place it under administration, pushing aside anyone who stood in their way, media images showed.

Story continues

Once the building was cleared, the court-appointed administrators -- lawyers Tahsin Kaplan and Metin Ilhan and writer Sezai Sengonul -- were bussed inside the complex to begin their work, Anatolia said.

- 'Extremely worried'-

EU enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn said he was "extremely worried" about the move "which jeopardises progress" made by Turkey in other areas.

He warned on Twitter that Turkey, which is a long-standing candidate to join the European Union, needs to "respect the freedom of the media" and rights were "not negotiable".

The president of the European Parliament Martin Schulz tweeted the seizure was "yet another blow to press freedom in Turkey" and said he planned to raise the issue on Monday.

The United States said the court order was "the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by the Turkish government targeting media outlets and others critical of it."

"We urge Turkish authorities to ensure their actions uphold the universal democratic values enshrined in their own constitution, including freedom of speech and especially freedom of the press," State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

The newspaper's employees began their job on Saturday morning under tight police scrutiny, the AFP photographer reported. The employees formed queues at the entrance for identity control.

A crowd of around 150 supporters gathered outside the building, holding the newspaper's latest issue in a show of solidarity.

- Crackdowns -

Ankara accuses Gulen of running what it calls the Fethullahci Terror Organisation/Parallel State Structure (FeTO/PDY) and seeking to overthrow the legitimate Turkish authorities.

Anatolia said the court order was issued on the grounds that Zaman supported the activities of this "terror organisation".

Gulen has been based in the United States since 1999 when he fled charges against him laid by the former secular authorities.

Despite living outside of Turkey, Gulen built up huge influence in the country through allies in the police and judiciary, media and financial interests and a vast network of cramming schools.

There have been numerous legal crackdowns on structures linked to the group and on Friday Turkish police arrested four executives of one of the country's largest conglomerates, accusing them of financing Gulen.

Gulen supporters decry the accusations as ridiculous, saying all he leads is a more informal group known as Hizmet (Service).

The effective seizure of the newspaper by the state added to concerns over freedom of expression in Turkey under Erdogan's rule.

The daily Cumhuriyet newspaper's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul were released on an order from Turkey's top court last week after three months in jail on charges of publishing state secrets.

But they still face trial on March 25.

Meanwhile almost 2,000 journalists, bloggers and ordinary citizens, including high school students, have found themselves prosecuted on accusations of insulting Erdogan.

Independent pro-Kurdish television channel IMC TV was taken off air in Turkey last weekend following accusations that it broadcast "terrorist propaganda" for militants.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish police fired tear gas and used water cannon on a crowd to forcibly enter the country's top-selling newspaper on Friday after a court ordered its confiscation, live web footage showed. Several hundred supporters had gathered outside Zaman newspaper to protest the ruling which state media said was issued following a request by a prosecutor investigating U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. Gulen, once a close ally of President Tayyip Erdogan, now stands accused of plotting to topple the government after a corruption scandal was leaked in 2013 by police suspected of belonging to his religious movement. (Reporting by Ayla Jean Yackley; Editing by Dominic Evans)
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish police on Friday raided the premises of a daily newspaper staunchly opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, using tear gas and water cannon to disperse supporters and enter the building to impose a court order placing the media business under administration.

Police fired the tear gas and water cannon to move away a hundreds-strong crowd that had formed outside the headquarters of the Zaman newspaper in Istanbul following the court order that was issued earlier in the day, an AFP photographer said.

Zaman, closely linked to Erdogan's arch-foe the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, was ordered into administration by the court on the request of Istanbul prosecutors, the state-run Anatolia news agency said.

There was no immediate official explanation for the court's decision. The move means the court will appoint new managers to run the newspaper, who will be expected to transform its editorial line.

Hundreds of supporters had gathered outside the paper's headquarters in Istanbul awaiting the arrival of bailiffs and security forces after the court order.

"We will fight for a free press," and "We will not remain silent" said placards held by protestors, according to live images broadcast on the pro-Gulen Samanyolu TV.

"Democracy will continue and free media will not be silent," Zaman's editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici was quoted as saying by the Cihan news agency outside its headquarters.

"I believe that free media will continue even if we have to write on the walls. I don't think it is possible to silence media in the digital age," he told Cihan, part of the Zaman media group.

- 'Series of troubling actions' -

But shortly before midnight (2200 GMT), a team of police arrived with two TOMA water cannon trucks and dispersed the crowds also using tear gas.

Police then marched into the premises of the newspaper to seize the headquarters and formally place it under administration.

Story continues

The court order had already aroused the concern of the United States, which said it was "the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by the Turkish government targeting media outlets and others critical of it."

"We urge Turkish authorities to ensure their actions uphold the universal democratic values enshrined in their own constitution, including freedom of speech and especially freedom of the press," State Department spokesman John Kirby said.

Gulen has been based in the United States since 1999 when he fled charges against him laid by the former secular authorities.

Turkey has asked the United States to extradite him but Washington has shown little appetite for doing so.

Despite living outside of Turkey, Gulen built up huge influence in the country through allies in the police and judiciary, media and financial interests and a vast network of cramming schools.

Ankara now accuses Gulen of running what it calls the Fethullahaci Terror Organisation/Parallel State Structure (FeTO/PDY) and seeking to overthrow the legitimate Turkish authorities.

There have been numerous legal crackdowns on structures linked to the group and on Friday Turkish police arrested four executives of one of the country's largest conglomerates, accusing them of financing Gulen.

Boydak Holding group president Haci Boydak, director general Memduh Boydak and two board members were questioned at their homes in the central city of Kayseri.

Gulen supporters decry the accusations as ridiculous, saying all he leads is a more informal group known as Hizmet (Service).

- 'Just before EU summit' -

The effective seizure of the newspaper by the state comes amid growing concerns over freedom of expression in Turkey under Erdogan's rule.

The daily Cumhuriyet newspaper's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul were released on an order from Turkey's top court last week after three months in jail on charges of publishing state secrets.

But they still face trial on March 25.

Meanwhile almost 2,000 journalists, bloggers and ordinary citizens, including high school students, have found themselves prosecuted on accusations of insulting Erdogan.

Independent pro-Kurdish television channel IMV TV was taken off air in Turkey last weekend following accusations that it broadcast "terrorist propaganda" for militants.

The raid on Zaman comes as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu heads to Brussels Monday for a crucial summit meeting with EU leaders. The news of the court decision broke as Erdogan was holding talks in Istanbul with EU President Donald Tusk.

Critics have accused the EU of turning a blind eye to the situation with media freedom in Turkey in exchange for Ankara's cooperation in the refugee crisis.

However the government angrily dismisses allegations it is cracking down on the press, saying the cases against Cumhuriyet and pro-Gulen media have nothing to do with freedom of expression.
By Laura Zuckerman (Reuters) - U.S. land managers on Friday rejected a plan that could have opened the way for housing and commercial expansion near the Grand Canyons celebrated South Rim, a surprise decision that was decried by developers but praised by environmental groups. The plan submitted by the town of Tusayan, a community of about 600 residents on the outskirts of Arizonas most famous national park, called for shops, restaurants, hotels and more than 2,000 homes on acreage near the South Rim. But the development, which was to include 3 million square feet of commercial space, was contingent on the U.S. Forest Service agreeing to road upgrades and utility installations on national forest land adjoining the park. In a letter delivered to Tusayan on Friday, Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio said the application for those improvements had failed to meet minimal requirements under the forests overall mandate to protect the adjacent national park and tribal lands. Eric Duthie, town manager of Tusayan, said the decision took the community and its development partners by surprise and dealt a severe blow to attempts to provide much-needed additional housing. "The Forest Service made the decision unilaterally. Its quite shocking and it's just not fair," he said. Environmental groups that had opposed the development hailed the decision for protecting natural and water resources. This is a great day for Grand Canyon National Park, and those who love its stunning vistas, abundant wildlife and rich cultural heritage, said Ted Zukowski, attorney for Earthjustice, a non-profit environmental law group. The development plan ignited heated debate when the town and its Italian partners in 2014 asked federal land managers for permission to construct paved roads and related infrastructure near a World Heritage Site valued for its famed multi-hued canyons sculpted over millions of years by water and wind erosion. Provencio said in her letter that the proposed project had generated tens of thousands of public comments, mostly in opposition. I have determined that the Tusayan proposal is deeply controversial, is opposed by local and national communities, would stress local and park infrastructure, and have untold impacts to the surrounding tribal and national park lands, she said. Provencio added that the freshwater drinking system now serving the Grand Canyon was marginally capable of meeting current needs and would be unable to absorb additional ones tied to the development. (Reporting by Laura Zuckerman from Salmon, Idaho; Editing by Dan Whitcomb, David Gregorio and Nick Macfie)
By Lisa Barrington BEIRUT (Reuters) - A total of 135 people were killed in the first week of a partial truce in Syria in areas covered by the deal, a monitoring group said on Saturday, highlighting its fragile nature just days before the United Nations attempts to reconvene peace talks. U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura said the talks, originally due to begin on Monday in Geneva, would get off to a staggered start later in the week, with delegates arriving from Wednesday onwards. The U.N. said the delay was due to "logistical and technical reasons and also for the ceasefire to better settle down". "I see us beginning on (Thursday) March 10 when we will launch the process," de Mistura said in an interview with pan-Arab newspaper Al Hayat. A pro-Damascus Lebanese TV channel, al-Mayadeen, reported from its own sources that talks had been moved to March 13. Reuters could not independently verify this. The five-year Syrian civil war has killed more than a quarter of a million people and created a massive refugee crisis in Lebanon, Turkey and the European Union. The partial truce, drawn up by Washington and Moscow, came into force a week ago and has slowed the pace of the war, although it does not include Islamic State militants or the al Qaeda-linked Nusra Front. The opposition is dissatisfied with the implementation of the deal and has yet to say whether it will attend the new talks. Fighting continues in many parts of Syria, and rebels say the Syrian government, backed by Russian air power and fighters from Iranian-backed Hezbollah, has kept up attacks on strategically important frontlines. Fighting has also continued between rebel groups and Kurdish-backed forces in north Aleppo, and between rebel groups and Islamic State. On Saturday Islamic State regained control of a border crossing with Iraq seized by a group of rebels on Friday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The Observatory said 135 people have been killed in areas covered by the 'cessation of hostilities' agreement since it came into force on Feb. 27. In areas not covered by the truce, 552 people were killed, said the Britain-based group, which tracks the conflict via sources on the ground. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in a phone conversation late on Friday, called for a prompt start to the peace negotiations, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "The two sides called to start the negotiations as soon as possible... between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the opposition, during which the Syrians themselves should determine the future of their country," the ministry said. ASSAD'S DEPARTURE Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, whose country backs the rebels, said on Saturday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must leave at the beginning of a political transition, not at the end. "For us it is very clear it's at the beginning of the process, not at the end of the process, it's not going to be 18 months," Jubeir said during a visit to France. Assad, however, enjoys firm backing from Iran and Russia and his military position has strengthened, especially since Russia entered the war by launching waves of air strikes last September. The United States and other Western governments that previously called for the president's early departure have quietly backed away from that demand. De Mistura attempted to convene peace talks in January, but these failed before they had even started in earnest. The new talks will be conducted indirectly, not face-to-face, he told Al Hayat. The fall-off in violence has made aid deliveries easier in some areas of the country, but de Mistura said the Syrian government should be processing aid faster. "Lorries are waiting for 36 hours," he said. "And medical aid must be allowed." On Wednesday the World Health Organization said Syrian officials had rejected the delivery of medical supplies, including trauma and burn kits and antibiotics, in a convoy to the besieged town of Moadamiya two days earlier. Syrian opposition coordinator Riad Hijab said on Friday conditions for talks were "not favorable" and medical and food supplies were being blocked despite the truce. On Saturday, the opposition Syrian National Coalition, which is part of the main Saudi-backed opposition High Negotiations Committee, said it had named a new president. Anas Abda will replace Khaled Khoja as head of the group, the SNC said in a statement on its Twitter account. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington in Beirut and Omar Fahmy in Cairo, Lidia Kelly in Moscow and Leigh Thomas in Paris; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Ros Russell)
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States is pushing the United Nations Security Council to call for the repatriation of peacekeepers if there is a pattern of sexual exploitation and abuse by troops of a certain nationality or if a country fails to investigate accusations. The United Nations reported 99 allegations of sexual exploitation or sexual abuse against U.N. staff members across the U.N. system last year, a sharp increase from the 80 allegations in 2014. The majority - 69 in all - involved personnel in 10 peacekeeping missions. Officials from the U.S. mission to the United Nations said they are drafting a Security Council resolution to use "the leverage of repatriation to really get member states ... to take this with the utmost seriousness that they should." "There is general agreement among Security Council members that we have a problem and we're having good discussions about what to do about it," said one U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Most recently there have been dozens of abuse accusations against international troops in Central African Republic (CAR). The United Nations pledged to crack down on allegations of abuse to avoid a repeat of past mistakes. The previous head of the U.N. mission in Central African Republic, Babacar Gaye, resigned last August and some 800 Congolese peacekeepers were repatriated last month. The U.N. report released on Friday said there were seven accusations of sexual abuse against Congolese troops in CAR last year. U.S. officials said the draft U.N. resolution "specifically calls for countries that have either a pattern of abuse or evidence of non-responsiveness in terms of dealing with SEA (sexual exploitation and abuse) allegations" to have their troops repatriated. The United Nations currently has 106,000 troops and police serving in 16 peacekeeping missions. The United States pays for more than 28 percent of the more than $8.2 billion U.N. peacekeeping budget. A senior U.S. official said sexual exploitation and abuse allegations against U.N. troops "undermine not only peacekeeping missions but really the credibility of the U.N." "We're the largest financial contributor to peacekeeping and have an enormous vested interest in seeing peacekeeping be effective, being credible and actually doing what it is supposed to do, which is to protect civilians," the official said. Diplomats said the United States was planning to circulate its draft resolution to the 15-member council on Friday. They said the United States had also asked U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to brief the Security Council on the issue next week. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
LONDON (Reuters) - The director general of the British Chambers of Commerce has been suspended after he called for Britain to leave the European Union, against the wishes of most of the organisation's members, the Financial Times reported on Saturday. The newspaper said John Longworth had told reporters on Thursday that Britain would be better off leaving the 28-member bloc, comments directly at odds with the majority of BCC members who want to stay in, according to its own research. The FT said that after an emergency board meeting on Friday Longworth was suspended for breaching the BCC's official position of neutrality on the issue. A spokesman for the BCC, which represents thousands of British businesses, declined to comment. Britain will hold a referendum on whether to stay in the EU on June 23. Opinion polls show voters split almost 50-50 on whether to stay in the bloc or leave. The ruling Conservative Party is deeply divided on the EU issue, with Prime Minister David Cameron and London Mayor Boris Johnson the respective figureheads of the 'in' and 'out' camps. Companies such as BP and GlaxoSmithKline have cautioned that Britain's $2.9 trillion economy would face years of uncertain negotiations if voters chose to divorce, while Goldman Sachs said sterling could fall by as much as a fifth. But members of Britain's 'out' campaign say such warnings are overblown and that Britain would prosper if it broke free. In his speech at the BCC's annual conference on Thursday, Longworth said the organisation was not going to campaign on either side of the EU debate but gave his "personal observations". "In the long run we have the capacity and capability to create a bright, if not brighter, economic future outside of the EU just as we would have done had we had the opportunity to stay in a truly reformed Europe," he said. (Reporting by James Davey, additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Adrian Croft)
Mopti (Mali) (AFP) - A UN Security Council delegation visiting Mali on Saturday called for faster implementation of a peace deal agreed last year, amid ongoing jihadist violence.

Representatives of the 15 Security Council members met Prime Minister Modibo Keita in the capital Bamako on Saturday before heading for talks with regional authorities in the centre and northwest.

French delegate Francois Delattre said the Security Council's main message was "that the priority now is to implement the peace accord, to speed up the implementation of this accord... above all on the ground".

A landmark peace agreement was reached last year between the Mali government and Tuareg-led rebels, but jihadist violence has intensified on the ground and the handling of a return to peace has been criticised by the international community.

Mali's vast, desolate north continues to be beset by violence, having fallen under the control of Tuareg-led rebels and jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012.

The Islamists sidelined the rebels to take sole control, and although they were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013, extremist groups still pose a threat.
Khartoum (AFP) - Veteran Sudan Islamist opposition leader Hassan al-Turabi, one of the fiercest critics of President Omar al-Bashir's government, died of a heart attack on Saturday aged 84, a medical source said.

Turabi was taken to the intensive care unit of Khartoum's Royal Care hospital "after suffering a heart attack in the morning and died" there, the source told AFP.

As news of his death became known, state television interrupted its regular programming and broadcast Islamic verses from the Koran that are recited for the dead.

A key figure in Bashir's regime for a decade after his 1989 coup, Turabi later became one of its fiercest critics and led the opposition in urging a Tunisia-style uprising.

He was detained in May 2010, a month after Sudan's first competitive polls since 1986 for denouncing the election as fraudulent.

Turabi was the only Sudanese politician to support a warrant issued for Bashir's arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide over the regime's conduct of the conflict in Darfur.

After breaking ranks with Bashir he formed his own party, the Popular Congress Party.

Turabi was detained several times over a career spanning four decades, including in January 2009 two days after he urged Bashir to surrender to the ICC.

An ideologue with influence beyond Sudan's borders, Turabi was one of the driving forces behind the introduction of Islamic sharia law in Sudan in 1983, which sparked a devastating 22-year civil war with the mainly Christian, African south that cost an estimated two million lives.

The Western-educated Turabi held a master's degree in law from London and a doctorate from Sorbonne University in Paris.

He spoke English, French and German fluently as well as Arabic, and his language skills helped him gain access to foreign news media through which he issued repeated calls for an international Islamic revolution.
(Reuters) - A Washington state woman was found guilty on Friday of murdering six family members during a Christmas Eve gathering in 2007 after a dispute over money, prosecutors and a newspaper said.

Michele Anderson, 37, of Carnation, was convicted on six counts of aggravated first-degree murder, the King County prosecuting attorney's office said on its Facebook page.

The Seattle Times reported the King County Superior Court jury found Anderson guilty of gunning down her brother, sister-in-law, their two children, ages 5 and 3, and her parents in the parents' home.

Anderson will spend the rest of her life in prison, the newspaper said.

Andersons former boyfriend, Joseph McEnroe, was convicted almost a year ago in the murders and was sentenced to six life terms.

The jury heard testimony from 38 prosecution witnesses during the five-week trial. Anderson's defense team rested its case without calling any witnesses.

Detectives said Anderson and McEnroe provided lengthy confessions, the Seattle Times said. Anderson was angry with her brother for refusing to pay back $40,000 she told investigators he borrowed from her.

Trial testimony showed that she was angry at her parents for taking her brothers side and for asking that she and McEnroe start paying rent, and for utilities and car insurance, after living rent-free in a mobile home on the parents' property, the newspaper said.

Prosecutors could not be reached immediately for details.

(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Jeff Mason WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes will travel to Miami next week to meet with leaders from the Cuban-American community to allay concerns about Obama's historic trip to Cuba later this month, a White House official told Reuters. "Miami has long been at the heart of the Cuban-American community, and this trip will provide an opportunity to continue the important dialogue about the president's efforts to normalize relations with Cuba," the official said. Rhodes, who helped negotiate the thaw in Washington's relations with the island nation, will meet with human rights advocates, religious leaders, and private sector representatives during his March 11 trip. Obama goes to Havana in mid-March in what will be the first visit by a U.S. president to the Caribbean nation since 1928. Republicans and some leaders in the Cuban-American community oppose the trip, believing it will give legitimacy to the island's Communist government. Rhodes will seek to allay those concerns and discuss what the president hopes to achieve by going to Havana, the official said. Obama plans to meet with dissidents as well as President Raul Castro during his stay in Cuba. (Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Sandra Maler)
We have a very serious political problem in this country. Our system of government works best when it is balanced between roughly equal political parties, one on the center-right and the other on the center-left.



Unfortunately, what we have is a centrist Democratic Party and a far-right Republican Party . Therefore, the system is out of balance, creating gridlock even as the public cries out for action on serious problems such as our deteriorating public infrastructure, epitomized by that in Flint, Michigan.

I believe that Republicans made a deal with the devil in 2009 when they embraced the Tea Party , a populist group who were just mad as hell and weren't going to take it anymore. In Congress , the Tea Party has been aggressive in destroying all the norms that made it work for more than 200 years.



The government was shut down, increases in the debt limit are constantly at risk, nominations to even the most minor administration positions are blocked and, now, the president has been denied the opportunity, which is his right under the Constitution, to name a new justice to the Supreme Court .



Flush with such "victories," extremists of all shapes and sizes were attracted to the Tea Party ranksChristian religious fanatics, gun nuts, anti-gay bigots, nativists opposed to all nonwhite immigrants, secessionists, conspiracy theorists and, of course, racists.

What binds them together is hatred. Hatred of government, yes, but also hatred of liberals, minorities, homosexuals, non-fundamentalist Christians, environmentalists, feminists, and many other groups.

Donald Trump , to his credit, figured this out instinctively and pandered to it brilliantly. He channeled the anger and hatred of many whites on the fringes of the economy and society who blame "others" for stagnant wages and other real problems that Republican gridlock in Washington has prevented legislative action on.

Trump understood that these people didn't so much want solutions to these problems as someone in power to acknowledge their existence and give voice to their frustrations.

Story continues

Nature abhors a vacuum and also abhors gridlock. Gridlock, in turn, creates fertile soil for fascismthe simplistic desire to get stuff done, much of which does need to get doneregardless of the political cost.

Trump taps into this desire very, very well with his long and carefully developed persona as a brilliant businessman who gets things done. He was perfectly positioned to capitalize on the true populist nature of the Tea Party, which cannot be easily characterized as either right or left in terms of policy.





Trump offers them a mishmash of left and right policiesattacks on the war in Iraq and promises of new public infrastructure for the left along with right-wing favorites such as big tax cuts and a wall across the Mexican border.

Trump's opponents never figured him out and now it is too late as he is poised to win the Republican nomination. Many in the Republican establishment are horrified, fearing that he will lead the party to a historic defeat in November. I agree with their fears and that is why I voted for Trump in my state's primary on Super Tuesday.

Read More Super Tuesday takeaways: Winners, losers & questions



I believe that only when the GOP suffers a massive defeat will it purge itself of the crazies and forces of intolerance that have taken control of it. Then, and only then, can the GOP become a center-right governing party that deserves to occupy the White House.

The death of today's Republican Party is, therefore, necessary to its survival, in my opinion. And Donald Trump can make it happen, which is why I voted for him.

Commentary by Bruce Bartlett, who served as domestic policy adviser to Ronald Reagan and a Treasury Department official under George H.W.Bush. He also worked on Capitol Hill for the late Rep. Jack Kemp. He is now a writer living in Virginia. Follow him on Twitter @BruceBartlett.



For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion onTwitter.





More From CNBC


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.
No drugs in Asamis system

The toxicology results, made available to Newsday on Thursday, showed no traces whatsoever of any narcotic agent or poison in the womans system. Newsday understands that Forensic pathologists are awaiting results from another test to ascertain if sexual assault took place shortly before or after Nagakiyas murder. The autopsy, done at the Forensic Science Centre in St James, revealed she was killed when someone used their bare hands to squeeze her throat, blocking off air to her lungs (manual strangulation).

Newsday understands that police officers investigating the murder of the popular Japanese pannist are still searching for a man in his 30s who they believe could assist them in solving the case. She was last seen captured in a CCTV camera footage walking out of an apartment complex where she lived at Picton Street, Newtown with a man known to her.

On Ash Wednesday, a CEPEP worker found the body of Nagakiya still clad in her Carnival costume close to a tree stump opposite Queens Royal College in the Savannah. The body bore marks of violence about the face, lips, hands and legs. However police do not believe that Nagakiya put up a struggle with her attacker or attackers because they did not find any traces of blood or human flesh under her nails.

The body of Nagakiya was flown to Japan two Saturdays ago for final rites. Nagakiya, who visited Trinidad for several years every Carnival, had written of her deep love for this country, its culture and its people.
Man found dead in abandoned house

Police described him as a street-dweller who was a suspect in several petty thefts.

According to reports, at about 8.30 am, Western Division police were informed that the body of a man was found lying face down in the abandoned house.

When a party of officers led by Superintendent Neville Adams arrived on the scene, the man was found bare backed, wearing a blue boxer shorts and lying face down.

The body was viewed by a District Medical Officer and ordered removed to the Forensic Science Centre, St James for an autopsy.

Initial checks revealed that the victim may have been shot to death. Investigations are continuing by officers of the Homicide Bureau.
Coast Guard seize $777,000 worth of drugs

In a release, the TTCG said it intercepted two men on a pirogue.

Upon inspection, they found 22 packs of marijuana weighing 8.2 kilogrammes (kg) with a street value of $124,200. They also found one pack of cocaine with an approximate street value of $472,000.

On the second interception, the TTCG held another two men after they were suspected of dumping a quantity of narcotics into the sea from their pirogue.

Twenty-two packs of marijuana weighing 12.1 kg with an estimated street value of $181,500 was recovered from the water. The four men and the illegal narcotics were handed over to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, Organised Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB), and the Customs and Excise Division, for further questioning and processing.
Venezuelan talks of Trini criminals

Yennimar Maria Yepez Rojas, 22, pleaded guilty to entering Trinidad illegally on Wednesday night at a place that is not an official port of entry and failing to report to an Immigration officer.

As the woman stood in the San Fernando Magistrates court in handcuffs, the court police prosecutor said that Rojas arrived aboard a fishing boat on a beach in south Trinidad at 2 am on Wednesday.

Magistrate Margaret Alert began to ask Rojas questions through Spanish interpreter Moonilal Ragbir.

The accused related that she is an assistant teacher, but was told wages were higher in Trinidad and this motivated her to take up an offer to work here, for just three or four days, but as a cleaner. She said that when she came off the boat, she was placed into a vehicle.

On her way through a lonely road in the night, the car was stopped by another vehicle.

Rojas said, through the interpreter, that she became afraid and believed they were bandits.

Rojas continued telling the magistrate, with WPC Hema Singh from the Immigration Department who laid the charge seated in court, that she unlocked the door of the vehicle and fled into the bushes. It was 2 am.

I opened the side door and ran out, interpreter Ragbir quoted the woman as saying.

Rojas began to weep in the courtroom, and the magistrate warned her about the danger she had exposed herself to. Rojas continued that while hiding in the bushes, she heard gunshots and men calling on her to come out of the bushes.

Rojas hid in the bushes throughout the night, until 7.45 am when a resident in Los Iros Beach Road telephoned the police.

Alert reprimanded and discharged the woman on the charges after Singh confirmed that she (Rojas) would be sent back to Venezuela by Immigration authorities.
Woman in court for choking her sister

The accused, Vidya Roopnarine, appeared yesterday before Magistrate Margaret Alert, who presides over the San Fernando Fourth Magistrates Court, to answer the charge .

The charge, as read in open court, alleges that on Sunday August 2, last year, at Samai Trace, Debe, Roopnarine unlawfully assaulted Sharda Roopnarine by choking. Sharda, is a Woman Police Constable, posted in the South Western Division. The accused yesterday pleaded not guilty .

The charge alleged that the sisters had an altercation during which Roopnarine choked Sharda .

Cpl Keri Morales laid the charge .

Magistrate Alert granted Roopnarine $15,000 own bail, and adjourned the case to Tuesday when the court is expected to obtain her tracings
Three more to testify against accused

Boatswain of Jules Street, Springland, Gasparillo, is charged with attempting to choke, strangle or suffocate, with intent to enable himself to rob Mawasi Williams, 32, a mother of one, on August 24, 2007. He is alleged to have robbed her of a gold ring, but having allegedly choked, suffocated and strangled Williams, she was rendered a quadriplegic .

As such, Williams is confined to a wheelchair .

Cpl Narine Bisnath, formerly of the Gasparillo Police Station, laid the charges .

Boatswain was initially charged summarily with robbery with aggravation, but the office of the Director of Public Prosecution intervened and laid the indictable charge of choking, suffocating, to enable to rob .

The Preliminary Inquiry into the matter is expected to continue on Wednesday (March 9) when the three outstanding State witnesses. State Attorney Sarah De Silva is prosecuting .

The accused was on $75,000 bail. However, up to yesterday he was unable to secure the sum, and as such remains in police custody .
No bail for pastor

He is due to reappear in court in 28 days time. The pastor surrendered to the Morvant police on Wednesday afternoon after contacting Inspector Roger Alexander informing him that he had information that he was being sought in connection with a robbery. Insp Alexander advised the pastor to report to the Morvant police where he was detained and handed over to Senior Superintendent Irwin Hackshaw, Acting ASP Rawle Ramdeo and Inspector Don Gajadhar of the Southern Division. He was placed on an identification parade on Thursday afternoon at the Princes Town Police Station where he was positively pointed out by the victim, Sheldon Beeka
No one wanted to operate on Miracle

Six-week old Miracle died while awaiting funds to pay for surgery abroad to correct a congenital heart defect. Her funeral will be held today. Several hospitals in the United States, Newsday learned yesterday, turned down requests by the Childrens Life Fund Authority, to perform the operation to correct the critical heart condition Miracle was born with, known as Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD).

It was mere hours after Miracle died at San Fernando General Hospital at 3.13 am on Wednesday, when the babys parents were to receive official confirmation they had waited weeks for, from the Childrens Authority. Authority officials had called to tell baby Miracles parents, that funds were approved. By this time, it was too late.

Authority director Dennis Cox, told Newsday yesterday that the five-week processing of an application for funding, to enable Miracle to have the operation at a hospital abroad, was not unusual.

However, he said that the expected time-period to facilitate funding for critical surgery abroad, should have been between two to three weeks.

However, Cox said that several of the hospitals that were sourced for Miracles surgery, turned down Authoritys request. This was due to to the critical nature of the CCHDs surgery, he added, which involves open-heart surgery on a baby. Several of the hospitals turned down our requests; because of the critical nature of the surgery. Except for Jackson Memorial Hospital. Then the costs had to be cross-referenced and the whole procurement process had to be done in accordance with established standards, Cox said. The Authority is based at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, and is funded by government.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online webpage, states that CCHD affects nearly one percent of every 40,000 births in the United States.

However, 75 percent of the babies born with a critical CCHD, are expected to live only up to one year of age post surgery.

About 69 percent of babies born with critical CCHDs, are expected to survive, but up to only 18 years of age. Speaking to Newsday yesterday, Miracles mother Chrystal, said that the family has begun to accept Miracles death, spending most of the day yesterday preparing for her funeral.

The mother said that she and her husband had been contemplating, that Miracles short stay on earth must not go in vain, and perhaps, a charity cause might be launched.

The Baby Miracle Foundation, she added, might be launched with the aim of assisting babies born with illnesses, and, whose parents cannot afford treatment.

It is just an idea we have been thinking.

For now, we want to see what tomorrow brings, and after Miracle is gone, we will embark on something in her memory, Chrystal said.
3,000 vacancies in health

While the Authority budget was reduced by over $400 Million for the 2016 Fiscal year, and which did not include the 7 percent cut in operating expenses at all Ministries as announced by government to stabilise the economy, due to falling energy prices.

The figures were revealed during the SWRHAs public board meeting at the San Fernando City Hall Auditorium, Harris Promenade, San Fernando on Thursday evening.

Newly appointed SWRHA Board chairman, Dr Alexander Sinanan, in response to a question about the Couva Childrens Hospital, said the institution was still under the authority of the Urban Development Company of TT (Udecott), and had not been officially handed over to the SWRHA. The Couva hospital is still under Udecott, it has been not been formally handed over to the Ministry of Health, it has not been handed over to the South West region, Sinanan said.

When it is handed over, staffing is going to be an issue but at this point in time, the SWRHA, we have no official capacity over the hospital, he said.

Meanwhile, in his address, SWRHA chief executive officer, Anil Gosine, said the Authority had been allocated $936 million dollars which is $434 M dollars short of the $1.37 billion dollars requested. This is $198.7 million dollars less than our actual spend in 2014- 2015, he said, and noted that $105 million had been allocated for primary healthcare; $779 million in secondary healthcare; and $52 million in administration.

It should be noted that from this breakdown, $848 million will cover personal emoluments, and goods and services would be $88 million. It should be noted that the $936 Million does not included the 7 percent cut in operating expenses at all ministries as one of a series of measures taken to stabilise the economy announced by our Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr Keith Rowley in December 2015, Gosine said.

And regarding staffing throughout the sprawling region which encompasses almost one third of Trinidad, Gosine said there were 4,104 monthly paid employees and approximately 466 daily paid workers. As at September 30, 2015, there was a total of 5,188 Cabinet- approved positions and 2,499 Board approved positions out of which there are 3,372 vacancies to be filled, Gosine said, adding the SWRHA continued to experience a major challenge to the retention and attraction of staff with the Medical (Specialised), Nursing Allied and Operational Services.


Copy link to paste in your message Vladimir Putins chosen weapon, according to one General, is the migration crisis itself

For a moment, imagine you were one of Vladimir Putins advisers, seething with envy and resentment against the Western world, and you were summoned by your master to a meeting in the gilded sanctum of the Kremlin.

Imagine he asked you to devise a scheme that would send shockwaves through the European Union, plunge the Balkans into chaos, push Greece to the brink of anarchy, shove millions of voters into the arms of the xenophobic Far Right and even drive a wedge between Britain and France.

What would you come up with?

Well, heres a clue: just take a look at the past few days headlines.

In Calais, desperate migrants fight pitched battles with armed riot policemen trying to clear the notorious Jungle camp. In Macedonia, security forces fire tear gas at thousands of migrants using a home-made battering ram to smash the fences along the Greek border.

In Hungary, the nationalist prime minister announces plans to build a 280-mile razor-wire barrier to seal his country off from its southern neighbours. In Greece, where more than 100,000 refugees have arrived in two months, government ministers thunder against the lies and hypocrisy of their European partners.

And there is more. Only yesterday, as the president of the European Council pleaded with migrants not to come to Europe, relations between Britain and France sank to a perilous new low.

If Britain pulls out of the EU, warned French economics minister Emmanuel Macron, then Paris will scrap the British border controls in Calais, allowing thousands of migrants to cross the Channel and thereby transferring the Jungle camp to Kent.

Not surprisingly, Mr Macrons threats drew a blistering reaction from Leave campaigners. But it is the wider picture that is really disturbing.

Even now, I think, we have not yet grasped the colossal scale and toxic repercussions of Europes migration crisis. It has become a cliche that this is the crisis that defines our age. But it is, of course, only a cliche because it is so obviously true.

The humanitarian impact is bad enough, from the horrifying conditions in camps such as the Jungle, plagued by rats, crime and disease, to the terrible plight of tens of thousands of migrants stranded in southern Europe without food, water or shelter.

But the political implications are, if possible, even more alarming. Every day, almost every hour, the alliances that bind the West together are coming closer to snapping, from the latest spat between Britain and France to the simmering mistrust that has almost destroyed relations between Athens and the EU.



Copy link to paste in your message Even now, I think, we have not yet grasped the colossal scale and toxic repercussions of Europes migration crisis. Above, hundreds of migrants arrive on the Hungarian-Austrian border in September last year



Copy link to paste in your message In Calais, desperate migrants are fighting pitched battles with armed riot policemen trying to clear the notorious Jungle camp



Copy link to paste in your message Anti-riot police are forced to stand near makeshift shelters in the southern half of the 'Jungle' following a desperate week



Scenes of destruction and conflict shook Calais camp Loaded : 0% Progress : 0% 00:00 LIVE Minimize Expand Close

And at the heart of it, lurking like a spider at the centre of his web, is Russias President Putin, aided by his Syrian henchman Bashar al-Assad.

On the face of it, that might sound unduly paranoid. Yet it is precisely what Natos top commander in Europe, a man of stern and sober realism, told a U.S. Senate committee on Wednesday.

At the heart of the migration crisis, explained General Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, is a resurgent, aggressive Russia that has chosen to be an adversary and poses a long-term existential threat to the United States and to our European allies and partners.

Putins chosen weapon, according to the General, is the migration crisis itself.

As he put it: Russia and the Assad regime are deliberately weaponising migration in an attempt to overwhelm European structures and break European resolve.

As evidence, General Breedlove pointed to Russias indiscriminate use of unguided barrel bombs, which have killed at least 20,000 Syrians since the conflict began. Their purpose, he explained, is to terrify Syrian civilians and get them on the road, pushing them north through Turkey and into Europe.

Among the thousands of migrants pouring into Europe, he added, are criminals, terrorists and foreign fighters.

And in all this toxic mix, Islamic Fundamentalism is spreading like a cancer, taking advantage of paths of least resistance and threatening European nations, and our own, with terrorist attacks.

Not surprisingly, Russian sources were quick to ridicule General Breedloves claims. But they would, wouldnt they?

Whether or not you believe that Putin is behind the migration crisis, there is no doubt that his bloody bombing campaign in Syria  which is aimed not at Isis, but at other anti-Assad rebels  has made matters far, far worse. The key point, though, is that the migration crisis plays directly into Putins hands.

As a former KGB man who yearns to rebuild Russia into a global superpower, President Putin sees the world in terms of ruthless, hard-headed realpolitik  in stark contrast, I have to say, with our own pusillanimous leaders.

'Please open the border!' Child refugees plead in Greece Loaded : 0% Progress : 0% 00:00 LIVE Minimize Expand Close



Copy link to paste in your message Migrants and refugees stand behind a barbed wire fence at the border between Greece and Macedonia near the town of Gevgelija



Copy link to paste in your message In Hungary, the nationalist prime minister announces plans to build a 280-mile razor-wire barrier to seal his country off from its southern neighbours. Above, refugees walk to registration and transit camps after they cross the border between Greece and Macedonia

He has not forgiven the West for imposing sanctions in response to his brutal land-grab in Crimea and dirty war in eastern Ukraine. Every day, his propaganda machine pumps out anti-Western diatribes.

And in his coldly merciless world-view, every defeat for the West is a victory for Russia  no matter how high the cost for millions of Syrian families.

Putin, remember, sees the fall of the Soviet Empire as the greatest catastrophe of the 20th century. He sees the EU as a threat to Russian security, and would like nothing better than to drive a stake deep into the heart of the continent, dividing west from east as Stalin did with such brutal effectiveness in the late 1940s.

In that context, Putin could hardly have wished for a more potent weapon to expose the incoherence, instability and mealy-mouthed weakness of the EU, the baffling passivity of the Obama administration and the simmering tensions at the heart of the Western alliance.

But while the Kremlin has approached the Syrian crisis with brutally hard-nosed self-interest, the Wests response has been nothing short of pathetic.

The migration crisis has been festering for more than a year now. Its principal victims are some of the most vulnerable people imaginable, fleeing the appalling wreckage of their native lands.

Even now, however, the ruling EU elite wastes time on infantile bickering, unable to devise a coherent response that fufils our moral obligation to those in need while also reassuring European citizens anxious at the prospect of admitting hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants.

In Germany, the continents most powerful politician, Angela Merkel  once feted for her unsentimental thinking and robust pragmatism  appears to have lost her marbles. Feeling sorry for the migrants is one thing. Inviting hundreds of thousands of people to roam freely across Europe is quite another.

Yet such is Mrs Merkels obsessive attachment to the EUs border-free Schengen agreement (from which Britain is mercifully exempt) that she seems completely blind to political reality.

Polls show that millions of German voters have already deserted her. More worryingly, though, her ludicrously impractical devotion to the principle of open borders is pushing Germanys neighbours into the hands of the xenophobic Far Right, who are using the migrant crisis to whip up their own nationalist supporters.

Putin: 'We will deliver weapons to Syria.' Loaded : 0% Progress : 0% 00:00 LIVE Minimize Expand Close



Copy link to paste in your message At the heart of it, lurking like a spider at the centre of his web, is Russias President Putin, aided by his Syrian henchman Bashar al-Assad. Above, a young migrant cries on the Greek-Macedonia border



Copy link to paste in your message In Greece  already suffering from the strict austerity policies imposed to save the euro  the situation is close to breaking point. Above, a child falls while walking with a man on the railway tracks near the Greek border

Meanwhile, in Greece  already suffering from the strict austerity policies imposed to save the euro  the situation is close to breaking point. With almost 25,000 refugees now stranded on the northern border, and 3,000 more arriving across the Aegean Sea daily, the countrys cash-strapped infrastructure is close to breaking point.

In a poll this week, a staggering 92 per cent of Greeks said they felt abandoned by the EU. As one of the nations leading pollsters put it, this is an explosive mix which could blow up at any time.

An even more glaring example is Hungary, whose nationalist prime minister, Viktor Orban, never ceases to tell his people that the migrants are Muslim terrorists, imported by the EU to undermine Hungarys national integrity. This is nonsense, of course, and nonsense of a peculiarly noxious kind.

Yet is it any wonder that, watching the appalling reports of sexual abuse by crowds of North Africans at the New Year celebrations in Cologne, so many people believe it? Indeed, given the headlines, perhaps it is little wonder that the Hungarians are working on a vast razor-wire barrier to run along their Balkan borders, explicitly designed to keep out Middle Eastern migrants.

There is an echo here, I think, of Donald Trumps much-mocked plan to build a colossal wall along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. We can, I think, all agree that the Hungarian PM and Mr Trump are shamelessly cynical and exploitative demagogues, and are utterly unfit to govern their respective countries.

Both of them, by the way, happen to be keen admirers of Putin  as are their Right-wing equivalents in France and Britain, Marine le Pen (leader of the anti-migrant Front National party) and Nigel Farage. That, I think, tells you all you need to know about their democratic credentials.

But there is, alas, a reason why they are so popular, and why their talk of barriers has struck such a chord. By whipping up nationalism, they prey on the anxieties of millions of ordinary people. And by pointing to the costs of mass migration, they profit from the folly and inaction of the mainstream political elite.

If Putin continues to bombard Syria with impunity, sending millions of people on the road north, then I fear the crisis will drive a deep and definitive wedge between the two halves of the continent, alienating west from east for a generation

The irony is that the EU was designed to bind the people of Europe together in solidarity and friendship. But its response to the migration crisis has been so naive, so spineless and so blind to the realities of international affairs and domestic politics that it threatens to tear Europe apart. Mr Putin must scarcely be able to believe his luck.

At the very least, the EU should have the gumption to suspend Schengen in the medium term, whatever Mrs Merkel might think.

Instead of inviting thousands of migrants to settle wherever they please, the West should spend serious money  by which I mean billions of euros  to establish clean, safe and secure refugee camps along the Turkish-Syrian border, guarded by Nato troops.

Dramatic footage of Russia 'dropping white phosphorous on ISIS' Loaded : 0% Progress : 0% 00:00 LIVE Minimize Expand Close

The Turks wouldnt be best pleased, of course. But Turkey is a Nato member and a key Western ally, and the crisis is right on its doorstep.

To put it bluntly, the Turks would have to lump it, although the EU should have the brains to throw in several billions in aid to sweeten the pill.

Of course no one fancies spending years in a refugee camp. And yes, I understand why so many migrants dream of a better life in the West.

But wouldnt it be better for Nato and the EU to fund accommodation in Turkey for these desperate, downtrodden people, instead of pushing them into the hands of people-smugglers and condemning them to the disease-ridden anarchy of camps like Calais, where the only law is the survival of the fittest? I cant help wondering, too, why the Arab world has been so lamentably slow to do its bit.

Saudi Arabia, which is supposed to be a Western ally, is sitting on an oil fortune of unimaginable proportions. Isnt it time the Americans demanded that the Saudis spend that money housing and resettling Syrian families, instead of spending it sponsoring terrorism?

Deep down, though, I am not optimistic. It is not just a question of the money, though goodness knows there is little of it around. It is the political will involved, the determination, the old-fashioned realpolitik  all of which have been completely lacking in the past few years.

But the truth is that unless Mrs Merkel and her colleagues get a grip, then Europe is heading for anarchy.

For if Putin continues to bombard Syria with impunity, sending millions of people on the road north, then I fear the crisis will drive a deep and definitive wedge between the two halves of the continent, alienating west from east for a generation.

The result would be everything Mr Putin has dreamed of since the fall of the Berlin Wall three decades ago: a Europe of borders and watchtowers, divisions and demagoguery, resentments and razor wire.

Most of us thought that divided, haunted Europe  a land of fear and hatred  had gone for good.

But now it is back. And as tempting as it is to point to Vladimir Putins ruthless machinations, we really have only our own utopianism, our own naivete and, above all, our own weak politicians to blame.
Davy Crockett: Hero of Liberty



Born in 1786 in that part of North Carolina which was then the renegade State of Franklin but not yet the State of Tennessee, Davy Crockett was a legend even in his own time, and long before the Texas Revolution.



The son of John Crockett, one of the 



In the Tennessee legislature and in the U.S. House during Jacksons presidency, he fought untiringly against Congresss overspending and unconstitutional expansion of its powers. He also vociferously opposed Jacksons 1830 Indian Removal Act, the only member of the Tennessee delegation to do so. For this, the voters of Tennessee sent Crockett home. Undaunted, he ran again two years later and returned to the House, resuming his previous crusades and also collaborating with Kentucky Congressman Thomas Chilton to produce his autobiography, A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett, Written by Himself.





Video Presentation on Davy Crockett by Rod Martin

Crockett embarked upon an extensive book tour which, combined with larger-than-life stage productions such as Lion of the West and mythologized biographies like Sketches and Eccentricities of Colonel David Crockett of West Tennessee, cemented in the national mind his legend as a pioneer and frontiersman. Everywhere he went, from New York to Little Rock, adoring fans swarmed him. More and more, he took the opportunity they afforded him to speak against the military threat and growing tyranny of Mexican dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the need to support an American-style revolution in Texas.



By the time the voters dumped him again in August 1835, Crocketts heart was consumed with the Texian cause. No longer seeing Washington or the pettiness of politics as worthwhile, he famously told his erstwhile constituents, You all can go to Hell, Im going to Texas. And he went.



He arrived in Nacodoches with a company of volunteers just five months later in January 1836, swearing an oath to the Provisional Government of Texas. Barely a month later he and his group were in San Antonio de Bexar, with fellow Texian heroes Jim Bowie, Antonio Menchaca and Don Erasmo Seguin, a Founding Father of the Mexican republic who helped feed and finance the Texas Revolution (Don Erasmo was also the father of Juan Seguin, a defender of the Alamo who survived to become a hero of San Jacinto and a Senator of the Republic of Texas).



Less than a month later, Crockett died defending the Alamo.



Moderns appreciate little of the importance of this. Some (outside Texas at least) see the Alamo as a minor incident at most. Many today view the Texas Revolution as an Anglo brutalization of a victimized Mexico: they ignore, willfully or otherwise, the multilingual, multi-ethnic nature of the affair, the many prominent Mexican statesmen who, loyal to the principles of their lost republic, took up arms in favor of the revolution: men such as Erasmo Seguin and his friend Lorenzo de Zavala, the first vice president of Texas, who was born in Yucatan and had previously served as Mexicos minister of finance.



The revisionists also ignore the widespread opposition throughout Mexico to Santa Annas dictatorship and scrapping of the 1824 Constitution. In addition to Texas, both Yucatan and the Mexican states immediately across the Rio Grande from Texas formed republics and seceded from Mexico, albeit unsuccessfully.



But beyond the unquestionable rightness of the Texian cause, the successful Revolution served to answer the burning geopolitical question of that era, namely, would America or Mexico  and would liberty or tyranny  dominate the New World?

------------------

Rod D. Martin, authored this article last year for RodMartn.org and it was updated for 2016. He is founder and CEO of The Martin Organization, a technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author and conservative activist. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the Council for National Policy, a Past President of the National Federation Republican Assemblies. and a contributing author to the ARRA News Service.

Tags: Davy Crockett, Hero of Liberty, The Alamo, Texas, Rod Martin, RodMartin.org To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. and "Like" Facebook Page - Thanks! by Rod Martin, Contributing Author : Sunday, marks the 180th anniversary of the martyrdom of the heroes of the Alamo, who died to delay the dictator Santa Annas army long enough so that Texian troops could rally and defend their homes. Singular among those heroes was Colonel and Congressman David S. Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier.Born in 1786 in that part of North Carolina which was then the renegade State of Franklin but not yet the State of Tennessee, Davy Crockett was a legend even in his own time, and long before the Texas Revolution.The son of John Crockett, one of the  overmountain men  unleashed by Joseph Martin to turn the tide of the Revolutionary War at Kings Mountain, the future legend in his teenage years repeatedly traveled on foot from eastern Tennessee to Virginia across the Appalachian mountains, developing skills and achieving feats for which hed become so well known later. He served under General Andrew Jackson in the Creek War and in Jacksons campaign, late in the War of 1812, to drive the British out of Florida. By the age of 32 hed been appointed a justice of the peace, elected lieutenant colonel of the Tennessee Militia, and started several successful business enterprises.In the Tennessee legislature and in the U.S. House during Jacksons presidency, he fought untiringly against Congresss overspending and unconstitutional expansion of its powers. He also vociferously opposed Jacksons 1830 Indian Removal Act, the only member of the Tennessee delegation to do so. For this, the voters of Tennessee sent Crockett home. Undaunted, he ran again two years later and returned to the House, resuming his previous crusades and also collaborating with Kentucky Congressman Thomas Chilton to produce his autobiography,Crockett embarked upon an extensive book tour which, combined with larger-than-life stage productions such as Lion of the West and mythologized biographies like Sketches and Eccentricities of Colonel David Crockett of West Tennessee, cemented in the national mind his legend as a pioneer and frontiersman. Everywhere he went, from New York to Little Rock, adoring fans swarmed him. More and more, he took the opportunity they afforded him to speak against the military threat and growing tyranny of Mexican dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and the need to support an American-style revolution in Texas.By the time the voters dumped him again in August 1835, Crocketts heart was consumed with the Texian cause. No longer seeing Washington or the pettiness of politics as worthwhile, he famously told his erstwhile constituents, You all can go to Hell, Im going to Texas. And he went.He arrived in Nacodoches with a company of volunteers just five months later in January 1836, swearing an oath to the Provisional Government of Texas. Barely a month later he and his group were in San Antonio de Bexar, with fellow Texian heroes Jim Bowie, Antonio Menchaca and Don Erasmo Seguin, a Founding Father of the Mexican republic who helped feed and finance the Texas Revolution (Don Erasmo was also the father of Juan Seguin, a defender of the Alamo who survived to become a hero of San Jacinto and a Senator of the Republic of Texas).Less than a month later, Crockett died defending the Alamo.Moderns appreciate little of the importance of this. Some (outside Texas at least) see the Alamo as a minor incident at most. Many today view the Texas Revolution as an Anglo brutalization of a victimized Mexico: they ignore, willfully or otherwise, the multilingual, multi-ethnic nature of the affair, the many prominent Mexican statesmen who, loyal to the principles of their lost republic, took up arms in favor of the revolution: men such as Erasmo Seguin and his friend Lorenzo de Zavala, the first vice president of Texas, who was born in Yucatan and had previously served as Mexicos minister of finance.The revisionists also ignore the widespread opposition throughout Mexico to Santa Annas dictatorship and scrapping of the 1824 Constitution. In addition to Texas, both Yucatan and the Mexican states immediately across the Rio Grande from Texas formed republics and seceded from Mexico, albeit unsuccessfully.But beyond the unquestionable rightness of the Texian cause, the successful Revolution served to answer the burning geopolitical question of that era, namely, would America or Mexico  and would liberty or tyranny  dominate the New World?------------------ Posted by Bill Smith at 2:00 PM - Post Link
'Sustainable Development is our priority': Prime Minister

New Delhi, Sat, 05 Mar 2016 NI Wire

Prime Minister inaugurates international conference on rule of law for supporting the 2030 development agenda/sustainable development goals

Developed world should follow Indias example of taxing coal at $ 6 per tonne: Environment Minister

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has emphasized that sustainable development is our priority. Delivering the inaugural address at the International Conference on Rule of Law For Supporting the 2030 Development agenda/Sustainable development goals here today, the Prime Minister said that the ideals of Bahujan hitay, Bahujan sukhay (well being and happiness of the maximum number of people) cannot happen unless the development process is inclusive and sustainable. He said that the government aims to encourage education, skill development, digital connectivity and entrepreneurship in a sustainable manner. He also said that anything which is not sustainable, cannot be called development.

The Prime Minister said that poverty is the biggest challenge for environment and eradication of poverty is one of the fundamental goals of the government. Shri Modi said that the poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups have fewer resources to cope with climate disasters. He underscored the need to look within to make a meaningful impact on environment. Reiterating the need for Climate Justice, the Prime Minister stated that rules, laws, practices and principles of one country cannot be applied to another uniformly. The Prime Minister said that Indias commitments at COP-21 underline the Indian ethos, which aim at changing human lifestyle along with changes in the manner in which economic activity is undertaken.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Javadekar said that the Prime Minister convinced the world at Paris about Climate Justice and sustainable lifestyle. The Minister said that Climate Justice is about justice to the 3 billion poor people of the world. Shri Javadekar said that both the concepts of Climate Justice and Sustainable Lifestyle have been mentioned in the Preamble of Paris agreement.

Shri Javadekar said that the Finance Minister has presented a Green Budget. Highlighting the green features of the Union Budget 2016-17, he said that coal has been taxed to the tune of Rs. 400 per tonne, i.e about $ 6. He emphasized that no country in the world is taxing coal for $6 per tonne. Shri Javadekar added that if the developed world follows Indias example in taxing coal at $ 6 per tonne, $ 100 billion to be generated by the developed world to meet the mitigation and adaptation needs of the developing world will be collected through this $ 6 tax. The Minister said that some of the other green features of the Budget include the benefit of LPG being extended to 50 million BPL families, which is not just a health benefit, but also saves cutting of trees. Shri Javadekar emphasized the commitment of the government by preponing the migration to Euro VI by 2020, by investing Rs. 60, 000 crore in refineries to have cleaner fuel.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley pointed out that the proposals presented in Budget 2016-17 pertain not only to coal and fossil fuels, but also towards hydrocarbons. The Finance Minister said that two important programmes on environment are Swachh Bharat and Clean Ganga campaigns. He pointed out that the 0.5% cess on all services will go only towards Swachh Bharat campaign. He also added that adequate money for Clean Ganga campaign has been provided. Shri Jaitley also said that as part of the Clean Ganga campaign, the most polluted stretch from Kanpur to Varanasi is being taken up for cleaning River Ganga. The Finance Minister emphasized that the decision to provide LPG connections to mitigate the adverse impact of chulha is not only a social sector scheme, but also an environmental programme. He also stated that while hybrid and electric vehicles have been encouraged, more polluting vehicles have been discouraged.

The Prime Minister released the National Green Tribunal International Journal on the occasion.

Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice T.S Thakur delivered the keynote address, while National Green Tribunal Chairperson, Shri Justice Swatanter Kumar gave the welcome address. Attorney General of India, Shri Mukul Rohtagi also addressed the gathering. Director, Division of Environmental Law and Conventions, UNEP, Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema gave the Vote of thanks.

The three-day Conference has been organized by National Green Tribunal NGT), Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ministry of Water Resources and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The objective of the Conference is to bring together Chief Justices, judges, environmentalists, scientists, lawyers, academicians, executives in the field of environment to exchange ideas on environmental issues such as climate change and disaster management, threat to marine environment, waste management and air pollution. Some of the other issues to be deliberated include  global warming, marine environment, rule of law, remedies and judicial mechanism, increasing pollution and the impact on forest, wildlife and environment.

Source: PIB
Heavy financial and legislative agenda for 3rd week of Budget session

New Delhi, Sat, 05 Mar 2016 NI Wire

Aadhar Bill, Whistle Blower Protection Bill, Child Labour Bill and time permitting Real Estate Bill among 12 Bills proposed for next week

Both the Houses debate contentious issue during the first two weeks; Lok Sabha passes one Bill and Rajya Sabha clears 3 Bills

Heavy financial and legislative agenda awaits the third week of Budget session of Parliament beginning Tuesday next week and has only four working days, with Monday being a holiday on account of Mahashivratri.

A total of 12 Bills are on the agenda of the Government for the next week including 7 in the Lok Sabha and 5 in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bills proposed to be taken up in the Lok Sabha next week are :

1.Introducton, Consideration and Passing of the Enemy Property (Amendment & Validation) Bill, 2016 to replace an Ordinance;

2. Two Appropriation Bills relating to Demands for Grants on Account (Railways) for 2016-17 and Supplementary Demands for Grants (Railways) for 2015-16, on conclusion of ongoing discussion;

3.Two Appropriation Bills relating to Demands for Grants on Account (General) for 2016-17 and Supplementary Demands for Grants (General) for 2015-16 (after initiation and conclusion of discussion);

4.Consideration and Passing of the Adhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016; and

5.Consideration and Passing of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill,2016.

In addition to further consideration and return of Appropriation Bills relating to Railway and General Budgets to the Lok Sabha, the Legislative agenda proposed for the next week in Rajya Sabha is :

1.Consideration and Passing of the Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015, as passed by the Lok Sabha;

2.Consideration and Passing of the National Waterways Bill,2016, as passed by the Lok Sabha;

3.Consideration and Passing of the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill,2015, as passed by the Lok Sabha;

4.Consideration and Passing of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Bill,2012.

While making a Statement in the Rajya Sabha on the Business of the House for the third week of Budget session, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi informed the House that the Government would like to also move the Real Estate (Development & Regulation) Bill which is pending in the Upper House.

During the first two weeks of the ongoing Budget session, both the Houses passed the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill,2016 giving voting rights to the people who became Indian Citizens following the exchange of conclaves between India and Bangladesh.

In addition, Rajya Sabha has passed two more Bills which were earlier passed by the Lok Sabha viz., The High Court and Supreme Court (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill,2015 and The Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015.

Both the Houses also discussed incidents happened in the Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Hyderabad Central University. Besides, Rajya Sabha also took up two Calling Attention Motions on the breakdown of law and order in Delhi and the comments attributed to a Union Minister allegedly against minorities.

While the Lok Sabah adopted a Motion of Thanks to the President for his address to both the Houses at a Joint Session, discussion in this regard is in progress in the Upper House.

Source: PIB
YEREVAN, March 5, ARMENPRESS. According to the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Armenia, on March 5 by 10.30 all state and interstate highways in the Republic are passable, 'Armenpress' reports.

As the department of ES of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Georgia informs, Stepantsminda-Lars highway is open for passenger cars in case of using tire chains.
Ahead of the Democratic caucuses on Saturday, the Democratic candidates for president have made their presence felt in Lincoln.

About 200 people showed up at the Ashe Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans Friday to see former president Bill Clinton.

Voters around North Carolina answered their phones Friday to hear a recording of former President Bill Clinton asking them to vote early.

Rock comes out swinging at Oscars, 'Mad Max' revs up

It was apparent the actor was quite pleased with the win, the gleeful smile on his face was an indicator. Start making those predictions as to who will be contenders at the 2017 ceremony.

The event will take place in the Haymarket at Lincoln Station, the campaign announced. "Even I didn't think she could get them, but she did".

"Please help me welcome, William Jefferson Clinton", he said.

Hillary Clinton beat Sanders by only one point in the MA primary.

Oscars 2016: Mark Rylance Beats Sylvester Stallone For Best Supporting Actor Oscar

Other than " Bridge of Spies ", Rylance also won acclaim for playing Thomas Cromwell in the 2015 BBC Two miniseries " Wolf Hall ". Mark Rylance has followed his Academy Awards win with a nomination for best actor at London's Laurence Olivier theater awards.

The right-leaning America Rising PAC has distributed and promoted a clip of Clinton's Louisiana gaffe and asserted, "But in all fairness, who really knows what Bill Clinton is talking about anymore?"

The authors make big claims in their book, but it's important to remember that conspiracy theories should never supersede the things that are most important during an election season, namely educating ourselves on the issues and making an informed choice about who we believe will best serve our nation.

Meanwhile, the chair of the state Democratic Party, Vince Powers, is pleased with all the attention Lincoln and Nebraska is getting by the candidates.

'American Idol' recap: The Top 10 whittled down to the Top 8

After that round of performances, Seacrest revealed that Gianna Isabella, Avalon Young and Olivia Rox were in the bottom three. American Idol contestant Sonika Vaid on Thursday will attempt to advance in the next round of the singing competition.

The 2016 MS primaries will be held on Tuesday, March 8th.
Warriors' Curry is NBA Western Conference player of the month

The Warriors already have two victories over the Thunder despite Oklahoma City having the Warriors on the ropes both games. The Warriors return to action Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, where they face the Lakers at Staples Center.

Romney's criticism of Trump attract cries of hypocrisy, GOP split

He went on to say that the other body part? "I don't know what happened to him", Trump said during a rally in Portland, Maine. CNN analyst Gloria Borger said watching the debate was was like watching the Republican party "tearing itself apart".

Tyrese blasts Chris Rock for Jada Pinkett Smith Oscars quip

The "88th Annual Academy Awards" scored a 23.4 rating and 36 share based on Nielsen data from America's 56 biggest media markets. And then: "Lastly, I just want to say this: Making The Revenant was about man's relationship to the natural world".

Petr Cech and Laurent Koscielny to miss Arsenal's trip to Tottenham

You want to do well because you want to win for yourself and you want to feel that you have given absolutely everything to win", he explained.

Leicester City vs Watford 5 Mar 2016: EPL Preview and Predictions

There should be goals in this game but I reckon the Reds will come out on top if they continue where they left off on Wednesday. The quickest goal in the English Premier League this season set Chelsea on its way to a 2-1 win over Norwich on Tuesday.

Wenger hits back at Henry over 'angry fans' row

Tottenham had Dele Alli come from the bench in the second half against West Ham and would probably start him against Arsenal . That's down to our collective qualities and putting more effort in".

The "New iPad" is coming this month with extra features and improvements

The new iPad will have the screen size of 9.7 inch and will support the Apple Stylus / pencil and a detachable Apple Keyboard. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro is expected to feature the same 12-megapixel camera sensor that's found on the iPhone 6s/6s Plus.

Fire engine stolen from station and driven into cars and houses

Police did not say what the men were doing before they stole the fire engine or if they were intoxicated. They did not get very far, O'Neill said. "They have been putting lives at risk by their behaviour".

Lenovo launches Vibe K5 and K5 Plus budget Android smartphones

With a price difference of only $20 between Vibe K5 and Vibe K5 Plus , it will be a tough decision for customers to make a choice. Tech manufacturer Lenovo previously teased an upcoming flagship smartphone, to be unveiled at this year's Mobile World Congress.

Oscars 2016: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet reunite at the Oscars red carpet

During his acceptance speech, Leonardo used his time at the podium to urge people to be more environmentally conscious. The two had walked the red carpet together as young 21-year-olds.

Conor McGregor gears up to dismantle 'repetitive' Nate Diaz

On top of that, the Notorious, who will fight Nate Diaz on March 5 for UFC 196 , has very interesting choice for an opponent. Holm is looking to maintain the belt she won in shocking fashion in November, when she knocked out Ronda Rousey .

How Journalist Kim Barker's Memoir Became the Basis of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

The changes don't bother Barker , who now works for the New York Times - she had already braced herself for them. She interviews a leading Afghan politician (Alfred Molina ) and is stunned to discover he's flirting with her.

Arsenal's Cech out for a month with calf injury

However, Laurent Koscielny's calf injury is not as serious and he should be back next week after missing the Swansea clash. I believe that belief comes with the last results that you have made.

Supreme Court blocks enforcement of Louisiana abortion clinic restrictions

Two clinics already had closed following a federal appeals court ruling that upheld the law , and a third closing was anticipated. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit today granted an extraordinary emergency stay of the federal court decision .

Clint Smith '10 on Trump, Duke and Disavowal

When Tapper reiterated that he was referring to Duke and the KKK, Trump responded, "Honestly, I don't know David Duke ". I'm not sure that I expected them to. "So let me make it perfectly clear".
An Aden security official told The National that four extremist militants had knocked on the door of the home and told the guard that they wanted to visit their mother who was a resident. The gunmen, who handcuffed the victims before shooting them in the head, did not target the inmates.

Four gunmen entered the facility, killed the guard, and then tied up and executed the employees, according to AFP.

The home is located in the Sheikh Osman district in Aden.

Four nuns, including one from India, also had two nuns from Rwanda and one from Kenya, informed Sunita Kumar, spokesperson of the Missionaries of Charity.

Obama says he's not leaving DC next year

Obama's presidential library will also be situated in Chicago, and he still owns a home in the city's Hyde Park neighborhood. President Obama wants to make sure his daughter Sasha gets to finish high school in D.C.

She said the nurses stayed back in Yemen, ignoring advisories by the government.

It said on Friday 168 civilians had been killed during February alone and 193 injured, around two-thirds of them by Saudi coalition air strikes.

Officials said the gunmen moved from room to room, handcuffing the victims before shooting them in the head.

The bodies were transferred to a police station and then a hospital run by Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Rangers acquire Eric Staal from Hurricanes

One of those names is Eric Staal from the Carolina Hurricanes. "It is part of the business, but we want to make the playoffs". The Hurricanes were four points behind Pittsburgh for the final wild-card spot with the Penguins having four games in hand.

"His Holiness Pope Francis was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the killing of four Missionaries of Charity (nuns) and 12 others at a home for the elderly in Aden", the Vatican's Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the atrocity. Missionaries of Charity nuns also came under attack in Yemen in 1998, when gunmen killed three nuns in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida.

Unknown assailants have previously vandalised a Christian cemetery, torched a church and past year blew up an abandoned Catholic church.

Yemen's embattled government is based in Aden but has struggled to impose its authority there since its forces, backed by Gulf Arab troops, expelled Iran-allied Houthi fighters who still control the country's capital, Sanaa. At least 80 people lived in the retirement home.

"There are reports here and there about what the security council is up to", he said.
Virginia is one of 14 states that are holding primaries or caucuses on Super Tuesday.

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio said "Friends don't let friends vote for con jobs". Hillary Clinton appears to have held off a late surge by Bernie Sanders, responding to his win in New Hampshire with important victories in Nevada and SC. So did they? Click through to see the Super Tuesday results!

Another GOP candidate, Sen.

Marco Rubio, Mitt Romney hit Donald Trump over KKK

Scott spokeswoman Jackie Schutz said the Republican governor has no plans to attend Trump's presumed victory celebration. I don't believe I've ever met him. "I think we need to stop with all the racist stuff and all the race-baiting ...

It's arguably the biggest day in the primary voting process-here's everything you need to know about Super Tuesday 2016. Democrats are casting ballots in 11 states, too, plus American Samoa, with 865 delegates up for grabs. Putting at least one victory on the board on Super Tuesday would provide some reassurance as his campaign heads into another critical round of primaries on March 15. For the Democrats, that number is 2,383 out of the total 4,765 delegates.

Voters now have their eyes on a handful of overall presidential race factors: How well Clinton and Trump will do; Will Cruz win Texas; If Rubio will finally get a win; and Will Carson Drop Out?

Republicans will vote in 11 states, with 595 delegates at stake.

Moscow 'concerned' over Pyongyang's statement on United Nations resolution

A United States defence official told Agence France-Presse that "our forces are ready to counter-eliminate strikes if necessary". It did not mention the date of the drills but said the new weapons had South Korea within range.

Clinton and Trump are clearly in the lead to reach the delegate target for their parties, but Cruz and Sanders could catch up. These writers, plus others will insist that for the sake of their party (and especially all those thousands of candidates down the line for Senate seats, governorships, state legislative seats, mayors, and so forth), funders, organizers, supporters and operatives must close ranks around Marco Rubio to ensure he can stay close to Trump until the convention. Some other states use the winner-take-all method, in which the candidate with the highest percentage of the popular vote is awarded all the delegates. The local member of Congress - Barbara Comstock - is a Republican and the local county legislator - Kathie Smith - is a Democrat. The voter will be given a card with a D or R designation, and an official will touch a button that activates the electronic ballot for the selected political party's primary. Realistically, however, he will probably be happy to obtain some strong second-place finishes throughout the Super Tuesday contests (and thus the delegate counts that go with that) and then to hang on for a reviving win in his home state of Florida later in March.

The parties choose their nomination based on the final delegate tally. The delegates are assigned to candidates using the election results. Democrats living overseas may also vote in their "global presidential primary" beginning on Super Tuesday. "Poll after poll shows that John Kasich is the only one who can". Exit polls from SC, where black voters comprise over half of the Democratic electorate, showed him struggling to win this key constituency.
It's been quite a year. And I make no predictions about the one to come. I do know that it will -- at least where we are -- start ou...
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.
YEREVAN, March 5, ARMENPRESS. The enemy continues to violate the ceasefire regime in the Karabakh-Azerbaijani line of contact. The Press Service of the Ministry of Defense of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic informed "Armenrpess" that in accordance with the operational data of the Defense Army of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic the enemy has violated the ceasefire regime on March 4 and in the night of March 5. During this time around 1300 shots were shot from the various caliber weapons towards the Armenian servicemen.

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces applied TR-107 artillery rockets (2 missiles), 60mm and 82mm mortars (26 missiles) and AGS-17 grenade launchers (2 missiles) etc. in the southern and north-eastern direction of the line of contact.

As a result of punitive measures taken by Defense Army front line units, provocative actions of the adversary were quelled.
Human Rights Watch has urged the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who is currently touring the Maghreb region to intervene in favor of Sahrawi women who are prevented by their families from leaving the Polisario-run Tindouf camps for Spain, where they legally reside.

HRW called the UN chief to seize the opportunity of his visit to Tindouf this Saturday (March 5) to intercede with the Polisario leaders for the release of the women so that they can reunite with their Spanish adoptive parents.

In a report published on its website, the New York-based NGO asks the UN Secretary General to discuss the worrying case of the sequestered young women in his talks with the Polisario leaders and ask that their biological families release them as soon as possible.

When he meets with the Polisario Fronts General Secretary, Ban Ki-moon should raise rights violations, including the womens illegal confinement, Human Rights Watch said. He should also remind Algerian officials, whom he plans to meet in Algiers on March 6, 2016, of their legal responsibility for ensuring respect for the rights of everyone on Algerian territory, including residents of the refugee camps.

Holding an adult against her will is illegal confinement, whether or not the captors are relatives who love her, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa director. The Polisario should ensure these women can exercise their freedom of movement and that past and future acts of illegal confinement are punished as crimes.

HRW which mentioned the cases of the three Sahrawis, namely Nadjiba Mohamed Kacem, Darya Embarek Selma and Mahdjouba Mohamed Hamdidaf, said these women are among the thousands of Sahrawis who, as children growing up in the refugee camps, participated in summer programs in Spain, hosted by Spanish families. Some grew close to their host families and elected to remain in Spain upon reaching adulthood.

The three separately traveled to the camps to visit their families. When the time came for them to return to Spain, the families blocked their departure, according to accounts given to Human Rights Watch, which said there are reports of other, similar cases in the Sahrawi refugee camps, although details have been difficult to confirm.

Ban Ki-moons visit in the Tindouf camps and in Algiers, his first as secretary-general, is part of a UN commitment to advance a political settlement to the 40-year-old conflict over the Sahara, a former Spanish colony retrieved by Morocco in 1975.

Ban Ki-moon who was on Friday in Mauritania was also due to visit Morocco but the trip was postponed to July at Rabats request.
By Alex Dobuzinskis and Piya Sinha-Roy

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Reality star Caitlyn Jenner's offer to be a "trans ambassador" to U.S. Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz drew criticism on Friday from some members of the LGBT community, but major transgender rights organizations stayed out of the fray.

Jenner told gay and lesbian publication The Advocate in an interview posted this week that she admired Cruz despite the social conservative's stance on transgender issues.

The 66-year-old Olympic gold medalist turned television personality called Cruz a "great constitutionalist" and said she would like to advise him on questions relating to her community.

"Yes, trans ambassador to the president of the United States, so we can say, 'Ted, love what you're doing but here's what's going on,'" Jenner, who last year became the most high-profile American to transition to a different gender, told The Advocate.

The muted reaction to Jenner's support for Cruz appeared to show the high level of esteem she enjoys in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. But that did not stop some of its members speaking out.

"Doing my best to not send tweets to a woman I respect for her courage, but dang it, @Caitlyn_Jenner you're killing me with Cruz support!" Chely Wright, the first country music star to come out as gay, wrote in a post on Twitter.

Some in the LGBT community took a more pointed stand, citing Cruz's opposition to same-sex marriage and his criticism of government efforts to allow students to use a bathroom that conforms to their gender identity.

In January, at a campaign stop in Iowa, Cruz said "inflicting" transgender students on teachers by allowing them to use a faculty restroom in line with their gender identity was better than having them share a bathroom with other students, according to video from NBC News.

Zack Ford, the LGBT editor at ThinkProgress, a website affiliated with the left-leaning Center for American Progress, wrote in a post that Jenner's support for Republicans like Cruz taints her "credibility."

Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said Jenner's comments highlight the fact a significant share of transgender people are Republicans.

"One would hope that transgender people would support philosophies that are helpful and not harmful to trans people," she said, adding that Jenner might have taken that into consideration before offering her support to Cruz.

A representative for the gay rights group GLAAD declined to comment and a spokeswoman for Cruz could not be reached.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis and Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Andrew Hay)

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.
A school committee decided that being associated with a family that once helped kill 77 slaves by burning them alive wasnt a good thing. Photo: Cosmosnexus/Flickr/CC

Harvard Law School has moved to drop its official shield after months of protests over the symbols link to 18th-century slave traders. The decision comes from a committee that was formed to examine the issue by Dean Martha L. Minow after protests began against the emblem last fall, followed by the vandalism of portraits of the some the schools black professors. In the committees judgment, Dean Minow announced on Friday night, the crest no longer represents the values of the school, and thus voted to revoke the symbol. That request has now been sent to the Harvard Corporation, which has the final say in the matter.

Photo: Harvard Law School

The current crest, which has been in use since 1936, incorporates the three sheaves of wheat from the coat-of-arms of the Royall family, a member of whom funded the first law professorship at Harvard. That familys patriarch, Isaac Royall Sr., built his fortune as a slave trader and slaveholding plantation owner on the island of Antigua, where he co-owned a slave ship and helped brutally suppress a slave revolt, as detailed in a book about Harvard Law Schools first century:

The Royalls were clearly a target [of the 2,000-person uprising]. The revolt was discovered by pure chance at the last minute. Retribution was complete and terrible. Five slaves were broken on the wheel, six gibbeted alive, and seventy-seven burned at the stake, including Hector, the trusted head slave, or driver, of the Royall family. Within a year, the Royalls decided to leave for Massachusetts, bringing at least twenty-seven slaves with them.

Royalls son, Isaac Jr., continued to hold and sell slaves after relocating to Massachusetts, and later left the colonies as a Tory refugee as the Revolutionary War broke out. Upon his death in England, Royall left a sizable amount of money to Harvard in his will, which helped establish the first law professorship at the school. The importance of that donation was then recognized in 1936, when the Royall familys coat of arms was incorporated into the law schools official shield.

The decision to drop the emblem follows Harvards recent decision to eliminate the word master from faculty titles in an effort to remove slave-holding references at the school. As the Harvard Crimson notes, the removal of the crest could lead to other changes as well, since reconsidering the seal raises a question of precedent, as some buildings on campus, such as Mather House, bear the name of former slave owners.

Other prestigious universities  Princeton, Yale, Amherst, and Oxford  have recently been facing their own similar controversies as some students and faculty members have sought to strip those schools present-day references to historical figures linked to racist ideologies or actions, though the universities communities have often been divided over the issue. At Harvard, a recent (unscientific) straw poll indicated that just over 54 percent of law school students supported the removal of the shield, while a little more than 30 percent wanted to keep the emblem while acknowledging its racist history.
Ben Affleck with his children and their former nanny. Photo: Pablo/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES

This week, Eva Amurri Martino, an actress who also happens to be the daughter of Susan Sarandon and Italian film director Franco Amurri, fired her daughters nanny.

Or, to be more specific, her husband, Kyle, fired the nanny, and Eva blogged about it. This was the second nanny the Martinos had fired within the span of about a month and a half  the first one for being untruthful in a major way. This time, the nanny, who had been on the job for only a few weeks, had accidentally-on-purpose sexted Kyle while Eva was out of town. Her sext  purportedly intended for a friend  read, OMG. Girl, did I mention to you how hot and sex my Boss is. I would love to fuck his brains out ha haah. Too bad he seems not to like thick Latin women with lots to hold on to LOL. Kyle left for work after receiving the text, but returned soon after to confront the nanny and fire her.

The internet has gone a little bonkers for this story. In a world awash in tabloid tales of husband-nanny affairs (most recently Ben Affleck and Gavin Rossdale), this one seemed, on the surface, to be a win for the family. Kyle Martino didnt cheat, nor was he even tempted  he was, in the words of his wife, a legend. Eva Amurri Martino gets to remain secure in the knowledge that her husband is still solidly hers, and the baby  well, theres always another nanny.

Nanny stories have enduring appeal because theyre classic love triangles, though the triangle, disgustingly, surrounds one or more children. But under the surface, theres something uncomfortable in the way we relish tales in which an outsider crosses or blurs the boundaries in a famous family. The fact that the interloper is employed by the other two members of the triangle is problematic, to say the least. These stories arent just about sex: Theyre about power, who has it, and who doesnt. Theyre also about how uncomfortable many of us are with the fact that we need to hire another primary caregiver for our own children.

In these scenarios, the husbands almost always come out looking bumbling: neither creative enough to bang someone whos not in the background of family paparazzi shots, nor smart enough to cover his tracks. No one evokes this mixture of pity and derision better than Ben Affleck, whose recent back-tat travesty prompted even his ex-wife Jennifer Garner to say, Bless his heart.

People have pain  they do regrettable things, they feel shame, and shame equals pain. No one needs to hate him for me, Garner goes on: I dont hate him. Certainly we dont have to beat the guy up.

But what about the women? How we feel about the women in these situations  the cheated-on wife and mother, the nanny  is complicated. Its easy to relate to the wife whose family is threatened because many of us can somewhat uneasily envision being in that role. And its easy to write the nanny off, as Eva Martino does in the first paragraph of her post, as trashy  really trashy. But instead of trashing (or lauding) the nanny, lets consider that these stories perpetuate a harmful and largely incorrect stereotype about women who take on an undervalued job: caring for children when their parents cant be with them.

Nannies have a tricky role, especially if theyre working for wealthy celebrities, in which case they might live with their employers. They travel with them, go on set with them: Instead of forming a relationship directly with the children, they often join the family circle in a much broader way. This necessarily makes navigating the job difficult, as boundaries blur. One experienced nanny I spoke with said that uninvolved parents are a very bad sign, and that she wouldnt accept a job if the parents seemed unengaged. And while the nannys primary responsibility is to care for the children, its clear in stories like these that the children became an afterthought as parent and employee disregarded their best interests in order to fuck around.

But in all situations  celebrity parents or otherwise  there is almost always a power and wealth imbalance between the parents and the nanny. Eva Martino gets to the heart of the matter when she writes: How dare this person, who we were paying very generously to care for our young daughter how dare she use her time with my child, in my HOME, to plot out a way to screw my husband and screw up my family! Not only is the nanny an employee, but in these scenarios, the income inequality (even if, as Eva writes, she is paid very generously) is always severe. If reported figures are correct, nannies in the top tier  those for performers like Jay Z and Beyonce  make more than $100,000 a year. But lets be clear: thats not the kind of money that Jay and Bey are pulling in.

And as employers, neither parent has any right to make sexual advances toward their nanny, even if those advances can reasonably be expected to be reciprocated. That may sound a bit schoolmarmish, but its a question of sexual harassment. While the story of a hot young nanny secretly infiltrating a family and trying to bag the husband is scandalously appealing, its much less common than the more disgusting scenario in which the creepy dad makes unwanted advances to the young woman he employs to care for his baby. Most nannies are women  only around an estimated 10 percent are men  and many are undocumented workers, making it hard for them to avoid the advances of an employer. Navigating the hallowed territory of the nuclear family is fraught enough without adding this bullshit to the mix.

In reality, nannies often occupy a very special place in a family, remembered for years after the child has become an adult. They enable parents to work the long hours they must in this country, and are a vital part of the unspoken, unregulated system we have cobbled together in the United States, where leave is hard to come by and sick days are few and far between. Nannies  especially in large cities like New York and Los Angeles  are often more affordable than day-care centers, especially when the nanny is capable enough to care for more than one child and share across more than one family.

Maybe were not quite comfortable with the idea that sometimes, a childs primary caregiver will be someone other than its parents. Its okay to feel threatened by such a person, and its common: The nanny I spoke with said that mothers, in her experience, didnt feel challenged by her presence on any sexual level, but  the major and usual threat is the kids spending more time with the nanny than with the mother. Of course, she says, its also part of the nannys job to make the mother feel that it is all right to leave the kid with her. And its not until the nanny and the parents work through that discomfort that a real working relationship can begin.

This is why its refreshing to hear Jennifer Garner speak of the nanny in such measured and fair terms, addressing both the health of her marriage and the unfortunate consequences for her children: She had nothing to do with our decision to divorce. She was not a part of the equation. Bad judgment? Yes. Its not great for your kids for [a nanny] to disappear from their lives.
Texas is not known for its particularly balanced educational system, which in the recent past has approved disputed history books and curriculum that doesnt really believe in separation of church and state. Mary Lou Bruner, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher who is running to be the Republican candidate for a Texas State Board of Education seat, could be primed to make it even less accurate.

The Texas State Board of Education has a fairly heavy influence on the content of the states textbooks, changing guidelines for subjects that then impact how education materials for the state are written. Bruners campaign has asserted that she will promote conservative curriculum standards aligned with Texas values. Shes currently engaged in a run-off campaign for the Republican nomination for the board seat. Bruner failed to secure the nomination outright by raking in only 48 of the required 50 percent of the vote.

That near-miss could be due to her habit of airing her rather extreme views on social media, which were recently collected and publicized by watchdog group Texas Freedom Network. Bruners Facebook posting history has been less than stellar with posts about how evolution is atheist propaganda; climate change is not real; slavery was not a major cause of the Civil War; and a distrust of and dislike for Islam (which she had expressed in past years to the school board as a concerned citizen). TFN also noted a whole host of conspiracy theories that might have a less immediate impact on school curriculum (President Obama is secretly gay, Democrats killed JFK).

While the light shone on Bruners opinions could have negatively impacted her campaign (Bruner certainly thinks so, as she told the Washington Post), shes still favored to win the run-off. And the Houston Chronicle reports that the Republican is expected to win the seat in the general election.
Photo: Courtesy of Zara

Zara recently released its Ungendered collection. While some consider the collection a triumph for the genderqueer and trans communities, others are calling Zaras definition of unisex into question.

Conventionally attractive models  who are all white  show off Zaras latest collection. Each item runs in a small, medium, or large, which means the clothes are restricted to people of certain sizes. Activist Tyler Ford voiced concern about this line on Twitter:

when will we move past this notion that genderless clothing simply = plain t-shirts/sweatpants? why is this "bold"? https://t.co/j5SyO3Z0go  Tyler Ford (@tywrent) March 4, 2016

how to practice what you preach: hire trans & non-binary models of all body types, races, & abilities immediately. (i'm available )  Tyler Ford (@tywrent) March 4, 2016

Zaras definition of gender neutral is largely masculine. The clothes could easily be found in a menswear store. The company played it safe by not including any skirts or dresses. (But who says dudes cant wear skirts or dresses?)

Photo: Courtesy of Zara

Still, the line is considered a victory by many. The line is marketed as ungendered as opposed to unisex, which demonstrates an awareness that gender is a spectrum, not a binary. The clothing is also extremely affordable: Nothing is more expensive than $49.90, which makes it all accessible to more people than the high-fashion unisex lines that have been around for a while.

Ungendered is a good first step in promoting fashion that does away with the gender binary. But its just a first step.
Alexander Solzhenitsyn on Lying



Ayn Rand Francisco, whats the most depraved type of human being? The man without a purpose.

Ronald Reagan "We need a government that is confident not of what it can do, but of what the people can do."

The People are the Sovereign Power "The People are the government, administering it by their agents; They are the government, the sovereign power." Andrew Jackson

Tyranny Exercised for the Good of its Victims 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 baron's 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 yet at the same time likelier to make a Hell of earth. This very kindness stings with intolerable insult. To be cured against one's 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

Mignon: Bust of Rose Beuret by Rodin



Legitimate Government A government that serves as a palladium for the many and broad rights of the sovereign individual is legitimate.

Unequal things are not equal



Atlas Shrugged



Ayn Rand In any hour and issue of your life, you are free to think or to evade that effort. But you are not free to escape from your nature, from the fact that reason is your means of survivalso that for you, who are a human being, the question to be or not to be is the question to think or not to think.

Ayn Rand The basic need of the creator is independence. The reasoning mind cannot work under any form of compulsion. It cannot be curbed, sacrificed, or subordinated to any consideration whatsoever. It demands total independence in function and in motive.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn on Socialist Liars We know they are lying. They know they are lying. They know that we know they are lying. We know that they know that we know they are lying. And still they continue to lie.

Freedom and Safety Ben Franklin: "Those that give up their freedom for safety deserve neither." Joe Biden: "This is not about freedom, this is for your safety."

Sam Zell "I simply don't buy into many of the made-up rules of social convention. The bottom line is: If you're really good at what you do, you have the freedom to be who you are."

Ayn Rand Quote



Albert Einstein "Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom."

Patrick Henry



H.L. Mencken

Both Catastrophic Man-Made Global Warming and Covid-19 have become such false fronts. "The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule."

Constitution and Chris Cuomo



Thomas Sowell on Racism



Eisenhower on Party Legitimacy



Ayn Rand



Search This Blog

Howard Roark

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand "Independence is the only gauge of human virtue and value .... There is no substitute for personal dignity."

Robert Bidinotto ... the *main* target of individualists' moral proselytizing ought to be the Zero-Sum Narrative, i.e., the belief in inherent conflicts of interest among people -- and not altruism per se, which is mainly an emotionally driven *reaction* to the zero-sum worldview. We need to teach people that economic relationships in a free society are "win/win," not "win/lose." We need to teach what 19th-century thinker Frederic Bastiat labeled "Economic Harmonies."

Ralph Waldo Emerson "Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of our own mind."

G. K. Chesterton "Even the tyrant never rules by force alone; but mostly by fairy tales."

Ayn Rand "Serenity comes from the ability to say 'Yes' to existence. Courage comes from the ability to say 'No' to the wrong choices of others."

The Atlas Society

"You were born an original. Don't die a copy."



"Your life is your story. Write well. Edit often."

John Wooden "Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."

Seneca "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult."

Peter Diamandis "The best way to predict the future is to create it yourself."

Howard Roark - The Fountainhead



Democracy is Tyranny





Thomas Paine: "A democracy is the vilest form of Government there is."

John Adams: "Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There was never a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." John Adams: "You have rights antecedent to all earthy governments; rights that cannot be repealed or restrained by human laws;...."

This is why our government is a Republic and not a democracy. James Madison: In a pure democracy "there is nothing to check the inducement to sacrifice the weaker party or the obnoxious individual."

Mikhail Baryshnikov



Cronyism and Socialism



Advocates of Equality



Ayn Rand "Power-lust is a weed that grows only in the vacant lots of an abandoned mind."

David Kelley "It is the act of creating value that reflects the best within us, and is the center of a happy life."

Calvin Coolidge "It is much more important to kill bad bills, than to pass good ones."

The Welfare State Becomes the Totalitarian State



Rights are not a Gift of Government

Thomas Jefferson, 1774 "A free people claim their rights as derived from the laws of nature, and not as the gift of their chief magistrate."

The Creative Man "A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others." Ayn Rand

To Fill the World with Fools "The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools." Herbert Spencer

Ben Franklin "Democracy ... is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty ... is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."

From Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Francisco speaking to Dagny -"...there's nothing of any importance in life - except how well you do your work. Nothing. Only that. Whatever else you are, will come from that. It's the only measure of human value. All the codes of ethics They'll try to ram down your throat are just so much paper money put out by swindlers to fleece people of their virtues. The code of competence is the only system of morality that's on a gold standard. "

Charles R. Anderson Wishing that the provision of a good or service were free is not an idea of great merit. If the good or service can be made free without harming others, then it has negligible value. If it has value, then the harm done to others by making it "free" will be substantial. Is not harm a cost in itself? So can there be a free good or service of any value? Clearly no.

Ayn Rand on Collectivism



Milton Friedman "A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither. A society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both."

Once Surrendering His Reason "Man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without a rudder, is the sport of every wind. With such persons, gullibility, which they call faith, takes the helm from the hand of reason and the mind becomes a wreck." Thomas Jefferson (1822)

Winston Churchill Governments create nothing, but what they give they have first taken away  you may put money in the pockets of Englishmen, but it will be money taken from the pockets of another set of Englishman, and the greater part will be spilled on the way. Speech 11 November 1903 [HT Tom Anderson]

Name-Calling is Indicative of a Weak Argument



Isabel Paterson "Poverty can be brought about by law; it cannot be forbidden by law."

Reagan on Government's Place



John Stuart Mill "The only freedom which deserves the name, is that of pursuing our own good in our own way, so long as we do not attempt to deprive others of theirs, or impede their efforts to obtain it."

Anderson Materials Evaluation, Inc.



Frederick Douglass "To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker."

Brutality is not Idealistic "Do not ever consider Collectivists as 'sincere but deluded idealists.' The proposal to enslave some men for the sake of others is not an ideal; brutality is not 'idealistic,' no matter what its purpose." Ayn Rand, textbook of americanism.com

Work is an Act of Creating "Whether it's a symphony or a coal mine, all work is an act of creating and comes from the same source: from an inviolate capacity to see through one's own eyes." Ayn Rand

Charles R. Anderson "Government is legitimate only to the extent that it protects the exercise of everyone's broad, many, and sovereign individual rights. Such limited-purpose government, often called Capitalism, is the only government system which allows individuals to make their own moral choices and live their lives in accordance with their choices. Capitalism minimizes the use of force and maximizes the freedom of cooperation and association within a society. It is in such a society that a rational man chooses to live and produce."

George Washington "Government is not reason; it is not eloquence; it is force. It is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."

Thomas Jefferson "A wise and frugal government which shall leave men free to regulate their own pursuits of industry -- this is the sum of good government."

Ayn Rand "Your life belongs to you and the good is to live it."

"He who speaks of sacrifice speaks of slaves and masters. And intends to be the master." "He who speaks of sacrifice speaks of slaves and masters. And intends to be the master."

Ayn Rand on Theft, Murder, and Collectivism "Many men now believe that it is evil to rob, murder and torture for one's own sake, but virtuous to do so for the sake of others. You may not indulge in brutality for your own gain, they say, but go right ahead if its for the gain of others. Perhaps the most revolting statement one can ever hear is: "Sure Stalin has butchered millions, but its justifiable, since it's for the benefit of the masses." Collectivism is the last stand of savagery in men's minds." from Textbook of Americanism

Thomas Paine "It is error only, and not truth, that shrinks from inquiry."

Dr. Thomas Sowell "I have never understood why it is greed to want to keep the money you have earned but not greed to want to take someone else's money."

Calvin Coolidge "Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong."

Thomas Jefferson "I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others."

David Kelley "If we are right, we have nothing to fear; if we are wrong, we have something to learn."

Anderson Materials Evaluation, Inc.



Eric Hoffer "Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength."

E-mail Address Charles.R.Anderson@gmail.com



Private correspondence is welcome from interested, rational individualists. There are few enough of us that we should highly value one another and any friendships that might grow from contact.



Blog Archive

Ayn Rand on Morality "The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live."

Anthem by Ayn Rand

Man the individualist, not men the collectivists. "For the battle they lost can never be lost. For that which they died to save can never perish. Through all the darkness, through all the shame of which men are capable, the spirit of man will remain alive on this earth. It may sleep, but it will awaken. It may wear chains, but it will break through. And man will go on. Man, not men."

Dr. Edwin Lewis, A First Book in Writing English "To gain new words and new ideas, the student must compel himself to read slowly. Impatient to hurry on and learn how the tale or poem ends, many a youth is accustomed to read so rapidly as to miss the best part of what the author is trying to say. Thoughts cannot be read so rapidly as words. To get at the thoughts and really to retain the valuable expressions, the student must scrutinize and ponder as he reads. Each word must be thoroughly understood; its exact value in the given sentence must be grasped."



A high school textbook for freshmen and sophomores used around 1900.

James Madison "Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent ancroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations: but, on a candid examination of history, we shall find that turbulence, violence, and abuse of power, by the majority trampling on the rights of the minority have produced factions and commotions, which, in republics, have more frequently than any other cause, produced despotism."

General George S. Patton "If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn't thinking."

H. L. Mencken "The urge to save humanity is almost always only a false face to rule it."

George Orwell "The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history."

National Park Scientist David Graber People have become "a cancer ... a plague upon the Earth. Until such time as Homo sapiens should decide to rejoin nature, some of us can only hope for the right virus to come along."

H. L. Mencken "If a politician found he had cannibals among his constituents, he would promise them missionaries for dinner."

Thomas H. Huxley "The improver of natural knowledge absolutely refuses to acknowledge authority as such. For him, scepticism is the highest of duties; blind faith the one unpardonable sin."

Thomas Jefferson on Democracy "A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine."

Prince Philip of the United Kingdom

I bet he would like to concentrate his human eradication efforts on the Deplorables and not on the Aristocracy or the Progressive Elitists. "In the event that I am reincarnated, I would like to return as a deadly virus, to contribute something to solving overpopulation."

Henry Ford "Genius is seldom recognized for what it is: a great capacity for hard work."

Thomas Jefferson on Truth Truth is great and will prevail if left to herself; that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate; errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them."

" Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear."

Niccolo Machiavelli "One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived."

Sherlock Holmes "It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts." Or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle if you prefer.

Mary McCarthy "Bureaucracy, the rule of no one, has become the modern form of despotism."

Sen. Tim Wirth, Democrat, Colorado "We've got to ride the global warming issue. Even if the theory is wrong, we will be doing the right thing."

Bismarck "Fools learn by experience, the wise man learns by the experience of others."

Albert Einstein As Albert Einstein once said about the book "One Hundred Authors Against Einstein": Why one hundred? If I were wrong, one would be enough.

Governments are Never Sovereign Only individuals are sovereign. Governments are either legitimate or illegitimate. They are legitimate only to the extent that they protect the exercise of every individual's right to life; liberty; the ownership of their own mind, body, and labor; their property; their freedom of conscience and association, and the pursuit of their own happiness. No government on Earth is highly legitimate. Most are highly illegitimate.

So sayeth Charles R. Anderson.

Dr. Thomas Sowell is Retiring

"The real minimum wage is zero."

"The most basic question is not what is best, but who shall decide what is best."

"People who have time on their hands will inevitably waste the time of people who have work to do."

"The welfare state is not really about the welfare of the masses, it is about the egos of the elites."

"If you are not prepared to use force to defend civilization, then be prepared to accept barbarism." "Socialism in general has a record of failure so blatant that only an intellectual could ignore or evade it."

Prof. Walter E. Williams on Democracy "... one of the primary dangers of majority rule is that it confers an aura of legitimacy and respectability to acts that would otherwise be deemed tyrannical."

Ayn Rand on Minorities "The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights, cannot claim to be defenders of minorities."

Hillary Clinton on Job Creation

Socialists never want anyone to credit individuals with a productive purpose as the source of their jobs. When the government piles on such heavy taxes and regulations as to prevent job formation, they are always trying to misdirect the people's attention. Hillary has been vigorous in promising more taxes and more major regulations which will make the Obama record of 0.5% annual increases in real per capita GDP look good in comparison. "Don't let anybody tell you that, you know, its corporations and businesses that create jobs."

Frederic Bastiat "It's impossible to introduce into society a greater evil than this, the conversion of Law into an instrument of PLUNDER."

Ayn Rand "The number of its adherents is irrelevant to the truth or falsehood of an idea. A majority is as fallible as a minority or as an individual man. A majority vote is not an epistemological validation of an idea." ... "it is important to note the epistemological significance of a free society. In a free society, the pursuit of truth is protected by the free access of any individual to any field of endeavor he may choose to enter." ... "This prevents the formation of any coercive "elite" in any profession -- it prevents the legalized enforcement of a "monopoly on truth" by any gang of power seekers -- it protects the free market place of ideas -- it keeps all doors open to man's inquiring mind."

The catastrophic man-made global warming hypothesis is no exception to these general truths about the right of every individual to examine and evaluate any idea. significance of a free society. In a free society, the pursuit of truth is protected by the free access of any individual to any field of endeavor he may choose to enter." ... "This prevents the formation of any coercive "elite" in any profession -- it prevents the legalized enforcement of a "monopoly on truth" by any gang of power seekers -- it protects the free market place of ideas -- it keeps all doors open to man's inquiring mind."

Charles at Naval Surface Warfare Center



Do Not Subordinate Your Mind to the Mind of Another The vilest form of self-abasement and self-destruction is the subordination of your mind to the mind of another, the acceptance of an authority over your brain, the acceptance of his assertions as facts, his say-so as truth, his edicts as middle-man between your consciousness and your existence.



John Galt in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand



UN Agenda 21, Principle 15

The real operating principle: Neither shall total lack of scientific certainty delay taking action with catastrophic economic effects if one can imagine some environmental degradation. "In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation."

Dr. Thomas Sowell

"What 'multiculturalism' boils down to is that you can praise any culture in the world except Western culture -- and you cannot blame any culture in the world except Western culture."

"It is so easy to be wrong -- and to persist in being wrong -- when the costs of being wrong are paid by others."

"Intellectuals have trouble remembering that they are not God." "If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 60 years ago, a liberal 30 years ago and a racist today."

Saul Alinsky

It is good to understand what the nihilists think, especially since such politicians as Obama and Hillary admire this man and use his principles for damaging the private sector and Capitalism. "To say that corrupt means corrupt the ends is to believe in the immaculate conception of ends and principles. The real arena is corrupt and bloody. Life is a corrupting process from the time a child learns to play his mother off against his father in the politics of when to go to bed; he who fears corruption fears life."

Ronald Reagan

A democratic society that needs a much-controlling government to manage the affairs of its People has a People so lacking in character and ability that there is no hope the People can democratically elect leaders of good character and adequate capability. That society is doomed by a self-contradiction. The escape from doom is the development in the People of such character and ability that they shun a much-controlling government. "If no one among us is capable of governing himself, then who among us has the capacity to govern someone else?"

Aesop "We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office."



Examples: Obama, both Clintons, Kerry, Sanders, Biden, Reid, and Pelosi.



Christine Stewart, Canadian Minister of the Environment

What a sad thing is attempted justice without truth. "No matter if the science of global warming is all phony.... climate change provides the greatest opportunity to bring about justice and equality in the world."

Aldous Huxley "Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored."



Ayn Rand "'There are no evil thoughts, Mr. Rearden,' Francisco said softly, 'except one: the refusal to think.'"



Francisco D'Anconia to Hank Rearden in Atlas Shrugged



Frederic Bastiat on the Law "It has been used to destroy its own objective. It has been applied to annihilating the justice that it was supposed to maintain; to limiting and destroying rights which its real purpose was to respect. The law has placed the collective force at the disposal of the unscrupulous who wish, without risk, to exploit the person, liberty, and property of others. It has converted plunder into a right, in order to protect plunder. And it has converted lawful defense into a crime, in order to punish lawful defense.

Louis L'Amour in High Lonesome

"Nor were they free of the images their own minds held of themselves. The man on horseback, the lone-riding man, the lone-thinking man, possessed an image of himself that was in part his own, in part a piece of all the dime novels he had read, for no man is free of the image his literature imposes on him. And the dime novel made the western hero a knight-errant, a man on horseback rescuing the weak and helpless." "Folks talk a lot about the maternal feeling in women, but they say nothing about man's need to protect and care for someone; yet the one feeling is as basic as the other."

Dr. Thomas Sowell

"Even liberal professors can be adversely affected by the narrow groupthink that prevails. Without an opposition to keep them on their toes, they can develop sloppy habits of dismissing or even demonizing differing viewpoints, instead of practicing and teaching their students how to come to grips with opposing beliefs."

From Dry Rot in Academia "Today one can literally go from kindergarten to becoming a graduate student seeking a Ph.D., without ever hearing a vision of the world that conflicts with the vision of the left."

John Stuart Mill "In this age, the mere example of nonconformity, the mere refusal to bend the knee to custom, is itself a service. Precisely because the tyranny of opinion is such as to make eccentricity a reproach, it is desirable, in order to break through that tyranny, that people should be eccentric. Eccentricity has always abounded when and where strength of character was abounded; and the amount of eccentricity in a society has generally been proportional to the amount of genius, mental vigour, and moral courage which it contained. That so few now dare to be eccentric, marks the chief danger of the time."

Josepth Stalin "We don't let them have ideas. Why would we let them have guns?"



Robert Tracinski "The way we view the naked human body reflects our view of human nature itself. We portray our bodies in ways that are crude or refined depending on whether we view our souls as crude or refined. And we do the same with the sensuality and the sexual capacity of our bodies. We can view sex and the nude body as a dangerous temptation that draws us away from higher ideals and down into the muckor we can make it part of those higher ideals. We can make it an expression of a wider lust for life, an expression of the same spirit of aspiration that drives all of our other achievements."

The Three Graces by Antonio Canova



David by Michelangelo



Frederic Bastiat "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it."



"But how is this legal plunder to be to be identified? Quite simply. See if the law takes from some persons what belongs to them, and gives it to other persons to whom it does not belong. See if the law benefits one citizen at the expense of another by doing what the citizen himself cannot do without committing a crime."



Ayn Rand on Excellence "If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing."

Ayn Rand "The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which everybody had decided not to see."



Patrick Henry "No free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue; and by a frequent recurrence to fundamental principles."



H. L. Mencken "The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed  and hence clamorous to be led to safety  by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary."

Catastrophic man-made global warming is a great example of such alarmism to justify more power for the politicians and bureaucrats.

Thomas Jefferson "Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add, `within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrants will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual."



Ayn Rand "Serenity comes from the ability to say 'Yes' to existence. Courage comes from the ability to say 'No' to the wrong choices made by others."



Galileo Galilei "In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual."



"By denying scientific principles, one may maintain any paradox."



Henry Ford "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."

Samuel Adams "The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks."



The Constitution itself remains a strong defense of our individual rights, but those who want power over our lives have long claimed ridiculous interpretations of the powers it grants to the federal government which they have cemented in irrational precedents. Time after time, the fact that our individual rights are broad and must allow each of us to manage our own lives while we pursue our own chosen values, so long as we do not violate the equal rights of others, is a context ignored.



Thomas Jefferson, 1816 "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."



When the government controls the education system, you can be sure the education system will guarantee the ignorance of the people so they may be ruled without the impediment of the people demanding their individual rights.



John C. Goodman "Closing Off Consumption Opportunities. Just as low-income individuals in their role as producers are increasing[ly] regulated out of income earning opportunities, in their role as consumers they are increasingly regulated out of the market for essential services. In addition to education and housing, they have been regulated out of the market for medical care, transportation and even police protection. For all these essential services, the wealthy turn to the private marketplace. They even employ police officers as off-duty, private guards for their gated communities. The poor are left with public housing, public schools, public transportation, government-provided health care, etc. The well-off get all the benefits of capitalism. The poor are left with socialism."

Averroes "An army of philosophers would not be sufficient to change the nature of error and to make it truth."



An army of scientist mercenaries at the service of All-Controlling Government is not sufficient to make the catastrophic man-made global warming hypothesis true either.



Ayn Rand on the Creative Man "A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others."

Lawrence W. Reed "It constantly amazes me that defenders of the free market are expected to offer certainty and perfection while government has only to make promises and express good intentions."



Patrick Henry "The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government lest it come to dominate our lives and our interests."



Prof. Walter E. Williams "That initial premise is that each of us owns himself. Stated another way: I am my private property and you are yours. The institution of private property is the right held by the owner of property to keep, acquire, dispose, and exclude from use. The premise of self-ownership determines which human acts are moral or immoral and consistent with that premise. For example, rape, murder, slavery, fraud, and theft are immoral because they violate private property."

Thomas Jefferson The "sum of good government" is one "which shall restrain men from injuring one another" and "shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement."



The presumption is maximum liberty limited not by the welfare of others, but only by the injunction to do no harm to others.



H. L. Mencken "The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule."



Madison Versus Hitler "(The Constitution preserves) the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation... (where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms." James Madison



"The most foolish mistake we could possibly make would be to allow the subject races to possess arms. History shows that all conquerors who have allowed their subject races to carry arms have prepared their own downfall by doing so." Adolf Hitler



Frederic Bastiat "The most urgent necessity is, not that the State should teach, but that it should allow education. All monopolies are detestable, but the worst of all is the monopoly of education."



Mark Twain "It's easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled."



This certainly applies to those who believe in the catastrophic man-made global warming alarmists, minimum wage laws, ObamaCare, the ethanol in gasoline mandate, and tying solar and wind power in high percentages to the electric grid.



Prof. Walter E. Williams on White Privilege "The concept of white privilege, along with diversity and multiculturalism, is part of today's campus craze. .....



The bottom line to this campus nonsense is that "privilege" has become the new word for "personal achievement." ....



Are those who work hard, take risks, make life better for others and become wealthy in the process the people who should be held up to ridicule and scorn? And should we make mascots out of social parasites?"

Albert Einstein "A foolish faith in authority is the worst enemy of truth."



Prof. John Christy, Climate Scientist If its not economically sustainable, its not sustainable.

Ayn Rand on Human Progress "Man's ego is the fountainhead of human progress."



George Orwell "The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it."



Abbot of Arbroath, Chancellor of Robert the Bruce "For so long as one hundred of us shall remain alive we shall never in any wise consent to submit to the rule of the English. For it is not for glory we fight, for riches, or for honours, but for freedom alone, which no good man loses but with his life." April 1320, Six years after the Battle of Bannockburn



Jean-Jacques Rousseau "whoever refuses to obey the general will will be forced to do so by the entire body; this means merely that he will be forced to be free."



If one is told " 'it is expedient for the state that you should die,' he should die."



From The Social Contract, a most emphatic statement of authoritarian collectivism by a profound misanthropist.



Patrick Henry "The Constitution is NOT an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the PEOPLE to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interest."



Dwight D. Eisenhower "If all that Americans want is security, they can go to prison. They'll have enough to eat, a bed and a roof over their heads. But if an American wants to preserve his dignity and his equality as a human being, he must not bow his neck to any dictatorial government."



Alexander Hamilton "The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed."



"If the representatives of the people betray their constituents, there is no recourse left but in the exertion of that original right of self-defense which is paramount to all positive forms of government."



Milton Friedman A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself.



John Quincy Adams "Muhammad declared undistinguishing and exterminating war, as a part of his religion, against all the rest of mankind... The precept of the Koran is, perpetual war against all who deny, that Muhammad is the prophet of God."



Justice Robert H. Jackson "If there is any fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion or force citizens to confess by word or act their faith therein."



This applies to the government-run education system, as well as every other act of government, including its procurements.



Ellsworth Toohey in The Fountainhead "Don't bother to examine a folly, ask only what it accomplishes."



Ayn Rand's villain giving us insight into the beliefs of the Progressive Elitists and others with beliefs too divorced from reality to be creditable, yet widely believed or propagated.



Thomas Jefferson "let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution."



Of course this belief implies those great constraints on democracy imposed by the Constitution.



Robert Tracinski "The real minimum wage is zero. Actually, its less than zero: the real minimum wage is going into debt just to have a shot at doing the work you love."



I went hugely into debt to set up my materials analysis laboratory and paid myself only $10,000 in the first year and even less in the Obama Recession years of 2010 - 2016.



Obama When what youre doing doesnt work for 50 years, its time to try something new. 2015 State of the Union Address



So, we should ditch Big Government, government health care, The War on Poverty, The War on Drugs, Social Security, the Federal Reserve, government-run education, the Davis-Bacon Act, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (the Jones Act), and all expansionist interpretations of the Interstate Commerce and the Taxation Clauses of the Constitution upon this Obama Principle of Failure.



Louis L'Amour



"If he starts anything with me I'll just cloud up and rain all over him." Conagher



"You better ride out of here, Staples. An' leave that gun alone. You ain't fit to handle one. And don't you cross my trail again. I don't like bein' braced by no tin-horn." Conagher



"To be a man was to be responsible. It was as simple as that. To be a man was to build something, to try to make the world about him a bit easier to live in for himself and those who followed." Conagher



"it was the man who planted a tree, dug a well, or graded a road who mattered."



"Conagher had worked too hard too many times to like a thief or a vandal who would steal or destroy the efforts of other men."

"when in doubt, sit down and think. It is only the mind of man that has lifted him above the animals." Evie's Dad"If he starts anything with me I'll just cloud up and rain all over him." Conagher"You better ride out of here, Staples. An' leave that gun alone. You ain't fit to handle one. And don't you cross my trail again. I don't like bein' braced by no tin-horn." Conagher"To be a man was to be responsible. It was as simple as that. To be a man was to build something, to try to make the world about him a bit easier to live in for himself and those who followed." Conagher"it was the man who planted a tree, dug a well, or graded a road who mattered.""Conagher had worked too hard too many times to like a thief or a vandal who would steal or destroy the efforts of other men."

Big Bill Knudsen on Progress "Progress is only made when fear is overcome by curiosity. If you are curious enough, you will not have any fear."



William S. Knudsen



Elbert Hubbard "Prison is a Socialist's Paradise, where equality prevails, everything is supplied, and competition is eliminated."



Charles R. Anderson "Every law mandates more guns. Most laws now outlaw individual value choices and more voluntary cooperation among individuals."



Bad Deeds by Robert Bidinotto



Charles Anderson on Hope ".... hope is contingent upon having the freedom to make your own value choices and make their achievement your personal dream. Without the dream, there is no hope. Without the value choice, there is no dream."

A Collapsing Predation, a Plea for Salvation "These are just plain, ordinary people, Mr. Galt, " said Chick Morrison in a tone intended to project their abject humility. "They can't tell you what to do. They wouldn't know. They're merely begging you. They may be weak, helpless, blind, ignorant. But you, who are so intelligent and strong, can't you take pity on them? Can't you help them?"

"By dropping my intelligence and following their blindness?"

"They may be wrong, but they don't know any better!"

"But I, who do, should obey them?"



From Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand







Sen. Tom Coburn Addressing the Senate "Your whole goal is to protect the United States of America, its Constitution and its liberties. It's not to provide benefits for your state. That's where we differ -- that's where my conflict with my colleagues has come. It's nice to be able to do things for your state, but that isn't our charge. Our charge is to protect the future of our country by upholding the Constitution." December 2014



James Madison on Laws "It will be of little avail to the people ... if the laws be so voluminous that they cannot be read, or so incoherent that they cannot be understood."



Yet this is exactly the sorry state of law in America today. Even the legislators whose full-time job is to make laws cannot read them before voting on them. How can it even be imagined that a small businessman can know the law and the voluminous regulations applied most especially and most vigorously to commercial endeavors? It cannot be so imagined, which makes it clear that the intent is to make every businessman a criminal precariously dependent upon the goodwill of those with power in the government.



Charles R. Anderson on Argument "Observe which side resorts to the most vociferous name-calling and you are likely to have identified the side with the weaker argument and they know it."



From my statement in the Senate Minority Report of 2008 on Man-Made Global Warming Claims.



Ben Franklin " Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

Ayn Rand on Force and Morality From Atlas Shrugged

"Force and mind are opposites; morality ends where a gun begins."

The Neverending Battle for Freedom



Winston Churchill "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy."



Ludwig von Mises "A society that chooses between capitalism and socialism does not choose between two social systems; it chooses between social cooperation and the disintegration of society. Socialism is not an alternative to capitalism; it is an alternative to any system under which men can live as human beings."



Ayn Rand on Truth Seeking "The truth is not for all men, but only for those who seek it."

Charles R. Anderson, Ph.D.



Benno Schmidt, President of Yale, March 1991 "The most serious problems of freedom of expression in our society today exist on our campuses ... The assumption seems to be that the purpose of education is to induce correct opinion rather than to search for wisdom and to liberate the mind."



Tacitus, 56 - 120 A.D. "The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws. " The more numerous the laws, the more corrupt the state.

The more numerous the laws, the more corrupt the state.

George Eliot "The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice."



Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular -- but one must take it because it's right."



Is that not all times?



Public Servant Tyrants "The people must remain ever vigilant against tyrants masquerading as public servants." George Washington



Aristotle on Inequality "The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal."



Claiming unequal things equal in mathematics is obviously wrong, but so is claiming the equality of an individual with good character to an individual of bad character fraught with deleterious consequences.



Mencken on Public Education "The aim of public education is not to spread enlightenment at all: It is simply to reduce as many individuals as possible to the same safe level, to breed and train a standardized citizenry, to put down dissent and originality." Henry Louis Mencken (1880 - 1956)



Thomas Edison "From his neck down, a man is worth a couple of dollars a day; from his neck up, he is worth anything his brain can invent."



Ayn Rand on Self-Assurance "But why should you care what people will say? All you have to do is please yourself." From The Fountainhead

Frederick Douglass A mans rights rest in three boxes: the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.

William S. Knudsen "A conference is a gathering of guys that singly can do nothing and together decide nothing can be done."



Big Bill Knudsen was the manufacturing genius from the automotive industry who decided that U.S. WWII warfare production should be performed in the private sector with as little government interference as possible. U.S. production overwhelmed that of the Axis Powers as a result and the transition back to peace-time production was vastly eased. He is a little-recognized American Hero.



Margaret Thatcher "Europe was created by history. America was created by philosophy."



Pajama Boy for ObamaCare



Ayn Rand on Lack of Self-Direction "The man who lets a leader prescribe his course is a wreck being towed to the scrap heap." From The Fountainhead



Bastiat on Socialism "Now, legal plunder can be committed in an infinite number of ways. Thus we have an infinite number of plans for organizing it: tariffs, protection, benefits, subsidies, encouragements, progressive taxation, public schools, guaranteed jobs, guaranteed profits, minimum wages, a right to relief, a right to the tools of labor, free credit, and so on, and so on. All these plans as a wholewith their common aim of legal plunderconstitute socialism." Frederic Bastiat, 1801-1850



James Madison Property is "every thing to which a man may attach a value and have a right; and which leaves to every one else the like advantage."



"He has a property very dear to him in the safety and liberty of his person. He has equal property in the free use of his faculties and free choice of the objects on which to employ them."



"Government is instituted to protect property of every sort; as well that which lies in the various rights of individuals, as that which the term particularly expresses. This being the end of government, that alone is a just government, which impartially secures to every man, whatever is his own."



"That is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where arbitrary restrictions, exemptions, and monopolies deny to part of its citizens that free use of their faculties, and free choice of their occupations, which not only constitute their property in the general sense of the word; but are the means of acquiring property so called."



"If there be a government then which prides itself in maintaining the inviolability of property: which provides that none shall be taken directly even for public use without indemnification to the owner, and yet directly violates the property which individuals have in their opinions, their religion, their persons, and their faculties; nay more, which indirectly violates their property, in their actual possessions, in the labor that acquires their daily subsistence, and in the hallowed remnant of time which ought to relieve their fatigues and soothe their cares, ... such a government is not a pattern for the United States."



[Yet such a property violating government we now have.]



Obama According to Ron Pisaturo "My opponents dont have a plan for the economy, for education, for training, for retirement, for health care, for energy, for jobs, for wages, for investments, for diets. What kind of dictators are they?"



Ron Pisaturo's paraphrase of Obama's State of the Union Address in January 2014.



Starve the Kleptocracy and Tyranny



John Galt on the Battle John Galt says in Galt's Speech in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand:



Fight for the value of your person. Fight for the virtue of your pride. Fight for the essence of that which is man: for his sovereign rational mind. Fight with the radiant certainty and the absolute rectitude of knowing that yours is the Morality of Life and that yours is the battle for any achievement, any value, any grandeur, any goodness, any joy that has ever existed on this earth.



Groucho Marx "Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies."



Charles in Pensacola, FL



Andrew Jackson "Distinctions in society will always exist under every just government. Equality of talents, of education, or of wealth can not be produced by human institutions. In the full enjoyment of the gifts of Heaven and the fruits of superior industry, economy, and virtue, every man is equally entitled to protection by law; but when the laws undertake to add to these natural and just advantages artificial distinctions, to grant titles, gratuities, and exclusive privileges, to make the rich richer and the potent more powerful, the humble members of society -- the farmers, mechanics, and laborers -- who have neither the time nor the means of securing like favors to themselves, have a right to complain of the injustice of their Government .... If it would confine itself to equal protection, and, as Heaven does its rains, shower its favors alike on the high and the low, the rich and the poor, [government] would be an unqualified blessing."



Jay Leno "The White House admitted President Obamas chief of staff had advance warning that the IRS was targeting conservative groups. President Obama says the first time he heard about the IRS and AP scandals was from the media. See, thats why President Obama holds press conferences. Its not to explain whats going on. Its to find out whats going on."



Government is too big to be well-managed even by a competent manager. It is now apparent what happens when the chief executive is incompetent, but is convinced he is the chief Progressive Elitist.



Thomas Jefferson "The democracy will cease when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."



"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."



James I, King of Great Britain "The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth, for kings are not only God's lieutenants upon earth and sit upon God's throne, but even by God himself they are called gods." There is historical precedent for the level of hubris of the Progressive Elitist rulers of our time. Just as James I tried to rule independently of Parliament with a claim of god-like knowledge, so does Obama rule independently of our Congress, secure in the belief that he too has a god-like knowledge of what is best for the People.



2nd Amendment Right



Calvin Coolidge Reduced top income tax rate to 25%.

Reduced the national debt.

Balanced and reduced the budget.

Vetoed 50 bills.



"I am for economy, and after that I am for more economy.



It is much more important to kill bad bills than to pass good ones.

A Novel by Gen LaGreca



Jean Jacques Burlamaqui "Natural liberty is the right, which nature gives to all mankind, of disposing of their persons and property, after the manner they judge most convenient to their happiness, on condition of their acting within the limits of the law of nature, and their not abusing it to the prejudice of their fellow men. To this right of liberty there is a reciprocal obligation corresponding, by which the law of nature binds all mankind to respect the liberty of other men, and not to disturb them in the use they make of it, so long as they do not abuse it."



Frederick Douglass Knowledge makes a man unfit to be a slave.



Pamela Geller In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man. Support Israel, Defeat Jihad



Roger Scruton, 2006 The English law existed not to control the individual but to free him.



Laurence J. Peter Against logic there is no armor like ignorance.

Ben Franklin - 2nd Amendment

This is why every individual has the right to defend himself, as recognized in the 2nd Amendment of the Bill of Rights.

"Democracy... Is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty... Is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."

John Milton "Where there is much desire to learn, here of necessity will be much arguing, much writing, many opinions; for opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making."



Cato's Letters "the power which every Man has over his own Actions, and his Right to enjoy the Fruits of his own Labour, Art, and Industry, as far as by it he hurts not the Society, or any Members of it, by taking from any Member, or by hindering him from enjoying what he himself enjoys."



They Would Rule the People



Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand



Atlas Shrugged, Part II



Democracy -- The Suicide "Remember democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."

John Adams, letter to John Taylor, April 15, 1814

Thomas Jefferson "My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."



"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."



Praise the Constitution



Ayn Rand: Philosophical Detection

Alan MacFarlane, 1978 The majority of ordinary people in England from at least the thirteenth century were rampant individualists, highly mobile both geographically and socially, economically rational, market-oriented and acquisitive, ego-centered in kinship and social life. Perhaps this is no surprise, for it makes them very like their descendants.



On Error and Judgment by Ayn Rand An error made on your own is safer than ten truths accepted on faith, because the first leaves you the means to correct it, but the second destroys your capacity to distinguish truth from error.



Howard Roark at his trial: "I came here to say that I do not recognize anyone's right to one minute of my life. Nor to any part of my energy. Nor to any achievement of mine. No matter who makes the claim, how large their number or how great their need." .....



"I wished to come and say that the integrity of a man's creative work is of greater importance than any charitable endeavor. Those of you who do not understand this are the men who're destroying the world." ...



"I recognize no obligations toward men except one: to respect their freedom and to take no part in a slave society."

Thomas Jefferson "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."



"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."



Support Science, Reason



Atlas Shrugged Part I - The Movie



Thomas Paine on Reason



California Venus



George Bernard Shaw "A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul."



Paul's immorality is soon characteristic of the entire society, contributing evermore to strife and conflict and the discouragement of productive labor.



Fight Big Government



Thomas Paine on Principle "A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice."



Limited Government Capitalism is the only system that allows Individuals to make their own moral choices and to act upon them. Without individual moral choice, there is no morality and society is mean, brutal, envious, and depressing.



The Homage of Reason "Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear." Thomas Jefferson



Tocqueville a mans admiration for absolute government is proportionate to the contempt he feels for those around him.



First ObamaCare Stole Your Body



In the name of the best within you, do not sacrifice this world to those who are its worst. In the name of the values that keep you alive, do not let your vision of man be distorted by the ugly, the cowardly, the mindless in those who have never achieved his title. Do not lose your knowledge that man's proper estate is an upright posture, an intransigent mind and a step that travels unlimited roads. Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won, it exists, it is real, it is possible, it's yours.



But to win it requires your total dedication and a total break with the world of your past, with the doctrine that man is a sacrificial animal who exists for the pleasure of others. Fight for the value of your person. Fight for the virtue of your pride. Fight for the essence of that which is man: for his sovereign rational mind. Fight with the radiant certainty and the absolute rectitude of knowing that yours is the Morality of Life and that yours is the battle for any achievement, any value, and grandeur, any goodness, any joy that has ever existed on this earth.



John Galt in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand



Hunter -- A Thriller by Robert Bidinotto



Socialized Medicine



Immoral Government Health Care



Barack Hussein Obama A Compass that almost always points to the South Pole.



Consensus Consensus means that everyone agrees to say collectively what no one believes individually"- Abba Eban

Obama's Socialism



Rose Robbins - Singer/Songwriter



Who is John Galt? From John Galt's Speech to Americans in Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand:



"I am the man who loves his life. I am the man who does not sacrifice his love or his values."



"Man's mind is his basic tool of survival. Life is given to him, survival is not. His body is given to him, its sustenance is not. His mind is given to him, its content is not. To remain alive, he must act, and before he can act, he must know the nature and purpose of his action."



"But to think is an act of choice." ..... "In any hour and issue of your life, you are free to think or to evade that effort. But you are not free to escape from your nature, from the fact that reason is your means of survival -- so that for you , who are a human being, the question 'to be or not to be" is the question 'to think or not to think.'



"A being of volitional consciousness has no automatic course of behavior. He needs a code of values to guide his actions. 'Value' is that which one acts to gain and keep, 'virtue' is the action by which one gains and keeps it. 'Value' presupposes an answer to the question: of value to whom and for what? 'Value' presupposes a standard, a purpose and the necessity of action in the face of an alternative. Where there are no alternatives, no values are possible."



"There is only one fundamental alternative in the universe: existence or non-existence -- and it pertains to a single class of entities: to living organisms."



"Man has been called a rational being, but rationality is a matter of choice -- and the alternative his nature offers is: rational being or suicidal animal. Man has to be man -- by choice; he has to hold his life as a value -- by choice; he has to learn to sustain it -- by choice; he has to discover the values it requires and practice his virtues -- by choice."



"A code of values accepted by choice is a code of morality."



"Man's life is the standard of morality, but your own life is its purpose . If existence on earth is your goal, you must choose your actions and values by the standard of that which is proper to man -- for the purpose of preserving, fulfilling and enjoying the irreplaceable value which is your life."



"Happiness is the successful state of life, pain is an agent of death. Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values. A morality that dares to tell you to find happiness in the renunciation of your happiness -- to value the failure of your values -- is an insolent negation of morality. A doctrine that gives you, as an ideal, the role of sacrificial animal seeking slaughter on the altar of others, is giving you death as your standard. By the grace of reality and the nature of life, man -- every man -- is an end in himself, he exists for his own sake, and the achievement of his own happiness is his highest moral purpose."



Thus said John Galt, or shall we say Ayn Rand, the great novelist, philosopher, moralist, and Capitalism's greatest moral defender. The quoted sections above are an abridgment of John Galt's speech in the novel Atlas Shrugged . Between the quotes, no changes were made.



A Call to the Sons of Liberty



John Paul Jones



Charles R. Anderson, Ph. D.



The First Known Use of the Concept Freedom



The Rational Mind Seeks Truth in the critical observation and understanding of reality. Reality is primary, not man's wishes and whims.



Followers

Elizabeth Zanzinger



Total Pageviews
YEREVAN, March 5, ARMENPRESS. Headed by Armenian Premier Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, political and social figures laid flowers in memory of Constable Vazgen Sargsyan in Yerablur Military Pantheon. 'Armenpress' reports that March 5 is Vazgen Sargsyan's birthdyay and he would turn 57 today. In the interview with journalsts PM Hovik Abrahamyan noted that one must make all possible efforts to reach such development of Armenia which Vazgen Sargsyan dreamed of. The Armenian people and authorities highly appreciate his contribution to the development of the country, the liberation of Artsakh and in Artsakh-making process. And every Armenian should simply remember and honor the memory of the Commander. Our future generation will remember that we had such figure,'Hovik Abrahamyan said.

Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan mentioned that Vazgen Srgsyan has greatcontribution in the patriotic education of generations. 'I think that Vazgen Sargsyan's character should be an example for everyone. The result which we achived with him during our leadership, should serve as a basis to build our future,' the minister said.

Vazgen Sargsyan was born on March 5, 1959 in Ararat region's Ararat village. He was leader of the "Republican" party and co-chairman of the "Unity" alliance.

He is national hero of Armenia, Artsakh. In 1979 Vazgen Sargsyan graduated Yerevan State Institute of Physical Education and began work in Ararat village school as physical instructor. From 1983 to 1986 he was the Communist Youth League leader at the cement factory in Ararat. From 1986 to 1989 he was head of the publicity department of the Garun (Spring) literary monthly in Yerevan. But the Armenian national ferment of the late 1980s saw him abandon this role as he flung himself headlong into political life.
Iran, a country boasting the fourth largest oil and the second largest gas reserves in the world, has become one of the most prominent topics in the news  for example, todays election news affirming the shifting of political power to the moderate and reform candidates.

From the oil and gas industry point of view, the lifting of international sanctions provides the country, as well as International Oil Companies (IOCs), with opportunities at a time when oil prices are down to levels not seen for a decade. Although there is every likelihood that prices will rebound, the drivers of demand and supply indicate that this may not happen for some time. Related: Genels Stock Takes A Hit As It Slashes Reserves In Half

The IOCs are hurting, reflected largely by their cut back in dividend as well as profit falls and job cuts. Under these circumstances, IOCs need to look for exploration and production opportunities that require comparatively little capital and operational expenditure. As such, Iran presents itself as a great opportunity  with costs to produce a barrel of crude in Iran estimated at around US$ 12 compared to an average of around US$ 9 in Saudi Arabia, around US$ 36 in the USA and around US$ 52 in the UK. Provided the IOCs are willing to accept the risks and challenges that arise with investing in Iran, the offering of about 18 E&P blocks and 50 oil and gas projects worth US$ 185 billion by 2020 under the new Iranian Petroleum Contract (IPC), might just be the need of the hour.

On the other hand, Iran itself seems anxious about the incoming investment, as it is looking to update its aging oil & gas infrastructure, in order to increase production to meet the rising local demand alongside helping fund government spending. An initial foreign investment of around US$ 25 billion is targeted and several leading European E&P companies (BP, Eni, Repsol, Shell, Statoil, Total) are believed to have been in discussions. In late September 2015, the Minister of Petroleum, Bijan Zangeneh, declared the path chosen by the country by announcing that Iran will not hold back its oil production once economic sanctions are removed and that the countrys crude output will reach an ambitious 4.2 MMbo/d by the end of 2016. Crude oil production currently stands at around 2.85 MMbo/d and in an effort to reclaim its lost share of exports, Zangeneh anticipates the country taking back a market share of more than 1 MMbo/d. More conservative estimates, however, suggest an increase in production of between 600,000 bo/d and 1 MMbo/d within six months of the lifting of sanctions  subject to the negotiations ongoing for freezing oil production.

(Click to enlarge)

Map of Iran showing location of 18 E&P Blocks, 50 oil and gas projects and oil and gas fields (Source: Drillinginfo database)

The country has gone through a series of tumultuous events, the more notable being the CIAs 1953 coup displacing the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddeq, followed by installation of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (Shah of Iran) which ultimately led to the Iranian Revolution in 1979, followed by an eight-year-long war with Iraq and various sanctions, which hit the country worst in 2011. Having faced such, it is surprising for many to see the country still being a dominant player in the Middle East and competing with Saudi Arabia. This very point makes the country hugely important  not only regionally but internationally  because a freely trading Iran, which will ultimately make the country financially secure, can reasonably change the power dynamics of the region, the dominance of Saudi Arabia and the fundamentals of relative stability left in the region. Related: U.S. Has Too Much Oil. So Why Are Imports Rising?

Iran has a long oil history  the first oil discovery in the Middle East was made by the DArcy Company in 1908 in southwestern Iran (the Masjid-i-Sulaiman Field). Following the revolution, the right of producing and owning natural resources was given to the Iranian Government and the only contracts that the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) ever offered were buyback contracts. These contracts were similar to service contracts and required the IOCs to invest their own capital and expertise to develop an oil or gas field. As per the buyback contracts, upon commencement of production from a field operator-ship reverted back to the NIOC, which then used the revenue from sales to pay the IOCs back their capital expenditure. Additionally, the IOCs did not get any equity in the fields and the annual repayment rates to the companies were based on predetermined percentages of the fields production, as well as the predetermined rate of return.

The latest form of buyback contracts attracted billions of dollars of foreign investment in the 1990s and early 2000s, until nearly all investors left the country when the EU and the US enacted measures in 2011-12 that affected the Iranian energy sector more profoundly than any previous sanctions. As a result, oil & condensate exports in 2012 fell by around 1.0 MMbbl/d compared to 2011 and stayed around the same level until 2015. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Irans oil and gas export revenues dropped by 47 percent from US$ 118 billion in the 2011-12 fiscal year to US$ 63 billion in 2012-13.

(Click to enlarge)

The new Iranian Petroleum Contract (IPC), which contains terms similar to a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), was unveiled at the Tehran Summit in November 2015. With the new IPC, the Government is trying to increase the countrys attractiveness to foreign investment in the industry, in order to develop infrastructure and to boost production.

Although the finer details of the IPC are yet to be finalized, it is expected that the contract will be an improvement on the existing buybacks, presenting a new opportunity to the IOCs. Under the new contract terms, companies will remain unable to have ownership of reserves, but will be able to establish JVs with NIOC, or its subsidiaries, to manage the entire life cycle of a project. Companies will have a longer time period of between 20 to 25 years to explore, develop and produce from a field, with the possibility to extending it to the Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) phases. Fiscal terms are also understood to have been reworked. Related: Anadarko Slashes 80% Of Onshore Rigs, To Lay Off 95% Of Contractors

The auctioning of 50 oil and gas projects and 18 E&P blocks  aimed at doubling the countrys crude oil output from 2.85 MMbo/d to 5.7 MMbo/d  is expected to be held in May 2016 and will provide IOCs with an opportunity to help re-balance their portfolios and books and to remain competitive in a low oil price environment. The licensing round will include onshore and offshore, as well as early and late stage projects, with varying degrees of complexity.

At a time when companies are looking to cut capital and operating expenditures, the low-cost barrels that are going to be available make an entry / re-entry in Iran look very attractive. However, entering Iran will require careful consideration of the challenges and risks, below, as well as above ground. Political risks remain high too, with the country having poor relations with a number of neighbors in the Middle East, as well as further afield. Companies will have to assess how entering Iran might affect their business elsewhere. However, the major risk for any company establishing operations in Iran is the potential of renewed sanctions, should the country fail to adhere to the agreements made regarding its nuclear program.

By Johannes Sobotzki and Pavel Sharma via Drillinginfo.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Gone is the fear of betrayal, and bilateral love, once again, is in the air. Georgia, the strategic crossroads for energy alternatives to Russia, finally announced on March 4 its pick for a supplier of extra gas, and the choice is longtime partner, Azerbaijan. The decision appears to knock both Iran and Russias state-run Gazprom out of the running, but still leaves the door open to collaboration between all four countries in other energy spheres.

Were glad that the talks ended with success and that weve made it to a decision that will deepen our strategic partnership [with Azerbaijan] even more, about which not a single doubt ever existed, a contented Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili declared at a meeting in Tbilisi with Rovnag Abdualayev, president of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR). Related: Saudis Turn To Capital Markets For $10 Billion Loan

Abdullayev, in turn, underlined that SOCAR will continue its support for Georgias government; in particular, by shelling out various forms of investment into the country.

The total amount of this investment  conceivably, a deal sweetener  is not known, but Georgia did manage to squeeze Azerbaijans commercial gas prices down a notch, from $318 to approximately $278-$283 per 1,000 cubic meters. It will receive an additional 500 million cubic meters of gas per year, an amount which Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze now claims satisfies the market demand.

That established, Tbilisi appears ready to call it a day with its gassy flirtation with the Russian energy-giant Gazprom. Gone is any talk about the advantages of diversification away from Azerbaijan, the source of most of Georgia's gas.

While the talks with Gazprom arent yet finished, Kaladze told reporters on March 4, the Georgian governments final proposal to Gazprom is that the two sides leave things as they are  a 10-percent annual cut for Georgia out of Russias gas shipments to neighboring Armenia. No date has been announced for the next Gazprom rendez-vous. Related: Anadarko Slashes 80% Of Onshore Rigs, To Lay Off 95% Of Contractors

But nor will Tbilisi be linking up with Iran on gas. While Iranian gas purchases are theoretically possible, Kaladze stated, today the necessity [for that] does not exist.

So far, no sign of hard feelings. The spurred Gazprom and National Iranian Gas Export Company have not commented. Armenia, which enjoyed a brief run of celebrity as a possible energy-transit country for gas-shipments to Georgia from Iran, also has not made any remark.

Domestic critics of the Georgian government, though, dont entirely buy it that Gazprom is now off the table. The various lines used by the government to justify its earlier talks with Gazprom made one opposition MP believe that Kaladze was just throwing ash in the publics eyes. Another anti-Gazprom protest has been scheduled for March 6 in Tbilisi. Related: U.S. Has Too Much Oil. So Why Are Imports Rising?

But some players are already on to the next big thing. Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian, for one, is looking forward to an electricity exchange between Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Russia, with Iran exporting power in winter, and importing in summer. This way we could all decrease construction costs for . . . new power plants, the state-run Iranian news agency Fars quoted him as saying.

What goes for Azerbaijan, also goes for foe Armenia. Last December, Georgia, Russia and Iran penned a deal with Yerevan about a similar power-trade.

So, dont expect this energy drama to end anytime soon.

By Eurasianet

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee.com  brought to you by Absolut, Avion, Fireball, Pama, Red Stag and 2 Gingers  is back for another round! The whole month of February, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun articles on bars and clubs  including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews, the results of our Best of Bars poll and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!

The stereotype of the waiter and the bartender  at least in this country  is that of a life at a crossroads, perhaps, or an unskilled laborer or a wayward soul. But, hopefully, thats changing as more and more folks like Mike McDonald ply their craft.

McDonald tends bar at Blue Jacket, 135 E. National Ave., in Walkers Point, where Chef Matt Kerley helms the kitchen, serving up third coast-inspired dishes, and Bittercube helps pilot the bar.

"Michael is an educated bartender who takes the craft very seriously," says Blue Jacket co-owner Laura Harms Van Heijningen. "He is constantly furthering his knowledge on spirits and the industry. He cares greatly about the guest experience and making sure we deliver excellent drinks nightly.

"He is a true asset to Blue Jacket. We are very grateful (to have him)."

We caught up with McDonald to ask him about his experience behind the bar and some of his favorite things.

OnMilwaukee.com: How did you become a bartender at Blue Jacket and when did you start?

Michael McDonald: I personally began to be interested in craft cocktails and the history behind them a few years ago. I did a lot of reading and research on my own but I wanted to find someone locally who I could learn from. I met Dan Beres when he was working at The Hamilton where Nick Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz of Bittercube were consulting. Dan Introduced me to Ira, we got talking and soon enough Blue Jacket was brought up. I waited anxiously and I was lucky enough to get a spot here. I started around April before we opened and we all put in some serious time to get everything up and running. It was exhausting but a great experience at the same time.

OMC: Have you worked other bartending gigs? How is it different here than at other places?

MM: My bartending career started at Kozs Mini Bowl slinging shots and beer and lots of mini-bowling. Kozs is a neighborhood bar with a great atmosphere; it makes you feel at home and so do the owners and patrons. My next gig was at Cafe Hollander in Wauwatosa. I started off as a server and worked my way to the bar. They have one of the best Belgian beer selections in Milwaukee so naturally my focus was on beer. Then came Harbor House. The fact that people were ordering Martinis and Manhattans played a huge role in my drive towards craft cocktails. Learning about the profession of bartending before prohibition and the cocktail renaissance is why Im at Blue Jacket today.

OMC: Does the restaurant's "third coast" approach in the kitchen also manifest itself at the bar in some way?

MM: Absolutely. It is reflected in every aspect of our bar.

OMC: Can you explain?

MM: Our cocktails feature local spirits, homemade syrups and of course Milwaukee based Bittercube bitters. Our beer selection features beers from the Great Lakes region. Any state that touches one of the lakes is fair game. When it comes to wine it gets a bit tricky but we look to our maritime influences and feature wines that have a coastal influence.

OMC: Do you have a clientele that comes in specifically for the bar; that isn't really looking for a meal, but just wants a drink?

MM: Definitely. Nick and Ira have a reputation around the country for developing exceptional bar programs. I think that people who know their work and their dedication to quality flock here. Most of our friends also know how much time and attention our bartenders give to our bar program and their influences alone bring people here to experience our drinks.

OMC: What do folks order most at Blue Jacket: beer, wine, cocktails, shots ... ?

MM: I would say that the orders are pretty well-rounded. Cocktails are second to wine only because the quality of our food is so high that many patrons decide to have a glass or two with dinner. I dont think that people are used to pairing cocktails with food but its becoming more popular. If we do shots its usually Fernet Branca shots with friends.

OMC: What is your specialty/signature drink?

MM: I dont really have one. If I had to pick something Id say Manhattan and Negroni variations. All of our bartenders have at least one drink on the cocktail menu. I previously had a rum Manhattan called the Windward on the menu and now I have a hot buttered rum and a drink called the Strait Jacket on the menu which is a variation of a classic flip. We also love to be creative and do "dealers choice" cocktails a la minute based on a patrons desires.

OMC: What is the most ridiculous thing you've seen a drunk patron do  not necessarily at Blue Jacket?

MM: New Years Eve at "a place to be named" a couple were attempting to make babies on the baby changing station in the mens bathroom.

OMC: Ever break up any bar fights?

MM: Ive broken up a few but most of the time it was just between friends, which is always entertaining.

OMC: What are the best and worst pick-up lines you've heard used in a bar?

MM: Im pretty sure the days of the pick-up lines are dead. At least I hope they are.

OMC: What are the best and worst parts of being a bartender?

MM: I would have to say that the best part of bartending is interacting with people who are generally interested in what we do at Blue Jacket. Being creative, active, and sharing what we know and what we are learning with guests is great. The worst part of being a bartender is the fact that some people perceive you as being uneducated, unprofessional and lacking potential for future growth. Most of us are educated and love what we do.

OMC: Do you go out to bars when you're not working? Do you have a favorite bartender?

MM: When I have the occasional early night or the rare night out I love visiting friends around the city. I have a lot of favorite bartenders and who is working definitely dictates where I drink. Our community of bartenders is definitely growing and the reinvigorated Milwaukee chapter of the USBG is helping to bring us together.

OMC: Beer, wine or cocktails?

MM: Beer, wine and cocktails. There is a time, a place and a mood for all of these great beverages. It all depends on how you feel in the moment.
Donald Trump's campaign has over the past six months changed from a bad joke into a nightmare for Republicans, foreign leaders and moderate American voters.

How can a man with such a shocking financial and personal history have such a strong showing in the primaries? The Economist last week decried Trump as "unfit" to run his party, let alone an entire nation.

Yet many Americans don't care what The Economist and the Pope say, but after decades of dumbing down the American public, why is anyone at all surprised?

Many factors underlie the attention in which Trump is wallowing. These conditions have produced rebellious anger, thus making the Trump Phenomenon possible.

Anger arising from funneling money to the super-rich and a negative economic growth for everyone else. Real incomes, health services and social safety nets nearing collapse.

The backing of large corporations, supported by the State Department's maintenance of world economic domination through manipulative trade treaties that raise prices and cost us jobs, plus costly continuous wars that draw money away from infrastructure and education.

Sound-bite mass media, with news as entertainment, thrives on emotionalism and lacks journalistic judgement, resulting in "hype without reason."

A dysfunctional government controlled by corporations and their lobbyists catalyzes a feeling of helplessness among many people.

An educational system that avoids any question that can have multiple answers and is evaluated by standardized tests. Ever since Nixon introduced the Back to Basics program, children haven't learned to decide about multiple solutions for complex questions; they are taught that there can be only one correct answer.

A government relying on armed force, instead of diplomacy, precipitates a national mind-set that believes all compromise is inherently a mistake.





People are angry and upset, causing a revolt against governmental Establishment. Trump plays on emotions, incites fears and promises the impossible, like exporting all the undocumented Hispanics and barring Muslims from entering the country. His hostile madness is capped by promises of an idealistic economic future. For the many disenchanted, emotion-driven, uninformed and unreasoning voters looking for a charming guru to lead them, Trump fits the bill!

The conditions helping Trump are based in profound problems facing the nation. These problems are frightening even to face, so voters accept the promises of a charismatic, forceful leader claiming to have simple solutions.

There are three distinct directions now open to voters: 1. A neo-extreme right represented by Trump and Cruz; 2. An economic status quo with variations represented by Rubio and Clinton; and 3. A newly revitalized left, represented by Bernie Sanders.

Neither Trump nor Cruz present a viable leadership for the nation. Rubio and Clinton range from right to left within the present establishment.

Sanders offers a vision for changing the economic structure to address the fundamental problems facing the nation and the world.

Economics determine our nation's culture and social values. Pope Francis has delivered a moral imperative that is diametrically different from Trump's and our nation's current values systems. Morals guide behavior, but economics are the engine that establishes the system of values. We may tweak our national priorities, but problems go unanswered. If the Trans Pacific Pact (TPP) and its corresponding Atlantic Treaty are installed, the problems and the anger will intensify.

Only one presidential candidate demands economic change: Bernie Sanders offers us a humanistic political direction moving away from corporations as the most significant powers toward restoring a Democracy of the people and for the people. The next elections are critical to maintaining our nation's democracy.

Maurice Webster is a blogger and resident of Santa Fe. He is 89 years old and is retired from a long career teaching Mathematics in the public schools in and around Chicago. He is active in the Green Party and so far has backed many winners on the municipal government level. He was born in Evanston, Illinois and worked for the

Evanston Record in his first job at 16.
By Walter Brasch

The bully of the playground continued to be in the media spotlight and charging ahead to the Republican nomination for president.

In the 11th Republican debate, Donald Trump, bold and arrogant as always, kept up the attack against his three remaining opponents. To the man who once delighted in being called The Donald, Sen. Ted Cruz was "Lyin' Ted," a reference he made more than just a few times. However, several political fact checkers over the past three months have dismissed Trump's claims as little more than half-truths, exaggerations, and lies. Politifacts, which checks candidate statements, revealed that about three-fifths of what Trump said during the campaign are incorrect. Among some of the errors Trump has made are that some of the families of the 9/11 suicide crews were in the U.S. prior to taking the lives of almost 3,000; that five detainees at Guantanamo Base, Cuba, whom Obama released were back on the battle field attacking Americans; that Mexico sent its citizens, especially criminals, into the U.S.; that the U.S., under the nuclear ban treaty with Iran, would be required to defend that nation if there was an attack by Israel; and that several polls show him ahead of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Several times over the past two decades, Trump has flip-flopped on issues, and then later claimed he hadn't.

Sen. Marco Rubio, said Trump during the debate, was "the little man." Rubio, however, got in a penetrating remark about Trump's small size of his hands possibly being the size of another part of his body. There was no fact-checker present to verify if Rubio was accurate on that statement.

Sens. Cruz and Rubio, both far-right conservatives and political rivals, have banded together to denounce Trump, each hoping for the Republican nomination, each facing a storm of Trump's blustering that has led voters to place him firmly in command of getting that nomination.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, more moderate than each of his three rivals and sharper on foreign policy than them, has tried to remain above the bickering, but the debate and the campaign have deteriorated into little more than a bar room brawl, with name-calling dominating a voice on issues and Trump, Cruz, and Rubio interrupting and talking over each one numerous times. In contrast to the Democrats' debates, which focused upon issues, this one in Detroit was more like a heated session of TV's "The View" than a true debate, with Trump's profanity-laced debate points duplicating his profanity-laced campaign speeches.

A few hours before whatever the Republicans wanted to call it, Mitt Romney, the Republicans' nominee for president in 2012, called Trump a phony and a fraud. "If Donald Trump's plans were ever implemented, the country would sink into prolonged recession," said Romney who argued that Trump's proposal of a 35 percent tariff-like penalties "would instigate a trade war and that would raise prices for consumers, kill our export jobs and lead entrepreneurs and businesses of all stripes to flee America."

Turning to foreign policy, Romney plainly stated, "If we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished." Romney said that Trump, who believes he's "very, very smart," is not "very, very smart." In response, Trump numerous times before, during, and after the mock-debate called Romney a loser, adding that Romney's campaign was a "catastrophe" and "an election that should have been won by the Republicans."

One part of Trump's not so smart knowledge of the issues was when he declared he could save $300 billion from the federal budget solely by a regulation of drug prices, an outlandish claim with no substance. However, there have been numerous examples, other than his demeanor, of Trump not being qualified to become the president.

Although he blares constantly about his $10 billion bank roll and how smart he is as a businessman and entrepreneur, while refusing to release any documents to substantiate his business income, Trump has declared bankruptcy of properties four times. Several of his companies--among them Trump Airlines and Trump College--have failed.

Before his campaign Trump ostentatiously claimed that President Obama was born in Kenya not Hawaii and questioning Obama's right of the presidency. The truth, upheld by newspaper notations, a birth certificate, and the federal courts, proved Trump and the "birther movement" wrong, but yet they have been consistent in throwing out their nonsense. He claimed that Sen. John McCain, subjected to torture by the North Vietnamese, was not fit to be president because of that imprisonment. "He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren't captured," said Trump.

During the campaign, Trump mocked New York Daily News reporter Serge Kovaleski's muscular disorder; he mocked Hillary Rodham Clinton's appearance.

He has HHH unleashed numerous policy proposals, most of which have little foundation of reality.

He has repeatedly stated that if he was president he would build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and require Mexico to build that wall. However, he never addresses how he will get Mexico to fund that 2,000 mile wall. He has claimed that President Obama plans to allow about 250,000 Muslims from Syria to emigrate to the U.S., a claim that is about 11 times larger than reality. More important he doesn't publicly look at the expense of additional border patrol agents and staff to patrol that wall, or how to keep illegal immigrants from tunneling under the wall, or going around the wall by boat or air, especially since he has proposed no new budget for the Coast Guard.

Next Page 1 | 2

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Crime and Punishment: Enough for Corporate Wrongdoing?



Corporate crime should not be a new concept to many. However, it has evolved into more troubling ways- not only in regards to its severity, but the methods of deterrence now being implemented against corporations. So it may be becoming progressively worse for U.S. citizens as a result.



Rather than speak of all corporations, what will be discussed is government health care fraud. Fraud basically is deception with the potential to harm others. In the case of pharma companies, this may include improper promotion and marketing, meaning that such tactics are or may be deceptive misconduct that may be illegal. In addition, there are the crimes of kickbacks and lesser crimes of misbranding products. Probably more methods of wrongdoing as well do in fact exist and happen. Yet the point is that drug companies should not engage in such wrongdoing to enrich their faceless existence with profiting off those who are ill in illegal ways.



How is such conduct discovered? Typically by whistleblowers who worked for the described pharma company, and such people are rare for a number of reasons. The whistleblower then seeks legal agents and files what is called a qui tam false claims act with a district attorney's office (Boston or Philadelphia, if you want prosecutors to take you seriously). After the case is filed, the whistleblower verbally acknowledges the charges and evidence to the chosen prosecutors and others.



Such cases usually take years for unclear reasons, yet in the past two years, the settlements from such cases has approached 2 billion dollars after investigations ended that took years, which is tax dollars returned to the American public with these settlements.



So, what has been happening once a pharma company is busted. Criminal indictment by the district prosecutor? Hardly, yet appropriate. Usually, the prosecutor's objective is to dismiss the case, but give the impression that such activities will not be tolerated by our government. So Corporate Integrity Agreements are mandated to the pharma company, but not really taken seriously, as some have more than one of these agreements active still. It's an invisible ankle bracelet. A pharma company can and have committed equal or worse crimes while under such an agreement. This Agreement is issued after the deferred or non prosecution agreement is sentenced to the law-breaking corporation, which basically is a pre-trial diversion.

Essentialy, it's just parole, which is supported by the DOJ and the administration. The criminals admit wrongdoing, but not guilt. And they pay a settlement in the neighborhood of hundreds of millions of dollars. Not that shocking, if you consider the income of big pharma companies. These agreements are relatively new and partially a result of suggestions from what was known as a Thompson memo, which basically was created by a DOJ guy as commandments for prosecuting corporations and variables to consider when doing so, which ultimately offered responses as to why a greater degree of punishment was not enforced.We are one of three countries in the world with the most prisoners behind bars, yet those that do similar if not greater harm to others get out of jail free. Double standard, I would say. Is this behavior by our legal system towards corporations an effective deterrent? Most think not. It rather seems like tacit approval of their conduct. And health care fraud may be more damaging than other types in other industries, yet lack of regulation allows such crimes to continue.

The Damage of Legalized Lying



Amazingly, with the pharmaceutical industry, the amount spent by them on marketing is far greater than the amount spent on research and innovation, as it approaches 30 billion annually spent on their marketing efforts, as this presently takes priority over the research and development, so it seems. This includes 5 billion that is spent on drug reps, who implement the tactics of their marketing departments.



Marketing in some form exists with every business regardless of the industry of the business and its purpose. Essentially, marketing in itself is a complex activity- consisting of many specialty elements of various areas and levels, typically of an aggressive nature. However, with the pharmaceutical industry, marketing needs to become more specialized and altered due to the delicate nature of health care in order to prevent harm and ensure quality health care for all. Tactics that ignore such caution and consideration possibly could cause harm to patients in a number of ways, as this occurs presently. And recently, the marketing exposure of the drug industry has become an unfortunate issue for this industry for many reasons that remain a reality aside from what drug PR firms may try and tell us, as presently it seems as if the pharmaceutical industry, once viewed as very ethical, are now viewed as motivated by profit and greed. Such unwise and irresponsible methods include:



1. Advertising directly to the consumer. This method of bypassing what should entirely be decided by the heath care provider, as disregarding the determining factor of the heath care provider can possibly lead to inappropriate prescribing of certain advertised meds due to the demands of an unqualified patient who believed the content of such an advertisement that suggests that they are a candidate for a particular drug involved in the advertisement.

Furthermore, it potentially removes the discretion of the provider regarding the best treatment for the patient through such frequent methods of marketing to potential consumers by such advertisements directly to consumers. Assessment of a patient by a health care provider is required and necessary, most believe, in order to determine the best treatment for a patient, as well as the provider considering their medical history as well as other variables necessary to consider the best course of the patient's treatment.

Ignoring this premise could be damaging to the patient seeking treatment through this possible inaccuracies through efforts provided by the marketing departments of drug companies.



2. Clinical evidence is the ultimate determining factor for treatment selection, after drug sample availability, and this evidence should be utilized by the provider entirely absent of any marketing technique implemented by a drug maker, which may include embellishments and lack of necessary evaluation of such patients. Analysis of such evidence is very necessary for the ultimate benefit of the patient.



3. People take issue with the use of celebrities who are paid greatly by some drug companies, possibly to attempt to expand or create a certain medical condition, so the celebrity will discuss a certain disease state determined by who paid such a celebrity. Many examples of this occurring have been noted by others, and can lead to both inappropriate prescribing and over-prescribing of these meds so often promoted to consumers. This may be appropriate if one is attempting to sell a car, but health care is more of an important topic of concern.



4. Education not only trough sponsored doctors of the drug company, but also statements from various medical groups sponsored as well by the industry for purposes of endorsement have been considered inappropriate for the welfare of public health through awareness techniques such as these methods initiated by marketing departments lacking thorough clinical evaluation that is necessarily for the best treatment of patients seeking care or concern of their health. As an ex seasoned big pharma drug rep, I can assure you that education is not the purpose of a pharmaceutical company.



5. The over-saturation of drug company sales reps who in the past have initiated questionable tactics upon the direction of their marketing department of their drug company employer, regardless of the validity or legality of such tactics that are normally not questioned or known by the drug reps in the first place. Such forms of manipulation include for some time questionable inducements for the health care providers. This is allowed to happen regardless of whether or not it is legal.

As a result, many medical establishments are progressively prohibiting the activity or presence of drug reps at their locations. With the pharmaceutical company, sales reps are required by their employers to follow the direction of their marketing departments without exception. And the questioning of these directives is not tolerated by their employers. Because of this, the drug company's image becomes more damaged as a result. To further illustrate this drug rep description, their employers require them to spend huge amounts of money annually to spend for doctors or to doctors that is void of any benefit for the patients.



In the past, the pharmaceutical industry was viewed as research-driven, innovative, and patient focused- entirely for the benefit of patient heath. This is why the industry was at a time viewed as an ethical one. Clearly, this is not the case today. Instead, many view this industry as one with their primary goal is to initiate market-driven profiteering, regardless of the attempts of the industry to convince the public otherwise, as stated previously by the industry's supporters, who have attempted to place value to the medical community as the goal of the pharmaceutical company. So the view by the public of drug companies has been damaging to what should be a concerning degree because of their tactics and deception.

So the pharma industry seems to be in great need of repair and re-evaluation of their purpose. This should performed by action instead of empty statements by the industry. It is the author's opinion that actions by this industry for the sole benefit for the patients are displaced if they exist, unless my interpretation and perception are flawed greatly. The repair can only be done by the refocus of the industry towards convincing the public of the industry's concern of their restoration of the patient's health in several ways.

One way is to always make the medical community aware and with conviction that their products are solely for the benefit of the patients, which is rarely discussed in full detail with such people. Fortunately, medications historically have been for this reason and are often necessary for the restoration or benefit of the health of those in medical need. The need should be more clearly defined by those who determine this, and these are the health care providers, who are caregivers, and not marketers. In summary, the medicines now available to us are for the benefit of the patients, and not the developers.



"Marketing is the act of making something seem better than it really is" --- Suso Banderas



Citizens should make the laws in our country. Justice would then finally exist. Yet this is clearly a utopic fantasy of mine."Corporations cannot commit treason, nor be outlawed, nor excommunicated, for they have no souls."---- Edward Coke
Donald Trump

So what to make of the "Donald" in the latest edition of America's presidential nomination sweepstakes?

Andrew Bacevich in a recent article [1] put it this way, "In contemporary America, celebrity confers authority and how Trump has grasped its implication. How else to explain the host of a 'reality' TV show instantly qualifying as a serious contender for high office?"

Mitt Romney in a televised speech on Thursday spoke of the urgency of stopping Trump saying it would be a disaster for the Republican party if he gets the nomination. But judging from comments [2] made on Friday to Romney's appeal rank and file Repub. voters weren't buying it.

A 71 year old woman from Louisiana reacting to Romney's appeal said, "I personally am disgusted by it- I think it's disgraceful. You're telling me who to vote for and not to vote for? Please." A caller to Rush Limbaugh on Friday put it this way, "We know who Donald Trump is and we're going to use Donald Trump to either take over the G.O.P. or blow it up". Another man interviewed in Flowood, Miss. said, "I want to see Trump go up there and do damage to the Republican party". How's that for voters rage this year. Such comments reveal voters are feeling condescended to by party elites and are indignant about being told what to do.

Here's my take on Trump.

His "people"-mostly white, poorly educated, from rural small towns and cities- in America believe they've been lied to by their "government". That it doesn't care about them. The "system" is rigged against them. They feel abandoned and scorned. These last 8 years under Obama have been horrible. Trump's tapped into their nativism, racist tendencies and resentment of "others"-all who don't look like them.

He comes along vowing to make America "great again" aka return of white supremacy. He'll build a fence and keep out Muslims and other "minorities"-code word for Latinos. He won't let "refugees"-all potential ISIS terrorists- into the country. He advocates killing terrorists family members and "we should go tougher than waterboarding" on terrorist suspects.

Significantly Trump isn't part of the political establishment. Never before run for political office, he's viewed as a political outsider, a self-funded billionaire who doesn't need take money from super PAC's and other outside sources-though in the recent past he's admitted giving to candidates of both parties saying he expected something in return. He's not beholden to anyone-which makes him especially dangerous to the Republican political elites, insiders and pundits.

What seems to be telling is the more criticism he gets his following only gets stronger. He appears immune to the criticism, says what's on his mind, defiant as ever.

But at the same time he's also made some sensible remarks. As president he'd be "neutral" regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict not blaming either side. That he could work with a Vladimir Putin, that George Bush was wrong to invade Iraq and what exactly are we doing in Syria?

Such "blaspheme" to the usual orthodoxy have made the neo-cons apoplectic including his Repub. nomination rivals senators Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio.

But Trump has the momentum seeming to revel in the attacks against him.

At this juncture after his 7 Super Tuesday wins in Ala., Ark., GA., Mass., Tenn., VT., and VA., there's caucus's in KS, KY and Maine along with a primary in La. today, primaries on March 8 in Mich, Miss, Idaho and a caucus in Hawaii. Then on March 15 primaries in N.C., FLA., Ohio, ILL., and Missouri. With his momentum gaining it appears he could win enough delegates in the Repub. primary process that the convention in July will have no choice but to hand him the nomination.

Sure he's a charlatan, an egotistical, self important narcissist, huckster, con artist and schlock show host. So what? His supporters love him.

As to his personal fortune, millions were inherited. His business acumen, particularly his casinos? According to a report at the time-admittedly long forgotten as to the source- he apparently should have faced bankruptcy in the 90's. His debt to the banks was badly in arrears yet they chose to rework the loan payments simply because they would have lost money if they forced him into bankruptcy. The average Joe, he's a couple of months in arrears on his mortgage payments and the bank is ready to foreclose on him. Not Trump, he got a pass.

The thing is truthful revelations don't seem to matter. Serious discussion of problems and issues aren't on the table-save for Bernie Sanders and he's being marginalized by the Dems. power brokers all but handing the nomination to Hillary way before she's actually won the nomination. Serious trouble lies ahead for the Dems. if she's seen as getting the nomination handed to her by party insiders.
Thursday, while the nation debated the relative size of Republican genitalia, something truly awful happened. Across the northern hemisphere, the temperature, if only for a few hours, apparently crossed a line: it was more than two degrees Celsius above "normal" for the first time in recorded history and likely for the first time in the course of human civilization.

That's important because the governments of the world have set two degrees Celsius as the must-not-cross red line that, theoretically, we're doing all we can to avoid. And it's important because most of the hemisphere has not really had a winter. They've been trucking snow into Anchorage for the start of the Iditarod; Arctic sea ice is at record low levels for the date; in New England doctors are already talking about the start of "allergy season."

This bizarre glimpse of the future is only temporary. It will be years, one hopes, before we're past the two degrees mark on a regular basis. But the future is clearly coming much faster than science had expected. February, taken as a whole, crushed all the old monthly temperature records, which had been set in " January. January crushed all the old monthly temperature records, which had been set in ... December.

In part, this reflects the ongoing El Nino phenomenon -- these sporadic events always push up the planet's temperature. But since that El Nino heat is layered on top of the ever-increasing global warming, the spikes keep getting higher. This time around the overturning waters of the Pacific are releasing huge quantities of heat stored there during the last couple of decades of global warming.

And as that heat pours out into the atmosphere, the consequences are overwhelming. In the South Pacific, for instance, the highest wind speeds ever measured came last month when Tropical Cyclone Winston crashed into Fiji. Entire villages were flattened. In financial terms, the storm wiped out 10 percent of the nation's gross domestic product, roughly equivalent to 15 simultaneous Hurricane Katrina's.

This was followed by a few months of the highest wind speeds ever recorded in our hemisphere, when Patricia crashed into the Pacific coast of Mexico. And it joins all the other lines of misery: the zika virus spreading on the wings of mosquitoes up and down the Americas; the refugees streaming out of Syria where, as studies now make clear, the deepest drought ever measured helped throw the nation into chaos.

The messages are clear. First, global warming is not a future threat -- it's the present reality, a menace not to our grandchildren but to our present civilizations. In a rational world, this is what every presidential debate would focus on. Forget the mythical flood of immigrants -- concentrate on the actual flooding.

Second, since we're in a hole it's time to stop digging -- literally. We've simply got to keep coal and oil and gas in the ground; there's not any other way to make the math of climate change even begin to work. There is legislation pending in the House and Senate that would end new fossil fuel extraction on America's public lands. Senator Sanders has backed the law unequivocally; Secretary Clinton seemed to endorse it, and then last week seemed to waffle. Donald Trump has concentrated on the length of his fingers.

No one's waiting for presidential candidates to actually lead, of course. In May campaigners around the world will converge on the world's biggest carbon deposits: the coal mines of Australia, the tarsands of Canada, the gasfields of Russia. And they will engage in peaceful civil disobedience, an effort to simply say: no. The only safe place for this carbon is deep beneath the soil, where it's been for eons.

This is, in one sense, stupid. It's ridiculous that at this late date, as the temperature climbs so perilously, we still have to take such steps. Why do Bostonians have to be arrested to stop the Spectra pipeline? Anyone with a thermometer can see that we desperately need to be building solar and windpower instead.



In a much deeper sense, however, the resistance is valiant, even beautiful. Think of those protesters as the planet's antibodies, its immune system finally kicking in. Our one earth is running a fever the likes of which no human has ever seen. The time to fight it is right now.
The real attitudes of the Republican Party are now on full display, courtesy of Donald Trump. McConnell's "we need to deny Obama a second term", "only in cases of legitimate rape", and Romney's "the 47%" are stark examples of those attitudes. Traditionally, Republicans have feigned outrage. "Not us" they say. "Racism is abhorrent, and we value inclusion and diversity" they say. But Trump is now an open reflection of what the party establishment has always espoused. To wit: immigrants are bad for America, a source of crime and a cause of inner city strife. Women's reproductive health rights should be restricted because Roe v. Wade violates our Christian principles. Poor people are lazy and undeserving of social assistance. If you're undereducated, it's your own fault even if inner city schools are strangled for lack of resources. Unions inflate wages and make American industries non-competitive. Rich people are industrious, deserving of their wealth, and will fuel economic development that will benefit the working class by giving them new jobs. Government itself is the enemy, as it hamstrings those same rich people with overbearing regulations that stifle development. The President is a liar who hates America. The hypocritical outrage that is now coming from the Republican establishment is breathtaking.

Republicans have tried to spin their way out of these realities. But what's really causing angst among the Republican Party apparatchik is that in order to disavow Trump, they must simultaneously abandon the attitudes upon which their party brand is built. So, the party is faced with a poor choice of either immediate self-immolation or a "death of a thousand cuts." They can reject Trump, post up Cruz or Rubio and in the short term, risk losing the 2016 election, because polls show neither Cruz nor Rubio to be electable in November. They would cling stubbornly to old worn out methods and ideologies, and risk moving further out of touch with the attitudes of a rapidly changing demographic. Alternately, they can support Trump, in which case, he represents a clear break from party tradition, and the party simply blows up and changes instantly. Whichever way it goes, and whether or not they are successful in denying Trump the nomination, the party will never be the same. Further, it's a change that's long overdue. But, Trump isn't the cause. He's the symptom, a result of policies and practices initiated by the Republican Party long ago.

We need a vibrant, intelligent, respectful, and rational two-party system in America. Hopefully, this year's election cycle will be a catalyst for the changes needed to move us in that direction.
YEREVAN, March 5, ARMENPRESS. The enemy continues to violate the ceasefire regime in the Karabakh-Azerbaijani line of contact. The Press Service of the Ministry of Defense of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic informed "Armenrpess" that in accordance with the operational data of the Defense Army of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic the enemy has violated the ceasefire regime since February 28 till March 5. During this time more than 7500 shots have been recorded from the various caliber weapons towards the Armenian servicemen.

During the mentioned period, Azerbaijani Armed Forces used 60 and 82mm mortars and AGS-17 grenade launchers.

The front army units of the Defense Army remained loyal to the maintenance of ceasefire regime and confidently carried out their military duty along the whole length of line of contact.
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 16 First Last Back Next 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 View All

(1 comments) SHARE

PREPARED REMARKS: Bernie Sanders Calls for "Strategic Pause" on Corporate Welfare to Profitable Companies Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) Wednesday called for a "strategic pause" on corporate welfare to profitable companies during remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate. Wednesday, April 6, 2022Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) Wednesday called for a "strategic pause" on corporate welfare to profitable companies during remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate.

(3 comments) SHARE

Diplomacy is the Only Way to Deescalate the Crisis Over Ukraine Bringing people together to resolve conflicts non-violently is strength and it is the right thing to do. Thursday, February 10, 2022Bringing people together to resolve conflicts non-violently is strength and it is the right thing to do.

(4 comments) SHARE

The planet is in peril. We're building Congress's strongest-ever climate bill The latest International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report is clear and foreboding. If the United States, China and the rest of the world do not act extremely aggressively to cut carbon emissions, the planet will face enormous and irreversible damage. Thursday, August 19, 2021The latest International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report is clear and foreboding. If the United States, China and the rest of the world do not act extremely aggressively to cut carbon emissions, the planet will face enormous and irreversible damage.

(1 comments) SHARE

Instead of Giveaways to the Rich, We Will Use Reconciliation to Serve Working People and Heal the Planet As we address the needs of working families, and combat climate change, we are going to create millions of good paying jobs, many of them union jobs. Thursday, August 12, 2021As we address the needs of working families, and combat climate change, we are going to create millions of good paying jobs, many of them union jobs.

SHARE

The biggest win for the working class in generations is within reach When the gap between the very rich and everyone else is growing wider, when some of the wealthiest people and biggest businesses in the world pay nothing in federal income taxes, the billionaire class and large profitable corporations must finally start paying their fair share of taxes. Thursday, July 22, 2021When the gap between the very rich and everyone else is growing wider, when some of the wealthiest people and biggest businesses in the world pay nothing in federal income taxes, the billionaire class and large profitable corporations must finally start paying their fair share of taxes.

(3 comments) SHARE

Ain't gonna happen There is no question but that we need a major investment in our crumbling roads, bridges, water systems, waste water plants, public transit and broadband. Saturday, June 26, 2021There is no question but that we need a major investment in our crumbling roads, bridges, water systems, waste water plants, public transit and broadband.

(3 comments) SHARE

Washington's Dangerous New Consensus on China It is distressing and dangerous that a fast-growing consensus is emerging in Washington that views the U.S.-Chinese relationship as a zero-sum economic and military struggle. This will create a political environment in which the cooperation that the world desperately needs will be increasingly difficult to achieve. Sunday, June 20, 2021It is distressing and dangerous that a fast-growing consensus is emerging in Washington that views the U.S.-Chinese relationship as a zero-sum economic and military struggle. This will create a political environment in which the cooperation that the world desperately needs will be increasingly difficult to achieve.

(4 comments) SHARE

The US Must Stop Being an Apologist for the Netanyahu Government The United States should be urging an immediate cease-fire. We should also understand that, while Hamas firing rockets into Israeli communities is absolutely unacceptable, today's conflict did not begin with those rockets. Sunday, May 16, 2021The United States should be urging an immediate cease-fire. We should also understand that, while Hamas firing rockets into Israeli communities is absolutely unacceptable, today's conflict did not begin with those rockets.

(6 comments) SHARE

How to Raise Trillions Without Hiking Taxes on Working Americans If Congress has the guts to take on large corporations and the billionaire class whose greed is destroying the social fabric of America we can both reduce income and wealth inequality and create a more egalitarian society. Thursday, April 22, 2021If Congress has the guts to take on large corporations and the billionaire class whose greed is destroying the social fabric of America we can both reduce income and wealth inequality and create a more egalitarian society.

(7 comments) SHARE

Withdrawing From Afghanistan Is a Courageous Step. Here's What Must Come Next. President Biden's announcement of a full withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by 9/11, 2021, is a courageous step. It is also an opportunity to consider the enormous costs of nearly 20 years of war and commit to a better way of promoting Americans' security and prosperity. Saturday, April 17, 2021President Biden's announcement of a full withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan by 9/11, 2021, is a courageous step. It is also an opportunity to consider the enormous costs of nearly 20 years of war and commit to a better way of promoting Americans' security and prosperity.

(2 comments) SHARE

Bernie Sanders: Income and wealth inequality is in fact a moral and economic issue In America today, the very rich have become much richer while tens of millions of Americans are struggling to put food on the table and live in dignity. Sunday, March 21, 2021In America today, the very rich have become much richer while tens of millions of Americans are struggling to put food on the table and live in dignity.

(6 comments) SHARE

Disappointed in Some Democrats Dmocrats promised the American people that if we won both races in Georgia and took control of the Senate, we were going to pass a very popular COVID relief bill, including : $2,000 checks for the working people. Democrats won, and now it's time to deliver. Friday, February 12, 2021Dmocrats promised the American people that if we won both races in Georgia and took control of the Senate, we were going to pass a very popular COVID relief bill, including : $2,000 checks for the working people. Democrats won, and now it's time to deliver.

(9 comments) SHARE

Joe Biden must put an end to business as usual. Here's where to start In this moment of unprecedented crises, Congress and the Biden administration must respond through unprecedented action. No more business as usual. No more same old, same old. Wednesday, January 20, 2021In this moment of unprecedented crises, Congress and the Biden administration must respond through unprecedented action. No more business as usual. No more same old, same old.

(14 comments) SHARE

What last night proved What last night's victories in Georgia proved is that when people have something to vote for rather than just vote against, when we prioritize organizing and mobilizing, our progressive agenda can win anywhere. Wednesday, January 6, 2021What last night's victories in Georgia proved is that when people have something to vote for rather than just vote against, when we prioritize organizing and mobilizing, our progressive agenda can win anywhere.

(1 comments) SHARE

I Object As a result of the pandemic, tens of millions of Americans have lost their jobs and their incomes. In the middle of the winter, families now face the threat of eviction and the possibility of being thrown out in the streets. Wednesday, December 30, 2020As a result of the pandemic, tens of millions of Americans have lost their jobs and their incomes. In the middle of the winter, families now face the threat of eviction and the possibility of being thrown out in the streets.

SHARE

Congress Cannot Leave for Our Families Unless We Address the Pain and Anxiety of Millions of Families Across the Country Congress must not leave Washington, D.C. and head back to our families unless we address the pain and anxiety of millions of other families across the country. And that starts with putting money directly into their pockets with a payment of at least $1,200 per working class American, and $500 for each of their children. Saturday, December 19, 2020Congress must not leave Washington, D.C. and head back to our families unless we address the pain and anxiety of millions of other families across the country. And that starts with putting money directly into their pockets with a payment of at least $1,200 per working class American, and $500 for each of their children.

(4 comments) SHARE

How do we avoid future authoritarians? Winning back the working class is key For a president who lies all the time, perhaps Donald Trump's most outlandish lie is that he and his administration are friends of the working class in our country. Wednesday, November 25, 2020For a president who lies all the time, perhaps Donald Trump's most outlandish lie is that he and his administration are friends of the working class in our country.

(1 comments) SHARE

Is Trump prepared to undermine American democracy in order to stay in power? We must make certain that the President of the United States, if he loses this election, will abide by the will of the voters and leave office peacefully. Friday, September 25, 2020We must make certain that the President of the United States, if he loses this election, will abide by the will of the voters and leave office peacefully.

(4 comments) SHARE

Will Trump leave Office If He Loses The Election? This is a presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. This is an election about whether or not we retain American democracy. This is an election we must not lose. Friday, September 18, 2020This is a presidential election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. This is an election about whether or not we retain American democracy. This is an election we must not lose.

SHARE

While the Arctic Is on Fire We do not have any time to waste in addressing the climate emergency facing our country and the world. According to the scientific community, we have only a few years to act before there will be irreparable damage. Tuesday, September 15, 2020We do not have any time to waste in addressing the climate emergency facing our country and the world. According to the scientific community, we have only a few years to act before there will be irreparable damage.

Page 1 of 16 First Last Back Next 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 View All
MQM staged peaceful protest rallies in karachi

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD: To express solidarity with party chief Altaf Hussain after former Karachi mayor decimated him in a press conference Thursday afternoon, Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM) workers and activists staged peaceful protest rallies at several locations in Karachi on Friday.



Kamal had criticised Altaf Hussain for deception as well as what he called poor running of one of Karachis strongest political parties.



In a speech that lasted nearly two hours, Kamal also announced the formation of a new political party, which he said was yet to be named. He raised a Pakistani flag and said it was the official emblem of his newly launched organisation. The former nazim went on to say that Altaf Hussain had been receiving funds from Indian spy agency RAW and that his policies had ruined two generations of Urdu-speaking people. He claimed the MQM chief was a drunk who addressed gatherings while intoxicated.



The MQM had termed Kamals presser a conspiracy in a press conference after Kamals diatribe, terming all allegations against Altaf Hussain an insult to the intelligence of those who vote for the party. The return of Mustafa Kamal and Anees Qaimkhani is part of a conspiracy but MQM stands by Altaf Hussain, said party leader Farooq Sattar. In a statement released by the party, it said peaceful protest demonstrations will be organised in Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Lines Area, Defence, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Surjani, Qasba Aligarh, Orangi Town, Federal B Area, and Nazimabad.



Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Siraj ul Haq has called for formation of a commission to investigate allegations levelled against the MQM chief by former Karachi Nazim Mustafa kamal.



Talking to media persons outside parliament house on Friday, he said that Pervez Musharraf, PPP and PML-N governments were fully aware of MQM relations with RAW but none of them took notice of the issue for the sake of their own interests. He stressed that the judiciary, the government and all other institutions take notice of the allegations levelled by MQM former leader Mustafa Kamal against MQM chief Altaf Hussain.
Nawaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is scheduled to pay a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from March 9 for underscoring the importance of the kingdom for Pakistan.



The visit has not been officially announced yet, but multiple government sources confirmed that Mr Sharif planned to visit Saudi Arabia from March 9 to 11.



During the visit, the prime minister is likely to meet Saudi King Salman.



Separately, there are reports that he might also attend the inaugural summit of the 34-nation military alliance which Saudi Arabia has announced for fighting terrorism.



The meeting is reportedly taking place on March 10.



The prime minister is making the trip ahead of a planned visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Islamabad that is likely after March 20.



The dates for Mr Rouhanis visit have not been finalised yet as the Iranians are keeping them open for now because of what a diplomatic observer described as a developing situation.



Islamabad and Tehran have a history of cancelling visits due to regional issues and at least two trips were called off during the past couple of months.



Mr Sharif visited both Riyadh and Tehran in January when tension between the two states was at its height. It was dubbed as a mediation trip.



The Iranian leadership welcomed the initiative, while Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Jubeir apparently spurned it in a later statement, saying: A lot of countries have offered mediation and delivered ideas between Saudi Arabia and Iran, but there is no need for this.



The issues Mr Sharif would possibly discuss with Saudi leaders during his stay in Riyadh include Pakistans role in the 34-nation military alliance; Saudi Arabias financial assistance and planned investment in Pakistan; regional issues and other facets of bilateral ties.
Senate rejected bill to convert PIA into public limited company

ISLAMABAD: The Upper House of Parliament on Friday rejected with majority votes a bill moved by the government to convert Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) into a public limited company.



The PIA Corporation (Conversion) Bill, 2015 was moved by Federal Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid on behalf of Minister for State and Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed. The bill provided necessary legislative framework for setting up of the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) into a public limited company.



Deputy Chairman of Senate Abdul Gafoor Haideri sought verbal consent to take the bill into consideration twice, which was rejected by majority voice both times. The Senate standing committee in its report presented to the House on Tuesday also rejected the bill. The bill has now been referred to a joint session of parliament, which is expected to take place next week. The bill is expected to pass as the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) enjoys simple majority in a joint session.



The House also passed a resolution calling upon the government to provide funds on priority basis for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of the Federal Lodges in Islamabad.



Over a calling attention notice, PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar raised the issue of mysteriously disappeared persons. Baber urged the House to discuss the European Commissions report on the human rights situation in the country. The situation of missing persons will get worse if we continue to deny the need for introducing a measure of transparency, oversight and accountability in the working of the nations security agencies, he said.



The PPP leader said that the Senate Committee of the Whole on speedy and inexpensive justice also took notice of the enforced disappearances and has called upon the government to submit its report to Senate bi-partisan oversight committee within a month. If the committee is satisfied with the report of the government then it shall share the progress with the House otherwise the committee shall recommend that the bill may be moved as a private members bill by all the parliamentary party leaders, he said.



Babar said that yet another step forward in addressing the issue is to review the progress made in the implementation of the actions in aid of civil power regulation in tribal areas. This 2011 regulation was given retrospective effect from Feb 2008 to enable the security agencies bring into the open for trial in courts those who had already been in their custody for the past four years but not produced before any court of law, he said, and asked the minister to inform the House about the number of persons who were in custody of security agencies since 2008 and surfaced in 2011 together with their present status whether under trial, convicted or in detention.



The PPP senator said that the European Commissions report had also highlighted the issue of torture in custody. Pakistan had signed and ratified the convention against torture and it was obligatory to enact legislation to prevent torture and degrading punishments, he said.



Responding to the calling attention notice of Babar, Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid said that 60 measures in different areas had been suggested in action plan including legislation reforms, administration of justice, protection of women rights, rights of children, jail reforms, media awareness, international treaty implementation, strengthening of human rights institutions and others. He said there were some positive things in the European Unions recent report regarding human rights in Pakistan but the mover highlighted only the negative aspects.



Meanwhile, the opposition lawmakers staged walked out over the remarks of Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC). There was uproar in the House when the minister observed that no province was self-sufficient in gas production. He said that the funds collected through GDIC would be spent on projects of national importance across country.
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...
YEREVAN, March 5, ARMENPRESS. Armenian side has no victims and injured over the last days, the spokesman for Armenian defense minister Artsrun Hovhannisyan said in the interview with 'Armenpress', denying Azerbaijani media information related to the victims of Armenian Armed Forces.

'Rumors on Armenian side's victims are a result of disinformation. Yes, the Azerbaijani side continues to fire, violating the ceasefire regime, but Armenian side has no victims and injured during the last days. Armenian armed forces fully control the situation on the border,' Artsrun Hovhannisyan said.

Azerbaijani media spread misinformation as if Armenian side has tried to carry out subversive act and Azerbaijani armed forces counter-attacked, disarmed the Armenian technique, and there are dozens of casualties among the Armenians soldiers as well. Earlier Artsrun Hovhannisyan noted that such disinformation is aimed at tensing of the situation.
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
We are always delighted to receive books for review. If you are a publisher or author of a book which would be of interest to Magonia readers, and would like to submit a title for review, please contact us at
Jillian Kestler-D'Amours More than 70 percent of the guests had their visa applications denied [Marc Braibant/AFP] T...
This Feb. 23, 2016, file photo shows a New York police officer stands outside the Apple Store on Fifth Avenue while monitoring a demonstration, in New York. San Bernadino District Attorney Michael Ramos suggests in a court filing that one of the San Bernardino shooters might have used his iPhone, the same one at the heart of Apple's battle with the FBI, to introduce a "lying-dormant cyber pathogen" into the county's computer network. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)

A local prosecutor has offered an unusual justification for forcing Apple to help hack an iPhone used by a San Bernardino mass killer: The phone might have been "used as a weapon" to introduce malicious software to county computer systems.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos acknowledged to The Associated Press that there's no evidence of malicious software in the county's computer network. But he added, "I wouldn't call it a total hypothetical."

Computer security experts say the prospect is unlikely. By late Friday, the prosecutor's claim had sparked a wave of social media postings, many of which mocked the DA's use of the non-technical term "cyber pathogen" to describe the supposed malware.

Apple has resisted calls to help unlock the phone, arguing that building a software tool to override the phone's security features would render other iPhones vulnerable to criminals and government authorities around the world. Investigators, meanwhile, are eager to see if the phone used by shooter Syed Farookone issued by Farook's employer, the county health department contains any useful information about other suspects.

But the idea that Farook might have used the phone to transmit a "lying-dormant cyber pathogen" into county data systems is a new one. Ramos' office, however, cited it in a court filing Thursday among several other reasons to support the government's position.

"This was a county employee that murdered 14 people and injured 22," Ramos said. "Did he use the county's infrastructure? Did he hack into that infrastructure? I don't know. In order for me to really put that issue to rest, there is one piece of evidence that would absolutely let us know that, and that would be the iPhone."

The argument drew condemnation from one software expert who has signed a brief in support of Apple's position.

"Ramos's statements are not only misleading to the court, but amount to blatant fear mongering," independent software researcher Jonathan Zdziarski wrote in a post on his personal blog .

Other security experts who haven't taken sides also discounted the scenario. "It's definitely possible, technically, but it doesn't seem to me at first glance to be likely," said David Meltzer, a computer security expert and chief research officer at Tripwire, a commercial IT security firm. He said Apple's iPhone operating system is a relatively closed environment that's designed so users can't easily introduce their own programs.

Ramos, meanwhile, said he'd heard about social media posts that mocked the term "cyber pathogen," which is not generally used by tech experts. "When they do that," he said, "they're mocking the victims of this crime, of this horrible terrorist attack."

Explore further Prosecutor: iPhone could ID unknown San Bernardino attacker

 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Google set up an online form that people in Europe can fill out to ask for information to be excluded from search results

Google said Friday it would implement changes in how it applies the so-called right to be forgotten for online searches made in Europe.

The changes, to be implemented next week, would close a loophole that allowed Europeans to find deleted entries by using Google.com instead of the search page for their local country.

"Starting next week, in addition to our existing practice, we will also use geolocation signals (like IP addresses) to restrict access to the delisted URL on all Google Search domains, including google.com, when accessed from the country of the person requesting the removal," said a blog post from Google's global privacy counsel Peter Fleischer.

"We'll apply the change retrospectively, to all delistings that we have already done under the European Court ruling."

A European Court of Justice ruling in May 2014 recognizing the "right to be forgotten" opened the door for Google users to ask the search engine to remove results about them that are inaccurate or no longer relevant.

Google set up an online form that people in Europe can fill out to ask for information to be excluded from search results.

Now a part of the holding company Alphabet under a reorganization, Google's moves failed to satisfy some regulators, notably in France, because the users could get around the restriction.

Google has not changed search results in other areas such as the United States.

Up to now, Google had been deleting certain results from searches made on google.de, google.fr, google.co.uk and other domains within Europe.

"We're changing our approach as a result of specific discussions that we've had with EU data protection regulators in recent months," Fleischer said.

"We believe that this additional layer of delisting enables us to provide the enhanced protections that European regulators ask us for, while also upholding the rights of people in other countries to access lawfully published information."

Danny Sullivan, editor of the Search Engine Land blog, said the new practice is more complex but still could have loopholes.

"It's worldwide censorship for those within the country where the request was granted, in the sense that no matter what edition of Google they use, the removed listings will not show for the terms involved," Sullivan said in a blog post.

"Outside the EU, none of the censorship will be in placeso it's not worldwide when considered that way. This will also be the case for anyone within the EU who manages to disguise their location, such as someone using a VPN."

In its most recent update last November, Google said it had complied with less than half of the 348,000 request to remove content in Europe. The largest number of requests came from France, with more than 73,000, followed by Germany with some 60,000.

Similar processes have been put in place by Microsoft's Bing search engine that also powers queries at Yahoo.

 2016 AFP
In this Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, file photo, San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, right, joined by Sheriff John McMahon, speaks during a news conference in San Bernardino, Calif. In a brief filed in federal court Thursday, March 4, 2016, by DA Ramos' Office cites two 911 calls reporting three perpetrators during the attack. The district attorney's brief is among many weighing in on the fight between Apple and the federal government over unlocking the county-owned iPhone used by shooter Syed Farook. He and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, died in a gun battle with police following the Dec. 2 attack. (John Valenzuela/The Sun via AP, File)

Information contained in an encrypted iPhone could help finally answer whether there was a third assailant in the San Bernardino terror attack that killed 14 people, according to court papers filed by the county's district attorney.

San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said Friday that the question of a third attacker has nagged investigators despite no supporting evidence.

"We've never been able to completely eliminate it," he said. "We know we have some witnesses that said they thought they saw three ... some saw two, some saw one. The majority said two, and the evidence we have up to this point only supports two."

Still, he said investigators would like to definitively answer the question, and unlocking the phone could help do that.

Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, opened fire Dec. 2 at an annual training of his San Bernardino County co-workers. They died hours later in a shootout with police. The 14 people killed marked the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil since Sept. 11, 2001.

In a brief filed in federal court Thursday, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos cited two 911 calls reporting three perpetrators during the attack.

"The information contained solely on the seized iPhone could provide evidence to identify as of yet unknown co-conspirators ..." according to Ramos' brief.

In this Dec. 3, 2015, file photo, San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan takes a question at a news conference near the site of yesterday's mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif. A local prosecutor's office says information contained in an encrypted iPhone could help finally answer whether there was a third assailant in the San Bernardino terror attack that killed 14 people. Chief Burguan said Friday, March 4, 2016, that all evidence points to two shooters, but that the possibility of a third attacker hasn't been completely eliminated. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

The brief also suggested that the county-owned iPhone used by Farook may have introduced a "lying-dormant cyber pathogen" endangering the county's computer network.

Burguan said he's never heard that theory and knew of no problems.

Such a breech is technically possible but unlikely, said David Meltzer, a computer security expert and chief research officer at TripWire, a commercial IT security firm.

If an employee wanted to introduce malicious software into the county's network, Meltzer said they would be more likely to use a desktop or laptop PC because it's easier to download and manipulate malicious code on a PC's operating system.

The district attorney is among many weighing in on the fight between Apple and the government ahead of a March 22 hearing in which Apple is asking a judge to reverse an order requiring the company to create a software program that overrides iPhone security features.

Apple says unlocking Farook's phone would make all other iPhones more vulnerable to future attacks.

In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook cited in another court brief, Mark Sandefurthe father of one of the men killed in the terror attackalso cited reports of three attackers, saying the phone must be unlocked.

"Several of the survivors tell me bone-chilling stories of where they were, and what they saw," Sandefur wrote. "Some of them describe in precise detail, laying on the floor, hiding under furniture and the bodies of their co-workers, that they saw three assailants, not two, walking around in heavy boots as they carried out their murders.

"What if there is evidence pointing to a third shooter?" Sandefur wrote. "What if it leads to an unknown terrorist cell? What if others are attacked, and you and I did nothing to prevent it?"

Among those backing Apple are civil liberties advocates and some of the company's biggest competitors, including Google, Microsoft and Facebook.

The last of the 22 surviving victims of the attack was released from the hospital Thursday, the Press Enterprise reported.

Explore further Apple ordered to hack San Bernardino shooter's iPhone

 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Criado com o intuito de aprender ingles exigido pela ICAO. Created in order to learn English required by ICAO.
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.
PLEASE NOTE!

Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!

All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!

(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
YEREVAN, March 5, ARMENPRESS. Turkey and Iran, two countries on opposite sides of Syria's civil war, must develop a "common perspective" in order to end sectarian strife in the region, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said during a visit to Tehran, 'Armenpres' reports citing Reuters.

Iran, along with Russia, has stood by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the five-year war, providing him with military and financial support, while Turkey is his most outspoken critic and has backed opposition forces.

"We may have different views but we cannot change our history or our geography," Davutoglu said, standing alongside Iranian Vice-President Eshagh Jahangiri.

"It is extremely important for Turkey and Iran to develop some common perspectives in order to end our region's fight among brothers, to stop the ethnic and sectarian conflicts."

Turkey is close to Saudi Arabia, which has cut its diplomatic ties with Iran and is concerned about Tehran's growing clout in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen.

"We have our differences on some regional issues, but we are determined to manage the differences to reach stability in the region ... Iran and Turkey would both benefit from regional security and stability," Jahangiri said in remarks broadcast live by Turkey's NTV channel and Iran's Press TV.

The comments, days before the planned resumption of Syrian peace talks in Geneva, also reflected a will on both sides to reap trade benefits from the easing of international sanctions against Iran in January.

The removal of the sanctions means the two neighbors can easily exceed their previous trade target of $30 billion annually, Davutoglu said.
This blog will focus on political images I have found all around the Internet, though I will intersperse some commentary and quotes that I find interesting.
For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser
YERVAN, MARCH 5, ARMENPRESS. Artsrun Hovhannisyan, Spokesperson of Armenias Defense Minister, is convinced that relevant international organizations document Baku-initiated provocations. In response to the regular fraud by Azerbaijan and a footage allegedly proving that fraud, Hovhannisyan announced that the Armenian side has suffered no casualties and adequately retaliates to any aggression of the enemy. The footage released by Azerbaijani mass media is nothing more than a confirmation of what we were saying yesterday. The enemy provokes and escalates the situation. The Armenian side has suffered no casualties and adequately retaliates to any aggression of the enemy. We are convinced that this provocation has been documented by relevant international organizations, the spokesperson mentioned.

On March 4 and 5 the Azerbaijani media spreads disinformation accompanied by a footage that the Armenian side allegedly attempted to undertake a subversive action and the Azerbaijani armed forces responded, neutralizing the equipment belonging to Armenians and inflicting dozens of human losses. On March 4 Hovhannisyan mentioned that the Azerbaijanis imagine Armenian subversive actions everywhere, they already suffer a syndrome of subversive actions. According to him, this disinformation aims to escalate the situation in reality. The adversary intensifies shootings and speaks about tension. In fact, the situation was quite calm. The Armenian side will severely retaliate to any provocation and no aggression will remain without response.
Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier

The board earmarked $1.54 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for the dredge, designed to keep channels open and supply sand to nourish eroding beaches up and down the York County coast and beyond.
CAMBRIDGE | Sunlight streamed into the parlor at the former Cambridge Hotel, backlighting Forest Butler and George Pawlowski as they sat quietly in their comfortable chairs.

In the lounge behind them, Rebecca Walker was watching television; while through the doors in the dining room, Marcella and Bill Strang were enjoying their coffee.

It was another morning in the renaissance of the 1855 hotel, which opened Feb. 22 as an assisted living residence called The Cambridge.

We did everything we could to keep things original, said Kristen Batchelder, chief operating officer of ICC Management & Consulting, which bought the former hotel in 2014. We wanted to make sure the charm of the building was maintained.

ICC, based in Albany, also owns another assisted living residence in the village  The Mansion at South Union, which was previously called the Cambridge Guest Home.

Work on The Cambridge included preserving the look of the hotel and renovating the third floor.

The third floor was right down to the studs, Batchelder said. The goal was something beautiful but comfortable. We wanted to keep some things that would reflect the history of the building.

Common areas, private rooms

The first floor includes a parlor, a television room and a dining room, along with an activity room, the kitchen and office space. It will also have a beauty parlor.

The office area has a couch and a pair of chairs, rather than a desk or table and chairs.

With something as important as deciding to put someone in assisted living care, I dont want to be sitting at a desk. Its a very personal decision, Batchelder said. We want it to be more comfortable and put people at ease.

The dining room serves a choice of three meals, including breakfast made to order.

We love to have people come in for entertainment or to do activities, Batchelder said. The other day one of the staff members just sat down and started playing the piano. Thats what we want. We want this to be a community, a place where staff members come in and visit.

The second and third floors have 35 rooms, some of them big enough for couples, and three couples are already in residence. Each room includes a bathroom with a shower or bathtub.

We have furnishings, but we encourage people to bring their own, Batchelder said. We want them to feel at home.

The monthly cost at The Cambridge is $2,500 to $3,250, and is all-inclusive, Batchelder said.

We are lacking nothing here, said Forest Butler, who previously lived in Bolton Landing. I have everything I need here. I think it is the best place I have ever lived.

More work to do

The Department of Health recently awarded ICC a $300,000 grant for 10 special needs beds at The Mansion that will focus on Alzheimers patients.

Were going with a greenhouse concept for that part of the facility, said Batchelder, who has been with the company 10 years. Residents will be able to do their own cooking and their own laundry, if theyd like. They can keep doing the things they have done all their lives.

When the expansion is done, The Mansion and The Cambridge will have a total of 84 beds available  44 at The Cambridge and 40 at The Mansion, including the 10 beds in the greenhouse facility.

The new beds at The Mansion will be a mix of Medicaid beds and privately paid beds. The rest of The Mansions residents will be Medicaid patients, and those at The Cambridge will be patients who are paying their own way.

The two facilities employ 35 people, and Batchelder said more hiring is expected. As of Thursday, 18 people were living at The Cambridge and 16 at The Mansion.

Residents at The Cambridge will be able to walk to downtown businesses, such as Round House Cafe, the Cambridge Co-op and Battenkill Books.

The mayor (Carman Bogle) has been great, and so have the people who have businesses on the street, Batchelder said. They have been really looking forward to us getting going.

The process took longer than hoped. ICC bought the hotel from Glens Falls National Bank in 2014 and renovated it but did not get the state Department of Healths licensing until last month.

The hotel was originally built in 1885 and was bought 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 bought by Glens Falls National Bank at auction.

Village and community

Batchelder and others who work at The Cambridge talk about the vibe of the building. Staff and residents know each other by name.

Being here energizes people, Batchelder said. There is a lot they dont have to worry about here. They can do the things they have done all their lives. When you are just trying to get by, thats not a good quality of life.

Theres a lot of action here, Batchelder said. It is a very vibrant little village.
Regularly ahead of the curve, the Review has opposed federal drug policy for nearly 50 years, was a lonely media voice against the massive freeways planned for Washington, was an early advocate of bikeways and light rail, and helped spur the creation of the DC Statehood Party and the national Green Party,

In November 1990 it devoted an entire issue to the ecologically sound city and how to develop it. The article was republished widely.

Even before Clinton's nomination we exposed Arkansas political scandals that would later become major issues. .

We reported on NSA monitoring of U.S. phone calls in the 1990s, years before it became a major media story.

In 2003 editor Sam Smith wrote an article for Harper's comprised entirely of falsehoods about Iraq by Bush administration officials.

The Review started a web edition in 1995 when there were only 27,000 web sites worldwide. Today there are over 170 million active sites.

In 1987 we ran an article on AIDS. It was the first year that more than 1,000 men died of the disease.

In the 1980s, Thomas S Martin predicted in the Review that "Yugoslavia will eventually break up" and that "a challenge to the centralized soviet state" would occur as a result of devolutionary trends. Both happened.

In the 1970s we published a first person account of a then illegal abortion.

In 1971 we published our first article in support of single payer universal health care

In 1970, we ran a two part series on gay liberation.

i

n 1965 we called for the end of the draft.

In the 1960s we proposed community policing
Let it be light between us,brothers and sisters from the Earth.Let it be love between all living beings on this

Galaxy.Let it be peace between all various races and species.We love you infinitely.

I am SaLuSa from Sirius

Channel:Laura/Multidimensional Ocean

     ,        .   

      .        -

   .      .

     .

:Laura/Multidimensional Ocean
A resurgence in independent bookselling has led to an influx of new booksellers. And not only has the rebounding sector seen more independent bookstores but its also seen new people taking over existing stores. In the past three years, 58 independent bookstores have come under new ownership. According to Mark Kaufman, a partner in the Bookstore Training Group of Paz & Associates, interest in owning a bookstore has never been higher. Why? He credits a strong economy, growing appreciation for the shop local movement, the shuttering of big-box stores, and some pushback to Amazons dominance.

To see how some of those 58 new booksellers are faring, we checked in with six stores around the country that have recently changed hands. Some new owners, such as Stephanie Hochschild at the Book Stall in Illinois, have tried to continue the practices and accomplishments of their predecessors. For others, such as Joe Hight at Oklahomas Best of Books, the past few years have been focused on rebranding and starting fresh.

Bennington Bookshop, Bennington, Vt.

Purchased March 2015

Its been a year since Phil Lewis and Linda Foulsham purchased the store, which is located near Bennington College and Southern Vermont College. The couple, who had been living in Australia, spent two years looking to start a new store in Boone, N.C., before deciding to purchase this Vermont shop. We thought if we start from scratch, were going to put a load of money in before we open, Lewis explained. Instead they put in sweat equity by working nine-hour days, six days a week. For Lewis, though, the hardest thing hasnt been the hours, its been the paperworktaxes, purchase orders, and invoices. Hes also struggled with the number of suppliers. He and Foulsham plan to add a coffee bar, which they consider an essential part of a good bookstore. But even without coffee as a draw, the store was up 15% in 2015 over the previous year. Contributing to its success were local bestsellers, such as Megan Mayhew Bergmans story collection Almost Famous Women and Kimalie Wassicks self-published Basil and Prune series of stories for children. Books by Vermonters Archer Mayer and Howard Frank Mosher were also strong sellers.

Best of Books, Edmond, Okla.

Purchased October 2014

For Joe Hight, buying the bookstore with his wife, Nancy, and daughter, Elena, marked a coming home. (The couple are Oklahoma natives, but she had spent two years teaching in Honduras, and he had been serving as editor of the Colorado Springs Gazette.) What I could bring to the table is a knowledge of technology, social media, and websites, Hight said. My wife has a retail background; my daughter has a knowledge of business. Hight replaced the stores website and rebranded the store with the acronym BOB to attract a younger audience. He also partnered with other indiesBrace Books & More in Ponca City and Full Circle Bookstore in Oklahoma Cityto launch an Oklahoma bestsellers list. Weve learned a lot in the last year and a half, Hight said. The hardest thing is to anticipate what people want, he noted, explaining that this is the case for both books and events. He continues to experiment with the latter and said that he is willing to try anything. Above all, he believes learning is key. If we as bookstore owners are always learning, we can move forward, he said.

The Book Stall at Chestnut Court, Winnetka, Ill.

Purchased June 2013

Although she worked in the store for months before buying it from long-time owner Roberta Rubin, Stephanie Hochschild still considers herself a newbie. In part, thats because she has to keep up with a very vibrant store, which was PWs 2012 Bookstore of the Year. Were trying to follow in Robertas tradition, Hochschild said. The Book Stall maintains an extensive events schedule, with frequent book club meetings, and has a robust presence on Facebook and Twitter. Hochschild may feel like shes juggling at times, but whatever shes doing is working. Sales are very good, and we continue to be up, Hochschild said. To continue to expand, she is looking at getting more aggressive about B2B, especially given the number of corporate campuses in the area. She is also looking to increase online sales. People would like to support independents online, Hochschild said. She acknowledged that its hard competing with Amazon, but the bookstore has already built up interest in its autographed books on its website and is upgrading to the latest version of Drupal.

That Bookstore in Blytheville, Blytheville, Ark.

Purchased December 2013

When Chris Crawley moved back to Arkansas, from Los Angeles, he thought he was coming home to die. The former talent and literary manager suffered three strokes as a result of black mold in the apartment where he had been living in California. Since relocating, his health has rebounded. And as the new owner of his childhood bookstore, Crawley has made some changes. He has shifted the stores focus and begun carrying deeper inventory in middle grade, general fiction and nonfiction, and bestsellers; hes also started encouraging special orders. Under his ownership, TBIB experienced 20% growth in 2014 over the previous year, and 25% growth in 2015. Despite the spike Ive been able to generate, Crawley said, its a challenge for me. In order to turn a profit, he said, he has to sell additional lines of products and services; without these, he said, the bookstore cannot be profitable. With this in mind, he is looking to expand the stores footprint and add a cafe with items such as coffee, smoothies, beer, wine, and food. Crawleys also planning to introduce a store imprint this spring, Invictus Publishing. He will publish some of his own work through Invictus in 2017.

Chevaliers Books, Los Angeles

Purchased October 2014

Neither Bert Deixler nor Darryl Holter can remember whose idea it was to buy their neighborhood bookstore, which was deep in debt at the time of their purchase. But Holter, who runs his father-in-laws automotive dealership business and calls himself a recovering academic, has no regrets. The independent bookstore is part of the intellectual infrastructure of Los Angeles, he said. Vital as the store may be, making it profitable has been hard. By the end of their first year, the store nearly broke even, losing only $3,000. To move into the black, Holter said he and Deixler updated their inventory control system, which has allowed them to cut back their overall inventory. What they found harder was reestablishing relationships with publishers and distributors. Holter is at the store at least once a week, and he and Deixler are in touch with staff daily.

Island Books, Mercer Island, Wash.

Purchased July 2015

After 16 years at Microsoft, Laurie Raisys was ready to be her own boss. Rather than start her own business, she targeted the iconic bookstore that she was introduced to on her first visit to the island. In January 2015, Raisys got a note from bookstore owner Roger Page that he was interested in retiring; by April, Raisys was working in receiving. Since purchasing the store last summer, she can regularly be found on the sales floor. Raisys bristles when customers thank her for saving the store. The bookstore didnt need to be saved. It does well, she said. During her first year, Raisys has made few changes. Her husband, a former executive at Dell and Microsoft, has taken on the role of the IT guy, and her oldest daughter will work in the store during certain high-volume times of year. So far its working. We had some record days during the holidays, Raisys said, and a record-breaking Christmas Eve.
Eighteen months after the collapse of a complicated deal that would have delivered Perseus Books Groups publishing business to Hachette Book Group and its distribution arm to Ingram Content Group, Perseus signed binding agreements last week to sell those same two businesses to those new owners.

David Steinberger, CEO of Perseus, said there were several factors that contributed to completing the deal this time around. For starters, he said, Perseus has had a solid financial performance since the original deal was called off in August 2014, which has continued to make the company an attractive acquisition target. Indeed, after Perseus announced last fall that it was once again considering a possible sale, many parties expressed interest before Perseus began having serious conversations with about seven companies. Unlike the first attempted sale, this time Perseus hired a financial advisor, Greenhill & Co., to help oversee the process. And unlike the earlier negotiation, when HBG planned to buy all of Perseus and then sell the distribution business to Ingram, the new process involved two separate sales. HBGs acquisition was announced on March 1, and Ingrams March 3.

HBG and Ingram had been considered the most likely to get involved with the Perseus purchase this time for the same reason they tried to make a deal in 2014: the acquisition gives the companies more clout in their respective markets. HBG was looking to increase its presence in the nonfiction market when it first bid on Perseus, and it continued to look for ways to expand there following its failure to complete the 2014 deal. Shortly after the Perseus deal collapsed, HBG bought about 1,000 adult nonfiction titles from Hyperion and picked up another 250 nonfiction books in the purchase of Black Dog and Leventhal. The Perseus acquisition adds another 6,000 titles to HBG, about 80% of which are nonfiction.

When the Perseus deal is done, which is expected by the end of March, HBG will make the Perseus publishing group a new division under Susan Weinberg, a long-time Perseus executive who has served most recently as senior v-p and group publisher. Weinberg will join HBGs executive management board as senior v-p and publisher of Perseus Books, reporting directly to HBG CEO Michael Pietsch.

Perseus comprises nine imprints: Avalon Travel, Basic Books, Basic Civitas, Da Capo Lifelong Books, Da Capo Press, PublicAffairs, Running Press, Seal Press, and Westview Press. The publisher also has partnerships with the Economist, the Nation Institute, Participant Media, and the Weinstein Company.

Noting the last-minute cancellation of the previous attempt to buy Perseus, Pietsch said he was very happy to be at this point. He sees the purchase as a big step in expanding our range and expertise in a wide number of new nonfiction categories. Pietsch said he has no plans to make major changes in Perseuss publishing operations. They have been publishing brilliantly, and we want to help them be even better, he said. Perseus publishes about 500 new titles annually and had estimated sales of about $100 million.

In about six months, HBG plans to move Perseuss New York City employees into its own offices in Manhattan. HBG also intends to move the Da Capo Boston staff to HBGs Boston office. The purchase adds three cities to HBGs operational map, with Perseus having offices in Philadelphia; Boulder, Colo.; and Berkeley, Calif.

Ingram president Shawn Morin said it is the companys attention to operate Perseuss four distribution groupsPGW, Consortium, Perseus Distribution Services, and Legato Publishers Groupalongside its existing Ingram Publisher Services group. The combination of IPS and the Perseus distribution group will handle distribution for more than 600 clients. The Perseus distribution group has client revenue of about $300 million. Phil Ollila, Ingrams chief content officer, will oversee the combined distribution unit.

The purchase includes Perseuss Jackson, Tenn., warehouse and its Constellation digital asset management and distribution service, as well as a U.K. office, which will let Ingram expand its footprint there, Morin noted. For Morin, the most exciting aspect of the purchase is that it continues Ingrams transformation into a service provider for publishers in both physical and digital markets.
More than 40 American publishing professionals traveled to Cuba in February as part of the first U.S. publishing mission to visit the Feria Internacional del Libro de La Habana (Havana International Book Fair), and to participate in four days of dialogue with their counterparts in the Cuban publishing industry.

Among those who made the trip were four Cuban-Americans, including Raquel Roque, who was born in Cuba and raised in Miami. Roques father, Jose Rabade, operated a bookstorewith titles in Spanish and Englishcalled Rabade Libros y Revistas in Havana from 1949 to 1965. In 1965 the family moved to Miami, and shortly after, Rabade opened Downtown Book Center. The bookstore grew and became one of the premier wholesalers and distributors of Spanish-language books in the U.S. The retail location closed in 2011, but Roque runs the wholesale and distribution arms of Downtown Book Center and serves as a bookseller consultant. Among her clients is South Floridas Books & Books. She has been joined in the business by her daughter, Alyson.

We spoke with Roque and Alyson while in Havana about what this trip has meant.

How does it feel to be back in Cuba?

RR: Super nostalgic. Im not a very sentimental person, but I have been sentimental. Im very proud of my dad and the fact that he was a bookseller in Cuba. Im also very proud that once he got to Miami, the first thing he wanted to do was open a bookstore. And Im proud that I became a bookseller.

You mentioned that you had not been to Cuba in 40 years. How do you see Cuba today?

RR: I see so much hope. I see so many talented young people, and Im afraid that they are leaving little by little. I want to see them be able to work in their professions. These young people have studied and studied so much and speak several languages, and yet they are working as taxi drivers. I want them to work in their fields and be hopeful for the future.

Were you able to find the location of your fathers bookstore?

RR: Yes. My daughter and I found it. It is still operated as an independent bookstore, and we spoke to the owner. He told us that he acquired the bookstore in the late 1980s, and prior to that, someone else had owned the store. But he had heard that a short Spaniard owned it before the revolutionas if it were an urban legend. He was referring to my father and that made me really sentimental.

Did you purchase any books?

RR: I bought four books at the store and several more at the book fair. Books are my passion. They are what define me.

When did you leave Cuba?

RR: I was 11 when we left, and then I came for a visit with my mother in 1976. Forty years later Im here with my daughter, surrounded by my people: Cubans and book people. That is the really cool thing about this.

Alyson, what was it like for you to see the bookstore your grandfather owned?

AR: I was excited to see that it was still a bookstore. When we realized it had been my grandfathers bookstore I came to tears. I grew up hearing stories about the bookstore and how it was the place where people came together. It was very nostalgic.

Have you ever thought of going to Cuba to open a bookstore?

AR: Definitely. If I were to go to Cuba it would be to open a bookstore. And as I heard at the conference, the digitization of books is playing a growing role within my generation. I would love to somehow bring that to Cuba.

Raquel, if the economic embargo were lifted tomorrow, what would you do?

RR: The first thing I would do is buy books to develop curated collections for public libraries throughout the U.S.
More here: Mahama blames Bank of Ghana for DKM Scandal

The Majority leader in parliament, Alban Bagbin on Friday, March 4, 2016 announced that the Governor of the Bank of Ghana would appear to brief the House, behind closed doors, on the operations of savings and loans companies and microfinance companies operating in the country.

His invitation to the House was spurred by concerns raised by the minority members in parliament in which they accused the BoG of shirking its regulatory and supervisory roles, resulting in the loss of huge sums of money in deposits in those financial firms by customers.

According to the minority leader, Osei Kyei-Mensa Bonsu, "This is a tragedy that has befallen us as a nation. This is a national emergency to some of us and it should be treated as such."

See also: BoG can't be blamed for DKM Saga - Databank CEO"Is it the case that we should always be lamenting and leave people who are responsible for it? We were told some officials of the Bank of Ghana went to the enclave to encourage people to invest. Bank of Ghana failed to act even when huge monies were being withdrawn and converted into foreign currencies." he added.

Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, told law makers that rogue microfinance company, DKM Ltd, diverted GHS77 million of investors' deposits into personal businesses and subsidiaries belonging to the firm's managers.

According to the finance minister, DKM was registered as a savings and loans company in 2013 but breached the Bank of Ghana's regulations concerning the operations of microfinance companies, a situation that forced the Central Bank to close down the company.
He indicated that only 28.4 per cent of primary three pupils were proficient in literacy while 39 per cent were proficient in literacy at primary six, saying that, These are contained in the Early Grading and Reading Assessment and the Early Grading in Mathematics Assessment of 2013.

Mr Kavaarpuo who was presenting a Pre-regional Education Sector Annual Review report said there were about 13.8 per cent of pupils who were literate at primary three stressing that in mathematics, only 2.8 per cent in the Northern Region were proficient.

The meeting was organized by the Northern Network for Education Development (NNED) with support from the Net Organization for Youth Empowerment and Development (NOYED-Ghana) as part of the Tackling Education Needs Inclusively project.

The Northern Regional Education Sector Annual Review, which comes off on March 10, 2016, is under the theme: Systemic change: a catalyst to sustainable quality education delivery.

Mr Kavaarpuo indicated that the country had 91 per cent Net Enrollment Ratio in 2015 but astronomical figure of 300,000-800,000 children remained out of school noting that many pupils drop out of school as they progressed on the educational ladder.

He said despite the numerous social intervention programmes that have been implemented by the government, the education sector performance report of 2015 indicated that only 40 per cent of childrens school needs could be addressed through such policies.

He recommended that the government should start a review process to change the strategic educational policy of the country in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN since such a move would be positive for Ghana.

There is evidence of high school dropouts, few number of children appear to complete junior high school in the Northern Region as compared to other regions of the countrythis problem is compounded by few JHS in our communities, he stated.

Read related:

Mr Kavaarpuo said the quality of students in the country keeps dwindling explaining that core textbooks were still insufficient and textbooks such as Ghanaian Language, Religious and Moral Education were lacking in many schools.

He expressed worry that a 71.47 per cent pupil-teacher ratio at Mamprugu Moaduri District of the Northern Region was unacceptable and blamed the situation on poor teacher rationalization redeployment initiative.

Many of the participants at the forum called for systemic change in the systems and structures of the Ghana Education Service to ensure that the country got the best out of its educational goals.
The irregularities cover outstanding debts, loans and recoverable charges, cash, payroll, procurement, tax, stores, as well as contractors.

The Auditor-General, Mr Richard Quartey, in a preamble to the report, described the infractions as exceptions in the management of operations of the polytechnics.

According to him, there were many instances of non-compliance with financial and other regulations, as well as errors that occurred in the transactions.

These are the results of systemic weaknesses that have persisted over time and other break-downs in internal controls, Mr Quartey observed.

On outstanding debts, loans and recoverable charges, the report pointed out that the irregularities in that category related to outstanding loans and staff debts.

The worst offender in that regard was the Wa Polytechnic which recorded GH558,547 for the period.

The Ho, Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, Takoradi and Cape Coast polytechnics did not falter in that category.

That, the report said, arose out of managements failure to furnish the Controller and Accountant-Generals Department (CAGD) with inputs and the inability to allow borrowers to make direct payment or enforcing any other means feasible under the circumstances to commence the recovery process.

It also accused the management of lack of supervision and improper record keeping to monitor and recover loans granted.

It recommended that the management of the polytechnics should vigorously pursue recovery of the loans granted and resort to legal action where necessary.

They should also improve on supervision and ensure that schedule officers update all advances in the records, it added.

Cash irregularities

According to the report, cash irregularities comprised misapplication of funds, non-retirement of imprest, unapproved expenditure and non-payment of internally generated funds (IGFs) into the Consolidated Fund.

The Kumasi Polytechnic topped the list of offenders with GH18,454,114, while the Bolgatanga Polytechnic was the least offender with GH79,823.

These occurred as a result of laxity in expenditure control, flagrant disregard for financial regulations pertaining to disbursement of funds in the public sector and failure of heads of finance to control disbursement of funds and ensure that transactions were properly authenticated, the report said.

For that, it advised the management of the polytechnics to improve the control environment, including the establishment and effective operation of internal audit units, as well as enhance supervision over accounting staff to minimise those irregularities.

It recommended the authentication of all payment vouchers, the review of approved budgets, strict adherence to the provision of the Financial Administration Regulation (FAR) and the efficient management of IGFs and prompt retirement of imprest.

Payroll irregularities

Payroll irregularities mostly included the payment of unearned salaries, non-deletion of separated staff after termination dates and payment of allowances without approval.

The Bolgatanga Polytechnic topped this category, registering GH47,416 and US$29,349. The Ho, Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Cape Coast and Wa polytechnics did not offend in this category.

The report recommended effective co-ordination between the administration heads and accounts units in order to provide timely information concerning separated staff for prompt deletion of their names from the payroll.

It also recommended that bankers of separated staff should be promptly notified to withhold salaries paid into their bank accounts for early recovery.

In addition, it said management should ensure the recovery of and payment into government chest the amounts held by the banks.

Procurement irregularities
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!
He has, therefore, urged ministers whose sectors are connected in one way or the other to the bill to avail themselves during the consideration stage in order to make inputs.

Presenting the Businesses Statement of Parliament for next week on the floor of the House yesterday, Mr Bagbin said statements made to the effect that the House was not committed to passing the bill were false.

He also said the volume of work on the bill was huge and required more time.

He noted that the bill had also gone through a lot of metamorphosis, adding that the African Union passed a resolution that all legislatures of member states had to pass RTI legislations after which the various States had to fine-tune the bill to suit their specific needs.

According to Mr Bagbin, the House had to carefully consider all the technical details and the proposed amendments before passing the bill.

Parliaments feet-dragging

As he was making statements on the bill, the Member for Tema East, Mr Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, rose to his feet and stated, among others, that on a regular basis, he had been questioned and sometimes accused by his constituents that he, and other members of the House were reluctant to pass the bill.

The Speaker, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, in reply, stated that it was the responsibility of the member to explain to his constituents that the bill required careful scrutiny and that the volume of work on it was huge.

He said the proposed amendments alone were 52 pages.
RADIO NEW ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL

PETER O'Neill has declared he will resign immediately as Papua New Guinea's prime minister if evidence shows he has corruptly pocketed just one kina.

Papua New Guinea's anti-corruption watchdog issued a warrant for Mr O'Neill's arrest in June 2014.

The outstanding warrant relates to allegations Mr O'Neill personally authorised the illegal payment of about $US30 million to law firm Paul Paraka lawyers.

Mr O'Neill said that the legal case was taking its course.

"Show me where I have received one toea or one Kina and I will resign tomorrow," he told the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday.

He insisted the lawyer concerned was employed by the previous government.
He said "2016 election is for the NPP, and no matter what, we are winning the election of 2016."

According to him, "we are not winning this election for ourselves in the NPP, but for the people of Ghana, so that we can bring improvements and real transformation in their living conditions."

He made this known when the newly elected parliamentary candidate for the Abuakwa North constituency, Gifty Twum-Ampofo paid a courtesy call on him at his Nima residence, after her victory in the parliamentary primary of Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

Assuring the new parliamentary candidate of his full support, Nana Akufo-Addo urged the new parliamentary candidate to be guided by the fact that "you are coming to work for the wellbeing of your constituents. That is your task, and that should always be at the back of your mind."

He added that, "JB was not an ordinary MP. You are succeeding him and this should tell you that you have a big task ahead of you. Everything I have heard so far points to the fact that you can do the job, and that is why the people of Abuakwa have elevated you to this position, to be their representative in Parliament. We must win this by-election decisively to show Ghanaians that this is and will remain an NPP stronghold."

Nana Akufo-Addo noted that "some claim they are transforming lives, but Ghanaians are not seeing or feeling their so-called transformation. They claim they have constructed a road here, but, when you go to the supposed site you find nothing there. We in the NPP, however, are coming to work to bring about real transformation in the lives of Ghanaians. We are coming to restore Ghana onto the path of progress and prosperity. We, in the NPP, must, therefore, work hard for victory in this election."

An NPP victory in Abuakwa North, he stressed, will be achieved once there is a sense of unity amongst polling station and constituency executives, further charging Gifty Twum-Ampofo to "make sure there is solidarity between you and your fellow contestants as well as with the partys executives. You can do it  I have no doubt of that."

Gifty Twum-Ampofo, in her brief remarks, assured the NPP presidential candidate that, though she is relatively newcomer on the political scene, she is ready to strengthen the partys grip on the constituency and increase the margin of votes for the NPP.

Alhaji Umar Bodinga, the NPP first vice Eastern regional chairman, reiterated the commitment of the entire membership of the party in the region to rendering the NDCs Agenda 50/50 to nothing but "a mere slogan".

"We are assuring you that we are giving you nothing short of 70% of total votes in the Eastern Region, and we are beginning with Abuakwa North. We want to make history, and make you President of Ghana."
According to the Group, the generation after Osagyefo and his warriors of the independence struggle have failed to act, hence the need for Ghana to adopt the Nkrumaist Development philosophy "that relies on the capability of Ghanaians to develop the productive resources of our nation to satisfy our needs and export".

"The OYM want to remind Ghanaians that the time is ripe once again, for the emergence on the continent of Africa, a new generation of Nkrumaists, whose bounding pre-occupation must be the REGENERATION or REVIVAL of Nkrumaism in Ghana and Africa," the statement added.

The call by the Osagyefo Youth Movement comes on the back of Ghana's preparedness to celebrate its 59th Independence anniversary celebration under the theme: "Investing in the Youth for Ghana's Transformation".

Below is the full statement from the Osagyefo Youth Movement:

AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, I AM IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT DEATH CAN NEVER EXTINGUISH THE LIGHT WHICH I HAVE LIT IN GHANA AND AFRICA, LONG AFTER I AM DEAD AND GONE THE LIGHT WHICH I HAVE LIT IN GHANA AND AFRICA SHALL CONTIN UE TO BURN AND BE BORNE ALOFT GIVING LIGHT AND GUIDANCE TO ALL PEOPLE

- Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah of Africa

Ladies and Gentlemen of the press, Fellow comrades and countrymen,

Warm greetings from the Osagyefo Youth Movement (OYM). A movement of strong and unrepentant warriors of the esteemed cause of NKRUMAISM in Ghana.

In the history of African emancipation, there is countless number of incidents of such great sadness that can never be forgotten by any true African. And one of such incidents, which of course, can be termed cardinal, is the overthrow of the CPP government on 24 February, 1966; after which the Osagyefo lamented in Conakry - Guinea that

One of the signs of a successful and prosperous nation is that even in its times of prosperity. It constantly reminds itself of its darker days. Therefore, if history as contended by Cicero is thewitness of times, the torch of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life and the messenger of antiquity, then Ghanaians and Africans in general, can neither forget about the events of our past struggles, nor brush them aside as if they never happened. We cannot forget about our past misdeeds (notably the 24th Feb, 1966 sad event). We need to think on them to guide us in our present and future march to prosperity.

Freedom from colonial rule was achieved in 1957 under the vanguard of the Convention Peoples Party with Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah as the leader. The successes achieved and the great gains made for Africans prior to the overthrow of the CPP government, made Ghana a country envied by many across the length and breadth of the globe. Ghana became the symbol of hope to many Africans and the oppressed people of the world. From locations across the country, there can be spotted about 300 factories intended for the production of wide variety of products which are essential for human needs. All have been abandoned. Under the drive of the African Personality concept we were proud of our culture, we were confident with conscious determination to be great and excel in contributing to global civilization.

The Convention Peoples Party has passed through the highways and byways of life, and the principles imbedded in its development philosophy i.e. NKRUMAISM still hold water. The CPP still stands on the moral high ground in terms of development objectives and policies to achieve

It is an undeniable fact that the policies of governments after the overthrow of the first republican government of the CPP to date, does not inure to the prosperity and comfort of the people. Rather it depresses further the conditions of the poor in society.

Thus the tendency of what we call material and social progress has not improved the conditions of the lowest class in the essentials of HEALTHY, HAPPY, HUMAN LIFE which the CPP government sought to create or establish for all Ghanaians with the slogan WORK AND HAPPINESS. The Convention Peoples Party with its practically driven ideology has an excellent track record of uniting Ghana, and good wine needs no bush. The Nkrumaist  CPP traditions track record leaves others in the dust.

It is the contention of the Osagyefo Youth Movement (OYM) that it is expedient to remind Ghanaians especially the youth of today, of the relevance of the Nkrumaist Development policy guidelines, in our present political dispensation.

To be precise, the OYM want to remind Ghanaians that the time is ripe once again, for the emergence on the continent of Africa, a new generation of Nkrumaists, whose bounding pre-occupation must be the REGENERATION or REVIVAL of Nkrumaism in Ghana and Africa.

The OYM therefore is calling on the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition to come together, since a bunch of broom sticks binded together can never be broken. The disunity in our great Nkrumaist  CPP tradition as at now, if it were to be seen by the Osagyefo and his gallant warriors by any means, would let them turn in their graves and weep bitterly for Ghanaians. They would then ask 

The call has become necessary because the generation after Osagyefo and his warriors of our independence struggle have failed to act. They have become indicted with apathy and inaction. It is said that every generation that passes idly over the earth without adding to its progress remains un-inscribed upon the register of humanity, hence the succeeding generation tramples its ashes as dust.

The Osagyefo and his brave warriors of our independence struggle left us a legacy; they left us foot prints i.e. a philosophical or a developmental path on the land. And in order not to be judged harshly by history as it is being done to the generation after the Osagyefo and his glorious fighters, it is the duty of the present generation to add to this legacy.

Unfortunately, present day Ghanaians honour Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah, the founder of our nation in name and in form. Ghanaians set up his statues and sing his praises. But Ghanaians have not fully appreciated the Osagyefo and what he stood for. The negative tendencies afflicting the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition, increase the demand on Ghanaians (esp. members of the tradition) to rise above mediocrity and pettiness and act with dispatch in seeing to it that the Nkrumaist - CPP tradition unites to dominate once again the socio-economic development of our country.

As the world has become a global village and science and technology (which was the Osagyefos forte) have made quantum leaps. It is incumbent on Nkrumaist of today to therefore unite and perk ourselves up, by applying science and technology that has an agent of Nkrumaist development philosophy to create a modern industrial state.

The basic requirement in the revival of Nkrumaism in Ghana is the principal understanding that, the Convention Peoples Party (the political vehicle of the Nkrumaist philosophy) does not belong to a group of people or any individual. Nkrumaists of today should understand and acknowledge that the CPP was born out of an idea- it is a school of thought that provides solutions to the oppressed of the world. The development philosophy of Nkrumaism provides platform for all colonized and subjugated people throughout the world. The Nkrumaist philosophy has lessons for the reconstruction of post colonial economies.

This attest to the fact that, Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah of Africa is the global authority on colonialism and neo-colonialism.

Nkrumaism places much emphasis on the emancipation of the African continent and its people. Nkrumaism as a school of thought, does not only provide new vistas of vision, but also provides a new set of situations that should enable Africans to enhance our capabilities in organization to avoid re-colonization. Nkrumaism is a freedom fighting philosophy for those who are denied their basic rights to life to govern themselves through their culture.

If these are but a few true teachings of Nkrumaism then why do we see such disorder and divisions in the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition? This is the nub of the issue. And this should give Nkrumaists food for thought.

It is pertinent to note that, the mal-functioning and non-credibility bedeviling the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition will keep recurring with unfailing regularity that seem inexplicable, unless members of the tradition unite and pay attention to the revival of the of Nkrumaism.

The sacred truth is that, we have not as present day Nkrumaists, come to terms with our destiny as one people. We have not developed a sense of appreciation of who we are and what legacy we have to uphold. Justice demands of the members of our tradition to right this wrong; for the simple reason that as human beings

When we think and act this way, our differences will not be a means of impairment but will actually play a positive role in our traditions future well being and development.

The true and overarching objectives should be reconciliation, reformation and the development of long lasting unity. Nkrumaists should take account of all other options and make amends for our past mistakes. Let us not dabble in trivialities any more. Let us get down to the basics. We should put our strength into this unity venture to be successful. This could be possible only when such negative traits like self centeredness, suspicions, spitefulness, acrimony, hatred, mistrust and inordinate ambitions among comrades are done away with.

Although we have had difficulties at different points in history, fast forward to 2016 (exactly fifty years since the over throw of the CPP) and we foresee the Nkrumaist - CPP tradition placed in greater political turmoil than ever before. In the scheme of things the OYM calls for your support to stage a rearguard action to regenerate or revive Nkrumaism in Ghana and to bring the CPP back on the rails.

It is on the score of this that the OYM want to traditionally, customarily and culturally unburdens our hearts to the members of the tradition about the clouds of uncertainty that hangs over the future of the once indomitable Convention Peoples Party, if present day Nkrumaists fail to unite and rebuild the CPP.

We make this appeal from the perspective of our Nkrumaist development philosophy, which we believe is the most relevant and efficient for the achievement of our national development aspirations. It is the only development policy guide line that is founded on the history of our dear country. The CPP carries the weight of the world on its shoulders as far as the solution to the economic development issues are concerned.

The Nkrumaist  CPP tradition has the ability to lead Ghana. But we need to work hard and stay united to realize this potential, so that instead of a seemingly weak party, the CPP would be the party that stands at the fore front in the emancipation of our people.

In short, there should be a stir towards a new conscience, a new enthusiasm for the truth that marks the change for the progressives to ascend the seat of government in Ghana; by the application of Nkrumaism.

It is time for the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition to lead Ghana after groping in the dark for so long. It is time for the adoption of the Nkrumaist Development philosophy that relies on the capability of Ghanaians to develop the productive resources of our nation to satisfy our needs and export.

The clarion call being made by the Osagyefo Youth Movement to all who see the Let us unite to regain our lost glory. Let us be bold and patriotic enough, not to turn our backs to the CPP and its cherished ideals.

Let us join hands to raise Ghana high among the comity of nations again by regenerating or reviving Nkrumaism in Ghana.

The revival of Nkrumaism in Ghana by the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition, has the responsibility of underlying the causes and basis that has brought Ghana from a shinning star in the 1960, to a tottering nation groping in darkness in search for an economic magic wand.

The historical significance of the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition and the fact that the CPP won independence for Ghana and has Diaspora and international recognition as the party of Africas foremost illustrious son  Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah  makes it imperative for all acclaimed Nkrumaists to get back to the fold of the CPP, and lift high the light of enlightenment which the Osagyefo lit.

Anyone who think and feel more important than the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition and Ghana as a nation, by kicking against the idea of uniting to revamp the CPP, by mischievously working underground for other opposing parties, must regard him or herself an enemy to the Nkrumaist cause.

We should therefore rise above our personal interest and desires in an effort to save our tradition from destruction.

It is time for serious Nkrumaists to demonstrate or exhibit sincerity, honesty, devotion, commitment and above all maturity in our quest to save the great Convention Peoples Party and Ghana as a whole.

The purpose of the Osagyefo Youth Movement in this endeavour is the search for creative solutions to the perennial problem of disunity confronting the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition and a craving for Rebirth of Thinking of development strategies by our leaders.

Do not destroy the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition, for we are on the side of Angels!

The leadership of the Nkrumaist  CPP tradition should tune in to the demand of the public. Let us unite and test the sincerity of the Ghanaian electorate. We have to unite in order to hold aloft the light which the Osagyefo lit in Ghana and Africa.

This is the challenge of our time!
William Ocloo, a parliamentary hopeful, died on the spot in the crash which occurred at Juaso in the Ashanti Region on Friday, March 4, 2016.

Read more:Shai Osudoku NDC parliamentary candidate dies

He said "The loss of our parliamentary candidate for Shai Osudoku fills me with sadness. He was a promising youngman. Condolences to his family."

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo Addo also in a statement also consoled the family of the late parliamentary candidate.

He said, "I recall fondly my one encounter with Desmond, which was on Friday, February 5, 2016, at the funeral in Osuwem of the late Paramount Chief and former President of the Shai Osudoku Traditional Area, Nene Klagbordjor V. I met him at Osuwem in the company of Hon. E.T. Mensah, Member of Parliament for Ningo/Prampram, and struck up a pleasant relationship. I extend sincere condolences to his family and the NDC on this unfortunate accident. May his soul rest in perfect peace"
Read More:

The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.N. Erinne, said the accused were guilty of two counts of Conspiracy and giving false information to the police against Onwunzo.

Reports says Agnes and her daughter had earlier filed a report with the police in Nnewi that the accused person Onwunzo was at their house to kidnap her husband sometime in 2009.

Based on all the details and information provided by Agnes and her daughter the police arrested Onwunzo, only for them to later find out the accused man was out of the country as at the time they claim he stormed their house with other six men to kidnap Bennet Izuegbunam.
Roselyn for the past 10 months has been confined to a hospital bed terribly sick and rendered immobile.

Read her story below:

It all started in the evening of May 1, 2015, when Roselyn decided to sit in front of her tiny plank house at Badia East Oke-Eri community at Ijora, Apapa to take fresh air with one of her daughters around 8.45pm.

I did not even know about any shooting. I did not hear any sound initially; maybe because our area is generally noisy. What I heard was my daughter screaming and pointing at me. She was screaming blood, blood! Realising I have been shot in the lower abdomen and the thigh.

We approached the policeman and he said that he fired the shot by mistake. His colleagues were there too. They brought a patrol van and said they were after a robber. They still did not make any attempt to help her

My son first went to meet them. But they pushed him back. The policemen said I should not worry that I would be alright. They said the bullet would come out. leaving me bleeding on the ground.

I was pleading with them. I said, please, please dont leave me like this. Dont let me die. But he pulled away from me. Then one of the colleagues of the one that shot the bullet that hit me spoke to him in Hausa. Then they jumped inside their vans and left.

I was eventually rush to the hospital by my son, three hospitals rejected me that day until I was finally brought to luth where my life was saved,

When the sars men came, they told me they contributed the money among themselves to help with the medical treatment. They also said that they would come back later with beverages so that I wont have to suffer. I did not know they only came to check if I would survive or not. They never came back,

Life has been hard for me. I dont want to die like this. My situation is not getting better because I dont have money to spend on treatment again. This bed has been my home now for eight months.

I used to have a shop where I sold things. My children would have been able to run it in my absence to get some money to survive on. But last year after I was admitted, the shop burnt down with all the goods when there was a fire outbreak in our community.

Even my family members have deserted me. I just dont know where to run to now but to call upon the police authorities, whose men did this to me to help me. Please, help me call on the police authorities, I dont want to die like this. They need to see what their bullets have done to me.
According to reports, the assault took place in a busy area near the Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church Centre on Trinity Hill.

Eyewitness account says the pregnant woman was heard screaming for help in a terrified voice at the corner of the street saying 'not the baby' or 'not our baby' and also a male voice shouting 'drop it, drop it' .

The heavily pregnant woman was saved by passersby who got involved in the fight to save her after her husband had reportedly stabbed her multiple times on the street.

The police who arrived early enough were able to air lift the stabbed woman to a hospital while the suspected man was arrested for domestic violence and attempted murder.
In a statement by Tony Opuiyo of the service, the agency revealed how Abubakar aka Muhadis Musa Bin Haddad, was arrested in Jos, Plateau State, during a special and tactical operation.

Abubakar's arrest, the SSS said, saw the men of the service recovering two pistols, 80 rounds of live ammunition and several sensitive documents.

Abubakar was also said to have tried employing propaganda to propaganda to manipulate the international community against the efforts of the Federal Government as he sought logistics and financial support from a foreign mission to fight the Boko Haram

"On 2nd March, 2016, one Musa Garba ABUBAKAR (Engr) aka Muhadis Musa Bin HADDAD, was arrested at Jos, Plateau State, during a special tactical operation by the Service. ABUBAKAR is a major gun fabricator, arms-runner and a covert linkman/courier for the Boko Haram group," the statement reads.

Continuing, Opuiyo said 'During his arrest, 2 pistols, 80 rounds of live ammunition and several sensitive documents were recovered from him. In a bid to employ propaganda to manipulate the international community against the efforts of the Federal Government, in the ongoing war against terror in the North-West region, MUSA had approached a foreign mission in Nigeria for logistics and financial support to fight the Boko Haram. However, unknown to the mission, he is actually an unauthorized gun-maker/runner with intent for mischief and communal strife in the North Central region.

'In furtherance of exploited leads, this Service apprehended other suspected associates of the gun-runner, namely: and M aka Mallam YARO, on 2nd March, 2016. MUHAMMED was arrested at Layin Oscar in Jos South LGA, while TAHIR was picked up at Mista Ali area, along Jos-Zaria road in Bassa LGA. The duo are accomplices and active marketers of ABUBAKAR and his products to criminal elements in the North-Central region of the Country.

'In strengthening its counter-terrorism strategy, the Service also arrested one aka Ali Tekwando, and on 3rd March, 2016, at Hayin Danmani area in Kaduna metropolis.
According to a report by Leadership Newspaper, the fierce battle also recorded the rescue of 63 persons from areas controlled by the insurgents on Thursday, February 3, 2016.

It was also reported that lethal warheads and weapons were recovered during the operation that was conducted by Army Headquarters Special Forces Team B, 7 Division Garrison.

The spokesman of the Nigeria Army, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said the soldiers took the battle to Boko Haram terrorists hideout at Lawin Meleri, Matiri Bulaka and Aljeri villages.

'During the operation, they killed 5 Boko Haram terrorists and also rescued 63 persons held captives by the terrorists.
SENECA FALLS  Auburn resident Katie MacIntyre lives by her favorite saying: "Kindness is always in fashion."

MacIntyre, who is the assistant vice president for Generations Bank, race director for the Seneca Falls Right to Run 19K 5K and the social media manager for ABC Cayuga, was one of ten women honored for their contributions to their communities at the WCNY's Women Who Make America awards ceremony. The ceremony was held in the Wesley Chapel of the Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, the building where in 1848, 300 women and men gathered for the first women's rights convention.

The fourth class of awardees have served in an array of fields. There were women from the health profession, arts, communications, legal field and education field.

Host of the awards ceremony and WCNY Director of Education and Community Engagement Debbie Stack, explained the crux of the award's meaning.

"A maker is a catalyst," Stack said. "Gets things done. Improves the world for everyone. Makes change. Is a leader, but knows the right moments to follow. Inspires others. Is both extraordinary and ordinary. Succeeds, sometimes in unexpected ways and sometimes in traditional ways. A maker makes the world better for others."

MacIntyre took the stage with her prepared speech. Tears welled in her eyes.

"What an honor to receive this award in this space," she said to the crowd. "I am honored to be a part of this group of amazing women, chosen to receive this award today. I stand here because of many who have helped me to do the work that I do."

MacIntyre focused on her work with children and families in Cayuga County.

"I do this for my employer, but even more rewarding, I do this for parents and families in my city, my state and across the country," she said. "I believe in my heart of hearts that all parents want to be good parents, and sometimes they need help."

MacIntyre's family was there to congratulate and support her, including her mother and inspiration, Catherine Pepler.

Anne Orr, an adjunct professor for LeMoyne College and Cayuga Community College, was also recognized at Friday's ceremony. Orr said she grew up in a household where careers were only for men.

"I was the first daughter who said, that wasn't going to be good enough for me," Orr said.

Orr went on to get her Bachelor's degree and Master's degree.

"Now, I teach, and it's one of my greatest rewards," she said.

American suffragist and activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton made an appearance at the awards, cheering on her disciples and sharing words of wisdom to the crowd.

"As you celebrate the accomplishments of these women here today, remember also the generation of radical reforming spirits I represent," she said. "I never forget that we are sewing winter wheat, which the coming spring will see sprout, and other hands than ours will reap and enjoy. This is the sacred work of each generation."
The minister announced this when she paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers.

``It is hoped that we will have this launch in the coming weeks and the president himself will launch the cleanup.

``It is really to us a turning point in the history of the struggle. Ogoniland is the first place where actions need to be  cleanup.

``There is a wide challenge of pollution in the Niger Delta. We are here to begin activities toward the launch of the cleanup with stakeholders dialogue.

``We are beginning in Rivers because this is the home of the struggle but we know it is wider, she said.

The minister said that the cleanup of the Ogoniland would span between 25 and 30 years.

However, Wike advised the Federal Government that to achieve success, the cleanup must not be politicised as there were diverse interests.

The governor urged the Federal Government to be careful not to bring politics into the cleanup in order to achieve success.

``It doesnt matter the political party that anybody belongs to, environmental issue does not affect a political party; it affects the entire state and the entire Niger Delta as a whole.

``Communities do not know about political parties, what communities know is about how to survive.

``And so, I will advice that we approach it in such way that it does not look political, particularly in Ogoniland, it is a very complex place; you have to be extremely careful.

``Because if you are not careful you may not achieve what you want you intend to achieve, the governor warned.

According to him, there are political undertones to most of these things that are happening hence it was very difficult for the former government to do what they are supposed to do.

He advised that all stakeholders must be brought on board for the exercise to succeed.

Wike assured the minister that the state government would give all the necessary support to ensure the success of the cleanup, adding no government would be happy to see Ogoniland in its present state.

He said he was interested in whatever affects Rivers and the entire Niger Delta that had to do environmental pollution and other issues.

According to him, it partly has to do with oil exploration that has left so many communities not to have potable water.

So many communities who are farmers can no longer go to farm; communities who dwell on fishing can no longer fish because of oil pollution.

``We have problem with the multinational who would not immediately try to clean up when pollution happens.

``Unfortunately, there is this divide and rule tactics that most multinational would always want to adopt and unfortunately too, our communities fall into such trap, he said.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that President Buhari in August 2015 approved several actions to fast-track the long delayed implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme report on the environmental restoration of Ogoniland.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Hajiya Fadimatu Ganduje, was the mother of Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President said President Buhari stated this in his condolence message.

The message was read on his behalf by a government delegation of ministers he sent to represent him at the burial ceremony of late Fatimatu at Ganduje village, near Kano, on Friday.

President Buhari said the deceased matriarch watched over the affairs of her household with care and diligence.

``She was a personification of humility and decency. Decency was one of her magnetic and inspiring virtues. Nigerian parents should emulate her sterling character in their conducts, he added.

He prayed Allah to accept her good deeds and forgive her sins.

The President urged Gov. Ganduje, his family and the people of Kano State to bear the loss with fortitude.

The delegation was led by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau.

Other members of the delegation included the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN; the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Garba Shehu, among others.
The recent havoc, according to the report, left burnt carcasses of vehicles and buildings in its wake.

It was alleged that a gang of youth purportedly belonging to the Hausa ethnic group marched down deserted streets setting ablaze buildings, despite the deployment of armed police officers.

It was also reported that at least, four buildings, including a bakery, were burnt in the renewed attack.

The casualty figure on Friday is still unclear, but, at least, ten people had died by Thursday after crisis erupted in the area the day before.

Meanwhile, Dolapo Badmus, the Lagos State Police spokesperson, told AFP that 105 people had been arrested in connection with the Mile 12 violence.

According to The Sun, the clash was triggered by an incident which occurred on Tuesday, March 1, where a commercial rider knocked down a woman.
The President made this remark as he joined many indigenes of Ibadan to congratulate the new Olubadan, Saliu Ogungunniso 1, on his coronation ceremony on Friday, March 4, 2016.

In a statement by the presidency courtesy Femi Adesina, the new monarch has been urged to also follow the worthy and commendable footsteps of his predecessors.

As he ascends the throne as the 41st Olubadan, President Buhari urges Oba Adetunji to follow in the worthy and commendable footsteps of his predecessors by working diligently for peace and development in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria, the statement reads.

The statement also revealed that the President assured the new Olubadan of the full support and cooperation of the federal government as he strives to lead his people forward and contribute to the development of his domain, Oyo State and the nation.
Obis media aide, Mr Valentine Obienyem, said in a statement in Awka on Saturday that Umeh had accused his boss of being behind his travails.

``I read the news credited to Mr Stan Okeke, Umehs media aide, that Mr Peter Obi was behind the arrest of Chief Victor Umeh.

``Let me state for the avoidance of doubt that Obi has not and is not contemplating writing any petition against anybody.

``He did not do so as a governor and could not have started doing so now.

``If you have been following political developments in Anambra in the last one month, you would have noticed Umeh's obsession with Obi for reasons only known to him and his associates/aides, Obienyem said.

``While campaigning in Agulu (Obi's home town), he referred to Obi as a useless man and said that 1,000 Peter Obis would not stop him.

``At another place, he said that Obi was possessed by the devil and needed to be exorcised, he said.

Obienyem said that when PDP went to court for the party to be part of the election, Umeh said it was Obi that actually went to court in a case that will not affect his candidature.

``He even went on to say other unprintable things about Obi, including how, in his imagination, Obi suborned judicial officers.

``Reviewing Umeh and his political associates' activities against Obi, one would easily notice the desperation to impugn Obi's integrity, destroy him politically and pitch the masses against him.

``Even when Obi has chosen the option of ignoring them, they are becoming more desperate and are seeing to contrive one scandal or another against him.
The former PDP chieftain who holds sway in Ado Ekiti Ward 8 said his ex-boss rules the state as a dictator.

Olayinka stressed that he cant afford to stay in a party that is being controlled by a power-greedy individual.

In his words, I love PDP so well that I decided that come rain, come sunshine, I will never defect to APC. But when Fayose came, he hijacked the party. He is the State Working Committee, the Commissioners, the Assembly members, to the extent that nobody could have a say.

'He has forgotten so soon that during his misadventure to Labour Party, some of us stayed back in the PDP and prevented it from total collapse. If PDP had died before he came, would he have won the governorship ticket? Today, Fayose has succeeded in killing the party in Ekiti .
Australia's one-term Prime Minister above ... Events of interest from a libertarian/conservative perspective below
By Dr. Gursharan Singh Kainth and Dr. Rajinder Singh Bawa

Western media in the recent past has given increased attention to the Punjab drug epidemic, which is not a new problem. But things are getting worse as almost a whole generation of young people is being lost to recreational drugs.

If effective action is not taken to deal with the problem mean dark days ahead for this part of the world. Drug addiction is not a Punjab- one of Indias most prosperous Indian Union; the fertile land of the five rivers and nations bread basket, specific problem, though social, cultural and economic patterns over several years encouraged its proliferation because of lack of discouragement. It is an affliction thats been allowed a firm footing in the border state, becoming almost an accepted way of life as those who could make a difference looked the other way. Now that the political class does seem to be looking at the mess, is it the right way? Punjab has to struggle with this serious problem that is now reaching epidemic proportions. Now drug addiction has now become a key poll issue. The nexus between terrorists and drug smugglers in Pakistan has come under a harsh spotlight after the Pathankot airbase attack.

State government had estimated way back in 2009 that two-thirds of all rural households in Punjab had at least one drug addict. Things have had become much worse. All sectors of society have been affected, including the ones least expected. There was a time when there was prosperity here; people were so energetic doing things, trying new things. But it is now in such a sad state as the State is sitting on a time bomb ready to explode at any time. Drug menace has of late reached alarming proportions in the state, even becoming a key poll issue and engaged the Opposition Congress and the SAD-BJP government in bitter war of words. Expressing serious concern over the acute drug menace in Punjab, the Supreme Court warned that peddlers of various narcotics substances were destroying the career of the youth of the state. No mercy can be shown to them. You are destroying the youth of Punjab. Courts have to send across a stern message, only then there can be some deterrent. The apex court's comments come four months after Punjab High Court, which too has initiated an all-out war against the drug menace, directed the state government to ensure that those who visited the de-addiction centres did not relapse and were counseled and monitored. But drug smuggling in border areas has increased. From heroin and opium to alcohol, there has been an alarming rise in the number of teens addicted to drugs, which are freely available.

DRUG ABUSE STATISTICS FOR PUNJAB

The scale of the problem can be disputed in Punjab, not its existence. Drug use in the state has since long taken the shape of drug misuse, then abuse and increasingly, the worst form: Addiction - classified as a disease calling for medical treatment. The World Health Organization prefers an over-arching term: Drug Dependence. The body politic has not stopped sparring over the issue, but the bodys rotting. It needs help a forceful and forced correction.

The scale of drug abuse in the state became public in 2009 through a submission to the Punjab and Haryana High Court by Harjit Singh, Secretary Department of Social Security and Women and Child Development in Chandigarh. Singh said more than two thirds of the states rural household has at least one drug addict  a proportion that in 2014 may now be even higher. Today an estimated 66 per cent of Punjabs youths are thought to be taking medical or synthetic drugs.

He wrote: "The vibrancy of Punjab is virtually a myth. Many sell their blood to procure their daily dose of deadly drugs, even beg on streets for money to continue their addiction."The entire Punjab is in the grip of drug hurricane which weakens the morale, physique and character of the youth. We are in the danger of losing the young generation."

The extent of drug addiction in Punjab is alarming. Near border areas the rate of heroin abuse among 15 to 25 year olds is as high as 75 per cent  the percentage is 73 per cent in other rural areas throughout the region. Department of Social Security Development of Women and Children suggested that as many as 67 per cent of rural households in Punjab will have at least one drug addict in the family. There is at least one death due to drug overdose each week in the region. Further, it is estimated that four out of ten men are addicted to some or other drug and that up to 50 per cent of those are young farmers. While 15 per cent of those are addicted to poppy husk (known as bhukki), 20 per cent are addicted to synthetic drugs churned out by pharma companies in neighbouring state of Himachal Pradesh.

A new study by AIIMS has found that opioid worth Rs 7, 500 crore are consumed in Punjab every year with a massive heroin's share of Rs 6, 500 crore. This is a startling revelation given that almost all the heroin that comes to Punjab is through the Pakistan border, pumped in by smugglers allegedly aided by ISI. It is this smuggler network that the terrorists who attacked the Pathankot airbase are believed to have used. Security agencies, however, have so far insisted that Pakistani heroin is not consumed in Punjab; it merely passes through to bigger cities like Delhi. But this study - a first of its kind conducted by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) at AIIMS - busts the myth. It says that in a population of around 2.77 crore people, there are more than 1.23 lakh heroin-dependent people. Based on the previous studies, Punjab's opioid dependents are four times more than the global average. In fact, not only are the drug smugglers being used to push jihadis into India, they are also creating an army of heroin addicts in Punjab. The study has found that 0.84 per cent (around 2.3 lakh) of the entire state's population is opioid dependent. It takes into account both opium derivatives as well as artificial substances that have the same effect as opiates on the nervous system.

Previous studies conducted in select districts of Punjab had shown widespread use of synthetic or pharmaceutical opioid drugs. The survey reveals that opioid-dependent people are spending approximately Rs 20 crore daily on these drugs. On an average a heroin-dependent individual spends about Rs 1, 400 per day. Though the figure of Rs 20 crore per day is doubtful, but the government is seeing this as a warning sign which aims for drug-free State. Around 2.3 lakh people are opioid-dependent in Punjab and around 8.6 lakhs are estimated to be opioid users. Heroin-dependents are the highest at 1, 23, 414 based upon the survey, NDDTC collaborated with Delhi based non-profit organization Society for Promotion of Youth and Masses.

The study was conducted between February and April 2015. Data was collected from 3, 620 opioid dependents from 10 districts. Among the men aged between 18 and 35 years, four in 100 are opioid dependent; while 15 in 100 could be opioid users. This survey estimated a much higher number of injecting drug users in Punjab (around 75, 000) as compared to the existing estimate (under 20, 000). Apparently, there is a clear threat of explosive epidemic of HIV among injecting drug users in Punjab. In this survey, interviews were conducted mostly at the drug-dependence treatment and rehabilitation centres at the government civil hospitals of Punjab. Each respondent interviewed was asked to send three more people whom he knew and who were also opioid dependent. The respondents thus came voluntarily to participate in the survey and were interviewed in government hospitals.

It isnt just people from the fringes of society that are addicted; students from good families are often caught in the toils of drug addiction. Guru Nanak Dev University study suggested that 70 per cent of young Punjabi men could be addicted to the drugs that are easily available, particularly in areas close to the borders. Even children as young as 12 years of age are seen to be involved in the drug trade which is openly sold and easily available.

CAUSE OF THE PUNJAB DRUG EPIDEMIC

Widespread drug addiction in Punjab is due to paraphernalia of factors which inter alia includes unemployment and frustrated economic expectations. Green revolution in Punjab which has led to a food surplus is blamed too for this malady. This has meant that young people have been overindulged with nothing to do as there is not the same urgency to till the land.

It is easy for young generation to begin experimenting with substance abuse because of the ease by which they can get their hands on bhukki. This plant grows wild in the region and it is difficult to prevent young people from using it. Furthermore, heroin is easily available throughout the region that is relatively cheap encouraging people to experiment with this substance.

Some of those living in the region fear that it may be a form of Narco-terrorism and those groups in bordering countries are deliberately trying to turn the Punjabi youth into addicts. The location of Punjab means that most of the heroin will pass through this area on its way to India. Heroin smuggled in from Afghanistan and Punjab is a part of the transit route for drugs. This fact is evidenced by frequent seizures of illegal drugs by the authorities. Just before the Lok Sabha polls, Rs 800 crore worth of drugs, liquor and other narcotics were seized by poll authorities.

This is also the fact that pharmaceuticals such as pain relieving opioid and sedatives are easily available from chemists; without prescriptions. Punjabi culture, for heavy drinking and partying as well as the habit of landowners supplying raw opium to farm labourers to encourage them to work harder, has contributed too to the problem. Most rural households in the state are thought to have had one addict.

Steady supply of drugs from across the border is another reason. It was the transition from poppy husk and opium and its usual suspect users to the lethal heroin or smack, and later synthetic drugs, that rang alarm bells because of the heavy flow of heroin through the then unfenced border with Pakistan in the 1980s. Narco-terrorisms push came after 2000, and the impetus was in 2007 when China and Japan cracked down on heroin smuggling and India emerged as one of the biggest markets with the entry point: Punjab. In fact India was sandwiched between the Golden Triangle of drugs  Vietnam, Myanmar and Thailand  and the Golden Crescent of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, where opium was produced and smuggled. The year 2007 saw a 10-time increase in the recovery of heroin in Punjab.

With more heroines, popularly known as chitta or white powder, being pushed into the state from across the border and trucks full of poppy husk and opium reaching the state from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the trade assumed large proportions.

Just 2km from the centre of Amritsar, the city of Golden Temple, is Maqboolpura, a closely packed settlement where flies, muck and night soil fill the gutters. Maqboolpura, a congested colony first pricked the conscience of the region when The Tribune in 1999 reported about the death of 30 householders in three years who had fallen prey to addictive substances. Notorious as a haven for criminals, what makes Maqboolpura more infamous today is that most households in this neighbourhood are occupied by a drug addicts widow or orphans - earning it the nickname, "Village of Widows and Orphans. There are active drug addicts in at least 384 families in the neighbourhood and nearly 100 local boys are held in Amritsar Central Jail on drugs related cases.

Railway barrier in Angarh - another symptom of a monstrous crisis; is a locality in the border city of Amritsar in Punjab signals the end of too many things: The rule of law; the reign of sense; the fear of crime; the signs of normality and even the divisions of caste. Walking down a street in Angarh, littered with the implements of death  empty Coaxil bottles, dirty syringes Drug and crime infested as the area is, people dread having to wait at the barrier for a goods train to pass. Here, 13-year-olds are killed in Diwali gambling brawls; 20-year-olds run amok looting shops in a drug-crazed haze; illegal explosive factories abound near LPG godowns; and Kashmiris peddling sulfa  an inferior quality of brown hashish  share the streets with young intravenous drug users (IDUs). From smack, heroin and synthetic drugs to over-the-counter drugs like Buprenorphine, Parvon Spas, Codex syrup and spurious Coaxil and Phenarimine injections. This is a state where 30 per cent of all jail inmates have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the DGP has kicked up a political storm by saying it is impossible for him to control the flow of drugs into his prisons. But the sharp irony is this matter little because, like Angarh, scores of other towns and villages in Punjab are more notorious than any prison cell.

"Drugs have killed many across the state of Punjab, except that in Maqboolpura the problem is marked. Taking shelter on a garbage dump, a group of teenage boys share a Bhooki, a cigarette rolled with poppy husk seeds, while listening to Punjabi songs. Youth claimed that "It's not difficult to get nasha (drugs) here. We use code words like badam (almonds) or nuts."The youth claimed that he could easily obtain injections and even ice (crystal meth) from a local chemist shop.

Deadly drugs like heroin and synthetic tablets have made it into an organised crime, consuming lives, destroying families and damaging the image of a people and the state. Add to that the growing evidence of pharmaceutical opioid abuse where addicts are graduating to injecting formulations with opium-like qualities (hence called opioid). Among pharma opioid are buprenorphine, pentazocine and dextropropyxyphyne. Over-the-counter cough syrups like Corex and Benadryl too are much in demand. In recent years there has also been a sharp increase in the rate of HIV infections in the state. This is because the rate of injectable drug users (IDUs) is far higher here than in other states. The national prevalence of HIV is 9 per cent but in Punjab this proportion is 26 per cent.

RURAL CONTEXT:

Does easy supply lead to addiction, or does the demand result in increased supply? Why did Punjab so easily fall into the drug trap? Studies point to some striking aspects of Punjabs drug addiction problem. It has a predominant rural context and the users are relatively affluent, unlike in the rest of the country. The drugs used are mostly injectable, which are commonly associated with urban settings. The intensity and extremity of the addiction too is a unique Punjabi occurrence. Such scenario is explainable in terms of the deep-rooted cultures of consumption and masculinity, the declining growth rates of the rural economy, the influx of migrants, the impact of unemployment on educated rural youth, and the culture of aspiration and expectation, which quickly swerves to depression when things dont fall in place.

Research studies also point to the failure of Punjabs industrial sector to absorb the increasing number of employable youth from rural areas, and the cultural attributes that inhibit educated youth from taking up certain jobs, especially in the farm sector. Theres also a clash between unemployment and the culture of aspiration among the many affluent young men in rural Punjab, who are at the centre of the problem. Frustration, boredom and laziness are all experienced simultaneously. Migrate who can but who are unable feel easy prey. No one exactly knows the extent of the drug problem in the state; the varied figures that are often quoted are based on sporadic studies and anecdotal instances. Now that its taken shape of a political slugfest, the core issue of the huge battle against drugs is still lost in the war of words.

CORRUPTION

An analysis of the factors responsible for this death trap and debt trap for the people of Punjab reveals that it has been rooted in several factors  economic, political, geographical and social, each contributing in their own way to destroy the fabric of the state. But one thing that surprises: That the rulers who are responsible for the welfare of the State and its people, are patronizing the poisonous business and ruining the lives of millions. Political patronage given to drugs during elections is shameful. At a time when drug abuse should have been a raging social issue, the leaders from the ruling parties use it to swing votes.

Official corruption has worsened the problem. Anecdotal evidence indicates Indian police and lawmakers are complicit in drug smuggling and distribution, netting millions of dollars in ill-gotten proceeds. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985 is not being implemented in Punjab to control drug abuse.

In the last General Elections, candidates across the State had faced uncomfortable questions over the perceived involvement of the political machinery in the distribution of drugs. The fact is: Drug use is rising, especially in the case of heroin and narcotic injectable due to easy availability. What is required is vigorous anti-drug strategies must be deployed by government and other stake holders.

Politics is a part of the drugs problem in Punjab. Police investigations have uncovered links between political leaders, businessmen and drug smugglers. From the manner in which politicians were scurrying for cover from the anger of the people in the general elections over the drug problem, its clear that the tough and aggressive Punjabi has had enough. The same hopelessness is among Punjabs youth today.

SENSITIZATION

In the interest of Punjabs people, the government must recognise the need to intervene in this area and back it with Strong Political Will. There is a need for lobbying, pressure groups and advocacy forums, which can place drug abuse higher on the agenda. Sensitization of key individuals in the policy-making process is of great importance. As yet, there is little evidence of any organised effort in this direction. Government must have to focus on the socio-economic variables and their impacts on increase number of drug crime, opium cultivation etc.

AWARENESS

Drug awareness programmes, job opportunities, educating the people regarding the effects of narcotic drugs may create the prosperous future of the nations. Steps should be taken by the government to provide best health care services to the citizens at affordable cost. Awareness of every sphere should be within the reach of each and every person. Children should be made aware about their rights and strategies to escape being victimized. The education system should be such that it can meet the challenges of a fast-developing world. People should be made aware of their responsibilities towards their family so that a congenial environment is created within the family. The Akali-BJP government should wake up to the fact that Punjab is on the verge of losing an entire generation to drugs like it lost to terrorism, before it is too late.

TYPES OF DRUGS BEING ABUSED:

The recreational drugs that users in Punjab are most likely include:

 Bhuki is similar to a type of wild grass that can be found throughout Punjab. It is possible to get a mild intoxicating effect from Bhuki, and it is considered a gateway drug because it encourages young people to begin experimenting.

 Heroin addiction is getting the most attention in the media. It is believed that this narcotic is flooding in from Afghanistan via Pakistan.

 Opium and morphine are other types of opiate that are commonly abused.

 Many brands of toothpaste in the region contain nicotine. There are reports of people consuming excessive amounts of toothpaste because it is a relatively cheap way to experience nicotine high.

HEROIN IN PUNJAB

Heroin is the drug that is causing most concern in the region. Authorities take a tough stance on borderline security, but despite this the drug continues to flood into the area. The profits to be made are high and corruption is believed to be rife. Most of the heroin going through Punjab ends up in the rest of the continent, but the fact there is such a high appetite for the drug locally means that smugglers have an easy market to exploit.

DANGERS OF HEROIN ADDICTION

Heroin addiction not only hurts the individual but also their family, community as well as the society as a whole. The dangers of such abuse to the individual include even Death which is common from its overdose. It can be hard to judge the purity of this opiate and if people get it wrong it can cost them their life.

One becomes addicted to heroin in a relatively short time period. Once the individual becomes addicted they can lose interest in everything else. Maintaining a heroin habit is expensive and in many instances the individual will need to resort to crime to feed their habit. Heroin abuse is damaging to almost every organ in the body. The longer the individual remains addicted to this drug the more they will lose. Everything that they cherish in life will be taken away including their self respect. As the individual develops a tolerance for heroin they will need to use more to get the same effect. Young people who abuse this drug risk destroying their future. Addiction means that the individual becomes unemployable.

Family and friends suffer because: They have to watch their loved one self destruct. The addicted family member will usually steal off the rest of the family. Money that could be spent on improving conditions for the family is wasted on drugs. The addict may become violent and cause physical harm to family and friends. Loved ones may have to suffer shame as they are judged negatively for having an addict in the family.

Society suffers due to heroin abuse because: It means lost productivity as so many young people will not be fit for work. Health care costs of treating addiction are a tremendous drain on resources. Some parts of the region become unsafe because of the rising levels of crime due to heroin addiction. The greatest asset that any country has is its young people. The high numbers of young people in Punjab addicted to drugs is a national disgrace. The cost of policing the drug problem is a drain on resources.

There's a perception in Punjab that the politicians of all hues and even the police is part of the problem and beneficiaries of the drug trade. Apparently, new Narco-political elite used drug money to fund elections. Punjab Police have tried to shed the image with huge recoveries, busting of drug gangs and sustained crackdowns. But more drug recoveries show the security agencies are more alert and serious about the issue, but undoubtedly the media and the opposition say it means an increase in smuggling and higher consumption! The politicians have chosen the easy way out: sparring and what sounds more jarring, dharnas.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS:

Historical evidence points that banning only leads to smuggling and expansion of drugs in society. Setting up rural industries and proper evening management can keep away youth from drugs. But governments were working on the model: ban drugs, smuggle drugs and then promote drugs which should be stop immediately. Need of the hour called for a radical solution to the drug problem, which has assumed alarming proportions in the state such as decriminalization of the use of drugs in the state; to break the criminal-politics nexus by radically altering the NDPS Act that tends to promote smuggling by putting a wholesale ban on drugs and treating them as patients needing medical treatment. Drug smugglers act as sleeper cells and agents of ISI who were working to destabilize India. Dimension of the drug policy, stressing stringent drug laws be implemented as done by the USA to destabilize revolutionary regimes in South America by promoting drug cartels, who thrived on smuggling due to bans. The stringent NDPS Act established in 1985 has led to proliferation of mafia, strengthened criminal-police-political network and filling jails with drug edicts has overburdened criminal investigators and judiciary. Families and societies should show more consideration and understanding towards drug victims, who are ostracized by larger society. Society is mobilized at the grass-roots level as well as actively involving women in this effort.

The problem (drug menace), however, could not be solved by the police or with stringent laws like NDPS Act because of Ban, Smuggle and Promote syndrome. The nexus of various forces promoting the sale of and distribution of drugs as a source of earning easy money while taking advantage of ban on simple drugs like Bhukki and opium etc have to be broken. The need of the hour is to break the criminal-mafia-politics nexus by radically altering NDPS Act which tends to promote smuggling and its promotion by wholesale ban on drugs and legalization of certain common mans recreational drugs like Bhukki, bhang etc. The use of the dangerous and chemical started only when the Bhukki and post were banned. Drug addicts and drug users be treated as patients and victims rather than criminals and adopt an integrated approach and longtime multi-pronged strategy check the drug addiction.

The scale of the problem can be disputed in Punjab, not its existence. Drug use in the state has since long taken the shape of drug misuse, then abuse and increasingly, the worst form: addiction. That is classified as a disease, calling for medical treatment. The World Health Organization prefers an over-arching term: drug dependence. The body politic has not stopped sparring over the issue, but the bodys rotting. It needs help a forceful and forced correction.

Drug addiction is not a Punjab-specific problem, though social, cultural and economic patterns over several years encouraged its proliferation because of lack of discouragement. It is an affliction thats been allowed a firm footing in the border state, becoming almost an accepted way of life as those who could make a difference looked the other way. Now that the political class does seem to be looking at the mess, is it the right way?

Drug use  primarily the intake of opium  had been part of the social and cultural compass long before Punjab was partitioned and then divided. That said, drug abuse was always considered an exception, not the rule  it was lampooned in comic characterization and looked down upon. In folk literature, songs and movies, we always had a drug addict in the plot. But he was never the hero. He was always made fun of. Those who took even liquor avoided meeting the parents and even ones spouse. It was even considered healthy, and people in the Malwa belt still feel small doses of opium are good for health. The influence also comes from the prevailing culture in neighbouring Rajasthan where opium was, and still is, served like paan in weddings. The use increased with the advent of the Green Revolution in the state. More work in the fields brought more labourers and the demand of poppy husk and opium increased manifold. It was common for big farmers to supply opium and poppy husk to labourers, since it served like machine oil. Similarly, industrialization in the country opened more routes for Punjabi truck drivers and they took to poppy husk and opium as they felt it helped them in driving for longer hours.
If you think you know what Iowa looks like but never have been to McGregor, then you don't have the whole picture.

The Mississippi River town is in the northeast corner of the state, where you'll also find spread across several counties deep river canyons, cliff-side petroglyphs, Indian burial mounds and vents in hillsides where the air temperature can be 40 degrees on a hot summer day.

This area is called the "driftless" region, and it extends into parts of northwest Illinois, southwest Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota. "Driftless" refers to the fact that the fourth glacier to cover what is now the Midwestern United States did not cross into this area, leaving a different kind of topography and, to some extent, plants and animals not found elsewhere.

If you never have heard of the term "driftless," you have lots of company. Neither have most of the people who actually live in the area, says Tim Jacobson, a Boscobel, Wis.-based filmmaker.

To spread the word, and to gain support for sustaining this unusual ecosystem, he along with George Howe have made a 30-minute documentary called "Mysteries of the Driftless."

You can see the movie for free on Saturday, March 19, when it will be one of four films shown at the 11th annual Environmental Film Fest, held in Olin Hall of Augustana College, Rock Island.

Other films will spotlight professional "spin doctors" who cast doubt on scientific reports of climate change and other topics; rampant food waste in the United States; and endangered rainforests that supply the wood used in making acoustic guitars.

Jacobson and Howe also will be at Augustana to speak.

Jacobson, a Wisconsin native who is deeply committed to preserving the natural environment on which all life on earth depends, hopes that viewers of his film will fall in love with the beauty of the driftless area, perhaps visit it and develop a connection to it.

It is only with a personal connection that people develop a land ethic, treating the land with love and respect rather than as a commodity, he said.

Certainly the planet is awash in pressing environmental concerns, but too much focus on the negative can make people feel hopeless and give up trying to address the problems, he said.

That is a key reason why Jacobson and Howe made this film and a key reason film fest sponsors, including Augustana, the Eagle View chapter of the Sierra Club and Radish magazine, chose it for screening.

"Part of our goal is to remind people how beautiful the Earth is," Kathryn Allen, of the Sierra Club, said. "We hope that people fall in love with it all over again, which will make worthwhile all the daunting work in front of us. Plus it's local," she said of the driftless region.

The film takes viewers into the landscape to discover areas they didn't know where there, some of them on private land not be accessible to the public. The message, Jacobson says, is "positive and energizing."

The film is part of Jacobson's work as a founder and director of the Driftless Environmental Education Project.

He wants people to know about the region's diverse natural and scenic resources and, recognizing that human beings need to earn a living, to encourage sustainable development or use of the land.

Among some of the education effort's projects have been programs to reintroduce endangered raptors such as the peregrine falcon, rehabilitate trout streams and, in farming, encourage rotational grazing, organic growing, soil conservation and erosion control.
The release said a search of his place turned up numerous drug items, including two pounds of marijuana, marijuana wax, a large number of glass pipes and a wide variety of tetrahydrocannabinol edibles. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the active ingredient in marijuana.

Also found were a loaded .40 caliber pistol and an AK-47 rifle.

A woman, identified as 23-year-old Sarah Adsit of Rapid City, was in the house when authorities arrived. She was arrested on suspicion of numerous offenses: felony possession of marijuana, marijuana possession with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a place where drugs are kept/sold/used.
RONAN - Lance Cpl. Thomas Parker of Ronan has three times returned home since losing two legs and most of one hand in a horrific explosion in Afghanistan last December.

The Marine got a hero's welcome that stretched from Missoula to Polson in February.

He was the commencement speaker at the Ronan High School graduation in May.

But this third trip back to Montana since he was blown up, it's different.

This time he really, truly came home.

Over the weekend Parker - who is on leave for a month from San Diego, where he is learning to walk again, this time on prosthetics - moved into a new addition to the house he grew up in in the shadow of the Mission Mountains.

It's nothing fancy - a small bedroom, narrow living area and good-sized bathroom - but it's wheelchair accessible, he can roll into the main house from the new addition, and he may finally have a shower that's big enough to hold him and his chair without water cascading down the shower curtain and out onto the floor.

Just three weeks ago, about all that was here was a bare foundation, and Parker's stepfather was worried that Parker wouldn't even get to spend one night under the new roof at his old house before returning to San Diego on Oct. 2.

Tim Corbett didn't need to fret.

Once again, Tomy Parker's neighbors came through.

***

By "neighbors," we don't just mean the folks in his hometown of Ronan and the Mission Valley, although many of them have done much of the work.

From Columbia Falls to Butte, western Montanans responded to Corbett's late-August S.O.S.

On Aug. 20, the day the Missoulian published a story about Corbett's concerns, Corbett's phone started ringing at 8:30 a.m.

The first call came from Michael Yelinek of Sunrise Drywall in Columbia Falls.

"He's a sheetrocker who said he wanted to bring his whole crew down and donate a day," Corbett says. "There were about seven of them. They got here at 9 and were done by 6."

A group from a Montana National Guard maintenance shop drove up to put up the siding. Parker's uncle, Rick Jennison of Jennison Tree Service, removed a big willow tree to make way for the addition.

Ronan electricians Wes Baertsch and Toby Bartel volunteered their time as well.

"From the beginning they said labor was no problem," Corbett says. "We'd just have to take care of materials. So when I ask them for an invoice for the materials, they tell me that when they told their suppliers what they were doing, the suppliers gave them everything they needed."

On a yellow legal pad, Corbett has tried to keep track of everyone who has helped out. Many, Corbett notes, put off paying jobs to donate their time and get the addition finished in rapid fashion.

The page is almost filled with names and what they did.

Among those on the list are Garrett and Cathy Miller of Butte, who have logged more than 1,200 miles traveling to and from Ronan on Garrett's days off from his job as a miner to help with the construction.

The Millers' son, Robert, is a Marine lance corporal, too, stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Robert saw a post on Kay Collins' Facebook page "Montana Supporting Soldiers" looking for people to lend a hand on the Parker addition, and alerted his parents.

Tomy Parker and Robert Miller have since become Facebook friends.

"I'd like to meet everyone who's helped out and thank them," Parker says. "I'm hoping before I leave I'll meet the majority of them. It's amazing what people have done - I'm going to meet the Millers, even if I have to drive to Butte to do it."

***

So what have they wrought?

Welcome to Tomy Parker's "man cave."

"The cave thing started when I was home in May," says Parker, who has had to stay 15 miles from home at the Kwa Taq Nuk Resort in Polson in order to have bathroom facilities that are wheelchair accessible. "I'd go to bed late and wouldn't leave the hotel room till noon or 1 p.m., and people started saying I was holed up in a cave.'"

The planned "Parker Addition" soon was being referred to as Tomy's new man cave.

"There are things that go hand-in-hand with being a man cave, " Parker warned his mother last Thursday, the day before the electrical work was completed so he could move in.

"A big flat-screen TV," he explained. "A game system. Surround Sound. You can't have a 14-inch tube TV and call it a man cave."

Parker says he intends to pay for those things out of his own pocket. The addition itself is being paid for by money donated by countless people in the wake of the Dec. 11, 2010 explosion that cost Parker his legs and one hand.

A February fundraiser organized by Tracy Morigeau Frank raised some $90,000 alone.

Frank's threat to decorate Parker's new bathroom in "duckies and bunnies" didn't go unnoticed.

"If she does I'll put up nude posters all over in there to counter the ducks and rabbits," Parker said.

***

The donations have made it possible for Parker's family - he has a brother and four sisters - to travel to Bethesda, Md., where he was first hospitalized, and San Diego, where he's learning to walk on prosthetics, to visit him.

They've also paid for the room at Kwa Taq Nuk when Parker has been home on leave.

And they've paid for the new addition, which Corbett estimates will cost about $25,000, and would have been much more without all the donated labor. A new septic system was necessary because of the additional bathroom.

Corbett is also doing some remodeling on the house where he and Lisa Jennison raised Tomy and his sister Johnie, who moved to Missoula after graduating from high school, and where sister Zayna and brother Graydon still live.

"We're keeping the house remodeling separate," Corbett said of the finances. "We didn't want to mix and match, and have people think we were getting a whole new house out of the deal. We just figured while we're doing the addition, we'd take care of some other things that needed to be done at the same time."

That work continues, but the addition - only a bare foundation three weeks ago - is done.

And now, Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas Parker really is home on leave.
Shes been running with the fast dogs for so long, no one knows better than Jessie Royer what it will take to catch them.

The 39-year-old musher who lives and trains in the upper Bitterroot Valley near Darby returns Saturday to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska for the 14th time, and shes on a forward lean.

Royer, coming off her second straight victory in Montanas Race to the Sky 300 in February, has five top-10 finishes in the 1,000-mile Iditarod. Her best ones were the last ones  seventh place in 2014 and fourth place last year.

Could this be her year?

I have no idea, Royer said at the finish line of the Race to the Sky in Lincoln last month. Theres a lot of good teams in the race, and every year you just dont know.

Like last year, Royer drew bib No. 3 at Iditarod, meaning shell be near the front at the start. Montanas other entrant, Martin Koenig, a machinist from Seeley Lake, begins his second Iditarod with No. 86 and thus will be driving the last team across the starting line.

Saturdays ceremonial start in Anchorage has been modified from an 11-mile run to three due to lack of snow. The restart is Sunday in Willow, 50 miles to the north.

All eyes will be on the Seaveys. Either Dallas Seavey or his father Mitch have won the last four Iditarods, and they went 1-2 last year.

Dallas, who turned 29 on Friday, became the youngest musher to run the Iditarod in 2005 and the youngest to win it in 2012. He edged fellow Alaskan musher Aily Zirkle by just over two minutes in 2014 in the fastest Iditarod on record  eight days, 13 hours, 4 minutes and 19 seconds.

Last year, Royer overhauled Zirkle on the grueling stretch to Nome along the Bering Sea coast to finish fourth in just under nine days and 2 hours, her best time yet. That was roughly 7 1/2 hours behind Dallas Seavey, 3 1/2 behind Seaveys father, and two hours behind third-place Aaron Burmeister.

Royer finished with 13 of the 16 dogs she started with in 2015. Only six of the 65 other finishers reached Nome with more.

In an interview afterward, she said she went 150 miles in one stretch on a mere four hours of rest.

It was probably a bit of a gamble, but (the dogs) handled it really, really well, she told KNOM Radio. When youre at the top youve got to know how far you can push your team and youve got to be able to gamble because everybody else is pushing hard too.

Knowing her team is key, she added. Many top Alaskan mushers have teams of helpers, but Royer doesnt.

Its been a long winter, 90- to 100-hour weeks all winter long, she said in the radio interview. I dont have a lot of help, so I have to do everything myself. But I know the dogs real well and know what theyre capable of.

Royer, who grew up on a cattle ranch in Philipsburg, moved back to Montana five years ago from her ranch near Fairbanks after spending 13 years in Alaska.

One of her early mentors was Montana mushing legend Doug Swingley, who became the first non-Alaskan to win an Iditarod in 1995 and went on to win three more, the last in 2001. Its been done only once since, by Robert Sorlie of Norway in 2003.

Besides an estimated $70,000 in prize money, with a win Royer could become the first woman to do so since the late Susan Butcher won her fourth Iditarod in 1990.

Royer should feel right at home Saturday. The forecast calls for snow or sleet for the ceremonial star in Anchorage, where there is no snow on the ground. Race organizers have hauled in seven rail carloads of snow from Fairbanks, last years starting point when a lack of snow dogged southern Alaska.

The Race to the Sky in February ended in a torrential rain in Lincoln, on a slope otherwise barren of snow. Hi-Country Snack Foods hauled in several truckloads to grease the start/finish area.

After crossing the line in Lincoln, Royer said she was worried about a couple of her really good dogs sitting back home at the Triple Creek Ranch on the West Fork of the Bitterroot, where she trains and works as a guide and horse wrangler.

Theyre some of my main dogs, but theyve had little injuries so I havent decided whether theyre going to be ready to go, she said. So when everyone thinks, Oh, youre going to win this year, well, Id rather have a couple of those main guys back on the team.

She had to decide quickly. She was leaving for Alaska just a few days later with whatever dogs would make up her 16-dog team, plus six for another musher and some for a junior musher as well.

Royer said she uses Race to the Sky as a tune-up and tryout for the Iditarod.

The whole point of me running this race is I have all 2- and 3-year-olds that havent done much racing, so I needed to test them to see how they would hold up, to see if they would make my main team or not, she said.

Ranger, a veteran of four Iditarods and one of the dogs thatll be in the lead traces for Royer on Saturday, got the weekend off at Race to the Sky.

Im saving him. I dont need to bring him to this race and take a chance on getting him injured, she said.

At Nome last year, Royer praised Ranger as well as her other leader, Phaser, who at age 4 was in his first Iditarod.

Hes not always the best eater, but I threw him in there and he ate like a rock star the whole race, she said. He pretty much led the team a big, big majority of the race. I never thought hed finish, but he did.

Koenig, the 64-year-old Swiss-born musher from Seeley Lake, finished his only other Iditarod in 2008 in 76th place. He told Iditarod.com he quit racing dogs two years ago and became a recreational musher.

I dont miss the race scene, but I do miss traveling with the dogs and running new trails. I decided it was time for another trip to Alaska and to take the dogs to Nome, he said.

Of the 20 dogs he trained for the Iditarod, all but one were rookies.

Should be interesting, he said. I do like a good challenge.

Linwood Fiedler, 62, is back for his 22nd Iditarod. A Carroll College and University of Montana graduate, Fiedler won two of the first three Races to the Sky in the late 1980s before moving to Alaska. He was second to Swingley in 2001.

Cindy Gallea, 64, will be making her 14th Iditarod start. She was a nurse practitioner and musher in Seeley Lake before moving back to her native Minnesota six years ago. Gallea has yet to crack the top 30.
The Bitterroot Colleges Certified Nurse Assistant program may have just accomplished a first for Montana.

Five Ravalli County high school students recently completed the program.

Those five  four from Hamilton High and the other from Darby  may be the first high school students in Montana to earn that achievement.

Bitterroot College Director Victoria Clark said it took a team effort to put the pieces in place for success.

Jenny Moore, along with the Bitterroot College CNA instructional team, was instrumental on our end, and the high school faculty and administration were the advocates that made this happen, Clark said. The Greater Ravalli Foundation came through with the scholarships  the linchpin to the whole endeavor.

Jenny Moore, Bitterroot College HealthCARE Transformation Specialist, said she started by looking for ways to recruit more students.

HealthCARE Montanas goal is to accelerate the pathways for students to access health care careers, Moore said. In a couple of years high school students will be adult learners.

Moore said she researched and found the requirement allowed 16-year-olds to get a CNA certificate.

I went to the long-term care facilities and I asked them if they would hire them and they answered if the person was right for the job, yes, we would, Moore said. The high school counselors at Hamilton and Darby stepped up. They made it possible for students to miss six Mondays to do their CNA clinical work.

Then she looked for scholarships for the students and filled the class.

Adult learners in our program have opportunities for additional funding through job service and the department of labor and industry, Moore said. High school students dont qualify for that so The Greater Ravalli Foundation stepped up, had students apply, and granted scholarships to all five students.

Deb Gabelhausen, executive director of The Greater Ravalli Foundation, said it has been helping Ravalli County students and their families since 2002.

It is our goal to provide opportunities for students to succeed by giving our support when they need it the most, either through dual enrollment scholarships, CNA scholarships or postsecondary scholarships, Gabelhausen said. The Greater Ravalli Foundation was excited to offer these five students scholarships to complete their CNA certification, thus giving them employability during college and experience in their chosen medical fields.

Gabelhausen said The Greater Ravalli Foundation granted a total of $4,875 or $975 for each student.

These five students are great role models for those students that will certainly follow, Gabelhausen said.

Hamilton High School senior Rachel Grimes is now a Certified Nurse Assistant. She said she took the program at Bitterroot College to get ahead.

Im planning on going to college and having a job while in college. I figured that to be able to afford everything and live the life I want to live, I need to have more education than others and I need to have my CNA, Grimes said. I wanted to be in the medical field since I was in eighth grade. When this came up, I was so excited.

Grimes said she plans to be a cardiology non-invasive physician and this is the first step toward that medical degree.

I need to start at the bottom and work my way up, Grimes said. I feel the more education I gain is important to me. I need to know everything about everything and I felt CNA was a good goal for being in high school.

The five high school students still attended their regular classes in the day and added the CNA program to their schedule.

Classes were intense, Grimes said. I like to be pushed and pushed passed my limit to make myself believe in myself more. I love learning everything and feeling more confident about myself because I know down the road once I get my LPN or RN Ill know basics. Getting my certification was a huge accomplishment to me.

Two days after receiving her certification, Grimes started her job at the Discovery Care Center.

I feel very honored that I was allowed to do this and I feel very respected now as a high school student, Grimes said. This was the first time they let high school students take CNA at the Bitterroot College. Having a scholarship from The Greater Ravalli Foundation was another plus.

Moore said Certified Nursing Assistants are valued at long-term nursing facilities.

Its a good paying job and it may be a place they really enjoy or a starting point for a health career, Moore said. Im really proud of the kids, it was a college level course and they just jumped right in. They went to high school all day, went to Bitterroot College classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and missed six Mondays to do their clinical.

Dan Kimzey, principal of Hamilton High School said hes proud of the staff for making the program possible.

This is directly aligned with our districts readiness for future opportunities goal and our college and career readiness goals, Kimzey said. We have another batch of kids ready to roll for the April course.

The next Certified Nurse Assistant program at Bitterroot College begins April 9.
Blog Archive October 2022 (42) September 2022 (60) August 2022 (63) July 2022 (65) June 2022 (68) May 2022 (67) April 2022 (62) March 2022 (68) February 2022 (54) January 2022 (61) December 2021 (70) November 2021 (72) October 2021 (67) September 2021 (59) August 2021 (56) July 2021 (57) June 2021 (66) May 2021 (63) April 2021 (75) March 2021 (73) February 2021 (61) January 2021 (69) December 2020 (62) November 2020 (62) October 2020 (70) September 2020 (51) August 2020 (52) July 2020 (60) June 2020 (57) May 2020 (79) April 2020 (56) March 2020 (52) February 2020 (50) January 2020 (69) December 2019 (58) November 2019 (64) October 2019 (44) September 2019 (49) August 2019 (71) July 2019 (71) June 2019 (71) May 2019 (67) April 2019 (74) March 2019 (85) February 2019 (64) January 2019 (73) December 2018 (66) November 2018 (81) October 2018 (87) September 2018 (66) August 2018 (76) July 2018 (84) June 2018 (86) May 2018 (64) April 2018 (83) March 2018 (78) February 2018 (69) January 2018 (69) December 2017 (82) November 2017 (87) October 2017 (89) September 2017 (77) August 2017 (75) July 2017 (76) June 2017 (90) May 2017 (86) April 2017 (59) March 2017 (61) February 2017 (82) January 2017 (91) December 2016 (90) November 2016 (80) October 2016 (75) September 2016 (95) August 2016 (104) July 2016 (93) June 2016 (96) May 2016 (98) April 2016 (99) March 2016 (113) February 2016 (82) January 2016 (98) December 2015 (113) November 2015 (94) October 2015 (93) September 2015 (98) August 2015 (97) July 2015 (105) June 2015 (103) May 2015 (95) April 2015 (100) March 2015 (102) February 2015 (93) January 2015 (114) December 2014 (110) November 2014 (103) October 2014 (105) September 2014 (96) August 2014 (96) July 2014 (112) June 2014 (119) May 2014 (109) April 2014 (116) March 2014 (117) February 2014 (109) January 2014 (116) December 2013 (117) November 2013 (121) October 2013 (125) September 2013 (93) August 2013 (115) July 2013 (110) June 2013 (102) May 2013 (115) April 2013 (113) March 2013 (119) February 2013 (108) January 2013 (119) December 2012 (132) November 2012 (115) October 2012 (121) September 2012 (115) August 2012 (124) July 2012 (102) June 2012 (121) May 2012 (121) April 2012 (127) March 2012 (130) February 2012 (112) January 2012 (131) December 2011 (129) November 2011 (118) October 2011 (118) September 2011 (110) August 2011 (138) July 2011 (146) June 2011 (139) May 2011 (144) April 2011 (127) March 2011 (140) February 2011 (116) January 2011 (134) December 2010 (133) November 2010 (136) October 2010 (148) September 2010 (128) August 2010 (155) July 2010 (129) June 2010 (138) May 2010 (152) April 2010 (161) March 2010 (119) February 2010 (149) January 2010 (155) December 2009 (177) November 2009 (171) October 2009 (176) September 2009 (159) August 2009 (156) July 2009 (170) June 2009 (157) May 2009 (185) April 2009 (179) March 2009 (183) February 2009 (170) January 2009 (181) December 2008 (189) November 2008 (183) October 2008 (164) September 2008 (164) August 2008 (177) July 2008 (179) June 2008 (170) May 2008 (191) April 2008 (175) March 2008 (195) February 2008 (162) January 2008 (188) December 2007 (187) November 2007 (189) October 2007 (194) September 2007 (156) August 2007 (194) July 2007 (163) June 2007 (176) May 2007 (190) April 2007 (177) March 2007 (192) February 2007 (165) January 2007 (170) December 2006 (182) November 2006 (177) October 2006 (185) September 2006 (180) August 2006 (156) July 2006 (160) June 2006 (177) May 2006 (173) April 2006 (157) March 2006 (158) February 2006 (146) January 2006 (144) December 2005 (135) November 2005 (138) October 2005 (128) September 2005 (141) August 2005 (136) July 2005 (133) June 2005 (119) May 2005 (143) April 2005 (52)
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.




Contributions to the Turner Report/Inside Joplin can be sent to: Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Apt. G, Joplin, MO 64801.





Send information, news tips, documents, or comments you prefer not to share on the blog or on Facebook to rturner229@hotmail.com.
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
Do Kansas' drug-induced homicide laws actually help with fentanyl?

As drug overdoses related to fentanyl rise in Kansas, does a state law allowing drug dealers to effectively be charged with homicide have any impact?
Flagstaff drivers should expect nighttime restrictions next week on South Milton Road and Interstate 40.

Arizona Department of Transportation crews will continue installation work on a new overhead electronic message sign on South Milton Road between West University Avenue and West Forest Meadows Street on Tuesday and Wednesday. Southbound Milton Road will be restricted to one lane while crews work on the west side of the road between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

ADOT will work on an additional overhead message board on westbound I-40 at milepost 197 near the East Butler Avenue exit on Thursday. Short, temporary closures are expected while the work takes place between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Speeds will be reduced during construction. ADOT is asking drivers to use caution while traveling through the work zone.

Please observe reduced speeds and exercise caution while traveling through the work zone.

For more information about this project, call ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer Coralie Cole at (602) 501-4899 or email her at ccole@azdot.gov

To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511.
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.


PAGE -- Two men were arrested on multiple drug charges after Page Police obtained information of illegal drug use at a Page home that has been used to place foster children.

A department news release said the investigation centered on a home at 910 Vista Avenue #14, a residence Navajo Nation Family Services has used to place foster children. The Page Police Department, with assistance from the Coconino County Sheriffs Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety and National Park Service, obtained and executed a search warrant at that location on Wednesday.

Two subjects at that residence were arrested for multiple drug charges. They were identified as 19-year-old Matthew Smith, 19 of Page, and Ramon Betsuii, 27, of Kayenta. Illegal drugs and paraphernalia were located at the residence, the release said.

The Arizona Department of Child Safety is working in conjunction with Navajo Nation Family Services and the Page Police Department to investigate this incident. The investigating is on-going. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Sgt Ann Lange.




This site became active in October 2007 and most of the 2008 posts at the link above are duplicated here. We sometimes transfer earlier posts from the previous sites to this one, but we do not revalidate the links therein. Posts on this site dated before October 2007 are transferred posts.

This site has gone through a few iterations. Archived posts from March 2002 - Aug. 22, 2008 may be found at two URLs on the the Internet Archive Wayback Machine, 2002 and 2003-2008
 Post-Hurst hydra takes big bite into some capital cases in Alabama | Main | Iran measuring up white-collar nooses after sentencing three businessmen to death 

March 5, 2016

"From Mass Incarceration to Mass Control, and Back Again: How Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform May Lead to a For-Profit Nightmare"

The title of this post is the title of this notable new and timely article now available via SSRN and authored by Carl Takei. Here is the abstract:

Since 2010, advocates on the right and left have increasingly allied to denounce mass incarceration and propose serious reductions in the use of prisons. This alliance serves useful shared purposes, but each side comes to it with distinct and in many ways incompatible long-term interests. I f progressive advocates rely solely on this alliance without aggressively building our own vision of what decarceration should look like, the unintended consequences could be serious.

This Article describes the current mass incarceration paradigm and current left-right reform efforts. It then outlines how, if progressives do not set clear goals for what should replace mass incarceration, these bipartisan efforts risk creating a nightmare scenario of mass control, surveillance, and monitoring of Black and Brown communities. Finally, the Article explains why this mass control paradigm would lay the groundwork for a heavily-privatized, extraordinarily difficult-to-end resurgence of mass incarceration in subsequent decades.

March 5, 2016 at 02:25 PM | Permalink

Comments

For violent crimes , NO incarceration , but Night & Fog to a very remote section of Siberia 

Posted by: Docile Jim Brady  the Nemo Me  Impune Lacessit guy in Oregon  | Mar 5, 2016 3:26:42 PM

That's hardy docile, Mr. Brady. You are advocating for the worst excesses of *both* the Nazi and Soviet totalitarian regimes.

Posted by: Boffin | Mar 5, 2016 3:40:53 PM

@Boffin

Hello. I respectfully submit it is not an excess if a fair charge , trial , and adequate defense precedes the transport

There would be no guards , nor cells , nor fences 

Their conduct would be monitored by satellite 

The Third Reich abused nearly ALL judicial processes.



As I understand many Russian civilians ESCAPED TO Siberia to avoid the predatory evil despotism of Stalin.



From For 40 Years, This Russian Family Was Cut Off From All Human Contact, Unaware of World War II

By Mike Dash  smithsonian.com  January 28, 2013



The old mans name was Karp Lykov, and he was an Old Believera member of a fundamentalist Russian Orthodox sect, worshiping in a style unchanged since the 17th century. Old Believers had been persecuted since the days of Peter the Great, and Lykov talked about it as though it had happened only yesterday; for him, Peter was a personal enemy and the anti-Christ in human forma point he insisted had been amply proved by Tsars campaign to modernize Russia by forcibly chopping off the beards of Christians. But these centuries-old hatreds were conflated with more recent grievances; Karp was prone to complain in the same breath about a merchant who had refused to make a gift of 26 poods of potatoes to the Old Believers sometime around 1900.

Things had only got worse for the Lykov family when the atheist Bolsheviks took power. Under the Soviets, isolated Old Believer communities that had fled to Siberia to escape persecution began to retreat ever further from civilization. During the purges of the 1930s, with Christianity itself under assault, a Communist patrol had shot Lykovs brother on the outskirts of their village while Lykov knelt working beside him. He had responded by scooping up his family and bolting into forest.



Posted by: Docile Jim Brady  the Nemo Me  Impune Lacessit guy in Oregon  | Mar 5, 2016 4:46:44 PM

 More info on Siberia isolation is in article 

In 1978, Soviet geologists prospecting in the wilds of Siberia discovered a family of six, lost in the taiga.

Posted by: Docile Jim Brady  the Nemo Me  Impune Lacessit guy in Oregon  | Mar 5, 2016 4:54:24 PM

Old and Busted: Botany Bay

New Hotness: Botany Icecube

Posted by: Daniel | Mar 5, 2016 6:03:37 PM

I'd rather we just give them a nice quiet execution. People can escape exile, it's a lot harder to come back from the dead.

Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Mar 5, 2016 6:56:04 PM

unless they are zombies

Posted by: Joe | Mar 5, 2016 8:20:51 PM

Post a comment
The ceaselessly inventive minds that brought us Fuller House have done it again  no, we're not talking about the news that the show was renewed for a second season on Netflix, and neither are we referring to the porn parody "Full Holes." Rather, today we bring you news of a different kind of reboot, Full House Nights, which promises to be dark and gritty in all the ways the original was featherweight and saccharine.

"It's scum of the earth stuff," star Bob Saget explained to Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, "stuff people love: drugs, sex, murder, murder-sex  you know."

The show stars Uncle Jesse, Uncle Joey, and Danny Tanner as detectives who, after putting the kids to bed, hit the streets of San Francisco to solve crimes. Oh, and did we mention, Colbert co-stars?

In case you haven't figured it out already, Full House Nights is a piece of late-night sketch comedy that aired last night to promote the actual Netflix show. But, with opening credits that seem like a mash up of NYPD Blue and The Wire, with lots of overheard shots of SF at night, we have to admit it actually looks kinda good.

At least better than the empty and haunted Fuller House, anyway. Sadly, Full House Nights doesn't feature the Olsen Twins, either.

Give it a watch below. The good stuff starts about 55 seconds in.

All previous coverage of Fuller House on Netflix.
A jury on Wednesday delivered a guilty verdict in a tragic case involving the rape, sex trafficking, and pimping of two teenage girls on the streets of San Francisco. Jamar Geeter, 28, was found guilty by a Superior Court jury of 16 counts, and the pimp, who went by the name "Terrific," could be sentenced to 150 years in prison.

This defendant preyed upon two children and attempted to profit off them as though they were property, the Examiner reports District Attorney George Gascon as saying. Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery that will be met with firm consequences.

The details of the case are pretty horrific, and involve Geeter apparently drugging a 14-year-old girl after chatting her up at a Geneva and Mission street Muni stop. The Chronicle reports that after likely raping her (the victim can't remember what happened, but woke up naked and sore), Geeter pimped her on Capp Street and around Polk and Ellis Streets. That victim eventually escaped Geeter, the paper notes, only to be grabbed by another pimp who then trafficked her in Oakland. She was eventually discovered by Daly City Police, as she had been reported as a missing person.

Geeter wasn't done, however, and the Chronicle details how he grabbed a 16-year-old girl who had developed a crush on his teenage friend. According to the girl, Greeter disabled her cell phone and raped her before forcing her to prostitute herself. The young girl managed to alert her family, and her father, in a desperate bid to get her home, kidnapped Geeter's teenage friend, held him hostage, and negotiated a hostage swap to get his daughter back without the assistance of the police.

DNA evidence linked Geeter to the 16-year-old victim, reports KRON 4.

Geeter is set to be sentenced on March 24.

All previous coverage of sex trafficking on SFist.


Poor Marilyn Hartman. The 64-year-old serial airplane stowaway, who has succeeded in criss-crossing the country a couple times in recent years and been arrested or detained by police for it multiple times in SF, LA, Jacksonville, and Chicago, was arrested yet again two weeks ago at Chicago's O'Hare airport. She had previously been arrested there in 2015 trying to board a plane without a ticket, and the conditions of her probation, after her release in December, included that she had to stay away from the airport. But, for reason she can't explain herself, she couldn't stay away. This time, as KRON 4 reports, a judge has sentenced her to six months in a mental health facility in Chicago, after which presumably she will return to the nursing home where she'd been living since last year.

SF Mag did some digging into Hartman's past a year ago, but all they managed to conclude was that Hartman was estranged from all of her family and had been since about the 1970's. She was never married, and has perhaps suffered from mental illness most of her life, and at some point in 1985 she adopted the surname Hartman for unknown reasons, after being born Marilyn Stall.

She first came to SFist's attention two years ago after being detained and turned away at SFO four times trying to board planes without having a ticket, and then she succeeded in boarding a Southwest flight to L.A. at San Jose airport shortly thereafter. (This video, in which Hartman almost gleefully talks to reporters after that incident and says she's sorry for breaking the law, is especially worth watching.) She hasn't returned to the Bay Area since but her weird, circuitous, and inexhaustible plight has now become somewhat of a national obsession.

Chicagoist reported last week that Cook County Circuit Judge William Raines sounded pretty exasperated at having Marilyn in his courtroom again, wondering aloud, "How many times do we have to revisit this?" He said, prior to sentencing, "I gotta make sure in my mind that Ms. Hartman gets it that there's not many more chances left. So we can make this work. It's going to be a lot more restrictive. It's not going to be as easy."

Raines warned her this week that if she violates the law and returns to O'Hare again, she'll be sent to jail.



All previous Marilyn Hartman coverage on SFist.


SFist wrote this week of Off The Grid's return, Little Baobab's reincarnation, and the opening of a new food hall, The Myriad. Others had more, so let's dive in:

If burgers are what your heart desires, then listen up. Checkers and Rally's, a Tampa-based chain that's made up of those two previously separate entities, is eyeing the East Bay for, count 'em, 40 new franchise locations according to the Business Times. Anyone out there a fan? Notably this comes in addition to other burger chains Sonic, Five Guys, Smashburger, and Habit Burger Grill have all been making inroads in the Bay Area, so we've pretty much hit peak burger.

The Company opens up shop this week, and Inside Scoop had word on the newest phase of Michael Mina's Test Kitchen incubator in the Marina. The cooking is Indian, the place has a liquor license now, and diners can opt for seven, nine, or 11 courses from guest chef Vikrant Bhasin. Eater also had the wine menu from Mina's right hand man Rajat Parr.

Bluestem Brasserie is expecting a new chef in the kitchen according to Inside Scoop, and that's John Griffith, formerly of the Advocate in Berkeley. Jeffrey Banker, once of Baker & Banker, has been at the helm for a year, and Griffith will take over from him with a new menu in mid-May. Banker meanwhile will be pursuing "a number of unspecified consulting projects."

Cupola Pizzeria, a Westfield Mall joint, has abruptly closed according to Inside Scoop. They're not sure what will be taking over the space from the pizza spot that most agreed was very good. This is the second closure there on the mall's fourth floor for Lark Creek Restaurant Group which just shuttered Lark Creek Steak next door in January.

Eater reports that Nabolom Bakery is back at it in Berkeley, and now it's even better than ever because it's got pizza courtesy of new co-owner and Cheese Board alum Julia Elliott. The four-decades old collective closed last summer, but now you can get cinnamon twists, challah and all your favorites again.

The Yard by the ballpark returns this month, but instead of the Whole Beast, Belcampo Meat Co. is stepping in according to Inside Scoop. Expect burgers and Philly cheesesteaks there, right next to Anchor's beer bar. Meanwhile, the butchery headed by founder and CEO Anya Fernald will be opening their eighth location in Oaklands Jack London Square, the East Bay Express reports.

North Beach local and owner of Maykadeh and Mos Grill Mahmoud Mo Khossoussi was "bored" so he's opening a new spot, as Tablehopper has it. Dip, a sandwich shop, will have au jus sandwiches like, you guessed it, a French dip.

According to some permits dug up by Hoodline, North Beach's former Crow Bar might become a hotel and sushi joint. "We intend to maintain the upstairs use as it is," said Architect Tom Zhang on behalf of building owner Joy Fu, "and just use the vacant space on the ground level to make the storefront more attractive."

Sweet Woodruff, the casual Sons & Daughters spinoff, will close after four years in business on Lower Nob Hill, per Inside Scoop. Teague Moriarty and Matt McNamara called the decision difficult but plan to focus on their other operations which include The Square in North Beach and their own farm, Dark Hill in the Santa Cruz mountains.

As Jonathan Waxmans aforementioned Ghirardelli Square place approaches, he's going full Kanye according to Hoodline, renaming it from Brezza Emporio and Pizzeria to simply Waxman's. "It never really rolled off our tongues," said the Berkely-born chef's partner of the Brezza name, "We never really liked it." Waxman's is now set to open in three weeks.

This Week In Reviews

The Chronicle's incessant food critic Michael Bauer declares in his mid-week review that the Bay Area's best Indian restaurant is Rasa in Burlingame. SFist nodded when the restaurant received a Michelin star last year, an accolade which Bauer neglects to mention, but he's all praise nonetheless. Chef Vijay Kumar, formerly of Dosa, has been steadily improving Ajay Walia's 2013-opened restaurant, where he "shines when he interprets the food with a local sensibility." For example, "the fennel and spinach dosa ($16) showcases the freshness of the organic vegetables," and don't miss the Bombay sliders ($11) which are, haha, "the Marlowe burger of Indian food." Three stars.

In San Francisco magazine, Josh Sens says he is big into Little Gem, the fast-casual Hayes Valley spot that "works deftly under self-imposed constraints" (it's dairy- and gluten-free, and you might remember that Bauer was a fan too). The all-day spot with a trend-food name comes from Eric Lilavois, formerly of the Thomas Keller Group, and chef Dave Cruz, previously of Ad Hoc. "Meats and fish at Little Gem come perfectly prepared," writes Sens," Slabs of succulent pork shoulder serve as tender tribute to the power of slow roasting, while a seared five-ounce flatiron steak punches well above its weight." But one dish, now off the menu, merited some fun-poking. The Little Vegan entree "would come perilously close to the off-campus co-op cooking at Oberlin or Reed," Sens quips. Two stars.

SFist found the chef's menu at Cadence, from chef Joey Elenterio at this Maven spin-off, to be commendable, and Peter Kane for the Weekly agrees, writing "Get the chef's menu." In the mid-Market digs that had Kane thinking "Kubrick-esque by way of Tokyo's Expo '70 world's fair," the critic was "totally gaga for a fettuccine with turnip beurre fondue with cocoa nibs and rye bread." He also recommends the rib-eye, and observes that "the milk chocolate cremeux and passion fruit sherbet had none of the visual boldness, but the flavor was spectacular..."

Agreeing to disagree, Bauer penned a take-down of Cadence in the Chronicle. "The Cadence menu ends up feeling like a patchwork quilt waiting to be sewn together," he writes, and clearly not a fan of the interior, where the "dining room seems to prize flash over function" and took him "back 25 years." Mr. Bauer has been reviewing restaurants at the Chronicle for longer than that, so he would know! OH, and that "spectacular" cremeux, by the way? It "was mostly represented by three truffle-sized dots of slightly rubbery pudding." Two stars, and noise was a "BOMB."
The difference between an "academic" and a "professional" master's degree may be, well, academic, but such re-designations at UC Berkeley have come with increased tuition for a variety of programs. As the rising cost of education at America's colleges and universities continues to be a perennial topic, the University of California as a whole has maintained a tuition freeze, with UC President Janet Napolitano saying just this week that "I think in terms of affordability California has done a very good job of keeping the university affordable and accessible," according to the Mercury News. Nevertheless, the reclassification of 20 master's degrees at nine graduate schools by the Chronicle's count has netted millions more from students despite the freeze and without directly violating it.

To the base tuition of $11,220 that graduate students pay yearly, Professional degree supplemental tuition can add thousands. That translates to much more for the University  that supplemental tuition netted the school $62 million just last year. Berkeley's School of Social Welfare was first to charge supplemental tuition in 2010, rising in cost from $11,000 to $17,000, while the following year the School of Engineering followed suit with a tuition hike from $12,950 to $44,985, a sum that's now $51,165. However, some programs like that one say students are saving money, as the two-year program was shortened to just one year.

Before, I didnt have to work and could focus on my studies and becoming a good teacher, one student receiving a master's in education told the Chronicle. So it makes things a lot harder.

Related: UC Berkeley Frat Denies Campus Cop Allegations Of Women Drugged At Parties
Back in December, Princeton professor Robert P. George was in the hospital with heart trouble and it did not sound good. At the time, I happened to be at a conference with many of his friends, colleagues and admirers. We prayed. We were not alone. Robby is one of those people who, like Justice Scalia, are irreplaceable. Our public and intellectual lives wouldnt be the same without him.

Hes long back at work now. And so I naturally thought of him during the controversy over clothing retailer Lands End and a profile of feminist icon Gloria Steinem that ran in its spring catalog  a profile that led to a massive outcry from customers and an apology from the company. In numerous interviews over the years, Steinem has said, Gratitude never radicalized anybody.

Steinems comment stuck in my mind because it struck me as so very wrong. Gratitude can change everything radically.

When Robert George found himself in the hospital with a life-threatening condition, he was overwhelmed with prayer. People who were praying for me flooded my email box with messages, he recalls. He got calls from Cardinal Timothy Dolan and a Mormon elder. He heard from ultra-Orthodox Jews in New Jersey, historically black churches, Baptists, Presbyterians, Assemblies of God, evangelicals, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Bahais and Muslims who were praying for him, too.

My reaction to all of this was pure, unadulterated, overwhelming gratitude  gratitude to God, George reflects, not only for my survival, but for the good people who, moved by their devotion to Him, offered their prayers for me. And gratitude to them.

Boundless gratitude changes you. Imagine that. Thats radical. You can see that kind of power in the surviving families of Coptic Christians murdered by extremists in the Middle East  families who are still praying for the conversion of the murderers and who are responding to homicidal hate with life-affirming love.

The outpouring of love from people he didnt know radically changed my life, George tells me. Because of their prayers and Gods goodness, I now understand every day as a gift. No burden, no disappointment, no difficulty changes that. Whats more, in the spirit of gratitude I now see that prior to my illness I spent far too much of my time focused on myself. I thought of myself as someone who lives much of his life for others, but Im now struck by just how little of my life I did actually live for others. Dont get me wrong. Im still a sinner, and fall short. Im still not nearly as selfless as I should be. But at least I now understand  deeply, existentially, not merely notionally  that it makes no sense to live ones life for oneself. The only truly sane way to live ones life is for others. Radically.

Looking around and really, truly giving thanks  being overwhelmed by love. Thats the blessed place in which Robert George finds himself. I passed by him right before the Washington, D.C. funeral Mass for Justice Scalia, and I couldnt help but be calmed by the presence of a man at peace. Gratitude does that.

Peace. Thats as radical as you can get in our divided, scattered, shattered world.

So dont tell me that gratitude never radicalized someone, George tells me. Every morning when I brush my teeth and look at the guy in the mirror, I see someone who was radicalized by gratitude. For which, I must say, I am radically grateful.

For someone like Steinem who sees herself as a political radical, gratitude can be a sign of weakness. As Rev. Aquinas Guilbeau from the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C., puts it: Gratitude uproots us from pride and self-centeredness. Gratitude requires a recognition of the debt we owe to others, which touching the most important things in life  like life itself  is a debt we cannot repay.

Its the ultimate in revolutionary thinking.
Nothing written, appearing, or linked to, on this site is intended to be individual legal, or investment, advice. Consult a financial or legal adviser before making any trade, or any other decision, based anything you read, or see, on this website. This website treats all U.S. viewers' visitor-paths -- and visits -- as public data. If you are from Europe, understand that this site can see -- but will not disclose to the public -- your visitor-path, in compliance with applicable E.U. directives. We also (via enabled cookies) receive useful information about the device and software you use to access these pages, including IP address (from which location may be inferred), device type, web browser type, operating system version, phone carrier and manufacturer, member agents, application installations, device identifiers, mobile advertising identifiers, and push notification tokens. We do not sell any of this information, however -- we are not for profit, here. We automatically receive information about your interactions with these pages, such as the posts or other content you view, the searches you conduct, the people you follow, and the dates and times of your visits. We may collect (for our own use only) information using cookies, pixel tags, and similar technologies. Cookies are small text files containing a string of alphanumeric characters. We may use both session cookies and persistent cookies. A session cookie disappears after you close your browser. A persistent cookie remains after you close your browser and may be used by your browser on subsequent visits to our pages.




Chocolate Shake Man



Offline



Posts: 2869





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2869 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #75 on: March 04, 2016, 02:40:23 PM  Quote from: filledeplage on March 04, 2016, 12:38:37 PM



What is problematic is the wholesale unchecked border crossing, flowing into the US. One of the cornerstones of US immigration is the concept of "admitting and inspecting" and so, as in my grandparents cases, they came through Ellis Island, were quarantined, until cleared for health purposes, have papers processed, and were free to begin their lives. It was a process of accounting for those who came into the country. Some sections in Mexico are extremely dangerous. A young woman mayor was assassinated on the first day of office, not even a month ago. I cannot speak to the economic issues, but am shocked at the violence connected to the cartels infiltrating the US.



Health is a big issue. Zika is becoming a huge problem coming through South and Central America. What is also problematic are convicted felons who have been deported and return to what are called "sanctuary cities" to escape prosecution. I know of no country that would permit people to just decide to move to a new one, unchecked by any government authority. The US is very generous but we are in debt and cannot afford that much longer.



The VA health care positions of the candidates are interesting ones. Trump is one who is advocating providing insurance cards to all veterans whereby they could access medical care at hospitals of their choosing. I can get onboard with that position. That is not a GOP position. That is not a Democrat position. Both parties are vested in the keeping the unacceptable status quo. This would permit vets to access better levels of care, and not be "warehoused" in a VA hospital without care. One of my parents died in the VA system. You can rest assured that few elected officials would choose medical care at a VA facility.



If mainstream candidates who go-along-to-get along are elected it will be the same-old-same-old. The country needs to be shaken up. Only new people in power who have no or few ties to the old structure of power will be able to do that without push-back from lobbyists or powerful groups.



Both Sanders and Trump are effectively tapping into the collective rage of the US. Trump is a capitalist, first. At some point, he was allied to the Democrats. People change parties all the time, to run for office or move to establish residency to qualify to run for office. Bernie calls himself a socialist. Some find that troubling.



The US cannot fix everyone's problems or fight everyone's battles. JMHO



CSM - I know less about NAFTA than you. What I do know is that there are both Mexicans and Canadians who border-cross with permission, to work every day in the US as commuters.What is problematic is the wholesale unchecked border crossing, flowing into the US. One of the cornerstones of US immigration is the concept of "admitting and inspecting" and so, as in my grandparents cases, they came through Ellis Island, were quarantined, until cleared for health purposes, have papers processed, and were free to begin their lives. It was a process of accounting for those who came into the country. Some sections in Mexico are extremely dangerous. A young woman mayor was assassinated on the first day of office, not even a month ago. I cannot speak to the economic issues, but am shocked at the violence connected to the cartels infiltrating the US.Health is a big issue. Zika is becoming a huge problem coming through South and Central America. What is also problematic are convicted felons who have been deported and return to what are called "sanctuary cities" to escape prosecution. I know of no country that would permit people to just decide to move to a new one, unchecked by any government authority. The US is very generous but we are in debt and cannot afford that much longer.The VA health care positions of the candidates are interesting ones. Trump is one who is advocating providing insurance cards to all veterans whereby they could access medical care at hospitals of their choosing. I can get onboard with that position. That is not a GOP position. That is not a Democrat position. Both parties are vested in the keeping the unacceptable status quo. This would permit vets to access better levels of care, and not be "warehoused" in a VA hospital without care. One of my parents died in the VA system. You can rest assured that few elected officials would choose medical care at a VA facility.If mainstream candidates who go-along-to-get along are elected it will be the same-old-same-old. The country needs to be shaken up. Only new people in power who have no or few ties to the old structure of power will be able to do that without push-back from lobbyists or powerful groups.Both Sanders and Trump are effectively tapping into the collective rage of the US. Trump is a capitalist, first. At some point, he was allied to the Democrats. People change parties all the time, to run for office or move to establish residency to qualify to run for office. Bernie calls himself a socialist. Some find that troubling.The US cannot fix everyone's problems or fight everyone's battles. JMHO

Well, I suppose it's a matter of debate but I don't think that Trump's plan puts him significantly out of place within the status quo. According to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Trump "has not laid out specific policies" when dealing with what they consider to be "the most pressing issues facing veterans." Trump's plans though to fire the corrupt and incompetent VA executives that let our veterans down, aligns him precisely with Ted Cruz who "co-sponsored legislation to make it easier to fire VA senior management for mismanagement and performance failures."



In my previous post, I never suggested that the US should fix everyone's problems or fight everyone's battles. Instead, I suggested that the US should stop actively participating in the destruction and impoverishment of Mexico. This is not calling on the country to fix everyone's problems but instead is calling on the country to stop actively causing these problems. Like I said, the massive migration from Mexico occurred as NAFTA policies were instituted in the country and were having their effect. As long as this crucial element of the story is kept from the discussion, any discussion of fixing the so-called problem of migration is an insincere one. The rage that you speak of in this case is directed towards the wrong target, largely because the real issues have been silenced. As far as I can tell, Trump has only served to perpetuate the confusion on this issue, though I do credit him for calling for the end of NAFTA something that unsurprisingly has raised the ire of many, as witnessed by the Wall Street Journal's response.



As for the troubling nature of Bernie Sanders calling himself a socialist, I find it troubling myself because he isn't one. Well, I suppose it's a matter of debate but I don't think that Trump's plan puts him significantly out of place within the status quo. According to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Trump "has not laid out specific policies" when dealing with what they consider to be "the most pressing issues facing veterans." Trump's plans though to fire the corrupt and incompetent VA executives that let our veterans down, aligns him precisely with Ted Cruz who "co-sponsored legislation to make it easier to fire VA senior management for mismanagement and performance failures."In my previous post, I never suggested that the US should fix everyone's problems or fight everyone's battles. Instead, I suggested that the US should stop actively participating in the destruction and impoverishment of Mexico. This is not calling on the country to fix everyone's problems but instead is calling on the country to stop actively causing these problems. Like I said, the massive migration from Mexico occurred as NAFTA policies were instituted in the country and were having their effect. As long as this crucial element of the story is kept from the discussion, any discussion of fixing the so-called problem of migration is an insincere one. The rage that you speak of in this case is directed towards the wrong target, largely because the real issues have been silenced. As far as I can tell, Trump has only served to perpetuate the confusion on this issue, though I do credit him for calling for the end of NAFTA something that unsurprisingly has raised the ire of many, as witnessed by the Wall Street Journal's response.As for the troubling nature of Bernie Sanders calling himself a socialist, I find it troubling myself because he isn't one. Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #76 on: March 05, 2016, 05:22:02 AM  Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 04, 2016, 02:40:23 PM Quote from: filledeplage on March 04, 2016, 12:38:37 PM



What is problematic is the wholesale unchecked border crossing, flowing into the US. One of the cornerstones of US immigration is the concept of "admitting and inspecting" and so, as in my grandparents cases, they came through Ellis Island, were quarantined, until cleared for health purposes, have papers processed, and were free to begin their lives. It was a process of accounting for those who came into the country. Some sections in Mexico are extremely dangerous. A young woman mayor was assassinated on the first day of office, not even a month ago. I cannot speak to the economic issues, but am shocked at the violence connected to the cartels infiltrating the US.



Health is a big issue. Zika is becoming a huge problem coming through South and Central America. What is also problematic are convicted felons who have been deported and return to what are called "sanctuary cities" to escape prosecution. I know of no country that would permit people to just decide to move to a new one, unchecked by any government authority. The US is very generous but we are in debt and cannot afford that much longer.



The VA health care positions of the candidates are interesting ones. Trump is one who is advocating providing insurance cards to all veterans whereby they could access medical care at hospitals of their choosing. I can get onboard with that position. That is not a GOP position. That is not a Democrat position. Both parties are vested in the keeping the unacceptable status quo. This would permit vets to access better levels of care, and not be "warehoused" in a VA hospital without care. One of my parents died in the VA system. You can rest assured that few elected officials would choose medical care at a VA facility.



If mainstream candidates who go-along-to-get along are elected it will be the same-old-same-old. The country needs to be shaken up. Only new people in power who have no or few ties to the old structure of power will be able to do that without push-back from lobbyists or powerful groups.



Both Sanders and Trump are effectively tapping into the collective rage of the US. Trump is a capitalist, first. At some point, he was allied to the Democrats. People change parties all the time, to run for office or move to establish residency to qualify to run for office. Bernie calls himself a socialist. Some find that troubling.



The US cannot fix everyone's problems or fight everyone's battles. JMHO



CSM - I know less about NAFTA than you. What I do know is that there are both Mexicans and Canadians who border-cross with permission, to work every day in the US as commuters.What is problematic is the wholesale unchecked border crossing, flowing into the US. One of the cornerstones of US immigration is the concept of "admitting and inspecting" and so, as in my grandparents cases, they came through Ellis Island, were quarantined, until cleared for health purposes, have papers processed, and were free to begin their lives. It was a process of accounting for those who came into the country. Some sections in Mexico are extremely dangerous. A young woman mayor was assassinated on the first day of office, not even a month ago. I cannot speak to the economic issues, but am shocked at the violence connected to the cartels infiltrating the US.Health is a big issue. Zika is becoming a huge problem coming through South and Central America. What is also problematic are convicted felons who have been deported and return to what are called "sanctuary cities" to escape prosecution. I know of no country that would permit people to just decide to move to a new one, unchecked by any government authority. The US is very generous but we are in debt and cannot afford that much longer.The VA health care positions of the candidates are interesting ones. Trump is one who is advocating providing insurance cards to all veterans whereby they could access medical care at hospitals of their choosing. I can get onboard with that position. That is not a GOP position. That is not a Democrat position. Both parties are vested in the keeping the unacceptable status quo. This would permit vets to access better levels of care, and not be "warehoused" in a VA hospital without care. One of my parents died in the VA system. You can rest assured that few elected officials would choose medical care at a VA facility.If mainstream candidates who go-along-to-get along are elected it will be the same-old-same-old. The country needs to be shaken up. Only new people in power who have no or few ties to the old structure of power will be able to do that without push-back from lobbyists or powerful groups.Both Sanders and Trump are effectively tapping into the collective rage of the US. Trump is a capitalist, first. At some point, he was allied to the Democrats. People change parties all the time, to run for office or move to establish residency to qualify to run for office. Bernie calls himself a socialist. Some find that troubling.The US cannot fix everyone's problems or fight everyone's battles. JMHO

Well, I suppose it's a matter of debate but I don't think that Trump's plan puts him significantly out of place within the status quo. According to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Trump "has not laid out specific policies" when dealing with what they consider to be "the most pressing issues facing veterans." Trump's plans though to fire the corrupt and incompetent VA executives that let our veterans down, aligns him precisely with Ted Cruz who "co-sponsored legislation to make it easier to fire VA senior management for mismanagement and performance failures."



In my previous post, I never suggested that the US should fix everyone's problems or fight everyone's battles. Instead, I suggested that the US should stop actively participating in the destruction and impoverishment of Mexico. This is not calling on the country to fix everyone's problems but instead is calling on the country to stop actively causing these problems. Like I said, the massive migration from Mexico occurred as NAFTA policies were instituted in the country and were having their effect. As long as this crucial element of the story is kept from the discussion, any discussion of fixing the so-called problem of migration is an insincere one. The rage that you speak of in this case is directed towards the wrong target, largely because the real issues have been silenced. As far as I can tell, Trump has only served to perpetuate the confusion on this issue, though I do credit him for calling for the end of NAFTA something that unsurprisingly has raised the ire of many, as witnessed by the Wall Street Journal's response.



As for the troubling nature of Bernie Sanders calling himself a socialist, I find it troubling myself because he isn't one.

Well, I suppose it's a matter of debate but I don't think that Trump's plan puts him significantly out of place within the status quo. According to the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Trump "has not laid out specific policies" when dealing with what they consider to be "the most pressing issues facing veterans." Trump's plans though to fire the corrupt and incompetent VA executives that let our veterans down, aligns him precisely with Ted Cruz who "co-sponsored legislation to make it easier to fire VA senior management for mismanagement and performance failures."In my previous post, I never suggested that the US should fix everyone's problems or fight everyone's battles. Instead, I suggested that the US should stop actively participating in the destruction and impoverishment of Mexico. This is not calling on the country to fix everyone's problems but instead is calling on the country to stop actively causing these problems. Like I said, the massive migration from Mexico occurred as NAFTA policies were instituted in the country and were having their effect. As long as this crucial element of the story is kept from the discussion, any discussion of fixing the so-called problem of migration is an insincere one. The rage that you speak of in this case is directed towards the wrong target, largely because the real issues have been silenced. As far as I can tell, Trump has only served to perpetuate the confusion on this issue, though I do credit him for calling for the end of NAFTA something that unsurprisingly has raised the ire of many, as witnessed by the Wall Street Journal's response.As for the troubling nature of Bernie Sanders calling himself a socialist, I find it troubling myself because he isn't one.



The vet's first issue is extreme health care coming back from war. They have many issues that regular health care is ill abled to deal with never mind the VA which is still in the dark ages. That prospect of a health care insurance card would open the door to at least equal health care for returning vets. The health care system is spread out over large geographic regions which restricts family visitation as well as distance to travel that is unacceptable. Trump is the first to address that in that way. Trump does need to sit down and work out his positions on various aspects of not just the VA, but also ramp up his positions and plans for how he will address the myriad of problems any one of them who is elected will face. The lineup of candidates is down to 4 so the heat is on for his advisors to sit with him and come up with what will be a strategy that is doable and not just political rhetoric.



NAFTA has been around since Bill Clinton in 1994 even if it started with Bush 1. The draft was initialed in 1992 when Bush was in office as a lame duck, but finalized under Clinton, after he was in office for a year. "NAFTA means jobs. American jobs, and good-paying American jobs. If I did not believe that, I wouldn't support this agreement." (Bill Clinton) It eliminated tariffs on a half of Mexican imports and a third of US to Mexico exports. There does seem to be some side agreement on the environment. (I have little idea what that means and don't believe a word of this industry-driven climate change policy.) It was reported that a lot of plants from the US moved to Mexico which does not translate to US jobs but i was not an economics major.



There seems to be a decrease in corn farmer incomes. Corn, in general has decreased because of the high fructose corn syrup controversy for nutritional reasons. It is in virtually every food, and people want it eliminated for health reasons. The agricultural subsidies in general, in the US need to be looked at. I hope that happens regardless of who is in office next year.



Bernie calls himself a socialist. Do you think his ideology fits better with another political classification? CSM - The migration thing is not just Mexico. It is the migration from Central America as well. So, the issues are larger than just economic injustice. Many are political refugees, and some from the Middle East using the open border to gain access to the US.The vet's first issue is extreme health care coming back from war. They have many issues that regular health care is ill abled to deal with never mind the VA which is still in the dark ages. That prospect of a health care insurance card would open the door to at least equal health care for returning vets. The health care system is spread out over large geographic regions which restricts family visitation as well as distance to travel that is unacceptable. Trump is the first to address that in that way. Trump does need to sit down and work out his positions on various aspects of not just the VA, but also ramp up his positions and plans for how he will address the myriad of problems any one of them who is elected will face. The lineup of candidates is down to 4 so the heat is on for his advisors to sit with him and come up with what will be a strategy that is doable and not just political rhetoric.NAFTA has been around since Bill Clinton in 1994 even if it started with Bush 1. The draft was initialed in 1992 when Bush was in office as a lame duck, but finalized under Clinton, after he was in office for a year. "NAFTA means jobs. American jobs, and good-paying American jobs. If I did not believe that, I wouldn't support this agreement." (Bill Clinton) It eliminated tariffs on a half of Mexican imports and a third of US to Mexico exports. There does seem to be some side agreement on the environment. (I have little idea what that means and don't believe a word of this industry-driven climate change policy.) It was reported that a lot of plants from the US moved to Mexico which does not translate to US jobs but i was not an economics major.There seems to be a decrease in corn farmer incomes. Corn, in general has decreased because of the high fructose corn syrup controversy for nutritional reasons. It is in virtually every food, and people want it eliminated for health reasons. The agricultural subsidies in general, in the US need to be looked at. I hope that happens regardless of who is in office next year.Bernie calls himself a socialist. Do you think his ideology fits better with another political classification? Logged

Chocolate Shake Man



Offline



Posts: 2869





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2869 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #77 on: March 05, 2016, 05:47:03 AM  Quote from: filledeplage on March 05, 2016, 05:22:02 AM



The vet's first issue is extreme health care coming back from war. They have many issues that regular health care is ill abled to deal with never mind the VA which is still in the dark ages. That prospect of a health care insurance card would open the door to at least equal health care for returning vets. The health care system is spread out over large geographic regions which restricts family visitation as well as distance to travel that is unacceptable. Trump is the first to address that in that way. Trump does need to sit down and work out his positions on various aspects of not just the VA, but also ramp up his positions and plans for how he will address the myriad of problems any one of them who is elected will face. The lineup of candidates is down to 4 so the heat is on for his advisors to sit with him and come up with what will be a strategy that is doable and not just political rhetoric.



NAFTA has been around since Bill Clinton in 1994 even if it started with Bush 1. The draft was initialed in 1992 when Bush was in office as a lame duck, but finalized under Clinton, after he was in office for a year. "NAFTA means jobs. American jobs, and good-paying American jobs. If I did not believe that, I wouldn't support this agreement." (Bill Clinton) It eliminated tariffs on a half of Mexican imports and a third of US to Mexico exports. There does seem to be some side agreement on the environment. (I have little idea what that means and don't believe a word of this industry-driven climate change policy.) It was reported that a lot of plants from the US moved to Mexico which does not translate to US jobs but i was not an economics major.



There seems to be a decrease in corn farmer incomes. Corn, in general has decreased because of the high fructose corn syrup controversy for nutritional reasons. It is in virtually every food, and people want it eliminated for health reasons. The agricultural subsidies in general, in the US need to be looked at. I hope that happens regardless of who is in office next year.



Bernie calls himself a socialist. Do you think his ideology fits better with another political classification?

CSM - The migration thing is not just Mexico. It is the migration from Central America as well. So, the issues are larger than just economic injustice. Many are political refugees, and some from the Middle East using the open border to gain access to the US.The vet's first issue is extreme health care coming back from war. They have many issues that regular health care is ill abled to deal with never mind the VA which is still in the dark ages. That prospect of a health care insurance card would open the door to at least equal health care for returning vets. The health care system is spread out over large geographic regions which restricts family visitation as well as distance to travel that is unacceptable. Trump is the first to address that in that way. Trump does need to sit down and work out his positions on various aspects of not just the VA, but also ramp up his positions and plans for how he will address the myriad of problems any one of them who is elected will face. The lineup of candidates is down to 4 so the heat is on for his advisors to sit with him and come up with what will be a strategy that is doable and not just political rhetoric.NAFTA has been around since Bill Clinton in 1994 even if it started with Bush 1. The draft was initialed in 1992 when Bush was in office as a lame duck, but finalized under Clinton, after he was in office for a year. "NAFTA means jobs. American jobs, and good-paying American jobs. If I did not believe that, I wouldn't support this agreement." (Bill Clinton) It eliminated tariffs on a half of Mexican imports and a third of US to Mexico exports. There does seem to be some side agreement on the environment. (I have little idea what that means and don't believe a word of this industry-driven climate change policy.) It was reported that a lot of plants from the US moved to Mexico which does not translate to US jobs but i was not an economics major.There seems to be a decrease in corn farmer incomes. Corn, in general has decreased because of the high fructose corn syrup controversy for nutritional reasons. It is in virtually every food, and people want it eliminated for health reasons. The agricultural subsidies in general, in the US need to be looked at. I hope that happens regardless of who is in office next year.Bernie calls himself a socialist. Do you think his ideology fits better with another political classification?

Unfortunately, the US's destructive policies have probably been even more severe throughout Central America than they have in Mexico which have been terrible enough. This includes supporting terrorist campaigns or outright carrying out terrorism in countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, all leading targets of US intervention. So similarly repairing these countries that have been devastated as a result of these policies could go a long way in alleviating these concerns.



To repeat, when you are talking about the vet's important issues, I was quoting the conclusions reached by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America who concluded that Trump "has not laid out specific policies" when dealing with what they consider to be "the most pressing issues facing veterans."



Yes, Bernie incorrectly calls himself a socialist. He's a pretty conventional moderate liberal. I addressed this issue above. You responded to that particular post by saying it was a "nuanced break-down of the ideology." Unfortunately, the US's destructive policies have probably been even more severe throughout Central America than they have in Mexico which have been terrible enough. This includes supporting terrorist campaigns or outright carrying out terrorism in countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, all leading targets of US intervention. So similarly repairing these countries that have been devastated as a result of these policies could go a long way in alleviating these concerns.To repeat, when you are talking about the vet's important issues, I was quoting the conclusions reached by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America who concluded that Trump "has not laid out specific policies" when dealing with what they consider to be "the most pressing issues facing veterans."Yes, Bernie incorrectly calls himself a socialist. He's a pretty conventional moderate liberal. I addressed this issue above. You responded to that particular post by saying it was a "nuanced break-down of the ideology."  Last Edit: March 05, 2016, 06:13:17 AM by Chocolate Shake Man  Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #78 on: March 05, 2016, 06:17:53 AM  Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 05, 2016, 05:47:03 AM Quote from: filledeplage on March 05, 2016, 05:22:02 AM



The vet's first issue is extreme health care coming back from war. They have many issues that regular health care is ill abled to deal with never mind the VA which is still in the dark ages. That prospect of a health care insurance card would open the door to at least equal health care for returning vets. The health care system is spread out over large geographic regions which restricts family visitation as well as distance to travel that is unacceptable. Trump is the first to address that in that way. Trump does need to sit down and work out his positions on various aspects of not just the VA, but also ramp up his positions and plans for how he will address the myriad of problems any one of them who is elected will face. The lineup of candidates is down to 4 so the heat is on for his advisors to sit with him and come up with what will be a strategy that is doable and not just political rhetoric.



NAFTA has been around since Bill Clinton in 1994 even if it started with Bush 1. The draft was initialed in 1992 when Bush was in office as a lame duck, but finalized under Clinton, after he was in office for a year. "NAFTA means jobs. American jobs, and good-paying American jobs. If I did not believe that, I wouldn't support this agreement." (Bill Clinton) It eliminated tariffs on a half of Mexican imports and a third of US to Mexico exports. There does seem to be some side agreement on the environment. (I have little idea what that means and don't believe a word of this industry-driven climate change policy.) It was reported that a lot of plants from the US moved to Mexico which does not translate to US jobs but i was not an economics major.



There seems to be a decrease in corn farmer incomes. Corn, in general has decreased because of the high fructose corn syrup controversy for nutritional reasons. It is in virtually every food, and people want it eliminated for health reasons. The agricultural subsidies in general, in the US need to be looked at. I hope that happens regardless of who is in office next year.



Bernie calls himself a socialist. Do you think his ideology fits better with another political classification?

CSM - The migration thing is not just Mexico. It is the migration from Central America as well. So, the issues are larger than just economic injustice. Many are political refugees, and some from the Middle East using the open border to gain access to the US.The vet's first issue is extreme health care coming back from war. They have many issues that regular health care is ill abled to deal with never mind the VA which is still in the dark ages. That prospect of a health care insurance card would open the door to at least equal health care for returning vets. The health care system is spread out over large geographic regions which restricts family visitation as well as distance to travel that is unacceptable. Trump is the first to address that in that way. Trump does need to sit down and work out his positions on various aspects of not just the VA, but also ramp up his positions and plans for how he will address the myriad of problems any one of them who is elected will face. The lineup of candidates is down to 4 so the heat is on for his advisors to sit with him and come up with what will be a strategy that is doable and not just political rhetoric.NAFTA has been around since Bill Clinton in 1994 even if it started with Bush 1. The draft was initialed in 1992 when Bush was in office as a lame duck, but finalized under Clinton, after he was in office for a year. "NAFTA means jobs. American jobs, and good-paying American jobs. If I did not believe that, I wouldn't support this agreement." (Bill Clinton) It eliminated tariffs on a half of Mexican imports and a third of US to Mexico exports. There does seem to be some side agreement on the environment. (I have little idea what that means and don't believe a word of this industry-driven climate change policy.) It was reported that a lot of plants from the US moved to Mexico which does not translate to US jobs but i was not an economics major.There seems to be a decrease in corn farmer incomes. Corn, in general has decreased because of the high fructose corn syrup controversy for nutritional reasons. It is in virtually every food, and people want it eliminated for health reasons. The agricultural subsidies in general, in the US need to be looked at. I hope that happens regardless of who is in office next year.Bernie calls himself a socialist. Do you think his ideology fits better with another political classification?

Unfortunately, the US's destructive policies have probably been even more severe throughout Central American than they have in Mexico which have been terrible enough. This includes supporting terrorist campaigns or outright carrying out terrorism in countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, all leading targets of US intervention. So similarly repairing these countries that have been devastated as a result of these policies could go a long way in alleviating these concerns.



To repeat, when you are talking about the vet's important issues, I was quoting the conclusions reached by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America who concluded that Trump "has not laid out specific policies" when dealing with what they consider to be "the most pressing issues facing veterans."



Yes, Bernie incorrectly calls himself a socialist. He's a pretty conventional moderate liberal. I addressed this issue above. You responded to that particular post by saying it was a "nuanced break-down of the ideology."

Unfortunately, the US's destructive policies have probably been even more severe throughout Central American than they have in Mexico which have been terrible enough. This includes supporting terrorist campaigns or outright carrying out terrorism in countries like Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala, all leading targets of US intervention. So similarly repairing these countries that have been devastated as a result of these policies could go a long way in alleviating these concerns.To repeat, when you are talking about the vet's important issues, I was quoting the conclusions reached by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America who concluded that Trump "has not laid out specific policies" when dealing with what they consider to be "the most pressing issues facing veterans."Yes, Bernie incorrectly calls himself a socialist. He's a pretty conventional moderate liberal. I addressed this issue above. You responded to that particular post by saying it was a "nuanced break-down of the ideology."



The vets issues, I am pretty familiar with with knowing many of these vets (regardless of a position of the group you mention) and their first gripe is the VA. If your body is in need, nothing else matters. Policy starts with basic needs. The quality of the care and ready-access is first.



Some travel out-of-state for care. That is unacceptable. Not getting a timely appointment is unacceptable. And many of the docs are working at the VA for school loan-forgiveness for medical school and are not in that specialty of caring for the very specific physical and emotional needs of returning vets. It is medical care, first, alright and so far, Trump has taken the bull by the horns. They should be cared for on the taxpayers dime and at a level equal to the care the congress members get. No questions asked.



Trump, as I suggested earlier, needs to sit down with his advisors and map out their strategies and policies so that he is ready to answer these hard questions when asked. The GOP is flipping out over someone they laughed at six months ago, (Trump) looking for a brokered convention. The "party is ov-a."



And the Democrats are doing no better with Clinton's IT guy getting immunity looking to do the same thing to screw Bernie out of the nomination. Judge Andrew Napolitano explained last night, that if someone is getting an immunity deal, then there is a sitting grand jury, assessing evidence already. So, this nonsense of Loretta Lynch saying she cannot comment, as to whether there is a grand jury investigation, as part of the political stonewalling, is just that, nonsense. CSM - A lot of these corporations are multi-national in nature. Few of the larger ones, are not even US-owned but many are offshore or designated elsewhere to avoid taxes. The US has these companies beyond their reach so I am unclear as to how policies can be forced upon those once US-owned corporations but who have outsourced a lot of their work so they cannot be under the jurisdiction of the US.The vets issues, I am pretty familiar with with knowing many of these vets (regardless of a position of the group you mention) and their first gripe is the VA. If your body is in need, nothing else matters. Policy starts with basic needs. The quality of the care and ready-access is first.Some travel out-of-state for care. That is unacceptable. Not getting a timely appointment is unacceptable. And many of the docs are working at the VA for school loan-forgiveness for medical school and are not in that specialty of caring for the very specific physical and emotional needs of returning vets. It is medical care, first, alright and so far, Trump has taken the bull by the horns. They should be cared for on the taxpayers dime and at a level equal to the care the congress members get. No questions asked.Trump, as I suggested earlier, needs to sit down with his advisors and map out their strategies and policies so that he is ready to answer these hard questions when asked. The GOP is flipping out over someone they laughed at six months ago, (Trump) looking for a brokered convention. The "party is ov-a."And the Democrats are doing no better with Clinton's IT guy getting immunity looking to do the same thing to screw Bernie out of the nomination. Judge Andrew Napolitano explained last night, that if someone is getting an immunity deal, then there is a sitting grand jury, assessing evidence already. So, this nonsense of Loretta Lynch saying she cannot comment, as to whether there is a grand jury investigation, as part of the political stonewalling, is just that, nonsense. Logged

Chocolate Shake Man



Offline



Posts: 2869





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2869 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #79 on: March 05, 2016, 06:34:38 AM  Quote from: filledeplage on March 05, 2016, 06:17:53 AM



The vets issues, I am pretty familiar with with knowing many of these vets (regardless of a position of the group you mention) and their first gripe is the VA. If your body is in need, nothing else matters. Policy starts with basic needs. The quality of the care and ready-access is first.



Some travel out-of-state for care. That is unacceptable. Not getting a timely appointment is unacceptable. And many of the docs are working at the VA for school loan-forgiveness for medical school and are not in that specialty of caring for the very specific physical and emotional needs of returning vets. It is medical care, first, alright and so far, Trump has taken the bull by the horns. They should be cared for on the taxpayers dime and at a level equal to the care the congress members get. No questions asked.



Trump, as I suggested earlier, needs to sit down with his advisors and map out their strategies and policies so that he is ready to answer these hard questions when asked. The GOP is flipping out over someone they laughed at six months ago, (Trump) looking for a brokered convention. The "party is ov-a."



And the Democrats are doing no better with Clinton's IT guy getting immunity looking to do the same thing to screw Bernie out of the nomination. Judge Andrew Napolitano explained last night, that if someone is getting an immunity deal, then there is a sitting grand jury, assessing evidence already. So, this nonsense of Loretta Lynch saying she cannot comment, as to whether there is a grand jury investigation, as part of the political stonewalling, is just that, nonsense.

CSM - A lot of these corporations are multi-national in nature. Few of the larger ones, are not even US-owned but many are offshore or designated elsewhere to avoid taxes. The US has these companies beyond their reach so I am unclear as to how policies can be forced upon those once US-owned corporations but who have outsourced a lot of their work so they cannot be under the jurisdiction of the US.The vets issues, I am pretty familiar with with knowing many of these vets (regardless of a position of the group you mention) and their first gripe is the VA. If your body is in need, nothing else matters. Policy starts with basic needs. The quality of the care and ready-access is first.Some travel out-of-state for care. That is unacceptable. Not getting a timely appointment is unacceptable. And many of the docs are working at the VA for school loan-forgiveness for medical school and are not in that specialty of caring for the very specific physical and emotional needs of returning vets. It is medical care, first, alright and so far, Trump has taken the bull by the horns. They should be cared for on the taxpayers dime and at a level equal to the care the congress members get. No questions asked.Trump, as I suggested earlier, needs to sit down with his advisors and map out their strategies and policies so that he is ready to answer these hard questions when asked. The GOP is flipping out over someone they laughed at six months ago, (Trump) looking for a brokered convention. The "party is ov-a."And the Democrats are doing no better with Clinton's IT guy getting immunity looking to do the same thing to screw Bernie out of the nomination. Judge Andrew Napolitano explained last night, that if someone is getting an immunity deal, then there is a sitting grand jury, assessing evidence already. So, this nonsense of Loretta Lynch saying she cannot comment, as to whether there is a grand jury investigation, as part of the political stonewalling, is just that, nonsense.

I didn't mention specific corporations so I'm not entirely sure what you mean in that paragraph. That said, NAFTA did make it easier for corporations to do things like outsource labor. The whole program is meant to increase profit to corporation owners at the expense of labour. The effects of it have been bad everywhere but they have been particularly devastating in Mexico and the US does have power over whether or not these policies continue.



As for the vet issue, again, I am drawing from the conclusions reached by a veterans organization rather than anecdotal evidence. People can decide for themselves what evidence is more convincing. I'm not suggesting that they don't believe the VA issue is important or even one of the most important issues. It's simply that solutions that Trump offers are not specific enough nor are they believed to be effectively solving the right problems. I didn't mention specific corporations so I'm not entirely sure what you mean in that paragraph. That said, NAFTA did make it easier for corporations to do things like outsource labor. The whole program is meant to increase profit to corporation owners at the expense of labour. The effects of it have been bad everywhere but they have been particularly devastating in Mexico and the US does have power over whether or not these policies continue.As for the vet issue, again, I am drawing from the conclusions reached by a veterans organization rather than anecdotal evidence. People can decide for themselves what evidence is more convincing. I'm not suggesting that they don't believe the VA issue is important or even one of the most important issues. It's simply that solutions that Trump offers are not specific enough nor are they believed to be effectively solving the right problems.  Last Edit: March 05, 2016, 07:49:08 AM by Chocolate Shake Man  Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #80 on: March 06, 2016, 07:06:51 AM  Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 05, 2016, 06:34:38 AM Quote from: filledeplage on March 05, 2016, 06:17:53 AM



The vets issues, I am pretty familiar with with knowing many of these vets (regardless of a position of the group you mention) and their first gripe is the VA. If your body is in need, nothing else matters. Policy starts with basic needs. The quality of the care and ready-access is first.



Some travel out-of-state for care. That is unacceptable. Not getting a timely appointment is unacceptable. And many of the docs are working at the VA for school loan-forgiveness for medical school and are not in that specialty of caring for the very specific physical and emotional needs of returning vets. It is medical care, first, alright and so far, Trump has taken the bull by the horns. They should be cared for on the taxpayers dime and at a level equal to the care the congress members get. No questions asked.



Trump, as I suggested earlier, needs to sit down with his advisors and map out their strategies and policies so that he is ready to answer these hard questions when asked. The GOP is flipping out over someone they laughed at six months ago, (Trump) looking for a brokered convention. The "party is ov-a."



And the Democrats are doing no better with Clinton's IT guy getting immunity looking to do the same thing to screw Bernie out of the nomination. Judge Andrew Napolitano explained last night, that if someone is getting an immunity deal, then there is a sitting grand jury, assessing evidence already. So, this nonsense of Loretta Lynch saying she cannot comment, as to whether there is a grand jury investigation, as part of the political stonewalling, is just that, nonsense.

CSM - A lot of these corporations are multi-national in nature. Few of the larger ones, are not even US-owned but many are offshore or designated elsewhere to avoid taxes. The US has these companies beyond their reach so I am unclear as to how policies can be forced upon those once US-owned corporations but who have outsourced a lot of their work so they cannot be under the jurisdiction of the US.The vets issues, I am pretty familiar with with knowing many of these vets (regardless of a position of the group you mention) and their first gripe is the VA. If your body is in need, nothing else matters. Policy starts with basic needs. The quality of the care and ready-access is first.Some travel out-of-state for care. That is unacceptable. Not getting a timely appointment is unacceptable. And many of the docs are working at the VA for school loan-forgiveness for medical school and are not in that specialty of caring for the very specific physical and emotional needs of returning vets. It is medical care, first, alright and so far, Trump has taken the bull by the horns. They should be cared for on the taxpayers dime and at a level equal to the care the congress members get. No questions asked.Trump, as I suggested earlier, needs to sit down with his advisors and map out their strategies and policies so that he is ready to answer these hard questions when asked. The GOP is flipping out over someone they laughed at six months ago, (Trump) looking for a brokered convention. The "party is ov-a."And the Democrats are doing no better with Clinton's IT guy getting immunity looking to do the same thing to screw Bernie out of the nomination. Judge Andrew Napolitano explained last night, that if someone is getting an immunity deal, then there is a sitting grand jury, assessing evidence already. So, this nonsense of Loretta Lynch saying she cannot comment, as to whether there is a grand jury investigation, as part of the political stonewalling, is just that, nonsense.

I didn't mention specific corporations so I'm not entirely sure what you mean in that paragraph. That said, NAFTA did make it easier for corporations to do things like outsource labor. The whole program is meant to increase profit to corporation owners at the expense of labour. The effects of it have been bad everywhere but they have been particularly devastating in Mexico and the US does have power over whether or not these policies continue.



As for the vet issue, again, I am drawing from the conclusions reached by a veterans organization rather than anecdotal evidence. People can decide for themselves what evidence is more convincing. I'm not suggesting that they don't believe the VA issue is important or even one of the most important issues. It's simply that solutions that Trump offers are not specific enough nor are they believed to be effectively solving the right problems.

I didn't mention specific corporations so I'm not entirely sure what you mean in that paragraph. That said, NAFTA did make it easier for corporations to do things like outsource labor. The whole program is meant to increase profit to corporation owners at the expense of labour. The effects of it have been bad everywhere but they have been particularly devastating in Mexico and the US does have power over whether or not these policies continue.As for the vet issue, again, I am drawing from the conclusions reached by a veterans organization rather than anecdotal evidence. People can decide for themselves what evidence is more convincing. I'm not suggesting that they don't believe the VA issue is important or even one of the most important issues. It's simply that solutions that Trump offers are not specific enough nor are they believed to be effectively solving the right problems.

CSM - just as an example, I will use Comcast, who is NBC (National Broadcasting) and General Electric. They are a multi-corps that are connected both media and industry. As far as labor, much of that has to do with whatever trade unions are involved. I don't think Comcast is union, at least in the US. Clinton (Hillary is alleging that she spoke out against NAFTA but her hubby signed off.) (That was on Huffington Post.) (Contrary to that, is ABC's coverage where she is said to have supported it.) It is hard to know all the effects, or how the treaty as applied in Mexico, but what is stopping the leaders of the three nations to sit down and perhaps modify or even call for revocation of the treaty? That has to come from the leaders of all the countries involved.



When the vets talk, I listen. Most don't choose the VA if they have an option and pay for outside insurance for better care if they are able. Many are not able and are at the mercy of the VA. It is that ability to use a universal medical card for insurance coverage anywhere that makes the difference in what can get them to return "whole" in society to make them productive. I know scores of vets through my kids and as former students. It is their chief complaint. That is just basic and essential and the govt. has failed them badly.



There are also vets who have had to pay for their own protective gear to be in combat. That is an outrage, while all these bureaucrats who work in this area of veterans affairs, are counting paper clips. A lot of these agencies need to be reviewed to assess whether they are doing their jobs, in a non-political fashion.

CSM - just as an example, I will use Comcast, who is NBC (National Broadcasting) and General Electric. They are a multi-corps that are connected both media and industry. As far as labor, much of that has to do with whatever trade unions are involved. I don't think Comcast is union, at least in the US. Clinton (Hillary is alleging that she spoke out against NAFTA but her hubby signed off.) (That was on Huffington Post.) (Contrary to that, is ABC's coverage where she is said to have supported it.) It is hard to know all the effects, or how the treaty as applied in Mexico, but what is stopping the leaders of the three nations to sit down and perhaps modify or even call for revocation of the treaty? That has to come from the leaders of all the countries involved.When the vets talk, I listen. Most don't choose the VA if they have an option and pay for outside insurance for better care if they are able. Many are not able and are at the mercy of the VA. It is that ability to use a universal medical card for insurance coverage anywhere that makes the difference in what can get them to return "whole" in society to make them productive. I know scores of vets through my kids and as former students. It is their chief complaint. That is just basic and essential and the govt. has failed them badly.There are also vets who have had to pay for their own protective gear to be in combat. That is an outrage, while all these bureaucrats who work in this area of veterans affairs, are counting paper clips. A lot of these agencies need to be reviewed to assess whether they are doing their jobs, in a non-political fashion. Logged

Chocolate Shake Man



Offline



Posts: 2869





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2869 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #81 on: March 06, 2016, 08:51:43 AM  What is stopping the three leaders is that they are, for the most part, always representatives of the elite sectors of the society who stand to benefit from these policies at the expense of the population. That we are forced to rely on these leaders to change anything is pretty good evidence of how democracy is severely malfunctioning in North America. Incidentally, a crucial part of NAFTA is that it worked to break down and undermine trade unions. I don't agree that it is "hard to know all the effects, or how the treaty as applied in Mexico." These things have been quite conclusively documented and studied. I'm confused as to why you bring up Clinton.  Last Edit: March 06, 2016, 08:52:56 AM by Chocolate Shake Man  Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #82 on: March 06, 2016, 09:08:16 AM  Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 06, 2016, 08:51:43 AM What is stopping the three leaders is that they are, for the most part, always representatives of the elite sectors of the society who stand to benefit from these policies at the expense of the population. That we are forced to rely on these leaders to change anything is pretty good evidence of how democracy is severely malfunctioning in North America. Incidentally, a crucial part of NAFTA is that it worked to break down and undermine trade unions. I don't agree that it is "hard to know all the effects, or how the treaty as applied in Mexico." These things have been quite conclusively documented and studied. I'm confused as to why you bring up Clinton.

Clinton is an issue because she is a Presidential candidate, and because she has been shown to have 2 positions on NAFTA. An election year is the perfect time to both raise the issue and to cause sunlight to fall upon it. Clinton is getting big union support so it is a huge issue and what you have said about union busting runs contrary to the support she is getting now.



Facebook pages or twitter accounts that are targeted to address the issues might be a good way to harness media on the issue to raise awareness. Studies can be linked and either validated or debunked and this is exactly the year to raise them. Clinton is an issue because she is a Presidential candidate, and because she has been shown to have 2 positions on NAFTA. An election year is the perfect time to both raise the issue and to cause sunlight to fall upon it. Clinton is getting big union support so it is a huge issue and what you have said about union busting runs contrary to the support she is getting now.Facebook pages or twitter accounts that are targeted to address the issues might be a good way to harness media on the issue to raise awareness. Studies can be linked and either validated or debunked and this is exactly the year to raise them. Logged

Chocolate Shake Man



Offline



Posts: 2869





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2869 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #83 on: March 06, 2016, 10:31:29 AM  Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 09:08:16 AM Clinton is an issue because she is a Presidential candidate, and because she has been shown to have 2 positions on NAFTA. An election year is the perfect time to both raise the issue and to cause sunlight to fall upon it. Clinton is getting big union support so it is a huge issue and what you have said about union busting runs contrary to the support she is getting now.



Facebook pages or twitter accounts that are targeted to address the issues might be a good way to harness media on the issue to raise awareness. Studies can be linked and either validated or debunked and this is exactly the year to raise them.



Clinton has talked about pulling out of NAFTA but, as far as I'm concerned, I don't find the reasoning to be particularly convincing. The argument from the Democrats tend to be, "NAFTA hasn't been good for America so we will pull out." This ignores the fact that NAFTA has been devastating to Mexico and that the whole purpose of NAFTA was mostly to reform the Mexican economy so that it was friendly to American investment. Now that the money has been made and Mexico has been devastated, it is not a question of whether or not NAFTA should be terminated simply because of how well America is faring, though NAFTA's problematic impact on American jobs alone is bad enough.



To be honest, if it came down to Clinton and Trump, it would be a no-brainer for the labour unions to support Clinton, as it would for any working person. Republican policies like the kind that Trump is in favour of enacting (insofar as he has any clear policies) inevitably lead to the usual increase in levels of public debt. Clinton has talked about pulling out of NAFTA but, as far as I'm concerned, I don't find the reasoning to be particularly convincing. The argument from the Democrats tend to be, "NAFTA hasn't been good for America so we will pull out." This ignores the fact that NAFTA has been devastating to Mexico and that the whole purpose of NAFTA was mostly to reform the Mexican economy so that it was friendly to American investment. Now that the money has been made and Mexico has been devastated, it is not a question of whether or not NAFTA should be terminated simply because of how well America is faring, though NAFTA's problematic impact on American jobs alone is bad enough.To be honest, if it came down to Clinton and Trump, it would be a no-brainer for the labour unions to support Clinton, as it would for any working person. Republican policies like the kind that Trump is in favour of enacting (insofar as he has any clear policies) inevitably lead to the usual increase in levels of public debt.  Last Edit: March 06, 2016, 10:34:48 AM by Chocolate Shake Man  Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #84 on: March 06, 2016, 11:12:42 AM  Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 06, 2016, 10:31:29 AM Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 09:08:16 AM Clinton is an issue because she is a Presidential candidate, and because she has been shown to have 2 positions on NAFTA. An election year is the perfect time to both raise the issue and to cause sunlight to fall upon it. Clinton is getting big union support so it is a huge issue and what you have said about union busting runs contrary to the support she is getting now.



Facebook pages or twitter accounts that are targeted to address the issues might be a good way to harness media on the issue to raise awareness. Studies can be linked and either validated or debunked and this is exactly the year to raise them.

Clinton has talked about pulling out of NAFTA but, as far as I'm concerned, I don't find the reasoning to be particularly convincing. The argument from the Democrats tend to be, "NAFTA hasn't been good for America so we will pull out." This ignores the fact that NAFTA has been devastating to Mexico and that the whole purpose of NAFTA was mostly to reform the Mexican economy so that it was friendly to American investment. Now that the money has been made and Mexico has been devastated, it is not a question of whether or not NAFTA should be terminated simply because of how well America is faring, though NAFTA's problematic impact on American jobs alone is bad enough.



To be honest, if it came down to Clinton and Trump, it would be a no-brainer for the labour unions to support Clinton, as it would for any working person. Republican policies like the kind that Trump is in favour of enacting (insofar as he has any clear policies) inevitably lead to the usual increase in levels of public debt.

Clinton has talked about pulling out of NAFTA but, as far as I'm concerned, I don't find the reasoning to be particularly convincing. The argument from the Democrats tend to be, "NAFTA hasn't been good for America so we will pull out." This ignores the fact that NAFTA has been devastating to Mexico and that the whole purpose of NAFTA was mostly to reform the Mexican economy so that it was friendly to American investment. Now that the money has been made and Mexico has been devastated, it is not a question of whether or not NAFTA should be terminated simply because of how well America is faring, though NAFTA's problematic impact on American jobs alone is bad enough.To be honest, if it came down to Clinton and Trump, it would be a no-brainer for the labour unions to support Clinton, as it would for any working person. Republican policies like the kind that Trump is in favour of enacting (insofar as he has any clear policies) inevitably lead to the usual increase in levels of public debt.



Absent repeal of NAFTA, or with the possible repeal, what do you think could be a solution? CSM - Political people can always craft a defense or pretext to repeal something. I was always under the impression that NAFTA was to benefit the 3 countries involved. People usually enact legislation or treaties for mutual or benefit between or among countries.Absent repeal of NAFTA, or with the possible repeal, what do you think could be a solution? Logged

Emily



Offline



Posts: 2021





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2021 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #85 on: March 06, 2016, 11:35:57 AM  Just thought I'd add, regarding Central America, CAFTA. And United Fruit. And the occupation in the 1930s.





Logged

Chocolate Shake Man



Offline



Posts: 2869





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2869 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #88 on: March 06, 2016, 12:10:36 PM  Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 11:12:42 AM CSM - Political people can always craft a defense or pretext to repeal something. I was always under the impression that NAFTA was to benefit the 3 countries involved. People usually enact legislation or treaties for mutual or benefit between or among countries.



Absent repeal of NAFTA, or with the possible repeal, what do you think could be a solution?



Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.



A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour. Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.  Last Edit: March 06, 2016, 12:14:12 PM by Chocolate Shake Man  Logged

Emily



Offline



Posts: 2021





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2021 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #89 on: March 06, 2016, 12:18:33 PM  Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 12:03:08 PM Quote from: Emily on March 06, 2016, 11:35:57 AM Just thought I'd add, regarding Central America, CAFTA. And United Fruit. And the occupation in the 1930s.

Emily - "Going forward" and using the leverage of the impending election, is there a beneficial solution that can be realized?

Emily - "Going forward" and using the leverage of the impending election, is there a beneficial solution that can be realized?

The US started with actual slaves and indentured servants and we still haven't gotten over our addiction to slave-wage labor. We've just moved it around. A complete overhaul of our labor policies and corporate welfare system, plus recognition of the autonomy of other countries and acting on the world stage as a member, not a dictator, would be good. Repealing NAFTA and CAFTA would be essential. Discontinuing our selfish, frankly a**holish attitude to the refugees from the economic (and health) devastation we've wreaked in other countries would be a start.The US started with actual slaves and indentured servants and we still haven't gotten over our addiction to slave-wage labor. We've just moved it around. Logged

Emily



Offline



Posts: 2021





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2021 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #90 on: March 06, 2016, 12:23:44 PM  Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 06, 2016, 12:10:36 PM Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 11:12:42 AM CSM - Political people can always craft a defense or pretext to repeal something. I was always under the impression that NAFTA was to benefit the 3 countries involved. People usually enact legislation or treaties for mutual or benefit between or among countries.



Absent repeal of NAFTA, or with the possible repeal, what do you think could be a solution?



Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.



A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot. I like what you said about borders. I've always found it ironic that 'free world' governments exert control over where people can live and work.If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot. Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #91 on: March 07, 2016, 06:14:28 AM  Quote from: Emily on March 06, 2016, 12:23:44 PM Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 06, 2016, 12:10:36 PM Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 11:12:42 AM CSM - Political people can always craft a defense or pretext to repeal something. I was always under the impression that NAFTA was to benefit the 3 countries involved. People usually enact legislation or treaties for mutual or benefit between or among countries.



Absent repeal of NAFTA, or with the possible repeal, what do you think could be a solution?



Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.



A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot.

I like what you said about borders. I've always found it ironic that 'free world' governments exert control over where people can live and work.If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot.



Or, set up a network, draft a position paper, and send it to the major candidates political directors, with the others all on "copy" as well as notables, such as senators and congress members and organizations, who have an interest in these issues, to engage a higher level of dialog and make it part of the election cycle. Then follow up with media.



It is time, paper, postage and follow-up phone calls to the respective parties.



We can talk about this until the cow-jumps-over-the-moon but action. Talk is cheap. Activists act.



There is no time like the present. The world is what it is. It is not the time to lament the old colonial empires unjust manner of land-conquest. Right now is a prime-time opportunity to make use of the election cycle to raise these issues to become a greater part of the discussion or create a dedicated Twitter site or Facebook page to raise awareness.Or, set up a network, draft a position paper, and send it to the major candidates political directors, with the others all on "copy" as well as notables, such as senators and congress members and organizations, who have an interest in these issues, to engage a higher level of dialog and make it part of the election cycle. Then follow up with media.It is time, paper, postage and follow-up phone calls to the respective parties.We can talk about this until the cow-jumps-over-the-moon but action. Talk is cheap. Activists act.There is no time like the present. Logged

Emily



Offline



Posts: 2021





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2021 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #92 on: March 07, 2016, 06:23:43 AM  Quote from: filledeplage on March 07, 2016, 06:14:28 AM Quote from: Emily on March 06, 2016, 12:23:44 PM Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 06, 2016, 12:10:36 PM Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 11:12:42 AM CSM - Political people can always craft a defense or pretext to repeal something. I was always under the impression that NAFTA was to benefit the 3 countries involved. People usually enact legislation or treaties for mutual or benefit between or among countries.



Absent repeal of NAFTA, or with the possible repeal, what do you think could be a solution?



Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.



A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot.

I like what you said about borders. I've always found it ironic that 'free world' governments exert control over where people can live and work.If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot.



Or, set up a network, draft a position paper, and send it to the major candidates political directors, with the others all on "copy" as well as notables, such as senators and congress members and organizations, who have an interest in these issues, to engage a higher level of dialog and make it part of the election cycle. Then follow up with media.



It is time, paper, postage and follow-up phone calls to the respective parties.



We can talk about this until the cow-jumps-over-the-moon but action. Talk is cheap. Activists act.



There is no time like the present.

The world is what it is. It is not the time to lament the old colonial empires unjust manner of land-conquest. Right now is a prime-time opportunity to make use of the election cycle to raise these issues to become a greater part of the discussion or create a dedicated Twitter site or Facebook page to raise awareness.Or, set up a network, draft a position paper, and send it to the major candidates political directors, with the others all on "copy" as well as notables, such as senators and congress members and organizations, who have an interest in these issues, to engage a higher level of dialog and make it part of the election cycle. Then follow up with media.It is time, paper, postage and follow-up phone calls to the respective parties.We can talk about this until the cow-jumps-over-the-moon but action. Talk is cheap. Activists act.There is no time like the present. I don't think anyone was referring to anything but present day circumstances. I've worked on many campaigns, so appreciate that practical action is appropriate, though most often depressingly ineffective against ground-up brain washing. Logged

Chocolate Shake Man



Offline



Posts: 2869





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2869 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #93 on: March 07, 2016, 06:29:00 AM  Quote from: filledeplage on March 07, 2016, 06:14:28 AM Quote from: Emily on March 06, 2016, 12:23:44 PM Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 06, 2016, 12:10:36 PM Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 11:12:42 AM CSM - Political people can always craft a defense or pretext to repeal something. I was always under the impression that NAFTA was to benefit the 3 countries involved. People usually enact legislation or treaties for mutual or benefit between or among countries.



Absent repeal of NAFTA, or with the possible repeal, what do you think could be a solution?



Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.



A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot.

I like what you said about borders. I've always found it ironic that 'free world' governments exert control over where people can live and work.If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot.



Or, set up a network, draft a position paper, and send it to the major candidates political directors, with the others all on "copy" as well as notables, such as senators and congress members and organizations, who have an interest in these issues, to engage a higher level of dialog and make it part of the election cycle. Then follow up with media.



It is time, paper, postage and follow-up phone calls to the respective parties.



We can talk about this until the cow-jumps-over-the-moon but action. Talk is cheap. Activists act.



There is no time like the present.

The world is what it is. It is not the time to lament the old colonial empires unjust manner of land-conquest. Right now is a prime-time opportunity to make use of the election cycle to raise these issues to become a greater part of the discussion or create a dedicated Twitter site or Facebook page to raise awareness.Or, set up a network, draft a position paper, and send it to the major candidates political directors, with the others all on "copy" as well as notables, such as senators and congress members and organizations, who have an interest in these issues, to engage a higher level of dialog and make it part of the election cycle. Then follow up with media.It is time, paper, postage and follow-up phone calls to the respective parties.We can talk about this until the cow-jumps-over-the-moon but action. Talk is cheap. Activists act.There is no time like the present.

Yes, as Emily said above, I was referring to present day circumstances. Yes, as Emily said above, I was referring to present day circumstances.  Last Edit: March 07, 2016, 06:30:06 AM by Chocolate Shake Man  Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #94 on: March 07, 2016, 06:30:14 AM  Quote from: Emily on March 07, 2016, 06:23:43 AM Quote from: filledeplage on March 07, 2016, 06:14:28 AM Quote from: Emily on March 06, 2016, 12:23:44 PM Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 06, 2016, 12:10:36 PM Quote from: filledeplage on March 06, 2016, 11:12:42 AM CSM - Political people can always craft a defense or pretext to repeal something. I was always under the impression that NAFTA was to benefit the 3 countries involved. People usually enact legislation or treaties for mutual or benefit between or among countries.



Absent repeal of NAFTA, or with the possible repeal, what do you think could be a solution?



Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.



A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

Initially, great efforts were made by the three countries to pass the the law without the populations being aware of it happening. Policies, when they are crafted by elite members of society, do not work to benefit that society, but to instead benefit the elite sectors that are crafting those policies in the first place. Obviously the elite figures in Mexico who were signing on NAFTA were only too happy with a policy designed largely for the purposes of making Mexico more open to American investment since that tends to lead to profits for elite sectors of the penetrated countries as well even as the countries plunge into poverty. Those have historically been the consequences of US policies in Central America, Haiti, South Korea, etc.A real solution would be to recognize that borders are by their nature illegitimate acts created by power centres, imposed arbitrarily and unnaturally and without any care about people and their culture, and are achieved and maintained only through violence and coercion. But in the meantime, repealing NAFTA and paying Mexico enormous reparations with the profits that were achieved through the exploitation of the country, would be a start. Then, once that's done, there can be an actual discussion of a free and fair trade system, rather than a system designed to increase profits at the expense of labour.

If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot.

I like what you said about borders. I've always found it ironic that 'free world' governments exert control over where people can live and work.If that were to happen, much of my above post would be rendered moot.



Or, set up a network, draft a position paper, and send it to the major candidates political directors, with the others all on "copy" as well as notables, such as senators and congress members and organizations, who have an interest in these issues, to engage a higher level of dialog and make it part of the election cycle. Then follow up with media.



It is time, paper, postage and follow-up phone calls to the respective parties.



We can talk about this until the cow-jumps-over-the-moon but action. Talk is cheap. Activists act.



There is no time like the present.

The world is what it is. It is not the time to lament the old colonial empires unjust manner of land-conquest. Right now is a prime-time opportunity to make use of the election cycle to raise these issues to become a greater part of the discussion or create a dedicated Twitter site or Facebook page to raise awareness.Or, set up a network, draft a position paper, and send it to the major candidates political directors, with the others all on "copy" as well as notables, such as senators and congress members and organizations, who have an interest in these issues, to engage a higher level of dialog and make it part of the election cycle. Then follow up with media.It is time, paper, postage and follow-up phone calls to the respective parties.We can talk about this until the cow-jumps-over-the-moon but action. Talk is cheap. Activists act.There is no time like the present.

I don't think anyone was referring to anything but present day circumstances. I've worked on many campaigns, so appreciate that practical action is appropriate, though most often depressingly ineffective against ground-up brain washing.



And, if you are the leader (or one of those who are like-minded) of the movement; you get to control it's path. You might not win on the first round, but you will, if you get the message out there and keep it out there. Emily - while activism is time-intensive and labor-intensive it is one of the few effective ways of combatting any issue whether a social issue or environmental issue. Your barometer is how the "other side" fights, to know how successful you are becoming. And the time is ripe to raise these issues. This year IS the grassroots non-conventional year to get a message out that you think is important.And, if you are the leader (or one of those who are like-minded) of the movement; you get to control it's path. You might not win on the first round, but you will, if you get the message out there and keep it out there. Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #96 on: March 07, 2016, 06:47:47 AM  Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 07, 2016, 06:39:04 AM In my opinion, though, there should not be a leader of grassroots movements who control its path.

CSM - absent leaders or a core group of concerned citizens, who know how to get a message out, there is no movement.



Someone/ or a core group needs to be at the helm to mobilize and organize.



Who you gonna call?



Even unions has a leaders. They started as grass-roots. CSM - absent leaders or a core group of concerned citizens, who know how to get a message out, there is no movement.Someone/ or a core group needs to be at the helm to mobilize and organize.Who you gonna call?Even unions has a leaders. They started as grass-roots. Logged

Chocolate Shake Man



Offline



Posts: 2869





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 2869 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #97 on: March 07, 2016, 07:00:37 AM  If they are going to be successful, grassroots movements need to be fully democratic in their structure. There should not be one person leading the way. Rather, there needs to be a constant mutual exchange of ideas. It's only because we are indoctrinated into thinking that we need to be led that we think that all movements require leaders. As far as I'm concerned, if we are to break away from ruling ideologies, we need to reconceive the way that people can organize.



Unions have leaders but good union leaders do not and should not control the path of the union. Logged

filledeplage



Offline



Posts: 3151





Smiley Smile AssociatePosts: 3151 Re: Summer of Trump  Reply #98 on: March 07, 2016, 07:13:46 AM  Quote from: Chocolate Shake Man on March 07, 2016, 07:00:37 AM If they are going to be successful, grassroots movements need to be fully democratic in their structure. There should not be one person leading the way. Rather, there needs to be a constant mutual exchange of ideas. It's only because we are indoctrinated into thinking that we need to be led that we think that all movements require leaders. As far as I'm concerned, if we are to break away from ruling ideologies, we need to reconceive the way that people can organize.



Unions have leaders but good union leaders do not and should not control the path of the union.

CSM - As a practical matter, once the issues are worked out, someone/s will always emerge as a leader, regardless of how "democratic" the structure is or is not.



Someone has to be the spokesperson. I have been involved as a union member for several decades and also involved with matters that can become union-connected but not union-managed. Unions and their leaders can be influenced by the government, so they are not perfect.



The most expeditious way to some issue-raising is just plowing ahead with a position paper or some website to get the issue out there to see if there is interest sufficient to sustain an organization and movement. Building a network is hard work and after the "democratic" crowd leaves, there are often, only a few who are willing to do the actual work required.



This year, time is of the essence. CSM - As a practical matter, once the issues are worked out, someone/s will always emerge as a leader, regardless of how "democratic" the structure is or is not.Someone has to be the spokesperson. I have been involved as a union member for several decades and also involved with matters that can become union-connected but not union-managed. Unions and their leaders can be influenced by the government, so they are not perfect.The most expeditious way to some issue-raising is just plowing ahead with a position paper or some website to get the issue out there to see if there is interest sufficient to sustain an organization and movement. Building a network is hard work and after the "democratic" crowd leaves, there are often, only a few who are willing to do the actual work required.This year, time is of the essence. Logged
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
Hillary Clinton fared well on Super Tuesday, winning seven of 11 primaries thanks in large part to minority voters in delegate-heavy Southern states such as Texas and Virginia. But the perception that she is less of a genuine liberal, or even a credible feminist, than her rival Bernie Sanders continues to prevail among some younger, and often female, voters. In an interesting example of why this might be so, a reader wrote to me recently and asked whether I thought Clinton set back the feminist movement by not leaving Bill Clinton after all the evidence of his infidelities.

I always thought she could have done a lot for women if she would have signaled that she was strong, she was her own woman, and she wasnt going to tolerate that kind of disrespect and humiliation, said my correspondent, a 43-year-old woman from Los Angeles.

I wrote back what Ive always thought: The Clinton marriage is  pardon me while I duck for cover  kind of great, even romantic in its own way. Maybe not in a romantic love kind of way (though who knows?), but in the sense of a true partnership that transcends the common conventions of most marriages.

The idea that the Clinton marriage is little more than a political partnership  and therefore a cynical relationship  has been lobbed at Hillary and Bill for decades. I dont buy it. I see them as intellectually, philosophically and practically well matched, a pairing thats taken on tasks ranging from raising a child and thinking about how best to effect change in the world.

Obviously no one would have blamed Hillary for leaving Bill over the Monica Lewinsky scandal or any number of previous improprieties. But her choice to stay never struck me as a sign of weakness or compromise. It struck me as the choice of a woman deciding that the value of her relationship with her husband was greater than or equal to the humiliations and setbacks caused by a philandering nature she was probably aware of from the get-go.

Not that we can ever know what really goes on in other peoples marriages. Maybe Hillary was clueless about Bills proclivities when she married him. Maybe she tolerated his dalliances over the years solely for political expediency. Maybe when the Clintons left the White House, Hillary did focus groups on whether shed have a better shot at a political career with Bill or without him, and were seeing the result.

For my money, though, I think Bill and Hillary both know theyre better off together than apart, especially if together means enjoying the benefits of marriage without the hassle of being constantly in each others company. Given that they own two homes and havent been seen much in public together over the last eight years, it seems possible that they maintain separate households. Besides, being married remains an unspoken requirement for the presidency regardless of gender.

The Clintons meet-cute story has been a staple of their narrative for years. It was 1971; he stared at her for so long in the Yale Law School library that she finally walked up to him and introduced herself.

In recent weeks, Bill Clinton has been telling the story. In one way or another weve been together ever since, he said while campaigning for Hillary in Iowa. He went on to say that when he asked her to marry him, he told her she shouldnt do it.

Ive met the most talented people in our generation in politics, he recalled saying to her. And then I came to law school here and I met you. Youre better than all of them  . You should go home to Chicago and run for office.

If youre so inclined, look up this speech (it was Jan. 15, in Marshalltown, Iowa) and watch it for yourself. Turning the dial up on his inimitable earnestness, Clinton puts a dramatic pause between I met you and Youre better than all of them, a pause, I dare say, that would melt the heart  or weaken the knees  of even the most Clinton-wary feminist. Its a manipulation, for sure (and it seems to have been a successful one back then, given that she married him and supported his political career instead). But its also a clear, and I think authentic, display of admiration and affection, a kind of love song about the particular passion of this particular couple.

No two marriages have quite the same yardstick for happiness or success. Hillarys choice to stay in her marriage sends the signal that she is strong, that she is her own woman, one capable of deciding that being together in one way or another can be just as sacred as waking up next to the same person day in and day out.

Though I guess it would help to have your own house.

I think Bill and Hillary both know theyre better off together than apart, especially if together means enjoying the benefits of marriage without the hassle of being constantly in each others company.
Today is Friday, March 4, the 64th day of 2016. There are 302 days left in the year.

Todays Highlight in History:

On March 4, 1966, John Lennon of The Beatles was quoted in the London Evening Standard as saying, Were more popular than Jesus now; I dont know which will go first  rock n roll or Christianity. (After his comments caused an angry backlash in the United States, Lennon sought to clarify his remarks, telling reporters, If I had said television was more popular than Jesus, I might have got away with it.)

On this date:

In 1789, the Constitution of the United States went into effect as the first Federal Congress met in New York. (The lawmakers then adjourned for lack of a quorum.)

In 1791, Vermont became the 14th state.

In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated for a second term of office; with the end of the Civil War in sight, Lincoln declared: With malice toward none, with charity for all.

In 1913, the Buffalo nickel officially went into circulation.

In 1925, President Calvin Coolidges inauguration was broadcast live on 21 radio stations coast-to-coast.

In 1930, Coolidge Dam in Arizona was dedicated by its namesake, former President Calvin Coolidge.

In 1940, Kings Canyon National Park in California was established.

In 1952, Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis were married in San Fernando Valley, California.

In 1960, an explosives-laden French freighter, La Coubre, exploded in Havanas harbor, killing at least 75 people.

In 1974, the first issue of People magazine, then called People Weekly, was published by Time-Life Inc.; on the cover was actress Mia Farrow.

In 1996, comedian Minnie Pearl died in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 83.
PHOENIX  An organization that is questioning the research behind climate change will get another chance to demand to see the emails of two University of Arizona scientists.

The state Court of Appeals has overturned the ruling of a trial judge who said the university need not disclose 1,700 emails and other records from Jonathan Overpeck and Malcolm Hughes. Pima County Superior Court Judge James Marner had said the university did not abuse its discretion in concluding that disclosing the documents would not be in the best interests of the state.

But appellate Judge Joseph Howard, writing for the unanimous court, said its legally irrelevant what university officials thought was appropriate to disclose.

Howard said everyone involved in the case acknowledges the emails are public records. And he said state law has a presumption that all public records are subject to disclosure, with certain exceptions.

What that means, Howard wrote, is that trial judges must actually examine the records to determine whether making them public really would harm the best interests of the state as the university is claiming.

The ruling does not guarantee that the Energy & Environment Legal Institute, which has raised questions about climate change and the causes behind it, will get all of the documents. But in raising the bar for the university to shield them from disclosure, it increases the chances at least some of these will see the light of day.

And while the decision could be seen as a setback for the university, it underscores the breadth of the states public records laws and the fact that the burden of proof in these cases lies with the party trying to shield them from view.

According to court records, the university provided more than 1,600 pages of records and a log describing about 1,700 records it was withholding. The university said it was withholding emails to protect either the confidentiality of information privacy of persons, or a concern about disclosure detrimental to the best interests of the state.

Howard, writing for the court, said Arizona law expresses an open access policy toward public records and exists to allow citizens to be informed about what their government is up to.

Whats important, Howard said, is that while the agency with the records has the initial discretion to deny access, under no circumstances should that determination be final, calling that inconsistent with all principles of democratic government.
Al Arabiya English, by Abdulrahman al-Rashed

Abdulrahman al-Rashed

In the last five years, Egypt has had two revolutions. The first overthrew President Hosni Mubarak, the second toppled his successor Mohamed Mursi and got the Muslim Brotherhood out of politics. Attempts at a third revolution to oust the current government and return the Brotherhood to power have failed.

To carry out a third revolution, the organization conducted the largest media and political campaign in its history. Internationally, the Brotherhood worked hard to marshal human rights organizations, research centers and Western government institutions. It succeeded in raising media attention and sympathy from some international NGOs.

Western governments tried to pressure Cairo to cancel the ban on the Brotherhoods political activities, but in vain. The party was unable to mobilize the Egyptian street against the government, or convince the international community to place sanctions on Cairo.

New TV channels were launched to mobilize the street. Many large channels, newspapers and websites teamed up with new ones to conduct social media campaigns urging the youth to rise up. Agreements were made with Western public relations companies for solidarity with the Brotherhood against the government, but all this failed.

The party even failed in exploiting violence, which was carried out by extremist groups in the Sinai and elsewhere, and which the Brotherhood rushed to justify, claiming that the only solution would be its return to power so terrorism would not engulf Egypt. I believe that the Brotherhood knows it is unable to bring about rapid change. It believes in grassroots change via education, media, culture, mosques, syndicates and charities. However, this time it rushed into battle.

Naivety

It was naive to think the Brotherhood could confront the Egyptian army and authorities. It believed that what happened to Mubarak could happen to any president, disregarding the fact that his regime was weak and old. The Brotherhood did not understand that had the army not supported the uprising against Mubarak, it would have failed.

There is no place for it in Arab politics unless it embraces new ideas. Fundamentally, there needs to be a revolution within the organization itself

Abdulrahman al-Rashed

The party might justify its failure by saying security forces prevented people from taking to the streets. However, they tried to do so five years ago, yet people still went out and toppled Mubarak. Egyptians are tired of the Brotherhood and of regional chaos. They want to give the current government the chance to work and succeed.

I believe that the Brotherhoods failure will delay its chances for another decade at least. There is no place for it in Arab politics unless it embraces new ideas, such as the abolition of the concept of itself as an international organization.

This concept goes against nationalism - to be Jordanian, Kuwaiti, Saudi or Yemeni is a main requirement to belong to the modern state. There is also a need to enlighten the Brotherhood about many social issues. Fundamentally, there needs to be a revolution within the organization itself.

This article was first published in Asharq al-Awsat on Mar. 05, 2016.

_______________________

Abdulrahman al-Rashed is the former General Manager of Al Arabiya News Channel. A veteran and internat
Hi my name is Barb, I love to create and travel. I plan to use this blog to share my artwork and travel tales with friends.
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.
SOS Aloha Book Reviews and More - Welcome to Paradise!
AFTER nearly four years, Slovaks vote for their representatives in the parliament for the ninth time since 1989 revolution.

Font size: A - | A +

Together 5,992 polling stations opened across Slovakia at 7:00 for the one-day vote. Polls will close at 22:00.

Initial preliminary results of the vote will be available about one hour after the polling stations close on the website of the Slovak Statistics Office and will be updated as vote counts from regional precincts arrive. The Slovak Spectator will be updating the election results on its webpage simultaneously with information coming from the Statistics Office.

Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement

The official results will be confirmed on March 6, before noon.

A total of 23 political subjects are running in the general election.

There are more than 4.4 million registered voters eligible to cast their ballots in the March 5 election, but the turnout is expected to be around 50 to 60 percent. There will be altogether 68,000 people voting for the very first time, and 196,000 who will vote for the first time in parliamentary elections, according to the Statistics Office.

Moreover, the Interior Ministry registers some 21,000 Slovaks living abroad who have registered for a mail-in vote.

This years election will be followed by a six-member observing mission, initiated by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR).
After the second government of Smer, social democracy is non-existent in Slovakia, NGO representatives say

Font size: A - | A +

SLOVAKIA'S political parties are a big disappointment for sociologist Olga Gyarfasova.

All the positive things that happened here have happened despite political parties, Gyarfasova said during the debate of analysts and experts in the editorial offices of the Sme daily on the election night. Political parties are not institutions that help the country move forward  quite the contrary, Gyarfasova said, adding that positive impulses have come from other spheres.

Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement

Representatives of the third sector taking part in the debate agree that civil society has significantly revived itself in the past few years.

Its been positive that many startups appeared, many clever young people, a whole new scene, said Lenka Surotchak of the Pontis Foundation. This happened because, as Surotchak said the situation got serious.

Jan Orlovsky of the Open Society Foundation opined that Slovakia completely misses a vision of where we want to go. Orlovsky would expect a social democratic government to help to the poor and socially excluded their top agenda, but hasnt seen that happen in the past four years.

We do not have any social democracy that would be worth [its name], Orlovsky said.


MOSCOW (Sputnik)Earlier this week, the debris that washed ashore was found in Mozambique and subsequently sent to Australia. Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said on Twitter that there was "high possibility debris found in Mozambique belongs to a B777" but warned against "undue speculation" as the information still needed to be "confirmed and verified."

"At the moment, all we know is that it's a piece from an aircraft. But at this stage, we have no conclusive evidence as to what it is or where it comes from," ATSB chief commissioner Martin Dolan said Friday, quoted by NBC News.

Dolan added that the object believed to be from the plane's horizontal stabilizer could arrive from Africa to the Australian capital "early next week."
At the same time, Tarusin emphasized, the existing format between Ukraine and the EU "is very beneficial to the Europeans," because Kiev has already effectively moved toward being externally managed; "its market transformed into an outlet for European goods."

"Therefore, [Brussels finds it] desirable that the Netherlands vote 'yes' on Euro-association, and that this format is secured. However, the EU does not want to see Ukraine in the ranks of its members. Turkey, for example, has been waiting for an invitation for 50 years, although it signed an association agreement with the EU back in the 1960s."

Now, Tarusin notes, "the same thing is happening with regard to Ukraine: there is a desire by Brussels to establish a formal institutionalized relationship with Kiev as an associate of the EU, and to take advantage of all the benefits this has to offer Europe, but not to shift to the question of Ukraine [actually] joining the supranational union."

The sobering truth for the Maidan revolutionaries, the analyst suggests, is that "nobody is waiting for Ukraine in the EU, and they never did. All told, these 20-25 years, translated from diplomatic language, really means 'never'. It's too distant a prospect."
According to Yuksel, Sur, a downtown district of Diyarbakir, the largest city of the Kurdish-populated southeast of Turkey, is now facing same atrocities.

"These were all Kurdish people, all civilians. They were all burned alive Right now we are facing the same situation in Sur. Over 200 civilians were killed there. The situation is getting tougher day by day," Yuksel said.

Diyarbakir is considered to be an unofficial capital of the Turkish Kurds. In recent months it has seen a number of attacks by Ankara as part of the security forces' operation against Kurdish fighters allegedly linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Security forces are enforcing a curfew in the city and, according to Yuksel, set buildings on fire.

Various radical groups, including the Daesh, as well a lot of fighters hired by Turkey to fight Kurds have an easy access to refugee camps at the border with Syria, a representative of the Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party to the United States said.

"Radical groups, Daesh [outlawed in Russia] easily have access to these camps. A lot of the fighters against the Kurds have refugee camps' IDs," Mehmet Yuksel said.

Turkeys Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party is an alliance of several pro-Kurdish movements, founded in 2012, which places strong emphasis on minority rights.

Turkish security forces are conducting ethnic clearances, forcing Kurds to flee the country, Mehmet Yuksel added.

"The Turkish security forces are violent against the Kurdish population. They are trying to move the population out of their territories, because they are destroying the buildings so that people cannot go back. This is some kind of an ethnic clearance against the Kurds," Yuksel said.

He added that the issue should be raised at the United Nations.

"But unfortunately we dont have any country that is bringing it to the international agenda, saying that look, there is an ethnic clearance in Turkey," Yuksel said.

He added that Russia might be the only country that can raise the Kurdish issue in the United Nations, reminding that Ankara downed the Russian plane over an alleged violation of Turkish airspace in November.

"The situation in Diyarbakir is tightly connected to the Syrian issue. In Syria Kurds gained more territories and rights, and Turkey is afraid that in Turkey they will ask for the same. We are asking for decentralization in Turkey and some kind of local autonomy for the Kurds. Turkey does not want to accept that," Yuksel said.

The central Sur district of Diyarbakir, which houses historic monuments dating back to 400 BC, has been the site of confrontations between the Kurdish activists and Ankara forces.

According to the Turkish General Staff, over 1,000 Kurdish militants have been killed since mid-December. Kurdish activists, in their turn, argue that most of the dead were civilian victims.

According to Yuksel, the most recent attacks carried out by Ankara against the Kurds took place in Diyarbakir and Cizre, where at least 137 people have been killed over the past week.

Turkeys Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party is an alliance of several pro-Kurdish movements, founded in 2012, which places strong emphasis on minority rights.


HMEYMIM (Sputnik)Syrian opposition, religious and militia representatives met in the Hmeymim-based Russian center for Syrian reconciliation on Friday.

"Finally there is peace in our land with Russian support. Finally we made the first steps toward a cessation of hostilities. Conditions for the Syrian population began improving since February 27. And now I would like to tell you one thing: maybe we should stop fighting? I believe that now is the time to start a political dialogue," National Conference party general secretary Ilhan Mansad said.

Other participants included For Democratic Syria civil society member Muazzin Bilal, as well as sheikhs Salikh Harib and Anas Tawal who represent opposition militias that forced militants out of their regions.
The official noted that in almost two years after Crimea's referendum to break off from Ukraine and rejoin Russia following the Maidan coup in Kiev, Ankara, despite its sizable Crimean Tatar diaspora, was unable to form a clear position on the issue of Crimea and the Crimean Tatars.

"However, after the incident with the downed Russian plane, in the framework of its policy toward [both] Syria and Ukraine, Ankara actively declared its support for Kiev on the Crimean issue. After Prime Minister Davutoglu's trip to Kiev" last month, "Ankara's position on this matter underwent even more significant changes."

When asked to comment on the human rights situation on the peninsula as it relates to the Crimean Tatars, Sel stressed that prior to the referendum to join Russia, Crimea had a wide range of internal problems regarding the Crimean Tatars. These problems, the official suggested, had been in 'sleep mode' prior to the reunification, with the Tatars' situation in the years following Ukraine's independence in 1991 characterized by the defective functioning of legislation and Ukraine's legal system.

For this reason, Sel emphasized, it is incorrect to suggest that violations of the Crimean Tatars' rights began only after the peninsula's return to Russia. Moreover, the official noted, according to the information available to the Federation of Crimean Tatar Communities, there is no evidence of explicit and systematic violations of the rights of national minorities on the peninsula.
"But from this shift, from his own country's disaster, Churchill made a conclusion: 'opportunity is here and now, clear and shining for both our countries.' And not only for them, but for the 'English-speaking peoples'; that is, the former dominions of the British Crown  Canada, Australia, New Zealand."

"That's what was said in Fulton  the need for not just an alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, as in the days of the war, but for the strengthening of Anglo-Saxon unity, and not for the creation of a US-European 'Atlantic' partnershipAnd in this, Churchill's successors were successful, although this concept was not formalized by any explicit agreement."

In Russian, "this idea even has a contemporary nickname, borne of a high-ranking diplomat, who remains nameless: 'Naglo-Saxons' [the word 'nagliy' means 'brazen' or 'brash' in Russian]."

Stalin's Response to Churchill

"Several days after Fulton, Churchill received a response from [Soviet leader] Joseph Stalin. In an interview for Pravda, Stalin took great notice of the 'Anglophone' idea of his sworn partner at Tehran, Yalta and Potsdam."

Asked whether Churchill's speech had caused harm to the cause of global peace and security, Stalin replied: "Certainly. The essence of the affair is that Mr. Churchill now assumes the position of a warmonger. And Mr. Churchill is not alone in this; he has friends not only in England but also in the United States of America."

"It should be noted," Stalin continued, "that Mr. Churchill and his friends strikingly recall in this respect Hitler and his friends. Hitler began the task of unleashing war by proclaiming the racial theory, declaring that only people who spoke the German language constituted a full-fledged nation. Mr. Churchill, too, has begun the task of unleashing war with a racial theory, stating that only nations that speak the English language are full-fledged nations that are called upon to rule the destinies of the world worldIn essence Mr. Churchill and his friends in England and the USA have presented the non-English-speaking nations with something like an ultimatum: recognize our dominance voluntarily and then all will be in order; in the contrary case, war is inevitable."


SIMFEROPOL (Sputnik)Turkish military instructors, whose objective is to train mercenaries, have gathered in Ukraine's southern region of Kherson, which borders Crimea, the deputy prime minister of Russia's Republic of Crimea said Saturday.

"We have reliable information that a plenty of military instructors from Turkey have gathered in the Kherson Region of Ukraine. Currently, there are attempts to create there a site for training mercenaries for fighting in open terrain and urban environments," Ruslan Balbek told RIA Novosti.

The drills are backed by the Mejlis, Crimean Tatars' self-governing body, the official said.
Azovets' creators claimed that a vehicle for urban warfare was in fact invented by Nazi Germany during WWII, and that their tanks ability to engage targets located on upper floors would make it an efficient weapon during a city-fight.

The Azovets has a crew complement of four and despite being called a tank, is armed with two twin-linked autocannons and guided anti-tank missile launchers of an as-yet unspecified type.

Furthermore, the Azovets' creators claim that their vehicles formidable defensive capabilities make it virtually impervious to all types of anti-tank weaponry in existence.

The vehicle was first presented to Ukraine's Interior Minister Arsen Avakov in November 2015 who praised it as Ukraine's first 'innovative tank.'

However, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin was less than impressed by this fearsome new weapon.

"Ukraines military-industrial complex innovatively made a new tank out of dumpsters," he remarked on Twitter.

         https://t.co/GF9SdmMCOi  Dmitry Rogozin (@Rogozin) 28  2015 .

It remains unclear if and when the Ukrainian military is going to adopt this new armored vehicle.
In the latest salvo over the crisis, Senator Mike Lee of Utah is holding up a federal funding package designed to address the issue of high lead levels found in Flints water. Lee argued in a statement on Friday that no federal aid is needed for what is effectively a state issue.

"The people and policymakers of Michigan right now have all the government resources they need to fix the problem," Lee, a Republican, said. "The only thing Congress is contributing to the Flint recovery is political grandstanding."

Senators from both parties reached a tentative deal for a $220 million package to fix and replace lead-contaminated pipes in Flint and other cities. However, Lee has managed to stop it from going to a vote.

Dying by the Dozens

When Michigan changed the citys water source to the Flint River, it did not treat the water which corroded the pipes, leaching lead and heavy metal into the water that went into the taps of residents homes. Lead-tainted water is known to stunt childhood development and impact nearly every part of the human body and is now being linked with a local outbreak of Legionnaires Disease. By the time the water was switched back, the pipes were already damaged so leaded water continues to pour out of taps in many parts of the area.
This initiative, however, is not exactly backed by the Labour party. According to Labour representatives, nuclear submarines will soon become redundant, since underwater drones are becoming advanced enough easily track down and destroy them.

"Tell that to the Americans, the Russians, and the Chinese who are all modernizing their nuclear-armed submarines," Fallon said to The Guardian. "Perhaps these drones will be so sophisticated they can track down Nessie while they are at it," he added, implying that cost-effectiveness ratio of both technologies is a subject for discussion.

The Labour party's position on nuclear weapons is generally negative, since they view the whole concept as an extremely expensive political symbol that will never be used.

During 2015, Russia has launched two nuclear Project 877/636 submarines, armed with Kalibr cruise missiles (NATO designation "Sizzler"), capable of carrying nuclear warheads, while two more are scheduled for launch in 2016, which would make a total of six ships. Project 877/636 has been dubbed Black hole' for its extremely low noise emission and radar visibility.

The People's Republic of China has also reportedly launched a new Jin-class nuclear submarine during 2015. According to different sources, the PRC Navy has from 4 to 8 active Jin-class submarines that are supposed to be capable of reaching any point on US territory, should the ship be located near the Hawaiian islands.
The Grand River Agricultural Society recently presented the first of four cheques totalling $125,000 to benefit the Ontario Agricultural College Student Liaison Program at the University Of Guelph.

On February 25, a donation of $31,250 was presented by the GRAS, owner/operator of Grand River Raceway, at the Elora track.

The OAC Student Liaison Program aims to increase the number of applicants to all OAC programs and increase awareness in urban and rural Ontario. The program promotes and showcases the abundance of opportunities and careers in agriculture and food to high school students, parents, educators and guidance counsellors.

Since 2010, there has been a 35 per cent growth in OAC undergraduate program enrollment. This is due in part to participation in over 75 external events and the delivery of 35 student outreach events including Reach Ahead Days, certification training and skills competitions. In total, over 3,800 high school students have attended events hosted by the Ontario Agricultural College since the fall 2010.

Support from the Grand River Agricultural Society enables us to continue to demonstrate Ontarios agri-food education and career opportunities to high school students and teachers, shares Jonathan Schmidt, OAC Associate Dean  Academic.

We continue to see an increased interest from rural and urban schools offering Special High Skills Majors, who are looking for our leadership in providing training and certification, he adds. Support from the GRAS will help us continue to meet these needs and showcase the breadth and depth of agri-food.

Going forward, the program will adapt to meet the increased interest from high school teachers and students in online activities and outreach materials as well as career planning and counseling for current OAC students.

The Grand River Agricultural Society (GRAS) is a not-for-profit corporation, incorporated under the Agricultural and Horticultural Societies Act of Ontario and governed by a volunteer board of directors reporting to OMAFRA.

The GRAS mandate is to encourage awareness of agriculture and to promote improvements in the quality of life of persons living in an agricultural community.

(GRAS)
Val Jean McKeever, loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.

Val Jean was born at home to William J. and Veola Bednar on Sept. 29, 1938. She attended Lower Sicily School District #77, Wymore. She was involved in Sicily Homemakers 4-H. Val Jean graduated from Wymore High School in May of 1955. She attended Peru State College for two years, and then transferred to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. In May of 1960 she graduated with a degree in Vocational Home Economics.

In June 1960, she married her lifelong companion and husband Ernest McKeever. Val Jean started her teaching career that fall at Wymore High School as the home economics teacher. She then took a few years away from teaching to raise her family of two boys and two girls. She returned to teaching at Filley Schools. Val Jean served as a sponsor for FHA/FCCLA, and cheerleading/pep club. Val Jean taught for more than 30 years. Her retirement in 1998 allowed her to continue as a substitute teacher until 2015. She loved being around children and helping them learn.

Val Jeans greatest treasure was the friendships with other members of various organizations. She enjoyed Masonic and Shriner activities, including the Firemen. She was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star, Violet Chapter 105 and Vesper Chapter 9. Val Jean served as Worthy Matron several times. She was also Bethel Guardian of Jobs Daughters Bethel #31 of Beatrice.

She was active in the Wymore Area Jaycees. She served multiple offices and was Outstanding Mrs. Jaycee in 1970. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter Q in Wymore and enjoyed the monthly devotions. As a current member of the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice, she was treasurer of Presbyterian Womans group, an ordained Deacon, and elected elder.

In 2010, Ernie and Val Jean celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and friends at their home. In March of 2015, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her amazing strength and courage was an inspiration through her battle. She hoped that all who were associated with her knew how much she appreciated their efforts and kindness.

She enjoyed attending the activities and supporting her grandchildren in their events. They have been so blessed to have such a caring, thoughtful, and loving grandmother. She will forever be in their hearts.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Ernest, and children, John (Carmen) of Wymore, Sara (Dan) of Cortland, Valerie (Randy) of Lincoln, all of Nebraska, and Lyndon (Jenny) of Olathe, Kan.

Grandchildren include Caleb (Lindsey), and Jared McKeever, of Wymore, Benjamin and Garrett Hier of Cortland, all of Nebraska, and Grant and Michael McKeever of Olathe, Kan. Step-grandchildren include Crystal (Billy) Kaster, Jennifer Hier, and Randy Wayne Jr. (Jenni) Barnhart. Sister, Kathleen (Ron) Reeves, of Fremont, and brother, Oren (Kathy) Bednar of Wymore; sister-in-law Barbara Bednar of Ozark, MO.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Veola Bednar, her brothers William E. (2002), Richard (2002), and Lyman (1995), sisters-in-law Mary Bednar (2015) and Judith Bednar (1990), step-grandson Matthew Barnhart (2014), niece Susan Reeves Betten (2008), and nephew Thomas Bednar (2012).

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice with Rev. Jimmy Shelbourn officiating. Interment will be in the Wymore Cemetery. The body will lie in state Thursday from 6-9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore with the family greeting friends from 6:30-8 p.m., and at the church one hour preceding the funeral on Saturday. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church. A memorial has been established to the UNL- Omaha Medical Center, First Presbyterian Church Women, and the familys choice with the funeral home in charge. Sign her online guest book and view her video tribute after completed at www.ghchapel.com.

These services have been entrusted to the Laughlin-Hoevet Funeral Home in Wymore.
On April 1, the regulation of horse racing in Ontario will be integrated into the mandate of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). This interactive webinar will offer an overview of the changes affecting Ontarios horse racing industry, with a particular focus on horse racing regulation and adjudication.

The AGCOs Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Jean Major, will be joined by several representatives from the AGCO to address key issues, including:

what is changing  and not changing  in such areas as licensing, race officiating and the Rules of Racing

how to continue accessing horse racing regulatory services at the track, on the web, and at the AGCO's head office

key information regarding Ontarios new approach to the adjudication of horse-racing appeals

a brief description of who does what with respect to Ontarios horse racing industry support programs

During the webinar, panelists will be available to answer your questions.

The webinar will be conducted on April 1, 2016 from 11 a.m.  12 p.m. Registration is now open, and all horse owners, track officials, trainers, jockeys and drivers, grooms, exercise riders, veterinarians, track operators, representatives of horse racing industry associations, and any other interested participants in Ontarios horse racing industry are welcome to participate.

To access and register for the webinar, please click here.

(with files from AGCO)
When youre looking to handicap a big race, theres nothing better than to have comments from some of the connections of the horses that are set to slug it out. In terms of this Saturdays late-closing final at Pompano Park, connections of all of the field's nine starters have chimed in.

The $75,000 late-closing final in question, which is for mares, has been carded as Race 8 on Pompanos Saturday card. The dash has an estimated post time of 9:36 p.m.

The connections comments appear below (please note that #6, Mach It A Par, who was scheduled to be driven by Tim Tetrick, has been scratched due to illness).

Post #1, Strut My Stuff (12/1), Driver Matt Romano: "She actually raced very well last week. Yes, Mike's mare (Just A Bee) picked up the pieces late, but we were just a length or so away from second. We drew well  and that helps in an event like this  and I expect her to bring her 'A' game and be aggressive leaving."

Post #2, Totally Rusty (10/1), Driver Tom Jackson: "She cut some serious fractions in her last and they got to her late. Still she is a very sharp mare and, if she returns to the form when she won the first leg three weeks ago, she'll be prominent."

Post #3, Lucys Pearl (8/1), Driver David Miller: "I have never driven this mare before but have seen her race many times. She's very talented and has a nice brush. If the fractions are right, she could be right there at the finish with them all. I expect the mile to go in (1):50 and a piece and she's capable of that. Of course, so are the others! It should be very interesting."

Post #4, Pertty Music (15/1), Driver Kevin Wallis: Hopefully, she'll get a better trip than last week when she never saw the inside part of the racetrack. She can turn it on in the lane, especially off of an easier trip if we find some room in the stretch. She drew OK with a lot of great mares to her outside. That always helps!"

Post #5, Velocity Vespa (5/2), Trainer Chris Oakes: She was roughed up pretty much last week, but came out of it just fine. She does her best going down the highway and I am quite sure George (driver Napolitano, Jr.) will be sending her from this post. Just about all these great mares have a mark around (1):50 so I think it will take a mile right around there to get it done  maybe 1:50.2!"

Head #7-Post #6, Show Runner (15/1), Driver-Trainer Tim Maier: Never really got into the hunt from the second tier 11 post in last. Usually likes to be in the thick of the action from the get-go.

Head #8-Post #7, Just A Bee (7/2), Driver-Trainer Mike Micallef: "She was able to pick up the pieces with that torrid early pace in last and, when I gave her the racetrack, she just took off. The start might be the key here. I have two plans  A' and 'B.' It's a split second decision at the start whether to leave and look for a better early spot  plan 'A' or, if there is a lot going on from the inside, take back and hope the pace is like last week-plan 'B.' There is no plan 'C.' This mare has been very good for a long time. I will have her really to rock and roll early, if that's the way I see it going!"

Head #9-Post #8, Godiva Seelster (6/1), Driver Wally Hennessey: "This is a scary talented bunch of mares and, I might add, drivers, too. We got the worst of the draw but my mare is coming into the race in great shape. She's been competitive for over three years now and I expect her to be competitive on Saturday night."

Other features on the Saturday night card include the $30,000 Invitational Handicap Trot, the $20,000 Open Handicap Pace and the Florida Amateur Club Pro-Am with Tim Tetrick and David Miller serving as captains of the respective teams. With the competition based on a point schedule, the winning teams charity will receive $3,000 with the losing team's charity receiving $2,000 from the Florida Amateur Driving Club.

New Vocation and the Make-A-Wish Foundation are the beneficiaries for Saturday night's Pro-Am event.

A book signing featuring noted authors Victoria Howard and Bob Marx will take place near the winner's circle, as the pair autograph their newly published book Meadow Skipper  The Untold Story.

First-race post time for the card is 7:30 p.m.

(With files from Pompano)
Er is iets heel griezeligs aan de gang in Nederland. Dat wij geleidelijk aan in een totalitaire 'democratie' wegzinken wordt steeds ...
I have ceased to post on this blog as I am now at steadyaku47.com All that is here have been included in that website and, where possibl...
Max Lucado Daily: Jesus' Seamless PerfectionScripture often describes our behavior as the clothes we wear. In 1 Peter 5:5, Peter urges us to be "clothed with humility." David speaks of evil people who clothe themselves "with cursing." Garments can symbolize character, and like His garment, Jesus' character was seamless. The character of Jesus was a seamless fabric woven from heaven to earth-from God's thoughts to Jesus' actions. From God's tears to Jesus' compassion. From God's word to Jesus' response. All one piece. A picture of the character of Jesus.But when Christ was nailed to the cross, He took off His robe of seamless perfection and assumed a different wardrobe. He wore our sin so we could wear His righteousness.From He Chose the NailsPhilippians 2Imitating Christs HumilityTherefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;7 rather, he made himself nothingby taking the very nature[b] of a servant,being made in human likeness.8 And being found in appearance as a man,he humbled himselfby becoming obedient to deatheven death on a cross!9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest placeand gave him the name that is above every name,10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,in heaven and on earth and under the earth,11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,to the glory of God the Father.Do Everything Without Grumbling12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyednot only in my presence, but now much more in my absencecontinue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.Timothy and Epaphroditus19 I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon.25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.Footnotes:Philippians 2:6 Or in the form ofPhilippians 2:7 Or the formPhilippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5Our Daily Bread reading and devotionSaturday, March 05, 2016Read: 2 Kings 19:9-20Soon afterward King Sennacherib received word that King Tirhakah of Ethiopia[a] was leading an army to fight against him. Before leaving to meet the attack, he sent messengers back to Hezekiah in Jerusalem with this message:10 This message is for King Hezekiah of Judah. Dont let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you with promises that Jerusalem will not be captured by the king of Assyria. 11 You know perfectly well what the kings of Assyria have done wherever they have gone. They have completely destroyed everyone who stood in their way! Why should you be any different? 12 Have the gods of other nations rescued themsuch nations as Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the people of Eden who were in Tel-assar? My predecessors destroyed them all! 13 What happened to the king of Hamath and the king of Arpad? What happened to the kings of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?14 After Hezekiah received the letter from the messengers and read it, he went up to the Lords Temple and spread it out before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed this prayer before the Lord: O Lord, God of Israel, you are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. 16 Bend down, O Lord, and listen! Open your eyes, O Lord, and see! Listen to Sennacheribs words of defiance against the living God.17 It is true, Lord, that the kings of Assyria have destroyed all these nations. 18 And they have thrown the gods of these nations into the fire and burned them. But of course the Assyrians could destroy them! They were not gods at allonly idols of wood and stone shaped by human hands. 19 Now, O Lord our God, rescue us from his power; then all the kingdoms of the earth will know that you alone, O Lord, are God.Isaiah Predicts Judahs Deliverance20 Then Isaiah son of Amoz sent this message to Hezekiah: This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I have heard your prayer about King Sennacherib of Assyria.Footnotes:19:9 Hebrew of Cush.INSIGHT:It is interesting that the account of King Sennacheribs siege of Jerusalem and Hezekiahs refusal to submit to him (2 Kings 1819) is also recorded on the Taylor Prisma six-sided baked clay document that was discovered in 1830 in the ancient Assyrian capital city of Nineveh. King Hezekiahs answered prayer for deliverance (19:19) should underscore what we know but sometimes forgetGod hears our cries, He has spoken to us through the Scriptures, and whatever we face we can trust Him.Forward to GodBy Lawrence DarmaniGive ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see.2 Kings 19:16In the days before telephones, email, and mobile phones, the telegram was usually the fastest means of communication. But only important news was sent by telegram, and such news was usually bad. Hence the saying, The telegram boy always brings bad news.It was wartime in ancient Israel when Hezekiah was king of Judah. Sennacherib, king of Assyria, had invaded and captured the cities of Judah. He then sent a letter to Hezekiah, a bad-news telegram urging his surrender. Hezekiah described the moment as a day of distress and rebuke and disgrace (2 Kings 19:3).Go before the Lord with prayers and hear His reassurance.With taunts and scoffs, Sennacherib boasted of his past military campaigns, belittling the God of Israel and threatening mayhem (vv. 11-13). In that dreadful moment, King Hezekiah did an unusual thing with the bad-news letter: He went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord (v. 14). Then he prayed earnestly, acknowledging the power of God over their gloomy situation (vv. 15-19). God intervened in a powerful way (vv. 35-36).Bad news can reach us at any time. In those moments, Hezekiahs action is a good example to follow. Spread out the news before the Lord in prayer and hear His reassurance: I have heard your prayer (v. 20).Heavenly Father, when people attack us, we tend to react defensively. Teach us to turn to You instead of taking matters into our own hands. We trust You and love You. Defend us today.Prayer is the childs helpless cry to the Fathers attentive ear.My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald ChambersSaturday, March 05, 2016Is He Really My Lord?so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus Acts 20:24Joy comes from seeing the complete fulfillment of the specific purpose for which I was created and born again, not from successfully doing something of my own choosing. The joy our Lord experienced came from doing what the Father sent Him to do. And He says to us, As the Father has sent Me, I also send you (John 20:21). Have you received a ministry from the Lord? If so, you must be faithful to it to consider your life valuable only for the purpose of fulfilling that ministry. Knowing that you have done what Jesus sent you to do, think how satisfying it will be to hear Him say to you, Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21). We each have to find a niche in life, and spiritually we find it when we receive a ministry from the Lord. To do this we must have close fellowship with Jesus and must know Him as more than our personal Savior. And we must be willing to experience the full impact of Acts 9:16  I will show him how many things he must suffer for My names sake.Do you love Me? Then, Feed My sheep (John 21:17). He is not offering us a choice of how we can serve Him; He is asking for absolute loyalty to His commission, a faithfulness to what we discern when we are in the closest possible fellowship with God. If you have received a ministry from the Lord Jesus, you will know that the need is not the same as the call the need is the opportunity to exercise the call. The call is to be faithful to the ministry you received when you were in true fellowship with Him. This does not imply that there is a whole series of differing ministries marked out for you. It does mean that you must be sensitive to what God has called you to do, and this may sometimes require ignoring demands for service in other areas.WISDOM FROM OSWALD CHAMBERSMuch of the misery in our Christian life comes not because the devil tackles us, but because we have never understood the simple laws of our make-up. We have to treat the body as the servant of Jesus Christ: when the body says Sit, and He says Go, go! When the body says Eat, and He says Fast, fast! When the body says Yawn, and He says Pray, pray! Biblical Ethics, 107 R
Former President Bill Clinton on Friday made the case for his wife, Hillary, before a cheering crowd of more than 800 people of all ages who packed Lincoln Station on the eve of Nebraskas Democratic presidential caucus.

This woman has spent her entire life trying to make things happen for other people, Clinton declared.

Her first instinct always is what can I do to make it better? he said.

You should vote for the best change-maker tomorrow, Clinton said as he wrapped up a 50-minute speech before a standing audience that ranged across a litany of issues.

Clinton, in particular, hammered home the importance of nominating a Democratic presidential candidate who can win in November and be in position to fill vacancies on the U.S. Supreme Court.

This is a big deal, folks, he said.

Instead of a Supreme Court that restricts voting rights, America needs a court that will expand voting rights, he said.

And it needs a court that will reverse the decision that effectively ended campaign finance controls and opened political campaigns to virtually unlimited and anonymous funding and influence, Clinton said.

President Barack Obama should be able to make an appointment to the court vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, but may be prevented from doing so by a Republican Senate that is demanding that the vacancy remain open until the next president takes office in 2017, Clinton said.

In addition to that vacancy, the next president may be called upon to fill one or two other vacancies because of the advancing age of other justices, he said.

Clintons appearance  his first trip ever to Lincoln  attracted some Republicans along with Democrats, older Nebraskans and students, and parents who brought their small children to get a glimpse of a former president.

Clinton spoke from a podium with the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska hanging behind him and a crowd standing shoulder to shoulder in front of him.

It was a long day for Clinton that began in New Orleans and would not end until a nighttime flight to Michigan following his appearances in Omaha and Lincoln.

Hillary Clinton is matched against Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in Nebraskas Democratic caucus on Saturday with no obvious winner comfortably settled in the favorites role.

Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler introduced Clinton with a ringing endorsement of his wife that touched on her wide range of experience in domestic and foreign policy.

She has walked the walk for decades, he said. She has the tools to convert caring into effective action.

And in an election year in which Republican presidential candidates have descended into a campaign of insult and intellectual chaos, Beutler said, Hillary Clinton continues to shine.

Clinton, with a raspy voice, took his audience on a tour of largely domestic issues that focused on economic justice, clean energy, infrastructure improvement, criminal justice reform, equal pay for women and paid leave from work.

With a range of economic reforms, he said, all of us can rise together.

Weve gotten the jobs back, he said, but not the income.

Touching on gun violence, Clinton said: No one should be against background checks.

When universal background checks were put into effect, he said, that resulted in a 46-year low in homicide by guns.

As a member of the Senate, Hillary Clinton worked with Republicans in the Congress on a number of issues, the former president said. And as U.S. secretary of state, she negotiated the nuclear sanctions agreement with Iran, he said, helping bring China and Russia on board.

In addition to all of that evidence of effectiveness, Clinton said, I think it would be a good thing to have the first woman president.

Clintons appearance followed by a day Sanders address to an overflow audience on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus and completed a Clinton family effort in Nebraska.

Hillary Clinton spoke at a rally in Omaha in December and daughter Chelsea made appearances in Lincoln and Omaha earlier in the week.
A blog devoted to political and economic topics in today's society.
The Sea Hawks use a strong serve and balanced attack for a commanding win in the opening round of the Division 2 playoffs.
The Kelso Rotary Clubs Honey Badgers finally claimed the title as this years winners of the Spell-ebration spelling bee Friday at the Kelso Theatre Pub. The Honey Badgers, comprising David Futcher, Lisa Nathan and Jeff Peterson, beat the reigning champs Longview Public Library staff 428.1. The bee, sponsored by Altrusa International Inc. of Cowlitz County and Windermere Real Estate, is in its eighth year and gives adult spellers a chance to show off their spelling skills while raising money for local charities. Altrusa will donate $500 to the Kelso Rotary Foundation in honor of the Honey Badgers win.
Rollins Follow Rollins 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

Plans to cap annual increases in statewide agricultural land valuation have won the support of Gov. Pete Ricketts but brought opposition from some municipalities and appears to have created mixed reaction among farm groups.

All this as lawmakers try to solve a decades-old property tax problem in a short session. Its a daunting task at best, but an impossible one with a Legislature more prone to quibbling than cooperating.

Grand Island Senator Mike Gloor introduced the 3 percent cap for the governor in LB958. The measure would affect aggregate agricultural and horticultural land valuation increases and tighten spending limits on local governments to slow property tax growth. Gloor said the intent is to slow down the valuation increase and slow the growth of locally levied taxes.

Gloors bill would remove some exclusions from levy and budget limits, including the ability of a political subdivision  other than schools  to approve a levy in excess of its limit during a meeting in which more than 10 percent of the subdivisions registered voters are present. The use of restricted funds for capital improvements, sinking funds and inter-local agreements would also be limited to the 3 percent cap in 2017.

There appears to be no argument with the 2013 Tax Modernization Committee, a joint interim study of the Revenue and Education Committees that Nebraska relies too heavily on property taxes to fund K-12 education. The disagreement comes in finding a way to fund education and lower property taxes. Gloor said his plan could result in a variety of increases or decreases in property valuation assessments.

Ricketts testified in support of the bill with the understanding that any property tax relief plan must include limits on local government spending.

Steve Nelson, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, said he supports the bill because Nebraska farmers and ranchers pay a disproportionate amount of property taxes compared to residential and commercial property owners. Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen spoke in opposition to the bill saying the 3 percent assessment limit could result in an overcorrection of agricultural land valuations over the next 10 to 15 years.

Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler opposed the bill, saying spending limits would devastate some political subdivisions by removing budget flexibility. LaVista Mayor Doug Kindig spoke against the bill because of the imposed limitations on interlocal agreements, which have allowed his city to grow. Nebraska Association of County Officials President Robert Post opposed the bill because limits on sinking funds would prevent counties from making unforeseen but necessary purchases of equipment without going to a popular vote, which takes time and money.

The Revenue Committee is also considering a couple of stop-gap measures that could be implemented in case lawmakers do not agree to a more permanent solution. Wahoo Senator Jerry Johnsons bill (LB940) would freeze valuations on all classes of property for three years at their 2016 levels unless lawmakers pass a law to reduce the percentage of school funding provided by property taxes. Tax credits would remain the same during the freeze and political subdivisions could increase their levy limits only if the state budget grows.

If there is still no law in place at the end of the freeze, assessed values would increase by the same percentage as the increase in the state budget from year to year. If there is no reform in place before the end of the stabilization period, assessed values would increase by the same percentage as the increase in the state budget from one fiscal year to the next. Johnson said he hopes the stabilization period would give lawmakers time to pass comprehensive tax reform that would reduce the dependence on property taxes to fund public education.

Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation spokesman Bruce Rieker said he supports the bill because it would create an incentive for the Legislature to change the states property tax policy before the end of the stabilization period. Nebraska Association of County Officials Executive Director Larry Dix said he is against the bill because it doesnt consider land use changes during the stabilization period. Sen. Mike Groene of North Platte has proposed a one-year freeze (LB717) and a requirement that assessors use a five-year comparable sale history instead of the current three-year formula.

These appear to be good ideas. But none will be the hoped-for panacea without the necessary study, debate and compromise that is clearly not possible in a short legislative session.
A Kelso citizens group staged its own version of To Catch a Predator on Thursday, which ended with the arrest of a man accused of attempting to meet a minor girl for sex at Tam OShanter Park.

Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor ruled Friday there was probable cause to charge Adam Andrew Olson, 36, of Castle Rock, with communicating with a minor for immoral purposes by electronic means and second-degree attempted rape of a child. Bashor set Olsons bail at $50,000 and scheduled another court appearance for March 15.

The arrest was set up by members of Volunteer Kelso, a group that does various community service projects.

Curtis Hart, 36, of Kelso, said he posted an ad on a social media site called Whisper pretending to be a 14-year-old girl who wanted to have some fun with an older man.

In a couple of minutes, a bunch of men started messaging, Hart said outside the Hall of Justice Friday. About 20 of the men sending messages were from Cowlitz County, he said. One was in California.

One of them was Olson, who sent a photo, Hart said. I went to junior high school with this guy, he said. It made me sick.

Posing as the girl, Hart agreed to meet Olson at Tam OShanter Park around 9 p.m Thursday. When Olson arrived, Hart and several companions surrounded him. The confrontation was captured by one of the group members on video.

According to a court document, Olson called 911 at 9:23 p.m. wanting to turn himself in. Kelso police responded to the park and arrested him.

Hart appeared at Olsons court hearing wearing a yellow Libertarian T-shirt. Im a Libertarian activist, he said, with plans to run for the 20th District seat in the state Legislature this year.

We dont think its necessary to sit around and wait for the government to fix things, he said, adding that police may not have time to set up stings like this one.

Hart said Kelso police officers told us we could end up getting shot  but you could end up getting shot by some psycho anywhere.

Kelso Police Chief Andy Hamilton declined to comment on the case.
Between January 2003 and September 2006, out of 138 letters to the editor that I sent to the Financial Times before I placed them on this blog they published these 15 . Not bad! Thank you FT!Unfortunately, since then and until the very last day of the decade, out of some 1.000 letters that you can find here, FT published none, zero, zilch. Of course FT is under no obligation whatsoever to publish any of my letters and of course one should not exclude the possibilities that my letters might have quite dramatically gone from bad to worse yet one wonders.My usual suspects are:1. Someone in FT with a delicate ego feels his or her importance diminished by giving voice to a lowly non PhD from a developing country daring to opine on many issues of developed countries.2. That FT has some sort of conflict of interest with the credit rating agencies that makes it hard for them to give too much relevance to someone who considers they have been given too much powers.3. The FT establishment had perhaps decided there were only macro economic problems and not any financial regulation problems, and wanted to hear no monothematic contradictions on that.4. That FT feels slightly embarrassed when someone repeatedly asks the emperor-is-naked type question of what is the purpose of the banks and realizing this was something FT should have itself asked a long time ago.5. It is way too much oversight for FT to handle.6. Or am I just supposed to be a living example of one half of the Financial Times motto, namely that of "without favour"Which one do you believe is closest to the truth?
hidden

BlackBerry is exploring alternatives to make working on BBM, its messaging platform, "more convenient and fun" to support users after rival WhatsApp announced to stop its support to Canadian firm's operating system from later this year.

WhatsApp, which has over a billion users globally, had earlier this week said it will end support for BlackBerry phones and those powered by Nokia's Symbian operating system later this year.

"BlackBerry is committed to our BlackBerry 10 operating system, and we work closely with developers to create and deploy solutions to bring apps to our consumer and enterprise fans. We continue to invest in the BlackBerry 10 platform and will introduce several key security updates this year," BlackBerry said in a statement.

It added that the company is "actively exploring alternatives for BlackBerry users once support of WhatsApp Messenger for BBOS and BlackBerry 10 ends in late 2016".

"Users of BlackBerry PRIV, which runs on Android, will not be impacted...While the app landscape continues to evolve, our commitment to BlackBerry10 and our developers is unwavering," it said.

BlackBerry, in its blog, said it is building more features into BBM, especially on the security front.

"We're evolving group and multi-person chats. We're making BBM Protected an even better messaging solution for security-conscious organisations. We're giving you ever more privacy and security by allowing you to control previews. We're also working to make BBM more convenient and more fun," it said.

Stating that messaging continues to be one of the most popular ways to communicate, BlackBerry said it will keep evolving the app and the services within it.

Once exclusive to BlackBerry devices, the company made BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) available on rival platforms of Android, iOS and Microsoft in 2013.

As of March 2014, it had about 85 million monthly users and around 113 million global registered users. The move was aimed at offering the struggling smartphone maker get newer avenues for monetisation.

WhatsApp said it had made the "tough decision" to end support for BlackBerry (including BlackBerry 10), Nokia S40, Nokia Symbian S60, Android 2.1, Android 2.2 and Windows Phone 7.1.

Citing the reason, the Facebook-owned company said when it was set up, about 70 per cent of smartphones sold were powered by operating systems offered by BlackBerry and Nokia.

However, mobile operating systems offered by Google, Apple and Microsoft account for 99.5 per cent of sales today.

WhatsApp, which competes with the likes of Hike, Viber and LINE as well, is very popular in emerging nations like Brazil, India and Russia.

PTI
tech2 News Staff

The recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge at the Unpacked event will arrive in India on March 8, according to a report by The Times of India. The report also adds that Samsung plans to invest about Rs 100 crore on marketing the new flagship devices in the bid to outdo arch rival Apple. The Galaxy S7 and S7 edge are expected to go on sale from the third week of March. There is no word on the India pricing, but it is likely to match iPhone 6s models.

The pricing of Samsung models is speculated to start around Rs 45,000. The Times of India pegs prices between Rs 50,000 and Rs 60,000. (Also read: Samsung Galaxy S7 vs LG G5 and others) Citing people related to the matter, an earlier report added that Samsung has planned additional consumer promotion as well.

It is also planning to cut down prices of some of its older models. On the other hand, the report adds that Apple has also planned something 'big'. It was just recently that Samsung announced Galaxy A5 and A7 2016 editions for the Indian market. On the other hand, Apple has planned a 4-inch iPhone model to be launched on March 21, and likely to hit emerging markets like China and India.

Unveiled recently at a pre-MWC2016 event, the S7 comes with a 5.1-inch super AMOLED dispay with 2550 x 1440 pixels. Although the US market would get the Snapdragon 820 variant, global markets would find their Galaxy S7 powered by a Samsung Exynos chipset instead. In this years version of its flagship, Samsung has bumped up the RAM to 4GB.

Similar to the Galaxy S7, its curved sibling also boasts of 4GB RAM. However, it comes with a 5.5-inch display with 2550 x 1440 pixels as compared to the 5.1-inch in the Samsung Galaxy S7. The devices in most others areas are identical spec-to-spec. The other difference being the 3600mAh battery in the S7 Edge compared to the 3000mAh battery in the S7.
This Blog was born during the Troubles of 2007, and thereafter continued as a weekly update on our life and thought within the work of Testimony Faith Homes, a 'home from home' for Kenya orphaned and destitute children,.
About The Classical Reviewer

The Classical Reviewer has been involved in music for many years, as a classical record distributor, as a newspaper concert reviewer and writer of articles relating to music as well as reviewing for Harpsichord and Fortepiano magazine.



He assisted in the cataloguing of the scores of the late British composer George Lloyd and has co-authored a memoir of his friendship with the composer.



Having a particular interest in British music, he regularly undertakes talks on Elgar.


Khulna doctors on fresh 2-day strike

Khulna, UNB: Doctors have enforced a fresh 2-day strike in all the public and private hospitals and private chambers in Khulna district from Saturday morning protesting assault on a doctor allegedly by an Awami League leader in Terokhada upazila health complex. Bangladesh Medical Association (BMA) Kulna unit vice-president Sheikh Baharul Alam announced the work abstention progromme after conducting a meeting with other doctors on Friday night. All government and private-run hospitals, clinics, and private chambers of physicians remained closed during the strike, forcing the patients to go back without receiving treatment. The striking doctors demanded immediate arrest and punishment of the accused AL leader. Earlier on Thursday, the doctors observed a 12-hour strike on the same issue. On Sunday, local AL leader Wahiduzzaman along with his men allegedly assaulted Doctor Abdullah Al Mamun at Terokhada health complex.
Europe faces `existential` threat from migrant crisis

More than 1.25 million asylum seekers have poured into Europe since the start of 2015.

AFP, Brussels :The migrant crisis poses possibly the most serious threat to the European Union's existence since the bloc's foundation as the ghosts of nationalism increasingly haunt the post-war dream of unity, political veterans warn.While the EU has previously weathered storms ranging from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the eurozone debt crisis, they believe the huge influx of refugees and migrants taps into more dangerous currents that could yet sink the bloc.Their best hope for the EU is that this threat to a European ideal of solidarity, a dream born from the ashes of World War II, shows that, then as now, an everyone-for-himself approach does not work."I really believe it's the most serious crisis in many years the European Union is facing, probably even the most serious since the beginning of the process of European integration," Jose Manuel Barroso, who headed the European Commission from 2004 to 2014, told AFP. Barroso warned of "old demons of xenophobia and intolerance" in Europe, saying the migration crisis goes beyond economic issues and is causing splits over whether to admit foreigners of a different religion or race. "It has an existential nature because it is polarising," the Portuguese statesman said by phone from Princeton University in the United States where he now teaches.More than 1.25 million asylum seekers have poured into Europe since the start of 2015, fleeing war and poverty in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa.In terms of sheer numbers it is the biggest migration crisis to face the continent since 1945, but political veterans warn that the real danger is the rifts it is causing between the 28 EU member states.Daniel Cohn-Bendit, a Franco-German former member of the European Parliament, is concerned Europe might not be able to forge the kind of joint solution it crafted recently for the divisive eurozone debt crisis."Today, we have the impression there is an unbelievable insensitivity and that it is everyone for himself. That's very dangerous for the European idea," Cohn-Bendit said.German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who opened up Germany's borders to more than a million migrants last year, won praise from Barroso, Cohn-Bendit and others for setting an example for other Europeans."Only Merkel has a European stature. The rest are political dwarves," said Cohn-Bendit.The refusal of several national leaders, for example the hardline Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, to stick to EU law in handling the flow of migrants is of particular concern to many observers.Alain Lamassoure, a French member of the European Parliament, said this made it "the most serious" crisis the EU has faced.Since adopting a scheme last September to relocate 160,000 asylum seekers from frontline states Greece and Italy, European Union countries have moved at a snail's pace, taking in just over 600 people.Guy Verhofstadt, a former Belgian prime minister and leader of the Liberal group in the European Parliament, warned that the crisis could even "wreck the European project."
Turkish authorities seize countrys largest newspaper

Reuters, Istanbul :Turkish authorities seized control of the country's largest newspaper on Friday in a widening crackdown against supporters of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, an influential foe of President Tayyip Erdogan.Rights groups and European officials criticized the confiscation of Zaman newspaper and its sister publication, the English-language Today's Zaman, which occurred on the eve of a summit between Turkey and the European Union and as concerns mount that the Turkish government is stifling critical media.Administrators were appointed to run Zaman at the request of an Istanbul prosecutor, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Officials were not immediately available to confirm the reports.Erdogan accuses Gulen of conspiring to overthrow the government by building a network of supporters in the judiciary, police and media. Gulen denies the charges. The two men were allies until police and prosecutors seen as sympathetic to Gulen opened a corruption probe into Erdogan's inner circle in 2013."It has been a habit for the last three, four years, that anyone who is speaking against government policies is facing either court cases or prison, or such control by the government," said Abdulhamit Bilici, editor-in-chief of Zaman. "This is a dark period for our country, our democracy."Zaman is Turkey's biggest selling newspaper, with a circulation of 650,000 as of the end of February, according to media-sector monitor MedyaTava website.Thousands of supporters gathered in the rain outside of Zaman's Istanbul office where they waved Turkish flags and carried placards reading "Hands off my newspaper" live footage from Cihan, a broadcaster owned by Zaman's parent, showed."Zaman Media Group being silenced in Turkey. Crackdown on press freedom continues sadly," Kati Piri, the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey, said in a tweet. The EU is accused of turning a blind eye to Turkey's human rights breaches, including the deaths of hundreds of civilians during security operations against Kurdish militants, because it needs Turkey's help curbing the flow of migrants. [L8N16C1ZK]The crackdown on Zaman comes at an already worrying time for press freedom in Turkey.Two prominent journalists from the pro-opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper are facing potential life sentences on charges of endangering state security for publishing material that purports to show intelligence officials trucking arms to Syria.
Europes Russia problem

Sir Graham Watson :

Last month, when the Litvinenko Inquiry in the UK effectively accused Russia of behaving like a terror state, it overshadowed a stark admission from Russian leadership that the country had to change. At almost the same moment as Sir Robert Owen, the Inquiry Chairman, gave his verdict on Litvinenko's murder, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev was taking the stage in Davos. Alongside him was Alexei Kudrin, who served as Finance Minister for more than a decade.

"I don't see any other way for us, frankly," said Trutnev, admitting that Russia had to implement deep structural reforms to prevent its economy spiralling out of control. Kudrin highlighted "monstrous methods" used by law enforcement to attack companies, leading to massive harm for the economy and the collapse of many independent businesses. Both were clearly worried.

No wonder. The Russian economy has been in the doldrums for well over a year now and the decline shows no signs of abating. Low oil prices and international sanctions are taking their toll: the economy is expected to contract by around 3% this year. Shockingly, by 2017, the economy is forecast to be smaller than it was in 2012.

The fact that this Russian admission passed largely unnoticed runs parallel to Europe's relations with Russia. While Europe obsesses on Russian expansionism in Ukraine and the Middle East, and political 'assassinations' abroad, there is a destabilising factor that is just as powerful within the country itself.

While editorials in the Wall Street Journal labelled Russia a 'terror state', a more accurate description would be to describe the country as a mafia state. One where corruption has been institutionalised, intimidation is a way of life and untamed racketeers have bred anarchy within the business environment.

This has led to a chronic imbalance, with previously profitable companies are concentrated increasingly in the hands of Russian robber barons. The impact of the economic decline is being felt sharply beyond the corridors of power in Moscow and beyond the circles of oligarchs: it is being felt by the general population. With expensive foreign wars to fight there is an urgent need to reform the economy and stamp out corruption. This is the problem, and the choice, that Putin and the leadership faces.

Official government statistics published at the end of 2015 showed that wages had fallen 9.2% in real terms year-on-year. The decline was the first such fall since the economic turmoil of the late 1990s. Wages did not fall even during the 2008 financial depression. Coupled with rising prices for food and other basic goods, 2016 is shaping up to be a tough year for ordinary Russians.

One avenue of economic improvement is the potential offered by the growth of private enterprises. The role of government everywhere should be to put a framework in place where firms can thrive, grow their bottom line and most importantly, pay tax and offer employment, providing wages which in turn can be spent on goods and services. Down this road lies a prosperous society. The renewed efforts to embark on a privatisation programme of state assets show this is understood.

However, the Russian business climate has been stone cold for a number of years. There has been a well-documented history of corporate raiding, which has been systemic. The country's Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, previously claimed that widespread lawlessness was stifling economic growth. That was in 2008. In the six years since, little has changed. Corporate raiding is still ingrained and the prevalence of the practice shows no signs of fading.

Corporate raiding follows a familiar playbook. Whether we are talking about an attack on Hermitage Capital, Smarts or TogliattiAzot, in each case well placed individuals have taken advantage of their personal connections within the police, judiciary or political hierarchies to seize assets they covet.

Corporate raiding is facilitated by the system: fallacious lawsuits are brought; trumped up tax penalties imposed; and illegal raids on assets. Former business ombudsman Boris Titov said in 2013 that some 600,000 criminal cases had been opened against entrepreneurs in the preceding three years and that 110,924 of them had led to prison terms. This sends a very direct message that Russia is far from being open for business.

Take the most recent, and ongoing example of corporate raiding, at TogliattiAzot. Some 10,000 people are employed by TogliattiAzot, making it one of the largest industrial producers, employers and taxpayers in Russia. Attacks have been ongoing since 2005, as a result, the company has been dogged by uncertainty.

The case against TogliattiAzot, orchestrated by well-connected oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, is particularly important from an economic point of view. If Mazepin's fight to take control of TogliattiAzot is successful, he will control 20% of the world's ammonia production directly and consolidate his hold on this multi-billion-dollar industry in Russia.

The continuing and relentless attack by Mazepin offers a test of whether the Russian Government will tolerate yet another asset grab by corporate raiders - or if it will make clear to the business community and investors that corporate conflicts must be resolved in a legal and business-like way. If the raid is successful it would be another nail in the coffin for Russia's reputation as a place for investment.

If the Russian government wants to put business first and get the Russian economy working again then it needs to create a clear and fair legal regime for business and put an end to corporate raiding. Europe needs to turn the spotlight on the routine abuse that goes on in business circles in Russia. The minimal coverage of the Davos debate was telling.

While we endlessly dissect Russia's effect on a geo-political level, we largely ignore the fact that there are fundamental issues in the Russian economy that distort global commerce and that may bring the whole house of cards crashing down, just like it did in the late 80s.



(Sir Graham Watson was the Leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe in the European Parliament 2002-09 and President of the ALDE Party 2011-15).


Drug lords kill police

TWO police officers were killed on the spot when they were run over by a narcotics laden truck at a checkpoint under Shibganj Upazila in Chapainawabganj district in the early hours of Thursday, as per a report of The New Nation. Riding a motorcycle, the police officers were chasing the truck which was allegedly carrying phensidyl. But the truck driver violated the signal and crashed the motorcycle along with two policemen in Kasatpukuria area on Shibganj-Sonamasjid highway.

The victims were identified as Sajidul Islam, son of Abdus Sattar, hailing from Dinajpur district and SI of Shibganj Police Station, and Ataul Islam, son of Shajahan, hailing from Joypurhat district and a trainee traffic sergeant of the police station. Police instantly formed a special team and started operation to track down the killer truck and its driver.

After killing two police officers, the truck tried to flee away through a nearby village road, but ultimately it failed to get any escape route. Police later seized the blood-stained truck and arrested its driver Mohammad Siraj from there. Police also recovered 1,450 bottles of phensidyl worth about Tk 1.5 crore. Police brought the truck to the local police station and filed three cases, including a murder, against the driver with the station.

A school teacher was killed in broad daylight on the same day by the miscreants in Saldha Upazila of Faridpur district as he protected those drug users who are also engaged in anti-social offensives in the locality. There has been a police case also.

The menace and lure of drugs is so powerful that it corrupts whoever comes into touch with it  in this case the driver of the truck. From the Faridpur case, it is evident that even the once peaceful villages are not free from the harmful aggression of drugs.

So far, India  our big friendly neighbour is the major supplier of most drugs to our country. In more simple words, drug supply to Bangladesh has long been a big business for the Indian side.

This pernicious influence of drugs is the main reason why it remains banned in all countries  like Mexico and the US have spent billions of dollars combating the supply side to lower the demand  but it has not worked properly. This is because the demand side must be also dealt with. The pervasive influence of drugs can infiltrate any stratum of society, and once hooked, it becomes impossible for an individual to evade its clutches.

For Bangladesh it should not be too difficult to find out who the real drug smugglers are, what are the supply routes, who are the middlemen in the country, and so on. It is simply a matter of proper investigation and detective work to figure out the shifting ways by which drug smugglers bring in their deadly cargoes. But the will to do so must be there  otherwise we will essentially be allowing a section of our population to fall prey to the menace which is drug addiction. We may not be able to control addicts through rehab centers, but surely we can stop the deadly flow of such drugs to our borders.






AL faces no rival in many UPs

JP faces scarcity of candidates: BNP doubts over free, fair polls

Sagar Biswas :Like as the first phase, there is apparently no contestant against Awami League candidates in 13 Union Parishads [UPs] in the second phase of polls starting on March 31. Besides, aggressive campaign by ruling party candidates have turned the polls scenario into dull where day-night campaign, meeting, sitting, sticking posters, large size banners-festoons and even use of loudspeakers are almost absent in several UPs.Reports from Patuakhali say, the AL supporters set fire on the house and crops godown of a rival candidate at Char Montaj UP under Rangabali upzila in the district on Saturday afternoon. Police said, the supporters of AL nominated candidate Hanif Mia [boat symbol] conducted the attack on AL rival candidate Nazmul Huda [horse symbol] which left about 20 others seriously injured.In Sitakunda, the AL supporters allegedly attacked BNP nominated chairman candidate Ohidul Islam Chowdhury at Baraidhala union at 10:00pm on Friday.The incidents of attack and arson took place in five other UPs of Patuakhali and Pabna on Thursday night to Friday where at least 70 persons were injured during the clashes. Of the disturbed UPs, there were AL rival candidates in four UPs and the rest one was an independent candidate. In the meanwhile, the ruling party candidates were already elected 'uncontested' in around 80 out of the 750 UPs with the 'boat' symbol in the first phase of election, which will be started on March 22. On the other hand, the condition of other major political parties, including BNP and Jatiya Party, is not 'good' at all. No nomination paper was submitted in favour of BNP men in 58 UPs. Besides, the JP could able to submit nomination only in 175 UPs till the date. According to EC, a total of 3,108 chairman candidates have submitted their nominations in the elections to 651 UPs to be held during the second phase scheduled for March 31.Out of the total 40 political parties, only 15 parties have registered with the EC to nominate their chairman candidates for the second phase of UP polls. Of the total chairman candidates, the political parties have nominated a total of 1,555 persons while the remaining 1,553 are independent candidates. The AL has nominated the highest 645 candidates followed by BNP which has nominated 587 chairman candidates."We do not expect that the EC will hold the UP election in free and fair means. They [EC] are now asking police to use bullets. We doubt where the police will fire the bullets.I urge the EC to announce fresh schedule in those UPs where the BNP candidates failed to file their nomination papers," BNP Chairperson's Adviser Advocate Khondkar Mahbub Hossain yesterday said. The situation is really critical for the JP too. The JP could field only 175 candidates with plough symbol against 644 UPs for the second phase polls. In the first phase, they could manage only 148 candidates against 734 UPs.Interestingly, the JP leaders also blamed ruling party candidates for such troubled situation. "Our candidates are not showing any interest to take part in the polls fearing wrath of ruling party candidates. In several UPs, our candidates failed to submit their nomination papers," said a JP leader requesting not to be named. There is widespread allegation that the ruling candidates are creating obstacles to the opponent candidates by different means in most of the UPs, but the Election Commission is not taking any visible action despite complaints. The ruling party candidates are conducting attack on opponent contenders in several UPs. Instead of running publicity, the musclemen of AL candidates are frequently threatening, harassing or assaulting rival candidates to ensure their win without any difficulty, it is also alleged.Secretary of Sushashoner Jonnyo Nagarik [SUJAN] Badiul Alam Mazumdar on Saturday said, "Partisan basis selection in the UP has opened a new business. Earlier, such businesses were dealt in parliamentary elections. Now, this has reached at grassroots level. It obviously has posed risk to democracy. It's a 10-number danger signal." EC sources said Islami Andolon Bangladesh has fielded 93 candidates. Besides, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal [JSD] has put 24 candidates, Bangladesh Workers Party and Jaker Party 6 each, Jatiya Party [Monju] and Bangladesh Communist Party 5 each, National Peoples Party, Islami Front and Jamiyate Ulamaye Islam Bangladesh 2 each, Bikalpadhara Bangladesh, Bangladesh Islami Front and Bangladesh National Awami Party have fielded one UP chairman candidate each. Nine other political parties submitted names and signatures of their party chiefs to nominate candidates to the EC. But they did not nominate any candidate. The parties are Bangladesh Nationalist Front, Khelafat Majlish, Liberal Democratic Party, Jaitya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, Krishak Sramik Janata League, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesher Biplobi Workers party and Bangladesh Kalyan party, according to EC.
DU campus now safe haven for addicts!

Abir Rayhan :

Dhaka University (DU) campus and its adjacent areas have turned into a safe haven for the drug traders and the addicts. It was alleged that neither the Dhaka University authorities nor the law enforcing agencies are taking any effective step in this regard.

All the drug items like Yaba, heroin, pethidine and ganja are now available in at least 20 spots on the campus. The drug items are available, especially in the evening.

The consumption of drug and the drug trading increased on the campus following restriction on entering the Suhrawardy Uddyan after sunset, as the Suhrawardy Uddyan was a safe drug zone. On August 27 in 2015, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police and the DU authorities imposed a restriction to enter the Suhrawardy Uddyan following the incidents of attacks, snatching of valuables, increasing of drug use and sexual harassment of women.

The visitors and the University students feel embarrassed on the campus, particularly at TSC, Doel Chattar, Law Faculty area to Chankharpul, High Court gate to Amar Ekushey Hall area and Fuller Road to Plashey.

Sources said, the drug traders and their clients, mostly youngsters from different corners of the capital city, throng some points of the DU campus after sunset to take drug and most of them take drugs standing on open street there.

Hasan, a tea vendor on the campus, said that the drug addicts openly take pethidine through syringe near the gate of Shahidullah Hall and Fazlul Hoque Muslim Hall. Many of them have also built makeshift residence on footpath on the way to Amar Ekushey Hall from Curzon Hall to use drug.

Besides, newly-made footover bridge near Sufia Kamal Hall are now occupied by the drug addicted persons.

Nowrin Jahan, a 3rd year student of DU Sufia Kamal Hall, said that the footover bridge was built for the easy and lively walking by the university students on way to the Curzon Hall, but they cannot use it due to the drug addicts.

Abu Rakib, a 3rd year student of the Fazlul Haq Muslim Hall, said, "From 2nd floor of my dormitory where I live, anyone can easily see that the outsiders take drug openly on the street alongside the hall's wall."

Citing vulnerable condition of the campus, DU Bijoy Ekattor Hall 3rd year student Nayon Hawlader said, "Most of the time I have to go Chankharpul for dinner, but it is hard to believe that it is my campus, sometimes I feel that I am now walking by the railway line in the Kawran Bazar area." Nazrul Islam, Security Guard of the Shahidullah Hall told The New Nation that they earlier tried to drive these addicts, but many times drug addicts attack them with blade or syringe.

DU Acting Proctor Professor M Amzad Ali said that the proctorial body is on duty always and when they see someone they drive them. As Boi Mela ended some days ago, our team is working from the TSC to Bangla Academy and Central Play Ground to Chankarpul area to drive them, he added.

Shahbagh Police Station Officer-In-Charge Abu Baker Siddique told The New Nation that the police every day arrest addicts and traders, but the addicted persons are so terrible that we cannot keep them with other criminals in custody. "We will increase number of forces soon to tackle the situation," he said.
Two months after the Academic Standards Review Commission issued its final report, the fate of Common Core in North Carolina is far from settled.

The State Board of Education will discuss the report's findings next month.

Some legislative leaders contend that if the State Board doesn't move to end Common Core Standards, the General Assembly will.

By A.P. DillonThe controversy over the Common Core State Standards in North Carolina began over four years ago but the fate of the standards is still undecided.The Academic Standards Review Commission tasked with reviewing the standards and suggesting a replacement met for 15 months. Their final meeting was in December 2015, when the majority of the commission turned on one of their own members over the math recommendations.The attacks on the math recommendations were so bizarre that it left journalists watching the meeting scratching their heads and spurred Co-Chair Tammy Covil to break ranks by penning a dissenting opinion letter What resulted was arguably a watered-down restating of the task set forth for the commission by the legislature in Senate Bill 812.Two months after the Academic Standards Review Commission held their final meeting and presented their reports, the State Board of Education has yet to take up the recommendations produced. However, that might change next month.The sub-committee of the State Board of Education handling the recommendations is made up of two members, Eric Davis and Dr. Olivia Oxendine. Dr. Oxendine was also a member of the Academic Standards Review Commission. Oxendine's involvement raises the question of whether or not she is too close to the issue to be impartial, given that she joined in on the attacks on the math group's recommendations.According to Sen. Jerry Tillman, State Superintendent June Atkinson told him the State Board of Education would be discussing the recommendations at the board's March 2-3 meetings . Tillman's bill, Senate Bill 812, authorized the Academic Standards Review Commission.Tillman said.In his conversation with me about the status of the recommendations, Tillman said that if the State Board doesn't act to get rid of Common Core, the legislature would.Tillman said, referring to the Board of Education.the senator said. He suggested it might beTillman also indicated he didn't have a lot of trust in the State Board at this point but would wait and see what happened. "I don't know what it will take, but I'm going to wait until the State Board acts. I don't have much confidence in them, to be honest with you," he said.On the House side of the legislature, Rep. Larry Pittman also produced a bill (House Bill 1061) that called for a commission to review the standards.Rep. Pittman had been a fairly constant fixture at the commission's meetings, so I caught up with him to see what his take was on the current status of the commission's recommendations."As I attended the meetings of the Academic Standards Review Commission (ASRC), I thought I saw progress being made toward actually getting a report from them against Common Core. They seemed to be doing honest research and discovering for themselves how outrageously foolish Common Core is," Pittman said.Pittman continued, "Tammy Covil and Dr. Ted Scheick did a valiant job of presenting the major idiocy of using Common Core. I had begun to hope the ASRC would actually deliver a report that would support moving us away from it.he said.On the topic of what action the State Board of Education might take, and if their decision was being influenced by outside parties, Pittman said,Pittman also is taking a wait-and-see approach, but made clear that he would act if the State Board did not take steps to move North Carolina away from Common Core.he said.The message here is clear - citizens and parents engaged on the issue of Common Core will have to wait alongside Tillman and Pittman until the State Board of Education takes up the recommendations.What is also clear is that regardless of the State Board of Education's decision, members of the General Assembly do not intend to allow Common Core to continue in North Carolina.
5 Bangladeshis killed in Riyadh road crash

Staff Reporter :Five Bangladeshi workers were killed and two others injured when a trailer hit their bus as they were going to their workplace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on early Saturday.The deceased were identified as Ershad Ali, Nazrul Islam, Abdul Khaleque, Sohel Mia and Nannu Mia. The accident took place around 5:30am (local time), Golam Mushi, Bangladeshi ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told The New Nation on Saturday night. The two injured have been taken to a local hospital where their condition is stated to be critical, Mushi added.Mizanur Rahman, second secretary (labour) of Bangladesh consulate in Riyadh, has already visited the hospital, he added.
Tk 15 lakh looted from bKash staff: 3 hurt

Staff Reporter :A gang of muggers shot three bKash employees and looted Tk 15 lakh from them in the city's Agargaon area on Saturday afternoon.The injured employees are Saidur Rahman, Razu Hasan and Faruk Hossain. Of them, Saidur Rahman, Security In-Charge of bKash agent, was admitted to the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedic Rehabilitation (Nitor) in the capital, police said. Inspector (investigation) AK Azad of Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station, said, "A CNG-run auto-rickshaw intercepted a microbus, by which three bKash employees were going with money, in front of Taltala Govt Girls' High School at about 2:30pm. Being intercepted, microbus driver locked into an altercation with the auto-rickshaw driver. At that time, six muggers riding on two motorcycles sprayed bullets and snatched the money from the bKash employees. Saidur received a bullet in his leg during the shooting, the police official said. We are investigating the incident," he said.
Exclude CJ, AG from SC bench

Minister demands rehearing on Mir Quasem's appeal

S M Mizanur Rahman :

Food Minister Quamrul Islam has demanded rehearing on the appeal filed by the condemned war criminal Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali excluding Chief Justice S K Sinha from the five-member bench of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

"We have understood that what judgment will be pronounced regarding this appeal hearing following the Chief Justice's open remarks on it in the court," the Minister said while addressing a discussion at Bilia Auditorium in city's Dhanmondi area on Saturday.

The Supreme Court (SC) will deliver its verdict on March 8 (Tuesday) on the appeal filed by condemned war criminal Mir Quasem Ali challenging the death penalty for his crimes against humanity during the Liberation War.

After the closure of the appeal arguments, a five-member bench of the SC, led by Chief Justice SK Sinha, first set March 2 for delivering the judgment but it later shifted the date to March 8 on account of absence of the Chief Justice who will then be out of the city on a tour.

Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee organised the discussion titled "Conspiracy Against the Trial of the Mass Killers in 1971: Duties of Government, Judiciary and Civil Society"

Apart from the Chief Justice, Quamrul Islam also demanded to exclude the Attorney General to run this case.

He said the Chief Justice's statement has also proved that there is no scope to uphold the death penalty in the case.

"If the Appellate Division upholds the death penalty for Mir Quasem Ali, it seems the government had created pressure for the verdict. If the Chief Justice and the Attorney General take part in the hearing, we will not get justice," he said.

He said a new bench excluding the Chief Justice should be formed to rehear on the appeal.

"The Chief Justice is now echoing the allegations of Jamaat, their international lobbyists, BNP and even the Attorney General. And his (Chief Justice) question about the prosecution's politics regarding the case may make judgment controversial," the Food Minister said.

Meanwhile, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque requested the Chief Justice to withdraw his statement. "No one is above the law. Even the justice," he said.

Earlier on February 9, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court started hearing an appeal filed by Jamaat-e-Islami leader Mir Quasem Ali challenging the verdict of a war crimes tribunal that awarded him to death sentence for wartime offences.

A five-member bench of the Appellate Division headed by Chief Justice S K Sinha began the hearing with Quasem's lawyer S M Shahjahan reading out the charges.

The other judges of the bench are: Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain, Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, Justice Bazlur Rahman and Justice Mirza Hussain Haider.

On November 2, 2014, the then International Crimes Tribunal-2 sentenced Mir Quasem Ali to death after it found him guilty on 10 charges of abduction, and confining and torturing people during the Liberation War in 1971.

Mir Quasem later filed an appeal with the SC challenging the tribunal's verdict. A member of Jamaat-e-Islami Central Executive Council, Mir Quasem, in his appeal, cited 181 reasons for his acquittal on all charges.

So far, the apex court has handed down its verdicts against six war criminals in war crimes cases.


Was mother the lone killer?

Police mum: Brother not ready to accept RAB's version

Joynal Abedin Khan :Law enforcers are yet to make further progress over the murder incident of two siblings in the city's Bansree area.They are also still on suspicious about the number of killers of the gruesome murder case even after passing of six days.The cop members are almost mum to make any comment about development of grilling Mahfuza Malek Jesmine, the only suspected accused of the murder case. Police interrogated her at their custody in connection with the sensational murder of her children, but could not gather any new information to sure about the number of killers, Rafiqul Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Rampura Police Station, told The New Nation on Saturday night. "We will be continuing interrogation to Jesmine to unveil the motive of the murder incident," the police official said. The murdered babies' mother Jesmin gave almost the same information in past days about the killing to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Police in their custodies, the OC said."Police are investigating the much-talked murder case based on multi-dimensional family backgrounds and other related issues as well as confessional statements from several persons in this connection," Rafiqul Islam said. All the colleted samples and autopsy report of the murder are being testified to make clear the incident, he said. Replying to a query over the media report, the OC termed the published reports on different media in this regard as false and fabricated.He further said that they had nothing new information from Jesmine on the second-day of the remand in connection with the murder case to supply the media. The OC said, "Her statements are nearly identical. But we'll probe whether there are any other motives behind the murder of the children.""We questioned her on Friday night. She admitted nonchalantly that she had killed her children out of anxiety over their education," the OC said.Inspector Mostafizur Rahamn is the investigation officer of the case. The children's father, Amanullah, filed the case accusing Jesmine on Thursday night.He said that they would also question the grandmother to get her account of the day the children were murdered.Earlier, RAB had brought the parents from Jamalpur to the capital on Wednesday. The elite force on Thursday also said Jesmine had confessed to killing her two children "out of anxiety over their education and future".A Dhaka court on Friday sent her into police custody for five days for questioning.Question has been raised over the 'psychological stability' of Jesmine, but RAB said she was 'mentally sound' when she admitted to the crime.Jesmine is currently being held at Rampura Police Station, Sub-Inspector Sima Akter on Saturday."No one from her family has come to visit her and brought her food."However, Jesmine's brother, Zakir Hossain Sarker refuted the RAB claim. "My sister cannot kill anyone. She loved her children very much." Demanding a 'proper' investigation, he said, "RAB said it, but my sister didn't say in front of everyone that she killed her children."Forensic experts at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) found bruises and finger prints on their throats as well as injury marks on several parts of their bodies during the autopsy.Nusrat Aman Oroni, 14, and her brother Alvi Aman, 6, were found unconscious at their Banasree home in Dhaka on the afternoon of February 29. They were declared dead after being rushed to DMCH at night.
More moms go brutal

Three other children also killed

Staff Reporter :Three more children left the beautiful world because their mothers did not want them to live long. The unfortunate children's heartless mothers killed them on Saturday and Friday. The fathers of the children lodged cases against the mothers for the brutal incidents and the police arrested all of them. At Kishorganj, a one and a half-year old son (Mahadi) was slaughtered at Maria Union of Kishoreganj Sadar upazila on Saturday morning. Family sources said Abul Kalam Azad from Kishorganj upazila of the district married Salma Akhter from Kishoreganj Sadar upazila quite a few years ago. They have three children. Mahadi was the youngest. Salma Akhter has been reportedly suffering from mental disease. On February 20, she (Salma Akhter) went to her father's house at Parabhanga village in sadar upazila of the district. On Saturday morning, she entered a room with her son and locked the door. Salma managed a machete and chopped her son's shoulder and finally she slaughtered to ensure the death. After the brutal incident, she washed her hands and uniform and told the family members that she killed her son. On information, Police Superintendent of Kishorganj Anwar Hossain visited the spot and arrested the brutal mother. The body was sent to Kishoreganj Sadar Hospital Morgue for autopsy. "It is very regrettable and pathetic incident. I cannot think how it is possible on the part of a mother," the SP said. In Moulavibazar, a woman tried to commit suicide by drinking toxic at Jury upazila on Thursday night after killing her daughter. Parvin Begum, mother of six-year old Sadia Begum, was admitted to the Sylhet Osmani Medical College and Hospital and the daughter was buried after autopsy.Sadia's father Jakir Hossain filed a murder case against his wife with the Jury Police Station on Saturday morning. Family and police sources said that Sadia, a class one student, lived with her parents at Jafarnagar union of the upazila. Her father Jakir Hossain is an expatriate. He came to his village home one and a half-month ago after five years from abroad.When he was watching the Bangladesh-Pakistan T-20 match on Thursday evening at a village teashop, he was informed that his daughter was vomiting. He rushed to Sylhet Osmani Medical College and Hospital by a microbus. On the way to the hospital, Jakir observed that his wife was also vomiting. His wife and daughter were admitted to the hospital and the duty doctor declared his daughter dead at 3am on Thursday. The doctors found that the mother drunk toxic. His wife is also undergoing treatment. Jakir shared the matter with his family members and friends. They suggested him to file a case. Officer-in-Charge of Jury Police Station Hamidur Rahman Siddique said, the treatment of Parvin Begum is undergoing under the surveillance of police. "We will interrogate her after recovery," the OC said. At Barisal, a mother allegedly killed her hearing-impaired four-year old daughter on Friday. But the reason of the killing is still in dark. Imran Hossain Milon, the father of deceased Swapna Khanam Mam, lodged a case against Nazma Begum, mother of Mam, with the Uzirpur Police Station on Saturday.
Greek governor urges state of emergency

Al Jazeera News :A regional governor has called on the Greek government to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing where thousands of refugees are stranded due to border restrictions along the route towards Western Europe.About 13,000-14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, according to Apostolos Tzitzikostas, governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia."It's a huge humanitarian crisis. I have asked the government to declare the area in a state of emergency," Tzitzikostas said during a visit to Idomeni on Saturday to distribute aid to the Red Cross and other non-governmental organisations. "This cannot continue for much longer."Aid agencies have expanded the Idomeni camp as new arrivals cause more overcrowding. However, living conditions are deteriorating and it is feared another 18,000 refugees elsewhere in Greece will eventually arrive at the border. Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel-Hamid, reporting from Idomeni, said: "Once it is in place - and that will not be before Monday - it would mean there is a release of emergency funds, first 200,000 euros, to help out in this camp, provide more tents, food, blankets and facilities. There is no running water here."Up to 1,000 more refugees arrived on Saturday in the Greek port of Piraeus from the Aegean islands of Lesbos and Chios, the Greek coastguard reported.The neighbouring former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia has stopped all but a trickle of Iraqi and Syrian refugees from crossing, following similar restrictions by countries further north on the route to western Europe. The moves have caused a huge bottleneck in Greece, whose islands' proximity to the Turkish coast has made it the preferred entry point for refugees and other migrants seeking better lives in Europe.Greek authorities said only about 180 people crossed the border between 6am on Friday and the same time on Saturday morning. "The former Yugoslav republic needs to open immediately to borders and the European Union needs to implement severe action against the countries that are closing borders today, whether they are members of the European Union or candidate members," Tzitzikostas said."This is unacceptable what they are doing."Tzitzikostas said the region needed the emergency measures - or alternatively for the law to be amended - so that regional authorities can obtain the necessary emergency supplies and food to support the refugees and improve their living conditions.
Bid to construct Mongla Port jetties under PPP

UNB, Dhaka :

A process is underway to award a contract for the construction and operation of two jetties at Mongla Port under the public-private partnership (PPP) to enhance its capacity. According to official sources, the Shipping Ministry has already selected a private consortium of foreign and local firms to build the two new jetties in the country's second largest sea port.

A Shipping Ministry document, obtained by UNB, reveals that GMAPS-PowerPac Consortium was picked as a qualified responsive bidder from three aspirant bidders who initially expressed interest in the project.

Of the country's two sea ports, Chittagong Port handles around 94 percent, while Mongla Port the remaining 6 percent.

Mongla Port, located about 131 km inland off the Bay of Bengal on the Pussur River at its confluence with the Mongla River in the country's southern part, was designed to cater to 11 concrete jetties. Of these, five jetties have so far been built while piling works for two have been completed and four earmarked for future expansion.

According to the Shipping Ministry document, the project to construct and operate the two jetties was undertaken in 2010.

Responding to the bid invited by Shipping Ministry, three private firms - United Enterprises and Co. Ltd (UECL); Consortium of Summit Alliance Port Ltd and Summit Power Ltd (SAPL-SPL); and GMAPS-PowerPac Consortium-submitted their proposals for pre-qualification of the project in 2013.

After the evaluation of the bids, the Shipping Ministry invited request for proposals (RFPs) from them and also prepared a concession agreement. But of the three firms, only GMAPS-PowerPac Consortium submitted its proposal. After the scrutiny of the proposal, the Shipping Ministry's technical evaluation committee (TEC) found the GMAPS-PowerPac's bid technically responsive and moved for evaluating its financial proposal.

In the financial evaluation, the GMAPS-PowerPac also came out to be qualified and responsive bidder. The Shipping Ministry, meanwhile, has sent the project concession agreement to the Law Ministry for its vetting.

Official sources said, the Law Ministry approved the concession agreement with some amendments to its terms and conditions.

As per the amended concession agreement, the estimated cost of the project looks to be $52.75 million, while the concession period 30 years.

The Shipping Ministry said once the two new jetties go into operation that will help the Mongla Port enhance its revenue by 50 percent.

According to the concession agreement's terms and conditions, the first two years will be for construction. Of the rest 28 years, the GMAPS-PowerPac-run two jetties will get 39.20 percent of the total shipping to be arriving in the port, while the Mongla Port's own jetties will get the remaining 60.80 percent in the first five years of operation.

For the second five years, it will be 29.40 percent and 70.60 percent respectively for two sides. For the remaining 18 years, the GMAPS-PowerPac-run two jetties will get 24.50 percent and the Mongla Port 75.50 percent of the ships coming to the port.
Experts warn against dangers of low-quality drugs

UNB, Dhaka :

Experts here at a conference on Saturday warned that unapproved harmful drugs are being manufactured in Bangladesh in the name of herbal medicines.

"Many people here take unapproved herbal medicine for treating impotency and hair loss and for boosting energy uselessly," said pharmaceutical professor of Dhaka University ABM Faroque, adding that several pharmaceutical companies are also manufacturing substandard allopathic medicine.

Ayurved & Naturopathy Association of Bangladesh (AYUNS), Dhaka University's Department of Pharmacy, the Public Health Foundation of Bangladesh, and Hamdard University Bangladesh jointly organised the fourth AYUNS international conference at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University.

The theme of this year's conference was 'traditional medicine and universal health coverage'.

Prof Faroque alleged that many pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh have been given permission to manufacture life-saving drugs like antibiotics although they have no adequate capacity and infrastructure to produce drugs.

Suggesting qualified and registered practitioners be consulted before taking herbal medicine, he said substandard medicines don't work

to treat patients but they do cause health hazards. Despite that however, speakers suggested expansion of the use of alternative medicine, which include ayurvedic, unani and homeopathic medicines, to cut medical expenses.

They said integration of alternative or traditional medicine into the national healthcare system and its wider use can contribute greatly to the universal health coverage that the Bangladesh government has targeted to achieve by 2032.

According to them, the entire world is now inclined towards traditional medicine which has been proved highly effective in disease treatment and prevention with low side effects. Alternative medicine is less expensive than allopathic or mainstream medicine.

Vice Chancellor of Hamdard University Bangladesh Prof Dr Tanvir Ahmed Khan, chairman of Department of Pharmacy at the University of Dhaka Professor Dr Sitesh C Bachar, line director at Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Monowara Sultana, founder of Hamdard University Bangladesh Dr Hakim Md Yousuf Harun Bhuyan and secretary general of Bangladesh Medical Association Prof M Iqbal Arslan, among others, spoke at the conference.
The Elites Want Genocide This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends This is the way the world ends Not with a bang but a ...
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 self-anointed pedestal; a functioning society of a good Constitutional people cannot withstand this level of "existential" favoritism as it exists now.
First North Carolina Mobile Office Coming to Central North Carolina

News Release:



Raleigh, N.C. Wake Forest area residents will be among the first stops in central North Carolina to experience the Division of Motor Vehicles' new mobile office. The office, which carries two driver license examiner stations, is part of Governor Pat McCrory's initiative to improve customer service and reduce wait times at the DMV.



"This first of its kind mobile office allows us to connect all North Carolinians to the services they need, regardless of where they live," Governor McCrory said. "This one stop shop allows customers to handle all their motor vehicle needs close to home."



The new compact mobile office will make its area debut on Monday, March 7. The office will be located at the Town of Wake Forest Renaissance site at 405 South Brooks Street from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday.



"We are particularly happy to bring the first new NCDMV mobile office to central North Carolina," said Motor Vehicles Commissioner Kelly J. Thomas. "This new mobile office will offer towns like Wake Forest all across North Carolina a new way to provide better service to their citizens. We are very happy that NCDMV could have a hand in that."



The new mobile office mirrors the driver license services that are offered in brick-and-mortar offices.



"This new unit not only gives us new flexibility, but it also offers a completely new tool in our toolbox for serving DMV customers," said Department of Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson. "It is the first of its kind, and we would not be at all surprised to have other jurisdictions in the country show an interest in this new concept."



After leaving Wake Forest Monday, the mobile office will observe the following schedule in March. It will then return to Wake Forest on Monday, March 21.



Creedmoor Volunteer Fire Department

101 Elm St.

March 10  9 a.m.-4 p.m.



Scotland Neck

Old Town Hall Building

110 E. 11th St.

March 15  9 a.m.-4 p.m.



Warrenton

National Guard Armory

501 U.S. Hwy. 158 Business East

March 16  9 a.m.-4 p.m.



DMV plans to add three more mobile offices and make 70 stops throughout the state.



The new mobile offices are part of Governor McCrory's Driving Change initiatives at DMV. The agency is now offering online driver license renewals statewide, issues a more durable and secure driver license, has a new MyDMV portal that brings single-point access to all online DMV services, and has updated DMV offices across the state to improve services and reduce wait times.



Contact: Crystal Feldman

govpress@nc.gov


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.
    ,             .  :  -,         . ,    .   ?   ? !  -  !   !          .    .       4    . !
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ...

[For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien...

Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many...

Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

[BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm...

Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...

How to choose a sextoy for Indian

Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.

Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points:  Does the size fit you (the partner)?

Does the size fit you (your partner)?

Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?

Price range

First of all, the choice of size is quite important.

Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.

For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.

Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.

Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.

If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.

Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.

Finally, there is the price range.

The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.

Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.

Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?

I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.

For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.

If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.

How to buy sextoys in India

The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.

For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.

Sextoy is one of them.

Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.

SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.

They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.

Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.

To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.

ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.

Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.

Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.

Cautions for Indians using sextoy

When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind

Keep sex toys clean

Watch out for electrical leakage

Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy

As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.

Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.

It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.

In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.

Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.

If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.

You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.

Summary

What did you think?

In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.

The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.

As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.

However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.

If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?

Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.

I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it.
Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey.  Fitzhugh Mullan
Mission

Bibliophiliac is the space where one passionate, voracious reader reflects on books and the reading life. You will find reviews, analysis, links, and reflections on poetry and prose both in and out of the mainstream.


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.
To see our child's killer brought to justice and face Federal terrorism charges in a Washington DC court, two things need to happen.

One: The US has to explain to Jordan the imperative of the Hashemite Kingdom complying with its legal obligations under the 1995 Jordan/US Extradition Treaty whose validity Jordan has disingenuously denied since March 2017.

Two: Jordan must arrest Ahlam Tamimi who has lived free in Jordan's capital since 2011 and hand her to US law enforcement officials who will put her on a flight to the US.




Ive been gone a while from the blogging scene. Some of my more regular readers no doubt noticed but did not hassle me about it. Thank you for that. Sinc...

6 years ago
The President of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR Rovnag Abdullayev attended the opening of a new service center of SOCAR Georgia Petroleum in Tbilisi, said SOCARs message.

The service center was opened in the Vake district  center of Tbilisi. The modern interior design is intended to create the most comfortable environment for high-quality services to individuals and legal entities.

Thirty five people are employed at the service center.

SOCAR Georgia Petroleum has 19 service centers throughout Georgia, five of which are in Tbilisi, seven - in Eastern and Western Georgia.

In 2015, the service centers sold over 104 million liters at retail.

The head office of the service centers was commissioned in 2015.

Abdullayev met with Georgias Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili during his visit to Georgia and discussed the issues of mutual interest and the prospects of bilateral cooperation.

A ceremony of signing documents by SOCAR president and Georgias officials was held. After the signing ceremony Rovnag Abdullayev and Georgias Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze held a press conference.
A delegation from Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF) will visit Azerbaijan in May, Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijans Economy Minister said.

He made remarks at the meeting with Frances Ambassador to Azerbaijan Aurelia Bouchez.

MEDEF is a private organization and the most important representative of the French business. The organization brings together 800,000 French companies of all sizes and spheres.

This visit will have a positive impact on development of relations between the two countries, said the minister.

Currently, 40 French companies operate in Azerbaijan, noted Mustafayev adding that Azerbaijan actively cooperates with a number of regions of France.

He supported the ongoing discussion on the creation of Azerbaijan-France Interregional Cooperation Council.

The minister once again brought Azerbaijans fair position over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to the ambassadors attention and said that the activities of a number of French companies in Azerbaijans occupied territories are unacceptable.

Azerbaijan is an important partner of France in the South Caucasus, and France is interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan, said the ambassador.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.

Azerbaijans trade turnover with France exceeded $1 billion in 2015, some $864.2 million of which were accounted for Azerbaijans export to this country, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.
The Vice President of the Italian Senate Linda Lanzillotta, as well as the countrys former Foreign Minister Franco Frattini will attend the IV Global Baku Forum, Italys Embassy in Baku told Trend March 4.

The IV Global Baku Forum, organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and supported by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, will be held March 10-11 in Baku.

The forum will be titled Towards a Multipolar World.

A number of issues of global concern, as well as the role of interreligious dialogue in conflict prevention, issues of migration, multiculturalism and integration, prospects for energy and global governance and other important issues will be discussed at the forum, and an exchange of views on finding solutions to these problems will be held.
A meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran will be held in Tehran, the Milliyet newspaper reported March 5.

Currently, the parties are working to define a date for the meeting, said the report.

The meeting is expected to discuss trilateral relations, further joint plans and cooperation on foreign policy issues of common interest.

The trilateral meetings of the foreign ministers are held on the basis of agreements reached by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran on expanding contacts, relations and interaction among the three countries.

Previously, the meetings of such format were held in Azerbaijans Nakhchivan and Irans Urmia.
Military vehicles and manpower of the Armenian armed forces have been destroyed, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry in a message issued March 5.

Divisions of Azerbaijans armed forces delivered a pre-emptive strike March 4 along the contact line between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia in response to the Armenian sides attempt to carry out a diversion.

Armenian leadership, who suffered losses of tens of people and military vehicles, continues to hide its bloody acts from its people, said the ministry.

Defense Ministry warns that Azerbaijans armed forces will immediately and decisively prevent diversion attempts and shelling of civilian settlements, read the message.

Armenias military infrastructure, located in Aghdere, Madagis, Talish and other settlements, will be destroyed, added the ministry.

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 withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

/By Trend/
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has arrived in Azerbaijan on an official visit March 5.

A guard of honor was lined up for Orban at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, where the national flags of the two countries were flying.

National anthems of Hungary and Azerbaijan were performed.

Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Ahmadov and other officials took part in the meeting ceremony of the Hungarian prime minister.
New permanent representative of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations at Geneva, Ambassador Vagif Sadigov has presented his credentials to Michael Moller, Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.





Ambassador Sadigov conveyed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's greetings to Michael Moller, expressing his country's interest in further strengthening cooperation with the United Nations in many areas.

Sadigov noted that Azerbaijan would continue to actively support the UN's efforts in a number of important fields, including promotion of tolerance, multiculturalism and dialogue between cultures and religions.





The Ambassador highlighted the 7th Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations to be held in Baku on April 26-27, saying UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is expected to attend the event.





He drew Moller` attention to the fact that Armenia's aggression against Azerbaijan still continued. The Ambassador emphasized that the UN recognized Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty. He expressed his confidence that the organization would further support the fair stance of Azerbaijan in line with resolutions of the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly.





Moller said the UN Geneva Office would contribute to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals program, expressing their readiness to cooperate with the UN member states.





He stressed the importance of mobilizing efforts of all countries to ensure international security.





Moller asked the Ambassador to extend his greetings to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and expressed his willingness to cooperate with Azerbaijan.




Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has pledged immediate compensation for the people of Silopi district in southeastern Turkeys Sirnak province, which was the scene of heavy clashes between security forces and PKK terrorists until recently, Anadolu agency reported.



Addressing the media in Silopi district Friday, Davutoglu said the government was making all efforts to heal wounds in the district.

"All our ministries are in a serious effort to rapidly compensate the destruction that occurred. Damaged buildings have been identified; damage assessment efforts completed and a huge reconstruction activity will start in Silopi as of tomorrow [Saturday]," the prime minister said.

?Public order was restored in Silopi following a weeks-long curfew and counter-terrorism operations carried out against the terrorist PKK group, Sirnak governor announced on Jan. 19.



A total of 136 PKK terrorists were killed in Silopi since counter-terror operations began in Dec. 15, a day after curfew was imposed, Turkish military said Jan. 18.



Davutoglu said residents of buildings with little damage would be paid to carry out repairs at their homes, while critically-damaged buildings would be included in urban transformation projects.



He added that roads and infrastructure of the district would also be renewed. "The damages in road and sewage infrastructure will swiftly be solved, all roads will be rehabilitated and all infrastructure deficiencies will be completed," he added.



The premier also vowed to grant credit to Silopi residents in efforts to revive the economic life in the district.



Davutoglu said the government was not just including terror-hit buildings in its effort, but also poorly-constructed buildings would also be renewed as part of the compensation.



He noted that the Family and Social Policies Minister, Sema Ramazanoglu, and the Environment and Urbanization Minister Fatma Guldemet Sari were already carrying out activities for the recovery of Silopi.



Davutoglu arrived in Silopi at 11.00 a.m. local time (0900GMT) via his private plane on an unannounced visit to learn more about the recently-concluded anti-terrorism operations in the district.



Sirnak Governor Ali Ihsan Su and other local officials had welcomed the prime minister at Sirnaks Serafettin Elci Airport.



Also, Davutoglu said his Friday prayers at the Silopi Carsi Mosque.

The PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization also by the U.S., and the EU -- resumed its 30-year armed campaign last July. Since then, more than 280 members of the security forces have been martyred and thousands of PKK terrorists killed, according to officials.
Irans first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri has officially welcomed Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu at Tehrans Saadabad Palace March 5.

Davutoglu heading a high-ranking delegation arrived in Tehrans Mehrabad airport March 4, where he welcomed by Iran's ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi, Irans state run-TV IRINN reported.

Davutoglu is accompanied by ministers of economy, customs and trade, energy, transport, communications and development, government officials and representatives of major Turkish media.

The Turkish prime minister, in his two-day visit to Iran, is scheduled to negotiate and meet with Jahangiri, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani.

The visit follows consultations between the two countries' foreign ministries with the objective of expansion and strengthening of political, cultural, and economic relations.

The two parties will discus the issues of mutual interests as well as regional developments including the Syrian crisis.

Turkey intends to give a new impetus to its trade ties with neighboring Iran following removal of sanctions thorough a more active role by its private sector in order to take the rising golden opportunity in Iran's economy.

Following Davutoglu's visit to Iran, the upcoming visits by Foreign Minister Zarif and President Rouhani to Turkey are on the schedule.

The 25th round of Iran-Turkey Joint Economic Cooperation Council is scheduled to convene in Turkey later this year.

/By Trend/
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and visiting Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu hold talks in Tehran on mutual relations and the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly the Syrian crisis,Press TV reported.

Davutoglu arrived in Tehran at the head of a high-ranking political and economic delegation Friday night for a two-day official visit.

Iran's Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri earlier on Saturday officially received Davutoglu in Tehran. During a joint news conference with Jahangiri, the Turkish premier said Tehran and Ankara must develop a common perspective in order to help end the crises plaguing the region.
A chain accident involving a passenger bus and several cars happened in Surakhani district of Baku, Azerbaijan March 4.

As many as 21 injured were taken to the Baku City Clinic Hospital No.3 as a result of the accident, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Health told Trend March 4.

The accident took place on the highway to the airport, when a passenger bus collided with several cars and overturned.

Currently, three of the injured are in critical condition. Five of the injured were sent home after receiving first medical aid.

Two injured, who were brought to the hospital, were operated on urgently. The rest were placed in the intensive care unit.

Investigation is underway.
Please note that the poems and essays on this site are copyright and may not be reproduced without the author's permission.






Bahrain-based Investcorp said it has reached an agreement with US-based Alpine Investors to acquire The Wrench Group, a leading provider of essential home maintenance and repair services.



A leading provider and manager of alternative investment products, Investcorp said the move is in line with the group's strategy to expand into attractive markets.



Formerly controlled by Alpine Investors, Skylight Capital, and Wrench management, the US group operates in a large and fragmented $200-billion market and has demonstrated consistent growth through all economic cycles.



It is a major provider of essential home maintenance and repair services, including heating, ventilation and air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services.



On the acquisition, Mohammed Al Shroogi, the co-chief executive officer at Investcorp, said: "Investcorp is excited to partner with Wrench Groups outstanding management team. The team has distinguished itself by achieving substantial growth in each of the companys markets while providing superior customer service."



The Wrench Group currently serves over 140,000 customers throughout the Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Phoenix markets, four of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the US.



It is marketed regionally through four prominent brands: Coolray, Berkeys, Abacus and Parker & Sons.



With approximately $150 million in revenue for 2015, the Wrench Group is positioned as a leading provider of home services in each of its markets due to high brand recognition and commitment to exceptional customer service.



The company is poised for continued growth in existing and new markets, he stated.



We plan to support the company in continuing to build upon its current successes by capitalizing on best practices across the enterprise, continuing the strong organic growth in its current regions, and strategically expanding into attractive markets, remarked Al Shoorgi.



Fahad Murad, the managing director at Investcorp for Bahrain, said: We believe The Wrench Group is a great addition to the Investcorp portfolio. There is a strong management team in place and we are looking forward to working with them through the next phase of their development.



As part of the transaction, management will continue in their current roles with the Company and retain a meaningful interest in Wrench.



Collin Hathaway, the managing partner of Skylight Capital and chairman of Wrench said: "We spent the past five years identifying and partnering with the best regional companies, leaders, and cultures in the non-discretionary home service space."



"Investcorp shares our commitment to our team, our customers and our industry, and we are thrilled to have them as a partner and resource," stated Hathaway.



Graham Weaver, the founder and partner of Alpine Investors, said: "The management team at Wrench has built a world class, durable company that continues to provide incredible service and value to thousands of customers throughout the US."



"We are honoured to have Investcorp, a first rate and experienced investor, as a partner to help the Company realize its potential," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Banks have cut credit lines for traders shipping food to war-torn Yemen, where ports have been battlegrounds and the financial system is grinding to a halt, choking vital supplies to the state.



Lenders are increasingly unwilling to offer letters of credit - which guarantee that a buyer's payment to a seller will be received on time - for cargoes to a country plagued by a civil war between the government and Houthi militia as well as an al Qaeda insurgency, say banking and trading sources.



"Western international banks no longer feel comfortable processing payments and are not willing to take the risk," said an international commodities trading source active in Yemen.



"What this means is traders are saddled with even more risks and have to effectively guarantee entire cargoes, usually millions of dollars, before the prospect of getting paid," said the source, who declined to be named, citing security concerns. "There are just more and more obstacles now to bringing goods into Yemen."



Traders that procure food for Yemen are mostly smaller, private firms based locally or regionally that buy the goods from international markets. Reuters spoke to several sources who declined to be identified, also citing security concerns.



The situation has worsened rapidly in the past month after Yemen's central bank stopped providing favourable exchange rates for local traders buying rice and sugar from global markets, say the sources, further hindering trading of food, which accounts for a large proportion of the country's imports.



The decision to limit such rates to wheat and medicine - deemed more nationally crucial - was a bid to preserve fast-dwindling foreign currency reserves.



The financing difficulties have been one of the factors behind falling shipments to Yemen, according to the sources. In January, around 77 ships berthed at ports in Yemen, according to UN data, down from around 100 ships in March last year - when the civil war escalated - and a far cry from the hundreds of ships that called every month in previous years.



The consequences could be grave for Yemen, which the United Nations says is "on the brink of catastrophe". It relies on seaborne imports for almost all its food and 21 million out of 26 million people are in need of humanitarian support, with over half the population suffering from malnutrition.



PRICES RISE



A European banking source said some banks had decided to completely withdraw from offering credit lines on food trades to Yemen. "Even if a bank is willing to process a payment, which relates to food, they have to be careful," the source added.



Trading sources said banks that had been involved in Yemen's food trade have included Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank and HSBC as well as regional Middle East banks.



Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank declined to comment. HSBC said it continued to support customers trading across the Mena region including Yemen "subject to relevant regulatory and commercial controls".



Yemeni banks are also feeling the pressure. Aidros Mohammed, an official with state-run National Bank of Yemen, said since the end of last year it had stopped opening letters of credit for the trade of goods in general "as outside banks have stopped dealing with us".



Watheq Ali Hamed, the manager of a store in Sanaa, said the decision by the central bank regarding rice and sugar purchases would be felt by ordinary Yemenis.



"Prices are already going up because of the war and the rise in the cost of securing the goods," he said. "The full effects of that decision will be felt going forward. Luckily, we still have some stocks."



Slowing of imports and rising prices could pose grave problems for Yemen, where areas are at risk of famine.



The country lacks sufficient seasonal rains, has limited access to farming areas and facing rising costs of agricultural supplies, a report by a UN food agency said in January.  Reuters
Pro-life leaders expressed shock after Pope Francis praised the "Margaret Sanger" of Italian politics.



In an interview early in February the Pope called former Italian Foreign Minister Emma Bonino one of the nation's "forgotten greats." Bonino for decades has been known as Italy's most outspoken abortion-rights activist.



In his interview with the Italian daily Corriere Della Serra, the Pope acknowledged that his praise, in which he compared her to historical figures such as Konrad Adenauer, who was the first post-world War II chancellor of Germany, and the famed French statesman Robert Schuman, could be considered controversial.



He noted she has critics but dismissed them, saying, "True, but never mind. We have to look at people, at what they do." He also praised her work and advice in dealing with Africa.



The Pope's remarks surprised church traditionalists.



"How can the Pope praise a woman that is best known in Italy for practicing illegal abortion and promoting abortion?" said Msgr. Ignacio Barreiro, who was until last year the head of the Rome office of Human Life International, reports the pro-life website LifeSiteNews.



Bonino, a leading member of the Radical Party and former European commissioner, is well known for having an abortion at the age of 27 and then working with the Information Centre on Sterilization and Abortion, which was responsible for 10,000 abortions, notes LifeSiteNews.



She entered politics after being acquitted on charges of performing illegal abortions, the site says, and there are photos of her performing abortions using a homemade device operated by a bicycle pump.



Italian politician Luca Volonte, president of the pro-life Novae Terrae Foundation, suggested to LifeSiteNews that the Pope "was not really informed about how much Mrs. Bonino has done in Italy and at the international level to promote abortion and euthanasia."

http://rorate-caeli.blogspot.com/2016/02/pope-francis-doesnt-get-involved-in.htmlNote the last paragraph, below, making excuses for what this pope did and did not know. It is countered in advance by Rorate early in the article, saying
The fight over the replacement for Antonin Scalias vacated seat on the Supreme Court is fast becoming ridiculous. I can, though, understand why the GOP leadership is so paranoid. Scalia was a lifetime tenured Republican senator/RNC committee member setting on the bench of the highest court in the land. (Wow, what a loss to the GOP.) With that in mind and the stellar performance of the GOP candidates in the last debate, (if you want to refer to the shouting, name-calling match a debate) I would be very concerned as to the outcome as to who will be the next president. If I were a Wyoming Republican today I would not be too comfortable with Sen. John Barassos and Sen. Mike Enzis attempt to stop any nomination to fill the seat Scalias death vacated. Wyoming Republicans, I strongly suggest that you consider who will be the next president of the United States. The Republican Party today is really in flux, to put it mildly. At this point Trump seems to be the likely candidate. Can you as dedicated Republicans really look into the mirror and envision Donald Trump as the GOP candidate to compete with Hillary? My question: Would you as a Republican rather have Barack Obama nominating a replacement for Scalia with a Republican-held majority Senate or have Hillary with the likely hood of a Democratic-led Senate confirming Barack Obama as the replacement for Scalia? In other words, would you rather chance having an Obama-nominated justice with a Republican-led Senate or have Hillary nominate Obama with a Democratic-led senate? If I were a Wyoming Republican I would be calling Barrasso/Enzi and demand that they take the best nominee Obama nominates rather than take the slim hope that the GOP will get a Republican elected to the oval office.
This letter is in regard to your recent article on Feb. 26: "Bill could up Republican presence on state boards." It is said that those who do not study history are perhaps doomed to repeat it. Regarding House Bill 37, before rushing to change the existing law, perhaps Wyomingites should pause to consider why it exists in its present form. In this case, the origin of the current law about the composition of the UW board of trustees stems from the universitys so-called Crisis of 1907, resulting from alleged corruption on the all-one-political-party UW board during the late 1800s and early 1900s up to 1907. Recommended reading, for all interested parties, is "Wyoming University, the First 100 Years," by Deborah Hardy, especially Chapter 4: The Crisis of 1907. Some interesting points: In 1890 there were fewer trustees, no rules about party affiliation and it was required that at least three of them be from Laramie. The current law requiring that no more than seven be from one political party was not just concocted to avoid theoretical problems; it was a reaction to chaos ensuing from actual historical incidents in 1907. On the other hand, the part about each trustee having to come from a different county was probably put there for a totally different reason; it was added at a time when most of the students at UW came from Laramie and Cheyenne, in an effort to get the people of Wyoming to adopt the university as their own statewide university. These days we have cars, highways, cellphones, the Internet and Hathaway scholarships, so getting the people of Wyoming to accept the university is not an actual problem anymore. Perhaps the solution to the problem is not to change the rule about party affiliations; maybe a better solution would be to simply eliminate the "one per county" rule, allowing any Wyoming resident to serve on the UW board of trustees.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  It's not legal, but Doug Klein says he hasn't put front license plates on his cars in 30 years. He's willing to risk getting a ticket to keep it that way.

Klein is the owner of American Dream Machines in downtown Des Moines, a dealership with an inventory that includes such classic cars as a gleaming red 1957 Cadillac Eldorado convertible and a sleek black 1995 Ferrari 348 Spider.

"I don't see the logic of someone spending $50,000 to $100,000 for a beautiful car, and then you have to slap a license plate on the front," Klein said.

The Des Moines Register (http://dmreg.co/1LzsWtB ) reports that the Iowa House is considering House File 540, which would require only a rear license plate on vehicles. The Iowa Department of Transportation says the change would save more than $500,000 annually.

But Iowa law enforcement officials have pushed back against the bill, raising concerns that the absence of a front license plate can hinder police work.

State Rep. Josh Byrnes, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said he's received more emails in support of getting rid of one license plate than he did from both sides last year when the Legislature raised the gas tax by 10 cents a gallon.

"People want this thing gone," Byrnes said.

Nationwide, 19 states do not require a front license plate.

But law enforcement officers say having front and rear license plates is important for criminal investigations, both for tracking vehicles and surveillance camera recordings. Law officers also say having two plates on a car is important when they issue Amber Alerts to seek public cooperation when a child has been abducted and is in danger.

"Not having that front plate cuts the chances of seeing the suspect's license plates in half. We think it would be a step backward for public safety," said Maj. John Godar of the Linn County Sheriff's Office, who is also president of the Iowa State Sheriffs & Deputies Association.

The Iowa DOT hasn't taken a position on the one-plate debate. But eliminating the front license plate would prevent people from avoiding detection of unregistered vehicles by splitting plate pairs on two vehicles, said Mark Lowe, director of the DOT's Motor Vehicle Division. Although if pairs are split, only one plate would have a registration tag.

The Iowa Automobile Dealers Association officially supports the one-plate legislation, in part because new car bumpers don't have holes drilled to install license plate brackets. Sales representatives need to inform new car buyers that Iowa law requires a front license plate and then get permission to install it.

"For a lot of people, the front of a car typically looks much cleaner, much better, without a front license plate," said Jim Usgaard, general manager of Willis Auto Campus in Clive, which sells seven brands of new vehicles and all types of pre-owned cars.

In addition, many new vehicles are designed with bumpers that cause low-hanging license plates to strike curbs, damaging the plates, said Bruce Anderson, president of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association. He noted Iowa law already permits car dealers to demonstrate vehicles with a single dealer plate, and cars from states with one-plate laws can operate legally in Iowa.

But there's not much sympathy for those one-plate arguments from legislators with backgrounds in law enforcement.

State Rep. Clel Baudler, who is a retired state trooper, recalled how he would closely inspect vehicles without a front plate when they would pull into an interstate highway rest area.

"If there are a bunch of bugs on the back plate, the car is probably stolen, because the plate was taken off the front of a vehicle," he said.

State Sen. Kevin Kinney, a retired investigator for the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, said he's found that front plates often are more visible to surveillance cameras than rear plates, which frequently are mounted on the back of the car's trunk lid.

In response to critics, Byrnes said he's hoping to forge a compromise that would exempt owners of cars and trucks at least 25 years old from needing to install two license plates. Another idea is to allow people with high-priced cars to pay an extra fee, perhaps $100, for the right to have just one license plate.

"If you can afford an expensive car, you could afford the fee," Byrnes said. "I have talked with people who own Corvettes or whatever and asked, 'Would you pay for this?' They have said, 'Absolutely.' So I think we are making some headway."

But Baudler, who chairs the House Public Safety Committee, said while he's OK with allowing one plate for vintage cars, he doesn't like the idea of buyouts for well-heeled owners of newer vehicles.

"I understand that people don't want to display a front plate on their Corvette, but it's not good policy," Baudler said.

___

Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com

An AP Member Exchange shared by The Des Moines Register
Gomez joins UA Health Sciences

Dr. Jorge Jaramillo Gomez, a global health-care leader formerly with the National Cancer Institute, has joined the University of Arizona Health Sciences. He will serve as associate director of the Center for Elimination of Border Health Disparities and assistant director for cancer outreach at the UA Cancer Center.

He also will be an assistant professor in the Department of Community, Environment and Policy at the UA Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Public Health Policy and Management Program.

He will support the acceleration of translational research initiatives in special populations, including Hispanic and Native American communities, toward addressing the burdens of health disparities, UA officials said in a news release.

Gomez received his MD from the Universidad de Guadalajara, followed by a PhD from the UA in immunology and pharmacology. He was with the National Cancer Institute more than 20 years, most recently as senior project leader for its Center for Global Health.

Restructured R&A CPAs names CEO

R&A CPAs has named Thomas Furrier as the first CEO in the companys 73 years.

Furrier, a long-time shareholder and one of the companys partners-in-charge of tax, has been with R&A since 1984.

The formalization of R&As corporate structure comes as the company plans further business development in Southern Arizona and the Southwest.

CEO is one of five new positions created by the shareholders of R&A: Tariq Khan, chief financial officer; Phillip Dalrymple, chief of staff; Rodolfo Paredes, chief of business development and Charlie Charvoz, chief of information systems.

Sawyer named St. Lukes CEO

LDon Sawyer has joined St. Lukes Home as chief executive officer.

Sawyer, a social gerontologist with nearly 20 years of experience, expanded Tucson Medical Centers senior services, and has been on the advisory board of the University of Arizona Geriatric Education Center and OASIS Life Long Learning Institute.

Prototron names Craig to SW area

Bro Craig has been named to handle the Southwest territory for Tucson-based Prototron Circuits.

In the industry for 27 years, Craig has held key sales positions in a number of companies in Oregon and Southern California, and he owned and managed his own firm for many years.

Simpsons join Long Realty

Kent and Emmary Simpson have joined Long Realty as a husband-and-wife team with a special interest in the renewal and expansion of downtown Tucson.

They have extensive marketing and social media experience, Long said in a news release.
Arizona utility regulators are considering a plan backed by UNS Electric Inc. to fundamentally change the way its ratepayers pay for electricity  and perhaps set a precedent for similar changes at Tucson Electric Power Co. and other state-regulated utilities.

But the proposal before the Arizona Corporation Commission, which will play out over the next several months, is drawing fire from customers and consumer groups who say the plan will make it hard for ratepayers to avoid major bill increases.

At issue are so-called demand charges, which are on the table in a rate case filed last year by UNS, which serves about 93,000 customers in Santa Cruz and Mohave counties and, along with TEP, is owned by Canada-based Fortis Inc.

Under rates with demand charges  a common feature of commercial power rates that has never been mandated for Arizona residential ratepayers  power bills are based on each customers highest usage level in a billing period.

Up to now, most residential ratepayers in Arizona have paid what is essentially a two-part bill: a fixed monthly charge plus rates based on usage.

Demand charges would add a third billing element, along with relatively lower usage-based rates.

UNS originally proposed imposing a three-part bill with demand charges on customers with grid-connected solar arrays and small commercial customers to try and recover revenue for fixed costs like transmission it says those customers largely avoid.

The utility also has proposed cutting its net metering rate  the rate at which it credits rooftop solar customers for excess power they produce  to what it pays for wholesale renewable power.

But the Corporation Commissions own staff went a step further, recommending that demand-charge rates be mandatory for all UNS residential customers. UNS is now backing that proposal, as initial hearings in the case began last week.

In its own rate case filed in November, TEP has proposed moving rooftop solar customers to a rate based on demand charges and cutting the credit rate for excess solar generation, but the utility has not pushed to mandate demand charges for all residential customers.

UNS says it needs to recover more revenue than it can simply from usage-based charges, citing a 4 percent decline in residential usage from 2012 to 2014, the recent loss of some major commercial customers and the addition of new power-generation resources.

We are proposing a more fair rate design to better align rates with costs, Michael Patten, an attorney representing UNS, said at the hearings last week in Tucson.

Under the plan, the UNS residential basic monthly charge would rise to $15 from $10 now. The average UNS home customer would pay an estimated $4.82 per month, or about 6 percent, more during a transitional period with two-part rates, then an additional $1.65 monthly if the demand charges kick in as planned by next spring, Patten said.

But opponents  including a state consumer watchdog agency, advocates for low-income ratepayers and solar-industry advocates  say the changes are too drastic and would be punitive, particularly to low-income customers.

Others say the move is premature amid separate, pending commission proceedings probing the actual unrecovered costs of rooftop solar customers.

This case will most likely be a landmark case in the annals of the Corporation Commission, said Dan Posefsky, general counsel to the state Residential Utility Consumer Office.

No matter what the reason, making a completely new rate design mandatory on any group of customers, absent an emergency, is never in the public interest, he said.

Tim Hogan, a representative for environmental and low-income ratepayer groups, noted that, partly because of UNSsantiquated rate structure, residential customers will bear the brunt of the higher bills.

He noted that UNS rural customers generally earn lower incomes than their urban counterparts, as Mohave and Santa Cruz counties have seen a slow economic recovery.

AARP also has filed comments in the case, contending the move to demand charges would disproportionately affect seniors and other low-use customers.

Through no fault of their own, we have residential customers with lower-than-average income who are now being asked to absorb an 8 percent increase, said Hogan, who represents the Arizona Community Action Association, the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project and Western Resource Advocates.

A solar-industry advocate said the UNS plan, including the proposed net-metering cut, is simply another example of utilities attacking rooftop solar, also known as distributed generation, to protect their monopoly businesses.

Demand charges hurt distributed generation and protect utility revenue. Thats why theyre here, said Court Rich, an attorney for The Alliance for Solar Choice. Its not in their interest to let people generate some of their own power.

Rich said cutting net-metering rates will kill off new rooftop solar development in UNS territory, citing a 98 percent drop in such installations after the Salt River Project imposed a demand charge and cut credits to solar customers last year.

But UNSs Patten says the time is now to change the companys rate structure.

Patten said measures are in place to minimize the impact of the new rates on customers on special low-income rates, and promised a push to educate consumers on ways to curtail their peak usage.

A UNS study of 180,000 power bills showed that about a third of customers will see a slight drop in their bills under the demand-charge plan, he added.

UNSs proposal is also backed by the Arizona Investment Council and Arizona Public Service Co., the biggest state-regulated utility.

APS attorney Thomas Mumaw said the utility has had a voluntary residential demand-charge rate for some 40 years and about 120,000 customers use that rate.

But during a public-comment session at the outset of public hearings on Tuesday, a parade of consumers and representatives of civic and consumer groups said the imposition of demand charges on struggling residential customers would be devastating.

Tom Sheahan, a retired Mohave County sheriff, noted that his county is made up of some 40 small communities that are still struggling to recover from the recession.

Many people there live on Social Security or have had no wage increases, so any increase to the demand charge will hit those areas very hard, he said.

Marshall Magruder, a UNS customer who lives in Tubac, said residential customers are ill-equipped to understand special rates.

The demand charge is not measurable by ratepayers. Its a back-door charge that is based on company data they dont see, said Magruder, a retired engineer who has been active in several Corporation Commission cases.

Jim Patterson, president of Santa Cruz Valley Citizens Council, agreed. The average residential users are not really able to gauge the additive effect on daily usage, he said.

Hearings on UNSs rate case are scheduled to continue before a Corporation Commission administrative judge through next week.
Mark Ulriksens Dogs Rule Nonchalantly shares what its like to love, live with and lose a canine companion.

He shares the impact of dogs who have enriched his life through his bold, colorful, packed-with-emotion illustrations and comments. Ulriksen, 59, will be in the Star pavilion at the Tucson Festival of Books at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

You may have seen Ulriksens work. His illustrations have been on 52 covers of The New Yorker magazine, as well as in other national publications.

Ulriksen, who is based in San Francisco, answered a few questions:

Your work is recognizable. How do you define your distinct style?

I think every artists work has a definitive look if they practice the craft long enough. Some of it is natural and unconscious, in the way everyones signature is uniquely their own or the way one walks.

For myself Ive had my kids describe my work as kind of real, kind of cartoony and an artist friend labeled it gracefully awkward. I like both of those definitions.

How and why did you decide to create Dogs Rule?

 Dogs Rule Nonchalantly came about because I had created over 100 dog paintings in the past 20 years and wanted to collect them into some form. A personal story about my own dogs over my lifetime along with observations about mans best friend in general seemed like a good way to go.

An old college roommate  Tom Walker  has spent his career in graphic design and book publishing and hes the one who encouraged me to create this, my first book. He also connected me with the publisher, Gordon Goff of Goff Books.

You used a Kickstarter campaign for Dogs Rule. Why?

Lots of feet dragging or questionable editorial advice from some of the publishers we pitched meant that Goff was the best publisher to go with.

We (Tom Walker and I) chose Kickstarter as way to galvanize early support and attention for the book as well as a fundraising tool in order to hire an outside PR firm because Goffs resources are very thin in that department.

What is your favorite portrait in Dogs Rule? Why?

Thats a tough one. Im likely to change my mind on this tomorrow but for today Ill say the painting Izzy, From the Other Side.

I like the emotions behind it. As I said this book is created from a body of over 100 existing paintings, where I wrote text that went with these previous assignments or commissions.

This painting was a commission from a couple who had recently lost their dog, Izzy, and they wanted to commemorate her. They sent pictures of her in a number of environments, including this wooded area near their San Diego home. When I saw the large fallen branch on this property I thought how it made for a physical break, with Izzy on one side of the log and her toys on the other. Shes no longer able to play with them.

And the image fit an important part of the text, where I wanted to explain while dogs lives are cruelly short, they are long enough for a dog to do what takes us humans a lifetime to achieve (if we ever get there)  to love unconditionally and to give more than we receive in kind.

As I wrote in the book, dogs love you even more than they love themselves.

Likewise, in your narrative, do you have a favorite portion?

Thats easier  the final seven spreads of the book, where I talk about the demise of my dog Ted and ruminate on what a dogs short life is all about. It gets a touch sentimental, but I leavened that with my sense of humor, which follows me always.

What can the audience expect at your presentation at the Star tent at the book festival?
Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle and the Raid That Avenged Pearl Harbor is not only one of the greatest stories of World War II but one of the greatest stories of the nation, says author James M. Scott.

The book gives new information on a story you might think you know, says Scott, who will be presenting at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12, in the Star tent during the Tucson Festival of Books.

The scope and size of WWII is unimaginable, says Scott, a former reporter and investigative journalist who left the newspaper business in 2007.

WWII affected how we lived and it affected the nation as nothing ever has, he says. At its height the war consumed 96 cents of every federal dollar spent and more than 10 million men and women were in uniform.

While WWII attention is often focused on Europe, Scott hones in on the other side of the globe, the war in the Pacific.

In Target Tokyo Scott tackles the symbolism-rich Doolittle Raid, which President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered to boost morale, prove U.S. military prowess, and retaliate for the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The battleship USS Arizona sank with its crew onboard during the attack, and it remains a memorial in Pearl Harbor.

It is a powerful story of confidence  that the U.S. would survive  and it speaks to the bonds of war and of friendship, says Scott.

Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle led the daring bombing raid on April 18, 1942  80 airmen in an armada of 16 Army B-25s took off from the deck of aircraft carrier the USS Hornet for the long-range bombing attack on Tokyo.

Scotts deeply researched book  he spoke with survivors, read diaries and scoured dozens of archives that stretched to four continents  brings to light new details and information on crew training, the planes, the attack and the political complexities that followed the raid.

Of the 80 airmen, 73 survived the raid and its aftermath and returned to the U.S. Doolittle got his generals star and was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Doolittles Raiders, as the airmen came to be known, gathered annually to toast one another. At the 17th annual reunion held in Tucson in 1959, a civic booster group, the Sunshine Climate Club, presented the survivors with a set of 80 silver goblets.

Each goblet is engraved twice, explains Scott. The raiders name could be read if the goblet is right side up or upside down.

One of the two living group members, Richard E. Dick Cole, Doolittles copilot during the raid, built a portable display case to transport them. The Air Force Academy displayed goblets between reunions. In 2005, the surviving raiders decided to make the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, the goblets permanent home.

Scott says he likes stories of ordinary people in extraordinary situations.

Hes the author of The Attack on the Liberty: The Untold Story of Israels Deadly 1967 Assault on a U.S. Spy Ship, which won the 2010 Rear Admiral Samuel Eliot Morison Award for Excellence in Naval Literature, and The War Below: The Story of Three Submarines That Battled Japan.
Diocese loses two longtime priests

The deaths of the Rev. William Dougherty and the Rev. Gerald Cote have deprived the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson of two priests in a few days.

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, Dougherty, once the pastor of St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, died at age 85. Then on Saturday, Feb. 27, Cote, 87, died. Cote served in parishes throughout Southern Arizona and Phoenix for about 60 years, including as pastor at Holy Family Catholic Church.

In his weekly Monday Memo newsletter, Bishop Gerald Kicanas mentioned the mens deaths, writing that Father Bill spent his ministry working on behalf of others, even long into his retirement.

Dougherty, a member of the Paulist Fathers, was the last of that order in the Tucson diocese, which he joined in 1986. Most recently, Dougherty served at St. Pius X Catholic Church for more than 10 years.

His interpretation of the Gospel and his preaching were of the highest degree of spirituality, and yet down to earth and made an impact on peoples lives, said the Rev. Harry Ledwith, St. Pius X pastor. He was like a stand-up comedian. He brought laughter and was hospitable and was just a treasury of jokes.

Cote spoke of how his favorite work had been at a poor parish, Holy Family, in downtown Tucson where he and the congregation worked together to bring worship and song together in Mass  times he called the happiest parts of his ministry, Kicanas wrote. He played the accordion and the harmonica, even several harmonicas at once. His music brought many into the church.

Holy Family Catholic Church, 338 W. University Blvd., will host visitation at 4 p.m., the rosary at 6 p.m. and the funeral Mass at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 5.

First Church of Christ, Scientist hosts talk
Carolina Canastillo, 17, poured a packet of powder into a beaker containing clear liquid.

Upon making contact with the powder  a substance nicknamed DPD, which can be used to measure chlorine content  the liquid turned pink.

That was fun, said Canastillo, a senior at Pueblo Magnet High School who is taking a Joint Technical Education District course on biotechnology. I think its good to get experience.

She and a dozen other students from Pueblo, Tucson and Sunnyside high schools were visiting the labs of the Pima Community College Northwest Campus, as part of a tour facilitated by Youth Career Connect, offering career-path information and resources.

Youth Career Connect is a program of Arizona @ Work, a work-force solutions division of Pima County. It is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor grant.

These students are enrolled in a two-year biosciences program, which teaches them about modern molecular biology, DNA sciences and other topics, at their respective schools through JTED.

The tour included hands-on lab activities, such as the chlorine testing and forensic DNA analysis, a panel discussion on careers in the biotech industry and information on how to sign up for PCC classes.

This is a way of reaching out to the students and introduce them to what they can do in college, said Cheryl Blake, a biology instructor at PCC Northwest who was one of the people facilitating the tour.

Weve been keen on building a pipeline of talent that can feed into the biotech industry in Pima County and in Tucson, said Pete Bantock, chief culture and human resources officer of Accelerate Diagnostics.

Local talent in science, technology, engineering and math fields tend to go elsewhere for jobs, he said. His company is interested in keeping that talent here.

The biosciences program does not provide a national certification, unlike many other career and technical education programs. But those involved want to convince the industry that students coming out of the program are capable and ready to work.

The high school biotech courses should at least prepare the students to work in entry level positions in research facilities, said Margaret Wilch, a biotech teacher at Tucson High Magnet School.

Some of Wilchs students have done independent research at the University of Arizona, she said.

Canastillo, the Pueblo senior, said she hopes to pursue a career in the biomedical field and help children with heart issues.

The biotech program is the beginning of her journey to get there.

It would help me in what I want to become, she said.
Oro Valley Town Manager Greg Caton has a job offer for a similar position in a Colorado city.

The Grand Junction City Council voted Wednesday to offer Caton the job at $180,000 a year plus perks and benefits, according to The (Grand Junction) Daily Sentinel.

Caton has not yet given his notice, but he intends to take the job once the Grand Junction process is final, said town spokeswoman Misti Nowak. Under his contract , he is required to give 90 days notice or the town council must agree on a shorter period, she said.

Oro Valley paid Caton $173,583 in 2014, including salary and benefits.

Caton was hired as Oro Valleys assistant town manager in 2010, was named interim town manager in 2011, and was promoted to town manager in 2012.

Caton grew up in Colorado Springs, attended college in Durango and Denver, and worked for eight years as an assistant city manager in Durango. In June, Caton was a finalist for the city manager job in Golden.
Tubac Takes Flight, a monthlong celebration of birds and bird-watching, begins Monday, March 7, and continues through March in and around the community of Tubac south of Tucson.

Free events range from Birding for Beginners walks to hawk-spotting opportunities along the scenic Santa Cruz River.

Southeastern Arizona in general is just a birding mecca, and the first Tubac Takes Flight last year was such a success that we decided to have a sequel, said John ONeill, a spokesman for the event, which is sponsored by the Anza Trail Coalition.

On the Birding for Beginners walks, people might see 40 to 45 species in a good day  from swallows and warblers to doves and vermilion flycatchers, ONeill said.

And the hawks. Three hawk species that birders across the country and beyond yearn to see  black hawk, zone-tailed hawk and gray hawk  have a very limited range in the U.S., ONeill said. Tubac is the best and easiest place in the nation to observe them.

Scheduled events at Tubac Takes Flight include:

Birding for Beginners

 Every Monday in March  March 7, 14, 21 and 28  experts will lead small-group walks along the Anza Trail with a focus on basic bird-watching.

Walks, which will last about two hours, begin at 8 a.m. on the trail near downtown Tubac. For more information and to reserve a spot, call Jim Karp at 1-520-398-9487.

Raptor Thursdays

 From 9 to 10 a.m. on March 10, 17 and 24, hawk experts will help locate and identify raptors as they fly north along the Santa Cruz River to their summer nesting areas. Bring binoculars and a chair to Ron Morriss Park. Drive to the east end of Calle Iglesia and signs will direct you to the park.

Riparian Habitat Walks

 Members of the Anza Trail Coalition will lead walks along the Santa Cruz River in Tubac on March 16 and 30 with a focus on the ecosystem, native plants and why the area is a magnet for birds. Meet at 9 a.m. at the east end of Calle Iglesia at the entrance to the Anza Trail.

Art Exhibit

 A juried exhibit of art celebrating the beauty and spirit of birds and bird-watching will be at the Tubac Center of the Arts from March 18 to April 24.
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.
Help India!

By TCN News,

Azamgargh: A 2-day international seminar on writing of Prophets biography (Seerat nigari) has been organized at Shibli College, Azamgagh on 26th and 27th Feb. 2011. The seminar has been attended by scholars from different parts of the country as well as abroad including Egypt, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia.

Support TwoCircles



Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ibrahim Albatshan of Saudi Arabia offered tribute to Allama Shibli Nomani for writing the book Seeratun Nabi. Allama Shibli gave invaluable gift in the shape of his book as the book is praiseworthy because of having authentic materials and good way of writing. But we are not taking advantage of it he said.

In his presidential speech, Professor Ahmad Abdul Ghaffar Shazli from Egypt said: The life of prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has solution of all the problems that world is facing today. He said that he Prophet abolished the discrimination between Arabic and non-Arabic and black and white and taught that all human beings are equal.

At the seminar scholars appreciated the administration of the College for organizing seminar on such a valuable topic. Several scholars presented their research papers on the life of the Prophet.

Others who spoke on the occasion include Professor Abdul Khaliq from Afghanistan, Dr. Ahmad Abdullah Zaidan from Egypt, Dr. Howida from Egypt, Dr. Mahmood Hussain from Allahabad, Professor Abdul Majid from Kashmir, Dr. Shbabuddin of Urdu department of Shibli College, and Maulana Nasim Zahir Misbahi.
Help India!

For the past nine years, Malegaon has been under the shadow of the blasts that rocked the textile town in September 2006. In the first of a three-part series, we look at how the blasts affected the people of the town, and why some victims have refused compensation from the government.

By Special Correspondent, TwoCircles.net,

Support TwoCircles



Malegaon (Mahrashtra): Nine years after deadly blasts rocked Malegaon, some of the victim families continue to refuse compensation offered by government.

Their only demand? Give us justice and punish the accused.

Malegaon, a textile town in Maharashtra, was rocked on September 8, 2006 with three serial bomb explosions near a Muslim cemetery at around 1.15 pm soon after Friday prayers that left 37 dead and 125 injured.

Within a week of these explosions, the UPA government announced Rs 50,000 as compensation to the families of dead. This amount was increased to Rs 1 lakh after the families protested against such meagre compensation during a meet with Sonia Gandhi and then home minister Shivraj Patil.

However, amongst these victims there were some who rejected the compensation outright and instead sought justice. These families were approached a number of times by government functionaries to accept the compensation, but the families always repeated that they were seeking justice, not chasing money.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested nine Muslim youths from Malegaon and accused them of having orchestrated the blasts. These arrests and investigation were never believed by residents of the town, including the victims.



Shafiq Ahmed



Shafeeq Ahmed,49, was the first to refuse governments compensation and raise the demand for severe punishment to the guilty.

Speaking with TwoCircles.net, he said, I was injured and my 17-year-old son Sajid lost his life on the spot. When government officers came to us I decline their money and told them to find original culprit and punish them first.

He was not content with the arrests of Muslim youths and rejected ATS investigation outright, terming it false and misguiding.

I never suspected that Muslim youths from my own town can kill their own people. Therefore, I had always demanded arrests of original offenders, Shafeeq, who runs a medical store, said with gloomy eyes.





Sajid Ahmed



In 2010, CBI arrested Aseemanand who subsequently confessed the Hindu radical outfit Abhinav Bharats involvement in the blasts. This helped National Investigation Agency (NIA) nab the original accused Lokesh Sharma, Dhan Singh, Rajendra Chaudhary and Manohar Narwaria.

This paved way for release of earlier arrested Muslim youths from the case. NIA did not object to their release on bail and despite objection by ATS, the Special court granted bail to the nine accused in the end of 2011.

Shakil Ahmed,50, was another person who refused compensation. Shakil lost his 18-year-old son Shahbaz Anjum, in the blasts. He too refused compensation from government and echoed demand justice for the innocent Muslims arrested in the case and to those who have died in the blasts.

I was happy when accused from right-wing associations were arrested in the case and innocent Muslims were finally released on bail. But this is not the complete justice as larger conspiracy behind the blasts has not been uncovered yet, Shakil told TwoCircles.net.

Currently, there are two contrasting charge sheets filed in the case  one by ATS against nine Muslim youths and another by NIA against the right-wing accused.





Shahbaz Anjum



The court has not yet rejected any of the charge sheet altogether, but the nine Muslim youths were granted bail as NIA, the main investigation agency in the case, did not object.

Shakil says, Even after nine years of the blasts, we have not felt a sense of justice in the case because right wings involvement has came to the fore in 2010 and NIA has not yet interrogated prime accused Purohit and Sadhvi Pragya Thakur.

NIAs plea for custody of the three main accused in the blasts: Lt Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit, Sudhakar Udaybhan Dwivedi alias Dayanand Pandey and Major (retd) Ramesh Upadhyaya has been pending before Supreme Court since November 2011.

According to Shakil, justice is more important to him than compensation. He says, Our compensation amount is ready with collector and we have been told that we can collect it from there any time but we want to obtain justice first than the money.

All the victims of the blasts had sent a memorandum to the government in 2010 stating that if government was serious in helping them then it should provide employment to the needy families of some of the victims.

This demand was never considered by the government, Shakil said.

Laiq Ahmed was injured in the blasts and he too had rejected compensation amount from the government. Six years after the blasts, he died without claiming the amount but with the demand of justice.

Salman Ahmed, 15, son of Laiq Ahmed told TwoCircles.net, Even after death of my father, we will not take (compensation) amount and will seek only justice. My fathers soul would be happy if all the original culprits are punished.

Although the demands made by these families comes across as extremely justified, there is no one to convert their demands into a movement through which government and investigation agencies may be compelled to provide speedy justice to these victims. As of now, the families continue to live with the pain of having lost their loved ones, but their fight will not be over until they achieve their one true goal: justice.
Help India!

By Dr Anwar Khursheed for Twocircles.net

I distinctly remember the fierce debate when proposal of off campus AMU Centres was first mooted by the MHRD. Out of the university fraternity some opined them as illegal, some considered them legal but unfeasible; and rest perfectly in tune. The then University VC Naseem Ahmad rejected the idea initially, but the next VC Professor Aziz placed it before University authorities and got their endorsement.

Support TwoCircles



In 2002, the then CM of Madhya Pradesh Digvijay Singh as the Chief Guest in the Sir Sayyeds Day function on October 17 put up proposal of establishing off campus Centres. Mr. Singh also offered 100 acres of land for this purpose to the Gharib Nawaz Foundation (GNF). The Secretary of GNF visited AMU and met with the VC in 2003 and then GNF submitted its proposal of a second campus of AMU to Shri Arjun Singh, Union HRD Minister. The UGC on Jan 28, 2005 wrote a letter to GNF informing that it has asked AMU to submit a proposal. On March 13, 2005 the GNF again requested (read complained) Arjun Singh about the AMU off campus and requested him to promulgate an ordinance in order to expedite the process as a first step in this direction (copy to VC, AMU). The Under Secretary MHRD wrote a letter to UGC on April 21, 2005 on the same line and then on August 28, 2006 Dy. Secretary, MHRD, wrote to the VC, complaining about delay on it and suggested to establish the said Study Centre u/s 12(2) of the AMU Act.

The story does not end here; it has another episode. In 2007, the Belgachia Education Trust (BET) through Chief Minister of West Bengal also requested the PM to establish an institution in WB on the model of AMU at Murshidabad. The MHRD then wrote to AMU to establish a centre u/s 12(2) of the AMU Act. In view of no affirmative response by the then Registrar the MHRD in June 2007 reprimanded him repeatedly.

The initial concept of Centres in minority-dominated areas was a very catchy idea, since it was a step towards fulfilment of Sir Sayyeds dream of furtherance of education among Muslims. However, the moment the above details came to light, there was a surge of queries, doubts, apprehensions and uneasiness besieged peoples mind. The most obnoxious action is the request of private trusts to promulgate an ordinance. What locus does the GNF posses to ask this from us? If the trust is so enthusiastic about the Centre, why it does not establish a deemed University on its own?

The University virtually becomes a sandwich in case of these Centres; first we were pressed to establish them and now the same MHRD is bent upon to close them or if not so, then create a situation of their slow death. The initial financial proposal was of Rs 1,400 crore for Malappuram and Murshidabad Centres but as ever the dubious Congress sanctioned Rs 349.55 crore in the 12th five-year plan. Till date, only Rs 130 crore has been released. Only one year is left in this plan and the present government is in no mood to give anything more.

Sec 5(9A) of AMU (Amendment) Act, 1972 provides University shall have power to establish within a radius of twenty five kilometres of the University Mosque such special Centres, specialised laboratories or other units for research and instruction as are, in the opinion of the University, necessary for the furtherance of its objects. While Sec 12 (2) of AMU (Amendment) Act, 1951 confirms that the University may also, with the sanction of the Visitor and subject to the Statutes and Ordinances, establish and maintain such special Centres, specialised Laboratories or such other institutions for research or instruction as are necessary for the furtherance of its objects either on its own or in cooperation or collaboration with any other institution.

Reading section 5(9A) with 12 (2) provides that establishment of Centres subject to approval of the Visitor is legally permissible, since sec 12 (2) was enacted in 1951, while sec 5(9A) was subsequently incorporated in 1972, which empowers the University to establish Centres without Visitors approval but within a radius of twenty five kilometres of the University Mosque. These two sections are therefore not contradictory and for the same reason 12 (2) was not struck down when 5(9A) was incorporated in 1972. Nevertheless no such centre can be legalised without framing necessary statutes and ordinances vide statutes 23(2), 28(6) and 29(1), which the university did in the mean time.

The Preamble of the AMU Act of 1920 provides An Act to incorporate a Teaching and Residential Muslim University at Aligarh, the debate on residential character of the institution as per the preamble of the Act can only be decided by studying the all important question whether the Preamble is a part of the Constitution of India or not. The preamble to the Constitution of India sets out the guiding purpose and principles of the document. For some time it was assumed that like the preamble of a statute, the preamble is not an integral part of the Indian constitution, however, Kesavanada Bharati Case created history. For the first time, Supreme Court recognised that the Preamble to the Constitution of India is a part of Constitution. Preamble is neither a source of power nor a source of limitations and it has a significant role to play in the interpretation of statues, also in the interpretation of provisions of the Constitution.

The inference drawn is that residential character is a part of the Act but not absolute and there is certainly no ambiguity in the establishment of campuses/Centres and this is perhaps the reason that hostel is not compulsory for the students since its inception and therefore provision of non-resident students does exist. The President of India as the Visitor of the University accorded approval for the establishment of these Centres under Section 12(2) of the University Act. Allahabad High Court comprising then Chief Justice F. I. Rebello and Justice A. P. Sahi dismissed a writ petition challenging the decision to establish two new Centres of AMU at Malappuram and Murshidabad, since the same was duly approved by the President of India as the Visitor of the University. The Kerala High Court bench comprising Chief Justice J. Chelameswar and Justice P.N. Ravindran had earlier rejected the prayer for interim relief against the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University centre in Kerala.

The MAO College at the time of its establishment in 1877 by Sir Sayyed possessed only 78 acres of land which has now expanded to more than a thousand acre; almost another thousand acres of land is now further gifted by the respective states of Kerala, Bihar and West Bengal, which is a big leap. Still, the full benefits of such Centres to the community may be far from reality in the absence of restoration of Minority status of the University pending before the Supreme Court, but whatever service AMU is rendering to the community the same these Centres are doing.

The AMU is always a victim of the politics be it Congress or the BJP the two sides of the same coin. First it was Congress through MC Chagla and Professor Nurul Hasan; now it is BJP through Smriti Irani. How pitiable it is on part of the Cabinet minister of HRD that she is totally ignorant about the history of creation of these Centres and putting the blame on the present VC Lt. Gen. Zameeruddin Shah.

But the ultimate victim is the same; the underprivileged AMU despite ranked as the second best among Indian universities. Irani is not speaking on her own accord; rather it is the words of others in her mouth. The unfortunate reality is that some Aligs (Aligarh alumni) are misguiding MHRD. Earlier, only the BJP/RSS were opposing these Centres now the same BJP is at the helm of affairs so the morale of these people is high; nevertheless the fence is clear that all those opposing the Centres are on the side of communal forces.

The author is Professor of Engineering at the Aligarh Muslim University
Help India!

By TCN News

Aligarh: Sir Sayyed Awareness Forum organised its eighth National Seminar on Sir Sayyed and Tolerance at Muktakash Manch, Aligarh on Wednesday, March 2. While addressing the seminar, Chief Guest, Umesh Chandra Srivastava, District Judge, said that Sir Sayyed always treated each and every religion equally. He was also a critic of religious superstitions and he always supported modern education, science and technology. He further said that Sir Sayyed had no hesitation in accepting rational thinking if the same stood the test of reasoning. He asked the audience to take lessons from the life of Sir Sayyed.

Support TwoCircles



The guest of honour, Dr Asfar Ali Khan, Registrar, Aligarh Muslim University, said that Sir Sayyed was an example of religious tolerance and communal harmony. He quoted Sir Sayyeds lecture delivered at Lahore in which he said that the doors of the college are open for all. He further said that in the modern context Sir Sayyeds ideology and his life history is very important.

In his key note address, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor NAK Durrani said that our reactions should not be based on emotions rather it should be based on logic and reasoning. He highlighted the secular approach of Sir Sayyed Ahmad Khan and said that Sir Sayyed was not only secular in theory but in practice.

Presiding over the seminar, Professor Shakeel Samdani, President, Sir Sayyed Awareness Forum highlighted various contributions of Sir Sayyed in building communal harmony in the nation. He said that Sir Sayyed was not only an educationist but he was a great law giver which is proved by the fact that he was instrumental in making many laws. He further said that Sir Sayyed always talked about Hindu Muslim unity. The best example of the trust reposed by the Hindus is that during 1857 mutiny the Hindus of Bijnore requested the British officers to hand over the charge of the district to Sir Sayyed Ahmad Khan because they had full faith in him.

Presenting her paper Ayesha Ansari said that throughout his life, Sir Sayyed Ahmad Khan stood for Hindu Muslim unity and amity and strove for the betterment of Indian people as a whole. In religious matters Sir Sayyed Ahmad Khan stood for tolerance, broad mindedness and catholicity of views.

Throughout his life, Sayyed Ahmad Khan worked in collaboration of Hindus who never hesitated to give him all possible help, material and moral.
Amaya Awaits Buyout Offer, Playtech Rumoured To Be Among Investors

March 05 2016 Giovanni Angioni

Those interested in the future of PokerStars, Full Tilt, and all the other brands owned by Amaya Inc. will have to wait for a bit longer to know whether the Toronto- and London-listed company will be privatized or not.

On Feb. 1, the company announced that it expected to receive a non-binding all-cash buyout offer to come from a group of investors led by the Amaya CEO David Baazov before month's end. One month after the announcement, nothing official has been communicated and no offer has been presented to the public.

This, however, does not mean that things are not moving along and that the largest online poker operator may not change ownership in the near future.

With a note published on Amaya's corporate website on March 2, the special committee of independent directors of Amaya, appointed on Jan. 31, 2016, provided an update on the steps that the Montreal-based company is talking "to conduct an independent review of alternatives in light of Amaya's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, David Baazov, having advised the Board of Directors of Amaya that he and a group acting with him intend to make an offer to acquire Amaya."

Although the company has explicitly stated that "Amaya has not received an offer from Mr. Baazov or otherwise," the committee has already proceeded to engage the international investment bank Moelis & Company LLC to provide an independent valuation of Amaya's securities in connection with any offer that may be made by Mr. Baazov."

Additionally, Amaya has also restricted Baazov's access to sensitive and confidential information and has "implemented processes and restrictions and established guidelines regarding the ongoing management of Amaya in the context of a potential offer for Amaya by a group led by Mr. Baazov."

Who Is Trying to Buy Amaya?

Although Baazov's name is the one that the public discussed the most since the news broke out, the Amaya CEO is not alone in the venture that aims to get control of the company. As it came out only a few days after the intention to make an all-cash buyout offer became public, Baazov is not the only member of the company's top management ready to join the acquisition.

"Amaya has been notified that Amaya's Executive Vice President, Corporate Development & General Counsel (Marlon Goldstein), along with three other employees, may be participating in Mr. Baazov's potential transaction proposal," Amaya stated in back in February.

Word on the street is that Playtech might be interested in the operation and is allegedly considering to take control of the world's largest poker site. On March 3, Bloomberg mentioned Playtech in the list of potential bidders and explained that the Isle of Man-based company founded by Teddy Sagi may be one of the investors mentioned by Baazov earlier this year.

"Potential bidders, said to include Playtech Plc, have held discussions to join a takeover bid being planned by Amaya's chief executive officer and chairman David Baazov rather than launching their own, according to people familiar with the matter," Scott Deveau wrote for Bloomberg.

Playtech hasn't confirmed any of the rumors regarding its involvement in Amaya's buyout operation, although the company's chairman, Alan Jackson, explicitly mentioned the fact that Playtech is currently looking a number of strategic acquisitions.

"Playtech has always been highly disciplined when acquiring businesses and capabilities to ensure that they meet stringent criteria," Jackson said on Feb. 25, when he presented the full year results for the year ended Dec. 31, 2015. "We are currently in live discussions on a number of potential acquisitions in the Gaming division."

As discussed here on PokerNews, it seems that Playtech, which was once linked with a possible takeover of bwin.party, is in advanced talks to acquire OpenBet, a sports-betting platform controlled by Vitruvian partner, a private equity firm.

OpenBet's clients include Ladbrokes, William Hill, Paddy Power, Betfair, and Sky Betting and Gaming, all of whom are companies that Playtech already supplies with either casino or poker products, or both in some cases.

It is thought OpenBet would cost Playtech in the region of 250-300 million and is thought an acquisition could spark competition questions due to the contracts it already has in place with the aforementioned UK bookmakers.

Should the rumors turn out to be accurate, the presence of Playtech in Amaya's new ownership could represent an obstacle for the expansion of the company's assets into the United States since back in the 1990s the company's founder and majority shareholder Teddy Sagi was jailed for stock fraud.

Image courtesy of Reuters.com

Get all the latest PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and find us on both Facebook and Google+!

Sharelines Amaya restricts CEO's access to confidential information as the company waits for a takeover bid.
FACTS which contradict what is taught in the universities and which even run counter to the assumptions made by critics of misandry.
Uprooted Palestinians are at the heart of the conflict in the M.E Palestinians uprooted by force of arms. Yet faced immense difficulties have survived, kept alive their history and culture, passed keys of family homes in occupied Palestine from one generation to the next.
Utopia is not possible or desirable, close is preferable
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.
Checking back in ... sorry, I've been busy. And also sort of hunkered down.

So so glad that Le Tour is taking place, albeit pushed back by a couple of months. With all the compromises it's still a fantastic event and has been great watching. Of course it doesn't hurt that "my team" Jumbo Visma are in yellow...

Asking the important questions: Will I ever buy clothing again?

You guys all knew this, but I did not; the supercool Flight Radar 24 website. Every plane in the air in realtime.

Here we have the 20 most extreme places on Earth. Make a list, visit them all. Awesome!

Book of the day: You look like a thing and I love you. "How artificial intelligence works and why it's making the world a weirder place." Noted.

Department of intended consequences: California judge rules Uber, Lyft must classify drivers as employees.

NASA: Seven things to know about the Perseverance Mars Rover. Good to know. I hope it has the same perseverance as Spirit and Opportunity!

News you could use, if only the people who claim to use science actually, um, used science: Why green energy is impossible. Of all the contradictory agenda items on the liberal agenda, this is the least easily explained by Occam's Razor. Surely at least some of the supporters of green energy know it's a sham?

Oh, and Tonopah solar files for bankruptcy in the great implosion.

Meanwhile, SpaceX changes the game with 100th rocket launch. The first polar launch from Florida in more than 50 years. And ho hum, the first stage was landed afterward and will be reused.
The controversy related to Freedom251, world's cheapest smartphone, is intensifying. Adcom, the smartphone vendor from whom Ringing Bells (RBPL) procured the "dummy models" to showcase during the February 18 launch, has threatened legal action against but Ashok Chadha, president of rejected any wrongdoing.

According to Sanjeev Bhatia, founder and chairman, Advantage Computers (Adcom), although they sold some smartphone models (Ikon4) to Ringing Bells, they were not aware of its plan to resell the handsets. "We are deeply grieved by this incident where our mobile phone has been presented to the masses for Rs 251, and therefore, will not hesitate from taking any legal actions against the company, in case the entire fiasco impacts Adcom's brand name or subsequently we face any other kind of losses," Bhatia added.

Freedom251 is claimed to be the cheapest smartphone priced at Rs 251 by a six month old Delhi-registered company Ringing Bells Pvt. Ltd. While, Mohit Goel, the promoter and managing director of RBPL remains more involved backend operations.

Chadha, the other face of Freedom251, remains involved in dealing media queries.

"We would like to clarify that they provided some prototypes for the sample Freedom- 251 handed to some special guests including media for initial impression about the way phone would look and behave in future. We have other partners for assembly of our phones", he said through a statement today.

However, confusion remains even after Chadha's new claims as ever. Over the past two weeks, origin of Freedom251 has changed several times - from local self-manufacturing to importing from Taiwan to procurement through OEMs (original equipment manufacturer).

Now according to Ringing Bells, they have tied-up with two partners in Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Janakpuri, New Delhi to procure the initial lot of Freedom251. The partners will be assembling the smartphones now as RBPL's own manufacturing units are yet to come up.

RBPL's corporate office - which the company claimed to be its main premise for all major operations and where all its documents and books of accounts could be found, along with its key officials, any time - became a topic of controversy too. While, last week the office at Sector 63 in Noida was found closed.

Chadha, however, claimed today that it was due to dispute between authorities in Noida and landlord of the property. "We wish to make it clear that the current dispute regarding the nature of business conducted at the property is between NOIDA authority and our landlord".

Incidentally, the company's registered office in Delhi's Gandhi market is not occupied by neither the company had any legal agreement with the owner of that property.
00:43 Federal govt to increase fines for serious data breaches to a minimum of $50m The Federal government will increase the financial penalty for companies suffering serious data breaches at a minimum of $50 million - following...

00:28 Money showers onto a highway in Chile following a robbery A robbery in Chile has resulted with the thieves throwing the stolen bags of money out of their car window after being chased by police.

00:40 Lord help us: Mental acuity of Joe Biden is again under question Sky News host Cory Bernardi says the mental acuity of the most powerful man in the world, US President Joe Biden, is again under question....

01:14 All the rage: Protesters glue themselves to the floor at Volkswagen It all went bad after protesters glued themselves to the floor at Volkswagen in Germany, according to Sky News host Cory Bernardi.

08:24 Embarrassment: Joe Biden weakens America Fox News contributor Lara Trump says US President Joe Biden is an embarrassment for America and he weakens the country.
A News Aggregator That Covers The World's Major Wars And Conflicts. Military, Political, And Intelligence News Are Also Covered. Occasionally We Will Have Our Own Opinions Or Observations To Make.
WATERLOO -- A man and woman were arrested Friday night on drug and weapons charges following a search of a residence.

On Friday at about 7:30 p.m., the Waterloo Police Department Tactical Unit served a search warrant at 1223-A Mulberry St. for an on-going narcotics investigation.

The case was investigated by the Violent Crime Apprehension Team & Project Safe Streets Unit with the assistance of the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force and Waterloo Patrol Division.

Police said they found a quantity of marijuana, hash oil, cash and a stolen 9mm handgun, along with several other drug-related items.

Arrested was David Lee Sailor, 30, of Waterloo, for conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to deliver while in possession of firearm, a Class D felony, conspiracy to possess prescription pills with intent to deliver while in possession of firearm, an aggravated misdemeanor, and possession of firearm as a felon, a Class D felony.

Kaityln Scarlett Werner, 20, of Waterloo, was arrested for conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to deliver while in possession of a firearm and conspiracy to possess prescription pills with intent to deliver while in possession of a firearm .

Both were booked into the Black Hawk County Jail.
DES MOINES -- Officials with the Iowa Tourism Office said Friday they have launched a multi-faceted marketing campaign in hopes of convincing travelers to spend time and money in Iowa.

Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office, said the state has spent about $1.5 million on television, digital and print advertising in Midwest markets that surround Iowa. More than 176 million people are expected to see the Iowa ads in Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City and Omaha, and can be viewed on traveliowa.com.

Tourism in Iowa generates more than $8.06 billion in expenditures, employs 66,500 people statewide and generates $374 million in state taxes.

TLC for schools

Officials with the state Department of Education announced Friday that 38 school districts have been added to Iowas teacher leadership and compensation program, bringing the total to 332 of 333 Iowa districts in the 2016-17 school year.

The remaining district, Riceville Community School District, will refine and re-submit its plan for approval. Approved in 2013, Iowas teacher leadership system taps into top teachers' expertise to improve classroom instruction. The teacher leadership system  which sets a minimum annual teacher salary of $33,500 in participating districts -- cost nearly $50 million in fiscal for 2015 and is expected to grow to about $150 million annually by fiscal 2017.
Advertisement

By The Associated Press

Mar. 02, 2016 | FRANKFORT, KY

By The Associated Press Mar. 02, 2016 | 05:04 PM | FRANKFORT, KY

Kentucky House Democrats want to offer community college tuition to all Kentucky high school graduates.



The proposal is modeled after a similar program in neighboring Tennessee that was put in place by a Republican governor and state legislature. Democratic House Speaker Greg Stumbo said if it passes, it could be in place this fall. Stumbo said it would cost $13 million in the first year and $20 million in the second year.



Republican Gov. Matt Bevin has proposed cutting public colleges and universities' state appropriations by 4.5 percent this year and 9 percent in each of the next two years. Bevin wants to use the savings to begin paying down the state's multi-billion pension debt.



College presidents have pushed back, saying the cuts would lead to large tuition increases and program cuts. But Bevin has said the cuts have to come from somewhere.
past daily news Sep 13 (1) Sep 09 (15) Sep 06 (12) Sep 04 (10) Sep 03 (10) Aug 31 (17) Aug 29 (14) Aug 26 (13) Aug 22 (11) Aug 21 (12) Aug 19 (21) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (10) Aug 10 (10) Aug 08 (9) Aug 07 (10) Aug 06 (10) Aug 05 (8) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (14) Jul 29 (1) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (5) Jul 24 (10) Jul 22 (11) Jul 19 (16) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (10) Jul 15 (13) Jul 12 (7) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (8) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (5) Jul 05 (8) Jul 04 (11) Jul 03 (8) Jul 02 (7) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (8) Jun 28 (7) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (7) Jun 25 (8) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (6) Jun 22 (9) Jun 20 (5) Jun 19 (9) Jun 18 (8) Jun 15 (9) Jun 13 (13) Jun 11 (11) Jun 09 (19) Jun 06 (10) Jun 04 (10) Jun 03 (8) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (5) May 30 (5) May 29 (6) May 28 (7) May 27 (7) May 26 (6) May 25 (4) May 23 (6) May 22 (6) May 21 (4) May 20 (7) May 19 (9) May 18 (4) May 17 (6) May 16 (5) May 15 (7) May 14 (3) May 13 (3) May 12 (9) May 10 (3) May 09 (7) May 08 (4) May 07 (3) May 06 (5) May 05 (8) May 03 (9) May 02 (1) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (8) Apr 29 (5) Apr 28 (4) Apr 27 (7) Apr 26 (12) Apr 25 (4) Apr 24 (8) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (5) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (1) Apr 19 (5) Apr 18 (3) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (6) Apr 15 (5) Apr 14 (2) Apr 13 (4) Apr 12 (2) Apr 11 (4) Apr 10 (3) Apr 09 (3) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (5) Apr 06 (3) Apr 05 (10) Apr 04 (2) Apr 03 (3) Apr 02 (9) Apr 01 (7) Mar 31 (10) Mar 30 (6) Mar 29 (7) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (10) Mar 25 (4) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (10) Mar 22 (6) Mar 21 (5) Mar 20 (11) Mar 19 (8) Mar 18 (5) Mar 17 (4) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (7) Mar 13 (7) Mar 12 (5) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (5) Mar 08 (6) Mar 07 (8) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (12) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (8) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (8) Feb 28 (7) Feb 27 (5) Feb 26 (6) Feb 25 (7) Feb 24 (3) Feb 23 (6) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (3) Feb 20 (1) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (4) Feb 16 (2) Feb 15 (5) Feb 14 (3) Feb 13 (6) Feb 12 (6) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (6) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (6) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (2) Feb 04 (3) Feb 03 (5) Feb 02 (1) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (8) Jan 30 (2) Jan 29 (4) Jan 28 (1) Jan 27 (4) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (4) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (2) Jan 20 (2) Jan 19 (3) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (2) Jan 16 (7) Jan 15 (6) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (5) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 05 (5) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (2) Jan 01 (1) Dec 31 (5) Dec 29 (4) Dec 28 (5) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (2) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (4) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (3) Dec 18 (2) Dec 17 (1) Dec 16 (4) Dec 15 (2) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (7) Dec 12 (5) Dec 11 (4) Dec 10 (3) Dec 09 (2) Dec 08 (2) Dec 07 (4) Dec 06 (4) Dec 05 (1) Dec 04 (5) Dec 03 (3) Dec 02 (5) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (5) Nov 29 (10) Nov 28 (6) Nov 27 (2) Nov 26 (3) Nov 24 (2) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (3) Nov 20 (6) Nov 19 (2) Nov 18 (5) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (3) Nov 15 (2) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (2) Nov 11 (4) Nov 10 (5) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (5) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (5) Nov 05 (4) Nov 04 (5) Nov 02 (4) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (9) Oct 30 (9) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (2) Oct 27 (6) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (6) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (6) Oct 22 (4) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (5) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (4) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (2) Oct 13 (4) Oct 12 (7) Oct 11 (5) Oct 10 (4) Oct 09 (5) Oct 08 (10) Oct 07 (1) Oct 06 (10) Oct 05 (6) Oct 04 (8) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (1) Sep 28 (6) Sep 27 (6) Sep 26 (5) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (6) Sep 23 (5) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (6) Sep 20 (6) Sep 19 (5) Sep 18 (3) Sep 17 (5) Sep 16 (5) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (6) Sep 13 (4) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (4) Sep 06 (8) Sep 05 (6) Sep 04 (7) Sep 03 (3) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (5) Aug 31 (8) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (6) Aug 28 (6) Aug 27 (1) Aug 26 (4) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (7) Aug 23 (4) Aug 22 (4) Aug 21 (4) Aug 20 (7) Aug 18 (5) Aug 17 (8) Aug 16 (8) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (2) Aug 10 (5) Aug 09 (4) Aug 08 (8) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (3) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (4) Aug 03 (10) Aug 02 (9) Aug 01 (8) Jul 31 (1) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (2) Jul 28 (11) Jul 27 (10) Jul 26 (10) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (5) Jul 23 (3) Jul 22 (2) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (8) Jul 18 (7) Jul 17 (1) Jul 16 (10) Jul 14 (7) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (11) Jul 11 (7) Jul 10 (5) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (8) Jul 06 (4) Jul 05 (6) Jul 04 (6) Jul 03 (7) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (2) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (7) Jun 28 (5) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (6) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (8) Jun 18 (2) Jun 17 (3) Jun 16 (4) Jun 15 (3) Jun 14 (7) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (7) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (2) Jun 09 (8) Jun 08 (8) Jun 07 (8) Jun 06 (10) Jun 05 (14) Jun 04 (6) Jun 03 (6) Jun 02 (8) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (7) May 30 (2) May 29 (7) May 28 (7) May 27 (2) May 26 (4) May 25 (5) May 24 (4) May 23 (5) May 22 (5) May 21 (5) May 20 (3) May 19 (10) May 18 (6) May 17 (3) May 16 (6) May 15 (2) May 14 (3) May 13 (5) May 11 (1) May 10 (5) May 09 (3) May 08 (4) May 07 (2) May 06 (4) May 05 (6) May 04 (5) May 03 (5) May 02 (1) May 01 (6) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (7) Apr 28 (8) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (14) Apr 25 (6) Apr 24 (6) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (1) Apr 21 (8) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (4) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (1) Apr 15 (8) Apr 14 (1) Apr 13 (7) Apr 12 (10) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (2) Apr 09 (2) Apr 08 (4) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (6) Apr 05 (6) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (2) Mar 31 (5) Mar 30 (4) Mar 29 (8) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (9) Mar 26 (4) Mar 25 (5) Mar 24 (11) Mar 23 (10) Mar 22 (9) Mar 21 (10) Mar 20 (11) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (3) Mar 16 (7) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (6) Mar 13 (9) Mar 12 (6) Mar 11 (3) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (5) Mar 08 (6) Mar 07 (13) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (7) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (6) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (4) Feb 26 (5) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (6) Feb 23 (9) Feb 22 (6) Feb 21 (7) Feb 20 (8) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (3) Feb 17 (4) Feb 16 (6) Feb 15 (5) Feb 14 (7) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (3) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (5) Feb 09 (9) Feb 08 (8) Feb 07 (7) Feb 06 (10) Feb 05 (7) Feb 04 (2) Feb 03 (8) Feb 02 (7) Feb 01 (5) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (7) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (7) Jan 26 (8) Jan 25 (6) Jan 24 (6) Jan 23 (5) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (6) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (8) Jan 17 (12) Jan 16 (5) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (8) Jan 12 (6) Jan 11 (6) Jan 10 (7) Jan 09 (4) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (6) Jan 05 (9) Jan 04 (9) Jan 03 (4) Jan 02 (6) Jan 01 (8) Dec 31 (2) Dec 30 (1) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (4) Dec 27 (8) Dec 26 (4) Dec 24 (5) Dec 23 (7) Dec 22 (12) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (7) Dec 19 (3) Dec 18 (5) Dec 17 (3) Dec 16 (1) Dec 15 (7) Dec 14 (10) Dec 13 (7) Dec 12 (12) Dec 10 (3) Dec 09 (6) Dec 08 (7) Dec 07 (12) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (13) Dec 04 (6) Dec 02 (8) Dec 01 (8) Nov 30 (6) Nov 29 (7) Nov 28 (7) Nov 27 (4) Nov 26 (8) Nov 24 (2) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (11) Nov 21 (7) Nov 20 (3) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (7) Nov 17 (6) Nov 16 (11) Nov 15 (10) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (5) Nov 11 (12) Nov 10 (4) Nov 09 (14) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (11) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (5) Nov 04 (11) Nov 03 (9) Nov 02 (10) Nov 01 (8) Oct 31 (12) Oct 30 (5) Oct 29 (5) Oct 28 (5) Oct 27 (11) Oct 26 (13) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (10) Oct 23 (8) Oct 22 (5) Oct 21 (11) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (5) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (6) Oct 15 (4) Oct 14 (9) Oct 13 (10) Oct 12 (11) Oct 11 (9) Oct 10 (10) Oct 09 (7) Oct 08 (5) Oct 07 (10) Oct 06 (9) Oct 05 (14) Oct 04 (9) Oct 03 (12) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (9) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (7) Sep 28 (13) Sep 27 (10) Sep 26 (11) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (7) Sep 22 (10) Sep 21 (12) Sep 20 (12) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (7) Sep 16 (11) Sep 15 (8) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (8) Sep 12 (8) Sep 11 (6) Sep 10 (10) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (9) Sep 07 (8) Sep 06 (11) Sep 05 (2) Sep 04 (8) Sep 03 (2) Sep 02 (6) Sep 01 (9) Aug 31 (9) Aug 30 (7) Aug 29 (9) Aug 28 (4) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (5) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (4) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (2) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (6) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (4) Aug 16 (6) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (4) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (6) Aug 11 (3) Aug 10 (5) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (9) Aug 07 (7) Aug 06 (7) Aug 05 (7) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (11) Aug 02 (6) Aug 01 (9) Jul 31 (11) Jul 28 (7) Jul 27 (11) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (5) Jul 24 (1) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (2) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (8) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (7) Jul 15 (4) Jul 14 (2) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (10) Jul 11 (11) Jul 10 (2) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (5) Jul 06 (6) Jul 05 (3) Jul 04 (6) Jul 03 (5) Jul 02 (3) Jun 30 (8) Jun 29 (5) Jun 28 (6) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (4) Jun 25 (1) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (11) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (5) Jun 19 (7) Jun 17 (4) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (4) Jun 14 (6) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (6) Jun 09 (8) Jun 08 (6) Jun 07 (8) Jun 06 (7) Jun 05 (5) Jun 04 (7) Jun 03 (1) Jun 02 (9) Jun 01 (5) May 31 (8) May 30 (7) May 29 (5) May 28 (5) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (4) May 24 (3) May 23 (5) May 22 (2) May 21 (3) May 20 (7) May 19 (11) May 18 (1) May 17 (7) May 16 (3) May 15 (4) May 14 (3) May 13 (4) May 12 (4) May 11 (11) May 10 (2) May 09 (6) May 08 (6) May 07 (2) May 06 (3) May 05 (4) May 04 (5) May 03 (8) May 02 (4) May 01 (4) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (13) Apr 28 (5) Apr 27 (7) Apr 26 (5) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (2) Apr 23 (7) Apr 22 (9) Apr 21 (11) Apr 20 (2) Apr 19 (2) Apr 18 (5) Apr 17 (5) Apr 16 (6) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (2) Apr 12 (9) Apr 11 (10) Apr 10 (6) Apr 09 (5) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (10) Apr 06 (7) Apr 05 (7) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (9) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (7) Mar 28 (4) Mar 27 (3) Mar 26 (6) Mar 25 (3) Mar 24 (8) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (4) Mar 21 (10) Mar 20 (6) Mar 19 (6) Mar 17 (7) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (4) Mar 12 (6) Mar 10 (3) Mar 09 (9) Mar 08 (10) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (5) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (2) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (5) Feb 28 (3) Feb 27 (8) Feb 26 (9) Feb 24 (11) Feb 23 (8) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (8) Feb 20 (7) Feb 19 (4) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (6) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (7) Feb 14 (11) Feb 13 (2) Feb 12 (5) Feb 11 (5) Feb 10 (3) Feb 09 (10) Feb 08 (9) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (2) Feb 05 (9) Feb 03 (7) Feb 02 (5) Feb 01 (7) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (5) Jan 29 (6) Jan 28 (5) Jan 27 (2) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (7) Jan 24 (8) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (14) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (10) Jan 18 (11) Jan 17 (9) Jan 16 (5) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (7) Jan 10 (2) Jan 09 (7) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (10) Jan 06 (8) Jan 05 (7) Jan 04 (9) Jan 03 (8) Jan 02 (5) Jan 01 (14) Dec 30 (13) Dec 29 (13) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (5) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (7) Dec 24 (4) Dec 23 (5) Dec 22 (4) Dec 21 (8) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (8) Dec 18 (9) Dec 16 (8) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (5) Dec 13 (8) Dec 12 (4) Dec 11 (17) Dec 09 (8) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (10) Dec 06 (12) Dec 05 (6) Dec 04 (8) Dec 02 (6) Dec 01 (7) Nov 30 (9) Nov 29 (6) Nov 28 (11) Nov 27 (6) Nov 26 (15) Nov 24 (7) Nov 23 (15) Nov 22 (9) Nov 21 (6) Nov 20 (11) Nov 18 (11) Nov 17 (13) Nov 16 (8) Nov 15 (13) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (7) Nov 12 (3) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (13) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (6) Nov 06 (4) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (8) Nov 03 (9) Nov 02 (8) Nov 01 (6) Oct 31 (10) Oct 30 (8) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (8) Oct 27 (15) Oct 26 (10) Oct 25 (10) Oct 24 (13) Oct 23 (9) Oct 21 (8) Oct 20 (13) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (8) Oct 16 (14) Oct 14 (9) Oct 13 (11) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (13) Oct 10 (7) Oct 09 (15) Oct 07 (7) Oct 06 (11) Oct 05 (18) Oct 04 (14) Oct 03 (1) Oct 02 (10) Sep 30 (11) Sep 29 (11) Sep 28 (11) Sep 27 (15) Sep 26 (7) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (11) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (17) Sep 20 (20) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (11) Sep 16 (10) Sep 15 (12) Sep 14 (9) Sep 13 (12) Sep 12 (14) Sep 11 (4) Sep 10 (8) Sep 09 (9) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (13) Sep 06 (15) Sep 05 (8) Sep 04 (11) Sep 03 (10) Sep 02 (12) Sep 01 (12) Aug 31 (14) Aug 30 (14) Aug 29 (8) Aug 28 (8) Aug 27 (9) Aug 26 (12) Aug 25 (6) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (12) Aug 22 (6) Aug 21 (5) Aug 20 (6) Aug 19 (9) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (7) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (2) Aug 14 (12) Aug 12 (15) Aug 11 (11) Aug 10 (6) Aug 09 (7) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (5) Aug 05 (7) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (4) Aug 02 (5) Aug 01 (5) Jul 31 (7) Jul 30 (5) Jul 29 (9) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (8) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (6) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (6) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (5) Jul 18 (15) Jul 15 (14) Jul 14 (5) Jul 13 (6) Jul 12 (12) Jul 11 (8) Jul 10 (3) Jul 09 (11) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (7) Jul 06 (10) Jul 05 (4) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (5) Jul 02 (7) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (10) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (2) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (5) Jun 21 (7) Jun 20 (3) Jun 19 (7) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (11) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (7) Jun 13 (14) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (8) Jun 09 (9) Jun 08 (11) Jun 07 (14) Jun 06 (16) Jun 03 (8) Jun 02 (12) Jun 01 (5) May 31 (7) May 30 (15) May 28 (7) May 27 (5) May 26 (21) May 25 (14) May 24 (10) May 23 (7) May 22 (8) May 21 (11) May 20 (5) May 19 (4) May 18 (10) May 17 (11) May 16 (5) May 15 (6) May 14 (7) May 13 (12) May 12 (10) May 11 (7) May 10 (13) May 09 (4) May 08 (7) May 07 (3) May 06 (6) May 05 (9) May 04 (14) May 03 (7) May 02 (10) May 01 (10) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (9) Apr 28 (5) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (8) Apr 24 (6) Apr 23 (14) Apr 22 (16) Apr 21 (11) Apr 20 (7) Apr 19 (16) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (10) Apr 15 (8) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (11) Apr 12 (10) Apr 11 (8) Apr 10 (12) Apr 09 (5) Apr 08 (13) Apr 07 (9) Apr 06 (11) Apr 05 (15) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (15) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (11) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (10) Mar 29 (8) Mar 28 (7) Mar 27 (12) Mar 26 (8) Mar 25 (8) Mar 24 (7) Mar 23 (15) Mar 22 (17) Mar 21 (9) Mar 20 (8) Mar 19 (4) Mar 18 (16) Mar 17 (8) Mar 16 (19) Mar 15 (13) Mar 14 (7) Mar 13 (20) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (11) Mar 09 (13) Mar 08 (13) Mar 07 (7) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (9) Mar 04 (10) Mar 03 (16) Mar 02 (16) Mar 01 (13) Feb 29 (8) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (16) Feb 26 (10) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (12) Feb 23 (14) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (11) Feb 20 (8) Feb 19 (12) Feb 18 (12) Feb 17 (11) Feb 16 (8) Feb 15 (9) Feb 14 (7) Feb 13 (10) Feb 12 (11) Feb 11 (13) Feb 10 (5) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (4) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (13) Feb 05 (10) Feb 04 (11) Feb 03 (7) Feb 02 (19) Jan 31 (21) Jan 29 (11) Jan 28 (10) Jan 27 (13) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (2) Jan 23 (8) Jan 22 (13) Jan 21 (11) Jan 20 (9) Jan 19 (13) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (11) Jan 15 (7) Jan 14 (13) Jan 13 (9) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (5) Jan 10 (8) Jan 09 (7) Jan 08 (7) Jan 07 (6) Jan 06 (11) Jan 05 (7) Jan 04 (7) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (8) Jan 01 (5) Dec 31 (10) Dec 30 (9) Dec 29 (7) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (1) Dec 25 (5) Dec 24 (6) Dec 23 (6) Dec 22 (7) Dec 21 (6) Dec 20 (7) Dec 19 (13) Dec 18 (16) Dec 17 (10) Dec 16 (13) Dec 15 (11) Dec 14 (8) Dec 13 (4) Dec 12 (9) Dec 11 (10) Dec 10 (12) Dec 09 (10) Dec 08 (13) Dec 07 (7) Dec 06 (12) Dec 05 (8) Dec 04 (11) Dec 03 (12) Dec 02 (16) Dec 01 (14) Nov 30 (10) Nov 29 (11) Nov 28 (15) Nov 27 (16) Nov 26 (11) Nov 25 (9) Nov 24 (13) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (1) Nov 21 (7) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (11) Nov 17 (11) Nov 16 (10) Nov 15 (3) Nov 14 (10) Nov 13 (14) Nov 12 (8) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (10) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (11) Nov 06 (12) Nov 05 (17) Nov 04 (12) Nov 03 (11) Nov 02 (5) Nov 01 (12) Oct 31 (11) Oct 30 (11) Oct 29 (10) Oct 28 (18) Oct 27 (16) Oct 26 (11) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (12) Oct 23 (11) Oct 22 (14) Oct 21 (12) Oct 20 (17) Oct 19 (12) Oct 18 (13) Oct 17 (15) Oct 16 (14) Oct 15 (10) Oct 14 (16) Oct 13 (12) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (8) Oct 10 (12) Oct 09 (21) Oct 08 (22) Oct 07 (19) Oct 06 (18) Oct 05 (6) Oct 04 (17) Oct 03 (13) Oct 02 (14) Oct 01 (13) Sep 30 (14) Sep 29 (15) Sep 28 (12) Sep 27 (11) Sep 26 (15) Sep 25 (13) Sep 24 (9) Sep 23 (10) Sep 22 (12) Sep 21 (8) Sep 20 (4) Sep 19 (12) Sep 18 (12) Sep 17 (16) Sep 16 (21) Sep 15 (14) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (5) Sep 12 (10) Sep 11 (16) Sep 10 (7) Sep 09 (8) Sep 08 (10) Sep 07 (7) Sep 06 (5) Sep 05 (8) Sep 04 (9) Sep 03 (8) Sep 02 (11) Sep 01 (10) Aug 31 (4) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (1) Aug 28 (10) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (8) Aug 25 (14) Aug 24 (4) Aug 23 (3) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (13) Aug 20 (9) Aug 19 (13) Aug 18 (3) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (6) Aug 14 (8) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (12) Aug 11 (9) Aug 10 (8) Aug 09 (14) Aug 08 (6) Aug 07 (1) Aug 06 (4) Aug 05 (8) Aug 04 (6) Aug 03 (6) Aug 02 (2) Aug 01 (6) Jul 31 (6) Jul 30 (3) Jul 29 (6) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (6) Jul 23 (5) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (5) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (5) Jul 16 (4) Jul 15 (9) Jul 14 (2) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (1) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (8) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (3) Jul 07 (13) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (7) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (1) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (7) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (9) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (3) Jun 19 (4) Jun 18 (7) Jun 17 (7) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (11) Jun 12 (6) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (10) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (2) Jun 05 (9) Jun 04 (8) Jun 03 (9) Jun 02 (6) Jun 01 (4) May 30 (7) May 29 (9) May 28 (13) May 26 (8) May 25 (5) May 24 (2) May 23 (8) May 22 (9) May 21 (7) May 20 (4) May 19 (6) May 18 (7) May 17 (8) May 15 (9) May 14 (5) May 13 (8) May 12 (6) May 11 (6) May 09 (7) May 08 (6) May 07 (11) May 06 (7) May 05 (4) May 04 (11) May 03 (5) May 02 (4) May 01 (9) Apr 30 (6) Apr 29 (4) Apr 28 (9) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (3) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (10) Apr 22 (8) Apr 21 (9) Apr 20 (3) Apr 19 (4) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (7) Apr 16 (4) Apr 15 (6) Apr 14 (8) Apr 13 (3) Apr 12 (6) Apr 10 (2) Apr 09 (4) Apr 08 (5) Apr 07 (5) Apr 06 (2) Apr 05 (2) Apr 04 (5) Apr 03 (7) Apr 02 (7) Apr 01 (12) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (3) Mar 29 (1) Mar 28 (2) Mar 27 (6) Mar 26 (2) Mar 25 (5) Mar 24 (4) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (4) Mar 21 (6) Mar 20 (9) Mar 19 (9) Mar 18 (8) Mar 17 (9) Mar 16 (7) Mar 15 (11) Mar 13 (5) Mar 12 (12) Mar 11 (9) Mar 10 (12) Mar 09 (4) Mar 08 (5) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (5) Mar 05 (5) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (11) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (8) Feb 27 (9) Feb 26 (9) Feb 25 (8) Feb 24 (6) Feb 23 (4) Feb 22 (3) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (3) Feb 19 (10) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (7) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (2) Feb 14 (8) Feb 13 (12) Feb 12 (8) Feb 11 (10) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (6) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (2) Feb 06 (7) Feb 05 (4) Feb 04 (11) Feb 03 (5) Feb 02 (7) Feb 01 (4) Jan 31 (5) Jan 30 (8) Jan 29 (12) Jan 28 (6) Jan 27 (8) Jan 26 (13) Jan 24 (8) Jan 23 (12) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (10) Jan 20 (8) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (9) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (11) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (6) Jan 10 (2) Jan 09 (6) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (6) Jan 06 (4) Jan 05 (4) Jan 04 (3) Jan 03 (6) Jan 02 (2) Jan 01 (3) Dec 31 (6) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (4) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (3) Dec 24 (5) Dec 23 (7) Dec 22 (5) Dec 21 (4) Dec 20 (4) Dec 19 (5) Dec 18 (8) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (9) Dec 15 (7) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (10) Dec 12 (10) Dec 11 (9) Dec 10 (10) Dec 09 (11) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (9) Dec 04 (3) Dec 03 (8) Dec 02 (10) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (1) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (9) Nov 27 (3) Nov 26 (7) Nov 25 (12) Nov 24 (3) Nov 23 (8) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (3) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (6) Nov 18 (10) Nov 17 (12) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (5) Nov 14 (12) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (7) Nov 11 (8) Nov 10 (7) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (5) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (6) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (9) Nov 03 (6) Nov 02 (14) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (6) Oct 30 (7) Oct 29 (9) Oct 28 (9) Oct 27 (3) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (8) Oct 23 (4) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (4) Oct 20 (2) Oct 19 (11) Oct 17 (6) Oct 16 (7) Oct 15 (7) Oct 14 (8) Oct 13 (5) Oct 12 (8) Oct 11 (6) Oct 10 (5) Oct 09 (11) Oct 08 (10) Oct 07 (8) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (8) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (10) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (7) Sep 29 (6) Sep 28 (5) Sep 27 (8) Sep 26 (11) Sep 25 (11) Sep 24 (15) Sep 23 (8) Sep 22 (9) Sep 21 (4) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (9) Sep 18 (10) Sep 17 (10) Sep 16 (5) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (5) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (8) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (7) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (2) Sep 06 (4) Sep 05 (7) Sep 04 (11) Sep 03 (7) Sep 02 (7) Sep 01 (2) Aug 31 (3) Aug 30 (1) Aug 29 (10) Aug 28 (5) Aug 27 (4) Aug 26 (10) Aug 25 (6) Aug 24 (9) Aug 22 (11) Aug 21 (8) Aug 20 (12) Aug 19 (8) Aug 18 (4) Aug 17 (4) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (6) Aug 14 (4) Aug 13 (7) Aug 12 (8) Aug 11 (7) Aug 10 (12) Aug 08 (5) Aug 07 (6) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (8) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (4) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (6) Jul 30 (12) Jul 29 (4) Jul 28 (5) Jul 27 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (8) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (3) Jul 21 (8) Jul 20 (6) Jul 19 (3) Jul 18 (8) Jul 17 (2) Jul 16 (7) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (9) Jul 13 (10) Jul 11 (9) Jul 10 (8) Jul 09 (3) Jul 08 (7) Jul 07 (7) Jul 06 (7) Jul 05 (10) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (5) Jun 29 (6) Jun 28 (1) Jun 27 (15) Jun 26 (10) Jun 25 (9) Jun 24 (16) Jun 23 (6) Jun 22 (12) Jun 20 (6) Jun 19 (8) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (6) Jun 16 (7) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (5) Jun 13 (13) Jun 12 (7) Jun 11 (14) Jun 10 (3) Jun 09 (2) Jun 08 (2) Jun 07 (7) Jun 06 (16) Jun 05 (7) Jun 04 (18) Jun 03 (12) Jun 02 (8) May 31 (3) May 30 (6) May 29 (6) May 28 (7) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (6) May 23 (4) May 22 (8) May 21 (5) May 20 (6) May 19 (2) May 18 (9) May 17 (1) May 16 (5) May 15 (5) May 14 (7) May 13 (7) May 12 (7) May 11 (4) May 10 (4) May 09 (5) May 08 (10) May 07 (4) May 06 (13) May 05 (4) May 04 (10) May 02 (2) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (9) Apr 29 (6) Apr 28 (3) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (9) Apr 25 (9) Apr 24 (7) Apr 23 (11) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (3) Apr 20 (10) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (5) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (6) Apr 15 (7) Apr 14 (11) Apr 13 (4) Apr 12 (5) Apr 11 (9) Apr 10 (4) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (6) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (6) Apr 05 (10) Apr 03 (9) Apr 02 (9) Apr 01 (12) Mar 31 (4) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (10) Mar 28 (7) Mar 27 (8) Mar 26 (8) Mar 25 (15) Mar 24 (11) Mar 23 (8) Mar 22 (7) Mar 21 (14) Mar 20 (6) Mar 19 (11) Mar 18 (11) Mar 17 (12) Mar 16 (8) Mar 15 (8) Mar 14 (13) Mar 13 (8) Mar 12 (10) Mar 11 (8) Mar 10 (7) Mar 09 (3) Mar 08 (12) Mar 07 (15) Mar 06 (16) Mar 05 (9) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (12) Mar 02 (20) Feb 28 (11) Feb 27 (8) Feb 26 (11) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (14) Feb 23 (5) Feb 22 (6) Feb 21 (8) Feb 20 (11) Feb 19 (7) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (8) Feb 16 (11) Feb 15 (3) Feb 14 (10) Feb 13 (4) Feb 12 (10) Feb 11 (7) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (4) Feb 08 (6) Feb 07 (5) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (10) Feb 04 (5) Feb 03 (4) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (5) Jan 29 (2) Jan 28 (6) Jan 27 (3) Jan 26 (2) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (7) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (5) Jan 20 (5) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (7) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (5) Jan 13 (4) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (3) Jan 10 (5) Jan 09 (6) Jan 08 (6) Jan 07 (3) Jan 06 (1) Jan 05 (4) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (3) Jan 02 (6) Jan 01 (2) Dec 31 (6) Dec 30 (1) Dec 29 (5) Dec 27 (1) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (4) Dec 24 (8) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (1) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (8) Dec 18 (3) Dec 17 (4) Dec 16 (3) Dec 15 (3) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (4) Dec 11 (4) Dec 10 (7) Dec 09 (5) Dec 08 (2) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (10) Dec 04 (9) Dec 03 (4) Dec 02 (2) Dec 01 (8) Nov 29 (5) Nov 28 (7) Nov 27 (5) Nov 26 (9) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (5) Nov 23 (6) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (12) Nov 20 (12) Nov 19 (10) Nov 18 (4) Nov 17 (3) Nov 16 (8) Nov 15 (7) Nov 14 (7) Nov 13 (6) Nov 12 (12) Nov 11 (6) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (5) Nov 06 (5) Nov 05 (9) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (4) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (10) Oct 30 (4) Oct 29 (11) Oct 28 (3) Oct 27 (7) Oct 26 (7) Oct 25 (6) Oct 24 (7) Oct 23 (11) Oct 22 (2) Oct 21 (7) Oct 20 (4) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (7) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (8) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (5) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (7) Oct 11 (20) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (4) Oct 08 (21) Oct 07 (20) Oct 06 (34) Oct 04 (24) Oct 03 (21) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (7) Sep 30 (3) Sep 29 (5) Sep 28 (6) Sep 27 (5) Sep 26 (6) Sep 25 (5) Sep 24 (2) Sep 23 (8) Sep 22 (4) Sep 21 (3) Sep 20 (9) Sep 19 (11) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (7) Sep 16 (6) Sep 15 (3) Sep 14 (7) Sep 13 (8) Sep 12 (11) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (6) Sep 09 (5) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (6) Sep 06 (10) Sep 05 (7) Sep 04 (7) Sep 03 (5) Sep 02 (4) Sep 01 (8) Aug 31 (5) Aug 30 (7) Aug 29 (10) Aug 28 (7) Aug 27 (6) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (8) Aug 23 (6) Aug 22 (6) Aug 21 (8) Aug 20 (8) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (2) Aug 17 (5) Aug 16 (7) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (4) Aug 12 (6) Aug 11 (6) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (6) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (12) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (4) Aug 01 (10) Jul 31 (3) Jul 30 (7) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (6) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (7) Jul 23 (10) Jul 22 (8) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (7) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (10) Jul 16 (11) Jul 15 (5) Jul 13 (5) Jul 12 (9) Jul 11 (11) Jul 10 (12) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (8) Jul 06 (9) Jul 05 (10) Jul 04 (8) Jul 03 (10) Jul 02 (12) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (5) Jun 29 (6) Jun 28 (23) Jun 27 (18) Jun 26 (12) Jun 25 (14) Jun 24 (15) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (11) Jun 21 (15) Jun 20 (9) Jun 19 (8) Jun 18 (11) Jun 17 (7) Jun 16 (6) Jun 15 (6) Jun 14 (6) Jun 13 (5) Jun 12 (6) Jun 11 (9) Jun 10 (10) Jun 09 (9) Jun 08 (6) Jun 07 (2) Jun 06 (6) Jun 05 (4) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (4) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (6) May 31 (3) May 30 (5) May 29 (8) May 28 (7) May 27 (2) May 26 (2) May 25 (8) May 24 (7) May 23 (6) May 22 (9) May 21 (6) May 20 (5) May 19 (6) May 18 (9) May 17 (10) May 16 (11) May 15 (5) May 14 (11) May 13 (6) May 12 (7) May 11 (7) May 10 (5) May 09 (3) May 08 (10) May 07 (8) May 06 (11) May 05 (5) May 04 (9) May 03 (3) May 02 (2) May 01 (5) Apr 30 (5) Apr 29 (8) Apr 28 (6) Apr 27 (4) Apr 26 (9) Apr 25 (11) Apr 24 (4) Apr 23 (11) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (5) Apr 20 (7) Apr 19 (10) Apr 18 (8) Apr 17 (10) Apr 16 (8) Apr 15 (4) Apr 14 (5) Apr 13 (7) Apr 12 (11) Apr 11 (6) Apr 10 (7) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (9) Apr 05 (10) Apr 04 (7) Apr 03 (2) Apr 02 (6) Apr 01 (4) Mar 31 (3) Mar 30 (4) Mar 29 (3) Mar 28 (5) Mar 27 (10) Mar 26 (5) Mar 25 (4) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (7) Mar 22 (6) Mar 21 (9) Mar 20 (5) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (9) Mar 17 (2) Mar 16 (8) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (10) Mar 12 (10) Mar 11 (2) Mar 10 (1) Mar 09 (6) Mar 08 (4) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (3) Mar 05 (3) Mar 04 (7) Mar 03 (6) Mar 02 (8) Mar 01 (9) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (8) Feb 25 (7) Feb 24 (3) Feb 23 (4) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (7) Feb 20 (4) Feb 19 (4) Feb 18 (2) Feb 17 (1) Feb 16 (6) Feb 15 (6) Feb 14 (5) Feb 13 (4) Feb 12 (7) Feb 11 (2) Feb 10 (2) Feb 09 (5) Feb 08 (5) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (4) Feb 05 (9) Feb 04 (3) Feb 03 (3) Feb 02 (10) Feb 01 (9) Jan 31 (5) Jan 30 (8) Jan 29 (5) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (4) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (6) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (3) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (7) Jan 18 (3) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (8) Jan 15 (7) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (1) Jan 12 (7) Jan 11 (1) Jan 10 (3) Jan 09 (3) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (2) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (4) Jan 02 (4) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (3) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (8) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (2) Dec 24 (4) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (7) Dec 21 (5) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (6) Dec 17 (4) Dec 16 (5) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (8) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (6) Dec 11 (8) Dec 10 (5) Dec 09 (4) Dec 08 (4) Dec 07 (7) Dec 06 (7) Dec 05 (6) Dec 04 (6) Dec 03 (7) Dec 02 (1) Dec 01 (6) Nov 30 (2) Nov 29 (8) Nov 28 (16) Nov 27 (7) Nov 26 (5) Nov 25 (2) Nov 24 (6) Nov 23 (5) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (5) Nov 20 (15) Nov 19 (8) Nov 18 (2) Nov 17 (3) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (7) Nov 14 (6) Nov 13 (9) Nov 12 (7) Nov 11 (8) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (5) Nov 08 (8) Nov 07 (9) Nov 06 (9) Nov 05 (1) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (8) Nov 02 (6) Nov 01 (3) Oct 31 (6) Oct 30 (7) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (3) Oct 27 (4) Oct 26 (4) Oct 25 (8) Oct 24 (4) Oct 23 (1) Oct 22 (6) Oct 21 (1) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (6) Oct 18 (10) Oct 17 (6) Oct 16 (15) Oct 15 (4) Oct 14 (5) Oct 13 (3) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (7) Oct 10 (1) Oct 09 (5) Oct 08 (7) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (8) Oct 05 (5) Oct 04 (3) Oct 03 (7) Oct 02 (6) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (8) Sep 29 (6) Sep 28 (13) Sep 27 (10) Sep 26 (8) Sep 25 (8) Sep 24 (8) Sep 23 (3) Sep 22 (7) Sep 21 (9) Sep 20 (7) Sep 19 (8) Sep 18 (4) Sep 17 (3) Sep 16 (4) Sep 15 (8) Sep 14 (5) Sep 13 (7) Sep 12 (7) Sep 11 (9) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (10) Sep 08 (4) Sep 07 (12) Sep 06 (13) Sep 05 (15) Sep 04 (5) Sep 03 (4) Sep 02 (6) Sep 01 (9) Aug 31 (7) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (8) Aug 28 (11) Aug 27 (2) Aug 26 (6) Aug 25 (15) Aug 24 (6) Aug 23 (8) Aug 22 (5) Aug 21 (6) Aug 20 (7) Aug 19 (2) Aug 18 (5) Aug 17 (5) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (4) Aug 14 (6) Aug 13 (9) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (6) Aug 09 (5) Aug 08 (7) Aug 07 (9) Aug 06 (4) Aug 05 (4) Aug 04 (4) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (9) Aug 01 (10) Jul 31 (11) Jul 30 (4) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (11) Jul 27 (4) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (8) Jul 22 (5) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (6) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (6) Jul 16 (7) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (7) Jul 12 (8) Jul 11 (6) Jul 10 (14) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (5) Jul 07 (4) Jul 06 (9) Jul 05 (8) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (8) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (5) Jun 30 (6) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (3) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (8) Jun 25 (3) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (14) Jun 22 (11) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (8) Jun 19 (7) Jun 18 (4) Jun 17 (3) Jun 16 (12) Jun 15 (12) Jun 14 (10) Jun 13 (10) Jun 12 (9) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (12) Jun 09 (4) Jun 08 (3) Jun 07 (12) Jun 06 (6) Jun 05 (7) Jun 04 (6) Jun 03 (3) Jun 02 (4) Jun 01 (8) May 31 (4) May 30 (3) May 29 (8) May 28 (7) May 27 (4) May 26 (3) May 25 (5) May 24 (9) May 23 (16) May 22 (12) May 21 (11) May 20 (7) May 19 (10) May 18 (8) May 17 (8) May 16 (10) May 15 (8) May 14 (5) May 13 (1) May 12 (6) May 11 (9) May 10 (9) May 09 (10) May 08 (9) May 07 (6) May 06 (5) May 05 (7) May 04 (10) May 03 (7) May 02 (9) May 01 (10) Apr 30 (4) Apr 29 (9) Apr 28 (12) Apr 27 (9) Apr 26 (4) Apr 25 (5) Apr 24 (9) Apr 23 (4) Apr 22 (7) Apr 21 (8) Apr 20 (9) Apr 19 (6) Apr 18 (4) Apr 17 (2) Apr 16 (4) Apr 15 (10) Apr 14 (7) Apr 13 (5) Apr 12 (7) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (7) Apr 09 (6) Apr 08 (7) Apr 07 (10) Apr 06 (8) Apr 05 (8) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (6) Apr 02 (4) Apr 01 (4) Mar 31 (11) Mar 30 (12) Mar 29 (16) Mar 28 (8) Mar 27 (10) Mar 26 (12) Mar 25 (6) Mar 24 (9) Mar 23 (3) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (12) Mar 20 (14) Mar 19 (8) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (8) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (9) Mar 12 (6) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (13) Mar 09 (8) Mar 08 (10) Mar 07 (12) Mar 06 (6) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (2) Mar 03 (3) Mar 02 (12) Mar 01 (8) Feb 29 (11) Feb 28 (5) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (13) Feb 25 (10) Feb 24 (13) Feb 23 (10) Feb 22 (9) Feb 21 (18) Feb 20 (6) Feb 19 (7) Feb 18 (9) Feb 17 (5) Feb 16 (9) Feb 15 (7) Feb 14 (6) Feb 13 (5) Feb 12 (6) Feb 11 (4) Feb 10 (8) Feb 09 (5) Feb 08 (8) Feb 07 (10) Feb 06 (7) Feb 05 (7) Feb 04 (5) Feb 03 (11) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (12) Jan 30 (7) Jan 29 (7) Jan 28 (7) Jan 27 (12) Jan 26 (7) Jan 25 (11) Jan 24 (4) Jan 23 (6) Jan 22 (8) Jan 21 (12) Jan 20 (11) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (6) Jan 17 (11) Jan 16 (9) Jan 15 (4) Jan 14 (3) Jan 13 (6) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (9) Jan 10 (10) Jan 09 (5) Jan 08 (10) Jan 07 (5) Jan 06 (6) Jan 05 (8) Jan 04 (5) Jan 03 (8) Jan 02 (7) Jan 01 (7) Dec 31 (10) Dec 30 (11) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (5) Dec 27 (10) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (5) Dec 24 (7) Dec 23 (2) Dec 22 (9) Dec 21 (8) Dec 20 (8) Dec 19 (5) Dec 18 (1) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (6) Dec 15 (5) Dec 14 (13) Dec 13 (8) Dec 12 (7) Dec 11 (9) Dec 10 (12) Dec 09 (7) Dec 08 (11) Dec 07 (9) Dec 06 (11) Dec 05 (10) Dec 04 (6) Dec 03 (8) Dec 02 (6) Dec 01 (14) Nov 30 (7) Nov 29 (8) Nov 28 (8) Nov 27 (6) Nov 26 (9) Nov 25 (10) Nov 24 (12) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (10) Nov 20 (4) Nov 19 (4) Nov 18 (8) Nov 17 (9) Nov 16 (9) Nov 15 (12) Nov 14 (6) Nov 13 (9) Nov 12 (3) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (10) Nov 09 (10) Nov 08 (7) Nov 07 (8) Nov 06 (10) Nov 05 (8) Nov 04 (7) Nov 03 (10) Nov 02 (11) Nov 01 (10) Oct 31 (5) Oct 30 (8) Oct 29 (8) Oct 28 (8) Oct 27 (11) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (9) Oct 24 (10) Oct 23 (5) Oct 22 (14) Oct 21 (10) Oct 20 (8) Oct 19 (11) Oct 18 (13) Oct 17 (7) Oct 16 (6) Oct 15 (9) Oct 14 (7) Oct 13 (12) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (9) Oct 10 (8) Oct 09 (9) Oct 08 (7) Oct 07 (12) Oct 06 (8) Oct 05 (13) Oct 04 (11) Oct 03 (7) Oct 02 (5) Oct 01 (14) Sep 30 (12) Sep 29 (12) Sep 28 (11) Sep 27 (11) Sep 26 (7) Sep 25 (10) Sep 24 (3) Sep 23 (7) Sep 22 (8) Sep 21 (8) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (7) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (14) Sep 16 (7) Sep 15 (11) Sep 14 (13) Sep 13 (11) Sep 12 (9) Sep 11 (5) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (13) Sep 08 (11) Sep 07 (11) Sep 06 (16) Sep 05 (1) Sep 04 (10) Sep 03 (8) Sep 02 (8) Sep 01 (7) Aug 31 (1) Aug 30 (6) Aug 29 (2) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (6) Aug 26 (8) Aug 25 (5) Aug 24 (5) Aug 23 (6) Aug 22 (7) Aug 21 (6) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (9) Aug 18 (7) Aug 17 (7) Aug 16 (10) Aug 15 (2) Aug 14 (5) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (10) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (8) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (5) Aug 06 (12) Aug 05 (5) Aug 04 (7) Aug 03 (6) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (14) Jul 31 (7) Jul 30 (7) Jul 29 (13) Jul 28 (10) Jul 27 (6) Jul 26 (7) Jul 25 (7) Jul 24 (4) Jul 23 (12) Jul 22 (14) Jul 21 (6) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (12) Jul 18 (9) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (6) Jul 15 (8) Jul 14 (15) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (10) Jul 11 (6) Jul 10 (6) Jul 09 (6) Jul 08 (6) Jul 07 (9) Jul 06 (15) Jul 05 (6) Jul 04 (10) Jul 03 (6) Jul 02 (6) Jul 01 (11) Jun 30 (7) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (8) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (11) Jun 24 (9) Jun 23 (10) Jun 22 (8) Jun 21 (8) Jun 20 (6) Jun 19 (5) Jun 18 (15) Jun 17 (8) Jun 16 (13) Jun 15 (15) Jun 14 (11) Jun 13 (6) Jun 12 (15) Jun 11 (7) Jun 10 (7) Jun 09 (18) Jun 08 (20) Jun 07 (17) Jun 06 (9) Jun 05 (9) Jun 04 (12) Jun 03 (13) Jun 02 (14) Jun 01 (8) May 31 (13) May 30 (8) May 29 (6) May 28 (8) May 27 (17) May 26 (8) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (9) May 22 (4) May 21 (4) May 20 (11) May 19 (14) May 18 (6) May 17 (10) May 16 (4) May 15 (5) May 14 (28) May 12 (9) May 11 (17) May 10 (15) May 09 (12) May 08 (5) May 07 (4) May 06 (10) May 05 (8) May 04 (10) May 03 (5) May 02 (6) May 01 (8) Apr 30 (8) Apr 29 (12) Apr 28 (6) Apr 27 (11) Apr 26 (12) Apr 25 (6) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (5) Apr 22 (10) Apr 21 (19) Apr 20 (13) Apr 19 (11) Apr 18 (11) Apr 17 (5) Apr 16 (12) Apr 15 (11) Apr 14 (17) Apr 13 (6) Apr 12 (16) Apr 11 (10) Apr 10 (1) Apr 09 (18) Apr 08 (14) Apr 07 (6) Apr 06 (10) Apr 05 (21) Apr 04 (12) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (13) Apr 01 (8) Mar 31 (10) Mar 30 (11) Mar 29 (10) Mar 28 (8) Mar 27 (6) Mar 26 (12) Mar 25 (15) Mar 24 (10) Mar 23 (12) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (8) Mar 20 (4) Mar 19 (11) Mar 18 (7) Mar 17 (7) Mar 16 (9) Mar 15 (10) Mar 14 (4) Mar 13 (2) Mar 12 (14) Mar 11 (13) Mar 10 (7) Mar 09 (9) Mar 08 (17) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (7) Mar 05 (13) Mar 04 (10) Mar 03 (14) Mar 02 (12) Mar 01 (18) Feb 28 (8) Feb 27 (2) Feb 26 (9) Feb 25 (13) Feb 24 (17) Feb 23 (13) Feb 22 (12) Feb 21 (11) Feb 20 (11) Feb 19 (16) Feb 18 (17) Feb 17 (15) Feb 16 (15) Feb 15 (15) Feb 14 (10) Feb 13 (8) Feb 12 (10) Feb 11 (15) Feb 10 (11) Feb 09 (13) Feb 08 (10) Feb 07 (9) Feb 06 (6) Feb 05 (15) Feb 04 (15) Feb 03 (11) Feb 02 (14) Feb 01 (15) Jan 31 (11) Jan 30 (9) Jan 29 (19) Jan 28 (9) Jan 27 (9) Jan 26 (16) Jan 25 (19) Jan 24 (17) Jan 23 (8) Jan 22 (15) Jan 21 (9) Jan 20 (11) Jan 19 (7) Jan 18 (9) Jan 17 (6) Jan 16 (7) Jan 15 (12) Jan 14 (9) Jan 13 (14) Jan 12 (11) Jan 11 (13) Jan 10 (8) Jan 09 (8) Jan 08 (20) Jan 07 (11) Jan 06 (11) Jan 05 (8) Jan 04 (14) Jan 03 (6) Jan 02 (7) Jan 01 (7) Dec 31 (14) Dec 30 (15) Dec 29 (7) Dec 28 (10) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (3) Dec 25 (11) Dec 24 (9) Dec 23 (9) Dec 22 (15) Dec 21 (12) Dec 20 (11) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (16) Dec 17 (6) Dec 16 (12) Dec 15 (14) Dec 14 (11) Dec 13 (10) Dec 12 (6) Dec 11 (10) Dec 10 (17) Dec 09 (11) Dec 08 (12) Dec 07 (16) Dec 06 (11) Dec 05 (5) Dec 04 (12) Dec 03 (15) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (12) Nov 30 (16) Nov 29 (7) Nov 28 (11) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (13) Nov 25 (16) Nov 24 (15) Nov 23 (10) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (8) Nov 19 (9) Nov 18 (16) Nov 17 (11) Nov 16 (11) Nov 15 (10) Nov 14 (9) Nov 13 (6) Nov 12 (10) Nov 11 (12) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (10) Nov 07 (6) Nov 06 (7) Nov 05 (12) Nov 04 (14) Nov 03 (10) Nov 02 (13) Nov 01 (9) Oct 31 (9) Oct 30 (11) Oct 29 (18) Oct 28 (13) Oct 27 (23) Oct 26 (12) Oct 25 (14) Oct 24 (20) Oct 22 (18) Oct 21 (18) Oct 20 (19) Oct 19 (12) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (5) Oct 16 (18) Oct 15 (8) Oct 14 (11) Oct 13 (9) Oct 12 (13) Oct 11 (6) Oct 10 (7) Oct 09 (27) Oct 08 (14) Oct 07 (10) Oct 06 (9) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (10) Oct 03 (6) Oct 02 (9) Oct 01 (13) Sep 30 (12) Sep 29 (13) Sep 28 (8) Sep 27 (9) Sep 26 (8) Sep 25 (14) Sep 24 (4) Sep 23 (14) Sep 22 (20) Sep 21 (11) Sep 20 (6) Sep 19 (9) Sep 18 (14) Sep 17 (8) Sep 16 (17) Sep 15 (6) Sep 14 (11) Sep 13 (9) Sep 12 (4) Sep 11 (7) Sep 10 (14) Sep 09 (12) Sep 08 (17) Sep 07 (12) Sep 06 (13) Sep 05 (9) Sep 04 (20) Sep 03 (16) Sep 02 (16) Sep 01 (10) Aug 31 (13) Aug 30 (4) Aug 29 (9) Aug 28 (6) Aug 27 (8) Aug 26 (11) Aug 25 (10) Aug 24 (14) Aug 23 (12) Aug 22 (13) Aug 21 (10) Aug 20 (13) Aug 19 (15) Aug 18 (8) Aug 17 (10) Aug 16 (8) Aug 15 (3) Aug 14 (11) Aug 13 (12) Aug 12 (15) Aug 11 (10) Aug 10 (17) Aug 09 (6) Aug 08 (13) Aug 07 (11) Aug 06 (13) Aug 05 (11) Aug 04 (11) Aug 03 (10) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (6) Jul 31 (10) Jul 30 (21) Jul 29 (14) Jul 28 (13) Jul 27 (16) Jul 26 (10) Jul 25 (15) Jul 24 (17) Jul 23 (15) Jul 22 (15) Jul 21 (19) Jul 20 (17) Jul 19 (9) Jul 18 (7) Jul 17 (26) Jul 16 (18) Jul 15 (20) Jul 14 (16) Jul 13 (19) Jul 12 (11) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (13) Jul 09 (11) Jul 08 (8) Jul 07 (12) Jul 06 (16) Jul 05 (9) Jul 04 (5) Jul 03 (15) Jul 02 (11) Jul 01 (14) Jun 30 (13) Jun 29 (19) Jun 28 (8) Jun 27 (9) Jun 26 (16) Jun 25 (22) Jun 24 (17) Jun 23 (11) Jun 22 (15) Jun 21 (14) Jun 20 (8) Jun 19 (17) Jun 18 (10) Jun 17 (10) Jun 16 (17) Jun 15 (13) Jun 14 (14) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (13) Jun 11 (15) Jun 10 (25) Jun 09 (10) Jun 08 (23) Jun 07 (14) Jun 06 (20) Jun 05 (10) Jun 04 (11) Jun 03 (12) Jun 02 (21) Jun 01 (14) May 31 (10) May 30 (14) May 29 (8) May 28 (23) May 27 (20) May 26 (16) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (10) May 22 (18) May 21 (14) May 20 (12) May 19 (18) May 18 (14) May 17 (13) May 16 (4) May 15 (7) May 14 (16) May 13 (13) May 12 (8) May 11 (18) May 10 (8) May 09 (7) May 08 (13) May 07 (11) May 06 (15) May 05 (18) May 04 (17) May 03 (7) May 02 (5) May 01 (11) Apr 30 (19) Apr 29 (21) Apr 28 (18) Apr 27 (16) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (11) Apr 24 (9) Apr 23 (20) Apr 22 (23) Apr 21 (5) Apr 20 (16) Apr 19 (13) Apr 18 (6) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (16) Apr 15 (18) Apr 14 (13) Apr 13 (14) Apr 12 (9) Apr 11 (3) Apr 10 (16) Apr 09 (14) Apr 08 (12) Apr 07 (18) Apr 06 (7) Apr 05 (11) Apr 04 (9) Apr 03 (19) Apr 02 (17) Apr 01 (16) Mar 31 (16) Mar 30 (22) Mar 29 (16) Mar 28 (16) Mar 27 (19) Mar 26 (31) Mar 25 (25) Mar 24 (26) Mar 23 (27) Mar 22 (22) Mar 21 (22) Mar 20 (13) Mar 19 (21) Mar 18 (20) Mar 17 (24) Mar 16 (18) Mar 15 (9) Mar 14 (9) Mar 13 (29) Mar 12 (15) Mar 11 (11) Mar 10 (11) Mar 09 (20) Mar 08 (12) Mar 07 (6) Mar 06 (21) Mar 05 (22) Mar 04 (19) Mar 03 (9) Mar 02 (20) Mar 01 (11) Feb 28 (11) Feb 27 (27) Feb 26 (15) Feb 25 (18) Feb 24 (17) Feb 23 (19) Feb 22 (24) Feb 21 (10) Feb 20 (14) Feb 19 (25) Feb 18 (16) Feb 17 (19) Feb 16 (23) Feb 15 (8) Feb 14 (11) Feb 13 (25) Feb 12 (16) Feb 11 (12) Feb 10 (18) Feb 09 (12) Feb 08 (14) Feb 07 (8) Feb 06 (27) Feb 05 (28) Feb 04 (24) Feb 03 (17) Feb 02 (20) Feb 01 (23) Jan 31 (16) Jan 30 (20) Jan 29 (26) Jan 28 (17) Jan 27 (21) Jan 26 (24) Jan 25 (16) Jan 24 (14) Jan 23 (16) Jan 22 (17) Jan 21 (19) Jan 20 (21) Jan 19 (17) Jan 18 (13) Jan 17 (14) Jan 16 (10) Jan 15 (21) Jan 14 (16) Jan 13 (19) Jan 12 (30) Jan 11 (14) Jan 10 (11) Jan 09 (8) Jan 08 (23) Jan 07 (13) Jan 06 (21) Jan 05 (15) Jan 04 (18) Jan 03 (9) Jan 02 (12) Jan 01 (15) Dec 31 (18) Dec 30 (7) Dec 29 (13) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (8) Dec 26 (6) Dec 25 (8) Dec 24 (28) Dec 23 (12) Dec 22 (12) Dec 21 (17) Dec 20 (19) Dec 19 (19) Dec 18 (22) Dec 17 (24) Dec 16 (17) Dec 15 (29) Dec 14 (22) Dec 13 (12) Dec 12 (22) Dec 11 (24) Dec 10 (25) Dec 09 (18) Dec 08 (15) Dec 07 (21) Dec 06 (24) Dec 05 (30) Dec 04 (28) Dec 03 (26) Dec 02 (22) Dec 01 (33) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (9) Nov 28 (18) Nov 27 (25) Nov 26 (17) Nov 25 (23) Nov 24 (27) Nov 23 (12) Nov 22 (10) Nov 21 (15) Nov 20 (23) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (24) Nov 17 (21) Nov 16 (20) Nov 15 (13) Nov 14 (15) Nov 13 (27) Nov 12 (23) Nov 11 (19) Nov 10 (21) Nov 09 (13) Nov 08 (16) Nov 07 (16) Nov 06 (32) Nov 05 (24) Nov 04 (20) Nov 03 (29) Nov 02 (12) Nov 01 (15) Oct 31 (20) Oct 30 (22) Oct 29 (27) Oct 28 (20) Oct 27 (23) Oct 26 (21) Oct 25 (15) Oct 24 (23) Oct 23 (26) Oct 22 (27) Oct 21 (28) Oct 20 (24) Oct 19 (13) Oct 18 (9) Oct 17 (30) Oct 16 (8) Oct 15 (20) Oct 14 (14) Oct 13 (17) Oct 12 (16) Oct 11 (8) Oct 10 (19) Oct 09 (22) Oct 08 (16) Oct 07 (18) Oct 06 (23) Oct 05 (7) Oct 04 (15) Oct 03 (21) Oct 02 (17) Oct 01 (22) Sep 30 (25) Sep 29 (20) Sep 28 (17) Sep 27 (13) Sep 26 (20) Sep 25 (15) Sep 24 (24) Sep 23 (23) Sep 22 (18) Sep 21 (20) Sep 20 (11) Sep 19 (24) Sep 18 (25) Sep 17 (25) Sep 16 (19) Sep 15 (21) Sep 14 (15) Sep 13 (10) Sep 12 (23) Sep 11 (23) Sep 10 (25) Sep 09 (25) Sep 08 (17) Sep 07 (3) Sep 06 (17) Sep 05 (14) Sep 04 (24) Sep 03 (16) Sep 02 (11) Sep 01 (19) Aug 31 (20) Aug 30 (11) Aug 29 (24) Aug 28 (24) Aug 27 (16) Aug 26 (26) Aug 25 (21) Aug 24 (15) Aug 23 (19) Aug 22 (15) Aug 21 (25) Aug 20 (27) Aug 19 (19) Aug 18 (24) Aug 17 (14) Aug 16 (10) Aug 15 (15) Aug 14 (16) Aug 13 (21) Aug 12 (30) Aug 11 (19) Aug 10 (8) Aug 09 (12) Aug 08 (17) Aug 07 (21) Aug 06 (26) Aug 05 (23) Aug 04 (21) Aug 03 (12) Aug 02 (7) Aug 01 (19) Jul 31 (21) Jul 30 (25) Jul 29 (29) Jul 28 (23) Jul 27 (17) Jul 26 (11) Jul 25 (21) Jul 24 (14) Jul 23 (15) Jul 22 (19) Jul 21 (15) Jul 20 (9) Jul 19 (10) Jul 18 (15) Jul 17 (22) Jul 16 (18) Jul 15 (21) Jul 14 (20) Jul 13 (7) Jul 12 (9) Jul 11 (29) Jul 10 (19) Jul 09 (17) Jul 08 (26) Jul 07 (21) Jul 06 (18) Jul 05 (14) Jul 04 (20) Jul 03 (17) Jul 02 (24) Jul 01 (23) Jun 30 (23) Jun 29 (18) Jun 28 (16) Jun 27 (16) Jun 26 (17) Jun 25 (23) Jun 24 (32) Jun 23 (29) Jun 22 (8) Jun 21 (17) Jun 20 (25) Jun 19 (28) Jun 18 (19) Jun 17 (25) Jun 16 (23) Jun 15 (9) Jun 14 (11) Jun 13 (14) Jun 12 (22) Jun 11 (19) Jun 10 (17) Jun 09 (15) Jun 08 (16) Jun 07 (7) Jun 06 (29) Jun 05 (27) Jun 04 (24) Jun 03 (22) Jun 02 (22) Jun 01 (13) May 31 (9) May 30 (26) May 29 (19) May 28 (15) May 27 (15) May 26 (23) May 25 (13) May 24 (12) May 23 (24) May 22 (13) May 21 (21) May 20 (18) May 19 (16) May 18 (7) May 17 (12) May 16 (25) May 15 (24) May 14 (23) May 13 (19) May 12 (17) May 11 (8) May 10 (6) May 09 (14) May 08 (21) May 07 (26) May 06 (14) May 05 (14) May 04 (3) May 03 (3) May 02 (24) May 01 (13) Apr 30 (15) Apr 29 (24) Apr 28 (24) Apr 27 (11) Apr 26 (8) Apr 25 (13) Apr 24 (27) Apr 23 (15) Apr 22 (21) Apr 21 (19) Apr 20 (17) Apr 19 (8) Apr 18 (20) Apr 17 (27) Apr 16 (27) Apr 15 (21) Apr 14 (8) Apr 13 (8) Apr 12 (7) Apr 11 (7) Apr 10 (22) Apr 09 (15) Apr 08 (15) Apr 07 (17) Apr 06 (14) Apr 05 (5) Apr 04 (12) Apr 03 (19) Apr 02 (17) Apr 01 (19) Mar 31 (25) Mar 30 (13) Mar 29 (9) Mar 28 (16) Mar 27 (23) Mar 26 (22) Mar 25 (17) Mar 24 (25) Mar 23 (16) Mar 22 (13) Mar 21 (24) Mar 20 (27) Mar 19 (20) Mar 18 (24) Mar 17 (17) Mar 16 (11) Mar 15 (6) Mar 14 (20) Mar 13 (28) Mar 12 (30) Mar 11 (20) Mar 10 (21) Mar 09 (12) Mar 08 (8) Mar 07 (17) Mar 06 (20) Mar 05 (19) Mar 04 (15) Mar 03 (17) Mar 02 (8) Mar 01 (12) Feb 28 (16) Feb 27 (17) Feb 26 (8) Feb 25 (23) Feb 24 (15) Feb 23 (8) Feb 22 (10) Feb 21 (24) Feb 20 (14) Feb 19 (24) Feb 18 (19) Feb 17 (27) Feb 16 (13) Feb 15 (11) Feb 14 (15) Feb 13 (13) Feb 12 (13) Feb 11 (21) Feb 10 (16) Feb 09 (15) Feb 08 (10) Feb 07 (17) Feb 06 (21) Feb 05 (17) Feb 04 (14) Feb 03 (23) Feb 02 (5) Feb 01 (8) Jan 31 (17) Jan 30 (22) Jan 29 (23) Jan 28 (10) Jan 27 (24) Jan 26 (12) Jan 25 (9) Jan 24 (12) Jan 23 (19) Jan 22 (19) Jan 21 (14) Jan 20 (21) Jan 19 (12) Jan 18 (8) Jan 17 (20) Jan 16 (14) Jan 15 (23) Jan 14 (8) Jan 13 (20) Jan 12 (9) Jan 11 (7) Jan 10 (18) Jan 09 (11) Jan 08 (18) Jan 07 (13) Jan 06 (12) Jan 05 (12) Jan 04 (11) Jan 03 (10) Jan 02 (9) Jan 01 (9) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (11) Dec 29 (6) Dec 28 (9) Dec 27 (13) Dec 26 (15) Dec 25 (8) Dec 24 (6) Dec 23 (8) Dec 22 (5) Dec 21 (6) Dec 20 (14) Dec 19 (17) Dec 18 (14) Dec 17 (14) Dec 16 (13) Dec 15 (9) Dec 14 (9) Dec 13 (11) Dec 12 (16) Dec 11 (18) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (24) Dec 08 (11) Dec 07 (19) Dec 06 (6) Dec 05 (26) Dec 04 (15) Dec 03 (20) Dec 02 (17) Dec 01 (11) Nov 30 (10) Nov 29 (18) Nov 28 (21) Nov 27 (10) Nov 26 (22) Nov 25 (16) Nov 24 (12) Nov 23 (8) Nov 22 (18) Nov 21 (9) Nov 20 (17) Nov 19 (16) Nov 18 (16) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (9) Nov 15 (21) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (20) Nov 12 (16) Nov 11 (13) Nov 10 (9) Nov 09 (10) Nov 08 (16) Nov 07 (15) Nov 06 (18) Nov 05 (19) Nov 04 (16) Nov 03 (11) Nov 02 (5) Nov 01 (17) Oct 31 (17) Oct 30 (21) Oct 29 (9) Oct 28 (16) Oct 27 (6) Oct 26 (6) Oct 25 (16) Oct 24 (18) Oct 23 (14) Oct 22 (17) Oct 21 (10) Oct 20 (6) Oct 19 (8) Oct 18 (11) Oct 17 (12) Oct 16 (14) Oct 15 (19) Oct 14 (15) Oct 13 (11) Oct 12 (9) Oct 11 (10) Oct 10 (23) Oct 09 (13) Oct 08 (15) Oct 07 (20) Oct 06 (13) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (16) Oct 03 (17) Oct 02 (17) Oct 01 (20) Sep 30 (17) Sep 29 (9) Sep 28 (8) Sep 27 (14) Sep 26 (20) Sep 25 (19) Sep 24 (13) Sep 23 (11) Sep 22 (9) Sep 21 (5) Sep 20 (8) Sep 19 (21) Sep 18 (12) Sep 17 (20) Sep 16 (16) Sep 15 (10) Sep 14 (6) Sep 13 (18) Sep 12 (14) Sep 11 (24) Sep 10 (17) Sep 09 (16) Sep 08 (16) Sep 07 (10) Sep 06 (20) Sep 05 (13) Sep 04 (23) Sep 03 (14) Sep 02 (12) Sep 01 (11) Aug 31 (11) Aug 30 (13) Aug 29 (18) Aug 28 (14) Aug 27 (21) Aug 26 (10) Aug 25 (8) Aug 24 (10) Aug 23 (17) Aug 22 (15) Aug 21 (14) Aug 20 (20) Aug 19 (20) Aug 18 (7) Aug 17 (9) Aug 16 (11) Aug 15 (12) Aug 14 (14) Aug 13 (19) Aug 12 (14) Aug 11 (6) Aug 10 (12) Aug 09 (7) Aug 08 (18) Aug 07 (16) Aug 06 (16) Aug 05 (20) Aug 04 (12) Aug 03 (8) Aug 02 (12) Aug 01 (14) Jul 31 (16) Jul 30 (16) Jul 29 (11) Jul 28 (8) Jul 27 (9) Jul 26 (17) Jul 25 (20) Jul 24 (17) Jul 23 (11) Jul 22 (18) Jul 21 (7) Jul 20 (10) Jul 19 (14) Jul 18 (11) Jul 17 (15) Jul 16 (12) Jul 15 (10) Jul 14 (8) Jul 13 (8) Jul 12 (17) Jul 11 (18) Jul 10 (16) Jul 09 (13) Jul 08 (10) Jul 07 (12) Jul 06 (8) Jul 05 (16) Jul 04 (14) Jul 03 (17) Jul 02 (13) Jul 01 (16) Jun 30 (19) Jun 29 (7) Jun 28 (19) Jun 27 (21) Jun 26 (27) Jun 25 (23) Jun 24 (23) Jun 23 (12) Jun 22 (9) Jun 21 (18) Jun 20 (15) Jun 19 (24) Jun 18 (21) Jun 17 (13) Jun 16 (9) Jun 15 (9) Jun 14 (18) Jun 13 (24) Jun 12 (18) Jun 11 (23) Jun 10 (25) Jun 09 (24) Jun 08 (27) Jun 07 (5) Jun 06 (25) Jun 05 (30) Jun 04 (23) Jun 03 (22) Jun 02 (16) Jun 01 (17) May 31 (18) May 30 (19) May 29 (17) May 28 (23) May 27 (15) May 26 (10) May 25 (19) May 24 (16) May 23 (16) May 22 (27) May 21 (20) May 20 (26) May 19 (6) May 18 (8) May 17 (20) May 16 (8) May 15 (18) May 14 (5) May 13 (21) May 12 (9) May 11 (8) May 10 (12) May 09 (18) May 08 (11) May 07 (27) May 06 (12) May 05 (16) May 04 (19) May 03 (14) May 02 (18) May 01 (18) Apr 30 (25) Apr 29 (27) Apr 28 (11) Apr 27 (10) Apr 26 (18) Apr 25 (10) Apr 24 (29) Apr 23 (29) Apr 22 (14) Apr 21 (15) Apr 20 (20) Apr 19 (22) Apr 18 (16) Apr 17 (32) Apr 16 (12) Apr 15 (21) Apr 14 (21) Apr 13 (15) Apr 12 (13) Apr 11 (14) Apr 10 (16) Apr 09 (20) Apr 08 (36) Apr 07 (22) Apr 06 (11) Apr 05 (28) Apr 04 (20) Apr 03 (29) Apr 02 (32) Apr 01 (18) Mar 31 (12) Mar 30 (9) Mar 29 (15) Mar 28 (22) Mar 27 (24) Mar 26 (17) Mar 25 (17) Mar 24 (13) Mar 23 (5) Mar 22 (12) Mar 21 (15) Mar 20 (18) Mar 19 (19) Mar 18 (16) Mar 17 (10) Mar 16 (6) Mar 15 (18) Mar 14 (24) Mar 13 (18) Mar 12 (18) Mar 11 (17) Mar 10 (13) Mar 09 (12) Mar 08 (18) Mar 07 (25) Mar 06 (16) Mar 05 (16) Mar 04 (22) Mar 03 (17) Mar 02 (6) Mar 01 (23) Feb 29 (19) Feb 28 (25) Feb 27 (26) Feb 26 (23) Feb 25 (12) Feb 24 (13) Feb 23 (15) Feb 22 (26) Feb 21 (31) Feb 20 (12) Feb 19 (21) Feb 18 (15) Feb 17 (10) Feb 16 (15) Feb 15 (19) Feb 14 (15) Feb 13 (25) Feb 12 (20) Feb 11 (9) Feb 10 (7) Feb 09 (28) Feb 08 (20) Feb 07 (22) Feb 06 (20) Feb 05 (19) Feb 04 (14) Feb 03 (16) Feb 02 (28) Feb 01 (37) Jan 31 (27) Jan 30 (31) Jan 29 (18) Jan 28 (14) Jan 27 (10) Jan 26 (18) Jan 25 (26) Jan 24 (34) Jan 23 (21) Jan 22 (21) Jan 21 (18) Jan 20 (18) Jan 19 (18) Jan 18 (26) Jan 17 (24) Jan 16 (23) Jan 15 (30) Jan 14 (20) Jan 13 (18) Jan 12 (24) Jan 11 (11) Jan 10 (23) Jan 09 (22) Jan 08 (17) Jan 07 (17) Jan 06 (9) Jan 05 (18) Jan 04 (15) Jan 03 (19) Jan 02 (14) Jan 01 (6) Dec 31 (12) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (15) Dec 28 (11) Dec 27 (7) Dec 26 (10) Dec 25 (16) Dec 24 (13) Dec 23 (16) Dec 22 (11) Dec 21 (26) Dec 20 (28) Dec 19 (14) Dec 18 (25) Dec 17 (23) Dec 16 (19) Dec 15 (22) Dec 14 (38) Dec 13 (26) Dec 12 (25) Dec 11 (27) Dec 10 (31) Dec 09 (15) Dec 08 (30) Dec 07 (31) Dec 06 (27) Dec 05 (38) Dec 04 (25) Dec 03 (27) Dec 02 (15) Dec 01 (36) Nov 30 (23) Nov 29 (17) Nov 28 (23) Nov 27 (13) Nov 26 (16) Nov 25 (14) Nov 24 (18) Nov 23 (21) Nov 22 (21) Nov 21 (24) Nov 20 (20) Nov 19 (23) Nov 18 (17) Nov 17 (17) Nov 16 (34) Nov 15 (25) Nov 14 (17) Nov 13 (21) Nov 12 (18) Nov 11 (9) Nov 10 (15) Nov 09 (9) Nov 08 (9) Nov 07 (12) Nov 06 (8) Nov 05 (4) Oct 29 (1) Oct 01 (1) Jul 29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1)
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. If youre going to play roulette, for example, then you probably dont want a casino with a minimum bet of less than $2.50 or even lower than that.

The players used to play the game slot online in the land based casinos in the past time. But now with time after the invention of the online casinos players play the game slot online. Online platform provide the players with the convenience in playing and even better winning. Even after keeping a good percentage of the profits, they distribute good funds to players.

 How many games do they offer? There are lots of different types of games to choose from. Roulette, blackjack and poker are some of the most popular options, but you might find slots, video pokers, video bingo and others as well. You can usually filter these games down to only show the ones that interest you best, so make sure that your list isnt too long!

 Is there a bonus offer? Many online casinos offer free bonuses as part of their welcome package  which includes new players being awarded 100% up to $10 instantly, for example. These offers are great but not everyone has access to them all the time (and some require you to deposit real money). If youd prefer to avoid paying a fee, some casinos offer no-deposit bonuses where you can get a certain amount of funds before you need to put any actual money into the account. These are usually offered alongside welcome bonuses, so make sure you read both parts of the terms and conditions carefully before signing up.

 Does it offer live dealer games? Live dealers are much preferred by many over regular virtual versions, so it pays to check this option out too. Most online casinos now offer live dealer games in addition to their regular offerings, allowing you to experience the thrill of the real thing without needing to leave home.

Now that youve got an idea of what to look for when choosing an online casino, heres some tips for making the right choice

It really comes down to personal preference. No two people are exactly alike, so everyone has an opinion on what they like and dislike about each casino. That said, here are some things to consider in order to narrow down your choices

 Popularity. Check out reviews, forums and Facebook pages to see what other people think of the casino. Also, ask around at work or friends houses who they would recommend to you. You could always take a look at the casinos website too, to see what kind of information they provide about themselves.

 Reputation. Find out what the general public thinks about the casino. Check out any customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, Amazon and Google Play to find out more. As far as gaming goes, you can also check out the Better Business Bureau to see whether there have been any complaints against the casino.

 Security. Make sure the casino uses SSL encryption to secure its transactions, meaning that your private data stays safe during transactions. Other than that, look for security seals on the site itself and verify that theyre legitimate. You can also check out the casinos privacy policy to see how they handle confidential information.

 Payment methods. Its good to have multiple payment options available, especially if you plan to play frequently. Its also nice to find a casino that accepts cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. If youre worried about safety, you can always opt for a credit card or PayPal instead.

With all those criteria in mind, heres our top picks

Betway:

Betway is a relatively new UK casino offering online gambling to residents of the United Kingdom and European Union. They offer hundreds of games across both land based and digital platforms, with plenty of top software providers like Net Entertainment, Microgaming and Yggdrasil Gaming Network. With a generous welcome offer that gives players 100% up to 100, you really cant go wrong with Betway.

Coral Casino:

Coral Casino is operated by the same company that runs the famous Caribbean casino, Grand Reef. Like many casinos, Coral Casino offers a wide variety of games, including plenty of video slots and table games. New players can benefit from a huge 100% match bonus up to 1000, while existing customers enjoy 25% cash back on deposits made within 48 hours of opening an account.

Ladbrokes Casino:

Ladbrokes Casino is owned by the same company as the famous bookmaker that started life in 1921. With more than 500 games from leading software providers such as Amaya, NetEnt and Microgaming, you wont be disappointed by the quality of the games here. New players get a 200% match bonus up to 500, while existing customers can claim 35% cashback on their first three deposits.

Paddy Power Casino:

Paddy Power is another Irish-owned casino that operates throughout Europe. Not only does Paddy Power Casino offer traditional casino games like blackjack, roulette and slots, but it also provides a full range of sports betting, including football, tennis, boxing and horse racing. New players can receive a massive 100% match bonus up to 200, while existing customers can claim 35% cashback on their first three deposits.

William Hill Casino:

William Hill Casino is one of the biggest names in the industry, operating in Europe, Asia and North America. Founded in 1984, this online casino has more than 400 games to choose from, including slots and table games, with a wide array of software providers like WagerLogic, Big Time Gaming and Rival.

Bonus: 100% Match Bonus up to 100  Register Now

Betway: 100% Match Bonus up to 100  Claim Now

Coral Casino: 25% Cash Back on Deposits  Claim Now

Ladbrokes Casino: 35% Cash Back on First 3 Deposits  Claim Now

Paddy Power Casino: 100% Match Bonus up to 200  Claim Now

William Hill Casino: 100% Match Bonus up to 200  Claim Now

If youre interested in trying out an online casino but arent quite ready to commit to one, why not try out one of the many no deposit casinos weve reviewed? You can test drive various casinos completely risk-free, so you can feel confident about your choice before you make a single penny deposit.
Mar 4, 2016 | By Benedict

Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, has provided Rs 54 million (US $800,000) worth of grant funding to three Indian non-profit organizations for disabled people: The Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust, the Leprosy Mission Trust India, and the Public Health Foundation India. The first two organizations will use their grant money to develop 3D printing and scanning technology. The announcement was made at TechShare India, a conference on accessibility and inclusion which took place in New Delhi.

The large grants from Googles philanthropic arm were delivered with the express purpose of helping disabled people by improving the technological capacities of the three recipient nonprofits. The grants are part of the Google Impact Challenge for disabilities, a global initiative investing $20 million in nonprofit organizations to empower disabled people through technology. NGOs from across the world were invited to participate by proposing ways in which technology could be used to make a positive impact on the lives of disabled people, with the three selected organizations offering the most convincing proposals within India.

"Innovative technologies are already helping to improve everyday life for people living with disabilities, said Rajan Anandan, Vice President and Managing Director, Google India and Southeast Asia. Through these grants, we want to empower organizations to build impactful solutions that will create better access for people living with disabilities in India.

Each of the three NGOs is aiming to improve the lives of disabled people in a different way. The Ratna Nidhi Charitable Trust, established over 20 years ago by Mahendra Mehta, originally focused on tackling the problems of poverty amongst children in Mumbai, but now operates in many locations and focuses on both children and the disabled. The organization will use the grant from Google.org to provide person-specific, 3D printed artificial legs, designed with the help of 3D scanning technology.

For a few years now, 3D printing has been effectively used by many organizations to provide disabled people with functional, well-fitting prostheses. Organizations such as Limbitless Solutions and Open Bionics have demonstrated that 3D printed prostheses can function as effectively as traditionally made alternatives, and that there is overwhelming public support for doing so. Last year, the Google Impact Challenge pledged a $600,000 grant to e-NABLE, a trailblazing 3D printed prosthetics organization which specializes in an ultra-simple robotic hand design (below) that can be 3D printed and assembled by non-experts at home.

The Leprosy Mission Trust India has been charting an altogether different course. With 140 years of charitable history behind it, the organization is currently seeking ways to create high quality, customized footwear for leprosy sufferers. To make the special shoes, the Trust will make use of 3D technology. A handful of large footwear manufacturers like Nike and New Balance have already successfully 3D printed sections of footwear which can support the wearers feet and improve balance. The Leprosy Mission Trust India project would be of much greater importance, but the path trodden by those footwear giants shows that footwear can benefit from 3D printing technology.

The third NGO to benefit from the Google.org grant, the Public Health Foundation of India, aims to improve public health in the country via promotive, preventive, and therapeutic methods. With the grant money, the organization will develop a mobile app with which village healthcare workers can assess eligibility for government disability benefits for particular patients. This will give disabled people a quick and reliable method of discovering how and to what extent the Indian government can help them with their disabilities.

Last year, Google.org donated over $100 million in grants and $1 billion in technology resources.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

Maybe you also like:









fishandmek@yahoo.com wrote at 3/6/2016 9:13:33 PM:Dear sir/madam Many thanks for your interesting work, GOD bless you all. I am from Africa, Ethiopia working in leprosy affected organization so how can my organization participate on your project call? Regards, Fisseha Getahun




Tom Burgis at The Financial Times:

Alongside Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Thomas Hobbes, John Stuart Mill and John Rawls (the author studied at Harvard with the latter, whose ideas on the primacy of justice inform the book), Wenar cites an African ruler who features in many a polemic against the oil business. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is the embodiment of what theorists call the resource curse, the cruel law that condemns those born in the states richest in natural wealth to be among the most wretched of the earth.

Obiang seized power in 1979, since then Equatorial Guinea has been his fief. The stories of what goes on in Black Beach prison alone are enough to convey the hideousness of his rule. The fortune amassed by his son  who serves, if that is the right word, as vice-president of a nation where one in 10 children dies before the age of five  includes Michael Jacksons crystal-encrusted glove and a fleet of luxury cars.

Wenar argues that Obiang, like his fellow kleptocrats, has no just right to dispose of his countys natural wealth. He calculates that more than half of the worlds oil production cannot currently be exported without violating property rights because the people who live where that crude is pumped  and to whom it rightfully belongs  are too cowed to have any meaningful say in decisions about their national patrimony. That goes for other extractive commodities too, such as the diamonds that sustained Charles Taylors onslaught in Sierra Leone and Liberia. If we agree, then international oil and mining companies are flying, trucking and sailing away billions of dollars of stolen wealth every day.

more here.
Max Nelson in The Paris Review:

On the back cover of the manuscript of his prison memoir, which he completed in New Yorks Auburn state jail sometime after 1858, Austin Reed pasted a clipping of the third chapter of Lamentations: I am the man that hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath  / He hath builded against me, and compassed me with gall and travail. / He hath set me in dark places, as they that be dead of old. Around the thirtieth verse, the tone shifts to one of reassuranceFor the Lord will not cast off foreverand then, by the fifty-fifth, to one of retributive anger. The last verses Reed excerpted are a plea out of the low dungeon for God to avenge the poems narrator against his enemies: Persecute and destroy them in anger from under the heavens of the Lord.

These lines suggest the tone and shape of a literary genre: a lament in which sorrow coexists with requests for divine vengeance. By placing them at the end of The Life and the Adventures of a Haunted Convictacquired by Yales rare-book library in 2009 and published last month with helpful editorial comments by the scholar Caleb SmithReed was making a strong suggestion about the kind of book hed written. The text itself, however, is an amalgam of genres that wouldnt seem to combine: a picaresque memoir in which sermons jostle up against pulpy adventure anecdotes; dutiful recollections of fact move with little notice into fantasies and dreams; radical gestures of black empowerment share the page with the coarsest kinds of racial caricatures; and assertive denunciations of the prison system coexist with passages of meek and guilty self-recrimination. Its puzzling to make sense of these apparent contradictionsto decide what Reed meant his book to do.

More here.
Chris Hedges in TruthDig:

Richard Rorty in his last book, Achieving Our Country, written in 1998, presciently saw where our postindustrial nation was headed.

Many writers on socioeconomic policy have warned that the old industrialized democracies are heading into a Weimar-like period, one in which populist movements are likely to overturn constitutional governments. Edward Luttwak, for example, has suggested that fascism may be the American future. The point of his book The Endangered American Dream is that members of labor unions, and unorganized unskilled workers, will sooner or later realize that their government is not even trying to prevent wages from sinking or to prevent jobs from being exported. Around the same time, they will realize that suburban white-collar workersthemselves desperately afraid of being downsizedare not going to let themselves be taxed to provide social benefits for anyone else.

At that point, something will crack. The nonsuburban electorate will decide that the system has failed and start looking around for a strongman to vote forsomeone willing to assure them that, once he is elected, the smug bureaucrats, tricky lawyers, overpaid bond salesmen, and postmodernist professors will no longer be calling the shots. A scenario like that of Sinclair Lewis novel It Cant Happen Here may then be played out. For once a strongman takes office, nobody can predict what will happen. In 1932, most of the predictions made about what would happen if Hindenburg named Hitler chancellor were wildly overoptimistic.

One thing that is very likely to happen is that the gains made in the past forty years by black and brown Americans, and by homosexuals, will be wiped out. Jocular contempt for women will come back into fashion. The words nigger and kike will once again be heard in the workplace. All the sadism which the academic Left has tried to make unacceptable to its students will come flooding back. All the resentment which badly educated Americans feel about having their manners dictated to them by college graduates will find an outlet.

Fascist movements build their base not from the politically active but the politically inactive, the losers who feel, often correctly, they have no voice or role to play in the political establishment. The sociologist Emile Durkheim warned that the disenfranchisement of a class of people from the structures of society produced a state of anomiea condition in which society provides little moral guidance to individuals. Those trapped in this anomie, he wrote, are easy prey to propaganda and emotionally driven mass movements.

More here.
Gov. Noem will host veterans fundraiser instead of going to SDPB debate

While Rep. Jamie Smith and Libertarian Tracey Quint will be attending the South Dakota Public Broadcasting gubernatorial debate, Gov. Kristi Noem will be hosting a fundraiser for veterans.
Distribution of company announcements to the professional platforms, finance portals and syndication of important corporate news to a wide variety of news aggregators and financial news systems.
A roundup of recent expansions, additions, new services and other news from firms across the country.

ILLINOIS

BDO USA, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, KPMG, Moss Adams and PwC US were all named to the 2016 NAFE Top Companies for Executive Women list from the National Association of Female Executives and Working Mother.  BDO USA expanded its property tax practice through the addition of one partner and eight additional professionals that had served as the property tax practice with True Partners Consulting. Dorothy Radicevich will be joining BDO as a partner, and will serve as the practice leader in Chicago. She brings more than 20 years of experience in state and local tax.  The Illinois CPA Society is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2016-17 academic year, with approximately 30 individual tuition and textbook scholarships available to college students who demonstrate hard work, academic success, and financial need. Students who are enrolled in an Illinois college, have plans to pursue the CPA licensure and demonstrate a course of study that reflects this goal are encouraged to apply online here.

MARYLAND

Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell PC is celebrating the 95th anniversary of its founding in 1921 by James A. Councilor Sr., who left a position as head of the Consolidated Returns Division of the U.S. Bureau of Internal Revenue (now the Internal Revenue Service) to form an accounting firm that would assist companies and individuals with the new income tax process the government had recently established. The firm adopted its current name in 1961, and now has seven partners, 56 professional and administrative staff members, and two locations in Bethesda and Washington, DC.

MICHIGAN

A number of accounting firms and related companies were named to Fortune Magazines 2016 list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For: Plante Moran (No. 33), Intuit (No. 34), KPMG (No. 43), Ernst & Young (No. 49), PwC (No. 53) and Deloitte (No. 90).

NEW YORK

International accounting and consultancy network UHY Advisors has released a global study on employment taxes and associated costs that found they have fallen by 5 percent since 2012, but still account for 20 percent of an employees salary.  EisnerAmper LLP has been named a winner of Institutional Investors Alpha Awards for hedge fund accounting service providers, as well as Best Tax Advisor by Alt Credit Intelligence at its inaugural U.S. Service Awards program. The firm also won the Private Asset Management Award for Best Private Client Tax Solution from Pageant Media.  Bond Street, an online lending platform for small businesses, has partnered with bookkeeping membership organization ICB to offer ICB USA members a financing solution for clients, as well as access to training materials, exclusive educational webinars and articles, and a large network of accounting professionals.

SOUTH CAROLINA

The South Carolina Association of CPAs is sponsoring the Children's Museum of the Upstates Finances for the Family Programming. SCACPA and the Piedmont Chapter of SCACPA donated $10,000 to TCMU to support the program, a hands-on family-based learning series built to educate both parents and children in financial literacy.

Send your firm announcements to AcToday@SourceMedia.com.
(Bloomberg) Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton proposed rescinding tax relief and other incentives retroactively for U.S. companies that move jobs and operations overseas.

Clinton unveiled the proposal, aimed at encouraging firms to invest at home, in a speech on Friday at Detroit Manufacturing Systems, an automotive supplier. It would apply to incentives including the R&E tax credit and the Section 199 domestic production deduction and may date back "several previous years," her campaign said in a statement.

If a company like Nabisco outsources and ships jobs overseas, well make you give back the tax breaks you receive here in America, Clinton said. If youre not going to invest in us, why should taxpayers invest in you? Lets take that money and put it to work in the communities that are being left behind.

Clintons proposal is the first of its kind at the federal level, though New York, Indiana and Washington have considered similar measures for companies that take advantage of their development incentives and then leave the state or do not meet the purpose of state support, her campaign said.

Clawback Idea

A Clinton aide said that the idea for the "clawback" emerged from her discussions with economic advisers aimed at encouraging economic patriotism. Clinton has also proposed an exit tax on companies that invert and a crackdown on companies that shift profits abroad to avoid U.S. taxes, a practice known as "earnings stripping," it said.

Clintons speech, described by senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan as outlining a new bargain for a new economy that puts American workers before special interests, comes ahead of a string of primaries across the Midwest manufacturing belt.

Michigan votes on Tuesday and awards 147 delegates. Ohio, Illinois and Missouri have primaries on March 15 that will award a total of 455 delegates. New York and Pennsylvania vote in April.

In Michigan, Clinton has led rival Bernie Sanders by 20 points or more in recent polls, but he is making a last-ditch play to win or at least narrow the margin, hitting Clintons support of trade deals including NAFTA as he tours the state. Sanders planned to hold rallies Friday in Traverse City and Grand Rapids, and Saturday in Macomb County.

Outsourcing Criticism

After Clintons support of trade deals, the Sanders campaign is also trying to score points against Clinton by pointing to a video from a 2012 visit to India in which she said there are certain advantages to outsourcing. Clinton spokesman Jesse Ferguson said its "no longer a surprise but its still disappointing that the Sanders campaign would attack President Obamas policies, and attack Hillary Clinton for defending his agenda" during her time as secretary of state.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has focused on limited wage growth and companies moving operations abroad because of high corporate tax rates. He has proposed cutting the maximum tax rate to 15 percent for all businesses and imposing a one-time 10 percent levy on overseas profit. He wants to eliminate the ability of multinational firms to defer U.S. income tax on overseas earnings that they havent returned to the U.S.

With assistance from John Voskuhl.
(Bloomberg) Facebook Inc. will stop routing advertising sales of its largest U.K. clients through Ireland, increasing its British tax bill by millions of pounds in a bid to improve transparency after facing criticism on tax avoidance.

Changes will be put in place in April, with the higher tax bill to be paid next year. Smaller business sales, where advertising is booked online with no staff intervention, will still be routed through the companys Ireland offices, which will remain the firms international headquarters.

On Monday Facebook will inform its larger U.K. customers that from April they will receive invoices from Facebook U.K. and not Facebook Ireland, a spokesman for the company told Bloomberg in an e-mailed statement. It means U.K. sales made directly by the firms U.K. team will be booked in the U.K., not Ireland. Facebook U.K. will then record the revenue from these sales.

Facebook received widespread criticism in October after the social network giant was revealed to have paid only 4,327 pounds ($6,128) in taxes for 2014, less than the average U.K. worker. Google Inc. has also faced controversy over its U.K. tax affairs, settling a 130 million-pound payment in back taxes in January.

The overhaul of tax structure comes after increasing global pressure on its tax affairs and as a reaction to changing tax rules, the BBC, which first reported the news said, citing unidentified sources. Last year the U.K. implemented a new Diverted Profits Tax that assesses a 25 percent rate on the profits of companies found to have avoided U.K. tax due to "contrived" arrangements. The current top U.K. corporate tax rate is 20 percent, and it is set to fall to 18 percent by 2020.

Facebook does not break out how much revenue it earns from U.K. sales or what portion of those sales are supported by U.K.-based sales representatives rather than booked online without human support. The company employs 850 people in the U.K. and Facebook spokesman Chris Norton said sales booked by local sales people represented "a substantial" portion of its total sales to U.K. customers.

The new tax recognition structure will include customers such as food retailer Tesco Plc and advertising giant WPP Plc.

The British Treasury welcomed the additional revenue. The government is committed to making sure multinationals pay their fair share of tax, it said in a statement. Thats why weve taken unprecedented action both domestically through introducing the diverted profits tax, and internationally through leading the worlds major economies to introduce new rules to tackle aggressive tax planning by multinationals.

But Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is unlikely to repeat the public welcome he gave Googles announcement. After he publicly described that as a victory, he was pilloried by the opposition Labour Party, which argued the amount the company was paying was derisory.

Her Majestys Revenue & Customs, the U.K. tax agency, said it does not comment on individual taxpayers, but said in an e-mailed statement that it ensures that all multinationals pay the tax due under U.K. law and we do not settle for a penny less. We will closely examine any businesss structure on behalf of the British public to make absolutely sure they pay all the tax due to the U.K. And the new Diverted Profits Tax will ensure the U.K. gets its fair share of tax from a multinationals profits by making them restructure to stop shifting profits overseas."

The changes to Facebooks tax structure apply only to the amount it will pay going forward and does not address past concerns. In its latest U.K. financial filings, Facebook revealed unspecified contingent tax liabilities for the years 2010 through 2014. The company said that it planned to defend any claims for back taxes and that it did not believe it "probable" that it would have to pay any back tax.

Facebook uses a "Double Irish" tax structure similar to that used by Googles parent company Alphabet Inc., to book international revenues through an Irish subsidiary. This company then moves most of these revenuesin the form of licensing fees for intellectual propertyto other Irish-registered companies that are physically located in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, which have no corporate tax. By holding these funds outside the U.S., Facebook also avoids paying U.S. tax on its international profits.

Ireland closed the tax loophole that allowed the "Double Irish" in 2014 but companies already using the structure can keep it in place until 2020.

With assistance from Robert Hutton.
Lovers of the best Hollywood movies in India are in for a fiesta of Gold Class movie watching. This March, MN+ will feature some of the best films starring Johnny Depp, acknowledged by peers and critics worldwide as one of the most gifted and talented Hollywood actors. The Johnny Depp specials will air in the popular MN+ property, Walk of Fame, starting the 5th of March, every Saturday night at 9.

Films to be aired in the Johnny Depp Walk of Fame on MN+include the 2005 musical fantasy, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. Directed by Tim Burton, the storyline of the movie moves along with young Charlie, accompanied by Willy Wonka, in a guided tour he has won through the most magnificent chocolate factory in the world.

Another remarkable movie is Dark Shadows, a 2012 American horror comedy based on the gothic television soap opera Dark Shadows. The film is about an imprisoned vampire, Barnabas Collins, who is set free and returns to his ancestral home, where his dysfunctional descendants are in need of his protection.

The third film on the Johnny Depp Walk of Fame on MN+ this month is Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Based on the hit Broadway musical, the movie is the story of the infamous Benjamin Barker, aka Sweeney Todd, who sets up in London a barber which is the basis for a sinister partnership with his fellow tenant, Mrs. Lovett. For the movie, Depp was bestowed the National Movie Awards, UK in the Best Performance  Actor category.

Another movie is the American science-fiction-thriller, The Astronaut's Wife, written and directed by Rand Ravich and featuring Charlize Theron with Depp, is about how, after an explosion in space and the subsequent two-minute radio-out period, two astronauts return home to their wives. Only  now that theyre back, its revealed that they're not the same as they were.

Interestingly, Depp is a movie buff with a somewhat encyclopedic knowledge of older films. He loves watching animated films with his daughter such as Shrek (2001) and Finding Nemo (2003). For movie connoisseurs like Depp, this festival is a cant-miss event.


Shop CJ Network Pvt. Ltd. (Shop CJ and earlier known as STAR CJ Network India Pvt. Ltd.), Asias No. 1 home shopping network, has reached Tamil Nadu as Shop CJ-Tamil, on a 24X7 home shopping channel with specially designed and customized content in Tamil for Tamil Nadu. The channel was launched by Tamil superstar Trisha in the city, today.

The network had expanded its offerings to the South market with the successful launch on a Telugu channel in 2015. With the Tamil channel Shop CJ has added second regional language offering in its bouquet. Shop CJ Tamil will offer tailored content for the audience also including exclusive offers on popular regional brands like Butterfly India and Preethi.

In India, Shop CJ is among the leaders in the TV home shopping market reaching over 8.5 crore households in India and currently catering across India. Shop CJ is reputed for bringing high quality products with innovative features at attractive prices to its viewers. Several leading brands such as United Colours of Benetton, Thomas Cook, Samsung, Electrolux, Prestige, Reebok, Maharaja, Puma and Intex are associated with Shop CJ.

Shop CJ CEO, Mr. Kenny Shin said, We are pleased to expand further via the fourth home shopping channel in such a short span of time. The Tamil channel will not only enhance our customer base, but will also offer a great platform for regional brands to expand their penetration. Our strategy is to build on the principle of bringing great choices with quality assurance, at the doorstep of our viewers.

Mr. N. Ramakrishnan, CFO, Shop CJ Network said, The home shopping market is growing in India and Shop CJ is poised to cross Rs 1200 crores GMV (Gross merchandise value) this year, recording a 40% growth over its GMV of Rs 850 crores last fiscal. We are confident that the Tamil channel will be one of the major contributors to our revenue growth.

Unveiling Shop CJ-Tamil, super star Trisha Krishnan said, I am thrilled to be launching the foray of Asias No. 1 home shopping network in the Tamil region. People from Tamil Nadu will now have access to world class shopping experience from the convenience of their home with a connect and comfort of our own language.

Commenting on the Tamil Nadu expansion, Dhruva Chandrie, Chief Operating Officer said, Television shopping helps customers appreciate the features and benefits of the products and coupled with amazing offers makes better and trendier living affordable. Shop CJ will bring a range of products that are tried, tested and well researched to match local preferences. Shop CJ-Tamil will strengthen its presence in India and we are expecting to generate Rs. 500 crores GMV from Tamil Nadu in the next couple of years.

Home shopping on television scores over internet-based shopping because of its ability to demonstrate the products performance in detail.
Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today launched a tirade against former home secretary G.K. Pillai for his latest revelations in the Ishrat Jahan encounter case, saying that it was extremely disappointing to see that bureaucrats like the latter change their view depending upon the government.

Problem with people like Mr. Pillai and thousands of government officials of India is while they are in service, they do exactly what the government says and perhaps what is right and once they retire, they change their view depending upon the government. It shows that how spineless and characterless the bureaucracy has become, said Dikshit.

I hope the weakness and the lack of character and strength in Mr. Pillai is only in him and not the general bureaucracy. But it is an extremely disappointing thing. I thought he was a reasonable man but now I think that lure of money, lure of power is too much and way in which bureaucrats start bending is very sad commentary on the Indian bureaucracy, he added.

The Congress leader further said that the whole issue was whether Ishrat Jahan was legally murdered or killed or was it a shooting of an encounter, insisting that it was not important whether she was a terrorist.

The former home secretary had alleged that Chidambaram as the countrys home minister during the UPA regime bypassed him and rewrote an affidavit submitted to a court on Ishrat Jahan, the 19-year-old student killed in an encounter in 2004.

I dont think there is any conclusive evidence against Ishrat Jahan. Unless any proper investigation is carried out, we will have to give her the benefit of doubt, the retired bureaucrat had said in 2013.

Further Pillai said: I would say that she knew something was wrong an unmarried Muslim girl would not go with a married person to different places etc, spend nights outside so far and so forth perhaps she knew something was happening she could have been a cover.

Chidambaram earlier on Monday said the revised affidavit was absolutely correct, adding he accepts full responsibility for the affidavit as a minister.
A BJP youth wing leader from Budaun said that he will pay Rs 5 lakh to anyone who cuts off JNSU president Kanhaiya Kumars tongue.

Party leader Kuldeep Varshney has said that Kanhaiya should be punished for speaking against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

According to Varshney, Kanhaiya was targeting everyone after shouting anti-national slogans.

Kanhaiya has insulted our parent organisation RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech at JNU campus and provoked others to raise slogans against Bharat Mata. His tongue should be chopped off. Anyone who would opt for it, I would give him Rupees 5 lakh, Kuldeep Varshney had said.

According to reports, Kuldeep Varshney has been expelled by the BJP for six years, after his statement went viral.

On the other hand there are poster being put up in Delhi which announces prize of Rs 11 lakhs to one who shoots Kanhaiya Kumar.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president on Friday said that Hyderabad University research scholar Rohith Vemula was his icon and not Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Released on interim bail from Tihar Jail, Kanhaiya on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Prime Minister in a celebratory speech at the campus.

I have many differences with the Prime Minister but I agree with his tweet Satyamev Jayate, Kanhaiya said.

The tweet, incidentally, was the one in which Modi lauded HRD minister Smriti Iranis speech defending the Centres stand in the sedition case against Kanhaiya and other JNU students.

Condemning the February 9 event on the campus where anti-national slogans were raised, Kanhaiya said: We strongly condemn what happened at the university on February 9. Its for the court to decide if that was raaj droh (sedition) or not. Weve full faith in the judiciary and the constitution.
After spending more than three weeks in custody over sedition charges, when JNU students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar was back in JNU, it was a celebration. Students were all excited to meet him, Media was all set with its camera, moreover many TV anchors beeline to have word with him, it was spontaneous. With his 55 minutes fiery speech on Azaadi, he won the hearts of many in the country because his wonderful speech interlaced with humour and salient truths! But there was a certain section that abhors him. There was anger in some ideological people, there was felling of insult and humiliation in some people. BJP and RSS were much more hurt as his direct attack was on them. We all know why BJP and Modi supporters are called Bhakts they madly follow their party, politicians and ideology, keeping all senses closed. This is the reason, in one of the many threats that we assume will come his way, a Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) leader has announced a prize of Rs 5 lakh for cutting off the tongue of Kanhaiya Kumar. Meanwhile, in another instance, posters have appeared near the Delhi Press Club in which Kanhaiya has been dubbed as a traitor. The poster also threatens to eliminate him and offers a reward of Rs 11 lakh to anyone who would kill him.

Yes, he can be killed or murdered, Indian politics has very less tolerance and they hate when people are intelligent to expose their motives. Kanhaiya criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his administration was increasingly using its political clout to silence voices of dissent. Which is true to some extent, meanwhile these days Modi waves are fading and there is silent revolt too. How can his supporters afford criticism at this juncture?

What is happening in the country is dangerous, Kanhaiya Kumar said in an hour-long speech, which has been at the center of debate about free speech in India. The more you try to silence us, the stronger our voices will grow. Kanhaiya, who leads the students union at the university, was arrested last month after attending a demonstration dubbed by Modis Bharatiya Janata Party as anti-national. The university gathering had been organized to commemorate the 2013 execution of a Kashmiri separatist who was convicted for his role in an attack on Indias Parliament in 2001. Some believe Guru didnt get a fair trial and was hanged despite gaps in his prosecution.

Rajnath Singh, Indias Home Minister, said videos of students shouting Anti-India slogans had surfaced from the event. Kumar was at the event, but denied raising the slogans. He was arrested on allegations of sedition though not formally charged. BJP its police and their lawyers tried its level best to press charges against Kanhaiya but entire series of event boomeranged against the party and they fall flat on face. Critics accuse Modi, a politician with deep Hindu nationalistic roots, of failing to act against some of his right-wing supporters who, emboldened by his election, are pushing a fundamentalist ideology. Kumar peppered his speech with humour as he took on the prime minister. He took on RSS and their ideology too, he spoke on system to police department, he almost exposed everything silently.

Despite the allegations against him he remains optimistic, because he said he has full faith in democracy, he told an army of supporters gathered to celebrate his release. Then, with the Indian tricolour fluttering above his head, he raised a cry for freedom. Hundreds of voices boomed in unison.








Web Toolbar by Wibiya

>











Web Toolbar by Wibiya

In an era where anything that is published gets to be scrutinized, it is always very necessary to ensure that all your media release related articles are handled by a trustworthy agency. Media releases are very important for every publicly recognized company as it gives people the chance to become aware of what is happening within your company and as such a lot of companies use it as a way of advertising their services and products.

AgoraMedia.ca provides companies with a new service that would publish media releases issued by companies or community organizations to top news sites across the whole of Canada and the United States of America. Contact info@agorapublishing.com for more information or send a Skype message. You can also add AgoraCosmopolite to your Skype contact list if you wish to be provided with more details on this marketing service. Your best chance at getting your media release to be showcased on major news sites all over Canada and the U.S is by seeking for the services of AgoraMedia.ca.

At AgoraMedia.ca, your company is assured of coming out with a media release that sets the pace for other agencies to copy.








Web Toolbar by Wibiya

Date: March, 2016.

Place: Mar de Ajo and San Bernardo beaches, Argentina.

In Ancient Egypt, beetles used to be considered as sacred animals. In hundreds of archaeological sites, it is very often to find representations of beetles in amulets, gemstones and bas-reliefs. According to the Egyptians, this insect represented solar deity Khepri, who rolled the sun like a beetle does with its dung ball.

However, in our modern and materialistic culture, this concept has obviously changed. Due to the ecological disequilibrium, many species have suffered drastic consequences through the years: some have extinguished, some others, on the contrary, have expanded without control, becoming plagues. And, unfortunately, in certain regions of the world, beetles seem to belong to this last group.

On 1 March, Argentinean media reported the presence of millions of beetles in the eastern beaches of Mar de Ajo and San Bernardo, event that was considered as a plague of biblical proportions. Scientists explain that beetles live underground for about two years, and they come out in summer and autumn to procreate, which is the alleged cause of this phenomenon.

But Scott C. Waring, from UFO Sightings Daily has a different opinion: objects have been seen to fall from the sky before, littering the ground. Anything from salmon, frogs to spiders have fallen from the skies, he says. Then, he adds: I want to suggest that this could be dumped off from UFOs that were conducting scientific experiments and then when finished, dumped them off, probably changed in some way so that their species will become different in the near future. Only time will tell.

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: http://www.ufosightingsdaily.com/2016/03/did-ufo-dump-beetles-by-millions-over.html

Did A UFO Dump Beetles By The Millions Over Argentina Beach, March 2016, Photos, UFO Sighting News.

Date of sighting: March 1, 2016

Location of sighting: Mar de Ajo, Argentina

Source 1: http://www.cuatro.com/noticias/internacional/plaga-insectos-playa-banistas-escarabajos-costa-Mar_de_Ajo-Argentina_0_2140950576.html

Source 2: http://www.tandildiario.com/noticias/Nacionales/130868:4/Invasion-de-escarabajos-en-una-playa-de-la-costa-argentina.html

Is this a sign of bad things to come or is there a more natural explanation? Its hard to say for sure, but objects have been seen to fall from the sky before, littering the ground. Anything from salmon, frogs to spiders have fallen from the skies, and I want to suggest that this could be dumped off from UFOs that were conducting scientific experiments and then when finished, dumped them off, probably changed in some way so that their species will become different in the near future. Only time will tell.

Scott C. Waring

www.ufosightingsdaily.com

News states:

Bathers who came to the beach off the coast of Mar de Ajo and San Bernardo, in Argentina, seeking a quiet day between the sound of the waves and rays of sun when his peaceful plan became something more suited to a nightmare for those with an aversion to insects as well as an ideal setting for a horror movie.

Before their eyes, they watched a plague of biblical proportions seized the coast making it a black coat that stretched over several kilometers. Millions of beetles had appeared in place unleashing all kinds of reactions ranging from surprise to panic, also it moved to social networks, where it gained wide circulation. Bathers, before this unusual event began to take snapshots capturing the moment and shared on the network leading to all sorts of hypotheses. For some, as stated Mirror, the event became even considered a bad omen that advances the end of the world is near. Others, meanwhile, suggested that everything could be because an earthquake had hit the area before the invasion. However, the explanation that scientists have offered the event suggests that the beetles, and this particular species, it remains for a period of approximately two years underground and out of it between summer and autumn to procreate. During this cycle, only they live insects about four days, point. Therefore, this event is repeated naturally each year, although surprised by one side to occur in such a massive way, and on the other side to do so between late February and early March instead of January , so the periods are changing and being more later.
US Moves Closer to Recognising ISIS Persecution As 'Genocide'

From Left: Dr. Abdulmasih Enwiya, Basam Michael, Ashur Abraham, three Assyrians executed by ISIS on September 23. The brutal persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East edged closer to being recognised as genocide yesterday, as a top US committee passed a key resolution condemning the violence. The House Foreign Affairs Committee voted unanimously in support of Resolution 75, which states that "those who commit or support mass murder and atrocities against minorities" in the Middle East are guilty of "genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity." Steve Oshana, director of A Demand for Action, a campaign group for minorities in the Middle East, said the resolution "now reflects the ethnic and indiginous rights of the Assyrian/Chaldean/Syriac people". "This is a solemn victory but an important step forward in full recognition of this genocide, and we will continue our work here in Washington to ensure this resolution makes it to the floor for a full vote," he said. "Our next hurdle is that this bill must prevail when the voting on the house floor takes place... Our fight will continue to push for this genocide to be recognised alongside many of our partners who strongly believe in this bill." International Christian Concern (ICC) also praised the move, saying it marks "a victory for religious minorities in Iraq and Syria" and is a "remarkable showing of solidarity with the Christian communities in the Middle East." "A government declaring a genocide shows a new change in politically correct leaders who have typically been unwilling to unify together against a genocidal tragedy before it's too late," a statement from the organisation said. Regional manager for the Middle East at ICC, Emma Lane, said: "This is a big step for humanity seeing unanimous support from a bipartisan committee during such a divisive time in American politics". Lane urged Secretary of State John Kerry to back calls for the persecution to be named genocide. "We pray that the administration and Mr. Kerry stand with the world, overcoming politicly-motivated or self-serving stances to join much of the Western world in publicly recognizing the plight of the various Christian groups, Yazidis, and religious minorities in a firm declaration that we have not forgotten their plight." The move in the US follows the European Parliament unanimously passing a motion on February 4 to acknowledge continued slaughter of minorities in the Middle East as genocide. It is the first time the body has recognised an ongoing conflict as genocide. Lord Alton of Liverpool, vice chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion or belief in the UK has led a group of prominent legal authorities in writing to Prime Minister David Cameron, urging him also to take a stand. The term genocide carries significance because of the obligations it places on states to intervene. Pressure is mounting on the US and UK to follow the European Parliament's motion.
March 3, 2016

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip  Like other cities under Islamic rule, Gaza has had its fair share of public baths, or hammams, considered the pre-eminent characteristic of any Muslim state of old because of their association with religious matters having to do with purity and cleanliness. The baths also played important social and economic roles in their localities, as merchants, princes and sultans competed to build and exploit them as sources of wealth and income. These hammams served the needs of ordinary folk and merchants who traveled through the city during far-flung business trips.

In Gaza, the sole remaining bath is Hammam al-Sammara, considered to be the most important historical landmark in the whole of Palestine. Despite the debate over when it was built, a plaque displayed inside reveals it was first renovated during the Mamluk era by Sinjer bin Abdullah al-Moayyedi in 1286.

As she prepared to leave the hammam, Maha Mohammed explained to Al-Monitor why she frequented the bath. The first time I came here was when I was told it would help alleviate the psychological pressures I suffered from. Subsequently, I became a regular visitor and advised my friends to come here as well.

Mohammed believes women primarily come to the hammam for therapeutic purposes  to improve blood circulation, get massages or treat asthma and arthritis and even fertility  in addition to rest, relaxation and enjoying its historic significance.

Umm al-Abd Abu Nujaila, who manages the bath during women-only business hours, told Al-Monitor she has been working there seven years. She has learned massage and homeopathic therapy by taking courses, and learning from other certified specialists at the hammam. Morning and evening periods are dedicated to men, while the afternoon period is devoted to women.

The services provided by the hammam include hot steam baths, massages, warm tiles, Moroccan exfoliation and Dead Sea and mud masks.

People entering the bath first pass through a narrow spiral barrel vault that leads to a gold-domed hall. The ceiling features round stained-glass windows that allow sunlight to pour in and illuminate the area naturally. An octagonal fountain sits prominently in the center of the hall surrounded by two large rooms: the eastern one dedicated to resting after taking a bath, and the southern one where visitors can buy hot or cold beverages.

To the west, the domed hall connects to the remaining rooms of the hammam, which include the changing room and a large, steam-filled bathing room. The bathing room is divided into four smaller privacy cloisters, surrounded from the western side by old marble basins where bathers can scoop up hot water adjacent to a small pool room.

Ahmed al-Wazir, the son of the hammams owner, Salem al-Wazir, said: The Wazir family rented the hammam from a consortium of families that owned it for 610 years, until my great-grandfather bought the 500-square-meter [5,400 square foot] building in 1956.

Concerning the hammam renovations, Wazir said the family renovates the premises on a yearly basis just to maintain its splendor, for its walls are constantly weakened by excessive moisture, heat and steam. He added that the Center for Architectural Heritage-Iwan undertook restorations in 1999 and since then, the family has been renovating at its own expense.

The number of hammam visitors increases during winter, which indicates that people come there to enjoy a warm bath and improve their circulation, leading to better overall health. The owner said he does not know specifically how many people visit throughout the year, but as a historical, archaeological, cultural, medical and recreational destination, it attracts all kinds of people, even foreign visitors, to the Gaza Strip.

It costs $4 to enter the hammam, which Wazir said is affordable for everyone, though the fee does not include any services, such as massages and exfoliation.

Contemporary baths and saunas have emerged here and there lately, sporting a modern feel, but Wazir said his hammam mainly relies on wood, particularly olive and eucalyptus trees because they burn easily and at high temperature. The atmosphere is what distinguishes the Hammam al-Sammara from others, he said.

Bathhouses in Gaza City flourished throughout Islamic rule as merchants traveled through town, according to Jamal Abu Rida, director-general of antiquities and cultural heritage at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. He indicated that most of those public baths were private and not state-owned.

Concerning the name of the bath, Abu Rida told Al-Monitor, It is said that, for a long time, a group of Samaritan Jews worked at the bath, leading to it taking their name.

He attributed the hammams survival to the constant care and restoration given to it by the families and princes who owned it, and added that its construction characteristics indicated that it was a royal bath, as evidenced by the use therein of high-quality, water-resistant marble.

Wazir said Hammam al-Sammara belonged to the governor of Damascus, Awis Pasha, and then his daughter Amina Hanem, until it was taken over by the Radwan family during the Ottoman era, before the Wazir family bought it.
March 4, 2016

Amid President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent West African tour, from Feb. 28 to March 4 and including visits to Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Guinea, news reports surfaced of Turkey establishing a military presence on the strategic Horn of Africa, in Somalia. This development will make Turkey the fifth foreign country to have a military presence in Africa, joining Britain, France, Japan and the United States.

According to the reports, carried extensively by the pro-government media under such headlines as New Turkey Spreads to Four Continents, a training mission requested by the Somali government will prepare the national army to take on al-Shabab, the terror organization that attacked the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu in 2013. In this regard, Turkey will provide elite military training on counterterrorism, border security, force protection and small unit action.

Turkeys interest in Africa is nothing new. After Ankara declared 2005 the Year of Africa, the continent quickly become one of the pillars of Turkish foreign policy. That year was the first time a Turkish prime minister visited Ethiopia and South Africa, and on April 12 that year, the African Union granted Turkey observer status.

In August 2008, a Turkey-Africa summit brought high-level representatives from 49 African countries to Istanbul. In addition to being an important indicator of Turkeys economic opening to Africa, the summit also garnered African support for Turkey being elected as a UN Security Council non-permanent member (2009-2011), with 51 out of 53 African countries voting in favor.

In November 2014, six years after the first Turkey-Africa meeting, Equatorial Guinea hosted a similar gathering at Malabo that brought Erdogan together with leaders of 30 African countries to discuss new areas for partnership. The final communique declared that a Joint Implementation Plan for the period 2015-2019 had been approved. According to the plan, projects in education, health, infrastructure and energy were to be undertaken. The third summit is scheduled to be held in Istanbul in 2019.

The volume of trade between Turkey and Africa continues to grow. In 2002, it stood at $3 billion and now exceeds $25 billion annually. In addition to trade, extensive humanitarian activities by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency stand out, especially in the field of health. Turkey has health cooperation agreements with 20 African countries. In regard to education, the Scholarship for Turkey is the most popular such program among African university students, 29,000 of whom applied in 2015.

After 2012, Turkeys interest in Africa expanded beyond trade, humanitarian assistance, health and education, taking on a more muscular approach. For example, as reported in Al-Monitor in October 2014, the Turkish navys Barbaros Naval Task Force sailed the entire African coastline, visiting 25 ports in 24 countries, including Somalia, 19 of them for the first time. With this mission, the navys most impressive in recent years, Turkey for the first time used its military as an instrument of foreign policy. The mission was planned and realized through close cooperation between the military and civilian bureaucracies in Ankara and is considered a foreign policy success in which soft and hard power elements worked jointly.

Why does Ankara favor muscular foreign policy moves, which are becoming an important area of cooperation on which three major actors  civilian-political decision-makers, Justice and Development Party (AKP) elites and the military  agree? Military-oriented foreign policy openings have become a major domestic political tool for Turkey's political leaders and AKP elites, which have a conservative nationalist constituency. For the part of the Turkish population proud to be identified as a soldiers nation, such moves by Turkey are in line with the AKP's slogan For a New Greater Turkey. Moreover, muscular foreign policy initiatives allow the AKP government some breathing space from the Syrian crisis, continuing clashes in the southeast with the Kurds and endless debate about a constitutional amendment to create a presidential system of government.

Sending the Turkish military abroad could bring about an organizational transformation of the force. Through international missions, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) gain valuable military experience in the creation of various task forces and joint operations that combine the elements of its army, air force, navy and special forces. The TSK has in addition been accumulating operational experience in supporting international peacekeeping and combating global terrorism and naval piracy. The TSK task forces and missions provide welcomed extra income (paid for service abroad) while encouraging military personnel to learn foreign languages and improve or develop other qualifications to be assigned to such missions.

After 2010, the TSK began paying special attention to its internationalization, aiming to cooperate more closely with other militaries and increase its visibility in the global arena. TSK has thus far signed military cooperation agreements with 68 countries and is in the process of negotiating such agreements with 41 others. In 2009, foreign military personnel in Turkey for training and professional courses numbered 1,278, and in 2015 their number had increased by 270%, to 3,355. In 2009, Turkey had 53 military attaches abroad, and in 2014 their presence had risen by 52%, to 81. Also of note, Turkish defense industry exports increased by 98%, from $832 million in 2009 to $1.65 billion in 2014.

These types of military-oriented foreign policy openings provide the prime minister's office and ministries such as foreign affairs, health and education with long-term opportunities to identify mutually beneficial fields for cooperation and trade with other countries. In short, establishing a military presence and other methods of military cooperation are important instruments for creating and developing bilateral ties that in time can be complemented by soft power activities in the defense industry and health, education and cultural arenas.

Of course, there are also geostrategic benefits of a muscular foreign policy. Since 2015, Ankara has been under political, military and economic pressure from the Russian-led alliance of Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Syria. Turkey is now hoping to neutralize these pressure through a muscular foreign policy. Its level of military cooperation has been steadily rising in the Caucasus, with Georgia and Azerbaijan; in Africa, with Kenya, Ethiopia and Zanzibar; in the Gulf, with Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia; and in the Balkans, with Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo and Bosnia. Nobody should be surprised to hear reports of Turkey establishing a military presence in these countries. Today muscular foreign policy moves are Ankaras pet projects.
March 4, 2016

Competition is growing between Democrats and Republicans in the US presidential race, as Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump prepare for the presidential race culminating next November.

The Palestinian cause and ties with Israel have come up for both candidates in their campaigns. In a statement Feb. 21, Clinton said, I  believe the Palestinians deserve to have a state of their own. She reaffirmed her endorsement of a two-state solution and said that she supports Israel.

Trump said Feb. 17 that a peace agreement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is probably the toughest agreement of any kind, adding, But I will give it one hell of a shot if elected.

Husam Zomlot, the Ramallah-based executive deputy commissioner for Fatah's Commission for International Affairs, told Al-Monitor, As Palestinians in general, we are not concerned with the US electoral campaigns. Our history with both Democratic and Republican administrations is long, and many previous presidents failed to fulfill the aspirations of the Palestinian people, namely the establishment of a state and liberation from occupation. What concerns us is the political approach that the next president will adopt, irrespective of whether it will be Clinton or Trump. Much of what we hear these days is designed to gain the sympathy of US public opinion and attract votes and funding, which mostly emanates from Jewish parties.

Palestinians may have reservations about expressing a preference in the US presidential race for fear that the other candidate might win. Yet they do sometimes seem more inclined to support Clinton and have expressed great apprehension regarding a Trump victory. Clinton is associated with a relatively positive legacy in their regard, whether due to her husband, former President Bill Clinton  during whose reign negotiations almost led to positive results in favor of the Palestinians  or to her service as secretary of state. Trump is viewed by Palestinians as a tougher version of George W. Bush, during whose term Israel besieged the late President Yasser Arafat in Ramallah, while the US administration did not pressure Israel to lift the siege.

Bassem Naim, Hamas' foreign relations head and former health minister, told Al-Monitor, The Palestinian cause is no longer a priority for US candidates, who do not base their actions on equitably ending and resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The US policy is now equating legitimate Palestinian resistance with terrorism. I am not optimistic that the new US president would deal with the Palestinian cause as a priority. Other more pressing issues loom large in Syria, Iraq and Iran. Choosing between Clinton and Trump is a difficult task, but the latter espouses an extremist discourse and expresses ideas with racial overtones, while Clinton does not hide her bias in favor of Israel.

Palestinians are well aware that President Barack Obama has been more understanding of their cause than any other serving US president. He has called for negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis and has often denounced the Israeli settlement activities in the occupied territories, which Israel saw as opposition to its positions. Yet he ultimately realized that he is unable to achieve his political objectives and convictions regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict due to Israels inordinate influence on US decision-making circles.

Raed Enairat, chairman of the political science department at An-Najah National University and head of the Contemporary Center for Studies and Policy Analysis in the West Bank, told Al-Monitor, Trump espouses an anti-Palestinian rhetoric. Yet this does not mean that Clinton will be good for them, but that she is less hostile. Palestinians view her as a candidate with great political experience and a balanced political discourse due to her previous role as secretary of state, and they expect her to make efforts to resolve the conflict with Israelis.

Some Palestinians, especially those involved in the negotiations, believe that there are red lines that no US president is able to cross regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, most notably Israels security. Nevertheless, in clear opposition to the negative Israeli stance toward Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Clinton warned on Dec. 6, The alternative to Abbas could be the black flag of the Islamic State.

Ghazi Hamad, undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Gaza, told Al-Monitor, The Palestinian cause is absent from the platforms of US presidential candidates and took a backseat to their focus on issues relating to trade with China and the Iranian nuclear dossier. This is in the interest of Palestinians, keeping in mind that all former US presidents couldn't find a solution to the Palestinian cause.

Irrespective of whether the next US president will be a Democrat or Republican, the Palestinians problem is perhaps that the president will be dealing with the most right-wing Israeli government ever, which seems to have successfully imposed upon Obama and Bush its view regarding the conflict with the Palestinians. This view is represented by Israel not recognizing a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders and not freezing settlement activities in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Thus, Palestinians do not expect the future president to be able to impose upon the Israeli government his or her vision of the conflict. Israel has retained effective tools to place pressure on Washington, particularly through the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee and its allies in Congress.

Osama Abu Irshaid, a Palestinian researcher at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies in Doha, spoke to Al-Monitor over the phone from the United States. Rashi, who resides in Virginia, said, US candidates are jockeying to express support for Israel, which they clearly favor, despite the slight differences in opinion between them. Clintons policies constitute an extension of those of Obama, as far as endorsing the two-state solution; she will be cautious in dealing with the Palestinian issue. Meanwhile, it is hard to anticipate the political stances of Trump, who seems completely biased in favor of Israel, as what he might come up with could surprise all parties involved.

Palestinians are not pinning great hopes on any US candidates' resolving the conflict with Israel. They are aware that the majority of the current candidates are not impartial in that regard. Moreover, as long as there are Israeli efforts to steer clear of implementing the two-state solution, the new US president may fail to impose such a solution, although most Palestinians who spoke to Al-Monitor favor Clinton.
The Hoover Board of Education will vote Monday on whether to approve a final rezoning proposal that would move more than 2,200 students to different schools in the fall.

Hoover City Schools, the U.S. Department of Justice and the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund reached an agreement on recent revisions to create the final plan, Superintendent Kathy Murphy said in a news release.

The new maps were redrawn to reflect racially diverse school attendance zones. They were updated based on feedback given during community rezoning meetings.

Under its current attendance zones, Hoover used noncontiguous, enclaves or 'satellite' areas to provide more diversity. The goal now is to achieve racial diversity by removing the enclaves or satellite areas and establish contiguous zones.

A total of 2,224 students would be in new attendance zones under the final proposal, the vast majority of them elementary school students. The plan would involve rezoning of 1,535 elementary students (kindergarten to 5th grade), 406 middle school students (grades 6 -8), and 283 high school students (grades 9-12).

The school system had a "productive, collaborative" meeting with the two organizations, which was followed up with a March 3 conference call. The school system released the new rezoning proposal Thursday evening.

"At the meeting of the Hoover Board of Education scheduled for 5:30 p.m., March 7, 2016, I will recommend that the Board approve this Plan," Murphy said in the release. "The Board will consider the Plan, together with public comment, before deciding whether to approve the Plan as presented."

If the board approves the plan, it would be presented to U.S. District Court Judge Madeline Haikala for review.

Haikala presides over the 1965 Stout v. Jefferson County Board of Education desegregation case. Most school systems formed within the county since that case have fallen under federal court monitoring.

As a result, Hoover and other systems must get approval from the federal court for school attendance zone changes. Hoover has been considering redrawing school attendance zones for a few years.

In December, Haikala ordered Hoover, the DOJ and the NAACP LDF to come up with a joint status report by Feb. 10 on whether they had agreed on a proposed student assignment plan and attendance boundaries for the 2016-17 school year.

See the news release and the maps here:
A resolution may take place Tuesday regarding Drake State Community & Technical College President Helen McAlpine.

McAlpine was placed on administrative leave in November by Mark Heinrich, chancellor of the Alabama Community College System.

No reason was given at the time McAlpine was placed on leave and McAlpine declined comment to AL.com in the days after being placed on leave.

The community college system's board of trustees is scheduled to meet Tuesday in Montgomery and an item on the agenda addresses the situation at Drake State.

The agenda item simply states: "Recommendation regarding status of president."

A second Drake State administrator, John Reutter, was placed on administrative leave in December. Reutter is dean of planning and resource development.

Kemba Chambers was installed as acting president when McAlpine was placed on leave.
Madison County Courthouse (17).jpg

The west entrance of the Madison County Courthouse.(File)

The Alabama State Board of Chiropractic Examiners has asked a Madison County judge to order a local business to stop what the board calls improper practicing of chiropractic treatment and presenting itself as a chiropractic clinic.

The suit filed in circuit court Wednesday names as defendants Alabama Chiropractic Back-Pain Clinic at 4835 Sparkman Drive and, individually, Jackie Lee Richards and Steiner Douglas Sanford, also known as Charles Douglas Parker.

Sanford/Parker is a chiropractor who is seeking reinstatement of a lapsed license, the suit says, but "currently working at the clinic although not licensed by the board."

Calls to the number listed under Alabama Chiropractic Center were answered Friday by a machine identifying the business as "Dr. Richard's Fast Weight Loss Today." The business did not immediately return a request for comment.

Sanford/Parker did promise comment in a few days when reached earlier by WAFF television.

The suit has been set for a March 18 hearing in Madison County Circuit Court.
Ben Carson

Republican presidential candidate retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson speaks during an election night party in Baltimore, Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

WASHINGTON -- Ben Carson confirmed Friday he is ending his White House bid, but he's declining to endorse any candidate for the Republican nomination.

He also offered an explanation why he was dropping out: There are "a lot of people who love me; they just won't vote for me."

Speaking to a gathering of conservative activists in suburban Maryland, the retired neurosurgeon said the United States needs "trickle-down ethics." He said the ideal presidential candidate is ethical and accomplished, has clear policies and treats others well. He said whoever can check all of those boxes would be a "great leader."



Regarding his former Republican rivals, he did say he has "talked to all of them this week."

Carson reiterated that he is leaving the campaign trail, something he announced on his Facebook page the day after Super Tuesday contests.



The Conservative Political Action Conference crowd gave him an adoring standing ovation.

Carson said he will now be working on a project to encourage religious values voters to participate in elections.

A political newcomer, Carson raised $58 million, more money than any other GOP contender.



But an Associated Press review of his campaign finance filings show Carson's campaign is an extreme example of the big-money business of presidential politics. His campaign burned through the millions he raised by spending more on fundraising and consultants than on mass media advertising, on-the-ground employees and other things that could have swayed voters, the filings show.



Over the past week, the candidate himself, a soft-spoken retired Baltimore neurosurgeon, has wondered aloud whether his campaign aides took advantage of him, even saying he was disappointed in himself for trusting some people around him "without really vetting them carefully."



Carson addressed the issue in an interview with CNN last week and again Thursday in a Yahoo News interview with journalist Katie Couric, who questioned Carson on whether his campaign had spent so much on fundraising to gather a list of donors for a future business venture.



"Mistakes were made," Carson said. "We probably had the wrong team in place, people who probably had different objectives than I did. And once we discovered that and rectified it, the situation changed dramatically."



Some people who worked with Carson's presidential campaign are positioned to continue profiting from his elevated profile even after he officially ends his bid.



All told, the Carson campaign turned over at least one-quarter of the money it raised -- $16 million -- to fundraising and marketing firms owned by a pair of his top consultants, Mike Murray and Ken Dawson.



By contrast, the Carson campaign's payroll for nine months cost less than $700,000, finance documents show, and the campaign spent less than $600,000 on television and radio advertising during the month that voting has taken place, according to advertising tracker Kantar Media's Campaign Media Analysis Group.



Murray has been a campaign senior adviser, owns TMA Direct and is managing partner of Precision Data Management, firms that provide fundraising services for direct mail and email to voters and broker lists of would-be supporters.



Dawson has been Carson's unofficial chief marketing officer and owner of Eleventy Marketing. That company uses Facebook, Twitter and other social media to place digital advertising and raise money for its clients.



Murray and Dawson say the payments to their firms do not give a full picture of all the work they did -- transforming a candidate with 50 percent name recognition among likely Republican voters into one who became nearly universally known.



"We had the task of building the Carson brand along with raising money," Murray said. "Everything we did netted money."



Payments to TMA and other firms did not all go into the consultants' pockets, he said. Much of it paid for postage, printing and other costs associated with fundraising. Dawson also said much of the $10 million paid to his company went right back out to pay for digital advertising and social media promotion.



He said every payment to Eleventy was approved by Carson's campaign managers and audited by campaign staff.



Carson has vowed to continue his "grassroots movement," which includes his 700,000 campaign donors, the majority of whom gave $200 or less.

Who won the Fox News Republican presidential debate? Trump, Cruz, Rubio from Detroit



On Friday, Carson announced in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference in suburban Maryland that he has accepted a position as national chairman of My Faith Votes, a nonpartisan group that encourages Christians to participate in the political process.



Before the campaign, Carson was the face of a health care project funded by the American Legacy Political Action Committee, a group that has substantial crossover with the Carson campaign; in fact, Murray is its founder. Armstrong Williams, Carson's longtime confidant and off-the-books campaign guru, took over the American Legacy PAC chairmanship and has also said he encouraged Carson to come back to the group.



American Legacy PAC appears to do little more than raise money to pay people raising money.



The group's mission is to help conservative candidates, but it reported giving less than 3 percent of the $10 million it raised in the past five years to candidates and political committees, FEC documents show.



Murray said the PAC's impact on politics isn't fully reflected in its FEC filings, in part because the group encourages donors to give directly to candidates. He said those candidates have netted "hundreds of thousands of dollars," which the group has tracked through software.



The cost of all that fundraising is laid out in FEC documents.



American Legacy PAC has paid Williams' production company more than $170,000 and Murray's companies nearly $400,000 since its establishment in 2010. It also paid Dawson's Eleventy about $30,000, which he said paid for building a website.



More than half of American Legacy PAC's budget went to the telemarketing company Infocision. Carson's campaign also paid the company almost $5 million.
"Alabama is ground zero when it comes to the fight for voting rights," U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell said today in Birmingham.

That's why the first of a series of Congressional forums on the current state of voting in the United States was held today in Birmingham, she said.

Ten members of Congress, including Civil Rights icon U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, were in attendance at the forum held at Birmingham City Hall. The others Congressional members in attendance were: Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Texas; Stacey Plaskett, D-Virgin Islands; Karen Bass, D-California; Jim Clyburn, D-South Carolina; G.K. Butterfield, D-North Carolina; Marc Veasey, D-Texas; Barbara Lee, D-California; and Hank Johnson, D-Georgia.

The U.S. Supreme Court in its Shelby decision of 2013 struck down the requirement in the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that required certain states and local governments to obtain federal preclearance before implementing any changes to their voting laws or practices.

"It was here in this state just a few miles from here in Selma, the heart of the Black Belt, that we were able to germinate the need for the Voting Rights Act, and 51 years later we don't have the protection of that act," Lewis said. "I have said on many, many occasions that the vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent instrument or tool we have in our Democratic society, and all of our citizens must be able to use that power and cast that vote."

These members of Congress will celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery March for voting rights on Sunday.

Sewell said the Shelby decision allowed several states, including Alabama, to pass laws such as those that require voters to have an ID to cast a vote.

Now, the Congressional Black Caucus is leading an effort to get the Voting Rights Advancement Act passed. Sewell said this bill fulfills the challenge set by the Supreme Court and creates a modern-day formula for preserving voting rights specifically in the South.

Since the Judicial Committee refused to hold a hearing, the caucus is collecting testimony from across the country and will submit it into the Congressional record, Sewell said.

Today, these members of Congress heard from several Alabama residents on the current state of voting rights. The speakers included Anne-Marie Adams, the clerk of court in Jefferson County; Richard Cohen, the president of the Southern Poverty Law Center; Hezekiah Jackson IV, Metro Birmingham Branch NAACP president; Ernest Montgomery, city councilman in Calera and Spencer Overton, president of The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
Im running and Im running and Im just one  one among hundreds of people running to escape the batons and the pepper spray. Running to break through the police line and run on and on across the field to the mine.

But as my legs are pumping and the adrenaline is thumping, I turn and see something that makes my blood turn cold and time stand still. I see a man  made massive with body armour and a helmet and a baton  throw his shoulder back and smash the full brutal weight of his aggression into the face of an oncoming woman.

She crumples to the ground, but I dont even see her hit the floor because Im running and Im thinking that this isnt what I signed up for and I dont want to be here and Christ, Im just so scared.

Because I am not an activist. This isnt what I do. Im a relatively normal middle-aged chap who does clicktivism when he can find the time. Direct action is not my thing. Im not cut out to be here, running with hundreds of people across the fields of the Rhineland to try and close for one day a sodding great lignite mine.

And yet, oddly, here I am.

RELATED: Burkina Faso: Farmers going against the grain

I am running because I dont know what else to do. I am running because I know too much to stand still. I am running because climate change has already begun and because Im scared of heatwaves and droughts and mass extinctions and flooding. Im running because I need to act  we all need to act  and we need to act right now.

After breaking through the police line, we begin to pull back together. Those of us who can see lead those blinded by pepper spray. We keep walking, quickly re-coalescing back into the protective mass that 200 determined people can be. But Im feeling very shaken.

This is so unlike anything Ive experienced. I wonder how I could have been so naive. What was I expecting when I signed up to gatecrash Europes biggest source of CO2 emissions? A welcoming beer and a hug?

I want to escape this absurd situation, but then I realise that beyond the fearful chatter of my thinking, Im committed. We all are. Others will be feeling all of this, but we have nothing but our resolve and our numbers. I want no part in eroding what is our only strength.



Take the Power Back

Incredibly, we soon make it to the edge of the mine. The scale is barely comprehensible. It stretches a full 20km into the distance. Its 12 long kilometres wide.

I find it hard to believe that we, as a collection of small, frail human beings can really shut down a problem of this scale. In truth, we dont know yet if we can. But were going to try.

Over 1,000 individuals are marching in four groups towards the mine; four fingers of resistance snaking across the Rhineland. We must look incredible from the police helicopters in the air.

But what the police helicopters wont see is how many of us are doing something like this for the first time. People like me who have never experienced police brutality or the terrifying experience of breaking through police lines. And why are there so many of us here? What is it that compels us normal, law-abiding citizens to put our liberty and safety at risk?

I think the answer lies in the urgency of the climate challenge and the feeling that action of some kind has become a moral imperative. We feel we are not acting simply for ourselves, but for our planet and our children. We feel the anger, sadness and incomprehension of those future generations who will look back at us with incredulity. What a beautiful world, they will think. What kind of madness made our parents trash it?

Together, we flow over the top of the mine and down towards the diggers. We are singing and buzzing with a mixture of disbelief and hope. Nonviolent and unstoppable, giddy with elation and adrenaline. The fear begins to recede and my attention widens to appreciate this incredible place. To our right, an endless cliff winds around the rim, an artwork of sandy pigments gouged with the striations of digger teeth. To the left, the mine drops down into the distance in a series of terraces, each leading deeper into the earth that gets darker and darker then turns to black. Across the pit roam the diggers: unimaginable beasts with bucket teeth and vast steel throats, gouging and disgorging the coal onto 16km-long conveyor belts.

Time goes weird and space gets warped inside the mine. I only dimly recognise the distant mine jeeps of coal company RWE as a threat. As the jeeps pull closer and clamour to a halt in a cloud of orange dust, as the doors open and black figures jump out, it dawns on me slowly, thickly, stupidly, that the violence is about to start again. We form a dense crowd, holding arms, still walking quickly towards the police, who are putting on their helmets, drawing their batons and unholstering those burning cans of pepper spray. As their faces disappear behind visors, they lose the last vestiges of their humanity. We are marching towards a squadron of machines.

Self-organising and intuitive, our finger spreads across the length of the terrace, arm-in-arm and hand-in-hand. Suddenly, it is the police who are trapped. We are, literally, a long white line in the sand.

Today, this mine has become a place where every moment is symbolic. State police travel in corporate pick-ups. Black uniforms beat white boilersuits. Songs and chants meet batons and pepper spray while diggers gouge the earth and wind turbines salute the sky. Together, we stand against the vested interests and distorted economics of the coal mine: a living testimony to the power of whats possible when collection and conviction combine. Its hard to overstate the importance of our conviction that our action is moral and just. Its the base from which we act. It binds us to each other and connects us with the millions of unseen supporters around the world.

Ten words for rain: A story of love and climate change

So, Im acting as fast as I can; running from the police, running from my disempowerment, running from my apathy and fatalism. Im running and dodging batons and pepper spray and Im more primaevally, viscerally terrified than I have ever, ever been.

But for the police and for RWE, we are obstructing a legal corporate entity from going about its business, and we have to be stopped. When we see a crowd of RWE jeeps in the distance, we break our line and huddle once again into our protective mass. The jeeps behind join those in front, and police break over us in a crazy, frantic, violent melee.

Im running, but my legs are shredded by the terrain and the heavy rucksack. Then Im face down in the sand. I dont know what has happened. I look up and see wave after wave of people flowing past, all trying to go on, all trying to avoid stomping on me. There is nothing more but to close my eyes and huddle into a shameless foetal ball. My face is burning. My left eye and my hands are on fire. Pepper spray hangs suspended in the air.

As soon as Im able, I look up through my one good eye and see people nearby crying out in pain. The police are busy wrenching arms behind backs and strapping them tight with cable ties. The air is full of fear and adrenaline and fury: Sit down! Stay there! Dont move!

So I lie there.

Unfathomable time passes and, eventually, the situation calms. The police have us kettled. My pepper wounds are limited. Im one of the few who is uncuffed and mobile, so Im able to help tend to people and replace the relentless fear and terror of the past few hours with something so much warmer and nourishing.

As we go about helping each other, the police remove their helmets and one policeman hands me a bottle of water to help rinse someones eyes. They have become human again. We are no longer a defiant, running protest, and the police are no longer brutal enforcement machines.

We are instead a mutually frazzled group of people in the bottom of a vast, multihued hole in the ground, our human scale dwarfed by the enormity of the mine. We find out that many of the men and women encircling us agree in principle with our protest. Its a pretty odd thing to hear that  in spite of the brutal reality of the past hour  we are all just playing our parts in a much wider political game.

Life near coal mines: Kosovos dying villages

At some point, we learn the mine has been completely shut down. A cheer echoes up from the pit. Weve just put a halt to one of Europes biggest sources of CO2 emissions. The machines which normally carve brown coal from the earth 24 hours a day have gone silent, and RWE, the EUs most carbon-intensive energy conglomerate, is losing phenomenal amounts of money.

The rush of victory fades into the passing hours of the day. The police begin to process us, someone juggles rocks, someone starts hands-bound-behind-back yoga, some read, others invent revolutionary quizzes. The atmosphere is peacefully resistant. I feel surrounded by amazing, inspiring people.

Eventually, we are taken out of the mine in prison vans and are transferred into municipal buses to join hundreds of others. Sharing stories, our collective exhaustion is cut with moments of connection that will stay with many of us for life. Our destination turns out to be a police station 50km away in the city of Aachen, where we are set to waiting in the buses.

The hours drag endlessly into the night before all of a sudden, the news comes that were being taken to the train station and set free. The police are not even going to try and identify us. The bus erupts in ecstatic jubilation, cheering and singing; the exhaustion and fear and apprehension are banished as though it had all been a dream and are replaced with heady, giddy victory. Its hard to believe.

For the past 24 hours, I have been a vagrant from my regular life, experimenting with a role both unfamiliar and terrifying, never quite knowing if what I was doing was worthwhile. But on the streets of Aachen and across the media, Ende Gelande is met with approval and respect: Thousands of everyday people share our concerns. If every one of those people feels inspired to get involved in even some small way, I would rush back into the pepper spray and batons 10,000 times over.

This action for me is proof of how inconceivably powerful we become when we begin to act from our collective self. I hope that we are entering a period which will be remembered as a time when normal people got together and did extraordinary things. And so I sit on the midnight train surrounded by revelry, sharing a beer and an intense philosophical conversation with someone Ive just met, and wildly, madly, foolishly, I get to thinking that perhaps theres hope for this crazy species of ours.

The blog first appeared on 350.org.

Unfortunately, since first publishing a longer version of this piece on his blog, Ben Winston passed away.
In recent years, migrant men from poor countries in Southeast Asia who were forced to work on Thai fishing boats have begun to come forward, revealing a dirty secret that powered the worlds third-largest exporter of seafood.

Thailands $7bn industry has in part been built on the backs of trafficked labour, with thousands of men from places such as Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia being sold into slavery.

The United States consumes more of Thailands catch than any other country. According to investigations by the Associated Press and The New York Times, the ill-gotten fish is known to have entered the supply chain of popular brands such as Chicken of the Sea tuna and Fancy Feast pet food.

While reporting for the film Seafood Slaves, Fault Lines connected with dozens of men in Indonesia who were waiting to be repatriated to their home country, Myanmar.

Since 2011, about 1,500 men have been repatriated back to Myanmar. According to figures from the Bangkok-based, anti-trafficking group Project Issara, which has examined 478 of those cases, on average, the fishermen have been given only $66 in compensation for each month they were enslaved. Some 88 percent of the migrant workers received less than half of the salary they were promised  or even worse, no pay at all.

In January, Fault Lines spoke to a middle-aged man from Myanmar at a camp set up for trafficked fishermen in Ambon, Indonesia. At that time, about 81 men at the camp were still waiting to collect their wages and return to their homeland.

This is a translation of the story he told of his experience working in the Thai fishing industry:

I worked on a farm before. I worked on rubber farms. When I worked in my village, I couldnt support my family. I thought I could find more money here. Thats why I left Myanmar. I heard there was good income here. Thats why I left. I came through a broker. I didnt know I would be deceived.

Now Im 55, almost 56. I left home about 20 years ago.

My father died a long time ago. Then my mother passed away while I was working here. While I was working here, my children sometimes didnt have enough food. I have three children.

When I lost contact with them, I was disappointed. I asked the boats captain if I could go back home, but he wouldnt let me go. Later I ran away when we docked, and he asked police to arrest me and send me back to the boat. When I got back on to the boat, he beat me.

When some of my repatriated friends inquired for me, I got back in phone contact with my family. I had three or four conversations with my daughter, but I didnt have enough money to refill the phone again. She asked me to come back. I told her, I was waiting for my money, for them to pay my salary. But it has been one year now, and I keep waiting and waiting.

My wife left. She got remarried. She didnt know that I was in Indonesia. I couldnt contact her. She might think Im dead. I got married when I was 30. I miss her. I miss my children, too.

I have been staying here more than a year. I dont have money. I do some work at a grocery store, and they give me food. I stay here because I cant go back. Nobody wants to stay here. Its not the same as my own country. I have become merely a beggar now.

I want to see my children and I want to see my siblings, too. I dont know how long I have to wait. We can only go back when they [the International Organization for Migration] send us back. I really want to go back home.

Gruelling work

I have never worked such a job before, and I wasnt skillful in the beginning. The captain beat me with a stingray tail; he would beat me with anything near him. While we were sorting fish, he would sit on the upper deck and throw a lead sinker tied to a rope at us. Thats how we were tortured.

The worst condition was when there were big waves. If we got a large amount of fish at the same time, we couldnt take breaks. We were not allowed to eat. We had to eat secretly, and if the captain saw it, he would beat us. He only worried about his fish being rotten, so he forced us to work. He didnt let us rest even when we were sick. He forced us to work like oxen.

They keep all the big fish. They threw away the small fish. If we got big shrimp, we were not allowed to eat them. If we were to steal and eat the shrimp, he would beat us and deduct money from our salary.

I blame only the captain for what I went through. Hes the one who forced us to work like oxen. I was sorting nets once, which involved climbing up to the mast. When I came down, he said, Why you work so slow? And he beat me with an iron pipe. He kept beating me during 10 years of work.

Waiting for payment

There were six crew members from Myanmar and some Cambodians and Thais on board. When the boat went back to Thailand, the entire crew was left onshore because the captain didnt want to pay us money. The captain, mechanic and other Thai crew, about three to four guys, went back, leaving us behind.

I worked on two boats. On the first boat, I was beaten by the captain. Later I worked on another boat for 14 months. I got payment on that boat. After I left the first boat, two and a half years ago, I didnt have any money. So I tried to get a job on another boat here. But later boat operations stopped, and I ended up here, where Ive been for the last year.

The Thai company frequently told me they would pay me, but it has been a year since they told me that. I dont know much about how they profited but I want my salary back.

I asked them how much I would get. They said I would get 10,000 baht [about $280] since I also worked as a cook. But I dont even have clothes now. I have to take clothes from others. If they had paid us money regularly, my family would not have fractured.

Although I came to work, my family couldnt eat from what I have earned. My family was broken apart. Do you understand that feeling? My life was destroyed. I cant see my children. I lost my wife.

I cant even express my feelings in words. It is very painful. I hate those Thais. If I could bring that captain here, I wouldnt take money. I want to beat him in the same way he beat me. I want to sacrifice my life to take his life.
Promising dialogue suffers blow as armed group restates demands for prisoner release and expulsion of foreign soldiers.

The Taliban has refused to take part in peace talks until the government orders foreign troops out of the war-torn country and releases all of its fighters from prison.

The announcement on Saturday came as a blow to efforts to restart peace negotiations in the Pakistani capital Islamabad to end the nearly 15-year-long war.

We want to repeat our stance once again that until the occupation of foreign troops ends, until Taliban names are removed from international blacklists, and until our detainees are released, talks will yield no results, a Taliban statement said.

We unequivocally state that the esteemed leader of Islamic Emirate [Taliban] has not authorised anyone to participate in this meeting and neither has the Leadership Council of Islamic Emirate decided to partake in it.

Following a meeting of the so-called Quadrilateral Coordination Group  comprising representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and the US  in Kabul last month, officials had expected direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban this week.





Afghanistan has repeatedly called for all Taliban groups to sit at the negotiating table, though President Ashraf Ghani has said his government will not make peace with those who kill civilians.

OPINION: Afghanistan and the Taliban need Pakistan for peace

A first round of direct talks was held last summer in Pakistan, but the process quickly derailed after the announcement of the death of Taliban founder Mullah Omar.

The Taliban, toppled from power in a US-led military intervention in 2001, has waged an armed campaign to overthrow the Afghan government and re-establish its rule.

The nearly 15-year conflict has killed thousands of people and strained the countrys economy.

Last October, US President Barack Obama announced thousands of US troops would remain in Afghanistan past 2016, keeping the current force of 9,800 troops, amid a surge in Taliban attacks.
China is aiming for average economic growth at or above 6.5 percent for the next five years, the government said, as the worlds second-largest economy seeks to balance deep structural reforms, gyrating financial markets, and softening global trade.

Unveiling a draft of the new five-year development plan at the annual National Peoples Congress, Premier Li Keqiang said on Saturday that China would target economic growth between 6.5-7 percent in 2016.

Weighed down by sluggish demand at home and abroad, industrial overcapacity, and faltering investment, Chinas economic growth slowed to 6.9 percent in 2015, its weakest in a quarter of a century. Economists expect it to cool further to around 6.5 percent this year.





Al Jazeeras Adrian Brown, reporting from Beijing, said the growth figure was what economists the world over have been looking out for after dramatic losses on Chinas stock market over the past year.

The message of [Premier Li] today is: Yes, 2015 was a difficult year, not just for China, but for the world  but we pulled through it because of the vision and the programmes of the Chinese Communist Party, Brown said.

Brown said the premier acknowledged during his lengthy speech there were still many inadequacies within the government that need to be addressed.

He pointed out that some reforms have still not been implemented  and that corruption and misconduct cannot be ignored, he said, adding it was a strong indication that the governments crackdown on its rotten elements would continue.

Chinas 13th five-year plan is a blueprint for economic and social development between 2016 and 2020.

In the week leading up to the congress, the government flagged major job losses in the key production industries of coal and steel as policymakers seek to eliminate inefficiencies and overcapacity in state-owned enterprises through consolidation and layoffs.

China aims to lay off five to six million state workers over the next two to three years, two sources said, Beijings boldest retrenchment programme in almost two decades.

Chinas leadership, eager to maintain stability and ensure redundancies do not lead to unrest, will spend nearly 150 billion yuan ($23bn) to cover layoffs in just the coal and steel sectors in the next two to three years.

But Li also said the country will create 10 million new jobs and hold the urban registered unemployment rate below 4.5 percent in 2016.

China will increase military spending by 7.6 percent this year, its lowest increase in six years, as the premier vowed to push on with a modernisation plan that will shrink staffing.

Al Jazeeras Brown said another target introduced on Saturday was the goal to have 60 percent of the country living in cities and to have trains linking 80 percent of the nations cities.

Every year around 3,000 delegates from across the country meet in Beijings Great Hall of the People for the National Peoples Congress (NPC) that lasts 12 days.





The delegates attending the session represent Chinas 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, as well as Hong Kong, Macau, and the military. There are also delegates for self-ruled Taiwan, made up of defectors and their descendants. They serve five-year terms.

The largely ceremonial advisory body, the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference, meets in parallel with the NPC. It is made up of business magnates, artists, monks, non-communists, and other representatives of broader society, but it has no legislative power.

While the congress is commonly considered a rubber-stamp body  applied to economic and political goals decided at the higher levels of the Chinese Communist Partys leadership  debates can still be lively.

It is also a chance for officials from around the country to meet and exchange ideas: from sophisticated urbanites to the leaders of poor rural counties, along with celebrities, business executives, and regulators.
February saw the highest number of home demolitions for West Bank Palestinians since the UN began recording in 2009.

Ein al-Rashash, occupied West Bank  Days after Israeli forces demolished the Bedouin community of Ein al-Rashash last month, residents were scrambling to rebuild their shelters as heavy rain clouds loomed on the horizon.

Unlike some Bedouin communities that have been targeted for demolition on multiple occasions, this was the first time Israeli forces had descended on this small mountain community with bulldozers.

They destroyed everything, resident Fatma Zawahra told Al Jazeera. She pointed to a couple of spots in a pile of twisted metal, wood and tarp on the ground. This used to be our bathroom, and there was my kitchen.

They told us to leave, but they didn't say where. Where should we go with all these women and children - just take our things and start walking? by Abu Khaled Zawahra, resident of Ein al-Rashash

February marked the highest number of home demolitions in the occupied West Bank since the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) began recording in 2009, according to a recent statement. During the month, Israeli forces destroyed, dismantled or confiscated 235 homes and other structures, displacing 331 Palestinians, including 174 children, and affecting another 740 Palestinians, the statement noted.

INTERACTIVE: Building the occupation

In Ein al-Rashash alone, Israeli forces destroyed 10 homes and 33 other structures due to lack of building permits, UNOCHA noted. At least 59 residents lost their homes, and another 35 people  totaling the entire population  were affected by the demolitions.

Throughout the first six weeks of 2016, more than 400 Palestinians were displaced by home demolitions, according to UN data  more than half the total number in all of 2015.

Most of the demolitions in the West Bank take place on the spurious legal grounds that Palestinians do not possess building permits, said Robert Piper, the Coordinator for Humanitarian and UN Development Activities for the occupied Palestinian territory. But in Area C, official Israeli figures indicate only 1.5 percent of Palestinian permit applications are approved  So what legal options are left for a law-abiding Palestinian?

Area C, which constitutes 60 percent of the occupied West Bank, is under full Israeli control. More than 225 illegal Israeli settlements and settlement outposts are located here, as Israeli authorities have turned a blind eye to illegal construction, according to Israeli rights group BTselem.

Last month, the EU Missions in Jerusalem and Ramallah released a statement expressing deep concern at an unprecedented number of demolitions and confiscations of Palestinian structures in Area C in recent weeks. The statement specifically mentioned the virtual complete destruction of Ein al-Rashash.

Abu Khaled Zawahra, a resident of Ein al-Rashash who shares a last name with many people in the community, said they now have nowhere to go. Residents had hired a lawyer to fight their case in Israeli court after demolition orders were initially issued last November.

We hoped the lawyer could stop it from happening, Abu Khaled said. [Israeli forces] told us to leave, but they didnt say where. Where should we go with all these women and children  just take our things and start walking? We did that before; our families are refugees from 1948 and were displaced again in 1967.

If we did move and settled somewhere else, they would just come again and again, he added. It will never stop.

Earlier this month, the Applied Research Institute  Jerusalem (ARIJ) speculated that Israeli authorities were clearing the Ein al-Rashash area to make more room for an adjacent Israeli military base.

Palestinian herders and farmers are denied access to the lands in close proximity of the base, ARIJ stated in a recent report. Additionally, the military base constantly represented a threat to the lives of the Palestinians living nearby due to the Israeli armys training.

A spokesperson for the Israeli government did not immediately respond to Al Jazeeras request for comment on the issue.

Sleiman Zawahra, another resident of the village, said he often heard explosions going off in the distance.

The Bedouin life is a peaceful one, he said. We are farmers; we raise animals, we take care of our children and teach them our way of life, but it has become so hard to continue like this. Sometimes it is so quiet in the mountains, and then the explosions start and the animals go crazy and the children are scared.

READ MORE: Report reveals scale of Israels home demolitions

While the Palestinian Authority (PA) has no jurisdiction over Ein al-Rashash, PA officials have brought tents for residents to set up while they rebuild their homes from scraps of corrugated metal and tarp.

Sleiman said his community was thankful for the help, but the tents will not help them in the cold, wet weather.

Of all the things I cannot get over, is that they did this during the winter, Sleiman said. It is the rainy period now. What kind of people could do that to other humans? They destroyed our homes, and now it will rain soon. We arent sure what we will do; there arent any caves in the area.

Sleiman and Abu Khaled were also worried for their sheep  their main source of income. Without barns or caves to protect the animals, many could die.

In a modern world, it is hard enough to maintain our way of life, Sleiman said. I cant bear the thought of my children not continuing our culture; but when I look at the reality Israel has created for us, I am terrified. I think my children have no future.

Additional reporting by Abed al-Qaisi


More than 30 inmates held at Egypts Guantanamo refusing food to highlight inhumane conditions, including beatings.

At least 32 prisoners held inside one of Egypts most notorious jails have gone on a mass hunger strike to highlight alleged abuses, including the beating of family members who come to visit.

Dubbed by activists Egypts Guantanamo, prisoners at the maximum security al-Aqrab prison about 20km south of Cairo began refusing food last month, according to a group of family members of al-Aqrab detainees.

The organisation, which documents the status of prisoners in al-Aqrab, told Al Jazeera that a series of violations took place this year inside al-Aqrab, including several assaults by prison guards on inmates  as well as against their family members.

The alleged beatings triggered a few prisoners to go on a hunger strike on February 24 who were later joined by more than two dozen other inmates. They say they will continue refusing food until their demands to improve conditions are met.

Related: Inside Egypts prisons

Gehad el-Haddad, former media spokesman for the Muslim Brotherhood, was one of the first to go on a hunger strike.

Members of the Muslim Brotherhood faced a major crackdown by Egyptian authorities after the toppling of former President Mohamed Morsi. El-Haddad has been in al-Aqrab since January 25, 2014.

His wife, Basma Mahmoud, told Al Jazeera hes not asking to be released, just for humane conditions inside the prison.

Hes asking for basic living necessities. Asking for edible food, for basic medical care For family visitations with no glass in between. Even clothes, were in the winter and theyre wearing very light clothes, Mahmoud said.



UN journalists call for release of AJE staff

The demands by the hunger-strikers include weekly visits from family members that last an hour without glass partitions, improving the quality of food and water, allowing families to bring food, medicine and clothing for them, and daily excercise sessions.

The families group says the current conditions at al-Aqrab do not comply with Egypts prison laws.

Mahmoud, who last saw her husband on February 29, said she and other visitors had to camp outside the prison the night before in order to see the inmates.

To visit him, I had to be there in front of the prison from 8pm the night before so that I can see him the

next day at 2pm  for just two minutes, she said.

The Arabic hashtag Aqrab Hunger Strike recently trended in Egypt, in addition to the #DyingToLive hashtag, which has gained some traction online.

Last month, dozens of people demonstrated in front of the headquarters of Egypts journalist syndicate protesting conditions that their imprisoned relatives face inside al-Aqrab.

Yasmin Ahmed was at the demonstration. Her brother is currently imprisoned at al-Aqrab  or Scorpion in Arabic  and has been held there for the last eight months on charges of spreading news that harms national security  charges she says have no basis.

He was fine before, but since his al-Aqrab imprisonment, he now suffers from colon issues, kidney sickness, and strong joint pain, she told Al Jazeera.

She also repeated her brothers account of the conditions inside the cells, saying most are overpopulated.

The prison cells are only big enough for one person, but theyll squeeze in three or four people together. There is a small squat toilet which the prisoners have to ask their fellow inmates to look away when they use it, Ahmed said.

Read More: Egypts Sisi promises laws to tackle police brutality

In recent law amendments made by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the head of the prison service is required to be notified of any prisoner hunger strikes immediately.

Mahmoud, Gehad al-Haddads wife, alleged that high-ranking interior ministry officials made death threats against her husband and other prisoners for going on the hunger strike.

Al Jazeera contacted the interior ministry for comment, but did not receive a reply by publication time.

Mohamed Gameel, head of the Arab organisation for human rights in the UK, said the hunger strikes are directed by the prisoners at the international community.

The Egyptian government wont take action till it finds itself facing strong pressures from the international community, he told Al Jazeera.

A report released by Amnesty International documents prisoner abuse  including beatings and deaths  by Egyptian authorities.

The report also estimates that in 2015, 3,000 civilians stood trial. Amnesty said military trials of civilians are fundamentally unfair.
Torrential downpours hit the South American country, leaving at least 11 people dead and thousands homeless.

Weeks of heavy and steady rain across much of Peru has been blamed for at least 11 deaths in northern, central and southern parts of the country.

As of Saturday, more than 5,000 people have been left homeless after the latest round of downpours, with 588 houses destroyed so far this year.

A state of emergency has been declared in 42 areas in Peru, including several towns in the northern region of Tumbes where the Zaramilla River has burst its banks. As much as 111mm of rain was recorded there on Thursday.





There has been widespread flooding and a number of mudslides. The Centre of Emergency (COE-FEN) reported that a total of 200km of roads have been cut off by the high waters.

The Central Highway remains treacherous, and this is the main access route for food supplies into the capital city, Lima. The road at Huarochiri has been badly damaged in places.

The Peruvian president, Ollanta Humala toured the country mid-week and declared that despite repairs, works remain ongoing after the Rimac River flooded the highway a week ago.

This season has been particularly bad, with COE-FEN reporting that 79,245 people have been affected and 12,941 houses partially damaged.

El Nino has been blamed for the severe weather. The World Meteorological Organization has already said that this current El Nino phenomenon is the strongest in 15 years.
Police fire tear gas and plastic bullets at protesters by offices of Zaman, which has reopened under government control.

Turkish riot police have fired plastic bullets and tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters who gathered outside the offices of Zaman newspaper in Istanbul, a day after it was seized by authorities.

The officers set up barricades on Saturday outside the headquarters of Turkeys largest-circulation daily, which has been reopened under government control.

A court on Friday appointed an administrator to run the flagship Zaman, English-language Todays Zaman and Cihan agency, linked to Fethullah Gulen, a US-based influential political opponent of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.





Erdogan accuses Gulen of conspiring to overthrow the government by building a network of supporters in the judiciary, police and media. Gulen has denied the allegations.

The court ruling came at the request of a prosecutor investigating Gulen on terrorism charges, state media said.

Employees returned to the newsroom on Saturday to work under the new administrator, but Abdulhamit Bilici, Zamans editor-in-chief, and Bulent Kenes, a columnist, were fired and escorted from the premises, said Sevgi Akarcesme, top editor at Todays Zaman.

It is a dark day for Turkish democracy and a flagrant violation of the constitution, Akarcesme told Reuters news agency.

He said most Turkish media were not fully reporting the takeover out of fear they could face similar reprisals.

A dark period

Staff took to social media to post photos of armed special forces inside the building and also guarding the barricaded perimeter after police raided the offices.

It has been a habit for the last three, four years, that anyone who is speaking against government policies is facing either court cases or prison, or such control by the government, Bilici had earlier said.

This is a dark period for our country, our democracy.

Todays Zamans Saturday edition, published before the takeover, printed its entire front page in black with the headline: Shameful day for free press in Turkey.

We are here to defend democracy and freedoms, one protester told Al Jazeera.





Prosecutors accused Zaman and its affiliates of praising and helping what they called a terrorist organisation.

There is some obvious evidence that they [Gulen and Zaman] are linked to many international organisations, Yasin Aktay, a member of Turkeys ruling AK party, told Al Jazeera.

And Zaman newspapers and others are part of this coordination with this apparatus.

Aktay rejected allegations about media intolerance by the Turkish government.

There is no intolerance in Turkey about media criticism. [Theres] probably more than 60 or 70 percent of the media in Turkey against the government and the government is tolerating them, he said.

For his part, Robert Pearson, a former US ambassador to Turkey, told Al Jazeera the move to take over the newspaper was not unexpected.

READ MORE: Journalists accused of terrorism released in Turkey

Mr Erdogan refers to almost anyone who opposes his rule as a terrorist  college professors, journalists  anyone who basically disagrees with him, Pearson said.

Erdogan has repeatedly insisted Turkey has the most free media in the world, but the country consistently ranks poorly on press freedom indices.

The crackdown on Zaman comes at an already worrying time for press freedom in Turkey.

Two prominent journalists from the pro-opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper are facing potential life sentences on charges of endangering state security for publishing material that purports to show intelligence officials trucking arms to Syria.
Regional governor seeks help to deal with situation around Idomeni camp where up to 14,000 refugees are stranded.

A regional governor has called on the Greek government to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing where thousands of refugees are stranded due to border restrictions along the route towards Western Europe.

About 13,000-14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, according to Apostolos Tzitzikostas, governor of Central Macedonia province.

Its a huge humanitarian crisis. I have asked the government to declare the area in a state of emergency, Tzitzikostas said during a visit to Idomeni on Saturday to distribute aid to the Red Cross and other non-governmental organisations.

INTERACTIVE: Swedish Arctic resort offers escape from war

This cannot continue for much longer.

Aid agencies have expanded the Idomeni camp as new arrivals cause more overcrowding. However, living conditions are deteriorating and it is feared another 18,000 refugees elsewhere in Greece will eventually arrive at the border.

Al Jazeeras Hoda Abdel-Hamid, reporting from Idomeni, said: Once it is in place  and that will not be before Monday  it would mean there is a release of emergency funds, first 200,000 euros, to help out in this camp, provide more tents, food, blankets and facilities. There is no running water here.

Up to 1,000 more refugees arrived on Saturday in the Greek port of Piraeus from the Aegean islands of Lesbos and Chios, the Greek coastguard reported.

The neighbouring former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia has stopped all but a trickle of Iraqi and Syrian refugees from crossing, following similar restrictions by countries further north on the route to western Europe.

The moves have caused a huge bottleneck in Greece, whose islands proximity to the Turkish coast has made it the preferred entry point for refugees and other migrants seeking better lives in Europe.

Severe action urged

Greek authorities said only about 180 people crossed the border between 6am on Friday and the same time on Saturday morning.

The former Yugoslav republic needs to open immediately to borders and the European Union needs to implement severe action against the countries that are closing borders today, whether they are members of the European Union or candidate members, Tzitzikostas said.

This is unacceptable what they are doing.

Tzitzikostas said the region needed the emergency measures  or alternatively for the law to be amended  so that regional authorities can obtain the necessary emergency supplies and food to support the refugees and improve their living conditions.

READ MORE: Can Greece cope with the refugee crisis?

He also called on the government to provide a comprehensive plan on how to handle the crisis.

The EU and Turkey  the transit country for refugees heading to Greece  will hold a summit on Monday to discuss the refugee crisis.

We are expecting Turkey to start finally doing what it should be doing for months now and we also expect our European partners to start receiving refugees in their countries, Tzitzikostas said.

There needs to be a proportional distribution between the countries.

The refugee camp at Idomeni has a capacity of about 2,000 and has dramatically overflowed, with new arrivals daily setting up small tents along the railway tracks next to the camp and spilling out into surrounding fields.
Amid a worsening economy, Kremlin seems concerned about potential resurgence of Communist party as elections near.

Moscow  Saturday marks the 63rd anniversary of Joseph Stalins death, but while the infamous dictator is dead and gone, communism in Russia is not.

A worsening economy has many Russians feeling nostalgic for the Soviet days of old. Recent polls suggest half of all Russians still think they were actually better off under the Soviet system.

Maria Krechatova, a curator at a Moscow exhibition of Stalin-era art, said: Interest in Joseph Stalin is increasing. It is understandable. We celebrated the 70th anniversary of the World War II and we should not forget who was at the helm of the country and under whose leadership the victory was achieved.

With parliamentary elections looming, a possible Communist party resurgence is starting to worry the Kremlin.

Dmitri Medvedev, Russias prime minister, singled out the party recently, saying it is the main electoral threat to the ruling United Russia party.

For his part, President Vladimir Putin surprised many recently with a rare attack on Lenin, saying he planted an atomic bomb under Russia with the way he had stitched the Soviet Union together.
Monitoring group says at least 45 rebel and Islamic fighters and 32 civilians, including children, among the dead.

A total of 135 people were killed in the first week of a fragile truce in Syria in areas covered by the cessation of hostilities agreement, according to a monitoring group.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Saturday that at least 45 rebel and Islamic fighters, and 32 civilians, including seven children, were among the dead.

In the period between February 27 and March 5, at least 25 soldiers fighting for the government of President Bashar al-Assad were also killed as well as 27 fighters with the Syrian Kurdish Forces.

SOHR said that in areas not covered by the ceasefire, which came into force on February 27, 552 people were killed.

READ MORE: What you need to know about the ceasefire in Syria

Britain-based SOHR monitors the countrys five-year-old civil war, which overall has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions.

While the death toll during the ceasefire was significant, there has been an overall reduction of violence which has also allowed more aid packages to be delivered.

Humanitarian aid on Friday reached areas near the Syrian capital, Damascus, where fighting has been going on between rebels and government forces, but opposition groups said not enough assistance was getting through.

Aid delivered

Taking advantage of the let-up in hostilities, a convoy of food and other supplies for 20,000 people left Damascus for the Eastern Ghouta district to the east, said Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The UN estimates that there are almost 500,000 people living under siege in Syria, out of a total 4.6 million who are hard to reach with aid.

Elsewhere, buoyed by the ceasefire, protesters in opposition-held areas took to the streets for the first time in years to demonstrate against the regime under the slogan The Revolution Continues!

Waving the three-starred tricolour flag that has become the uprisings emblem, demonstrators in opposition held areas of Aleppo, Damascus, Deraa and Homs called for President Assads downfall.

Looking ahead, global foreign ministers  having cautiously praised real progress of the ceasefire, said the focus now was on convincing all parties to return to UN-brokered peace talks in Switzerland tentatively set for next Wednesday.

We want a speedy resumption of the negotiations in Geneva, but two conditions must be fulfilled: access for all Syrians to humanitarian aid, and full respect of the ceasefire, Jean-Marc Ayrault, French foreign minister, said at a meeting in Paris on Friday held to discuss the truce.
Thousands of families have fled towards the Turkish border to escape bombing in Aleppo.

Reyhanli, Turkey  The grip of his brothers hand, ragged breaths, muffled cries and thudding feet were all Mohammad Aboud had to lead him. He and his family ran across kilometres of no mans land on the Syrian-Turkish border, in the bitter December cold, just before dawn.

Aboud, who is blind, told of the journey his family had taken on a smuggling route only days before, to escape the escalating air strikes in Syria. My brother held my hand and we ran, he said. We all ran, crossing two or three kilometres, running between the olive groves and the mountain.

Relentless air strikes in the past few months, many of them carried out by Russia, have forced thousands of families like Abouds to the Syrian-Turkish border, where makeshift shelters have also become targets.

READ MORE: Turkeys refugee crisis  Time for Europe to take action

Since last March, the border has been closed, with only humanitarian workers, authorised traders and Syrians in need of specific medical treatment allowed to cross.

On Tuesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking to the UN Human Rights Council, called for the border to be sealed completely, to stop the provision of supplies to opposition groups and terrorists. In December, the US-led coalition was reported to have delivered weapons across the Turkish border to the Syrian Democratic Forces.





Last week, Jan Eliasson, the deputy secretary-general of the UN, said he was in discussions with Turkish officials about opening the border to those fleeing Aleppo. Syrias largest city has been under siege by pro-Assad forces, driving as many as 100,000 desperate people to the Turkish border.

More than 2.6 million Syrian refugees are registered in Turkey, and the countrys officials say it has reached breaking point. The European Union has declared that Turkey has a moral and legal duty to open the border to those fleeing the latest attacks, but at the same time it is implementing a 3bn ($3.3bn) deal requiring Turkey to clamp down on its European borders to prevent illegal migration.

Gerry Simpson, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, said the EUs call for Turkey to open its border rings hollow, given that Europe has accepted a small number of refugees compared with its population.

Not only Turkey, but many other countries, including the European Union, are making that final hurdle for people so tough, he said. If the EU wants Turkey to police its border more effectively, then it has to put in place concrete measures, such as committing to resettling hundreds of thousands of Syrians.

The Aboud family crossed the border days after the EU-Turkey deal was reached last November with a goal to keep refugees like them from reaching Europes shores.

Mohammads mother Maida, 55, had never left her village before air strikes forced them to flee their home near the town of al-Ziyarah, close to Hama.

If the EU wants Turkey to police its border more effectively, then it has to put in place concrete measures, such as committing to resettling hundreds of thousands of Syrians. by Gerry Simpson, researcher with Human Rights Watch

I was born there in my village. Its home, she said. For a few years after the war began, life in the village carried on almost as normal. They raised sheep and chickens, and grew cotton. Then the Assad regime moved in to retake the area, and the air strikes came closer and closer. The village is empty now.

Last month, the Kremlin-backed news agency Sputnik reported that the Syrian Air Force had attacked a number of rebel-held areas, including Maidas home of al-Ziyarah, where militant positions in the town [] were razed.

Maida cradled the youngest of her six grandchildren in one arm. Her other arm was roughly bandaged: She broke it in two places when she tripped on the rocky ground as they crossed.

I tried to run, she said. I was afraid of the Turkish soldiers and I fell down.

IN PICTURES: Young Syrians dream of home

They waited all night in the biting cold for a chance to cross. Families and women tend to cross at night, because they move more slowly than single men. An old man and his wife who crossed with them disappeared along the way. I cant stop; I have to keep going, Maida told herself over and over as they ran.

In a small village near Antakya, a steady stream of people cross daily from Syria, under the shadow of a military barracks. This route is known by the name of the village on the Syrian side, Khirbet al-Joz, the hill of walnut trees. Across the border from quiet Turkish villages, the sloping landscape is dotted with white tents where the displaced Syrian families stay, waiting for the chance to cross.

Human Rights Watch has reported that closures along the border are forcing families to cross illegally through smuggling routes. When the Abouds crossed, they paid a smuggler $100 a person. Now, with the air strikes and the demand to cross the border increasing in tandem, the journey is becoming more costly and dangerous.

One Turkish taxi driver makes five to seven trips a day, ferrying exhausted families who arrive in the small village to the nearest city, Antakya. Many times they will be injured or hurt, said the taxi driver, who requested that his name not be used. Two weeks ago, I took someone who was shot by the army while crossing. He was 25 years old and had come with his family. He was shot in the head and he died.

He drove them to the hospital, but said the family was sent back to Syria the next day.

Those with enough money try to reach Europe, boarding large buses that make the 15-hour journey to Izmir, where smugglers arrange for the sometimes fatal journey across the sea.

The Abouds instead waited for a minivan to take them to Reyhanli, a Turkish city near the Cilvegozu/Bab al-Hawa border gate with Syria, where rents are cheaper and more people speak Arabic.

This is now the only Turkish border crossing still open to humanitarian convoys, according to GOAL, an NGO supporting more than one million people in northern Syria.

Right now its very difficult, said Ayham Bik Daghestani, a Syrian working with an international organisation in Antakya who knows the smuggling routes, though he crosses legally. They spend five or six hours walking between the mountains, and the price, its now between $200 and $300 per person.

His cousin and his wife crossed on Monday, together paying $500 to the smuggler. They walked five hours to cross, passing near Khirbet al-Joz to a village on the Turkish side.

ANALYSIS: Is Turkeys open door policy an illusion?

The Aboud family reached the other side of the border at dawn, scraped and bruised, and made their way first to Antakya, then to Reyhanli. Maida did not receive any medical attention for her broken arm for two days.

Seven-year-old Ghoufran, with pigtails and a pink jacket, leaned against her grandmother. I was scared, she said of the journey across the border. The adults took turns trying to carry her.

On her phone, Maida flicked through photos of what remains of her house, now a shell of collapsed walls and rubble. She thanked God no one was inside when it was hit. There were air strikes every day, said Maida. In my home there is no Daesh [Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant], but the air strikes still hit.

Mohammads brother Ahmed, a 35-year-old with dark grey hair, said they had to flee in order to survive. We could not stay. We dont have a home any more. The air strikes were there always; my children could not sleep with the noise.

They fled first to Salma, a village in Syrias Latakia province, where they stayed in an old military camp. Then jets came and launched strikes on Salma too.

At the end of last year, air strikes on Salma increased as the Syrian regime launched an offensive to retake the town, forcing the Abouds to flee again.

After paying the smuggler, the family used what little was left on one months rent. They cannot afford it for long. We left everything in the village, explained Maida. When the money runs out, then we will have to look for some kind of camp.

They have no hope of going to Europe, a dangerous journey that costs thousands of dollars. If the air strikes stop, Maida said her family will return to Syria.

Im hoping everything will be better in my home so I can go back, said Maida. We hope that, but we dont know.
The 20th leak in just five years from a pipeline owned by state oil firm leaves indigenous communities distrustful.

Perus state oil company is facing accusations of not doing enough to prevent spills from its pipelines.

In the latest incident, 3,000 barrels of oil have leaked, threatening the environment and local indigenous people such as the Awajun.

It is the 20th oil leak in just five years from a pipeline owned by Petroperu.

Petroperu officials had not inspected the aftermath of the spill when Al Jazeera visited the site. In fact, weeks after the spill, relief efforts for local communities had only just begun.

Asked why spills have become so common, the man in charge of Petroperus clean-up operation blames it on everything but the company itself.

Its happened several times, Victor Huarcaya, leader of an emergency response team, told Al Jazeera, but because of natural causes in the majority of cases or because of sabotage of the pipeline.

However, a former director of Petroperu says the state firm is under economic pressure and cutting costs frantically to survive, with inevitable consequences.

German Alarco says: The company itself doesnt assign enough resources or carry out the necessary activities to make sure the pipeline operates accurately and securely.

There is distrust from the indigenous communities on the banks of the Chiriaco River towards authorities because they feel that as far as the government is concerned, they are at the bottom of the list of priorities.

The latest spill, and its aftermath, has not helped matters.
Nigerias president discusses the countrys economic crisis and his fight against Boko Haram and corruption.

Nine months after he came to power, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari received an official welcome from Qatars Emir on Buharis latest trip of many to boost Nigerias standing abroad.

The Nigerian president is seeking support for his crackdown on corruption and to encourage much-needed investment in his countrys ailing economy.

If by Muhammadu

is against our national interest, why cant we go against the IMF advice?]

Qatar is the current president of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Nigeria is Africas largest oil producer.

The low oil price has a devastating impact on the Nigerian economy, which has long depended on the export of oil.

We were unable to diversify our economy, hence we are much more disadvantaged by the lower oil prices, Buhari says.

Buhari tells us he values the institution of OPEC and that Nigeria will make the necessary sacrifice to remain in OPEC.

With a chorus of voices, including from the IMF, calling for the Nigerian government to devalue the naira, Buhari says he will not reconsider his insistence on freezing the currency. Buhari says as Nigeria virtually imports everything, from rice to toothpicks, it cannot afford to devalue its currency.

If it is against our national interest, why cant we go against the IMF advice? Buhari asks.

Buharis election campaign rode on pledges to root out corruption and quash the armed group Boko Haram. Yet, Boko Haram remains active in many areas of Nigeria, seemingly able to strike at will.

And many questions are being asked about whether Buharis anti-corruption drive is yielding results and if newer forms of corruption are emerging with a freeze on the naira.

President Buhari talks to Al Jazeera about his campaign against graft and why he is adamant he hasnt failed in the fight against Boko Haram. He also explains why he believes the security of his country is best served by being part of the Saudi-led Islamic anti-terrorism coalition announced in December 2015.

You can talk to Al Jazeera, too. Join our Twitter conversation as we talk to world leaders and alternative voices shaping our times. You can also share your views and keep up to date with our latest interviews on Facebook.
Belgian guitarist/composerhas built an impressive catalog of recordings as a leader since graduating from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp in 2010. He tends to work in groups with no drummer, a chamber jazz approach that suits his lyrical, sometimes minimalist compositions well. His guitar style is tasteful and devoid of flashy pyrotechnics: even as leader he will sometimes choose not to take a solo on some tunes, concentrating on accompaniment. Electronic effects are used sparingly, and over the years he has increasingly emphasized acoustic guitar and banjo. His recording career began in 2012 when he went to Copenhagen to take lessons with guitaristand to record his first album as leader.Machtelinckx-Jensson-Badenhorsts-WoutersFaerge2012On his maiden voyage as leader Machtelinckx plays electric guitar throughout.is an empathetic partner, his guitar lines interweaving with Machtelinckx's: there are a number of extended passages featuring the two guitars in duet.'s woodwinds and' double bass get some space for duets as well. It's an egalitarian ensemble, where any instrument might take the lead. The title tune enters more abstract territory, pure texture gradually giving way to free instrumental interplay. One suspects there was a backlog of compositions to work with for the session, because it runs for nearly an hour, roughly twenty minutes longer than the later albums.LinusOnland2013For the first recording of the duet project Linus Machtelinckx switches to acoustic baritone guitarperhaps to better compensate for the lack of bass. Reed playeris another empathetic foil, also contributing four of the nine compositions. Like the earlier quartet recording, the musical style combines minimalism, folk, and improvisation. Having only two players really distills the approach. Machtelinckx is an active accompanist, but never takes an obvious guitar solo. Onland is an acoustic date, but that does not prevent the duo from ending with a dramatic processed electronic soundscape on the closing track "So it Has Come to This."Machtelinckx/Jensson/Badenhorst/WoutersFlock2014For the second album by this quartet Machtelinckx (still providing all of the compositions) plays guitar, baritone guitar (now a permanent addition to his arsenal) and adds banjo to the mix. The title tune makes a lovely opener in a program full of striking compositions: Machtelinckx really came into his own as a composer on this date. "McMurd" shows the range possible with this instrumentation, as minimalist banjo patterns are punctuated by big distorted guitar stabs. Machtelinckx is playing a five-string banjo with his fingers, but the role is much the same as his guitar playingwe're not crossing over into Bluegrass territory, just adding a new instrumental color to the mix. It's a bit like the way guitaristoccasionally plays banjo, although Machtelinckx has given it a much larger role. The overdriven guitar solo that emerges during "Cumulus" is another highlight, a welcome burst of energy in music that is frequently more contemplative.LinusLinus + Skarbo / Leroux2015Linus's second album departs from the first in several significant ways. The two guest musicians (on banjo, guitar, and baritone guitar;on drums and Hammond organ) give the group a much bigger sound, and having a second guitarist/banjoist brings the ensemble closer to the quartet project. The three collective improvisations are a new development, and Jillings plays synthesizers in addition to his collection of reeds. It's an eclectic, expansive sound world, one with more variety and a bit more extroverted sound. "Woodstock" sounds as folky as its title implies, while the short improvisations explore soundscape territory. Machtelinckx and Leroux both have banjo listed as the first instrument in the credits, and there is indeed quite a bit of their own variation on dueling banjos.Linus + kland / Van HeertumFelt like old folk2015Linus enjoyed the quartet format so much they did it again for their third album, this time with guests(Hardanger fiddle) and(euphonium). These are instruments that probably need a bit of explanation, especially in an experimental music context. The Hardanger fiddle is a traditional Norwegian string instrument, much like a violin except for having additional drone strings that vibrate sympathetically with the bowed strings. The euphonium is a baritone-voiced brass instrument that looks like a small tuba. This is an all acoustic session, with Machtelinckx playing acoustic baritone guitar and banjo and Jilling on reeds. Improvisation has become the main focus: three of the four tracks (most of them running much longer than the previous releases) are collectively improvised. Three of the four instruments are capable of long tones, and the improvisations make frequent use of slow moving layers of sound. Machtelinckx's "Felt" continues the pattern of slow harmonic movement, but with more regular changes over simple strummed guitar chords. A very successful blend of improvisation and compositionthere's no clear line between themand what may be a unique combination of instruments.Finally, a word about the packaging. All of the albums have striking graphic art on the covers. They also became increasingly elaborate. Flock employs a four-panel jacket with art by Ante Timmermans, with the song listing forming part of the design beneath a transparent plastic CD tray. Linus + Skarbo / Leroux comes in a rectangular DVD-sized jacket (art again by Timmermans), with a clear plastic outer sleeve. Felt like old folk is more elaborate yet. It comes wrapped in a DVD-sized folded original print and credit sheet by Timmermans (signed and numbered) with a printed plastic outer sleeve. The music is all highly recommended as a download, but anyone skipping the physical formats is really missing something.Tracks and PersonnelFaergeTracks: Ladakh; Hymne; Louisiana; Fruh Stuk; Almost Gypsy; Faerge; Danish Funeral; It Could Be Beautiful; Prayer; Zeiten, Heuvels.Personnel: Ruben Machtelinckx: guitar; Hilmar Jensson: guitar; Joachim Badenhorst: saxophone and clarinet; Nathan Wouters: double bass.OnlandTracks: Dit; Weer Zien; Tune Out; Schaterhout; Wi Sla Wa; Herzog; Schets; Allemaal Goed; So It Has Come To This.Personnel: Ruben Machtelinckx: acoustic baritone guitar; Thomas Jillings: tenor saxophone, alto clarinet.FlockTracks: Flock; Peterson; McMurdo; The Hunter; Cumulus; Loos; Mr. Maurin; Gaap.Personnel: Ruben Machtelinckx: guitar, baritone guitar, banjo; Hilmar Jensson: guitar; Joachim Badenhorst: saxophone and clarinet; Nathan Wouters: double bass.Linus + Skarb / LerouxTracks: Vaag; Down; Finco; Porch; Vlaag; Woodstock; LaBuf; Sketch; Vraag.Personnel: Ruben Machtelinckx: guitar, acoustic baritone guitar; Thomas Jillings: tenor & C-melody saxophone, alto clarinet, synthesizers; Frederik Leroux: banjo, guitar, baritone guitar; yvind Skarb: drums, Hammond organ.Felt like old folkPersonnel: Ruben Machtelinckx: acoustic baritone guitar, banjo; Thomas Jillings: tenor & C-melody saxophone, alto clarinet; Nils kland: Hardanger fiddle; Niels Van Heertum: euphonium.Tracks: A; B; Old Folk; Felt.
           2005     ..        










POINT DE VUE Open letter - Prison on Kashmir issue and Muslim matter has broken Kanhaiya

Alwihda Info | Par Hem Raj Jain - 5 Mars 2016



Bengaluru, India

To

All India Students Federation, JNU Students Union and All India Students Association



Sub:- (i)- Issue not merely freedom of speech / expression but such freedom in University Campuses (ii)- It seems ~ 3 weeks of Jail on Kashmir issue / Muslim matter has broken the spirit of Kanhaiya.



---- The issue is not merely freedom of speech (which is available to any Indian citizen) but such freedom in University Campuses. The sedition charges slapped on Students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) by Union of India and subsequent incidences / developments have raised an important issue that if following points / issue will not be discussed / expressed in University Campuses then where ?:-



(1)- Prime Minister Modi is involved in JNU controversy as is evident from the fact that Delhi Police Commissioner Bassi went to PMO in the morning on February, 17 and after that Delhi Police, despite order of Supreme Court of India (SCI), again allowed Hindutva goons (including and mainly advocates) to beat, journalist, students, faculty and even under trial JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya. The pro - Hindutva Modi is doing it for the simple reason that he finds it politically profitable as Muslim factor is involved (due to Pakistan, Muslim Kashmiri separatists, Muslim Afzal Guru, Islamic Jihadi terrorism etc )



(2)- Patriotism and Nationalism of citizens (real sovereigns) are not supposed to be questioned in any democracy. The State slapping sedition charges on citizens tantamount to be more loyal than the king.



(3)- The SCI has ruled (a law under Article 141 and 144 of the Constitution) that unless a person is directly involved in violence sedition charge cannot be invoked. Though element of violence was not involved still government booked JNU students under sedition charges. Whereas government is not slapping sedition charges on hundreds of thousands of Jats (Hindus) in Haryana (only an alleged inciter has been booked) who were agitating for reservation and have indulged in wide spread violence, immense damage to government and private properties, rape etc. Even in Jadavpur University these slogans were raised by students but sedition charges were not invoked.



(4)- Moreover since when such so-called anti-national slogans have become a crime in India especially when such slogans are regularly raised (especially on every Friday after Namaz) in J&K (Kashmir valley) ? Unless Union of India thinks that J&K is not a part of India. These are legally objectionable blatant discrimination under article 14 of the constitution against accused JNU students, if sedition law is interpreted according to Delhi Police.



(5)- Capital punishment (especially to those who do not kill someone personally as was the case with Afzal Guru) has been questioned by many all over the world even by constitutional authorities in India regarding Afzal Guru. But the way Kanhaiya became apologetic about Afzal matter in press-talk after March, 3 speech and in March, 4 interview to India-Today, it is evident that Jail has broken Kanhayia.



(6)- For healthy intellectual culture of the Universities free expression, debate, inquiry etc are necessary. Hence Police should be allowed to enter campuses only on such request from Vice Chancellors of Universities (on the basis of finding of internal mechanism of the University) otherwise creativity and academic freedom of the Universities will be finished. Here VC of Jadavpur University has shown the way whereas VC of JNU failed miserably.



(7)- If suggestion of Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu (that University students should keep away from politics) is heeded then University students should not be allowed to vote (because voting is a politically informed decision).



(8)- All these problems are due to martial deficiency of India (which did not retrieve POK militarily though Pakistan much smaller than India tried so many times and which damages Indias title on J&K due to acquiescence and inordinate delay giving advantage of adverse possession to Pakistan). Hence earlier people of J&K (mainly Kashmiri Muslims) were suffering [where Indian Military (instead of taking-on Pak military for retrieving POK) is showing its bravery by training its guns on Indian citizens (the people of J&K), with the support of AFSPA etc. Even rapes in large numbers of Kashmiri Muslim women by security forces have been reported in media] but now JNU is suffering. But Union of India wants that nobody should discuss it or question it not especially in the campus of JNU.



(9)- What is most surprising is that Kanhaiya has not spoken a single word about moving High Court for quashing FIR about sedition charges against not only himself but against all the accused students of JNU in this sedition matter.



It is hoped Kanhaiya will retrieve himself without any further delay and will keep the spirit high of the JNU students (and their supporters all over the world) who have been fighting for freedom of speech / expression in University Campuses.



Regards



Hem Raj Jain



(Author of Betrayal of Americanism)



Bengaluru, India





Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tchad : "une cuisante defaite" pour "les pessimistes" du Dialogue national (Abdelmanane Khatab) Tchad : lechec de la politique de lemploi, une opportunite entrepreneuriale ? Tchad :  aller au federalisme dans ce contexte, cest cautionner leclatement  (Dr Oguelemi) Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena)
Every ranking of the worlds higher educational institutions puts Oxford University at or near the top. This internationally renowned institution is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, existing in some form since 1096.

The university, with its dreamy spires, prides itself on its traditional role as an international focus for learning and as a forum for intellectual debate. Oxford numbers among its alumni numerous outstanding persons in politics, literature, mathematics, science, philosophy, and sport. Among them are 26 prime ministers, including the present one, David Cameron, and 27 Nobel Laureates.

Oxford is now facing a test of intellectual integrity as a result of an investigation of anti-Semitism on the part of students who are members of the Oxford University Labour Club, linked to the British Labour Party. The issue began when a non-Jewish student named Alex Chalmers resigned as co-chair of the club, alleging that many members of the Club supported Israel Apartheid Week, and had a problem with Jews. Since then, many Jewish students have spoken about being troubled by left-wing anti-Semitism at universities.

Let one thing be perfectly clear: rational criticism of policies of the State of Israel is wholly appropriate as is discussion, to be welcomed, of controversial issues between Israel and Palestinians. Leftists in general go further and have long argued that it is a delusion to say that opposition to the State of Israel and its actions means hatred of Jews.

However, though this may sometimes be true, it is more often a fallacy. This was apparent in London in November 2014. The merging of opposition to Israel and anti-Semitism was already clearly shown by the events when there was an attempt by Palestinian activists and others to boycott the Jewish (sic) Tricycle Film Festival that had received a small grant from the Israeli Embassy in London. Not only was open dialogue being rejected. Jews in London were connected with and related to occurrences in the Middle East.

Leftist student politics in Britain has become poisonous, with varying attitudes towards Jews: casual anti-Semitism, fantasies of Jewish conspiracy theories, organized harassment and bullying. For some time there has been disquiet over reports in universities of anti-Jewish racism, verbal abuse against Jews, and prejudice against Jews.

The allegations concerning the Oxford leftists show that anti-Israeli positions and anti-Semitism had come together. Indeed, this is commonplace since anti-Israeli condemnation is often accompanied by rhetoric of Stop doing what Hitler did to you, or Gaza is a concentration camp, or justifications of Hamas for killing Israeli Jews, or singing Rockets over Tel Aviv, or mocking Jewish students protesting anti-Semitism as filthy Zionists.

It is crucial that acknowledged and even alleged anti-Semites be publicly named and exposed. In the Oxford case two individuals have been named, though they have not yet been officially declared responsible for anti-Semitic behavior. They are accused of but not declared guilty, and as of yet no formal or legal charges or political criticism have been made against them.

One of them, James Elliott, a 22-year-old third-year history student, is a member of the youth section of the national policy forum of the Labour Party, and is an aspirant to become youth representative of the Party National Executive Committee. He is an ally of and was a political adviser of the campaign in 2015 of Jeremy Corbyn to become leader of the Labour Party. He helped write the partys youth manifesto, and is considered a protege of Corbyn.

The other named student is Max Shanly, a 25-year-old who is a member of the Young Labour national committee. Both Elliott and Shanly are linked to or supported by the far left pressure group, Momentum, backed by and supportive of Corbyn. The student hard left has been infiltrated by Momentum, an activist group founded in 2015 that now claims 60,000 members and encourages mass mobilization for what it says is a more democratic, equal and decent society. However, in spite of its claims to be opposed to racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of oppression, more objective observers consider it a neo-Marxist, authoritarian group, intolerant of dissent.

The Oxford issue led to concern within the University and in the Labour Party. A member of the House of Commons, John Mann, chair of the all-party parliamentary group against anti-Semitism, called on Corbyn, the Labour leader, to begin an inquiry into the issue and to sever all relations with the Oxford Labour Club.

Within Oxford University an investigation by Labour Students, the student wing of the party, was conducted and given to the party. The national chair of the Labour Students, Michael Rubin, said it would be made public on February 23, but the report appears to have been shelved, at least for the moment.

Instead, the party decided on February 29, 2016 to begin an investigation headed by Janet, Baroness Royall, former Labour leader in the House of Lords, a senior party figure. In view of the leftist inclination of part of the party headed by Corbyn, it remains to be seen if a report will be an objective assessment of the extent of anti-Semitism among Labour groups at Oxford. The soul of the Labour Party is at stake.

Oxford is not the only British university to be the scene of alleged anti-Semitism. At York University on February 24, 2016, pro-Palestinian activists, including Corbyns son, organized a production of the short controversial play, Seven Jewish Children: a Play for Gaza, written by Caryl Churchill, which is critical of Israel and which some consider beyond the boundaries of reasonable political discourse. The site of this production is particularly wounding since the city of York is shamefully memorable for the massacre of Jews in 1190.

Oxford, among other things (such as being the murder capital of the world, at least in the BBC "Inspector Morse" TV series), has been called the home of lost causes and impossible loyalties. Both the university and the Labour Party must ensure that anti-Semitism is one of those lost causes. In December 2015, a senior Labour activist, Scott Nelson, was expelled from the party for abusing a disabled member of another political party and for anti-Semitism in his attacks on the Jewish-founded shopping chains Tesco and Marks and Spencers.

In similar fashion, responsible governmental, political, and educational authorities must insist the perpetrators of anti-Semitic actions and utterances be punished and where appropriate be expelled from their university institution. Education after all is intended to advance tolerance and open-minded discussion, not to foster destructive prejudice and hatred.
With New Year fireworks, Western media opened a frontal attack on the new Polish government formed after a landslide election victory by the Law and Justice Party (PIS). In 2015, the PIS won both presidential and parliamentary elections, and for the first time since WWII, removed entrenched post-communist forces from power in Poland. To the surprise of many Polish people, American media reacted with anger to this development, announcing that in Poland a radical right-wing government was formed and overnight introduced a dictatorship. Polands so-called disturbing tilt to the right was of grave concern to the Western media, which had been dutifully supporting the previous post-communist government of the Civic Platform (PO) and PSL coalition. Protests against violation of democracy and Putinization of Poland reverberated across the West.

The primary reason for sounding this alarm was the alleged coup detat perpetrated on the Constitutional Court by the new government of Prime Minister Szydlo. The Western media were outraged that the PIS government challenged the appointment of five judges to the Constitutional Court hastily pushed through the parliament by the previous PO/PSL coalition. They failed to report, however, that the constitutional crisis in Poland resulted from the illegal attempt of the PO/PSL coalition to force its 14 judges to the 15-member Constitutional Court in the final days of the parliament term. The subsequent changes introduced by the winning PIS resulted in PO preserving the court majority 9 to 6.

A similar constitutional crisis occurred almost simultaneously in Venezuela. The party in power that was about to lose elections stacked the Supreme Court with their own appointments just before elections. The difference in reporting on these two similar cases is astonishing. The Venezuelan case received a detailed coverage. All relevant facts were provided and arguments of both sides were clearly presented. No one called the struggle over the Supreme Court in Venezuela as a coup detat. Instead, constitutional law experts provided arguments for both sides of the conflict. No one raised concerns about putinization of Venezuela. Instead, reasonable concerns about the potential institutional paralysis were presented.

With respect to Poland, Western media disregarded the obligation to provide diverse viewpoints and responsible content. Paradoxically, this serious failure to provide balanced reporting took place while the media were accusing the new Polish government of violating freedom of speech and freedom of press.

During PO/PSL coalition rule between 2008 and 2015, the fundamental tenets of freedom of press were completely eliminated from the Polish media. A massive wave of firings in all Polish media took place in 2010, in the aftermath of the crash of Polish Air Force One in Smolensk, Russia. At the time, nearly all independently thinking journalists were removed from the mainstream media without a single complaint from the Western watchdogs of free speech and human rights. The publisher of a leading daily, Rzeczpospolita, was almost destroyed by the PO/PSL government for revealing that samples from the Smolensk crash site tested positive for explosives.

Accordingly, the new government of Prime Minister Szydo undertook actions to introduce pluralism of opinions and objectivity of reporting in the Polish media. The PIS government wants to restore a sense of public mission in the media, and assure the rights to free speech to those who were effectively silenced and marginalized by the PO/PSL regime. This response was not reported however, in the Western media.

Civic Platform (PO) vs. Law and Justice (PIS)

The gap between Western myths and the reality of contemporary Poland is alarming. To most Americans, Lech Walesa remains a symbol of victory over communism. Thus far, no Western historian has been willing to take on the subject of what the archives reveal about Lech Walesa. But in Poland everybody knows that Walesa was a communist collaborator used by the Jaruzelski regime to assure communist forces in Poland a smooth transformation into free marketeers with all their powers and privileges intact. The communist leaders, some of them criminals with blood on their hands, coerced the opportunistic arm of the Solidarity Movement into post-1989 collaboration. They co-opted Walesas people from the Solidarity Movement, and eliminated those who objected to the deal. The power-sharing arrangement with those Solidarity leaders who were willing to legitimize the fake transfer of power effectively assured the communist regime full impunity and protection of their privileges after 1989, and subsequent return to power.

There were two attempts by anti-communist forces of the Solidarity Movement to regain power after 1989. The first one was the formation of the government of Jan Olszewski, which was quickly overthrown in June of 1992 by the post-communist alliance led by Walesa. The second attempt brought to power twin brothers Lech and Jarosaw Kaczynski in 2005. The government of Jarosaw Kaczynski was formed in 2006 but was swiftly destroyed by an aggressive media campaign in 2007. His brother Lech Kaczynski won the presidential elections in 2005 and his 5-year term as President of Poland was to end in the fall of 2010.

Between 2007 and 2010, the office of prime minister was in the hands of Donald Tusk and a post-communist alliance led by PO, while the office of president was in the hands of Lech Kaczynski and PIS, rooted in the anti-communist tradition of the Solidarity Movement. This power split into former communists and their Solidarity allies from PO on one hand, and anti-communist Solidarity loyalists from PIS on the other hand brought dramatic tension into the power structure in Poland. The Tusk government tightly controlled most of government institutions, finances, and the media, actively opposing any actions taken by President Lech Kaczynski. While complaining about President Kaczynskis interference into governing, Bronislaw Komorowski, then Speaker of the House supported by Tusk and PO, stated in April 2009 that the President will fly somewhere and everything will change.

Indeed, an important anniversary for Poland was quickly approaching. It was the 70th anniversary of Stalins order of March 5, 1940 to exterminate 25,700 Polish nationals. An official joint commemorative ceremony was planned for April 10, 2010 in the Katyn Forest near Smolensk.

At the beginning of 2010, the office of Prime Minister Tusk unexpectedly announced that Tusk would travel to Katyn on April 7, 2010. Russian Prime Minister Putin would join him there. This announcement was contrary to the earlier agreement that the Katyn Commemoration would be organized jointly by President Kaczynski and Prime Minister Tusk on April 10, 2010. Thus, as a result of Tusk arrangements with Putin, instead of one, there were two official ceremonies scheduled for the Katyn commemoration: the first one on April 7, 2010, organized by Minister Arabski from Tusks office involving the participation of Tusk, his PO governing coalition, and Russian Prime Minister Putin, and the second one on April 10, 2010, also coordinated by Minister Arabski with the participation of President Lech Kaczynski, mostly PIS representatives, and representatives of the Polish Armed Forces.

Media Warfare

The year 2009 leading up to April 10, 2010 was marked by an unprecedented media onslaught on President Lech Kaczynski. He was attacked and ridiculed for his every move and every word. His every public appearance was used to discredit him in the eyes of the public. All the mainstream media were engaged in the massive assault on President Lech Kaczynski. Looking back, the statement of a Russian FSB agent Alexander Litwinienko made just before his untimely death that the public must be adequately prepared for a political assassination was prophetic.

On the morning of April 10, 2010, President Lech Kaczynski, the entire Central Command of the Polish Armed Forces, and representatives of the patriotic elite of Polish society evaporated in the crash of the Polish Air Force One in Smolensk, Russia. Poland froze. Top Polish generals most dedicated to NATO integration were killed in Smolensk. Anna Walentynowicz, the founding mother and true hero of the Solidarity Movement was also lost in Smolensk. Six years later her body remains unidentified. By the decision of Prime Minister Tusk, full control over the Smolensk investigation and all the evidence, including autopsy and identification of the bodies, was left in Russian hands, and the case is yet to be properly investigated. In the aftermath of Smolensk, the PO/PSL coalition effectively solidified total control over the media in order to convince the public that late President Kaczynski, who forced the pilot to land at all cost, was responsible for the crash.

In June 2010, a prominent PO politician encouraged his followers to "shoot Jaroslaw Kaczynski and put his skin on sale in Europe." The media were delighted with this MP, calling him a model modern citizen. "Slaughter the rest of the Law and Justice (PiS) pack!" -- urged Minister of Foreign Affairs Radoslaw Sikorski. Soon thereafter, a citizen named Richard Cyba, inspired by such encouragement, went to look for a living PiS MP -- to kill him. He had to "settle for a PiS councilman from Lodz: he killed Marek Rosiak The media hardly reported this assassination.

Kratocratic Aftermath

Prof. Krzysztof Szczerski, who serves as secretary of state in the office of President Andrzej Duda, recently described the Smolensk tragedy as follows: One day, practically in a split of a moment, the key government positions of the Polish State became vacant, the positions, which the PO parliamentary majority would never have a chance to fill under normal circumstances. The people in power from the previous PO-PSL government, who had to give up power as a result of this year's elections, were great beneficiaries of the Smolensk tragedy. As a result of the Smolensk crash, regular terms of office for key government positions have been ruined, including the Central Command of the Armed Forces, Chairman of Central Bank, Human Rights Ombudsman and, above all, the President of Poland. All of the sudden, an unprecedented monopoly of power was created, entirely outside of any normal mechanisms of democratic process. The PO/PSL coalition swiftly grabbed all the vacant positions. These posts could have been shortened only by sudden death or personal resignation.

Prof. Szczerski further observed that for the past five years, Poland has been dealing with a situation that is a direct consequence of the Smolensk disaster. The unprecedented concentration of power resulted in the exclusion of the majority of people while a few received hefty rewards.

On its Head

Under PO/PSL rule, the traditional role of the media was redefined. Reporting of facts and providing diverse points of view was abandoned. Providing half-truths was not sufficient either. The most common tool used by the PO/PSL media was the practice of discrediting those who disagreed with them. But this tool was not sufficient in the post-Smolensk landscape either. Therefore, a more radical method of creating counter-fact narratives was widely used. A system of constructing counter-facts was developed to counter the narrative and ideals of the opposition. For example, those who dared to challenge the official version of the Smolensk crash were brutally discredited as conspiracy theorists, some key opponents committed so-called suicides. Public discourse became one gigantic manipulation. Political marketing experts shaped messages according to the needs of the ruling coalition controlled by former communist special agents affiliated with intelligences services.

Thus under PO/PSL rule, no constraints existed in shaping public perception according to the needs of former communists. Consequently, communist victims were turned into oppressors, Solidarity real heroes became renegades, and efforts to demand accountability for communist crimes were discredited as ill motivated. Any attempts to eliminate former Soviet agents from the government structures were branded as cesspool, and any attempts to pursue de-communization of public life were labelled as discrimination and violation of human rights. PIS supporters were treated as inferiors, were openly discriminated against, and spit on as catholic backward reactionaries. This rhetoric was taken directly from Stalinist propaganda against those who fought during the war against Hitler and Stalin for an independent Poland, and were murdered after the war by Moscow communists who took power in Poland.

Provocations

The unfolding attack on the Polish democratically elected government of Prime Minister Szydlo is led by the Committee in Defense of Democracy (KOD). PO/PSL leaders began planning KOD operations against the incoming PIS government already in May 2015. The first well-organized KOD protests against the PIS government were launched in January 2016. One commentator observed that watching these post-communists from KOD protesting against violations of democracy in Poland is like watching the Gestapo and SS protesting against anti-Semitism.

KOD is especially effective in the West. Recently, an article appeared in Poland that the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw is allegedly threatened because President Obama does not want to come to Warsaw due to violations of democracy. Next, a Polish journalist asked a U.S. spokesman at a State Department news conference whether this news was true. It is false, the response was. Most likely, the response was not important because the objective was to spread this message throughout the world by simply asking the question.
The quest for the ideal is a human predisposition that shapes every social movement, political program, and religious communion. As we survey a world mired in war and social upheaval, we note seminal and competing conceptions of the ideal in human affairs. The socialist ideal of human perfectibility has failed everywhere it has been tried, and is currently failing wherever we look. The Islamic ideal of a humanity acceptable to Allah has resulted in oceans of bloodshed, insoluble antagonisms, and political dysfunction on a global scale. The Judeo-Christian ideal in its various forms, religious and secular, while quixotic in its progress, has enjoyed considerable success in providing for human happiness and prosperity.

Is there a single factor that distinguishes the philosophies that enable human flourishing from those that inevitably produce mass misery and political disarray? To simplify in the interests of clarity, we can say that acceptance of human limitation is key to the avoidance of totalitarianism. A consideration of the ideals that underlie Socialism and Islam, in comparison with those of the two Abrahamic faiths and Western classical Liberalism, which today goes by the name of Conservatism, may serve to make the case.

In Judaism, the ideal of perfection falls beyond the grasp of fallible man. The Jewish ideal is not so much represented as intimated by a series of commandments that are mainly negative in character, as if to recognize the impetuous tendency to transgression and the limits of human perfectibility. The ideal is embodied not in particular individuals (many of whom are deeply flawed) but diffused through a veritable cast of characters -- patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), prophets (Elijah, Jeremiah, Isaiah), and leaders (Moses, Joshua, David). Further, unlike the principal faiths and collectivist movements, Judaism does not seek to proselytize but to witness and survive.

For Christians, the ideal of perfection exists in Heaven and is incarnated in Jesus, whose example can be approximated but never literally incorporated. The imitatio Christi can be practiced but never fully consummated. It is nonetheless a remedial and temperate discipline. As St. Augustine taught, the City of God and the City of Man are two distinct entities. Thomas a Kempis in The Imitation of Christ preached a retreat from the world into contemplation, and Saint Francis of Assisi devoted himself to poverty and good works, as recorded in The Little Flowers of Saint Francis. In this sense, humility -- though not always in evidence -- is inherent in the Christian approach to an ideal fulfillment. Furthermore, the idea of conquest and forcible constraint has been refined out of historical Christianity in the way it has never been banished, for example, from Islamic doctrine and usage.

Conservative political thought comes in many different shades but shares with Judaism and Christianity a default position regarding the application of the ideal in customary practice. In other words, what it regards as an ideal -- piecemeal social engineering in Karl Poppers phrase from The Open Society and Its Enemies, or trial-and-error gradualism in improving society -- cannot by definition be imposed by force. Freedom of debate and assembly, equality before the law, and a democratic franchise based on popular representation are functions of an ideal that exists in the moral and political imagination, is carried by frail and errant human beings, and is always in process.

On the other hand, for communists and socialists, the ideal exists in the future and its material facsimile can eventually be wrested through violence and radical forms of legislation into an imminent present. In effect, Communism and its variants are predicated on the assumption that human nature can be modified, trained, and ultimately transformed; that is, it is based on a fantasy that cannot come to terms with the unbridgeable gap between the ideal and the real. Leftist politics valorizes an ideal -- equality of outcome regardless of input, redistribution of wealth, levelling of social and personal distinctions, communal ownership of resources, infallible guidance of a managerial elite -- that does not exist in the realm of human possibility, and the attempt to realize and impose it is always doomed to failure and the unleashing of monstrous perversions.

For Islam, by contrast, the ideal of human behavior and political organization is understood already to exist in the world -- it is Islam itself. It too must be imposed, leading equally with the Communist-Socialist axis to macabre deformations of social and political life. But the distinctions are critical. The Islamic ideal -- which no longer abides exclusively in the sphere of the divine, nor in a partly unattainable skein of rules and proscriptions, nor in the halting process of beneficial social development, nor in a future to be born by C-section -- came into the world, actually and concretely, with Muhammad, the perfect man, whom every genuine Muslim must seek to emulate, in effect to become. The Salafist return to origins in its quest to revive a pristine communion and consolidate it in the present is not merely a puritanical variant of Islam, as Muslim revisionists propose, but the very crux of Islamic perfectionism. The blueprint for the perfect life as it existed in the past needs only to be recognized. It is in effect already here and perennially achievable, needing only to be disclosed and ready to be followed at any time.

The bedrock ideals of Socialism and Islam are distorted and indeed grotesque programs for human development. The Leftist mentality is intrinsically self-contradictory. Man is born free, claimed Rousseau, the father of modern Socialism and Marxs precursor, and everywhere he is in chains -- raising the insoluble paradox of how it is that men born free set about forging chains in which to imprison their fellows. The entire project sinks into nonsense at its very origins and can only be established by deception and violence. As the saying beloved by communists and socialists goes (ironically coined by a French royalist, Vendee leader Francois de Charette), you have to break eggs to make an omelette. The trouble is, the eggshells that shard the omelette render it inedible. As Milovan Djilas noted in The Unperfect Society, the end does not justify the means when the means violate the purpose of the end.

In the present era, Islam represents the immediate menace to our way of life as the West finds itself increasingly under the blade of the Islamic scimitar, from the lone wolf machete to the Iranian arc of fire. There is no doubt that we have a serious and perhaps intractable problem with Islam, and anyone who denies it is living in a fools paradise. As Winston Churchill wrote in The River War, the dilemma we confront is that Islam represents a retrograde force in the world, appealing to those darker aspects of human nature which Western jurisprudence, political thought, and liberal values have tended, albeit with partial success, to amend and reform.

Socialism lives in the present-future and Islam in the present-past. Enlightened Western thought lives in neither. It recognizes that man is a morally defective and politically flawed creature, for whom progress moves by fits and starts and is always subject to limitations of character and possibility. The classic Western ideal is asymptotic, always in flux, constitutively elusive, never completely realizable, in order to prevent tyrannical asphyxia and cultural ossification, as well as the insufferable conceit of self-declared benefactors. It is never fixed or dispositive, as in the Socialist and Islamic conceptions of human betterment. We might say that it is in the present but not of it, constantly moving toward another, better present at which it will never arrive. In other words, the past is to be remembered but not reproduced, while the future is not an ultimately realizable end-point -- the glaring error of lapsed conservative Francis Fukayama in The End of History and the Last Man. The temporal dimension in which the Judeo-Christian ideal resides is a succession of ever-changing presents, knowing that an eschatological terminal is not within the human ken.

The cadastral address of the Socialist ideal, as weve noted, is located in the indefinite future, but it squats in the here and now so that it seems substantial and refuses to be evicted. It merely creates tenement states, renting time until the day history is abolished and the devils pleasure palace is erected in perpetuam. The Islamic ideal resides permanently among us, fully formed, repressive and immutable, working in tandem with aspects of the Socialist model. Indeed, Socialism prepares the way for Islam, as in Sweden, Norway, France, the U.K., and increasingly in Germany and Canada -- before Islam in any of its national expressions is strong enough to turn and destroy it root and branch, as happened in Iran after Ayatollah Khomeinis successful revolution. For, once dominant, Islam is by nature unable to coexist with any other social, political or religious organization.

The Socialist agenda and the Islamic worldview, forms of the topiary art applied to human beings, represent similar ideals of both minute and overarching social control which cannot be disarmed or interpreted out of existence. They must be resisted with every means at our disposal. If we continue to misconceive such totalitarian systems, whose present manifestations are respectively oriented toward a reified future and a reified past, they will inevitably undermine the proximate ideals of the essential Judeo-Christian West and its vulnerable Conservative heritage. The core Judeo-Christian principle of humility and uncertainty in facing both the divine and the future is now under greater threat than ever.
Conservatives usually pride themselves on using straightforward language and simple logical and moral arguments. But when it comes to illegal immigration, emotion trumps logic and morality. Lets start with the word amnesty. Its definition is forgiveness in one form or another. Sounds like a Judeo-Christian virtue at first, doesnt it? But it has become a club to be wielded against political opponents.

First of all, what is the meaning of amnesty in the context of illegal immigration? At the leftmost endpoint, the most forgiving is full legalization including an easy path to citizenship. Then there is a spectrum of conditions to earn citizenship all the way rightward to some level of legalization with no possibility of ever attaining full citizenship. From there, it meanders down a road of partial legalization, possibly work permits, or at least some protection from deportation absent some aggravating criminal activity. Finally at the rightmost end of the amnesty road there is no legalization of any kind with varying degrees of enforcement via deportation or even criminal penalties.

Most conservatives agree that there should be no path to citizenship. But after that, as we move ever rightward, agreement turns to bitter anger and hatred. At each stop along the bumpy road from no citizenship ever to round them up and ship them out proponents denounce anyone to the left of them on the amnesty trail as being in favor of amnesty, while those further to the right are extremists.

If there were no other important issues to conservatives, it might not be so bad to engage in futile linguistic gymnastics, but the argument has become so divisive and all-consuming that it has all but drowned out other issues. For example, we are losing a million babies a year to the abortion industry. Sorry, my fellow conservatives, but those babies lives are more important to me than your need to sound tough on immigration. The Bill of Rights is under constant attack from the left. Free speech, free press, free religion, free self-defense options, freedom from various government excesses are all in constant danger. It doesnt make me weak on immigration to say that these are all more important issues. We havent even touched economic freedom. The hypocrites on both Wall Street and Main Street who profit from the cheap labor provided by the illegals can count on our support for lower taxes and monopoly-preserving regulations even as they oppose all our other conservative values. So I get it. That causes anger which gets exploited by cynical politicians as they accuse each other of being in favor of amnesty.

So, instead of uniting on the really important issues, we conservatives blast each other over being too pro-amnesty. I agree with my tied-for-favorite talk show host Marc Levin on every substantive issue I can think of but I cringe when if I hear him blast Marco Rubio, or even Eric Cantor (Remember him? In 2008 and 2009, he got the entire Republican House minority to oppose unanimously every important Obama depredation, but I digress). The blame falls squarely on the amnesty issue. Here is a modest proposal.

Lets grant amnesty to otherwise conservative politicians on their prior views on immigration. From now on amnesty means citizenship -- no more, no less. If you favor a path to citizenship you are pro-amnesty; if you oppose a path to citizenship, you are anti-amnesty. You get a free pass (amnesty?) for prior positions, but from now on, it becomes a necessary component of conservative credentials. Trump gets a free pass for hiring illegals in the past. Bush gets a free pass for saying that sneaking across the border is an act of love. Rubio gets a free pass for whatever he was trying to accomplish with Chuck Schumer and the Gang of 8. But much like the popular no tax increase pledge, conservatives should be encouraged to sign a no-amnesty pledge whose clear meaning is no citizenship, ever. That pledge should be expanded to include Kates Law. It should be a serious federal felony when deported criminals return.

What would all that accomplish? It would let us concentrate on the real policy ideas of the presidential candidates. How many of you can describe the difference between the Trump and Rubio tax plans? What would be the risks of an all-out trade war if we crack down on Chinese and Mexican imports? Does Trump really mean to eviscerate the First Amendment in order to get even with newspapers he doesnt like? What about entitlement reform? Remember that? Who can describe the candidates positions on that? Of course they all want a strong economy and jobs but action items are vague.

There are so many important things to do. Heres an idea conservatives can embrace. Use our unprecedented control of state legislatures to pass laws that cut funding from universities which fail to uphold First Amendment rights to speech and religion. Can we all agree on that?

The Republican Party and the conservative movement are in the midst of a very uncivil war. Stop it! Stop it now! I dont care who is to blame. Because as sure as half my readers will mentally accuse me of all sorts of terrible things, we can look forward to a four year dark age ruled by the Clinton crime family. Go Donald, Ted, or Marco---or John or Ben, or someone else. One of you had better be able to unite us or, once we sober up, we will never forgive you -- even if it is our own fault.

True conservatism is in danger of being destroyed by needless disputes over the cancerous issue of illegal immigration.
The revelation that former Clinton aide Bryan Pagliano was given immunity by the Justice Department in the former Secretary of States email scandal has led to a kaleidoscopic array of interpretations, a true Rashomon moment. Democrats see the granting of immunity of the last step in a process of clearing the Clinton of wrongdoing. Some conservative commentators see the immunity grant as proof that a federal grand jury has been convened with dire consequences for the putative Democrat presidential nominee. It is impossible to say for sure which interpretation is true, but an objective legal view suggests that this development is more likely to bode ill for Clinton than be the first step of her exoneration.

Democrats are predictably desperate to put the best face on this latest development. New York Congressman Charles Rangel was fast out of the blocks to claim that Clinton would never be indicted (firing perhaps a shot over the bow of the Justice Department) declaring Theres been no grand jury thats been there [sic]. On the other hand on FOX commentator and former judge Andrew Napolitano claimed that Only a federal judge can grant immunity. A federal judge will only grant immunity if a sitting jury is ready to hear testimony from the immunized person. I respect judge Napolitano, but neither he nor Rangel is correct.

I was actually inclined to write a piece along the lines of what Napolitano said because as a former federal lawyer (I was an Army prosecutor) it is natural to assume that a grant of immunity presumes the presence of a grand jury. Thats the way it happens most of the time. However, federal statutes provide otherwise, allowing grants of immunity not only for grand juries, but also for federal agencies (like the FBI) and Congress. So the mere fact that Pagliano got immunity does not mean that there is a grand jury seated.

For all the time and energy we spend reading tea leaves over the very important question of whether the probable candidate of one of the nations two parties is a reckless criminal, we can thank the suspect herself, Hillary Clinton, who like her husband, draws attention, controversy and stink of scandal wherever she goes. But we cant escape these questions, and determining as best as we can what the FBIs investigation portends is both necessary and compelling. So leaving aside the extremes bruited by Congressman Rangel and Judge Napolitano, what might we really determine from Paglianos immunity grant?

First off, its a fairly safe bet that Napolitano is closer to the truth than Rangel, although many wishful thinkers on the Democrat side try to convince otherwise. Writing in Forbes, Charles Tiefer posits that because Pagliano was not offered a plea deal in return for immunity, there no grand jury, and with no charges pending against the IT guy, the same must be true for Hillary. This is a plausible supposition, but the mere fact that Pagliano was not forced into a plea deal doesnt mean Hillary is out of the woods. The Washington Post takes this line as well, selectively quoting experts who dismiss the idea that Pagliano has flipped, as opposed to agents just making sure that theyve talked with all the relevant witnesses. At the other end of the liberal spectrum is this piece from the Huffington Post that claims Paglianos immunity deal means Hillarys goose is cooked, and that Bernie Sanders will be the Democrat nominee. This is more about feeling the Bern than cogent legal analysis.

Meanwhile over at Commentary they assume that whatever the meaning of Paglianos immunity deal, Attorney General Loretta Lynch (and her boss) will never permit an indictment, and that Lynchs recent slippery interview on FOX is just part of a slow walk to nowhere, designed to outlast the election cycle. This is a realistic though cynical view based on the Obama administrations past inaction on numerous other scandals, ranging from the IRS to Fast and Furious.

But for those that hope the justice system might still work, that the FBI and its Director may be trying to do the right thing, and that regardless of what Lynch ultimately does, the evidence will undo Clinton, there is still arguably some good news in the Pagliano tale.

While I tend to believe that a grand jury has not yet been convened, a grant of immunity in any federal case is a pretty big matzo ball and not given out lightly. The question of immunity is only relevant where criminal activity is afoot, and given only when a witnesss testimony can incriminate other people. Such grants can be utilized as fishing expeditions by prosecutors, but they are not supposed to be, and in a closely watched case like this one, it is highly unlikely. So Paglianos immunity is almost certainly connected to what the FBI considers real criminal wrongdoing by bigger fish -- at a minimum Clintons personal aides and likely the former Secretary of State herself.

Even more compelling is the fact that Paglianos testimony is not necessary to prove the basic case against Clinton for violating either federal record laws, or those pertaining to handling classified material. In either case the evidence already on the record is sufficient to secure convictions on multiple counts on the basis of gross negligence. But politically, mere negligence is perhaps not sufficient to support a prosecution -- thus Clintons legally irrelevant and untrue but persistent statements that she never sent any emails marked classified at the time. Paglianos testimony might well show conscious intent on Clintons part, which while not technically necessary to the case against her, makes it stronger, and thus more politically persuasive.

Finally, the most damaging potential testimony that Pagliano might offer, and perhaps the reason it has taken this long to do an immunity deal, is that he offers the FBI a chance to make a case on the basis of obstruction of justice and conspiracy. Pagliano is usually described as the IT guy that set up Clintons private server (which is true) but as a State Department employee he did double duty for Clinton and the government between 2009 and 2013. Thus he was not only around to set up the private server, but to delete emails from it when Clinton left office, and possibly prepare it for shipment to Platte River, the company Clinton eventually contracted with to store the device. Ive long believed that the key to a successful prosecution of Clinton is pairing evidence of obstruction of justice with the classified documents and federal records violations. Evidence of obstruction, means evidence of direct intent and a guilty mind, that cannot be sloughed off mere carelessness, honest mistake, or the foibles of various underlings.

The FBI has reportedly recovered many if not most of the emails from the server. If these were truly innocuous accounts of yoga routines and wedding plans, it is likely that the FBIs interest in Pagliano would have waned. Instead, his grant of immunity seems to coincide with the presumed recovery of these files, which suggest that they were not innocuous, and that he might well be able to shed light on how and why they were deleted. If that is the case, it is only a matter of time before Loretta Lynch might be compelled to seat a grand jury, regardless of the political consequences.
At least give the president credit for consistency. No matter the issue, the president blames America's economic and military decline on the Republican Party.

He did it against yesterday following the release of the "official" unemployment report that saw 242,000 jobs created in February and the unemployment rate remaining at 4.9%.

Daily Caller:

The plans that we have put in place to grow the economy have worked, the president declared in the Oval Office. They would work even faster if we did not have the kind of obstruction that weve seen in this town to prevent additional policies that would make a difference. And there is going to be a debate going on around the budget in the coming months. The president entered office in the midst of a severe economic downturn which has since been referred to as the Great Recession  a time period sparked by the subprime mortgage crisis and the financial crisis of 2007. The recovery took years to begin and has since been incredibly slow. Republicans in Congress are, sadly, trying to cut some of the investments that could spur additional growth, the president continued. They are blocking things like an increase in the minimum wage, or more robust investment in jobs training, infrastructure, education that can continue to lift up wages and incomes. Obama has proposed a number of policies that are highly debated. His opposition has noted concern that his platform may actually be hindering growth as opposed to helping it. The minimum wage for instance could help lower-income individuals receive more pay, but it could also force businesses to cutback on their workforce to overcome the added cost of labor. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found any increase of the minimum wage will likely result in at least some job loss. Education funding is another highly debated policy topic because much of the budget doesnt actually go to teaching children. A significant percentage of school budgets often go to huge pension funds. Teachers unions are some of the most powerful labor groups in the country, making pension reform incredibly difficult.

If the president can't grow the jobs market and the economy when government spends north of $4 trillion over the last year, how is it possible that spending more will make a difference? This myth that only government can grow the economy and create jobs ignores the reality that government policies that stifle business investment and creation have more to do with slow growth than the trillions of dollars government hasn't spent during the Obama administration.

Obama may blame Republicans, but voters are unmoved. It's the president who gets the blame  and the credit  for the state of the American economy, and there are millions of people out of work and out of luck under the president's stewardship of our economic fortunes.
On the very day that was the court-ordered deadline for disclosure of Hillary Clintons emails, February 29, the dedicated public servants at the State Department disclosed to Citizens United that they had discovered previously unsearched records that would require months to process. Citizens United, Judicial Watch, and voters and will just have to wait until fall, possibly after the election, for full disclosure of the docuemnts demanded in FOIA lawsuits. Alana Goodman reports at the Washington Free Beacon:

The State Departments recent discovery of thousands of unsearched records from Hillary Clintons tenure has delayed several public records lawsuits and could keep many of the documents out of the public sphere until next fall. (snip) Citizens United said the State Department has yet to explain how the electronic files were overlooked for the past two years, raising questions about whether this was a stonewalling effort. The group is seeking records related to Clinton donors Gilbert Chagoury and Rajiv Fernando. With this 11th hour revelation, the State Department has missed its court-ordered deadline to finish the production of documents in this case, said David N. Bossie, president of Citizens United. These newly discovered records could impact document production in other Citizens United FOIA lawsuits as well as cases involving other plaintiffs.

Oddly enough, State had already disclosed to Judicial Watch on January 14 that officials had recently found shared and individual electronic files in the executive secretarys office that were not previously searched in response to the lawsuit but kept Citizens United in the dark about delays to its lawsuit directed at donors interactions with Hillarys State Department. And its story does not hold water:

The State Department said it had not informed Citizens United earlier because its attorneys did not know about the new sources of records until Feb. 11even though they had been disclosed to Judicial Watch in early January. Neither States agency counsel nor undersigned counsel for State was aware of this issue until February 11, 2016, said the State Department in a Feb. 29 court filing.

Somebody is lying!

Until a federal judge starts demanding the names of officials who are playing these games and locks one or more of them up for violating his court orders, this cover-up will continue. Lawless government officials are laughing at the very notion of accountability.
If weve heard the candidates closing statements once, weve heard them eleven times: The 21st century can be the greatest century in the history of the United States! I did it in Washington. Ive done it in Ohio. Ill go back to Washington and do it again. We dont win anymore. We dont win. Youre going to be very very proud of this country if you elect me president.

Until Thursday night, Cruzs close had been a quick riff of his promises: We will repeal Obamacare, abolish the IRS, secure the border, defeat ISIS, and bring back jobs.

That changed on Thursday. Instead of addressing all voters, Cruz ostensibly spoke only to two groups: men and women in the armed forces and their families and cops, firefighters, and first responders. He told the first that he was not going to send them into combat with rules of engagement that tied their arms behind their backs. He told the second that he had their backs.

This is a baby step, but a significant one.

From the questions asked of the candidates Thursday and in previous debates, one would never know that there have been waves of riots and demonstrations beginning in March 2012 (the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman case) that have frequently dominated the headlines. The demonstrators and the media that have egged them on, joined by Democrats from the president down, have claimed that across the country, racist white cops are murdering innocent, unarmed blacks and that their departments are covering for them.

Readers dont need a tour dhorizon of the incidents that triggered the unrest. They know what actually happened in Sanford, in Ferguson, in New York, and in Baltimore. (This is not to deny that there have been a couple of genuine cases of unjustifiable homicide by white officers.)

They also know the results (perfectly predictable) of the verbal assault on cops: less policing, more violent crime. Homicides spiked in Baltimore after Freddie Grays funeral. Murders surged 12.5% in Chicago in 2015 over the previous year. There have been police killings directly tied to Black Lives Matter. The most notorious was the assassination of two officers in their patrol car in Brooklyn in December 2014.

Though they may not know the numbers, readers also know why so much police work involves interactions with young black males. According to the most recent Uniform Crime Reports of the FBI, African-Americans, 13.2% of the population, committed 52.2% of murders, 56.4% of robberies, and 31.3% of rapes. The 52% figure is consistent over three decades.

Blacks commit homicides at about eight times the rate of whites and Hispanics combined. In 2012, they also committed 85% of inter-racial non-homicide violent crimes.

Readers are able distinguish victims from perpetrators.

They may have had a close encounter with black rioters themselves at a local mall, theme park, or state fair.

Cruzs support for cops is, amazingly, the first shot across the bow of the BLM movement by a GOP candidate during a debate.

Meanwhile, Hillary is campaigning with Trayvon Martins mother. Asked to comment on the BLM movement in an early debate, only Jim Webb among the Democratic candidates had the temerity to say all lives matter. He left the race within days.

If Cruz has any chance of overtaking Trump, he needs to counter the BLM narrative more vigorously.

There are some other magic words that would enable Cruz to bleed support from The Donald. He can announce that as president he will convene a commission that will examine race-based affirmative action. He could go so far as to say that he thinks preferential treatment in college admission should be based on family income, not race. Ben Carson went that far, though quietly and infrequently.

As on so many other issues, Donald Trumps position on affirmative action is mainstream Democrat. His last statement about Antonin Scalia was to attack the justice for noting the negative impact of affirmative action on its supposed beneficiaries. Trump says hes fine with affirmative action.

Lets hope Cruzs closing statement prefigures other, bolder ones.

If they noticed it, the left-wing sites will claim that the statement was coded racism. No, it was coded common sense.
It appears that Donald Trump is already creating new jobs in the field of psychology. He is at least improving the economy in the D.C., area with patients visiting their therapists more often due to experiencing a new source of stress because of the political rise of Donald Trump. According to an article in the Washington Post, psychologists in the D.C. area catalogue the anxieties felt by their patients and describe how they whine at length about being disturbed by the things that Trump says:

What had happened to Trump during his childhood, the patient wanted to know, to make him such a "bad person?" He has stirred people up," Howard said. "We've been told our whole lives not to say bad things about people, to not be bullies, to not ostracize people based on their skin color. We have these social mores and he breaks all of them and he's successful. And people are wondering how he gets away with it." Type "Trump" and phrases such as "scaring me" or "freaking me out" into Twitter's search engine, and a litany of tweets unfurl, including one posted two weeks ago by Emma Taylor as she lay in bed in Los Angeles: "I literally can't sleep because I just thought about how Trump may actually win the Presidency and now I'm having a panic attack." "It's like a hurricane is coming at us, and I don't have any way of knowing which way to go or how to combat it," Taylor, 27, a Democrat, said in a phone interview. "He's extremely reactionary and that's what scares me the most. I feel totally powerless and it's horrible."

Therapists in New York City's Upper West Side are also reporting an uptick in references of Trump from patients:

Judith Schweiger Levy, a psychologist in the neighborhood, has noticed a recent uptick in Trump references among her patients, including a middle-aged businesswoman who blurted out this week that her sister is supporting the billionaire. "She was so upset and worried that she could have a sister  someone so close to her  who would have zero problem with Trump," Levy said. "Another patient  also a woman  all she could talk about was Trump and how he's crazy and frightening." Ruminating on Trump's effect, Levy said, "Part of the reason he makes people so anxious is that he has no anxiety himself. It's frightening. I'm starting to feel anxious just talking about him."

How is it that grown people are so weak and anxious that they have to seek therapy because big bad Trump is saying bad things? America is turning into a society that is producing effeminate Pajama Boy men and emotionally fragile women who run to therapists crying "mommy please make the bad man go away." Trump has become a big bad bully from the playground to these weak people.

According to the same article, after Trump's victories on Super Tuesday, Google recorded a 350-percent increase in users submitting the question "How can I move to Canada?" A radio disc jockey in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, has decided to tap into the fears by launching a website inviting Americans to relocate if Trump wins. Over several weeks, some 400,000 visitors have checked out Cape Breton's official website.

Psychologists report that their patients fear Trump's supporters more than they do him:

Dan Seely, 86, who lives in New Hampshire, was a Republican in those days. He voted for Johnson because he feared Goldwater. Seely, now a Democrat, is more afraid of Trump because he believes the billionaire has captivated the public in a way that Goldwater never did. "I see his signs on their front lawns," he said. "It makes me wonder who these people are that they think he can be a suitable leader of the free world." Ken Goldstein, a Los Angeles-based author and businessman who is a Democrat, recalled meeting with a business associate recently and feeling astounded when the man said he thought Trump would "be great for America." "You just realize you have nothing more to say to that person," he said. Goldstein finds small comfort imagining Trump's defeat, if only because his followers "are still there." "Who are these people?" he asked. "Are they at the grocery store, are they sitting next to me at Dodger Stadium? That makes me nervous."

Since I am a Trump supporter, I would love to meet some of these fragile people. I would walk up behind them and say, Boo. That would probably send them over the edge. If grown people are sent running to psychologists simply because of harsh words, no wonder our college kids are whining about hurt feelings and demanding safe spaces.

Christian Commentary (http://patriciascornerblog.com), or contact the author at patdickson@earthlink.net. Follow me on twitter@Patrici15767099.
For months, Donald Trump has insisted that he would not back down on his pledge to reinstitute waterboarding "and worse" when interrogating terrorism suspects.

After reiterating his position on torture during the GOP debate, claiming that American soldiers would carry out his orders to torture prisoners and murder the families of terrorists even though they were illegal, Trump issued a statement yesterday to the Wall Street Journal saying he would never order Americans to violate international law.

Mr. Trump, in a statement to The Wall Street Journal, said he would use every legal power that I have to stop these terrorist enemies. I do, however, understand that the United States is bound by laws and treaties and I will not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters. He added, I will not order a military officer to disobey the law. It is clear that as president I will be bound by laws just like all Americans and I will meet those responsibilities. That appears to be a reversal from what Mr. Trump said duringThursday nights Republican debate in Detroit, when he stood by his earlier promise to do things that were a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding to terrorist suspects, as well as to authorize the military to kill family members of terrorists. Asked Thursday night about making the military obey such orders, which would apparently be illegal, Mr. Trump said, Ive always been a leader. Ive never had any problem leading people. If I say do it, theyre going to do it. Thats what leadership is all about. Former Central Intelligence Agency Director Michael Hayden said last week that the military would flatly refuse to obey orders to commit torture or kill family members of terrorists. Under international and U.S. law, soldiers are obligated to disobey illegal orders. Michael Schmitt, director of the Stockton Center for the Study of International Law at the U.S. Naval War College, said in an interview that ordering the military to torture terror suspects would violate Article 17 of the 1949 Geneva Convention, and that people who participate in tortureas well as their superiors and even the U.S. governmentcould face war-crimes charges for such behavior. Ordering the military to kill the family members of terrorists falls under the legal definition of collective punishment, which is prohibited under the laws of war. You may punish an individual for his or her violations of the laws of war, but you may not in any way harm others, Mr. Schmitt said. He said it has been universally agreed that it is unlawful.

Trump claims he can be "flexible." This isn't "flexibility." It's abandoning a position he insisted he would never change. In recent days, Trump is showing signs of similar "flexibility" on other issues like illegal immigration, the "wall," and Muslim refugees. But since many of his supporters don't pay attention to day-to-day politics, it won't hurt him with his core constituency.

I have no doubt that if Trump actually wanted to torture terrorist prisoners, he would be able to find people to carry out his orders. But many others would refuse  especially if he asked special forces to murder the families of terrorists. There are plenty of honorable people in the military who would balk at carrying out clearly illegal orders. That Trump finally recognized the dilemma he was putting the military in with his proposed policy is probably a relief to a lot of them.
With Mobile World Congress 2016 out of the way and a few new phones on the horizon soon to be available, the question for many will be what new phone to pick up for an upgrade. Without a doubt the choice will come down to the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge for a large group of consumers, the question is which one is the right phone for you? Or is either the right phone? Perhaps youve taken more of a liking to the LG G5 and its modularity with the attachable friends accessories you can snap the battery into.

All three devices will have strengths and weaknesses to them. Both the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge will have a strong camera with super fast auto focus, but the LG G5 has a great camera too and LG even makes it easier to take snapshots with the camera attachment. Not to mention, it has a removable battery that you can swap out if you happen to carry a spare. It also now has an all-metal design which makes it more premium, but the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge both have the metal frame with glass back which looks good as well, and they both now support expandable storage again which makes it easy to have enough room for everything you could ever need. Theres the also the factor of cost, although all three phones are likely to be close to the same price, with the Galaxy S7 Edge being the most expensive.All three phones will have fingerprint sensors embedded, and all three phones will have 4GB of RAM with Android 6.0 Marshmallow on board out of the box. The Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are due to launch on March 11th while LG has yet to announce the official release date but they have mentioned that it will likely launch in April. So, will you be buying the Samsung Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, or LG G5?

Advertisement

[socialpoll id=2339048]
With smartphones now being available on every carrier, these carriers are having a tough time luring in new customers (in the past, there were many network exclusive smartphones like the Atrix, Evo, and others). Carriers are having to mix things up a bit to lure in their customers to their network. A lot of the changes are really just marketing talk and make things confusing for many customers. So we are here to decipher the marketing talk and see what carrier has the best plans.

AT&T

Advertisement

AT&T is no longer doing contracts on their network. So if youre looking to pick up a new phone youll either need to bring your own, or use AT&T Next to pay for it in monthly installments. These installment prices can be as high as $35/month depending on the phone and the AT&T Next plan you decide to use. Along with that, AT&T is also charging a $25 monthly access fee for smartphones ($15/month for those with a 15GB of larger plan). Other devices are a $10 monthly access fee (that includes tablets, wearables, laptops, hotspots and other connected devices).

Now lets jump into the bread and butter of these plans. Data starts at 300MB per month which does include unlimited talk and text. And it goes all the way up to $375 for 50GB of data. For single lines, wed recommend grabbing the 2GB for $30 or 5GB for $50 depending on the amount of data you use. At 2GB that would put you at $55 for your monthly bill before your smartphone payment. If you decide to pick up the Samsung Galaxy S7, that will add another $23.17 onto your bill, effectively making it $78.10 before taxes. Those on the 5GB plan would see this go to $98.10 for your monthly bill before taxes.

Advertisement

Those on family plans can grab 15GB of data for $100, 20GB for $140, 25GB for $175, 30GB for $225, 40GB for $300 and 50GB for $375. These also include unlimited talk and text to Mexico and Canada. With family plans, the access fee applies to each line. For instance, if you have 4 smartphones on a plan, thats $60 in access fees. 3 smartphones and a tablet, thats $50. Looking at the 15GB plan with four lines, that would cost you $160 before your smartphone installment fees, which if you buy them elsewhere (like the Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P from Google) thats all youll pay. With 4 Galaxy S7s, that will cost you $252.68.

Sprint

Advertisement

While everyone had recently gotten rid of contracts, Sprint actually opted to bring them back this month. Citing that they wanted to give customers more choice in buying their smartphones. There are four ways to buy your smartphone from Sprint now. One is to buy it at the full price, theres also the 2-year contract, 24-monthly installments and the 24-month lease (the difference between installments and the lease is that with the lease you have to turn the phone back in). Looking at the Galaxy Note 5, the full price is $739. On a two-year contract its going to be $249. With the 24 monthly installments its $0 down and $30.80/month. On the 24-month lease its $0 down and $25/month.

Like Verizon, Sprint is now doing a set amount of data dubbed XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL and Unlimited. For XS you get 1GB for $20, S gets you 3GB for $30, M gets you 6GB for $45, L gets you 12GB for $60, XL gets you 24GB for $80, XXL gets you 40GB for $100 and finally unlimited gets you uncapped high-speed data for $75. Sprint also does $20 monthly access fees like AT&T. So if you choose the 3GB plan, which most looking for a single line do, thatll cost you $75 if you lease the Galaxy Note 5, per month.

These data plans are essentially data buckets. So when you add more lines to your account, they share the data that is already there. For instance, if you were to get four Galaxy Note 5s, that would be $100 for the leases, $80 for the access fee and then if you decide to get the L data plan that would be $60. Added up thats $240 per month for four lines with 12GB of data. Now, where things get interesting is if you choose unlimited. Thats $150 for four lines and the access fees go away. Dropping the price to $250 for unlimited data for four lines.

Advertisement

T-Mobile

T-Mobile seems to be the easiest to explain, on the surface, but boy do things get complicated. For new customers, they offer 2GB, 6GB and 10GB plans as well as their unlimited high-speed data plan. Priced at $50, $65, $80, and $90 respectively. T-Mobile doesnt do data buckets, so this is the data for each line you get with the carrier. You also still have your device installment rate, which can be as high as $25/month per line. At least the math is a bit easier here.

Advertisement

For example, well choose the Galaxy S7 which would cost you $0 down and $27.92 per month for 24 months. Pair that with the 2GB plan, that brings your total to $77.92 per month before taxes and other fees. Pretty easy to calculate. With a 5GB plan that would jump to $92.92 per month.

When it comes to family plans, T-Mobile is almost always running some sort of special. Currently they are offering four lines of unlimited high-speed data for $150 per month (thats $50 per line with the fourth line free). We urge you to check their site to see their most up-to-date promotion for family plans. Now, T-Mobile allows you to adjust the data per line. So you can have everyone with 2GB or have someone with unlimited, two with 6GB and one with 2GB. Its all up to you. Since 6GB is the most popular, well use that for our example. Four lines with 6GB of data each is $160. Add on four smartphones and thats $271.68. Now that price is higher than Sprint, but its also twice the data.

Verizon

Advertisement

Believe it or not, Verizons plans are pretty straight forward as well. As far as their data plans go, we have S which is 1GB for $30, M which is 3GB for $45, L which is 6GB for $60, XL which is 12GB for $80 and XXL which gives you 18GB for $100. Access fees are $20/month for smartphones, $10 for tablets and hotspots and $5 for a connected device.

Here well use the Droid Turbo 2 as our example phone. The Droid Turbo 2 will cost you $624 full retail or $0 down and $26 per month on Verizon EDGE. Those looking for a single line with 3GB of data, that will cost you about $91 (data is $45, access fee is $20 and installment is $26). If you need a bit more data, perhaps the 6GB plan would be a better fit. It would come in at $106 per month. These prices are before taxes and fees as well.

Advertisement

For family plans or just multi-line plans, things dont change too much. For four lines, thats $26 per line for a Droid Turbo 2, making it $108 per month. With 12GB of data thats $80, and four lines with access fees would also be $80. Making a total cost of $268 for four lines. And if you need the 18GB plan, that brings your total to $288 per month. Its also worth mentioning that every phone on the XL and XXL plans will get an additional 2GB of data per month for free, as long as you stick with Verizon. So on a family plan with four lines, that can really add up.

Wrap Up

As you can see in the chart above, its pretty tough to compare the four carriers side-by-side since they all have vastly different data plan sizes and costs. If youre looking for the absolute cheapest, that would be Sprint. However, if you are looking to get the most bang for your buck, you may do better with Verizon or T-Mobile. As always, before you decide on a carrier, its best to look at their coverage maps. The ones listed on their site can be a bit biased. So we recommend you check out Sensorlys maps. Their maps are based off of crowdsourced data from every day users like you. So their coverage is more up-to-date and more accurate than the carriers own coverage maps.
Gunman escapes on hoverboard in glide-by shooting

In what Dallas police are calling a glide-by shooting, a man has been shot by a felon riding a hoverboard:

Police were called to a RaceTrac gas station shortly after 4am. A man was found with a gunshot wound to his arm. The man told police he was driving when he offered to give the man on the hoverboard a ride.* The hoverboard rider, a black male with dreadlocks, declined. The driver came back about 30 minutes later and offered a ride again, but that angered the hoverboard rider  so the man on the hoverboard shot the driver in the right arm.

Police scoured the area but the shooter glided away from capture.

*The mans story sounds about a straight-up as anyone whose ever tried and failed to ride a hoverboard.

Anorak

Posted: 5th, March 2016 | In: Strange But True Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
BarcelonaJose Manuel Garcia Margallo, Spains Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on Friday in an interview on Spains national public radio, that Catalan media had raised "a wall of silence" to block representatives of the Spanish government from defending their political positions in Catalonia. "When you see an opening, you have to take advantage of it; as difficult as that might be", said the minister, in reference to his participation in the face-to-face with Oriol Junqueras hosted by 8TV just days before the 27-September election in Catalonia.

These words outraged Jordi Baste, host of El mon a RAC1 (The world on RAC1, the leading morning radio show in Catalonia), who on Friday exploded against Margallo, accusing him of "lying". "How can you have the stones to say "wall of silence"? Every Catalan news outlet wanted to interview you so you could come here to explain yourselves. You have to have a lot of nerve to say that!", exclaimed Baste, adding: "The 'wall of silence' was raised by you, who refused to talk!

Then Baste gave evidence that his program had repeatedly invited the minister to the show, which the ministry turned down for various reasons. The presenter read some of the e-mail messages that his staff had exchanged with Margallo's press office since April 2013. "On this occasion it will be impossible for him to attend", "he travels very often and in the little time that he spends in the ministry he has very few openings in his schedule", "we'll wait until after the summit", and "we'll keep you in mind" were some of the responses that the program received to their requests.

According to Baste, his team just gave up" this past November, following yet another negative after two and a half years of trying, during which, he said, they fruitlessly sent "25 e-mail messages" to the ministry, as well as telephone calls. The Catalan journalist finally exclaimed: "Margallo, who the hell raised the wall of silence?"
If you havent invested in business signage yet, you need to make sure you purchase quality signage that will last for years. The last thing you want is for your signage to be damaged or to lose its beauty, which can be just as damaging to your business as having no signage at all. A good business sign should be eye-catching year-round, and it should be made of a material that can withstand the elements. There are several different materials you can choose from when selecting a business sign.

One of the most popular types of business signs today is an LED banner. This type of sign uses LED lights to display a message on either a short or widescreen. An LED banner is customizable in real-time, and its most common form is the marquee sign. Movie theaters and other businesses use marquee signs to announce events. If you want to make a big impact with your business signage, consider purchasing a LED banner. Its a great way to attract attention and increase sales for your business.

A good sign should reflect your business branding and highlight your products. Technology-based businesses might benefit from a dynamic electronic message center. For a more classy and classic approach, a simple, classic sign can be very effective. If you dont want to spend too much money on a sign, check out Canva, Vistaprint, or Fiverr for a quick sign. There are many great websites online that will design and create your sign for you.

Regardless of the industry, a well-designed signage will give your business an edge over competitors. According to a recent study, up to 68 percent of Americans have purchased a product because of a visually appealing sign. A business owners signage speaks volumes about their brand, and should be made with attention-getting colors and bright lighting. It can be updated as frequently as necessary, and the potential for different products and services to be advertised is huge.

The cost of a sign depends on the materials used and the design. A black-and-white sign will cost much less than a colorful one. Complex designs will cost more than simple ones. Another factor affecting the price of a sign is how long you plan to have it. If you plan to change the design of your sign often, consider using a design that can be easily updated. This will save you money and time in the long run.

If youre planning to get business signs, consider hiring a professional sign company to handle the process. A full-service sign company can take care of the permitting process, submit the required plans, and start creating your signage. Despite the benefits, you should still be careful when selecting business signs. A wrong choice of location can violate ADA requirements and make your business signage unusable. You dont want to end up with a sign that is hard to read or doesnt tell anyone anything about your products or services.

A properly designed sign will draw attention and generate positive emotions. Customers are attracted to beauty and a beautifully designed business sign fulfills that desire. It will also help you earn the loyalty of your customers. A nicely-furnished sign can also show the commitments of your business. Whether youre in a retail store, office, or a restaurant, signage should convey what you stand for. This means that you should take your time choosing a design that fits your business image.

LED lights are a great option for lighting your signs. They can be 80% more efficient than neon lights and have an incredibly long lifespan. LED lights can be easily installed in any space, and you can install as many as you need. However, you should be aware that the color of your signage will depend on the type of LED lights you choose. This is why you need to research LED lights before you purchase them. This can help you choose the right type of lighting for your business signs.

Businesses should invest in digital signage in order to attract potential customers. This is a highly effective advertising option that can reach your target audience in a cost-effective way. It is also a great way to connect with your employees and customers. A digital storefront business sign can communicate with customers, build brand recognition, and make your outlet a landmark. So, it is important to invest in quality signage to make the most of your business. It is important to keep in mind that a poorly designed sign may even cause confusion.
The two countries are the main production center and the crossroads of amphetamine trafficking. Common among the militiamen, because "it makes you fearless." Exports traveling in the direction of the Gulf States, especially Saudi Arabia. In Syria in 2015 about 24 million pills taken.

Beirut (AsiaNews) - Syrian and Lebanese forces have carried out a series of raids in recent weeks highlighting the grave problem of drug trafficking and consumption of drugs in the two countries, with special attention on Captagon. The latter, an older generation amphetamine, has established itself among men on the battlefield, as it is used by militants and jihadi suicide bombers to overcome sleep, hunger, fear and their inhibitions.

An official source in Beirut, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that "with the beginning of the crisis in Syria, Lebanon and Syria itself became a crossroads for Captagon trafficking. And Lebanon is emerging as a leading exporter country.

In late December, the Lebanese anti-drug teams, in coordination with the Saudis colleagues, seized 12 million capsules and arrested "the mastermind" of a cell that was in charge of all exports to the Gulf countries. Previously, always in Lebanon a Saudi dignitary and his entourage had been stopped at the Rafik Hariri International Airport, in possession of almost two tons of Captagon.

And in Syria, the situation is no different. General Maamun Ammuri, head of the Anti-Drug Department, reports that in 2015 alone the authorities seized about 24 million capsules. Five had been smuggled through Kuwait, from the port of Tartus on the Mediterranean. Another shipment was seized at the border with Turkey and Lebanon.

In Syria, the production takes place mainly in the centers that are currently not under the control of the government in Damascus, including the northern area around Aleppo and the suburbs of the capital. Two are under the control of the terrorists who, in most cases, benefit from the trafficking: they spread the poison in areas under the control of the Islamic State to finance the purchase of arms and ammunition; and again, for "drugging" jihadists and suicide bombers to carry out their suicidal actions or executions by decapitation without hesitation or second thoughts.

Several former fighters of the jihadist group confirm the systematic and widespread use of Captagon in the Islamic State. "It makes you fearless - says a source - and gives you extraordinary energy." However, tere is also growing discord within the militia over the legality - according to Sharia  of the use of drugs.

Citizens of the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, are also among the biggest drug users. In this case Captagon is used as a "sexual stimulant." In November, the Saudi Minister of Interior revealed the seizure of more than 22.4 million amphetamine capsules. Drug traffickers are sentenced to death in the country.
by Shafique Khokhar

Lahore (AsiaNews) - The approval of some basic principles of law for religious minorities to ensure the civil rights of religious communities in Pakistan and keep their separate identity within the wider socio-political fabric. This is the what representatives of the various religious minorities in the country are seeking in a joint proposal presented March 1. The proposal is strongly supported by the National Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Pakistani Bishops' Conference, which since 1985 has worked to protect marginalized communities from discrimination, ensure fair education and freedom of religion or belief.



The analysis presented at a press conference also includes a study on the situation of minorities in the absence of these laws. The CCJP has listened to the opinions of legal experts, scholars, religious leaders and has brought them together in a document entitled "Proposals for principles of family / personal law for religious minorities in Pakistan." These would regulate various aspects: the age at marriage; registration of the marriage and its dissolution; dowries; divorce and any right to maintenance; succession / inheritance; practices for adoption; custody of the children and their illegitimacy.

The conference was attended by leading members of minority groups. Among them, S. Cecil Chaudhry, Executive Director of CCJP; Arifa Shakeel, coordinator of the program for the CCJP; Sarah Quershi, manager of Faiz Foundation Trust; Amarnath Randhawa and Aroon Kumar, respectively president and secretary general of the Hindu SudharSabha Pakistan.



Chaudhry, in considering the condition of human rights of religious minorities - Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Kalasha - said: "We observe that the lack of laws has favored the increase of stereotypes, lack of understanding, religious fundamentalism, intolerance against traditions and customs of the non-Islamic communities ".



The Catholic leader also stressed that the document in question not only has the basic principles, but also proposes amendments to existing laws. "The Christian Marriage Act of 1872 - he said -, the Anand Marriage Act of 1909 [for the Sikhs, ed] and the Hindu Marriage Bill 2014 require amendments, while the state should seriously consider the formulation of laws for the kalasha community. All the laws that I mentioned have never been changed since their approval. For this reason they do not respond to modern-day needs. "



Chaudhry added that "the Commission believes that this research could be used by the state to write a draft law for the minorities".



Finally, the participants expressed appreciation for the recent approval of the Federal Hindu Marriage Act 2015 [which allows the registration of marriages, ed] and for the various pronouncements of the Supreme Court in the protection and promotion of minorities. But they asked that the legislation to that effect be adopted at both the federal and provincial levels.
Rick Mitry, the lawyer for the Islamic School of Canberra, warned the school may take its battle to restore $1m in Federal Government funding to the High Court.The school, located in Weston, had its registration stripped after the Federal Government revoked its funding, citing governance issues by the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) on Monday.Its counterpart, the Malek Fahd Islamic School in Sydney, had its $19m in Commonwealth funding revoked in February.Four other Islamic schools under investigation  Islamic College of South Australia, Islamic College of Brisbane, Islamic College of Melbourne, and Langford Islamic College in Western Australia  have until April 11 to show that they have addressed the departments concerns.However, the Minister stood by his decision to cut funding from the Canberra and Sydney schools, saying the schools responses were in contrast to the other schools genuinely engaged independent support to make substantial changes in their operations.The Malek Fahd Islamic School and the Islamic School of Canberra did not acknowledge the issues, did not engage their own independent support, had limited engagement with the department and did not put forward amendments to their constitution, Birmingham said.Mitry told The Canberra Times that the school will appeal to the High Court of Australia if Birmingham tries to derogate from its legislative rights to ask for an internal review of the decision.He said his firm would apply for a review of the Sydney school funding decision by Friday, with an appeal for the Canberra school was expected to follow. He added the Canberra school would have more time to ask for a review as it was only notified of the decision to revoke funding this week and both schools had 30 days.The Canberra application would be similar to the Sydney appeal which would be supported by an "extensive report" from an independent accountant addressing the department's concerns, an amended constitution complying with Birmingham's requirements and evidence the school operates independently of the AFIC with full control over its governance and finances.If the internal reviews are unsuccessful, Mitry said the schools would take the fight to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).The review must be determined on its merits by a senior departmental officer who has been delegated the power to make decisions under the act and who was not involved in making the original decision, he said.
Former government advisor Phillip Salem began his new role as national managing partner of Sparke Helmore this week.Speaking to Australasian Lawyer, Salem said his focus will be on emphasising client needs.Id like to become an organisation thats really client focussed, thats not only solving problems for our clients but finding them and helping them resolve problems, he said.From congratulations to crisis, a banking syndicate led by Wespac and NAB has put ASX-listed Slater & Gordon on notice after the firm posted $958m first half losses and its share price plummeted 90% in just 12 months.According to a report by the ABC, the firm may be forced to pay $800m worth of debt repayments within a year unless the banks agree to amend the firms debt facilities by the end of April.The firm is also now likely to face a class action led by long-standing rival firm Maurice Blackburn with thousands of aggrieved shareholders reportedly already signed up.Finally, US lawyer and blogger Blaine Alan Gibson made an interesting discovery on a sandbank off Mozambique this week, which is believed to be a piece of wreckage from missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.Gibson has spent the last 12 months travelling to remote islands around the Indian Ocean, in search of evidence of the plane which vanished almost two years ago with 239 people on board.He handed the piece to Mozambique authorities after reporting the discovery, chairman of the Institute of Civil Aviation of Mozambique commander Joao de Abreu Martins told CNN. An unnamed US official has said that the piece is a part of the aircrafts tail that is horizontal as the plane flies.
Would really appreciate any advice, I've scoured these forums for similar stories and looked over the gov website a fair bit but I'm still unclear on what to apply for.



I'm from the UK but my partner (who's a girl) is an Australian citizen, our baby girl is due in 3 weeks. I'm currently here on a Working Holiday (Temporary) (class TZ) Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa (entered the country at the start of Feb) and I spent 6 months before that back in the UK kind of separated from my partner, although we stayed in communication daily but from a defacto point of view I guess we were separated.



Before that I was on three separate instances of a 3 month Temporary Work (subclass 400) visa, on the first one, well over a year ago now we became partners.



What is the best option to apply for to become a permanent resident?



I may have an option of a sponsor, or I could apply for skilled migration (but I've heard that's quite hard). I started a business during the 6 months back in the UK, if there is anyway I could instead bring it to Australia that would be my ideal outcome (although I'm doubtful of that).



Any advice would be really appreciated.
Some manufacturers are refusing to give up on the convertible market. One notable example is Buick, who presented its US-spec version of the European Cascada model last year at the New York Auto Show.Now that it's on sale, Consumer Reports took a drive in one to see if it's any good. We hope you like buttons because the Cascada has way too many of them. While Opel got a brand new Astra, the Cascada is based on the old one.You also need to stick the key in the ignition and twist it to start the engine, Consumer Reports notes. Oh no! Things aren't looking good for the Polish-made luxury convertible. Nor is the ride very good, thanks to the standard 20-inch wheels fitted on all Cascadas.Here at autoevolution, we are of the firm belief that convertibles should be based on premium RWD sedans, not family hatchbacks. Cars like the Peugeot 308 CC and Renault Megane Cabriolet are too expensive for what they offer. Thankfully, Volkswagen saw this and decided to cancel the EOS this year.The Cascada isn't bad if you just want something to cruise around a Miami retirement center. However, the one tested here is $37,000 and features a 1.6-liter engine matched to a 6-speed gearbox. We're sorry, but that's too much money.Having four full seats in a convertible is not that important. So for approximately the same amount money, we suggest looking at a BMW 228i (starts at $38,650), a Camaro or a Mustang instead. Or you could... not get a convertible and avoid having skin cancer. We would mention the new Mazda Miata, but we know that it's impossible to get into for people with hip transplants and bad knees.
SUV

HP

As in the case of Koenigsegg's four-door , Bugatti's potential four-door model entered into the discussion when company officials were asked about the possibility of anJust like Koenigsegg, Bugatti boss Wolfgang Duerheimer denied any rumors that suggested a potential SUV for the business he runs.However, Mr. Duerheimer did not explain why Bugatti will not make an SUV as did other luxury carmakers who justified their choice of staying out of this lucrative segment.Bugatti might make a sedan model, Duerheimer explained to Bloomberg Business , because he can't get the idea of an exclusive four-door limousine out of his mind.As most of you know, Bugatti did showcase a concept sedan a few years ago, the Galibier. However, the model remained a study and was never mentioned by officials as a potential production vehicle.Unlike Koenigsegg, Bugatti did not mention any development work on a sedan model, but expressed the possibility of such a body style as a future option for the company's next project. Until Bugatti starts building its next car, they must first sell all of the available Chiron vehicles. Since the 1,500Chiron was unveiled this week at the Geneva Motor Show , it will take a few years for Bugatti to sell every available unit.If Bugatti decides to revive the Galibier Concept in the form of a production model, the five-year-old design study could get the Chiron's 8.0-liter W16 engine. The old concept featured a detuned version of the Veyron's engine, so the new sedan from Bugatti could do the same.However, it is worth mentioning that fitting a W16 engine in the front of any vehicle would be an engineer's nightmare, as the unit is heavy and occupies much space. There's a reason the Chiron has such as small luggage compartment : there is no space for it due to all the radiators and components serving the massively complex quad-turbo unit. Until Bugatti unveils its next project, whatever that will be, we will just have to wait and see.
The National Air Transportation Associations President and CEO, Thomas L. Hendricks, announced Friday he will resign on Aug. 31. Hendricks, who by then will have served about four years at NATAs helm, joined the organization in 2012 from Airlines for America, where he was senior vice president of safety, security and operations. During his tenure with NATA, he joined leaders of other general aviation groups in speaking out on a variety of issues including airspace modernization, pilot medical reform and the recent debates in Congress on air traffic control privatization, which NATA campaigned against until the proposal was shelved in February.

The NATA board will designate one of its members to serve as interim president and CEO beginning Sept. 1. Two NATA senior vice presidents, William R. Deere and Timothy R. Obitts, will oversee daily operations. It has been an honor to lead NATA through this period of significant change by greatly enhancing its position as the voice of aviation business on Capitol Hill, at the agencies, and in the states, Hendricks said. I am also pleased to have led the associations move to downtown Washington, D.C., overseen the expansion of the associations membership, and the development of new products and services to help our members operate safely and effectively in the marketplace. Having accomplished these initiatives, I now look forward to new challenges and opportunities.
5 March 2016 11:29 (UTC+04:00)

Actions by state legislatures of the US around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are non-binding and dont necessarily represent the countrys foreign policy, James Warlick, the OSCE Minsk Group US co-chair, tweeted March 4.

He made the remarks commenting on the reports about the recognition of the independence of Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region by the US State of Georgia.



The House of Representatives of the State of Georgia adopted some sort of a resolution on alleged recognition of the regime created on the territory of Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region occupied by Armenia.



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 Councils four resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 12:31 (UTC+04:00)

Relations between Iran and Azerbaijan are strategic in many regards, especially under current circumstances when Tehran has been freed from international sanctions, says Masoud Ahmadi Nia, an expert in Azerbaijan affairs.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs recent visit to Iran was a turning point in bilateral relations between the two countries, Ahmadi Nia told Trend March 4.



Iranian and Azerbaijani officials signed 12 memorandums of understanding on the sidelines of a meeting between President Aliyev and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran Feb. 23.



Ahmadi Nia said that with the agreements signed during President Aliyevs visit, legal grounds were paved for closer cooperation of the two countries.



The expert said the North-South corridor is one of the areas of interest in the two countries relations.



This [the corridor], on one hand, can help Azerbaijan connect to the Middle East more closely. Iran, for its part, can use Azerbaijans territory to connect to Russia, he explained.



Ahmadi Nia added that the two countries can also cooperate on political and security grounds, regarding the growing threat of terrorism in Syria and drug trafficking.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan`s Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov has met committee chairman of the Federal Senate of Brazil`s National Congress, head of Brazil Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group Cristovam Buarque.

They discussed a range of issues including the development of inter-parliamentary ties between the two countries.



The Speaker said Azerbaijan was interested in developing relations with Brazil, adding reciprocal visits served to further deepening these ties. Mr. Asadov stressed the importance of use of the current potential for developing economic bonds between the two countries.



The Speaker also highlighted the large-scale projects carried out with the initiative of Azerbaijan. Mr. Asadov stressed the importance of establishing the relations between Azerbaijan and Brazil in the fields of agriculture, tourism.



The Speaker highlighted the causes and consequences of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Cristovam Buarque, in turn, spoke about the achievements of his country, saying they applaud the successes of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan`s Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov also met Cristovam Buarque.



The Minister highlighted the reforms carried out within the executive Order of President Ilham Aliyev on National Education Development Strategy of Azerbaijan.



They discussed issues on the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Brazil in the educational field.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 13:21 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met German Ambassador Heidrun Tempel as she ends her diplomatic mission in the country.

They hailed the development of cooperation between the two countries in political, economic and energy spheres.



The Ambassador expressed her gratitude for the support to fulfill her diplomatic activities in Azerbaijan.



FM Mammadyarov thanked Mrs. Tempel for her contributions to the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, and wished her success in her future activities.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 17:30 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Mammad Ahmadzade has met the country's Minister of Economic Development Federica Quidi to discuss prospects for economic cooperation.

Recalling her trip to Azerbaijan, Federica Quidi stressed the importance of reciprocal visits in expanding the bilateral ties.



The sides applauded the current level of bilateral relations in the economic field, exchanged views on the steps to be taken for further development of ties between the two countries.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

A meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran will be held in Tehran, the Milliyet newspaper reported March 5.

Currently, the parties are working to define a date for the meeting, said the report.



The meeting is expected to discuss trilateral relations, further joint plans and cooperation on foreign policy issues of common interest.



The trilateral meetings of the foreign ministers are held on the basis of agreements reached by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Iran on expanding contacts, relations and interaction among the three countries.



Previously, the meetings of such format were held in Azerbaijans Nakhchivan and Irans Urmia.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 18:30 (UTC+04:00)

A delegation from Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF) will visit Azerbaijan in May, Shahin Mustafayev, Azerbaijans Economy Minister said.

He made remarks at the meeting with Frances Ambassador to Azerbaijan Aurelia Bouchez.

MEDEF is a private organization and the most important representative of the French business. The organization brings together 800,000 French companies of all sizes and spheres.

This visit will have a positive impact on development of relations between the two countries, said the minister.

Currently, 40 French companies operate in Azerbaijan, noted Mustafayev adding that Azerbaijan actively cooperates with a number of regions of France.

He supported the ongoing discussion on the creation of Azerbaijan-France Interregional Cooperation Council.

The minister once again brought Azerbaijans fair position over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to the ambassadors attention and said that the activities of a number of French companies in Azerbaijans occupied territories are unacceptable.

Azerbaijan is an important partner of France in the South Caucasus, and France is interested in expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan, said the ambassador.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.

Azerbaijans trade turnover with France exceeded $1 billion in 2015, some $864.2 million of which were accounted for Azerbaijans export to this country, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 16:03 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai.

UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Refai recalled his previous visits and meetings with President Ilham Aliyev. He hailed the fact that a range of issues discussed during the meetings, including work on visa issuance and execution of low-cost flights, are being successfully implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

Taleb Refai said he was impressed with the beauty of Baku every time he visited the country.

The head of state recalled with pleasure his meetings with UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Refai, thanked him for supporting the development of tourism in Azerbaijan, and stressed the importance of his recommendations in this regard.

President Ilham Aliyev said tourism was always one of the priorities in Azerbaijan, adding the country`s fruitful geographical location, its beautiful nature created good opportunities for developing tourism industry.

The head of state stressed the significance of tourism in ensuring the financial flow to the country and creating new jobs amid the global economic crisis, adding that reforms in the field of tourism were continued in the country. The head of state expressed his hope that as a result of work done the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan would increase.

They exchanged views on the issues related to the expansion of tourism services, coordination of tourism with other fields of economy, and improvement of tourism infrastructure in Azerbaijan.

Then photographs were taken.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 12:19 (UTC+04:00)

Irans first vice president Eshaq Jahangiri has officially welcomed Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu at Tehrans Saadabad Palace March 5.



Davutoglu heading a high-ranking delegation arrived in Tehrans Mehrabad airport March 4, where he welcomed by Iran's ICT Minister Mahmoud Vaezi, Irans state run-TV IRINN reported.



Davutoglu is accompanied by ministers of economy, customs and trade, energy, transport, communications and development, government officials and representatives of major Turkish media.



The Turkish prime minister, in his two-day visit to Iran, is scheduled to negotiate and meet with Jahangiri, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani.



The visit follows consultations between the two countries' foreign ministries with the objective of expansion and strengthening of political, cultural, and economic relations.



The two parties will discus the issues of mutual interests as well as regional developments including the Syrian crisis.



Turkey intends to give a new impetus to its trade ties with neighboring Iran following removal of sanctions thorough a more active role by its private sector in order to take the rising golden opportunity in Iran's economy.



Following Davutoglu's visit to Iran, the upcoming visits by Foreign Minister Zarif and President Rouhani to Turkey are on the schedule.



The 25th round of Iran-Turkey Joint Economic Cooperation Council is scheduled to convene in Turkey later this year.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
5 March 2016 16:30 (UTC+04:00)

The issue on preparation for the aimed visit of the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on March 6-7 to Turkmenistan was discussed at the meeting of the Turkmen Cabinet of Ministers, Altyn Asyr TV channel reported March 5.

The upcoming high level talks, as a result of which it is planned to sign a package of bilateral documents designed to further stimulate international cooperation corresponding to the common interest, said the report.



Turkmenistans President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stated consistent friendly nature of the relations between Turkmenistan and Qatar, noting the presence of diverse potential for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in trade and economic sphere, as well as to strengthen the traditional humanitarian contacts on the basis of which lies the historical, cultural and spiritual unity of the peoples of the two countries.



It was previously reported that Turkmenistan Qatar exploring partnership opportunities in the spheres of trade, construction, transport, textile.

---



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
 

       3.0 (      -       -         ): editor [at] bahrainmirror.com
Two dozen families are being evicted from a Dade City apartment complex because Housing Authority officials say they were undocumented.

Ismael Alvarez and his family were one of those families who are being kicked out of the Cypress Farms Apartments in Dade city.

They told us that we needed to vacate the apartment, because they received an order and thats why we are moving out, following their instructions, he said.

Alvarez says they got an eviction notice a few days ago and now theyre scrambling to find a new place to live. Its forcing them to take whatever they can get.

We are three families and we are going to live in a trailer while we find a place, he said.

Housing Authority officials said they were contacted by the USDA about claims that a resident at the complex was using a counterfeit social security number. That social security number was also being used by nine other people in the country. That tip lead to an all-out investigation.

Officials said Friday that their investigation revealed there were people living in 24 different units in this community that had at least one family member twho was undocumented. Now all of those families have to find somewhere else to stay because they were all given an eviction notice.

Officials say the people who were evicted all gave false information but Alvarez says all he was asked to provide was an ID to move in. Claudia Guzman had a similar story.

They only required an ID, my husbands and mine, our Honduran passports, she said.

Guzman was also forced out of her home for not being a citizen and living in government housing. The mother of three young boys, who are citizens, says this highlights a larger issue.

We want the immigration reform, if they deport us what is going to happen to the future of our children? We left our country, Honduras, to give a better future to our children. And what if something worse happens? We dont know, Guzman said.

Its an uncertain future 24 other families are also facing.

No word yet on if any criminal charges will be filed against the undocumented residents. Most of the people evicted have until March 12 to move out.
It was Valentine's Day last year when Ian Christian Anderson traveled from Maryland to Lumberton, rented a room at the Days Inn Hotel and violated federal child exploitation laws.

The Baltimore man, who admitted to turning an online relationship with a Hardin County teenager into at least two sexual encounters, was sentenced Thursday to more than 11 years in prison.

Anderson, 36, pleaded guilty last September to enticement of a minor after prosecutors said he spent about a month chatting with a 14-year-old girl from Lumberton online before traveling to Southeast Texas and sexually assaulting her.

The online relationship started in January 2015, according to prosecutors. In February and March of the same year, Anderson had sex with the teen.

Prosecutors said Anderson also used a cellphone to send sexually explicit text messages to the victim and encouraged her to do the same.

Anderson spent about three days meeting the girl near her home to have sex - either at the Days Inn or in a rental car - before returning to Maryland, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Police said Anderson returned to Lumberton on March 17 and spent another several days having sex with the teenager.

Less than a week later, the teen's mother found explicit text messages in her daughter's phone.

When confronted, the girl admitted to her mother that she had sex with Anderson and gave her cellphone to a Lumberton PD sergeant.

Anderson met the teenager on an anonymous online chatroom, and they exchanged contact information for a smartphone messenger application.

The girl told police that Anderson was a dancer from Baltimore who also worked with computers. She believed at the time that he was 25 years old, according to the affidavit.

On both trips, Anderson gave the victim a "morning after pill" after unprotected intercourse, the affidavit stated.

He also provided her with pregnancy tests, according to the affidavit.

When she expressed concern to Anderson about getting pregnant, he reminded the girl of her previously stated personal opposition to abortion and advised her to give up the baby for adoption.

The affidavit documented a series of text messages with the teen, in which Anderson wrote that her raising a baby was not "a really good idea considering you're going to be in high school."

In one text, Anderson told her that the pill was just throwing off her menstrual cycle.

John M. Bales, U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District, said the girl did not become pregnant.

A federal grand jury indicted Anderson last May.

On Thursday, he was sentenced in the U.S. Eastern District of Texas to 135 months in federal prison.

BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/BrandonKScott
After ruling in favor of six defendants on a similar motion earlier this year, a federal magistrate will recommend this month whether to dismiss two other defendants from a federal conspiracy lawsuit brought by former Beaumont ISD contract electrician Calvin Walker and former employee Jessie Haynes against more than 35 organizations and individuals.

Attorneys representing The Beaumont Enterprise and one of its former reporters argued in

a brief hearing Thursday that newspaper and online articles cited by the plaintiffs were not defamatory because the statements were substantially true and protected under Texas' fair report privilege, which applies to official documents and proceedings.

The newspaper's defenses included their First Amendment protections, Texas state law encouraging citizens' discussion of public matters and the expired statute of limitations on some of the articles.

Jennifer Bishop, representing The Enterprise and its former employee, argued in court that U.S. Magistrate Keith Giblin previously determined that the same defenses applied to The Examiner newspaper, two of its employees, two local attorneys and local journalist Jerry Jordan.

Maria-Vittoria Galli Carminati of Houston, attorney for Walker and Haynes, said The Enterprise continues to defame the plaintiffs by reprinting distorted statements that have been "echoed, reiterated and amplified."

"The Enterprise is still making the same false statements," Carminati said.

In response, Bishop quoted a document called a factual basis and stipulation, which Walker signed in 2012 when he pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of failing to pay taxes in a timely manner, that contained some of the same language.

In 2011, Walker was tried in federal court on charges of fraud, but the case ended in a mistrial. In exchange for his 2012 guilty plea on the misdemeanor tax charge, the government agreed to dismiss all other charges against him.

A week after January's hearing, Giblin recommended the six defendants be dismissed from the case, a recommendation that U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone later adopted.

Walker and Haynes' lawsuit, filed July 16, seeks at least $22 million in damages and includes current and former BISD board members, federal prosecutors, two FBI agents and a local union.

Besides defamation, including libel and slander, the plaintiffs allege breach of contract and interference with existing and prospective contracts, civil rights violations, civil conspiracy, racketeering and conspiracy.

More than 20 defendants, including the school district's seven-member board of managers and the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, have asked to be dismissed from the civil suit.

MLibardi@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/ManuellaLibardi
A federal jury has found Venkateswara Kuchipudi, MD, guilty for his involvement in a kickback scheme at the now shuttered Sacred Heart Hospital in Chicago, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Dr. Kuchipudi was arrested along with other former Sacred Heart physicians and executives in 2013 for their alleged involvement in a multifaceted Medicare fraud scheme. Physicians, including Dr. Kuchipudi, were allegedly paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks for referrals to Sacred Heart.

After the arrests, CMS suspended its reimbursements to Sacred Heart, and the hospital closed in July 2013. Authorities subsequently dropped the charges against Dr. Kuchipudi in September 2013. However, six months later, he was indicted by a federal grand jury.

A federal affidavit identified Dr. Kuchipudi as one of Sacred Heart's most prolific sources of patients. Sacred Heart administrators referred to Dr. Kuchipudi as the "king of nursing homes" for the number of elderly patient he referred to the hospital, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Dr. Kuchipudi is the 10th defendant convicted for his role in the scheme. The hospital's owner and CEO Edward Novak, its former CFO, Roy Payawal, and its former COO, Clarence Naglevoort, were convicted for their participation in the scheme last March.

Dr. Kuchipudi's sentencing is scheduled for June 2.

More articles on healthcare industry lawsuits:

Did Blue Cross cause Alabama hospitals to close? A federal judge wants to know

US rakes in $2.4B in healthcare fraud recoveries

12 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements
To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below
Brewbot helps monitor the whole beer making process with prompts via your smartphone on adding water and other ingredients

A Northern Ireland technology firm helping to lead the way for global beer brewing has landed almost 1m of fresh funding to help boost its growth.

Brewbot secured the cash from a range of new investors as part of a new round of seed funding.

The technology firm's product allows beer brewers to take a lot of the complexities out of the process using a mobile smartphone app.

The firm also celebrated a further injection from techstart NI.

It was set up by Invest NI to provide early stage support for technology businesses across Northern Ireland.

Brewbot received around 150,000 alongside tech music promotion platform Inflyte, as part of the techstart NI programme.

The initiative  which is worth close to 24m  will operate over the course of 10 years under the management of Pentech Ventures.

Brewbot began its first foray into the global technology industry thanks to crowd-funding.

It raised more than 114,000 in one month through Kickstarter.

The team  headed by Chris McClelland  spent much of this year in the US in a bid to expand the business.

Expand Close The then Prince Felipe of Spain (right) being presented with a bottle of stout brewed by Belfast tech-firm Brewbot / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The then Prince Felipe of Spain (right) being presented with a bottle of stout brewed by Belfast tech-firm Brewbot

It has already worked with some of the world's top breweries  including Russian River in the US and the Galway Bay Brewery in the Republic.

Mr McClelland said the company had not only gained new investors, but the combined expertise from others within the industry.

"Making a business wildly successful should be the number one focus of a founder," he said.

"Having worked with US and UK investors it's refreshing to have a fund that gets this in Northern Ireland."

Paul Hamill from music app firm Inflyte said the company was "delighted to welcome techstart NI as its seed investor".

"We have found the process and manner in which the transaction was handled to be commercial but light touch with the investment being closed in less than six weeks."

The platform allows record labels, pluggers, PR companies and publishers to send branded digital music promo campaigns direct to their clients' mobile devices for feedback online or offline.
While the technology has changed considerably in 150 years, the thick and heady scent of ink hitting paper remains.

Antrim printers W&G Baird has invested 4m in the latest high-tech digital printing system - 146 years after it founded and published the Belfast Telegraph.

That first edition of the then Belfast Evening Telegraph hit the streets in September 1870 with a cover price of a halfpenny.

While the huge new printing machine isn't whisper quiet, it's far removed from the mechanical majesty of the clunky and noisy Victorian presses.

According to W&G Baird, the new technology has increased its output capacity by a considerable 70%.

Managing director Patrick Moffett told the Belfast Telegraph the new system was a "quantum leap forward" for the business.

"In terms of the press, it's able, every year, to save around 2.5m sheets of paper in waste and about 350 tonnes of carbon," he explained.

"It will allow us to sustain our position in Northern Ireland and grow our exports in the Republic of Ireland and mainland UK."

W&G Baird prints a range of magazines and other publications, including Ulster Business, one of four publications Belfast Telegraph parent company Independent News & Media (INM) bought from Greer Publications last month.

William Savage Baird and George Courtenay Baird founded the firm in 1862 after buying the Ulster Printing Company for the princely sum of 450 after it went into voluntary liquidation.

When the duo set up shop, all typesetting was done by hand.

The firm began life at Arthur Street in Belfast and subsequently moved to Royal Avenue in 1886, and was owned by the Baird family until the retirement of Sir William Baird in 1951.

The business is now run by Mr Moffett with directors David Hinds, Trevor Brennan and Niall Hannigan, and is located just outside Antrim town.

Following a tour of the print floor, Enterprise Minister Jonathan Bell said: "It's a 150-year history... I think what it shows is that a company which innovates, can succeed."

W&G Baird received 500,000 from the growth loan fund as well as 99,500 of support from Invest NI.

Gavin Kennedy, director of business banking at Bank of Ireland, said: "We are pleased to have supported W&G Baird, with whom we have a longstanding relationship, in funding this investment."
Belfast musician Brian Houston has a new-found love for his hometown, following a two-year stint living and working in America. And the singer/songwriter - who has previously recorded three gospel albums and is well-known for having a strong faith - reveals he is now stepping away from the genre to concentrate on traditional Irish classics.

Indeed, at his new album launch tonight at the Empire Music Hall, where he will play tracks from Songs From My Father, as well as some old favourites, the guitar-strumming rocker hopes to do justice to some classic Irish songs his dad played and sang to him when he was growing up.

Having returned to his native east Belfast recently, Brian says crossing the pond to the States changed his life in more ways than one - and it was only while he was in America that he began to yearn for the traditional songs beloved by his father, William.

Brian, who made his name here playing a mix of folk, rock and gospel, relocated to North Carolina along with his wife, Pauline, and their two children, Stephanie and Danny, two years ago to find a new market for his music.

"We went to America to find fresh opportunities," he says. "Belfast was pretty depressed, as was the whole of the UK, following the economic downturn. America wasn't as badly affected, despite the crash of the big banks there."

Although he had a successful career here as a full-time musician, playing sell out shows at the Grand Opera House for two years in a row, he was hungry to find something new to keep the creative juices flowing.

And after a quiet start in the US when he had modest expectations, Brian's blend of singing quickly found a new and much bigger audience.

"I was more successful in my first year in America than I have ever been in my whole career in Northern Ireland," he explains. "I was over the moon.

"If it had continued that way, I would have been making half-a-million dollars a year. The business model was simple; it was just myself and Pauline and we drove everywhere, as I don't like flying simply because I can't take enough of my gear with me on a plane."

Although Brian says he was relishing the new opportunities, Pauline wasn't: "We were having two different experiences. When I was gigging and travelling in America, Pauline was with me, but that stopped during the winter months."

Brian says the family kept their home in Belfast on while renting a property in the States: "We were paying taxes in both the UK and the US, but we were never in the house.

"We got our utility bill for the rented house before we left and it was 10 dollars - it was literally the fridge going on and off, because we were never there."

More significantly for Brian, though, was the realisation that while in America he craved his home back in Belfast.

"Growing up in Belfast, I was obsessed with America and used to go to get books from the library on the country.

"I was more influenced by America when I was in Northern Ireland, but then I began to see my hometown in a different light.

"Maybe it's the punk culture which has pervaded Belfast, but it is a very creative, bohemian city, where you are not only allowed to be different, but you are encouraged to be so.

"I owe my career in music to the fact I grew up in Belfast. I probably wouldn't be the creative person I am, if I hadn't been born here."

His love of old songs, which had lain dormant for most of his music career, surfaced when he was played a gig in America and a woman in the audience asked him to play some old Irish tunes.

"I was actually annoyed that she had done that, as, when I was growing up, diddly-dee music was not rock 'n' roll. But then when I thought about it I remembered some of the songs from my childhood such as the Thin Lizzy classic Whiskey in the Jar."

Now that the family has returned to these shores, Brian's experience in America led to him recording and reinventing some of the songs the lady in the States had wanted to hear.

The new album, inspired by dad William and aptly called Songs From My Father, is a collection of timeless classics reinterpreted by Brian.

"I have modernised some of the older songs, as the words may not mean that much to audiences now," he says. "I hope that I have done them justice."

Despite the new direction, Brian says his Christian faith is as strong as ever - although he is not a member of any church.

"I never wanted to go to church when I was younger, but I do have faith. I have always wanted to fit in with a church community, but I just can't. Maybe I'm just too rough around the edges."

Maybe it's the Belfast punk in Brian that just refuses to go away.

Brian Houston Band, Empire Music Hall, Belfast, tonight, 10pm. Tickets 15. Songs From My Father costs 10 from brianhouston.com
In this volatile world, it's heartwarming to see the effort the French authorities went to this week in demolishing the tents and living quarters of refugees in Calais. Because most of those living in the camp had fled from war zones, it's a lovely touch for the French to go to such lengths to make the migrants feel they were back home.

Some of the migrants have fled from Isis, so maybe next time the police can drag them into a basement and make a little film of someone standing over them with a sword, so they'll feel a little tear in their eye and weep: "It's so good to be reminded of my village."

The main instruments used to clear the camp in Calais were bulldozers and tear gas - which is fitting, because the lawyer at the hearing in which the demolition was ordered said the reasons for the evacuation were "the dignity and security of the refugees".

Nothing makes you feel more dignified and secure than a cloud of tear gas in the face.

One evicted woman was a pregnant Iranian Kurd, who was filmed being batoned and wrestled to the floor, and as she was being handcuffed she must have thought: "After all I've been through, it's a comfort to enjoy a moment of dignity at last."

But, as well as dignity there's the security and the French government says it is moving the refugees to better accommodation, so they're just helping them along by gassing them - like an enthusiastic branch of Pickfords.

Whenever I've moved house, I've infuriated myself by dawdling and going back indoors to check I've not forgotten anything and often wished the removal men would give me a hand by whacking me with truncheons and snapping my arm in three places.

The first area of the camp demolished was the part that contained the health centre and makeshift school - and there's nothing more humanitarian than knocking down annoying places like that.

The French authorities, however, went the extra mile and demolished a church. Only the truly righteous and holy can claim to be so humanitarian that they demolish a church, especially when it's a church built by people fleeing from groups that won't let them have churches.

As it says in Matthew Chapter 4 verse 7: "And the people who did flee from the land of Assyria, and hath no homes, did build a church from all that lay around so that they may seek hope in the word of the Lord, and Jesus did come among them and knock it down with a bulldozer."

It's no wonder the refugees wish they were in Britain, because here the Government would be more subtle and sell the school and church tents to developers, who'd convert them into a block of three-bedroom tents in an estate called Migrant Waters at 600,000 each for Japanese businessmen.

The French government claims the refugees will be housed in containers on lorries provided down the road, but the charity Help Refugees calculates that, even with three in each lorry, they are 2,229 places short for the numbers evicted.

They could do what we all have to do when times are hard and be prepared to cut down a little, but so far the migrants have refused to shrink to half their size so they can squeeze twice as many into a lorry, so that's hardly the fault of the French, is it?

Of course, the last thing this country needs is people like this coming here.

To start with, they're not really refugees. If they'd stayed in Iraq or Somalia or Syria, they'd have been killed, which would have reduced their earnings - which proves they're economic migrants, just trying to get here for financial reasons.

When someone's drifted across the Mediterranean on a pedalo with their family and walked through Macedonia and crawled to Calais and lived in a quagmire called the 'Jungle' until they're gassed by riot police and bundled into a lorry, it's all too obvious the only reason they've come to Europe is for an easy life at our expense.

If I want to be tear-gassed, I have to go and pay for it myself, but they get it for free. We're mugs, we are. Complete mugs.
Police seal off a large area after a device exploded under a car in east Belfast, leaving a man injured. Pic Lesley-Anne McKeown/PA Wire

Police seal off a large area after a device exploded under a car in east Belfast, leaving a man injured.

The scene where a man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. It happened around the Woodstock Road at about 07:10 GMT on Friday.

The van at the scene of the car bomb in East Belfast

A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast.

A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

The scene where a man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. It happened around the Woodstock Road at about 07:10 GMT on Friday.

The scene where a man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. It happened around the Woodstock Road at about 07:10 GMT on Friday.

A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast.

Picture credit  Matt Mackey - Presseye.com Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th March 2016 The scene where a man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. It happened around the Woodstock Road at about 07:10 GMT on Friday.

A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast.

A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press

The scene at the top of Hillsborough Drive off the Woodstock Road in east Belfast where a device exploded under a van resulting in one man being hospitalised. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

A bomb disposal unit officer inspects the damaged van following a suspected car bomb attack on a prison officer at Hillsborough Drive on March 4, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

A bomb disposal unit officer at the scene following a suspected car bomb attack on a prison officer at Hillsborough Drive on March 4, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Belfast bomb in pictures: Scene of explosion under prison officer's van on Hillsborough Drive Close

Community and church leaders from across Northern Ireland's sectarian divide have united in condemnation of the bomb attack on a prison guard.

Secretary of State Theresa Villiers said: "Like all his colleagues in the prison service, this officer serves the whole of the community, in stark contrast to the people who carried out this appalling and violent crime."

Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness, the region's First and Deputy First Ministers, issued a joint statement in which they described the attack as "despicable and shocking".

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has also expressed concern at what he called a callous and cowardly incident.

Northern Ireland's Justice Minister David Ford said the people who planted the bomb had shown no regard for life.

Meanwhile, Prison Service director general Sue McAllister said her thoughts were with the victim and his family, adding that his colleagues would not be deterred.

"This was a despicable act and an attack on us all," she said.

The DUP's Emma Pengelly, whose constituency office is close to the blast scene, said: "We are trying to build a peaceful Northern Ireland. This is not the type of thing that we want to see here."

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said there can be no place in society for such attacks, while SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the perpetrators as thugs.

East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle also expressed his outrage at the "sickening echo of the past".

Church leaders have also spoken of their horror and revulsion, including Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ian McNie who said: "This attack is a throwback to a past that should never be repeated, as violence, then as now, has no place in our society."
Police seal off the area around Hillsborough Drive in east Belfast after a bomb exploded under a van

Police have warned it is "highly likely" dissident republicans will try to murder members of the security forces ahead of Easter.

It comes after a prison officer narrowly escaped death in a bomb attack yesterday. The father-of-three (52) suffered leg wounds when the device exploded under a van he was driving.

The murder bid comes just three weeks before republicans mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, a landmark event in the battle for Irish independence from Britain.

There are fears that dissidents will launch a wave of attacks to coincide with the centenary.

A security source told the Belfast Telegraph: "The fear of another attack is very real."

Referring to prison officers specifically, they added: "They believe a lot of reconnaissance-type activity has already been carried out.

"The indications are that this will not be the last (attack), and that there could be further attacks quite soon."

The Prison Officers' Association said it feared a second murder bid was "imminent".

And Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin confirmed another attack was "highly likely". "I believe that there are people within dissident republican groupings that want to mark this centenary by killing police officers, prison officers or soldiers," he said.

ACC Martin added there would be an increased police presence in the coming days aimed at thwarting further attacks.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close A bomb disposal unit officer at the scene following a suspected car bomb attack on a prison officer at Hillsborough Drive on March 4, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images A bomb disposal unit officer inspects the damaged van following a suspected car bomb attack on a prison officer at Hillsborough Drive on March 4, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images The scene at the top of Hillsborough Drive off the Woodstock Road in east Belfast where a device exploded under a van resulting in one man being hospitalised. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. Picture credit  Matt Mackey - Presseye.com Belfast - Northern Ireland - 4th March 2016 The scene where a man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. It happened around the Woodstock Road at about 07:10 GMT on Friday. A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. The scene where a man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. It happened around the Woodstock Road at about 07:10 GMT on Friday. The scene where a man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. It happened around the Woodstock Road at about 07:10 GMT on Friday. A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press A man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. The van at the scene of the car bomb in East Belfast The scene where a man, believed to be a prison officer, has been taken to hospital after a device exploded under a van in east Belfast. It happened around the Woodstock Road at about 07:10 GMT on Friday. Police seal off a large area after a device exploded under a car in east Belfast, leaving a man injured. PA Police seal off a large area after a device exploded under a car in east Belfast, leaving a man injured. Pic Lesley-Anne McKeown/PA Wire PA / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp A bomb disposal unit officer at the scene following a suspected car bomb attack on a prison officer at Hillsborough Drive on March 4, 2016 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Yesterday's victim works in Hydebank Wood Young Offenders' Centre in Belfast.

Editor's viewpoint

Read More

He was driving along Hillsborough Drive, off the Woodstock Road in east Belfast, when the device partially detonated.

The incident took place around 7.10am. People in the area described hearing a "massive" bang. "I didn't know what it was, but it was huge," one man said.

ACC Martin said those behind yesterday's attack intended to kill.

The victim has undergone surgery. His condition is serious but not life-threatening, he added.

Tensions are already running high ahead of events on both sides of the border to mark 100 years since the 1916 Rising.

Mr Martin said the threat was "severe" and told how police patrols had been stepped up across the province in recent weeks and would continue during the run-up to the Easter period.

"We do think that people want to kill in the run-up to and through Easter," he added.

ACC Martin did not comment directly on reports that a further attack on a prison officer was expected.

"There is a severe threat, an attack is highly likely," he added. "We believe that the primary focus of those attacks are police officers, prison officers and soldiers."

The bomb caused chaos during the Friday morning rush hour.

A large cordon was thrown around the scene, with several streets closed off.

Nearby houses were evacuated with people seeking refuge in a Salvation Army centre on the Cregagh Road.

The attack drew condemnation from senior political, religious and community figures.

First Minister Arlene Foster said it was a "disgraceful and despicable" act.

And Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said he condemned the murder bid "unreservedly".

"It was a futile and despicable act carried out by those opposed to the peace process," he added.

Secretary of State Theresa Villiers called it a "vicious attack". "Like all his colleagues in the Prison Service, this officer serves the whole of the community, in stark contrast to the people who carried out this appalling and violent crime," she added.

Sue McAllister, the director general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, said: "This was a despicable act and an attack on us all. This officer serves the entire community, and whoever was behind this attack has nothing to offer anyone in Northern Ireland."

In 2012 warder David Black was shot dead by dissidents on the M1 motorway as he drove to work at Maghaberry Prison.

Finlay Spratt, from the Prison Officers' Association, said the attacks showed there was "no let-up for prison officers". "We can't live a normal life," he added. "We're not allowed to live a normal life by these thugs."

Presbyterian Moderator Dr Ian McNie said: "This attack is a throwback to a past that should never be repeated."

President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Reverend Brian Anderson, who grew up in the area, condemned the bomb as "savage" and "dastardly".
Courtney Harkin was last seen in Henry Street, Ballymoney

Police and the family of missing 14-year-old Courtney Harkin are becoming concerned for her welfare.

Courtney, who is described as being approximately 5 tall, slim build, with long light brown hair and blue eyes was last seen at around 3pm on Friday.

She was spotted exiting a taxi at Henry Street in Ballymoney.

Courtney was wearing shorts, black tights, a cream jumper, a burgundy coat with a black fur collar and peach converse trainers.

Courtney or anyone who knows of her whereabouts is asked to contact police at Coleraine on the non-emergency number 101.
Police thwarted an alleged heroin supplier's attempt to swallow 40 wraps of drugs in an operation in Belfast, the High Court heard

Police thwarted an alleged heroin supplier's attempt to swallow 40 wraps of drugs in an operation in Belfast, the High Court heard.

Prosecutors claimed Aidas Tumenas tried to dispose of the haul when he was detained as part of a wider investigation into drugs.

It was also revealed that a fellow Lithuanian national held along with him took his own life last month while on remand in Maghaberry Prison.

Details emerged as Tumenas, with an address at Waterside in Lisburn, was refused bail.

The 26-year-old faces charges of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and conspiracy to supply.

He was allegedly spotted with his co-accused making a transaction near the Beersbridge Road in east Belfast on January 4, the court heard.

Prosecution counsel Kate McKay claimed that as officers moved in, Tumenas transferred items from his pocket to his mouth.

"Police prevented him from swallowing, and he began to struggle with them before spitting out approximately 40 wraps of heroin," she said.

After he was arrested and cautioned, Tumenas replied: "I don't sell the drugs."

According to Mrs McKay, however, police investigating heroin dealing in the greater Belfast area have been aware of the defendant since last September.

His alleged accomplice was also taken into custody on charges of conspiracy and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

"Tragically he committed suicide in Maghaberry Prison," the prosecutor disclosed.

She said he attempted to take his own life on February 11 and died in hospital several days later.

Opposing Tumenas' bail application, Mrs McKay told the court police believed he has a "middle-ranking" role supplying street dealers.

She added that forensic tests have confirmed 35 of the wraps contained heroin, with the other five made up of speed-type substances.

A defence barrister argued that as a foreign national Tumenas would struggle more in custody, particularly after his co-accused's suicide.

Richard McConkey said: "His friend very tragically took his own life and he's finding it very difficult."

Despite taking that bereavement into account, Mr Justice Deeny noted that two other heroin dealing suspects have fled since being released.

Identifying a further risk of reoffending, the judge said: "My duty is to refuse bail."
A mum-of-two has been given 10 days to return to her native South Africa, leaving behind her husband and young children, because of a Home Office administrative error, she has claimed.

Distraught Christine McArthur, whose parents are British, and who has a National Insurance number, a voting card and has even been called for jury service, was warned via an email from the Home Office that her visa was not being renewed and that she must leave the UK by March 15.

Her husband of 13 years Neal - whose parents are also British - and their two daughters have been allowed to stay.

The McArthur family left their home in Johannesburg two years ago after witnessing and suffering violent attacks.

They moved to Belfast to be close to Neal's family, who live in Newtownabbey, and Christine secured herself a job in Argos in the borough.

But after updating the family's residency documents for the Home Office, Christine (38) received a shocking email this week ordering her to return to Johannesburg, where she has no home, family or employment and fears for her safety.

Neal, who specialises in water jetting and asbestos removal, was on a work training course in London when he had to make an emergency dash back home to comfort his wife.

Christine, Neal and their daughters Michelle (12) and Lee (8) used to live in daily fear in the Vanderbijl area outside Johannesburg in a house surrounded by 12ft walls, jail-type gates on doorways and double windows for security.

As the clock ticks the stress is mounting for the family, who say they feel like they are living under the guillotine.

"It's very stressful," said a tearful Christine. "I just can't sleep. I don't remember the last time that I slept, with the worry of all of this. I'm always crying at the thought of being taken from my children.

"It's terrible. Like any mother, I'm trying to protect my children by telling them as little as possible because I don't want them to be worried or frightened.

"They are settled here, have nice friends and are doing really well in school. It will break their hearts and mine by being separated."

After applying for the relevant paperwork to stay and gaining a job as a delivery assistant in Argos in the Abbeycentre, being granted a National Insurance number, being entitled to vote and even being called for jury service this July, the couple have no idea why the Home Office made the distressing U-turn.

They think an administrative error has been made somewhere by officials.

"We had the relevant visa to come here, which is where all our family live," said an emotional Christine. "We applied before that ran out for a residence card.

"Then we received a phone call telling us to withdraw the application or it would hinder our citizenship.

"They didn't give an explanation for the withdrawal, but we did as they said.

"We were then told that Neal and the girls could stay but I would have to go back.

"Then I received the email from the Home Office the other day saying I had to leave the country by March 15. It was a huge shock.

"All I want is to be allowed to stay in Northern Ireland, to be with my husband and children and to be a good mother for our two girls.

"I just want to help build a good foundation for my husband and girls. I am happy here. We are safe and we have really nice neighbours. My parents have passed away. What family I have is here in Northern Ireland - that is all I have."

The couple moved to the safety of the province, where all Neal's relatives live, after becoming the victims of horrendous violence in South Africa.

While there, they were burgled six times in two months and Neal was also subject to a carjacking in which thugs doused him with petrol and attempted to set him alight.

"The country is lawless," said Neal. "People live in terror there - there's the constant threat of violence and we don't want that for our children. Our home was like a prison and our elderly neighbour, who was in her 80s and living alone, had her home broken into and her wrists and mouth bound with barbed wire as her home was ransacked.

"We've seen a man placed inside car tyres and then set on fire, and other incidents that people just wouldn't believe.

"This is the level of violence that we were faced with on a daily basis."

Christine added: "We just want to be able to stay as a family, live a normal life, work and provide for our children.

"I can't imagine what this would do to us if I am sent back, I don't want to think about what it will do to our girls. At one point we were told to leave the girls here and for Neal and I to go back, but that's not an option.

"We don't claim or want to claim benefits - we are not asking for handouts.

"Neal is setting up his own business at the minute.

"I watched a show on television the other night where it said that all foreigners were welcome.

"But, so far, I have not been welcomed by a Government that wants to send me back to South Africa, where there is just nothing there for me.

"We've done everything by the book that the Home Office has asked for.

"We can't believe this is happening - it's so upsetting."

A spokesperson from the Home Office said: "This is a very complicated case and we need more time to look at it."
Sgt Trevor Coult with the medals he has put up for auction

An Iraq war hero from Belfast is putting his medals up for sale as he battles a new enemy - post-traumatic stress disorder.

Former sergeant Trevor Coult (41) was awarded the Military Cross in 2006 for his bravery in a machine-gun ambush involving suicide bombers and gunmen in Baghdad.

Three armed insurgents stopped his multi-vehicle convoy on a stretch of road billed as the most dangerous in the world, opening fire on the stationary vehicles.

Acting as top cover sentry in the rear vehicle, he managed to return fire and control his vehicle, allowing two other convoy crews to retreat.

The former Royal Irish Regiment soldier, who now lives in Suffolk, said: "Every day is such a struggle for me. Over the past few years I've lost six ex-colleagues to suicide."

Trevor, who has a wife, Luba, and a five-year-old son, Sebastian, added: "The medals bring back bad memories for me. I've put them up for sale as someone will enjoy them more than me."

The Military Cross is the Army's third highest honour, behind the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and the Victoria Cross.

Trevor's commanding officer, Lt Colonel Michael McGovern, described him as being "an outstanding young man of courage".

He was later honoured by both the Queen and former American President George Bush.

Sgt Coult became a member of the UK Protection Force based in Baghdad, and he was hand-picked for Operation Mountain Thrust. The Ranger, nicknamed 'Speedie', and his squad also helped retake the town of Sangin.

He felt that he first noticed the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in 2005 but was not diagnosed until 2009.

"You serve your country and end up feeling like I do," Trevor said.

Towards the end of his career, he went to Afghanistan to "look after" captured insurgents, mainly Taliban.

Sgt Coult, who left the Army in February 2015, said: "I spent every day with these people and couldn't help wondering how many of my colleagues they had killed. I must admit it got to me a bit."

He added that the money raised from the sale of the medals would be put into a bank account for his son.

Auctioneers Lockdales are expecting them to make more than 35,000 when they are auctioned on March 19. The collection that is set go under the hammer includes eight other medals, pictures, badges, maps, diaries and a copy of the Belfast soldier's book, First into Sangin.

Sgt Coult's medals

Military Cross

Iraq Medal

Operational Service Medal, with Afghanistan clasp

Golden Jubilee Medal

Diamond Jubilee Medal

NATO Services Medal, with ISAF clasp

The USA Presidents

Medallion

Two Accumulated

Campaign Services Medal
Police have failed to disclose enough documents in a major legal action over alleged collusion with a loyalist paramilitary agent suspected of up to 15 murders, a High Court judge has ruled.

Mr Justice Colton also rejected claims the PSNI should not have to hand over more files to a man who survived two UVF assassination bids because the process could take years and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

He ruled there was potentially further documentation in the possession of the force that should be given to John Flynn's legal team.

Mr Flynn's action was triggered by the findings of Police Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan that some Special Branch officers colluded with loyalist killers. Her Operation Ballast report, issued in 2007, centred on the activities of a UVF gang allegedly led by Mount Vernon man Mark Haddock.

Mr Flynn, from north Belfast, is suing the police over two attempts on his life allegedly carried out by an agent who operated in the city's Mount Vernon area.

In 1992 a gunman tried to shoot him after he was lured to Whiteabbey Hospital on the outskirts of the city.

And five years later a second attempt was made to kill him in a failed car bomb attack.

The 56-year-old issued proceedings against the PSNI for alleged negligence and misfeasance in public office.

It was confirmed last year that the force had admitted his misfeasance claim and accepted he should be paid damages which could ultimately reach 75,000. But the PSNI emphatically denies negligence or having ever employed the agent, identified only in the case as Informant 1.

He is suspected of involvement in 10-15 murders, punishment shootings, serious beatings, conspiracy to murder, robbery, hijacking and drug-dealing.

As part of the case Mr Flynn's lawyers sought access to 94 categories of documents. In court they argued that the police admission of partial liability was a tactical move to avoid handing over all files on the informant and to cover over the full extent of alleged collusion.

An affidavit filed by Mr Flynn claimed police either failed to arrest the agent for the murders and other crimes, or else conducted sham interviews despite knowing he was a leading UVF figure.

Misleading records were also deliberately compiled, while other documents and forensic exhibits were either destroyed or lost, he alleged.

Mr Flynn also claimed: "I believe that the police knew I was at risk from Informant 1 and were quite content to let me be murdered by him and his associates."

Counsel for the Chief Constable argued that it was disproportionate and unnecessary to try to gain access to a "vast" amount of documentation when an admission of liability had been made.

He revealed that the material being sought covered a period of up to 14 years.

The court also heard it would take an estimated two years to identify all the documents and comply with the level of discovery being sought.

A Public Interest Immunity process alone would cost in excess of 300,000, according to a superintendent asked to assess the scale.

Mr Justice Colton said: "In a case such as this, given the grave allegations that have been made against the agents of the State, resource arguments are unattractive."

Despite accepting that an order for specific disclosure may be laborious and time-consuming, he added: "There is a force in the plaintiff's submission that the defendant has not taken its discovery obligations seriously, at least prior to the admission defence."

According to the judge, many of the requested files should be already available because they featured in the Ballast report.

"I simply cannot understand why that material cannot be identified," he said.

"Accordingly, I have come to the conclusion that the list of documents served in this action does not comply with the defendant's obligations."

With potentially more material held to be in the police's possession that should be handed over, Mr Justice Colton directed further submissions which may lead to a "bespoke" discovery process being devised.

Outside court Mr Flynn's solicitor pledged to take steps to ensure full and urgent disclosure.

Claire McKeegan of KRW Law said: "The PSNI have tried at every turn to avoid disclosing any relevant material to allow us to resolve this case.

"This decision is important not only to the matter at hand, but to all of our legacy litigation where the State representatives have cited resources as justification for non-compliance with the rules.

"We see today's decision as a marker that this position will not be accepted."
The wife of man who vanished in England has said she forgives his secret relationship and just wants him to come home.

Mervyn Craig (46), from Lisburn, has not been seen since February 8 when he left the Wigan home of a woman he met online.

The father-of-four had told his family he was going to Manchester to work on a building site.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, 50-year-old Donna Craig made an emotional appeal for his safe return and said that, despite everything, she was not angry.

"Mervyn, please come home. Everything is forgiven," she added. I'm not cross. The family will be happy if we know you are safe."

Mr Craig, who is diabetic and insulin-dependent, has been officially missing for 25 days. His hitherto secret relationship with the English woman was uncovered when his eldest daughter accessed his Facebook account.

Mrs Craig said four of her husband's friends went to Wigan to look for him last weekend without success. "He hasn't been seen at all for almost four weeks which is very worrying," she added.

"I'm trying not to think the worst, but it has been so long now and it's so out of character for him. I keep myself busy and try and just get on with it. I hope and pray for the best every single day.

"Somebody somewhere is bound to have seen him. He's the type of guy you couldn't miss."

Mrs Craig said her children, 29-year-old Samantha, Dwayne (24), 21-year-old Chloe and Ryan (20) are desperate for news. She added their grandchildren - seven-year-old Madison, Bethany (3) and Ethan, who is 15 months - want their granddad home.

Greater Manchester Police have expressed concern about the safety of Mervyn, who requires daily self-medication.

Mr Craig's eldest daughter, Samantha, told this newspaper she had confronted her dad's Facebook friend - who is in her 30s - online and was told they had parted company on February 8.

Police have confirmed Mr Craig was last seen at the Arnold Clark Motorstore on Wallgate, Wigan, later that day at around 8pm. This confused his family because he does not drive.

Mervyn, who was last seen wearing a grey 'Tapout' T-shirt and dark jeans, is white, shaven-headed, and at least 6ft 4in tall.

His family said that without medication he would become confused and disorientated.

Detective Inspector Martin Reddington said Greater Manchester Police were continuing to appeal for information, adding that they had now utilised "significant resources" - including officers on the ground and underwater - to find Mr Craig.

"Mervyn has been missing for 25 days and we are growing more concerned for his welfare with each day," DI Reddington added.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye)

The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye)

The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye)

The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye)

The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye)

The funeral of Stephen Carson, who was shot at his home in south Belfast, has taken place at Holy Trinity Church in the west of the city.

The 28-year-old was shot dead in his house at Walmer Street on Thursday, February 25 as his 26-year-old partner and son watched on.

The nine-year-old boy has been left traumatised.

Fr Smyth told mourners that a family had had their lives "torn apart by darkness".

Fr Smyth said: "Life is so cheap that it can be snuffed out in the blink of an eye or by the pulling of a trigger. There is no justification for treating life in such a way. "

Mr Carson, who moved into the area following his recent release from prison, and was originally from Turf Lodge in west Belfast.

The family were eating a meal at around 10.45pm when the gang burst in.

Expand Close The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye)

A confrontation followed and Mr Carson took cover in a downstairs bathroom.

However, the gang shot him through the door.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness described the murder as a "terrible tragedy".

Expand Close The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye) Kevin Scott / Presseye / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp The funeral of murder victim Stephen Carson at Holy Trinity Church in west Belfast on March 05, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott / Presseye)

He passed on his sympathies to the victim's family and urged anyone with information to pass it to police.

The main line of inquiry for police is that Stephen Carson was shot as part of a criminal feud.
That's a wrap - the fate of Stella Gibson and Paul Spector is sealed as filming of The Fall series 3 comes to an end.

The waiting game is almost over for fans of the hit BBC show as the deadly game of cat and mouse between Paul Spector and Detective Superintendent Gibson comes to an end.

Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson both returned to Belfast to reprise their roles for the third series as their battle approaches its conclusion in Allan Cubitts intense psychological thriller.

Audiences were left reeling at the end of series two as Spector, critically injured in an ambush, lay bleeding in the arms of Gibson.

Moments before, the investigator thought she had him and now it appears as though she is losing him.

Fans of the programme were sent into overdrive when they spotted Dornan around Belfast during filming.

Tonight Anderson posted a photo to Twitter signalling the end of her time filming the programme.

She said: "That's a wrap on Stella Gibson!"

Dornan finished his filming last month and is currently working on the next instalment of the Fifty Shades of Grey triology.

Read more:

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott ) Kevin Scott / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Gillian Anderson during filming for The Fall on Little Donegall Street in Belfast on March 01, 2016 Belfast, Northern Ireland ( Photo by Kevin Scott )

Read More

Speaking previously The Fall writer Allan Cubitt said he was "thrilled" to begin Series 3 and while he didn't want to give anything away about the ending - he suggested this may not be the last series we see of The Fall - leaving the door open for more.

He said: "Obviously I don't want to give anything away about how the third series will end but I can say that I am looking forward to working with both Gillian and Jamie again in the near future."
A bomb disposal unit officer at Hillsborough Drive in east Belfast after a van driven by a prison officer was booby-trapped

The widow of murdered prison officer David Black has been "retraumatised" by yesterday's dissident bomb attack.

Mr Black was shot dead as he drove to work on the M1 in November 2012.

The 52-year-old father-of-two was the first prison officer to be killed in Northern Ireland in almost 20 years.

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt spoke to his wife, Yvonne, shortly after news of yesterday's murder bid emerged.

He said it had stirred memories of her husband's death.

"This will knock back people who have lost loved ones in the past," he said.

"The latest prison officer to be murdered was David Black.

"I have just spoken to his widow, Yvonne, and of course she's now back three years, retraumatised, waking up to this news and being reminded of the story of her family."

Mr Nesbitt was speaking to the BBC's Stephen Nolan Show.

Mr Black, from Cookstown, was shot dead on the motorway between Portadown and Lurgan as he drove to work at HMP Maghaberry. A car pulled up beside him and fired a number of shots, causing him to veer into a ditch.

He was the 30th prison worker to be murdered since 1974 in Northern Ireland.

Reacting to yesterday's attack, Mr Nesbitt said: "The public have to make clear to these terrorists that there is no place in a modern Northern Ireland for this sort of activity.

"We have to make clear that we stand shoulder-to-shoulder as a society in condemning it."

The attack drew cross-party political condemnation.

Gavin Robinson, the DUP MP for East Belfast, said it was a "cowardly and despicable" act aimed at dragging society back into violence.

"The determination of dissident republicans to use terror and violence has been made clear, and it is deeply concerning that the police believe that another attack on our security forces is highly likely," he said.

"The fact that police have also linked such an attack to the centenary of the Easter rebellion once again demonstrates the dangers of glorifying such past violence."

East Belfast MLA Chris Lyttle said it was a "sickening echo of the past".

"It is difficult to put into words the contempt every right-thinking member of society will have for those behind this," he said.

"The people responsible offer nothing except death, injury and disruption."

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said: "As well as being a direct attempt to kill a prison officer, the thugs and criminals who carried out this vicious murder attempt are attacking everyone who lives on this island."

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly added: "There can be no place for such attacks in our society."
Police said the baby is "doing well" but the child's 40-year-old mother remains in a critical condition after the attack in Sutton Coldfield on Friday afternoon

Police holding a man suspected of stabbing a pregnant woman multiple times in the street have been granted an extra 12 hours to question him.

A 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and taken into custody after a woman was stabbed in Sutton Coldfield on Friday afternoon.

Passers-by flagged down officers on Trinity Hill after the stabbing in the busy town centre, and several members of the public attempted to intervene, two of whom were treated for minor injuries.

The 40-year-old victim was taken away from the scene by air ambulance at around 4pm and h er unborn child was later safely delivered.

The baby girl is doing well although her mother remains in a critical but stable condition, West Midlands Police said.

In a statement on Saturday afternoon the force said officers would be able to continue questioning the man until the early hours of Sunday morning.

Detective Inspector Ian Ingram from the Public Protection Unit added: "We have launched a major investigation and are working hard to understand the circumstances that led up to the assault.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area yesterday afternoon and who may have seen something to come forward and speak to my officers."

On Friday, Chief Inspector Julian Harper told reporters: " They (the man and woman) are believed known to each other so this was what we call a domestic-related situation.

"As such, no other members of the public should be alarmed and should be reassured that we have what we believe is the only person involved in this incident."

He praised the members of the public for "bravely" intervening, saying: "What is clear at this early stage is that two members of the public bravely stepped into what was a dangerous and volatile situation, with complete disregard for their own safety and I commend them for their actions.

"Fortunately, they suffered only minor injuries."

He added the investigation could become a murder probe if the mother does not pull through, but said: " Obviously our wishes are with her and we hope that she will recover."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 17-year-old drama student has told how he intervened to help the pregnant woman after she was stabbed in the busy street.

Christian Blundell said he kept the victim warm with a coat and used napkins to tend to her wounds as she lay breathing but unresponsive.

He told the Mail Online: "I never thought I'd see that much blood, I've never felt so panicked in my life. I was so worried I couldn't tell if she was alive or dead, her hair was soaked red, I couldn't even tell what colour her natural hair was.

"The image of her on the floor is something that I will never be able to not see, you don't forget that kind of thing."

The teenager denied that he was a hero adding: "I did think about the danger I was in, but I'm not somebody who would let an incident pass me by and I had to do something, I hate violence."
The Dunblane Memorial Garden was created to remember those who died in the tragedy almost 20 years ago

Survivors and relatives of the victims of the Dunblane massacre are trying to "power on" with life as the 20th anniversary of the tragedy approaches.

Some of those caught up in the shooting have spoken about it for the first time in a documentary, and said they are determined to be defined by what they do in life rather than what happened to them.

Amy Hutchison was part of the primary one class that was targeted by Thomas Hamilton in the gym hall of Dunblane Primary School on March 13, 1996.

He killed 16 young pupils and their teacher Gwen Mayor before turning the gun on himself.

Dunb lane: Our Story, to be screened by the BBC days before the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, hears from 25-year-old survivor Ms Hutchison as well as head teacher Ron Taylor and the family of some of the victims.

Ms Hutchison was shot in the leg and treated in hospital for six weeks.

She said : "As a child the anger was not there, but looking back now I think 'why?' Why my class, why my school, why my town? Why?

"I don't remember the pain of being shot, I don't remember the noises or sounds, I just remember my leg turning to jelly and falling to the floor and then dragging myself to the gym cupboard where there was other people."

D octors had suggested skin grafts on her left leg in later life to cover scarring caused by the gunshots, but she said: "To me that wasn't an option - these are my scars, they're on my body, it's my story, so I'm not going to hide them. I'm not ashamed of them."

Mr Taylor said the "unimaginable" images from the day still live with him.

He told the documentary: " I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was unimaginably horrible to see children dying in front of you.

"Seeing the staff tending to the injured, seeing the bodies of those who had died - in that moment the enormity of the event hit me. That moment has never left."

To help him cope, Mr Taylor wrote down his memories of the day and stored them in a box in his house - but he has never opened it.

He added: "This event was so unprecedented and so huge with so many implications for so many people that we really must mark this important anniversary.

"It's very difficult for the community and many people might not agree with me, but it's hugely important to help as best we can those who survived and support those who lost."

Alison Ross, the teenage sister of victim Joanna Ross, said it is hard to cope at times but she wants people to see the positive life in Dunblane today.

"It looms over us all I think and it gets a bit hard to accept," she said.

"Even something as simple as her brushing my hair for me - it just isn't there. It always makes me wonder the relationship we could of had. It's just not available now, it's not there at all."

She added: "It needs to be remembered so that everyone's aware that we are still here, we are still getting on with our lives and we didn't just fade into the background either. We still had to power on and push on with our lives and it's important that everyone knows we're doing it, and doing it well."

:: Dunblane: Our Story will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC One Scotland at 9pm on Wednesday.
Many schools are struggling to recruit good teachers, Nicky Morgan has acknowledged.

The Education Secretary said she recognised that teacher recruitment is an issue, but warned school leaders that talk of a "crisis" could put people off wanting to join the profession.

Her comments come amid continuing concerns from headteachers and education experts about a growing teacher shortage, especially in some subjects such as physics.

Addressing the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) annual conference in Birmingham, Mrs Morgan said: " We know, I know, ministers know, that recruitment is a challenge.

"We hear your concerns. And we know that while the headline data shows a sustained low, national vacancy rate, the reality on the ground for many heads is that they are struggling to attract the brightest and the best."

This year, in a growing economy, leading employers are intending to recruit more graduates than last year from a smaller overall graduate poll, she said.

"Even with all other things being equal, we know that you will be facing a challenge.

"So we are doing all that we can to drive recruitment and improve retention. And we are getting more returners to come back into the profession."

New measures on supporting part-time teachers, particularly women, will be announced on Sunday, Mrs Morgan said, and the results of review groups looking at teacher workload are due to be published in the spring.

"I need your help to tackle this challenge," Mrs Morgan told delegates.

"By all means, lobby me about what more the Government can do to improve recruitment and retention. But let's not inadvertently create a vicious cycle where talk of a crisis actively puts people off entering the profession.

"Let's focus on the commenting to the outside world on what a great profession teaching is, how rewarding it can be and what good teachers have the power to do."

Mrs Morgan also responded to a question on creating a national database of teacher vacancies saying: " We are very interested in that, and I do realise just how much money schools have to spend on vacancies and you have other, better things to be spending money on."

During a question and answer session Mrs Morgan was asked about a lack of teachers, school places and funding.

"Let's not accept without question the public narrative we hear," she said.

"I've been very clear in my speech that I absolutely understand the pressure you are under in terms of both recruitment and funding, and we absolutely have ways of addressing this.

"But to be honest with you, in the next financial year, this country is going to spend 40 billion on its schools' education.

"That is the highest amount this country has ever spent on its schools. We have the largest number of teachers ever, over 454,000 in the teaching profession and we are building new school places at the rate of thousands per month to cope with the increase in population.

"So yes, we have challenges but we are absolutely rising to those challenges."

Earlier this week, ASCL warned that here is a "serious danger" that severe budget cuts will mean that schools will not be able to maintain their current standards of education.

Schools across England are being forced to cut courses, equipment and books, increase class sizes and make redundancies amid a continuing squeeze on finances, it said.

The union also warned that growing teacher shortages are having a damaging impact on children's education.

Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw has also raised concerns about teacher shortages, arguing just this week that improvements to England's education system will be undermined if action is not taken to address the issue.

Giving evidence to the Commons Education Select Committee, the Ofsted boss said: "I think what we've got to do as a country is to make sure we get more people applying for teaching and training. And we're not doing that successfully.

"All the great improvements that we've seen over the last few years could be undermined unless we tackle this very serious issue."
Plans to make major changes to pensions have been dropped, a source said

George Osborne has dropped a plan which could have seen savers hit by a tax raid on pensions contributions following stark warnings from experts.

The Chancellor had been reportedly considering unveiling plans to make pensions more like Isas in the Budget on March 16.

But experts had warned it would hit savers and could trigger a crisis with savers rushing to withdraw their retirement funds.

The idea was mooted in 2015 and a consultation into pensions tax relief was launched last summer - but experts warned that if such a move happened it could lead to a Northern Rock-style run on the system.

An Isa-style system would have removed the up-front tax relief on contributions, but allowed withdrawals to be made tax-free instead.

But doing so could mean people feel less inclined to keep their money in their pot, experts warned.

A Treasury source confirmed Mr Osborne had ditched the proposal because he had "always been clear he would not do anything to damage saving".

The proposals had also faced resistance from Tory MPs and It is understood that there will not now be changes to pension tax relief in the Budget.

The pension system has already undergone a huge series of shake-ups in recent years, with the introduction of automatic enrolment into workplace pensions in 2012 and the pension freedoms launched in 2015 which allow people aged 55 and over to take their savings pots how they wish, rather than being required to buy an annuity retirement income.

Pensions Minister Baroness Altmann told the Financial Times: "The freedom and choice reforms have put us in a place where people's pensions can work well for them."

In comments seen as a warning to Mr Osborne not to change the current regime Baroness Altmann, a former consumer campaigner, continued: "However, tax (applied to pension income under the current system) is a natural brake on them spending their pension fund too soon."

Yvonne Braun, director of long term savings at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), said: "The pension Isa would hit today's savers and could create a fiscal time bomb for future generations.

"Many savers would be worse off and it would also damage the economy more widely because of its impact on saving and investment."

Tom McPhail, head of retirement policy at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "An Isa-style reform with tax relief being scrapped in favour of tax-free withdrawals would create the risk of a future Northern Rock-style run on the pension system and the UK stock market.

"Any hint of political interference in the future could result in billions of pounds being withdrawn overnight; it would be hugely unstable."
Media mogul Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall have celebrated their marriage in a private service at a Fleet Street church.

Grey skies and a spattering of rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the happy newlyweds, who exited St Bride's Church looking jubilant.

Scores of famous faces from the entertainment and media worlds attended the hour-long service, held just a day after the pair officially tied the knot at lavish Spencer House in London.

"I can see Jerry Hall," an excited onlooker screamed as the former supermodel emerged looking radiant in an ice-blue knee-length dress with long, sheer sleeves and her blonde curls pulled back off her face.

The 59-year-old paired her understated gown with silver flat shoes and cradled a small bouquet of cream flowers.

She posed with her arms around Murdoch, 84, who wore a navy blue suit and tan shoes.

Wearing huge smiles and laughing, the pair paused briefly for photographs before leaving the church yard hand-in-hand.

The venue in the heart of Fleet Street proclaims itself "the Journalists' Church", offering "a spiritual home to all who work in the media".

Around 100 guests attended the service, including the couple's 10 children from previous marriages.

Among the prestigious guest list was composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, playwright Sir Tom Stoppard and Sir Michael Caine.

Paul Dacre, Rebekah Brooks and Alan Yentob also attended, as did British artist Tracey Emin.

As music and singing filled the church crowds of onlookers pressed up against the railings hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous couple.

Murdoch, whose News UK company publishes The Times and The Sun newspapers, gave reporters a thumbs up before entering the church, flanked by his sons James and Lachlan.

Barry Humphries, the Australian comedian better known as Dame Edna Everage, joked: "I'm not getting married" as reporters asked him how he was feeling.

He said: "I'm very happy. I think it's great, I like them both.

"The wedding present was hard to work out.

"I always liked Jerry but unfortunately I'm married," he joked, before entering the church.

The marriage is the fourth for Mr Murdoch and the second for Hall who had a long relationship with Sir Mick Jagger.

Mr Murdoch and Hall were spotted together at the Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham on October 31 last year and announced their engagement in The Times on January 12.

The notice read: "Mr Rupert Murdoch, father of Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan, James, Grace and Chloe Murdoch, and Miss Jerry Hall, mother of Elizabeth, James, Georgia and Gabriel Jagger, are delighted to announce their engagement."

Music by Wagner, Schubert and Vivaldi filled St Bride's as Murdoch and Hall celebrated their marriage among family and friends.

The rings were blessed and the newly-weds reaffirmed their marriage vows during the hour-long service, conducted by the Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce, Rector of St Bride's church.

The congregation was asked: "Will you, the families and friends of Rupert and Jerry, support and uphold them in their marriage now and in the years to come?" to which they replied "We will."

Murdoch's son, James, read out a passage from the Bible - 1 Corinthians 13 - to mark the occasion.

The second reading was performed by Gabriel Jagger, Hall's son from her previous relationship to the Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

The teenager read an excerpt from the Chinese text Tao te Ching, by Laozi.

Hymns including Amazing Grace and Jerusalem were sung, while St Bride's choir performed Set Me As A Seal Upon Thine Heart.

The pair then signed St Bride's register of blessings before exiting the church to the sound of Vivaldi's Gloria.
Homeowners were allowed back to their houses after police removed a 'viable device' from a Belfast street

Police have found a second viable explosive device in a residential street in west Belfast.

A security alert sparked by what police called a "suspicious object" in Glencolin Walk ended shortly before 10pm after several hours.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) tweeted: "Security alert at Glencolin Walk, Belfast has ended. Suspicious object declared viable device. Glen Road has been reopened."

Earlier, homeowners were evacuated as specialist officers removed another "viable device" from Ramoan Drive.

Inspector Mark Cavanagh said: "ATO (a mmunition technical officers) examined a suspicious object and declared it a viable device. It has been taken away for further examination. "

The first alert was declared over at around 3pm.

Sinn Fein MLA Alex Maskey condemned those behind the scares, which come a day after a prison guard was injured in a bomb attack in the east of the city.

He said: "Devices were left close to two homes in west Belfast over the last 24 hours.

"I condemn unreservedly the people behind these attacks who have succeeded only in putting the lives of local people at risk and bringing disruption to the community.

"It's understood these attacks are linked to a despicable attempt at extortion by a criminal gang masquerading as Republicans.

"These people should end their criminality now and get off the backs of the community."

A 52-year-old prison officer, a married father of three, required surgery after an explosive device detonated under the van he was driving to work on Friday morning. His condition is described as stable.

Police commanders have expressed fears it may be the first of a number of dissident republican murder bids launched to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising.

PSNI assistant chief constable Stephen Martin said he was extremely concerned about an upsurge in dissident activity ahead of the forthcoming 100th anniversary of the republican rebellion against British rule in Dublin.
Jason Lawrence, 50, raped five women and sexually assaulted two others after meeting them on internet dating site match.com (Derbyshire Police/PA)

A judge has called for a review of internet dating safety measures after handing a life sentence to a "devious and manipulative" serial rapist who attacked seven women he met online.

Judge Gregory Dickinson QC ordered Jason Lawrance to serve at least 12 years and six months before the Parole Board can even consider his release.

The 50-year-old, from Liphook in Hampshire, was also made the subject of restraining orders banning him from making any future attempt at direct or indirect contact with his victims.

After jailing Lawrance, who showed no emotion in the dock, Judge Dickinson expressed concern that four of the victims had made complaints to dating site match.com before three other women were raped.

The trial at Derby Crown Court was told one of the victims had been interviewed by police in Lincolnshire and another had, through her friend, contacted Leicestershire Police.

Although he accepted that the vast majority of people using dating sites were simply looking for companionship, Judge Dickinson went on: "The seriousness of this case provides both the need and the opportunity to learn something and to take steps to increase protection for others in the future.

"It does seem to me that, in this age of easy access to data and records, there should be a system which allows one authority to be a central point of contact for any complaint of this nature.

"Most if not all of the victims had not tried to hide from their families and friends that they were on a dating site - they had told them that they were meeting the defendant.

"It does seem to me consideration should be given to a system of automatic referral to the police or some other central agency of any complaint that is made."

Judge Dickinson told the court - in which none of the victims was present - that no one person or organisation had been in a position to "join the dots" or have an overview of the complaints made to the website.

Lawrance's trial heard that the former company director texted one of his victims after attacking her, apologising for "hurting her" and saying: "When you were crying out for me to stop I couldn't, I'm so mad at myself xxx."

The jury of six women and six men heard that Lawrance raped another woman in the back of a van parked in a field in Northamptonshire, and a third was attacked at her home in Lincolnshire while her son was asleep in a nearby bedroom.

Sentencing Lawrance for the attacks between June 2011 and November 2014, Judge Dickinson said: "I am convinced that you are devious, manipulative and highly dangerous to women.

"In my judgment these offences taken together - so many victims, the trail of terror and agony for which you are responsible - mean that the imposition of a sentence of imprisonment for life is fully justified."

After stressing that the minimum term equated only to the earliest stage at which Lawrance could be considered for release, Judge Dickinson told the self-employed builder: "I am compelled to the dreadful conclusion that you enjoyed raping women.

"After these terrible crimes you acted as if nothing had happened.

"You have shown no remorse - zero appreciation of the seriousness of these offences - for the pain you have inflicted on these ladies, their families and their friends."

Lawrance, a former amateur boxer, was convicted of five counts of rape, one of sexual assault and an attempted rape.

In a statement issued after the hearing, match.com said: "Having worked with the police on this case for more than a year, we welcome the jury's verdict and today's sentence.

"We are very sorry for those affected, and appalled by these terrible acts. Sadly, there is a tiny minority of people who set out to harm others.

"While this is not confined to dating sites or even the internet, those who do so

should be convicted and sentenced, as has happened in this case.

"Our members' safety is our highest priority."

Match.com added that it was committed to working with the dating industry as a whole to raise standards and ensure the best possible protection and support for its users.
The Enterprise Bill proposes devolution of power to extend Sunday trading hours to English and Welsh councils

The UK and Scottish Labour leaders have united to urge the SNP not to back plans to relax Sunday shopping laws in England and Wales.

Jeremy Corbyn and Kezia Dugdale have penned a joint letter calling on First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon to rule out supporting the move.

The UK Government's Enterprise Bill proposes devolving the power to extend Sunday trading hours to English and Welsh local authorities.

While Scotland already has control of Sunday shopping laws, opponents of the new legislation for England and Wales warn it could impact on premiums - the extra pay Scottish shopworkers receive for working Sundays - as big retailers compensate for staying open longer in other parts of the UK.

The legislation was originally opposed by the SNP but the party has since welcomed additional protections for employees brought forward by the UK Government.

In the letter, sent before a vote on the Bill next week, Mr Corbyn and Ms Dugdale said Labour was "strongly opposed" to the Bill, which would "l ead to the gradual erosion and diminution of workers' pay and rights across the UK".

The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) says a third of Scottish shop workers employed by large retailers receive premium payments worth 1,400 a year.

In a speech to the Usdaw conference in Cumbernauld, Ms Dugdale said: "Nicola Sturgeon must not turn her back on the commitments made that her party would vote against this attack on shop workers.

"The rights of Scottish workers must not be subject to a Tory-SNP stich up in Westminster."

Usdaw general secretary John Hannett added: " Retailers have previously reduced or removed Sunday premiums to offset the costs of opening stores for longer. If that happens again in UK-wide companies, Scottish shop workers will pay the price of longer opening hours in England and Wales.

"The SNP took a strong position on protecting Scottish shop workers' pay and that threat looms as large today as it did before Christmas.

"So Scottish shop workers would feel betrayed if SNP MPs did anything other than maintain their opposition to the Sunday trading clauses in the Enterprise Bill."

Hannah Bardell MP, the SNP's business spokeswoman, said: "O ur initial concern and opposition was primarily around the potential knock-on impact to Scottish workers of any changes in England and Wales to Sunday trading.

"The SNP welcome the provision for additional employee protections that the UK Government has brought forward in new schedule 1 of the Enterprise Bill, which amends the Employment Rights Act to amongst other provisions protect any worker from being forced into working on a Sunday.

"Without the strong and principled action of the SNP, such protections may never have materialised.

"On behalf of the SNP I have met with and engaged with a wide range of interested stakeholders in recent weeks and will continue to do so in the run-up to report stage of the Bill before we reach a final position."
More than half of the school leaders surveyed said they have seen a large increase in students suffering from anxiety and stress in the last five years

Rising numbers of young people are suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety and stress, according to a report.

Today's children are facing an "extraordinary range" of pressures - including modern technology - and specialist care needs to be available.

But there is a serious gap in the care on offer beyond the school gates, it warns.

The report, by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) and the National Children's Bureau says that while schools are seeing more young people in need of help, many are struggling to obtain mental health care for those that need specialist support.

A survey of 338 school leaders, many working in secondary schools, found that more than half (55%) have seen a large increase in students suffering from anxiety and stress in the last five years, while more than 40% said there had been a big increase in cyberbullying.

In addition, nearly eight in 10 (79%) said they had seen a rise in self harm or suicidal thoughts among pupils.

Almost two thirds (65%) said they had faced challenges in obtaining mental health care from services in their area for youngsters who need specialist support, while 53% of those who had made a referral to their Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) rated their effectiveness as poor or very poor.

The report concludes: "It is clear that there are very good and effective counselling services within many schools, but the concerns over CAMHS reflect the need for a greater level of specialist support beyond the school gates.

"There is a widespread desire among school leaders to see this service expanded. While schools can work to promote good mental health through the curriculum and, in many cases, provide initial counselling for those experiencing difficulties, they cannot work alone. Children and young people need access to a wider range of early intervention services beyond the school gates, and when they do get ill, the NHS needs to step in with adequately resourced and accessible treatment.

In his speech to ASCL's annual conference in Birmingham on Saturday, ASCL Interim General Secretary Malcolm Trobe will say: "While schools do an excellent job in providing their own support on-site, our survey shows a serious gap in mental health provision beyond the school gates.

"The fact is that children today face an extraordinary range of pressures. They live in a world of enormously high expectations, where new technologies present totally new challenges such as cyberbullying. There has seldom been a time when specialist mental health care is so badly needed and yet it often appears to be the poor relation of the health service.

"Its importance cannot be over-emphasised. Early intervention is essential before problems become entrenched and start to increase in severity."

Anna Feuchtwang, chief executive of the National Children's Bureau, said: "While schools are doing their best to help, in cases where children are in acute need they require specialist mental health services to step in and provide support. Unfortunately, teachers say that limited capacity in these services often makes referrals very difficult."

A Government spokeswoman said: "Schools have an important role to play in tackling children's mental health issues, but teachers are not mental health professionals and they should have the support of specialist services. That's why this government is investing 1.4 billion to transform mental health support for children and young people.

"We have invested 3 million in a pilot scheme with NHS England to trial single points of contact for schools to ensure support is joined up and quickly available when needed. We are also providing schools with advice on how to discuss good mental health in class and producing guidance for parents to spot the signs of cyber bullying."
Extremists trying to recruit youngsters online may also use the regular post to maintain contact, a conference was told

Parents should keep a check on post delivered to their children to help keep them safe from online predators, it has been suggested.

There are considerable risks to youngsters using the internet, and young people need to understand the dangers, according to Kamal Hanif, executive head of Waverley School in Birmingham.

Individuals attempting to groom youngsters online could send expensive gifts to encourage the child to keep in contact, he said.

Speaking at a session on keeping children safe from radicalisation and extremism at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) annual conference, Mr Hanif also said that his school asks mothers and fathers to provide details of their holiday plans if they are taking children out of school in term time, and warns they may share the information if they think the youngster is at risk.

"There's considerable online harm, considerable risks there. It's making young people understand what those are," he said.

"It's very simply grooming, it doesn't matter whether it's radicalisation or sexual grooming, they use the same tactics. They'll ask young people to send through pictures, say 'you've got nice eyes, you've got nice hair'. They might try and prey on vulnerability as well, ask 'is mum or dad around?'"

If a child's father is not around, they may try to act as a father figure, Mr Hanif said, adding: "If they can't afford this they'll start sending through gifts or money or phones etc to keep that communication going and keeping it private."

He said he had told parents to be aware of what arrives through the door.

"I've come across a number of parents who said 'well actually, I just thought it was my child buying something off eBay',", the headteacher said.

"As one parent realised, 'there's really expensive stuff coming through and we can't afford that so how is my daughter managed to get it?' Looking into it further it was someone trying to groom her online."

"It's making parents aware, it's monitoring those sort of simple things that they can do at home as well as in school."

Mr Hanif also said that his school has "very robust procedures" in place for children travelling abroad.

"So if parents want to take a child away on holiday we've created forms where we ask where they're going to, who the contact details are of any relatives over here should there be an issue, contacts of where they're going to, where they'll be staying, is there are contact person there, and we will check all of that out.

"We also make it clear that should they be travelling to anywhere that there's government advice to say it's an area of risk, then parents will be invited in and that we will have discussions with external agencies. All of our parents are very aware that we have those procedures in place. So it's not just a case of 'I need some leave' or 'I'm taking a child away on holiday during term time'. The school will be following it up and may be talking to external agencies."

The Government has announced a series of reforms in recent months designed to tackle extremism and keep children safe.

Earlier this year, ministers said that schools are be told to set filters and monitor pupils' internet access, amid growing concerns that some youngsters are at risk of being targeted by extremist groups, and a number of high-profile cases involving schoolchildren travelling, or attempting to travel, to Syria.

Ministers said that, in some cases, young people had been able to access information about self-proclaimed Islamic State, otherwise known as Daesh, and foreign fighters through school computers.

A website has also been set up to give parents and teachers advice on protecting children from extremism.
The 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire has been marked with a re-enactment along the original flightpath taken by the aircraft.

The Spitfire, flown by Matt Jones, took off from Southampton Airport to follow the route which the prototype took in 1936, heading along the Hampshire coast to Portsmouth before returning.

The flight took the Spitfire close to the resting place of the aircraft's chief designer RJ Mitchell at South Stoneham Cemetery and also passed near to the site of the old Supermarine factory in Woolston where thousands of the aircraft were built.

Members of the local 2428 (Hedge End) Air Cadet Squadron were also present to perform a guard of honour for the Spitfire as it was wheeled out of the hangar.

Among the guests was one of the engineers during the aircraft's heyday, Gordon Monger, from Cirencester, Gloucestershire, and his wife, Judy, the daughter of one of the designers Ernest Mansbridge.

Mr Monger, 90, said: "It doesn't seem real to me after all these years. It still looks as marvellous to me as it did all those years ago."

Dave Lees, managing director of Southampton Airport said: "Who would have thought that 80 years after the maiden flight from Southampton Airport of Spitfire K5054, this famous aircraft would still be inspiring new businesses and young people. I am sure that RJ Mitchell, the chief designer, would be very proud that the Spitfire continues to enthrall people today."

Here's where you'll see the Spitfire 80th anniversary flight on Saturday https://t.co/RKOrgUaEku #Spitfire80 pic.twitter.com/6MKp3AsfCy  BBC South Today (@BBCSouthToday) March 4, 2016

Mr Jones, the co-founder of new venture Flying With Spitfires which has helped organise the event, said: "We are delighted to be launching our new business from the birthplace of the Spitfire on this very special day."
The Afghan Taliban ruled out talks while there are foreign troops in the country

The Afghan Taliban says it will not participate in a peace process with Kabul's government until foreign forces in Afghanistan stop attacking its positions and leave the country.

In a statement on Saturday, a Taliban spokesman said the insurgents "reject" peace talks between representatives of the Taliban and Afghan authorities.

Direct face-to-face talks were expected to take place in the Pakistani capital Islamabad next week. Afghan officials have characterised the meeting as the first real step in a peace process aimed at ending the war, now in its 15th year.

The Taliban statement, however, says the insurgents will not take part.

It accuses the US of boosting troop numbers, carrying out air strikes and night raids on residential compounds. It also says Kabul's forces have escalated their fight against the insurgents.
Volunteers in the Calais camp have spoken out about the lack of procedure in reporting serious cases of sexual abuse. [File photo]

Teenage boys are being raped in the Calais Jungle, aid workers have claimed, amid concerns over the lack of child protection measures in place in the refugee camp  and the risks of abuse facing thousands of displaced children across the continent.

Medical volunteers helping those camped outside the French town told The Independent they have treated seven boys aged between 14 and 16 in the past six months. who claimed to have been raped. They all had injuries consistent with these claims.

In four cases, the boys required surgery. Only one attended hospital, however, with the others refusing treatment for fear of repercussions or through shame at having been abused.

The Independent newspaper spoke to a GMC-registered doctor to whom the volunteers reported the incidents. He confirmed knowledge of the cases.

Europol, the EUs law enforcement agency, has also raised concerns that unaccompanied refugee children across the continent are at high risk of sexual exploitation.

In January, a senior representative of Europol estimated that 10,000 unaccompanied children had gone missing within Europe.

Volunteers in the Calais camp have spoken out about the lack of procedure in reporting serious cases of sexual abuse. They add that the French governments refusal to classify the camp as a humanitarian crisis is causing major child protection issues.

Expand Close Europol has raised concerns that unaccompanied refugee children across the continent are at high risk of sexual exploitation [File photo] / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Europol has raised concerns that unaccompanied refugee children across the continent are at high risk of sexual exploitation [File photo]

If I took one of the boys to the police and said Im one of the medics and I know this boy has been sexually abused, I could guarantee they would shrug their shoulders and continue their conversation, said one of the volunteers.

I have three boys of my own and this is horrendous, they added. These boys would have left their homes and their parents would have thought they were safe and that they were going to a better life, fleeing violence and they end up at 14 being raped in a refugee camp. That it is going on in Europe makes it even more unacceptable.

The volunteers said they referred the reports to Medecins Sans Frontieres, the largest organisation operating within the camp.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Migrants run past burning tents in a makeshift camp near Calais, France, Monday Feb. 29, 2016. French authorities have begun dismantling part of the sprawling camp locally referred to as "the jungle" where thousands are hanging out, hoping to make their way to a better life in Britain. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) AP A migrant uses a fire extinguisher on a group of burning tents in a makeshift camp near Calais, France, Monday Feb. 29, 2016. Under the eye of hundreds of riot police, workers began pulling down tents and makeshift shelters in the sprawling camp in Calais on Monday, dismantling the fragile structures that have served as temporary homes for migrants hoping to make their way to a better life in Britain. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) AP Migrants run past burning tents in a makeshift camp near Calais, France, Monday Feb. 29, 2016. Under the eye of hundreds of riot police, workers began pulling down tents and makeshift shelters in the sprawling camp in Calais on Monday, dismantling the fragile structures that have served as temporary homes for migrants hoping to make their way to a better life in Britain. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay) AP Workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Policemen look on as workers dismantle shelters in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic: Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many of the migrants wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. Pic Getty AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Migrants stand next to shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France as workers dismantle the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Workers dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. Pic Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Agents dismantle a shelter on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Policemen stand next to shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France as agents dismantle the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Policemen stand as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Policemen stand as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Handout file photo taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @GoodChanceCal of police vans lined up around the perimeter of the Calais migrant camp known as the Jungle as demolition teams have moved in to start dismantling makeshift homes. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday February 29, 2016. A spokeswoman for the Help Refugees charity said police had blocked entrances to the sprawling camp, which is home to around 4,000 people. See PA story POLITICS Jungle. Photo credit should read: @GoodChanceCal/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Handout file photo taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @GoodChanceCal of police in the Calais migrant camp known as the Jungle as demolition teams have moved in to start dismantling makeshift homes. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday February 29, 2016. A spokeswoman for the Help Refugees charity said police had blocked entrances to the sprawling camp, which is home to around 4,000 people. See PA story POLITICS Jungle. Photo credit should read: @GoodChanceCal/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Handout file photo taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @GoodChanceCal of police in the Calais migrant camp known as the Jungle as demolition teams have moved in to start dismantling makeshift homes. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday February 29, 2016. A spokeswoman for the Help Refugees charity said police had blocked entrances to the sprawling camp, which is home to around 4,000 people. See PA story POLITICS Jungle. Photo credit should read: @GoodChanceCal/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Helmeted workers pull down makeshift structures where migrants sleep in the southern sector of the camp near the northern port of Calais, France, Monday, Feb. 29, 2016. French authorities have begun dismantling the sprawling migrant camp in Calais where thousands are hanging out, hoping to make their way to a better life in Britain. (AP Photo/Chris den Hond) AP Helmeted workers pull down makeshift structures where migrants sleep in the southern sector of the camp near the northern port of Calais, France, Monday, Feb. 29, 2016. French authorities have begun dismantling the sprawling migrant camp in Calais where thousands are hanging out, hoping to make their way to a better life in Britain. (AP Photo/Chris den Hond) AP Agents dismantle a shelter on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Police officers safeguard helmeted workers pulling down makeshift structures where migrants sleep in the southern sector of the camp near the northern port of Calais, France, Monday, Feb. 29, 2016. French authorities have begun dismantling the sprawling migrant camp in Calais where thousands are hanging out, hoping to make their way to a better life in Britain. (AP Photo/Chris den Hond) AP Agents dismantle a shelter as anti-riot policemen stand nearby on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Agents dismantle a shelter as anti-riot policemen stand nearby on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Agents dismantle a shelter as anti-riot policemen stand in front of migrants nearby on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Anti-riot policemen stand next to a school sign and gathered people as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images An anti-riot policeman stands as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Migrants walk past anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Migrants watch as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images An anti-riot policeman gestures as he speaks to a migrant while agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man stands on a shelter's roof next to anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man carrying belongings walks past a man sitting on a shelter's roof next to anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A migrant watches next to a policeman as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A migrant gestures next to a policeman as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Policemen walk as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Policemen walk as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man refusing to leave stands on a shelter's roof next to anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man sits on a shelter's roof as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A policeman gestures with a man as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images People sit on a shelter's roof in front of anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man sits on a shelter's roof in front of anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man sits on a shelter's roof in front of anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man stands on a shelter's roof in front of anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man sits on a shelter's roof in front of anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images People stand on a shelter's roof in front of anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man on a shelter's roof refusing to leave gestures in front of anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man on a shelter's roof refusing to leave speaks with anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A man on a shelter's roof refusing to leave speak with anti-riot policemen as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Anti-riot policemen stand in front of migrants as agents dismantle shelters on February 29, 2016 in the "jungle" migrants and refugees camp in Calais, northern France. A French court on February 25 gave the green light to plans to evacuate hundreds of migrants from the southern half of the sprawling camp in the port town, with many wanting to stay near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, the gateway to their ultimate goal of Britain. AFP PHOTO / PHILIPPE HUGUENPHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images CALAIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 28: Migrants walk along a railway line near the 'jungle' camp on February 28, 2016 in Calais, France. The French authorities have begun dismantling part of the jungle encampment and relocating migrants to purpose-built accommodation nearby. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images) Getty Images / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Migrants run past burning tents in a makeshift camp near Calais, France, Monday Feb. 29, 2016. French authorities have begun dismantling part of the sprawling camp locally referred to as "the jungle" where thousands are hanging out, hoping to make their way to a better life in Britain. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)

Aid agencies have largely been absent from the Calais camp, leaving volunteers to fill their place. The UNHCR has a remit to administer care in refugee camps only if a humanitarian crisis has been declared or if invited to do so by the host government.

With the clearance of the southern half of the camp, which includes the women and childrens centre and commenced on 29 February, the plight of the unaccompanied children has reached crisis point.

Concerns have been raised consistently that a lack of adequate alternative provision for the unaccompanied children  estimated to number up to 500  has left them at grave risk of falling prey to criminal gangs. In most cases, these children have travelled from their home countries with traffickers.

A spokesperson for Save the Children acknowledged that sexual abuse has been carried out against children in Calais, adding that it was part of a Europe-wide problem and calling on the British government to ease the path of entry into the country for children with a legitimate asylum claim.

We know that unaccompanied children, of whom there are over 400 in the camp and tens of thousands across the continent, are the most vulnerable of the vulnerable. They have travelled hundreds of miles without the protection of adults or families.

They face exploitation in all different forms, including sexual exploitation, often at the hands of criminal gangs. Save the Children has seen it in Italy, in Greece and in Calais too unfortunately.

Many of the children who are in Calais have family in the UK and a right to asylum here but the process is so complex that it can take years... In the meantime they are living in very dangerous situations when they could be safely with their families in the UK.

A spokesperson for Europol said the organisation had declared the figure of 10,000 missing children across the continent to raise awareness of the vulnerability of unaccompanied minors traveling with the migrant flow.

Unaccompanied minors are vulnerable due to their young age and may be especially vulnerable to different forms of exploitation, he added.

Medecins Sans Frontieres was unable to confirm having received the reports of sexual abuse against minors. The volunteers with whom The Independent spoke also raised concerns that a sex trade was operating within the camp, saying that boys as young as 13 asked them for condoms. They added that attempts to distribute rape alarms were largely futile as there is nobody here to hear them.

Independent
A regional governor has called on the Greek government to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing where thousands of migrants are stranded due to border restrictions along the route towards western Europe.

Some 13,000-14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia.

That means the area handles about 60% of the total number of migrants in the country.

"It's a huge humanitarian crisis. I have asked the government to declare the area in a state of emergency," Tzitzikostas said during a visit to Idomeni to distribute aid to the Red Cross and other non-governmental organisations.

"This cannot continue for much longer."

The neighbouring former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia has stopped all but a trickle of Iraqi and Syrian refugees from crossing, following similar restrictions by countries further north on the migration route.

The moves have caused a huge bottleneck in Greece, whose islands' proximity to the Turkish coast has made it the preferred entry point for refugees and other migrants seeking better lives in Europe.

Greek authorities said only 184 people crossed the border between 6am Friday and the same time Saturday morning, while another 100 crossed between 6am and 6pm.

"The former Yugoslav republic needs to open immediately its borders and the European Union needs to implement severe action against the countries that are closing borders today, whether they are members of the European Union or candidate members," Tzitzikostas said. "This is unacceptable what they are doing."

The governor said the region needed the emergency measures - alternatively for the law to be amended - so that regional authorities can obtain the necessary emergency supplies and food to support the refugees and improve their living conditions. He also called on the government to provide a comprehensive plan on how to handle the migration crisis.

The refugee camp at Idomeni has a capacity of about 2,000 and has dramatically overflowed, with new arrivals daily setting up small tents along the railway tracks next to the camp and spilling out into surrounding fields.

Hundreds of men, women and children arrive each day, walking more than 10 miles from a nearby petrol station where an impromptu camp has been set up. Greek authorities have been trying to discourage more people from arriving because of the bottleneck, but many prefer to wait at the border than in other refugee camps set up nearby, in the hope of getting into the giant line waiting to cross.

As the impromptu camp in the fields has swelled, many of its residents have begun to settle in for the medium term, realising they will be here for several days at the very least. Authorities set up more large tents on Saturday to house the increasing number of arrivals.
South African paralympian Oscar Pistorius listens to the judgement during a bail hearing at the Pretoria High Court on December 8, 2015. Pistorius was released on bail after his conviction for his girlfriend's murder, as his lawyers said they would launch an appeal to South Africa's constitutional court. South African appeal judges last week found him guilty of murder and overturned his earlier conviction on the lesser charge of culpable homicide for shooting dead Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. / AFP / POOL AND AFP / HERMAN VERWEYHERMAN VERWEY/AFP/Getty Images

Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius places his hands on his face as he stands in the dock at the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa during his bail hearing, on December 8, 2015. Former Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius will appear in court for a bail hearing that could put him back in prison after he was convicted of his girlfriend's murder on appeal. South African appeal judges last week found him guilty of murder and overturned his earlier conviction on the lesser charge of culpable homicide for shooting dead Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. / AFP / POOL / SIPHIWE SIBEKOSIPHIWE SIBEKO/AFP/Getty Images

Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock in a courtroom at the High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, Tuesday Dec. 8, 2015. (AP Photo/Siphiwe Sibeko, Pool)

Oscar Pistorius has spoken out for the first time since he was denied leave to appeal his conviction for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, asking a journalist: "Have you no soul?"

Pistorius has served one year of his five-year sentence for manslaughter and was due to spend the rest of his sentence under house arrest.

While he was convicted of culpable homicide for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp by shooting her four times through a locked bathroom door on Valentine's Day in February 2013, his sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court of Appeal to murder in December.

Defence lawyer Andrew Fawcett said the court will proceeding with sentencing on 18 April. A murder conviction carries a minimum 15-year prison sentence.

Hours after the former Paralympic athlete was denied leave to appeal his conviction, his brother tweeted the single word: "Shattered".

Nine constitutional court judges, led by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, considered the application before turning it down.

Pistorius has not been seen in months, and is currently staying at his uncle's mansion on bail.

When asked by a reporter from South Africa's Times newspaper how he was feeling, he text back: "I have asked you not to call me.

"Do you have no soul to respect someone in a time like this that all you can think of is your career?"

The only remaining hope for Pistorius to minimise his time behind bars would be to make an appeal against sentence.

Source Independent
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds up a child he pulled from the crowd in New Orleans (AP)

Ted Cruz has won the Republican presidential caucuses in Kansas, adding to his victories in Iowa, Alaska, Oklahoma and his home state of Texas.

It is the first result on a day in which Republicans are voting or holding caucuses in four states.

Mr Cruz, Donald Trump, Marco Rubio and John Kasich are also competing in Maine, Kentucky and Louisiana.

Meanwhile Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are vying for support in Nebraska, Kansas and Louisiana.

Mr Cruz will collect at least 17 delegates for winning in Kansas, and Mr Trump will win at least six. There are a total of 155 delegates at stake in four the states on Saturday.

In the overall race for delegates, Mr Trump has 335 and Mr Cruz has 248. Mr Rubio has 110 delegates and Mr Kasich has 25.

It takes 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination for president.
Hands on: clergymen and women of all denominations face their own difficult day-to-day challenges

The recent story in a Sunday newspaper claiming a Roman Catholic priest took cocaine in a parochial house in Banbridge raised many eyebrows.

This is a sad, human story, but it is also a revelation that life for those who take the cloth is a lot more challenging than many believe.

Some people will rightly condemn such behaviour as a bad example for the Church and parishioners, some will have sympathy, and yet others will feel a bit of both.

However, the story raises the question of what is being done to assist clergy in personal difficulties, and this week I discussed this issue with a Catholic priest, who is also a psychologist, on BBC's Good Morning Ulster.

In the initial coverage of the story, the emphasis was about how the priesthood deals with personal difficulties, but I have tried to widen the debate to include clergy of the Reformed tradition as well.

On the positive side priests and ministers can receive great fulfilment in a job where they can bring comfort, encouragement and inspiration to others, and where they are following their deeply felt religious vocation.

However, there are also downsides. A cleric has a difficult role in running a parish, dealing constantly with bereavement and illness among parishioners, and also dealing with his or her own emotions and challenges.

It was ironic that the death occurred this week of the accomplished Irish actor Frank Kelly who portrayed the rebellious and drunken Father Jack in that wonderful series Father Ted.

This, of course, was a total caricature but, like every good satire, it held grains of truth. The Father Ted series was hilarious, but it also showed the loneliness of many ageing men in the priesthood.

That is not to say that all older (or younger) priests are lonely, but I have met quite a few Catholic clergy who were in need of the family comforts and support that bachelorhood cannot bring.

However, those male and female clerics in the Reformed tradition who are married with families, also face their own special challenges. Many a time I have been annoyed by individual clergy whom I no doubt have annoyed equally, and this is all part of the rich tapestry of reporting on religion.

However, I respect all those who follow their vocation as clerics, irrespective of their theology. It is a difficult job, and it has an inherent loneliness that faces all leaders.

Clerics, in my opinion, cannot be everyone's buddy. They can be pastors and helpers, but in the end they stand apart, and they are held personally responsible for the leadership of all their flock, under God.

Some do it well, but others not so. Quite often the parishioners could do better, too, and some of the disgraceful, petty and un-Christian rows that simmer between Church people burst into the open, and do no credit to anyone.

A leading Presbyterian professor, now long deceased, once told me of the "blessed additions" to his congregation, but he also thanked God for the "blessed subtractions", including the trouble makers.

We are often critical of the clergy, and in many cases rightly so, but we must not place them on an impossible pedestal. They ought to aspire to be the best. However, like us, they could do better, but they are also human. I am sure God understands this, too.
Almost exactly 100 years after the Easter Rising, the legacy of nihilistic republican violence continues to blight life in this part of the island. Dissidents who claim a spurious lineage to those who took part in that rebellion have nothing to offer and are rejected by the overwhelming majority of people on all parts of the island.

What they seem unable to accept is that the Republic, formed out of the conflict a century ago, is now a modern, fully-functioning and democratic European country which abhors the actions of these maverick republicans.

Yesterday's murder attempt on a prison officer in east Belfast shows the mindset of the dissidents, and the PSNI is well aware that further attacks on police and prison officers are likely in the weeks leading up to Easter.

It is obvious, given the reconnaissance and planning that must have gone into the murder bid, that the dissidents are experienced terrorists and pose a viable threat.

Mercifully, their intent to kill failed, and the thoughts of all right-thinking people are with the injured prison officer attacked simply because of the vital job he does. Everyone will hope that he recovers from his serious but, thankfully, non-life-threatening injuries.

Today, we carry the inspirational story of another victim of dissidents, Claire Bowes, who was blinded at the age of 15 in the Omagh bomb which took 29 lives and killed two unborn children.

She overcame her disability to gain the qualifications to go to university and graduate and has since opened her own music academy in Omagh.

What determination and spirit this mum-of-three has displayed, showing that even out of the most evil deeds the human spirit can triumph.

It is for people like Claire and the injured prison officer that we must rid our society of the scourge of violence and give the PSNI the resources and information to defeat the dissidents.
Yesterday, after running a bunch of errands, I stopped to fill up my gas tank before going home. I got out of the car, went through the usual round of 20 questions with the pump and started pumping my gas. While it did its thing, I people watched observing the people going in and out of the store and driving up and down the road.

When it finally reached its fill and the pump automatically shut off, I popped out of the zoned-out state I had been in, only to realize that I had been holding the handle down very awkwardly and had been basically pinching the tip of my finger the whole time. As I observed the deep, red indentation in my finger and (finally) started to feel the pain, I wondered

How in the world did I just stand here for all that time and not realize I was hurting myself?

Whats funny is, its not the first time Ive done something like this either.

Like many women my age, I invested in one of those new-fangled curling irons a few years ago, where instead of the curling iron doing all of the work and holding your hair in place with a big ol clamp, you curl it around the wand manually with your hand. This means by the time you get to the very tip of your hair, your fingers are about a millimeter away from the 300-some degree iron.

You know where this is going, dont you?

Yes, a couple times, I have stood there and basically cooked my fingers for a good 3 or 4 seconds before I realized what I was doing. Especially if it was in the back of my head, where I couldnt see what I was doing very well.

Both times, I wondered, Why didnt I feel that right away and stop? Or change how I was holding it?

But as I stood at the gas station yesterday, I realized we all do this to ourselves a lot in life. With a lot bigger things than a gas pump or curling iron.

Have you been in a situation before that was hurting you but you were oblivious to it? Have you caught yourself doing something that was causing you pain, but you hadnt even realized it for days? Months or years?

Maybe youve been in a relationship that was toxic but you couldnt see it worked a job that was so stressful, it was detrimental to your health or just had a bad habit that you didnt realize was taking a such a big toll on you.

Often, we become blind to the things in our own lives that need to change. Continuing along, until one day, we suddenly feel the pain and realize weve been hurting for quite some time.

Sometimes its because were distracted like I was at the gas pump and too busy watching everyone else around us, to take a good look at our own life. Or other times, it may be because we cant see what were doing very well. For example, being blinded by love in a bad relationship or in denial about how your health is suffering from your job because you enjoy the salary or the benefits.

But no matter how long it takes you to see it, the good news is its never too late to make a change. Sure, you might still end up with a little bruise or a burn, but over time, those wounds will heal.

And no doubt, youll remember to watch your fingers the next time around.
Jeremy Clarkson is up to no good again. While filming his new show in Barbados, he went to social media and posted a picture with the caption had a bit of an accident while filming. The photo was of a car that looks completely destroyed with only the number plate being the recognizable item.

The Ex Top Gear host has been hard at work since last year filming his new and still untitled show. Glimpses into the shows content via social media pictures like this one hits that there will be lots of toying around, and a bit of talk about cars. Even though that sounds awfully similar to the work at his previous post, I will probably still watch it for the sake of enjoying Clarksons sarcastic humor.


For Immediate Release, March 4, 2016 Contact: Peter Galvin, (707) 986-2600, pgalvin@biologicaldiversity.org Statement on Murder of Honduran Environmentalist and Human Rights Activist Berta Caceres TUCSON, Ariz. Peter Galvin, director of programs at the Center for Biological Diversity, released this statement today about the murder of Honduran environmentalist and human rights activist Berta Caceres: We are deeply saddened by the brutal and senseless killing of Berta Caceres. She was a tireless advocate for indigenous rights and environmental justice. She fought for a better world for Central Americans and all of us. Any murder is deplorable but its especially heinous when it involves someone who has dedicated her life to such critical causes. Caceres was recently awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for her work to stop one of the worlds largest dams, the Agua Zarca. The project would have profound consequences for the regions residents, including the Lenca people. Caceres spoke out with dignity and compassion in the face of difficult odds. Her work drew wide admiration and must be carried on. Were calling on law enforcement authorities to fully investigate this deplorable crime and bring those responsible to justice. Her fight is shared by those around the world who struggle to protect human dignity, wildlife, wild places and cultural diversity. Violence perpetrated against those who pursue these causes is unacceptable and must be condemned not just in Central America but around the world. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 990,000 members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
Czech Deputy PM supports Donald Trump: "He has a solution for the immigration problem"

5. 3. 2016

cas cteni < 1 minuta





Andrej Babis, one of the most powerful oligarchs in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia and the Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Secretary, supports Donald Trump for the post of the US President.

"I really like some of the things that Donald Trump says, which I suppose was to be expected. Trump has a clear solution for the migration problem, he is a businessman who does not live off politics, but from his own hard-earned money. His speeches are often politically incorrect, but so are mine. Somehow I understand him more than I understand Mrs. Clinton," said Babis to the Czech tabloid newspaper Blesk.

Source in Czech HERE

0
An experience of a Czech politician on public transport: "This is the traitor who invites muslims to rape our Czech women!"

5. 3. 2016

cas cteni 1 minuta





This has now happened to me twice within a short period of time. I got on a tram in Prague, I sat down and suddenly someone starts yelling at the top of his voice: "This is this bastard who is inviting muslims into our country to rape our Czech women. This is Matej Stropnicky, look at him" (everyone on the tram turns round, a couple of people smile at me), "he is a disgrace of our nation, well, what about you, you fucker, are you going to fight? Come, get off the tram, so that I can bash your face in" (all the passengers now are eerily quiet and the tram is stuck in a traffic jam).

The man continues ranting and raving for the whole seven minutes until the next stop, fortunately he does not touch me, but before getting off he informs me that the next time he runs into me I will be lucky if I survive the encounter, says Matej Stropnicky, the Chair of the Czech Green Party, on Facebook on Saturday. He continues:

The doors close behind him and I think: I will keep on travelling by tram, I will not start hiding in a car. I will not physically fight, but neither I will stop speaking out against idiocy and extremism. And I keep wondering how is it that this has come about, how come he was so confident in his aggression. Well, he feels that he represents an overwhelming majority of the nation, which President Zeman has been constructing for a year now, those "eighty per cent of the nation who are against receiving refugees". He assumes that the tram passengers would support him if he physically attacked me. Because we are seen as dangerous, naive idiots and traitors and we must be physically punished. This is what happens when politicians try to gain political support by spreading fear and hatred.



Source in Czech HERE HERE

0
(Cartoonist - Rob Tornoe)

In other news, the city of Cleveland, Ohio is preparing for the GOP convention by buying 2,000 sets of riot gear. Welcome to Thunderdome with special guest Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, the Marine Corps has discharged a man who was filmed at the Trump rally in Louisville, KY where a black student from UofL was pushed around and called racial slurs.

A Facebook page with the name Joseph Pryor had a screen-grab photo from the viral video at the Trump rally that showed a man yelling at a woman as she was being kicked out of the event. The United States Marine Corps recruiting office said, effective March 2, Pryor had been discharged from their Delayed Entry Program, which is a program for Marine hopefuls getting them ready to ship out to boot camp.

That's the second time in 24 hours a wingnut asshole was incriminated by their own Facebook page.

Finally, failed Republican presidential candidate and esteemed doctor Ben Carson has accepted a new job as a political consultant. Carson will apparently be responsible for getting voters to the polls which is odd considering that he couldn't get anyone to vote for him.

Have a good weekend.
Howard Cure, managing director of Evercore Wealth Management LLC, listens at the Bloomberg Link State and Municipal Finance Briefing held at Lighthouse International in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, March 22, 2011. The Bloomberg Link State and Municipal Finance Briefing discusses the outlook for state and municipal finance as well as the municipal-bond market and risk of default. Photographer: Jin Lee/Bloomberg *** Local Caption *** Howard Cure Jin Lee/Bloomberg

Puerto Rico's government moved closer to delaying an increase in the business-to-business consumption tax amid growing political opposition.

With politicians from the major parties and the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce expressing opposition to an April 1 increase in the tax to 10.5% from 4%, a spokesman said Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla may exercise his option for a 60 day delay. Secretary of the Treasury Juan Zaragoza is looking into the possibility, the governor's spokesman said.

Puerto Rico introduced a 4% business-to-business consumption tax on Oct. 1, and planned the increase as part of an effort to control tax evasion.

However, a wide range of prominent politicians over the past week called for a delay or elimination of this increase, which the chamber of commerce said would hurt an already weak economy. Even David Bernier, the candidate of Garcia Padilla's party for governor in November's elections and an ally of the governor, joined in.

The El Vocero news site has alternately reported the tax increase would bring an extra $25 million or $50 million a month. The government is already late on paying tax refunds and supplier bills, and says it won't be able to make a May 1 bond payment.

The business-to-business tax was to be part of a value added tax to replace the current sales tax.

"I am not sure what the motivation is behind this delay, but I think that any tax increase, at this point, could harm economic expansion by putting a burden on fewer and fewer businesses," said Evercore Wealth Management director of municipal research Howard Cure. "I also don't know if the governor is withholding this tax as a bargaining chip with the federal government and bond holders in exchange for better terms that will ultimately need to be negotiated in a debt restructuring and federal oversight board."

There has been some talk in the Puerto Rico legislature of substituting a tax on imported goods for the business-to-business tax.

In other Puerto Rico news, Garcia Padilla met with U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, in the governor's executive offices in Puerto Rico Friday morning. Bishop is chairman of the Committee of Natural Resources in the House of Representatives, one of the principal committees that oversee Puerto Rico. Bishop talked with the governor about the financial difficulties facing Puerto Rico.

El Vocero's web site reported Friday that U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.) and an aide to House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) are expected to visit the governor in Puerto Rico in the next few days.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Brandon University researcher hopes her study of beyond cruel health conditions for aboriginal inmates will spur change within Canadas federal correctional system.

Yvonne Boyer, a former Canada Human Rights Commissioner, is two months into an environmental scan focusing on the health of aboriginal and indigenous prisoners in federal institutions.

My lifelong work has been dealing with aboriginal health and looking at the aboriginal and treaty rights to health and their constitutional status. One of the areas that has become very  the issues keep popping up, is whats going on in the prison system.

Supplied Yvonne Boyer

Earlier this year, Howard Sapers, the correctional investigator of Canada, told the CBC that 25.4 per cent of the 14,624 incarcerated people in federal prisons are of aboriginal ancestry.

In the Prairie provinces, 48 per cent of federal inmates are aboriginal, Sapers said. Provincially, 73 per cent of adult offenders in Manitoba facilities were described as status, non-status, Metis or self-declared as indigenous in a snapshot taken on Feb. 22.

Boyer, a lawyer, previously served as counsel to the Native Womens Association of Canada, legal adviser to the Canadian Nurses Protective Society, senior policy analyst and legal adviser to the National Aboriginal Health Organization. She has published on First Nations, health and legal issues and aboriginal and treaty rights and their constitutional protections.

One of eight Canada Research Chairs at BU, Boyer said she has already noted rampant mental health issues through her study.

I consider the federal system just one huge mental institution. These people are not getting dealt with, they are not getting the help that they need, she said. Boyer received a letter from Sapers supporting her study.

Boyer points to suicide in prison as an indication of the problem.

Suicide rates are seven times higher in prison than in the average population. From 1998-2008, there were over 100 inmates committed suicide in federal penitentiaries, she said.

Boyer said inmates should be getting the same level of health care they would outside of prison.

The whole idea of incarceration is to remove a person from society, not to rob them of any health status that they have. The point is when they are incarcerated, the correctional investigator has said thats one of the biggest complaints: that they dont have access to proper health care, she said.

An example is transgender inmates. Currently, Boyer said only correctional systems in Ontario and British Columbia place transgender inmates in facilities for the gender they identify with.

In many cases, the mental health issues are treated as security issues, rather than dealing with people that are self-harming, theyre put into segregation, she said.

A spokesperson from Manitoba Justice said in a statement Manitoba Corrections isnt aware of any significant incidents related to transgender placements within the provinces correctional facilities, but that Manitoba Corrections doesnt have policies specific to transgender inmates.

In practice, pre-operative transgender inmates are placed based on their genitalia at the time of admission, but with consideration given to other factors like the safety of (and any potential risks to) the individual, the offenders self-identification, gender listed on any official identification and information about any previous placements in correctional facilities, the statement said.

A placement can be appealed to the facilities superintendent, and an inmate can choose to consult with Manitobas ombudsman or agencies like the John Howard Society if they have concerns about these decisions, the spokesperson said.

Boyer and BU students Sheyenne Spence, Erin Fletcher, Adam Paul and Katie Sutherland were provided $12,000 in funding from the Canadian Bar Association for the environmental scan, which includes examining existing research work, interviewing experts in the field and combining that research into a final document that proposes solutions to the problem.

We know that generally all people who are in prison arent getting the same health care that other people outside of prison are getting. Logically, you can assume that aboriginal people are not getting the health care that they require, she said.

Boyer plans to complete the scan by June.

Then its on to a second phase: a legal analysis of her findings. Boyer said the ramifications of that may be important.

We know that aboriginal people, because of the way that the constitution is, have aboriginal and treaty rights. Theyre the only people in Canada that do. These rights are very, very powerful.

Boyer is in the process of gathering funding for legal analysis.

If we find breaches, which Im sure we will, well disseminate this information everywhere and anywhere and other people will run with it and see if they can make some changes in the system. Its planting seeds.

 tbateman@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @tombatemann
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Progressive Conservative government will put an end to spotlight hunting in the province, the partys critic for Conservation and Water Stewardship said Friday.

Speaking from the Manitoba Wildlife Federations annual general meeting in Brandon yesterday, Shannon Martin said the practice of hunting at night using a spotlight is dangerous.

This is an issue of safety and conservation, said Martin, who represents the Morris constituency.

Progressive Conservative MLA Shannon Martin.

A Tory government will work with stakeholders, including indigenous hunters, to ban the practice and consider increasing resources to the department to enforce existing rules.

Martin said the NDP government has dragged its feet on the file and that Saskatchewan has deemed spotlight hunting a dangerous practice for close to two decades.

Nothing on this file has been done, and were going to end that, he said.

Chief Conservation Officer Jack Harrigan said Manitoba took a different approach than Saskatchewan at the time, bringing in legislation that created punitive fines and measures against spotlight hunters deemed to be taking part in dangerous or illegal activities.

More than 50 vehicles have been seized from spotlight hunters since 1994.

The penalty was a deterrent, and we thought we had fixed the problem, but what weve seen in the past year is a slight increase in complaints in night hunting, Harrigan said.

Some of that uptick might be traced to fact hunters know its extremely difficult for conservation officers to make a case against them. Evidence and eyewitness reports can often be discounted if charges end up in court.

Harrigan believes its time to start consultations with First Nations hunters in the province for conservation and safety reasons.

Its a big issue, he said. I dont agree with night hunting. Its dangerous to discharge a firearm  It can potentially be dangerous at any time, but at night you can only really see everything within the beam of light and very little outside of it.

Knowing your backstop is a hallmark of safe hunting, and Harrigan said thats almost impossible at night.

Ultimately, the issue will need to be a priority for policy makers for those consultations to move forward.

In 2006, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that First Nations hunters have a right to harvest at any time  day or night  throughout the year.

While thats true, it only applies to Crown land or private land where permission has been granted. Harrigan said a lot of problems arise when hunters are on Crown land but animals are standing on private land. He said hunters have become more mobile and weapons have evolved to the point where its possible to harvest an animal so quick that its often not reported until the following day, when its too late.

In January 2010, Ramie Fontaine shot and killed Jason Guimond while hunting near Sagkeeng First Nation. Fontaine mistook Guimond for a moose and fatally shot him while using a spotlight. Fontaine got 13 months in jail for the incident.

Manitoba Wildlife Federation director Rob Olson said he hopes it doesnt take another death for the government and stakeholders to understand that spotlight hunting is a dangerous practice.

Its getting worse  more aggressive and more intense, Olson said.

If the province isnt going to outright ban hunting at night, Olson said he would at least like to see clearly defined areas where it is permittable. Remote areas up north, where hunters use moonlight to stalk their prey, might make sense, according to Olson.

For safety and conservation reasons, however, he would like to see spotlight hunting banned.

Its not a sustainable hunting practice for moose, Olson said. Moose are in decline in every area of the province where there are roads.

He compared moose to the canary in the coal mine, serving as a warning for wildlife management across the board. Olson said due to the declining moose population in the province that hunters are already shifting their attention to elk or moving further afield, such as Saskatchewan, to hunt the large animal.

Aboriginals in Saskatchewan need those moose to hunt, Olson said.

Lets put the resource first. I think the consultations will go well, but the government has to do the work.

A call to the Southern Chiefs Organization wasnt returned by press time.

 ctweed@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @CharlesTweed
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The call is out for volunteers to help with the second city-wide audit of Brandons homeless situation.

Last year, volunteers scoured the city on Jan. 21 and found 117 people to be homeless. This year, project co-ordinator Mark Anderson said the Point-in-Time Count will go ahead on Wednesday, April 13.

We went a little later in the spring to try and offset least years count which was a colder count in January  which shows kind of starker needs or realities. Moving up a few months, were hoping, will give us another glimpse into the community as to what is happening seasonally, Anderson said.

The Wheat Citys count will be one of at least 30 communities across Canada, part of the national Homelessness Partnering Strategy, which provides an estimated $441,000 for Brandon projects annually until 2019.

For a 12-hour period starting at 11 a.m. on April 13, volunteers will walk through designated areas and set up in relevant agencies and organizations in Brandon, which is identified as a designated city that received federal funding for the count.

The dataset is all anonymous, so theres no identifiers or population indicators. That data is sent back to Ottawa which they use in their aggregate, their national picture. Locally, we use it to determine whether were moving forward or not in terms of assisting folks  and thats part of the Housing First project, Anderson said.

Brandon will need at least 60 volunteers, but Anderson is hoping for at least 80 to come out for a one- to three-hour shift.

Of the 117 counted last year, a third were women and a fifth had children with them under the age of five. Nearly half (47 per cent) were under the age of 30.

Our local numbers drive local programming and show us priority and need areas for the different groups that are involved, Anderson said.

The first glance at this years figures should be available near the end of April.

We do our initial summary release and that happens fairly quickly  about two weeks. Then theres a fuller, more academic response thats generated from that and thats a multi-page document (that takes about) four to six weeks, he said.

To register or for more information, email Anderson at info@imatter-bdn.ca or visit imatter-bdn.ca.

 tbateman@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @tombatemann
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/03/2016 (2423 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A declining moose population in Manitoba is pushing some hunters west, causing resource management issues, according to the former director of enforcement for Saskatchewan Environment.

We see, in Saskatchewan, an influx of Manitoba hunters coming into Saskatchewan in the form of First Nations and Metis hunters trying to exercise their rights in Saskatchewan because we have more moose than in Manitoba right now, said Dave Harvey, who spent 37 years working in conservation.

Its causing a pretty big ripple effect here among resource users, hunters and groups who are quite concerned about our moose population now.

Harvey, who is speaking at the Manitoba Wildlife Federations annual general meeting this week, was a leader in public consultations that led to the outlaw of spotlight hunting in Saskatchewan.

The Manitoba Wildlife Federation has been opposed to spotlight hunting in the province for a number of years, deeming it too effective and not sustainable for wildlife populations, particularly moose.

Manitoba Conservation was forced to shut down a number of game hunting areas for moose due to population concerns.

First Nation hunters arent allowed to use hunting methods that are careless, unsafe or dangerous, according to the Manitoba Hunting Guide.

While Saskatchewan follows the same rules, Harvey said the government amended the Wildlife Act in 1998, deeming spotlight hunting unsafe and dangerous, closing any potential loopholes or misunderstandings.

There were lots of confrontations between landowners and conservation officers with people who thought they were exercising their rights to use spotlight hunting, said Harvey about the practice in Saskatchewan prior to the amended legislation.

The key to the change, according to Harvey, was a year-long consultation process with First Nations communities  something that to the best of his knowledge hasnt been done in Manitoba.

Harvey said it was important to speak directly with hunters and residents in communities where hunting is a way of life. Too often, he said, when politicians were involved the facts became irrelevant.

We consulted with the communities because we wanted to keep it out of the political arena, Harvey said. Otherwise both sides try to grandstand and you dont get anywhere.

Spotlight hunting is the practice of using a bright light to seek animals during the night.

The animal freezes when it sees the bright light and then they shoot the animal, Harvey said. The animal is basically blinded. It cant see whats behind that light and its unsafe because you cant see whats behind that animal at night.

Its also a dangerous practice to police, according to Harvey, who has been on a number of stings to catch spotlight hunters.

First of all, its an unsafe practice, but then theres also the fact that they do not want to be caught doing it, Harvey said, adding that they often end up chasing a vehicle with multiple suspects in it who have weapons.

Theres lots of pursuits and confrontations, but you learn to expect that.

Many hunters consider it an unfair advantage, believing it doesnt adhere to fair chase hunting ethics.

Harvey said almost all of the people from the communities he visited agreed it wasnt a traditional hunting practice and were supportive of conservation measures protecting wildlife populations.

Rights are of no value if there isnt something to hunt or fish, Harvey said.

 ctweed@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @CharlesTweed
Already have an account? Log in here 

WINNIPEG  The longest sentence for child pornography smuggling in Manitoba has been handed down to a Minnesota man caught trying to cross the border at Sprague in southeastern Manitoba.

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 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sir Richard Cartwright rose in the House of Commons on March 15, 1881, to ask where the Canadian Pacific Railway would cross the Assiniboine River. He framed his question to Prime Minister John A. Macdonald obliquely: That is, it will pass by what are known as the Assiniboine Rapids? Macdonalds response: Yes.

Anyone who had spent some time in the Canadian North West would have been familiar with the location to which Cartwright referred. The Assiniboine Rapids (sometimes the Grand Rapids) were and are a sudden eruption of rock and sand a mile in length just a few miles southeast of Brandon off the far end of Richmond Avenue. The rapids appeared on virtually every map of southern Manitoba until the early 1880s, when the progressive eclipse of the rapids from broad historical consciousness got underway.

Inclusion on a map is a measure of a locations importance. As the 19th century progressed, the nature of the rapids importance (and for whom the rapids were important) changed. In an 1808 map  Red River and its Communications, based on drawings by John McDonald, an Assiniboine River-based employee of the North West Company  the rapids appear as a small inclusion just above Brandon House, but below the Little Saskatchewan (here the Rapid River). In an 1819 map by Peter Fidler  the Red River District  the rapids appear as the Grand Rapids.

Colin Corneau / The Brandon Sun The Assiniboine Rapids, once crossed regularly in early trade days, now isn't even on most maps.

Why did the rapids appear on these maps? Immediately above the rapids, shallow water, low banks, and a gentle gravelly incline from river to prairie on both sides of the river makes for a natural crossing. It was a buffalo crossing before the West entered history, and a passage for aboriginal travellers going south to trade or to make war.

Beginning in the late 1700s, the mile-long rock bed and intermittent sand bars that composed the rapids had to be negotiated by Hudsons Bay and Nor Wester batteau crews freighting north and south on the Assiniboine. And as more traffic developed between the Forks and points further up the Assiniboine  say Fort Ellice  the rapids crossing emerged as crossing point for cart traffic to the south side of the river and northwest on the Fort Ellice trail.

The Rapids feature in the recollections of Hudsons Bay employees. When the troubles between Lord Selkirk and the North West Company broke out, events at the rapids were a precursor to the bloodshed at Seven Oaks on 19 June 1816. In testimony at York Upper Canada in October 1818, Hudsons Bay man Pierre Pambrun recalled how he had been taken prisoner on the QuAppelle River only to be brought down the Assiniboine to the Grand Rapids, where he was put ashore and taken to the Nor West post on the north bank of the Assiniboine across from Brandon House just plundered by Cuthbert Grant and his Metis and aboriginal cadres.

Pambrun saw tobacco, carpenters tools and furs belonging to Brandon House now in the hands of men at the North West Company post. Pambrun was told that Peter Fidler, who had charge at Brandon House, had been turned out and was encamped in a tent on the Prairie. A week later, Grant and his men moved down the Assiniboine on their way to destiny at Seven Oaks.

In his memoir, The Company of Adventurers, in which he writes of his life as a mid-19th century Bay employee, Isaac Cowie recalled making his way down the Assiniboine River in 1871 from Fort Ellice transporting a load of buffalo robes.

By the time we reached the rapids near which the river was forded by carts (near Brandon), we had nothing to eat; but we saw the fresh tracks of a train of carts which had crossed going north. Hoping to get some food from them [we]  followed the trail. Along the way we saw the decomposing bodies of three Sioux who had very shortly before been killed and scalped by a party of Red Lake Ojibways.  The carts turned out to be laden with freight for the Company at Carlton, and the Metis who were taking it were only too pleased to get rid of part of their heavy loads by letting us have four bags of flour. 

By mid-century, buffalo hunters from White Horse Plains were also crossing the Assiniboine at the rapids. In Papers Relative to the Exploration of the Country Between Lake Superior and the Red River Settlement (1859), Henry Youle Hind explained that the rapids on the Assiniboine were the crossing point for buffalo hunters to the killing fields southwest of the confluence of the Souris and Assiniboine. Red River historian Alexander Ross reported that the summer buffalo hunt of 1840 included more than 1,200 carts and 1,600 people.

By 1846, the sheer size of the hunting brigade required a division of the hunters. The White Horse Plains section that included hunters from St. Francis Xavier to Portage followed the Hunters Trail along the north side of the Assiniboine to the Assiniboine Rapids crossing and southeast to the buffalo plains. In 1849, the rapids crossing contingent included 603 Red River carts, 900 Metis and First Nations (men, women and children), 600 horses, 200 oxen, 400 dogs and one cat.

Rock and sand in the Assiniboine could serve legal purposes as well. In 1871, the rapids were deployed as a pivotal point on the boundaries of Numbered Treaties One and Two with First Nations negotiated by Ottawa in 1871 to gain title to aboriginal land. These treaties are a benchmark in Prairie history. The boundary of Treaty One  signed Aug. 3, 1871  stretches from the Lake of the Woods in the east, across the bottom end of Lakes Winnipeg and Manitoba, and cuts in a diagonal angle to the Rapids on the Assiniboine then south to the 49th parallel.

Brandon  a stones throw west of The Rapids  rests on land relinquished by Prairie First Nations under Treaty Two signed Aug. 21, 1871.

The opening of the Canadian Prairie West after 1870 gave the rapids a new life as a crossing on a cart trail for adventurers, settlers, Metis traders across the Prairies to foothills of the Rockies. The rapids crossing also became a point of entry for smugglers taking booze into the West. Following the Cypress Hills Massacre of 1873, the North West Mounted Police was established in part to curtail the importation and sale of alcohol in the North West Territories. As the youthful Sam Steele, NWMP inspector commanding the Shoal Lake Post, explained in his 1880 Annual Report, those who wished to avoid detection did so by crossing at the rapids, a point on the Assiniboine River, and taking the south trail for the west.

In a map included with planning documents for the Canadian Pacific Railway, Sandford Fleming depicted the trail from Fort Garry to the rapids and then  passing over the rapids crossing  west to the Wood Mountains, Cypress Hills and Fort Walsh in southern Alberta.

Submitted A federal Indian Treaties map from 1875, before Brandon was incorporated, shows the location of the rapids along the Assiniboine River.

Brandon original Beecham Trotter recalled that the trail was sometimes referred to as the Great Trading Route.

And for good reason. Dougald McVicar, co-founder of Grand Valley in the late 1870s, liked to talk about the sound of 200 Red River carts approaching the crossing at the Assiniboine Rapids.

It was, he said,  very musical but lacked harmony. McVicar bought pemmican and jerk meat  buffalo derivatives  from mostly Metis and First Nations traders who commanded the procession of carts each drawn by an ox or a Shaginappi poney [sic]; the carts laden with wigwams, bundles, children, beaded handiwork, [and] articles of all kinds.

In the steamboat era just prior to the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1881, steamboat traffic on the Assiniboine gave birth to Rapid City Landing, soon renamed Curries Landing, at the bottom of the rapids. Low water, sand and rock prevented steamboats from travelling further up the Assiniboine. Travellers would disembark and travel by cart trail to Rapid City.

Eventually a means of negotiating the rapids was found and steamboat traffic continued past the Rapids to Fort Ellice at the mouth of the QuAppelle River.

Steamboats and railways were harbingers of a new modern Prairie West. Soon references to the Assiniboine Rapids and the Grand Rapids  links to the colourful fur trade and pre-settlement eras in Prairie history  were effaced or replaced with contemporary references such as Curries Rapids that obliterated the past. And the rapids, prominent on the sketchy maps of Hudsons Bay Company man Peter Fidler in the early 1800s, the sophisticated cartography of the Hind and Dawson Expedition, and those generated by the CPRs Sandford Fleming, were stricken from maps of the new Manitoba.

Why? Perhaps the rapids had no utility or meaning for the new order. There were no more buffalo to wade across the Assiniboine at the rapids crossing. And those who remembered the rapids, those for whom the rapids and the rapids crossing had meaning, took their memories to the grave with them.

Some who came to build Brandon passed on the memory of Curries Landing, but the rapids  what rapids? And the rapids crossing, whatever was that? Historical memory absent an advocate vanishes.

But the rapids are still there, an evocative connection to the pre-settlement history of the Canadian West.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/03/2016 (2423 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO  A Toronto area boy who made national headlines because his name matches one thats on Canadas no-fly list is reportedly still having difficulty boarding planes.

Six-year-old Syed Adam Ahmed, who had to go through rigorous security checks to fly to Boston two months ago, was supposed to be removed from the no-fly list by now.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale promised in January that he would review the specifics of the Markham Ont. boys case, because airlines were ignoring a government directive not to screen minors against Canadas no-fly list.

But when Adam went through security Friday morning at Pearson International Airport to fly to a family wedding in Edmonton, the flags came up again.

Khadija Cajee, the boys mother, said they werent able to check in online again.

And she said while the Air Canada ticket agent didnt have to call the security centre to have the boy cleared for check-in, she still had to visually identify her son.

He still needs to be visually identified, Cajee told 680News. Hes just a child, hes done nothing wrong.

Unfortunately, the boys name matches that of someone else on the no-fly list.

The publicity generated by Adams difficulties in boarding planes prompted dozens of other families to contact Cajee and 21 of them agreed to be mentioned in a letter she sent to federal cabinet ministers involved in the issue.

In addition to his edict regarding handling children whose names match those on the no-fly list, Goodales department is also looking at changes that would help identify those who have similar or the same names as people on the no-fly list, but are not the intended targets.

(680News)
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Democracy does not exist beyond the paper where its principles are written. Its not a thing you can reach, or give to someone, or bring to a country.

Instead, there are processes, laws, and actions that can be qualified as more or less democratic.

Voting on an election is usually regarded as a highly democratic action, although sometimes it isnt. Thats why political parties should have clear goals with ideological or programmatic foundations. However, more often than not, elected parties end up not following their ideological principles, stated programs and promises.

Then the so-called democratic voting is truncated because people voted based on such principles. Then voting remains as a purely ludic exercise where people cast their vote and sit on the TV to wait for the big news of who was the winner.

Sadly, we have to admit that modern democratic elections are rather a kind of exercise where candidates sell their image, their colours more than accountable programs based on trackable ideologies. People vote brands and not ideas.

Sometimes, though, things work as they should. Candidates make promises during campaigns and fulfil those promises shortly after they win their seats. Over the course of the last federal election campaign, the Liberals promoted themselves as a government that would bring change.

It also was made clear that much of that change was be focused on the immigration file. Specifically, the Liberal platform committed to repeal the unfair elements of Bill C-24 that create second-class citizens and the elements that make it more difficult for hard-working immigrants to become Canadian citizens.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum said last Tuesday the government is making significant changes to the Citizenship Act. Attacking the bill was a key element of the Liberal election strategy in heavily diverse ridings, and they promised to overhaul the law during the campaign.

Bill C-24, also known as the Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act, was first introduced in June 20, 2014 and was the countrys biggest immigration revamp since 1977. Shortly after being introduced, Bill C-24 was pointed out by Amnesty International as provisions that are divisive and buy into and promote false and xenophobic narratives about true Canadians and others, which equate foreignness with terrorism.

A Canadian is a Canadian  was used by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a heated election debate last September. He was specifically referring to the most controversial part of Bill C-24 that made it possible for a dual citizen convicted of a crime to have citizenship revoked and sent back to his original country.

The problem with that is skipping the rule of law, again another democratic principle. On its most basic form, the rule of law means that if you are accused of a crime, you then will be prosecuted, judged with the right to defend yourself, then if found guilty, convicted and sent to prison. There are institutions already in place in Canada to do all that.

Many other provisions of Bill C-24 rubbed harshly with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Not coincidentally, Bill C-24 was challenged in court by various civil liberties groups. For instance, Bill C-24 eliminated the right to a federal court hearing for individuals subject to revocation of citizenship when the revocation was based on fraud. Rather, the government sends letters informing the individual that their citizenship will be revoked, and that individual has 60 days to respond in writing.

The bill also established longer wait periods for permanent residents to be able to apply for citizenship, eliminated the accounting of time lived in Canada under a work visa, and raised the application fees. Liberals are also expected to repeal these provisions as per their campaign promises.

In order to be accountable to all Canadians, especially those who voted them in last October, the Liberal campaign had a myriad of other promises regarding immigration:

 Expand Canadas intake to 25,000 refugees from Syria and Iraq through immediate, direct sponsorship,

 Invest an additional $200 million annually in refugee programs, sponsorship and settlement services.

 Fully restoring the Interim Federal Health Program.

 Ending the practice of appointing individuals without subject matter expertise to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada.

 Doubling the budget for family class immigration processing, in order to restore processing times to the levels achieved before the Harper decade.

 Doubling the number of new applications for parents and grandparents, from 5,000 to 10,000.

 Restoring the maximum age for dependents to 22 instead of 19, allowing Canadians  often live-in caregivers  to bring their children to Canada.

 And granting immediate permanent residency to new spouses entering Canada, rather than imposing a two-year conditional status.

Lets wait and see if these promises become reality.

 Jaime Chinchilla is part of Brandons Latin American community and a member of the popular Son Latino Band. His column appears monthly.
Update 10.30:am

Two men have been arrested in Northern Ireland after a fire engine was stolen this morning.

The appliance was taken from Larne in County Antrim and driven into nearby cars and houses.

The 19 and 66-year-old men are detained in connection with the incident.

There have been no reports of any injuries.

Update 9am:

A fire engine has been stolen from a station and driven into nearby cars and houses.

The incident happened in Larne, Co Antrim in the early hours of Saturday.

There have been no reported injuries.

Group commander Kevin O'Neill from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue and Service (NIFRS) said: "At approximately 04:30 this morning Larne station was broken into and a fire engine was stolen.

"Subsequently this fire engine was driven into a number of cars and houses in the Larne area."

He said the station was damaged in the break-in and the NIFRS was working to ensure services were maintained in Larne.
The union of Irish secondary school teachers is meeting today to discuss the framework for the new Junior Cycle.

ASTI members are currently engaged in industrial action over the issue, meaning only some of the reforms are being applied.
Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri insists he is not dreaming about winning the Barclays Premier League despite moving five points clear in the title race with a 1-0 victory at Watford.

A brilliant goal from Riyad Mahrez after 56 minutes has put clear breathing space between Ranieri's side and second-placed Tottenham with only nine matches of this fascinating season remaining.

But Ranieri, whose side will host struggling Newcastle in their next league fixture, played down Leicester's chances of completing one of British sport's greatest fairytales.

"I don't dream, I continue to work hard," said Ranieri despite the visiting support at Vicarage Road singing "we're going to win the league" in the closing moments of Saturday's tea-time clash.

"The fans dream and we work which is a good combination. Did you see today? Every match in the Premier League is a battle, not (just) for us but everybody, and five points is nothing.

"We want to continue to fight match-after-match, step-by-step, and now our mind is on Newcastle which is another tough match at home."

Leicester headed into today's game at Watford knowing that a win would move them five points clear of their nearest challengers after Tottenham and Arsenal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane.

Spurs looked set to move level on points with the Foxes before Alexis Sanchez scored an unlikely equaliser for Arsenal after they were reduced to 10 men.

But Ranieri claimed neither he, nor his side, knew the result of the North London derby ahead of their match at Vicarage Road.

"I didn't know," said Ranieri when asked for his reaction to the draw at White Hart Lane. "No. Believe me. I was focussed on Watford and I did not know the result."

When the score was pointed out to the Italian during his post-match press conference, he replied with a smile: "It was 2-2? Oh good. Thank you."

Mahrez, a 400,000 signing from French second division side Le Havre, scored his 15th league goal with a strike befitting of his incredible season.

"The goal was amazing," Ranieri, who substituted the Algerian with 10 minutes remaining, said.

"The ball was there, the shot at goal was good quality, but we know very well about Mahrez.

"There was no injury, just a little cramp. He wanted to continue but his job was done and I preferred to change him."

For Watford, who remain 12th in the table, they have now failed to score in seven of their last nine matches.

"Leicester look like a very good team," said manager Quique Sanchez Flores. "It is no different to what we were expecting. They played really well, very intense in the middle, defending well and getting back all the time,

"We respected them before the match and we carry on respecting them now."
Police using tear gas and water cannons raided the headquarters of Turkey's largest-circulation newspaper, hours after a court placed it under the management of trustees.

Officers dispersed protesters who had gathered outside of the opposition Zaman newspaper's Istanbul headquarters before entering the building to escort the court-appointed managers and evict newspaper workers.

The court decision against the newspaper, which is linked to a US-based cleric who is opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has heightened concerns over deteriorating press freedoms in Turkey and sparked international outrage.

The legal action came as the government has intensified a campaign against the moderate Islamic movement led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

It accuses the movement of attempting to bring down the government.

The case was brought by a public prosecutor in Istanbul and meant the editorial board and management were replaced by people named by the court.

The move, which also affects Zaman's sister newspaper, English-language Today's Zaman, and a news agency linked to the group, further reduces the pool of opposition television and newspapers in the country, which is dominated by pro-government television channels and newspapers.

Zaman editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici had addressed his colleagues on the grounds of the newspaper before police stormed the building, calling the court decision a "black day for democracy" in Turkey.

Today's Zaman chief editor, Sevgi Akarcesme, broadcast the police raid on Periscope before police confiscated her phone.

The court decision sparked international outrage.

"I see this as an extremely serious interference with media freedom which should have no place in a democratic society," said Nils Muiznieks, the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights.

"It is the latest in a string of unacceptable and undue restrictions of media freedom in Turkey."

Reporters without Borders issued a strongly-worded statement, accusing Mr Erdogan of "moving from authoritarianism to all-out despotism".

Mr Gulen, who has lived in the United States since 1999, was once Mr Erdogan's ally but the two have fallen out.

The government accuses the Gulen movement of orchestrating corruption allegations in December 2013 against ministers and people close to Mr Erdogan as a plot to overthrow it.

The authorities have since branded the movement a terror organisation, although it is not known to have carried out acts of violence.

Mr Gulen was placed on trial in absentia last year on charges of attempting to topple the government.

The government has cracked down on the movement since, purging civil servants suspected of ties to it, and businesses have been seized.
LONDON: British shoppers reined in their spending more sharply than expected in September as they felt the hit from...
LAGOS: More than 600 people are now known to have perished in the worst floods in a decade in Nigeria, according to...
LONDON: Liz Truss came to 10 Downing Street vowing to be a disruptor. She U-turned on almost everything else, but...
Canberra faces a trades skills crisis with figures showing apprentice numbers in the ACT are experiencing a free fall.

Latest statistics show the ACT has recorded a 48 per cent drop in the number of apprentices in training in the past three years.

Manufacturing has been in decline since the 1970s, when one in four Australian workers were employed in the sector. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

The Australian Industry Group has called for reform of the apprenticeship system after the release of September 2015 quarter figures showing yet another drop in young workers strapping on tool belts.

The figures, published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research this week, show a total of 5700 apprentices were training in the ACT at the end of the September 2015 quarter.
Taking a 50-kilometre hike over hills and through bushland is a tough slog in full health, let alone when you have a heart condition.

Kristy Buchanan, who has a congenital heart defect, took on such a hike at this year's CBR 100 Challenge, all the while raising money to help other people with similar conditions.

Runner Richelle Turner running along Lake Burley Griffin in the CBR 100 25km challenge. Credit:Jeffrey Chan

The schoolteacher and her husband Chris raised more than $600 for the Heart Foundation.

She was born with transposition of the great arteries/vessels, or TGA, and required surgery as a baby.
The emotional moment when baby Ruby Wigg was born. Kate Wigg, of Jerrabomberra, with her sister Emma Fowler, of Bonython, who acted as her surrogate. That lack of information is not least the result of a ban on advertising for surrogacy in the ACT, as elsewhere in Australia. The families eventually found their way to the Canberra Fertility Centre which does facilitate unpaid surrogacy. Kate and Garreth provided the egg and sperm for the embryo that was transferred to Mrs Fowler after a very long, emotional and involved approvals process. Mrs Fowler says she had no hesitation handing Ruby over to her parents when she was born in May last year. "From the very beginning, I just had it set in my mind, 'This baby is not mine, it's biologically theirs and I'm literally just the oven, I'm just keeping it warm and safe until those nine months are up'," she said. "There was never any doubt. I never crossed that line. If someone said, 'Oh, congratulations you're having a baby', I always said, 'Thank you, I'm actually carrying for my sister'. I never allowed there to be a grey area.

"When it actually came to the birth, there was not even a hesitation. It was just amazing she was here and they were a family. When it came to the birth, I was very protective of Ruby and really loved her but I didn't feel she was mine. She wasn't mine to begin with." Unpaid or altruistic surrogacy  such as that in which the two sisters engaged  is legal in the ACT. Commercial surrogacy is illegal. The ACT also bans its citizens from going overseas to use a commercial surrogate. A federal parliamentary inquiry is now investigating the laws and regulations around surrogacy and is due to report in June. Close to 100 submissions have been received, many calling for surrogacy laws across Australia to be made more uniform and for paid surrogacy to be legalised. Others reject the prospect of any surrogacy being allowed in Australia. Concerns have been raised about exploitation of women used as surrogates overseas and the welfare of children born via surrogates in other countries. Submissions have suggested as few as 14 babies a year were born in Australia through altruistic surrogacy compared to as many as 270 babies born through the use of overseas paid surrogates. The Canberra Fertility Centre is advocating for the introduction of regulated, paid surrogacy in Australia. The centre's medical director Dr Martyn Stafford-Bell has suggested fertility centres would act as the go-between for surrogates and families, with the same fee offered across Australia to avoid competition.

He believed paid surrogacy would go through the same journey towards public acceptance as IVF. "I simply see surrogacy as just another branch of assisted reproductive technology," Dr Stafford-Bell said. "It's just totally logical that we should do it." Mrs Fowler said she "had it in the back of her mind" for years to offer to be her sister's surrogate, even before she had her own children. "After I had my children and the struggle became more real for Kate, I just thought, 'We were done having children, why not? Why can't we help her?'," she said. Her husband Cameron and children Brayden, seven, and Isabelle, five, were on board "100 per cent".

"I told the kids, 'Aunty Kate's tummy is broken and she wants to have a family like ours and we're going to help her'. They were just, 'Yep'. They were excited and proud, they were happy. And they understood what was going to happen. They just got it. "We do have a special bond with Ruby and they really love her but she is their cousin." The women had to agree to a series of processes before they started including counselling, police checks, medical checks, legal advice and approval from the John James Hospital Ethics Committee. They were subject to a three-month cooling off period. After the first egg pick-up, the embryos were frozen for six months before they could be transferred. Mrs Fowler was not paid but all her medical costs were met by her sister and brother-in-law. They estimate it cost them more than $80,000. While couples using IVF received the Medicare rebate, couples using a surrogate did not, something Mrs Wigg said should change, particularly for those couples using a surrogate for medical reasons.

She also found some resistance, even within the community, to accepting her as the mother of Ruby. But their obstetrician Dr David O'Rourke was their saving grace. "He was one of very few specialists and people that really got it," Mrs Wigg said. "He always made Garreth and I feel like the parents and treated us like any expecting parents. When we would be in the waiting room he would call out 'Wiggs' rather than call out Emma's name. It was the first time we were acknowledged by an outsider as the parents." The Wiggs' obtained a parenting order from the Supreme Court which saw the Fowlers relinquish any parenting rights over Ruby to them. However, the Fowlers are still listed as Ruby's parents on her birth certificate. And her name is still on Mrs Fowler's Medicare card, not Mrs Wigg's. The sisters are the daughters of Ruth and Peter "Butcher" Lindbeck, who supported them all the way. "We couldn't have gone through the journey without the love and support of family, friends and colleagues," Mrs Wigg said.
The re-lodged plans for a $56 million residential and commercial complex next to Woolworths Dickson have been given a D grade by a leading town planner who said they lacked innovation.

Jane Goffman, who is also the Dickson Residents Group convener, criticised the aesthetics and "performance" of the planned Coles and Doma Group construction, despite acknowledging the developers' willingness to make major changes after the initial plans were rejected by the Planning and Land Authority last year.

Artist's plan of the proposed development, including a shared zone.

"I would give an A to this developer for outstanding effort, they've taken the criticisms on board, they've adapted the plans in a range of reasonably beneficial ways, given the parameters and the constraints they were given by this government to shoehorn two supermarkets and a minimum of 100 units on a tight corner and difficult site," she said.

"[But] I think we end up with a D, because what we get is disappointing and we could have got so much more."
What if an entire state in one of the world's wealthiest countries was to run out of electricity?

It's a question Tasmanians have been pondering  initially with humour, but increasingly with eyebrows arched  since late last year.

A dam bust? Gordon Dam on Lake Gordon in Tasmania's south-west in better times. Credit:Peter Mathew

If there had been any rain, it might have been described as a perfect storm. On December 20, Basslink  the $800 million, 290-kilometre submarine cable connecting Tasmania with Victoria and in recent times provided up to 40 per cent of its electricity  stopped working. Nobody knows why.

The failure came just as the island was more reliant on Basslink than ever. Its power plants are overwhelmingly hydro-electric, and 2015 was its driest spring on record. The water flowing into dams was less than half the amount in any year for at least three decades.
My identity was recently stolen on social media. The fake me looked like me, but in a sophisticated scam, my voice was hijacked to push the barrow of an angry cause.

Within an hour, my Twitter fake had followed almost 1000 people. Someone smelt a rat and tipped me off. Others believed it was me.

The public mood is changing as more people encounter first-hand the dark side of social media and big data. Credit:Richard Drew

What to do? I had to prove to Twitter, an American company, that I was the real me in Sydney. Fortunately, Twitter acted swiftly. The imposter was stopped in their tracks, despite the late hour. But I'm left wondering at the reputational damage.

In an era of selfies and oversharing, concern about privacy was supposed to have been jettisoned as a trade-off for digital convenience. Digital natives frolicked with smartphones, unafraid.
No one wants another summer of deaths at music festivals. Not the organisers, not the health experts, not the government, not the festival goers and not the parents left to wonder and worry when their children go to these events.

But how to prevent it? The best efforts of police, teams of sniffer dogs, the threat of arrest has failed to make a dent in Australia's love affair with "party drugs". We are many years into the relationship and use has not decreased. Meanwhile, the potency of ecstasy has shot up and new psychoactive substances are coming onto the market, increasing the risks for those taking illicit substances and making it harder for medical personnel to work out the best treatment for those who get sick.

The best efforts of police, teams of sniffer dogs, the threat of arrest has failed to make a dent in Australia's love affair with "party drugs". Credit:Greg Newington

Prominent doctors are convinced that pill testing will make a difference, so convinced they are prepared to break the law to conduct pill-testing trials, as first reported in The Sun-Herald last week.

They are reflecting a deep sense of frustration among researchers and the treatment sector with Australian drugs policy, which has failed to keep pace with international developments. Many even speak fondly of the Howard era which, despite its tough on drugs rhetoric and the intervention to stop prescription heroin trials, saw $200 million poured into diverting drug users from the criminal justice system to treatment.
1. I was in Year 9 when he, the perpetrator, came to the school and he started paying me attention straight away, inside and outside of class. By Year 10 he let me know very clearly that he had strong feelings for me. Little touches and brushes against me in the classroom, a hand on my thigh under the desk, meetings after school, manipulating events so he was around me, and open declarations and promises of everlasting love A number of staff at BGS knew of his inappropriate relationship with me. They were his adult friends (all teachers) and often saw us together. In the end (Year 11) the headmaster at the time knew, as the teacher went to him and told him that he was involved in a relationship with me. Next thing I knew, he was moved interstate and I was left to complete my Year 12 feeling betrayed and totally abandoned by him, let down and angry at the adults around me. I ran away from home as my relationship with my parents fell apart, largely due to my conflicted emotional state and sense of abandonment and helplessness. 2. I felt a white sheet of rage and hatred descend on me when I read your column. I was a boarder at Ballarat Grammar from grade 6 to matriculation. When I began at the school I was eleven years old. A teacher had a living quarters attached to the dormitory where I slept. When I was just arrived for term one, I can remember being in his study with my pyjama bottoms off and him threading the cloth tie which kept up my pyjamas. I felt terribly uneasy and knew, in a childish way, that this was very wrong. 3. I learned to be invisible  to disappear at recess and lunchtimes into the quiet side rooms and out of the way places. By year 11, I was disappearing into a Scotch bottle initially on a binge basis and later as a daily sedative On two occasions I had staff attempt to sexually assault me One of these occasions saw me threatened with expulsion for striking a member of staff!

I was aware of other students who were suffering abuse. Not just boys but a number of girls who were being hit on by male staff members. I was on more than one occasion the shoulder upon which fellow students cried out their hearts in helplessness. So much damage was wreaked on victims and survivors. Some have died by suicide and as the result of self-medicating the pain with alcohol and other substances. As a result of what people have communicated to me, I compiled a list of some 15 alleged perpetrators, which I am sharing with the royal commission. For ethical reasons, I can not directly pass on the messages to the police. So, after speaking with the police, I have communicated to the victims that they should contact the police and, should they wish, the royal commission. As well as the email link above, you can call 1800 099 340. A number have. If you have been abused, I urge you to do so, too. I was also contacted, by phone, by the new headmaster of Ballarat Grammar, Adam Heath, with whom I met last week at his request. I believe he is a good man, and is determined, as am I and others who experienced wrongdoing, to make sure current and future students are protected. It is crucial that the crimes of the past do not traumatise current and future students, but that those young people are reassured things have changed and that they are as safe as they possibly can be. In that previous column I wrote that I can not remember precisely what happened to me, but that I know, for reasons I can also not recall, that at least one student was severely sexually assaulted by the then priest, Reverend Hart, who died in 2000, who was protected by the then headmaster, also long dead, and who plied us with alcohol. I wrote of the crushing guilt I felt at not having spoken out, particularly given I somehow knew this boy had been so dreadfully abused.

Through an intermediary who also suffered appalling abuse at the school, this brave survivor kindly urged me to feel no guilt on his behalf, and indeed offered me words of support. I do not think I was seriously molested, although clearly I was lured into a dangerous setting by a sinister, predatory criminal. But it was suggested to me by those two victims that a not unlikely reason I can not clearly recall these events is that we and others may well have been plied not only with alcohol but with drugs that alter consciousness and impair memory. This is a somewhat disconcerting thought. Several days ago, Adam Heath, with the support of the board, had the decency to issue a public apology via the school's website, and to urge victims to contact the police and the royal commission. Importantly, they also set out protections for current and future students. When we met, I showed Adam the list of alleged perpetrators, and he, like me, is talking about that to the royal commission. Thus, Ballarat Grammar is now likely, at last, to be the subject of investigations by the commission, which might help deliver some justice to victims and survivors. For the record, Adam and the chairman, Robert Knowles, have both personally apologised to me, for which I am grateful. I have also been telephoned by the Anglican Bishop of Ballarat, Garry Weatherill, who on Friday afternoon, also made a compassionate public apology.
The convoy that traversed 1300 kilometres into Antarctica. Credit:Jean Jacques Olivier The southern continent is nearly twice the size of Australia. Once you get away from the coastal stations  Mawson, Casey and Davis in Australian territory  it remains relatively little traversed. When new territory is forged, it is most usually by people who earned their professional stripes as physicists and chemists. It is not easy work. "In Antarctica, you are utterly dependent on the heat and shelter you bring with you," van Ommen says. "You are back to basics, and it is very primal. The risk of something awful happening is probably moderate, but it's always there. It is a privilege and an adventure of a lifetime, but it is not for the faint-hearted." Ice Core and climate researcher Dr Tas van Ommen. Credit:Australian Antarctic Division The privilege two summers ago involved not just visiting a slice of the planet few ever see, but an opportunity to access an untouched data store that could give fresh insight into the history of the planet.

The destination was Aurora Basin North, an unmarked and potentially unforgiving site 550 kilometres inland from Casey station, or roughly 4000 kilometres south-west of Hobart. Tas van Ommen at the Aurora Basin North campsite. Credit:Australian Antarctic Division If all went according to plan, they would return with an ice core from down to 400 metres beneath the Earth's surface, giving a picture of what was happening in the atmosphere over the past 2000 years. The first results from the expedition will be presented at a conference bringing together the world's leading ice core scientists in Hobart this week. The idea of digging up and analysing trace elements captured in ice was hatched in 1965, when French glaciologist Claude Lorius dropped a piece of 1000-year-old Antarctic ice into his whisky after a day of drilling at the French research station Dumont D'Urville. Watching the bubbles fizz, he wondered what they might be able to tell him about past climates. Working with scientists from Russia, Britain, Australia and the US, he set about finding out. Erecting a drilling tent at Aurora Basin North. Credit:Tas van Ommen

More than 50 years on, there are at least five decent Antarctic ice core records, some stretching back nearly 600,000 years. They give a historic picture of temperature, snowfall, volcanic and solar activity and the spread of sea ice. They have been used to sharply demonstrate the change in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations over time, showing the extraordinary rise since industrialisation. They can also tell us about unexpected connections in today's climate. An analysis by van Ommen found a dramatic reduction in rainfall in the Australia's south-west in recent times is linked to changes in atmospheric circulation that have led to increased snowfall in parts of Antarctica. Setting up the Hans Tausen ice core drill at Aurora Basin North. Credit:Tony Fleming The ice records have been verified  they match atmospheric readings in recent decades from sites including Mauna Loa in Hawaii and Cape Grim on Tasmania's north-western tip  peer reviewed, and published. Each new sample adds further information that is fed into computer models to give a more detailed picture of the what the future might look like under different scenarios. Australia has a highly precise ice core record from a coastal site known as Law Dome, where samples have been extracted down 1.2 kilometres.

Tas van Ommen with an ice core in a drill tent. Credit:Joel Pedro Late last decade, Aurora Basin North was recognised as a "sweet spot" for another sample. The annual snow fall was just enough to give a fine-grained, year-to-year picture and the altitude would allow a broader history than just what had been happening in Australia and Antarctic. "The moisture in the air that gets further inland and to that higher site has come from further out in the southern hemisphere," van Ommen says. So, how to get there? The topography between Casey and Aurora Basin was untested, so it was decided to go the long-way round. The Australians on the expedition flew east to Dumont D'Urville, then joined a French team on a beaten path 500 kilometres to an existing measurement site. Then it was a right turn, and another 800 kilometres over virgin snow. Dr Mark Curran examines an ice core inside the tent at the Aurora Basin North campsite. Credit:Tony Fleming On arrival, the real work began: setting up camp and clearing and smoothing a 2.2-kilometre runway. That took a week. Once done, the cavalry could jet in  about 20 scientists and support staff, armed with the 4.2 metre-long ice core.

The drill was attached to a winch and set up in a tent to protect the drillers from the elements. The drilling process itself is a necessarily laborious process. Ice cores are removed in small cylinders, each 10 centimetres across and about 1.5 metres long. The ice is then re-cut and bagged in one metre lengths, labelled and placed in a cold store for transportation. Mark Curran, the scientific leader of the Aurora Basin North project, says: "A lot of adventurers around the world go to places to experience a blizzard, and say they have survived extreme conditions. When we're there, we can't just be in survival mode. We're there to work - to get the core, and we need it to be right. It is very, very precise work." Good progress was made at Aurora Basin North. Drilling to 303 metres, the team worked with Danish experts to extract a record spanning 2600 years. Two shallower ice cores were also taken with the French, dating back 800 and 1000 years respectively. It took a month. In late January 2014, the site was stripped and packed up with the precision of a military operation, with only a small weather station left behind. The process of analysing the ice core - being carried out in labs in the US, France, Germany, Denmark and Australia - will take years. The shopping list of elements and isotopes being examined include, but are not limited to, carbon dioxide, sea salt, sulphate (a signal of volcano activity), beryllium-10 (solar activity), lead (industrialisation), plutonium (testing and use of atomic weapons), black carbon (fire). It is early days, but the cores are starting to yielding results. "It is turning out to give a very clear signature of volcanic eruptions," Curran says. "Ice cores can tell you information about drivers of climate change  greenhouse gases, volcanic eruptions and solar variability  and how the climate responds to those drivers. This will help improve that picture."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has branded the 2013 Senate election result "an embarrassment" and the preference deals that delivered power to the micro-parties a "disgrace" as upper house crossbenchers came together to plot revenge for the Coalition's voting reforms.

In his strongest comments yet on the issue, Mr Turnbull told the NSW Liberal Party faithful on Saturday he was seeking to "restore democracy" with his bill to introduce optional preferential voting, which would purge Parliament of the micro-parties. The bill is expected to pass this month with Greens support.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull kept the plebiscite policy adopted by Tony Abbott. Credit:Andrew Meares

"The 2013 Senate election was really an embarrassment for Australian democracy," he said at the Liberal State Council meeting on the Central Coast.

"People elected through back-room preference whispering deals, elected on a tiny percentage of votes, was a disgrace."
Malcolm Turnbull will risk a backbench backlash by becoming the first sitting Australian prime minister to attend Mardi Gras.

Mr Turnbull will attend the gay and lesbian march in Sydney on Saturday night, although he is not expected to march like his Labor counterpart. Bill Shorten will be the first federal leader of a major party to participate in the march.

A spokesperson for Mr Turnbull confirmed the prime minister would attend the event, which he typically attends every year because it is in his electorate.

The move may rile some Coalition conservatives, who have previously warned it would be "dangerous" for the PM to attend.
Tony Abbott has refused to buy into explosive new claims that his colleagues believed he was having an affair with his chief-of-staff, Peta Credlin.

A new book by News Corp columnist and former Coalition staffer Niki Savva contains fresh claims that a number of government frontbenchers warned him that his job was under threat unless he sacked the divisive Ms Credlin.

Confronted about the claims at Sydney Airport on Saturday, Mr Abbott said he did not want to "rake over old coals".
Monday marks the start of the Melbourne Fashion Festival, which is now in its 20th year. While there are still tickets available to many of the parades, if you've missed out on seeing your preferred show, why not consider some of these events that don't cost a dime.

Frolic in the Festival Plaza

Put on your best outfit, grab a few girlfriends and head to the Festival Plaza, at the Melbourne Museum precinct. According to festival CEO Graeme Lewsey, there will be plenty of street style photographers and trend spotters milling about, so it's your chance for social media stardom. There are also bars, exhibitions and a pop-up beauty school, where you can learn some tips and tricks, and get a free make-up touch-up.

Melbourne Museum forecourt, March 7-13. For more details, visit vamff.com.au.
Cardinal George Pell's handwritten statement. Credit:Nick Miller Cardinal Pell told The Ballarat Courier his understanding of the particulars of a healing centre in Ballarat proposed by sex abuse victims was limited but he was prepared to do whatever he could to help, guided by the vision of survivors. He also rejected public perceptions he lacked empathy or was indifferent to the plight of sex abuse victims and their families left broken by the abhorrent abuse inflicted on generations of children by paedophile priests circulating Ballarat for decades. Ballarat sex abuse survivor Phil Nagle. Credit:Riccardo De Luca "I have never lacked any compassion for victims, sometimes, unfortunately I have failed to express myself adequately," the Cardinal said.

"I find it difficult to express my emotions, that is the way I am. Sometimes when the cover of a book is dull or boring, it doesn't mean the contents inside are like that." Cardinal Pell gave evidence to the royal commission via video link from Rome in February last year. Last week, the Cardinal was accused by the Commission of "designing" his evidence to deflect blame onto other senior figures who he said deliberately "deceived" him by keeping him in the dark about the extent of child sex crimes in the Catholic Church. When questioned by The Courier on whether he accepted some victims would find it difficult to ever believe his evidence, the Cardinal said he'd been honest. "I was completely truthful in my evidence," he said. "Among the delegation of victims I met, nobody said that I told lies at the Royal Commission.

However, several of survivors who had travelled to Rome from Australia refused to meet the Cardinal after he gave evidence to the sex abuse inquiry saying they had completely lost faith in him. Among them was clergy abuse victim Paul Levey who was raped daily when he was 14 and living with notorious paedophile Gerald Ridsdale in Mortlake in 1982. Mr Levey's harrowing ordeal was at the centre of Cardinal Pell's third night of evidence. Mr Levey said it was "common knowledge" in the Mortlake community and among clergy he was living with Ridsdale and he found in unfathomable Cardinal Pell was unaware he was living there and had failed to intervene. Cardinal Pell told The Courier he had reconciled with clergy abuse survivor and vocal critic of the church David Ridsdale at the meeting on Thursday. He described their exchange as "deeply moving". Mr Ridsdale maintains he told Cardinal Pell his uncle was abusing him and the senior Catholic asked him what it would take to keep quiet.

While Cardinal Pell vehemently denies that he ever tried to silence Mr Ridsdale, he told The Courier how the misunderstanding played out publicly was one of his biggest regrets. "I share the vision that David and the other victims have for Ballarat," Cardinal Pell said. "He (David) would like to see Ballarat become a well-known centre for help and healing, rather than a place known for being one of the worst places for paedophilia in the world. He wants to work with people, those who may be at risk of attempting suicide to be effectively helped. Although I live on the other side of the world, I am willing to listen and do whatever I can to help him achieve this goal." Phil Nagle was among a group of child abuse survivors who requested a separate private meeting with the Cardinal to discuss the abuse he suffered at the hands of disgraced paedophile priest Stephen Farrell when he was a grade five pupil. He told the Cardinal of the devastating ripple effects the sex crimes had on his classmates. He travelled to Rome to honour his 12 fellow St Alipius Christian Brothers Primary School pupils who have committed suicide or died prematurely - out of a class of 33. "Some have drunk themselves to death, some have driven cars into poles," Mr Nagle said in Rome last week. "I'm here as their voice and I know the other survivors are here for their mates, as their voice. They've made the journey for the people they know who can't speak for themselves."

Mr Nagle said Cardinal Pell had discussed ways in which the Catholic Church could do more to help survivors of child abuse. "We talked about counselling, we talked about care, we talked about what the future's going to be for our survivors and how the Church is going to help with that from George's level down." Cardinal Pell said he had been distressed to hear the stories of the broken men and parents grieving for the children they had lost. "It is always awful to hear about the suffering of people, especially when the suffering is of those whose family you know," Cardinal Pell said. "A number of the survivors were people I know, or families I knew personally. We are all Ballarat people. It was deeply distressing and deeply moving for me to hear their stories." "I'm very proud of my Ballarat link and I don't want anyone to think 20, 30, 40 years down the track simply of the evil deeds of a few committed there. Over the years there have been many hundreds of good and beautiful people, many who dedicated their lives to the church or to the people of Ballarat." Some of Australia's most notorious paedophile priests and Christian Brothers, including Gerald Ridsdale and Edward Dowlan, were part of a paedophile ring operating in and around Ballarat during the 1960s,70s and 80s. Ridsdale alone sexually abused hundreds of victims. He was shifted from parish to parish enabling his sex crime spree to span decades. The true horror he inflicted may never be known. He has been convicted of 138 sex crimes against children.

Some were as young as four when they were abused.
Pope Francis has talked about the Church as a field hospital for the wounded. It's a message with conflicting and complex resonance, not only in this time of reckoning in the paedophilia scandals  during which the clerical collar and lighted candle has become a staple of TV parody  but for an institution that has suffered through many a dark history.

Throughout that history, there have been the good priests, and the people who love them. The idea of the field hospital, says Father Michael Casey, 72, is a fitting way to describe parish life. "We have to expect the unexpected; the doorbell, the phone call, it can come at any time," he says.

Father Michael has been the parish priest at St Ambrose in Brunswick since 1997. He was ordained at 25. Years ago, to maintain a personal prayer life among the demands of running outreach programs, saying mass, attending to all manner of crises, baptisms, marriages and funerals  plus endless book work  he decided to start each day 5.45am, just to fit it all in. Three years away from official retirement age  although the option to keep going may be afforded him  Casey finds that 9.30pm is when his energy runs out, when he hopes to knock off if possible.

And yet he's busier than ever. There's the food bank, the soup kitchen, the Iranian asylum seekers with whom he shares his home, and the female asylum seekers living in a parish home. And never too far away, somebody in acute pain. Just this week, two victims of child sexual abuse came to talk. And last Sunday, well aware that his parishioners are suffering with the shame and sadness of so many children being abused by so many priests, Casey spoke at Mass. "I talked about having to face our wounded past and hopefully we will grow through the pain that we are all feeling."
The service, which would enable festival-goers to submit their drugs for purity testing at music venues, will "save lives" according to Dr Wodak.

Fairfax Media revealed last week that Australian Drug Law Reform Foundation president Dr Alex Wodak and Canberra physician Dr David Caldicott would begin a pill testing initiative at forthcoming Sydney music festivals with or without police or state government approval, potentially breaking the law.

A crowdfunding site is to be launched next week by the heads of a controversial pill testing trial who have been inundated with funding pledges for the project.

Dr Caldicott said that in the week since the project had been "out in the open", he and Dr Wodak had been approached by "hundreds" of technically qualified professionals offering their skills and individuals offering donations.

"There is, at it stands, $60,000 for a project that we believe will cost approximately $100,000 or so to run," he said. "We have some significant donors but there is also a groundswell of everyday people who, in offering smaller sums, also want to be part of this."

He added: "Unequivocally, the majority of people who have contacted us do not appear to be from the group of people who use drugs. It's professionals, parents, retirees. We never anticipated this level of response. The project has clearly tapped into a very deep feeling about where we are with drugs policy."

Last week, when Dr Wodak announced his intention to roll out a platinum version of that trial featuring doctors, analysts and clinicians, he was warned by NSW Police Minister Troy Grant that he could face prosecution for drug possession, drug supply  and manslaughter  if he proceeded with the plan.

While debate has raged all week about the associated legalities and ethics, it is by no means new ground.
The experiment is being conducted at the University of Chicago in two parts by political scientists Professor Robert Pape and neuroscientist Jean Decety in an effort to determine exactly how cultures of martyrdom mobilise support for their most violent acts, especially suicide attacks.

In the first experiment of its kind in the world, political scientists will join neuroscientists to examine what parts of the brain are stimulated and respond to propaganda, and in particular recruitment and martyrdom videos that are pumped out by the terror group.

High-tech brain scans could hold the key to unlocking the "black box" mystery of why Australian teenagers such as Abdullah Elmir and Jake Bilardi suddenly ran off to join the terror group Islamic State.

Professor Pape, who has been in Australia discussing terrorism, radicalisation and approaches to fighting it, said the experiment would allow the monitoring of the brain activity of people as they watch the videos and to see which pathways in the brain light up. He said the results may be powerful tools in preventing future recruitment by terror groups and influence national security policies.

University of Chicago's Professor Robert Pape says the research could lead to powerful tools in preventing future recruitment by terror groups.

"Over the last 15 years, we've had a tremendous rise of research in terrorism and insurgency and at the same time, over the last 15 years, we've had a tremendous rise in using neurological tools and techniques like MRI scans to better understand psychological processes; but we've never had these two streams of research married together to work hand in hand before," said Professor Pape.

Elmir, a Bankstown teenager who disappeared after telling his mum he was going on a fishing trip, is believed to have died in Syria. Bilardi is also believed to have become a suicide bomber in Iraq.

The project, which has been given almost $4 million in funding from the US Department of Defence, started with the analysis of large collections of martyrdom videos from extremist groups including the 9/11 hijackers, the July 2005 suicide bombers in London, and suicide attackers from Palestinian groups in Iraq and Lebanon and other places around the world.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has paid tribute to a police officer killed in a crash in the Hunter Valley on the way to an emergency on Saturday night.

Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson, 43, from Port Stephens Local Area Command died when his vehicle hit a tree at Allandale about 11.50pm.

Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione, centre, addresses the media on the death of Sergeant Geoffrey Richardson. Credit:Jonathan Carroll

Standing outside Nelson Bay police station on Sunday morning, Commissioner Scipione said Sergeant Richardson provided 18 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the people of NSW.

"It's a very sad day for the NSW Police Force today," he said.
Last year, Beniamin was found guilty of deprivation of liberty and received a custodial sentence of more than a year. Despite being a permanent resident, the charge meant he was sent to immigration detention where he remains. He was in the Australian government's immigration detention centre on Christmas Island when his sister's body was found stuffed inside a toolbox in Logan after she had been missing for more than a fortnight. Iuliana, along with Logan man Cory Breton, was beaten, stabbed, tied up and forced into a large metal toolbox before being driven to a dam where they were shot in the head and sunk, inside the toolbox, in the water. The brutal death and the grisly details of the murder have had an enormous impact on Iuliana's family.

"I cry every time I think about her. I just still don't believe it, I feel like she is going to come home and come back," Ms Anderson said. But perhaps the most hard hit has been Beniamin, the little brother who had always looked out for her. "He blames himself, he feels guilty about his sister because he wasn't there to protect her," Ms Anderson said. "[Beniamin] was always the one who was around Logan, to check on Iuliana ... They would have laughs, go for drives and he would always protect her ... he stood up for her." As the family prepares to lay Iuliana to rest on Tuesday, they are doing so with the knowledge that Beniamin won't be there to say goodbye.

"He just wants to be there for that last leg of her life," Ms Anderson said. Ms Anderson contacted Immigration Minister Peter Dutton begging him to allow Beniamin out of immigration detention for the day to attend the funeral. On Friday, a letter from Border Force was emailed to her rejecting the application. "His sister was brutally murdered, her life was taken away, It took 14 days for them to find her body in a tool box, it is devastating," Ms Anderson said. "He just wants the chance to say goodbye, he doesn't want to be let out for a month or something, he just wants to be there from when the funeral starts at 11am until 2 in the afternoon."

Ms Anderson said the Immigration Department's heartless refusal to allow Beniamin out of detention for the day had made the family's heartache worse. "My message [to Mr Dutton] is he should have some more sympathy, we are just asking for a few hours," she said. A spokesman for the Immigration Department would not be drawn on Beniamin's case specifically but said special purpose visits were assessed on a case-by-case basis. "Circumstances [where a special purpose visit may be granted] may include the death or critical illness of close family or the birth of a child to the detainee," the spokesman said. "Decisions on special purpose visit requests take into consideration the values of being fair and reasonable and upholding the dignity of, and respect for, the detainee.
A "one-stop shop" that addresses the causes of domestic violence and provides support could be the best way to prevent the deaths of women at the hands of their partners, a Brisbane criminology expert says.

Head of QUT's School of Justice Professor Kerry Carrington has suggested mobile women-only police stations in Australia's rural and remote towns to address the causes and prevent violence against women.

"Too many domestic violence deaths have occurred due to the lack of information-sharing," Professor Carrington said.

Her suggestion comes from her studies of successful women-only police stations in Latin America.

"Unlike the hard, steely seat of the grey waiting areas of dimly lit police stations, domestic violence police stations or units would reduce the stigma and discomfort of reporting abuse, enhance victims' access to justice and reduce the lethality of domestic violence," Professor Carrington said.
The immediate future of Clive Palmer's embattled Townsville refinery has been cast into further doubt after federal Treasurer Scott Morrison ruled out providing direct financial assistance.

FTI Consulting has reportedly asked Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt for a $10 million overdraft facility to avoid the nickel plant closing down within days.

Clive Palmer's Queensland Nickel has failed to win support from the federal government. Credit:Andrew Meares

Mr Pitt referred the request to Mr Morrison who says, while he's concerned about the viability of the sector, it's the role of companies to make decisions about their competitiveness.

"It's critical that a firm undertakes strategic reviews and seeks external financing opportunities to ensure their ongoing viability," Mr Morrison said in a letter on Thursday.
With world-renowned guest speakers and the promise of having "something for everyone", Brisbane's World Science Festival, which starts on Wednesday, is shaping up to be an out-of-this-world experience.

The festival started in New York in 2008 and has been an annual week-long celebration and exploration of science ever since.

Professor Suzanne Miller, CEO and director of the Queensland Museum, explained she had been looking for a way to develop a big new, celebration of science here in the Sunshine State.

"We wanted an event that grabbed people's attention and encouraged people to talk about science, technology, engineering and math," said Professor Miller.
Grindr gay dating app founder Joel Simkhai is in Sydney for his first Mardi Gras and he has a message for Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on same-sex marriage.

"Absolutely, Australia is behind the times," the American said.

"We [the United States] passed marriage equality and guess what? The world didn't change. For those who didn't support it, their lives were not affected. Their children were fine and their lives were not adversely affected so I encourage all Australians to support equality."

With a plebiscite on same-sex marriage expected after the election, the multimillionaire spoke out, in between checking Grindr on his phone, just hours after flying in from Hong Kong.
State Liberal leader Matthew Guy has backed Malcolm Turnbull's review of the Safe Schools program and has warned against making the curriculum mandatory in Victoria, saying a one-size-fits-all approach won't work.

But the Victorian Opposition Leader has provoked a furious state government response after condoning the comments of Liberal MP Bernie Finn, who described the program this week as "a full-frontal assault on the innocence of children and the role of families in society".

Almost two weeks after the Turnbull government announced a rethink of the Safe Schools anti-bullying initiative, Mr Guy has endorsed Canberra's decision while hitting out at Premier Daniel Andrews' plan to expand the program to every Victorian public school by 2018.

"A one-size-fits-all approach in education doesn't work; schools and parents need to have input into what their kids are learning," said the father of three.
Police have released footage of a man they suspect of carrying out a series of attacks on CCTV cameras across rail yards in Melbourne's south-east.

The man had been filmed wearing a Metro high visibility vest to disguise himself as he sneaks into rail yards to cut the CCTV. Police would not speculate on why the man was turning off the cameras.

The man came with a ladder to cut the CCTV at the rail yards. Credit:Victoria Police

In the first incident at the Glen Waverley railway siding shortly before 1pm on February 18, the man used a ladder to cut the connection to a CCTV camera inside the rail yard before falling to the ground.

Two days later about noon, the same man used a key to enter the Mordialloc railway siding and cut the connection to two CCTV cameras.
Police officers were left shocked after a traffic stop in Perenjori near Morawa on Friday night.

Inside the Nissan X-Trail 4WD they found four adults and in the boot, besides some shopping. were two toddlers.

Police were shocked by what they found.

The girls were under 18 months old, wrapped in a blanket and completely unrestrained.

Police stopped the car around 11pm and later took to social media to tweet about what they found.
Beware the Internet. Or at least know how to disable an app function, French President Francois Hollande just learned the hard way.

Hollande's recent visit to an Internet company, which his advisers thought would be cool to live-stream on a popular video app, turned into a public relations disaster after viewers were allowed to post comments on the screen in real time.

French President Francois Hollande, right, waves as he poses with British Prime Minister David Cameron in Amien, France, on Thursday. Credit:AP

Hundreds of viewers went for the president's expanding waistline, his sex life, his dress sense and his failure to do anything about French unemployment.
Idomeni, Greece: A regional governor has called on the Greek government to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing where thousands of migrants are stranded because of restrictions along the route towards western Europe.

Up to 14,000 people were trapped in Idomeni, while another 6000 to 7000 were housed in refugee camps around the region, the governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said.

A girl plays with a doll inside a passenger terminal which is being used as a temporary shelter for migrants in the port city of Piraeus in Greece. Credit:AP

That means the area handles about 60 per cent of the total number of migrants in the country.

"It's a huge humanitarian crisis. I have asked the government to declare the area in a state of emergency," Mr Tzitzikostas said during a visit to Idomeni to distribute aid to the Red Cross and other non-governmental organisations. "This cannot continue for much longer."
Istanbul: Two Syrian men have been sentenced to more than four years in prison for the death of a young Syrian boy whose body washed up on a beach in Turkey in September.

The death of the boy, Alan Kurdi, and the gripping photo of his body lying facedown in the sand and surf of the beach focused the world's attention on the plight of migrants risking their lives to flee war and deprivation.

The lifeless body of Alan Kurdi, aged three, was found face-down on a beach near Bodrum, Turkey, in September last year. Credit:AP

The Turkish news agency Dogan identified the men as Muwafaka Alabash, 36, and Asem Alfrhad, 35. A court in the coastal resort town of Bodrum, in southwestern Turkey, convicted them of smuggling refugees, five of whom died, including Alan, aged two; his five-year-old brother, Galip; and their mother, Rihan. They drowned when the five-metre rubber raft they were riding to Greece flipped in high waves.
Detroit: The Republican debate on Fox News on Thursday night was an argument over whose was bigger. Whose lies. Whose poll numbers. Whose ... wherever.

A gobsmacking day of intraparty pie-throwing ended with Donald Trump, from the stage of the Fox Theatre in Detroit, assuring the US public that the size of his male appendage was just fine. "I guarantee you," he said, "there's no problem."

There was a time when I might have been stunned. There was a time when Trump kept his anatomical allusions to post-debate interviews, when he referred to the moderator Megyn Kelly - who was tough on him at his last debate on Fox, in August - as having "blood coming out of her wherever".

I might have been shocked, once, at this whole debate - the hooting audience, the barking candidates - but those days are over. The memory is already fading. This is our life now.
Slugging it out to name a presidential nominee for an election in November, the party is foundering in uncharted waters. A man protests Donald Trump while he speaks during a campaign rally in Florida. Credit:AP Deconstructed, the debate among Republicans can be reduced to a single question  is the long-term viability of their once-venerated party more important than a single term in the White House? "My party is committing suicide on national television," tweeted Jamie Johnson, an advisor to former Texas governor Rick Perry who was an early casualty in the nomination race, during the mayhem of last week's candidates' debate.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talking to the media after a campaign rally in Orlando, Florida. Credit:AP "We're in territory that our party hasn't seen," said Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee. Political biographer Jon Meacham told MSNBC: "Trump has managed to hijack the whole political party, and the pilots are asking why no one is on their side  the passengers are cheering for the guy who took over the plane." Donald Trump has been raging ahead in the polls and primaries. Credit:AP Described by some as an insurgent from within, by others as an outside raider mounting a hostile takeover, Trump's disdain for the policies and practices of the GOP have wrong-footed Republican grandees and the conservative US establishment  political, moneyed and media  at every turn.

Trump was supposed to self-immolate, to be torched by his own political ignorance and naivete. Instead he has surged in the primaries, taking command of a nomination field that has shrunk from 17 to just four. Votes in Kansas, Louisiana, Maine and Kentucky on Saturday and in Puerto Rico on Sunday are a waypoint between two big voting dates in big states  last week's Super Tuesday, in a dozen states; and March 15, in five states that include the vital turf like Florida and Ohio. In the first returns on Saturday's vote, Texas Senator Ted Cruz pulled ahead of Trump  but with his 51 per cent win, with 73 per cent of the count tallied, Cruz had captured just 17 of the 40 convention delegates in play. Nationally, in primaries, to date, Trump still has a good lead over Cruz  335 to 248 delegates in a race in which the winner needs 1237 delegates to secure the nomination. At each stage of the process, the commentariat has identified the hurdles that surely would trip up Trump. This weekend is no different  his penis talk in last Thursday's candidates' debate; several of the contests are in caucus states, in which Trump has been weak; and these are "closed elections", in which only registered Republicans are allowed a vote. As the primaries progress, the Republican leadership is at war with itself  a war of ideas on how to dress up what sounds like a coup being plotted by some, by which to rob Trump of the nomination in the event that he prevails, as a legitimate application of the party rules.

A difficulty is that so far, Trump can ridicule the biggest names behind the push as failures  Mitt Romney, who lost against Barack Obama in 2012; John McCain, who lost to Obama in 2008; and the hundred-odd conservative national security and foreign policy experts who have condemned the Trump candidacy  but a good many of whom were the architects of the failed invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. Like the hotel and apartment towers that bear his name, Trump is making the party his own, sideling and abusing the leadership at all levels; and along the way, jettisoning policy and principle in serial pronouncements which when written down, invariably reveal themselves to be meaningless. What to do? Romney effectively called for Republicans to vote in the remaining primaries to deny Trump the delegate count he needs, so that a new round of voting could take place at the party's convention in July, to deny Trump the nomination  a so-called brokered convention, the last of which was in 1976. But Ted Cruz, a Texas Senator fighting Trump for the nomination, warns that to subvert the will of the rank and file would be a great mistake  "if that happens, we'll have a manifest revolt on our hands all across the country".

The warning by Cruz was underscored by outpouring of contempt and fury by callers to talk shows on conservative radio in the wake of a speech last week by Romney, in which he seemed to suggest a brokered convention as a strategy to defeat Trump Last year the leadership went to great lengths to block a Trump breakaway  he was threatening to quit the Republican Party and run as his own candidate against the Democrats' Hillary Clinton and whoever the Republicans might select. Now some believe he should have been pushed out  that way, they argue his guns would have been trained on Clinton, not on fellow Republicans. Writing in the weekend, former George W Bush adviser Michael Gerson argues that stopping Trump at a brokered convention is an obvious choice for the party. "But if Ohio or Florida falls to Trump [in primaries on March 15], anti-Trump Republicans are likely to face a choice between voting for Clinton or supporting a third-party candidate." A #NeverTrump campaign has been launched and there is a reported gusher of donations to fund an advertising campaign to tear down the real estate mogul. Their difficulty is, that in leaving their run so late; they might be too late. Trump has harnessed, and now owns, the rank-and-file conservative voter anger that the GOP failed to address in any meaningful way and for which they were rebuked by a weekend editorial in The New York Times.

"It is an excellent thing that the Republican leaders have noticed the problem they have fostered, now embodied in the Trump candidacy. But until they see the need to alter the views and policies they have expressed for years, removing Mr Trump will not end the party's crisis." It's asymmetric war  Trump appeals to the gut; the party leadership talks to the brain. Sounding more like Mussolini, whose quotes he happily retweets, Trump says he wants to "open up the libel laws", by which he means he wants to rip down the First Amendment, so that he can go after his media critics; and he menaces contributors to the campaigns of his opponents that "they better be careful, they have a lot to hide". He incites the ugly side of his audiences, ordering his security to "throw [protesters] out in the cold"; or weighing in himself with incendiary threats like, "I'd like to punch him in the face". For Trump, torture is the go; international law is to be ignored and his fellow Republican and House speaker Paul Ryan might as well be road kill  "I'm sure I'm going to get along with him; and if I don't, he's going to pay a big price."
Phillies win pivotal NLCS Game 3 behind Segura's clutch hit

Kyle Schwarber hit a leadoff homer in the first inning and Jean Segura's two-run single led the Phillies over the Padres in Game 3.
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 ...
Switzerland is a country mainly known for its neutrality. There is idea, probably because it is not involved in any major wars, that Switzerland is a land of peace. The Amazing Race teams made their way to Switzerland in leg 4 of season 28 and took that peace-loving part of the country to heart. The first, and presumably only, Switzerland leg of The Amazing Race was less a competition and more just friendly romp around the country. Teams helped one another with challenges, traveled together on the public transit and in one particular case, even shared a romantic connection.

#Blodie: Blair & Brodie

The teams get their first clue and learn that they are headed to Switzerland. The biggest news of the day though has nothing to do with the destination. For the first time since the first leg, all the teams are gathered together in the same place, the airport. This causes everyone to freak out because evidently Brodie, of Ultimate Frisbee and Huge Teeth fame, has a not so insignificant crush on Blair, of the Squeaky Voice and Makeup Tutorial fame.

The Amazing Race Recap: The Teams Become a Sweaty Mess in Colombia >>>

The Brodie and Blair connection only grows deeper when the teams have to wait to head to the Detour once they touch down in Switzerland. The team hunker down in some cozy underground area to sleep. Brodie and Blair have a bit of time to chat while Tyler and Korey watch the two of them like some very excited (leering) chaperons.

A Stroll in the Park (With Knives)

Once the teams wake up the next morning, the choice of Detour is revealed. The teams must choose between Work Bench and Bench Work. In Work Bench, the teams must create their own Swiss Army knife. They are given an instruction booklet but it still very intricate and precise. In Bench Work, the teams must measure one of the longest park benches in Switzerland by the number of newspapers it takes to fill it. This requires the pairs to scoot themselves down the bench holding up a newspaper and counting. Its a lot harder and more entertaining than it sounds.

There are only a few teams who make it to Work Bench and they all have a pretty easy time of completing it. Its just time consuming and the results vary wildly. Brodie and Kurt are the only ones to get the number correct on their first try. They are right in the correct range of numbers with 190 newspapers. Brodie and Kurt tell two teams their answer: Burnie and Ashley as well as Dana and Matt. Its a good thing that Dana is told the correct answer too because once again, she is about ready to murder Matt for continuing to be himself. Why are these two still together?!

Cliquing over Flags

From the Detour, the teams head to the Roadblock. In the Roadblock the teams must head to the United Nations office in Switzerland. Once they have arrived, the designated member of the team must find the flags of ten of the original United Nations countries. Since Geography and flag memorization is literally the worst, people quickly begin to group up with members from other teams.

While all these pairings, threesomes and foursomes are occurring, Instagram models, Jessica and Brittany, are still back at the Bench Work Detour. To back up slightly, Jessica and Brittany were unaware that Switzerland was even a country before they were headed there. So its safe to say theyre not having a great day.

At Work Bench, theyre about as good as counting newspapers as they were at recognizing foreign nations. While they eventually figure out the right number of the newspapers, its long after everyone else. They fly right back into the frying pan, of course, because they have to confront their lack of country knowledge again when they arrive at the Roadblock.





The Amazing Race: Are the Social Media Stars Clever or Distracting? >>>

By the time the models show up, all the other teams have grouped together. No one wants to work with the Jessica, the designated model chosen to the Roadblock. (Or is it Brittany? It doesnt matter. as they are virtually interchangeable anyway.) Instead of work on the Roadblock, alone, Jessica (or Brittany) walks around near tears talking about how unfair it is that no one wants to help the person in last place. (Its almost like this is a race of some sort.)



A (Group) Photo Finish

Once the Roadblock is complete, the teams must head to the Pit Stop, which is actually in France. This means, to finish the leg, the teams have to jump on a train to head to their next designation. It sounds like typical fare for the show but it really isnt with this leg. Either The Amazing Race didnt anticipate that so many teams would work together or they didnt look at the train schedules closely enough. Whatever the reason, something very unusual and boring occurs.

All the teams (except the models) end up in one big clump on the same train. I dont know if youre aware how boring it is to watch eight couples ride the same train but let me assure you, it is a complete bummer. This monstrous clump of sweaty people eventually piles out of the train together in France and run to the Pit Stop. This results in a nearly eight-way tie. Brodie and Kurt technically come in first, but a series of seconds separate first and eighth place.

Luckily for this big happy family, they wont have to look those they abandoned in the face. The models arrive in dead last, all alone, and are eliminated for the race. No one mourns their passing, nor knows which one was Jessica and which one was Brittany.

The Amazing Race airs Fridays at 8pm on CBS.





(Image courtesy of CBS)
The financials of telecom operators continue to be at a risk, as the country's apex court has not granted an interim stay on the sector regulator's decision to levy a penalty for call drops (incomplete calls). While the Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear the petition challenging the regulator's fiat on penalty for call drops, it refused to grant an interim stay on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai)'s order.

Trai's move has not gone down well with the investor community either, as they blame government's poor spectrum policy for the call drops. HSBC Global Research says, "In our view, call drop is an outcome of poor spectrum policies, supported by the fact that Indian telcos are way below the global average on spectrum allocations."



Credit Suisse too said in a note: "Anyone designing telecom networks would know that ensuring zero per cent call drops is near impossible for commercial (i.e. profit-oriented) operators. Interestingly, the new rules seem to have no link to the old rules where a two per cent call drop rate was acceptable to the regulator. So, even an operator that is currently meeting the old two per cent call drop limit could still end up paying a penalty under the new rules."



Trai's October order said telcos would have to pay a compensation of Re 1 for every incomplete call from January 1, 2016. The regulator has capped the penalty at three calls per day per consumer. The penalty will be credited as extra talk time with the customer's existing tariff plan. A penalty of Re 1 per call drop is nearly three times the money telcos earn for a call in a minute. No wonder, telecom companies are ready for a legal battle. Interestingly, the new regulation does not allow leeway of two per cent incomplete calls, which means the regulator expects the network to be perfect all the time.

If implemented, telecom analysts expect the regulation to lead to a decline of seven to eight per cent in the operating profit of telecom operators. Operators that have had a call drop rate of two per cent or below will see a negative impact of three to four per cent on their operating profit. Analysts expect four per cent of total calls on all networks would face this problem, leading to a significant impact on revenues and operating income of telcos.

According to Credit Suisse, Bharti's average revenue per minute can be hit by 2.9 per cent and mobile Ebitda (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) by 7.4 per cent. The brokerage expects Idea's average revenue per user (ARPU) to be hit by three per cent and mobile Ebitda by 8.1 per cent, assuming 50 per cent of its minutes of use are outgoing calls. HSBC Global Research also expects the potential penalties to have an adverse impact on Bharti's revenue by four per cent and Ebitda by seven per cent.

In terms of value, telecom players could end up losing Rs 54,000 crore per annum as compensation for call drops. This would result either in closure of networks or a rise in tariffs, the telecom operators had said in a letter to Trai. "The annual industry compensation due to dropped calls may range from Rs 10,000 crore in case 10 per cent of subscribers claim compensation to Rs 54,000 crore in case 50 per cent of subscribers claim the same. This amount would represent up to 37 per cent of the industry's annualised adjusted gross revenue in case of 50 per cent claims." Trai, however, had said that call drops compensation will only result in payout of Rs 800 crore annually.

The operators' bodies - Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) - in a joint letter have moved Trai stating that the authority's regulation to compensate call drops is "grossly unjust". This, they say, will negatively impact both consumers and service providers.

WHAT ANALYSTS SAY
Former employees of the defunct have asked the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prosecute Vijay Mallya for not paying taxes and clearing their dues, which they claim has hurt the image of airlines of the country.

"It's also important to highlight that how much damage you have caused to the image of our country particularly aviation industry, because of your frauds upcoming airlines are finding it difficult to get aircraft on lease from the leasing companies," said a letter that was distributed on Saturday. Anjan Deveshwar, a former aircraft maintenance engineer at confirmed over email that the letter was issued by the ex employees and want "Mallya to be prosecuted."



"Some of the leasing found it very hard to recover their aircraft while some of their aircraft have reduced to nothing more than junk, as a result new airlines have to pay very high lease amounts," the letter said. "Everyone knows that you including your son won't be able to spend all the wealth that you have earned then why not at least pay the salaries of your employees."



The letter from former comes ahead of the Debt Recovery Tribunal order on Monday, which will look at a plea by lenders State Bank of India to direct Mallya and Diageo Plc to deposit $ 75 million or nearly Rs 500 crore committed to Mallya by the British liquor firm in the court. The banks have also submitted plea to arrest Mallya, impound his passport and disclose assets both of him and his family members in the DRT as well as the Karnataka High Court.

Mallya owes nearly Rs 7,200 crore to banks over loans taken to run the airlines.
Surat-based Products Private Limited is planning to raise around Rs 20 crore through private equity to fuel its next level of expansion. After having launched snacks, the company is now planning to foray into juices, confectioneries and biscuits.

We already have two manufacturing units and are in the process of setting up two new by next fiscal. We have already invested around Rs 6-7 crore for launching snacks under the brand name Harley. We are now foraying into juices, confectioneries and biscuits for which we would look at private equity investment of Rs 20 crore, said Soumiik Mitra, CMD, .

With a tagline of Bache Khush Toh Hum Khush, is primarily targeted towards kids and families with a range of potato chips and namkeens.

The company will continue to do so through fruit beverages and confectionery products.

The company currently has 27 products in its basket. Expansion of market is also on even as the company looks to cover 60 per cent of the whole domestic market by next fiscal, said Mitra. "Our company has a highly experienced team in Sales & Marketing which has over two decades of experience in FMCG business across Pan India and International Markets. Harley Foods plans to introduce an Era of Goodness, Freshness and of Sensational Taste in the market and has rich experience along with innovative ideas and plan to launch variety of products across India. After months of test marketing and market feedback, we are now confident to address the national market and are also looking for interested Investors and industry leaders to assist us in our marketing drive," added Mitra.

Moreover, going forward, the company is also looking at exports to international markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, Gulf and other Asian countries.
As the workers strike at the Sanand plant of Tata Motors enters its 14th day, workers in small groups are trickling in to work. On Saturday, at least 40 striking workers had reported to work, and the number is likely to climb in the coming days.

On February 22, 422 permanent workers at the plant had gone on a flash strike protesting against the suspension of 28 workers. Several rounds of talks have failed since then, and eventually on March 2 the Gujarat labour department prohibited the strike.

Pressure is mounting on the workers as they continue to strike. Small groups have started to break away and about 25 workers resumed work initially. On Saturday, this number touched 40, according to sources.

Tata Motors had declared on Friday it would not allow striking workers to enter the premises. It also said it would ferry only those workers in company buses who were willing to work.

In response, workers did not report to work on Saturday apart from the 40.

Tata Motors published a notice in Gujarati newspapers on Saturday asking workers to report back to work by March 5 or else the company would take action against them.

A company spokesperson said, Given the government of Gujarats order dated March 2 prohibiting the strike, we expect workmen to resume work. We have reached out to the workmen and we hope good counsel will prevail.



Sources indicated that with 40 workers rejoining, more were expected to resume work in the coming days as they faced a no-work-no-pay situation in an illegal strike.
Punjab National Bank, which had earlier this year declared Vijay Mallya's United Breweries Holdings a wilful defaulter, says it will leave no stone unturned to recover unpaid loans.

"We are not going to spare Mallya, we are after him and we will get the money back," said Usha Ananthasubramanian, chief executive officer and managing director, Punjab National Bank, on the sidelines of the Gyan Sangam in Gurgaon.

PNB has an exposure of Rs 800 crore in this case and the wilful defaulter tag is with regards to the loans taken by Mallya for now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines.

Apart from PNB, State Bank of India - which is leading a consortium of banks that lent to Mallya - and United Bank of India have declared him a wilful defaulter. So far, the lenders have been unsuccessful in their attempts to recover the unpaid loans.

Recently, SBI petitioned the Debt Recovery Tribunal in Bengaluru, seeking Mallya's arrest, impounding of his passport and full disclosure of his family's assets. Mallya and Kingfisher Airlines owe about Rs 7,800 crore to the lenders.

On Friday, Minister of State for Finance, Jayant Sinha, said that steps were being taken to ensure that banks are able to recover the loans.

Recently, PNB had also declared a list of 904 defaulters that owed the bank close to about Rs 11,000 crore and is exploring various ways, including legal recourse, to recover the money.
From offering self-defence classes to allocating funds as marketing support to women entrepreneurs, start-ups and e-commerce in the country are trying to make the best of Women's Day, which is celebrated around the world on March 8.

For instance, Paytm is backing who have gone digital on its platform. As a part of this initiative, the company has invited women sellers from across India (Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi/NCR) to interact with their senior management in formulating a long-term road map for supporting in the country.

Sudhanshu Gupta, vice-president, Paytm, said, "We have successfully built a merchant-preferred platform where there are no direct or surrogate inventory models. We have seen a lot of register on our platform and take keen interest in participating in the online growth story."



While the company has invited some of them to come to its office and share their success stories and learnings, there are plans to roll out promotions and financial services as well. "We plan to invest Rs 15 crore in the next few months behind these initiatives," Gupta said.

Another e-commerce player - Snapdeal - is planning to have tie-ups with Ficci Ladies Organisation ahead of Women's Day for sellers. The organisation has about 4,000 women entrepreneurs as direct members and also 14 centres located across India and associations. The programme will begin with a road map for digital inclusion, and subsequently workshops will be organised.

For women employees, Snapdeal will organise counselling and mentoring sessions. It has also partnered with Urban Clap, which will provide services to women employees, where they can pamper themselves with hand reflexology, head massage, grooming, etc.

Leading online marketplace Amazon.in has announced the launch of first-of its-kind women-only outlets for delivering products. This initiative will take off with its first such station in Thiruvananthapuram and the second one in Chennai.

This is aimed at empowering women and transforming their lives, said Amazon. These women-only centres will deliver packages on two-wheelers within a radius of two-three km. There are plans to offer self-defence classes as well.

Samuel Thomas, director, transportation, Amazon India, said the women-only delivery station was a first-of-its-kind India-specific innovation from the group.

Shopclues, yet another online player, said the company celebrated Women's Day in a unique way every year. Focusing on women's safety this year, it would organise workshops to encourage self-defence. It has also tied up with NGOs to organise women-centric sessions such as health talks and safety exercises. In addition, it would offer goodies and movie passes to women employees on March 8.
Research by scientists in Brazil indicates a mosquito more common than the one primarily known to transmit Zika infections might possibly be able to carry the virus, a development that could further complicate efforts to limit its spread.

The mosquito species Aedes aegypti has been identified as the main transmitter of zika infections, linked to thousands of birth defects as the virus spreads rapidly in Brazil and other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

But the scientists in Brazil announced recently that they were able to infect another species, Culex quinquefasciatus, with the virus in a laboratory, raising concerns that Zika could be carried by a species more prevalent than Aedes aegypti. They said much more research is needed to learn whether the Culex mosquitoes can transmit Zika infections.

In Brazil, Culex quinquefasciatus is 20 times more common than Aedes aegypti, the researchers said.

The research, conducted by scientists at the government-funded Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in the northeastern city of Recife, is part of an ongoing trial in which researchers injected 200 of the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes with rabbit blood infected by Zika.

The virus, they said, circulated through the mosquitoes' bodies and into their salivary glands, meaning they might be able to transmit a Zika infection by biting a person.

"We saw an ease of infection and an ease of dissemination of the virus to the salivary glands," Constancia Ayres, the lead scientist in the study, told Globo, Brazil's leading television network.

Public authorities have cited Aedes aegypti as the mosquito overwhelming responsible for spreading Zika, with another species of the same genus, Aedes albopictus, also transmitting the virus in smaller numbers.

There has been evidence about other mosquitoes linked to Zika. For example, researchers have found more than 20 mosquito species carrying the virus in Africa, although it was unclear whether they all transmit the disease effectively to humans.

The Brazilian research has yet to be published in a scientific journal or reviewed by scientific peers elsewhere.

The foundation said more work was needed to determine whether Culex mosquitoes in the wild already are carrying the virus as well as whether they can transmit Zika infections.

Foundation spokeswoman Fabiola Tavares said the researchers, who will begin capturing Culex mosquitoes in areas near Recife where the virus is known to be circulating, will now proceed toward answering those questions. The additional research could take up to eight months, Tavares added.

If a mosquito besides Aedes aegypti were found to transmit Zika infections in large numbers, it could make it more difficult to contain the current Zika outbreak that the World Organization last month declared a global public emergency.

Much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly in babies, a condition defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems. Brazil said it has confirmed more than 640 cases of microcephaly, and considers most of them to be related to Zika infections in the mothers.

Brazil is investigating more than 4,200 additional suspected cases of microcephaly.

Traces of the virus have been found in the bodily fluids and tissue of mothers and babies affected by microcephaly.

Culex quinquefasciatus also exists in more temperate climes, such as the southern United States, where it is known to carry the West Nile virus, and can survive winters. Unlike Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus could keep a virus in circulation during cold months.

Though the Culex mosquitoes prefer to feed on the blood of birds, they also commonly bite humans, especially in rural areas. That means that targeted pesticide use and other mosquito control efforts for that species, which rests in trees and other high areas, would need to be different from those for Aedes aegypti, which rests in low spots, often indoors.

"You can't spray up high the way you can around buildings," said Grayson Brown, director of the University of Kentucky's public health entomology laboratory who was not involved in the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation research. If Culex mosquitoes were indeed proven to transmit Zika, Brown said, "it would really complicate the public health issue."


Bengaluru will house Indias largest Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) alumni centre in the country, which will house an incubator for start-ups and take up projects to serve social needs.

The centre, which will be funded by the alumni of various IITs residing in the city, is estimated to cost Rs 15-16 crore, while an additional Rs 10 crore will be raised for running expenses. The first fundraiser event was held in the city recently.

The centre will also look at bringing together corporates, public sector undertakings (PSUs) and IITs to work together on products and research. The association is already in talks with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited to help meet their software, hardware and material science requirements.

Due to be completed in March 2018, the centre will house an incubation centre for start-ups. It will also serve as a place for alumni to interact, work together on solving social issues and even form an advisory to state governments. It will be open to current and ex-IITians and faculties, and invite corporate and research bodies where IITians are working.

The alumni interaction centre will be a place where the alumni can interact and contribute to society and industry. As a part of that, an incubation centre is being planned, said Kris Gopalakrishnan, Infosys co-founder and an alumnus. It will be an engagement platform for alumni to interact with the government, interact with society and give back to society.



With an estimated 10,000 to 14,000 IITians residing in Bengaluru, the city will become home to the second such centre in the country after Chennai. The city is also home to several alumni-turned-head honchos such as Nandan Nilekani and N R Narayana Murthy of Infosys, Sachin and Binny Bansal of Flipkart, Pranay Chulet of Quikr and Bhaskar Bhat of Titan.

The alumni have purchased land from the state government for the project near Electronic City.

According to former director of Bombay Ashok Misra, IIT Roorkee will act as a nodal agency for incoming industry projects, deciding which centre can take them up based on their lines of expertise and ongoing projects. Talks have begun with few PSUs and research institutes, he added. For smart cities, we had a nine-day workshop for the state government, where we spoke about water, sanitation, transportation, etc.


The transfer of short-term crop loans from the finance ministry to the department of agriculture has invited much criticism on the grounds that it has needlessly bloated the annual budget. In an interview, Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, chairman of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard), told Sanjeeb Mukherjee that the move will help foster close linkage between farm credit and components that help in agricultural development. Nabard refinances 37 to 40 per cent of the short-term crop loans disbursed through credit co-operative banks. Edited excerpts



There has been a lot of talk about the allocation for interest subvention on short-term crop loans getting transferred from the finance ministry to the agriculture department. How do you, as a stakeholder, view this move?



To me, this might help in bringing all the inputs required in farming under one roof, and credit is just one of the inputs. This could also help foster close linkages between subvention and other things for which crop loans are availed, and so also subvention on their timely repayment.

The Budget has done a lot for the irrigation sector, including the creation of a long-term fund of Rs 20,000 crore in Nabard. How will the fund function?



The final guidelines will be worked out with the ministry of agriculture, water resources and also NITI Aayog, but as of now what we know is that this fund will be created with the help of Rs 12,500 crore of budgetary support. The rest will come from tax-free bonds, for which we have given a share in the Centres entire bond corpus.

The fund will primarily be used to finance up front the 23 high-priority projects that need to be completed in the next one year.

How will making funds available up front help in the completion of projects?



The identified projects wont have to be dependent on the annual allocation of funds, which will ensure that they are completed on time and there is no lag. These funds will also help create fresh potential and could be used for command area development.

Is Nabard planning to monitor the execution of the irrigation projects?



Yes, we plan to set up a monitoring mechanism similar to the one that is currently available for the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), which also functions under Nabard. RIDF projects are monitored by a high-powered committee at state level, which comprises the secretaries of respective departments and representatives from Nabard. We have completed projects worth more than Rs 10,000 crore under RIDF in 2015-16. Till now, through RIDF, we are funding projects in which the states have a share or that are are funded by states. We can also do the same with projects that are funded by the Centre through the new fund. In a way, this can be a true game changer.
Stating that the tax proposal on EPF in Budget 2016-17 was misconstrued, revenue secretary Hasmukh Adhia said here that the government intends to secure citizens' retirement life by diverting savings to annuity schemes. Adhia was in Ahmedabad to attend a budget discussion organised by Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA).

He said that there was miscommunication about the proposal in budget which needed to be cleared.

There are over 30 million accounts in provident fund and union government has proposed 40 per cent tax on 60 per cent of total amount at the time of withdrawal.

"It was too divert people to pension schemes after retirement that government proposed this tax in budget. Because of miscommunication, the proposal has been facing conflicts. Finance minister will soon talk about it in Parliament," said Adhia.

Government wants people to invest in annuity schemes so that their after retirement life would be secure financially, he said.

"There are has been misunderstanding about the proposal which needs to be cleared and government is working on it to answer," said Adhia.

For the first time in India, the central government increased planned expenditure by 15 per cent, which was the highest ever.

Adhia said, "At the time of budget preparation, Prime Minister and Finance Minister had asked to raise planned expenditure in the budget."



Talking about Goods and Service Tax (GST) Adhia said that the government will soon put detail draft of GST in public domain to get views of common people.

"By April this year, we will put draft of GST in public domain and will invite suggestion on it. Government is hopeful to implement GST by April 2017."


After a successful rollout of core banking facilities, cooperative in Gujarat are now planning to launch internet banking and mobile banking for the first time in India.

With support of the Gujarat Urban Co-Operative Federation (GUCBF), Gujarat State Cooperative Bank - a scheduled bank of Gujarat - has created an umbrella platform under which all the cooperative of the state will be able to provide net banking facilities to their customers.

Since maintaining server and technology is not affordable for small co-operative banks, the federation is now in the process of linking smaller banks with big co-operative banks. According to the National Federation of Urban Co-operative Banks and Credit Societies (NAFCUB), only Gujarat is currently active in technology adoption; the former has asked other states to do the same.

More than 260 co-operative banks, with a branch network of more than 2,000 branches across Gujarat, will come under this umbrella, which would enable them to provide technology-driven services to their account holders or customers.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked all the states to set up umbrella platforms for technology support, but Gujarat is the only state in India that has implemented the concept.

"The basic idea behind it is to support small banks in technology so that they become able to provide technology-driven services, such as net banking and mobile banking. Gujarat is the first state in which cooperative banks will be on net banking and mobile banking platforms in the county," said Jyotindra Mehta, director of NAFCUB and president of GUCBF.

According to Mehta, Gujarat was the first state to implement core banking solution (CBS) in the country.

Mehta added, "The co-operative model is very strong in Gujarat, which is why the state is always performing better than other states of India."



It is not affordable for small co-operative banks to create and maintain net banking and mobile banking platforms, and so RBI has asked every state to create this kind an umbrella to provide technological support to every bank for further developments.

Vinod Shah, general manager of Gujarat State Co-operative Bank, said, "Individually, technology adoption costs around Rs 5 crore, which includes server, application software, manpower and infrastructure. This may not be affordable for every bank.

Gujarat State Co-operative Bank has created infrastructure, while GUCBF will help co-operative banks to link with it. Almost half of the state's banks have already been covered under the umbrella.

"Almost half of the cooperative banks have been covered in the technology umbrella project and the rest will be in it in near future. We are educating the banks by organising seminar about it," Shah added.

Most of the banks are prepared to start the net banking facility, but it will take some time for mobile banking since each bank needs to get permission from RBI. So far, RBI has given permission to four co-operative banks, of which two banks - Gujarat State Co-operative Bank and Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank - have received approval. The rest of the banks are from Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh.
Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley: Experts Group Would Be Set-Up Immediately to Look Into All Issues Related to Consolidation of Public Sector Banks To Have Strong Banks; Second Edition of Two Day Bankers Retreat Gyan Sangam 2.0 Concludes . .

The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that the bankers themselves have supported the proposal of consolidation of banks in order to have strong banks rather than having numerically large number of banks. The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley was replying to a question in a Press Conference after the conclusion of the Second Edition of the Bankers Retreat Gyan Sangam 2.0 at State Bank Academy at Gurgaon (Haryana) today. The two day Bankers Retreat was held on 4th and 5th March, 2016. The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley said that as part of strategy for consolidation of banks, an Experts Group would be constituted immediately to look into all the issues related to same. Briefing the media after conclusion of the Second Edition of two day Gyan Sangam in Gurgaon today, Shri Jaitley said that in order to expedite the process of recovery, need to amend the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) Act and SARFESI Act was felt during the course of discussions in Retreat and Department of Financial Services (DFS) is looking into the same. Shri Jaitley said that Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law may also be through in second part of the current Budget Session. Those who participated in the two day Retreat include among others Shri Jayant Sinha, Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Raghuram Rajan, Governor, Reserve Bank of India(RBI), Shri Shatikanta Das, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Smt. Anjuly Chib Duggal, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Regulators, officers of the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance and top management of all the Public Sector Banks (PSBs). .

.

The event built on the experience gained and progress made since First Gyan Sangam, held in January,2015 in Pune. .

.

Earlier the two day event commenced with an address by Smt. Anjuly Chib Duggal, where she welcomed participants and set the context for the deliberations spanning 2 days. She also outlined progress made on the Reform Agenda proposed by bankers at last years event. Dr. Raghuram Rajan, Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in his address summarised the current banking context and discussed potential solutions with the banker audience. In his key note address, Shri Jayant Sinha, the Minister of State for Finance encouraged banks to adopt innovative transformative approaches, to ensure the sector continues to support strong growth in the economy. The event also saw presentations on project financing best practices by experts from IFC and L&T Infrastructure Finance. .

.

Representatives of McKinsey & Company, the knowledge partners at the event, provided a perspective on current state of banks in India. As in the previous year, Working Groups consisting of senior public sector bankers, subject matter experts, senior personnel from RBI and DFS were set-up. The Groups brainstormed on detailing-out initiatives in 5 key areas viz. NPA management, Restructuring(Mergers & Acquisitions), Credit Growth, Technology and Risk Management. The Groups had intense debates on the issues facing the sector, potential solutions and key initiatives to be taken to help resolution. .

.

The morning session on Day-2 began with a talk by Swami Sukhabodhanandji on Spirituality in turbulent times. Thereafter, each Group presented a set of transformational initiatives to further the reform journey initiated in 2015. Each presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session with the audience. .

.

Shri Ashwani Kumar, Chairman, IBA then presented the progress made by banks against the commitments made at Gyan Sangam 2015. He encouraged his colleagues to continue to further the transformation they had initiated. This was followed by inspiring presentations by bankers who had executed successful turnarounds at their banks Union Bank of India presented their journey on risk management. State Bank of India shared details of the ongoing digital transformation. .

.

At the Final Session of the event, Shri Jayakumar, MD& CEO, Bank of Baroda, presented the Reform Agenda to the Union Finance Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley, on behalf of his colleagues. He reaffirmed the Banking Sectors commitment to deliver on the initiatives that have been tabled. The Finance Minister, in his remarks, congratulated the bankers for the ambitious goals they had set for themselves, and assured them of support in their endeavours. .

.
Heavy financial and legislative agenda for 3rd week of Budget session . . Aadhar Bill, Whistle Blower Protection Bill, Child Labour Bill and time permitting Real Estate Bill among 12 Bills proposed for next week . . Both the Houses debate contentious issue during the first two weeks; Lok Sabha passes one Bill and Rajya Sabha clears 3 Bills . .

Heavy financial and legislative agenda awaits the third week of Budget session of Parliament beginning Tuesday next week and has only four working days, with Monday being a holiday on account of Mahashivratri. .

.

A total of 12 Bills are on the agenda of the Government for the next week including 7 in the Lok Sabha and 5 in the Rajya Sabha. .

.

The Bills proposed to be taken up in the Lok Sabha next week are : .

.

1.Introducton, Consideration and Passing of the Enemy Property (Amendment & Validation) Bill, 2016 to replace an Ordinance; .

.

2. Two Appropriation Bills relating to Demands for Grants on Account (Railways) for 2016-17 and Supplementary Demands for Grants (Railways) for 2015-16, on conclusion of ongoing discussion; .

.

3.Two Appropriation Bills relating to Demands for Grants on Account (General) for 2016-17 and Supplementary Demands for Grants (General) for 2015-16 (after initiation and conclusion of discussion); .

.

4.Consideration and Passing of the Adhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016; and .

.

5.Consideration and Passing of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill,2016. .

.

In addition to further consideration and return of Appropriation Bills relating to Railway and General Budgets to the Lok Sabha, the Legislative agenda proposed for the next week in Rajya Sabha is : .

.

1.Consideration and Passing of the Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015, as passed by the Lok Sabha; .

.

2.Consideration and Passing of the National Waterways Bill,2016, as passed by the Lok Sabha; .

.

3.Consideration and Passing of the Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill,2015, as passed by the Lok Sabha; .

.

4.Consideration and Passing of the Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Amendment Bill,2012. .

.

While making a Statement in the Rajya Sabha on the Business of the House for the third week of Budget session, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi informed the House that the Government would like to also move the Real Estate (Development & Regulation) Bill which is pending in the Upper House. .

.

During the first two weeks of the ongoing Budget session, both the Houses passed the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill,2016 giving voting rights to the people who became Indian Citizens following the exchange of conclaves between India and Bangladesh. .

.

In addition, Rajya Sabha has passed two more Bills which were earlier passed by the Lok Sabha viz., The High Court and Supreme Court (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill,2015 and The Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015. .

.

Both the Houses also discussed incidents happened in the Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Hyderabad Central University. Besides, Rajya Sabha also took up two Calling Attention Motions on the breakdown of law and order in Delhi and the comments attributed to a Union Minister allegedly against minorities. .

.

While the Lok Sabah adopted a Motion of Thanks to the President for his address to both the Houses at a Joint Session, discussion in this regard is in progress in the Upper House. .

.

AAR
Need to put in place a 'Grow in India' programme to transform the socio-economic fabric of our agricultural sector: Vice President . . Addresses National Seminar on 'Public Investment and Subsidies on Agricultural Inputs and the Upliftment of Agrarian Economy' . .

The Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that we need to put in place a Grow in India" programme to transform the socio-economic fabric of our agricultural sector. He was delivering, here today, the keynote address at the National Seminar on Public Investment and Subsidies on Agricultural Inputs and the Upliftment of Agrarian Economy, organized by the All India Kisan Sabha which was attended by farmers from all over the country. .

.

The Vice President said that the government needs to take bold steps to translate the good intentions into action to tackle the deficiencies in farming. This would, however, require a strong political will and the need to develop a wide political consensus, he added. The Vice President further said that we need a social corrective along with the economic correctives to redress these challenges in development of rural sector. Mere infusion of funds might not be enough unless the underlying social gaps and divisions remain in place, he added. .

.

The Vice President said that the centrality of Agriculture in the socio-economic fabric of India is self evident and almost half of the workforce in India still remains dependent on agriculture. He said that the issue of farmers suicides is certainly a complex one but it brings into sharp focus the stresses that the agricultural sector in India is now subject to. He further said that there are indications that the Green Revolution benefits have plateued. .

.

The Vice President observed that small farms are weak in terms of generating adequate income and sustaining livelihood. Their participation in agricultural market remains low due to a range of constraints such as low volumes, high transaction costs, lack of markets and information access, he added. .

.

The Vice President said that the enhanced public expenditure in agriculture - in form of increased investments, rather than un-targeted subsidies - is required to bring about technical change in agriculture, and higher agricultural growth. .

.

Following is the text of Vice Presidents address: .

.

"I thank the organizers of this relevant seminar for inviting me today. .

.

We gained our independence in August 1947. Freedom came in the wake of the great, man-made, Bengal Famine of 1942-43 which claimed about 3 million victims. In the early years of freedom, food shortages were rampant, dependence of food imports was perennial, and food rationing was regularly resorted to. For this reason, Jawaharlal Nehru said in 1948 that everything else can wait but not agriculture. In 1951-52, the total grain production was 52 million tons. Today, it is over 264 million tons. .

.

The centrality of Agriculture in the socio-economic fabric of India is thus self evident. As a source of livelihood, agriculture - including forestry and fishing- remains the largest sector of Indian economy. While its output fell from 28.3% of the economy in 1993-94 to 13.9% in 2013-14, the numbers employed have declined only from 64.8% to 48.9%. Therefore, almost half of the workforce in India still remains dependent on agriculture. .

.

Agriculture is also a source of raw materials to a number of food and agro-processing industries. It is estimated that industries with raw material of agricultural origin accounted for 50% of the value added and 64% of all jobs in the industrial sector. At $38 billion, agricultural export in 2014-15 constituted 10% of our exports. .

.

After independence, we undertook special programmes such as the Grow More Food Campaign and the Integrated Production Programme focused on improving food and cash crops supply. Land-reforms were undertaken with two specific objectives. First- to remove impediments to increase in agricultural production arising from the inherited agrarian structure; and Second- to eliminate elements of exploitation and social injustice within the agrarian system, to provide security for the tiller of soil and assure equality of status and opportunity to all sections of the rural population. .

.

Successive Five Year Plans stressed self-sufficiency and self-reliance in food-grain production. Concerted efforts in this direction did result in substantial increase in agricultural production and productivity. This was the Green Revolution. .

.

Today, India is the largest exporter of rice in the world, and the second-largest exporter of buffalo meat and cotton. India is the largest producer of milk, and the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, rice, wheat and sugarcane. .

.

There are, however, indications that the Green Revolution benefits have plateaued. There is criticism that the input intensive approach has largely been irrelevant for 60% of Indias cultivable land which is un-irrigated. These rain-fed areas have failed to benefit from public spending despite the fact that 90% of the countrys oilseed, 81% pulses and 42% food grains are produced here. .

.

Since the early 1990s, liberalization and globalization have become central elements of development strategy of the government. This has also had an impact on Indian agriculture. Such measures were aimed at creating a potentially more profitable agriculture sector, which could bear the economic costs of technological modernization and expansion. .

.

The reforms appear to have improved terms of trade for agriculture but growth in agricultural sector has been weak and well below that of non-agricultural sectors. The gap between rural and urban incomes has widened. While national income has grown at above 6% over the last five years, agricultural income grew by mere 1.1% during 2014-15. .

.

A survey commissioned by Bharat Krishak Samaj on The State of the Indian Farmer in 2014 reported that some 62% of Agriculturists were willing to quit farming to move to cities and that only 20% of the rural youth was keen on continuing farming. The survey found that more than 40% farmers were dissatisfied with their economic condition. The figure was more than 60% in eastern India. These are disturbing trends. .

.

Since 1995, some 300,000 farmers have committed suicide in the country. According to P. Sainath, suicide rates among Indian farmers were a chilling 47 per cent higher than they were for the rest of the population in 2011. The issue of farmers suicides is, no doubt, a complex one but it brings into sharp focus the stresses that the agricultural sector in India is now subject to. The recent mobilization- in support of demands for caste based reservations in government jobs, and not for betterment in Agro sector- by communities that have traditionally benefitted from Agriculture- also indicates the growing stress within Indian agriculture. .

.

Some policy experts have noted that public fund allocation to Agriculture remains substantial. Of the five concerned Ministries related to agro-sector- Agriculture, Chemical and Fertilizers, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Food Processing Industries, and Water Resources- for 2015-16 was roughly Rs 2.3 lakh crore. This is not a paltry sum. .

.

Why is the Indian Agriculture under such stress despite the quantum of public investments it appears to be receiving? .

.

It has been observed that small farms in India are superior in terms of production performance but weak in terms of generating adequate income and sustaining livelihoods. Small and marginal farmers, whose land holdings are below 2 hectares, constitute almost 80% of all Indian farmers, and more than 90% of them are dependent on rain for their crops. Their participation in agricultural market remains low due to a range of constraints such as low volumes, high transaction costs, lack of markets and information access. .

.

This disparity is illustrated starkly by the experience from Punjab- a state which has undergone substantial modernization of the agricultural sector. There was consolidation in the land holdings and the subsidization of fertilizers and electricity for irrigation. Per hectare consumption of fertilizers increased and water intensive crops like cotton and rice were adopted. Studies have shown that the total operational cost of rice and wheat production increased by around 50% between 2000-2001 and 2005-2006, while rice yields increased by only 12%, and wheat yields actually declined by 8%. Thus, while farmers invested more on growing their crops, their total output, and therefore their profit, continued to decline. As the water tables have fallen, only farmers who were able to afford more powerful- and more expensive- equipment have been able to use the subsidized electricity for irrigation. The subsidies on fertilizers have also resulted in the unrestricted use of chemicals leading to salinization and Nitrogen-nutrients imbalance in formerly fertile soils. .

.

The Economic Survey for 2015-16 includes a detailed analysis of fertilizer subsidy and its associated inefficiencies and misuses. Rs 73,000 crore, amounting to 0.5% of the GDP, was budgeted for fertilizer subsidy. However, the Survey highlights three types of leakages for urea alone. First, it points out that 24% of the urea subsidy goes to inefficient producers of urea manufacturers; second, of the remaining urea subsidy, 41% is diverted to non-agricultural uses and is smuggled to neighbouring countries; and third, most of the remaining 24% is consumed by large farmers. So, in a nutshell, only 35% of the urea subsidy goes to intended beneficiaries- the small and marginal farmers. The Survey suggests taking the direct benefits transfer (DBT) route via JAM - Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile- and de-canalising imports of urea. Agricultural experts agree that this is a fertile candidate for reform. .

.

Agriculture in India intersects with almost every development agendabe it human development, poverty elimination, rural development or environmental protection. Agricultural capacity has a direct impact on the food security situation in the country. It also helps in initiating and sustaining demand in other sectors. A progressive agriculture sector, thus, serves as a powerful engine of economic growth. .

.

The 12th five year plan growth target for agriculture sector had been set at 4%. The Gross Capital Formation in agriculture and allied sectors as percentage of total GDP has remained stagnant at less than 3%. Public spending on agriculture research, education, and extension is presently about 0.7% of agricultural GDP- much lower than the international norm of 2%. This raises concern that the inadequacies of the provision of the critical public goods for Agriculture may dampen the targeted growth. .

.

In a recent essay, Ashok Gulati, former Chairman of the Commission on Agricultural Costs and Prices, has noted; .

.

Agriculture needs massive investment, for irrigation, agri-R&D and to build faster and more efficient value chains between farmers and retailers. Irrigation alone may need more than Rs 3,00,000 crore if it has to be provided to every farmer. But the Ministry of Water Resources was allocated only Rs 4,232 crore for Financial Year 2016, less than the revised estimate of Rs 6,009 crore for the previous year.At this pace and with such allocations, irrigation for all farmers by 2022 promised to them by the PM looks like a distant dream." .

.

Enhanced public expenditure in agriculture- in form of increased investments, rather than un-targeted subsidies- is thus required to bring about technical change in agriculture, and higher agricultural growth. In addition, concerted reforms are needed to achieve equity in terms of higher growth in disadvantageous regions like rain-fed and tribal areas and benefit small and marginal farmers. .

.

Some of the areas for policy intervention may include the following; .

.

1. Land market reforms are in need of a new impetus. As holdings are becoming fragmented and uneconomical, marginal farmers need flexibility in leasing out the land. There is perhaps a need to have a framework for operation of land markets but with sufficient safeguards to protect interest of small and marginal farmers. .

.

2. Agricultural price policy has been facing challenges. The practice of announcing minimum support price based on variable costs before sowing season could be looked into. Similarly, procurement price based on total costs may be used to procure foodgrains needed for public distribution system (PDS) and for food security purpose. .

.

3. We need to consider a rational approach to pricing of agricultural inputs such as irrigation, power and fertilizer. However any such measure, while providing timely delivery of the required inputs, must ensure that the small and marginal farmers are not adversely affected. .

.

4. Farm and food subsidies need to be rationalized and better targeted to benefit the poor and the needy. Direct cash transfers offer a possible mechanism. While ensuring transparency and preventing leakages is important, these subsidies are justified as they benefit not only producers but the society at large. Large subsidies continue to be provided by developed countries that has distorted the international food prices. OECD data shows that their members spent around $258 billion to subsidize agriculture in 2013. European Union spending on farm subsidies accounts up to $ 58 billion annually. .

.

5. Although flow of agricultural credit has increased significantly in recent years, we need to address distributional aspects of agricultural credit including better access to small and marginal farmers, strengthening rural branches and reducing significant regional and inter-class inequalities in credit. .

.

More than 800 million of Indias 1.3 billion people live in rural areas. One quarter of this population lives below the official poverty line. The search for economic justice for a population of this magnitude cannot be addressed by relying on migration to the cities. Rural-urban migration and absorption of labour in the urban economy has been slow due to the slow growth of employment in manufacturing. The rural labour force will therefore have to find a way to improve their incomes in situ. Strengthening of agriculture, thus, becomes a national imperative. .

.

Amartya Sen in his seminal 'Development as Freedom' argues forcefully that democracy plays a pivotal role in ensuring that indicators of abject poverty such as famines do not occur in such societies due to the presence of a free media and a political class that has to be necessarily responsive to citizens needs. Harvard Professor Ashutosh Varshney raises some questions as to why the Indian farmer, despite having the democratic numbers, failed to secure a better economic deal from the Indian state. Varshney attributes this to the self-limiting nature of rural politics in India; .

.

for rural power to push the state in economic policy more in its favour, it must present itself as a cohesive force united on economic interests higher producer prices, larger subsidies and greater investment. Rural India has chosen not to construct its interest entirely economically. While politics based on economic demands is stronger than before, politics based on other cleavages caste, ethnicity, religion continues to be vibrant. Politics based on economic interests potentially unites the villagers against urban India; politics based on identities divides them, for cast, ethnicity and religion cut across the urban and the rural. There are Hindu villages and Hindu urbanities just as there are backward castes in both cities and villages. Until an economic construction of interest completely overwhelms identities and non-economic interests, rural power, even though greater than before, will remain self limited." .

.

Describing the developmental challenges in our rural sector, Rajiv Lall had noted that; The truth is unfortunately more complex and less comforting. As impressive as the ongoing transformation of rural India seems to be, a number of old challenges remain unaddressed and have become even more daunting, and new challenges have emerged". .

.

We, therefore, need a social corrective along with the economic correctives to redress these challenges. Mere infusion of funds might not be enough unless the underlying social gaps and divisions remain in place. Barriers growing from caste and other identities, that have seemingly hampered progressive measures such as farmers cooperative movement in most parts of the country barring a few regions, need to be dismantled and ground created for collective action. .

.

We have the resources and the ability to bring happiness to the life of our farmers. It would take persistent, continuous action but it is not impossible. The government needs to take bold steps to translate the good intentions into action to tackle the deficiencies. This would, however, require a strong political will and the need to develop a wide political consensus. .

.

Time has perhaps come for us to consider putting in place a Grow in India" programme to transform the socio-economic fabric of our agricultural sector as much as we need a Make in India" programme. .

.

I thank you again for inviting me here today and wish you successful deliberations. .

.

Jai Hind." .

.
British Finance Minister George Osborne has dropped plans for a pensions overhaul that had run into opposition in his Conservative Party. Osborne, who is due to make his annual Budget statement on March 16, has been considering reforms of the pension system that could raise revenues for his push to turn Britain's budget deficit into a surplus by the end of the decade. Reform options included introducing a flat rate of tax relief on pension contributions, which would hit wealthier savers, or the more radical idea of taxing pension contributions and ending the tax-free lump sums that ...
Benchmark share indices logged their best weekly gains in seven years in absolute terms and best in four years in percentage terms, as foreign investors turned aggressive buyers after the Budget maintained the path to fiscal prudence.

For the week ended March 4, the S&P BSE Sensex ended up 6.4 per cent at 24,646 and the National Stock Exchange's Nifty ended up 6.5 per cent at 7,485. In the broader markets, the BSE Midcap index ended 6.8 per cent higher, while the Smallcap index ended up 7.7 per cent.

The Budget inspired the markets to bottom out and saw frontline indices rally over six per cent. Action was broad-based and driven by fresh buying interest from foreign institutional investors (FIIs). The US jobs data and Gyan Sangam will be key drivers for the markets next week. However, a breather would be welcome, as investors are yet to come to terms with the sudden reversal. Past rallies have seen investors being bewildered and wondering about the extent of the upmove. This lack of faith usually sees market move higher before a broader participation.

The March 15, 2016, advance tax payments will present the next reality check for earnings. The next big trigger is Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s likely rate cut, which is due in April," said Ravi Shenoy, AVP-Midcaps Research, Motilal Oswal Securities.

The major highlights of the Budget include allocation of Rs 25,000 crore towards their recapitalisation of state-owned banks in the next financial year and infrastructure outlay at Rs 2.21 lakh crore for 2016-17, with road and rail taking up most of the allocation at Rs 2.18 lakh crore. To boost farmers' income, the Budget proposed an allocation of nearly Rs 36,000 crore for the agriculture sector and raised agri-credit target to Rs 9 lakh crore for the next financial year.

FIIs, sellers in the first two months of the current calendar year, turned buyers with net equity purchases of worth Rs 2,764 crore from February 29 to March 4, according to the provisional stock exchange data.

The rally in the markets was driven by rate-sensitive sectors, with banks gaining the most, along with capital goods and metal stocks.

The shares of public sector bank (PSB) surged after the government pledged support to keep state-owned banks in good health and the RBI eased rules on their core capital requirements under the upcoming Basel-III norms. Further, hopes of a rate cut also boosted sentiment. Among the PSBs, State Bank of India zoomed 20.6 per cent, Punjab National Bank jumped 14.5 per cent, while Bank of Baroda ended 12 per cent higher. In the private banking space, HDFC Bank rose 6.4 per cent, ICICI Bank surged 19.3 per cent, IndusInd Bank rose 12 per cent and Kotak Mahindra Bank ended up 8.4 per cent.

Metal shares flared up after rebound in global commodity prices in addition to the government's proposal for increase in customs duty on aluminium to 7.5 per cent from five per cent and scrapping of export duty on low grade (below 58 per cent iron content) iron ore lumps and fines boosted sentiment. Vedanta was the top gainer up 21.5 per cent followed by Jindal Steel, Tata Steel, SAIL, Hindalco and National Aluminium up 12.6 per cent-18.1 per cent, each.

In the capital goods space, BHEL ended up 12.8 per cent after the state-owned engineering major said it has won an order worth Rs 5,600 crore from Tamil Nadu government for setting up of the Main Plant Package for the 2X800 Mw Uppur Supercritical Thermal Power Project. Further, the company has also commissioned supercritical thermal units at Karnataka and Tamilnadu.

In the two-wheelers segment, Hero MotoCorp surged nearly 11 per cent after the company reported a 13.6 per cent rise in sales at 550,992 units in February 2016, compared to 484,769 units in February last year. Bajaj Auto ended up three per cent after reporting a nine per cent increase in motorcycle sales at 235,282 units in February, compared to 2,16,077 units sold a year ago.

Outlook



Investments by FIIs will be the key driver of the market in the truncated week ahead.

Markets will remain closed on Monday on account of Mahashivratri. Further, markets will also react to the US payrolls data. The US Labor Department on Friday said non-farm payrolls increased by 242,000 jobs in February.

The government will announce Index of Industrial Production data for January on Friday.
Ever since veteran actor Manoj Kumar got chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest recognition in Indian cinema, congratulation wishes are pouring in from the Bollywood fraternity.

Anupam Kher felicitated the 78-year-old actor, who has many hits to his credit, by tweeting, "Congratulations Manoj Kumar Ji for DADA SAHEB PHALKE AWARD. Your films taught us what it means to love your country. Jai Ho.:) #Patriotism."

Rishi Kapoor wrote, "Many congratulations,Manoj Kumar Sahab for receiving the prestigious "Babasaheb Phalke" Award,2015.We worked in MNJ!."

Shatrughan Sinha conveyed his congratulation message by writing, "Heartiest congratulations to Manoj "Bharat" Kumar for having been bestowed with the most prestigious and the highest award in."

He continued writing "<2/3> Indian cinema - The Dadasaheb Phalke Award. A special word of appreciation for our dashing, dynamic PM and his Government for..."

His post further read as, "this timely and well deserved recognition of the contributions of this great actor, nationalist and true patriot of Bharat Mata."

The 78-year-old actor became the 47th recipient of the award for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.

The actor, who was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1992, is known for films like 'Hariyali Aur Raasta,' 'Woh Kaun Thi,' 'Himalaya Ki God Mein,' 'Roti Kapda Aur Makaan,' and 'Kranti.
A clash erupted between desperate ticket seekers in Bangladesh and police due to shortage of tickets for Sunday's Asia Cup final against India in Mirpur.

According to the Daily Star, the agitated protestors vandalised several vehicles and hurled brickbats at the law enforcers, which triggered a clash that left several people injured.

Subsequently, the police resorted to using teargas to disperse the mob.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh national team are aiming to capitalise on their new-found resurgence and produce an upset win over title favourites India tomorrow.

Although India comfortably trounced the hosts by 45 runs in the opening match of the tournament, Bangladesh displayed tremendous amount of resilience as they won three successive matches to advance to the final.
China, which has cut the growth target for its sluggish economy this year to 6.5-7 percent, will allow the private companies to take part in its petroleum and telecom markets.

This step is a part of sweeping reforms aimed to boost productivity and incomes.

Premier Li Keqiang delivered the work report to the national legislature in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Saturday, reported Jakarta Post.

The growth target has been down from last year's about seven percent and less than half of 2007's peak of 14.2 percent.

China's economy has been depressing for the past few months forcing the ruling Communist Party to remodel its economic structure.

The demand for exports has significantly reduced and growth last declined to a 25-year low of 6.9 percent.

Li had promised to open state-dominated industries, including telecoms, petroleum and public utilities. He, however, did not mention whether the foreign companies will be allowed.

The Chinese Government has tried to shift public attention away from the growth target and stated their priority is jobs for the people and if the economy is able to generate enough they are ready to accept slower growth.
The All India Mahila Congress staged a protest here on Saturday demanding the rollback of the budgetary proposal under which a part of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) withdrawal will be taxed with 60 percent corpus.

The protestors led by Congress leader Shobha Oza raised slogans against the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre and also burnt effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"This is double taxation. This is injustice to the common man. The government should roll back its proposal. The 'Suit-boot Sarkar' only thinks about the rich and is not concerned about the poor and the downtrodden. It is insensitive towards the thinking of a common man," Oza said.

One of the other protestors said that the budgetary proposal was not in the interest of the common man and that's why they were protesting against this government.

Meanwhile, a high-level meeting took place between the officials of Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Finance Ministry on March 3 where in EPF tax proposals were discussed.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who had proposed a change in rule aiming at reducing litigation and increasing transparency in the Union Budget 2016, is likely to make an official statement in the House outlining the revised proposal.

According to the impositions, only 70 lakh out of 3.70 crore active EPF subscribers will be impacted by the proposed tax change, a rethink has been prompted because of protests from the vocal middle class.

There has also been recognition that the plan to tax EPF is the only major proposal to have attracted significant criticism.
Amid the furore over the JNU unrest and an IIMC professor quitting on grounds of supporting Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula, the on Saturday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre of actively trying to silence the voices of the youth and alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was getting consistently vexed by the student community.

"The BJP wants to silence the voices of the youth. Even in Parliament, when our young leader Rahul Gandhi speaks up, they pounce on him and do not allow him to speak. We have been noticing for the past two years that the Prime Minister is getting greatly vexed by the students and youth," leader Pramod Tiwary said.

Echoing similar sentiments, leader Sandeep Dixit said that the government was trying to put their foot down on people making speeches which in no way amounted to sedition.

"From the evidence that has come out, whatever Kanhaiya said was within the confines of the Indian Constitution and there was nothing wrong in it. For somebody to support the fact that there must be freedom of expression and when he or she gets punished because of that, it is unfortunate," Dixit said.

The government, which has come under sharp criticism in the wake of the JNU row, had to face yet another embarrassment yesterday following the resignation of IIMC professor Amit Sengupta.

Sengupta, an Associate Professor of English Journalism department at the IIMC, quit after an order was issued transferring him to the premier media school's campus in Odisha's Dhenkanal district.

Stating that the order to move him was issued without any discussion with me or any faculty member, he dubbed the decision to be politically motivated.

Earlier on Friday, JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar asserted that nationalism cannot be anyone's 'patented' idea while stating that he has full faith in the Indian Constitution as it was a document which can't be 'doctored'.

"We will not say anything based on merit. We believe in the law and the constitution. The government belongs to the nation, but it has turned into the government of a party. We need to make them realise that they owe their allegiance to the nation. The way the campus is facing the ire of the nation because of a conspiracy, we want to tell the nation that JNU is the voice of the nation. Sedition must not be used to attack students, we know the meaning of freedom," Kanhaiya told the media after being released from Tihar Jail.

The government has warned Kanhaiya that he must help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the February 9 event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity.
Hours after BJP chief Amit Shah escalated the attack on the grand old party over the JNU row, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday hit back at the Centre and said one has no right to play with the future of students if some people raised anti- slogans in the campus.

Gandhi, was addressing a rally here, said there are around 8,000 students in JNU and about 1,000 of them are from the north-east.

"The BJP charged JNU students union president Kanhaiya on charges of sedition. I have heard Kanhaiya's speech and he didn't say anything wrong against the nation. If few people have raised anti- slogans then catch them, but why you are playing with the future of the students," he said.

The Congress vice-president also countered Prime Minister Modi's criticism of the grand old party in the Lok Sabha, saying the latter's one hour speech in Parliament failed to address the issue of taxation on EPF.

"In his one-hour speech yesterday, the Prime Minister made personal attacks on me, but didn't answer my question. I had raised questions on JNU, Rohith Vemula, and 'Make in India' in Parliament. I didn't ask anything wrong, but he failed to answer," Gandhi said.

Gandhi alleged that the ruling dispensation at the Centre is working for five to six businessmen with least concerns for the country's downtrodden and poor.

"Prime Minister Modi came here and said that he would do a lot of things. He did a lot of marketing, but the people got nothing," he added.

Gandhi's visit assumes significance as Assam votes in two phases on April 4 and 11 to elect a new government.

Earlier in the day, the BJP president lashed out at the Congress over the JNU row, saying it should be 'ashamed' of Rahul Gandhi's visit to the campus.

Shah, who was addressing a meeting of BJP's youth wing in Vrindavan, questioned whether 'anti- slogans' can be called freedom of speech.

The BJP president said the JNU row was about the party's core issue of nationalism and invoked its Ram Janmabhoomi campaign to buttress his point besides its role in Goa and Hyderabad liberation movement.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said his government would constitute an expert panel to devise a strategy for consolidation of state-run banks.

More than two dozen state-run banks dominate India's banking sector with over two-thirds of assets. They also hold close to 85 percent of bad loans in the sector.

Jaitley said that the banks, during a two-day annual brainstorming event, had favoured the idea of consolidation.

"What is the strategy for this consolidation? The bankers themselves have suggested an expert group to immediately go into this issue. We will consider that suggestion," Jaitley said here.

He also said the government was considering an employee stock option plan for the state-run banks.

"The government independently is considering -- again at very advanced stage -- the whole idea of e-ops (employee stock option) for bank employees. There has been a long standing demand and it is receiving our active consideration," Jaitley added.

Jaitley, however, made it clear that the government would not write off any loan.

"The loan structure has been changed. Neither have we waived off any loan nor will we write off any loan," Jaitley said.

A recent surge in bad loans at state-run lenders after their regulator ordered a clean-up has led rating agencies to suggest banks will need more capital support from the government to cover losses and meet Basel III global banking rules.

The government plans to provide state banks with new capital in the next financial year towards a sector-wide bailout that the government estimates will cost $ 26 billion over four years.
Expressing happiness over the release of Kanhaiya Kumar from Tihar prison, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday said that he hoped the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union president would prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he had been wronged.

"Happy about the grant of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison. Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," Sinha said in a series of tweets.

The rebel BJP leader had come out in support of Kanhaiya earlier saying that he had said nothing that amounted to sedition.

"Have heard transcript of speech of Kanhaiya, our Bihar boy president of JNUSU. He has said nothing anti or against constitution. Hope wish and pray that he's release soon, sooner the better," Sinha tweeted.

Sinha further stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru University is going through a crisis 'for reasons best known to politicians'.

He went on to say that the JNU is an institution of international repute, enviable record and history.

"It is a seat of learning for some of India's brightest young minds & also some very respectable teachers. Save it from further embarrassment," he tweeted.

Speaking to the media yesterday after he was released from Tihar Jail after he was charged for sedition, Kanhaiya asserted that nationalism cannot be anyone's 'patented' idea while stating that he has full faith in the Indian Constitution as it was a document which can't be 'doctored'.

Talking about Afzal Guru, he clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula.

"Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will a Rohith Vemula in every house," Kanhaiya said.

Earlier, the government had warned Kanhaiya after his release that he must help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the February 9 event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity.

However, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury earlier told ANI that Kanhaiya would campaign for the Left in Bengal.

"All students supporting Left will participate in the campaign along with Kanhaiya. For the first time, the nation can see the power of the youth of Left," Yechury said.
Expressing happiness over the release of Kanhaiya Kumar from Tihar prison, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday said that he hoped the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union president would prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he had been wronged.

"Happy about the grant of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison. Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," Sinha said in a series of tweets.

The rebel BJP leader had come out in support of Kanhaiya earlier saying that he had said nothing that amounted to sedition.

"Have heard transcript of speech of Kanhaiya, our Bihar boy president of JNUSU. He has said nothing anti or against constitution. Hope wish and pray that he's release soon, sooner the better," Sinha tweeted.

Sinha further stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru University is going through a crisis 'for reasons best known to politicians'.

He went on to say that the JNU is an institution of international repute, enviable record and history.

"It is a seat of learning for some of India's brightest young minds & also some very respectable teachers. Save it from further embarrassment, he tweeted.

Speaking to the media yesterday after he was released from Tihar Jail after he was charged for sedition, Kanhaiya asserted that nationalism cannot be anyone's 'patented' idea while stating that he has full faith in the Indian Constitution as it was a document which can't be 'doctored'.

Talking about Afzal Guru, he clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula.

"Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will a Rohith Vemula in every house," Kanhaiya said.

Earlier, the government had warned Kanhaiya after his release that he must help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the February 9 event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity.

However, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury earlier told ANI that Kanhaiya would campaign for the Left in Bengal.

"All students supporting Left will participate in the campaign along with Kanhaiya. For the first time, the nation can see the power of the youth of Left," Yechury said.
Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma on Saturday admitted that incidents like the recent Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) controversy do affect the tourism industry.

Sharma, however, said that everybody must join hands for the foundation of a strong nation.

"I agree with your views that the country's image gets tarnished because of such (JNU) incidents. We must all work together for the formation of a strong nation. And the tourism industry definitely suffers because of such incidents," he told the media here.

JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on charges of sedition, told the media yesterday that nationalism cannot be anyone's 'patented' idea while stating that he has full faith in the Indian Constitution as it was a document which can't be 'doctored'.

Talking about Afzal Guru, he clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula.

"Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will a Rohith Vemula in every house," Kanhaiya said.

Earlier, the government had warned Kanhaiya after his release that he must help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the February 9 event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity.

(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.)
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday accepted the invitation from the organisers of the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) for 2017.

Earlier, veteran actor Anupam Kher, who was to attend the Karachi Literature Festival on February 5 this year, was denied visa by Pakistan.

Kher was due to arrive in Karachi to attend the festival as one of the distinguished guest.

The festival, founded by Ameena Saiyid, OBE, and Dr. Asif Farrukhi, is jointly organised by Oxford University Press, Pakistan and British Council.

The festival consists of literary discussions, book launches, and creative writing workshops. There is also an opportunity to meet authors, book signings and visit a book fair.
The Marshall Islands has accused India, Pakistan and Britain of failing to halt the nuclear arms race and will place the matter before the UN's highest court next week to ensure that a lawsuit is initiated against them.

According to reports, lawyers representing the small Pacific Island nation will launch the opening salvos in the International Court of Justice, which will examine whether it is competent to hear the lawsuits against India and Pakistan.

The hearing against Britain is scheduled to take place on the coming Wednesday.

The Marshall Islands, a Pacific Ocean territory with 72,000 people, in 2014 had accused nine countries of not fulfilling their obligations with respect to the cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, reported The Express Tribune.

The tiny island nation said that China, Britain, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia and the United States continued to breach their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), even if the treaty was not signed by India and Pakistan.

Focusing on the threat of global warming, causing the world's oceans to rise, the Marshall Islands said it cannot ignore other major threat to its survival.

In March 2014, the Marshall Islands marked 60 years since the devastating hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll that vapourised an island.

The 15-megaton test on March 1, 1954 exposed thousands in the surrounding area to radioactive fallout and was part of the intense Cold War nuclear arms race.

The explosion was 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
A two-day Conference of Women Legislators will begin in New Delhi today in which the theme of the event, organized by Parliament, is women legislators-building resurgent India.

President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the conference, which will be attended, by Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others.

The Valedictory Ceremony will be held in the Central Hall of Parliament House tomorrow.
After conquering Bollywood, Priyanka Chopra is now taking Hollywood by storm. The actress, who made some candid confessions during her second appearance on 'The Jimmy Fallon show', beat the host to a chicken wings eating competition as well.

33-year-old Priyanka spoke about how her mother sent her pictures to a leading daily following which she got selected for the Miss India and eventually won the Miss World crown.

"Oh my god, am I that pretty? I thought they had discovered me in a grocery shop," she claimed.

She also spoke about going to High School in New York and how different her experience was coming from an Indian background.

Treating herself to a hotdog loaded with sauces was the first thing she did post landing in New York, she confessed, claiming that Indian's love spicy food.

Priyanka will soon be seen in the second season of popular show 'Quantico'. She will also star opposite Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson 'The rock' as a villain in 'Baywatch'.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will pay a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from March 9 to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

Although no official statement has been announced yet, Dawn reported claiming sources that Sharif plans to visit Saudi Arabia from March 9 to 11.

As per reports, Sharif is likely to meet King Salman and attend the inaugural summit of the 34-nation military alliance which Saudi Arabia has announced for fighting terrorism.

Sharif's visit comes ahead of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's likely visit to Islamabad after March 20.

Rouhani's visit has not been finalised yet.

Tehran and Islamabad have in the past cancelled visits due to regional issues.

Sharif had visited Riyadh and Tehran in January when tension between the two states was at its height.

The trip was dubbed as a mediation trip.
Scores of Tibetans living in-exile in Dharamsala on Saturday paid tribute to a teenage boy who immolated himself earlier this week to protest Chinese rule in Tibet.

The 16-year-old Dorjee Tsering, who set himself on fire in Dehradun on February 29, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday in New Delhi.

Tenzing Jigme, President of Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), said Tsering's mortal remains were brought to Dharamsala so that the people could pay their last respects to him.

"A couple of days ago, a young Tibetan boy, Dorjee Tsering, who was just 16 years old, last week he self-immolated and he was taken to the hospital in Delhi where he passed away and. so today in Dharamsala, we have brought his body to Dharamsala so that he can receive a proper, well deserved, respected funeral for his sacrifice," said Jigme.

On February 29, a monk, Kalsang Wangdu, had self-immolated near his monastery in the Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture demanding complete independence for Tibet.

Tibetans in Tibet and in other parts of China have in nearly the last two decades been protesting against Chinese rule by setting themselves on fire after pouring petrol over themselves.
As many as 35 Bangladeshi nationals, including 24 women and three children, were arrested by Border Security Force (BSF) in Tripura for illegally entering India, police said here on Saturday.

The detention took place two days after police arrested 23 Bangladeshi citizens for illegally entering in India on Wednesday.

"BSF troopers on Friday evening arrested 35 Bangladeshis, all tribals, as they came to market in Raishyabari (in northern Tripura) to sell their products and buy other items," police spokesman Uttam Kumar Bhowmik told IANS.

The intruders were later handed over to the police.

The Bangladeshi residents came to Tripura from tribal dominated Chittagong Hill tracts.

The previously detained group came to seek consultation about their ailment from a tribal traditional practitioner.

Northeastern state of Tripura shares an 856-km border with Bangladesh. However, most parts of the frontier are fenced, mountainous and riverine.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said the state government would set up 38,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) units providing employment for about one lakh people in the state.

The government, he said, would develop five food processing corridors covering potential districts and set up 10 food parks in the state for development of food processing sector.

The chief minister was addressing the 12th Entrepreneurs' Week which commemorates the birth centenary of his former chief minister Biju Patnaik here.

Patnaik said 10 Livelihood Business Incubators would be set up in the potential districts for development of livelihood by way of gradation and use of local skill, adding that 10 new village industries clusters by Odisha Khadi and Village Industries Board would also be set up.

"Considering the importance of the MSME segment, the government has taken a number of initiatives to promote MSMEs through policy framework like MSME development policy 2009, Odisha Food processing policy 2013, Odisha Procurement Preference Policy 2015," he said.

The chief minister also said the Odisha Industries Facilitation Amendment Rule 2015 has been notified to provide a conducive environment for industrialisation.

"Biju Babu dreamt of an industrially developed and prosperous Odisha. Therefore, it should be our endeavour to take Odisha to the top of the industrial map of India which will be a real tribute to the great leader and the doyen of entrepreneurship," said the chief minister.

He said a Composite Inspection Framework is being worked out to reduce the frequency of inspection by various authorities.

MSME minister Jogendra Behera called upon the youth to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship which will directly give a boost to the MSME sector for self-employment and income generation.

Highlighting the works and contribution of late Biju Patnaik in making Odisha an entrepreneurs' driven industrious state, he urged the youth to follow his dream to achieve the same.
The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday handed back a five-year-old deaf and dumb Pakistani girl to their Pakistani counterparts after she inadvertently crossed over into Indian territory in Punjab's Abohar sector, a senior BSF official said.

"At about 10.30 a.m., BSF troops of border outpost Natha Singh Wala, Abohar sector, apprehended one Pakistani girl (age around five years) while she inadvertently crossed International Boundary, entered inside Indian territory and reached near border security fence," said BSF DIG R.S. Kataria.

"During questioning, the Pakistani girl was found deaf and dumb and could not reveal her name. She inadvertently came inside Indian territory and was apprehended by alert BSF troopers. Pakistan Rangers were contacted and the girl was handed over to them at 2 p.m. on humanitarian grounds," he said.
Air India will commemorate International Women's Day on March 8 by operating the longest all-women flight on its longest route on Sunday.

The Delhi-San Francisco flight, which will cover 7,831 nautical miles (approximately 14,500 km) in a total of 17 hours, is the first long-distance flight wholly operated and supported by an all-women crew, an airline official claimed.

The flight will be managed by a 14-member crew, apart from the four pilots led by Captain Kshamta Bajpai. The flight dispatchers and flight engineer will be women, while the line safety and safety audit will be conducted by women and the load and trim staff will also be women.

The aircraft used is Boeing 777-LR which is scheduled to take off at 02.35 a.m. on Sunday morning from Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport and travel at an average speed of 500 km per hour. It will return here on the International Women's Day on Tuesday.

Additionally, the national carrier will operate 20 domestic flights with all-women crew on March 8.

Air India was the first airline to operate an all-women flight way back in 1985 to mark International Women's Day, and last year it operated two all-women crew flights on the domestic and two on the international sectors.

"The national carrier (Air India) supports the cause of women in every area," said Harpreet Singh Dey, president of the Indian Women Pilots' Association.
BJP national president Amit Shah on Saturday lashed out at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for supporting the anti-national slogans and happenings in the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi.

Addressing a conference of the Bharatiya Janata (BJP) Yuva Morcha here, Shah said efforts were being made to dress up seditious anti-national outbursts.

He sought to know if Rahul Gandhi supported anti-national slogans. Shah remarked that in the garb of free expression anti-national sentiments were being aired.

On the occasion, the BJP president praised the Narendra Modi government for taking major initiatives for taking the country to new heights. He urged the youth activists to ensure that the party remained in power not just for five but 25 years to take the country forward.

Shah asked the party workers to ensure the victory of the BJP in the forthcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.
AMU Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah (retd) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, and told him that the centres that the HRD ministry has called illegal were sanctioned by the president and government.

The vice-chancellor, who led a five member delegation, informed Modi about various research programmes going on in the Aligarh Muslim University including that on Ganga rejuvenation and agriculture technology.

He also told the prime minister that they have not been able to meet Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani despite several attempts, and have got an appointment for March 10, only the second meeting with her since she took charge.

"We told the prime minister that we are trying to meet the HRD minister since one and a half years, we could meet you twice, but with her, the first meeting was when she took charge, and the second meeting is scheduled for March 10," Shah told journalists after the meeting.

The AMU VC told the PM that the centres in Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar that the minister has called illegal have been sanctioned by the government only.

"The stand of HRD minister that the centres are illegal was explained. We told the prime minister that all bodies of AMU have been sanctioned by president of India and government of India, so how can they be illegal," he said.

He said they questioned the difference in allocations to the university vis a vis other universities like Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

"We told him about the inequity of funds. Banaras Hindu University is the same as Aligarh Muslim University but they get Rs.100 crore more than us. Jamia Millia Islamia is half the size but it got Rs.689 crore more."

Shah said that they explained to the prime minister the ongoing programmes of the university which includes establishing modern schools in Muslim majority areas.

"These will be secular schools, we don't want ghettoisation of . The schools will have 50 percent Muslims and will be given modern education," he said.

The VC also mentioned the bridge course being conducted by the university for Madrasa students to gear them up for modern .

"These students are going to the Madrasas and telling them there is need for change," Shah said adding that religious education and modern education should go hand in hand.

He also informed the prime minister about the research work in the university, which includes one on cleaning river Ganga, one of the pet projects of the NDA government.

"Our scientists are involved in the project Ganga. We told the prime minister that the research is low investment, there will be no need for electricity. We are also working on Swachh Bharat (Mission). There is a technique being developed where a car battery can be charged in 20 minutes, patrol and diesel will not be needed. We are doing research in agriculture on a nano fertiliser that will not pollute the soil," he said.

Irani has maitained that the AMU off-campus centres have been established illegally and her ministry would not fund them.

In a meeting with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, she asked him to take back the land allotted to the AMU centre.
Archaeologists discovered a 4,000 years old necropolis near the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, according to a media report.

Located on the side of a hill, the site, called Khalet al-Jam'a, was discovered in 2013 during the construction of an industrial park, Live Science reported on Friday.

Used roughly between 2200 B.C. and 650 B.C., the necropolis once held more than 100 tombs and was a burial ground for a nearby settlement whose location is yet unknown, according to a joint Italian-Palestinian team of archaeologists.

The site's "long-lasting utilisation, over a millennium and a half or more, and the large number of tombs, suggest that Khalet al-Jam'a was the necropolis of a major settlement in the area, possibly a town," Lorenzo Nigro from the Sapienza University of Rome, wrote in an article published in the journal Vicino Oriente.

"Typical pieces of the burial sets are finely executed carinated bowls, small shouldered jars/bowls with everted rim[s], one-spouted lamps, huge and well-refined Canaanite jars with two or four handles, as well as bronze daggers and spearheads," Nigro wrote.

Though the necropolis has been partly destroyed by looting and construction, the archaeologists were able to identify at least 30 tombs.

"The necropolis of Khalet al-Jam'a is mainly characterised by shaft tombs with single or multiple rock-cut chambers," the team wrote in another paper published in Vicino Oriente.

The necropolis stopped being used after 650 B.C. And the name Bethlehem stopped appearing in ancient documents for several centuries until reappearing around the time of Christ.

"It seems that the town suffered a crisis," Nigro wrote, "What exactly happened in Bethlehem around 650 B.C. is unclear".
Cairo, March 6 (IANS/EFE) At least 135 people were killed in areas covered by the cessation of hostilities during the first week of the truce, which came into force in some parts of Syria on February 27, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Saturday.

The London-based NGO said the victims included 45 people from rebel fighters and Islamist factions and 32 civilians, including seven children and seven women.

A total of 25 members of Syrian regime and National Defence forces were killed, in addition to the death of 33 combatants from the People's Protection Units, Nusra Front, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in Syria, and other Islamist factions.

Most of the victims were killed in airstrikes and clashes during the period between February 27 and March 4 in Syrian areas where the cease-fire entered into force, including the province of Latakia, Western Ghouta and Eastern Ghouta, located on the outskirts of Damascus, and the northern province of Aleppo.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said getting Indian banks back in shape was a top priority of the government, and that more resources will be found as and when required to boost their capital. He also said loan defaulters will not be spared.

"If more funds are required, we will find out more sources," Jaitley said after a two-day "Gyan Sangam" here -- a retreat for the top honchos of banks and financial institutions with finance ministry officials, the central bank leadership and other key policy-makers.

The minister said steps such as the proposed bankruptcy law will help banks to a large extent in recovering their loans, even as debt recovery tribunals could become the country's first online courts to speed up the process.

"We got a lot of ideas on how to improve the debt recovery tribunals and SARFAESI Act," he said referring to the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act that empowers banks to recover their loans without court interventions.

Speaking about his budget proposal of constituting an expert group on bank consolidation, Jaitley said this will be accorded utmost priority. "What we need are strong banks. There shouldn't be any weakling in the link," he said.

"What we need are strong banks than numerically a large number."

Earlier, during his address at the retreat, the finance minister said both the bills on both the bankruptcy code and insolvency law were proposed to be brought before parliament in second part of this budget session.

Jaitley's deputy, Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha, said that the total stressed assets of the banking system was of the order of Rs.8 lakh crore, which comprised restructured loans and non-performing assets.

"How much of it will go into NPAs (non-performing assets) and how much of it will be provisioned for is actually a dynamic exercise that each bank will have to engage in as per their discussion with the borrowers," Sinha said.

In a recent presentation before industry, Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor S.S. Mundra had said that the total bad exposures of banks, including rescheduled and written-off assets, was 17 percent of deposits as on September 15 last year, up from 13.4 percent in March 2013.

This works out to more than Rs.10 lakh crore in monetary terms.

The first Gyan Sangam, which was held in Pune and kicked-off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, set the agenda for governance and management reforms in the banking sector. The second edition looked at transformation with reference to the asset quality review with the central bank.
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday said getting Indian banks back in shape was a top priority of the government, and that more resources will be found, as and when required, to boost their capital. He also said loan defaulters will not be spared.

"If more funds are required, we will find out more sources," Jaitley said after a two-day "Gyan Sangam" here -- a retreat for the top honchos of banks and financial institutions with finance ministry officials, the central bank leadership and other key policy-makers.

The minister said steps such as the proposed bankruptcy law will help banks to a large extent in recovering their loans, even as debt recovery tribunals could become the country's first online courts to speed up the process.

"We got a lot of ideas on how to improve the debt recovery tribunals and SARFAESI Act," he said referring to the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act that empowers banks to recover their loans without court interventions.

Speaking about his budget proposal of constituting an expert group on bank consolidation, Jaitley said this will be accorded utmost priority. "What we need are strong banks. There shouldn't be any weakling in the link," he said.

"What we need are strong banks than numerically a large number."

However, criticising the minister's statement, a bank union official said what is needed is "fundamentally strong bank".

"We need a fundamentally strong bank and not a big bank by consolidating different banks. What is needed is the expansion of the banking network rather than consolidation," All India Bank Employees'Association (AIBEA) general secretary C.H. Venkatachalam told IANS over phone from Vietnam.

Jaitley said there will not be bad loan write-offs and the government is keeping banks immune to politics.

Dismissing the government's stand that bank loan defaulters will not be spared as a joke, Venkatachalam said noting nothing would change unless such an action (wilful default) is categorised as a criminal offence.

Jaitley also said the government is also considering employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) for bank employees.

Responding to that, Venkatachalam said public sector bank employees are already committed to their banks and there is no need to offer ESOPs to retain talent.

He said the provision of stocks will only result in employees speculating in the stock market.

According to Jaitley's deputy Jayant Sinha, minister of state for finance, the central bank has to decide on allowing higher stakes for foreign investors in private banks and there is no such plans in the case of government banks.

Earlier, during his address at the retreat, the finance minister said both the bills on both the bankruptcy code and insolvency law were proposed to be brought before parliament in second part of this budget session.

Sinha meanwhile said that the total stressed assets of the banking system was of the order of Rs.8 lakh crore, which comprised restructured loans and non-performing assets.

"How much of it will go into NPAs (non-performing assets) and how much of it will be provisioned for is actually a dynamic exercise that each bank will have to engage in as per their discussion with the borrowers," he said.

He said the government will infuse additional capital over and above the Rs.25,000 crore provded in the 2016-17 budget and ensure the banks are adequately capitalised.

In a recent presentation before industry, Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor S.S. Mundra had said that the total bad exposures of banks, including rescheduled and written-off assets, was 17 percent of deposits as on September 15 last year, up from 13.4 percent in March 2013.

This works out to more than Rs.10 lakh crore in monetary terms.

The first Gyan Sangam, which was held in Pune and kicked-off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, set the agenda for governance and management reforms in the banking sector. The second edition looked at transformation with reference to the asset quality review with the central bank.
At least 140 Belgian soldiers will soon be deployed in a special operation to patrol the country's nuclear sites, the Belgian cabinet announced on Friday.

According to TV news channel RTL Info, these additional security measures were initiated by the Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon and follow the attacks in Paris last November, Xinhua reported.

A video found at the home of a suspected terrorist suggests that it was possible that attacks were being planned at Belgian nuclear sites, the report added.

The nuclear plants that will be protected by the army are Doel, Tihange, Mol, Dessel and Fleurus. The cost of the extra security measures will be met by electricity company Electrabel.

There are currently 740 military personnel carrying out patrols in Belgium. The terror threat level in the country, as set by the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (OCAM), remains at level three out of a possible four.
West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Saturday said the Election Commission (EC) should have been "more aware" about the state's geography and demography while drawing out the poll schedule for the assembly polls.

Interacting with media persons after an all-party meeting with Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sunil Gupta, Trinamool vice president Mukul Roy also asserted his party would come back to power with over a two-third majority.

"While its the prerogative of the EC to decide the number of phases and how to conduct the polls, but we feel, while picking up the assembly constituencies for the various phases, the EC should have been more aware about the state's geography and demography," he said.

"We feel, the division of the constituencies have been done without having proper awareness about the geographical conditions, about the knowledge of adjoining districts. This will create problems in campaigning," said Roy.

His comments come a day after party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday terming the staggered six-phase assembly election schedule for the state as a "result of the stepmotherly" attitude towards the state.

Even as Roy criticised the schedule, both the Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) raised serious objections to the assertions claiming they were "intimidating".

"While the chief minister made a similar remark on Friday, Roy made a similar assertion during the meeting before the CEO, which is akin to threatening and intimidating the EC," said Congress leader Debabrata Bose.

The CPI-M, which on the day lodged formal complaints with the EC about some comments made by Banerjee also held a similar view.

"Roy's comments before the EC officials, is indicative of the Trinamool's lack of respect for democratic institutions. The ruling party led by the Mamata Banerjee has already started to resort to various intimidating tactics," said CPI-M leader Rabin Deb.
China raising its defence budget is a rational move in favour of economic development, said a commentary in state-run news agency Xinhua on Saturday.

The commentary "China's military spending growth rational, no room for 'China threat' cliche" said that China's plan to raise its defence budget this year by a six-year low rate of 7.6 percent is yet another rational move in favour of economic development in the country, "which leaves no room for the 'China threat' cliche hyped up by certain Western powers".

It added that it is remarkable that "China, the third largest country by land size, is defending the world's largest population with only 6 percent of what the US spends on defence per capita."

"The fact is, even with the lowest increase since 2010, China's military budget is still less than one third of that of the US, which dwarfs the combination of all eight other countries ranking after it in terms of defence spending," it noted.

Xinhua said that the criticism is simply a calculated ballyhoo directed by the West to defame China and to portray China as a simmering threat which it needs as an excuse to contain with a larger military budget.

"Should the West take off its tinted spectacles, it could easily find that the uptick is just a normal and rational budget adjustment for a country that pursues a defensive national defence policy, and that has a land larger than the US and territorial waters much larger than Mexico in size to defend."

The commentary justified the rise on three points.

"First, defending one's own territory with a proper budget is a sacred right endowed by the international law to all countries, not excluding China. Therefore raising budget according to defence needs is purely part of China's internal affairs.

"Second, thanks to the Western arms embargo against China, Beijing has no choice but relying mostly on itself to carry out its defence modernisation from scratch, which surely requires relatively high military spending. However, even after the increase, the budget is still only about 1.5 percent of China's GDP, which is lower than the average level of 2.6 percent worldwide.

"Third, with increasing intrusion of war ships and planes into China's territorial waters and space, the US and some of its allies are continuously challenging China's bottom line in the name of 'freedom of navigation'. China cannot fend off these challenges merely with sampans and telescopes. Its armed forces, which have never incited war with anyone, need to be modernised with a reasonable military budget growth."

It went on to say that the rise of China's defence budget is moderate in nature, and "anyone badmouthing it is actually selling something, either the 'China threat' cliche or the illusory Chinese hegemony".

Xinhua said that the defaming campaign targeting China clearly shows that Washington and some of its allies are taking a dangerous isolationist approach on the issue of China's development.

"It is highly advised that Western powers, particularly the United States, expand their strategic horizon and contemplate the promising future with Sino-West cooperation instead of confrontation. That is a mission neither sides can afford to lose."
Claiming that certain remarks made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a TV interview tantamount to "voter intimidation" and "open threat", the CPI-M on Saturday lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC) seeking action.

"We have submitted to the EC a video of her Friday's TV interview during which she has resorted to intimidating tactics. Her comments which have come after the announcement of the polls, are in gross violation of the EC guidelines," said CPI-M state secretariat member Rabin Deb.

EC officials led by chief electoral officer Sunil Gupta on the day held discussions with representatives of nine political parties.

"During the interview she said the central security forces will provide security for the few days of election, but common people will have to depend upon her administration for the rest of the year.

"She also said if need be, she might change her party slogan of 'change and not revenge' and seek revenge. These remarks are nothing but intimidating the voters and issuing threats publicly," said Deb.

Referring to announcement of Additional Superintendent of Police, Jalpaiguri, James Kujur, as a Trinamool Congress candidate for the Kumargram seat in Alipurduar district, Deb also accused the ruling party of blatantly violating the model code of conduct.

"The polls have just been announced and the ruling party has already displayed that it has no qualms in violating the model code of conduct. We have raised all these issues with the commission during the meeting," he said.

On Wednesday a Communist Party of India-Marxist delegation comprising general secretary Sitaram Yechury and central secretariat member Nilotpal Basu met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi in Delhi to draw the EC's attention to some serious concerns which could undermine the right of the voters in the coming assembly polls.

"During Zaidi's vvisit here we had raised certain issues regarding the polls here including discrepancies in voters' list, we also submitted a memorandum to the EC on Wednesday about our concerns and again today (on Saturday) we lodged complaints, seeking to know what the EC is doing about them," added Deb.
The US has described Turkey's decision to seize control of the country's largest newspaper as "troubling".

"We see this as the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by Turkey targeting media outlets and others critical of it," the website of Zaman newspaper cited US State Department spokesman John Kirby as saying on Friday.

Turkish authorities on Friday seized control of the Zaman newspaper in Istanbul at the request of a prosecutor in a widening crackdown against supporters of the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
Putting behind the mindless violence unleashed during the Jat protests for job quotas, Haryana is going ahead with the 'Happening Haryana Global Investors' summit to attract investment for the state.

Well-placed sources in the BJP government told IANS that Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and others involved in the March 7-8 investment exercise,, however, had their fingers crossed as the widespread violence happened just over a fortnight before the summit dates.

"With shops, businesses and other institutions targeted by mobs and the police and administration failing to control the situation, Haryana's image as an ideal investment destination has taken a big hit," a senior Haryana bureaucrat told IANS here.

"Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed about the summit and its eventual outcome in terms of actual investment on the ground. The violence will definitely put off a lot of investors," the officer said, requesting anonymity.

Despite the nine days of unrest and violence, Japan has proposed to become a partner country in the summit. This was telephonically conveyed to chief minister, Finance and Industries Minister Abhimanyu said.

He claimed that people of the state wanted to ensure the safety of the industries even during the violence.

"When the law and order situation in the state was disturbed, people protected the industries and drove away miscreants," the minister said, trying to build confidence among future investors.

A number of Japanese and South Korean companies have invested in Haryana, especially in the Gurgaon-Manesar belt. The first big name to establish base in Haryana, Maruti-Suzuki, piloted by Japanese car maker Suzuki, was a runaway success in automobile sector.

The big names that have invested in Haryana include Honda, Canon, Yakult, Denso, Mitsubishi, Toyo, Daikin, Yokohama, Showa, Nippon, Kansai Paints, Asahi and Stanley.

Khattar has announced that 12 countries would participate in the first 'Happening Haryana Global Investors' Summit 2016' being organised in Gurgaon on March 7 and 8. The summit is being organised by the Haryana government in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

China, Czech Republic, Japan, Malawi, Mauritius, New Zealand, South Korea, Peru, Poland, Spain, Britain and Tunisia are taking part as partner countries.

Khattar, who is hoping that the summit will be a "historic event", is keen that more investment comes to the state.

Besides Japan and China, which he visited in January, Khattar travelled to the US and Canada last year. He did investment road shows in Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai too in the past two months.

More than 800 entrepreneurs from India and other countries are expected to participate in the summit. Representatives of 140 foreign companies and diplomats will also attend.

"We are confident that the investment target set in the summit would be achieved," Abhimanyu said.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will inaugurate the two-day event on March 7. A number of union ministers are expected to attend.

China's Wanda Group has decided to invest $10 billion in Haryana, the government claimed after Khattar's Beijing visit.

But not everyone is hopeful.

"Many investors will develop cold feet after the recent violence. The Khattar government literally abdicated its responsibility. There was no administration. It was utter lawlessness," Rajinder Saini, a businessman who suffered losses in the violence in Rohtak town, told IANS.

Trade and industry body Assocham projected the loss in the violence at around Rs 20,000-crore.

Following the violent incidents and its aftermath, the Haryana government cancelled the 'Parvasi Haryana Divas' that was to be held with the summit on March 9.

Rohtak town, 70 km from Delhi, suffered the brunt of the violence blamed on Jats with scores of buildings, shops, malls, hospitals, educational institutions and vehicles set on fire and extensively damaged.

Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat and Jhajjar districts were the worst hit by the violence. Other affected districts included Bhiwani, Hisar and Kaithal.

(Jaideep Sarin can be contacted at jaideep.s@ians.in)
Linking the issue of women's empowerment with their numbers in parliament and state assemblies, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said it was impossible in the absence of their appropriate representation in legislative bodies.

"It's unfortunate (for the country) for not being able to ensure 33 percent representation of women in Parliament," he said here, while addressing the inaugural function of the two-day national conference of women legislators on 'Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India'.

He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present on the occasion, for giving due importance to the cause of women and girls, saying: "I thank prime minister for 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (save girl child, educate girl child) programme".

He said that to ensure overall development of the country and society, the country must recognise and encourage 'stree shakti' (women's power) and this could only be possible by giving them their due representation in parliament and state legislatures.

"How can there a be empowerment of women without proper representation," he asked.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said women's representation in parliament and state legislatures has to be corrected as they play a crucial role in society. Congress president Sonia Gandhi was also slated to attend the conference but did not turn up. Party sources said she was unwell.

Observing that the theme of the conference was "appropriate and timely", Ansari called upon all political parties to help in ensuring women's representation as it was in the national interest.

"Women must have votes and equal legal status, but the problem does not end there. It only commences at the point where women begin to affect the political deliberations of the nation," he said, adding that the present situation with regard to their representation is "certainly not very encouraging".

Sumitra Mahajan hoped when women legislators would sit together, they would come out with new provisions and answers to various problems.

She also emphasised the need for ensuring "women-friendly tools" as a large number of women work in the country's agriculture sector.

The Lok Sabha speaker also thanked renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi for writing a good song for the conference. She said women could actually be best compared with the river as he did in the song which has been specially composed for the two-day conference.

"A river gives life to many... similarly women too, are life-givers," she said.

The Women's Reservation Bill that sought to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies was introduced in Parliament by the UPA-I government in May 2008.

It was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010, but kept pending in the Lok Sabha and lapsed with the 15th Lok Sabha expiring its term.

The prime minister did not speak on the occasion.

Among those who attended the conference were women leaders Uma Bharti, Maneka Gandhi, Sheila Dikshit, and Poonam Mahajan.

The report examining the 1996 women's reservation Bill recommended that reservation be provided for women of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) once the Constitution was amended to allow for reservation for OBCs. It also recommended that such reservation be extended to the Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Councils. Neither of these recommendations has been incorporated in the Bill.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved launching of the "Green Pakistan Programme" whereby over 100 million trees will be planted all across the country, the media reported on Saturday.

The idea, according to a press statement released by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday, is based on the "Great Green Wall Programme" of China -- a series of human-planted wind-breaking forest strips designed to stop the expansion of the Gobi Desert, Dawn online reported.

The programme targets to add 100 million plants over the next five years all over the country.

The prime minister has approved the launch of to improve forestry and wildlife sectors.

Protection and management of wildlife and reclaiming and developing forest areas are the main aspects of the programme, the statement said.

Preservation and management of forest and wildlife resources of the country need to be adequately developed in line with the best international practices.

All relevant federal and provincial ministries and agencies will be facilitated to fulfil the task so that the desired objectives of forests preservation and wildlife protection is achieved, the statement quoted the prime minister as saying.

The prime minister has asked the climate ministry to develop a proposal for strengthening Zoological Survey of Pakistan to immediately undertake inventory of endangered wildlife species and habitats across Pakistan.

He issued directions for the revival and management of internationally recognised wildlife habitats, including Khunjrab National Park (Gilgit Baltistan), Khirthar National Park (Sindh), Hingol National Park (Balochistan), Chitral Gol National Park (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Lal Suhanara National Park and Salt Range area (Punjab), Machiara National Park (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) and Margalla Hills National Park (Islamabad).
The rainbow hues of lakes that dot the Himalayas helped NASA astronaut Scott Kelly keep his wits during his 340-day mission aboard the International Space Station which aimed at studying the effects of weightlessness in humans, the media reported.

"The earth is a beautiful planet," Kelly said during a press conference on Friday in Houston, as he described the striking colours of the waters around the Bahamas and the beautiful lakes that dot the northern Himalayas.

He said he would like to visit that region, though he would first need to learn "which country actually owns it", the Guardian reported.

"It seemed like I lived there forever," said the former navy pilot, describing the length of his mission as the biggest challenge. "Maybe occasionally you do go bananas," he added.

But the view from the space "is great, too", he said. The astronaut posted some spectacular photos on social media of the Earth's cities, landscapes, oceans and atmosphere which he captured through the windows of the space station's cupola module.

Besides the serene lakes of Himalayas, he said he focused on "milestones" such as the next crew arrival, science projects, spacewalks and the presidential primaries. "That made a big difference to me, just for my sanity," he said.

The astronaut, however, did see the entire system of pollution -- smoke clouds from wildfires that covered parts of the US, and sections of Asia with continuous, visible pollution nearly all year round.

"The planet will get better, it's us that won't be here because we will destroy the environment," Kelly warned.

The world's thin shield of atmosphere "makes you more of an environmentalist after spending so much time looking down", he said.

"It's for us to take care of the air we breathe and the water we drink. And I do believe we have an impact on that and we do have the ability to change it, if we make the decision to," said the astronaut who along with Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko landed in Kazakhstan on Wednesday.

Kelly also spoke about his temporary height gain in space, which has generated significant attention. The low gravity of space elongated the astronaut's spine during his time in orbit, making him 1.5 inches taller on his return.

"There are things we are going to discover about our experience in space in the space station that we don't even know now," Kelly said.

Scientists also studied the differences between the astronaut and his twin brother, Mark, a retired astronaut, back on Earth.

The tests will continue, to help NASA learn about how the body copes with the severe strains of spaceflight.

NASA aims to send a manned mission to Mars by 2035, a vast roundtrip journey that could take more than two years. However, Kelly himself predicted that he would not fly again with the space agency.
Actress-model Pamela Anderson has confessed that she is a coconut oil "fanatic".

The "Baywatch" star has also shared her top beauty tip for youthful looking skin: coconut oil used as a moisturiser, an emollient and for haircare.

"I'm a coconut oil fanatic... I think it's really good for your skin, good for your hair, good for everything, from the inside out," Anderson was quoted as saying by Harper's Bazaar magazine.

"I just use coconut oil that you buy at the store to cook with, and I leave it in the shower or I soak it when I'm in the bathtub so it melts and I'll use it all just as moisturiser for my face, my body, my hair, everything. I don't think those really expensive products do anything better than household products," she added.

Anderson also said that she is not a "product person" and believes in everything natural.

"I'm not a big product person. Just be as natural as you can get, and then have fun with hair and make-up... whatever your version of pretty is, as long as you feel confident.

The "Barb wire" actress added: "Everyone wants natural beauty, but natural beauty still takes an hour and a half."
A 40-year-old jeweller was shot dead in his shop here by two unidentified men, a police officer said on Saturday.

While Pawan Kumar was opening his showroom here in Gurgaon district of Haryana on Friday evening, two men came on a motorcycle, shot at him at point blank range and sped away, the police officer said.

The showroom was closed in the daytime on account of the jewellers' strike.

"Jewellery and ornaments kept in the showroom were intact. The incident, prima facie, indicates personal rivalry," said the police officer.

A case was registered at Sadar police station.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here on Saturday accepted an invitation to attend the Karachi Literature Festival 2017.

During an event 'The Coalition Conference' held here at the Talkatora Stadium when Karachi Literature Festival founder Ameena Saiyid invited Kejriwal to attend the festival, he replied in the affirmative.

Saiyid later said she would also send an official invitation of KLF-2017 for the literary festival jointly organised by Oxford University Press, Pakistan, and the British Council.

Earlier, veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who was to attend the Karachi Literature Festival on February 5 this year, had claimed that he had been denied visa by Pakistan.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the US Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday called for resuming quickly the intra-Syrian peace talks in Geneva.

"The sides called for a quick resumption of talks between the Syrian government and the entire spectrum of opposition under the UN aegis in Geneva, where the Syrians must decide on the future of their country," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Lavrov and Kerry reaffirmed the course of close military interaction between Moscow and Washington in order to support the Syrian ceasefire regime, which has been approved by the Russian and the US presidents, Xinhua news agency reported.

It was agreed to continue the active efforts to promote all aspects of the Syrian settlement through the International Syria Support Group co-chaired by Russia, the US and the UN, according to the statement.

During a phone conference earlier in the day, state leaders of Russia, Britain, Germany, France and Italy praised the Russian-US agreement on ceasefire in Syria, which came into force at midnight of February 26.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain expressed their hope for a rapid resumption of negotiations in Geneva, warning that Syrian peace talks would fail unless humanitarian aid was granted and a ceasefire respected.

Currently the UN-mediated intra-Syrian peace talks are scheduled to resume on March 9.

The talks sought to broker a political solution between warring factions in Syria, namely Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government and opposition forces, but came to a standstill on February 3 after parties failed to see eye-to-eye on a number of issues.
Two women passengers, flying out to Dubai, were held at the Kolkata airport on Saturday after cartridges were found in their luggage, police said.

"Piyali De and daughter Anamika were detained after five cartridges were found in their baggage during security check. They have been detained for questioning," said a police officer.
The hobby of collecting ammunition landed a mother-daughter duo into trouble on Saturday after they were detained by police at the airport her ewhile they were to catch a flight to Dubai.

During the security check, five cartridges were found in their baggage following which Piyali De and daughter Anamika were detained.

"During interrogation, it was found that they have a hobby of collecting ammunitions and these cartridges were actually bought by them as collectibles. After verifying their claims and identities, they were allowed to go," said a police officer.
Afghanistan's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah has assured his countrymen that there will be no secret deal in peace talks with the Taliban.

Speaking on the occasion of the 21st death anniversary of Abdul Ali Mazari, a leader of the Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, Abdullah on Friday hoped that peace efforts of the government will bring lasting peace in Afghanistan, Tolo news agency reported.

"I want to assure people that there will be no secret deal in peace talks and freedom of people and their achievements will be maintained," he said.

Abdullah also praised Mazari's efforts in the way of security and justice in Afghanistan.

He also commended bravery and sacrifices of Afghan troops.
One person was killed and four people were reported missing when a ferry capsized in Indonesia.

The Ferry, Rafelia II, capsized on Friday when it was leaving Gilimanuk port in Bali for Ketapang port in Java's Banyuwangi district.

The search and rescue operations continued on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We discovered one body and are searching for four missing persons," an official said.

He said that the ferry was overloaded and it should load only 37 passengers and 14 crew members.

"The fact is we have safely evacuated 76 people and found one dead body, and according to the information four people, one of them a child, are still missing," the official added.

He said that the rescue operation on Saturday involved those from Bali and Java search and rescue offices, navy, and the police.

A helicopter and ships have been dispatched to support the rescue operation, he added.
One of the five missing booksellers from Hong Kong who went missing in October 2015, has returned to the city state, the media reported on Saturday.

Hong Kong police confirmed in a statement that Lui Por had returned to Hong Kong on Friday, EFE news reported.

The police added that Lui wants the missing person case about him dropped and that he does not need any help from the government or police.

Lui was shown in footage released by Phoenix Television earlier this week "confessing" his ties to banned book sales in China.

He, along with four others -- Cheung Chi-ping, Lam Wing-kee, Gui Minhai and Lee Bo -- had worked at Causeway Bay Books in Hong Kong, a shop known for its books critical of the Chinese government.

Cheung and Lam are reportedly to be released on bail soon. However, the fates of Gui and Lee are as yet unknown.
Stressing the need for appropriate women representation in parliament and state assemblies, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said women's empowerment was impossible in the absence of their representation in legislative bodies.

"It's unfortunate (for the country) for not being able to ensure 33 percent representation of women in Parliament," he said here, while addressing the inaugural function of the two-day national conference of women legislators on 'Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India'.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present on the occasion, for giving due importance to the cause of women and girls, the president said: "I thank prime minister for 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (save girl child, educate girl child) programme".

He said that to ensure overall development of the country and society, the country must recognise and encourage 'stree shakti' (women's power) and this could only be possible by giving them their due representation in parliament and state legislatures.

"How can there a be empowerment of women without proper representation," he asked.

Pointing out that the Indian Constitution provides for equal rights for men and women, the president said the UN has declared the theme of International Women's Day of 2016 as "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it up for Gender Equality".

Observing that the global community has to rededicate itself to gender equality and women's empowerment, the president said the organisation of the conference is a step in the right direction to carry forward the UN agenda of sustainable development through gender equality.

On the occasion, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said women's representation in parliament and state legislatures has to be corrected as they play a crucial role in society.

Observing that the theme of the conference was "appropriate and timely", Ansari called upon all political parties to help in ensuring women's representation as it was in national interest.

"Women must have votes and equal legal status, but the problem does not end there. It only commences at the point where women begin to affect the political deliberations of the nation," he said, adding that the present situation with regard to their representation is "certainly not very encouraging".

Mahajan hoped that when women legislators would sit together, they would come out with new provisions and answers to various problems.

She also emphasised the need for ensuring "women-friendly tools" as a large number of women work in the country's agriculture sector.

The Lok Sabha speaker also thanked renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi for writing a good song for the conference. She said women could actually be best compared with the river as he did in the song which has been specially composed for the two-day conference.

"A river gives life to many... similarly women, too, are life-givers," she said.

The prime minister did not speak on the occasion. Among those who attended the conference were women leaders Uma Bharti, Maneka Gandhi, Sheila Dikshit, and Poonam Mahajan.
Actor Ram Charan, who owns a sprawling mansion in Hyderabad, wants to expand his base to Mumbai as he's looking for properties to set up an estate to shuttle between the cities with family and friends.

The star, who keeps flying to Mumbai on business and wife Upasana, who is in the process of expanding the Apollo chain of hospitals in the city, think it'd be ideal to have a residence in Mumbai as it would be convenient.

"While the couple have already purchased a property in a building in Mumbai, they are on the lookout for a nice estate where they can build a mansion, on the lines of what they have in Hyderabad,a a source close to Charan told IANS.

"Ram and Upasana stay at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, one of the most luxurious and expensive properties and hope to create a similar kind of living space in Mumbai, making it convenient for the two especially since they travel to the city so often on business".

Currently, Ram Charan is busy shooting for the Telugu remake of Tamil blockbuster "Thani Oruvan".
Vouching for going big on nuclear energy in India, American global thinker on energy and environment Michael Shellenberger cautions against "too much" thrust on solar power for rural villages.

"I think India needs to do everything at once. There's too much focus on solar power for rural villages. Most people gain access to power around the world by moving to the city.

"Rural electrification tends to be the last stage of electrification because it's one of the most expensive ways... India would do really well to focus its energy activities on factories and manufacturing," Shellenberger told IANS here.

"Manufacturing can absorb large number of subsistence farmers into the formal economy. Manufacturing liberates women and is also productively enhancing," he added.

Co-author of "An Ecomodernist Manifesto" and recipient (with Ted Nordhaus) of the Green Book Award and Time magazine's 'Hero of the Environment' award, Shellenberger was speaking on aWhat Indian can learn from the history of environmental progressa here.

Asked on the arguments for his observations, the pro-nuclear environmentalist contended solar power in rural areas is not adding productivity to the economy.

"You have limited amount of money you can spend on these things. Your Rs.1,000 crore or 10,000 crore spent on base-load coal for a factory is simply going to deliver more in terms of human development and economic growth in that same amount of money than a solar micro-grid in a countryside.

"Yes it can provide lighting etc., but it's not adding productivity to the economy."

Tossing out arguments, the environmental researcher felt if solar targets are achieved and that elevates the economic position of people in rural areas, they will tend to move out to cities.

"If it succeeds and it raises people out of poverty, then they are going to want to leave the countryside for the cities."
Heading into the next round of presidential nomination contests over the weekend, tough talking Republican front-runner Donald Trump made clear that he would not order the US military to violate international laws to fight terrorism.

Pundits were quick to see "an abrupt about-face" in the brash billionaire's explanation who has tied the Republican establishment into knots with his statements advocating something "tougher than waterboarding" and going after the families of terrorists.

During Thursday night's debate on Fox News, Trump reaffirmed his willingness to target the families of terrorists and supported the use of waterboarding.

"We should go for waterboarding and we should go tougher than waterboarding," he said and told the moderators that the military would indeed carry out his orders.

"They won't refuse. They're not going to refuse me. Believe me," Trump said.

Several former defence and intelligence officials had criticised his stand suggesting that Trump was advocating torture and killing of terrorists' families -- though he never said so -- and that military officials would not obey such illegal orders.

A group of more than 100 leaders in the Republican foreign policy and national security community even wrote an open letter Wednesday condemning Trump and pledging to oppose his presidential candidacy.

But in a statement on Friday, Trump said that he understands "that the United States is bound by laws and treaties" and that he would "not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters."

"I will not order a military officer to disobey the law. It is clear that as president, I will be bound by laws just like all Americans and I will meet those responsibilities," he added.

Katrina Pierson, a Trump spokesperson, said the candidate had been misunderstood.

"He realised they took him literally, that's why he put out the statement," she told CNN. "What he's saying is that he wants to go after them with the full force of everything we have."

Meanwhile, with the Republic establishment ganging up against him, the Trump campaign announced that he will no longer speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the annual gathering of the who's-who of the conservative world Saturday.

Trump will instead attend rallies in Kansas and Florida in a clear snub of the CPAC, described as a must-do event on the conservative calendar, with the other candidates and many of the former candidates making an appearance this year.

Trump's snub came amid establishment's efforts to bring him down with the 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney calling him a "phony and a fraud" and urging Republicans to vote for one of his opponents.

All three of the other candidates -- Texas senator Ted Cruz, Florida senator Marco Rubio and Ohio governor John Kasich -- said during Thursday night's Republican debate they would back Trump if he were the eventual nominee.

But they have railed against him, with Rubio using the hashtag #NeverTrump on Twitter and calling him a "con artist" that would split up the Republican Party.

Meanwhile, Trump got some support from an unexpected quarter. Former Democratic presidential candidate Jim Webb said he won't be voting for Clinton, but he hasn't ruled out casting his ballot for Trump.

Webb, who briefly flirted with an independent bid before deciding against it, said on Friday morning that the Democratic front-runner wasn't inspirational.

"I would not vote for Hillary Clinton," Webb told MSBNC.

When asked whether he'd vote for Trump, Webb said he wasn't closed to the idea. "I'm not sure yet. I don't know who I'm going to vote for," he said.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)
Turkish police have raided the offices of Zaman, the country's biggest newspaper, hours after a court ruling placed it under state control.

Police entered the building in Istanbul late on Friday, firing tear gas at protestors who had gathered outside, BBC reported.

Zaman is closely linked to the Hizmet movement of influential US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey said Hizmet is a "terrorist" group aiming to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government. Many Hizmet supporters were arrested in the raid.

Gulen was once an ally of Erdogan but the two fell out.

The government in Ankara has come under increasing international criticism over its treatment of journalists.

The court ruled on Friday that Zaman, which has a circulation of some 650,000, should now be run by administrators. No explanation was given.

Later, hundreds of Zaman supporters gathered outside the newspaper's offices to protest the state takeover. One held a placard saying: "We will fight for a free press."

"I believe that free media will continue even if we have to write on the walls," Zaman's editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici said shortly before the raid.

"I don't think it is possible to silence media in the digital age," he added.

He was speaking to the Cihan news agency, which was also affected by the court order.

In a tweet, Zaman journalist Emre Soncan wrote: "Turkey's government confiscated one of the country's last critical voices, #Zaman Daily... The end of democracy."

His colleague Abdullah Ayasun tweeted: "An army of riot police inside Zaman. They threw me out."

The newspaper's website was functioning on Saturday but did not carry news of the raid.

The US state department described the takeover as "the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by the Turkish government".

The move against Zaman comes days after Turkey's Constitutional Court ordered the release from detention of two Turkish journalists charged with revealing state secrets.

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, from the newspaper Cumhuriyet, were detained in November over a report alleging that the Turkish government had tried to ship arms to Islamists in Syria.

The pair still face possible life sentences at their trial on 25 March.

Last year, two newspapers and two television channels were put under state administration over their alleged links with the Hizmet movement.

Turkey ranks 149th among the 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index 2015.

However, the government argues that journalism in Turkey is among the most free in the world.
Two people found guilty of "refugee smuggling" that lead to the much-publicised case of the drowning of Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi and four other refugees were sentenced to four years and two months in prison.

On Friday, a court in Turkey jailed two Syrian men, Mufawaka Alabash and Asem Alfrhad, for smuggling but acquitted them on charges of negligent homicide, CNN reported.

They had faced up to 35 years in prison had they been convicted of causing the death of five people "through deliberate negligence".

Aylan, the refugee toddler whose death prompted an outpouring of sympathy from around the world, and his relatives drowned when their boat capsized during a perilous crossing from Turkey to Greece.

Images of a rescue worker scooping up his limp body marked a turning point in the debate over how to handle the surge of people fleeing to Europe.

The boy and his family were trying to reach relatives in Canada's Vancouver.

Alan's mother and five-year old brother also died in the accident. They were buried in Kobani, the Syrian city they had left behind to escape the daily barrage of bombs.

Of his immediate family, his father, Abdullah Kurdi, was the only survivor. Other relatives, including an aunt and uncle, made it to Canada as refugees.

The boy's family was among throngs of desperate men and women who are fleeing in overcrowded, sometimes deadly journeys by land and sea. Many have children in tow.

So far this year, migrant and refugee arrivals via the Mediterranean have reached almost 130,000, according to the International Organisation for Migration.

More than 400 people have died making the treacherous journey this year alone, it says.
Filmmaker-actor Karan Johar, who is known for his wit and humour, says he will be stopped "377 times" if he tries to make a sequel to the 2008 romantic comedy film "Dostana", which featured actors Abhishek Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra and John Abraham.

Karan referred to section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises homosexuality.

The "Bombay Velvet" star, who produced the Tarun Mansukhani directorial, was asked by a fan on Twitter if he would make a sequel of "Dostana", which unraveled a story of two men pretending to be a gay couple in order to secure an apartment.

"No! I will be stopped 377 times!" Karan quipped.

Is there a chance of seeing actress Deepika Padukone in Karan's Dharma Productions, asked another fan.

"Yeah, very soon!" he replied.

On the work front, the "Student of the Year" helmer is currently busy shooting for his next film "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil", which stars Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
Boris Johnson, London's flamboyant mayor, has invited the rage of his prime minister, David Cameron. Mr Johnson will urge the British public to vote for leaving the European Union in the June 23 referendum. Mr Johnson has become the most prominent and influential voice for British Exit - Brexit. Not surprisingly, Mr Cameron has lashed out.
Pawan Kumar, organising secretary of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), tells Aditi Phadnis it will join forces with other trade unions if necessary to oppose the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) provisions in the Union Budget.
One company of CRPF arrived in Jhargram sub-division of West Midnapore district today ahead of the first phase of West Bengal assembly polls early next month.

SP Sukhendu Hira said the paramilitary personnel were part of the four companies of security forces to be deployed in Gopiballavpur, Jhargram, Binpur and Sankrail areas of the sub-division.

The company came ahead of the scheduled date of March seven with the rest three slated to arrive in next two days, the SP said.

This was in addition with the CRPF personnel already deployed in certain erstwhile Maoist-affected pockets since 2009.
Over 120 Hindu pilgrims from India arrived here in this eastern Pakistani city today to participate in the Maha Shivratri festivities.

Saddiqul Farooq, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) which looks after the temples and gurdwaras across Pakistan, and Pakistan Gurdwara Parbhandik Committee officials greeted the pilgrims at Wagah Border.

"125 Hindu pilgrims today arrived here from Wagah Border," Amir Hashmi, spokesperson of the ETPB, told PTI.

The pilgrims will stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore Fort before they leave for the historic Katas Raj temple in Punjab province's Chakwal distrcit, some 250 kilometres from here, on Monday to take part in the festivities.

Maha Shivratri is on March 7.

While talking to reporters, the visiting Hindu pilgrims' leader Sateesh Kumar said the authorities here extended full cooperation to them.

"We are impressed by the love of Pakistanis for us," Kumar said, adding that there should be cordial relations between both the neighbouring countries as their people wanted peace and prosperity in the region.

The pilgrims also chanted Pak-India friendship slogans at the Wagah Border.

Farooq said on the special order of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the ETPB has ensured security, transport, boarding and medical facilities to the visiting Hindus.

"We will make sure that the visiting yatrees (pilgrims) enjoy their time here," Farooq said.

He said the government would also ensure that the pilgrims would not face any visa related issues in the future.

Farooq said a special tour of old city of Lahore has been arranged for the visiting Hindus on their request.

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (February or March) every year. It is believed that Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on this day.
Some 13,000 refugees are crammed in unhygienic conditions on Greece's border with Macedonia, officials said today, with all eyes on a key EU- Turkey summit on Monday that is seen as the only viable solution to the crisis.

The huge influx of refugees and migrants has caused major tensions and divisions within the European Union, but EU President Donald Tusk yesterday struck an upbeat note about Monday's summit in Brussels, which will include Turkey.

European leaders are expected to use the summit to press Ankara to take back more economic migrants from Greece and reduce the flow of people across the Aegean Sea.

Greece has been plunged at the heart of Europe's greatest migration crisis in six decades after a series of border restrictions along the migrant trail, from Austria to Macedonia has caused a bottleneck on its soil.

Over 30,000 refugees and migrants have been trapped in the country, around a third of them at Idomeni border crossing, where aid groups report food and tent shortages.

"There are 13,000 people here and nearly 20,000 in this prefecture, over 60 percent of the country's entire refugee and migrant flow," Apostolos Tzitzikostas, regional governor of Greece's central Macedonia prefecture, told Skai television today.

"We can no longer shoulder this strain by ourselves."



Adding to the EU tensions, Bulgaria said today it will send more than 400 troops and security personnel to guard its border with Greece, amid fears the migrant flow along the Balkan route will pick up with the onset of warmer weather.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel - a key player in the drama - meanwhile said Greece should have been quicker in preparing to host 50,000 people under an agreement with the European Union in October.

"Greece should have created 50,000 accommodation places for refugees by the end of 2015," Merkel told Bild newspaper in an interview to appear tomorrow.

"This delay must be addressed as soon as possible as the Greek government must provide decent lodgings" to asylum claimants, she said.

Greece sent in the army in February to speed up the creation of open camps for migrants and refugees but has occasionally run into opposition from local authorities.

The Doctors Without Borders charity today began erecting additional tents at Idomeni to shelter over 1,000 people who could not fit in the camp and have been sleeping in muddy fields and ditches, an AFP reporter said.

In past days, the mainly Syrian and Iraqi refugees have regularly held protests in front of the barbed-wire fence guarded by Macedonian riot police, demanding to be allowed through.
Over 240 fresh recruits were today inducted into Army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) regiment at a passing out parade here with a top Army officer expressing satisfaction over the turn out of locals in the recruitment rallies.

The recruits, hailing from different parts of the state, were inducted into the regiment after 11 months rigorous training in various activities including tactics, firing, physical fitness and mental robustness, at the Rangreth regimental centre on the outskirts of the city.

"This was the 103rd recruit course of the JAKLI Regiment Centre and a total of 242 recruits participated in the parade and became brave-hearts of Indian Army and the regiment," General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt Gen Satish Dua said.

Lt Gen Dua, who took over as the Colonel of the JAKLI Regiment last month, said the number of local youth joining the Army has been "definitely" increasing.

Last year two Territorial Army battalions were raised here and in Jammu which was not there earlier, he said.

Referring to the recruitment drives, Dua said, "Last year, I recall a newspaper clipping, the headline said more than 20,000 youth turned up for 55 vacancies in a particular rally. So that is the kind of response we are seeing."



"All I can say that the response to recruitment in the Army in different regiments is very enthusiastic," he said.

"I am from JAKLI, I can tell you that when these young soldiers join any regiment they are no less, they are better than the best. In Kashmir region alone, we have approximately 300 soldiers who have been awarded gallantry awards," Dua said.

Earlier, addressing the recruits, the Commander said he was feeling great and honoured after watching the wonderful parade and congratulated the recruits, the regiment, their trainers and organisers of the parade.

He asked the fresh recruits to maintain the highest standards set out by the regiment and work with dedication and devotion to take the name of the regiment to new heights.

"Today is a very important day for all of you. You have become brave-hearts in the Indian Army and JAKLI regiment... We are proud of the history of the regiment.

"Not only for bravery, our regiment stands tall for religious oneness and brotherhood where the people of all the religions work together and 'Mandir, Masjid and Gurdwara' (temple, mosque and Gurdwara) are under one roof in each unit," he said.

"You have stepped in this regiment and now you have to maintain its tradition and further it," the GOC said.
Altogether 35 infiltrators from neighbouring Bangladesh, including 24 women and three children, were apprehended by BSF from Raisyabari market in Dhalai district near Indo-Bangla international border.

Acting on a tip-off, a contingent of BSF raided the market on Friday evening, about 140 km from here, and apprehended the Bangladeshis, who came there to sell their produces, a senior police officer said today.

The Bangladeshis had entered into the Indian territory from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), which shared a long border with Dhalai district.

Superintendent of Police (Police Control room), Uttam Bhowmik said the infiltrators did not carry any valid documents for crossing over the border and BSF handed them over them to police.

Police arrested 23 Bangladeshi infiltrators from Gandacherra of the same district on last Wednesday.

Tripura shares 856 km long border with the neighbouring country and about 750 km of the border was fenced so far to check infiltration, smuggling and cross border migration.
Electrification has been done in 6,000 of the 18,500 unelectrified villages and the renewable energy capacity has reached 39.5 Giga Watts, a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was told.

At the two-and-a-half hour meeting to review the progress of key infrastructure sectors here yesterday, Modi also took stock of the progress in 'Housing-for-All' programme and directed officials concerned to expedite its implementation, using a judicious mix of modern technology and local building materials and techniques.

Sectors like power, coal, housing, ports and Digital India were reviewed in the meeting. The meeting was also informed of the progress in providing mobile connectivity to villages affected by Left Wing Extremism where 1,371 towers have so far been installed, a PMO statement said today.

"The Prime Minister was informed that the progress of electrification of all unelectrified villages is proceeding at a rapid pace," the statement said.

Out of the approximately 18,500 unelectrified villages targeted under the Prime Minister's rural electrification programme, about 6,000 have already been electrified, the meeting was told.

The Prime Minister was informed that the progress of the initiative is being tracked in real-time using sophisticated technology applications, including geo-tagging, it said.

With regard to renewable energy, Modi was told that significant progress has been achieved towards the target of 175 Giga-Watts (GW) capacity by 2022, with the total installed renewable energy capacity already reaching 39.5 GW.

"Officials explained that off-grid solutions such as solar panels are being used to reach remote and inaccessible areas in states such as Arunachal Pradesh," the statement said.

The progress in distribution of LED bulbs across the country was also reviewed.

Coal India Limited has achieved a 9.2 per cent increase in production this year, as compared to an average of just 3 per cent growth over the last 5 years, the statement said.

The Prime Minister called for immediate measures to scale up the speed of providing broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats.

He was informed that 12 important tourist locations have been provided public Wi-Fi connectivity when he inquired about the progress in this area.

Reviewing the ports sector, the Prime Minister instructed officials to work urgently on improving the average vessel turnaround time at major ports, in order to bring it in line with international standards.

Drastic reduction in the timeliness for border compliance and measures for boosting coastal shipping within the country, were also discussed, the statement added.
Nearly 100 allegations of sexual exploitation across 69 countries were received by the UN against its peacekeepers last year with no Indian personnel involved in any wrongdoing, according to the world body's new report.

Most number of peacekeepers accused of sexual abuse in 2015 were from Congo, Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, Rwanda and Tanzania, the UN said in its latest report on special measures to protect people from crimes of sexual abuse and exploitation.

There were 99 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse uncovered by the United Nations in 2015, the report said. No Indians were among the peacekeepers accused of sexual abuse.

"I'm ashamed to call myself a peacekeeper on some of these days when I see cases like this," UN Under Secretary- General for Field Support Atul Khare told reporters here referring to the pregnancy of a 13-year old girl as he presented the findings of the report.

"What we need to do is not detract from the good work which is done by hundreds of thousands of peacekeepers. We need to find these culprits who bring a bad name to peacekeeping, who actually create problems within the country in which they find themselves, and most importantly who destroy young innocent lives. And we need to punish them in a certain manner that nobody else in the future will ever think of doing that," he said.

India has strongly condemned the cases of sexual exploitation carried out by peacekeepers and stressed that it has a zero tolerance policy towards such conduct.

India has 7,798 peacekeepers in 10 UN missions across the world.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had told a session of the United Nations Special Committee for Peacekeeping Operations last month that "my delegation is appalled by the recent cases of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) which have surfaced in some of the UN Peacekeeping Operations."



"My delegation strongly condemns these unpardonable acts when the protector becomes the perpetrator. We have a zero tolerance policy on SEA cases and would like that there is zero tolerance on such issues across the UN too," he had said.

Last December, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had pledged to urgently review recommendations made by an independent panel which found that the UN did not act with the "speed, care or sensitivity required" when it uncovered information about crimes committed against children by soldiers -- not under UN command -- sent to the Central African Republic (CAR) to protect civilians.

Meanwhile, new allegations of sexual abuse have continued to emerge against UN peacekeepers Central African Republic, with the UN Mission there, known by its French acronym MINUSCA, recently reporting seven new possible victims in the town of Bambari.

(Reopens FGN 10)



"It is greatly distressing when protectors, in rare instances, turn predators," Khare said.

Khare, who also gave an update on the implementation of 45 measures introduced last year, noted that 22 of the cases in 2015 took place in CAR, while 16 were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and nine in Haiti.

"We are fully committed to addressing the deplorable situation in MINUSCA," he said.

"The heart-breaking events that have come to light in the Central African Republic are a stark reminder that we must redouble our efforts to curb this scourge and that we depend on a strong partnership with member states to do so," Khare said.

He said the UN and its partners must adopt a victim- centred approach, with urgent psychological, medical and legal assistance provided to them, particularly when the victims are very young children.

"In this regard, the Secretary-General is proposing the creation of a trust fund. It would be funded voluntarily, but also from the salaries withheld from those who face significant allegations which have been substantiated," Khare said, noting that some USD 50,000 has been withheld so far.

Other proposals address the strengthening of the UN's entire system of response and coordination, creating "safe spaces" for victims to lodge complaints against peacekeepers.

These would exist in more locations, closer to the communities affected, and with the support of non-governmental organisations.

"We will spare no effort in making it possible for victims to come forward and for their allegations to receive serious consideration," the UN official said.

A second set of recommendations deals with measures to enhance the UN's transparency, such as an online database featuring all the information about the cases which will be available at the UN's Conduct and Discipline website.

It will contain details outlining the nature of the allegations, the number of victims per allegation, and the number of perpetrators per allegation.

"It will also identify the countries from which such perpetrators came, and it will update on the action taken, either by the UN or by the countries concerned, as regards investigation into these cases -- whether they have been completed, what disciplinary measures were taken, and what criminal jurisdiction measures were undertaken by the countries to provide adequate, appropriate and exemplary punishment," Khare said.

In a separate interview with the UN Centre, Khare said the UN is appealing to member states to ensure that sanctions are commensurate with the seriousness of the offense and that criminal accountability follows.

"In some instances, we have seen punishments that do not appear to be commensurate with the seriousness of the offenses committed," he noted.

The presence of UN-led immediate response teams will also be strengthened, so that as soon as a complaint is received, evidence can be quickly collected and preserved for national investigators.

As the UN does not have criminal jurisdiction, these investigators are expected to be appointed by the perpetrator's country within a 10-day time limit of the alleged crime, and to have completed their investigations within six months.

"In cases where a particularly egregious offense has taken place, say for the rape of a child, then we will request that this period be shortened by half -- appointing an investigator within five days, and completing the investigation within three months," he said.

The Secretary-General has also requested that Member States obtain DNA samples from uniformed personnel who have been accused and if a country fails to investigate, Ban has proposed that its peacekeepers no longer be deployed to work under the UN flag.

In addition, a very strong vetting mechanism has already been established, by which the Organisation can verify the criminal past of prospective peacekeepers.

"Disciplinary measures have been strengthened since last year," the Under-Secretary-General stressed, pointing out that not only will perpetrators be repatriated, but commanders are also at risk of being sent home "for not being strong enough in their command and control."



The report also stresses on prevention, including pre- deployment training, mandatory online courses, and additional measures such as the enforcement of non-fraternisation policies.

"That anyone serving under the UN flag should prey on the vulnerable is an abomination," Khare stated. "We will not let up in our response to ensure that our prevention measures are robust, and that where incidents occur, victims receive support and allegations are vigorously investigated so that, ultimately, justice is served."



Asked whether deploying more women could further limit the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, Khare said he does believe that a greater participation of female peacekeepers would help, not only in the fight against this particular issue, but also to improve the overall quality of peacekeeping and the way in which the UN achieves its mandates worldwide.
A hardcore naxalite has been arrested from Bariyarpur village of Piri Bazar police station of Bihar's Lakhisarai district, police said today.

Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar said the police conducted a raid yesterday following a tip-off and arrested Santosh Mandal along with a pistol and four live cartridges from Bariyarpur village of the district.

The naxalite was wanted in three cases- of murder, kidnapping and the arms act- lodged with Piri Bazar police station of the district.

Police are interrogating Mandal.
Days after his intolerance remarks, Bollywood star Aamir Khan on Saturday said India is very tolerant but there are people who spread hatred and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rein them in.

The actor also believes that he still continues to be country's brand ambassador even though the government may have discontinued his services, saying India is his mother and not a brand.

Our country is very tolerant, but there are people who spread ill-will... Those who speak of breaking up this vast country, such people are present in all religions, only Modiji can stop them. After all, Modiji is our PM, we have to tell him," he told Rajat Sharma in his Aap ki Adalat show on India TV, according to a press release issued by the channel.

Aamir said a sense of security comes from the justice system, which should ensure speedy justice, and from elected representatives who should raise their voice when something goes wrong.

After all, law is equal for all, and nobody is above law. Unfortunately, there are some people who spread negativity and hatred. If I am not wrong, our Prime Minister has also expressed concern. His slogan is sabka saath, sabka vikas, he said.

The actor, who hit headlines with his remarks that his wife was thinking of leaving India over growing intolerance, also replied to megastar Amitabh Bachchans remark that he damaged India's brand identity by his statement, saying there was a feeling of insecurity due to growing intolerance.

I had said in my interview that there was a sense of depression, a sense of despondency, a feeling of insecurity and intolerance was growing. But these are entirely two different things, he said.

He added that he was wrongly quoted and said, I never said India was intolerant, I was wrongly quoted... To say about rising intolerance and to say India is intolerant are two different things."



Claiming to continue serving as Indias brand ambassador even after government discontinued him, the superstar said, For me, my motherland is my mother, it cannot be a brand. I can never view my mother as a brand. It could be a brand for other people, but not for me. Till this date, I continue to be Indias brand ambassador, even the government may have discontinued me.



He said for 10 years he was brand ambassador for 'Incredible India's Atithi Devo Bhavo campaign' and never charged a penny for all his public service campaigns for the country and nor will he charge in future.

Aamir also asked media and news channels not to air news



about violence on TV as it creates an atmosphere of fear.

"Every Indian is infected with fear. I would also appeal to media not to highlight such violence, as it creates a sense of insecurity and fear among common people," he said.

On his wife Kiran Rao expressing her intent to leave India due to insecurity, Aamir said he and his wife were not going anywhere and have been born here and will die in India, but said, "After all, Kiran is a mother, a mother always worries about her children."



"Often we speak so many things among ourselves, but that does not mean, we take 100 per cent action on them. Now was that our intention. Kiran has actually expressed a feeling, an emotion, and we were born here, and we will die here. We are not going to leave our country, let me make it clear,"he said.

The superstar went on to say that whenever people try to divide, "we should become alert, and should beware as to why we are being reminded that we are Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh. After all, we are all Indians. We have to be on our quard."



Seeking to clarify that there was intent on his or his director's part on purportedly denigrating Hindu religion in his film 'PK', he said, "It was only a character playing the role of Shiva in a play, who was made fun of, in a particular situation. After all, Lord Shankar is Almighty, how can we dare to make fun of him?."



The actor said he fully empathised with the cause of Kashmiri Pandits. "My heart cries even today for them. It is shameful, and I appeal to people living in the Valley to bring the Kashmiri Pandits back.
Aam Aadmi Party today demanded immediate arrest and strict action in connection with the posters announcing a cash reward for anyone who "shoots down" JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.

The party said these posters can "disturb" the law and order situation in the national capital.

"Delhi Police should immediately arrest the individual in whose name the posters have been put up and it must find out who is the mastermind behind the entire conspiracy.

"These posters are part of a malicious hate campaign, which is being boosted by atrocious statements repeatedly coming from some BJP leaders and frontal organisations of this party in a clear attempt to stifle the voices of those politically opposed to BJP," AAP said in a statement.

The party also attacked BJP for the statements by its leaders.

"The country's ruling party seems to be crossing all limits with even some of its Union ministers and MPs indulging in an all-out verbal assault and open threats to a young student and they are not even sparing late Rohith Vemula.

It said "the sequence of statements by BJP leaders, particularly on Saturday, point towards a well thought-out strategy to browbeat the students who are raising a voice of dissent against the central government's wrong policies.
CPI today alleged that ABVP, RSS' frontal wing, was behind the posters that have come up in the national capital announcing cash rewards for anyone "shooting down" and "cutting off" the tongue of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and demanded that a probe be initiated into the issue.

"CPI expresses serious concern over posters appearing at some places offering Rs 11 lakh to anybody who will shoot down Kumar. A statement that Rs 5 lakh will be given to anybody who cuts his tongue is also doing the rounds. The party feels that ABVP is behind such moves.

"We urge the government to conduct a thorough probe into the incident and take stringent action against the culprits," a party statement said.

Delhi Police today registered a case after a person was spotted pasting a poster announcing Rs 11 lakh prize money to anyone "shooting down" Kumar.

BJP Yuva Morcha leader Kuldeep Varshnay had yesterday announced Rs 5 lakh prize money for cutting off the tongue of Kanhaiya, who he had alleged, was speaking against BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after being released on bail.

Taking note of Varshnay's remark, the Badaun unit of the Morcha today expelled him from primary membership of the party for six years.

Kumar, who was arrested on February 12 on sedition charges, was released from Tihar jail on March 3 after the Delhi High Court granted him interim bail for six months.
Ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu today lashed out at arch rival DMK for enacting what it called a "drama" over remission for the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Referring to a statement of DMK chief M Karunanidhi backing Tamil Nadu government's stance on the remission, AIADMK also cited DMK treasurer Stalin's criticism that it was a drama being done with an eye on elections.

"It is the DMK which is staging drama," All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR said today in a write-up referring to the two opposing views of its rival.

It also alleged that the Karunanidhi-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was instigating its ally Congress to raise its voice against the convicts' release.

Ridiculing Karunanidhi for "enacting many dramas on Eelam issue", the ruling party said the number of such drams would be more than the number of plays scripted by father of Tamil theatre and playwright Sankaradas Swamigal.

It also said if the government's action appeared to be a drama for Stalin then it was "a problem of his vision."



DMK's ally Congress's Tamil Nadu unit president EVKS Elanogovan had said his party was ready to accept the court's decision on the issue.
Seeking more choices, President Pranab Mukherjee's office has returned to the HRD Ministry a file recommending nomination to a vacant seat in the Executive Council of the Aligarh Muslim University.

Earlier, the names of senior TV journalist Rajat Sharma and eminent scientist Vijay P Bhatkar, who is also the National President of RSS-linked Vijnana Bharati, had been returned by the President.

Three of the 28 members on the AMU Executive council are recommended by the Ministry for which the President's nod is necessary as he is the Visitor of the institution.

This is not for the first time that the President has taken a view different from that of the Smriti Irani headed HRD Ministry.

It is learnt that the President had ignored the HRD Ministry's recommendation while choosing M Jagadeesh as the JNU Vice Chancellor.

There have also been reports that in the matter related to former Visva Bharati VC Sushanta Dattagupta, who was eventually sacked, the President's office and HRD ministry had certain differences.
A delegation from Aligarh Muslim University, led by Vice Chancellor Lt Gen Zameer Uddin Shah, today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought the NDA government's support in restoring the varsity's 'minority' status, stating that this "would have a salutary effect on minorities who are agitated and apprehensive that their rights are being trampled upon".

Referring to the reported "illegal" establishment of the varsity's three off-campus centres in Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar, he asserted that they had been approved by "the highest policy making bodies of the university, the Government of India and the President of India".

Speaking to PTI after the nearly 40-minute meeting, Shah, who led the five-member delegation comprising some prominent members of the Muslim community, expressed "satisfaction" over the meeting with the Prime Minister.

The memorandum urges the NDA government to revert back to the original stand of previous UPA government of supporting the University in restoring its minority status.

"India is a secular country and the constitution confers upon the minorities a fundamental right under Article 31 to enjoy the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice," it said.

Underlining the fact that NDA's sympathetic handling of the issue would have a positive effect on Muslim youth and would "further bind them to the national mainstream", it noted that "AMU students have behaved in an exemplary manner and have not agitated over this issue".

This step of the NDA government "would have a very salutary effect on the minorities who are presently agitated and apprehensive that their rights are being trampled upon", it said.

It also recalled that BJP, when it was part of Janata Party under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani, had in its manifesto promised to "restore the minority character of the University".

The AMU Vice Chancellor told the Prime Minister, "We have full faith in your sagacity and your slogan 'Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas'."



The delegation also discussed issues related to research and education, skill development, and Ganga rejuvenation, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

The issue of restoration of minority character of AMU is at present pending with the Supreme Court but what has triggered off the protests is the Centre's recent decision to reverse the UPA government's stand of supporting the university in the apex court on this issue.

On January 11, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, during the hearing of this case, had told the court that the NDA government did not support the idea of a state-funded minority institution in a secular state, sparking off a controversy.

(REOPENS DEL41)



On the off-campus centres of the university, Shah raised the issue of "gross inadequate" funding, which put their existence in "jeopardy".

"Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) feels the three centres are illegal. They have the sanction of the Government of India as well as the President. Then how can they be illegal?" he asked.

The Centre had sanctioned an amount of "Rs 447 crore" for these centres. Against this, the University has been given a meager amount of just Rs 130 crore, the memorandum said.

It also drew attention to the "inequity in funding" to AMU as compared to BHU, which is of equal size, and Jamia Millia, which is half its size.

In the revised Twelfth Plan, the BHU has been allotted an outlay of Rs 300 crore, Jamia Millia Rs 235 crore and the AMU just Rs 193 crore.

Noting that AMU had recently been judged sixth among top ten global institutions of higher learning in India, the memorandum said it was presently at the threshold of some outstanding researches in the spheres of "Environmental Studies" and through research on nano-fertilizers in the sphere of the "second Green Revolution".

It urged the Prime Minister to favourably consider the above issues so that the university continues to play its role in the urgent task of the nation building.

Shah had earlier this week claimed that HRD Minister Smriti Irani had in a meeting with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on January 9 said the AMU centres in Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar were illegally set up and will not be funded by her ministry.

"Chandy told me that the HRD Minister was adamant that the AMU centres were illegally set up and will not be funded by the HRD Ministry, despite being told that they had been approved by the highest policy making- bodies, AMU's Executive Council and Court, Government of India and the Visitor (President of India)," Shah had said.

He also said that on January 9, he had gone to meet Irani at the insistence of Chandy regarding the funding of an off-campus AMU centre in Kerala. But as the venue of the meeting was changed at the eleventh hour, he could not reach there on time.

Shah also told reporters that while he had met the Prime Minister twice, despite many attempts in nearly one and a half years, he would be meeting HRD minister Smriti Irani on March 10. He had met her first when Irani had taken over as the HRD minister.
The Animal Welfare Board (AWBI) of India has asked Kerala Forest department to take action in the alleged torture of an elephant during a recent temple festival in Thrissur district.

The AWBI yesterday wrote to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests demanding necessary action on the alleged use of an elephant to block the passage of other elephants at the entrance of 'Rudhira Mahakailikavu', where the festival was held earlier this week.

The Board also asked the department to sent a report of action taken in the matter to them at the earliest.

The AWBI's action was based on the complaint by a Thrissur-based animal rights campaigner Heritage Animal Task Force (HATF).

In its complaint, the HATF said this type of abusing elephants to stand for a long time was a "real torture".

The campaigner also alleged the elephant parade held as part of the temple festival was violation of the Supreme Court Order dated August 18, 2015 which had asked the Kerala Forest Department to ensure elephant parade rules are not violated.
Neurosurgeon Ben Carson today ended his White House bid after a series of unsatisfactory results in the Republican party's primary elections, leaving only four candidates in the Republican presidential race.

The four candidates are billionaire real estate magnet Donald Trump; two first term Senators Ted Cruz from Texas and Marco Rubio from Florida and the Ohio Governor John Kasich.

Days after his disappointing performance during Super Tuesday, Carson told the Conservative Political Action Conference that he is leaving the campaign trail.

"Even though I might be leaving the campaign trail, you know there's a lot of people who love me, they just won't vote for me. But I will still continue to be heavily involved in trying to save our nation," the retired neurosurgeon said.

Carson said he will be working on a number of initiatives, including serving as honorary chair of My Faith Votes, a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing the 25 million evangelicals who didn't vote in the last election.

The Republican presidential race at the beginning of this year had as many as 17 aspirants, which has now narrowed to just four.

Political pundits say this might reduce to two by the middle of this month.

The Democratic presidential race has already been reduced to two - between Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State, and the Vermont Senator, Bernie Sanders.
British celebrities Benedict Cumberbatch, Jude Law, Dominic West, Gillian Anderson, Juliet Stevenson, Stephen Daldry and Brian Eno have joined hands to offer their support amid the growing refugee crisis in Europe.

Each of the celebrities will sponsor an unaccompanied child in the "Jungle" camp in the French port town of Calais, the centre for those hoping to cross into the UK, said The Hollywood Reporter.

According to Citizens UK organisation, 150 children in the camp have legal rights to reunite with family members in the UK, and the celebrities have signed up to a buddy system in which they will visit the kids in France or their British connections and contribute towards legal and humanitarian costs.

"We call on the British and French authorities to immediately make provisions for the safe passage of all the unaccompanied minors and refugee children identified by Citizens UK with verified family connections to Britain," the celebrities said in a statement.

"We are each buddying with one unaccompanied minor to ensure that they receive the humanitarian support they need and to personally insist that both governments honour their obligations to these children," the statement added.
Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi today said BJP cannot be allowed to play with the future of 8000 students of JNU and his party is with them.

"There are eight thousand students in JNU and of them one thousand are from the North East. We will not allow BJP to spoil their future ... BJP cannot play with the future of eight thouand students," Gandhi said addressing an election rally here in Assam's Nagaon district.

The students have done no wrong, he said adding "we (Congress) are with them."Sedition charge was slapped against JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar and he was put in jail "but I listened to his 20-minute speech (on February 9) and there is not a single word against the country," Rahul said.

"If they had to arrest anybody, why didn't they catch those two to three people who shouted (anti-India) slogans? Arrest them, put them in jail and charge them with whatever case you want," Gandhi added.
BJP today staged a walkout from the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly against non-admission of poor and underprivileged students in public schools under the Act.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, BJP member Radha Mohan Agarwal said as per the RTE guidelines by the Centre, 25 percent seats would be reserved for children from poor and underprivileged sections.

However, under its guidelines the UP government has exempted public schools, he alleged.

Citing the example of Gorakhpur, he said only 63 such students got admission in public schools in the city last year.

He demanded stern action against officials who prepared the guidelines.

BJP Legislature party leader Suresh Khanna alleged the government was not sensitive to poor and does not want their children to study in good schools.

The BJP members later walked out of the House.

Later, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Khan said the government was sensitive about the issue.

Earlier, the BJP members raised the issue of depleting water level and requested the government to provide at least 200 hand-pumps to every member's constituency.

In response, Khan said there would be no shortage of drinking water and it would be supplied through tankers wherever required.

Meanwhile, the BSP members raised the issue of killing of a Dalit employee of Ambedkar University in Agra on February 13 and demanded a compensation of Rs 20 lakh.

Khan said it was an unfortunate incident and he would talk to the Chief Minister in this regard.
Vigilance sleuths today caught a Block Education officer (BEO) red-handed while he was allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 5,000 in Nawada district.

Acting on a tip off, a flying squad of the vigilance department laid a trap and arrested Anil Kumar Sharma, BEO of Nawada block while he was allegedly taking Rs 5,000 as bribe from a place on Main Road near Girls school, Nawada, a vigilance release said.

One Ashique Bari, a resident of Sihuli village under Aamas police station of Gaya district but posted as Urdu teacher in Middle school at Chandi village in Akbarpur block of Nazwada district, had lodged a complaint with the Vigilance Investigation Bureau stating that Sharma was demanding a sum of Rs 5,000 from him.

Sharma is also holding additional charge of Akbarpur block as BEO in Nawada district.

After verifying the complaint, the Vigilance department constituted a flying squad headed by Deputy SP Tarni Prasad Yadav, the release said.

Altogether 24 persons have been arrested in 23 trap cases conducted by the department so far in the year 2016.
The Borno state government in northeast Nigeria has suspended trading in four cattle markets to prevent the sale of stolen livestock to raise funds for Boko Haram Islamists.

Governor Kashim Shettima said "all trading activities have been suspended until further notice in line with (the) government commitment to ensure that no public place is turned into an avenue for funding activities of the terrorists".

The affected markets are in the towns of Gamboru, Dusuman, Shuwarin and Ngom all outside the provincial capital Maiduguri.

Sales of dried meat such as "kilishi" - a popular delicacy in northern Nigeria made from roasted thin strips of spiced beef, lamb or goat - have also been banned, he said yesterday.

A military counter-offensive that began last year has recaptured territory lost to Boko Haram in Borno and two neighbouring states and the government in Abuja believes the group is "technically" defeated.

Hit-and-run raids on remote villages in the mainly agricultural region - a trademark tactic of the group - have increasingly seen Boko Haram fighters make off with cattle and foodstuffs.

The army says it has cut off the rebels' supply lines, making it difficult for them to source food, fuel for vehicles and weapons. Some raids have been carried out on foot or even on bicycle.

Shettima told a meeting of cattle traders that security officials have reported the markets were being used by unscrupulous middlemen to sell stolen livestock in raids at inflated prices.

"The money realised from such transactions will then be channelled to fund the deadly activities of the terrorists," Shettima said.

Maiduguri's cattle market has previously been shut for similar reasons, leading to a shortage of meat in the city and a public outcry.

Imports of cattle into Maiduguri have been banned for the next two weeks and only licenced cattle traders and butchers were allowed to bring in livestock, slaughter and sell meat, the governor added.
Supporters of Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva rallied in their hundreds outside his Sao Paulo house today a day after his dramatic detention in a corruption probe.

The show of resolve was the latest sign a mounting political crisis over the investigation into alleged embezzlement and bribery at the state oil giant Petrobras was spilling onto the streets.

"We are here out of solidarity," said one man in the crowd, Jesualdo Freitas, 57. He described anger at Lula's brief detention yesterday as having galvanized the left.

"It strengthens the Workers' Party and the movement to defend president Lula," he told AFP.

The charismatic leftist icon emerged mid-morning to greet the approximately 500 people. Shortly afterward, President Dilma Rousseff, Lula's successor and protege in the ruling Workers' Party, arrived for a private visit.

Until now, the massive anti-corruption scandal has unfolded mostly in the civilized surroundings of courtrooms and lawyers' offices.

But during yesterday's drama, opponents and supporters of Lula and Rousseff scuffled in Sao Paulo. Late in the day, opponents organized on social media to lean out of windows in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and the capital Brasilia, shouting and banging pots in celebration.

The opposition blames Lula for the gargantuan corruption network uncovered at Petrobras, which was systematically plundered during much of his presidency, with bribes funneling into the pockets of high-ranking politicians, including from the Workers' Party.

The opposition also blames Rousseff for a brutal recession in a country that just a few years ago was the darling of emerging markets, even if those troubles are partly due to plunging commodities prices.

The sight of armed police at Lula's home has given opponents a boost as they seek to reignite a stalled impeachment drive against Rousseff and prepare for nationwide demonstrations on March 13.

"The opposition will move with greater strength, with new impetus to try and force out Rousseff," Sao Paulo-based political analyst Andre Cesar said.

Lula, still a powerful speaker at 70, is also spoiling for a fight.

"If they want to defeat me, they will have to face me in the streets of this country," the fiery trade union veteran told a crowd of supporters hours after being released from police questioning.
Brazilian police questioned former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for about four hours in an investigation into a sprawling corruption case involving state-run oil company Petrobras that has ensnared some of the country's top lawmakers and wealthiest businessmen.

The once-immensely popular president, who governed from 2003 to 2010, angrily denounced the Friday morning raid on his home by police to detain him as part of a campaign to sully his image, that of his party and that of his hand-picked successor, President Dilma Rousseff.

"I felt like a prisoner this morning," said Silva, who has expressed interest in possibly running for president again. At a rally late Friday in Sao Paulo, an emotional Silva insisted on his innocence and blasted those accusing him. "If they are a cent more honest than I, then I will leave politics," he pledged, his eyes welling with tears.

Rousseff also expressed her "total inconformity" with the operation, which she called unnecessary, although she appeared to distance herself from her one-time mentor by only briefly mentioning Silva in an address yesterday afternoon.

Police arrived at about 6 a.M. At Silva's residence in greater Sao Paulo's Sao Bernardo do Campo and spirited the 70-year-old to a federal police station at the city's Congonhas airport. Silva was released after around four hours of questioning.

Police said they also searched the headquarters of his nonprofit foundation Instituto Lula, as well as properties connected to his sons and other family members. One of his sons was brought in for questioning.

Clashes broke out between Silva's supporters and critics outside several sites where police were conducting searches. After his release, cheering supporters gathered outside Silva's apartment to welcome him home.

Judge Sergio Moro, who is heading the Petrobras investigation, said he allowed the police to haul in Silva for security reasons, citing fears that demonstrations could complicate efforts to question him. He also stipulated that police were not to handcuff or film the former leader.

Officials said they were looking into 30 million Brazilian reais (USD 8.12 million) in payments for speeches and donations to the Instituto Lula by construction firms that were crucial players in the Petrobras corruption scheme. They were also looking into whether renovations and other work at a country house and beachfront apartment used by Silva and his family constituted favors in exchange for political benefit.

"No one is exempt from investigation in this country," said public prosecutor Carlos Fernando dos Santos Lima. "Anyone in Brazil is subject to be investigated when there are indications of a crime.
The head of a British business lobby group has been suspended for recommending that Britain votes to leave the European Union in June's referendum, the Financial Times reported today.

John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, made his remarks in a speech earlier this week, going beyond the BCC's official position of neutrality.

The BCC refused to comment on the FT's report when contacted by AFP.

Longworth gave a keynote speech on Thursday in which he said the referendum was a choice between the "devil and the deep blue sea".

He later told Sky News: "I actually went on in my speech beyond what the Chambers of Commerce believe, to talk a little bit about what my analysis of the evidence has been.

"And my analysis of the evidence is that actually, with the reforms that we received so far, the UK would be better off taking a decision to leave the European Union."



The FT reported that Longworth "has been suspended after he took to the airwaves to call for Brexit -- against the wishes of most of its members".

In a statement issued before reports of the suspension arose, the BCC said it "will not be campaigning for either side ahead of the EU referendum".

But a spokesman did acknowledge that Longworth "has been very clear where his remarks reflect his personal assessment, rather than the position of the BCC".

Longworth's remarks highlight divisions in Britain's business community over whether to stay in or leave the EU.

The country's car industry this week publicly backed the remain campaign while small business owners have spoken out against the cost of Brussels red tape.
A five-year-old deaf and mute Pakistani girl, who inadvertently crossed the international border here, was handed over to the Pakistani Rangers by Border Security Force.

The BSF personnel found the girl in Natha Singh Wala Border Outpost area of under Abohar sector along the international border, Inspector General of BSF, Punjab Frontier, Anil Paliwal said.

During questioning, the personnel realised the girl was mute and deaf as she failed to say anything, he said.

Later, the Pak Rangers were contacted and the girl was handed over to them, the IG said.
China today increased its defence spending by 7.6 per cent to USD 146 billion, making it almost four times more than India's defence budget despite being the Communist giant's lowest hike in six years.

Amid raging disputes in the South China Sea and deepening tensions with the US, the government, in a budget report presented to the national legislature annual session here, said it plans to raise the 2016 defence budget by 7.6 per cent to 954 billion yuan (about USD 146 billion).

The single digit increase is the lowest in six years. Last year, China increased the defence budget by 10.1 per cent to 886.9 billion yuan, which in dollar terms amounted to USD 145 billion with prevailing exchange rate.

The Chinese currency has depreciated in the past few months after last year's nearly four per cent devaluation. As a result, this year's budget in dollar terms amounted less despite a 67.1 billion yuan increase.

China is the world's second largest economy and also the second largest defence spender. The US is the world's largest economy and the largest defence spender. The United States' proposed defence budget this year stood at USD 534 billion.

This year's new increase will do little to close that gap, the state-run Xinhua agency reported.

China's military expenditure had seen a five-year run of double-digit increases between 2011 and 2015.

The budget report did not offer further breakdown of the figure nor explained the rationale behind the abated growth, although some officials and military experts have pointed to China's economic slowdown, the report said.

The slowdown remained a dominant theme as Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who presented a work report to this year's inaugural session of the National People's Congress (NPC), today lowered this year's GDP target to 6.5 per cent saying that the economy was facing headwinds.

The 2.3 million strong People's Liberation Army, (PLA), the largest in the world is also poised to cut three lakh troops. The cut, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September last year, might have also helped drive down the defence budget growth figure.

While China weighed its military spending, comparing itself with the US, from India's point of view the gap with its largest neighbour amounted to nearly four-fold.

This year's India's defence budget presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley proposes a 9.7 per cent increase amounting to Rs. 2.58 lakh crore. This in dollar terms works out to about USD 40 billion. It virtually remained the same at last year's levels due to depreciation of the rupee.

Commenting on the single digit increase of the defence budget, the state run Global Times said, "For many Chinese, the first response was a bit of disappointment. But we believe the decision has its reasons. The Chinese economy has been under grave downward pressure.

(Reopens FGN 12)



"China's development of high-tech weapon systems have been picking up in recent years. There is no need to spend hugely to catch up with the US, which seeks to keep its global military presence. China's regional military deterrence aimed at national defence has been taking shape," the daily said.

"Annual growth of 7-8 per cent means doubling the current level in a decade and reaching close to half of the US military spending. Such steady growth is more sustainable," it said.

Also the "Chinese government does not want to irritate other countries and trigger an arms race. Domestically, the government does not want to make its people anxious, as if major military conflicts are pending," it said.

The increasing US "provocations" in the South China Sea have been creating a greater sense of crisis for the Chinese people, the Global Times said.

Outlining China's strategic perspectives, Spokesman of the NPC and former Vice Foreign Minister Fu Ying yesterday defended Beijing's increasing its defence spending due to US forays into Asia Pacific and the South China Sea (SCS) which in recent months has become new theatre of conflict between the two countries.

Some people have connected China with the SCS issue and militarisation of the region. The issue of militarisation has been hyped up and misleading, Fu said.

China claims almost the whole of the resource-rich South China Sea. Its claim, however, is strongly contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

In October, USS Lassen, a guided missile destroyer, sailed within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island China is building in the Spratly Islands.

China strongly protested the move, saying the the US act severely violated Chinese law, sabotaged the peace, security and good order of the waters, and undermined the region's peace and stability.

"Talking about the militarisation if we look at the advanced aircraft and ships entering the area, majority of them (are) from US," Fu said.

It was America which decided to deploy 70 per cent of its naval assets under its Asia Pivot strategy, she said.

"Isn't it militarisation?" Fu asked. Wrongly accusing China's militarisation in the waters is misleading, she said.

"Most of Chinese lawmakers and ordinary people are not pleased and do not agree with the US showing off military power by sending warships to waters close to the SCS islands and reefs," she added.
China's government has highlighted big data, encryption technology and "core technologies" such as semiconductors as the key elements of its push to grow into a tech powerhouse, according to a new five-year plan released today that envisages the Internet as a major source of growth as well as a potential risk.

Even as it highlighted the need to improve Internet infrastructure to rural areas and unlock the digital economy's potential, Chinese economic planners called for a more secure and better managed Web, with enhanced Internet control systems, Internet security laws and real-name registration policies.

Chinese officials including Internet czar Lu Wei have played down concerns over what critics have described as China's expanding Web censorship, saying that it is the Chinese government's sovereign prerogative and a necessary measure to maintain domestic order.

China's development plan calls for a better cybersecurity approval system and more "precise" Web management to "clean up illegal and bad information."



The plan also calls for a multilateral, democratic, transparent and international governance system and active participation in international Internet governance efforts.

Premier Li Keqiang highlighted the promise of the Internet, saying today that various traditional sectors, ranging from manufacturing to government to health care, need to connect to the Web and raise their efficiency as part of an overarching national strategy called "Internet Plus."



He vowed to raise research and technology spending to account for 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product in the five years through 2020, which he said would mark a "remarkable achievement."



The five-year plan calls for all families in large cities to have access to 100 megabyte-per-second Internet service and broadband coverage reaching 98 per cent of the population in incorporated villages.

At the same time, Chinese leaders, wary of over-relying on foreign technology, will seek to boost China's homegrown industry and cut down on imports a strategy that has drawn complaints from trade partners like the United States.

Similar to previous years, when Chinese leaders highlighted industries such as e-commerce as a growth focus, the new draft of China's development plan specifically elevated big data and cloud computing, relatively new and promising fields that Chinese industry experts view as not yet cornered by US companies that dominate other parts of the technology market.
China plans to land a probe on Mars in 2021 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of founding of the ruling-Communist Party of China and a decade after its first failed mission in 2011, after which India, US, Russia and EU stole the march.

"The probe is expected to reach Mars in 2021 after a flight of seven to ten months," Ye was quoted as saying by the official media here.

The Communist Party, the sole governing party of China, was founded in 1921.

Ye said China has accumulated enough experience from its moon project.

"Our team accomplished the moon exploration project in 2013 as part of the Chang'e-3 mission," he said.

In November 2015, China unveiled a model of its orbiter and landing rover at the China Industry Fair in Shanghai.

"Up till now we have made a breakthrough on the communication issue with a distance of 400 million kms. The main difficulty would be landing on Mars," Ye said.

China's earlier mission to send a probe to the Red Planet in a joint mission with Russia failed in 2011.

So far, only the US, the former Soviet Union, the European Space Agency and India have successfully carried out Mars exploration missions.

China Aerospace Science and Corp, the main contractor of China's space missions, said yesterday that the Mars exploration is among the 10 major orders that Long March 5, the country's next-generation heavy lift rocket, has received so far.

Other orders include the Chang'e-5 lunar probe mission that is expected to bring back soil from the moon around 2017, and the much-anticipated space station's core module that will be launched around 2020.

The launch vehicle is slated to make a maiden flight later this year.

The size and structure of the Mars probe will be similar to Chang'e-3, China's first lunar lander that was launched in 2013, though there are many differences, Ye said.

"There are many challenges in front of us. But, I think it is likely we will send the probe to Mars given our all-out efforts, the know-how we gained from past missions and everybody's support," he said.
Warning against Taiwanese independence, President Xi Jinping today said China will "resolutely contain" secessionist activities and not allow the "historical tragedy" of national secession to repeat again.

"We will resolutely contain the 'Taiwan independence' secessionist activities in any form," Xi told a group of lawmakers from Shanghai on the first day of the national legislature's annual session.

This was first such warning issued by Xi after the Tsai Ing-wen was elected as President defeating pro-China Kuomintang party candidate Eric Chou in January elections.

Chou was backed by former Taiwanese President Ma Xiaoguang, who met Xi at a well publicised meeting in Singapore and agreed to improve ties between China and Taiwan, which broke away from China in 1949. China says Taiwan is part of it.

"We will safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and never allow the historical tragedy of national secession to happen again," Xi was quoted as saying.

"It is the common wish and firm will of all Chinese people, and it is also our solemn commitment and responsibility to the history and the people," he said.

"Our policy toward Taiwan is clear and consistent, which will not change along with the change in Taiwan's political situation," Xi told the lawmakers.

Only by accepting the historical facts about the "1992 Consensus" and recognising its core implications can the two sides have a common political foundation and maintain good interactions, Xi said.

"Compatriots from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are expecting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and we should not make them disappointed," he said.

"We will adhere to the '1992 Consensus' as a political foundation, and continuously advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties," Xi added.

Premier Li Keqiang also warned against "separatist activities" on the island and pleded to safeguard China's "territorial integrity".

China will "oppose separatist activities for the independence of Taiwan" and "safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity", Li told the Communist-controlled legislature.
Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton has called for the adoption of "corporate patriotism" which will enable the US corporate sector to first create jobs inside the country and not overseas.

"I'm not asking corporations to be charitable, although that's important. I'm asking corporations to realise that when Americans prosper, they prosper too. The idea of corporate patriotism might sound quaint in era of vast multinationals, but it's the right thing to do and the smart thing to do as well," she said.

Laying a vision of her economic policies, Clinton in a major policy speech also called for creation of "good paying jobs" in the country that can not be outsourced.

"Throughout this campaign, I've said that creating good-paying jobs and raising incomes is the defining economic challenge of our time, and that in order to get where I want us to go, we need growth that is strong, fair, and long-term. That's why we need a new bargain for the new economy," Clinton said in a in a major policy speech in Detroit.

Clinton, 68, who is leading in polls and all set to be the first presidential woman nominee of a major political party in the US, said that a new bargain should ensure that the jobs of the future are good-paying American jobs.

Clinton said her "new bargain" was built on three principles: corporations have to do right by their communities and our country, employers should treat workers like assets to be invested in, rather than costs to be cut and government should stop rewarding greed and special interests and instead invest in the sources of the good jobs of the future.

She specifically offered a new "clawback" proposal that would rescind tax relief and other incentives for corporations if they move overseas any jobs, facilities or production that had benefitted from the tax breaks.

The revenue raised by the clawback would be used to encourage investment in the US - including in the communities that had seen jobs or production depart.

"Corporations benefit in so many ways from being right here in the United States. But too often, this relationship feels like a one-way street. Too many are not holding up their end of the bargain. They don't recognise that one of the biggest assets on their balance sheet in America," she said.
BJP today accused Congress of adopting double standards on sensitive issues like national security and terrorism for the sake of vote bank politics.

"Though there should be freedom of speech and freedom to criticise anybody, nobody can criticise India as a nation," party national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said while referring to the JNU row at a press conference here.

He also said JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar's recent statement that Afzal Guru was not his idol was a sign of 'changes' happening in the Delhi-based university due to "pressure" from the people of the country.

He said it was ridiculous for Congress to support phrases like 'judicial killing' of Guru.

"When the grand old party of India - Congress - supports phrases like judicial killing, it means you are accusing the Supreme Court of India, President and even the UPA government itself. It shows clear double standards of Congress even on sensitive issues of national security and terrorism," he said.

"As per our Constitution, three things are there for which every citizen should have firm commitment -- sovereignty, integrity and unity. There cannot be a scope of 'if' or 'why' in the things related to them," Trivedi said.

Whatever the issue - corruption, criminalisation or even terrorism and national security - Congress consistently does things for vote bank politics and it is unfortunate, he said.

He alleged that it was also part of politics for Congress to speak in favour of those accused of terror and use words of respect while addressing them.

"A Congress spokesperson used the term Afzalji to address Afzal Guru.

"Previously Digvijay Singh had used the term Osama ji (addressing Osama bin Laden).

"Then another Congress leader had used the phrase Hafiz sahib (to address Hafiz Muhammed Saeed)," he said.

"I want to ask them, why this type of respectable words like 'ji' and 'sahib' come from the side of the Congress party to address those who are accused of terror," he questioned.

On Kanhaiya's recent statement that "We want freedom in India, not freedom from India", Trivedi said he had earlier talked only about 'freedom' and not 'freedom within India'. "This change is due to pressure from people of the country."



The BJP leader also asked whether Kanhaiya had ever expressed solidarity towards martyrs. "Theyhad conducted so many programmes for those who are accused of terror, but never one for soldiers or those who laid down their lives."



He recalled while Kanhaiya had said he had no solidarity towards Guru, it meant changes are coming up. "It is because of pressure from people of India, things are starting going to change," he said.

Attacking UPA for filing the controversial second



affidavit on the Ishrat Jahan case, Trivedi said recent developments on the issue clearly showed "how things have changed automatically".

"Recently you have seen officers from the level of deputy secretary to the secretary, government of India, saying they were not involved in changing of affidavit," he said.

Taking a dig at Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala for taking a stand in favour of Abdul Nasar Madani, an accused in the Bengaluru blast case, he said, "Unfortunately, the very condemnable process of supporting those who are accused of terror for the sake of vote bank politics started from Kerala.
Days after a group of cotton growers of Wardha region took out a protest march to the RSS headquarters here alleging that a buyer close to the outfit defaulted on his payment for their produce, the Sangh has accused the of "playing politics" over the issue while distancing itself from the concerned buyer.

While staging the protest last week, the farmers had alleged that the buyer, Sunil Prabhakar Talatu, failed to pay them their dues and that he was close to the RSS.

"The is indulging in cheap and the RSS condemns it. In the name of Khet Mazdoor Congress, the party is supporting the protest of the farmers," said Rajesh Loya, head of Nagpur unit of RSS, in a statement here.

"It was his (Talatule's) individual deal with the cotton growers and RSS has nothing to do with it," he said.

Loya said was dragging RSS' name into the issue by taking out protest march to its headquarters and burning effigies of its top leaders, which was "unjust".

"This shows the dirty mindset of the Congress," the statement added.

Last week, as many as 400 farmers had organised a protest in front of the Sangh headquarters against alleged non-payment of dues by Talatule, who is said to be close to the BJP leaders.

The farmers had accused the RSS of shielding Talatule, who they claimed has failed to make payments to farmers in Seloo at Wardha for their produce sold between November 2014 and May 2015.

Pro-Congress farmer outfit--Khet Mazdoor Congress--lent support to the demonstration.

The farmers claimed that they sold 20,000 quintals of cotton to Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Wardha, which in turn sold it to Prabhakar Talatule who owns a ginning and pressing unit.

They also claimed that they had met Union Minister Nitin Gadakari and Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungattiwar urging them to pressurise Talatule to pay them their dues.

The farmers, who were detained on February 28, when they were marching towards the RSS headquarters here were later let off. They have since then staging sit-in at the RBI square in the city.

The Maharashtra government has convened a high level meeting on March 9 in Mumbai to discuss the issue. This was conveyed to the agitating farmers by State Energy Minister and District Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

The meeting will be attended by Minister for Co-operation Chandrakant Patil, Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and Bawankule himself along with officials, a government release had said earlier.
Congress leaders from Andhra Pradesh would submit a memorandum with one crore signatures to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking special category status for the state, a senior leader today said.

AP unit of the Congress had launched a campaign to collect one crore signatures around a year back to put pressure on the BJP government in favour of the special category status to the state, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member T Subbarami Reddy said here.

AP Congress would organise 'Chalo Delhi' on March 12. Top leaders like Pradesh Congress Committee chief N Raghuveera Reddy and hundreds of workers will reach Delhi and submit the memorandum to the President and Prime Minister on March 14 as BJP has failed to protect the interests of the state as per the AP Reorganisation Act (APSR)-2014, he said.

Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee General Secretary Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao also alleged that state Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has remained "silent" over BJP's apathy towards AP.

As per the APSR Act, the Polovaram project should have received a Central assistance of Rs 10,000 crore and AP was to get Railway Zone with Vizag as headquarters. But nothing happened in the latest budgets and (Chandrababu) Naidu has "utterly failed" to get funds for the state from his alliance BJP, the leaders said.
Recent amendments to Nepal's new constitution fulfil 99% demands of the agitating Madhesi parties and would bring peace and stability in the country, former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Bhagat Singh Koshiyari said today.

"India wants to see that peace and political stability is maintained in and the country moves forward on the path of economic prosperity," Koshiyari said, who is visiting Kathmandu to attend the 13th general convention of the Nepali Congress from Thursday onwards.

Describing the recent constitutional amendements as a "positive sign", Koshiyari said, "Through the constitution amendments 99% of the demands of the Madhesi people were fulfilled and the remaining 1% will also be fulfilled through dialogue and negotiations."



"Everything will be all right, I am confident that the remaining problems will also be resolved soon," he said.

He also said that Indo- relations are in excellent shape and "no matter which political party in India comes in power, all wanted to maintain good friendly relations with Nepal".

Answering a question regarding the recent blockade on the country's southern border, he said, "India do not want to cause any inconvenience to Nepalese people and it doesn't want anything that would harm the people of ."



He said India wants to collaborate with Nepal in hydro- power sector and is also considering to connect Kathmandu to India through a railway line.

"India should not only connect its railway to Badrinath but it should also connect it to Pashupatinath as well."



Supporting the 1990 Indo-Nepal peace and friendship treaty, the former chief minister said that those who are talking about changing it have not gone through the provisions of the treaty.
CRPF today bid farewell to one of its slain commandos who was killed in a Maoist encounter in Chhattisgarh's Naxal-affected Sukma district.

Senior Central Reserve Police Force officials led by Director General K Durga Prasad laid wreaths on the mortal remains of CoBRA commando Laju NS after his body was flown in from Raipur early today.

A resident of Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, Laju, was killed when his patrol team came under heavy attack from Maoists on March 3 in the Naxal hotbed of Dabbamarka in Sukma in south Bastar region.

Laju was a constable rank trooper in the 208th CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action), a specially raised jungle warfare combat unit of the CRPF, deployed in Chhattisgah for anti-Naxal operations.

After paying tributes and solemn sounding of the bugle at a forces' camp here, his body was flown to Kerala, a senior official said.

The operation that began on March 1 in the jungles of Sukma was led by CoBRA and also had men from Chhattisgarh Police's District Reserve Group (DRG). In the encounter, three commandos were killed, while 15 others were injured including team commander P S Yadav.

The official said the bodies of two other CoBRA commandos, Fatte Singh and Laxman Purty, have also been sent to their home states of Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand respectively.

After a heavy exchange of fire on March 2, the teams engaged in the operation came back to the nearest base at Kistaram police station in Sukma last morning with the help of reinforcements and air support by helicopters.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said "destructive" agenda sometimes dominates legislative business in Parliament and development suffers as a result.

Speaking at a programme here, the MoS Parliamentary Affairs said development takes back seat when "destructive" agenda dominates the legislative agenda in Parliament.

He said Congress is unable to digest the change of guard at the Centre even after two years of the Lok Sabha poll and this is the reason behind "baseless" disruption in Parliament.

Naqvi said Narendra Modi becoming Prime Minister is like an "eyesore" to Congress.

People with "feudal mindset" think a single family has the right to rule the country or it should have power to remote control, he said.

When the NDA came to power at the Centre, he said the biggest challenge was to provide a transparent and corruption-free system, and claimed the alliance has been successful in doing this.

The Modi government has shut down shops of power brokers and "loot lobby" from the "corridors of power", he said.

He said "political selfishness" has become one of the biggest hurdles in passing bills related to progress and empowerment of the poor and added people's mandate should be respected in a democracy.

He said disruption in Parliament in the previous sessions resulted in delay in passage of key reforms bills such as Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Bill, 2013, Anti-Hijacking Bill, 2014, and Good and Service Tax (GST) Bill.

The Board will be headed by a retired Supreme Court



Judge. Three-member tribunals are being established in the states. About 15 to 16 states have established these tribunals. Other states should also do this soon, he said.

"At my first meeting after assuming charge of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, I told officials that results of schemes and programmes should be visible at grass-root level. Welfare schemes should not remain on paper. They should be converted into a reality," Naqvi said.

"Officials should visit villages to ensure benefits of welfare schemes are reaching every needy person. There is no dearth of schemes and funds for development of Muslim and other minority communities.

"We only need to inform the people about these welfare measures and 'Progress Panchayat' is a campaign which will prove to be an effective means to achieve this purpose," he said.

Informing people about various schemes of his ministry, like 'Seekho aur Kamao', 'Nai Manzil', 'Nai Raushni', 'Ustaad' and 'Nai Udaan', Naqvi said these have can guarantee empowerment of the poor belonging to minority communities.

The Union Minister said various projects have been approved for Uttarakhand during 2014-15, including three degree colleges, five school buildings, two hostels, five ITIs and six health centres.

Crores of rupees has been released for various development projects under Multi-sectoral Development Programme in the state during 2015-16, he said.

Under 'Seekho Aur Kamao' (Learn and Earn) schemes, about 2,200 people had been provided training from 2014. Under 'Nai Raushni' scheme, 3,300 people had been provided job-oriented training, he claimed.

Naqvi said the Minority Affairs Ministry has also taken initiative to preserve, protect and promote ancient art and culture of minority communities under 'Ustaad' scheme.

Artisans belonging to Minority Communities from the country's far-flung areas will display their traditional art and skills at India International Trade Fair (IITF), to be organised from November 14 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
The issue of non-payment of salary to staff of the long-defunct Kingfisher Airlines came back to haunt its chairman Vijay Mallya again with the employees, in an open letter, accusing him of damaging the image of the country, particularly the aviation industry.

The letter, which comes days after the beleaguered industrialist said that the "only regret" he has was that the carrier is not flying when the oil price has dipped so low, also accused him of having "blood"-stained hands.

The wife of a then Kingfisher airlines employee in Delhi had allegedly committed suicide, apparently depressed over financial stress due to non-payment of salary to her husband on October 4, 2012, when Mallya decided to ground the airline due to paucity of funds.

"We have been under continuous pain and agony due to your apathy towards us. However, it was particularly aggravated by your recent callous 'NO REGRET" remark about KFA. For us, KFA still exists as we are still on the payrolls although without pay as we never received any communication from you, after you promised revival, about the shutdown of the company and our fate," the employees said in the letter.

"I have no regrets as such. Perhaps the only regret is that Kingfisher Airlines is not flying today when the oil price is so low," Mallya had said recently without expressing any remorse over non-payment of salary to hundreds of his airlines employees.

"We are still not able to understand what you meant when you said I don't have money to pay your salaries while the spree continues, let it be Caribbean Premier League or luxurious yatch," the letter said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested building a new city in northern Syria to house some of the millions of refugees escaping the country's civil war, reports said today.

Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul late yesterday that the new city would be located near the Turkish border and said he had even discussed the idea with US President Barack Obama.

"I am going to tell you something. What is the formula? We found a city in the north of Syria," said Erdogan, quoted by the Anatolia agency.

He said that the city would be 4,500 square kilometres in area and its infrastructure could be built in cooperation with the international community.

Refugees from Syria could be "resettled" there, he said. Such an area would make the city comparable to some of the largest urban centres in the United States.

"We have discussed this with Mr Obama and even set the coordinates but it has not yet come to fruition," said Erdogan. He gave no timescale for how the project could be realised.

Turkey has repeatedly sought to persuade its Western allies to help create a so-called safe zone inside Syria that could house Syrian refugees.

But this appears to to be the first time that Erdogan has proposed building a permanent city in which they could be housed.

Turkey is currently home to an estimated 2.7 million Syria refugees who fled the five year civil war and has complained of the lack of international support in looking after them.
The European Union today asked Turkey to respect media freedom after Turkish police seized top-selling opposition newspaper Zaman, days before the two sides hold a summit on the migrant crisis.

"The EU has repeatedly stressed that Turkey, as a candidate country, needs to respect and promote high democratic standards and practices, including freedom of the media," the EU's diplomatic service said in a statement.

Leaders from two sides plan to meet in Brussels on Monday in a bid to fully implement a stalled November agreement under which Turkey is to curb the flow of migrants to Europe in return for aid and promises to speed up talks for its accession to the EU.

"Free, diverse and independent media constitute one of the cornerstones of a democratic society by facilitating the free flow of information and ideas, and by ensuring transparency and accountability," the EU statement said.

"Any country, and in particular those negotiating EU accession, needs to guarantee fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, and due judicial process, in line with the European Convention on Human Rights," it added.

Zaman newspaper published a defiant edition today warning of the "darkest days" in the history of the press after authorities seized control of its headquarters in a dramatic late-night raid by riot police.

Zaman, closely linked to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's arch-foe, the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, was ordered into administration by the court on the request of Istanbul prosecutors, the state-run Anatolia agency said.
Police have filed a charge sheet against a sales officer of Uttar Pradesh Agro Centre in a local court for allegedly selling fake fertlisers at a state-run agriculture shop here.

A charge sheet was filed against Anandpal yesterday under Section 6 of Essential Commodities Act, police said.

The accused was booked last year after 134 bags of fake fertilisers were seized from a government shop at New Mandi area following complaint by a farmer.
Families of 12 passengers onboard the ill-fated Flight have initiated legal proceedings against the carrier, three days ahead of the deadline for the filing of civil suits against the company before the second anniversary of the plane's disappearance.

The plaintiffs, which also included two Ukrainian families, filed their suits yesterday at the High Court civil registry here, claiming the airline and the authorities had breached their obligations to provide a safe flight.

Read more from our special coverage on "MH370" MH370 lawsuits gain pace as two-year deadline nears

The Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, carrying 239 passengers, enroute from here to Beijing, had disappeared on March 8, 2014.

A global aviation agreement sets a two-year deadline for lawsuits by next-of-kin over air accidents.

So far, 16 suits relating to the flight have been filed, with one of them settled out of the court in June, last year.

The families are suing the carrier and the government for negligence, breach of contract, loss of financial support, bereavement, funeral expenses and unspecified damages.

Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) had on March 24, 2014, sent text messages to the next of kin that all evidence suggested that the plane had gone down in the southern Indian Ocean.

On January 29, last year, the DCA director-general had, on behalf of the Malaysian government, declared to be an accident and that all 239 passengers and crew on board it were presumed to have lost their lives.

Malaysia is a signatory to the 1999 Montreal Convention, under which the airline is liable for all of the plaintiffs' damages unless it proves that it was completely without fault, or that the accident was caused solely by a third party.
A debt-ridden farmer in drought-affected Beed district of Marathwada region here is battling for life after an alleged poisoning attempt by some moneylenders.

The farmer, Ramdas Jogdand, who had borrowed Rs one lakh from private moneylenders, was admitted to the government hospital in a critical condition after the moneylenders allegedly forced him to consume poison yesterday, Beed SP Anil Paraskar told PTI over phone.

The incident comes after Maharashtra ministers toured the district, along with Latur and Osmanabad, to review the drought situation.

Jogdand had taken Rs one lakh loan in 1997 from two private moneylenders for his sister's marriage, the IPS officer said.

Jogdand's brother told police that despite repaying the loan and interest, the farmer was facing repeated demands for another Rs 50,000.

We detained seven persons, including the two moneylenders, the SP said, adding a complaint has been filed.

"We had even sent letters to Chief Minister to allow us to end our lives as we were fed up with the moneylenders' harassment," the farmer's brother said.

As many as 3,228 farmers committed suicide in Maharashtra last year, highest in the last 14 years.
Five more states including Louisiana and Kansas have begun voting in the hotly contested White House primary race, with Republican challengers like Marco Rubio desperate to cut into Donald Trump's lead.

The contests will provide the first test of whether the Republican establishment's desperate effort to end the inevitability of his drive to the party's nomination is having any effect among voters.

The brash billionaire is ahead in the all-important delegate count for the Republicans, having won 10 of the 15 states that have voted to date in the process that determines the nominees for both parties.

Hillary Clinton is well ahead of rival Senator Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side, hoping to expand her lead as she inches closer to securing the nomination.

Clinton and Sanders do battle yesterday in Kansas, Louisiana and Nebraska, while the Republicans are contesting Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maine.

The former secretary of state is expected to dominate in Louisiana, the weekend's biggest prize, because of its large African-American vote.

But Sanders could bounce back in the other two states - plus Maine, which holds its Democratic caucus today - because they have largely white populations, a demographic with which Sanders has done well.

The GOP race has been winnowed down to four candidates - the political outsider Trump, Florida's Rubio, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich - with many in the Republican establishment in virtual panic over whether anyone can stop Trump's march to the nomination.

Yesterday's races are wedged between far more consequential contests: the dozen states that voted on "Super Tuesday" March 1 and the big battles on March 15, when many Republican races, including in Rubio's Florida and Kasich's Ohio, become winner-take-all affairs.

Trump made waves when he cancelled a scheduled yesterday morning appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington, opting instead to hold a rally in Wichita, Kansas.

The move angered members of the American Conservative Union which hosts CPAC.

"I think it was a big mistake for Donald Trump not to be here," ACU chairman Matt Schlapp told CNN.

Trump told the Wichita crowd that Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee who on Thursday called Trump "a fraud," was a "loser" who should have defeated President Barack Obama.

"It's the establishment. The establishment is against us," Trump said.

"We're going to change things so badly and so quickly, it's going to go so fast, and you're going to be so proud.
Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya today said he is holding discussions on the controversial budget proposal to tax EPF withdrawals with the Finance Ministry and government will reveal final details on the issue during the debate on Budget.

"As the Labour and Employment Minister, I am discussing with the stakeholders and also I am discussing with the Ministry of Finance and we are in touch with all concerned people, including trade unions.

"So, now all these things will be revealed out at the time of the debate of the Finance Budget in the Parliament itself by Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley)," he told reporters here.

Jaitley in his Budget for 2016-17 had proposed that 60 per cent of the withdrawal on contribution to employee PF made after April 1 this year will be subject to tax. This would apply to superannuation funds and recognised provident funds including EPF.

The proposal has come under attack from parties, unions and other stakeholders. Stepping up pressure on the Centre, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today said he will continue to fight till it rolls back the proposal for levying tax on EPF withdrawals.

Following a backlash from employees union and political parties, Jaitley has already signalled willingness to reconsider the proposal.

"There has been some reaction. When the debate comes up in Parliament, I will give the government's response as to what decision we finally take," he had said earlier this week.

(REOPENS BOM 16)



Dattatreya was speaking at an exhibition organised on "innovative safe practices on emerging trends in mining technology".

Asserting that the NDA government would not compromise on safety of workmen in factories, he said a new law to make even top officials of the factories accountable for any safety lapses would be made.

He also said the government would make efforts to give vaccines to families of workers of mines.

He also talked about the 'Make in India', 'Start Up India' initiatives of the NDA government to make the country a developed nation.
A police head constable was today arrested for allegedly accepting bribe of Rs 20,000 by the sleuths of Anti-Corruption Bureau, police said.

"KVV Mohan Rao, who was attached with the Mudinepalli police station demanded Rs 30,000 bribe from a farmer for settling a land dispute case. After negotiations, the amount was settled at Rs 20,000," Deputy Superintendent of Police, ACB DSP V Gopalakrishna told PTI.

Following a complaint, a trap was laid and Rao was caught this evening while accepting the bribe at his police station at Mudenepalli in Krishna district, he said.

He was apprehended and investigations are underway, police said.
NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul's son, the late Angad Paul, has received a special tribute from Hollywood.

'Eddie the Eagle', in theatres in the US and set for release in the UK on March 28, has been dedicated to the memory of the 45-year-old businessman, philanthropist and film producer who died suddenly last November.

"In Memory Of Our Friend Angad Paul," reads the end credit of the film, which has been directed by Dexter Fletcher and produced by Matthew Vaughn - who were part of the team that worked with Angad Paul when he produced the box-office hit 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' in 1998.

Lord Paul said he was "very proud" to hear this when his niece called him up from the US after she came out of the theatre.

"It is the first good I have had in months. It is a great tribute and shows what good friends Angad had. I am very grateful to them," he said.

Asked if he plans to catch the film when it is released in the UK later this month, Lord Paul said "definitely".

Angad was an enthusiastic supporter of the British and Indian film industries through his companies Film24 and AV Pictures.

He worked closely with filmmaker Guy Ritchie, including the hit crime comedy 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels' and its sequel 'Snatch' (2000).

'Eddie the Eagle' is a biopic based on the life of Eddie Edwards, the first skier to represent Great Britain in Olympic ski jumping in 1988.
Reality TV star Farrah Abraham has alleged she was "almost raped" by an Uber taxi driver.

The 24-year-old "Teen Mom" star opened up about the alleged incident during her podcast "Farrah & Friends" on Thursday, March 3.

The alleged attack happened after she got back from work in Long Island, New York, at 2 am, reported Aceshowbiz.

"An Uber driver almost raped me," Abraham said, adding that she was banned from Uber after the incident happened. "I'm banned from Uber," she stated.

Though police were called, Abraham said that it's her on-/off-beau Simon Saran who came to rescue her.

"My non-boyfriend threw him in the window and almost broke his car window," she recalled. "The cops were called."



She said after police showed up, the driver still tried to pursue her. "The Persian dude ran after me," the mom of one explained.
Indian Captive Power Producers Association today said the budgetary proposal to double cess on coal was not a "progressive tax" and should be reviewed.

"Union Budget 2016 has doubled the Environment Cess... nation is already paying double the price of coal (than China)... Taxes and levies further make the coal price double for nation. Thus Environment Cess is not a progressive tax and warrants a review to achieve a sound and sustainable national policy," Indian Captive Power Producers Association (ICPPA) said in a release.

Renaming the Clean Energy Cess as Clean Environment Cess, the government had proposed to raise the cess on coal, lignite and peat from the current Rs 200 a tonne to Rs 400.

ICPPA requested the government "to all-together remove this Environment Cess of Rs 400 metric tonne on coal."



Budget 2016-17 has proposed to rename 'Clean Energy Cess' levied on coal, lignite and peat as 'Clean Environment Cess' and its incidence has been increased to Rs 400 per tonne, from Rs 200 per tonne.

The government had earlier said the proceeds from higher coal cess will be to the tune of Rs 40,000 crore by 2018 which will be used for cleaning up the environment as well as research programmes.
Incumbent leftist Prime Minsiter Robert Fico has won Slovakia's general election, but lost his comfortable parliamentary majority on the back of a strident anti-refugee platform.

An exit poll by the private Markiza TV station showed his Smer-Social Democrats (Smer-SD) party taking 27.3 per cent of the vote followed by the liberal Freedom and Solidarity SaS with 13.3 per cent and conservative OLANO-NOVA which took 11.2 per cent.

At least seven other parties entered parliament according to the poll, including the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) with eight per cent, touted by analysts as a possible Fico coalition partner.

It's "a big mishmash and a huge number of political parties in parliament", Fico told reporters as he arrived at his Smer-SD party headquarters minutes ahead of the end of voting.

The extreme right nationalist LS-Nase Slovensko (Our Slovakia) led by Marian Kotleba also made it into the 150-seat parliament with 6.8 per cent, according to the Markiza poll.

Two other parties, Most-Hid (Bridge) representing the ethnic Hungarian minority took 7.30 per cent support, while the liberal Siet (The Net) party made its debut in parliament with 6.7 per cent.

Fico's strongly anti-refugee policies echo those of other hardliners in the EU's poorer ex-communist east, including Czech President Milos Zeman, Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban and Poland's Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

All have shunned refugees as Europe grapples with its worst migration and humanitarian crisis since World War II.
India and Bangladesh are "partners in progress, peace and prosperity" and the two countries should work together to grow further, BJP general-secretary Ram Madhav has said underlining that despite being a big nation India was not a "big brother" of its "special neighbour."



"In the last four decades, I think you have realised that although we are a big country, we are not a big brother. The idea of neighbourhood is not rivalry but partner," he said.

"We are partners, we are partners in progress, peace and prosperity," he said.

Madhav, also a director of the BJP-aligned thinktank India Foundation, said this during the inauguration of 7th India- Bangladesh dialogue jointly organised by Friends of Bangladesh with the theme 'Ground Rules of a New Paradigm' last night.

Mentioning that both Bangladesh and India have very "well-drafted" constitutions, Madhav said, "We need to protect and uphold the constitution."



"Our growth and development should be complimentary. We should grow together and we should work together."



He promised continued support for the Awami League-led government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and praised her leadership for "protecting" democracy in the country.

"The way she protected Bangladesh's democracy is quite laudable," he said while apparently criticising her main rival Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for spearheading a violent campaign to topple the government.

"It (freedom) does not give us license to say that we'll destroy the constitutional system... It does not give us permission to burn buses, burn public property and engage in violence," the BJP leader said.

The BNP last year spearheaded a violent street campaign in a bid to force Hasina to step down and hold a new vote under a neutral caretaker administration after a disputed 2014 poll.

The BNP refused to take part in the 2014 general election, saying it was rigged.

More than 120 people were killed and hundreds injured in the violence - mostly in petrol bomb attacks on vehicles - amid transport blockades and strikes by the opposition.

Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali, who joined the opening of the two-day dialogue where Madhav spoke, said India-Bangladesh ties made remarkable progress in the past years with the historic land-boundary agreement being the latest achievement.

He, however, said the sharing of waters in common rivers still remained an outstanding issue.

"Water is a very sensitive and important issue in Bangladesh-India relations," Ali said. He hoped that it would be resolved "soon" in the spirit of "good neighbourliness."



Several academics, ex-diplomats and security analysts attended the dialogue.
Suspected LeT bomb expert Abdul Karim Tunda and three others, who were accused of helping Pakistani and Bangladeshi terrorists sneak into India in 1997 to carry out terror strikes, were today discharged in the case by a Delhi court which cited lack of evidence.

74-year-old Tunda, one of the 20 terrorists India had asked Pakistan to hand over after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was discharged by the court which said there was no prima facie evidence to proceed against him.

It was the fourth and final case filed against him by Delhi Police in which Tunda has been discharged. Earlier, an Interpol Red Corner notice was issued against him in 1996.

Besides Tunda, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with terror-related cases, the court also discharged his father-in-law Mohd Zakaria and their two alleged close aides Allauddin and Bashiruddin in the case.

The special cell of Delhi Police had filed the charge sheet against the accused persons for the alleged offences punishable under various sections of IPC, including 121 (waging war against the country), 121-A (conspiring to commit certain offences against the state) and under provisions of Explosives Substance Act, Foreigners Act and Arms Act.

According to police, Allauddin and Bashiruddin met Tunda in 1994 through Zakaria before joining the banned LeT.

It had claimed that on Tunda's instruction, the other three accused helped Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals, allegedly involved in various terror strikes here in 1997, to infiltrate into India.

A number of Pakistani nationals and others were arrested in 1998 in connection with various bomb blasts in India, the special cell had said.

Tunda was arrested from Indo-Nepal border at Banbasa on August 16, 2013. He is suspected to be involved in 40 blast cases across the country.

Zakaria, Allauddin and Bashiruddin were lodged in separate jails in West Bengal in connection with cases lodged there against them and they were produced before the court here after production warrants were issued against them.

Tunda was discharged in three other cases last year. The



two cases pertained to a blast in Karol Bagh on October 28, 1997 and two blasts in Sadar Bazaar here on October 1, 1997.

In the Karol Bagh blast case, one person was killed while several others were injured and a bomb was also recovered by the police.

In the Sadar Bazar blasts, two bombs exploded in which several persons were injured.

The third case in which Tunda was discharged last year was registered under the stringent provisions of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities(Prevention) Act (TADA) and under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Yemeni authorities have blamed the Islamic State group for an attack on a care home run by missionaries that killed 16 people, including an Indian nun, and was condemned by Pope Francis as "diabolical".

Rival jihadist movement Al-Qaeda distanced itself from the mass shooting yesterday in the main southern city of Aden, saying it was not responsible.

Gunmen stormed the refuge for the elderly operated by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, killing a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees, officials said.

Four foreign nuns, including an Indian, working as nurses were among those killed.

The Vatican missionary agency Fides identified the nuns as two Rwandans, a Kenyan and an Indian, adding that the mother superior managed to hide and survive while an Indian priest was missing.

Screams of elderly residents echoed from the home during the shooting rampage, witnesses said, recounting seeing the bodies of slain workers with their arms tied behind their back.

No group has yet claimed the attack in the war-torn country, where the internationally recognised government is grappling with both an Iran-backed rebellion and a growing jihadist presence.

An unnamed Yemeni presidency source in Riyadh said that those behind such "treacherous terrorist acts" are individuals who have "sold themselves to the devil," in a statement on the official sabanew.Net website.

"There was no trace of these groups, which go under the name of the Islamic State or (its Arabic acronym) Daesh" when pro-government forces were battling the Huthi rebels and their allies to push them out of Aden last year, the source said, accusing them of "switching roles" with the Iran-backed rebels.

In a statement addressed to the residents of Aden, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), also known as Ansar al-Sharia, denied "any links to the attack on the elderly care home".

"These are not our operations and this is not our way of fighting," said the group, which has seized parts of southern and eastern Yemen.

Al-Qaeda has previously criticised IS for attacks on Shiite mosques in Yemen that left dozens dead.

Al-Qaeda and IS have stepped up attacks in Aden, targeting mainly loyalists and members of a Saudi-led coalition battling the Huthi rebels since March last year.

The Huthis controlled Aden for months before government loyalists pushed them out in July.

Today, gunmen opened fire at a police patrol in Aden killing two policemen, a security official said.

President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has declared the city to be Yemen's temporary capital as Sanaa has been in the hands of the Huthis and their allies since September 2014. But Hadi and many senior officials spend most of their time in Riyadh.
The Haryana government has released over Rs 20 crore as interim assistance to 1,537 people affected by violence during the Jat quota agitation, an official said today.

A spokesman of the Urban Local Bodies department said a committee constituted to provide compensation today reviewed the measures being taken for the same.

He further added that 1,957 FIRs have been registered till now against miscreants under various charges including damaging property in the state during the stir.
Jewellers continued their strike for the fourth consecutive day and will go on with it till March 7 against the budgetary proposal to re-impose one per cent excise duty on jewellery, despite the government's assurance that it will look into the issue.

The All India Sarafa Association and the All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation have decided to extend their stir till March 7.

Jewellers have been on a strike since March 2 protesting against the proposed excise duty imposition on non-silver jewellery items made in the Budget 2016-17 as well mandatory quoting of PAN by customers for transaction of Rs 2 lakh and above.

Jewellers on Friday called on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who promised to look into the matter. "Keeping in view small jewellers and industry's interest, we have decided to extend strike for three more days," All India Sarafa Association Vice-President Surinder Kumar Jain said.

The finance minister in the Budget for 2016-17 had proposed one per cent excise duty on jewellery without input credit or 12.5 per cent with input tax credit on jewellery, excluding silver other than studded with diamonds and some other precious stones.

Meanwhile, the finance ministry has clarified that only jewellers with turnover of more than Rs 12 crore will be liable to pay one per cent excise duty on non-silver jewellery items.

Traders in several parts of the country, including the metros, kept their shops closed for the fourth day, Jain added.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandasekhar Rao today laid foundation stone for a building complex that would house the Chief Minister's official residence, office and a meeting hall.

The foundation stone was laid, at a site adjacent to the present CM's camp office, a release from Rao's office said.

The new building complex is being constructed as the present camp office of the Chief Minister proved to be totally inadequate to hold meetings, meet visitors and for other government purposes, it said.

The present CM camp office does not have space to accommodate even a group of 500 people and for parking cars of VIP visitors, the release said.

The government has decided to construct the Chief Minister's new official residence with a conference hall that can accommodate at least 1,000 people, it added.

The government has approved the proposals made in this regard by the Roads and Buildings department.

The new building complex, including CM's Official residence, office and meeting hall would be built in an area of 8.9 acres, the release added.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal may travel to Pakistan next year as he has accepted an invitation to attend the next edition of annual Karachi Literature Festival (KLF).

At an event, KLF director Ameena Saiyid extended an invitation to Kejriwal to grace the festival as guest and the Chief Minister promptly said he will definitely go there.

"I will definitely. We will learn from each other. We will learn from you and you will learn from us," he said.

Kejriwal was interacting with audience at conference on 'Coalition, a festival of creativity programme' at Talkatora Stadium here.

Earlier last month, Bollywood Actor Anupam Kher had claimed that he has been denied visa by Pakistan to attend the Karachi Literature Festival, which had taken place from February 5-6.

The Delhi Chief Minister has not visited any foreign country after coming to power for the second time in February last year.

On Kejriwal's acceptance of her invitation, Saiyid said she was "very happy" and that all the organisers will look forward to his participation.

"We are very happy that the Delhi Chief Minister has accepted our invitation. Delhi and Karachi have almost the same culture. Both cities have a population of two crore each," she later told reporters.
Former Sri Lankan minister and Tamil leader Douglas Devananda today visited the Indian High Commission here and took part in the trial proceedings of a nearly three decade-old murder case through video conferencing in which he is an accused.

Devananda, 58, the leader of the Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) and member of parliament, had declined to visit Chennai to stand trial, claiming he faced death threats from the LTTE.

The EPDP in a releasesaid Devananda was present at the Indian High commission when four prosecution witnesses were cross examined. Further hearing was postponed for March 15.

A local court in Chennai on Monday had sent a letter of intimation to the Additional City Public Prosecutor stating that video conferencing arrangements have been made to conduct the trial of Devananda.

The trial in the case, in which Devananda is an accused, commenced on January 18 with the examination of Gurumoorthy, a witness in the case, by the Additional Public Prosecutor.

In 1987, Devananda and nine other Sri Lankan Tamils were allegedly involved in a shootout at Choolaimedu in Chennai in which a resident of the locality was killed. All accused were arrested but absconded after being released on bail.

A non-bailable warrant had been issued against Devananda who later became a minister in the Mahinda Rajapakse government.

The Madras High Court had on September 10, 2014, permitted Devananda to stand trial through video conferencing and ordered him to appear through the facility at the office of the High Commissioner of India in Colombo as and when required.
Laos is the latest country to report a local transmission of Zika virus, according to the World Health Organization, as fears mount over the mosquito-borne illness that has been linked to birth defects.

Asia has seen only a sprinkling of cases of the virus, but a surge in Latin America this year has pushed the UN health agency to declare Zika a global health emergency.

Laos joined a total of 41 countries that have reported local transmissions of the virus since the beginning the year, a WHO report said.

Health authorities in Laos, a rural Communist country with minimal infrastructure, were not available to comment.

Neighbouring Thailand reported one case last month of a 22-year-old who contracted the illness domestically and has since recovered.

Thailand's health ministry urged the public not to panic, saying there have been an average of five cases per year since 2012 with no outbreaks.

The sickness is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also spreads dengue fever.

It breeds in tropical areas, including Southeast Asia, which has seen a spike in cases of dengue in recent months and most often causes mild, flu-like symptoms.

A growing body of evidence suggests Zika can also trigger microcephaly, a severe deformation of the brain among newborns, in babies born to mothers infected while pregnant.

Brazil was first to sound the alarm on the apparent link with birth defects.

It has since become the hardest hit country, with an estimated 1.5 million cases of active Zika transmission and 641 confirmed cases of microcephaly.

Yesterday scientists in the United States said they found the first concrete evidence of a link between the virus and the birth defect, which has so far been circumstantial.

The findings may help to identify drugs to prevent or cure the Zika virus, which currently lacks a vaccine or specific treatment.
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has warned that the future of Libya, and the stability of the whole Sahel region, is at stake as it faces the "terrifying threat" of the Islamic State group.

But he warned international powers not to "stoke the fires of conflict" in the country.

Ban was speaking in Mauritania before heading to Algeria today as part of a tour of West and North Africa.

While meeting Mauritanian leaders, including President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and Prime Minister Yahya Ould Hademine, in the capital Nouakchott yesterday he said he was "deeply concerned about the situation in Libya".

Chaos has engulfed Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of dictator Moamer Kadhafi and rival administrations are being urged to sign up to a UN-brokered national unity government to help restore stability.

The internationally recognised government is based in the far east of the North African country.

The Islamic State group and other extremist organisations have exploited the power vacuum, making gains along the oil- rich coastal regions and triggering concern among Western nations over jihadists controlling territory just 300 kilometres from Europe.

"There are alarming reports of widespread human rights violations, including serious abuses that may amount to war crimes," Ban said in his comments yesterday.

"All those with influence must use it to calm the situation and stop the fighting. It is utterly irresponsible for any outside player to stoke the fires," he added.

Ban said that his special representative Martin Kobler "is facilitating talks on a national unity government" as "we face the terrifying scourge of Daesh (IS) expanding in Libya and beyond its borders."



Delays would only worsen the dire humanitarian needs, he warned, adding that "Libya's future is at stake" and "the reverberations echo far".

Success in stabilising Libya would also benefit the whole Sahel region and "our world" in general, he added.

The UN chief also called for Mauritania's help in a territorial dispute between Morocco and a Western Sahara separatist group that has displaced tens of thousands in decades of fighting.

"Making progress on the situation in Western Sahara is also of importance here too," he said, referring to Mauritania. "Numerous refugees share the same culture and family ties with Mauritanians.
Madrasas along the Af-Pak border and tribal areas, in particular North Waziristan, had become a hub of terrorist activities, Pakistan's top diplomat has said, but blamed it on the Afghan refugees, who entered the country when the US pushed the Taliban out of power after the 9/11.

These madrasas had well-oiled terror infrastructure, beyond imagination, running bomb-making factories, terrorists training centers and those to train suicide bombers - all under multi-storied basement under the mosque, Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told a group of defence writers here this week.

"In one mosque that I visited, I remember, in Miranshah, from outside we did not see anything. But under the mosque there were a 70-room basement, three stories, in which there were four-five IED factories, four-five suicide training centers, communication network, VIP room, conference rooms, amazing infrastructure," he said, giving details of the how deep rooted terror infrastructure had developed in Pakistan.

In North Waziristan, where the Pakistan Army had launched operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014, Aziz estimated there were 30-40 such mosques with similar kind of infrastructure.

Pakistan's tribal areas along the Af-Pak border has seven agencies and North Waziristan is one of them.

Aziz, who was here to attend the 6th US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, said this while giving details of the steps being taken by the Pakistani army against terrorists.

"According to our estimates, the IED factories in this particular agency if they had gone their way without disruption, they had enough IEDs for next 20 years for the scale of attacks that they were doing. Those have ended now. Communication infrastructure has been disrupted," Aziz said.

He, however, blamed the Afghan refugees for the tribal areas of Pakistan becoming a hub of terrorism.

"We inherited this problem of (terrorism), 9/11 onwards when people were pushed into our side of the border and they became a threat to us, because they lost their hold in their part of the world. Our tribal belt between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a very long belt and a very open territory. So they came and established themselves," he said.

"Initially they came to seek refuge, but they soon realised that unless they controlled territory and resources they can't survive there. So they started expanding their activities and by 2007-08, they had covered most of the tribal areas. They killed the tribal leaders, then they stared establishing their communication networks, IED factories, suicide training centers," he noted.

"It was unbelievable how quickly they expanded and trained themselves in the tribal belt. So we started getting large scale attacks in our cities, suicide attacks and bomb blasts," Aziz said, adding that in these 14 years, Pakistan lost about 60,000 people, including 10,000 security personnel.

He estimated the economic losses beyond USD 100 billion.

The toughest area infested with the terrorist was the North West Frontier Province, he said.

Out of seven agencies that the security forces have cleared, those groups, which could not survive there migrated or shifted their activities to North Waziristan.

"So North Waziristan by 2013 had become hub of many local



and foreign terrorist groups. Our own Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which we call TTP, Chechen, Uzbeks, Chinese... It became a heart-bed of various (terrorist) things. Our own writ was very limited at that time, apart from military camps," Aziz said.

In June 2014, Pakistan Army stared operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said, adding that it was a very difficult operation.

"We have achieved the results that we needed because the entire infrastructure has been destroyed. So this has been a very successful operation," he said, adding that the Nawaz Sharif Government is determined to act against terrorism.

He told defense writers that the terrorist attack at an army-run school in Peshawar changed the entire narrative and created a consensus against terrorists in Pakistan.

"Before that there were pockets of support for them. But when this thing happened in December 2014, all the political parties agreed on a 20-point national action plan to take on terrorist groups," he said.

According to Aziz, once the anti-terrorism operation started in tribal belt, terrorist groups and leaders moved to the cities and urban centers.

"They all migrated to cities. They did not had a big infrastructure of FATA (federally administrated tribal areas), but around cities they could rent one or two houses, make small IED factory, suicide attacks or small bomb blast and their capacity to damage remained," he said.

The police and intelligence operation has resulted in apprehending of 25,000 terrorists across the country.

"As a result last year the total number of terrorist attacks have dropped by half and is gradually going down because their capacity to operate has come down," he said.

Aziz said the next phases of the National Action Plan is madrasas reforms and tightening of their funding sources.

These madrasas, he said, were jointly "funded, armed and created" by the US and Pakistan to train people to fight against the Russians in Afghanistan.

"We have about 75,000 unregistered madrassas," he said, where people are trained, brainwashed, and prepared for terrorist activities.

"All of the madrasas are not terrorist related but many of them are, so now those madrasas have been notified: Either close down or register yourself," he told separately at the Council on Foreign Affairs, a top American think-tank.

The Sharif Government, he said, is also working on de-radicalization, which means how do you win the minds and hearts of these people and curriculum reform.

"The whole counter-narrative for-the extremist narrative, and particularly the ISIL narrative, is very powerful and very catchy for the young people. So you can't counter it by sermons from religious leaders. It requires a very different approach to identifying these messages and identifying the correct response to these," he said.

Aziz said that the plan is moving in the right direction because of the commitment of the Sharif Government to take action against terrorism without discrimination.
In a bid to provide relief to drought hit regions of Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has declared additional funds will be made available to provide water tankers, solve electricity problems and provide education to children in rural areas.

Fadnavis made the declaration after assessing the detailed reports filed by Ministers touring the drought regions of the state yesterday.

Cabinet ministers from both BJP and Shiv Sena, including ministers of state yesterday toured 29 talukas of drought affected Beed, Latur and Osmanabad districts.

The ministers took stock of the severe water shortage plaguing the three districts and submitted a report to the chief minister last evening.

"We are already providing 1799 water tankers as relief measures. If needed, we will provide Rs 15 crore to Latur Municipal Corporation for additional tankers," Fadnavis said.

"In order to provide better electricity, we will provide Rs 561 crore for Marathwada region. Previously, the governments used to provide around Rs 300-400 crore for the purpose," he said.

Fadnavis said the state government is working out the modalities of providing additional monetary benefits for students.

He further said farmers in the drought-affected regions who could not make use of electricity pumps in absence of power, will not have to pay electricity bills.

"We will allocate Rs 37 crore to provide water through Bhandarwadi dam and Rs 12 crore for water distribution in Udir city," he said.

Fadnavis said that he has directed officials to chalk out a plan that would permanently solve water problems of Latur.

"How so ever big the problems may be, we will solve them through an active participation of all stakeholders," he said.
Malaysia's longest-serving former premier Mahathir Mohamad has launched an aggressive campaign to oust current Prime Minister Najib Razak, bringing forth a wide array of politicians and civil society activists in a broad-based coalition.

Describing the coalition as the start of a "national realignment" movement, Mahathir led a group of more than 50 politicians yesterday to sign the Citizens' Declaration, seeking the removal of Najib.

The unprecedented show of solidarity cuts across the political divide and many civil society leaders and opposition politicians have also joined their former rival Mahathir, who was Malaysia's premier for 22 years from 1981 to 2003, and largely credited for the country's fast growing economy.

The Citizens' Declaration has three main demands including removal of Najib as Prime Minister, the repeal of laws that violate fundamental rights and the restoration of institutions whose integrity has been undermined under the current regime.

It has attracted the unlikeliest of allies including oppositionDAP party adviser Lim Kit Siang, who was detained under the Internal Security Act during Mahathir's tenure, PKR party deputy president Azmin Ali and Amanah president Mohamed Sabu.

Earlier on Monday, Mahathir, 90, had quit the ruling Umno party, saying he could no longer stay in Umno because the party had turned into an organisation dedicated to supporting the scandal-plagued Najib.

He also claimed that the national movement to depose Najib was "apolitical", and that Malaysians of various beliefs and ideologies should set aside their differences and sign the declaration.

"It's not about joining the opposition or any group. It's about citizens joining together to show support," said Mahathir, reading from a memorandum agreed by 58 signatories.

Najib has faced sustained pressure to resign since last year over the scandal surrounding state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), amid allegations that funds worth USD 680 million from 1MDB had been channelled into his private accounts.

Najib maintained that he has not used the funds for personal gain, and has since been cleared of any criminal offence or corruption.
Malaysia today said it will review its decade-old policy of hiring only Nepalis as security guards to allow foreigners from other source countries to take on the job.

Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the review comes in light of recent nationwide operations by the Immigration department to weed out illegal security guards, many of whom are from Indonesia, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.

Under the current policy, which was introduced in 2006, only Nepalis can be employed as security guards and according to the Home Ministry's records, there are some 24,000 Nepalis registered as security guards in the country.

"We may have to look at other source countries that have a good supply of security guards with military background, such as Sri Lanka," Mohamed said, adding, "formerly, the job was reserved only for Nepalis owing to their reputations as Gurkha soldiers".

However, he said, a limited supply of Nepali security guards had forced some companies to hire other nationals.

"Some companies hire other foreigners and this is not allowed under the current policy," he said, adding that there were about 800 licensed security guard companies in the country.

"It is not so easy to get Nepali guards with a military or police background these days. A review will allow trained guards from other source countries to be hired," Immigration director-general Datuk Sakib Kusmi added.
Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang has been accused by a MLA of "trying to create hostile attitude against the government" amidst a row that has seen a Naga body announce a ban on the latter against stepping into the "Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur".

MLA L Ibomcha filed an FIR against Zeliang on March 2 with regards to the matter.

In a statement here, the legislator said while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, that is subject to reasonable restrictions.

Ibomcha has refused to withdraw the FIR and said that the demand by the United Naga Council (UNC) that he tender an apology to the chief minister was "out of the question".

Ibomcha said he would withdraw the FIR if the Nagaland chief minister and the Naga Students' Federation (NSF) apologised. Failing that, "the law will take its own course", he added.

During Zero Hour in the Assembly yesterday, Ibomcha had dismissed the ban imposed by UNC against him "stepping foot in Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur".

The MLA said he can visit any place in Manipur and the ban by UNC has no legal sanction.

Ibomcha also urged the government to ban the UNC for "inciting animosity among the communities of Manipur".

The UNC, he said, is a civilian body with its headquarters in Senapati district of Manipur and a branch office in Imphal.
A man and his wife were today killed when the motorcycle they were riding on was hit by a truck near Baijubaba Ashram under Robertsganj police station area here, police said.

The couple, identified as Rakesh Jaiswal (45) and his wife Arpita (40), were on their way to Varanasi from Robertsganj when the accident took place, they said.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, who is keeping ally BJP guessing over government formation, today said the Narendra Modi government should take "decisive confidence-building measures" to create an environment wherein effective governance could be possible in the state.

She said the central government shall have to reach out to Jammu and Kashmir to end the "gloomy scenario of despair and alienation" as addressing the genuine political, economic and security concerns goes beyond power politics.

"Peace, stability are pre-requisites for development, effective governance," said Mehbooba addressing a gathering of PDP workers here in Samba district of Jammu while launching the party's membership drive.

Mehbooba said "effective development and good governance in Jammu and Kashmir is possible only in an environment of peace and stability which necessitates decisive confidence building measures to be taken by the political leadership in New Delhi."



She added, "Peace and stability is possible only when we revive, with firm resolve and with tangible confidence building measures, the process of reconciliation and engagement in and around Jammu and Kashmir."



Mehbooba said J&K has huge stakes in peace and stability in the region, as people in both Kashmir and Jammu regions have to suffer enormous human and economic losses because of the hostility.

"While people living along the borders in Jammu region suffer and live under the constant threat of cross-border shelling, the people in Kashmir valley are suffering because of the continued internal strife and recurrent violence," she said.

She added that peace along the borders in Jammu region and within the mainland in Kashmir is key to development and progress as had happened between 2002 and 2005.

(Reopen DEL39)



Mehbooba said addressing the genuine political, economic and security concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is an issue which goes beyond power politics and requires a decisive political will at various levels.

"We shall have to take decisive confidence building measures to end the gloomy scenario of despair and alienation the state has been once again pushed into," she said.

The most daring challenge for PDP, the party chief said, is to be with the people and show solidarity with them.

"We shall have to ponder over the emerging situation in the state and go deep into the reasons for mounting alienation especially among the educated youth," the PDP chief said.

"There was not only peace along the borders from Kathua to Kargil during that golden era but the situation in Kashmir valley had also started turning for good after witnessing a long gloomy era of death and destruction," she said.

"Unfortunately due to the reversal of the peace and reconciliation process after 2008, uncertainty has again returned to haunt the people of the state," Mehbooba added.

She said concrete measures shall have to be taken to address the causes of alienation and cynicism and at the same time revive the process of intra-state and inter-state reconciliation, which was the dream of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

"Mufti Sahab wanted to take the peace and resolution process started between 2002 and 2005 to its logical conclusion," she said.

Mehbooba said the Kashmir issue should not be seen through the security prism alone and the country needs to invest in J&K's peace and own and acknowledge the pain and sufferings of its people.

"The ordinary people of India need to participate in hand-holding with Kashmiris to give them a sense of belonging," she said, adding "when we talk of Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of India, we need to go beyond the ownership of land. People of Jammu and Kashmir should not be given to feel that their dignity is being undermined."



About her meeting with Governor N N Vohra yesterday, she told reporters that she said she has gone to meet him in capacity of MP to raise some demands.
Union Minister V K Singh today targeted JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar for calling Rohith Vemula his inspiration, alleging that the Dalit scholar had organised a meeting in support of Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon.

"I read in newspapers today that a JNU student leader says that he does not draw inspiration from Afzal Guru but Rohith Vemula. I told myself that Rohith Vemula too had organised a meeting for Yakub Memon," he said at a convention of BJYM, the youth wing of BJP.

"Are we with those people who encourage terrorism and who abuse India?" he added.

At a time when BJP has been trying to play down the row over the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad university, Singh's remarks could fuel the controversy further as the Minister questioned his "support" for Memon, who was hanged for his role in Mumbai blasts.

Kumar, out on bail in a sedition case, had said yesterday that he considers Rohith an inspiration and not Afzal Guru, the Parliament attack convict in whose support slogans were allegedly raised at a JNU event prompting the police action.

Singh called upon the youth workers to spread nationalism and tell people how to take the country ahead when "fissiparous forces" are at work.

The Minister of State for External Affairs also spoke at length about the Modi government's foreign policy and said the government had succeeded in strengthening its relations with many countries, including neighbours like Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.

Every country wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit it due to his popularity, he said.
The Madras High Court has made it clear that the national anthem should be sung in all private schools in Tamil Nadu during the morning assembly.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh gave the direction on a petition seeking that singing of national anthem be made mandatory in schools.

"Private schools must follow such singing of national anthem as part of their curriculum," the bench said disposing a PIL by N Selvathirumal, an ex-service man, seeking a direction to authorities to make it mandatory for all private schools in the state to sing the national anthem during the assembly.

The bench while recording the stand of the authorities including Union of India that national anthem ought to be sung, in its order directed Central and State Departments of Secondary Education and the Union Human Resources Department to make endeavours to verify weather national anthem was sung in all private schools in the state.

Selvathiurumal submitted that national anthem was not sung in various private schools in Tamil Nadu while it was sung in central Government Schools such as Kendriya Vidyalaya and all the state government schools daily during the morning assembly.

A citizen should have adequate knowledge of the national anthem and the national flag, the petitioner submitted.

"In pursuance to a RTI reply, I was informed that the Government of India has released an advisory for all the schools that the day's work may start with with community singing of the national anthem and adequate provisions should be made in the programmes for popularising the singing of the anthem and promoting respect for the national flag," he said.

The CBSE submitted that "a circular was issued to schools on November 10, 2015, stating that the second descriptor out of the 10 principles entails singing of national anthem with decorum, where as the first one is to abide by constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and National Anthem in compliance of the direction given by the Hon'ble High Court of Calcutta on 22.09.2014. It is notified that the schools must strictly comply the orders", it said.

"We would expect that keeping in mind the mandate of the Constitution of India, the respect for the National Anthem and the National Flag, the circular issued by the CBSE and other authorities, singing of the national anthem would be taking place in various institutions", the bench said.
Nigeria only has itself to blame for its current economic troubles, President Muhammadu Buhari said in an interview broadcast today, criticising previous governments for an over-reliance on crude revenues.

Africa's biggest oil producer and leading economy has been struggling with the slump in global crude prices for nearly two years, which has slashed the majority of government revenues.

The country's junior oil minister last Thursday said some oil-producing countries, including Russia, would meet in Moscow on March 20 to discuss a way out of the slump.

Asked if the world's biggest supplier Saudi Arabia and policies of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries had hit smaller producers, Buhari told Al-Jazeera English OPEC had to "act together to save the situation".

Countries, including Nigeria, "have to live by" market forces, he said, ruling out a Nigerian withdrawal from the body.

But he added: "OPEC as an organisation has to be mindful of economic conditions in each member country because that will influence that country's ability to go along with OPEC decisions.

"Nigeria, we were unable to diversify our economy, hence we are much more disadvantaged by the lower oil prices and OPEC may try to help us out but really, it's basically our own fault."



Buhari, who took office in May last year, has made reducing Nigeria's reliance on crude revenues a key plank of his economic policy alongside ending decades of corruption and impunity.

But those efforts have been hamstrung as cash-flow problems caused by the global oil shock as well as previous administrations' failure to save crude revenue when prices were high.

Buhari again said he would not devalue the naira currency or lift strict foreign exchange controls that critics say have strangled investment and growth in the import-dependent country.

"Nigeria can only afford to live within its means," he said.
Actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who plays the role of Jamie Lannister in fantasy drama "Game of Thrones", is not scared about the fate of his character in the upcoming season 6.

The actor, 45, shot to global fame as Jamie and while the show is famous for killing off main characters, Nikolaj is not too worried about what happens next.

When asked by The Red Bulletin, if he was concerned about his "Game of Thrones" part being cut, Nikolaj replied, "No. Actually I'm curious as to how it all turns out. I'm sure the story will be told as it's meant to be told."



The upcoming season of the show will air in India on Star World Premiere HD from April 26.

Nikolaj says he tries to keep his expectations low despite the success of the show.

"If how successful the show is had any effect on the way I feel about myself, I'd have been in a mental institution years ago. That's not why I do what I do.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to ban country-made liquor while allowing foreign liquor in the state from next month is like an April fool's joke played on people, BJP ally Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi said today.

"The day Nitish Kumar announced that there will be prohibition on country-made and spiced liquor in the state from April 1 but sale of Indian-made foreign liquor will continue, I thought he (Kumar) may be subjecting people to April fool (joke)," Manjhi told reporters.

Slamming the decision of the grand secular alliance government on liquor ban, the former Chief Minister of the state, said "This is double standard policy of the government."



Manjhi, a protege turned enemy of Kumar, asked the CM to make an announcement on International Women's Day on March 8 to completely ban liquor be it country-made or any foreign brand citing that "incidents of domestic violence and rape occurs under the influence of liquor."



"If Nitish Kumar announces a complete 'prohibition' in the state on International Women's Day on March 8, I will welcome the decision," Manjhi said.

Claiming that plenty of discrepancies would arise at the implementation stage of liquor ban, the former CM expressed apprehension that country-made liquor might be sold with label of foreign liquor at an exorbitant price, thus ruining the lives of poor people.

(REOPENS CAL 6)



In the interest of women, children, the state government can forego the amount of Rs 4,000 crore that accrue from the sale of liquor, both country-made and foreign.

"Money is not a problem for the government and there are other source of increasing its revenue...If the state government is able to tighten the noose against the illegal mining in the state, the government would be able to save between Rs 40,000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore," Manjhi said.

Countering Nitish's announcement of giving 35 per cent of reservation to women, Manjhi advocated 50 per cent reservation for women and said, "they should be given 50 per cent quota in every sphere of life be it government jobs, contract, panchayat, Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly etc.

Manjhi, a prominent Dalit leader, favoured giving



reservation in promotions for SC and ST and asked the Nitish government to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against Patna High Court's recent directive which ruled otherwise.

"The government should engage top lawyers to put its view in the apex court so that justice could be done to the people of SC and ST...The government could not place its view point effectively in the high court," he said.

In reply to a question, the HAM (S) chief said that his party would certainly participate and contest six-phase assembly elections in neighbouring West Bengal.

"We have an eye on Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. But UP election is far away, so our party will certainly be contesting elections in West Bengal," he said adding, "it is not clear whether or not we will have any alliance or will go alone and it is also not yet clear on how many seats we will be contesting."



It may be noted that HAM(S) had contested 20 out of 243 seats in Bihar assembly in alliance with BJP, LJP and RLSP but was routed in the polls with HAM(S) chief Manjhi unable to open account for the party.

Manjhi, who contested from two seats, won from Imamganj assembly seat in Gaya by defeating the then Speaker Uday Narain Choudhary.

Meanwhile, HAM(S) spokesman Danish Rizwan said that the party has extended its full support to Nalanda bandh call given by BJP tomorrow to put pressure on government for the arrest of Raj Ballabh Yadav who is facing rape charge with a minor of Nalanda district.
Expressing concern over discovery of a cross-border tunnel along the international border in R S Pura sector of Jammu district, BJP today said Pakistan should "mend its ways and stop support to terrorism".

"There is serious concern over the repeated attempts of Pakistan to foment trouble in India especially Jammu and Kashmir state. Pakistan should mend its ways and stop support to terrorism," the BJP Legislature party leader Nirmal Singh said here.

Addressing public meetings at Village Mela and Dinga Amb, Singh said, "the recent unearthing of a tunnel in R S Pura is a serious matter and Ministry of External Affairs has taken up the matter with Pakistan".

Yesterday, BSF had lodged a protest with their Pakistani counterparts over the cross-border tunnel and passed on the evidence in this regard to them.

On Thursday, the BSF has detected the 30-metre-long tunnel from Pakistan to the Indian side. It was the fourth tunnel unearthed by the BSF in the region since 2012.

The former deputy chief minister said the Centre has a clear policy of nation first, party second and self last.

"Our focus has been on providinggood and corruption free governance with a focus on peace, prosperity and development", he said.

He said that Billawar constituency has seen a turnaround in development activity during PDP-BJP coalition government's 10 months rule and politico-contractor mafia nexus has been broken.

"Besides, more than Rs 200 crore worth developmental projects have been started in the constituency", he said.

Thedevelopment initiatives including AIIMS, IIT, IIM, IIMC, Express highways etc., were launched in the state within a short span of ten months, he said.

Singh asked the party workers to spread the BJP government's achievements to the grassroots level and get ready for Panchayat and Urban bodies elections.
An expert panel will be set up shortly to devise a strategy for consolidation of public sector banks as India needs stronger lenders rather than a "numerically large number" of them, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said today.

He also said the government is considering ESOPs for PSU bank officials besides strengthening the SARFAESI Act and Debt Recovery Tribunals to deal with the problems of stressed assets that are estimated at around Rs 8 lakh crore in the banking system as whole.

Addressing a press conference at the conclusion of the second edition of Gyan Sangam, Jaitley stressed banks will have to clear their balance-sheets through effective recovery.

"As far as recovery is concerned, whatever steps have to be taken with regard to recovery banks have various rights for recovery through DRT, SDR... Neither loan waiver has been given to anyone, nor will be given," he said.

He said consolidation of state-owned banks was discussed at the two-day meeting and bankers themselves have suggested that an expert group should be set up to look into the issue.

"We will consider that suggestion," the minister said, adding that the country needs stronger banks rather than a large number of lenders.

Jaitley said consolidation is Budget announcement and it will get "top most priority" and the "Experts' Group would be constituted immediately".

The panel, he said, will consider issues like "what is the best course of consolidation, where do you start from, which are the banks to be consolidated, entire issue of consolidation...So that we can have strong banks. There is a weak link in the chain, that is probably what group would decide".

The panel would also deliberate whether weak banks should be merged with stronger ones or regional banks.

The other idea which was suggested at the meeting was to give PSU employees with Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

"Government is considering (ESOPs). It is in very advanced stage...It has been long standing demand, and is (under) an active consideration," Jaitley said.

With regard to the rising Non-Performing Assets or bad



loans, Jaitley said that besides strengthening the institutional mechanism, the government has been taking sector specific decisions to deal with the problems in segments like power, highways, sugar and steel.

Giving more details on the deliberations, he said there are suggestions to amend SARFESI ACT and also expedite the DRT process by some more amendments to law.

"The Department of Financial Services is working in that direction and work is in fairly advanced stage," he said, adding that DRT will become the country's first online court.

"We are anxiously waiting for report of the Joint Committee on Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law. That will create a structural and institutional mechanism which will help the bank as lenders," the minister said.

On the NPA situation in the banking sector, Jaitley said banks are taking steps to recovery bad loans.

In the current global environment, Jaitley said, banks have to take all the measures in order to clean up their books by effecting recoveries.

He also said that there are some sector specific decisions which are required to be taken by the government. These include, power, highways, sugar and steel.

To a question related to setting up of a 'bad bank', Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha said the issues related to asset reconstruction companies and stressed assets were discussed.

During the bankers' meet, representatives of McKinsey and Company, the knowledge partners at the event, provided a perspective on current state of banks in India.

As in the previous year, Working Groups consisting of senior public sector bankers, subject matter experts, senior personnel from RBI and DFS were set-up.

The Groups brainstormed on detailing-out initiatives in five key areas -- NPA management, Restructuring (Mergers and Acquisitions), Credit Growth, Technology and Risk Management. The Groups had intense debates on the issues facing the sector, potential solutions and key initiatives to be taken to help resolution.
The Philippines said today it had impounded a North Korean vessel in response to tough new United Nations sanctions introduced in response to Pyongyang's recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

The 6,830-tonne cargo ship Jin Teng will not be allowed to leave Subic port, northeast of the capital Manila, where it had been docked for three days and its crew will be deported, presidential spokesman Manolo Quezon said on state-run radio station Radyo ng Bayan.

It was the first reported case of the sanctions -- the toughest to date, which were adopted late Wednesday by the UN Security Council -- being enforced.

"The world is concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons program and as a member of the UN, the Philippines has to do its part to enforce the sanctions," Quezon said.

A team from the UN is expected to inspect the ship in the port, located near a former United States naval base, foreign affairs spokesman Charles Jose said



The Jin Teng was inspected for the second time today, this time using electronic weapons sensors, coastguard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said, adding the 21 crewmen were "very cooperative".

has no embassy in the Philippines. Its embassies in Thailand and Indonesia were unavailable for comment when contacted.

There are no other North Korean ships docked in Subic, according to the coastguard.

The Jin Teng, carrying palm kernels, arrived in Subic from Palembang, Indonesia Thursday afternoon, just hours after the latest sanctions were unanimously passed.

In response to the UN's move, Pyongyang fired six short-range missiles into the sea on Thursday, while North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered its nuclear arsenal put on standby for pre-empty use at anytime.

Yesterday, the European Union also tightened sanctions against by adding 16 individuals and 12 entities to a list of some 60 individuals and groups who were hit with travel bans and asset freezes.
As part of efforts to provide foolproof security to JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Delhi Police has asked University authorities to inform them about the student leader's movements outside the campus and nature of his visits.

In a letter to University authorities sent after Kumar's release from jail, DCP (South) Prem Nath wrote that the SHO of Vasant Kunj (North) Police Station, which has the campus under its jurisdiction, should be informed well in time about "the movements/visits of Kumar outside the campus, including nature of visit and travel mode so that necessary security/preventive measures may be taken to prevent any untoward incident".

A police source said the move comes in view of the court's directive after the attack on Kumar at Patiala House court complex on February 17, which said police must ensure that none of the students arrested in connection with the sedition case suffer even a scratch.

The latest letter suggests that a police team will be moving around with Kumar every time he moves out of the varsity's campus.

The police also ensured full security to Kanhaiya on Thursday, when he was released from jail on conditional bail, and deployed multiple escort teams to make sure that he reaches the campus safe.

Kumar was arrested on February 12 in a case of sedition registered over an event in which anti- slogans were allegedly raised.

The event was held on February 9 inside the JNU campus, to protest against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

The FIR was registered two days later taking suo motu cognisance of a video clip obtained from a Hindi news channel.

Around 10 days after Kumar's arrest, two more students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, who were accused in the same case, surrendered.

The duo is presently in judicial custody.
Brazilian police hauled former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva from his home and questioned him for about four hours in a sprawling corruption case involving state-run oil company Petrobras that has already ensnared some of the country's most-powerful lawmakers and businessmen.

The once-immensely popular president, who governed from 2003 to 2010 and remains a towering figure in Brazil, angrily denounced the morning raid as part of a campaign to sully his image, that of his party and that of his hand-picked successor, President Dilma Rousseff.

Rousseff also expressed her "total inconformity" with the operation, which she called unnecessary, although she appeared to distance herself from her one-time mentor by barely mentioning Silva in an address yesterday afternoon.

"I felt like a prisoner this morning," said Silva, who has expressed interest in possibly running for president again. "I have gone through many things, and I am not one to hold a grudge, but I don't think our country can continue this way."



Police arrived at about 6 am at Silva's residence in greater Sao Paulo's Sao Bernardo do Campo and spirited the 70-year-old to a federal police station at the city's Congonhas airport. Silva was released after around four hours of questioning.

Police said they also searched the headquarters of his non-profit foundation Instituto Lula, as well as properties connected to his sons and other family members. One of his sons was brought in for questioning.

Clashes broke out between Silva's supporters and critics outside several sites where police were conducting searches. After his release, cheering supporters gathered outside Silva's apartment to welcome him home.

Judge Sergio Moro, who is heading the Petrobras investigation, said he allowed the police to haul in Silva for security reasons, citing fears that demonstrations could complicate efforts to question him. He also stipulated that police were not to handcuff or film the former leader.

Officials said they were looking into 30 million Brazilian reais (USD 8.12 million) in payments for speeches and donations to the Instituto Lula by construction firms that were crucial players in the Petrobras corruption scheme.

They were also looking into whether renovations and other work at a country house and beachfront apartment used by Silva and his family constituted favors in exchange for political benefit.

"No one is exempt from investigation in this country," said public prosecutor Carlos Fernando dos Santos Lima.

"Anyone in Brazil is subject to be investigated when there are indications of a crime."



Prosecutors in the so-called Car Wash corruption case say more than USD 2 billion was paid in bribes to obtain Petrobras contracts, with some money making its way to several political parties, including the governing Workers' Party.
has slammed as "diabolical" an attack on an elderly care home in Yemen which killed at least 16 people, including four nuns, the Vatican said today.

"His Holiness was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the killing of four Missionaries of Charity and 12 at a home for the elderly in Aden," the Vatican's Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said.

"He sends the assurance of his prayers for the dead and his spiritual closeness to their families and to all affected from this act of senseless and diabolical violence," Cardinal Parolin said in a statement.

Four gunmen stormed the facility housing dozens in Aden's Sheikh Othman district yesterday, killing a guard before tying up and shooting employees, security officials said.

Screams of elderly residents echoed from the home during the shooting rampage, witnesses said. Among the dead were four Indian nurses, while the rest of those killed were Yemenis.

The Argentine pontiff "prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogue," Parolin said.

"He calls upon all parties in the present conflict to renounce violence, and to renew their commitment to the people of Yemen, particularly those most in need, whom the sisters and their helpers sought to serve," he added.

No group claimed responsibility for yesterday's attack, the first of its kind in Yemen, where the internationally-recognised government is grappling with an Iran-backed rebellion on one side and a growing jihadist presence on the other.

One official said the attackers were "extremists" and blamed the Islamic State group, which has been gaining ground in Aden in recent months.

The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council backing the Yemeni government "strongly" condemned the attack which it said "reveals the goals of forces which are against the return of security and stability to Yemen".

President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has declared Aden Yemen's temporary capital as Sanaa remains in the hands of the Huthi rebels and their allies since they seized it in September 2014.
Delhi Police today registered a case in connection with posters announcing a "reward" of Rs 11 lakh for anyone who "shoots down" JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.

One person was caught while he was sticking the posters on the behalf of outfit 'Purvanchal Sena' on the wall of Press Club while others accompanying him managed to flee. The matter was reported to the police.

"A case has been registered under relevant sections of law at the Parliament Street police station," said a senior police officer.

"The person fixing the posters was questioned at the police station and we are tracking others who got the posters published," he said.

"No person has been arrested so far in this connection," said Taj Hasan, Special Commissioner (Crime) and chief spokesperson of Delhi Police, without divulging any further information.

The development came on a day BJP Yuva Morcha leader Kuldeep Varshnay, who had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for cutting off JNU Students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar's tongue, was expelled from primary membership of the party for six years.

The poster stated that "whosoever shoots JNU students union president and seditionist Kanhaiya will be rewarded Rs 11 lakh on the behalf of Purvanchal Sena."



The poster carried name of one Adarsh Sharma as president of Purvanchal Sena. A mobile phone number was also mentioned on the posters but it was not reachable despite several attempts.

Kanhaiya was arrested on February 12 in connection with a sedition case over a controversial JNU event. He was granted interim bail for six months by the Delhi High Court on March 2 and was released from Tihar jail next day.
Poll strategist will attend the meeting of Congress state, district and city unit office bearers to chalk out a strategy for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections here on March 10.

Kishor, who had successfully managed the poll strategy of prime minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, will remain present in the meeting which has been convened for chalking out the plan for next year's assembly polls, chairman of the communications department of the party Satyadev Tripathi said.

Read more from our special coverage on "PRASHANT KISHOR" Strategist Prashant Kishor to pen book on how to win, lose elections

Besides, the vice presidents of the Congress committee, general secretaries of district and city units will attend the meeting along with UPCC president Nirmal Khatri and AICC general secretary in charge of state affairs Madhusudan Mistry, Tripathi said.

Kishor reportedly had a meeting with Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi earlier this week.
Republican Party of India (A) president Ramdas Athawale today demanded a probe into JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar's role in the alleged anti-national slogans raised in the Delhi-based university campus.

Kumar, arrested on sedition charge on February 12 after the allegedly anti-national sloganeering incident came to light, was granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court on March 2.

"JNU enjoys a good reputation in higher education but the anti-national slogans raised in its campus was utterly wrong. Kanhaiya's role in the sloganeering should be probed thoroughly," the Rajya Sabha member told reporters here.

Kumar, a member of the All India Student Federation (AISF), the student wing of Communist Party of India, has denied any role in the alleged anti-India sloganeering, which took place during an event organised on the occasion of death anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

Athwale, president of RPI(A), an ally of BJP, also said the government should roll back the proposed tax on withdrawal of Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

The tax was proposed in the General Budget for 2016-17 presented in Parliament on February 29.

Athawale said 7.5 acres of land, located adjoining the BR Ambedkar Memorial Campus in Mhow and owned by Defence Ministry, should be transferred to the memorial built by Madhya Pradesh government.

Ambedkar was born in Mhow, an Army cantonment town located some 25km from here.

The RPI(A) chief said he is going to take up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Without naming Rahul Gandhi, HRD Minister Smriti Irani today attacked him saying he goes around claiming to be a youth leader while being close to 50 years of age.

"There is a leader who still claims to be a youth leader but he is close to 50 years of age," Irani said.

She also charged that the Congress Vice President has been a MP for 10 years "due to his mother's blessings" but did no development for his constituency Amethi.

Speaking at a convention here of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, BJP's youth wing, Irani said she never said like Gandhi that nationalism runs in her blood but let her work speak for it.

Taking on the opposition, she alleged some people glorified those working to break country but shed no tears when a dalit girl working for farmers in Singur was raped and killed by Left workers and when a BJP leader in Kerala was hacked to death in a class room in Kerala in 1999.

BJP's struggle would continue till workers like them get justice, she said.

The HRD Minister claimed the UPA government had in 2012 scrapped a UGC scheme under which defence personnel were allowed to earn a degree while working.

She said she restored the scheme after defence officials brought it to her notice and added that over 45,000 Air Force personnel and 3.73 lakh army personnel had benefitted from it.

"While discharging my duty, I never made a claim from any dais that the proof of nationalism is that it runs in my veins. I did my duty with dedication and gave the proof to our defence forces that Congress may not be with you but whenever BJP workers get a chance, they will fight with you," she said.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will organise a three-day meeting in Nagaur district of Rajasthan which will begin from March 11, a spokesman said today.

More than 1300 representatives from all over the country will participate in the meeting during which several sessions will be held, RSS spokesperson Mahendra Singhal said.

The outfit's chief, Mohan Bhagwat will be present at the meeting, he said.
Saudi Arabia's UN ambassador has said there was no need for a UN Security Council resolution to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is waging a military campaign.

"We don't think that a resolution is needed at this time," Ambassador Abdallah al-Mouallimi told a conference yesterday.

His remarks came after the 15-member council expressed grave concern for the worsening situation in Yemen, where the coalition launched air strikes nearly a year ago to back Yemeni forces fighting Shiite Hutu rebels.

The council is considering a new resolution to press for more humanitarian aid deliveries and to stress the importance of protecting hospitals from attacks.

The United Nations says more than 80 per cent of the population is in dire need of food, medicine and other basic necessities and the crisis ranks as a "Level 3 emergency", the most serious in the UN system.

Mouallimi said that UN aid officials and the UN envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, agreed with him that there is no need for new action by the Security Council.

Asked about the ambassador's comments, the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said: "OCHA cannot comment on what a diplomat may say he has heard. The Security Council takes such decisions and makes such recommendations as it sees fit."



The ambassador cautioned that any new resolution could prolong the war "because the Huthis would now feel that they have a new lease on life with something other than 2216."



Adopted last year, Resolution 2216, which was drafted by Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners, demands that the Huthis withdraw from all territory seized in their offensive.

More than 6,000 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition began its air strikes campaign in late March last year.

The United Nations is pushing for peace talks between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, the Huthi rebels and their allies, but those efforts have been deadlocked over disagreements on a ceasefire.

Mouallimi said he hoped that talks could resume by March 15.
Scientists say they have discovered what might be a new species of octopus while searching the Pacific Ocean floor near the Hawaiian Islands.

On February 27, a team found a small light-colored octopus at a depth of about 2.5 miles in the ocean near Necker Island, said Michael Vecchione of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The octopus did not have fins and all of its suckers were in one row on each arm, Vecchione said.

The octopus "did not seem very muscular" and was light colored, he said.

"This resulted in a ghostlike appearance, leading to a comment on social media that it should be called Casper, like the friendly cartoon ghost. It is almost certainly an undescribed species ..., " he said in the statement posted on Wednesday on the NOAA website.

It's unusual to find an octopus without fins so deep in the ocean, said Vecchione, who noted that the previous depths at which an octopus without fins was found were all less than 4,000 meters, or 2.5 miles.

Two scientists he has consulted "agreed that this is something unusual and is a depth record ...," said Vecchione, who is with NOAA's National Systematics Laboratory.

The octopus was discovered during a search of the ocean floor by a remotely operated vehicle from NOAA's Okeanos Explorer, he said.
In an apparent variance with his party's stance over the JNU row, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha today praised the speech of its students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar after his release from prison.

"Happy about the granting of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison," Sinha said in a tweet.

"Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," he said in another tweet.

The actor-turned BJP MP later told PTI he was impressed with the student leader's speech in Jawaharlal Nehru University after his release from Tihar jail.

"He was filled with energy and his body language was impressive as he was delivering speech at JNU after release from prison," Sinha, the second term BJP Lok Sabha member from Patna Sahib, said.

He said he spoke in favour of Kanhaiya because he did not find the young man speaking anything against the country and also because he was a native of Bihar.

"Bihar is my strength and Bihar is also my weakness," Sinha added.

Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on sedition charge on February 12 and released on March 3 on an interim bail, is a native of Begusarai district of Bihar.

When the row over the arrested of Kanhaiya on sedition charge was at its peak, the sidelined BJP MP had defended the JNUSU president which had caused embarrassment to his own party.

(REOPENS CAL5)



Shatrughan Sinha also presented a book "Anything but Khamoosh" written on him by Mumbai-based scribe Bharti Pradhan to Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind and invited him for its launch function at Patna tentatively in the third week of March.

"I am happy to present first copy of the book to first citizen of the state," Sinha said on presenting book to the Governor.

The BJP leader said he has already invited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the book launch event in Patna.

"I will also request acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court Iqbal Ahmad Ansari to come for the function," he said.

Sinha who had earlier hinted that leaders of his own party BJP from the state might not be extended invitation for the book launch function in Patna, today said "it will be a cultural function and not a party affair."



The Bollywood actor-turned-BJP Parliamentarian hailed Narendra Modi government decision to award 'Dada Saheb Phalke' award to legendary actor Manoj Kumar.

"It's a wise and timely decision to give Dada Saheb Phalke award to Manoj Kumar," Sinha, who has worked with Kumar in the film "Kranti", said.
Actor Charlie Sheen has requested the court to reduce the amount of child support he pays to ex Brooke Mueller for the former couple's twins, Bob and Max.

As per to the court documents, the 50-year-old actor currently pays Mueller USD 55,000 per month for the children. He did not state what the new amount should be, reported People magazine.

The actor said he should pay less child support now, as there has been a major decrease in his income from when the agreement was made.

According to Sheen, he was making USD 613,000 per month while working on "Two and a Half Man," which he left in 2011 and his current earning is USD 87,384 on average per month.

Because of the plunge in the income, he says he cannot keep up with the monthly child support payments.

The actor, who recently revealed he is a HIV positive said he spends about USD 105,000 in bills and other fees, and spends an additional USD 25,00 per month in medical costs not covered by his insurance.

The original agreement was made in February of 2011. A hearing for Sheen's request is scheduled for April 13.
Spanish lawmakers have voted down a bid by Socialist chief Pedro Sanchez to form a coalition government with centre-right Ciudadanos, leaving the country's parties with just two months to find an alternative to avoid fresh elections.

Sanchez's proposal was defeated with 219 votes against and 131 in favour, with only his own party, Ciudadanos and a tiny party from the Canary Islands voting in favour. It would have needed more assembly votes in favour than against in order to pass.

His first attempt to win approval on Wednesday - which required an absolute majority of 176 votes in favour, a higher threshold - also fell well short of the mark after an acrimonious debate in parliament that highlighted the country's political divisions.

It is the first time that a candidate for prime minister has lost both confidence votes since Spain returned to democracy following the death of longtime dictator General Francisco Franco in 1975.

Spain has been in political limbo since the election which resulted in a hung parliament divided among four main parties - none of which won enough seats to govern alone.

Parties now have until May 2 to negotiate an alternative power-sharing agreement. If they fail, new elections will be called, most likely on June 26.
Indian-American Sri Srinivasan, who enjoys a substantial support among Republicans, is among the three candidates being vetted by US President Barack Obama as potential nominees for a rare vacancy at the Supreme Court.

"President Obama is vetting Merrick B Garland and Sri Srinivasan, federal appellate judges who have enjoyed substantial support from Republicans in the past, as potential nominees for a Supreme Court vacancy that has set off a brutal election-year fight," The New York Times reported today.

According to a person knowledgeable about the process, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because it has been cloaked in secrecy, Judge Garland, 63, and Judge Srinivasan, 49, are undergoing background checks by the FBI, it said.

The White House has not given any indication in this regard. The report, however, said that the White House was also vetting Ketanji Brown Jackson, 45, a federal trial judge.

Following the death of Antonin Scalia, the first Italian American judge of the Supreme Court, early this month, there is a rare vacancy in the country's top court.

Padmanabhan Srikanth "Sri" Srinivasan, is currently the US Circuit Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit - which many call as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court.

He is not only considered a favorite of Obama, who called him a trailblazer, but also his nomination was confirmed by a record 97-0 votes, which is a no mean achievement given the bitter political divide in the American Senate.

Srinivasan was sworn-in as judge of the second-most powerful court of the US on September 26, 2013, making him the first Indian-American to be on the bench of the US Courts of Appeal for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Retired Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor has called Srinivasan "fair, faultless and fabulous."



Srinivasan began his legal career by serving as a law clerk from 1995 to 1996. He then spent a year as a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General before clerking for Justice O'Connor during the Supreme Court's 1997-98 term.

He was an associate at the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers LLP in Washington, DC, from 1998 until 2002.

In 2002, he returned to the Solicitor General's Office as an Assistant to the Solicitor General, representing the United States in litigation before the Supreme Court.

He received the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Furthering US National Security in 2003, and the Office of the Secretary of Defence Award for Excellence in 2005.

Srinivasan received his BA with honours and distinction in 1989 from Stanford University and his JD with distinction in 1995 from Stanford Law School, where he was elected to Order of the Coif and served as an editor of Stanford Law Review.

He also holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, which he received along with his JD in 1995.

Srinivasan's mother is from Chennai and father was from Tirunelveli. His parents came to the US in the 1960s, returned to India, and then returned in 1971 to Kansas.
Swaraj Abhiyan today demanded the President's intervention in a case involving Allahabad University Students' Union President Richa Singh and alleged that the BJP was trying to "harass" her by cancelling her admission as she had stopped controversial party MP Yogi Adityanath's entry into the varsity.

The organisation, headed by lawyer Prashant Bhushan and activist Yogendra Yadav, said the ABVP had won all the remaining seats in the panel in the varsity polls and alleged, "It is evident now that the plan is to remove her and install the ABVP Vice President as the President".

"After Hyderabad and JNU, now it's Allahabad University. It is a move to throw out first woman Student Union president Richa Singh," Yadav said.

Richa is a PhD scholar who was admitted in 2013-14 in the Globalisation and Development Studies Centre. Two years after her admission, a complaint was made against her admission on a reserved category seat.

The organisation said Singh has written a letter to President Pranab Mukherjee complaining against the harassment by Allahabad University allegedly at the behest of ABVP and the ruling party. It also appealed to the President to take note of the "disturbing trend" in varsities.

Swaraj Abhiyan national president Anand Kumar said, "After Hyderabad and JNU now it seems is the turn of Allahabad University to be targeted by the ruling party. It seems that a conspiracy is being worked out to remove Richa Singh.
Sylvester Stallone was spotted holding a script and coming out of the hotel where the cast of superhero movie "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2" were staying, sparking speculation that he was joining them.

On March 1, Stallone was spotted heading to the movie's set at Pinewood Studio in Georgia, Atlanta and holding what looks like a script, reported Aceshowbiz.

While Stallone's involvement in the Marvel pic is yet confirmed, a photo of him exiting a hotel in Atlanta has surfaced.

The movie's cast have been staying at the hotel while filming progresses. He then got into a car that was usually assigned to the movie's star Chris Pratt.

There's no other detail about Stallone's role, but people are still speculating on who will play Peter Quill's dad.

Kurt Russell, whose casting was confirmed by director James Gunn last month, is the closest bet.

The second volume of the highly-successful superhero movie will continue the team's adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage.

It will arrive in US theatres May 5, 2017.
Syrian insurgents were battling the Islamic State group for control of a key border post with Iraq on Saturday, a day after the US-backed fighters seized control of the crossing, activists said.

The Tanf crossing in southeastern Syria links the Homs province, including the IS-held ancient city of Palmyra, to Iraq's Anbar province, where IS has a large presence.

The extremist group uses border crossings to shift fighters and resources to different fronts as it seeks to defend and expand its self-styled Islamic caliphate.

IS group captured the Tanf crossing from Syrian government forces in May 2015.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on activists inside Syria, said IS fighters recaptured the crossing, but the Homs Media Center, another opposition outlet, said clashes were still underway.

The fighting began yesterday when US-backed fighters from the Free Syrian Army's Southern Front routed IS fighters at the border, killing one and wounding several others, according to the Local Coordination Committees, an opposition network in Syria.

The Observatory said the FSA fighters crossed into Syria from Jordan to launch the attack, and were supported by airstrikes from the US-led coalition.

The IS-affiliated Aamaq Agency denied the crossing was ever captured.

IS fighters meanwhile attacked the government's supply route to the contested northern city of Aleppo, killing 15 soldiers, the Observatory said. Government forces repelled the attack and secured the road, according to the Observatory and SANA, the Syrian state agency.

SANA said government forces killed dozens of IS fighters in the clashes.

A US counterterrorism official said the IS group has lost important ground in Syria in recent weeks.

"The overall square kilometers that Daesh has now lost in Syria has increased exponentially in just over the last couple weeks. But it's not just the territories, it's the strategic nature of the territory," said Brett McGurk, President Barack Obama's envoy to the coalition, at a press conference in Baghdad, referring to the extremist group by its Arabic acronym.

The group still controls large swaths of Syria and Iraq, including Iraq's second largest city, Mosul. It has also carried out a number of large bombings in Iraq over the past week that have killed dozens of people.
Kerala Chief Minister and Chairman of ruling UDF Oommen Chandy today said seat- sharing talks among the Front constituents for the May 16 state Assembly polls are "progressing well".

"Front used to share seats after discussions and with mutual agreement. Congress, the lead partner, has never shown an autocratic stand on this issue," he said after holding a preliminary round of talks with Kerala Congress (M), the third largest partner in the Front.

Chandy also said the next round of talks with KC-M would be held on March 9.

Kerala Congress (M) leader K M Mani said though the party was not "fully satisfied" with this round of talks, it has no complaints.
Thane massacre accused Hasnain Warekar, who mercilessly butchered 14 members of his family before ending his life, had heavily borrowed money from his relatives and was steeped in a huge debt of Rs 67 lakh, investigators probing the mass murder said today.

According to a senior police officer of Thane Police, Hasnain had borrowed around Rs 67 lakh from his close kin on various occasions under the pretext of doing business.

He was also into share trading and the police is probing whether he suffered any losses in it, he said.

In addition, police have also learnt that he had taken a room on rent in the nearby Majiwada locality a few months before the killings. However, the reason behind the killings is still under investigation, the officer said on condition of anonymity.

Also, forensic reports are awaited, only after which several details in the case can be confirmed, he said.

Earlier this week, during a searche at Warekar's house, certain medicines pointing to psychological symptoms/illness were recovered, which police said is likely to give some leads into Hasnain's state of mind before the macabre killings.

Besides, the police is also trying to locate the pharmacist from where the medicines were procured and the doctor who prescribed them.

Investigators are also burning the midnight oil to explore the possibility of Hasnain suffering from a "split personality" disorder that might have drove him to slaughter his family.

Earlier, a senior police officer, who is a member of the probe team, had said that they are trying to put together all the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle to figure out the behavioural pattern of the 35-year-old accused with the help of several mental health experts and criminologists to arrive at a conclusion as to what led him to execute the mass murders and whether he was a victim of spilt or multiple personality.

In the last couple of days, the police team has been recording statements of Hasnain's relatives and friends besides the caretaker of the Pardesi Baba Darghah which he used to visit often.

Police are also probing into the black magic angle to ascertain whether he was influenced by any such practise or followed any self-styled godman.

Among those murdered were Hasnain's parents, wife, sisters and children.

On February 28, the accused slit their throats with a knife after offering them drinks laced with sedatives at the family house in Kasarvadawali area on Thane outskirts, and then committed suicide by hanging himself.

Only his 22-year-old sister Subiya survived the murderous attack to recount the horror that befell the family.

According to police, Hasnain, a commerce graduate, used to prepare Income Tax-related documents with a CA firm in Navi Mumbai and did not have a permanent job.
Tibet's foreign trade mainly with Nepal and India through the Nathula border point fell by nearly 60 per cent to $861 million in 2015 primarily due to massive earthquakes in Nepal.

Exports of the China's autonomous region dropped by 71.9 per cent to 3.6 billion yuan, while imports were up 114.4 per cent at 2.03 billion yuan, according to the Lhasa Customs.

Tibet's foreign trade mainly with Nepal and India through the Nathula border point fell by 59.2 per cent to 5.66 billion yuan ($861 million).

The decrease was mainly caused by the massive earthquakes in Nepal last year, which blocked the highway to Zham, the border township where 90 per cent of China-Nepal land trade had been conducted, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Nepal has remained Tibet's top trade partner since 2006. In 2014, Tibet's trade with Nepal exceeded 10 billion yuan, accounting for 90 per cent of the region's total foreign trade that year.
Along with their traditional robes, Tibetan delegates to the annual meeting of China's ceremonial parliament are sporting unique lapel pins displaying their loyalty to the Beijing leadership at a time of simmering tensions in their Himalayan homeland.

New this year and not seen on any other group of delegates, one of the inch-wide round pins shows a Chinese flag and busts of five Chinese leaders, from revolutionary founding father Mao Zedong to current President Xi Jinping. The other shows a smiling Xi visiting a Tibetan family.

"We want to express our gratitude to the Communist Party leadership and State Council, so it's only natural we wear the pin of the leaders of five generations," Hongwei, one of the 18 delegates from the Tibetan Autonomous Region, told The Associated Press at today's opening session of the National People's Congress.

"There have been so many great changes in Tibet," said Hongwei, who like many Tibetans uses just one name. "If we don't thank the party leadership the State Council, if we don't thank the socialist system, who else should we thank?" The State Council is China's Cabinet, headed by Premier Li Keqiang.

Images of Communist leaders are common in Tibet, which is under much tighter party control than the rest of China following a history of political volatility, and is generally off-limits to foreign journalists.

The remarks by Hongwei came days after US government- backed Radio Free Asia reported the death of 18-year-old Buddhist monk Kalsang Wangdu after he set himself on fire Monday in the Tibetan area of Ganzi in the western Chinese province of Sichuan, which adjoins Tibet.

The area also is known as Kardze in Tibetan. The monk reportedly called for Tibetan independence while he burned. Today, Yeshe Dawa, governor of Ganzi prefecture, denied the report.

"No, no, this is a false allegation," he said. "There is nothing, we are a peaceful area."



The International Campaign for Tibet says at least 144 Tibetans have self-immolated in China since early 2009 in protest of Beijing's rule.

Some cases have been confirmed in China's state media, which depict them as acts of terror instigated by the Dalai Lama, the Tibetans' exiled spiritual leader. Authorities have vowed to punish the self-immolators, their family members and sympathisers.
A local traders' union today observed a strike here over alleged action by security personnel against protesters after Friday prayers.

Shops and business establishments in downtown city remained closed. 'Shahr-Khaas Traders Federation' had called for the day-long strike, alleging that a shopkeeper was injured in pellet firing by police and CRPF after personnel.

General Secretary of National Conference Ali Mohammad Sagar condemned the incident and appealed to the administration to ensure the justice is meted out to them.

The Moderate Hurriyat Conference also criticised the action by security forces.
Turkish riot police today fired plastic bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters who gathered outside an opposition newspaper the day after it was seized by authorities in a violent raid.

The swoop against the paper raised fresh concerns over declining media freedoms in Turkey, a key European Union ally, ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Brussels Monday for a crucial summit meeting with EU leaders.

"Free press cannot be silenced," a group of demonstrators including the paper's readers shouted outside the Istanbul premises of Zaman daily, staunchly opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Police used large amounts of tear gas, water cannon and plastic bullets to disperse around 500 people clapping in protest, an AFP photographer at the scene reported.

Before midnight yesterday, police also stepped in by using tear gas and water cannon to move away a hundreds-strong crowd that had formed outside the newspaper following a court order placing the media business under administration.

Turkey's top-selling Zaman newspaper, closely linked to Erdogan's arch-foe the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, was ordered into administration by the court on the request of Istanbul prosecutors, local media reported.

Zaman published a defiant edition today warning of the "darkest days" in the history of the press.

"The Constitution is suspended," it said on its front page in large font on a black background.

The newspaper, with an estimated circulation of 650,000, went to print earlier than usual yesterday evening and the number of its pages was reduced to 16 from 24, one of its journalists said.

Sevgi Akarcesme, the editor-in-chief of the paper's English language edition Today's Zaman, said on Twitter today that "All internet connection is cut off at the seized #zaman building by police raid."



"We are not able to work anymore," she wrote.

Before midnight yesterday, a team of police arrived with water cannon trucks and advanced military style towards the waiting supporters, firing freezing water directly at them.

Using bolt-cutters to unlock the iron gate in front of the building, dozens of police then marched into the premises to seize the headquarters and formally place it under administration, pushing aside anyone who stood in their way, media images showed.
Police, using tear gas and water cannons, have raided the headquarters of Turkey's largest-circulation newspaper, hours after a court placed it under the management of trustees.

The move against the paper, which is linked to an opposition cleric, heightened concerns over deteriorating press freedoms in the country.

Police dispersed protesters who had gathered outside of the opposition Zaman newspaper's Istanbul headquarters before breaking down a gate and entering the building to escort the court-appointed managers and evict newspaper workers.

The court action against Zaman newspaper was brought by a public prosecutor and came amid an intensified government campaign against the moderate Islamic movement led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. It accuses the movement of attempting to bring down the government.

The move, which also affects Zaman's sister newspaper, English-language Today's Zaman, and a agency linked to the group, further reduces the pool of opposition television and newspapers in the country, which is dominated by pro-government television channels and newspapers.

Zaman Editor-in-Chief Abdulhamid Bilici addressed his colleagues on the grounds of the newspaper before police had stormed the building.

He called the court decision a "black day for democracy" in Turkey as journalists and other newspaper workers held up signs that read: "Don't touch my newspaper" and chanted "free press cannot be silenced!"



Today's Zaman chief editor, Sevgi Akarcesme, broadcast the police raid on Periscope before police confiscated her phone.

"A police officer grabbed my phone forcefully," she wrote on Twitter. The court decision sparked international outrage.

"I see this as an extremely serious interference with media freedom which should have no place in a democratic society," said Nils Muiznieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. "It is the latest in a string of unacceptable and undue restrictions of media freedom in Turkey."



Reporters without Borders issued a strongly-worded statement, accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of "moving from authoritarianism to all-out despotism."



The US-based watchdog, Freedom House, called on the European Union and the United States to speak out against the move.

The EU, in particular, has been accused of keeping mute about human rights abuses and the deteriorating freedoms in Turkey because of the country's crucial role in curtailing the flow of migrants to Europe.

"The appointment of trustees to runZamanamounts to a government takeover of a private media outlet, and is a flagrant violation of both rule of law and freedom of the press," said Daniel Calingaert, Freedom's House executive vice president.
Two alleged illegal arms suppliers were today arrested by a joint team of Anti-terror Squad (ATS) and UP police from Bannadevi area in Aligarh, police said.

UP police ATS wing had been receiving information in connection with the illegal arms supply in the state through Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Nepal, a police spokesman said here.

Acting on the tip-off, the ATS and Aligarh police arrested Karmveer Singh and Kalicharan from Bannadevi area this afternoon, he said.

40 pistols of different bores, cartridges, a vehicle and two mobile phones were recovered from their possession, he said.
Two women of a family were killed while eight others critically injured as the vehicle they were travelling in overturned during a road accident in west Delhi's Jafarpur area, police said today.

The family of a Delhi Police head constable Ashok was travelling in the car to attend a marraige ceremony in Haryana yesterday. The tyre of the car burst after which it hit an electric pole and overturned, a police officer said.

Two women Manju, wife of Ashok, and Somvati died in the accident. Eight others including Ashok, his brother Jai Bhagwan and their four children were seriously injured.

All the injured were rushed to a hospital where their condition is stated to be critical, they said.
A UN Security Council delegation visiting Mali today called for faster implementation of a peace deal agreed last year, amid ongoing jihadist violence.

Representatives of the 15 Security Council members met Prime Minister Modibo Keita in the capital Bamako today before heading for talks with regional authorities in the centre and northwest.

French delegate Francois Delattre said the Security Council's main message was "that the priority now is to implement the peace accord, to speed up the implementation of this accord... Above all on the ground".

A landmark peace agreement was reached last year between the Mali government and Tuareg-led rebels, but jihadist violence has intensified on the ground and the handling of a return to peace has been criticised by the international community.

Mali's vast, desolate north continues to be beset by violence, having fallen under the control of Tuareg-led rebels and jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012.

The Islamists sidelined the rebels to take sole control, and although they were largely ousted by a French-led military operation in January 2013, extremist groups still pose a threat.
Amidst stiff opposition from India and top American lawmakers, the US government has formally published federal notification for the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

"This proposed sale contributes to US foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia," said the notification which was published by the federal register yesterday, along with a copy of the February 11 letter, which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency wrote to the House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan.

The total cost of these F-16 is estimated to be nearly USD 700 million, said the federal notification. It added that the Government of Pakistan had requested for this sale.

India has opposed the sale of F-16 to Pakistan, saying it disagree with Washington's rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism.

Republican Senator Rand Paul has asked colleagues in the Senate to join him in opposing the sale of F-16s to Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told Defence Writers Group this week that Pakistan had initially requested for 18 F-16s, but because of "financing problem" it is purchasing just eight.

"In the last five years Pakistan air force has been saving US assistance to be able to finance these F-16. That is why, the administration has recommended that these should be sold because it is a very critical part of our counter terrorism operation," Aziz said.

These F-16, Aziz argued, are a critical tool in the war against terrorism.

When asked if this is to be used only in the tribal region, he did not rule out otherwise.

"This is part of our fleet. For the last two-three years they have extensively been used in tribal areas," Aziz said.

"Right now the specialised need is the counter-terrorism operation, for which we are heavily dependent of F-16."



According to notification published in the federal register, the proposed sale improves Pakistan's capability to meet current and future security threats.

"This sale will increase the number of aircraft available to the Pakistan Air Force to sustain operations, meet monthly training requirements, and support transition training for pilots new to the Block-52. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its air force," the federal register said.
An American adventurer said today that it would be a "very lucky discovery" if the piece of aircraft he found on a sandbank off the coast of Mozambique is confirmed to be from the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished two years ago.

Blaine Gibson, who said he's been searching for Flight 370 over the last year, flew to Malaysia to attend a commemorative ceremony to be held tomorrow by families of the 239 people who were on board the plane to mark the second anniversary of its disappearance.

Speaking to The Associated Press upon his arrival at the airport outside of Kuala Lumpur, Gibson said that he had wanted no publicity about his February 27 discovery until after the piece was assessed by investigators, but that of the finding leaked.

The 58-year-old lawyer from Seattle said he was cautious about the possibility that the part is from the missing Boeing 777 because three large jets had crashed in the area before.

"I'd say it was a very lucky discovery if it turns out to be from Malaysia 370," said Gibson, who was wearing a black T- shirt that read "MH370 Search On."



Even if the piece does not turn out to be from the jet that disappeared on March 8, 2014, Gibson said his discovery could still be useful, perhaps providing clues to another air disaster or raising the public's awareness that the mystery of Flight 370 still has not been solved.

Gibson said he hopes his finding will encourage more people in the area to comb beaches for clues and to hand over any items they think could be passenger belongings or plane debris to authorities to be assessed.

An ongoing search in the southern Indian Ocean has found no trace of the missing plane, though a wing part from the jet washed ashore on Reunion Island in the western Indian Ocean in July.

The new piece of debris is now in the hands of Mozambique civil aviation authorities and is expected to be sent to Australia this coming week to be examined. Australia is leading the search for the jet.

Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai has said there is a "high" probability that the part is from a Boeing 777. Flight 370 is the only missing 777.
Pat Conroy, a US novelist whose books included "Prince of Tides" and "The Great Santini," died at the age of 70, his hometown newspaper reported.

Conroy, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just four weeks ago, died Friday surrounded by family at his home in Beaufort in the state of South Carolina, the Beaufort Gazette reported yesterday.

Conroy's bruising childhood in the southern United States served as material for his novels.

His 1976 book, "The Great Santini," was inspired by his own family and his overbearing father, an abusive and ultra-macho Marine fighter pilot. The book was turned into a 1979 movie starring Robert Duvall.

Conroy later wrote about a reconciliation of sorts with his aging father in the 2013 memoir titled "The Death of Santini."



His 1986 novel "The Prince of Tides," about a troubled man who falls in love with his suicidal sister's psychiatrist, was turned into a 1991 Hollywood movie starring Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand.

The movie received seven Oscar nominations, including for Best Picture and one for Conroy as the screenplay co-author.

Conroy used his time at The Citadel military college and the school's problems with racial integration as inspiration for his 1980 novel "Lords of Discipline."



That book resulted in Conroy being banned from campus, and triggered a war of words with the school that went on for years. Further irritating the school, in the 1990s Conroy pushed for female integration at the all-male bastion, the Charleston Post and Courier said.

Because of what they saw as a negative portrayal The Citadel refused to let cameras film a movie version of the book at the site. "Lords of Discipline" nevertheless became a 1983 movie starring David Keith.

Conroy later wrote a 2002 memoir about his time at the military academy, titled "My Losing Season."



"I celebrated my 70th birthday in October and realized that I've spent my whole writing life trying to find out who I am and I don't believe I've even come close," Conroy wrote on Facebook on February 15, when he announced his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

With the help from doctors at the hospital "I intend to fight it hard," he wrote.

Conroy's books, even a cookbook that he authored, were regulars on The New York Times best-seller list.
Veteran Sudan Islamist opposition leader Hassan al-Turabi, one of the fiercest critics of President Omar al-Bashir's government, died of a heart attack today aged 84, a medical source said.

Turabi was taken to the intensive care unit of Khartoum's Royal Care hospital "after suffering a heart attack in the morning and died" there, the source told AFP.

As of his death became known, state television interrupted its regular programming and broadcast Islamic verses from the Koran that are recited for the dead.

A key figure in Bashir's regime for a decade after his 1989 coup, Turabi later became one of its fiercest critics and led the opposition in urging a Tunisia-style uprising.

He was detained in May 2010, a month after Sudan's first competitive polls since 1986 for denouncing the election as fraudulent.

Turabi was the only Sudanese politician to support a warrant issued for Bashir's arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide over the regime's conduct of the conflict in Darfur.

After breaking ranks with Bashir he formed his own party, the Popular Congress Party.

Turabi was detained several times over a career spanning four decades, including in January 2009 two days after he urged Bashir to surrender to the ICC.

An ideologue with influence beyond Sudan's borders, Turabi was one of the driving forces behind the introduction of Islamic sharia law in Sudan in 1983, which sparked a devastating 22-year civil war with the mainly Christian, African south that cost an estimated two million lives.

The Western-educated Turabi held a master's degree in law from London and a doctorate from Sorbonne University in Paris.

He spoke English, French and German fluently as well as Arabic, and his language skills helped him gain access to foreign media through which he issued repeated calls for an international Islamic revolution.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed an agreement with Welspun Enterprises for development of the first phase of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway.

"Under the concession agreement, Welspun Delhi Meerut Expressway Private Ltd will develop package I of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway at a bid project cost of Rs 841.50 crore, and operate it for a period of 15 years," Welspun Enterprises said today.

Welspun Delhi Meerut Expressway, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Welspun Enterprises, said during construction, 40 per cent of the bridge project cost will be funded by NHAI while the concessionaire will arrange the balance 60 per cent.

"During the operation period, NHAI will pay concessionaire this 60 per cent in semi-annuity, along with interest thereon," it said.

NHAI will also pay the concessionaire annualised operations and maintenance cost of Rs 3.95 crore for the maintenance of the project road during this period.

The company said construction of the project is scheduled to be completed in 2.5 years and the project is to be maintained for 15 years after which it will be transferred to NHAI.

The concession is for development of 8.7 km of the existing road on up to Delhi-UP border section of National Highway No 24 in Delhi by six-laning expressway and four-laning either side of the expressway on design, build, operate and transfer annuity or hybrid annuity basis.

Yetserday, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari reiterated that his Ministry was making all efforts to complete the expressway project in 400 days as per the Prime Minister's instruction.

While laying the foundation of the project at Noida on December 31 last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the Rs 7,566-crore Delhi-Meerut Expressway will show a way to freedom from pollution.

The project includes construction of 28-km long 14-lane Delhi-Dasna section.

The project work has been divided into six packages -



21-km stretch in Sonepat-Baghpat, 24.5 km stretch in Baghpat- Ghaziabad, 24.5-km stretch in Ghaziabad-GB Nagar, 22-km stretch in GN Nagar, 21-km stretch in GN Nagar-Faridabad and 22-km stretch in Faridabad-Palwal.

"There are a total of 390 structures in this project out of which two major bridges are on river Yamuna and one major bridge on river Hindon and Agra Canal," Chandra said.

"There are 8 interchanges, 4 flyovers, 71 vehicle underpasses, 6 RoBs etc. The work has been started on 209 structures including all the four major bridges. There is substantial progress on these," the NHAI Chief said.

There has been a very healthy competition among all the developers -- Gayatri Projects, Oriental Structural, Sadbhav Engineering, Jaiprakash Associates and Ashoka Buildcon.

Watering for the project will be carried out through dip irrigation to save water, Chandra said, adding, "the entire lighting on the expressway shall be with solar power. There is a close tolling system. The user will have to pay for the distance travelled by him on the expressway.

"The advanced electronic toll system will be used for collection. The overloaded vehicles will not be allowed to travel on expressway".

According to data available, NHAI has already transferred Rs 1,530 crore for land compensation.

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has earlier said, "The government is committed to decongesting Delhi. We have set an ambitious target. This is to complete the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressway in 400 days."



Earlier, the deadline for the project was set as two-and-a-half years.
The NDA government was in "deep trouble" and it must ponder why "apolitical" personalities from various fields returned awards and expressed dissent over "attempts to divide the society", veteran journalist N Ram said today.

He also claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies will fare badly in the upcoming Assembly elections in five states since there was no "Modi wave".

There is a clear pattern of the Modi government adhering to an ideology and the prevailing climate of "intolerance" is not accidental, the prominent editor said at the opening session of a two-day seminar on "Mumbai Collective: Celebrating Freedom and Pluralism" here.

"It is insufficient to say there is intolerance. It is not something accidental or isolated. There is a clear adherence to an ideology. But I am not propagating any conspiracy theory here.

"I won't say this is an issue of fascism and I don't believe India is facing a threat of it. It's enough to say they are semi-fascist. Because the moment you term it as fascist, you overestimate the enemies of diversity and secular characteristics of India," Ram said.

He said the NDA government was "in deep trouble" and its (that of BJP and allies) vote share "would fall dramatically" in ensuing Assembly polls as there is no "Modi wave".

"Those who are in power should not forget that the 31 per cent popular vote that BJP won in 2014, is the lowest share of popular vote received by any party that won a majority of seats in the history of Lok Sabha polls," he said.

"However, all current indications are that it is (BJP vote share) is going down - not just in Delhi and Bihar Assembly elections, but also in local body polls in Gujarat.

"I see the government is in some major trouble. They are worried about what is happening. Assembly elections are going to take place in five states and vote share is going to further come down dramatically because there is no Modi wave," Ram said.

He said the Modi government should think why so many noted personalities, who were "apolitical", came together returned their awards.

"A very large section of scientists, artists, intellectuals and academicians, all without political affiliation, came together and expressed dissent over attempts to divide society," he said.

Speaking at the event, actress-director Nandita Das also slammed the BJP-led government and said it should not turn the country into a "Hindu Pakistan".

"Whenever I go to Pakistan or Bangladesh, I find that most of South Asia is in trouble and they look towards India with a lot of hope. They are impressed by our multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and secular society," Das said.

"Just see the case of Pakistan. You will find green colour everywhere. But, we are not here to turn our country into a Hindu-Pakistan," the actress said.
A 34-year-old woman software engineer allegedly committed suicide at her house in Nallagalla area here, police said today.

The police registered a case of abetment of suicide against her husband.

Malleshwari, who worked with an IT firm in Madhapur area here, was found hanging from the ceiling fan in her house yesterday, sub-inspector Jafar Ali of Chandanagar Police Station said.

Her husband, Amit M, is also a software engineer and works in the same company. They got married in 2009 and have a five-year-old old daughter.

The woman's parents lodged a complaint against Amit alleging that he was harassing her which led to her suicide, PSI Ali said.

No arrest has been made yet. Probe is on.
Flustered by crossing over of eight of its MLAs to the ruling TDP, the opposition YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh today sought disqualification of the legislators who have switched sides.

Hours before the commencement of the Budget session of the state legislature, the YSRCP filed a petition with Assembly Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, seeking disqualification of the eight MLAs who have "defected" to the Telugu Desam Party since last month.

A delegation of the party MLAs, led by deputy leader Jyothula Nehru, met Rao and filed the petition, seeking action against the MLAs as per 'Schedule X' of the Constitution.

Eight MLAs-- Bhuma Nagi Reddy, Bhuma Akhila Priya, C Adinarayana Reddy, Jaleel Khan, T Jayaramulu, P David Raju, M Mani Gandhi and K V Ramana Murthy--have crossed over to the TDP since February 22.

"Crossing over to another party after getting elected on one party's symbol is unethical. We requested the Speaker to immediately take action against these MLAs in accordance with the Anti-Defection Act.

"The Speaker assured us that he would go by the rules and take a decision at the earliest," Nehru told reporters after the meeting with the Speaker.

The YSRC leader also said the party had submitted some material evidence like video recordings and audio clips against the MLAs to establish their defection.

"If the Speaker acts in a just manner on our plea, we may not be required to move a no-confidence motion against him. Otherwise, we may have to. But we are looking into some technical issues on this," he said.

YSRC leaders had earlier toyed with the idea of moving a no-confidence motion against the TDP government led by Chandrababu Naidu as a strategy to pave ground for disqualification of the deserters.

The party strategy was that the no-trust motion would give it a context to issue a whip to all its MLAs and disqualification proceedings could be initiated against those violating the party whip.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to reconsider the budgetary proposal, government sources said on Saturday.

Adding to the pressure on the government to roll back the tax on employee provident fund (EPF) withdrawals, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel said she too had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to roll back the tax. NDA ally Shiv Sena has sought a rollback and NDA ally Akali Dal said that while they agreed with the taxation in principle, now is not the right time to introduce such a tax..

Read our full coverage on Union Budget 2016

.

"We have requested the government to review this and we understand they will do so" Anandiben Patel told Business Standard.

Media reports said an official level meeting was held in PMO on the tax issue two days ago, adding that the Finance Minister is likely to make an announcement the exemptions on the floor of House when he replies to budget.

In Budget 2016, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that 60% of the accumulated savings, including interest, starting April 1, 2016, would be taxable at the time of withdrawal.

Although Gujarat's strength is its stature as a manufacturing state, services, including government employment, lag when compared to states like Himachal Pradesh. As a result, the state government believes that it will hurt people if is taxed.

Top ministers and BJP MPs have also counseled the government to roll back the decision as it could prove politically costly. The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has written to the government that it must not go ahead with this step and has not ruled out a joint front with other trade unions to agitate against it if it is not modified.

Jaitley had justified the move to bring in the taxation proposal in the Union Budget 2016-17. While claiming that the proposal would encourage pension savings, Jaitley also said that there was a very large segment of tax defaulters in the country. The government had also come out with a press note that it was considering demands to limit the tax only to interest accrued. Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha had said, "The government is looking into the issue."




Monsanto Co, the world's biggest seed company, threatened to pull out of India on Friday if the government imposed a big cut in royalties that local firms pay for its genetically modified cotton seeds.

Mahyco Monsanto Biotech (India)(MMB), a joint venture with India's Mahyco, licenses a gene that produces its own pesticide to a number of local seed companies in lieu of royalties and an upfront payment. MMB also markets the seeds directly, though the local licensees together command 90 per cent of the market.

Acting on complaints of local seeds companies that MMB was charging high fees, the farm ministry last year formed a committee to look into the matter.

The committee has now recommended about a 70 per cent cut in royalty, or trait fee, that the seed companies pay to MMB, government sources said. The farm ministry is yet to take a decision on the committee's recommendation.

"If the committee recommends imposing a sharp, mandatory cut in the trait fees paid on Bt-cotton seeds, MMB will have no choice but to re-evaluate every aspect of our position in India," Shilpa Divekar Nirula, Monsanto's chief executive for the India region, said in a statement.

"It is difficult for MMB to justify bringing new technologies into India in an environment where such arbitrary and innovation stifling government interventions make it impossible to recoup research and development investments," she said.

MMB does not publish revenue figures or say how much it contributes to Monsanto's overall revenue.

Separately, MMB has filed a case in a Delhi court, challenging the authority of the committee to determine the trade fee agreed upon by MMB and a number of Indian seed companies

In a partnership with Mahyco, US-based Monsanto launched a GM cotton variety in India in 2002 despite opposition from critics who questioned its safety, helping transform the country into the world's top producer and second-largest exporter of the fibre.

In a ruling last month, the Competition Commission of India, the antitrust regulator, said there were indications that MMB had abused its dominant position in the country and asked its director general to complete an investigation within two months.

The government-appointed committee has also recommended cutting Bt cotton seed prices to about Rs 800 for a packet of 400 grams. Currently Bt cotton seeds are being sold between Rs 830 and 1,100 in different parts of the country.


Bob Hilliard

SHARE

By Krista M. Torralva of the Caller-Times

A fishing boat captain is seeking to sue a Corpus Christi lawyer he says was involved in a scam to get millions of dollars by falsifying victims of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

The captain claims to be one of thousands of fishermen whose identities were used is the scam, according to a Bloomberg article.

Houston lawyer Tammy Tran, who is representing the fishermen, is seeking more than $100 million from Corpus Christi lawyer Bob Hilliard and Dallas lawyer John Cracken.

Tran claims her clients "suffered mental anguish from 'nightmarish memories' of Vietnam's communist regime, revived by federal agents knocking on doors to investigate the identity thefts. Compensation is also sought for homes and businesses lost while waiting for BP to pay under its seafood accord," according to Bloomberg.

Attorney Richard Mithoff, who is representing Hilliard and Cracken, denies their involvement in the scam.

"Bob Hilliard and John Cracken absolutely deny the allegations made against them in this suit and will show they are baseless in fact and in law," Mithoff wrote in a statement.

Hilliard further disputed Tran and the case's credibility in a statement.

"Ms. Tran is addicted to headlines and incapable of proving this case," Hilliard said. "I invite her to the courthouse and encourage her to bring whatever proof she is capable of mustering."

Mikal Watts, a San Antonio lawyer and Corpus Christi native, is accused in court documents of orchestrating the scam and was indicted last year on charges related to conspiracy and identity theft, according to The Associated Press. The indictment refers to two other unnamed lawyers. Tran's complaint accuses Hilliard and Cracken of being those two lawyers and accuses them of paying more than $10 million to Watts for clients.
Josh Collins plans to travel 3,500 miles along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Ocean coast to New York City to raise awareness about the rate of suicide among service members.

SHARE

By Esther Hackleman, Esther.M.Hackleman@caller.com

Josh Collins will brave the South Texas sun, untamed Gulf Coast swells and unpredictable weather as makes his solo trip to Galveston on nothing but a paddle board.

And that trip Saturday is just the first of 12 legs he will take on. He plans to navigate the Gulf Coast, around Florida and up the Atlantic Ocean coast to raise awareness for the rate of suicide among service members.

The 20-year Army veteran who survived tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia will finish his trip in New York City at the Statue of Liberty, traveling 3,500 miles - just him on a paddle board.

Those military tours did not come without pain. The traumatic brain injuries, nerve damage and post-traumatic stress disorder he suffered distorted his lifestyle, family and will to live, he said. He began to drown in prescriptions and self-medication, but that all changed when he picked up a paddle board.

"When I get on the water and it's rolling underneath my feet, it's a sanctuary for me," Collins said.

Reborn from the salt and sea, Collins, 46, will begin his mission, Operation Phoenix, in the hopes of raising awareness of alternative therapy options for veterans.

Collins' mission stems from a passion he and his family share for those trapped in the depression he once knew.

"It's really terrific to see him come back because we almost lost him," Collins' wife, Tonia, said, her voice cracking with emotion. "Never give up on (veterans). You see that happen too much, and that's when we loose so many."

Josh Collins, whose short-term memory loss was so severe that he would get confused just backing his vehicle out of his driveway, has recovered drastically in the two years he has worked with Task Force Dagger Foundation, which supports veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

"As his short-term memory improved, his confidence improved," Task Force Dagger Foundation Founder Keith David said. "Josh has found his mission, his purpose and his focus."

His voyage, if successful, will shatter the current world record by 2,000 miles. It benefits the foundation. On average, Collins plans to travel 30 to 35 miles each day if the weather permits, stopping to camp along the shore. The adventurer will travel with food and water strapped on his Bote paddle boards, with a carrying capacity of about 400 pounds. Collins wanted to secure his record with a more impressive number to beat so he is starting it in Corpus Christi.

Collin's financial goal of raising $22 million to represent the 22 veterans who take their lives daily dwarfs his personal goal of encouraging veterans to get the help they need.

"The fight is not over," said Collins, who is from Merritt Island, Florida. "Our mission as vets continues here. Spreading the word about the challenges we face at home is critical."

Saturday, Collins will host a public casting off party at Doc's Seafood and Steaks at 11 a.m. before starting his journey at 2 p.m., and Collins welcomes residents to bring their kayaks and paddle boards to hang out on the water with him. Those who cannot attend the event can follow Collins online at www.veteranvoyage360.com.

Twitter: @Caller_Esther

IF YOU GO

What: Casting off party

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Doc's Seafood and Steaks, 13309 S. Padre Island Drive

Cost: Free

Information: www.veteranvoyage360.com.
Mr Menendez has been involved in negotiations and trade between the two countries for many years and described his ambassadorial appointment as something he "never dreamed" would happen when he first started.
"In general, all professionals who support young people recognise that parents and family are a critical support for most, but for some they aren't, and I wouldn't want to see access to information and support restricted in those circumstances where family cannot or will not be supportive of their child. The welfare of the child should always be the first focus," he said.
More than 80 per cent of respondents said they had been taught about contraception and sexually transmitted infections and diseases. The survey was answered by a nearly even number of public and private school graduates, with 13 per cent of respondents from the ACT, but results were not broken down into school sector or state and territory.
[Your Business Name]

<Your business address>

Contact Info

Phone: <Your business phone number>

Fax: <Your business fax number>

Email: <Your business e-mail address>

Web: CAPITOLHILLCUBANS.COM

<Your Business Headline>

Business Overview

<Your business description>

Geographic Area

<Your service area>

Line of Business

<The type of business you are in>

Brands We Carry

<Your list of brands>

Products and Services

<Products and/or services you provide>

Discounts Offered

<Coupons and other discount information you offer>

Additional Information

<Any other information about your business>

Business Hours

<Your hours of operation>

Timezone

<Your timezone>

We Accept

<Methods of payment you accept>
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.
The British automakers Chief Executive Officer, Wolfgang Duerheimer, confirmed that they are looking into ways to ramp up production of their first ever SUV.



Bentley has already increased the capacity of the Bentayga once, from 3,600 to 5,500 units, with the companys boss telling Reuters that they have received pre-orders from 10,000 customers.

We are evaluating whether we can do a little bit more next year, Duerheimer said during the Geneva Motor Show. The Crewe plant is ready for the challenge, but the companys suppliers can, so far, meet only the original schedule for 3,600 cars.

Adding more shifts in the plant and getting a boost from the suppliers will allow Bentley to produce more of their ultra-luxurious large SUV.

This is a step-by-step process, but its a nice problem to have, Duerheimer conceded, adding that their desire is to keep the waiting list as short as possible. The waiting list for the Bentayga is currently stretching to one year.

PHOTO GALLERY
If a gold-decorated Rolls Royce Wraith is your definition of luxury and exclusivity, then the Mansory Wraith Palm Edition 999 is the automobile for you.



The German tuner claims to want to redefine the boundaries for opulent automobiles, and what better way to do it than with a Rolls Royce (the crown of the automotive world) garnished in pure gold.

Yes, all gold-decorated elements were actually artfully finished  as Mansory says  with 999 pure gold, and if that was not enough, the company can and will (upon request) gold plate all metallic parts  door handles, sill guards, radiator grille, you name it.

The Rolls exterior details arent limited to the gold accents and lavish color scheme, as Mansory created a new body-kit for the luxurious automobile, changing even the headlights to those of the Rolls Royce Dawn in the process.

The interior was revised in conjunction with Mansorys upholstery team to purportedly outperform the luxury for which the British car manufacturer is famous for; whether Mansory outperformed Rolls Royce, remains to be debated.

The standard models 6.6-litre V12 is found under the hood, but the stock output of 632 PS and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque was uprated to 740 PS and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft)  enough to take the car from naught to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.4 seconds, all the way to a maximum speed of 300 km/h (187mph).

PHOTO GALLERY
Dear Board of Education School Trustees:

Re: Possible school closure in Summerland

Summerland Mayor and Council appreciate that closing a school is a complex and difficult undertaking. A decision of such magnitude requires full public engagement and acceptance, and a complete understanding of the consequences and impact on the community.

Many Summerland parents and community members find it difficult to accept that School District 67 has presented no other options besides school closures in its From Challenge to Opportunity options. The community is demanding answers to many questions about the data presented for consideration at the public meetings, and clarification is needed on certain matters of principle and on the consultation process itself.

We therefore request School District 67 trustees refrain from taking a decision on the closure of any Summerland school at this time.

Specifically, Mayor and Council ask school trustees to:

- revise and substantiate the growth projections for Summerland schools

- reconsider the impact on the community of any school closure

- provide complete data and greater transparency in the consultation process

- apply principles in a consistent manner

- consider alternatives to school closures

When considering whether or not to close a school, the community must be given the opportunity to influence the final decision. If the outcome is a foregone conclusion, it is not real consultation.

To this end, Summerland Mayor and Council propose to School Board 67 trustees the idea of forming a joint Council-School Board select committee tasked with finding a creative approach to identify cost savings, while meeting the needs of Summerland students and the community without having to close any local public school.

We are in this together. Our constituents expect their local council and school board to work together to ensure our schools remain at the heart of our community.

A tremendous opportunity presents itself to take an innovative approach to tap local expertise and produce a level of collaboration that extends beyond the usual deliberations of a single organization.

We need to work on a collaborative basis, apply creative thinking, and come up with a made-in-Summerland solution to ensure all students in the community have equal opportunities to reach their maximum potential.

Peter F. Waterman

Mayor
Photo: The Canadian Press

Among the many ways Donald Trump has redefined presidential politics, he stands alone for how he has used large, protest-ridden rallies, often bubbling with raw anger, to fuel his candidacy.

The Republican front-runner says the massive events are evidence of a "movement" of a "silent majority" frustrated by everything from the nation's uneven economy and immigration laws to a government run by "stupid people."

"And you know what?" he asked from the stage in Louisville, Kentucky, this week. "It's not about me. I'm a messenger. It's really about you. We're going to take our country back and make it great again."

While Trump generally exaggerates his crowd sizes, thousands routinely line up for hours to attend. There are almost always protests, and the response to them isn't always peaceful. Yet Trump supporters, some driving hours to see the former reality television star, appreciate the boisterous performance and see in it a strength they don't find in Washington leaders.

"Hell yeah, I'm voting for Trump ... that's a man right there  a man," said Joe Hash, a 57-year-old building contractor, after a raucous Monday rally at Virginia's Radford University.

In Texas last week, Arlene Smart attended her fourth Trump rally. "It's just the feeling," said Smart, 58, who said she'd be travelling the country to his events if she didn't have a construction business to run. "There's pride in America. There's a reason to believe."

Detractors see something darker.

"It's a spectacle driven by pure hate," said Michael Marmol, a 20-year-old student who was ejected from the Radford event after he yelled at Trump over his plan to construct a wall on the Mexican border.

Indeed, crowds from Nevada to New Hampshire have devoured Trump's hour-long offerings of economic populism and unrepentant nationalism, all wrapped in promises to "win, win, win" and "make you so proud of this country again."

A natural showman, Trump peppers his speeches with humorous asides, imitation and dramatic acting. In Texas last week, he threw water across the stage and then tossed the bottle behind him to mock a rival's sweat. He frequently holds events in open airplane hangars, circling in his private jet with giant gold "T-R-U-M-P" letters as thousands hold cellphones up to capture its descent as soaring music from the movie "Air Force One" plays.

The crowd anticipates applause lines like rock concert throngs.

"We're going to build a wall. And who's going to pay for the wall?" Trump shouts.

"MEXICO," they yell.

"Who's going to pay for the wall?"

"MEXICO," they thunder back.

But the atmosphere sometimes turns darker, with booming chants that can shake arenas. Young men pound their fists in anger, attendees sometimes shout racial slurs.

Police are investigating at least two alleged assaults against protesters at a recent Kentucky rally. One, captured on video, involves a young African-American woman who was repeatedly shoved and called "scum."

In recent weeks, one of Trump's biggest applause lines has been his vow to bring back waterboarding and other methods of torture. "We don't go far enough," he told a Las Vegas crowd before the Nevada caucuses, prompting thundering applause and chants of "USA! USA!"

Anti-Trump protesters have also becoming increasingly common as the election calendar has moved away from the more subdued early-voting states.

"Get 'em outta here, get 'em outta here," Trump often booms when he spots one. "Are you protesting, darling?" he asked a demonstrator at Radford. He mocked another: "He just got on television. He's happy." Sometimes, he suggests they're high on drugs.

Occasionally Trump complains police are being too gentle with protesters, bemoaning the "old days" when police didn't fear for their jobs when they roughed up citizens.

"You know what they used to do guys like that when they were in a place like this?" he asked in Las Vegas as a protester was removed. "They'd be carried out on a stretcher, folks." Amid cheers, he added, "I'd like to punch him in the face."

On Friday, Trump recalled an incident at a New Hampshire rally where a protester started "swinging and punching." Trump said some people in the audience "took him out."

"It was really amazing to watch," he told an audience in Warren, Michigan.

Later Friday in New Orleans, Trump's rally was interrupted by a near-constant stream of protesters, including many from the Black Lives Matter movement. At points, campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was spotted personally assisting police as they escorted protesters out of the building. Members of Trump's personal, private security detail were also on hand to assist.

Months ago, Trump's team began telling supporters they should not harm demonstrators. Instead, crowds are instructed before rallies to surround protesters with signs and chant "Trump! Trump! Trump!" until authorities arrive.

Some incidents have carried racial undertones. At Radford, Trump asked one protester, who appeared to be of Asian descent, "Are you from Mexico?"

Later, as black demonstrators were led out, Trump recalled Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders once yielding his microphone to Black Lives Matter protesters. "That's never gonna happen here," Trump boasted, saying the Vermont senator acted "like a little boy."

While Trump often talks about how much he likes protesters  suggesting he'll hire some because they encourage television cameras to show his crowds  his aides have, at times, become aggressive about ejecting them.

On Monday, black Valdosta State University students were escorted out of a campus event in Georgia before it began. Ameer Junious, 19, said police directed him to the back of the arena  with no explanation given  before Trump arrived. Videos shot by Junious show a person who appeared to be police officer telling him, "They asked me to have y'all moved," adding, "I can't explain that, OK?"

In a statement, Trump campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks said the campaign "had no knowledge of the incident."

Video of a fall rally in Birmingham, Alabama, captured Trump supporters physically assaulting Mercutio Southall Jr., an African-American activist Trump ordered removed  "Get him the hell out of here, will you, please?"  after Southall shouted "black lives matter!"

Trump later said on Fox News, "Maybe he should have been roughed up."

Yet as he continues his march toward the nomination, Trump reassures his backers they have the moral high ground. "I'm not an angry person," he said at Radford. "You're not angry people." Then, pointing at demonstrators, he said, "They're angry people."
Photo: Contributed

A Bernese mountain dog is the first of 66 dogs rescued from a puppy mill in Langley, to get a new home.

The SPCA's Vancouver branch manager Charlotte Ellice says two-year-old Bania suffered from ear infections but was OK to go to his new home on Friday.

Another 22 dogs will soon be ready for adoption, and they include Wheaton terriers, Old English sheepdogs, Portuguese water dogs and standard poodles.

Officials say hundreds of people have expressed interest in the animals, but the dogs will require homes that can work with their special needs.

Some of the 66 dogs were suffering from broken limbs and missing eyes or ears when they were rescued last month, shortly before a raid by the SPCA involving 84 cats and dogs at a facility in Chilliwack.

The B.C. government expects to pass legislation next year that will include codes of practice for dog breeders and kennel and cattery operators.


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.
Missed Delivery?

If missed delivery or wet paper please call our office 909-628-5501 ext 110 Leave a detailed message with name, address, and phone number. Readers must call before 1 p.m. on Saturday. Re-deliveries are available for Chino residents until 1 p.m. Saturdays.

Click Here
This service applies to you if your subscription has not yet expired on our old site. You will have continued access until your subscription expires; then you will need to purchase an ongoing subscription through our new system. Please contact The Chanute Tribune office at 620-431-4100 if you have any questions
Hershbein said the choice of majors and careers could be a factor, although he is not yet certain. It could be that the poor are attracted to careers where they help others  positions that often are low-paying. If that's the case, students need to be aware that although they are going to college they may not get the level of pay they expect based on pursuing a bachelor's degree, he said.
Drawn in by social media alerts, downtown office workers turn up at The Underground Chicago club for an afternoon dance party sponsored by Perrier. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Clutching briefcases and handbags on the sidewalk during Friday's lunch hour, the line of khaki-and-blazer-clad office workers stretched 100 feet along Illinois Street.

If it wasn't for the crowd's unusually high energy level, a passerby might have guessed they were waiting to grab a sub sandwich from a hot new deli.

Advertisement

But then a bouncer  black suit, black shirt, black tie, earpiece  opened a door from the street to a basement, and the thud of bass from the bottom of the staircase hinted at something far stranger: A lunchtime rave for cubicle workers.

Around 150 workers from all over the Loop and River North ditched their desks to dance during their lunch break at The Underground nightclub at a promotional event sponsored by the sparkling water brand Perrier.

Advertisement

People dance at The Underground nightclub in Chicago during a lunchtime "rave" sponsored by Perrier on March 4, 2016. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)

For workplace wallflowers who find office party small talk and birthday-cake-by-the-water-cooler unbearably awkward, the prospect of dancing with your boss before the afternoon sales meeting might sound like a fate worse than death. But proponents of the growing trend for sober, daytime clubbing say it leaves them energized and ready to work.

"It sounded like fun to get away from the office," said Yolanda Golden, a student adviser at Loyola University who came to party for an hour with co-workers Blanca Byliner and Farrar Moore after learning about the event on social media. Golden said many of the priests at Loyola are "great dancers" and she and her pals didn't need booze or nighttime to cut loose. "We are the party!" she said before grabbing a glow stick.

Likewise, 25-year-old Tim Hackle, who came with half a dozen co-workers from human resources startup High Ground, saw no shame in partying in the early afternoon before returning to work to make a few phone calls. "We're here to sparkle it up," he said. "We're very energetic  I dance in the office all the time."

While most of those attending said it was their first brush with daytime clubbing, another promoter, New York-based Day breaker, has been hosting sober, early morning pre-work raves for two years in cities across the U.S. and is expanding to Europe, South America and Asia.

Jordan Brown, a 27-year-old dispensary worker who'd been out until 4 a.m. the night before, said daytime partying was in some ways more fun. "There's good vibes going on right now," he said. "When you come in the middle of the day, it's fun, it's random, and people are more coherent. I wish more people did things like this  loosened up, especially on a Friday."

Others needed more convincing.

"Usually when I walk in a club I've had a few drinks," said Dominick Roach, 24, as his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the club and the booming hip-hop being played by DJ The Hood Internet. "But I'm just coming from my desk and it's a little overwhelming."

Roach and his co-workers at commercial real estate firm CBRE, Orlando Augite, 27, and Taylor Colter, 25, were tempted from their prosaic midday routines by a mixture of curiosity and the promise of a free bagged peanut butter and jelly sandwich lunch.

Advertisement

They admitted to being a little weirded-out by the concept and hollered "NO!" in unison when asked if they could be persuaded to dance alongside a crew of break dancers hired to start the party.

"I have to go back to my research spreadsheets," explained Augite as Mark Morrison's 1990s hit "Return of the Mack" blared away.

While most of the crowd was younger, and, with an afternoon of work ahead of them, stuck to cans of Perrier, two more senior partygoers were among those enjoying complimentary cocktails.

Joanna Jets, 69, who works as a mystery shopper, said she and her friend, real estate agent Janell Barnet, who coyly described herself as 48, "are on the list to go to all of these free events together."

Among the crowd of conservatively dressed office drones, Barnet's huge fox-fur hat and Afghan-style coat  accessorized with a broken arm in a plaster cast  marked her as the afternoon's most fabulous partyer.

Loud nightclubs aren't necessarily their thing, said Jets, but "I love to drink, if I'm honest."

Advertisement

The thrill of dancing, though, was enough for a trio of giggling young women who sneaked out of their office at Salesforce.com to attend, but asked that they not be named because they didn't want to get in trouble with their boss.

"We didn't know what to expect but it was so much fun," said one of the women as they emerged back into the bright, brisk winter afternoon to return to work.

"We Snapchatted with the office from the club," said. "And they were like, 'Where are you?!'"

kjanssen@tribpub.com

Twitter @kimjnews
Furious Spoon, the buzzy Wicker Park ramen spot, is getting closer to opening its second location. With two days left of their Kickstarter, co-owner and chef Shin Thompson and his team have exceeded their $25,000 goal to help fund a restaurant in Logan Square, with 386 backers pledging $33,432 at the time of this reporting. On the Kickstarter page, Thompson states that the money will cover the cost of a specialty Japanese noodle-maker, amongst other things.

When the doors open on the Logan Square eatery (2410 N. Milwaukee Ave.), expect the same house-made, Tokyo-style ramen Furious Spoon has become famous for. Adopting the same menu (and prices) as the original Wicker Park location, the 1700-square foot space will feature a full bar, expanded late night menu and outdoor patio.

Advertisement

Managing partner Anshul Mangal recently announced plans to open a third location Pilsen by the end of the year. www.furiousramen.com.
That's what terrifies them. So they'll fight to keep it, and destroy whoever might be in the way, because, in politics, the only time size really matters is when those who count the votes are measuring the size of the treasure.
Little by little, one advance at a time, we've come to take it for granted that women can be as good as men at almost any job, despite the barriers that remain to their getting and keeping those jobs and being fairly paid.
Cyclists can expect to see greater protection in bike lanes as the city works to meet the goal of building more than 50 miles of low-stress bike routes in Chicago.

In recent months, the city has installed three curb-protected lanes, which use a concrete median to separate bikes from car traffic, with plans to create at least one more this summer.

Advertisement

The stretch of 31st Street from LaSalle Street east to Michigan Avenue in the Bronzeville neighborhood got an upgraded bike lane when a concrete curb was installed in December as part of a street resurfacing project. It was the only section wide enough to accommodate a curb without elimination of traffic lanes, said Mike Claffey, spokesman for the Chicago Department of Transportation.

The rest of the bike lane on 31st Street, which leads into the Margaret T. Burroughs Beach and Park, varies by block, he said, from a striped buffer-protected bike lane to a lane shielded by bollards  short posts that deter cars from entering the lane.

Advertisement

The first curb-protected bike lane went in last May on Sacramento Drive in Douglas Park, followed by one in November on Clybourn Avenue in Old Town where a cyclist was fatally hit by a car in 2013. Claffey said the city is looking at installing more this summer including on Elston Avenue where the six-way intersection of Elston, Fullerton and Damen avenues is being reconfigured.

"Curb-protected bike lanes provide better separation between people riding their bikes and people driving, provide better guidance for motorists as to where to park and or drive, prevent illegal parking in or near bike lanes, and are more aesthetically pleasing," Claffey said.

Philip Bird, 32, often uses the Clybourn bike lane as a direct route from Ravenswood to downtown. "You just feel safer. It's the same experience as when you're on the lakefront path, that same kind of 'I'm not going to get hit because of this' (mentality)," said Bird, 32, who was friends with Robert "Bobby" Cann, the cyclist killed while biking there nearly three years ago. The only downside of the curb-protected lane, Bird said, is that it doesn't go far enough north.

The city also continues to experiment with other styles of bike lanes.

This summer, crews will work downtown on Randolph Street between Michigan Avenue and Clinton Street, Claffey said, to install concrete islands  structures at the beginning and end of each row of parked cars between the bike lane and moving car traffic instead of a continuous concrete curb.

Similar projects can be found on Milwaukee Avenue from Elston to the Kennedy Expressway; on Clarendon Avenue between Broadway and Irving Park Road in Lakeview; and on Washington Street between Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue along the Loop Link project.

Also on tap this summer is the addition of concrete islands to the corners of Randolph and Franklin streets and Randolph and Canal streets to create protected intersections for cyclists, Claffey said.

The concrete island protects cyclists from turning cars by forcing cars out farther into the intersection to keep cyclists out of drivers' blind spots. The city's first protected intersection was installed at the corner of Franklin and Washington and used by cyclists starting in December, Claffey said.

Advertisement

"It's good to see CDOT really aggressively move forward and trying out different designs with concrete curb separation," said Jim Merrell, campaign director for the Active Transportation Alliance, a transportation advocacy group.

The concrete curb is an improvement over plastic bollards or parking lane-protected bike lanes because it is more durable while creating a safe space, he said.

"They're built to last and stand up to Chicago's climate and weather and do a better job of preventing drivers from entering into bike lane for parking and to unload and load," Merrell said.

Last October, Emanuel announced that the city surpassed his first-term goal of building 100 miles of protected bike lanes, though the majority are buffered lanes with extra space and pavement markings to keep cyclists separated from drivers.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

By the end of Mayor Emanuel's second term, CDOT hopes to have built more than 50 miles of "better bike lanes"  considered to be low-stress bikeways that any cyclist can feel safe riding.

A bicyclist rides in a curb-protected bike lane on Clybourn Ave., between North Ave. and Division St., on March 4, 2016. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

The Active Transportation Alliance is pushing to double that goal by the year 2020. The challenge will be securing the funding needed for the work, Merrell said.

Advertisement

Costs for different types of bike lanes vary depending on the scope of the work and what's included, Claffey said. For example, the cost of the 31st Street protected bike lane, which was rolled into a street resurfacing project, was about $400,000, compared with the Clybourn curb-protected lane, a state project, pegged at roughly $700,000, officials said.

The Active Transportation Alliance's "Bikeways for All" report proposes 180 miles of low-stress bike routes. If completed, 80 percent of Chicagoans would live within a quarter-mile of a low-stress route compared with one-third of residents currently, the report said.

Merrell pointed to the raised bike lane on Roosevelt Road near Grant Park, where the bike lane was put in at the same level as the sidewalk, as an example of a low-stress biking route. Others would be urban trails like The 606 and neighborhood greenways, which can be bike lanes that go against the flow of vehicular traffic marked in green pavement with mini-roundabouts on residential streets like the one found on Berteau Avenue, Merrell said.

An Active Transportation Alliance analysis in 2014 estimated an average of nearly 125,000 bike trips are taken daily in Chicago.

lvivanco@tribpub.com
An uncommon late-winter uptick in influenza cases has prompted some Chicago-area hospitals to implement visitor restrictions.

Officials are seeing a statewide flu increase, the Illinois Department of Public Health said. As of Feb. 27, there had been 326 intensive care admissions for influenza this winter, the agency said. There were 49 by the week ending Dec. 26, the Tribune previously reported.

Advertisement

The flu season in Chicago, which typically runs from October to May, has peaked by early January in the past three years, but the later seasonal peak this year could be due in part to milder temperatures, health professionals said.

Area hospitals have taken notice and some are taking precautions.

Advertisement

At Advocate Christ Medical Center's emergency room in Oak Lawn, doctors noticed more flu cases last month, and it seemed to grow by the week, said Stephen Sokalski, chief of infectious disease and epidemiology.

"The emergency room became very busy a couple of weeks ago," he said, explaining the influenza patients were mostly children.

The hospital responded Feb. 22 by enacting restrictions that ban visitors younger than 18, and any adult visitors who have flulike symptoms.

Similar restrictions and other precautions are in place at hospitals throughout the area as health professionals advise everyone to wash hands frequently, stay home when sick and consider a flu shot if they haven't already been vaccinated as this flu season's peak seems to be later than in recent years.

Advocate Christ's restrictions reflect that the flu is affecting children, who could be visiting grandparents or other patients at the hospital, Sokalski said, adding that some kids could have the flu but not yet know it.

"When somebody acquires influenza, they have no symptoms in the first 24 hours even though they are contagious," he said. Children "are the highest risk individuals to either be incubating (the flu) or be contagious ... and they're brought into the hospital to visit very ill patients. Because of that ... we have come up with our standard recommendations (to limit visitors)."

The Cook County Department of Public Health has noticed the increase. Although the department doesn't track every reported case of influenza, it tracks cases when a patient is admitted to the ICU, said Kelley Bemis, enhanced surveillance program manager.

Tracking and predicting influenza is difficult, but the virus lives longer when it is cold and dry. Milder temperatures for most of the winter could be a reason the flu did not peak in December, health experts told the Tribune last month. The average temperature in the Chicago area during December was 39 degrees, more than 11 degrees warmer than average.

Advertisement

At Northwestern Memorial and Prentice Women's hospitals in Chicago, visitor precautions are also in effect. After reports from the Chicago Department of Public Health showed an increase in influenza, the hospitals on Tuesday issued an advisory that anyone who is sick should not visit a patient, said spokeswoman Kara Spak. Patients are also screened for influenza symptoms in all departments when they first come in, she said.

At Presence Mercy Medical Center in Aurora, officials enacted restrictions after noticing an increase in flu patients during the same time period as Advocate Christ, although there was quite an age range, said Laura Marconnet, infection control manager at Presence Mercy.

"We are seeing patients in the 30 to 50 age group all the way from pediatrics to the elderly. The fact the flu is affecting all age groups prompted us to this call for action," Marconnet said.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Several hospital visitor restrictions are now in place. Visitors under the age of 18 are not allowed to visit any unit and a maximum of two people over 18 are able to visit at any one time.

People with upper respiratory infection symptoms should refrain from visiting the hospital, officials said. Visitors with flu symptoms will be required to wear a face mask, and those patients who are in isolation for flu treatment will be limited to only visitors essential for their emotional well-being and care.

At Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, officials said they are encouraging patients to restrict visitors, especially those younger than 12.

Advertisement

Kate Thayer is a Chicago Tribune reporter. Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for the Aurora Beacon-News.

Chicago Tribune's Angie Leventis Lourgos contributed.

kthayer@tribpub.com

Twitter @knthayer
Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis cast a Chicago Public Schools decision to not stop pension payments while talks are ongoing as a victory, but warned the union will stage a "Day of Action" on April 1. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool said Friday that the district will continue to pick up a major chunk of pension contributions for teachers until the final phase of contract negotiations is completed, easing the threat of an April 1 strike.

At a subsequent news conference, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said the union will stage a "Day of Action" on April 1 but was vague on details. "It could be just a nice big rally downtown, it could be a whole lot of things," Lewis told reporters.

Advertisement

Asked if the union was backing off the threat of an April 1 strike, which would be outside a timetable prescribed by state law, Lewis said: "I'm not not saying it, either. It's still on the table, just like that 7 percent pension pay cut is still on the table."

CPS in February gave notice that the pension pickup could end as soon as this month. The union's threat of a strike was amplified when the district on Thursday announced three unpaid furlough days for all staff, which will close schools on March 25, Good Friday.

Advertisement

"We want to do everything possible to get a deal, and to let the process of fact-finding come to its natural conclusion in the hopes we can reach a fair agreement with a raise for teachers, phases out the pension pickup and addresses many of the quality-of-life issues that teachers have told us are important," Claypool said at Cather Elementary School in East Garfield Park.

Claypool repeated the district's view that teachers cannot legally walk off until the last phase of negotiations, called fact-finding, is completed. That won't be until well into May.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Lewis said CPS is "allowed to say whatever their theory of the case is."

"We have our attorneys, they have theirs," she said. "Some judge will figure that out at some point, right? I mean, that's why we have two sides to every single story."

The district wants to eliminate its long-standing practice of picking up 7 percentage points of a 9 percent salary contribution teachers make toward their pensions. But although it gave a 30-day notice on the change, officials have never said when it would stop picking up the pension contributions.

Ending the pension pickup for teachers would shave $65 million in spending this year, more than a third of $182 million in planned cuts this budget year, according to the district. CPS said the three furlough days will save $30 million.

Chicago Tribune's Grace Wong contributed.

jjperez@tribpub.com

Advertisement

Twitter @perezjr
The wanted poster for a man who has robbed five banks in Chicago in recent weeks, including hitting a Hyde Park bank twice since Jan. 13. (FBI wanted poster)

A 25-year-old man suspected in robbing at least 6 banks since Jan. 13 was turned in by his girlfriend who told officials the man "wanted to die."

Nashun Langford appeared in federal court Friday where he was charged with robbing the Fifth Third Bank at 1420 E. 53rd St. about 4:50 p.m. on March 2, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court, according to FBI officials.

Advertisement

According to FBI officials the man was dubbed "the Pinball Bandit," because of the frequency of the robberies and the locations. The FBI says two robberies happened the same day, just over an hour apart. One bank was robbed twice in three weeks.

In the March 2 robbery, Langford walked into the Fifth Third Bank at 1420 E. 53rd St. about 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to the criminal complaint and the FBI's BanditTrackerChicago website.

Advertisement

According to the complaint, the man walked into the Hyde Park bank and passed a note to a teller. The note said, "Give me all the money. Don't say anything or I will open fire."

The teller complied and gave the man $506 who asked that it be put in an envelope which the man took and then fled from the bank, walking westbound.

On Friday, the man's girlfriend contacted Chicago police and said that Langford told her he was the "Pinball Bandit," according to the complaint. The girlfriend told police that "Langford had said he wanted to die," the complaint stated.

When police arrived, they arrested Langford and searched the home finding a hat, glasses, a hooded jacket that appeared to match the garments used in the Hyde Park bank robbery.

According to the complaint, Langford admitted robbing the Fifth Third Bank along with being responsible for the other five bank robberies.
A man died after jumping into a canal on the Southwest Side late Friday, authorities said.

The man, whose exact age was not immediately available, jumped into the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in the 4100 block of South Cicero Avenue shortly after getting out of a minivan that had sped off after a traffic stop, according to police.

Advertisement

Around 11:30 p.m., police officers pulled over the minivan in an alley in the 4600 block of South Cicero because the van failed to stop at a stop sign, said Officer Hector Alfaro, a Chicago police spokesman.

When officers walked up to the van, it took off north on Cicero. Officers followed the vehicle and saw three males, whose ages were not immediately available, get out of the van in the 4100 block of South Cicero, Alfaro said. One of the men was seen running down an embankment of the Cicero bridge. Officers then saw the man jump into the water, Alfaro said.

Advertisement

Chicago Fire Department divers found the man after about 10 minutes. First responders rescued him and performed CPR, said Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.

He was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in "extremely critical" condition, and he later died at the hospital, Langford said.

The two other male occupants of the minivan were taken into custody and are being questioned by detectives, police said.

No other information about the incident was immediately available.
Reginald Potts Jr. listens to statements during the fourth day of his sentencing hearing March 3, 2016, at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago. Potts was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2007 killing of Nailah Franklin. Potts will be sentenced March 8, 2016. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

When Nailah Franklin disappeared more than eight years ago, a photo taken by her best friend of the smiling 28-year-old pharmaceutical sales representative  broadcast on TV and used in fliers passed out by her family  captured the public's heart.

But after an intense nine-day search, her naked and badly decomposed body was found in a wooded Calumet City lot.

Advertisement

Prosecutors charged Reginald Potts Jr., a man she had casually dated, with her asphyxiation death. After a maddeningly slow journey through Cook County criminal court, Potts finally went to trial last fall and was convicted.

A photo collage of Nailah Franklin was made by her family after she died. Her sister Lehia Franklin Acox keeps the poster in her Chicago home. "She was charismatic, charming, " another sister says. (Michael Tercha, Chicago Tribune)

Now, after an unusually lengthy sentencing hearing that took all of last week at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, Potts faces up to life in prison when Judge Thomas Gainer hands down the sentence Tuesday.

Advertisement

Prosecutors, who want the maximum sentence imposed on Potts, described a violent, sociopathic bully who stole high-end cars, abused women and lied to everyone he met.

Franklin's relatives attempted to express the devastation caused by their loss.

Her mother, Maria Maner, said her middle child was the glue who held the family together. After her death, Maner said, she was left with nothing, not even a lock of her daughter's hair.

"Not only was she gone, but there was no body for me to view," said Maner, reading from a prepared statement. "Nothing was left for me to kiss or hold on to. Nailah had the most beautiful hair, a lot of it. I asked the funeral director if I could have a lock of her hair. She said there was no hair when they received her remains. There was nothing. I'm crying as I write this."

Some family members left the courtroom Friday when Potts, now 38, delivered a 40-minute speech declaring his innocence, vowing that prison wouldn't break him and glossing over key evidence as he blamed his conviction on a distorted narrative that had Franklin breaking off their relationship.

"I'm not a monster," he said as he appeared to choke up with emotion. "I'm not a monster."

"I did not stalk Nailah," he said. "I did not murder Nailah, period."

Franklin was last seen alive with Potts on surveillance video as she walked out of her condo building in September 2007. He had been stalking her for days, prosecutors said.

Advertisement

The two had shared a casual sexual relationship, according to testimony. But Franklin had begun to fear Potts and said in emails shortly before her disappearance that she had filed a police report and would seek an order of protection against him.

Cellphone records showed the two together much of the rest of that day, prosecutors said. Her body was later found behind a vacant store owned by Potts' brother-in-law. Franklin's car was later discovered blocks from where Potts had been picked up by a friend the night of the slaying, according to testimony.

Prosecutors said Potts had a history of violence against women, choking his then-wife as well as a second woman with whom he had a child. He was also a con artist who was able to persuade a friend to buy a $225,000 Bentley for him and then stopped making the payments, they said.

"Nailah Franklin was everything that Reginald Potts is not," Assistant State's Attorney Maria McCarthy said Friday during closing arguments.

After a string of successful internships, Franklin was working as an Eli Lilly sales representative and had bought a condo in Chicago's University Village neighborhood, according to family and prosecutors. She had a new boyfriend she was excited about  a man who eight years later attended parts of the trial and sentencing hearing.

"One of the joys of my life was witnessing Nailah live hers," her older sister, Lehia Franklin Acox, told the judge. "I honestly was in awe of her drive, cheerful optimism, sense of style and total devotion to her family and friends."

Advertisement

Lehia Franklin Acox, sister of Nailah Franklin, weeps as she reads her statement March 3, 2016, the fourth sentencing day of Reginald Potts Jr. at the Leighton Criminal Court Building in Chicago. Potts was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2007 killing of Franklin, a 28-year-old pharmaceutical sales representative. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune)

Another sister, Marina Franklin, said that for years she avoided her fading memories of her sister because of the pain it caused. Her slaying likely caused the early death of their father, she said, and has left her in therapy and struggling with relationships and at work.

"I felt it difficult to go on with my life when my sister's was cut short," she said. "You never know the exact impact of someone you love leaving this world until you are left to pick up the pieces."

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Potts spent much of his remarks insisting that he had broken off the relationship with Franklin. He asked the judge to sentence him to something less than life in prison in consideration of his family and three young daughters.

"I can't ask forgiveness for something I didn't do," Potts said as at least eight deputies stood guard.

Potts' lawyer, Crystal Marchigiani, an assistant public defender, told the judge he should sentence Potts based only on the murder, not his past crimes, and urged Gaines not to let the emotions of the case sway him.

McCarthy, the prosecutor, referred to the many alleged threats leveled by Potts over the years, saying he often hinted at his alleged gang ties as he asked people if they knew who he was.

Advertisement

"Now that everything has come out, we now know who you are," McCarthy said as she turned to look at Potts. "You are nothing."

sschmadeke@tribpub.com

Twitter @SteveSchmadeke
A federal jury on Friday convicted a doctor known as the "king of nursing homes" for routinely referring elderly patients to a financially struggling hospital on Chicago's West Side as part of a kickback scheme.

Dr. Venkateswara Kuchipudi became the fifth physician and 10th defendant overall to be convicted for taking part in the massive Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme at the now-shuttered Sacred Heart Hospital for 12 years. Doctors referred patients to the hospital in exchange for hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks disguised as office rent, teaching fees and other bogus payments, prosecutors charged.

Advertisement

U.S. District Judge Matthew Kennelly, who presided over the five-week trial, set sentencing for June 2 for Kuchipudi, 69, of Oak Brook.

Jurors deliberated a day and a half before finding Kuchipudi guilty on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and nine counts of illegally soliciting or receiving benefits in return for referrals of patients covered under a federal health care program, said Joseph Fitzpatrick, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago.

Advertisement

The scheme kept patients coming to the hospital despite its location in a high-crime neighborhood as well as its limited emergency services, skeleton staff on nights and weekends, and lack of access at those hours to routine procedures such as X-rays or lab work, prosecutors said.

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Federal agents raided the hospital in April 2013 amid bombshell allegations that doctors were performing medically unnecessary and sometimes risky procedures such as tracheotomies as well as giving heavy sedation to patients in a process called "snowing." At least five deaths at the hospital had been under scrutiny at one time, authorities said. But the indictment ultimately made no allegations of patient deaths or oversedation.

Prosecutors instead focused on kickbacks they alleged were paid out on nearly every level to fill empty beds.

Sacred Heart administrators referred to Kuchipudi as the "king of nursing homes" for his alleged prowess in bringing elderly patients to the hospital. He routinely had patients taken to Sacred Heart from as far as 25 miles away, often bypassing hospitals that offered better care, prosecutors alleged.

Prosecutors alleged Kuchipudi knew many of his patients had dementia or other mental health problems, but had no real reason to be admitted to the hospital. But his order for direct admission meant they were able to bypass the evaluation of emergency room doctors and be admitted at least overnight, allowing him to bill Medicare at a higher rate, they said.

Prosecutors alleged Kuchipudi had been aware of problems at the hospital for years. For example, in fall 2009, shortly after Kuchipudi obtained privileges at Sacred Heart, the hospital had a fly infestation, prosecutors said.

meltagouri@tribpub.com

Twitter @marwaeltagouri
Larycia Hawkins, a Christian who is wearing a hijab for Advent, attends service at St. Martin Episcopal Church in Chicago on Dec. 13, 2015. Hawkins is a professor at Wheaton College, a Christian school, and often reminds her students to put their faith into action. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)

The former Wheaton College professor who sparked controversy at the evangelical Illinois school for saying Muslims and Christians worship the same God has earned a University of Virginia fellowship named for a 19th-century Muslim leader.

Larycia Hawkins will be the Abd el-Kader visiting faculty fellow at the University of Virginia until August, an affiliation she hopes to renew in the fall while she looks for another job as a tenured political science professor. She said the fellowship was the only opportunity she applied for after learning in January that Wheaton was taking steps to fire her.

Advertisement

"I couldn't think of a better segue," she said in an interview. "It was the only thing I was willing to pursue in order to move forward emotionally in the aftermath of separating from Wheaton."

Hawkins donned a hijab in December to show solidarity with Muslims during a rising tide of anti-Islamic sentiment following the terrorist 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."

Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. >

Within days, the college placed Hawkins on paid administrative leave and by the first of the year, it initiated a process to fire her. College officials said that not clarifying what makes Christianity distinct from Islam put Hawkins in conflict with Wheaton's 12-point statement of faith. Last month, the college announced it had reconciled with Hawkins, but she would not return to teach.

Hawkins said the University of Virginia affiliation will enable her to continue working on a number of projects she already has launched  many of which are in line with the mission at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, the interdisciplinary research center that houses the fellowship. Those projects include research on black Catholics in Chicago and the reproductive politics of tea party women.

Tony Lin, managing director of the center, said this is the fourth year the institute offered the fellowship named for Abd el-Kader, a 19th-century Algerian emir and Sufi Muslim who sheltered persecuted Christians during a violent conflict in 1860. El-Kader's intervention earned him recognition around the globe, including from U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

Hawkins said it was the legacy of el-Kader and her prior experience as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Virginia that inspired her to apply.

"It was a way to keep supporting my work even though I don't have a formal academic position," Hawkins said.

mbrachear@tribpub.com

Twitter @TribSeeker
Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump will come March 11 to Chicago for a rally at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion, just days before the March 15 Illinois primary election.

University officials confirmed the Trump campaign had rented the arena for an event that will begin at 6 p.m.

Advertisement

It will be the businessman and reality TV star's first visit to the state since a rally in November at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield. It also will be Trump's first visit to Chicago since June and the first time since he warned the matriarch of the family that owns the Chicago Cubs to stop going after him with TV attack ads.

Last month, Trump tweeted: "I hear the Rickets (sic) family, who own the Chicago Cubs, are secretly spending $'s against me. They better be careful, they have a lot to hide!"

Advertisement

But the Our Principles PAC, which was seeded with $3 million from Marlene Ricketts in January, has only stepped up its criticism of Trump, airing TV ads questioning his conservative credentials and business background.

Marlene is married to Omaha, Neb., billionaire Joe Ricketts, and in October 2009 the pair established a trust on behalf of their family to acquire 95 percent interest in the Cubs.

Trump's Chicago rally will take place while the Illinois Republican Party holds a fundraising dinner honoring Gov. Bruce Rauner featuring a rival for the GOP presidential nomination, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Although all presidential contenders were invited to the state GOP event at the Palmer House Hilton, only Cruz has confirmed he'll be there for the fundraiser, which begins with a 5:30 p.m. reception and follows with dinner at 6:30 p.m.

rap30@aol.com

Twitter @rap30
The Supreme Court's order indicates a majority of the high court is unlikely to let conservative states enforce stringent regulations. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press)

Reporting from Washington  The Supreme Court handed abortion rights advocates a victory Friday by blocking a Louisiana law they said would leave the state with only one doctor licensed to perform the procedure.

The court, with only Justice Clarence Thomas dissenting, issued a brief order that restores an earlier judicial ban on enforcing the 2014 state law.

Advertisement

The ruling is a good sign for abortion rights groups in Louisiana and nationwide. Coming shortly after the justices debated a similar Texas law, the order indicates a majority of the high court is unwilling to permit conservative states to enforce stringent regulations, at least for now.

"For the third time in a little over a year, the Supreme Court has stepped in to preserve women's ability to get the constitutionally protected healthcare they need," said Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights. "We look to the justices to put an end to these sham measures threatening women's rights, health and lives across the U.S."

Advertisement

She was referring to the court's rulings last year barring Texas from enforcing a similar law and agreeing to decide its constitutionality.

The Supreme Court is engaged in a fierce debate over whether state laws that impose strict regulations on doctors and abortion clinics put an unconstitutional burden on women seeking to end pregnancies.

The justices established this "undue burden" standard in 1992, but they have yet to decide what it means in practice. The Texas case, which was argued before the court Wednesday, may give the justices a chance to clarify the issue.

In Friday's order, the court said putting the Louisiana law on hold was "consistent with the court's action granting a stay in Whole Woman's Health vs. Cole," the Texas case.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. mostly defended the Texas law during oral arguments Wednesday, but agreed Friday to put the Louisiana measure on hold.

Texas and Louisiana, along with seven other states, have recently required doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. Lawmakers said this rule would help ensure consistent care for a patient who has a medical emergency that sends her to a hospital.

But a federal judge, after a hearing in New Orleans, said the medical benefits of this requirement were minimal. The clinics and hospitals already had transfer agreements for emergency cases, the judge said. And early abortions rarely result in medical complications.

The requirement threatened to shut down all but one of the state's abortion providers, since most hospitals refused to extend admitting privileges to physicians whose practices include abortions. Based on those conclusions, a federal judge had barred Louisiana from enforcing the admitting privileges rule.

Advertisement

On Feb. 24, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which had earlier upheld the Texas abortion law, lifted the judge's order blocking enforcement of the Louisiana law. Two clinics announced they would no longer see patients, and a third said it expected to cease operation as well.

Abortion rights lawyers filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court. Since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, Thomas has agreed to handle appeals arising from the 5th Circuit.

Abortion rights lawyers said that if the admitting privileges rule were enforced, "the state of Louisiana will be left with a single abortion provider. That lone doctor, working in one clinic, cannot meet the need for approximately 10,000 abortions in Louisiana, a need that was previously met by six physicians in five clinics across the state," they said.

"I am delighted," Kathaleen Pittman, administrator of Shreveport's Hope Medical Group for Women, said in reaction to the Supreme Court's intervention. The small clinic performs the largest number of abortions in Louisiana.

Last week, Pittman was unsure her clinic would be able to remain open after being inundated with patients from the two clinics that had stopped performing abortions. "We were having to delay care because there was no way for us to handle all this," she said.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

Advertisement

The two other clinics, in nearby Bossier and Baton Rouge, will now be performing abortions again. But "it's not over by any means," Pittman said.

Mississippi also has a law requiring doctors to have hospital admitting privileges. It threatened to close the state's only remaining abortion provider, but the rule was also blocked in the courts.

These laws are not limited to the South. The Wisconsin Legislature adopted the same requirement, but it was blocked by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.

The Supreme Court agreed to hear the Texas case in part because it has a second, disputed regulation. Lawmakers said all abortions, even those induced by taking a pill, must be performed in an outpatient surgical center. Lawyers fighting the Texas law said the two requirements would reduce the number of abortion providers from 41 to 10.

If the eight justices are evenly divided in the Texas case, they may announce a tie vote soon, which would leave the state law in place. But if they have a majority to rule, their decision will probably be handed down in late June.

Times staff writer Molly Hennessy-Fiske in Houston contributed to this report.

Advertisement

On Twitter: @DavidGSavage

ALSO

Trump fends off debate mockery, trips on specifics. Will his supporters care?

Supreme Court OKs California's use of 'unclaimed' cash

Opinion: Hillary Clinton tweaks her 'safe, legal and rare' abortion mantra
For months, political observers said over and over that the GOP front-runner wouldn't win the nomination. But after accumulating seven more victories on Super Tuesday, bringing his total to 11 of the first 15 states, Donald Trump has destroyed that conventional wisdom and looks likely to be Hillary Clinton's opponent in the fall.

And after getting it so wrong once, many prognosticators now seem worried about underestimating Trump's chances in the general election. "Democrats to Clinton: Don't laugh off Trump threat," blared a Politico headline. "I've gone from denial," Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy told the New York Times, "to admiration ... to real worry." Even Democrats projecting confidence about a Trump-Clinton matchup typically scramble to add an "on the other hand" disclaimer.

Advertisement

To borrow a phrase from one of the men trailing Trump: Let's dispense with the notion that Trump has a real shot at winning in November.

Start with the basic electoral math. At the national level, Trump trails Clinton by more than three percentage points in the RealClearPolitics polling average, and she has led him in 15 of 17 national polls since December. Trump clearly does the worst against her of the possible Republican nominees. His unfavorables are historically high for a general election nominee. And if "more than three points" doesn't sound impressive, note that Barack Obama rarely led Mitt Romney by more than three points in the polling averages  and he won easily. What state polling we have suggests that Clinton, like Obama, will start with 220 or 230 electoral votes safe or close to that amount, leaving Trump little room for error.

Advertisement

Breaking the numbers down demographically makes Trump's path look even steeper. In 2012, Romney easily won the non-Hispanic white vote, but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome his poor showing among Hispanics, who broke 71 to 27 percent for Obama. A recent Post-Univision News poll found that 80 percent of Hispanics have an unfavorable view of Trump. Given that the electorate is expected to be less white than it was in 2012, Trump would have to win an unprecedented share of the white vote to stand a chance. Furthermore, Trump's campaign has a poor record of setting up the competent field operations needed to boost turnout among his base of support.

Nor will the media advantage that has helped Trump in the Republican primaries carry over to the general election. As the rival party's front-runner  and someone willing to take Trump on from the start  Clinton will have a much easier time getting her fair share of free media. In addition, barring a dramatic turn in the controversy over her State Department email, there isn't much reason to think Clinton will struggle in the fall. Some have suggested that record turnout in the Republican primaries bodes ill for the Democrats come November. But there's no historical evidence of such a connection. In 1980 and 1988, millions more people voted in the Democratic primaries than in the Republican contests  and Democrats lost in the fall. In 2000, Republicans had the edge, and the GOP lost the popular vote. And there's no consistent relationship between increases or decreases in a party's primary turnout from four years earlier and victory in November.

Some, on the other hand, worry that attacks on Trump for his long track record of lies and failures seem never to stick, or that he will be able to magically cast off the burden of his extremist stances by moving to the middle. But that's what Democrats feared about Mitt Romney this time four years ago. Yet Latino voters did not forget about Romney's call for self-deportation, and attacks on Romney as a corporate raider proved much more effective for Obama than they were for Romney's foes in the GOP primary. Nor was Romney able to make voters forget the big gaps in his implausible budget and tax plan.

The strongest case for a November Trump surprise is that he has a unique appeal to working-class voters who feel left behind by both parties. Here, Clinton has Bernie Sanders to thank for preemptively pushing her in a more populist direction; if she maintains the populist rhetoric (and proposes more policies to match), she will blunt Trump's advantage with fed-up voters.

It's also worth noting that Clinton is most popular when the public thinks she is being unfairly attacked, as Rick Lazio, her hapless opponent in the 2000 New York Senate race, can attest. Who thinks Trump will go eight months without wildly crossing the line?

Democratic politicians and operatives have every reason to hype the Trump threat; fear of a Trump presidency would surely boost Democratic turnout in November, helping candidates up and down the ballot. But the rest of us don't have to agree. Trump may have defied the conventional wisdom once. That doesn't mean he's likely to do it a second time.

Washington Post

James Downie is The Washington Post's digital opinions editor.
Students watch the documentary film The Hunting Ground followed by a discussion panel for outgoing Seniors at the Chicago Agricultural Science School on the topic of sexual assault on college campuses. At the Chicago Agricultural Science School. March 4th, 2016, in Chicago. (Gary Middendorf-Daily Southtown) (Gary Middendorf / Daily Southtown)

Jeannette Akuamoah and most of her fellow female senior classmates at the Chicago Agricultural High School in Mt. Greenwood sat riveted to a screen Friday morning as they viewed a documentary that highlights the problem of sexual assaults on college campuses.

"The Hunting Ground," by documentarian Kirby Dick and produced by Amy Ziering, chronicles the roadblocks young victims of sexual assaults faced in bringing their attackers to justice; often the first barrier they encountered were college administrators not willing to listen or take them seriously.

Advertisement

Listed among the colleges being investigated for possible violations of the Department of Education's Title IX requirements in regard to sexual assaults was the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor -- Akuamoah's first choice for college.

"When I saw that I was surprised," Akuamoah said. "It really opened my eyes a little bit and made me realize that this is something I am going to research and its another layer that I wasn't aware that I had to research. And it also made me realize that you can't trust everybodythat I am going to have to put a guard up and be aware of who I allow in my life."

Advertisement

The showing was presented by 19th Ward Ald. Matthew O'Shea, who worked with Chicago Says No More, an advocacy group that addresses the challenges of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Chicago metro area.

O'Shea became aware of Chicago Says No More's efforts to bring the condensed version of the film to schools throughout Chicago. He reached out to every school in his ward and beyond, he said. Chicago Ag., 3857 W. 111th St., was the first to sign on.

In the pilot program, the school invited its female seniors to view the film together and afterwards gave them an opportunity to speak with Jennifer Greene, of Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez's office and Megan Blomquist, director of education and training at Rape Victim Advocates

"Each of you are about to embark on a very serious chapter of your life," O'Shea. "As you leave the Ag school on your next challenge, you will encounter many new and different experiences. Today, we are here to ensure that you take those next steps with your eyes wide open."

As they viewed the film, the girls found the statistics staggering and often gasped. About 16 percent of young women in college will be a victim of sexual assault and of that figure, 88 percent of the victims won't report the attack.

In 2012, 40 percent of all colleges reported no sexual assaults and while many other schools never took action against the perpetrators even though the victim reported it. Currently, there are 165 institutions on the Department of Education's list of the colleges and universities that are under Title IX investigation for sexual assaults. Among those listed being investigated are the University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame.

Four friends, Courtney Velasquez, Taylor Jefferson, Karina Escobar and Keyanni Lewis sat together throughout the program and left the room more somber, they said.

"I'm just shocked that [the schools] weren't taking any action," Jefferson said. "It was shocking seeing all the sexual assaults but zero expulsions in some cases."

Advertisement

For Velasquez, the film highlighted how close to home the problem could be.

"I just couldn't believe how many victims there were and that [the schools] were not doing anything about it," she said. "But the victim could be anybody, maybe it could happen to my friends or me but no one was listening. That was frightening."

As she watched the film, Lewis said she became angry.

"At the same time, it makes me be more aware not to put so much trust into people," Lewis said. "It's sad to think that way but you have to protect yourself."

As soon as the program finished, Greene and Blomquist responded to questions with the first inquiries posed by a majority of the girls.

"Why weren't the boys asked to watch this," several girls asked.

Advertisement

The plan is to also show the school's boys the film but officials wanted the girls to view it without males so they could ask questions about the issue in a safe environment, said Carol O'Shea, a teacher at the school and wife of Matthew O'Shea.

"Our reluctance was this was untested," she said. "And the thought was that if a girl had a negative reaction or they were intimated by the questions it would be a safer place."

Greene said she appreciated that the girls wanted the boys to also view the film.

"I really enjoyed the dialogue about the need to have the young men in the room," Greene said. "I thought that was really great part of the conversation; that there are so many young women recognizing that young men need to be educated and they felt strongly about it. We are hear to listen and I think that was accomplished today," Greene said.

For Blomquist, her biggest surprise was how passionate the girls were about having this conversation with young men.

"I expected it to be a question but I didn't expect it to be an extremely strong concern that they had," Blomquist said. "My goal for this conversation for the students is to come away from this that sexual assault isn't just a personal issue but also a political issue. We can all do our part. It's not just about victims or perpetrators but everyone has a role in creating a safe community."

Advertisement

Statistics and Resources

Provided by Chicago Says No More

For more information, go to www.chicagosaysnomore.org

College students

1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men are sexually assaulted while they are college students.

2 in 3 acts of sexual assault involving college students are by repeat abusers.

Advertisement

4 in 10 LGBT college students have been forced to have sex against their will, twice the rate of heterosexual college students.

19 in 20 sexual assaults on college campuses go unreported.

Sexual assault resources

Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline

(Operated by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago)

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

888-293-2080

Advertisement

Local resources

Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault

217-753-4117

Rape Victim Advocates

312-443-9603

Patricia Trebe is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
A Will County judge Friday dismissed a lawsuit challenging the closure of Lincoln-Way North High School, but left the door open for attorneys to file a new complaint related to one element of their argument.

Calling it one of the most difficult decisions he's had to make, Will County Judge Roger Rickmon said many of the allegations in the lawsuit  such as increasing salaries while the district ran a deficit, funding a dog training facility and spending money that wasn't budgeted  may be cause for concern, but were not moves that he could consider in reviewing the school board's decision to close North.

Advertisement

However, the judge suggested one allegation may be worthy of further review  that the board voted to close North simply to keep Illinois State Board of Education officials from reviewing district finances.

"(If true), that paragraph suggests improper motive behind the decision," Rickmon said.

Advertisement

Attorneys for Lincoln-Way Area Taxpayers Unite, a group challenging the board's decision, were given two weeks to file an amended complaint focusing on that allegation. LWATU and school district attorneys will appear before Rickmon again on April 21.

"We'll regroup and figure out what we have," Steve Eberhardt, an attorney representing LWATU, said after the judge's ruling.

In a press release, an attorney for the school district said that despite the fact that the judge's ruling allows LWATU to file an amended complaint, he believes the lawsuit will ultimately be decided in the district's favor.

"We remain fully confident that the court will affirm that the board's actions in this matter, while difficult and painful, were appropriate," attorney John Izzo was quoted as saying in the district release.

Lincoln-Way School District 210 board members in August approved a controversial plan to close Lincoln-Way North High school to address the district's deficit and get the district off the state's financial watch list. LWATU filed its lawsuit in December seeking to reverse the decision and keep the school open.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

"There are very few issues that strike so close to home as the education of a child," Rickmon told attorneys and LWATU members packed into his courtroom. "I don't take this matter lightly."

Rickmon completely dismissed a portion of the lawsuit  a count challenging whether a board member was qualified to make a motion to close the school. He did not allow an amended complaint to be filed on that count, noting that even if board member Christopher Kosel was not qualified to make the motion; it would not change the outcome of the vote to close North.

He also rejected allegations in the lawsuit that the board did not properly survey residents, or consider all its options, when deciding to close North, noting that nothing in state law requires boards to conduct surveys or hearings before making decisions. And while Rickmon seemed to side with the district in stating that school boards hold the "express power" to decide when a site or a building has become unnecessary, he did say such decisions could be challenged if they were done in an "arbitrary or capricious" manner.

Advertisement

He noted that of all the allegations in the lawsuit, only one paragraph  claiming the board acted simply to keep ISBE out of district finances  opened the door for a potential review of the decision to close North.

Eberhardt has 14 days to file an amended complaint. The district then has another 28 days to respond.

The LWATU attorney said he also filed a separate restraining order, which was originally part of the lawsuit, requesting the board be prohibited from closing Lincoln-Way North High School until the lawsuit is settled. He said he expects that request to be addressed at a later date.

Alicia Fabbre is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Two lucky lottery players are in for life-changing paydays after matching all five numbers in Thursday's midday Lucky Day Lotto drawing.

The yet-to-be-identified winners, who will split the $1.5 million jackpot, purchased their tickets in Oak Lawn and Villa Park, respectively. Each matched all five winning numbers  06-08-09-10-33  in the twice-daily drawing to land a share of the grand prize.

Advertisement

Illinois Lottery spokesman Steve Rossi said Friday that a claim had been made on the winning ticket sold in Oak Lawn, but that the winner's name would not be released until the Lottery reviews and validates the claim.

Mike Primm, store director at the Ridgeland Avenue Jewel Osco in Oak Lawn, where one of the winning tickets was purchased, said it was the most valuable lottery ticket one of his stores had sold in his 30 years working for the supermarket chain.

Advertisement

The winner bought the ticket at one of two self-serve lottery machines near the supermarket's entrances, but Primm couldn't say when during the day the purchase was made, or whom the winner might be.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

The store's lottery machines, which do brisk sales, attract a mix of grocery shoppers and drive-by players who stop in only to purchase tickets, he said.

A handful of players were observed buying scratch-off tickets from the machines Friday afternoon, but Primm said he hadn't observed any noticeable uptick in the number of store lottery players following Thursday's big sale.

Geri Respino, a Chicago resident who tests her luck at the store on a near-daily basis, said she heard about the jackpot sale from her daughter.

"I wish it was me," she said, chuckling, after buying a scratch-off from one of the self-serve machines.

Thursday's jackpot winners have a year from the original drawing date to submit their claims at one of the Lottery's five prize centers, located in Chicago, Des Plaines, Rockford, Springfield and Fairview Heights.

As of late Friday afternoon, no one had come forward to claim the other winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket sold at a liquor store in Villa Park, according to the Illinois Lottery website.

zkoeske@tribpub.com
Orland Township Supervisor Paul O'Grady officially added his name to a growing list of those who oppose the expansion of Palos Community Hospital's Orland campus, largely due to the hospital's plan to level the Palos Health and Fitness Center there as part of the project.

In a three-page, March 1 letter to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board, which is expected to rule on the hospital's application for a certificate of need for the project later this month, O'Grady attacked the hospital for deliberately excluding plans to eliminate the center.

Advertisement

"In its 17-page application to build a $133 million expansion, the hospital fails to illuminate its plan to raze the fitness center if the request is approved," O'Grady writes. "This application represents a fundamentally dishonest portrayal of the proposal and should be denied."

Tim Brosnan, Palos Community Hospital's vice president for planning and community relations, said in a statement that the fitness center was never under the purview of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board and was "not subject to the application process."

Advertisement

"Clearly there are competitive issues at play," Brosnan said. "Our proposal is about adding health care services in the community, not decreasing them."

O'Grady joins state Sen. Bill Cunningham, D-Chicago, who asked the hospital to " find a way" to maintain the fitness center's pool facility. Hospital officials have said the new facility will serve 150,000 more people than the 250,000 it currently does, which will lessen the ballooning burden on area hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Palos Health and Fitness Center has a declining membership of 4,300 active and inactive members, most of whom will be able to find comparable, if not the same, services at other fitness centers like the Orland Park Sportsplex and the Morraine Valley Community College fitness center, hospital officials said.

"There are numerous competent public and private facilities available in the community to accommodate fitness center members, and we know they stand ready and willing to add programs or services necessary," Brosnan said.

Only a few hundred people who use unique facilities, such as warm therapy pools, will not be able to find similar services close to home, according to Jaimie Lehotsky, director of operations for the Addison-based company Power Wellness, which manages the center.

For O'Grady, the numbers are not what matters. The people who go there, he said, are members of a community who socialize and develop friendships.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

"The health and wellness center is a lot more than a few pools, some barbells and a track," O'Grady said in an interview Friday. "I've seen the power of that facility firsthand."

O'Grady's father-in-law used the center when he had cancer. During that time, their family would talk about all the friends he met at the center over dinner each night.

Advertisement

"That health center was a central part in keeping him alive," O'Grady said. "You can't put a price on that."

Last month, hundreds of the center's supporters packed a public hearing at the Orland Park Civic Center. Many told personal stories of how the center changed their lives.

O'Grady raised another issue that has been used on both sides of the debate. He said "the booming senior population" is best served by the center's therapists. However, hospital officials claim the new expansion will offer better, more efficient, one-stop services for seniors with cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer's and other illnesses.

The new facility will mean less time between visits, so seniors don't have to make as many trips or wait as long; this will also be less of burden on family members who are caring for their sick parents, proponents said.

Erin Gallagher is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Rendering of The Reserve, a 47-unit apartment building planned for the northeast corner of 183rd Street and Oak Park Avenue in Tinley Park. (Handout)

While the Inspector General's Office of the Cook County Sheriff's Office has tentatively agreed to examine the review process behind a controversial apartment development in Tinley Park, it could be a few weeks before investigators start their work.

An ordinance formally inviting the office to assume the IG's role in the village, and spelling out the scope of work to be done, needs to be approved by the Village Board, and it's unclear how quickly that might be accomplished.

Advertisement

The village contacted the Sheriff's Office after the law firm Winston & Strawn, hired at a Village Board meeting on Tuesday, sent Tinley Park a letter Thursday saying it would decline to serve as independent investigator of The Reserve review process.

The 47-unit apartment building, planned for the northeast corner of Oak Park Avenue and 183rd Street, and the village's review have come under intense scrutiny, with allegations from many residents and at least one trustee of certain information being withheld, and even the process being manipulated. The piling up of allegations brought about a call for an independent investigator.

Advertisement

In a 4-3 vote, with Mayor Dave Seaman breaking the tie, the board agreed to tap the high-profile law firm to do the investigation, despite criticism about the potential cost and recommendations that the free service from the Inspector General's Office would be the better route. Seaman had, after the vote, said the village could consider both the law firm and the Sheriff's Office playing a role in the investigation.

The letter from Winston & Strawn attorney Sean Wieber, who would have been the lead attorney on the investigation, informing the village of the firm's decision didn't go into specifics, Seaman said. It's possible, he said, that the split vote by the board was a concern to the firm.

Trustee Michael Pannitto, one of three trustees voting against the hire, said he had been frustrated in his efforts to get more information from the law firm about the scope of work that would be performed, and who would be privy to the investigation's findings.

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

In 2013, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart began offering the IG's services to suburban communities. It is currently serving in that capacity in a number of Southland communities, including Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Midlothian and Richton Park, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Ordinances authorizing the IG to come into a community are "relatively similar" from town to town, according to Cara Smith, spokeswoman for the Sheriff's Office. There can be some distinctions, perhaps spelling out the duration of the IG's role, but the ordinance is required so that investigators have unfettered access to any documents and personnel, she said.

Buckeye Community Hope Foundation, which plans to build the 47-unit apartment building, is seeking to have the Plan Commission consider the project, the mayor said. The Plan Commission at its Feb. 4 meeting tabled a vote, and since then, seven of the commission's nine members have resigned.

Seaman, at the Village Board meeting, said he was continuing to take applications to fill the vacancies and hoped to have names to recommend to trustees by the first board meeting in April. Members of the Citizens of Tinley Park group, who have rallied in an effort to stop the Buckeye project, are among those who would be considered for the panel, he said.

The mayor had indicated that along with serving as independent investigator, Winston & Strawn could also represent the village in any litigation that might stem from the apartment issue. He said that Buckeye has retained the law firm of Holland & Knight.

Advertisement

Seaman said that while litigation may be an inevitable outcome, he is hopeful that, "There is some level of compromise or other options that can be taken" to avoid that.

mnolan@tribpub.com
Members of the Dundee Township Rotary Club are often looking for ways they can help the community.

So when they heard the Fox River Valley Public Library District was in need of a new van they decided to rally behind the cause.

Advertisement

The Club recently kicked off an initiative to raise funds to purchase the new transportation. Ian Lamp, past-president and current fundraising chairman for the Dundee Township Rotary Club, said members are about halfway to their $20,000 goal.

"We're hoping to try and purchase the vehicle within the next 60 days," he said. "It depends how quickly we can raise the money."

Advertisement

This is the second time the Club has undertaken this initiative.

When Lamp was president about 15 years ago, members also raised funds to purchase a van for the library district.

"It lived a good life and it's time to replace it," he said.

Library Director Roxane Bennett said the vehicle has not been drivable since last fall.

"So staff has been back to taking materials from one library to the other," she said.

Library officials are "just tickled" that the Rotary Club is working to purchase the district a new van, Bennett said.

"Items coming from outside the library system they won't deliver to both libraries so when someone requests something from outside the library district it has to be delivered to the Dundee Library and then taken to Randall Oaks," she said.

Besides transporting materials, the van also enables district officials to participate in community events such as parades and festivals.

Advertisement

The district would like to expand its homebound program, which provides library services to residents who are unable to visit the library facilities, and new transportation will help with that.

"I'm just delighted," Bennett said. "We have a great relationship with the Rotary. I was so thrilled when they decided they wanted to take this on again."

She added that district officials were able to make the previous van last for 15 years.

"Which was really nice," she said. "They got a lot of bang for the buck."

Lamp said one of the main goals of the Rotary Club is to support literacy.

"This van helps the district not only transfer stuff between the libraries, but also helps the library do outreach at the local schools to promote reading, capping one of our literary goals," he said.

Advertisement

Community members can also help support the initiative. Donations can be sent to the Dundee Township Rotary Club at P.O. Box 243, Dundee, IL 60118.

Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter.
A Lake County judge denied a bail reduction request Friday that would have allowed a Barrington man out of jail to attend in-patient treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder at a Veterans Affairs hospital in North Chicago.

Nevertheless, Circuit Court Judge Daniel Shanes left open the possibility of revisiting the motion for 65-year-old Vietnam veteran Larry Lotz once more information was obtained regarding his psychological status, attorney Robert Hauser said.

Advertisement

"I was encouraged he didn't outright reject it," said Hauser, a private defense attorney who took over for the public defenders office Thursday.

Lotz, who has been in jail since his Feb. 11 arrest, is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of his wife, Karen Lotz, which prosecutors said followed an argument about a coffee maker that had been left on.

Advertisement

Hauser said in court that every allegation is accurate regarding the murder charges. He argued, however, that Lotz had been married to his wife for 40 years, and police were never called to their home for domestic disputes. Hauser also noted that Lotz himself had no prior criminal record and said Lotz's twin sons retained his legal services because they don't believe he's a malicious individual.

At that point in the hearing, Lotz, standing before the judge, began to cry uncontrollably. Shanes told Lotz that he understood the proceedings can be difficult and told him that he didn't have to sit through every hearing.

"I understand it's overwhelming," Shanes said.

Lotz worked at composing himself and said, "I can be here, I can be here."

Hauser said Lotz had been diagnosed with PTSD but never received treatment. He also said Lotz cooperated immediately by calling 911 after the shooting, when three bullets struck his wife, Karen Lotz, a longtime Harper College employee.

Hauser said the family wants to get him into treatment at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, where they have a locked-down psychiatric unit and a PTSD unit for treatment that is not locked down. Hauser suggested ankle monitoring could be an appropriate measure to keep track of him. He asked for the bail to be reduced from $3 million to $500,000 because the $50,000 bond is something the family might be able to meet.

"Their home mortgage (on their Barrington house) is underwater, so there are no funds there," Hauser said. He said Lotz's pretrial evaluation of flight risk was 19 percent, one of the lower scores the court-services personnel had seen, he said.

Assistant State's Attorney Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg said the bond was appropriate because Lotz is a threat to the community, and she objected to any bond change.

Advertisement

Hauser said Lotz had first tried to shoot himself, but the gun didn't fire, and then he shot his wife. After court, Hauser said he found that information in one of the police report summaries.

Shanes explained to Lotz all the considerations that go into setting a bond and said that if his defense attorney has asked for a recognizance bond, or signature bond, the decision would be easy. Shanes acknowledged that Lotz had a below-average flight-risk score, but he also had to take into account the fact that a 65-year-old convicted of first-degree murder would, "plain and simple, spend the rest of your life in prison. Some people would see that as a motivation to flee," he said.

He said his concerns were that court services called the hospital, there are no beds available at this time and Lotz has not been properly diagnosed for entry into the program. Shanes said that at this time he does not have enough information to reduce the bond.

Lotz was arrested Jan. 15 after he called 911 and told dispatchers he had shot his wife, according to authorities. In bond court following his arrest, Assistant State's Attorney Chris Corbin said Lotz had shot his wife after she followed him into a home office after an argument concerning a coffee maker he left on in the kitchen.

After police arrived, Lotz told them where to find the gun he allegedly used, which was recovered from the scene, Corbin said.

Lotz gave a videotaped statement in which he admitted shooting his wife, prosecutors said. She died later at a local hospital.

Advertisement

fabderholden@tribpub.com

Twitter @abderholden
A 36-year-old inmate was found unresponsive in his Lake County jail medical unit cell Friday and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital, the Lake County Sheriff's Office announced.

Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and Undersheriff Ray Rose said a recently instituted new protocol regarding any jail deaths requires the Lake County Major Crime Task Force to conduct an independent investigation. The county has had four inmate deaths over the past five years, including one where a woman jailed for missing jury duty went on a hunger strike and died. The latest death brings the number to five.

Advertisement

An autopsy Friday afternoon by the Lake County Coroner's Office revealed the preliminary cause of death appears to be natural causes, pending final toxicology results, according to a statement. There were no signs of internal or external trauma to the inmate's body, the release said. The inmate's name was not released.

The man was brought into custody on Feb. 29 after being arrested on an arrest warrant for failing to appear in court on charges of possession of a controlled substance. While in custody he told jail officials he was feeling ill from drug withdrawal. He was placed under the care of the jail medical unit, the statement said.

Advertisement

On Friday morning he was found unresponsive in his cell inside the medical unit. Staff began administering aid and an ambulance was summoned. He was transported to Vista Medical Center East, Waukegan, where he was pronounced dead.

The protocol of calling in the Major Crime Task Force was designed to initiate an immediate thorough independent investigation of the facts surrounding the death and produce increased transparency, the statement said.

The Lake County jail has been rocked by inmates deaths over the years that also prompted lawsuits.

In 2014 inmate Igor Karlukov, 36, of Palatine and a Ukraine national, was found hanging inside his jail cell after he used shredded pieces of a mesh laundry bag and a piece of copper wire from a set of ear buds to hang himself from a vent, despite the fact he was on special watch.

He had been told by a judge that he could face life in jail for charges related to a home invasion and domestic battery against his girlfriend.

Two of the jail's inmates died in 2012.

Lyvita Gomes, 52, a native of Mumbai, India, who was living in Vernon Hills, launched a 15-day hunger strike to protest her incarceration for failing to appear for jury duty, then died of malnutrition and dehydration less than a week later.

Eugene Gruber, 51, of Grayslake, suffered paralyzing neck injuries while struggling with officers in the jail, then died months later after being transferred to a Chicago rehabilitation center.

Advertisement

The county agreed to settle a nearly $2 million federal lawsuit filed by Gruber's family. The Cook County Medical Examiners Office in Chicago ruled Gruber's death a "homicide," but an investigation by the Lake County State's Attorney's Office found no wrong doing on the guards' part.

The Gomes family also filed suit.

In 2011, there was a jail death when Thomas Arvie, 50, of Waukegan, apparently suffered a stroke in his cell. He died Sept. 22, 2011.

In 2008, Curran spent a week as an inmate that garnered national attention.

fabderholden@tribpub.com

Twitter @Abderholden
The annual neighborhood parade to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is organized every year by Maureen "Mo" Barr, second from right, seen here Saturday with daughter Mayle, husband Greg and daughter Abby. The poster is of Mo Barr, who will soon be celebrating her 50th birthday. (Hank Beckman / Naperville Sun)

"It is just like the field of dreams," Maureen "Mo" Barr said Saturday as she watched the annual Barr family St. Patrick's Day parade assemble outside her Naperville home. "Build it, and they will come."

Indeed, about 120 neighbors and friends from all over the country showed up for the 16th edition of an event that Mo Barr and her husband, Greg, began to celebrate St. Patrick's Day when they were still living in Harrisburg, Pa.

Advertisement

The Naperville Fire Department led the parade, with a decorated Jeep following close behind carrying the parade's grand marshal, Ali Bilardello, and her daughter Cami.

The parade headed west on Commons Road and north on Conestoga Road before looping around on Century Farm Lane and heading back to the Barr residence. The neighborhood is not far from Diehl Road and West Street.

Advertisement

What the parade lacked in size, it made up for in decibel level thanks to the Fire Department sirens and several barking dogs who walked with the marchers.

Afterward, revelers enjoyed food and beverages of all kinds, including corn beef sandwiches and Irish coffee.

"This is our third year," Ali Bilardello said, praising the hospitality of the Barrs. "Who goes to all that trouble?"

While Bilardello lives nearby, many in the parade came from areas of the country where the Barrs lived previously.

Greg Barr's job as a human resource manager for United Parcel Service has taken the family from Pennsylvania to Wake Forest, N.C.; Apple Valley, Minn.; and finally to the Chicago area a little more than four years ago.

Whenever the family moved, Mo Barr would organize the parade for her new neighbors. This is the fourth in Naperville.

"We've been blessed in the places we've lived," she said. "We thought it was a great reason to get neighbors out after a long winter and celebrate. ... And everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day."

Renee and Kim Trenary traveled from Minnesota to be at this year's parade.

Advertisement

"I just thought, 'We've got to do this,' " Renee Trenary said. "I miss it."

Mike and Karen Marben also came from Minnesota.

"It signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring," Karen Marben said. "And it brings the neighbors together."

Pete Mancini traveled from Charlotte, N.C.

"I don't make it every year, but I try," he said.

Some of the out-of-town visitors actually surprised the Barrs by showing up unannounced Saturday morning.

Advertisement

"I'm blown away," Mo Barr said, noting that Mancini's wife has been her friend since she was 18. "I'm humbled."

With daughter Abby now a high school junior and Abby's sister Mayle only a year behind, Mo Barr isn't sure how much longer the tradition will continue.

"At least the next two years," she said, joking that she had told her daughters she might follow them to wherever they went to college to continue putting on parades.

Neither daughter was especially thrilled with the idea, but they weren't ready to rule out another parade in the more distant future.

"Maybe we'll do it when we're older," Abby said.

Mayle agreed, saying, "Definitely a party."

Advertisement

Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.
The developer of a controversial storage facility proposed for a site at 75th Street and Wehrli Road has asked Naperville officials to suggest changes that might garner city support, after the Naperville City Council unanimously voted last month to oppose the development.

"What is it that would make Naperville more amenable to that proposal?" said Linda LaCloche, recounting what the March 1 meeting between the developer and city staff. "What would fit into Naperville's land use plan?"

Advertisement

The original proposal for an Extra Space Storage facility was for a 730-unit building on 3.2 acres. To proceed, developers requested a zoning change  from single family residential to local business  and a conditional use for a self-storage facility, according to city reports.

On March 1, developers met with Naperville staff and asked what might make Naperville more amenable to the project. They reviewed issues regarding building elevation, landscaping and even annexation into the city, according to city reports. Developers will go before the city council later this month.

Advertisement

The proposed development site is in unincorporated DuPage County, but adjacent to incorporated Naperville property. Per Illinois law, city councils can weigh in on proposed projects 1.5 miles from their borders. If the council votes to oppose the project, it needs a super majority, or 3/4 vote, of the county board to move forward.

The storage facility site is located next to a Walgreens annexed into the city about five years ago. Council members have said they do not believe a storage facility is the best use for the adjacent property, citing a 75th Street Corridor Study adopted in 2008. That study recommends future development along the corridor be residential, office or limited commercial projects. The plan specifically calls for low- or medium-density home developments and small office or commercial use, among other proposals.

After Naperville officials voiced their opposition, developers scaled down the project before presenting it to the DuPage County Zoning Board of Appeals. Now, according to city reports, they have asked the county board to wait until April to consider their request so Naperville staff and council suggestions can be considered.

The item is expected to go before the Naperville City Council on March 15, according to city reports.

gbookwalter@tribpub.com

Twitter: @GenevieveBook
Disabled former U.S. Marine Carlos Villarreal, 31, of Hobart, is frustrated with red-tape hassles and repeated delays involving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Choice program. (Jerry Davich, Post-Tribune)

Carlos Villarreal did his best to curb his frustration while talking on the phone with the representative from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

"Sir, I've already had this same conversation with five million other VA reps," Villarreal said as politely as possible. "Yes, sir, I've already had this talk for my consultation and I'm still waiting and waiting for my appointment."

Advertisement

Villarreal, 31, of Hobart, is a former U.S. Marines sergeant who was seriously wounded in combat while serving in Iraq in 2005. Mortar fire caused severe hearing loss, lingering wounds to his mouth and, later, post-traumatic stress disorder.

The single father of twin 9-year-old boys is the most intense military veteran I've ever met. He shoots off bullet-point thoughts with rapid-fire sentences. He thinks fast, talks faster and angrily curses with polite apology. He's highly intelligent and impressively articulate, but he can be as tactful as a hand grenade.

Advertisement

"I've been conditioned by the Marines for controlled chaos and unpredictable crises," he said from his living room sofa. "That's all I know."

Villarreal is the kind of guy you want not only in your foxhole during combat, but in your proximity if any danger arises. Trouble is, it's the rest of the time that he struggles to assimilate back into society.

"What's PTSD?" he once asked a doctor. "Is it a STD (sexually transmitted disease)?"

Villarreal was entirely serious, as usual. For years afterward, he was in denial and avoidance, he now admits.

"I'm an extreme case, but so many other vets my age have similar issues," he said.

For unknown reasons, his extreme case is entangled in red tape delays for needed medical treatment with the VA, through the Veterans Choice program. Since last summer, he's been waiting to get a MRI test to diagnose nerve damage in his mouth, stemming from that mortar attack a decade ago.

"I have a 100 percent disability and I had to fight to even get these," he said, pulling out his hearing aids.

Villarreal served eight years in the Marines  four in active duty, four in the reserves  after enlisting as a teenager. The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks triggered his decision.

Advertisement

"I felt a calling," said Villarreal, who earned an honorable discharge from the Marines in 2010. "And I'd do it all over again in a (expletive) heartbeat."

In Iraq, he at least knew the enemy and how to attack it. Here, he's struggling to find the correct opponent in his scopes regarding proper medical treatment.

"I'm going to hold these people accountable," he said sternly.

The moving target is the VA and, since last year, also the Veterans Choice program, designed to allow vets to find needed health care closer to their home. It was launched by Congress in response to an investigation finding a list of veterans who waited months for doctor appointments, some dying while waiting.

The idea behind Veterans Choice is to get vets who need healthcare the option of accessing a local provider if they live more than 40 miles from a VA facility or if they're on a waiting list for more than 30 days. It looks good on paper, not so much in practice, local vets say.

"It is very apparent that Congress has once again been scammed by the VA at the expense of the nation's veteran population," said Tom Pappas, a Vietnam War vet from Portage. "And no one within the veterans service organizations, such as the VFW and American Legion, is smart enough to realize what has happened."

Advertisement

"This new program has only added more bureaucratic hoops for ailing vets to jump through," added Dan Orlich, also a Vietnam vet from Portage.

Pappas and Orlich learned about Villarreal's stateside battle and, although he's an extreme case, it's indicative of the program's flaws, they agree.

Other region vets have told them they also can't promptly or easily navigate the program, which is outsourced in this area to an outside vendor with VA ties  Health Net Federal Services. The federal government inked a contract with that company to serve as liaison between the VA and the vets.

"When Congress' appropriations committee passed the $10.2 billion contract with the two companies to administer the Choice Act, did the committee know that the VA would still control the process?" Pappas has repeatedly asked state and federal lawmakers.

He hasn't received an answer.

U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, told me that he is working with the VA to address this ongoing problem.

Advertisement

"I regret I have not been more successful to date to resolve issues veterans have in accessing convenient, quality health care. I will continue to fight for our veterans to ensure they receive world-class health care in a timely manner," he said.

VA spokeswoman Lina Satele told me her agency cannot discuss individual cases, such as Villarreal's, due to privacy laws.

"I can assure you that Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and its Community-Based Outpatient Clinics do our best to accommodate and provide our veterans with the health care they deserve and need," Satele said.

Satele shared data reflecting local wait times, indicating the average percentages and numbers of appointments completed in less than 30 days. In December, for instance, 97 percent of nearly 35,000 patients at the VA center in Chicago and the Adam Benjamin Jr. VA outpatient clinic in Crown Point received appointments within that 30-day criteria.

"Eligibility for the program follows certain criteria mandated nationally," Satele noted. "This means some veterans may not be eligible for the program because the service is available for them at the VA, and also within the criteria specified in the eligibility requirements of the program."

Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

Villarreal insists he is eligible, yet still hasn't received his initial consultation, let alone an MRI, through the Choice program.

Advertisement

"Ironically, the Veterans Choice program doesn't allow veterans a choice," he said. "Veterans are still the only Americans who are told where they have to go for health care. Sadly, this is our new battlefield."

"I know a lot of veterans my age don't want to talk, but if I have to tear the scabs off and open my wounds for people to see, then so be it, he said. "Who better than me?"

jdavich@post-trib.com

Twitter @jdavich

Veterans' voices on the air

Listen to Villarreal, Pappas and Orlich in their own words on my latest Casual Fridays radio show. Find that show at http://lakeshorepublicmedia.org/local-programs/casual-fridays/.
You are here: Home

Police in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have intercepted substantial hauls of smuggled wild animals and animal products in two border cities.

Fangchenggang City police told Xinhua on Saturday that they had intercepted a sedan, in which they found 90 infant crab-eating macaques. It is alleged that the state-protected wild animals, which originate from southeast Asia, were smuggled into China via Fangchenggang's Dongxing City on the China-Vietnam border.

Also on Saturday, Chongzuo City police announced that they had confiscated 102 python skins in Chongzuo's Pingxiang City, which also borders Vietnam. Pythons are first-class protected animals in China.

The investigations continue.
 Flash

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva left the police office here Friday morning after three hours of questioning over a probe into a corruption scheme, police said.

Earlier in the day, Federal police agents searched Lula's residence in Sao Paulo and brought the former president to the local police station for questioning. The operation is part of Brazil's massive anti-corruption campaign code-named Operation Car Wash.

The Brazilian prosecutor said that current investigations are not conclusive enough to lead to an imprisonment conviction for Lula.

Friday morning's operations were conducted in three states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, where over 30 people were arrested and 11 were detained for questioning, police said.

The police also searched the Lula Institute, his nonprofit organization, a ranch and an apartment which investigators said belongs to Lula. But the former president denied it.

Lula was not formally arrested and was released as soon as his testimony ended.

The federal police said in a statement that, in the 24th phase of the Operation Car Wash, they continue the investigations of corruption scheme at state-controlled oil and gas giant Petrobras, started in early 2014, to determine the connection between scheme beneficiaries and Lula.

There is evidence showing that Lula benefited from the bribery scheme at the state-owned oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA, according to the statement.
 Flash

U.S. space firm SpaceX successfully sent Friday evening a European commercial communications satellite into space, but failed again in an attempt to softland the spent first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

About one hour after launch, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted: "Rocket landed hard on the droneship. Didn't expect this one to work ... but next flight has a good chance."

The failure was not a surprise as the California-based firm itself had little hope for the rocket recovery test, part of the company's efforts to produce a fully and rapidly reusable rocket.

SpaceX said a reusable rocket will dramatically reduce the cost of space transport. Traditionally, rockets are designed for a single use only, burning up or crashing into the ocean after liftoff.

The Falcon 9 rocket shot into the sky at 6:35 p.m. EST (2335 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the U.S. state of Florida, carrying a commercial communications satellite called SES-9, which will deliver television and high-speed broadband services to the Asia-Pacific region.

The rocket's first stage separated about 2.5 minutes after launch and then performed a series of engine burns for an experimental landing on the "Of Course I Still Love You" drone ship, which was stationed in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast.

SpaceX achieved one successful soft landing in December last year on a land-based pad at Cape Canaveral, but its three previous attempts to land the first stage on an ocean drone ship -- in January 2015, April 2015, and this January -- all failed.

This time, the SES-9 was headed for the so-called Geostationary Transfer Orbit, about 36,000 kilometers above Earth, which required the rocket to fly faster than usual.

This made it more difficult for a landing after stage separation. SpaceX said in a pre-launch statement that "a successful landing is not expected."
 Flash

Chilean scientists have developed an ointment that early trials have proved effective in combating melanoma, the most aggressive variety of skin cancer, announced University of Santiago on Friday.

The cream, said the Chilean university, has been made by a research team from its Faculty of Chemistry and Biology and contains a plant that is endemic to the South American country.

It is currently in the early stages of testing and being applied to animals, and so far it has proved to be an effective solution for melanoma, according to Sofia Michelson, who along with Claudio Acuna led the research team.

Every year between two and three million people all over the world are diagnosed with melanoma, according to World Health Organization (WHO) figures.

"We are fighting melanoma because it is the most aggressive skin cancer. Also, other creams currently exist for treating skin cancer but they do not specifically treat this type," said Michelson.

The experts' main objective is to find a mechanism that can counteract the organism's progression before the presence of a tumor.

"The problem is that the human body does not react to tumors because they make bodies believe they are normal," Acuna explained. "For that reason, the idea was to find an immunological response for when a bacterial as well as a viral or parasitic infection appears."

The ointment is for external use and should be applied every third day for a period of about a month, during which the application zone should be protected, said the researchers.

The medication contains an extract of a shrub that can be found between the Chilean regions of Coquimbo in the north and Biobio in the south, they added, noting that the substance affects the viability of the tumor cells.

"We had already carried out other researches into treating melanoma cancer and, while searching for how to improve them, we found this compound," said Michelson.

The effectiveness of the treatment has been encouraging, noted the researchers.

After applying the ointment on animals, the researchers were able to more than double the animals' life expectancy compared to other conventional medicines.

"The ointment gives protection against tumor growth. For example, if before the life expectancy was seven days, now it is up to 24 days. There are also some examples that were able to successfully eradicate melanoma," added Michelson.

Another advantage of the treatment is its low cost, said the researcher, pointing out that there are already a lot of products available to fight general cancer, "but many of them are expensive."
 Flash

Brazil's federal police started Friday a new round of anti-corruption probe with former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva being the main target.

File photo taken on March 31, 2015 shows former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reacting during a meeting with members of pro-government unions and social movements, in Sao Paulo city, Brazil. Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been detained in Brazil's huge corruption probe code-named Operation Car Wash, officials said Friday. Lula's residence in Sao Paulo has been searched and evidence showed that Lula benefited from bribery schemed at the state-owned oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA, according to a police statement. [Photo / Xinhua]

Earlier in the day, police officers searched Lula's residence in Sao Paulo and the Lula Institute, an organization founded after the former president left office. They also searched a ranch and an apartment which investigators said belongs to Lula. The former president, however, denied his ownership of the property.

The operation is part of Brazil's massive anti-corruption campaign code-named Operation Car Wash, which aims to dismantle schemes of corruption in the government.

Lula was taken to the federal police station for questioning and was released three hours later. But he was not arrested or charged.

The Brazilian prosecutor said that the current investigations are not conclusive enough to lead to an imprisonment conviction for Lula.

Still, the fact that he was taken for questioning sparked suspicion that he is involved in a scandal.

The federal police said in a statement that, in the 24th phase of the Operation Car Wash, they continued to investigate the corruption scheme at state-controlled oil and gas giant Petrobras, started in early 2014, to determine the connection between scheme beneficiaries and former President Lula.

There is evidence that Lula had received assets in the Petrobras scheme through the allocation and renovation of a triplex apartment and a ranch in Atibaia, as well as luxury furniture, police said. Political contributions to the former president from companies involved in the Operation Car Wash Operation, are also under investigation.

The Lula Institute released a statement calling the police move "arbitrary, illegal and unjustifiable" and "an aggression to the legal state."

Lula said earlier that though he visited the triplex apartment which the police said is owned by him, he did not finalize the purchase. The ranch in Atibaia, he said, belongs to a friend, and he just spent vacations there.
 Flash

Families of those onboard Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 were urged on Friday to file their claims before the deadlines as they prepare to mark the second anniversary of the accident.

Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai urged the families "regardless of nationality to file claims" under the Montreal Convention against Malaysia Airlines by March 8 to preserve their legal rights.

The Montreal Convention sets a limitation of two years to file claims.

"The Malaysian government remains ever conscious that the next-of-kin need to be accorded their legitimate rights as provided under the relevant international and domestic laws," Liow said via his Twitter account.

Malaysia Airlines reiterated its commitment of "fair and equitable compensation" to the families in February, in responding to the concerns expressed by Voice370, A families' support group.

Flight MH370 disappeared on March 8, 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with a total of 239 passengers on board, most of them Chinese. Malaysian and French authorities said last year that an aircraft flaperon found on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion belonged to the missing plane.
 Flash

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday evening appeared at a political rally in Sao Paulo, expressing defiance to his detention in a corruption probe.

"If they want to fight me, they will have to face me in the streets. They think they can silence me with persecution and denouncements, but they do not know I survived hunger," Lula told a large crowd of supporters at Sao Paulo's bank workers' union.

"I am not vengeful and I carry no hate, but I am aware of what I can do for this nation and what they want from me. If they need someone to raise the troop's morale, here I am," he added, reaffirming his willingness to travel across the country and continue his politics.

The former president recalled achievements of his administration, such as the increase of black students in universities and the poor's average income, both through social welfare program Bolsa Familia and increases in the minimum wage.

Lula said he faced a lot of prejudice for his humble origins, but stressed that his successor, Dilma Rousseff, faces even more prejudice for being a woman. Rousseff was the first female president in Brazil.

Early in the morning, the 70-year-old former president was detained and taken to a Federal Police station to testify on a case of corruption. Police officers searched Lula's residence in Sao Paulo and the Lula Institute, an organization founded after the former president left office.

Speaking at a press conference after being interrogated by federal investigators for three hours at Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport on Friday, Lula said he felt "offended" but the support he had received inspired him to "keep fighting."

"I felt like a prisoner this morning. I have been through a lot in my life. I am not the type of man to bear a grudge but our country can continue like this," said a defiant Lula.

The former president told the press that he had previously voluntarily testified to investigators and that he would have been happy to appear again at their request.

He also accused the investigations by the federal prosecutor of being infiltrated by the media. "While lawyers know nothing, certain media already know things. It is shameful that a piece of the Brazilian justice system is working in association with the press," Lula noted.

Lula, who was president from 2003 to 2010, is often regarded as one of the most popular politicians in the history of Brazil. He remains as one of Brazil's most influential political figures after leaving office.
China's leadership in taking forward the global green finance agenda is well supported by its political will and the large commercial market for infrastructure projects, says Sir Roger Gifford, chairman of the City of London Green Finance Initiative.

"China is emerging as a global force in many areas, including geo-political, and as climate change is such a global concern it is an excellent area for China to exercise leadership in, and an area that is almost uncontroversial," says Gifford, who was Lord Mayor for the City of London, in 2013.

Gifford, who is working extensively with green finance through his role as champion for the City of London's Green Finance Initiative and as UK head of the Nordic bank SEB, made green finance a big theme in his year as Lord Mayor.

So when Gifford visited Beijing in September 2013, he proposed to the Beijing government that they should issue a green bond to finance clean energy projects in Beijing. "I believe I was the first person to make the suggestion to the Beijing mayor, that the city should issue a green bond to help clean up parts of the city and provide cleaner energy."

"At the time he thought it was an interesting concept but didn't perhaps know much about it. Since then, the amount of initiatives taken by the Chinese government to understand green finance has greatly grown," he says.

Although Chinese local governments have yet to issue green bonds, the idea nowadays is much more understood, helped by regulatory changes in China which now allow local governments to fund infrastructure projects through bond issuance. "Chinese municipal governments should be encouraged to look at this closely, as they have tight budgets but need money to finance clean energy projects."

The City of London Corporation is the local authority that governs London's Square Mile, the financial center with a great deal of history and global influence. London's diverse and vast investor base made it an attractive city for the People's Bank of China to issue its first offshore renminbi bond.

Seeing green finance as an area requiring close participation by financial sector players, the City of London Green Finance Initiative was set up in 2016. PBoC showed its support as its chief economist Ma Jun gave a speech at the initiative's launch via a webcast.

Gifford says that he expects the PBoC will work closely with the initiative, and together they can facilitate the long term discussions of many green finance agenda items raised as a part of the G20 dialogue, for which China has presidency this year. Importantly, China has led the establishment of a G20 green finance study group, chaired by the PBoC and Bank of England, which will work to present findings during the G20 meeting in September.

"China has been extremely active in developing its domestic green finance market, and it's really positive that China is giving the subject a boost through its G20 leadership," Gifford says, adding that the he considers the Chinese government to be already an authority on this subject.

He says the Chinese government's strong leadership to augment the green finance agenda from a top down approach is useful, in the same way that an agreement to limit temperature increases this century to below two degrees Celsius at the Paris conference is greatly helped by strong political leadership.

On a global level, the Paris conference agreement was significant in creating a consensus. "Even two years ago we've had many scientists who weren't convinced that climate change is manmade, but now we have a consensus that, whatever the reasons, something must be done. I believe China is well up on the curve on understanding how this needs to be translated into action."

Efforts to reform China's green finance industry are also significant for China's structural shift from high growth powered by manufacturing industry towards long term sustainable growth built on a knowledge economy, Gifford says.

He calls China's strong emphasis on green finance as part practicality and part belief. "China knows it has huge infrastructure requirements, needing to be financed. It knows that the country needs more power and needs to reduce pollution in cities, which gives it an imperative to grow green finance. But there's also a growing belief that green finance really works."

To contact the reporter: cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com
Zhang Jindong, chairman of Suning Holdings Group Ltd, meets reporters on the sidelines of the annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Zhang Jindong, the founder and chairman of Suning Holdings Group Ltd, China's largest electronics retailer, is calling 2016 a "year of opportunities" for firms in the sector as the country's shift toward more domestic consumption continues to drive the economy.

"Despite the downward pressure, I don't think 2016 will be an economic winter as cold as many expect," Zhang said in Beijing Thursday night, on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body.

Zhang said he expected the purchasing power of Chinese to continue growing after consumption contributed 66.4 percent of China's GDP growth last year, quoting the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce, up 15.4 percentage points year-on-year.

"That trend will continue and is encouraging news for companies in the consumption and service sectorsthis is a year of opportunities," he said.

A member of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Zhang said to really tap into domestic consumption, more steps are still needed to boost development of an online-to-offline shopping model for cross-border e-commerce.

"The government should allow enterprises to set up bonded warehouses in their physical stores," Zhang said, which could allow consumers to window shop online, and then try out and collect the products there.

Bonded warehouses are areas where goods can be stored without the payment of customs duty.

The expansion of such facilities, he said, which could do away with the delivery process, would also allow buyers to return products far quicker if they are unsatisfied with what they found.

Suning set up its cross-border e-tailing business in 2014, and it has expanded fast, with supply chains now set up into the United States, Australia, Europe and other destinations popular with Chinese consumers.

E-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd and its arch-rival JD.com Inc, as well as a string of startups, are also searching opportunities on cross-border e-commerce.

"Cross-border e-commerce allows domestic consumers to enjoy the same food and services, for instance, as those overseas and helps our enterprises grow by building spending levels at home," Zhang said.

Chinese people made more than 120 million outbound trips last year, an annual 12 percent rise, and they spent $104.5 billion, according to the China National Tourism Administration.

Gao Hucheng, minister of commerce, said in February that one of the ministry's priorities in 2016 is to promote cross-border e-commerce, which grew by more than 30 percent last year.
BEIJING - China's vice finance minister has accused international rating agencies of basing their ratings on "ideological influences" and urged them to "treat emerging economies fairly and impartially," after Moody's cut its outlook on China's sovereign bonds.

"The move lacks foresight and vision, and practice will prove the decision wrong, as they should not make judgements on China based on Westernized perspectives," said Zhu Guangyao on Friday, on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary session.

Moody's announced on Wednesday that it had downgraded its outlook on China's sovereign bonds from stable to negative, citing potential weakening in China's fiscal strength, the fall in its foreign exchange reserves, and uncertainty about its policy priorities.

According to official Chinese figures, the country's fiscal deficit in 2015 accounted for 2.3 percent of its GDP, and many international institutions hold that a country's deficit should not exceed 3 percent of its GDP. Finance Minister Lou Jiwei said in late February that there is room to expand fiscal policy and predicted an increased budget deficit this year.

Zhu said this 3-percent "warning line" should not be taken as a uniform standard, and it is mainly applicable to European Union members.

The warning line should vary from country to country based on each country's national conditions, he said.

Zhu expects China's fiscal revenues to go down slightly as a result of tax and fee cuts, saying the country will deal with possible fiscal imbalances by increasing the deficit moderately on a temporary basis.

But from a medium-to-long-term perspective, supply-side structural reform should add new driving forces for China's economy, boosting fiscal revenues, Zhu said.
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - China will build a second railway connecting Tibet with other parts of the country, according to a draft outline of a five-year plan released Saturday.

The railway will be built between Tibet Autonomous Region's capital city Lhasa and Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, in southwest China, according to the draft outline of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) on national economy and social development submitted to the national legislature for examination. It provided no further details.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is now linking Tibet with inland regions of the country. The 1,956-km railway, which started operation in July 2006, is the world's highest and longest plateau railroad.

Media reports have said the new railway will be about 1,629 km long, and it will only take 15 hours for trains traveling between Lhasa and Chengdu.

"We hope that the railway will be completed as early as possible. It will provide new momentum for our development, especially the tourism," said Wangdui, a national lawmaker and mayor of Tibet's Nyingchi City, where the new railway will go through.

In addition, the country will accelerate construction of railways in border areas and build cross-border corridors, the draft said.

More high-speed railways, including one linking Beijing and Hong Kong (Taipei), will be built, it said.

It is expected that the length of high-speed railways in operation will reach 30,000 km, linking over 80 percent of the country's major cities, according to the draft.
BEIJING - With more of China's financial institutions exploring facial recognition, Chinese borrowers will find it easier, and safer, to secure small loans online.

Rong360.com, China's self-styled "financial supermarket," will use SenseTime, facial recognition software developed by Chinese scientists, to help link its nearly 10,000 financial institutional clients with customers.

The biggest risk with online transactions of any kind is identity theft, this is the primary obstacle China's online financing services are trying to solve, said Ye Daqing, CEO of rong360.com.

Over the past four years, rong360.com has received online loan applications for three trillion yuan ($460 billion), extending loans worth 300 billion yuan.

Although this is a fraction of the nation's total loans, the momentum is inspiring and by the end of the year, China's online loans might exceed one trillion yuan, said Ye.

In 2015 alone, financial institutions posted 94 trillion yuan in outstanding loans denominated in yuan, an increase of 11.7 trillion yuan from the previous year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

"Explosive growth is to be seen in China's online financing market, which has potential exceeding the United States," Ye said.

Credit investigation

A special challenge China can not dodge, however, is the brutal reality of an inefficient and less-developed credit system. Improvements will largely depend on the rapid accumulation and sharing of personal credit information.

Xu Li, founder and CEO of SenseTime, said through this cooperation, urban commercial banks, share-holding banks and financial service agencies would no longer need to build new outlets.

"Soliciting customers through the Internet will be more cost-efficient," said he.

Facial recognition can automatically confirm the identification of a loan applicant, bringing up an applicants demands and credit history, and match their preferences with the products of financial institutions.

"The reward for technology developers like SenseTime will be access to data, which will help to improve the accuracy of human facial recognition and improve the application," said Xu.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a government work report during the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 12th National People's Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Premier Li Keqiang on Saturday expressed his confidence of realizing China's 2020 goals, while mentioning to fight "a difficult battle" in face of tougher challenges.

The government work report, delivered by Li at the opening meeting of the national legislature annual session, sets this year's economic growth target at between 6.5 and 7 percent as well as the average annual growth rate for the next five years at above 6.5 percent.

The year 2016 is the starting year of China's 13th five-year plan towards 2020 by when China vowed to complete the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. China aims to double the 2010 GDP and per capita personal income by 2020.

"We... become more aware of the need of uphold political integrity, keep in mind the bigger picture, follow the Communist Party of China (CPC) as the core of the Chinese leadership, act consistently with CPC Central Committee policies," Li said in his report.

Li's remarks echoed a recent article by Qiushi Journal, the CPC Central Committee flagship magazine, which said the "four consciousnesses."

Faithfulness to the core leadership of the Party is characterized by staunch loyalty to "the Communist Party of China Central Committee, [its] General Secretary Xi Jinping as well as to Party theories, guidelines, principles and policies," the journal said.

About 3,000 deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) listened to Li's report at the opening meeting, chaired by Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee and executive chairperson of the session's presidium, along with top Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli.

In his report, Li called on all Chinese to "rally closer around the CPC Central Committee headed by General Secretary Xi."

Growth for five years

China is facing slower growth and trying to shift its development to a more sustainable model.

Explaining why setting the growth rate in this range, Li said, "We have taken into consideration the need to finish building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the need to advance structural reform."

Such a growth might help ensure employment and people's welfare, he said.

Last year, China realized a GDP growth of 6.9 percent, with a total output exceeding 60 trillion yuan ($9.19 trillion), which means every percentage point of GDP growth is equivalent to 1.5 points five years before or 2.5 points ten years before.

"The larger the economy grows, the greater the difficulty of achieving growth," Li said.
A clerk counts Chinese 100 yuan banknotes at a branch of a foreign bank in Beijing Jan 4, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

China plans to raise the ceiling for special local government bonds issuance to 400 billion yuan ($61.5 billion) this year, up from 100 billion yuan in 2015.

The figure was revealed in this year's Government Work Report, released on Saturday, although the quota for new general bonds was not specified. Last year, China allowed regional and local governments to issue 100 billion yuan of special bonds and 500 billion yuan of general bonds.

Premier Li Keqiang said local governments will continue to issue new bonds to swap high-cost debt stock and alleviate repayment pressures, without specifying a quota. Last year local governments were allowed to swap 3.2 trillion yuan of debt.

In the government work report he delivered to the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, Li also vowed to step up fiscal and tax reform.

"We will work toward ensuring that central and local governments receive an appropriate share of value-added tax. Tax suitable as sources of local government revenue will be handed over to local governments along with the corresponding administrative powers," Li said.

Local governments have long complained that they receive too small a share of tax revenue, while shouldering a disproportionately large amount of spending responsibility.

Li also said those local governments with strong financial fundamentals will be allowed to "modestly raise" their debt ceilings.
Xiaomi's CEO Lei Jun accepts interview in Beijing, March 5, 2016. [Photo/IC]

For Lei Jun, CEO of leading smartphone and TV accessories maker Xiaomi Corp, the standout quote from this year's Government Work Report was: "development is the absolute principle".

The delegate to the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, said that this statement gave encouragement to China's entrepreneurs.

"When facing many complicated issues, I think confidence is the most important thing," said Lei.

"As entrepreneurs, the government's positive attitude toward development is really important to us."

Confidence can also be imparted by focusing on successes rather than failures, Lei said.

"Many people question innovation and entrepreneurship because of the high failure rate of startups. I don't think this is something we should make a fuss about. Starting something new from scratch comes with the high risk of it shutting down. About 90 percent of startups will shut down," he said.

"However, the majority of big, successful companies have built themselves up from prior failures. This happens in every industry, so we should pay more attention to the successes instead of the failures. Even if only a few succeed, they can bring a positive influence to society."
BEIJING - China's scientific and technological progress contributed to 55.1 percent of the country's economic growth in 2015, demonstrating the crucial role of sci-tech, the Ministry of Science and Technology said Friday.

China ranked the 18th in the world in terms of the national innovative capacity last year, and the scientific system reform has achieved tangible progress, according to a statement from the ministry.

The ministry said China is now focusing on a collaborative innovation mechanism combining the industry and academic research, striving to transform technology into real benefits as the country pushes for a innovation-driven development.

The State Council on Wednesday publicized a regulation on how to implement a bill on the commercialization of scientific research findings, providing detailed operational measures for academics and inventors to commercially exploit their work.

The value of technology transactions in China amounted to 983.5 billion yuan ($150 billion) in 2015, up 14.7 percent year on year.

Statistics from the ministry showed 16 pilot areas implementing a "combined technology and finance" program, including Shanghai and Chongqing, have loaned more than 1.2 trillion yuan to middle and small enterprises for scientific research investment.
BEIJING - A contract dispute involving a pregnant teacher in central China has sparked online outrage over job discrimination against women.

A female teacher with Shangbo Primary School in Shangqiu City, Henan province, posted pictures of a contract she signed with the school on microblog Sina Weibo, according to a report carried this week by the Voice of China.

Weibo user "5838013387" claimed that the school refused her application for maternity leave. After she decided to leave, the school fined her 800 yuan for breaking the contract.

According to the contract, the school "guarantees rest and vacation for its teachers," but any female teacher who "interrupts class schedules" due to pregnancy or other reasons should pay 2,000 yuan (307 US dollars) in compensation for recruiting and paying replacement teachers.

"Female teachers preparing to have babies should get pregnant in the second semester," reads the high-handed provision. "If they get pregnant in the first semester, causing them to stop working or resign, they should pay 2,000 yuan in total."

Liu Zhu, headmaster of the private school, said the restrictive measure aims to "prevent disturbances to general school schedules."

"We will not stop anyone from becoming pregnant as long as their pregnancies do not interfere with the school curriculum," Liu said.

He added that the contract is signed annually, and that none of the 30-plus female teachers demurred when they signed it.

The story has spurred a wave of heated online discussions, with many netizens accusing the school of breaking the law.

"It's ridiculous," wrote Weibo user "Yigexingqiba." "Under such provisions, who dares to have a second baby?"

"This is obviously against the law, the teacher should file a lawsuit," read another comment.

According to China's Labor Law, all women are entitled to maternity leave when they work within the stated period of a contract. The law on the protection of the rights of women and children also stipulates that labor contracts should not contain any items restricting female workers from getting married or getting pregnant.

Local authorities have launched an investigation into the case.
Smaller boost in military spending seen By ZHAO LEI (China Daily) Updated: 2016-03-05 07:11:11

Figure expected to be the lowest since 2010, as nation tries to balance economic growth with defense outlays

The increase in China's military budget will be much lower than earlier speculations, which put the figure at more than 20 percent, said the spokeswoman for the annual session of the top legislature on Friday.

"This year we will continue to increase our military spending, but the rate of increase will be lower compared with those of the past several years," said Fu Ying at a news briefing.

"The rise this year will stand between 7 and 8 percent," she said, one day before the opening of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

The exact figure is expected to be released in a draft budget report on Saturday, when the NPC convenes.

If Fu's remarks turn out to be accurate, the figure would be the lowest since 2010, when China's military spending grew by 7.5 percent from the previous year.

China's defense budget rose by 10.1 percent last year.

With last year's budget standing at $144 billion, an increase of 7 to 8 percent would take defense spending for this year to between $154 billion and $155 billionless than one-third of what the US is proposing to spend this year, according to media reports. Fu said that the military spending increase is in line with national defense needs, the economic situation and fiscal revenue.

Major General Chen Zhou, director of the National Defense Policy Research Center of the People's Liberation Army Academy of Military Science, told China Daily that the military budget is made in light of the Law on National Defense, and there are no so-called invisible budget items.

Each year the national lawmakers review and scrutinize the military budget, so it is impossible for invisible budget items to exist, said Chen, who also is a lawmaker.

"The PLA is conducting its affairs in an unprecedentedly confident, open and transparent way," Chen added.

The lower rise in the military budget represents the government's effort to strike a balance between economic growth and defense outlays.

It also reflects China's commitment to peaceful development, according to Chen.

China's economy expanded by 6.9 percent last year, the slowest rate in 25 years, weighed down by a property market slowdown, falling foreign trade and a weak manufacturing sector.
Mars probe to be launched in 2020 By WANG XIAODONG/XIN DINGDING (China Daily) Updated: 2016-03-05 07:37:16

Independent exploration project follows failed mission with Russia that ended after 2011 crash

China is planning to launch a Mars probe in the year 2020 to carry out an independent exploration of the Red Planet after a joint mission with Russia failed in 2011, said Ye Peijian, a top space scientist and national political adviser.

The probe is expected to reach Mars in 2021 after a flight of seven to ten months, he said on Friday during the annual session of the national political advisory body in Beijing.

"Consensus has been reached among policymakers and leading scientists," he said.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the main contractor of China's space missions, said on Friday that the Mars exploration is among the 10 major orders that Long March 5, the country's next-generation heavy lift rocket, has received so far.

Other orders include the Chang'e-5 lunar probe mission that is expected to bring back soil from the moon around 2017, and the much-anticipated space station's core module that will be launched around 2020. The launch vehicle is slated to make a maiden flight later this year.

The size and structure of the Mars probe will be similar to Chang'e-3, China's first lunar lander that was launched in 2013, though there are many differences, he said.

At present, scientists have started making technological preparations for communications between the probe and Earth, possible landing and roving on the Mars, and how to deal with the planet's extreme environment, he said.

"There are many challenges in front of us ... but I think it is likely we will send the probe to Mars given our all-out efforts, the know-how we gained from past missions and everybody's support," he said.

China's previous effort to explore Mars in cooperation with Russia in 2011 failed after the Russian launch vehicle carrying Yinghuo-1, China's first Mars probe, crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

But Chinese scientists have not given up on the dream to explore deep space.

Scientists such as Ye have been promoting an independent exploration program for the past few years.

So far, only the United States, the former Soviet Union, the European Space Agency and India have successfully carried out Mars exploration missions.

Ye, who is also the chief scientist of the Chang'e-3 program, said that China has not yet approved the plan to send astronauts to the moon.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at wangxiaodong@chinadaily.com.cn
Cross-Straits ties at critical phase: Top Taiwan affairs official By Luo Wangshu and Zheng Jinran (chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2016-03-05 11:48:03

Zhang Zhijun, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, is interviewed before the opening meeting of the Fourth Session of the 12th NPC. [Photo by Zhong Nan/China Daily]

The Chinese mainland's stance on safeguarding state sovereignty and security is very firm and clear-cut, and nobody should doubt it, said Zhang Zhijun, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council.

Cross-Straits relations have entered into a critical phase of choosing the path and direction, Zhang said in an interview before the opening meeting of the Fourth Session of the 12th NPC, the top legislature.

Whether or not to stick to the 1992 Consensus and peaceful development is of more concern to people across the Taiwan Straits, said Zhang.

The Taiwan Affairs Office sincerely hopes to carry on the peaceful road on the foundation of the 1992 Consensus and firmly opposes to any pro-independence moves, he emphasized.
Nobel Laureates' opinions incorporated in work report By Zhao Huanxin (chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2016-03-05 15:00:00

With the Chinese New Year approaching, Premier Li Keqiang talked with some foreign experts working in China on Feb 5 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Huang Shouhong, deputy director of the State Council Research Office, said 13 foreign experts, including two Nobel Laureates, were consulted on the draft of the work report.

The experts are from seven countries --the US, the UK, Austria, Netherland, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, and some suggestions in areas such as economics, management, energy and technology were incorporated in the final report.

Premier Li Keqiang delivered this year's Government Work Report to the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, on Saturday.
President Xi says Shanghai can be reform, innovation 'pioneer' (Xinhua) Updated: 2016-03-05 20:35:03

Chinese President Xi Jinping joins a group deliberation of deputies from Shanghai to the annual session of the National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping stressed supply-side structural reform Saturday when he joined a meeting of deputies from Shanghai, who were deliberating the government's work report, at the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress.

Shanghai should use its courageous, pioneering spirit and youthful vigor to be innovative in the way it advances reform, Xi said, calling on the city to serve as a "pioneer" in this regard.

Xi asked the region to accelerate measures that will help it establish itself as a globally influential center for technology and innovation.

The eastern coastal city, the country's finance and trade center, is home to China's first-ever free trade zone and has been used by policymakers as a testing ground for new policies, such as the negative list for foreign capital management, which defined sectors in which foreign entities could invest.

Xi also spoke about China's innovative, coordinated, green, open and sharing developmental philosophy.
The calabash brothers. [File photo]

The popular Chinese animation TV series Calabash Brothers (Hulu Xiongdi) is set to become a live-action film, announced Shanghai Film Group Corporation and Edko Films at a joint press conference in Shanghai on February 29.

Known as "Huluwa" among its many Chinese fans, the original 13-episode series was first broadcast in 1986 and follows the adventures of seven boys with super powers fighting two demonic spirits.

The animation is part of the collective memory of many fans who were born in the 1970s and 80s and they are both excited and anxious at the news.

"No matter how terrible the movie's gonna be, I'm definitely going to watch it," said Banbi Typhoon on the Twitter-like social media Sina Weibo. Another, Duoduo, worried whether "the director could find seven identical brothers for filming."

At the press conference, Bill Kong, president of Hong Kong-based Edko Films, promised that the remake had been decided upon after careful deliberation.

He added that they have opted for live-action rather than high-tech CG animation as part of their efforts to respect the roots of the classic animation.

A calabash is a light-green vine fruit, also known as opo squash or long melon. In the series, seven different-colored calabashes fall from their stems and magically transform into the brothers.

So far, the animation series has been translated into seven languages.

Related:

Classic Finnish cartoon character comes to China
Li Min/China Daily

A man in Central China's Henan province tried, in vain, for four months to get a hukou (household registration) for his newborn son from a local public security bureau. He then presented 200 yuan ($31) to the police officer in charge of the matter and, within two days, got the registration completed.

Another man, just released from prison, said he had to give presents to the guards from time to time to avoid being harassed by them in prison. And a senior official in Nan'an, South China's Fujian province, got an earful from his wife for failing to use his connections to get his son admitted to a "better" school.

The three cases mentioned in a recent report of China Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision News, the official publication of the country's top anti-corruption watchdog, are quite common in everyday life. The report also said a type of "corruption subculture", which thrives on "hidden rules", permeates society.

Stories of doctors receiving hongbao, or red envelopes containing gift money, from patients for a surgery are no longer news nor are tales of candidates showering examiners with gifts to get a driving license. The "corruption subculture", like "spiritual smog" covering every aspect of life, is eroding the normal order of society.

When most people believe that by following the normal procedure they cannot get even routine things done and, hence, resort to bribing officials or using their connections, it means something is seriously wrong with the existing social norms.

The central leadership has launched an unprecedented anti-corruption drive, which has brought down a large number of "tigers and flies", or high-ranking and lower-level corrupt officials. Indeed, the leadership is determined to clean the Party and government, but it should pay attention to the "corruption subculture" too.

If people grow up in a culture in which the use of money as "social lubricant" is rampant, taking bribes and favors by officials will become an accepted practice. The source of the "corruption subculture" is unchecked powers of officials.

Grassroots police officers, prison guards and doctors may not be important enough to be called even "flies", but it is the resources they have at their disposal that make abuse of power possible. The money or presents they demand or take may not be big enough to land them in jail, but bit by bit they will continue to contribute to the "corruption subculture", which will lead to greater and more damaging corruption.

While people are infuriated to see the appalling facts after a corrupt official is caught, how many can say they haven't done anything to help corruption flourish? People who bribe officials to get things done and thus become part of the "corruption subculture" risk violating law themselves. One has to ask oneself: Do you have the will to resist temptation? Or, will you become corrupt if you get the opportunity?

This "corruption subculture" cannot be eradicated if people continue to involuntarily follow the "hidden rules" to get things done.

The top leadership has vowed to keep power "within the cage" of systematic regulations. It has also been pushing forward the work of streamlining administrative approval processes to cut red tape to reduce the power of the government, a move applauded by all. But strengthened supervision for people who exercise power is also essential for preventing abuse of power.

Moreover, public resistance to these "hidden rules" is also necessary to eradicate corruption.

The fight against corruption is high on the agenda of the deputies to the National People's Congress and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attending the twin annual sessions in Beijing. The deputies and members, who hail from all walks of life and from across the country, can play a leading role in finding ways to end the "corruption subculture" once and for all.

The writer is an editor of China Daily. lifangchao@chinadaily.com.cn
The Lake of Two Rivers. [Photo by Wang Yan/ For China Daily]

Visiting a natural reserve park in the depths of winter would not be everyone's idea of holiday fun, particularly if that park is in southern Ontario, where the average minimum temperature in January can be around -20 C.

So even the colorful language that a friend used as she suggested that we head out of Toronto on a day trip to Algonquin Provincial Parkwe could "embrace the beauty of the nature", she saysheld little appeal for me. The white icing on this supposedly appetizing cake was two days of heavy snow that had just fallen in the area.

"Come on," my friend Rachel pleads. "You've never been there, right? You'll want to try it sometime."

Rachel and I go back a very long way, and she knows how to win me over.

So here we were, three people and a dog, Willy, a border collie, on Highway 60, which passes through the southern section of the park.

Before the trip I had never heard of Algonquin Provincial Park but Rachel, who has lived in Canada for more than 12 years, reckons it is the perfect place to appreciate the beauty of maple leaves, which indeed is what the park is best known for. However, the day we headed for the park, when it was-10 C, autumn colors were the last thing I expected to see.

Locals apparently often refer to Highway 60 as a corridor, and it was easy to see why, because the road gradually takes you into the area's natural scenery before you even realize it.

Our planned route was to enter the park through what is called its western gate and exit through the other side. Despite the terminology, it seemed to us that there was in fact no gate, at least not one big enough for us to notice.

Soon we were parked outside a shop near a ski trail entrance. As I stepped out of the car I found myself knee-deep in snow, and feeling every one of those 10 degrees below the zero mark.
Hidden treasure. Step-by-Step. The delicious, colourful layered cake with a hidden sweet centre. [Photo/IC]

There are no meals anymore, only snacks.

As around-the-clock grazing upends the way people eat, companies are reimagining foods that aren't normally seen as snacks to elbow in on the trend. That means everything including grilled chicken, cereal, chocolate, peanut butter and even Spam are now being marketed as snacks.

Some are trying to jump into the party by playing up protein. Meat processing giant Tyson launched Hillshire Snacking this year with packs of cut-up chicken that people are supposed to grab and eat with their hands (120 calories per pack). Canned meat maker Hormel is testing "Spam Snacks," which are dried chunks of the famous meat in re-sealable bags (220 calories per bag).

People with a sweet tooth aren't being forgotten. After years of slumping cereal sales, Kellogg recently introduced Kellogg's To Go pouches, which hold slightly larger pieces of cereal the company says were "specifically created to be eaten by hand" (190 calories per pouch, which is comparable in size to a bag of potato chips).

Even Hershey is trying to become more of a snacks player with "snack mixes" that seem like trail mix, except with Reese's peanut butter cups and mini chocolate bars (280 calories per package).

"People are snacking more and more, sometimes instead of meals, sometimes with meals, and sometimes in between meals," says Marcel Nahm, who heads North American snacks for Hershey.

He says Hershey's research shows some people snack "10 times a day".
(Photo : Reuters) The freighter Mu Du Bong of North Korea's Ocean Maritime Management (OMM) Company is seen in the port of Tuxpan, in Mexico, in the above photo taken in October 2015. Ships from the same company have been subject to previous UN embargoes.

Advertisement

Beijing on Wednesday ordered China's maritime authorities to ban 31 North Korean vessels from entry into the country's harbors. The ban follows the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) approval of the latest round of international sanctions against Kim Jon Un's government for its nuclear weapons and missile development programs.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

The banned vessels are blacklisted under the UNSC sanctions. The ships belong to North Korea's Ocean Maritime Management (OMM) Company, which has been subject to previous UN embargos.



In a notice to China's maritime agencies, the Chinese Ministry of Transport instructed coast guard and port authorities to report if any of the banned ships are in Chinese waters or harbors.



The embargo on the 31 vessels forms part of the "exceedingly sensitive" work of enforcing the UNSC sanctions, according to the notice.



No Agreed Distinction



The new sanctions require UN member states to inspect cargo going in and out of North Korea, and restrict supplies of aviation fuel for Kim Jong Un's armed forces.



They also ban the sale of all small arms and conventional weapons to Pyongyang, and prohibit transactions that raise cash for its nuclear and missile programs through the sale of North Korea's natural resource products.



The Chinese embargo on the OMM vessels is seen as an indication of Beijing's determination to carry out the new sanctions.



Critics, however, have been quick to point out that the sanctions have been weakened by loopholes arising from conditions added to accommodate the requests from the governments of China and Russia.



One such loophole, critics claim, is that North Korea can still import oil and sell minerals for 'livelihood' purposes. Nations that continue to trade with the North under these conditions are not obliged to report transactions to the UN sanctions committee.



Inspectors would be hard put to distinguish whether cargo will serve livelihood or military purposes as there is no agreed UN distinction between the two, critics have argued.



International Obligation



Analysts like Andrea Berger, deputy director at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), have also expressed doubts over Beijing's ability -- and willingness -- to enforce the sanctions to their fullest.



Berger suggests previous sanctions against Pyongyang failed partly because of China's loose implementation.



"Indeed, given China's abysmal record on implementing previous softer cargo vigilance measures, it is difficult to envision Beijing taking systematic action to inspect North Korean cargo, however 'inspect' is defined," Berger wrote in a recent report for 38 North.



Illicit trade constitutes a significant portion of the commerce between China and North Korea, according to Reuters. Most of that illegal interchange takes place along the 1,700-kilometer border shared by the two countries.



When asked about Beijing's plans to carry out the sanctions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said enforcement of the punitive measures against its neighbor is China's obligation to the international community.



"China has been faithfully observing relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and fulfilling its international obligations," Hong said. "There is no reason for us to make an exception this time."



Advertisement

TagsChina-North Korea relations, UN Security Council resolution, Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un
(Photo : YouTube) It is unclear when the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro will be launched, but the fact that it has been certified by TENAA means it could hit the market soon.

Advertisement

The Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro smartphone, which was spotted on the GFXBench and AnTuTu databases last month, recently appeared on the website of China's telecommunications equipment certification center (TENAA), along with images and specifications of the device.



The Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro is a variant of the Samsung Galaxy A9 smartphone that was launched in the Chinese market earlier this year for about $490. The new phone will be launched in China with an estimated price of $460 to $550.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

According to TENAA, the Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro measures 161.7 x 80.9 x 7.9 mm in dimensions and weighs about 210 grams, which is 10 grams heavier than the original A9.



It features a 6.0-inch phablet size Super AMOLED display screen with a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution, and comes with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system out of the box.



In terms of the camera, the Galaxy A9 Pro has a 16 megapixel unit on the back with LED flash, and an 8 megapixel shooter on the front. Under the hood, the handset packs a Qualcomm MSM8976 Snapdragon 652 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB of built-in memory storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via microSD card.



It is still unclear how big the battery will be, however, it could come with an even larger battery than the 4,000 mAh of the previous model, GSM Arena reported. Other specs include support for dual-SIM functionality, LTE, and NFC connectivity that will work with Samsung Pay, according to rumors. The Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro is expected to come in white, black and gold colors.



In addition to Samsung's Galaxy A9 Pro, the company's Galaxy J5 (2016) and Galaxy J7 (2016) have also gotten certified by TENAA. These models are the successors to last year's Galaxy J5 and Galaxy J7 respectively.



Advertisement

TagsSamsung Galaxy A9 Pro TENAA China March 2016, Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro Specs, Samsung Electronics
(Photo : Getty Images) China announced in its 13th five-year plan that it will build second railway line to Tibet, connecting Lhasa with Chengdu.

Advertisement

China plans to build a second railway line to Tibet, connecting the Tibetan capital city Lhasa with the south-western city of Chengdu.



Plans for the new railway line is included in 13th five-year plan unveiled at the National People's Congress Parliament, state media agency Xinhua reported.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

It would take approximately 15 hours to travel between Lhasa and Chengdu once this railway line is operational.



"We hope that the railway will be completed as early as possible. It will provide new momentum for our development, especially the tourism," Wangdui, Mayor of Tibet's Nyingchi city, which is part of the proposed railway line told Xinhua.



After years of construction work, China opened the first railway line to Lhasa city in 2006 as part of its special initiative to kick start development in Tibet. The railway lines navigates through picturesque Tibetan highlands at altitudes as high as 5,000 metres above sea level.



Critics of the railway projects claim that it has lead to the influx of migrants from other Chinese cities into Tibet, threatening the indigenous cultural identity of the egion.



Chinese authorities have downplayed such allegations of cultural disrespect, highlighting that the project has brought much needed development to the impoverished regions of Tibet.



Notwithstanding political tension owing to China's control over the region, Tibet holds strategic importance for Beijing as it shares border with India. India and China have a border dispute over three regions including Tibet.



Tibet also shares border with China's strategically important neighbors Nepal and Myanmar.



Advertisement

TagsTibet, china, Tibet Railway
(Photo : Getty Images) Chinese smartphone makers are experiencing a boom in the sales of their premium devices, according to an industry report.

Advertisement

An industrial report reveals that Chinese smartphone makers have made progress within the mid- to high-end sector in the country, gaining ground from long-time pioneers like Samsung Electronics Co Ltd.



Nielsen Holdings Plc reported that the demand for mobile units worth 2,000 yuan ($300) has increased among Chinese buyers, with sales jumping to 8.8 percent last year.



Like Us on Facebook

Advertisement

Shenzhen-based Huawei Technologies Co Ltd. has the most notable share increase in terms of price range, reporting that its high-end models in the local market jumped from 0.34 percent in January 2015 to 2.13 percent in December.



Nielsen China vice president James Gong suggests that Chinese buyers are now more selective when getting new units, pushing manufacturers to release more premium products.



Other local vendors including Xiaomi Corp., vivo Communication Technology Co Ltd and OPPO Electronics Corp. are also on the list of the companies growing their market share. However, Nielsen's current report only covers mobile devices that run on Android.



Meanwhile, results from US' International Data Corporation reveals that in total, China's smartphone market dawdled in the past year, reporting 434 million units shipped compared with 423.3 million in the previous year.



IDC China head Kitty Fok claims that as a result, domestic smartphone makers including Huawei and Xiaomi are pushed to increase profit margins by aiming for higher-end sales.



Experts anticipate that competition among China's smartphone makers will soon heat up as they all aim for the premium market.



Advertisement

TagsXiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Android, Smartphone, china, high-end phones
(Photo : Christianity Daily)

Students walk by mission organization booths at Biola University during its missions conference in March of 2015.

A bill introduced in the California State Assembly would prohibit institutions that are found to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity from receiving Cal Grants. The bill (AB 1888) was introduced by Assemblymember Evan Low (D-Silicon Valley) in mid-February, and would take effect beginning the 2017-2018 school year if passed.

"I'm proud to be a voice for the LGBT community throughout the state and in the country," said Low in a statement. "The Golden State has always been a leader in protecting civil rights and preventing discrimination."

There has already been a law in place prohibiting institutions that receive federal financial aid from discrimination based on sex: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. However, educational institutions and programs owned by religious organizations were eligible to apply for exemptions from Title IX, and maintain their eligibility to receive federal aid.

AB 1888 includes a measure that would prohibit religious institutions from applying for or receiving those exemptions.

"This bill would require, commencing with the 2017-18 academic year, each Cal Grant participating institution, ... to certify ... that the institution shall not subject a student or employee of the institution on the basis of, among other things, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, and that the institution shall not apply for, or receive, a waiver by the United States Department of Education from nondiscrimination requirements for the receipt of federal funds," the bill summary reads.

As of December 14, 2015, over 220 institutions have been granted religious exemptions from Title IX, including Biola University, Loma Linda University, Pepperdine University, and West Coast Christian College, all of which are located in California.

Of those, Biola, Loma Linda, and Pepperdine Universities are currently eligible to receive Cal Grants. Should AB 1888 pass, these institutions would be compelled to choose to either receive Cal Grants, or maintain their religious exemptions from Title IX. This means students who are accepted and wish to go to such schools would not be able to receive additional financial aid through the Cal Grant program, and institutions may face more financial constraints in the acceptance process.

The bill has been referred to the committee on higher education on February 25.

    press@cdaily.co.kr



- Copyright ,    

#CalGrantReceivingSchools
404 Error

Sorry, we could not find the page you are looking for.

Please use the search box above or visit the Christianity Daily homepage.
Several faith leaders were asked to write brief comments about the future of Roe. I was glad to see that I was not the only person asked who sees life as beginning at conception and who is ready to see Roe overturned.
Four nuns working with Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity have been killed in a terror among 16 people who lost their lives during a terror strike in Yemen's Aden City Friday including an Indian when terrorists stormed an elderly care home run by the organisation founded by Mother Teresa.

"Three men entered the care giving home run by the Missionaries of Charity and fired at the gathering as they were preparing breakfast at 8:30 am. Four nuns died in the attack," Sunita Kumar, Spokesperson of the Missionaries of Charity to media persons.

Ms. Kumar said that Sister Ansel M., 57, Sister Margarita, 44, Sister Reginette, 32 and Sister Judith 41, were part of a six-member team which ran the care home for the elderly in Aden and are among the dead.

Among the four nuns who lost their lives Sister Ansel M. from Gumla in Jharkhand was an India, the other three are from Africa.

The Indian government identified the deceased nun as Cecilia Minj officially and said 16 people have lost their lives.

Missionaries of Charity has been operating in the country despite the country facing the civil war and the attacks by the Saudi forces.

The motive of the attack is still unknown, the press statement from the Embassy of India in Yemen said, "The area has been cordoned off and the police are investigating the incident."
Colorado church forms armed security unit to protect congregation from shooters

A church in Colorado has created its own armed security force to protect its members from armed attackers.

Rev. Brady Boyd of the New Life Church in Colorado Springs said he now feels safe as the 30-acre church grounds are guarded by police officers and armed safety team composed of about 20 people including Special Forces soldiers from a nearby military base, Fox News reported.

Boyd has a 24-year veteran Green Beret as his personal security guard.

Several churches in the U.S. are arming themselves in the wake of church shootings including the shooting of a pastor in Dayton, Ohio last Sunday and the killing of nine people inside a South Carolina church last year.

Boyd remembers back in December 2007 when a gunman killed two people outside the church and entered the building armed with an assault rifle, two handguns and up to 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

The killer, Matthew Murray, was eventually shot by Jeanne Assam, an armed volunteer security guard.

"I saw him coming through the doors, and I took cover, and I waited for him to get closer," Assam said then. "I came out of cover, I identified myself and engaged him and took him down."

Boyd said over 100 lives were saved that day.

"I love the people that I pastor. "I want to protect them," he said.

But other churches are not convinced that allowing guns in the church is the answer.

Rev. Kristine Eggert, co-founder of God Before Guns, said there is no evidence that arming guards would result in a safer church.

Concealed weapons are banned in churches through laws or church policies. However, states like Arkansas, Louisiana and North Dakota have laws that allow permit holders to carry concealed weapons in churches.

Rev. John Elford of the University United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, is against guns in churches.

"We feel the open carrying of weapons is part of a violent culture and we kind of want to push back against open carry and gun violence. We welcome you to worship. We love the fact that you're here, but please leave the gun in the car," he said.

The FBI trained 165 faith leaders at its Dallas headquarters last month.

"The key is to be proactive and plan for it ahead of time and train for it ahead of time, so in the unlikely event something does happen, you're ready and prepared to deal with that situation," said John Smith, risk management director with the Catholic Diocese of Dallas.
Deeply split U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on Texas abortion case, ruling likely in June

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments from pro-life and pro-abortion advocates on Wednesday as it tackled the Texas abortion regulations that could close down many abortion clinics in the state.

With the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, it appears the outcome is in the hands of Justice Anthony Kennedy, according to the Associated Press.

Texas passed a law in 2013 that requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals and abortion clinics to meet hospital-like standards for outpatient surgery.

Pro-abortion advocates claim the law will cut the number of abortion clinics in Texas by three-fourths.

"But what is the legitimate interest in protecting their health? What evidence is there that under the prior law, the prior law was not sufficiently protective of the women's health?" Ruth Bader Ginsburg asked Texas Solicitor General Scott Keller.

Keller said more than 120 women are hospitalised yearly due to complications from abortions.

The abortion clinics, supported by the Obama administration, pointed out that the Texas law has already closed half of the 40 clinics and only 10 clinics would remain if the law is allowed to take full effect.

The Supreme Court has blocked the surgical centre requirement from taking effect.

Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. asked the High Court to uphold abortion like what it did in 1992.

"If that right still does retain real substance, then this law cannot stand. The burdens it imposes, the obstacles, are far beyond anything that this Court has countenanced. And the justification for it is far weaker than anything that this Court has countenanced," he said.

But Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito asked the clinic's lawyer, Stephanie Toti, to present evidence that the law has had drastic effect and if some clinics closed for reasons other than the regulations.

"What evidence is there that ties the closures to the requirements?" Roberts asked.

Kennedy would have held the decisive vote even if Scalia was on the court. Kennedy voted to uphold abortion rights in 1992 and wrote the majority opinion in another 5-4 case in 2007 that upheld a federal ban on the procedure known as partial-birth abortion.

If the Supreme Court is evenly divided, the justices may decide to rehear the case once a new justice is appointed.

Outside the court, anti-abortion protesters shouted "pro-life, pro-woman" while pro-abortion rights advocates nearby chanted "abortion is a human right."

House Speaker Paul Ryan appeared and told pro-life advocates, "We are the pro-life movement that is here to stand up for the women. We are here to stand up for the unborn and we are here to stand up for the rule of law."

The U.S. Supreme Court may decide on the issue in June.
Relative calm in Syria but aid still desperately short

Humanitarian aid on Friday reached areas near the Syrian capital Damascus where fighting has been going on between rebels and government forces, but opposition groups said not enough assistance was getting through.

Taking advantage of a let-up in hostilities in Syria's civil war, a convoy of food and other supplies for 20,000 people left Damascus for the Eastern Ghouta district to the east, Jens Laerke, spokesman for the U.N Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said.

A cessation of hostilities, which came into force on Saturday, has made it easier for the United Nations and Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) to access hard-to-reach populations. But fighting continues in some parts of the country.

U.N. Resident Coordinator in Damascus Yacoub El Hillo said Friday's convoy was sent to the towns of Hazza, Saqba and Ain Terma, and the U.N. and SARC hoped to deliver to other towns in Eastern Ghouta in a couple of days.

"Deliveries will continue in the coming period and we (and our partners) are completely ready to take advantage of the recent favorable conditions in which fighting has noticeably decreased," El Hillo told reporters in Damascus.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organization that tracks the five-year-old conflict, said 25 trucks of humanitarian and medical aid had arrived in the town of Saqba.

But opposition groups have criticized as insufficient the number of aid deliveries that have reached populations since the cessation of hostilities began.

The head of rebel group Jaish al-Islam's political office, Mohamad Alloush, said aid delivered in recent days to opposition-held areas blockaded by the government "is not enough to meet 10 percent of the needs, and nothing has entered most of the areas".

Alloush is also a member of the opposition High Negotiations Committee, the main opposition council grouping armed and political opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The U.N. estimates there are almost 500,000 people living under siege in Syria, out of a total 4.6 million who are hard to reach with aid.

On Thursday, the World Health Organization delivered medical aid to Afrin and Azzaz, north of Aleppo, through the SARC.

The WHO delivered more than 100,000 treatments including antibiotics, analgesics, asthma, cardio-vascular and anti-diarrhoeal medicines, vitamins and medicines for non-communicable diseases.
Tennessee lawmakers pass bill against religious indoctrination of students

Lawmakers in Tennessee have passed a bill that allows the teaching of religion in public schools but not in a way that proselytises any religion or religious belief to students who have a different faith.

In an 82-2 vote, the Tennessee state House passed HB1905, a measure that seeks to counter the Islamic "indoctrination" of students in some American public schools, the Gospel Herald reported.

The bill requires that any inclusion of religion in textbooks, instructional materials, curriculum, or academic standards be for educational purposes only and not to be used to proselytise any religion or religious belief.

Before the 2016-2017 school year, according to the bill, each local education agency (LEA) is required to adopt a policy on the appropriate religious instructional materials and these would have to be open for public comment before these are adopted.

It also requires each LEA to make the syllabus available to the public for grade 6 to 12 in social studies, science, math and English language arts courses.

These include a course calendar such as standards, objectives and topics covered; major assignments required; and procedures for parental access to instructional materials.

The bill will also require the state board of education to revise the social studies standards adopted in 2013 with the aim of ensuring that the standards do not promote religion and do not amount to indoctrination or proselytism.

"This piece of legislation is in direct response to many of our constituents who have been concerned about the way religion has been taught in Tennessee schools," said the bill's sponsor, Republican state Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, according to the Times Free Press.

He said the concern "is about the possible indoctrination."

The teaching of Islam in some U.S. public schools has raised concerns among parents in some states.

At Antioch's Apollo Middle School in Tennessee, students are taught since August not only Islam but six other religions: Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Daoism and African religions, according to Nashville Public Radio.

Students get to know each religion's founding figures, places of origin, common practices and basic beliefs.

Jullie Mauck has children at the Williamson County school system and she said schools are not places for 12 and 13-year-olds to learn about religion.

"I mean, being a Christian, I don't necessarily want the public school system teaching my children their version of Christianity," she told the Nashville Public Radio.

She added that the social studies curriculum "just whitewashes the history. There's barely a mention of jihad. There's barely a mention  or I don't think there is  a mention of caliphate and what their objective is."
Turkey launches crackdown on newspaper and Muslim cleric - fears for freedom of speech

Turkish authorities seized control of the country's largest newspaper on Friday in a widening crackdown against supporters of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, an influential foe of President Tayyip Erdogan.

Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a few thousand supporters who gathered outside Zaman newspaper's offices and chanted, "Free press cannot be silenced."

Rights groups and European officials criticized the confiscation of Zaman and its sister publication, the English-language Today's Zaman, which occurred on the eve of a summit between Turkey and the European Union and as concerns mount that the Turkish government is stifling critical media.

Administrators were appointed to run Zaman at the request of an Istanbul prosecutor, state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Officials were not immediately available to confirm the reports.

Erdogan accuses Gulen of conspiring to overthrow the government by building a network of supporters in the judiciary, police and media. Gulen denies the charges. The two men were allies until police and prosecutors seen as sympathetic to Gulen opened a corruption probe into Erdogan's inner circle in 2013.

"It has been a habit for the last three, four years, that anyone who is speaking against government policies is facing either court cases or prison, or such control by the government," said Abdulhamit Bilici, editor-in-chief of Zaman.

"This is a dark period for our country, our democracy."

Zaman is Turkey's biggest selling newspaper, with a circulation of 650,000 as of the end of February, according to media-sector monitor MedyaTava website.

Police in riot gear pushed back Zaman supporters who stood in the rain outside its Istanbul office where they waved Turkish flags and carried placards reading "Hands off my newspaper" before they were overcome by clouds of tear gas, live footage on Zaman's website showed.

Officers then forcibly broke down a gate and rushed into the building. The footage showed them scuffling with Zaman staff inside the offices.

"Zaman Media Group being silenced in Turkey. Crackdown on press freedom continues sadly," Kati Piri, the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey, said in a tweet.

The EU is accused of turning a blind eye to Turkey's human rights breaches, including the deaths of hundreds of civilians during security operations against Kurdish militants, because it needs Turkey's help curbing the flow of migrants.

The crackdown on Zaman comes at an already worrying time for press freedom in Turkey.

Two prominent journalists from the pro-opposition Cumhuriyet newspaper are facing potential life sentences on charges of endangering state security for publishing material that purports to show intelligence officials trucking arms to Syria.

Authorities have previously seized and shut down opposition media outlets associated with the Gulen movement. The state deposit insurance fund said this week that an Islamic bank founded by Gulen followers might be liquidated within months.

The Zaman takeover came hours after police detained businessmen over allegations of financing what prosecutors described as a "Gulenist terror group", Anadolu said.

Memduh Boydak, chief executive of furniture-to-cables conglomerate Boydak Holding, as well as the group's chairman Haci Boydak and two board members, were taken into custody.

Nobody from the company, based in the central Turkish city of Kayseri, was available to comment.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, the New York-based advocacy group, expressed "alarm" over the court ruling against Zaman, and executive director Joel Simon said in a statement it "paves the way to effectively strangle the remnants of critical journalism in Turkey."
Dance Source Houston, the non-profit that operates the East End performance venue known as The Barn, plans to shutter that space this summer after its final Barnstorm Dance Festival June 16-25.

Dance Source executive director Stephanie Todd Wong said the decision was bittersweet.

She said usage of the space, which includes a 150-seat theater and several rehearsal studios, has declined to a point that makes it unfeasible to operate.

Dance Source, which supports local dance in multiple ways but didn't set out to manage a theater, took on the Barn in 2013 to keep the space open. At the time Houston's dance community seemed to need it: Suchu Dance Company, which created the theater and shared it with others, vacated the Barn after about ten years.

Wong said she was hoping the community simply had outgrown the Barn.

Small dance companies now have several other new theater facilities-- including multiple spaces at the MATCH, "which is doing what it is supposed to do," Wong said. Freelance choreographers also have more rehearsal studio options than they did three years ago, including METdance in Midtown and Hunter Dance in the Heights.

But support for independent dance has always been touch-and-go. And some of Houston's stalwart choreographers have abandoned the old model of planning a full season of performances and expecting audiences to buy theater tickets. Now they're working in a more stealth mode -- finding more inventive, economical ways to engage people and broaden their bases.

Two veteran choreographers who had more traditional companies in the past have shifted gears: Karen Stokes has produced several of her latest works outdoors at Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou. Jane Weiner has focused on educating school groups with daytime shows at Hobby Center. Younger talents like Laura Gutierrez have found a niche with experimental work, sometimes staged in collaboration with art galleries.

Gutierrez is one of five artists-in-residence at the Barn this year, given free studio space through a Dance Source program that seemed to fill a void in the community. Jacquelyne Boe, Amy Elizabeth, Jasmine Hearn and Autumn Knight also participate in that program, which also provides access to professional development workshops, grant-writing help and the shared performance opportunity at the Barn next June.

Wong doesn't know what will become of the artist-in-residence program, although she's hopeful it can be reinvented at other studio spaces around town.

She said the Barn has never paid for itself, although it did provide some earned income. She expects her budget to be about $200,000 this fiscal year - $50,000 less than last year's. "We're at a level we can't sustain," Wong said.

While Dance Source will have to find new office space, its other work will continue, Wong added. Most visible outside the dance community is the local performance calendar it publishes. "We want to make sure we're putting our resources where they're needed most," Wong said. "Change can be good."
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

One person was injured when an explosion at a Pasadena refinery sent plumes of smoke into the air and first responders scrambling to the scene Saturday morning.

The fire started at the Pasadena Refinery System plant at 10:15 AM at the hydrogen desulfurization unit. Mark Berlinger, health and safety manager for the company, said the fire was contained and the facility was in a "safe condition."

The company and Harris County Pollution Control did air monitoring and found "no indications of any off-site impacts," according to Berlinger.

The Houston Ship Channel closed briefly as Coast Guard hazmat teams also investigated the scene for any impact from possible chemical release in the air or any impact on the waterways. It has since reopened.

The injured worker was taken to the hospital for flash burns to his hand. Berlinger said the worker was responsive at the scene and talking to co-workers.

Officials abruptly ended the press conference after four minutes and refused to answer questions about how many workers were in the area at the time of the incident or whether the fire was preceded by an explosion. They also did not address questions about neighbors' concerns regarding the plant's operations or the facility's expired Title 5 permit.

The company has a long history of safety and pollution violations, including a previous December 2011 explosion and $1.1 million in fines since 2010 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

"Everybody knows that place is a ticking time bomb," said Mike Boydston, a 16-year veteran of the industrial east side, who works at the nearby Kinder Morgan tank farm. "I mean, look at it. I quit going in there. I refuse."

He first visited the refinery in 2000, and said it was poorly maintained then.

He was outside at the time of Saturday's incident, but didn't hear or see an explosion. He also questioned police reports that the fire was not chemically related. He called his boss and said he didn't feel comfortable returning to work until they knew more about the situation.

Max Rivera, who has lived in the adjacent neighborhood for seven years, heard the explosion at about 9:30 a.m. and came outside to see what was happening and take a few pictures. He said it was powerful enough to shake his house.

"This right here is just one of the big things that happened but y'all aren't seeing the little things that happen around here that's on a constant basis. You can constantly smell the chemicals in there at night. Their alarms are steadily going off. It's crazy. I'm worried about it because I stay right here in this neighborhood."

Police stopped blocking Red Bluff around noon, but emergency vehicles were still active in the area.

The company has been under fire for years for a series of issues. A key federal operating permit lapsed in 2014. The plant is technically operating illegally without that permit.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined the company $14,000 for the December 2011 explosion.

It's had seven emission events reported to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality since last October. The company had 60 such events since 2005.

"Other facilities and refineries don't have this type of event with this regularity," said Adrian Shelley of Air Alliance Houston. "It's indicative of a place with abnormal operations."

Shelley said the company has had numerous problems with two specific units at the refinery: one unit that refines heavier parts of crude oil and a sulfur recovery unit.

Saturday's fire started when workers were starting a compressor and hydrogen was released and diesel fuel in the apparatus caught fire. Officials did not offer further details about the cause.

Intermittent smoke seen throughout the morning was caused by workers clearing nearby lines with inert nitrogen gas and were not indications of the fire flaring up, Berlinger said.

The site has also been the subject of a major scandal in Brazil. According to a previous Houston Chronicle investigation: "Brazilian officials are investigating allegations that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras - overpaid hundreds of millions of dollars for the Pasadena refinery and funneled money into a massive kickback scheme that's led to dozens of convictions and arrests and fueled calls for the impeachment of the country's President Dilma Rousseff, who chaired the company until 2010."

Read more about the scandal in Mihir Zaveri and Susan Carroll's report on HoustonChronicle.com.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

A new report comparing two proposed methods of storm surge protection apparently sheds some light on a long-running disagreement among experts but may do little to produce a concrete solution.

Entitled "Storm Surge Suppression Study: Phase 2 Report," the document was issued Feb. 23 by the Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District.

The district is a local government corporation that includes Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Harris, Jefferson and Orange Counties, the six counties of the study area.

Formed shortly after 2008's catastrophic Hurricane Ike, the district initially stalled for lack of funding, which resulted in two separate initiatives to help prevent future crippling storm surges.

One idea, known as the Ike Dike, includes a massive dike and flood-gate system to protect Galveston Island, Bolivar Peninsula and Sabine Pass. It has been proposed by William Merrell, a marine sciences professor at Texas A&M University-Galveston.

The other plan comes from a Rice University organization known as SSPEED - the Severe Storm Prediction, Education and Evacuation from Disasters Center - and proposes a cheaper system of levees and a flood gate to protect the Houston Ship Channel.

The study looks at the best way to protect Galveston Island and nearby communities from another catastrophic storm like 2008's Hurricane Ike.

In September 2014, the district received a $3.9 million grant from the Texas General Land Office through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.

The objective of Phase 2, covered by the new report, was to identify and develop two alternatives for each of three study-area regions: North Region, or Orange And Jefferson Counties; Central Region, or Galveston, Chambers and Harris Counties; and South Region, including Brazoria County and the San Luis Pass area of Galveston County.

In the report just issued, a comparison of two alternatives for the central region favored a 63-mile system of levees, including a "ring" around the east end of Galveston, rather than a 56-mile "coastal spine" from High Island to San Luis Pass.

The levee system would cost about $3.5 billion to build and $194 million a year to maintain and provide an estimated $1.2 billion in annual benefits, the report stated.

The coastal spine alternative would cost $5.8 billion to build and about $320 million a year to maintain and provide total annual benefits of about $1 billion, according to the report.

Galveston County Judge Mark Henry, a recovery district board member, told the Galveston County Daily News that the levee alternative, although cheaper, might be hard to sell to the public because it doesn't protect north bay communities such as Bacliff or San Leon, the area west of Galveston's Scholes Airport or Bolivar Peninsula.

In Phase 3, the team will seek public input and reexamine ways to reduce costs, the report stated.

Three public meetings are scheduled this month: 5-8 p.m. March 22, League City Civic Center, 400 W. Walker, League City; 5-8 p.m. March 24, Lake Jackson Civic Center, 333 Texas 332 East, Lake Jackson; and 5-8 p.m. March 29, Orange County Convention & Expo Center, 11475 Texas 1442, Orange.

A final report is due to the district board and the General Land Office by June 20.
The first Texas shooting aided by the use of a so-called hoverboard might have occurred in Dallas early Thursday. The suspect was even able to make a getaway using 2015's most buzzed about holiday gift.

According to the Dallas Morning News on Thursday morning, just after 4 a.m., a man offered a ride to a suspect who was riding on a two-wheeled hoverboard in north Dallas. The man declined the offer for a ride and continued gliding along on the hoverboard.
Politics in the U.S. are more divisive than theyve ever been. But when taking a look at Donald Trumps most famous supporters, you see a bona fide field day for diversity.

His celebrity enthusiasts dont care about his anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim rhetoric or that he was criticized for his response to support from white supremacists. Trump seems to be a uniter.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Almost 22 years ago the world was shocked and saddened to learn about grisly murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles. The main suspect was sports legend and actor O.J. Simpson, who was later found not guilty of the crimes after a lengthy trial that was a pure media circus.

Two decades later, we hear that a bloody knife was found on Simpsons former estate by a construction worker who gave it to an off-duty cop.

On Friday morning TMZ reported that a folding hunting knife was found on the grounds of O.J. Simpsons Brentwood estate in Los Angeles. The knife was allegedly found by a construction crew as workers were demolishing Simpsons former home for its current owner.

The knife, TMZ learned, was handed over to an off-duty Los Angeles Police Department officer who instead of handing it over to investigators kept it for himself for years.

Earlier this year that cop, now retired, told a friend in the department about his souvenir which he wanted to have framed and displayed in his home.

TMZ reported that the man wanted his friend in the department to get him record number for the murder case so he could have it engraved on the frame. It was then that LAPD officials ordered the man to turn over the knife to the department for testing.

The story sounds unbelievable but if true it could reignite a media firestorm.

The outlet has learned that the knife is now in police custody and is being tested for blood and hair particles, along with possible fingerprints. Its rusted and stained from the elements, TMZ learned.

According to TMZ and officials, the not guilty verdict in the case means that Simpson  currently in a Nevada prison for an unrelated incident  cant be tried again for the murders but investigators can still go about their investigation.

Many people are wondering just why a police officer would keep something like this for so long as a sort of macabre trophy, even if it wasnt the murder weapon.

Simpson lost his home in 1997 after defaulting on his mortgage, two decades after he bought it. It was purchased by Kenneth Abdalla, who had it demolished in 1998 to make way for a new home.

This was the house where Simpson lived with his former wife and children, and also where the infamous Bronco chase ended on June 17, 1994.
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.
BBC's 'Get Playing' Initiative: The Great British Amateur Orchestra, Winner to Play at Proms

Last month, the BBC launched an ambitious project that celebrates not just the everyday musician, but the everyday collaborator. As part of BBC Music's 'Get Playing' initiative, The Great British Amateur Orchestra is a new program that seeks out locally assembled orchestras from across the U.K., five of which will compete for the crown of "most inspirational amateur orchestra." The winner of the competition will perform at BBC Proms in the Park, held at Hyde Park in 2016.

A product of the partnership with the ABRSM (a British music education body), the 'Get Playing' initiative's "Great British Amateur Orchestra competition is open to orchestras of between 40 and 75 members, aged 16 and over (thereby including school orchestras). The ensemble is obliged to have been playing together for at least one year.

The Great British Amateur Orchestra competition encourages active musicians to come "out of the shadows", based on an estimate that over 11,220 groups were already playing regularly across Britain. Effusively, the editor of BBC Four, Cassian Harrison, extolled the tenets of the 'Get Playing' initiative to BBC: "We want to go beyond the stars to celebrate the passion of amateur music makers who captivate, entertain and transport audiences up and down the country every week, and hope to inspire a new generation to pick up a musical instrument  Were delighted to be shining the spotlight on amateur music through this landmark BBC television series, giving inspirational orchestras across the UK the opportunity to compete for a platform at Proms in the Park, part of the Last Night of the Proms celebrations, the climax of the world's greatest classical music festival."

Commissioned by Jan Younghusband, (Head of Music TV Commissioning), The Great British Amateur Orchestra should inspire the casual collaborator to develop their art and compete against a body of their peers. The four-part series will see a battle for the Grand Final, in which a winner will be selected to perform at the prestigious Last Night of the Proms, Saturday, September 10th. Although applications are now closed, the road to the finals is sure to be a long and arduous one.



Listen to one of Britain's many amateur orchestras below!

 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

TagsBBC Music, BBC Proms, Amateur Orchestra, BBC Radio 4
CLEVELAND, Ohio - The sky cleared and the low-angled, late afternoon sun shined brightly Friday in Collinwood as neighborhood residents kicked off the 2.2-mile "Democracy on the Move Parade" to launch the Ballot Box Project initiated by Northeast Shores Development Corp.

About 75 participants wheeled their floats or walked their banners onto the westbound lanes of Lakeshore Boulevard from the parking lot of Collinwood Recreational Center, 16300 Lakeshore Blvd., as musicians played New Orleans-style jazz.

Between Saturday and Wednesday, polling will be held at several locations in sequence so residents can determine how to spend a $120,000 grant from ArtPlace America on 30 competing proposals for public art projects.

Artists designed the competing projects to address four themes chosen last fall by community residents: Collinwood history, vacancy, healthy eating and youth engagement.

A minimum of eight projects will be selected and staged in 2016, in time to grab media attention during the Republican National Convention in July.

While Northeast Shores tallies votes over the next few days, it will also use the polling process to encourage non-registered residents to register for the fall election.

Registered voters will also be asked if they'd like an absentee ballot to vote in the March 15 Ohio primary.

Northeast Shores views the Ballot Box Project as an example of participatory budgeting, a form of civic engagement that originated in Porto Alegre, Brazil, in 1989, and has since spread to 1,500 communities worldwide.

Voting in the project continues today, Saturday, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Collinwood Recreational Center, 16300 Lakeshore Blvd.

Voting will also be held on the following dates and times:

- Monday, March 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Euclid Beach Villa, 125 East 56th St.

- Wednesday, March 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 17625 Grovewood Ave.

Brian Friedman, executive director of Northeast Shores said in a recent interview that his organization is "continuing to use Collinwood as a lab space for arts-based community development."

He also said Ballot Box "is a great way for people to get more optimistic about democracy."
AvonRobot.jpg

Avon high school students Noah Volpi and Autumn Fultz are working on a robot for a national robot competition. Courtesy of Avon local schools.

AVON, Ohio - Avon high school students have completed the building of a robot to enter into the annual Buckeye Regional FIRST Robotics competition to be held March 17-19 at Cleveland State University.

The FIRST acronym is For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology. The competition rules call for a six-week period to build the robot, but additional duties teach the students extra skills.

"It's a lot more than a robot building club," said Stephan Danckers, one of two faculty advisors on the project. "The students have to raise funds, design logos, do public outreach to find advertisers and sponsors, as well as recruit other students to help. It is like running a small company."

There are approximately 20 students on the team ranging from freshmen to seniors. This is the school's fifth try in the annual competition.

The team was founded by Stephanie Parrot five years ago. She is now an engineering student at the University of Toledo and, coincidentally, her senior project is to build a robot.

"She came to visit recently," said Danckers, "to borrow some parts. It was nice to tell her that all of this is happening because of her."

Danckers has been a science and biology teacher for ten years. The other faculty advisor is Blaine Bryson who teaches technology at the middle school and helps with the district's computer systems. He has been teaching for five years.

The budget for the project was approximately $10,000, which is on the low end compared to some of the other teams, Danckers said.

The competition is 15 years old. Each year it involves particular tasks the robot has to complete. This year it involves throwing balls and coping with barriers. There are three ways to score: get a ball into a target, climb over or through defenses designed to obstruct the robot, or climb an opponent's tower--a major impediment.

"We designed this robot to do all three," said Danckers, "and we feel we have our best chance ever this year. "

The team will be going up against 57 other teams from all around the U.S. and Canada. The winning team goes on to the national competition in St. Louis, Missouri.
Kim Barker: What itis like to have Tina Fey play you

Author and reporter Kim Barker in Chicago last month doing publicity for the movie "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," which is based on her book "The Taliban Shuffle."

(E. Jason Wambsgans)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Journalist, author and subject of the new Tina Fey movie "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," Kim Barker, 45, describes herself with one word: "Lucky."

"This is ridiculous," she said by phone from New York, where she was getting her makeup done before going on CNN for an interview. "Tina Fey is playing me in a movie based on my book. I can't believe any of this." The film opened in Northeast Ohio on Friday.

The wheel of fortune started turning for Barker after her 2011 memoir "Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistan," about Barker's time as South Asia bureau chief for the Chicago Tribune from 2004 to 2009, was given a rave review by The New York Times' top daily book critic, Michiko Kakutani.

"The book manages to be hilarious and harrowing, witty and illuminating all at the same time," wrote Kakutani.

But the kiss of life in the review was this line: "She depicts herself as a sort of Tina Fey who unexpectedly finds herself addicted to the adrenaline rush of war."

Someone alerted Fey to the review, and things began to happen. Fey said in another interview that she had the book optioned for a movie because she was a both "an egomaniac and a moron."

"Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels signed on to produce the movie. Former "SNL" and "30 Rock" writer Robert Carlock was hired to write the script. It's been a pretty sweet ride for Barker ever since.

"Tina Fey has been so gracious and nice to me," said Barker. "Writers don't always have the best experiences with Hollywood. But Tina never fails to mention me in interviews. Just last night, she mentioned me both on 'The Tonight Show' and on Colbert's show. She even brought me with her on a Bravo talk-show interview."

Even better, Barker is happy about the way the movie turned out.

"I like the way they brought out funny parts of the book. But they also used the more serious and dramatic aspects of the story. It's truthful and respects my feelings about the relationship I had with my translator and my feelings for those countries.

"They also did a good job of conveying the weird double life of war reporting. It was dangerous during the day, and then it became like a wild party at night."

Most of the movie was shot in the New Mexico desert, which was used as a stand-in for the Afghan capital of Kabul. Barker visited the set for two days of shooting.

"At first, I felt like I was an embed again. I was there for an explosion scene. Then the short attention span thing kicked in while they shot the same scene over and over again. So boring. All I wanted to do was go back to the hotel. But no; it was great."

Barker's character, Kim Baker, was changed from a print reporter to a broadcast journalist. That is a treasonous offense for any print reporter. Barker was duly ashamed about the change. How could they?

"I know," she said with the right amount of disgrace and disgust. "I guess they figured being a broadcast journalist was more cinematic. They probably thought it would be boring to watch someone write. And also boring to watch someone read what someone wrote. But it's not like I had all this power and influence over the movie. I was the writer."

Barker is now part of an investigative team at The New York Times. She enjoys her work there.

"I like my editors. They let me do the kinds of stories I'm good at. The bosses are good. My colleagues had no idea I had written a book, much less it was being made into a movie, so I'm looking forward to being mocked a lot. Which is what we do.

"I quit journalism in 2009 to write this book. I thought I might not go back. But I'm so glad to be back at it again."

Barker's book has been reissued as "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," complete with Tina Fey in her role as Barker/Baker in the movie on the cover. Barker is cool with the movie co-opting her book to a certain extent.

"I was not sucked in by Hollywood," she said. "The happiest I ever am, which all my friends know, is when I'm working on a story I like. It's an awful situation today for journalists all over the country with what's going on.

"I just want people to know that what we do as journalists has value. I was so happy to come back to work. I'm back in my jeans and T-shirt and sneakers. I have to go to a hearing on Monday for a story I'm working on, and I'm looking forward to it."

Barker is also proud of the movie, its message and the star.

"I'm not just saying this because it's from my book and that she plays me. But I really think this is Tina Fey's best role."
Lakewood police cruiser 4.JPG

Lakewood police are searching for a man who threatened to shoot a Walgreens employee, and demanded cash from the register, before stealing a Pepsi and potato chips, a police report says.

(Patrick Cooley, cleveland.com)

LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- Lakewood police are searching for a man who threatened to shoot a Walgreens employee, and demanded cash from the register, a police report says.

The man left the store with Lay's potato chips and a Pepsi that he didn't pay for, police said. It did not say he took any cash.

The man walked up to a cashier at the Walgreens at 11701 Detroit Ave. around 6:30 p.m. Thursday and asked for money out of the cash register, the report says.

The man threatened to shoot the employee, and said he had a gun, according to the police report. The cashier never saw a gun. The robber kept his hand in his pocket.

Video surveillance cameras at the store captured the man getting into a white or silver two-door pickup with a plow. The truck headed south on West 117th Street.

The man is described as a black male, 6-feet tall, with a beard and short, wavy, black hair. He was wearing stud earrings, and a light blue button down shirt, similar to what a mechanic would wear, the police report says.

Like Chanda Neely on Facebook.

Follow me on Twitter:
ambulance.jpg

Cleveland's 911 system was down for about 15 minutes early Thursday morning.

(File photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland and some of its largest suburbs experienced a 911 outage early Thursday that left nearly 500,000 people without 911 service for several minutes.

Cuyahoga County officials and the vendor that handles the 911 software are blaming AT&T for telling the county at 2 p.m. Wednesday that planned maintenance on telephone lines could affect 911 services between midnight and 5 a.m. Thursday.

A spokeswoman for AT&T said the company was investigating a report from Cleveland, but declined to comment further.

The system went down from 2:17 a.m. until 2:38 a.m. Thursday in Cleveland, Lakewood, Parma and Shaker Heights, Cleveland spokesman Dan Ball said. Twelve calls -- all in Cleveland -- went unanswered. Dispatchers were able to call all 12 callers back, Ball said. None of the callers required emergency attention, Ball said.

"It would have been much more helpful to have more than 10 hours notice," county spokeswoman Mary Louise Madigan said, adding that the company usually gives at least 24 hours notice before scheduled maintenance.

But in that 10 hours, the county did not notify the city of Cleveland or the public that there could be issues with the 911 service, Ball said.

Madigan said that the county has a backup system to deal with routine maintenance on AT&T phone lines and did not expect any 911 service to be affected.

"If there is an expected outage, we would tell the community," Madigan said. "There was no expected outage here. Routine maintenance does not mean an expected outage."

But city, county and AT&T officials are going to meet to discuss what caused the outage and how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Cuyahoga Emergency Communications System, or CECOMS, asked AT&T to postpone the maintenance so they could figure out a "failover plan" in case of an outage, Madigan said. The company said it would not postpone the work.

The vendor that handles the 911 software, Emergency Call Works, began rerouting calls through servers in another city at 10 p.m. Wednesday, two hours before the scheduled maintenance, just to be safe, Ball said.

Once AT&T started the work, they found that more upgrades needed to be done, and shut off more circuits than they planned without telling the county, Office of Emergency Management Deputy Administrator and CECOMS Manager Brandy Carney said.

That's when the circuit connected to Emergency Call Works servers in the other city were shut down, and 911 service was lost to Cleveland and the adjacent cities, Ball said.

Cleveland police's emergency call command center rerouted its calls through CECOMS at 2:28 a.m., and full service was restored 10 minutes later, Ball said.

Ball said the city of Cleveland was not aware of the maintenance work until the service went down. The city has asked to be included in future notifications about potential 911 service interruptions.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Donald Trump scored the highest Google search traffic nationally during the Republican presidential debate held in Michigan on Thursday night, followed by Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and John Kasich.

Google trends are being used increasingly to judge candidates and can be an indicator of a candidate's success prior to a vote. It is not a scientific tool or poll, but it does show voter interest, which does not translate easily into support.

Trump was by far the most searched candidate throughout the debate nationally, as well in the key March 8 primary state of Michigan, and the March 15 primary states of Ohio, Florida and Illinois.

Immigration and ISIS were the top issues during the debate.

One of the most searched terms was the size of Donald Trump's hands, which, believe it or not, actually was a topic. This election just gets weirder and weirder, doesn't it?

Ohio governor John Kasich did well in Ohio. Marco Rubio fared well in Florida. Ted Cruz had plenty of interest in Michigan. But none beat Trump in search traffic in any of those states.

Click through the slideshow to see a breakdown, including what Northeast Ohio communities searched the most for each candidate.

-- Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer

Searching for a Republican nominee

Don't Edit

Google.com

The horse race

Donald Trump was the most searched candidate on Google during the debate Thursday.

Don't Edit

Google.com

Immigration, ISIS top issues

Immigration and ISIS were the most-searched issues during the debate.

Don't Edit

Google.com

Curious about Cruz in Michigan

John Kasich had his moments, but Ted Cruz ultimately was the second-most searched candidate in the key state of Michigan, which holds its primary March 8.

Don't Edit

Google.com

Rubio second to Trump in Florida

The early sparring between Donald Trump and Marco Rubio had Rubio the second-most searched candidate in his home state.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Google.com

Cruz second to Trump in Illinois

Ted Cruz was second caught folks' attention early in Illinois, which has its primary March 15.

Don't Edit

Google.com

Trump tops in Ohio

Donald Trump was by far the most searched candidate from 9 a.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday on Google. Cruz and Kasich had good moments during the debate Thursday night.

Don't Edit

Google.com

Comparing Trump's hands to Putin and the KKK

A comparison of some of the most controversial topics searched on Google Thursday and Friday reveals Trump's hands was the most searched, whle the KKK was heavily searched throughout the day, and Russian President Vladimir Putin spiked during the debate, as did searches for a contested convention.

Don't Edit

undefined

Kasich's hot spots in Ohio

Among people who searched John Kasich in Ohio, the Columbus and Zanesville areas were regions that had the most search traffic Thursday. The numbers are relative scores and do not reflect percentages or raw numbers.

Don't Edit

Trump's hot spots in Ohio

Among people who searched Donald Trump in Ohio, the Steubenville, Columbus and Cincinnati areas were regions that had the most search traffic Thursday. The numbers are relative scores and do not reflect percentages or raw numbers.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Cruz rocks the river

Among people who searched Ted Cruz in Ohio, regions along the Ohio River had the most Google search traffic Thursday. The numbers are relative scores and do not reflect percentages or raw numbers.

Don't Edit

Cincinnati curious about Rubio

Among people who searched Marco Rubio in Ohio, the Cincinnati and Steubenville areas were regions that had the most Google search traffic Thursday. The numbers are relative scores and do not reflect percentages or raw numbers.

Don't Edit

Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer

Hudson searching Kasich

Among people who searched John Kasich in Greater Cleveland, Hudson had the most Google search traffic. The numbers are relative scores and do not reflect percentages or raw numbers.

Don't Edit

Bolivar asks about Trump

Among people who searched Donald Trump in Northeast Ohio, Bolivar had the most Google search traffic Thursday. The numbers are relative scores and do not reflect percentages or raw numbers.

Don't Edit

undefined

Tim Warsinskey, The Plain Dealer

Richfield, Wadsworth search Cruz

Among people who searched Ted Cruz in Northeast Ohio, Richfield and Wadsworth had the most Google search traffic Thursday. The numbers are relative scores and do not reflect percentages or raw numbers.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

South Russell, Strongsville search Rubio

Among people who searched Marco Rubio in Northeast Ohio, South Russell in Geauga County and Strongsville had the most Google search traffic Thursday. The numbers are relative scores and do not reflect percentages or raw numbers.
Kasich cleveland plan.jpg

Gov. John Kasich and legislative leaders join Mayor Frank Jackson and local school officials in 2012 to celebrate agreement on the Cleveland school reform plan.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Gov. John Kasich's discussion of his work on the Cleveland school improvement plan at the Republican debate Thursday night in Detroit raised a few eyebrows here.

Though Kasich had a very active role in creating the Cleveland Transformation Plan in 2012, backing it as it was debated in the state legislature and signing it into law, some of his statements are open to interpretation.

"The African-American Democrat mayor, the union, and business leaders came to see me and said, "Would you help us to pass legislation to really create a CEO environment so that we can take control of the schools?" Kasich said at the debate.

See his full remarks below.

What Kasich meant by "CEO environment" is unclear and his office offered no comment on that today. But Cleveland has had a CEO - not a superintendent - as head of the district since 1998.

That's when former mayor Mike White hired Barbara Byrd-Bennett (recently indicted in Chicago after heading the schools there) as the first CEO, following the state legislature voting in 1997 to place the district under mayoral control.

Kasich was chairman of the U.S. House Budget Committee at the time.

The Cleveland Plan that Kasich promoted did expand some of the powers of the CEO, giving him more authority over struggling schools and over some personnel decisions, but the position was far from new when Kasich stepped in as governor.

The school district downplayed the comment Friday afternoon.

"Although the CEO structure was already in place when our reform strategies were launched, we are grateful for Governor Kasich's support of The Cleveland Plan," the district said in a written statement. "We are proud whenever our work and our results are recognized, particularly before a national audience."

The Cleveland Teachers Union was not as forgiving.

While Mayor Frank Jackson, a black Democrat, and business leaders were behind creating the plan, the teachers union was not. That union never "came to" the governor seeking help, but was angry at being left out of the creation of the plan.

"That's an outright lie," CTU President David Quolke said Friday. "That did not occur."

Quolke was so bothered by that comment that he immediately objected on Twitter during the debate: "He lied @CTU279 can't believe how desperate Kasich is to lie and say that the union came to him. Just wrong."

When Jackson announced his plan in early 2012, he had never consulted the union. That sparked weeks of long and tense negotiations between teachers, the mayor and city leaders about how teacher pay, duties and layoff rules would be changed.

The negotiations threatened to doom the plan in the legislature before the sides reached a compromise and agreed to support the plan. Kasich's office noted that the the union eventually backed the plan in late May that year.

"This was a complex issue but the union showed a true commitment to the community and to Cleveland's children by being a constructive part of the Cleveland Plan and the governor will always appreciate that," spokesman Jim Lynch said in a written statement.

Also at the debate Thursday, Kasich said: "We even invested in a buyout plan, where we bought out the teachers who had been there a long time, because there were so many young teachers who had been laid off who were so enthusiastic to get back in the schools."

That's a complicated claim. The district offered significant early retirement incentives - about a third of a year's pay - for teachers to retire early in 2012 when the district was facing huge budget cuts and layoffs.

After the district passed a giant tax increase for schools in November, 2012, early retirement incentives have been modest and often aimed just at having veteran teachers declare their intentions early so the district could plan better.

Quolke said there was talk of a buyout that Kasich would support, but it never happened.

Then there's Kasich's final comment about Cleveland: "It worked beautifully. Cleveland's coming back. The Cleveland schools are coming back because of a major overhaul."

That's still to be determined.

With Kasich's support, the district passed a tax in 2012 that has stabilized its budget, stopped layoffs and prevented much of the chaos the district had faced for several years.

But its state test results are showing only small gains. Comparisons of scores from year to year are difficult because Ohio shifted to the Common Core and new state tests since the plan was passed.

For the 2011-12 school year, when the plan was proposed, the district scored as the second-worst in the state. It has since moved up to fifth-worst, according to the most recent state report cards issued on Feb. 25.

Here's the full exchange, as quoted in a New York Times transcript of the debate. "Kelly" is moderator Megyn Kelly of Fox News.

KELLY: Governor Kasich, the city of Detroit has long suffered with urban blight, broken street lights, dilapidated and vacant houses, and so on. In 2013, Detroit actually declared bankruptcy, which helped, but the schools here remain a big problem. They're $3.5 billion in debt and are some of the most troubled and poorly testing in the country. The kids too often go to classrooms that are unsafe, falling apart, infested with rodents and insects. Experts say the schools could go bankrupt by next month.

Question to you. If the federal government bailed out the auto industry here in Detroit, should it also bail out the Detroit schools?

KASICH: Well, look, first of all, I think the mayor now is controlling the schools. This is not much different than what happened in Cleveland, Ohio, where the African-American Democrat mayor, the union, and business leaders came to see me and said, "Would you help us to pass legislation to really create a CEO environment so that we can take control of the schools?"

We even invested in a buyout plan, where we bought out the teachers who had been there a long time, because there were so many young teachers who had been laid off who were so enthusiastic to get back in the schools. It worked beautifully. Cleveland's coming back. The Cleveland schools are coming back because of a major overhaul.

It's the same thing that has to happen in all of our urban schools. And, frankly, look, if I were president, I'd take 104 federal programs, bundle them into four buckets, and send it to the states, because fixing schools rests at the state and the local level, and particularly at the school board level. (APPLAUSE)
shooting.jpg

In this still from an NBC4i.com news video, police investigate at the scene of a shooting Friday in Columbus in which a 7-year-old boy was killed and two others injured.

(NBC Columbus/Twitter)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A shooting Friday in the parking lot of a market near downtown Columbus has left a 7-year-old boy dead and another small child and a man wounded.



The boy, who was shot in the head, died at Nationwide Children's Hospital at about 5:30 p.m. A 4- or 5-year-old child and a 19-year-old man have been hospitalized.

Names of the victims were not immediately released.



Columbus Police said they're questioning three people who might have been involved in the shooting just before 5 p.m. at East 5th and Peters avenues but haven't arrested anyone, the Columbus Dispatch reports.



Investigators believe the children were passengers in a car that was struck by bullets.

"It appears that they were in the car and someone walked up and started shooting toward the vehicle," homicide detective Sgt. Christ Holzhauser told NBC4i.com.

Witness Jay Keen, who co-owns a nearby body shop, told the Dispatch he heard about 15 gunshots and saw "a bunch of little kids" trying to run from the car.

The newspaper reported that police were searching for a man seen jumping into an SUV that drove from the scene.

The National Desk contributed to this report.


The hunt for delegates resumes this weekend with a series of election contests that will divide up 175 delegates among the Republican presidential candidates and 134 delegates between Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Stay with us for updates as voters in five states pick candidates. All times Eastern.

Latest Results

* Kansas Democratic caucus: Bernie Sanders projected as winner

* Kansas Republican caucus: Ted Cruz projected as winner

* Kentucky Republican caucus: Donald Trump projected as winner

* Louisiana Democratic primary: Hillary Clinton projected as winner

* Louisiana Republican primary: Donald Trump projected as winner

* Maine Republican caucus: Ted Cruz projected as winner

* Nebraska Democratic caucus: Bernie Sanders projected as winner

Latest News

11:14 p.m.: Rubio rejects Trump's call to drop out

Marco Rubio's campaign for president is rejecting Donald Trump's call for the Florida senator to get out of the Republican race for president.

Rubio campaign spokesman Alex Conant says, "Trump's history as a con artist is being exposed. He canceled CPAC today because he's not a conservative."

Trump was scheduled to speak on Saturday at the annual gathering of conservative activists in suburban Washington. He instead made a campaign stop in Kansas.

The billionaire businessman won nominating contests in Louisiana and Kentucky. At a news conference, he says Rubio should leave the race. Says Trump, "Marco has to get out of the race. Has to."

With 123 delegates, Rubio is 252 delegates behind Trump in the race for the 1,237 needed to win the Republican nomination for president.

Conant says, "Trump knows that Marco has the momentum in Florida and is afraid because he knows losing those 99 delegates to Marco will be a turning point in this race."

11:08 p.m.: Cruz makes some headway against Trump's delegate lead

Ted Cruz is making a small dent in Donald Trump's lead in the race for delegates to the Republican National Convention this summer.

Cruz picked up at least 60 delegates Saturday, winning Republican caucuses in Kansas and Maine. Donald Trump collected at least 46 delegates, winning in Louisiana and Kentucky.

Marco Rubio added at least 13 delegates and John Kasich won at least eight.

There are a total of 155 Republican delegates at stake Saturday in Kansas, Maine, Kentucky and Louisiana. There are still 28 delegates to be allocated, in Louisiana and Kentucky.

In the overall race for delegates, Trump has 375 and Cruz has 291. Rubio has 123 delegates and Kasich has 33.

It takes 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination for president.

10:55 p.m.: Trump calls for Rubio to drop out

After postings wins in Louisiana and Kentucky's presidential nominating contests, Republican front-runner Donald Trump says it is "probably time" for rival Marco Rubio to drop out of Republican race for president.

The Florida senator finished no better than third in any of Saturday's primary elections and caucuses. Meanwhile, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz won in Maine and Kansas.

Trump congratulated Cruz for his victories. But he joked that it's natural that Cruz won Maine because, "it's very close to Canada, let's face it."

Trump has questioned Cruz's eligibility to be president, because the Texas lawmaker was born on Canadian soil. Many legal experts have said that Cruz is a natural born citizen who is eligible to serve as president.

10:46 p.m.: Trump wins Kentucky caucuses

Donald Trump has won the Republican presidential caucuses in Kentucky, adding to his victory earlier Saturday in Louisiana.

That's the 12th state win for the billionaire businessman, who aimed to extend his delegate lead over Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in Saturday's nominating contests.

Among his supporters in Kentucky was 57-year-old Karen Gallardo, a lifelong Republican who said she was proud to caucus for the real estate mogul.

She says, "It wasn't a close call."

She adds, "The reason I want Trump so bad is that I feel he has a vision, he knows the country. He is a successful businessman."

10:45 p.m.: Two of three states not good enough for Sanders Saturday

Bernie Sanders has won two out of the three states where Democrats voted on Saturday. But that isn't translating into any gains for him in The Associated Press delegate count.

With 109 delegates at stake Saturday, Clinton is on track to win a majority of them, having gained at least 51 after her big win in Louisiana. Sanders picked up at least 45.

Democratic contests award delegates in proportion to the vote, so even the loser gets some. Clinton's substantial margin of victory in the bigger state of Louisiana withstood Sanders' wins in Kansas and Nebraska.

That means Clinton will maintain her substantial delegate lead.

Including superdelegates, she now has a total of least 1,117 delegates, compared to at least 477 for Sanders. It takes 2,383 delegates to win.

Clinton has won 11 of the 18 states that have voted in primaries and caucuses up to now, compared to seven for Sanders. Maine holds its caucus on Sunday.

10 p.m.: Rubio tells supporters he knew this would be toughest stretch

Republican Marco Rubio is telling supporters at a campaign stop in Puerto Rico that he knew this would be the toughest stretch of his campaign for president.

Having lost in several states in Saturday's nominating contests, Rubio is looking to Puerto Rico for a victory on Sunday. So far, he has only one win out of 18 nominating contests.

Rubio says that the upcoming schedule of primaries is better for his campaign and that the states voting Saturday "have a certain profile" that benefits "other candidates."

The Florida senator says he still picked up delegates as part of the GOP's proportional distribution process and now looks forward to the winner-take-all phase of the race that begins March 15.

First up: His home state of Florida, where he again guaranteed victory -- despite preference polls showing him trailing GOP front-runner Donald Trump.

9:55 p.m.: Clinton 'thrilled' to add to delegate count

Hillary Clinton says she is "thrilled" to add to her pledged delegate count on a night when she and Bernie Sanders both saw wins.

Speaking at a Democratic Party dinner in Detroit Saturday night, Clinton offered congratulations to Sanders, who won caucuses in Kansas and Nebraska, while Clinton won the Louisiana primary. She then quickly turned to the next contest: Michigan.

Clinton says, "And I can tell you this: We're going to work for every vote."

Clinton pointed to her plans to help grow jobs and put pressure on companies to keep jobs in the United States. She praised Detroit for making a "comeback" and stressed her commitment to Flint, which is struggling with lead-contaminated water. She says, "There are lots of Flints out there."

9:46 p.m.: Sanders says Kansas, Nebraska show he can win decisively over Clinton

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders says in an interview with The Associated Press that his campaign is showing that it can win decisively over Hillary Clinton in a number of states, including victories in Kansas and Nebraska.

Sanders notes that the victories follow double-digit wins in New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Colorado and Minnesota. He says the "political revolution" has always been about turning out large numbers of working people, young people and those who have not been involved in the political process. He says that is "bearing out" on Saturday.

The senator says there are "some very big states coming up" like New York, California, Oregon and Washington state. He says, "I think in all of those states, we've got a shot to win it." He says wins in those big states might persuade some superdelegates to switch their support from Clinton to Sanders in hopes of holding onto the White House.

9:41 p.m.: With Clinton's big win in Louisiana, Sanders won't gain ground in delegate count

Bernie Sanders may have won Nebraska, but he won't be gaining ground in The Associated Press delegate count after Hillary Clinton's victory in Louisiana.

With 51 Louisiana delegates at stake, Clinton will gain more than half -- at least 28.

That margin will make up for her loss to Sanders in Nebraska.

In that state, Sanders will pick up at least 14 and Clinton will receive at least 10.

Also voting on Saturday were Kansas Democrats. The party says Sanders won that caucus but hasn't released vote totals.

Including superdelegates, Clinton now has at least 1,104 delegates by the AP count. Sanders has at least 446. It takes 2,383 delegates to win.

9:22 p.m.: Clinton, Trump pick up wins in Louisiana primaries

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have won their respective presidential primary elections in Louisiana.

The victories in Louisiana were the 11th state wins for both candidates, the front-runners for the Democratic and Republican party nominations.

The come after their rivals, Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz, each notched wins on Saturday.

Cruz won the Republican caucuses in Maine and Kansas, while Sanders picked up a win in Nebraska. The Kansas Democratic Party said the Vermont senator also won its caucuses.

9:20 p.m.: Sanders' wins Saturday not putting substantial dent in Clinton's delegate lead

Bernie Sanders' win in Nebraska means he will pick up more delegates than Hillary Clinton. But it won't dent the substantial lead Clinton has in the overall AP delegate count.

With 25 Nebraska delegates at stake, Sanders is assured of receiving at least 14. Clinton will pick up at least 10.

Also voting on Saturday were Democrats in Kansas and Louisiana. Up for grabs were a total of 109 delegates.

The Democratic Party in Kansas announced Sanders had won its caucus, but had not yet released vote totals.

Going into the weekend contests, Clinton had held a comfortable 198-delegate lead over Sanders, based on results from primaries and caucuses.

Clinton's lead is even greater when including superdelegates, the party officials who can support any candidate they wish.

Including results from Nebraska, she now has at least 1,076 delegates according to The Associated Press count, compared to 446 for Sanders. It takes 2,383 delegates to win.

9:15 p.m.: Cruz nibbles away at Trump's lead

Ted Cruz is nibbling away at Donald Trump's lead in the race for delegates to the Republican National Convention this summer.

Cruz picked up 36 delegates by winning Republican caucuses in Kansas and Maine on Saturday. Donald Trump won 18 delegates, Marco Rubio won six and John Kasich added three.

There are a total of 155 Republican delegates at stake Saturday in Kansas, Maine, Kentucky and Louisiana. No GOP delegates have yet been allocated in Kentucky or Louisiana.

In the overall race for delegates, Trump has 347 and Cruz has 267. Rubio has 116 delegates and Kasich has 28.

It takes 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination for president.

9:04 p.m.: Bernie Sanders wins in Nebraska

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has won Nebraska's Democratic presidential caucus, defeating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The victory for Sanders on Saturday marks the second time Clinton has lost the Nebraska Democratic caucuses. In 2008, then-Illinois Sen. Barack Obama defeated Clinton by a 2-to-1 ratio in the state.

Both Sanders and Clinton sent organizers to Nebraska and campaigned in the state, where Democrats often get little attention given the Republican Party's dominance.

Nebraska's Democratic caucuses were among contests held by one or both parties Saturday in five states.

Nebraska Republicans will vote for the GOP nominee in the state's May 10 primary.

8:48 p.m.: Cruz wins in Maine, state Republican Party says

The Maine Republican Party says Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has beaten New York businessman Donald Trump in the state's Republican presidential caucuses.

The party made the announcement Saturday night. The Associated Press has not called the race in Maine as it waits for formal results from the state party.

The victory by Cruz comes as opponents of GOP front-runner Donald Trump try to stop his momentum after the billionaire businessman's strong showing on Super Tuesday.

Cruz came to the state on Friday to campaign at the University of Maine a day after Trump rallied supporters in Portland.

8:28 p.m.: Sanders wins in Kansas, state Democratic Party says

The Kansas Democratic Party says Bernie Sanders has won its presidential caucuses.

The party made the announcement Saturday night, but did not release any vote count or results. The Associated Press has not called the race in Kansas as it waits for those results.

A pre-caucus rally Thursday for the Vermont senator in the liberal bastion of Lawrence drew several thousand people.

His backers overcame support for rival Hillary Clinton from former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and other Democratic establishment figures in the state.

8:20 p.m.: Republican turnout in Kansas greatly exceeds expectation

Turnout in Republican presidential caucuses in Kansas has exceeded the party's most optimistic predictions.

State GOP Executive Director Clay Barker says at least 73,000 people cast ballots in Saturday's caucuses. He says there are another 6,000 provisional ballots and 1,000 absentee ballots sent to voters but not yet collected.

That compares to about 30,000 people voting in the state's GOP caucuses in 2012 and about 20,000 voting in 2008.

The party had 60,000 ballots printed this year and then warned caucus sites to be prepared to print more.

8 p.m.: Cruz takes the most delegates in Kansas, with at least 23

Ted Cruz won most of the delegates in the Kansas Republican caucuses, collecting at least 23. Donald Trump won at least nine delegates and Marco Rubio got at least five.

There are still three delegates to be allocated in Kansas.

There are a total of 155 delegates at stake in four states Saturday: Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maine. No GOP delegates have yet been allocated in any of the other states.

In the overall race for delegates, Trump has 338 and Cruz has 254. Marco Rubio has 115 delegates and John Kasich has 25.

It takes 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination for president.

7:50 p.m.: Washington fears 'what we the people are doing,' says Cruz

By the time Ted Cruz took the stage for a campaign rally in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, he was already the winner of the Kansas caucuses. And he was in the mood to celebrate.

"And the scream you hear, the howl that comes from Washington, D.C., is the utter terror at what we the people are doing together," Cruz told a crowd of about 1,600 people who packed into a county fairgrounds building.

Idaho votes on Tuesday, but Cruz was hoping to collect more victories on Saturday. He even got ahead of himself, telling the crowd "God bless Kansas and God bless Maine" -- even though there is no winner yet in Maine.

Cruz told reporters after his speech that a win in the GOP nominating race by Donald Trump "in all likelihood" would lead to a Hillary Clinton presidency.

He says "65 to 70 percent of Republicans believe Donald Trump is not the best candidate to go head to head with Hillary Clinton."

7:12 p.m.: Trump wants to loosen torture laws

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says he wants to loosen the laws that limit the use of torture if he's elected to the White House.

Speaking at a rally Saturday in Orlando, Florida, Trump says "we're going to have those laws broadened, because we are playing with two sets of rules -- their rules and our rules."

Trump adds, "We're going to stay within the law, but we're going to increase it."

Trump this week appeared to reverse his stance on the use of torture after he was criticized by top Republican national security experts. He had previously advocated killing the wives and children of violent Islamic extremists, as well as bringing back waterboarding, a practice discontinued by the Obama administration.

Trump said this week in a statement that he would "use every legal power ... to stop these terrorist enemies," but he vowed not to order military or other officials to violate international law.

6:03 p.m.: Cruz picks up at least 17 delegates in Kansas

Ted Cruz will collect at least 17 delegates for winning the Republican caucuses in Kansas, and Donald Trump will win at least six.

There are a total of 155 delegates at stake in four states Saturday: Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maine. No GOP delegates have yet been allocated in any of the other states.

In the overall race for delegates, Trump has 335 and Cruz has 248. Marco Rubio has 110 delegates and John Kasich has 25.

It takes 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination for president.

5:58 p.m.: Ex-Disney employees endorse Trump over immigration

Two former Walt Disney World employees who say they lost their jobs and were forced to train foreign workers with H1-B visas are endorsing Donald Trump and slamming rival Marco Rubio.

The two spoke Saturday before a cheering crowd at Trump's rally in Orlando, Florida, home to Walt Disney World. Dena Moore and Leo Perrero say they feel "betrayed" by the Florida senator.

The two former technology employees at Walt Disney World are suing Disney and the outsourcing companies they say colluded to break the law and replace workers with cheaper immigrant labor. Disney has rejected their claims.

Perrero and Moore say their pleas for help to their home-state senator went unanswered.

Perrero says Rubio has betrayed American workers because he wants to expand the H1-B visa program. Rubio supports raising the number of highly skilled immigrants through the H1-B visa program from 65,000 to 110,000 annually.

In Thursday night's Republican debate, Trump retreated from a position paper on his website, saying he had swung in favor of more temporary H1-B visas. His stance against that had been one of the few specific policies he had laid out.

5:35 p.m.: Cruz wins Kansas

Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has won the Republican presidential caucuses in Kansas, adding to his wins in Iowa, Alaska, Oklahoma and his home state of Texas.

Cruz's victory in Kansas is the first result on a day in which Republicans are voting or holding caucuses in four states.

Among his supporters in Kansas was a 52-year-old engineer at an aviation company, David Cox. He caucused for Cruz in Wichita and says he picked Cruz because he believes he "stands for strong morals, conservative values."

Cox says he initially favored Ben Carson for the GOP nomination, but switched his vote to Cruz after the retired neurosurgeon dropped out of the race this week.

5:30 p.m.: Rubio plays up support for military, veterans

Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio is playing up his support for military spending and veterans health care.

The approach makes plenty of sense in Jacksonville, Florida, a GOP stronghold with a military presence that rivals any American city. And Florida is Rubio's home state.

Rubio told more than a 1,000 supporters Saturday that "if there is a city that understands the importance of the military, it's right here in northeast Florida."

The senator also introduced his older brother, a Vietnam veteran who lives in the area. Rubio frequently tells of his brother injuring himself jumping from a plane during his military service and repeatedly struggling to navigate the federal bureaucracy for care.

Rubio is under tremendous pressure to defeat Donald Trump in Florida's March 15 primary and is expected to continue hammering the GOP front-runner as unfit to be commander-in-chief.

5 p.m.: Rubio appeals to voters in his home state

Campaigning in his home state of Florida, Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio is reminding voters in Jacksonville that they've helped him as an underdog candidate before.

Behind in the delegate count to GOP front-runner Donald Trump, the Florida senator is under pressure to win the state's March 15 primary. The victor will claim all of the state's 99 delegates.

Rubio is a Miami native, and he reminded more than 1,000 supporters in Jacksonville on Saturday that when he ran for the Senate in 2010 "there was one other city that believed in me."

4:55 p.m.: Trump says Florida would clinch nomination

Republican front-runner Donald Trump says he will clinch the GOP nomination if he wins Florida's March 15 primary.

He tells thousands of supporters in Orlando on Saturday that "if we win Florida, believe me, it's over."

Cheers erupted from the capacity-crowd inside the University of Central Florida campus arena. At one point, Trump got the crowd to raise their right hands and pledge to vote for him.

He delivered his speech the same day early voting began statewide in Florida. GOP voters have already mailed in more than 457,000 absentee ballots.

Earlier

Voters in five states are getting their say in the 2016 race. Democrats and Republicans have contests in Kansas and Louisiana. Republicans in Maine and Kentucky are holding caucuses, as are Democrats in Nebraska.

Going into the weekend round, Donald Trump leads in the GOP race with 329 delegates. Ted Cruz has 231, Marco Rubio has 110 and John Kasich has 25.

It takes 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination.

On the Democratic side, Clinton leads with 1,066 delegates to 432 for Sanders. It takes 2,383 to win the party's nomination.

NEXT UP: Maine Democrats and Puerto Rico Republicans on Sunday.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. Check back here for live updates throughout the day.

LIVE UPDATES: SUPER SATURDAY
NATIONAL HARBOR, Maryland -- Republican presidential wannabes descend on the Washington suburbs every year at this time, hoping to make a splash at the Conservative Political Action Convention.

On Friday afternoon, it was Ohio Gov. John Kasich's turn. Dressed in a blue-checked shirt with an open collar, Kasich gave the crowd a quick biographical recap while pacing across its stage. Then he took questions from Fox News host Sean Hannity.

From his youthful campaign work for former President Ronald Reagan to his service as governor of a key swing state, Kasich did his best to convince CPAC that he's the best conservative candidate to carry the GOP banner this fall against likely Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Here are five takeaways from Kasich's speech:

1. Kasich predicts a contested GOP convention.

Kasich doesn't think any candidate will win enough delegates to clinch the nomination outright, and the party's nominee will be selected at July's Republican convention in Cleveland. He warned that party elites and the politically connected shouldn't control the nomination process.

"I'm going to win Ohio," he said. "I'm the last governor standing. There's only four of us and we're the little engine that can, so believe in us."

2. Kasich doesn't mind being left out Donald Trump's nickname game.

After hearing GOP frontrunner Donald Trump dub the other contestants in the race "Lying Ted" (aka Texas Sen. Ted Cruz) and "Little Marco" (aka Florida Sen. Marco Rubio), during Thursday night's GOP debate in Detroit, Kasich told Hannity he's fine not having a nickname from Trump.

"Who knows what kind of a nickname he'd give me?" Kasich said.

3. Kasich says smears won't work against Trump.

Kasich said Trump is channeling the frustration of people who are underemployed and frustrated with, and can only be beaten by someone with a vision and a record that shows they can get the job done and isn't just talking "political gibberish."

"I've already done these things," said Kasich. "I just want to go back and do them again to get the country moving."

4. Kasich is still a budget weenie.

After touting his budget-cutting record in Ohio, Kasich noted that when he left Congress after his first unsuccessful run for the White House in 2000, the U.S. government had a $5 trillion surplus. He said money was frittered away at a time when when Republicans controlled the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate and the White House. He said solid fiscal policy is key to ensure future prosperity.

"I like to say, Democrats, they love to spend, so do Republicans," said Kasich "They just feel guilty when they do it. "

5. Kasich played the crowd.

Republicans interviewed as they left the venue liked what Kasich had to say, but were mixed on whether they'd vote for him. Floridian Ted Seale said he'll back Cruz instead because he believes the Texan is best equipped to defeat Trump.

But a group of College Republicans from Central Michigan University were sufficiently impressed that they said they'd likely vote for him next week in the state's primary. They said Kasich comes across better when he speaks to voters directly - as he did at CPAC - instead of waiting to be called upon by debate moderators.

Student Marie Sokolosky described Kasich as "anti-establishment," yet calm and likable.

"Trump is surging in Michigan, but if Kasich talks to people in Michigan the way he talked to the crowd at CPAC, they will vote for him," added her fellow-student, Emmanuel Estrada.
ROCKY RIVER, Ohio - Anyone looking for a good fish fry in the Rocky River area for March 11 should consider stopping by - or perhaps driving through - the last one offered at Magnificat High School during this Lenten season.

According to Magnificat Fathers' Club President Chris Nortz, whose organization along with the Magnificat Mothers' Club hosts the fish/shrimp fry event, the drive-thru option is just one of many great things to experience.

"We have Lake Erie perch and our drive-thru," Nortz said. "It is great to get people inside our school and to get the feel of what our school is all about. This is our seventh year hosting fish fries."

He also mentioned the beer and wine available for purchase.

"It is nice for our guests to be able to enjoy a cold drink with their dinner after a long week," he said.

Though the drive-thru has only been in operation the past two years, Nortz says it has become an important part of serving the public.

"It is very popular," he said. "Our students work the drive-thru by coming out to the cars, taking the orders and payment and then running them back in to the kitchen. The orders are then filled and delivered back out to the cars."

Besides the half-pound Lake Erie perch, shrimp or combo dinners, which are $13 and include fries, coleslaw, pop or water, there also are pierogi meals ($10) and kids' options ($5) available. Children can choose pizza or macaroni and cheese with fries. Senior meals are only $10. All proceeds benefit the Magnificat Fathers' Club.

Nortz explained how the many volunteers collaborate to raise money throughout the year.

"The fathers' and mothers' clubs come together to support the school with different events," Nortz said. "The two clubs work on the fish fries along with our students. This year's proceeds will go toward the recently renovated fitness center that the students, faculty and staff use."

The Magnificat fish/shrimp fry will be open from 5-7:30 p.m. March 11. Credit cards are accepted; phone orders are not available.

Magnificat High School is located at 20770 Hilliard Boulevard in Rocky River.
Jack Flaps is one of my family breakfast spots in town. It's cool, it's lively, and it's fun. And it's a good food place, too. You can certainly call Jack Flaps a brunch spot, but it almost feels awkward using that term for a place where down-home, down-to-earth chow is the specialty. (That said, if you don't mind the wait it's a perfect place to find "morning" food during "lunch hour" - which pretty much defines what "brunch" is all about.)

Whatever you call it (and whenever you eat there) Jack Flaps turns out hearty, rib-sticking-delicious fare. Pancakes are the specialty, but the menu is rife with other categories of both familiar and unexpected dishes. Better still, the "familiar" items are rendered unique by chef-owner Randy Carter (whose business partner is Momocho Mod Mex chef-owner Eric Williams). Carter adds a twist (but a comfortable kind) to dishes like the not-just-potatoes Root Vegetable Hash, Breakfast Banh Mi Sandwich, and Coke-Glazed Pork Belly instead of the usual bacon.

That said, enter understanding that this isn't IHOP or Perkins - meaning, almost everything on the menu has its own distinctive compositions and flavors. If you are one of those very particular, mild coffee-and-white toast types, you may find your options limited.

See the final slide page to find contact info, hours, etc. for "Making Plans".....

Photo by Michael Norman, Cleveland.com

Breakfast or brunch, expect a unique and memorable meal at Jack Flaps

Jack Flaps is located at 3900 Lorain Ave. in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood, close to St. Ignatius High School, just down the street from the West Side Market.

Don't Edit

Photo by Joe Crea, cleveland.com

Three top picks for a meal at Jack Flaps

Pictured here are three of my picks for best options on Jack Flaps menu. Descending from top: The Old Standard (eggs with meat and veg), Shrimp and Grits, and Lemon Curd Pancakes.

Read on, for my impressions of each dish

Don't Edit

Photo by Joe Crea, Cleveland.com

The Old Standard is anything but the usual

If you grew up around these parts (heck, if you grew up in most any part of America, especially in the heartland), The Old Standard ($7) is pretty much what youd expect: eggs, some sort of pork product and a potato hash. Except at Jack Flaps, The Old Standard is anything but "the usual." Actually, its mostly different.

Sure, the eggs are straight-up, done in whatever style you wish. But your choice of breakfast meats can include decadently fatty pork belly finished with a spicy coating - then, add the hash. Here it's a Root Vegetable Hash, an engaging combination of cubed potatoes, parsnips and other veggies. Together they add up to true stick-to-the-ribs fare, a real farmhand feed set before you.

Don't Edit

Photo by Joe Crea, Cleveland.com

Soul satisfying Southern style Shrimp and Grits

To many a Yankee's ear, shrimp and grits sounds improbable - unless youve spent time in South Carolinas coastal low country, where that combo can be a treasure and a true measure of any Southern cooks culinary mettle.

If you enjoy the dish as much as I do, here youre in for a treat. Jack Flaps version ($11) starts with a mix of coarse and finely ground grits simmered (with cream) to a silken smoothness. That heavenly bed is topped with a generous scattering of modestly sized shrimp that have been subtly but distinctively spiced and cooked, al dente, with a mingling of bell pepper strips and onions. Savored together, the marriage of shellfish and starch provide succulent counterpoints of flavor and texture. Or, more simply put wow.

Don't Edit

Photo by Joe Crea, Cleveland.com

Hearty Lemon Curd Pancakes

As I lifted my first fork full of chef Randy Carters Lemon Curd Pancakes ($10), for a moment I couldnt help but think back on the remarkably fluffy Lemon Souffle Pancakes at Fire Food and Drink in Shaker Square.

At Fire, chef Doug Katz's cloud-like cakes are impossibly light and fluffy, ethereally lemony - a dream. Carters version is a very different but very satisfying approach. At Jack Flaps the pancakes are hearty but not unduly heavy. And theyre topped with a generous drift of lemon curd and a tangy mound of lightly sweetened berry compote, which provides a refreshing contrast to the other elements on the plate.

And speaking of pancakes

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Photo by Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer

Other pancake options at Jack Flaps

When you think of pancakes, do you conjure up images of mostly sweet, light-as-air pillows? Nah, these aren't those: Jack Flaps puts out substantial cakes, full of good wheaty flavor, still light but satisfying enough to send you off well-fortified. Choose menu toppings to customize ($7, plus $1 per topping) You'll find other kinds of 'cakes, such as Buckwheat, Tiramisu and Candied Jalapeno, priced $9.50 to $10. A la carte eggs, breakfast meats and other sides are available.

Don't Edit

Photo by Michael Norman, Cleveland.com

Plenty more to choose from, and more

Plenty of other items populate the menu, including both simple and not-so-plain pancakes and really good waffles. (Note: Those waffles will take awhile.) The aforementioned Banh Mi Breakfast Sandwiches are over-the-top good (and in 2014 earned Jack Flaps a Best Sandwiches in America award from Restaurant Hospitality Magazine).

One other thing. I happily went for seconds (OK, and thirds) on the robust medium-roast House Coffee. Our server, Patrick (friendly, efficient, and humorously candid) sent us off with to-go cups of the good brew.

Parking on Lorain Avenue on the weekends can be a drag, and some nearby business owners may not welcome your commandeering one of their limited spaces. Consider sending in one of your party to take a place in line while you circle the block.

Don't Edit

Photo by Laura DeMarco, The Plain Dealer

Making plans to visit Jack Flaps

Jack Flaps is located at 3900 Lorain Ave., Cleveland; jack-flaps.com, 216-961-5199. The restaurant is open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed holidays). No reservations are accepted (come hungry, but not starved; you can almost count on some kind of a wait on weekends). All major credit cards are accepted. House rule: on weekends, don't count on your group-of-six-or-more guests being seated together. Seeking an alcohol buzz? It may be 5 o'clock somewhere, but not in this breakfast-foods joint. Kids menu? Actually, most of the offerings are kids menu-worthy. Seating is a mix of tables, high-tops, and bar stools. The space is quite crowded, which may impede handicapped access.

Don't Edit

cleveland visitors guide

More brunches, breakfasts

Search for more great weekend breakfast and brunch options in Greater Cleveland.

More weekend brunch, breakfast options
The sun sets over Havana on the evening before the U.S. officially reopens their embassy after 54 years. Justin Solomon | CNBC

In 1959, one of the first official acts of a young Fidel Castro was to nationalize private property that resulted in the mass expulsion of foreign companies from Cuba. Fast forward to five decades later, where a diplomatic thaw is underway between the island and the world's largest economy, but businesses are still in the dock awaiting opportunities to profit from the evolving detente. With Barack Obama preparing to become the first U.S. president in decades to visit the nation this month, the economic blockade  which can only be lifted by Congress  remains in force. That suggests American companies are unlikely to reap the benefits of the new relationship between the two countries  at least not right away, even as the White House has eased restrictions on travel and remittances. Read MoreNJ gov wants to leverage Cuban flights for fugitive Recent moves by the U.S. to normalize relations with Cuba haven't opened the floodgates for foreign investment, and observers say domestic Cuban businesses are still adapting to the new reality. Beginning in 2010, the island saw a boom in start-ups, which have increased from 150,000 to more than 500,000 in the last five years, according to Cuban government data. That being said, the state of Cuban entrepreneurs, or "cuentapropistas," as they are called, remains "incipient" due to being suppressed by the Communist government, said Ted Henken, an author and professor at Baruch College in New York. Owning a business in Cuba is a "struggle," Henken, a sociologist who has written extensively on the Cuban economy, told CNBC in a recent interview.

'Suiting the needs of Cuban community'

The government really needs to consider going deeper and faster  people are getting frustrated and immigrating. Ted Henken Author and Sociologist

A few businesses have found limited success working within the barriers erected by the Cuban government. Airbnb managed to crack the Cuban market following normalized relations by listing rentals in the country, and has managed to navigate successfully the payment problems vendors and consumers often encounter. "Through intermediaries, we are able to deposit funds into many of our Cuban hosts' bank accounts," Jordi Torres Mallol, regional director at Airbnb Latin America, told CNBC in a recent interview. Read MoreWhat Cuban start-ups need to succeed "For hosts who aren't able to accept funds this way, we have partnered with a third party to remit payments in the manner that our Cuban hosts select, including door-to-door delivery of payments," Torres said, with Airbnb insisting such payments are "authorized transactions" despite the ban on dollar-denominated transactions in Cuba. "As [the] banking infrastructure in Cuba evolves, we will reevaluate our payment procedures to suit the needs of our Cuban host community," Airbnb added.

Migration crisis in the background

American cars cruise the streets of Havana. Justin Solomon | CNBC

The U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council points out that since December 2014  when Obama first announced measures to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba  the Cuban government has not yet moved to lift restrictions that would facilitate freer trade and commerce with and within the island's borders. These include letting U.S. companies export directly to the country, authorizing credit card use on the more than 10,000 points of sale in Cuba, and letting U.S. companies establish an operational presence on the island, the council says. The latter point is of particular interest to American multinational corporations, which by most indications are eager to do business on the island. Telecommunications companies like IDT have already struck deals with Cuba's national telecom provider to handle international calls to the country. Baruch's Henken said that Cuba's "centralized state-socialist economic system" destroyed key financial institutions, payment and financing systems, which is impeding Cubans from fully participating in e-commerce, hampered its already limited technological reach  and sparked a mass exodus of Cubans trying to reach the U.S. Read MoreUS government further eases Cuba sanctions Ironically, Cuban migration has reached crisis proportions despite the promise of a new relationship with its decadeslong antagonist. According to Pew Research, the number of Cubans who entered the U.S. after December 2014 spiked a dramatic 78 percent in a year, with thousands more currently streaming across Central America and Mexico to enter the U.S. "While there's been significant progress, it hasn't been sufficient," Henken noted. "The government really needs to consider going deeper and faster  people are getting frustrated and immigrating."

The former General Electric offices in Havana, where workers are building a new school. Justin Solomon | CNBC
WHEN: Today, Friday, March 4th

WHERE: CNBC's "Closing Bell"

Following is the unofficial transcript of a CNBC EXCLUSIVE interview with Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and CNBC's Chief Washington Correspondent John Harwood on CNBC's "Closing Bell" (M-F, 3PM-5PM ET) today, Friday, March 4th. Following are links to the video on CNBC.com:http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000499128, http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000499133, http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000499131 and http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000499132.

All references must be sourced to CNBC.

Kelly Evans: The race for the White House is heating up ahead of Tuesday's Michigan primary. Democratic Presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton holds a large lead in the polls over rival Bernie Sanders as she tries to lockdown her party's nomination. She joins CNBC's Chief Washington Correspondent John Harwood for an exclusive interview from Detroit. John?

John Harwood: Kelly, thanks so much. Secretary Clinton, thanks so much for being with us.

Hillary Clinton: Thank you, John. It's good to be with you.

John Harwood: Let me start by asking you this. The Conservative writer Peggy Noonan the other day wrote a piece saying the real divide in America is not partisan, but it is between those who feel helpless and unprotected against social and economic dislocation and those kind of people live in Washington and New York, for whom it's going to come out okay whatever happens with our debates on trade and immigration and taxes. I think Bernie Sanders when he says oh, I want to see her speeches at Goldman Sachs is suggesting maybe there's a little rhetorical, don't worry about it, it's going to be okay kind of nod to them. Do those people who keep coming out on the short side have a right to be angry at the people who have been in charge like you?

Hillary Clinton: You know, John, I think there are a lot of reasons why people are angry and fearful because I think underneath some of the anger is a real sense of insecurity. The economy has been really tough, the great recession not so many millions of Americans down. 9 million jobs lost, 5 million homes lost, $13 trillion in family wealth wiped out. A lot of folks haven't recovered, but even before that, Americans haven't had a raise for like 15 years. After the great economy when my husband was President, we went back to trickle down economics and we saw the results and we went back to letting the financial markets and the mortgage markets basically do whatever they want. I was against that and I was very vocal in being against that. Not just against the Bush administration. I was the one who went to Wall Street and said they were wrecking the economy. So I felt frustrated because you could see a lot of this happening, almost like a slow motion train wreck. Where we are now, and I don't think President Obama gets the credit he deserves, he inherited the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression and it could have been even worse. We've had 70 months of job creation, good jobs report today. We're standing, but we're not yet running. And I think a lot of Americans are really worried that it's not going to get better. That's why I'm running on specifics, on policies, on what I think I can do.

John Harwood: Well, speaking about standing and not yet running, the middle class really hasn't been running for a long period of time, 40 years really. If you're a voter out there and you look at someone like Donald Trump who's running, totally outside the system, businessman, looks like he's been successful, pretty aggressive. And then they look at you, who's been at the very top of national politics for most of the last generation, 25 years really. Jim Webb, your former colleague in the Senate  Democratic colleague said today, I don't know if I'm going to vote for Trump, but I can't vote for Hillary Clinton because we would just get the same stuff. Isn't that a problem?

Hillary Clinton: Well, let's talk on a factual basis. I was part of an administration in the 90s where incomes went up for everybody, not just people at the top, where the median family income went up 17%, the median African-American family income went up 33% and more people were lifted out of poverty than at any time in recent history. I think that's a good record. Now, did that solve all of the problems of globalization and technology and dislocation? No. But were we on the right path? I would argue we were.

John Harwood: Some people say well that was a tech bubble.

Hillary Clinton: No, well, you know what, I would say it also matters whether you've got good leadership and you can look around the world and see the difference and you can certainly see it here because when the Republicans came back in, we got the same old snake oil of trickle down economics. And even now when you listen to the Republicans who are vying for their nomination, it's the same thing. It's cut taxes on the wealthy. In fact, Trump says wages are too high in America. The others are all playing the same game. Appealing to special interests, appealing to their donors. They don't have an agenda for the middle class, working people, poor people trying to get ahead. So I think it's imperative that I do everything I can in this election to make the case that we can get back to a growing vital middle class. We can build those ladders of opportunity. That's why I talk about breaking down barriers and I'm going to keep talking about it because I know that's what we have to do.

John Harwood: Tax Policy Center analysis group, not unsympathetic to your point of view, has analyzed both your plan and Sanders' plan over the last couple of days. He said Sanders' plan  the Senator said Sanders' plan would raise taxes $4700 on middle quintile families. You would not do that. But the center also said that your plan to try to encourage longer term investment may not work, that you would make the tax code more complex and that the tax increases that you would have would discourage savings and investment. Given where we are economically, to actually deliver and improve the lives of the people you're trying to serve, don't we need more savings and investment?

Hillary Clinton: Well actually, that's not how I read the TPC analysis. I was very pleased that they found that I pay for what I am proposing, that I am focused on raising wages , that I will not support a middle class tax increase, and that I have a comprehensive plan. Now they raise questions about how best to deal with capital gains income and investment income and I've laid out what I think would battle what one of our problems in the economy is and that's short termism. And it's the emphasis on quarterly earnings, which I think has prevented investment and savings particularly where we need it  getting into paychecks, helping to train workers, investing in research and experimentation and the like. But I think that their analysis pointed out my main concern about Senator Sanders' plan, which is that it would raise taxes across the board on middle class families. It would also probably disadvantage working folks, people on Medicaid even because they would have a hard time paying for his taxes. So I think I have a proposal that is sensible, defensible. It is far more responsible than anything the Republicans are proposing.

John Harwood: Now you have come out with a proposal today to try to claw back tax benefits for companies that go overseas. You put out an ad this week, very tough against pharmaceutical companies saying you're going after what you consider predatory pricing. There are a lot of people in business who think that you're chasing Bernie Sanders rhetorically, if not in policy, and think that you are making them targets. Do you want both business and voters to hear the message that you're going to be bad for business?

Hillary Clinton: Oh, I don't think what I'm arguing is bad for business at all. It certainly is focused on bad behavior of some businesses. And yes, when I was a Senator, I had the same positions. You know, I called for reigning in CEO pay, I called for closing the carried interest loophole, I called for a moratorium on mortgage foreclosures. So anybody who has followed my career knows that I support businesses that create jobs and that invest in their employees and their communities. But when you see a company like Nabisco, which has taken a lot of government benefits and now are picking up and moving a production line out of our country, when you look at and Johnson Controls, which came hat and hand to Washington to be bailed out along with the rest of the auto industry, and now wants to take advantage of an inversion and pretend to buy a company and move their headquarters in order to avoid paying American taxes when the American taxpayers bailed them out, that's bad behavior, John. That is the kind of behavior that we do have to go after because we're in a company right here that has great productivity, has a great reputation, invests in their workers, the biggest woman owned company in Michigan and it's a place that I want more companies to look at and be part of. It has unionized labor. They work together. So I have a very strong commitment to doing what I can to encourage behavior that is for the long term and that invests in Americans and gets the middle class growing again.

John Harwood: Let me ask about quickly about e-mail. Your Republican opponents have openly begun to suggest that you could be prosecuted, you could go to jail as a result of this issue. When the average person out there hears there's an FBI investigation and some guy who worked for her has gotten immunity from prosecution, shouldn't they be tempted to conclude like, well, maybe she could get prosecuted?

Hillary Clinton: No, not at all. This is the same security review that has been going on since last Spring. I'm happy that everybody now has been cooperating and giving information because I think that will finally end this and show that only appropriate steps were taken. So I know that the Republicans are engaging in a lot of wishful thinking, but this is not anything people should be worried about.

John Harwood: Well, in terms of your own reflection on this, though, assume  let's say you're right and there's no legal case. Given the fact that more than 1,000 e-mails, and I recognize there's a dispute, have been described as classified, some even top secret. Would you concede that you and the people who worked for you at State Department were sloppy in the way you handled top secret information?

Hillary Clinton: No. No, because let's be clear about this. There wasn't a single one of those that was marked classified, either sent or received. That hasn't changed. Now, what I think the public may not understand is that when a process is undertaken to determine whether e-mails should be made public  and remember, I asked, nobody told me to. I said make them all public. I've been the most transparent public official in modern times as far as I know. When that process is undertaken, then other agencies get to weigh in and get to say, hey, wait a minute, I don't think that should come out now, whether or not the State Department or if I were in some other agency agrees. That is par for the course. Now whether it should be or not, is a whole separate issue. But it doesn't change in any way. Nothing was marked classified and you know, that is just a fact. And it's, I think, one that bears repeating.

John Harwood: Secretary Clinton, thanks very much.

Hillary Clinton: Good to talk to you.

About CNBC:

With CNBC in the U.S., CNBC in Asia Pacific, CNBC in Europe, Middle East and Africa, CNBC World and CNBC HD , CNBC is the recognized world leader in business news and provides real-time financial market coverage and business information to approximately 371 million homes worldwide, including more than 100 million households in the United States and Canada. CNBC also provides daily business updates to 400 million households across China. The network's 15 live hours a day of business programming in North America (weekdays from 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET) is produced at CNBC's global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBC News bureaus worldwide. CNBC at night features a mix of new reality programming, CNBC's highly successful series produced exclusively for CNBC and a number of distinctive in-house documentaries.

CNBC also has a vast portfolio of digital products which deliver real-time financial market news and information across a variety of platforms. These include CNBC.com, the online destination for global business; CNBC PRO, the premium, integrated desktop/mobile service that provides real-time global market data and live access to CNBC global programming; and a suite of CNBC Mobile products including the CNBC Real-Time iPhone and iPad Apps.

Members of the media can receive more information about CNBC and its programming on the NBC Universal Media Village Web site at http://www.nbcumv.com/mediavillage/networks/cnbc/.
watch now

Children eat them all the time, only one in every hundred peanut gets to become one of them and it just turned 75 years old  M&M's, which were first marketed for the military, are now being marketed for millennials.

Mars Inc. told CNBC on Friday that in response to market demands, it's shifting away from it's "press shy" reputation in efforts to appeal to curious millennials. "We have not needed to talk out before ... but we've really spoken through our brands," Tracey Massey, Mars Chocolate North America's president, said on Friday. "What's changing is consumers ... they want to know more about the companies behind the brand."

What do millennials want?

The interest in millennial consumers has grown widely recently, as many consider that the group will transform the U.S. economy. Think tank Pew Research Center reported last May that millennials had surpassed Generation X in the U.S. labor force, holding the largest share of the workforce. In this light, investment banking company Goldman Sachs said that a strong brand is not enough to appeal to millennials. The firm argues that the generation, which prefers to consume brands that have a social presence, value price over quality; a characteristic that challenges the idea of brand loyalty. "That is why I am here," Massey told CNBC. "So that we can start telling millennials about our business."

Inside the Mars empire

Tracey Massey, president, Mars Chocolate North America. Adam Jeffery | CNBC

Market research firm Euromonitor International reported that two companies control most of the chocolate candy industry in the U.S.: The Hershey Co. and Mars. The privately held company was recently recently ranked the seventh-largest private company in America, according to Forbes; the firm also reports that Mars has $33 billion in sales. Meanwhile, Euromonitor reported that last year both Mars and Hershey held a combined "value share of 64 percent across a wide portfolio of brands and categories," adding that "no other company (in NBO terms) maintains a share higher than 4 percent."

In the same vein, Massey told CNBC that M&M's is not only the company's largest brand, but also "the largest [candy] brand in the world." The president of the Virginia-based company mentioned to "Power Lunch" that 99 percent of its U.S. sales are manufactured between 9 U.S.-based and one Canada-based factory. "It's a big philosophy of Mars: We believe in reinvesting back in the communities that we are in," Massey said. "When we do well and we sell in America, we invest in American jobs."

What do chocolate lovers like?

Chocolate consumers are loyal to their brand of choice, something that challenges companies when introducing new products in the market, Massey noted. "Chocolate lovers, they like to try different things, but they always go back to their favorites," she said.

The expert told CNBC that in order to introduce new products, brands need to advertise the new candy for a long time before it sticks  in some cases, up to 20 years.

New marketing strategy
Mandy Pifer, whose boyfriend was one of the victims who perished in the San Bernardino terror attacks, has a message for Apple CEO Tim Cookwho is currently trying to fend off an order to hack one of the perpetrators' iPhone.



"I am angry. [While] I understand there are shareholders and that he is the CEO of a very large company, you can't put a price on a person's life," Pifer told CNBC's "Fast Money" this week.



She lost her boyfriend Shannon Johnson in the mass shooting, and believes that Apple can and should be doing more to provide closure to those directly impacted by the tragedy. Currently, the tech giant is pushing back hard against a court order to unlock the shooter's iPhone, in a case that has touched off a furious debate about privacy and data security. Many observers say the battle could eventually land in the Supreme Court.

Read MoreLawyer: Apple being 'conscripted' into govt service

For its part, Apple claims that the government's attempt to force the iPhone maker to hack the phone would constitute a severe breach of privacy. It's an argument that frustrated Pifer, whose boyfriend died shielding a fellow co-worker at the Inland Regional Center on December 2nd, 2015.

"He gave his life to protect those he cared about," Pifer explained in an off-camera interview with CNBC. "I'd ask Tim Cook if his response would be different if it was somebody whom he loved that was killed," she said. "Now, if opening one phone can help provide answers, then yes I want that phone opened."



Apple did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.
Inception at the Sea Source: Inception at the Sea

Depending on whom you ask, spring break trips to perennial hot spots in Mexico, Florida and Puerto Rico are becoming a thing of the past. Some leisure companies have taken the idea of a cruise and added everything party-hungry college students dream about. One of these, Inception at Sea, is a cruise organized by Whet Travel and Student City. The outfit is staging a four-day cruise to Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay. The cruise departs from Miami on Friday, and includes a full menu of on-board accommodations like food, unlimited beverages and access to all events on board and on land. Read MoreNavigating choose your own adventure cruise deals Given booming interest, Rafi Leibo, director of sales and marketing at Whet Travel, told CNBC it didn't take long for the idea of this event to become reality. "Cruising in general gives anyone the opportunity to travel in style, while not having to worry or stress about pretty much anything," he said. Inception also includes performances from popular groups from the worlds of hip-hop and electronic dance music. "When you combine the convenience and intimacy of cruising with the energy of 2,000 spring breakers from colleges around the country, and mix in some of the biggest talent in [music] it's just a winning formula," Leibo said.

A growing number of college students are hopping aboard cruise ships. Veterans like Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer spring break themed incentives to would-be partiers. Travel site Orbitz points to Carnival's "reputation for being the most fun at sea" for college students trying to shake off midterms. Students like Nicole Swenarton and six friends only had to book a flight to Florida and the cruise itself. Everything else they would have to worry about if they were traveling somewhere else has been taken care by the cruise itself, she said. "Not only did we just have to book a flight to Florida, which is already cheaper than flying to Puerto Rico or Mexico, the cruise itself has bars and clubs on the ship," Swenarton said. "All of our parents were understandably concerned about us traveling to Mexico and leaving the resort to go off on our own. [However] we're a big group and it made so much more sense to have this kind of secure facility, the cruise, to be able to go out on," Swenarton added. For travelers, the concept of having an all-inclusive boat is something that adds to the convenience of the trip. It also takes away the idea that students could worry about what they are doing at night  or during the day.



Spring break revelry is often the source of anxiety for parents and frequently ends with more than a few cautionary tales. For Swenarton, safety and peace of mind while on break played a big role in her decision. "If someone wants to leave the party or leave the club we don't have to feel concerned. It's kind of a nice alternative because you can just hop on back to your room," she said. "We can split up and do our own thing and it's a safe alternative to going to some foreign city and hoping we're going to be alive at the end," she said. "Cruising is really a one-stop shop. From the moment you step on board  everything is at your fingertips," said Leibo. He and his team are hoping that the 2016 cruise will boost the event's popularity for the future. "Cruising in general is on the up, and although this type of event has never been done before, we're confident that once it takes place and rumors of the magic that occurred on board spreads around the country, these types of events will only continue to grow each year," he said.
watch now

If Jim Cramer took over as America's professor, he would make some serious changes in the educational system. He finds it absurd that a student can graduate from school and not know how to write a check, or be required to have knowledge of personal finance. "They say money can't buy happiness, but I've always found that piece of cliched conventional wisdom to be dubious at best since being broke is a major buzzkill, as I know first-hand from the time I spent living in my '78 Ford Fairmont," the "Mad Money" host said. For younger investors who are trying to take an active hand in managing their money, the first step in achieving financial freedom is to invest. It's the only way to creating a life that isn't completely dependent on a paycheck, Cramer says.

However, there is a caveat. You must pay off credit card debt. It doesn't matter how much money you make in the stock market, that interest you are paying on a credit card will eat away at your returns and may be more than the profits you make.

For those looking to get involved with investing, Cramer shared three tips for young investors:

No. 1: Invest your savings

No. 2: Take risks if you are young

No. 3: It's never too early to save for retirement

Read More Cramer: Young investor? Here's where to start



Kevin Dodge | Getty Images

It's not just retirement that is an important factor for long-term investing. Cramer has read a lot of stories lately that talk about the growing burden of student loan debt for tens of thousands of Americans who owe more than a trillion dollars in debt.

"For any of you who are parents or are thinking about becoming parents, let me just tell you right now that there are very few things you can do for your children that are better than paying for as much of their college education as you can afford," the "Mad Money" host said.

Hands down, the best way to save for college is with a 529 plan. Rules vary by state, but there are certain aspects that are standard across the country.

Due to federal gift tax laws, single investors can only contribute $14,000 a year, or $28,000 if you're married and file taxes jointly. Grandparents can contribute to the plan, as well, and can even start a 529 plan with your child as the beneficiary, though Cramer thinks it is better for a parent to do it.

"The key here, though, is that you want to get that money into your kid's 529 as early as possible. That's because the greatness of these plans is all about the power of compounding." With all of the different mutual fund and exchange traded fund (ETF) options out there, Cramer's head is spinning. How the heck are investors supposed to know which ones to invest in when there are so many of them? "The important thing is this: You have all sorts of ETFs and mutual funds out there, and they can all advertise. The companies that run these funds want your money. And of the biggest mistake you can make as an individual investor is to give it to them, with a few significant exceptions," the "Mad Money" host said. If you are an investor who owns mutual funds, Cramer says you are probably getting hosed. There is just no other nice way to put it. However, his beef is not with all mutual funds. Specifically, he warned against actively managed mutual funds with people deciding the stocks and securities to buy and sell. Cramer has an issue with actively managed funds because the managers don't get paid for delivering performance  they collect a fee from investors regardless of the amount of money they make for their client. The amount of money they make depends on the size of assets that are under management. That means their biggest incentive is not for an investor to do well; it is how much of your money they can bring in. Read More Cramer: Costly funds could be ripping you off



Jason York | Getty Images
Times are tough for billionaire investors. Warren Buffett's top stock picks aren't working  whether it's IBM or American Express, the Oracle can't seem to catch a break. Buffett had his worst year since the financial crisis in 2015, and hedge fund great Bill Ackman of Pershing Square Capital Management had his worst year ever in 2015, thanks to, among other things, the dramatic fall in controversial drug company Valeant Pharmaceuticals , a top pick. David Einhorn of Greenlight Capital apologized to shareholders for a bad year and big bet gone bad on solar company SunEdison , which he failed to take profits in before the stock tanked. Though he hasn't given up on SunEdison and now has been given a board seat at the company. The volatile markets were supposed to be a time for stock pickers to shine. But it hasn't worked out that way. Einhorn said a few years ago, "It doesn't make sense to blindly follow me or anyone else into a stock. ... Do your own work."

Indeed, it's never been harder to be a billionaire investor, but here's the catch: It's never been easier, either. And it's the latter that should have the attention of individual investors.

CNBC recently covered an interesting report from Goldman Sachs equity strategists who said that a concentrated list of hedge fund stock picks created by Goldman, the Hedge Fund VIP List, was just about the worst investment in the market right now. In fact, Goldman strategists advised investors looking for a viable equity strategy to do the exact opposite of the Hedge Fund VIP List  chase stocks that are among the least popular in hedge fund portfolios. But here's the curious thing. Goldman Sachs recently filed for an exchange-traded fund based on  yes, you guessed it  the Hedge Fund VIP List.

Now before you cry foul and accuse Goldman of being up to Wall Street financial crash tricks, selling retail investors on an investment that Goldman executives are calling a dog internally, the divide between Goldman's short-term stock strategist call and Goldman Sachs Asset Management's ETF plans may not be a divide at all. As noted in the recent CNBC article on the recent Goldman anti-hedge "conviction list" market advice, "What Goldman calls its 'VIP' list, or the one that includes the 50 most-owned stocks, has beaten the S&P 500 on a quarterly basis 64 percent of the time since 2001." Goldman Sachs declined to comment on its plans to launch the "VIP List" ETF at a time when its analysts have released a report advising investors to do the opposite. But Goldman isn't the only asset manager that believes an ETF based on the stock picks of investing giants is a good idea. There are now at least seven ETFs offering a way to invest in the ideas of investing greats. Not surprisingly, after getting off to a good start, these ETFs have underperformed the market right alongside Buffett and Ackman more, and are they likely on a shorter leash than Buffett. He has earned his softly stated distaste for a short-term performance focus thanks to decades of excellence.

Billionaire investing ETFs

Ticker Name YTD (%) 1-year (%) Annual fee (%) GURU Global X Guru -6.98 -17.99 0.75 GURI Global X Guru Int'l -6.66 -20.77 0.75 ACTX Global X Guru Activist -2.19 *-16.36 0.75 IBLN Direxion iBillionaire -3.91 -10.49 0.65 ALFA AlphaClone Alternative Alpha -7.98 -22.63 0.95 ALFI AlphaClone Int'l ETF -3.74 NA 0.95 VALX Validea Market Legends -3.73 -14.55 0.79 SPY SPDR S&P 500 -2.01 -3 0.09 EFA iShares MSCI EAFE -4.72 -11.07 0.34



(Chart source: XTF.com, *ACTX inception date was 4/29/2015) "ALFA and GURU had actually done pretty well in the past few years (since their inception in 2012 through August last year)," said Neena Mishra, director of ETF research at Zacks Investment Research. Even the broader hedge fund industry underperformed the broader stock market, and only a few hedge fund managers delivered superior returns. These "cloning" ETFs, by focusing only on the best ideas from hedge fund stock pick securities filings (13Fs), were able to beat the market. "Of late, these strategies have backfired," Mishra said. "Most hedge funds had concentrated positions in some of the high-flying stocks," she said. In fact, all of these ETFs have done worse than the market over the past few months and significantly worse in the past one-year period. "In the current environment, when stock market returns are expected to be quite low, it is difficult to say whether these ETFs will be able to justify their high expenses with their performance," Mishra said.

She said since these ETFs use securities filings that are backward-looking (it's the stock picks that a manager made in the previous quarter that appear in a 13F), the approach could face more challenges, because in the current market, hedge fund managers may be moving in and out of positions more quickly than would be typical. Global X and Direxion, which offers the iBillionaire Index (IBLN) ETF, declined to comment.



watch now

Taking a look at these ETFs reveals some keys about how the greats invest, what mistakes can set even the greats back and most importantly, how those mistakes are not that different from the ones individual investors make. 1. Hedge funds chase performance and crowd into trades, too. GURU was hurt most acutely by its pharmaceuticals stock exposure last year as top holdings, including Valeant, plummeted. And it's an instructive stock disaster, reminding investors that it's not just the masses that chase performance. Hedge fund managers crowd into the same trades, too. Global X said in its 2015 annual review that pharmaceutical stocks were responsible for one-third of its underperformance of the S&P 500. The hedge fund clone ETFs started off with good performance but the risk of piling into something every hedge funds owns is taking it on the chin when the tide is going out.

Top picks of the billionaire ETFs

Ticker No. 1 holding No. 2 holding No. 3 holding GURU Darling Ingredients Cheniere Energy Pandora Media GURI Petrobras Banco Bradesco TIM Participacoes ACTX Freeport McMoRan Cheniere Energy Hertz Global IBLN Apple Abbvie Allergan ALFA Amazon Allergan Microsoft ALFI Teva Baidu Shire VALX LendingTree Abiomed Edwards Lifesciences



2. The art of going to cash isn't easy for anyone to master. During the recent market volatility, many investors have thought about or went ahead to cash. There may be no tougher trade to time than the risk-off cash trade, and ALFA experienced that last year, which was a major contributor to its underperformance. Maz Jadallah, founder and CEO of AlphaClone, said ALFA and ALFI are the only of the "cloning" ETFs that offer a hedging component. "We're trying to protect against a 30 percent to 40 percent drawdown," he said, adding that it's an idea designed for retail investors who suffered through 2001 or 2008. He added: "We want to outperform on the long side but do a reasonably good job of protecting against permanent destruction of capital."

Investors' proclivity to go to cash, in fact, is a reason that Jadallah believes in the fund. He said it is important to protect against the behavioral risk of people getting out at the wrong time, and the data shows that investors do sell when scared, even though they should know better. By limiting the magnitude of a drawdown through the hedging option, AlphaClone wants to give those "scared" investors a way to hold stocks for the long term. Since inception, AlphaClone reports that ALFA's daily total return has performed 12 percent better than the S&P 500.

But it's important to remember that it's not always going to be that much easier for managers to time the cash trade than it is for average investors. With a go-to-cash trade, an investor has to be right twice  on the way out of the market and on the way back in  and that can magnify the performance shortfall when the trade is timed wrong. ALFA doesn't exactly "go to cash," but uses a dynamic hedge to short the market, which you can read about in more detail here and here.

3. Cloning the greats doesn't mean just buying the same stocks they do, but understanding what underpins their stock selection. But ... it's not just a stock or sector but an overall market philosophy that can fall out of favor. VALX is the only of these ETFs that doesn't use securities filings of hedge fund managers for its stock selection. It uses a series of "guru-based" models to find its ideas. "We can always tell you WHY we own the stock. The funds that clone based on 13F filings can't tell you the why," said Justin Carbonneau, managing partner at Validea Capital, who runs VALX. But gurus  think of Benjamin Graham or Warren Buffett  can have an overall approach to the market that falls out of favor from time to time. Some of Buffett's top stock picks, which he invested in based on his core beliefs, are feeling that now. Carbonneau said overall, the hedge fund clone peers have good track records and the recent performance shortfalls do show how varied the approaches are in this niche. GURU got hit hard by a few names, and AlphaClone by its hedging position being implemented at the wrong time. The guru-based model approach allows VALX to go into smaller-cap stocks that don't even show up among top holdings of the top hedge funds and avoid the crowded trades. But VALX's focus on small-cap and value names has been a recent problem, simply because these stock approaches have been out of favor. "In the last 12 months, what hasn't worked has been small caps and value is trailing growth by quite a bit," Carbonneau said. But he added, "By the way, that's contrary to what works best over time."

In periods when value is struggling and the average stock is down more than a market-cap weighted index like the S&P 500, VALX will tend to underperform, he said, but "over the long-run, we think there is more opportunity for stock pickers in less followed securities," he said.

Proof is in the ... Goldman?
Elementary students thrilled by Jersey cow in dairy lesson

The educational demonstration is part of a partnership between the St. Louis Dairy Council and Southwest Dairy Farmers.
Crime Report Shelby County 911 - A Crime Report SHARE Myles Wiseman

By Stephanie Norton of The Commercial Appeal

Memphis police have arrested a 37-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

Myles Wiseman has been charged with statutory rape by an authority figure, sexual battery by an authority figure, rape and incest.

According to an affidavit, the girl went to the Memphis Child Advocacy Center on Oct. 21, 2015, and told Memphis police that she had been repeatedly assaulted by Wiseman. The first assault took place in March 2013 and the last in June 2015, according to the statement.

Wiseman was arrested Friday afternoon. He denied assaulting the girl.

He is in jail on $250,000 bond and is due in court on Monday.
Crime Report Shelby County 911 - A Crime Report SHARE Justin Winter

By Stephanie Norton of The Commercial Appeal

A Memphis man is in jail after allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend and shooting at her father on Friday.

Memphis police responded to a shots-fired call around noon in the 2700 block of Harlingen Drive, near Summer and Stage Road.

A woman told officers she was involved in a fight with her ex-boyfriend, Justin Winter, who was still on the scene, according to an affidavit. The woman said the fight turned physical and she called her parents to the scene to make Winter leave her home.

The womans father said he saw Winter, 23, shove his daughter to the ground, according to the affidavit. Winter then allegedly rammed his car into the fathers pickup truck. According to the affidavit, Winter then fired a shot through the mans windshield, almost striking him in the head.

Winter also allegedly broke the drivers side mirror off her car and vandalized the inside of her home.

Winter is charged with criminal attempt second-degree murder, domestic assault, possession of a firearm in commission of a dangerous felony and vandalism. He has a valid Tennessee handgun permit, according to the affidavit.

Winter is in jail on $500,000 bond. He is due in court on Monday.
January 26, 2015  The waiting room at the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Childrens Hospital. (Stan Carroll/The Commercial Appeal)

SHARE

By Kevin McKenzie of The Commercial Appeal

A women and children's hospital executive from New York will be the new chief executive for Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women and the Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist Children's Hospital in Memphis, officials announced today.

Kevin Hammeran, formerly senior vice president and chief operating officer for New York Presbyterian and chief administrative officer of the Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital and Sloane Hospital for Women, was selected after a national search, Baptist Memorial Health Care chief executive officer Jason Little said in a statement.

Hammeran succeeds Anita Vaughn as CEO of the women's hospital that opened in 2001 and the children's hospital that opened in January 2015.

"Anita Vaughn's exemplary leadership skills and exceptional communication with physicians and staff poised the hospital for future success," Little said.

Vaughn, who has had a 43-year career with the Memphis-based health care system, will work part-time as a consultant with the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation.

The New York women's and children's hospitals where Hammeran served as chief administrative officer since 2010 are the main academic affiliates for New York Presbyterian Hospital's Columbia University campus.

Earlier in his career, he held positions at children's hospitals in Miami, Philadelphia, Boston and Danville, Pennsylvania.
February 4, 2016 - Michael Ugwueke is Chief Operating Officer of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. (Brandon Dill/Special to The Commercial Appeal)

SHARE February 4, 2016 - Michael Ugwueke is Chief Operating Officer of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. (Brandon Dill/Special to The Commercial Appeal) February 25, 2016 - Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare COO Michael Ugwueke. (Brandon Dill/Special to The Commercial Appeal)

By Kevin McKenzie of The Commercial Appeal

With patient satisfaction, quality and cost rising in importance for the health care industry, Michael Ugwueke soon showed why he would be tapped to become the chief executive officer next year of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in Memphis.

Methodist recruited Ugwueke in 2007 from a vice president post at Provena-Saint Joseph Michael Center in Joliet, Illinois. His mission was to turn around Methodist South Hospital, a community anchor in Whitehaven serving Memphis' most health care-challenged ZIP code, 38109.

It was a remarkable rise for the soft-spoken hospital executive, but not as miraculous as leaving war-torn Nigeria and arriving in America with little more than a will to succeed and a drive to work.

"I don't give up easily," said Ugwueke, who worked his way through college delivering pizza, staffing a convenience store and taking other low-wage tasks.

As Methodist South's chief executive, Ugwueke took some unusual steps for a hospital administrator.

He began offering, for example, an apology letter and a $20 gift card if patients arriving in the emergency room weren't seen within 30 minutes.

He also used guidelines similar to those applied at some point by world-class companies ranging from FedEx to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. to size up just what needed improving at the hospital. Those guidelines are spread through the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which he had embraced and had served as an examiner in a state-level program in Florida.

Ugwueke's leadership methods worked.

By mid-2009, he was promoted to oversee not only South, but Methodist North Hospital in Raleigh. By mid-2014, he had risen to his current position as president and chief operating officer.

At 57, Ugwueke next Jan. 1 will assume the chief executive's post for the seven-hospital, 12,000-employee health care system, succeeding Methodist's CEO since 2001, Gary Shorb. At 65, Shorb announced last month that he will step down at the end of this year and serve as a senior adviser to Ugwueke through April 2017.

"Michael is an outstanding strategic thinker," Shorb said.

"One, he knows hospital operations really well. Two, he does a lot through data and measuring results. Three, he thinks strategically about positioning the organization, whether it's an individual hospital, as he did at South and then North, and now he's doing it for the whole system," Shorb said.

One of Ugwuekes mentors, Michael Covert, chief executive of CHI St. Lukes Health in Houston, Texas, echoed the praise.

His background, experience and appreciation for the myriad changes taking place in our field makes him a strong choice for the position, Covert said by email. He is recognized nationally for his acumen and strategic thinking while still being a man of the people.

Shorb, who joined Methodist in 1990, will hand over a health care system that has made key decisions to chart its future:

Focusing on the Memphis market. The system beginning in 1999 sold facilities that once formed an 18-hospital system spread from Jackson, Mississippi, to West Tennessee. Methodist could not provide capital for rural hospitals as well as for a 2001 decision to make academic, or teaching, hospitals of Methodist University and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital through its partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Shorb said.

"When you look at the top 25 systems in the country, all of them are academic or academically affiliated," Shorb said.

Winning a lion's share of managed care contracts with health insurers, beginning in the 1990s with a Cigna deal, Shorb said.

"I think one of the biggest contributors to the success we're enjoying is the fact that we're got probably 70 percent of the managed care contracts," he said of the system that generated $1.85 billion in total revenue in 2015.

Capital spending that routinely requires about $65 million a year, not including big investments such as the $350 million Le Bonheur hospital that opened in 2010 or the $275 million expansion now on the drawing board for Methodist University.

Methodist conducted a national search in 2012 to fill the vacant chief operating officer's position, the traditional steppingstone to the CEO's office. Ugwueke emerged the unanimous choice.

"As a health care executive, I think it's important for people to know that I am passionate about what I do," Ugwueke said. "And that I see my job truly as a calling, I see it as something that I am dedicated to and committed to and continuously and consistently trying to get better at."

Growing up in Enugu, Nigeria, where his grandparents were instrumental in building his village's Methodist church, he lost a younger brother for lack of access to health care and saw a lot of people die unnecessarily during a civil war for lack of care, Ugwueke said.

That led him to want to be a doctor, he said. When he didn't have the money for medical school, health care administration offered another way. He had planned to return home with his education, but a coup deterred him.

Arriving in the United States with $4,000 at age 21, he earned a bachelor's in biology at Shaw University, a master's of public health at Emory University and became a doctor of health administration and leadership at Medical University of South Carolina.

"I have faced all kinds of adversities that you can think of - coming here 21 years old, not knowing anybody else and putting myself through college, graduate school, working every job that you can think of ranging from construction, production line, restaurant, delivering pizza, working at a convenience store," Ugwueke said. "Just name it, I've done everything that you could to survive."

Me met his wife, Rebecca, also originally from Nigeria, in Washington. They are the Germantown parents of 18-year-old Grace and 13-year-old Michael Jr.

Ugwueke's eye on the future of health care has already had him building the infrastructure to meet demands for reforms and improvement. He led forming a Physician Leadership Academy, for example, to bolster collaboration with doctors. Physicians will be key as the traditional payment system that rewards quantity begins to reward value.

"That's where I think the industry is headed, so everything that needs to be in place to deliver that kind of care is what I'm going to be consumed with, the whole team, trying to make sure we're positioned," he said.

Arriving at a New York airport when he first came to the U.S. in 1980, Ugwueke said he felt right at home among African-Americans on a bus to another airport. He went on to attend a historically black university.

"But over time, I began to realize how race is everything in the United States," he said. "In fact, when I was in grad school I challenged some of the professors because every study that was done there was some racial dimensions."

Shorb was in fact looking for a black administrator to help turn around Methodist South when Ugwueke heard about the position.

"It's just all about trying to build a true, diverse team," Shorb said. "Just philosophically we embrace the idea and we've seen it work, that the more diverse your organization, the stronger it is."

As the second chief executive who will lead Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare in the 21st century, Ugwueke said he doesn't want to be known as first of anything.

"From my perspective, I think it should be let's get the job done, let's get things done," he said.
March 2, 2016 - An old industrial building is home to Old Dominick distillery where head distiller Alex Castle checks on the six stainless steel fermenters. Production is scheduled to begin later this year. (Stan Carroll/The Commercial Appeal)

SHARE March 2, 2016 - Chris Canale (left), whose family's business in Memphis spans three centuries, checks the status on the renovation of the future home of Old Dominick distillery with head distiller Alex Castle. (Stan Carroll/The Commercial Appeal)

By Wayne Risher of The Commercial Appeal

Proprietors of the future Old Dominick Distillery in Downtown Memphis arent rushing their $10 million investment.

Fifth-generation members of 150-year-old D. Canale & Co., Chris Canale and Alex Canale are confident time is on their side.

Conversion of the former Memphis Machinery and Supply Co. buildings at 301 S. Front is taking longer than expected, but it should be completed by years end.

The stills could be fired up by September, but it would be two to three years before Tennessee whiskey is ready for sipping.

Even raw materials like white oak staves for whiskey barrels are a waiting game.

The Canales harvested wood for 800 barrels from family-owned timber stands in West Tennessee after barrels, essential to aging whiskey, proved a scarce commodity. Theyll need 1,000 barrels a year to handle initial production. The staves have been air drying nine to 10 months and are almost ready for barrel production by a Louisville, Kentucky cooperage.

Chief executive officer Chris Canale, 37, who announced plans for Old Dominick in the summer of 2014, said plans for the distillery have improved with age and addition of key team members.

The original idea, to produce liquor for a private label brand, has morphed into a microdistillery where production will be a tourist draw and spectator experience. A 5,000-square-foot restaurant run by a third-party operator will add another dimension.

Its turning out much better than I thought it would, Canale said.

His first cousin Alex Canale, a restaurateur by trade, moved back home from Chattanooga, where he owned Chato Brasserie for five years, to become vice president of business development. University of Kentucky-trained chemical engineer Alex Castle left Wild Turkey to be Old Dominicks head distiller. Scott Bojko, who has coordinated projects including Central Station, South Junction apartments and the Canales Lofts at Merchants Row, signed on as project consultant.

While the distillery has been an overriding mission, D. Canale & Co. also manages family investments, timber holdings and a business it bought in 2006, Wise Co., a maker of seats for boats, heavy equipment, ambulances and other uses. Bass Pro Shops Tracker boat seats are made by Wise.

Last year D. Canale completed Lofts at Merchants Row, 16 residential apartments on upper floors of five 19th Century commercial buildings that face The Peabody on Second Street. D. Canale offices are above Hueys at Second and Union.

The distillery team has needed time to figure out how to merge multiple functions in three old industrial buildings that were knitted together over time by a series of ramps and stairs. The buildings are between Pontotoc and Vance across from Guss Fried Chicken.

We were bringing together all the different aspects of the company, from engineering to products to branding, architecture, the hospitality aspect of it. Its a lot to bring into one building, Chris Canale said.

The old saying, you measure twice and cut once. We hadnt measured at all when we brought (Bojko) in, and I think weve measured about eight times now, he said.

Bojko said the project is very much about placemaking and the people who are going to be in here. While were obviously very concerned about being able to produce whiskey very efficiently, its also about the guests who are coming through and experiencing the place.

The Canales are banking on tourist traffic from Beale Street and Downtown to help spread the word about Old Dominick.

When people come here to Old Dominick we want them to come and have a unique experience, unique to our brand, special to them, and walk away and really be in touch with our brand. When they go back to wherever they came from, Japan or wherever, theyll be ambassadors of our brand, Chris Canale said.

The distillery marks a return to the hands-on family enterprise that the Canale cousins grew up in. Their fathers, brothers Chris Canale Sr. and John D. Canale III, ran the Anheuser-Busch products distributorship and food service divisions, respectively. The fathers serve on the board.

Founded by Dominick Canale in 1866, the company employed more than 500 before the divisions were sold: food service to Sara Lee in 1999 and beer to Hand Family Beverage Co. of Clarksville in 2010.

Growing up in that environment, where we operated a family business in the city we were proud of, was something that was very important to me, Chris Canale said. Were sort of coming full circle. This is really about us getting back to what we do.

Alex Canale, 35, said the enterprise has energized the D. Canale staff.

Im very proud to be back in the family office. We have a very proud, energetic team makeup that is really driving this project. We look forward to sharing this hard work with the city of Memphis and make Memphis proud of our establishment, he said.

The distillerys design by Looney Ricks Kiss architects balances the need for public accommodation  two tasting rooms, upper floor deck, meeting rooms, lobby, restaurant and gift shop  with back-of-house, restricted areas.

Guided tours will lead past: a roller-type grain mill; an 1,800-gallon cooker where grain and water are cooked into mash; six 1,800-gallon fermenters where mash is aged to turn sugar into alcohol; and two stills, one for whiskey, one for vodka. Opening will probably be some time in the October-December quarter.

The showpiece of the main production room, viewed from a glass walled lobby, will be proofing boxes, fed by fountains of liquor, where finished product will be tested for percentage of alcohol.

D. Canale has bought most of its equipment from Vendome Copper & Brass Works Inc. of Louisville, Kentucky. The fermenters are installed, and other equipment is expected to arrive soon.

Barrels will be filled in the main production room and stored upstairs or at off-site warehouses. A bottling and labeling operation will part of the scenery as well.

D. Canales timber holdings came in handy because of a white oak stave shortage that developed after the Great Recession.

Everybody I know in this industry the last three years has been begging for barrels and they cant get em, Chris Canale said. Part of thats an industry shortage and part of thats been the big players actually trying to squeeze out this new craft industry. But we, fortunately being in the timber business, we were able to create our own supply chain.

D. Canale is getting ready to cut more white oak between Memphis and Jackson. Chris Canale said, Its all Tennessee and were going to do our best to keep it that way. Heres a piece of the whole process thats influences 80 percent of the flavor ...

And all of your color, Castle said.

They arent sure yet how long the whiskey will be aged.

Were hoping two to three years, Castle said. Were going to see what the barrel does, see what Memphis weather does to the product. We dont want to rush it.

At least three years, Chris Canale said. Its another capital commitment. Youre putting up 1,000 barrels a year that you dont get to touch for three or four years. If you want to get up to an average of four years, thats seven or eight years down the line. Well be laying down a lot of barrels in the beginning.


Dr. Reavis Mitchell, a history professor at Fisk University and chairman of the Tennessee Historical Commission, presides over a commission discussion Friday over a historical marker commemorating the Memphis race riots and massacre of 1866.

British troops shot and killed five Massachusetts colonists in 1770.

We call it the Boston Massacre.

Four gangsters dressed as police officers executed seven men, six of them gangsters, in Chicago in 1929.

We call it the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

Dozens of white men, many of them police officers, indiscriminately killed at least 40 black men, women and children in Memphis in 1866.

We call it the Memphis race riot?

That's how we refer to it, ever so briefly and quietly, in a county historical marker for "Schools for Freedmen" Downtown.

"All were burned during the May 1866 race riot," it says in the sign's fourth sentence.

More than 40 innocent people were killed and dozens more injured, several women were raped, and dozens of schools, churches and dozens of buildings were destroyed 150 years ago, and we still don't have a memorial?

An entire community was targeted and devastated and the word riot doesn't even merit a capital letter?

No wonder the Memphis Branch of the NAACP is having so much trouble getting the Tennessee Historical Commission to call it what it was.

A massacre.

Massacre is the word used by Dr. Stephen V. Ash, a University of Tennessee-Knoxville history professor and author of "A Massacre in Memphis," the one and only history of the tragic event that galvanized congressional support for the Fourteenth Amendment and Radical Reconstruction.

"My dictionary defines a massacre as 'the unnecessary, indiscriminate killing of a large number of human beings or animals,'" he wrote in a letter given to the commission.

"The events in Memphis certainly fit that definition. To label those events only as a riot puts them in the same category with many less bloody and less shocking events in American history, and thus understates their significance."

Massacre is the word used by Dr. Beverly Bond, a University of Memphis history professor who is helping to organize local efforts to commemorate the tragedy.

The word massacre places the "focus of the African-American men, women and children who were victimized, not the 'rioters' who raged and rampaged through the affected neighborhoods," she wrote to the commission.

Massacre is the word used by Dr. Timothy Huebner, a Rhodes College history professor who is teaching an adult education class on Ash's book, and whose expertise includes the Civil War and Reconstruction.

"Race riot is just a misnomer. It was a massacre," he said.

Massacre is the word used by the U.S. House Select Committee on the Memphis Riots, which interviewed more than 200 victims and witnesses in May 1866.

"The proportions of what is called the 'riot,' but in reality the massacre, proved to be far more extended ..." it said in the committee's final report, entitled "Memphis Riots and Massacres."

1866 Memphis Massacre is what the local NAACP called it in its application last July for a state marker.

The NAACP's proposed text notes that "mobs of white men led by local law enforcement attacked black people (and) killed an estimated 46 black people ..."

On Sept. 10, Memphis attorney Paul Matthews, a member of the state historical commission, submitted a "redraft" of the NAACP's application calling it: Memphis Race Riot of 1866

Matthews' redraft said "The riot was an explosion of rage and violence perpetrated not by ex-Confederates but by up to 300 Irish immigrants ... At least 30 blacks were murdered ..."

On Oct. 16, the state historical commission, with the great-great-grandsons of Nathan Bedford Forrest present, approved the Matthews title and most of his redraft.

"It's always been known as the Memphis race riot. There's no need to rename it," Matthews said at the meeting, held in Historic Jonesborough, 500 miles from Memphis.

Jonesborough once was home of The Emancipator, the first American periodical dedicated exclusively to the abolition of slavery.

On Feb. 19, the state historical commission met again, this time at Fisk University, the historically black college founded in Nashville in 1866.

The commission approved a revised text with a two-line title:

Memphis Race Riot of 1866

"The Memphis Massacre"

The revised text said, "An estimated 200-300 white people, the great majority of whom were Irish immigrants, including many policeman, attacked recently emancipated black people ... At least 40 blacks were murdered ..."

Last week, the local NAACP rejected the commissions proposed title and text. They plan to notify the commission this weekend.

No one is sure what happens next.

"We can't give the victims justice. They are long since passed. But we can give them historical justice and moral justice by acknowledging the truth about what happened," said Madeline Taylor, Memphis branch executive director.

She's not just talking about the historic truth.

Dr. Andre Johnson, a U of M communications professor and a pastor, calls it "the Black Truth".

"For African-Americans who testified at the time, for those who died, and for African-Americans here in Memphis today, it was a massacre," Johnson said.

"If you don't fundamentally believe my testimony, my truth, it's going to be very hard to talk about race and racism and about moving forward in this community."

An 1866 Memphis Massacre marker would be historic.

It would be the first in the nation dedicated to a Reconstruction-era event.

It also would be the first to tell the Black Truth about race in Memphis.

Both are long overdue.

-----------------------
When I think about the growing inevitability of a Clinton-versus-Trump war for the presidency, I can't help but reflect on another highly volatile and divisive campaign in our nation's history.

It was the 1964 race between Democrat Lyndon B. Johnson and Republican Barry Goldwater. I was just 11 at the time, but the images from the campaigns and the angst that grown-ups around me felt over the prospects of a Goldwater presidency are indelible.

Granted, the comparisons between then and now are not uniform. Johnson was an incumbent president, although he had not been elected. He assumed the office after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. And America was a far different place socially in 1964 than it is today.

But if there is a presidential race this fall between Hillary R. Clinton and Donald J. Trump, the one similarity it will have with '64  like it or not  is the issue of race.

Clinton is obviously staking her claim to the Democratic nomination by way of African-American and Hispanic voters  who from Nevada to South Carolina and then throughout the South on Super Tuesday have given her an almost insurmountable edge over Bernie Sanders.

Trump, on the other hand, has written off the black and Hispanic vote with his acid rhetoric that has basically told both groups their support is neither wanted nor needed.

Instead, he is appealing to a large portion of the electorate  virtually all white  that is angry about weak-kneed political correctness, President Obama generally and the Republican establishment's inability to successfully fight back against the nation's first black president.

Hence, Trump's supporters are willing to excuse every offensive thing he says or does  particularly when it involves race and gender.

Just last week at a Trump rally in Valdosta, Georgia, about 30 African-American students were escorted out of the arena where the rally was held. Earlier that day, other black students were removed from a Trump event at Radford University in Virginia after they chanted, "No more hate. Let's be equal. Let's be great."

Accounts of the Valdosta incident are in dispute. But coming a day after the talkative Trump was reluctant to strongly denounce former Ku Klux Klan grand wizard David Duke, both incidents ratcheted up the racial animus now dogging the Trump campaign.

Responding to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's endorsement of Trump, Christine Todd Whitman, the state's former Republican governor, told The Newark Star-Ledger, "I am ashamed that Christie would endorse anyone who has employed the kind of hate mongering and racism that Trump has."

To be clear, I am not suggesting by any means that Trump is a racist, despite his harsh tone against Muslims, Mexicans and black protesters. But I am suggesting that his campaign's success is fueled by many who are tired of capitulating to racial minorities.

And that leads me back to 1964 and Goldwater's quest for the presidency. By most accounts, the late Arizona senator was no racist either. Jeremy Mayer, an associate professor at George Mason University who has written extensively about race in presidential politics, noted in a 2001 article for Prologue Magazine that while Goldwater knew few African-Americans while growing up, he "endorsed integration in his family business ... and even joined the NAACP."

But Goldwater was one the few Republicans who voted against the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and it helped catapult him to the GOP nomination that year against rivals Nelson Rockefeller and others who supported the legislation that effectively outlawed racial segregation.

Mayer's 2001 article quoted one Goldwater biographer as saying, "Throughout his life, he would accommodate the bigotry of others while personally distancing himself from it."

That accurately describes the Trump campaign. It is the proverbial dog-whistle campaign that is attracting David Duke and his ilk, along with more sensible Americans who are simply fed up with Washington and who detest all things Clinton.

The question is, can a coalition that embraces racism, sexism and xenophobia be a winning formula in a national election?

In 1964, Johnson trounced Goldwater 61 percent to 38 percent. Goldwater, however, won six states  his home state of Arizona, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. The outcome effectively marked the end of the Democratic Party's influence in the Deep South and gave birth to the GOP's southern strategy that remains in full effect today.

So as a journalist and political junkie, I'm eager to witness a combustible Clinton-Trump matchup. But as an American who cherishes tolerance and civility, I am dreading it.
SHARE

By Daniel Connolly of The Commercial Appeal

A shooting on Interstate 240 sent one person to the hospital Friday afternoon.

Police spokesman Louis Brownlee said a 43-year-old woman was shot while riding in the front passenger seat inside a vehicle on I-240  its unclear exactly where the shooting happened  and that the vehicle pulled over at I-240 and Airways. A male caller who was inside the vehicle with the victim made a phone call for help. The victim was brought to the Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

The shooter was inside a red four-door vehicle traveling on the highway, Brownlee wrote in an e-mail, adding later that the shooters car was occupied by multiple females. Their ages werent clear.

Brownlee said police dont know what led up to the shooting.

Police said the call came in around 3:30.

Local police have investigated other highway shootings in recent years. In late January, one driver shot and wounded another driver on Interstate 40 at Sam Cooper in what police described as a road rage incident.

And in late 2014, 28-year-old Bernard Jackson died a few days after he was shot at I-40 and Dunlap. Two similar shootings took place around the same time, though none led to serious injuries.
March 2, 2016 - Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell prepares to be interviewed for a Commercial Appeal podcast.

(Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal)

By Linda A. Moore of The Commercial Appeal

If Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell successfully secures the 8th District U.S. Congressional seat in November, it could thrust the County Commission into a level of political wrangling not seen in years.

Luttrell announced his entry Monday night into a field packed with prominent Shelby County Republicans seeking the seat now held by Rep. Stephen Fincher, the Crockett County Republican who unexpectedly decided not to seek a fourth term. A win by Luttrell would leave the county mayor's seat open.

It will all make for "interesting politics," said Marcus Pohlmann, political science professor at Rhodes College.

The county charter states that should the office of mayor become vacant "by death, resignation, removal or disability, or otherwise, the chairman of the board of county commissioners shall serve as acting mayor."

The acting mayor will serve for 45 days with the remaining 12 commissioners choosing an interim mayor, who will serve out Luttrell's term, which ends Aug. 31, 2018.

Running in a Republican stronghold, if Luttrell secures his party's nomination in the Aug. 4 primary, he would be favored to win the general election.

So, when the County Commission elects its new chairman on or after Sept. 1, they do so knowing that person will likely become the 45-day mayor.

Per tradition, commission chairman pro tempore Van Turner, a Democrat, should follow chairman Terry Roland, a Republican, as the next chairman.

"That would be tradition," Turner said, "but given the fact that the chairmanship could lead to being acting mayor for 45 days, others will be eying the seat as well."

Turner said he wouldn't mind the job himself.

"If you offer yourself for public service and there's an opportunity to be the chief executive, who would turn that down? However, I am sensitive to the fact that others who may be terming out and have yet to serve in the capacity as chair may be interested in it from the standpoint that they won't get the opportunity to run again," Turner said. "I guarantee you once those totals come on Aug. 4, you're going to see politicking from everybody and everywhere."

Roland announced last year his intention to run for mayor in 2018.

He, however, doesn't want to discuss what might happen next.

"Until we find out for sure, everything is still speculation," Roland said.

The last time the commission was tasked with choosing acting and interim mayors was in 2009, when former county mayor A C Wharton was elected mayor of Memphis.

Former commissioner Joyce Avery, a Republican, was in line to be chairman, but former commissioner Deidre Malone, a Democrat, didn't want to give that seat up.

"My colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, did not agree with her," Avery said, "so I was elected chairman and sure enough, Wharton won and I stepped up as mayor for 45 days."

Avery had no intentions of running for county mayor and describes her 45 days as "the most exciting time" in her career.

"Everyone was so excited to see a female in that seat," Avery said.

Meanwhile, Malone had already declared her candidacy for county mayor.

"I know they didn't vote for me because they didn't want to give me a leg up," Malone said. "And if you notice, some of them mentioned that they wanted to follow tradition, but in subsequent years commissioners served as chairman two and three years in a row. So it was more so they didn't want to give me an opportunity to serve."

The commission, after being deadlocked and casting dozens of votes, elected Joe Ford as the interim mayor. Ford had pledged not to run for the seat, but changed his mind, he said at the urging of supporters.

He didn't win.

"Maybe, if Joe Ford had a stronger public persona, better political instincts, he could have turned the interim position into more than he did," Pohlmann said. "Just having the title on your desk, I don't think, is a launching pad, unless you're somebody the county doesn't know all that well."
SHARE Sen. Brian Kelsey, R-Germantown

By Michael Collins of The Commercial Appeal

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. - Tennessee and other states with limited resources to fight crime must make sure they are concentrating their efforts on the most violent offenders, state Sen. Brian Kelsey told a gathering of conservative leaders Saturday.

"Those are people who are committing murders, burglaries and robberies  those are the people we need to be focused on," he said.

Kelsey, chairman of the state Senate Judiciary Committee, was one of the members of a panel on criminal justice reform at the Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, an annual gathering of conservative activists and elected leaders meeting just outside Washington.

Kelsey briefed the group on what the Tennessee General Assembly is doing to revise its public safety laws. Lawmakers are considering a number of changes, including increasing the penalties for those convicted of domestic violence, aggravated burglary or drug trafficking.

Many of the recommendations came from Gov. Bill Haslam's Task Force on Sentencing and Recidivism, which issued its report last September.

Kesley, R-Germantown, said one of the panel's most surprising findings was that 40 percent of the state's prison inmates are people incarcerated for violating their probation and parole.

Another surprise, he said, was that offenders convicted of aggravated burglary serve just 30 percent of their sentence.

A public safety bill that Haslam is pushing would create higher mandatory minimum sentences for people convicted of three or more charges of aggravated burglary or drug trafficking.

Kelsey said he expects the legislature to pass the bill this year.

Tennessee also needs greater clarity in its sentencing laws, Kelsey said.

Kelsey said he was stunned when a group of prosecutors, defense attorneys and other legal experts brought together by the governor's task force could not say definitively how much of their sentence convicted offenders would actually serve.

"Not one person in the room could answer the question of how long would someone serve who received a 10-year sentence," he said. "I found that to be amazing. "

The problem, he said, is "we have a very confusing sentencing matrix in Tennessee, and it needs overhaul and clarity to it."

Also Saturday, the American Conservative Union, which organized the conference, honored the Tennessee General Assembly as the most conservative legislature in the country. This is the first year the organization has given the award.

Kelsey and state Rep. Timothy Hill, R-Blountville, accepted the award.

"I'm proud of our record as the most conservative state in America," Kelsey said.

"We've balanced our budget," Kelsey said. "We've stopped Obamacare Medicaid expansion. We've cut taxes repeatedly. We've passed a constitutional amendment to forever ban the state income tax. This is a record we should be proud of, and I appreciate the American Conservative Union has recognized that success."
February 10, 2016 - Realtor Nasreen Valiani crosses her fingers after Amirali Dharani, left, and his wife Laila, (not pictured) signed papers to make an offer in Collierville. Valiani specializes in finding houses for clients from India. (Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal)

By Daniel Connolly of The Commercial Appeal

When Nasreen Valiani started her real estate career in 2006, she didn't anticipate specializing in serving homebuyers from India, Pakistan and the Middle East.

"It just happened that way," said Valiani, 54. "Of course, I spread the word of mouth in our community."

She's originally from Pakistan and emigrated to the United States in 1991. Before starting her real estate career, she worked for years in hotel management, then in her husband's jewelry business. She's a mother, too: her son, Alishan, will graduate from Germantown High and has been accepted to elite University of Pennsylvania.

Valiani is affiliated with Coldwell Banker Collins-Maury in Collierville. Her biggest group of clients comes from India, and she says her language skills help. She speaks Gujarati, a regional language in India. She also knows Urdu, which is much like Hindi, a widely spoken Indian language.

Valiani says some of her clients choose a home based on vastu, a set of beliefs about proper architecture. People who believe in vastu often want the front of their home to face a certain direction, like north, east, or northeast.

Some have specific requirements for the master bedroom, kitchen and other rooms as well. One client was building a home and asked Valiani to draw a rough sketch of the plan so a guru in India could review it. The guru approved.

(Laila and Amirali Dharani, the couple featured in the accompanying article, don't believe in vastu.)

Valiani also said her clients from India and other countries often want great value for their price and a great deal. "And for that reason, most of my clients look for properties for years before they (buy) a home," she said. "It's very normal for my clients to look at over 40-50 homes before they choose one that meets their specific real estate needs and the one they feel is a good value for their price." Her former boss used to comment on it. "She would always say that Nasreen has a patience like a rock."

But she enjoys seeing the happiness in her clients' faces when a deal finally comes together. She tells them she wants to find them a place for the long term: "I want to see you happy with the home and cherish that moment, even if I see you five years later."
SHARE

It should come as no surprise that the Shelby County Commission is poised to put term limits before the voters again. The survival instinct is as strong among politicians as it is with any living organism.

And, after all, only 81 percent of the voters approved a two-term limit for some elected county officials in 1994. Surely, there was been a shift in the public's attitude toward the matter since then. No?

Actually, it's no reflection on the citizens who seek and hold public office to suggest that limiting the time they can serve is, in fact, a pretty good idea. And the public loves it.

There is always a need for new blood and new ideas and a fresh perspective, and the hazards of becoming too entrenched in office are obvious.

But what about the "institutional knowledge" long-serving officials bring to the table, the argument goes.

It's overrated. We're not talking about the people in government who need to know how to repair a road grader.

For a policymaking legislative body like the Shelby County Commission or an executive post, for that matter, what counts is the ability to think critically. To listen to both sides of an argument and make decisions that are in the best interests of the public.

And represent constituents. Like the 81 percent or so who undoubtedly still favor term limits, which seem to be working fine.

If anything needs to be revisited by voters, it's the idea, which seems to have dropped off the commission agenda, that it's not such a great idea to place restrictions on where county employees can live.

The residency restriction was approved by voters, as well, in a 1984 referendum.

We think it would be worth the effort, however, to sell voters on the idea that attracting the best talent is hampered by limiting the pool of potential county employees to county residents only.

That landscape, after all, has changed dramatically since 1984.

The referendum occurred well before the epic merger and subsequent splitting of city and county school districts and the establishment of the Achievement School District, charter schools and municipal systems, none of which require employees to live in the county.

The situation has put the Shelby County Schools at a distinct disadvantage in attracting and retaining the best teachers.

It's hard to think of anything more important to the future of Shelby County than its public education system. Or anything more important to public education than the talent in the classroom.

The best of worlds would have public employees living where they work. That would be a grand gesture on their part.

It should not be mandated by a government that needs the best talent it can find to give taxpayers the best bang for their buck.
SHARE

By Chris Cillizza

WASHINGTON  The news broke late Wednesday night in The Washington Post:

"The Justice Department has granted immunity to a former State Department staffer, who worked on Hillary Clinton's private email server, as part of a criminal investigation into the possible mishandling of classified information, according to a senior law enforcement official.

"The official said the FBI had secured the cooperation of Bryan Pagliano, who worked on Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign before setting up the server in her New York home in 2009."

That latest development in the ongoing FBI investigation of Clinton's private server came on the same night Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook declared in a memo that it would soon to be "mathematically impossible" for Bernie Sanders to catch up to Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination, given her current delegate dominance.

So . . .

Here's the thing: The Democratic establishment, a long while back, put all of its eggs in the Clinton basket. No one of considerable stature in the party challenged her for the nomination (Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden, I am looking at you), and virtually every member of the party's power structure got on board with her very early on.

That bandwagoning around Clinton has been overshadowed over the past few months as Sanders' surprisingly strong challenge to Clinton (and his amazing small-dollar fundraising) has drawn much of the focus. But the truth of the matter was and is that the Democratic Party made a massive bet on Clinton about two years ago. That bet was that she was the strongest possible candidate they could field and so it only made sense to push everyone else to the side for her.

But it was a bet. And, like all bets, there was - and is - risk involved. That risk was that sometime before the 2016 general election something might happen that would make it more difficult - or even impossible - for Clinton to win. This is the Clintons we are talking about, after all. For all of their smarts and deep resumes, there does tend to be some serious baggage that trails them wherever they go.

No one - or at least no one outside Clinton's inner circle - would have known way back when that the "Hillary or bust" gamble was made that she had exclusively used a private email server while secretary of state and that a number of pieces of classified material had passed through that server. (There is no debate that classified information was on Clinton's server; the debate is whether it was classified at the time or whether it was classified at a later date.) That news didn't break until March 2015, when the lining up behind Clinton was already very much under way.

But here we are. And Mook is right. Clinton's delegate lead, coupled with the fact that Democrats only allow proportional allocation in primaries and caucuses, makes it very, very hard for Sanders to win. Her dominance on Super Tuesday confirmed for anyone who was paying attention that the nomination is Clinton's now. Sanders can run for as long as he wants, and has the money to do so, but it's virtually impossible to see how he catches or passes her in delegates.

All of which should make Democrats very nervous that Pagliano, the 2008 Clinton campaign staffer who set up the private server in 2009, has been granted immunity by the Justice Department. (Pagliano had previously invoked his Fifth Amendment rights against self incrimination despite the fact that Clinton's team insisted that he should testify about his role in setting up the server.)

The kindest possible reading of this news for Clinton is that Pagliano was simply nervous to talk about how - and why - he had set up the email server, and granting him immunity lets him speak freely without any concern that he might get into trouble.

Maybe. But it's my strong impression that the Justice Department doesn't go around granting immunity to people unless the person getting the immunity may be able to shed light on an important part of the investigation. After all, if Pagliano a) knew nothing or b) did nothing wrong, why would he need immunity to talk to the FBI?

That's the question skittish Democrats have to be asking themselves today. The granting of immunity to someone at the center of the email controversy will be taken as a sign that things may get worse for Clinton when it comes to the email server before they get better.

All of the party's chips are on Clinton. And that's where they will have to stay - almost no matter what.

Chris Cillizza writes "The Fix," a politics blog for the Washington Post.
SHARE

By Jennifer Rubin

Once again today  no surprise!  Donald Trump refused to name anyone on his foreign policy team. When pressed to say whom he respected, he named two people one might see on the Sunday talk shows (where he previously said he gets information): "Kane" (Tim Kane of the Hoover Institution, we presume) and Richard Haass of the Council on Foreign Relations. (Trump does not go so far as to say he has spoken to either of them.) Just this week Kane warned voters not to be taken in by Trump: "I would not rule out Trump trying to nationalize whole industries and establish national price controls  that's the way he thinks. Power. Strength. Size. He makes the childish mistake of equating the government with the country. It's wrong, of course, and it's the opposite of Reagan." If Trump respects Kane, I suppose he should get out of the race.

Does Trump really have any distinguished advisers within the mainstream of American foreign policy? I'm guessing not. That is more than a hunch, and more than the conclusion one would reach from his incoherent, nutty ideas (e.g. a 45 percent tariff on China, letting Russia deal with the Islamic State, forcing Mexico to pay for a wall). In the past, people about whom he has spoken favorably have denied being in contact with him and have directly criticized him. Keep in mind that many think tank scholars as a courtesy will sit down with virtually any candidate for a briefing; this does not make such a generous, public-spirited scholar into an "adviser."

Rumors have been floated that high-profile individuals like Ret. Gen. David Petraeus have spoken with him. When I inquired whether he had given advice or even met with Trump, a stern denial followed. According to sources close to Petraeus, the claim is "unequivocally false." We have also learned that Trump's campaign is reaching out to foreign policy experts, presumably trying to come up with names to put on a list. The savvy ones will steer clear of Trump.

We decided to do some more checking. At least 77 prominent foreign policy advisers have signed a #NeverTrump letter, which reads in part:

"We the undersigned, members of the Republican national security community, represent a broad spectrum of opinion on America's role in the world and what is necessary to keep us safe and prosperous. We have disagreed with one another on many issues, including the Iraq war and intervention in Syria. But we are united in our opposition to a Donald Trump presidency. 

"Mr. Trump's own statements lead us to conclude that as president, he would use the authority of his office to act in ways that make America less safe, and which would diminish our standing in the world. Furthermore, his expansive view of how presidential power should be wielded against his detractors poses a distinct threat to civil liberty in the United States. Therefore, as committed and loyal Republicans, we are unable to support a Party ticket with Mr. Trump at its head. We commit ourselves to working energetically to prevent the election of someone so utterly unfitted to the office."

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a prominent foreign-policy think tank, tells Right Turn it has not been in contact with Trump or his staff.

Danielle Pletka is in the #NeverTrump camp as well. "Where does he stand on foreign policy, for example? No one knows. He does not like Muslims, but opposes the overthrowing of Middle East dictators such as Syria's Bashar al-Assad. He says he would deport 11m illegal aliens," she writes. "Apologists insist a President Trump would be limited by America's constitutional checks and balances, and rendered incapable of carrying out his more radical plans. This is meant to be reassuring."

She is not reassured: "At a moment when partisan loyalty and party power are at their weakest, it is time to fall back on the ideas and principles that matter. For conservatives, that means finding a candidate able to speak to the anger of voters who rightly feel betrayed by the parties that dominate the body politic. It does not mean compromising our values by opting for Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Trump."

Former CIA and National Security Agency chief Michael Hayden has deplored Trump's idea to use methods worse than waterboarding, saying American officials would be legally obliged to disregard orders to engage in such conduct: "If he were to order that, the armed forces would refuse to act. . . . You are required not to follow an unlawful order. That would be in violation of all the international laws of armed conflict."

James Carafano at the Heritage Foundation has frequently reamed Trump. For example, he slapped down Trump's notion that he could buddy up to Vladimir Putin: "Putin is not a good guy. He's not our friend. He's never going to help us out. And that's just the reality of it."

Benjamin Wittes of the Lawfare blog and Hoover Institution writes: "This is Trump: promising outcomes without programs, promising to do by force of personality and will what a country cannot do through policy or democratic deliberation. It is a lie in all spheres. But in the national security space, it is a particularly pernicious lie. Our tools are too dangerous for cults of personality. Our problems are too hard to wish away with magical thinking. The stakes are too high to permit magic to eclipse persuasive thought and analysis. And the relationship between our tools and tyranny is too intimate to allow demagogues anywhere near the decisions the national security apparatus has to make  or the machineries with which it makes them."

So who are these national security geniuses helping Trump? It surely cannot be New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who bashed Trump in the campaign for failing to realize Russia was not fighting the Islamic State, for propounding the dangerously counterproductive Muslim ban and for lacking presidential temperament.

So let's hear it: Who are these people? As with his tax records, Trump cannot be allowed to hide the ball when we have so much reason to distrust him already.

Jennifer Rubin writes the Right Turn blog for The Washington Post.
SHARE

By Robert Kagan

A mugger pulls a gun on Jack Benny and says, "Your money or your life." Benny is silent, so the mugger says again, "Your money or your life!" Benny responds, "I'm thinking it over!"

Thus so far the collective Republican reaction to the great question of our time: If Donald Trump wins the nomination, will the party support this would-be authoritarian to inhabit the nation's most powerful office? To watch Republicans and conservatives wrestle with this question is to understand how political parties die and how democracies give rise to authoritarian rulers.

Any doubt about Trump's authoritarian inclinations ought to have been answered by now. Yes, it's possible, as former Republican Senate majority leader Trent Lott suggests, that he "might wind up being the most magnanimous, inviting and generous person you could imagine." But it is more likely that he will wind up being the person he has appeared to be throughout his campaign, only more so. The pattern of recent weeks is that the closer Trump gets to wielding the powers of the presidency, the less presidential he seems and the more he looks like the kind of strongman who brings democracies down.

He has employed threats and intimidation in attempts to silence a critical media - "If I become president, oh, do they have problems"; get a judge dismissed from a civil trial because he's Hispanic and therefore "extremely hostile to me"; discourage private donors from giving money to opposition campaigns - "they better be careful, they have a lot to hide"; and, this week, to gain the obeisant cooperation of the speaker of the House of Representatives - "Paul Ryan . . . I'm sure I'm going to get along great with him. And if I don't, he's going to have to pay a big price."

Trump's apparent fascination and, in some cases, evident admiration for Vladimir Putin, Mussolini and the Chinese perpetrators of the Tiananmen massacre would be merely strange if they did not offer a glimpse at what George Will has called the style of "anticonstitutional authoritarianism" by which he would be likely to govern.

Those who hope a President Trump would be different, either because the job would humble him or because he would be hemmed in by our system of checks and balances, are wagering a lot on questionable suppositions. Consider that Trump is displaying these flashes of bullying authoritarianism while he is still courting us. Imagine when he no longer needs to court anyone, when he has amassed a large enough popular following to win the White House. We are supposed to believe that at that point, after a campaign in which his devoted throngs have cheered every threat and insult - against judges and newspapers and speakers of the House - he is suddenly going to become Calvin Coolidge?

Trump's supporters obviously aren't worried about any of this. But what about those in the Republican Party who do worry about Trump? Shouldn't they be willing to do whatever is necessary to prevent him from winning the presidency, including voting against him in the general election, if that proves to be the only way?

Yes, there are now woefully belated efforts to block his nomination. But what if these fail, as is quite likely? Are Republican leaders prepared to take the next necessary step?

For many Republican leaders, so far the answer is no. "I wouldn't be a very good Republican," said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, explaining why he couldn't fail to support Trump in the general election, despite the risks. Some argue that a Trump presidency is worth swallowing because at least a Republican would be in the executive office, able to carry out Republican policies and make Republican decisions on critical matters such as Supreme Court nominations. Think of all the damage that will be done if Hillary Clinton and the Democrats are elected, they say.

This would be a stronger argument if Trump's record were not one of doing whatever he needs to do at any given moment to serve his own needs. Who knows whom he would appoint to the court, and why? Maybe he would appoint someone who favored changing U.S. libel laws or had a conveniently expansive view of presidential powers.

The party's bigger problem is that it remains enslaved by the same Manichaean mistrust and intolerance that helped give rise to Trump in the first place. And yes, the other party suffers from that ailment, too. It has displayed its own derangement syndromes, and much of what ails the U.S. political system can be laid at the doorstep of the Democrats. But at the moment the other party is not in the process of nominating a Trump. It is the Republican Party whose failings now threaten the well-being of American democracy. Can party leaders now rise above the party to save it?

Historically, authoritarians have ridden to power in democracies partly because their supporters, in the end, feared and hated their opponents more than they loved the particulars of democracy. Today, it seems, it is Clinton, and everything she supposedly stands for, who must be defeated, even if it means electing a man like Trump. As one Republican official put it, looking ahead to the general election, "The penchant to defeat Hillary Clinton will transcend any concerns about the way Trump has conducted himself."

Really? Any concerns? You sometimes get the feeling that if Mussolini himself were about to win the nomination, Republicans would still be talking about Clinton's email server.

This is nonsense. Republican voters and the party leaders who oppose Trump should declare now that they won't vote for him in the general election under any circumstances. If people feel better about voting for a third-party candidacy, if one emerges, that's fine, since any Republican vote going to a third-party candidate is a vote taken away from Trump. If more people made it clear now that they won't ever vote for Trump, it might even help stall Trump's drive for a majority of delegates in the coming primaries and open the way for a brokered convention. But so long as leading Republicans continue to say that, at the end of the day, they will stick with their party, right or wrong, Trump will keep rolling and the nation will remain at risk.

Robert Kagan is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and a contributing columnist for The Washington Post.
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) 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
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.
This mornings Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail lead with immigration (see here and here), while todays Times and Guardian lead with pensions (see here and here). The two sets of stories have no obvious policy connection but a very strong political one.

The Telegraph splashes on John Whittingdale calling for the Government to release the number of active national insurance numbers being used by EU migrants. Earlier this week, this site carried an article by David Davis urging the same course. The former Shadow Home Secretary pointed out that the official figures, for what they are worth, show that 257,000 migrants came to the UK from the EU last year. But at the same time, 630,000 EU citizens registered for a new national insurance number. In other words, whilst the government claimed that only 257,000 people arrived from Europe, 630,000 signed up for work. That is a discrepancy of some 373,000 people. The Mail reports Richard Harrington coming under fire from other Conservative MPs in the Commons over the fallen number of illegal immigrants being deported.

Meanwhile, the Times and Guardian go very big what looks like a very well-briefed story on George Osborne abandoning plans for radical pensions reform in the forthcoming budget. The sum of their account, which is also in other papers, is that the Chancellor has, in the words of the Guardian account, listened to what people have said and concluded that now isnt the right time  with uncertainty in the global economy and reforms such as auto-enrolment still bedding in  to turn things on their head. This perhaps is part of the truth; it is certainly not the whole of it. The pensions industry has been preparing since Osbornes consultation on pensions reform for radical change (for which in one sense there is a need, since the present pensions incentives offer more for higher earners than lower ones).

The Chancellor is backing off partly or even largely because of the interplay between the EU referendum and Tory MPs views, of which those two immigration stories today are a reminder. Over a fortnight has passed since the EU summit and David Camerons deal, but there is no sign of passions cooling.

Until the summit, Downing Street was shaping the political week, by means of Sunday articles or Monday speeches (or both) from the Prime Minister on social reform  life chances, University access, prison reform. They have been good speeches with solid content.

But is unclear how he will regain the initiative during a period in which six members of the Cabinet, roughly two in five Conservative MPs and a majority of Tory members oppose him publicly on Europe (and perhaps afterwards too).

With the weakest Labour opposition in living memory, the Government is both strong and weak. Strong, in that it can more or less whatever it likes if the matter at hand isnt subject to votes in Parliament, but weak in any matter that is.

Osborne has already been scarred by the tax credit revolt. The combination of the referendum, his own pro-Remain position, Camerons planned departure from Downing Street before 2020 and his leadership ambitions is a perilous one for him.

A recent Times YouGov poll suggested that Boris Johnson is now Party members favourite as next leader: we will be publishing our own latest survey result next week. But there is a far bigger issue at stake. If the Government becomes paralysed in Parliament, how will it be able to meet the challenges facing Britain?
Who Is Soni Sori And What Does She Stand For?

By Parijata Bhardwaj

05 March, 2016

Countercurrents.org

On 20th February 2016, when Soni Sori was returning to her house she was forcibly stopped about 10 kms before Geedam by unknown assailants who rubbed a dark substance on her face and threatened her to stop raising the issue of the fake encounter at Mardum and complaining against Kalluri else her daughters might be attacked next. Soon her face started burning and had to rushed to the hospital. This attack was part of the ongoing offensive unleashed by the police to forcefully quell dissent and has already led to the eviction of journalist Malini Subramaniam and the Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group.

During the time that Soni has been receiving treatment the state has done everything in its power to belittle this attack whether it be calling the attack staged or linking it to Umar Khalid and the latest being the attempt to pressurize Sonis family into admitting that they orchestrated the attack[1]. It is important to note that all these conclusions are being reached by the state even before it has concluded the scientific inquiry into the attack.

As Soni recovers it is important for us to know who she is and why is it that the state wants to silence her.

Who is Soni Sori?

Soni Sori, is an Adivasi leader and member of the Aam Admi Party at Bastar. Even before becoming a politician, when she was the hostel in-charge at the State run government school in Jabeli, she was the one people would approach for help. Her courage to fight for rights of people without giving in to State pressure, education and conversant knowledge of Hindi, made her the ideal medium between the adivasis and the administration. It was this refusal to remain silent in the face of injustice which first brought Soni to the attention of the State back in 2009, when she refused to silently be spectator to the harassment of her nephew and Adivasi journalist Lingaram Kodopi. Linga had managed to document some of the gruesome atrocities committed by the State. Thus, both became the enemies of the State. It was to silence Soni and Linga that false cases[2] were slapped on them and when Soni was arrested she was subjected to one of the worst kinds of torture with stones being shoved into her private parts and being administered electric currents. The truth of the torture surfaced when stones were found in her private parts by doctors at the Government hospital in Kolkata. She was denied bail by the Sessions Court and the High Court and was in jail for about 3 years till she was granted bail by the Supreme Court in 2014. From jail Soni used to write strong letters about jail conditions and the oppression of the State[3].

Any other person after having suffered so much would have decided never to return back to the place of torture but Soni is not like any other person. She despite the warnings decided to go back to Bastar and continue her fight for the rights of the adivasis. In her years in jail she had witnessed the extent of abuse faced by the people and having been a target herself completely understood their plight. So soon after her return to Bastar in February, 2014 she immediately immersed herself in the fight for implementation of the rights of the people. Having faith in the constitutional framework, Soni stood for elections on her return from AAP and made the persecution of the adivasis in the area a main agenda. Soni did not win the election but unlike several politicians, who even after being elected forget their mandate, she stuck to it. In Soni, the people found a person who not only understood their plight but was also courageous enough to fight with them for justice.

Why is the State opposing her?

The answer is simple because she is not willing to turn a blind eye to the innumerable atrocities committed by the State under the garb of fighting naxalism. Since her return to Bastar, Soni has been instrumental in bringing to light several instances of injustice aimed at the Adivasis in Bastar and has not shied away from confronting the State. Lets have a look at some the cases she has brought to light.

2014

By the time Soni had settled back into house and started engaging with the people to work with them for the assertion of their constitutional rights, the police set-up in Bastar also witnessed a change with S.R.P. Kalluri being appointed as the IG, Bastar range. Kalluri is infamous throughout Chhattisgarh for his brutal methods including fake encounters, forced surrenders and even custodial rape to fight naxalism[4]. He has been accused of ordering the burning of 300 houses in Tadmetla, Timmapuram and Morpalli, in 2011, due to which he was transferred out of the district. The Judicial Probe and CBI investigation into the matter are still underway.

Soon after Kalluri took charge in mid 2014, Bastar suddenly witnessed a surge in the number of surrenders of alleged Maoists. Infact, the surrenders in just few months of 2014 was more than the surrenders in the past few years. Soni was among the first to question these surrenders which were later found to be forced and fake[5].

Towards the end of July, the police claimed to have killed 2 naxalites in the Ramaram village of Sukma. Though, soon questions started being raised about the veracity of the encounter and Soni, along with her nephew Linga were one of the few who went to the village with a fact finding team, wherein the villagers revealed that on the day of the encounter the forces had suddenly surrounded the village opened fire, leading to the death of an old women who could not run to shelter fast enough and the other was a young boy who was caught by the forces on their departure and killed in cold blood[6]. Refusing to keep quiet, Soni immediately called a press conference and demanded action against the errant officials[7].

In the same month itself, Soni then received information about few girls being trafficked from their homes in Geedam and immediately took efforts to help the family. She along with lawyers from the Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group, managed to get an FIR registered despite initial refusal on part of the police which did not want to register the charge of trafficking.[8] Due to the continued pressure on the Police, the girls were finally found and returned home[9].

Sonis determination to fight for the rights of people continued to grow. In November, Sukdi, the wife of a local leader was abducted by the security forces. The reason for the abduction was simple, the police wanted the husband a local BJP worker to surrender which he had refused. This brazen act on part of the police angered the people who in thousands came and sat outside the thana demanding the release of Sukdi. It is pertinent to note that despite the presence of thousands of people, the entire dharna was non-violent and peaceful and a large part of the credit for that goes to Soni[10]. Owing to the pressure the police had to release Sukdi[11]. In the Sukdi case, one of the measures to fight injustice adopted by Soni and the Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group was the issuance of public alerts which not only informed people about the instance but also asked them to contact the officials themselves, hence building the pressure on the officials to uphold the law.

This protest firmly established Soni as the champion for the local villagers. Within a few days after the abduction of Sukdi, news came in about villagers being beaten and picked by the security forces from the Kukanar thana. A majority of the villagers beaten were women and several had bruises and swelling. Yet again Soni Sori and Lingaram Kodopi led the peaceful representation of villagers seeking a release of those arrested and the registration of an FIR for the assault on the women[12].

Thus, by the end of 2014 Soni had emerged as a leader who was willing to not only fight for the rights of the people but one who used only peaceful means in this struggle.

2015

In the very first week of the year, Soni was informed by villagers from Revali of the killing of one Nuppo Bhima by the security forces. She along with Linga and few AAP leaders visited the village and found evidence which supported the claim of the villagers. The villagers were also beaten up by the forces on their rampage. Demanding justice for Bhima and asking for an end to the abuse by security forces, thousands of villagers with Soni and Linga, marched peacefully demanding to meet the Collector in Dantewada. But the state instead of engaging with them stopped them several kilometers before and did not let them proceed. It was at that point that Soni still managed to speak with the officials and was successful in getting the Collector to order a Magisterial Enquiry into the matter.[13]

The number of villagers now approaching Soni for assistance grew by large numbers. In fact, the respect and fondness of the villagers for her was used by the police itself in May, when several villagers had gathered outside the station demanding the release of three juvenile girls who had been picked up by the police. The police had also beaten some of the villagers who had tried to enquire the reason for the arrest. Fearing a law and order situation, the station incharge sought the help of Soni to calm the teeming villagers. Soni immediately reached the village and not only calmed the villagers but heard their grievance and connected them with the Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group, who moved the Courts for releif. With her intervention in this case, the plight of juveniles in Bastar got highlighted.[14]

As the year progressed the offensive of the State in the area also increased and stories of increased arrests, detentions, sexual assault and encounters started reaching Soni. Though, it was towards the end of the year that one of the most horrific accounts of sexual assault by security forces came to the fore. In October, women from Chinnagelur, Peddagelur, Gundam and Burgicheru, of Bijapur district, were subjected to sexual assault, physical abuse, molestation on a mass scale by the security forces and threatened with further violence if they chose to report the matter to anyone. When an all women fact finding team from Women against Sexual Violence and State repression, arrived at the village, the brutality of the attack was visible for all to see. All the women, came forward and testified to the attack and assault. Several, still had injuries on their person and had difficulty to walk. Soni with her knowledge of Gondi and immense empathy, immediately understood the experiences of the women. The women collectively decided to not remain silent and travelled to Bijapur determined to testify before the local administration about the assault on them by the troops. At Bijapur, they were to narrate the instances more than once to ensure veracity, in the face of hard evidence[15] and in the light of the continued pressure of the fact finding team, the first FIR under the recently amended rape law was registered against the security forces. This was also the first case since the amendment to be registered against the security forces[16]. The incidents were again confirmed by independent fact finding teams from the Adivasi Mahasabha and Congress.[17]

Thus, in 2015 Soni again challenged the attack on adivasis in the region in the name of fighting naxalism and rose as a strong and sensitive voice which refused to be silenced.

2016

The sexual violence of 2015 continued into 2016. 11- 14th January witnessed yet another instance of large scale sexual assault of the women by the security forces during the combing operations in the village of Nendra. Yet again the women came forward and testified before the SDM and the police regarding the extent of the attack and due to the sustained pressure of fact finding team of WSS which included Soni Sori and Bela Bhatia, an FIR was registered.

On the very same dates i.e. 11-14th January, the women from Peddaparra in Kunnu village of Sukma were also subjected to a similar attack. People of the village (several of them women) were rounded up and subject physical, verbal and sexual abuse by the security forces. One young man from the villager succumbed to the physical assault and died soon after. Three villagers were also detained in the process. While getting an FIR registered is itself a daunting task that in itself does not imply an independent investigation, in all the cases where an FIR has been registered there has till date been no progress beyond that point.

In the very first week of February, Hadma, a young man and only provider for his family, which included his wife and 7 children, was killed in Mardum area. His family approached Soni for help and on reaching the village Soni was informed that prior to his mysterious death, the police had come to the house and taken Hadma as a guide in the forest. His wife then kept waiting for his return but on receiving no news approached the sarpanch, who also initiated inquiries. It was after this that the family got to know that Hadma had been killed by the forces as an alleged Maoist. The family also travelled to Raipur with Soni where they narrated in detail the events leading to the death of Hadma.[18] Since, then the family along with Soni has been working to get an FIR registered in the matter.

It is also important to note that the attackers of Soni, specifically asked her to keep quiet about Mardum and stop going after the Bastar IG or be prepared to face dire consequences. Few days back her family in Geedam once again received threats via notes despite the presence of police guards which said, Dont be happy with the security guards for your daughter. Dont forget, you have other sons and sisters.[19]

From the very beginning, whether it be during her days as a hostel warden, in jail or as a popular leader, Soni has espoused a firm faith in the Constitution and steadfastly worked towards ensuring that the rights enshrined in the document do not remain on paper alone. As is evident from some of the activities undertaken by her since her return, she has at every point taken recourse to peaceful and legal means in her quest for justice. When asked by a journalist to elaborate on her method during one of the peaceful protests in Bastar she had stated:

Even if a single villager is beaten up or detained by the police these days, they [the tribals] call me and I stand in support of them because I have seen harassment, exploitation and torture when I spent two-and-a-half years in jails...The only condition I put forth for participation is that no protester should be armed, even with traditional bow and arrow or stick[20]

The truth as lucidly put by Soni herself is that the State is presently waging a war against the adivasis in Bastar and is getting rid of anyone who stands in the way, whether it be lawyers helping people to demand accountability from the forces or journalists courageously reporting the true realities on the ground or independent researchers like Bela Bhatia working diligently to ensure that the voices of the adivasi men and women do not go silenced and of course Soni.[21] With Soni, owing to her identity and her position as a leader of the people, the nature of the attack escalated from threats to an actual physical assault. Though, for Soni her purpose is clear and nothing even an attack to her person is going to deter her from continuing the struggle for the rights of the people of Bastar. It is perhaps because of this realisation that the state has now taken recourse yet again to vilifying Soni for as of now in the States rampage to development Soni seems to be the biggest cog in the way and the State is employing any and every means to get rid of her. The question which arises now is whether we will be mute spectators to this offensive of the State or will we like Soni have the courage to fight for justice.

Parijata Bhardwaj is member of Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group. She graduated from Symbosis, Pune and TISS, mumbai.



Notes:

[1] http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/police-trying-to-implicate-us-in-attack-on-soni-sori-claim-relatives/article8304677.ece

[2] Both of them have since been acquitted in all their cases except one

[3] http://www.adivasiresurgence.com/letters-from-soni-sori-to-the-supreme-court-and-nation-written-in-2011/

[4] http://iadhri.wordpress.com/2013/01/25/ledha-bais-statement-against-srp-kalluri/ - See more at: http://sanhati.com/excerpted/12510/#sthash.4ZYAXDTW.dpuf

[5] http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/70-chhattisgarh-naxal-surrenders-are-neither-naxal-nor-surrenders/

[6] http://www.bbc.com/hindi/india/2014/10/141015_chhattishgarh_bastar_maoist_naxal_rns?ocid=socialflow_twitter

[7] http://www.bhaskar.com/news/CHH-OTH-MAT-latest-bastar-news-020007-471195-NOR.html

[8] http://www.bhaskar.com/news/CHH-OTH-MAT-latest-bastar-news-020007-445136-NOR.html

[9] http://naidunia.jagran.com/chhattisgarh/dantewada-dantewada-news-174629

[10] http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/soni-sori-continues-as-face-of-tribal-protest/article7268927.ece

[11] Details are in http://sanhati.com/excerpted/12510/

[12] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/police-went-on-the-rampage-in-chhattisgarh-villages-say-residents/article6671154.ece

[13] For details read: http://pucl.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/January-2015_Chhattisgarh_Revali-Fact-Finding-Report.pdf

[14] http://scroll.in/article/724739/by-keeping-minor-girls-in-lockup-at-night-chhattisgarh-police-breaks-the-law-and-triggers-unrest

[15] The testimonies of the women can be seen at http://wssnet.org/page/3/

[16] For more details see: http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/the-pegdapalli-files/296625

[17] http://scroll.in/article/770330/chilling-rape-allegations-force-police-to-conduct-rare-investigation-of-security-forces-in-chhattisgarh

[18] http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/Bastar-encounter-killing-sparks-row/articleshow/51012521.cms and http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/bastar-farmer-killed-in-fake-encounter-family/article8245674.ece

[19] http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/tribal-activist-soni-sori-threatened-again/article8286287.ece?ref=sliderNews

[20] http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/in-bastar-soni-sori-emerges-as-the-face-of-tribal-protest/article7269175.ece

[21] The time line of the threats is available at http://wssnet.org/2016/02/24/time-line-of-the-attacks-on-human-rights-defenders-in-chhattisgarh/




Biometric Aadhaar Bill Is An Exercise In Colorable Legislation

By Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties

05 March, 2016

Countercurrents.org

Fearing rejection of controversial biometric Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016[1] like The National Identification Authority of India Bill 2010, Union Finance Minister introduced the former as a Money Bill on March 3, 2016 in an exercise which is a fraud on the Constitution. It is a stark case of cololorable legislation in its essence. The ulterior motive is to legitimize the controversial Aadhaar platform.

The introduction of this Bill is an exercise wherein the doctrine of colourable legislation is applicable. The literal meaning of Colorable Legislation is that under the color or guise of power conferred for one particular purpose, the legislature cannot seek to achieve some other purpose which it is otherwise not competent to legislate on.

This Doctrine also traces its origin to a Latin Maxim: Quando aliquid prohibetur ex directo, prohibetur et per obliquum. This means when anything is prohibited directly, it is also prohibited indirectly. It has been held that Whatever legislature cant do directly, it cant do indirectly.

This doctrine has been given in the case of K.C. Gajapati Narayana Deo And Other v. The State Of Orissa: If the Constitution of a State distributes the legislative powers amongst different bodies, which have to act within their respective spheres marked out by specific legislative entries, or if there are limitations on the legislative authority in the shape of fundamental rights, questions do arise as to whether the legislature in a particular case has or has not, in respect to the subject-matter of the statute or in the method of enacting it, transgressed the limits of its constitutional powers. Such transgression may be patent, manifest or direct, but it may also be disguised, covert and indirect and it is to this latter class of cases that the expression Colorable Legislation has been applied in certain judicial pronouncements. The idea conveyed by the expression is that although apparently a legislature in passing a statute purported to act within the limits of its powers, yet in substance and in reality it transgressed these powers, the transgression being veiled by what appears, on proper examination, to be a mere presence or disguise. This Doctrine is also called as Fraud on the Constitution.

When the non-compliance with the Constitutional condition for the exercise of legislative power is covert, it is a fraud on the Constitution.

Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016 is aimed to provide for, as a good governance, efficient, transparent, and targeted delivery of subsidies, benefits and services, the expenditure for which is incurred from the Consolidated Fund of India, to individuals residing in India through assigning of unique identity numbers to such individuals and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Bill was introduced without it being discussed in the Business Advisory Committee. It is a question of saving of Rs. 20,000 crore to the country, argued M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union minister of parliamentary affairs without disclosing how much expense will incurred in the Aadhaar project.[2] Unless cost incurred is disclosed how benefits can be claimed. It is against the basic principle of cost-benefit analysis.



At the time of introduction, Members of Parliament objected to this controversial Bill saying, It must not be introduced as the Money Bill[3] to avoid Rajya Sabha. It was stated to the Speaker that It seems you do not want the cooperation of the Opposition.[4] It sad said that If it is going to be introduced as a Money Bill Rajya Sabha becomes irrelevant.[5]

It was argued by the Union Finance Minister that It is for the hon. Speaker to now examine it and certify whether it is a Money Bill or not and that ruling is final.[6] He also argued that because Governments in the past committed Bills which were not in essence Money Bill, he too will introduce this Bill even if it is not a Money Bill in essence.[7] It appears from such flawed reasoning that the Government thinks that two wrongs make a right. The minister said, All that the Bill says is that if you want the benefit of a Government subsidy, Government can ask you to produce an Aadhaar Number. That is all it says.

This is reminiscent of what Thomas Szasz, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, wrote in his book The Second Sin published in 1974. In the animal kingdom, the rule is, eat or be eaten; in the human kingdom, define or be defined, he wrote.

Bhartruhari Mahtab, who is a member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance said, Today, the basic concern was being expressed about Aadhaar Number because that was the issue which went to the Supreme Court. The legality of this went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, of course, gave a judgement.The other concern to my mind was whether adequate firewall has been created to protect the privacy of every citizen. I still have my doubt. Then its legality also comes in view that if I am not interested to be a part of this scheme of things, I will be denied a number of things that will be provided through this number. He added that Section 33 of this Bill which deals with Disclosure of information in certain cases is a point of concern. It reads:

(1) Nothing contained in sub-section (2) or sub-section (5) of section 28 or sub-section (2) of section 29 shall apply in respect of any disclosure of information, including identity information or authentication records, made pursuant to an order of a court not inferior to that of a District Judge: Provided that no order by the court under this sub-section shall be made without giving an opportunity of hearing to the Authority. (2) Nothing contained in sub-section (2) or sub-section (5) of section 28 and clause (b) of sub-section (1), sub-section (2) or sub-section (3) of section 29 shall apply in respect of any disclosure of information, including identity information or authentication records, made in the interest of national security in pursuance of a direction of an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India specially authorised in this behalf by an order of the Central Government:

Provided that every direction issued under this sub-section, shall be reviewed by an Oversight Committee consisting of the Cabinet Secretary and the Secretaries to the Government of India in the Department of Legal Affairs and the Department of Electronics and Information Technology, before it takes effect:

Provided further that any direction issued under this sub-section shall be valid for a period of three months from the date of its issue, which may be extended for a further period of three months after the review by the Oversight Committee.



Clause 33 of the Aadhaar Bill empowers disclosure of 'identity information' by an officer of the rank of Joint Secretary or above without the consent of the individual concerned. It does not disclose as to how disclosure of 'identity information' will be reversed once the disclosure is done.

As per Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920, biometric measurements like fingerprints of prisoners are taken with the permission of Magistrate and these records of the prisoners are destroyed on acquittal and after they have served their sentence. But in the case of UID/aadhhar the same is going to be stored forever without any legal mandate and disclosed with legal mandate with no remedy for undoing the disclosure. Unlike Identification of Prisoners Act, Aadhaar Bill does not provide for destruction of data.

Mahtab who was also the Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance in 2011 informed the Speaker, This Bill was introduced during UPA time and it had been referred to the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee had come out with a number of objections. The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 was introduced in Rajya Sabha on 3rd December, 2010 was referred to the Committee on 10th December, 2010 for examination and report thereon, by the Speaker, Lok Sabha under Rule 331E of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha.



The observations of the Yashwant Sinha, former Union Finance Minister headed Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance on The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 exposes the dubious nature and character of Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016. The report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee was presented to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on 13th December, 2011.

In its 48 page long report, the Parliamentary Standing Committee observed: The Committee are constrained to point out that in the instant case, since the law making is underway with the bill being pending, any executive action is as unethical and violative of Parliaments prerogatives as promulgation of an ordinance while one of the Houses of Parliament being in session. At page no. 32, it reads: the United Kingdom shelved its Identity Cards Project for a number of reasons, which included:- (a) huge cost involved and possible cost overruns; (b) too complex; (c) untested, unreliable and unsafe technology; (d) possibility of risk to the safety and security of citizens; and (e) requirement of high standard security measures, which would result in escalating the estimated operational costs at page no.28.

Thus, under the circumstances, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker, Lok Sabha is under a logical compulsion not to give the Certificate of Money Bill to Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016 under Article 110 (4) of the Constitution of India before transmitting it to the Rajya Sabha under Article 109. This Bill is in furtherance of an executive action which is admittedly unethical and violative of Parliaments prerogatives as promulgation of an ordinance while Parliament has been in session. In such a backdrop, it is apparent that the Speaker erred in giving the permission that for the introduction of the Bill.

It is noteworthy that it took cognizance of the Report of the London School of Economics on UKs Identity Project inter-alia which states that ..identity systems may create a range of new and unforeseen problemsthe risk of failure in the current proposals is therefore magnified to the point where the scheme should be regarded as a potential danger to the public interest and to the legal rights of individuals.[8] As these findings are very much relevant and applicable to the UID scheme, they should have been seriously considered, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance observed.

Section 57 of the Aadhaar Bill reveals that this is being pushed by commercial czar. It reads "57. Nothing contained in this Act shall prevent the use of Aadhaar number for establishing the identity of an individual for any purpose, whether by the State or anybody corporate or person, pursuant to any law, for the time being in force, or any contract to this effect:

Provided that the use of Aadhaar number under this section shall be subject to the procedure and obligations under section 8 and Chapter VI."

This brings the ulterior motive behind the entire aadhaar schemes to light. It provides that it is meant not only for the purposes of allocating entitlements, subsidies, benefits or services but also for commercial transactions whether conducted by any natural person or legal person (body corporate). This is applicable to every law and contract for any purpose.

Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL) which has been campaigning against 12 digit biometric information based unique identity (UID)/Aadhaar number since 2010 had appeared before this Yashtwant Sinha headed Parliamentary Committee to give its testimony. The eminent persons who appeared before it included witnesses and experts like Dr. Usha Ramanathan, a noted jurist, Dr. R. Ramakumar, Associate Professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai and Shri Gopal Krishna, Member, Citizen Forum for Civil Liberties on 29th July, 2011.

It is noteworthy that officials of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) like Shri Nandan Nilekani and Shri R.S. Sharma had appeared before the Yashwant Sinha headed Parliamentary Committee as witnesses on 11th February, 2011. It is abundantly evident from the Parliamentary Report that UIDAI officials miserably failed to satisfy the Parliamentary Committee. The Committee took evidence of the representatives of the UIDAI in connection with the examination of the National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010. As per the report the major issues discussed with these officials included, need for providing statutory status to the UIDAI; Definition of Resident; provision for de-activating the Aadhaar Number and collection of demographic information and biometric information, this indicates that Parliament, UIDAI and the Central Government knew/knows that UIDAI does not have the required statutory backing. It is noteworthy that A verbatim record of proceedings was kept but the Lok Sabha Secretariat did not share it when the same was sought under Right to Information Act, 2005.

Arun Jaitely, the finance minister expressed the need for a law to give a statutory backing to the Aadhar platform and to incorporate the Aadhaar framework in his budget speech (2016-17). He plans to do it through Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016.

It is relevant to recall that Secretary-General, Registrar (Law) and Joint Secretary (P&A) of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on 29th June, 2011 as witnesses wherein Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, M.P. presided as the Acting Chairman, of the Committee. NHRC officials raised the possible discrimination, security of biometric information and the implications on the individuals right to privacy, etc. Dr. Reetika Khera, an expert associated with Centre for Development Economics, Delhi School of Economics who appeared the Parliamentary Committee as a witness submitted, exclusion is more on account of poor coverage of these schemes. Say, for instance, in the Public Distribution System, the Planning Commission says that only x per cent of the rural population will get the BPL cards and because of that cap that is set at the Central level, we find that lots of people are excluded.

Notably, Indian Banks Association appeared before it and discussed issues related to stipulations prescribed by the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India for using aadhaar numbers for opening bank accounts; new account holders added through aadhaar numbers; and utility of aadhaar number in financial inclusion, social sector lending, etc.

It is relevant to note that members including Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) International Asset Reconstruction Company (IARC), Shriram Capital Limited, Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited, Bharti Airtel and IBM India Pvt. Limited too appeared before the Parliamentary Committee wherein the major issues discussed included legality of implementation of the UID (aadhaar) project before the law is enacted by the Parliament.

It is apparent that the biometric aadhaar project is being bulldozed under the influence of transnational business enterprises and banks.

The fact is that indiscriminate collection of biometric information for aaadhaar is illegal. It turns citizens into subjects and worse than prisoners. The transfer of biometric information collected in the name of aaadhaar to transnational business enterprises like Accenture, Safran Group and Ernst & Young compromises national interest and national security and makes all future Prime Ministers and other officials who will hold sensitive positions who will emerge from the pool of Indian residents in future subject to surveillance by unaccountable and undemocratic transnational regimes.

Ernst & Young is a British company that has signed a contract with UIDAI swearing by Gandhi's talisman to express his concern for the poor. Its contract announces that 'We will provide a unique identity to over 113.9 crore (1.139 billion) people.' The ministry of planning, in its action taken report, has been quoted as having stated that 'the UIDAI has been authorised to enroll 60 crore (600 million) residents by March 2014' in the October 2013 report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance to Parliament. This provision of 113.9 crore people in the contract agreement was/is evidently a fraudulent one.

This came to light from a Right To Information reply dated December 5, 2013, wherein the UIDAI shared the contract agreement it signed on behalf of the President of India acting through the director general of the UIDAI, the Planning Commission, the Government of India (which is the employer), on March 17, 2010 with the consortium consisting of Ms Ernst & Young Private Limited and Ms Netmagic Solutions Pvt Ltd wherein 'Ms Ernst & Young pvt ltd' is the lead partner and consultant.

When BJP was in the opposition, it had objected to undocumented migrants being enrolled in the UID/aadhaar data base. Now that it is in Government in a remarkable turnaround, it is says, the Aadhaar number or authentication (sic) shall not, however, confer any right of citizenship or domicile. This implies that anyone can be enrolled and get numbers, domicile, illegality of migrants is not a barrier.

The submission of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in this regard on the National Identification Authority of India (NIAI) Bill, 2010 introduced in an effort to legalise the illegal activities of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) exposes he claims of the government. In a report titled NHRCs views on the NIAI Bill, 2010 it has been revealed that UID/aadhaar number has dangerous ramifications is quite relevant in this regard. NHRCs view was presented to the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Finance.[9] While Aadhaar Bill, 2016 like initiatives are underway, echoing NHRCs view on need for protection of information and the possibility of tampering with stored biometric information in paragraph 5 (page no. 7 of the NHRC newsletter) and disclosure of information in the interest of national security mentioned in paragraph 9 (page no.8 of the newsletter), the Central Governments Draft Discussion Paper on Privacy Bill admits, There is no data protection statute in the country. This poses a threat to the identity of citizens and the idea of residents of the state as private persons will be forever abandoned.

NHRCs observation before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance that UID/aadhaar Number underlined that it will lead to discrimination in the name of delivery of various benefits and services and weaker sections of society.[10]

Contrary to the claims of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) that the collection of biometric information and its linkage with personal information of individuals without amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955 as well as the Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003, appears to be beyond the scope of subordinate legislation, which needs to be examined in detail by Parliament -- according to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance. This parliamentary panel has raised questions about the absence of a legal mandate for biometric data collection.

This Bill is significantly different from the earlier Bill. This Bill confines itself only to governmental expenditure and that the real beneficiaries must get governmental expenditure.

If Aadhaar Bill, 2016 is different from National Identification Authority of India Bill 2010, why has latter Bill been withdrawn from the Rajya Sabha. Jaitley informed the Lok Sabha.

The current proposal to make the Aadhaar platform the basis for accessing entitlements is oblivious to the uneasy state of biometrics which the UIDAI now admits it is researching.[11]

It is noteworthy that Unique Biometrics Competence Center (UBCC) was announced on the UIDAIs website on August 13, 2015 where it is admitted that the Indian working population poses challenges to the use of biometrics, and so the UBCC was being set up to do research on biometrics. A report of the World Bank which was soon removed from its website stated that the rate of exclusion due to biometrics might be about 40% if identity systems were to be made the basis of access to entitlements.[12]

In the meanwhile, although Constitution Benches have started sitting since 15th January, 2016 after the intervention of Chief Justice of India, birth of Constitution Bench for Right to Privacy and Aadhaar case continues to experience labour pains. Supreme Courts website states that Aadhaar case is a Five Judges Matter but among the 10 Constitution Bench cases listed for hearing, it finds no mention despite the fact that a five judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India wrote, "Since there is some urgency in the matter, we request the learned Chief Justice of India to constitute a Bench for final hearing of these matters at the earliest". Unless these words are accorded due respect and attention, the meaning of these words of Court will suffer grave irreparable erosion.

In view of the urgency admitted and recorded by Supreme Court Bench of five judges headed by Chief Justice of India to the Right to Privacy and Aadhaar case, it appears inappropriate that even as the Court is to determine the legal status of Aadhaar that Indian residents are being coerced to accept Biometric Aadhaar Number as a fait accompli, as if Court too will have to act like a rubber stamp despite its legality having been questioned by Punjab & Haryana High Court and Parliamentary Committee on Finance that trashed The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010. Aadhaar Bill aims to turn Parliament into a rubber stamp as well.

Admittedly, there is still no law to replace the National Identification Authority of India Bill 2010 and even Aadhaar Bill, 2016 claims not to do so but the absence of law on privacy and data protection reveals that cart remain parked before the horse.

My Call Detail Records and A Citizens Right to Privacy by Arun Jaitley as Leader of Opposition, Rajya Sabha. It must be recalled that referring to the incident of surveillance of his mobile phones, in an article published in Gujarati, Hindi, Urdu & English (Source: http://www.bjp.org), he wrote, Firstly, every citizen in India has a right to privacy. His right to privacy is an inherent aspect of his personal liberty. Interference in the right to privacy is an interference in his personal liberty by a process which is not fair, just or reasonable. A persons Call Detail Records can throw up details of several transactions. In the case of an average citizen it can reflect on his relationships. In the case of a professional or a business person it can reflect on his financial transactions. In the case of a journalist it can reveal the identity of his sources. In the case of a politician it can reveal the identity of the person with whom he has regular access. Every person has a right to be left alone.[13]

Jaitley added, In a liberal society there is no place for those who peep into the private affairs of individuals. No one has a right to know who another communicates with him. The nature of communication, the identity of persons being communicated with and frequency of communications would be a serious breach of privacy.This incident throws up another legitimate fear. We are now entering the era of the Adhaar number. The Government has recently made the existence of the Adhaar number as a condition precedent for undertaking several activities; from registering marriages to execution of property documents. Will those who encroach upon the affairs of others be able to get access to bank accounts and other important details by breaking into the system? If this ever becomes possible the consequences would be far messier.[14]

Revealing how power clouds human intelligence, Jaitley and his ministerial colleagues do not comprehend messier consequences of breach of privacy anymore. He wrote the article on April 17, 2013. It is available on BJPs website demonstrating the gulf between what is preached and what is practiced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis U turn on 12 digit biometric aadhaar number which admittedly poses threat to national security after 21st May, 2014 when BJP led coalition became the ruling party at the centre. Considerations other than truth have given birth to Modi governments faith in biometric aadhaar. The issuance of aadhaar numbers to large number of residents of India does not make it a program in national interest.

Following twelve questions reveal why civil liberties and human rights movements are against aadhaar related projects and aadhaar like projects across the world:

1. Why do Indians we need Unique Identification (UID)-Aadhaar Number as a 16th identity proof which, in fact is an identifier and not an identity proof?

2. Doesnt linking of LPG subsidy with direct benefit scheme, jan dhan yojna with aadhar made it mandatory contrary to its continued claim in aadhaar enrolment form that it is voluntary tantamount to breach of trust?

3. Why present and future Indian citizens should be allowed profiled based on biometric data? Are citizens worse than prisoners? The indiscriminate collection of biometrics of prisoners is not allowed as per Identification of Prisoners Act.

4. Why have countries like UK, Australia, France, the Philippines and Europe has rejected UID/aadhaar like projects? These countries have rejected identity projects that closely resemble the UID project because of its implications of civil liberty, the prohibitive cost, the untested technology and because it will make the people subservient to the state. What is the reason for thinking that Indian citizens can bear these risks and costs?

5. How can UIDAI and UID/aadhaar project be deemed legal and legitimate if it has been disapproved as violation of the prerogative of the Parliament by Parliamentary Committee on Finance and the Supreme Court has found merit in objections aadhaar. The Parliamentary Committee denounced the UID/Aadhaar project as unethical and violative of Parliaments prerogatives and as akin to an ordinance when the Parliament is in session. The government has not come up with a revised law, and there is in fact no law that, today, governs the project. Isnt the protection of the citizen by law important?

6. Who will be held accountable for the ongoing violation of citizens privacy and for robbery of their personal sensitive data? The UID/aadhaar project poses a threat to the privacy rights of citizens. Yet, the project is steaming ahead without any law on privacy in place, and is believed to be breaching many privacy principles.

7. If violation of confidentiality promised in the Section 15 of Census Act is done with impunity, how can census like projects like UID/aadhaar exercise be trusted?

8. What is the guarantee that whosoever controls Centralized Database of Indians will not become autocrat like Hosni Mubarak and Asif Ali Zardari who handed over their citizens database to US Government?

9. What is the guarantee that Centralized Database of Indians will not be stolen as has happened in the case of Greece?

10. Isnt the entire UID/aadhaar related exercise meant to provide market for biometric and surveillance technology companies and World Banks partners like International Business Machines (IBM), Gemalto, Intel, Safran Group, Microsoft, and Pfizer, France and South Korea? There is an extraordinary dependence on corporations, many of them companies with close links with foreign intelligence agencies. How are the implications of this factor being dealt with?

11. Isnt linking of UID/aadhaar with land titles, National Intelligence Grid, etc an assault to rights of citizens? The ubiquity that the UIDAI is trying to get for the UID/aadhaar  where it will be linked with the set ups like the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), the NATGRID where are the protections for the citizen from an invasive state?

12. Who will guarantee that the centralized database of UID/aadhaar will not be used for holocaust, genocide, communal and ethnic riots, targeting of minorities of all ilk and political dissidents of all shades?

13. Among many questions that have emerged, one is: How many MPs, MLAs, Cabinet Ministers, judges, officials of security establishment chosen to get themselves biometrically profiled under illegal and illegitimate aadhaar scheme

14. Why is biometric technology being treated as neutral as if it has no politics, or no implications for civil liberties, when it is known that it most certainly does?

15. Will aadhar architecture based GSTN safeguard Indian States sovereign function of tax collection?

It is apparent that the structural basis is being laid out for future authoritarianism through despotic projects at the behest of the ungovernable and unregulated foreign biometric and surveillance technology companies. The collection of biometric data supports the ideology of biological determinism with its implicit and explicit faith in the biometric technologies. There are hitherto unacknowledged dangers of trusting such technological advances for determining social policies.

The unfolding of an automatic identification regime is being facilitated through aadhaar in the face of corporate media unquestionably promoting ungovernable and unregulated identification and surveillance technology companies. While providing for a dignified treatment of the citizens of India, Section 15 of the Census Act establishes that Records of census not open to inspection nor admissible in evidence. It reads: No person shall have a right to inspect any book, register or record made by a census-officer in the discharge of his duty as such, or any schedule delivered under section 10 and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, no entry in any such book, register, record or schedule shall be admissible as evidence in any civil proceeding whatsoever or in any criminal proceeding other than a prosecution under this Act or any other law for any act or omission which constitutes an offence under this Act.

Demolishing this dignity of the citizens, the Union Home Ministry is dehumanizing citizens by according them a status inferior to that of prisoners by facilitating merger of aadhaar with National Population Register, Census and NATGRID. The creation of Centralized Identities Data Register (CIDR) of UID creates a bullying Database and Surveillance State through its black box.There is compelling logic for citizens to safeguard their civil liberties and human rights from such illegitimate advances of a bullying State.

It has been established that UID/aadhaar does not have any basis contrary to its name, aadhaar which means foundation or base; it is legally niraadhaar (baseless). Vekaiah Naidu is record saying, "The Aadhaar card instead of becoming Janaadhar became Niraadhaar".[15]

These developments make a book SpyChips: How Major Corporations and Government Plan to Track Your Every Move with RFID by Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre quite relevant. The authors forewarn us of how we are being made to imagine a world of no privacy. Where your every purchase is monitored and recorded in a database and your every belonging is numbered. Where someone many states away or perhaps in another country has a record of everything you have ever bought. Whats more, they can be tracked and monitored remotely.

The 270 page book has been published by Thomas Nelson Inc in 2005. It has been contended that RFID will impact our civilization in a deeper way than printing press, industrial revolution, light bulb, Internet and personal computers. The introduction of RFID marks the beginning of a world where everything and every place gets imbedded with RFID or spying micro chips.

It is apparent that RFID and UID/aadhaar projects are going to do almost exactly the same thing which the predecessors of Adolf Hitler did, else how is it that Germany always had the lists of Jewish names even prior to the arrival of the Nazis? The Nazis got these lists with the help of IBM which was in the census business that included racial census that entailed not only count the Jews but also identifying them. At the US Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, there is an exhibit of an IBM Hollerith D-11 card sorting machine that was responsible for organising the census of 1933 that first identified the Jews.

It poses a risk to both personal location, privacy, national and military security of the country.

Indias corporate media seems quite indulgent towards the emergence of a technology-based social control regime due to Paid News phenomena, it is up to you and the legislature to bring them under control by revealing the true nature of biometric data based RFID and related identification exercises like UID/aadhaar.

While UIDAI has been informing the residents, citizens, concerned government departments and the media that the UID/aadhaar number scheme is voluntary since January 2009, the Legal Framework For Mandatory Electronic Delivery of Services of Union Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, refers to UIDAI  UID based authentication for services as an enabler, thus making it compulsory.

The linking of UID/aadhaar with essential services like LPG implies that the right to have rights is being made dependent on biometric data based UID/aadhaar.

UIDAIs Strategy Overview document published by UIDAI and mentions that The recent acceptance of Aadhaar (UID Number) for satisfying proof of identity and address for all telecom connections by Department of Telecommunications will also ensure greater telecom inclusion. It also refers to Biometric data standards and how the UIDAI published standards for the collection and storage of biometric data in the Report on Biometrics Design Standards for UID Applications, under the chairmanship of Dr. Gairola.

It must be noted that the uncertainties about biometrics in relation to a large a population as 1.2 billion remain. According to this very Report of the Biometrics Committee of the UIDAI, so far, the maximum number covered has been 50 million people.

In fact, even this Committee of UIDAI looked unsure of it in the final analysis, stating: First, retaining efficacy while scaling the database size from fifty million to a billion has not been adequately analysed. Second, fingerprint quality, the most important variable for determining de-duplication accuracy, has not been studied in depth in the Indian context. Admittedly, infallibility and uniqueness of biometric data is a postulate at best. Global experience points out that biometric data is inherently fallible. UID/aadhhar must be looked at along with other initiatives which will end up undertaking surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting of Indian residents and citizens on basis of caste, religion, political opinion and regional bias. UIDAI and related agencies are attempting to convert a resident into a number, Indian population into a market and then citizens into subjects.

Clause 2 (g) of the Aadhaar Bill, 2016 defines 'biometric information'. It means photograph, finger print, Iris scan, or other such biological attributes of an individual as may be specified by regulations. This definition includes Human DNA Profiling and voice samples by mentioning other such biological attributes of an individual by any future regulation.

If one reads this with Clause 54 that empowers the Authority to make regulations, it far reaching implications becomes quite stark. It provides that the Unique Identification Authority of India may, by notification, make regulations consistent with the proposed legislation and the rules made thereunder, for carrying out the provisions of the proposed legislation. It further specifies the matters in respect of which such regulations may be made.



The provision of Clause 55 that provides for laying of rules and regulations before Parliament as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament makes it deeply problematic because it makes its acts of subordinate legislation a fait accompli.



These issues directly linked to Right to Life, national security and sovereignty of the country merit the attention of the Speaker Lok Sabha and MPs of Lok Sabha now that Rajya Sabha has been made redundant possibly because by now members of Rajya Sabha have realized the treachery involved in surrendering biometric data to foreign transnational companies and foreign governments.

It remains to be seen as to which public institution will safeguard the supreme interest of human rights of present and future generation of citizens.

It is relevant to explore how many commercial czars, civil servants, legislators of the ruling parties and judicial officers and their family members allowed themselves to become subjects of surveillance through illegitimate and illegal biometric aadhaar number for the benefit of foreign companies like Accenture, Safran Group, Ernst & Young in India's supreme national interest who wish to admittedly keep their data only for seven years!

If transferring national assets like citizens' biometric data to foreign countries is not TREASON, what else is?

It is germane to recall what late Roger Needham, a British computer scientist aptly said, if you think IT (Information Technology) is the solution to your problem, then you dont understand IT, and you dont understand your problem either. In their ultimate naivety, some key decision-makers in the government seem to be either convinced or "dazzled by the myth of the perfectibility of computers."

In such a situation, State Governments must stop further implementation of the biometric data based initiatives by and seek destruction of already collected biometric data of Indian residents and citizens. There is a logical compulsion for citizens to boycott aadhaar and aadhaar related schemes as part of their patriotic duty.

For Details: Gopal Krishna, Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties (CFCL), Mb: 08227816731, 09818089660, E-mail-1715krishna@gmail.com

Notes:

[1] Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016

[2] (2016), March 3, Sixteenth Lok Sabha, p. 58-62, http://164.100.47.192/Loksabha/Debates/uncorrecteddebate.aspx

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

[7] Ibid

[8] (2011), Report on National Identification Authority of India Bill 2010, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, December 13

[9] (2011,) Human Rights Newsletter, Vol. 18 No.8, August

[10] Ibid

[11] (2016), Ramanathan, Usha., The Law Needs to Catch Up With Aadhaar, But Not in the Way Jaitley is Promising, The Wire, March 3, http://thewire.in/2016/03/03/the-law-needs-to-catch-up-with-aadhaar-but-not-in-the-way-jaitley-is-promising-23543/

[12] (2015), Press Release, New Delhi, Sep 18

[13] Jaitely, Arun, My Call Detail Records and A Citizens Right to Privacy, http://www.bjp.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8683:article-shri-arun-jaitley-on-qmy-call-detail-records-and-a-citizens-right-to-privacyq&catid=68:press-releases&Itemid=494

[14] Ibid

[15] (2013), BJP Bihar on Twitter, Jun 20, https://twitter.com/bihar_bjp/status/347651173777547264




Hundreds Attend Ahwazi Rights Demonstration In Stockholm



By Rahim Hamid

05 March, 2016

Countercurrents.org

Hundreds of supporters of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz participated in a mass demonstration in front of the Iranian Embassy in the Swedish capital, Stockholm, on Friday, to express their solidarity with the Ahwazi Arab people and condemn the Iranian regimes aggression against Ahwaz.

Participants in the peaceful protest, the fourth such ASMLA demonstration to take place in a European capital in recent months, praised the recent decision by Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to place Hezbollah on the GCCs list of terrorist organizations, and their efforts to combat the Iranian regimes hostile regional policies and terrorist affiliates in the Arab world, particularly in the Gulf countries.

The protesters at Fridays demonstration carried Ahwazi flags and photographs of Ahwazi martyrs and political prisoners, many showing the wounds left by torture by Iranian regime personnel. They also carried placards raising awareness of some of the other crimes committed by the theocratic regime against Ahwazis, ranging from random executions of activists to forced displacement and arbitrary arrests, as well as highlighting the endemic unemployment and illiteracy in the region due to the regimes apartheid policies against Arabs.

Participants in the demonstration included a large number of Syrians and Turks expressing their solidarity with the Ahwazi people, as well as representatives from other ethnic groups in Iran, who suffer similar brutal oppression and injustice at the regimes hands.

Ahwazi representatives at the event highlighted the fact that the convergence of regional interests between Western countries and Iran means that the world needs to understand the human rights atrocities committed by the Iranian regime which all too often receive little or no attention, with Iran's crimes against its Ahwazi Arab citizens hidden, rarely reported and never addressed.

At the conclusion of the event, the ASMLA issued a final statement on behalf of the Ahwazi people, saying:

The Iranian state is a sponsor of terrorism which has adopted repressive measures against ethnic groups who have been subjected to oppression and occupation by the Iranian state for several decades: these occupied and oppressed peoples should be accorded the right to self-determination.

We demand the international community to intervene immediately and not to ignore the crimes against Ahwazi Arabs and other peoples in Iran under the pretext of the nuclear program agreement, which completely fails to take into account the interests of the oppressed peoples of the country.

We reject those values that legitimize the executioner and criminalize their victims. Those under Iranian occupation understand Irans recent post-nuclear deal rapprochement with the West as offering a green light to the regime to kill more Ahwazis and members of other ethnic groups. We firmly reject the random executions of Ahwazi citizens, especially the recent death sentences issued against Ahwazi prisoners in the cities of Susa and Hamidieh. We emphasize our solidarity with the Ahwazi prisoners languishing in Iranian occupation jails, who suffer horrific conditions of torture and abuse, and we renew our pledge to the martyrs of Ahwaz, who were executed or died under torture, and shall continue to stand at their families side.

The Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation Ahwaz will not stand as an idle witness to the crimes against Ahwazi people, and calls for the world to intervene to stop the crimes of the Iranian occupation state.

Rahim Hamid is Ahwazi freelance journalist and Human rights advocate




JNU Movement: Dastan-e-Absence

By Khatija Khader

05 March, 2016

Countercurrents.org

Many authors have written about JNU as a critical and self-reflective space, a space that derives intellectual meanings out of debates and discussion, acknowledgement and engagement with various thoughts across the colour spectrum. However, now that the President of the JNUSU has been released on bail, and through unrelenting national, transnational and international solidarities, a broader consensus against Hindutva is emerging, it is time to ask if this movement led by JNU can integrate  not co-opt  the plurality of metaphors that constitute various nationalisms or alternative visions. This is an important question, and a historic responsibility, that has been offered to JNU.

On February 18, under physical and ideological attack from all regressive sections and from the common sense that reins society at large, JNU gave a call for a solidarity march. Thousands of people participated, including most of the student body and faculty from JNU, in spite of the threat of physical violence. The solidarity that was displayed that day was reassuring as it showed that an emotional and political camaraderie could be forged between the progressive sections of society. However, it also made us cognizant of the contestations that could emerge as this movement reached out across sections of society, that is, how was this movement to be articulated? On the 18th, as our (very packed) bus from JNU to Mandi House halted in traffic, two students standing next me pointed towards some daily wage workers sitting in a park and sharing lunch, and rather absurdly declared these men to be Sanghis and started shouting slogans against the Sangh addressed towards these workers. Their reaction caught many off-guard and after interrupting them and pointing out that these were our real allies, it made me realize that, as people shouted slogans like Stand with JNU and We are JNU, as the left parties walked under the tricolour, had many of us at JNU replicated a nationalism from another  equally uncritical and apparently static? What is JNU? What are we asking people to stand for? Is the debate about freedom of expression  what if the slogans were given? Or is it about limits of freedom of expression, that is, whether the slogans were given or not? The acceptance of the metaphor of the tricolour as a yardstick for measuring the love you have for your people, has been both claustrophobic and a defensive strategy, whereas, this contingent situation necessitates the need to walk under and celebrate left-progressive banners. We have to claim the space that rightfully belongs to us.

Should the debate on freedom of expression be located in this dichotomous fracture between the Sangh and the progressive sections, another kind of us vs. them? Should it be located in the differences between various nationalisms, notions of national interest, territoriality, citizenship, democracy and federalism? Or should it be located in the freedom to articulate pro-people and pro-margins, without the fear of offending the dominant common sense?

The fact that the left with is potent alternative vision of internationalism has shied away from bringing up Kashmir is disconcerting. Barring periodic references to the opportunistic alliance between PDP and BJP, Kashmir has been audibly absent. The event that sparked this movement was named after the Kashmiri poet Agha Shahid Alis powerful poem and a larger poetry collection by the same title, The Country Without A Post office. But while we ask for sedition charges to be dropped against JNU students, where is our voice in defence of Professor Geelani? Or where is our criticism of the political opportunism and profiteering behind the militarisation of Kashmir; why this silence over state-sponsored violence in Kashmir? As we co-opt the Azaadi slogan so nonchalantly from the Kashmiris, should we not reclaim the freedom to discuss Azaadiwithin and from the Indian Republic? By not addressing Kashmir we only reaffirm the fallacious argument that talking about Kashmir and Kashmiris amounts to disrespecting the Indian soldiers serving there.

Following the politically motivated and undemocratic crackdown in JNU, it has also become a trend where most left-progressive leaders, barring a few, have distanced themselves from certain slogans and have called for due process to be initiated. But would it not have been more pro-people had we as a movement asserted the right to debate any issue, including self-determination? In the balance between tactics and principled ethical positions, realpolitik characterised by oppressive structural imperatives might gain.

While we remain silent on Kashmir, the left-progressive platform that JNU is offering to this movement, gave PappuYadavthe space to express solidarity. This is an important development in the debates  more vibrant and inclusive  around the freedom of expression, which are taking place inthe JNU campus. Thebroader understanding reached was that JNU offers a democratic solidarity platform to anyone who supports our struggle. So if Rahul Gandhi can be allowed to share this platform, why not Mr. Yadav? However, just because Mr. Gandhi spoke, should Mr. Tytler be allowed next time? Or will the left differentiate between those who massacre religious minorities and those who do not?

The initial days of the movement were both spontaneous and amorphous. There was police presence in thecampus, surveillance against teachers and students, a nationwide right-wing mobilisation against JNU, student leaders had gone in hiding and the JNUTA had come forth to lead this movement  that is, protect their students and the institution  against all odds. However, as the movement matures now, it is articulating clear demands that include revoking suspensions of student leaders in the JNU campus and dropping of sedition charges against the JNU students, initiating caste-based educational reforms, and scrapping of colonial provisions like the Sedition Law at the national level. This is a platform that is articulating purportedly progressive politics. Hence, while we believe in the right of Mr. Yadav to express himself, this is a platform for groups and individuals who would stand with peoplespolitics, which by definition is the politics of the dispossessed, the marginalised and the forgotten. This struggle will not end soon and it is important that the symbols, slogans, metaphors and future direction of this movement are decided as an unabashed assertion of left-progressive politics and not based on defensive tactics that borrow from established political imaginaries.

JNU is a space that allows for the existence of fractures and all shades of politics. This movement holds a lot of potential, as it has already compelled many people to think and take positions against the decisions and policies of the present government. Now it is important to use this platform to discuss Kashmir and to start a real debate on nationalism and freedom of expression, in addition to questions of access and privatization of education (Occupy UGC), caste in higher education (RohithVemulas institutional murder) and repealing of draconian laws like sedition, AFSPA et al.

Khatija Khader is a PhD candidate at the Centre for International Politics, Organisation and Disarmament, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her PhD titled 'Interrogating Identity: A Study of Siddi and Hadrami Diaspora in Hyderabad City, India' engages with the history of indian ocean migrations and on the construction of racial, diasporic and religious identities.




AMU Centres: Present And - Past Tense

By Dr. Anwar Khursheed

05 March, 2016

Countercurrents.org

I distinctly remember the fierce debate when proposal of off campus AMU Centres was first mooted by the MHRD. Out of the university fraternity some opined them illegal, some considered legal but unfeasible; and rest perfectly in tuned. The then University VC Mr. Naseem Ahmad rejected the idea initially but the next VC Prof. Azis placed it before University authorities and got their endorsement.

The story starts in 2002 when the then CM of Madhya Pradesh Mr. Digvijay Singh as the Chief Guest in the Sir Sayyeds Day function on October 17 put up proposal of establishing off campus centres. Mr. Singh also offered 100 Acres of land for this purpose to the Gharib Nawaz Foundation (GNF). The Secretary of GNF visited AMU and met with the VC in 2003 and then GNF submitted its proposal of a second campus of AMU to Shri Arjun Singh, Union HRD Minister. The UGC on Jan 28, 2005 wrote a letter to GNF informing that it has asked AMU to submit a proposal. On March 13, 2005 the GNF again requested (read complained) Arjun Singh about the AMU off campus and requested him to promulgate an ordinance in order to expedite the process as a first step in this direction (copy to VC, AMU). The Under Secretary MHRD wrote a letter to UGC on April 21, 2005 on the same line and then on August 28, 2006 Dy. Secretary, MHRD, wrote to the VC, complaining about delay on it and suggested to establish the said Study Centre u/s 12(2) of the AMU Act.

The story does not end here, it has another episode also. In 2007, the Belgachia Education Trust (BET) through Chief Minister of West Bengal also requested the PM to establish an institution in WB on the model of AMU at Murshidabad. The MHRD then wrote to AMU to establish a centre u/s 12(2) of the AMU Act. In view of no affirmative response by the then Registrar the MHRD in June 2007 reprimanded him repeatedly.

The initial concept of Centres in minority dominated areas was a very catchy idea, since it was a step towards fulfillment of Sir Sayyeds dream of furtherance of education among Muslims. However, the moment the above details came to light, there was a surge of queries, doubts, apprehensions and uneasiness besieged peoples mind. The most obnoxious action is the request of private trusts to promulgate an ordinance, who is this GNF and what locus it did posses to ask this about us? If it is so enthusiastic about this, why it does not establish a deemed University on its own? And if they are so impatient and indiscipline now, what they will do in future? And their impudence, asking for ordinance, and above all the arm twisting tactics of the MHRD.

The University virtually becomes sandwich in case of these centres; first we were pressed to establish them and now the same MHRD is bent upon to close them or if not so then create a situation of their slow death. The initial financial proposal was of Rs. 1400 Crore for Malappuram and Murshidabad Centres but as ever the dubious Congress sanctioned Rs. 349.55 Crore in XII five year plan and till date only Rs. 130 Crore is released. Only one year is left in this plan and the present government is in no mood to give anything more.

Sec 5(9A) of AMU (Amendment) Act, 1972 provides University shall have power to establish within a radius of twenty five kilometers of the University Mosque such special Centres, specialized Laboratories or other units for research and instruction as are, in the opinion of the University, necessary for the furtherance of its objects. While Sec 12 (2) of AMU (Amendment) Act, 1951 confirms that the University may also, with the sanction of the Visitor and subject to the Statutes and Ordinances, establish and maintain such Special Centres, Specialized Laboratories or such other institutions for research or instruction as are necessary for the furtherance of its objects either on its own or in cooperation or collaboration with any other institution.

Reading section 5(9A) with 12 (2) provides that establishment of Centers subject to approval of the Visitor is legally permissible, since sec 12 (2) was enacted in 1951, while sec 5(9A) was subsequently incorporated in 1972, which empowers the University to establish Centers without Visitors approval but within a radius of twenty five kilometers of the University Mosque. These two sections are therefore not contradictory and for the same reason 12 (2) was not struck down when 5(9A) was incorporated in 1972. Nevertheless no such centers could be legalized without framing necessary statutes and ordinances vide statutes 23(2), 28(6) and 29(1), which the university did in the mean time.

The Preamble of the AMU Act of 1920 provides An Act to incorporate a Teaching and Residential Muslim University at Aligarh, the debate on residential character of the institution as per the preamble of the Act can only be decided by studying the all important question whether the Preamble is a part of the Constitution of India or not. The preamble to the Constitution of India sets out the guiding purpose and principles of the document. For some time it was assumed that like the preamble of a statute, the preamble is not an integral part of the Indian constitution, however, Kesavanada Bharati Case has created a history and for the first time, Supreme Court has recognised that the Preamble to the Constitution of India is a part of Constitution, Preamble is not a source of power nor a source of limitations and Preamble has a significant role to play in the interpretation of statues, also in the interpretation of provisions of the Constitution. The inference drawn is that residential character is a part of the Act but not absolute and there is certainly no ambiguity in the establishment of campuses/ Centers and this is perhaps the reason that hostel is not compulsory for the students since its inception and therefore provision of nonresident students does exist. The President of India as the Visitor of the University accorded approval for the establishment of these centres under Section 12(2) of the University Act. Allahabad High Court comprising then Chief Justice F. I. Rebello and Justice A. P. Sahi dismissed a writ petition challenging the decision to establish two new centres of AMU at Malappuram and Murshidabad, since the same was duly approved by the President of India as the Visitor of the University. The Kerala High Court bench comprising Chief Justice J. Chelameswar and Justice P.N. Ravindran had earlier rejected the prayer for interim relief against the establishment of Aligarh Muslim University centre in Kerala.

The MAO College at the time of its establishment in 1877 by Sir Sayyed possessed only 78 acres of land which has now expanded to more than a thousand acre; almost another thousand acres of land is now further gifted by the respective states of Kerala, Bihar and West Bengal, which is a big leap. Still the full benefits of such centers to the community may be far from reality in the absence of restoration of Minority status of the University pending before the Supreme Court, but whatever service AMU is rendering to the community the same these Centers are doing.

The AMU is always a victim of the politics be it Congress or the BJP the two sides of the same coin. First it was Congress through M.C. Chagla and Prof. Nurul Hasan and now it is BJP through Smriti Irani. How pitiable it is on part of the Cabinet minister of HRD that she is totally ignorant about the history of creation of these Centres and putting blame on the present VC Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah, being a brave soldier and veteran of many battle fields he will settle his score. But the ultimate victim is same; the underprivileged AMU despite ranked second among Indian Universities. Mrs. Irani is not speaking on her own rather it is the words of others in her mouth. Unfortunate reality is that some aligs are misguiding MHRD. Earlier only these elements and the BJP/RSS were opposing these Centres now the same BJP is at the helm of affairs so the morals of these people is high; nevertheless the fence is clear that all those opposing Centres are on the side of communal forces.

Dr. Anwar Khursheed

Professor of Environmental Engg. &

University Engineer

Former Principal FCI & Director Computer Centre

Department of Civil Engineering

Z. H. College of Engineering & Technology

AMU, Aligarh-202 002, India

akhursheed @ rediffmail.com

akhursheed.cv@amu.ac.in




Justice Demanded Following Assassination Of Berta Caceres

By Nika Knight

05 March, 2016

Commondreams.org

More than 50 humanitarian and environmental groups from around the world called on Friday for an independent international investigation into the assassination of Honduran Indigenous rights activist Berta Caceres, who was murdered in her sleep at 1am on Thursday by two unknown assailants.

"Mrs. Caceres' case is the most high-profile killing within a growing trend in the murder, violence, and intimidation of people defending their indigenous land rights in Honduras," wrote the groups in their letter to the Honduran president.

"We know that in Honduras it is very easy to pay people to commit murders," Zuniga Caceres said of her mothers death to teleSUR. "But we know that those behind this are other powerful people with money and a whole apparatus that allows them to commit these crimes."

Caceres was a prominent leader in the Indigenous movement in Honduras against one of Central Americas largest hydropower projects, four enormous dams known as "Agua Zarca" in the Gualcarque river basin, the Guardian reported. The Indigenous group Caceres founded, Civil Council for Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), has so far been successful in preventing the project from moving forward.

Caceres was awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her activism just last year.

"Berta Caceres devoted her life to protecting natural resources, public spaces, land rights, rivers from the privatization process thats underway and that gained speed after the 2009 military coup," said Karen Spring, the Honduras-based coordinator of the social justice network Honduras Solidarity Group, in an interview with Free Speech Radio News on Thursday. "She spent her life defending land and and basically supporting communities, mostly indigenous communities all over the country."

As a result of her activism, Caceres had received death threats and feared for her life, the Los Angeles Times reported, and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), a prominent human rights organization, had last year formally called on the Honduran government to put protections in place for Caceres, according to the Guardian. The UN has condemned the Honduras government for failing to protect her, and activists have accused the government of having a hand in her death.

In its most recent report (pdf) released in December, IACHR warned of the violence and threats to their lives that activists such as Caceres suffer under in Honduras. The group blamed "the increased presence of organized crime and drug traffickers, the recruitment of children and adolescents, and an inadequate judicial response that fuels impunity, corruption, and high levels of poverty and inequality. In addition, according to the information received, part of that insecurity comes from the National Police, the Military Police, and the Army, through their illegitimate use of force, in some cases in complicity with organized crime.

Student protesters took to the streets in Tegucigalpa on Thursday to mourn the widely beloved environmentalist's death, the Guardian reported, and the Honduran government, in power since a U.S.-backed coup in 2009, responded with riot police.

One suspect has been arrested, the Honduras government confirmed in a statement to teleSUR on Friday. There were reportedly two assassins involved in Caceres' death. But the Caceres family is demanding "an independent, international investigation [into her death] not led by the Honduran government," teleSUR reported.

"Honduras has the worlds highest murder rate," noted School of the Americas Watch, a group that seeks to close the infamous U.S. Army School of the Americas, in a statement on Thursday. "Honduran human rights organizations report there have been over 10,000 human rights violations by state security forces and impunity is the normmost murders go unpunished. The Associated Press has repeatedly exposed ties between the Honduran police and death squads, while U.S. military training and aid for the Honduran security forces continues."

The environmental group International Rivers demanded Thursday that "the U.S, government, in particular, end its support for the Honduran military through loans and through training at the School of the Americas," drawing attention to the United States' significant responsibility for the oppressive regime in Honduras today, in order "to honor Berta Caceres' lifelong struggle and her ultimate sacrifice for rivers and rights."

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 License






The Left Too Fall Into The Nationalist Trap

By Saswat Pattanayak

05 March, 2016

Countercurrents.org

Kanhaiya Kumars arrest was unfortunate and so his release on bail is a great relief. But beyond that, to seek revolutionary potential in the hoopla surrounding it, is to miss the point entirely. Competing for authentic nationalism to legitimize an oppressive power structure is not what the Communists do. Quite the opposite.

Sudden excitement and pronouncement of victory at the news of a judge granting Kumars bail is a betrayal of Kashmiri peoples struggles, given the specific contexts of denial of antinationalism on part of these students. It is as if the left-liberals of India were hoping and praying and wishing that the judge found nothing in those tapes that were anti-India. To celebrate Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru and then to hope that nothing is spoken against Indian state is a mockery of social justice ethos. Outside of the campus too, no politician in the parliament condemned capital punishment and everyone hailed the courts verdicts as eternally just. Their voice in unison across party line was We will not spare whoever raised anti-India slogans, but Kanhaiya Kumar is innocent. This eagerness to embrace court verdict to be tagged a nationalist should have appeared disappointing to comrade Kumar himself.

But what is disappointing is that the foremost student leader of the most progressive campus in the country, who personally was assaulted within court premises of Delhi by a group lawyers who received bails much before he did, holds a rally where he time and again reposes faith in the judiciary system and in the dominant interpretations of constitutional framework.

Kumar says he does not want Azaadi from India, but within India. Not from India, but from those who are exploiting India. How did he manage to so brilliantly make such distinctions is a puzzle. India as a nationalist construct belongs to the ruling class exploiters - it does not remain in vacuum. One single political party is not responsible for giving shape to India as a monstrously exploitative machinery that continues to shine at the expense of the teeming millions who despair. And if that is so, then the party to hoodwink people into believing in a public relations campaign for India is not the BJP, considering how comparatively new entrant it is into this oppressive domain. Comrade Kumar failed to note how this India came into being - on the murders and suicides of countless people who continue to remain in a state of destitute thanks to the capacity of Indian state to overlook their existence, not due to a few right-wing politicians alone. Instead he continued to shower praises and salutes on men in uniform at the borders while classifying them as working class. Of course they are the working class, but the ideology they safeguard is surely within the purview of a communist as well to critique - an option, that was left deliberately unexplored inside JNU that night, because of Kumar's refusal to speak of Kashmiri crisis, independent of India's crises.

If JNU protest is not about Indian state, then what was precisely the reason for organizing student assemblies on the day to commemorate Afzal Guru? Is the AISF (and CPI by extension) not aware of the collective aspirations of Kashmiri peoples? Aspirations of North-East that remain subjugated militarily? At what point the within India and from India became distinctly different notions in a freedom struggle?

Comrade Kumar knows quite well that condemning India or any other country is not about wishing ill for people who live in those territories. It is about demanding the gigantic state machinery to stop oppressions, executions, and political prosecutions of people who reside within the geographic territories that are politically demarcated to be Indias. Kanhaiya Kumars arrest and release are within the ambit of Indias judiciary, but what about the dissenting voices from Kashmir and Nagaland and Manipur that demand fellow Indians to reject their countrys colonial overtures precisely because the same judiciary fails them?

Kanhaiya Kumar sees Modi as his rival, and not enemy - and that is totally fine. That is about political aspirations of student leaders. Let us not mistake that for some communistic engagement with issues of colonialism and imperialism. The struggle for Kashmiri people is not a struggle to be recognized as nationalists within India. Indeed, their struggle is defined without. And that is the fundamental difference which the mainstream left parties in India have failed to grasp to this day. Sadly, JNU leads this delusion from the front.

Quite evidently, the left parties do not understand or even bother to understand the slogans associated with Kashmiri liberation movement. The official communist parties that claim to represent the oppressed working class and the marginalized, unfortunately take the same imperialist high ground of ultra nationalism when it comes to Kashmir. When it is Palestine, the leftists in India are all about anti-Israel propaganda, but when it comes to Kashmir, they hide under the umbrage of constitutional frameworks and pronounce great faith in their state judiciary, and in case of Kanhaiya Kumar, they take pretense of a student mobilization against forces that want to disintegrate India. No disintegration of India - is this the new communist mantra?

But of course, the Indian leftists also have faith in the judiciary that allows Modi to remain PM while his henchmen Kodnani and Bajrangi get bails. What about the police officer who wins gallantry medals from the Constitutional Head of the country after he tortures Soni Sori with stones? There are thousands more reasons for Indians not to get all worked up about becoming nationalists. And therefore, for progressive folks, it is clearly not sufficient to just cite injustices and sing humein chahiye azaadi slogans from this and from that, in order to prove political correctness, if at the same time, we refuse to wear the badge of being antinationals with utmost honor.

First of all the judicial pronouncements on JNU are not worthy of celebrations. They are ultranationalist verdicts in themselves in so many ways. Secondly, so what if Arnab Goswami was telling the truth that indeed there were tapes with anti-India slogans? So fuckin what? A country works either for the people or it works against the people. And the Indian reality is that a significant population remains under the burden of Indian militarist state and to say Down Down India is to say Down with Indian colonialism, and that condemnation of Indian state is only a right thing that decent people should do anyway. If not, then why shy away from "Bharat Maata Ki Jai" slogans? Why fight with ABVP at all, if we feel ashamed to be antinationals"? Or is it that we just want to compete with the Savarkarites in the guise of being Marxists?

Are we to simply forget AFSPA, if sedition charges are somehow dropped against all JNU students? Is this what it is all about? People have compared Kanhaiya Kumars speech with Nehrus midnight hour speech, as indicative of a second freedom struggle in India. If it is indeed a freedom struggle, then it is a freedom struggle from what, exactly? Nowhere from Comrade Kumars speech did it appear that the freedom struggle was from the Indian state ably represented by its ruling class. Appropriating Rohith Vemula who is no more is gross and sick. Did Rohith die because he could not fight Modi? Or because he could not fight the Indian state? Do we not know the difference? And if freedom struggle should be from Indian state, then who are we to determine the fate of Kashmir vis-a-vis indestructibility of the great Indian republic? Then why all the pretense about freedom struggle? Freedom from rising costs of petrol, maybe, but making slogans about freedom from capitalism, imperialism also entail the need to be inclusive of the most marginalized. And the most marginalized population in India do not dwell inside JNU campus, and the most marginalized residents do not see in Narendra Modi or Rahul Gandhi their rivals, but in them they see their class enemies. Comrade Kumar surely knew this.

Being a student leader of AISF, if Comrade Kumar rivals PM Modi while looking straight at the cameras, it is his privilege if not arrogance that reveals itself. There is something macho about it too which I find uncomfortable. Sure Burkha Dutt of Kargil fame is all impressed, since Comrade Kumars speech sounded oh so nationalist. But misappropriating the Azaadi slogans from Kashmiri freedom fighters, using images of their martyrs on special occasions and then when time comes to articulate a political position, bestowing all glory upon the motherlands judges, police dudes and parliamentary party politics and sending all sympathy waves to D Raja, Sitaram Yechury, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal? This is parliamentary politics at best. Not revolutionary student politics which recognize no boundaries and nationalist flags when it comes to fighting for justice.

Sure, ABVP got a beating which it deserved. But that could have been done without unnecessary glorification of JNU campus while using as ideological pawns, some of the most marginalized people militarily subjugated within the Indian territory crying freedom from Indian state excesses, who do not have any access to top constitutional lawyers to repose their faith in state judiciary and holy parliamentary books.

Azaadi from colonialism, Azaadi from militarism, Azaadi from nationalism, Azaadi from draconic laws, Azaadi from Indian annexations - that is what this freedom struggle is supposed to be about. Condemning anti-people laws passed in the parliament and in the courts of India which have nurtured the Indian state itself. Azaadi from India indeed, because for revolutionaries, it is always people above the nations.

Saswat Pattanayak is a New York-based journalist, atheist, feminist, LGBT ally, black power comrade and academic non-elite.




Bhagat Singh

By Periyar E.V.Ramasami

29 March, 1931

Kudi Arasu

(The 1930s, especially the firt half of the decade, proved to be one of radical discontent in India. In the Tamil context, the Self-respect movement of E V Ramasamy Periyar urged forth a politics that brought together communist and anti-caste ideologies. It is in this context that this editorial in the Self-respect weekly, Kudiarasu (The Republic) ought to be read. It was written at a time when Periyar consistently and rigorously criticised Gandhi and the Congress  for their attempts to both mitigate the effect of and recoup socialism, the Poona Pact and their reliance on Indian capitalists. Bhagat Singhs Why Am I an Atheist was translated into Tamil and published by the Self-respect movement during this period  and this resulted in the translator Jeevanandham and the publisher E V Krishnasamy being jailed.)

There is hardly anyone that has not expressed sorrow at the hanging of Bhagat Singh. Nor is there anyone who has not condemned government for thus sending him to the gallows. Meanwhile, we are witness to the so-called patriots and nationalists blaming Gandhi (for Bhagat Singhs death  translators). This, on the one hand. On the other hand, we see the same set of people (self-styled patriots and nationalists-trasnlators)congratulating Mr Irwin, the head of government and praising Gandhi for agreeing to hold talks with Mr Irwin; and expressing their satisfaction at, and celebrating as a victory, a pact that does not include the condition that Bhagat Singh ought not to hang. In addition, we are witness to Gandhi hailing Lord Irwin as a Mahatma and and exhorting the people of this country to do the same; and we also have Lord Irwin referring to Gandhi as a great soul and a divine sort of person, and ensuring that this fact is advertised widely among the English.

But very soon, the same people raised slogans such as Down with Gandhism, Down ith Congress and Down with Gandhi and it is now quite common to greet Gandhi  wherever he goes - with black flags and cause confusion in the meetings that he addresses.

Considering all this, we are unable to understand what opinion the general public has with regard to politicalmatters, and if, indeed, they possess any principles.We are inclined to suspect that they possess none. However this might be, since the day Gandhi launched his Salt Satyagrha, we had pointed out that this agitation would benefit neither thepeople nor the nation, and that it might actually be detrimental to the nations progress and to the cause of the peoples freedom. It is not only us, but Mr Gandhi himself had clearly and explicitly said that his agitation was intended to impede and destroy the activities of Bhagat Singh and his kind. In addition to this, true socialists and patriots in neighbouring countries have been crying sky-high that Mr Gandhi has betrayed the poor, his activities are meant to do away with socilaist ideals and so Mr Gandhi must go and Congress must go. But our so-called patriots and nationalists, unmindful of anything and without paying heed to the consequences, were elated and danced around  not unlike those who fall into a well, even while holding a lit lamp; or those who, for a wager, do not mind striking their head against a rock.And as a result, they went to prison and when released, came back with victory garlands around their necks. Theyare puffed with pride on this account. Yet, now, after seeing Bhagat Singh hanged, they clamour, down with Gandhi, down with Congress and let Gandhi perish. We do not understand what is the purpose of all this.

To tell the truth, in a country where we have idiotic, foolish and irresponsible people, and those guided by self-interest and concerned with their own glory,people who are unmindful of the consequences of their actions, it seems to us that it was better for Bhagat Singh to have laid down his life and rested himself in peace rather than live long and witness their actions, be impeded by them, and suffer agonyon their account every succeeding moment. We only regret we are not endowed with such a fortune.

For the question really is this: has a person fulfilled his duty or not? We are not concerned here with the results.We accept that dutiful action has to heed time and place, but we hold that as far as the principles that Bhagat Singh lived by were concerned, these were not contrary to the claims of place, time and action. It might appear to us that, perhaps, the method he chose to realise his ideals was somewhat at fault, but yet, we would never dare to fault the ideals themselves. For his ideal was world peace.

If Bhagat Singh has indeed acted out of heartflet conviction, in his ideals and also in the path that he had chosen towalk that would help himrealise them in practice, we cannot but appreciate his courageous act; and in fact we make bold to say that had he failed to walkhis chosen path he could hardly be called a honorable man.But now we proclaim that he was an honest man. We strongly believe that Bhagat Singhs ideals are what India needs  as far as we know, he believed in the ideals of Samadharma and Communism.This is evident in these sentences that feature in the letter he wrote to the Governor of Punjab: Our battle will continue till the Communist Party acquires power and the disparities between people  in their status - are done away with. This battle will not cease  just because we are killed. It will contiue, openly and clandestinely.

Moreover, we are also aware that he was a man who did not believe in God or that things are willed by God. We believe that it cannot be considered a crime in law to hold such a principle, and that even if it were deemed a crime, no one needs to be afraid of it. Because we strongly believe such a principle does no harm to the people nor does it deprive them of anything. If by chance, there is a possibility that this principle may cause harm to the people, we would consciously strive to realise this ideal, without bearing hatred towards any particular indiviual or caste or nation, andwithout causing physical pain to any particular individuals person; we would, at the same time, not mind subjecting ourself to pain and suffering and in a sacrificial spirit, we would do all to realise this ideal in practice. So no one need be worried or afraid.

The philosophy that desires to end poverty is akin to the philosophy that wishes to abolish untouchability.Just as how notions of high and low [castes] have to be abolished for untouchability to be destroyed, for the abolition of poverty, notions that divide society into capitalists and labourers must be done away with.These are precisely the ideals of Samadharma and Communism, the ideals of Bhagat Singh and it is not surprising that one who considers these just and essential ideals naturally enough condemns the Congress and Gandhism. But, we are surprised to find those who subscribe to these ideals proclaim Long Live Gandhi,Long Live CongressThe moment Gandhi claimed he was guided by God, that varnashrama dharma was superior to the way of the world, and everything happened on account of divine will, we concluded that there was no difference between Gandhism and brahminism and unless the Congress, that is charged with this philosphy, is abolished, no benefit would accrue to this country.Only now, some of our people have realised the truth of our understanding and acquired the knowledge and courage to denounce Gandhism.This is a great victory for our creed.

If Bhagat Singh had not been hanged, if he had not sacrificed his life, there could not have been any basis for achieving such a glorious victory (for our creed). If Bhagat Singh had not been hanged, Gandhism would have acquired greater glory. A life that, in the normal coures of things would have ended and been reduced to mere ashes, on account of illness and suffering has been ended instead in a manner that proved useful in showing the people of this world the path for realising true equality and peace. Bhagat Singh has attained an exalted state, which no ordinary mortal can easily achieve. Therefore we praise him, whole-heartedly, with all that our tongue is capable of and with raised hands. In this context, we appeal to the government to identify persons with similar courage of conviction and hang at least four persons every month in each of the provinces.

- Editorial in Periyars Journal Kudi Arasu,29.3.1931.

Translated by V Geetha and S V Rajadurai




CPDR Condemns The Open Threats To Kanhaiya Kumar And Demands Immediate Arrest Of The Culprits

Press Release

05 March, 2016

Countercurrents.org

Kuldeep Varshney

Today certain Kuldeep Varshney, Badaun district chief of the Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcha has openly announced a "prize money" of Rs 5 lakh to anyone who "cuts off the tongue" of Jawaharalal Nehru University (JNU) students' union presidnet Kanhaiya Kumar. He had temerity to appear on television and boast of his threat. Posters reportedly in the name of Purvanchal Sena were seen at various places across the national capital offering Rs 11 lakh to "kill" the JNU student leader.

The Police had arrested Kanhaiya Kumar and incarcerated him for 23 days without an iota of evidence. The sedition law as the Supreme Court holds could be applied only when there is an incitement to imminent violence. While the so called anti-national slogans in JNU did not have any such content to incite violence, as a matter of fact after those slogans were shouted there was nothing that happened in the campus over two days before the Police pounced upon the students. On the contrary, the various organizations and outfits belonging to the Sangh Pariwar have been threatening people around who do not agree with them not only with death threats but they have actually killed people like Dr Narendra Dabholkar, Comrade Govind Pansare, and Dr Kulbargi just to name the more prominent ones. They have been using the fig leaf of nationalism and patriotism, the term that do not have any meaning either in the Constitution or in law. In law, on the contrary, the Hindutva slogans are clearly divisive of the polity that has palpable threat to national unity and integrity and therefore seditious. They not only speak of violence, they have been inciting and executing violence on streets. While the poor JNU students could never go beyond sloganeering, the Hindutva goons in lawyers attire have actually executed violence in utter disregard of the court and hence the Constitution. They had issued a threat that if court grants Kanhaiya Kumar a bail, they would kill him. The temerity of these criminals has been in public glare.

CPDR wants the draconian laws like sedition should go. But if at all the law of sedition, as it stand on statutes, is to be applied, the apt cases to apply are the blatant threats of Kuldeep Varshney and many of their ilk. They are threatening the essential idea of India and materially damaging the unity and integrity of this country which lies in its diversity.

CPDR demands

 Kuldeep Varshney should be immediately arrested under the Sedition

 The cowards of the so called Purwanchal Sena should be identified, arrested and tried under sedition

 All the criminals who indulged in violence in Patiala House court premises and the lawyers who had issued a threat that they would kill Kanhaiya if the court granted him bail should be arrested and tried under the sedition Act

 Kanhaiya Kumar should be provided with appropriate security until the election results of the forthcoming five states are completed

 Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya should be released immediately

 All the draconian laws like Sedition, UAPA, AFSPA, etc do not have a place in republican democracy and should be immediately repealed.

Anand Teltumbde

General Secretary

CPDR




Scourge Of The Scoundrels

By Anand Teltumbde

05 February, 2016

Countercurrents.org



Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels -Samuel Johnson

Close on the heels of the institutional murder of Rohith Vemula, has come another attack of the Hindutva forces on the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students. A pattern in these episodes including the previous one, that of banning the Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) in IIT, Madras is discernible: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accusing the students of anti-national activities, some BJP minister prompting the institutional machinery to bend into action and the latter crawling in compliance to precipitate it. In the previous episodes, the BJP Minister was the HRD minister, Smriti Irani who somehow internalized that her job is to saffronize the campuses and the institutions were the universities. This time none other than the home minister, Rajnath Singh, has been the minister and the ultimate monstrous force of police as the institution. All veils stand torn exposing the sinister agenda of the BJP to eliminate potential obstacles in its path of establishing the ancient brahmanical supremacist regime called Hindu rashtra. And they are out to poison the polity and use state might to accomplish it with impunity.

The implications are clear enough and beyond discussion. People lazily compare the situation with what prevailed in 1930s and 40s in Germany and Italy, when the storm troopers of Hitler and black-shirts of Mussolini beat up people on roads. But what is happening in India lately portends worse than Nazism and fascism. Because, the state today is far more powerful than Hitlers or Mussolinis, laced with technologies of precision surveillance and most importantly, matured to use liberal facade of democracy with fascist content not to show up ripples of repression anywhere.

Nationalism sans Nation

The sole point that is hampered upon by the hindutva camp, as their role models in Hitler and Mussolini did, is nationalism. They had accused Rohith and his friends of it and driven him to death. They are now baying for blood of the students of JNU calling them anti-nationals. Their entire claim is based on the slogans shouted in the meeting on 9 February. It is said that many outsiders had mingled with the students and shouted those slogans. They could well be the hirelings of ABVP to stage this drama of anti-nationalism. As anyone who has little knowledge of Left ideology could testify that such slogans with Bharat ki Barbadi, Allah o Akbar or Pakistan Zindabad, etc. will never be given by the Left. There is no hiding the fact that the Left has been protesting against the hangings of Afzal Guru and Yakub Memon as judicial murders and also supporting the rights of Kashmiris for self determination. The Democratic Students Federation, presumably the Left students outfit, cannot just shout such slogans. Certainly it was not Kanhaiya, the president of the JNU Students Union, whose speech is in public domain, who did it.

Howsoever morally repulsive these slogans may sound to us; they are being shouted in Kashmir for many years. The claimants of nationalism ought to understand that India as prophetically alerted by Babasaheb Ambedkar is not firstly a nation. She could aspire to be one by ironing off many deep rooted prejudices based on caste, religion, race, and ethnicity, etc. The hindutva forces on the contrary have been aggravating this divide, foolishly imagining the ancient India was a nation. With this attitude, they already amputated arms of mother India in 1947 and now again creating conditions for further partitions. What could be the bigger harm to the unity and integrity of India? By their own definition, they thus become the biggest anti-nationals. No terrorist on earth can do more harm to this country than they themselves. If they want to learn what nationalism is, they should cast off their blind folds and go through Kanhaiyas speech that speaks of azadi for milling poor, Dalits Adivasis, women of this country. It can teach them what nation is better than their gurus had ever done. One may remind them that in addition to Muslims, Christians and communists identified by Golwalkar to be the bigger enemies of Hindus than the British, there are Dalits and Adivasis too, whom they take for granted, can potentially turn the tables on them. Therefore, they had better discarded their jingoist patriotism and learnt about constitutional patriotism that teaches living with plurality and diversity in modern world, which is what our founding fathers envisaged.

Bogey of a Crime

While nationalism and patriotism do not have legal standing, sedition stands on our statute books as a weapon in the hands of rulers to smother peoples dissent. It comes through the Indian Penal Code first drafted by a rank colonialist, Thomas Babington Macaulay. Our (as well as Pakistans) ruling classes adopted this colonial code while pompously declaring the new born regime as democratic republic. As is well known, The British had first used it in prosecution of Lokmanya Tilak and rampantly thereafter against the freedom fighters. The established enlightened opinion, which was even expressed by our Constitution makers, is that it is antithetical to democracy. But how could the rulers let go of their weapon so easily? Sedition law was kept on the statutes; the Supreme Court also having held it intra vires in the case of Kedarnath Das v. State of Bihar. The court, however, set the threshold for applying sedition at actual violence or incitement to violence (spark to a powder keg) or subverting government, by violent means, through words written or spoken. This threshold definitely did not extend to punishing slogan-shouting. During the Khalistan agitation, the Supreme Court had struck down the prosecution case against Balwant Singh for shouting slogan like Khalistan Zindabad and had come down heavily on what it termed as immature and insensitive police actions, which could have created a law and order situation.

Obviously, the sedition Act will not apply to the slogan shouting, howsoever morally repugnant, on 9 February in JNU campus, least to Kanhaiya Kumar. But the police acting at the behest of the home minister had to arrest him, slap the charges of sedition (124-A) and criminal conspiracy. In the Indian judicial system, where the process itself is punishment, Kanhaiya may come out on bail but until then he has already suffered interrogation in police custody, judicial custody including the physical attack by the BJP goons. This process is grossly misused by the Police to harass innocent people. If one takes stock of the cases of this and other such draconian laws, which are routinely slapped on Dalits and Adivasis as Maoists and Muslims as terrorists, they are basically used to incarcerate them for years, waste their prime time in jails and drive them and their families to ruination before they are acquitted by the courts. No one ever questioned the culpability or noted the lack of accountability of police in blatantly misusing these sections against the hapless people most of whom do not have enough food to eat. Kanhaiya whose family subsists on his mothers monthly salary of Rs 3,000 as an Anganwadi worker, is made to fight his case against the mighty state for years to absolve himself of the fake charges. The ABVP, the big-mouthed leaders of the BJP, and the police would regale at the ruination of his career. In fact, if one goes by the standing interpretation, they are the ones who not only instigated violence but actually committed it inside the court premises in utter disregard to the judicial system and hence the Constitution, including the police who stood by as mute spectators, perfectly qualify for being tried for sedition.

Saffronizing Institutions

The stability of India despite its diversity and widespread poverty is largely attributed to its liberal institutions inherited from the colonial regime. The Sangh Pariwar is out to destroy their character to bring in Hitlerite rule characterized by Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Fuhrer (One People, One Empire, One Leader), which is echoed in their slogan of 'One Nation, One Culture, One Religion, One Language!'. Such a fascist paradigm needs only storm troopers to carry out the leaders writ and to keep people in compliance mode. Notwithstanding the constitutional constraints, the current regime has severally displayed penchant for it. Most institutions are already saffronized by installing the believers as their heads. The manner in which the IIT, Madras conducted itself in the APSC episode or the Hyderabad University in ASA episode and the JNU in the current episode amply illustrate it. The entire matter of 9 February squarely fell within the domain of the JNU administration. But it allowed police to take control of the campus and incurred ignominy for the university.

Contrary to the pedagogic claim that Indian state has three legs, legislative, executive and judiciary that maintains its internal balance the fact is that the executive has always been in collusion with the political masters. The most visible and important arm of the executive from peoples perspective is the police, which has always been subservient to them. But the manner in which the police at Patiala House court premises conducted themselves marks definitive qualitative shift. They stood by while lawyers and other activists belonging to the BJP mercilessly beat up students and journalists on camera. The BJP MLA OP Sharma, one of the several marauders, had temerity to repeatedly say on camera that if he had a pistol, he would have shot them dead. When on 17th Kanhaiya was to be produced in the court, the previous scene was defiantly re-enacted, this time Kanhaiya himself being grievously attacked. The BJP goons had declared that if he had got bail from the court, they would kill him. While the world was aghast seeing these scenes, the Police would file the FIR against unknown persons. Not a single BJP politician would see anything wrong in this naked show of hooliganism. Less said of the media, particularly the electronic ones, as the important institution of democracy, better it is. Almost all of them ran round the clock programmes that directly or indirectly fed into the argument of the state that the students indulged in anti-national activities.

In a way, it is good. The BJP is baring its own fangs and digging its own grave too.

Anand Teltumbde is a writer, political analyst and civil rights activist with CPDR, Mumbai.




Democracy Ends In Turkey

By Eric Zuesse

05 March, 2016

Countercurrents.org

On Saturday March 5th, Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten (German Economic News) headlined Turkish Police Storm Newspaper Office Zaman and reported that, Turkish police entered the editorial offices of critical newspaper Zaman on Friday night. Accompanying videos there showed a police-state in which security forces stormed through a crowd of protesters (readers of the newspaper) outside, into Turkeys leading opposition newspaper, which is also Turkeys leading English-language newspaper, Zaman, and arrested staffers there, taking them away, to who-knows-what fates.

Theres nothing like Zaman in just about any country: for examples, the New York Times, Washington Post, London Times, and Guardian, arent opposition newspapers, though they used to cover the opposition in a moderately fair way, prior to the George W. Bush Administration, 9/11, and regime change in Iraq. By contrast, Zaman has constantly been very bold in exposing truths that the regime doesnt want the public to know. But thats all past history now  its at least as radical a change for Turkey as occurred in America with the Bush regime, which controlled the media as effectively as its successor-regime, Obamas, has done, and which never needed to employ such blatantly police-state methods as Turkey now is clearly doing.

On Thursday March 4th, Tayyip Erdogan, the Islamist President of U.S. ally and NATO member-nation Turkey, took over Zaman or Todays Zaman, where the headline on Friday was: "Court appoints trustees to take over management of Zaman, Todays Zaman. Until after that report was filed, this was only a court matter, not a blatantly police-state one  using physical forms of force, including armed security forces inside, and water-cannons against demonstrators outside.

Here was that Zaman news-reports opening:

An Istanbul court has appointed trustees to take over the management of the Feza Media Group, which includes Turkeys biggest-selling newspaper, the Zaman daily, as well as the Todays Zaman daily and the Cihan news agency, dealing a fresh blow to the already battered media freedom in Turkey. The decision was issued by the Istanbul 6th Criminal Court of Peace at the request of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which claimed that the media group acted upon orders from what it called the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization/Parallel State Structure (FETO/PDY), praising the group and helping it achieve its goals in its publications. The prosecutor also claimed that the alleged terrorist group is cooperating with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist organization to topple the Turkish government and that high-level officials of the two groups have had meetings abroad. The court decision means that the entire management and the editorial board of Feza Media Group companies will be replaced by the three-member board named by the court.

Turkeys existing conservative regime is typical of conservative governments in using national security rationalizations as excuses for clamping down against the public, supposedly in order to protect the public. However, the democratic gloss over the transition of a democratic government into a dictatorial one can do nothing to maintain as being true the supposition that the nation is a democracy instead of (now) a dictatorship.

The specific national security context behind todays clamp-down and end of democracy in Turkey, is that the Zaman operations were owned by Erdogan's enemy, Fethullah Gulen, who had self-exiled to an estate in Pennsylvania after objecting to the Islamicization of Turkeys government under Erdogan. Gulen is no secularist, but he came to insist upon a separation between church-and-state, so that there will be no favoritism by the government toward any clergy, and thus no favoritism by the clergy toward any government or political party. In other words: Gulen preaches a relatively progressive version of Islam.

By contrast: Erdogan has, consistently since he first entered politics, moved Turkey more and more toward a standard Sunni dictatorship, aligned with the Saud family, who own Saudi Arabia, and who hold authority over Islams two holiest sites: Mecca and Medina. Their Islamic sect is called Wahhabism inside Saudi Arabia, and Salafism outside Saudi Arabia. The founder was Mohammed Ibn Wahhab in 1744, when he swore a mutual oath with the gang-lord Muhammad Ibn Saud, for Sauds descendants to control the government, and for Wahhabs preachers to instruct the faithful that the Sauds have Gods blessing to rule. Under this agreement, Wahhabs preachers determine the laws, based upon the strictest-possible interpretation of the Quran, which therefore functions as Saudi Arabias Constitution, while the Wahhabist preachers constitute the legislative and judicial branches of the Saud-led government, who are the executive branch  the Saud-clans leaders.

Outside Saudi Arabia, the sect is called Salafist, meaning that they derive their authority from their ancestors. This feature authorizes royal rule, because royal dictators achieve their right to rule on the basis of whom their ancestors were (i.e., their parents, going ultimately back to some founder who was a conquerer). For this reason, all of the Arabic royal families are Salafists. Inside Saudi Arabia, the Saud family are Wahhabists (the Saudi version of the Salafist sect).

The continued membership by Turkey in NATO would mean that there is a NATO that no longer has any vestige of justification for continued existence after the end, in 1991, of communism, of the USSR, and of the Warsaw Pact. Democracy no longer survives as even a vestigial excuse for its continuation.

NATO, from now on, is just a gang of nations whose aristocracies crave to conquer the worlds most resource-rich nation: Russia. (Its done by picking off, one-by-one, Russias former allied nations and bringing them into the NATO gang.) The U.S. and Saud family, and Erdogan family, as well as the other Arabic royal families, and the controlling investors in U.S. and allied weapons-manufacturers, etc., constitute the chief beneficiaries of continuing NATO, but the conquest of Russia is not at all the primary goal of the residents in NATO-member nations. In fact, its not a goal thats even talked about in their elections. If those nations were democracies, theyd abandon NATO, as being representative of dictatorship over them all, not of democracy, in any nation.

But were all dictatorships now.

Investigative historian Eric Zuesse is the author, most recently, of Theyre Not Even Close: The Democratic vs. Republican Economic Records, 1910-2010, and of CHRISTS VENTRILOQUISTS: The Event that Created Christianity.




Gov. Mike Pence could buy 80,130 Doritos Locos tacos.

That fun and nauseating fact is brought to you by the Indiana Gateway for Government Units website, through which you can search for the yearly salaries - or more accurately, "compensations" - of all public employees in the state. That includes educators, police officers, city employees and much more. Everyone from Pence ($111,381.92) to Pence's summer intern ($4,873).

Because I thirst for knowledge and am imbued with a harrowing loneliness that causes me to sit up in bed at night, misted in frigid sweat, fruitlessly listening for the ghostly echo of a loved one I lost long ago, I decided to look up a few local luminaries and provide perspective on how much money you, the taxpayer, pay them each year.

All calculations assume the employees mentioned receive all the money at once, pay no taxes and don't spend any money on anything else. You know. Like in real life.

The State Board of Accounts just needs to wait, because in six-and-a-half years Mayor Lloyd Winnecke ($100,533.94) will have enough bread to erase the alleged $650,000 discrepancy in bank reconciliations found in the 2014 audit of city finances.

An avid Cardinal fan, Winnecke could also foot the bill for about two innings of an Adam Wainwright start. Or buy one beer at Busch Stadium.

Locos tacos? 72,326

Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. Superintendent David Smith ($226,077.88 compensation; $175,000 base salary), a man rocking a Ulysses S. Grant beard, could purchase 14,174 bottles of "Grave Before Shave" brand beard oil from his annual compensation. But perhaps he longs to feel the sun on his face. If so, he could head to Target and nab 25,147 Gillette razors.

He could also pay the salaries of six beginning teachers.

Locos tacos? 162,645

It would take Water & Sewer Utility Director Allen Mounts ($107,161.22) a mere 6,802 years to pay for Renew Evansville, the newly struck $729 million deal to fix the city's decrepit sewer infrastructure.

Ironically, 6,802 is also the monthly bill Evansville water and sewer customers will pay by 2045.

Locos tacos? 77,094

Get to studying, University of Southern Indiana President Linda Bennett ($285,111.96), because you make enough for 30 semesters at USI. Afraid you won't find a parking spot and be late for class? Ramp your car into the campus fountain and leave it overnight if you want, because you can afford more than 28,500 parking tickets.

Your fellow students may be jealous at first - but not after you waltz into the Rice Library Starbucks. You can climb onto the counter and announce that you have enough money to buy every USI student five grande pumpkin spice lattes!

Locos tacos? 205,116

Sorry to tell you, 2008-09 version of Jon Webb, but the $175 per-issue stipend you receive for serving as editor in chief of USI's student newspaper won't buy you much.

Car? Nope. Electric bill? If you're lucky. Self-respect? Not even close.

But it can buy you a lot of cheap beer. Assuming you put out 30 issues of The Shield, at 2008 prices you can buy 404 cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon.

You also still owe your former roommate Blake $437 in outstanding cable bills. The good news? It will only take you two-and-half weeks to pay him back. The bad news? It's been eight years, and you still haven't paid him back.

Locos tacos? 3,776
SHARE

It was a wonderful coincidence. Or maybe it was providence.

My wife Jane and I were in Guatemala a few weeks ago, with an Evansville-area crew from Habitat for Humanity. We helped begin a house for one family and make smokeless stoves for four more families.

While we were in Guatemala, Pope Francis was in Mexico. We were with indigenous Mayan families; Pope Francis was bringing worldwide attention to indigenous Mayan peoples and the harsh reality of poverty, prejudice and dismissal.

Pope Francis has called for a "Jubilee Year of Mercy" that is now underway; we Habitat volunteers were engaged in building one home and improving the homes of others. That's a Corporal Work of Mercy in my Catholic faith tradition.

Our group of a dozen people ranged in age from 20s to the 70s, some well-traveled, one with a brand-new passport. Guatemala's treasures include Antigua, the first capital of New Spain. Guatemala's reality includes indigenous people who - in the words of Pope Francis - have been "exploited and excluded" since colonial times.

An 18th century earthquake struck Antigua, leaving many magnificent structures in ruins that remain somehow magnificent. The Western Highlands, from Antigua to the Mexico border, are punctuated with active volcanoes. It's an easy conclusion for a visitor to make: The land itself speaks of the turmoil and tension of centuries, of beauty and danger, of power and poverty.

During our Habitat work days, most of our crew helped a family work on a house in Tecpan. We shoveled dirt, carried concrete blocks, tied rebar together to strengthen the foundation and the walls and spent time with family members.

On each of four days that week, three or four of our crew went to one of the nearby villages to work with another family to build a smokeless stove. On our day, Jane and I and two others helped build such a rectangular structure of adobe blocks and firebricks, topped with a steel stovetop and vented with a tin pipe through the ceiling.

The traditional way of preparing a family meal is over an open fire on the dirt floor, maybe under a roof, maybe just near a wall under the open sky. A woman in such a home would bend over a fire three times a day preparing corn tortillas for the family. Corn tortillas do not just accompany a meal; at times, they may be the meal, and preparing them over an open fire is the way they are made. The life span of a Mayan woman is shortened by this practice breathing the smoke of her cooking fire. Her children suffer too from the smoke in the air. Many Mayan women lose their sight.

My eyes were opened to a simple reality: the unique blessing of a Habitat experience is personal and real, not general or abstract. We did not work with "a Mayan family," nor with "some people living in extreme poverty." We spent our time with Joel and Justa and their little son, Jon - a young family, just as Jane and I were once a young family, with a little boy learning to walk.

It may take a pope to call attention to international inequity and injustice, to plead for peace, to pray on a global scale for justice and mercy. Volunteers from Southern Indiana can help one family build a home and work with others to make a stove.

If this were a Gospel parable, the story might begin with an account of how widely disparate families once met in a dirt-floor home in the high country of Guatemala.

The question would be provocative: Which of these families received the greater blessing?

Paul Leingang is the former editor and columnist for The Message, the weekly newspaper of the Diocese of Evansville. He currently serves as communications consultant for the Association of United States Catholic Priests.
MIKE LAWRENCE / COURIER & PRESS LGBT rights supporters rally Monday afternoon outside the Evansville Civic Center. After lengthy discussions featuring more than 20 public commenters, City Council voted 7-2 to strengthen LGBT rights protections.

By Zach Evans of the Courier and Press

When the City Council bolstered the Human Relations Commission's power to investigate and enforce discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community last month, it followed the natural progression its followed since 1948, its director says.

"A lot of the movement and our enforcement authority has mirrored what's going on in the national scene," said Human Relations Commission Director Diane Clements-Boyd. "As something becomes more prevalent and accepting in society, I think that's when you see the changes in our ordinance."

Boyd was appointed to the position in 2004 under Democratic Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel and has continued to serve under Republican Mayor Lloyd Winnecke.

The Human Relations Commission, which investigates discrimination claims in the city and county, hasn't issued a fine in the 12 years since she's been appointed.

The threat of fines ranging from $10 to $2,500 were mentioned in arguments against the LGBT ordinance last month.

In at least 12 years, only two cases have reached a public hearing.

It's rare for discrimination cases to reach those stages because most are closed due to no probable cause or settled behind the scenes, she said.

HOW AN INVESTIGATION WORKS

Someone feels they were discriminated against comes the commission's Civic Center office or calls with a complaint.

The protected classes in Evansville are race, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation and gender identity.

If a person felt they were discriminated against by a business, for instance refused service or fired from their job, or paid less because of one of the aforementioned classes, they could lodge a complaint with the commission - as long as it happened within the last 90 days.

The small office of three investigators vets each claim by gathering evidence, speaking with all parities and witnesses.

A case file then lands on Clements-Boyd's desk.

"My job is to look through the investigation to make sure it was thorough, that their determination is in sync with the facts of the case.

If she finds probable cause of discrimination, the first move is to attempt to settle the case without a hearing.

Between 2012 and 2014, 75 cases ended with settlements totaling $103,954 toward complainants.

The commission tries to settle the case throughout the entire process. If probable cause that a person or organization discriminated illegally is found, and no settlement is reached, then the appointed members of the Human Relations Commission board act as a judge and jury and ultimately rule on the case in a public hearing.

If there was no probable cause found, then the case is closed. The complainant can also appeal that ruling to the Human Relations Commission Board.

The board's determination can be appealed to a local judge, which can also be appealed to higher court which can also be appealed that Indiana Supreme Court.

But virtually none of the cases come to that level, with only two reaching a public hearing since 2004 - one of which the complaining party didn't show up to.

Only after a public hearing can the city fine a business or organization and only then if that group refuses to abide by the order of the commission - continuing to refuse service to the person or refusing to hire them back, etc.

"We've never fined anyone. ... If they don't abide by the remedy, we could impose a violation," she said.

The board has ruled that restitution be paid, however, for lost wages or difference in pay, for example. The board can also require diversity training at places of employment.

It's not only the commission's job to investigate complaints of discrimination, it's job is to also protect against erroneous complaints against groups.

Most cases are found to have no probable cause.

BREAKING DOWN THE CASES

The majority of cases - 189 between 2012 and 2014 - were closed because for lack of probable cause. Another 61 in that time were closed administratively.

Only 11 in that three year period were found to have probable cause.

According to data available from 2012 to 2014, the commission fielded 498 complaints.

The commission doesn't have jurisdiction to investigate every complaint. More than half of the cases filed with the local commission were transferred mostly to the U.S. Equal Employment Commission, with a small number going to the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.

The overwhelming majority of the complaints filed with the commission are employment-based - 87 percent of cases between 2012 and 2014.

Housing and public accommodations split the rest, with only three education-based complaints filed in that time.

Race is the most common protected class in the investigations, taking up 41 percent of the case load. Falling behind that are disability, age and sex.

African-Americans represent 60 percent of the complainants between 2012 and 2014. When looking at sex, women account for 59 percent of the complaints filed locally.

Ten people filed complaints for sexual orientation and gender identity since the City Council first included those groups in its human rights ordinance in 2011, Clements-Boyd said.

But those cases were difficult to investigate because the original 2011 made it voluntary for a party to investigate a complaint.

That means if a person was fired for being transgender, and they filed a complaint with the commission, if their ex-employer didn't want to comply with an investigation they didn't have to, which would close the case.

Now, the commission can compel an investigation like it can for any of the other protected classes.

The decision was met with stiff opposition at a City Council meeting in February. More than a dozen spoke against the ordinance, including two City Council members.

The maximum fine of $2,500 a day - which is the same maximum for an city department enforcing a city ordinance - was mentioned several times.

Robert Dion, president of the Human Relations Commission board, said the threat of fines against an offending business became a "bugaboo that people were raising as a fearsome possibility" during the City Council meeting.

Levying fines "is not something we do," Dion said.

"If someone is denied a chance to rent an apartment, denied the ability to have service in a public accommodation, we just want that to stop happening," he said.

CANVASS PODCAST: Does our community protect LGBT?
FILE - In this June 26, 2015, file photo, a man holds a U.S. and a rainbow flag outside the Supreme Court in Washington after the court legalized gay marriage nationwide. A federal appeals court ruled Friday that the Supreme Court can keep protesters off its marble plaza without violating their constitutional right to free speech. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit said that First Amendment rights stop at the sidewalk in front of the majestic courthouse and do not extend to the plaza. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

By John Martin of the Courier and Press

Vanderburgh County will have a new county clerk in 2017, as four people are seeking the position now held by Republican Debbie Stucki.

The four candidates are of different genders and politics - two men who are Democrats and two women who are Republicans - and come from different walks of life.

None of them, however, wish to emulate Kim Davis, the county clerk of Rowan County, Kentucky, who became a household name last year for refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples, even after the U.S. Supreme Court made such licenses legal.

Davis was elected as a Democrat, but she switched to the GOP amid the controversy. She spent a few days in jail and her stance was roundly condemned, although some conservatives such as Republican presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Mike Huckabee rallied to her to defense.

Apparently, there will be no similar drama in Vanderburgh County, regardless of who is elected the new clerk. Stucki has issued licenses to same-sex couples.

"As clerk, I would follow the law," said Republican clerk candidate Connie Carrier, who is the current co-manager of the Vanderburgh County Voter Registration Office. "Honestly, I would be there to serve the public and not myself. It's not for me to judge."

Carrier's Republican primary opponent, Carla Hayden, who was chief deputy clerk under ex-clerk Marsha Abell, agreed.

"I would do my job, and my job as clerk is to issue those licenses," Hayden said. "When you get elected, you take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States ... If the law was something I couldn't support, on that or any other matter, I would resign."

Davis rebuffed calls to resign as the Rowan County clerk, and she continues to serve. Her office reportedly is issuing same-sex marriage licenses. Newly elected Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, a Republican, signed an executive order removing the names of county clerks from those licenses.

The two Democrats running for Vanderburgh County clerk said they would enthusiastically sign licenses for same-sex couples.

"Absolutely," said Democratic candidate Zachary Heronemous, who was chief deputy treasurer under former Treasurer Rick Davis and now works in resource development for the United Way of Southwestern Indiana. "The law allows for it. I'm 100 percent in favor of it. If two consenting adults have a loving relationship, I would hate for them to be denied it."

Elliot Howard, the other Democratic candidate, cited the law as well as a personal belief that same-sex marriage should be legal. Howard came to Evansville to attend the University of Southern Indiana, where he has an undergraduate degree as well as a master's in public administration.

He is active with the Tri-State Alliance and works for Express in Eastland Mall.

"I would be very proud to do it," Howard said of issuing licenses to same-sex couples. "I think we should treat everybody with respect. Marriage is about love, and if two people love each other and are both adults, they should have the freedom to make their own decisions."

According to Indiana code, a county clerk can issue a marriage license if both applicants are at least 18; if one or both applicants are 17 and parents or legal guardians are present to provide consent; or one or both applicants are younger than 17 and have a court order granting permission to obtain a marriage license.

Clerks cannot issue a marriage license if either applicant is under the influence of drugs or alcohol when applying; applicants are more closely related than second cousins (though there is an exception for first cousins who are both at least 65); and either applicant has been judged to be of unsound mind, unless the adjudication has been removed.

Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date they are issued, and couples may be married as early as the same day. Couples who don't marry within those 60 days must apply for a new license before marrying.

Applicants must show a drivers license or state-issued ID, a passport or a birth certificate, and they will be asked to provide a Social Security number. Those were married previously must provide the date that marriage ended, and some counties require certified copies of divorce decrees.

For purposes of genealogical research, applicants must their provide full name, last known address and birthplace.

The fee is $18 if one or both parties are Indiana residents and $60 for out-of-state residents. Some clerks charge an additional $2 document fee.
SHARE Ivie Duncan was awarded the Miss Golden title at Hannah Remole's Miss Golden Pageant in July. Provided photo. About 20 girls from around the community participated in the pageant and Vanderburgh County Junior Leaders volunteers to help the girls on stage. Provided photo. Hannah Remole, left, presenting Ivie Duncan with her Miss Golden award. Provided photo. The girls participating ranged in ages and the pageant accommodated for those with all kinds of disabilities both physical and cognitive. Provided photo.

By Kelly Gifford of the Courier and Press

Leadership Evansville's mission is to develop efficient leaders committed to using diversity and creativity for the betterment of the community.

Not only does the nonprofit organization aim to create and help servant leaders in Evansville but it also recognizes the hard work of individuals, projects and groups working to better their communities.

That recognition comes in the form of the Celebration of Leadership Awards, now in it's 21st year, where about 40 awards are given to different entities and individuals throughout Evansville who are making a difference with their work. The ceremony, which will host the nominees, nominators and open to the public to attend, will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday at the Old National Events Plaza.

Lynn Miller Pease, chief executive director of Leadership Evansville, said seeing the community come together to acknowledge one another's endeavors is a sight to behold each year.

"The power of this event is that all the nominees, nominators, presenters and the public can see the work being done throughout the community and see that, in fact, our community is healthy and thriving because of the people in the room," Miller-Pease said. "It encourages us to keep going. You know that people who've come before you and became successful in their work were at the same point and others can look toward the community with hope, energy and passion rather than worry, concern and fear."

Anyone in the community could have nominated entities and individuals for various awards, that represent several different areas of leadership and community change and development. For Hannah Remole, a senior at Central High School, having her project, Miss Golden Pageant, be nominated for a Celebration of Leadership Award came as a huge surprise.

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Remole created a beauty pageant for girls with disabilities. With the help of the 4-H Center and area boutiques and beauty salons, Remole's project became a reality in July with about 20 girls with disabilities participating.

She genuinely had no idea what it meant to be nominated for a Celebration of Leadership Award until her mother and Kara Messersmith, director of program development for the Girl Scouts, explained its significance to her. Messersmith also nominated her for the award and said the Miss Golden Pageant was an opportunity that girls with disabilities in the community wouldn't normally have received. The pageant will be continued by the 4-H Center in years to come.

"I wanted this project to be as inclusive as possible and serve a wide range of girls with disabilities in the area," Remole said. "It was a whirlwind putting everything together and seeing the smiles on the girls' faces as they got to walk on stage."

Another program being honored at the award ceremony is Bridge Builders Transportation Program through New Hope Community Development Corporation. The program was created to transport individuals to higher paying jobs from areas where METS doesn't run or where METS wouldn't get them to work on time. The program assists the homeless, ex-offenders and people transitioning to get them back to work and become self-sufficient.

Geronica Hazelwood-Connor, director of operations of Bridge Builders Transportation, said since the program began in November 2014, the routes assist about 240 people, adding about 30-40 new riders per month. The program ended 2015 with about 189 riders and saw a significant boom in the first two months this year.

The high-capacity vehicles and school used for Bridge Builders pick up individuals at their homes and take them to partnering employers. There are transports to and from the Toyota manufacturing facilities, Fishers Dynamics and many other locations throughout Evansville and the surrounding area. It is Hazelwood-Connor's hope that the program can extend into the Mount Vernon, Indiana, area as well as Henderson, Kentucky, to offer more opportunities for participants to reach employment.

"I have had the pleasure of watching our participants go from homelessness to attaining apartments. I've watched them get vehicles and reunite with family members after being divided in homeless shelters all because they were able to get employed and take advantage of opportunities," she said. "I really believe that keeping busy with a job and responsibilities keeps people out of trouble and from falling into old habits. It's not like work to me, I feel like God placed me here to help Evansville in this way."

For Miller-Pease, all of the nominees have already achieved much more than any award the organization could give them.

"What they give to the community is much more than anything we could ever give them in recognition of their work," she said. "We hope that bringing these people together for one night might help continue the trend of more people getting involved in the community to help make it even better."

If You GO:

What: Celebration of Leadership Awards presented by Leadership Evansville

When: 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, doors open at 4:30 p.m. Seating is theater style.

Where: Old National Events Plaza, 715 Locust St.

Tickets: For the general public, tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets can be purchased at leadershipevansville.org under the Celebration of Leadership tab or register by calling Julie at 812-499-3149 or emailing at julie@leadershipevansville.org. Same day ticket purchase will also be provided by attendees are encouraged to purchase in advance.
Sussex News

Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.

Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
Puerto Rico's division of governmental authority into various government units is a form of asset partitioning. This asset partitioning might have helped Puerto Rico get more credit than it should have on cheaper terms ex ante (for a model, see here ), but ex post this sort of asset partitioning can blow up in a debtor's face if there is no way to reconsolidate in order to restructure. (Consider, for example, the value of the LA Dodgers without their stadium and without the parking lots by the stadium .) Partitioning via devolution of authority to multiple local government units and authorities is a more permanently binding form of asset partitioning than corporate subsidiaries or even than some securitization arrangements .

So what can be done to deal with the multiple issuer problem? Even if Puerto Rico were allowed to file for bankruptcy (or its various sub-territorial entities were allowed to file), it doesn't solve the problem. While there can be multiple bankruptcy filings and the different cases can be administratively consolidated, that is a very different thing that actual consolidation of debtors, and the inability to resolve claims on one debtor can hold the other cases hostage. It doesn't do any good to resolve the general obligation debt if creditors can force the electric utility to raise prices through the roof. With this sort of multiple entity case, the hostage value held by creditors increases significantly.

One problem complicating any resolution of Puerto Rico's financial distress is that there are a multiplicity of issuers. There are separate claims on separate issuers, and it won't work to resolve just some of them, as they are all ultimately drawing on the same set of economic resources. While there are claims on different assets, they value of those assets derive from Puerto Rico's overall economic production. This multiple debtor problem makes Puerto Rico materially different from, say Detroit, where there was one primary debtor (the City of Detroit). (I don't know the legal status of Detroit Public Schools--is it separate from the City, the way the Chicago Public Schools are?) As far as I'm aware, Chapter 9 filings have almost always been single entity filings, rather than filings of multiple associated cases, as occurs with Chapter 11.

The first is to consolidate via an exchange offer. That could be a voluntary or involuntary exchange (as detailed in my first post on Puerto Rico). I don't think a voluntary exchange offer is going to work, and the politics of an involuntary exchange using eminent domain are problematic (and there's some measure of legal risk involved too).

The second possibility would be a merger of the various issuers. That won't work for several reasons. First, there are likely merger restrictions in the various debt covenants, and second, it would involve a total restructuring of Puerto Rican government, which would lead to a lot of internal governance confusion.

The third possibility would be to add a co-issuer to all of the debt obligations. I suspect that would fly under the various covenants involved, as a co-issuer by itself does not diminish creditors' rights--it actually expands them. (This was the move done in Codere's restructuring in order to get UK jurisdiction for a Scheme of Arrangement.) Now let's imagine that the co-issuer were not another Puerto Rican entity, but say, a Delaware LLC. That Delaware LLC co-issuer would be eligible to file for bankruptcy, unlike the Puerto Rican original issuers. So let's say that the Delaware LLC co-issuer were to file in, well, Delaware. The automatic stay would obviously apply to the Delaware LLC co-issuer. And there's a pretty good chance the court would extend the automatic stay to the Puerto Rican issuers, whether under section 362(a), 105(a), or some general equity powers argument (see, e.g., A.H. Robins v. Piccinin; but contrast In re Lyondell Chemical (granting only a temporary stay under section 105(a))).

Now even if the automatic stay can be extended to the Puerto Rican issuers, that's not enough to do the trick, as that automatic stay will be lifted at the end of the case. To make this method work, the court would have to enter a third-party release of the Puerto Rican entities. If they make a substantial contribution to the plan (and they would), I think there would be grounds for their release. But this just puts the question of the legal authority for third-party releases front and center. We've seen courts grant them generally in two situations: mass torts (e.g., Johns Manville for asbestos, before the adoption of section 524(g)) and when there is a high degree of overlapping identity between the debtor and the third parties (e.g., officers and directors of closely held companies, when the company is sort of an alter ego). The legality of these third-party releases is still somewhat up in the air. Five circuit courts of appeals have blessed them in some situations (Metromedia (2d); Continental (3d); A.H. Robins (4th); Dow Corning (6th); Airdigm (7th)), but there's no statutory hook for them outside of the asbestos context, and the existence of the third party release provision for asbestos under section 524(g) argues against authority for third-party releases in other contexts.

Bottom line is that it's anyone's guess what the Supreme Court would do with a third-party release. (Travelers Indemnity Co. v. Bailey doesn't resolve the question of the bankruptcy court's authority to enter a third party release: "whether the Bankruptcy Court had jurisdiction and authority to enter the injunction in 1986 was not properly before the Court of Appeals in 2008 and is not properly before us". Instead, the case dealt with the authority of the bankruptcy court to interpret its injunction (which was assumed valid).). Thus, the co-issuer route, while possible, has real legal risk, more so, in my view, than the eminent domain route.

The fact that there's legal risk, however, does not end the story. Legal risk cuts both ways. The fact that there's even a plausible route forward gives Puerto Rico some bargaining power if it can credibly threaten to proceed with a consolidation, whether it is a formal buyout (at whatever price) or the insertion of a common co-issuer that is eligible to file for bankruptcy.

Irrespective of the tools used, the problem of multiple issuers is a real one that is complicating any attempts to resolve Puerto Rico's financial distress.
Which Phone Stole The Show At Mobile World Congress?

Consumers cheered the launch of not one, but two new flagships at Mobile World Congress this year -- LG's G5 and Samsung's Galaxy S7.

With the G5, LG is going after Samsung with everything it has -- the new smartphone looks nothing like the G4, has a bevy of new features and specs, and features a new modular component at the bottom of the device.

Meanwhile, Samsung has not changed much in its new Galaxy S7, but that doesn't mean that it hasn't made any improvements. The new model speaks to the desires of consumers with better speeds and feeds, as well as other new forward-looking capabilities.

So which flagship stole the show at Mobile World Congress this year? CRN puts the G5 and the Galaxy S7 together for comparison.


Two luxury yachts have received the final stamp to join the fleet classified by RINA.

One of the vessels named DUBAI, classed as a luxury mega yacht, is 162m long. The vessel was designed by Winch Design and will sail under the UAE flag. DUBAI is ranked as being the third largest and most luxurious mega yacht in the world today. The second vessel classed by RINA is QUATTROELLE, an 86m yacht. The vessel was designed by Nuvolari  Lenard and was built by Lurssen. Both yachts are managed by Platinum Yachts.

Andrea Di Bella, area manager RINA Services in the Middle East, commented: RINA Services fleet of classified large yachts in the Middle East now numbers over 50. Last year we enjoyed 12% growth in this area, working together with the leading shipyards and delivering high level services through our pleasure craft dedicated center in Dubai. Over the next year RINA plans to further strengthen its presence in the Middle East particularly building on its success in the classification of mega yachts, while further developing its Business Assurance Network.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

NEW YORK (AP)  Before they say "I do," soon-to-be newlyweds are increasingly going online to ask, "Will you pay for our honeymoon?"

Crowdfunding websites such as Honeyfund, GoFundMe and Honeymoon Wishes make it easy to raise cash from family and friends for a post-wedding getaway. The sites charge fees for their services  as much as 10 percent of the total collected  but people are warming up to the idea, despite the cost.

As couples increasingly live together first and marry later, they already have toasters and towels, so traditional gift registries don't make as much sense. Honeymoon registries also provide a polite way of hinting to guests to give money instead, without breaking wedding etiquette.

"I didn't feel right saying, 'Hey, give me cash,'" says Nicole DePinto, who raised $2,900 on GoFundMe for an Icelandic honeymoon with her husband Anthony in December.

Sites that help couples raise cash for honeymoons have seen their popularity soar recently. Honeyfund users, for example, raised $90 million last year, a 50 percent jump from the year before, says co-founder and CEO Sara Margulis.

Last year, 22 percent of people using the Knot, a wedding planning site, said they also used honeymoon registries, according to a survey of 6,500 customers. That's the same as the year before, but up from 17 percent in 2013 and 13 percent in 2012.

The DePintos even crowdsourced the destination of their honeymoon, asking the 100 guests at their travel-themed October wedding reception to vote on Greece, Iceland or Japan. The save-the-dates came on postcards and the party favors were luggage tags.

"We did everything outside of the box," she said, and besides: "They're all places we wanted to go eventually."

The guests chose Iceland. In winter.

"Iceland is absolutely beautiful in December," she insisted, recalling the Christmas decorations, mulled wines, ice caves and northern lights. "I think our guests understand that we are not a super-traditional couple, so we wanted our honeymoon to be more adventure and less lounging on a beach."

Most guests gave the couple cash-stuffed envelopes at the wedding, but the 14 donations they got online covered their hotel and airline tickets, even after GoFundMe kept more than $230 in fees. The Union City, New Jersey, couple also had a registry at Target, but asked for just a few things there since they had lived together for three years.

"In that time we've acquired tons of pots, plates, towels, throw pillows and bedding," they explained on their GoFundMe page.

Asking for cash in the invitation is a wedding faux pas, says Kristen Maxwell Cooper, deputy editor at The Knot. But passing around a link to a honeymoon registry works, because couples can explain to guests exactly where the money will be spent, she says.

Couples have a few options to turn to.

Crowdfunding site GoFundMe has collected $2 billion to date for all sorts of personal campaigns, raising money for medical emergencies, crime victims and other local causes. But the site does have a weddings and honeymoons section where users have raised $4 million since GoFundMe was launched six years ago, says media director Kelsea Little.

Anyone can see a GoFundMe campaign, but don't expect strangers to hand over cash  only friends and family will likely donate, says Little.

"It's a common misconception," she says.

Honeyfund, meanwhile, is more focused on honeymoons. Couples can list exactly what the cash will pay for, from hotel rooms to sightseeing tours to massages.

Major resorts and cruise lines are jumping in, using Honeymoon Wishes to power honeymoon registries built into their sites.

At Carnival Cruise Line, for example, couples can ask wedding guests to pay for scuba diving excursions or horseback rides. The money goes straight to Carnival and couples can redeem the gifts on board, says Nancy Williams, the business development director at Honeymoon Wishes. Couples can also go to Honeymoon Wishes and build their own honeymoon, without being attached to a certain resort.

"It's now socially acceptable," says Williams.

___

Follow Joseph Pisani at http://twitter.com/josephpisani . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/joseph-pisani .
Most high-level games have rules and referees.

Politics? Not so much. Connecticut politics? Even less. Referees? Ha! Thats presumably you, gentle, bitter taxpayers.

The rules of the General Assembly number 90 pages, but when it comes down to it, the actual laws are what the majority party  currently the Democrats but stay tuned, folks  declare it to be.

On the cusp of having to vote down a contract for UConn librarians and other non-teaching professionals who actually do stuff for the students, as opposed to the administrators, House and Senate majority leaders on Friday were set to announce a session day. Declining tax revenue and a new analysis that claimed it would cost $40 million more than originally estimated over the next five years made the contract for 1,800 people a political liability, despite the bargaining units agreement to turn their 35-hour week into 40 hours.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy urged rejection. Democratic leaders were going to force votes against it and stop it from automatically going into effect.

Then, the Friday morning miracle occurred. Even though the contract had been filed with the House and Senate clerks for days, errors were suddenly found, which was the result of years of negotiation, public hearings and legal scrutiny. The union and UConn said they wanted to go back to the bargaining table. A Friday letter from the union and the UConn Board of Trustees to the House and Senate clerks said the deal wasnt properly filed and they were withdrawing it.

But two days earlier, an addendum, filed by UConn, was sent to the House and Senate clerks offices fixing exactly what UConn and the UConn Professional Employees Association said the flaw was on Friday.

Even though it might not have been officially withdrawn  and may actually take effect when midnight March 9 rolls into Thursday the 10th  Democrats are pretending its a dead issue for now. Look for Republicans to ask Attorney General George Jepsen for a ruling on Monday. Me? Im rooting for the librarians.

Its fairly typical, for the make-our-own-rules General Assembly. Heres another one. The 14-member legislative Regulation Review Committee is set up as a rare bipartisan group, with a Democratic co-chairman and a Republican co-chairman. Usually it either accepts new regulations or rejects them without prejudice, so they can be submitted later on, within a couple months.

A couple weeks back, the committees anti-marijuana-in-any-form contingent tried to seize on a number of weak issues in attempt to stop the growth of what is a nationally known pharmacy model for medical cannabis that now serves nearly 8,700 patients from the six, soon-to-be-nine dispensaries supplied by the four statewide growers. They failed, mostly, but not for lack of trying. Rep. Tom ODea, R-New Canaan, said the four-member Board of Physicians was acting improperly because it did not have the statutory eight members.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris said that it has been hard to even attract qualified physicians with the proper certifications. It has only been recently that a fifth doctor was recruited for the panel. Just like 99 percent of every board and commission in this state and I would venture in your towns in this day and age, it is often hard to fill it up, Harris. I would caution against saying because we didnt have act and had four but were acting within the parameters of the statute and the reg, you would take steps to deny people that are suffering from debilitating conditions. That would be a tough balance to strike.

He said in the case of a 2-2 tie on the panel of doctors last year, he had the power to include Fabry disease, a genetic disorder known for severe muscular pain, rashes, the death of capillaries and kidney failure, kidney failure, on the list of expanded ailments.

The board was properly comprised, he said, as if it mattered to those dead set against marijuana, which is still almost quaintly referred to as a gateway drug even as the pharmaceutical industry has flooded Connecticut with so many opioids that cheaper, more-available heroin is now killing people by the hundreds.

Still, in a 7-6 vote, the anti-cannabis faction, without a physician among them, voted to remove Fabry disease from the list.

The Board of Physicians rules, approved years ago by the Regulation Review Committee, require only three physicians for a meeting quorum.

But heres the legislative irony. As the worm turns, it seems that the Regulation Review panel couldnt abide by their own rules.

Each member of the Committee shall have one vote, the committee rules state. Any action by the Committee shall require the affirmative vote of the majority of those members present, except, no regulation proposed by an agency shall be disapproved or rejected without prejudice, in whole or in part, except by the affirmative vote of at least eight members of the Committee. There shall be no voting by proxy. Committee votes shall not be held open. Again, the vote to remove Fabry disease was 7-6.

So wheres the referee?

Ken Dixons Capitol View appears Sundays in the Hearst Connecticut Newspapers. You may reach him in the Capitol at 860-549-4670 or at kdixon@ctpost.com. Find him at twitter.com/KenDixonCT. His Facebook address is kendixonct.hearst. Dixons Connecticut Blog-o-rama can be seen at blog.ctnews.com/dixon/
Major Lazer shares with Cuban Djs in Havana

Submitted by: Juana

Havana

Music

United States

Personalities

03 / 05 / 2016



Members of the American band of electro house Major Lazer, DJ Diplo and Walshy Fire, who are in Cuba since yesterday morning, exchanged today with Cuban Djs in the Ludwig Foundation in Havana.

Diplo, who was on the island six years ago accompanying the Puerto Rican band Calle 13, said he was very happy with the changes that are taking place in the country and they were surprised with the talent and musical knowledge of Cubans.

Major Lazer will offer a free concert tomorrow at the Havanas Tribuna Antimperialista.

source: www.cibercuba.com
Somerset jury finds two of three defendants guilty of murder

Now in its fifth day of testimony and seventh day overall, the double murder trial taking place in Somerset County is now over. The jury decided.
Sign up now to receive the latest Hurricane Ian updates via text
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
David Camerons majority last May gave him a wonderful opportunity - but the Prime Minister's handling of the EU debate has been appallingly inept

As this paper remarked at the time, David Camerons surprise majority last May gave him a wonderful opportunity to lead a truly great, reforming Tory government.

Surrounding him were experienced ministers, who had cut their teeth in the Coalition and were now free from the Lib Dem shackles. His party was united, the economy was on the mend and the Opposition was in total disarray.

Who would have guessed that in less than a year, the Tories would descend into acrimonious infighting, while any remotely controversial government business would be put on hold?

Indeed, though it grieves the Mail to say it, Mr Camerons handling of the EU debate has been appallingly inept.

Before the election, he made his first mistake when he foolishly announced he would stand down before 2020. Thus, he undermined his authority, while making it all but inevitable that the referendum campaign would be sidetracked into a beauty contest for the Tory leadership.

Then came the charade of his renegotiation of our EU membership. When it became clear that our partners were not prepared to offer any significant changes, why didnt he simply walk away, leaving them to stew until they came up with something better? After all, plenty of time remained before his deadline for a public vote at the end of 2017.

But, no. Instead, he brought the referendum forward, peddling the blatant fiction that the deal he struck in Brussels represented the fundamental, far-reaching change without which he had said we would have to leave.

Now he presides over a frankly unseemly campaign of scaremongering and bullying to try to persuade voters to remain.

Aided and abetted by Sir Cover-Up Jeremy Heywood, he has compromised the integrity and impartiality of the Civil Service, forcing mandarins to pump out infantile propaganda for the inners while instructing them to conceal facts and figures from the outers.

Meanwhile, he has allowed decent politicians, who conscientiously believe Britain would be better off out, to be painted as reckless hooligans, intent on destroying jobs, pushing up prices, throwing expats out of their homes and jeopardising national security.

Aided and abetted by Sir Cover-Up Jeremy Heywood, pictured, Mr Cameron has compromised the integrity and impartiality of the Civil Service

How does this square with Mr Camerons own declaration in 2013: Of course Britain could make her way in the world outside the EU if we chose to do so?

Indeed, if he honestly believed it would be such a catastrophe to cut loose from the Brussels bureaucracy, why did he call this referendum in the first place?

What is so tragic, as Iain Duncan Smith argued in a characteristically thoughtful article in yesterdays Mail, is that every baseless smear and scare will make it harder to heal Tory rifts and carry on effective government after the vote.

Thus, ten months after Mr Cameron was given his wonderful opportunity, hopes of a wide-ranging programme of Tory reform are fast slipping away.

Vital measures such as the British Bill of Rights and plans for the future of the BBC already appear to have been suspended for the duration.

With the Tories at each others throats, what is to become of further reforms of welfare and education  or the need to put the NHS on a sustainable footing?

And the acrimony is all so unnecessary. Yes, there are Conservatives in both referendum camps with sincere beliefs.

Why can they not be allowed to debate them, with an impartial Civil Service supplying facts and figures to both sides, without dragging the argument down to a level that insults voters intelligence?
George Osborne is facing the defining test of his six years as Chancellor. In 11 days time, he will deliver the annual Budget  and I predict that he will have to make a violent U-turn in policy which threatens to leave his credibility in shreds.

It will see him reining back on the expansionary spending plan he announced in November, when he pumped an extra 27 billion into the British economy.

The fact is that Osborne has no choice but to slam on the brakes with an acrid stench of burning rubber. For he has been responsible for Britain plc accumulating a shockingly large national debt.

Explosive times ahead: Chancellor Osborne's credibility, and job, are at risk

The big question is how much his inevitable about-face a week on Wednesday will damage his already frayed reputation.

As Gordon Brown used to remark about the hazards of the job, there are two types of Chancellor of the Exchequer: those who get out in time and those who dont.

Beyond question, George Osborne belongs to the second category.

For when he delivers his Budget, he will have to concede that he has presided over the sixth consecutive year of increase in the national debt.

If he were honest, he would also admit that his previous prediction that the UKs net borrowing would fall to 43 billion by 2017-18 is unattainable.

In addition, he would come clean and confess that as a result of his chancellorship, the national debt will have almost doubled  from under 1 trillion in 2010 to an expected 1.8 trillion or more by the next General Election in 2020.

To put such figures into perspective, 1.8 trillion is the equivalent to 68,000 for every household.

The truth is that George Osborne has been the most profligate Chancellor in recent British history. Despite being a Tory, his recklessness is of a scale that makes Gordon Brown (who sprayed vast amounts of money at Labours vested interest groups) look like a miser in comparison.

Despite being a Tory, Osborne's recklessness is of a scale that makes Gordon Brown (who sprayed vast amounts of money at Labours vested interest groups) look like a miser in comparison

Since becoming Chancellor in 2010, Osborne has squandered taxpayers money. He has also added enormously to the burden of small businesses by imposing numerous petty regulations.

Indeed, a devastating pamphlet by the Centre For Policy Studies  due to be published on Monday  is expected to outline many examples.

Typical is the fact that under Chancellor Osborne, the handbook detailing Britains tax laws, Tolleys Tax Guide, has increased by approximately five million words and now totals around ten million.

This means that Osbornes fiscal changes have added six times as many more words as there are in the Bible!

The Chancellors latest problems date back to last years Tory election victory, after which he triumphantly announced plans to save about 4 billion a year through the abolition of tax credits  a cruel and politically maladroit measure that would have hit millions of low-paid workers. (Under the move, more than three million families would have lost around 1,300 a year.)

Not surprisingly, this foolhardy measure was voted down in the House of Lords and a humiliated Osborne was forced to abandon it.

However, the Chancellor failed to learn from this debacle and proceeded to make another calamitous mistake.

Since becoming Chancellor in 2010, Osborne has squandered taxpayers money. He has also added enormously to the burden of small businesses by imposing numerous petty regulations

He decided not to tackle the resulting hole in the Governments finances by making the required expenditure cuts or imposing some judicious tax rises. Any responsible custodian of the nations finances would certainly have done so.

Instead, Osborne took a gamble. He hoped that strong growth in the British economy would provide the necessary extra revenues (in the form of an increased tax take accrued from boosted consumer spending, business profits and higher wages).

At the time, the Mail cautioned that such an imprudent policy risked ending in disaster. And so, tragically, it has proved. The economic growth that Osborne promised has been a mirage.

Indeed, it seems that the opposite has happened. Not only are we facing an economic slowdown, I can reveal that advisers at No. 10 fear Britain is heading back into a recession. Every official statistic points that way.

The Chancellors gamble is about to blow up in his face  and all of us will be hit by the fall-out.

As shadow Chancellor, George Osborne used to accuse his Labour rival Gordon Brown of failing to mend the roof when the sun was shining.

By that, he meant that Labour failed to pay off our debts during the long economic boom of the late Nineties and early years of this century. Today, a similar charge can be laid at Osborne. He has failed to use the past six years of growth to put Britains national finances in order.

Osborne has been at best a part-time Chancellor  having devoted too much time as Britains chief negotiator on the future of the EU  another role he has fumbled

And, indeed, they are in a far worse condition than they were under Gordon Brown.

The national debt (the amount owed by the Government) is three times higher, and the deficit (the difference between its everyday expenses and its revenues) is bigger, too.

But this failure comes as no surprise, because Osborne has been at best a part-time Chancellor  having devoted too much time as Britains chief negotiator on the future of the EU  another role he has fumbled. As a result of Osbornes negligence  about which the Mail has warned time and again  the Government is unprepared for the impending financial crisis.

I dont wish to be a doom-monger, but I fear more hard times lie ahead. I believe that Osborne, too, is aware of the storm clouds. Hence his frantic briefing, during his recent trip to China, to trusted media contacts about problems on the horizon.

As for the Budget, if he does not act and announce robust economies (which inevitably mean more cuts to public spending) to show hes capable of reducing the national debt, his boss, David Cameron must step in.

Do not rule out George Osborne being replaced and his successor being forced to go to the Commons later in the year with an emergency Budget to clear up the economic mess.

No. 10s disgraceful kow-towing to Trump

Last week, a Downing Street spokesman was asked whether David Cameron would invite Donald Trump to Downing Street if he became U.S. President.

The spokesman replied: Clearly, there is a special relationship with the United Kingdom and we would want it to continue to be so.

This abject response illustrates the cringe-making subservience of successive British prime ministers to the White House. It is outrageous that a British prime minister should even consider welcoming a racist like Trump, who flirts with the Ku Klux Klan, wants to ban Muslims from the U.S. and demands that terrorists families be killed  just to mention a handful of his recent appalling comments.

It is outrageous that a British prime minister should even consider welcoming a racist like Trump, who flirts with the Ku Klux Klan, wants to ban Muslims from the U.S. and demands that terrorists families be killed

This poodle-like attitude to the U.S. was tested to destruction by Tony Blair, whose unquestioned loyalty to George W. Bush ended in catastrophic, never-ending bloodshed in the Middle East.

Why cant Downing Street make it abundantly clear that it regards some of Donald Trumps views as disgusting and that his election as President would be a calamity for the U.S. and a disaster for the rest of the world?

I salute this hero

Three cheers for John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, who has argued persuasively that the UK economy would benefit from Brexit. Longworth is an experienced businessman and knows what he is talking about. So it comes as no surprise at all that this principled man has been suspended from his job as a result.
A doctor claims to have created the ultimate 'push playlist' to keep women motivated during labor.

According to Doctor Jacques Moritz, the ideal musical accompaniment for the delivery room should reflect the process of giving birth by starting off with slow songs before moving into music with a heavier beat.

Doctor Moritz, an OB/GYN in New York City, kicks off his Spotify playlist kicks off with Just Breathe by Pearl Jam and 30 tracks later ends with a classical cello piece by JS Bach.

Hit play: New York City doctor Jacques Moritz (right) claims to have created the ultimate 'push playlist', above, for women giving birth which includes songs like Just Breathe by Pearl Jam and Let It Go by James Bay

Other featured tracks include Let it Go by James Bay, Festival by Sigur Ros, Sunrise by Norah Jones, Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) by John Lennon, D'Angelo's Really Love, Don't Panic by Coldplay, Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Try by Pink, U2's With or Without You and Blue by Beyonce, featuring her daughter Blue Ivy.

Push playlists are said to be becoming increasingly popular with and Spotify reporting that 90,000 users have created one.

Dr Moritz, who practices at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, said around two-thirds of his patients have created playlists for their birth but if they don't have one he puts his own on.

'Labor is a really tough thing, and it goes on for a long time, so we try to find things that are comfortable and soothing,' he told Today.

'Music can be very soothing. It's like having a familiar friend singing to you.'

He said it's important to consider the musical accompaniment for quiet moments as well as for pushing.

'People think you would need head-banging metal music to push the baby out, but you have to remember, it's one minute of pushing and then three minutes of quiet time,' he said. 'When you're pushing, you're not even hearing the music.'

He said expecting mothers should choose comforting songs they know well with an eclectic mixture of different musicians and genres.

He said as well as helping the birthing process along, mothers' choices can reveal information about their characters.

'You learn a lot about people from their musical tastes and then the whole conversation drifts away from the labor and time just goes by,' he said.

While technology may have made it easier to create playlists and play them from iPhones in the delivery room, doctors said they are not a new phenomenon.

Doctor Moritz said people used to bring boomboxes in. 'It used to be that once in a while, someone would bring in a boombox with a cassette player, but that didn't take off too much,' he said. 'Definitely the big boom came with wireless speakers.'
A device that sends an electric current into nerve fibres found in the ears could help millions of people with depression.

The gadget, which can be used at home, works by transmitting mild currents through clips fixed to skin on the ears.

This stimulates a nerve connected to an area of the brain that regulates mood. Research shows that using the device for an hour a day can help patients who have not responded to anti-depressant drugs.

A device that sends an electric current into nerve fibres found in the ears could help millions of people with depression - even if they have not responded to anti-depressant drugs (stock image)

The current generated is too low to cause discomfort but enough to stimulate tiny branches of the vagus nerve found in the auricular concha  the shell-like cavity in the middle of the ear that leads to the ear canal. Experts at the China Academy of Medical Sciences in Beijing studied 49 patients suffering from mild to moderate depression.

The patients were taken off their anti-depressants two weeks before the test so as not to skew the findings. They were then given a hand-held device to send a mild current through clips attached to both ears twice a day for a month.

This type of vagus nerve stimulation can significantly reduce the severity of depression in patients Researchers

The results, published in the journal Biological Psychiatry, showed zapping the vagus nerve significantly reduced patients scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale  a system used by psychiatrists to measure the severity of a patients depression.

Anything between zero and seven is considered normal, while 20 or over is classed as moderate to severe. The treatment slashed average scores from 28.50 to 15.

In a report on the findings, researchers said: We found this type of vagus nerve stimulation can significantly reduce the severity of depression in patients.
She asked a friend to father her child, played a fighter pilot in Star Wars and has just moved to LA in her 60s to pursue a career in Hollywood. And now, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel star Celia Imrie tells Event, shes ready to do something really shocking...

Ive come out here to roll up my sleeves and have a go. You find that determination even more vividly as you get older. Its quite an adventure,' said Celia Imrie of moving to Hollywood

'I wish I had done this earlier, says the elegant Celia Imrie, sitting in a hotel in Hollywood before her next audition.

At the age of 63, this quintessentially English comic actress suddenly finds herself fashionable in the movie capital of the world and is determined to make up for lost years.

I had a young son to look after before and perhaps I didnt have the courage to do this, but Im running out of time and, you know, what the heck!

American casting directors love her cool English beauty, cut-glass accent and the wild look in her eye that says anything might happen, as seen in the highly successful The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and its imaginatively named sequel, The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

Imrie appears with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith as the youngest of a gaggle of ageing Brits who set up home in crumbling hotels in India  and she gets to flirt outrageously with Richard Gere.

Lordy Lord, have mercy on my ovaries, says her love-hungry character Madge on first sight of him.

When the handsome new arrival says being in India is a dream, she asks mischievously: Any other dreams I could help you with?

Celia appears with Judi Dench and Maggie Smith as the youngest of a gaggle of ageing Brits who set up home in crumbling hotels in India  and she gets to flirt outrageously with Richard Gere

After the success of those films  and at an age when many others in her profession settle for touring provincial theatres in Agatha Christie plays  Imrie has upped sticks to Los Angeles to risk the cut-throat world of Hollywood casting meetings and auditions.

Ive come out here to roll up my sleeves and have a go. You find that determination even more vividly as you get older, she says.

Its quite an adventure. How long am I going to be here? I dont know yet  until Ive got a marvellous part!

She is in a playful mood this morning, ready to talk freely about the Indian summer she is enjoying as an actress, the new sense of daring in her personal life and her unexpected second career as a novelist.

The comedy thriller Not Quite Nice and its new sequel Nice Work (If You Can Get It) feature another set of Brits abroad, this time in the South of France.

Imrie creates the kinds of characters she would love to play: including strong, interesting women like Theresa, who is just entering her 60th year and doesnt want to turn into a couch potato and Zoe the eccentric ex-Sixties Kings Road dollybird who would be Imries first choice in a film of the books.

Although I hope Im too young!

Imrie is one of Englands finest comedy talents, winner of an Olivier award for her part as the flirtatious Miss Babs in the West End musical version of Acorn Antiques, her long-running soap spoof with Julie Walters.

But she is best known here for one memorable scene in 2003s Calendar Girls.

After Calendar Girls, men and women started coming up to her in the street and making comments about her buns. 'I make them really embarrassed. Im forever flattered,' she said

The sight of Imrie posing topless behind a pair of iced buns  as one of the daring WI members making a naked calendar for charity  prompts Helen Mirrens character to call out: Were going to need considerably bigger buns!

After Calendar Girls, men and women started coming up to her in the street and making comments about her buns.

Two young men on Santa Monica Boulevard did it last Saturday, she says.

They were adorable. They usually clutch their fronts and say, Arent you the one? I go, Hmm, Im surprised you recognise me with my clothes on.

'I make them really embarrassed. Im forever flattered.

Imrie made headlines a few years back when she admitted that she quite liked being wolf-whistled.

I usually do, yes. I should be so lucky for heavens sake. Come on, it doesnt hurt. Its just saying, Thumbs up!

Some women are seriously offended by it though, arent they?

'Bad luck then. Bad luck.

Mirren went to Hollywood and became a Dame after Calendar Girls but Celia Imrie preferred to stay in Britain to raise Angus, the son she gave birth to at the age of 42.

His father is the actor Benjamin Whitrow, a friend 16 years older, who agreed to have a baby with Imrie on her own unique terms: she wouldnt marry him, live with him or ask him for anything at all and she would pay for everything the child needed herself.

I was terribly lucky. I left it to the absolute last moment. Ben is a wonderful father. All is very happy, thank you.

Now Angus is 20 years old and training to be an actor.

I wouldnt have swapped the joy of having my son for the world, but I had to be responsible then. Now hes wonderfully self-sufficient, so I feel free to come here.

She is seizing her chance now because the Marigold films and others such as Quartet (starring Maggie Smith and Billy Connolly) and Charlotte Ramplings Oscar-nominated 45 Years have helped create a new market for older performers.

Celia with Julie Walters, Duncan Preston and Victoria Wood in Acorn Antiques

You would have laughed if youd seen me yesterday sitting in an office with a stream of very well-known actresses, all of much the same age, all going for the same part.

But Imrie is a couple of decades younger than Dame Maggie, Dame Judi and many of those she appears alongside  so is well placed to take advantage of the trend for quite some time.

In my head I am still 26. However, I have to be realistic and it just makes me more determined to make the most of the next 20 years.

She is relieved at not having to try so hard to look young.

They know what I look like, so I can present myself as I am. Theyre not going to get a terrible shock and fall off the chairs and think, Shes got wrinkles! Because they dont have them here, as you know

Thats very Celia Imrie: charming, self-deprecating and witty. Shes a pleasure to talk to, even at seven in the morning, the only time available in a busy day of meetings and auditions.

If the casting directors are slow to get the message they will see her later this year in Bridget Joness Baby, the third movie in the series. She has been in all three.

She will also appear alongside Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley in the screen version of Absolutely Fabulous.

Yet Imrie seems quite like Sally, the actress in her new book who flees the limelight for the anonymity of a sleepy seaside village on the French Riviera, where Imrie has a holiday home.

I did exactly what one of the characters does: I fell in love with the place. I went to an estate agent who gave me three choices, I said: Ill take the first one.

'Ive never done anything so daring in my life, but I dont regret a minute of it. She did this ten years ago, after suffering the scare of two pulmonary embolisms.

I hadnt been very well. A very good friend of mine said, Come on, lets go. And it was my salvation.

'I have an apartment and it overlooks the sea. I dont have any curtains, so I can see the moonlight on the water.

I find it completely inspiring. It is breathtaking.

In her new book, Imries portraits of ex-pats are vivid, but she avoids them in real life. I mostly come across them at the antique market, but the truth is I do love to escape.

Sally, the actress heroine of Nice Work (If You Can Get It), falls for a Russian millionaire who seems too good to be true.

She has been married before and describes it as a form of quasi-employment  while Imrie herself has called it a trap before. Does she still believe that?

In my head I am still 26. However, I have to be realistic and it just makes me more determined to make the most of the next 20 years,' said Celia (pictured with her Laurence Olivier Award for Acorn Antiques in 2006)

That is the childlike image of marriage that has stayed with me, Im afraid, so Ive never had the courage to do it.

Her impression was formed as a child in Guildford, Surrey, where she was one of five children born to Diana and David Imrie, a radiologist.

Her dream was to be a ballet dancer, but she was turned down for being too big.

Crushed by the rejection, she became anorexic and was later admitted to St Thomass hospital, London, where she was subjected to electro-convulsion therapy.

She went on to study at the Guildford School of Acting before taking parts in minor British films and the television series Upstairs, Downstairs, To The Manor Born and Bergerac.

I spent an awful lot of time in my early career pretending I wasnt posh, she says, but as she grew up and came to terms with her accent, it became a trademark.

She must have had a lot of admirers, but did anyone ever ask her to marry them?

Of course. But I honestly think, having got this far, I dont necessarily think I would be very good at it.

Is she seeing anyone?

No, not really, Id say.

Thats another reason she had the freedom to come to Hollywood and try her luck, and Imrie really is open to anything.

I would love to play a murderer, she says  then reveals a startling secret about herself that will put fans of the newly revived Star Wars in a spin.

She was actually asked to consider being the mother of Darth Vader in the first of the three prequels made by George Lucas, The Phantom Menace. The part of Shmi Skywalker went to Swedish actor Pernilla August.

So they asked if I would like to be a fighter pilot instead, which is a very silly question. Angus was about eight years old and it was great for him to say at school that his mum was in Star Wars.

'Im immensely proud to say that Im Bravo Five and I love it when people spot me underneath my helmet and goggles.

The truth is that Imrie would love to embrace the Dark Side now.

I want to surprise people. Go darker. I want to kick that image that people might have of me right out of the window and do something quite shocking.

What does she think our image of her is?

That Im really nice. But Im really not!

Shes joking, I think.

Im glad you can see the twinkle in my eye. People often miss it. Dont make me into a pompous a***, will you?

I couldnt if I tried.
Churchills Secret Sunday, ITV

Rating:

Dogs Might Fly Sunday, Sky1

Rating:

Churchills Secret, which told the story of what happened when, in 1953, Winston suffered a severe stroke, was handsomely mounted and offered a blissful cast  Michael Gambon, Lindsay Duncan, Romola Garai, Matthew Macfadyen  but was otherwise so dull that Id have needed 29 espressos, 17 Red Bulls, four packs of Pro-Plus and someone to randomly slap me around the head every so often to have had any hope of getting though it without dropping off.

As it was, I dropped off so often, and had to rewind so often, that the two hours went by in what felt like a week.

Handsomely mounted, blissfully cast, but where was the drama? Where?

Michael Gambon played Churchill as Gambon. Gambon playing Gambon is still better than most actors playing almost anyone, and his performance as an old man raging against the dying of the light was powerful

The basis of this story is true. Churchill did have a stroke during his second term as Prime Minister, and he did keep it a secret from the country.

Aged 78, he was giving a speech at a Downing Street dinner when gobbledegook started pouring from his mouth and he lost consciousness. But, aside from his inner circle and family, he was determined no one should know. He wanted to carry on.

And, most particularly, he did not wish to hand over to his Foreign Secretary, Anthony Eden, who was in America having a gall bladder operation anyhow. (What did America know about gall bladders that we didnt, at that time? That is what I most wanted to know.)

So his wife Clementine (Duncan) whisked him off to the family home, Chartwell, a glorious house which had beautiful shafts of light pouring through the windows at all times. (The lighting director appeared to have been under only one instruction: shafts of light, pouring though the windows, at all times.)

In attendance was a nurse, Millie, which was not true. Millie is entirely fictional, a dramatic device employed to impose one of those horribly obvious Driving Miss Daisy scenarios in which the person who is being helped is initially reluctant and truculent  Bring me a cigar, Millie!; No, sir  until they both finally come around and there is bonding and the reciting of poetry together, as happened in this instance.

Meanwhile, Gambon played Churchill as Gambon. Gambon playing Gambon is still better than most actors playing almost anyone, and his performance as an old man raging against the dying of the light was powerful, but he never seemed like Churchill.

There was no attempt at a physical resemblance, no attempt to look like raw sausage meat stuffed into a little suit, which is what Churchill always puts me in mind of.

And he did not provide an imitation, which is fair enough.

Helen Mirren did not provide an imitation of the Queen, just as Michael Sheen never provided an imitation of Tony Blair, but each captured a little something, a mannerism, a look, a quirk of speech, just something to bring to mind who is being portrayed. But I saw only Gambon.

As everyone faffed about Chartwell, negotiating the light shafts which, had they hit directly, would have likely set their hair on fire, the drama itself faffed about. It could not decide what it was about. Was it about politics and power? Was it about mortality? Was it about a marriage, and the sacrifices Clemmie had made? Was it about the price of greatness? Was it about the children, who turned up, raged and shouted, and then disappeared? (I was particularly interested in the son, Randolph, played by Macfadyen as a bumptious alcoholic, but having turned up and done his fair share of raging and shouting, he too was instantly gone.)

Not deciding what it was about meant it was about nothing and, just as disastrously, nothing was at stake.

The country appeared to run itself perfectly well without anyone in charge.

Eden, we knew, would take over in a couple of years anyway. So it failed to deliver on anything that felt as if it mattered  and then stole the ending from The Kings Speech.

At least I finally got there, but it did take a week.

Dogs Might Fly was all very sweet and worthwhile, primarily for showing that homeless mutts are smart, trainable, loveable and, if your circumstances allow, I would implore you to rescue one today

Dogs Might Fly attempts to answer the question that has beset man ever since the dog became domesticated: is it possible one could pilot a plane? (Not if I were on it, would be my reply.)

Hosted by a vaguely embarrassed Jamie Theakston, the first episode featured three canine-behaviour experts selecting 12 dogs from rescue shelters who might progress to the intensive, nine-week residential skills course.

The dogs were assessed for sociability, having a head for heights and finding bits of hidden sausage, which has to be essential if you are to fly a plane. (British Airways, for example, insists all its pilots can find bits of hidden sausage, but does not encourage humping the sofa cushion or drinking from the toilet.)

The premise is not as ludicrous as it sounds as the dogs will, Im assuming, learn various behaviours which will then be strung together so that they are effectively flying a plane although, of course, they will have no understanding that they are flying a plane.

But it was all very sweet and worthwhile, primarily for showing that homeless mutts are smart, trainable, loveable and, if your circumstances allow, I would implore you to rescue one today.
Advertisement

It was the bloodiest battle in our history. Yet its taken 100 years to get an insight as vivid as this  from a brilliant new book commemorating the centenary, astonishing photographs taken by soldiers illicit cameras and their mesmerising, humbling descriptions of the horrors they endured  starting here, with the harrowing account of Private Frank Lindley

HQ Company 8th East Lancashire Regiment at Whizz-Bang Corner, Fonquevilliers, 1915, picture taken by Lieutenant Patrick Koekkoek

You could hear the bullets whistling past and our lads were going down, flop, flop, flop in their waves, just as though theyd all gone to sleep, recalled Private Frank Lindley, of the 14th York and Lancaster Regiment.

Second Lieutenant Hirst was near to me, almost touching.

'He had just got wed before we came away, and was a grand chap, but it wasnt long before he got his head knocked off, he recounted in his grimly compelling description of going over the top and into a hail of German bullets on July 1, 1916, the first day of the great Somme offensive.

What he goes on to report is one of the most extraordinary eyewitness narratives about Britains bloodiest battle that you will ever hear  and which, along with other horrific testimony and astonishing illicit pictures taken by the soldiers themselves, are contained in a mesmerising new book that gives a compelling new perspective of the Somme.

The infamous WWI battle began 100 years ago this year, on July 1, 1916, and would rage for four months.

On that first day it claimed 20,000 lives  the most ever in a single day in British military history.

But, as we learn from Private Lindleys account, it is the uncomplaining commentary on random horrors that truly make us understand the scale of the carnage  and the humbling tenacity of the troops.

I was in the first wave. There was no cheering, we just ambled across, you hadnt a thought; you were so addled with the noise.

'Out of the corner of your eye you could see the boys going down but there was no going back. They had what we called whippers- in with revolvers and they could shoot you if anybody came back, so we moved forward as best we could.

Taken at 3.30pm on July 1, the day of the first assault, soldiers of the Royal West Surrey Regiment take cover on the road to their objective, Montauban  which they later reached, albeit with heavy casualties

'As I laid flat out there in no-mans-land, up on top jumped one of our whippersin with revolver ready, and we were all laid out in shell holes, and he said, Come on, come on. He hadnt gone two yards before he went up in the air, riddled

Bullets were like a swarm of bees round you  you could almost feel them plucking at your clothes. Them that made for the gaps in their wire were all piled up where the machine guns just laid them out.

'It was pure murder, so we tried picking the Jerries off because they were on the trench top, some of them, cheering their mates on while our lads on the wire were hanging like rags. Some I recognised. Thats so and so, I thought, but one burst of their big machine guns and they were in bits. Arms and legs were flying all over. I didnt know anybody in the shell holes I got in. We were all mixed up.

'There was no conversation, it was self-preservation, dive in and risk what you got. The final shell hole we got in was the finish, a whizz-bang came over us and split.

'I never heard it coming. Shrapnel went right through my thigh and took my trousers in with it. I looked down and there was blood running freely.

The carnage and devastation were in stark contrast to the comparative tranquility that had greeted British troops 12 months previously when, as a signal of Londons willingness to shoulder more of the responsibility in the war, they marched south from Belgium to take over French positions north of the River Somme. The German and French troops there had cleverly learnt to avoid antagonism.

Private James Racine of the Seaforth Highlanders was in the first division of British troops to relieve the French.

He wrote in his memoir: The French troops gave us a hearty welcome and informed us that the sector was extremely quiet and that only eight light shells a day were fired into the village.

'They were sent over in pairs at the following times, 11am, 2pm, 4pm, and 8pm, and the French artillery replied similarly.

At the times stated, the trench troops had gone into the dugouts while the shells burst, and returned to the estaminets [cafes] at the conclusion of the comic bombardment. We thought this to be an extraordinary way of carrying on war

British soldiers were unimpressed with the quality of the French trenches they were taking over.

They were often filled with mud and water. During the winter they froze. Nor were the filth and the cold the only challenges troops had to deal with. An officer described in a letter the trenches other inhabitants.

An officer of 183 Tunnelling Company, the Royal Engineers looks warily over the edge of the trench. It was his men who dug and detonated a huge mine blown at Kasino Point, near Carnoy

The place is honeycombed by rats  brown rats with whitish bellies, big as young cats, heavy with good living; blundering, happy-golucky, fearless brutes... Trench life was exhilarating to those new to the line, but interminably dull to those who had been there month after month. It was punctuated by moments of intense excitement and fear, but in the main it was characterised by boredom, days passing slowly in an endless and repetitive round of duties  until the offensive began.

The Germans, having observed the movement of troops and weaponry, were well aware of the planned assault. Lieutenant Frederick Bursey, of the Royal Field Artillery, wrote on June 23: The Huns put up a board yesterday in their front line trenches and on it was pinned a paper with the following: We know you are going to attack. Kitchener is done, Asquith is done. You are done. We are done. In fact we are all done. Second Lieutenant John Engall, 20, of the London Regiment, wrote to his parents on June 30.

TIMELINE JUNE 24, 1916 The Allies begin a week-long bombardment of heavily fortified German positions on the River Somme. JULY 1, 1916 The British Army suffers the greatest number of casualties in one day in its history as some 20,000 soldiers are killed and many more wounded in the opening salvo of the Battle of the Somme. SEPT 15, 1916 Tanks are used on a battlefield for the first time as the British renew the offensive and attack German positions along a five-mile front. But there are few of the armoured vehicles, and they make little impact. NOV 13, 1916 British troops capture the towns of Beaumont Hamel and Beaucourt at the northern end of the front. Five days later the battle ends, as the British and French decide to end the offensive. Advertisement

The day has almost dawned when I shall do my little bit in the cause of civilisation. Tomorrow morning I shall take my men  men whom I have got to love, and who, I think, have got to love me  over the top to do our bit. Engall was one of the 20,000 men killed the following day when around 150,000 British troops left their trenches to attack the German lines. Forty thousand men were wounded, many of them stranded in no-mans-land. Pinned down by sniper fire, Sergeant Walter Popple of the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry decided it was better to get the inevitable over with and raised his head to give the enemy rifleman a clear shot.

A sharp crack, and my helmet flew off and my neck stiffened, he later recalled.

I sank to the ground. Utter silence. At first there was a buzzing sensation in my head and then sharp piercing darts of pain. Had I been killed as I first thought? I dared not lift my head and there I remained through the heat of the day, wondering if in fact part of my head had been blown away.

When night fell, Popple crawled into a shell hole filled with bodies. He had been wounded but not seriously. He spent four days in the crater, by which time all the bodies around him had turned black, before he was able to summon the energy to crawl back to his own lines during the night.

The Battle of the Somme dragged on for months, through renewed assaults and phases of varying intensity, before finally ending in mid-November.

The British had suffered around 420,000 casualties, the French 195,000 and the Germans some 650,000. The Allies had gained around five miles.

For so long, the men had seen the battlefield through a trench periscope or a risky look over the top. They were finally able to see the ground, and they were profoundly shocked.

Second Lieutenant Geoffrey Fildes, of the Coldstream Guards, wrote: From the open door of our goods van, we were able to realise more than ever before the magnitude and fury of the struggle of the previous autumn.

'In every direction stretched a desert of brown shell-ploughed slopes and hollows, and scattered upon the face of this landscape, clumps of splintered poles, gaunt and blackened by fire, marked the sites of former woods...

Such a region as this, exceeding the limit of our vision in every direction, presented a scene surpassing human imagination. It haunted one like a nightmare.

Life  human, animal, and vegetable  had been engulfed; not a leaf, hardly a blade of grass, no sound of bird, greeted us; all was done and finished with. Here indeed was the end of the world...

PREPARING FOR BATTLE

Men of the 8th East Lancashire Regiment in waterlogged trenches near Foncquevillers, winter 1915

120th Battery Royal Field Artillery gunners digging an emplacement for an 18-pounder field gun

Troops swim in the River Ancre, near Aveluy

Seaforth Highlanders enjoy a rare moment of relaxation in the sunshine in early September

Men of the 8th East Lancashire Regiment in waterlogged trenches near Foncquevillers, winter 1915





INTO NO-MAN'S LAND

The soldiers were relatively safe inside the trenches, but all that changed when they were ordered to go over the top...

Major Beauchamp McGrath of the East Lancashire Regiment in a flooded communication trench at Fonquevilliers in the winter of 1915. McGrath was killed on June 2, aged 44

Three officers of the Yorkshire Regiment relax behind the lines. All were killed in the battle

Men prepare a mortar minutes before the infantry attack on Thiepval. Picture taken by Lieutenant Patrick Koekkoek

Urgency is etched on the faces of men running through a trench at Beaumont Hamel. Below: troops had to endure squalid conditions  note the rifle used as a tent pole

Troops had to endure squalid conditions  note the rifle used as a tent pole

One of the walking wounded from the fighting at Mametz Wood walks through the Pommier Redoubt

ENEMY: 'THE HUN'

German soldiers relax in their trenches

German defences at the edge of the Thiepval Spur, a position that overlooked the British

German prisoners are marched to captivity by Australian soldiers

British officers of 183 Tunnelling Company sport highly prized German pickelhaube helmets, captured from the enemy

Fear and loathing... dispatches from the front line

Soldiers tell their terrifying Somme stories

Bodies were riddled with bullets

Private Sydney Fuller, 8th Suffolk Regiment, was involved in the September assault on the German bastion of Thiepval. He described reaching the enemy lines, which had been heavily bombarded.

Two of the enemy were lying dead on the top of the dugout entrances, wearing their steel helmets and equipment, and with their rifles under them, just as they had died, riddled with bullets. Another was lying, buried almost to the neck by a shell which had dropped near, but still alive. I shall never forget the expression on this mans face  ghastly white, his eyes staring with terror, unable to move, while our chaps threw bombs past him down the dugout stairs. The explosions of the bombs in the dugouts could be felt rather than heard  we could feel the shock of the explosion, but the sound was deadened by the depth of the dugout. One little German popped out, wearing his steel helmet, holding both hands above his head, and crying Mercy, mercy! He was shot at once, and dropped like an empty sack.

I didnt expect to survive the day

Having been shot twice, Private Henry Russell, of The London Regiment, managed to make it into a shell hole where he found a wounded comrade.

He told me that he had been shot through the middle of the back and that the bullet had emerged through his left ear. We were lying together, he wondering whether we would finish up in the same hospital. I could not help feeling that he was being rather optimistic. I did not expect that we could survive the day... We had not long to wait before a shell burst on the edge of our hole; it killed my colleague and injured me in such a way that I was virtually emasculated. As the barrage continued, Russell reckoned that the situation was hopeless and elected to kill himself. I managed to get hold of the bottle of rum which I had put in my haversack, and drank the lot hoping that it would result in my death. In fact, it did me no harm at all. It probably made me slightly merry and bright and rather stupefied. It also probably caused me to drop off to sleep. I came to the conclusion, when I had recovered my senses, that, in spite of my condition (my left arm being torn and the bone shattered, my left thigh damaged, my right leg wounded and strips of flesh hanging down from my abdomen) it was still worthwhile making a serious effort to save myself.

Sir, we are your prisoners

Second Lieutenant Arthur Young, 7th Royal Irish Fusiliers, was impressed by the elan of one the enemy officers.

When Captain ODonnells company rushed a trench round the corner of the wood, a German officer surrendered in great style. He stood to attention, gave a clinking salute, and said in perfect English, Sir, myself, this other officer, and ten men are your prisoners. Captain ODonnell said: Right you are, old chap!

Both of his hands were blown off

Major Rowland Fielding, 1st Coldstream Guards, was billeted in a village behind the front line, but even there, safety was not guaranteed.

This morning at ten oclock, I went to Mass. As I was leaving the church I met Cecil Trafford, who asked me to his mess (Headquarters, 1st Scots Guards). The latter is a house with a small yard in front of it. As we were crossing this there was a sudden loud explosion, and bits flew through the air about us. We looked round and saw [Second Lieutenant] Leach, the bombing officer of the battalion (who had just come from visiting my own mess), on the ground, four or five yards away. He lay on his back, in a pool of blood, his arms outstretched and both his hands blown off. I later learnt some particulars about poor Leachs accident. He was detonating [arming] a bomb in the orderly room, which is a shed opening onto the yard, when the safety pin slipped. Seeing that it was going to explode, and some of his men being in the shed, after ordering them to lie down, he picked up the bomb and dashed outside to get rid of it. He then had less than four seconds in which to decide what to do. I can only suppose that seeing Cecil and myself in the middle of the yard he came to the conclusion that his one chance of throwing it safely away was gone. So he turned his back to us, faced the wall, and hugging the bomb in his hands, allowed the bomb to explode between his body and the wall. It is impossible to speak much of such courage and self-sacrifice. He is since dead. He was only 22.

The poor beasts dragged to hell

It was not only the soldiers who suffered on the Somme, as Private David Polley, 189th Machine Gun Company, Machine Gun Corps, reported.

To me, one of the beastliest things of the whole war was the way animals had to suffer. It mattered not to them if the Kaiser ruled the whole world; and yet the poor beasts were dragged into hell to haul rations and gear over shell-swept roads and field paths full of holes to satisfy the needs of their lords and masters. Bah! Many a gallant horse or mule who had his entrails torn out by a lump of shell was finer in every way than some of the human creatures he was serving. I believe I might normally be described as a peaceful, easy going sort of chap, but the sight of a team of horses, hitched to a limber, on a road in the forward areas, screaming with fright at a shell burst in the ditch beside them, turned my mind in such a direction, and instilled a desire to wipe out those responsible for the poor brutes presence.

Blood and entrails... its obscene

Capt Theodore Wilson, 10th Sherwood Foresters, was angered by the glorification of war.

Whatever war journalists may say, or poets either, blood and entrails and spilled brains are obscene. I read a critique of [English writer] Le Gallienne out here, in which he takes Rupert Brooke to task for talking of war as cleanness. Le Gallienne is right. War is about the most unclean thing on Earth. There are clean virtues about it  comradeship and a whittling away of nonessentials, and sheer stark triumphs of spirit over shrinking nerves, but its the calculated death, the deliberate tearing of fine young bodies  if youve once seen a bright-eyed fellow suddenly turned to a goggling idiot, with his own brains trickling down into his eyes from under his cap  as Ive done  youre either a peacemaker or a degenerate.





How I uncovered the Somme secrets

For me, as a writer and film-maker specialising in World War I, the Somme is a special place.

It was the first Great War battlefield that I visited, back in 1985, and I have returned at least once every year since and intend to be there for the 100th anniversary this year.

To mark the centenary of the battle, I have assembled a collection of extraordinary photographs, taken on their own illegally held cameras, by the men who fought there.

There were just two official photographers on the Western Front and the Army threatened disciplinary action against anyone else found with a camera.

The top brass had banned their use just before Christmas 1914, when it was discovered that soldiers were selling their photos to the press.

Fortunately, cameras were still kept by a small number of officers and even fewer other ranks. In the main, private photographs were not taken in moments of critical danger  the men had more pressing issues to take care of.

The pictures shown here, the vast majority never published before, have come from a variety of sources: from online auctioneers to regimental museums; direct from the families of the men who fought; and from repositories such as the Imperial War Museums.

The words are from soldiers diaries, letters and memoirs.

A century on, they give a different perspective of the war.

Richard Van Emden

The Somme: The Epic Battle In The Soldiers Own Words And Photographs by Richard Van Emden is published by Pen & Sword Military, priced 25. Offer price 18.75 (25 per cent discount) until March 20.

Order at mailbookshop.co.uk, p&p is free on orders over 12.




The Maids

Trafalgar Studios, London Until May 21 1hr 45mins

Rating:

A bewigged, blonde Southern belle in a silk slip and pantomime-dame make-up is calling her uniformed maid a slut and more unprintably vile things, telling her she stinks like a cat box.

She makes the maid, Solange, bend over and stands on her back in her stilettos.

The stage, through which others in the audience can be seen seated opposite, resembles a giant four-poster bed, ankle-deep in pink and white rose petals, shorthand for the last word in extravagance.

Enter designer-dressed Madame, Downtons Laura Carmichael, in a performance as flat as a clothes horse. An artless airhead, she drivels stupidly

Meek and mute, the maid (Uzo Aduba) takes her mistresss clothes and jewellery from drawers beneath trap doors in the wooden floor and lays them out for her. Until she kicks her.

No need to overdo it. Im sick of being your s**t, says Solange.

And you wonder what on earth is going on. Then an alarm goes off. The mistress (Zawe Ashton) exchanges her Alexander McQueen gown for her maids uniform and the two proceed to sweep up the petals.

Evidently, while their mistress is away the maids routinely play a game, taking it in turns to be the abuser and the abused.

The next time they do it, they push role-playing, wish-fulfilment fantasy further and plan to lace Madames tea with poison.

A bewigged, blonde Southern belle in a silk slip and pantomime-dame make-up is calling her uniformed maid a slut and more unprintably vile things, telling her she stinks like a cat box

Sometimes the overwrought maids, who are also sisters, get carried away, or perhaps confused and frustrated, for a comforting cuddle turns into a snog.

Enter designer-dressed Madame, Downtons Laura Carmichael, in a performance as flat as a clothes horse.

An artless airhead, she drivels stupidly, Youre so lucky. All alone in the world, nothing to lose, and offers her used bath water to wash in, gives them her clothes, then takes them back like the spoilt, fickle princess she is.

The maids regress into their submissive selves, torn between loving and loathing their mistress.

Benedict Andrews and Andrew (Mr Cate Blanchett) Uptons overheated American version of French playwright Jean Genets overrated lament for the oppressed has considerably upped the expletive count in an attempt to recreate the shock that greeted the piece in 1947.

Sometimes the overwrought maids, who are also sisters, get carried away, or perhaps confused and frustrated, for a comforting cuddle turns into a snog

Neither this nor anything else in Jamie Lloyds tensionless production can allay the pulverising dullness of the servant-mistress relationship, endlessly played out in various ways on a single, shouty note.

If Genets play has a subtext, Lloyd fails to expose it.

Aduba manages to make her character vaguely plausible; a raw, tearful Ashton less so.

Perhaps the play has simply lost its potency. It has certainly lost any erotic charge.

This revival is merely an endurance test, not worth taking.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon

Touring until June 4, then Stratford, June 15 to July 16 2hrs 40mins

Rating:

What a brilliant idea this is. To mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeares death, the RSC is touring Britain with A Midsummer Nights Dream, but at each venue it is joined by amateur actors.

In Stratford the local non-entities were excellent, including Chris Clarke as a bully-boy Bottom, and Andrew Binghams Snug posing as a very cowardly lion, with Sue Downing as Peter Quince.

In Stratford the local non-entities were excellent, including Chris Clarke, above, as a bully-boy Bottom, and Andrew Binghams Snug posing as a very cowardly lion, with Sue Downing as Peter Quince

The best of the RSC contingent is Lucy Ellinson as a very angular Puck and Ayesha Dharker as a voluptuous, stunning Titania, plus Chu Omambala, a deeply sinister Oberon. But the crucial quartet of mortal lovers is merely OK.

As a love letter to our amateur theatre, though, this is inspired.

Robert Gore-Langton

rsc.org.uk





The Patriotic Traitor

Park Theatre, London Until March 19 2hrs 30mins

Rating:

Written and directed by Yes, Minister co-author Jonathan Lynn, this tells the story of Philippe Petain  saviour of France in World War I  and the young Charles de Gaulle.

They loved each other like father and son but found themselves bitter enemies when France fell in 1940.

Laurence Fox proves what a cracking actor he is as de Gaulle, who here is cold, humourless and arrogant, his deep love of France matched by an equal disdain for his garlicky compatriots.

Laurence Fox proves what a cracking actor he is as de Gaulle, who here is cold, humourless and arrogant, his deep love of France matched by an equal disdain for his garlicky compatriots

Tom Conti is warm and twinkly as Petain  a charming portrait, if a bit hard to square with the man who so efficiently shipped French Jews east during the occupation.

Niall Ashdown lends support as the rat-like politician Laval, Tom Mannion is an effete Lord Halifax, and Ruth Gibson is de Gaulles long-suffering wife Yvonne.

The production creaks occasionally and the play seems uncertain as to whether its a historical drama or comic satire. And yet it works.

An engrossing account of two titans wrestling for the soul of France.

Robert Gore-Langton
Democracy evolves through the guiding presence of an independent and progressive judiciary.

A judiciary undertakes interpretation of the law, clarifying statutes and their meaning to the case at hand (Munroe Eagles, Christopher Holoman, Larry Johnston, 2004).

When meanings clash, courts uphold the framework of basic law and the constitution that prevails in the land. The Supreme Court has helped shape a progressive India.

When meanings clash, courts uphold the framework of basic law and the constitution that prevails in the land. The Supreme Court has helped shape a progressive India.

The Constitution of India does not specifically guarantee the freedom of the press as fundamental right (RK Ramazani, Robert Fatton, 2004). However, the Supreme Court has held this right as implicit in the freedom of speech.

Similarly, the right to travel abroad and the right to privacy have been held to have been spelt out from the expression of 'personal liberty' in Article 21 of the Constitution.

More recently, it struck down the 'draconian provisions' of Section 66a of the Information Technology Act (widely misused to arrest individuals writing critical comments online) as unconstitutional (Shreya Singhal vs Union of India, 2015) while ruling that the provisions were 'open ended and unconstitutionally vague'.

'With such progressive judgments, this bulwark of democracy remains a champion of human rights.' said Feroze Varun Gandhi

The court continues to help push India away from its feudalistic heritage, particularly with regards to women and children. The landmark Sheela Barse vs State of Maharashtra (1983) dealt with the issue of custodial violence against women in prisons, leading to separate police lock-ups for women convicts.

The court directed all states to identify children being forced into labour, particularly in Sivakasi's firework factories, and came out with schemes for their rehabilitation (MC Mehta vs State of Tamil Nadu, 1996).

In the ABC vs State of NCT (2015) judgment (Justice Vikramajit Sen), the SC held that an unwed mother could apply to become the sole guardian of a child, gaining a birth certificate, without giving any notice to the father of the child or disclosing his identity.

With violence against women rising, the SC has issued a strongly worded judgement that in the case of rape or attempted rape, the concept of compromise or settlement simply does not arise (State of MP vs Madanlal, 2015). It has acted as bulwark against institutional corruption and price-gouging.

In Feb 2012, in two landmark judgements, the SC strengthened the CVC mandate by ruling that any citizen had the right to seek prosecution of any official accused of corruption within a given time-frame. Justices GS Singhvi and Asok Kumar Ganguly stated that 'copies of reports of the investigation conducted by the CBI and other agencies (in the 2G case) shall be made available to the CVC in sealed envelopes'.

The Coal Scam judgement (ML Sharma vs Principal Secretary, 2013) led to the de-allocation of 214 coal blocks, with their allocation declared 'illegal and arbitrary'. Another set of PILs, filed separately by Subramanian Swamy and Centre for Public Interest Litigation (Prashant Bushan), challenged the 2008 allocation of 2G spectrum licences.

The court scrapped 122 2G licences, imposing fines and criticised policy decisions taken to use a 'first come first served' methodology to allocate natural resources.

With such progressive judgments, this bulwark of democracy remains a champion of human rights and a symbol of hope for a liberal and tolerant India Feroze Varun Gandhi

In 2013, the SC rejected a patent plea by Novartis AG for cancer drug Glivec, providing massive relief to over 2.8 million cancer patients in India and bolstering the argument for cheaper life-saving drugs.

Equally significant, the court has recognised the right to a negative vote for the electorate, with voters now gaining a 'none of the above' option if they don't feel that any of the candidates deserve a vote.

The court has held that the right to reject a candidate is a fundamental expression of free speech and expression. The apex court continues to push for a fair and sustainable society. It asked the Centre to create a 'third gender' status for transgenders while granting them OBC status, instead of forcing them to write male or female against their gender (National Legal Service Authority Vs Union of India, 2014).

Such rulings help shape social mores  IRDA has recently approved LIC's proposal to include the third gender option in its proposal forms. It has sought to constitutionalise environmental issues, by enforcing directive principals of Article 21, establishing the right to a healthy environment as a citizen's fundamental right.

It has vociferously defended these rights, issuing notices and directives to various central and state governments while establishing the 'polluter pays' principle and the public trust doctrine (Kamal Nath vs MC Mehta).

An order from the Supreme Court helped preserve the Delhi Ridge by declaring it a 'Reserved Forest', while similar efforts led to a ban on tourism in core areas of tiger reserves. The apex court continues to champion the use of new tools for the heaving masses to access a fair process and seek justice.

In 1979, the SC, drawn by the efforts of advocate Kapila Hingorani, dealt with newspaper reports that highlighted the plight of Bihar's undertrial prisoners  many of them had served longer pretrial detention sentence than the period they could have been imprisoned for (Suzanne Sherry, 2013).

Such cases led to the evolution of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a 'strategic arm of the legal aid movement' (Justice PN Bhagwati, 1982), enabling the disadvantaged and marginalised to gain access to the SC.

This antidote for the 'excess of democracy', the apex court retains the power to strike down actions of central and state legislatures that violate the Constitution.

The SC has historically prevented legislative majority rule from sliding into majority tyranny (Suzanne Sherry, 2013). With such progressive judgments, this bulwark of democracy remains a champion of human rights and a symbol of hope for a liberal and tolerant India.
Politics sometimes showers its gifts unevenly. This week saw an array of major speeches, each of which was a landmark in its own way.

First there was Smriti Iranis comeback speech defending her role in the Vemula-JNU crisis.

Second was Rahul Gandhis speech lambasting the regime over the Budget. As Rahul claimed that he thought it was P Chidambaram and not Arun Jaitley speaking.

Kanhaiya Kumar addressed students at the JNU after being released on a bail

One sensed an opposition leader enjoying himself.

Third was Modis speech in response to Rahul but probably the most celebrated of these was by JNU student leader Kanhaiya, after his release from the detention.

Moments

I must confess both media and I loved the moments he provided.

Yet one sensed a hyper excitement as a journalist phoned up to inquire whether it could be ranked among the great post-independence speeches.

Here one would advise restraint because protest is often a storm in a tea cup and JNU does not realise that a man in Chennai or Pune may not show the same excitement about its preoccupations.

There is no doubt that Kanhaiya is a brilliant speaker. He is a politician, who enjoys debate and the language of politics.

His speech has the right rhythms, a sense self-depreciatory laughter and also the rhetoric to ignite emotions.

He was at one with the crowd around him and his TV presence was immaculate. One could sense the ease and relief in the air as the sense of a university under siege had lessened Kanhaiyas compatriots are still to be released and one hopes the regime does not delay it.

Kanhaiya belongs to a new generation of JNU politicians. He is not an ideologue like Prakash Karat.

Also he is less dour, deft at humour.

In his speech, there was a quote in which he claimed that he had been accused of being anti-national, and that he wanted freedom in India, not from India.

He reiterated his faith in the nation and the Constitution and this set the right note.

It was pleasantly aggressive but never screechily quarrelsome. It was an opening effort at conscious building.

Added to that was a self-depreciatory note, a touch of fun when he claimed that in a university of researchers, he offered himself as primary data.

He explained that he would speak on the basis of his own experience. He also added that he believed in the slogan Satyameva Jayate.

He quickly moved to jab Modi again claiming that the cyber cell would be tracking him and was bound to check the condoms.

It was clear that Kanhaiya understood the security paranoia around him. It was the court and court alone that saved him.

Stereotypes

In an inviting way he dismantled stereotypes around JNU, insisting it was a part of India not a special cocoon of a spoilt protest.

He claimed that he was a Dalit, a peasants son and added that one must break the binary of JNU versus kisan, or JNU versus Army, because he came from the same social strand as the other two.

When the regime sent the forces to the frontier and our boundaries, it was families like his that bemoaned the loss of young men.

Kanhaiya added almost like a continuous refrain that JNU would sustain the battle against oppression, whether it was the struggle against UGC or against the governments move to suppress JNU.

He spoke fondly about the cops who guarded him during his custody showing he had no animosity with them and that they were genuinely curious about his ideas.

Speech

There was also an impishness and an impetuosity in his speech that was endearing and he made Modi appear like an unhappy dart board by the time he finished.

He claimed that Modi was referring to Stalin and Krischev and asked why he did not refer to Hitler or Mussoli, characters closer home to RSS history.

Quickly and deftly the speech unravels the suspicion about JNU and turns it into another place for an ordinary Indian.

In contrast he asks wickedly why is it that the poster of the ABVP, the BJP, the ex-army mens association have the same words and pictures.

It is clear, he claims that all of them are administered from Nagpur.

Kanhaiyas speech was welcome in many ways, but as a social scientist one must add a cautionary note to it.

One should look more critically at JNUs record as a political entity giving its record in the Emergency.

Secondly student movements have a habit of fading out. One has to remember the Nav Nirman or the movements after 1977.

Thirdly one must be wary of media who over-read the event, equating it to a victory equivalent to the battle against the Emergency.

The battle has just begun and to think that Kanhaiya has supreme control on the student body would be premature.

One is adding this cautionary note because while the battle against sedition is welcome, but the war is a long way from being won.

One does not want the possibility of politics to be destroyed by the hyperbole of publicity or a misplaced confidence in the strength of civil society.
Your credit report is key to accessing the cheapest loans, mortgages and credit cards. But it is out of view, seldom thought of and rarely referred to  until it is too late.

Laura Shannon asks what you need to know about this key document and how you can make it work in your favour.

Back on track: Amy Loines ran up debts when she was unable to work

IT IS IMPORTANT

On the surface, a credit report is a boring but detailed document, sold by experts who stand to make a profit when people read it, sign up to fraud alerts and take other commercial offers pushed their way.

But the experts also know that a credit report can be the difference between a person paying a low interest rate on borrowing and being rejected for a deal.

James Jones, of credit reference agency Experian which provides reports, says: 'Credit files and credit decisions are widely misunderstood, but we work hard to bust common myths and things are now improving.'

Most people either do not know what a credit file is or have not checked theirs for a long time. There are around 16million people over the age of 55 in the UK, but only 150,000 of them  less than one per cent  are active subscribers to Experian's CreditExpert service, giving them unlimited access to their credit reports for a fee.

The agency also provides one-off reports to several hundred thousand people every year, but with a population of more than 50million adults the proportion of regular checkers in Britain is low.

Usually people check their report when something financial has gone wrong  at which point it is too late to repair serious damage.

This was evident in the case of Cliff Savage, highlighted by The Mail on Sunday in January. A dispute with Vodafone saw the mobile phone company register a default on Cliff's credit report. It meant he was turned down for a mortgage.

Mortgage lenders will usually offer a higher loan rate, ask for a bigger deposit or reject a loan application if a credit report is flawed.

Even minor slip-ups such as the late payment of an energy bill can leave a black mark. Checking a report well in advance of any application for credit means catching unforeseen problems early and having time to remedy them.

LOAN HELPED ME REBUILD AFTER BREAK-UP Lecturer Amy Loines is no stranger to her credit file after her personal life and finances fell apart a few years ago. She separated from a boyfriend, moved out of the home they owned and later fell ill. She could not work, lost her income and could not repay her debts. Amy, 30, who now lives with a new boyfriend in Kent, says: 'It was scary and out of my control.' She managed to get back to work and started paying off her debts slowly. But her credit report was still poor. Amy says: 'I was turned down for a bank loan that would have consolidated my debts, shrunk the cost and helped me rebuild my credit rating.' She turned to credit reference agency Experian and used its CreditMatcher service  linking people with deals they are likely to be accepted for. It paired her with Amigo Loans, which has higher rates than mainstream lenders but does not reject customers according to what is on their credit report. It will only lend if a friend or relative is prepared to act as 'guarantor'  which Amy's new partner was. She got the loan last summer and has been paying it off steadily ever since  improving her credit rating in the process.

THE FIRMS CAPTURING YOUR FINANCIAL DATA

Credit reference agencies Experian, Equifax and Callcredit hold and update the records.

But they only amend them according to information passed over by lenders and household bill providers.

Customers can update their own records, but may find the process less than straightforward.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

Earlier this year we told the story of Joe Jones, whose credit record was impaired by information from HSBC, which was chasing him for the debt of a stranger who shares his name. Joe was not even a customer of the bank.

It was clearly an error, but one that took the best part of a year to rectify. Tashema Jackson, money expert at comparison website uSwitch, says: 'Mistakes on credit reports can easily happen  such as the wrong address, bank or even incorrect credit products.'

To fix errors on your report, contact the company concerned to raise a dispute. Or write to the credit reference agency. It will contact the relevant lender and respond within 28 days. Explain why the information is incorrect and include supporting evidence.

If the lender agrees it has made a mistake, it can take up to eight weeks for any amendment to become visible on the report.

A 'notice of correction' can also be added to a file. This allows a customer to write a message of up to 200 words that gives wider context for negative entries on a report  such as illness or redundancy.

Lenders are not guaranteed to take note or assess an application differently because of this notice, but it could help if a decision over whether or not to lend is borderline, and made by a human being rather than a computer algorithm.

Error: Joe Jones' credit record was impaired by information from HSBC, which was chasing him for the debt of a stranger who shares his name

BUILD A BETTER REPORT

Householders should ensure they are on the electoral roll under their correct address, as this is a typical reason for rejection from a financial deal. Sign up online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Financial links to people who are no longer a connection  such as a former spouse or partner  should be removed. Ensure previous joint credit accounts are closed and then write to a credit reference agency to ask for a 'notice of disassociation'.

Most important is using credit  including credit cards, bank accounts and loans  wisely.

James Jones, of Experian, adds: 'Pay on time each month and stick to agreed limits. Many organisations register regular information about their customers, including gas and electricity bills.

'Having no information is likely to be seen as a negative, while missed or late payments may harm the chance of getting credit in the future.'

KNOW THE VALUE OF SCORES

Reports may also come with a 'credit score'. This is an indication of how profitable or reliable customers are in the eyes of lenders.

It means little because every company judges borrowers against different criteria. But a straw poll conducted by Amigo Loans indicates that nine in ten people do not know their credit score, suggesting few bother to check their reports either.

CHECK A REPORT (CHEAPLY)

Where to find your own report For a postal copy of a report, write to a credit reference agency asking for their application form, or download one from their respective websites and post to the corresponding address below. Experian: Customer Support Centre, Experian Ltd, PO Box 8000, Nottingham NG80 7WF. experian.co.uk Equifax: Equifax Ltd, Customer Service Centre, PO Box 10036, Leicester LE3 4FS. equifax.co.uk Callcredit: Consumer Services, Callcredit Limited, PO Box 491, Leeds LS3 1WZ. callcreditstatreport.co.uk

There are two ways to check your report.

First is to apply for a copy of a 2 statutory report online or by post, which will show all relevant details but will not include a score.

Second is to access a report online, which can be done free of charge and typically comes with a score.

Experian and Equifax offer free month-long trials with unlimited access to reports, after which time a fee of up to 15 a month applies unless the account is cancelled.

Callcredit offers a free service through Noddle, or a 15-a-month hand-holding service called Credit Compass. ClearScore  partnered with Equifax  gives free access online and via its free smartphone app.

Alternatively, website checkmyfile has a two-in-one approach, with a month-long free trial for checking reports held by both Equifax and Callcredit. If the trial is not cancelled it costs 9 a month.

Comparison website uSwitch is running a campaign called 'It's My Report'. It calls for a change in the law that would provide consumers with free annual credit reports.

It also wants to force lenders to give a reason when a customer is rejected for credit because of information on their file, along with a free copy of the report referred to, and to standardise credit scoring between agencies.
It has carved a profitable niche on the High Street with its budget chain Primark, but Associated British Foods could be set for a spell of bad luck.

Analysts at Barclays have downgraded the stock over concerns about Primarks push into America, and disappointing forecasts for the groups sugar business.

ABF is one of the few conglomerates left standing and owns brands as diverse as Ovaltine, Ryvita and Kingsmill bread. But Primark and British Sugar have always been its key businesses.

Threat: Analysts at Barclays have downgraded Primark stock over concerns about its push into America, and disappointing forecasts for the groups sugar business

Florence Dohan at Barclays downgraded the firm to equal weight saying success in the US market is not a given for Primark.

In September it opened its first America shop at the former home of department store chain Filenes in Boston, and earmarked a further seven new stores for cities across the country as well as a ninth store in New Jersey.

Dohan warns the business faces three threats in the US.

Firstly Primark is not known in America and has chosen not to advertise its openings outside social media and a PR campaign focused on the fashion industry.

This is consistent with Primarks approach not to resort to more expensive advertising campaigns but to rely on word of mouth, she says.

However, this has resulted in more muted openings than the typical widely expected European stores openings.

Secondly Americans like sales and Primark prefers to sell its products at permanently low prices all year round.

She said: This might result in Primark changing its business model.

Thirdly Americans buy fewer items per square foot than in Europe, something called sales density, with prices typically lower.

There is structurally lower sales density in the US market, she said. As such average selling price per unit of apparel on the US market was $16.3 in 2014 vs. $29.7 in Western Europe.

When rival H&M launched in the US it made a bigger splash. In the first half of 2000, within 10 months of its US opening, sales per store in the America were four times higher than those in Sweden beating expectations. It ramped up its expansion plan rolling out 21 stores within 22 months.

In terms of the sugar business EU quotas will be removed in October which should mean lower costs and improving selling prices.

While this should mean the business will be more stable it will never bounce back to previous levels. Dohan says: We do not expect sugar to become the substantial profit centre it used to be.

ABFs sugar business accounted for 32 per cent of group operating profit in 2013. Since then, the divisions contribution to group operating profit has fallen to 10 per cent last year, driven by lower world and EU sugar prices.

She forecasts it will contribute 11 per cent of group operating profit in 2017.

Despite the gloom the shares nudged up 51p to 3341p.

The top risers on the Footsie leader board were the miners boosted by improved metals prices. They, along with strong American jobs data, helped the index close 1.1pc or 68.97 points higher at 6199.43 points.

Antofagasta rose 39.5p to 550.5p, Anglo American was up 59p to 592p, while Glencore climbed 17p at 160p.

Nik Stanojevic, an analyst at Brewin Dolphin, said: Many [mining] investors have been underweight for some time and given the huge under performance in 2015, are now bringing positions closer to being in line, perhaps helped by the weak US dollar in early February.

In terms of the jobs data UK investors took comfort that there was no shocks in the US jobs figures. The US Labour Department said employers added a 242,000 workers in February boosted by the retailers, restaurants and health care providers.

Elsewhere shares in Monitise rose 0.68p or 31 per cent to 2.85p after the mobile payments firm said it was in talks to sell a division called Markco Media.

This contains its MyVoucherCodes.co.uk and Last Second Tickets businesses. Other gainers were budget airline EasyJet, which rose 4.5 per cent or 67p to 1552p on the back of passenger numbers which rose 9.8 per cent in February.

Cineworld was the biggest faller, down 33.80p or 6.35pc to 498.20p, after analysts at UBS reiterated its shares as a sell closely followed by Schroders, down 4.2 per cent, after Citi downgraded it to neutral from buy over concerns about challenging markets.

Travis Perkins was also down, 3.57 per cent or 66p to 1783p, after Deutsche cut their price targets for the stock. Other big fallers were ywo housebuilders Berkeley Group down 70p at 3010p and Barratt Developments down 9.5p at 554.5p.

Shares in Actual Experience, the AIM listed data firm, rose nearly 6 per cent or 15p to 277.5p on the back of announcing a five-year agreement with Vodafone.

Actual Experience will crunch data to ensure the mobile phone giants apps and services used on handsets are working to their optimum.
Shares in Metro Bank rose sharply on the first day of conditional trading on the London market after institutional investors snapped up stock in the High Street lender.

In early morning trading, Metro Bank shares were changing hands at 2,170p each, well above the 2,000p offer price set on Friday.

That IPO price was down from an originally planned level of 2,400p, which reduced the amount it intended to raise to 400million from 500million.

By market close Metro Bank's shares had climbed to 2,150p each.

Up for grabs: Metro Bank floated on Monday having been valued at 1.6bn by its IPO at 2,000p a share

Metro Bank cut the size of its planned offering for institutional investors back in February as fears about the health of banks at the beginning of the year sparked a mass sell-off in the sector.

The bank's initial market capitalisation of around 1.6billion, makes it the largest London IPO this year, eclipsing the flotation of Clydesdale and Yorkshire retail banks (CYBG) by NAB last month.

The valuation means the 8.5 per cent stake owned by Metro Bank's flamboyant American chairman and founder Vernon Hill is worth 136million.

Other investors in the lender include blue chip fund managers Fidelity and BlackRock.

Despite boasting of being the fastest growing bank in the UK, Metro Bank has yet to turn a profit since becoming the first High Street lender in the country to receive a banking license in 2010.

But over a relatively short period it has acquired around 500,000 customers  who it insists on calling fans  and 40 branches, or stores.

Conditional trading in the banks shares began today, with the shares then available for the public to buy when it makes its full market debut on Thursday.

David Buik, from stockbroker Panmure Gordon, said he was impressed with Metros fundraising efforts but said the 20 price tag might put off ordinary investors.
'No regrets': Darren Topp took over the top job at the retailer last year

BHS chief executive Darren Topp had to face his staff on Friday morning last week and tell them hundreds would lose their jobs and dozens of stores are likely to close.

Just one year after a group of investors bought the stores group from fashion billionaire Sir Philip Green for 1, BHS is coming apart at the seams.

'The truth is we have a chunk of stores that lose BHS millions and millions of pounds  so much money that they drag the whole group down,' Topp told The Mail on Sunday this weekend.

Many may wonder whether Green  who insists he left the business with cash, assets and free of debt  managed to get out of owning BHS just in time, leaving a company unfit for the new retail environment.

Topp however will not be drawn. 'The truth here is this is not about Philip. We own it now and it's our issue to resolve,' says the 48-year-old, who has been at BHS for seven years and so was part of the team that ran the business under Green's ownership.

'Fifteen years ago, 20 years ago, nothing was being bought on the internet. There weren't even that many out-of-town shopping centres or retail parks. The high street was the only place to be,' says Topp.

And that focus on bricks and mortar  so widespread in retail  is what Topp is now trying to escape from.

Ever mounting pressure from rivals such as Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark has lured away its customers, but Topp says that would all have been manageable if not for the store leases which hang like a millstone around the business.

And he argues plenty of retailers are in the same boat as the impact of the internet has taken even the biggest by surprise.

'I've worked for a lot of retailers. There won't be a retailer in the country that hasn't got a group of stores that drag the rest of the business down. It's a combination of relatively high rents, high business rates, service charges  all these have made some of our high street uneconomical.'

'Nobody is under any illusions. Staff have been anticipating this. But this is about securing the long- term success of the business for as many of the 8,500 people that will continue to work here,' Topp says.

Challenge: Topp is trying to compete with the internet and overturn expensive leases on BHS stores

The restructuring plan  under a court action called a Company Voluntary Arrangement  is being organised by accountancy giant KPMG with a plan to redraft the lease payments on half the stores. It is a controversial way to operate because it allows retail firms to walk away from property contracts unless landlords agree to lessen their bills.

More than a dozen leases have been redrafted in some way during the past year, but there are dozens more that Topp wants to overturn.

He says: 'It's always been part of our turnaround plan to deal with excessive rents and underperforming stores. We've just been unable to do that at the speed we wanted to. Unfortunately, this is the most effective way we can deal with this challenge.'

His frank analysis reflects wider market speculation that the group would have to be restructured in some way after it was sold less than a year ago.

We will make it to the century milestone in 2028  but we want the business fitter

Life away from the Green stable has been a struggle amid concerns BHS lost its relevance years ago and may have pension liabilities to face up to.

Confidence in the firm's future was not helped early on when credit insurers refused to support BHS suppliers and stock invoices needed to be paid up front. It also emerged that Dominic Chappell, one of the firm's new backers, is a former bankrupt. To his credit, Topp managed to weather many of the issues and shrug off the criticisms  and even the leak which meant most of his staff heard the news on Thursday night before he had a chance to tell them.

It was then that BHS was racing against other retailers to sign the leases which are now so burdensome. Many of the leases are 25-year contracts with 'upward only' clauses. The onerous leases weighed heavily on many of the high street's major casualties from Woolworths to Comet.

'We signed leases back then in good faith but the world has changed,' he says. In one case, at Clydebank in Scotland, the firm is held to a lease which lasts more than 100 years from its inception to 2103  almost unheard of these days in a sector where typical leases are five or ten years. BHS property adviser Savills estimates the lease is also paying about 65 per cent above the market rate. Another large store pays 830,000 a year in rent while Savills says that should be nearer 500,000 compared with others nearby.

Topp says 47 of those merely need to be brought down to a market rate. That measure has dropped sharply in many towns where fewer shoppers visit, instead heading for larger centres or the internet. Another 40 need a substantial reduction or will be jettisoned. The remaining 77 will not be affected.

'Every supplier of goods or services, none of those are affected. This is to solve a particular problem. We just can't be paying 65 per cent over the market rent,' he says.

Mounting pressure from rivals such as Marks & Spencer, Next and Primark has lured away BHS customers

The process requires the support of 75 per cent of creditors at a meeting on March 23. Some may be less sympathetic after it emerged this weekend that its new investors took an 8.4million loan out of the business to pay 'professional fees' shortly after the acquisition.

Topp insists: 'We want to minimise the number of closures. If we can reach a sensible agreement with the landlord then we'll continue to trade in them.' The business also intends to make more than 350 people redundant in stores and at the head office.

Topp, the former chief operating officer promoted to chief executive last year when it emerged that former boss Richard Price had departed just days after the business was sold, says BHS's issues are part of a wider problem.

Topp, who was born in Manchester and now lives in Lincolnshire, says he is determined to defy any doomsayers. 'This is a business that started in 1928. We are all determined to make sure that it is even more confident, vibrant and successful in 2028. We will make it to that century milestone  but we want the business in an even fitter and more successful position by that date.'

He also says he has no regrets taking on the top job last year.

'I believe in the business and I believe in the million customers a week we've got. Yes, we've had to make some difficult decisions but we're not scared of that.'
Easter is a time for new beginnings  to roll up your sleeves and embark on do-it-yourself projects that add value to your home.

We offer practical guidance on how to make the most of your DIY skills.

For those not so keen on getting their hands dirty, we also look at how to hire a reputable tradesperson while avoiding the cowboys.

Hands on: Steve and Tracy Swinnerton, with daughter Cara, are preparing for their new kitchen

ANYONE CAN DO DIY

A lack of ability is no excuse when it comes to DIY. If you can hold a brush or screwdriver then you have the skills to do some basic home renovation tasks.

Giving your home a fresh lick of paint is a great place to start  refreshing the property and redecorating rooms to your taste.

With spring in the air you can also weather-proof windows and doors to avoid paying for expensive replacements further down the line.

Estate agents believe that despite such a spruce-up costing less than 1,000, it can add as much as ten per cent to the value of the home because of the 'extra kerb appeal' it will bring.

Alison Winfield-Chislett, founder of DIY workshop The Goodlife Centre in Bankside, Central London, says: 'Anyone can do DIY if they put their mind to it. Saying you are not able to do basic handyman tasks is just a state of mind.

'People managed DIY perfectly well in the past but now we get frustrated too easily and look for excuses for not being practical. But it can prove so rewarding.'

Winfield-Chislett believes preparation is key. For those looking to do a spot of redecorating, putting down heavy-duty dust sheets, covering areas with masking tape and moving soft furnishings away from the area of work are all vital first steps.

By giving yourself plenty of time to prepare and getting all the necessary tools and equipment before starting a job, you stand a better chance of completing the work satisfactorily.

If you see it as a chore, you could share any work with family and friends  ideally, ones who may be able to show you what experience has taught them.

Home improvement store B&Q offers free online advice on how to tackle tasks by yourself without professional training. Subjects covered include everything from putting up wallpaper to changing light fittings.

There are also useful books such as the Collins Complete DIY Manual (25) that can help beginners.

Thinking out of the tool box: Bernard and Tamryn Kerr have done many courses

INVEST IN TRAINING

Once you discover that DIY is not a chore, you can look to develop new skills.

Tiling a bathroom or kitchen might seem daunting but with careful practice  and the right tools  there is no reason why you cannot do it yourself.

Woodwork is another area where practice and training can soon be turned into a hobby where fixtures and fittings around the home can be repaired or replaced without having to call out a handyman.

You can also reward yourself with a wide range of tools that help develop your skills. Basic electric, plumbing and plastering work can be learnt with a little professional guidance and training.

Courses held after work or over the weekend at local adult education centres are a great way to learn new DIY skills with like-minded people.

Websites such as Hotcourses and Floodlight provide details of classes in your local area. A ten-week course in carpentry might cost 100, but it will arm you with a lifetime of invaluable skills.

Tamryn Kerr, 32, and husband Bernard, 36, from Woolwich in South East London, have taken courses in decorating, DIY using drills, basic plumbing and electrics at The Goodlife Centre.

Tamryn, an advertising art director, says: 'We bought a three-bedroom Victorian house a year ago as a virtual wreck.

'Despite our best intentions renovation has proved a slow and difficult process. We had no idea how to tackle jobs and did not even own a hammer.

'But at the start of this year we decided it was high time to get trained up so we could work on the house room-by-room.

'The courses have given us the confidence to roll up our sleeves and crack on with restoring the house to its former glory.'

She says the courses  costing 175 a day  have already paid for themselves in savings made from not employing professionals to do basic tasks. She also believes the work they have done is of the highest quality.

'It's our home and we take great pride in everything we do to transform it to a place of beauty,' she says.

DIY disasters: Among the most common is paint getting spilt on carpets

TRUSTING A PROFESSIONAL

Despite the rewards from tackling jobs around the home it is important to know your limits  and when it is best to call in the experts.

Four out of ten people admit to carrying out DIY disasters that have landed them with bills of as much as 3,000 to put right.

Among the most common is paint getting spilt on carpets  something easy to avoid with careful preparation. Other costly botch jobs include burst water pipes as a result of amateur plumbing and people accidentally putting their foot through a ceiling.

Personal recommendation is a great place to start when looking for a tradesperson but it is vital to follow up with references and alternative quotes.

The cheapest quote is not necessarily the best and can end up being the most expensive if it fails to disclose extra costs  such as charging for travel, additional materials and VAT.

The not-for-profit Government-backed TrustMark scheme has more than 14,500 members signed up to a strict code of conduct. Members include decorators, electricians, tilers and plumbers.

They must have a proven level of technical skill.

If you are not happy about the quality of work that a member provides, the scheme will step in to arbitrate.

There are other organisations that help homeowners find trustworthy tradespeople. They include TrustA-Trader, Which? Trusted trader, Checkatrade and Rated People.

An electrician should be a member of an approved trade organisation, such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting and the National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers.

For gas installations find a tradesperson who has a Gas Safe register certificate.

Workers not signed up to any of these associations could invalidate home insurance if something goes wrong  such as a house fire.

For builders, consider using a member of the 9,000-strong Federation of Master Builders.

If you are unfortunate enough to fall foul of a cowboy builder then contact Trading Standards officials who are employed by your local council. They can look into the company and have the power to issue fines.

Those that have already parted with money for a job that is then botched can chase a refund through the County Court Money Claims Centre.

There is a fee for claiming  but you should get it returned if your claim is successful. For example, it will cost 60 to make an online claim for 1,000.

Protect your money: If the final bill comes to more than 100 ask if you can pay by credit card

PROTECT MONEY FROM COWBOYS

It is important not to pay upfront for a job, though it may be necessary to hand over a deposit as security.

If the final bill comes to more than 100 ask if you can pay by credit card. This means you can make a claim against your credit card company under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act if the work proves unsatisfactory  and the trader has been unable to help you out.

There are also third-party companies that will look after any money earmarked to pay for home improvement work. The money only gets released once any work has been successfully completed.

Steve Swinnerton, 50, and wife Tracy, 45, from Liverpool, are using the Home Improvements Guarantee third-party service to lock away 14,000 for a major kitchen refurbishment to be completed this Easter by a local builder.

The service will cost the couple nothing. Their money has been put into a bank account with HSBC.

Payment to the builder is only authorised once the work has been completed to the Swinnertons' satisfaction.

If there is a dispute over the work, the Home Improvements Guarantee service steps in as a mediator to try to resolve the problem.

This might involve a surveyor being sent round to inspect the work  and if they deem it is not up to standard then the builder will be ordered to complete the work properly before authorisation is given to release the money and pay them.

Steve, a retired policeman, says: 'It is real head-wrecking stuff finding a tradesman you can trust.

'But having someone independent look after your money until the job is completed seemed like a good idea. It gives me peace of mind if anything were to go wrong.'

The couple, who have four children living at home  Cara, 21, Rebecca, 20, Matthew, 18, and 16-year-old Daniel  are cutting down on some of the costs of having their new kitchen installed.

They are busy doing basic DIY preparation work including removing old plaster and digging up flooring.

Steve adds: 'I know my DIY limitations. Once I drilled into a wall and hit an electric cable that was not supposed to be there according to the wiring diagram.

'I ended up in hospital after being electrocuted. It taught me to be wary of tackling jobs I am not trained to do.'

The Home Improvements Guarantee service is for projects that cost more than 2,000  including extensions, loft conversions and kitchen and bathroom refurbishments.

The firm only uses tradespeople signed up to its service. Customer money is protected in an insurance-backed contract and if the tradesperson goes bust then a new contractor is found to complete the job.
Corporation tax may be scrapped entirely for some small businesses under plans unveiled by Angela Knight, the newly appointed chairwoman of the Office of Tax Simplification.

In a report into small company taxation, Knight suggests that instead of a company paying corporation tax, its shareholders could pay income tax on the profits of the business. This would apply to so-called micro-businesses with up to ten employees.

Knight suggests this could make tax payment simpler for businesses which distribute all of their profits to shareholders.

Report: Angela Knight, the newly appointed chairwoman of the Office of Tax Simplification

There are 4.1million businesses in the UK with fewer than ten employees, 1.3million of which operate through a company structure.

It makes it simpler for business owners in this position because they pay one amount of tax. The tax system is not built for a one-man band type of operation.

It is built for large, multi-million pound businesses and this could be one of the ways in which we can make it easier for the little guy, said Knight, a former Tory MP who once ran an engineering business.

Her report notes, however, that while many of those businesses canvassed for the survey were in favour of the proposal, just as many were not.

Knights report suggests other measures aimed at helping smaller firms. She wants companies to be able to provide information to just one Government department rather than duplicating it to several.

The report also calls for Revenue & Customs to offer extra support at weekends and evenings when most small firms attend to their tax affairs.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer was called upon to safeguard pensions for years today after he shelved controversial plans to reduce tax relief on savings in his forthcoming Budget.

By retreating on plans for a move to an Isa-style system, George Osborne has given in to criticism from his own party and anger from savers.

However, experts warned that Mr Osborne is unlikely to give up on clawing back some of the 21billion the Treasury sacrifices each year in pension tax relief - and called on him to give a guarantee to British savers that he will not resurrect the plans until at least 2020.

The Isa plan, with tax relief coming at the point of withdrawal rather than contribution, threatened to undermine retirement saving, particularly among middle-class workers.

Tax-free savings: Pension savers could see their contributions taxed but no charge on withdrawals

Mr Osborne was also thought to be looking at an alternative option of setting a flat rate of tax relief - something which many Tories feared would have been unpopular with higher earners who would lose their more generous entitlement.

But after warnings that the raid could cause a 'Northern Rock-style run on the pensions system', a senior Treasury source last night confirmed that 'there wont be any changes to tax relief at all in the Budget on March 16.

The source said Mr Osborne had ditched the proposal because he had 'always been clear he would not do anything to damage saving'.

'Hes listened to what people have said and concluded that now isnt the right time, with uncertainty in the global economy and reforms such as auto-enrolment still bedding in, to turn things on their head.'

Former pensions minister Steve Webb welcomed the Chancellor's decision but called on him to guarantee there would be no changes on tax relief until at least 2020. The Liberal Democrat, now director of policy for Royal London, said he backed a fair flat rate but now was not the time for further upheaval.

He told the BBC: 'There is a case for reform, for giving everybody the same generous rate of relief.

'One of the worries was that the Chancellor wouldn't just take the existing pot and just reallocate it but he would take billions out - there really are tens of billions of pounds at stake in tax relief.

'Given that we are actually not saving enough, we need more help to save for our pensions, one of the big fears was that this would all be about the hole in the budget not about promoting long-term saving.'

Tinkerman: The Chancellor has interfered with private pensions more than once in recent Budgets.

He added: 'My plea to the Chancellor would be, on Budget day, tell us you are leaving it alone at least for a parliament so people can actually plan for the long term.'

Richard Parkin, Head of Pensions at Fidelity International, said that 'for now, at least, politics has triumphed over economics'.

'The current system of incentives is not well understood, poorly targeted and fiscally unsustainable in the long term if we are to lift pension savings to the level they need to be in order to deliver prosperous retirements for UK citizens,' he added.

'We would still urge consumers to make the most of the current system while it is still in place - this is a postponement and not a cancellation of change.'

According to another analyst, the consultation process has backfired on the Chancellor by prompting savers into hiking their pension contributions.

Pensions provider AJ Bell reckons 'savers have poured billions of pounds into pensions in fear of pension tax relief being curtailed or abolished in the forthcoming Budget', and that that has cost the Treasury 1.5billion.

Pensions Minister Baroness Altmann told the Financial Times: 'The freedom and choice reforms have put us in a place where people's pensions can work well for them.'

Chief executive Andy Bell, added, 'Far from saving money, the uncertainty created by the consultation and scare stories from former ministers has led to a surge in pension contributions and there will be a heavy cost to this for the Treasury.

'The pension saving public would be better served by an independent Pension Commission with a mandate to manage UK pension policy and provide certainty and confidence to savers.'

Tom McPhail, head of retirement policy at Hargreaves Lansdown, warned yesterday that, 'An Isa-style reform with tax relief being scrapped in favour of tax-free withdrawals would create the risk of a future Northern Rock-style run on the pension system and the UK stock market.'

In response to the Chancellor's climbdown, he said: 'There were two front-runners for fundamental reform: a pension Isa or a flat rate scheme. The Chancellor is believed to favour the Pension Isa but the idea met with widespread resistance from employers, investors and the pensions industry.

'By contrast, the flat rate scheme would be more workable but perhaps wouldn't have met the Chancellor's ambition for truly radical reform. With uncertainties over auto-enrolment and the EU referendum, it appears the Chancellor has decided to put his plans on hold.

'Investors should look on this as no more than a stay of execution though; with the amount of money involved, it would be optimistic to expect that the Chancellor will just leave pension tax relief untouched for the rest of this parliament.'

Changes: Savers and the pensions market are still absorbing the effects of auto-enrolment - as promoted by Workie last year.

A consultation into pensions tax relief was launched last summer, and the Chancellor was said to be favouring an Isa-style system that would remove the up-front tax relief on contributions, but allow withdrawals to be made tax-free instead.

The pension system has already undergone a huge series of shake-ups in recent years, with the introduction of automatic enrolment into workplace pensions in 2012 and the pension freedoms launched in 2015 which allow people aged 55 and over to take their savings pots how they wish, rather than being required to buy an annuity retirement income.

Pensions Minister Baroness Altmann told the Financial Times: 'The freedom and choice reforms have put us in a place where people's pensions can work well for them.'

In comments seen as a warning to Mr Osborne not to change the current regime Baroness Altmann, a former consumer campaigner, continued: 'However, tax (applied to pension income under the current system) is a natural brake on them spending their pension fund too soon.'

How could a pension Isa work?

At the moment, all savings towards pensions is tax free. It comes out of your pre-tax earnings, regardless of how much income tax you pay.

However you do pay tax on your pension when you withdraw it from your pot to spend it.

However tax relief costs 34billion a year, so the Treasury has been looking at ways to slash the bill.

The pension Isa would turn the current system on its head. Any money that you saved towards your pension would be taxed in the same way as the rest of your income.

However when you withdrew your savings you would not pay any tax, making it similar to Isas.

The trouble with a pension Isa is that it may be hard to persuade someone to save taxed income into a pension with the promise of tax-free withdrawals in 30 or 40 years - it's a long time to wait.

It would also rely on savers trusting that a future Chancellor - potentially one in several decade's time - could be trusted to honour Osborne's pledge to allow them to withdraw their pension savings tax-free.

Another hidden cost of a pension Isa would be the death of the 25 per cent tax-free lump sum. This is a hugely popular windfall people use to pay off debts or reward a lifetime of graft with a holiday or home extension.

It means you never pay any tax on a quarter of the money going into your fund. With a pension Isa, youd already have paid tax when you saved  so the Government would collect an extra 4 billion a year.

Steve Webb, the former pensions minister whos now a director at Royal London, says: This is the real tax bombshell that seems to have gone almost completely unnoticed. It is easy to see why the Chancellor might like to get rid of it.

There are also rumours that the Chancellor would keep 20 per cent tax relief within a pension Isa system. So higher-rate taxpayers would see relief cut from 40 to 20 per cent, but everyone would have tax-free withdrawals.

Tom McPhail said: 'The offer of a 20 per cent top up, with tax-free withdrawals looks superficially attractive. However, any change to pension taxation will involve cuts to the tax relief available.

'This is likely to be particularly bad news for anyone who becomes a higher-rate taxpayer towards the end of their working careers when they are most able to catch up on their pension funding. It would mean cutting the annual allowance very substantially, probably down to around 10,000. It would therefore become extremely difficult for mid- to high-earners to build a decent retirement pot over their working lives.

'For a higher earner, it would mean exchanging 40 per cent relief on 40,000 for 20 per cent relief on 10,000; a loss of 14,000, in exchange for a paper promise from a politician - which would depend on a future government for its honouring.'

Who would a pension Isa affect?

Trying to impose this system on all savers could be an administrative nightmare - and unfair on current savings to suddenly have tax relief snatched away.

Instead, the Chancellor could introduce the new-style Isa system for new pension savers, creating a two-tier system.

So from a set date the Chancellor could say new pensions will work similar to an Isa, with contributions taxed and no charge on withdrawals, while existing savers will continue as they did previously.

This could create an issue if someone with an existing pension were to move jobs under the new system as it would mean having two types of pension, making it harder to consolidate pots.

McPhail suggested the Chancellor could introduce a one-off tax charge if people wanted to merge pots, therefore boosting his coffers. He added that the further administration needed on two tiers of pensions would mean more costs for providers, which could be passed onto savers.

He said he thought the Chancellor would lean towards reforming tax relief rather than a pension Isa.

What are the other options?

The Government presently rebates all the tax on people's pension contributions, up to certain levels, whether you pay income tax at the 20 per cent, 40 per cent or 45 per cent rate. Your pension is only taxed when you start making withdrawals in old age.

Another proposal for the reforms is a new system of flat-rate tax relief for all earners of anything between 25 per cent and 33 per cent. This would mean that regardless of the rate of income tax you pay, you would receive tax relief at one rate.

The 33 per cent rate was actually floated by former pensions minister Steve Webb, when he was part of the Coalition Government.

At this level, everyone would get a 50p tax rebate for every 1 they saved towards old age - dropping 1.50 in total into their pension pot.

This means higher-rate taxpayers effectively lose out, but there are no changes in the way the money is taken out at retirement. Basic-rate taxpayers would actually see their relief boosted with a flat rate if it were 33 per cent.

A report from the International Longevity Centre and Age UK favours reforms to relief over a pensions Isa, which it warned would create a disincentive to long-term saving.

David Sinclair, director at the International Longevity Centre - UK, said: 'The Chancellor must ensure that future generations have access to the best incentives to support saving.

'We need long-term savings policy, not one where the goal posts move from Budget to Budget. But developing a long-term savings strategy to avoid future pensioner poverty will go far beyond tax incentives. The government needs to work with employers and savers to create this savings strategy. We must plan now for the long term.'

Caroline Abrahams, of Age UK, said: 'We fervently hope that all the talk about moving towards an Isa-style pensions system with contributions made after tax remains just that  talk: we are wholly unconvinced that such a scheme would benefit this or future generations and extremely worried that it could, in fact, put off lots of people from saving for a pension at all.
Tomorrow Small Business Minister Anna Soubry, Vote Leave's John Mills and groups including the Federation of Small Businesses and Enterprise Nation will face questions about the EU referendum from undecided small business voters in a live Question-Time-style event at The Shard.

It comes as bosses of more than 200 small businesses have called for Britain to leave the EU in an open letter organised by the Leave.EU campaign, which is backed by Nigel Farage, and the director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce has been suspended after saying he wants to leave the EU despite the organisation being neutral.

Signatories to the Leave.EU letter urged voters not to listen to 'a minority of managers' and said Brexit would give them 'flexibility and adaptability'.

The debate tomorrow has been organised by software provider Sage, and its president Brendan Flattery has said he wants small businesses to have their say.

EU referendum talks: Leader of Vote Leave John Mills, left, and Small Business Minister Anna Soubry

According to research by the FSB last month, 42 per cent of small businesses have not decided how they will vote on June 23.

Last week Small Business reported a poll by Enterprise Nation found more than 60 per cent wanting to remain. The group, set up by Emma Jones, is now conducting further research.

William Chase, founder of Chase Distillery and Tyrells Crisps, said 'for our exports it would be lovely to be out' of the EU and 'remove some of the shackles.

'Some countries like India make it almost impossible to get in and we could be like that, we could look after our exports a lot more.'

But he added: 'But if I had to go with one side it would have to be to stay in because it's steady for the moment and it works.'

BCC's director of policy and external affairs Adam Marshall, who chaired the panels at the organisation's conference on Thursday, asked Jon Moynihan of the Vote Leave campaign if he was selling the British public 'the equivalent of a unicorn  something they want but can't have.'

Moynihan replied: 'The EU has free trade agreements with countries that have $7trillion worth of GDP (4.9trillion).

Chile has free trade agreements with countries that have $58trillion of GDP, Korea  $41trillion, Switzerland  $40trillion, Singapore - $39trillion. The EU is unable to make deals with the large countries, whereas these smaller countries have been able to.

'Do you think we're not going to be able to do what Switzerland, Korea, Chile or Singapore does?'

Lord Rose, head of the campaign to keep Britain in the EU, Britain Stronger in Europe, and former executive chairman of M&S, said when asked if he was operating Project Fear: 'We need to get out into the ether 'Project Reality',' but he admitted: 'It's very difficult to get clear numbers.'
MP slams officials for 'closing rank' and family says the loss of inquest recordings is 'suspicious and very convenient'

A family battling for justice for a great-grandmother who doctors left howling in agony for hours before she died have branded the loss of key evidence in her death 'suspicious and very convenient'.

Sarah Ann Gray, 81, died at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) in June 2013, weeks after a radiologist 'catastrophically' perforated her bowel during a routine operation.

She was left screaming for pain relief after the surgery, but despite the desperate pleas of her loved ones, nursing staff took hours to medicate her - with one nearby doctor playing on a computer instead of trying to help.

After a coroner ruled the hospital was not at fault, the family demanded officials send them recordings of their beloved relative's inquest so they could mount a challenge for a new hearing.

But they were sent CDs of other dead people's inquest hearings five times - and now the authorities insist the right recording was lost in a flood, leading an MP to accuse officials of 'closing rank'.

Sarah Ann Gray, 81, died at Manchester Royal Infirmary in June 2013, weeks after a radiologist 'catastrophically' perforated her bowel during a routine operation. Her family are still campaigning for justice

Despite listing a catalogue of errors in care during Mrs Gray's time at the MRI, a coroner ruled at an inquest in 2014 that the hospital was not to blame for her death.

The Gray family have been fighting the MRI and the Coroners Office for justice since - but have faced roadblocks at every turn.

The radiologist who botched Mrs Grays operation that preceded her death was not called to the inquest, and the great-grandmothers care after the surgery was not considered in a 41-page hospital report treated as the main piece of evidence put before Coroner Nigel Meadows.

The only hearing consultants who dealt with Mrs Gray were called to was the inquests first, in February 2014. This session was postponed after the MRI brought the report to the inquest but had not felt it necessary to share it with the family - or even tell them it existed - in advance.

After the full hearing two months later - and the verdict that the MRI was not at fault for Mrs Grays death - the family began their appeals for the recording of the first inquest.

They held out hope that the consultants brief testimony might be enough to help force the coroner to consider holding a new inquest, however, the Coroners Office repeatedly failed to provide them with the correct CD.

Five times Mrs Grays daughter, Susan Carter, played CDs sent by the coroner only to discover they contained distressing details of other peoples deaths.

After an intervention by MP Andrew Gwynne, coroner's officials eventually revealed the recording was destroyed in a flood - a claim the Gray family consider suspicious.

Mrs Gray's family were sent recordings of other people's inquests on five occasions - and now officials insist the right one was damaged in a flood

'Not only were we and our mum let down by the MRI, we were also deeply let down by the coroner,' Mrs Carter told MailOnline.

'He was very dismissive of us and did not listen to our concerns or recollections.

'As for the CD being lost, that to us is suspicious and very convenient for them to say it was damaged by a flood. Can this really be possible?'

Manchester Coroners Office said they sent the recordings on a hard drive to a contractor while they moved offices.

It is there that officials claim the recordings were damaged by a flood.

Mr Gwynne, Labour MP for Denton and Reddish, said the coroner's farce was completely outrageous, adding that it was really quite shocking that they could have got it wrong so many times.

'I feel that my constituents have been very badly let down,' Mr Gwynne told MailOnline

'The loss of this recording has denied them the opportunity to challenge information that medical professionals put forward at the inquest that the family now believe is being contradicted by statements being made as part of the hospital complaints process.

'It just seems that every different public body is closing rank and not accepting the very real injustice done and there is no form of redress I can get for the family other than to set the matter on public record.

'Mrs Grays family have been tenacious in trying to get answers about their mum and I know that they are still pursuing issues with the hospital. I will continue to support them in that process in any way that I can.'

The family also believe they are due a second inquest into Mrs Grays death because they consider the evidence presented at the original hearings insufficient.

The report the MRI drew up into failures in Mrs Gray's care only went up to the date of the botched operation, and did not cover the procedure itself or her final weeks alive.

Despite listing a catalogue of errors in care during Mrs Gray's time at the MRI (pictured), a coroner ruled at an inquest in 2014 that the hospital was not to blame for her death.

Following the procedure on her bowel, Mrs Gray was so delirious from pain that she begged her children to send an ambulance to the ward.

Her son, Gary Gray, asked a nurse on reception to send someone to prescribe pain relief but was told the doctor who was playing on a computer, was not on this morning, the inquest in 2014 heard.

Mr Gray told the court: She was screaming in pain, but we couldnt get a doctor for two hours. There was a doctor playing on a computer in the corridor. The receptionist said he wasnt on this morning. He [the doctor] was sat right outside the room.

After hours, Mrs Gray was given morphine - even though she was not supposed to be given the opiate, according to Mrs Carter.

Despite a 'catastrophic' perforation of her bowel, the 'devoted' great-grandmother was not admitted to intensive care. She died weeks later, on June 28, 2013.

Mrs Gray could be alive today if it was not for a series of errors in care, Mrs Carter told the inquest in April 2014.

Coroner Meadows gave a narrative verdict, saying the great-grandmother died from multi-organ failure following complications from the bowel surgery - but also highlighted a string of blunders by the MRI.

MP Andrew Gwynne slammed officials for 'closing rank' and denying the family closure

I can see there has been a number of failures in nursing care, he said.

It cant be said they were physically a cause of her death. The pathologist is saying the perforation of her bowel led to multi-organ failure. The principal driver here is the perforation. Thats not to say these failures in the background were not present but its hard to say they ultimately led to her death.

During the inquest, the hospital promised to meet with the family afterwards to discuss how medical care would be improved for future patients.

That meeting was set for May 2014 but the family say the hospital did not respond to letters from the Grays and remarkably the meeting did not take place until December 2015 - more than 18 months later.

Frustrated by delays, the family had by then complained to the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman (PHSO) with the help of Mr Gwynne.

Finally, two-and-a-half years after Mrs Grays death, the family met with the hospital and came face-to-face with the radiologist who perforated her bowel in what was her final operation.

The family say new information about their mothers death emerged during this meeting - which could provide grounds for a new inquest.

The MRI have finally agreed to complete the report into Mrs Grays death, with a new dossier expected to investigate what happened during and after the botched procedure that led to her dying - which up until recently they had repeatedly refused to do.

The family were promised this before Christmas and are waiting for an update from the hospital.

'We as a family feel severely let down by the MRI, but ultimately they let my mum down with a lack of communication, wrong decision-making and a lack of care. In our opinion they contributed to our mum's death,' Mrs Carter told MailOnline.

'From day one they got things wrong. We were misinformed by the consultants and doctors about the operation. We were told it was routine but later found out it was rarely done. If we had known that we would not have agreed to it.

'We will fight for justice for as long as it takes.

'Mum was the most caring person ever. She was devoted to her family, kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As long as we were OK, she was OK.'

The family also believe they are due a second inquest into Mrs Grays death because they consider the evidence presented at the original hearings, which took place at Manchester Town Hall (pictured) insufficient

A spokeswoman for the MRI said: Our deepest sympathies are with Mrs Gray's family. We have maintained contact with Mrs Gray's family and have apologised for the distress they have experienced.

The Trust is undertaking a formal investigation into the care and treatment that was provided to Mrs Gray during the final weeks of her admission and we will invite Mrs Gray's family to meet and discuss the findings once this has been concluded.

The Trust invited Mrs Gray's family to meet following the inquest and has respected the family's wishes to defer a meeting until they felt ready to do so.

The original review of Mrs Gray's care was in response to concerns raised by her family during her hospital admission and as such covered the period from admission up to the time the concerns were raised.

Mrs Carter contacted us in January 2015 with further concerns but declined our offer of a meeting to discuss these. A written investigation was provided in response to the points raised. Further issues were raised in August 2015. Following discussion with the PHSO, we met with Mrs Carter in December 2015.

A further investigation is currently underway. We will invite Mrs Gray's family to meet with us to discuss the findings once this has been concluded.

Despite this development, the family have given up hope of getting hold of the correct recording of the inquest hearing, which has allegedly been lost.

Jonathan Kershner, registration and coroner services manager in Manchester, said: Despite best endeavours we were unable to supply a copy of the first hearing.

This was due both to a problem with the back-up made of the original recording and also flood damage to the hard drive of the audio recording system whilst it was away with our contractor for maintenance.

This resulted in the audio for the hearing being lost and irretrievable. We explained this to the family and have apologised to them for this.

Manchester Coroner's Office said it did not know specifically where the recording was being held by the contractor, so MailOnline has been unable to verify the claims of a flood.

VP Bastion, the contractor in possession of the recording when it was irreversibly damaged, did not respond to requests for comment from MailOnline.




Hotels in Havana are sending their American customers away to make room for the President's entourage later this month.

Visitors from the US will be transferred to Varadero, tantalizingly close to a place US law effectively forbids them from visiting: the beach.

Obama will make his historic trip to the Communist-ruled Caribbean island on March 21 and 22 with hundreds of people in tow, crowning 15 months of warming relations after more than half a century of Cold War animosity.

Major Havana hotels are being cleared, according to the head of a US travel company who asked not to be identified for concern it would damage future business relations.

Scroll down for video

Americans visiting Cuba later this month are being moved out of big hotels in Havana and transferred to Varadero (pictured), a touristic hotspot with white-sand beaches and stunning hotels

'Just got notice that the Capri, Panorama, Nacional, half of Parque Central and potentially other hotels have been told to send all guests to Varadero from March 19 to 23,' he wrote in an e-mail.

Cuba is already experiencing a tourism boom and March is traditionally its busiest month. The Obama visit has put additional strain on hotels that have already been booked to capacity for much of the high season.

Varadero, an hour-drive east of Havana, is Cuba's most sought-after tourism destination, with sandy white beaches, shimmering waters and dozens of luxurious hotels.

But the beach is off limits to Americans as US restrictions expressly forbid tourism in Cuba. Americans are limited to 12 pre-authorized categories of travel, such as educational and cultural exchanges.

This means most US visitors are concentrated in Havana, where there are lots of cultural sites and activities, a rocky seafront and scarce hotel rooms.

Varadero (pictured) is one of Cuba's most sought-after destinations but US citizens cannot legally travel to the island solely for tourism. Their trip has to fit one of 12 pre-approved categories

President Barack Obama, pictured shaking hands with Cuban President Raul Castro at the United Nations in September last year, will crown 15 months of warming relations between the two countries with his visit

'The Cuban government is clearing out Havana hotels and sending visiting U.S. groups to Varadero Beach for a long weekend,' said Collin Laverty, president of Cuban Educational Travel, which organizes authorized US travel groups.

'Tourism will be hard to avoid for a few days as U.S. visitors are surrounded by white sand, turquoise water and all you can eat and drink bars and buffets,' he added. 'But we will try.'

Cuban travel agencies were not immediately available for comment.

Following the US-Cuban detente announced by Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro in December 2014, American visits to Cuba soared 77 percent in 2015 to 161,000 visitors. Cuba is expecting a similar increase this year.

Obama, a Democrat, has loosened travel restrictions to the once-forbidden land as well as some other trade barriers.

But only Congress, currently controlled by Republicans, can lift the US embargo and its ban on tourism, in place since the early 1960s.
Harvard Law School should remove its official shield because of its ties to an 18th-century slaveholder, a committee said Friday.

'We believe that if the Law School is to have an official symbol, it must more closely represent the values of the Law School, which the current shield does not,' the committee wrote in its recommendation to the Harvard Corporation, one of the university's governing boards.

The current shield, officially adopted in 1937, represents three bundles of wheat under the university's motto, 'Veritas'. It derives from the family crest of Isaac Royall Jr, a plantation owner and slave trader from Antigua.

The symbol came under fire last fall, when a group of students launched a campaign called Royall Must Fall to have it changed.

The current Harvard Law shield (pictured), officially adopted in 1937, represents three bundles of wheat under the university's motto, 'Veritas'. It comes from the family crest of Isaac Royall Jr, a plantation owner and slave trader from Antigua who donated his estate to create the first law professorship at Harvard University

Royall donated his estate to create the first law professorship at Harvard University. His father, Isaac Royall Sr, made much of the family wealth on the backs of slaves on Caribbean sugar plantations and Massachusetts farms.

Three students, Alexander Clayborne, Antuan Johnson and Sean Cuddihy, wrote inThe Harvard Crimson, the university's student newspaper: 'Changing the seal does not take us further away from history. It shows that we truly understand that history and grasp the deep, immoral significance of racism, slavery, torture, and mass murder.

'The murder, torture, and exploitation of the slave trade should not be sanitized because it created racial inequality in the present.

'The continuing oppression of black lives in the United States is a direct result of the brutal history of the slave trade, and something that we have continuously failed to address.'

At the time, staff writer Aaron J. Miller argued the opposite in The Harvard Crimson, saying in a story titled Royall Must Live that changing the shield would amount to forgetting Harvard's 'dark past'.

Harvard Law School dean Martha Minow (pictured) backed the recommendation to change the shield

Dean Martha Minow created the committee, made up of professors, alumni, students and staff, in response to the Royall Must Fall movement.

'We definitely consider this a victory that represents our tireless advocacy,' said Clayborne, a third-year Harvard Law student and member of Royall Must Fall, adding that the group is also dedicated to fighting other racial injustices at the school.

Minow has backed the committee's 10-2 recommendation.

'I endorse the recommendation to retire the shield because its association with slavery does not represent the values and aspirations of the Harvard Law School and because it has become a source of division rather than commonality in our community,' she wrote to students and alumni.

The shield's meaning has changed over time, said Bruce Mann, committee chairman and Harvard Law professor.

'Too many people think the shield has become an impediment,' he said. 'Too many people see the association with slavery.'

Not everyone agreed with the recommendation. One professor on the committee, joined by a student, said keeping the current shield was a way to honor the slaves whose sacrifice provided the Royall family with its wealth.

They said the current shield should be tied 'to a historically sound interpretative narrative about it' and suggested adding the word 'Iustitia'  justice in Latin  below the word 'Veritas.'

The Harvard Corporation will make a final decision regarding the shield's future.
Mr Abbott strongly denies being the source of the leak

Sections of the Defence White Paper were leaked to the media

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said Tony Abbott has every right to speak his mind, but insists he will set the record straight if the former prime minister makes false comments about his government.

Tensions between the two are running high as Mr Abbott said he was flabbergasted the delivery of Australia's new submarine fleet had been delayed.

'I respect Tonys right to speak his mind and he should continue to do so, but its very important that, as Prime Minister, I set the record straight,' Mr Turnbull said.

Scroll down for video

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) said Tony Abbott has every right to speak his mind, but insists he will set the record straight if the former prime minister makes false comments about his government

Tensions between the two are running high as Mr Abbott (pictured) said he was flabbergasted the delivery of Australia's new submarine fleet had been delayed

'Tony expressed a different perspective but the people that have been giving the government that advice for that period made the facts very, very plain,' he said.

Mr Abbott had suggested the government's white paper had pushed out the delivery date for the yet-to-be-ordered submarines from 2026 to past 2030.

Mr Turnbull has denied the claim.

'The simple reality is this: the expert advice to the Australian government on the submarine program and as to its timing has been consistent since 2013- you take the word of Dennis Richardson, the secretary of the Defence Department, you take the word of the Chief of the Defence Force, so that is a fact,' he said.

Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has requested an Australian Federal Police investigation into how sections of the draft Defence White Paper were leaked to The Australian newspaper.

The Prime Minister has requested an Australian Federal Police investigation into how sections of the draft Defence White Paper were leaked to The Australian newspaper.

Mr Abbott strongly denies being the source of the leak.

Defence Department secretary Dennis Richardson told a senate hearing the blueprint had not delayed the arrival of the first new submarine.

Mr Abbott (pictured) had suggested the government's white paper had pushed out the delivery date for the yet-to-be-ordered submarines from 2026 to past 2030

The consistent advice had been that the risk of bringing forward or rushing the future submarines project would outweigh any risk involved in extending the life of the existing Collins fleet.

'You rush a project like that at your own peril,' he said.

Former defence minister David Johnston also insisted there was no delayed delivery timetable.

Mr Abbott's intervention has not gone well with his colleagues, says Howard government defence minister Peter Reith.

'I don't think there is any doubt that Tony's remarks were a classic case of deliberate destabilisation,' he said.
Kerry Washington's latest role finds the actress playing yet another woman caught at the center of a political storm - Anita Hill.

The newly released trailer for the HBO film Confirmation gives viewers their first look at the Scandal star as she takes on the role of the real-life woman who almost blocked Clarence Thomas from being appointed to the Supreme Court.

Hill alleged in 1991 shortly after then President George Bush announced Thomas as his nominbee for the Supreme Court that he had sexually harassed her, an allegation she later testified about in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Thomas at the time, and in the trailer, referred to the hearings as a 'high-tech lynching.'

Scroll down for video

On the way: HBO has premiered the new trailer for their upcoming film Confirmation (Kerry Washington above)

Story: The film details the 1991 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing at which Anita Hill (left) accused Clarence Thomas (right) of sexual harassment

Cast: Kerry Washington will play Hill while Wendell Pierce (above) will play Thomas

The trailer also shows other members of the cast, including Wendell Pierce as Thomas; Jeffrey Wright as Hill's lawyer Charles Ogletree; Greg Kinnear as then chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee Joe Biden; Jennifer Hudson as fellow Thomas accuser Angela Wright; Erika Christensen as Hill's close friend Shirley Wiegand; and Eric Stonestreet as Bush lobbyist Kenneth Duberstein.

Hill's testimony against Thomas was broadcast across the globe back in November 1991, as she accused him of harassing her when he was her superior at the Department of Education and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

She testified that Thomas asked her out on multiple occasions and frequently talked about sexual acts and his own sexual prowess in the workplace.

He also once accused someone of leaving a pubic hair on his can of soda she testified during the hearings.

Despite these allegations, which were all supporter by a polygraph test., Thomas was confirmed while Hill was attacked by many who accused her of simply wanting revenge.

Accuser: Jennifer Hudson (above) will play Angela Wright, who also accused Thomas but was never allowed to testify

Other names: Clarence's wife Virginia Thomas (left) and Joe Biden (right) will also be depicted in the film

It was later revealed that multiple other women were present and willing to testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee including Wright, but were never called by Biden.

Thomas would later criticize Hill in his 2007 memoir while his wife Virginia went a step further and in 2010 actually left a voicemail for Hill almost 20 years after the hearings demanding that she apologize to her husband.

Hill thought it was a prank call at the time, and the FBI later had to later get involved in the situation.

That voicemail opens the new film, which will premiere April 16 on HBO.
On March 13, 1996, shortly after 9.30am, a gunman burst through the gym doors at Dunblane Primary School and fired off 105 shots in quick succession from two handguns.

In the space of three minutes, Thomas Hamilton, a loner who bore a grudge against society, shot dead 16 Primary One pupils and their teacher, Gwen Mayor, before turning the gun on himself.

To date, it remains the deadliest firearms atrocity in the UK.

Scroll down for video

Pictured: Teacher Gwen Mayor, left, and 16 of her pupils were killed by loner Thomas Hamilton

In the wake of the shootings, amid huge public pressure, a desire emerged for some small good to emerge from such a heinous act.

In response to the parents of Dunblane, the Government introduced the 1997 amendment to the Firearms Act that effectively banned ownership of handguns.

Now, as the 20th anniversary of the tragedy approaches, a poignant BBC documentary, Dunblane: Our Story, features interviews with many of those affected by the tragedy, including some who have never spoken before.

Here, four tales offer powerfully different perspectives of those catastrophic events and an uplifting message that love can triumph over evil:

Ron Taylor, pictured, former headmaster of Dunblane Primary School, tried in vain to save the lives of pupils

RON TAYLOR, FORMER HEADTEACHER OF DUNBLANE PRIMARY SCHOOL

In a box under the stairs at his home, in among the newspaper cuttings and files, headteacher Ron Taylor keeps a painstakingly hand-written account of the events of March 13, 1996, and of how he tried in vain to save the lives of his dying pupils.

I locked it away and, thankfully, I have never looked at it again, he said, speaking about the terrible event for the first time since.

And its quite easy to keep that box locked. Its much more difficult to keep the box in my head locked.

He recalls only too clearly dialling 999 at 9.41am after being alerted to the presence of an armed intruder, before racing to the gym.

Inside, was a vision of hell on earth. He said: There was an incredible silence, the air was thick with smoke, the smell of cordite.

And I just couldnt believe what I was seeing. It was unimaginably horrible to see children dying in front of you.

Instinct took over. As he cradled the dying in his arms, he told one teacher to escort four traumatised children out of the gym, while others tried to staunch the flow of blood with paper towels.

Thomas Hamilton, pictured, shot dead 16 schoolchildren and teacher Gwen Mayor before turning the gun on himself

Seeing the staff tending to the injured, seeing the bodies of those who had died, and I think just in that moment the enormity of the event then hit me, he recalled. That moment has never left.

He returned to the gym later to help identify the victims bodies. The following day, his quiet dignity shone like a beacon at a press conference, where he famously told the worlds media: Evil visited us yesterday and we dont know why and we dont understand it and I guess we never will.

But as he helped a shattered community pick its way through shock and grief, the deadly attack continued to haunt Mr Taylors thoughts  even though he knew no one could have anticipated or adequately prepared for it.

He said: I felt enormous guilt  more than just a survivors guilt. It was my school. I felt violated. I felt I should have been able to do more. And that guilt lives with me.

The pressure in the days following the massacre was unrelenting, with visits by politicians and senior royals, including the Queen.

The head found the visits enormously stressful but understandable: They represented the countrys support and concern for us, he said.

Mr Taylor pushed for the school to reopen quickly  the children returned nine days after the shooting  calling the milestone the beginning of our recovery after a long, dark week full of tears.

But, behind the calm exterior, the almost unbearable personal strain was taking its toll. Within a year, his marriage was disintegrating and he took a sabbatical from the school.

Despite his intention to return, he never did, moving instead to a post within the Scottish Office.

Once the face of a community in mourning, 53-year-old Mr Taylor has been happy to sink back into the shadows. He has rarely talked about his ordeal but is adamant the horrors of Dunblane must never be forgotten. This event was so unprecedented and so huge, with so many implications for so many people that we really must mark this important anniversary, he said.

Its very difficult for people. Its very difficult for the community and many people might not agree with me but its hugely important to help as best we can those who survived and support those who have lost.

Ben and Steve Birnie, pictured, were among hordes of anxious parents waiting for news on their children

BEV AND STEVE BIRNIE, PARENTS OF SURVIVOR MATTHEW BIRNIE

Bev Birnie recalls clearly how a phone call from her husband, Steve, on a bitterly cold March morning left her in turmoil.

She said: Steve had phoned and asked if I was okay and said Theres been an incident in the school. He said, Theres been a shooting.

Without another thought, an increasingly frantic Mrs Birnie joined dozens of anxious parents racing towards Dunblane Primary School.

Like them, she was calculating the odds of her son, Matthew, being caught up in the carnage.

After all, Dunblane was Scotlands largest primary, with a school roll in excess of 700 pupils, so there was a strong chance her five-year-old would be safe, she reasoned.

She knew few familiar faces waiting at the school gates as the family had moved to Dunblane only in 1995 from the Wirral through her husbands job as a pharmaceutical company executive.

Then, two parents nearby struck a devastating blow. Its Mrs Mayors class, they said. That was her sons class.

Asked to wait with other affected families, the Birnies were left for hours in a state of near-panic, unaware the police were briefing the media with details of the death toll  an error that would cause lasting bitterness.

Mr Birnie said: We were cocooned and I think the media knew more about what was going on than we did.

By early afternoon, the couple were finally told that Matthew was in intensive care at Stirling Royal Hospital.

Mrs Birnie, now 51, said: The surgeon who operated on Matthew came into the waiting room.

'First things he said to us were, Youre Bev and youre Steve and Matthew has a little sister and his favourite food is baked beans.

The relief was palpable  if Matthew was talking then he could not have been seriously injured. In truth, he had been very lucky.

Floral tributes, pictured, left at the primary school in memory of the children who lost their lives

Shot twice, one bullet through the back recoiled off a rib. If [the rib] hadnt deflected the bullet, it would have gone straight through his heart, said Mrs Birnie.

She spent the following night curled up next to her son in among the tangle of drips and tubes just holding his little hand and thinking I am just so lucky, Ive got my boy.

But, Matthews recovery only truly started when he was discharged after ten days. Withdrawn at first, and aggressive towards his three-year-old sister Lauren, he gained confidence from his return to school only a fortnight after being shot.

Gradually things improved but Mr Birnie, also 51, said: It was hard because you had to sit there and just listen to what he had to say and try not to get too emotional.

His wife added: If we got emotional, then he wouldnt say anything. He wouldnt want to upset mummy and daddy.

They try hard not to dwell on the past but are acutely aware that their son, who works as a travel agent in Glasgow, is looking forward to a future cruelly denied to so many classmates.

Mr Birnie said: You did get huge guilt about the fact that you still had your son and others had lost theirs.

His wife said: Matthew got to grow, got to go to high school, got to his 18th birthday, got to his 21st birthday. We watched him develop from a young child to a warm loving young man.

Mr Birnie added: One thing thats really important to Matt is that he wants to be defined by what he does in life rather than by what happened to him and thats a good thing.

Debbie Mayor, pictured holding a photo of her mother Gwen, who was killed by Hamilton in the shootings

DEBBIE MAYOR, 39, YOUNGER DAUGHTER OF TEACHER GWEN MAYOR

It had begun like any other day for Debbie Mayor in her London student flat.

She recalled: I was in my bedroom drying my hair hundreds of miles away and this thing was occurring.

'I didnt have any inkling at that time of what was ahead and that, basically, my life was changed forever.

Then 19 and studying at the University of North London, Miss Mayor had heard on the radio that morning there had been an incident at the school where her mother Gwen taught.

But phone lines to the school were jammed and it was 3pm before she received the call from her father, Rodney, now 72, that she had been dreading.

She said: It sort of happened in slow motion. The chances were getting higher and higher but you are still in your head thinking No, no, no, itll not be my mum.

But my dad said he knew, he just knew straight away. My mum would have been the first person killed so she wouldnt have seen anything else. I cant begin to think...

Even as details emerged of the shattering act of brutality committed in the gym, Miss Mayor found herself clinging to the shards of comfort she found there.

A pathologists report on her mother, who was 45 when she was murdered, found she was shot six times, including a shot through the eye that would have killed her instantly.

But another injury suggested she had been punched. If you are standing in front of somebody with a gun and youve been punched, [it] would suggest there had been some sort of struggle.

A mother comforts her children, pictured, outside Dunblane Primary School in the days after the shooting

Nobody knows what they would do if they were in that position. Do you run, do you fight? Well, the evidence shows thats what she did and Im very, very proud of that.

Her mothers violent death was in such contrast to happy memories of her childhood with her sister Esther, now 40.

She said: We were a close family. Mum was always there for me and I looked up to her. She loved her job. She was so bubbly and outgoing. Im devastated my kids will never meet her.

I dont know, to be honest, why my mum became a teacher. I guess it must have been her calling. Going in to her classroom to see some of the artwork she would do and some of the ideas she had, like a hairdressing corner. She just had lots of ideas that worked very well with the wee ones.

Two decades on and a mother herself living, like her sister, in nearby Stirling, she still feels overwhelmed by her crushing loss and a lingering anxiety about sending her own young children, Robbie, eight, and seven-year-old Millie to school.

She admits that it was only after becoming a mother herself that she truly understood what the Dunblane parents must have felt. She said: The pain never fully goes. It made me scared to let my own kids go to school. I just pray something like this never happens again.

Miss Mayor, a support worker, has always felt uneasy looking at the famous class photo, finding it morbid and chilling. She has another photograph by which she prefers to remember her mother.

She said: Shes out hill-walking and shes got all her make-up on and shes got her hair all lovely and shes got her earrings on and her lippy on and shes smiling and her eyes are happy. I still have these gloves [she wore]. Thats exactly how I remember her.

My children know what happened and refer to mum as their special granny. Every year I go back to the school and put a single rose down  Im determined shell never be forgotten.

Alison Ross, pictured, was only four months old when her sister Joanna, seen in the photo, was gunned down

ALISON ROSS, 20, YOUNGER SISTER OF JOANNA ROSS

Alison Ross was only four months old when her older sister, Joanna, was gunned down in the hail of bullets.

Now aged 20, this pretty and eloquent young woman still feels the void left by the sibling she never knew.

She admits it is difficult for her generation to fathom how awful it all was and how awful it still is and still affecting us all today, but it doesnt diminish her sense of loss.

She said: Im angry I dont have my sister now. I feel like she was taken and its all very selfish. This man didnt consider [that he was] leaving parents without children and siblings without siblings.

She looks at pictures of Joanna, frozen in time as a beaming youngster with a cheeky grin and blonde mop.

Those, and the stories related by her mother Pam, now 59, and father Kenny, 64, are the only tangible memories she has.

She liked to be called Jo-Jo. I remember my mum telling me that when she went into nursery she asked them to call her Jo-Jo.

She prefers pictures of Joanna dressed in colourful clothes and smiling: I dont like seeing her in her school uniform.

Id like to remember her as the young girl I should have been growing up with. And we should have been laughing in the sun somewhere together.

Miss Ross was about seven when her parents finally told their increasingly curious second daughter about her older sister.

A police officer lays flowers at the gates of the school, pictured, after a vigil at the town's cathedral

For so long I wasnt sure who all these pictures of this girl were in my living room, she said.

I used to think it was me. I used to ask Is this me? and How come I dont have blonde hair any more and blue eyes?

And mum sat me down and told me, eventually, what had happened. I remember just being really confused about it all. And it looms over us all, I think. It gets a bit, I dont know, a bit hard to accept.

Fighting back tears, she adds: Even something as a simple as her brushing my hair for me, it just isnt there. It always makes me wonder what kind of relationship I could have had and its not there at all.

For all the sadness which crashes in on her thoughts from time to time, there is a cheerful determination not only to embrace the past but ensure that this most infamous of dates is known as much for its good works as its dark deeds.

Her mother was an organiser of the Snowdrop petition that helped secure a ban on handguns.

Miss Ross said: Its something that needs to be remembered so that everyones aware that we are still here and we didnt just fade into the background.

We still had to push on with our lives and its important that everyone knows that we are doing it and doing it well.
A Denver mother is outraged after bullying at her daughter's school escalated into physical fights she says were organized on Facebook.

Jeanette Velasquez says her eight grade daughter Heaven is a target for bullying at Bruce Randolph School in Denver, Colorado because she is homeless.

Velasquez believes that the fights could have been prevented and that the school is not doing enough to ensure the safety of its students.

After school fight: Footage of one of the fights which was recorded on Wednesday shows Heaven (right) fighting back against a school bully

Danger: Bullies are often suspended from after fights (more footage here), but Heaven's mother says that the school really needs to be doing more to stop the fights before her daughter and others get seriously hurt

Footage of one of the fights, which was recorded on Wednesday, shows Heaven fighting back against a school bully.

Both Heaven and the bully were suspended from school but Heaven's mother says that the school really needs to be doing more to stop the fights before her daughter and others get seriously hurt.

A Facebook post from an unidentified student's account announces the fight the night before and even requests that someone film it and send it to her.

'This is my fourth time coming to the school to speak with them about it,' Velasquez told Fox 31 this week.

'She doesnt feel safe. She feels like the school doesnt take her seriously,' Velasquez said of her daughter who has been in three fights since October.

'It started with girls just talking about her to exchanging words back and forth to actually the physical altercation,' Velasquez said.

Velasquez thinks that if the school knows about the fights beforehand they should do more to prevent them from happening.

'I know we cant stop it. Its going to happen. But at least we can be more vocal about it,' she said.

'I feel like [the school] wont take it seriously until something happens to my daughter where it involves her health, her safety, her life.'

Escalation: 'It started with girls just talking about her to exchanging words back and forth to actually the physical altercation,' Velasquez, pictured with her son, said.

Keep kids safe: Velasquez thinks that if the school knows about the fights beforehand they should do more to prevent them from happening. Pictured here is her daughter Heaven
He also claimed the military would not refuse his orders to break the law

Donald Trump retreated Friday from his promise that if elected president he would order the US military to kill family members of militants who threaten the United States.

'I will not order a military officer to disobey the law,' Trump said in a statement released to the Wall Street Journal.

'It is clear that as president I will be bound by laws just like all Americans and I will meet those responsibilities.'

The switch came less than 24 hours after Trump stuck to his position on targeting family members of militants and on an expansive use of torture against captured militants during the GOP debate.

Donald Trump retreated Friday from his promise that if elected president he would order the US military to kill family members of militants who threaten the United States and 'go tougher than waterboarding'

He also indicated he might order the military to break the law on interrogation tactics, including waterboarding.

When a debate moderator asked him what he would do if the military refused to carry out such orders, Trump replied: 'They're not going to refuse me. Believe me.'

'Can you imagine these people, these animals over in the Middle East, that chop off heads, sitting around talking and seeing that we're having a hard problem with waterboarding?' he said during the Thursday night debate.

'We should go for waterboarding and we should go tougher than waterboarding.'

The use of torture and the killing of civilians are barred by the Geneva Conventions, to which the United States is a signatory.

Congress outlawed waterboarding, the practice of pouring water over someone's face to mimic the effect of drowning, and any so-called enhanced interrogation techniques in 20009 - after the administration of George W. Bush carried out such acts against suspected al-Qaida fighters.

Members of the US military are bound by duty and tradition to refuse orders they know to be illegal. This includes intentionally targeting civilian noncombatants.

This week when more than 100 Republican defense and national security figures, including former senior Pentagon officials, issued a statement blasting Trump's foreign policy positions and calling his embrace of the expansive use of torture 'inexcusable.'

The switch came less than 24 hours after Trump stuck to his position on targeting militants' family members and an expansive use of torture during the GOP debate (pictured with Marco Rubio on Thursday)

Trump has previously defended his position on targeting the family of militants, which he first raised in a FOX and Friends interview last December.

'The other thing with the terrorists is you have to take out their families,' he said during the interview.

'When you get these terrorists, you have to take out their families. They care about their lives, don't kid yourself. When they say they don't care about their lives, you have to take out their families.'

On Friday, however, Trump reversed course.

'I will use every legal power that I have to stop these terrorist enemies,' the statement issued by his campaign said.
House is being rented by Robert Soning, son-in-law of a Labour donor

As foreign secretary he learnt how to smooth ruffled feathers.

But David Miliband's diplomatic skills face a stiff test following furious complaints from his neighbours about the tenants at his 3.5million London home.

They are accused of throwing noisy parties that have wrecked the peace in Primrose Hill, an exclusive district of north London.

A neighbour who confronted Mr Soning over excessive noise at his home in Primrose Hill, north London, said he felt intimidated by the 47-year-old property developer

There is even the suspicion of cannabis having been smoked. They claim the Milibands, who moved to New York in 2013, have failed to take action.

'The Milibands are miles away so they're probably not interested. It doesn't really fit with their political profile,' said one neighbour.

The mansion is rented for an estimated 7,000 a month by Robert Soning, the son-in-law of Labour donor Sir David Garrard.

A neighbour who confronted Mr Soning over excessive noise said he felt intimidated by the 47-year-old property developer.

Residents then tried to set up a petition to pressure him into toning down his parties.

Mr Soning hit back, accusing them of being 'faceless cowards' who needed 'to get a life'.

He admits throwing parties and playing music but insists none of his guests took drugs. 'I've had some parties here,' he said. 'My daughter has had friends around. Music travels. The acoustics here really travel.

'There's not a lot of traffic or trees. The neighbours are extremely sensitive to noise around here and there have been complaints.

'These complaints have gone to David Miliband  he is aware of this.'

David Miliband's (left) mansion is rented for an estimated 7,000 a month by Robert Soning (right), the son-in-law of Labour donor Sir David Garrard

Mr Soning is director of more than 50 holding companies, according to Companies House.

He is separated from his wife Hannah, a 45-year-old solicitor. She is the daughter of Sir David Garrard, who is worth more than 100million and was caught up in the cash for peerages scandal.

He gave loans worth 2.3million to the Labour party, and was then put up for a peerage by Tony Blair. The application was later withdrawn.

Sir David also donated 500,000 to Ed Miliband's failed 2015 general election campaign.

Neighbours say his son-in-law's parties start at midday and continue until midnight. One was a birthday event for his teenage daughter.

They say Mr Soning and his daughter threw a 'really, really noisy' party the weekend he moved in two years ago.

'It was terrible, absolutely shocking,' said the neighbour, who asked not to be named. 'That was a sign of things to come.'

She said she felt intimidated by Mr Soning and his friends: 'He did sort of scare me a bit, that man. I really got this sense of entitlement. He kept saying 'Join the party, join the party' and I said 'I don't want to join the party'.'

Neighbours have complained to the letting agents several times.

'Someone told me they were going to email the Milibands right away about it,' added the neighbour. 'I also assume [the letting agent] would have informed them after the complaints they received.'

Another neighbour, who is married with a young child, said: 'One person has vomited out of the window and then they've just put a pile of saw dust on it and left it. It is just disgusting.'

The parties stopped over the winter but neighbours expect them to resume as soon as the weather improves.

Mr Miliband, who earns 425,000 a year as head of the refugee charity International Rescue, was born in the four-bedroom Georgian townhouse, which his parents bought in the 1960s.

His brother Ed, who beat him to the Labour leadership, sold him his share in the property after the death of their father, the Marxist historian Ralph Miliband.

Mr Soning claimed he was the victim of a witch-hunt.

When asked about the alleged drug-taking at the address, he said: 'It's untrue. This is the first I've heard about it.'

Mr Soning said his daughter was a lovely girl who did 'things that teenagers do'. 'There has been some pretty misleading stuff said, and they're way off the mark and they need to get a day job,' he added.

A spokesman for Mr Miliband refused to comment.
A 27-year-old man has been accused of having sex with a 16-year-old girl in the bathroom of an airplane on a domestic flight.

Jasper Garczynski was arrested for unlawful sexual activity with a minor during the Delta flight from Phoenix to Salt Lake City on Monday.

Authorities said the 16-year-old girl told police she had sex with Garczynski, according to Fox 13 Now.

Jasper Garczynski, 27, was arrested for allegedly having sex with a 16-year-old girl in the bathroom of a Delta airplane on a flight from Phoenix to Salt Lake City

A police report (pictured) that was filed with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office shows that Garczynski was found in the lavatory where it was reported that he had sexual relations with the 16-year-old girl

According to authorities, a flight attendant found Garczynski in the lavatory where he and the teen allegedly had sexual relations and was arrested by the Salt Lake Airport Authority.

The pilot notified police after he was informed of the incident and it was determined the plane had been in Utah air space when the alleged sexual act occurred, according to Deseret News.

Garczynski of Tempe posted bond on Thursday.

The Arizona resident was a graduate of the prestigious University of Chicago and is a current full time MBA candidate at the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State, according to his LinkedIn page.

He is also a graduate teaching assistant at the WP Carey School of Business, according to the school's website.

Garczynski doesn't have any prior arrest records on file.
An anti-government rancher whose sons led the occupation of an Oregon wildlife refuge earlier this year has made his first federal court appearance in Las Vegas.

Cliven Bundy faces 16 charges including conspiracy, assault, obstruction and threatening a federal officer after he unlawfully let his cattle graze on national lands for more than 20 years.

When federal law agents tried to round up his 400 cows in 2014, he led 'a massive armed assault,' outnumbering the officials with 200 of his followers.

Cliven Bundy made his first federal court appearance in Las Vegas, Nevada. He faces 16 charges including conspiracy, assault, obstruction and threatening a federal officer

He unlawfully let his cattle graze on national lands for more than 20 years. When federal law agents tried to round up his cows in 2014, he led 'a massive armed assault.' Pictured, protesters in support of Bundy in 2014

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carl Hoffman expressed doubt that Bundy qualifies for a lawyer at public expense.

He gave the 69-year-old Bundy until next Thursday to hire a lawyer or file revised financial disclosure forms. The rancher has not yet been asked to enter pleas.

Bundy was arrested on February 10 shortly after getting off the plane in Portland, Oregon, to support militiamen who were occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

The six-week standoff was led by his sons Ammon and Ryan Bundy, who demanded that public lands be turned over to locals.

They also rallied for the release of two area ranchers Dwight and Stephen Hammond, who were jailed for arson after they set fires that spread to public land.

Cliven was transferred in custody to Nevada, and indicted on February 18 along with both his sons for their roles in the 2014 confrontation.

Federal authorities have rounded up 12 more people in five states on Thursday, bringing a total of 19 defendants in the 2014 standoff.

According to court documents, Bundy said he was 'ready to do battle,' with the Bureau of Land Management and that he would 'do whatever it takes' to protect his property.

The others allegedly organized and recruited followers and acted as leaders in the incident.

Federal officials have said Bundy unlawfully allowed his cattle to graze on federal public lands for more than 20 years,.

His sons Ammon (left) and Ryan Bundy (right) allegedly participated in the 2014 confrontation, and went on to lead the six-week occupation of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon, demanding the government hand over public lands to locals

They said Bundy refused to pay grazing fees and ignored federal court orders in 1998 and 2013 to remove his cows or have them removed by the government.

Court documents say on April 12, 2014, federal officials were outnumbered four to one by armed Bundy followers.

Wishing to avoid a firefight, they diffused the situation by abandoning the cattle to Bundy.

'The rule of law has been reaffirmed with these charges,' said U.S. Attorney Bogden following the indictment.

'Persons who use force and violence against federal law enforcement officers who are enforcing court orders, and nearly causing catastrophic loss of life or injury to others, will be brought to justice.'

The indictment would require property, derived from the proceeds of the crimes totaling at least $3 million, to be forfeited.

The firearms and ammunition possessed and used on April 12, 2014 will also be ordered forfeited.

Federal authorities said two years ago that Bundy owed more than $1.1 million in fees and penalties for illegally letting cows graze on public land near his ranch for decades.

A Bureau of Land Management spokesman said an updated accounting has not been made.
Failed asylum seekers on the Greek islands will be sent straight back en masse to Turkey, under an EU plan agreed last night.

The Turkish government said it would start taking back all non-Syrian economic migrants who reach Europes shores.

After a meeting with Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara, European Council president Donald Tusk announced that the EU and Turkey had agreed to shut down the migrant route from Greece towards northern Europe. The deal will be signed at a summit in Brussels on Monday.

Failed asylum seekers on the Greek islands will be sent straight back en masse to Turkey, under an EU plan agreed last night. Above, migrants are pictured in a dinghy crossing the Aegean Sea

Under the deal, migrants landing on the Greek islands such as Lesbos who are identified as not being genuine refugees will be taken immediately back on boats across the Aegean Sea.

In return, the EU will make the first 95million-euro pay-out from a three billion euro fund to help Turkey cope with the 2.5million Syrian migrants living there.

But critics yesterday voiced scepticism over whether the plan would work, with fears that new arrivals could destroy their papers and falsely claim they were Syrian. UKIP Deputy chairman Diane James MEP said: This silly scheme will not work because the immigrants will just rip up their papers to avoid being sent back home.

EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos yesterday said Mondays summit, which will be attended by all 28 EU leaders including David Cameron, would be decisive.

After a meeting with Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara, European Council president Donald Tusk announced that the EU and Turkey had agreed to shut down the migrant route from Greece towards northern Europe. Tusk (left) is pictured with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right)

Meanwhile, a Turkish court yesterday sentenced two Syrian people-smugglers to four years and two months each in prison over the death of three-year-old Syrian boy Alan Kurdi.

The image of the boys body lying face-down on a Turkish beach in September last year focused global attention towards the migrant crisis.
George Osborne abandoned plans for a Budget raid on pensions last night, following warnings that it could impoverish millions and wreck his dream of becoming prime minister.

In a dramatic climbdown, Treasury sources said the Chancellor decided to scrap proposals for a multi-billion-pound raid on pension tax relief, which would have hit millions of middle-class workers.

The move represents a major victory for the Mails Save Our Pensions campaign, which for months has highlighted the damage the scheme would cause.

Treasury sources said the Chancellor decided to scrap proposals for a multi-billion-pound raid on pension tax relief, which would have hit millions of middle-class workers

It comes after David Cameron warned Mr Osborne that the Government could not risk a Tory backlash while the leadership was already at war with the party over Europe.

The Mail revealed yesterday that Mr Osborne had ruled out a controversial move to impose a flat-rate system of tax relief.

Last night, Treasury sources said the Chancellor had also dropped an equally controversial scheme to end upfront pension tax relief and force people to save into a pension ISA from which payments would be withdrawn tax-free in retirement.

An ally of the Chancellor said: George has always been clear he wouldnt do anything to damage saving. Hes listened to what people have said and concluded that now isnt the right time, with uncertainty in the global economy and reforms such as auto-enrolment still bedding in, to turn things on their head.

'So... there wont be any changes to tax relief at all in the Budget.

The Chancellor had been eyeing up a massive raid on pension tax relief in this months Budget, designed to raise billions of pounds and help balance Britains books.

Last nights move leaves him in a race to plug the gap before the Budget in 11 days.

The climbdown is the Chancellors second major reverse in four months. In November, he was forced to abandon a major package of cuts to tax credits following a public backlash and defeat in the House of Lords.

Tax relief allows some of your money that would been taken by the Government as tax to go into your pension. The scheme means the Government misses out on 34.3billion a year it would have received in tax.

A consultation launched last year outlined a wide range of options for reform.

Savers receive tax relief on pension contributions at their top income tax rate. Under one plan, a flat rate of 25-30 per cent would have been imposed, leaving those who pay tax at 40 per cent facing huge losses.

The move comes after David Cameron warned Mr Osborne that the Government could not risk a Tory backlash while the leadership was already at war with the party over Europe

Tory MPs warned Mr Osborne that he would face a riot if he pressed ahead with a proposal that would hammer millions of middle-class voters.

But he was also looking at a radical plan to introduce a pension ISA. Workers would have had to save for their pensions out of taxed income, but would be able to claim their pensions tax-free when they retired.

However, it was opposed by employers, the pensions industry and the Pensions Minister Ros Altmann, who is said to have warned friends she might resign if the Chancellor pressed ahead with the scheme.

Research shown to the Mail, which is campaigning against the tax raid, showed 7.5million basic-rate taxpayers would have lost out under this system. Everyone earning more than 43,000 would be worse off.

The National Institute of Social and Economic Research think-tank said savers would abandon pensions and put money into property instead, driving up house prices.

Tom McPhail, head of retirement policy at the investment firm Hargreaves Lansdown, warned the plan would be a disaster for retirement saving.

The Treasury last night refused to rule out further reductions to the amount people can save tax-free for their pensions.

But a Government source revealed that more cuts in this so-called lifetime allowance were unlikely.
Canadian neighbors worked together using social media to save a dog that would have reportedly frozen to death after it was left outside on a balcony in frigid temperatures.

On Wednesday, temperatures in Toronto dropped to 6.8F (-14C) when residents heard the howls of a dog left outside on the 16th-floor balcony of a high-rise condo building on East Liberty.

The white, medium-sized dog had been outside for 45 minutes when it was captured in a photo on the balcony, which was posted to a Facebook group just before 5pm, The Dodo reported.

Canadian neighbors worked together using social media to save a dog that would have reportedly frozen to death after it was left outside on a balcony in frigid temperatures on Wednesday. The dog shown above

One neighbor shared a post on Facebook indicating that the dog had been howling outside for 45 minutes and was gnawing at the doors, as it appeared no one was home

'The dog is howling away in the cold gnawing at the doors without any coat or blanket, no body seems to be home,' resident RL Das wrote in the post on the Liberty Village Residents Association's page.

'I don't have much experience but who can I call Animal Services etc. It's obvious the dog has been left outside in the cold with no body home.

'The dog is really suffering I can hear it howling loudly for 45 mins.

'What kind of disgusting people live there, they deserve the dog to be taken away. Any suggestions.'

The post led to other neighbors sharing their outrage with some offering help, suggesting a call should be made to the building's concierge so that someone could get into the unit and let the dog inside.

Resident Phoebe Tian commented: 'That is so horrible! A dog of this size won't survive this weather if left outside!!

'Seriously if you don't think a dog deserves to come inside in this weather then perhaps you really shouldn't get a dog!'

However, another resident warned everyone not to jump to conclusions.

The post led to other neighbors sharing their outrage calling the incident 'horrible'

Meanwhile another neighbor said she could hear the dog, named Duck, howling in the cold

'What if there's a chance the owner isn't home and this dog has managed to open the door himself,' asked Amy Kerr.

'Let's not be so quick to judge people please. I hear of dogs opening doors by themselves all the time. The wind could have closed the door behind him.'

As more residents became outraged over the dog's agony, they made calls to the humane society, the building's concierge, animal control and the police.

Resident Jagger Long joined RL Das at the high-rise building who updated the concerned residents that management would not open the door.

'People won't open the door. Not risking their job. But when asked if it was a baby they said "thats a different story" spca is saying they can't let anyone in,' Long wrote.

'Concierge saying they can't break the law and go in. Calling police now.'

He later wrote that 'unless dog is dying spca said they can't help.'

Eventually, they were able to flag down a police officer outside the building who was let into the unit by a building supervisor

The dog was then brought inside as officers investigated the incident that had the quick-thinking residents concerned

Eventually, a police officer was flagged down outside the building and investigated the incident before getting into the unit with the building manager. They were able to bring the dog inside.

Later that night, neighbor Jacob Smith wrote that the dog, named Duck, was safe and that after speaking with the owner, he was told that the owner did not put the dog outside and leave him there.

He also added that he was told wind was the cause of unfortunate incident that thankfully ended well with the help of the support network on everyone involved on the Facebook page.

'The door to the balcony is like a bedroom door, and the wind had a lot to do with this incident as I am told,' Smith wrote in an update.

'Which caused the poor guy to be stuck on the balcony. The owner did not put the dog outside and leave him there.

'He is fully treated with proper vet care as I am told as well (just as an fyi since there is chat about warts earlier).

'So, I wanted to get this out to all the great people here who spent their time helping out in this situation, and let you all know that you helped an owner keep their dog alive.

'The owner is appreciative of the support, obviously.'

Later that night, neighbor Jacob Smith wrote that Duck was safe and that after speaking with the owner, he was told that the owner did not put the dog outside and leave him there

He added: 'Awesome group work and support network on this page, it saved Duck's life.'

The following day, the president of the Liberty Village Residents Association announced a proposal that would allow the condo corporation to enter a unit if there is reasonable belief that their pet is in immediate danger.

Todd Hofley wrote: 'I will bring forward a potential template for pet owners that stipulates if there is reasonable belief that their pet is in immediate and life threatening danger because of getting outside that the condominium corporation has the right to enter the unit and bring the animal inside.'
They look as if they were born months apart.

At 2ft 10.5in, Zack Nelms towers over his playmate and is already wearing clothes designed for three-year-olds.

But he is just a day older than his 2ft 4in little friend Cerys Lamb  and was born on January 20 last year.

Little and large: Zack Nelms towers over his little friend Cerys Lamb, despite being the same age

The toddler is among the tallest in Britain, stretching well ahead of the average 2ft 6in height for a boy his age. Cerys is nearly the average height for a girl, falling just an inch short of the 2ft 5in standard.

Zacks mother Rhian James, 28, said: Everyone always presumes he is older.

Often people talk to him and ask his name expecting him to answer, but he just stares at them because he doesnt have a clue what theyre on about.

Miss James and Zacks father, Anthony Nelms, suspected they might have a large baby as they are both tall themselves  she is 6ft, while Mr Nelms, a 29-year-old bus driver, is 6ft 6in.

They were also heavy babies, with Miss James weighing 10lb 2oz when she was born and Mr Nelms over 9lb.

But even they were surprised when after a 20-hour labour Zack tipped the scales at 12lb, nearly twice the average for a newborn boy.

First-time mother Miss James, from Llandaff, Cardiff, said: The midwife took him off the scales, re-set them and tried again, but they still showed 12lb  I was in disbelief.

Disbelief: Baby Zack is already a head taller than all of his friends and is wearing clothes for three-year-olds

She breastfed Zack, but said she struggled to keep up with his appetite. She added that her bump size had been normal all the way through her pregnancy.

Quite how tall the 13-month-old will end up remains to be seen. But the couple are bracing themselves for obstacles he might face if he follows in his fathers footsteps  as Mr Nelms has size 15 feet and struggles to find shoes.

Miss James said: Zack already wears clothes for three-year-olds, but grows out of them quickly.

Popular wisdom says that sons are always taller than their mothers. However where there is no genetic abnormality, all children can expect to end up at least as tall as their shortest parent  so Zack is likely to be at least 6ft. Both his grandfathers are also over 6ft tall.

The couple were delighted to discover that Miss James was pregnant with Zack after losing their first baby just before Christmas 2013.

Miss James has already thought about expanding the family.

People say your second baby is often bigger, but I dont believe I could have one bigger than 12lb, she said. I would do it  as long as I knew I could have an epidural.
The Conservative Party was plunged further into civil war over Europe last night as two grandees warned that David Cameron may have to quit.

Former party chairmen Lord Tebbit and Liam Fox both suggested that the Prime Minister will be forced to step down if Britain votes to leave the EU.

They spoke out amid growing Tory anger over Mr Camerons increasingly strident warnings about the dangers of Brexit.

Writing in yesterdays Daily Mail, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith accused No 10 of waging a campaign of spin, smears and threats in a bid to bully voters into backing the Remain side in Junes referendum.

Former party chairmen Lord Tebbit, left, and Liam Fox, right, both suggested that the Prime Minister will be forced to step down if Britain votes to leave the EU

Mr Cameron brushed aside the warning yesterday to issue fresh claims about the perils of Brexit. Speaking at the Tories Scottish conference in Edinburgh, he claimed that haggis and other Scottish food exports could be hit by swingeing tariffs if the UK leaves the single market.

He suggested that exports of British beef could face tariffs of up to 70 per cent as other nations launch reprisals on Britain. Voting to stay in the EU would not make people less patriotic, he added.

However, some Tories believe Mr Camerons time in office will be cut short even if he wins the referendum. One pro-EU Tory MP said there was now no chance of the Prime Minister, who has said he will step down before the 2020 general election, clinging on until 2019.

No 10s approach has enraged many Tories, who feel the Government machine is being deployed in an attempt to crush those bidding to take Britain out of the EU.

In the past fortnight, the Government has published two dodgy dossiers on the risks of leaving, big businesses and have been corralled into issuing statement of support for EU membership and French President Francois Hollande was persuaded to warn that Britain would face reprisals if it left.

Lord Tebbit said it would now be extraordinarily difficult for Mr Cameron to continue in office if Britain votes to leave.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron speaks at the Scottish Conservatives Conference at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on Friday

He condemned the silliness from Mr Cameron and fellow senior Tories over their warnings that a vote to leave the EU would represent a leap in the dark. He suggested the Prime Minister probably should stand down if he loses the referendum.

Lord Tebbit added that it would be very difficult for him to negotiate for all those things that we need to get settled with our European partners, having said it would be a disaster if we did leave... He would find it extraordinarily difficult to suddenly change sides again.

Dr Fox, another former party chairman, also backed Mr Duncan Smiths call for Eurosceptics to be treated with respect  and hinted that Mr Cameron might have to go.

FOX: OUR PEASANTS' REVOLT The Out campaign is something of a peasants revolt while their rivals who want to remain in the EU look like the elite, the establishment, Liam Fox has said. Referring to the In camp, the former defence secretary and eurosceptic said: It is funded by Goldman Sachs, supported by the European Commission and by a number of organisations who have been well funded themselves by European money. Meanwhile the Out campaign is coming up from the grassroots of the country, where people are saying we dont want to be told that the issue of migration and taxation are irrelevant ... That really does matter to people in a way that may not matter to those who are very good buddies with Goldman Sachs. He was addressing a Conservatives for Britain event at the Scottish Conservative conference in Edinburgh. Advertisement GOVE V DAVE IN TV SHOWDOWN Michael Gove could appear on a TV debate with David Cameron to argue over the future of Europe. The Justice Secretary has been invited to take part in a Question Time-style show on the BBC days before the June 23 referendum. Mr Cameron could also appear and the pair would take questions from the audience. The Prime Minister is friends with Mr Gove and is believed to be frustrated with his decision to back the Out campaign. A Downing Street spokesman said No 10 had not ruled out participating in the debate against Mr Gove. But a source close to Mr Gove said his involvement in the TV debate was speculation. If Mr Gove does not take part in the programme, Boris Johnson is expected to take his place. Advertisement

Asked if Mr Cameron could cling on in No 10 after a Brexit vote, he replied: Yes... constitutionally.

He added: Ive been saying for a long time to my colleagues they need to understand the binary nature of a referendum, the fact it will arouse a lot of passions.

In fact Id said to a number of my colleagues that in a referendum friendships get tested, relationships can sour.

Thats always the risk when you get into a referendum, especially on something as passionate as the European Union and Britains future, control of its own destiny. We simply have to be grown up about that.

He insisted the claims from the In campaign were all nonsense.

London Mayor Boris Johnson stepped up his criticism of the Prime Ministers deal with Brussels, saying Britain would be stuck hook, line and sinker in an unreformed EU and be left like the frog in the boiling saucepan of water if it votes to stay in.
Former mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger, convicted of participating in 11 murders during the 1970s and '80s, will not get a new trial, a federal appeals court ruled on Friday.

A three-judge panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit of Appeals found that Bulger had not shown his right to a fair trial was violated when a judge barred him claiming that he received immunity for his crimes.

The appellate judges concluded: 'Bulger got a fair trial and none of the complained-of conduct on the court or government's part warrant reversal of his conviction.'

Legendary mob boss James 'Whitey' Bulger was convicted of participating in 11 murders during the 1970s and '80s

After more than a decade on the run, Bulger (left) was captured with his longtime girlfriend (right) in Santa Monica, California, in 2011. He was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment plus five years. A three-judge panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit of Appeals denied his request for a new trial

The ruling isn't the end of the line for Bulger, who was once one of the nation's most wanted fugitives.

He has the right to appeal the panel's ruling by asking for a hearing before the full court of six judges.

His lawyer Hank Brennan didn't immediately comment on Friday whether this was his next plan of action.

During Bulger's 2013 trial, he disputed the government's contention that he was a longtime FBI informant who gave the agency information on the New England Mafia, his gang's main rival.

Bulger said that former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah O'Sullivan, who died in 2009, had given him immunity during the 1980s in return for protecting the attorney's life from the mobsters he prosecuted.

The judge found that O'Sullivan did not have the authority to grant such immunity.

Bulger, after deciding not to testify in his own defense, cited the judge's ruling and called his trial a 'sham.'

Immortalized by Johnny Depp in the film Black Mass, Bulger was charged with 32 counts of racketeering and 19 murders in 2013

'And my thing is, as far as I'm concerned, I didn't get a fair trial, and this is a sham,' he said in court.

Brennan argued that if Bulger had been allowed to testify about his immunity claim, the jury would have had a chance to weigh his credibility against the credibility of prosecution witnesses.

Prosecutors argued that Bulger was not barred from taking the witness stand in his own defense, only from testifying about his immunity claim.

The appeals panel, in its ruling, determined the trial judge was right to take up the immunity issue pretrial, saying its research has found that resolving such claims before trial is 'more the norm than the exception.'

The 86-year-old, who was charged with 32 counts of racketeering and 19 murders in 2013, was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment, plus five years

Bulger fled Boston in 1994 following a tip from an FBI agent that he was about to be indicted, and he was on the run for more than a decade.

He was finally captured with his longtime girlfriend in Santa Monica, California, in 2011.

The girlfriend, Catherine Greig, who's in her mid-60s, pleaded guilty to charges related to helping Bulger elude authorities and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The Boston gangster was first arrested in 1956 after robbing numerous banks, and was released nine years later

The prominent gangster had long functioned as the de facto mob boss of New England  as well as a top informant for the FBI, who fed information on other mob figures to eliminate them as rivals while protecting himself from prosecution.

During his reign as crime boss in Boston, Bulger and his longtime sidekick, Stephen Flemmi, carried out a series of murders that included the strangulation of Flemmi's own stepdaughter, Deborah Hussey.

Her body had been tightly tied up in the fetal position, encased in a plastic body bag and buried in a lumpy marshland area covered with water at high tide.
The head of one of Britains biggest business organisations was suspended last night after speaking out in favour of Brexit.

In an extraordinary move, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) informed members that its director-general John Longworth had been suspended after calling for Britain to leave the EU.

Mr Longworth spoke out on Thursday at the organisations annual conference in London.

Stressing that he was speaking in a personal capacity, he criticised David Camerons deal with Brussels, saying the EU remained essentially unreformed and was incapable of reform.

The British Chambers of Commerce has informed members that its director-general John Longworth, pictured, had been suspended after calling for Britain to leave the EU

In his platform speech, Mr Longworth said the UK could create a brighter economic future for itself outside the EU.

The long-term risks of staying in the EU were likely to be as daunting as the short-term risks of leaving, he added. He later told reporters that it was his personal assessment that Britain should leave the EU.

With the reforms we have received so far, the UK would be better off taking a decision to leave the European Union, he said.

His intervention undermined Downing Streets efforts to portray the entire business community as being in favour of continued EU membership.

Ukip MP Douglas Carswell last night described Mr Longworths suspension as outrageous and chilling. Mr Carswell called on the Prime Minister to condemn the move. He added: This is an outrageous decision.

It shows that we are not just dealing with Project Fear, the Establishment is also prepared to bully and intimidate people to try to silence them.

How can it possibly be acceptable for the BCC to treat this man like this, and suspend him for giving his personal view in a personal capacity? Instead of bullying and suspending him, they should try to counter what he said.

I hope now that David Cameron will distance himself from this and make it clear that this sort of action is unacceptable.

And last night former Tory Cabinet minister John Redwood described Mr Longworths intervention as wise and measured, adding: He should not be suspended.

The BCC, which represents 75,000 small and medium-sized firms, has formally adopted a neutral position on the referendum.

A recent survey by the BCC of 2,000 of its members found 60 per cent would vote to stay in the EU, while only 30 per cent would vote for the Out camp, with 10 per cent undecided.

Mr Longworth, pictured, spoke out on Thursday at the organisations annual conference in London

Mr Longworths intervention angered some pro-Brussels members of the organisation. Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, the UKs largest chamber in the BCC, said he was appalled by Mr Longworths very public recommendation that Britain should leave the EU  and said he had no mandate for his comments.

Chambers up and down the country are carefully listening to their members views and ensuring that we properly represent our business community in this very important and complicated issue, Mr Smith told the Financial Times.

Richard Swart, a member of the north-east chamber, described the interviews as a dereliction of duty to most members views.
A high school student who went through his teacher's cellphone, found a nude picture of her and posted it online has been charged with a computer crime and voyeurism, while the teacher, Leigh Anne Arthur, is being attacked by the school district.

Union Public Safety Department Chief Sam White said the student, who is being charged as a juvenile, was taken into custody at Union High School without incident.

The 16-year-old is charged with a count of violating the state's computer crime act in the second degree and a count of aggravated voyeurism.

Meanwhile, the superintendent David Eubanks has said it was the teacher's fault the photo was stolen and posted because she left her students unattended during a four-minute break between classes.

Scroll down for video

Leigh Anne Arthur has quit her job teaching mechanical and electrical engineering and computer programming after a student, 16, took her phone and shared nude photos of her online. On Friday the student was charged with a computer crime and voyeurism

David Eubanks, interim superintendent of the Union Schools District, hit out at Arthur, accusing her of lying about the incident and saying she should have been supervising the class

Arthur said she was in the hallway greeting students as they entered class which the school requires (Union High School above)

Eubanks, interim superintendent of the Union Schools District, hit out at Arthur, accusing her of lying, saying; 'It is my understanding that one student has been charged with the crime of transmitting pornographic material using electronic media.

'The exact charges have not been provided to the school district by local police who have been involved with this incident from the start. The student will now also face possible expulsion from the school District.

'It is truly unfortunate that a teacher charged with proper supervision and care of students failed to fulfill that responsibility in her classroom.

'Evidence indicates that Leigh Anne Arthur was not in her assigned position at the time of the incident.

'Evidence also indicates that she allowed students to use her personal cell phone on a regular and routine basis.

'Evidence also indicates that the phone was routinely left on her desk for student use and was never locked.

'Ms. Arthur has used the media to transmit false information obviously intended for the purpose of deflecting the incident totally to students. The evidence available, points to the extent of her false statements.

'Her failure to supervise her students along with allowing students routine access to her personal cell phone constitute an evident unfitness for Ms. Arthur to continue as a classroom teacher.

'We are not aware of charges that may be filed against Ms. Arthur. We do know that her failure to properly supervise students entrusted to her care will negatively impact the lives of students and their parents.'

Arthur said she was in the hallway greeting students as they came in to the class, and has only ever let her nephew use her phone at school.

The student is being held in juvenile detention for a hearing in family court. There have been no other arrests, but the investigation is continuing, the chief said.

Officials said it's not clear how many people may have seen the social media postings of the photo.

Arthur has quit her job teaching mechanical and electrical engineering and computer programming at the school's vocational center.

Arthur, 33, told police on February 18 that while she stepped out of her classroom, a boy took her unlocked smartphone from her desk, opened the photos application and found a nude selfie she had taken for her husband as a Valentine's Day present.

As of late Friday, almost 12,000 people had signed an online petition urging school district officials in the community in northwestern South Carolina to give Arthur her job back.

Rebuttal: Arthur (above) said she was in the hallway greeting students as they came in to the class, and has only ever let her nephew use her phone at school

Nearly 12,000 have signed the petition (above) which calls for Arthur to return to the Union County Career and Technology Center, saying she was forced out despite her privacy being invaded

School district officials have hit back, accusing Arthur of lying in her statements, saying students were routinely given unsupervised access to her cell phone

The voyeurism charge makes it illegal, for the purpose of sexual gratification, to record or make a digital file of another person without his or her consent.

The computer crimes charge makes it illegal to take possession or deprive the owner of a computer of computer data.

Both charges are misdemeanors for a first offense, but if the teen is convicted on both counts he could be sentenced to a maximum fine of $10,500 and four years in prison.

Students Jacob Barnett, Josh Sinclair and Matthew Caldwell said Arthur was pressured to leave her job despite her privacy being invaded.

Speaking via email, Jacob Barnett said on Thursday: 'There is an unspoken rule of the classroom; everyone knows it, don't touch what's on the teacher's desk, or anything that belongs to anyone else.

'Her phone is her private property, and whatever is on it is her business.'

The petition adds: 'Leigh Anne Arthur is the victim of a blatant attack of her privacy. Personal photographs were illegally obtained by a student and were sent to other students in the school.

'After being escorted off of school property, we (the students) are left to believe that she has been forced to, or given little choice but to resign.

'Mrs. Arthur has not only shown tremendous dedication to her students, but also the mechatronics program itself, often reaching out to local businesses and colleges to get materials that would not normally be available for the class.

'With that being said, the student(s) responsible have not received any sort of punishment. The circumstances in which Mrs.Arthur was let go is unacceptable, and must be corrected.'
Kevan Thakrar, pictured, was jailed in 2008 for executing two men and a teenager in cold blood

A triple murderer has cost the taxpayer almost 100,000 in legal fees by pursuing a string of trivial complaints from jail.

Kevan Thakrar  serving three life sentences for executing two men and a teenager in cold blood  has made 16 claims since he was jailed in 2008.

His grievances have included the loss of a mug, milk going missing from his cell, not being given adequate footwear and shampoo being squirted over his CDs.

In four cases, the Ministry of Justice has had to pay out a total of 1,950 in compensation for lost or damaged property.

The cost to the MoJ of fighting 11 completed cases was 60,911 and five ongoing legal battles have taken another 37,370 from the public purse  a total of 98,281.

Thakrar was jailed for life in 2008 after he and his brother Miran used a submachine gun to kill Keith Cowell, 52, his son Matthew, 17, and Tony Dulieu, 33, in a drug-related revenge plot.

He was cleared of attempted murder after attacking three guards with a glass bottle at HMP Frankland in County Durham in 2010.

Critics said last night Thakrar, 27, was making a mockery of the system and urged Justice Seretary Michael Gove to crack down on the ability of prisoners to make vexatious claims.

Tory MP Bob Neill, chairman of the justice select committee, said: It is scandalous that a professional criminal serving three life sentences for such appalling crimes can abuse the system to pursue what is clearly a campaign against the Prison Service.

It is not right that the taxpayer and prison officers, who do a tough enough job without the threat of legal action hanging over them, pay the price.

An MoJ source said: Offenders like Thakrar have already done enough damage to their victims, their victims families and society.

'The idea that they should be able to sit in their cells coming up with ways to fleece taxpayers adds insult to severe injury.

Thakrar, pictured, has launched personal injury claims and judicial review proceedings against the MoJ at a rate of two a year

Thakrar has launched personal injury claims and judicial review proceedings against the MoJ at a rate of two a year.

He represents himself, but the cash-strapped department has to fork out tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees to contest his claims.

The five legal cases still underway include an appeal by the MoJ against the award of 1,000 to Thakrar after a prison guard squirted shampoo on his CDs and four books were lost.

In addition to claims for money, the killer has lodged around 250 grievances with the Prisons Ombudsman.

The Ministry of Justice said: We robustly defend all cases, as far as the evidence allows. We have successfully defended two-thirds of prisoners claims over the last three years.
Priti Patel started canvassing for the Conservative Party aged just 17 - she now dreams of a Britain free from the 'straitjacket' of the European Union

The Right Honourable Priti Patel is neither frazzled nor frayed. Her long dark hair is silkily clean, her French manicured nails are immaculate, her crisp blouse is almost as white as her dazzling teeth and her fuchsia skirt matches the fake tulips on her desk in the Department of Work and Pensions.

Which is a surprise, because her work schedule sounds enough to finish most people off.

She gets up at 5.45am, leaves home before her seven-year-old son Freddie rises, works all day, gets home from London very, very late  too late for telly, and gets to bed well after midnight.

Its the same routine every weekday, and then she spends weekends working in her Essex constituency, dealing with endless Government issues, helping her son with his homework and catching up on the washing, ironing and cooking.

And, of course, dreaming of a Britain free from the straitjacket of the European Union.

The Minister of State for Employment has not yet been six years in Parliament, but she was supporting the Brexit campaign long before Boris Johnson, Michael Gove or Lord (Norman) Lamont joined the anti-Brussels bandwagon.

For her, its about far more than sovereignty and national pride  though she says shes overflowing with the latter for her familys adopted nation. Britain was so welcoming to all of us that we embraced it back. It made us far more patriotic.

Her parents, Sushil and Anjana, were immigrants. Originally from the Indian province of Gujarat, her maternal family moved to Uganda in the early 20th century and through hard graft made a huge amount of money with a tea estate, cotton and coffee plantation and soft drinks company.

Her fathers family, also originally from Gujarat, was, however, poorer and lower caste, and her parents union was not a popular one.

By 1972, however, when murderous dictator Idi Amin announced that the 80,000 Asians in Uganda were to be expelled en masse, they all became penniless and homeless.

But Priti, 43, isnt starry-eyed about immigration and open borders. She cares fiercely about how Britains withdrawal from the EU could help people, particularly women, who are struggling to find school places for their children or get appointments at the local doctors surgery.

Europe isnt good for us. It hurts us financially. It hurts us locally, she says. We give something like 350 million a week to the EU. The economy in Europe is tanking  its in a terrible state. You could build a hospital or a school with that. Think of all the roads we could build. The potholes we could mend. All the local services.

If we left and kept that money, she says, Britain would be in control of something all women feel strongly about  our finances; household budgets in particular. Instead of just leaching this money away to Europe, wed have a say on it.

Crucially, too, wed also be in charge of our own borders. At the moment, we have no control. People move here from accession states, putting pressure on all our public services. School places is a classic example, says Priti.

The Minister of State for Employment, pictured with David Cameron in Delhi, India, in 2013, has not yet been six years in Parliament, but she was supporting the Brexit campaign long before Boris Johnson, Michael Gove or Lord (Norman) Lamont joined the anti-Brussels bandwagon

Priti's parents, Sushil and Anjana, were immigrants whose family was originally from the Indian province of Gujarat. She is pictured with the Prime Minister during a visit to a children's nursery in London

Primary schools have long struggled to cope with the surging demand for places as a result of years of mass migration and high birth rates.

And its getting worse. This week, it was revealed demand for secondary school places were up 13 per cent in some areas.

In London, there were 2,800 more children to accommodate than last year and analysts predict that 300,000 additional school places will be needed by 2020.

Weve become too tolerant. Weve just sat back and accepted it, Priti declares.

As for the ridiculous scaremongering from the Remain campaigners, she brusquely rejects as complete and utter rubbish claims that groceries and holidays would become more expensive.

On the contrary, she says the cost of air fares could actually be reduced because air passenger duties could be cut.

On immigration, Priti calls herself an internationalist and admires the way Australia and Canada have dealt with migrants  restricting numbers to those with skills.

As for the claims this week by a French government minister that if Britain leaves the EU, the Paris government might rip up a treaty agreement with Britain and end UK border controls in Calais, she is equally forthright.

Were not going to take any lectures from France! It would be much more efficient if we do the controls ourselves than if we rely on third parties, particularly France, whose borders are quite porous. We get far too many lectures on a daily basis from Europe.

Considering her views on immigration, I ask if her parents would have passed Pritis skills test?

Thats totally, totally different to EU migration, she says. They came from East Africa when there was huge upheaval. They came with nothing  so what did they do? They went out to work all day, every day.

Priti, pictured outside Number 10 on March 1, and her younger brother and sister grew up in Harrow, Norfolk and Hertfordshire, moving house as more corner shops were opened, studying hard, working in the shop and getting cash-and-carry supplies after school

Her parents first set up a newsagent for her grandparents to run, then one for themselves. Soon they had a string of corner shops.

For nearly 40 years, her dad was up at 4am, seven days a week, marking up newspapers.

Priti and her younger brother and sister grew up in Harrow, Norfolk and Hertfordshire, moving house as more shops were opened, studying hard, working in the shop and getting cash-and-carry supplies after school.

I had a normal background. I went to the local comprehensive. I helped my parents. All we knew was hard work and keeping a roof over your head. Thats where my own work ethic comes from. Always live within your means, balance your books, cash flow  thats me.

Her father was very Right-wing (he stood as a Ukip councillor in 2013) and her own teenage heroes were Margaret Thatcher (such strength) and the late Cecil Parkinson, once her local MP and a regular shopper in the Patel corner shop.

Indeed, he encouraged Priti as a 17-year-old to join the Conservative Party. After helping the local branch  canvassing and leafleting  she got a job at Conservative Central Office in the Nineties.

She duly encountered Mrs Thatcher. I met her many, many times and I had a great bond with her. She was very, very kind to me. She helped me raise funds and get started in my constituency. She was always available for a chat.

Perhaps that bond was because Mrs Thatcher, too, had been brought up above a shop. Theres no doubt, with our similar backgrounds, there was a common interest.

When Priti first appeared on the national political scene as a parliamentary candidate at the 2010 general election, she was determined to stand up on the big issues.

She was so outspokenly Right-wing on immigration, welfare and crime that she was called the female Norman Tebbit (she still corresponds regularly with the veteran hardline Tory).

While she eulogises about David Cameron  whom she calls the boss  her anti-EU stance cant have come as a surprise to him. Priti, arriving on Downing Street in February, always wanted a referendum

But she was accused of being clunky in interviews and some cruelly doubted her intellectual prowess.

An appearance on BBC1s Question Time, when she said she would support the return of capital punishment, brought widespread criticism.

Today, although much more experienced, she has an unfortunate weakness for jargon, her passion is disarming, but she has an endearing fun side  happy to discuss how her make-up is holding up and her love of heavy metal music (despite her parents calling it obscene).

I love Metallica and Guns N Roses and ACDC. I love guitars. I like to play the music really, really loud in the car.

But what animates her particularly now are the day-to-day irritations about membership of the EU  such as Brussels directives that dictate the wattage of our household appliances.

We want to be able to buy light-bulbs bright enough to read with. Ive got loads in my house that havent been changed because I struggle to get the type I want, she says.

She also says the British people should be free to buy vacuum cleaners that are powerful enough to pick up dirt properly: These kinds of things matter. Its complete nonsense that they can dictate all this.

And dont get her started on the threat to the great British breakfast with Brussels plans to ban high-powered kettles and toasters.

We have people who are not elected or accountable to the British public making our rules and regulations and now we women are paying more on car insurance because of the EU.

And hair-dryers! If, like me, you need one powerful enough to dry your hair as quickly as possible at 20 past six in the morning, soon we might be able to get one again!

And if the British people vote Leave, she says: We might be looking at a future with really powerful hair-dryers and vacuum cleaners! All women want both, Im convinced of that!

These, plus much more important issues, will be discussed at the launch of Women for Britain on Tuesday  International Womens Day. Priti will be the main speaker alongside small business owners  all urging women to vote Leave.

While she eulogises about David Cameron  whom she calls the boss  her anti-EU stance cant have come as a surprise to him. Shes always wanted a referendum.

Indeed, in the Nineties she briefly defected to serve Sir James Gold-smiths short-lived Referendum Party. Her anti-EU views stem from the Black Wednesday crisis in 1992, when John Major suffered the humiliation of Britain being forced out of the European Exchange Mechanism  the precursor to the single currency.

It hurt people. It cost them their jobs, lost their homes, she says. My mum and dad were badly affected. They lost businesses. We were lucky to keep a roof over our heads.

She returned to the Tory party and became a lynchpin of William Hagues 2001 general election campaign, but then infuriated colleagues again by jumping ship for a job in public relations. Around the same time, she met business consultant Alex Sawyer and they married in 2004.

To become an MP, she fought tooth and French-manicured nail to break through the predominantly white, middle-aged ranks and had to submit to more than 20 interviews before she was selected as a candidate.

When she was voted in to represent the new constituency of Witham in 2010, she said: I wanted to develop a reputation of being an assiduous member of parliament  a doer.

She still maintains that ferocious energy. Does she ever relax and watch telly?

She looks shocked. Im sure my son would like me to, but it just doesnt happen. But I like my work and Im completely focused.

She cant have time for much else. She hasnt read a book since Christmas (predictably it was Charles Moores biography of Thatcher).

She finds time to be with her son, but spends most of the week juggling her enormous work load and dreaming of a future out of the EU.
Jeremy Corbyn has come under fire from female MPs for backing the decriminalisation of prostitution.

The Labour leader said he was in favour treating the sex industry in a more civilised way.

Mr Corbyn, who has been married three times and is liberal on personal matters, said: I am in favour of decriminalising the sex industry.

'I dont want people to be criminalised. I want to be [in] a society where we dont automatically criminalise people. Lets do things a bit differently and in a bit more [of a] civilised way.

Jeremy Corbyn, left, has come under fire from female MPs after backing the decriminalisation of prostitution, including Harriet Harman, right

He added that this was his personal opinion rather than party policy.

But his remarks were criticised by Harriet Harman, who was interim leader after the general election.

She has supported criminalising men who pay for sex rather than women prostitutes.

Miss Harman said on Twitter: Prostitutions exploitation and abuse not work/an industry. Women should be protected and men prosecuted.

Labour MP Jess Phillips was even more outspoken in her attack on the leader.

She said: Man says we should decriminalize a known violence against women. Why did it have to be this man. #shedstear.

Mr Corbyn was criticised by female MPs shortly after becoming leader, for failing to give women the higher profile roles in his shadow cabinet. He has since had a shake up of his top team.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK to try to criminalise those who pay for sex rather than those who sell it.

While kerb crawling and brothel keeping are offences in England, paying for or selling sex is not.

The Home Office has said it is keeping a close eye on Northern Ireland to see if the ban reduces exploitation or trafficking.

The department told the Home Affairs committee, which is looking at prostitution: Recent developments in Northern Ireland, where in July 2015, legislation was commenced that criminalises all purchasing of sex whilst decriminalising all selling, provides an opportunity to observe the implementation and impact of such a change.
School officials said they were in the second, fourth and sixth grades

First responders attempted to break a window open to save the children

She tried to go up the stairs to her children but the smoke was too thick

Three children of a Washington state lobbyist were killed in a house fire as their mother desperately tried to fight the thick smoke and flames blocking her from reaching their upstairs bedroom.

Colleagues identified the young children's father as Brad Tower, who lives in another city and was 'totally grief-stricken' after he rushed to the Centralia home, police said.

The children's names, genders and ages have not been released but local school officials said they were in the second, fourth and sixth grades.

Washington state lobbyist Brad Tower (pictured) lost three of his children in a tragic house fire on Friday. Police said Tower, who lives in another city, was 'totally grief-stricken' after he rushed to the Centralia home

Police said the children's mother, who escaped without injuries, was sleeping on the bottom floor of the two-story home when the fire woke her just before 1am on Friday

Police said the children's mother was sleeping on the bottom floor of the two-story home when the fire woke her just before 1am on Friday.

The flames had started in the living room near the front door, and she was unable to make it up the stairs where her children were sleeping in three separate bedrooms.

'She just said it was impossible to get through the smoke and flames that was between her and her kids,' said police Sgt. Carl Buster.

Three first responders, including police officer Phillip Weismiller, climbed onto the roof of the house as they tried to find another way to reach the children.

Weismiller, a 36-year-old decorated Iraq war veteran, suffered a serious injury to his hand as he tried to break the window and had to be taken to the hospital.

His wife Normal told The Chronicle newspaper of Centralia that two of his fingers were nearly severed, but that it appeared they would heal.

The flames had started in the living room near the front door, and she was unable to make it up the stairs where her children were sleeping in three separate bedrooms

Three first responders, including officer Phillip Weismiller, climbed onto the roof of the house as they tried to find another way to reach the children. Weismiller injured his hand as he broke a window to try and get in

'He is a strong man ... but situations like this are hard for anyone involved,' she said. 'He did all he could do, and he knows that. But he is sad that he couldn't save the kids.'

The mother did not suffer any injuries but Buster said she is completely devastated she could not save her kids.

'It's the hardest grief to bear to lose a child and to lose all your children at once,' Buster told Q13 Fox. 'I couldn't imagine.'

Authorities said there were no indications of foul play. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but burn patterns allowed investigators to determine that the fire at the home's entrance.

They were seen taking a small cast iron skillet from the home on Friday, according to KOMO News.

The living room was large and open, providing the flames with plenty of oxygen  a problem that was compounded when the big windows 'came out' under the stress of the fire, said Riverside Fire Authority Chief Michael Kytta.

The stairwell leading up to the children's rooms 'acted as if it were a chimney,' he said.

Authorities said there were no indications of foul play. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but burn patterns allowed investigators to determine that the fire at the home's entrance

Tower has been a lobbyist for the state capital since 2000, representing community bankers, its dental association and the Washington Christmas Tree Growers.

The news led to an outpouring of support, with both houses of the Legislature holding moments of silence and praying for the family.

Tower's colleagues wrote in an email Friday that the family requested privacy.

'I can't even guess what the sorrow is for a loss times three,' Senate Majority Leader Mark Schoesler said. 'My thoughts, my prayers to the entire Tower family goes out today.'

Lt Gov Brad Owen and several lawmakers addressed the tragedy on Friday.

'It's a very difficult time,' Owen said before asking the Senate to stand for a moment of silence.
A sheriff purchased 12 security cameras for the Santa Clara County Main Jail in California, which captured a fight involving 30 inmates the very next day.

Sheriff Laurie Smith was told it would take more than two years and $20million before the county could install cameras inside the jail.

After three deputies at the same facility were accused of beating a mentally ill inmate to death in August, Smith took matters into her own hands and charged the $760 to her personal credit card.

She told CBS: 'We didnt want to get hung up in the bureaucracy and the red tape. We wanted cameras in the facilities.'

A fight broke out at Santa Clara County Main Jail in California after two inmates (circled) brushed up against each other on Thursday

The fight, which was captured on security cameras installed the previous day, grew to include about 30 inmates

County officials told Sheriff Laurie Smith it would take more than two years and $20million before the county could install cameras inside the jail

Undeterred, she spent $760 of her own money and purchased a 12-camera surveillance system at Costco

The security cameras, which were installed on Wednesday by the jail's construction crew, are trained on the 50 cell doors as well as the multipurpose and exercise rooms.

On Thursday, a fight broke out in the maximum security region of the jail at about 3.30pm after two inmates bumped into each other.

The fight, which involved black and Latino inmates, grew to include a total of 30 people, sending the jail into a lock down.

It is unclear how many people were injured, but several inmates required the attendance of medical staff. None of the injuries were life threatening.

The fight was eventually broken up by authorities using pepper spray.

Smith had requested the installation of security cameras in February, and headed to Costco hoping the security cameras would deter fights and criminal activity. She also hoped the cameras would protect both staff members and inmates.

Sheriff's spokesman James Jensen told the LA Times: 'She felt that [estimate was ridiculous and not practical.'

After Thursday's fight, he said: 'I think it's going to work out excellent.'

The jail is under intense scrutiny after a mentally ill inmate was allegedly beaten to death. Matthew Farris, (left) Jereh Lubrin (center) and Rafael Rodriguez (right) were charged with murder after 31-year-old inmate Michael Tyree was found naked, unresponsive and covered in feces

According to charging documents, the men hit Tyree (pictured) on the head, arms legs and back, leaving him with lacerations to his liver and spleen that would have caused him to bleed to death internally

In September, jail deputies Matthew Farris, Jereh Lubrin and Rafael Rodriguez were charged with murder after 31-year-old inmate Michael Tyree was found naked, unresponsive and covered in feces.

According to charging documents, the men hit Tyree on the head, arms legs and back, leaving him with lacerations to his liver and spleen that would have caused him to bleed to death internally.

The alleged beating was not captured on camera.

The trio are also accused of assaulting another inmate, Juan Villa, on August 26 - the same night Tyree was found dead.

Tyree, who had been serving a sentence for petty theft, had suffered with bipolar disorder since he was a teenager and was slated to be moved to a mental health unit.
A 69 year-old woman has been jailed for five months after being tricked into giving $700,000 to a man she met online, before he convinced her to help him launder another $700,00 into overseas bank accounts.

The man, who called himself Kenneth Bruce, then left her to take the hit for the crime reported The West Australian.

Perth woman Edwena Doore plead guilty to dealing with proceeds of crime over $100,000.

Perth woman Edwena Doore believed the man, who called himself Kenneth Bruce, was in love with her, and they stayed in daily contact via phone and email

But District Court Judge Philip Eaton told Mrs Doore on Friday that she was not an innocent victim because she suspected the money she was channeling may have been stolen.

The judge is also considering whether Mrs Doore should be made to repay almost $500,00 missing from a couple's superannuation account.

After her husband died in 2006, the former teacher moved to New South Wales and in 2011 she joined an online dating site.

She met a man calling himself Kenneth Bruce and quickly became infatuated, maintaining daily phone and email contact, where he told her he was rich and wanted to marry her.

She flew to South Africa to meet home at one point, only to get an excuse why he didn't show.

Shortly after the requests for money began, including a story where he claimed he had been wrongly accused of a crime and he would go to jail if he didn't pay $90,000 to the High Court.

Mr Bruce also told Mrs Doore he had inherited a large sum of money from a British uncle but could not access it until he paid tens of thousands of dollars in death tax.

To prove his credentials she showed her a British passport and a bank statement.

In 2013 Mrs Doore received an envelope with US$25,000 worth of Amex cheques.

She contacted NSW police, who told her the cheques were fake and she had been scammed.

She returned to WA but re-established the connection with Mr Bruce, against the advice of the police.

After Mrs Doore sent him money, Mr Bruce also convinced her to help him launder more money from a NSW couple, and deposit it into eight different international bank accounts

He convinced her to send him another $50,00, which she funded by selling jewellery and maxing out multiple credit cards.

Mr Bruce then claimed he had been robbed by hackers who had taken all his money.

He apparently told her he would sell properties in Europe to cover the losses, and deposit the money into her accounts.

However, the hundreds of thousands that arrived in her account belonged to a NSW couple Ian and Colleen Wood, who had recently had their email account hacked and requests sent to a financial adviser to releases hundreds of thousands of dollars from their superannuation account.

When Mrs Doore contacted Mr Bruce about the money, he claimed he hadn't sent it.

Mrs Doore began receiving threatening phone calls from the supposed owners of the money, saying her and her family would be harmed if the money was not sent back.

She then sent the money to eight different bank accounts in France, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has slammed minor parties as an embarrassment for Australian democracy, after micro-party senators were elected on minuscule votes at the 2013 election.

Mr Turnbull said Labor's policies, which it will take to the next election, could slow or even halt Australia's transition to a successful 21st-century economy.

Addressing the NSW Liberal Party faithful, the prime minister said what Labor proposed with its policy on reducing negative gearing tax breaks would have the inevitable consequence of reducing investment.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull speaks during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday

In the lead-up to the election to be held later this year, the government is moving to change senate voting to limit the ability of micro-party candidates with tiny first-preference votes to be elected through secret preference swap deals.

Mr Turnbull said the 2013 senate election, which resulted in a record 18 cross-benchers, was really an embarrassment for Australian democracy.

'To have people elected through back-room preference whispering deals, elected on a tiny percentage of votes, was a disgrace,' he told the NSW Liberal Party state council meeting at Tumbi Umbi on the NSW central coast.

Mr Turnbull said there had been speculation the change might benefit one side or the other but the only beneficiaries would be voters who could decide where their preferences went.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull reacts during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday

Malcolm Turnbull smiles during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday

The prime minister was scathing of the opposition, especially its policy to wind back negative gearing tax breaks, reducing the ability to offset investment losses against personal income tax.

'It is calculated to slow down, to obstruct, to even stop our successful transition to a diverse, successful 21st-century economy,' he said.

Mr Turnbull foreshadowed a return to the 'pub test' that, he said, played such a key part in the success of the Howard coalition government, elected 20 years ago this month.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday

He said that was a watershed moment and at the heart of it was John Howard's appreciation of what Australians would regard as fair and reasonable in the national interest, which he termed as the pub test.

'On every tough call, you had to earn community support, you had to make your case compellingly, you had to win the public trust,' he said.

Mr Turnbull said his government was upfront about the challenges and the choices and explained plainly and directly why changes and reforms were needed to improve the lives of Australians.

'Respecting the people who put us into Parliament is our first obligation. Respecting their intelligence is the principal thing we have to undertake if we want to win their trust and hold it,' he said.

The Labor opposition frontbench reacts to Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on February 23

Treasurer Scott Morrison during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday

Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison speaks during House of Representatives Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra, on Tuesday
The daughter of Whitney Houston was found unresponsive in bathtub on January 31, 2015, and died in hospice July 26 after months in a coma

Bobby Brown said in a statement he was upset his daughter's autopsy had been published 'before anyone has been brought to justice for her death'

Manner of death has been labeled 'undetermined' as authorities can't tell if it was intentional or accidental

She had withered away to 93lb, had a series of scars on her head and body, and arrived at the morgue with a cloth doll

Bobby Brown, 23, cancelled a show in Charleston following the release of Bobbi Kristina Brown's autopsy

The show could not go on for Bobby Brown tonight as the grief over his daughter's death led to him canceling a show.

Bobby was due to appear at Jam Fest with Keith Sweat and an R&B line up at North Charleston Coliseum, but pulled out through 'illness'.

Hundreds of fans were left disappointed as they converged on the theater and were informed by posters on doors that he had pulled out.

His no-show came on the day Bobbi Kristina Brown's autopsy results were made public, revealing that drugs, drink and drowning killed her.

Scroll down for video and the full autopsy report

Father and daughter: Bobbi Kristina pictured above with her famous father Bobby Brown in a picture posted to the singer's Twitter

Bobby was due to appear at Jam Fest with Keith Sweat and an R&B line up at North Charleston Coliseum, but pulled out through 'illness'

Hundreds of fans were left disappointed as they converged on the theater and were informed by posters on doors that he had pulled out.

Cause of death: Bobbi Kristina Brown died of a combination of alcohol, drugs and drowning, according to her autopsy. The 22 year old pictured above in 2011 with her mother Whitney Houston

Bobby Brown's staff waited all day for news of whether he would surface and several times went to the nearby Charlestin Airport to await flights from Atlanta.

At one stage, his driver was told he was on his way on a flight that landed at 6.30pm and circled the airport in case he emerged.

Sweat arrived at lunchtime for a sound check but the musicians due to play with Brown were left high and dry.

A friend said: 'Pulling out of the show will cost him money, but he hasn't been himself. I could see the sadness in his eyes.'

Brown did not want the autopsy into his daughter's death made public and it came on what would have been Bobbi Kristina Brown's 23rd birthday.

The autopsy results were revealed on Friday by the Fulton County Medical Examiner in Atlanta, Georgia

History repeating: Bobbi Kristina's mother died in eerily similar circumstances in February 2012. Above, the bath tub where Bobbi Kristina was found unresponsive

Emergency: Bobbi Kristina pictured above being taken by ambulance to the hospital the day she was found unresponsive in her bathtub

The official document showed how she had alcohol and four different drugs in her system when she was found face-down in the bath of her suburban Atlanta home.

It detailed scars on her head and body, missing teeth, and the ravages and indignities she suffered during the seven months she spent in a coma before finally succumbing to the effects of the time she spent in the water.

It said the manner of how she came to drown - and therefore whether anyone was involved - could not be determined.

Bobby Brown earlier said he wanted to see 'justice' for his daughter.

Bobbi Kristina's boyfriend Nick Gordon today was seen grinning from ear to ear earlier today as the autopsy results were published.

He told Daily Mail Online: 'I'm glad that s*** is all over.'

'I just want to wish my girl a Happy Birthday. I can't say any more but it's good.'

Grin: Nick Gordon emerged from his gated home in Sanford, Florida, to buy food at a gas station as the full horror of his girlfriend's death emerged

Laughing: 'I'm glad that s*** is all over,' Gordon told Daily Mail Online. No criminal charges have been brought in the death of his girlfriend, but her family are suing him for wrongful death

Remembered: Gordon had previously posted this picture of him and Bobbi Kristina together

Gordon, 20, has been under suspicion of being involved with Bobbi Kristina's death ever since she was found face down in a bathtub in January 2015.

She remained in a coma until her death in July at a hospice in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bobbi Kristina's family filed a $10m wrongful death lawsuit against Gordon claiming he had injected her with drug and blamed him for her death.

He vehemently denied the allegations and the lawsuit is ongoing.

Officials had previously said her autopsy showed 'no significant injuries' at the time of her ' non-natural death'.

A court order has kept the information sealed as police said they were actively involved in an investigation into Bobbi Kristina's death.

Gordon has often appeared sullen and moody when photographed leaving the gated community in Sanford, Florida, where he lives with his mother Michelle.

But hours after the release of the autopsy results he emerged smiling to walk a short distance to a gas station to buy food and drink.

A tattoo of Bobbi Kristina was clearly visible on his right arm as he talked on his mobile phone.

The lawsuit brought by Kristina Brown's family means he is not free to talk about what took place inside the Atlanta apartment where her body was found.

The Fulton Medical Examiner's office released details of the autopsy ahead of the full report into her death.

According to the statement, Bobbi Kristina died of lobar pneumonia, which was caused by the combination of drugs found in her system, drowning and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy - a neurological condition resulting from a lack of oxygen to the brain.

'The drugs involved included marijuana, alcohol (ethanol), benzoylecgonine (a cocaine-related substance), benzodiazepines (medications used for sedation or to treat anxiety), and morphine.

'It could not be determined from toxicology tests whether the morphine resulted from heroin use.'

The autopsy alone could not reveal the underlying cause of death because of the long interval between Brown being found unresponsive in the bathtub and her eventual death.

They also do not say if it was an accident or not - leaving questions about her boyfriend Nick Gordon's possible role in her death up in the air.

Her death was 'clearly not due to natural causes', but they can't tell if it was due to intentional or accidental causes, and the coroner classified the manner of death 'undetermined'.

Other details revealed in the full autopsy report include how Bobbi Kristina was missing two teeth, was covered in scars and bruises and was just 93 pounds when she died.

The report lists dozens of scars covering her body - including at least six scars on her forearms.

As for the teeth, it appears they had always been missing, according to pictures which show her missing her front incisor teeth, leaving her with a gap.

When her body arrived at the morgue, examiners noted that she was wearing a disposable diaper, a tracheotomy tube and a feeding tube.

Her hair was tied back and swept off her face with a pink headband, matching the pink on her nails.

She carried a cloth doll with light brown and gold clothing that was returned to the family after the exam.

'The drugs involved included marijuana, alcohol (ethanol), benzoylecgonine (a cocaine-related substance), benzodiazepines (medications used for sedation or to treat anxiety), and morphine.

'It could not be determined from toxicology tests whether the morphine resulted from heroin use.'

They also said the autopsy alone could not reveal the underlying cause of death because of the long interval between Brown being found unresponsive in the bathtub and her eventual death.

They also do not say if it was an accident or not - leaving questions about her boyfriend Nick Gordon's possible role in her death up in the air.

Her death was 'clearly not due to natural causes', but they can't tell if it was due to intentional or accidental causes, and the coroner classified the manner of death 'undetermined'.

Bobbi Kristina's father appears to believe someone is responsible for his death.

Accused: Nick Gordon is being sued over the wrongful death of his former girlfriend

FULL STATEMENT FROM THE FULTON COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE Update on the Death of Bobbi Kristina Brown The cause of Bobbi Kristina Brown's death as determined by the Fulton County Medical Examiner is: Lobar pneumonia Due to: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, delayed effects Due to: Immersion of face in water complicating mixed drug intoxication The underlying cause of death is the condition which starts the downhill course of events leading to death and in this case is the immersion associated with drug intoxication. The pneumonia and encephalopathy are more immediate causes which resulted from the immersion and drug intoxication. The autopsy alone could not reveal the underlying cause of death because of the long interval between Ms. Brown being found unresponsive in the bathtub and her eventual death. Thus, the underlying cause of death is based substantially on review of medical records, the results of toxicology tests, investigative records, and the fact that the autopsy did not show any other likely underlying cause of death or reason for Ms. Brown becoming unresponsive. The drugs involved included marijuana, alcohol (ethanol), benzoylecgonine (a cocaine-related substance), benzodiazepines (medications used for sedation or to treat anxiety), and morphine. It could not be determined from toxicology tests whether the morphine resulted from heroin use. The other question which arises is manner of death. In other words, did death result from natural causes such as disease, an intentional act such as suicide or homicide, an unintentional cause (accident), or in an undetermined manner when a more specific manner of death cannot be established. Death was clearly not due to natural causes, but the medical examiner has not been able to determine whether death was due to intentional or accidental causes, and has therefore classified the manner of death as Undetermined . The Roswell Police Department and the Fulton County District Attorney have been provided with the Medical Examiner's findings. No further information will be available from the Medical Examiner's Office at this time. Fulton County Medical Examiner Posted March 4, 2016 Advertisement

In a statement issued to US Weekly, Bobby Brown said he was upset that the autopsy report had been released 'before anyone has been brought to justice' for his daughter's death.

'First and foremost, 23 years ago today, Bobbi Kristina was born,' Brown said. 'Krissy will always live in my heart and soul. I love my baby girl.

'For news affiliates to seek and obtain my daughter's autopsy report, before anyone has been brought to justice for her death is mind blowing to me. Please pray for my family.'

Brown's lawyer Christopher Brown also issued a statement.

'Yesterday we were informed that two news affiliates were granted access to the autopsy of Bobbi Kristina Brown.

'While this action is unsettling, we will continue in our efforts in the civil lawsuit and the criminal investigation.

'Bobby Brown has had to be strong and mourn his loved ones in a fashion that is foreign to most people. So public, so raw, with apparently no end in sight.

'Hopefully public indictments and prosecution will lead to private healing and closure for Bobby Brown and his family,' Christopher Brown said.

Gordon, 20, is currently fighting a $10million wrongful death lawsuit from the Brown family.

According to the lawsuit, Bobbi Kristina's estate claims that she was drugged 'with a toxic cocktail' and drowned in a tub of cold water by Gordon.

Gordon's lawyers have called the claims 'slanderous and meritless'.

'Nick has been heartbroken and destroyed over the loss of his love and it's shameful that such baseless allegations have been presented publicly. Nick has engaged civil counsel and intends to defend the lawsuit vigorously and expose it for what it is: a fictitious assault against the person who loved Krissy most,' his lawyer's statement reads.

A judge on Thursday granted a request filed by media organizations to unseal the autopsy.
Another Thermomix customer has spoken out in support of Danika Jones, a mother who was rushed to hospital with second-degree burns after her Thermomix burst open while she cooked dinner.

Consumer advocate Choice has also requested a government investigation on the popular $2000 kitchen appliance, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.

Kiera Alexander from Sydney claimed her machine was faulty and dangerous and was allegedly intimidated by Thermomix staff after she made a complaint.

Scroll down for video

Danika Jones's (pictured left, right) Thermomix exploded open as she pureed her pasta sauce

When the lid flipped off, boiling puree splattered all over Ms Jones's kitchen - and her body

Ms Alexander also vocalised the trouble she had with the company in a bid to support the Ms Jones who resides in Perth after she was bullied through social media.

Thermomix's statement 'We care about our customers, and their safety is our highest priority. We take this very seriously. We are aware of a reported incident with a TM31 appliance. This incident was reported to us eight weeks ago, and we have continually tried to engage with the customer involved to resolve this matter. It is important that the appliance involved is made available for diagnosis, so that we can analyse how the TM31 was used and investigate whether operator error may have been a factor. The customer in this instance has so far declined to do this. We would like to clarify that the TM31 has never been the subject of a product recall. As a precaution, theseal on TM31 appliances should be replaced every two years. We want to reassure our 300,000 Australian customers that Thermomix products  as with any kitchenappliance  are absolutely safe, providing they are used in line with the manufacturer's instructions.' Advertisement

"The negative abuse the woman who got burned is copping is phenomenal," said Ms Alexander.

"[Thermomix consultants] are all saying she was stupid, it was in error but the culture there is horrific."

"Consultants need to accept this is happening and warn their customers rather than stick their head in the sand," she said.

Within weeks of purchasing the electronic kitchen device in January 2014 Ms Alexander noted that the lid was rotating towards unlocking when it was turned on.

Ms Alexander then spent eight months fighting for a refund as she refused to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Initially refusing to offer a refund, the company instead decided to put out a voluntary recall and safety bulletin as well as offer a replacement seal.

Thank god we fought for a refund  our 'new improved seal' would still see the lid unlocking, but still had to fight for over six months for a refund with this disgusting, unethical company Thermomix, wrote Ms Alexander on her Facebook page.

How many people have to be injured before they recall such a dangerous product?

They call it child friendly, imagine if it was a two-year-old, four-year-old, scarred for their entire life because a lot of people use their Thermomix with their children  Makes me sick just even thinking about it.

Thermomic customer, Kiera Alexander, has spoken out against the company claiming they refused to refund the product and attempted to make her sign a gag order

Many customers have since taken to social media to vocalise issues with the machine

Thermomix has since issued a response on the issue saying they are aware of the issue: 'We want to reassure our 300,000 Australian customers that Thermomix products are absolutely safe'

Since the event Thermomixs official Facebook page has been flooded with complaints while a community Facebook group for Thermomix unhappy customers, continues to support consumers affected by the appliance.

I just threw ours in the rubbish bin, After the burns story, and your total denial of any fault on your part, wrote one disgruntled customer on the Thermomix Facebook page.

I am not prepared to take the risk using what is obviously a product from a company that is selling on spin and hype.

Before throwing it in the bin I pulled it apart, I am an electronic engineer, and found issues with the design, which I am not prepared to risk.

Thermomix's Facebook page has since been flooded with complaints

Ms Jones was rushed to a hospital burns unit where she had 'extensive treatment'. Scalding pictured above

Ms Jones, a mother-of-two was making a pasta sauce with the cult kitchen appliance when it started making a funny noise.

Moments later, Ms Jones said, the lid flew open - splattering burning hot liquid all over her chest, tummy and arms.

Ms Jones suffered 'intense pain' and was taken to hospital where she had 'extensive treatment'.

Her recovery involved wearing an electromagnetic device for 20 hours each day until the burns healed.

'This was an awful ordeal which I wouldn't wish upon anyone else,' she said in a statement from her lawyers.

'So many people use a Thermomix and they need to know how unpredictable they can be and how dangerous they can become when they malfunction.'

Terrible injuries: Ms Jones is calling for another national recall of the Thermomix TM31's seal

A Thermomix spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia in a statement they have been made aware of the incident since January.

'Thermomix has been very cooperative in this case. We have made, and continue to make, every endeavour to work with Ms Jones to investigate this matter,' the spokesperson said.

'Unfortunately, Ms Jones has declined our requests to investigate the appliance.

'Without a thorough investigation of the appliance, the manufacturer is unable to determine the cause of this incident. Unfortunately, on occasion the appliance can be used incorrectly.'

The seal of her TM31 model had only recently been replaced following a product recall.

Now Ms Jones is demanding the product be recalled again.

Slater and Gordon lawyers are investigating a claim on her behalf.

The Thermomix cooking device has become a cult success in Australia and in Europe.
If asked to step down by the Holy Father he will abide by his wishes

Cardinal Pell said he hoped the Australian people can give him a fair go

Australia's most senior Catholic, Cardinal George Pell, says he won't be resigning over the church's child abuse scandal in Australia.

Cardinal Pell, now the number three in the Vatican and in charge of the organisation's finances, said he hoped he and the church could now get a fair go from the Australian people.

He said he wouldn't be resigning for the sake of the church.

Scroll down for video

Cardinal George Pell has said he will not be resigning from being the pope's powerful finance minister over the child abuse scandal plaguing the church

'No I wouldn't resign. That would be taken as an admission of guilt. If the Holy Father asked me to I'd point this out but I'd do whatever he wanted,' he told Sky News.

Cardinal Pell was questioned via video link from Rome this week by the abuse royal commission over pedophile priests in the Ballarat and Melbourne dioceses when he was serving there in the 1970s and 80s.

He said he regretted putting the church before victims in the past but he had never put himself before either.

Cardinal Pell said he was in Rome trying to do with Vatican finances what he did to clean up pedophilia in Melbourne.

'There's no man of cover-up in charge of Vatican finances,' he said.

Cardinal Pell said he fully conceded that terrible crimes had occurred and he hoped the Australian people would understand the truth.

'I'd like them to give me a fair go. Everybody needs a fair go, and certainly the Catholic Church is entitled to that,' he said.

Cardinal Pell who spent four days giving evidence to the Royal Comission (left) said Ridsdale (right) was undoubtedly a capable man and was not someone people complained about to him at the time

Catholic priest Gerald Ridsdale, who was jailed on pedophile charges in 1994

During an interview with Sky News, Cardinal George Pell spoke about sharing a house with Australia's most notorious pedophile priest.

'I didn't warm to him but we never clashed,' Cardinal Pell said on Friday, speaking of the 10 months he lived with Gerald Ridsdale at the Ballarat East presbytery where Ridsdale molested an 11-year-old girl in the 1970s.

The country's now most-senior Catholic said Ridsdale in essence was 'a mystery man'.

Cardinal Pell said Ridsdale was undoubtedly a capable man and was not someone people complained about to him at the time, even though they might have about other priests.

'I once celebrated mass after him and I remember his vestments were there and they were sopping wet from some tension or something like that, and I remember noticing that at the time, and I thought him a very tense man,' he said.

'But that's the only particular characteristic [of Ridsdale's] that I can remember.'

Cardinal Pell also revealed during a lengthy interview with Sky that he later learned a psychiatrist treating Ridsdale in 1975 was contacted by police who said they had held concerns about him but were pleased something was finally being done about him.

Cardinal Pell gave his first interview to one of his defenders, Andrew Bolt, on Sky News on Friday

However, the psychiatrist had been compelled to explain that he hadn't been treating Ridsdale's sexual behaviours, rather his anxiety.

Cardinal Pell, 74, who was questioned by the abuse royal commission over Ridsdale and other pedophile priests in the Ballarat and Melbourne dioceses this week, said he felt tremendous relief that everything was now said and done.

While acknowledging that his denials of a cover-up angered abuse victims who said he must have known, he said he regretted putting the church before victims in the past but he had never put himself before either.

He said the reason he sometimes came across as 'wooden' and 'armour-plated' was partly to do with how he'd been trained, partly to do with his personality and partly to do with 'needing to survive'.

He said the 'evil, insensitive stereotype' being pushed by the media was incorrect.

'It's very, very difficult and upsetting. There's no way around it and I've tried to put out the truth,' he said.

Cardinal Pell described claims that Victoria Police were investigating him over alleged abuse as 'extraordinary and completely false'.

He said he had not been approached by police.

When asked whether he would resign from his high-ranking position, he gave an emphatic no.

'I wouldn't resign as that would be taken as an admission of guilt,' Cardinal Pell said.

Australian Cardinal George Pell (C) speaks to journalists at the end of a meeting with the sex abuse victims, at the Quirinale hotel in Rome

Cardinal Pell leaves the Quirinale hotel after meeting the relatives and victims of priestly sex abuses




Two suspects wanted in the shooting of a 24-year-old Army veteran in Albuquerque, New Mexico last month were arrested in Oklahoma on Friday.

Matthew Chavez, 25, and Veronica Trimble, 22, are accused of gunning down Tyler Louis Lackey at a Wells Fargo ATM where he stopped to get cash after having dinner with a friend on February 5. Police have said that Chavez was trying to rob Lackey and that Lackey pulled out his own gun after Chavez pulled out his and fired five shots.

Police were told that the suspects, who were identified on February 15, booked a hotel room in Oklahoma. They later arrested the duo at Winstar Casino in Love County, according to KOB.

Chavez is also wanted for robbing a store in Ardmore on Friday.

Scroll down for video

Apprehended: Matthew Chavez (left), 25, and Veronica Trimble (right), 22, are accused of gunning down Tyler Louis Lackey at a Wells Fargo ATM where he stopped to get cash after having dinner with a friend on February 5

Tyler Lackey's brother Scott told reporters on Friday night that he is pleased the suspects were apprehended.

'I'd like to say that I love my brother. I'd also like to thank APD detective Acata, Wells Fargo for offering a reward and everyone who came together to help find them. The people of Albuquerque have been incredibly supportive. The men and women of Tyler's unit, the 67th and the 82nd, we're incredibly supportive,' he said.

Police say that Lackey tried to detain his attacker before he was fatally shot.

Army veteran Tyler Louis Lackey, 24, (pictured) was killed on this after being shot while taking money out of an Albuquerque, New Mexico, ATM

Lackey's friend told police after the incident that a Hispanic man wearing a white bandanna over his face demanded Lackey give him money prior to the altercation.

The shooter was previously described as a Hispanic man with a clean-shaven face who was wearing a red track suit, according to witnesses.

'I think he told him to give him his money and he was like "are you joking?" He (Lackey) had his hands in his pockets,' the friend said.

'I guess the guy had a gun as well and he pulled his first. And the guy started going back towards his car.'

'(The suspect) was like, "well you think this is a joke?" So on and so forth, and he was like, "No, you get out the car right now. Turn off your car,"' the friend told police.

The friend told police that Lackey pointed his gun at the suspect and told him to get out of the car.

They both allegedly started yelling for the suspect to get out of the car.

Officers responded to the ATM in central New Mexico around 10pm where they found Tyler with one gunshot wound in the parking lot.

'We got a call at 9.52pm saying there were two male subjects in the parking lot and they were in a confrontation,'

'(The caller) heard a loud noise and then one man fell to the ground.' officer Daren DeAguero told the Albuquerque Journal.

Tyler was dead before paramedics and officers arrived.

Police found a gun next to Lackey and aren't sure if it belonged to him or the assailant.

Footage: Lackey's friend told police after the incident that a Hispanic man wearing a white bandanna over his face demanded Lackey give him money prior to the altercation

The ATM: Lackey was getting money out of this ATM when he was allegedly fatally shot during a robbery

Tyler's (pictured, right) mother Liz Frank (pictured, left) is in mourining over her son's death

Video surveillance captured this vehicle (pictured, right), believed to belong to the Chavez, and Trimble (pictured, left) believed to be in connection with the suspect

Video courtesy of KOB

Tyler came from a military family and grew up in Albuquerque.

'Most of the men in the family go into the Army or one of the branches of the military,'

'His brother and him are very close in age, about a year apart, so he was not far behind.' Paula Frank, Tyler's aunt, said.

Tyler had just completed a five-and-a-half-year stint in the Army as a paratrooper medic in the 82nd Airborne Division.

'He worked in a field surgical unit during his tour in Afghanistan.

'He was honorably discharged in November of 2015,' Frank said.

Lackey was enrolled Central New Mexico Community College to continue serving in the medical field like Paula, who is a nurse.

'I'm a nurse practitioner, and he would say he wanted to be a nurse like me.

'He was just starting out at CNM, and he knew he wanted to do to something in medicine, but he didn't know what yet,' she said.

Although police haven't said why they believe Lackey was shot and killed, Frank believes he must have been at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was later discovered the shooting occurred after a robbery.

'He wasn't into gangs or into criminal stuff.

'He was just trying to move on after the Army, grow up and get on with his life,' she said.

Tyler had recently returned home after serving nearly six years in Afghanistan as a paratrooper medic
The rape charge against him was also thrown out after jury deadlock

Isidro Garcia, 42, was found guilty of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl prosecutors claimed he forced into marriage

A California man has been found guilty of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl prosecutors claimed he kidnapped, raped and forced into marriage.

Isidro Garcia, 42, was acquitted of kidnapping the girl, who is now 26 and remained with him until she went to the police in 2014.

The jury deadlocked on the most serious charge of rape but convicted him of lewd acts with a minor after his attorney acknowledged Garcia had sexual relations with the girl when she was a teenager.

Garcia was arrested in 2014 after his wife told authorities that he had abducted her a decade earlier and forced her to stay with him.

The case made national headlines after the woman contacted her sister on Facebook and said she wanted to reunite.

Garcia's wife told police she had met him shortly after arriving from Mexico to live in Santa Ana, California, with her mother - who was his girlfriend at the time.

There was no dispute that the girl, who was in the US illegally, drove away with Garcia after he fought with her mother at the family's apartment.

The question was whether she did so willingly or because she felt trapped after Garcia told her she couldn't go home because police were at the apartment and would arrest her.

During the trial, jurors heard testimony from the woman, her mother and her sister about the fight that led to her disappearance.

The woman testified that Garcia began favoring her and buying her clothes soon after she arrived from Mexico in 2004 and forced her to have sex multiple times.

After the fight, Garcia took her to a locked garage in nearby Los Angeles County, gave her fake identification and beat her twice when she tried to leave, she said.

'During the ten years I lived with him he always threatened that if I said anything to anyone I would get thrown in jail for using false identification and that immigration would deport me,' the woman wrote in family court papers.

Garcia (pictured with the girl) was acquitted of kidnapping the teen, who is now 26 and remained with him until she went to the police in 2014. The rape charge was also thrown out after the jury deadlocked

Neighbors saw Garcia (pictured with his wife and child) as a doting father who liked to host parties at his home with the wife and daughter he adored

Authorities said the woman was moved around and given multiple fake identities to keep her hidden from family.

The woman testified that over time she had more freedom and eventually made friends, but that Garcia continued to hit her when she refused sex.

She said that over time she gradually accepted her situation, married him and underwent fertility treatments.

During opening statements in Garcia's trial on Thursday, Orange County Deputy District Attorney Whitney Bokosky told jurors to look beyond the appearance of a happy family.

'This is a different type of captivity,' Bokosky told reporters after the hearing last year.

'It is more of a mental captivity. She doesn't know where else to go, she doesn't know where else to turn to.'

Garcia contended the woman ran away to escape an unhappy home but had second thoughts after finding her family on social media.

During opening statements, defense attorney Seth Bank said Garcia conceded to having an inappropriate sexual relationship with the girl but that it was consensual.

Bank showed jurors photos of the smiling couple getting married years later and celebrating their daughter's birthday.

Neighbors saw Garcia as a doting father who liked to host parties at his home with the wife and daughter, who was conceived using fertility treatments, that he adored.

Outside court on Friday, several jurors said they were deeply divided and troubled by the difference between the alleged victim's account and Garcia's account.

Neighbor Maria Sanchez holds a picture, taken in 2012, of Garcia at his daughter's third birthday at a church in Bell Gardens, California

Garcia is seen talking with his attorney on video during his arraignment at the Orange County jail in Santa Ana in May 2014

Jurors were sharply divided over the trial's outcome. At least two said they spent hours trying to persuade others that Garcia committed rape. The panel ultimately deadlocked 9-3 on that count.

'I don't think it's justice because I think he raped her,' said Elinor Miklos, a juror. 'I don't believe that any grown man should be taking advantage of a young girl in a situation that she was in.'

Jury forewoman Yolanda Nowicki said she came to believe that the alleged victim made up her story because she didn't want to be with Garcia anymore but wanted custody of their daughter.

'The victim, a lot of us felt that she had committed perjury on the stand, that she wasn't truthful and honest,' she said. 'We felt that she went willingly.'

The rape count was dismissed Friday.

Garcia faces a maximum of four years and four months, but could receive only probation at sentencing next month with credit for two years of time served.

'I'm disappointed. I knew that this was a difficult case when I filed it, but I really did believe (the alleged victim), and I felt I could prove it,' Bokosky said.

The prosecution offered Garcia a deal just minutes before the verdict was read, but he rejected it.

'I'm really happy with the way in which the jury pushed back against the overreach by the district attorney's office,' said Bank.

'It gave me a lot of faith in our criminal justice system.'

Garcia will have to register as a sex offender and faces deportation to Mexico upon his release.
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'.
An American model with a huge social media following has slammed the Gold Coast after she was barred from entering two venues purely because of her neck tattoo.

Kristen Leanne, 27, who is known for her tutorials as a make-up artist, was visiting Queensland with her husband and friends when she ran into trouble with security guards at Jupiters Casino.

After a similar experience at QT Gold Coast, Ms Leanne opted to leave the iconic coastal city and head across to Sydney, where she says she had a much better experience.

Filming the interaction and uploading it to her Facebook page, Ms Leanne condemned the guards' decision as blatant 'tattoo discrimination' and urged her 1.7 million followers to share the clip.

Scroll down for video

American model and make-up artist Kristen Leannes, 27, has blasted the Gold Coast after two venues denied her entrance for her neck tattoo

Ms Leanne was denied entry to Jupiters Casino and QT Gold Coast, with security explaining that they were unable to let her in because she could not cover her tattoo

Ms Leanne uploaded footage of her run-in with security at Jupiters to her Facebook page, urging her 1.7 million followers to share the clip and help end blatant 'tattoo discrimination'

'We were denied access to the casino because of our appearance, although we were completely dressed up,' Ms Leanne says in the clip.

She then showed footage of the night at Jupiters Casino, where the guard explained to her that because her tattoo was unable to be concealed or covered up, he would have to refuse her entry.

'He wasn't rude or anything, but I'm still shocked that in this day and age people are being discriminated against based off of how they look,' Ms Leanne said.

After a similar experience at QT Gold Coast on the weekend - a hotel they had stayed at all week - the pair decided to head to Sydney.

'We were told we wouldn't get into many places on the Gold Coast, so we headed back to Sydney.'

'Discrimination, especially on your outward appearance, is insane.'

'We were denied access to the casino because of our appearance, although we were completely dressed up,' Ms Leanne says in the clip

The security guard appeared apologetic and sincere but stood firm with the decision to deny her entry

'Discrimination, especially on your outward appearance, is insane': Ms Leanne was unimpressed

Many social media users said the strict tattoo laws where a result of a recent problem with bikies

While many social media users sympathised with Ms Leanne, a majority opted to defend the actions of the security guards in denying her entry - explaining the rules had only recently been implemented and were an effort to minimise bikie presence in clubs, bars and casinos.

'It's because of the bikie scene in Australia..I don't condone what they did but it's true a lot of criminals in Australia have those stereotypical tattoos,' wrote one woman.

'They seem to have a problem with neck tattoos. A few years back it started with the bikeys they assumed anyone with a neck or face tattoo where associated with them,' another agreed.

A spokeswoman for Jupiters Hotel and Casino told the Gold Coast Bulletin that a tattoo policy had been introduced roughly 12 months ago and was part of the dress code.

She refused to comment on Ms Leanne's specific incident.

The QT Gold Coast has an official dress code on their website which reads: 'Dress to impress. Evening wear, dress shirts and dress pants apply for men. Tattoos must be covered.'

Other social media users agreed with Ms Leanne, saying the laws were discriminatory

Ms Leanne decided to head to Sydney with her husband after the incidents, where she said she had a much better time getting into venues
Kim Jong-Un has increased his outspoken war of words by threatening to 'clearly show the end' to South Korea's President Park Geun-hye, in one of his most outspoken outbursts in public.

It is the first time Kim Jong-Un has openly denounced the South Korean President in such strong words, with the state's media usually responsible for issuing the threats.

The North Korean media has rarely held back in criticising Seoul, once describing the South Korean president as a 'bat living in a cave' and going as far as calling her 'a devil, not a woman.'

Kim Jong-Un has increased his outspoken war of rhetoric by threatening to 'clearly show the end' of South Korea's President Park Geun-hye, in one of his most outspoken outbursts in public

It is the first time Kim Jong-Un has openly denounced the South Korean President Park Geun-hye in such strong words, with the state's media usually responsible for issuing the threats.

'In order to prevent future leaders from silly behaviour like Park's, it is necessary to clearly show the end of Park,' said Mr Kim, according to the Korea Central News Agency (KCNA).

'Park should be considerate and behave reasonably, ceasing her rash behaviour toward our nuclear armament,' he said.

Perhaps inspired by the North's recent short-range missile launches, which ended up in the sea, Kim boasted that South Korea could be obliterated in a nuclear strike at 'any time'.

'If Park carries out trivial military behaviour, then there won't be any time to regret,' he claimed.

South Korea has remained relatively calm amid its neighbour's heightened threats although President Park has vowed to retaliate if the North is militarily aggressive towards them.

Perhaps inspired by the North's recent short-range missile launches, which ended up in the sea, Kim boasted that South Korea could be obliterated in a nuclear strike at 'any time'

'In order to prevent future leaders from silly behaviour like Park's, it is necessary to clearly show the end of Park,' said Mr Kim

North Korea's relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a major concern for South Korea, the USA and its allies

Kim may be enjoying a war of words towards South Korea but the secret state is now facing fresh diplomacy problems further afield.

The Philippines confirmed it has impounded a North Korean vessel in response to tough new United Nations sanctions introduced in response to Pyongyang's recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

The 6,830-tonne cargo ship Jin Teng will not be allowed to leave Subic port, northeast of the capital Manila, where it had been docked for three days and its crew will be deported.

The news was revealed by the country's presidential spokesman Manolo Quezon, speaking on state-run radio station Radyo ng Bayan.

It was the first reported case of the sanctions - the toughest to date, which were adopted late Wednesday by the UN Security Council - being enforced.

South Korea has remained relatively calm amid its neighbour's heightened threats although President Park has vowed to retaliate if the North is militarily aggressive towards them

Kim maybe enjoying a war of words towards South Korea but in the secret state is now facing diplomacy problems further afield

The Philippines confirmed it has impounded a North Korean vessel in response to tough new United Nations sanctions introduced in response to Pyongyang's recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests

'The world is concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme and as a member of the UN, the Philippines has to do its part to enforce the sanctions,' Quezon said.

A team from the UN is expected to inspect the ship in the port, located near a former United States naval base, foreign affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

Jose told AFP the ship was impounded 'in compliance with the UN resolution' and did not depend on the results of the inspections.

The Jin Teng, carrying palm kernels, was searched for the second time today, this time using electronic weapons sensors, coastguard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo told AFP.

Balilo said no explosives, drugs or banned substances have been found so far and he confirmed the 21 crewmen were 'very cooperative'.

North Korea has no embassy in the Philippines. Its embassies in Thailand and Indonesia were unavailable for comment when contacted by AFP.

There are no other North Korean ships docked in Subic, according to the coastguard.

The Jin Teng arrived in Subic from Palembang, Indonesia Thursday afternoon, just hours after the latest sanctions were unanimously passed.

In response to the UN's move, Pyongyang fired six short-range missiles into the sea on Thursday, while North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered its nuclear arsenal put on standby for pre-emptive use at any time.

On Friday, the European Union also tightened sanctions against North Korea by adding 16 people and 12 entities to a list of some 60 individuals and groups who were hit with travel bans and asset freezes.




One of New Zealands worst child sex offenders worked in the countrys education system for more than 30 years before he was arrested and charged with sexually violating 12 young girls last year.

Robert Selwyn Burrett will be sentenced in April after he pleaded guilty to 21 charges of child sex abuse in the Christchurch High Court last month.

The school caretaker and bus driver subjected his victims, aged between five and 12, to rape, sodomy, forced oral sex and watching pornography in an underground shed that he had installed with curtains and locks.

Robert Selwyn Burrett subjected his victims, aged between five and 12, to rape, sodomy, forced oral sex

Burrett would often film the abuse and three of his victims had intellectual or physical disabilities.

Burrett started work as a caretaker at the Christchurch school in 2013. He held another job as a bus driver transporting children with intellectual and physical disabilities.

The details of Burretts offending were outlined in his court hearing last month.

One victim, aged between 10 and 12, said she was raped most days, at morning tea and lunch time during school, stuff.co.nz reported.

The court also heard that he would take two nine and 10-year-old girls into his shed and abuse them, stuff.co.nz reported.

He repeatedly warned his victims not to say anything about the harassment.

Burrett (at back) worked in New Zealand's education system for more than 30 years before he was arrested and charged with sexually violating 12 young girls

Even before his Christchurch offending, there were red flags. In the 1990s while principal at Lake Rotama School it is alleged he masturbated in class and took girls out of school without parent permission

Burrett was struck off the teachers register after he plead guilty in 2016, but some parents, former students and school administrators are dismayed he was allowed to work in the education system for so long.

Burrett worked in various roles at schools across New Zealand despite red flags early in his career, a New Zealand Herald investigation has found.

In the 1990s while principal at Lake Rotama School in the central North Island it is alleged he taught drunk, masturbated in class and took girls out of school without parent permission.

A decade later he was pushed out of another school he was working as deputy principal at for incompetence, The New Zealand Herald reported.

Burrett was arrested and charged with the sexual abuse of 12 young girls in May 2015.

He has been remanded in custody until sentencing next month.

Burrett worked as school caretaker and would abuse his victims in a blacked-out shed, often filming the abuse

Burrett also had another job as a bus driver transporting disabled children to and from school
A decorated war hero is set to celebrate his 100th birthday - despite being declared dead 70 years ago.

Charles Rodaway cheated death when he was captured by Japanese troops in 1942 and a firing squad was called away at the last second.

But a local newspaper published that he had died in an obituary following the announcement from official Army reports.

War hero Charles Rodaway is set to celebrate his hundredth birthday. Pictured on the right as an 18-year-old soldier, he was captured by Japanese troops in the second world war and faced the firing squad

The war veteran gave his mourning family a shock when he returned home after the prisoner of war camp he was kept in was liberated.

Mr Rodaway, who celebrates his milestone on March 12, said: 'I said to my pal, 'This is it' - but the firing squad got called to attention and marched off.'

The Second World War veteran from Blackpool signed up at the age of 12 before joining the North Lancashire Regiment six years later in 1934.

But after being captured at the Fall of Singapore, he was sentenced to 15 years at Sakai Prison in Osaka alongside eight other prisoners of war.

Describing the conditions, Mr Rodaway said: 'There was no heat or fan; no water, a wooden pail for a toilet, one light hung from the ceiling, and a small barred window at the rear of the cell.

'Clothing was one thin shirt, a thin pair of trousers, no shoes or socks and no jacket. There was no wooden box, only the floor to sit on and a thin blanket for cover.

'Bathing was usually allowed once a month but there was no soap, wash cloth or towel, and no clean clothing.'

Charles Rodaway on the left his wife Sheila. Right, paperwork detailing Mr Rodaway's failed escape attempt in the second world war

Despite the appalling living conditions, Mr Rodaway survived and was rescued when the prison was liberated in August 1945 - giving his family quite a shock when he returned home.

He emigrated to Canada in 1948, but made frequent visits to his home town of Blackpool before he become 'too old' to travel.

Speaking about his war stories, his wife Sheila said: 'It's quite an accomplishment, especially considering the inhumane conditions during his time in Japan prisons.

'He's absolutely amazed he's lived so long, and feels wonderful, excitedly looking forward to his birthday although he can't quite believe it.'

Mr Rodaway added the secret to a long life was 'truthfulness and honesty'.

Amateur historian Tony Rodaway - no relation to Charles - discovered the war veteran's incredible survival story while researching the military history of his own family.

Tony said: 'A lot of those lads when they come back they don't want to talk about it and they just want to get on with life, though obviously they would have been under a lot of stress.

'To be in front of a firing squad and saying goodbye to your friend and then having the commanding officer call it off at the last second - the odds of that happening just beggars belief.'

Tony added: 'He's still in reasonably good health apart from his eyesight. He's absolutely more than one in a million.'
The Vatican has praised Cardinal George Pell and a group of child sex abuse survivors who flew to Rome to hear him give evidence by video link to a royal commission sitting in Sydney.

But Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said in a statement the 'sensationalist' media coverage of Cardinal Pell's testimony gave the impression the Catholic Church had done little or nothing to address the issue of clergy sex abuse, when that was not the case.

The head of the Holy See press office also said the recent awarding of a best picture Oscar to the film Spotlight about the uncovering of clergy sex abuse in Boston, had a similar sensationalist effect.

Cardinal Pell gave evidence for four nights from Rome's Quirinale Hotel, admitting the church had made 'enormous mistakes' and saying he regretted at times putting the church before victims.

Scroll down for video

Cardinal George Pell gave evidence by video link before the child abuse royal commission in Sydney

Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi praised Cardinal Pell for his 'dignified and coherent' appearance

Catholic priest Gerald Ridsdale was jailed on pedophile charges in 1994. Many of the abuse survivors who flew to Rome to hear Cardinal Pell's testimony were sexually abused by Mr Ridsdale

Cardinal Pell who spent four days giving evidence to the Royal Comission (left) said Ridsdale (right) was undoubtedly a capable man and was not someone people complained about to him at the time

But abuse survivors in the audience were unimpressed with his denials that he was aware of offending by pedophile priests when he served in the Ballarat diocese in Victoria and his shifting of blame to other clergy for cover-ups and scandals.

Many of the survivors were abused by Australia's worst pedophile priest, Gerald Ridsdale, and fathers at a Christian Brothers school in the Ballarat diocese.

'Cardinal Pell must be accorded the appropriate acknowledgement for his dignified and coherent personal testimony - 20 hours of dialogue with the royal commission,' Fr Lombardi said.

He said that what emerged from such hearings was 'an objective and lucid picture of the errors committed in many ecclesiastical environments, this time in Australia, during the past decades'.

'This is certainly useful with a view to a common 'purification of memory',' he said.

'Recognition is also due to many members of the group of victims who came from Australia for demonstrating their willingness to establish constructive dialogue with Cardinal Pell and with the representative of the Commission for the Protection of Minors, Father Hans Zollner SJ, of the Pontifical Gregorian University.'

Father Lombardi said Australian Cardinal George Pell (C) had provided 20 hours of 'useful testimony' that would lead to a 'purification of memory'

Fr Lombardi said the group had the prospect of continuing those connections with the aim of devising ways to prevent further abuse.

He said Pope Francis and his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI had shown 'courageous commitment' to deal with clergy sex abuse crises in the US, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and Holland.

And the Vatican's website had more than 60 documents and interventions dedicated to 'Abuse of minors: the Church's response', Fr Lombardi said.

'From this perspective, the events in Rome of the last few days may be interpreted in a positive light.'

Cardinal Pell gave his first interview to one of his defenders, Andrew Bolt, on Sky News on Friday
A mother whose son has Down's syndrome stole from a charity which had supported her family.

Helen Williams had been entrusted with the role of treasurer for Bolton Smiley Faces - but she kept 1,000 of money raised for the charity instead of banking it.

The 39-year-old repeatedly lied to other staff at the charity when questioned, only admitting her actions on the day her trial started at Bolton Crown Court.

Helen Williams, 39, was the treasurer for Bolton Smiley Faces - but she kept 1,000 of money raised for the charity instead of banking it

A judge told her she only escaped a prison sentence because of her family circumstances.

The court was told that the theft, which occurred over a four year period starting in April 2011, finally came to light when charity members decided to apply for funding from Comic Relief and were required to provide their accounts.

But when secretary Natalie Cooper asked Williams for the accounts, the treasurer repeatedly made excuses for not handing them over.

Mrs Cooper said the charity's annual trip to Center Parcs in February this year hung in the balance as the charity subsidizes families to go. But it was only after a sponsored walk the group were able to replenish funds, allowing the weekend break to go ahead.

Some of the money stolen by Williams had been donated by someone who had taken part in the Great North Run, the court heard.

Mrs Cooper added: 'We are not a really big charity with hundreds of thousands of pounds. She was a parent who also received support from us. It was a lot more than trust that was broken - it was a friendship. Not only did she take from the children but she abused the friendship.'

'When challenged she explained that the accounts had been destroyed,' said Alistair Reid, prosecuting.

Bank statements eventually obtained by the charity trustees revealed discrepancies between the amount in the account and information Williams had given them.

But Williams maintained her innocence until the day of her trial on February 8 when she entered a guilty plea to theft, admitting stealing 1,000 - cash which she had been handed on three separate occasions, but had not banked.

Williams, a part time nursery nurse, has an eight-year-old son with Down's syndrome and had become involved with the running of the charity after she was asked to become treasurer in 2009.

After pleading guilty at Bolton Crown Court (pictured), Williams will be electronically tagged and subject to a curfew. She was also ordered to pay 715 compensation to Bolton Smiley Faces

Kevin Liston, defending, said Williams, of Clelland Street, Farnworth, had repaid 285 of the money she stole and as a result of the theft her son was no longer able to go to charity events.

'The ties that he has had to cut within the charity have weighed heavily on her shoulders,' said Mr Liston.

Sentencing Williams to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, Judge Timothy Stead told her: 'There is only one way to describe what you did. There will be no one who hears about this matter who would regard it as less than shameful conduct.'

He added that a high degree of trust had been placed in her and she 'deserved' a prison sentence, but said he also had to take into account her family circumstances.

Williams will also be electronically tagged for 16 weeks and subject to a 7pm to 7am curfew. Judge Stead ordered her to pay 715 compensation to Bolton Smiley Faces at a rate of 15 a week.

'I hope that you do bear a proper sense of shame for what you did,' Judge Stead told her.

Speaking after the sentencing, Mrs Cooper said: 'We are extremely happy with the outcome, especially the compensation element. It was a shock to us and the members that someone has been taking money belonging to the children.'

The charity was formed seven years ago by chairman Jacqui Grady, Mrs Cooper's mother, as a support group for families affected by Down's syndrome in Bolton and surrounding areas.
Alleged assaults are said to have taken place between the years 1968-1981

Talbot, 66, (pictured) who is also facing two breach of the peace charges, made no plea and will appear in court again on Friday, March 11

Television weatherman Fred Talbot is facing ten charges of indecent assault after a police investigation into alleged sexual abuse dating back to the 1960s.

The Edinburgh-born former biology teacher appeared at Dumfries Sheriff Court yesterday at a preliminary hearing and was remanded in custody.

Talbot, 66, who is also facing two breach of the peace charges, made no plea and will appear in court again on Friday, March 11.

He was a teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys in Cheshire but later found celebrity as the weather presenter on ITV's This Morning programme.

In May last year, the Crown Office said: 'The procurator fiscal has received a report relating to incidents involving a 65-year-old man [Talbot], said to have occurred between January 1968 and January 1981.'

Yesterday, the Crown Office said Talbot had made no plea or declaration and was committed for further examination and remanded in custody.

Talbot, of Bowdon, Cheshire, a former pupil at North Cestrian Grammar School, was a founding member of the Altrincham and District Astronomical Society in 1964.

The former presenter, an openly gay bachelor, jointly discovered the June Lyrids meteor shower in 1966.

During one famous incident while presenting the weather on This Morning at Liverpool's Albert Dock, a streaker swam naked up to the map and jumped on. Red-faced Talbot ended up handing him a clipboard to cover his modesty from the full view of the live television audience.

In 1998, he was named 'weatherman of the year' at the Annual International Weather Festival in Paris.

Talbot also had a stint as a weather forecaster on ITV breakfast show Daybreak.

In 2007, the Scot was made an honorary Doctor of Science by Manchester Metropolitan University in recognition of his achievements in bringing 'a better understanding of scientific and environmental issues' to a mass audience.

Talbot had become something of a minor celebrity during his teaching career thanks to a radio science show he presented.

But he became a household name in the 1990s when he began presenting the weather on This Morning.

To the delight of millions of viewers Talbot, usually clad in a bright sweater, would leap between Ireland and Wales on a giant floating map as he outlined the forecast.

During one famous incident while presenting the weather on This Morning at Liverpool's Albert Dock, a streaker swam naked up to the map and jumped on

In 1998, he was named 'weatherman of the year' at the Annual International Weather Festival in Paris

His flamboyant manner earned him a legion of fans and he was soon offered other broadcasting work.

The former presenter was a regular on This Morning, hosted by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, who left ITV in 2001 after 13 years.

The popular magazine programme was famous for its fast-paced variety and unusual items, including setting a new world record when the hairdressing and make-up team gave makeovers to 100 people in 100 minutes.

Miss Finnigan said in an interview last year that Talbot had been 'quite solitary' during his time on the show.
A drug dealer known as 'Phoenix' who flooded the streets with at least 10 million of top quality cocaine has been jailed for 16 years and six months.

Steven St Croix, 30, made his partner sell 50,000 of the drug for him using her three-year-old daughter as cover.

He used partner Emily Vassell, 25, to work as a middleman so he could act 'as a general, organising his troops' without getting his hands dirty.

Steven St Croix, left, ordered his partner Emily Vassell, right, to use her three-year-old daughter as cover to sell 50,000 worth of top quality cocaine. Police found the drugs hidden under the young girl's coat

A one kilo block of cocaine was found by police tucked underneath the young girl's coat on the back seat of Vassell's car.

St Croix and Vassell appeared in the dock at Southwark Crown Court along with Jason Manners, 44, Jose Girvan, 44, and Samantha Harkness, 29, after all five were caught by police involved in drug-related deals with St Croix at the helm.

Manners was also found to have a gun stored in a washing up glove in his home and a van he was driving was revealed to have a hidden compartment containing 5kg of cocaine was discovered.

Judge Anthony Leonard QC sentenced the five to a total of 51 years and 10 months in prison with St Croix receiving the heftiest sentence.

Judge Leonard said: 'Each of you played a different role - no-one else comes so close to the top of the hierarchy as you, St Croix.

'You must have been responsible for hundreds of kilos of cocaine passing down the supply chain.

'I am satisfied that you had a real and significant effect on Emily Vassell because there is no other explanation to why she turned to being involved in this trade.'

The judge described Girvan as St Croix's 'able lieutenant' and told Vassell and Manners he believed they played 'significant roles' in the operation.

Philip McGhee said St Croix had initially been using Girvan as a middleman and would send him out to swap 'a lady' or cocaine for 'scratch' - money.

On June 30 last year police intercepted a meeting between Girvan and Manners, and the 5kg of cocaine was recovered - referred to by St Croix as a 'handful of ladies'.

The gang were sentenced to a total of 51 years and 10 months in prison at Southwark Crown Court, pictured

Girvan drove to St Martin's Approach, Ruislip, west London, in a white Ford Transit to meet Manners in his Peugeot van.

At this point the van drove around the block in order to try and lose anyone who might be watching them but police were able to keep track of the pair.

When police approached the van Manners was visibly 'shaking and looking around'.

He claimed he did not know Girvan and he was simply enquiring about some plumbing work while Girvan said he was asking Manners for directions.

At Manners' home near Wormwood Scrubs police found a double-barrelled pistol was found wrapped up inside a yellow marigold glove hidden away at the back of a shelf in a wardrobe.

Months after the arrest of the two men St Croix, described by the judge as a 'general', was also arrested as a result of a meeting between Vassell and Harkness.

Vassell had previously been seen by police on a number of occasions involving the handing over of a full-looking carrier bag between her and various others in Northolt, Ruislip and other locations.

Mr McGhee said: 'Mr St Croix was plainly issuing directions to Ms Vassell as to where to go and what to do.'

She had a phone number for partner saved under the name 'Phoenix' in her phone and was informed bluntly in an all-capitals text from St Croix not to text information regarding the drops to her personal phone.

On September 3 police saw Vassell driving her black Mini in Greenford and she eventually parked the car in Stratford Road, Watford, at about 6.40pm.

She parked bumper to bumper with a silver Corsa which was being driven by Harkness and the pair got out and exchanged a package in the street.

Immediately after this transaction took place Vassell texted her partner the word 'done' and he told her where to take the package.

Police approached Vassell's car after Harkness had left the scene and found her daughter in the back seat.

Mr McGhee said: 'Underneath that child's own blue, puffa jacket was a knotted blue Tesco carrier bag.

'It contained 1kg of 96 per cent pure cocaine hydrochloride with a street value of approximately 50,000.'

Harkness's fingerprints were found on both carrier bags and she was subsequently.

St Croix was also arrested following the incident after Vassell explained her involvement in the operation to police.

He was described by Judge Leonard as 'a general, organising his troops' as he did not want to get his own hands dirty in the operation.

St Croix, from Hook, Hampshire, was sentenced to 16 and a half years in prison, Vassell, from Feltham, was handed eight years in prison, Girvan, from Ruislip, was given ten years imprisonment and Harkness, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, handed three years in prison after they all admitted conspiracy to supply a controlled drug of class A.
Claims made about the relationship between former Prime Minister Tony Abbott his chief of staff, Peta Credlin, in a new book, have been slammed by Ms Credlin herself - including one that she was once caught feeding Abbott from her own fork.

Ms Credlin hit out at Niki Savva, the author of The Road to Ruin: How Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin Destroyed Their Own Government, over her book, saying neither she nor Mr Abbott had been contacted about claims they had been having an affair.

One of the claims made in the book was that a Liberal Party member had seen Mr Abbott and Ms Credlin at a restaurant where she feed him food from her own fork and later rested her head on his shoulder, saying she was tired.

Scroll down for video

Peta Credlin has slammed Niki Savva, the author of a new book called The Road to Ruin: How Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin Destroyed Their Own Government, about claims made in it

Liberal Senator Fierravanti-Wells warned Mr Abbott about the rumours of an affair with his chief of staff Peta Credlin

The claim was 'laughable' and 'offensive', The Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying.

The newspaper also quoted a 'Liberal source' as saying: 'Tony Abbot doesnt eat carbs. I would like to know where the Italian restaurant hes been dining at in Melbourne is'.

Meanwhile, Mr Abbott dodged questions about the alleged affair, saying he 'doesnt want to rake over old coals.'

Mr Abbott walked away when a reporter asked him on Friday to confirm or deny whether he had had an affair with Ms Credlin.

On one occasion an MP witnessed Peta Credlin feeding Mr Abbott mouthfuls of food from her plate using her fork at an Italian restaurant in Melbourne

Exceptionally dependent on each other the pair's relationship was compared to King Edward III and American socialite Wallis Simpson - famous for excessively relying on each other

He said he did not want to comment on Niki Savva's book.

I really dont want to rake over old coals. I know some people do want to rake over old coals, but I dont, he told the ABC.

An extract from the book published in The Australian on Friday claimed that Mr Abbott was warned that the perception of an affair and the 'consuming obsession' with Ms Credlin was leading to the demise of his government.

New South Wales Liberal Senator Fierravanti-Wells is believed to have attempted to address the issue with the former prime minister himself in February 2015, the night before the Liberal party attempted to oust their leader for the first time.

'Politics is about perceptions,' she is quoted as telling Mr Abbott.

'Rightly or wrongly, the perception is that you are sleeping with your chief of staff. That's the perception, and you need to deal with it.

'I am here because I care about you, and I care about your family, and I feel I need to tell you the truth, the brutal truth. This is what your colleagues really think.'

Responding to the suggestion of an affair Mr Abbott did not get angry or raise his voice, 'he simply, calmly, denied it'

Responding to the suggestion of an affair Mr Abbott did not get angry or raise his voice, 'he simply, calmly, denied it'.

Two days after seeing Mr Abbott, Senator Fierravantti-Wells reportedly gave Ms Credlin a similar warning.

But it was certain occurrences between the pair that also set the rumour in motion.

In one, Ms Credlin kept Indonesian officials waiting after she 'took off in a huff' when Mr Abbott decided his national security adviser at the time, Andrew Shearer, should sit in as a note taker, squeezing her out of a meeting.

'Those who were there say Abbott was completely distracted from the job at hand, because he was so concerned about Credlin and whether she was OK,' wrote Savva.

Another Coalition staffer compared the pair's relationship to that of King Edward III and American socialite Wallis Simpson - a pair famous for being dependent on eachother.

'This was not meant to imply an affair; it was meant to describe the depth of the dependence, the consuming obsession, and what Abbott was prepared to sacrifice for it,' Savva wrote.
Saima Haq formally asked University of Westminster if she could defer her March exams to July after her father died last month overseas

An angry student has taken to Twitter after her university refused to reschedule her exam dates despite her father dying unexpectedly.

Saima Haq formally asked the University of Westminster if she could defer her March exams to July after her father died last month overseas.

But the devastated biochemistry student's request was denied as she hadn't supplied official documents, only copies as the originals were being processed in the country where he died.

She took to Twitter to vent her frustration: 'All I have asked is to defer my exams to July so I can be at home with my mother,' she said.

'I am not asking for a free pass into second year. I am just asking to do my exams in July, like many other students do.

'I'm in shock at how unreasonable the university has been.'

The post has since gone viral with more than 4,000 retweets and 1,500 likes. She has had messages of support from across the UK.

She said the university wouldn't allow the deferral because her copied documents only amount to 'self-referral'. Her father is reported to have died in Tanzania, east Africa.

'I explained in my statement that there is absolutely no way for me to provide any original documents at this time, since they are being processed in the country of his death, but I have given photocopies of all the evidence that my uncle has been emailing me,' she added.

The post has since gone viral - with more than 4,000 retweets and 1,500 likes. She has had messages of support from across the UK

Saima here criticises the university after she supplied a handwritten note as part of her evidence following her father's death

The Twitter storm caused the University of Westminster to ask Saima to contact them about the matter

The university reacted to the post: 'Dear Saima, we are very sorry to hear about your loss. Could you please DM us so that we can look into your case?

In Saima's post she publishes the university's formal response to her request. It said the decision was taken because the evidence 'is not sufficient to support your claim'.

It adds: 'The reasons for this may include, but are not limited to: that your evidence does not include a clear medical opinion; that your evidence is self-certification.'

Saima, a first year undergraduate, alleged that she had tried to contact her personal tutor about the matter, but is still waiting on a response.

A spokesperson for the University of Westminster told The Sun it could not comment on individual students because of 'data protection'.

Saima, a first year undergraduate, alleged that she had tried to contact her personal tutor about the matter, but is still waiting on a response

A spokesperson for the University of Westminster said it could not comment on individual students

'We have clear and robust procedures for students submitting exam deferral requests, which must be substantiated by original, independent documentary evidence,' the spokesman said.

'Students fully complying with this procedure will be granted deferral.
Teenage boys are requiring surgery after being raped in the Calais Jungle and thousands of migrant orphans are vulnerable to abuse, campaigners claimed today.

Seven boys, between 14 and 16, have reportedly been treated by medical volunteers after being sexually assaulted in the past six months.

Now campaigners are worried about the lack of child protection inside the refugee camp, which is home to 3,800 people.

Scroll down for video

Seven boys, between 14 and 16, have reportedly been treated by medical volunteers after being sexually assaulted in the past six months

Iranian migrants with sewn lips protest against the dismantling of the makeshift shelter migrant camp the 'Jungle' in Calais

A volunteer told The Independent: 'If I took one of the boys to the police and said "I'm one of the medics and I know this boy has been sexually abused", I could guarantee they would shrug their shoulders and continue their conversation.

'These boys would have left their homes and their parents would have thought they were safe and that they were going to a better life, fleeing violence and they end up at 14 being raped in a refugee camp. That it is going on in Europe makes it even more unacceptable.'

Europol estimated at the start of the year that 10,000 unaccompanied children had gone missing in Europe.

A spokesman for Save The Children added that the problem in the Jungle is part of a continent-wide issue.

He said: 'We know that unaccompanied children, of whom there are over 400 in the camp and tens of thousands across the continent, are the most vulnerable of the vulnerable.

'They face exploitation in all different forms, including sexual exploitation, often at the hands of criminal gangs. Save the Children has seen it in Italy, in Greece and in Calais too unfortunately.'

Hundreds of Muslim migrants were today photographed praying in the so called Jungle encampment in Calais

Yesterday, hundreds of Muslim migrants were photographed praying in the so called Calais Jungle, which is being systematically torn down by French authorities.

They were pictured holding a Friday prayer service, surrounded by the makeshift tarpaulin-covered tents they have called home.

Officials said demolishing the south section of the Jungle would take at least a month, but they have yet to announce what will happen to the rest of it.

Local official Vincent Berton said: 'The idea is not to rush things. There are some zones that are easier than others. We must act very pragmatically, very humanely.'

Council workers have been trying to convince migrants living in the destruction zone to move to official centres around France or to heated shipping containers near the Jungle.

The men held a traditional Friday prayers service among the makeshift tents, and restaurants, in the illegal camp

But many have refused to give up on their dream of sneaking aboard lorries to the UK - and have shifted to even more squalid camps further along the northern French coast.

The population of the sprawling migrant camp is currently 3,800, down from its peak of 6,000 last year after thousands were relocated, French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve told BFM television today.

He said France has set up 102 shelters across the country to house the migrants and blamed a handful of 'extremists' for inciting protests and violence in the Jungle.

However, Cazeneuve admitted to feeling 'immense compassion and sadness' for a dozen Iranian migrants who sewed their mouths shut as a protest to the Jungle's demolition.

For a third day straight, the men faced up to the riot police who have been brought in to protect the workers dismantling shacks in the illegal encampment.

Cazeneuve also sought to defuse a diplomatic row over the fate of the migrants should Britain leave the EU, saying there was 'no question' of letting them cross the Channel to the UK freely.

Thousands of migrants fleeing poverty and war in the Middle East and North Africa converge on the jungle, from where they make desperate bids to reach Britain

France's Interior Minister today said the population of the illegal camp is currently 3,800, down from its peak of 6,000 last year

The Friday prayers came as French authorities continued to systematically demolish the southern half of the camp

Riot police (right) have been brought in to protect the workers who were tasked to take down the makeshift tents the migrants call home

Council workers have been trying to convince migrants living in the destruction zone to move to official centres around France

He said: 'If we open the border tomorrow, what will happen? The British, who run their own border, will block them and send them back.'

He added that the move would only increase the flow of people and 'aggravate a humanitarian problem'.

The diplomatic row broke out Thursday when France's outspoken Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron said camps similar to the Jungle could also spring up on Britain's southern shores.

He told the Financial Times that a so-called 'Brexit' would scupper a bilateral agreement that allows Britain to conduct border controls on the French side of the border.

He said: 'The day this relationship unravels, migrants will no longer be in Calais.'

Asked about his comments during a summit meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron, President Francois Hollande merely warned that 'there will be consequences [to] the way in which we manage migration issues' if Britons voted to leave the EU in an upcoming referendum.

Cameron warned last month that a Brexit could mean British border checks being removed from Calais and that 'there would be nothing to stop thousands of people crossing the Channel overnight'.

But campaigners in favour of Britain leaving the 28-member bloc accused Cameron of scaremongering.

Hundreds of migrants were pictured holding a Friday prayer service, surrounded by the makeshift tarpaulin-covered tents they have called home

As Muslim men prayed in the squalid camp, around a dozen Iranian men sewed their mouths shut for a third straight day as a protest to the camp's demolition

David Cameron warned last month that a Brexit could mean British border checks being removed from Calais and that 'there would be nothing to stop thousands of people crossing the Channel overnight'.

Observers are sceptical that France would make a move that would only draw thousands more migrants to its northern coast.

Thousands of migrants fleeing poverty and war in the Middle East and North Africa have gathered in the 'Jungle', from where they make desperate bids to reach Britain.

The French government this week began dismantling the southern half of the camp, facing protests from residents who do not want to leave.

Firmly set on crossing the Channel, the migrants fear that if they move to better accommodation provided for them, they will be forced to apply for asylum in France.
A new plum variety is being touted as a superfood that could help tackle obesity and heart disease.

The Australian Queen Garnet is packed with high levels of anthocyanins, which mop up harmful molecules, and help protect the body from heart and blood disease.

Testing on rats has shown a range of health benefits and high interest in the fruit could prove a goldmine for a Queensland company.

The Australian Queen Garnet has very high levels of anthocyanins, which act as antioxidants

A study published by the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) in 2014 showed fat rats benefited from the plums.

Scientists fed the rates a high carbohydrate, high fat diet until they were obese. When they were given Queen Garnet juice, they showed reduced blood pressure, fat deposits, heart muscle stiffness and body weight.

The results were described as 'amazingly positive' by USQ Biomedical Sciences Professor Lindsay Brown.

Researchers at the University of Wollongong are now testing Queen Garnet juice on blood pressure and memory in the hope it can help treat dementia.

Meanwhile, clinical trials are currently underway in Victoria to test the plums affects on people, the ABC reported.

The Queen Garnet was accidentally created during a breeding programme for a disease-resistant version of the common plum in Queensland.

Nutrafruit director Hugh Macintosh said his company has been fielding calls about the plums from around the world

The Queen Garnet was accidentally created during a breeding programme for a disease-resistant version of the common plum

In 2010, Queensland company Nutrafruit was awarded the exclusive contract to grow the plums by the Queensland government.

They have a number of licenced growers around Australia, including the Good Rich Fruit Company, which has 75,000 tree orchard at Warroo in Queensland.

Since people caught wind of the plums benefits, the company said they've been run off their feet with calls about the fruit.

'We've had calls from Romania, Spain, South America, South Africa, the UK, the USA, across Europe and China, everywhere,' Nutrafruit director Hugh Macintosh told the ABC.

Mr Macintosh said people wanted to know how they could get trees and where they could buy the fruit and the juice.

Research on obese rats fed Queen Garnet juice showed a range of health benefits, including weight loss




A British agriculture minister has spoken out in support for Britain leaving the European Union by claiming it is what farm animals would want if they could vote.

George Eustice said that animal welfare would be better if Britain was not having to obey by EU standards.

He also suggested that Britain could compensate farmers to provide better welfare for animals by using the funds which would have been drained by the EU.

Mr Eustice suggested that Britain could compensate farmers to provide better welfare for animals by using the funds which would have been drained by the EU

Mr Eustice said that the potential new investment in animal welfare would be popular among consumers as people are taking a growing interest in where their food comes from.

'There's a growing consumer interest in wanting to know that the chicken or pork they buy has been treated well,' he told The Times.

The Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), dictated by the EU, provides farmers with around half of their income.

The agriculture minister's suggestion for farmers receiving compensation is based in the fact that farmers' could face a shortfall in earnings if Britain left the UK and may need additional support.

Mr Eustice said that the potential new investment in animal welfare would be popular among consumers as people are taking a growing interest in where their food comes from

The financial incentives for farmers to improve animal welfare could lead to fewer pigs having their tails cut off, a process known as docking

He conceded that there was no guarantee that it would be sustainable for the government to match the subsidies for farmers in the long run.

The financial incentives for farmers to improve animal welfare could lead to fewer pigs having their tails cut off, a process known as docking.

The tail of a pig is often bitten by other pigs, a sign that activists say suggests stress in the animal.
Whole Foods has decided to remove its pre-peeled oranges packed in plastic containers from its stores after the market received backlash from furious Twitter users.

It all started with one tweet, sent by London shopper Nathalie Gordon, who picked up the most traffic with her dry observation: 'If only nature would find a way to cover these oranges so we didn't need to waste so much plastic on them.'

About three hours later, Whole Foods responded to Gordon: 'Definitely our mistake. These have been pulled. We hear you, and we will leave them in their natural packaging: the peel.'

Scroll down for video

Upmarket supermarket Whole Foods has decided to pull the pre-peeled oranges (pictured) packaged in plastic containers from the stores' shelves after the company came under fire for selling the items

The upmarket supermarket, Whole Foods, came under fire for selling the ready-peeled oranges packaged up in plastic containers when the packaging faux pas was spotted at a store in California and posted to Reddit with the caption: 'Are people really that lazy nowadays?'

Shortly after it created an Internet frenzy with thousands taking to social media to question the store's misuse of packaging.

Gordon's message prompted a Twitter furore and was retweeted more than 80,000 times, mainly by outraged customers. The tweet also generated nearly 80,000 likes.

Some people agreed with Gordon, but others brought up an issue around accessibility for the disabled.

The packaging faux pas was picked up by shopper Nathalie Gordon while she was in a store in California

Users like Skye Pascall tweeted out that they would consider buying the pre-peeled oranges because they 'despise peeling them'

Other users brought up the issue around accessibility for those who cannot peel oranges themselves

While Whole Foods prides itself on sustainable and organic products and encourages shoppers to bring along their own bags or use paper bags in a bid to help the environment, this product appears to be at odds with this policy.

One person responded: 'That makes me unbelievably angry actually. Talk about necessarily contributing to plastic taking over the planet.'

Another said: 'I guess people are too busy to peel an orange!'. Another user said: 'Pre-peeled oranges are actually a thing?! Wow. Just. Wow...;

While one user wrote: 'The irony of this being Whole Foods too.'

But other users suggested it could be for disabled or elderly people who are unable to peel the fruit.

Others took to Twitter to ridicule Whole Foods, highlighting that the packaging was not only bad for the environment but a complete waste of time

However, others pointed out that the pre-peeled oranges were helpful for those with disabilities, who were not able to peel them themselves

Following the outrage, Whole Foods said it would pull the product from the shelves yesterday.

A spokeswoman added that many customers want convenience but that this experiment wasn't 'fully thought through'.

They said: 'We're glad some customers pointed it out so we could take a closer look.'

Following the backlash, Whole Foods responded with this tweet saying that it was 'their mistake' and that the item would be pulled from stores

But it seems there is one rule for oranges, and another for pineapples.

While the outrage over #Orangegate was visceral, it seems that people aren't too bothered about pre-packaged pineapples or bananas.

One Twitter account posted a photo of chopped up pineapple and said: 'Gosh Whole Foods, if only pineapples had a natural container that...Oh, that's not silly either? Oranges are okay'

While another user tweeted a picture from European supermarket chain BILLA with a picture of pre-peeled bananas packaged up that also seems to have gone unnoticed.

It's not just oranges that are being presented in the store pre-cut, pineapples have been sold like this for some time, but hasn't seemed to illicit the same outcry

Meanwhile, in Europe, superstore BILLA is selling peeled bananas

But last year, Whole Foods caused another storm when a customer took a photo on Instagram which showed 'asparagus water' - consisting of some aspargus stalks floating in bottled water - on sale for $5.99 (about 4.20), in a store in Los Angeles.

This also prompted ridicule online, one tweeter said: '$6.00 for Asparagus water? Umm no! I can take some asparagus and put it some water my darn self! But why would I, that sounds gross!'

Whole Foods then pulled the product from its shelf, saying that it had been 'mislabeled'

Following its removal, one tweeter commented: 'Good for getting asparagus water taken out of Whole Foods, but that's really like the 297th most ridiculous and overpriced thing they carry.'
Two teenagers have told of the dramatic moment they teamed up with an off-duty prison guard to disarm a knife-wielding attacker who allegedly stabbed a heavily pregnant woman in the street.

Drama student Christian Blundell, 17, today admitted he thought the 40-year-old victim was dead after she was knifed several times, including in the stomach, and left soaked in blood.

Her alleged attacker was only stopped when Daniel Birch, 26, rugby tackled him to the ground despite having one arm in a sling after breaking it weeks earlier.

The prison custody officer intervened along with Christian and another 18-year-old man, Callum, who did not want his last name used, told how he helped drag the alleged knifeman off the injured woman.

Heroes: Christian Blundell, 17, and Callum , 18, (both pictured left) and prison guard Daniel Birch (right) risked their lives to save a pregnant woman after she was stabbed in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

She was yesterday flown by air ambulance from the scene in Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham, West Midlands. Her baby was delivered by an emergency C-section in hospital.

This afternoon it emerged she is in a stable condition and her baby is well. A 41-year-old man was arrested by West Midlands Police and remains in custody for questioning.

Christian and another man suffered minor injuries after intervening in the attack. Another three men helped at the scene.

The drama student at Birmingham Ormiston Academy, said: 'I was only doing my civic duty, I do not class myself as a hero.

'I never thought I'd see that much blood, I've never felt so panicked in my life. I was so worried I couldn't tell if she was alive or dead, her hair was soaked red, I couldn't even tell what colour her natural hair was.

'The image of her on the floor is something that I will never be able to not see, you don't forget that kind of thing.

'I did think about the danger I was in, but I'm not somebody who would let an incident pass me by and I had to do something, I hate violence.

'I saw a man with a hood who looked around 40 or 50, there was a blade on the floor and he was swinging a black jagged handle.

'When I got to him he was punching the woman, we saw him punch her at least two times before we could get to her.

Proud father Alan Blundell, 51 from Sutton Coldfield with his son, Christian, 17, who helped stop a pregnant woman being stabbed on Trinity Hill, Sutton Coldfield

A policeman helps tidy up the scene after a heavily pregnant woman was stabbed in Sutton Coldfield

Police officers clean up the scene where a pregnant woman was stabbed in Sutton Coldfield

'My mate threw him off her and I grabbed him by the shoulder and the arm. I saw this guy had a weapon in his hand still and I just kept thinking I needed to keep it away from me.

'When the police arrived they moved people away then called me and my mates over to them.'

Mr Birch, a prison custody officer at Birmingham Prison who works for security firm G4S, said he had been shopping at Aldi when he heard the woman's screams while standing at the bus stop.

'I only usually get the bus to go to work, but I had so much shopping with me so I decided to get the bus,' he said.

'I was standing at the bus stop and heard the awful noise of screaming and shouting. I ran like a lunatic with my shopping and got there just as the police did.

I never thought I'd see that much blood, I've never felt so panicked in my life. I was so worried I couldn't tell if she was alive or dead Drama student Christian Blundell

'There were two men there already when we arrived, and they had cornered the man in the car park.

'One man was shouting for help and the other was detaining the man.'

He added: 'When I arrived, I went straight for the man's knees as the police grabbed his arms.

'I broke my arm a few weeks ago after being knocked over by a cyclist. I did the best I could do as my arm is in a sling.

'I saw one of the other guys grab a bloody knife with his bare hands. My hands were covered in blood. It took me hours to wash it off.

'It's scary to think that if I decided to walk home instead, then I might not have heard the woman screaming. I was in the right place at the right time.'

Meanwhile, teenager Christian told how after intervening in the attack he helped police and the woman while they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

He also went to a local McDonald's to get a drink and coat to help keep the woman warm, before taking napkins to help tend to her wounds.

Christian said: 'I did everything I could to keep the woman stable while she lay on the floor.

Blood-stained clothing and medical supplies, pictured, were seen scattered across the ground after the attack

A police officer removes crime scene tape as they open up the street following yesterday's horrific incident

'I had to wash the blood off my hands afterwards and tried to help her with her wounds before an ambulance arrived.

'The woman was breathing but did not say anything, she was unresponsive.

'I really did think she was dead and thought we'd got there too late and just kept thinking we need to get this sorted.

'The old man who was there as well also did the best he could, we were frustrated about how long it took me and my friends to get to the woman and felt bad that we weren't there to intervene sooner.

'I got the woman a coat and drink to try and help her in some way and some napkins from McDonald's to try and wipe the blood away.

'It is the last thing anyone needs, let alone a heavily pregnant woman.

'I calmed down a bit when the air ambulance came and I watched as the police put the guy in the police van.

Police pictured at the scene in Sutton Coldfield today where a 40-year-old pregnant woman was stabbed

A 41-year-old man was arrested by West Midlands Police in connection with this afternoon's incident

'The police said that we'd done well and that we had taken the law into our own hands, but we had shown that the people of Sutton Coldfield are good citizens.

'I did what anybody should do in that situation, I feel bad for bad for getting my mum so worried, but called her as soon as I possibly could.

'I couldn't sleep Friday night, it's all I could think about all evening, I couldn't get over what had happened.

'I hope others would follow what I did and be a good person in that situation.'

Christian happened to passing by with his friends to get food when he heard cries for help.

When I arrived, I went straight for the man's knees as the police grabbed his arms Daniel Birch

He said: 'When we heard the screaming we thought it was two drunken men fighting, and I was so freaked out by the fact that she was pregnant and covered in so much blood so quickly.

'I cannot believe that this happened in broad daylight and in public, as soon as I got to the police station for them to take my statement and I asked them how the baby and mum were doing.

'I just wanted to know that the child was alright. I would be devastated if the baby had been hurt, I was concerned about the woman as she looked like she was ready to give birth any day.

'She was about to become a mum, I could not stand that, I would feel so guilty if the child had died and we'd got there too late  thank god we got there when we did.

'I would love to see both mum and baby and check that they are both okay if I got the chance.'

Another teenager who intervened in the attack, Callum Gibson, from Birmingham, said: 'The first thing I knew that there was something going on was when we came round the corner and saw the scene.

Forensic teams arrive at the scene, pictured, to comb the area for evidence as crowds watch on

'I had been coming home from work but had met up with my friends at Sutton Market because one of them gets the same bus as I do.

'I ran up to the man and dragged him off a woman, an older bloke was also shouting help at the time.

'Initially I thought it was two blokes having a scrap but when I got closer I realised it was a man hurting a woman. I just wanted to help her straight away, thats why I jumped in.

'I could see she was pregnant. At the time I didnt see what she looked like as she was covered up and there was a lot of blood on her.

'I dont think she deserved what she went through at all, the woman was silent and didnt speak but I think she was still conscious.

'I remember grabbing the guy by the hood and throwing him to the floor.

'At the time I didnt notice my friends, all I could concentrate on was the woman and making sure she was okay.

'What I did was basic human instinct. I dont want to be a hero, I was doing what any person would.'

Meanwhile, Christian's father, Alan, 52, a plasterer said: 'I am so proud of my son, the first thing I knew I had a call from my wife to say that Christian has been involved in an incident.

Police say they believe the attack was carried out with a knife and inquiries continue at the site of the attack

The air ambulance, pictured left and right in the town, took the woman to hospital after the attack

'My wife said that he'd phoned and he was really shook up and a bit teary.

'If my son and his mates had not been there, things could've ended very tragically.

'I am very proud that he had the moxie and stood up for the woman and stepped in to help out where he could.'

Christian's mother Debbie, 49, who runs her own business said: 'Christian rang me as soon as the police got there in a panic, he was talking to the police at the same time.

'I didn't know how much had actually happened at the time, I got in the car immediately though and drove straight to him.

'I was up all night worrying too, we didn't get out of the police station until gone midnight.

'I'm so proud of Christian and that he reacted the way he did in a fight or flight situation.

'But Christian is that kind of lad and wouldn't ever not step in to help somebody out, it doesn't matter who they are.

'As soon as I saw Christian I just threw my arms around with me and told him how proud I was, but to never worry me like that again.

The scene outside Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church Centre, pictured, which remains cordoned off today

Police commended the actions of the Good Samaritans who intervened and prevented further injuries

'My son came out of it all okay, but as a mother you do worry, I just really hope the mum and baby are going to be okay.'

Other witnesses said they heard a woman scream 'not the baby' while men were heard shouting 'drop it' as the attack unfolded.

A large section of the area surrounding the busy town centre remained cordoned off as officers search for clues.

Force Incident Manager Julian Harper, from West Midlands Police, said: 'This happened in a busy area but I would reassure the community that a man has been arrested and we are working hard to understand the circumstances that led up to the assault.

'What is clear at this early stage is that two members of the public bravely stepped into what was a dangerous and volatile situation, with complete disregard for their own safety and I commend them for their actions.

'Fortunately they suffered only minor injuries.'

In a press conference, Chief Inspector Harper confirmed one man initially intervened in the attack before 'four younger males' got involved and 'prevented further injuries' to the woman.

He said: 'I would like to give a big thank you to those individuals who intervened. Their actions should be commended.

A glove, pictured, and blood stained medical supplies remain on the floor outside the church

According to witnesses, the victim screamed 'not the baby' during the assault, which was stopped after several people intervened

'At this time they [the victim] is in hospital and are in critical but stable condition. Our thoughts are with them and their family.'

The chief inspector confirmed the victim was stabbed 'multiple times' with what is believed to be a knife, and called the incident 'domestic-related'.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said an ambulance, paramedic area support officer, a BASICS doctor and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

A service spokesman said: 'Crews treated one female patient at the scene before she was airlifted to hospital.

'Two further patients were treated for minor injuries and taken to hospital by land ambulance.'

The stabbing happened in a side road next to the Sutton Coldfield Baptist Church Centre and close to the posh town's main shopping parade.

Witnesses said they heard people arguing before the incident, the woman scream 'not the baby' and male voices shouting 'drop it, drop it.'

A resident living just yards from where it happened, who did not want to be named, said: 'I heard shouting at around that time, but I just assumed it was workmen at the church.

'My son normally walks home that way from school but when he got there he found it all taped off by the police.

Two men received hand injuries in the incident after witnesses said they tried to intervene in the incident in Sutton Coldfield (file picture)

'There was a lot of activity. I'd say there was a crowd of about 50 people standing around taking pictures and filming it on their phones.

'It's very disturbing to think that a pregnant woman has been stabbed a few yards away from my front door. It's awful, and in broad daylight too.'

Another local resident added: 'We heard a lot of arguing and shouting and the next thing we know there were police everywhere.

'I heard male voices shouting 'drop it, drop it' and a woman screaming something about 'not the baby' or 'not our baby'. It was terrifying.

'She must have made a run for it up the side road but it was a dead end. He must have cornered her and that was it.'

Another witness Joe Owens, 19, said: 'This is a nice town and nothing like this happens around here.

'There were loads of people standing around to see what had happened. It was a bit ghoulish to be honest.
Thousands of people are calling for Bill Clinton's arrest after the former president allegedly campaigned for his wife too close to polling locations.

In some cases, people are claiming he even campaigned inside polling places.

A petition, signed by 95,000 people, was started by Bernie Sanders supporters who say Bill Clinton was campaigning for Hillary within the 150 feet buffer space of polling locations.

Thousands are calling for Bill Clinton to be arrested after he allegedly broke Massachusetts law by campaigning for his wife too close to polling places

'This is a call for the immediate arrest of President Bill Clinton for clear, knowing and egregious violation of the campaign laws to swing an election in a significant way.

'It could not be any clearer in the Massachusetts General Laws,' the petition states.

Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin's website says:

A petition with 95,000 signatures was started by Bernie Sanders supporters and claims the former president shouldn't be above the law

The Sands supporters say Clinton was negligent of the law and went into several polling places and outside some to ask voters to back Hillary

'On Election Day, certain activities are prohibited within the polling location and within 150 feet of the polling place,' including the 'solicitation of votes for or against, or any other form of promotion or opposition of, any person or political party.'

Sanders' supporters claim the former President attended a rally outside a polling place in New Bedford and went inside polling places in two additional communities, according to the New York Post.

'Although the spokesperson for Bill Clinton denies that he was ever inside a polling place, photos and video show him clearly greeting and talking up election workers inside,' the petition reads.

Massachusetts Secratery of State has downplayed the allegations and Clinton has not been charged with anything

William Galvin said if Clinton went into the polling places asking voters to back his wife he would be in violation of the law, but the Boston Globe reported he did just that.

At the New Bedford polling station Bill Clinton thanked supporters using a bull horn.

'Bill Clinton does not vote in Massachusetts, and would have no other business in a polling station on election day besides campaigning for his wife,' the petition on Change.org states.

Veronica Wolski, who started the petition said the Clintons are willfully ignoring election laws.

'This malfeasance, on the part of the Clinton campaign, will not go unchallenged,' she said.
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are set to take part in a Democratic town hall on Monday, one day ahead of the primary in Michigan.

The pair will speak to voters in Detroit as Sanders attempts a last-minute push to close the support gap on Clinton, who is leading him by at least a ten-point margin in the most recent polls.

Clinton carries all the momentum coming out of Super Tuesday having won seven states to Sanders' four, though supporters of the Vermont senator will point to several closer-than-expected results as evidence that he can challenge for the nomination.

Hillary Clinton will be looking to hold on to her substantial lead in the Michigan primary when she takes part in a Fox News town hall on Monday in Detroit, a day ahead of the vote

Clinton is also expected to score a big campaign win in Louisiana on Super Saturday though results could be closer in Kansas and Nebraska

The town hall, the first such Democratic event to be held on Fox News, will air at 6pm EST and be hosted by Bret Baier at the Gem Theatre.

The forum will follow hot on the heels of Super Saturday when Clinton and Sanders will battle it out for delegates in Nebraska, Kansas and Louisiana - with 109 at stake.

While Clinton has a huge lead in Louisiana thanks to its sizable black population, where Sanders has failed to gain traction, things are less clear in Kansas and Nebraska.

With polling scare in both states, it is difficult to confidently predict an outcome, but those on the ground believe it could be another photo-finish in both cases.

Clinton is currently leading the race for the Democratic nomination so far, with 1,066 delegates to Sanders' 432, including pledged superdelegates, with a total of 2,383 to secure a majority.
and then got into a car accident

Fournier was suspicious because he stole an oil truck around the time of the girl's

This is the moment a sex offender is arrested 36 years after he allegedly murdered a 16-year-old girl.

On Friday, police in East Millinocket, Maine, arrested 55-year-old registered sex offender Philip Scott Fournier for the 1980 murder of 16-year-old Joyce McLain.

On Saturday, authorities released images of the arrest of Fournier.

McLain was found beaten to death after going for a jog in her rural New England hometown on August 8, 1980, when she left home to go for a jog.

The teen's partially-clad body was found two days later in a clearing near a local high school, her head and neck bludgeoned.

Until Friday, the identity of her killer had remained a mystery.

Philip Scott Fournier, 55, (pictured, left) was arrested on Friday for allegedly murdering Joyce McLain, 16

Fournier (left) is accused of murdering the teen in 1980. The case has remained unsolved for 36 years

Joyce McLain (left) was found beaten to death after going for a jog in her rural New England hometown. Fournier (right) is a registered sex offender after he was found to have child pornography in 2009

Fournier was booked at Penobscot County Jail at 12.48pm on Friday and he is set to appear in court for his arraignment at 11.30am on Monday.

However, this isn't the first time that Fournier has been connected to the case.

When he was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail in 2009 for child pornography, he was called a 'person of interest' in McLain's death.

And his ex-wife told the Bangor Daily News that year that she believed Fournier was involved the girl's brutal murder.

Resting place: Above, a view of McLain's headstone in East Millinocket, Maine. She was last seen the night of August 8, 1980, going for a jog. Her body was found two days later, beaten to death

Fournier was initially suspicious because around the time of McLain's disappearance, he stole an oil truck and then proceeded to get into an accident that left him in a coma for several days.

Investigators struggled to explain why he had behaved so rashly. He was 19 years old at the time.

In addition to the child pornography rap, Fournier has arrests for burglary, theft and unauthorized taking on his criminal record.

He was released from federal prison on January 6, 2015, and ordered to register as a sex offender in the state for 10 years.

In the past few months, Maine State Police have revisited the site where McLain's body was found, and neighbors say that early Friday morning, several cars were parked outside the victim's mother's home.
A cross-dressing Bronwyn Bishop complete with a sparkly cardboard helicopter and a Tony Abbott impersonator in budgie smugglers were just two of the spectacular outfits on display at Mardi Gras.

The 38th Mardis Gras on Saturday night was a vibrant amalgamation of glitter and rainbows as half a million spectators gathered to celebrate the LGBTQI community in dazzling style.

Bulky revellers in pink bralets and huge afros, a storm trooper on a motorbike adorned with rainbow flags and a giant condom-cloaked obelisk were very much the norm on the streets of Sydney.

A cross-dressing Bronwyn Bishop holding a glittery helicopter was praised for his inventive outfit selection

A Tony Abbott impersonator wearing budgie smugglers was pictured waving on one of the 175 floats

A Star Wars storm trooper seemed pretty casual about zipping down Oxford street in a motorbike adorned with rainbow flags

But on a night where any outfit goes and less is more, social media began to be flooded with increasingly bizarre costumes as roughly 175 floats rolled down Oxford and Flinders street.

One woman in leather and large aviators casually held onto a chain connected to a woman in a tight corset matched with a rubber dog mask and a leopard-skin bodysuit.

Another man covered in red body paint and wearing nothing more than a tight pair of black leather underpants did his best to pull off the horny devil look.

Opposition leader Bill Shorten happily obliged by signing a cross-dressing Bronwyn's silver helicopter

NSW Police officers were happy to pose for photos, particularly if enormous afro wigs and hooped earrings were involved

Horny devil and dog on a leash were two of the more bizarre dress-ups seen on the night

An obelisk at Sydney's Hyde Park was cheerfully adorned with an enormous pink condom

A middle-aged man was happy to show off his belly as he donned a rainbow-coloured wig, visor-styled sunglasses and glitzy bowtie in the centre of one of the evening's floats.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten couldn't help but find the humorous side of the Bronwyn Bishop imitator, pictured grinning as he signed the silver helicopter - a not so subtle dig at an expenses scandal the Liberal MP was embroiled in late last year.

Organisers expect about 230kg of glitter to colour the night, during which a group of founding marchers will celebrate much more than diversity for the first time.

The parade also featured the first float with Olympians and Paralympians under one banner.

By 1am on Monday morning, NSW Police had arrested six people for a variety of offences and were investigating two reports of indecent assaults on women watching the parade.

'Overall police are very pleased with the behaviour of the crowd at this year's Mardi Gras Parade,' said Superintendent Tony Crandell, Surry Hills Local Area Commander and NSW Police's Corporate Spokesperson on Sexuality and Gender Diversity.

'Thankfully, the number of arrests was low, especially considering the large number of people who attended tonight's event.

Not a care in the world: Spirits were high as revellers marched through Oxford and Flinders Streets

Organisers expect about 230kg of glitter to colour the night
The Greek government has been called to declare a state of emergency at the border where thousands of migrants are stranded due to the tightened border restrictions by Macedonia.

60 per cent of the migrants in Greece are stuck in Idomeni, with around 14,000 people in the town and a further 7,000 housed in refugee camps around the region.

'It's a huge humanitarian crisis. I have asked the government to declare the area in a state of emergency,' Apostolos Tzitzikostas, governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia said.

Scroll down for video:

60 per cent of the migrants in Greece are stuck in Idomeni, with around 14,000 people in the town and a further 7,000 housed in refugee camps around the region

The Greek government has been called to declare a state of emergency at the border where thousands of migrants are stranded due to the tightened border restrictions

Next door Macedonia has stopped all but a trickle of Iraqi and Syrian refugees from crossing, following similar restrictions by countries further north on the migration route.

The moves have caused a massive bottleneck in Greece, whose close proximity to the Turkish coast has made it the preferred entry point for refugees and other migrants seeking better lives in Europe.

Greek authorities said only about 180 people crossed the border in the past 24 hours.

'The former Yugoslav republic needs to open immediately to borders and the European Union needs to implement severe action against the countries that are closing borders today, whether they are members of the European Union or candidate members,' Tzitzikostas said.

The regional Greek governor has declared Macedonia's decision to close the border as 'unacceptable.'

The governor said the region needed the emergency measures so that regional authorities can obtain the necessary emergency supplies and food to support the refugees

He also called on the government to provide a comprehensive plan on how to handle the migration crisis.

Greek authorities said only about 180 people crossed the border in the past 24 hours

The regional Greek governor has declared Macedonia's decision to close the border as 'unacceptable'

Two women hug and congratulate each other after managing to successfully cross the Greek border to Macedonia

Hungry refugees wait in line for some food and basic supplies near the Greek village of Idomeni

The refugee camp at Idomeni has a capacity of about 2,000 which has dramatically overflowed, with new arrivals daily setting up small tents along the railway tracks next to the camp.

Hundreds of new arrivals have turned up, walking more than 10 miles from a nearby gas station where an impromptu camp has been set up.

Greek authorities have been trying to discourage more people from arriving but many prefer to wait at the border than in other refugee camps set up nearby.

The European Union and Turkey is set to hold a summit on Monday to discuss the refugee crisis which has severely strained relations among EU countries.

The refugee camp at Idomeni has a capacity of about 2,000 and has dramatically overflowed, with new arrivals daily setting up small tents along the railway tracks next to the camp

One woman cries by the side of the railway tracks near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelijia. Hundreds of new arrivals have turned up, walking more than 10 miles from a nearby gas station where an impromptu camp has been set up

The Greek regional governor near the border called on the government to provide a comprehensive plan on how to handle the migration crisis

'We are expecting Turkey to start finally doing what it should be doing for months now and we also expect our European partners to start receiving refugees in their countries,' the governor said. 'There needs to be a proportional distribution between the countries.'

The news comes as President Erdogan said Turkey was interested in building a new city in northern Syria to house some of the millions of refugees escaping the country's civil war.

Speaking on Friday, the Turkish President revealed that the new city would be located near the Turkish border and confirmed he had even discussed the idea with President Obama.

'I am going to tell you something. What is the formula? We found a city in the north of Syria,' said Erdogan, quoted by the Anatolia news agency.

A boy carries firewood down train tracks at a refugee camp at the Greek-Macedonia border

President Erdogan said Turkey was interested in building a new city in northern Syria to house some of the millions of refugees escaping the country's civil war

Turkey has repeatedly sought to persuade its Western allies to help create a so-called safe zone inside Syria that could house Syrian refugees

He said that the city would be 4,500 square kilometres in area and its infrastructure could be built in cooperation with the international community.

Refugees from Syria could be 'resettled' there, he said. Such an area would make the city comparable to some of the largest urban centres in the United States.

'We have discussed this with Mr Obama and even set the coordinates but it has not yet come to fruition,' said Erdogan. He gave no timescale for how the project could be realised.

Turkey has repeatedly sought to persuade its Western allies to help create a so-called safe zone inside Syria that could house Syrian refugees.

But this appears to be the first time that Erdogan has proposed building a permanent city in which they could be housed.
Nolan allegedly snapped pictures of himself moments after the attack

Weiss now has sole custody of his child with Buchbinder and has filed a $5 million civil suit against her

Buchbinder has not been criminally charged despite the fact that she was seen with Nolan buying the

Buchbinder is a psychiatrist who was accused of brainwashing Nolan into carrying out the attack on her ex

The victim was the ex of Nolan's cousin, Pamela Buchbinder

Jacob Nolan, 23, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking Michael Weiss with a

A young man on trial for the attempted murder of his cousin's ex-boyfriend after allegedly being brainwashed into attacking the man with a sledgehammer and a knife was accused Friday of snapping selfies moments after the gruesome assault.

A witness testified Jacob Nolan, 23, sat in the hallway of the Manhattan home office where the attack took place, photographing himself wearing a bloody white shirt.

'At the time, it seemed that he was taking pictures of himself, the manager of the 57th Street building told jurors, according to the New York Post.

As the alleged selfie-snapping took place, Weiss lay bleeding nearby, and police were entering the building, the Post reported.

Nolan allegedly went after Weiss with a sledgehammer and stabbed him multiple times with a kitchen knife in November 2012 before Weiss was able to break free and call for help.

Nolan was able to get into Weiss' office because his ex was Nolan's cousin Pamela Buchbinder, who is also the psychiatrist Nolan's lawyers are arguing he was brainwashed him into committing the act.

Nolan had been living with Buchbinder, 43, at the time and the two were seen purchasing the sledgehammer used in the attack the night before at a Home Depot.

Trial: Jacob Nolan (above leaving court on Thursday) has been charged with attempted murder after attacking Michael Weiss with a sledgehammer and stabbing him in 2012

Motive: Nolan's cousin Pamela Buchbinder, was Weiss' ex, and the two have a son together (Michael Weiss above leaving court Thursday)

Defense: In his opening statement, Nolan's lawyer argued that the young man had been brainwashed by his cousin who was also a psychiatrist (Nolan above on Thursday)

'As a psychiatrist, she knew what buttons to push,' said Nolan's lawyer in court on Wednesday during his opening statement according to the Post.

'Pam Buchbinder, the psychiatrist, turned Jake Nolan into her weapon against Michael Weiss.'

Roger Stavis, Nolan's lawyer, claimed the young man was suicidal and suffering from 'depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder,' saying; 'He was putty in her hands. She programmed him.'

Shortly before opening statements began, Nolan actually turned around and winked at friends and family members in the courtroom.

Evidence photo provided by DA New York of the sledgehammer used in the attack which was bought from Home Depot

A knife found at the scene of the attack. In his opening statement, Nolan's lawyer argued that the young man had been brainwashed by his cousin who was also a psychiatrist

Prosecutors meanwhile used their opening statement to state that Nolan knew exactly what he was doing when he decided to carry out his failed attack.

'He had a destination. He had a plan and he was armed with the tools he needed to accomplish that plan,' said assistant district attorney Linda Ford.

'He knew what he was doing  he put a lot of thought into it.'

Just says before the attack Buchbinder had convinced Weiss to change his $1.5million life insurance policy so that she was a trustee.

Their now seven-year-old son was the sole beneficiary of the policy.

Evidence photo provided shows the injuries sustained by Michael Weiss during the attack

Nolan (mugshot lefte, on Thursday right) had been living with Buchbinder, 43, at the time and the two were seen purchasing the sledgehammer used in the attack

Crime scene: Weiss' home office (above) where the attack took place in 2012

Prosecutors claim that Buchbinder even drew Nolan a map to show him how to get into her ex's home office.

She has not, however, been charged with any crime at this time.

In December, a family court judge ruled that she had acted with Nolan in the attack though and barred her from having any contact with her son, who now lives full time with his father.

Weiss is expected to testify against Nolan during the trial. He has also filed a $5million Manhattan civil suit against Buchbinder.
Comments come after 30 black students were ejected at a Trump rally Monday

Civil rights activist was the first black mayor to be elected in Mississippi

A prominent civil rights activist has publicly endorsed Donald Trump, praising the presidential candidate for what he believes to be his business acumen.

Charles Evers, 93, said he believed in the Republican frontrunner 'first of all because he's a businessman' and that 'jobs are badly needed in Mississippi', reported Clarion Ledger.

Evans is the brother of slain civil rights reader Medgar Evans and was the first black mayor to be elected in Mississippi back in 1969.

His comments come despite an incident Monday night where 30 black students were removed from a Donald Trump rally in Georgia shortly before the candidate appeared on stage.

Scroll down for video

Charles Evers (pictured) said he believed the Republican frontrunner 'first of all because he's a businessman'

Evers' comments come despite an incident on Tuesday where 30 black students were removed from a Donald Trump rally in Georgia (pictured)

The group had been waiting to see Trump at Valdosta State University when law enforcement officials or university security  it's unclear which  told them they needed to leave the venue and then escorted them out, despite the fact that they are all students at the college.

When asked about the incident, Evers replied: 'I haven't seen any proof of him being a racist.'

The civil rights activist said the fact that Trump had not taken similar actions to Governor Phil Bryant - who declared April Confederate Heritage Month, was further proof of Trump's lack of discrimination.

Evers also told Clarion Ledger that he respects Trump's views on immigration and said that he doesn't feel 'the U.S. should be obligated to provide support for undocumented immigrants'.

Another winning factor of Trump's campaign was his Christian faith, added Evers.

He also said that he plans to attend Trump's rally in Madison Monday and hopes to speak to the presidential candidate about bringing a catfish processing plant to Mississippi.

Charles Evers (pictured here in 1968 with Martin Luther King, left) also said he respects Trump's views on immigration and said that he doesn't feel 'the U.S. should be obligated to provide support for undocumented immigrants'

Evers (center) made made history in 1969 after becoming the first black mayor of a Mississippi town or city since reconstruction

Evers' brother, Medgar (pictured) was assassinated in 1954

Evers explained: 'Our catfish is shipped to China and brought back for us to buy. Put a catfish farm here.'

And now, Evers has been officially recognized as a member of Trump's Mississippi campaign team along with Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler, according to news release from Mitch Tyner of the Mississippi Donald Trump Committee, sent out Friday.

Charles Evers became State Voter Registration Chairman of the The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1954 and after his brother Medgar's assassination in 1954 he took over as field director of the NAACP in Mississippi.

As director he organized and led many demonstrations for the rights of African Americans.

Evers made history in 1969 after becoming the first black mayor of a Mississippi town or city since reconstruction, after his election as the mayor of Fayette.
Celebrities were in fear for the lives as the grim reaper prepared to tap them on the shoulder after being unleashed by Arsenal's midfield maestro Aaron Ramsey.

It may be a coincidence, but when the Welsh captain scores for the Gunners, a famous person tends to die shortly afterwards.

As Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris flailed at Ramsey's first half attempt at White Hart Lane, one celebrity must have felt an icy shiver going down their back.

On the internet, it is claimed that if you save a shot from Aaron Ramsey, you also save a celebrity's life.

As Hugo Lloris flailed at Aaron Ramsey's shot, pictured, a celebrity must have felt the icy touch of death

In the days following earlier Ramsey goals, celebrities such as Ted Kennedy, Osama Bin Laden and David Bowie have died leading to speculation that the Welsh captain has a 'curse' every time he hits the net

As soon as the goal when in, social media commentators began speculating who is the next celebrity

When Ramsey scored his first goal for Arsenal against Fenerbache on October 21, 2008, Henry V actor David Lloyd Meredith passed away the following day.

In August 2009 Ramsey scored against Portsmouth and three days later Ted Kennedy was dead.

But it wasn't until May 2011 when the curse was first made public. Shortly after Ramsey had scored at the Emirates against Manchester United, number one on the United States terror watch list Osama Bin Laden was dead.

After scoring against Tottenham at home on October 2, 2011, the death of Steve Jobs was reported three days later.

One of the first high profile victims of the curse was terror chief Osama Bin Laden, pictured, in May 2011

When Ramsey scored against Tottenham on October 2, 2011, Apple founder Steve Jobs died the following day

Later that same month, Ramsey scored again for Arsenal and this time Colonel Gaddafi was the 'victim'

Whitney Houston was found dead hours after Ramsey scored against Sunderland in February 2012

This year alone 'the curse' has been blamed on the deaths of David Bowie, left, and Alan Rickman, right

When Arsene Wenger brought Ramsey on against Marseille on 77 minutes, on October 19, 2011, it did not appear that he would be on the field long enough to score. Yet, the following day, Arsenal had left the South of France with three points, and Muammar Gaddafi had met his end.

After he scored against Sunderland on February 11, 2012, it appeared that another celebrity would be passing on, and Whitney Houston was the unfortunate A-lister.

On November 30, 2013, Ramsey was playing in his native Cardiff when he scored twice against his former club. That same day, actor Paul Walker crashed his car and died.

At the start of the 2014-15 season Ramsey scored against Manchester City in the Community Shield and the next day Robin Williams was dead.

At the start of 2016, Aaron Ramsey scored goals for Arsenal in successive games . After his goal against Sunderland on January 9, David Bowie died. He then scored against Liverpool at Anfield and the following day Alan Rickman had passed on.

Now, with his latest goal against against Tottenham at White Hart Lane, social media commentators are predicting 'who is next?'

RAMSEY SCORES FOR ARSENAL 20/10/2008 v Fenerbache 22/08/2009 v Portsmouth 01/05/2011 v Manchester United 02/10/2011 v Tottenham 19/10/2011 v Marseille 30/11/2013 v Cardiff x2 10/08/2014 v Manchester City 09/01/2016 v Sunderland 13/01/2016 v Liverpool 05/03/2016 v Tottenham Advertisement

CELEBRITY VICTIM DIES 21/10/2008 Actor David Lloyd Meredith 25/08/2009 Ted Kennedy 02/05/2011 Osama Bin Laden 05/10/2011 Steve Jobs 20/10/2011 Colonel Gaddafi 30/11/2013 Paul Walker 11/08/2014 Robin Williams 10/01/2016 David Bowie 14/01/2016 Alan Rickman 06/03/2016 Nancy Reagan Advertisement




And mother of former Michigan Republican Party Chair Betsy DeVos

Elsa Prince-Broekhuizen, 83, was swindled out of $16million by the president of the investment company that managed the Elsa Prince Living Trust

The president of an investment company is being charged with swindling a Michigan heiress out of more than $16 million.

Elsa Prince-Broekhuizen, 83, the widow of billionaire industrialist Edgar D Prince, who died in 1995, and mother of former Michigan GOP chair, Betsy DeVos, was swindled over the span of 16 years, according to WZZM.

Financial advisor, Robert Haveman, 68, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering and has agreed to plead guilty to stealing the money, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Under his plea agreement, he waived his right to indictment by a grand jury.

The document states that Haveman stole $16.2 million through wire fraud from Prince-Broekhuizen and the Elsa S. Prince Living Trust between 1999 and 2015.

Under the plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Haveman will plead guilty as charged and pay restitution. He's already paid back $2.6 million to the Elsa S. Prince Living Trust.

Haveman is president of EDP Management Co LLC in Holland, a company he started in 1997. The company managed investments for Prince-Broekhuizen and the Elsa D. Prince Living trust.

Financial advisor, Robert Haveman, 68, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering and has agreed to plead guilty to stealing the money. Haveman is the president of EDP Management (pictured), a company he started in 1997

The DOJ alleges that Haveman transferred $1 million out of the living trust and into a separate bank account in the name of Environmental Packaging Tech Inc., which is based in Houston, according to the Holland Sentinel.

Investigators say he then transferred the $1 million from that account into his personal account, to use as a partial down payment on land in Ottawa Countys Port Sheldon Township.

So far, he's agreed to transfer ownership of the lakefront lot, valued at $1.6 million, to the trust fund.

Haveman also has to sell a 2005 Chevy Corvette 30 days before sentencing and a 2008 Lexus. The proceeds will be used for restitution, according to WZZM.

His retirement trust and a 401k account are also fair game.

Prince-Broekhuizen and Edgar D Prince (left) had four children, including Betsy DeVos (right) and former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince

The government will let Haveman keep a time-share condominium in Colorado and his stake in a turkey processing operation.

Sentencing guidelines call for a prison term between 70 and 87 months, the plea agreement states.

More than $500,000 was also transferred from a private energy company in Billings, Montana, into Havemans personal account at Huntington National Bank, court records show.

Prince-Broekhuizen and Edgar D Prince had four children, including Betsy DeVos and former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince.
New Top Gear host Chris Evans was warned by the BBC for using his Radio 2 show to plug his Channel 4 show TFI Friday.

Mr Evans, who will head the new Top Gear series in May, received a verbal warning for his promotional activity while on air.

He was hauled into a meeting with BBC bosses after a complaint from a listener last October about his frequent on-air references to the upcoming series.

The 49-year-old gave up presenting TFI Friday in December to focus his efforts on the Top Gear launch.

New Top Gear host Chris Evans was warned by the BBC for using his Radio 2 to promote TFI Friday on C4

In its ruling seen by the Independent newspaper, the BBC's Editorial Complaints Unit said: 'As the producers of TFI Friday profit from the sale to Channel 4, it comes within the scope of the editorial guidelines dealing with references to commercial products, organisations and services.

'The references to TFI Friday were largely promotional in character, and more numerous than was editorially justifiable.'

News of the warning comes amid a testing time for the presenter ahead of the new-look Top Gear launch.

The BBC's relaunch of the series has run into a string of problems, many fuelled by behind-the-scenes politics and backbiting.

Its sought-after executive producer, Lisa Clark, quit mid-way through filming after repeated clashes with Mr Evans.

The pair had worked together on the Big Breakfast in the past, but their relationship soured  with Miss Clark allegedly describing Mr Evans as a 'control freak' who thinks he can 'trample over everyone'.

Shortly after Miss Clark left, the series' script editor Tom Ford followed her out of the door.

Meanwhile, sources claimed Mr Evans viewed co-presenter Matt LeBlanc as an 'old hat' and did not want him on side.

According to a well-placed source, the BBC made an offer before Mr Evans had even met Mr Le Blanc in person, in accordance with his agent's demands.

Mr Evans has said publicly that he and the former Friends star were a 'modern style odd couple'.

The BBC's newly revamped Top Gear, which will be presented by Chris Evans and former Friends actor Matt LeBlanc (both are pictured), is said to cost around 650,000 per episode instead of the previous 450,000

Last week, it emerged the BBC is spending an extra 200,000 on every episode of Top Gear as bosses panic over the series flopping.

Sources said the programme's budget had 'ballooned' by nearly 50 per cent over the last few months, from 450,000 per episode when the show was fronted by Jeremy Clarkson, to 650,000 under Mr Evans.

The spending is so out of control, it may have to shrink the series. According to sources, it has already scaled the programme back from its usual run of ten episodes to eight, and could now reduce it to six  almost half the number fans are used to.

A lot of the money is going on the programme's seven presenters. Mr Evans is being paid 3million over two-and-a-half years, partly funded by the BBC's commercial arm, BBC Worldwide. Meanwhile, Mr Le Blanc is being paid 500,000 per series.

As well as Mr Evans and Mr LeBlanc, the new series will feature The Stig, Formula 1 commentator Eddie Jordan, German racing driver Sabine Schmitz, motoring journalist Chris Harris and car reviewer Rory Reid.

Mr Clarkson was ousted last year for punching producer Oisin Tymon when he could not order a sirloin steak after a day of filming, allegedly calling him a 'lazy, Irish c***' during a confrontation at a hotel in North Yorkshire.

But he has not fared too badly since. Shortly after his sacking, Mr May, Mr Hammond and Top Gear's longstanding executive producer, Andy Wilman [a friend from his school days], also walked out of the door, and signed a deal to make a 164million show with Amazon.
Advertisement

Riot police have fired rubber bullets and tear gas into crowds of demonstrators protesting against the forced take-over of Turkey's largest-circulation newspaper - described as one of the 'darkest days' in the history of the country's press.

Officers stormed the headquarters of Zaman daily newspaper last night and enforced the court-ordered seizure of the publication, which is linked to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's top foe, U.S.-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen.

The paper's defiant journalists were able to publish an edition today despite the takeover, as police used rubber bullets, tear has and water cannon to break up some 500 protesters outside their Istanbul offices.

Protests: Journalists carry an injured woman after riot police used tear gas to disperse supporters in front of the Zaman headquarters

Riot police: Officers disperse protesters at Zaman's headquarters in Istanbul before they take over control of the daily newspaper

Takeover: Officers storm the headquarters of Zaman in Istanbul, Turkey, and enforce the court-ordered seizure of the daily newspaper

Breaking in: Police first cleared protesters with tear gas and water cannon, then used bolt-cutters to open the gates before dozens of officers marched in

'The Constitution is suspended,' the newspaper said on its front page in large font on a black background.

It added: 'Yesterday (Friday) marked one of the darkest days in the history of Turkish press.'

Today's edition of English-language Today's Zaman, printed its entire front page in black with the headline: 'Shameful day for free press in Turkey.'

Zaman, with an estimated circulation of 650,000, went to print earlier than usual on Friday evening before the police raid and the number of pages was reduced to 16 from 24, one of its journalists said.

During Friday's raid, police first cleared protesters, then used bolt-cutters to open the gates before dozens of officers marched in to take over the building and formally place the newspaper under administration.

Two women help another who has fallen as Turkish riot police use tear gas to disperse supporters of the Turkish newspaper on Saturday

Men run to escape tear gas fired outside Zaman's headquarters in Istanbul following the seizure of the newspaper on Friday evening

A man lies on the pavement after as women take shelter inside a shop to escape the tear gas being fired by riot police in Istanbul, Turkey

A group of women run from the tear gas fired by Turkish police after officers stormed the headquarters of Zaman daily newspaper last night

Once the building was cleared, court-appointed administrators were bussed inside the complex to begin their work, local media reported.

The new administrators fired Zaman's editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici today, according to reports.

Meanwhile, hundreds of the paper's supporters staged a second-day of protests outside the building, now surrounded by police fences.

They chanted 'free press cannot be silenced' and 'Zaman cannot be silenced' as riot police used shields and tear gas to push the crowd, sending protesters running into side streets for protection.

Some were seen rubbing their faces with pieces of lemon to mitigate the effect of the tear gas, the private Dogan news agency reported. A number of protesters were hurt, the agency added.

A police officer bends down next to a woman crying in the street as Turkish anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse supporters

A woman clutching a bottle of water cries as protesters demonstrate outside the newspaper's headquarters in Istabul, Turkey, today

The editor-in-chief of the English language Today's Zaman said the internet had been cut and they were not able to work anymore

Sevgi Akarcesme, the editor-in-chief of the paper's English language edition Today's Zaman, said on Twitter today that the internet connection had been cut in the building.

'We are not able to work anymore,' she wrote.

The late-night seizure raised fresh concerns over declining media freedom in Turkey, a key European Union ally, ahead of a visit by Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu to Brussels on Monday for a crucial summit meeting with EU leaders.

The raid prompted a worried response from the EU, which urged Ankara to respect media freedom.

'The EU has repeatedly stressed that Turkey, as (an EU) candidate country, needs to respect and promote high democratic standards and practices, including freedom of the media,' the EU's diplomatic service said in a statement.

Washington also urged Turkey to protect freedom of speech, saying the court order was 'the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by the Turkish government targeting media outlets and others critical of it.'

Police officers break their way into the Zaman's headquarters in Istanbul but a defiant edition of the newspaper was still published today

Riot police enter the Zaman headquarters in Istanbul. The late-night seizure raised fresh concerns over declining media freedom in Turkey

Turkish police officers escort Abdulhamit Bilici (centre), editor in chief of Zaman out of the newspaper`s headquarters on Friday evening

The Istanbul court's appointment of trustees to manage Zaman and its sister outlets further reduced the number of opposition media organisations in Turkey, which is dominated by pro-government news outlets and where censorship is rife.

It raised alarm bells over the deterioration of rights conditions in the NATO member nation, which also aspires for EU membership, just days before a March 7 meeting, in which EU leaders will try to convince Turkey to do more to curtail the flow of migrants travelling to Europe.

Emma Sinclair-Webb, senior Turkey researcher for Human Rights Watch, called the court order 'a veiled move by the president to eradicate opposition media and scrutiny of government policies'.

Ankara accuses Gulen of running what it calls the Fethullahci Terror Organisation/Parallel State Structure (FeTO/PDY) and seeking to overthrow the legitimate Turkish authorities.

A senior member of staff is pictured as police enter the building in a late-night raid on Zaman, Turkey's largest-circulation newspaper

The seizure is the latest incident to raise concerns about freedom of expression in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rule

Local media said the court order was issued on the grounds that Zaman supported the activities of this 'terror organisation', although it is not known to have carried out any acts of violence.

Gulen has been based in the United States since 1999 when he fled charges against him laid by the former secular authorities.

Despite living outside of Turkey, Gulen has built up huge influence in the country through allies in the police and judiciary, media and financial interests and a vast network of private schools.

There have been numerous legal crackdowns on structures linked to the group and yesterday Turkish police arrested four executives of one of the country's largest conglomerates, accusing them of financing Gulen.

The daily Cumhuriyet newspaper's editor-in-chief Can Dundar and Ankara bureau chief Erdem Gul were released on an order from Turkey's top court last week after three months in jail on charges of publishing state secrets. But they still face trial on March 25.

The Zaman seizure is the latest incident to raise concerns about freedom of expression in Turkey under Erdogan's rule.

The Istanbul court's appointment of trustees to manage Zaman and its sister outlets further reduced the number of opposition media organisations in Turkey

The seizure raised alarm bells over the deterioration of rights conditions in the NATO member nation, which aspires for EU membership

The European Federation of Journalists said: 'The European Union cannot remain silent to the political seizure of Zaman newspaper, Today's Zaman daily and Cihan news agency'

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, speaking to Turkish reporters during a visit to Iran, insisted that the appointment of trustee managers was a legal decision, not a political one, and denied any government involvement in the move.

'We did not interfere... nor would be interfere' Davutoglu said, adding that he was concerned that the issue would infringe on the 'positive agenda' of Monday's Turkey-EU summit.

The European Federation of Journalists said: 'The European Union cannot remain silent to the political seizure of Zaman newspaper, Today's Zaman daily and Cihan news agency.'

The EU commissioner for enlargement, Johannes Hahn, said on Twitter that he was 'extremely worried' by the development.
ISIS hackers have threatened 55 New Jersey police officers by releasing their names, addresses, telephone numbers and working locations online.

The Caliphate Cyber Army (CCA), an ISIS-affiliated group of hackers that largely focuses on defacing websites and spreading propaganda, released an Excel spreadsheet containing the details of 55 New Jersey Transit Authority police Wednesday.

The Daily Mail understands that the information  which lists the details of employees from a probationary police officer up to a number of captains  was obtained by hackers on February 26 from a uniform laundering list.

Attack: On Wednesday the Caliphate Cyber Army (CCA) announced it had uploaded the 'personal information' of New Jersey Transit Authority police officers. Info included phone numbers and home addresses

Download: The site was placed on an Arabic-language download site (pictured). The data apparently came from a police uniform laundering list, and had information on officers up to the rank of captain

Many of the addresses associated with the officers are station houses and headquarters, but when put into Google Street View, many others show residential homes. Telephone numbers include officers' cellphones.

Other data included in the spreadsheet comprises officers' ranks, employee numbers and working locations.

The file was uploaded to an Arabic-language file sharing site on Wednesday. By Saturday morning it had been downloaded 300 times.

The CCA announced the upload on secure messaging service Telegram, describing it as 'Personal information of the US police stations including Leaders and officers.'

In a statement, The New Jersey Transit Authority said: 'The NJ Transit Information System was not compromised, however some information was breached from an outside vendor.

'The New Jersey Transit police are working the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI on this matter.'

It declined to make any further comments.

Mistake: The CCA also said that it had hacked Google, and posted up this image on its Telegram account. However it had really hacked the unrelated Indian website Add Google Online

The CCA is in the middle of a sustained campaign of hacking and website defacement, according to monitoring by Site Intelligence Group. Its operations have been ongoing since at least last year.

It has hacked sites from the US, the UK, Russia, France and other countries associated with anti-ISIS sentiment.

It also claimed to have hacked 54,000 Twitter accounts and posted the phone numbers of the heads of the CIA and FBI in November last year.

However, most of its hacking attempts focus on small, easily broken websites, including the Utah-based family-owned food business Alison's Pantry and a Spanish weighing scale company called Escali.

And they were roundly mocked in the media on Thursday after claiming to have hacked Google, when it emerged that they had in fact hacked the unrelated Indian website Add Google Online.

The website responded with the message 'Eat this Google,' the New York Post reported, although the Add Google Online was down at the time of writing.

Other minor targets included a small solar energy company in England, a Japanese dance instructor and a laminate flooring firm based in Wales, Newsweek reported.
One dog apparently has learned a new trick: how to drive a semi-truck.

Customers at a Minnesota gas station saw a golden Labrador retriever appear to drive the semi across a road Friday.

Mankato police say the idling truck apparently was put into gear, then went through a parking lot, across the street and over a curb.

Doggone wild: David Stegora shows a semi-truck with a dog in the driver's seat that crashed at a convenience store in Mankato, Minnesota

The Free Press of Mankato reports a passer-by discovered the dog sitting in the driver's seat when he jumped into the truck to stop it.

David Stegora was at the store when he heard the truck smash into a tree and a parked car. He couldn't see the driver, but saw the dog climb up near the driver's side.

'I heard the tree snap and I thought somebody decided to turn around, but then it just kept going forward,' he told The Free Press of Mankato.

Police Cmdr. Dan Schisel said the truck was taken off the road. The driver had left the unoccupied truck running in a nearby parking lot.

Police will not be pressing and charges against the dog because animals don't go to jail. Whether or not his owner will put him in the dog house is another story. Police have not said if they are charging the dog's owner, who has not been identified, over the incident.
The post office has apologized and offered a full refund to

A Michigan woman was shocked when her sister's cremains were mailed to her home with a giant hole in the box holding the ashes.

Janice Martin, of Fremont, Michigan, was sent the remains of her sister, who lived in California and passed away in early February, on February 24.

She paid for the cremation and asked her nephew to send her the box containing her sister's ashes.

He took the container to a post office in Elk Grove, California, where he paid $69 for overnight shipping.

At some point during the transport, the box was punctured through several layers of packaging.

'Everything was intact when he sent it. She said that's all you do, put it in there, whatever.

'With cremated remains stickers all over the box, I would think it would have gotten here in better condition,' Janice told the Detroit Free Press.

Ash and bone was scattered inside the postal box.

'I could not believe what I was seeing: ashes, bones, all around the edges of the package. It was just full,' Janice said.

Whatever caused the puncture broke through 'a cardboard box, plastic box, canvas bag, and a plastic bag, all overnight'.

The place where Janice's sister was cremated said it has never had anything like this happen and will consider using metal boxes in the future.

Janice's nephew contacted the Elk Grove Postal Service, which said it would investigate but has not gotten back to the family.

Janice told the Detroit Free Press this is not something anyone should go through especially while mourning a death.

"I just wanted to hug her, and I couldn't do that; I was horrified.""I'm just going to miss her, a lot," she said of her sister,' she said

Sabrina Todd, of the Elk Grove Postal Service, said it has been unable to determine how or where the package was damaged.

The service said in a written response: 'The Postal Service sincerely apologizes for the damage of this package.

'While this type of damage is rare, that does not excuse the condition of the box received.'
As Sally Nightingale prepares her home, the glorious 12th Century Appleby Castle in Cumbria, to host its first nuptials this spring, the irony is not lost on her.

Transforming the castle into an exclusive wedding venue is a necessity for Sally to raise the funds required for its costly maintenance after the bitterly acrimonious end of her own marriage.

Its a grim situation which has come to be known as the Tipp-Ex divorce, after Sallys lawyers accused her former husband  wealthy entrepreneur Christopher Nightingale  of crudely doctoring bank statements in a bid to avoid paying her the money she is owed in their divorce settlement.

Queen of the castle: Sally Nightingale with her dogs at the glorious 12th Century Appleby Castle in Cumbria

The couple were married for 24 years and had three children  and at one point owned three castles. But they divorced in 2009 after Christopher left Sally for another woman, reported to be a former lapdancer.

Sally was granted Appleby Castle in the settlement, and Christopher agreed to give her a quarter of his holding in company he helped to found  a stake she said she was told would be worth about 1.5 million.

Instead, Christopher offered her just 83 after claiming the sale of his shares resulted in only 330. But Sallys lawyers argued that his bank statements show he actually received 6 million from the sale, despite his attempt to use correction fluid on the statements to obscure the crucial deposits.

It became clear that he had doctored documents with Tipp-Ex and covered up photocopying in order to conceal the truth contained in those documents, said her lawyer, Patrick Chamberlayne QC.

A final High Court hearing has been scheduled for next month, after which Mr Nightingale could be jailed for contempt of court if he fails to disclose the whereabouts of the alleged missing millions, which he claims went to pay creditors.

In her first interview, however, Sally  a striking, slender brunette  insists this drastic outcome is not what she desires.

As the years have passed and her former husband has failed to produce proof that there is no money, her devastation at his desertion has turned to anger  and a determination to discover the truth.

I dont want to jail him, she says, sitting in a beautiful, oak-panelled room of the castle. Its not about vengeance. Hes the father of my children. I just want him to tell the truth about where the money went. I think Im entitled to that.

Christopher Nightingale (right) is accused of hiding 6million of share proceeds. Left: Mahassine Bojji is said to have Mr Nightingale in a lapdancing club

Of course, there have been times when Ive wondered if Im doing the right thing, but Im fighting for the principle  and for my rights.

For Sally, 55, the conflict is not even about money any more. I dont know if he still has it, she says of the 6 million. Im not greedy. I need money to maintain the castle, but Ive reconciled myself to the fact Ill have to find that myself by turning it into a successful business.

There are so many women in my position, many of whom dont have the means to fight, or have been ground down by their former husbands. Im taking a stand for all the women whove been through an experience like this.

Sally has often been portrayed as a grand lady of the manor  or castle  whose quest has elicited little sympathy.

Many have questioned why she hasnt simply sold her home, which has been valued at 4.5 million, and downsized to a more affordable property, as most divorcees are forced to.

While this view is certainly understandable, the truth is more complicated. Far from being imperious, Sally is a strong-willed but sensitive woman from a solidly middle-class background  her father was a successful lawyer.

She points out that selling the castle has not been a viable option. When I was given the castle in the divorce settlement, I was given a poisoned chalice, she says. It was in a great deal of debt, and Ive had to work very hard to reduce it. If Id sold it, I would have been left with hardly anything. Now Im trying to turn the situation around and make the castle self-sustaining. I havent had any choice but to pick myself up and get on with things.

Sally is visibly upset when she talks about the abrupt end to her marriage. She met Christopher in 1984, when she was working as a fashion consultant in London. They married the following year, and in 1987 they moved to Hong Kong, where her husband became increasingly successful as a lawyer.

Sally Nightingale met Christopher in 1984, when she was working as a fashion consultant in London

Sally Nightingale is preparing her home, the 12th Century Appleby Castle, to host its first nuptials this spring

The couple had three children and in 1996, the family moved again, this time to Singapore. Sally worked as a swimming teacher while they were abroad, but most of her time was taken up with being a mother.

Although she wont be drawn on the details of her marriage, it was clearly characterised by long periods apart. She says: While I was bringing up the children, Christopher spent many weeks at a time away on business.

Despite everything she has been through, she is reluctant to criticise her former husband but admits with a tight smile: Like many entrepreneurs, he controlled everything.

In 1998, the Nightingales returned to Britain to live in Appleby Castle, which Christopher had purchased the previous year. Passionate about historical properties, he also owned Lochnaw Castle in Stranraer, and Chateau Mazieres in France.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Appleby-in-Westmorland, Appleby Castle, which is surrounded by 25 acres of parkland, could hardly be a more impressive home. However, the familys early years there were difficult. While Christopher continued to travel extensively, Sally and the children had to put up with a leaking roof and lack of proper heating.

In winter, we had to wear two or three layers of clothing inside just to keep warm, she says.

It was at Christmas 2007 that Sally was made aware of her husbands discontent in the most brutal fashion. My father was terminally ill with cancer and came to spend his final Christmas with us, says Sally. My husband left on Christmas Day without saying goodbye to anyone. I was stunned.

The couple briefly reconciled, but in May 2008, worse news was to come. My husbands twin sister called me. She told me that he had a girlfriend who was pregnant, and that it was a boy. I was in shock.

Sally and Christopher were married for 24 years and had three children  and at one point owned three castles

The girlfriend was Mahassine Bojji, whom Christopher reportedly met when he paid her 500 for a private dance at the Windmill club in Londons West End in 2007.

Mr Nightingale insists this was after his marriage to Sally had already broken down.

Miss Bojji gave birth to Mr Nightingales son in February 2009. Devastated at the betrayal, Sally filed for divorce. I was in a very dark place, she says. I was still mourning the death of my father and in shock over being forced into divorcing after 25 years of marriage.

The same year, her former husband gave his new lover shares in his Singapore-based company, Alternative Energy, worth 252,000.

Sally hoped to move on with her life, but never received the sum she was promised from the sale of Christophers shares in Citadel100, a Dublin computer firm he helped to found. He claimed the sale had been very hard work and more complicated than expected, which was why it raised only a paltry 330.

He claimed in court: Sally got a settlement worth many millions when we broke up. I was generous in order to enable Sally to retain the castle, where I hope she can enjoy a good quality of living. She and the children love it and if we had fought over it she would have had to sell it.

Mr Nightingale added: Sally doesnt appreciate it because she never had to work. His casual dismissal of the support she had given him in his career and her role as a mother wounded Sally deeply.

In December 2013, the High Court froze Mr Nightingales British assets, and in a hearing the following year, he was criticised by a judge. Mr Justice Holman said it was a matter of astonishment that he sold his shares for only 330, having said they were worth so much more.

Finally, after much refurbishment and refinancing by Sally, the castle is ready to stage weddings

For Sally, his failure to produce the money she had been promised was not only a slap in the face after their long marriage, but prompted very real worries about how she would be able to afford the upkeep of castle.

I needed that money for the castle, as he knew, she says. The Norman keep  one of the few remaining in the country  was crumbling and surrounded by scaffolding. The inner bailey walls collapsed due to age, and the boundary walls were in danger of doing the same.

I asked my ex-husband for some funding support, but I had to rely on the goodwill of local tradesmen to help me sort the problems for a fraction of what Id been quoted. I joined forces with English Heritage to restore the keep, and Im very grateful for their help.

Finally, after much refurbishment and refinancing by Sally, the castle is ready to stage weddings. She is organising a wedding fair, which will be held on March 20, to show off the property to couples.

Its just one of many ambitious plans she has for the castle. She is planning to open it and the 17th Century cottages in its grounds to tourist rentals, and create a museum to tell the estates long history.

Numerous events are also planned for this year, including outdoor productions of Shakespeare, film screenings and concerts.

My hope is to make this a living history experience for the public to enjoy, she says. When you live in these places, youre only a custodian and you have a duty to care for them for future generations. Appleby suffered greatly in the recent floods, along with the rest of Cumbria, so driving tourism into the area is crucial. Ive got a long way still to go, but Im trying to turn it around.

She has found Lady Anne Clifford, the castles most famous resident, an inspiration. The 16th Century Countess of Pembroke, Dorset and Montgomery was a proto-feminist who spent much of her life in a complex legal battle to inherit her fathers vast estates, after they were left to her uncle. She was a formidable woman who fought for her rights, says Sally.
Bikers now retrace the journey in the annual Wyman Memorial Challenge

Incredible photos of the first motorcycle journey across America have emerged, revealing a tale of incredible endurance and dogged determination.

George Wyman traveled from San Francisco to New York City in 1903 in 50 days, across mountains, desert, mud tracks and railway tracks.

The journey had never been attempted before and his bike was so busted that in the last 150 miles he had pedal himself, reported Atlas Obscura.

George Wyman (pictured) traveled from San Francisco to New York City in 1903 in 50 days, across mountains, desert, mud tracks and cities

Since most roads out of the cities were mostly made of mud and gravel, Wymans relied on railroad tracks as the fasted route

His California Moto Bike was essentially just a push bike frame with a small one and a quarter horsepower motor attached.

I might have been a pre-Adamite soul wandering in the void world before the work of creation began Extract from George Wyman's journal

His route took him through Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming, across Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, from Chicago, through Buffalo, New York, to Albany, where he turned south and rode through the Hudson Valley to New York City.

He covered approximately 3,800 miles.

But the incredible journey was overshadowed by Horatio Nelson Jackson's, who had traveled for 63 days west to east by car.

Though the journey was no where near as difficult, the car captured the American imagination more than Wyman's humble bike and his journey was completely forgotten.

But several years ago, a small group of long-distance motorcycle riders discovered Wyman's legacy and decided to bring it back to life.

Wyman's account describes the mud (above), intense desert, mountains and punishing winds that battered his modest bike throughout the journey

Wyman's journey was documented by Motorcycle Magazine, here he speaks to a journalist who traced his journey

Wyman's account describes the mud, intense desert, mountains and punishing winds that battered his modest bike throughout the journey

Tim Masterson, the president of the George A. Wyman Memorial Project told Atlas Obscura: 'He is to the long-distance riding community what Charles Lindbergh is to general aviation.'

Wyman's account describes the mud, intense desert, mountains and punishing winds that battered his modest bike throughout the journey.

Fascinating details give color to tale: In the Rockies, he made his way through cold mountain streams and in Wyoming he only found his way over a mountain by following a trail of hoof prints that then-President Teddy Roosevelt and his entourage had left there the day before.

Since most roads out of the cities were mostly made of mud and gravel, he relied on railroad tracks as the fasted route.

Wyman's bike was so busted that in the last 150 miles he had pedal himself to New York City

His California Moto Bike was essentially just a push bike frame with a small one and a quarter horsepower motor attached

But by June 5, his bike engine had stopped working but he continued to pedal on through the night until he finally reached New York City on the afternoon of June 6.

And now, this punishing journey is re-traced, in memory of Wyman.

This summer as many as 50 riders from the Iron Butt Association will follow his trial as part of the George A. Wyman Memorial Challenge, though now the route is littered with paved roads, says Masterson.
Pope Francis has condemned the killing of 16 people, including four Catholic nuns, at a home for the elderly in southern Yemen.

He called the attack in Aden an 'act of senseless and diabolical violence'.

Officials and witnesses said gunmen entered the facility run by a charity established by Mother Teresa and handcuffed the victims before shooting them in the head.

Unidentified gunmen stormed a retirement home run by Catholic nuns in the southern city of Aden on Friday

Pope Francis called the attack in Aden an 'act of senseless and diabolical violence'

Yemeni security forces gather outside the elderly care home after it was attacked

The attackers allegedly pretended they were visiting their mothers to get access to the home.

A nun who survived and was rescued by locals said that she hid inside a fridge in a storeroom after hearing a Yemeni guard shouting, 'Run, run.'

Two of the nuns killed were Rwandan, one was Indian and one was from Kenya, the Vatican said in a statement. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although Yemeni officials have blamed the Islamic State.

Pope Francis 'prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogue', Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said.

'He sends the assurance of his prayers for the dead and his spiritual closeness to their families and to all affected from this act of senseless and diabolical violence.'

Sunita Kumar, a spokeswoman for the Missionaries of Charity in the Indian city of Kolkata, said the members of the charity were 'absolutely stunned' at the killing.

'The Sisters were to come back but they opted to stay on to serve people' in Yemen, she added.

The bodies were transferred to a police station and then a hospital run by the Doctors Without Borders (MSF) aid organization.

An unnamed Yemeni presidency source in Riyadh said that those behind such 'treacherous terrorist acts' are individuals who have 'sold themselves to the devil,' in a statement on the official sabanew.net website.

Pro-government Yemeni fighters loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi gather outside the retirement home

Pro-government Yemeni fighters loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi gather outside the retirement home

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), also known as Ansar al-Sharia, denied 'any links to the attack on the elderly care home'.

Aden descended into lawlessness after a Saudi-led coalition recaptured the city from Shiite Houthi rebels last summer.

Yemen's civil war has split the country in two. The northern region, where Shiite rebels are in control, has been struck by an extensive air campaign by a Saudi-led coalition.

The southern region, which is controlled by the internationally-recognized government backed by Saudi Arabia, is suffering from a power and security vacuum.

ISIS and al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) have taken advantage of the war to gain ground in the country.

More than 6,000 people have been killed and 2.4 million people displaced in Yemen's war.
Marco Rubio used his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference Saturday morning to launch several thinly-veiled attacks on Donald Trump.

Taking to the stage in Maryland, the same stage snubbed by Trump as he went campaigning in Kansas, Rubio told supporters that the billionaire business man is 'hijacking' the Republican party.

In an appeal to the party's youth, he said the reason there are so many young conservatives leading the party today is because of the example set by Ronald Reagan.

He added: 'Reagan looked and acted nothing like Donald Trump.'

Scroll down for video

Marco Rubio used his speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, snubbed by Trump just hours earlier, to launch several thinly-veiled attacks on the Republican frontrunner

Rubio attacked Trump for 'hijacking' the Republican party, saying he isn't a conservative, before comparing him to Reagan, adding: 'Reagan looked and acted nothing like Donald Trump'

Rubio's speech, possibly one of his best on the campaign trail so far, was met with resounding applause and chants from the crowd.

The largest applause of the entire event, which drew a standing ovation, came towards the end of his speech.

Speaking about the opportunities left to the next generation of Americans, he said: 'They will not have the same chance if the conservative movement is hijacked by someone who isn't even a conservative.'

The so-called establishment candidate dedicated the rest of his speech to laying out his vision for America based on traditional conservative values, rather than the confrontational, firebrand version put forward by Trump.

Repeatedly singling out young people as the targets of his speech, he said America was faced with a crucial choice, a battle that would define a generation.

Your browser does not support the <code>iframe</code> HTML tag. Try viewing this in a modern browser like Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Internet Explorer 9 or later.

In another swipe at Trump, Rubio said that modern conservatism 'cannot simply be how long you are willing to scream, how angry you are willing to be or how many names you are willing to call people'

He said: 'The fundamental question in front of America right now is what kind of country do we want this to be in the 21st century?

'What we ask ourselves is, what is this country going to look like? I can tell you what it will look like if we continue on the patch we are on.

'You will be the first Americans that inherit from a previous generation a country that is worse off than then one that was left for our parents.'

Rubio told supporters that only returning to a true conservative government would avoid that future, before addressing the rift within the conservative movement.

While taking another swing at Trump, he said: 'Being a conservative can never simply be about an attitude.

'Being a conservative cannot simply be how long you are willing to scream, how angry you are willing to be or how many names you are willing to call people.'

Appealing repeatedly to young people, Rubio told them they faced a once-in-a-generation challenge to overcome the Democrats at November's election

Following his CPAC speech Rubio made his way to Jacksonville, Florida, where he is facing a must-win vote on March 15 if his campaign is to make it to the Republican convention in June

While Trump seemed to be a constant theme of Rubio's speech, his name was rarely mentioned.

Taking questions from CNN's Dana Bash following the speech, she picked up on his hostile comments, adding somewhat sarcastically that Rubio was talking about 'nobody in particular.'

With a flash of a smile, Rubio shot back: 'Well, perhaps I was.'

Rubio was speaking as Republican supporters went to the polls in another round of caucuses and primaries, this time taking place in Kentucky, Maine, Kansas and Louisiana.

Trump is widely expected to complete a clean-sweep of those states, although results could be close in the likes of Kentucky and Kansas, where polling data is scant.
The final paranoid outpourings of killer Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz have been revealed ahead of the one year anniversary of the air disaster.

Lubitz, then 27, slammed the A320 jet into the French Alps on March 24, killing all 149 passengers and crew on board.

The contents of the email he sent to his doctor two weeks before the atrocity have now finally been revealed.

In the email, published by German newspaper Bild, he said: 'I am afraid to go blind and I can't get this possibility out of my head.'

The final paranoid outpourings of killer Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz (pictured) have been revealed ahead of the one year anniversary of the air disaster

Lubitz, then 27, slammed the A320 jet into the French Alps on March 24, killing all 149 passengers and crew on board

It emerged after the crash that Lubitz was suffering from both depression and loss of vision - and feared his conditions would cost him his job as a pilot.

The email revealed he was taking the highest dose of Mirtazapine, an anti-depressant which is also used as a drug to induce sleep.

Lubitz, who put the plane into a steep dive after locking his co-pilot out of the cockpit, said the increased medication was making him more restless and made him panic about his vision.

He also told his therapist that he was bothered about the permanent tension he felt in his eyes and wrote: 'If it wasn't for the eyes, everything would be fine.'

The doomed flight had taken off from Barcelona and was heading for Dusseldorf.

It was later revealed that Lubitz had, in the five years before the crash, consulted 41 different doctors.

He was suffering from severe depression which almost led to him taking his own life a few years before.

In the email, Lubitz said: 'I am afraid to go blind and I can't get this possibility out of my head' (file photo of Germanwings plane)

The final report on the accident will be released on March 13, according to the Office of Research and Analysis of France .

Bild has released further details about Lubitz and his health and the role various doctors played in giving him sick notes.
New York City prosecutors sentenced a 64-year-old Ghanaian woman to more than two years in prison Friday for stuffing heroin inside dried fish and trying to smuggle the drug-filled treats into the United States.

The fishy smuggler was caught by officials at John F. Kennedy airport with three kilos of heroin, after an attentive customs agent singled her out for inspection upon her arrival last February on a flight from Amsterdam originating in Ghana, the New York Daily News reported.

Rose Amanor's 27-month sentence was short compared to the six-and-a-half years in prison prosecutors originally threatened.

Rose Amanor, 64 (left) tried to smuggle heroin stuffed inside dried fish (right) into New York City but was busted and sentenced to 27 months in prison

Trying to excuse herself, the woman blamed her son for coercing her to bring the heroin to the US, according to the Daily News.

'I am asking you to have mercy on me so I can go home to my family and enjoy whatever time I have left with my family,' the woman said through an interpreter.

But the judge called her out on what he referred to as an 'incessant number of fish stories' told to authorities.

'I find it totally incredible that Mrs. Amanor didn't know what it was that she was doing,' federal judge Eric Vitaliano said according to the Daily News.

'It certainly was a disrespect for the law, sitting in this courtroom and spinning this incredible tale under oath.'

Amanor, who has been in custody for 13 months, had her request of a sentence of time served denied, and will be deported to Ghana upon her release from prison.
Here's the moment one Trump rally got really interesting.

One man took it upon himself to show his undying support for a US-Mexico wall by dressing up as... the 'Trump Wall' at a rally in Florida.

Even after Mexico's Treasury Secretary, Luis Videgaray, told Milenio Television late Wednesday that 'Mexico will under no circumstance pay for the wall that Mr Trump is proposing', one man believes it's still possible.

A Florida man showed up at Trump's rally Saturday in Orlando dressed as the 'Mexico wall'.

One Florida man took it upon himself to show his undying support for a US-Mexico wall by dressing up as the 'Trump Wall'

The man was spotted at Trump's rally in Orlando, Florida on Saturday wearing a white-checkered onesie with a hat to match

Since winning seven of 11 contests on Super Tuesday, Trump has come under withering fire from a Republican establishment worried he will lead the party to a resounding defeat in November's election

The man was spotted sitting in a crowd of Trump supporters wearing what looks like a onesie that has the words 'Mexico will pay' written on it.

He was also sporting a white hat that says 'Trump Wall'.

A photo of the man surfaced on Twitter during the rally, sparking hilarious jokes.

One Twitter user tweeted a photo of a Lego wall (pictured)

The photo was first spotted after it was retweeted by Twitter user Aidan Kerr

Twitter user Mick tweeted that if Trump wins 'I'd imagine Mexico building wall themselves'

Donald Trump's proposal for a US-Mexico wall has been criticized widely and fiercely in Mexico.

A natural showman, Trump often peppers his speeches with humorous asides, imitation and dramatic acting.

In Texas last week, he threw water across the stage and then tossed the bottle behind him to mock a rival's sweat.

He frequently holds events in open airplane hangars, circling in his private jet with giant gold 'T-R-U-M-P' letters as thousands hold cellphones up to capture its descent as soaring music from the movie 'Air Force One' plays.

The crowd anticipates applause lines like rock concert throngs.

'We're going to build a wall. And who's going to pay for the wall?' Trump shouts.

'MEXICO,' they yell.

'Who's going to pay for the wall?'

'MEXICO,' they thunder back.

Since launching his campaign in June, Trump has used especially tough talk on immigration to vault to the lead of the Republican presidential field, and at a campaign stop on Thursday, Trump reaffirmed his intention to build a wall along the border.

The man was also sporting a white hat that says 'Trump Wall'

The man (right) shows his support for the US-Mexico wall at Trump's rally holding a sign that says 'Veterans for Trump: Make America Great Again'

Trump won seven of 11 states on Super Tuesday and if he takes Florida and Ohio, he would be nearly impossible to stop

'In New Hampshire, all the people said that the No 1 problem was heroin,' Trump told a rally in Portland, Maine.

'And it comes from our southern border, and we're going to close up that border and build a wall, and we're going to stop the drugs from coming in.'

Trump also demanded an apology from former Mexican president Vicente Fox for dropping an 'F-bomb' in a TV interview in which he said 'I'm not going to pay for that f***ing wall' that Trump has vowed to build on America's southern border at Mexico's expense.

Since winning seven of 11 contests on Super Tuesday, Trump has come under withering fire from a Republican establishment worried he will lead the party to a resounding defeat in November's election.

Mainstream Republicans have blanched at Trump's calls to build a wall on the border with Mexico, round up and deport 11 million undocumented immigrants and temporarily bar all Muslims from entering the United States.
A naked man wielding a ceremonial sword was arrested in Spokane County, Washington, for allegedly vandalizing a Sikh temple Thursday.

Jeffrey C Pittman, 44, was found by volunteers when they entered the temple, or 'gurdwara', in Spokane that morning. He was surrounded by an estimated $30,000 of property damage. The volunteers restrained him until police arrived.

A deputy for the Spokane County Sheriff's Office told NBC News that they believe that the damage was caused impulsively, rather than as the result of a deliberate, focused plot by the man.

Scroll down for video

Charged: Jeffrey C Pittman, 44, was found naked and holding a sword in the Spokane Sikh temple. Police say that he entered thinking it was a church and looking for food, and then believed he was in an ISIS HQ

Destruction: Believing that he was in a hotbed of extremist Islamic insurgency, Pittman is alleged to have picked up one of the temple's ceremonial swords (pictured, bottom of page) while vandalizing the space

Captured: Morning visitors to the temple discovered Pittman hiding in the wreckage. Raman Nagra, a worshipper at the temple, said that after he was subdued, the man was offered tea and free food

Deputy Mark Gregory of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office said, 'This does not appear to be "targeted," meaning it appears the suspect was walking in the area, noticed a "church," was cold and hungry and broke in.

'Once inside, he became aware of what he thought could have been ISIS or Taliban items and began his destruction. Intoxication/impairment are possible factors.

'I am in no way trying to minimize the suspect's actions but just want to be clear, we have no information the suspect went to the temple with the intention to vandalize it.'

Scripture: One of the items damaged was a copy of Guru Granth Sahib (pictured, bottom of photograph), the Sikh scripture

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich later said in a press conference attended by KXLY, 'It started out as a random act of burglary that rapidly turned into a hate crime.'

Worshiper Geetu Mann told the channel that confusion between the two entirely separate faiths of Sikhism and Islam happens frequently.

'As much as I would love to say that comes totally left-field, like, we get that kind of stuff on a daily basis,' she said. 'So it's something we're used to as a community but coming to our place and worship and doing that? I think that really hurts.'

The ceremonial sword that Pittman picked up belonged to the temple. He is alleged to have torn pages out of the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, as well as destroying decorations and furniture. Two fire extinguishers were also discharged in the building.

Photographs on The Sikh Coalition's Facebook page show items strewn on floors and pictures torn from wall.

It is not clear why Pittman was naked. He was wearing a decorative blanket when police arrived.

Raman Nagra, a worshiper at the temple whose mother was one of the first to discover the vandalism, posted a video of the damage on Facebook.

She also said that a Sikh man entered the building before police arrived and found 'a man completely naked, holding two symbolic swords ready to attack.' Other reports say there was only one sword.

She added: 'Even after this whole ordeal and the culprit was handcuffed, the Sikh community offered the man Lungar [free food] and warm tea. When it was easier to hate, we chose love...

'Today I ask not for anyone's sympathy, but I ask that everyone educate one another. Where hate is so common, let's show that love is stronger.'

Damage: Two fire extinguishers were discharged during the destruction, which is estimated to have cost a total of $30,000

Love: Nagra said in a Facebook post, 'Today I ask not for anyone's sympathy, but I ask that everyone educate one another. Where hate is so common, let's show that love is stronger'

Subarna Nagra, a spokeswoman from the temple, said in a press release that Sikhism is a distinct religion from Islam, although Sikhs 'stand with' Muslims and Christians in denouncing the attack, and appealed to all of the people of Spokane to understand and respect their Sikh members.

'We are your colleagues, classmates and neighbors,' she said. 'The Sikh faith emphasizes a commitment to justice, tolerance and equality. These are not just Sikh values, they are American values that we know our Spokane community supports.'

Police arrested Pittman on charges of armed burglary in the first degree, malicious mischief in the second degree, and malicious harassment. NBC notes that malicious harassment is 'commonly referred to as a hate crime charge.'

The Sikh Coalition also said it believed Mr Pittman was being screened for mental health issues.
Salar describes his duties as 'assisting in the drafting of speeches, reports'

Labour's candidate to become London Mayor was last night embroiled in a row over hugely offensive remarks about rape, murder and gay people made by one of his key aides.

Sadiq Khan suspended his Commons-based speechwriter after The Mail on Sunday discovered messages in which the aide laughed about seeing homosexuals being abused in public, and made reference to 'hoes' and 'f***ing faggots'  on a Twitter feed followed by the Labour mayoral hopeful.

Shueb Salar, who has represented Mr Khan at public events, continued to post them after he started working for Mr Khan in the run-up to last year's General Election.

Among the messages Mr Salar posted on Twitter was 'advice to anyone who's looking to murder their girlfriend and get away with it LOL'. The acronym stands for laugh out loud.

Sadiq Khan (left) suspended Shueb Salar (right) over a series of tweets in which he made reference to 'hoes', 'f***ing faggots'

He also posted a copy of a text message that read: 'Yo think I'm gonna do sexual offences its way easier.' Mr Salar captioned this: 'LOOL #rapist in the making.' LOOL usually stands for laughing outrageously out loud.

Last night, Chris Grayling, the Leader of the Commons, said that hiring Mr Salar raised 'serious questions' about Mr Khan's judgment and his suitability to be Mayor.

Mr Khan, the MP for Tooting since 2005, is currently favourite to beat Conservative hopeful Zac Goldsmith in May's battle to succeed Boris Johnson as Mayor.

Mr Salar describes his duties for Mr Khan as 'assisting in the drafting of speeches, reports, press releases, briefings, parliamentary questions, letters and email correspondence'.

He adds: 'I represent him at events/meetings and occasionally deal with constituency casework.'

Many of Mr Salar's messages use anti-gay language.

Shueb Salar, who has represented Mr Khan at public events, continued to post offensive tweets after he started working for Mr Khan in the run-up to last year's General Election

One of his tweets reads: 'Had the funniest tube journey ever! Some rowdy chavs were cussing these 2 gay guys for kissing LOL maybe they deserved it', while another says: 'What a f***ing faggot LOL'.

He also uses sexist language, with one message simply saying: 'F*** all you hoes'. The word 'hoe' is a slang term for a promiscuous woman.

Other messages include: 'Bitch please, don't be proud if every guy wants you. Cheap items have many buyers'; 'you's a milf and I'm a motherf*****' and 'The girl in front of me stinks'.

Mr Salar also posts about 'treating a lady' by 'buying her a nice iron and extending the kitchen for her', while his Facebook page links to a picture of a woman scrubbing a floor under the heading: 'Watching Cinderella in reverse is the story of a woman learning her place.'

The amateur boxer, who is a law graduate of the University of Bedfordshire, toned down the content of his tweets after starting work for Mr Khan in November 2014, but continued to 'favourite' other people's tasteless messages.

One shows an Asian man smiling, with the caption: 'When a desi aunty talking s*** about you but you know her daughter's a hoe'.

A 'desi aunty' is an offensive term for an Indian woman.

Among the messages Mr Salar posted on Twitter was 'advice to anyone who's looking to murder their girlfriend and get away with it LOL'

Another, 'favourited' two days after the Conservative Election win last May, shows a group of black youths seemingly watching a Tory voter being 'rushed'  street language for attacking someone. Some of Mr Salar's offensive messages are accompanied by different comic 'smiley face' icons.

Mr Khan has faced controversy before over his links with Islamic extremists he defended in his former job as a solicitor dealing with human rights issues.

They included the infamous Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, whom Sadiq represented in the early 2000s in his efforts to overturn a ban on him coming to Britain.

Farrakhan had denounced white people as 'devils', described Jews as 'bloodsuckers', and called Hitler a 'very great man'.

Before joining Mr Khan's Westminster operation, 24-year-old Mr Salar also worked for a solicitor's company specialising in human rights.

He 'favourited' a tweet, two days after the Conservative Election win last May, which showed a group of black youths seemingly watching a Tory voter being 'rushed'  street language for attacking someone

Salar also posted a copy of a text message that read: 'Yo think I'm gonna do sexual offences its way easier.' He captioned this: 'LOOL #rapist in the making.'

The revelations about the aide's offensive tweets will be particularly embarrassing for Mr Khan, coming just a fortnight after he urged British Transport Police to crack down on offences on London's transport network, including taking photos without consent: Mr Salar's Twitter feed includes a surreptitious picture of a portly man taken on the London Underground and accompanied by the caption 'LOOOOOL'.

Mr Grayling said: 'These comments have absolutely no place in modern society.

'They raise serious questions about the judgment of Sadiq Khan, who chose to employ this man, despite his views being public, on a Twitter account followed by Khan himself.

'The Mayor of London makes a large number of decisions about who to hire and how to spend public funds: his record shows Sadiq Khan can't make those decisions in a way that stands up for Londoners.'

Mr Salar's Twitter feed includes a surreptitious picture of a portly man taken on the London Underground and accompanied by the caption 'LOOOOOL'

Mr Salar (left) describes his duties for Mr Khan (right) as 'assisting in the drafting of speeches, reports, press releases, briefings, parliamentary questions, letters and email correspondence'

Mr Salar's Twitter account was terminated shortly after Mr Khan was contacted by this newspaper yesterday.

A spokesman for Mr Khan said: 'Clearly these are serious issues. Shueb Salar has been suspended from Sadiq Khan's parliamentary office pending an investigation'.
The BBC has paid a controversial Tory donor caught up in the Kids Company scandal for the use of his lavish clifftop estate which features in a hit new BBC spy thriller.

But last night the Corporation refused to say how much licence-payers cash had been given to Lord Lupton so that they could shoot scenes for The Night Manager at his familys spectacular 232-acre holiday estate in Majorca.

La Fortaleza, a 17th Century fortress, is said be Spains most expensive property. In The Night Manager, it is the lair of the worst man in the world  billionaire arms dealer Richard Roper, played by Hugh Laurie.

Holiday estate: La Fortaleza, a 17th Century fortress, is said be Spains most expensive property

But critics said the broadcaster should come clean about its dealings with the peer, given his links to Kids Company, the collapsed charity chaired by former BBC grandee Alan Yentob.

Lord Lupton, an investment banker who has given 2.9 million to the Conservatives since 2009, accompanied Kids Company boss Camila Batmanghelidjh to lobby Ministers. They later gave her charity a 3 million grant when it was on the brink of financial ruin.

One MP said: Im sure there will be lots of raised eyebrows given the links between Kids Company and Alan Yentob. The BBC needs to be transparent about this.

Last spring, the crew filming The Night Manager  the BBCs 20 million adaptation of John Le Carres thriller  spent more than a week at La Fortaleza. Sources said the BBC had paid the going rate to use the palatial estate  although it is not clear how much that is.

Last year, a week-long stay at the property was an auction prize at the Conservatives Black and White Ball fundraiser  and one bidder paid 220,000 to secure it.

Lord Lupton, pictured receiving the CBE from the Queen in 2012, let the BBC film at La Fortaleza, a 17th Century fortress

Tom Hollander and Hugh Laurie in The Night Manager - a hit new BBC spy thriller

Production designer Tom Burton told The Mail on Sunday that the property had been sourced by local firm Palma Pictures, which had been asked to find the biggest and best houses we would have access to.

The fort was built in 1628 to defend Majorca against invaders. Lord Luptons family bought it for 30 million in 2011, by which time the estate had been expanded to include two swimming pools, a helipad and seven villas.
Social media users suggest name 'Casper' because of ghostly appearance

is almost certainly an undescribed species

During a recent deep-sea dive in the Hawaiian Archipelago, a remotely operated vehicle came across an unknown creature.

Unlike most cephalopods, the little octopus found by the NOAA Deep Discoverer lacks pigment, making it ghostlike and mysterious, and every bit adorable.

At more than 4,000 meters below the surface, this is the deepest observation ever published of this type of cephalopod, and researchers say its cartoonish appearance has social media users pushing to name it 'Casper.'

Scroll down for video

During a recent deep-sea dive in the Hawaiian Archipelago, a remotely operated vehicle came across an unknown creature. Unlike most cephalopods, the little octopus found by the NOAA Deep Discoverer lacks pigment, making it ghostlike and mysterious, and every bit adorable

The discovery was made during the first operational dive of Okeanos Explorer's 2016 season on February 27.

Researchers planned to collect geological samples from the Necker Ridge in order to determine its possible connection with Necker Island (Mokumanamana).

But, during its mission, the remotely operated vehicle called Deep Discoverer found something extraordinary  a small octopus sitting on a rock.

The discovery was made at a depth of 4,290 meters.

Deep Discoverer captured detailed images of the octopus, allowing researchers to classify the animal among the incirrate octopods.

These kinds of octopods lack fins and cirri, the wispy strands on some octopuses' arms.

But, during its mission, the remotely operated vehicle called Deep Discoverer found something extraordinary  a small octopus sitting on a rock, pictured above. The discovery was made at a depth of 4,290 meters. Deep Discoverer captured images of the octopus, researchers classify the animal among the incirrate octopods

Researchers planned to collect geological samples from the Necker Ridge in order to determine its possible connection with Necker Island

THE DEEP-SEA OCTOPODS According to NOAA, deep-sea octopods are separated into two groups: cirrates and incirrates. Cirrate octopods are finned, also known as 'dumbo' octopods. These have fins on the sides of their bodies and fingerlike cirri associated with the suckers on their arms Incirrate octopods, lack both fins and cirri and are similar in appearance to common shallow-water. The researchers say the newly discovered octopus is previously undescribed, and may not belong to a known genus. It is an incirrate, and appears to be low in muscle and lack pigment. And, its suckers are arranged in one series on each arm, rather than two. Advertisement

This one, however, appeared to be low in muscle and lacks the pigment cells called chromatophores, which most cephalopods have.

Researchers say its cartoonish appearance has social media users pushing to name it 'Casper,' after the friendly ghost (pictured above)

And, its suckers are arranged in one series on each arm, as opposed to two.

The NOAA says the ghostly octopus is 'almost certainly an undescribed species and may not belong to any described genus.'

Deep-sea octopods are classified within two groups  incirrates, like the unusual ghost specimen and cirrates.

Cirrate octopods are finned, also known as 'dumbo' octopods.

They have fins on the sides of their bodies, and cirri associated with the suckers on their arms, NOAA explains.

While cirrate octopods have been reported even deeper than this find, even upwards of 5,000 meters, this is the deepest published report of an incirrate.

All others are recorded at depths less than 4,000 meters.

Michael Vecchione of NOAA writes that he's since contacted other researchers to weigh in on the find, including Louise Allcock who is currently stationed on a British ship near Antarctica, and Uwe Piatkowski, of Germany.

The team is now considering taking the observation a step further, and combining it with others observations from the eastern Pacific into a manuscript for publication.
Advertisement

Oman has a special type of speed bump guaranteed to slow tourists down. They carry no warning sign and are cleverly designed to blend in with the desert backdrop.

The Dromedary camel has been roaming this corner of the Middle East since ancient times. They wander freely around the country and often cause traffic chaos  lolloping across the tarmac with a surprising turn of speed.

Weighing in at over a ton and wildly unpredictable, these one hump wonders are the only serious threat to Omans latest tourism industry  motorcycle touring.

Most of the roads in Oman are racetrack wide and perfectly maintained for two-wheeled traffic, so the perfect setting for a motorbike tour

Oman has a special type of speed bump guaranteed to slow tourists down - the Dromedary camel, which has been roaming this corner of the Middle East since ancient times

Omanis boast a laid back approach to life and it lacks the intimidating hustle and bustle of other Arab states. Pictured a fruit and vegetable stall outside Nizwa

The oil-rich Sultanate to the east of the UAE otherwise has one of the best travel networks in the world. Most of the roads are racetrack wide and perfectly maintained for two-wheeled traffic.

Theyre a dream for motorcyclists like me, looking for a sun-kissed Arabian adventure away from the excesses of Dubai. Just dont forget a decent sun cream and the lightest riding clothes money can buy.

The leader of the pack in motorcycle tourism here is currently Harley-Davidson. The iconic American brand is now offering rental bikes out of the Omani capital of Muscat.

The companys luxury machines are the ultimate ship of the desert for travellers  some feature armchair-style passenger seats, satellite navigation and thumping music systems.

Apart from building cool bikes ridden by the likes of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, pictured above, Harley now offer more than 430 travel tours in Africa, Australasia, Europe and the Americas

The wide roads are a dream come true for motorcyclists looking for a sun-kissed Arabian adventure away from the excesses of Dubai

To discover the real Oman, Jeremy decided to ride out into the mountainous interior and surrounding deserts on his Harley Davidson. Pictured is the Al Hajar range of mountains north east of Muscat

Camels - the desert's speedbumps - in Muscat carry no warning sign and are cleverly designed to blend in with the desert backdrop

The bikes are a massive step up from the normal scooters on offer in Muscat and are no more expensive to hire than a car.

Riding in Muscat itself isnt for the faint-hearted. The city bustles with enormous four-wheel drives  especially around tourist hotspots like the souk and newly built Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Omanis boast a laid back approach to life and both venues lack the intimidating hustle and bustle of other Arab states. There are orderly queues, well-signed car parks and yes, even decent toilets!

Jaremy set his sat nav on his Ultra Limited machine for the Jebel Shams  the highest peaks in the Al Hajar range that dominates the backdrop to Muscat. Pictured is the Al Hajar mountains

The leader of the pack in motorcycle tourism in Oman is currently Harley-Davidson. The iconic American brand is now offering rental bikes out of the Omani capital of Muscat

Weighing in at over a ton and wildly unpredictable, the wild camels are the only serious threat to Omans latest tourism industry

On my journey I encounter Qaboos mosque which is vast and can hold 20,000 people under one roof.

Its difficult to imagine a more cared for place of worship but the same can be said for most of Muscats historic visitor attractions.

I find the nearby forts of Al Jalali and Al Marani are perfectly restored too, still ready to repel invaders launching a surprise attack from the Sea of Oman.

So to discover the real Oman I decide to ride out into the mountainous interior and surrounding deserts. I set the sat nav on my Ultra Limited machine for the Jebel Shams  the highest peaks in the Al Hajar range that dominate the backdrop to Muscat.

The Harley was built for wide, sweeping roads like this. And the villagers I pass seem to welcome the throbbing exhaust tone of the bike with waves and smiles. Im even offered mint tea at a service station near the desert watering hole of Nizwa, just so the attendants can polish the flies off my screen.

Muscat city bustles with enormous four-wheel drives  especially around tourist hotspots like the souk and newly built Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Jeremy reveals that the cool bikes, which are ridden by the likes of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, are now being offered for more than 430 travel tours in Africa, Australasia, Europe and the Americas. Oman is one of the latest. Pictured is the coastal road north of Muscat

Jeremy said that upon returning to Muscat, 'the city now feels even more sanitised than the towns and villages in the surrounding hills. However, that will change as the road-building programme continues apace'

There are more goats than cars here as I ride on by the spectacular Wadi Ghul gorge, commonly known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia. Oncoming cars flash their lights and wave  Omanis obviously like the idea of being an easy rider too.

Returning to Muscat, the city now feels even more sanitised than the towns and villages in the surrounding hills. However, that will change as the road-building programme continues apace.

It won't be long until a new route is completed through the mountains, bringing the neighbouring UAE ever closer.

Apart from building cool bikes ridden by the likes of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, Harley now offer more than 430 travel tours in Africa, Australasia, Europe and the Americas. Oman is one of the latest.

Muscat remains a little corner of the Middle East that is still off the tourist map to many people. Discovering the Sultanate on a motorcycle is a real adventure  just watch out for the camels.

Pictured left, George Clooney in the driving seat and pictured right, Brad Pitt gets in the saddle to hit the road on two wheels

Harley Davidson bikes are a massive step up from the normal scooters on offer in Muscat and are no more expensive to hire than a car

There are more goats than cars Jeremy reports as he rides on by the spectacular Wadi Ghul gorge, commonly known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia

Muscat remains a little corner of the Middle East that is still off of the main tourist map to many people visiting Oman
Teen Mom OG star Farrah Abraham is claiming that she had a very scary moment when she took an Uber cab on Long Island.

'An Uber driver almost raped me' the 24-year-old said during her Farrah & Friends podcast, according to PageSix.com.

However, the app-based taxi service argues the reality star made the whole thing up, says PageSix.com, and that she's banned from Uber because her companion trashed the driver's vehicle.

Shocking claim: Teen Mom vet Farrah Abraham, pictured in New York in February, has alleged that an Uber driver 'tried to rape' her in an incident on Long Island in January 2015

The reality star alleged she'd only been saved from an assault by her on/off boyfriend Simon Sarah who came to her rescue during the January 2015 incident.

According to Farrah, her 'non-boyfriend' threw the driver 'in the window and almost broke his car window.'

'The Persian dude ran after me,' she went on. 'The cops were like, Youre harassing her and I was like, See I told you! and then I went to bed.'

2 a.m. incident: The 24-year-old has claimed she was only saved from assault because her on/off boyfriend Simon Saran, pictured with her in Hollywood in May 2015, came running to her rescue

In Uber's account of the 2 a.m. incident, the Teen Mom and her pal instigated an altercation and the driver then complained to the company.

'We have no record of Ms. Abraham ever reporting any incident like this,' an Uber spokesman told the website.

'Her rider account was banned because an Uber driver-partner reported that a friend traveling with Ms. Abraham dumped their alcoholic drink on the front seat of the partners car.

Local police have also said they have no record of a report of the incident.

Disputed account: A spokesperson for Uber said that Farrah didn't make a complaint to the company and that she has been banned from using their app because their driver's car was trashed by her companion

Farrah found fame in the MTV shows 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom, that followed her as she gave birth to daughter Sophia, now seven, and raised her as a single mother.

She's also made and released two sex tapes and written a best-selling memoir.

In 2015, she returned to TV screens in the spin-off series Teen Mom OG.
There's not many people that can pull of a mish-mash of clothing, but Keira Knightley still managed to exude beauty on the set of her latest movie.

Keira rocked a psychedelic wardrobe while shooting Collateral Beauty, which sees her join a star-studded line-up including Kate Winslet, Will Smith, Helen Mirren, Edward Norton, Naomie Harris and Michael Pena.

The British actress, 30, bundled up in bright colours to shoot scenes in New York on Friday while 40-year-old Kate looked ready for business in all-black.

Scroll down for video

Resuming business: Keira Knightley rocked a retro look while co-star Kate Winslet looked ready for business on the set of their new film Collateral Beauty in New York City on Friday

Keira wrapped up warm in a red and blue checked scarf and tangerine beanie hat as she filmed on the streets of Manhattam.

The statuesque beauty concealed her svelte figure under a style cream winter jacket.

The mother-of-one opted for a floral A-line skirt and finished the look with tan knee-high boots and tights.

See more Keira Knightley updates as she joins Kate Winslet on set of Callateral Beauty

Geek chic: Keira, 30, wrapped up warm in a red and blue checked scarf and tangerine beanie hat as she filmed on the streets of New York City

Optical illusion: The British screen star rocked a mish-mash of prints and colours as she slipped into her character's costume

Beats: The star had her headphones in as she power walked through the city in her tan leather boots

Colourful: While her look was mostly clashing, her boots matched her handbag which was slung over one shoulder

Dreamteam: Keira teamed up with actor Edward Norton for a scene in the Big Apple

Chemistry: The duo get to work on their star-studded movie which stars Hollywood giant Will Smith

Keira, who welcomed her daughter Edie in May last year with her musician husband James Righton, let her natural beauty shine through as she opted for a simple but no less flattering make-up palette.

Despite her sleepless nights as a doting mum, the Pirates Of The Caribbean star looked fresh-faced as she modelled just a touch of blush to accentuate her striking cheekbones and a slick of nude lipstick.

Her voluminous brunette locks fell in natural waves around her shoulders as she strutted along the New York set of the star-studded drama.

Walking the walk: Kate cut a conservative figure as she rocked up dressed in a tailored black coat and heels

The gloves are on: The Titanic star looked ready to do business as she made a confident arrival to the shoot location

Wrapping up warm: Kate, 40, ensured she didn't catch a chill by teaming her coat with a matching scarf and beanie hat

English rose: Kate's complexion looked flawless despite the icy climes of the Big Apple

Actors assemble: Kate was pictured looking at a building alongside Edward Norton and another suited and booted star

Meanwhile, Kate, 40, cut a conservative figure as she rocked up to the set dressed in a black tailored coat which she styled with a pair of heeled shoe-boots.

Her character's costume was a stark contrast to that of Keira's as it comprised an all-black colour palette.

The mother-of-three ensured she didn't catch a chill by teaming her smart cover-up with a matching scarf and a beanie hat, with her thick blonde tresses dangling down from underneath it.

Dapper: Edward scrubbed up well in a brown waistcoat and cream trousers before changing into some tweed trews and a navy funnel coat

Keira Sprightly: Keira was as sprightly as ever and seemed in great spirits as she got back to work on the film

Taking a break: Sociable Keira looked to be getting on well with the cast and crew alike

Quick change: Earlier on, Kate was pictured sporting a considerably more low-key look

Kate, who narrowly missed out on her second Oscar for her role in Steve Jobs at the glittering LA Awards ceremony last weekend, was significantly more smart than an earlier outfit she was pictured in.

Squeezing her enviable curves into a pair of casual blue jeans, Kate looked every inch the Hollywood beauty in her effortlessly glam get-up.

The mother-of-three, who shot down pregnancy rumours after actress Cate Blanchett was pictured stroking her dress, went for an understated look in a black jumper and wrapped a lavender scarf around her neck as she clutched a warm beverage.

Brew-tiful: Kate went for an understated look in a black jumper, jeans and a lavender scarf wrapped around her neck as she clutched a warm beverage on set

Kate stars alongside Keira in the comedy drama which tells the story of an advertising executive, played by Will Smith, who falls into a deep depression following a personal tragedy.

Helen Mirren plays an actress hired by his colleagues as part of a plan to break him out of his dark spell.

Collateral Beauty is directed by David Frankel whose credits include 21, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps and Rock Of Ages.

Teatime: The British beauty could not resist a cheeky cuppa while filming her latest star-studded film
She stepped out of her style comfort zone in PVC bottoms and zebra-print stilettos on Friday afternoon.

But it seems Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's outlandish fashion turn was short-lived, as she was back to her chic best by nightfall, exiting her Paris hotel in an all-black ensemble that was much more typical of her demure style.

The 28-year-old supermodel - who is currently in the French capital for the city's Fashion Week - lived up to her fashionista title as she headed out for a bite to eat with pals.

Scroll down for video

Doing what she does best: After rocking an outlandish look at the Isabel Marant show on Friday afternoon, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was back to her chic best by nightfall as she headed out for dinner in Paris dressed in typically demure ensemble

The Mad Max: Fury Road actress looked as glamorous as ever in black leather trousers, which she layered beneath racy thigh-high boots.

Adding to the allure, Rosie slipped into a lengthy velvet jacket with had a ravishing fur neckline that looked to proved a welcome source of warmth for the fiancee of action star Jason Statham as she clasped on to it when venturing out into the chilly weather.

The fetching outerwear was no doubt need given that Rosie opted for a low-cut top that flashed her bare decolletage for her evening jaunt.

Her blonde locks were worn in her loose beachy waves, a hair look that has fast become Rosie's signature.

Stylish display: The 28-year-old supermodel - who is currently in the French capital for the city's Fashion Week - lived up to her fashionista title as she headed out for a bite to eat with pals

Dressed to impress: The Mad Max: Fury Road actress looked as glamorous as ever in black leather trousers, which she layered beneath racy thigh-high boots

The natural beauty kept her make-up look soft and dewy, using cosmetics to merely accentuate her envy-inducing cheekbones and bee-sting pout.

The look was a stark contrast to that Rosie donned to sit in the front row of Isabel Marant's showcase, where the designer debuted her Autumn/Winter 2016 collection.

While she may not have been walking in the show, the stunning clothes horse effortlessly stole the spotlight as rocked up to the event in a fashion-forward ensemble.

Blonde bombshell: Rosie's honey locks were worn in her loose beachy waves, a hair look that has fast become Rosie's signature

Taking a break from the runway: Rosie was more than happy to sit back and be a style spectator as she sat in the front row of Isabel Marant during Paris Fashion Week earlier in the day

While the Victoria's Secret beauty has dressed up in a series of monochromatic looks during her turn in the French capital, her most recent look offered a slightly eccentric twist on the trend.

Instead of black skinny jeans, which are not only a style staple in Rosie's fashionable wardrobe, but almost all of the celebrities immersing themselves in Paris Fashion Week, the Mad Max: Fury star opted for a more daring choice of trousers.

The British pin-up broke the mould in a PVC style bottoms, which were deliberately creased to make for a more edgy finish, while their turn-up hem created the illusion of jeans.

Here she is! While she may not have been walking in the show, the 28-year-old model effortlessly stole the spotlight as rocked up to the showcase in a fashion-forward ensemble

Breaking the mould: While the Victoria's Secret beauty has dressed up in a series of monochromatic looks during her turn in the French capital, her most recent look offered a slightly eccentric twist on the trend

Safety first: The Mad Max: Fury Road actress was escorted into the event by security

The fiancee of action star Jason Statham banished the chilly weather with some stylish outerwear, wrapping up in a ribbed grey jacket which featured an asymmetric lining, fastened with only a single button.

Ensuring the muted design didn't swamp her svelte figure, the face of iconic British retailer Marks and Spencer created a feminine silhouette with a tie-up belt that she appeared to wrap multiple times around her waist.

But Rosie's jacket and trouser combo was no doubt overshadowed by her garish footwear.

On the front row: (L-R) Caroline de Maigret, Aymeline Valade and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Stunning: The glamorous quartet smiled for the cameras before the show got underway

Standing tall: Rosie cut a statuesque figure in a teetering pair of zebra heels for the French designer's show

Gorgeous: The model's famously plump lips and defined cheekbones were enhanced with a slick of lipstick and a dusting of bronzer

Sitting pretty: Rosie was relaxed ahead of the runway, sat with her hands crossed over her lap

Fierce: The beauty put her best foot forward in a pair zebra print heeled boots which boasted studded detailing and a pointed front, designed by Isabel Marant herself

Red hot! Isabel broke up the collection's prevailing grey styles by instilling splashes of vibrant reds and animal print into the collection

If you've got it... Ensuring her over-sized outwear didn't swamp her figure, Rosie created a feminine silhouette with a tie-up belt that she appeared to wrap multiple times around her waist

Gorgeous: Rosie's signature blonde locks cascaded in loose waves around her face, which modelled a minimal make-up look

Flattering the female form: Many of the designs embodied belted waists in a successful bid to create a feminine silhouette

Outlandish: Isabel wasn't afraid to mix up styles and clash prints, pairing checked patterns with garish leopard prints while also making things a little provocative with sheer fabrics and fishnet tights

The statuesque beauty put her best foot forward in a pair zebra print heeled boots which boasted studded detailing and a pointed front, designed by Isabel Marant herself.

And it seemed as though the fashion house had dressed Rosie from head-to-toe as her killer style was echoed on the runway.

The designs received Rosie's seal of approval as she later gushed about the showcase on Instagram with a series of stills and videos from the event.

'Forever My Fave @ISABELMARANT A/W' 16. Thank You for having me! Tres beau defile!' the Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon stand-out enthused.

All in the details: Models also cavorted down the runway in outlandish headpieces which juxtoposed with their preened hairstyles

Minimalism: The runway was stripped back compared to some of the other Fashion Week shows with only an abstract centre-piece and industrial lighting
LeAnn Rimes brought her sunny smile to Canada as she touched down in Toronto on Friday.

The 33-year-old looked stylish and comfortable in a blue denim jumpsuit that had the top button left undone.

She rolled the legs up at the bottom over a pair of tan suede boots.

Stylish: LeAnn Rimes arrived in Toronto, Canada, on Friday wearing a denim blue jumpsuit

The singer is in town to play a gig at Casino Rama just outside of Toronto.

She's playing a series of concerts around North America and is clearly on this occasion traveling solo without husband Eddie Cibrian.

In her latest concerts she's showcasing a more acoustic sound and has been working with her band to create a fresh feel to her fans favorites.

Blue jean girl: The country pop star was on trend in the onesie that she wore with the trousers turned up at the bottom and the cuffs rolled back at the wrists

Godd mood: The 33-year-old was in high spirits and was seen laughing as she walked through the arrival area at the Toronto airport

Simple: The blonde singer left her hair loose and the top button on her jumpsuit unbuttoned for a more casual look

'Im really excited about performing the songs Ive been singing forever,' she told the Aspen Times, ahead of her concert in the Colorado city last month.

'How Do I Live weve reworked into this beautiful, intimate moment in the show. Its almost a different song. Its so heartbreaking. You feel everything in it,' she added. 'Somethings Gotta Give has evolved into a down-home bluegrass tune.'

She described her current show 'really intimate,' telling the newspaper: 'I think people really have a moment of getting to know me and hopefully its a great show of fantastic music.'
They're business partners and best friends, so it was hardly a surprise to see that Natasha Oakley joined by her fellow A Bikini A Day blogger Devin Brugman, at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Friday.

The 24-year-old blonde bombshell wasn't afraid to flaunt her tanned and incredibly toned figure for the outing and donned a white triangle style bikini top paired with matching Brazilian-cut bottoms as she basked in the sunshine.

She put on a busty display as she set up camp on the golden sand, showing off her enviable curves in the process.

Scroll down for video

White hot: Natasha Oakley donned a white triangle style bikini with matching bottoms as she basked in the sunshine on Bondi Beach on Friday

Showing her the sights: She was joined by her BFF Devin Brugman who wore an orange bikini

The Australian-born beauty opted to pull her blonde locks off her face and into a loose knot at the nape of her neck.

Her look was finished with a pair of aviator style sunglasses to protect her eyes from the bright sunlight.

The bikini blogger has turned her passion for swimwear into an enviable career and now leads a jet set lifestyle.

Those curves: The 24-year-old showed off her ample assets in the teeny two-piece swimwear set and flaunted sun kissed skin and toned physique

Bronzed beauty: Her look was finished with a pair of aviator style sunglasses to protect her eyes from the bright sunlight as she strutted across the sand

Homecoming: She recently returned to her native Australia, and bought her best friend Devin along for the trip

She recently returned to her native Australia, and bought her best friend Devin Brugman along for the trip.

The pair were seen chatting as they walked along the sand with Devin wearing a burnt orange bikini whose bottoms matched her friend's.

The brunette put on a very busty display as she adjusted the top of her bikini, fixing the straps to avoid a wardrobe malfunction on the busy beach.

Unlike Natasha she opted to let her brunette tresses fall loose around her shoulders, held back from her face by her sunglasses.

Cheeky: The pair both wore swimsuits that featured a Brazilian style cut in the bottoms, that flashed a generous amount of their pert posteriors

Bright: Devin opted for some colour and donned a vibrant orange bikini for their afternoon by the sea

Brunette beauty: She opted to let her brunette tresses fall loose around her shoulders, held back from her face by her sunglasses

Busting out: She put on a very busty display as she adjusted the top of her bikini, fixing the straps to avoid a wardrobe malfunction on the busy beach

Natasha and Devin rose to fame through their blog filled with bikini clad snaps and are currently preparing to launch an activewear line following on from the success of their swimwear line.

Their first swimwear collection sold out over a couple of months and they now share a combined following of 1.9 million followers on Instagram alone.

They have been documenting their trip on social media and earlier on Friday Devin shared a snap of herself clad in a white bikini, identical to the one Natasha was spotted in later on in the day.

Beach babe: Natasha is no stranger to showing some skin and flaunted her curves in the teeny swimsuit that showed off a generous amount of her derriere

Success: Natasha and Devin rose to fame through their blog filled with bikini clad snap

Besties who dress the same: Earlier on Friday Devin shared a snap of herself clad in a white bikini, identical to the one Natasha was spotted in later on in the day

Who wore it better: Similarly, Natasha wore an orange bikini just like Devin's earlier this week
They were raising money for a serious cause, but that didn't mean James Tobin and Kylie Gillies couldn't have a bit of fun while doing it.

On Saturday, during a special Seven Parathon broadcast, the Weekend Sunrise hosts danced in a daggy manner as pop star Samantha Jade performed in Martin Place in Sydney.

Celebrities including Guy Sebastian, Michael Clarke and Colin Fassnidge were there promoting the event, which aimed to raise money to send the Australian Paralympic team to Rio de Janeiro.

Daggy dancing! James Tobin and Kylie Gillies danced up a storm with Samantha Jade as she performed on Weekend Sunrise's Parathon on Saturday in Sydney

As Samantha performed her new song Always, James and Kylie jumped around and threw their hands in the air, clearly enjoying the rendition.

Taking to Instagram, the former Beauty and the Geek host shared a snap with Samantha, her backup dancers and Kylie.

'Samantha Jade singing up a storm. Kylie Gillies looking glamorous. Not sure what was going on with me,' he wrote in the caption.

'Singing up a storm': The former Home And Away star looked glamorous in a black sequinned mini dress by Zhivago

Cool cat: Guy Sebastian donned a grey felt fedora for the occasion

Nice Guy: The Australian Idol winner appeared alongside Johanna Griggs who wore a red V-neck top with a gold zip

The former Home And Away star Samantha looked every pinch the pop princess in a black sequinned mini dress by local label Zhivago that featured dramatic shoulder pads.

Australian Idol winner Guy donned a blue and white chequered shirt with a wide-brimmed fedora and white jeans as he presented next to Johanna Griggs who wore a red V-neck top with a gold zip.

Candice Dixon turned heads in a bright pink frock, to which she added a slight bohemian touch with pom-pom sandals by Sophia Webster.

Andrew O'Keefe and Sally Obermeder were also there to lend a hand and take calls from people who wished to donate.

Pretty in pink! Candice Dixon turned heads in a bright pink frock

Hitting the crowd for six! Cricketer Michael Clarke pitched in with the festivities

A good cause: The telethon is aimed to raise money to send the Australian Paralympic team to Rio de Janeiro

Later, Samantha to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge for a karaoke session to celebrate Sydney Mardi Gras.

Samantha will be joining in on more Mardi Gras fun on Saturday night, where she is set to join The Star's Shine Bright float.

The 28-year-old will shimmy and sparkle her way up Oxford Street in a custom made Patricia Jay creation from Studio Paris Designs.

Generous: Andrew O'Keefe was also there lending a hand
She reluctantly slowed down her vigorous workout routine when she was heavily pregnant with her first child.

But 11-weeks after giving birth to baby Axel, Michelle Bridges appears to be picking up right where she left off.

The 45-year-old doting mother was seen pushing her cherubic tot in his pram while on a 30-minute jog along Perth's Swan River on Saturday.

Scroll down for video

Starting him young: Michelle Bridges takes son, Axel, for a run and then a gym session in Perth on Saturday

Michelle then proceeded to the gym with her baby in tow and continued her vigorous training session with a round of Tabata - a high-intensity interval workout.

'20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest for 4 mins,' Michelle captioned two photos of herself and her baby which she later posted to Instagram.

She also told her 177,000 fans that her routine consisted of: 'Dumbbell thrusters. Push ups. Squat jumps.'

Fitness time: The 45-year-old said her workout consisted of a run followed by a 15 minute Tabata session

The first picture shows a beaming Michelle posing with her little boy, the picturesque Swan River in the background.

The second photo is of Michelle jumping high in the air with her right arm stretched above her while managing to use her phone to take a photo of her reflection in the mirror.

Michelle opted to wear tight black yoga pants and a matching tank top which showed off her muscular arms and toned legs.

She teamed her active look with a pair of black joggers and a patterned crop top, which could be seen poking out from beneath her loose fitting shirt.

Mum and bub time: Michelle admitted to the Daily Mail Australia that baby Axel enjoyed coming along to her training sessions

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail Australia last Friday, a gushing Michelle said her little lad enjoyed coming along to her training sessions.

'He comes to training, but not every time,' she revealed.

'But definitely when we go out outdoors. We go on big long walks together. He has been to the gym with me a few times and he quit likes it.'

Criticism: Although the professional trainer has 30-years of experience behind her, she came under attack for exercising during pregnancy, as well as posting a post-natal workout online

Although the professional trainer has 30-years of experience behind her, she came under fire for exercising during pregnancy, as well as posting a post-natal workout online.

Despite online trolls taking to her social media and writing damaging and hurtful comments, Michelle said she was 'feeling fine'.

'I think you will see in my book [Make It Happen] that I have a fairly strong emotional resilience,' she told the Daily Mail Australia.

'I know who I am, I know who I stand for and I have this little baby and life is good,' she concluded.

Growing brand: Michelle launched her newest activewear range, Animal, exclusively to Big W in February

New book: Her thirteenth book has a strong focus on turning dreams into reality through planning, hard work and 'gritted teeth'

Although she is very smitten with her first born, Michelle is also determined to continue her growing fitness empire which is made up of a 12-Week Body Transformation programme, clothing line, health products and public appearances.

She is also a trainer on the highly successful reality show, The Biggest Loser.

Recently, she launched her newest activewear range, Animal, exclusively to Big W.

Adding to her busy schedule, she is also promoting her latest book, Make It Happen.

Her thirteenth book has a strong focus on turning dreams into reality through planning, hard work and 'gritted teeth'.

Michelle and her partner, Steve 'Commando' Willis, welcomed Axel on December 19.
She's known for her lavish lifestyle and often treats herself to breaks abroad, jetting off on 14 holidays last year.

But Tamara Ecclestone's most recent getaway will no doubt be tinged with sadness as it's reported that she flew to Switzerland with daughter Sophia to 'escape' the stress surrounding her and her husband Jay Rutland.

According to The Sun, the 31-year-old heiress' marriage is 'on the rocks' after Jay was arrested and charged with helping an international drug dealer.

Scroll down for video

On the rocks? Tamara Ecclestone has flown to Switzerland with daughter Sophia, allegedly to 'escape' the stress surrounding her and her husband Jay Rutland following his arrest

A source told the newspaper: 'Sophia is Tamara's top priority and she wants to make sure she's not around any stressful situations. It's no surprise that her and Jay have been arguing lately.

'Jay's ability to travel is limited but Tamara was keen to escape.'

MailOnline have contacted a representative for Tamara for comment.

Trouble in paradise? Jay could face up to seven years in prison if found quity of charges for assisting a drugs trafficker, and Tamara's father Bernie is said to have voiced his concerns

Tamara is currently staying in her billionaire father Bernie Ecclestone's ski lodge with two-year-old Sophia in the Swiss ski resort of Gstaad.

The F1 boss is said to be 'suspicious' about his daughter's husband - who was arrested and charged with assisting James Tarrant, a drugs trafficker, in 2010 - which is before he and heiress Tamara met.

Jay has denied the allegations and was released on bail on the condition he appears in court on March 16.

Family feud? Bernie Ecclestone has reportedly been left concerned for his daughters Petra Stunt (L) and Tamara and has allegedly voiced his concerns over their choice of husbands

If found guilty, the training consultant could face up to seven years in prison.

Family sources told The Daily Mail that both Bernie and his ex-wife Slavica are 'alarmed' by the situation, and also reportedly disapprove of their eldest daughter Petra's husband, James Stunt.

A family friend said: Bernie will not speak out because he is very worried he will lose his relationship with his daughters. The girls are also getting on well with his new wife Fabiana and he doesnt want to jeopardise that.

Bonding: Tamara decided to treat Sophia to a change of scenery as she enjoyed a day out with her two-year-old daughter in the luxury Swiss resort of Gstaad - a frequent holiday spot of the pair

Carefree: Tamara seemed happy and carefree as she flung her daughter around in the snow, despite claims recently surfacing that her billionaire father, Bernie Ecclestone has expressed concerns over her husband

Distracted: The socialite didn't seem to have any troubles on her mind as she enjoyed a stay at her father's 23 million ski lodge, taking Sophia out in the snow and throwing snowballs at each other

But although he is on civilised terms with them, he is suspicious of both of these men, and worried about what is going on.'

They continued: What he says is that the girls are grown-ups now and it will work out how it works out. He just doesnt want them to be hurt.

Tamara met Jay in January 2013, and he proposed when they were on holiday in Dubai less than a month later.

The couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Cannes in June that year and welcomed their daughter Sophie in March 2014.

Winter warmers: Bundling up in a pair of ripped black skinny jeans and a faux fur coat, the socialite looked effortlessly glamorous in her winter warmers, donning a pair of thick black boots to tread the snow

Brunette beauty: Wearing her caramel coloured locks loose and tousled, the loose waves fell past Tamara's shoulders in bouncy curls, framing her heart-shaped face

Yet although Tamara has been caught up in the controversy, the socialite seemed happy and carefree as she stepped out in the Swiss slopes with Sophia this week.

Bundling up in a pair of ripped black skinny jeans and a faux fur coat, the star looked effortlessly glamorous in her winter warmers, donning a pair of thick black boots to tread through the snow.

Wearing her caramel coloured locks loose and tousled, the loose waves fell past her shoulders in bouncy curls, framing her heart-shaped face.

Beaming beauty! Sporting a neutral make-up palette, the model allowed her natural beauty to shine through, beaming broadly as she looked at her daughter, who was fascinated by the snow

Like mum like daughter: Dressed just as stylishly as her mum, Sophia donned a pair of grey patterned leggings and a thick red coat as she bundled up against the chilly Swiss air

Sporting a neutral make-up palette, the model allowed her natural beauty to shine through, beaming broadly as she looked at her daughter.

Dressed just as stylishly as her mum, Sophia donned a pair of grey patterned leggings and a thick red coat.

Running through the snow in a pair of brown boots, the tiny tot seemed to be enjoying herself, stopping to pick up snow and begging for her mum to pick her up and swing her around.
Elizabeth and Georgia May Jagger had the honour of walking with their mother Jerry Hall down the aisle on Saturday as she celebrated her marriage to Rupert Murdoch.

Jerry's two daughters from her 23 year relationship with Mick Jagger, matched their mother in stunning blue dresses for the London ceremony, held at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street.

While the bride, 59, wore a delicate chiffon creation from Vivienne Westwood, Lizzie, 32, and Georgia, 24, were dressed in slinky draped numbers in a coordinating hue as they joined Murdoch's four daughters Prudence, 57, Elisabeth, 47, Grace, 14, and Chloe 12 as bridemaids.

Here come the bridesmaids: Georgia May Jagger and her sister Elizabeth had the honour of walking with their mother Jerry Hall down the aisle on Saturday as she celebrated her marriage to Rupert Murdoch

Georgia's model body was on show in the slinky blue design, which featured a draped neckline and tie detail at the back.

The sleeveless number was teamed with ankle-strap heels in a sparkly silver hie, with a low heel, while the blonde carried a pretty, understated bouquet.

Lizzie matched in the same style dress, while she sported flat, strappy shoes.

Her number one girls: The girls each carried a small bouquet of white roses

Blue hues: Lizzie, 32, whose father is Mick Jagger, looked beautiful in a slinky, draped bridesmaids dress

Stunning: 24-year-old Georgia's model body was on show in the blue design, which featured a draped neckline and skirt

Both of Jerry's daughters had their locks styled into loose curls, while an understated pink lip for Georgia and a deeper red shade for Lizzie completed the beautiful ensembles.

All of the bridesmaids wore blue, with Rupert's two youngest girls, from his marriage to Wendi Deng seen walking into the service in pretty full-skirted dresses, while carrying baskets of flowers.

Jerry arrived at the church, which proclaims itself the 'spiritual home of the media' and the 'journalists' church', alongside her son James, Georgia and Lizzie's 30-year-old brother.

Colour scheme: The bride, 59, wore a delicate chiffon creation from Vivienne Westwood while Rupert, 84, chose a navy suit

Different styles: Georgia chose a pair of block heel sparkly shoes, while Lizzie opted for strappy flats

Making their arrival: The sisters arrived at St Brides Church on Fleet Street, London in the same car

Prior to her grand arrival, Murdoch, 84, was pictured smiling for the cameras with his sons Lachlan and James. They wore dark navy suits with a single white rose in their pockets.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the couple were eager to include all of their children in the ceremony on Saturday to start their new life as a blended family.

'All the daughters are being included, from both sides... it was a very specific request to bring them all together for the wedding,' a source told the newspaper.

Leggy: Georgia's long legs were in display as she climbed out of the car with her bouquet in hand

Down the aisle: The blonde showed off the pretty bow detail at the back of her gown as she walked inside the church

Finishing touch: Lizzie sported a glossy deep pink lip and flawless skin

Here we go: Georgia led the way as the sisters walked inside to wait for their mother's arrival

Rupert and Jerry made their union official on Friday, with a low-key ceremony at London's Spencer House.

The ceremony was witnessed by Murdoch's son Lachlan, who was joined by his wife Sarah, and one of Hall's closest friends Suzanne Acosta, wife of Rolling Stones star Bill Wyman.

The select party then moved on to an informal wedding breakfast at Scott's restaurant, in Mayfair, a lavish seafood eatery specialising in oysters, caviar and champagne.

Flower girls: Rupert's two youngest girls, Grace, 14, and Chloe, 12, from his marriage to Wendi Deng wore pretty full-skirted dresses, while carrying baskets of flowers

Excited: Chloe flashed a big smile as she joined the rest of the bridesmaids at the church

The couple announced their engagement in The Times in January, including their children in the statement.

An announcement in the newspaper read:

'Mr Rupert Murdoch, father of Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan, James, Grace and Chloe Murdoch, and Miss Jerry Hall, mother of Elizabeth, James, Georgia and Gabriel Jagger are delighted to announce their engagement.'
She announced the happy news this week that she is returning to Channel Nine one year after being axed by the network.

And 26-year-old television presenter Emma Freedman appeared as cheery as ever on Saturday as she attended the exclusive Belvedere Vodka Mardi Gras party in Sydney's suburb of Paddington.

Emma's bubbly disposition follows a year of turmoil for the Australian personality who found herself sitting on a psychologist's couch in a bid to deal with being fired from Nine.

Radiant: Emma Freedman, 26, appeared cheery as ever on Saturday as she attended the exclusive Belvedere Vodka Mardi Gras party in Sydney's suburb of Paddington.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph published on Saturday, Emma opened up about how she discovered inner happiness during the difficult time, saying: 'One of the lessons I've learned in the last year is that you don't look back, you always look forward and there is zero point in dwelling on the past'.

Now, a year later, Emma was a picture of happiness as she posed at the swanky Mardi Gras party wearing a diaphanous mini dress emblazoned with a glittering pattern of gold stars.

She amped up the glam factor by throwing on a pair of Baroque-inspired god earrings while slicking her hair back into a sophisticated up-style.

Golden girl! She amped up the glam factor by throwing on a pair of Baroque-inspired god earrings while slicking her hair back into a sophisticated up-style

Her outfit was completed with a pair of black pumps with lace-up detailing and a trendy shoulder bag.

Emma was joined at the star-studded event by Karissa Fanning, who cloaked her petite frame in a simple black wrap dress with kimono sleeves.

The blogger and business-owner cut a low-key figure by shunning glitzy jewellery and leaving her hair to fall naturally by her shoulders.

The finishing touches: Her outfit was completed with a pair of black pumps with lace-up detailing and a trendy shoulder bag

She completed her look with a pair of strappy black heels and a Yves Saint Laurent-branded shoulder bag.

It is the latest in just a handful of appearances made by the sultry blonde since her split from famed surfer Mick Fanning last month.

Ian Thorpe also showcased his style while posing for photos in a navy blazer, grey shorts and white T-shirt.

Blogger and business-owner Karissa Fanning cut a low-key figure by shunning glitzy jewellery and leaving her hair to fall naturally by her shoulders

His arrival at the bash was significant for the former Olympian as it marked his first appearance at the Mardi Gras since coming out as gay in 2014.

He publicly came out during an interview with veteran British broadcaster Michael Parkinson who asked: 'You've always said that you're not gay. Is all of that true?'

'I've thought about this for a long time,' Ian replied.

'I'm not straight. And this is only something that very recently - in the past two weeks - I've been comfortable telling the closest people around me exactly that.'
Sylvester Stallone has been spotted on the set of the Guardians Of The Galaxy sequel.

The 69-year-old star was seen leaving his hotel holding the sequel's script, and then later spotted on the set in Atlanta, in photos published byThe New York Daily News showed on Friday.

The original blockbuster left fans guessing over the identity of Chris Pratt's character Peter Quill's alien father.

Scroll down for video

Heading to set: Sylvester Stallone was seen clutching The Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 script as he left his Atlanta hotel on Friday

It is not clear what part Sly will be playing in the film, but sources told the paper it is likely to be a cameo.

Kurt Russell has also been cast in the movie, and was previously thought to be playing Peter's father.

Announcing Kurt's casting on Facebook on Feb 17, Director James Gunn stayed coy, but hinted: 'We'll have more surprises for you in the coming months.'

New role: The Creed star was later spotted on the set of Vol. 2

He's back: Chris Pratt was spotted on the set of Vol. 2 in Atlanta last month

In character: Zoe Saldana wore green makeup and a bright pink wig as she got into character as Gamora on February 28 in Atlanta

A role on Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 would be action star Sly's first superhero role.

Original stars Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, and Glenn Close are all returning for the sequel, director James Gunn confirmed.

Actors Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, and Chris Sullivan have also joined Vol. 2, which is set to hit theaters on May 5, 2017.

Casting news: Director James Gunn shared the first official photo from Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 last month, as he confirmed Kurt Russell has joined the film and hinted at 'surprises' ahead

Behinds the scenes: The director James Gunn, left, also shared a snap as he and script supervisor Marty Kitrosser, right, got to work on set last month

Smash hit: The original Guardians Of The Galaxy starred Chris Pratt as 'Star-Lord' Peter Quill

Stallone recently missed out on a Best Supporting Actor statue for his critically-acclaimed performance in Creed. The Oscar went to Bridge of Spies' Mark Rylance instead.

But the Rocky star issued an inspiring message urging people to never give up on their dreams after the disappointing loss.

'To all the "real Rocky's" of the world, Please hang on to your dreams, NEVER GIVE IN , NEVER GIVE OUT , NEVER GIVE UP!' he wrote, adding: 'Thanks for the support.'

Missed out: Sly and wife Jennifer Flavin walked the red carpet at the Oscars in Los Angeles on February 29. Sly was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Creed

However, Sly's brother Frank Stallone was less sanguine about the loss, and issued an apology after lashing out at British actor Mark and the Academy.

'The Academy should be ashamed of themselves. It's as clear as the nose on your face that Sly won. Mark who? It's totally Hollywood b******t,' he tweeted.

He later apologized, and Sly defended his brother on Instagram, writing: 'Please understand my brother is so emotional because he is just very protective and only wants the best for me. Life is good!'

Superhero? Sylvester Stallone, seen in LA on March 1, has been seen with script in hand on set of the Guardians Of The Galaxy sequel in Atlanta
Lady Gaga says suffers 'paralyzing fear' from rape

Lady Gaga on Friday described her Oscar performance with rape survivors as the most difficult of her life, saying that she remains in chronic pain from a decade-old assault.

The pop star on Sunday offered an emotional performance of her song "Till It Happens To You" at the film industry's gala awards, with university students who have experienced rape joining her on stage with arms joined in solidarity.

"I was never such a wreck as I was the week before this performance," Gaga told New York radio station Z100.

A stirring performance: Lady Gaga performed on stage at the 88th Oscars on February 28 2016 in Hollywood

Speaking of her rape, she said: "It's the thing that I am the most ashamed of in my life and I have always felt that it was my fault until this week."

Gaga, who turns 30 this month, has previously revealed that she was raped by an older man when she was 19.

But she said that the Academy Awards performance marked a coming out of sorts, as previously the issue was "swept under" with people quickly moving on to other topics.

"People don't know this about me because I don't share it, and I know they see me as this kind of celebrity that has success and money and the world watching and that I must have no problems.

"But I actually suffer from chronic pain all the time and it's from this paralyzing fear that I've experienced for almost 10 years," she said.

Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, said that she had compartmentalized the experience in the back of her mind but that it "stays in your body, in your tissues."

"So I feel physical pain, and there are a lot of people who suffer from chronic pain who have been through a traumatic experience," she said.

Gaga said that she later got matching tattoos with some of the young people at the performance, who had come on stage with slogans written on their arms such as "Not At All Your Fault" and "Unbreakable."

Gaga was nominated for an Oscar for the song which appears in "The Hunting Ground," a documentary about rape on university campuses.

She was introduced by Vice President Joe Biden who encouraged viewers to sign a pledge on the site itsonus.org.
Beijing steps up warnings on Taiwan independence

Beijing stepped up its rhetoric against Taiwanese independence on Saturday, with Premier Li Keqiang warning against "separatist activities" on the island and pledging to safeguard China's "territorial integrity".

Li's comments at the opening of the mainland's National People's Congress (NPC) parliament came weeks after Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the Beijing-sceptic Democratic People's Party, was elected Taiwan's next president.

Beijing will "oppose separatist activities for the independence of Taiwan" and "safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity", Li told the Communist-controlled legislature.

Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the Beijing-sceptic Democratic People's Party, was elected Taiwan's next president in January 2016 Philippe Lopez (AFP/File)

Both clauses were additions to the remarks he made on the issue at last year's NPC, when the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang of current leader Ma Ying-jeou was still hoping to retain power in Taipei.

China and Taiwan split in 1949 after a civil war but Beijing still considers the self-ruled island part of its territory awaiting reunification, and has an estimated 1,500 missiles aimed at stopping Taiwan from declaring independence.

Beijing has repeatedly asserted its belief in the "1992 consensus", which says that there is only "one China", despite allowing Taiwan to make its own interpretation.

But the DPP -- which does not recognise either the "one China" principle or the "consensus" -- triumphed in the island's January parliamentary and presidential elections as voters turned their backs on closer ties with the mainland.

Li Keqiang spoke Saturday of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait as "fellow compatriots" belonging to "one and the same family" sharing a "common destiny".

The phrasing echoed President Xi Jinping's rhetoric from last November, when the leaders of China and Taiwan reached across decades of Cold War-era estrangement and rivalry to exchange a historic handshake in the first summit since the two sides split.

"We are brothers connected by flesh even if our bones are broken. We are a family whose blood is thicker than water," Xi said then.

Tsai will take office in May, and though she has radically toned down her party's traditionally pro-independence platform, analysts agree a deterioration of ties is inevitable.
Philippines impounds N. Korean ship under UN sanctions

The Philippines said Saturday it had impounded a North Korean vessel in response to tough new United Nations sanctions introduced in response to Pyongyang's recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

The 6,830-tonne cargo ship Jin Teng will not be allowed to leave Subic port, northeast of the capital Manila, where it had been docked for three days and its crew will be deported, presidential spokesman Manolo Quezon said on state-run radio station Radyo ng Bayan.

It was the first reported enforcement of the sanctions, the toughest to date, which were adopted late Wednesday by the UN Security Council.

The cargo ship Jin Teng will not be allowed to leave Subic port, where it had been docked for three days and its crew will be deported Robert Gonzaga (AFP)

"The world is concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme and as a member of the UN, the Philippines has to do its part to enforce the sanctions," Quezon said.

A team from the UN is expected to inspect the ship in the port, located near a former United States naval base, foreign affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.

Jose told AFP the ship was impounded "in compliance with the UN resolution" regardless of the results of the inspections.

The Jin Teng, carrying palm kernels, was searched for the second time on Saturday, this time using electronic weapons sensors, coastguard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo told AFP, adding the 21 crewmen were "very cooperative".

Balilo said no explosives, drugs or banned substances have been found so far.

- Heightened tensions -

North Korea has no embassy in the Philippines. Its embassies in Thailand and Indonesia were unavailable for comment when contacted by AFP.

However, North Korean state media blasted the new round of sanctions again on Saturday, calling the UN resolution a "disgrace".

"It is a disgrace to the world community to allow such high-handed practice of the US and other big powers possessed of many satellites and nuclear warheads," read a statement published by the North's official KCNA news agency.

"We will resolutely use all means and methods to take powerful, merciless and physical counteractions against the hostile forces' anti-DPRK moves."

There are no other North Korean ships docked in Subic, according to the coastguard.

The Jin Teng arrived in the Philippines from Palembang, Indonesia Thursday afternoon, just hours after the latest sanctions were unanimously passed.

In response to the UN's move, Pyongyang fired six short-range missiles into the sea on Thursday, while North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered its nuclear arsenal put on standby for pre-emptive use at any time.

Kim also warned that the situation on the divided Korean peninsula had become so dangerous that the North needed to shift its military strategy to one of "pre-emptive attack".

Washington downplayed Kim's threat as posturing.

"We have not seen North Korea test or demonstrate the ability to miniaturise a nuclear weapon and put it on an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile)," a US defence official told AFP.

Still, the official added, "our forces are ready to counter-eliminate strikes if necessary".

On Friday, the European Union also tightened sanctions against North Korea by adding 16 people and 12 entities to a list of some 60 individuals and groups who were hit with travel bans and asset freezes.

North Korea sanctioned - (AFP Graphic)
Australian cardinal won't quit over Catholic abuse scandal

Australian Cardinal George Pell said in an interview with Sky News he will not resign from his position as the Vatican's finance chief over the Catholic Church's responses to child sex abuse in his homeland.

Pell has denied any wrongdoing during his time in Australia's Victoria state, where paedophile priests abused dozens of children in the 1970s and 1980s.

The 74-year-old cardinal has told the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that he was deceived by senior clergy about what was happening during a time of "crimes and cover-ups".

Vatican finance chief Cardinal George Pell speaks to the media at Hotel Quirinale in Rome, on March 3, 2016, at the end of giving evidence via video-link to Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, in Sydney Andreas Solaro (AFP/File)

"No, I wouldn't resign. That would be taken as an admission of guilt," he told Sky News in an interview in Rome broadcast in Australia on Friday.

"If the Holy Father (Pope Francis) asked me to do it I would point this out but I would do whatever he wanted."

Pell last week spent four days giving evidence to the royal commission about his time in the town of Ballarat, where he grew up and worked, and Melbourne.

In his evidence via videolink from Rome, he admitted that having notorious priest Gerald Ridsdale and other paedophile religious in Ballarat at the same time in the 1970s was a "disastrous coincidence".

But said he had no idea about the offences that were occurring, telling Sky that much of his work in Melbourne had been to help set things right for victims and their families.

Pell had drawn criticism for failing to attend the hearings in person in Australia, but said during the interview he was unable to due to a heart condition that had seen him collapse twice after long trips.

The Vatican on Friday defended the Catholic Church's actions on paedophile priests, saying while more needed to be done, Popes Francis and Benedict XVI had taken courageous action. It also stood by Pell.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said "sensationalism" surrounding the Oscar-winning film "Spotlight" about sexual abuse by clergy in Boston and the Pell hearings had given the public the wrong impression.

Abuse survivors have questioned the credibility of Pell's claims that he had not been aware of widespread paedophilia among priests, but Lombardi said the cardinal had given "a dignified and coherent personal testimony".

The result was "an objective and lucid picture of the errors committed in many church environments in the previous decades," Lombardi said.
China emissions goals less ambitious than 2015 cuts: plan

China on Saturday set less ambitious climate change goals for this year than it achieved in 2015, as the world's biggest polluter struggles to wean itself off harmful fossil fuels.

Beijing has said its emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change will carry on rising until "around 2030".

It frequently prefers to point instead to its achievements in energy intensity -- the amount of power used per unit of GDP -- which it has repeatedly reduced in recent years.

China's rise to become the world's second largest economy was largely powered by cheap, dirty coal Greg Baker (AFP/File)

Last year it cut it by "at least 5.6 percent", the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top planning body, said in a report to the National People's Congress, the country's Communist-controlled parliament.

But the document set a goal of only a 3.4 percent cut this year.

Similarly, carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP went down "at least six percent", the NDRC said, but the 2016 target was set at 3.9 percent.

Other pollutants also had weaker targets for this year than had been achieved in 2015.

China's rise to become the world's second largest economy was largely powered by cheap, dirty coal. But as growth slows, the country has had a difficult time weaning itself off the fuel, even as the pollution it causes wreaks havoc on the environment and public health.

Earlier this week, China reported that its coal consumption had fallen for the second year in a row, with coal use dropping 3.7 percent compared to 2014 levels.

Yet there are widespread doubts over the accuracy of official statistics in China, which critics say can be subject to political manipulation.

It emerged in November that China had been under-reporting its coal consumption for years, prompting a revision of official data that shot the figure for 2012 alone up 17 percent, or 600 million tonnes.

Parts of China are often blanketed with toxic smog, much of it the result of using the fuel in industries such as power generation and steel.

Nearly 300 Chinese cities failed to meet national standards for air quality last year, according to a Greenpeace report.

"We should strive for major progress in the control and prevention of air pollution," Premier Li Keqiang told the NPC's opening session Saturday.

Within five years, he said, city air quality should be rated "good" or better 80 percent of the time.

He pledged that 3.8 million old or high-emission vehicles would be taken off the roads this year.

"Every one of us has an obligation to protect the environment -- we call on every member of society to act and contribute to the building of a beautiful China," Li said.

Beijing has said its emissions of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change will carry on rising until 'around 2030' Fred Dufour (AFP/File)
Erdogan moots building 'refugee city' in northern Syria

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested building a new city in northern Syria to house some of the millions of refugees escaping the country's civil war, reports said Saturday.

Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul late Friday that the new city would be located near the Turkish border and said he had even discussed the idea with US President Barack Obama.

"I am going to tell you something. What is the formula? We found a city in the north of Syria," said Erdogan, quoted by the Anatolia news agency.

Syrian migrant woman talks to her children before boarding a dinghy to cross the Aegean Sea to the Greek island of Lesbos from Turkey Bulent Kilic (AFP/File)

He said that the city would be 4,500 square kilometres in area and its infrastructure could be built in cooperation with the international community.

Refugees from Syria could be "resettled" there, he said. Such an area would make the city comparable to some of the largest urban centres in the United States.

"We have discussed this with Mr Obama and even set the coordinates but it has not yet come to fruition," said Erdogan. He gave no timescale for how the project could be realised.

Turkey has repeatedly sought to persuade its Western allies to help create a so-called safe zone inside Syria that could house Syrian refugees.

But this appears to be the first time that Erdogan has proposed building a permanent city in which they could be housed.
IS blamed for Yemen care home attack, Pope 'shocked'

Yemeni authorities have blamed the Islamic State group for an attack on a care home run by missionaries that killed 16 people and was condemned by Pope Francis as "diabolical".

Rival jihadist movement Al-Qaeda distanced itself from the mass shooting Friday in the main southern city of Aden, saying it was not responsible.

Gunmen stormed the refuge for the elderly operated by Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity, killing a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees, officials said.

Yemeni pro-government fighters gather outside an elderly care home in the southern city of Aden after it was attacked by gunmen on March 4, 2016, killing at least 16 people Saleh Al-Obeidi (AFP)

Four foreign nuns working as nurses were among those killed.

The Vatican missionary news agency Fides identified the nuns as two Rwandans, a Kenyan and an Indian, adding that the mother superior managed to hide and survive while an Indian priest was missing.

Screams of elderly residents echoed from the home during the shooting rampage, witnesses said, recounting seeing the bodies of slain workers with their arms tied behind their back.

No group has yet claimed the attack in the war-torn country, where the internationally recognised government is grappling with both an Iran-backed rebellion and a growing jihadist presence.

- 'Treacherous terrorist acts' -

An unnamed Yemeni presidency source in Riyadh said that those behind such "treacherous terrorist acts" are individuals who have "sold themselves to the devil," in a statement on the official sabanew.net website.

"There was no trace of these groups, which go under the name of the Islamic State or (its Arabic acronym) Daesh" when pro-government forces were battling the Huthi rebels and their allies to push them out of Aden last year, the source said, accusing them of "switching roles" with the Iran-backed rebels.

In a statement addressed to the residents of Aden, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), also known as Ansar al-Sharia, denied "any links to the attack on the elderly care home".

"These are not our operations and this is not our way of fighting," said the group, which has seized parts of southern and eastern Yemen.

Al-Qaeda has previously criticised IS for attacks on Shiite mosques in Yemen that left dozens dead.

Al-Qaeda and IS have stepped up attacks in Aden, targeting mainly loyalists and members of a Saudi-led coalition battling the Huthi rebels since March last year.

The Huthis controlled Aden for months before government loyalists pushed them out in July.

On Saturday, gunmen opened fire at a police patrol in Aden killing two policemen, a security official said.

President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has declared the city to be Yemen's temporary capital as Sanaa has been in the hands of the Huthis and their allies since September 2014.

But Hadi and many senior officials spend most of their time in Riyadh.

- 'Senseless and diabolical' -

The Vatican's Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said that "his Holiness Pope Francis was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the killing of four Missionaries of Charity (nuns) and 12 others at a home for the elderly in Aden."

"He sends the assurance of his prayers for the dead and his spiritual closeness to their families and to all affected from this act of senseless and diabolical violence," Cardinal Parolin said in a statement.

Violence has mounted in Yemen during the past year with more than 6,000 people killed since the Saudi-led coalition began its campaign of air strikes in late March 2015.

On Saturday, Hadi discussed the stalled peace process with UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed in Riyadh, sabanew.net reported.

"Goodwill gestures and confidence-building measures by releasing detainees, lifting the siege on cities, and opening safe corridors to deliver humanitarian assistance to besieged provinces... are necessities that must be met" by the rebels, Hadi told the UN envoy.

Saudi Arabia's UN ambassador said Friday that he hoped peace talks could resume by March 15.

The United Nations says more than 80 percent of the population is in dire need of food, medicine and other basic necessities and the crisis ranks as a "Level 3 emergency", the most serious in the UN system.

Pro-government Yemeni fighters loyal to exiled President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi gather outside the retirement home
Indian banks petition court for liquor baron's arrest

A group of Indian banks has petitioned a court seeking the arrest of liquor baron Vijay Mallya, the beleaguered businessman accused of defaulting on hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, a lawyer said Saturday.

Heavily indebted Mallya has been deep in a financial fight over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, which owes more than $1 billion to a consortium of state-run banks and creditors.

The net now appears to be tightening around the flamboyant businessman, who last month stepped down as the chairman of United Spirits, the Indian arm of Britain's Diageo, following allegations of financial lapses.

Heavily indebted liquor baron Vijay Mallya has been deep in a financial fight over his now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines, which owes more than $1 billion to a consortium of state-run banks and creditors Mark Thompson (Getty/AFP/File)

As well as seeking Mallya's arrest, the consortium of bankers and creditors led by the State Bank of India (SBI) is trying to lay claim to a $75 million severance payout from Diageo.

The bankers, who petitioned the High Court in the southern state of Karnataka on Friday, have also asked for Mallya's passport to be impounded.

The court's Justice A.S. Bopanna on Friday issued a notice to Mallya seeking his response to the bankers' petition.

"The High Court has issued notice to Mallya on our writ petition to arrest him and impound his passport for his statement to the media that he would soon be moving to Britain to live with his family," a lawyer for the SBI told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Mallya last month said that, having recently turned 60, he plans to move to Britain to be closer to his children.

At his height the liquor baron was nicknamed "India's Richard Branson", but his empire later began to crumble under the weight of Kingfisher's losses.

Last year, the SBI declared the tycoon a "wilful defaulter" for not repaying loans made to Kingfisher Airlines. The airline was grounded in 2012.

Mallya, who is also an independent lawmaker in the Indian parliament's upper house, sold a large chunk of United Spirits, which he inherited from his father, to Diageo in April 2014.

But the London-based drinks giant had been reportedly trying to oust him as chairman after an internal inquiry found financial irregularities at the Indian group's Bangalore arm.
Amnesty appeals for Palestinian clown detained by Israel

Amnesty International and Palestinian cultural institutions have launched an appeal for help for 23-year-old Palestinian circus performer and teacher Mohammad Abu Sakha, held by Israel for nearly three months without trial.

Abu Sakha was arrested on December 14 in the occupied West Bank, and held since January in administrative detention, the controversial measure under which Israel can hold suspects without trial for periods of six months, renewable indefinitely.

Amnesty said Israel believes Abu Sakha is a member of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), which is considered a militant movement by Israel due to its armed wing.

Israeli soldiers stand guard during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the West Bank town of Bethlehem on October 5, 2015 Thomas Coex (AFP/File)

The Israeli army could not immediatly comment on the reasons behind Abu Sakha's detention.

The Palestinian Performing Arts Network (PPAN), representing artists and cultural institutions, said it was "deeply concerned" over the detention of Abu Sakha, who since 2008 has been part of the Palestinian Circus School in Bir Zeit, first as a student and later as a clown and teacher.

PPAN called on artists and cultural organisations "to raise awareness of Israel's illegal policy of administrative detention" and pressure Israel to release Abu Sakha.

Amnesty called to pressure Israel ahead of a military court hearing of Abu Sakha's appeal against his detention, scheduled for March 21.

Abu Sakha's mother was allowed to visit him once in the Megiddo prison in northern Israel, where he was entertaining his fellow inmates to help the time pass, Amnesty said.

Administrative detention is intended to allow authorities to hold suspects while continuing to gather evidence, with the aim of preventing further attacks in the meantime.

The system has been criticised by Palestinians, human rights groups and the international community.

More than 7,000 Palestinians are currently in Israeli jails, of whom approximately 10 percent are under administrative detention, according to Palestinian rights groups.
UN's Ban tours WSahara refugee camp in Algeria

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on Saturday visited a camp in Algeria for refugees from the Western Sahara territory disputed between Morocco and the Polisario Front group.

Algeria is the main supporter of the Polisario Front.

Ban arrived from the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott, where he also warned that the future of Libya, and the stability of the whole Sahel region, is at stake as it faces the "terrifying threat" of the Islamic State group.

United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon (C) leaves after a meeting with the Polisario Front's representative at the United Nations, on March 5, 2016, near a UN base in Bir-Lahlou, in the disputed territory of Western Sahara Farouk Batiche (AFP)

The UN chief's visit to both countries is part of a tour of West and North Africa.

Ban, who met Polisario Front leaders including its Secretary General Mohamed Abdelaziz, said he would "spare no effort" in trying to find a solution to the Western Sahara issue.

The UN chief said warring factions had failed to make "any progress towards a solution" to a conflict that has lasted 40 years.

He began his visit at the Smara refugee camp near Tindouf 1,800 kilometres (1,100 miles) west of Algiers near the border with Morocco and was greeted by a crowd of several thousand.

Ban said that refugee camps built in Algeria more than four decades ago and which currently shelter near 200,000 people "are among the oldest in the world".

He voiced sadness that people have been trapped there for so long, and added that the United Nations will strive to improve conditions for the refugees.

The UN has been trying to oversee an independence referendum for Western Sahara since 1992 after a ceasefire was reached to end a war that broke out when Morocco sent its forces to the former Spanish territory in 1975.

Tens of thousands of refugees from Western Sahara live in refugee camps in Algeria, which were built when the fighting began.

Ban also visited a UN base at Bir-Lahou in the disputed territory.

In Nouakchott on Friday, Ban also called for Mauritania's help in the Western Sahara dispute.

"Making progress on the situation in Western Sahara is also of importance here too," he said. "Numerous refugees share the same culture and family ties with Mauritanians."

He also said he was "deeply concerned about the situation in Libya".

Chaos has engulfed Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed ouster of dictator Moamer Kadhafi and rival administrations are being urged to sign up to a UN-brokered national unity government to help restore stability.

The internationally recognised government is based in the far east of the North African country.

The Islamic State group and other extremist organisations have exploited the power vacuum, making gains along the oil-rich coastal regions and triggering concern among Western nations over jihadists controlling territory just 300 kilometres (185 miles) from Europe.

Success in stabilising Libya would also benefit the whole Sahel region and "our world" in general, Ban said.
Taliban reject peace talks with Afghan government

The Taliban on Saturday refused to hold direct peace talks with the Afghan government, dealing a blow to international efforts to revive long-stalled negotiations aimed at ending the deadly 14-year insurgency.

The announcement, which comes as face-to-face talks were expected to start in Islamabad this week, stressed longstanding preconditions for dialogue including the departure of foreign troops from Afghanistan.

The Taliban's seemingly intractable position follows a string of military victories for the insurgent group after NATO formally ended its combat operations more than a year ago.

Afghan alleged former Taliban fighters hand over their weapons as part of a government peace and reconciliation process in Jalalabad on February 24, 2016 Noorullah Shirzada (AFP/File)

"We want to repeat our stance once again that until the occupation of foreign troops ends, until Taliban names are removed from international blacklists and until our detainees are released, talks will yield no results," the group said in a statement.

The announcement marks a setback in efforts by Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the United States to restart negotiations aimed at ending the insurgency.

Delegates from the four countries met in Kabul late February for a fourth round of talks aimed at reviving the nascent peace process, which stalled last summer.

The quartet had called for a direct meeting between the Taliban and Kabul by this week, a deadline that some analysts called "completely unrealistic".

"We unequivocally state that the esteemed leader of Islamic Emirate (Taliban) has not authorised anyone to participate in this meeting and neither has the Leadership Council of Islamic Emirate decided to partake in it," the Taliban statement added.

The group also accused the United States of duplicity, saying it had boosted troop numbers, increased air strikes and night raids against the insurgents in tandem with its efforts to restart talks.

- Spike in violence -

The Taliban have also stepped up attacks on government and foreign targets in Afghanistan -- even in the winter months when fighting usually abates -- underscoring a worsening security situation.

Afghan security forces have suffered record casualties since NATO ended its combat mission in December 2014, leaving them to battle the resurgent Taliban largely on their own.

In recent months the Taliban briefly captured the northern city of Kunduz, the first urban centre to fall to the insurgents, and have seized territory in the opium-growing southern province of Helmand.

Observers say the intensifying insurgency highlights a push by the militants to seize more territory in an attempt to wrangle greater concessions if and when the talks resume.

"The Taliban may say 'no' today but one day they will want to take part in talks -- from a position of great strength," Kabul-based military analyst Atiqullah Amarkhil told AFP.

"That explains why their insurgency is getting increasingly bloodier."

Kabul has repeatedly called for all Taliban groups to sit at the negotiating table though President Ashraf Ghani has said his government will not make peace with those who kill civilians.

A recent UN report highlighted more than 11,000 civilian casualties in 2015 including 3,545 deaths, a new record since 2009 when the agency began tabulating the statistics.

Pakistan -- the Taliban's historic backers -- hosted a milestone first round of talks directly with the Taliban in July.

But the negotiations stalled when the insurgents belatedly confirmed the death of longtime leader Mullah Omar, sparking infighting within the group.

Afghan security personnel gather near the scene of a Taliban suicide bombing near the Ministry of Defence in Kabul on February 27, 2016 Wakil Kohsar (AFP)
Five more US states vote in presidential primary race

Five more states including Louisiana and Kansas began voting Saturday in the hotly contested White House primary race, with Republican challengers like Marco Rubio desperate to cut into Donald Trump's lead.

The contests will provide the first test of whether the Republican establishment's desperate effort to end the inevitability of his drive to the party's nomination is having any effect among voters.

The brash billionaire is ahead in the all-important delegate count for the Republicans, having won 10 of the 15 states that have voted to date in the process that determines the nominees for both parties.

Republican US Presidential hopeful Donald Trump is seen on a screen as he speaks from a rally in Kansas, during the American Conservative Union Conservative Political Action Conference 2016 on March 5, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Maryland Brendan Smialowski (AFP)

Hillary Clinton is well ahead of rival Senator Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side, hoping to expand her lead as she inches closer to securing the nomination.

Clinton and Sanders do battle Saturday in Kansas, Louisiana and Nebraska, while the Republicans are contesting Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maine.

The former secretary of state is expected to dominate in Louisiana, the weekend's biggest prize, because of its large African-American vote.

But Sanders could bounce back in the other two states -- plus Maine, which holds its Democratic caucus Sunday -- because they have largely white populations, a demographic with which Sanders has done well.

The GOP race has been winnowed down to four candidates -- the political outsider Trump, Florida's Rubio, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich -- with many in the Republican establishment in virtual panic over whether anyone can stop Trump's march to the nomination.

Saturday's races are wedged between far more consequential contests: the dozen states that voted on "Super Tuesday" March 1 and the big battles on March 15, when many Republican races, including in Rubio's Florida and Kasich's Ohio, become winner-take-all affairs.

Trump made waves when he cancelled a scheduled Saturday morning appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington, opting instead to hold a rally in Wichita, Kansas.

The move angered members of the American Conservative Union which hosts CPAC.

"I think it was a big mistake for Donald Trump not to be here," ACU chairman Matt Schlapp told CNN.

Trump told the Wichita crowd that Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee who on Thursday called Trump "a fraud," was a "loser" who should have defeated President Barack Obama.

"It's the establishment. The establishment is against us," Trump said.

"We're going to change things so badly and so quickly, it's going to go so fast, and you're going to be so proud."

Cruz, who won his home state of Texas and three others, later ventured to the same Wichita venue to rally his supporters.

"We are here because our country is in crisis... and we want our country back," he said, using what has become a common Republican refrain after seven years of the Obama presidency.

Military and economic morale has been "plummeting," he added.

"You want to unleash incredible jobs? Take the boot of the federal government off the necks and backs of small businesses."

Cruz largely held his fire against Trump, but Rubio issued a forceful repudiation of the frontrunner, challenging him, like many Republicans have, on Trump's conservative credentials.

Young Americans will not be able to fulfill their potential and destiny, Rubio said in an address to CPAC, "if the conservative movement is hijacked by someone that's not a conservative."

With Trump's challengers insisting they are in it for the long haul, there is a chance no candidate will rack up the 1,237 delegates needed to secure the nomination before the convention in July.

- 'Troublemakers' -

That would mean a contested or "brokered" convention, a scenario that could turn chaotic, especially if establishment figures seek to somehow actively prevent delegates from coalescing around Trump.

There are 155 delegates at stake in Saturday's Republican races.

Heading into Saturday, Trump leads the field with 329 delegates, followed by Cruz with 231 and Rubio with 110. Kasich trails with 25.

In a further sign of tensions surrounding Trump's rise, his Friday night rally in New Orleans, Louisiana saw skirmishes inside and outside the venue.

"This is what hate looks like," a protester screamed as he pointed to the rally venue, in video footage posted by The New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Another protester held a sign that read "Return of the Fuher," an apparent reference to Adolf Hitler.

"You spelled 'fuhrer' wrong," a Trump supporter yelled.

"You're voting wrong!" the woman shot back.

The Kansas City Star reported big lines Saturday at caucus sites in the state, as well as enthusiastic Republican voters. Democrats were to caucus later in the day.

People participate in a straw poll during the American Conservative Union Conservative Political Action Conference 2016 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center on March 5, 2016 in Oxon Hill, Maryland Brendan Smialowski (AFP)

US election: latest polls Kun Tian (AFP)

A woman holds a sign as she waits for Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders at a rally on the campus of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville on March 4, 2016 in Edwardsville, Illinois Michael B. Thomas (AFP)

Texas Senator and Republican Presidential Hopeful Ted Cruz speaks during the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2016 at National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland, outside Washington, on March 4, 2016 Saul Loeb (AFP/File)

US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during a post-Super Tuesday rally in New York on March 2, 2016 Jewel Samad (AFP/File)
Sudan's Turabi, a veteran Islamist opposition leader

Hassan al-Turabi, the Sudanese Islamist leader who died on Saturday, was an outspoken veteran politician who was in and out of jail over a career spanning some four decades.

The 84-year-old died of a heart attack, a medical source said.

A key figure in the regime of President Omar al-Bashir for a decade after his 1989 coup, Turabi later became one of its fiercest critics and led the opposition in urging a Tunisia-style uprising.

The Sudan opposition leader Hassan al-Turabi Turabi died of a heart attack on March 5, 2016 aged 84 Ashraf Shazly (AFP/File)

The authorities long accused him of having links with the most heavily armed of the rebel groups in the war-torn western region of Darfur -- the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).

In May 2010, a month after Sudan's first competitive polls since 1986, Turabi was detained after denouncing the vote as fraudulent.

Bashir's former ally was the only Sudanese politician to support a warrant issued for the president's arrest by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide over the regime's conduct of the conflict in Darfur.

He was also arrested in January 2009 two days after he urged Bashir to surrender to the world court.

A year earlier, Turabi was arrested after an unprecedented assault on Khartoum by the JEM, which saw the Islamist rebels reach the capital's twin city of Omdurman, just across the Nile from the presidential palace, before being repulsed with heavy losses.

- Influential ideologue -

An ideologue with influence beyond Sudan's borders, Turabi was one of the driving forces behind the introduction of Islamic sharia law in Sudan in 1983, which sparked a devastating 22-year civil war with the mainly Christian, African south that cost an estimated two million lives.

Since the 2005 peace deal which led to full independence in July 2011 for South Sudan, Turabi repeatedly warned of the wider disintegration of the largest nation in Africa and the Arab world.

The Western-educated Turabi held a master's degree in law from London and a doctorate from the Sorbonne University in Paris.

He spoke English, French and German fluently as well as Arabic, and his language skills helped him gain access to foreign news media through which he issued repeated calls for an international Islamic revolution.

Born in the eastern town of Kassala in 1932 to moderately religious parents, Turabi had his first Koranic lessons from his grandfather, the head of a Sufi order of Muslim mystics.

Wooed by the Islamists after returning from his studies abroad, he became secretary of the Charter Front, a forerunner of the Muslim Brotherhood in Sudan.

Arrested three times in the 1970s under president Gaafar Nimeiri, he made up with the regime to became attorney general in 1979 and was a driving force behind Nimeiri's fateful decision to impose sharia in 1983.

- Senior statesman -

After the Nimeiri dictatorship fell in 1986, Turabi formed the National Islamic Front and ran unsuccessfully in presidential polls.

In 1989, he rallied behind Bashir, then an obscure military man who had just been promoted to general, to overthrow the democratically elected government of his brother-in-law, Sadeq al-Mahdi.

As senior statesman, he became what many considered to be the real power in a country that he directed towards rigorous Islamic practices.

Sudan became a welcoming refuge for militant Islamists, including for a time Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, resulting in the regime being accused of sponsoring terrorism and its subsequent blacklisting by governments from the United States to Egypt.

Under Turabi's influence, the regime used Islam as a rallying cry to recruit ideological shock troops for its war with southern rebels during the civil war.

But in 1999 Turabi spearheaded moves to limit Bashir's powers in the culmination of a protracted power struggle, prompting the president to dissolve parliament and declare a state of emergency.

The following year he opposed Bashir's bid for re-election and broke away from the president's National Congress Party to form his own Popular Congress Party in opposition.

In February 2001, Turabi was arrested along with many of his followers after his new party signed a memorandum of understanding with the southern rebels.

He was released from house arrest in October 2003 and detained again in March 2004 after an alleged military coup in Khartoum.

In March 2014, he and Bashir met officially for the first time in 14 years, as the government reached out to opponents after calls for reform.

Hassan al-Turabi was a driving force behind the introduction of Islamic sharia law in Sudan in 1983, which sparked a devastating 22-year civil war Ashraf Shazly (AFP/File)
Syria opposition reluctant to join new peace talks

Syria peace talks are to resume on March 10, the UN envoy said on Saturday, despite opposition reluctance and its backers Saudi Arabia saying President Bashar al-Assad must step down.

The new round of indirect negotiations between the Damascus regime and the opposition will be the first since a truce between government forces and rebels began more than a week ago.

A spokesman for the main opposition body, the High Negotiations Committee, told AFP it has still not decided whether to attend.

A Syrian man stands in the courtyard of his farm as smoke billows in the background following reported air strikes near the rebel-held village of al-Chifouniya, on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on March 4, 2016 Amer Almohibany (AFP)

"The HNC has not taken a decision yet," Monzer Makhos said.

"We are waiting for progress on the humanitarian issue and respect for the ceasefire. What has happened so far is not enough for us to participate."

UN envoy Staffan de Mistura told the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat that the peace talks would start on Thursday.

"I think that we will begin on March 10. That is when the process will start," he said according to an Arabic translation of his remarks published by the newspaper.

While some delegates are expected to arrive in Geneva on March 9, others are not expected until March 11 or even 14 because of "problems with hotel reservations", De Mistura said.

He said preparatory meetings will be held ahead of "in-depth discussions separately" which each faction.

- Fate of Assad -

Since the failure of a first round of peace talks in 2014, the main sticking point in the negotiations has been the fate of Assad.

The Syrian president has refused to step down since peaceful protests in early 2011 developed into a multi-faceted war that has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions of people.

Al-Hayat reported De Mistura as saying a transition process would include "first, talks on a new government, second a new constitution and third parliamentary and presidential polls within the next 18 months".

The envoy said on Friday that the Syrian people, not foreigners, should decide Assad's fate.

But key opposition backer Riyadh on Saturday called for Assad -- whose clan has ruled Syria for more than half a century -- to step down at the start of any transition.

"Assad has to leave at the beginning of the process," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Paris.

On the sequence of events, Jubeir said: "There is a transitional body, power shifts from Assad to the transitional body, and then he goes."

After that "the transitional body drafts a constitution, prepares for elections. Some are arguing that no, Bashar leaves at the elections in 18 months, that's not how we think."

Peace talks in early February were cut short amid intensifying Russian air strikes in Syria in support of Assad's forces.

A regime advance supported by Russian warplanes inflicted serious setbacks on the rebels and weakened the opposition's position in negotiations.

However, a fragile ceasefire drawn up by Russia and the United States with UN Security Council backing is now in its second week, despite accusations of violations.

- Opposition demands -

Jubeir said Syria's opposition "can't go into talks empty-handed".

HNC leader Riad Hijab said Friday conditions were not yet right for talks to resume, stressing shortfalls in humanitarian aid and breaches of the ceasefire implemented a week ago.

The opposition has demanded the release of prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid according to UN Security Council resolution 2254.

De Mistura on Friday said aid had reached 115,000 people in besieged areas.

"Despite the drop in military operations in the field, there has been a pickup in hostilities from the Syrian regime and its allies, including Russia," Makhos said.

Russia's defence ministry reported nine violations of the truce on Saturday, compared with 27 the previous day.

The ceasefire has given some respite to ordinary Syrians, exhausted after five years of war, destruction and shortages.

On Saturday, the day after water returned to pumping stations in Aleppo after a three-month shortage, electricity also slowly returned to Syria's former economic powerhouse.

But attacks continued, including on territory held by the Islamic State group and Syria's Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front, both of which are not included in the ceasefire.

On the political front, the Istanbul-based opposition Syrian National Coalition meanwhile elected Anas al-Abde as its new leader to succeed Khaled Khoja.

UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura holds up a map of Syria during a news conference after the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) meeting in Munich, southern Germany, on February 12, 2016 Christof Stache (AFP)

Syrian volunteers and their relatives wave the national flag and portraits of President Bashar al-Assad as they celebrate at the end of a paramilitary training conducted by the Syrian army in al-Qtaifeh on February 22, 2016 Louai Beshara (AFP/File)

Syrian civilians and activists wave pre-Baath Syrian flags, now used by the Syrian opposition, during an anti-regime demonstration in the rebel-controlled side of Aleppo, on March 4, 2016 karam Al-Masri (AFP/File)
Mexico to try to revive river swallowed by sinkhole

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Authorities in Mexico's Gulf coast state of Veracruz say they will try to build a diversion channel to restore the flow of a river that ran dry after a sinkhole opened in the riverbed.

The state office of civil defense says experts inspected the site of the Atoyac River, which ran dry earlier this week.

The office said Friday that about 200 liters (50 gallons) of water per second were disappearing into the crevasse that opened in the riverbed.

The office said it had not yet determined what caused the crevasse to open, but noted the area's limestone rock is prone to such events.
Prosecutor: iPhone could ID unknown San Bernardino attacker

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Information contained in an encrypted iPhone could help finally answer whether there was a third assailant in the San Bernardino terror attack that killed 14 people, according to court papers filed by the county's district attorney.

San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said Friday that the question of a third attacker has nagged investigators despite no supporting evidence.

"We've never been able to completely eliminate it," he said. "We know we have some witnesses that said they thought they saw three ... some saw two, some saw one. The majority said two, and the evidence we have up to this point only supports two."

FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015, file photo, San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos, right, joined by Sheriff John McMahon, speaks during a news conference in San Bernardino, Calif. In a brief filed in federal court Thursday, March 4, 2016, by DA Ramos' Office cites two 911 calls reporting three perpetrators during the attack. The district attorney's brief is among many weighing in on the fight between Apple and the federal government over unlocking the county-owned iPhone used by shooter Syed Farook. He and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, died in a gun battle with police following the Dec. 2 attack. (John Valenzuela/The Sun via AP, File) MANDATORY CREDIT

Still, he said investigators would like to definitively answer the question, and unlocking the phone could help do that.

Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, opened fire Dec. 2 at an annual training of his San Bernardino County co-workers. They died hours later in a shootout with police. The 14 people killed marked the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil since Sept. 11, 2001.

In a brief filed in federal court Thursday, San Bernardino County District Attorney Michael Ramos cited two 911 calls reporting three perpetrators during the attack.

"The information contained solely on the seized iPhone could provide evidence to identify as of yet unknown co-conspirators ..." according to Ramos' brief.

The brief also suggested that the county-owned iPhone used by Farook may have introduced a "lying-dormant cyber pathogen" endangering the county's computer network.

Burguan said he's never heard that theory and knew of no problems.

Such a breech is technically possible but unlikely, said David Meltzer, a computer security expert and chief research officer at TripWire, a commercial IT security firm.

If an employee wanted to introduce malicious software into the county's network, Meltzer said they would be more likely to use a desktop or laptop PC because it's easier to download and manipulate malicious code on a PC's operating system.

The district attorney is among many weighing in on the fight between Apple and the government ahead of a March 22 hearing in which Apple is asking a judge to reverse an order requiring the company to create a software program that overrides iPhone security features.

Apple says unlocking Farook's phone would make all other iPhones more vulnerable to future attacks.

In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook cited in another court brief, Mark Sandefur  the father of one of the men killed in the terror attack  also cited reports of three attackers, saying the phone must be unlocked.

"Several of the survivors tell me bone-chilling stories of where they were, and what they saw," Sandefur wrote. "Some of them describe in precise detail, laying on the floor, hiding under furniture and the bodies of their co-workers, that they saw three assailants, not two, walking around in heavy boots as they carried out their murders.

"What if there is evidence pointing to a third shooter?" Sandefur wrote. "What if it leads to an unknown terrorist cell? What if others are attacked, and you and I did nothing to prevent it?"

Among those backing Apple are civil liberties advocates and some of the company's biggest competitors, including Google, Microsoft and Facebook.

The last of the 22 surviving victims of the attack was released from the hospital Thursday, the Press Enterprise reported.

___

Associated Press writer Brandon Bailey contributed to this report from San Francisco.

Follow Amanda Lee Myers on Twitter at https://twitter.com/AmandaLeeAP. Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/amanda-lee-myers.

FILE - In this Dec. 3, 2015, file photo, San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan takes a question at a news conference near the site of yesterday's mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif. A local prosecutor's office says information contained in an encrypted iPhone could help finally answer whether there was a third assailant in the San Bernardino terror attack that killed 14 people. Chief Burguan said Friday, March 4, 2016, that all evidence points to two shooters, but that the possibility of a third attacker hasn't been completely eliminated. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)

This July 27, 2014, file photo provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows Tashfeen Malik, left, and Syed Farook, as they passed through O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The husband and wife died on Dec. 2, 2015, in a gun battle with authorities several hours after their assault on a gathering of Farook's colleagues in San Bernardino, Calif. The prosecutor's office says information contained in an encrypted iPhone could help finally answer whether there was a third assailant in the San Bernardino terror attack that killed 14 people.The district attorney's brief is among many weighing in on the fight between Apple and the federal government over unlocking the county-owned iPhone used by shooter Syed Farook. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection via AP, File)

FILE - In this Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, file photo, protesters carry placards outside an Apple store in Boston. Tech companies, security experts and civil liberties groups are filing court briefs supporting Apple in its battle with the FBI. The groups oppose a judges order that would require Apple to help federal agents hack an encrypted iPhone used by a San Bernardino mass shooter. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
The Latest: China's premier pledges support for HK leader

BEIJING (AP)  China is kicking off its rubberstamp parliament session, the main event on its political calendar, on Saturday. The gathering of nearly 3,000 delegates in Beijing's Great Hall of the People comes amid slowing growth in China's economy and tension over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. The session will end March 16.

Here are the latest developments. All times are local.

__

FILE - In this file photo taken Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, military vehicles carry DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles, potentially capable of sinking a U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in a single strike, during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. Double digit annual percentage increases in Chinas defense budget have been fueling a top-to-bottom modernization drive that has brought in new equipment and vast improvements in living conditions for the Peoples Liberation Armys 2.3 million members. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

10:55 a.m.

Premier Li Keqiang has pledged "full support" for Hong Kong's embattled chief executive and said Beijing is convinced the city will "maintain long-term prosperity and stability."

In his speech to the National People's Congress that started Saturday, Li made no mention of recent social and political turbulence in the former British colony.

Also, without mentioning recent elections in Taiwan that were seen as a setback for Beijing, Li said China would stick to its major policies on Taiwan. That includes opposing the island's independence and insisting that it agree that Taiwan and mainland China are part of a single Chinese nation to be unified eventually, something the island's president-elect Tsai Ing-wen has so far refused to do.

Along with safeguarding China's "sovereignty and territorial integrity," China also wants to maintain "the peaceful growth of cross-Strait relations and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan strait," Li said.

China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949.

__

10:48 a.m.

Tibetan delegates to the congress wore two pins, one representing the past leaders since Mao, the other one showing current leader Xi Jinping. The displays of allegiance by Tibetan delegates at this high profile political event come as tensions continue to simmer in the country's Western minority regions.

Earlier this week, a Tibetan Buddhist monk set himself on fire and died in a protest against Chinese rule, in the first such action of its kind this year, according to the U.S.-government funded Radio Free Asia. Also this week in India, a Tibetan teenager died following a similar self-immolation protest.

The Chinese premier on Saturday did not mention such tensions but said China would "stick to the Chinese way  the right way  of managing ethnic issues."

__

10:45 a.m.

An advance copy of the budget to China's national congress says the government will increase national defense spending by 7.6 percent in 2016, the smallest increase in six years. It reflects slowing growth in the world's second-largest economy and a drawdown of troops as Beijing seeks to build a more streamlined, modern military.

The figure in Saturday's report comes a day after the spokeswoman for the legislature, the National People's Congress, said China would boost defense spending by about 7 to 8 percent.

The People's Liberation Army is being trimmed to 2 million troops from 2.3 million but will still be the world's largest standing military. China's plan to spend 954 billion yuan ($146 billion) on defense spending this year is still less than one-third of what the U.S. is proposing to spend this year.

__

10:30 a.m.

As in other years, there are groups of young women in tall red coats and young men in gray uniforms assigned to give directions in Tiananmen Square, but they spend a good deal of time posing and jumping in unison for pictures. Journalists from domestic and international media outlets are in the square, flanked by imposing communist edifices. Many are using cellphones to take selfies in several directions.

__

10:15 a.m.

In his speech to delegates, Premier Li Keqiang (pronounced "Lee kuh-chiang") pledged to boost consumption in areas such as elder care, health services as well as to promote the linking of offline services with Internet users.

As China's population ages, demand for elder care is projected to grow as is the need for better medical services. Meanwhile, venture capital investors and the country's Internet giants have poured billions of dollars into an array of mobile platforms that connect smartphone users with movie ticketing, food delivery, restaurant reservation and flight booking services.

The Chinese government hopes such services can help drive domestic consumption, which swelled as a percentage of GDP from 36.8 percent in 2005 to 44.5 percent last year.

__

9:41 a.m.

Li says China needs to fix its environmental problem: "We must build a beautiful China where the sky is blue the earth is green and the water runs clear."

Outside the Great Hall of the People where he is speaking, the air in Tiananmen Square is still a light hazy gray, although significantly better than Friday, when Beijing was smothered by the worst pollution so far in 2016. The city's levels of the dangerous PM2.5 particles were above 400 micrograms per cubic meter in some places, more than 16 times World Health Organization safety level.

Li's speech opened China's rubberstamp parliament session, the main event on its political calendar.

__

9:35 a.m.

Li moves from a recap of the past year to his forward-looking portion of his speech.

He promises innovative technology and advanced manufacturing by 2020, when China's output should reach 90 trillion yuan and says science and R&D will account for 2.5 percent of China's GDP and a significant amount of world research spending. "This will be a remarkable achievement," he says.

__

9:29 a.m.

Li mentions two disasters that struck China this year, a cruise shipwreck in the Yangtze River and a massive chemical explosion in Tianjin, saying the deaths and injuries "were devastating and profound lessons can never be forgotten." He says "there are still inadequacies in the work of the government" and instances where employees are unable to fulfill their duties. "We must be more mindful of the difficulties ahead," he said

On behalf of China's Cabinet, Li expresses gratitude for accomplishments in the past year to ethnic minorities, other political parties in China and the governments in Hong Kong and Macao, drawing repeated rounds of applause.

Although China's technically has other political parties and a plethora of ethnic minorities represented in its people's congress, the body is largely a rubber-stamp parliament and decision-making is concentrated within a small circle of the Communist Party leadership.

__

9:18 a.m.

Premier Li Keqiang pledges to push forward with China's economic transformation, re-emphasizing two government plans, Internet Plus to incentivize Internet and e-commerce-related businesses and "Made in China 2025" to upgrade China's manufacturing facilities.

In the past year, China has cut millions of tons of excess production capacity in steel, glass and aluminum and other inefficient heavy industries.

Delegates gathered in the cavernous Great Hall of the People, some wearing traditional garb, read through printed copies of the report as Li spoke, some of them adding their own notes in pen.

__

9:00 a.m.

With delegates already in their seats, Chinese leaders file into the cavernous, red-carpeted Great Hall of the People to piped martial music for the opening of the National People's Congress. A bell rings at about 9:00 a.m. and congress Chairman Zhang Dejiang declares the session open, saying that 2,890 delegates are present, with 53 absent. All stand as the Chinese national anthem plays. Premier Li Keqiang then begins to deliver his speech.

_

8:00 a.m.

An advance copy of Premier Li Keqiang's annual work report delivered to the legislature sets an economic growth target of 6.5-7 percent for this year, down from last year's goal of "about 7 percent." China's economy has cooled steadily as the ruling Communist Party tries to replace a worn-out model based on trade and investment with self-sustaining growth driven by domestic consumption.

_

6:41 a.m.

Crowds gathered near the iconic Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing for a flag-raising ceremony ahead of the opening session of China's annual ceremonial legislature. The square itself is closed to the public, and onlookers watched from across a street amid tight security ahead of the session.

Hostesses, who facilitated the arrival of delegates on buses, pose for photos on Tiananmen Square near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a meeting ahead of Saturday's opening session of China's National People's Congress (NPC), Friday, March 4, 2016. The political conclave comes as China's leaders are being tested by new challenges including an economy that has slowed to a 25-year low, global uncertainty over the country's tumultuous stock markets and currency movements, and tensions over the South China Sea. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers his work report at the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Saturday, March 5, 2016.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

China's top leaders stand as they sing the national anthem during the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Saturday, March 5, 2016.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrive for the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Saturday, March 5, 2016.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

China's top leaders stand as they sing the national anthem during the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Saturday, March 5, 2016.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Hostesses, who facilitated the arrival of delegates on buses, adjust their clothing as they stand on Tiananmen Square near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a meeting ahead of Saturday's opening session of China's National People's Congress (NPC), Friday, March 4, 2016. The political conclave comes as China's leaders are being tested by new challenges including an economy that has slowed to a 25-year low, global uncertainty over the country's tumultuous stock markets and currency movements, and tensions over the South China Sea. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

FILE - In this file photo taken Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, military vehicles carrying Wing Loong, a Chinese made medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, drive past Tiananmen Gate during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's World War II defeat in Beijing. Double digit annual percentage increases in Chinas defense budget have been fueling a top-to-bottom modernization drive that has brought in new equipment and vast improvements in living conditions for the Peoples Liberation Armys 2.3 million members. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, Pool, File)

Hostesses, who facilitated the arrival of delegates by bus, pose for photos on Tiananmen Square near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a meeting ahead of Saturday's opening session of China's National People's Congress (NPC), Friday, March 4, 2016. The political conclave comes as China's leaders are being tested by new challenges including an economy that has slowed to a 25-year low, global uncertainty over the country's tumultuous stock markets and currency movements, and tensions over the South China Sea. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In this Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 file photo, Chinese soldiers take part in a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. China said Friday, March 4, 2016, it will boost military spending by about 7 to 8 percent this year, the smallest increase in six years, reflecting slowing economic growth and a drawdown of 300,000 troops as Beijing seeks to build a more streamlined, modern military. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)
Cliven Bundy makes initial federal court appearance in Vegas

LAS VEGAS (AP)  The renegade rancher at the center of a states'-versus-federal rights fight made his first appearance in custody before a U.S. judge in Las Vegas on Friday, but wasn't asked to enter a plea.

Similar federal court hearings were held in Idaho and Utah, a day after authorities rounded up 12 people in five states, raising to 19 the number accused of inciting and leading an armed insurrection in April 2014 to stop a roundup of cows from public land near Cliven Bundy's ranch.

Bundy, 69, stood with a deputy federal public defender at his side as he heard the 16 charges against him including conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, assault on a federal officer, threatening a federal officer, obstruction of justice, interference with interstate commerce by extortion and several firearms charges.

File - In this Jan. 27, 2016 file photo, rancher Cliven Bundy speaks to media while standing along the road near his ranch, in Bunkerville, Nev. Bundy, the renegade rancher at the center of a states versus federal rights fight, has made his first appearance in custody before a U.S. judge in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Asked by the judge if he could afford to hire an attorney, Bundy said he hadn't had a chance to talk with anyone about that.

He was returned in custody in recent days to Nevada from Oregon, where he'd been held following his arrest Feb. 10 as he arrived at Portland International Airport to visit two of his sons jailed during the occupation of a federal wildlife refuge.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Carl Hoffman said Bundy would remain in custody until at least next Thursday. The time will let him hire a lawyer or file revised financial disclosure forms.

The judge expressed doubt about whether a report that Bundy filed in Oregon qualifies him for a lawyer at federal expense.

"I don't think it is entirely complete, from what I know about this case," he said.

Bundy has a 160-acre ranch and melon farm in Bunkerville, about 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas. A descendant of Mormon settlers who heads a family of 14 children and more than 50 grandchildren, he claims homestead rights and refuses to acknowledge federal authority over arid Virgin River valley rangeland around his property.

He has represented himself in previous local, state and federal legal proceedings.

The 2014 showdown came after federal land managers obtained federal court orders to remove Bundy cows from environmentally fragile public land in the scenic and rugged Gold Butte area. The area is pocked with scrub brush, mesquite, cheat grass and yucca.

Federal agents and contract cowboys herding cattle toward a corral were stopped by a picket line of self-styled militia perched on a high Interstate 15 bridge, pointing military-style AR-15 and AK-47 weapons at them.

Officials said at the time that Bundy owed more than $1.1 million in fees and penalties for grazing illegally for about 20 years. A more recent accounting hasn't been made public.

The battle with the federal Bureau of Land Management made Bundy and several of his adult sons well-known as outspoken advocates for states' rights.

The dispute predates statehood in some places, and calls for action have gotten louder as federal agencies designate protected areas for endangered species and set aside tracts for mining, wind farms and natural gas exploration.

The latest wave has roots in the Sagebrush Rebellion, which began more than 40 years ago over grazing rights in Nevada.

The arrests on Thursday of 12 alleged co-conspirators in Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Oklahoma and New Hampshire came after a federal grand jury in Las Vegas expanded an indictment filed Feb. 11 against Bundy.

It also named Bundy sons Ammon, Ryan, Melvin and David Bundy, and four other men already in federal custody following the end of the 41-day standoff at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oregon. They are Ryan Payne of Montana, Peter Santilli Jr. of Cincinnati, and Brian Cavalier and Blaine Cooper, both of Arizona.

"They're just rounding up all of us," said Susan Hardy, a Bundy relative from Mesquite, Nevada, who attended David Bundy's court appearance in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City.

"We're just standing for America. We're standing for our freedom," she said.

___
Crowds cheer Brazil's Silva after being grilled by police

SAO PAULO (AP)  Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff joined hundreds of people gathered outside the residence of her predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Saturday, one day after police questioned him in an investigation into a sprawling corruption case involving state-run oil company Petrobras.

"She is going to meet with Lula as a gesture of solidarity and support," a press officer at the presidential palace said, referring to Silva by his nickname. The officer spoke on condition of anonymity because she not authorized to speak on the matter.

Images aired by the Globo TV network showed Rousseff arriving at Silva's home. Minutes later, images were broadcast of Rousseff, the former president and his wife Marisa waving to the crowd from a balcony.

A demonstrator protest with an inflatable likeness of Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in prison garb, in front of the Planalto Presidential palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police hauled in the former president for questioning in a sprawling corruption case centered on the Petrobras oil company that has already ensnared some of the countrys top lawmakers and richest and most powerful businessmen. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Police raided Silva's home Friday morning and took him to a federal police station at the city's Congonhas airport, where they questioned him for about four hours.

Later that day, Rousseff expressed her "total unconformity" with the operation, which she called unnecessary.

Outside Silva's building in Sao Bernardo do Campo, an industrial suburb of Sao Paulo, supporters chanted "if you mess with him, you mess with me." They hung a banner that read "Lula, the most honest and honorable man of this country."

Unlike Friday, when Silva supporters and critics clashed in front of the building, Saturday's gathering was peaceful in the absence of Silva opponents.

Some opponents did paint on a wall of his nonprofit foundation Instituto Lula: "Lula, thief. Enough of corruption ... your hour has arrived."

In an editorial published Saturday, the O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper said Silva "always knew of the corruption scheme" and that he was its "mentor hiding behind the mask of a hero for ethics in politics."

"That mask was ripped off on Friday," it added.

David Fleischer, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Brasilia said: "The questioning by police of Lula is the beginning of the end of his era and by extension the end of Dilma.

"It will also weaken the Workers' Party which is being wiped out," he said. "It is the beginning of the end of a long dirty journey."

The once-immensely popular president, who governed from 2003 to 2010, angrily denounced the raid on his home by police as part of a campaign to sully his image, that of his party and that of his hand-picked successor, President Dilma Rousseff.

"I felt like a prisoner," said Silva, who has expressed interest in possibly running for president again. At a rally late Friday in Sao Paulo, an emotional Silva insisted on his innocence and blasted those accusing him. "If they are a cent more honest than I, then I will leave politics," he pledged, his eyes welling with tears.

Police said they also searched the headquarters of the Instituto Lula, as well as properties connected to his sons and other family members. One of his sons was brought in for questioning.

Officials said they were looking into 30 million Brazilian reals ($8.12 million) in payments for speeches and donations to the Instituto Lula by construction firms that were crucial players in the Petrobras corruption scheme. They were also looking into whether renovations and other work at a country house and beachfront apartment used by Silva and his family constituted favors in exchange for political benefit.

"No one is exempt from investigation in this country," said public prosecutor Carlos Fernando dos Santos Lima. "Anyone in Brazil is subject to be investigated when there are indications of a crime."

Prosecutors in the so-called Car Wash corruption case say more than $2 billion was paid in bribes to obtain Petrobras contracts, with some money making its way to several political parties, including the governing Workers' Party. Some of Brazil's wealthiest people, including the heads of top construction companies, have been caught up in the probe, as have dozens of politicians from both the governing coalition and the opposition.

The reaction of the governing party was scathing. Workers' Party president Rui Falcao issued a video statement calling the detention "a political spectacle" that revealed the "true character" of the probe.

"It's not about combatting corruption but simply to hit the Workers' Party, President Lula and the government of President Dilma," Falcao said.

Legal analysts said that bringing Silva in for questioning suggests that any possible case against him is still in its early phases.

"Police are still collecting evidence. There is no smoking gun because if there were, the searches wouldn't be needed," said Jair Jaloreto, a Sao Paulo-based expert on money laundering.

A lathe operator at a metal factory who entered politics as a labor union leader, Silva was widely seen as representing the common man, and his ascension to the country's highest office was hailed in a nation long dominated by the elite. During his two terms in office Silva presided over galloping economic growth that pulled tens of millions of poor Brazilians into the ranks of the middle class.

Despite a votes-for-bribes scandal that took down his chief-of-staff and others, Silva left office with record high popularity levels and his hand-picked successor, Rousseff, handily won the presidency.

Silva and Rousseff have seen their popularity nosedive as Brazil has slipped into its worst recession in decades and the Car Wash investigation spread. Rousseff's approval ratings have dipped into single digits, though they've rebounded slightly of late. She faces impeachment proceedings.

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a press conference at the Workers Party headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police acting on a warrant questioned the former president and searched his home and other properties, in the most recent development yet in the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Federal police officers stand outside the residence building of Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in the greater Sao Paulo area, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police are questioning former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searching his home and other buildings linked to him as part of the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras.(AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Federal police officers stand outside the residence building of Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in the greater Sao Paulo area, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police are questioning former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searching his home and other buildings linked to him as part of the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras.(AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Anti government demonstrators shout slogans outside the residence building of Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in the greater Sao Paulo area, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police are questioning former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searching his home and other buildings linked to him as part of the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras.(AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Demonstrators shout slogans in support of former Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva outside his residence building in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in the greater Sao Paulo area, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police are questioning former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searching his home and other buildings linked to him as part of the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras.(AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Federal police officers restrain a Lula supporter as he confronts anti-government demonstrators outside Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva residence building in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in the greater Sao Paulo area, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police are questioning former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searching his home and other buildings linked to him as part of the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras.(AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a press conference at the Workers Party headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police acting on a warrant questioned former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searched his home and other properties, in the most recent development yet in the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a press conference at the Workers Party headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police acting on a warrant questioned the former president and searched his home and other properties, in the most recent development yet in the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Brazils President Dilma Rousseff reacts during a meeting with mayors at the Planalto Presidential palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police have questioned former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searched his home and other properties, in the most recent development yet in the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras. While Rousseff herself has not been accused of wrongdoing in the Petrobras probe, she is facing impeachment proceedings in Congress for her government's alleged use of the country's pension fund to shore up budget gaps. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Brazils President Dilma Rousseff reacts during a meeting with mayors at the Planalto Presidential palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police questioned former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searched his home and other properties, in the most recent development yet in the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras. While Rousseff herself has not been accused of wrongdoing in the Petrobras probe, she is facing impeachment proceedings in Congress for her government's alleged use of the country's pension fund to shore up budget gaps. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Supporters of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva clash with anti-government demonstrators in front of the Congonhas airport federal police station in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police acting on a warrant questioned former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searched his home and other properties, in the most recent development yet in the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

Supporters of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva clash with anti-government demonstrators in front of the Congonhas airport federal police station in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police acting on a warrant questioned former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searched his home and other properties, in the most recent development yet in the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

Supporters of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva clash with anti-government demonstrators in front of the Congonhas airport federal police station in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police acting on a warrant questioned former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and searched his home and other properties, in the most recent development yet in the sprawling corruption case at the oil giant Petrobras. (AP Photo/Nelson Antoine)

A demonstrator protests with a bullhorn next to an inflatable the likeness of Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in prison garb being detained by a police officer, in front of the Planalto Presidential palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Friday, March 4, 2016. Brazilian police hauled in the former president for questioning in a sprawling corruption case centered on the Petrobras oil company that has already ensnared some of the countrys top lawmakers and richest and most powerful businessmen. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
US candidates square off in 5 states

WASHINGTON (AP)  Donald Trump's rivals, who've tried just about everything to disrupt his juggernaut, can take comfort that the rules for Saturday's round of primary voting make it easier for candidates to claim a share of the delegates than was true in some earlier contests but not much else.

Republican establishment figures are frantically looking for any way to stop Trump, perhaps at a contested convention if none of the candidates can roll up the 1,237 delegates needed to snag the nomination. Going into Saturday's voting, Trump led the field with 329 delegates. Cruz had 231, Rubio 110 and Kasich 25. In all, 155 Republican delegates are at stake in Saturday's races.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton is farther along than Trump on the march to her party's nomination, outpacing Sen Bernie Sanders with 1,066 delegates to his 432. It takes 2,383 delegates to win the Democratic nomination. There are 109 at stake on Saturday.

With the Republican field now down to a quartet, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and John Kasich are competing in Maine, Kansas, Kentucky and Louisiana. Democrats Clinton and Sanders are vying for support in Nebraska, Kansas and Louisiana.

Hunting for delegates, Trump added a last-minute rally in Wichita, Kansas, to his Saturday morning schedule and Cruz planned to stop in Kansas on caucus day, too, one day after Rubio visited the state.

Trump's decision to skip an appearance Saturday at a conference sponsored by the American Conservative Union in the Washington area to get in one last Kansas rally rankled members of the group, who tweeted that it "sends a clear message to conservatives."

The billionaire businessman's rivals have been increasingly questioning his commitment to conservative policies, painting his promise to be flexible on issues as a giant red flag.

"Donald is telling us he will betray us on everything he's campaigned on," Cruz told voters Friday in Maine.

In Louisiana, Clinton was hoping that strong support from the state's sizable black population will give her a boost. Both Democrats have campaigned heavily in Nebraska and saturated the state with ads. In Kansas, Clinton has the backing of its former governor and onetime Health and Human Services secretary, Kathleen Sebelius. Sanders held a pre-caucus rally in Kansas' liberal bastion of Lawrence hoping to attract voters.

___

Associated Press writers Nancy Benac in Washington; Rebecca Santana in New Orleans; David Sharp in Portland, Maine; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Margery Beck in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed to this report.

___
The Latest: Delegates praise Chinese leaders' economic plans

BEIJING (AP)  China is kicking off its rubberstamp parliament session, the main event on its political calendar, on Saturday. The gathering of nearly 3,000 delegates in Beijing's Great Hall of the People comes amid slowing growth in China's economy and tension over competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. The session will end March 16.

Here are the latest developments. All times are local.

__

FILE - In this file photo taken Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, military vehicles carry DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles, potentially capable of sinking a U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in a single strike, during a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II held in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. Double digit annual percentage increases in Chinas defense budget have been fueling a top-to-bottom modernization drive that has brought in new equipment and vast improvements in living conditions for the Peoples Liberation Armys 2.3 million members. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

1:30 p.m.

Delegates to the ceremonial legislature, which routinely endorses ruling party plans in near unanimous votes, praised the work report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at Beijing's Great Hall of the People. Li announced the government was trimming its economic growth target to between 6.5 and 7 percent, down from "about 7 percent" last year, and promised to open oil and telecoms industries to private competitors in sweeping industrial reforms.

Authorities are struggling to reassure the public and global markets about their ability to steer the world's second-largest economy following a plunge in stock prices and protests by laid-off workers. The ruling Communist Party has been trying to shift away from a heavy emphasis on trade and investment to growth driven more by consumer spending. Growth rate last year declined to a 25-year low of 6.9 percent.

"If the 6.5 to 7 percent growth should be solid and real, I think it's very acceptable," said Liu Gexin, a delegate from Sichuan province in the southwest.

Others were more breathlessly enthusiastic. "It's an exhilarating report. It's a mobilization order," said delegate Zhu Liangyu from Beijing. "I completely agree with it."

Li also said the party's reform plans require it to cut the dominance of state companies that dominate industries from banking and telecoms to oil and steel and give entrepreneurs a bigger role. He promised to open electric power, telecoms, transportation, oil, natural gas and municipal utilities to private competition.

__

10:55 a.m.

Premier Li Keqiang has pledged "full support" for Hong Kong's embattled chief executive and said Beijing is convinced the city will "maintain long-term prosperity and stability."

In his speech to the National People's Congress that started Saturday, Li made no mention of recent social and political turbulence in the former British colony.

Also, without mentioning recent elections in Taiwan that were seen as a setback for Beijing, Li said China would stick to its major policies on Taiwan. That includes opposing the island's independence and insisting that it agree that Taiwan and mainland China are part of a single Chinese nation to be unified eventually, something the island's president-elect Tsai Ing-wen has so far refused to do.

Along with safeguarding China's "sovereignty and territorial integrity," China also wants to maintain "the peaceful growth of cross-Strait relations and safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan strait," Li said.

China and Taiwan split amid civil war in 1949.

__

10:48 a.m.

Tibetan delegates to the congress wore two pins, one representing the past leaders since Mao, the other one showing current leader Xi Jinping. The displays of allegiance by Tibetan delegates at this high profile political event come as tensions continue to simmer in the country's Western minority regions.

Earlier this week, a Tibetan Buddhist monk set himself on fire and died in a protest against Chinese rule, in the first such action of its kind this year, according to the U.S.-government funded Radio Free Asia. Also this week in India, a Tibetan teenager died following a similar self-immolation protest.

The Chinese premier on Saturday did not mention such tensions but said China would "stick to the Chinese way  the right way  of managing ethnic issues."

__

10:45 a.m.

An advance copy of the budget to China's national congress says the government will increase national defense spending by 7.6 percent in 2016, the smallest increase in six years. It reflects slowing growth in the world's second-largest economy and a drawdown of troops as Beijing seeks to build a more streamlined, modern military.

The figure in Saturday's report comes a day after the spokeswoman for the legislature, the National People's Congress, said China would boost defense spending by about 7 to 8 percent.

The People's Liberation Army is being trimmed to 2 million troops from 2.3 million but will still be the world's largest standing military. China's plan to spend 954 billion yuan ($146 billion) on defense spending this year is still less than one-third of what the U.S. is proposing to spend this year.

__

10:30 a.m.

As in other years, there are groups of young women in tall red coats and young men in gray uniforms assigned to give directions in Tiananmen Square, but they spend a good deal of time posing and jumping in unison for pictures. Journalists from domestic and international media outlets are in the square, flanked by imposing communist edifices. Many are using cellphones to take selfies in several directions.

__

10:15 a.m.

In his speech to delegates, Premier Li Keqiang (pronounced "Lee kuh-chiang") pledged to boost consumption in areas such as elder care, health services as well as to promote the linking of offline services with Internet users.

As China's population ages, demand for elder care is projected to grow as is the need for better medical services. Meanwhile, venture capital investors and the country's Internet giants have poured billions of dollars into an array of mobile platforms that connect smartphone users with movie ticketing, food delivery, restaurant reservation and flight booking services.

The Chinese government hopes such services can help drive domestic consumption, which swelled as a percentage of GDP from 36.8 percent in 2005 to 44.5 percent last year.

__

9:41 a.m.

Li says China needs to fix its environmental problem: "We must build a beautiful China where the sky is blue the earth is green and the water runs clear."

Outside the Great Hall of the People where he is speaking, the air in Tiananmen Square is still a light hazy gray, although significantly better than Friday, when Beijing was smothered by the worst pollution so far in 2016. The city's levels of the dangerous PM2.5 particles were above 400 micrograms per cubic meter in some places, more than 16 times World Health Organization safety level.

Li's speech opened China's rubberstamp parliament session, the main event on its political calendar.

__

9:35 a.m.

Li moves from a recap of the past year to his forward-looking portion of his speech.

He promises innovative technology and advanced manufacturing by 2020, when China's output should reach 90 trillion yuan and says science and R&D will account for 2.5 percent of China's GDP and a significant amount of world research spending. "This will be a remarkable achievement," he says.

__

9:29 a.m.

Li mentions two disasters that struck China this year, a cruise shipwreck in the Yangtze River and a massive chemical explosion in Tianjin, saying the deaths and injuries "were devastating and profound lessons can never be forgotten." He says "there are still inadequacies in the work of the government" and instances where employees are unable to fulfill their duties. "We must be more mindful of the difficulties ahead," he said

On behalf of China's Cabinet, Li expresses gratitude for accomplishments in the past year to ethnic minorities, other political parties in China and the governments in Hong Kong and Macao, drawing repeated rounds of applause.

Although China's technically has other political parties and a plethora of ethnic minorities represented in its people's congress, the body is largely a rubber-stamp parliament and decision-making is concentrated within a small circle of the Communist Party leadership.

__

9:18 a.m.

Premier Li Keqiang pledges to push forward with China's economic transformation, re-emphasizing two government plans, Internet Plus to incentivize Internet and e-commerce-related businesses and "Made in China 2025" to upgrade China's manufacturing facilities.

In the past year, China has cut millions of tons of excess production capacity in steel, glass and aluminum and other inefficient heavy industries.

Delegates gathered in the cavernous Great Hall of the People, some wearing traditional garb, read through printed copies of the report as Li spoke, some of them adding their own notes in pen.

__

9:00 a.m.

With delegates already in their seats, Chinese leaders file into the cavernous, red-carpeted Great Hall of the People to piped martial music for the opening of the National People's Congress. A bell rings at about 9:00 a.m. and congress Chairman Zhang Dejiang declares the session open, saying that 2,890 delegates are present, with 53 absent. All stand as the Chinese national anthem plays. Premier Li Keqiang then begins to deliver his speech.

_

8:00 a.m.

An advance copy of Premier Li Keqiang's annual work report delivered to the legislature sets an economic growth target of 6.5-7 percent for this year, down from last year's goal of "about 7 percent." China's economy has cooled steadily as the ruling Communist Party tries to replace a worn-out model based on trade and investment with self-sustaining growth driven by domestic consumption.

_

6:41 a.m.

Crowds gathered near the iconic Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing for a flag-raising ceremony ahead of the opening session of China's annual ceremonial legislature. The square itself is closed to the public, and onlookers watched from across a street amid tight security ahead of the session.

Hostesses, who facilitated the arrival of delegates on buses, pose for photos on Tiananmen Square near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a meeting ahead of Saturday's opening session of China's National People's Congress (NPC), Friday, March 4, 2016. The political conclave comes as China's leaders are being tested by new challenges including an economy that has slowed to a 25-year low, global uncertainty over the country's tumultuous stock markets and currency movements, and tensions over the South China Sea. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers his work report at the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Saturday, March 5, 2016.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

China's top leaders stand as they sing the national anthem during the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Saturday, March 5, 2016.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, left and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrive for the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Saturday, March 5, 2016.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

China's top leaders stand as they sing the national anthem during the opening session of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing's Great Hall of the People, Saturday, March 5, 2016.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Hostesses, who facilitated the arrival of delegates on buses, adjust their clothing as they stand on Tiananmen Square near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a meeting ahead of Saturday's opening session of China's National People's Congress (NPC), Friday, March 4, 2016. The political conclave comes as China's leaders are being tested by new challenges including an economy that has slowed to a 25-year low, global uncertainty over the country's tumultuous stock markets and currency movements, and tensions over the South China Sea. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

FILE - In this file photo taken Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015, military vehicles carrying Wing Loong, a Chinese made medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, drive past Tiananmen Gate during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's World War II defeat in Beijing. Double digit annual percentage increases in Chinas defense budget have been fueling a top-to-bottom modernization drive that has brought in new equipment and vast improvements in living conditions for the Peoples Liberation Armys 2.3 million members. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, Pool, File)

Hostesses, who facilitated the arrival of delegates by bus, pose for photos on Tiananmen Square near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing during a meeting ahead of Saturday's opening session of China's National People's Congress (NPC), Friday, March 4, 2016. The political conclave comes as China's leaders are being tested by new challenges including an economy that has slowed to a 25-year low, global uncertainty over the country's tumultuous stock markets and currency movements, and tensions over the South China Sea. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In this Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 file photo, Chinese soldiers take part in a parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of Japan's surrender during World War II in front of Tiananmen Gate in Beijing. China said Friday, March 4, 2016, it will boost military spending by about 7 to 8 percent this year, the smallest increase in six years, reflecting slowing economic growth and a drawdown of 300,000 troops as Beijing seeks to build a more streamlined, modern military. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)
Hijackers? Aliens? Theories over Flight 370's fate abound

SYDNEY (AP)  From a hijacking to an alien abduction, countless theories have arisen about the fate of the Malaysian airliner that disappeared nearly two years ago.

With search crews just months away from finishing their thus-far fruitless sweep of a remote stretch of seabed where Flight 370 is believed to have crashed, officials appear no closer to solving one of the most mind-boggling mysteries of modern times. That stubborn lack of resolution has only increased speculation about what might have happened to the Boeing 777 after it vanished with 239 people on board on March 8, 2014. Some believe officials are simply looking in the wrong part of the Indian Ocean, while social media sites are peppered with comments suggesting they're looking on the wrong planet: "MH370 was abducted by aliens," reads a typical tweet.

"We knew this was a very high-profile, publicized event and because it was such a great mystery, there was going to be a lot of scrutiny," says the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's chief commissioner Martin Dolan, who is leading the search for the plane far off Australia's west coast. "We are always open to informed criticism. What we find a bit more difficult is when occasionally people criticize us on the basis of a misunderstanding or a misrepresentation of what we're doing or saying."

FILE - In this April 13, 2014 file photo taken from the Royal New Zealand air force (RNZAF) P-3K2-Orion aircraft, pilot and aircraft captain, Flight Lt. Timothy McAlevey looks out of a window while searching for debris from missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, in the Indian Ocean off the coast of western Australia. From a hijacking to an alien abduction, countless theories have arisen about the fate of the Malaysian airliner that disappeared nearly two years ago. (Greg Wood/Pool Photo via AP, File)

Here's a look at a few of the theories that investigators have considered but view as unlikely:

___

THE PLANE WENT NORTH INSTEAD OF SOUTH

After veering off-course shortly after takeoff on its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, officials believe the plane flew south on a straight path into the abyss of the southern Indian Ocean. They arrived at that conclusion after analyzing exchanges between the plane's engine and a satellite. But some people insist the plane instead flew north into Asia, and that the satellite data indicating otherwise was tampered with.

Dolan dismisses that theory, noting that British satellite company Inmarsat, which provided the satellite data to investigators, is a widely respected company with a solid track record. There's no reason to doubt their data, he says.

"Those sorts of theories just seem to overcomplicate what's going on here," Dolan says. "We think that had any data been manipulated, there would have been a trace of it."

Beyond that, a wing part from the plane washed ashore on Reunion Island in the western Indian Ocean in July, effectively eliminating the possibility that the rest of the plane ended up in the Northern Hemisphere. That said, a few people have suggested the wing flap was planted on the island by terrorists.

___

IT WENT WEST TO THE MALDIVES

Some argue the plane must have traveled west to the remote Indian Ocean island nation of the Maldives after early reports emerged of locals spotting a low-flying plane in the area around the time Flight 370 vanished.

The military in the Maldives told Malaysia that those reports of sightings turned out to be false. Last year, Malaysian investigators traveled to the Maldives to examine possible debris that had washed ashore, but it was determined to be unrelated to Flight 370.

Former Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss has said that while the plane may have had enough fuel to reach the islands, it wasn't detected by air traffic control or any other local authority. The flight path to the Maldives is also inconsistent with investigators' satellite and radar data.

"It is not considered a likely possibility," Truss said last year.

___

IT WAS SHOT DOWN

One of the earliest theories suggested the plane was headed toward Diego Garcia, a British atoll in the Indian Ocean where the U.S. has a military base. The former head of the now-defunct Proteus Airlines, Marc Dugain, voiced his own theory that U.S. military, fearing a Sept. 11-style attack, may have shot down the plane as it approached the atoll. The U.S. has denied the aircraft came anywhere near Diego Garcia.

___

IT WAS HIJACKED BY PASSENGERS

Immediately after the plane disappeared, many speculated that one or more passengers hijacked the plane. This theory gained traction after it was discovered that two Iranians on board were traveling on stolen passports. Investigators cleared the two after finding nothing linking them to terror groups; it is believed they were trying to illegally immigrate to Europe. Police scrutinized the backgrounds of every passenger on the plane  but nothing suspicious was found.

FILE - In this March 27, 2014 file photo, Ahmad Nizar Zolfakar, director of Air Traffic Management Sector of Malaysian Department of Civil Aviation, speaks to the relatives of Chinese passengers on board Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, while the projection shows a graphic of the search and rescue operation on the flight's possible crash area during a briefing meeting at a hotel in Beijing. From a hijacking to an alien abduction, countless theories have arisen about the fate of the Malaysian airliner that disappeared nearly two years ago. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)
Secret detentions, deaths raise alarm over Egyptian police

BENI SUEF, Egypt (AP)  The 32-year-old Egyptian government engineer disappeared in mid-January when, according to witnesses, masked police burst into his office in the southern city of Beni Suef and dragged him off in handcuffs in front of his co-workers.

Mohammed Hamdan's family searched for him for 15 days, filing a formal complaint over his detention and asking at police stations  only to be told by every official that he was never arrested.

On Jan. 25, he turned up dead. But police gave a very different story: The Interior Ministry announced that security forces killed Hamdan in a gun-battle that day while raiding a farmhouse where he was hiding. It said Hamdan, a Muslim Brotherhood member, was behind previous killings of policemen. His family was summoned to the morgue, where they found his body riddled with bullets.

In this Feb. 16, 2016 photo, Qenawi Hamdan, holds a photo of his slain son, Mohammed Hamdan, at the family house in Beni Suleiman village, south of Cairo, Egypt. The 32-year-old Egyptian government engineer disappeared in mid-January when, according to witnesses, masked police burst into his office in the southern city of Beni Suef and dragged him off in handcuffs in front of his co-workers. (AP Photo/Maggie Michael)

"They arrested him, killed him, sent the body to the morgue, wrote the report, sealed the case and gave me a body to bury," Hamdan's father, Qenawi Hamdan, told The Associated Press, speaking in his mud-brick house in the village of Beni Suleiman outside the city of Beni Suef.

"I can't fight the government," the 67-year-old said.

Allegations of abuses by police are raising fears that Egypt's security agencies are growing out of control. For two years, they have had a largely free hand in cracking down against the former ruling Muslim Brotherhood and against Islamic militants  a threat the government says is one and the same. Police have also targeted secular activists critical of the government, something which prompted little criticism from a public more concerned with security.

But in recent weeks, incidents of abuse against regular citizens have sparked public anger that is unusually vocal, given that media have for two years effusively praised the police and avoided any criticism and tough laws have all but eliminated street protests. In recent weeks, doctors held large protests after two hospital staffers were beaten by police; when a policeman shot and killed a driver in a dispute over a fee, protests broke out by residents from the driver's Cairo neighborhood; several staunchly pro-government TV commentators have said police are going too far.

The Interior Ministry has repeatedly denied that abuses like torture and forced disappearances are systematic, saying any instances are isolated acts. After the shooting of the driver last month, the government promised reforms that would hold abusive policemen accountable. Those reforms, however, focused on low-level policemen in the street, whom officials depicted as the source of all problems.

Rights activists, however, say abuses are an intentional tool used by all levels in the security forces.

"Practices of forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture are on the rise," said Sherif Mohy Eldeen, a researcher in human rights and terrorism with the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.

He said police "act with total impunity." Some officials seem to publicly encourage tough police action. Two days after Hamdan's body surfaced, Justice Minister Ahmed el-Zind vowed on TV, "My fire will only be quenched when 10,000 Muslim Brothers are killed for every martyr" from the security forces.

Human Rights Watch said in a January report that while the militant threat in Egypt "is real," the "heavy-handed response" by authorities creates more divisions. It said the government "has made it clear dissenting opinions will be crushed."

"Egypt's government should learn from the country's own decades-long experience that grinding oppression can plant seeds for future upheaval," the group's deputy Middle East director, Nadim Houry, said in the report.

Police abuses were one of the complaints fueling the 2011 uprising that ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak. His elected successor, Islamist Mohammed Morsi, was removed by the military in 2013 after massive protests against Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood. The head of the military, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, then left his post and was elected president in a landslide.

Since Morsi's ouster, militants have stepped up their insurgency, killing hundreds of police and soldiers.

The Egyptian Association for Rights and Freedoms says at least 314 people in 2015 and 35 people this year were subjected to "forced disappearances," in which police detain a person in secret. The tactic, activists and lawyers say, is a way for security agents to interrogate  and often torture  someone before notifying prosecution officials of their arrest, something that under the constitution is supposed to take place within 24 hours.

Most turn up alive when authorities finally formalize their detention. But the association has documented at least two deaths this year, including Hamdan's, and at least five last year, including one with marks from burns and electrical shocks.

The allegations are one reason that many rights activists suspect security agents in the death of Italian Ph.D. student Guilio Regeni, who disappeared in Cairo on Jan. 25. Regeni's body was found nine days later dumped by a highway with torture marks. The Interior Ministry has denied security agents were involved and said he was likely killed in a personal dispute.

Hamdan was known to be a Brotherhood member and once served as a guard for the group's leader, Mohammed Badie. Announcing Hamdan's death on Jan. 25, the Interior Ministry said he was part of a Brotherhood cell that had killed at least three policemen. It said police on the same day also raided an apartment on the outskirts of Cairo and killed two other men working with Hamdan.

Hamdan's family, however, says he had already been in custody for two weeks.

One of his brothers, Hussein, and his father, Qenawi, said Hamdan's co-workers from an Agriculture Ministry department alerted them on Jan. 10 after he was arrested.

In the offices of the Agriculture Reform Department, employees were visibly afraid to speak to the AP and did so only on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

One said Hamdan "was arrested" but would not elaborate. He said he testified about the arrest to the prosecutor.

"I can't speak or else I will be in trouble," he said. "I can only say I was shocked and remain shocked till this day."

Another employee said, "this is a political case," but would not explain.

As proof of when Hamdan actually disappeared, his brother Hussein shows a series of official reports the family filed over his reported detention. The first they made immediately on Jan. 10 to the Beni Suef prosecutor's office. Others to police, prosecution and the Interior Ministry are dated over subsequent days.

As the family continued to speak up against the arrest, one of Hamdan's brothers was detained for four days without charge in what the family says was an attempt to intimidate them.

The Beni Suef prosecutor, Sherif el-Gammal, refused to comment, saying the investigation is still ongoing. The officer on duty at the Beni Suef police station, Capt. Ahmed Musharraf, referred the AP to a local security agency media department, which in turn refused to comment.

Hamdan's father described how a police officer summoned him to the police station on Jan. 25 to inform him of his son's death.

The officer started off saying, "You're a strong man, Sheikh Qenawi. How many children do you have?"

Nine sons and six daughters, Qenawi said he replied.

"Praise the Lord," the officer said.

"Just tell me outright that you killed my son," Qenawi said he told the officer.

The officer, he said, replied: "Only God is immortal."

In this Feb. 16, 2016 photo, Um Muhammed speaks about the death of her son, Mohammed Hamdan, at the family house in Beni Suleiman village, south of Cairo, Egypt. The 32-year-old Egyptian government engineer disappeared in mid-January when, according to witnesses, masked police burst into his office in the southern city of Beni Suef and dragged him off in handcuffs in front of his co-workers. (AP Photo/Maggie Michael)

In this Feb. 16, 2016 photo, Qenawi Hamdan, left, and his wife, Um Muhammed, the parents of slain Islamist Mohammed Hamdan, pose for a portrait at their home house in Beni Suleiman village, south of Cairo, Egypt. The 32-year-old Egyptian government engineer disappeared in mid-January when, according to witnesses, masked police burst into his office in the southern city of Beni Suef and dragged him off in handcuffs in front of his co-workers. (AP Photo/Maggie Michael)
Before there was Trump, there was Paul LePage

PORTLAND, Maine (AP)  Before there was Donald Trump, there was Paul LePage, a brash businessman with a blunt style who bonded with blue-collar workers in an economically lagging state that previously was a reliable bastion of Democrats and moderate Republicans.

"I was Donald Trump before Donald Trump became popular," LePage joked after throwing his endorsement behind Trump last month. Indeed, the two-term governor has taken credit for providing a template, saying he and Trump are cut from "the same cloth."

Maine, in many ways, represents just the kind of state where Trump has resonated.

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2016, file photo, Gov. Paul LePage speaks at a news conference at the State House in Augusta, Maine. Before there was Donald Trump, there was LePage, a brash businessman with a blunt style who bonded with blue-collar workers in an economically lagging state that had been a reliable bastion of Democrats and moderate Republicans.(AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

"It's a rural state and it's suffering through the process of post-industrialism, and that's leaving a lot of people behind," said Mike Cuzzi, a Democratic strategist and Maine resident. "A lot of people are feeling angry, like both the political parties have let them down."

The Maine GOP caucuses on Saturday coincide with Republican voting in Kansas, Kentucky and Louisiana. With no public polling, there are few indicators how well Trump might fare, but he won neighboring New Hampshire.

Trump has proven especially resonant with white, working-class voters who feel left behind by an economy that has shifted away from manufacturing jobs. In Maine, Trump and LePage have drawn from voters who've watched as paper mills, textile mills and shoe factories have closed because of overseas competition, said Allen Holmes, a Trump supporter from Rockland. Their blunt language and promises to shake up the establishment make sense to those voters.

"They're tapping into the frustration of Mainers," said Holmes, a certified public accountant. He said ruffling a few feathers "is not such a bad thing."

Like Trump, LePage started his career in business, launching a consulting firm and eventually becoming the general manager of a local chain of discount stores.

But unlike Trump, he comes from humble roots.

LePage grew up poor, and ran away from home when he was young, briefing living on the street. He shined shoes and washed dishes, and struggled with college because his first language was French. Trump, in contrast, grew up the son of a highly successful New York real estate developer.

Yet both have shaken the GOP establishment, developed reputations as sometimes crude speakers and shown a deep disdain for the media.

LePage once said he'd tell President Barack Obama to "go to hell," and told the Portland chapter of the NAACP to "kiss my butt."

He recently said drug dealers with names like "D-Money, Smoothie, Shifty" were coming into Maine to sell heroin and "impregnate a young white girl before they leave." He later apologized, calling the racially charged statements a slip of the tongue.

"Donald Trump is a little bit like I am. He says what needs to be said," LePage said Thursday as he introduced Trump at a Portland rally. "Most of all folks, he's not afraid of the United States liberal media," LePage said, adding: "They dislike him nearly as much as they hate me."

LePage had originally endorsed New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who dropped his bid after a disappointing showing in New Hampshire. After Christie shocked supporters by endorsing Trump, LePage followed the same day.

Justin Baggs, a young father from South Berwick who attended Trump's rally, said LePage and Trump resonate because they say what others might think but are unwilling to say aloud.

"They know what they're going to say is going to offend others, but they're saying what the majority of people believe to be true," said Baggs, 34.

Josh Tardy, a Republican activist and former lawmaker from Newport, said voters appear infatuated with the outspoken style the two share.

"They're both bare-knuckle brawlers," said Tardy, who supports Trump rival Marco Rubio. "They're not ambiguous about what they say. ... That's both good and bad. But you never have to question where they're coming from."

___

Colvin reported from Jersey City, New Jersey.

___

Follow David Sharp and Jill Colvin on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/David_Sharp_AP and http://twitter.com/colvinj
Flint crisis a campaign issue for Democrats, less so for GOP

FLINT, Mich. (AP)  Nakiya Wakes raised her hand in a church to ask Bernie Sanders what he would do to help the people of Flint if he is elected president.

The city's lead-tainted water, Wakes said, is to blame for her miscarriage and her son's repeated suspensions from the first grade.

About 2 weeks earlier, she and another mother met privately with Hillary Clinton during her stop in city to discuss solutions, not politics.

FILE - In this Feb. 7, 2016 file photo, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton holds the hand of Flint Mayor Karen Weaver during a meeting with officials at the House Of Prayer Missionary Baptist Church in Flint, Mich. Flint, a majority-black impoverished community in a state run by Republicans, has become a dominant issue for the Democratic candidates before Tuesdays primary in Michigan, so much so that they will return to the city for the seventh Democratic debate on Sunday. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

"It's really not political with me," Wakes, 40, said after Sanders' forum. "When are you going to get something done for the families and these children?"

This majority-black impoverished community in central Michigan is dealing with a months-long state of emergency over its contaminated drinking water. The crisis has become a hot-button issue for Democratic presidential candidates.

The issue has become so dominant for these White House hopefuls that they scheduled a prime-time debate in the city on Sunday ahead of the state's primary Tuesday. Sanders has called for Michigan's Republican Gov. Rick Snyder to resign, saying an apology is not enough.

Clinton dispatched aides to the city of nearly 100,000 in January, raised the issue during a nationally televised debate and won the mayor's endorsement. A campaign ad with scenes from Clinton's Feb. 7 visit to an African-American church in the city touts her resolve to "fight for you in Flint no matter how long it takes." She has called the crisis "immoral" and says it never would have taken so long to resolve such a problem in a wealthy, predominantly white city.

Sanders vowed "never again" would a disaster like this occur if he is elected president. In a break from his large rallies, he listened to angry residents voice their frustrations and he pointed to Flint's aging underground pipes while pushing his $1 trillion infrastructure spending plan.

Political experts say Clinton's focus on Flint both before and since her loss in New Hampshire  including her assertion that racism is a factor  has helped shore up her standing with black voters.

"You can tell that from their perspective, it's a very important signal of affiliation with the African-American community nationally and in Michigan," said Matt Grossmann, director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University. "The fact that she consolidated that support despite a pretty aggressive outreach from the Sanders campaign and a change in focus by the Sanders campaign, too, suggests that the overall message  'I care about Flint'  is working."

GOP candidates, meanwhile, are mostly avoiding talk of Flint along with mention of Snyder, whose administration has come under heavy criticism for the disaster. Elevated lead levels in children can cause adverse health effects, developmental delays, and emotional and behavioral problems.

In the U.S. Senate, Republican Mike Lee of Utah said Friday that he was blocking a bipartisan bill to provide federal aid to Flint because Michigan had a budget surplus and doesn't need the money.

Republicans accuse Democrats of politicizing Flint for their own gains and oversimplifying how the fiasco happened. Clinton said on Super Tuesday that kids "were poisoned by toxic water because the governor wanted to save a little money" when the city was under state emergency financial management. Snyder, who has apologized for his mistakes and a lagging initial response, says there also were failures by local and federal officials.

Asked about Flint in Thursday's GOP debate in Detroit, Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio said "all of us are outraged by what happened" but added that Snyder "took responsibility."

"This should not be a partisan issue. The way the Democrats have tried to turn this into a partisan issue, that somehow Republicans woke up in the morning and decided, 'Oh, it's a good idea to poison some kids with lead,' it's absurd. It's outrageous. It isn't true," Rubio said to applause.

The state has committed $70 million in assistance, and Snyder is asking for at least $165 million more while Democrats seek a federal aid package, too. The second-term governor, who once considered a presidential run himself and has said he prefers a governor to be the Republican nominee, is not expected to endorse a candidate before the primary to stay focused on Flint residents, spokesman Ari Adler said.

When the last governor standing in the GOP field, Ohio's John Kasich, was questioned about Flint in a town hall event in East Lansing, he called for a re-examination of federal water regulations and said Snyder was probably "not even sleeping trying to get on top of the whole thing and fix it."

Mike Gooch, 57, a University of Michigan-Flint research assistant and Sanders supporter who lives near the city, cheered the decision to have a debate in Flint.

"Anything to pull a spotlight on Flint in helpful," he said. "Whether you look at it as exploitation or whether you look at it as elevating, it all depends on your perspective. I tend to think ... as long as that attention is elevated, we're going to get support. As soon as that goes away, the support goes with it."

___

Follow David Eggert on Twitter at http://twitter.com/DavidEggert00 . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/david-eggert
Tibetan delegates to China congress wear loyalty pins

BEIJING (AP)  Along with their traditional robes, Tibetan delegates to the annual meeting of China's ceremonial parliament are sporting unique lapel pins displaying their loyalty to the Beijing leadership at a time of simmering tensions in their Himalayan homeland.

New this year and not seen on any other group of delegates, one of the round, inch-wide (2.5 cm-wide) pins shows a Chinese flag and busts of five Chinese leaders, from revolutionary founding father Mao Zedong to current President Xi Jinping. The other shows a smiling Xi visiting with Tibetan people.

"We want to express our gratitude to the Communist Party leadership and State Council, so it's only natural we wear the pin of the leaders of five generations," Hongwei, one of the 18 delegates from the Tibetan Autonomous Region, told The Associated Press at Saturday's opening session of the National People's Congress.

A National People's Congress (NPC) delegate from Tibet wears pins depicting five current and former Chinese leaders, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, as he leaves the Great Hall of the People following the opening session of the NPC in Beijing, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Along with their traditional robes, Tibetan delegates to the annual meeting of Chinas ceremonial parliament are sporting unique lapel pins displaying their loyalty to the Beijing leadership at a time of simmering tensions in their Himalayan homeland. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

"There have been so many great changes in Tibet," said Hongwei, who like many Tibetans uses just one name. "If we don't thank the party leadership the State Council, if we don't thank the socialist system, who else should we thank?"

The State Council is China's Cabinet, headed by Premier Li Keqiang.

Images of Communist leaders are common in Tibet, which is under much tighter party control than the rest of Chinad due to a history of political volatility, and is generally off-limits to foreign journalists.

The remarks by Hongwei came days after U.S. government-backed Radio Free Asia reported the death of 18-year-old Buddhist monk Kalsang Wangdu after he set himself on fire Monday in the Tibetan area of Ganzi in the western Chinese province of Sichuan, which adjoins Tibet. The area also is known as Kardze in Tibetan. The monk reportedly called for Tibetan independence while he burned.

On Saturday, Yeshe Dawa, governor of Ganzi prefecture, denied the report.

"No, no, this is a false allegation," he said. "There is nothing, we are a peaceful area."

The International Campaign for Tibet says at least 144 Tibetans have self-immolated in China since early 2009 in protest of Beijing's rule. Some cases have been confirmed in China's state media, which depict them as acts of terror instigated by the Dalai Lama, the Tibetans' exiled spiritual leader. Authorities have vowed to punish the self-immolators, their family members and sympathizers.

Tensions in Tibet have occasionally flared into violence in the decades since communist troops entered the region in 1950. The Dalai Lama fled the regional capital of Lhasa in the wake of a failed uprising against Chinese rule nine years later. Although the Dalai Lama insists that he seeks only authentic autonomy for the region and Tibetans, Beijing accuses him of being a separatist.

To win over Tibetans, Beijing has poured more than $100 billion into the region to improve living standards and bring modernity. Critics, however, question whether the investments have truly benefited Tibetans or flowed mainly to Beijing and migrants from the majority Han ethnicity.

Violence broke out in Lhasa in 2008, and many Tibetan cities and towns remain under heavy security. Foreign journalists are barred from the region, apart from the rare tightly scripted reporting trip organized to showcase Tibet's development.

In his address to the congress' opening session, Li made no direct mention of Tibet, but said China would "stick to the Chinese way  the right way  of managing ethnic issues."

___

AP videojournalists Helene Franchineau and Isolda Morillo contributed to this report.

National People's Congress (NPC) delegates from Tibet wear pins depicting five current and former Chinese leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping as they arrive at the Great Hall of the People before the opening session of the NPC in Beijing, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Along with their traditional robes, Tibetan delegates to the annual meeting of Chinas ceremonial parliament are sporting unique lapel pins displaying their loyalty to the Beijing leadership at a time of simmering tensions in their Himalayan homeland. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

A National People's Congress (NPC) delegate from Tibet wears pins depicting five current and former Chinese leaders, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, as he leaves the Great Hall of the People following the opening session of the NPC in Beijing, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Along with their traditional robes, Tibetan delegates to the annual meeting of Chinas ceremonial parliament are sporting unique lapel pins displaying their loyalty to the Beijing leadership at a time of simmering tensions in their Himalayan homeland. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Governor asks Greece to declare state of emergency

IDOMENI, Greece (AP)  A regional governor called on the Greek government Saturday to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing where thousands of migrants are stranded due to border restrictions along the route toward western Europe.

Some 13,000-14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia. That means the area handles about 60 percent of the total number of migrants in the country.

"It's a huge humanitarian crisis. I have asked the government to declare the area in a state of emergency," Tzitzikostas said during a visit to Idomeni to distribute aid to the Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations. "This cannot continue for much longer."

Migrants wait on the Greek side of the border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

The neighboring former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia has stopped all but a trickle of Iraqi and Syrian refugees from crossing, following similar restrictions by countries further north on the migration route. The moves have caused a huge bottleneck in Greece, whose islands' proximity to the Turkish coast has made it the preferred entry point for refugees and other migrants seeking better lives in Europe.

Greek authorities said only 184 people crossed the border between 6 a.m. Friday and the same time Saturday morning, while another 100 crossed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

"The former Yugoslav republic needs to open immediately to borders and the European Union needs to implement severe action against the countries that are closing borders today, whether they are members of the European Union or candidate members," Tzitzikostas said. "This is unacceptable what they are doing."

The governor said the region needed the emergency measures  or alternatively for the law to be amended  so that regional authorities can obtain the necessary emergency supplies and food to support the refugees and improve their living conditions. He also called on the government to provide a comprehensive plan on how to handle the migration crisis.

The refugee camp at Idomeni has a capacity of about 2,000 and has dramatically overflowed, with new arrivals daily setting up small tents along the railway tracks next to the camp and spilling out into surrounding fields.

Hundreds of men, women and children arrive each day, walking more than 15 kilometers (about 10 miles) from a nearby gas station where an impromptu camp has been set up. Greek authorities have been trying to discourage more people from arriving because of the bottleneck, but many prefer to wait at the border than in other refugee camps set up nearby, in the hope of getting into the giant line waiting to cross.

As the impromptu camp in the fields has swelled, many of its residents have begun to settle in for the medium term, realizing they will be here for several days at the very least. Authorities set up more large tents Saturday to house the increasing number of arrivals.

One thing that has been in short supply is firewood, which the refugees use to ward off the nighttime cold and to cook in the fields. Many have been breaking branches off nearby trees, dragging them down the road to cut into smaller pieces to feed their campfires.

A tractor trailer that arrived with a large supply of wood was instantly mobbed, with refugees scrambling to grab logs before the driver could get to his delivery point.

The European Union and Turkey will hold a summit on Monday to discuss the refugee crisis which has severely strained relations among EU countries.

"We are expecting Turkey to start finally doing what it should be doing for months now and we also expect our European partners to start receiving refugees in their countries," the governor said. "There needs to be a proportional distribution between the countries."

It is the EU-Turkey summit that many in the camp are turning their attention to.

"On Monday there's a meeting. Let's hope it's a decision in our favor," said Mohammed Ousou, a Syrian Kurd sitting by a small tent in the field as its occupants, Syrian Kurds, played music and sang traditional Kurdish songs, to the delight of passers-by who stopped to clap.

"All of us are waiting for that day. Because here the situation is bad. Every day we are losing money just to stay alive" buying food and supplies, Ousou said. The lunchtime line for a sandwich and a piece of fruit is about two hours long.

"We have to keep moving," chimed in Adnan Khantek, one of the musicians. "With God's will, we will go."

___

Costas Kantouris in Thessaloniki contributed to this report.

Migrant mother holds her children waiting on the Greek side of the border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

A girl plays with a doll inside a passenger terminal which is used as a temporary shelter for refugees and migrants at the Athens' port of Piraeus, on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Greece says it will seek a "major enhancement" of international assistance to patrol its sea border with Turkey during a highly anticipated European leaders' summit next week on the migration crisis. (AP Photo/ Yorgos Karahalis)

Migrant man waits on the Greek side of the border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrant man waits on the Greek side of the border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

A woman peers from a container at the northern Greek border station of Idomeni, Saturday, March 5, 2016. The regional governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia called on the Greek government Saturday to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing saying that up to 14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, meaning the area was handling about 60 percent of the total number in the country. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Migrant mother with her child walks to registration and transit camp after entering Macedonia from Greece near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrant mother with her child walks to registration and transit camp after entering Macedonia from Greece near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Apostolos Tzitzikostas, the regional governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia, speaks to a migrant woman, at the northern Greek border station of Idomeni, Saturday, March 5, 2016. called on the Greek government Saturday to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing saying that up to 14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, meaning the area was handling about 60 percent of the total number in the country. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Syrian migrant family rests after crossing the Greek border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrant man holds a child waiting on the Greek side of the border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrants walk to registration and transit camp after entering Macedonia from Greece near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Member of Macedonian special police force shows directions to a Syrian migrant mother with her child, to registration and transit camp after entering Macedonia from Greece near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrant woman cries after she managed to cross the Greek border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrant women congratulate each other after they managed to cross the Greek border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrants walk to registration and transit camp after entering Macedonia from Greece near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrant woman in a wheelchair waits on the Greek side of the border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates.(AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Migrant woman holding a child waits on the Greek side of the border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Refugees and migrants line up as they wait for breakfast to be delivered to them at the Athens' port of Piraeus, on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Greece says it will seek a "major enhancement" of international assistance to patrol its sea border with Turkey during a highly anticipated European leaders' summit next week on the migration crisis. (AP Photo/ Yorgos Karahalis)

Migrant man holding a crying child as they wait on the Greek side of the border near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija, Saturday, March 5, 2016. At the moment, some 30,000 refugees and other migrants are stranded in Greece, with about 15,000 at the Idomeni border crossing to Macedonia, according to official estimates. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)

Refugees and migrants wait in line for breakfast to be delivered to them inside a passenger terminal which is used as a temporary shelter for refugees and migrants at the Athens' port of Piraeus, on Saturday, March 5, 2016. Greece says it will seek a "major enhancement" of international assistance to patrol its sea border with Turkey during a highly anticipated European leaders' summit next week on the migration crisis. (AP Photo/ Yorgos Karahalis)

A woman holds a baby, while waiting for food handouts, at the northern Greek border station of Idomeni, Saturday, March 5, 2016. The regional governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia called on the Greek government Saturday to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing saying that up to 14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, meaning the area was handling about 60 percent of the total number in the country. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A woman holds a baby, while waiting in a line for food handouts, at the northern Greek border station of Idomeni, Saturday, March 5, 2016. The regional governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia called on the Greek government Saturday to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing saying that up to 14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, meaning the area was handling about 60 percent of the total number in the country. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
US man says would be 'lucky' if part he found is from MH370

SEPANG, Malaysia (AP)  An American adventurer said Saturday that it would be a "very lucky discovery" if the piece of aircraft he found on a sandbank off the coast of Mozambique is confirmed to be from the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished two years ago.

Blaine Gibson, who said he's been searching for Flight 370 over the last year, flew to Malaysia to attend a commemorative ceremony to be held Sunday by families of the 239 people who were on board the plane to mark the second anniversary of its disappearance.

Speaking to The Associated Press upon his arrival at the airport outside of Kuala Lumpur, Gibson said that he had wanted no publicity about his Feb. 27 discovery until after the piece was assessed by investigators, but that news of the finding leaked.

American adventurer Blaine Gibson speaks to The Associated Press during an interview at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Gibson said Saturday that it would be a "very lucky discovery" if the piece of aircraft he found on a sandbank off the coast of Mozambique is confirmed to be from the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished two years ago. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul)

The 58-year-old lawyer from Seattle said he was cautious about the possibility that the part is from the missing Boeing 777 because three large jets had crashed in the area before.

"I'd say it was a very lucky discovery if it turns out to be from Malaysia 370," said Gibson, who was wearing a black T-shirt that read "MH370 Search On."

Even if the piece does not turn out to be from the jet that disappeared on March 8, 2014, Gibson said his discovery could still be useful, perhaps providing clues to another air disaster or raising the public's awareness that the mystery of Flight 370 still has not been solved.

Gibson said he hopes his finding will encourage more people in the area to comb beaches for clues and to hand over any items they think could be passenger belongings or plane debris to authorities to be assessed.

An ongoing search in the southern Indian Ocean has found no trace of the missing plane, though a wing part from the jet washed ashore on Reunion Island in the western Indian Ocean in July.

The new piece of debris is now in the hands of Mozambique civil aviation authorities and is expected to be sent to Australia this coming week to be examined. Australia is leading the search for the jet.

Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai has said there is a "high" probability that the part is from a Boeing 777. Flight 370 is the only missing 777.

Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester said the location of the debris matches investigators' drift modeling and would therefore confirm that search crews are looking in the right place for the main underwater wreckage.

Gibson said he didn't travel to Mozambique specifically to search for the plane. He said he loves traveling and picked Mozambique  the 177th country he has visited  because he had never been there before.

He arrived in Mozambique on Feb. 20 and spent his time sightseeing before deciding to look for possible plane debris a week later, when he hired a boat to go to the sandbank. He said the sandbank was suggested by a local tour guide because it was where fishermen would go to scour for ropes and other items that are washed in from the open sea.

Gibson said half an hour after they started searching the sandbank, the tour guide spotted the piece lying on top of the sand and quickly called him over.

"The odds are very, very small" of finding plane debris, Gibson said, adding that he has "combed a lot of beaches in the world and found absolutely nothing."

"I did not bring this public and wanted this to stay quiet until it was in the hands of investigators and they were able to make a determination, but the story got ahead of itself," he said.

Gibson said he started actively searching for the plane in the past year, taking him to beaches in the Maldives, Mauritius, Cambodia, Myanmar and the French island of Reunion.

He said he attended a service in Malaysia last year on the first anniversary of the plane's disappearance, and that his trip back here for the second anniversary was planned before his discovery of the plane part in Mozambique. He said he has been in touch with some relatives of Flight 370 passengers via Facebook.

Gibson said he has funded his search out of his own pocket and has not sought or received any money. He has no plans to write a book, saying his focus is on "finding clues and finding the plane."

What has driven Gibson's search for Flight 370? "The combination of two things: my love of travel, adventure and solving mysteries, together with a very deep concern for the families of all those on board are driving me in this search," he said.

Gibson said he has previously traveled to Siberia to investigate a meteor crash and Central America as a volunteer in archaeological expeditions to find out why the Mayan civilization collapsed.

American adventurer Blaine Gibson, center, waves as he arrives at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Gibson said Saturday that it would be a "very lucky discovery" if the piece of aircraft he found on a sandbank off the coast of Mozambique is confirmed to be from the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished two years ago. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul)

American adventurer Blaine Gibson speaks to The Associated Press during an interview at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Gibson said Saturday that it would be a "very lucky discovery" if the piece of aircraft he found on a sandbank off the coast of Mozambique is confirmed to be from the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished two years ago. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul)

American adventurer Blaine Gibson, right, speaks to The Associated Press during an interview at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang, Malaysia, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Gibson said Saturday that it would be a "very lucky discovery" if the piece of aircraft he found on a sandbank off the coast of Mozambique is confirmed to be from the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished two years ago. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul)
Seeds of GOP splinter in opposition to all things Obama

WASHINGTON (AP)  Republicans can blame their united stand against President Barack Obama for their party's splintering.

Conservatives' gut-level resistance to all things Obama  the man, his authority, his policies  gave birth to the tea party movement that powered the GOP to political success in multiple states and historic congressional majorities. Yet contained in the movement and its triumphs were the seeds of destruction, evident now in the party's fracture over presidential front-runner Donald Trump.

Obama's policies, from the ambitious 2010 law overhauling the health care system to moving unilaterally on immigration, roiled conservatives who decried his activist agenda and argued about constitutional overreach. "Quasi-socialist," says Tea Party Express.

FILE - In this March 23, 2010 file photo, President Barack Obama signs the health care bill in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Republicans can blame their united stand against President Barack Obama for the break-up of their party. Conservatives gut-level resistance to all things Obama, the man, his authority, his policies , gave birth to the tea party movement that powered the GOP to political success in multiple states and historic congressional majorities. Yet contained in the movement and triumphs were the seeds of destruction, evident now in the partys fracture over presidential front-runner Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Republicans rode that anger to majority control of the House in 2010 and an eye-popping net gain of 63 seats as voters elected tea partyers and political outsiders. Four years later, the GOP claimed the Senate, too.

For all the numbers, though, Republicans were unable to roll back Obama administration policies or defeat the Democratic president in 2012, further infuriating the GOP base.

Now the party of Abraham Lincoln is engaged in a civil war, pitting establishment Republicans frightened about a election rout in November against the unpredictable Trump, who has capitalized on voter animosity toward Washington and politicians.

"There would be no Donald Trump without Barack Obama," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. No fan of Trump, Graham argued that resentment of Obama plus his own party's attitude toward immigrants are responsible for the deep divide and the billionaire businessman's surge.

Mainstream Republicans are hard-pressed to figure out a way forward with Trump, who has pledged to build a wall on the Mexican border, bar Muslims from entering the United States and equivocated over former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke's support. The candidate has assembled a growing coalition of blue-collar workers, high-school educated and those craving a no-nonsense candidate.

"I think they are at a loss to try to reconcile this nihilist wing of the Republican Party with conservative principles," said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate.

The health care fight proves illustrative.

The disaffected Americans embracing Trump echo the angry voices that filled town halls in the summer of 2009 as fearful voters taunted lawmakers over efforts to overhaul health care. Obama and Democrats were undaunted, pushing ahead on a remake of the system despite unified Republican opposition.

In January 2010, thanks to tea party backing and conservative outrage, Republican Scott Brown won a special election in Massachusetts, claiming the seat that liberal Sen. Ted Kennedy had held for 47 years.

That sent people a message that "if you could win in blue Massachusetts, we could win in my state," said Sal Russo, co-founder and chief strategist of Tea Party Express. "That changed the movement from a protest movement to a political movement."

Three months later, in March 2010, Democrats rammed Obama's health reform through Congress as mobs of protesters chanted outside the Capitol. Not a single Republican backed it.

"Completely partisan," said Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo.

That November, the tea party propelled Republicans shouting repeal health care to victory, among them Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Rand Paul of Kentucky. They defeated establishment GOP candidates more likely to compromise in Washington. Dozens of other tea party candidates captured House seats; many were making their first foray in politics.

Losers in 2010 were some of the moderate and conservative Democrats who had backed the health care law.

Along with Obama's re-election in 2012 came another group of congressional tea partyers, including Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. The movement's strength ran headlong into Washington reality: Obama was president and Democrats still controlled the Senate. Efforts by Cruz and House conservatives to torpedo the health care law led to a partial, 16-day government shutdown in 2013.

Republicans triumphed a year later, capturing control of the Senate and knocking out some of the more moderate Democrats such as Louisiana's Mary Landrieu and Arkansas' Mark Pryor. In the House last year, they toppled House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, a victim of his pragmatism.

Expectations among uncompromising conservatives were sky-high. So was the disappointment. Obama's health care plan remained the law of the land.

"It definitely led to a wave in 2010 that gave us the majority, and then, what have we done since then," said Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla. "That's our responsibility to show what we have done since then, in spite of this president."

Trump has tapped into voter frustration even though he's not considered tea party. At the Conservative Political Action Conference on Friday, Jenny Beth Martin, co-founder of Tea Party Patriots, made clear that their man was Cruz.

Still, Republicans recognize the power of his candidacy and the ramifications.

"The American people are fed up," said Rep. Tom Marino, R-Pa., one of a handful of Trump backers in Congress, "and if elected officials don't realize it, we'll be out of jobs."

___

Associated Press writers Alan Fram, Matthew Daly and Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Feb. 23, 2016 file photo, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington. Republicans can blame their united stand against President Barack Obama for the break-up of their party. Conservatives gut-level resistance to all things Obama, the man, his authority, his policies , gave birth to the tea party movement that powered the GOP to political success in multiple states and historic congressional majorities. Yet contained in the movement and triumphs were the seeds of destruction, evident now in the partys fracture over presidential front-runner Donald Trump. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Family, friends of ex-FBI agent demand his release from Iran

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (AP)  The family and colleagues of a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission expressed anger and disappointment at a rally Saturday that he wasn't part of a January prisoner exchange with Tehran.

Several hundred people attended the rally for Robert Levinson, 67, who disappeared from Iran's Kish Island in March 2007. A 2013 Associated Press investigation revealed that the married father of seven was working for the CIA on an unauthorized intelligence-gathering mission to glean information about Iran's nuclear program.

If Levinson remains alive, he has been held captive longer than any American  longer than then-AP journalist Terry Anderson, who was held more than six years in Beirut in the 1980s. Unlike Anderson, Levinson's whereabouts and captors remain a mystery. U.S. officials believe the Iranian government was behind his disappearance. It has denied that.

FILE - In this March 6, 2012 file photo, an FBI poster showing a composite image of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, right, of how he would look like now, left, taken from the video, released by his captors in Washington during a news conference. The family of Levinson is holding a rally Saturday, March 5, 2016 demanding that the U.S. government keep pushing for his freedom. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

The case drew renewed attention in January when Levinson was not part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Iranian governments that freed four other Americans who had been in Iran's custody. Levinson's family insists he is still alive, even with health issues including diabetes, gout and high blood pressure. They last received video and photos of him about five years ago.

Stephanie Levinson Curry, his second-oldest child, said her autistic 9-year-old son Ryan cried for days when the other American captives were released, but not his grandfather.

The rally's stage was decorated with nine chained and padlocked glass cookie jars filled with yellow rocks, each one representing a day Levinson has been held captive. The crowd held yellow signs showing the social media hashtag "whataboutbob."

"Bob Levinson has been deprived of being a grandfather, a job that he would love so much," Curry said. "We worry all the time about what he is thinking while he is alone in his cell. Even prisoners in jail get to see their families, write them letters and call them. Bob Levinson has none of that."

Retired FBI agent Ellen Glasser harshly criticized the Obama administration for not demanding that Iran release Levinson or, at least, turn over information about his whereabouts. The FBI says it still investigates every lead and remains committed to finding Levinson. A $5 million reward for information leading to his whereabouts remains in effect.

"The failure to push publicly and hard for answers about Bob was an outrage," Glasser said. "A rare opportunity was squandered when we had the most possible leverage to bring him home. Despite many requests, no new pressure was put upon Iran to produce information on Bob's status."

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, told the crowd they should send messages to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, who is active on Twitter.

"It is unfair that Bob wasn't among the Americans who came home, but because of that, our fight continues," he said.

The 2013 AP investigation showed that in a breach of the most basic CIA rules, a team of analysts  with no authority to run spy operations  paid Levinson to gather intelligence from hotspots around the world, including the Middle East and Latin America.

The official story when Levinson disappeared was that he was in Iran on private business, either to investigate cigarette smuggling or to work on a book about Russian organized crime. Russia has a presence on Kish, a tourist island.

In fact, he was meeting a source, an American fugitive, Dawud Salahuddin. He is wanted for killing a former Iranian diplomat in Maryland in 1980. In interviews, Salahuddin has admitted killing the diplomat.

The CIA paid Levinson's family $2.5 million to pre-empt a revealing lawsuit, and the agency rewrote its rules restricting how analysts can work with outsiders. Three analysts who had been working with Levinson lost their jobs.

"What I wouldn't do to rewind nine years and beg my dad, 'Please don't go away,'" said a weeping Susan Levinson Booth, his oldest child, as her siblings gathered around her to close the rally.

She named her son, who was born after his disappearance, after him.

Robert Levinson's children from left, Samantha Levinson, Stephanie Curry, Susan Boothe, Sarah Moriarty, Dan Levinson, and Douglas Levinson during a rally for Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission, at the Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Fla., Saturday, March 5, 2016. The family and colleagues of Robert Levinson expressed anger and disappointment at the rally Saturday that he wasn't part of a January prisoner exchange with Tehran. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

Robert Levinson's sister, Judi Levinson cries during a rally for Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission, at the Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Fla., Saturday, March 5, 2016. The family and colleagues of Levinson expressed anger and disappointment at the rally Saturday that he wasn't part of a January prisoner exchange with Tehran. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT

Robert Levinson's wife Christine Levinson holds her grandson Bobby Boothe during a rally for Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission, at the Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Fla., Saturday, March 5, 2016. The family and colleagues of Levinson expressed anger and disappointment at the rally Saturday that he wasn't part of a January prisoner exchange with Tehran. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT
NYC jury to weigh whether shooting of gay man was hate crime

NEW YORK (AP)  When Elliot Morales was arrested for shooting a gay man in the head after taunting him on a street in Manhattan's Greenwich Village, he seemed like the archetype of an unrepentant bigot. Police recorded him laughing wildly as he described the killing.

"Diagnosis dead, doctor," he quipped.

A more complicated portrait has emerged in a bizarre trial that concluded Thursday. Morales, who represented himself, admits pulling the trigger but says he acted in self-defense and can't be guilty of a hate crime because he is bisexual. His star witness was a transgender woman who said she was his ex-lover.

In this Feb. 25, 2016 photo, Elliot Morales is seen during his hate crime murder trial in Manhattan criminal court. Morales, who represented himself, argued that he shot and killed Mark Carson, an unarmed gay man, in self-defense. The jury is expected to get the case on the week of March 7, 2016. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Jurors will begin deliberations Tuesday in the case against Morales, 36, who is charged with murder as a hate crime and weapons possession in the shooting death of Mark Carson on May 18, 2013.

The shooting happened a few blocks from the Stonewall Inn, the site of 1969 riots that helped give rise to the gay rights movement.

Carson, 32, and his roommate, Danny Robinson, were passing in front of a pizza parlor shortly after midnight when Morales, witnesses said, called out to the two men, uttering a slur and saying they looked like "gay wrestlers."

The two men confronted Morales, and he walked around a corner as they followed, witnesses testified. Morales pulled a revolver, shot Carson in the face at close range and then ran. He was arrested moments later.

The killing made headlines and spurred a rally, partly because it came amid a spate of anti-gay hate crimes during spring 2013.

Morales, who spent 11 years in prison for armed robbery, rejected four court-appointed attorneys before deciding to represent himself at his trial.

That gave rise to the spectacle of Morales, the killer, cross-examining Robinson  the grieving survivor.

During the courtroom confrontation, Morales blamed the two gay men for the conflict that led to the shooting. He suggested they should have ignored the taunts and walked away. Instead, the two men followed him around a corner.

"You could've avoided all of this from escalating to the level it did, had you and Mr. Carson just went along with your own business," Morales said to Robinson in court.

Robinson bowed his head and replied: "That is so offensive."

Later in the trial, Morales called to the stand a transgender woman given the pseudonym "Jane Smith," who was shielded from the jury. Smith testified that she had a sexual relationship with Morales for years and that he never displayed ill will toward gays.

"Absolutely not," she said. "Not that I recall."

Taking the stand in his own defense, Morales said he had been drinking heavily before the shooting. He acknowledged arguing with Carson and Robinson but denied using gay slurs. He said he pulled his gun because he was afraid.

"I thought he was going to take something out and shoot me with it," Morales testified. "I thought one or maybe both of them had a firearm. So I kind of raised the firearm and turned away and shot it at the same time."

Carson was unarmed.

Delivering his final statement to the jury Thursday, Morales wept, pausing to sip water and collect himself.

Assistant District Attorney Shannon Lucey argued in her summation that Morales had issues with his own sexuality and was jealous that Carson and Robinson were openly gay. Morales "has a lot of self-loathing issues," she said. "They're inside him and they came out when he saw Mark Carson and Danny Robinson be who they are in public."

New York's hate crime law doesn't say attackers need to be of a different ethnicity or sexuality than their victim.
Turkish PM visits Iran despite differences on Syria

TEHRAN, Iran (AP)  Iranian state TV says Turkey's prime minister has met with Iranian officials to discuss Syria, where the two nations back opposite sides in the five-year civil war.

Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu arrived Friday on a two-day visit, the first by a Turkish official since the lifting of sanctions under a landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers in January.

Davutoglu acknowledged on Saturday that Iran and Turkey differ on Syria, but said cooperation between the two was necessary to end the bloodshed there.

In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani, right, shakes hands with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu prior to their meeting, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, March 5, 2016. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)

Turkey is a leading backer of the rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad. Iran, along with Russia, has provided crucial support to his government.

Davutoglu said Turkey and Iran hope to expand their trade to $30 billion, triple the current amount.

In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, President Hassan Rouhani, right, meets with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu under portraits of the late Iranian revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, left, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at his office in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, March 5, 2016. An unidentified interpreter sits in background. (Iranian Presidency Office via AP)
Canadian leader Trudeau bringing star power to White House

TORONTO (AP)  Justin Trudeau, the new, young prime minister of Canada with movie-star looks, is bringing his star power to the White House.

The tall, dark-haired, 44-year-old scion of one of Canada's most famous politicians was sworn into office in November. Within weeks, President Barack Obama granted Trudeau one of the highest honors the U.S. reserves for close allies: a pomp-filled visit with plenty of time in private talks and in front of cameras with Obama, who remains popular in Canada.

Trudeau, accompanied by his wife, Sophie Gregoire, will be feted Thursday at a sparkly state dinner, the first of Obama's final year in office and the first for Canada since April 1997.

FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2015 file photo, President Barack Obama listens as Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a bilateral meeting in Manila, Philippines. Trudeau, the new, young prime minister of Canada with the movie-star looks, may pull off in just a few days what President Barack Obama has been unable to do in nearly eight years: break the fever in Washington. If only for one day. In office just a few months, Trudeau is bringing his star power to the White House later this week on his first official U.S. visit. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

"Obama was delighted that Trudeau got elected," said Nelson Wiseman, a University of Toronto political science professor, offering perspective on Trudeau's speedy invitation. "They're both liberals. They both like to talk the same kind of language."

Stephen Harper, Trudeau's predecessor, is a conservative who held office for nearly a decade. His relations with Obama were strained over various issues, most notably the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline that would have run from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. After years of U.S. government reviews, Obama killed the project last year.

Trudeau's election has ushered in a new era in Canada's politics that he and others hope will help strengthen relations with the U.S.

"I think we've seen the incredible excitement that Justin generated during his campaign in Canada," Obama said after their first meeting at a summit in the Philippines last fall. "We're confident that he's going to be able to provide a great boost of energy and reform to the Canadian political landscape. And we're looking forward very much to working with him."

Added Trudeau: "It's going to be a wonderful time of strengthening ties between our two countries both on the economic, on the security, on the engagement with the world and on the personal level."

Nik Nanos, a Canadian pollster, said more Americans have become interested in Canadian politics because of Trudeau.

"Not all Canadian prime ministers have star power. Justin Trudeau has star power," Nanos said.

Trudeau channels the charisma of his father, the late Pierre Trudeau, who often flashed his intelligence and wit. Trudeau aims to restore his father's legacy as leader of the Liberal Party, a record that was under siege during 10 years of Conservative rule under Harper.

Pierre Trudeau swept into power in 1968 on a wave of support dubbed "Trudeaumania" and, with a short interruption, served until 1984. He was often compared to John F. Kennedy and remains one of the few Canadian politicians who are recognized in America.

Justin Trudeau is a former teacher, nightclub bouncer and snowboard instructor who has three young children with his wife, a former model and TV host. The second-youngest prime minister in Canada's history, Trudeau's rivals made his youth an issue, but he came from behind to win a sweeping mandate.

He tapped into a desire for change among many Canadians with an unexpectedly popular campaign promise to spend billions on infrastructure in an effort to stimulate the slowing Canadian economy. He has cut taxes for the middle class and increased them for the wealthy. He delivered on a major campaign promise by taking in 25,000 Syrian refugees amid terrorism fears after the Paris attacks. He also pulled Canada's fighters from the U.S.-led mission against the Islamic State group but more than doubled the number of military trainers on the ground.

Trudeau has also signaled seriousness about climate change, and not just Canada's oil sector.

___

Superville reported from Washington.

___
Cruz, Trump each win 2; Democrats divide states too

WICHITA, Kansas (AP)  Ted Cruz and Donald Trump each captured two victories in Saturday's four-state round of voting, fresh evidence that there's no quick end in sight to the fractious Republican Party race for president.

On the Democratic side, Bernie Sanders won in Nebraska and Kansas, while front-runner Hillary Clinton took Louisiana, another divided verdict from the American people.

Cruz, a Texas senator, claimed Kansas and Maine, and declared it "a manifestation of a real shift in momentum."

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas waves to the crowd at the GOP caucus in Wichita, Kan., Saturday, March 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Trump, still the front-runner in the hunt for delegates, took Louisiana and Kentucky.

In the overall race for Republican delegates, Trump led with at least 375 and Cruz had at least 291. Rubio had 123 delegates and Kasich had 33. It takes 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination for president.

Clinton had at least 1,117 delegates to Sanders' 477, including superdelegates  members of Congress, governors and party officials who can support the candidate of their choice. It takes 2,383 delegates to win the Democratic nomination. There were 109 at stake on Saturday.

Cruz, a favorite of the ultraconservative tea party movement, attributed his strong showing to conservatives coalescing behind his candidacy, calling it a "manifestation of a real shift in momentum."

With the Republican race in chaos, establishment figures frantically are looking for any way to derail Trump, perhaps at a contested convention if no candidate can get enough delegates to lock up the nomination in advance. Party leaders  including 2012 nominee Mitt Romney and 2008 nominee Sen. John McCain  are fearful a Trump victory would lead to a disastrous November election, with losses up and down the Republican ticket.

"Everyone's trying to figure out how to stop Trump," the billionaire marveled at an afternoon rally in Orlando, Florida, where he had supporters raise their hands and swear to vote for him.

Despite the support of many elected officials in Kansas, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio came up short, raising serious questions about his viability in the race. Cruz suggested it was time for some Republican candidates to quit the race.

In Maine, Cruz won by a comfortable margin over Trump.

On the Democratic side, meanwhile, Sanders won by a solid margin in Nebraska and Kansas officials said he'd won the state caucuses, giving him seven victories so far in the nominating season. Clinton, who's been doing well with African-American voters, had an easy win in Louisiana.

Clinton hoped that strong support among African-Americans in Louisiana would propel her to victory. Vermonter Sanders, trailing far behind Clinton in the delegate count, had higher hopes of making progress in Nebraska and Kansas, where the Democratic electorate is less diverse.

With Republican front-runner Trump yet to win states by the margins he'll need in order to secure the nomination before the Republican convention, every one of the 155 Republican delegates at stake on Saturday was worth fighting for.

It was anger that propelled many of Trump's voters to the polls. "It's my opportunity to revolt," said Betty Nixon, a 60-year-old Trump voter in Olathe, Kansas. She said she liked the businessman because "he's not bought and paid for."

Overall, Trump had prevailed in 10 of 15 contests heading into Saturday's voting. Rubio had one win in Minnesota.

Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich both pinned their hopes on winner-take-all contests on March 15 in their home states.

___

Benac reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Bill Barrow in Jacksonville, Florida; David Eggert in Warren, Michigan; Catherine Lucey in Detroit; Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; John Hanna in Olathe, Kansas, and John Flesher in Traverse City, Michigan, contributed to this report.

___

Follow Nancy Benac on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nbenac

Supporters cheer for republican presidential candidate Donald Trump while he speaks during a campaign rally, Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton meets with The Rev. Kenneth J. Flowers of the Greater New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church before meeting with African American ministers, Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign stop, Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Wichita, Kan., (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. pauses while addressing the American Conservative Union's Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Md., Saturday, March 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a rally at Grand Valley State University Field House Arena, Friday, March 4, 2016, in Allendale, Mich. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to the crowd asking them to take a pledge to promise to vote for him during a campaign rally, Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Voters walk to a Republican caucus, Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. A large turnout forced some voters to park more than a half-mile away from the Kennebec County caucus location at the Chelsea Elementary School. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Maine voter Michael Hein holds a sign expressing his desire to see Maine Gov. Paul LePage chosen to run as a vice presidential nominee with Donald Trump in the presidential election, at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A voter casts her secret ballot at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Curtis Ayotte, former chairman of the Kennebec County Republican Party, directs an overflow crowd waiting to get in to cast their votes at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

An overflow crowd waits to get into the gymnasium at the Chelsea Elementary school to cast their votes at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A man interrupts a speech by Gov. Paul LePage at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

An overflow crowd waits to get in to cast their votes at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Maine voter Michael Hein holds a sign expressing his desire to see Maine Gov. Paul LePage chosen to run as a vice presidential nominee with Donald Trump in the presidential election, at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Curtis Ayotte, former chairman of the Kennebec County Republican Party, directs an overflow crowd waiting to get in to cast their votes at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

A voter casts her secret ballot at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Voters walk to a Republican caucus, Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. A large turnout forced some voters to park more than a half-mile away from the Kennebec County caucus location at the Chelsea Elementary School. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

An overflow crowd waits to get into the gymnasium at the Chelsea Elementary school to cast their votes at a Republican caucus Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Chelsea, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
Tom Hanks to help dedicate college's renovated movie center

DAYTON, Ohio (AP)  An Ohio university says actor and filmmaker Tom Hanks will help dedicate the school's newly renovated motion pictures center.

Wright State University says Hanks also will participate in an invitation-only gala to raise funds for the Tom Hanks Scholarship and Visiting Artist Program. Hanks is a national co-chair of a $150 million fundraising campaign for the school near Dayton.

Hanks will appear at several private events in addition to the April 19 dedication and gala. He'll meet with theater, dance and motion picture students.

FILE - In this Jan. 4, 2014 file photo, Tom Hanks arrives at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala in Palm Springs, Calif. Wright State University says Hanks also will participate in an invitation-only gala to raise funds for the Tom Hanks Scholarship and Visiting Artist Program. Hanks is a national co-chair of a major fundraising campaign for the school near Dayton. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

The Oscar-winning star of "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump" is not an alumnus of Wright State, but he has long ties to the school and a connection with its teachers and alumni.
Educators update anti-bullying messages to protect Muslims

MERIDEN, Conn. (AP)  In response to a surge in reports of anti-Muslim bullying  students being called terrorists, having their head scarves ripped off and facing bias even from teachers  schools are expanding on efforts deployed in the past to help protect gays, racial minorities and other marginalized groups.

Civil rights organizations and other advocates have been working more closely with schools since the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, stirred a new backlash that led the U.S. Justice Department and U.S. Education Department to urge vigilance on the bullying of Muslims.

While stressing that students have rights under the law, and that offenses should be reported, speakers at schools and mosques have also discussed how to create an inclusive culture, how Muslims are scapegoated for attacks and how non-Muslims can be allies to their peers.

In this Feb. 27, 2016 photo, a sign inscribed "Love for all, hatred for none" stands outside the Baitul Aman mosque where the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worships in Meriden, Conn. The office of the U.S. attorney for Connecticut held an anti-bullying forum in December 2015 for children at the mosque, which had been fired upon three weeks earlier in a shooting that was prosecuted as a federal hate crime. (AP Photo/Michael Melia)

"Muslim kids get bulled, gay kids get bullied because other kids are uncomfortable with them, and they show it," said Bill Howe, a multicultural education specialist who spoke at an anti-bullying forum in December for children at Meriden's Baitul Aman mosque. "That causes Muslim students to retreat, to be more isolated. They need to develop critical social skills so they can build relationships."

One mother who attended the forum, put on by the office of the U.S. attorney for Connecticut, said she was relieved to learn help is available.

Shazia Choudry's 13-year-old daughter, Maria, transferred recently from a public school after students repeatedly grabbed away her head scarf, but became frightened one day in January at her private Roman Catholic school when seventh-grade classmates peppered her, the only Muslim student, with questions about the Paris attacks.

"They were saying 'Did you hear about this before the terror attack?' And I was like, 'No I didn't,'" Maria said.

Saleha Qureshi, a member of the mosque, said that in the past several months, her son has been called a racial slur and a "terrorist" by his eighth-grade classmates at a public middle school.

Her son has grown anxious, she said, but does not want her to take matters to the principal. She checks up on him daily, letting him vent to her, but she's not sure what more she ought to do.

"I'm just hoping things will change for him," Qureshi said.

The Anti-Defamation League updated its anti-bias training activities after the Paris attacks to incorporate Islam.

One lesson plan tailored for junior and senior high school students has them discuss ways in which Muslims and Syrian refugees are being scapegoated as a result of the attacks. Another encourages students to discuss connections between stereotypes about Muslim people and acts of bigotry, as well as ways they can support Muslims.

Education officials in most of the ADL's 27 U.S. regional offices have been reporting anti-Muslim incidents, and schools have been requesting materials to help deal with the bullying, said Jinnie Spiegler, the organization's curriculum director. Among other efforts, the agency participated in a town hall meeting at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, where officials said some Muslim students were being called names.

The town hall followed others at the school on topics such as Black Lives Matter, said Andrea Lamphier, a sponsor for the school's Muslim students club. Afterward, she said, a petition drive gathered signatures from more than a third of the student body on a letter criticizing Gov. Larry Hogan for saying the state would not welcome Syrian refugees.

While schools generally do not keep statistics on motivations for bullying, a survey of 600 Muslim students in California by the Council on American-Islamic Relations found in October, even before the latest attacks, that 55 percent reported facing religion-based bullying  a rate twice as high as the national average of students who report being bullied at school. Officials with the group say bullying reports spiked in recent months.

Parents say that incidents often go unreported, particularly among older students, and that many families address the problem by changing schools or home-schooling.

Left unchecked, advocates warn, bullying and harassment can make students feel disconnected from school and hurt their academic performance.

Donna Clark Love, a bullying prevention trainer in Houston, said schools traditionally brought her in for issues affecting students who or gay or have distinguishing physical traits, such as obesity. More recently, anti-Muslim bullying has emerged as another top concern. All result from a lack of acceptance, she said, and she addresses them the same way, by teaching children to have respectful conversations.

In some cases, teachers have taken it on themselves to hold discussions on anti-Muslim bias. Kate Sundeen, a chemistry teacher at the Academy at Palumbo magnet school in Philadelphia, helped to set up a discussion in January that was modeled on a town hall on the Black Lives Matter movement. A panel of a dozen students spoke about their experiences after the Paris attacks, including being accosted by adults in public and harassed over headscarves.

"It was heartbreaking but important and really brave of them to share these experiences," Sundeen said.

___

This story has been corrected to show the name of the bullying prevention trainer in Houston is Donna Clark Love, not Donna Clarke Love.

HOLD FOR STORY MOVING MARCH 5 BY MICHAEL MELIA -- chief photographer dave zajac ok'ed MBO / sikes -- FILE - In this Monday, Nov. 16, 2015 photo, evidence cards sit in the yard of a house near the Baitul Aman mosque in Meriden, Conn., where police and the FBI were investigating reports of multiple gunshots fired at the mosque. The shooting was prosecuted as a federal hate crime. The office of the U.S. attorney for Connecticut held an anti-bullying forum three weeks after the shooting for children at the mosque. (Bryan Lipiner/Record-Journal via AP, File) MANDATORY CREDIT
Pine Ridge company expanding line of buffalo-meat bars to 16

KYLE, S.D. (AP)  A company based on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation that makes buffalo-meat-and-cranberry bars is expanding its line of products to 16.

Native American Natural Foods, headquartered in the reservation community of Kyle, produces Tanka Bars and other buffalo-based snacks. KOTA-TV (http://bit.ly/1Yfi99T ) reports the expanded line of Tanka products will include a trail in flavors such as blueberry almond, mango pepper and coconut almond.

The station reports the company will unveil the products next week at the Natural Products Expo West in California.

The Tanka Bar line will also be expanded to include jalapeno and teriyaki flavors. The high-protein bars are based on the traditional Lakota food called wasna.

The products are sold online and in stores on and off reservations in the Dakotas and across the country.

___
Noted French cardinal at center of priest pedophilia case

PARIS (AP)  One of France's best-known cardinals must defend charges that he failed to denounce a priest allowed to keep his job despite admitting to acts of pedophilia.

The Conference of Bishops of France said on Saturday that there would be "complete cooperation" by Cardinal Philippe Barbarin.

Barbarin and five others were handed preliminary charges last week by the Lyon prosecutor's office for failure to denounce a crime and endangering others over a case that dated to 1991  before Barbarin was named cardinal of Lyon. He has said he was convinced the priest had reformed in 2007-2008, when they met, and allowed him to stay on. The priest was removed last year after victims, now adults, stepped forward.
Refugee shot by Utah police came with family for new life

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  A 17-year-old Somali refugee critically wounded in a high-profile police shooting in Utah fled to the U.S. from a refugee camp where food was scarce, scorpions scurried everywhere and a toilet was a hole in the ground.

Abdi Mohamed's family settled in Salt Lake City, hoping for a better life.

But things took a turn and he began to get in trouble with police after his beloved grandfather suffered a brain injury in a car accident, his cousin Muslima Weledi said.

Abdi Mohamed's cousin Muslima Weledi holds a photograph of him during a interview Thursday, March 3, 2016, Salt Lake City. Mohamed, a 17-year-old Somali refugee critically wounded in a high-profile police shooting in Utah fled to the U.S. from a refugee camp where food was scare, scorpions scurried everywhere and a toilet was a hole in the ground. Mohameds family settled in Salt Lake City, hoping for a better life. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

She remembered the family's hopeful journey from a makeshift home with sand walls at a refugee camp in Kenya to Utah where the teenager is now hospitalized  and at the center of the latest flashpoint in the nation's discussion about police use of force against minorities. Police have said that Mohamed was shot when he would not obey commands to drop a metal stick being used to beat a man.

It was near-constant violence in Somali that drove the family to flee to the refugee camp, Weledi said. There, they lived in homes with a single bed, cracking sand walls and metal roofs that would fly off with the wind, she said.

"You're pretty much fighting for survival," Weledi said. "We actually came to America to have better life."

The families arrived in Salt Lake City In 2004 when she was 5 and Mohamed was 6. There she saw grass and snow for the first time.

"It was better, because we had water, we had food, we had electricity. We actually had light in the house," she said.

While the young cousins picked up English within a few years, learning a new, written language was more difficult for their parents and making ends meet was sometimes tough. Mohamed's family briefly stayed at a Salt Lake City homeless shelter when money was tight, Weledi said.

In a city that's home to the headquarters for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their Muslim faith stood out. Weledi remembers classmates staring at her when the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks came up in school.

"They look at us like they're disappointed," she said. "I am Muslim, and I know what we're practicing. It's peace."

The family joined a relatively large refugee population in Salt Lake City, where a healthy economy and Mormon church outreach programs can make it easier for people fleeing war-torn countries to find jobs and transition into life in the U.S.

The cousins made friends, and when they were old enough to work, they helped send money to family back in Africa.

Mohamed's life took a detour after the accident left his grandfather, who was a father figure, unable to remember his grandchildren, Weledi said.

Mohamed started getting in trouble with police at the age of 12, according to court records. He spent time in juvenile detention centers for theft, trespass, and assault, most recently in September.

None of that prepared his family for the news that he'd been shot twice by police.

Police say Mohamed and a second person were beating a man with metal sticks when officers intervened Feb. 27. The officers fired after Mohamed moved menacingly toward the beaten man instead of immediately obeying a command to drop the stick, police said.

But Weledi said she's heard a different version from friends who were at the scene. She said that the man said something that started an argument, and the two were preparing to fight with halves of a broomstick that Mohamed broke when police arrived.

Her cousin's friend Selam Mohammad has said she called his name at the same time the officer shouted for him to drop the stick, so he didn't hear the command.

The shooting touched off unrest in the bustling downtown area not far from the arena where the NBA's Utah Jazz play. The public outcry continued as police refused to release the video until the investigation into the shooting is complete.

Authorities say the video must be viewed in context with other evidence. However, critics point to cases where footage has been released sooner and say the decision highlights inconsistency in how cases are handled.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said in a statement Thursday that releasing the video too early could complicate or compromise his investigation into whether the shooting was justified.

"This investigation  like all officer-involved shooting investigations  is too important to run that risk," Gill said. His investigation could take weeks or months.

But as Mohamed's family waits to see if he'll pull out of a coma, Weledi says the family should know more.

"I think his mom at least deserves to see what actually happened. We're hearing 1,000 different stories," she said. "My cousin had a broomstick and they shot him."

Abdi Mohameds cousin Muslima Weledi talks during a interview Thursday, March 3, 2016, Salt Lake City. Mohamed, a 17-year-old Somali refugee critically wounded in a high-profile police shooting in Utah fled to the U.S. from a refugee camp where food was scare, scorpions scurried everywhere and a toilet was a hole in the ground. Mohameds family settled in Salt Lake City, hoping for a better life. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Abdi Mohameds cousin Muslima Weledi talks during a interview Thursday, March 3, 2016, Salt Lake City. Mohamed, a 17-year-old Somali refugee critically wounded in a high-profile police shooting in Utah fled to the U.S. from a refugee camp where food was scare, scorpions scurried everywhere and a toilet was a hole in the ground. Mohameds family settled in Salt Lake City, hoping for a better life. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Dunblane survivors tell of battle to 'power on' with life

Survivors and relatives of the victims of the Dunblane massacre are trying to "power on" with life as the 20th anniversary of the tragedy approaches.

Some of those caught up in the shooting have spoken about it for the first time in a documentary, and said they are determined to be defined by what they do in life rather than what happened to them.

Amy Hutchison was part of the primary one class that was targeted by Thomas Hamilton in the gym hall of Dunblane Primary School on March 13, 1996.

The Dunblane Memorial Garden was created to remember those who died in the tragedy almost 20 years ago

He killed 16 young pupils and their teacher Gwen Mayor before turning the gun on himself.

Dunb lane: Our Story, to be screened by the BBC days before the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, hears from 25-year-old survivor Ms Hutchison as well as head teacher Ron Taylor and the family of some of the victims.

Ms Hutchison was shot in the leg and treated in hospital for six weeks.

She said : "As a child the anger was not there, but looking back now I think 'why?' Why my class, why my school, why my town? Why?

"I don't remember the pain of being shot, I don't remember the noises or sounds, I just remember my leg turning to jelly and falling to the floor and then dragging myself to the gym cupboard where there was other people."

D octors had suggested skin grafts on her left leg in later life to cover scarring caused by the gunshots, but she said: "To me that wasn't an option - these are my scars, they're on my body, it's my story, so I'm not going to hide them. I'm not ashamed of them."

Mr Taylor said the "unimaginable" images from the day still live with him.

He told the documentary: " I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was unimaginably horrible to see children dying in front of you.

"Seeing the staff tending to the injured, seeing the bodies of those who had died - in that moment the enormity of the event hit me. That moment has never left."

To help him cope, Mr Taylor wrote down his memories of the day and stored them in a box in his house - but he has never opened it.

He added: "This event was so unprecedented and so huge with so many implications for so many people that we really must mark this important anniversary.

"It's very difficult for the community and many people might not agree with me, but it's hugely important to help as best we can those who survived and support those who lost."

Alison Ross, the teenage sister of victim Joanna Ross, said it is hard to cope at times but she wants people to see the positive life in Dunblane today.

"It looms over us all I think and it gets a bit hard to accept," she said.

"Even something as simple as her brushing my hair for me - it just isn't there. It always makes me wonder the relationship we could of had. It's just not available now, it's not there at all."

She added: "It needs to be remembered so that everyone's aware that we are still here, we are still getting on with our lives and we didn't just fade into the background either. We still had to power on and push on with our lives and it's important that everyone knows we're doing it, and doing it well."

:: Dunblane: Our Story will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC One Scotland at 9pm on Wednesday.
Andy Murray ready for 'extremely tough' Davis Cup clash with Kei Nishikori

A ndy Murray faces one of the biggest tests of his Davis Cup career if he is to complete the clean sweep once again and guide Great Britain to victory over Japan.

Two thirds of the job is done after Murray followed his swift win over Taro Daniel on Friday by teaming up with brother Jamie for a 6-3 6-2 6-4 triumph over outclassed Yoshihito Nishioka and Yasutaka Uchiyama in the doubles.

That gave Britain a 2-1 lead at Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena, and victory for Murray on Sunday over Kei Nishikori would clinch the tie for the defending champions.

Jamie and Andy Murray won the doubles to put Britain's Davis Cup team 2-1 ahead of Japan

But world number six Nishikori is the highest-ranked player Murray has ever faced in Davis Cup and is likely to present a stern challenge.

They have played six times before with Murray winning five, but Nishikori's only victory came on a similar indoor surface at the World Tour Finals in London in 2014.

Murray said: "I played well against him last year. I played him a couple of times. He's ranked six in the world, so he's one of the best.

"It's obviously going to be extremely tough, but I'm playing well and hopefully I can play a good one (on Sunday) and try and seal the win."

Murray took a month-long break from competitive tennis prior to the tie to spend time with new baby daughter Sophia and had not been sure how he would perform.

But the world number two did more than enough in his singles and then stepped it up in the doubles, with his serve working particularly well in both matches.

Andy and Jamie have now won four doubles rubbers in a row in Davis Cup, but this was a different prospect to the previous ones as they were huge favourites at the start and were never remotely troubled.

Nishioka and Uchiyama are both outside the top 100 in singles and doubles and did not force a single break point in the match.

Twenty-year-old Nishioka said: "We got so much pressure from Andy. When he was returning, we didn't know how to take the points from him."

As expected, Britain made a change to their nominated team, with Andy replacing Dom Inglot after suffering no ill effects from his clash with Daniel.

The impression on Friday had been that Nishikori would also step in but instead he had a watching brief as Japan opted to keep him fresh for Sunday.

Murray does not expect their different roles to impact either negatively, saying: " For me, it probably helps because I haven't played for five weeks.

"Kei has played in Memphis and Acapulco, so he's played a bunch the last few weeks

"It helps me just to get my eye in a little bit on returns and get a bit more confidence in my serve, which went extremely well (on Saturday). Hopefully I can do the same again (on Sunday)."

Japan captain Minuro Ueda did not make a final decision on his team until their practice session a couple of hours before the match and is hoping it will prove the right one.

He said: "Having done the practice, we thought this pair was better prepared. We did think winning the doubles was quite difficult for us.

"I have a feeling that Kei and Andy's match is everything. Although Andy is higher in the rankings, I feel the indoor surface gives Kei more of a chance. "

Should Nishikori pull off the upset, the tie would come down to a fifth rubber between Dan Evans and Daniel.

Evans is ranked 70 places lower at 157 but has won two of their previous three matches, including coming from 5-0 down in the final set to win at a Challenger event in Vancouver last summer.

Captain Leon Smith said: "The good thing is that his game is in a good place and it's always good when you have two cracks at it.
George Osborne pressed for guarantee to avoid pensions tax relief changes

George Osborne has been urged to give savers a guarantee that there will be no changes to pensions tax relief until at least 2020.

The Chancellor abandoned plans for a raid on tax relief in this month's budget following stark warnings from experts and resistance from Tory MPs.

But analysts fear the Chancellor has only postponed the changes and called for a period of stability before any further reforms are made.

The Chancellor had been reportedly considering unveiling plans to make pensions more like Isas in the Budget on March 16

The Chancellor had been reportedly considering unveiling plans to make pensions more like Isas in the Budget on March 16.

He was also thought to be looking at an alternative option of setting a flat rate of tax relief - something which many Tories feared would have been unpopular with higher earners who would lose their more generous entitlement.

An Isa-style system would have removed the up-front tax relief on contributions, but allowed withdrawals to be made tax-free instead.

But doing so would have reduced the incentive to save and could have meant people felt less inclined to keep their money in their pot.

A Treasury source confirmed Mr Osborne had ditched the idea of making changes because he had "always been clear he would not do anything to damage saving".

The proposals had also faced resistance from Tory MPs and It is understood that there will not now be changes to pension tax relief in the Budget.

The pension system has already undergone a huge series of shake-ups in recent years, with the introduction of automatic enrolment into workplace pensions in 2012, and the pension freedoms launched in 2015 which allow people aged 55 and over to take their savings pots how they wish, rather than being required to buy an annuity retirement income.

Former pensions minister Steve Webb welcomed the Chancellor's decision but called on him to guarantee there would be no changes on tax relief until at least 2020.

The Liberal Democrat, now director of policy for Royal London, said he backed a fair flat rate but now was not the time for further upheaval.

He told the BBC: "There is a case for reform, for giving everybody the same generous rate of relief.

"One of the worries was that the Chancellor wouldn't just take the existing pot and just reallocate it but he would take billions out - there really are tens of billions of pounds at stake in tax relief.

"Given that we are actually not saving enough, we need more help to save for our pensions, one of the big fears was that this would all be about the hole in the budget not about promoting long-term saving."

He added: "My plea to the Chancellor would be, on Budget day, tell us you are leaving it alone at least for a parliament so people can actually plan for the long term."

Association of British Insurers (ABI) director general Huw Evans said: "We welcome the Chancellor's sensible decision not to proceed with a Pension Isa.

"Although we argued for a 'savers' bonus' flat rate reform, the current system works well with auto enrolment and delivers valuable incentives to save for retirement.

"We now need a period of stability to ensure confidence can grow and the benefits of auto enrolment can be realised.

"There is still much to be done to help people understand pension tax incentives and we must all focus our efforts on raising awareness and using better language so tax relief does its job in encouraging people to save more for their retirement."

Richard Parkin, head of pensions at investment firm Fidelity International, said: "The threat of radical change to pension tax relief appears to have receded for now but the problems identified in the Chancellor's review and the subsequent national debate remain.

"We expect this is action postponed rather than action abandoned.

"We should use this time to have a fuller and less hurried debate of how best to support long term pension saving. We already have changes coming into effect for higher earners in April that are causing significant disruption and we urge the Chancellor not to fiddle with the system further.

"If we are to make changes then let us do that in a considered and orderly way rather than continuing the tinkering that adds complexity and undermines public confidence in the pension system.

"We would still urge consumers to make the most of the current system while it is still in place - this is a postponement and not a cancellation of change."

Tom McPhail, head of retirement policy at Hargreaves Lansdown said: "There were two front-runners for fundamental reform: a pension Isa or a flat rate scheme.

"The Chancellor is believed to favour the Pension Isa but the idea met with widespread resistance from employers, investors and the pensions industry.

"By contrast, the flat rate scheme would be more workable but perhaps wouldn't have met the Chancellor's ambition for truly radical reform.

"With uncertainties over auto-enrolment and the EU referendum, it appears the Chancellor has decided to put his plans on hold.

"Investors should look on this as no more than a stay of execution though; with the amount of money involved, it would be optimistic to expect that the Chancellor will just leave pension tax relief untouched for the rest of this parliament."

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell accused Mr Osborne of "yet again ducking a big decision and putting the interests of his party ahead of those of our country".

He said: "The Government looks almost at times like it is in stasis because of splits in the Tory party and this sort of dithering only further highlights how the Tories are holding us back.

"The big test for this Budget is whether it can start to lay the secure foundations for the economy of the future. This decision suggests George Osborne is only interested in securing the future leadership of his party."

Lib Dem Treasury spokeswoman Baroness Kramer said: "Reports that George Osborne has dropped his dangerous pensions Isa programme are welcome, but if he decides to do nothing it will mean that lower income savers will continue to get a bad deal.

"If the Chancellor was the great reformer he claims to be, he would be looking to implement a new flat rate relief scheme at 33% to encourage lower income savers and restore fairness to the system.
Parents urged to monitor post to foil extremist predators

Parents should keep a check on post delivered to their children to help keep them safe from online predators, it has been suggested.

There are considerable risks to youngsters using the internet, and young people need to understand the dangers, according to Kamal Hanif, executive head of Waverley School in Birmingham.

Individuals attempting to groom youngsters online could send expensive gifts to encourage the child to keep in contact, he said.

Extremists trying to recruit youngsters online may also use the regular post to maintain contact, a conference was told

Speaking at a session on keeping children safe from radicalisation and extremism at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) annual conference, Mr Hanif also said that his school asks mothers and fathers to provide details of their holiday plans if they are taking children out of school in term time, and warns they may share the information if they think the youngster is at risk.

"There's considerable online harm, considerable risks there. It's making young people understand what those are," he said.

"It's very simply grooming, it doesn't matter whether it's radicalisation or sexual grooming, they use the same tactics. They'll ask young people to send through pictures, say 'you've got nice eyes, you've got nice hair'. They might try and prey on vulnerability as well, ask 'is mum or dad around?'"

If a child's father is not around, they may try to act as a father figure, Mr Hanif said, adding: "If they can't afford this they'll start sending through gifts or money or phones etc to keep that communication going and keeping it private."

He said he had told parents to be aware of what arrives through the door.

"I've come across a number of parents who said 'well actually, I just thought it was my child buying something off eBay',", the headteacher said.

"As one parent realised, 'there's really expensive stuff coming through and we can't afford that so how is my daughter managed to get it?' Looking into it further it was someone trying to groom her online."

"It's making parents aware, it's monitoring those sort of simple things that they can do at home as well as in school."

Mr Hanif also said that his school has "very robust procedures" in place for children travelling abroad.

"So if parents want to take a child away on holiday we've created forms where we ask where they're going to, who the contact details are of any relatives over here should there be an issue, contacts of where they're going to, where they'll be staying, is there are contact person there, and we will check all of that out.

"We also make it clear that should they be travelling to anywhere that there's government advice to say it's an area of risk, then parents will be invited in and that we will have discussions with external agencies. All of our parents are very aware that we have those procedures in place. So it's not just a case of 'I need some leave' or 'I'm taking a child away on holiday during term time'. The school will be following it up and may be talking to external agencies."

The Government has announced a series of reforms in recent months designed to tackle extremism and keep children safe.

Earlier this year, ministers said that schools are be told to set filters and monitor pupils' internet access, amid growing concerns that some youngsters are at risk of being targeted by extremist groups, and a number of high-profile cases involving schoolchildren travelling, or attempting to travel, to Syria.

Ministers said that, in some cases, young people had been able to access information about self-proclaimed Islamic State, otherwise known as Daesh, and foreign fighters through school computers.
Boris Johnson condemns suspension of business leader over EU comments

Boris Johnson has condemned one of the UK's biggest business groups after it suspended its director general for suggesting the UK could have a brighter future outside the European Union.

The London mayor claimed that British Chambers of Commerce leader John Longworth had become a victim of "Project Fear" - the label used by Brexit campaigners to criticise the tactics used by David Cameron and his allies backing a Remain vote.

His comments came as Justice Secretary Michael Gove warned that the UK's membership of the EU could make the country less safe.

Boris Johnson said it was scandalous that John Longworth had been suspended by the British Chambers of Commerce

Mr Johnson, who is a prominent Brexit backer, said the BCC's decision was "scandalous" and claimed Mr Longworth had been "crushed" by the "agents" of Project Fear.

Number 10 strenuously denied involvement in Mr Longworth's suspension.

The BCC is remaining neutral in the referendum campaign and Mr Longworth stressed he was giving his personal opinion as he used his keynote speech at the organisation's conference on Thursday to say the UK might be better off outside the EU.

Mr Johnson said: "It is absolutely scandalous that John Longworth has been forced to step aside.

"This is a man who reached the conclusion - after long reflection and a lifetime's experience of business - that it would be better to vote Leave.

"His verdict reflects the reality - that the EU has changed out of all recognition from the Common Market that this country joined.

"He speaks for the many small and medium sized businesses - the lifeblood of the economy - who cannot understand why they should comply with more and more regulation, over which this country has no democratic control.

"Only 5% cent of UK firms do business with the rest of Europe, and yet they must obey 100% of EU legislation.

"The British public deserve to have the facts put before them. They deserve a proper debate.

"It cannot be right that when someone has the guts to dissent from the establishment line, he or she is immediately crushed by the agents of Project Fear."

The Sunday Telegraph said a friend of Mr Longworth claimed Downing Street had "bullied" and been "putting pressure" on BCC board members to suspend their director-general.

But a No 10 source said: " This is simply not true. This is a matter for the BCC. No pressure was put on the BCC to suspend John Longworth."

Meanwhile Mr Gove joined forces with Mr Johnson in an attempt to undermine the Prime Minister's repeated claims that EU membership made the UK "stronger" and "safer".

The Justice Secretary told the Sunday Times: "I think overall our national security is strengthened if we are able to make the decisions that we need and the alliances that we believe in outside the current structures of the of the European Union."

He claimed EU judges had taken decisions against the UK's national interests by dictating "what our spies can do and whether we can be kept safe".

Mr Gove added: "Our security and sovereignty stand together. I believe that there are better opportunities to keep people safe if we are outside the European Union."

Mr Johnson said the EU had taken "decisions that are inimical to our ability to mount serious surveillance operations against terrorists".

He added: "The power to take decisions about deporting people or about counter-terrorist surveillance is being taken away from the UK."
House residents allowed home after 'viable device' removed from street

Homeowners have been allowed back into their houses after police removed a "viable device" from a residential street in Belfast.

Specialist officers were called to Ramoan Drive, in the south west part of the city, after a suspicious object sparked a security alert lasting more than four hours.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Inspector Mark Cavanagh said: "ATO (a mmunition technical officers) examined a suspicious object and declared it a viable device. It has been taken away for further examination.

Homeowners were allowed back to their houses after police removed a 'viable device' from a Belfast street

"Evacuated residents have been allowed back into their homes."

The alert was declared over at around 3pm.

The incident comes a day after a prison guard was injured in a bomb attack in the east of the city.

The 52-year-old prison officer, a married father of three, required surgery after an explosive device detonated under the van he was driving to work on Friday morning. His condition is described as stable.

Police commanders have expressed fears it may be the first of a number of dissident republican murder bids launched to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising.
EU extends sanctions against North Korea

BRUSSELS, March 4 (Reuters) - The European Union said on Friday that it had added 16 people and 12 companies to its sanctions list following North Korea's latest nuclear test and rocket launch.

The United Nations unanimously voted to expand existing sanctions against Pyongyang on Wednesday.
U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocks Louisiana abortion law

By Lawrence Hurley

WASHINGTON, March 4 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court, two days after hearing a major abortion case from Texas, on Friday temporarily blocked a Louisiana law imposing regulations on doctors who perform abortions in a move that would allow two recently closed clinics to reopen.

In a brief order, the court granted a request by abortion providers seeking to reinstate a lower-court injunction that blocked the Republican-backed 2014 law, which required doctors to obtain a formal affiliation with a local hospital.

The abortion providers contend the law was designed to shut down abortion clinics by requiring hospital "admitting privileges" that are difficult for their doctors to secure.

Louisiana will now have four clinics in total.

The order noted that one of the eight justices, conservative Clarence Thomas, said he would have denied the application.

The order said the court's action was in line with its decision in June to temporarily block part of a Texas abortion law that was challenged by abortion providers in a high-profile case. The justices heard oral arguments in that case on Wednesday.

The Louisiana law mandates that physicians who perform abortions have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles (48 km) of the abortion clinic. The regulation matches one in the Texas law.

U.S. District Judge John deGravelles in January granted a preliminary injunction sought by abortion providers, finding the law violated the constitutional right to an abortion established by the Supreme Court in 1973. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked that decision on Feb. 24, allowing the law to go into effect.

The high court's action sent mixed signals on how it might rule in the Texas case, in part because the justices previously allowed the Texas admitting privileges provision to go into effect.

The action could suggest the court has greater concerns about admitting privileges requirements than were indicated during Wednesday's argument in the Texas case. Friday's move effectively put Louisiana's law on hold while the justices prepare a ruling, expected by the end of June, in the Texas case.

Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents abortion providers in both cases, welcomed the court's action.

"These underhanded tactics to cut off women's access to safe, legal abortion simply cannot stand," Northup said.

The Texas case also involves a separate provision that requires clinics to have costly, hospital-grade facilities.

The Louisiana law was signed by Republican then-Governor Bobby Jindal in 2014.
U.N. envoy sees staggered start to Syria peace talks

BEIRUT, March 5 (Reuters) - The United Nations Syria envoy expects a staggered start to peace talks next week, with participants arriving over several days for "indirect meetings", he said in an interview with pan-Arab newspaper Al Hayat.

"I see us beginning on March 10 when we will launch the process," said envoy Staffan de Mistura. "Some (participants) will arrive on the ninth. Others, because of difficulties with hotel reservations, will arrive on the 11th. Others will arrive on the 14th."

The talks will be conducted indirectly, not face-to-face.

"We will hold preparatory meetings and then go into detail with each group separately," he said.

De Mistura attempted to convene peace talks in January, but these failed before they had even started in earnest. The five-year Syrian civil war has killed more than a quarter of a million people and created a massive refugee crisis for Lebanon, Turkey and the European Union.

The new effort follows the implementation of a partial truce a week ago, though fighting continues in many parts of Syria as it does not include the Islamic State and Nusra Front groups.

The reduction in violence has made aid deliveries easier in some areas of the country, but de Mistura said the Syrian government should be processing aid faster.

"Lorries are waiting for 36 hours," he said. "And medical aid must be allowed."

On Wednesday the World Health Organization said Syrian officials had rejected the delivery of medical supplies, including trauma and burn kits and antibiotics, in a convoy to the besieged town of Moadamiya two days earlier.

De Mistura said he plans to invite members of the government, the opposition, civil society and women to the peace talks.
Saudi foreign minister says Assad should leave sooner, not later

PARIS, March 5 (Reuters) - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Saturday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must leave at the beginning of a political transition, not at the end.

"For us it is very clear it's at the beginning of the process, not at the end of the process, it's not going to be 18 months," Jubeir said during a visit to France.

His comments came days before the United Nations plans to reconvene peace talks to try to end the five-year-old civil war in Syria.

The United States and other Western governments that were previously calling for Assad's early departure have quietly backed away from that demand as his position has been strengthened by Russia's military involvement in Syria since last September.

Jubeir also said Saudi Arabia will take delivery of French arms it originally ordered for Lebanon.

In February, Saudi Arabia suspended a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army in response to Beirut's failure to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.

"We made the decision that we will stop the $3 billion from going to the Lebanese military and instead they will be rediverted to the Saudi military," Jubeir told journalists during a visit in Paris.
Foreign policy thinkers praised by Trump have divergent views

By Warren Strobel, Jonathan Landay and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON, March 4 (Reuters) - If Americans were looking for clarity on leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's world views, they might have come away disappointed from Thursday night's debate.

Asked who he trusts on national security, Trump had warm words for three men with world views that differ from one another, and who diverge sharply on some key issues from Trump himself. They are former diplomat Richard Haass and retired U.S. Army officers Gen. Jack Keane and Col. Jack Jacobs.

His mention of the eclectic trio did little to satisfy mounting calls for him to announce a list of his campaign foreign policy advisors, who traditionally take top posts should he be elected. His debate comments appeared to be more words of admiration for the three men than a signal he was forming the nucleus of a national security team.

Trump has been rejected by a significant swath of his party's foreign policy establishment. Almost 110 Republican foreign policy veterans have signed a letter pledging to oppose Trump, saying his proposals would undermine U.S. security.

The three men Trump mentioned have different views of the 2003 Iraq invasion, arguably the most controversial foreign policy decision in a generation. Trump says he opposed the war, calling it a disastrous intervention and accusing the administration of then President George W. Bush of misleading Americans.

Keane is a defense hawk who helped devise the 2007 Iraq "surge" -- a move to send tens of thousands more U.S. troops to Iraq to quell sectarian strife -- and served as an informal consultant to Bush. Keane told Reuters on Friday he has never spoken to Trump.

Keane, now chairman of the board of the Institute for the Study of War think tank, said he has briefed seven presidential candidates from both parties, whom he declined to identify.

"I don't comment publicly on any candidate, their proposals, their policies. I have never done. I won't do it," he said.

"REALLY EXCELLENT"

Haass is a centrist foreign policy thinker and president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank seen as a fixture of the U.S. foreign policy establishment. The State Department's policy planning director at the time of the Iraq invasion, he wrote later that he was largely against the war.

"I did not believe in the Iraq war," Haass said in a 2009 interview with National Public Radio.

Trump has proposed barring Muslims from entering the United States, demanded that Mexico fund a wall to control illegal immigration across the U.S. border, and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He has called for building up the U.S. military while also saying he wants allies to pick up more of the burden in conflicts such as Syria and Iraq. He has vowed to destroy Islamic State.

A spokeswoman for Haass, Iva Zoric, said that he briefed Trump on foreign policy in August 2015. In a tweet late on Thursday, Haass wrote: "I do not endorse candidates. What I have done is offered to brief all candidates, & have briefed several, D(emocrat) & R(epublican) alike."

Jacobs, now a frequent television commentator, won the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration, in the Vietnam War. He has expressed skepticism regarding large scale American military interventions in the Middle East and has suggested that waterboarding, an interrogation technique that many call torture and that Trump has endorsed, is ineffective.

Trump softened his stance on torture on Friday, saying he would not order the U.S. military to break international laws on how to treat terrorism suspects.

Jacobs has been critical of political leaders who send American troops on missions without what he considers a well-defined strategy. Jacobs, writing in 2007, criticized the post-invasion plan for Iraq, including the "foolish decision" to disband the Iraqi army.

Pressed on Thursday night to identify his foreign policy advisers, Trump said that Haas and Keane were "excellent" and that he liked Jacobs "very much." Jacobs declined to comment on whether he was helping Trump.

"I have many people that I think are really excellent but in the end it's going to be my decision" on national security matters," Trump said.

Keane, who appears frequently before congressional committees and on television, has accused U.S. President Barack Obama of not acting forcefully to help moderates in Libya and Syria. He called Obama's 2011 withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq an "absolute strategic failure," and charged that he lacks a strategy to contain the spread of Islamic State and help moderates in the region.
Islamic State is losing; coalition to step up pressure - U.S. envoy

BAGHDAD, March 5 (Reuters) - Islamic State is losing a battle against forces arraigned against if from many sides in Iraq and Syria and the focus would turn to stabilising cities seized back from them, the U.S. envoy to a coalition fighting the group said on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference in Baghdad, U.S. official Brett McGurk declined to put a timeline on when the group would be defeated or when Mosul and Raqqa, the main cities under its control in Iraq and Syria respectively, would be retaken.

McGurk met in Baghdad Iraqi officials including Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi who said in December that 2016 would be a year of "final victory" over the group in Iraq.

"Daesh is feeling pressure now from all simultaneous directions and that's going to continue .. that's going to accelerate," McGurk said at the press conference, using an acronym for Islamic State.

"Daesh is losing; as they lose we focus increasingly on stabilization," he added, referring to plans being made to rehabilitate and police cities recaptured from militants.

Islamic State has come under pressure from air raids and ground forces actions by various parties in both countries, but they still hold large tracts of land.
Police colonel, aide killed in attack in Yemen's Aden

ADEN, March 5 (Reuters) - Gunmen opened fire and killed a police colonel and his aide as their vehicle was passing through a roundabout in the southern Yemeni city of Aden on Saturday, a local security official and witnesses said.

The attack on Col. Salem al-Milqat, police chief of Tawahi district, occurred in the restive district of al-Mansoura which has seen several assaults on local security officials.

Yemen's embattled government has been forced out of the capital Sanaa by Iran-allied Houthi rebels and is now based in Aden but struggles to impose its authority even there.

On Friday, gunmen attacked an old people's home in the Yemeni port of Aden, killing at least 15 people, including four Christian nuns from India, local officials and medical sources said.

The southern city has gone from being one of the world's busiest ports as a hub of the British empire to a backwater and then in recent months to a conflict zone.
U.N. Security Council pushes peace deal implementation in Mali

By Adama Diarra

TIMBUKTU, Mali, March 5 (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council travelled to northern Mali on Saturday to push for implementation of a fragile peace deal aimed at ending a cycle of internal uprisings and allowing the government to combat the growing threat of Islamist militants.

Tuareg rebels demanding autonomy for their northern homeland, the government and pro-Bamako militias signed the U.N.-backed accord last year, pledging to end decades of hostilities.

Political analysts, however, say confidence has steadily eroded, slowing peace initiatives on the ground. The government and the Tuareg rebel alliance - Coordination of Azawad Movements (CMA) - have accused each other of stalling on implementation.

"With the application of the peace agreement, the people will be able to feel the dividends of peace," Francois Delattre, France's ambassador to the United Nations, said during a trip to the northern towns of Timbuktu and Mopti.

French forces intervened in 2013 to drive back Islamist fighters that hijacked the Tuareg uprising to seize Mali's desert north a year earlier, citing concern that the area could become a launching pad for attacks on targets in Europe.

A U.N. peacekeeping mission was then deployed. But the militants have since reorganised and launched a wave of attacks against security forces, peacekeepers and civilian targets that has extended well beyond northern Mali and into neighbouring countries.

Two high-profile attacks on luxury hotels in the Malian capital Bamako and Ouagadougou, the capital of neighbouring Burkina Faso, since late last year have exposed the growing capacity of groups like al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Ending the cycle of Tuareg rebellions is seen as vital to allowing the Malian army and its international partners to take on Islamist groups.

"You must have the effective presence of the state everywhere in Mali. We know Mali is a vast territory ... that's why you need the implementation of the peace deal," said Ismael Abraao Gaspar Martins, the U.N. ambassador from Angola, which holds the council's rotating presidency this month.

The Security Council members met with local government officials as well as civil society and religious leaders in Mopti and Timbuktu.

They are due to sit down with the representatives of the armed groups in the capital Bamako on Sunday.
Trawling through print and social media coverage of the momentous events of the past few days and of the rousing speech of Kanhaiya Kumar at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) after his release and the reactions to them, it is clear that there are certain voices that need to be heard but are getting little attention.

To be sure, the Hindu oppressor-caste fanatics are the loudest. They obviously have the access to and control the mostly urban media - print and online - and are able to articulate their poisonous views in their echo chambers. Witness the comments section below any article that argues for upholding principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution such as secularism and equality and the frothing-at-the-mouth foul language the Hindutva crowd unleashes.

Among the voices that much of Indian media is ignoring are those of the Dalits, Kashmiris (not to mention peoples to the northeast of India - Manipuris, Mizos, Nagas and others who too have borne the brunt of India's lethal force) and those who wish to opt out of jingoism and even nationalism.

These views are far from being exclusive of each other. Rather they are partly or wholly overlapping circles of opinions, as it were.

Dalit

Perhaps the most neglected voices thus far are those of the Dalits and their spokespersons, who have been watching bewildered especially as the JNU incidents have deflected the focus from the death of the Dalit RohithVemula in Hyderabad. Of course, Kanhaiya Kumar and others at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and its supporters have invoked Vemula's name as well as that of the one of the main authors of India's constitutions, namely Dr BR Ambedkar,time and again but the fact remains that the Sangh Parivar's anti-Dalit onslaught in the southern city which had gotten it into serious hot water is now off the radar of the few politicians and those few media outlets that had briefly had the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in a spot.

Moreover, some of the spokespersons of the Dalits view JNU as a Brahmanical bastion. You are entitled to your opinion on this, needless to say. What is important is that this is their perception of that university and most if not all other institutions of learning, a viewpoint that is far from being heard.

So what are the views of the Dalits and their spokespersons as regards not only JNU but some other recent developments such as the Budget? Will the media - print and online - seek out their views and not only the views of the Mishras, Joshis and Iyers of urban India?

Kashmiri

Whether we like it or not, a lot of the people of Indian-administered Kashmir do not regard themselves as Indian. They want "Azadi" (freedom). Incidentally, there actually are substantial numbers of Hindu-born people - referred to in the Indian media as Kashmiri Pandits - who stand solidly behind their Muslim (or should one say Sufi) compatriots.

In other words, while Kashmir has for too many decades remained a subject of the India-Pakistan dispute, its people who had been taken for granted until the late 1980s or so are demanding to be heard. The doctored videos of the last few weeks are designed to harm their cause while also seeking to destroy JNU's autonomy, but that is another issue.

As for Afzal Guru, the Kashmiri gentleman hanged by the Congress-party-led regime three years ago in its game of one-upmanship vis-a-vis the BJP and the commemoration of whose death at JNU - without going into who arranged for the videos, doctored and others of the event - that set off the noise-fest, the fact is that quite a large number of Indians including respected lawyers, academics and writers as well as other activists believe he was not given a fair trial.

Prominent people such as the lawyer Nandita Haksar, the academic Nirmalangshu Mukherji and the writer Arundhati Roy have written extensively on the framing of Afzal Guru. Eminent journalist Vinod K Jose interviewed Afzal Guru and published a fine piece in The Caravan, a little over ten years ago.

If questioning the conviction and hanging of Afzal Guru is deemed an offence in Modified India, too many people from even the so-called majority community all over the country would be in serious trouble.

Anti-jingoist/humanist/universalist

What happened to those generations of urban - mostly oppressor-caste (whether or not they acknowledge the fact is moot) - middle class Indians who listened to John Lennon's "Imagine"?

A reminder of two relevant stanzas there from:

Imagine there's no countr(ies)

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion too

Imagine all the people living life in peace, you(hoo)

You may say I'm a dreamer

But I'm not the only one

I hope some day you'll join us

And the world will be one

So where does the current heightened anti-Rohith Vemula, anti-JNU nationalism spring from? How manufactured is it? Subject of a doctoral dissertation in a free university inpost-Modi-fied India, perhaps?
I have always thought that melodrama is deeply entrenched in the Indian spirit. We are an emotional lot who are transfixed by icons. This is why there are temples for Sachin Tendulkar and Amitabh Bachchan and Jayalalithaa. I have no problem with celebrating our celebrities but why do we elect them into a position of power that they have little knowledge or qualification for?

It seems the thinking goes, "hey this guy was really good at dishum-dishum and running around trees with actresses, I'm sure he would make a good railway minister". There's a reason why Meryl Streep wasn't nominated to be a senator in America; she does a mean Miranda Priestly but would be terrible at filibusters (having said that, there's also the fact that the Americans gave California to a man whose credentials were namely Terminator 1 and Terminator 2).

Comparisons have been made between Smriti Irani's caterwauling in the Parliament and Kanhaiya Kumar's speech upon release from jail. The HRD minister turned an important issue into a roadside nautanki with rehearsed dialogues about "bacche ki maut", demons and dismembered heads. Everything she said is refuted to the point that the opposition has even moved a privilege motion against her.

It has also emerged that one of Irani's former aides helped in promoting the doctored videos of JNU students that led to the kerfuffle that is still playing out. When questioned about her policy making, the minister is quick to give answers that are obstructions at best and delirium at worst.

"Histrionics" was a word that was much bandied about last week but when we let an actor into the Parliament, histrionics is what we will get. Kanhaiya's speech, on the other hand, was packed with a commanding rhetoric and contagious humour. That's what the country needs: little more wit and a lot less melodrama. Watching him live on TV, it was palpable that his words would resonate with millions of Indians. It's no secret that Narendra Modi won the election because of his oratory skills.

The man who talked of his 56-inch chest and attacked the government (much like Kanhaiya) is these days as emotionally volatile as a Masterchef contestant whose souffle refuses to rise. Still, no one has it as bad as Rahul Gandhi. Watching Rahul debate is like watching a goat attempting to open a wine bottle.

I look forward to the day when we can move past Mother India non-sequiturs and sappy talk of "desh ki mitti" and "maa ki mamta". Our HRD minister is talking of placing her dismembered head at her opponent's feet? What is this, the Mahabharata? The Telegraph got some flak last week for referring to Smriti Irani as "Aunty National". The problem with living in a society that has completely lost its sense of humour is that it can't even appreciate a good pun. We are drowning in palaver and turning into the kind of sourpusses who issue death threats to those who don't follow our idea of India.

In 1999, David Dunning and Justin Kruger of Cornell University observed the "Dunning-Kruger effect" which is a cognitive bias where unskilled people suffer from illusionary superiority and mistakenly assess their ability to be much higher than it really is. Dunning and Kruger attributed this bias to a cognitive inability of the unskilled to recognise their own ineptitude and evaluate their own ability accurately. I think it's safe to say that self-appointed patriots suffer from the same internal illusion.

The nationalists have also turned the Indian soldier into an infallible icon to win every debate. Shouting slogans? There are soldiers dying at the border you ungrateful Maoist! Questioning the government? There are faithful soldiers dying at the border you pseudo-intellectual! Wasting your vegetables? Soldiers are dying at the borders so that you can waste food, you bratty teenager!

This melodramatic notion of India as the land of sacrifices is propagated even by media moguls sitting in their air-conditioned ivory towers. When Arnab Goswami invokes the death of a fallen (by natural disaster) Siachen soldier to make a point, it is difficult to counter that without coming across as an ungrateful anti-national who doesn't respect the sacrifices of soldiers.

Stand-up comedian Doug Stanhope famously said "Nationalism does nothing but teach you to hate people you never met, and to take pride in accomplishments you had no part in." It is so much more convenient to feel pride for our soldiers than actually rewarding their sacrifice by something as simple as the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) scheme.

I blame Bollywood and its mawkish plots and maudlin lovesick songs for instilling a perpetual victimhood in the Indian public. Gone are the days of Kishore Kumar when one could bask in a happy-go-lucky melody that put a spring in your step. Most Hindi songs now are either full of bedwetter existentialism (Aashiqui 2) or chandelier shagging bravado (Honey Singh). There has to be a middle ground.

In Gangs of Wasseypur, the character of Ramadhir Singh laid it straight: "Hindustan mein jab tak cinema hai, log c*****e bante rahenge".
ISTANBUL - Turkey - Scientists at the city's University of Technical Science have unveiled the first ever Turkish robot that may well revolutionise Turkish society forever.

This robot is amazing. Any type of kebab you want, it will make for you in five minutes. It can also make a piping hot Turkish coffee after your meal and it plays a mean game of backgammon too. The only thing it wont do is slap your woman if she says something you dont like, but were getting around to that, Professor Ismail Mustafa, chief scientist at the Universitys cybernetics division told Turkeys Hurriyet newspaper.

The robot also has speakers on each side of its body that can play Turkish music at over 300 db so that it distorts beyond recognition.

The music has to be the most annoying ding ding music you ever heard with wailing weirdly upbeat Arabesque yet melancholy choruses and instruments that sound like they were recorded forty years ago, Professor Mustafa added.

The Professor has also spoken of his wish that the robot will eventually be programmed to perform the traditional Turkish ritual of male circumcision (sunnet) but this will be a facility only on later models.

We are still working on a few prototypes on the circumcision programming because the testing was not so good. It just chopped the whole thing off and thats something we do not want.



The robot is also adorned with garish crude Turkish graphics and can also be clothed in a cheap brown suit with flared trousers on summer days.

One thing this robot does not take is a joke though.

Dont try to joke with the robot or make fun of it. Just like most Turks, it has little or no sense of humour. Just take the chilli sauce and the doner kebab and shut the f*ck up. Oh, and I forgot to tell you, do not in any circumstance speak in front of the robot that you are a Galatasaray fan, Manchester United or Leeds, or any other European team. You might get a firework stuffed up your rear. The robot is only programmed for Fenerbahce, another scientist on the project warned.

There is one drawback, if the robot is rolled out across Turkey, it could mean many people could be made redundant, however the Ministry of Commerce has given the green light for the novel robots to be manufactured by the year 2019.



The Turkish robots cost over 450 million Lire (3,600) to make and were part funded by the Istanbul Federation of Kebab Shops and Turkeys Ministry of Commerce.
iStock/Thinkstock(GREENVILLE, S.C.) -- A 2-year-old girl from Greenville, South Carolina, recently called 911 for a unique emergency.

"She just really needed help getting her pants on," said Deputy Drew Pinciaro, a public information officer for the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

Pinciaro told ABC News Friday that the toddler, Aaliyah Garett, called 911 on Wednesday afternoon. She said "hello" a few times before hanging up.

"Deputy Martha Lohnes was in the vicinity of the home, so she went over to make sure everything was OK," Pinciaro said. "And well, the little girl came to the door with her pants half on, saying she needed help getting them on."

So, of course, Lohnes did her job. She sat down on the stairs, helped Aaliyah with her "pants emergency," and even tied her shoes for her, Pinciaro said.

Aaliyah's mother, Pebbles Ryan, was at work at the time. She told ABC News that her father, Aaliyah's grandfather, was shocked when Lohnes showed up at the door.

"My dad gave me a call and was just like, 'Your daughter just called the police on me!'" Ryan laughed. "Then he said Aaliyah wouldn't let the cop leave and was too busy hugging her."

Ryan, 25, said she's taught Aaliyah to call 911 for help or an emergency but she never expected her toddler would "call for help over getting her pants on."

"I'm just grateful for the deputy and her kind, wonderful heart, though," she said. "She really took the time out of her day to make sure everything was OK even though she knew it was just a little baby calling. That means a lot to me."

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Made with compelling characters, a heart wrenching love story and a brilliant score; The Bridges of Madison County was designed to transport audiences to a place of pure enjoyment.

Based on the best -selling novel, which was also a 1995 film, the musical version of The Bridges of Madison County opens at the Schuster Center on March 15 and continues through the 20th.

The female lead, Francesca (Elizabeth Stanley), is an Italian war bride living in Iowa with a family, including a husband. When Francesca is left alone for a few days, she encounters a traveling photographer, Robert, who captures a forbidden desire within her. They must decide how far the temptation will take them. As an actress its a wonderfully complex character to play and I love getting to sing the fabulous score, said Stanley.

The Tony award winning score by Jason Robert Brown, a three- time Tony award winning composer, has really captivated the attention of audiences. The music is just one element of the show provided by the tops in their field as those responsible for scenic design, costume design, and lighting design have all received Tonys, as has the director, Bartlett Sher.

Though some elements of the story are different in the musical, the heart of The Bridges of Madison County remains the same. Like the movie is slightly different from the book, the musical has some changes from the movie, said Stanley.

Other stage credits for Stanley include Dyanne in Million Dollar Quarter (Broadway), Allison in Cry-Baby (Broadway) and April in the Tony-award winning revival of Company. She has also made several television appearances, including on The Affair, Black Box, and Fringe. Stanley is gracious for any opportunity to act, but especially enjoys the freedom and power that comes from being on stage. The stage is much more of an actors art form where you get to tell a story from start to finish in one take. Film is more of a directors art form, with different camera angles, do-overs and are not always shot in sequence. How you prepare yourself for stage and on film is different, she said.

A graduate of Indiana University, Stanley will be joined in Dayton by a couple former college roommates and an old professor who are making the trip to see a performance. She looks forward to reuniting with those she holds dear.

For all who come Stanley guarantees that the musical score will make an impression upon them. Everyone really loves the score, its impossible to come and not leave with the music stuck in your head, she said.

Dont miss a voyage to The Bridges of Madison County at the Schuster Center, March 15  20.
Cuban rum giant Havana Club has launched a new series of rum called Tributo collection, which is made using specially selected rum reserves. This edition has been created from a base of rum aged in 80-year-old casks and boasts of defining notes of dried tropical fruits and a deep amber colour.

The Tributo collection is bottled at 40 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV). It is currently available in Cuba, the UK and China. With simply 2,500 bottles up for grabs, the company hopes to appeal to spirits connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Havana Club rum maker Asbel Morales said, By blending rums using very old and rare casks, we have been able to create an expression with a luxurious amber glow, full-bodied fruit flavours and a long finish. So the next time you travel to any of these countries, you know what to pick.
New Delhi: India will cut the flab in its 1.2-million-strong Army in view of the sharply rising amount needed for defence pensions. The move will not affect the Armys fighting formations.

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday said the Army has been asked to calibrate the move, which essentially means that the Army will identify the wings in which it has excess unproductive manpower and its extent.

As part of fiscal accountability, the Centre is also utilising money from an account in which, till June last year, about $3 billion (about Rs 20,000 crore) was lying unused though it was supposed to fund acquisitions by India from the US under the Foreign Military Sales Agreement. The Centre has used money from this account to clear some liabilities and the account now contains about $1.7 billion, Mr Parrikar said.

Sources said it was because of mismanagement earlier that such a huge amount of money was lying idle. The Army is expected to assess its manpower situation in all wings and inform the Centre.

Experts say cutting the Armys flab makes good sense in order to make it a leaner and meaner fighting machine provided there is adequate technological upgradation, which has not happened in India.
A Yemeni man inspects an elderly care home after it was attacked by gunmen in the port city of Aden, Yemen. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: The External Affairs Ministry late on Friday said only one Indian nurse was killed and not four in a terrorist attack in strife-torn Yemen's Aden city.

Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted that four Indian nurses were killed in the attack today as she asked all Indians living in "danger zones" to return home. She also said the nurses stayed back in Yemen, ignoring advisories by the government.

"Of the four nurses killed in Yemen, only one is Indian named Cecilia Minz," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Sixteen people were killed in Aden when a group of terrorists stormed an elderly care home run by a Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity and sprayed bullets at the residents.
KOCHI: Four Indian nuns were among 16 people killed in strife-torn Yemen's Aden city on Friday when a group of terrorists stormed an old-age home run by Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity, handcuffed the victims before shooting them in the head.

According to reports reaching here, though there was suspicion that Malayalis were among the victims, the state government had not received any official information in this regard till late Friday night. The government sources, however, said Malayali nuns were working in the Home earlier.

A priest from Ramapuram in Pala, identified as Tom Kuzhinal, who is said to be residing in the same locality, is reportedly missing. We are trying to get in touch with the priest as well as other embassy officials in the Yemen," said an official.

The terrorists, numbering between 2 and 4, asked the guard to open the gate of the elderly home on the pretext of visiting their mothers.

On entering inside, they first shot dead the gate keeper and then started shooting randomly on the inmates, officials in India's camp office in Djibouti said. They said the attack at the care home in Sheikh Othman District in Aden took place at around 1230 hours, killing at least 16 persons, including four Indian nuns.

"The assailants escaped soon after the attack. The area has been cordoned off and the police are investigating the incident," the officials said. In New Delhi, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said government was trying to find out details of the Indians killed in the attack. "We are trying to ascertain the details of the Indian victims," he said.

In the wake of escalation of violence, Indian Embassy in Yemen's capital Sana'a was closed last year and all its functions were carried out from a camp office in Djibouti, a country neighbouring Yemen and across the Red Sea. Al-Qaeda and ISIS have been stepping up attacks in Aden.

Two gunmen surrounded the home while another four fighters entered the building, an AFP report quoted witnesses and officials. They said the gunmen moved from room-to-room, handcuffing the victims before shooting them in the head. One nun who survived and was rescued by locals said that she hid inside a fridge in a store room after hearing a Yemeni guard shouting "run, run."

There are around 80 residents living at the home, which is run by Missionaries of Charity, an organisation established by Mother Teresa. Missionaries of Charity nuns also came under attack in Yemen in 1998 when gunmen killed three nuns in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida.
AP government, in the beginning, had said that Singapore will prepare the master plan for Amaravati free of cost.

Hyderabad: Singapore based consulting company Surbana charged Rs 15 crore for the preparation of revised master plan for APs new capital city Amaravati.

AP government, in the beginning, had said that Singapore will prepare the master plan for Amaravati free of cost. But the master plan submitted by Singapore did not have specific details and was also not according to the AP Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) rules.

This forced the state government to ask Singapore to prepare a revised master plan according to the rules and specifications of CRDA. The government asked Singapore based Surbana which is involved in the preparation of master plan to prepare revised master plan.

For this Surbana initially asked the state government to pay Rs 11.92 crore. Surbana submitted the revised master plan to state government a month ago. But the company increased the preparation cost to Rs 15 crore from Rs 11.92 crore. Accordingly the state government paid Rs 15 crore to Surbana.

Meanwhile, AP government has decided to pay Rs 112 crore to the consultant on business plan and financing strategy for development of Amaravati.

The period of this consultancy is 3 years. The CRDA has invited Expression of Interest (EoI) from financial services and management firms to prepare business plan and financing strategy for development of the new capital.

Finally the state government selected one firm consisting of Mckinsey which had prepared vision 2020 in the past. These two items were listed in the agenda of the proposed CRDA meeting on Thursday for ratification , but the meeting has been postponed.
A video footage of the man paraded and dragged naked by police officials is doing rounds on the internet. (Photo: YouTube Video Grab)

Buenos Aires: An Argentine man was allegedly caught by locals while he was trying to rape an eight-year-old girl. He was stripped by locals and paraded naked on the streets in an attempt to shame him.

According to a report in the Mirror, the man was paraded naked by the locals while his hands were tied to the back and then handed over to the cops. The cops then arrested the man, handcuffed him and pushed him inside the patrol car.

A video footage of the man paraded and dragged naked is doing rounds on the internet. The angry mob gathered at the scene hurled insults at the man while one of them was heard saying, 'Next time we will kill you.'

Another woman was heard shouting, 'Degenerate! Tie him to the back of the car.'

The incident took place in Santa Brigida town of Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Watch the video here:
The Vatican defended Australian Pell, the popes powerful finance minister, despite accusations by victims of sex abuse that he protected paedophile priests in his hometown of Ballarat. (Photo: AP)

Rome: The Vatican on Friday defended the Catholic Churchs action on paedophile priests, saying Popes Francis and Benedict XVI had courageously tackled the issue but admitting there was still much to be done in many countries.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said sensationalism surrounding the Oscar-winning film Spotlight and hearings into an alleged cover-up of abuse by Cardinal George Pell in Rome had given the public the wrong impression.

The media furore surrounding both events meant that most people, particularly those less well informed or with a short memory, think the Church has done nothing or very little to answer to these horrible tragedies.

An objective consideration shows it is not true, he said in a statement, listing steps taken by the Church to meet with victims, draw up guidelines for bishops and update canonical procedures and laws.

Both Francis and his predecessor Benedict have shown a courageous commitment... to tackling the crisis in several countries, such as the United States, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, he said in a statement.

But while cases of abuse have become very rare in those countries and mostly date to previous decades, in other countries, usually because of cultural situations which are very different and characterised by silence, there is still much to do.

There is resistance and there are difficulties, but the path to follow has become clearer, he said.

Some abuse victims insist the Vatican still has not gone far enough to protect children even in the West -- where intense media coverage of paedophile priests has led to greater scrutiny of church practices.

Purifying the memory

They also accuse it of ducking out of providing proper financial compensation in a bid to protect its assets.

Spotlight, which chronicles The Boston Globes investigation into sexual abuse in the Catholic Church and institutional efforts to cover up the crimes, won the Oscar for best picture last month.

Much of what went on in Boston has been compared to abuse committed in the Australian town of Ballarat and the city of Melbourne in the 1970s and 1980s.

The Vatican defended Australian Pell, the popes powerful finance minister, despite accusations by victims of sex abuse that he protected paedophile priests in his hometown of Ballarat.

Pell admitted this week he should have done more to follow-up on claims that a priest was abusing boys, as he gave evidence via videolink to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Sydney.

The 74-year old gave a dignified and coherent personal testimony, Lombardi said, though abuse survivors have questioned the credibility of the cardinals claims that he had not been aware of widespread paedophilia among priests.

The result was an objective and lucid picture of the errors committed in many church environments in the previous decades, Lombardi said, after four days of hearings into abuse in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s.

Despite Pells widely-reported gaffe, in which he told the commission the abuse wasnt of much interest to me at the time, Lombardi said on the whole the testimony had helped towards purifying the memory of the Church.

While a letter written by the survivors asking to meet Pope Francis had been photographed and circulated by Italian media, the spokesman said no explicit request had been sent to the secretary of state or the popes secretary.
Reviving water bodies, interconnecting water treatment plants and pushing rainwater harvesting are some of the backup plans that the Delhi Jal Board is working on in the wake of water crisis in the city.





The national capital faced acute water shortage due to the recent Jat agitation in neighbouring Haryana. The Munak Canal in Haryana, which feeds at least seven water treatment plants in Delhi, was damaged by protesters two weeks ago, following which taps went dry in many areas here.



The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) is now working on a series of measures which will make it possible for the city to have a reserve of water during a crisis.



One of the primary tasks cut out for the board is reviving the near-dead water bodies in the city. It will identify water bodies which can be revived and used to draw water in emergency situations.



Currently we do not have a backup plan. Once it is prepared, we will have reserves of seven-ten days, Delhis Water Minister Kapil Mishra said.



The government is also taking over 100 water bodies from the Revenue department for this purpose.



The crisis has given us an opportunity to start talking about lakes, water bodies and start reviving them. We will also focus on how to preserve groundwater and a detailed action plan is being prepared. We will be able to present it in days to come, the minister told Deccan Herald.



The work, however, will take two or three years to complete.

Another focus area will be interconnecting water treatment plants. As it was seen in the recent water crisis, only two out of nine plants were functional and since the plants were not connected, water had to be manually supplied from the functional ones through tankers.



The Delhi government had recently also given a push to rainwater harvesting by extending the deadline till June 30 for installing structures for it. In addition, an incentive in the form of 10 per cent rebate for properties between 500-2,000 sq m has also been announced.



There will be an awareness campaign about rainwater harvesting and we will make it attractive by giving wide publicity to its benefits, he added.



Meanwhile, normal water supply in the capital is expected to be restored by March 8 after repair of Munak canal is completed.



While most areas are receiving regular water supply, there are some still facing acute water shortage.
A head constable was crushed to death at a police picket picket by a speeding truck at north Delhis Timarpur in the wee hours of Friday. The truck was chased and intercepted by a man who happened to be driving by, police said.





The driver and helper escaped after abandoning the truck. But police managed to nab the driver within hours on the basis of the vehicles registration number.



The victim has been identified as 46-year-old head constable Abdul Sabbar Khan, who hails from Rajasthan and had joined Delhi Police as a constable in 1986.



Khan was on duty at a picket near Goplapur village when he was hit by a Tata 407 at 1.20 am, said Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North).

Khan, posted with Timarpur police station, was with two other policemen.



The truck driver did not stop after the accident and allegedly dragged Khan under the vehicle for almost 100 metres.



The accident was reported by property dealer Dheeraj Tyagi, who chased the truck in his Datsun car till it was caught at Majnu ka Tilla, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Taj Hassan said.



The Burari-resident managed to overtake the truck at a traffic signal around a kilometre ahead, but the truck driver and the helper jumped out of the vehicle and escaped.

Police impounded the truck. The vehicles registration number later led the investigators to the drivers house in south Delhi.



The accused has been identified as 35-year-old Dheer Singh, a resident of Tigri village near south Delhis Malviya Vihar. He was arrested at 4 am.



Khan was declared dead on the spot and his body was taken to Sabzi Mandi mortuary for post-mortem, Verma added.



A case of rash driving and causing death by negligence under Indian Penal Code has been registered with Kashmere Gate police station.



It is the third fatal accident involving police personnel in the last five days. On February 28, a sub-inspector and a constable were killed in separate accidents in south Delhis Chanakyapuri.



Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma and former chief Bhim Sain Bassi have extended their condolences to Khans family.



Appreciating Tyagi efforts, Verma also said that community participation is vital for megacity policing.


Madrasas along the Af-Pak border and tribal areas, in particular North Waziristan, had become a hub of terrorist activities, Pakistan's top diplomat has said, but blamed it on the Afghan refugees, who entered the country when the US pushed the Taliban out of power after the 9/11.



These madrasas had well-oiled terror infrastructure, beyond imagination, running bomb-making factories, terrorists training centers and those to train suicide bombers  all under multi-storied basement under the mosque, Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told a group of defence writers here this week.



"In one mosque that I visited, I remember, in Miranshah, from outside we did not see anything. But under the mosque there were a 70-room basement, three stories, in which there were four-five IED factories, four-five suicide training centers, communication network, VIP room, conference rooms, amazing infrastructure," he said, giving details of the how deep rooted terror infrastructure had developed in Pakistan.



In North Waziristan, where the Pakistan Army had launched operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014, Aziz estimated there were 30-40 such mosques with similar kind of infrastructure.

Pakistan's tribal areas along the Af-Pak border has seven agencies and North Waziristan is one of them.



Aziz, who was here to attend the 6th US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, said this while giving details of the steps being taken by the Pakistani army against terrorists.

"According to our estimates, the IED factories in this particular agency if they had gone their way without disruption, they had enough IEDs for next 20 years for the scale of attacks that they were doing. Those have ended now. Communication infrastructure has been disrupted," Aziz said.



He, however, blamed the Afghan refugees for the tribal areas of Pakistan becoming a hub of terrorism.



"We inherited this problem of (terrorism), 9/11 onwards when people were pushed into our side of the border and they became a threat to us, because they lost their hold in their part of the world. Our tribal belt between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a very long belt and a very open territory. So they came and established themselves," he said.



"Initially they came to seek refuge, but they soon realised that unless they controlled territory and resources they can't survive there. So they started expanding their activities and by 2007-08, they had covered most of the tribal areas. They killed the tribal leaders, then they stared establishing their communication networks, IED factories, suicide training centers," he noted.



"It was unbelievable how quickly they expanded and trained themselves in the tribal belt. So we started getting large scale attacks in our cities, suicide attacks and bomb blasts," Aziz said, adding that in these 14 years, Pakistan lost about 60,000 people, including 10,000 security personnel.



He estimated the economic losses beyond USD 100 billion.



The toughest area infested with the terrorist was the North West Frontier Province, he said.



Out of seven agencies that the security forces have cleared, those groups, which could not survive there migrated or shifted their activities to North Waziristan.



"So North Waziristan by 2013 had become hub of many local and foreign terrorist groups. Our own Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which we call TTP, Chechen, Uzbeks, Chinese... it became a heart-bed of various (terrorist) things. Our own writ was very limited at that time, apart from military camps," Aziz said.



In June 2014, Pakistan Army stared operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said, adding that it was a very difficult operation.



"We have achieved the results that we needed because the entire infrastructure has been destroyed. So this has been a very successful operation," he said, adding that the Nawaz Sharif Government is determined to act against terrorism.



He told defense writers that the terrorist attack at an army-run school in Peshawar changed the entire narrative and created a consensus against terrorists in Pakistan.

"Before that there were pockets of support for them. But when this thing happened in December 2014, all the political parties agreed on a 20-point national action plan to take on terrorist groups," he said.



According to Aziz, once the anti-terrorism operation started in tribal belt, terrorist groups and leaders moved to the cities and urban centers.



"They all migrated to cities. They did not had a big infrastructure of FATA (federally administrated tribal areas), but around cities they could rent one or two houses, make small IED factory, suicide attacks or small bomb blast and their capacity to damage remained," he said.



The police and intelligence operation has resulted in apprehending of 25,000 terrorists across the country.



"As a result last year the total number of terrorist attacks have dropped by half and is gradually going down because their capacity to operate has come down," he said.

Aziz said the next phases of the National Action Plan is madrasas reforms and tightening of their funding sources.



These madrasas, he said, were jointly "funded, armed and created" by the US and Pakistan to train people to fight against the Russians in Afghanistan.



"We have about 75,000 unregistered madrassas," he said, where people are trained, brainwashed, and prepared for terrorist activities.



"All of the madrasas are not terrorist related but many of them are, so now those madrasas have been notified: Either close down or register yourself," he told separately at the Council on Foreign Affairs, a top American think-tank.



The Sharif Government, he said, is also working on de-radicalization, which means how do you win the minds and hearts of these people and curriculum reform.



"The whole counter-narrative forthe extremist narrative, and particularly the ISIL narrative, is very powerful and very catchy for the young people. So you cant counter it by sermons from religious leaders. It requires a very different approach to identifying these messages and identifying the correct response to these," he said.



Aziz said that the plan is moving in the right direction because of the commitment of the Sharif Government to take action against terrorism without discrimination.


Lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan today accused the NDA government at the Centre of 'dismantling' institutions of accountability and 'promoting fascism'.





"Modi government is leaving no stone unturned to dismantle all institutions of accountability, be it CVC, CIC or any other," Bhushan told a press conference here.



"Corruption is taking place in this government but it'll take some time to get exposed," he said.



He said JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested on the charge of sedition but no FIR has been registered against the "people of BJP and government" who were behind the fake videos used in this matter.



"Union minister Ram Shankar Katheria gave provocative statements but no FIR was lodged against him. He was not sacked," he said, adding BJP, RSS and its allied groups and government have now clearly come out in "support of fascism".



"Modi used to stay away from such things but now in JNU incident this government has opened its cards and come out," he said.



Bhushan also lashed out at the BJP government in Rajasthan for not taking action against the party MLA Kanwar Lal Meena who alongwith his supporters allegedly attacked activists of Jawabdehi Yatra in Jhalawar in January.



Activists Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and Kavita Srivastava also demanded stern action against the MLA and said a demonstration would be held near Assembly on March 10.
Nearly 100 allegations of sexual exploitation across 69 countries were received by the UN against its peacekeepers last year with no Indian personnel involved in any wrongdoing, according to the world body's new report.





Most number of peacekeepers accused of sexual abuse in 2015 were from Congo, Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, Rwanda and Tanzania, the UN said in its latest report on special measures to protect people from crimes of sexual abuse and exploitation.



There were 99 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse uncovered by the United Nations in 2015, the report said. No Indians were among the peacekeepers accused of sexual abuse.



"I'm ashamed to call myself a peacekeeper on some of these days when I see cases like this," UN Under Secretary- General for Field Support Atul Khare told reporters here referring to the pregnancy of a 13-year old girl as he presented the findings of the report.



"What we need to do is not detract from the good work which is done by hundreds of thousands of peacekeepers. We need to find these culprits who bring a bad name to peacekeeping, who actually create problems within the country in which they find themselves, and most importantly who destroy young innocent lives. And we need to punish them in a certain manner that nobody else in the future will ever think of doing that," he said.



India has strongly condemned the cases of sexual exploitation carried out by peacekeepers and stressed that it has a zero tolerance policy towards such conduct.

India has 7,798 peacekeepers in 10 UN missions across the world.



India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had told a session of the United Nations Special Committee for Peacekeeping Operations last month that "my delegation is appalled by the recent cases of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) which have surfaced in some of the UN Peacekeeping Operations."



"My delegation strongly condemns these unpardonable acts when the protector becomes the perpetrator. We have a zero tolerance policy on SEA cases and would like that there is zero tolerance on such issues across the UN too," he had said.



Last December, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had pledged to urgently review recommendations made by an independent panel which found that the UN did not act with the "speed, care or sensitivity required" when it uncovered information about crimes committed against children by soldiers -- not under UN command - sent to the Central African Republic (CAR) to protect civilians.



Meanwhile, new allegations of sexual abuse have continued to emerge against UN peacekeepers Central African Republic, with the UN Mission there, known by its French acronym MINUSCA, recently reporting seven new possible victims in the town of Bambari.



"It is greatly distressing when protectors, in rare instances, turn predators," Khare said.



Khare, who also gave an update on the implementation of 45 measures introduced last year, noted that 22 of the cases in 2015 took place in CAR, while 16 were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and nine in Haiti.



"We are fully committed to addressing the deplorable situation in MINUSCA," he said.



"The heart-breaking events that have come to light in the Central African Republic are a stark reminder that we must redouble our efforts to curb this scourge and that we depend on a strong partnership with member states to do so," Khare said.



He said the UN and its partners must adopt a victim- centred approach, with urgent psychological, medical and legal assistance provided to them, particularly when the victims are very young children.



"In this regard, the Secretary-General is proposing the creation of a trust fund. It would be funded voluntarily, but also from the salaries withheld from those who face significant allegations which have been substantiated," Khare said, noting that some USD 50,000 has been withheld so far.



Other proposals address the strengthening of the UN's entire system of response and coordination, creating "safe spaces" for victims to lodge complaints against peacekeepers.

These would exist in more locations, closer to the communities affected, and with the support of non-governmental organisations.



"We will spare no effort in making it possible for victims to come forward and for their allegations to receive serious consideration," the UN official said.



A second set of recommendations deals with measures to enhance the UN's transparency, such as an online database featuring all the information about the cases which will be available at the UN's Conduct and Discipline website.



It will contain details outlining the nature of the allegations, the number of victims per allegation, and the number of perpetrators per allegation.



"It will also identify the countries from which such perpetrators came, and it will update on the action taken, either by the UN or by the countries concerned, as regards investigation into these cases - whether they have been completed, what disciplinary measures were taken, and what criminal jurisdiction measures were undertaken by the countries to provide adequate, appropriate and exemplary punishment," Khare said.



In a separate interview with the UN News Centre, Khare said the UN is appealing to member states to ensure that sanctions are commensurate with the seriousness of the offense and that criminal accountability follows.



"In some instances, we have seen punishments that do not appear to be commensurate with the seriousness of the offenses committed," he noted.



The presence of UN-led immediate response teams will also be strengthened, so that as soon as a complaint is received, evidence can be quickly collected and preserved for national investigators.



As the UN does not have criminal jurisdiction, these investigators are expected to be appointed by the perpetrator's country within a 10-day time limit of the alleged crime, and to have completed their investigations within six months.



"In cases where a particularly egregious offense has taken place, say for the rape of a child, then we will request that this period be shortened by half - appointing an investigator within five days, and completing the investigation within three months," he said.



The Secretary-General has also requested that Member States obtain DNA samples from uniformed personnel who have been accused and if a country fails to investigate, Ban has proposed that its peacekeepers no longer be deployed to work under the UN flag.



In addition, a very strong vetting mechanism has already been established, by which the Organisation can verify the criminal past of prospective peacekeepers.



"Disciplinary measures have been strengthened since last year," the Under-Secretary-General stressed, pointing out that not only will perpetrators be repatriated, but commanders are also at risk of being sent home "for not being strong enough in their command and control."



The report also stresses on prevention, including pre- deployment training, mandatory online courses, and additional measures such as the enforcement of non-fraternisation policies.



"That anyone serving under the UN flag should prey on the vulnerable is an abomination," Khare stated. "We will not let up in our response to ensure that our prevention measures are robust, and that where incidents occur, victims receive support and allegations are vigorously investigated so that, ultimately, justice is served."



Asked whether deploying more women could further limit the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, Khare said he does believe that a greater participation of female peacekeepers would help, not only in the fight against this particular issue, but also to improve the overall quality of peacekeeping and the way in which the UN achieves its mandates worldwide.
Delhi Police today registered a case in connection with posters announcing a "reward" of Rs 11 lakh for anyone who "shoots down" JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.





One person was caught while he was sticking the posters on the behalf of outfit 'Purvanchal Sena' on the wall of Press Club while others accompanying him managed to flee. The matter was reported to the police.



"A case has been registered under relevant sections of law at the Parliament Street police station," said a senior police officer.



"The person fixing the posters was questioned at the police station and we are tracking others who got the posters published," he said.



"No person has been arrested so far in this connection," said Taj Hasan, Special Commissioner (Crime) and chief spokesperson of Delhi Police, without divulging any further information.



The development came on a day BJP Yuva Morcha leader Kuldeep Varshnay, who had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for cutting off JNU Students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar's tongue, was expelled from primary membership of the party for six years.



The poster stated that "whosoever shoots JNU students union president and seditionist Kanhaiya will be rewarded Rs 11 lakh on the behalf of Purvanchal Sena."

The poster carried name of one Adarsh Sharma as president of Purvanchal Sena. A mobile phone number was also mentioned on the posters but it was not reachable despite several attempts.



Kanhaiya was arrested on February 12 in connection with a sedition case over a controversial JNU event. He was granted interim bail for six months by the Delhi High Court on March 2 and was released from Tihar jail next day.
Former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Saturday demanded Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs apology for the lathicharge against farmers in Bengaluru.



Addressing mediapersons here, he said the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in the State is only proving that it is anti-farmer. The lathicharge against the farmers of Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts, who were demanding irrigation facility for their land, is unfortunate. Technically, it may not be lathicharge, but can anybody deny that it was a brutal assault against the agitating farmers? The government should not stoop to the level of just issuing clarifications that it is not a lathicharge, but try to rectify its mistakes, he said.



He warned, If the government does not respond positively to the farmers woes, the purpose of having a government is a failure. If such agitations and violence erupt in the society in future, the chief minister will be held responsible.



Yeddyurappa said, Siddaramaiah should have held a meeting with farmers representatives and tried to solve the problems as soon as he got reports that the farmers were having problems and that they were planning to stage a protest, instead of suppressing their movement.



When his attention was drawn towards the statement of Siddaramaiah that he did not have the need to learn a lesson from BJP, which is notorious for its shooting orders against farmers, Yeddyurappa said, Instead of recalling the deeds of the previous governments, the chief minister should tell what he is doing for the welfare of the farmers now.



He said, The chief minister is losing confidence of his own party legislators. More than 50 per cent of MLAs did not attend the dinner hosted by him recently. The watch issue has demoralised the MLAs. KPCC President G Parameshwara has reported that the party has faced a setback in the watch issue. Handing over of the watch to the Speaker itself proves that the chief minister has erred.


The remarks made by the President of India while addressing a gathering of advocates in Kochi last week about the need to revise the IPC of 1860 in the wake of fresh challenges in the modern society have again underlined the possibility to undertake a comprehensive exercise for revisiting the Indian Penal Code. Besides the ongoing controversy on the law of sedition, there are enough cogent reasons for this. It also is interesting to explore as to why many extensive amendments, except the amendments of 2013, could not be made in the Code.



Two prominent reasons can be attributed to this. The code has been premised on some very basic principles of criminal jurisprudence and hence the underlying expositions and definitions in the IPC mostly remained unchallenged. Besides, the classification of offences was kept generic and wider enough to include a vast array of wrong-doings and therefore it also did not pose major problems until recently.



The history of making of IPC offers useful insights into its character, coverage and principles which stood the test of time. The code was a product of 19th century English law reform debate, in particular, Benthams idea of comprehensive codification but unlike many British Colonies, England never codified, despite Macaulays hopes that IPC would inspire stalled efforts there. The cardinal principles governing the philosophy of IPC were based upon the Utilitarian traditions developed by thinkers such as James Mill and Bentham in conceiving and contemplating a comprehensive law for contemporary India. Barry Wright a Professor of Criminal law in Canada, finds that the IPC was most Benthamic and arguably the most influential British Criminal Code. Despite its success, the IPC did not resolve tension between the universal and the situational principle and pragmatism and deductive and inductive reasoning that persisted through Benthams ideal conception of codification. Macaulay wanted to shift law making from courts to legislature and limit judges to simple application of law. Macaulay relied on many laws and documents in shaping the Code such as the Louisiana Code of law and French Penal Code. Despite many changes since beginning, the basic structure of the Indian Penal Code has remained the same since its very first draft. The factors like judges having a uniform set of rules and legal principles upon which to base their decisions; and Hindu and Muslim law simply lacked the necessary ingredients of a modern legal system were the weaknesses that have caused jurists historians to convince that India needed a fresh law as part of the reform process.



Lord Macaulay who presided over Indian Law Commission was entrusted to lead the responsibility of this project and he wanted to replace a patchwork of Muslim and Hindu laws overlaid with a mixture of transplanted English laws and the East Indian Company regulations to ensure an objective law of justice. McCauley envisaged four-fold objectives for the code: one, the code should be more than a mere digest covering all aspects of the law, second, the code should suppress crime with least infliction of suffering and allow truth discovery in most efficient way, third, the code should be unequivocal and concise and fourth the uniformity in definition and procedure must be the key feature in the code. In nutshell, Macaulay premised the IPC on the principle: uniformity when you can have it; diversity when you must have it; but, in all cases certainty.



Prof. Barry Wright, dealt with the issue of revision of IPC when it celebrated its 150th year and found that the task of updating IPC was difficult and aim of perfecting the IPC in accordance with the original principles would be highly complex.



The canons of legal realism would show that the law has a tendency of being located in a context of contemporary social, political and cultural milieu. Accordingly, the judicial interpretations of the legal provisions also tend to shape. All the laws do not have a natural and structural ability to imbibe such changes. Resultantly, a gap between the promise of law and performance of law surfaces. The limiting premise for any law is its inability to anticipate new situations, novel issues and developments. The need, therefore, to contextualize the code in wake of new challenges is axiomatic.



Thinking of revision project of IPC would be an acknowledgement of influence of extra- legal factors affecting the operation of code. The IPC was essentially a cultural product that reflects a European lineage which was quite alienated to many indigenous colonial cultures. Macaulay also had his own limitations of understanding the cultural nuances of the region. Besides, he had a specific political context of improving the contemporary British governance which was facing challenges to its sovereignty. The most powerful argument going in favour of revisiting IPC remained that the rule of law enshrined in code was more about sovereignty of the state than the rights of the people. It therefore provides tremendous scope to contextualize the IPC from the perspective of rule of law in modern sense. In this sense, the IPC was more of a liability creating law alone than the right-conferring proposition. This stance holds well in a constitutional democracy.



By and large the IPC has successfully lived up to the expectations of people at large. The IPC has been subjected to a very limited number of amendments. And these amendments were not substantial in nature. The need is often felt that construction of offence and punishment present in IPC fall short of current day societys expectations. Many changes in complexion of crime and criminal justice dispensation has taken place which have not been captured in the description of offences as entailed in the IPC.



The legislature in the independent India preferred to create separate enactments as Local and Special Laws to deal with various kinds of offences not included in IPC. For instance Cyber Crimes, Drug Offences, Economic Offences, Juvenile Offences, Customs & Excise Offences and further there are many more emerging forms of crime to which IPC does not address.



The IPC is divided into XXII chapters and has 511 sections. The experience of enforcing IPC in the country clearly brings out that more than 40% of offences that are registered pertains to two classes  under chapter XVI  Offences affecting human body and chapter XVII  Offences against property. Significant from the standards of present day society, the offices relating to public order, sexual act and economic crime constituted only 3.0, 4.7 and 5.0 percent respectively in the year 2014 according to the crime in India. This skewed distribution is the function of classificatory anomalies in the IPC which as per new trends need a reconsideration.



A quick perusal to pattern of offence registered and disposal of cases would find that there are offences in IPC which fall in the category of rarely or exceptionally invoked. This category include Offences relating to Public Justice, Offences related to Army, Navy, Airforce, Offences against State and many offence under the head of local and special laws.



Apart from this structural deficiencies, there are some fundamental areas calling attention to make changes in the IPC. The IPC as a law was created much before the emergence of constitutional democratic regime and therefore it has significantly failed in capturing the essence of these principles. The mismatch between legal provisions and constitutional aspirations therefore becomes visible at various places in the IPC.



The need of revision in the IPC also stems from the debate on issue of criminalization of sexuality. This scenario provides a position taken by the Supreme Court of India which enforced a victorian morality regime to people of various sexual orientation. On the other hand, Delhi High Courts decision on this subject interpreted this as per section 377 of IPC in context of peoples choices in a constitutional democracy. The law criminalizing homosexuality and adultery in the IPC is quite contrary to the peoples expectations in modern era. This dilemma rests in many sections of the IPC. The initial premise in the IPC were clearly in favour of guiding public morality in identifying and defining underlying principles in the IPC and hence places public interest issues on a higher pedestal, back seating concerns relating to privacy of people.



In case of adultery the liability is completely fixed on male and female have been kept away from purview of liability. This construction is also quite against the notion of gender equality and needs rectification in an appropriate manner.



The IPC also reveal an interesting gender analysis which again becomes a ground considering changes in it. The IPC has provisions dealing with sexuality, procreation and marriage and the implications of the operation of this part of IPC raises complex issues of privacy and discriminatory application of law to men and women. The loaded patriarchal value framework in the IPC allows heterosexual relations in privacy and within the marital relations. The legal provisions relating to obscenity, prostitution and trafficking adopt a sexist approach and in many cases criminalization becomes unnecessary and the agency of women has not been recognized in a liberal context.



The punishment provided in Chapter III of IPC also provide a clear case of revision as section 53 enumerates the type of punishments that can be imposed. This classification is highly conservative in view of significant developments which have taken place in penology and correctional administration. For instance the punishment types does not have the mention of community services, restorative provisions and other community based obligations for offenders. Having death penalty on statute book is also contrary to the ideas of humanizing criminal justice response and punishment for offender.



Keeping of death penalty in the IPC had a different objective inthe beginning as the state wanted to profess a retributive stance and deterrent move for potential offenders and against the people joining mutiny. All such reasons have now vanished and the presence of death penalty in master criminal law of India defies modern principles of penology and rehabilitation.

In many nations the state has raised the quantum of fines for various wrongdoings so that victims could be compensated for injustice out of this corpus. A survey of various punishments in IPC would reveal that the range of fines is from a few hundreds to a few thousands. This by any measure is not sufficient nor does it serve any purpose for compensation to victims of crime.



The most pertinent amendment in the IPC were made in the year 2013 after Delhi gang rape incident. Significant changes in IPC were made to create new category of offences. These changes were quite contemporary and took into consideration the new methods of crime commission in account. It included Acid Throwing as an offence under section 326 (A) and 326 (B). It also placed a punishment in section 166B for non-treatment of victim. The definition of rape was expanded to cover many forms of non-penetrative actions.



As a substantive law the IPC made drastic changes in the existing section 354 by including many other forms of crime. In keeping the rising instances of sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism, trafficking in mind , section 354 (A) on sexual harassment, Section 354(B) on Sexual Assault, Section 350 (C) on voyeurism and section 350 (D) on stalking were added. By far, this was the most significant change seen by IPC in capturing new variety of crimes in its fold. The punishment for rape by public servant was also enhanced up to 10 years extendable to imprisonment of life. The offence of gang rape in section 376 was added in context of Nirbhaya case. While these changes are significant, the President of Indias insistence on revisiting the IPC still holds correct.



The post 2013 IPC amendment experiences on the part of police have evoked a mixed response which again underlines a more careful and research based exercise in contemplating changes in the IPC. The fact remains that police in this country is overworked and amendments would not be effective unless enforcement agencies are provided with matching resources. Registering cases under voyeurism, stalking etc. involves lot of subjectivity and therefore these offences are required to be more coherently defined. Another problem with this change in IPC is its integration. All these offences under section 354 havebeen placed in chapter Offences against Human Body. This in turn creates a conceptual confusion as how offences such as stalking, voyeurism could fall in offences against human body.



The project IPC revision would require the following suggestions for a comprehensive revamping of law:



1. There is a need to have empirical legal research showing areas required to be contemplated as new offences in the code. This project must be substantiated by empirical researchers and to be handled by professionals by undertaking extensive pre-legislative surveys.



2. The same process should also be applied in case of identification of offences to be dropped from the IPC on account of being outdated nature and issues of enforceability involved in them.



3. Considerable restructuring and re-arrangement of chapters in the IPC could be done, for instance in the areas of sexual offences. Despite changes in law following nation-wide agitation, there is no separate chapter on sexual offences in IPC. It is therefore the right time to dedicate a full chapter on this subject to bring all sexual offences at one place.



4. The chapter in the IPC on classification could also be based on the nature of liability such as mild, moderate and major liability, so that the quantum of fine could be spelled out accordingly.



5. To be comprehensive enough, the IPC must also include chapters on cyber laws, economic offences, and terrorist offences in the code. This would be helpful in avoiding duplicity and confusion.



6. Illustrations provided with various sections are now totally outdated from the standpoint of todays standards. They were relevant when the case law was not developed so the need to replace them is quite significant.



7. In the revised project, the indigenousness in the framing of laws must be given space which was completely left out by the IPC.



The IPC seems to have fallen short as a scientific legislation fulfilling the need of a universal jurisprudence. But has given a framework to the jurists to develop a more rationalist and constitutionally grounded law for a rapidly growing democracy like India.





The author is Professor at the National Law University, Delhi




Fifty six-year-old Ram Sharan Singh in Bihars Bhojpur district remained a worried lot after packs of Nilgai destroyed his crops year after year. So perplexed was he with the Nilgai menace that at one point of time, he was mulling over the proposal to shift to other business from agriculture.



But the Centres decision to allow Bihar cull Nilgais has come as a major relief for him and other farmers. A recent notification issued by the Union Environment ministry, headed by Prakash Javdekar, in December 2015 says the Centre has agreed to the Bihar governments demand to declare Nilgai as vermin on account of the damage they cause to the life and property.



This is arguably the first instance where the Ministry of Forest and Environment has declared any species as vermin and granted rights to a state to hunt them down. Bihar had been pressing about the matter after several complaints poured in about damage of crops by Nilgai. Such was the havoc created by the antelope that farmers last year complained to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during one of his yatras.



The concern was expressed again in the meeting of the State Board of Wild Life, held in May 2015, where it was decided that Bihar would declare the Nilgai as vermin. The proposal was then forwarded to the Union Environment Ministry, Bihars Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment, Vivek Kumar Singh told Deccan Herald.



We were receiving regular complaints about crops damaged by Nilgai. Since Nilgai (also called blue bull) is a Schedule III animal, it has been quite difficult to handle the menace. But after cultivation was hit, there was a growing clamour to hunt down the Nilgai despite the emotional attachment to it due to gai factor, said Singh.



Its not only the farm area where the Nilgais had wreaked havoc. Sometime back, a peculiar situation arose in Patna when an antelope strayed into the campus of Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport .



Mercifully, before it could enter the high-security zone, zoo officials from the nearby Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park were requisitioned who helped in apprehending the wayward animal.



Close on the heels of a blue bull entering the Patna airport, yet another antelope entered the campus of Gaya International Airport, some 125 km from Patna. Every takeoff and landing of international and domestic flights in Gaya was fraught with danger as the blue bull, which had once strayed onto the runway, was said to be hiding in the adjoining 50-hectare dense forest cover at the airport. The antelope was eventually apprehended by the forest department officials who came looking for the herbivorous animal with tranquilliser guns in hand.



Prior to this incident, when a tiger strayed in from Valmikinagar reserve area (in Champaran), it killed several antelopes along the Gandak basin, while returning to its territory.



The villagers, comprising mostly farmers, were profusely thanking the God because these Nilgais had destroyed acres of crops worth lakhs.



Rattled over Nilgais havoc, we had organised Mahachandi yajna (a form of prayer) some time back to invoke the Goddess Durga. The goddess sent in the tiger to chase the blue bull. We are thankful to Maa Durga, said Rampujan Singh, a native of Saran.



Bihar has a history of Nilgais damaging lentil crops like arhar and moong (pulses), thereby adversely affecting their production. Farmers in several districts where the Ganga and Gandak basin exists face huge losses as crops of wheat, maize, vegetables and pulses are damaged by herds of Nilgais. These animals not only graze in farmlands but also damage standing crops.



During Vishwas Yatra undertaken by Nitish Kumar, the farmers narrated him their plight over the mess created by Nilgais. There are thousands of Nilgais. And their population is increasing by the day because a female antelope breeds twice a year, an aggrieved farmer told the Chief Minister emphasising on the need to capture and sterilise the Blue Bull.



Later, farmers in many parts of Bihar put up bars and barricades to protect the crops from Nilgais and also continuously monitored their fields.



The Bihar Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (BAMETI) organised one of the workshops on the issue in which representatives of the state government and other experts dwelt at length how to overcome this problem. The meeting, which was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests, wild life experts and activists of NGOs, deliberated on the issue and suggested ways and means to protect the crops from these wild herbivores.



One of the suggestions was to empower mukhiyas to issue gun licences to kill these animals and make them honorary wildlife warden. But the suggestion was immediately shot down. As per the Indian culture, Hindus consider Nilgais as sacred because of the nomenclature. It has gai (cow) in it, and therefore it cant be gunned down, an expert argued.



The other reason for the increase in antelopes population is said to be the shrinking forest. The carnivores that kept a check on their population are fast dwindling. As a consequence, the wild carnivores nowadays roam freely and, of late, have entered the human habitat.



Taking note of the serious problem, the Centre, on December 1, 2015 issued a gazette notification which has allowed Bihar to cull Nilgais. Now this should make farmers heave a sigh of relief.
The Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers Association (KCMA) has said that the 5 per cent customs duty on raw cashew nut in the budget will sound a death knell for the cashew processing industry in the country.



In a memorandum to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the KCMA has sought an immediate roll back of this duty. KCMA President Bola Rahul Kamath has stated in the memorandum that the cashew growers will have to face a total of 9.55 per cent cess due to a levy of 5 per cent basic customs duty on the CIF (cost, insurance and freight) value on imported raw cashew nuts, besides a special additional duty of 4 per cent and an education cess of 3 per cent that the law charges.



Stating that a majority of the 4,000 cashew processing units in 14 states of the country  including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh  are in micro, small and medium scale sectors, employing 4,00,000 women, Kamath said most of them are located in the rural areas.



He also noted that the total raw cashew nut production in India is 6 lakh MT, although the industries are currently processing about 16 lakh MT, indicating a shortfall of 10 lakh MT, which has to be made good by imports from Africa. Kamath warned that the move of the government would result in the closure of all tiny and small industries in the country who are today the highest employment generators.



Citing an example, he said that the biggest competitor to India is Vietnam, and they have mechanised their processing and are sitting with huge processing capacity. They are not able to compete with Indians due to our ability to realise better on a combination sales in domestic and export. Any drop in the international rate of seeds will help Vietnam mop up the seeds to their country, and this will clearly mean Advantage Vietnam, taking away Indias share of the overseas market, he explained.



The KCMA president also cautioned that the duty will encourage unethical practices as the industry fears the imports may come in with heavy under-invoicing or false declarations to avoid duty. This will result in imports getting to unethical traders and may have serious implication on the industry, he said.



The memorandum also stated that most of the tiny and small scale units have availed huge bank loans to upgrade and modernise their units and this sudden unavailability in processing will result in many of this account becoming NPAs.



This is an extremely sensitive commodity and any sudden increase in its value will directly impact its consumption, the memorandum stated.


A student was stabbed to death by a painter after they got into an argument over a trivial issue at Ramaswamy Palya in Banaswadi, Bengaluru East, on Friday evening.





According to the police, the deceased has been identified as Samson, 19, a second PU student and a resident of Jogupalya near Halasuru. The suspect, Prakash, 20, a painter and resident of Ramaswamy Palya, has been arrested.



The incident occurred on Saturday at around 8 pm, when Samson and his classmate Sunil, also a resident of Ramaswamy Palya, were walking back home after attending tuition. When they were going near Ramaswamy Palya, Sunil brushed past Prakash. A furious Prakash slapped Sunil. Rushing to his friends rescue, Samson abused and slapped Prakash, said the police.



In a fit of rage, Prakash pulled out a knife from his pocket and stabbed Samson on his chest. Samson started bleeding and collapsed to the ground, while Prakash fled the spot. Samson was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared brought dead. The police shifted the body for postmortem and informed Samsons parents. Based on the complaint filed by Samsons father Balakrishna, a cab driver, Prakash was arrested from his residence.



3 girls injured in accident



Three students sustained minor injuries when a mini bus brushed past them near NES Junction in Yelahanka on Saturday morning.



The police said that at around 11.30 am, Lalitha, K P Yashodha and Chandrakala, students of Government College in Yelahanka, were waiting near NES Junction to cross the road when the mini bus attached to R L Jallappa College in Doddaballapur brushed past them.



All the three students sustained injuries and they were taken to a nearby private hospital. The doctors treated them and informed the police that Yashoda had fractured her right leg in the accident.



The police, who visited the spot, seized the mini bus, which was abandoned by the driver. They have contacted the college authorities seeking details about the driver.

The Yelahanka traffic police have registered a case.


A 50-year-old physically challenged man was kidnapped and then robbed by miscreants near Ittamadu main road under Channamanakere Achukattu police limits, on Friday evening.



The victim, Manjunath Nayak was an employee at Karnataka Telecom Department Employees Co-operative Society and a resident of Subramanyapura, was first kidnapped and was then robbed of Rs 25,000 cash and his ATM card, said the police. Manjunath told the police that he was returning home from work at 5.30 pm when a few miscreants came in a car and stopped his bike.



Forcibly bundled



He was then forcibly bundled inside the car and blind folded. He was taken to a building and was demanded Rs 1 lakh cash. He was threatened with his life if he failed to pay the money. When he insisted that he did not have that huge an amount, he was robbed of his ATM card and forced to give away the ATM pin number.



The kidnappers then withdrew a cash of Rs 25, 000 and dropped him off at the same place he had been abducted from late that evening. Manjunath approached the police and registered a complaint later regarding the same.



Victims version doubtful



A senior police officer said, the victims version is doubtful as he is not giving us the clear details of the incident. He comes out with different versions every time he is questioned.



It is learnt during the investigation that he himself had withdrawn the cash from a Karnataka bank ATM on Ittamadu main road. However, he has been insisting that his relative might have kidnapped him. We also found out that he and his relative had a dispute over property and Manjunath wanted his relative arrested.



Manjunath may be making up stories to get his relative in trouble. However, a case has been registered and we are analysing the call details of Manjunaths mobile phone. This could help us know where was Manjunath when the crime was committed, the senior police officer added.



Guard jumps to death



A 24-year-old security guard committed suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of the Karnataka Veterinary Council building in Hebbal on Saturday morning.



The deceased, Basavaraju, a native of Belagavi, was working as a security guard at the Council.Basavaraju went to the fourth floor of the building and jumped to death. Hearing a loud thud, the Council staff found Basavaraju lying in a pool of blood and was rushed to a hospital. He later succumbed to injuries.



Short-tempered



A senior police officer said, Basavaraju had joined Detect Well Security agency and was assigned the job of guarding the council. According to his colleagues, he was short tempered by nature. We have informed his parents who are yet to come from Belagavi. Only after questioning his parents we can get to know the reason for his act, said a senior police officer.



Basavarajus colleague said a death note was found in the pockets of Basavarajus trousers which stated that he was harassed by his employees. The police have summoned three persons for questioning. A case has been registered in Sanjay Nagar police station.


Kerala-born Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, who was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in Yemen on Friday, was bent on serving the mentally challenged and senior citizens in strife-torn Aden, even as three of his fellow priests returned to India.



The 56-year-old priest studied theology for four years at KR Puram in the City and served as a priest for 26 years in Karnataka before taking up charity work in Yemen. Five priests from the Salesians of Don Bosco Congregation, Bangalore Province, including Fr Uzhunnalil, went to Yemen in the Middle East to serve the needy in the war zone. Fr V M Mathew, spokesperson of the Don Bosco Provincial House in the City, told Deccan Herald that Fr Uzhunnalil knew that his life was in danger, but he was determined to serve the destitute. Three of the five priests, including two from Karnataka and one from Kerala, returned to India soon after the civil war broke out in March 2015.



Three priests returned to India, while Uzhunnalil, along with another priest, chose to continue their charity work in Aden, he said. On Friday, gunmen stormed into the compound of the charity home  which houses about 100 mentally challenged and senior citizens  run by the Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity.



The men shot dead four nuns among others, including one from India, and left the others unhurt. However, its uncertain if Fr Uzhunnalil is abducted or killed. We are trying to get in touch through diplomatic channels, Fr Mathew said. The terrorists were moving out in the open with guns. And it was not possible to go out unless accompanied by security guards provided by the government. The situation had turned worse by the end of last year. This is the time when we asked them to return home, Fr Mathew said.



Fr Thomas, one of the priests who returned to India from Yemen, said Fr Uzhunnalil refused to abandon the charity work. We could not come out of the compound as the civil war broke out in Yemen.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured Aligarh Muslim University vice-chancellor Lt Gen Zameer Udin Shah that he would look into their demands of retaining minority status for the higher education institution.



A five-member delegation of AMU, which had called on the prime minister after it failed to get an audience with HRD Minister Smriti Irani for long, apprised Modi that BJP had supported the minority character of the university.



The governments highest legal officer Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, however, in his opinion had stripped AMU of its minority status and even the BJPs stand is that a university created by an Act of Parliament has to be a Central institution having secular character.



Emerging out of the meeting, AMU vice-chancellor Shah said, PM has assured us that he will look into our requests and we have faith that he will take positive action.



The Prime Ministers Office in an official release said, the five-member AMU delegation, led by Shah, called on Modi and discussed issues related to research and education, skill development, and Ganga rejuvenation.


BJP president Amit Shah on Saturday once again targeted Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for terming anti-national utterances as freedom of speech and sought to know from the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi if she supported it.



Speaking at a meeting of the BJP youth wing at Vrindavan in Mathura, Shah also termed the Ram Temple movement as an expression of nationalism.



The country has been witnessing a strange kind of debate these days...An attempt is being made to drape treason with freedom of expression, Shah said apparently referring to the alleged anti-national slogans at the JNU.



Congress should be ashamed that its vice-president says that those raising such slogans should be heard, he added. The BJP chief also said that the youth of the country would not under any circumstances allow further division of the country.
The Finance Minister presented the Budget in very trying circumstances. He pushed for the theme of Transform India, comprising nine pillar transformative agenda. The usual experience of the fine print in the Finance Bill springing unpleasant surprises has been pleasantly reversed. The fine print is better than the Budget announcements!





Push for Make in India

The government wants more foreign investments in defence, infrastructure, and manufacturing to fulfil Make in India initiative and to propel the economy to move forward at a high pace to generate significant employment. Reduction in import duty in relation to the raw materials for this sector and increase in duty rates for import of finished products should directly help to achieve this.



One of the hurdles in ease of doing business in India is the tax administration and process. By including many of the recommendations of the Tax Simplification Committee, the government has shown its resoluteness to address this issue. There are many firsts in this area, including making the tax officer personally liable for interest payment if he delays implementing the taxpayer favourable tribunal order beyond 90 days.



While launching the Start-up India programme, the government announced concessional tax regime for startups. This has now been included in the proposed provisions.



A newly set up company, engaged in the business which involves innovation, development, deployment or commercialisation of new products, processes or services, which are driven by technology or intellectual property would be exempt from tax on its income for three years out of the first five years upon fulfilment of conditions. Long term capital gains to the extent of Rs 50 lakh would be exempt if invested in the units of a government notified Fund of Funds for investing in startups. This should give a major boost to setting up of new businesses.



Protection for IP

Despite the fact that India has the required talent to create intellectual property (IP) which can be exploited and used for the growth of economy, India faces migration of IP. With a view to promote research and development and incentivise retention of IP in India, a special tax regime is introduced.



Income of a resident who is the inventor and in whose name the patent is registered under the Patents Act, would be taxed at 10% on worldwide royalty income. Such income would also be exempt from levy of Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT).

With rigorous IP protection laws in place, this concessional tax regime should make India an attractive destination for homegrown IP. At least now there is a favourable tax regime and high tax incidence should not drive the IP outside the country.



Positivity on AIFs

A significant boost has been given to the investment funds sector by providing clarity on giving pass through tax treatment to income of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).



A non-resident investor who is permitted to invest in AIFs would now be able to claim the benefit of tax rates as per the applicable tax treaty on income from AIF. Securitisation Trusts, Real Estate Investment Trusts and Investment Trusts for infrastructure have likewise been provided pass through tax status.



This should please this industry and give it the required impetus. A significant dependence has been placed on indirect taxes to offset the revenue losses from direct tax proposals. The Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of Aircrafts (MRO) has been given a boost by myriad measures, such as simplification of import processes for spares and customs duty exemptions for maintenance tools, among others. These measures can potentially revive the languishing MRO industry.



Big misses in the Budget

There are some misses which can be rectified: Removal of tax uncertainty in respect of equipment procurement and construction contracts through clear provisions.



This is indeed an urgent need, since the country needs to develop infrastructure which requires a huge number of such contracts. Tax certainty is the least that can be expected.



In October 2015, the government had announced making the concessional 5% withholding tax rate applicable to the popular Masala Bonds. However, the provision for the same is missing in the Finance Bill.



The imposition of two new cesses, viz., Krishi Kalyan Cess and Infrastructure Cess is bound to increase costs of doing business. Another negative is the imposition of excise duty on textiles, fabrics and jewellery.



These hikes are sure to draw flak from the respective industries. Levy of service tax on inward transportation by vessels is an added cost to the manufacturing industry.



No firm commitment on GST has also dampened industry aspirations. The government has skilfully negotiated the prevailing circumstances with one that is mature and realistic.



On balance, the proposals in this Budget should provide the much needed boost to the economy. They indicate that the government is indeed ready to walk the talk.



(The authors are the Executive Directors at Khaitan & co, a Mumbai-based law firm)


Hubble, the Internet of Things (IoT) service provider, has plans to shift its headquarters to Bengaluru from Canada.





We need the right leadership, and the availability of talent here is very immense. So, we have decided to move our operations from Canada to Bengaluru from April 1, 2016, Hubble Founder and Chairman Dino Lalvani told Deccan Herald. The company has appointed Ochintya Sharma as Country Head. Earlier, Sharma looked after Samsungs Internet of Things division in India, he said.



Smart home solutions

Hubble has plans to hire 200 staffers. The company has a unit that deals with Internet devices like routers, modems, landline phones and mobile accessories. Hubble also has home surveillance system that is connected with Internet. It is also into developing smart home solutions.



The company is also planning to launch a wireless Internet-enabled surveillance camera for Rs 2,995 a unit.



We have a license from Motorola to make and sell home surveillance products. We have already started a pilot with Videocon to sell our surveillance services to consumers who have landlines. Talks are on with private telecom operators to bundle Hubble product into their network," Lalvani said.




Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that addressing political, economic and security concerns of people are issues beyond power politics.



We shall have to take decisive confidence building measures to end the gloomy scenario of despair and alienation the state has been once again pushed into, she said while addressing party workers in border district of Samba in Jammu.



The most daring challenge for PDP is to be with the people and show solidarity with them and the party is committed to its resolve of working for peace, stability and development of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba added.



Asking the people of India not to see Kashmir issue through the security prism alone, she said, The country needs to invest in J&Ks peace and acknowledge the pain and sufferings of its people. The ordinary people of India need to participate in hand holding with Kashmiris to give them a sense of belonging.



When we talk of Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of India, we need to go beyond the ownership of land. People of Jammu and Kashmir should not be given to feel that their dignity is being undermined, Mehbooba said.



She reiterated that development in Jammu and Kashmir was possible only in an environment of peace and stability, which necessitates decisive confidence building measures (CBMs) to be taken by New Delhi.



Peace and stability is possible only when we revive, with firm resolve and with tangible confidence building measures, the process of reconciliation and engagement in and around Jammu and Kashmir, the PDP chief said.



Mehbooba said J&K has huge stakes in peace and stability in the region, as people in both Kashmir and Jammu regions have suffered enormous human and economic losses.


Two years after the Supreme Courts landmark verdict, transgenders in West Bengal will be able to exercise their franchise this April-May Assembly elections under the third gender category.



Long consigned the underbelly and dregs of society, Bengals transgenders are already being enlisted under the new category and not forced to identify themselves as either of the two conventional genders, male or female. The process of being registered as voters is already underway in Bengal, which will see polls in six phases from April 4.



With more than 30,000 transgender voters across the state, they will add a new dimension to the elections. A transgender, Ranjita Sinha, member of the National Transgender Development Board, said that while the Election Commission (EC) had ruled in 2009 that transgenders would be able to cast votes as the other gender, the 2016 Assembly elections will be the first time they will exercise their franchise as third gender. Though some of us voted as the other gender in 2011, we longed for official recognition after the Supreme Court ruling. Were happy the commission recognised us this time, she said.



Ranjita, however, pointed out that till early this week, only around 5,000 transgenders have been registered on the voters list. Though Bengal has more than 30,000 transgenders, only a small fraction have been included in voters list. We feel this is step-motherly attitude of the state government towards our community, she said. While she admitted that the government has proactively included transgenders in the rolls in Kolkata, the situation is different in villages.



In rural Bengal, officials responsible for the job have not shown the same urgency to pursue the matter as those in Kolkata and other urban centres. Moreover, if political parties are serious about our welfare, they should consider members from our community as candidates to fight polls, said Ranjita.



State Women and Child Development Minister Sashi Panja, who is also chairman of the state transgender development board, said the EC and the transgender community leaders should conduct awareness camps to encourage more from the third gender to register as voters.




A day after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh defended junior minister Ram Lal Katheria for his hate speech in Agra after a VHP leader was murdered, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expelled a district leader of its youth wing for announcing a reward of Rs 5 lakh for cutting off JNU students union leader Kanhaiya Kumars tongue.



Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM)s Budaun district chief Kuldeep Varshney had said that he had announced a reward as he could not tolerate comments of Kanhaiya Kumar, who after getting out on bail in a sedition case insulted the BJP, RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



"In his speech yesterday, he spoke against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the BJP and our PM Narendra Modiji and also insulted our nation. Being a dutiful citizen, I could not tolerate this," Varshney told reporters.



Kanhaiya dubbed Jinnah



BJP leaders continued to put their foot in their mouths as they targeted Kanhaiya Kumar, notwithstanding the reported instruction of the party high command to exercise restraint while commenting on sensitive issues.



Firebrand saffron leader and BJP Lok Sabha member Yogi Adityanath on Saturday virtually likened Kanhaiya to Muslim League leader and Pakistan's first Governor-General Mohammed Ali Jinnah. He said that he would not allow Jinnah to be reborn in any Indian varsity.



Jinnah will not be allowed to be reborn either in JNU or any other university in India....we will deal with the traitors,'' Adityanath said in Gorakhpur in an informal chat with reporters. An embarrassed BJP sought to distance itself from Varshneys reward and expelled him from the primary membership of the party for six years.



BJPs Budaun, which falls in UP, unit chief Harish Shakya insisted that the views expressed by Varshney were personal. The party has nothing to do with it, Shakya said.



The BJP, however, continued to criticise the Congress stand of lending support to the JNU row where a section of student leaders questioned the judicial hanging of Afzal Guru in the Parliament attack case.



BJP president Amit Shah, addressing a meeting of BJYM in Vrindavan, criticised Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for visiting JNU campus to show solidarity in the name of freedom of expression.



"A strange atmosphere has been created. Anti-national slogans are being projected as freedom of expression... Congress should be ashamed that its vice president goes to the campus and says these (slogans) should be heard as there is freedom of expression, Shah said.


President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Saturday set the tone for the two-day conference of women legislators by nudging the Modi government to ensure passage of the bill granting 33 % reservations to women in Parliament and state legislators.



Addressing the conference organised by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Ansari also voiced concern over the moves made by states, such as Rajasthan and Haryana to fix minimum educational qualification and number of children to contest Panchayat elections.



The introduction of statutory requirement of meeting new eligibility conditions, such as certain level of education, number of children or other criteria, to contest Panchayat elections in many states is loaded against women. This calls for serious reflection, the vice-president said.



At the outset, Ansari flagged a paradox in Indian politics. The increase in women representation at local bodies has not led to a commensurate increase of women members in legislatures at both the Centre and the state, he said.



The vice-president pointed out that in Nordic countries women have 40 % representation in national legislatures, while the world average was at 22.7 %. Our Parliaments gender profile is woefully unbalanced with women constituting only 12 % of the membership, Ansari said adding that members of the fairer sex do not have proper representation in Parliamentary Committees.



Making a strong pitch for 33 % reservation for women in legislatures and Parliament, Mukherjee said it was too much to expect every political party to fall in line and allocate one-third posts for women. It does not happen, the President said and called for an attitude change.



We would do a great job if we try to revive the womens reservation bill and make the necessary amendments to the Constitution to reserve one third seats in state legislatures and Parliament for women, he said.



Mukherjee complimented Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was also present, for demonstrating his commitment to womens empowerment, with the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative. The prime minister of India spending more than an hour here without participating speaks for his total commitment to what he preaches and what he believes, the president said.


Pakistan on Saturday stressed that bilateral engagements with India should not be hindered by impediments strewn on the road to peace.



The road to peace is always strewn with many impediments and requires courage to take difficult decisions. Peace is in mutual interest of Pakistan and India and it can only be achieved through uninterrupted dialogue, Pakistans High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit, said in Jaipur.



The remarks by Islamabads envoy to New Delhi appeared to be in response to Foreign Secretary S Jaishankars recent comment that making Islamabad act against anti-India terror networks operating from Pakistan would always take priority over New Delhis diplomatic engagement with the neighbouring country.



Basits remark also came on a day after Lt Gen K J Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command of Indian Army, said that the agencies had received inputs about a possible terror attack in India, particularly to create maximum media impact at a time when the Maha Shivratri festival would be observed on Monday while the Budget Session of Parliament is on.



Media impact



These events (terror attacks) are planned to create maximum media impact and when can you create a media impact when Parliament is in session, when a festival is taking place, so both happen to be going on, Lt Gen K J Singh was quoted by PTI in a report from Pathankot.



Even after the January 1-4 terror attack on the Indian Air Force base at Pathankot in Punjab, New Delhi did not call off the proposed resumption of the stalled bilateral dialogue with Islamabad, taking into account Pakistans offer to act on the information provided by India on the role by Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives in planning, coordinating and carrying out the cross-border strike.

In the wake of the terror strike, Jaishankar, however, deferred his proposed January 15 meeting with Pakistani Foreign Secretary, A A Chaudhry, in Islamabad.



New Delhi and Islamabad, however, are exploring possibilities of a meeting between Jaishankar and Chaudhry on the sideline of a SAARC meet in Kathmandu in the middle of this month.


Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has come under severe criticism by the Opposition for not solving the Mahadayi river water sharing issue, has shifted the responsibility of finding a solution on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.





The vexed river issue was raised by the BJP in the Legislative Assembly, and by the BJP and the JD(S) in the Council, on Saturday. After a heated debate over the issue, Siddaramaiah said the solution could not be found by talking to the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Goa, the riparian states. Now the prime minister has to intervene and solve it, he said.



Siddaramaiah and Opposition leader Jagadish Shettar indulged in an heated argument over the river water dispute issue, accusing each other of politicising the issue, in the Assembly.



The chief minister said the issue can be easily solved if Modi intervenes. Prime ministers in the past, including Manmohan Singh, have taken initiatives and resolved such issues. But Modi has refused to intervene, he charged.



Shettar rejected the charges made by the chief minister and accused him of using the issue to take a political mileage. The chief minister should have met Congress leaders in Goa and Maharashtra and tried to convince them for an out-of-court settlement. The Congress leaders in Goa and Maharashtra are opposing any move to resolve the issue amicably, he charged.



Siddaramaiah said he was ready to take another all-party delegation to Delhi to urge the prime minister to intervene in the issue. He also accepted the suggestion made by the Opposition in the council to write to the Opposition parties in Maharashtra and Goa to help in convening a meeting to solve the imbroglio.




JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday demanded that the diamond-studded Hublot watch that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had declared as a State asset should not be kept in the Cabinet Hall on the third floor of the Vidhana Soudha.





Speaking on the motion of thanks to the Governors address in the Assembly, he said the Vidhana Soudha was a temple of democracy. There is a suspicion that the watch was stolen. Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa, too, has expressed doubt in this regard. But I will leave it to the Speaker to take the final decision, he said.



The chief minister might have surrendered the watch to the government. But he has not given its documents. If it is really gifted by an NRI, then there must be documents pertaining to the payment of customs duty, he said.



The JD(S) leader, at the same time, kept repeating he had nothing against Siddaramaiah personally.



Siddaramaiah, however, denied the watch was stolen. The NRI friend who gifted me the watch has on February 22 this year given an affidavit in this regard. Dr Sudhakar Shetty has clarified that the watch does not belong to him. I have not violated any rule by accepting the watch as a gift. It is not appropriate to spread rumours in order to defame others, he stated. However, he did not produce the copy of the affidavit as demanded by the Opposition.


The Congress government has rejected several recommendations made by the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, including that of ordering a Lokayukta probe into irregularities in the State Wakf Board.



Anwar Manippady, while he was chairman of the commission, had submitted a special report with recommendations to the BJP government in March 2012. (see box)



Minorities Welfare and Wakf Minister Qamarul Islam tabled the action-taken report of the government on the recommendations of the commission in the Legislative Assembly on Saturday.



The government has rejected a majority of the 16 recommendations either stating that it was beyond the purview of the state legislation or that the matter was pending before courts.



The commission had pointed out to large scale ill happenings and fraudulent acts in the Wakf Board and had recommended handing over the issue to the Lokayukta for investigation. Further, the commission had recommended that the Board be kept under suspension till the completion of the investigation. The government has rejected the recommendations stating that there is no provision in the wakf legislation to keep the Board under suspension. Further, the Wakf Act is a central legislation, the government has stated.



A recommendation for an audit of all wakf land has also been rejected on the grounds that the wakf legislation has no provision to take up such audits. However, the government has stated that the department of survey and settlement has taken up a survey of wakf land and 60% of the work had been complete.



The commission had recommended that a task force be constituted to reclaim encroached wakf land. The government, has however, again rejected the recommendation stating that power to reclaim encroached land had already been vested with the BBMP and BDA.



To another recommendation that criminal proceedings be initiated against the former Wakf Board Chairman Abdul Riyaz Khan accused of misusing wakf land, the government has stated that the matter was pending before the High Court.



Form house panel: BJP

In a press release on Saturday, BJP leader Abbas Ali Bohra has accused minister Qamarul Islam of encroaching wakf land in Kalaburagi. He has sought constitution of a House committee to probe into encroachment of wakf properties across the State.


Hey! There is another one up there, said a school boy and the marquee was vacant in less than a minute. A group of school students who had just gathered to drink water rushed out of the shelter, all in one go. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) was in the air drawing the attention of hundreds.





Such was the response to the aerial demonstration at the backyard of the aerospace department in the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on Saturday as part of the Open Day celebrations 2016. Two shows, one in the morning and one in the afternoon with 20 models flying were organised by the department. On one hand, it was the vehicle that had managed to catch their eyes and on the other, the school students were all in awe to see another just about their age flying this with ease.



Nine-year-old Aditya Pawars controlled manoeuvre had the audience in awe. He was among the pilots flying the vehicles using remote control. An inverted low pass, a 360-degree turn, a high-speed turn, vertical charlie and a three-point landing were highlights of Pawars show.



I like to fly helicopters, said an enthusiastic Pawar as he walked out of the area designated to fly the vehicles. He was preparing to fly another. His father Abhay Pawar who motivated his son to take it up as a hobby was quick to add that he has been flying these vehicles since he was six and a half years old. I did not want my children to become couch potatoes nor be addicted to iPad and PlayStation all day long. I picked it up to help them learn, he added.



Amphibian aircraft



Besides the ones that were out for demonstration, there were many UAVs on display. The amphibian aircraft, that can take off from land and water, was among them. Designed by a team of five students guided by chief research scientist Dr Omkar S N, this vehicle can be used to collect water samples in remote areas. Having a twin-hull configuration, the equipment can travel a distance of 10 km and collect water samples. Shrilekha Mohan, project assistant, IISc, explained that in about 23 seconds, 750 ml of water can be collected.




The U.S. Supreme Court may be nearing a decision on whether to hear a case brought against Colorado by two neighboring states over marijuana legalization.

Supreme Court justices were scheduled to meet privately Friday to discuss the case, which was filed in 2014 by the attorneys general in Nebraska and Oklahoma.

The justices wont have decided at the meeting whether to upend legalization in Colorado, as the lawsuit requests. Instead, the justices must decide first whether even to take up the case.

Their decision could be announced as early as Monday. But Sam Kamin, a professor at the University of Denver who specializes in marijuana law and who has followed the lawsuit closely, said there are no guarantees the justices even got around to talking about the case Friday. The court twice before had scheduled to discuss the case at conferences, only for the discussion to be pushed back.

We just dont know whats going on behind the scenes, Kamin said.

In the lawsuit, Nebraska and Oklahoma ask the Supreme Court to overturn Colorados system for licensing marijuana businesses, which was part of the states 2012 initiative that legalized cannabis. The neighboring states argue the commercialization allowed in state law impermissibly conflicts with federal law, and they say marijuana flowing across Colorados borders has created a burden for them.

Colorado officials defended the laws legality  saying it doesnt negate the federal governments ability to criminalize pot. The Obama administration also urged the Supreme Court not to take the case.

Because the case involves a dispute between states, the lawsuit was filed directly to the Supreme Court. Four justices must vote in favor of hearing the case for the court to take it. If that happens, it starts a likely years-long process of filings and arguments before a final decision is reached.

Kamin said it is unclear what impact the death of Justice Antonin Scalia will have on the case. At a speech in Boulder a couple of months before the suit was filed, Scalia seemed to support its general argument.

The Constitution contains something called the Supremacy Clause, he said about marijuana, referencing the provision that says federal law tops state law when the two are in direct conflict.

Kamin said the Supreme Court may shy away from taking big cases while operating with only eight justices.
4 March 2016 (UN)  The Government of Fiji and the United Nations today launched an appeal for $38.6 million in critical emergency relief to 350,000 people in need after Cyclone Winstons fury left the island nation a loss of catastrophic proportions. In light of the enormous and long process to recovery and rehabilitation ahead of us, and in the name of the Fijian people, I am calling on the international communitys assistance, Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said. He said that relief efforts are in full swing and Fiji is prioritizing the restoration of such essential services as education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture. Winston, the most devastating tropical cyclone on record in the Southern Hemisphere, struck the Pacific island nation on 20 February, taking more than 40 lives and affecting 350,000 people, 40 per cent of the total population. Some 54,000 people remain sheltered in 960 evacuation centres. While comprehensive data on the damage is still being collected, initial estimates indicate varying levels of destruction, with up to 100 per cent of buildings destroyed on some islands. Hundreds of schools have been damaged or destroyed, health facilities have been severely damaged and the agricultural sector faces a total loss of some $56 million. Almost no part of our nation has been left unscarred, and many of our rural and maritime areas bore the brunt of Winstons fury, said Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fijis Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva. On Koro Island alone, more than 3,000 people were left homeless, with 21 per cent of livestock dead and any crop yield made impossible. This is a loss of catastrophic proportions for Fiji, and the immediate loss will be followed by a longer term loss to Fijis economic and social growth, Mr. Khan said. We have suffered a terrible blow to infrastructure, health, education, and agriculture. It is a blow which will take us years to recover from. The moment is now, for our friends to stand by the people of Fiji. For its part, the UN, together with its humanitarian partners, is supporting Fiji in their response to the catastrophe. It is vital that the international community provides the necessary resources so we can help all the affected people with shelter, health services, water and sanitation, and support students to restart their education, said Marcy Vigoda, Chief of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization in the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva. Meanwhile, Stephen OBrien, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, is releasing some $8 million from the UNs Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to immediate response projects in the appeal. International donors have already made in-kind donations and provided technical assistance worth nearly $22 million, and provided $9 million in cash.
By Tara Martin and James Watson

11 February 2016 (The Conversation)  When we think about adapting humanity to the challenges of climate change, its tempting to reach for technological solutions. We talk about seeding our oceans and clouds with compounds designed to trigger rain or increasing carbon uptake. We talk about building grand structures to protect our coastlines from rising sea levels and storm surges. However, as we discuss in Nature Climate Change, our focus on these high-tech, heavily engineered solutions is blinding us to a much easier, cheaper, simpler and better solution to adaptation: look after our planets ecosystems, and they will look after us.

Biting the hand that feeds us

People are currently engaged in wholesale destruction of the systems that shelter us, clean our water, clean our air, feed us and protect us from extreme weather. Sometimes this destruction is carried out for the purpose of protecting us from the threats posed by climate change. For example, in Melanesias low-lying islands, coral reefs are dynamited to provide the raw building materials for seawalls in an attempt to slow the impact of sea-level rise. In many parts of the world, including Africa, Canada and Australia, drought has led to the opening up of intact forest systems, protected grasslands and prairies for grazing and agriculture. Similarly, the threat of climate change has driven the development of more drought-tolerant crops that can survive climate variability, but these survival abilities also make those plant species more likely to become invasive. On the surface, these might seem like sensible ways to reduce the impacts of climate change. But they are actually likely to contribute to climate change and increase its impact on people. Sea walls and drought-tolerant crops do have a place in adapting to climate change: if theyre sensitive to ecosystems. For example, if storm protection is required on low-lying islands, dont build a seawall from the coral reef that offers the island its only current protection. Bring in the concrete and steel needed to build it.

How ecosystems protect us

Intact coral reefs act as barriers against storm surges, reducing wave energy by an average of 97%. They are also a valuable source of protein that support local livelihoods. Similarly, mangroves and seagrass beds provide a buffer zone against storms and reduce wave energy, as well as being a nursery for many of the fish and other marine creatures that our fishing industries are built on. Intact forests supply a host of valuable ecosystem services that are not only taken for granted, but actively squandered when those forests are decimated by land clearing. There is now clear evidence that intact forests have a positive influence on both planetary climate and local weather regimes. Forests also provide shelter from extreme weather events, and are home to a host of other valuable ecosystems that are important to human populations as sources of food, medicine and timber. Forests play a key role in capturing, storing and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, a role that will likely become increasingly important in avoiding the worst of climate change. Yet we continue to decimate forests, woodlands and grasslands. Northern Australia is home to the largest savannah on earth, containing enormous carbon stores and influencing both local and global climate. Despite its inherent value as a carbon store, there has been discussion around whether these northern regions might be opened up to become Australias new food bowl, putting those extensive carbon stories in jeopardy.

Cheaper than techno-solutions

In Vietnam, 12,000 hectares of mangroves have been planted at a cost of US$1.1 million, but saving the US$7.3 million per year that would have been spent on maintaining dykes. [more]
You can leave a response , or trackback from your own site.

by Kathleen Gilbert BEIJING, September 7, 2012, (LifeSiteNews.com)  Escaped Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng is leading international opponents of forced abortion in calling upon the worlds largest company to end compliance with the Chinas one-child policy. Family planning police have targeted employees (569)

Sign up below to have the hottest Catholic news delivered to your email daily!

Close

Sign up below to have the hottest Catholic news delivered to your email daily!

Church Militant, we need to band together to protect our religious liberties and win the culture war!
Olentangy Berlin shuts out Thomas Worthington in Game of the Week

Olentangy Berlin visits Thomas Worthington for the central Ohio high school football Game of the Week for Week 10.
Neven Maguires early love affair with all things Donegal continues and even blossoms to this very day.

Happily married to Imelda and the father of twins Conor and Lucia, this celebrated chef makes the most of his time off in some of the more undiscovered parts of south Donegal.

When you are surrounded by high class cuisine all day it is a great escape to get away with the family with the barbeque down to Fintragh Beach or St. Johns Point. I never go through Donegal without picking some of McGettigans sausages. Even tonight I can visualise, even smell them sizzling away on the barbeque  it is a total escape.

I suppose people think that chefs spend their spare time eating in restaurants  give me the homemade burgers, the sausages and the baked potatoes and a drop of real vegetable soup chunky vegetables, plenty of barley, noodles and even a whole chicken thrown in  Im just a country boy at heart!

Neven has developed a great relationship with his many Donegal patrons but also with suppliers around the county.

Some of the best food in Ireland comes out of this county  for fresh seafood well Killybegs is just synonomous with the best, the beef and the mountain lamb I source it all in Donegal. There are new products coming on stream in this county all the time  the Rapeseed Oil, Diceys great selection of beers, the healthy gluten free bread and something which I am trying to avoid tonight, Sara Beths homemade fresh chocolates.

Likewise with restaurants  the electric kettle and tin of Maxwell House has disappeared  its now lattes, expressos, Americanos...the list is endless. Around every corner in this neck of the wood you will find a top class restaurant  Village Tavern just down the road, Castlemurray -realistically it really is hard to find a bad one.

Neven was in Donegal on Thursday last to host a cookery demonstation for the St. Nauls CLG Club and even had his green and white club jersey for the occasion. Along with Mary Coughlan the couple hosted one of the best fun events in the county for quite some time.

It goes without saying that the cooking and the special tips were superb but both Mary and Neven had the packed house in stitches throughout the evening with their good natured banter  a great escape for everybody from all the election debates and political argument.
On Saturday night next over 600 people will gather in Dublins Regency Hotel to pay tribute to a woman that has spent all her working life promoting everything that is good about Donegal.

The Donegal Person of the Year is the most prestigious social event in the Donegal calender  an event that recognises a person who has made a significant and vital contribution to the county  an accolade not easily come by.

This years recipient Deirdre McGlone of Harveys Point was busy supervising some refurbishment in this renowned hotel when she took time out to speak to the Democrat.

It really is only beginning to sink in now as the weekend approaches and to be honest the whole thing is beginning to overwhelm me.

It is quite an emotional thing  over the years we have received many awards in the hotel but this one just supeceedes them all. To be honoured by the people of your own county, the people that you grew up with, the people that you bump into every day  this is the best accolade a person can get.

When I think of some of the previous recipients  Moya Doherty, Brian Friel, Dr. Joe Mulholland. Jim McGuinness, Daniel ODonnell to name but a few  they have all done so much for this county of ours, it puts the whole thing into perspective. It is a truly humbling experience.

Like recipients before her, Deirdre has chosen a social cause which has touched many people throughot both county and country  a cause that she very much wants to create a greater awareness in.

She said, Unfortunately in this fast moving world suicide and self harm is becoming all too prevalent and I want to use this year as away of promoting Pieta House and Darkness into Light. They provide an unbelievable service in not only suicide prevention but also in helping many bereaved families who have been victims of these awful tragedies. There are just so many unanswered questions  What if? If only?  and if I can do anything to help even one person I will have achieved my goal.

Pieta House have been very active in this county and it is their ambition to actually establish a centre in Donegal  they can rest assured I will be doing everythging to help them realise their dream.

Deirdre added, I think we have all become too dependent on technical gadgets iPhones, iPads, texting, tweeting, whatsapping  this is now our main form of communication. We are quickly losing the art of conversation and perhaps most importantly the ability to listen, to lend an ear. We are just running around trying to catch up with ouselves and losing all semblance of life balance.

It has often occurred to me that a simple hello to someone on the street or a random phone call could often have a lifechanging effect  we dont know what is going on in many peoples minds behind that smiling facade  a simple smile, a quick hello costs nothing but its effect can be invaluable.

Recently we held a detox weekend here in the hotel with only one requirement  no mobile phones, ipads, facebooks, tweets etc  you wouldnt belive how successful it was, but perhaps most importantly, people left totally refreshed, their minds uncluttered and devoid of a lot of insignificant information they would otherwise have picked up on social media.

MY ESCAPE

We all have to give ourselves a break  my escape is taking to the hills for a great walk or indeed all along the many great beaches which are right on our own doorsteps. Wind, rain or snow  it really clears the mind; you come back a totally new person.

Deirdre McGlones love of Donegal is unquestionable  since a young teenager looking after the horses out at a much smaller Harveys Point to the host of an hotel that has won numerous awards having been judged best hotel in Ireland on a number of occasions.

PASSIONATE

The Ballintra woman is passionate about her county and uses the off season to promote Donegal in far off corners around the world with two seperate trips to the blossoming American market planned for the immediate future.

She said, I am a great believer in the concept of 'Destination First'  it is not all about Harveys Point, we have a superb selection of accommodation providers here in Donegal but I believe that if we can get to Donegal, we can all benefit. Its very much a case of Donegal first.

We have to realise that in todays world we are not competing with the hotel up the road or the hotel down in Kerry  we are competing with the world. At the touch of a button, we can go on a virtual tour of say the best hotel in Dubai  thats what competition is today.

Rolling Hills

However, what we have in Donegal is simply unique and cannot be replaced or man made  the rolling hills, the vagaries of the weather, the unique personality that shines in the eyes of our people and again and most importantly the sheer warmth of our people.

This is what makes Donegal what it is  there are good hotels and guesthouses all over the world, as there is great scenery  but if you want the whole package Donegal is where youll find it. The fact that Donegal was perceived as a late developer in tourism may well have proved a great advantage to us  people often complained that 'Tourists never came north of Galway'  the development was slower. On reflection I can now see that this provided us the opportunity to learn from others mistakes resulting in a truly great product.

We know have iconic and unspolit treasures like Slieve League, Glenveagh, Ben Bulben and Yeats County all on our doorsteps and the Giants Causeway less than two hours  as I remind the powers that be, 'The Wild Atlantc Way begins and ends in Donegal'  we are proud to be wild in Donegal!
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
Many Ballyshannon residents are still fuming over receiving no communication from Irish Water during a prolonged spell of water supply problems.

Margaret Cullen, a member of the Cluain Barron Residents' Association, told the Democrat, I'm speaking for a lot of people in Ballyshannon. We're enraged that we had to wait two weeks before being told what was happening with our water."

When she turned on her shower on Saturday morning, "there was only cold water and low pressure, so I thought it was broken, she recalled. As it was the weekend, and she had visitors, she bought and installed a new shower, at a cost of 250. "Then, on Sunday morning, the same thing happened again."

Things improved but the next Thursday, when she went to make bottles for her one month old niece, there was no water coming out of the tap. You can't use bottled water to make baby formula so I had to go to Cashelard, she said.

I put it up on Facebook to see if anyone else was having problems and lots of people told me similar stories. Everyone said that they had not received any word from Irish Water at all.

Other people had bought new showers, irons, etc, thinking that the problem must be with the appliances.

It's just not good enough. People need to know what is happening.

A spokesperson for Irish Water said three issues caused problems in the area. A contamination incident occurred at the intake to the Ballyshannon Water Treatment Plant on Wednesday, February 17 as a result of agricultural activity involving slurry. The contamination was immediately isolated and no contaminated water entered the water supply network. At no point was there any risk posed to public health, she added.

Production at the plant was halted and water is currently being brought in from other sources. This is resulting in some water pressure issues in many areas including Creevy, Rossnowlagh and parts of the town. The plant should be back in operation in the next fortnight.

There were also incidents of water outages last Thursday. These were in relation to operational issues and have now been resolved.

Former councillor Mick McMahon called on Irish Water to improve its communications with its customers and the public. This is a health and safety issue, he added.
Border controls returning to the North in the event of Britain exiting the European Union would have highly negative impact on business in the north west according to a leading business spokesperson.

CEO of Letterkenny Chamber, Toni Forretser, said the suggested proposal in a new British Government report that could see the return of border patrolsm would be highly detrimental to the region.

Dubbed Brexit, the UK report said they questions of trade and the common travel area between the North and the Republic would have to be addressed.

The Chamber CEO responded: Some of us remember them (border patrols) and we do not want border controls. I dont believe it is no way the north west could run efficiency with border patrols. There is enough trade barriers anyway, so we do not want to put up real barriers to any perceived barriers. We already have the two currencies and we do not want anything more that will hamper trade along the border. she stated.

What is good for the north west and places like Derry is going to be good for us in the longer term, in terms of business coming here, she added.

If Britain did move to pull out of the EU, the knock-on effect would impact greatly on the likes of Scotland and Northern Ireland, she said.

Our position would be that we are urging colleagues in the North to stay in. Our assumption would be if the UK calls for and exit then Scotland will host another referendum, so where would that leave Northern Ireland? Ms Forrester said.

A UK cabinet office report on the matter detailed some of the issues that would arise if Britain do exit the EU.

Northern Ireland would be confronted with difficult issues about the relationship with Ireland. Outside the EUs customs union, it would be necessary to impose customs checks on the movement of goods across the border.Questions would also need to be answered about the common travel area which covers the movement of people, the Irish Times detailed this week.

The 28 page report also details that the region could face a decade of uncertainty.
I like privacy as much as the next person. I dont want anybody tapping my phone or peeking through my windows. Im even irked that whenever I go online to shop for, say, chainsaws or hiking boots, every other web site I go to afterward reminds me of my interest in these products.

But as an advocate for open government, I am troubled by the extent to which public officials are using privacy in order to shut down access to public information. They say its necessary because the public cant be trusted not to do horrible things.

One manifestation of this was the decision last year to remove records of dismissed cases from the states online court records system. The change was supported by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who like me was a member of a committee that looked into the issue. (I opposed the change.)

Vos argued that the information had to be removed to keep people from using it to discriminate against others whose names appear on the system, officially known as Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA). For instance, if employers learn that someone was accused of a crime, even if it was dismissed, they will refuse to hire that person. Yet Vos also told the group that he regularly hires ex-cons in his various businesses, and finds them to be excellent workers.

And that gets to the heart of the matter: pure arrogance. Those who want to purge public information believe: I am a good person who knows that not every charge is valid and even actual convictions shouldnt be used as a basis for judging future behavior. But other people are not nearly as good as I am and will discriminate brazenly and illegally. So we must keep them from obtaining this information.

Yet purging information from WCCA, which many people incorrectly call CCAP, means that the system no longer provides a comprehensive picture of what happens in our courts. Right now, for instance, every former prosecutor whose last case ended more than two years again has a 100 percent conviction rate, since all of the cases that did not lead to a conviction have been purged from public view.

Currently awaiting scheduling (and likely passage) in the Wisconsin Legislature is a bill with broad bipartisan support to greatly expand the availability of expungement of criminal convictions, which entails sealing court files and removing information from WCCA. Again, this is being done to protect those who have been convicted against the unfair and irrational judgments of members of the public.

Recently, a state appellate court ruled that judges can order the redaction of dismissed eviction cases from WCCA. The court bought hook, line and sinker the argument advanced by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Frank Remington, who said he wished he had the authority to order this purge because everyone goes on to CCAP and just simply assumes that if someone files an action, you must be guilty of something and you can never sort of break away and get a fair shake.

Neither Remington nor Appeals Court Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg, who wrote the ruling, offered any evidence in support of their contention that people other than themselves lack the capacity to reach fair conclusions about a dismissed eviction case. Instead, the public, in their view, is little more than an insensate mob eager to latch onto any excuse to discriminate.

In 2015, concerns about privacy  or so they said  led lawmakers to end the requirement that significant donors to political campaigns disclose where they work. As Wisconsin Democracy Campaign noted at the time, This makes it much more difficult for the media and the public to know whether employees of a specific company are all giving to a candidate in the expectation that their candidate will do the company a favor if that candidate wins.

Now, Vos and other GOP lawmakers are pushing a bill that would allow winners of the state lottery to remain anonymous. They say it is needed to protect lottery winners from harassment. Yet the bills proponents, Vos included, have offered no evidence of any actual harassment endured by lottery winners. None.

The director of the Wisconsin State Lottery, Cindy Polzin, opposes the change, saying releasing winners names helps prevent fraud. Indeed, the nonprofit investigation news outlet Wisconsin Watch last year published a story about suspicious repeat lottery winners that could not have been written were it not for access to winners names.

But the proponents of shielding names are determined to force this change. Just because you win the lottery, bill sponsor Rep. Gary Tauchen (R-Bonduel) declared, it shouldnt mean you lose your right to privacy.

A handful of other states have passed bills to shield the names of some lottery winners. In Delaware, Ohio and South Carolina, all winners can remain anonymous. But in New Jersey, then-Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a similar measure, saying it would undermine the transparency that provides taxpayers confidence in the integrity of the Lottery.

Perhaps the most outrageous recent example of secrecy in the name of privacy is the news that Jake Patterson, the man convicted of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents, has been moved to an out-of-state prison whose location is not being disclosed, according to a state Department of Corrections spokesperson, for his safety. So now Wisconsin is officially sending people to secret prisons to protect their privacy. Dont ask, because the state wont tell.

In April, I attended the annual summit of the National Freedom of Information Coalition in Dallas, Texas. One theme that came up was the embrace of privacy as a justification for keeping official state secrets.

Frank LoMonte, executive director of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, said there have even been cases in which information on officer-involved shootings is being withheld on grounds of officer privacy. He told that group, If you label something as pro-privacy, theres almost nothing the legislature and judges will not affirm.

He added; I sometimes think if you told people today that you wanted to create a book with everyones name, address, and phone number and put it on peoples doorsteps, youd be tarred and feathered.

I dont mind if the law keeps people from installing secret cameras in my house. But when the state of Wisconsin decides to disrupt my life by filing bogus charges against me that are later dismissed, I bloody well want for there to be a record of it. I will trust that others can look at it and see that it was dismissed without assuming that I must have been guilty of something.

In fact, I have never met a single person who did not think that he or she had the ability to make rational judgments about people who are accused or even convicted of crimes, or who have been the subject of an eviction action. But many of them believe their fellow citizens are too stupid and too mean to do the same.

The evocation of privacy as a justification of official secrecy is really just part of a larger push on the part of public officials to limit what the public can know about the actions and inactions of government. It serves their own interests more than anybody elses.
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.
Presidents generally get too much or too little credit for job creation.

In general, presidents and their policies matter much less for the economys performance than most people imagine, Paul Krugman recently wrote then noted:

The point, however, is that politicians and pundits, especially on the right, constantly insist that presidential policies matter a lot. And Mr. Obama, in particular, has been attacked at every stage of his presidency for policies that his critics allege are job-killing  the former House speaker, John Boehner, once used the phrase seven times in less than 14 minutes.

Following news that 20 million Americans have gained health insurance, the Labor Department reported that 242,000 jobs were created in February, exceeding expectations again. This isnt to say the economy is great  wages arent growing, too many people cant find more or better work and the only thing Congress is doing about it is offering the weakest kind of Stimulus available, corporate tax breaks.

But we have proven that taxing the rich for the most radical expansion of health insurance since the 1960s has led to the best job creation of the century  the exact opposite of what Republicans predicted.

So this is a good moment to remind ourselves that workers doing better under a Democratic president isnt a fluke or anomaly  its been the rule for most of the last century.

And if you look at private sector employment, the metric Republicans say they care most about, the last three Democratic presidents demolish the last three Republicans.

Under Reagan, Bush and Bush, 15,831,000 private sector jobs were created, according to Calculated Risk. Under Carter, Clinton and Obama, 39,631,000 have been created through January of this year.

Maybe the attention that Democrats focus on working people might just lead to more working people. Either way Democrats deserve some credit for at least being consistently twice as lucky as Republicans.

And the public may be noticing that things are not as dismal as Republicans imagine. President Obamas approval rating is over 51 percent today. Thats same as Ronald Reagans approval rating in early March of 1988.

What was George W. Bushs approval in March of 2008? 32 percent.
A federal magistrate judge on Monday ruled that Apple did not have to unlock an encrypted iPhone used in a federal drug case.

The ruling gave the company a key victory against the Department of Justice in the midst of a legal struggle over an FBI request that the encrypted phone of one of the suspected shooters in the San Bernardino, California, massacre also be unlocked.

Federal Magistrate Judge James Orenstein ruled that the government failed to prove that it had the power under an 18th century law called the All Writs Act to force Apple to unlock the phone of the drug dealer.

Following a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency search and seizure of mobile devices belonging to an alleged dealer  a New York man named Jun Feng  in June 2014, the government spent more than a year not doing anything to pursue what evidence there was on his phone, until getting a warrant in July 2015, the court noted.

The DEA was not able to get the information and sought help from the FBI, which was unable to get evidence off the password-protected device. They sought Apples help two weeks after the expiration of the device warrant, and Apple said it would help if the government obtained a court order, consistent with its practice in 70 other instances.

Feng pleaded guilty in October. However, the government continued the request while it was pursuing additional evidence prior to sentencing and potentially to uncover evidence in related cases of coconspirators, according to court documents.

Apple last month filed documents seeking a review of the repeated requests by the government to unlock encrypted phones under the All Writs Act.

Privacy Victory

This is a victory for privacy, security and common sense. The government should not be able to run to court to get the surveillance power that Congress has deliberately kept from it,American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Alex Abdo said.

The future of digital privacy also hangs in the balance, he added.

TheElectronic Frontier Foundation was pleased by the decision, EFF Executive Director Cindy Cohn said, noting that the operating system involved in the New York case is an older version than the phone at issue in the San Bernardino attack.

The judge decided that federal agents cant try to get a court to do something that Congress has considered but not allowed the government to demand  specifically that companies like Apple do not have to help the government bypass the security they have built into devices, she told TechNewsWorld.

The court rejected the argument that the government is only seeking Apples compliance on one device, Cohn noted, citing a statement in the decision that the burdens the government seeks to impose on Apple under the authority of the All Writs Act are not nearly so limited.

A dozen other cases with similar demands are pending in federal courts across the country, she added.

The EFF, along with the ACLU, is supporting Apple in the New York case and in its challenge to the federal court order to unlock an encrypted phone in the San Bernardino investigation, Cohn said.

While the New York ruling will not impact the California case directly, it may prove to be persuasive and the EFF was pleased that the court found the government request overreaching and inappropriate, she said.

Congressional Showdown

Federal and local law enforcement officials and Apple executives are scheduled to testify before Congress on Tuesday over whether the company should be forced to provide technology to unlock iPhones in national security and criminal cases.

The FBI is asking Apple to weaken the security of our products, according to prepared remarks for the hearing by Bruce Sewell, general counsel at Apple. Hackers and cybercriminals could use this to wreak havoc on our privacy and personal safety. It would set a dangerous precedent for government intrusion on the privacy and safety of its citizens.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Brooklyn declined to comment on the ruling, spokesperson Nellin McIntosh said. A spokesperson for Apple was not immediately available.
(REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi)Pope Francis waves as he leaves after leading his weekly general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 2, 2016.

In what could be one of the most heartwarming acts that the Pope has done in the past few weeks, the 79-year-old pontiff responded to a 16-year-old gang member who is currently serving in jail for involuntary manslaughter.

According to CNN, Carlos Adrian Vasquez Jr. has decided to end his life as he started to serve an 11-year sentence full of challenges and trials along the way. Before losing his last thread of hope, Vasquez wrote a letter to Pope Francis, asking for forgiveness for his crime.

A lot of people send letters to the Pope, but not everyone gets a response since the pontiff is busy with his very hectic schedule and humanitarian activities. However, he took time to respond to a convicted juvenile's letter to shed a ray of hope.

"I couldn't believe it. I didn't think the Pope would write to someone who's behind bars," Vasquez said, who is now 18 and will soon be moved to another prison. The Pope's letter has changed a lot in the young man's perspective, and through his warm words of wisdom, Vasquez decided that life should go on.

"[The letter] gave me a lot of hope knowing that there are people like the Pope who still have not given up on us," he added.

"Dear Carlos...I pray that as you and your fellow residents celebrate the opening of the Holy Door, you may receive these gifts and be filled with peace and hope. Know that the Holy Father is thinking of you and praying for you," Pope Francis wrote.

After reading the Pope's letter and deciding that things could still change for the better through the grace of God, Vasquez wrote a letter to the parents of his victim. He asked them to forgive him and be given the chance to live on.

Vasquez joined a gang at the age of 15 and since then has become deviant and stayed away from home for days and even a week at times. At the darkest hour of his life, he was charged for a crime he claimed he didn't commit. He was at the site of a gang fight where someone was killed and he was charged for involuntary manslaughter.

Rev. Michael Kennedy has been helping out change Vasquez's life, along with other juvenile delinquents serving jail time. While he was difficult at first, the Reverend said the young man eventually changed and became acquainted with the faith and has since become a living example of changed lives through second chances.
(Photo@ Grab from Youtube)Ashraf Fayadh

GENEVA  United Nations human rights experts have urged Saudi Arabia's government to halt the execution of Ashraf Fayadh, an artist and poet of Palestinian origin born, condemned to death for apostasy.

Reports say the Saudi-born poet could be executed in mid-December.

Fayadh was sentenced to death on Nov. 17 for the crime of "apostasy," based on a collection of poems published in 2008 and the testimony of a single witness.

The witness claims he had heard the poet make blasphemous comments at a cafe.

Thousands are tweeting the challenging message "Sue Me Saudi" to compare the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia to that under so-called Islamic State, or ISIS or Daesh as it is called, reports the BBC in a blog.

The reference to an unconfirmed newspaper report that said the Saudi Justice Ministry was threatening legal action after someone made the comparison - although it's not clear that the ministry actually made the threat.

The trend began with a tweet about Ashraf Fayadh.

The blog noted that Fayadh was sentenced to death last month for apostasy and has also been charged with various blasphemy-related offences, such as promoting atheism and mocking verses of the Quran in public - allegations he has denied. Leaving Islam is a crime punishable by death by beheading in Saudi Arabia

The testimony used against Fayadh had been initially discarded by the court, which deemed it as being motivated by the existing animosity between the witness and the accused.

The U.N. human rights experts also expressed their concern at the reports that Fayadh did not have legal counsel during the judicial proceedings, in violation of international law.

"It appears that Mr. Ashraf is about to be executed on the basis of seemingly unreliable evidence to the effect that he exercised his freedom of expression after an unfair trial.

'UNLAWFUL EXECUTION'

"This has to be deplored as an arbitrary and thus unlawful execution," noted the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns.

"Sentencing a poet to death for his writings and alleged blasphemous comments is obviously unacceptable in accordance with any interpretation of human rights," said David Kaye, Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression.

"The promotion of such a violent response against a legitimate form of opinion and expression has a widespread chilling effect across all of Saudi society," continued Kaye.

The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Heiner Bielefeldt, stated that "people should be able to express convictions, doubts and ideas without fear of persecution."

He emphasized that "practice of religious belief can best flourish in a society that allows for freedom of expression."

"The death penalty imposed on Mr. Fayadh for his poetry is in violation of international human rights law and amounts to a grave violation of freedom of artistic expression," noted the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Karima Bennoune.

"A person sentenced to death must also have the right to seek pardon or commutation of his sentence," the independent experts stressed.

The statement was also endorsed by the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Juan E. Mendez; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst; and the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Monica Pinto.
(Photo:  Peter Kenny / WCC)Dinesh Suna, program executive of the World Council of churches' Ecumenical Water Network stands before the Separation Wall at Bethlehem on the West Bank on 13 February 2016.

Israel's government is displeased about a World Council of Church's Lenten water justice campaign, refuting its assertions on Palestine, and the U.S.-based conservative Gatestone Institute has sprung to Israel's defense.

"World Council of Churches demonizes Israel  again," Gatestone railed in a headline on Feb. 23. Two day later Gatestone fulminated again in another article headlined: "World Council of Churches starts seven weeks of brainwashing."

"The aim of the water campaign clearly appears to spring from an unjust and unsubstantiated discrimination against the State of Israel, as propagated in the Kairos Palestine statement," opined the Gatestone piece.

After Gatestone's attacks on the Geneva-based WCC, the council invited institute representatives in an open letter to meet in Geneva or New York City to discuss the details of Seven Weeks for Water and other work of the WCC.

"As God stands by the oppressed and marginalized, the WCC seeks with its member churches to stand by such people, wherever they are, or whatever their faith tradition might be," the WCC letter states.

SEVEN WEEKS FOR WATER.

The WCC says on its website that the Seven Weeks for Water Lenten campaign through its ecumenical initiative - Ecumenical Water Network - has gained much attention recently, but the campaign is not new.

It started in 2008 as a gathering of weekly reflections and other resources on water, says Dinesh Suna, EWN coordinator since November 2012.

Suna refutes the Gatestone Institute's accusations that the WCC is demonizing Israel.

"Throughout this campaign, all our sources are well-documented," he said, referring to U.N. and international sources he cited. "We are not basing our statistics on one government, but being impartial and basing our campaign materials on U.N. statistics.

"We are not demonizing Israel. We are highlighting the plight of Palestinians with regard to access to water. The occupation is responsible for this injustice in water distribution. We are urging the Israeli authorities to address this issue."

Suna said the main objective of the Lenten campaign is to engage people on the issue around World Water Day on March 22, which always falls in Lent.

"We collect theological reflections on particular themes related to water. These involve small Bible studies, questions and discussions on water that give ideas for action. There are seven theological reflections for seven weeks."

"EWN is a strong advocate of water justice, focusing on injustices and situations where people are deprived of access to water," said Suna.

"This year focusses on the Middle East with specific reference to Palestine. Therefore the theme is "Thirst for Justice" and a pilgrimage of water justice.

"We think the water issues faced by people in Palestine are unique," he noted saying that the Israeli and Palestinian people live in a parched land compared to other parts of the world.

"People depend on the mountain aquifers for their water needs. The whole issue of occupation by Israel also makes the water issue all the more complex," Suna said.

He asserts that what makes the water issue so evident is the disparity between Palestinian and Israeli access to water.

"Even though not as obvious as the dividing wall, the disparity related to access to water runs deep among Israelis and Palestinians," he says.

The disparities are well-documented by UN agencies and other international agencies such as the World Bank and Amnesty International.

"One community is deprived of water. The other community has plenty of it, even more than in some developed countries."

Suna noted that some West Bank communities spend up to half their income on water, particularly in the designated Area C, under Israeli control.

A, B AND C OF WEST BANK

This is around 60 percent of the West Bank. (Area A is under Palestinian control, and B - civil administration - is under Palestinian control while security and ground water falls under Israel.)

Suna explained that since the Oslo II Accord of 1995 there has been an Israeli-Palestinian Joint Water Committee (JWC).

"But there has been almost negligible approval for new water facilities for Palestine," he observes while noting that Israel can veto Palestinian proposals in the JWC.

"There is also the fact that Israel continues to overdraw without the JWC approval on the estimated potential by more than 50 percent, up to 1.8 times its share under the Oslo II Accord."

Gatestone argued however, "The Palestinians certainly are experiencing a water crisis; the question is to what extent are they themselves are responsible for it, and to what extent are their own leaders responsible for keeping them as victims for effective international 'marketing.'"

In its second editorial Gatestone said, "Israel now recycles 80 percent of waste water. Desalination plants have been erected along the Mediterranean coast, so that now Israel has an abundance of water."

But the WCC in its letter to Gatestone says, "Instead of attacking the WCC for raising pertinent questions about the unjust distribution of water in the occupied territories of Palestine...why not devote energy and time in advocating with the Israeli government to address critical water issues in Palestine?

"Why not advocate for making the Joint Water Committee more functional to its purpose as stipulated in the Oslo II agreement?"
Considered to be the Ten Best UFO Photos Ever Taken I am sure that we could add more pictures to this list but these are considered ten o...
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
Re: Can expats be happy? Yes, I think that flying backwards and forwards can save some people's sanity, as they catch a breath of "home" air. Yet for others, having made a big break (because travelling is too costly, or takes too long) has been precisely what helped them put down roots in the "now" place.



For me, one of the biggest factors towards happiness as an expat/immigrant seems to be in one's ability to truly internalize the fact that I am now "here" and no longer "there".



Knowing that one is "here" not "there" helps to lower one's expectations that anything here would or could or ought ever to be there-like. That reduces disappointment and keeps one in reality. Holding a basic premise that the weather, the food, the tax systems, the laundry rules, the public transport, the schools, the way contracts and banking work, and what is considered good manners, are all here-like, empowers one to discover how things work here... independently of wherever one used to live in the previous phases of one's life.



My heart goes out to the many immigrants (all over the world) who end up in some place, blown there by the winds of life over which they had no control and very little choice, and who yearn to be able to simply go home, though that may no longer be possbible at all.



Whether one came by choice, as a trailing family member, or by force (and there are many variations of that) constantly comparing and dwelling on the inaccessibles from "there" is bound to make one miserable. Soon after my arrival here, I read a slogan: "You owe it to yourself to find out," and I've kept that attitude over the years. Having said that, I couldn't have found out, properly, had I not put in the effort to learn German.



Clinging to a dermination that "our" way from "there" is the one true, correct way of doing things is a recipe for confusion and frustration. That reminds me of an English-language person I met in my early years, who had lived here for some time, and who spat out in derision, on seeing "Haselnuss-Schokolade" on the packaging: "Why can't they even spell it right, here?" Sad.



So yes, if one is prepared to figure it out, and make the best of it, living "here" can be great. Years ago, I knew a refugee who had been granted permission to stay in Switzerland because he had been tortured by the secret police in his own country. He told me: "Whenever I find something about Switzerland which doesn't make any sense to me, or which I just can't stand, I tell myself how blessed we all are, who live here, that we are not in a favela or in a camp in Darfur. Gratitude puts things into perspective very quickly." Thank you.
The Zipper - pinnacle of Swiss Civility The Swiss drive with such good manners, it is likely that you, an average driver from the ROW, will feel uncouth, loutish and delinquent after a day or two.



The convention of the zipper sums up how things work here. At a confluence of two roads, instead of (as you would at home) pleading or edging increasingly aggressively and desperately into the traffic stream, chill, its taken care of.



The queues will each donate in turn, one car from each stream, into the combined line.



Heidi does not do competitive driving.



But rules, official and unofficial are there to be observed.



Imprecise driving can be very expensive in Switzerland. There are frequent changes in the speed limits in built up areas, and you will often pass through the three standard zones, 60, 50 and 30kp/h, in a couple of minutes



For a driver used to miles per hour, the differences in the limits and the precision required to observe them is demanding. For example, the difference between the 50kph (31 mph) limit and 55 kph (34 mph) - the speed at which you will trigger a camera here  is a measly 3 mph, about a micro n on the speedometer!



The Swiss penalty menu goes from 100 CHF for 10 kmh over up to a minimum of 1,000 CHF (650 EUR) for 40 kmh over the limit. More than 40 kmh over the limit and you will lose your license and be heavily fined, and even be looking at the possibility of doing a little jail time.



A few years ago I was snapped by a camera while driving a hire car through Zurich, at a marginally illegal speed. Back in London, over the ensuing months, official letters from Switzerland arrived with regularity to my London office address, and I filed them in a file labeled Swiss Letters. The file kept growing.



The following year, driving through the border, I was stopped on entry and had my passport checked. I was then politely requested to get out of the car and taken to an office. To my alarm, the official left and locking the door, and me, behind him.



After a worrying 30 minutes the official returned and told me there was an outstanding arrest warrant in my name. Two hours later, and 1,500 CHF lighter, they released me. It had cost me 100 for the original fine, plus 1,400 for court fees, penalties and letters they had added for dissing them.



An expat friend managed to be fined an average of three times a week in his first 6 weeks driving in Zurich. After this beating, like most of us here, he now drives like a 79 year old.



(from "Trevor E Brown's Blog")
Re: A levels Quote: Island Monkey Might be worth contacting these guys http://www.hullschool.ch/en/college-...ults/academic/

Island Monkey beat me to it! They will certainly be a good starting point.





Just another thought - do you have UK ties? It's possible in the UK to find a centre that will "host" the exam but not necessarily have taught everyone taking it etc. It's how home schooled kids/ adult learners/ eternal re-takers (and I think some prisoners!) often do it. Obviously you would also need a qualified teacher to tutor your son in line with the relevant syllabus etc. Odile's suggestion is a good one too.





Contact the exam boards directly - there will be a main number on all their websites - and ask the question. Someone will be able to help you. Plenty of international schools offer UK qualifications, trust me on this. For UK you can choose from: AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), CIE (Cambridge), OCR and WJEC (Welsh Board). That's off the top of my head, if I've missed one, apologies. Island Monkey beat me to it! They will certainly be a good starting point.Just another thought - do you have UK ties? It's possible in the UK to find a centre that will "host" the exam but not necessarily have taught everyone taking it etc. It's how home schooled kids/ adult learners/ eternal re-takers (and I think some prisoners!) often do it. Obviously you would also need a qualified teacher to tutor your son in line with the relevant syllabus etc. Odile's suggestion is a good one too.Contact the exam boards directly - there will be a main number on all their websites - and ask the question. Someone will be able to help you. Plenty of international schools offer UK qualifications, trust me on this. For UK you can choose from: AQA, Edexcel (Pearson), CIE (Cambridge), OCR and WJEC (Welsh Board). That's off the top of my head, if I've missed one, apologies. Last edited by RufusB; 05.03.2016 at 23:29 . Reason: A thought
Re: Netflix Switzerland starting September 18 Quote: BaselLife Hi,



I think we will have to agree to disagree. I am happy to support the creaters of contents. Torrents are much much worse as no one gets paid.



What is happening is this simply penalizing the people who want to pay for viewing the content they are interested in watching. Which is idiotic.



I have a US subscription and I have never had a swiss subscription. I don't change regions and I pay in US dollars.



If you use torrents no one gets any money, certainly not the content makers who the people I care about. Also the tv companies are getting paid through the tv licence money and I play my tv licence.



To be honest if I did not have access to Netflix it would not be a great loss but your view is all content should be blocked even content for which there are no local distributors. I assume you also think all content should be region locked.



We are never going to agree but I will keep paying for content as I want more great films and tv series to be made.



Have fun

Martin



# The fact that you are in breach of Netflix Terms and Conditions?

# The fact that Netflix has no right to distribute some titles to people in certain jurisdictions where it has not paid for such distribution right?

# The fact that by pirating though VPN you haven't paid the people who hold the rights for Swiss distribution?



I get it, you already paid for Netflix so don't want to pay Sky (or whoever) too. Netflix is convenient and it is easy to pirate through a VPN for the shows that you didn't pay for - but you paid some money to Netflix so don't feel bad about screwing over the Swiss rights holders - especially since they don't make it easy for you to watch the shows you want. Do you disagree with:# The fact that you are in breach of Netflix Terms and Conditions?# The fact that Netflix has no right to distribute some titles to people in certain jurisdictions where it has not paid for such distribution right?# The fact that by pirating though VPN you haven't paid the people who hold the rights for Swiss distribution?I get it, you already paid for Netflix so don't want to pay Sky (or whoever) too. Netflix is convenient and it is easy to pirate through a VPN for the shows that you didn't pay for - but you paid some money to Netflix so don't feel bad about screwing over the Swiss rights holders - especially since they don't make it easy for you to watch the shows you want. __________________

By replying to this post, you hereby grant Phil_MCR a royalty-free license to use, in any way, anything posted by you on the internet. If you do not accept, stop using EF and delete your account.
Alex Morar NEPI CEO

For the latest reporting period, profit attributable to equity holders came in at 158 million.

Thats a tidy 60% surge. In Romania, where the REIT is focused, it extended its shopping spree by completing the purchase and development of several properties.

You just have to look for ear-to-ear smiles to find investors who bought into NEPI in 2007 when it was founded. The Alex Morar-led firm  with properties in Romania, Serbia and Slovakia  has soared with aplomb in its nine-year history. Now commanding a R53 billion market cap, the REIT is the second-largest on the local exchange behind Growthpoint.

NEPIs 31 properties, which span across three geographies (with a combined population of 33 million), extend to a dizzying 875 000m in lettable area of income-producing developments. Another 11 are under in the pipeline. The majority of the money-earning properties are in Romania where the group, whose portfolio includes Bucharests 75 500m Mega and Honeduaras 52300m Deva malls, is a revered player in retail developments. For context, the former is in the league of Rebosiss Hemingways Mall (by size) while Deva is slightly bigger than Jabulani Mall.

Romania, like Serbia and Slovakia, might be a curious choice. But, numbers from those markets speak of insatiable hunger for retail space. Whats more, annual growth in retail sales in this part of Europe ranges between 3% and 7%. Such stats, and appetite, augur well for the REIT and its investor base.

Since opening (in the first half of 2015, Mega Mall) has dominated retail in heavily populated eastern Bucharest, with a catchment area of 910000 within a 30-minute drive. Peek & Cloppenburg opened its largest store in Romania in Mega Mall during October 2015, NEPI said as it released earnings results for the first half to end-December last month.

During the period under review, the firm went on to buy Iris Titan Shopping Centre, located in the capital citys most densely populated district, which has a 600000-strong population (within a 15-minute drive). Tenants include Auchan hypermarket Romanias largest  and international brands such as Adidas, Deichmann, Flanco, H&M, and Takko. The centre also has a seven-screen cinema.

The group has steadily increased its investment in developments and, during the last five years, completed developments and redevelopments have significantly contributed to the growth in distributable earnings per share, the Morar-led REIT told investors. NEPIs development pipeline, including redevelopments and extensions, has increased to 601 million (estimated at cost), of which 145 million had been spent by 31 December 2015. This represents an increase of 54 million compared with the previous year.

Its hardly surprising then that the investment community, impressed by the nine-year companys track record and convinced of its future prospects as the regions property sector takes on a new lease, are sold on the stock even when they are not convinced about the sector right now as figures from Catalyst Fund Managers show.

The counter has more than quintupled since January 2012 to change hands at almost R175 today (after easing from around R190 it commanded in January). Judging by the latest set of earnings numbers, the rally should continue. Last year was particularly pleasing. The REITs total return for 2015 was a firm 62%, according to Catalyst Property Fund. Thats second only to Fortress B, which surged an inimitable 103%. The endearing NEPI is also listed in Bucharest and on AIM, Londons junior bourse.

Investors, including the Public Investment Corp and JSE-listed REIT Resilient, whose combined interest is 20%, are delighted. Fortress Income Fund, now-delisted Capital Property Fund and Investec Asset Management are listed among large shareholders.

Property mogul and co-founder and CEO of Resilient, Des de Beer, must be as smitten as his 2% interest in NEPI continues to swell in value, tracking the northbound stock.

NEPIs latest first-half numbers for the period to end-December was just another piece of good news. The REITs investors are rubbing their hands with glee as they await yet another payday. Final distribution comes in at 17.17 euro cents for 2015, and combined with the distributable earnings for the first half works out to a total of mouth-watering 35.34 euro cents per share. The exchange rate, for conversion purposes, for investors on the local share register is around 1/R17. So, in local currency terms, cash dividend declared equals 295c (SA) per share.

With the British grocer market in the throes of unprecedented change, according to Knight Franks newsletter on retail, NEPIs markets are on the rise. A multitude of factors have conspired to create what is widely  but erroneously  described as a perfect storm. Storms eventually pass, whereas what we are witnessing here is permanent, structural change, says the newsletter. The picture from markets such as Romania (a country of 20 million, and largest of NEPIs three-way foothold), according to the Trading Economics, is a sharp, and yet comforting, contrast.

For example, retail sales in that country lunged 15%, year-on-year, in January, reports Trading Economics, a global data portal. Retail sales year-on-year in Romania averaged 7% from 2001 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 33% in June of 2008, it says, quoting the Institutul National de Statistica. Just a year later it plunged to a record -17.30%. The turnaround that this European state has staged, and prospects thereof, sounds like music to NEPI investors ears.

Things are set to keep improving. Subsequent to a roadshow in November, the firm, whose Moodys rating has improved to Baa3, issued 400 million of unsecured, 5.25 year Eurobonds maturing in February 2021. This bundle is meant to enable the REIT to compete more effectively in this part of Europes real estate markets in the long term. Of the proceeds, just more than half refinanced existing debt, while the rest is set aside for acquisitions and developments.
The ideology central to the Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has no space or use for liberal thought and values. Education for such organisations means only what can be called a kind of catechism. This is a memorisation of a narrow set of questions rooted in faith and belief and an equally narrow set of answers that prohibit any doubt or deviation. Therefore, educational centres that allow questioning and discussion are anathema and have to be dismantled.

Recent events at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) raise many questions pertinent to us as citizens of India. The questions have become imperative because it is apparent that many who govern us have little sensitivity to understanding the fundamental issues crucial to governance. For example, what are the necessary aspects of a democratic system, or how essential are the centrality of equality and human rights as components of democracy to be taught and nurtured in educational institutions? Every articulation of thought and action is judged these days by its immediate political implications and seldom by the wider context of ethics, society and the citizen.

A recent example was a proposed discussion on capital punishment to be held on the anniversary of the hanging of Afzal Guru, where a handful of students gathered on the JNU campus to discuss it, and were joined by some others who it seems were from outside the university. Slogans took over in a confused fashion, as happens in such situations, and the serious issue of capital punishment was lost. The confusion was confounded by the discovery later that some of videos of the slogans were faked.
Appeal for Donations to the Corpus of Sameeksha Trust

This is an appeal to the subscribers, contributors, advertisers and well-wishers of Economic and Political Weekly (EPW), published by Sameeksha Trust, a public charitable trust registered with the office of the Charity Commissioner, Mumbai, India.
The Meos, a Muslim-Rajput tribe staying around Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, have a rich oral tradition and have several popular tales sung to this day. This article explores how these stories contribute to the formation of the Meo identity through the prevalent folklore within this community.

Mirasi Sirajuddin singing a Meo tale. Video Courtesy: Abhay Chawla.

Meos are the inhabitants of Mewat, a region in North-West India situated between the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur1. Most of them belong to Rajput families and embraced Islam four centuries ago (Shamsh 1983: 17) though a lot of Hindu customs were practised as late as the mid-20th century. Meo society is still divided into pals and gotras, as in Hindus, with clear exogamous rules. The religious orientation of the Meo identity is thus deeply contested (Mayaram 2004).

Mewati is the spoken language of the region and is considered a dialect. It has no script of its own and can be written in both Persian-Arabic and Devanagiri scripts. The language, therefore, has an indeterminate status (Grierson 1908).

Origin of the Meos

There are various theories about the Meos and Mewat, the place they inhabited. Colonel James Skinners (17781841) illustrated Tashrih-ul-Aqwam (An Account of Origins and Occupations of Some of the Sects, Castes, and Tribes of India) mentions the community in a mythological context. The genealogy of their migration can be traced back to an Indo-Scythian group settled beyond the Danube. The Meos could have been the Mids, a pastoral-nomadic migratory group of North-West India between the 7th and 11th centuries. They could also have been the descendants of Alexanders army who stayed back under his governor Seleucus Nicator to guard the conquered Indian territory of Sind. Other theories suggest that they could be related to Raja Jaswant as described by Crooke (1896) in his book The Tribes and Castes of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, Volume III.

The Gazetteer on Gurgaon district 188384 says

In Tods Rajasthan, Vol II, page 76, I find it stated that Mewasso is a name given to the fastnesses in the Aravalli hils to which tribes like Meos retreat. Pal is, on the same authority, the term for a community of any of the aboriginal mountain races; its import is a defile or valley, fitted for cultivation and defense; and Pal is the term given to the main sub-divisions of the Meos. (p 60)

History of Marginality

According to the Gazetters of the United Provinces (UP), Meos were first displaced from the Doab by the Rajput clans of Dors, Tomars, Bargujars and Chauhan (Mayaram 2004: 22). There is no written record of the life of Meos (except during Qutabal-Dins period) and, as a result, scholars have had to rely on this one source alone (Mayaram 2004: 22).

From various documented accounts (not directly connected to the Meos) it is apparent that Meos were perceived as a problem for the state in Delhi as well as at Ulwar (present day Alwar in Rajasthan). They were known to indulge in criminal activities like looting and maintain a rebellious stance towards the state and were looked upon as the other. However from their perspective, it was their land that had been occupied by those in power, and they were fighting against this injustice.

Outsiders were unable to understand their syncretistic practices. Diverse explanations are available regarding the Meos converting from Hinduism to Islam. It is unclear if the conversion was a one-time process, a complete movement associated with conquest, or if it occurred as a gradual process over an extended period of time. Based on various Meo accounts it seems that the conversion was gradual and could be attributed to rulers like Sultan Balban, Timur, Sultan Firoz Tughlaq and Aurangzeb.

Jagga records in Rajasthan show that, by the early 18th century, Meos had started keeping Muslim names for their babies though the process was still fragile. Major Powlett observed in the second half of the 19th century that Meos are now Musalmaan in name but their village deities are the same as those of the Hindus (Alwar Gazetteer 1878).

In fact this tenuous process continued till Muhammad Ilyas al-Kandhlawi started the Tablighi Jamaat movement in Mewat in 1926. The movement caused the Meos to gradually distance themselves from Hindu customs and adopt Islamic customs. This was further accelerated by the rise of communal forces, and subsequent communal riots in the run up to Indian independence. All this occurred over a span of a few decades, in the early 20th century.

In fact towards the end of the British rule the Meos seemed to be at the wrong end of the political spectrum. With independence looming on the horizon and the hardening of communal forces, riots broke out in Alwar, Bharatpur and adjoining areas. There was a mass migration of Meos from Bharatpur to Alwar and Gurgaon. Some of them are believed to have migrated to Pakistan.

Overpowering the State

Oral tradition gives glimpses of a society that is bereft of written records. Meo tales were composed by different mirasis (bards) working for various Meo Pals2 in the late 18th or early 19th century. Dariya Khan, Gurchari Mev Khan, Kaulani ki larai and Panch Pahar ki larai are some of the popular stories. As one studies these tales as transcribed by Mayaram (2004) one notices a repetition of certain keywords. Keeping in mind that these stories were scripted by different mirasis (bards) working for different Pal groups, it is interesting that there are some surprising similarities between the stories irrespective of the text and context of the stories themselves.

Mirasi Amin. Courtesy: Abhay Chawla.

Keywords found repeated across stories arePal, brother, kill/killed, loot, avenge, maharaja, camels, soldiers/army, queen, goddess, pir, reward, hills, Alwar kingdom and sword. Other words frequently found in the stories areMinas, rob, escape, destruction, Rajputs, treasure, rejected, roaming, enmity, feud, Brahman, escape, thief, treasure, destruction, defeat, victory, surrender and wealth.

The subjects that are robbed seem to be people with wealth or powerKasai, Baniya, the dancer, goldsmith and the English. It could also happen that they were targeting the very people they were exploited by.

The Meos wanted to overpower not only the princely state, but also colonial power. Gurchari and Mev not only kill the tiger that was to be the hunt of the Maharaja, Gurchari then goes and introduces himself as a bandit of the state and Gurchari cuts the wire belonging to the English and leaves a message that he will capture and stop the train the following daygoes the legend of Gurchari.

Mirasis use an improvised harmonium in accompaniment to their songs. Courtesy: Abhay Chawla.

The songs depicting the anti-state stance of the Meos also suggest that other communities like the Minas (possibly of the same stock who later converted to the Hindu faith) shared a similar sentiment. Several tales reveal that both these communities were railing against the state and both had been charged with similar acts of criminality. Abstract concepts like brotherhood and criminality are important in the song, as they signify close social linkages with other non-Muslim castes, even if the connection is through their criminal disposition. It only goes to show that Meos had a syncretic culture, that drew from many different communities and sources.

Self and Society

Besides the concept of representation and culture another element playing a part in the discourse of oral tradition is the concept of identity.

Patterns of behaviour between individuals have different levels of analysis, and this is the key to understanding the link between self and society. One way is to look at the patterns of behaviour across individuals to see how these patterns fit with the patterns of others to create larger patterns of behaviour. It is these larger, inter-individual patterns that constitute social structure (Stets and Burke 2005).

In the narrative of Gurchari Mev Khan, he exhibits fearlessness against a more powerful adversary, by looting with impunity and indulging in anti-state behaviour. At the same time the protagonist is shown to have a very clear understanding of right from wrong. Upon closer examination, one finds this pattern repeating itself across stories thereby creating a larger pattern of behaviour. This larger pattern created is internalised by the individual and goes on to form his/her identity.

Others perceive Meos as criminal and rebellious. This is clear when one talks to and interviews people on the street, both within and outside Mewat. In the government primary school seeing a Meo boys climb the school building with aplomb gets the non Meo teacher, one who does not hail from Mewat comments these people learn this criminal traits right from a young age, to climb walls and to steal.

The Meo self-perception meanwhile is diametrically opposite. The Meo considers himself to be the true son of the soil, one who defended the country and fought various invaders who dared to attack and impose their rule, right from Balban to the British. The proof of this patriotism is the massive destruction of life and property experienced by the Meos.

Conclusions

Marshall McLuhan (1964) had coined the phrase medium is the message. It meant that the form of a medium embeds itself in the message, creating a symbiotic relationship by which the medium influences how the message is perceived. The songs of the Meos embody this very concept in their renditions.

As the story of valour sung by the mirasis progresses, their voice intonation and the speed of rendition add to the message being delivered--...we the fearless unconquerable community who will not tolerate subordination even if we have to give our lives.

Notes

1 The Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1909, page 313

2 Meo society is divided into 12 Pals. Then there is a 13th Pallakra or having an inferior status with respect to other Pals. In addition there are the Nepaliyas who do not fall into any Pal.

3 As documented by Mayaram (2004), an abridged version.

References

[All URLs accessed on 4 March 2016]

Ahmad, A (2013): Mewat: A Retrospective, Gaziabad: Sahitya Sansthan.

Crooke, W (1896): The Tribes and Castes of the North-Western Provinces and Oudh, Volume III, https://archive.org/details/tribesandcastes01croogoog.

Crooke, W (1907): Natives of Northern India: Native Races of the British Empire, London: Constable and Company Ltd, https://archive.org/details/cu31924023625910.

Grierson, G A (1908): Linguistic Survey of India.

Mayaram, Shail (2004): Against History, Against State: Counterperspectives from the Margins, Ranikhet: Permanent Black.

McLuhan, Marshall (1964): Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, New York: McGraw Hill.

Shams, Shamshuddin (1983): Meos of India, Their Customs and Laws, New Delhi: Deep and Deep Publications.

Stets, J E, & P J Burke (2005): New Directions in Identity Control Theory, Advances in Group Processes, Vol 22, pp 4364, http://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1016/S0882-6145%2805%2922002-7.
Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar gave a speech in JNU after he was released from judicial custody on being granted a six month interim bail by the Delhi High Court. We reproduce an English translation of sections of his Hindi speech.

From this platform on behalf of all of you, as JUNUSU president I take this opportunity of the medias presence to thank and salute the people of this country. I want to thank all the people across the world, academicians and students, who have stood with JNU. I salute them (lal salaam).

I have no rancour against anyone  none whatsoever against the ABVP [Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, student wing of the BJP]. You know why? (crowd roars  why?) Because the ABVP on our campus is actually more rational than the ABVP outside the campus. I have one suggestion for all those people who consider themselves political pundits  kindly watch the recording of the last presidential debate to see the state the ABVP candidate was reduced to. When we decimated the sharpest ABVP intellect there is in the country, which happens to be in the ABVP of JNU, you can draw your own conclusions about what awaits you in the rest of the country. There is no ill-will against ABVP because we are truly democratic; we truly believe in the constitution, and that is why we look at the ABVP not as enemies but as the opposition. Rest assured, my friend, I will not indulge in any witch-hunt against you for the simple reason that one has to be worthy enough to be hunted.

Modis and RSSs agenda

Today, when our honourable PM (I have to be respectful, no, or they will doctor this too!) spoke about Stalin and Khrushchev, I had an irresistible urge to enter the television, tug at his suit and say, Modi ji, why not talk a little about Hitler too? If not Hitler, then Mussolini at least  whose black cap was worn by your Guruji? Golwalkar ji had gone to meet him and had been advised to fashion the definition of Indianness on the German model.

Now I come to something very personal. I spoke to my mother after three months. When I was in JNU I never kept in regular touch. After going to prison I felt one should keep in regular touch; I advise you to do the same. When I spoke to my mother I asked her: So you took a dig at Modiji? She replied that it was not a dig at him. To make fun of people is their prerogative. We just express our pain  those who understand, cry, and those who dont, laugh. My mother said, It was my pain which made me say Modiji is also a son to a mother, my son has been falsely accused in a sedition case. So when he talks about mann ki baat, why not also talk about maa ki baat (mothers plight)?

What words of comfort could I offer her? Whatever is happening in this country shows a dangerous pathology. Here I am not talking about one party or one media channel, or only about soldiers  I am visualising the entire country. What will be the face of this country when it is emptied of its people? That is why it is important to salute all those people who have stood up in support of JNU. They understand the importance of JNU  60% of its students are women. Moreover, despite any shortcomings it may have, JNU is one of the few institutions which implements the reservation policy; where it doesnt we fight to ensure it does so.

Also the people who come here  I have not told you until now, my family lives on 3000 rupees. Would I be able to pursue a PhD in any big university? So when a serious offensive is mounted against JNU, the people who are standing up for it are also being tarred with the same brush (in saying this I am not expressing sympathies for any particular political party, for I have my own ideological path). Sitaram Yechury has been charged with sedition, Rahul Gandhi, D. Raja and Kejriwal too. Even those from the media who are speaking up for JNU  actually they are not speaking up for JNU, they are stating the truth as truth and falsehood as falsehood  are being hounded and threatened.

Where is this self-proclaimed nationalism coming from? I was asked by some in prison whether I really shouted those slogans. I said, yes, and I will do so again.

My question is, Are you [those in power] able to see the difference or has your rationality been destroyed. Is it a good thing to lose ones rationality so soon because 69% of the people of this country voted against this kind of mindset? Only 31% voted for you and among them were some who were taken in by your slogans. Some of the people you lured with your har har slogan can only think of the price of arhar [dal] these days.

So dont delude yourself that your victory is forever. If you repeat a hundred times that the sun is the moon, will the sun become the moon? Certainly not. It will remain what is  the sun  even if you repeat your lie a 1000 times.

The beauty of it is that in parliament they table a call attention motion, but outside the Lok Sabha across the country they revert to the distract attention motion  draw people away from their genuine problems and entrap them in ever new agendas. Here the Occupy UGC movement was going apace and comrade Rohith was killed. As soon as we raised our voice for him came the new salvo  witness the biggest betrayal of the nation, look carefully at the epicentre of sedition. This agenda too will lose steam.

(For the entire text of Kanhaiya Kumar's speech in JNU please go to the TheWire.in here.)
Responding to Abhijit Sarkars Rhodes Will Not Fall Alone the authors argue that the aim of their campaign has been the opposite of sanitising history. The campaign wants to begin and sustain a long overdue conversation in Britain about its colonial past.

Abhijit Sarkars article Rhodes Will Not Fall Alone in Vol 51, No 2 makes the case against the Rhodes Must Fall in Oxford (RMFO) campaign, which is mobilising, among other things, to remove a statue of British colonialist Cecil Rhodes from Oriel College. In the midst of logical flaws and factual inaccuracies, Sarkar describes the movement as an attempt to sanitise our uncomfortable past and draws wholly unsupported parallels between RMFO and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

No Parallels between RMFO and RSS

Let us begin by addressing Sarkars simple, factually incorrect statements. His first sentence claims that RMFO is demanding the destruction or removal of the statue of Cecil Rhodes. The literature from RMFO has always been clear. The campaign demands the removal of the statue from its glorifying and uncritical elevation on the walls of Oriel, to a museum or a space in which full contextualisation can be rendered; preferably in a space dedicated to the memorialisation of the crimes of Empire. It needs to be a space that elevates the victims and those who resisted brutality, as opposed to those who perpetrated it.

Without the deliberate inclusion of this loaded, misleading word, the premise of the earlier article falls apart. Indeed, this is the claim upon which he builds the spurious collapsing of two fundamentally different eventsRMFO and actions of the RSSacross space and time. He claims that RMFO methods are similar to the fascistic RSS demand for the destruction of the Babri Masjid. Not only is this a misrepresentation of RMFOs aim for removal and re-contextualisation, it reveals a lack of perspective, absence of power analysis and a comical level of contextual tone-deafness.

Rhodes imperialism still percolates Britains national culture. As recently as last month, a YouGov poll found that 59% of British people are proud of the countrys colonial past (Dahlgreen 2014). Perhaps more troublingly, 34% reported that they would like to see the return of Empire. The majority of the British public, according to the poll, do not consider colonialism to be regrettable part of history. These are not just views without consequencethey are structurally enforced by a context of ongoing corporate exploitation of labour in the global South, which is in part a continuation of such colonial legacies.

Compare this to the existence of the RSS in India, where Muslims are an oppressed minority, rather than a group with dominant or ruling power. Power commanded by Muslim rulers in Indias past bear no continuity into the present power structure or lived experiences of Indian Muslims. However, the struggle to remove Rhodes statue is intended to strike symbolically against the pervasive institutional racism and an ideological state apparatus within the present undergirded by historical amnesia. This is an oppositional context to the destruction of the Babri Masjid, which is intended as a piece of sectarian warfare, and a strike against an already disenfranchised religious group. It merely counterposes one modern form of chauvinism against a more ancient form. Whereas one is the articulation of an oppressed group against their continued economic, social and cultural subjugation in which the silencing of this history is intimately bound to the subjugation in the present, the other is a re-enforcement of an existing power structure and culture of marginalisation, and the violence embedded within it.

Not Sanitising History

This brings us to what seems to be his central contention; that RMFOs aimsfar from limited to a statueare tantamount to sanitising history. When considering the context of historical amnesia demonstrated in part by the aforementioned YouGov poll, Sarkars argument demonstrates his conceptual failure. Indeed, history is sanitised precisely through the uncritical, but quite literal elevation of the Rhodes statue, underneath which sits a plaque praising his splendid generosity. This constitutes an effacement of the hundreds of thousands of black South Africans who died, were tortured or disenfranchised by Rhodes actions, and his legacy as the architect of apartheid.

Rather than trying to sanitise our uncomfortable past, the RMFO campaign represents an intellectually rigorous intervention into the carefully constructed sense of comfort that dominates typical historical narratives.

Statues are not sites of learning. They are at best vanity projects, and at worst carefully constructed PR fabrications, established to preserve the uncritical veneration of some of the most exploitative men of modern history, and inoculate them against critique not only by later generations, but by those of their own time. Indeed, Rhodes was condemned for his brutality even within the context of the British Empire. Not only did several of his own peers at Oxford object to his inauguration as a doctorate of civil law in 1899 on the grounds of his involvement in the illegal and catastrophic Jameson Raid, but also his 1902 Guardian obituary (Guardian 1902) held Rhodes responsible for an unbroken sequence of evil. Of course, a century of the statues erection has resulted not in a more nuanced or detailed understanding of Rhodes actions and his legacy, but the rise of defensive sentimentality; indeed, the past few weeks have seen an unprecedented wave of whitewashed praise and misinformation.

A Conversation Begun

Indeed, the real impact of RMFO has been the opposite of sanitising history; it has been the resurgence of a long overdue conversation in Britain about its colonial past. In the UK context, where this era of history is studiously ignored in curricula at all levels and where the government has withheld classified files on the end of empireincluding on the Mau Mau uprising and Chagos Islandersthis is a rare moment in which some column space is being devoted to an analysis of the brutality of Empire and its manifestations today (Engelhart 2014). It appears that Sarkar does not wish to engage with this history; rather, he calls for the memory of Cecil Rhodes to sink into oblivion. The demands levelled by the campaignfor removal and re-contextualisationrepresent a far more sincere commitment to history than the forgetting that the establishment is calling for.

References

[All URLs accessed on 1 March 2016]

Dahlgreen, Will (2014): The British Empire is 'something to be proud of', YouGov UK, 26 July, https://yougov.co.uk/news/2014/07/26/britain-proud-its-empire/.

Engelhart, Katie (2014): Heres What the British Government Has Been Hiding, Vice, 1 September, http://www.vice.com/read/katie-engelhart-britains-secrets-mandy-banton-321.

Guardian (1902): Death of Mr Cecil Rhodes, 27 March, http://www.theguardian.com/century/1899-1909/Story/0,,126334,00.html.
March 4, 2016. West Orange, NJ. Ekaterina Dobryakova, PhD, of Kessler Foundation has been awarded a Switzer Research Fellowship by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). The $70,000 Merit Award funds her research on the motivational influences on cognitive fatigue in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Cognitive fatigue is a debilitating symptom that affects up to 75% of people with TBI. There is evidence that cognitive fatigue is due to a disruption of the functioning of the fronto-striatal network, which plays a vital role in effort calculation and reward valuation. This study will be the first to explore whether rewards associated with performing a task can modulate cognitive fatigue in individuals with TBI.

"This fellowship enables me to further my study of the factors that influence cognitive fatigue," said Dr. Dobryakova, a research scientist in TBI Research at Kessler Foundation. "The results will be used to develop a non-invasive low-risk intervention that will alleviate this disabling symptom and lead to improvement in quality of life for the population with TBI."

Merit Fellowships are awarded to individuals with advanced professional training or research experience in independent study in appropriate areas that are directly pertinent to disability and rehabilitation, but who are in earlier stages of their research career, with less than the required seven years' experience, or who do not have a doctorate. Of the six Merit Fellowships awarded by NIDILRR in 2015, two were awarded to scientists at Kessler Foundation.

Funded by NIDILRR grant H133F150005

###

About TBI Research at Kessler Foundation

Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, is director of Neuropsychology, Neuroscience & Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Research and project director of the Northern New Jersey TBI System (NNJTBIS), a collaborative effort of Kessler Foundation, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and local hospitals. John DeLuca, PhD, is co-project director. NNJTBIS is one of 16 federally funded model systems that form a national comprehensive system of care, research, education and dissemination aimed at improving quality of life for people with TBI. NNJTBIS is supported by grant #H133A120030 from the National Institute Disability, Independent Living & Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). In addition to NIDRR and the Department of Defense, TBI research is funded by the New Jersey Commission on Brain Injury Research, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research and Children's Specialized Hospital. Neuroimaging studies are conducted at the Rocco Ortenzio Neuroimaging Center at Kessler Foundation. Kessler researchers and clinicians have faculty appointments in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

About Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org. facebook.com/KesslerFoundation http://twitter.com/KesslerFdn

Contacts: Carolann Murphy, PA; 973.324.8382; CMurphy@KesslerFoundation.org
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

A South Texas woman who was told she couldnt bury her husbands ashes in their South Texas hometown because he was Hispanic will be allowed to bury him there after all, but now shes not sure she wants to.

Donna Barrera, who was married to Pedro Barrera for more than 40 years, said she has hired an attorney and will fight to make sure people of all races and ethnicities are allowed a final resting place at the San Domingo Cemetery in Normanna, just north of Beeville on Texas 181.

Normanna has a population of 65, according to the U.S. Census. Of those 65, 11 are Hispanic or Latino and two are black.

The trouble started when Mrs. Barrera ran into Jimmy Bradford, the owner of the San Domingo Cemetery Association, at the post office. She said she asked him how she could get a plot for her husbands ashes at San Domingo. Bradford told her the board would not allow it, she said.

While Bradford was not available Friday, he told KIII-TV that cemetery policy was whites only.

He wasn't supposed to be buried there, because he's a Mexican, or of Spanish descent, or whatever you want to say. That's what I told her and that's what we've been doing, Bradford told KIII-TV.

For her part, Mrs. Barrera said she was stunned.

It hurt me very bad. Im in mourning as it is, so thats put more mourning on me, she said Friday.

Bee County Constable Cliff Bagwell said Friday that Bradford would now allow Pedro Barreras ashes to be buried in the cemetery.

Bagwell said Bradford had checked the cemeterys policy and said it did not specify that people of Hispanic descent could not be buried at San Domingo, where many of the headstones are more than 100 years old.

It just says citizens, may be buried there, Bagwell said. He doesnt believe there are any people of Hispanic descent buried at the cemetery.

Back then, its the way it was. Whether its good or bad, thats the way it was, the constable said.

Al Kauffman, a professor of law at St. Marys University, said prohibiting a persons burial based on his or her race is illegal based on 1948s Shelley v. Kraemer, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that courts could not enforce racial covenants on real estate.

(The court) said that even when people want to limit the buyers on their property, that that violates the Constitution because, in fact, the state is indirectly involved in the system of property, Kauffman said.

gkaul@express-news.net
Ahead of talks between MEPs and EU Farm Commissioner Hogan in Strasbourg Monday night, Copa and Cogeca underline measures needed to help end the EU agricultural crisis and call on the EU to act.

Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen warned: There are currently protests all across Europe. Many producers are going under hit by serious cash flow problems, with market prices not even covering input costs. They lost their main export market to Russia worth 5.1 billion euros due to international politics. Input prices are spiraling out of control especially fertilizer costs and the collapse in oil prices is hitting commodity prices badly.

Outlining the measures, he said: In response to this unprecedented crisis, we want to re-open the Russian market, accelerate trade negotiations with Japan, step up promotion measures and use export credit insurance. With few tools left, we need to strengthen measures used to manage the market including a temporary rise in the EU dairy intervention price and extend private storage aid (PSA) for pork and dairy products. Market tools for the fruit and vegetables sector must be reviewed as well as the minimum entry price for tomato imports to the EU.

Unfair practices along the food chain so that farmers get a better return for their produce need to be tackled so they are not treated unfairly by retailers. The cost of inputs can be cut by lifting import duties, especially for fertilisers, as shown in a new report released this week. We need more loan/debt relief for investments from the European Investment Bank, state aid, and an adjustment of the ceiling for de minimisaid. Member States also need to make full use of tools under EU rural development policy and national schemes to help farmers better manage risk.

Next steps: Copa and Cogeca will go to Strasbourg Monday to meet MEPs and Commissioner Hogan to press demands. The Commission is analysing the possibility of introducing export credit insurance and fully liberalising the market for fertilisers. Copa and Cogeca Presidents have also sent a letter to the Commission High Representative Ms Mogherini to step up efforts to open dialogue with Russia. Copa and Cogeca urge MEPs, Commissioner Hogan and Farm Ministers to confront the crisis head on and ensure farmers have a viable future capable of meeting growing demand and solving hunger and malnutrition.
Google surpassed Apple as the worlds most highly valued company in January for the first time since 2010. (Back then each company was worth less than 200 billion. Now each is valued at well over 500 billion.) While Googles new lead lasted only a few days, the companys success has implications for everyone who lives within the reach of the Internet. Why? Because Google is ground zero for a wholly new subspecies of capitalism in which profits derive from the unilateral surveillance and modification of human behavior. This is a new surveillance capitalism that is unimaginable outside the inscrutable high velocity circuits of Googles digital universe, whose signature feature is the Internet and its successors. While the world is riveted by the showdown between Apple and the FBI, the real truth is that the surveillance capabilities being developed by surveillance capitalists are the envy of every state security agency. What are the secrets of this new capitalism, how do they produce such staggering wealth, and how can we protect ourselves from its invasive power?

(German Version: Wie wir Sklaven von Google wurden von Shoshana Zuboff)

Most Americans realize that there are two groups of people who are monitored regularly as they move about the country. The first group is monitored involuntarily by a court order requiring that a tracking device be attached to their ankle. The second group includes everyone else

Some will think that this statement is certainly true. Others will worry that it could become true. Perhaps some think its ridiculous. Its not a quote from a dystopian novel, a Silicon Valley executive, or even an NSA official. These are the words of an auto insurance industry consultant intended as a defense of automotive telematics and the astonishingly intrusive surveillance capabilities of the allegedly benign systems that are already in use or under development. Its an industry that has been notoriously exploitative toward customers and has had obvious cause to be anxious about the implications of self-driving cars for its business model. Now, data about where we are, where were going, how were feeling, what were saying, the details of our driving, and the conditions of our vehicle are turning into beacons of revenue that illuminate a new commercial prospect. According to the industry literature, these data can be used for dynamic real-time driver behavior modification triggering punishments (real-time rate hikes, financial penalties, curfews, engine lock-downs) or rewards (rate discounts, coupons, gold stars to redeem for future benefits).

Mehr zum Thema 1/

Bloomberg Business Week notes that these automotive systems will give insurers a chance to boost revenue by selling customer driving data in the same way that Google profits by collecting information on those who use its search engine. The CEO of Allstate Insurance wants to be like Google. He says, There are lots of people who are monetizing data today. You get on Google, and it seems like its free. Its not free. Youre giving them information; they sell your information. Could we, should we, sell this information we get from people driving around to various people and capture some additional profit source? Its a long-term game.
2016 is going to be a great year for British movies and High-Rise is one that you cannot afford to miss this March.

High-Rise

We have already been treated to a range of posters for the film, and now we have a collection of character artwork to share with you.

These new posters see Tom Hiddleston Sienna Miller, Luke Evans, and Jeremy Irons take centre stage - check them out:

High-Rise is the latest film offering from director Ben Wheatley and it is great to see him back. He has already brought us films such as Sightseers and Kill List and this is his first feature since A Field In England.

1975. Two miles west of London, Dr. Robert Laing moves into his new apartment seeking soulless anonymity, only to find that the building's residents have no intention of leaving him alone. Resigned to the complex social dynamics unfolding around him, Laing bites the bullet and becomes neighbourly.

As he struggles to establish his position, Laing's good manners and sanity disintegrate along with the building. The lights go out and the lifts fail but the party goes on. People are the problem. Booze is the currency. Sex is the panacea. Only much later, as he sits on his balcony eating the architect's dog, does Dr. Robert Laing finally feel at home.

High-Rise is released 18th March.

by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk

find me on and follow me on
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Robert Redford, Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, Bruce Greenwood

Truth

Director: James Vanderbilt

Rating: 4/5

We have already been treated to some terrific biopic dramas so far this year, and this week Truth hits the big screen. The movie is based on the book by Mary Mapes and sees James Vanderbilt make his feature film directorial debut.

The film chronicles the story Mapes and Rather (Blanchett & Redford) uncovered that a sitting US president may have been AWOL from the United States National Guard for over a year during the Vietnam War. When the story blew up in their face, the ensuing scandal ruined Dan Rather's career, nearly changed a US Presidential election, and almost took down all of CBS News in the process.

I have to admit, I was expecting a lot when I sat down to watch Truth and, while it is a solid film with a lot to like and enjoy, it doesn't quite hit the dizzy heights that I was expecting.

This is a fascinating film about political corruption and the media outlets that report on it and are brave enough to try and get to the truth. I Have always been a fan of the investigative journalism movie - of which we have been treated to many over the years - and Truth is packed with twists and turns as well as interesting characters.

For me, it is Cate Blanchett that truly shines in the central role of producer Mary Mapes, a woman who was ready to take on the establishment but was silenced by those in power.

Blanchett strikes the perfect balance of Mapes being perfectly normal and yet heroic all at the same time. She is a woman who takes very seriously the role of the press as watchdogs and is willing to lay it all the line to undercover the truth. She really is the backbone as well as the heart and soul of this film; she is magnificent from start to finish and you are rooting for her from the beginning.

Robert Redford is also terrific as new anchor Dan Rather in what is quite a restrained performance from the actor, who is no stranger to this genre of film with All The President's Men already under his belt.

Blanchett and Redford light up the screen when they share scenes together and I would love to see these two fine actors work together again in the future. They really are two of the best in the business and I love it when they get roles to truly get their teeth into.

Truth isn't quite in the same league as All The President's Men or the more recent Spotlight, but it is a fascinating and compelling film that is as informative as it is entertaining.

Truth is out now.

by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk

find me on and follow me on
Britain's Darkest Taboos continues on CI this coming Sunday, with 'My Disabled Daughter Tortured And Murdered By Her Friends'. Ahead of the episode, we got to speak to the subject of the show's sister Nikki, to find out more about her sister Gemma, the people who murdered her and exactly what Gemma's family now campaign for in the wake of her death.

Can you tell us a little bit about your sister Gemma and what sort of person she was?

Gemma was a loving and kind, simple girl... She had a deep trust of everyone and a rosy outlook on life, mainly due to the fact that she had no concept of danger and reality. Her concept that she was 'normal' led to her wanting to lead an independent life. This belief was given to her by 'experts' that failed at every turn to give her a correct diagnosis and claimed she was more than capable of living by herself - a fact that we as a family strongly disagreed with.

Gemma then became friends with a woman called Chantelle Booth and they became very close - what did you make of their friendship?

I was over the moon that anyone wanted to spend time with Gemma. She'd never formed a friendship before so this was fabulous.

What sort of struggles did you see Gemma face when it came to making friends and connections?

She had no concept of danger, or the ability to properly analyse people. She believed everyone was good and her potential friend. Her conversation skills were limited and she was vulnerable in all aspects of life.

Were there times you'd suspect Chantelle of using Gemma's kind nature and personality for personal advantage?

There were often phone rows with Chantelle, demanding Gemma go and meet her. Gemma always relented and shuffled off. And of course there was the concern that maybe Chantelle was getting more than just companionship from Gemma. But Gem would only tell us what she wanted us to know.

In the new episode of Britain's Darkest Taboos we'll hear of how Gemma was murdered - what was going through your head when you discovered just who was responsible for her death?

I was gobsmacked! Devastated and sickened by the thought that her only friends in her whole life had taken hers away. Guilty because maybe I could have prevented it somehow.

Chantelle has been given life in prison but in this country that doesn't necessarily mean she'll spend the rest of her life behind bars - what do you make of that sentencing as justice for Gemma?

Chantelle was sentenced to life without parole for a minimum of 22 years - for a girl of 22 that is a very hefty sentence. When the sentence was read out I was actually shocked at how long it was... I'm not sure why, because anything less wouldn't have been enough. Her life is essentially over. She will be leaving prison as a 44-year-old woman with a murder conviction. She will have no access to her children and a very slim chance of ever having any more.

You and your family now campaign to raise awareness of hate crime against more vulnerable members of society, so what should people know about this?

Our campaign is to make people realise that it is absolutely despicable to commit a crime against someone based on their race, religion, sexuality and especially any disability. To single someone out purely based on what they are and not who is a disgrace. But what society needs to realise is that it is our kids committing these crimes. Where are they getting the idea that it's OK to do this? Where are they being taught morals? Everyone knows someone who is fat, black, or disabled in some way. Everybody knows someone that has something about them that others would pick on, BUT, if it were their mum, brother, friend etc., they wouldn't tolerate it. So where is all this hate coming from? Society needs to step up and take notice.

We also raise awareness within the disability community. It's a very sad fact that most people won't report a crime against them as they feel it is 'part of being special needs' so they just accept it. This makes me angry and incredibly sad, and is a sickening sign of what we as a society have become.

Britain's Darkest Taboos: My Disabled Daughter Tortured And Murdered By Her Friends is on CI on Sunday 6th March at 9pm.

by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk

find me on and follow me on
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/04/16 -- Prospero Silver Corp. (TSX VENTURE: PSL) ("Prospero" or the "Company") reports that the board of directors of the Company has approved the granting of 1,365,000 stock options (the "Options") pursuant to the Company's Share Option Plan to directors, officers and employees of the Company. The Options are exercisable at a price of $0.05 per share expiring on March 2, 2021 and vest immediately.

About Prospero Silver Corp.:

Prospero is a Canadian resource company with the majority of its staff based in Mexico and who work for its wholly-owned subsidiary Minera Fumarola, SA de CV. Prospero's objective, as a project generator, is to quickly evaluate properties it acquires for their suitability to provide size potential and/or amenability for strategic joint ventures. For additional information on Prospero, readers are encouraged to see the disclosure documents filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, and to visit the Company's website at www.prosperosilver.com.

Neither the TSX nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy and accuracy of this press release.

Contacts:

Prospero Silver Corp.

William Murray

Chairman

604-288-7813

www.prosperosilver.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Republican presidential front runner Donald Trump hit back at Mitt Romney a day after the 2012 Republican nominee blasted the controversial real estate tycoon. Trump called Romney 'a choke artist' in response to the latter describing him 'a conman.' Romney, who lost to Barack Obama in the 2012 presidential election, Thursday called on primary voters to block Trump's path to the nomination. He is the latest to join a set of Republican heavyweights who have come up publicly against Trump's White House dreams. Including the Super Tuesday victory, Trump has won 10 of 11 state primaries so far, sending alarm bells to the Republican party leadership, which is reportedly scrambling to prevent him from becoming the nominee for the November presidential poll. 'If we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished,' Romney said in a speech in Utah. The former Massachusetts governor called Trump phony and a fraud, alleging that dishonesty is his hallmark. Trump responded to Romney's remarks with a scathing counter-attack. Speaking at a Republican presidential debate in Detroit, and while addressing an election campaign in Maine later, Trump recalled how Romney begged for his endorsement four years ago. 'I backed Mitt Romney. He was begging for my endorsement. I could have said, 'Mitt, drop to your knees.' He would've dropped to his knees,' Trump said. Trump claimed Romney had plans to run for Republican presidential nomination. 'If Romney did decide to run, Clinton would destroy him,' Trump said, adding that he was targeting Romney from the start of the race because the Republican party could not withstand another election loss. 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.


BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss stock market ended Friday's session with a modest increase and ended the trading week with a gain. This was the third consecutive positive week for the market. Trading activity was choppy Friday, as the market fluctuated between gains and losses. However, the stronger than expected U.S. jobs report and the positive performance of the U.S. markets helped the Swiss Market to finish in the green.



Employment in the U.S. increased by much more than expected in the month of February. Non-farm employment jumped by 242,000 jobs compared to economist estimates for an increase of about 190,000 jobs. The unemployment rate remained unchanged, which was in line with expectations.



The Swiss Market Index increased 0.40 percent Friday and finished at 7,982.57. The SMI ended the trading week with an overall increase of 1.3 percent. The Swiss Leader Index climbed 0.68 percent and the Swiss Performance Index added 0.52 percent.



Transocean was by far the best performing stock of the session, with an increase of 20 percent. Shares of the oil drilling service have benefited from the recovery in crude oil prices.



Julius Baer was another notable gainer, with an increase of 2.0 percent. Sonova climbed 1.8 percent, Adecco added 1.7 percent and Clariant rose 1.5 percent.



Zurich Insurance advanced 1.4 percent. Macquarie Group agreed to sell its life insurance business to Zurich Australia.



Schindler gained 0.8 percent, after Morgan Stanley rated the stock as an 'Overweight.'



Nestle was the lone index heavyweight to finish in the green, with an increase of 1.0 percent. Novartis fell 0.5 percent and Roche surrendered 0.3 percent.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
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.
PORTLAND, OR and LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 03/05/16 -- (WPPI 2016) Fundy Software, creator of Fundy Designer, the only template-free, full suite of design solutions for the professional photographer, today announced Fundy Designer 7.0, featuring the world's first and only patented design technology to enable auto design while maintaining control and creativity for printed albums. Fundy Designer 7, the first complete upgrade in two years, goes beyond prior successful versions to help photographers show clients in person albums that they'll instantly want to own. This new and improved software suite will make its public debut during WPPI Wedding and Portrait Photography Conference + Expo, being held March 7-9 at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Since its launch in 2008, word of mouth from one photographer to another has helped Fundy Designer become the industry's leading solution to design, sell, proof and print, all in one application.

World renowned wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis was given exclusive access to this game changing software. His numerous accolades include being named in the first ever list of Top Ten Wedding Photographers in the world by American Photography Magazine. Ghionis is also an eight-time winner of the WPPI international Wedding Album of the Year award. "The new Fundy Designer v7 will revolutionize album design and workflow. I love the creative control I have and the new auto design feature makes album design a breeze even for the newest photographer."

In addition to the professional auto design function, Fundy Designer 7.0 also features a faster and more elegant user interface, redesigned Quick Design Picker, professional image browser and organizer and increased memory optimization to handle even the biggest projects.

Fundy Software founder and photographer Andrew "Fundy" Funderburg is passionate about the power of print and storytelling. After developing their flagship product Fundy Album Builder and using it for the first time to create one of his first print wedding albums, he'll never forget what happened when the bride handed the book to her grandmother, who had recently become a widow. "When the grandmother saw the picture of her husband, she touched the print," said Fundy. "You could tell it brought her closer to him, if only for a moment. That's when I realized the importance of print -- for clients and their families -- helping to ensure a legacy for their children, grandchildren and generations to come."

Visitors to WPPI 2016 can view a demo of Fundy Designer 7.0 during regular Expo hours at the Marquee Ballroom, Booth #1325.

Features at a Glance - Fundy Designer 7.0

Professional Auto Design Function

Patented technology provides an auto design feature while maintaining professional control. Group and tag photos in a way that tells the story of the day. Choose how many pages to design and let Fundy Designer do the work.

Faster, Friendlier User Interface

A new, elegant user interface to please even the most discerning designers. All designs are now at the tip of a finger. Jump between main albums and parent albums in a couple clicks. Move between albums, wall gallery designs and blog collages without leaving the main interface.

Upgraded Quick Design Picker

Newly redesigned Quick Design Picker with over 100 new layout options based on photographer images. Automatically select the best options from millions of design combinations.

Professional Image Browser and Organizer

Most powerful image browser in any photo design program. With a grid view, film strip view and a compare view, see the entire story of a shoot at any time during the design process. Organize photos by keyword categories and ratings in Fundy Designer or apply category tags in Lightroom, Photo Mechanic or Bridge and have those categories automatically imported into Fundy Designer.

New, Lightning Fast Engine

Newly coded design engine makes Fundy Designer 7.0 faster and more fluid. Increased memory optimization will handle even the biggest projects.

Availability

Fundy Designer 7.0 is scheduled to be available at the end of April 2016. WPPI attendees can purchase Fundy Designer 6.0 at a show discount and also receive a free upgrade to Fundy Designer 7.0.

About Fundy Software

Founded in 2008, Portland, Oregon-based Fundy Software is the creator of Fundy Designer, a professional suite for professional photographers. It's the only template free solution available that provides photographers the creative freedom to design, sell, proof and print, all in one application. Fundy Designer enables photographers to express their artistic vision within a fast, fun and powerful ecosystem. Visit www.fundydesigner.com

Media Contact

Jeff Denenholz

For Fundy Software

206-437-9810

Email Contact




LightSail, a NYC-based edtech company focused on K-12, raised $11m in Series B funding.

The round was led by Scott Cook (the co-founder of Intuit) and his wife, Signe Ostby, via their foundation, the Valhalla Charitable Trust, with participation form the Bezos Family Foundation as well as new and existing investors.

The company, which has raised more than $23m to date, intends to use the funds to hire edtech talent and expand adoption of the product via increased sales and marketing efforts.

Led by CEO Gideon Stein, LightSail provides an adaptive literacy solution for K-12 education that uses predictive algorithms to match students to a customized library of texts. The reading experience incorporates persuasive learning technologies designed to challenge students to read more texts, for longer durations and with enhanced comprehension.

The solution currently offers nearly 5,000 texts from more than 60 publishers, complete with assessment questions embedded within every text, measures literacy growth in real time and automatically adapts each students library to the readers precise reading level; and provides real-time insights to students and educators on a variety of key metrics, including reading stamina, comprehension and reading level growth.

LightSail is currently partnered with more than 500 schools and districts across the country including the New York City Department of Education, Los Angeles Unified School District, Boston Public Schools, Denver Public Schools, Evergreen Public Schools and many others.

FinSMEs

05/03/2016
New Delhi: The government today said it has a "very good sense" of the problem of bad loans in banking sector and will continue to provide funds to strengthen state-owned banks. "We have now a very good sense of...stressed assets. We believe that the stressed assets are about Rs 8 lakh crores of the total advances that public and private sector banks...," Ministry of State Finance Jayant Sinha said here at the second Gyan Sangam.

The government has provided Rs 25,000 crore in the Budget 2016, he said, adding, "we will provide more as necessary to ensure that our banks are well capitalised". "We have about about 11.25 percent of the numbers of stressed assets in the system right now. The good news in all of this is two-fold that - the set of stressed assets are stabilised, we know where they are and we know how to deal with them," he added.

In addition, he said, the RBI has also made certain changes to the manner in which capital can be recognised as part of the tier-I capital and that has added further strength to bank balance sheet. As far as the set of stressed assets and the NPA situation are concerned, Sinha said: "We think we now have a very good control over them, and of course are working very closely with the RBI. "We will continue to work with those numbers to see how we can further expedite and strengthen the recovery process for these stressed assets."

Government has plans to infuse Rs 70,000 crore in PSBs over four years ending March 2019. Of this, Rs 25,000 crore each would come in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Infusion of Rs 10,000 crore for each of 2017-18 and 2018-19 fiscals. The capital infusion roadmap indicates that the overall capital requirements of the banks over the four-year period would total Rs 1.85 lakh crore.

Sinha said the issue of sale of non-core assets of banks will be deliberated upon at the Gyan Sangam. The Reserve Bank, he said, has closely looked into the stressed assets across both public and private sector banks as well as Non-Banking Financial Companies. He also said that efforts are being made to strengthen the stressed asset resolution capabilities of the banks which would help in dealing with the problem.

"Rs 8 lakh crore stressed assets is for the entire scheduled commercial banks, public and private sectors banks across the system. The system has roughly about Rs 69 lakh crore of total loan book," he added. The minister said the government would go through phases as part of the banks transformation agenda.

"We were in phase II, when we were looking at assets quality and really trying to assess the system wise balance sheet and balance sheet of individual banks so that process was necessary pre condition before we get into the third phase. This addition of Gyan Sangam is to look into all aspects including consolidation as well," he added.

PTI
New Delhi: Government will subsume all the additional levies like Krishi Kalyan and Infrastructure cess in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), within one year of its implementation, a senior tax official said on Saturday.

According to Ram Tirath, Member (Budget), Central Board of Excise and Customs, the cesses have been imposed since the government is in need of revenue. "Once the Goods and Services Tax comes to play, hopefully by April 2017, all these taxes will be subsumed," he said.

He was addressing a CII organised Finance Ministry-Industry interface.

In Budget 2016-17 presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley last month, the government has imposed two new cesses -- one related to farm and another for infrastructure.

With effective June, the government has proposed to impose a Krishi Kalyan cess of 0.5 per cent on all taxable services.

The funds generated would be used to improve agriculture situation and welfare of farmers.

Citing pollution and traffic situation in the country, the finance minister also proposed to levy an infrastructure cess of 1 per cent on small petrol, LPG, CNG cars, 2.5 per cent on diesel cars of certain capacity and 4 per cent on other higher engine capacity vehicles and SUVs.

In the previous budget, government had levied Swachh Bharat cess of 0.5 per cent on all taxable services.

The tax official said the government has tried to address all tax areas in the Budget. He also hoped that excess litigation in indirect tax matters would be cut down by 50 per cent in an year's period.

"All of the areas (of taxes), we have addressed them. Whatever we could think of, whatever inputs we have got, we have done. And I am very much sure that within one year litigation in excess in indirect tax matter should be down by 50 per cent," he said.

Tirath also said the government has simplified and rationalised many tax processes in the Budget.

PTI
Editor's Note:On Thursday night, JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar  who was out on bail after 21 days in prison  returned to the JNU campus and addressed his fellow students and a selection of the media on a variety of issues. Firstpost has translated Kanhaiya's speech for your perusal. Discrepancies in specific cases of the text are unintentional.

What Kanhaiya said:

First of all, to everyone at JNU, whether they are students, whether they are employees, whether they are teachers, whether they are the security, whether its the shopkeeper or the workers working in the shops, I give my revolutionary salute.

Friends, from this stage, on behalf of all the students, as the president of JNUSU, to the people across the country, through the media channels present here, I would like to thank them, I want to salute them.

Friends, I would like to thank them from across the world, whether they are academicians, whether they are the students who stood with JNU... (inaudible).

Everyone, whether they people from media, whether they are people from the civil society, whether they are political, whether they are non-political people, to everyone who are standing in the fight to save JNU, who are standing to fight for justice for Rohith Vemula, I offer my Lal Salaam to them. And, and I would like to especially to thank this country's big figures who sit in Parliament to decide on what is right and what is wrong, thanks to them, thanks to their police and those channels of the media, I would like to thank them.

There is a saying, we have a saying, 'badman hue to kya hua, naam nahai hua'. Atleast , in their attempt to defame JNU, they gave us the prime time slot. There is no hated for anyone, especially against the ABVP, there is no hated. Ask why? That's because the ABVP we have in our campus, is more *inaudiable* compared to the ABVP out there.

And I would like to say, all those who consider themselves political masterminds - what happened to the candidate of ABVP during the last presidential debate, just watch that video, and the most intellectual person of the ABVP in the country, the one who is JNU's ABVP, we decimated him, so what will happen to you in rest of the country, you can guess.

That's why, we have no hard feelings towards ABVP, because we are actually democratic people. We believe in the real constitution. That's why we see ABVP as an opposition rather than an adversary.

Oh my friend, I wont witch hunt after you, because even those who are hunted needs to be deserving to be hunted. And I feel the events that have unfolded... for the first time, I swear, it is not like that saying goes, 'born in the mansoon..... (10:40)

I'm telling you the truth... what JNU has shown... the way JNU stood in this country to point out what is right and what is wrong... I would like to salute JNU. And, the funny thing is this is spontaneous. And I am saying this because they planned everything, we did everything spontaneously.

We believe in this country's constitution, in this country's law and in this country's judiciary. We also believe in that change is the only truth. And there will be change, we stand in favor of change, and this change will happen.

I believe in my constitution, we believe in all the values of this constitution, what is said in the preamble  socialism, secularism, equality  we stand with them. I was just asking a question.

I would like to say that I wont give a speech today, I will only tell you my experience. Because, first I use to study more, and go up against the system less. This time, I studied less and went up against the system more.

That's why I will say, people research too much in JNU... (inaudible)

The first thing is the process of the law, I don't want to say anything on that. I have only said one thing, and people of this entire country who really for the love the constitution, who wants to make Babasaheb's dreams come true, they must have understood the signs.

The things that are sub judicious, I don't want to say anything on that.

The Prime Minister has tweeted. He has said, 'Satyamev Jayate'. I too say, Prime Minister ji, I have a strong conflict with you, but because 'Satyamev Jayate' belongs to the country, to the constitution and not just to you, I too say 'Satyamev Jayate'.

And the truth will prevail, and in this fight, and everyone who's involved, I would like to say one thing and share my experience. And that one thing is, don't think that sedition have been used over the students like a political tool.

Understand it like this, and I have often said this in my speeches, we come from villages, I think by now you are also familiar with my family. So on the railway station there, which is called 'tasion', there is held a game of magic. The magician will show you the magic, will sell a ring, the ring of wishes. And whatever wishes anyone has, the ring will fulfill them, the magician says.

This country also has some policy makers, they say that the black money will come back, 'Har-Har Modi', 'The prices will come down, they are too high', 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'. All the false promises are today in people's consciousness.

Although, we Indians forget quickly, but this time the events were so big that it is becoming difficult (for the government) to make people forget them.

So the attempt is this.... that the false promises must be forgotten. And this is done by the people who are making the false promises.

And how to forget them? Lets shut the fellowship of all the research fellows of the country. What will people do? They will say, 'Give us fellowship, give us fellowship'. Then they will say, 'Alright, what Rs 5,000-8,000 was given, will continue.' Meaning, they get rid of the promises of increasing them. Who will bring it up? JNU.

So when you are being abused, don't worry. You are eating what you have earned.

In this country, when you speak against the anti-people government, so does their cyber cell do?

It will send you doctored videos. It will send you abuses. And it will count how many condoms you have in your dustbin.

But this is a very serious time. That is why, during this serious time we need to think something seriously.

The attack on JNU is a organised attack, do understand. And this is a organised attack because they want to delegitimise the Occupy UGC movement. This is a organised attack because they want to end the fight that is being fought for justice of Rohith Vemula.

You are running the issue of JNU on the prime time because, respected ex-RSS, you want to make the people to forget that the current Prime Minister had promises to put 15 lakh in their accounts. But I want to say one thing to you, if it is not easy to get admission in JNU, it is also not easy to forget the people from JNU.

If you think you'll make them forget... we want to remind you again and again  whenever the government have performed persecution, JNU has raised its voice, and we will repeat it. We will remind you that you cannot dilute our struggle.

What am I saying? On one side there are soldiers dying on the borders of the country. I would like to salute those who are lousing their lives on the border.

I have a question. I have learnt one thing in the jail, that when the battle is of ideology, one should not give publicity to anyone. That's why I won't take the name of that leader. One of the BJP's minister said in Parliament, that soldiers are dying on the border. I would like to ask, is that your brother? Or in this country where millions of farmers who are committing suicides, who grow food for us, for the youth, what do you have to say for them? This is the question I would like to ask.

I would like to ask the question that the farmer who work in a fields... my father... my brother also goes to the army and dies there. So don'st raise a pseudo debate in the country.

Those who die for the country, also die inside in the country.

My question is, standing there in the Parliament, who are you playing the politics against? Those who are dying, who will take their responsibility? The people who are fighting are not responsible, those who are instigating fights are responsible.

Who is responsible for the battle? Who is making people fight? Why my father is dying? And hoe my brother is dying? We want to ask the once who make the prime time (shows).

The problems we have in our country... is it wrong to ask for freedom from those problems? What they say is, 'Who are you asking freedom from?'

You only tell, has India enslaved anyone? No. So, obviously, we are not asking for freedom from India. Not from India my brothers, we are asking for freedom in India. There is a difference between 'from' and 'in'.

We are not asking freedom from the English, people of this country has fought for that.

Now I'll come to my experience.

The police asked me, 'What is this 'Lal Salam, Lal Salam' that you do?' I would like to say to them, this was not a part of the investigation. Police used to take me sometimes to eat food, sometimes to have a medical, and we from JNU.... *inaudible* so how could I have stayed without talking?

So I started talking to them. And when I talked, that man (policeman) too turned out to be like me.

In this country, who works for the police? Someone who's father is a farmer, or a laborer or belonging to a weaker section, only those work for the police.

I too come from one of the backward state of the country, Bihar. I too come from a poor family. I too come from a farmer's family. And in the police, only people from the poor family work. I am talking about constable and head constable. I don't have much interaction with the IPS office.

So I had a chat with the police officer, and whatever experience I will tell you was part of that conversation.

He asked me what is this 'Lal Salam, Lal Salam'? I said, Lal means revolution, Salam means salute to the revolution. He said he didn't get it.

I said 'Inquilab Zindabad'. He said he knew that. I said Kranti in Urdu is called Inquilab. He said this slogan is also used by ABVP. So I told him, 'Now you get it? That is the pseudo Inkalb, this is the real one.

Then he said we get everything for so cheap in life. I said, let me tell you one thing, you know why it didn't happen with you, that the condition you are in (he used to do a 18 hour duty)? I asked him if he got payed for the extra hours? He said no, 'Where do I get it from?' I said, this this is what is called corruption.

They get 110 bucks for their uniform. 'Now you tell me, you wont even get a pair of undergarments for it.' This is what he said. So I said this is exactly what we want freedom from. From corruption.

And in the meanwhile, a moment started in Haryana. And you know, most of the people in the Delhi police come from Haryana. I salute them because they are hard working people. So I said, 'This reservation?' He said, this caste system is too bad. So I said this caste system is what we want freedom from.

He said there seems to be nothing wrong with this. Nothing seems to be anti-national.

So I said, 'Now you tell me, who has the most power I the system?'. He said, 'My baton'.

I said correct, but can you use it on your own will? He said no. I asked, 'Who has all the power then?' He said the one who is giving out false statements on Twitter.

I said what we want is freedom from this Sanghi who is putting out these false statements on Twitter.

'To tell you the truth my friend, I fells like you and I are standing together', he said. I said there is one problem with that.

I am not saying this to all the media people, because all the media people do not get paid from there, only some get paid from there.

And while working in the media, reporting from Parliament, they are looking to get inside that Parliament only. So they have only created this atmosphere... that when I talk one-to-one with you, they say 'look at this braking news'.

'To tell you the truth my friends, I felt like when you would come... since your name was in the FIR....' the policeman said. I said before the FIR, my name had already come up in a ABVP paper.

The ABVP already mentioned the name as that of the accused, it was noted in the FIR later.

'I thought when you would come, I would beat you up real bad.' the policeman said. 'But after talking to you, I feel like that I should go and beat them up.'

He has touched on a various serious matters. And I would like to draw attention to this through the media to everyone in the nation. The policeman, who like me, belongs to a normal family, who like me, wanted to do a PhD, but he didn't get into the JNU.

Who like me, after understanding the workings of this country, wanted to fight for it, wanted to know the difference between the educated and the literate... today is working for the police.

This is where JNU stands. This is why you want to suppress the voice of the JNU so underprivileged man cannot do a PhD. Because the education that is being sold... he won't have lakhs of rupees to pay for that education, and he wont be able to do a PhD. That is why you want to shut JNU.

You want to shut all the voices that can unite. Weather one's standing on the border, weather giving his life on a farm, or struggling for freedom at JNU, you don't want those voices to meet.

I would like to say to you that Babasaheb said that political democracy won't do, we will have to establish a social democracy. That is way we keep talking about the constitution. And Lenin said, democracy is indisposable to socialism. That is why we talk about democracy. That is why we talk about the freedom of expression. That is why we talk about equality. That is why we talk about socialism. A son of peon and the son of an President should be able to study in the same school.

Today, they want to suppress the society, but what a coincidence, according to science, the more you suppress, the more pressure there will be. But they don't want to have to do anything with science. Because, studying science is one thing, being a scientist is quite different.

So the people who think scientifically in this country, if you establish a conversation with them, then the freedom we are asking for in this country, from poverty and hunger, from exploitation and atrocity, and the rights of Dalits, women and backward, that freedom we will have. And that freedom, through this constitution, through this Parliament and this judicial system, we will make sure of it in this country, that is our dream.

This was the dream of Babasaheb, this is the dream of friend Rohith. See, you killed on Rohith, the revolution that you wanted to suppress, see how it has grown.

There is one more thing, I would like to tell you through me experiences in the jail. That we people from JNU, and this is my only criticism, and if you feel this as self-criticism, please consider this, that we people of JNU talk in a civilized manner, but we use a very heavy terminology.

The common person of the country does not get it. Its not their fault, they are honest and intelligent people. But you don't bring things to their level. And what do they get then? All they get is 'forward quickly, your wishes will come true'... *inaudible*.

This mindset of selling that has been created in the country, we need to establish debate with it. And I would like to say it with my experience at the prison, I got two bowls in there, one was colored blue, other was colored red.

On seeing the bowls, I kept thinking, that I don't believe in destiny, and I don't know god, but something good is about to happen in this country... that the blue and the red bowl are together in a single plate. I saw the plate as India, the blue bowl as... *inaudible*.

And I thought, if this unity is established in this country... I'm telling you the truth, we don't want the one who sells... the one promises justice for everyone, we will make a government with them.

'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', we will establish.

There is a saying, 'Jab tak jail main chana rahega, aanaj aata rahega'.

Although its very late for JNU... it's been a while since JNU students have been sent to prison, because after a long time... let me tell you something.

Today the respected prime Minister's (have to say (respected), otherwise (the video) might be doctored and sedition charges might be put again. So the respected Prime Minister was saying... he was talking about Stalin and Khrushchev, and I felt like entering into the television and grab him by his suit and say, 'Modiji, please talk a little about Hitler too.'

Leave Hitler, talk about Mussolini whose black hat you wear. To whom your master Golwalkar went to meet... gave a lecture on how to be an Indian from Germany.

So talking of Hitler, Khrushchev, the Prime Minister, there was also a talk of policy... He talks 'Mann ki Baat' but doesn't listen to it.

It is a personal thing, I talked to my mother after some three months. Whenever I used to stay in JNU, I never called home. After going to jail, I realized one should talk regularly. You took keep talking to your families.

So I said to my mother, you played Modi very nicely. She said she didn't play him, 'they are the ones who play. To laugh and make others laugh is their job, we just speak of our pain. The ones who understand, they cry, those who don't, they laugh'.

She said, 'it is my pain. That is why I said Modi ji is also someone's son. My son was trapped with sedition charges, you talk of Mann ki Baat, sometime talk of Maa ki Baat too'.

I had no words to say to her, because, what is happening in this country, there is a very dangerous precedence to it.

That is why I am not talking about a party. That is why I am not talking a media channel. That is why I am not just talking about soldiers. I am talking of the whole country.

How will a country be like which won't have a people in it?

Just think about that... anyone who is standing with JNU, they need to be saluted again and again, because they understand the issue.

What kind of people come to JNU? Here, 60 percent are girls. I can say it with confidence, despite all the shortcomings, JNU is the only institute, that executes reservations. And where it is not applied, we fight for it to be applied.

People come here... I have never said this to you, and you would not even realise it, that my family runs on 3000 rupees. Can I do a PhD at any of the big universities? And the way JNU and the people who are standing for it is being attacked...

I have no sympathies with any political parties, because I have my own ideologies, but the people who are standing up, they are also being called anti-national.

Sitaram Yechury is also being dragged with me in sedition. Rahul Gandhi is also dragged with me, Kejriwal was pulled in too. And the people from media, who are speaking out for JNU, they are nor really speaking for JNU, but pointing out what is right and what is wrong. They are being abused. They are threatened with their lives. What kind of a nationalism is this?

Some constables asked me in the prison, 'Did you really raise those slogans?' I said I did, but can you differ or the rationality is lost?

I'ts just been two years of the government. There are three more years to go, one cannot loose rationality so quick. Because 69 per cent of the population has voted against that mindset. Only 31 percent voted... and many of them were caught up in false promises. Some you fooled with 'Har-Har', they are now bothered by arhar.

Don't understand this as a permanent victory for yourself. This is true, if you tell a lie 100 times, it becomes a truth. But this happens with lies, not with truth. If you call the sun moon for a 100 times, will it change into moon? It will stay a sun even if you say it a 1,000 times. You can only make a lie into a lie. You can never covert a truth into a lie.

And this conspiracy of yours, that you bring out of Lok Sabha to distract people... to divert people from the genuine questions... to trap them... this is the new agenda.

The Occupy UGC was going on, then Rohith passed away, then voices were raised for him, and in this time they started saying, 'see this anti-national events unfolding'. 'The den of anti nationals', they started this.

But this wont last for long, so they are prepared for the next thing  'We will built the Ram Temple'.

Let me tell you something that happened today while talking to an officer before leaving the prison. He asked 'Do you believe in religion?' I said I don't know religion. First let me know it, then I will believe.

He said, 'You must have been born in a family?' I said by chance I was born in a Hindu family. So he asked if I knew anything? I said as far as I know, god created this universe, and there is god in every particle, 'What do you say?' He said it was correct.

So I said some people want to create something for the god, what do you say about that?

They are still trying... people should be diverted so no reasonable questions are raised in this country.

Today, you are standing here, sitting here, do you feel like you have been attacked? This is really a big attack. But this attack did not happened today. I want to remind you that in the mouthpiece of RSS, a story was ran on JNU. Swamiji commented on JNU.

I believe in democracy, and if my ABVP friends are listening, this is my humble request to them, just bring Swamiji once for a face-to-face debate. If, with reason, he can establish that JNU must be closed for four months, then I will agree with him. But if not, I will request him, like he did before, he should leave the country again.

And let me tell you something  maybe you were in the campus so you couldn't see those things  how planned it was. From day one it was planned. They didn't even use their minds... and it is not the fault of ABVP here but one on the outside, that they didn't even change the posters. The same format is used by Hindu Kanti, the same is used by ABVP, one with the same content and design... it means every plan is conceived in Nagpur.

This is not a spontaneous program my friend. The big thing is the voice of struggle in this country. The big question is that the people raising their voices in JNU, whether its Umar or Ashutosh, or anyone from you... to take your voice and supress it, to delegitimatise JNU, to suppress this struggle... We want to say to them, you won't be able to suppress the struggle, the more you suppress, the more we will rise.

This is a long fight. Without stopping, without bending, without breathing, we have to carry this fight forward. And inside this campus, the dividing power in this nation... whether its the people from ABVP, whether its the RSS or the BJP people outside, who want to drag the country to the brink of disaster... we will stand united against them.

JNU will stand up. History will stand up.

The fight which Vemula stared, and the fight you have started, the fight that is started by progressive, peace loving people... we will fight and we will win, that is out belief.

And with these dreams, once again, I would like to thank you all.

Continue this fight, I appeal to you. I will end my talk.

Thank you.

Inquilab Zindabad.
In an article aptly titled 'Rage of the Uncles', journalist Shekhar Gupta advised the government a few weeks ago to cut its losses, eat crow and let Kanhaiya Kumar go with an apology.

Led by its drumbeaters, swayed by warcries of irrational supporters, whom R Jagannathan described as 'kambakhts' while writing for Firstpost, the government, in its infinite wisdom, decided to brazen it out. Now, it seems, all the crows in all the world would not be enough for its embarrassment.

On a day when the prime minister gave a rollicking speech in Parliament, the Election Commission announced dates for polls in five states, a former Lok Sabha Speaker died, Kanhaiya dominated headlines in India, trended worldwide and 'broke the internet'. His defiant speech resonated across millions of homes at midnight, chants of azadi echoed in every corner of India.

A mere student destroyed the hubris of the arrogant.

Rightly, when you try to silence one Kanhaiya, ghar-ghar se Kanhaiya niklega.

When you first create a straw man, brand him as an enemy that needs to be vanquished, marshal all your available armies, launch a silly war and then get humiliated, it hurts. Especially when you lack the humility to accept your folly.

It hurts when a young man you wanted to just shut up, comes out and speaks the very lines you do not want to hear. It hurts when he takes potshots at the prime minister and cracks jokes at those who reacted too quickly and too early on the basis of "farzi (fake) tweets". It hurts when anchors chase him for soundbites, it hurts when the media allows him to dominate footage, cuts live for every word he says.

There is a phrase in Hindi that cruelly captures the feeling: chhati pe saanp lotna. (Literally, to helplessly watch snakes crawl on your chest).

But, who is to be blamed for the heartburn of watching Kanhaiya Kumar turn into a hero?

A month ago, Kanhaiya Kumar was just an obscure student in an university.

Left alone, he would have tired of his speeches, azadi slogans, completed his PhD and joined the millions of men who eventually grow out of college idealism and take up a job to earn a living.

He did not ask cops to arrest him on charges of sedition based on flimsy evidence.

He did not ask TV channels to broadcast doctored tapes to label him 'anti-national'.

He did not ask Vikram Chauhan and his gang to beat him up in the presence of cops.

He didn't ask the government to cry, "Hafiz Saeed's armies are coming!" on the basis of a parody account, to count condoms and cigarette butts in the JNU dustbins.

Why begrudge him his hour of triumph when he refused to just roll over, to become a willing victim to a lynch mob, to satisfy a nation's crazed conscience?

Kanhaiya did exactly what anybody in his position would have done: Fight for survival, fight for his honour.

Now, don't envy him just because he lived to recount the tale.

Rejoice instead that Satyamev Jayate is still not an empty slogan in India. Find solace in the fact that we are still not a banana republic where anybody can be put behind bars without evidence, that Newshour debates have still not replaced courts and their anchors are not arbiters of our destiny.

Celebrate that while the uncles fly into a rage, this country's youth still has the courage to stand up to the establishment when it does something wrong. Be grateful that the future of the country is in safer hands.

Calm down because Kanhiaya will not go on to become the prime minister's challenger. People did not rally behind him because they were looking for a political alternative. Indians supported his fight because their conscience demanded they stand up against injustice, speak up for a young man who was wronged. Those who could see beyond the smokescreen of propaganda, stepped out of their echo chambers and asked themselves, "What if I was Kanhaiya?"

Stop envying him because unless something miraculous happens, Kanhaiya will soon fade away from headlines and TV channels. He will go back to where he was before the government thrust greatness upon him: Being a chhatra, shouting his slogans before stepping out in a world where jumlas mean nothing.

Only the moral of his story will continue to inspire those who can grow out of their puerile rage.
For all of Indias myths, its sea of stories and moral epics, its history remains a curiously unpeopled place.

Incarnations: India in 50 lives by commentator Sunil Khilnani recaptures the human dimension of how the worlds largest democracy came to be. In other words, he seems to have shifted from The Idea of India to the 'idea of Indians'. In a deeply-researched book spanning 2,500 years, Khilnani explores the lives of 50 people who have shaped India, beginning with the spiritualist Buddha and ending with the capitalist Dhirubhai Ambani.

Indias current ideology defines it as a united Hindu nation, endowing it with appropriately Hindu antecedents, with the inevitable simplifications that it involves. Khilnani sees this political climate as a crucial moment to recall Indias history and creative energy, as a place open to radical experiments with self-definition, able to produce a Mirabai, a Malik Ambar, a Periyar, a Muhammad Iqbal and a Mohandas Gandhi.

Check out the album below to see who made the list and who didn't:

These portraits of emperors, warriors, philosophers, poets, movie stars, and corporate titans  some famous, some unjustly forgotten  bring feeling, wry humour, and uncommon insight to social dilemmas that extend from ancient times to our own. Selecting 50 people from India's history was always going to be an onerous and thankless exercise, but the choice to include Muhammad Ali Jinnah over Jawaharlal Nehru is likely to spark off numerous debates across the land.

Khilnani journeys across the country to ayurvedic call centres, slum temples, Bollywood studios and Indian think-tanks, revealing how these incarnations impact on contemporary issues: The position of women in society, the nature of love and sexual choice, cults of personal political power, claims to water and land, racial prejudice, and economic inequality.

Incarnations explores the question "What is India?" through remarkable lives and their legacies, to reveal the productive plurality and uncertainty of our nation.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on 7 March, 2016. It is being republished in light of Anandiben Patel's resignation as Gujarat chief minister on 1 August.

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel has dismissed the allegation against her daughter, Anar Patel, as nothing but a vicious campaign by a frustrated Congress leader who is clutching at straws for his political survival.

In an obvious reference to former leader of Opposition Arjun Modwadia, she pointed out that this leader was particularly irked by the state governments efforts to tighten the noose around his business activity. This leader was getting contracts by throwing his weight around and we decided to stop it, she said in an exclusive interview with Firstpost.

Anandiben, the first woman chief minister of Gujarat, was in Delhi for the next vibrant Gujarat summit. Known to be media-shy; that way, a sharp contrast to her predecessor Narendra Modi; she, however, was most forthcoming in her free-wheeling chat with Firstpost.

Appearing hurt by the allegations against her daughter, Anar, who calls herself a social entrepreneur, the chief minister categorically stated that there was not even an iota of truth in the accusations against her.

I have evidence with me to prove that this leader has been hatching a conspiracy to malign me, she said, adding that since there was no substance in it, she was not bothered. We are quite transparent in the case and there are records available to prove that everything was above board, she said. She seemed visibly disturbed by the allegation that government rules were manipulated to award a huge chunk of land to a business partner of her daughter.

Asked if she found the legacy of her processor, Narendra Modi, quite cumbersome to carry on, she said, Of course, it is not very easy to live up to the standards set by a stalwart like Modi, yet I am trying my bit to measure upI have carried on the development tasks initiated by Modi ji and soon we would see completion of various projects like the Metro Rail, she said.

Asked why Gujarat seemed to have lost its narrative in the past two years after Modis exit, she took a while to respond to the query. She explained that in Modis time, he was setting the standards which were quite high as compared to the rest of India. Now the situation has changed as Indias growth story is not dissimilar to the story of Gujarat, she said, adding that Gujarat was still the most favoured destination for investment.

Admitting that she was initially disturbed by the Patidar agitation for reservation, she said the agitation is unlikely to rear its head again. Let me tell you, it arose out of jealousies and not for socio-economic reasons, she said while narrating her interaction with leaders of the Patel community. You see, Patels dominate the political economy of the state and their demand for inclusion in the OBC list to claim reservation is prima facie illogical, she said.

Referring to one of her interactions with leaders of the Patidar community, she said, I asked Patels who run professional institutions if they were ready to forego capitation fee on which they have been thriving so far. It was quite absurd to see people driving an Audi car and asking for reservation at the same time, she said with a smile.

Will the assurance for the Jat reservation in Haryana fuel tension in Gujarat? She said, I dont think so as most of the Patidars have realised the futility of this political agitation. She also pointed out that over the years, the gap between merit list of OBCs and general candidates is gradually getting bridged.

The chief minister, however, pointed out that with Modi becoming the prime minister, the pace of development in Gujarat has only grown. I am not encountering the resistance that Modi had faced, she said, adding that at times the prime minister even recommends people to go to Gujarat. We are determined to complete the construction of Narmada dams which were cleared within a fortnight by the central government, she said, adding that the Narmada project would be fully commissioned by the turn of the year.

Similarly, she said that the ambitious project of making GIFT city, adjacent to Gandhinagar, a financial hub like Dubai or Singapore is cleared of all impediments by the finance ministry in its latest budget.

Unperturbed by the recent poll reverses in the local bodies elections, the chief minister said that given her long interactions with revenue officials at the village and block levels, it would be naive to assume that she had lost the pulse of the people. I am always in the midst of people and know the problem of governance at the grassroots level, she said while summing up the interview.
Kolkata: Amid speculation that JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar would campaign for the Left parties in the five poll-bound states including West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee today said it would "not have any impact" on the prospect of her party.

"Let them come. How does it matter? It is a democratic country. Anyone can come for campaigning. It will not have any impact on the prospect of TMC," the West Bengal chief minister said.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said on Friday in Delhi that Kumar, as a Left activist, will "campaign" for the Left parties in the five states where elections are due this year.

West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will go to polls in April and May.

Kumar is a leader of All India Students' Federation, the students' wing of CPI. "Our people also fought for them in Parliament," she said referring to the the party MPs who protested against the government action on Kumar in Parliament. "Let them think about Kerala first. I have decided to go to Kerala and expose the nexus between Congress and CPI(M)," she said.

Talks are on about a tie-up between Congress and CPI(M) for the Assembly polls in West Bengal but the two parties are rivals in Kerala which will also go to polls.

PTI
New Delhi: The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front may stage a comeback in the forthcoming Kerala Assembly polls, while Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress may retain power in West Bengal, says an opinion poll conducted by CVoter, telecast on India TV on Friday evening. In Assam, the BJP-Asom Gana Parishad alliance, which is locked in a battle with the ruling Congress, may fall short of majority, while in Tamil Nadu, the ruling AIADMK may also fall slightly short of majority in the 234-seat Assembly, says the opinion poll conducted in the first week of March.

In Kerala, the UDF is on a comeback trail.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's United Democratic Front may be dislodged from power. It has been projected to win 49 seats, compared to 72 seats won five years ago, while the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front is projected to win 89 seats, with a clear majority in a House of 140. LDF had won 66 seats five years ago. The BJP-led NDA is projected to win only one, and 'Others' will snap up a solitary seat. Vote percentage-wise, the LDF is projected to get 44.6 percent, up by one percent, while the UDF is projected to get 39.1 percent (down from 45.8 percent last time). The BJP is likely to double its vote share; but still that is not good enough to convert into seats. If the BJP vote share goes up further; it will not convert into more seats for BJP; but it is likely to dent the Congress; eventually resulting in a Left sweep.

Corruption emerges as the biggest issue.

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is projected to retain power, with her TMC projected to win 156 seats in a House of 294. The party had won 184 seats five years ago. The CPI(M)-led Left Front is projected to win 114 seats (up from 60 seats five years ago), while the Congress' share of seats may shrink from 42 five years ago to 13 this time. 'Others' are projected to win seven seats.

In the state, the TMC and Congress contested as an alliance in 2011.

Their split is giving a big boost to the Left's numbers even though the vote share seems to be going down further. The Congress' performance is now limited to certain areas in north Bengal; which could yield concentrated seats. But a Congress+Left alliance will make the contest very keen. However, it is unlikely that Congress voters will swing over to the Left completely. Vote percentage-wise, TMC's vote share may fall to 37.1 percent from 38.9 percent last time, while the Left Front's share may steeply fall to 34.6 percent from 39.7 percent last time. BJP's voteshare is projected to rise to 10.8 percent from 4.1 percent last time.

In Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK, which is locked in a fierce contest with Karunanidhi's DMK, may fall two seats short of majority in a House of 234. The AIADMK is projected to win only 116 seats, down from 203 seats five years ago, while the DMK's share of seats may rise to 101 from 31 last time. BJP may draw a blank, with 'Others' projected to win 17 seats. Vijaykanth's DMDK was part of the AIADMK alliance in last election. Currently it has been classified under "Others".

The DMK+ includes the Congress. A lot will depend on which way Vijaykanth decides to contest. He still holds around five percent of the votes  which could prove to be critical in the final adjustments of seats. Similarly, the BJP going with the AIADMK could make the state bipolar. Vote percentage-wise, AIADMK's vote share may fall to 41.1 percent, down from 51.9 percent last time, while the DMK-led alliance's vote share may stay stable at 39.5 percent. BJP's voteshare is projected to rise to five percent, from 2.2 percent last time.

In the northeastern state of Assam, the BJP-AGP alliance is projected to win 57 seats in a House of 126, seven short of majority. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's Congress party is projected to win 44 seats, down from the 78 it won five years ago. Badruddin Ajmal's All Indian United Democratic Front is projected to win 19 seats, one up from last time, while 'Others' may win six.

Voting percentage-wise, the BJP-AGP combine is projected to get 35 percent, up from 33.9 percent last time, while the ruling Congress' vote share may be reduced to 35.6 from 39.4 last time. In Assam the survey was conducted before AGP and BJP tie-up was announced. The AGP figures in this survey are part of "Others". The full impact of AGP+BJP alliance will only be known in the next round of surveys.

After the AGP-BJP tie-up, the NDA's number could increase; but only slightly as the AGP today commands less than five percent of the votes in the state.

However any "strategic" understanding between the Congress and AUDF could tilt the scales against the NDA.

Here's the full report of the India TV-CVoter projections:

India TV Press Release on Vidhan Sabha Opinion Poll
Sanaa, Yemen: Gunmen in southern Yemen on Friday stormed a retirement home run by a charity established by Mother Teresa, killing 16 people, including four Catholic nuns, officials and witnesses said.

The killing spree began with two gunmen who first surrounded the home for the elderly in Aden. Meanwhile, four others entered the building on the pretext they wanted to visit their mothers at the facility, according to the charity, Yemeni security officials and witnesses. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

The gunmen then moved from room to room, handcuffing the victims before shooting them in the head. A nun who survived and was rescued by locals said that she hid inside a fridge in a storeroom after hearing a Yemeni guard shouting, "Run, run."

Khaled Haidar told AP that he counted 16 bodies, including that of his brother, Radwan. All had been shot in the head and were handcuffed. He said that in addition to the four nuns, one Yemeni cook, and Yemeni guards were among those killed.

He said that his family was the first to arrive at the house and that he spoke to the surviving nun, who was crying and shaking. Haidar said that his family later handed her over to a group of southern fighters in charge of security in the local Aden district of Sheikh Osman.

Sunita Kumar, a spokeswoman for the Missionaries of Charity in the Indian city of Kolkata, said the members of the charity were "absolutely stunned" at the killing.

"The Sisters were to come back but they opted to stay on to serve people" in Yemen, she added.

She also said that two of the killed nuns were from Rwanda and the other two were from India and Kenya.

Earlier, Yemeni and Indian officials reported that all four killed nuns were Indian but such conflicting information on casualties is not unusual in the chaos of Yemen's civil war. India's foreign ministry had initially cited information it got from its embassy in Yemen.

Vikas Swarup, the spokesman of India's External Affairs Ministry, said the attackers had asked the guard to open the gate on the pretext of visiting their mothers at the retirement home.

"On entering inside, (they) immediately shot dead the gatekeeper and started shooting randomly," he said, adding that the assailants escaped soon after the attack.

The bodies were transferred to a police station and then a hospital run by the aid organisation known as Doctors Without Borders or MSF. An official with MSF confirmed that 15 bodies had arrived at the hospital. Haider said his family took his brother's body for burial.

There were around 80 residents living at the home, which is run by Missionaries of Charity, an organisation established by Mother Teresa. Missionaries of Charity nuns also came under attack in Yemen in 1998, when gunmen killed three nuns in the Red Sea port city of Hodeida.

Aden descended into lawlessness after a Saudi-led coalition recaptured the city from Shiite Houthi rebels last summer.

Yemen's civil war has split the country in two. The northern region, where Shiite rebels are in control, has been struck by an extensive air campaign by a Saudi-led coalition. The southern region, which is controlled by the internationally-recognised government backed by Saudi Arabia, is suffering from a power and security vacuum.

The Islamic State group and Yemen's al-Qaida affiliate have exploited the lawlessness and created safe havens in the south. Al-Qaida controls several southern cities while IS has claimed responsibility for a wave of deadly attacks in Aden, including a suicide bombing that killed the city's governor and several assassination attempts on top officials.

Aden's churches have also come under attack. Last summer, a Catholic church in the district of Crater was torched and sabotaged by Islamic extremists.

Yemen's war has killed at least 6,200 civilians and injured tens of thousands of Yemenis, and 2.4 million people have been displaced, according to UN figures.

Saudi Arabia's UN ambassador Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said Friday that while he is concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation, he doesn't see the need for a Security Council resolution addressing it.

"There are reports here and there about what the security council is up to," he said. "We continue to believe that a political solution is the only way to resolve the Yemeni crisis."

AP
WASHINGTON If Americans were looking for clarity on leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's world views, they might have come away disappointed from Thursday night's debate.

Asked who he trusts on national security, Trump had warm words for three men with world views that differ from one another, and who diverge sharply on some key issues from Trump himself. They are former diplomat Richard Haass and retired U.S. Army officers Gen. Jack Keane and Col. Jack Jacobs.

His mention of the eclectic trio did little to satisfy mounting calls for him to announce a list of his campaign foreign policy advisors, who traditionally take top posts should he be elected. His debate comments appeared to be more words of admiration for the three men than a signal he was forming the nucleus of a national security team.

Trump has been rejected by a significant swath of his party's foreign policy establishment. Almost 110 Republican foreign policy veterans have signed a letter pledging to oppose Trump, saying his proposals would undermine U.S. security.

The three men Trump mentioned have different views of the 2003 Iraq invasion, arguably the most controversial foreign policy decision in a generation. Trump says he opposed the war, calling it a disastrous intervention and accusing the administration of then President George W. Bush of misleading Americans.

Keane is a defence hawk who helped devise the 2007 Iraq "surge" -- a move to send tens of thousands more U.S. troops to Iraq to quell sectarian strife -- and served as an informal consultant to Bush. Keane told Reuters on Friday he has never spoken to Trump.

Keane, now chairman of the board of the Institute for the Study of War think tank, said he has briefed seven presidential candidates from both parties, whom he declined to identify.

"I dont comment publicly on any candidate, their proposals, their policies. I have never done. I wont do it," he said.

"REALLY EXCELLENT"

Haass is a centrist foreign policy thinker and president of the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank seen as a fixture of the U.S. foreign policy establishment. The State Department's policy planning director at the time of the Iraq invasion, he wrote later that he was largely against the war.

"I did not believe in the Iraq war, Haass said in a 2009 interview with National Public Radio.

Trump has proposed barring Muslims from entering the United States, demanded that Mexico fund a wall to control illegal immigration across the U.S. border, and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He has called for building up the U.S. military while also saying he wants allies to pick up more of the burden in conflicts such as Syria and Iraq. He has vowed to destroy Islamic State.

A spokeswoman for Haass, Iva Zoric, said that he briefed Trump on foreign policy in August 2015. In a tweet late on Thursday, Haass wrote: "I do not endorse candidates. What I have done is offered to brief all candidates, & have briefed several, D(emocrat) & R(epublican) alike."

Jacobs, now a frequent television commentator, won the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. military decoration, in the Vietnam War. He has expressed scepticism regarding large scale American military interventions in the Middle East and has suggested that waterboarding, an interrogation technique that many call torture and that Trump has endorsed, is ineffective.

Trump softened his stance on torture on Friday, saying he would not order the U.S. military to break international laws on how to treat terrorism suspects.

Jacobs has been critical of political leaders who send American troops on missions without what he considers a well-defined strategy. Jacobs, writing in 2007, criticized the post-invasion plan for Iraq, including the "foolish decision" to disband the Iraqi army.

Pressed on Thursday night to identify his foreign policy advisers, Trump said that Haas and Keane were "excellent" and that he liked Jacobs "very much." Jacobs declined to comment on whether he was helping Trump.

"I have many people that I think are really excellent but in the end it's going to be my decision" on national security matters," Trump said.

Keane, who appears frequently before congressional committees and on television, has accused U.S. President Barack Obama of not acting forcefully to help moderates in Libya and Syria. He called Obama's 2011 withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraq an "absolute strategic failure," and charged that he lacks a strategy to contain the spread of Islamic State and help moderates in the region.

Keane told Reuters that as a strict rule, he will not join campaigns as an advisor, nor endorse political candidates.

(Editing by Stuart Grudgings)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: In the wake of death of four Indian women in strife-torn Yemen's Aden city, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tonight appealed to all Indians living in "danger zones" to return home.

She said the nurses stayed back in Yemen, ignoring advisories by the government.

Swaraj tweeted:

I appeal to all Indians in such danger zones to please come back to India.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 4, 2016

In an earlier tweet, the external affairs minister said:

Yemen - Four Indian nurses have been killed in a terrorist attack today. I am sorry the nurses stayed back/returned ignoring our advisories.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 4, 2016

The four Indian women were among 16 people killed in Aden city today when a group of terrorists stormed a elderly care home run by a Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity and sprayed bullets at the residents.

PTI
Washington: Madrasas along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and tribal areas, in particular North Waziristan, have become a hub of terrorist activities, Pakistan's top diplomat has said, but blamed it on the Afghan refugees, who entered the country when the US pushed the Taliban out of power after the 11 September, 2001 attacks in the US.

These madrasas had well-oiled terror infrastructure, beyond imagination, running bomb-making factories, terrorists training centers and those to train suicide bombers  all under multi-storied basement under the mosque, Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told a group of defence writers here this week. "In one mosque that I visited, I remember, in Miranshah, from outside we did not see anything. But under the mosque there were a 70-room basement, three stories, in which there were four-five IED factories, four-five suicide training centers, communication network, VIP room, conference rooms, amazing infrastructure," he said, giving details of the how deep rooted terror infrastructure had developed in Pakistan.

In North Waziristan, where the Pakistan Army had launched operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014, Aziz estimated there were 30-40 such mosques with a similar kind of infrastructure. Pakistan's tribal areas along the Af-Pak border have seven agencies and North Waziristan is one of them. Aziz, who was here to attend the 6th US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, said this while giving details of the steps being taken by the Pakistani army against terrorists- "According to our estimates, the IED factories in this particular agency if they had gone their way without disruption, they had enough IEDs for next 20 years for the scale of attacks that they were doing. Those have ended now. Communication infrastructure has been disrupted," Aziz said.

He, however, blamed the Afghan refugees for the tribal areas of Pakistan becoming a hub of terrorism.

"We inherited this problem of (terrorism), 9/11 onwards when people were pushed into our side of the border and they became a threat to us, because they lost their hold in their part of the world. Our tribal belt between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a very long belt and a very open territory. So they came and established themselves," he said.

"Initially they came to seek refuge, but they soon realised that unless they controlled territory and resources they can't survive there. So they started expanding their activities and by 2007-08, they had covered most of the tribal areas. They killed the tribal leaders, then they stared establishing their communication networks, IED factories, suicide training centers," he noted.

"It was unbelievable how quickly they expanded and trained themselves in the tribal belt. So we started getting large scale attacks in our cities, suicide attacks and bomb blasts," Aziz said, adding that in these 14 years, Pakistan lost about 60,000 people, including 10,000 security personnel. He estimated the economic losses beyond $100 billion. The toughest area infested with the terrorist was the North West Frontier Province, he said. Out of seven agencies that the security forces have cleared, those groups, which could not survive there migrated or shifted their activities to North Waziristan."

"So North Waziristan by 2013 had become hub of many local and foreign terrorist groups. Our own Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which we call TTP, Chechen, Uzbeks, Chinese... it became a hotbed of various (terrorist) things. Our own writ was very limited at that time, apart from military camps," Aziz said.

In June 2014, Pakistan Army stared operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said, adding that it was a very difficult operation. "We have achieved the results that we needed because the entire infrastructure has been destroyed. So this has been a very successful operation," he said, adding that the Nawaz Sharif government is determined to act against terrorism.

He told defense writers that the terrorist attack at an army-run school in Peshawar changed the entire narrative and created a consensus against terrorists in Pakistan.

"Before that there were pockets of support for them. But when this thing happened in December 2014, all the political parties agreed on a 20-point national action plan to take on terrorist groups," he said.

According to Aziz, once the anti-terrorism operation started in tribal belt, terrorist groups and leaders moved to the cities and urban centers.

"They all migrated to cities. They did not have the big infrastructure of FATA (federally administrated tribal areas), but around cities they could rent one or two houses, make small IED factory, suicide attacks or small bomb blast and their capacity to damage remained," he said.

The police and intelligence operation has resulted in apprehending of 25,000 terrorists across the country.

"As a result last year the total number of terrorist attacks have dropped by half and is gradually going down because their capacity to operate has come down," he said. Aziz said the next phases of the National Action Plan is madrasas reforms and tightening of their funding sources.

These madrasas, he said, were jointly "funded, armed and created" by the US and Pakistan to train people to fight against the Russians in Afghanistan.

"We have about 75,000 unregistered madrassas," he said, where people are trained, brainwashed, and prepared for terrorist activities.

"All of the madrasas are not terrorist related but many of them are, so now those madrasas have been notified: Either close down or register yourself," he said separately at the Council on Foreign Affairs, a top American think-tank.

The Sharif government, he said, is also working on de-radicalization, which means how do you win the minds and hearts of these people and curriculum reform.

"The whole counter-narrative forthe extremist narrative, and particularly the ISIL narrative, is very powerful and very catchy for the young people. So you cant counter it by sermons from religious leaders. It requires a very different approach to identifying these messages and identifying the correct response to these," he said.

Aziz said that the plan is moving in the right direction because of the commitment of the Sharif government to take action against terrorism without discrimination.

PTI
BRATISLAVA Slovaks voting on Saturday are likely to hand a third term to Prime Minister Robert Fico, a left-wing nationalist whose vocal anti-immigration stance chimes with those of Hungary's Viktor Orban and Poland's Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

Opinion polls show Fico's Smer party is set to lose its parliamentary majority after graft scandals and protests by teachers and nurses about low pay cost it support.

But a combination of popular welfare measures such as free train rides for students and pensioners and his opposition to immigration even by refugees should secure him well over 30 percent of the vote, pollsters say, enough to form a government with a coalition partner.

"The anti-immigration rhetoric combined with a few handouts is enough for Fico to win the election," said Samuel Abraham from the Bratislava International School of Liberal Arts.

With Slovakia due to take over the European Union's rotating presidency for six months from July, giving it a bigger role in EU policy discussions, the election will also be watched closely in Brussels.

Fico, who dismisses multi-culturalism as "a fiction", has pledged never to accept EU quotas on relocating refugees who have flooded into Greece and Italy from war-torn Syria and beyond, and has launched a legal challenge to the plan.

Polls open at 7 a.m. local time (0600 GMT), and close at 10 p.m.. Exit polls are expected to be published immediately after voting ends but counting will run into the night.

Like Hungary's prime minister Orban and Poland's ruling party chief Kaczynski, Fico is a social conservative, drawing support mainly from poorer Slovaks outside the liberal capital, Bratislava.

He has had poor relations with an often-critical Slovak press and opposes EU sanctions on Russia, but has not sought constitutional changes that have been called undemocratic by government critics in Poland and Hungary.

Fico can take credit for solid economic management -- Slovakia is one of the euro zone's most financially sound countries and remains popular with foreign investors, particularly car makers.

But unemployment of more than 10 percent and vast regional differences in wealth, as well as low healthcare and education standards, have disappointed many voters.

Most opposition parties agree with Fico's views that Muslims cannot integrate into predominantly Catholic Slovakia and pose a security threat, although they use less aggressive language. On Friday, the Greek foreign ministry described as "vitriol" his comments on Greece's inability to control the flow of migrants.

Opponents instead portray Fico as a populist who ignores the need to reform schooling and healthcare, seen by critics as inefficient and corrupt.

A surprisingly strong showing by centre-right parties such as Yale-educated lawyer Radoslav Prochazkaled's Siet (Net) could still give them a chance to form an anti-Fico coalition that might tone down the anti-immigration rhetoric.

But any deal may include the libertarian SaS party whose refusal to provide guarantees for a bailout of Greece brought down the previous centre-right government in 2012.

(Editing by Justyna Pawlak and Catherine Evans)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Microsoft said in December last year that the Windows 10 update for the Lumia devices has delayed till early 2016 following which it said that the roll out is further delayed till February. Now, it is reported that the update will hit the Lumia phones as early as next week.

Vodafone Italy has revealed through its forum site that the carrier will be releasing the Windows 10 Mobile update to its users between March 7 and March 13. The update would be coming to devices that are running on Windows Phone 8.1 such as Lumia 1520, Lumia 930, Lumia 830, Lumia 735, Lumia 635 and Lumia 535. The listing does not offer any other details about the update which will bring new features like Edge browser, Cortana virtual assistant, Maps amongst others to the aforementioned Lumia phones.

It must be noted that nothing is official as of now and Microsoft has not officially offered any details about when exactly the Windows 10 update is coming to the Lumia phones.

via
While bank investors should generally avoid technical stock trading metrics, there's one worth paying attention to: beta. Generally speaking, the best bank stocks right now have the lowest betas, including Wells Fargo (WFC 2.70%), U.S. Bancorp (USB 1.25%), and M&T Bank (MTB 0.23%).

12 Biggest Commercial Banks Beta Return on Equity (TTM) U.S. Bancorp 0.76 14.8% M&T Bank* 0.83 13% Wells Fargo 0.91 13.7% PNC Financial 0.95 9.2% BB&T 1.09 9% Fifth Third Bancorp 1.29 11.9% Capital One 1.35 8.7% SunTrust Banks 1.43 8.7% JPMorgan Chase 1.68 11.3% Bank of America (BAC 3.71%) 1.76 7.2% Regions Financial 1.88 6.6% Citigroup (C 3.12%) 2.02 8.5%

What's important to note here is the negative relationship between a bank's beta and its profitability. On one end of the spectrum are U.S. Bancorp, M&T Bank, and Wells Fargo, which have low betas but high profitability metrics. On the other end are Bank of America, Regions Financial, and Citigroup, which have high betas but low returns on equity.

Beta measures how much a stock moves on a typical day relative to the broader market. A beta above 1.0 means a stock moves more than the broader market. A beta below 1.0 means a stock moves less. And a beta that equals 1.0 means a stock generally moves in line with the broader market.

What the table above reveals, then, is that shares of U.S. Bancorp, M&T Bank, and Wells Fargo tend to be less volatile than the broader market, while shares of Bank of America, Regions Financial, and Citigroup tend to be more volatile than other stocks.

Common sense explains why this is. U.S. Bancorp, M&T Bank, and Wells Fargo are boring stocks. Sure, they're the best run banks in the country. And, sure, they've delivered the best shareholder returns over the long run. But they're consistent. Reliable. On a quarter-to-quarter basis, there's nothing to write home about. Just great returns, per usual.

But while these traits are appreciated by long-term investors, they're anathema to stock traders. Traders want action. They want earnings volatility. They want to be surprised. That's how they make (or lose) money. Consequently, they tend to avoid stocks like these.

Bank of America and Citigroup, on the other hand, offer the polar opposite of stability. Both of these companies came within a hair's breadth of failure during the financial crisis. And since then, both have struggled to generate consistent earnings. In Bank of America's case, its quarterly earnings since 2011 have fluctuated by an average of 66% over the prior-year period. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo's have grown at a consistent rate of 13.5%.

In sum, as Warren Buffett has said in the past, companies get the shareholders they deserve. Rock-solid companies that make great long-term investments attract people that want stability and consistency -- which explains their low betas. But companies that can't get their you-know-what together, attract investors that just want to make a quick buck from short-term volatility caused by earnings surprises.
At the end of January, the third enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (better known as Obamacare) wrapped up, to the delight of regulators.

According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, Obamacare wound up enrolling about 12.7 million people, including 9.6 million from HealthCare.gov, the federally run marketplace exchange representing 38 states, and another 3.1 million enrollees from the one dozen states that operate their own marketplace exchanges. The Congressional Budget Office had only been projecting 10 million paying members by the end of 2016, so even accounting for some attrition to be expected during the course of the year, it appears that Obamacare will end the year ahead of CBO expectations in terms of total enrollment.

In some respects, Obamacare has been a success. Inclusive of the Medicaid expansion, which 31 states have chosen to participate in, around 26 million people now have health insurance who didn't as of mid-2013. This includes the aforementioned 12.7 million enrollees during the third open enrollment period, as well as 13.5 million Medicaid enrollees between mid-2013 and Oct. 2015. These individuals, many of whom had no affordable access to medical care three years ago, now have a means of obtaining medical care for a reasonable cost, or perhaps no cost at all. This access could be the key to a healthier society overall.

Three ways Obamacare has failed

Yet despite its enrollment success, Obamacare has also delivered quite a few failures, three of which stand out as particularly glaring -- and no, they have nothing to do with the technical glitches that plagued the program in late 2013 and early 2014. In no particular order, here are three ways Obamacare has failed.

1. Young adult enrollment is still under par

One of the bigger problems for Obamacare has been attracting a younger audience. Obamacare now allows children to stay on their parents' healthcare plans up until age 26, but there are still millions of uninsured young adults (loosely defined as those ages 18 to 34) who remain holdouts. Young adults are particularly attractive to insurers because they're less likely to be seriously ill or to head to the doctor. This means their plans typically result in a profit, which helps offset the losses from treating older or chronically and terminally ill patients.

How'd Obamacare fare in 2016? The good news is that young adult enrollment did improve. HealthCare.gov notes that about 2.7 million of its 9,625,982 plan selections were from the young adult category. On the surface that sounds like great news. However, pan out a bit and you'll see that young adult enrollment is still well under par.

Back in 2013, before Obamacare's first open enrollment period launched, The Washington Post noted that, according to the Obama administration, of the 7 million people needed to make Obamacare work (for calendar year 2014), 2.7 million needed to be young adults. HealthCare.gov took three years to reach that figure (and there are obviously more young adult enrollees when you count the one dozen states running their own exchanges), but it did so with 9.63 million more total enrollees. In other words, the ratio is still below where it needs to be based on the Obama administration's forecast from two-plus years ago.

It remains to be seen if the individual mandate penalty is doing its job in terms of encouraging young adults to enroll. After an average penalty of just $190 according to H&R Block in 2014, the Kaiser Family Foundation projects that the average penalty for not purchasing insurance could rise to $661 in 2015 and $969 in 2016. This might be enough to coerce young adults to buy health insurance, or it still might be too low relative to the cost of purchasing a health plan over the course of a year.

Regardless of whether the mandate penalty's effectiveness is to blame or not, there aren't enough young adults in the system, and it's directly impacting insurers' ability to serve Obamacare (which we'll get to in more detail below).

2. High automatic reenrollment implies a lack of marketplace education

Obamacare's second failure is one of public education. Obamacare was designed in such a way as to empower the consumer to make educated decisions based on their medical needs and financial situation. By providing a transparent marketplace exchange where insurers could compete against one another it was believed that consumers would use information to make side-by-side comparisons that would save them time and money. Unfortunately, that effort appears to have fallen on deaf ears for millions of enrollees.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' data release, which highlighted Burwell's comments, also noted that about 1.7 million HealthCare.gov plans were automatically reenrolled in mid-December. In other words, if an individual had a health plan in 2015, and decided to take no action with that plan prior to mid-December, the exchange automatically reenrolled that person in their old plan for the upcoming year (assuming it was still available).

On one hand, this probably sounds convenient, and it ensures that a previously insured individual remains insured (as long as he or she makes their payment). But the problem with automatic reenrollment is that plan prices can change dramatically from one year to the next.

For calendar year 2016 we witnessed more than half of Obamacare's healthcare cooperatives close their doors due to unsustainable losses; these co-ops had been among the lowest premiums in their respective states. In more instances than not, the plan with the lowest price within a metal tier in 2015 is no longer the lowest-priced plan in 2016. This would imply that most of these 1.7 million people are overpaying within their metal tier when a few minutes of simple shopping and comparing online or over the phone could save them money.

Leaving potential savings on the table demonstrates a failure on the part of regulators to properly educate consumers about their choices and ways they could save money.

3. Premiums are soaring and insurers are struggling

The final failure of Obamacare can be seen in this year's healthcare premiums, which rose at their quickest rate in about a decade. Obamacare's transparent marketplaces were designed to allow for competition, and this competition should have kept pricing competitive. In addition, requests for rate increases of 10% or greater were to be explained to a given state's Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). Despite these fail-safes, premiums rose substantially in 2016.

Part of the blame could fall with the dissolution of 12 out of 23 approved healthcare cooperatives, which reduced competition. However, an arguably larger component could be the lack of meaningful power of state OICs to regulate premium price hikes.

The idea had been that OIC and insurers would come to the table, and OICs would ensure that price hikes without reason were stamped out. Unfortunately, we're learning after three years of open enrollment that OICs have very little power to control premium pricing. Additionally, a lot of the price requests being received are warranted if insurers want to be profitable.

Making matters worse, some of the nation's biggest insurers can't seem to turn a profit under Obamacare. UnitedHealth Group (UNH 2.47%), the nation's largest health-benefits provider and an operator in nearly half of all U.S. states, said it could lose nearly $1 billion from its Obamacare plans when combining its 2015 losses with its 2016 loss expectations. UnitedHealth, during its investor day conference, blamed the ease of switching between plans, along with higher insurance utilization rates, for its losses. UnitedHealth also threatened to leave Obamacare's marketplace exchanges by as soon as 2017. Humana, which is also losing money on individual marketplace plans, has suggested it may do the same.

More damaging news came out just last week from Fitch Ratings, which examined the expected earnings for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the dominant insurer in many states. Of the 35 BCBS companies Fitch examined, which includes plans operated by Anthem in some states, 23 reported a collective $1.9 billion decline in earnings through the first nine months of 2015, and 16 BCBS companies reported net losses.

If insurers can't make money under Obamacare and begin to pull out of the exchanges, it could be very bad news for premiums, and consumers in general.

In short, Obamacare's future may not be as bright as its 12.7 million-figure enrollment suggests.
The pharmaceutical sector has taken political fire lately, and the presidential election has opened up drugmakers to criticisms about what they charge for their products. Pfizer (PFE 4.75%) and Merck (MRK 2.94%) have both seen their share prices fall back over the past year, but many still believe that the demographic trends toward increased healthcare demand will support their stocks over the long haul. Investors looking at the sector want to know which stock is a better buy right now. Let's compare Merck and Pfizer on a number of metrics to see which makes more sense right now.

Valuation

Both Pfizer and Merck have seen their stocks lose ground over the past year. Pfizer is down 11%, which is slightly worse than Merck's 7% decline since early 2015.

Somewhat surprisingly, neither Merck nor Pfizer look all that attractive on a simple earnings-based valuation basis. Pfizer currently trades at 27 times trailing earnings, and Merck looks even more expensive with a trailing earnings multiple of 33. However, both Merck and Pfizer have taken substantial one-time charges for legal settlements, restructuring expenses, and other extraordinary items. On a forward-looking basis, the drugmakers' valuations look more reasonable, with Pfizer again looking slightly cheaper at 12 times forward earnings compared to 14 for Merck. Pfizer arguably has a slight edge on valuation, but the difference is fairly minimal.

Dividends

For dividend investors, both Merck and Pfizer have strong records. Merck's current dividend yield is 3.7%, and Pfizer ekes out a slight edge with its 4% dividend yield.

From a sustainability standpoint, the fact that both companies' earnings are somewhat artificially depressed produces payout ratios above 100%. However, if earnings return to more normal levels as expected, then both Pfizer and Merck would have much more modest payout ratios.

Historically, Merck's dividend history has been less tumultuous than Pfizer's. Merck kept dividends unchanged from 2004 to 2011 as it integrated major acquisitions that demanded substantial amounts of cash, but it never reduced its dividend payout. Pfizer, on the other hand, maintained a much faster dividend growth rate during most of the 2000s, but the financial crisis led it to retrench and cut its dividend by half. Even with the cut, though, Pfizer has tripled its dividend since 2000, compared to a roughly 60% increase for Merck. Pfizer has the advantage over Merck on the dividend front.

Growth

Fundamentally, Merck and Pfizer face similar challenges. The strong dollar has hurt their overseas results, and the ongoing tug of war between declining sales of drugs with expiring patent protection and new pipeline drug candidates has continued. In Pfizer's most recent quarter, the drugmaker grew its sales by 7%, but adjusted net income was down slightly from the year-ago period. Sales of the Prevnar 13 vaccine more than doubled, but declining sales from Lipitor showed how the loss of former blockbusters can have a major impact on revenue. Full-year guidance of $2.20 to $2.30 per share in adjusted earnings was below the consensus forecast among investors and also represented only marginal growth from 2015 figures. CEO Ian Read pointed to strong performance from approved drugs, advances in its product pipeline, and the acquisitions of Hospira and Allergan as contributing to growth in 2016.

Merck's fourth-quarter results showed fairly similar trends. Worldwide sales dropped 3% in response to a 7-percentage-point hit from foreign exchange, and adjusted earnings rose 7%. The key Januvia drug saw revenue fall 12% year over year, offsetting gains from Gardasil, and several other well-known drugs such as Remicade, Singulair, and Nasonex posted double-digit sales decreases as well. Merck hopes that newly approved treatments will pick up some of that slack, but it is also pushing forward with pipeline efforts as well as its vaccine and hospital acute-care business. Guidance for $3.60 to $3.75 per share in adjusted earnings for 2016 would be only marginally higher than 2015's $3.59 per share figure, but CEO Kenneth Frazier pointed to the potential for hepatitis C treatment Zepatier and tumor-fighter Keytruda to become blockbuster drugs in their own right.

Overall, Pfizer and Merck look relatively similar in terms of their fundamental business prospects. Slight advantages in dividend and valuation give the nod to Pfizer for those looking to choose between the two pharma giants.
Shares of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer (ERJ 3.08%) plummeted 12% on Thursday, after the company's Q4 earnings and 2016 guidance missed expectations. This cut its market cap to less than $5 billion.

Embraer's defense business was under pressure throughout 2015 as the Brazilian government has been coping with a budget crisis. Its executive jet business has also fallen on hard times, due to a glut of used aircraft that has hurt demand and driven down profit margins. Finally, the weak Brazilian real hasn't provided as much of a profit tailwind as bulls -- myself included -- had hoped.

Nevertheless, Embraer's Q4 earnings report isn't as bad as it appears. Here are three key pieces of good news that investors seem to be overlooking.

Commercial jet deliveries rising

First, Embraer projected that it will deliver 105 to 110 commercial jets in 2016, up from 101 last year. At the midpoint of the guidance range, this would be the highest number of deliveries since 2009.

This is particularly remarkable because Embraer will begin the transition to its next-generation commercial jet line in 2018. Aircraft manufacturers frequently have to cut back on production around this point in an aircraft type's life cycle. Instead, Embraer is ramping up growth.

As of Dec. 31, Embraer had a record year-end order backlog of $22.5 billion, of which 70% relates to the commercial aviation segment. It also appears to be close to sewing up a 30-aircraft order from Alaska Air for E175 regional jets and a 50-airplane deal with Iran. This would further bolster Embraer's order book and help it fill the last handful of production slots for current-generation E-Jets.

If Embraer can perform this well with its main product nearing the end of its production run, it should be able to deliver even faster growth as production of its E2-series jets fully ramps up around 2020.

Strong commercial jet margins

Of course, higher sales and production of commercial jets wouldn't be very helpful if Embraer wasn't making much money on those sales. Indeed, weak commercial aircraft pricing has been a concern at Embraer for the past year or so. However, the commercial aviation segment didn't cause Embraer's margin deterioration in 2015.

In fact, the 2015 commercial aviation segment margin was 13.4%, excluding the special charge related to Republic Airways' recent bankruptcy filing. That compares to a segment margin of just 9.5% in 2014.

Embraer's strong margin improvement came despite continued deterioration in the commercial aviation product mix. The smaller, lower-margin E170 and E175 jets accounted for 83% of deliveries in 2015. This margin expansion shows that Embraer's commercial aviation segment really is benefiting from the weak Brazilian real.

Cash flow outperformance

Finally, Embraer generated strong cash flow last year: especially in Q4. The company projected throughout 2015 that free cash flow could be slightly negative. However, it ultimately produced $178 million in free cash flow for the full year.

The decline of the real helped here, too (along with increased customer deposits associated with Embraer's strong order activity). Embraer underspent its investment budget by $132 million -- roughly 20% -- as the weak real reduced its personnel costs in dollar terms.

Strong cash flow will allow Embraer to complete the development and production ramp of the next-gen E2 jets without needing to issue more debt or stock. Longer-term, higher free cash flow will give Embraer the opportunity to reward patient shareholders with dividend increases or share buybacks.
In just a couple of years, NASA plans to launch its biggest rocket ship since the Moon landings of the 1960s and '70s.

Stretching 322 feet stem to stern, NASA's new Space Launch System (SLS) will be twice the height of the Space Shuttle. Packing two enormous solid rocket boosters built by Orbital ATK (OA), lending added "oomph" to a core stage built by Aerojet Rocketdyne (AJRD 3.05%), SLS will produce 8.4 million pounds of thrust at liftoff -- enough thrust to send 70 metric tons of cargo into orbit (and later iterations of SLS may carry as much as 130 tons).

Yet when SLS takes off for the first time in 2018, its cargo will consist largely of a baker's dozen of tiny "CubeSats," no one of which is any bigger than a breadbox. Why?

Baby steps

Built by primary contractor Boeing (BA 1.57%), the SLS is intended to be America's next-generation rocket ship for carrying astronauts to the stars. (Or more realistically, to the Moon, nearby asteroids -- maybe eventually even Mars). For that to happen, though, NASA needs to make sure not just that the rocket itself works as designed, but that the Lockheed Martin (LMT 2.31%)-designed Orion crew capsule that sits atop the rocket can safely transport humans.

Testing those two pieces of equipment, therefore -- the rockets, and the spaceship -- will be the two primary objectives of Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) when it launches into space, circles the Moon, and returns to Earth. As long as SLS is making the trip, though, NASA figured it might as well load some secondary cargo on board so as not to waste the opportunity. It's these 13 CubeSats that will make up that secondary payload.

Among the CubeSats will be:

Two satellites designed to orbit the Moon in search of ice deposits that might later be mined for oxygen for breathing, hydrogen for fueling, and water... for drinking, by later visitors to Earth's nearest neighbor.

Another satellite looking specifically for frozen hydrogen deposits on the Moon.

A Lockheed Martin "Skyfire" satellite that will scan the lunar topography.

And "NEA Scout," a robotic reconnaissance mission that will head out into space to reconnoiter a small near-Earth asteroid (yet to be determined) to learn more about such objects' orbit, rotation, composition, and potential resources thereon.

What it means for investors

"Space" headlines these past few years have been largely dominated with lamentations over the death of the U.S. Space Shuttle program and America's dependence on Russian rocket engines to power the rockets that launch out satellites, and with the need to develop new ways to get into orbit without help from President Putin.

These are all valid concerns. But preoccupied as we have been over the problems of getting access to Earth orbit, many people may have forgotten: There's a big, big universe out there, and eventually we're going to have to leave home and explore it. NASA's itinerary for EM-1, however, reassures us that NASA at least has not missed this point.

With SLS, NASA's laying the groundwork for "deep space" travel. And the missions it's chosen for the CubeSats it's sending up with EM-1 -- scanning potential landing and colonization points on the Moon, looking for resources to breathe, drink, and fill up the gas tank with once we get there -- provide further evidence that NASA is serious about satisfying the logistics of deep space exploration. For America and its esprit de corps, that's grand news. For investors in the companies that will help get us back into space -- Boeing and Lockheed most obviously, but also supporting players Aerojet Rocketdyne and Orbital ATK, and even yet-to-IPO companies such as Blue Origin and SpaceX -- it's pretty good news as well.

As grand plans turn into great contracts, we can only hope that terrific profits will ensue for these companies and their shareholders. It's exciting times to be an investor -- in space.
Earlier this year, we examined why 2016 could be marijuana's most important year yet. Despite 23 states having approved the drug for medicinal use since 1996 and residents in four states (Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska) voting to allow the sale of recreational marijuana to adults ages 21 and up since 2012, it's 2016 that could be the most rapid single-year expansion of marijuana ever.

Currently, just a single state has qualified to get a marijuana initiative on its ballot: Nevada. However, grassroots movements in California, Ohio, Florida, Vermont, Massachusetts, and more than a half-dozen other states could lend to residents in multiple states voting on a medical, recreational, or medical and recreational initiative come November.

The marijuana industry's market potential simply can't be ignored any longer. ArcView Market Research released a report in February that suggested legal marijuana sales could grow by a rate of 30% per year through 2020. This would push sales from a reported $5.4 billion in 2015, per ArcView, to around $22 billion by 2020.

However, standing in the way of this momentum is inaction at the federal level. Lawmakers feel no urgency to change the scheduling of marijuana away from its current status (schedule 1), meaning it's still considered to be an illicit substance with no medical benefits. Furthermore, lawmakers are in no rush to make a decision on a potential rescheduling -- even with public opinion polls demonstrating slightly favorability toward approval of the drug -- before they have a thorough safety profile of marijuana. Following decades of research into its risks, we've only within the past decade really begun to dig into its potential benefits. This safety profile is more than likely the key to Capitol Hill changing its tune on marijuana.

Marijuana's safety comes under fire

Last week, however, marijuana's safety profile may have taken a step in the wrong direction.

Five researchers, four from Colorado and one from Illinois, conducted a study, which was published in The New England Journal of Medicine, that sought to examine if emergency room visits in Colorado for tourists were increasing at a disproportionate rate relative to Colorado residents. These researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a hospital in Aurora, with approximately 100,000 emergency department (ED) visits per year, and compared to the rates of ED visits with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, or ICD-9, codes of cannabis use between in-state and out-of-state residents between 2012 and 2014.

Their findings? Between 2013 and 2014, out-of-state resident visits to the ED that were possibly related to cannabis use rose from 85 per 10,000 visits to 168 per 10,000 visits. That's nearly 100% year-over-year growth. Comparably, Colorado residents saw a very small uptick from 106 potentially marijuana-related visits per 10,000 to 112 per 10,000 from 2013 to 2014.

Researchers also culled data from the Colorado Hospital Association and compared it to the ICD-9. What they found was that out-of-state residents saw their ED visits possibly related to cannabis rise from 78 per 10,000 visits in 2012 to 163 per 10,000 visits in 2014 (which is more than double) statewide. Additionally, even Colorado residents observed an increase in ED visits possibly tied to cannabis from 61 per 10,000 visits in 2011 to 101 per 10,000 visits in 2014, an increase of 66%.

It's also noteworthy to point out that while users can overdose on marijuana, no deaths occurred from marijuana use or overdose. Also, researchers suggest that what we might be witnessing with the data above is something they described as a "learning curve," whereby out-of-state residents simply didn't have easy access to marijuana prior to the 2012 legalization. With the drug accessible now to visitors, we may see these ED visits eventually stabilize or fall after an initial introductory period.

Researchers ultimately concluded that point-of-sale education on "safe and appropriate use of marijuana products" for out-of-state residents needs to improve.

The battle continues

What this NEJM study emphasizes more than anything is that the battle over marijuana's benefits and risks seemingly has no end, and that the tug-of-war between positive and negative safety data is expected to continue.

For instance, even though the data appears to suggest that possible cannabis-related symptoms are sending more users to the emergency department, the fact that a marijuana overdose hasn't led to a death is a very strong point that can't be said for opioids, a class of painkilling medicines that was responsible for almost 18,900 deaths in 2014 according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. If marijuana is shown to provide a similar type of pain relief for patients, this could be an optimal medicine, both for the patient and for physicians and insurance companies, which are looking to reduce costs and increase effectiveness of patient care.

Nonetheless, a laundry list of worries remains. First, there are clear concerns about the risks in-state and visiting residents might face as evidenced by a rise in emergency department visits (and remember, by law Colorado can't "educate" consumers in any state other than within Colorado). Secondly, we have a Swiss-cheese-like approval among the jurisdictions within Colorado, a recreation-legal state, which makes enforcement of marijuana laws practically impossible. And finally, there are concerns about quality and consistency as it relates to the marijuana edibles, as well as safety in terms of what effect marijuana might have on a driver behind the wheel of an automobile.

Expect inherent disadvantages to persist

This persistent tug-of-war points to only one thing: inherent disadvantages continuing for marijuana businesses.

Federal inaction, and a schedule 1 status, means that financial institutions generally want nothing to do with marijuana businesses. Although some states do allow banks to offer checking accounts and credit lines to marijuana businesses, most choose to avoid the industry altogether. The reason? Being that the plant is still illegal at the federal level, the government could charge these banks with criminal money laundering. Thus, marijuana businesses are forced to deal in cash most of the time, which creates a serious security concern. Without lines of credit, it also hurts marijuana businesses' ability to grow.

The other problem here is tax-based. Despite being federally illegal, marijuana businesses are still required to pay federal income taxes. Not only that but they're disallowed from taking normal business deductions since the primary product they're selling is considered illicit. It basically means marijuana businesses are paying far more in taxes than they would if they were selling a non-illegal substance.

Investors looking to take advantage of this potentially monstrous growth phase in marijuana have to also take into account that these disadvantages make it very difficult for these businesses to be successful -- or at least successful on a large enough scale where the average investor could benefit. It would seem that most investments in marijuana appear doomed to losses unless federal lawmakers change their tune.
What: Shares of solar manufacturer Trina Solar Limited (ADR) (NYSE: TSL) jumped 10.5% in February as solar companies recovered nicely from a bad January.

So what: The biggest move Trina solar made last month was the acquisition of 200 MW of solar cell manufacturing assets in the Netherlands. Having a manufacturing hub in Europe will help the company avoid tariffs there and potentially open up a market that's trying to shield itself from foreign competition. 200 MW isn't a big facility, but it could be the first of a larger expansion into Europe, continuing a move to expand production beyond its base in China.

Now what: Trina Solar is becoming one of only a few Chinese solar companies that are building sustainable long-term businesses in solar. The company has moved downstream into project building and is now expanding manufacturing into Thailand and Europe. Those moves help reduce the risk of punitive tariffs for the company, something it has had to deal with regularly over the last few years.

Expect solar stocks to continue to be volatile, as they've been for years, but Trina Solar is making solid strategic moves to reinforce its position in the industry. That should help the company remain at the top of the heap of Chinese solar manufacturers.
Image Source: National Oilwell Varco corporate website

What: Shares of just about every oil and gas related company were up today, but one of the biggest gainers today has been Seadrill and its more than 100% - yes that's right, 100%. Its performance was so strong that it even helped to lift the likes of its peers by more than double digits. As of 3:15 pm EST, shares of Ensco , Transocean Noble Corp , and Tidewater are up by double digits.

SDRL Price data by YCharts

So What: You know the old saying that a rising tide raises all ships? Well, today looks like one ship is actually helping raise the tide for everyone. There has been some speculation recently that Seadrill's founder and Chairman Jon Fredrikson is raising cash from some of his other investments to inject some needed capital into the debt laden offshore company. That move has given investors a lot more confidence in the stock and it's causing short sellers to cover their positions in the stock.

When you step back and look at the situation, this is something that effects Seadrill and Seadrill only, and should have little to no bearing on the performance of its peers' respective performances. Then again, the market moves in mysterious ways sometimes.

The one company that actually had its own positive news today was Tidewater. The company won a case it had against Venezuela related to Venezuela's seizure of 11 vessels in 2009 as part of the country's effort to nationalize the oil industry. Tidewater has been granted $27 million of the $46 million compensation decision. The company expects to receive the remaining in the calendar year.

All of the companies here are facing two major problems: declining demand for rigs in general, and a swath of new rigs that were ordered years ago finally coming to market. This is leaving companies with a glut of non-active rigs and pretty sizable debt obligations -- Tidewater has support ships, but the same dynamics apply. Those with older rigs in their fleets such as Transocean and Noble have been scrapping older rigs and taking large charges to do so, and pretty much all of these companies have done something to lower their cash outflows through either debt restructuring or dividend cuts.

Now What: Anyone invested in Seadrill should be very happy that the company's founder is looking to step in and help keep the company afloat. The company's large debt load needs to be addressed and the interest costs related to it need to decline otherwise its less utilized fleet won't be able to keep up. For the rest, today's boost doesn't really mean much because it seems to have been driven by something that has almost no influence on the companies themselves. So take today's gains as a small relief from their multi year slides, but don't be surprised if they decide to start sliding again.

The article Offshore Oil & Gas Stocks Gain Big on Seadrill's Potential Bailout (SDRL, RIG, ESV, NE, TDW) originally appeared on Fool.com.

Tyler Crowe owns shares of Seadrill.You can follow him at Fool.comor on Twitter@TylerCroweFool. The Motley Fool recommends Seadrill. 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: Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Co.

What:Shares of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Co. rose after the company released strong fiscal first-quarter 2016 results.

So what:Quarterly revenue fell 3% year over year, to $12.72 billion, but would have climbed 4% had it not been for the negative effects of foreign currency exchange. Based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), that translated to an 80.7% decline in net earnings, to $267 million, or $0.15 per diluted share, down from $1.385 billion, or $0.75 per share in the same year-ago period. On an adjusted (non-GAAP) basis -- which excludes line items like stock-based compensation and restructuring charges, and keeping in mind that Hewlett-Packard Enterprise only just completed its separation from HP late last year -- Hewlett-Packard Enterprise's net income fell a much more modest 27.5% year over year, to $731 million, or $0.41 per share.

That might not seem impressive, but analysts, on average, were slightly less optimistic on both the top and bottom lines. Consensus estimates called for revenue of $12.68 billion, and adjusted earnings of $0.40 per share.

"During our first quarter as an independent company," elaborated Hewlett-Packard Enterprise CEO Meg Whitman, "we saw the progress that comes from being more focused and nimble. We delivered a third-consecutive quarter of year-over-year constant currency revenue growth, and excluding the impact of recent M&A activity, we saw revenue growth in constant currency across every business segment for the first time since 2010."

Now what: For the current quarter, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise anticipates adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.39 to $0.43, and GAAP diluted EPS of $0.13 to $0.17. For the full year, HPE expects adjusted diluted EPS of $1.85 to $1.95, and GAAP diluted EPS of $0.75 to $0.85. By comparison, analysts were modeling full-year EPS of $1.87, near the low-end of HPE's guidance range.

What's more, HPE expects to generate free cash flow in fiscal 2016 in the range of $2.0 billion to $2.2 billion. And after returning $1.3 billion to shareholders last fiscal year in the form of dividends and repurchases, HPE is increasing its commitment to return at least 100% of that free cash flow to shareholders this year. Finally, when HPE's previously announced deal with China's Tsinghua closes -- likely in May, as HPE is working through final regulatory approvals in China -- HPE will use the majority of its $2 billion in proceeds to repurchase shares.

All things considered, this was a great start to Hewlett-Packard Enterprise's life as an independent business. And while its current growth isn't exactly overwhelming, long-term investors should be happy knowing the company is willing to reward them through aggressive capital returns as it continues to solidify its industry leadership position.

The article Why Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. Stock Rose 13.5% Friday originally appeared on Fool.com.

Steve Symington has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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.
Casino giant Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) has faced tumultuous times over the past couple of years. The company rode the wave of growth in the Asian gaming capital of Macau, making that market even more important to Wynn's overall success than its landmark properties on the Las Vegas Strip. Yet when Macau pulled back, so did Wynn's stock price, and only recently have investors started to have hope that times might get better for the casino industry in the future.

Let's take a closer look at three reasons Wynn Resorts stock might rise further.

Image source: Wynn Resorts.

1. Macau has shown signs of bottoming out.

The plunge in gaming revenue in Macau was the primary reason Wynn Resorts lost more than three-quarters of its value between early 2014 and its lows late last year and early this year. Given how dependent Wynn and many of its peers had become on Macau for their overall success, the share-price decline as Macau posted -- sometimes massive -- percentage dips in gambling activity for two years was consistent with its impact on operations.

Yet things might be turning around in Macau. For the month of August, gambling revenue climbed a modest 1.1% from August 2015, and that marked the first positive figure for the Macau market since May 2014. That news sparked upward movement for casino stocks with exposure to Macau, including Wynn, and further good news could lead to additional gains. Investors have reined in their expectations for Macau, but the Asian gaming capital will remain a vital part of Wynn's strategy going forward.

2. The new Wynn Palace looks promising.

Along those lines, Wynn's new property in Macau might well be opening at an optimal time for the company. The new Wynn Palace opened its doors in August, finally completing a project that took six years to achieve and cost more than $4 billion.

Wynn Palace has several potential positive impacts on Wynn Resorts. First, the move more than doubles Wynn's hotel-room count in Macau, giving it optimal exposure to a bounce in the gaming market there if it comes in the near future. Perhaps more importantly, Wynn Resorts seeks to strike a better balance between attracting a mass audience and catering to higher-end gamblers, with appeal to the mass market having become more important recently. With China seeking to crack down on so-called VIP gaming, Wynn needs to diversify its customer base away from that high-roller set. Wynn Palace certainly has amenities that still cater to VIPs, but by creating a presence on the popular Cotai Strip area of Macau, Wynn is setting itself up to take full advantage of any recovery there.

3. The U.S. casino market could start to speed up.

Those who follow the gaming industry have largely discounted the value of older markets like Las Vegas in driving financial performance for casino companies like Wynn Resorts. The downturn in Macau reminded those investors that domestic results are still important, and Wynn has the potential to see considerable success in its U.S. operations.

In its most recent quarter, Wynn continued to see pressure on its Vegas operations, with a 1.1% drop in net revenue and only a minimal 0.2% rise in adjusted property EBITDA. Yet more recently, some signs of a potential jump in Las Vegas could point to better performance for Wynn in the third quarter. For instance, during the month of July, Las Vegas Strip revenue jumped almost 17%, with strong results from a variety of table games and slots helping to drive the positive performance. Activity moderated slightly in August, but a solid U.S. economy has made Las Vegas a more stable and reliable source of revenue and profit for Wynn and its peers. That trend should continue, and other projects, like the Wynn Everett location outside Boston, could also drive huge future growth.

Wynn Resorts stock has bounced back from the worst of its hit, but it still remains well below where it traded two to three years ago. If some of these factors go in its favor, Wynn Resorts could see its stock rebound further in the near future.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, 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.

Dan Caplinger owns shares of Wynn Resorts. 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.
There are stocks that are discounted, and those that are in bargain-basement territory. And then you have stocks that are so ridiculously cheap it boggles the mind.Even though the market is at all-time record highs, some companies have been marked down beyond all reason.

We asked three Motley Fool contributors to highlight a stock they see as too cheap to pass up. Below they discuss why shares ofFord (NYSE: F), First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR), and American Outdoor Brands (NASDAQ: AOBC) are priced so ridiculously low.

Image source: Ford.

The forgotten automaker

Travis Hoium (Ford): Auto stocks are in the dumps right now, and Ford is no different. The company has been overlooked as investors peer into the future of companies like Tesla with awe and think that Detroit has been left in the dust. But Ford isn't going to give up the auto market to newcomers quietly, and it has both a solid foundation to build on and a great pipeline for growth.

At the foundation, Ford's stock trades at under 12 times earnings and pays a 5.6% dividend yield. You can see below that its operations are putting up $20 billion in cash annually, putting Tesla's cash from operations to shame. This is built on Ford truck sales, which aren't going to be challenged by EVs in the next few years, giving the company time to adapt to the market's changes. Tesla, and others, may eventually try to go after the truck market, but by then Ford's EV platform will be more mature and it will be able to make products very loyal truck customers would adapt to.

F Cash from Operations (TTM) data by YCharts.

What Ford has going for it is a cash flow machine that can fund new developments in EVs and autonomous driving. The company hasn't revealed all of its plans yet, but we know a hybrid F-150 is on the way in the next five years and management thinks it can make a fullyautonomous vehicle for ride sharing by 2021.And its acquisition of Argo AI could create a stand-alone company that can develop and license technology for autonomous vehicles and other applications in the future.

The market is pricing Ford as if it's an automaker with essentially no growth in the future, and investors seem to think Tesla is more valuable right now. I don't think that takes into account decades of manufacturing experience, plus the effort the company has put into new technology that will drive the automaker's future. Right now, Ford is ridiculously cheap as a result of the market's pessimism.

Image source: Getty Images.

Underappreciated value in the solar industry

Tyler Crowe(First Solar):Investing in the solar industry has been one heck of a roller-coaster ride over the past decade. Technology in the solar panel business has changed at an incredibly fast pace over the years. As a result, manufacturers need to spend bundles of cash on research and development as well as retooling their manufacturing facilities to accommodate these new advancements. On top of all the spending on those existing plants, manufacturers also need to expand production to meet growing demand consistently. The one problem with that is that demand growth doesn't follow a linear trajectory, and those swoons in demand can hurt panel pricing and result in substantial losses for short periods of time.

FSLR data by YCharts.

For these reasons, many investors who don't understand this dynamic have been burned at one time or another investing in solar (count me among them). For those who can understand these conditions and see solar panel manufacturers as cyclical stocks, First Solar looks incredibly cheap right now.

The solar industry in general is in the midst of a market swoon, and that situation is compounded for First Solar by its decision to retool facilities to manufacture its Series 6 panel,a product that management sees as a transformative step in solar panels. As a result, Wall Street's short-term thinking has pushed First Solar's stock to an insanely low enterprise-value-to-EBITDA ratio of only 2.9. Part of that low valuation is the fact that more than two-thirds of its market capitalization is in cash alone.

With $2.1 billion in net cash on hand -- that's cash minus debt -- First Solar has an incredible amount of wiggle room to work through this tough market and make the manufacturing adjustments for its next wave of technological innovations. That all seems to suggest that First Solar is incredibly cheap and worth a look today.

Image source: Getty Images.

Rich Duprey (American Outdoor Brands): Because the market has misunderstood the nature of the firearms industry, American Outdoor Brands is a supremely undervalued stock. Even now that a light bulb seems to have gone on over the heads of many analysts, leading shares of the gunmaker to rise 27% since their low point this past March, the stock still represents a deeply discounted value.

American Outdoor's Smith & Wesson brand was in a no-win situation last year. If Hillary Clinton were to win the presidential election, the probability of highly restrictive gun ownership laws getting enacted would be great. While that would probably provide a short-term boost to sales, longer term it would be a negative for growth.If Donald Trump were to win, then the need to buy a gun now -- today! -- would be greatly diminished.

Well, Trump upset Clinton, and American Outdoor's stock, and that of industry peer Sturm, Ruger, tumbled in the aftermath. And then when FBI gun background check data came out showing that the monthly numbers were lower year over year, it seemed to confirm all that Wall Street had predicted.

What the market missed, though, was that background checks remain well ahead of 2015's numbers, and that had been a record year, too. American Outdoor Brands trades for just nine times earnings, 13 times earnings estimates, and at only a fraction of its expected growth rate. With its stock going for less than eight times the free cash flow it produces, the gunslinger is cheap no matter how you look at it.

10 stocks we like better than FordWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*

David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Ford wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.

Click here to learn about these picks!

*Stock Advisor returns as of May 1, 2017

Rich Duprey has no position in any stocks mentioned. Travis Hoium owns shares of First Solar and Ford. Tyler Crowe owns shares of First Solar and TSLA. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Ford and TSLA. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Big food is under siege. As consumers increasingly assert their preference for organic and natural foods, the traditional processed food makers are losing ground. Major food companies like McDonald'shave made commitments to serve antibioitic-free chicken and cage-free eggs, and others, like Kraft Foods and General Mills, have promised to remove artificial preservatives and dyes from popular products like Kraft Mac & Cheese and Cheerios.

And the trend is unlikely to stop. Industry CEOs say they see growth ahead, and research group TechSci project a 16% compound annual growth rate through 2020 in organic foods globally.As in any changing market, there are bound to be winners and losers. To help you hunt down the winners, we asked for four picks from our analysts for stocks to ride the organic food wave. Here's what they had to say.

: If an investor is interested in getting in on the organic food trend then I'd suggest they keep things simple and buy the one company that played a huge role in popularizing it in the first place -- Whole Foods.

That might sound like a bad idea considering that the company is dealing with some serious challenges at the moment. Competition in the space is heating up, which caused Whole Foods same store sales to actually decline by 1.8% last quarter. It's also recovering from last summer's PR nightmare after news broke that it was overcharging some of its customers on sales of pre-packaged foods. There was also the news that it had even opted to lay off 1,500 employees last year, which is never a good sign, especially for a company that prides itself on being a great place to work.

However, despite all of the negatives, I think there are reasons to be optimistic about the company's future. First, the company is investing to become much more competitive on pricing, as it hopes to eventually shed its "whole paycheck" nickname. While that will likely pressure its near term results, it's a move that should pay off big time in the long term.

Next, the company has plenty of room left to continue to expand its store base, as it currently operates only 436 or so stores in the US, Canada, and UK. That's a small number compared to the 1,200 Whole Foods stores that the company believes could exist in the US alone. The numbers get much bigger when you add in its new smaller format "365" stores and the international opportunity.

Finally, with Whole Foods stock down more than 40% from its 52-week high, it is currently trading at a compelling valuation. The company is currently trading for roughly 19 times its trailing earnings, lower than the market average, which is surprising considering that Whole Foods has been a market darling for years.

If Whole Foods can prove to the market that its growth initiatives will pay off in the long term then it wouldn't surprise me to see the company regain its premium price. Until that happens investors can enjoy the company's dividend yield of roughly 1.75% and know that management has been aggressively repurchasing its own shares. That's why this stock is my favorite way to play the organic food trend right now.

has an established history as a leader in organic and health-oriented foods, and looks to be well-positioned to ride momentum in the category. The roughly $3.7 billion market cap company markets organic food brands including Plainville Farms turkeys, Tilda rice, and Ella's Kitchen baby food, and has brick and mortar distribution through Target, Walmart, Publix, and other chains. The company also has a growing online customer base driven largely by sales through Amazon. Roughly 40% of Hain Celestial's foods are organic and 99% are non-GMO.

The beginning of February saw the company post record quarterly sales and profit, butHain Celestial has seen its share price fall by roughly 40% over the last year, with big declines in valuation corresponding with downgrades by analyst firms and earnings reports that delivered weaker-than-expected results.Last quarter's sales increased 8% annually while earnings rose 6%; however, lukewarm performance for the company's Celestial Seasonings teas and slipping sales in the United States and U.K. segments cooled the market's reaction to the results. The reduced floor space in key U.S. and U.K. retailers -- which contributed to declining quarterly sales in the segments -- as well as a rush of new competition in organic foods are risk factors for potential investors to weigh, but these recent uncertainties have significantly lowered the stock's cost of ownership.

Hain Celestial currently trades at roughly 17 times projections for forward earnings, which puts it below the forward P/E estimate of roughly 24 for the consumer staples sector, and the company has been delivering impressing earnings growth. The company's price-to-earnings-growth (PEG) ratio of roughly 0.5 is well below the PEG threshold of 1 used as an indication of pricing fairness, and Hain has the foundations in place to benefit from growing consumer interest in natural and organic foods -- even as more competitors enter the space.

As long as the growing demand for organic foods holds, Hain Celestial looks positioned to ride the wave.

: Whole Foods may have been the first mover in the organic grocery space, but, to steal a favorite Warren Buffett saying, "Though the early bird gets the worm, the second mouse gets the cheese." That appears to be the scenario unfolding with Kroger, which came late to the organic and natural foods business but is reaping huge rewards from the trend.

The supermarket chain only introduced its Simple Truth store brand a few years ago, but it soared to over $1 billion of revenue in 2015 -- easily becoming Kroger's most popular launch yet. The brand has helped Kroger post market-thumping sales growth for several years running (comparable store sales growth has been positive for 48 straight quarters).

It accomplished that feat in part by driving down prices, and thus profitability, on organic food products. "Our customers are very clear [that] they don't want to have to pay a premium for natural and organics," Chief Operating Officer Mike Ellis explained to investors a year ago. "And we're trying to make sure that they can get a good quality product at a price that's comparable to the non-organic brands and in some cases actually the same price."

Kroger can afford the brutal price competition because it enjoys a much lower cost structure than Whole Foods. But don't let its 22% gross profit margin (compared to Whole Foods' 35%) scare you off. Kroger's earnings have been growing at a double-digit pace lately, exceeding management's long-term goal to boost profits by between 8% and 11% each year.

: The nation's #1 producer and distributor of shell eggs, Cal-Maine Foods is uniquely positioned to benefit from the growing popularity of organic and humanely raised foods, especially cage-free eggs.

In the last year, nearly every major fast-food chain has committed to using only cage-free eggs. Next year, Costco Wholesale and Trader Joe's will hop on board in the grocery channel. The industry is preparing for the shift. Cal-Maine has partnered with #2 egg producer Rose Acre Farms to build a cage-free hen house in Texas that will house as many as 2.9 million layers. The company currently has a 23% share of the national egg market, and has grown consistently throughout the years thanks to a strong track record in acquisitions. It is now focused on acquiring specialty egg companies that produce cage-free eggs and other higher-priced variants. Cage-free eggs can cost as much double the cost of caged eggs, meaning a full transition to cage-free eggs could boost Cal-Maine's revenue by 80% without even any additional volume growth.

That's the kind of trend you want to get behind, and as an added bonus the company currently offers a dividend yield of over 6%.

The article 4 Top Stocks To Ride The Organic Food Trend originally appeared on Fool.com.

John Mackey, co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Brian Feroldi owns shares of Amazon.com, Hain Celestial, and Whole Foods Market. Demitrios Kalogeropoulos owns shares of Costco Wholesale, McDonald's, and Whole Foods Market. Jeremy Bowman has no position in any stocks mentioned. Keith Noonan has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com, Costco Wholesale, Hain Celestial, and Whole Foods Market. 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: Chipotle Mexican Grill.

In the restaurant business, fortunes can change in an instant. Investors in Chipotle Mexican Grill and Chuy's Holdings know that well, and Chipotle's recent foodborne-illness woes have made many investors take notice of other industry players like Chuy's. With Chipotle stock down and out and Chuy's shares climbing, investors want to know which is the better pick. Let's take a look at how Chipotle Mexican Grill and Chuy's Holdings compare on some key metrics to see which deserves your attention right now.

Valuation Over the past year, Chipotle and Chuy's have moved in opposite directions. Chipotle's stock is down more than 25% since early 2015, but Chuy's has soared 44% over the same timeframe.

Despite the disparate share-price performance between the two restaurant chains, simple valuation methods point to a lot of similarities between Chuy's and Chipotle. As high-growth stock prospects, both carry relatively high earnings multiples, and even after its share-price plunge, Chipotle stock trades at 35 times trailing earnings. That's only a slight discount to Chuy's and its 38 trailing earnings multiple.

Moreover, when you look at forward earnings, the situation reverses itself. Chuy's weighs in with a forward earnings multiple of 33, which is less than Chipotle's reading of 36. Based solely on this reading of valuation, Chipotle and Chuy's look very similar.

ExpansionOne key to understanding restaurant companies is seeing the pace of their expansion efforts. In recent years, both Chuy's and Chipotle have dramatically increased store counts and widened their reach over their respective coverage areas.

For Chuy's, the young company's network of locations is still modest but has grown quickly. As of the end of 2015, Chuy's had 70 restaurants in 14 states, having opened 10 new locations in just the past year. Since the end of 2012, Chuy's has boosted its restaurant counts by 75%, and plans for 2016 include 11 to 13 more locations to open before year-end.

Chipotle's fast-casual chain has a much more extensive reach, and its pace of growth has been impressive. During 2015, Chipotle opened 229 new restaurants, bringing its total count to 2,010. Chipotle expects another 220 to 235 locations to open during 2016, and the pace of its expansion has really picked up since the end of 2013, when the company had 1,637 restaurants under its corporate umbrella.

In terms of percentage growth, Chuy's has the upper hand on the pace of its expansion. However, when it comes to sheer mass, Chuy's doesn't stand a chance against Chipotle.

Financial growthCurrently, Chuy's and Chipotle are in much different situations. Chuy's has seen expansion-driven growth take firm hold of its financials, and its most recent results included a 15% rise in revenue and a 29% jump in adjusted net income. Comparable-restaurant sales growth of 3.2% came from a rise in average check size, and smart cost controls have taken advantage of favorable markets for food ingredients to reduce overall expenses. Chuy's set expectations for 8% to 13% growth in earnings for 2016, and the extent of its new locations will keep revenue climbing as well.

Chipotle, on the other hand, is dealing with the aftermath of its foodborne-illness incidents. In its most recent quarter, revenue dropped nearly 7% on a 14.6% plunge in comparable-restaurant sales, and that sent net income down by 44%. The company also predicted that 2016 would remain tough, especially in light of criminal investigations from the federal government into Chipotle's food safety practices. Chipotle is committed to putting the incidents behind it by "layering on our rigorous food safety program," co-CEO Monty Moran said in its earnings release in January. Nevertheless, investors expect that earnings will stay flat for at least a year before recovering.

For now, Chuy's seems to have the inside track to growth without any of the complications that Chipotle is going through right now. In the long run, though, Chipotle is aiming to become a much larger player in the restaurant business than Chuy's will likely ever attain. Long-term investors can decide for themselves whether they want the immediate gratification that Chuy's can provide or the higher potential from Chipotle.

The article Better Buy: Chipotle Mexican Grill vs. Chuy's Holdings originally appeared on Fool.com.

Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Chipotle Mexican Grill and Chuy's Holdings. 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: Disney.

One of the juicy nuggets out of Thursday morning's annual shareholder meeting atDisneyis that Star Wars Land will break ground at Disney World and Disneyland next month. It probably isn't a surprise that the world's largest theme park operator is moving quickly to build out the 14-acre expansion that will breathe new life to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida and keep the record crowds coming to California's Disneyland. It's been closing several attractions at both parks in recent weeks to make room for the new area, and it can't afford to be skimpy on rides and attractions for too long when it's dramatically raising ticket prices.

It still refuses to provide an opening date for Star Wars Land. It's also been mum on the state of Toy Story Land, another substantial upgrade for Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Fans and shareholders alike will have to wait. When it broke ground on its Avatar-themed expansion at Animal Kingdom in January 2014, it unveiled a projected opening date of 2017. That is pretty much where things appear to be heading at the moment. If Star Wars Land will take three years to build out -- or less -- you can expect Disney to announce that date next month when it actually breaks ground. If it doesn't come through with an actual date, it's only natural to assume that a 2020 or even 2021 opening may be in the cards. Disney can't afford to mess this one up. It's Star Wars.

However, don't be surprised if it opens in phases. Disney's Hollywood Studios bumped its one-day ticket prices to as much as $114 -- up from $97 -- last weekend. It's been shuttering attractions in the sections that will one day occupy Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land. It's going to be hard to justify that 17.5% hike for peak holiday periods with so little to do as it completes its transformation. Disney has turned to cheap Star Wars-themed prop exhibits, meet-and-greet stations, and shows, but that isn't going to make the park worth $114 for day guests during the next several years of construction, much less what the next couple of years of price increases will take the price to ahead of the full opening.

It's quite possible that Disney makes the most accessible part of the proposed Star Wars Land available as early as late next year, in time for the eighth installment of the Star Wars franchise. That could be where themed shops, dining venues, richer meet-and-greet stations, and perhaps even the inevitable cantina open. That would buy the media giant time as the expansion's two signature rides go up in time for 2019's proposed release of the ninth -- and perhaps final -- installment of the Star Wars movie series.

Attraction debuts obviously don't need to coincide with movie openings. Comcast's Universal Orlando may have opened the first phase of its Wizarding World of Harry Potter a year before the final movie in that franchise hit theaters, but subsequent expansion and stellar attendance growth have come long after the multiplex run of J.K. Rowling's book series played out. Comcast will expand the concept to Universal Studios Hollywood next month.

The payoff for nine-figure investments in new lands is obviously a wager that takes years to play out. However, Disney will feel the pressure to give park guests something to do once they tire of Star Wars-themed fireworks, parades, and stage shows. This is why breaking ground in a few weeks can't be the beginning of a three-year or possibly four-year lull. The transformation at Animal Kingdom hasn't been a deal breaker because it took place in a forgettable chunk of the original park with its most popular attraction moving to a new home. Comcast spaced out its park-to-park Potter expansion with most of its more popular attractions intact. It's a different story at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and that's why it wouldn't be a surprise if a few of those 14 acres are accessible to satisfy park guests as early as late next year, inspiring future visits when the entire area is complete. Disney's new ticket pricing requires the quality that the park giant is known for, but those same stiff cover charges won't provide guests with the patience required to get it right.

The article Disney World's Least Popular Park Could Get a Boost Soon originally appeared on Fool.com.

Rick Munarriz owns shares of Walt Disney. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Walt Disney. 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.
Netflix has gone through a number of iterations in its relatively short history.

When it started in 1997 the company sent DVDs through the mail, something it still does, which has faded in importance since its streaming service launched in 2007. That initial product just had movies with old television shows eventually joining the mix and the company did not even enter the original series market until 2013.

Once the streaming service launched into that space, however, it did so with gusto. The company pumped out hits likeHouse of Cards,Orange Is the New Black, andUnbreakable KimmySchmidtwhile also learning that nostalgia sells as it offered episodes ofArrested Development, and launched a sequel to dreadful, but for-some-reason beloved 1990's staple Full House. Netflix also has new episodes ofGilmore Girlsin the works as well as two hits shows fromWalt Disney's Marvel universe,DaredevilandJessica Jones, with at least three more on the way.

Today's streaming leader looks nothing like the company it was just five years ago and it has plans to continue its transformation in the year (and years) to come. Some of its plans and strategies were shared at a meeting a the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Engadget reported.Chris Jaffe, Netflix's vice president of user interface innovation shared the two biggest priorities for the company in 2016, one you may guess, and one you may not have thought of.

Netflix has increasingly become a go-to service for original programming Source: Netflix

HDR is comingWhile the term "high dynamic range," or HDR, may not mean anything to most Netflix customers, it's a term the public is going to get familiar with in the coming years. Essentially it's a detail-rich format for content for slowly gaining in popularity 4K televisions.

"We started exploring HDR content about one year ago," Jaffe said at his media briefing. "It is the [obvious]next-level resolutionin the playback experience."

This is a big decision because it's a bet on the future and new TV formats do not always pan out. Netflix was wise to ignore 3D and it has yet to move into virtual reality. The company plans to have 600 hours of 4K content available by the end of the 2016, DigitalTrends.com reported.

The first season ofMarco Polo andDaredevil'ssecond will be the first offerings using the emerging technology, which "essentially quadruples the number of pixels of a standard HD image," according to the technology news website.

"It's less about packing more pixels on the screen like the move from HD to Ultra HD 4K was, it's about extending the total range of those pixels," Jaffe added.Original content is a key focusNetflix has gone from dabbling in originals to basing its whole strategy on them in a pretty rapid fashion. With its Disney/Marvel properties in particular, the company has shown that there is an unfilled demand for new shows. The success of Daredevilpaved the way forJessica Jones, which may be Netflix's biggest hit, and those two will almost certainly lead to their companion series, Iron Fist and Luke Cage,becoming successful as well.

Netflix has a much higher success rate than traditional networks and that might make it a more attractive partner for a company like Disney, even though it owns ABC and various cable networks. That should give the streaming service better access to top projects from the best creative talent, which helps create a self-feeding cycle of success.

Jaffe said at his media briefing that the company plans to launch 30 new shows in 2016, including new seasons ofHouse of CardsandOrange Is the New Black.The company also has 10 original movies in the works as well as documentaries, and its first talk show (with Chelsea Handler).

If it's not broken...Netflix still offers old movies and television shows, but it has let rivals win contracts for premier reruns as its strategy (and budget) have shifted toward originals. For example, Hulu won the bidding forSeinfeldstreaming rights and Netflix has allowed deals with some movie companies to expire as a way free up money for creating new shows.

In the long run that's going to make sense because having a huge library of original programming offers more value to subscribers and shareholders than being a repository of other people's content. It's logical for Netflix to step up its investment in originals while carefully investing in HDR content on pace with the demand for that higher-bandwidth, higher resolution offering going forward.

This is an expensive strategy for the streaming leader, but investing in new shows that it owns builds the company for the long-term. It's also a whole lot less risky right now when consumers are open to sampling anything the company releases giving it a nearly unfathomable hit ratio.

The article Here's a Look at Netflix's Plans for 2016 originally appeared on Fool.com.

Daniel Kline has no position in any stocks mentioned.Jessica Jones was his favorite show in a very long time.The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Netflix and Walt Disney. 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.
While this past holiday season was a tough one for several of the nation's biggest retailers,J.C. Penneywas one of the surprising winners. The department store chain said sales at established stores increased 4.1% and reported its first quarterly profit since Ron Johnson dismantled the company back in 2012, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.39.

Better yet, the company expects to report an adjusted profit for the current year on a 3% to 4% increase in same-store sales and $1 billion in EBITDA.

The results are the clearest sign yet that the company is on its way to recovering from the dark days of the Johnson administration, when same-store sales fell 25% in 2012. Johnson, who was the vision behindApple'sretail stores, had a grand vision for Penney, attempting a full-on rebranding that was met with confusion by the chain's middle-class customer base. Johnson got rid of proven traffic drivers such as discounts and house brands, and neglected the company's online business. His successors have spent the past three years cutting costs and making other moves to restore the company's health. Marvin Ellison, who landed in the CEO chair last August after revamping Home Depot's supply chain, seems to be the right man for the job after the latest report. Let's take a closer look at how Ellison is bringing Penney back from the brink.

Back to basicsOn the recent earnings call, Ellison explained the company's multi-pronged approach to delivering long-term profitability.

Focusing intensely on value to bring back customers.

Bringing back house brands such as St. John's Bay and using in-store brands and services such as Sephora and newly rebranded In Stylehair salons as points of differentiation.

Repairing a broken omnichannel by improving its app and adding in-store pick-up, among other features to catch up to competitors.

Making better a use of data by updating pricing and selection accordingly, and using real-time responses to refine its marketing campaigns.

The retailer has also been taking advantage of new opportunities. It re-entered appliances for the first time in more than 30 years, challenging an ailingSears Holdings, a department store chain bleeding sales that could easily flow to J.C. Penney. The company is testing an appliance program in 22 stores and is cannily displaying demo models while keeping the inventory with vendors, saving on the traditional cost of retail. The company also sees distinct opportunities in Home, footwear and handbags, and posted its best comp sales growth in more than 10 years in Home last quarter.

Low-hanging fruitA recentFortuneprofile on Ellison underscored just how many seemingly simple opportunities there are for J.C. Penney to improve sales. For instance, Penney had for years, stocked its men's shoes in the women's footwear department, operating under the notion that housewives were doing the shopping even for their husband's footwear. Ellison put an end to that anachronism, moving men's shoes next to men's suits, and sales in the department increased by double digits. The company made a similar move to refresh its handbag line after noticing it missed out on the recent industry boom. Ellison has also found back-of-the-house areas like inventory management lacking. The company now replenishes inventory according to real-time data instead of at pre-scheduled times.

Picking the proverbial low-hanging fruit is easy, however, and decisions like the ones above seem to be how the company is improving comparable sales today. But beyond that, Penney still has two other major challenges. It occupies an industry, department store retail, that appears to be on the decline, and it is still saddled with billions in debt and steep interest payments that will hamper significant investments.

Where J.C. Penney stands todayThose years of losses have added up. The retailer currently has $4.8 billion in debt and over $400 million in annual interest expenses. In order to cover those interest payments alone, the company would have to deliver an operating margin of more than 3%. In other words, paying down the debt will go a long way toward driving profitability.

On the recent earnings call, CFO Ed Record said it would pay down $400 million to $500 million in debt this year as it prepares to sell its home office building.That's a sizable chunk of cash, but it will only reduce its borrowings by 10%. Meanwhile, the company is also considering a share buyback in the middle of the year as an appeasement to shareholders, focusing target debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 3. Paying down debt is a step in the right direction, but it will be a long slog.

As for the health of Penney's greater industry, it's clear that the company is taking sales from rivals such as Sears andMacy's, but department store retail sales as a whole declined by 2% last year, according to the Census Bureau. If the pie continues to shrink, the retailer may run into further problems once the low-hanging fruit is gone.

For now, however, Penney is in better shape than it's been in years, and its stock could have room to run as the recovery picks up. At $10 a share and a price-to-sales ratio of 0.23, the stock looks like a bargain for a healthy company.

The article J.C. Penney Is Alive. Now What? originally appeared on Fool.com.

Jeremy Bowman owns shares of Apple. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Apple. The Motley Fool recommends Home Depot. 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: Raptor Pharmaceuticals.

What: Shares ofRaptor Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on creating treatments for rare diseases, had a rough February, as the company's stock lost 13.1% of its value during the month, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

So what:A disappointing fourth-quarter earnings report appears to be the primary reason why shares swooned during the month. Raptor reported revenue of $24.7 million for the period, driven entirely from sales of Procysbi, the company's treatment for nephropathic cystinosis. While that represented growth of more than 43% when compared to the year-ago period, it came up a bit shy of the more than $26 million in revenue that Wall Street was expecting.

On the plus side, the company did a good job at controlling expenses during the period as its adjusted net loss of $0.17 per share was $0.01 better than analyst estimates. The company also ended the year with more than $157 million in cash on its balance sheet.

Looking beyond the headlines, Raptor was able to close on its acquisition of Quinsair during the quarter, which is a drug that helps adults with cystic fibrosis manage their chronic pulmonary infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Quinsair is already approved for sale in Europe and Canada, and Raptor confirmed that it anticipates launching Quinsair in Europe sometime in the second quarter of this year, and in Canada soon after.

Now what: Like many other small-cap biopharmaceutical companies, Raptor's stock has had a rough start to 2016. Shares have shed more than 22% of their value since the start of the year, a terrible performance in absolute terms, but is roughly in line with the performance of biotech stocks, in general, as measured by the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotech Index .

Despite the stock's dismal performance, there could be reasons for investors to be optimistic about the company's chances from here. Management is forecasting that Procysbi will grow by around 25% in 2016, and that the company's total revenue will land between$115 million to $125 million for the full year. While that still won't be enough to make the company profitable, Raptor's huge cash hoard should help to ensure that it won't need to raise capital anytime soon.

Investors also have several catalysts to look forward to during the year, which include the potential approval and launch of Procysbi in Canada, the launch of Quinsair in both Europe and Canada, a potential NDA filing for Quinsairin the U.S., and a handful of clinical data readouts from its other pipeline products. Whether or not any of those events translate into market performance for the company's stock remains to be seen, but at today's prices, one could make the argument that Raptor's stock is cheap enough that there could be upside potential if the company reports positive news.

The article Why Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. Plunged 13.1% in February originally appeared on Fool.com.

Brian Feroldi has no position in any stocks mentioned. 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're like me, you cringe when you hear that Hollywood is making a Bible movie. What could possibly go wrong? As we all know by now, plenty.

So you can imagine the challenge I faced when I was first approached about adapting an Anne Rice novel into a movie about what Jesus' life might have been like during the years in which the Bible is silent.

I was scared about the prospect but also fascinated-you see even though I was born and raised in the Midwest (go Badgers!)

I didn't come to my own faith in Jesus Christ the conventional suburban Christian American way. I was born of Muslim parents who fled Iran and brought me up in a secular home, but I gravitated toward Christianity beginning with my marriage to Betsy who is also my screenwriting partner.

My faith grew deeper in recent years which made it seem only natural -- and perhaps preordained -- that this project would fall in my lap. The instinct to run with it was strong and immediate. I had to get this film made. I had to tell this story. For it was a clear expression of my story and my gravitation to Jesus.

But how to tell a story faithfully about a period we know almost nothing about? That question haunted me. I talked it over with Anne, friends, my wife and of course God himself. How could I honor Him through this work?

What I learned from getting to know Anne Rice was that she too sought to honor, not besmirch God through her novel. Although her Catholic faith was different than mine, we shared a common belief that the man from Nazareth was more than just a man and that with the Holy Spirit's guidance, we might try to imagine what Jesus' life was like in the years between his birth and public ministry.

In the rich history of Jesus movies weve never seen Jesus life as a boy. There are great challenges involved because we know very little about his childhood. We know of his birth, the three Kings visiting the child with gifts, and we know at age 12 that young Jesus visited the Temple in Jerusalem and schooled the rabbis to their amazement.

I seek to present a realistic fictional portrait of Jesus inspired by Scripture and rooted in history. We imagine one year in the boyhood of Jesus. Most important to us was that we present a child who is consistent with the character of Jesus as revealed in the Bible.

Our story takes place when Jesus is seven years old. With the Holy Land in turmoil, young Jesus and his family leave Egypt (where they fled after the slaughter in Bethlehem seven years earlier) for the treacherous road home to Nazareth.

Like parents today, Joseph and Mary are fully aware of the dangers of their world: a corrupt King Herod, civil unrest, and brutal occupying Roman force. What was it like for Mary and Joseph to parent a child unlike any child before? How could they protect and guide him?

In terms of young Jesus the challenge of making this film was to present him as both fully divine and fully human. What did he know about himself and when did he know it?

Anne Rices dazzling novel addresses this fundamental question through the voice of young Jesus, his thoughts, his interactions, as he relates the journey back to the Holy Land.

He can state and reflect as he goes along.In a movie we have to show it and dramatize it in order for it to have any impact. Thus, the challenge of adapting any novel forces the filmmaker to make choices, to streamline, to focus. Through the voice of the main character Anne is able to relate the fears, the trepidations, the unknowns. In a film we have to make this tangible by creating characters who represent these. Hence the addition of young King Herod and the Roman centurion, Severus, played beautifully by actor Sean Bean.

But the biggest challenge is a theological one. We wanted to portray young Jesus acting in a way consistent with his adult ministry. Therefore we show a child who reacts to situations similar to how the Bible tells us about how Jesus reacted to like situations as an adult.

Luke 2:52 was a great guidepost for us: He grew in wisdom, and in favor with God and man. Attempting to summon the voice, the presence, and the words of Jesus brings with it inherent risks. Weve tried to do so with reverence and respect.

While millions of Americans flocked to see Mel Gibson's amazing work "The Passion of The Christ," few remember that the movie wasn't actually based upon the Bible, but rather upon a book by a German nun named Anne Catherine Emmerich who saw vivid visions of the death of Jesus and transcribed them.

In "The Passion," Mel Gibson decided to give Satan a creepy baby, and was extensively questioned by some religious leaders about this extra-Biblical choice. I loved his response, when he said he did it because he knew that Satan likes to copy God so he figured he'd give Satan a son since God had Jesus.

That's what artists often do--we fill in the lines and add color and context-and film is a great canvas, trying to imagine moments that we can't know, yet doing our best to ensure they are consistent with the character and nature of our subjects.

The faith tradition of my ancestors doesn't allow for the image of God to be captured in any form of art. My faith has a rich history of such depictions from the great masters who imagined what our Savior might have looked like and sought to honor him with their talents, asking Him to guide their brush strokes.

I may not be a great master, but in my own way I hope I've accomplished the same goal and it is my hope that those who already worship Jesus of Nazareth will grow to love him more and that those who haven't thought much about him will be inspired by this story of a great man that all religions and cultures revere.
Fox News anchor Bret Baier on Monday will host a one-hour Democratic presidential town hall with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The event, which will be presented live at the Gem Theatre in Detroit at 6 p.m. ET, comes one day before Michigans primary.

Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs told The New York Times there had been talk about having Republican front-runner Donald Trump also appear at the event. Briggs said Sanders welcomed the idea but that Trump turned down the invitation.

Initially Clinton's campaign said she could not attend because of a "conflict in her campaign schedule."

Mondays event marks the first Democratic town hall on Fox News for the 2016 presidential election cycle.

It will also be Sanders first appearance on Special Report.
Hillary Clinton has agreed to join fellow Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders on Monday in a town hall-style event on the Fox News Channel.

The event takes place one day before the Michigan primary and will be hosted by Fox News chief political anchor Bret Bair.

The one-hour Special Report broadcast starts at 6 p.m. Eastern.

The live event will be in the Gem Theatre in Detroit, with an audience made up of Michigan voters.

The event will mark Clintons first appearance on FNC in two years and Sanders first interview with Baier.

Clinton, the Democratic front-runner and a former secretary of state, last appeared on the network during her 2014 book tour, in a joint interview with Baier and Greta Van Susteren.

Sanders, a Vermont senator, was most recently on Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace in February.

Baier moderated Thursday nights Republican debate in Detroit with Wallace and Foxs Megyn Kelly.

The debate garnered nearly 17 million viewers and was the second-highest-rated program in FNCs history. Baier is the anchor of Special Report with Bret Baier, the No. 1 rated cable news program in its time-slot and one of the top four shows in cable news.

FOX News Channel is a 24-hour news service dedicated to delivering breaking news as well as political and business news.

A top five cable network, FNC has been the most-watched news channel in the country for more than 14 years.

And according to a Suffolk University/USA Today poll, FNC is the most trusted TV news source in the country. Owned by 21st Century Fox, FNC is available in more than 90 million homes.
Democratic Rep. Chris Van Hollen, in his efforts to expose private donors in politics, has failed to report his own secret money in the form of tens of thousands of dollars worth of free legal assistance, according to a complaint to be filed with the Federal Elections Commission.

The complaint relates to the Maryland congressmans 2011 federal court case arguing an FEC regulation is muddling and eviscerating a provision in the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act.

The provision requires corporations, labor unions and others to disclose essentially everybody who gives donations that are used for campaign ads or so-call electioneering communications.

The case eventually reached the U.S. Court of Appels, which in January upheld the regulation.

Democracy 21, the liberal-leaning group that provided some of the pro bono legal work, said such services are explicitly permitted in the House Ethics Manual, according to The Daily Caller.

And Van Hollen filed the complaint through his congressional office.

However, the complainant, the Cause of Action Institute, points out that the congressman clearly states in his 2011 case filing that he is a candidate seeking re-election -- which would require him to report the value of the legal services on FEC disclosure statements.

Van Hollen is a  candidate for re-election for Congress, voter, recipient of campaign contributions, fundraiser, according to the congressmans filing. Van Hollen likely will be subjected to attack ads or other electioneering communications financed by anonymous donors.

Van Hollen has also made campaign finance reform a major part of his election platform, including this years Senate run.

Chris has worked tirelessly to lift the toxic cloud of secret special interest spending that has flooded our election process and weakens our democracy, according to his campaign website.

Cause of Actions draft complaint states that Van Hollen has violated the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 by making campaign finance part of his campaign rhetoric, arguing he apparently doesnt live by the same rules and standards he would impose on others.

A group spokesman said Wednesday the complaint has yet to be filed and suggest it likely wont be in the near future.

The National Republican Congressional Committee tried to make a similar case in 2014 against Van Hollen but never filed a complaint.

The Center for Public Integritys David Leventhal, who reported on the case, said Wednesday the NRCC declined to explain its decision. But he suggested that such decisions typically involve weighing the likelihood of winning against time and money spent.

He also pointed out that the FEC ruling board is made up of three Democratic and three Republican appointees, who deliberate privately and frequently make split decisions, often many months later.

The complaint -- which legal observers describe as dark money fighting dark money -- also pits one of the wealthiest conservative donors against one the biggest liberal donors.

The non-partisan Cause of Action does not disclose its funding. But it purportedly has received millions through the non-profit group Donors Trust, which is connected to the billionaire Koch brothers.

The millions they have given in political donations largely go to conservative think tanks, Tea Party-affiliated groups and Republican candidates.

"This Koch Brothers-funded group is trying to silence Chris Van Hollen because he is leading fight against their secret money machine, campaign spokeswoman Bridgett Frey told FoxNews.com Wednesday in a statement.

Democracy 21 is funded in part by Open Society Foundation, founded by George Soros, the billionaire investor who has given roughly $8 million so far this elections cycle to so-called outside spending groups that support liberal causes.

Van Hollen also received free legal work in his roughly 5-year-long case from the prestigious Washington, D.C. law firm Wilmer Hale.
Capitol Hill is a terrible place to work -- Thats the lasting impression one might have after listening to lawmakers this week discussing the budget for Congress at a House Appropriations Subcommittee hearing.

Here are some of complaints and concerns the lawmakers debated at the session:

-- Low wages for aides

-- How crummy and expensive the food is in the cafeterias.

-- The vulnerability of House garages to a terrorism attack.

- How security precautions make it a pain for staff to navigate the workplace.

-- The need to update the electronic voting system in the House chamber (Keep in mind that an accurate tabulation of voting on the House is the quintessence of the entire enterprise).

-- Nobody knowing how many lawmakers carry firearms into the Capitol complex, perhaps increasing safety risks.

-- The convenience store in the Longworth House Office Building and in womens restrooms.

-- Whether women should be charged for the aforementioned feminine hygiene products in the House.

Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the top Democrat on the Legislative Branch Appropriations panel and chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, posed multiple questions to acting House Chief Administrative Officer Bill Plaster at the hearing about the availability of tampons and sanitary napkins.

When you need a feminine hygiene product, you need one. Immediately, lectured Wasserman Schultz. For the convenience store to stop stocking products like that is really inconvenient. Its the opposite of the purpose of a convenience store.

She even showed Plaster a photo of out-of-order signs slung across feminine hygiene dispensaries around the Capitol.

Multiple (female) congressional sources indicated that many of the machines hadnt carried the appropriate products in about a year. And when supply was on hand, the product was described as outdated.

Moreover, Wasserman Schultz groused that women shouldnt have to pay the required 25 cents when in need.

Its like charging for toilet paper, she protested, then she didnt want to go into too much detail about the issue.

Plaster responded that the vendor has responded with additional stock, Wasserman Schultz pointedly retorted the new supply was insufficient.

Still, Capitol Hill, with its marble floors and magnificently landscaped grounds, is for many a desirable place to work.

The time-off, include long winter and summer recesses, for example, help compensate for the wages. And for many, the opportunity to work in arguably the worlds most powerful legislative body is a huge stepping stone for future endeavors.

A few years ago, Congress trimmed the overall spending it allocates for itself. This was an effort to lead by example. Plus, it looked like good politics back home -- even if constituents received less from the members they elected.

The cuts hit Capitol Hill hard -- putting a squeeze on congressional salaries and the ability to retain good people. The total reductions only amounted to $362 million. Thats a big impact internally but barely a dent when the federal government inches close to spending $4 trillion annually and runs a $19 trillion debt.

Legislative branch spending climbed to $4.36 billion in the latest spending measure. Thats a $1.5 billion increase over the previous year but still below what Congress allocated for Capitol Hill operations seven years ago.

It means having to let people go, said Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif.,

Rep. Steven Palazzo, R-Miss., told Plaster that any restoration of money to the accounts lawmakers use to pay staff and run their offices would be helpful.

Last year, the House switched vendors for dining services in its cafeterias. The old vendor, Restaurant Associates, still runs Senate eateries as well as those in the Capitol Visitors Center.

French food services provider Sodexo succeeded Restaurant Associates in the House. That sparked an immediate outcry from the Capitol Hill community. The food wasnt as good. Prices were higher. There wasnt as much variety.

Wasserman Schultz said it was pretty bad when the dining discord prompted an article late last year in the New York Times. She also questioned how some lower-rung aides could survive while paying them such paltry salaries.

After paying for rent and eating in the House cafeteria, were lucky we can keep anyone on staff, she complained. Its costing them an arm and a leg to eat.

Clerk of the House Karen Haas told lawmakers the electronic voting cards lawmakers use during roll call votes are so outdated that an outside company makes them specifically for Congress.

She added that the voting system in the House chamber needs rewiring soon -- a project which involves digging under the floor of the chamber. Moreover, Haas said Braille type must be added to voting stations sprinkled around the chamber for visually impaired lawmakers.

Security has long been paramount on Capitol Hill.

But a lingering problem involves the risks terrorists could pose to congressional garages across the street from the Capitol beneath the House office buildings.

The garages are not what is known as clean, meaning aides and lawmakers can drive in, then move into the office buildings without ever clearing security.

Individuals entering on foot pass through magnetometers. Inspecting every car and screening workers offsite would create catastrophic delays and traffic jams around Capitol Hill.

So, the U.S. Capitol Police operates with a lower level of security in the House office buildings. Persons going through the underground tunnels to the Capitol itself from the office complex are screened at checkpoints located there.

Of late, magnetometers recently showed up in the Longworth garage in an effort to bolster security. But the Rayburn garage still lacks the equipment.

At the hearing, Wasserman Schultz later took aim at House Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving. She suggested the appropriations committee never signed off on implementing the additional security measures. Other lawmakers see it differently, adding that the Appropriations Committee, which controls the purse strings, in fact allocated funds properly.

Wasserman Schultz hectored Irving with queries about who gave him the go-ahead to install the magnetometers. Irving said he took responsibility, later adding he did so in concert with the Speakers Office and House Administration Committee.

I dont think Im getting responses to my questions, Wasserman Schultz protested, in apparent exasperation.

Irving said the House garages carry tremendous vulnerabilities to us.

Wasserman Schultz responded by saying that terrorists werent stupid since the magnetometers were installed in only one garage. She said terrorists would simply go to the garage thats not secure.

Sam Farr piped up. He suggested the extra screening was an affront to staff.

Were building an empire on the Hill, he said.

The California Democrat then asked if Irving knew how many lawmakers arm themselves when they walk through the Capitol. By statute, lawmakers are allowed to pack heat at the Capitol and are not required to go through security screening.

Staff and visitors cannot carry firearms at the Capitol complex.

We dont know that number, Irving replied.

Farr argued it was a fairness issue and that lawmakers shouldnt be allowed to carry guns at work -- especially if they were trying to lead by example.

There also concern the Capitol could join the long list of venues that have experienced deadly, workplace violence -- just like Fort Hood, the Washington Navy Yard and San Bernardino.

Under such a nightmare scenario, there are questions as to whether lawmakers carrying their own guns could make a nightmarish shootout even more volatile if they started to fire their own weapons -- in addition to U.S. Capitol Police officers. Would extra firepower help neutralize a situation or contribute to friendly fire injuries or deaths?

Physical security isnt the only concern at the Capitol. So too is cybersecurity.

Plaster told lawmakers that hackers pose a constant threat.

Theyre not knocking at the front door anymore, he said.

Plaster says that the House has about 12,000 people on its network, receiving some 200 million emails a year. He estimates that about one-third of all email traffic received is an effort to bore into the House computer system.

And with so many emails and so many users, its challenging to harden those defenses.

So if you want to understand Congress and its internal operations, look at Legislative Branch appropriations. That could shed light into how lawmakers tackle issues ranging from ISIS to health care to the economy. It also says a lot about what its like to work on Capitol Hill.

Hardly a week goes by without a report demonstrating that Congressional approval ratings are in the tank.

Those are polls that study the performance of lawmakers. And one wonders if aides who toil on Capitol Hill would rate Congress much higher.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said Friday federal aid isnt needed in Flint, Michigan, where lead-contaminated pipes have resulted in an ongoing public health crisis.

Lee said he is blocking a bipartisan bill to address the water crisis in Flint because Michigans Gov. Rick Snyder has not asked for federal help and the state doesnt need it.

"Michigan has an enormous budget surplus this year" and a rainy-day fund totaling several hundred million dollars, Lee said. The state has approved $70 million in emergency funding for Flint, and Snyder has requested at least $165 million more toward the Flint emergency.

"The people and policymakers of Michigan right now have all the government resources they need to fix the problem," Lee said. "The only thing Congress is contributing to the Flint recovery is political grandstanding."

Senators from both sides of the aisle reached a tentative deal last month for a $220 million package to fix and replace lead-contaminated pipes in Flint and other cities, but the bill remains on hold.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., a key sponsor of the bill, said she was surprised and disappointed that Lee would hold up the bipartisan measure that would help communities across the country, including in his home state of Utah. If Lee opposes the bill opposes the bill, he should vote against it and not block it, she said.

More than two dozen Democrats, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, visited Flint on Friday to hear from families affected by the water crisis.

Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., said the visit allowed lawmakers to hear about Flint's problems firsthand and also served to keep up pressure for Congress to act on the stalled bill. Kildee criticized Lee and other Senate Republicans for delaying the bill and noted that dozens of lawmakers have visited Flint in recent weeks  all Democrats.

Republican presidential candidates addressed the Flint crisis for no more than "one fleeting second" at a debate in Detroit Thursday night, Pelosi said. "I think that was really an embarrassment," she said.

The visit by Democratic lawmakers "isn't about politicizing" the Flint crisis as Lee and other Republicans have claimed, Pelosi said.

"This is about accountability, it's about helping, it's about healing. It's about giving people hope and it's about not underutilizing any resource to do that at every level," she said.

Supporters of the bill said it would use federal credit subsidies to provide incentives for up to $700 million in loan guarantees and other financing for water infrastructure projects across the U.S. Similar lead issues have popped up across the country in the last year.

Also on Friday, auditors revealed that Michigan environmental regulators made crucial errors as Flint began using a new drinking water source that would become contaminated with lead.

The report by the state auditor general found that staffers in the Department of Environmental Quality's drinking water office failed to order the city to treat its water with anti-corrosion chemicals as it switched to the Flint River in April 2014, but also said the rules they failed to heed may not be strong enough to protect the public.

Flint had been using water from the Detroit system but made the change to save money, planning eventually to join a consortium that would have its own pipeline to the lake.

The corrosive river water scraped lead from aging pipes that tainted water in some homes and schools, and has been blamed for elevated lead levels in some children's bloodstreams. If consumed, lead can cause developmental delays and learning disabilities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Donald Trump reiterated calls Saturday night for Sen. Marco Rubio to drop out of the Republican race, saying he wanted to take on challenger Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in a two-man GOP showdown for the 2016 party nomination.

Marco has to get out of the race. He has to, Trump said. Man, do I want to run against just Ted.

Trump and Cruz were Saturdays big winners, each claiming two victories each --fresh evidence theres no quick end in sight to the fractious GOP race for president.

Trump picked up wins in Louisiana and Kentucky. Cruz claimed Kansas and Maine. Cruz declared his win a manifestation of a real shift in momentum.

On the Democratic side, there was another divided verdict from American voters. Sen. Bernie Sanders notched wins in Nebraska and Kansas, while front-runner Hillary Clinton snagged Louisiana.

Sanders vowed to keep fighting until the Democratic convention in Philadelphia this summer.

Turnout in Republican presidential caucuses in Kansas exceeded the party's most optimistic predictions.

State GOP Executive Director Clay Barker said at least 73,000 people cast ballots in Saturday's caucuses. He said there are another 6,000 provisional ballots and 1,000 absentee ballots sent to voters but not yet collected.

That compares to about 30,000 people voting in the state's GOP caucuses in 2012 and about 20,000 voting in 2008.

The party had 60,000 ballots printed this year and then warned caucus sites to be prepared to print more.

With the GOP race in chaos, establishment figures are looking for any way to derail Trump, perhaps at a contested convention if no candidate can get enough delegates to lock up the nomination in advance.

Party leaders -- including 2012 nominee Mitt Romney and 2008 nominee Sen. John McCain -- are fearful a Trump victory would lead to a disastrous November election, with losses up and down the GOP ticket.

"Everyone's trying to figure out how to stop Trump," Trump marveled about himself at an afternoon rally in Orlando, Florida. At the rally, the billionaire businessman had supporters raise their hands and swear to vote for him.

Despite the support of many elected officials, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio came up short Saturday, raising serious questions about his viability in the race. Cruz suggested it was time for some Republican candidates to quit the race.

Rubio said the upcoming schedule of primaries is "better for us," and renewed his vow to win his home state of Florida, claiming all 99 delegates there on March 15.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
More than a decade ago, Salvatore Cerchio went to Madagascar to study coastal dolphins. But his attention eventually shifted to a much bigger marine mammal  a rare species of whale that calls those waters home.

Cerchio, who works for the New England Aquarium, discovered the Omuras whale in waters off the island nation in 2013 and his team had 80 sightings of the whale last year. Much of their work during that time has been trying to better understand the behavior of a whale that until 2003 was mistakenly thought to be a similar looking species, the Bryde's whale.

When we found them, we thought they were Bryde's in part because they werent supposed to be in this area. The known range of Omuras whales at that point was the western Pacific and the far eastern Indian Ocean off of Australia, Cerchio told FoxNews.com.

Related: Newborn killer whale brings hope for endangered pod

So after seeing these animals a few times in Madagascar, it occurred after we got some pretty good underwater video that these are not Bryde's whales at all but actually Omuras whales, he continued. Once we realized they were Omuras whales, it was mind boggling because first of all no one had studied these animals. No had seen them or documented them in the wild and they were not supposed to be in Madagascar. The work that weve done has extended their range significantly.

In October, Cerchio released the first video of the whale in the wild and now has fresh data on the feeding and breeding behavior of these 33- to 38-foot mammals. They came to realize the whales were feeding on levels of tiny shrimp known as euphasiids were being found in the water.

What was exciting is that we got more information on their feeding than we ever had before, he said.

Related: More Than 130 Whales Die in Australia Beaching

They spend their entire lives in the tropics. That is really unusual and special because the tropics are a difficult to make a living, he said of the clear blue waters that often compared to a desert when it comes to food offerings for whales. How does a whale, even a small whale, make a living in a desert? That, in itself, is a fascinating question. The fact we are seeing them feed  and getting data on what they are feeding on  is a great opportunity to learn about an ecosystem and how the species fits into that ecosystem.

Along with the feeding, Cerchio and his team documented five mother/calf pairs  evidence they believe that this is a resident population living off the southeast coast of Africa.

We saw more mother and calves than we had before. In the previously year, we had no moms and calves. In 2015, we had five different moms and calves which is great, he said. That means this is a productive area. They are reproducing here, probably giving birth nearby because these were young calves.

The team also collected two weeks of continuous acoustic data from remote recordings of the whale singing  and plan to retrieve recorders in April, which will have six months more data on them. The singing  which has been seen in Humpback and Fin whales  has been less studied in tropical species.

Related: Endangered whales invade California coastal waters

They sing, which is by itself a very exciting discovery, Cerchio said. They sing a very simple but interesting song. Its very rhythmic and they repeat the same vocalization for hours on end. You have groups of animals singing in a chorus  These guys are feeding, breeding and singing all in the same habitat.

The discovery of the whales in Madagascar - and mor recently Mauritania - has added urgency to what Cerchio said is a need to protect a relatively small population. Among the threats they face are getting tangled in fishing lines as well as the noise from oil and gas operations.

Whenever you have a small population like this, they tend to be more vulnerable to any local threats, he said. The small resident populations tend to have low genetic diversity and also be subject to any environmental pressures that are in that area such as oil and gas exploration.
Scientists say they have discovered what might be a new species of octopus while searching the Pacific Ocean floor near the Hawaiian Islands.

On Feb. 27, a team found a small light-colored octopus at a depth of about 2.5 miles in the ocean near Necker Island, said Michael Vecchione of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The octopus did not have fins and all of its suckers were in one row on each arm, Vecchione said.

The octopus "did not seem very muscular" and was light colored, he said.

Octopus: February 27, 2016 DISCOVERY! This ghostlike octopod is almost certainly an undescribed species and may also belong to an undescribed genus. It was spotted during the first #Okeanos dive of the 2016 Hohonu Moana: Exploring Deepwaters off Hawaii expedition at a depth of nearly 4,300 meters (more than 2.5 miles!!), which is *much* deeper than scientists ever expected to find an octopod in this group. Doesn't get much cooler than that...does it?Read more about the discovery here: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/explorations/ex1603/logs/mar2/mar2.html[Video source: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/explorations/ex1603/dailyupdates/media/video/dive_1/ex1603_dive1_022716.html]And be sure to tune in LIVE as we dive again later today: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/media/exstream/exstream.html Posted by NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research on Thursday, March 3, 2016

"This resulted in a ghostlike appearance, leading to a comment on social media that it should be called Casper, like the friendly cartoon ghost. It is almost certainly an undescribed species ..., " he said in the statement posted Wednesday on the NOAA website.

It's unusual to find an octopus without fins so deep in the ocean, said Vecchione, who noted that the previous depths at which an octopus without fins was found were all less than 4,000 meters, or 2.5 miles.

Two scientists he has consulted "agreed that this is something unusual and is a depth record ...," said Vecchione, who is with NOAA's National Systematics Laboratory.

The octopus was discovered during a search of the ocean floor by a remotely operated vehicle from NOAA's Okeanos Explorer, he said.
Seven northern Virginia high schools have received bomb threats that disrupted classes and in some cases forced evacuations.

Police in Fairfax, Loudoun and Arlington counties and the city of Falls Church responded to the threats. None was found to be legitimate.

Police say the recorded messages started coming in about 11:30 a.m. Friday. Affected schools included McLean, Westfield, Herndon and The Potomac School in Fairfax County; Stone Bridge in Loudoun; Bishop O'Connell in Arlington County and George Mason High in Falls Church.

Arlington and Falls Church police said the calls in their jurisdictions appear to be connected to those in the other counties.

Megan Hawkins, a spokeswoman for Fairfax County Police, said she did not know if the calls were connected to a bomb-threat hoax earlier this week at McLean.
A committee recommended Harvard Law School remove its official seal Friday, following months of scrutiny surrounding the symbol that has ties to an 18th-century slave owner.

The committees 10-2 recommendation was backed by Dean Martha Minow, but it wasnt immediately clear when Harvard Corp., one of the universitys governing boards, will make its final decision.

We believe that if the Law School is to have an official symbol, it must more closely represent the values of the Law School, which the current shield does not," the committee made up of professors, alumni, students and staff wrote in its recommendation.

The shield's meaning has changed over time, said Bruce Mann, committee chairman and Harvard Law professor.

"Too many people think the shield has become an impediment," he said. "Too many people see the association with slavery."

The shield, officially adopted in 1937, depicts three bundles of wheat, an image borrowed from the family crest of Isaac Royall Jr., under the university's motto "Veritas."

Royall donated his estate to create the first law professorship at Harvard University. His father, Isaac Royall Sr., made much of the family wealth on the backs of slaves on Caribbean sugar plantations and Massachusetts farms.

Minow created the committee after some law school students formed a group called Royall Must Fall to denounce the shield.

"I endorse the recommendation to retire the shield because its association with slavery does not represent the values and aspirations of the Harvard Law School and because it has become a source of division rather than commonality in our community," she wrote to students and alumni.

However, not everyone is agreeing with the decision. One professor on the committee, joined by a student, said keeping the current shield was a way to honor the slaves whose sacrifice provided the Royall family with its wealth.

They said the current shield should be tied "to a historically sound interpretative narrative about it" and suggested adding the word "Iustitia"  justice in Latin  below the word "Veritas."

According to The Guardian, the decision to remove the shields comes after Harvard University announced it would chance the title house master, used to describe the Ivy Leagues residential administrators, and use the term faculty dean instead.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Maine State Police said Friday they have made an arrest in the 35-year-old unsolved murder of high school student Joyce McLain.

Philip Scott Fournier, 55, of East Millinocket, was charged with murder, police said. Fournier had been considered a person of interest in the murder for many years and was questioned several times after McLains death, WGME-TV reported.

Fournier, who was 19 at the time of the killing, was booked into Penobscot County Jail at 1 p.m.

McLain was 16-year-old at the time of her death. She was last seen on the night of Aug. 8, 1980 while she was out for a jog. Two days later, she was found in a clearing near Schenck High School in Millinocket. Her head and neck had been struck by a blunt object, according to WGME-TV.

At least two witnesses said Fournier was near the track where McLain was jogging and near where her body was discovered. Police said she was a well-liked student and that Fournier knew the McLain family.

WFVX-TV reported, citing an affidavit, Fournier confessed to the murder several times, telling a pastor that he did something beyond comprehension. The affidavit also details his alleged confession to a friend saying a group killed McLain and he was forced to participate in the barbaric act. He also allegedly said the teen was bound with her hands tied behind her back.

State Police Chief Col. Robert Williams said more than anything, the continued persistence into the cold case led to the arrest, according to WGME-TV.

"In 2008, Joyce's body was exhumed and taken to the medical examiner's office for reexamination," Williams said. "Since that time the State Police crime lab and a team of detectives from the major crimes unit ace worked closely with the Attorney General's office. They have comprehensively reviewed all the old and new evidence. And as a result of that have arrested Scott Fournier."

Williams said he spoke to McLains mother and said she was relieved by Fourniers arrest.

WGME-TV reported that Fournier has prior convictions for possession of child pornography, burglarly and theft.

Fournier is expected to make a court appearance in Bangor on Monday.

Click for more from WGME-TV.

Click for more from WFVX-TV.
OLYMPIA, Wash.  Washington state's largest utility would be able to create a fund to pay for the eventual shutdown of two coal-powered electricity plants in Montana under a bill approved by the Legislature on Friday.

Senate Bill 6248 sailed through the House on a 92-5 vote after being easily passed by the Senate in February. It now heads to Gov. Jay Inslee's desk, where it can be signed into law.

The bill would let Puget Sound Energy put money aside to cover future decommissioning and remediation costs of the power plants in Colstrip, if they're closed after 2023. The Colstrip Power Plant has four units, and the utility owns half of the older Colstrip Units 1 and 2.

Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Mount Vernon, said the Legislature should start putting money away now for the eventual shutdown. Morris sponsored the House version of the measure.

"This money should be protected from being swept by future utility commissions," he said during debate on the floor.

Colstrip is a company town, with a population of 2,300. The plant employs hundreds of people, and four lawmakers from the state told a Washington Senate committee recently that even a partial shutdown would create huge economic consequences for the city and industrial users in Montana that depend on the plant's cheap power.

The bill initially called for closing Units 1 and 2, but was amended.

The four units emit 13.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gases annually, according to the EPA, making it the fifteenth biggest producer of greenhouse gases in the country. Units 1 and 2 are the biggest polluters.

It's likely the plant won't be shut down for another generation, said Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, adding that passing the bill was important because "those of us who have benefited from that low cost power" can "accept responsibility for our consumption."

Rep. Bruce Chandler, R- Granger, joined three other Republicans and one Democrat in voting against the bill. He said closing the two plants might not go according to the plan passed by the Legislature's.

"It could end up being far more expensive and take quite a bit longer than what the Legislature is expecting," he said in an interview.

Puget Sound Energy has said shutting down the plants and cleaning them up would cost between $130 million and $200 million. Six companies own the Colstrip plant, but none of them are headquartered in Montana.
The owner of the construction company that razed O.J. Simpsons former Los Angeles estate where a knife was found buried in the ground wasnt fazed by the report Friday.

I think its a joke. I think its just filler. No one on my crew found anything, Mike Weber, owner of Weber-Madgwick Inc., told the Los Angeles Times. I had instructed my people, if you find anything, dont keep it. Tell me, well take appropriate action.

The construction crew spent six weeks tearing down the home where Simpson lived at the time of the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1998. Jobs were being done at the property for at least two years as a new home was being built, Weber said.

Hundreds and hundreds of people were there after me, he added.

Fox News confirmed earlier Friday that the knife was undergoing forensic testing. TMZ reported a construction worker found the knife years ago and gave it to an off-duty cop who kept it in his home before finally turning it over to police in January.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ the blade is a folding Buck knife. It's now being tested for hair and DNA after it was handed over to the LAPDs Robbery and Homicide Division.

"It is being treated as we would all evidence," LAPD Capt. Andy Neiman said Friday. He added that police were "quite shocked" to learn about the knife after so many years.

Since the news of the knife was revealed, Weber said he was receiving tons of emails from friends with links to when he told media reporters he was looking for the knife.

Jokingly, I said I was looking for the knife. And thats not just being flippant. We never found it, Weber added.

Simpson's property was in the Brentwood section of LA. In 1995, a jury found him not guilty of murder after the so-called "Trial of the Century" dominated the media for months. Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, her friend, were found stabbed to death in June of 1994.

In 1997, a jury found Simpson civilly liable for the slayings. He's now imprisoned in Nevada on a robbery-kidnap conviction.

The weapon used in the killings has been a mystery for decades.

NBC News, citing unnamed law enforcement officials, reported that it was a smaller, relatively inexpensive utility-style blade typically carried by construction workers or other laborers and inconsistent with it being the murder weapon.

"We discovered it and our investigators immediately followed up on it," Neiman added. Simpson likely cannot be prosecuted again for the stabbings because of constitutional protections against being charged for the same crime twice, or double-jeopardy.

One source told TMZ the knife appeared to have blood residue on it, but its extremely rusted and stained, requiring further testing.

The cop who kept the knife, an officer assigned to the traffic division, was off-duty at the time and never alerted higher-ups to the discovery, TMZ reported.

In late January the cop reportedly contacted a friend in the homicide division and told him he was getting the knife framed for his wall.

According to TMZ, the cop even asked his friend to get the departments record number for the Simpson-Goldman murder case so he could engrave it in the frame. He was forced to surrender the knife to LAPD when the friend told superiors.

Sources told TMZ authorities are keeping their investigation top secret and under wraps, even logging the case into a computer system outside the official case file.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from the Los Angeles Times.

Click for more from the New York Post.
Justin Trudeau (troo-DOH'), Canada's youthful, new prime minister, is bringing his star power to the White House on his first official U.S. visit this week.

Trudeau is the 44-year-old scion of one of Canada's most famous politicians. After being sworn into office last fall, Obama quickly granted him one of the highest honors the U.S. reserves for close allies: a pomp-filled visit with plenty of time alone and in front of cameras with Obama.

Trudeau will also be honored at a White House state dinner. He's being accompanied by his wife, Sophie Gregoire (grehg-WAHR').

Not since April 1997 has a U.S. president and the head of Canada's government clinked champagne flutes at the White House.

Trudeau's father, Pierre Trudeau, was prime minister from 1968 until 1984, including a brief interruption.
From a hijacking to an alien abduction, countless theories have arisen about the fate of the Malaysian airliner that disappeared nearly two years ago.

With search crews just months away from finishing their thus-far fruitless sweep of a remote stretch of seabed where Flight 370 is believed to have crashed, officials appear no closer to solving one of the most mind-boggling mysteries of modern times. That stubborn lack of resolution has only increased speculation about what might have happened to the Boeing 777 after it vanished with 239 people on board on March 8, 2014. Some believe officials are simply looking in the wrong part of the Indian Ocean, while social media sites are peppered with comments suggesting they're looking on the wrong planet: "MH370 was abducted by aliens," reads a typical tweet.

"We knew this was a very high-profile, publicized event and because it was such a great mystery, there was going to be a lot of scrutiny," says the Australian Transport Safety Bureau's chief commissioner Martin Dolan, who is leading the search for the plane far off Australia's west coast. "We are always open to informed criticism. What we find a bit more difficult is when occasionally people criticize us on the basis of a misunderstanding or a misrepresentation of what we're doing or saying."

Here's a look at a few of the theories that investigators have considered but view as unlikely:

___

THE PLANE WENT NORTH INSTEAD OF SOUTH

After veering off-course shortly after takeoff on its flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, officials believe the plane flew south on a straight path into the abyss of the southern Indian Ocean. They arrived at that conclusion after analyzing exchanges between the plane's engine and a satellite. But some people insist the plane instead flew north into Asia, and that the satellite data indicating otherwise was tampered with.

Dolan dismisses that theory, noting that British satellite company Inmarsat, which provided the satellite data to investigators, is a widely respected company with a solid track record. There's no reason to doubt their data, he says.

"Those sorts of theories just seem to overcomplicate what's going on here," Dolan says. "We think that had any data been manipulated, there would have been a trace of it."

Beyond that, a wing part from the plane washed ashore on Reunion Island in the western Indian Ocean in July, effectively eliminating the possibility that the rest of the plane ended up in the Northern Hemisphere. That said, a few people have suggested the wing flap was planted on the island by terrorists.

___

IT WENT WEST TO THE MALDIVES

Some argue the plane must have traveled west to the remote Indian Ocean island nation of the Maldives after early reports emerged of locals spotting a low-flying plane in the area around the time Flight 370 vanished.

The military in the Maldives told Malaysia that those reports of sightings turned out to be false. Last year, Malaysian investigators traveled to the Maldives to examine possible debris that had washed ashore, but it was determined to be unrelated to Flight 370.

Former Australian Transport Minister Warren Truss has said that while the plane may have had enough fuel to reach the islands, it wasn't detected by air traffic control or any other local authority. The flight path to the Maldives is also inconsistent with investigators' satellite and radar data.

"It is not considered a likely possibility," Truss said last year.

___

IT WAS SHOT DOWN

One of the earliest theories suggested the plane was headed toward Diego Garcia, a British atoll in the Indian Ocean where the U.S. has a military base. The former head of the now-defunct Proteus Airlines, Marc Dugain, voiced his own theory that U.S. military, fearing a Sept. 11-style attack, may have shot down the plane as it approached the atoll. The U.S. has denied the aircraft came anywhere near Diego Garcia.

___

IT WAS HIJACKED BY PASSENGERS

Immediately after the plane disappeared, many speculated that one or more passengers hijacked the plane. This theory gained traction after it was discovered that two Iranians on board were traveling on stolen passports. Investigators cleared the two after finding nothing linking them to terror groups; it is believed they were trying to illegally immigrate to Europe. Police scrutinized the backgrounds of every passenger on the plane  but nothing suspicious was found.
LOS ANGELES  Detectives are investigating a knife purportedly found some time ago at the former home of O.J. Simpson, who was acquitted of murder charges in the 1994 stabbings of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman, a police spokesman said Friday.

A citizen supposedly found the knife, possibly during demolition of Simpson's former home years ago, and turned it over to a now-retired police motorcycle officer who was working as a security guard at a filming location, police Capt. Andy Neiman said.

The knife was being analyzed by an LAPD crime lab for DNA or other material.

It came to light in the past month, but Neiman did not say how that occurred, stressing the authenticity of the story was not confirmed.

Investigators were looking into whether "this whole story is possibly bogus from the get-go," he said.

The weapon used in the killings has been a mystery for decades. Other knives have surfaced during the case but were not linked to the crimes.

In 1994, a salesman testified at a preliminary hearing that he sold Simpson a knife before the killings.

That same month a woman turned in a red-stained kitchen knife she said she found near Simpson's home, and a handle and a piece of blade of a knife were found in a tank that collects waste from airplanes at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, where Simpson flew the night of the killings.

In 1998, a residential construction crew found a folding-blade knife in Simpson's former neighborhood but police said there was no evidence to show it was related to any crime.

Neiman said investigators didn't know the identity of the person who handed over the recently discovered knife and asked him or her to come forward.

The killings occurred June 12, 1994, and led to the "Trial of the Century" in which the former football star was acquitted by a jury that deliberated only four hours.

In 1997, a civil court jury found Simpson liable for the slayings and awarded millions of dollars in damages to the victims' families.

Neiman did not believe that Simpson could be charged again with murder if the latest knife is linked to the killings.

"I'm not an attorney, but it's my understanding from being a police officer for nearly 30 years that double jeopardy would be in place here," he said.

Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson, a former federal prosecutor who is a longtime observer of the Simpson case, agreed.

"If they were going to find this knife and make it useful in the murder trial they should have found it 20 years ago, and they didn't," she said. "It will just raise more questions about the incompetence of the investigation and probably lead to more books and more movies."

The department was looking into whether criminal charges could be filed against the ex-officer who held onto the knife. An officer who comes into contact with evidence is required to turn it over to investigators, Neiman said.

Internal administrative charges were unlikely since the officer is now retired.

Simpson is imprisoned in Nevada for a 2008 armed robbery and kidnapping conviction.

The account of the knife's discovery was first reported by TMZ.
Elisabeth High Betty MacClarence, 99, of Fredericksburg passed away Friday, March 4, 2016, at her home.

Betty grew up in Plainfield, N.J., but was born in Waukegan, Ill., on Dec. 1, 1916, the first daughter of Harold and Bess High. She graduated with high honors from Mount Holyoke College in 1938 with a degree in French. The following year she sailed to Europe and taught at a small school in Bourges, France, where she made memories that she shared throughout her life. When she returned to New Jersey, she met her future husband, John, whom she married on May 3, 1941.

After joining the Army, John was stationed in California, served in the Philippines during World War II, and returned to Arizona. It was during this time that their children were born. The couple then moved to Stafford County where they lived for almost 50 years until moving to Fredericksburg.

Betty taught French at James Monroe High School until her retirement. After retirement, she and John traveled extensively and volunteered in the community and at Trinity Episcopal Church, where they were members for more than 50 years.

She is survived by her children, Bill MacClarence (Jan) of Anchorage, Alaska, and Elisabeth MacClarence Steenken (John) of Pearisburg; her sister, Helen High Burdick; four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, John MacClarence, who died in 2007.

Her family would especially like to thank the caregivers and staff of Home Instead Senior Care and Lucille Toles for the outstanding care and loving support they provided during Bettys final years, making it possible for her to stay in the place she loved, her home.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, at Trinity Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations might be made to a favorite charity.

Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.
Contracts are signed and work on a new satellite crime lab for Eastern Montana should be completed in the next six to eight weeks.

The state will lease a 1,553-square-foot space from Billings Clinic in what used to house the Deaconess Research Institute, at 1045 N. 30th St.

The new lab was approved during the 2015 Montana Legislature in an effort to alleviate a growing, backed-up stack of cases at the Montana State Crime Laboratory in Missoula, as well as cut down on travel time needed for crimes in Eastern Montana.

As drug evidence increases, Eastern Montana officials plead for crime lab Wyatt Glade isnt a fan of catch and release drug cases, the kind in which defendants are ca

"The plan is to try to get some of the caseloads and backlog down," said Mike Milburn, deputy chief of staff to Attorney General Tim Fox.

When completed, the lab will test and identify drugs  toxicology testing and reports will still be completed in the Missoula lab  at a rate of as many as 700 cases annually, said Phil Kinsey, administrator of the state crime lab.

If everything goes according to plan, work on the lab will be completed in the next six to eight weeks.

"We're hoping to get in there in April or May," Kinsey said.

On Friday, Milburn and Kinsey joined Billings Clinic officials for a quick review of the space.

Billings satellite crime lab looking for a location, plans to open in January The Montana State Crime lab is still shopping for a location in Billings and is on schedule 

Its former role as a research center is one of the things about the space that appealed to state officials, since it was already built for research and testing and includes the lab rooms and infrastructure needed for the new lab.

"When you look at the high-stakes work environment they're in, this a good space," said Mitch Goplen, Billings Clinic's vice president of facility services. "This space is very functional."

When completed, it will have rooms for instruments and testing and analysis and include an evidence vault. It will house three employees  an analyst who will move from Missoula, a recently hired chemist from North Carolina and a yet-to-be-hired evidence technician for which the state recently placed a job posting.

The completed paperwork  the state is leasing the space from Billings Clinic  allows both parties to move forward and finish outfitting the space.

Billings crime lab proposal cut significantly Plans for a Billings-based, Eastern Montana Crime Laboratory have been scaled down significa

Since the lab will house and deal with evidence in criminal cases, enhanced security measures make up most of the remaining work before it can open. Those include cameras, building up walls to ensure a secure space, security doors and locks, motion detectors and a card access system to let employees in that logs each time somebody enters.

Equipment will be moved from the Missoula lab as well.

The remaining costs to get it up and running amount to about $140,000, which includes design fees, construction documents and programming, construction costs and specialty systems such as the security systems.

The Legislature authorized the DOJ to spend as much as $310,000 to secure a two-year lease and $476,000 to pay employees, with anything left over going into the DOJ's general fund. The money wasn't budgeted during the Legislature and will come out of the DOJ's budget, which it will ask the 2017 Legislature to supplement.

"It's important for us to get this," Milburn said. "We really wanted this."

Kinsey said that the goal is to have the lab in Billings tackle many of the drug analysis needs that pop up, especially in the eastern part of the state, while alleviating the backlog in Missoula, which, among other things, allows staff there to test more driving under the influence case samples quicker.

"It'll really take some of the caseload off Missoula," he said.
James B. Boswell, 83, of Chesterfield County went to be with the Lord on Thursday March 3, 2016.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Linda; sons Keith, Micah and Christian; 6 grandchildren; and his only sister, Marlene Davies.

James was born and raised in Boswells Corner in Stafford County. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Korean War. James served proudly as a Southern Baptist missionary in Peru with the International Mission Board for 30 years. He loved weight lifting and won many fitness awards. He was a dedicated pastor, father and husband.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, at Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Road (Route 10), in Richmond. His funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 7, at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Interment will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, following the funeral.

The family asks that consideration be given for donations to Colonial Heights Baptist Church Mission Fund, 17201 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights, VA 23834 or the Bensley-Bermuda Rescue Squad, Box 3360 Chester, VA 23831.
One World Direct Announces E-com Fulfillment Center in Los Angeles

One World Direct has defied convention in the fulfillment industry with the release of its new high-touch fulfillment services from Los Angeles. Further information can be found at http://www.owd.com/fulfillment-services-los-angeles.php

--

Earlier today, One World Direct announced the official opening of its Los Angeles area e-commerce fulfillment center. One World has been operating in the Los Angeles area since 2012. However, the company's prior facilities provided more traditional logistics services that were focused on large clients and port logistics services. One World's new Los Angeles-area location is focused exclusively on e-commerce fulfillment for high-touch clients.

Gideon Oakes, Director of Business Development at One World, says: "The L.A. facility is an important piece of the puzzle, when you're able to ship orders as soon as your inventory gets stateside, your entire supply chain gets shorter, cheaper and a whole lot faster. We wanted to focus this new fulfillment center exclusively on B2C e-commerce fulfillment." One World's facility is equipped with the latest in held-held devices, touch screens and customizable software.

Oakes went on to say, "Our e-commerce clients are focused on building their brands. They use our fulfillment services to customize their boxes, their packing slips and their brand experience." When asked if this personalized approach adds to the delivery time, Oakes shared that they have worked hard on their systems and are able to provide them at or above industry standard delivery times because "today, e-commerce is measured in minutes and hours, not days and weeks. Customers want their products now, and they simply aren't willing to wait."

One World's infrastructure allows one-off customization and personalization within a high-volume fulfillment setting. According to Oakes, "We have clients who want personalized cards inserted into their boxes; they want hand-written notes paired with orders; they want the human touch. As most of the industry goes generic, we're going towards high-touch."

In addition to order fulfillment, the company offers its clients other services such as e-commerce development, marketing assistance and a call center to handle telephone, e-mail, web chat and social media-based customer service and sales inquiries. Oakes said this integration is one of a kind in his industry and gives OWD's clients a competitive edge.

One World Direct has been in business for 22 years, being established in 1994. OWD has fulfillment facilities in South Dakota and Columbus, Ohio, as well as a contact center in South Dakota.

To find out more about OWD's high-touch fulfillment services, visit www.owd.com

For more information about us, please visit http://www.owd.com

Contact Info:

Name: Gideon Oakes

Organization: One World Direct

Address: 3325 C St, Mira Loma, CA 91752

Phone: (866) 936-2469 ext. 150

Release ID: 106035

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)
Palouse Brand Announces The Introduction Of New Product To Their Current Line

The company is now offering new hummus kits that are both USA-grown and non-GMO verified, reports http://www.palousebrand.com/.

--

Palouse Brand recently announced the introduction of a new product: the Palouse Brand Hummus Kit. With the growing popularity of hummus, these kits provide everything consumers needs to make their own creamy hummus at home. Whether a hummus-lover prefers to make their own with chickpeas or garbanzo beans (which Palouse explains happens to be the same food with two different names), their hummus is sure to tantalize their taste buds.

Sara Mader, a spokesperson for Palouse Brand, stated "We are so proud to add these new hummus kits to our line of products. We want our customers to know that we care deeply about them. Because of our concern for them, we have made sure that the chickpeas and garbanzo beans in this kit are Non-GMO verified, certified Kosher Parve, Food Alliance Certified, and carry the quality seal from the U.S. Dry Pea Council. There is no added MSG or artificial colors or flavors. The beans are USA-grown right here in Washington State by Steve and Kevin Mader. Quality is our standard, and we want that to shine through in these new hummus kits."

Palouse's dry-packed hummus recipe kits make 120 ounces of delicious hummus, with each pack containing 8 - 15 oz. servings. Each kit includes dry garbanzo beans as well as the necessary herbs and spices so that each customer can create the hummus fresh in their home. All that the customer has to do to make their hummus is soak the beans in water overnight and then boil them for one hour. Then, they'll create tahini by adding the included sesame packet with their own olive oil in a food processor. Finally, they'll add the beans and the included seasonings to the food processor and serve it when they're ready.

As Mader continues, "Our new kits featuring our tasty hummus recipes are a party planner's dream, but they're also great for families and individuals who simply love eating hummus. With our shelf-stable dry beans and spices, all they have to do is add their own water and olive oil, follow the simple directions and have hummus to share - or to keep to themselves - in no time."

About Palouse Brand:

Palouse Brand believes in preserving the earth's natural resources and treating them with care. The brand is Non-GMO Project Verified. From their farming practices to their packaging, Palouse Brand is thinking it all through. The farm operation uses the latest in sustainable agricultural practices. They have been using Direct Seeding and No-Till practices since 1982. These changes have greatly reduced soil erosion, have increased soil health, and helped the company control their cost in an ever-rising input cost environment. In 2006, Palouse Brand became Food Alliance certified. Their team is committed to improving their farms and evaluating new technologies and farming practices that ensure their ground is forever protected and remains viable.

For more information about us, please visit http://www.palousebrand.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Sara Mader

Organization: Palouse Brand

Address: Pullman, WA 99163

Phone: (509) 332-1535

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/palouse-brand-announces-the-introduction-of-new-product-to-their-current-line/106088

Release ID: 106088

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)
A onetime cafe on Montana Avenue is taking shape as a new venue to host art shows, theater performances, poetry readings and private parties.

The venue, named 2905 to reflect the address of the 1914 building, is owned by Grace Kim and Bryan Stafford. The Billings couple also owns Billings Open Studio.

The brick building sits between the Billings Army Navy Store and Bohemian Music in the 2900 block of Montana. Plans are to have it open in about two weeks and include the 2905 on the May ArtWalk.

Right now we are working our way through what this is going to look like, Kim said Tuesday. We are very interested in having art events.

Stafford was working on repairing holes in the brick walls on Tuesday and looking at laying a new, wood-look vinyl flooring, which will finish the extensive remodel of the buildings interior.

A few years back, the owners of the now-closed Cafe DeCamp purchased the building and were considering moving their restaurant there, but plans folded, and it came up for sale again.

Kim and Stafford purchased it in April 2015. The building, which has two apartments on the second floor, was most recently used as an office for a pawn shop.

Floor-to-ceiling windows framed in weathered barn wood distinguish 2905 from other nearby buildings. Stafford said working on the building for the past few months has been encouraging.

I find it exhilarating to see how much traffic Montana Avenue gets. Its nice to be part of the buzz of downtown, Stafford said.

Already, the site has hosted the Downtown Billings Alliance quarterly meeting in February, and two events are set, including an April 13 event that is part of the Spring Pulitzer Campfire. It will feature Billings poet Dave Caserio, musician Parker Brown and dancer Krista Leigh-Pasini. Pasini is also renting 2905 to host a theater event later in April.

The space is 2,000 square feet and holds 123 people. It is outfitted with a bathroom, tables and chairs, and a kitchen area with a refrigerator and sink.

There have been some interesting discoveries with the renovation of the building, including finding buffalo bricks out front and a ghost sign on the exterior that reads Eats. Stafford also found a photo from the 1920s that showed the building as a cafe.

Stafford installed industrial-grade steel beams for support and opened a narrow doorway between the main room and a back room. A DBA grant helped pay for the required sprinkler system.

Were hoping this becomes a go-to-place because there is definitely a niche here. Were not the Depot, but we have a nice space that is affordable and has a cool vibe, Stafford said.
Leaving the European Union would put the UKs access to vital farm subsidies and free market trade at risk, warn some of the countrys most prominent farm leaders.

Forty-two leading figures from the UK agricultural industry signed a letter published in The Times on Saturday (5 March), calling for Britain to remain in the EU.

Launching the Farmers for In campaign, alongside a host of farmers from around the UK, the signatories argue that leaving the European Union would be a risk we cannot afford to take.

See also: Video  Lord Plumb and Kendall unequivocal on EU referendum

Led by former NFU president, Sir Peter Kendall, the letter has been signed by prominent members of the farming community, including Lord Plumb, Sir Jim Paice, Scottish MEP George Lyon and Jilly Greed, co-founder of Ladies in Beef.

Market access

The letter argues: The European single market accounts for 73% of Britains agri-food exports and gives us access to a market more than twice the size of the USA.

Outside the EU we could keep all or some of this market, but we would have to abide by EU regulations without a say in their formation and pay into the EU budget without receiving EU payments in return. Wed pay, but have no say.

Former NFU president Sir Peter Kendall said: Being part of the worlds biggest trading block is crucial to the future of our farming and food industry.

Not only does it give us direct access to 500 million of the richest consumers in the world, but more EU free trade agreements with more than 50 countries mean we can sell into burgeoning markets across the globe.

Environmental threats

Environmental threats cross borders, so do the animal and plant diseases which endanger food supplies, and market volatility isnt just a problem for British farmers.

Sir Peter added: It is pointless trying to tackle these challenges unilaterally, at a country level; only by working together with other member states  with common standards and thresholds  will we give farming the security it needs in todays uncertain landscape.

I wont pretend the EU is perfect but Im convinced that as farmers were stronger, safer and better off inside.

Former Defra farm minister Sir Jim Paice said: Farmers have had the certainty of the CAP behind them and while it has many faults it is helping them through the current crisis of falling prices.

Inside the EU we gain from the strength of farmers elsewhere; outside we would be of little importance in a country where very few people and even fewer politicians have links with farming.

To pretend as some do that we would get better treatment is cloud cuckoo land.

UK regulations

While we might be able to abolish some EU regulations it doesnt mean they would not be replaced by UK ones to address the same issues.

Farmers need the EU not just for support but for free access to our main export market; leaving Europe would put it all at risk.

Scottish Lib Dem MEP George Lyon, a former NFU Scotland president, said the UK farming industry was much stronger and better off inside the EU.

He added: The Common Agricultural Policy is far from perfect, but at least it gives us a level playing field on farm support, safety nets at times of crisis, access to markets and the same rules on SPS and marketing.

Jilly Greed said: There have been claims from some Brexit MPs that UK food prices could fall by up to 17% if the CAP was scrapped. Spending on food as a share of total income has already fallen substantially through aggressive discounting between supermarkets.

An unsupported farming industry would be a disaster for consumers, producers, food processors and manufacturers alike, with already squeezed farmgate prices plummeting in the struggle to compete with increased volumes of cheap imported food, produced to lower standards of product safety and animal welfare.

Plan B

But opponents, including Defra farm minister George Eustice, claim that the UK and its farming industry have nothing to fear from leaving the EU.

Mr Eustice outlined his ideas for a Plan B exit from the European Union at last months NFU Conference.

We would do far better as a country if we ended the supremacy of EU law and actually shaped new, fresh thinking and created policies that would really deliver for our agriculture, said the minister.

Ukips agriculture spokesman, MEP Stuart Agnew, believes the UK farmers would be better off outside the EU because they would benefit from less red tape.

Mr Agnew has proposed a modified SFP system with an 80/acre payment to lowland farmers, less pro-rata on uplands, to be capped at 120,000/holding or 1,500 acres, if the UK left the EU.

There will be no more debating on this figure, no greening, no set-aside and no interference in your cropping, said Mr Agnew.
A survey of broadband speeds has found some rural areas are slower than the base camp at Mount Everest.

According to the survey, by Cable.co.uk, five villages in Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Cumbria and Somerset have broadband speeds so slow that it would take a full week to download a film.

The slowest broadband speed was recorded in the Gloucestershire village of Miserden, where speeds barely surpass the 1Mbps mark.

By comparison, the highest average broadband speed was recorded in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, which benefits from a staggering 77.17Mbps  60 times faster than Miserden.

Visitors to the Everest base camp can also access broadband speeds of more than 2Mbps via a satellite connection.

The government aims to provide superfast broadband coverage of at least 2Mbps to 90% of the UK by early 2016 and 95% by December 2017. It has also committed to a universal broadband speed on 10Mbps by 2020.

See also: Ofcom decision must speed up rural broadband

But the latest survey has done little to instil confidence in farmers that their businesses will get access to an adequate broadband service any time soon.

The Cumbrian town of Ulverston recorded the third worst average download speed at 1.45Mbps.

Ulverston farmers J Woodburn and Sons said their broadband service was not very good.

We are lucky if we get three bars, said a spokeswoman. We do have broadband. Occasionally it drops out and sometimes we cannot get any service at all.

It feels like we are the last to get it. We have been told our service is so bad because we are too far from the exchange. Our sons complain about it bitterly.

NFU Somerset county chairman James Small, who farms at Warren Farm on top of the Mendip Hills, about 15 miles from Bristol, described his broadband service was woefully inadequate.

Mr Small said: The landline broadband speed where my farm is located gets about 1Mbps. Its not the fastest, but at least it is not as bad as my uncles next door. He gets 0.7Mbps

I have talked to BT about it, but it looks like we will not have any landline solution because of the distance we are from the exchange.

The government wants to push everyone towards digital-by-default which is a smashing aspiration. But the agricultural sector is really badly positioned for that, just because of our geographical location.

Mr Small said a poor broadband speed was preventing him from using the latest EID technology on farm.

For our business needs, we can send emails. But I would like to do a bit more with technology, such as use EID to record livestock. But we dont get enough internet coverage to be able to record it in the field.

As for mobile phone coverage, Mr Small can get access to 3G, but the coverage is also poor.

He added: Ironically, when I took a holiday to Lanzarote, in a volcano setting, I could get 4G everywhere. It was incredibly quick. But I cannot get it here.
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
The Billie Jean King Main Library initially closed because of increased "mental health-related episodes" around the facility, official said.
Lois Ann Fenker

June 22, 1948  Feb. 10, 2016

Lois Ann (Motz) Fenker, 67, of Lacey, Washington, formerly of Seattle, died unexpectedly Feb. 10, 2016.

She was born June 22, 1948, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Merle Bud and Joan (Leeper) Motz, the third of five daughters. She was a librarian, devoted to improving systems and services in public libraries, and defending intellectual freedom and the right to read for all. She retired from the Seattle Public Library in 2009, having served as assistant director during the building of the renowned downtown library.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, John A. Fenker; mother Joan (Leeper) Motz; and sisters Janet Motz of Lone Tree, Colorado, Myrna Kennedy of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Eulee Motz of Glendale, Wisconsin, and Beverly Fett of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She had no children.

Lois grew up along the Colorado River on a peach ranch near Grand Junction, Colorado. She earned her bachelors degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and her MLS from the University of Denver.

Her first library position was at the Longview (Washington) Public Library in 1971, where she fell in love with her husband, John, and the Pacific Northwest, and stayed with them both the rest of her life. From the Ft. Vancouver Regional Library, she moved to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, where she served as assistant director from 1988 to 1999.

Lois was a loving wife, daughter, sister and aunt; and a kind, caring and loyal friend. She enjoyed reading and loved walking along the Oregon Coast, and then later around Green Lake and up and down the hills of downtown Seattle. She adored the cats in her life: KiChi in Vancouver and Corvallis, Ashley in Corvallis and Seattle, and her black twins Bix and Daphne in Seattle.

Her husband and a few close friends witnessed her cremation on Feb. 18 at Funeral Alternatives in Lacey, Washington, gathering afterwards at a farewell reception at the welcoming home of local friends.

A bench in her memory is planned for the public library in Corvallis. Donations towards this may be sent to the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library Foundation, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave., Corvallis, OR 97330, In Memory of Lois Fenker.

Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.FuneralAlternatives.org.

Arrangements are with Funeral Alternatives of Washington, Lacey.

Thomas T.J. Robert Rozell Jr.

Nov. 25, 1963  Feb. 24, 2016

Thomas T.J. Robert Rozell Jr. died at his home in Albany on Feb. 24, 2016. He was 52 years old. He was well loved!

Born on Nov. 25, 1963, in Medford to Thomas and Nancy Rozell, he grew up mostly in Salem, Central Point and Medford. He spent a few years in Michigan with his mom and brother. Before his senior year, he returned to live with his grandparents, graduating from Crater High School in 1982. Following high school, he attended the University of Oregon and remained a faithful U of O Duck.

T.J. began working in the car business for his dad when he was 15. He worked in banking a few years, but ultimately realized that he belonged on a car lot. Some say he missed his calling as a sports commentator, which leads to the many things he enjoyed.

T.J. enjoyed sports, all kind of music  Jimmy Buffet in particular  cars, sports, memorabilia, player statistics, crunching numbers in general, pre and post-game comments, anticipating said comments well, you get the idea. He was intelligent, articulate and outrageously funny. More than that, he was a sensitive man who loved deeply. And he loved his boys!

He struggled with drinking, but found support through family, AA and a revitalized faith and newfound church community. After beating his addiction, he felt a strong passion to encourage others struggling with theirs.

T.J. is survived by his son, Nicholas Rozell; stepson Riley Conner; grandma Mildred Rozell; dad Thomas Rozell; mom Nancy Rozell; brother Michael (Elaine) Rozell; uncles Jim Rozell and Ernie (Danette) Rozell; nephews Daniel, Ryan and Jeff; ex-wife Angie (David) Patterson; and Angies seemingly countless family members who are heartbroken by this loss.

T.J. loved Jesus, his family and many friends. He loved being a dad to Riley and Nick. He sought after and attained a great deal of success. Recent years, however, brought him much wisdom and understanding. He knew that his love for his sons, family and friends is the good stuff, you know, true success. This gave T.J. a lot of peace. Oh, and did we mention how proud he was of Riley and Nick? He sure did love those boys!

Please join us for a memorial to celebrate T.J.s life at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at Al Hutchinsons Auto Center, 1800 S.W. Ninth St., Corvallis, 97330.

Patrick J. OToole

Aug. 21, 1924  Feb. 23, 2016

Patrick J. OToole passed away Feb. 23, 2016, at the age of 91.

Born Aug. 21, 1924, in Portland to Phillip and Erma OToole, he graduated from Washington High School and served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946. Pat attended Oregon State University and lettered for three years on the crew team. Pat met Harriet McGill at an OSU baseball game and they married in 1949. They were married 60 years until Harriets passing in 2009. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 1951 with bachelors degree in business administration.

A longtime Corvallis resident, Pat owned and operated OToole Motor Company for more than 35 years. Pat and Harriet raised four children in Corvallis; all attended Crescent Valley High School. He loved fishing, crabbing, clamming, and hunting, racquetball and golf. A loyal OSU Beaver fan, he served on the Beaver Club Board of Directors for many years. Always in search for the perfect lawn, he was an avid gardener, and an expert at growing tomatoes. Loved by many for his dry wit and sense of humor, he was a loyal friend, loving dad, grandfather and husband, and an Irish prankster.

Pat is survived by children Dan OToole, Mary Casey, Tim OToole and Patty OToole-Perkins; sons-in-law Dan Casey and Eric Perkins; daughters-in-law Kitty OToole and Gail OToole; grandchildren Ryan, Angie, Theresa, Hannah, Patrick, Griffin, Molly, Kyle and Kasey, and three great-grandchildren.

Friends of Pat are invited to join his family in a celebration of his life at 2 p.m. on St. Patricks Day (of course), Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Trysting Tree Golf Course in Corvallis. Wearin o the green encouraged.

Patricia Anne Greg

March 16, 1948  March 2, 2016

Patricia, 67, of Albany died March 2.

Dont cry because its over, smile because it happened (Dr. Suess).

A private family gathering will be held.

Johnson Funeral Home in Salem is handling arrangements.

Death notices

Henry Coleman, 92, died March 4 at his home in Corvallis. Please leave your thoughts and condolences at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.

Martha Condon, 82, died March 3 in Springfield. Please leave your thoughts and condolences at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth McCrackin, 86, died March 4 at her home in Corvallis. Please leave your thoughts and condolences at www.mchenryfuneralhome.com.
Oregon lawmakers have approved a specific funding plan for fifth-year college programs, although fewer students now will be eligible to use it.

Senate Bill 1537, sponsored by State Sen. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis, passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday on a 47-11 vote and is now headed for the governors desk.

The bill establishes criteria for whats now being called the postgraduate scholar program. The program allows school districts to use state school money to cover books and tuition for graduates taking classes at community colleges.

The new postgraduate program wont cover as many students as the old fifth-year programs did, however.

Mid-valley fifth-year programs have been around since as early as 2003. They work on a premise  encouraged by passage of Senate Bill 300 in 2005  that students remain covered by K-12 district funds until they graduate. That meant schools could allow seniors to put off receiving their diplomas and take up to a years worth of college courses on the districts dime.

The programs artificially lowered the graduation rate of participating districts and chafed lawmakers who represent metro areas. Some complained the state school fund was never meant to go beyond students senior year in high school, and that it wasnt fair to allow smaller districts to do something that larger districts couldnt without breaking the states bank.

Gelser sponsored SB 1537 to create a funding plan that allows students to get their diplomas on time while still taking advantage of the programs.

Students can become post-graduate scholars only if they have all their credits for a diploma; have filled out the federal financial aid form known as a FAFSA; have applied for and accepted all the grant-based aid for which they are eligible, such as a Pell Grant; and have applied for the new community college grant program known as Oregon Promise, which is open to recent Oregon graduates with at least a 2.5 grade point average.

Students who receive funding through Pell or Oregon Promise will not be considered part of the postgraduate scholar program. Districts will be allowed to tap state school funds only for students who arent covered by the other programs.

During the first week of session, I was very worried as it appeared that there wasnt a path forward for this bill, Gelser wrote in an email to the Democrat-Herald. However, superintendents and impacted students rallied and brought the bill back to life.

What started out as a bill about sideboards became an example of great policy, and what can happen when communities work together across district lines. Im so glad students will have this opportunity moving forward, and am grateful I had a chance to play a part in protecting these incredibly effective programs.
The steering committee working on the Corvallis City Council goal of a vision and action plan holds the first of its three community workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at Lincoln Elementary School, 110 S.E. Alexander Ave.

The Imagine Corvallis 2040 project is designed to guide the citys growth and development for the next 20-plus years.

The workshop will focus on two of the six focus areas established by the vision committee: how we engage and support (involvement, equity and diversity) and how we prosper and innovate (economy, development and innovation).

The committee also will hold workshops from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 12 at Linus Pauling Middle School and March 19 at the Boys & Girls Club.

In other public meetings:

Saturday

The League of Women Voters is hosting a town hall on the just-concluded legislative session at 10 a.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. Scheduled to be on hand are Sen. Sara Gelser and Reps. Andy Olson and Dan Rayfield.

Monday

The Corvallis City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. at the downtown fire station, 400 N.W. Harrison Blvd. Councilors are scheduled to take action on a parking plan by Oregon State University associated with the universitys proposal to build an Agriculture Systems Managements Center on Campus Way west of 35th Street. An interim development agreement between the city and the university requires council review of OSU parking changes related to new development on campus.

Tuesday

The Corvallis City Council will hold a work session at 3:30 p.m. at the Madison Avenue Meeting Room, 500 S.W. Madison Ave. Councilors will discuss coordination with Benton County on efforts to tackle homelessness, ideas that have been generated by the task force looking at the citys housing development goal and focus areas for the vision and action plan process. Councilors cannot make final decisions at work sessions.

The Corvallis Historic Resources Commission meets at 6:30 p.m. at the downtown fire station. No public hearings are scheduled. Commissioners will review historic preservation provisions regarding sidewalk wheelchair ramps.

The League of Women Voters hosts a forum on post-secondary education at 7 p.m. at the library. On the agenda will be discussions of changes in post-secondary education, independent boards and impacts on Linn-Benton Community College and Oregon State University.

Panelists include Bob Brew, administrator of the Oregon Student Access Commission; Debbie Colbert, secretary of the OSU Board of Trustees; Michael Green, OSU vice-president of finance and administration; Dave Henderson, LBCC vice-president of finance and operations; and Larry Roper, OSU faculty member and former provost and member of the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.

Wednesday

The Corvallis Housing and Community Development Advisory Board meets at 11:30 a.m. at the Madison Avenue room.

The Corvallis Downtown Advisory Board meets at 5:30 p.m. at the Madison Avenue room.

The Corvallis Planning Commission holds a work session at 7 p.m. at the downtown fire station. Commissioners are scheduled to begin their discussion of comprehensive plan admendment changes that will be required by the update of OSUs District Plan. As it is a work session, no decisions will be made. The commission has scheduled a public hearing on the topic for March 16

Thursday

The Corvallis Civic Beautification and Urban Forestry Department Advisory Committee meets at 9 a.m. at the Parks and Recreation Department, 1310 S.W. Avery Park Drive.
F.Y.I. is a community calendar. To accommodate demand for the print edition, we ask that items be brief and include time, date, place, address, admission cost and a contact number for publication. Inclusion of items is at the discretion of the Gazette-Times. Further information is available at 541-758-9524 or jane.stoltz@lee.net.

Assistance

MONDAY

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Corvallis Elks Lodge, 1400 N.W. Ninth St., walk-ins and appointments, 541-602-5829. Free tax service open to taxpayers of all ages and backgrounds, with special attention to those 60 or over; AARP membership not required. Information: 888-227-7669 or www.aarp.org/taxaide.

Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA), 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Corvallis Senior Center, 2601 N.W. Tyler Ave. Free, confidential, impartial Medicare counseling and education. Appointments required; call 541-812-0849.

Emergency food boxes, 1:30 to 4 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Society Corvallis Conference Food Pantry, campus of St. Marys Catholic Church, 501 N.W. 25th St. No appointment needed. A thrift store is in the same building; proceeds help support the pantry. Information: 541-757-1988, ext. 317.

Stone Soup dinner, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., gymnasium, St. Marys Catholic School, 501 N.W. 25th St. Free meal for those in need.

Classes

SUNDAY

Yoga for recovery, 12:30 p.m., Live Well Studio, 971 N.W. Spruce Ave. For recovery for from substance abuse, eating disorders and codependency. By donation. Information: 541-224-6566 or www.livewellstudio.com.

Beginning calligraphy, 1 p.m., Studio262 Gallery and Art Supply Store, 425 S.W. Madison Ave., Suite H-1. Information: 541-829-3701 or studio262gallery@jenniferlommers.com.

MONDAY

English as a Second Language conversation classes, 10 a.m., Conference Room C, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. Information: 541-766-6793.

Events

SUNDAY

Spring soil testing, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Shonnards Nursery, Florist and Landscape, 6600 S.W. Philomath Blvd. Richard Erickson of Horizon Distributors will check your soil acidity and the nutrient levels, and give you advice on spring planting.

Confluence, the Willamette Valley LGBT Chorus, presents Celebrate! Earth, 4:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 N.W. Circle Blvd. Tickets: $15 if purchased from members or at www.confluencechorus.org ($12 for seniors and students); $18 at the door ($15 for seniors and students); no one turned away for lack of funds.

Open house, 5 to 6 p.m., Avery House Nature Center, 1200 S.W. Avery Park Drive. Fall registration is open for both the morning and afternoon Nature Play Preschool (ages 3 to 5) and the Afternoon Nature School (ages 6 to 8). Meet the teachers, ask questions about curriculum and explore all that place-based learning has to offer. Information: ahnc@corvallisenvironmentalcenter.org.

Peace vigil, 5 to 6 p.m., in front of the Benton County Courthouse, 120 N.W. Fourth St. Information: 541-829-0553.

Open auditions for Oregon State University Theatres production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, 6:30 p.m., main stage theater, Withycombe Hall, 2901 S.W. Campus Way. Information: elizabeth.helman@oregonstate.edu or http://bit.ly/1nbuaeh.

MONDAY

Wiggly Wobbler Story Time, 10 a.m., youth story time room, Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St. For children from birth through 18 months. Simple books, songs, movement, finger plays and ideas to use at home.

Jammin for the Hungry, 5 p.m., community kitchen, First United Methodist Church, 1165 N.W. Monroe Ave. Volunteers make jam for local food banks. Information: saragpower@gmail.com.

Bedtime story time, 7 p.m., Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. All ages.

Chess night, 7 p.m., Old World Deli, 341 S.W. Second St. Any level of experience welcome. Information: 541-753-1005.

Government

MONDAY

Benton County Mental Health, Addiction, Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee, 5:15 p.m., Siletz Conference Room, second floor, Health Department, 530 N.W. 27th St.

Corvallis City Council, 6:30 p.m., downtown fire station, 400 N.W. Harrison Blvd.

Philomath Fire and Rescue Board of Directors, 7 p.m., city hall, 980 Applegate St. Agenda: discussion of the districts master plan and implementation, and starting budget planning. Information: 541-929-3002.

Health

MONDAY

Benton Family Medicine, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 530 N.W. 27th St. Family medicine for infants, children and adults. Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid accepted. Information: 541-766-6835.

Lincoln Family Medicine, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1), 121 S.E. Viewmont Ave. Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid accepted. Information: 541-766-3546.

Free medical clinic, 8:30 a.m., Community Outreach, 856 N.W. Reiman Ave. Provides care to low-income people without health insurance.

American Red Cross mobile blood drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., CH2M Hill Alumni Center, 725 S.W. 26th St.

Monroe Family Medicine, 1 to 5 p.m., 610 Dragon Drive, Monroe. Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid accepted. Information: 541-847-5143.

Opportunities

Driver education courses, March and April, Corvallis. Cost: $265 for age 17 and under, $445 for age 18 and over. Registration: Linn-Benton Community College Benton Center, 757 N.W. Polk Ave.; 541-917-4849; or www.linnbenton.edu/driver-education.

Organizations

SUNDAY

Corvallis Pokemon League, 2 p.m., Corvallis Elks Lodge, 1400 N.W. Ninth St. Open to all ages.

Corvallis Bicycle Collective, 4 to 7 p.m.; for location, call 541-224-6885 or go to www.corvallisbikes.org. The group welcomes all to volunteer or to work on their own bikes.

Corvallis Bridge Club, 6:30 p.m., Heart of the Valley Bridge Center, 1931 N.W. Circle Blvd. Sign up 20 minutes before game. Partners/information: 541-740-1072 or www.corvallisbridge.org.

MONDAY

Corvallis Woodcarvers, 4 p.m., First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op South Store, 1007 S.E. Third St. Open to novice and experienced carvers. Information: 541-758-0709.

Five Stones Sangha, 5:30 p.m., Friends Meeting House, 3311 N.W. Polk Ave. Mindfulness meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh and the Community of Mindful Living. Information: 541-760-9760 or https://sites.google.com/site/fivestonessanghacorvallis.

Corvallis Evening Toastmasters Club, 6:10 p.m., Old Mill Center, 1650 S.W. 45th Place. Information: 541-207-2439.

Benton Soil and Water Conservation District, 6:30 p.m., conference room, Soil and Water Conservation District, 456 S.W. Monroe Ave., Suite 110. Information: 541-753-7208.

Corvallis Guitar Society, 7 p.m., Gracewinds Music, 137 S.W. Third St.; use the back entrance. Bring your guitar to join in and play. Donations accepted.

Schools

MONDAY

Corvallis School District Board of Directors, 5:45 p.m., administrative offices, 1555 S.W. 35th St. Executive session. Followed by regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Support groups

SUNDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous:

8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., Corl House, 3975 N.W. Witham Hill Drive.

9 a.m., community annex, First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op South Store, 1007 S.E. Third St.

7 p.m. (mens meeting), Zion Lutheran Church, 2745 N.W. Harrison Blvd.

7 p.m. (open meeting), College United Methodist Church, 1123 Main St., Philomath.

Information (24 hours): 541-967-4252 or www.aa-oregon.org.

Overeaters Anonymous open meeting, 4 p.m., meeting room, First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op, 2855 N.W. Grant Ave. Information: 541-220-4682.

Narcotics Anonymous, 5 p.m., Room 11, First Christian Church, 602 S.W. Madison Ave. Information (24 hours): 877-233-4287 or www.lblna.org.

Sex Addicts Anonymous, 7 p.m., Room 11, First Christian Church, 602 S.W. Madison Ave. Information: 541-757-2204.

MONDAY

Alcoholics Anonymous:

7 a.m., noon, Room 11, First Christian Church, 602 S.W. Madison Ave.

7 a.m., upstairs, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 N.W. Circle Drive.

5:30 p.m., library, pastoral center, St. Marys Catholic Church, 501 N.W. 25th St.

5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. (womens meetings), lounge, Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 N.W. 35th St.

7:30 p.m., Crossroads Christian Fellowship, 2555 N.W. Highland Drive.

Information (24 hours): 541-967-4252 or www.aa-oregon.org.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), 8:30 a.m., College United Methodist Church, 1123 Main St., Philomath. Information: 541-619-1358.

Lifestyles Overcoming Troubles Utilizing Support Group (LOTUS), 11 a.m., Benton County Health Department, 530 N.W. 27th St. Information: 541-766-6107.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Stress Group, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by WellMama. For pregnant women and mothers. For location, call 541-231-4343.

Narcotics Anonymous, noon to 1 p.m., 7 p.m., Room 11, First Christian Church, 602 S.W. Madison Ave. Information (24 hours): 877-233-4287 or www.lblna.org.

Domestic Violence Support Group, 6 p.m. Call 541-754-0110 for location. For women who have experienced emotional or physical abuse in relationships with their partners. Child care is available.

Celebrate Recovery, 6:30 p.m., sanctuary, North Corvallis Ministry Center, 5050 N.E. Elliott Circle. Christian-based recovery program.
MOSCOW  Among the dozen 15-year-old girls in lavender leotards in Tatyana Galtsevas class at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy, one is different. And its not just because of her long, swan-like neck.

She is Harper Ortlieb, an American, who left her small town in Oregon to move to Moscow to follow her dream of becoming a prima ballerina.

The prestigious academy has 84 foreigners among its 721 students, but few are accepted when they are as young as Harper and few are integrated into the regular Russian program.

She is a very gifted girl. She is all ballet, all inspiration, Galtseva said. When children are talented, regardless of their nationality, they are alike in some way in how they approach what they do.

The Bolshoi took notice of Harper during a summer program it held in Connecticut and offered her a place in the Moscow academy. She knew her teachers would be tough and that it would be a challenge to be so far away from home, but it has been even harder than she expected.

Its been very difficult, but with that comes strength and with that I improve, Harper said. I feel like I came here to get better, to improve, not only technically but emotionally so when I dance people see something.

One concern for her parents in the decision to send their daughter, then 14, to Moscow was the strain in U.S.-Russian relations and the strong anti-American sentiments in Russian society.

Harper, though, says she feels accepted by her classmates. Her teacher concurs, noting that just that morning some of the other girls had brought her a skirt to wear over her leotard because they were expecting a visit to the class by foreign journalists.

In her Moscow neighborhood, the women in her favorite grocery store have taken a shine to the delicate American teen, helping her pick out fresh fruit and keeping her favorite almond butter stocked. And in the local Starbucks they have learned to spell her unusual name on her cup.

A total of 17 Americans study at the Bolshoi academy, outnumbered among the foreign students only by the 28 from Japan, with the rest coming from 22 other countries. Some of the foreign students took part in the spring concert on Thursday evening, and Harper was among the few girls from her class chosen for two of the dances.

Preparing for a performance, its all you think about. It kind of overtakes your mind, she said. Preparing for exams, Im always very nervous. Theres a lot of stress. But with that stress, you know, comes happiness and you feel overjoyed when youre dancing, you forget about everything, you forget about the sacrifices you make, you forget about the pain, or the tears. Dancing is what makes me happy, no matter how much you have to sacrifice.
Teriyaki chicken kebabs with vegetables and kale chips. A baked pork chop with sauteed broccoli, potatoes and Brussels sprouts. Bacon-wrapped chicken stuffed with cheese and bell peppers that was served with steamed rice and sauteed vegetables. A pork chop with homemade apple sauce. A pork chop and cinnamon fried apples.

All of these were made by mid-valley high school students Wednesday during a cooking competition at Crescent Valley High School inspired by the television show Chopped.

Students from Philomath, Crescent Valley, Scio, and West Albany high schools competed in an event that challenged them to prepare a meal using three required ingredients and one mystery ingredient in a short time span.

Each school had two teams. Half of the teams competed in round one, cooking for an hour. Then two teams were cut as the other half of the teams competed making their own meals with a new set of ingredients. Then two teams were cut from the second round, and the remaining four teams went on to a dessert round, which determined the winner.

Two teams from Philomath, a team from Crescent Valley and a team from Scio made the final round. The Scio team won the competitions final round.

The food was judged by a panel of three professionals in the culinary field.

Debra Zeller, health, family and consumer studies teacher at Crescent Valley, said the competitions have gone on for around five years, and past iterations of the event have been hosted by Philomath as well as CVHS.

Hannah Noonan, a Philomath senior, was part of the team that made the finals with their teriyaki chicken kebabs.

I like to cook and I thought it would be a fun experience, she said.

Noonan said the competition requires you to figure out how to work on a timeline. Although she said her team wished they had a little more time, because as the clock was winding down the kebabs they had decoratively balanced across a cooked bell pepper fell off and they had to present it as is.

It was kind of stressful at the end, she said.

Noonan said shes not interested in a career in the culinary field, but shes found education in cooking useful in her job.
Syrian relief : Bonn aid organizations helping in Syria

Bonn Bonn aid organizations are doing what they can to help in Syria. A fragile ceasefire has them working around the clock.

Teilen

Teilen Weiterleiten

Weiterleiten Tweeten

Tweeten Weiterleiten

Weiterleiten Drucken

A ceasefire in Syria means aid organizations are working around the clock to help those living in the war zone. Organizations based in Bonn or with chapters here are doing what they can to provide food, medicine and whatever help is needed. Marten Mylius is working for the German affiliate of international organization "Care". He is coordinating out of Jordan, but relies on local partners to help on location in Syria. Mylius says they were able to provide blankets, devices for purifying and water distribution, and other needed items over the Jordan/Syrian border. They are also providing medical help in the north and trying to get to those in isolated areas or places that have been cut off.

Welthungerhilfe (World hunger help) is based in Bonn and has been very active in the region. Dirk Hegmanns, Regional Director for Turkey, Syria, and northern Iraq says the ceasefire is still very fragile, not entirely trusted by the local residents. Last year, Welthungerhilfe reported handing out 28,000 winter kits, 16,200 food coupons and providing paid jobs for 10,800 persons. A basic supply of bread has been provided to 148,000 victims of the war. Extra flour is delivered to selected bakeries so they can increase their production to provide for the citizens. According to Welthungerhilfe, 7.6 million Syrians are displaced within Syrian borders.

Another aid organization which has been helping Syrians from their Bonn location is Help-Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe (Help for self-help). Karin Settele says they are providing help to people in the area of Homs and Damascus. This includes food, safe drinking water, hygienic and winter articles, medical help and emergency schooling. Attacks in the last weeks have made it more difficult for them to access those in need; some areas have been cut off.

GIZ, based in Bonn is an organization which helps the German government to achieve its goals in international cooperation and works towards sustainable development. In southern Turkey, GIZ expanded school buildings to create space for 2,000 Syrian and 2,500 Turkish school children. Teachers were hired from the refugee population and are given a compensation for their work. In northern Iraq, GIZ is working to train plumbers because 40 percent of their precious drinking water gets contaminated in rusted pipes.

For those who would like to make a donation, the following links are in English:

Help- hilfe zur Selbsthilfe http://www.help-ev.de/en/
In the Bull Mountains, an hour or so northeast of Billings, two important forces in Montanas history  coal mining and ranching  are butting heads in a way that says a lot about possible paths for the states future.

Montanas Board of Environmental Review recently overturned a permit for the proposed expansion of a coal mine, saying the states Department of Environmental Quality had failed, among other things, to consider the long-term impacts of mining on water.

Coal mining has long been present in eastern and central Montana, though it has been highly controversial for the past half-century and has never been sustainable over the long term. Ranching, on the other hand, has been a pillar of Montanas economy since before statehood and has proven sustainable. In our arid state, water is the lifeblood of family ranching operations that have been running cattle for generations. Quite simply, ranching in Montana cannot survive without clean, available water  something to which mining millions of tons of coal poses a huge risk.

7,000-acre expansion

In the case of Signal Peak Energys application to expand its mining by 7,000 acres, the Board of Environmental Review decided in favor of clean water, which may bode well for the future of ranching in the Bull Mountains.

The coal industry is in a death spiral. Coal consumption in the U.S. is projected to drop by 20 percent or more in the coming decades. Leading coal corporations in the U.S. are in financial trouble, as evidenced by Arch Coal going bankrupt and Peabody Energy teetering on the brink of financial ruin.

It would be naive to expect out-of-state coal companies on the brink of collapse to be committed to Montanas long-term well-being. This is particularly the case for Signal Peak, which is co-owned by Boich Companies and FirstEnergy (both from Ohio), and the Gunvor Group, a global commodity trader registered in Cyprus and headquartered in Switzerland.

Its hard to imagine Boich, FirstEnergy and Gunvor putting down roots in Montana or cleaning up lost water supplies in 50 years. In fact, Signal Peak has already started to cut production and lay off workers, and First Energy recently told investors that their one-third share in the mine is worth nothing (as in zero).

15 warning letters

This is important in the context of the Board of Environmental Review decision because when Signal Peak packs its bags and leaves Montana, which is inevitable, unfortunately, the company wont take its water pollution with it. That will stay with us. DEQ already is looking the other way on repeated violations of the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act at the Signal Peak mine. In the past three years, the agency has sent 15 warning letters and reminder notices of violations to Signal Peak, but it has taken no formal enforcement action.

The global decline of the coal industry makes it all the more urgent to hold companies accountable for damage to Montanas irreplaceable water. We must ensure that the people who live in Montana  like the generations of families that have earned their livelihood ranching in the Bull Mountains  dont have to live with a legacy of pollution while paying to clean up coal companies messes. Montana has seen this countless times before. Lets learn from past mistakes rather than repeat them.

The Board of Environmental Review remanded Signal Peaks expansion permit to DEQ for further review. We will follow this case closely to assure that Montanas water resources are not sacrificed so that out-of-state coal corporations can turn a fast profit before pulling up stakes.
A new study shows that many teachers aren't aware of the strong consensus on human-caused climate change and instead overstate material from a thoroughly discredited minority. They dont realize that 97 percent of climate scientists  those who qualify as experts capable of testifying in court on the issue  conclude from their many studies that humans are causing the Earth to warm.

Knowledgeable teachers will clarify that 809 scientists who helped review 9,200 scientific publications for the 5th Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report confirmed human-caused global warming. The National Academies of Science from 80 countries along with 18 American scientific organizations (including the American Meteorological Society and American Geophysical Union) have made formal policy statements recognizing humans cause global warming.

Teachers are urged to explain that scientists could not reproduce findings in 38 publications, which those denying human caused climate change quote most often. Professor Katherine Heyhoe (wife of an evangelical pastor) wrote about the review: Every single one of the 38 studies we examined had at least one error; an error that, if it was fixed, would bring the results of the study straight into line with the thousands of other studies that  find that climate is changing and humans are responsible.

Perception vs. facts

So, failure to teach accurately about the clear consensus view may be one reason the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication, which surveyed 13,000 persons older than 25 from 2008 to 2014, indicated 60 percent of Montanans think global warming is happening. However, only 46 percent of those Montanans indicated they thought global warming is caused mostly by human activities.

Gallups March 2015 poll found 55 percent of U.S. citizens thought increases in the Earths temperature over the last century were due to human causes. Only 41 percent believed natural causes brought about increased warming.

Percentages acknowledging human causation likely would be higher than 55 percent if the electorate correctly perceived the overwhelming scientific consensus behind the human caused global warming conclusion. However, in the Yale study, only 37 percent of Montanans answered that most scientists believe that global warming is happening. That perception simply does not reflect the facts.

The Yale Project also found 57 percent percent of Montanans thought 20 percent of their electricity should come from renewable resources like the wind and the sun. Iowa and South Dakota already get 25 percent from renewables. More than 20 percent of the 80,000 megawatts of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas capacity now comes from wind. Texas wind turbines dont always produce 20 percent of the needed electricity. However, they accounted for more than 45 percent of ERCOTs overall load on Feb. 18. Texas is adding 5,000 MW of wind power.

Support Montana I-180

The proposed Initiative 180 ballot initiative (which we support) would give Montanans (57 percent) what they want. It requires NorthWestern Energy and Montana Dakota Utilities (investor-owned utilities or IOUs) to produce by 2019, 22 percent of their electricity from renewable resources that have been installed after 2005.

By reaching 50 percent renewables in 2030, I-180 also will facilitate IOU compliance with Americas Clean Power Plan. And by requiring 80 percent renewables by 2050, I-180 will be well on the way to accomplishing what we must do to prevent overheating our Earth. So, please help. Say youll sign to put I-180 on Montanas November ballot by emailing your contact information to gather@mtcares.org so a signature gatherer can contact you.
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.
STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON CURRENT NATIONAL SECURITY DEBATE

John McCain - US Senator - Arizona

Mar 03 2016

Washington, D.C.  U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the current debate on national security:

"I share the concerns about Donald Trump that my friend and former Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, described in his speech today. I would also echo the many concerns about Mr. Trump's uninformed and indeed dangerous statements on national security issues that have been raised by 65 Republican defense and foreign policy leaders.

"At a time when our world has never been more complex or more in danger, as we watch the threatening actions of a neo-imperial Russia, an assertive China, an expansionist Iran, an insane North Korean ruler, and terrorist movements that are metastasizing across the Middle East and Africa, I want Republican voters to pay close attention to what our party's most respected and knowledgeable leaders and national security experts are saying about Mr. Trump, and to think long and hard about who they want to be our next Commander-in-Chief and leader of the free world."

###



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chievres AB: Separated, self-sufficient

By Staff Sgt. Sara Keller, 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published March 04, 2016

CHIEVRES AIR BASE, Belgium (AFNS) -- Standing at the end of the short runway, only chickens can be heard clucking from a family farm just a stone's throw away.

The morning air is dull and misty, but not as foggy as yesterday, so if you squint your eyes just right you can see clear across the small military base. Today's mission has been canceled and there's a charming calm to the base, like an old man who's lived through so much, there's just no need for the rush anymore.

Chievres Air Base is home to the 424th Air Base Squadron, a group of Airmen nestled in the heart of the Belgian countryside to provide airfield operations support for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), NATO transient aircraft and distinguished visitors.

The squadron is made up of approximately 70 Airmen, and about 18 career fields, with DV aircraft transiting through up to three times a week.

The 424th ABS, like the 65th Air Base Group in Lajes Field, Azores, and the 496th ABS in Moron, Spain, is a geographically separated tenant unit that falls under the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein AB, Germany.

The base is located about 20 minutes from SHAPE and almost four hours from Ramstein AB. The area, along with much of Belgium and Europe is rich in history and certainly has a story to tell.

The first airfield at Chievres was established during World War I and was rebuilt by Germans in 1940. It was bombed more than 30 times during the World War II before Allied forces occupied the base in October 1944. In 1967, Belgian authorities turned the base over to SHAPE and it has been known as Chievres AB since.

Occupations within the squadron range from security forces and firefighters to air traffic controllers, fuels management and vehicle mechanics. Although each Airmen at the base has a specific job, being geographically separated with a limited amount of personnel, Airmen end up getting the opportunity to fulfill multiple roles within the squadron.

'There are a lot of things Airmen do here that are unique to this location, that they wouldn't normally do at a bigger base,' said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Wagoner, the 424th ABS superintendent. 'A lot of positions here are only one-deep slots, so our Airmen end up getting the chance to run programs that are normally ran by someone of a higher rank. It's actually a great opportunity for our Airmen to get experience and grow.'

The 424th ABS is a self-sustaining unit; they function somewhat like a wing, just on a smaller scale. They conduct their own official physical fitness testing and even urinalysis testing. When Airmen in the squadron have questions that can't be answered or a service that the base just isn't equipped for, that's when they reach back to Ramstein AB for support.

'We do a lot on our own here but we know we can always reach back to our counterparts back at Ramstein for assistance,' Wagoner said, who also doubles as the squadron's airfield manager. 'We have to figure things out sometimes without the immediate mentorship we might be used to, so although it might have its challenges, it pushes us to learn things that we might have never had to.'

When Wagoner isn't busy revising enlisted performance reports or managing the airfield he has the opportunity to meet every single Airman he works with and really get to know them. He knows when they put their last stripe on, their kids' names and where they just came back from leave.

'It feel likes our own little Air Force family sometimes,' said Senior Airman Derrick Kemp, a member of the 424th ABS. 'We're a tight-knit unit. We hang out together, workout together and help each other out with whatever we might need.'

Along with the great relationships he's been able to build in his short time, Kemp said one of his favorite things about being stationed at Chievres AB is the location in Europe and the amount of time he has to really focus on his upgrade training and growing his career.

Being stationed at a geographically separated unit has its challenges, but being at a place like Chievres AB will continue to give Airmen there a unique outlook on the Air Force mission as they provide world-class airfield support to their SHAPE and NATO customers.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Deputy SecDef: Exciting technology being developed at Wright-Patterson

By Lisa Ferdinando, DOD News, Defense Media Activity / Published March 04, 2016

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- The civilian and military personnel at the laboratories here are working on cutting-edge technologies to maximize human performance, protect the warfighter, and secure the nation.

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work made a number of stops here March 3 during a one-day visit, including to the 711th Human Performance Wing and the National Air and Space Intelligence Center.

The visit was focused on the technologies that would support the department's third offset strategy, intended to deter and protect against emerging and new threats, he said.

That strategy includes the development of learning systems, human-machine collaboration and combat teaming, and network-enabled and cyber-hardened autonomous weapons, the deputy defense secretary said.

Research and development and readiness are deeply connected, Work said. The department has achieved a good balance between future readiness and current readiness, he added.

Advanced technologies to help warfighter

Work highlighted the programs he was briefed on March 3, including the technology demonstration program known as BATMAN -- Battlefield Air Targeting Man-Aided Knowledge -- which focuses on adapting technologies to dismounted airmen.

It's an advanced technology research program within the 711th Human Performance Wing, developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

BATMAN includes the Battlefield Airmen Trauma Distributed Observation Kit, or BATDOK, which would allow an Air Force pararescue jumper to monitor the vital signs of several wounded service members at once through the use of sensors and a small, wireless computer that can be worn on the jumper's forearm.

'That's a perfect example of how wearable electronics and stuff like that can assist the human in doing their jobs on the battlefield,' Work said.

That technology could be used elsewhere in the battlefield to protect and assist service members, Work explained.

Other technologies under development include autonomous weapons systems, advanced aircraft anti-collision systems, sophisticated monitoring sensors for aircrew, and new aerial radars and sensors that track activity on the ground.

Work's impression of the day: 'It was really cool. I was really excited.'

Promote STEM, stay cutting edge

At the start of his visit here, Work spoke to a group of middle and high school students, to encourage them to consider a government career in science.

The youth were visiting the base for 'Week at the Labs,' a White House initiative to inspire students -- especially those in underserved communities -- to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

The United States is among the most technologically advanced nations in the world, Work said. It is 'absolutely critical for the security of the nation' that it stays on the cutting edge, he said, so recruiting the best people is important.

In decades past, the technology that was driving military innovation was coming from the U.S. government, but that's not the case anymore, the deputy defense secretary said.

Most of the military-relevant technologies of today, such as robotics, artificial intelligence and autonomous technology, are being driven by the commercial sector, he added.

'We're in a competition for talent,' Work said. That is why it is critical to recruit the best and the brightest that America has to offer, who include, Work said, the youth who visited the base for the day.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Military Strikes Continue Against ISIL in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 4, 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 and fighter aircraft conducted six strikes in Syria:

-- Near Hasakah, four strikes struck three separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed an ISIL heavy machine gun and an ISIL vehicle and damaged an ISIL tunnel system.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, two strikes struck two ISIL petroleum pipelines.

Strikes in Iraq

Fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted eight strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government:

-- Near Baghdadi, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL vehicle and an ISIL sniper position.

-- Near Beiji, a strike struck a large ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 16 ISIL vehicles.

-- Near Fallujah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Kisik, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL supply cache.

-- Near Mosul, a strike destroyed two ISIL fighting positions.

-- Near Sinjar, two strikes destroyed three ISIL heavy machine guns, two ISIL fighting positions and two ISIL assembly areas.

-- Near Sultan Abdallah, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL weapons cache, an ISIL bed-down location and three ISIL fighting positions.

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 that have conducted strikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations that have conducted 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






Iraqi Forces Preparing for Mosul Assault, OIR Spokesman Says

By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2016  With coalition support, Iraqi security forces are preparing for the assault to reclaim the key city of Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, an Operation Inherent Resolve spokesman said today.

Speaking to Pentagon reporters via teleconference from Baghdad, Army Col. Christopher Garver said the Mosul assault will happen in the coming months on the timeline of the Iraqis, as they are the ones planning the operation.

'We're supporting them throughout the operation, but we look for ways to accelerate the timeline,' he said, explaining that this includes speeding up the training for the Iraqi soldiers, and providing options to help them on the ground.

The battle for the city already has started, he said, noting that shaping operations have been going on for several months. 'We have struck [ISIL] fighters, weapons, leaders, and financial assets with precision and lethality,' the colonel said.

The coalition has been training and equipping the Iraqi security forces who will conduct the assault, Garver said. Training also is underway for the police forces who will serve as the "hold force" throughout Iraq to prevent ISIL's resurgence, he said.

'Along the way, we continue to explore options to accelerate the operation in order to meet the prime minister's goal of seizing Mosul and defeating [ISIL] in Iraq in 2016,' he said.

The operations in Iraq are designed to cause ISIL to fight across the breadth and depth of the terrain it controls, Garver said, while preventing the terrorists from moving around the battlefield and reinforcing fighters.

Progress in Iraq

Meanwhile, Iraqi security forces are continuing the isolation phase of Fallujah and have encircled the town and surrounding urban sprawl, Garver said, and continue to improve defensive positions and prepare for future operations into Fallujah. The coalition supported the isolation phase by conducting 11 strikes against ISIL targets since Saturday, Garver said.

In Sinjar, the colonel said, the Iraqi forces to retain the area and the coalition continues to support operations with airstrikes against ISIL remnants near the city and along the east-west Highway 47. Since Feb. 27, the coalition has conducted 13 strikes against ISIL tactical units, rocket positions, mortar positions, a sniper position, and fighting positions, he added.

In the Hit and Haditha corridor in the Euphrates River Valley, the coalition continues to disrupt ISIL's command and control and the flow of reinforcements and supplies inside the river valley, he said.

March 1 ISIL suicide attacks on an Iraqi army compound headquarters building in Haditha killed eight Iraqi soldiers and wounded eight others, Garver said. 'In spite of these losses," he added, "Iraqi army units and Sunni [Popular Mobilization Forces] continue operations in that area."

Syrian Efforts

Since the start of the offensive in Shadaddi last month, the Syrian Democratic Forces have gained more than 2,600 square kilometers, Garver said. Those gains bring the total amount of terrain the SDF controls in northern Syria to more than 20,000 square kilometers, he said.

While the SDF controls Shadaddi, Garver said, it is continuing to clear the ground, including pockets of resistance and has begun providing humanitarian assistance in the area of Shadaddi.

'The fight to seize and clear Shadaddi and the subsequent operations in Hasakah province have gone much faster than the SDF original timeline, but the fighting has been tough at times,' Garver said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Dunford Says Afghans Applying Security Lessons Learned in 2015

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, March 4, 2016  While the highlight of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's visit to Afghanistan was the change of command in Kabul, he also took advantage of the visit to check on operations in the eastern part of the country.

Overall, Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. said he was pleased with what he saw and believes integration of lessons learned from operations last year will make the Afghan army and police more effective forces going forward.

Afghan security forces went through tough tests in 2015, Dunford said. Enemy forces tested them in many areas and many ways.

Last year, the Afghans assumed control of their security with very little coalition back-up, he said. Afghan forces need more capabilities in some complex areas -- ministerial capacity, aviation, logistics, special operations and the intelligence enterprise, the chairman noted.

Delaying some of these capabilities was the fact that Afghan security forces had to provide protection for two elections. "It's fair to say the political transition took longer," Dunford said. "2015 really was the first summer without significant coalition capabilities," he said. "The Afghan forces were in the fight on their own."

Developing Capabilities

Some people have characterized actions in Afghanistan over the past year as a stalemate, the chairman said. "I would say there were some successes, some setbacks, but overall the Afghan forces at least proved resilient, they stayed in the fight," he said. "Now there are some lessons learned from 2015 that can be applied for 2016."

Dunford said one area that will receive a lot more attention in 2016 is integrating aviation assets into the Afghan combined arms campaign. The Afghan air forces now have MD-530 helicopters and A-29 Super Tucano fixed-wing close air support aircraft. "We will see the difference," he said. "Right now [we're] working on getting all the spare parts we need, getting the maintenance, then doing some training that addresses the shortfalls."

Afghan leaders recognize adjustments have to be made in the campaign plan this year. Dunford met with Afghan chief of defense Gen. Qadam Shah, Defense Minister Masoom Stanekzai and President Ashraf Ghani and, he said, all spoke of the things that will be done in 2016 to set the conditions for success in the current campaign plan.

And the Afghans will have assistance from the coalition, the chairman said. Afghan leaders are briefing their campaign plan to new Resolute Support Mission commander Army Gen. John W. Nicholson and he will see how coalition forces can configure their capabilities to help the Afghans this year, Dunford said.

"One of the things that helped the Taliban in 2015 was the uncertainty of the U.S. commitment in 2016," he said. "That now has been addressed."

President Barack Obama's decision to keep 9,800 U.S. service members in Afghanistan through most of 2016 is a clear message to the Taliban and al-Qaida -- and to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, which is trying to build support in Afghanistan -- that the coalition is standing with the Afghan people, the chairman said. "Taliban leaders told their followers that the United States would be gone, and now they know it is not true," Dunford said.

'Red-on-Red' Fighting

The chairman also met with U.S. troops in Jalalabad. He received briefings on the complexity of the battlespace in the east, where intelligence officials spoke of infighting among the Taliban, al-Qaida and ISIL during 2015, noting that there was a lot of "red-on-red" actions there.

The U.S. troops in Jalalabad are advising the 201st Corps, and they feel very good about their relationship with the Afghans and have noticed another level of maturity to the Afghan forces, Dunford said.

Overall, the chairman said, he's pleased with the coalition relationship with the Afghan government.

Dunford said he was also quite pleased that Pakistan's Army chief of staff, Gen. Raheel Sharif, attended the change of command ceremony in Kabul. The two men were able to catch up on a number of issues including increasing coordination along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, and assessing the threats to the region. "Their sight picture is pretty close to ours," he said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






'Let's be Ambitious Together' Pacom Commander Urges in India

By Karen Parrish DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2016  Strengthening conversations, advancing relationships, and ambitiously realizing a joint strategic vision were a few of the goals the leader of U.S. Pacific Command shared with an international audience at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi this week.

Navy Adm. Harry Harris Jr. was a keynote speaker at the inaugural conference, held March 1 to 3, was billed as India's flagship geopolitics and geo-economics conference.

The event drew high-level government, industry, media and academic delegates from throughout the region and around the world -- including many from the Pacom area of responsibility, which covers territory stretching from the western United States to India's western border and from Antarctica to the North Pole.

Progress Can't Come Fast Enough

Harris said that, in his opinion, since President Barack Obama and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year outlined a joint strategic vision, the two nations can pool their capabilities to build the region's security and strengthen dialogues.

"Together, we can ensure free and open sea lanes of communication that are critical for global trade and prosperity," he said. "This is a pillar of the international and inclusive rules-based global order and a principle upon which we cannot waver."

India has a vast historical and cultural influence extending from Southeast Asia to Mongolia and from Indonesia to the Central Asian steppes, Harris said. That influence also extends to the United States, he added, which is home to about three and a half million Americans of Indian descent.

India is important to America and to Pacom, Harris said, which is why he said he chooses to use the term "Indo-Asia-Pacific" instead of the more common "Asia-Pacific."

"The Indian and Pacific oceans are the economic lifeblood that links India, Australia, Asia, Oceania and the United States together," he said.

Diplomatic and security partnership "are what America's rebalance is all about," he said, strengthening "the economic connective tissue" that nations in the region need to maintain stability.

India, U.S. Forge 'Defining Partnership'

Harris said for the United States, expanding cooperation with India "will not only be the defining partnership for the rebalance, it will arguably be the defining partnership for America in the 21st century."

India's leadership in the region is increasing, the admiral said, and "We are ready for you. We need you. Let's be ambitious together."

Harris said he is "clear-eyed and perhaps a bit moonstruck" by the opportunities for strategic partnership with India, and equally clear-eyed about the region's threats: "Significant security challenges that no one country is capable of solving alone."

By 2050, "It's expected that seven out of every 10 people who walk this planet will live in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region," he said. While the challenges of ensuring food, energy, housing and human freedom concerns for that many people, Harris noted, "will test the global community in the coming years, they are not insurmountable."

India is already moving ahead to build regional cooperation, the admiral said. Last year, India hosted Japan and Australia for its first high-level trilateral dialogue; Harris said maritime security, including freedom-of-navigation patrols, was a key topic at that dialogue.

The United States would welcome the chance to join that dialogue and make it quadrilateral, Harris said. "We are all united in supporting the international rules-based order that has kept peace [in the region]," he said.

India is establishing a strategic partnership with Japan as well as with the United States, the admiral said, and substantive meetings have taken place among the nations' respective political and defense leaders.

"In my opinion, all of us should be rushing to strengthen the U.S.-India relationship, while helping India position itself as a global power and security partner of choice in this region," Harris said.

U.S.-India Cooperation 'Frankly Stunning'

He said "another promising outcome" of increased U.S.-India cooperation is a slate of joint military exercises set for this year.

"This is the kind of progress that is frankly stunning," Harris said. "We went from rarely talking to each other only a few years ago, to not only talking together but doing together. Skepticism, suspicion and doubt on both sides have been replaced by cooperation, dialogue and trust."

High-level cooperation is ongoing between senior civilian defense officials in both countries, he said, and senior U.S. military commanders also interact with Indian counterparts.

"In fact, nearly a dozen flag and general officers for the Pacific region have visited India in just the past two months," the admiral said. "At every level, this relationship flourishes and is strengthened by senior leadership visits, increased port visits and exercises."

India will participate this summer as one of nearly 30 nations taking part in the world's largest maritime exercise, the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific exercise, Harris said, and in Red Flag 16 -- what the admiral called "an advanced aerial combat exercise" -- hosted by the U.S. Air Force in Alaska.

Freedom of Navigation 'Fundamental'

"Exercising together will lead to operating together," he said. "By being ambitious, India, Japan, Australia and the United States -- and so many other like-minded nations -- can aspire to operate anywhere on the high seas and the air space above them."

Those freedoms, to navigate and operate in the air and space domains, "are not privileges of rich and powerful countries," he said. "They're fundamental rights of all nations."

Harris said while some countries "seek to bully" smaller nations through intimidation and coercion, he praised "India's example of peaceful resolution of disputes with your neighbors in the waters of the Indian Ocean."

India stands "like a beacon on a hill, building a future through the power of ideas, and not on castles of sand that threaten the rules-based architecture that has served all of us so well," the admiral said.

"That's why it's critical for India's powerful voice to be added to the chorus of like-minded nations in this increasingly complicated and interconnected world," Harris said.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Fishing area boundaries not part of Taiwan-Japan fishery talks

ROC Central News Agency

2016/03/04 23:36:18

Taipei, March 4 (CNA) Taiwan and Japan agreed at a meeting on Friday to maintain existing fishing rules in waters north of the Yaeyama Islands and did not touch on curtailing access to Taiwanese fishermen to waters near the disputed Diaoyutai Islands, a Taiwanese official said.

Though each side suggested possible changes to regulations established by a Taiwan-Japan fishing committee last year, the two sides decided to keep the guidelines unchanged, according to Fisheries Agency chief Tsay Tzu-yaw () at a news conference shortly after the meeting concluded.

The meeting, the fifth held by the committee, came in the wake of reports in February that Japanese fishermen were pressuring their government to revise the terms of a Taiwan-Japan fishery agreement signed in 2013.

The fishermen were hoping to have Taiwanese fishing boats excluded from part of the area near the Diaoyutais, where they are currently allowed to operate under the 2013 accord.

But asked whether the issue was raised during the meeting, Tsay said it did not come up.

What was discussed may have been reflected in the two sides' agreement to hold two special meetings prior to the next round of formal talks on problems related to fishing in waters north of the Yaeyama Islands and how fishing nets in the area should be handled.

The Yaeyama Islands are about 140 kilometers south of the Diaoyutais off Taiwan's east coast.

During the committee's previous meeting in March 2015, the two sides agreed to allow Taiwanese and Japanese fishing boats to take turns operating in those waters and maintain a four-nautical mile distance between each boat while fishing there.

Another regulation allowed Taiwanese fishermen to deploy their lines in an east-west direction while operating in another zone at night.

The amendments were aimed at avoiding friction between Taiwanese and Japanese fishing boats caused by their different operating methods. Japanese boats set their lines in a north-south direction, a Taiwanese official said last year.

It was not clear what specific guidelines were debated at the meeting.

Commenting on the encounter, Chen Chun-sheng (), head of the Su'ao Fishermen Association in Yilan County, said the results 'were not satisfying but were acceptable.'

Fishermen of the two countries will need more time to iron out their differences, he said, without elaborating on what those differences were.

About 70 people from the two countries participated in the meeting that included officials from their respective fishery and coast guard agencies, as well as members of fishermen's associations.

Tsai Ming-yaw (), secretary-general of the Association of East Asian Relations, which is in charge of ties with Japan in the absence of formal diplomatic relations, headed the Taiwanese delegation to the meeting.

Takashi Hamada, secretary-general of the Taipei Office of Japan's Interchange Association, led the Japanese delegation.

The Taiwan-Japan fishing committee was established as part of the 2013 agreement on fishing rights in the East China Sea near the disputed Diaoyutai Islands, known as the Senkakus in Japan.

Under the terms of the agreement, Taiwanese and Japanese boats can operate freely in a 74,300-square-kilometer area around the uninhabited islets, Taiwan's Fisheries Agency said.

The Diaoyutais, some 100 nautical miles northeast of Taiwan, have been under Japan's administrative control since 1972 but are also claimed by Taiwan and China.

(By Tang Pei-chun and Elaine Hou)

ENDITEM/ls

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Transcript

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Ash Carter March 04, 2016

Media Availability by Secretary Carter in Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER: Hi. Hear me? Well, listen -- I want to thank General Daugherty and the entire team here for what they're doing.

And I'm here in the Seattle area because it's one of the technology hubs for our country -- I was in Silicon Valley earlier this week, I was in Boston about a month ago as a reminder that one of the things that makes the American military the finest fighting force the world was ever known is our technology.

And it's critical that, to have an excellent military, we have a strong relationship between the Department of Defense and the innovative sector of America. That's something we've had for decades and decades, going back to World War II, and even before that, and it's essential that we build and rebuild bridges of that kind. And I've been stressing that.

And behind me are some of the members of the force here that exemplify that in so many ways. First of all, they work in a field where technology is advancing very quickly, and is very critical. And we have three missions in cyber in the Department of Defense, as I've emphasized before.

The first and foremost, the critical one, is to defend our own networks, and -- because there's no point in us having all those planes and ships and tanks and soldiers if they can't speak to one another, if they can't network, if they don't have the information that allows them to operate. And maintaining the security of those networks is job one.

And a few minutes ago, I was briefed by a couple of teams here that have been working on precisely that question -- namely, making sure that we had cybersecurity in two critical parts of our arsenal -- namely, our nuclear missile fleet and our nuclear bomber fleet.

The nuclear forces are the foundation -- they're not in the news much, thank goodness. But they're foundational to our security. And so having a safe, secure and reliable nuclear arsenal is critical, and it's critical that it work in the way that it's supposed to, and they made sure that that was the case for two of those critical legs of the triad.

The second thing that we have as a mission is to help the country defend the economy and critical infrastructure, more broadly. And they, here in Washington State, have been helping the governor and other state officials to make sure that the critical infrastructure of Washington state is also secure to any kind of cyber attack.

They're not involved at this moment, but I don't rule it out in the future -- but units like this can also participate in offensive cyber operations of the kind that I have stressed we are conducting, and actually accelerating, in Iraq and Syria, to secure the prompt defeat of ISIL, which we need to do and will do, and we're looking for ways to accelerate that, and cyber's one of them.

The other thing they exemplify, besides that new domain of technology, is the approach that they represent as people. This is an operation that is heavily dependent upon guard, reserve and Washington militia presence.

And what that means is that many -- not all, but many -- members of these teams have other jobs than helping defend this country, and in those other jobs, with all the incredible companies around this area that innovate in the cyber field, they bring to the mission of national security that tremendous talent from outside that we otherwise would have to try to recruit and retain within the full-time, active component, which would be very difficult.

So they give our country and our fighting forces access to amazing talent and, of course, amazing dedication and amazing patriotism and amazing service on their part. And that's why the reserve component -- which you see everywhere here, not just in cyber, but everywhere at JBLM -- is so important.

The last thing I'll say, since some of the media are here from this particular area, is this place is pivotal in so many ways. It is because it's pathbreaking in an area that I just described.

This building where we're sitting, and the mission represented by these guys standing with me, is famous throughout the country because of what it stands for.

JBLM is, geographically, critically positioned on the way to so many places where our future lies as a country, and therefore where we need to protect ourselves and provide for the security that allows commerce to prosper and freedom to prosper throughout the Asia-Pacific and other regions.

It's a joint base, and you see -- and I had an opportunity earlier to see joint capabilities that are incredible. For example, ground forces that can call air forces, air forces that can drop equipment to ground forces. That's the joint power that, again, only America really exemplifies in that way.

And it's all here at JBLM, and it's great, because they get to practice to one another -- they don't have to call to a distant base in order to find somebody who's in another service. It's all right here.

So this is a place that is incredibly important to our military, and I want everybody from the Washington area to know how grateful we are as a country to have partners like this. We need a close bond between our military and our communities as a whole, and we have it here in the Seattle area, and in Washington in general.

It's exemplified by this base, and I on behalf of the Department of Defense, we're very, very grateful for it.

So with that, let me take some questions, and I guess Peter's our impresario.

(CROSSTALK)

STAFF: (off mic) start with Andrea.

SEC. CARTER: Andrea.

Q: Mr. Secretary, we've heard a lot about the work that's been done here on the industry control assessment. And, there's been some discussion about taking that out and using that expertise for other district control assessments  is that something that you are encouraging, how soon could that get rolling? SEC. CARTER: Itis something that is the reason to have this kind of capability. And in our overall cyber force -- cyber mission teams that can be assigned to different missions, and they'll go somewhere, solve that problem, make a critical infrastructure in a particular place or a particular sector of the economy secure, and they can. They can go work elsewhere.

By the way, I that we -- and we are doing some -- more of this, but I want to do more -- establish more units like this. This is a pathfinding way of doing things. Brings in the high-tech sector in a very direct way to the mission of protecting the country.

So Andrea, absolutely, we're going to do more of it, and I expect it'll be done in other sectors and in other parts of the country. And that is one of the missions of our cyber forces. That's why we're building these new cyber forces.

STAFF: Adam?

Q: In a speech yesterday, you mentioned your -- (inaudible) -- forces here -- (inaudible) -- used for those threats?

SEC. CARTER: Absolutely. Absolutely. North Korea and China -- in very, very different ways, I should say -- pose challenges to us that we simply must meet.

North Korea is a daily threat because of the 60-now-some-year-old standoff on the DMZ. Our allies in South Korea and Japan, threatened by North Korea. North Korea, always threatening to mount an attack or an invasion of South Korea. And we are an important part of that defense. We're the backbone of that defense.

We have a slogan -- we don't have a slogan, USFK -- U.S. Forces Korea -- has a slogan -- to be ready to fight tonight, every single night, for decades and decades, now.

So we stand alert there every single day, and if anything were to happen there -- a crisis or a war on the Korean Peninsula -- forces from JBLM would be part of the force flow that would strengthen the defenses of the Korean Peninsula, and ultimately, and very certainly, defeat North Korea and destroy its military.

This would also be an important transit hub. And finally, it's an important training place for the forces that would carry out that mission on the Korean Peninsula.

With respect to China, we have a very different relationship -- a mixture of cooperation in some areas and competition elsewhere. And China's rising, and that's a good thing, but it sometimes behaves aggressively, and that's a bad thing, and something that we need to check.

It's concerning to us, and it's concerning to many friends and allies in the Asia-Pacific region, and our posture here in the region has been one of the things that has kept -- in fact, the pivotal thing -- that has kept peace and security in Asia for decades now, and we aim to keep that going.

We talk about a rebalance to the Asia-Pacific and the importance of this place, specific pathways and other things that are going on right here at JBLM -- that is because the United States aims, and will continue, to foster that environment in which everybody's gotten to rise for decades now.

Think about it. Think about Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, now China and India. Why is that? Because they've had stability and peace. Why have they had stability and peace? Because of the pivotal role of American military power.

So we want everybody to be part of that. And if China's behavior is self-isolating, we and others, our friends and allies -- many -- we have many friends and allies in the region -- will react.

STAFF: (off mic)?

Q: Thank you, sir. You mentioned a couple times this trip the Goldwater-Nichols will be coming sometime soon, can you give us a sense of what soon means? How it will impact the cyber mission in general? And if you're concerned about push back, both inside and outside the building?

SEC. CARTER: Yes. It'll be in just a few weeks' time, and we'll propose things as we conclude our studies of them. Some of these things will require legislation, and therefore we will be asking the Congress to consider them. I hope they will be persuasive, and therefore accepted by the Congress.

In other cases, they won't be things that will require legislation at all. There are things that I can do with my own authority, or the president can do with his own authority.

But it's important to take a look at the Goldwater-Nichols structure, because it made a tremendous difference to our military. It, for example, was the piece of legislation that essentially drove jointness in the U.S. military.

And just take a look at what we have here today at JBLM, and you can see the -- (inaudible). The J in JBLM is very real, and it's one of the secret sauces of the American military, is the ability to fight jointly.

So they did a lot of good things. At the same time, that was a long time ago, so it makes sense, in view of the changes in the world, to take a look in the same fundamental way they did then.

And to your question about cyber, yes that is part of it, because one of the things that's happened since the 1980s, when Goldwater-Nichols occurred, was cyber.

But there are other things as well. We're taking a look at the acquisition system, other command structures and the in respect to the acquisition system, for example, something I am very much in favor of -- and we have some ways of doing this, and are doing it -- which is to involve the armed services more heavily in the acquisition process. I'm strongly in favor of that.

So yeah, they'll be coming out in the next -- we won't necessarily do them all at once. We'll do them as we conclude the studies underlying them. Very shortly, we'll begin to do that.

STAFF: Okay, I got time for one more. (inaudible)?

Q: Secretary, This base has had major involvement In the Middle East since 9/11 of course, we keep hearing about this pivot to the Pacific and threats out there. What role does this base play anymore? And with all of the attention that needs to be paid there, you mentioned ISIL, can you afford to give up what this base has meant to that region?

SEC. CARTER: Yep.

Q: Can we afford to give up what this base has meant to that region?

SEC. CARTER: Well, we're going to  We have to do it all. So we are going to continue the rebalance. We have the forces to do that. We have some budget stability now, which is very important to us.

So we're putting some of our most advanced forces -- not only more, but our most advanced forces -- in the Asia-Pacific, for the region -- reasons I described. At the same time, we have to finish off ISIL. We have to get that done. I'm confident we will, but we need to do it as quickly as possible.

Might there be forces from JBLM who participate in operations against ISIL, either in the Iraq-Syria theater or elsewhere to which it has metastasized? Absolutely. We have some of our best units here, and in some cases, units with absolutely unique capabilities.

But the reality is that we have to defeat ISIL, we have to deter Russia and China, we have to counter Iran and its -- possibly aggression by Iran, and we have to stand watch on the DMZ against North Korea. That is the situation in which we find ourselves. That is what we have to do to protect America and make a better world for our children.

And can we do it? Yeah, we can, because we have the best.

STAFF: Thanks, everybody. Appreciate it.

SEC. CARTER: Thank you all very much.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Transcripts/Transcript-View/Article/686622/

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






26th MEU Female Engagement Team trains with Kuwaiti Police

US Marine Corps News

By Capt. Lindsay Pirek | March 4, 2016

U.S. Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted an exchange of information with the Kuwait Ministry of the Interior VIP Protection Unit, Female Division, Jan. 31 to Feb. 11, 2016, in Kuwait City, Kuwait.

The Marines have backgrounds in synchronized swimming, figure skating, and ballet, and they all have one thing in common -- a desire to empower women in a male-dominated profession.

The 26th MEU's Female Engagement Team is made up of female Marines with different military occupational specialties who volunteered to participate in a subject matter expert exchange with female Kuwaiti police officers.

The exchange is part of a United Nations' initiative to foster equal rights for half of the world's population.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 recognizes the role women play in restoring and maintaining peace and security. Subsequent resolutions aim to "increase women's participation in all efforts related to peace and security and to strengthen the protection of women in situations of armed conflict," according to the United States National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).

The National Action Plan on WPS was published in December 2011 to "empower half the world's population as equal partners in preventing conflict and building peace in countries threatened and affected by war, violence, and insecurity."

The Department of Defense is tasked with leveraging the expertise of female service members to encourage and model gender integration in partner nations' and to encourage the increased participation of women in foreign police and military forces.

"I was introduced to the VIP Protection Unit when they asked the U.S. Embassy to introduce self-defense tactics to their ongoing training of new female police officers to their Female Division. We conducted two Bilateral Exchange Efforts in 2014 and 2015. This SMEE is the next level and showcases the importance of the Female Engagement Teams and how they enhance capabilities and interoperability on a tactical level, but also serve the greater strategic goal posed by our WPS Presidential Directive," said Lt. Col. Melody Mitchell, program lead, Office of Military Cooperation-Kuwait, U.S. Embassy, Kuwait City, Kuwait.

The exchange focused on personal security detachment operations, and prisoner searching and handling techniques, as well as self-defense and close quarter combat drills.

"These women [VIP Protection Unit, Female Division] are all trailblazers, they are the role models for the young girls of Kuwait," explained Mitchell. "They play a critical role because terrorists in the Middle East have capitalized on cultural norms and use women to gain an advantage. We must do the same to match and overcome their efforts. Kuwait is wise to integrate women into their security apparatus."

"The women provide personal security for VIPs. Their training includes law enforcement-type techniques and marksmanship," said Capt. Jamie Ash, the FET Officer in Charge, and the 26th MEU adjutant.

"We were able to show each other our individual techniques, and then combine them to increase proficiency. The women requested information about self-defense since they do not have qualified female instructors available. As Marines, our Marine Corps Martial Arts Program incorporates a mixture of armed and unarmed combative techniques from several different disciplines," said Ash.

"We demonstrated basic unarmed compliance techniques that can be used in law enforcement environments. They observed joint manipulations, take-downs, and compliance maneuvers," explained Staff Sgt. Hembree, a MCMAP black belt instructor, and the 26th MEU's maintenance management chief.

The Marines exchanged procedures for personal security formations, reacting to contact with a threat and hasty and deliberate searches with the Kuwaitis in order to share best practices and enhance interoperability.

"We practiced security formations and actions for a variety of scenarios, from a passive to hostile environments," said Ash. "We really focused on exchanging information on searches as these women are the only ones that can search women and families for their unit."

Prior to the training exchange, the female Marines reviewed fundamental weapons handling, law enforcement techniques and procedures, and personal security training with detachments internal to the MEU. Marines with the Law Enforcement Detachment and Reconnaissance Battalion provided training to bolster the skills that all Marines learn at Marine Combat Training.

When speaking to the group, Mitchell stated, "Both military and police women represent a lot, and you have serious and important roles to play as ambassadors in security. How you work, act, and lead is continuously watched and I know you will continue to diligently prove how critical you are to security in Kuwait and the Middle East. I am grateful for the growing support of programs like this, the excellent partnership between the U.S. and Kuwait."

The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






EOD conducts final field exercise in preparation for SPMAGTF-CR-AF

US Marine Corps News

By Cpl. Paul S. Martinez | March 4, 2016

Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Platoon, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, conducted a field training exercise at Camp Lejeune, March 2.

The training served as the last field operation prior to the battalion's upcoming deployment with the Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa, wherein they will be supporting operations across the Mediterranean Sea.

"We want all of our team leaders and members on the same page to be able to handle any and all situations we may come across," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Harris, a Team Leader with the platoon.

The unit rehearsed procedures such as how to respond to calls both inside the United States, and abroad, and the follow-on actions after those calls were received.

"We're testing our teams to see how well we can respond to explosives and thus get ourselves ready for our upcoming deployment," said Sgt. Perry Robinson, a Team Member with the unit.

Marines utilized equipment such as compact metal detectors, bomb suits and a TALON robot to locate and handle suspected explosive devices, which took the form of a simulated IED, ammunition or artillery shell.

Marines then analyzed their suspected item before determining the necessary tools and used explosives such as C4, dynamite and TNT, to dispose of their objectives.

Robinson explained the value of proficiency with EOD equipment given the inherent danger of the tasks they are specifically entrusted with.

"We send the robot down first to be as remote as possible and to maintain the safety of the team," Robinson said. "If we can't accomplish the objective with the robot, we suit up and send our own Marines down."

Robinson noted that the deployment may see them called into action at any moment, so the unit conducts this training to be ready when that time comes.

"This training is important because this gets our section ready so we may respond to a number of scenarios at any location around the Mediterranean," Robinson said. "We need to be up to the standard needed for a response."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A Bozeman real estate development company has unveiled plans to demolish the Missoula Mercantile building in downtown Missoula and replace it with a $30 million, five-story, custom Residence Inn by Marriott with a pool, fire pits and event space for weddings and private parties in a massive enclosed courtyard.

There also would be 24,000-square-feet of ground-floor retail and restaurant space and 3,000-square-feet of meeting space along with an outdoor terrace.

Andy Holloran of HomePlace Montana, the development group, presented the proposal to the Missoula Historic Preservation Committee on Thursday night, where he was met with a veritable hornet's nest of opposition.

Holloran said the hotel would have an economic benefit to Missoula, including the creation of more than 100 hotel jobs, 200 retail jobs and a total wage impact of $6 million per year. The project, he added, would generate more than $13 million in revenue for the community, as well as new taxes of $8 million during the first 10 years.

"It's an opportunity to create a visitor hub that is hard to really quantify," Holloran said. "When you have 300, 400 or 500 new visitors coming to downtown Missoula every night, that has a tremendous impact on businesses. We are thrilled to be here."

During his presentation, Holloran pointed out that while he respected the historic nature of the 80,000-square-foot building that was built in 1887, engineering consultants he has hired have determined it is not economically feasible to do anything with the building other than tear it down. He said they originally wanted to keep the building as part of the plans, but during the past year realized it wasn't possible.

"We don't take our conclusion lightly," Holloran said. "I respect your charge as a commission. I respect your opinion. But as (property broker Jed Dennison) has attested, it's not economically feasible for a redevelopment. I would encourage any of you to explore that. We have looked at saving the facade and looked at a partial demolition, but it's not economic."

***

The Merc has sat empty, languishing in disrepair, since Macy's moved out in 2010.

Dennison said more than 20 different potential buyers looked at it over the years, including a serious investigation by Whole Foods. Dennison said that potential clients have spent $1.2 million in due diligence before realizing that redeveloping the building and keeping it standing is not possible.

"The engineering conclusions from two separate engineering firms deemed the space not suitable for renovation," Dennison said. "Repurposing materials is the only logical course of action."

Dennison said it would take nearly $4 million to bring the building up to basic structural standards of occupancy, and that price doesn't include bringing it up to mechanical, electrical or fire suppression codes.

Nicole Nathan, a partner with Johnson Nathan Strohe, a Denver-based design, architecture and engineering firm, gave a detailed presentation on the developers' plans for a new building.

"Our vision is creating a balance between protecting the architecture, accepting economic realities, and our responsibility to history," she said. "And this is a historic opportunity."

Holloran said the building was considered antiquated and not worth investing in 57 years ago.

"Unfortunately it has passed its useful life," Holloran said. "But we recognize the passion, we recognize the history, but we hope you'll join us in supporting our new Mercantile carrying on the soul and commerce that this building has experienced over the last 144 years."

Holloran reiterated that his team has not closed on the property yet.

"This is not a done deal yet," he said. "In our opinion, it is cost prohibitive (to redevelop the building). We're not here to maximize profits. If we were, we would maximize the height. It is zoned for 125 feet, but we are proposing a five-story building. We think this is in the context of that particular neighborhood. I can say with absolute sincerity we respect everybody's opinion. We hope to be a part of the fabric of the community you all have in this great city."

***

Holloran's proposal was not met with support from the Historic Preservation Commission or members of the public who spoke at the meeting.

Steve Adler, a member of the commission, said the fact that the Preservation Commission was being asked to consider a demolition was the "elephant in the room."

"You've brought a proposal for a demolition, and that's a hard pill for a preservation commission to swallow," he said. "We, as a preservation board, who are put here to advocate for preservation, should seriously advocate for demolition right off the bat? I know it's been sitting empty for a long time. But it would take a heck of a lot of convincing for me to believe that it's beyond its usable life, that it's beyond saving."

Solomon Martin, another member of the commission, said the hotel industry is vulnerable to market downturns and he was concerned about corporate profits leaving town.

"Sometimes you don't know what you're missing until it's gone," he said. "People love it here. The Merc is a touchstone. It tells us the story of how Missoula came to be. We know that there are plenty of hotels in Missoula, but there is only one Mercantile."

Other members of the public were opposed to any plan for demolition. Nobody spoke in support of the plan during public comment period.

The meeting was informational only, and the commission took no action Thursday night. Another meeting is scheduled for April 7.
A Strong NATO for a New Strategic Reality

Keynote address by NATO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Alexander Vershbow at the Foundation Institute for Strategic Studies, Krakow (Annual Conference: 'NATO as an Active Guardian - Expectations Before the Warsaw NATO Summit')

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

04 Mar. 2016

Thank you for that kind introduction. I'm very happy to be back in the beautiful city of Krakow. I'd like to thank Anna Szymanska-Klich and the Foundation Institute for Strategic Studies for inviting me to open your conference.

I last spoke at this conference two years ago, shortly after Russia had illegally annexed Crimea and at the beginning of its on-going campaign to destabilize Ukraine. That moment marked the end of a period of more than twenty years when the countries of the West looked to Russia as a partner. Of course, even by then, Russia had demonstrated a pattern of destabilizing countries in its neighbourhood, particularly Moldova and Georgia. But Russia's aggression against Ukraine  including the first changing of borders by force in Europe since World War II  represented what I called a "new strategic reality," one that is even starker today.

Since the start of the Ukraine crisis, Russia has continued to undermine the post-War and post-Cold War international order, an order based on respect for the sovereignty of nations, for the rule of law, and for human rights. Russia is trying to turn back the clock to a time when it dominated countries within its sphere of influence through force and intimidation. Yalta, not Helsinki, is held up as the model for European security in the 21st century. That can never be our vision.

Moscow's challenge to the international rules-based order now extends to Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean. As Russia has provided greater levels of military support for President Assad  including bombing moderate opposition groups, and driving tens of thousands of civilians from Aleppo and other cities  it has made it even more difficult to find a long-term end to the violence and a negotiated peace and political transition .

NATO supports all efforts for a peaceful settlement. I hope the current cessation of hostilities can be developed into something much longer lasting, that can form the basis of a sustainable, negotiated political and peaceful solution for Syria.

Russia could still use its influence over Assad to be a force for peace in the Middle East. But it is still unclear whether this is Moscow's ultimate aim. In the meantime, the flow of refugees continues, increasing the pressure on the countries of the region and of Europe. The main losers in this are the Syrian people themselves.

Not that long ago, our relationship with Russia centred on ever closer cooperation and partnership, on building an integrated European security system based on transparency, arms reductions and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Since 2014, however, it has been about securing the east of our Alliance and reinforcing deterrence. And now our relationship with Russia is directly tied to the refugee and migrant crisis.

But despite this, we cannot completely turn our backs on Russia. Our world is more interconnected today than ever before. We need to maintain an open and honest dialogue with Russia. We need dialogue to maintain transparency as to our own actions and intentions; to reduce the risk of further incidents, such as the downing of the Russian jet that entered Turkish airspace last year; and, if such incidents do happen, we need dialogue to prevent them from escalating out of control.

Engaging with Russia is not to accept the status quo. We do not accept Russia's aggressive actions, whether in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova or elsewhere. To do so would undermine the security of our Allies, our partners, and our values. Instead, we will stick to those values and be patient. For time is on our side.

Being patient is not the only thing that NATO is doing. Far from it. To ensure stable relations with Russia for the long term, we must speak with Russia from a position of strength.

In the 1960s and 70s, a strong deterrence paved the way for detente, for arms control agreements, and for our relatively predictable and stable relationship with the Soviet Union. Our situation today is different, but it requires a similar approach.

A combination of strength and dialogue is the best way to bring Russia back to compliance with international law and with Helsinki principles. The first litmus test will be for Russia to fully implement its obligations under the Minsk Accords. Until then, we must remain firm in maintaining economic sanctions and rejecting any return to business as usual.

The Alliance today is in a much stronger position than it was two years ago. Since 2014, we have carried out the most significant increase in our collective defence for a generation. The Readiness Action Plan (or RAP) is being implemented. The rapid-reaction Spearhead Force is operational; the NATO Response Force has more than tripled to over 40,000 troops, and we have held hundreds of exercises, including the largest military exercise for over a decade at the end of last year, Trident Juncture.

An increased capacity for rapid reinforcement is important, but it is not enough. Russia has embraced the promotion of insecurity, and withdrawn from all manner of military transparency agreements. Russian combat forces can move along the full length of its border with great speed and stealth. It also has considerable anti-ship and anti-aircraft weapons that could impede NATO reinforcements (its so-called anti-access/area denial capability). And it has shown in Ukraine that it can combine military power with unconventional "hybrid" methods  cyberattacks, subversion, disinformation  to destabilize its neighbours.

So we need to balance our reinforcements with an enhanced forward presence in the Eastern Allied countries. This is what NATO Defence Ministers agreed in principle last month. When Allied leaders meet here in Poland in July, they will agree the details.

A modern, effective deterrence means having the resources  and the political resolve  to convince an adversary that the costs of an attack are disproportionately high, and that such action would be a mistake. Deterrence will only come from a sufficiently robust and multinational forward presence, backed up by swift reinforcements. We must make it plain that crossing NATO's borders is not an option, whether it's with tanks or with 'Little Green Men'. Any such action will be countered not just by national forces, but by Allies from across Europe and North America.

The United States has demonstrated its commitment to European security through its billion-dollar European Reassurance Initiative  an initiative that will be nearly quadrupled in 2017. This will mean more troops, more exercises and more forward-positioned equipment and infrastructure in countries like Poland and the Baltic States. These increased US contributions provide a foundation on which, I hope, European Allies  including Poland  will build to generate a truly multinational forward presence along NATO's eastern flank.

European nations are already showing their commitment to our collective defence in implementing the RAP. European allies will serve as the backbone of the Spearhead Force on a rotating basis, and they are contributing to the continuous assurance measures. They have also begun to carry out the other important Wales Summit decision: to stop the cuts in defence budgets and gradually increase spending to 2% of GDP over a decade. A year after Wales, the overall fall in defence spending has effectively stopped. Five nations, including Poland, now spend 2% or more, and in 2015, sixteen Allies spent more in real terms on defence than they did in 2014. Eight Allies now spend the agreed 20% of their budgets on new equipment.

But simply spending more on defence is not enough. Russia exploits the weakness of its neighbours and uses propaganda to turn a country's citizens against their own government and towards Russia.

Our first line of defence is not troops or heavy weapons, but effective governance: institutions that are  and that are seen to be  on the side of the citizen. Every member of the NATO Alliance is committed to our values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights. We must all continue to invest in those values every day, including in meeting the refugee and migrant challenge. We cannot allow this crisis to become one in which our solidarity and humanity give way to division and insularity.

We must also strengthen our resilience in key practical areas. Governments must ensure that their cyber defences are strong, that they have a high degree of civil preparedness, and that their critical national infrastructure is protected. Resilience is the essential first rung of the deterrence ladder.

NATO Allies have taken decisive action to strengthen our defence and deterrence, not just in the east, but in the south as well, where the chaos and violence that followed the failure of the Arab Spring has led to a humanitarian crisis.

Across the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel, state structures have come under increasing pressure and in some cases have collapsed. The Syrian civil war has been an ongoing tragedy for the last five years. More than a quarter of a million people have been killed and millions more have been forced to flee to surrounding countries and to Europe.

In many cases, the space once occupied by states has been filled by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, Al Shabaab and ISIL  groups that commit the most heinous crimes against humanity and present a serious terrorist threat to Europe and the rest of the world.

There is no one cause of the unrest, and no one solution. There is no single enemy to defeat, no one clear ideology to oppose. The situation is complex, constantly evolving, and is sure to be with us for many years to come. This is a situation where it is not enough to increase spending on defence at home and be done with it. If we are to be secure, then our neighbours must be stable. The consequences of when they are not are now clear for all to see.

The most high-profile aspect of the challenge from the south centres around Iraq and Syria. While NATO as such is not a part of the US-led Coalition to destroy ISIL, every single NATO Ally is a part of the Coalition.

NATO's role in the region  one it has played to some degree for many years  is to support our partners and to help them strengthen their defence and security sectors.

We have new Defence Capacity Building programmes with Iraq and Jordan. We are starting to train Iraqi officers in areas such as countering improvised explosive devices, de-mining, planning, cyber defence, military medicine, and security sector reform.

We have worked with Egypt's military to introduce new mine detection and clearing technology. Morocco has joined our Interoperability Platform so that its armed forces can better operate with NATO forces. We are working closely with Tunisia on Special Forces and intelligence. And in Mauritania, the linchpin between the Maghreb and the Sahel, NATO is supporting the construction of safe munitions depots and training military personnel as they return to civilian life.

These programs show that NATO is doing a lot. But I believe we are not doing enough to have a real strategic impact. Only with a greater allocation of energy and resources can this work begin to affect the security of the wider Middle East and North Africa. This will be high on the agenda at Warsaw.

As well as working with individual nations, there is ample scope to increase our cooperation with other regional organizations  the European Union, first and foremost, but also the Gulf Cooperation Council and the African Union. Cooperation and coordination with other organizations and nations will be vital if we are to return long-term stability to the south.

The old saying goes, that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This is never more so than in conflict. The more we can invest in our partners, the greater stability we can create in our neighbourhood, the lower the costs in blood and treasure we will eventually have to bear.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In the coming months, as we prepare for our Summit, Allies will continue to adapt our Alliance to our new realities. We will build on the Readiness Action Plan. We will increase the amount of pre-positioned equipment, enablers and combat forces on our Eastern flank on a rotational basis, to ensure we have the right balance between our forward presence and our capacity for rapid reinforcement. We will continue to deepen our military and political cooperation with key partners, from Finland and Sweden in the north, Ukraine, to Moldova and Georgia in the east, and to Iraq, Jordan, Tunisia and others in the south.

The NATO Alliance faces a more complex and fluid set of challenges than it has for a generation. But while some may look at the world and fear the future, I do not. Because of NATO.

For almost seven decades, the NATO Alliance has protected its Allies from every challenge they have encountered. It stood strong in the face of the Soviet threat. It has helped to keep the longest period of peace in Europe in the history of the continent, extending the zone of peace and security to the nations of Central and Eastern Europe. And it continues to ensure the safety and security of our people, our territory and our values.

No matter what the challenge, NATO and its Allies find a way. They always have and, I believe, they always will. The challenges we face today are not easy. But together, through NATO, we will find a way to maintain our peace and security for generations to come.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






USS Fort McHenry Participates in Cold Response 2016

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS160304-24

Release Date: 3/4/2016 1:44:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Daniel C. Coxwest

TRONDHEIM, NORWAY (NNS) -- USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship homeported in Mayport, Fla., is underway Mar. 3 participating in Exercise Cold Response 2016.

Cold Response is a biennial Norwegian exercise featuring maritime, land and air operations to underscore NATO's ability to defend against any threat in any environment. The location in central Norway provides a unique, extreme cold-weather environment for all forces involved to develop tactics, techniques and procedures, and learn from one another.

Exercise Cold Response 2016 will improve future capabilities between NATO allies and partners, and creates a foundation for future cooperation. The exercise enables the NATO alliance to demonstrate its commitment to its collective defense under the North Atlantic Treaty, and its ability to counter transnational threats.

The exercise composition includes more than 3,000 U.S. service members, approximately 6,500 members of the Norwegian Armed Forces and nearly 6,500 troops from 10 allied and partner nations including the United Kingdom and Germany.

Marines attached to 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion, embarked with Fort McHenry, recovered gear stowed in caves in Verdal, Norway to be used in the exercise. The gear stowed in Verdal is part of the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program, under which Marines store and maintain gear in strategic locations all over the world to be recovered during combat operations. Marines have not recovered gear from the location in Verdal for more than 14 years.

As the exercise continues, more than 300 Marines from 2nd Assault Amphibious Battalion and troops from partner countries will conduct two amphibious assaults over the course of the week, where they will storm the beach and take up positions overnight.

Fort McHenry will be the only U.S. Navy vessel participating in this operation, providing support for U.S. Marines as well as Navy construction battalion units.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Equipment Backload completes success of Exercise Cobra Gold

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS160304-13

Release Date: 3/4/2016 9:36:00 AM

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Fulton, CTF-73 Public Affairs

LAEM CHABANG, Thailand (NNS) -- Civilian mariners, contractors and Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 3 began conducting a backload of equipment used in Exercise Cobra Gold 2016 (CG-16) from Military Sealift Command (MSC) USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011), Feb. 29, bringing a successful close to the exercise.

The backload consisted of returning 129 pieces of equipment discharged from the Lummus, Feb. 1, in support of CG-16.

Cobra Gold is an annual multinational and joint-theater security cooperation exercise co-sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States with more than two dozen participating partner nations, making it one of the largest military exercises in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Lummus, a part of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron (MPSRON) THREE, delivers ready-to-use Marine Corps equipment and supplies on a moments notice to preplanned exercises and contingency operations. The backload ensures that CG-16 ends successfully and that the Lummus is prepared to fulfill its next mission as an MPS.

'The backload is very important,' explained Staff Sgt. Daniel Beers, of Combat Logistics Battalion 3. 'It is the very end of Cobra Gold, and it is important because all the way up to this part we have done everything successfully. Getting everything back on board, handing it back over to Honeywell, keeping the gear in the right order that we received it...it's very important to give it back the way we got it.'

The Lummus is scheduled to deploy to the Philippines to support Exercise Balikatan following the completion of the backload. Beers explained that by reloading the gear correctly onto the Lummus, the Marines and civilians close out Cobra Gold by starting Balikatan properly.

'So what we are doing is setting it up for Balikatan,' said Beers. 'Yes, it was important for us to backload the gear from Cobra Gold back to the way we received it. We are trying to give it properly to the next exercise, for Balikatan. So today what we are doing is setting up the gear in each well deck, so that when the time comes for Balikatan, the receiving crew will have an easier time on the offload. It's one force helping another.'

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Two more Turkish soldiers killed in PKK militant attack

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 6:25PM

Two Turkish army soldiers were killed Friday in an attack by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) on government forces in the volatile southeastern province of Sirnak.

Turkish military sources said the troopers lost their lives when PKK members mounted an ambush in the town of Idil near the border with conflict-stricken Syria.

Earlier in the day, two police officers were killed in a car bomb attack carried out by the PKK in the southeastern city of Nusaybin. The Mardin Governor's Office said in a statement that 35 people, including two civilians, were injured in the bombing.

Security sources said the attack at about 5:45 a.m. local time (0345 GMT) caused significant damage to a traffic police station and neighboring houses in Nusaybin.

Security reinforcements as well as emergency personnel were sent to the area, the sources added.

A ceasefire between the PKK and the Turkish government collapsed last July, and attacks on Turkish security forces have soared ever since.

Ankara has been engaged in a large-scale campaign against the PKK in its southern border region in the past few months. The Turkish military has also been conducting offensives against the positions of the group in northern Iraq.

The operations began in the wake of a deadly July 2015 bombing in the southern Turkish town of Suruc. More than 30 people died in the attack, which the Turkish government blamed on the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group.

After the bombing, the PKK militants, who accuse the government in Ankara of supporting Daesh, engaged in a series of attacks against Turkish police and security forces, prompting the Turkish military operations.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Nigerian protesters call for release of Shia cleric, Zakzaky

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 6:48AM

Nigerians have staged fresh protest rallies across the country to call for the immediate release of jailed Shia cleric and leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.

On Thursday, demonstrators took to the streets in several cities, including Zaria, Kano, Kaduna, Yola, in large numbers to protest against the recent killings of Shia Muslims by the Nigerian army and the continued detention of IMN leader and members.

The protesters denounced the imprisonment of Zakzaky and a number of his supporters as a violation of the Nigerian constitution.

Abdulhamid Bello, a spokesperson of the Youth Wing of the IMN, which organized the protest, said the movement's supporters would continue to hold peaceful protests in pursuit of their demands.

On December 12 last year, Nigerian soldiers attacked Shia Muslims attending a ceremony at a religious center in Zaria, accusing them of blocking the convoy of the army's chief of staff and attempting to assassinate him. The Shias have categorically denied the allegations.

The following day, Nigerian forces also raided Zakzaky's home and arrested him after reportedly killing those attempting to protect him. The cleric himself was injured in the attack and was taken into custody along with dozens of his supporters.

The two attacks led to the deaths of hundreds of members of the religious community, including three of Zakzaky's sons. The Shia cleric is said to have been charged with "criminal conspiracy and inciting public disturbances."

Bello further slammed the judicial inquiry commission set up by the authorities in Kaduna State for hindering the IMN access to the detained members of the movement.

"It is, therefore, clear that there is a laid out plan to prevent the legal team of the movement from having access to its leader, its spokesperson and the custodian of its properties," he said.

In a similar move on February 29, several people poured onto streets in the capital Abuja, demanding the immediate release of Zakzaky.

The IMN has called for Zakzaky's unconditional release and for Abuja to respond to the "unjustifiable atrocities committed by the army."

On December 16, 2015, the London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) said there was credible evidence of mass graves in Nigeria following the deadly attack on Shias.

The rights group said the Nigerian military had secretly buried hundreds of bodies in the graves after storming the house of the Shia cleric.

Human rights organizations have called for a full investigation into the deadly attacks by Nigerian forces against Shia Muslims.

Amnesty senior research adviser Lucy Freeman has recently described the Nigerian army's human rights violations as "shocking."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US drone strikes kill 4 in southern Yemen, gunmen kill 16

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 11:55AM

At least four people are killed in a US drone strike in southern Yemen, while unknown gunmen kill at least 16 people, including four Indian nurses.

The unmanned aircraft on Friday targeted a vehicle in the southern Yemeni province of Shabwa, killing four people.

Local officials and residents said that the drone strike targeted members of the al-Qaeda militant group.

Washington carries out drone attacks in Yemen and several other Muslim countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The US claims the drones target al-Qaeda militants, but local sources say civilians have been the main victims of the attacks.

US drone strikes in Yemen have continued alongside the Saudi military aggression against the Arab country.

Saudi Arabia has been bombing the country for about a year now. At least 8,300 people, among them 2,236 children, have been killed and over 16,000 others sustained injuries since the onset of the Saudi invasion.

The Yemen-based al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has exploited the volatile atmosphere and the breakdown of security in Yemen since the beginning of the Saudi war to tighten its grip on parts of southeast Yemen.

The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, too, has gained ground in and around the main southern city of Aden.

Ansarullah fighters, along with allied army units, are fighting the Takfiri militants and countering the Saudi aggression against war-torn Yemen.

Gunmen kill 16 in Aden

Meanwhile, at least 16 people, including four Indian nurses, lost their lives when armed men opened fire at an elderly care home in Yemen's main southern city of Aden on Friday.

Security officials said the gunmen stormed the care home in Sheikh Othman district, killing a guard and shooting randomly at residents.

An unnamed official said the assailants were "extremists" and blamed the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group, which has been gaining ground in Aden in recent months, for the attack.

UN urges civilian protection

The development comes as the United Nations relief chief on Thursday warned against the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Yemen and urged warring sides to protect civilians.

"All parties in this conflict have an obligation under international humanitarian law to take every measure to ensure civilians and civilian objects are protected," Stephen O'Brien told the UN Security Council by teleconference on Thursday.

O'Brien described as the "most pressing concern" protecting Yemeni civilians amid unabated Saudi airstrikes against the impoverished nation.

"It is unacceptable that health facilities are being hit, and it is critical that the parties make guarantees that these locations will be protected," he said.

O'Brien said since the start of the nearly one-year conflict in Yemen, some 2,000 Yemeni children have been killed or injured.

He further asked the international community to make effort to impress all parties in Yemen to facilitate humanitarian access to all parts of the country.

"It is imperative that imports to Yemen and trading within Yemen be allowed to continue," he said, calling on "all parties to ensure protection of civilian infrastructure, including shipping ports and associated equipment."

The UN official said that Saudi attacks against civilian infrastructures in Yemen have led to a security situation across much of the country which is "rapidly deteriorating."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Afghan Security Forces Clear Dahana i Ghuri District of Taliban Insurgents

Sputnik News

23:15 04.03.2016

Afghan troops on Friday broke through the Taliban defense line in the Dahana i Ghuri area and managed to clear it of insurgents, Baghlan police security department head, Abdul Rashid Bashir, said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Dahana i Ghuri area has been said to be under the Taliban insurgency's control for the past nine months.

'Areas are under security forces' control and the Afghanistan flag was raised and the Taliban flag brought down. At the moment a clearance operation is going on but the big challenge ahead of forces are land mines The operation will continue until the area has been fully cleared,' Bashir said, as quoted by the TOLOnews portal.

Afghanistan is in political and social turmoil, with long-standing Taliban insurgency and other extremist factions operating in the country, such as Islamic State (IS), which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia, taking advantage of the instability in the state.

Afghan security forces regularly conduct military operations against insurgents.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






'We must not allow protectors to become predators' - UN field support chief

4 March 2016  With 99 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse uncovered by the United Nations in 2015  69 of these in countries where peacekeeping operations are deployed  the Organization is today presenting its latest report on special measures to protect people from these crimes.

Last December, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pledged to urgently review recommendations made by an independent panel which found that the UN did not act with the "speed, care or sensitivity required," when it uncovered information about crimes committed against children by soldiers  not under UN command  sent to the Central African Republic (CAR) to protect civilians.

Meanwhile, new allegations of sexual abuse have continued to emerge against UN peacekeepers in the country, with the UN Mission there, known by its French acronym MINUSCA, recently reporting seven new possible victims in the town of Bambari.

"It is greatly distressing when protectors, in rare instances, turn predators," the UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Atul Khare, told the UN News Centre in an interview.

Mr. Khare, who today is presenting the newest set of measures for protection from sexual abuse and exploitation, as well as giving an update on the implementation of 45 measures introduced last year, noted that 22 of the cases in 2015 took place in CAR, while 16 were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and nine in Haiti.

The countries which received the most allegations in 2015 are reportedly the DRC, Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Tanzania.

"We are fully committed to addressing the deplorable situation in MINUSCA," he told reporters at a press briefing in New York. "The heart-breaking events that have come to light in the Central African Republic are a stark reminder that we must redouble our efforts to curb this scourge and that we depend on a strong partnership with Member States to do so."

Improving assistance to victims

The Under-Secretary-General told the News Centre that first, the Organization and its partners must adopt a victim-centred approach, with urgent psychological, medical, and legal assistance provided to them, particularly when the victims are very young children.

"In this regard, the Secretary-General is proposing the creation of a trust fund. It would be funded voluntarily, but also from the salaries withheld from those who face significant allegations which have been substantiated," Mr. Khare explained, noting that some $50,000 has been withheld so far.

Other proposals address the strengthening of the UN's entire system of response and coordination, creating "safe spaces" for victims to lodge complaints against peacekeepers. These would exist in more locations, closer to the communities affected, and with the support of non-governmental organizations.

"We will spare no effort in making it possible for victims to come forward and for their allegations to receive serious consideration," the UN official insisted.

Enhanced transparency

A second set of recommendations deals with measures to enhance the UN's transparency, such as an online database featuring all the information about the cases which will be available at the UN's Conduct and Discipline website. It will contain details outlining the nature of the allegations, the number of victims per allegation, and the number of perpetrators per allegation.

"It will also identify the countries from which such perpetrators came, and it will update on the action taken, either by the UN or by the countries concerned, as regards investigation into these cases  whether they have been completed, what disciplinary measures were taken, and what criminal jurisdiction measures were undertaken by the countries to provide adequate, appropriate and exemplary punishment," Mr. Khare said.

He added that the UN is appealing to Member States to ensure that sanctions are commensurate with the seriousness of the offense and that criminal accountability follows. "In some instances, we have seen punishments that do not appear to be commensurate with the seriousness of the offenses committed," he noted.

Stronger disciplinary measures

The presence of UN-led immediate response teams will also be strengthened, so that as soon as a complaint is received, evidence can be quickly collected and preserved for national investigators. As the UN does not have criminal jurisdiction, these investigators are expected to be appointed by the perpetrator's country within a 10-day time limit of the alleged crime, and to have completed their investigations within six months.

"In cases where a particularly egregious offense has taken place, say for the rape of a child, then we will request that this period be shortened by half  appointing an investigator within five days, and completing the investigation within three months," the senior official underlined.

The Secretary-General has also requested that Member States obtain DNA samples from uniformed personnel who have been accused. Furthermore, if a country fails to investigate, Mr. Ban has proposed that its peacekeepers no longer be deployed to work under the UN flag. In addition, a very strong vetting mechanism has already been established, by which the Organization can verify the criminal past of prospective peacekeepers.

"Disciplinary measures have been strengthened since last year," the Under-Secretary-General stressed, pointing out that not only will perpetrators be repatriated, but commanders are also at risk of being sent home "for not being strong enough in their command and control."

Preventative measures

Prevention is also a key element to the new report presented today. This includes pre-deployment training, mandatory online courses, and additional measures such as the enforcement of non-fraternization policies.

"That anyone serving under the UN flag should prey on the vulnerable is an abomination," Mr. Khare stated. "We will not let up in our response to ensure that our prevention measures are robust, and that where incidents occur, victims receive support and allegations are vigorously investigated so that, ultimately, justice is served."

Asked whether deploying more women could further limit the risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, Mr. Khare said he does believe that a greater participation of female peacekeepers would help, not only in the fight against this particular issue, but also to improve the overall quality of peacekeeping and the way in which the UN achieves its mandates worldwide.

"I'm ashamed to call myself a peacekeeper on some of these days when I see cases like this," the Under-Secretary-General told reporters, referring to the pregnancy of a 13-year old girl.

"What we need to do is not detract from the good work which is done by hundreds of thousands of peacekeepers. We need to find these culprits who bring a bad name to peacekeeping, who actually create problems within the country in which they find themselves, and most importantly who destroy young innocent lives. And we need to punish them in a certain manner that nobody else in the future will ever think of doing that," he underscored.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Civilians bear brunt of Yemen's unrest, UN human rights office warns

4 March 2016  The number of civilians killed in Yemen continues to rise, almost doubling between January and February, the United Nations human rights office today announced.

"During February, a total of at least 168 civilians were killed and 193 injured, around two-thirds of them by Coalition airstrikes," the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Rupert Colville, told journalists in Geneva.

This casualty number is the "highest since September", he added.

Airstrikes account for the greatest number of casualties, with 99 people affected in the capital, Sana'a, in February, out of 246 people killed or wounded throughout the country during the month.

In the worst single incident, at least 39 civilians were killed and another 33 injured on 27 February, during an airstrike on the Khaleq market in Sana'a's north-eastern district of Nahem. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is among the UN officials who have http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=53331#.VtmgUfkrJpg for a prompt and impartial investigation.

South of Sana'a, fighting and indiscriminate shelling by members of the Popular Committees affiliated with the Houthis and allied army units loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh resulted in 49 civilian casualties in February, including children, according to figures provided by Mr. Colville. The incidents took place mostly in Taizz, Ibb and Al Jawf.

Civilian infrastructure also continues to be damaged or destroyed. Mr. Colville said that both parties have targeted protected civilian sites, along with places such as a cement factory, homes, shops and ambulance and police cars.

"There have also been worrying allegations  which we are still working to verify  that Coalition forces dropped cluster bombs on a mountainous area to the south of the Amran cement factory," Mr. Colville said. The target appears to have been a military unit loyal to the Houthis.

The UN human rights official also highlighted the dangers posed to journalists, with at least two incidents occurring in February in areas controlled by the Houthis or the Popular Committees affiliated with the Houthis.

During today's press conference, Mr. Colville referred to a 31 January statement by the Spokesman of the Coalition Forces concerning the establishment of a multi-national team formed by the Command of the Coalition Forces to evaluate the military targeting mechanisms and incidents taking place in civilian areas.

He urged any investigation to be done in accordance with international standards, including independence and impartiality.

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, High Commissioner for Human Rights, is expected to present an oral update on the situation in Yemen to the Human Rights Council during its current session, which opened in Geneva this past Monday.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN joins partners in pledging support for President-elect of Central African Republic

4 March 2016  The United Nations today, in a joint statement with other multilateral organizations, welcomed the final results of the second round of the presidential elections in the Central African Republic (CAR) announced earlier this week, congratulating President-elect Faustin-Archange Touadera.

On 1 March, the Transitional Constitutional Court announced the outcome of the run-off between two former prime ministers, Mr. Touadera and Anicet-Georges Dologuele. About 62 per cent of voters chose Mr. Touadera, according to media reports.

The UN, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the European Union (EU) and the International Organization of La Francophonie expressed their support for the determination of the President-elect to further the efforts to promote dialogue and national reconciliation.

They also paid tribute to Mr. Dologuele and the Central African people, who have demonstrated their commitment to efforts to find durable solutions in support of peace, reconciliation, and economic and social development in their country.

Welcoming the essential role played by the Transitional Authority in support of a return to peace, the organizations reiterated their commitment to continue efforts to support the completion of the transition, including through the holding of the second round of legislative elections.

The international community will continue to lend its support to the efforts of the new Central African Republic authorities through a responsible partnership, they said.

The country plunged into a crisis in early 2013 when Francois Bozize, President at that time, was ousted by mainly Muslim Seleka fighters. Christian anti-Balaka militias responded by attacking the Muslim minority.

The UN has played a major role in seeking to restore peace in the country, with military and police units from the 11,000-strong UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the country (MINUSCA) joining soldiers from the French Sangaris force and local security teams at polling stations to ensure a peaceful vote on 30 December 2015.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






MISSOULA  Oscar winner and University of Montana alum J.K. Simmons will give the 2016 commencement address in Missoula.

On graduation day, May 14, UM will honor both Simmons and former U.S. Forest Service Chief Jack Ward Thomas with honorary doctorates, according to a news release from University Relations.

"It's our honor to reward two such remarkable individuals," UM President Royce Engstrom said in a statement. "Both have risen to rarified heights in their respective careers, and both have contributed a great deal to the University of Montana."

The past three years, UM has brought a high-profile Democrat to give its commencement address. Ambassador and former U.S. Sen. Max Baucus spoke last year; Gov. Steve Bullock gave the address in 2014; and Jim Messina, architect of President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, spoke in 2013.

"If you look at the past decade of our commencement speakers, you will see an array of people who have achieved great success in life and in their careers," Peggy Kuhr, vice president of integrated communications at UM, wrote in an email.

"Some are UM alumni and some are not. Their achievements are in the worlds of business, politics, education, government service and journalism. With J.K. Simmons as UM's commencement speaker this May, our graduating students and their families will hear from someone who has much to share about the importance of the arts, of family and of giving back to your community."

In 2015, Simmons won an Oscar for best supporting actor and a Golden Globe Award for his role in "Whiplash." He will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

"The family of Jonathan Kimble (J.K.) Simmons has many ties to Missoula," the news release stated. "His father, Don, was a UM music professor and music department chair for years, and his mother, Pat, was active with many community organizations."

Thomas, who had a career as a wildlife research biologist, will receive an honorary doctorate of science.

According to the news release, K. Norman Johnson, a university distinguished professor at Oregon State University, wrote the following in Ward's nomination letter: "Rarely has a scientist risen to such high levels of policymaking. Rarely has a scientist been so completely trusted by a president."

President Bill Clinton named Ward chief of the Forest Service in 1993.

"Thomas went to serve as the endowed Boone and Crocket Professor of Wildlife Conservation at UM from 1996 to 2005," the news release stated. "He mentored graduate students and mesmerized students in his undergraduate classes with the real story of how conservation happened in North America from the perspective of someone who was there for many of the issues of the last half of the 20th century."

In his career, Thomas produced some 600 publications, according to UM. He is retired and writing books from his home in Florence.
UN refugee chief presents detailed plan to solve crisis in Europe, warning time is 'running out'

4 March 2016  Warning Europe is running out of time to solve the current refugee situation, the UN refugee chief today outlined a detailed six-point plan ahead of a key meeting of European Union leaders and Turkey in Brussels next week.

"This is as much a crisis of European solidarity as it is a refugee crisis," said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, in a press release. "The collective failure to implement the measures agreed by EU Member States in the past has led to the current escalation in the crisis," he added.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is highlighting that the situation is quickly deteriorating with some 30,000 people now in Greece, almost a third of whom are in Idomeni just near the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Although the Greek authorities and military have ramped up their response, thousands are sleeping in the open without adequate reception, services, aid or information. With tensions mounting, the situation could escalate quickly into a full-blown crisis.

But Mr. Grandi also said it is not too late if the right actions are taken now. 'We are running out of time, and strong leadership and vision are urgently needed from European leaders to deal with what is, in our view, a situation that can still be managed if properly addressed,' he stressed.

UNHCR is supporting the Greek Government's efforts by deploying staff, helping coordinate the response and providing emergency shelter, technical support and information to refugees and migrants.

Mr. Grandi's plan to EU Member States to manage and stabilize the refugee situation includes the relocation of asylum seekers out of Greece and Italy, and the return of individuals who do not qualify for refugee protection; stepping up support to Greece to handle the humanitarian emergency; ensuring compliance with all EU laws on asylum; making available more safe and legal ways for refugees to travel to Europe; safeguarding individuals at risk such as children who are unaccompanied; developing Europe-wide systems of responsibility for asylum-seekers, including the creation of registration centres in main countries of arrival.

UNHCR's proposals make clear that equitable sharing of responsibility is key to bringing about a managed and orderly solution, and that EU Member States would need to agree a system of percentages of asylum-seekers for each Member State to take.

'Europe has successfully dealt with large-scale refugee movements in the past, during the Balkans Wars for example, and can deal with this one, provided it acts in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility sharing,' said High Commissioner Grandi.

'There is really no other option than working together to solve this,' he added.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Tackling 'triple peril' facing the Sahel region is top priority for UN, Ban says in Mauritania

4 March 2016  With a "triple peril" of environmental degradation, poverty and insecurity facing the Sahel, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today during a visit to Mauritania that improving the situation in the region is a top priority for the United Nations.

"You know my dedication to the Sahel," Mr. Ban told those participating in an event on peace and security, which discussed the root causes of instability in the region.

"When I visited at the end of 2013, we mobilized the international community to find durable solutions," he recalled. "The countries of the region can defeat these difficulties by working together, with the support of the international community," he added.

The UN estimates that one in seven Sahelians lack food, one in five children will die before their fifth birthday, and four and a half million people have been forced to flee their homes. Communities have also been struggling against harsh environmental conditions and worsening climatic shocks.

"The international response has a new boost thanks to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on climate change," the UN chief declared. "We have another opportunity to strengthen global solidarity at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul in May. I count on Sahelian leaders to attend."

The Sahel is a region spanning across eight African countries  Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad  many of which are dealing with a volatile security situation.

"I am especially concerned about the interlinked activities of criminal groups and terrorist organizations. Local people pay the highest price," warned the Secretary-General, noting that insecurity in Northern Mali has driven thousands of people from their homes, including some 48,000 refugees living in the Mbera camp in Mauritania.

"The United Nations is ready to assist in countering terrorism and other asymmetric threats," he continued. "In this, we insist on full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law  as a matter of moral responsibility and strategic effectiveness," he stressed.

Welcoming the African Union Nouakchott Process and its sustained focus on security and terrorism, Mr. Ban said Mauritania's engagement is "invaluable." In his remarks, he saluted President Abdel Aziz's regional leadership and his role in establishing the 'G5 Sahel.'

"We need to carry out these new initiatives. And we need enhanced regional support to the UN mission in Mali, MINUSMA," he said. "I especially applaud the G5's decision to establish a regional cell in Nouakchott for the prevention of radicalization. This can complement my global Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism."

Meanwhile, he stressed that youth across this region need better access to education and decent jobs. "They can be a powerful force for progress against violent extremism. The historic Security Council resolution 2250 recognizes that young people can actively shape peace, contribute to justice and heal societies."

He added that it is equally essential to empower women, including by ending female genital mutilation (FGM), and praised Mauritania's national policy against FGM  and similar efforts across the region. Furthermore, he welcomed the country's laws to penalize slavery and address torture. "Such abominable practices have no place in the modern world," he stressed.

Tomorrow, Mr. Ban will meet with Sahrawi refugees suffering terribly under harsh conditions in Algeria. "The world cannot forget their plight. The Sahrawi people must enjoy their human rights  especially the right to self-determination within the framework of a mutually acceptable political solution," emphasized the UN chief.

He underlined that his aim is to contribute to this solution and facilitate "genuine" negotiations so that Sahrawi refugees can return home to Western Sahara.

"I am also deeply concerned about the situation in Libya," he added. "There are alarming reports of widespread human rights violations, including serious abuses that may amount to war crimes. All those with influence must use it to calm the situation and stop the fighting. It is utterly irresponsible for any outside player to stoke the fires."

Ending his remarks, the UN chief said he is inspired by Mauritania's rich history, and that the world needs "such an open-hearted spirit to break down walls and forge trust."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Afghan Diplomat Still 'Optimistic' About Taliban Talks

by Ayaz Gul March 04, 2016

A senior Afghan diplomat said Friday that he remained "optimistic" that peace talks with Taliban insurgents would start within days, dismissing speculation they would be delayed.

A four-nation coordination group working to end the conflict in Afghanistan said February 23 that a first round of direct negotiations between the warring sides was 'expected to take place by the first week of March 2016.'

The four-way talks are expected to involve diplomats from Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States, as well as Taliban representatives. Last week, a spokesman for the Taliban's political office in Doha said the group was "unaware" of any planned talks with Kabul.

Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, insisted Friday that 'the first week of March was indicative" and that he still expected talks to start within days.

'I am still optimistic that talks will start as indicated because there is a lot that is happening in the background,' Zakhilwal told VOA. He did not elaborate.

'No headway'

A Pakistani security official with knowledge of efforts Islamabad is making to try to persuade the Taliban to send representatives from its Qatar-based political office for the long-awaited talks said "no headway has been achieved so far."

The official, who requested anonymity, told VOA the talks were "not happening this week because no one from their [the Taliban] side has yet agreed' to come to Islamabad.

Speaking at Washington's Council on Foreign Relations earlier this week, Sartaj Azia, the Pakistani prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs, also suggested the Afghan reconciliation process might not happen soon.

"We hope in the coming days  10, 15 days  the first such meeting could take place between the Afghan Taliban and the Afghan government. And it is not going to be a very easy or smooth process," Aziz said.

He went on to admit the Taliban leadership is residing in Pakistan, and he explained the influence Islamabad has with the Afghan insurgency.

'We have some influence on them because their leadership is in Pakistan, and they get some medical facilities. Their families are here,' Aziz said. 'So we can use those levers to pressurize them to say, 'Come to the table.' "

The admission marked the first time in the 15-year-old Afghan war that a Pakistani leader publicly acknowledged the presence of Taliban leaders on Islamabad's side of the border, something that critics say has been an open secret for years.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Sexual Abuse Allegations Against UN Peacekeepers on the Rise

by Margaret Besheer March 04, 2016

Allegations of sexual abuse by United Nations peacekeepers and staff rose in 2015, despite the institution's 'zero tolerance' policy on such misconduct.

According to a new report from Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, released Friday, there were 99 such allegations last year, compared to 80 in 2014.

The majority  69  were made against troops and police in 10 U.N. peacekeeping operations, nine of which are current and one is closed. There were 30 cases of sexual exploitation and abuse  or SEA in U.N. jargon  against staff members.

'That anyone serving under the U.N. flag should prey on the vulnerable is truly an abomination,' said Atul Khare, under-secretary-general for field support, at a news conference Friday. 'We will never, never agree to protectors turning into predators.'

He said the U.N. would work to make sure that prevention measures are robust, and that where incidents occur, victims receive support and allegations are vigorously investigated so justice can be served.

The U.N. has instituted remedies for victims, including financial compensation and mechanisms to assist and encourage victims in reporting allegations.

Spotlight on peacekeepers

The U.N. has more than 100,000 troops and police from 122 countries, working in 16 operations  most in very difficult and dangerous environments.

More than half the peacekeeper-related abuse allegations were made against just two U.N. missions  MINUSCA in the Central African Republic with 22 allegations, and MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo with 16 allegations.

'The particularly high number of claims of abuse in C.A.R. is striking,' Richard Gowan, U.N. expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told VOA. 'The U.N. mission there clearly has even worse standards of discipline than U.N. operations as a whole, and cleaning it up has to be a priority."

Missions in Haiti, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Mali accounted for nearly 40 percent of the allegations. Peacekeepers in Sudan's Darfur region, Abyei  on the border of Sudan and South Sudan  and Cyprus were the subject of four allegations.

A third of all the allegations involved the abuse or exploitation of children. Fifteen paternity cases have been filed in the 69 cases.

Gowan noted that one of the root problems in containing the SEA issue should be focusing more attention on the countries that are sending 'ill-prepared and ill-disciplined troops to serve on U.N. missions.'

Strengthening U.N. response

Secretary-General Ban already has taken a series of steps to try to stem peacekeeper abuse. These include firing the head of MINUSCA last year, and holding a video conference with the heads of all peacekeeping missions and their force commanders to reinforce his 'zero tolerance' position.

Last month, he appointed Jane Holl Lute, a former U.S. official with extensive experience in U.N. peacekeeping, to coordinate the U.N.'s response to SEA.

The report released Friday details more significant steps, including asking troop-contributing countries to agree to on-site court martial proceedings when allegations amount to sex crimes under their national laws.

The secretary-general also is urging countries to provide DNA samples from their accused peacekeepers to assist investigations.

Additionally, there is renewed focus on vetting troops for prior abuse allegations, and where such allegations are widespread or systemic, entire contingents could be repatriated.

Their replacements would come from different troop-contributing countries, so repeat offenders could effectively be drummed out of the lucrative U.N. peacekeeping business.

Transparency and accountability

The U.N. has no authority to prosecute peacekeepers for crimes. It can only repatriate them and hope their home country will follow through with prosecution. In several past cases, some troop-providing countries have not investigated or even responded to the U.N. regarding allegations.

An official with the U.S. mission to the United Nations said Friday that its delegation is working on a Security Council resolution that would push for greater transparency and accountability by countries.

'The point of the resolution is to send a strong signal that the Security Council will not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse in U.N. peacekeeping,' the American diplomat said.

The diplomat said the draft proposes the council endorse several of the secretary-general's decisions, including to repatriate military and police units when there is evidence of a pattern of SEA, or when countries have not taken steps to investigate SEA allegations or to inform the secretary-general of progress in an investigation.

The United States, while not a significant contributor of troops to the U.N., does provide more than a quarter of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations' annual $8 billion budget.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN Reports Sharp Rise in Civilian Casualties in Yemen

by Lisa Schlein March 04, 2016

The United Nations human rights office says civilian casualties are mounting in conflict-ridden Yemen.

The new reports also says more than 3,000 men, women and children have been killed and nearly 6,000 wounded since the Saudi-led coalition began its bombing campaign against the Houthi rebels nearly one year ago.

This report is replete with alarming statistics. The U.N. human rights office only deals with civilian casualties. It agrees the numbers would be much higher were the deaths and injuries of fighters included.

During February, the agency recorded a total of at least 168 civilians killed and nearly 200 wounded. It said around two-thirds of these casualties were a result of Saudi-led coalition airstrikes. Human rights office spokesman Rupert Colville said the largest numbers were in the capital, Sana'a.

"In November last year, there was a marked decrease in the airstrike casualties, but since then they have again risen sharply with the number killed almost doubling between January and February,' he said. 'And, the number of civilian casualties recorded last month was, in fact, the highest since September."

Colville sad fighting and indiscriminate shelling by local fighters in the Popular Committees group affiliated with the Houthis and allied army units loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh are adding to the casualty figures. He said last month, the Popular Committees killed and wounded dozens of civilians in the cities of Taizz, Ibb and Al Jawf.

He said civilian infrastructure continued to be destroyed or damaged in February. He accused both warring parties of deliberately targeting protected civilian sites.

"There have also been worrying allegations  which we are still working to verify  that coalition forces dropped cluster bombs on a mountainous area to the south of the Amran cement factory, where a military unit loyal to the Houthis appears to have been the target," said Colville.

Cluster munitions are inherently indiscriminate in nature. Children are major victims of these weapons. They are attracted to their small, shiny appearance and play with them, often with fatal consequences. Human Rights Watch says the deliberate or reckless use of cluster munitions in populated areas amounts to a war crime.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israeli Parliament's 'Expulsion' Bill Stirs Hot Debate

by Joshua Brilliant March 04, 2016

For decades Israel has prided itself as the only real democracy in the Middle East, but some senior Israeli officials are saying newly proposed legislation could tarnish that image.

This week, the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee introduced a controversial bill that would allow 90 of the parliament's 120 members to expel legislators who support armed struggle against Israel, incite racism and negate Israel's existence as a Jewish and democratic state.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu initiated the proposed legislation after three Arab Knesset members met relatives of Palestinian assailants killed in clashes. Some of those attackers reportedly killed Israeli civilians.

The three lawmakers, Jamal Zahalka, Haneen Zoabi, and Basel Ghattas of the National Democratic Assembly, better known by its Hebrew acronym Balad, met the families in Jerusalem. First, they stood up and quietly recited the first chapter of the Koran "in memory of all the occupation's victims," they said in a statement. Then they tried to help their hosts retrieve the bodies of 10 assailants being held by police.

Anti-Israeli attacks at issue

The action enraged Jews who in the past five months have been facing a surge of attacks. "When members of Knesset stand at attention in memory of children's murderers, we shall act just as people would do in Britain, Canada and the United States, if someone would stand [to pay tribute] to the memory of Jihadi John or other murderers," Netanyahu said. A democracy has a right to defend itself, he added.

Balad is a small party and champions turning the State of Israel into a 'state of all of its citizens.' Its previous leader, Azmi Bishara, left the country when security services suspected him of passing intelligence to Hezbollah, considered by much of the West as a terrorist organization.

The chairman of the Knesset's law committee, Nissan Slomiansky, said that Israeli laws already prohibit support of an armed struggle against Israel, incitement of racism and negating Israel's existence as a Jewish-democratic state. Knesset members who violate these laws cannot claim parliamentary immunity so the causes for eviction are "reasonable.'

'Shame on you'

Right wing legislators supported the motion, sometimes wholeheartedly.

Oded Forer of the secularist and right-wing nationalist political party Israel Beitenu blasted the Arab legislators. "Shame on you who do not condemn terror, who support it and think they ought to be in this house," he said.

Nava Boker of Netanyahu's Likud faction said "whoever stands for a moment of silence to the memory of murderers, causes 13 and 14-year-old children to go to the streets and murder Jews."

To ensure continued democratic representation, the bill provides that a dismissed legislator be replaced by the next person on their list of candidates. In last year's elections, Balad and three other Arab parties were afraid that by running separately they might not pass the threshold for entering the parliament, so they formed the Joint Arab List. But, if all three legislators of Balad are evicted, only one Balad member would enter the Knesset. The next two people on the joint list are from the Islamic movement.

The bill's critics warned of a slippery slope. "Today Arabs are unwanted and tomorrow it will be leftists," said Zehava Gal'on of the left-wing Meretz party.

'Problematic' legislation

The most prominent critic was Israeli President Reuven Rivlin who said proposed legislation showed "a problematic understanding of parliamentary democracy. The Knesset should not be a body that investigates and punishes."

The non-partisan think tank Israel Democracy Institute agreed, noting that legislators "are not professional judges but members of parliament who have political interests."

Opposition legislators argued that the proposed law is superfluous since the causes cited for eviction are criminal acts and convicted offenders would be removed from the Knesset anyway.

Miki Rosenthal of the Zionist Camp said the law could, however, be used to intimidate members, "to silence uncomfortable views."

"We are here to represent our community, democratically. There were elections," Ahmad Tibi of the Joint Arab List told the committee. "You can agree or disagree, love or not love what they are doing," but the proposed law is a parliamentary translation of the slogan "Death to the Arabs," he said.

The bill is expected to go to the full Knesset next week for the first of three plenum votes.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN: Burundi Refugees Top 250,000

by Dan Joseph March 04, 2016

The United Nations refugee agency says the number of people who have fled Burundi because of violence and political tension has climbed to a quarter-million.

Spokeswoman Melissa Fleming said Friday that camps are becoming overcrowded in all the host countries, especially Tanzania, which has taken in more than 130,000 Burundians since early last April.

She noted the U.N. agency has received just 3 percent of the $175 million it asked for to deal with the Burundian refugee crisis.

Burundians began fleeing the country almost a year ago after President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans to run for a controversial third term, which he later won.

At least 400 people have been killed since then in clashes between police and protesters and other acts of violence in the Central African country.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Burundi last month, urging the president to hold talks with opposition leaders to end the turmoil.

Nkurunziza agreed to a dialogue, but his move to exclude certain opponents led the main opposition group to reject the plan as a 'false opening.'

The East African Community (EAC) has named former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa as the new mediator for the talks whenever they take place.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Mugabe Digs In on State Seizure of Diamond Mining

by Sebastian Mhofu March 04, 2016

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe said late Thursday that he will not back down on his decision to seize control of the diamond industry. Last month, Mugabe gave foreign mining companies 90 days to stop work and leave the country.Scaring away foreign investors may be the last thing Zimbabwe needs right now.

In a wide-ranging interview on state television, Mugabe said Zimbabwe has received less than $2 billion for what he said has been $15 billion worth of diamonds mined since 2009

"So where have our carats have been going? We have been blinded ourselves. Lots of swindling, smuggling has taken place and companies that have been mining virtually, I want to say robbed us of our wealth. And that is why we have decided that this area should be a monopoly area and only the state should be able to do the mining in that area,' he said. 'You cannot trust a private company in that area, none at all. And we should have learnt from the experiences of countries like Botswana, Angola, Namibia etc.'

Mugabe included the Chinese mining company Anjin in his indictment, a surprising move for some.

China is a key investment partner for Zimbabwe. Officials have referred to China as the country's "all-weather friend" since the U.S. and European nations imposed sanctions in 2002 over rights violations and vote rigging.

But Mugabe says he addressed his concerns about Anjin with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on his landmark visit to Zimbabwe late last year.

"I don't think it has affected any of our relations adversely at all. I don't think so. I told President Xi Jinping that we were not getting much from the company and we didn't like it any more in this country. So we wanted it to go back. I told him that here,' he said.

Anjin is one of nine foreign mining companies now fighting Mugabe's move in court. The case opened this week in Harare.

The government said last month that under the new system, the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company - in which the government will hold at least 51 percent equity - will now mine the country's gems.

But Zimbabwean economist John Robertson says the government isn't actually ready to take over diamond extraction.

"That is a nonsensical statement. You actually need cash to do the actual job in mining. Now they need capital, now they need to bring in proper techs to extract the real value from what is available. And the money to do that isn't there,' he said. 'The people that are supposed to bring in the money are thoroughly discouraged by the fact that they have to invest 100 percent of their capital and only be allowed to earn an income from only 49 percent of that capital.'

The government says this new system is in line with the broader indigenization policy which since 2008 has forced foreign companies and landholders to cede control to black Zimbabweans.

Mugabe says the law was meant to return the economy to the hands of blacks who were marginalized during British colonial rule.

But analysts say that policy and others have sunk Zimbabwe's economy to unprecedented lows. Unemployment is above 80 percent, and the government relies on foreign aid to fund social sectors like education and health.

In 2008, the Kimberly Process suspended Zimbabwe from trading in diamonds following reports that senior government and military officials had taken control of the mines and were smuggling the precious stones. Rights groups reported that the diamonds were collected through forced labor.

The suspension was only lifted in 2009 when Harare convinced the Kimberly Process - a world body aimed at stemming the flow of conflict diamonds - that normalcy had been restored.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Mosul Dam

As of August 2014 Daesh [ISIL, etc] had control of the Mosul Dam. Thus, Daesh had the ability to open the dam and flood many urban areas connected by the Tigris River. Iraqi and Kurdish ground forces retook the Mosul Dam in August 2014 with the help of US air strikes - an achievement that was under threat by January 2015. Kurdish peshmerga fighters launched a new offensive to secure areas southeast and southwest of the dam.

On 28 February 2016 the US Embassy in Baghdad stated: "Mosul Dam faces a serious and unprecedented risk of catastrophic failure with little warning. A catastrophic breach of Iraqs Mosul Dam would result in severe loss of life, mass population displacement, and destruction of the majority of the infrastructure within the path of the projected floodwave. The floodwave would resemble an in-land tidal wave between Mosul and Samarra, and would sweep downstream anything in its path, including bodies, buildings, cars, unexploded ordinances, hazardous chemicals, and waste..."

Flood waters could reach depths greater than 15 meters in some parts of Mosul city in as little as one to four hours, giving residents little time to flee. In three to four days, the water would reach Baghdad, swelling the river that dissects the city by some 10 meters, and likely forcing the closure of the capital's international airport. The 500-kilometer flood path would also damage or destroy large sections of infrastructure, and knock power plants offline, causing the entire Iraqi electricity grid to shut down. Farmland would also be severely damaged.

Mosul Dam (formerly known as Saddam Dam) was constructed in the 1980s on the Tigris River near the city of Mosul, Iraq, for irrigation, flood control, water supply, and hydropower. Mosul Dam, located 50 km north of Mosul city, was built on the Tigris Riverby an Italian German joint company. It has a length of 3.2 kilometers and a height of 131 meters. It is the largest dam in Iraq and the fourth largest dam in the Middle East.

The site was chosen for reasons other than geologic or engineering merit. One of the reasons for the insistence of the Iraqi regime to build a dam in its current location was that Saddam Hussein wanted to make a natural barrier to the movement of Kurdish Peshmerga rebels and obstruct supplies to them. The lake would cut off the Bahdinan area in Kurdistan, which had been a center of revolutions and opposition movements against the former Iraqi regime.

Sinkholes, caves, and cracks appeared in and around the dam foundation during construction and reservoir impoundment in 1984. In 2010 the Mosul Dam continued to require a half million dollars per year to repair cracks that threaten its integrity and reduce its effective hydropower potential.

From a geologic standpoint, the foundation is very poor, and the site geology is the principal cause of continuing intense concern about the safety of the structure. Specifically, the dam was constructed on alternating and highly variable units of gypsum, anhydrite, marl, and limestone, each of which is soluble in water under certain conditions.

The Arabian Plate was part of the supercontinent of Gondwana throughout much of geologic time. Two episodes of rifting, from the Permian Period (286 to 245 million years ago (Ma)) to the Jurassic Period (206 to 144 Ma), formed the Neo-Tethys Ocean and were followed by periods of subsidence and sediment accumulation. Tectonic activity of the Neo-Tethys Ocean area along with fluctuations in sea level influenced the type and amount of sedimentation on the Arabian Plate. At times, the plate was inundated with ocean water, resulting in the deposition of limestone. Similarly, in the plate area that is now Iraq, shallow marine shelf and near-shore zones accumulated carbonate and evaporite sediments.

Rock layers near and under Mosul Dam are subject to dissolution and the development of karst features. Karst topography is characterized by landforms that result from subsurface dissolution of water-soluble geologic materials and is often surficially manifested as dolines (sinkholes). Dolines are closed circular to elliptical hollows or depressions, often funnel shaped, with diameters ranging from a few meters to a few kilometers and depths ranging from a meter to hundreds of meters.

The visual portion of a sinkhole represents a very small percentage of the loss of material in the subsurface. Surface expression of a sinkhole may not occur until the visually obscured portion of the feature is well developed and very large.

A large sinkhole developed in February 2003, east of the emergency spillway when the pool elevation was at 325 m. The Mosul Dam staff filled the sinkhole the next day, with 1200 cu m of soil. The pool was dropped and then raised again, and the sinkhole reopened, meaning the fill from February sank into deeper parts of the dissolution feature. In June, it was refilled with another 2000 cu m of material, with the pool at 315 m. The pool was raised to 320 m and the sinkhole reopened, requiring another 1000 cu m of fill.

Impoundment of a large freshwater reservoir in contact with such unstable geologic materials promotes continuous dissolution in the foundation and abutments, with preferential and rapid dissolution of gypsum and anhydrite layers. This condition creates a situation demanding extraordinary engineering measures to maintain the structural integrity and operating capability of the dam. The requisite engineering measures have included maintenance grouting of the structure continuously since construction. The purpose of maintenance grouting is to close water-flow pathways that open by rapid dissolution of geologic materials in the foundation and abutments.

The consensus among various expert panels and engineers and scientists who have studied or worked directly on Mosul Dam is that the embankment was constructed well and is not the cause for concern. However, without continuous maintenance grouting of the foundation and abutments, the dam would fail.

The US Army Engineer Division, Gulf Region (GRD), became increasingly concerned about the safety of the dam as their tenure in-country lengthened. An international panel of experts (IPE) had recommended that the structural integrity of Mosul Dam could be improved by transitioning the grouting program from 1980s practices to the best available 21st-century techniques and equipment. Further, the IPE recommended that a 3-D geologic model and hydrogeologic or groundwater flow model should be developed to support the transition to enhanced grouting.

Annual reports of grouting over the several years up to 2007 showed large and rapid changes in grout-curtain efficiency (described in Annual Reports of Dam Operations provided by Ayoub or included in the LOD). That is, formation permeability or effectiveness of the grout curtain at a certain location can change quickly, in weeks to months rather than the centuries to millennia expected in less dramatic geologic processes. These changes and other published and unpublished data indicate vertical and lateral changes with time on a fairly small scale (meters or submeter) within a single rock unit.

The Gannett Fleming, Inc., IntelliGrout system is a comprehensive integration of data collection, real-time data display, database functions, real-time analytical capabilities, and computer-aided design to manage large-scale seepage-control and other grouting projects. Gannett Fleming, Inc., working in partnership with Advanced Construction Techniques, Ltd., developed IntelliGrout for managing and accomplishing seepage control and stabilization of large earthen and concrete dams, and reconstruction of underground structures such as subways, tunnels, railway, water supply aqueducts, mines, and penstocks.

Mineralogic variability within rock units resulted from original depositional processes that created interfaces and zones of weakness within individual beds. These natural zones of weakness now function as ingress points for seep water and allow dissolution zones to move vertically and horizontally.

By 2007 dissolution was occurring at a faster rate than natural geologic processes. Sinkholes that had reached the surface recently on the east abutment indicated large-scale dissolution in the subsurface. Rock quality, grout-curtain efficiency as related to piezometer data, sinkhole development, sinkhole retreatment, dissolution rates of rock material, and water chemistry (total dissolved solids) collectively indicate that the dissolution front is moving to the east and downstream. The rate of subsurface dissolution has been increased by the presence of the reservoir.

The pattern of regrouting in and between recently grouted sections of the dam [as of 2007] showed that grouting at one location causes the flow path (seepage) of subsurface water to move to another location, but does not stop the seepage. At or above a pool depth of 318 m above sea level, the rate of subsurface dissolution increases markedly, leading to the recommendation that the pool not be raised above 318 m.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's J-20, J-31 likely to be deployed on aircraft carriers, military expert says

People's Daily Online

By Yuan Can (People's Daily Online) 17:07, March 04, 2016

China's fourth generation fighters like J-20 and J-31 are likely to be deployed on aircraft carriers, according to a military export.

In an interview with China National Radio (CNR), a military expert Yin Zhuo said China's aircraft carriers are capable to project firepower, troops and information. Yin said the ability of China aircraft carrier's fleet will experience great improvement.

Early-warning aircraft and Space-Based Infrared System will safeguard in-task aircraft carriers in far ocean and far sea areas, Yin added.

The West has questioned China's defensive defense policy for it is building a second aircraft carrier entirely using domestic technology. In his previous state visits, China's President Xi Jinping stressed the idea "Never do to others what you would not like them to do to you."

Yin said that the idea means that China's aircraft carriers are used to protect the countries' own legitimate interests but not to encroach others'.

Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has come up with the idea to jointly develop offshore and open sea defense. In Yin's words, China is determined to form its blue-water navy. But the blue-water navy is in combination with green-water navy and brown-water navy.

Yin pointed out that at present China's national security interests lie in offshore areas like the Diaoyu Dao and the South China Sea disputes.

'A strong maritime power needs a navy that can maintain its national interests,' Yin said.

China also pays attention to open sea. The Indian Ocean is 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers far away from China. Over 60 per cent of China's oil imports is shipped through the region every year, Yin said.

The peace and stability of the Middle East and Africa is closely related to Chinese economy as their resources and energy are of strategic importance for China, according to Yin's words.

China is likely to become the biggest creditor country by 2030. More than dozens of millions of Chinese people work abroad. The PLAN's future tasks are to guarantee the safety of overseas investment Chinese working abroad. Yin said, 'This is also a task of China's aircraft carriers fleet.'

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A Billings forensic pathologist said Friday at the murder trial of Brian Laird in Hardin that Lairds wife, Kathryn Laird, died from drowning, not from strangulation or an assault.

Testifying for the defense, Dr. Thomas Bennetts statements regarding an autopsy he performed on Kathryn Lairds body almost 17 years ago appeared to contradict what he had told state and federal investigators earlier.

Defense attorneys called Bennett as their primary witness Friday afternoon and rested their case without Brian Laird testifying.

Brian Laird, 46, is charged with deliberate homicide in the July 31, 1999, death of Kathryn Laird, 28, whose bruised body was found in the water in the Yellowtail Dam Afterbay near Fort Smith.

The couple, who lived in a trailer park at Fort Smith and worked in the fishing business, had been married about five months when Kathryn Laird died.

A former fly fishing guide and lawyer, Brian Laird was arrested in 2014 in Fort Collins, Colo., on the Montana murder charges. Neighbors of the couple, who apparently were not questioned in the case until an FBI interview in 2012, reported hearing a bitter argument the night of Kathryn Lairds death.

The jury is expected to hear closing arguments and to begin deliberations on Monday. The trial began Tuesday in the Big Horn County Courthouse with Judge Michael Hayworth, of Miles City, presiding.

If convicted, Brian Laird faces the death penalty or a minimum 10 years in prison.

State prosecutors allege Brian Laird killed his wife after they argued.

Brian Laird told FBI agents that his wife drove off from their trailer home after an argument on the night of her death and that he never saw her alive again.

Two autopsies were performed on Kathryn Lairds body on Aug. 1, 1999. The first was by Dr. Kenneth Mueller, a pathologist, now deceased, and the second was by Bennett, who was Muellers partner. Mueller, along with FBI Special Agent Randy Jackson, was present when Bennett did his exam.

Bennett testified that the bruises on Kathryn Laird's body looked worse because a coroner embalmed the body prior to the autopsies.

Hemorrhaging found in muscles at the base of Kathryn Lairds neck, Bennett said, came from the process of drowning, not from the infliction of trauma or strangulation.

Kathryn Laird clearly died of freshwater drowning, Bennett said.

He also said he found no evidence that Kathryn Laird died at the hands of another and that the only premortem bruising was on her left thumb.

Medical examiners, prosecutors said in court records, ruled that Kathryn Laird died from asphyxia by drowning and had unusual bruises to the muscles on her neck. But the manner of her death remained undetermined, and it was not clear from the document exactly how authorities believe she died.

'Troubling' bruising

On Thursday, FBI Agent Jackson testified that the tone of the investigation changed during Muellers examination when the pathologist pointed to the bruises on Kathryn Lairds neck muscles and said repeatedly, This is troubling.

Prosecutor Assistant Attorney General Chad Parker challenged Bennetts testimony as contradicting what he had told investigators earlier.

Bennett acknowledged that his findings included statements that the neck bruises were, in his opinion, clearly real and premortem.

Bennett also agreed that his findings included the statement, In my opinion, the bruises identified are significant factors and warrant inclusion on the death certificate under the other significant condition heading.

Parker asked Bennett about using the terms strangulation and throttling to explain injuries to Kathryn Lairds neck in a 2012 meeting with another FBI agent and a state prosecutor.

Bennett initially responded he didnt know if he did and then, upon further questioning by Parker, said, We probably discussed it, yes.

Parker also attempted to impeach Bennetts credibility by asking whether hed been terminated as an assistant state medical examiner.

The answer in no, Bennett responded. I was never appointed.

Bennett said he was an assistant medical examiner because of his work with coroners. He has said previously that he never worked for the state, that rather he worked as a consultant to county coroners.

Last year, the Montana Attorney Generals Office notified Bennett, who had worked as an associate medical examiner in Montana since 1998, that his appointment would end as of July 1. Bennett had conducted autopsies for coroners in Eastern Montana through his private practice in Billings.

Controversy and concerns about Bennetts autopsies on children came to a head last year, and the Attorney Generals Office restructured the State Medical Examiners Office. Now, forensic pathologists who do autopsies for coroners are under the direct supervision by the state medical examiner.

Defense attorney Sandy Selvey followed up Parkers impeachment questioning by asking Bennett whether his issues with the state had influenced his testimony at Brian Lairds trial.
Agenda set for China's legislative session

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 19:19, March 04, 2016

BEIJING, March 4 -- China's national legislators elected Friday a presidium and set the agenda for the legislature's annual session, which will open Saturday.

A 170-member presidium was elected to take charge of the procedures of the Fourth Session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC), which is scheduled to conclude on March 16, said Fu Ying, spokeswoman for the session, at a press conference Friday.

Li Jianguo was elected secretary-general of the session, she said.

An important event on this year's schedule is to review the draft 13th five-year national development plan. It will define priorities for China's economic and social development from 2016 to 2020, along with the country's first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Another arrangement will be examining the draft charity law, the first law to regulate charity activities in China. The bill has gone through two readings at the bi-monthly sessions of the NPC Standing Committee.

In addition, there will be six regular reports to be submitted to the legislators annually, including the reports on government work, national economic and social development plan, central and local budgets, as well as those from the NPC Standing Committee, Supreme People's Court and Supreme People's Procuratorate.

There will be 15 or 16 press conferences on the sidelines of the session, and Premier Li Keqiang will meet reporters after the closing of the session, Fu said.

'The press conferences will cover a rich variety of topics that the public and international community are eager to know,' she said.

Some panel discussions of NPC delegations will be open to reporters.

A preparatory meeting was held Friday morning to elect the session's presidium and secretary general and adopt the agenda, presided over by Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, after a meeting of chairman and vice chairpersons.

The presidium held its first meeting after the preparatory meeting and elected its executive chairpersons.

The national legislature will effectively fulfill its duty and respond to the central leadership's strategy of 'Four Comprehensives' as well as five new development concepts, which are innovation, coordination, green development, opening up and sharing, Zhang said.

The session aims to unite Chinese people for a good start for the 13th five-year development plan, he said.

The presidium is composed of senior officials of the Communist Party of China (CPC), non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, personages without party affiliation, deputies from government agencies and people's organizations, and leading members of all the 35 delegations to the NPC session, including those from Hong Kong and Macao and the People's Liberation Army.

As of Thursday, 2,911 of 2,943 NPC deputies had registered at the session's secretariat.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Xi underscores adherence to China's basic economic system

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 19:51, March 04, 2016

Chinese President Xi Jinping joins a panel discussion of political advisors from the China Democratic National Construction Association and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce during the ongoing annual session of the country's top political advisory body in Beijing, capital of China, March 4, 2016. Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, also joined the panel discussion. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

BEIJING, March 4 -- China should adhere to its basic economic system, with public ownership playing a dominant role and diverse forms of ownership developing side by side, President Xi Jinping said on Friday.

Xi made the remarks at a panel discussion of political advisors from the China Democratic National Construction Association and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce during the ongoing annual session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.

The implementation of such a basic economic system is a major political policy decided by the Communist Party of China (CPC). China must unswervingly strengthen and develop the public sector and also unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector, the president said.

China remains committed to creating a favorable environment for the non-public sector, Xi said.

The political advisors discussed issues related to the promotion of supply-side structural reform, the protection of intellectual property rights, cutting corporate costs and improving technological innovation.

Xi said advisors have offered some very good suggestions and asked relevant departments to carefully study them.

Despite a complex international situation and daunting domestic reform tasks, China, acting under the guidance of the 'Four Comprehensives,' has met the major goals set for last year and the country's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) came to a successful completion, Xi said.

He said the achievements were hard won, reflecting 'the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the unity and efforts of the people and the wisdom of non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and the political advisors.'

The 'Four Comprehensives' strategy means comprehensively completing the building of a moderately prosperous society, deepening reform, advancing the rule of law and strictly governing the CPC.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China increases military spending to be smallest in 6 years

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 11:24AM

China is set to increase its defense spending by 7 to 8 percent this year, the lowest rise in the country's military budget over the past six years.

Fu Ying, the spokeswoman for the Chinese National People's Congress, told reporters in Beijing on Friday that the country needs to consider its defense needs, economic development as well as fiscal position in drafting the 2016 defense budget.

An increase of 7 to 8 percent would take China's defense spending for this year to between $154 and $155 billion compared to $144 billion last year.

Ni Lexiong, a military expert at Shanghai's University of Political Science and Law told the Associated Press that the modest size of the increase appeared to surprise many observers who had been expecting another double-digit rise in line with the military's higher profile.

The budget is still about one-quarter that of the United States. China has the world's largest standing military with over two million troops.

The developments come as the US has increased its military presence in the South China Sea amid territorial disputes between China and its neighbors.

The US Navy has recently announced plans to increase its operations in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

Admiral Harry Harris, the head of the US Pacific Command, has recently said that the sailings involve a US warship coming within 12 nautical miles of islets claimed by China.

Since October, the US Navy has carried out two such operations in the South China Sea.

Tensions have escalated in recent months between Washington and Beijing over the disputed waters.

The US has accused China of militarizing the area. This is while Chinese government blames the US military presence, its deployment of an advanced missile system, and its military drills for the tensions in the region.

Beijing has also expressed concern over the possible deployment of an American missile system in South Korea, saying it could jeopardize China's national security.

On February 25, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the US needed to address the concerns raised by China about THAAD's capabilities, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles inside or just outside the atmosphere during their final phase of flight.

The US says the deployment of the missile system to the Korean Peninsula acts as a deterrent against North Korea's ballistic missile program, but Russia and China say such a move would undermine stability on the restive peninsula.

China and Russia also view the planned move as an attempt to put their military facilities within the range of US radars.

Thousands of US soldiers are stationed in South Korea and Japan.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China Cuts Defense Spending as Economy Stumbles

by William Ide March 04, 2016

China's slowing economy is having an impact on government spending, including the country's closely watched military budget.

Fu Ying, a spokeswoman for China's largely rubber-stamp parliament, told reporters Friday the military will see an increase of seven to eight percent this year.

The announced increase is the first time China's spending on defense has slipped below double-digit growth in six years, and follows more than a decade of nearly consistent double-digit growth.

The official figure will be announced Saturday when China's National People's Congress, the country's top legislative body, begins its annual meetings in Beijing, Fu Ying said.

"China's military budget is based on two key things: the needs of military development as well as economic development and government revenues," she said.

Last year, China announced it was cutting its massive military by 300,000 troops, even as its territorial claims in the region have increasingly been a point of controversy.

'New normal'

Analysts said the reduction is very much in line with what China describes as its "new normal" for slower economic growth.

"With overall GDP growth in China moving below seven percent, it would be appropriate, I think, in the eyes of the leadership to calibrate defense expenditure more in line with that new normal," said Alexander Neill, a Shangri-La Dialogue senior fellow for Asia at the Institute for International Institute for Strategic Studies in Singapore.

For more than a decade "the PLA (People's Liberation Army) has been the recipient of a lot of cash from the central leadership and this may very well represent a gradual tapering down of that," he added.

ency concerns

China is the world's second biggest military spender, and while its annual budget last year increased by 10.1 percent, for a total of more than $135 billion, it still pales in comparison to the United States.

But the accuracy of the figures China releases is unclear as transparency has long been a concern, notes Jagannath Panda, an analyst at the Institute of Defense Studies and Analysis in New Delhi.

"We don't know how transparent and how true it is," Panda said, adding that the reduction could be made for some technical reasons. "There are so many gray areas in the Chinese military defense industry. We don't know where the funding comes from? How fundings are submitted? where are the expenditures really happening, or have happened?"

Such concerns, however, are overblown, said Wang Dong, a political scientist at Peking University. Wang said China's military expenses actually account for about two percent of its annual economic growth, which is largely in line with what other countries spend.

He said China's leaders note that much of the growth in the defense budget is actually related to the increasing role China plays internationally.

"We can point to many examples including China's huge increase in its commitment into the United Nations peacekeeping operations and its contributions to counter-piracy operations," he said.

Budget messaging

Still, the decrease in funding comes at a time when China's rapid construction of artificial islands and rigid claim to almost all of the South China Sea is raising concern among its neighbors. Part of the reason for the decrease in spending could also be aimed at calming nerves in the region.

"The political message is perhaps a rebuttal of that. It is saying that China is prepared to reduce and curb defense expenditure," said Alexander Neill. He said the reduction could also be a "political message that China is willing to show restraint."

By slowing its budget growth, China appears to be trying to send a subtle message that it is not a security threat and that its neighbors should see it as a country that is seeking cooperation, said Jagannath Panda.

Still, "there is no way that China is going to relax their positions" on territorial and security issues.

He adds that there also may be a domestic message to the reduction as well, given the widespread problem of corruption in the military. In the past, high levels of spending led to massive corruption problems and President Xi Jinping may be looking to address the problem and exert more control over the military complex.

"All of this could also be linked to China's domestic reforms, particularly reforms in the military circle," Panda said.

Saibal Dasgupta contributed to this report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Nine Takeaways From Iran's Elections

March 04, 2016

by Golnaz Esfandiari

Iran's moderates and reformists have had nearly a week to celebrate their return from a decade of political marginalization in elections that recast the ranks of the parliament and the clerically dominated Assembly of Experts, which selects and oversees the supreme leader. But how much has really changed?

Here are nine things you should know about the results of the latest voting under Iran's tightly controlled, carefully vetted, political system.

Hard-Liners Were Dealt A Blow...

The results of the votes demonstrate a rejection of hard-line views and policies.

The message was particularly emphatic in the capital, where moderates won all 30 seats reserved for the parliament and 15 of 16 Tehran seats in the Assembly of Experts.

'Tehran is the political hub and the definitive center of power,' says analyst Saeed Barzin, highlighting the psychological blow.

Two clerics known for their radical worldviews failed to keep their seats in the Assembly of Experts. Out is Ayatollah Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, a longtime supporter of hawkish ex-President Mahmud Ahmadinejad known for his hard-line views, including saying recently that people's votes don't matter in an Islamic system. Ayatollah Mohammad Yazdi, the current head of the Assembly of Experts and former judiciary chief who has opposed any loosening of social norms, was also defeated in Tehran. Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati, who heads the powerful Guardians Council, snuck in at the bottom of the Assembly of Experts list from Tehran.

'People didn't trust those who don't value their vote and opinions, they voted for the opposite side,' the popular news site Asriran.com argued on March 1.

'The election results were surely a big victory for moderate forces and a terrifying failure for hard-liners,' Saeed Laylaz, an economist who advised former reformist President Mohammad Khatami, told the Financial Times.

...But They're Not Gone

Despite the embarrassing defeat in Tehran, hard-liners reportedly won 78 races for the 290-seat parliament. Moderate forces have so far been declared winners in 83 races and independents 60. The fate of a further 69 seats will be decided in run-offs expected in April.

Hard-liners remain in charge of powerful state bodies, including the judiciary and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) that are so actively involved in state repression. Those powerful bodies are unlikely to veer in the near future from their course of repression.

And while some reports question the health of the staunchly conservative and anti-Western supreme leader, 76-year-old Ali Khamenei, he continues to have the final say in Iran's religious and political affairs.

Reformists Are Not Back

The reformist gains are a boost for the pro-reform camp that was able to reconnect with voters. But it doesn't mean that Iran is seeing a reemergence of the reformist movement that rose to prominence with the 1997 election of Mohammad Khatami as president.

Many of the reformist camp's most prominent figures were disqualified from these elections. The reformists responded with a so-called List of Hope -- an alliance of reformists, moderate conservatives, and pragmatists supportive of the relative moderate who swept into the presidency in 2013, Hassan Rohani. Rohani has called publicly for greater rights for women, 'the right to think freely' for Iranians in 'their private lives,' and greater Iranian diplomatic engagement with the world, although his progress has been confined to the last of those areas, most notably through the nuclear deal reached with world powers in July.

But Washington-based political analyst Ali Afshari says the reformists elected to parliament in these elections have a 'weak' reformist agenda, suggesting they're not supportive of some of the reformist's more liberal and pro-democracy demands.

'It's not clear, after entering the parliament and facing pressure and threats from the establishment, to what extent they will remain firm on their stances,' Afshari tells RFE/RL.

For instance, one reformist lawmaker-elect quickly came under pressure over a quote that appeared after the vote suggesting that women should be allowed to choose whether or not they want to wear the hijab, the Islamic head scarf. Parvaneh Salahshuri reportedly made the comment in a February 29 interview with Italian journalist Viviana Mazza but, following hard-line criticism, said that her comments had been 'misunderstood.' In an interview with the hard-line Tasnim news agency, Salahshuri said while there could be differences in the way the wearing of the hijab is enforced, 'there is no doubt that it should be observed.' Tasnim quoted her as saying that she 'apologizes 'and understands 'the sensitivities' regarding the issue.

Parliament Looks More Moderate

The hard-liners appear to have lost their dominance in the parliament, where they have openly challenged Rohani's outreach efforts, including the nuclear deal and other engagement with the international community, as well as social policies they deem too liberal.

London-based analyst Barzin even speculates that the incoming parliament is likely to be controlled by pro-Rohani forces.

'The parliament will be split almost evenly between a pro-government camp, the [right-wing] principlists, and the independents. Each bloc has about 25 percent of the seats. Some 25 percent of the seats have gone to [run-offs in] the second round, and will probably again split between the three trends,' Barzin says.

A more cooperative parliament could make it easier for Rohani to advance his economic agenda, pave the way for foreign investment, and bring modest social changes.

No Major Foreign Policy Changes Are Expected

Iran's role in Syria, where the IRGC is supporting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is unlikely to change as the results of these elections.

On the other hand, analyst Barzin says the moderate win in parliament could positively affect Iran's ties with regional rival Saudi Arabia by empowering Rohani. The Saudis broke their ties with Iran after an attack by hard-liners on the Saudi Embassy in Tehran, which itself followed the execution of a Shi'ite cleric accused of violent extremism, Nimr Al-Nimr, a move that was strongly condemned by Iranian officials.

With greater support at home, Rohani and his foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, will be in a stronger negotiating position for outreach efforts that have been criticized by hard-liners, argues Barzin.

'A stronger government should mean the possibility of [a] greater approach [to] a political solution [to] the crisis in relations with Saudi Arabia,' says Barzin.

Despite Appearances, There's No Seismic Shift In The Assembly

The elimination from the Assembly of Experts of current Chairman Yazdi and the hawkish theologian Mesbah Yazdi is significant.

Farzan Sabet, a nuclear security fellow at Stanford University and managing editor of a website, IranPolitik.com, which focuses on Iranian politics, says hard-line defeats there are 'a win for those who wanted a more moderate assembly.'

Yet the assembly's composition doesn't appear to have undergone major changes, although it is perhaps too soon to tell.

'We don't fully understand what kind of new assembly we are looking at,' Sabet says.

And anyways, Sabet adds, the results of any major shift 'would mainly be seen in a potential future supreme-leader transition, rather than in the short term.'

Analyst Ashfari cautions that 'the majority of seats are still controlled by the hard-liners, those [on the list] of the influential Qom Society of Seminary Teachers, and those loyal to [Supreme Leader Ayatollah] Khamenei.'

Ex-President Khatami Remains Influential

The reformist former President Mohammad Khatami (1997-2005) remains popular despite a media and public-speaking ban and and his failure to achieve many of his stated reform goals. He has been given credit for much of the support that reformist and moderate forces received in these elections, partly the result of a YouTube clip encouraging his supporters to vote for candidates from the 'List Of Hope.'

Tehran-based professor Sadegh Zibakalam noted that some of those elected to parliament from Tehran are relative unknowns deeply indebted to Khatami for their victory. 'This shows the depth of people's trust in the senior figures of the reformist movement,' Zibakalam said in the Iranian daily Arman on February 28.

Speaking on state-controlled television on March 1, moderate conservative lawmaker Ali Motahari (who won reelection from Tehran) said the long-running media ban on Khatami had resulted in the opposite of its intended effect. 'Those who enforced the ban on Khatami did so to prevent him from influencing the elections. But we saw that this policy resulted in [Khatami] having a greater influence.'

Elections Are Seen As The Only Option For Change

Many Iranians want to see a stronger economy, more jobs, good ties with Western countries, and more freedom. Rohani's election to the presidency three years ago and last week's gains by relative moderates highlight those desires.

The 63 percent turnout last week suggests that despite the heavily restricted nature of the Iranian elections and the sharply disputed reelection of Ahmadinejad in 2009 and subsequent crackdown, many Iranians still believe the ballot box is the only option to achieve gradual change in the Islamic republic. Some of last week's voters have said they cast their ballots knowing that the elections were not free but rather a choice between bad and worse.

Khamenei Wins, Too

The elections are seen as a victory for Rohani and the moderate forces that are supportive of last year's nuclear accord, under which Iran has significantly limited sensitive nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

But Rand Corporation senior analyst Alireza Nader noted that they are also a win for Khamenei, who had urged even those who don't approve of him to vote. Nader said in a March 2 analysis that the sizable turnout 'eases Khamenei's fear of his regime losing legitimacy in the face of economic malaise and popular dissatisfaction.'

He added, citing popular disillusionment from 2009 election and the Green Movement whose leaders were subsequently put under house arrest: 'Khamenei's concerns are framed by the massive 2009 Green uprising that shook the Iranian regime to its core. [Rohani's] presidency, the nuclear agreement, a slight improvement in the economy, and Iran's reduced international isolation and improved regional position have made the regime much more stable since 2009. And the recent elections add to this momentum.'

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/nine- takeaways-iran-elections/27589506.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






Iraqis protest against widespread corruption

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 3:20PM

Tens of thousands of Iraqis held demonstrations in major cities Friday to protest against widespread corruption and call for reforms.

Around 200,000 people gathered around the Green Zone in the center of the capital, Baghdad.

Most of the demonstrators were followers of Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Shia cleric who has organized similar protests over the past weeks.

Sadr, who appeared among the demonstrators in Baghdad, said in a speech that the Iraqis will not tolerate corrupt elements inside the government, calling on Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to address cases of mismanagement in his administration.

Reports said security forces had earlier blocked the main routes leading to the Green Zone, a highly fortified area which houses Iraq's cabinet, parliament and other government offices.

Similar protests were held in the cities of Karbala and Basra. Protesters chanted slogans against some government officials.

The gathering around the Green Zone could be seen as a major warning to Abadi and the Iraqi government that the relative security established in the area and other parts of the capital could be affected by surging public dissatisfaction.

A similar protest was held last week in Tahrir Square in downtown Baghdad with Sadr warning that his supporters would storm the Green Zone if the government keeps failing in its reform plans.

The Iraqi government says its finances have been affected by its large-scale battle against the Takfiri terrorists of Daesh, a group which controls parts of the country in the west and the north. Pro-government forces have managed to liberate some key areas but the fight continues for recapturing cities in the provinces of Anbar and Nineveh.

Iraq saw a series of nationwide protests over corruption last summer. That prompted Abadi to propose a package of reforms. However, many say his efforts have effectively failed to bring about any tangible change.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iraqis Fear Collapse of Poorly-maintained Mosul Dam

by Zlatica Hoke March 04, 2016

More than a million Iraqis are in danger of being killed if the poorly maintained Mosul dam collapses and the Tigris River rushes out. The government began urgent maintenance work on the dam Thursday. Authorities have warned people who live along the Tigris to move at least six kilometers away from the banks

Maintenance work began Thursday to shore up the dam's weakening structure, undermined by years of conflict and neglect. Iraqis living near the Tigris River are worried.

'We are afraid and we don't know if it's true or not true that the dam could collapse. We are worried because we have family and kids. And we are stressed. We live very close to the Tigris,' said a local man.

The dam needs regular maintenance because the ground underneath it is unstable. The government this week signed a $300-million deal with Italy's Trevi group to repair and maintain the structure for 18 months. But many Iraqis fear the dam could collapse before the Italian engineers arrive and assemble their machinery.

''It is certain that the rising water levels will have a negative impact on citizens. We hope the relevant authorities will work hard to resolve this problem in order not to let the water leak into commercial interests and homes of locals," said Baghdad resident Raad al-Quraishi.

As the snow melts, the water pressure grows. A gate was opened to ease some of the water pressure, raising the levels of the Tigris River. But officials have downplayed the danger.

'The quantities of water which flowed into the Tigris River have been utilized well in the agricultural plans drawn up by the Ministry of Water Resources in accordance with the Ministry of Agriculture. And big quantities of water have been used to flourish and revive the marshes which suffered a lot from water scarcity in the previous season,' said Ali Radhi Thamir of the state committee on irrigation and drainage projects.

The U.S. Embassy said this week that the risk of the dam collapsing is 'serious and unprecedented.' U.S. and Iraqi governments are working on a plan to evacuate as many as 1.5 million Iraqis living along the Tigris.

The dam deteriorated during the conflict, including a temporary capture by the Islamic State militants. Its maintenance has remained insufficient in part because Islamic State still controls the factory that produces the cement for the dam's foundation.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Japan to halt work on US base relocation in Okinawa: PM

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 9:26AM

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will temporarily halt construction work on relocating a US base on the Okinawa island, amid intense protests by locals to the presence of American troops.

The Japanese government has been seeking to move the US-run Futenma air base to the town of Henoko. It is filling in parts of a bay in Henoko to create off-coast runways for American aircraft.

The government plan to relocate the base to Henoko comes under a 1996 agreement with the US to move the base to a less heavily populated area on Okinawa.

Locals, however, want the base entirely removed from the Okinawa prefecture.

A legal battle has ensued between the local and central governments over the relocation to Henoko, involving lawsuits and counter-lawsuits.

Abe said on Friday that his government would accept to delay the construction on the bay to allow talks between Tokyo and Okinawa over the issue.

He said, however, that the plan to eventually relocate the Futenma air base to Henoko will remain unchanged.

The presence of the US base has faced immense protest from locals in Okinawa, the only part of Japan to suffer a bloody land battle during World War Two.

The prefecture is home to 50,000 American forces. The Japanese there complain about crime and noise associated with the base.

Cause for resentment against the base has been numerous sex abuse cases involving the American troops. The US forces were reportedly involved in over 1,000 sex crimes in Japan between 2005 and 2013.

The rape of a schoolgirl by three US servicemen in 1995 triggered mass rallies across the Asian country back then.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Japan Decides to Stop Works on US Airbase Relocation in Okinawa

Sputnik News

09:36 04.03.2016(updated 09:42 04.03.2016)

Tokyo decided to accept a court-mediated settlement plan concerning the relocation of a US airbase.

TOKYO (Sputnik)  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has decided to halt landfill work on the Henoko coastal area of Nago city in Okinawa for the relocation of a US airbase under a court-mediated settlement plan, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said Friday.

'The government has decided to accept the court-mediated settlement plan,' Nakatani said as quoted by Kyodo news agency.

Litigation between the authorities of the Okinawa prefecture and the central Japanese government is due to be completed under the settlement plan. The parties are expected to hold consultations to work out an acceptable final solution.

The relocation of the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma was agreed on in 2006. Current plans envision the base to be closed by February 2019 and relocated within the Okinawa prefecture.

The relocation decision has met resistance from Okinawa's local authorities, with many Okinawa residents wishing to see the base gone rather than relocated. Okinawa Prefecture Governor Takeshi Onaga convinced the central government to temporarily halt construction in August 2015.

Elected in 2014, Onaga ran on promises to oppose the airbase's construction. In mid-November, the Okinawa government was sued by the central government over the dispute.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






All Hands On Deck: Russian Military Sets Up High-Tech Radar System in Syria

Sputnik News

19:40 04.03.2016(updated 19:49 04.03.2016)

Russian military have set up electronic systems, which allows monitoring violations of the ceasefire in Syria.

Over the past three days three modern complexes with unmanned aerial vehicles and two radars detecting small targets have been deployed to Syria.

The Zoopark-1 missile and artillery ground reconnaissance complex is designed to automatically determine the coordinates of enemy artillery positions (mortars, field artillery, rocket volley fire systems and tactical missile launch positions) to provide target sighting information to its own countermeasure equipment, as well as to monitor its own firing results.

The design of the 'Zoopark-1' complex was started in the Soviet Union back in the 1980s as a replacement to APK-1 'Ris' complex. The new complex is mounted on the chassis of a MTLB truck.

The Zoopark-1 intelligence and radar complex is completely autonomous and it takes about five minutes to deploy. The complex can conduct reconnaissance of positions of up to 17 kilometers and target artillery with a minimum bore size of 82-120 millimeters.

The gun's caliber is 105-155 millimeters and has a distance of 12 kilometers. It has a multiple launch systems with ranges up to 22 kilometers and tactical missiles that can travel up to 45 kilometers.

The complex is capable of detecting up to 70 firing positions in a minute, while tracking up to 12 targets.

The cessation of hostilities in Syria came into force at the end of February. Nearly a hundred opposition parties supported the truce. The groups that didn't fall under the truce were Daesh and al-Nusra Front terrorists.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






A registered sex offender who used Facebook in an attempt to solicit children for an inappropriate training class has been ordered to prison.

Natrona County District Judge Daniel Forgey sentenced Darren William Cornell on Friday to serve five to six years behind bars.

The 31-year-old from Rawlins will be required to continue registering as a sex offender when he is released from prison.

Cornell previously entered an Alford plea to one count of attempting to take indecent liberties with a minor. An Alford plea means he does not admit to the crime but acknowledges that prosecutors have enough evidence to convince a jury he is guilty.

Before that, Cornell entered a plea of not guilty by reason of mental illness in the case. He underwent a mental evaluation at the Wyoming State Hospital in Evanston. The results of that evaluation are not public.

Cornell was represented by public defender Rob Oldham.

Police arrested Cornell on April 20 after an undercover officer arranged for him to drive to Casper from Rawlins to meet a 7-year-old girl and her aunt, according to court documents. Cornell said he would teach the girl how to fight off a rapist. He claimed he would act as the rapist and the girl would be asked to touch him.

At the time he was arrested, Cornell admitted to being a sex offender. He told officers he hoped to have his name removed from the registry by showing law enforcement he could help them, the court documents state. He was convicted in 2005 in Michigan of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor, according to the Wyoming Sex Offender Registry.

Cornell posted an advertisement for the purported training program on a Facebook page named Casper Confessionals. A woman called police on April 13 to report she saw the post and had been contacted by Cornell.

The woman said Cornell spoke of having children ages 5 to 10 touch him inappropriately.

Police Capt. Steve Freel acted undercover by using the womans Facebook account in order to converse with Cornell.

Cornell said he wanted to conduct the training in the privacy of the womans home. He said he would come to Casper and requested money for gas and food. He also said he could stay for two days and could sleep in a guest room in their home.

On the day of the scheduled meeting, Cornell contacted the woman via Facebook to confirm they would be getting together. The woman said she was stuck at work and that Cornell should meet her sister at a sandwich shop. Cornell asked if he would be met by police because that had happened to him in the past.

He went to the shop and spoke with an undercover officer acting as the womans sister. He told the woman he would not have pants on during the training and that the girl would be asked to touch him inappropriately.

Cornell was arrested and interviewed at the police department. He initially denied posting the ad on Facebook but later stated he did post it. Cornell said he sent Facebook messages to the woman about the training but that he had not planned on following through with any of it.
Water returns to Syria's Aleppo after Daesh stoppage

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 7:10PM

Water has returned to pumping stations in Syria's Aleppo city after Daesh Takfiri terrorists stopped water supplies to residents for 48 days.

Director General of Aleppo Water Establishment Mustafa Malhis said on Friday that water was once again being pumped from al-Khafseh station in Eastern Aleppo province after a cut by Daesh, according to Syria's official news agency, SANA.

Malhis further said that the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), the mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) played an important role to restore water supply.

Syria has been grappling with a deadly insurgency it blames on some foreign states for nearly five years with estimates showing that more than 470,000 people have been killed and millions have been displaced in the Arab country. The militancy has also taken a heavy toll on the country's infrastructure.

The country is currently observing an agreement for the cessation of hostilities which entered into force on Saturday and stipulated the cessation of all military hostilities in Syria, except for the operations against the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group and the Syrian al-Qaeda, known as al-Nusra Front.

The agreement was negotiated by Russia and the United States, which support opposing sides in the Syrian conflict.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN envoy calls for no foreign interference in Assad fate

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 6:2PM

The UN special envoy for Syria says it is only the Syrian people who should decide the fate of their President Bashar al-Assad, rejecting foreign interference in the country's affairs.

'Can't we leave the Syrians to actually decide on that? Why should we be saying in advance what the Syrians should say, as long as they have the freedom and the opportunity of saying so?' Staffan de Mistura told France 24 TV on Friday.

'We say that it is supposed to be a solution Syrian-led, Syrian-owned,' he added.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. According to a February 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.

Damascus accuses Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar of funding and arming anti-Syria terrorist groups, including the Daesh Takfiri group.

De Mistura also expressed optimism about a truce that came into force in Syria last Saturday, despite sporadic breaches.

'Yesterday, there were four people killed. Very sad,' he said. 'But do you know how many were dying just two weeks ago? Up to 120 per day. An average of between 60 and 80 every day.'

'How many people were being reached by humanitarian aid in the 18 besieged areas? Zero. What happened in the last 10 days? Well, 242 truck-loads of humanitarian aid reaching seven of those areas,' said de Mistura.

The UN envoy said 115,000 people had now received aid, but described the number as 'not enough' yet.

A ceasefire agreement in Syria brokered by Russia and the United States entered into force on February 27. The Syrian government accepted the terms of the truce on condition that military efforts against Daesh and the al-Nusra Front Takfiri militants, who are excluded from the ceasefire, continue.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Arms supplied daily to Syria militants via Turkey border: Russia

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 4:48PM

Columns of trucks carrying cargo and weapons for militants in Syria cross into the war-wracked country from Turkey on a daily basis, Russian Defense Ministry says.

'Practically round-the-clock from the territory of the Republic of Turkey the convoys of large trucks are going across the border with supplies and weapons, which are moving exclusively to the areas, which are controlled by the terrorist groups Jabhat al-Nusra and Ahrar Ash-Sham,' chief of the Russian Center for reconciliation between the warring parties in Syria Lt. Gen. Sergei Kuralenko told reporters on Friday.

Turkey has been among the main supporters of the militant groups operating in Syria, with reports saying that Ankara actively trains and arms the Takfiri terrorists there and facilitates their safe passage into the crisis-hit Arab state.

Ankara has also been accused on numerous occasions of being involved in illegal oil trade with Daesh. Russia has released pictures and videos purportedly showing the movement of oil tankers from Daesh-held areas in Syria toward Turkey.

Kuralenko also said terrorist groups have violated the ceasefire agreement in Syria 41 times over the past two days.

'Seven violations each were committed in the Idlib and Damascus governorates, four each in the Homs and Dara'a governorates, three in the Latakia governorate, two in Quneitra governorate, and one in the Hama governorate,' Kuralenko said.

A ceasefire agreement in Syria, brokered by Russia and the United States, entered into force on February 27. The Syrian government accepted the terms of the truce on condition that military efforts against Daesh and the al-Nusra Front Takfiri militants, who are excluded from the ceasefire, continue.

Speaking during a briefing in the Swiss city of Geneva on Thursday, the UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura gave an upbeat assessment of truce in the war-stricken country, saying the ceasefire agreement has been holding across the country despite minor breaches.

Syria has been grappling with a deadly insurgency it blames on some foreign states for nearly five years with Estimates show that more than 250,000 people have been killed and millions have been displaced in the Arab country.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Syria militants not observing agreement on cessation of hostilities: YPG

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 11:41AM

A Syrian Kurdish group says foreign-backed militants in Syria's northern Aleppo Province have not been observing an agreement for cessation of hostilities in the country.

The Kurdish People's Protection Units, also known as YPG, said on Friday that militants had "not abided by the ceasefire and halt to hostile operations," which came into effect last Saturday.

The YPG said militants had launched "fierce attacks and random bombardment" against, among other areas, the Sheikh Maksoud district of the city of Aleppo.

"They did not abide by the announced truce and continued their attacks on the city of Afrin and nearby villages and all positions that are under the control of the People's Protection Units (YPG)," it said.

The agreement stipulated the cessation of all military hostilities in Syria, except for the operations against the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group and the Syrian al-Qaeda, known as al-Nusra Front. The agreement was negotiated by Russia and the United States, which support opposing sides in the Syrian conflict.

While sporadic breaches had been reported since February 27, the United Nation's Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said on Thursday that the deal on the cessation of hostilities was largely holding.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whose government has committed to the agreement, had earlier warned that the foreign-backed militants fighting his government "have breached the deal from the first day."

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said airstrikes struck the outskirts of Douma, a district northeast of the capital Damascus, on Friday.

The group said airplanes that carried out the strikes could not be identified, adding there were no casualties from the attacks. It also said the airstrikes were the first such raids since the agreement on the cessation of hostilities went into force.

On Thursday, the YPG said convoys entering Syria from Turkey and purporting to carry aid to the crisis-hit country may be carrying aid to the Syrian al-Qaeda branch.

The YPG also said al-Nusra terrorists have set up camps near the town of Azaz on the border with Turkey and are being protected by Turkish military forces.

The Syrian Kurdish group said while al-Nusra has taken down some of its flags over the camps, several still remain fluttering.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Britain, France, Russia, Germany Pledge Work Toward Syria Peace

March 04, 2016

by RFE/RL

Leaders from Britain, France, Russia, and Germany pledged to work toward a more substantial peace process to resolve the crisis in Syria, even as a U.S.-Russian-brokered truce began to show signs of unraveling and a major Syrian opposition group dismissed the chance for new talks.

A spokesman for British Prime Minister David Cameron said the British leader discussed a road map for Syria in a March 4 conference call with his counterparts from Moscow, Berlin, and Paris.

The Kremlin said in a statement after the call that the four leaders had agreed to support a road map for resolving Syria's crisis, as well as the need to observe the truce conditions while continuing to fight against terrorists in Syria.

Meanwhile, a major Syrian insurgent group said the Syrian government was mobilizing forces to capture more territory, and a cease-fire was impossible while Damascus and its allies kept up attacks.

The comments were made by Jaish al-Islam, an influential player in the Syrian opposition, and shows how much the opposition is at odds with its Western backers over the success of the truce, which came into effect February 27.

The truce does not include terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front.

The agreement has slowed the pace of the war, but rebels fighting Assad say the government has kept up attacks on strategically important frontlines.

The opposition has yet to say whether it will attend peace talks planned for March 9.

Mohamad Alloush, head of Jaish al-Islam's political office, told Reuters that regime forces had taken take new areas using 'all types of weapons, particularly planes and barrel bombs in some areas."

His group, in a separate statement, said the war had not stopped as far as it was concerned, and that a cease-fire was not possible while 'militias and states kill our people."

The agreement was the first of its kind during the conflict that has killed more than 250,000 people and sent millions of refugees fleeing across the Middle East and Europe.

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said March 3 that the agreement was holding but remained fragile. The U.S. State Department also said March 3 there had been no significant violations in the preceding 24 hours.

The Syrian government has made significant territorial gains against rebels since January 1, backed by Russian air power and fighters from Iran and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and BBC

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/cameron-syria- truce-merkel-hollande-putin/27589296.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






US State Dept Asserts Syrian Diaspora Vote to Result in Assad's Ouster

Sputnik News

23:19 04.03.2016

The votes cast in the new elections in Syria by the diaspora, displaced from the country during the five year civil war, will most likely result in the ouster of the sitting Syrian President Bashar Assad, US Department of State spokesman Mark Toner said on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  He noted that the Vienna Communique, agreed to unanimously by all members of the UN Security Council in December 2015, 'clearly states that the diaspora must be able to cast a vote' in new elections.

'I think everybody realizes that if all Syrians, diaspora as well, have a chance to vote, there is very little chance that Mr. Assad will be able to stay in power,' Toner stated.

The Vienna Communique established an agreement for a political transition framework in Syria, including moving forward with a Syrian presidential and parliamentary elections within a timeframe of 18 months after the start of reconciliation talks between the government and opposition groups.

The United States has continually asserted its desire to see Assad removed from power in Syria.

In June 2014, Assad won Syria's presidential election with 88 percent of the vote, in the country's first multi-candidate election in more than four decades. Close to two thirds of Syrians exercised their right to vote then.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Denmark Considers Sending Extra Servicemen, Fighter Jets to Syria

Sputnik News

20:25 04.03.2016(updated 20:26 04.03.2016)

The office of the Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen announced on Friday that the country may expand its anti-Daesh campaign in Syria by sending F-16 fighter jets, C130J transport aircraft and 400 military personnel to the war-torn country.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The decision is yet to be approved, with the parliament expected to vote on the issue next month, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

'The government wants to intensify the fight against the terrorist organization ISIL [Daesh]. We need a focus and great force to fight ISIL unscrupulously terrorizing and killing innocent men, women and children,' Rasmussen said while commenting on the government initiative.

Denmark is part of a US-led anti-terrorist coalition, which has been fighting terrorists from the air since 2014, having contributed seven F-16 fighters to help the joint forces fight Daesh.

In November, a series of terrorist attacks occurred in the French capital of Paris, killing over 130 people. Daesh claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks.

Denmark was one of several European countries that stepped up security following the Paris attacks, in the wake of which Copenhagen stated to consider Danish airstrikes in Syria.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian MoD Accuses Turkey of Ongoing Hostilities in Syria's Aleppo, Idlib

Sputnik News

18:54 04.03.2016(updated 20:37 04.03.2016)

Ankara is fully responsible for ongoing hostilities in Syria's Aleppo and Idlib provinces as Turkey ensures steady supply of weapons to terrorists and keeps shelling groups of Kurdish militia fighting against al-Nusra Front, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

HMEIMYM (Sputnik)  Last week, Russia and the United States reached an agreement on the ceasefire in Syria. The cessation of hostilities took effect at midnight on Saturday, Damascus time, generally holding across the country despite reported minor violations.

'Truck convoys with materiel and weaponry cross the border from Turkey to Syria round the clock. They are headed exclusively to areas controlled by al-Nusra Front and Ahrar ash-Sham terrorist groups,' Lt. Gen. Kuralenko, commander of the Hmeymim-based Russian center for Syrian reconciliation, told reporters.

Earlier, the Russian center on Syrian reconciliation said that it was receiving reports from the Syrian General Staff and Kurdish armed groups supporting the ceasefire, that complain of continuing artillery shelling from Turkey.

'Artillery shelling of Kurdish militia units, fighting against Nusra Front, continues from the territory of a Turkish border post near Yanankey,' Kuralenko said, adding that these actions hinder the restoration of peace and reconciliation in the Aleppo and Idlib provinces.

On February 13, Turkish artillery began shelling positions held by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), a Kurdish group with links to the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD), in Syria's Aleppo Province.

On February 25, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that the truce in Syria is not obligatory for Turkey to follow if the country feels a threat against its security.

The Russian center on Syrian reconciliation registered 27 violations of the ceasefire regime in Syria in the last 24 hours, with most of them having taken place in Aleppo, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

'In the past 24 hours, 27 violations of the ceasefire regime were registered (Idlib  7, Damascus and Homs  4 in each, Daraa  3, Latakia 1). As before, the greatest number of violations happened in Aleppo  8 cases, ' the ministry said in a press release.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Truce Reached With Syria's Jaysh al-Islam, Opposition Groups  Russian MoD

Sputnik News

18:23 04.03.2016

A ceasefire deal has been reached with the field commander of Syria's militant group Jaysh al-Islam and five other opposition forces, the commander of the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said Friday.

HMEYMIM (Sputnik)  A truce has also been agreed with five commanders of Syria's moderate opposition forces, as well as the elders of two settlements in the Homs province, the statement read. Talks are underway with leaders of four other militant groups.

'In the past two days, agreements on the cessation of hostilities were reached with the field commander of Jaysh al-Islam, which controls the town of Ruheiba, as part of the efforts made by the Russian reconciliation center,' Lt. Gen. Sergei Kuralenko said in a statement.

The Hmeymim airbase in the western Latakia province houses the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation, headed by Kuralenko.

The Russian center for Syrian reconciliation has asked UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura to provide humanitarian aid to residents of 21 terrorist-hit settlements in three Syrian provinces.

'Yesterday, I sent a letter to UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura with a request to allocate humanitarian aid to the population of 21 settlements in the Damascus, Homs, and Daraa provinces, which have joined the peace process and have been damaged by terrorist shelling,' Lt. Gen. Sergei Kuralenko said.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Syria Parliamentary Election Not to Interfere in Peace Process - Kremlin

Sputnik News

16:03 04.03.2016

Russian President Vladimir Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a telephone conference with the leaders of Germany, France, Italy and Britain that the Syrian authorities' decision to hold parliamentary election in April would not interfere in the peace process in the country, the Kremlin's press service said Friday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, Putin held a telephone conference with French President Francois Hollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, and British Prime Minister David Cameron on the Syrian crisis settlement.

"The Russian side noted that the decision made by the Syrian authorities to hold parliamentary elections in April is in compliance with the current Constitution of the Syrian Arab Republic and does not interfere in the steps in building the peace process," the Kremlin said in a statement.

Syrian President Bashar Assad said in February that parliamentary election is Syria is scheduled for April 13.

The announcement came minutes after Russia and the United States reached an agreement on a ceasefire between Syrian government and rebel forces that took effect in the early hours of February 27.

During the telephone conference, the leaders supported the roadmap for settling the crisis in Syria that had been approved by the UN Security Council.

"A high assessment of the US-Russian agreements was given, which received the support from the UN Security Council. The truce is being observed in general showing the first positive results and, most important, creating the pretext for launching the political process in Syria

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Kurdish Militia Chief Slams Ankara for Backing Terrorists' Advance in Syria

Sputnik News

14:59 04.03.2016

Turkey has been giving cover to Islamist militants and aiding them in the fight against Kurdish self-defense forces near its border with Syria, the head of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) has alleged.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Abdu Khalil, the head of YPG units in Afrin, told the RT television channel that Turkey has kept its borders with three northern Syrian provinces open to Islamists, designated as terrorist organizations by countries like Russia, Syria and the United Arab Emirates.

'Turkey wanted to make a coalition against terrorism, but any country which would be in a coalition against terrorism should not open its borders to Al-Nusra [al-Qaeda affiliate] and Ahrar al-Sham [Nusra Front ally],' Khalil said.

Khalil said that his troops in Afrin  which together with Jazire and Kobani make up the fledgling state of Syrian Kurdistan  have been observing Islamist forces moving freely through two Turkish-controlled border crossings in recent months.

The YPG Afrin leader said that Turkey allowed 'Al-Nusra and Ahrar al-Sham to enter from Bab al Hawa border crossing and leave Turkey from Bab al Salam into Azaz [Syrian border town near Aleppo] to let them back into Syria.'

On one occasion, the Turkish army cut off the electricity supply to the area around the Syrian town of Tel Abyad, near the Turkish border, in preparation for a Daesh onslaught.

'Before ISIS [Daesh] started attacking Tel Abyad, the Turkish army used Dushkas [machine guns] to fight against the YPG. After the shooting, the electricity was shut down across the border for 20 minutes so that ISIS could pass through the borders to the Tel Abyad area,' Khalil said.

This was done 'in order to cut the connection between Kobani and Jazire,' Khalil asserted. Turkey has been doing 'the impossible' to prevent the three Kurdish regions from connecting, he said.

Turkey has been shelling YPG positions in northern Syria since February to stop Kurds from seizing ground in the area, also claimed by Daesh, the Nusra Front and their allies. Khalil told RT that the Turkish bombardments had not stopped militias from reconnecting Jazire and Kobani.

'The road between Kobani and Jazire is open, between those two districts there is commerce flowing,' he said, adding the regions had everything they needed for self-governance.

The militia leader lashed out at Turkey for its attempts to disconnect the bases of Kurdish self-defense forces in Syria, saying the YPG would come out in full force to stop Turkey if it tried to invade Syria.

'We will be against the Turkish troops on the ground whether they're [with] Saudi[s] or whoever is with them. Once they are inside Syrian land trying to prevent our districts from connecting we will be against them with everything we have,' he said.

Khalil claimed that some Turkish nationals had already crossed the border to fight Kurds alongside the UN-banned Nusra Front.

'Some of the corpses we found on the battlefield that belong to al-Nusra were of Turkish origin and even we found IDs and passports and the [boxes of] ammo we found in their warehouses they were closed and stamped by the Turkish government,' he said, adding that the boxes contained clearance documents issued by Turkish border control.

Ankara considers the YPG to be an ally of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a separatist movement fighting for Kurdish self-determination in southeastern Turkey.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Military Sources: Turkish Tanks Not Shelling YPG

by VOA News March 04, 2016

Turkish tanks shelled Islamic State positions in northern Syria and not those of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, Turkish military sources said on Friday, after the YPG said it was being targeted.

The Syrian Kurdish YPG said in statement that two Turkish tanks fired dozens of shells at its positions in the area of Afrin in northwest Syria.

The French news agency AFP reports that since mid-February, Turkish howitzers stationed just inside the border had on successive days shelled targets of the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its armed wing, the People's Protection Units (YPG), inside Syria, with the military saying it was responding to incoming fire.

But Washington had urged Ankara to halt its fire in the run-up to the partial cease-fire in Syria.

Since then, there have been no reports of Turkey shelling the PYD, which Ankara accuses of being the Syrian branch of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Police station bombing

Meanwhile, Turkish officials say Kurdish rebels have detonated a car bomb near a police station, killing two police officers and wounding about 35 people.

Officials say the attack took place in the town of Nusaybin in southeastern Turkey near the border with Syria.

Security forces in Nusaybin are currently fighting against militants linked to the Kurdish Workers' Party - the PKK.

Most of the victims were believed to be police officers, but at least two of the wounded were civilians.

The early-morning blast was reported to have caused extensive damage to the regional traffic police station.

The PKK has been fighting for an autonomous Kurdish government in Turkey's southeast. The Turkish government considers it a terrorist organization.

Istanbul incident

On Thursday in Istanbul, Turkish police shot dead two women who used guns and grenades to attack a police station. There were no reports of any police being hurt.

The women initially fled after firing at the station and hid inside a nearby building. Police surrounded the site and launched an assault that ended with the women dead.

The identity of the two attackers was not immediately known.

Istanbul has experienced attacks by both Kurdish rebels and far leftist rebels.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Turkey Pushes Programs to Educate Syrian Refugee Children

by Dorian Jones March 04, 2016

With an estimated 500,000 Syrian refugee children in Turkey not attending school, the government is continuing to push for more educational programs. In a suburb of Istanbul, a pilot project is addressing the massive problem of educating children living outside refugee camps.

It is the end of another day at Istanbul's Ataturk school. More than a thousand Turkish children stream out and head home.

For others, the school day is just starting. Around the corner at another entrance, 700 impatient Syrian children wait to enter. Welcoming them is Sitki Dayar. He is the coordinator of this pilot project by the Turkish Ministry of Education that started last year --- a parallel school for Syrian children with Syrian teachers. According to Dayar, from the beginning they were overwhelmed.

He said they were asked by the Education Ministry to provide four classrooms, thinking four would be enough, but ultimately had to open 18 classrooms. If we had the capacity, he said, we could double again the number of classes, such is the demand.

Syrian parents turn up nearly every day bringing new children. As in the rest of the world, some are a little anxious about leaving their parents for the first time.

The program teaches the basics of grammar, reading and writing in Arabic; but, Mohamed el Hummadi says there are also foreign language classes, including Turkish.

When this school opened, it solved a major problem for many students. The existence of this school, especially for children between the ages of 5 to 10 years old, is very important, so that this generation can learn knowledge and culture, which is a good thing, he said.

The school was established after Syrian children struggled to integrate within the Turkish state schools, like this one, said principal Ercan Polat.

Polat said that when Syrians go to Turkish schools, they follow Turkish curriculum in Turkish. Because of the language barrier, the students can't follow the courses. When the semester ends they may have learned a little Turkish but failed in other subjects.

There is growing concern among some parents, like Besma Fistik, that time is running out.

'A whole generation would [go] directly to terrorism. No education. No money. They won't find anything for earning money. More trouble will be happening with the Syrians, especially in Turkey,' said Fistik.

With educational projects like this one, there is hope.

'I want to be a doctor to build Syria,' said one child.

Wanting to return home to rebuild their country is a sentiment repeated by many of the children. The hope is that, with education, this generation of Syrians can start to build a brighter future.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Turkey seizes control of opposition paper Zaman

Iran Press TV

Fri Mar 4, 2016 7:18PM

A Turkish court has ordered a board of trustees to take charge of the mainstream opposition newspaper Zaman.

The Istanbul Sixth Criminal Court of Peace ordered the management of Zaman newspaper to be replaced by the trustees board appointed by the court.

The state-run Anadolu news agency said on Friday that the court decision came at the request of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Meanwhile, people staged a protest gathering in front of the newspaper's office.

The protesters chanted, 'Free press cannot be silenced!', and held up signs that read, 'Don't touch my newspaper!'

Zaman editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici said the court decision marked a 'black day for democracy', as he addressed the crowd.

"Today, we are experiencing a shameful day for media freedom in Turkey. Our media institutions are being seized," Today's Zaman editor-in-chief Sevgi Akarcesme said.

Sahin Alpay, a veteran political expert and a columnist for both Zaman and Today's Zaman, said, "It is utterly saddening ...Turkey is turning into a third-world dictatorship."

The takeover of Zaman comes as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) intensify the pressure on the Turkish media. Zaman, which is affiliated with the Gulen movement, is one of the few opposition media outlets operating in the country.

'This is not a matter of a fight between the government and the [Gulen] movement. This is a matter of existence for Turkey,' said columnist Levent Gultekin.

The Gulen movement, inspired by US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, is allegedly using its influence in the government to stage a coup against Erdogan's rule.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Erdogan Accuses Turkey's Constitutional Court of Breaching Constitution

Sputnik News

16:43 04.03.2016(updated 16:44 04.03.2016)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused the country's Constitutional Court on Friday of violating the Constitution by releasing two journalists from pre-trial detention who had been arrested for investigating the delivery of weapons from Ankara to militants in Syria.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  Last week, the Turkish Constitutional Court ruled that the detention of journalists Can Dundar and Erdem Gul from the Cumhuriyet newspaper was a violation of their rights. Erdogan refused to respect the court's decision, accusing the journalists of espionage.

'Not I, but the Constitutional Court violated the Constitution. It set itself as the highest court and this is the wrong step for our justice,' Erdogan told reporters, as quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper.

The Turkish leader added that the journalists were trying to falsely blame Ankara for supporting terrorist groups operating in Syria.

In November 2015, Dundar and Gul, respectively the editor and Ankara bureau chief of the opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet, were arrested after Erdogan and the head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) made accusations against them for having brought to light MIT's involvement in arms deliveries to Syria.

Dundar and Gul's trial is scheduled to begin on March 25. They each face aggravated life sentence, an additional life sentence, as well as 30 years in prison for revealing state secrets.

 Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Juncker Says Ukraine Not Likely To Join EU, NATO For 20-25 Years

March 04, 2016

It will take Ukraine at least 20 to 25 years to join the European Union and NATO, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said March 3.

'Ukraine will definitely not be able to become a member of the EU in the next 20 to 25 years, and not of NATO either,' he said in a speech at The Hague.

While Juncker did not explain why Ukraine would have to wait so long, his speech was aimed at reassuring Dutch voters that this year's free-trade agreement between Ukraine and the EU was not a first step toward quickly joining the European Union.

Despite his prediction, the EU has been paving the way for visa-free travel to the bloc for Ukrainian citizens while providing Kyiv with a generous $40 billion bailout along with the United States and the International Monetary Fund to help it maintain economic stability amid a war with Russia-backed separatists.

NATO also sent a reassuring message to Ukraine last year by holding military exercises there in a show of force against Russia, which has repeatedly denounced the alliance's eastern expansion as a threat to its national security.

But Juncker's comments suggest that Ukraine's ambition to join Europe, frequently expressed by leaders in Kyiv, will not be fulfilled anytime soon.

Based on reporting by dpa and 112 International TV

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/juncker- says-ukraine-not-likely-join -eu-nato-for-20-25-years/27588682.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






Lets continue the conversation that the Dan River Regions future hinges on building a stronger middle class and clearing pathways for residents to move out of poverty.

Our first priority as a region is to work with our existing pre-K through grade 12 public education systems to make sure all children, no matter their background or income, have the opportunity to graduate from high school with the skills to either go to work or to go on for more education  whichever they choose.

Once upon a time, a solid, quality, industry appropriate education was the best pathway out of poverty for American workers and for local residents. During most of the 20th century, the vast majority of students growing up in the Dan River Region were trained for one of two industries  farming or factory work.

The jobs were sufficient for our area, providing for families and supporting the local economy. The path was simple for most. Hard work was rewarded and a few were able to go on to college.

This story isnt true anymore.

But the problem isnt just this model doesnt work, its that we dont know what the right model is to give our students the best chance of success.

Today, the majority of our students say that they want a good education so they can get a good job usually somewhere else. This has been happening over the past 30 years and the result has been our brain drain. Students leave because they dont see opportunity here and cant see themselves working here after graduation.

If this is the reality were choosing to accept, why dont we all just give up and leave?

We dont because this is a place that is well positioned for a turnaround. This is a region that has already dealt with failure  earlier than most and even faster than others. This is our past but were ready to move swiftly towards a new future.

This is about preparing our students for work using knowledge gained in the classroom but also soft skills such as collaboration, negotiation, flexibility, problem solving and critical thinking. Just as important as addition, subtraction and understanding theory is the idea that we need students to think outside of the box, look creatively at problems and show up ready to make a difference.

I see two challenges locally that we must face in order to move our educational systems forward. They are not unique to the Dan River Region, but we must address both here.

Our first challenge is to decide what we want our educational systems to do.

What do we want schools to prepare our children to do? We dont just want students that get good grades, earn degrees and go to college. This is just one pathway of success.

We want students to find success whether in vocational training or advanced classes.

If its pathways in nursing, manufacturing, agriculture or entrepreneurship, they create opportunities for these students to learn whatever they want and then return back home to work. All of these pathways can already be found here but students must choose to participate.

We have to remember that we are preparing our kids for their future, not our past.

Our second challenge we must overcome is the idea that were not sure all children can learn  rich, poor, black, white, Latino and everything in between. Educational opportunities should not know where the railroad tracks are and where the income levels dip below poverty level. Education must be equitable for all students because they all deserve opportunities to succeed.

This is changing our own mindsets as much as changing local systems. If we believe and behave as if poor children cannot learn, it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Sir Ken Robinson, on his visit here a few years ago, talked about finding that intersection between your passion, ability and opportunity. Wouldnt our community be better if all the children we assume cant learn because they dont make good grades in a particular subject had the opportunity to find their passion and where their talent lies?

In the Dan River Region, there are several successful pathway programs helping to bridge the gap between education and opportunity and after just a few years of work, their impact is beginning to produce major change.

The scholarship programs of the Community Foundation of the Dan River Region and the J.T.-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust are helping many qualified area students go on to advanced training, here and elsewhere. J.T.-Minnie Maude has provided more than $7 million in scholarships since it was created in 2007 and the Community Foundation has provided over an additional $2 million since 1998.

Smart Beginnings Danville Pittsylvania County has been working over five years to make sure all children are ready for kindergarten. Theyre providing services to day care centers for certifications and accreditations, programs to advance school readiness and resources for parents to help their children begin school well. In Danville alone, the percentage of children ready for kindergarten has more than doubled in five years.

Another successful program is the advanced manufacturing pipeline currently available to students beginning with vocational classes in high school, moving to Danville Community College for associates degrees and then onward to the Capstone program at IALR for additional certifications.

So whats next? My challenge to this community is to ask, what is school for? Ask yourself, ask leaders in education, elected officials, at your church and your community.

For 100-plus years that question was easy to answer; now its not. Is it for creating good workers or creating innovators? If its the latter, what are the models that are successfully creating innovators?

Instilling creativity and a passion for learning in young people? How can we shape these models to work in Caswell, Danville, and Pittsylvania County?

No one person can fix education, no one model is the solution and some hard choices will need to be made. But we need this dialogue to build a successful pathway for our childrens futures and our regions.
Concise letters  250 words or fewer  on topics of local interest will receive first consideration for publication. All letters are subject to editing for language and clarity.

Mailing Address: Letters to the Editor, The Register & Bee, 700 Monument St., Danville, VA 24541

Letters submitted by mail must include the writer's name, signature, address and a daytime phone number.

Fax: (434) 799-0595

Email: letters@registerbee.com

Or submit a letter via our online form:

Submit a letter
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 04, 2016) - Balmoral Resources Ltd. ("Balmoral" or the "Company") (TSX: BAR)(OTCQX: BALMF) advised its shareholders today that the Company will retain a 100% interest in its N1 and N2 gold properties, located along the Casa-Berardi-Douay Gold Trend in Quebec. The previously announced (see NR15-02, Feb. 2, 2015) Option Agreement between the Company and Wealth Minerals Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: WML)("Wealth") has been terminated with Wealth having chosen to focus on opportunities in the lithium space. Balmoral will therefore retain a 100% interest in the properties and examine other options to move the properties forward.

Balmoral and Wealth have entered into an Agreement (the "Termination Agreement") whereby Wealth will settle certain obligations originally contemplated under the Option Agreement by making to Balmoral certain cash and/or common share payments in installments between April 1 and October 1 of 2016. Any common shares to be delivered under the terms of the Termination Agreement shall be valued at the average price of Wealth's common shares for the proceeding 20 trading days and maybe subject to prior approval of the TSXV and standard hold provisions. Balmoral received a payment of 1,000,000 common shares of Wealth in February of 2015 and currently retains 425,000 shares for investment purposes.

"Given the rising tide in the gold market, in particular in relation to gold opportunities in Canada, we are pleased to get the N1 and N2 properties back unencumbered," said Darin Wagner, President and CEO of Balmoral. "This provides Balmoral with the flexibility to find an alternative path to advance the properties while having captured some benefit for the shareholders over the last 12 months."

The Properties

Balmoral's N1 and N2 Properties are located along the Casa-Berardi-Douay Gold Trend which hosts the multi-million ounce Casa-Berardi gold mine and the immediately adjacent Vezza gold deposit. Work by previous operators has identified 6 separate zones of gold mineralization on the N2 Property. The most extensive of these zones, the A Zone, has been traced in shallow drilling for well over 1,000 metres along strike. Drill testing to date has been limited to depths of 25 to 350 vertical metres. All known zones of gold mineralization remain open for expansion. In 2011 the Company completed a VTEM airborne survey of the N2 Property which outlined several areas of interest which remain to be tested.

The project is road accessible and located 25 kilometres south of Mattagami, Quebec, approximately 55 kilometres east of the now dormant Sleeping Giant mill complex and roughly 100 kilometres south of Balmoral's Detour Trend Gold Project.

Mr. Darin Wagner (P.Geo.), President and CEO of the Company, is the non-independent qualified person who has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Wagner has reviewed the historic work on the N1 and N2 Properties and visited the N2 Property.

About Balmoral Resources Ltd. - www.balmoralresources.com

Balmoral is a well-funded, Canadian-based company actively delineating and expanding both high-grade gold and nickel discoveries on its wholly owned, 700 square kilometre Detour Trend Project in Quebec, Canada. Employing an award winning exploration team, Balmoral has a philosophy of creating value through the drill bit. By focusing our efforts in proven productive precious/base metal belts in one of the world's pre-eminent mining jurisdictions, Balmoral is following an established formula with a goal of maximizing shareholder value through discovery and definition of high-grade, Canadian gold and base metal assets.

On behalf of the board of directors of

BALMORAL RESOURCES LTD.

"Darin Wagner"

President and CEO

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement, duration and cost of exploration programs, anticipated exploration programs and expenditures, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/reserves, , the prospective nature of the Company's land holdings, the nature and style of the mineralization discussed and its interpreted continuity, interest of investors in the results generated by the Company's exploration activities and business and financing plans and trends, the anticipated timing of payments, and Wealth Minerals ability to secure sufficient funding to complete its obligations under the terms of the proposed agreement and acceptance of the potential share issuances by the TSXV are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include those related to weather, equipment and staff availability; performance of third parties in particular Wealth's ability to attract sufficient funding to meet its obligations under the proposed agreement or receive TSXV approval for the agreement in a timely fashion; risks related to the exploration stage of the Company's projects; market fluctuations in prices for securities of exploration stage companies and in commodity prices; and uncertainties about the availability of additional financing; risks related to the Company's ability to identify one or more economic deposits on the properties, and variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located on the properties; risks related to the uncertain nature and interpretation of geological and geophysical models, risks related to the Company's ability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its activities on the properties; and risks related to the Company's ability to produce minerals from the properties successfully or profitably . Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the latest technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

This news release contains information with respect to adjacent or similar mineral properties in respect of which the Company has no interest or rights to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any such properties, and that mineral deposits on adjacent or similar properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties.

This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States.
Vancouver, BC (FSCwire) - Equitas Resources Corp. (TSXv: EQT) (FSE: T6UN) (USA: EQTRF) (Equitas or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has arranged a non-brokered private placement of up to 20,000,000 units (Units) of the Company at a price of $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000.

Each Unit will consist of one common share and one share purchase warrant (Warrant). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of 24 months from closing.

All the securities will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing. A finders fee may be payable, in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The private placement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Finders fees may be payable in connection with this private placement.

The proceeds of the private placement will be used for corporate purposes, general working capital and potential acquisitions.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

EQUITAS RESOURCES CORP.

Kyler Hardy

Kyler Hardy

President

Tel: 604.681.1568

info@equitasresources.com

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor it 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Companys actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to the gross proceeds will be raised; that finders fees may be paid; that the proceeds will be used for advancing the Cajueiro Project. Risks and uncertainties include economic, competitive, governmental, environmental and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and prices. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include that we are unable to raise sufficient interest in the financing; that we may not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete our intended exploration and development; and that despite encouraging data there may be no commercially exploitable mineralization on our properties. Except as required by law, we do not undertake to update these forward looking statements.

Sean Kingsley, Manager | Corporate Communications, Equitas Resources Corp., Telephone (604) 681-1568, Email: info@equitasresources.com, www.equitasresources.com

To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/Equitas03042016.pdfSource: Equitas Resources Corp. (TSX Venture:EQT) http://www.equitasresources.com/

Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com

Copyright  2016 Filing Services Canada Inc.
SHARE

The Standard-Times publishes news of special events and programs. We do not accept items detailing regular weekly sermons or schedules. Items will be run only once.

Church news can be submitted by email at anne.flippin@gosanangelo.com or by fax to 325-659-8133. Forms also are available in the Standard-Times lobby from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Deadline for submission next week is Wednesday before the date of publication. Dates, times, address and a publication number are required.

Belmore Baptist

Belmore Baptist Church, 1214 S. Bell St., will show "Uncommon" by Liberty Council exploring religious liberty versus political correctness at 5 p.m. Sunday in the fellowship hall.

There will be a sleepover for Ga's and Acteens March 11-12 at the home of Elaine Moore, 6606 Plainview Drive. Meet at Belmore Friday by 5:30 p.m. and return Saturday at noon.

Belmore will have a spring workday at 7:30 a.m. March 12, beginning with breakfast.

Call 325-651-4661 for more information.

Crosspointe Fellowship

Crosspointe Fellowship Church, 4210 Coliseum Drive, will show the Harvest America live simulcast with Greg Laurie, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin and Switchfoot at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Call 325-276-3048 or 325-245-5019 for more information.

First Christian

First Christian Church, 29 N. Oakes St., will hold Bus Ministry-First Christian at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday for members who need transportation.

Call 325-653-4523 for more information.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, 32 N. Irving St., is offering a women's weekday Bible study beginning 10:30 a.m. Thursday. The class will read and discuss The Will of God by Leslie Weatherhead. The class is using the workbook format which includes study questions and case studies, in addition to the complete text of the original book. All women are invited to join the group

Call 325-655-5694 for more information.

First United Methodist

First United Methodist Church, 37 E. Beauregard Ave. will hold Pura Vida Coffeehouse with Manny, Ellen and Kevin from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday in Celebration Hall. Donations from this event will help send the 2016 First United Methodist Church Mission Team to Costa Rica.

Call 325-656-0679 for more information.

St. Luke United Methodist

The St. Luke Christian Child Development Center, 2781 W. Ave. N, will begin enrollment for the fall semester starting Monday.

Call 325-949-8311 or visit www.stluke-sanangelo.org for more information.

Sierra Vista United Methodist

Sierra Vista United Methodist Church, 4522 College Hills Blvd. will have a performance by K.I.C.K. (Kids in Christ's Kingdom) at the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services Sunday.

"Mission Information Sunday" will be at 9:45 a.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. The focus will be the Honduras Mission Team's adventure this January and El Dorado UMC's efforts to help build a church in the Philippines.

There will be a Lenten Taize Service in Chapel Hall from 6-6:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Call 325-944-4041 for more information.

Victory Christian

Victory Christian Center, 1620 Sunset Dr. will host a live stream from Dallas of Greg Laurie's Harvest America at 6 p.m. Sunday with free pizza beginning at 5 p.m. The concert will include Switchfoot, MercyMe and Chris Tomlin.

Call 325-942-7520 for more information.
Pastors do not have special powers. God does not listen to my prayers more than yours. I am no more righteous than you are. Pastors all struggle the same way other people struggle. We are people just like other people are people. We are not super-Christians.

I tell you this because, in my experience, you might not intuitively know it.

I learned early in my pastoral career that telling strangers about my job is always a gamble. Most of the time, telling someone about my job leads to either a much longer conversation or a much shorter conversation than I had intended. Either the person wants to talk about all the details of their personal life, or they have no desire associate with such an overt Christian.

But the problem remains - what do I say when somebody asks me about my job?

Then I discovered Jay John, a British evangelist. He gets around this same problem with this line, "I work in the training wing of a global conglomerate that specializes in humanitarian services. We have orphanages and hospitals. We do disaster relief and crisis intervention. Free counseling and support for all manner of difficulties. We offer more benevolence and aide than any other nongovernment organization."

What is this global conglomerate? The Church. I'm not talking about my church (with a little "c"). I'm not talking about Angelo Bible Church, Inc., the 501(c)3 organization that signs my paycheck. It's just the subdivision I work under. I'm talking about the capital "C" Church.

When you search "church in san angelo tx," you will find more than 140 different results, but the fact remains that there is only one Church in San Angelo. All people who have legitimately believed that Jesus promised eternal life with his word, paid for it with his blood and secured it with his resurrection are members of Jesus' one universal Church.

This seems to be something that we don't know intuitively, either, but the early church did.

Letters comprise most of the New Testament. I'd like to invite you to consider how each letter was addressed. For instance, Romans 1:7 addresses the letter, "To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints." 1 Corinthians 1:2 addresses it, "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours."

Each letter of the New Testament is similarly addressed. Paul didn't write to "Rome Bible Church" or "Corinth First Methodist Church." All the Christians in Rome, all Christians in Corinth, all Christians in Galatia, etc. are all part of one church. A global conglomerate, if you will.

I am convinced we do not think about church this way. It would bear itself out if we did.

For instance, local congregations would measure growth by conversions, not attendance. If a believer stops going to one church and starts going to another, no actual growth of the Church will have happened. That's the same as moving a dollar bill from one pocket to another and claiming to have made money in the process. There is no actual gain.

We'd be quick to recognize when our own local assemblies aren't a good fit for a new believer and we'd know what congregation to send them to. After all, it's a gain for the universal Church even if it isn't a gain for our own local church. Which is more important, anyway? We'd be just as quick to work with other congregations. We'd be quick to attend events at other church buildings.

This is not to say we're terrible at uniting as the Church. Ministries abound in San Angelo where people from different congregations come together to do Jesus' work. The moments where that happens are amazing and unequivocally glorify God. This is to say that we still seem to draw lines between one group and another that the early church didn't seem to draw.

Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." Do we presume to be his disciples? Will we foster the necessary unity to prove it? "There is one body and one Spirit ... one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).

When we begin to lay hold of this truth, we will find a new unity in the Church in San Angelo. We will look at each building where brothers and sisters meet on a Sunday morning as just that, rather than as a completely separate entity. We will begin to function as Christ's hands and feet in this city more effectively. When we all collectively turn our eyes to the one Lord with one faith, he will receive glory and this city will be better for it.

Kyle Hooks is the associate pastor at Angelo Bible Church. Contact him at 325-716-4258 or kyle@lookingupfrombelow.com. You can like Looking Up at facebook.com/lookingupfrombelow.
SHARE

By Bill Tinsley

Abraham Lincoln was called an "ape." His voice had a Midwestern twang. He only had one year of formal education. Edwin Stanton, who would later serve as Lincoln's Secretary of War, first met him in Cincinnati in 1855. Lincoln had been invited to assist Stanton in an important civil case. Stanton described him as a "tall, rawly boned, ungainly back woodsman, with coarse, ill-fitting clothing, his trousers hardly reaching his ankles, holding in his hands a blue cotton umbrella with a ball on the end." After Lincoln introduced himself and suggested, "Let's go up in a gang," Stanton decided to have nothing to do with him. He even refused to invite Lincoln to dine at his table.

Lincoln was elected president in 1860 with less than 40 percent of the popular vote. When he delivered the Gettysburg Address, few listened. The Chicago Times panned the speech stating, "The cheeks of every American must tingle with shame as he reads the silly, flat, and dishwatery utterances."

Abraham Lincoln is now regarded as perhaps our greatest president. Every year millions visit his memorial that overlooks the Mall in Washington, D.C. And the speech that the Chicago Times called "silly and flat" is memorized by most students of American history.

By contrast, in an election on March 29, 1936, Adolf Hitler received 98.8 percent of the German popular vote. His spellbinding oratory and promises to make Germany great again mesmerized an entire generation. He was proclaimed the savior of Germany. At his peak, more than a million gathered in Nuremberg each year to praise and adore him.

But beneath those appearances lurked a sinister egomaniac who would exterminate approximately 20 million people including Jews, the mentally ill, the infirm and the elderly. Today, Hitler's name is synonymous with evil. References to him have been virtually erased in Germany, except for the Document Center in Nuremberg, preserved as a reminder of the nation's darkest days.

Describing Christ 800 years before He was born, the prophet Isaiah wrote, "he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." (Isaiah 53:2-4).

The public image and first impressions are often deceiving. What truly matters is that which resides within. The Bible says, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7).

Bill Tinsley is former associate executive for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Email him at bill@tinsleycenter.com.
Clinton got emails from influential people on her private device, reports state.

SHARE

Final batch details work to boost image

By Anita Kumar, McClatchy Washington Bureau (TNS)

WASHINGTON - We've learned a lot about Hillary Clinton during the last year as the State Department gradually released tens of thousands of her emails.

We learned whom she emailed with and caught a glimpse of her insecurities. And we learned that her computer system wasn't as secure as she'd hoped and why some think it's possible she shared classified information.

Now, with the 14th and final batch of emails released this week, here are more things we've learned.

After news broke about her personal email account, Clinton said she'd used one only as a matter of convenience so she would not have to carry two devices. "I thought it would be easier to carry just one device for my work and for my personal emails instead of two," she said last March.

But her emails show she did have two devices - a BlackBerry and an iPad that she received in June 2010. On June 25 of that year, Clinton aide Philippe Reines sent her an email announcing the arrival of what he called her hPad. "That is exciting news - do you think you can teach me to use it on the flight to Kyev next week?" Clinton replied.

Clinton's aides have explained that she meant that she did not want to carry two phones.

Clinton cared about her reputation and her aides knew it. They warned her of potentially damaging reports, devised strategies to fight unflattering portrayals and complimented her after successful media appearances.

In an email from October 2009, Reines called Clinton's photo on the cover of Parade magazine a "home run." In October 2011, Clinton asked Reines to correct factual errors in a Washington Post article on her role in the Libya conflict.

Emails show she was concerned about getting credit and crafting a public persona that might serve her well beyond her current role.

In an email on May 14, 2012, after aide Jake Sullivan recommends that Clinton read an article about the administration's policy in Asia that credited Obama with announcing a so-called pivot to Asia, Clinton asked Sullivan, "Remind - didn't we, not the WH, first use the 'pivot'?"

Many people knew Clinton used a private email account.

Many people said they were surprised when it was revealed that Clinton relied on a private account to conduct official business. But the emails show that influential people in Washington and around the globe not only knew she used the account but also corresponded with her on it.

Dozens upon dozens of people - including lobbyists, lawmakers, White House officials and State Department employees - communicated directly with Clinton using her personal email address. The list even includes her successor, John Kerry, and her boss, President Barack Obama.

Hackers with ties to Russia tried at least five times to access Clinton's account over four hours early on the morning of Aug. 3, 2011, by sending her emails of fake speeding tickets from New York.

It's unclear whether she clicked on the attachments, allowing hackers to take control of her computer, though her campaign has said there is no evidence to suggest she opened them. Clinton exchanged 616 emails with Sidney Blumenthal, a longtime friend who had been a senior adviser for her husband, former President Bill Clinton. The Obama White House said Clinton could not hire Blumenthal at the State Department.
Pat Wade reacts with her husband Bill as they watch the aUnsolved Mysteriesa episode featuring the murder of her daughter, Sally McNelly, and Shane Stewart in 1991.

SHARE Bill McCloud was one of the investigators on the case of Sally McNelly and Shane Stewart who were murdered in 1988. The case is still unsolved but McCloud feels that there is someone who knows something that could help solve it. Three Tom Green County sheriff officials, including Lou Hargraves (left) and Bill McCloud speak with the production assistant Joe Binford (right) during production at the Grandview Park area of O.C. Fisher Lake for an episode of aUnsolved Mysteriesa about the murder of Shane Stewart and Sally McNelly. Sheriffas Deputy Lou Hargraves takes a phone call after the murder of Sally McNelly and Sane Stewart was featured on an episode of Unsolved Mysteries in 1991.

By Jennifer Rios

Retired sheriff deputies Bill McCloud and Lou Hargraves sat across a dining room table from one another earlier this month speculating on a nearly 22-year-old unsolved homicide.

The meeting began with a hug between old friends, led to an unearthing of facts and ultimately ended with a shrug. Although no new leads have surfaced in years, neither have given up hope that itll be solved.

Its cold, but its still open, Hargraves said.

McCloud and Hargraves, investigators with the Tom Green County Sheriffs Office, worked together for 14 years  several of which were spent looking into the disappearance and deaths of two teenagers found near Twin Buttes Reservoir in 1988.

It remains the only cold case for both men. Neither will believe the killer is off free and clear.

You never think of it that way, McCloud said. In the back of your mind you know youre always going to solve them.

Although each doubted his own memory to some extent, they recalled details such as high school and college students they interviewed and a conversation with a psychic the department hired.

Shane Paul Stewart and Sally Ann McNelly went missing in July 1988. Their bodies were found in a pasture south of Twin Buttes by hunters in November. McCloud said rumors of cult activity surfaced because it happened to be in the news at the time  ritualistic livestock killings in other counties  but that it never led to an arrest. Shane and Sallys case was featured on Unsolved Mysteries, but no leads resulted.

Now the reports, photos and evidence sit in the sheriffs office evidence room. Lt. Bill Fiveash said every year or so Texas Rangers take out the files and review facts.

They looked at it as recently as two years ago, he said. It wont ever go away.

At first Marshall Stewart, Shane Stewarts father, thought the crime would be solved quickly. Then he had to disprove himself as a suspect.

For the past 22 years hes done his own investigating and waited.

When his son went missing, Stewart patrolled O.C. Fisher Reservoir after lake and park rangers had gone home for the night, documented suspicious activity, sometimes following vehicles between the place the two were abducted and where they were found.

He reported his findings and tape recordings to the sheriffs office.

One day while listening to a police scanner, Stewart said he heard officers call for a justice of the peace. At first, deputies and rangers wouldnt allow him to the crime scene, but was allowed in after he told officers he promised his son he would find him. Hargraves told reporters in 1988 that Stewart recognized his sons boots and clothing.

Sad day, Stewart said. When you kneel down by the skeletal remains of your kid and theres no resolution, and you live with the fact those people are still out there.

Both Stewart and the sheriff investigators believe the crime was committed by someone from San Angelo, a conclusion based on the obscure place where the bodies were found. In Stewarts mind, the suspects still live in San Angelo.

I have evidence, he said, about possible suspects, but no probable cause.

About a year after the couples bodies were found, a piece of evidence from the case found its way to the San Angelo Police Department, Stewart said, but the item was never linked back to an individual.

For years afterward, Stewart attended counseling sessions, beginning at Compassionate Friends, a group for parents who have lost children, then branching off to form Survivors of Violence, a support group for families affected by homicide.

He hoped to help people deal with the sudden spotlight in which survivors find themselves. In public places people begin approaching them and apologizing, he said, which can cause someone to relive the loss.

It helped everybody because they had to learn to deal with the media and law enforcement and the perception from the community, Stewart said. Theyre under tremendous stress.

As the number of homicides began to shrink over the next four or five years, the group eventually dissipated.

Although the counseling helped, Stewart said he still copes with the heavy burden of uncertainty, grief and guilt over the death of his 16-year-old boy.

My prayer is one day itll be resolved, Stewart said. A child is precious. Every person is precious, but a child 
SHARE

A presidential election in which the dominant figure is a blustery billionaire developer who never before sought public office can hardly be called normal.

Still, one traditional pattern of presidential politics - rejection of ideological extremes - is likely to be part of the outcome, even in this most untraditional year. In both parties, voters are choosing more centrist contenders over their more ideological rivals.

It might not always seem that way - Republican front-runner Donald Trump has spouted the campaign's most extreme rhetoric. However, his positions on "Obamacare" and Planned Parenthood are less doctrinaire than those of his two main rivals, even as he confounds some GOP conservatives by winning so many conservative votes.

Meanwhile, the most outspokenly conservative contender, Sen. Ted Cruz, has largely failed to expand the evangelical support he used to win Iowa caucuses into the broader backing needed to be nominated - just like Mike Huckabee in 2008 and Rick Santorum and 2012.

Despite winning his home state of Texas, along with Oklahoma and Alaska, and finishing second in four other states on Tuesday, he failed to score the Southern breakthrough he once counted upon. Cruz actually helped Trump by keeping Marco Rubio from doing better while remaining almost as unacceptable to party leaders as Trump. Now, it's on to turf less favorable to Cruz in the North.

On the Democratic side, Hillary Clinton's overwhelming victories over Bernie Sanders in seven of the 11 states make clear that, barring a self-inflicted wound or some legal barrier, Democrats will reject the Pied Piper of Burlington and his effort to mobilize the young, the left and the disaffected with his message of free education, free health coverage and other governmental goodies.

In the past, rejection of extremes has enabled both parties to win presidential elections. It's why Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton succeeded where George McGovern and Walter Mondale failed, and why Richard Nixon won just four years after Barry Goldwater lost.

Cruz has cited Ronald Reagan as an example of how an avowedly conservative candidate can win. But Reagan brought to his presidential campaign a patina of pragmatism from eight years as California's governor.

The philosophically flexible Trump is clearly a less-rigid conservative than Cruz. But the contrast between the tone of the Democratic and Republican campaigns might offset any potential benefit as we look toward the summer and fall.

The respectful way with which Clinton and Sanders have focused on issues differences should enable the former secretary of state to preside over a united party at this July's Democratic convention.

On the other hand, the way Trump has denigrated his rivals in highly personal terms, attacked such groups as Mexicans and Muslims and mishandled such matters as last week's stumble over repudiating Ku Klux Klan support has created havoc within the GOP that will shadow his campaign, even as the party's nominee.

At a time when Republicans need to broaden their appeal, Trump could win even fewer votes from nonwhite Americans than the candidates who lost the past two elections to the nation's first African-American president.

Trump has, though, shown a greater ability than some past Republicans to attract lower-income, less-educated white voters and many independents or Democrats who are suffering economically. Though white voters are a decreasing portion of the electorate, these voters could help him in some Northern industrial states.

At Tuesday night's victory celebration, Trump and his new ally, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, sought to set a tone of GOP and national unity. The tone of the Republican campaign will make that a task to test all of the billionaire developer's salesmanship skills.

Trump remains something of a philosophical mystery. His anti-immigration and anti-abortion rights stances fit the current GOP, but he has also called for health insurance for all, even as he proposes to scrap Obamacare. And he continues to praise Planned Parenthood's efforts to help women's health.

Both Cruz and Rubio would clearly pursue more rigidly conservative policies, just as Sanders is avowedly to the left of Clinton.

Once again, the American people seem to be heading for a choice between two more centrist courses - even though the rhetoric indicates otherwise.

Carl P. Leubsdorf is the former Washington bureau chief of the Dallas Morning News. Contact him at carl.p.leubsdorf@gmail.com.
SHARE

CHICAGO - In communities of color, it has been common knowledge that African-American and Hispanic students do not fare well when burdened with student debt.

We tend to think of this as affecting mostly low-income students. Yet, according to Marshall Steinbaum and Kavya Vaghul, researchers at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, it turns out that among minority student borrowers, those most adversely affected are actually in the middle class.

For instance, among ZIP codes with a median income of about $20,000, those with a large share of Latinos have approximately the same rates of delinquency as those without. But among ZIP codes with a median income of around $60,000, those with a large Latino share have much higher rates of loan delinquency than those without. The same pattern stays true for African-American communities and is even amplified a bit.

This feels counterintuitive and yet, it makes a lot of sense. The authors of the study cite a variety of factors to account for this phenomenon - for example, very low-income Hispanics and African-Americans are not likely to even attend college whereas middle-income ones are likelier to attend, but not complete, an undergraduate degree.

And then there is the well-documented reality of a job market with barriers for even those minority students who successfully complete college. They tend to face higher unemployment rates and lower earnings than their white counterparts - disadvantages that are not attributable to particular college majors, occupations or the type of higher-education institution of the recent graduate.

Steinbaum and Vaghul lean heavily on the bugbear of "structural racism" in both the U.S. higher-ed system and in the job market, and there's no denying this plays some part.

But often overlooked is the reality that there aren't many non-college pathways for staying in the middle class for anyone these days and - if we're to generalize the racial gap in hiring to all workers, not just white-collar ones - even fewer for Hispanics and African-Americans.

This is why parents, families and teachers tell kids, from kindergarten on, that they have to go to college because there's no other choice. As my older son puts it, "They make it seem like if you don't go to college, you are going to die young, poor and alone."

What are students who are interested in meaningful work, but not in the ridiculously expensive process of going to college for four to six years, supposed to do but slog through the application process, take out the loans, and simply hope they finish?

If you look at the numbers, Hispanic and African-American student-loan delinquency is concentrated among those who attended for-profit or other nontraditional institutions, which usually cost more than traditional colleges. And a for-profit student is likely to be the first in his or her family to attend college, likelier to be older (mid-20s) than the average college freshman and the least likely to be a dependent.

This is likely someone who didn't initially go to college, was stymied in the workplace without the all-important degree, and decided to try a program that promised to cut out all but the career-training aspects of a higher-ed credential. These students are likelier to borrow in larger amounts and default on their loans, in part either from not finishing or from finding their new credential is all but useless in the job market.

The parents, families and teachers who preach college aren't trying to steer kids in the wrong direction - anyone who has been paying attention for the last 20 years knows that this country no longer has stable, middle-class jobs for people without college degrees. And this is a shame for a whole contingent of smart and otherwise potentially great workers who just don't want to gamble their futures on more schooling.

The student-loan debt crisis will, in large part, be fixed once the U.S. economy can create decent-paying jobs for people who don't desire to attend college. But first our leaders have to stop and recognize that not everyone wants to go to college. And that has to be OK.

For this country to thrive, there have to be jobs for achieving entry into the middle class - or staying in it - that are not strictly dependent on an undertaking that costs a bare minimum of $9,000 per year at a state college.

Esther Cepeda is a Washington Post columnist. Contact her at estherjcepeda@washpost.com.
Everyone is being pulled in a thousand directions at every moment, says Kim Springer, acting chief performance auditor in Austin, Texas. I spend much of the day at meetings and then at the end of the day is when I do my real work.Based on hundreds of conversations weve had with public officials over the years, Springer reflects a common problem: However necessary meetings are to move a project forward, they also easily consume much of the time necessary to actually implement a project.Even some of the technology designed to create better meetings can be counterproductive. Take conference calls. Theyre ubiquitous and can be much simpler to schedule than in-person meetings. But they can also be nightmarish for those calling in.The people who arent in the room can feel like second-class citizens, says Neil Hartman, a lecturer of managerial communication at MITs Sloan School of Management.For one thing, callers cant see reactions to their comments that resist a particular thought. Its rare for anyone to actually say please stop talking, so that message often comes across with rolling eyes and shaking heads. Additionally, the off-site participants can have difficulty joining the conversation if they cant see the signs that any particular moment is a good time to chime in. The inability to read the room can stymie the willingness of people not at the table to be fully involved.But there are, of course, occasions when its nearly impossible to get everyone together in one room. In Tennessee, for example, driving across the state takes longer than travelling from Nashville to Canada, so bringing everyone together can be a time-consuming task. When thats the case, Rebecca Hunter, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Resources, recommends video conferencing.In my experience, she says, people on video conferences ask questions, and its as though they were in the room.Another technological aid that can sometimes impede productivity is the PowerPoint presentation. Certainly, a few slides can help illustrate a complex concept. But taken to an extreme, putting together a presentation entirely based on slides gets in the way of efficiency and progress.We call that Death by PowerPoint, says Mara Register, leadership development program manager at the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government.But at least PowerPoints and conference calls have positive uses. Many public officials are regularly frustrated by the forest of cellphones that dot the edges of conference tables, as people send and receive texts, check e-mail and so on.Its like theyre all looking at their belly buttons, says Greg Burris, city manager of Springfield, Mo. And what kind of message does that send to the presenter? The message is that anything you say is less important than the text that someone just got.Burris recalls a previous boss who -- in an effort to motivate people to participate -- would go around the room and mention the hourly salaries of the people there to make them realize how much the organization was paying for the meeting.So what can be done to build an efficient and effective meeting? There are a few generally agreed-upon notions that tend to make for positive and productive meetings.If you start the meeting at 1:00, pretty soon people will start being there at 1:00 because they dont want to miss anything, says MIT's Hartman.Of course, though, agendas are only useful if people know about them in advance. This is critical so that people will be informed about the topics and can prepare for the meeting.It can be helpful to break up a meeting into component parts, each with a time limit. When theres actually a time limit on every item, it puts subtle pressure to stay focused, says Hartman. Getting meetings back on target requires the utmost of civility -- balancing the feelings of the person being cut off with the need to accomplish the meetings goals. Its generally good counsel not to just cut off a speaker with a curt Lets move things along here, but rather to use language couched more delicately. Hartman recommends the phrase, We appreciate what youve been saying, but we want to hear from others in the room.
LONDON  In the Year of the Hair, Boris Johnson of the blonde mop trails Donald Trump, but not by much. The London mayors decision, which he has described as agonizingly difficult, to come out in favor of a British exit from the European Union in a June referendum has sent British politics into a tailspin.

Given Johnsons popularity, as impervious to his buffoonery as Trumps to his bullying, the decision has also given a significant boost to the Brexit camp and dented the Remain Campaign. British withdrawal from the 28-member European Union is now an option with a leader. Johnson, writing in the Telegraph, suggested that if Britain stays, We will continue to sit trapped like passengers in the back seat of some errant minicab with a driver who cannot speak English and who is taking us remorselessly and expensively in the wrong direction.

The mayor, whose second four-year term ends this year, likes to wax metaphoric. In an interview with The Times, he compared himself to James Bond up against the evil baddie who is hell-bent on subverting democracy around the world through a supranational organization. Britain trapped in Europe was like a slowly boiling frog, he suggested.

The range of his metaphors is matched only by the extent of his ambition. Boris on Europe is also Boris on Boris. He wants to be the next prime minister of Britain  or whatever is left of it in 2020, the date of the next election.

David Cameron, the conservative prime minister, has said he will not stand again. Under Conservative Party rules, the conclusive vote to replace him will be between two candidates. One of them will be the pro-European chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne. By claiming the anti-Europe mantle in a party where Brussels bashing is a popular sport, Johnson has set himself up to be the other contender.

Of course, Boris is not just about Boris. Hes been a successful mayor. London works better than New York. His agonizing appears to have been genuine. Theories about what tipped the balance abound.

One is that his wife, a lawyer named Marina Wheeler, influenced him with her argument, outlined recently in The Spectator, that the European Court of Justice has usurped the ability of English courts to rule in areas as diverse as employment disputes, immigration and asylum claims.

Another is that the actress Emma Thompson drove him to paroxysms by declaring in Berlin that Britain was a cake-filled misery-laden gray old island for which exit would be idiocy. Certainly Johnson gets exercised over sovereignty and patriotism (as he perceives it).

The exit argument  when its not just bloviating little-England inanity dosed with anti-immigrant bigotry  is that membership hitches Britain to a stagnant Continent whose most powerful countries are locked in a dysfunctional single-currency system that must lead to ever greater European federalism. It is that the Union is short on democracy and long on bureaucracy. It is that leaving the Union will allow Britain, like Norway, to continue to benefit from a single market of more than a half-billion people while freeing it from intrusive regulation. The Out mantra is Take Back Control.

In fact, a Brexit would be an act of folly, slashing Britains control at a critical time, inflicting a profound economic shock, in Osbornes words, and possibly leading to the breakup of Britain.

The European Union, together with the trans-Atlantic alliance, ushered Europe to stability and prosperity from the collective suicide of the first half of the 20th century. It remains the worlds most boring, important miracle. A British departure, at a time when President Vladimir Putin is trying by all means to undermine a fragile union, would be a geopolitical disaster. Further European unraveling would become likely. No wonder President Barack Obama is expected in London next month to reiterate his conviction that a Britain in Europe is a stronger, more influential ally.

Britain can  and must  make the EU more transparent, democratic and dynamic. That can only be achieved from within. The country derives immense benefits from being part of an $18.5 trillion economy. To imagine that a Britain outside the Union can continue to enjoy the benefits of membership is pure illusion, as many industry leaders have made clear. The economy as a whole, and the city in particular, would suffer. British insularity would become a byword.

Or rather English insularity, for Britain would likely cease to be. Scotland is strongly pro-European. An EU exit would give the governing Scottish National Party an overwhelming case for another referendum on independence. Its outcome would surely be the end of the union established in 1707.

The June 23 vote will be close, closer now that Johnson has gambled. His choice, so perverse for the mayor of this city of countless tongues, risks pushing his beloved country remorselessly and expensively in the wrong direction. Seldom has the need for British good sense, continuity and prudence been more acute.
The two stepchildren of a slain Fargo police officer will receive free education at public colleges and universities in North Dakota, the system chancellor said in a letter to the officers wife.

Jason Moszer, the officer who was shot during a standoff in north Fargo on Feb. 10 and died the next day, is survived by his wife, Rachel Moszer, and two school-age stepchildren, Dillan and Jolee Dahl.

Under state law, tuition and fees at state colleges are waived for survivors of peace officers killed in the line of duty, and Chancellor Mark Hagerott said that will extend to Dillan and Jolee.

I would like to assure you that both your children, Dillan Michael Dahl and Jolee Katherine Dahl, will receive these benefits, and would be grandfathered in should a policy change happen in the future, Hagerott wrote in the letter dated Feb. 24.

System spokeswoman Billie Jo Lorius said in an email that that there was no gray area in the law regarding stepchildren. Under North Dakota Century Code, they are dependents.

The policy applies to any of the 11 institutions in the North Dakota University System.

All of North Dakota mourns alongside your family, Hagerott wrote. We can only hope the information within this correspondence may provide you with some peace of mind regarding your childrens futures.

This letter is reassuring to state Sen. Tim Flakoll, R-Fargo, who approached the chancellors office about this matter within a day of Moszers death. He said he thought it was important to identify what was covered for the Moszer family, so that fundraisers could focus on their other needs.

As I was watching the funeral and watching the children, it brought tears to my eyes, he said Friday. I promised myself that day that those kids would get this.

The matter is personal for the state legislator.

I live four blocks away from where officer Moszer was shot. We could hear gunshots, Flakoll said. So its very heartwarming and reassuring that this has been done. But in all honesty, I hope we never have to use it again.
Toyota currently manufactures and sells aluminum-hulled pleasure crafts equipped with automotive engines. Yanmar is an industrial device manufacturer that has specialized in industrial diesel engines. The company also manufactures marine engines, as well as fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) fishing boats and industrial vessels.

Toyota Motor Corporation and Yanmar Co., Ltd. have reached a wide-ranging agreement to collaborate on technical development, production, and mutual parts use in the marine industry. A concept craft previewing the first product developed under this collaboration was on display at the Japan International Boat Show this week.

Although aluminum hulls offer high rigidity, they require advanced machining technology to manufacture, and can only be produced in limited quantities. To resolve these challenges, Toyota has been working for the past two years on the development of next-generation hulls that allow for production in larger quantities by using a combination of FRP, carbon, and aluminum to either equal or surpass the rigidity of aluminum hulls.

Since last year, Toyota and Yanmar have been working on the joint development of production technologies for next generation hulls, with a focus on using Yanmar's advanced FRP molding technology. As a result, Toyota is on the verge of realizing large-scale production of marine craft that use the Toyota Hybrid Hull, a lightweight structure that enables production of complex, curved shapes while offering rigidity equal to aluminum hulls.

Toyota has already developed a new craft, Toyota-28 Concept, that makes use of the Toyota Hybrid Hull structure for the first time. In testing, the new craft has demonstrated seaworthiness and handling capabilities surpassing existing models. Toyota and Yanmar will work toward joint commercialization of a model based on this concept ahead of an expected launch in October, with manufacturing (including the Toyota Hybrid Hull) outsourced to Yanmar.

The structure of the Toyota Hybrid Hull offers significant improvements in three areas: materials, composition, and shape.

By combining FRP (the hulls base material) with aluminum and carbon, the Toyota Hybrid Hull achieves approximately seven times the rigidity of a standard FRP hull, while weighing roughly 10% less than a similarly-sized craft with an aluminum hull. The Toyota Hybrid Hull design also enables the molding of complicated curved shapes, leading to improved maneuverability and making large-scale production possible.

Using a manufacturing method called vacuum infusion molding, resin is placed in molds with an air vacuum and the three materials are integrally molded. A multi-layer structure packed with foam materials in the middle is adopted on the bottom of crafts, where the greatest amount of stress is applied.

By removing the requirements and limitations of aluminum welding, the Toyota Hybrid Hull structure enables the production of boat hulls with more innovative and complex designs. This, combined with the use of cutting-edge simulation technology, allows the new Toyota-28 Concept to achieve low resistance and high stability.

Toyota will continue to enhance its own lineup of pleasure crafts while endeavoring to find ways to work with Yanmar in other areas, including product development and mutual supply of key components such as engines, in addition to sales and after-sales service.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Contributed photo Show More Show Less 5 of 5









Fish & chips, peanut butter & jelly, bacon & eggs, tea & crumpets. It almost seems unpardonable to serve one without the other.

And heres another must-have: chili & beer, a classic pairing that comes together yet again on Thursday, March 10, at an adults-only Brews & Bites at the Fairfield Museum and History Center.
WASHINGTON  Call them the Metro North Twins. Or maybe Schumenthal.

Its ``a love story, as one Capitol Hill wag put it.

But whatever descriptive term you use, the bond between the Senates two Jewish Boys from New York City - Charles Schumer and Richard Blumenthal - is as enduring and close as the 80-mile border that separates their respective states.

But even though Blumenthal at 70 is the senior partner in age, 65-year-old Schumer - the Senates No-3 Democrat and heir apparent to the partys throne once Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., departs - is senior in clout.

``Politics is about shared interests and the power to deliver on promises, said Gary Rose, political science professor at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. ``Schumer has it, Blumenthal wants it.

``The two are big ambitious dogs who are never talked about in the same breath in their respective states, said Lawrence Levy, dean of the Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University on Long Island. ``Schumer is seen as a towering colorful player and Blumenthal not so much, at least from a New York perspective.

The relationship is now on full display as the senior senators from New York and Connecticut form a united front to push for Senate consideration of President Obamas upcoming Supreme Court nominee. The White House is expected to reveal its pick to replace Justice Antonin Scalia as early as this week.

Both are members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which conducts Supreme Court confirmation hearings. After Yale law school, Blumenthal was a clerk to the late Justice Harry Blackmun and argued four cases before the high court as Connecticuts attorney general.

Schumer embarked on his political career by winning a New York state Assembly seat in 1974, the same year he graduated from Harvard law school. He has weighed in at confirmation hearings for four of the nine justices now on the court.

The mutual admiration society was in evidence during a recent conference call for reporters sponsored by activist groups who like Schumer and Blumenthal want to overcome the GOP Senate nomination blockade.

``Sen. Schumer is always right, Blumenthal laughed at one point.

For his part, Schumer hailed ``my good friend Sen. Blumenthal, one of the leaders on the Judiciary Committee.

Its not an act, both senators insisted in separate interviews.

``I feel personally very close to Chuck Schumer, Blumenthal said. ``Hes one of my best friends in the Senate. We have differed on some issues such as Iran, but we sustain a relationship of respect and close personal ties, which is the way Senate should operate.

Schumer on Blumenthal: ``I think hes a special friend; were very close. Hes smart, very articulate, very studious. You know when he takes up a cause, its going to be a full-fledged effort.

On Iran, Schumer opposed President Obamas nuclear deal last summer as a potentially dangerous concession to a sworn regional enemy and threat to Israel. Blumenthal supported the deal as Americas best chance to control Iranian nuclear weapons capability.

But on most other issues, the two walk in lockstep. Both were out front last year in an ultimately unsuccessful bid to halt delay of Positive Train Control, technology designed to prevent fatal train crashes and derailments.

They are omnipresent in calls for expanded background checks and other measures aimed at gun-violence prevention, especially in the wake of mass shootings like Newtown.

And although there is little chance Senate Democrats can overcome GOP majority resistance to a Supreme Court nomination this year, theyre joined at the hip in calling for the Senate to ``do its job and follow the Constitution.

Name your issue and theyve likely worked together on it: Greater assistance for veterans, college affordability or consumer protection.

They even share a common joke: ``Whats the most dangerous spot in (fill in Connecticut, New York or Washington)? Between (fill in Chuck Schumer or Dick Blumenthal) and a camera!

Blumenthal is quick to discourage the notion he lives in Schumers shadow. ``Its not just him and me, he said. ``Weve overlapped on issues but Ive taken the lead on others.

The Schumer-Blumenthal connection manifests itself during informal early-morning strategy sessions at the Senate gym, where Schumer does an hour lifting weights and riding a stationary bike. Blumenthal swims against waves generated by a jet pool, a reflection of his days on the Harvard swimming team.

Blumenthal also is a habitue of Schumers regular table at a (no surprise) Chinese restaurant a few steps away from the Capitol grounds. There, the two discuss political happenings and war-game future moves with other Democratic senators.

Schumer said he recruited Blumenthal to run for the Senate seat vacated by Chris Dodd. He jokingly calls Blumenthals wife by her middle name, Allison, because one of Schumers two daughter is named Alison.

The similarities in their backgrounds start with their common birthplace, Brooklyn. Both were born into Jewish families in which the parents urged their high-SAT-score boys to pursue education and career achievement.

``That generation was greatly encouraged to exceed the parents own accomplishments, said Levy. ``This drive to achieve was very much a Brooklyn-Jewish thing at the time, and it propelled thousands to the top of their professions in law, medicine, science and business.

But even within the confines of a New York Jewish upbringing, there were significant forks in the road.

According to his political autobiography, ``Positively American, Schumer grew up on E. 27th Street in Brooklyn playing slapball with a then-ubiquitous pink ``Spaldeen rubber ball. His father, a World War II veteran, hated his job as an exterminator. He and his mother, a homemaker and community volunteer, wanted young Chuck to do better.

Schumer entered Harvard in 1967 and caught the political bug the following year as a volunteer for then Sen. Eugene McCarthys insurgent campaign to win the Democratic presidential nomination from President Lyndon B. Johnson, deflated by the interminable Vietnam War.

He upset his parents on the ride home to Brooklyn after graduating Harvard law school by announcing his intention to reject a lucrative job offer from a prestigious Manhattan law firm and instead run for an N.Y. state Assembly seat. Schumer won that race and never looked back.

Blumenthal, who lives in Greenwich, was born in a Brooklyn hospital but grew up in Jamaica, Queens, as the son of a well-to-do import-export merchant who escaped Nazi Germany at age 17.

He was loving and supportive but maintained a German-style formality and was a stickler for rules. This gave young Blumenthal a chance to develop his legal debating skills early on. ``I was definitely litigious, he said.

His mother grew up a farm girl in Nebraska, an unlikely backstory for a Jewish woman of that era. The family moved to Manhattan and young Blumenthal attended Riverdale Country School.

The divergent paths led Schumer back to Brooklyn, where he lives today in a Park Slope apartment, and Blumenthal to Connecticut where he started building a political career after serving as U.S. attorney from 1977 to 1981.

``That slight variation makes sense in terms of the disparate paths they followed to the Senate, said Levy. ``Riverdale ends up in Connecticut and Brooklyn stays in Brooklyn, unless it moves to Long Island.

Some in the political world say that whatever its extent, the common background only goes so far.

``Two bright Jewish guys in positions of power speak to the greatness of our country, said New York veteran political consultant Hank Sheinkopf. ``But this is not about Yiddishkeit (Jewishness) in New York. Its all about powerful people protecting themselves and each other.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

GREENWICH  After a time of tumult within the parish, Rev. Matthew Mauriello has given up his position as pastor of St. Roch Church.

The priest and diocese officials said conflicts with some parishioners and church staff were behind the move. But many in the parish remain loyal to Mauriello and blame a small group of vocal critics for the change. One parishioner called the situation disgraceful.

Mauriello officially announced his departure at services last Sunday. He had been with the parish for the past seven years.

While this decision is not easy, I make it with great peace in my heart and clarity in my mind and I look forward to serving in the diocese in a role that will enable me to take better care of myself, to live with other brother priests and to continue to serve the people of God without the burden of administration, Mauriello said in a letter he read to the congregation.

Diocese of Bridgeport officials stated no wrongdoing led to the move.

He remains a priest in good standing, said diocese spokesman Brian Wallace, adding the decision was made after Mauriello sat down with diocesan leaders.

He will receive another assignment within the diocese, Wallace said. I can say flatly and candidly there were no financial improprieties and there were no legal issues.

The problems that led to Mauriellos reassignment were not new, Wallace said.

From the start, he had some adjustment issues with the parish, Wallace said. While there were people extremely grateful and appreciative of his leadership, there were also many who did not feel he was leading the parish effectively.

Some parishioners complained about what they said were Mauriellos frequent absences from the church, saying he wasnt there when they needed him. Wallace said at least one member of the parish council was consistently unhappy, and that there had been disputes with key parishioners, but he did not elaborate except to say the parishioners were vocal in their lack of confidence in Father Mauriellos leadership.

There also were a number of personnel issues within the church office, Wallace said, but again he did not elaborate on what they entailed. He termed the complaints periodic but said problems came to a head in recent weeks.

It had been an unhappy office, Wallace said. Various people were not getting along and there is division inside the parish, which is the last thing you want.

Mauriello admitted his shortcomings during the meeting and agreed it was best that he move on from the parish, Wallace said.

I regret any conflicts with my staff and any other situations where I have not served all of you to the best of my ability, Mauriello said in his letter. He also referenced concerns about time he had taken away from the parish, administrative decisions that he was less than prudent in and some relational conflicts that had come to a head.

He acknowledged he had been under stress in recent years due to the death of his father and several close friends in the priesthood.

All of that emotional duress was exacerbated by the strain I was experiencing in running the parish, Mauriello said. And though I was living alone I should not have tried to face all of this alone. But I did and it all proved too much for me.

Wallace acknowledged there is considerable support for Mauriello still within the parish and said some people have expressed unhappiness over the decision.

Several members of the congregation told Greenwich Time they are upset that Mauriello is no longer leading the parish, but most did not want to be quoted by name.

One, Marianne Anderson, strongly praised Mauriello. She said the change was caused by a vocal group who objected to his style, and accused them of spreading rumors of impropriety about his departure in order to attack his character.

Its horrible that this happened, Anderson said. It was a small group of people that didnt like him and its disgraceful that they were able to do this. No one should be treated like that. Father Matt is a good person and we wish he had been able to stay.

Anderson said she was glad the diocese had spoken out to make sure people knew Mauriello had not done anything illegal and that he remains in good standing.

A new pastor is not expected to be assigned to St. Roch until later in the spring. In the meantime, Msgr. Tom Powers, who serves as the dioceses vicar general, will take over a temporary leadership position in the parish and other priests will assist with daily Mass.

kborsuk@scni.com




Haiti - Economy : Sunrise Airways resumes flights to Dominican Republic





In a note, the Directorate of the Haitian company Sunrise Airways announces to the general public and their customers in particular, that its route Port-au-Prince / Santo Domingo, interrupted during the last 3 days, is again in operation.



Let's recall that an unfortunate misunderstanding had opposed the Haitian company to the Dominican authorities https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16766-haiti-flash-dr-temporarily-suspends-flights-of-sunrise-airways.html and caused the shutdown of its flights on the route. But Sunrise Airways has provided proof that it was in order with the standards governing the Dominican Civil Aviation, the measure was canceled.



"Sunrise Airways asks its customers to kindly apologize for the inconvenience caused by the shutdown of his services and sincerely thank them for the understanding they have shown.



Sunrise Airways took the opportunity to announce the expansion of its destinations with the opening of its first flight to Camaguey, February 26 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16759-haiti-economy-sunrise-airways-increases-its-services-on-cuba.html . This new route is the first to introduce the ATR 42-320 aircraft of 46 seats which adds to the company's fleet https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16714-haiti-economy-sunrise-airways-add-a-new-aircraft-to-its-fleet.html



Learn more about Sunrise Airways :

Based in Port-au-Prince with a maintenance facility dedicated to Santiago, Dominican Republic, Sunrise Airways is owned by businessman and philanthropist Haitian recognized, Philippe Bayard. The members of the management team has on average over 15 years in aviation with well known industry brands like Aerocaribbean, Air Jamaica, BAE Systems, Condor Airlines, Jamaica Air Shuttle, and LAN Airlines.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16777-haiti-economy-sunrise-airways-victim-of-abuse-by-the-dominican-authorities.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-16766-haiti-flash-dr-temporarily-suspends-flights-of-sunrise-airways.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - NOTICE : Call for Applications, scholarship Valencia Mongerard 2016-2017





The Association Haiti Future announces the opening of candidatures for the Scholarships Valencia Mongerard for the academic year 2016-2017. This scholarship in France for a period of two (2) years aims to provide training in graduate level at a young Haitian student for a Master 1: Applied Economics at Universite Paris-Est Marne la Vallee and Master 2: Economics of Development and Management of International Projects at the University Paris-Est Creteil.



Candidate Profile :



Haitian national residing in Haiti ;



Be aged under 26



Having a degree in economics



Justify very good academic results



Good analytical skills and synthesis



Commit to return to work in Haiti for at least 5 years



Good knowledge of English



Students who wish to apply, you must first register to this this address : https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bqJ3aktC_GWa_hk0eVn5pjw03lB-7lyGbK2Rz6vATFE/viewform?c=0&w=1 AND send their application by email to two (2) following addresses : contact@haiti-futur.com / boursevalencia@gmail.com until April 4, 2016.



Your application must contain the following documents :



Curriculum Vitae



Cover letter (maximum 2 pages) describing your background, academic and professional; your interest in the master and future projects :



Academic results (from Baccalaureat II to the last year of license)



Shortlisted candidates will be called for interview.



Selection Criteria :



Academic results ;



Future Projects (return engagement in the country)



Family and financial situation ;



Human and interpersonal skills (teamwork, honesty, sense of responsibility...) ;



Involvement in associations and social activities



The final results will be announced in May 2015.



The candidate selected must go to Paris in the month of September 2016. Arrived in Franche he/she will have to be involved within the Association Haiti Futur, coordinator of the scholarship



Documents to be provided by the candidate :



Passport valid for at least twelve (12) months



Extract of his birth certificate after February 1, 2008



Graduation Diploma (Licence)



Transcripts





Learn more about the scholarship "Valencia Mongerard" :

Created in 2010, born of a partnership between Haiti Future, Alpha Group and the University Paris-Est Marne la Vallee, this scholarships is given in tribute to Mongerard Valencia, Haitian, a former student Emeritus of the University of Marne-la-Vallee, a former intern at Groupe Alpha and a member of Future Haiti. Eager to return to his country of Haiti and get involved in the training of young academics, Valencia was working at the Institut Aime Cesaire, and she died at the age of 24 during the earthquake of January 2010.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping politics...





The G15 proposes a Senate President of Lavalas trend

In the Senate, the 13 senators of the majority bloc said they were willing to vote for Evaliere Beauplan (PONT) as president of the Senate. However, the minority senators G9, recall that Evaliere Beauplan is close to Lavalas, like Presidnet a.i. Jocelerme Privert and Prime Minister named, and that it is not acceptable to entrust these 3 functions to a sector of ame political tendency, calling for a consensus that will ensure a balance between the political forces.



The Cabinet of Ministers urrently being finalized

Friday, regarding the formation of the Cabinet of Ministers and Secretaries of State, the President a.i. pointed out "We are finalizing consultations with various sectors of national life to identify individuals that meet the criteria, with the required skills to be part of this new government."



Presentation of the General Policy next week ?

Abel Descollines, First Secretary at the Chamber of Deputies stated that the Prime Minister named Jean, had promised to forward his original documents in the Lower House, so that the study of his case continues.



Moreover, the President a.i. Privert hope that by the beginning of next week, Parliament will be able to receive the Prime Minister appointed to hear his statement and give him a vote of confidence...



The French Diplomacy keeps an eye on Privert

Elisabeth Beton Delegue, Ambassador of France accredited to Haiti, met this week with President a.i Jocelerme Privert, at the National Palace.



The PHTK monitors compliance with the agreement...

Friday Jovenel Moses intervening on a radio station of the capital recalled "that the PHTK has nothing to do in the agreement of 6 February, which was signed between the executive and the legislature," but said that " February 19 Privert had met 2 PHTK adviser and a member of the party."



He recalled that it takes a bit of civility in the relations between political actors and on the other hand, the PHTK monitors compliance with the agreement of 6 February.



Moreover he declared "The President Martelly is now semi-retired and now it's me who takes the leadership of the movement PHTK Tet Kale. My motto is 'acta non verba' (deeds and not words)"



He finally recalled that it remains 50 days before the holding of elections "I think Privert has all the maneuver in hand to make the only choice he has, which is to apply and enforce the agreement, PHTK Mande respe ako a la let !"



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2016/03/05 | Source

Hyun Bin, Yoo Hae-jin, Kim Joo-hyuk, Jang Young-nam, Lee Hae-young-I, Lee Dong-hwi, Yoona and more actors got together for the forthcoming movie, "Confidential Assignment" (working title).

Advertisement

"Confidential Assignment" begins filming on March 10th. The film is a blockbuster action movie about a classified cooperative investigation by detectives from South and North Korea to chase after North Korean organized crime gangsters, who fled into South Korea. The glamorous lineup of the cast drew much attention earlier.

Hyun Bin plays Lim Cheol-ryeong, a North Korean detective dispatched to South Korea. He is an elite member of a Special Forces, who shows off bold attitude in taking actions, instinct decision making skills and trained agility. Yoo Hae-jin plays Kang Jin-tae, a detective from a serious crime unit, who joins the South Korean team of the cooperative investigation squad.

Kim Joo-hyuk plays Cha Gi-Seong, leader of the organized crime gang, who opposes Yoo Hae-jin's character. Jang Young-nam plays So-yeon, Kang Jin-tae's wife. Lee Hae-young-I plays commander Pyo, who is Kang Jin-tae's friend of 15 years. Lee Dong-hwi's role, Park Myeong-ho is Cha Gi-seong's subordinate and a broker for smuggling. Yoona plays her first film role, Min-yeong, who is Kang Jin-tae's sister-in-law.
Korean Drama | 2014

 Drama

Directed by  Kim Jeong-min-III ()  Sin Yong-hwi ()

Written by Han Jeong-hoon ()

TV Channel/Platform: OCN (OCN)

Airing dates: 2014/10/04~2014/12/13

Link

11 episodes - Sat 23:00

Synopsis

Starring a rising heartthrob Park Hae-jin, veteran action stars Jo Dong-hyeok and Ma Dong-seok, "Bad Guys" is an 11-episode thriller about a heartless detective (Kim Sang-joong) who gathers convicted criminals for a special crime squad to fight against violent crimes in the city. The criminals include Park Hae Jin as a young, intelligent and psychopathic serial killer and Jo Dong-hyeok who plays a professional assassin. Ma Dong-seok stars as a head of gangsters in Seoul.
Korean Movie | 2013

 Documentary

Directed by Kwon Hyo ()

94min | Release date in South Korea: 2013/08/15

Link

Synopsis

Picture book author Kwon Yoon-duk decides to join the 'Picture Books for Peace Planning Committee' with other authors from Korea, China and Japan to created a picture book on comfort women to the Japanese colonial army. But as she proceeds, past wounds forgotten for years start to haunt her. Meanwhile Korean and Japanese authors start a heated debate over her sketch and the completion of the picture book seems to drift further out of reach.

Source
Korean Movie | 2014

 Thriller

Directed by Choi In-gyoo ()

Written by Choi In-gyoo ()

84min | Release date in South Korea: 2016/03/31

Synopsis

Cruel revenge...a confession even crueler than that.

Movie director Byeong-cheon invites high school student Se-yeong over to his house to interview her for a character in his next movie. He relives her nerves with some vodka and starts the interview on a good note but things change when Byeong-cheon brings out his real intentions.

His lunacy steps over the line when he tells her she can get out safely if she answers his questions honestly and Se-yeong struggles to survive. She gets a chance in the end but she is apalled to find out one of Byeong-cheon's greatest secrets.

Source
Harlow is a former New Town in Essex with a population of 86,000. Located in the upper Stort Valley, it was built in the decades after the Second World War to ease overcrowding and London and provide homes for people bombed out during the Blitz. It includes Britain's first pedestrian precinct and first modern residential tower block, The Lawn. Old Harlow, the historic part of the town, was mentioned in the Domesday Book. David and Victoria Beckham's former home, Rowneybury House, nicknamed 'Beckingham Palace', is nearby.

20:37, 21 OCT 2022
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald took into account all relevant considerations before issuing a deportation order for a man allegedly involved with Islamic terrorists, the High Court has heard.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has brought a challenge aimed at preventing his deportation to Jordan.

He denies the State's claims he has consulted with senior violent extremist leaders outside Ireland, or that he represents a threat to national security. It is also claimed he made travel arrangements for and recruits members for Islamic extremist group Isil.

In his action, he claims he was tortured in Jordan during the 1990s due to his political activities, and faces being tortured if he is sent back.

On the third day of the hearing before Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, Conor Power SC, for the Minister, rejected arguments on behalf of the man that there was a failure to properly take into account the risk of the man being tortured if deported to Jordan.

The Minister had considered all evidence submitted on the man's behalf, before deciding to issue a deportation order.

Counsel said that there were a number of "inconsistencies and contradictions" in applications for asylum that were made by the man in 2015.

There was no mention of being tortured when submitting his first application for asylum back in 2000.

The court was told evidence submitted on behalf of the man showed it was possible he was at risk due to his opposition to the regime in Jordan if he was returned to that country.

However, counsel argued, that evidence "did not go beyond 'possible', and it must go beyond the possible."

The mere possibility of the man receiving ill treatment from the Jordanian authorities was not enough to prevent the Minister from issuing a deportation order.

Counsel also said that since leaving Jordan he made three requests to that country for consular assistance in relation to his passport. His close relatives are living in Jordan.

While the man's son had been arrested and detained without charge in Jordan, there was no evidence before the Minister that they had asked him about his father's whereabouts, counsel said.

The man has resided in Ireland since 2000, on the basis he has an Irish citizen child. Last year the authorities decided not to renew his residency permit because his child had not been residing in the State.

He was then informed the State wants to deport him. He then applied for asylum, but claims the Minister for Justice refused to make a decision on on his application.

The case resumes next week.

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald took into account all relevant considerations before issuing a deportation order for a man allegedly involved with Islamic terrorists, the High Court has heard.

The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, has brought a challenge aimed at preventing his deportation to Jordan.

He denies the State's claims that he has consulted with senior violent extremist leaders outside of Ireland and that he represents a threat to national security. It is also claimed he made travel arrangements for and recruits members for Islamic extremist group Isis.

In his action, he claims he was tortured in Jordan during the 1990s because of his political activities and faces being tortured if he is sent back.

On the third day of the hearing before Mr Justice Richard Humphreys, Conor Power, for the minister, rejected arguments on behalf of the man that there was a failure to properly take into account the risk of his being tortured if deported to Jordan.

The minister had considered all evidence submitted on the man's behalf before deciding to issue a deportation order.

Counsel said there was a number of "inconsistencies and contradictions" in applications for asylum that were made by the man last year.

Regime

There was no mention of being tortured when submitting his first application for asylum in 2000.

The court was told that evidence submitted on behalf of the man showed it was possible he was at risk due to his opposition to the regime in Jordan if he was returned to that country.

However, counsel argued, that evidence "did not go beyond 'possible', and it must go beyond the possible".

The mere possibility of the man receiving ill-treatment from the Jordanian authorities was not enough to prevent the minister from issuing a deportation order.

Counsel also said that since leaving Jordan he had made three requests to that country for consular assistance in relation to his passport. His close relatives live in Jordan.

While the man's son had been arrested and detained without charge in Jordan, there was no evidence before the minister that they had asked him about his father's whereabouts, counsel said.

The man has lived in Ireland since 2000, on the basis that he has an Irish citizen child. The authorities decided last year not to renew his residency permit because his child had not been residing in the State.

He was then informed that the State wants to deport him. He then applied for asylum, but claims the minister refused to make a decision on his application.

The case resumes next week.
Eleanor Joel and her partner Jonathan Costen had their convictions for killing Evelyn Joel by neglect quashed. Photo: Collins Courts

Healthcare professionals involved in the case of MS sufferer Evelyn Joel were potentially "significant witnesses" in the trial of a couple accused of killing her by neglect, a judge has said.

Eleanor Joel (41) and her partner Jonathan Costen (43) had their convictions for the manslaughter of Joel's mother, Evelyn (59), quashed by the Court of Criminal Appeal.

The couple had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of Evelyn by neglect in Co Wexford in January 2006.

They were found guilty at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court and given two-year suspended sentences in March 2013 on condition that they carry out 230 hours of community service.

Disturbed

The pair, with a last address at Cluain Dara, Enniscorthy, appealed their convictions, with the Court of Appeal yesterday holding that they succeeded on a number of grounds.

Ambulance personnel who saw Evelyn in December 2005 were "greatly disturbed by the condition in which they found their patient".

The bed she was lying in was filthy, her lower body was covered in faeces and she had extensive bed sores found to contain maggots.

Admitted to hospital on January 1, 2006, she initially made progress but developed pneumonia and died on January 7.

Mr Justice Birmingham said Joel and Costen contended that others, including healthcare professionals and local authority officials, were responsible for such negligence as allegedly happened.

While there was no indication of criminal conduct, Mr Justice Birmingham said the nature of the HSE's interaction with Evelyn "gave rise to concern and disquiet".

"During the final four months of her life, the HSE involvement was limited to leaving nappies outside the house," he said.

"One would have to say that there were sufficient indications of possible failings on the part of statutory agencies. The Minister for Health spoke of huge failings, that the matter required investigation."

The healthcare professionals who dealt with Evelyn were potentially "very significant witnesses" and ought to have been called, the judge said.

He also said the retrial "should have been transferred from Wexford to Dublin", and added that the replacement of a juror was taken in the absence of Joel's legal advisers.

Further, Evelyn's complicated medical history made identifying the exact cause of death not altogether straightforward.

Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, quashed the couple's conviction.
A dangerous gangland killer who is suspected of being the hitman in three murders is unlikely to ever face justice after gardai were unable to secure enough evidence against him.

The 31-year-old Coolock man is currently in jail for separate organised crime offences, but the Herald can reveal that he is the chief suspect in the killing of two of his close friends and also for shooting a man dead for cash in 2005.

The inquest into one of his suspected victims was held this week. It heard that David 'Fred' Lynch (26) was shot four times in the head with a 9mm calibre semi-automatic pistol which has never been recovered.

Row

His body was found lying face down on waste ground across the road from the Newtown Court apartments near Belcamp in north Dublin.

Sources said gardai believe that the victim, who was a father-of-three, was killed by the suspect because of a "simple personal row".

"Lynch was involved in multiple feuds with a number of dangerous groupings at the time of his murder," a source said.

The suspected killer, who has more than 100 criminal convictions, is also suspected of threatening to kill gardai.

He remains the chief suspect in the murder of father-of-one Noel Deans in January 2010.

Like Lynch, Deans (27) was also a friend of the killer and his inquest is due to be held next week at Dublin Coroner's Court.

The gangster is understood to have drunk tea with and consoled the heartbroken mother of Deans in a twisted act of treachery after killing him.

A source said: "This individual is a total headcase, a complete loose cannon. The fact that he sat down and drank tea with the mother of that unfortunate man after the murder shows what a cold-hearted evil man he is."

It is believed that the suspect shot Deans over a large cannabis debt he had built up and which he was unable or unwilling to pay.

At the time, a gang war had broken out in the Coolock area between former pals who had taken different sides in a bitter dispute over stolen cash.

Deans, from Greenwood Lawn, Coolock, was gunned down while walking towards a laneway at the Ferrycarrig Road in Priorswood on Saturday, January 16, 2010.

The suspect was arrested over the murder and was also questioned by gardai about the gun murder of Tallaght criminal Mark Byrne (29), who was shot outside Mountjoy Prison in May 2005.

Sources say he masterminded Byrne's murder when the victim was released from jail on temporary release after the two men became involved in a bitter prison row.

The triple-murder suspect was also arrested for the non-fatal shooting of Anthony Ayodeji, who was shot as he held a baby boy in his arms in Darndale in July 2008. He is also suspected of a botched murder attempt on slain Traveller criminal John Paul Joyce the same year.

Threats

Meanwhile, this week's inquest heard that David 'Fred' Lynch, of Railway Road, Clongriffin, was found opposite the nearby Clare Hall Shopping Centre in north Dublin on March 30, 2009.

He was aware of previous threats to his life but was not in fear of his life at the time of his death.

"He didn't actually say that, but I knew he was. At that particular time, he wasn't worried - but beforehand he was," his older brother Gerard Lynch told Dublin Coroner's Court.

Christine Smith, Mr Lynch's partner, said she was aware of a threat to his life.

"I always knew there would have been that threat there," she told Coroner Brian Farrell.
Enda Kenny and Micheal Martin have reached out to Independents and smaller parties as they scramble to secure support ahead of next week's Dail vote on who should be the next Taoiseach.

Mr Kenny met members of the Independent Alliance in Leinster House, seeking support for a Fine Gael-led government.

Fianna Fail leader Mr Martin has spoken with a number of independents as well as smaller parties including the Social Democrats.

Neither Mr Kenny nor Mr Martin is likely to secure the majority needed to secure the office of Taoiseach and form a government in a Dail vote on Thursday.

Both are striving to get the most votes in a bid to strengthen their bargaining positions ahead of further negotiations.

Theatre

One Fine Gael source said next Thursday's vote will be a "piece of theatre" and that "things will start to get serious in terms of actually trying to put a government together" after that.

"At this stage we don't need Independents to back us on Thursday, we just need them not to back him (Mr Martin)," another source said.

Fianna Fail sources said talks with Independents and others remain on an "informal basis".

"The Independents are not going to do a deal before Thursday. They are going to enjoy all of this," a source said.

The six-strong Independent Alliance was represented by Dublin TDs Shane Ross and Finian McGrath, as well as deputies John Halligan and Sean Canney, at a 90-minute meeting with Mr Kenny yesterday morning.

Mr Halligan said they presented the Taoiseach with their Charter for Change, which includes proposals on Dail reform and improvements to services in rural Ireland.

"Mr Kenny said he would look at it. He would seriously consider it. He said he is trying to form a government with independents," Mr Halligan said.

"He said he will come back to us with his response to the charter and also his plan for Dail reform in the next week and we'll meet again.

"It was a good meeting. I believe other parties want to meet us, so we'll see what happens."

Katherine Zappone said she met Mr Kenny and has also had talks with Mr Martin but did not say if she would support either candidate for Taoiseach, saying that would be "premature".

Independents Noel Grealish and Mattie McGrath both confirmed they have been contacted by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton said last night that Fine Gael will meet again next week to "reflect on the dis- cussions that have been had".

"Some of their ideas are very interesting. I think you could build those into a programme for government," he told RTE.

Mr Bruton ruled out talking with Sinn Fein or AAA/PBP and said his party is not currently in talks with Fianna Fail as they are putting forward their own nominee for Taoiseach.
Dance teacher Leonard Watters, who was jailed for making false allegations that he was sexually assaulted by Louis Walsh, has received a suspended sentence for raiding a man's bank account.

Father-of-two, Leonard Watters, 28, with an address at Woodview, Navan, Co Meath pleaded guilty to stealing a named man's wallet containing 60 and bank cards from his apartment in Kilmainham in Dublin 8 in the early hours of November 28 in 2014.

Watters, who was jailed in 2012, also pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to theft of 290 and 300 from bank machines at O'Connell Street and Temple Bar Square in the city-centre on the same date.

Yesterday, Judge Bryan Smyth noted that Watters had brought 650 to court for the victim. He imposed a nine month sentence but suspended it on condition that Watters keeps the peace and does not re-offend for two years.

Gda Graham O'Neill told Judge Bryan Smyth that Watters had met the injured party socially at Dame Street in Dublin city-centre. They returned to the man's address and were seen on CCTV arriving at about 3am. Subsequently the accused was seen leaving at about 4.22am, Gda O'Neill said.

The following morning the victim, who is in his thirties, became aware that his wallet containing 60 and his bank cards was missing. He checked his bank account online and observed that there had been two transactions. Watters, who was identified from CCTV footage, had withdrawn a total of 590 from two ATMs within an hour of leaving the victim's home.

The man did not have to be called to give evidence and does not want to provide a victim impact statement but had come to court to watch the proceedings.

Gda O'Neill said Watters had eight prior convictions. The latest three offences were for giving false information to gardai in relation to Louis Walsh which led to him getting an 11 month sentence with five months suspended in 2012.

His remaining convictions were for breaching a barring order and motoring offences.

Defence solicitor Leonard Leader said Watters had a drink problem but "fell off the wagon" and was under the influence of alcohol when the theft happened. He said it was "on the spur of the moment" after the victim fell asleep.

He told the court that when Watters was aged nine, he suffered third degree burns over a third of his body which had a huge impact on his emotional and cognitive development.

He has been on pain killers since and also suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He later began working as a barman and after that he set up a dance school. However that business has "dried up" as a result of the publicity following his previous case, and he has been unable to work since.

He also gets abused when walking around his home-town, the court was told. Pleading for leniency, Mr Leader also asked the court to note his client has a good relationship with his children and is tackling a drink addiction.

Judge Bryan Smyth had said there was a certain degree of calculation on Watters' part; he had befriended the man and left his home after stealing from him.

Four years ago Watters was jailed after he admitted he concocted completely false claims that former X-Factor Louis Walsh groped him in the toilets of a nightclub in Dublin city-centre in April 2011.

Described as a "Walter Mitty", he received an 11-month term with five months suspended after he pleaded guilty to making false reports to gardai.
Nurse Mary Attridge-Jones is one of the unsung heroes who cares for cancer patients in the last days of their lives.

She is part of the team of nurses who work for the Irish Cancer Society, providing end-of-life care for patients and their families at home.

The night nurses care for patients through the night, providing medical care and expertise as well as comfort and reassurance to the patient and their family.

Many patients would not be able to stay at home if it were not for the night nurses - who give the carers some time to rest with some peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is not in any pain and that they can be called upon if anything changes.

Mum-of-one Mary (48) generally works between the hours of 11pm and 7am, with some flexibility to suit families, in the wider Dublin area.

"The purpose of my role is to support those who wish to be cared for at home," she said.

Generally they are patients with cancer that may be in the terminal phase, while some are respite cases.

She would also care for patients with other chronic illnesses that are in the terminal phase.

Emotional

Mary works in tandem with the community palliative care team, who visit during the day.

"My role is to support the family and to respect their wishes - it sometimes might be to take over the care of the patient completely during the night.

"Part of that is administering medication according to the symptoms of the patient, and that is done step by step, with clear decision-making."

"The other parts of it are the physical care, the emotional and spiritual care of the person, and supporting the family psychologically - helping them to come to terms with the changes."

She points out that being at home in familiar surroundings is what many people want.

"The Irish Hospice Foundation have done clear research that states that the majority of people do want to be at home when they are dying. That is why the service is so vital.

"For instance, being at home means you can have your dog on the bed, you can have your cat there, you can have your grandchildren there, your great-grandchildren there."

The expert was talking to The Herald to promote Daffodil Day next Friday, March 11, which supports the Society's free cancer services.

See www.cancer.ie for more details.
Members of the Alfred Reed family and Dr. Ted Olson stopped by the Birthplace of Country Music Museum Friday morning to participate in a radio interview and to sign copies of Blind Alfred Reed: Appalachian Visionary CD and book set. Olson produced and penned the liner notes for the set, released by the Dust-to-Digital label last month.

Blind from birth, Alfred Reed was among the artists who recorded on the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions. Reed, The Carter Family, and Jimmie Rodgers all signed long-term contracts for Victor Records with Ralph Peer following the Bristol Sessions.

Reed is considered a visionary for his socially conscious music. His song, How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live, was widely known during the Depression Era. Reeds lasting influence continues on in the artists who have recorded his music; Bruce Springsteen, Ry Cooder, Old Crow Medicine Show and David Lindley among them.
PASCAGOULA, Mississippi -- Generally speaking, when U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran attends an event like Friday's keel authentication for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball, under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding, he is the center of attention.

That was not the case Friday, however, as Cochran happily took a back seat to his wife, Kay Webber Cochran, who is serving as the ship's sponsor for the Kimball.

The Cochrans, along with U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Paul Zukunft, Ingalls President Brian Cuccias and local dignitaries, were on hand for Friday's ceremony -- a maritime tradition which signals that the ship's keel has been "truly and fairly laid."

Kay Cochran said it was "honor" to be the ship's sponsor and she expects the Kimball to be "the most outstanding ship in the fleet."

She also praised the work of the Ingalls shipbuilders and the south Mississippi communities which support the shipyard.

"I am proud to support the United States Coast Guard and I'm even more proud to be here with you today," Kay Cochran said. "Thank you for this wonderful, tremendous honor."

As she delivered her remarks, Sen. Cochran looked on, beaming proudly.

"It is such a great honor for her to be recognized like this," he said after the ceremony. "She's had such an amazing career in the U.S. Congress and Senate, serving in various capacities, including on my staff.

"She's a very bright, engaging person and it was wonderful to see her honored like this."

After her remarks, Kay Cochran wrote her initials in ink onto the Kimball's keel plate, after which Ingalls structural welder Jerry Wesley burned her initials onto the metal plate, which will be affixed to the ship.

The Kimball (WMSL 756) is Ingalls' seventh National Security Cutter and is named in honor of Sumner Kimball, who organized and directed the U.S. Life Saving Service -- the forerunner to the U.S. Coast Guard. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Coast Guard during the first quarter of 2018.

Legend-class cutters are the flagships of the USCG fleet. They are 418-feet long with a 54-foot beam and displace 4,500 tons with a full load. The cutters have a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles, an endurance of 60 days and support a crew of 110.

"We can't get the Kimball in the water fast enough," Zunkunft said, noting the Coast Guard is daily battling against drug smuggling on the high seas. "Crime is coming from the sea in the form of bales of cocaine."

Zukunft also credit Sen. Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, with his vital help in securing funding for additional NSC's to be built.

Earlier, Cuccias said Friday "is another great shipbuilding day," and praised Mrs. Cochran for her dedication to Mississippi. He added that the Coast Guard and Ingalls are "excited about making this the best ship yet."

After the keel authentication ceremony, the Cochrans, along with Ingalls officials and others, toured the NSC Munro (WMSL 755) docked nearby. The Munro is due for delivery to the Coast Guard in 2017.
Donald Trump promises that if Americans send him to the White House, he'll bring back waterboarding - and techniques that are "a hell of a lot worse." Why? Because "torture works," he claims, and even "if it doesn't work, they deserve it anyway." That's not Trump's only bright idea for U.S. counterterrorism policy. He'd also "bomb the hell out of ISIS," and he favors targeting the spouses and children of Islamic State fighters, too, since "with the terrorists, you have to take out their families." That kind of rhetoric from the Republican front-runner has rightly alarmed the foreign policy establishment, prompting an open letter this past week from an array of Republican advisers opposing Trump.

Former CIA director Michael Hayden, who also served as a four-star Air Force general and the director of the National Security Agency, sees a remedy: The military would save us from Trump's excesses if he somehow gets elected. "If any future president wants . . . to waterboard anybody, he better bring his own bucket," Hayden has said. The Pentagon would never let him get away with war crimes: "The American armed forces would refuse to act," he told HBO's Bill Maher recently. "You are required not to follow an unlawful order."

Hayden's right that any presidential order to use torture or deliberately target civilians would be illegal. Under international and U.S. law, both are grave crimes, punishable by imprisonment or, under U.S. law, death. He's also right that military personnel have no duty to obey unlawful orders, even if they come straight from the top.

But don't count on the Pentagon to stop President Trump. Trump himself, asked at a Republican debate Thursday night what he would do if the military refused to obey his orders, seemed aware of that: "They won't refuse. They're not going to refuse. Believe me. . . . If I say 'Do it,' they're going to do it."

Unfortunately, recent history suggests that military resistance is no safeguard against a future president - Trump or anyone else - who's determined to run roughshod over the law.

Laws can be manipulated, and they can be changed, especially when a president wants them manipulated or changed. The U.S. military has a strong rule-of-law culture, but it also has a strong commitment to civilian control of the armed forces. Generally speaking, that's good, but it also means that officers rarely respond with a flat-out "No" when senior civilian officials start playing fast and loose with the law. The armed forces have a duty to disobey manifestly unlawful orders, but when top civilian lawyers at the White House and the Justice Department overrule the military's interpretation of the law, few service members persist in their opposition.

Think back to the first few years after the 9/11 attacks. The Pentagon initially planned to treat Taliban and al-Qaida prisoners in accordance with the rules laid out in the Geneva Conventions, but the White House considered this inconvenient. (Under those rules, prisoners can't be detained secretly and with no review process, and they most definitely can't be waterboarded.) So the White House found some unusually compliant Justice Department lawyers, and by January 2002, the department's office of legal counsel was instructing the Defense Department that Geneva Convention protections did not apply to Taliban or al-Qaida fighters.

Colin Powell, the George W. Bush administration's secretary of state and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, objected immediately, as did several top active-duty military officials. The Justice Department's position would "reverse over a century of U.S. policy and practice in supporting the Geneva conventions," Powell argued, making the United States "vulnerable to domestic and international legal challenges" and creating a risk of criminal prosecution for American officials and troops.

The White House ignored such protests; then-White House counsel (and later attorney general) Alberto Gonzales asserted in a Jan. 25, 2002, memo to President Bush that the position "preserves flexibility" for the White House and "reduces the threat of domestic criminal prosecution under the War Crimes Act." His logic: If the Geneva Conventions don't apply, then U.S. officials can't violate them.

The same legal sleight of hand occurred with interrogation practices. Before 9/11, no courts or serious legal scholars argued that waterboarding was anything other than torture or that torture was anything other than illegal. But after 9/11, Justice Department lawyers contended that a practice counted as "torture" only if it was "intended" to cause the kind of "severe pain" generally associated with "death, organ failure, or the permanent impairment of a significant body function." Since waterboarding and other "enhanced" interrogation practices were intended to elicit information rather than to cause pain for the sake of pain - and since the pain caused by waterboarding wasn't as bad as death or organ failure - it wasn't torture. (Under this logic, even the use of thumbscrews presumably wouldn't count as torture, as long as the interrogators' goal was intelligence, not vengeance.)

Several senior military lawyers offered strenuous objections. For instance, Air Force Maj. Gen. Jack Rives argued that the "extreme interrogation techniques" approved by the Justice Department violated domestic criminal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice . But military resistance was largely limited to memos. No one staged a coup; no senior officer resigned in public protest. At the end of the day, the military brass followed orders from their civilian masters.

If history and social psychology have taught us anything, it's that most people, civilian and military alike, will go along with the instructions of those they perceive as authority figures, no matter what horrors they have to witness or carry out - and for the most part, that's precisely what happened after 9/11. Although it was CIA rather than military personnel who were implicated in many of the most egregious post-9/11 abuses, military officers went along with plenty of bad actions and sometimes instigated them.

Even firmer resistance from military officials probably wouldn't have stopped the Bush administration from resorting to torture. In the years immediately following 9/11, White House officials turned repeatedly to the CIA for those jobs that made military personnel squirm. And Congress didn't exactly demand compliance with the spirit of the law, either. Though lawmakers eventually passed legislation prohibiting some of the most abusive interrogation practices, they also repeatedly altered U.S. laws in ways that enabled those same abuses to go unpunished. They provided a "just following orders" defense, for instance, and watered down previous war crimes legislation, with retroactive application. If the Bush administration eventually abandoned its most controversial detention and interrogation practices, it wasn't because the military rebelled - it had more to do with the fatigue engendered by years of bad publicity, ceaseless external legal challenges and pressure from unhappy U.S. allies.

We've seen similar dynamics in recent debates about controversial Obama administration practices. Several military leaders have questioned the legality, morality and strategic wisdom of secret U.S. drone strikes outside of traditional battlefields, particularly when the targets are U.S. citizens. But just as they did under President Obama's predecessor, Justice Department lawyers have provided memos offering legal justifications, muting any military resistance. U.S. military intervention in Syria is also arguably illegal under international law, and numerous lawyers in the armed forces have expressed private concerns about this and about the legality of current U.S. action under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. But here again, don't expect a mutiny or a coup.

However much we might sometimes wish it to, law doesn't exist wholly beyond politics - and neither does the military. We shouldn't expect troops to stand up against illegal or immoral practices when the White House, the CIA, Congress and most members of the American public can't be bothered to do so.

So if you don't want Trump - or any potential president, now or in the future - to bring back thumbscrews, carpet bombing and the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, don't count on the military to stop him. Our best hope, against this and all other forms of savagery and bigotry, is exactly what it's always been: Citizens need to speak out strongly and repeatedly, in the media, in the classroom, in the neighborhood and on the streets.

And don't forget to vote.

Rosa Brooks is a professor at Georgetown University Law Center and a former Pentagon official. Her next book, "How Everything Became War," will be published by Simon & Schuster in August.
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.
This domain has expired. If you owned this domain, contact your domain registration service provider for further assistance. If you need help identifying your provider, visit https://www.tucowsdomains.com/
Kanhaiya Kumar  a man few outside Jawaharlal Nehru University or the Communist Party of India (CPI) knew till three weeks ago  is the new rage. He is on every television channel and on the front page of the papers; his speech on Thursday night is being translated into different languages; he is being hailed on social media as the new leader.

Kanhaiya himself though has been cautious and told HT that calling recent events a turning point may be premature. However, he was not hesitant in declaring his aim and the goal of the movement  the end of Modi sarkar.

Read more: JNU movement will continue till the end of this govt: Kanhaiya

So should all this worry the Prime Minister and the BJP?

It is important to have some perspective here. In strict party terms, Kanhaiya is a member of the All India Students Federation, a student body linked to the CPI, which is at its weakest at the moment. It is a junior partner of the CPI Marxist (CPM) in the left front  its vote share in the country is 0.79%; it won one out of the 67 seats contested in 2014 and deposited its forfeit in 57 of those seats; its most recognisable national public face is D Raja, who depends on the AIADMKs largesse for his Rajya Sabha seat and has no substantial mass base.

It is also important to remember that JNU is not the nation. It is a university with a remarkable political culture, but this political culture  while engaged with the outside world  has rarely had a direct impact on the events outside. It is a university which has produced many who dominate the countrys politics, bureaucracy and the media; its location in Delhi means that events get more media attention than say a similar event in a university in Bihar would get. But to think the mood in JNU, Kanhaiyas proven leadership in the campus, and the azaadi cry is enough to change national dynamics, in itself, would be a mistake. What happens in JNU does not alter the electoral dynamics of the assembly or Lok Sabha constituency where it is located, let alone the state and the nation.

Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar during media interaction at campus in New Delhi. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo)



So in concrete electoral terms, and in terms of the spatial extent of what is happening, Modi need not worry.

But politics is not just about electoral calculations. It is not just about the organisational strength of respective parties.

It is about shaping the narrative. It is about telling a convincing story. It is about crafting a message that strikes a chord. It builds alliances outside the framework of the parliament. It unites people in resistance to what is seen as a challenge. It creates a sense of ownership of a particular cause, a particular movement, among a diverse set of people.

Remember the Anna Hazare movement  it had no party base at all. But it achieved shattering the UPAs credibility, in telling a story of a citizen pitted against a corrupt regime and system. It brought together social movements, and that eventually had electoral consequences.

And that is where Modi has reason to be worried about Kanhaiya.

What the young leader achieved with his late night speech on Thursday was remarkable. He spoke in a language that was understood across the Hindi heartland. This was not an anglicised, English speaking central Delhi elite product  the kind BJP scorns  speaking. It was a man who has seen a degree of deprivation, who now belongs to the neo middle class  the kind BJP seeks to appeal to  breaking out of the stranglehold of his deprivation, and rising up through hard work in a university. This is a product who many young Indians can relate to.

Read more: Kanhaiya, the nationalist, swears by Constitution and slams Modi govt

Read more: Kanhaiya Kumar: Forged from the fires of Tihar, a leader is born

Kanhaiya was also not a classic left speaker  again the kind BJP scorns and can easily dismiss. He spoke a language that was not steeped in Marxist jargon, was careful to embrace the nationalism and not allow BJP to appropriate it, avoided the secularism-communalism binary, and was emphatic in its commitment to constitutionalism yet remained one of a dissenter. And what was the dissent in service of? For the solider, the farmer, and the student. And while articulating his politics in class, Kanhaiya did not forget identity, for he spoke of Ambedkar and Rohith Vemula, the deceased Dalit scholar of University of Hyderabad.

Read more: Kanhaiya Kumar to campaign for Left in assembly polls, says CPI(M)

Riddled with wit and sarcasm, in a manner where Modi was reduced to a subject of merciless mockery, Kanhaiya is telling a new story  that this government is out to destroy freedoms, that it is anti-poor, anti-student, anti-Dalit and anti-minorities, that Modiji has failed to deliver his promises; and it is time to come together to battle it, it is time to fight for azaadi, in India.

File photo of Kanhaiya Kumar addressing JNU students after his release in New Delhi. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)



It is this story which Modi should be worried about, for this is the story the opposition is, in its own ways, converging around; the suit boot ki sarkar jibe, the narrative in the Bihar elections, and Mayawatis recent parliamentary offensive have this common thread.

It is a story Kanhaiya articulated to a very wide audience  in a language that young people in north, central and west India understand clearly. If the story gains traction, the Modi sarkars credibility will diminish more rapidly than it expects. And once it loses its credibility, its performance legitimacy will dip, the oppositions morale will soar, getting legislations through will become even more difficult, and delivering on promises that much harder. Electoral consequences will follow. For any government, the big danger is when it loses the narrative. The BJP has arrived at this juncture in two years.

Full Coverage: JNU row

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
(Historian Romila Thapar delivered this lecture at Ramjas College on February 17, 2016)

Let me say at the outset that secularism is not just a political slogan, although our political parties have attempted to reduce it to that. So, one party endorses it in theory but hesitates to apply it properly in practice, the other makes fun of it since its foundational ideology is anti-secular. Secularizing a society is deeply tied to the question of the kind of society that we want. That is why perhaps it was widely discussed in the early years of independence, whereas now the attempt is not to give it attention, as it means seriously re-assessing the direction that we are currently giving to Indian society. There was even a tentative suggestion recently that it could be deleted from the Constitution, possibly motivated by the hope that the demand for its inclusion will be forgotten.

If, however, we want a secular society then that involves a change of mind-set, we would have to cease to think of ourselves as identified primarily by religion, caste, or language, and start thinking of ourselves primarily as equal citizens of one nation, both in theory and in practice. This involves mutual obligations between the state and the citizen applicable to all. The relationship of other identities such as religion, caste, language and region, will inevitably become secondary. These latter have to be adjusted so as to ensure that the rights of citizenship together with what they entail, remain primary. Eventually the state will not be expected to provide patronage to any religion or to support any religious organization. This is a change that has barely begun and is already meeting with deliberate negations from some quarters.

In this lecture I would like to consider three aspects of what is involved in any discussion of Indian society and the secular. I would like initially to explain how I would define the secular, since I find that the generally accepted definition prevailing in India is inadequate and not everyone agrees on the definition. I shall then take up the question of how the social functioning of religions in India differed from the European experience and therefore in India religion has to be considered in association with caste and not in isolation from it. Finally I shall say something on where the priorities lie for the process of secularizing Indian society.

Definitions

I would like to begin by trying to explain what I mean by the terms secular, secularism, and secularizing. Secular is that which relates to the world but is distinct from the religious. Secularism involves questioning the control that religious organizations have over social institutions. It does not deny the presence of religion in society but demarcates the social institutions over which religion can or cannot exercise control. This distinction is important. Secularizing is the process by which society changes and recognizes the distinction.

When the term was first used in 1851, secular had only one basic meaning. It argued in support of the fact that laws relating to social ethics, values and morals, had been created by human society in order to ensure the well-being and harmonious functioning of the society. They were neither the creation of divine authority, nor did they require the sanction of divine authority. Religious authority may claim such a sanction but in effect the laws can exist without it. Authority lay in reasoning out what was best for society by those who constituted that society. Authority was exercised through laws. Social values therefore, frequently had their roots in reasoning and rational thinking. This was especially needed where the intention was and is to establish a moral code that required the agreement of the entire society and was not linked to any particular religion.

What this means is that the laws and social values that govern society should be observed as laws in themselves and not because they carry divine sanctions. They have their own authority distinct from religion or caste. Religion involving belief and faith in a deity and in an after-life, and such like, continued to exist. However, civil

laws were promulgated and upheld by the secular authority. Secularism therefore is not a denial of religion but it is a curtailment of the control that religion has over social functioning, a control exercised through diverse religious organizations.

This theory had a variety of consequences. One was that it allowed people the freedom to think beyond what was told to them as being religiously correct. Again this did not mean throwing religion overboard, but disentangling the codes of social behaviour from religious control. This did not make people immoral as some had feared, since the threat of punishment for breaking laws was enforced, and punishment came immediately in this life. It was not postponed to the next life as in religious codes. So it made people think about the purpose of their laws and that is always useful. The observance of the law is strengthened when people understand why it exists.

Most people are socialized into religion from childhood and do not question it. It gradually becomes a psychological support and as such there is even less need to question the belief. Having to reason things out is never as easy as just accepting what one is told. It means that people have to learn to think independently. This can be facilitated if the kind of education they were given enabled them to reason out their decisions. The alternative was to make them dependent on an unknown supernatural power. The explanation of everything being part of divine plan and sanction was not always the answer to simple questions. Therefore, education involved searching for explanations other than those based on faith and belief, or possibly even honing these if there was evidence. But preferably social laws began to be drawn from enquiring into both the natural and human world in which we live. So the explanations for social laws became an essential part of education and of thinking about the implication of being secularized.

Religion had originated as a personal, emotional need. For many it remains so. This extended to explanations of how the universe functioned which was attributed to a supernatural power that was held in awe. Gradually however this personalized religion became a complex organized religion and took the form of institutions ambitious to control society and politics. With this change religion became powerful both as the focus of belief, and as an authority controlling social institutions through various religious organizations. In some places its power paralleled that of the governing authority  the state. It is this particular aspect of religion that the secular person wishes to see curtailed and kept separate from the functioning of the state. This makes it necessary to concede the presence of the secular in the constitution of a democracy. The distinction between religion and the religious control over social institutions is important because we often overlook it in saying that secularism denies religion altogether.

Secularism then takes on an additional meaning. The state having authority over the making and observing of laws by human agencies, should be distinct from religion since religion has its sanction from another source, namely faith and deity. The authority of each was clearly different. Let me repeat, that the secular is not a denial of religion. It is not the equivalent of atheism. Secularism does not mean expunging religion. But the control of religious organizations over social laws and institutions has to be limited.

Civil laws are the spine of a society. They should protect the rights to human life, and they should ensure that there is no discrimination that affects life and work. This is crucial to protecting the points of change in a human lifetime necessitating laws  birth, marriage or even its break-up, processes of education by which a child is socialized into society, occupation and employment, and inheritance particularly of what is thought of as property. These come under the jurisdiction of the civil law. To make this effective, such laws relating to the functioning of society and the social life of humans, have necessarily to provide the basic aspects of welfare in a modern state  the absolute minimum of which are: food and clean water, equal access to education and to health-care for all members of society, and to employment. And this is to be irrespective of religion and caste. If civil laws are to be universal and uniform, as they would be in a secular society, then they must guarantee this. Discrimination on any count would be unacceptable.

So religious authority remains in a secular system but is restricted to governing religious belief and practice. It has been argued that there should be no rigid barrier between religion and the state, but that there can be a negotiated principled distance between them. This can allow for new alignments within the religion, or between the religions, or between religion and the state. The overall relationship would disallow the dominance of any one religion since each would have equal rights on the state and equal status before the law. Nevertheless, there would be a degree of stipulated separation in this arrangement, in as much as religious authority would no longer be controlling social laws.

This is not of course the same as what is sometimes described as the Indian definition of secularism, namely, the co-existence of all religions. Rulers in the past that supported this idea, such as the two who are always quoted  Ashoka and Akbar are spoken of as providing a kind of prelude to secularism. However, the mere co- existence of religions is insufficient as they can still be treated as unequal and some remain marginalized. When we speak of the religions of India today, we are seldom conscious of the religions of a quarter or more of the population who are at the lower edges of society. The acceptance of co-existence together with equal status before the law, can certainly be a first step. But we do have to ask how far it goes and what should be the next step.

This definition is incomplete since the question of the jurisdiction of religious authority over society, that is crucial, remains unanswered. The intention would in any case be not to put up barriers between state and religion. It would instead be to demarcate the activities that come under a civil jurisdiction and those that would continue to be controlled by the organizations representing religious authority. In a democratic system the equality would be essential, as essential as spelling out who controls which laws.

In contemporary India the co-existence of religions already exists but the secular is less evident and some might even say, virtually absent. Political and state patronage does not invariably distance itself from religious organizations. In fact the two are sometimes closely tied.

Some oppose secularism by arguing that it is a western concept, not suited to India. Should the same be said about nationhood and democracy, both new to post- colonial India? And surely our internalizing of the neo-liberal market economy is a far stronger imprint of the west. To support the secularizing of society does not mean subordinating ourselves to a western or an alien concept, but rather trying to understand a process of change in our history after independence. Being a nation is a new experience of modern times, and is current now in virtually every part of the world. We have chosen democracy as the most feasible system despite its being a new experience, and a secular society is essential to democratic functioning.

Secularism is the necessary manifestation of a social change that comes with societies that begin to function with modern institutions that are the channels of new political, economic and social forms. It is a concept that accompanies modernization. It assumes new directions in the functions of law and ethics and the relations between religion and the state. We should not look for it in its current form in our pre-modern history. But what we can search for and of which we have evidence was a long and evident tradition of questioning orthodoxies of various kinds, including religious orthodoxies in Indian religions. This began in the first millennium BC and continued unbroken to the present. A deeper study of these schools of thought would make reasoned thinking more familiar to us and would puncture the idea that Indians never questioned orthodoxy. When laws are recognized as made by human societies and not divinely dictated, then negotiating changes in these laws because of social change that has happened continuously in the past, also gets facilitated.

Colonial Readings of Indian Religions

Let me turn now to looking more closely at the specifically Indian aspect of the subject. I would like to comment on how I see the interaction of religions and society in the past, in order to compare it with how it is viewed in our times. Any deliberate social change with sizeable consequences becomes a little easier to handle if one can see the earlier historical forms of the society and its gradual mutation. The present after all emerges out of the past. My argument is that in the important area of the relationship between society and religion we have been nurtured on ideas about religion in India that were constructed by colonial thought on the subject. The colonial perception was in many ways a disjuncture in understanding how religion functioned in pre-modern Indian society. Yet we have accepted it without adequate questioning. So a brief look at the past might be useful.

With reference to Europe, secularism is often described as the separation between Church and State. This is taken as a one-to-one relationship because generally the religion was a single monolithic religion  Christianity, either Catholic or Protestant. This was so strongly asserted that in past times before the rise of Protestantism, those that questioned Catholic belief and practice were heavily punished as heretics. Some were burnt at the stake, some had to recant and many faced the punitive actions required by the Inquisition. Although Protestantism later was perhaps more flexible the earlier experience was not forgotten. (Incidentally, this single monolithic religion facing the state, is now changing in many European countries with the coming of migrant communities bringing their own religions, and hence the frequent contestations over the secular in society).

This European perspective of religion being monolithic and identified with large pan-European communities, was what the colonizers brought to India, and was the perspective from which they viewed Indian religions. So their reading of Indian religion needs re-investigation. The colonial image of Indian society projected two monolithic religions, the Hindu and the Muslim, and the two religions defined the identity of two nations  the Hindu and the Muslim. They occupied the same territory. They were depicted as largely antagonistic to each other. It was maintained that because of their mutual hostility, a controlling authority from outside was required. This then became one of the justifications for colonial rule. As many historians have pointed out, this image was also imprinted on the history of India, especially on the medieval period, thus reinforcing the distancing between the two religions and also in their ideologies. A shared history was not conceded in this approach to the past.

The concept of majority and minority communities identified by religion further consolidated the idea of religion being monolithic. In addition it fuelled the politics of religious identities. Claims of the majority community were juxtaposed with the aspirations of the minority communities. Social and political claims and demands were projected as religious. Such an understanding of society obstructs the functioning of democracy. Permanent majority and minority communities are contrary to the norms of democracy. The creation of caste and religion-based vote- banks in the electoral system, are not exactly conducive to democratic functioning. A majority that is viable as a democratically formed majority, requires the larger number of people to come together, in support of a particular issue, and irrespective of their other affiliations. The constituents of a democratic majority therefore change with each issue, and there is no permanent majority community with a specifically defined membership.

Anti-colonial nationalism tried to confront this image, since broad-based nationalism has to be inclusive and bring in a range of opinion and it draws on a shared history. The shared history is crucial. I would like to quote Eric Hobsbawm who wrote that history is to nationalisms what the poppy is to the opium addict. It is the source. It feeds, in this case, ideas of identity. Anti-colonial nationalism did not question the monolithic nature of religious communities. Instead it focused more on denying their antagonism, preferring to project just the co-existence of religious communities. This became central to its idea of secularism and has come to be called the Indian definition of secularism. But it did not succeed as we can see from the events of the present. One reason was that the colonial view of religion in India was (and it continues to be), also foundational to the ideologies of what are now referred to as religious nationalisms, those that went into the making of the communal landscape of India. A century or so ago the reference was to the Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha. These were perhaps fewer religious orthodoxies when compared to ideologies using religion for political mobilization. Today religious nationalism includes a range of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other religious organizations, politically ambitious and anxious to continue their control over community laws to ensure a political constituency. History is not shared, it is divisive and it becomes the arena of battle.

We may well ask, was this actually the way in which religion functioned as part of Indian society from early times? Or have we not looked analytically at our past and that of the role of religion in our earlier social institutions. What forms did these organizations take, how did they exert authority, and why dont we examine which sections of society supported which kind of organization?

I would like to argue that the historical picture of religions in India was complex and was not a simple binary. It seems to me that there were two sets of relationships that need to be examined. One was the way in which religion and society interacted. Religious groups consisted of a range of sects rather than monolithic communities, and the social linkage was through caste. It was linked to forms such as varna, jati, zat and so on. This combination of sect and caste mediated in turn, the other relationship, that between the religious sect and the state. In this there was no Church to bring together the sects into a single entity. The state having to relate to individual sects gave the relationship a different flavor.

In the Indian scene the crucial relationship lay in the connection between multiple religious sects and many castes. The sect propagated belief, the caste often determined its social context. Status was measured through an inter-dependence of the two. Upper castes across religions, whether they observed caste restrictions strictly or not, tended to be more closely associated with the formal manifestations of the religions, generally text-based; whereas the lower castes that were much larger in number, tended to be more flexible in their religious identities. Caste determined the social code, maintained formally by those who claimed to be educated and knew the law. Few people knew the texts or the sources of the laws. For most people it was the hearsay of tradition, the lore maintained by the jati, and perhaps the experience of the daily routine. Codes after all are ultimately man made, however much they may be backed by claims to divine sanction as maintained by the voice of religion. The authority of caste and sect over the social code has to be replaced in our times by a civil law common and applicable to all. This will require looking afresh at civil law to ensure its secularity and its endorsement of social justice. Both are familiar as values but their application in social institutions is new.

Historical Perspectives of Religions in India

Many valuable and meticulous studies have been made of religious texts that have enhanced our understanding of these texts. However, less attention has been given to examining the institutions created by various religions, both to propagate their beliefs and as agencies of social control. Rather than focusing on monolithic, undifferentiated religious society in general, what may be more insightful would be if we study the link between caste and sect in order to comprehend the interface between religion and society in our past. The link between caste and sect had a flexibility or fluidity that monolithic religious communities lack. We could then ask whether rigidity lay less in religion and more in caste discrimination? In that case the colonial construction of religion in India that we have readily accepted, would have to be scrutinized afresh. Perhaps we need to look more carefully at how caste, or even elements of class, in past times and now, shaped and are shaping the relations between religion and society. Which groups in society support which politico- religious organizations and why?

In pre-Islamic times there are no references to any monolithic type of Hinduism. Interestingly what we today call religions are not mentioned as such, but what are mentioned are two broad categories of sects that propagated their distinctive ideas. These were the Brahmana and the Shramana. A basic differentiation was based on belief in or denial of, divinity; and theories about the after-life. Brahmana referred to Brahmanic beliefs and rituals. Shramana referred to the shramanas or Buddhist, Jaina and other monks of the heterodox orders, the nastika / non-believers, and their followers. These latter sects rejected the Vedas, divine sanctions and the concept of the soul, and were consequently associated with more rational explanations of the universe and human society. Within each of these two categories there was recognition of a range of distinct sects with varying beliefs.

This duality continues to be used with reference to what we call religion, over a period of 1500 years. The earliest mention is in the edicts of Ashoka (bamhanam- samananam). The later quotations from the account of the Greek visitor Megasthenes refer to his statement on the Brachmanes and Sarmanes. In the travel accounts of visits to India of the Chinese Buddhist monks in the latter part of the first millennium AD the distinction is present. It is also present in the book of Al-Biruni of the eleventh century AD, where the Shamaniyyas were said to cordially dislike the Brahmanas.

Kalhanas Rajatarangini of the twelfth century AD refers to earlier hostilities between Shaiva sects and some Buddhist monastic orders; and inscriptions from south India refer to violent disagreements between some Shaiva and Jaina sects. Interestingly they used the same abusive terms for each other. The grammarian Patanjali of the early centuries AD, refers to the two, adding that their relationship can be compared to that between the snake and the mongoose!

This underlines the fact that there were among the multiple sects some that adhered to the orthodoxy and others that were supporters of the heterodoxy. The advantage of sects over monolithic religions is that sects shade off from the very orthodox to those far less so. This allows the less orthodox to assimilate new beliefs and this is not treated as heresy. The heretics function in a stream of their own. This allows for the occasional, even if marginal overlaps at the edges of both categories. When confrontations became acute violence was resorted to.

A distinction ought to be made at this point between sect as used in the Christian sense and sect as used with reference to Indian religions. The words used more frequently in Sanskrit and in later Indian languages present a spectrum of meaning, suggesting that these were the more familiar concepts. Thus pashanda, was originally neutral but gradually incorporated a sense of heresy and whereas opponents may use this term it was not used in self-definition. Shakha, suggests a branching off from a bigger organization. But patha, pantha, marga, suggest followers along a path of thought and action that can be fairly freely formulated. Sampradaya is more often a doctrine transmitted through teaching. Sects therefore are not breakaways from monolithic religions. Their authority comes from independent founders, some being historical figures, they follow a distinctive organized form and much of their teaching is oral to begin with. Belonging to a sect is more frequently than not by individual choice. The larger body of people is often from the lower levels of society but this does not debar anyone from the upper castes.

A third category that is not listed as such in early texts was that of those that were discriminated against because of their low caste, or lack of it. They had their own belief system and forms of worship. The creation of a sect was open and led to a plurality that became characteristic of religion in India, irrespective of which religion. This constitutes an important aspect in understanding the relationship between religion and society. Such relationships differ from society to society. We cannot assume therefore that the role of religion that emerged for Europe can be applied automatically to India  a mistake made by colonial scholarship. This does not imply that the meaning of secularism can change, but that the manner in which it is introduced into a society may vary.

Whereas the history of Shramanism takes a more linear form with some segments branching off from existing segments, the history of Brahmanism is less linear and more complex. An early phase was Vedic Brahmanism focusing on the ritual of sacrifice, the yajna, invoking many deities and especially Indra and Agni, and performed by upper castes. These beliefs were questioned by a variety of heterodox sects pre-eminently the Buddhist and Jaina but including many others such as the Charvaka and Ajivika. This category came to be called Shramana. Incidentally the heterodox groups tended to provide generally rational explanations about the formation of social institutions and established a critical tradition of questioning orthodoxy, eventually establishing their own orthodoxies.

By the Christian era a more individualized belief system and ritual came into being with a focus on other deities  Shiva and Vishnu. Sects of worshippers came together differentiated by particular deities, as for example, the Vaishnava Bhagavatas and the Shaiva Pashupatas. From the seventh century onwards religious belief and worship was prevalent in the form of devotional sects, what we call the Bhakti sects. They arose at varying times in different parts of the sub-continent. The earliest recognizable as such were the Alvars and Nayyanars in the south. Subsequent to this were many in the north, with or without links to the southern tradition. Some among these reflect the striations of new religious ideas.

Both Brahmanism and Shramanism received hefty patronage and became wealthy, powerful, established religions. This gave them status and enabled them to control social laws.

Donations were made to individually named sects, rather than larger religious entities. This continued to be the norm even in later periods when references to monolithic religions begin to be mentioned.

Centres of the wealthy sects strengthened their identity when they also became the nucleus of education. This added to their authority and they could induct the elite and contribute towards elite culture. Frequently sects with large followings and authority began to function as castes in themselves, as for example, the Lingayat sect in Karnataka, and some would include the Varkaris of Maharashtra.

More loosely defined were the Kabirpantha, the Dadupantha and the Nathapantha in the north, among many others. Most kept their distance from the formal religions and only occasionally might draw from them. Some even opposed them, in part because the sect was the articulation of the lower castes with a smattering of upper castes that no longer conformed. Unlike the formal religions, some accepted the participation of the untouchables and most discarded caste segregation.

A few of these sects sought a connection between the dominant religions. A few others tried to revive earlier belief system but gave them a new form. Among these was the sect founded by Ramananda who resided in Varanasi in the mid- millennium. The Ramanandi sect revived the Vaishnava worship of Rama and re- introduced the conservative features of Bhakti in contra-distinction to the teaching of Kabir, Nanak and Dadu. In colonial records however, they tended to get assigned to one or the other of what were regarded as the two dominant religions.

There is a hesitation in recognizing these sects as representing another way of articulating the connection between religion and society. Because of the multiplicity of sects it is sometimes difficult to demarcate clearly between them and what have been called the formal religions. The latter term refers more often to the religion as formulated by the upper castes or the dominant castes in a region.

Given this background I would like to differentiate between what I call formal religion and religion as practiced. Formal religion is heavily dependent on texts, on the correct performance of ritual as directed by priests and specialists, and on the organizations that emerge from these that become the centres of authority particularly in matters relating to the pattern of living. Religion as practiced, is observed by a far larger number of people. It refers less to texts and organizations of propagation and far more on oral traditions of teaching and worship.

In Indian social history the second form of religion has actually been more immanent than the first. The first was always prominent at the political level for obvious reasons of political identity and action, and status, as in court chronicles and more important inscriptions and religious texts. Modern writing on religion did not distinguish sufficiently between these forms of religion and the more popular ones. The former was therefore taken as representative of religion in general. Historians are now beginning to recognize the greater significance of the second form of religion for society at large.

Islam in India

With the arrival of Islam and more so the presence of the Sufis the exploration of religious ideas expanded as also the number of sects. There were more orthodoxies of various kinds but also more heterodoxies. The latter in some cases questioned the former or otherwise could hold out mixed belief and worship. This was rejected by the orthodox but was frequently popular with the larger number of ordinary people.

The new presence was indicated by the elaborate mosques and mausoleums built by royal patrons and the wealthy. The religious endowments became richer and richer as do all the endowments to well-patronized religions. As in the case of the Buddhist monasteries and the Hindu temples and mathas, these endowments tied to khanqahs and madrassas, also enabled their recipients to participate in the world of scholarship and in the world of politics. More detailed studies of new social institutions that came under the control of religious authority would be revealing.

As in earlier times the sect remained the popular religious identity among the majority of people. This becomes more evident if we look at two processes involving the coming of Islam  settlement and conversion. But before I do this let me comment on the single association that is frequently made on the coming of Islam to India, namely invasion.

At the popular level the arrival of Islam is projected largely in terms of invasion and conquest, mass enforced conversion, and the political events that followed. But even if we limit our sights to invasion, despite this being historically limited, there are aspects that we have to consider and which we willfully ignore. Invasion means traversing an area and negotiating with a variety of populations.

Invading armies from the North-West would have met large groups of people with varied patterns of living. There were many who were pastoralists, such as the Gujjars and Jats, some of whom were converted to Islam but a large number continued with their earlier religion. The reason for this needs investigation. Some of the pastoral Jats mutated into the peasantry of Sindh and Punjab and among them some groups converted and many did not. The same was the case with artisans in towns producing items for trade, where artisanal groups tended to convert in some trades, such as weaving and metal working, whereas the merchants involved in the commerce, remained as before. The continuity of caste names and ethnic identities common to more than one religion, as among the Jats, is a give-away of the process of conversion. The pattern is repeated in other parts of the country. Wherever there are common caste names among more than one religion, those castes that today are labeled as Hindu are usually in larger numbers. The picture that is presented of mass conversions in the wake of invading armies is an exaggeration often embroidered upon by eulogistic chroniclers of the rulers. Their figures cannot be taken at face- value and have to be seen in the context of other evidence. Armies do not convert and what is wanted at the point of the sword is not a convert but wealth.

There were other avenues of social mixing that presented different, more innovative social and religious forms that were often more long-lasting and built upon the values that people cherished. These were more easily found in the settlements of traders, migrants, Sufis and such like.

Mohammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh in the eighth century AD. There is a diversity of texts that speak of these times from different perspectives. The Chachnama comments on how the area is to be governed. Among its suggestions is that existing practices should not be heavily disturbed, and as it turned out, whether deliberately or accidentally, they were changed to some extent but were not over- turned in Sindh. The presence of pre-Islamic religions continued.

Another associated text is the Devalasmriti that shows a concern about problems of conversion and reconversion. It does not appear to be deeply concerned about the situation but does prescribe rituals for reconversion. What is significant is that these are referred to as shuddhi / purification, and the ritual itself is symbolic of a new birth out of being buried in dirt. Shuddhi would suggest an emphasis on caste purification for which the term was used, interestingly even in the nineteenth century by social reform organizations. Women abducted by the mlecchas were also taken back into their original caste after the ritual of shuddhi. Was caste purification more problematic for a reconversion, than religious commitment, or was it subsumed in such belief?

Shuddhi was necessary we are told because the person converted had lived with the mlecchas and as a consequence, had fallen out of caste. Mleccha again was the term often used in preference to using Muslim, even at times for rulers that were otherwise being eulogized. Its connotation was that of a social rather than a strictly religious identity.

But the new feature that reflects actual social and religious change was different from these two. It is reflected in other texts and in inscriptions from western India. This was the emergence of new sects from out of an amalgam of existing sects of various kinds with the belief system of those that settled among them generally connected with maritime trade and occupations. Inter-marriage together with the continuity of some rituals and beliefs often linked to local custom brought about new sects. The Bohras evolved from a mix of indigenous and imported belief systems, not surprising among traders, and inter-marriage with local communities. Some Bohras traced their origin to Shiah sects but there was a controversy as to whether they could claim to be Muslims as they also used Hindu rituals. Subsequently there were the Khojas emerging in a similar way in Gujarat and western India and also retaining some local belief and rituals. These diversions raise interesting questions.

What was historically significant during these centuries from the eighth to the thirteenth, and later in some cases, was the settlements of Arab traders and the occasional Persian, all down the west coast of India from Sindh to Kerala. Some Arabs entered the service of the Rashtrakuta kings of the Deccan. The senior officers among them exercised their right to give grants of land, and did so, to brahmanas and temples, as had been the prevailing custom. This is recorded in inscriptions from this period.

These Arabs inter-married locally and new communities evolved with a new take on existing religions. In traditional Indian style these became new sects. The Bohras and Khojas have a long history in western India. The Navayats further south in the Kanara region had links to Jaina trading communities and made a point of observing the caste rules of commensality. The Mapillas were important in Kerala and appropriated matrilineal forms and customary law of their caste equivalents. No two among the new sects were identical. Gujarati Bohras had little to do with Malayali Mapillas. Many such sects mushroomed elsewhere where belief, ritual and customary law adopted by settlers did not hesitate to draw from existing practice, especially in relation to civil law. But these have not been sufficiently studied as part of social and religious history, because we tend to look at religion only as monolithic forms. There is little reference to who formed the religious communities.

This pattern continued into later centuries at the level of the wider society. This was despite the emergence of other patterns that arose from political power and administration. Such dichotomies run through history and only their constituents change. The newly emerging teachers of various persuasions attracted support and followers. Until recently these remained the essentials of how a major part of Indians experienced religion, irrespective of having to declare their conformity to formal religions in colonial times. This was prior to the ingress of Hindutva and deliberate Islamization that have considerably hardened the boundaries, and even at times altered practices. Many people today who identify themselves with a monolithic religion, when pressed further will mention their close if not closer, affiliation to a sect or the holy man or woman whom they revere, and who can be of any persuasion. This link is often more pertinent to the lives they actually live. It provides the emotional and psychological strength that is sought from religion. And interestingly, the sects they identify with are generally those that were established within the last thousand years.

The History of India in the last Thousand Years

In the history of India, the history of approximately the last thousand years, referred to as the medieval period, has had a raw deal from religious extremists and politicians in being described as the age when we were slaves. The implication of the statement is that it refers to a uniform tyranny of Islamic rule over a suppressed Hindu population. Viewed historically however, the scene differs at many levels. The inter-action between what we today call Hinduism and Islam, had its moments of confrontation and conflict in the face-offs between competing politics manifested in various ways. This was to be expected initially with the change in existing political authorities at the upper levels of society, and more so where it was accompanied by the introduction at these levels of a new language, religion and culture. Such disruption was by no means new to the Indian political scene, familiar with conflicts between sects of Brahmanas and Shramanas, nor was it uniform throughout the sub- continent. There was substantial variance with regard to where and why it happened and which groups were involved. What these variations were and what caused them are matters we ignore in our sweeping generalizations about Hindus and Muslims in history. Nor was the experience of the coming in of settlers altogether unfamiliar, given that traders and migrants from West Asia and Central Asia had been known earlier in the borderlands and in the coastal areas. The unsettled period in the early second millennium gradually settled into more stable patterns.

Some of the earlier confrontations between groups continued and new ones were added to these. None of this is unexpected in any period of history. But what we often forget when we rush to say that it was a time when we were slaves and that the nastiness and oppression was unmitigated, is that it was also a time when striking creativity enriched facets of Indian culture, a creativity that we have made our own and internalized and that we actually respect, often without recognizing its origins. It took two forms.

One was what has been often discussed by historians and has been labeled as the composite culture. This was largely the mutual borrowing between what we today call Hindu and Muslim religious sects and various facets of cultural expression. It is displayed in an infinite number of ways through language, cultural idioms, customary law and forms of worship. It tends to be more conspicuous among the upper castes, but was probably more quietly internalized by the others. If one insists on the religious binary then where does one place the poetry of Sayyad Mohammad Jayasis Padmavat or the dohas of the devotee of Krishna, Sayyad Ibrahim Ras Khan, both widely popular at various levels. The gurus and the pirs were such a striking feature of the landscape, were often intermeshed and worshipped by large numbers of common people, that one cant help but speak of a different religious tradition as the guru-pir tradition.

In some cases these extensions and exploration of ideas stemmed from contributions by diverse thinkers, writing in Sanskrit, Persian and the regional languages. Brahmana scholars writing in Sanskrit had close scholarly relations with the Mughals. Literary compendia were composed such as the Kavindra-chandrodaya during the reign of Shah Jahan, to which seventy such scholars contributed. This would not have been unusual given that the emperor is said to have had a voluminous library of works in Sanskrit in addition to his collection of other books. We should perhaps learn to appreciate the cultural achievements of some of those who were our rulers.

There were excursions into investigating theories in mathematics and astronomy going from Ujjain to Baghdad and beyond, with Indian scholars at the cutting edge of knowledge. In another area of interest classical Hindustani and Carnatic music was patronized by the courts of Maharajas and Mughals or in the homes of the wealthy. Many lyrics were dedicated to the praise of deities and were sung with fervor by musicians such as Tansen.

The other form that was equally significant was the virtual renaissance that took place in knowledge systems and cultural forms that reached back into the past and re-invigorated it into new forms. Let me give you a few examples of what happened in the tradition that is supposed to have been so oppressed that it almost vanished in the last one thousand years. Lets look briefly at the intellectual liveliness of the time with writing and thinking in Sanskrit and Persian, and in the regional languages, a liveliness that matched that of earlier times, although in different genres and forms of expression. It gave shape in various ways to much, although not all, that we now identify as Hindu in the landscape of our times.

Leaving aside for the moment the interaction of Hindu and Muslim cultures and religions, even the activities within the one tradition that is supposed to have been oppressed, is most impressive. Throughout the second millennium AD, from Kashmir to Kerala and in between, there were scholarly Sanskrit commentaries being composed on Brahmanical religious texts from the Vedas onwards. Obviously such scholarship was not without patronage. The exegesis on these texts illustrates the high level of scholarship being widely practiced and exchanged in many centres of that time. Sayanas explanation of the Rig Veda is a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a learned scholar of the fourteenth century with its mix of reality and fantasy. Kullukas extensive commentary on the Manu Dharmashastra includes reactions to social changes involving caste and sect hierarchies. Many aspects are discussed at length, including for instance, an assessment of the status of temple priests. This was a new category of brahmanas since temples began to be built and manned by priests after the period when Manu wrote his Dharmashastra. The debate on the control and inheritance of land as substantial property and other forms of wealth, led to differences of opinion as in the Mitakshara and Dayabhaga schools of legal opinion. Clearly there were Hindus with substantial holdings of land for whom the laws of inheritance had to be formulated. There were multiple commentaries, digests, discussions on legal texts.

Commentaries from varied perspectives were written on the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as also on the classics of Sanskrit poetry and drama. Such commentaries have not only been influential but have also facilitated the work on the modern critical editions of these texts. At another level of interest compositions in regional languages, carried much of the thought and creativity of their own times as is evident in the many versions of the Rama story as in the Ramacaritamanas, and the Kritibas.

Prior philosophical theories are summarized and the discourses on new schools of philosophy are widely discussed among philosophers. The Sarvadarshana- samgraha of Madhavacharya written in the fourteenth century provides a summary of on-going debates. The opening chapter begins with a long resume of the Charvaka system of materialist philosophy, and the author says this cannot be eradicated since many people are sympathetic to it. This was also the time when there was a flurry of discussion and writing on Advaita Vedanta.

At the more popular levels there were even alternate histories, sung as legends by folk poets and bards, very different from the court chronicles. The compositions of the Bhakti teachers were recited and sung throughout the sub-continent and are foundational to what is described as Hinduism today. The sant tradition has been in many ways a major force in the formulation of what we recognize as Hinduism today at the level of belief and worship. This was the tradition that evolved in the historical momentum of the last thousand years. The bhajans of Mira and Surdas and of Tyagaraja, and the bandishes of the Dhrupad ragas were not the compositions of an enslaved people.

Caste and Conversion

An impression has been created that because the Hindus were enslaved, it was easy to put them through enforced conversion to Islam. But historical evidence supports neither of these propositions. Even when there was conversion from a Hindu sect to a Muslim one, we have to keep in mind that often sects and castes were entwined. The chronicles of the Sultans claim that huge numbers were forcibly converted or decimated. Some would certainly have been forcibly converted in order to make the claim and some done away with as is common to invading armies, but certainly not fifty thousand at a time, or anywhere near that number, as the Chronicles of some Sultans claim. We should ask further as to who exactly was converted, and what does conversion mean in a society where the idea is alien, since the Brahmanic and Shramanic sects did not convert.

Our understanding of conversion would be more to the point if we could focus on sect and caste where the evidence exists. Which existing caste or sect converted to which sect of Islam, and what were the social consequences of conversion. This may provide a better explanation than merely referring to Hindus becoming Muslims and not investigating further.

Most of the individual conversions, in small numbers were from those in the upper castes. Many retained their caste identity to claim status. Some local ruling families converted and some married into the new Muslim ruling families although not necessarily converting. Mughal royalty marrying into Rajput royal families and where the women were not required to convert to Islam, is an indicator of negotiations in a politically complex situation. Shah Jahan had the advantage of a Mughal-Rajput descent.

Conversion in larger numbers occurred when a jati/caste converted. This was more frequent among lower castes who had been promised a better status but which status seldom materialized. Changing the over-all status of castes would have meant a major social upheaval.

If the converted caste continued with its caste name and occupation as most did, conversion would have had limited social advantage. Status depended on occupations as before and the rank remained virtually the same in the hierarchy. The litmus test of observing caste lay in arranging marriage and from this it is clear that the rules of caste largely continued, reinforced by social sanction. This would explain the over-lapping mixed identities among those not regarded as upper caste and as recorded in the earlier census and in some colonial ethnography.

Sociologists working on societies in India other than those listed as Hindu find that they too function with the system of castes. Even those religions that claimed to be egalitarian could not entirely eliminate caste distinctions and more so between the higher and lower. Rules of endogamy and commensality are observed widely. The presence of caste is particularly strong in discriminating against and segregating Dalits. The excluded Dalit is found in every religion under different names. The Dalit is present even among those religions that claim all men to be equal in the eyes of God. So in addition to those now called Dalits in the broadly Hindu communities, there are the pasmandas  the fallen, the oppressed, among Muslims; the mazhabis of the Sikhs; and the churahs among others. Even places of worship were segregated.

Religions in India, irrespective of whether they originated in India or came in from elsewhere at a later stage, functioned in conformity with caste society, although not always according to the Dharmashastra rules. Some sects deliberately opposed these but many tacitly accepted them. Discrimination against the lowest castes or those outside caste society such as those we call Dalits today, and the adivasis, is characteristic of the formal religions. Similarly the assumption that women are inferior to men, indicated by social inferiority, was a marked feature of these religions, as indeed it was of the socially higher levels of society in general, with a few exceptions. This was despite the fact that in some religions there was the worship of goddesses and mother figures. Such worship made no difference. The worship of the kuladevi existed together with the insistence on sati and jauhar. In a secular, democratic system, uniform civil laws should ensure gender justice in endorsing the equality of all.

If a range of sects rather than monolithic religions was characteristic of pre- Islamic India, this phenomenon appears to have continued with the larger majority of people even after the coming of Islam. Were the umbrella terms more frequently a convenience when speaking of the other, until they were redefined into the neat binary in colonial times? Some recent scholars have argued that there were perhaps attempts to give definitions to these umbrella terms in the late second millennium, by suggesting a self-perception where similar sects would see themselves as part of a larger unit. The argument hinges on how Hindu is defined in these times as compared to now. The flexibility in the use of the term then and its relative rigidity now, is evident. The initial geographical term Hindu, referring to the people of al-Hind, gradually came to be used not for a specific religion but for all those that did not identify with Islam. Terms for specific religions remained vague. Eknaths delightful banter, Hindu-Turk Samvad, written in the late sixteenth century, should perhaps be read less as referring to Hindu-Muslim relations as we understand them today, and more as the general approach of people of that time living in the same place, with varying sectarian identities. What is striking is the little attention that is given to what we emphasize today, namely conquest and conversion.

But the creation of monolithic communities, crystalized in the labels Hindu and Muslim as the identity of these communities, would seem to be the contribution of colonial policy. Resistance in some cases is recognizable largely from the upper castes. For them a new religion could threaten a loss of patronage and power. But the majority either let existing beliefs and rituals continue or else negotiated the change through a number of new sects in the usual way.

The World of Today

We now recognize that our understanding of the historical interactions that took place in the past, do mould current thinking about our identities in the present, to a large extent. They therefore deserve more analytical and precise historical explorations. We should not allow them to be dismissed by political slogans of various kinds.

In this rather scattered attempt to look at some aspects of the past, I have tried to underline the plurality in the articulation of religion in India, often in the form of sects and their inter-face with caste. I am also suggesting that possibly the weakening of the one is likely to weaken the other. To eventually disengage religious institutions from controlling the functions of civil society could bring about a more equitable society. The process of secularizing society will have to address both religion and caste and to that extent it requires a different kind of analysis from that of religions elsewhere. Now that we have internalized the colonial version of our religions and are experiencing its aftermath in the stridency of dominant religious organizations, we have also allowed some of these to become mechanisms for political mobilization. Secularization therefore will have to be thought through with considerable sensitivity and care. Although it cannot be a rapid change nevertheless, a serious beginning has to be made through establishing confidence all round. Violent attacks are never a solution.

A secular society and polity does not mean abandoning religion. It does mean that the religious identity of the Indian, whatever it may be, has to give way to the primary secular identity of an Indian citizen. And the state has to guarantee the rights that come with this identity. This demands that the state provides and protects human rights, a requirement that at the moment cannot be taken for granted. Such an identity while adhering to human rights and social justice, would also be governed by a secular code of laws, applicable to all.

A beginning could be made in two ways. It would be necessary to ensure that both education and the civil laws are secular. Secular education means the availability of all branches of knowledge to all without discrimination. The content would have to be information giving access to knowledge, and knowledge that has been up-dated; and at the same time it involves training young people to use and understand what is meant by critical inquiry. Given that we are a democracy perhaps we can jointly work out how best this could be done.

Our laws were drawn up in colonial times, although we have made some changes after independence. In a turn to the secular we shall have to comb through the existing laws to ensure that they conform to equal rights for all citizens with no exceptions. Resolving the differences between civil and religious laws of each religion will obviously have to be discussed in the light of their existing social codes, and with those currently controlling these codes. In this process, injustices and discrimination against the minorities and the under-privileged, whether because of religion, gender or caste, will need to be annulled. The continuation of special laws for particular communities, whether they be the laws made by khap panchayats or the triple talaq, would need to be reconsidered. Law does not remain law if it can be manipulated to allow of discrepancies. This is likely to be the most problematic in our turn towards secularizing society. Isnt it time now for a conscious beginning?

The overwhelming projection of religiosity in the world that surrounds us, sometimes appears to be a surrogate for not coming to terms with real life problems; or perhaps it is due to our having become a competitive society with all its unexpected insecurities. The ostentation of rituals is taken to excessive lengths largely as a display of wealth, a display that most people can ill-afford. For the truly religious the simplest of rituals suffice and sometimes even these are not necessary. Rituals ultimately are an appeal to a supernatural authority to endorse our welfare. Can we instead consider how we can make the reality of citizenship a guarantee of our social welfare, our well-being, our understanding of our world and our wish to bring quality into our lives? The secularizing of society is not an over-night revolution. It is a historical process, and will need time, but hopefully it will be assisted by the recognition that the state and society need to function in a new way. Implicit in democracy is the upholding of the ethic of human interaction. The secularizing of society is an advancing of that ethic.
Paramita Ghosh

paramitaghosh@hindustantimes.com

In theatre, the actor is the big deal. With his voice, gestures, a shake of the head and a movement of the hand, s/he can make the audience imagine Rome  or make it vanish.

It would definitely be worth your while to surrender to this experience for an entire week at the 11th Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) festival, and watch artistes create their version of reality as the lights go down.

Since its inception in 2006, the Mahindra festival (March 5-11) has been the stage for more than 1,900 artistes affiliated to 70 different theatre groups from across India. The festival celebrates the diversity of theatre in different Indian languages.

Read: Hindi lit revival in Delhis theatres

Amal Allana, veteran director and former chairperson of the National School of Drama, says it is to METAs credit that it celebrates all kinds of skills in theatre artistes while they are young across all platforms. For example, Hindi film actor Nimrat Kaur (The Lunch Box, Airlift), who was relatively unknown in 2012, won the best supporting actress award at the 2012 META for her turn in The Baghdad Wedding.

A showcase for the multiple themes and concerns confronting India today, the META audience engages with a slew of issues. The many faces of sexuality, sexual violence, the pulls and challenges of science, and the interpretation of religion are some of the themes on which playwrights have hung a tale.

Read: Naya Theatre, the second-generation story

The festival opens with The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, a theatrical adaptation of a 1920s horror film that is a classic of German Expressionist cinema. It delves into the various layers of the human mind. On another level, it is a criticism of despotic regimes too, says Deepan Sivaraman, the plays director, who is currently an associate professor at Delhis Ambedkar University.

Nowadays artistes have no spirit to oppose. I was amazed during the JNU protests, no one spoke up. As an artist you cannot adopt the position of hiding under the carpet, says MK Raina, theatre director, at the festivals curtain raiser. (META 2016)

Then theres the controversial Agnes of God, a play about a novice nun who gives birth and insists that the child was the result of an immaculate conception  the title is a pun on the Latin phrase Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). The staging of the play was earlier cancelled in Mumbai after protests by a section of the citys Catholics.

Will the capital be more tolerant of Freedom of Expression in this instance? And what should the role of artistes be when confronted with a battle of contentious ideas? Veteran actor-director MK Raina, speaking at the festivals curtain-raiser, said the answer is simple: A country is in trouble whose artistes do not take the lead.

Actress Sushma Seth speaking at the festivals curtain-raiser . Deepan Sivaraman who has directed The Cabinet of Dr Caligari is to her right. META confers its Lifetime Achievement Award to Ratan Thiyam this year (Saumya Khandelawal / HT)

Staging schedule

The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (English), Director: Deepan Sivaraman, March 5, Ambedkar University, 7:30 pm

Kuhaimaravasigal (Tamil), Director: S Murugabhoopathy, March 6, Ficci auditorium, 8 pm

After Death...(Musical), Director: Vikram Mohan, March 6, Little Theatre Group auditorium, 6 pm

The Balcony (Malayalam), Director: Sasidharan Naduvil, March 7, LTG auditorium, 6 pm

Akshayambara (Kannada), Director: S. Ramprakash, March 7, Ficci auditorium, 8 pm

07/07/07 (English, Hindi, Farsi), Director: Faezeh Jalali, March 8, Ficci auditorium, 8 pm

Haoai (Bengali), Director: Goutam Halder, March 8, LTG auditorium, 6 pm

Agnes of God (English), Director: Kaizaad Kotwal, March 9, Ficci auditorium, 8pm

Mein huun Yusuf... (Hindi, Urdu), Director: Mohit Takalkar, March 9, LTG auditorium, 6 pm

A friends Story (English),Akash Khurana, March 10, Ficci auditorium, 6 pm

For tickets (Price: Rs100 - 200), contact in.bookmyshow.com
Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has said that JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar campaigning for the Left parties during the assembly elections not have any impact on the prospect of her party.

Let them come. How does it matter? It is a democratic country. Anyone can come for campaigning. It will not have any impact on the prospect of TMC, the West Bengal chief minister said on Friday.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury had said in Delhi that Kumar, as a Left activist, will campaign for the Left parties in the five states where elections are due this year.

West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will go to polls in April and May.

Kumar is a leader of All India Students Federation, the students wing of CPI.

Our people also fought for them in Parliament, she said referring to the the party MPs who protested against the government action on Kumar in Parliament.

Let them think about Kerala first. I have decided to go to Kerala and expose the nexus between Congress and CPI(M), she said.

Talks are on about a tie-up between Congress and CPI(M) for the Assembly polls in West Bengal but the two parties are rivals in Kerala which will also go to polls.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday targeted the Narendra Modi government for failing to deliver on the promises made during the PMs marketing bombardment campaigns. He was addressing an election rally at Barghat Chariali in Nagaon district of central Assam.

While ridiculing the Modi governments much-hyped development rhetoric, Gandhi gave the analogy of a friend who ordered a computer after seeing its advertisement on the Internet. But when the packet arrived, he opened it to find only a piece of wood inside. The friend has since been seeking a refund.

This is exactly what is happening to the country. Modi came up with big ideas and good marketing strategy for these, but there was no product. Today, India is asking for a refund, Gandhi said.

Attacking the Modi government on its promise to bring back black money stashed abroad, Gandhi said finance minister Arun Jaitley had announced a Fair and Lovely scheme, which was nothing but an attempt to turn black money into white.

The Congress vice-president said that instead of giving a straight reply to the four queries he posed to the prime minister in Parliament, the latter launched a personal attack on him.

Referring to the budget proposal for taxing employees provident fund (EPF), Gandhi said it was another example of the Modi governments anti-poor policy and added that it should be withdrawn.

Touching on the JNU controversy, Gandhi claimed that students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar had not uttered a single word against India in his speech. I was present there. I will continue to support the JNU students stir, he added.

While he praised chief minister Tarun Gogoi for restoring peace in Assam during his 15-year stint, Gandhi took a swipe at the BJP for the largescale violence in Haryana, a state he claimed was peaceful under previous Congress regime. Wherever they go, they create clashes, He said.

In the upcoming assembly poll in Assam, the Congress is facing a stiff challenge from a surging BJP, which has already stitched up alliances with four regional parties, including the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), to dislodge the incumbent Tarun Gogoi regime.

Given the tough challenge to retain Assam, Gandhi has been focussed in his attack on the Modi government in the two rallies at Silchar and Nagaon during his two-day visit to the state.
Actor Manoj Kumar expressed surprise when he got to know on Friday that he was getting the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award. I was taking a nap when calls from Ashok Pandit and Madhur Bhandarkar woke me up. I was astonished that I would be getting the Dadasaheb Phalke award. I could not believe it. says the 78-year-old veteran.

Read: Manoj Kumar to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2015

It is common knowledge in the film industry that Manoj Kumar has never been crazy about awards in his 58-year-long, distinguished career. He won the first national award as a scriptwriter for Shaheed in 1965, and then in 1967 for the trend setting patriotic film Upkar. I donated the entire amount I got for my national award for Shaheed to Shaheed Bhagat Singhs family. Awards do give any creative person a sense of satisfaction. I am happy that the government has at last rewarded my work, he says, sounding calm, yet emotional. Today, I remember my late parents. Without their noble teaching and guidance, I would have never reached where I did. I also fondly remember Dr.V.Shantaram, Raj Kapoor and Raj Khosla on this day. They were my inspiration.

Manoj Kumar says that he would not have reached where he has today without the guidance of his parents (PTI)

Not many know about Manoj Kumars close association with Satyajit Ray. He recalls, At an international film festival at Delhi, I came across Manikda (Satyajit Ray). I asked him if he had watched my film, Upkar. He said he had, but found it melodramatic. I smiled and questioned him if the sequence in his own film Charulata (1964) where a thunder storm occurs when Soumitra Chattarjee sees Madhabi Mukherjee not melodramatic? Patting me affectionately, Manikda said I caught him!! There cant be anyone like Manikda, even today, he says.
I can still remember when I first met AD Singh. It was 1998 and I had been invited to moderate a session at a food summit in Bombay. On the panel were some well-known names from the food business of that era and two young guys who had made a name for themselves by running an operation called Just Desserts, which took over an existing restaurant in the evenings and served, as the name suggested, only desserts.

The partners had split. One of them, a chef, was well-known for having run the vastly influential Under The Over at Kemps Corner and was planning to open a fine-dining restaurant in Colaba. He was, of course, Rahul Akerkar, and the fine dining operation would become the first Indigo.

The other guy was more interesting. He had no food background. In fact, he had chucked up a job at Cadbury to stray into restaurants and many of his views seemed to be the antithesis of his former partners.

I asked the panel what they thought was the most important factor in making a restaurant successful. I warmed to Rahul when he gave the answer I wanted. The food, he said. In the end, it all comes down to the food.

His former partner  who, as you will have guessed, was AD Singh  was more circumspect. First of all, he looked nothing like a restaurateur, with his designer stubble. And he didnt even talk like one. He favoured a slow laidback drawl. His manner put me in mind of a WWF wrestler who was popular at the time: Razor Ramon. In my mind, I took to thinking of him not as AD Singh, but as Razor.

So when I asked Razor what made a restaurant successful, I was a little surprised when he drawled back, The buzz. The food is important but, you know, pause not like, really so important. You gotta have buzz.

After the session, I got chatting with Razor and discovered that beneath that deceptively slow drawl and that I-am-so-laidback-you-might-think-I-am-kinda-stoned air, he was actually a very sharp guy. More important, he seemed like a nice person. So that evening, my friend Rohit Khattar (now world-famous as the owner of Indian Accent) who was also at the conference, and I went off to two of AD/Razors restaurants: Soul Fry and Soul Curry. Both did coastal/south Indian food with a twist and despite everything AD had said in the morning, both Rohit and I thought the food was good. This guy will go places, we said to each other.

I dont think we had any idea how right we were. Today, AD Singh is to India what Danny Meyer is to New York, a hugely successful restaurateur who doesnt pretend to be a chef and whose company keeps churning out restaurant and bar concepts that always push the envelope further.

The chances are that youve heard of some of his restaurants. It is possible, too, that you have eaten in one of them: Olive (and its offspring, Olive Beach and Olive Bistro), The Fatty Bao, Monkey Bar, SodaBottleOpenerWala, Guppy by Ai, and many, many others.

Olive restaurant at Bandra

I met up with him last week at the Khan Market (Delhi) branch of SodaBottleOpenerWala, my personal favourite of his restaurant concepts, and we talked about the time we had first met 18 years ago. Though I had believed then that he had only come off Just Desserts, it turned out that even when wed met at the conference, he had already been into the restaurant business for seven years. In fact, he completed 25 years in the business at the end of last year.

Though the drawl is still in place and he is still so relaxed that you fear that were he to get any more laidback he would keel over. He is less able to conceal his sharpness and his keen sense of the market now than he was nearly two decades ago. He still emphasises the importance of buzz to a restaurant though, over the years, he has begun to focus more and more on the restaurant concept, and the food at many of his places is very good.

The world knows him best, I imagine, for the first celebrity-filled Olive in Bandra in Bombay, but there were lots of now-forgotten restaurants (like Soul Curry and Soul Fry) before that happened. There was Jazz By The Bay in the old Talk Of The Town space in Bombays Churchgate (where he partnered with Sanjay Narang who owned the restaurant) and there was Copacabana, a bar on Marine Drive, which was, for a brief period, Bombays equivalent of Londons Met Bar (in the early 90s). It was difficult to get in and like Steve Rubell at the original Studio 54, AD stood at the door himself, letting only the beautiful people in. (Yes. I know. Me, too. But well forgive him because he was young then!)

Olive grew out of a marriage of space and idea. He was offered the room by its owner and had no idea what to do with it except that he wanted to import the vibe of just hanging around at those places in Phuket, where you went not for the food but for the experience.

It was the restaurant that turned his career around. It was one of the first fancy stand-alones in Bandra when it opened in 2000, in an era when south Bombay was still cool and the suburbs were dead. He managed to attract the film crowd and get written about. Olive became, as he says matter of factly, the first lifestyle restaurant brand. Unlike say, Akerkars Indigo or Delhis Diva, which were chef-driven restaurants, Olive was not really about the food. It was about the style.

Guppy By Ai

It was too good an idea to be restricted to Bandra so he opened a second Olive in Delhis Mehrauli and then took over a bungalow in Bangalore for an Olive Beach. (Because I wanted that beach-like feel.) A second brand Olive Bistro grew out of the original and Olive became Indias best-known Lifestyle restaurant brand.

By then, AD had begun to worry about attrition. A young chef called Manu Chandra, whom he had hired for the Bombay Olive and had then sent to Bangalore, kept being besieged by investors who wanted to open restaurants. Finally, AD spoke to his board and said that the company would have to find a way of holding on to talent.

The solution was to open subsidiaries in which the parent company would retain a controlling interest but talented employees could also buy equity. One such subsidiary, created for Manu Chandra, first opened LTO (Like That Only) in Whitefield in Bangalore. When that did not work, they tweaked the pan-Asian concept a little and came up with The Fatty Bao, which has now found success in Bombay and Delhi (though it is not my personal favourite of ADs restaurants). Chandra also masterminded Monkey Bar which has the potential to expand throughout India.

New Pastures, new flavours: Chef Manu Chandra has thrived under AD Singh, creating dishes like the beetroot tart at The Fatty Bao.

Most recently there has been SodaBottleOpenerWala, which I love, which is an attempt to capture the spirit of south Bombay by recreating an Irani-restaurant vibe. Crazily, it has been most successful in Bombay where they should be most familiar with the food and the concept.

Parsi on my plate: SodaBottleOpenerWala, AD Singhs new brand, changes the mood from buzzing to chilled, paying homage to Mumbais old Irani restaurants.

AD is a rich man now. He is shifty (or embarrassed) about providing figures but some estimates say that the group is worth over Rs 400 crore today. He has two major investors (the AV Birla group and Centrum) who control 60 per cent but he still owns 40 per cent himself. That means he is worth anywhere from Rs 150 to Rs 200 crore, not bad going for somebody who started with nothing, not even any money of his own to invest.

But today, you get the sense that the money doesnt matter so much. He still displays the same passion for restaurants and the same sharp understanding of the market. He has refined his views on buzz. In the old days, he says, a restaurant would die in under three years. Now, it can last for much longer, but after the first three years there is bound to be a dip. That is why, it is important to make sure that it is never far from the public consciousness: with events, book launches, festivals, bar nights, etc.

He gives the example of the Bandra Olive, which after 16 years, runs the risk of being seen as too intimidating or just too old for younger people. He thinks that the bar night (once a week) offers an easily accessible entry point for young guests. If they like that, then they will come back for dinner or brunch or whatever.

He will open more restaurants, he says. But he is clear about what the signature of his group must be: not just buzz but a sense of warm hospitality to all guests, whether they are famous or not.

Its a long way from manning the door at Copacabana but his decades in the business have changed AD, just a little. He started out wanting to run happening places. Now, he just wants to run happy places!

My apologies to Shivani Dass whose coffee picture we carried two weeks ago. We inadvertently dropped her credit.

From HT Brunch, March 6, 2016

Follow us on twitter.com/HTBrunch

Connect with us on facebook.com/hindustantimesbrunch

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Spending an hour with Gilles Aubry and Robert Millis is like a history lesson you didnt even know you were missing. Its packed with nuggets of information about the early days of sound recording in India. Aubry and Millis have collaborated on Jewel of the Ear, a series of recordings that document what India would have sounded like if youd been around from 1902 onwards, including bits of speeches by the Prince of Wales, Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi and the crackling of fires and prayer chants at Manikarnika ghat in Varanasi.

Interspersed with it all is the static noise from Milliss 78rpm collection. Today, we are used to recording, Millis says. We use iPhones, cameras and video. But 100 years ago, no one had ever heard their own voice in a recording. Imagine how powerful and strange it must have been to hear such a thing?

Jewel of the Ear, an English translation of Manikarnika, the holy cremation ghat at Varanasi, can take your ear to places a modern-day podcast cant. We wanted to highlight how the early music industry in India was closely related to its colonial history, and that sound records can be considered colonial spaces, says Aubry.

Preservation Tales

The researchers met in Mumbai in 2012, when Seattle-based Millis was a Fulbright researcher studying the Indian gramophone industry, while Berlin-based Aubry was studying small film studios. We realised that we had similar interests in listening and sound art, says Milllis. We began improvising with sounds, as instrumentalists might with music, combining samples and making sound collages. Then Aubry went to Varanasi, curious to know more about preservation in a place where life typically ended. Sound recording emerged because there was a need to preserve human voices, says. I wanted to re-examine this technology from the perspective of Hindu culture, like how the destruction of the body is necessary for the perpetuation of the life cycle.

Robert Millis (right) and Gilles Aubry

The researchers claim that music recording in India goes back to 1902, when European and American companies began to look at India as a music market. They didnt have it easy. In India, music is an oral tradition, handed down from teacher to student, not written down, not learned from recordings, says Millis, who also visited Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and other cities to learn about Indian music. He has also just completed a book on the early gramophone years in India, putting together his experience with Indian collectors.

Sonic connections

For most Westerners, India can be overwhelming. For someone following his ear, even more so. For someone interested in sound, there were metaphors hidden in the cremation ceremonies, explains Millis. The idea of the ephemeral, like sound, is much like the smoke that vanishes [from a pyre]. Once the body is gone, does sound still exist? He adds that the sound of his ancient, scratchy 78rpm recordings had an almost sonic connection with the crackling sounds of cremations.

Jewel of the Ear is currently available line (find it on Earpolitics.net). Its a continuing project and the duo has toured Europe with it, playing it on the radio and performing it live at venues like the Phono Museum in Paris. They also performed at art space Clark House Initiative in Bombay, and are looking to collaborate with Indian artists, scholars and musicians, and someday, even hold an exhibition. Old recordings are not just for historians to find out how people felt at the time, points out Aubry. Its important to understand what they mean today and what can we learn from them.

Follow @TheCommanist on Twitter

From HT Brunch, March 6, 2016

Follow us on twitter.com/HTBrunch

Connect with us on facebook.com/hindustantimesbrunch

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The government will set up a panel to consider merging some of its more than two dozen banks, Finance minister Arun Jaitley said on Saturday, vowing to improve efficiency at state-run lenders, many of which are creaking under bad debt.

The panel will work with the Banks Board Bureau (BBB) -- an independent body to oversee the functioning of lenders -- to come up with a plan on consolidation, an idea strongly supported by bankers, Jaitley said.

You need strong banks rather than numerically large numbers, he said after a two-day annual brainstorming event of industry leaders and officials from the Reserve Bank of India and finance ministry.

State-run banks hold more than two-thirds of assets in the countrys banking industry but they also account for about 85% of bad loans, adding toxic assets at a faster pace than their private sector rivals are hurting profitability.

Jaitley said nursing the state-run banks back to health was a top priority for the government.

He said the government will neither write off loans nor spare wilful defaulters, and that the proposed bankruptcy law will help banks recover their loans. The absence of such a law allows defaulters to go to court to delay or avoid repayment.

Jaitley said the staff at public sector banks will be incentivised, including offering them employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Campus recruitments will also be encouraged.
Last months parliamentary debate on Rohith Vemula and JNU and last weeks comments by the judge who granted Kanhaiya Kumar bail raise a surprising question: Do we have a clear idea about what is anti-national and what is not? I dont think so. We have strong positions on either side but passion clouds our judgement, leaving us more confused than certain.

This should become clear when you focus on two subsidiary questions: First, is it anti-national to publicly criticise the Supreme Court for its decision to hang Afzal Guru? Venkaiah Naidu says it is. P Chidambaram says its not.

Read: Shoot Kanhaiya Kumar, get a reward of Rs 11 lakh: Posters in Delhi

The answer hinges on whether the Supreme Court can be wrong. You only have to recall the terrible habeas corpus decision of 1976, which the Court later reversed and for which Justice PN Bhagwati personally apologised, to know the Court is not infallible. The Court is supreme because its final, not because its always right. That being the case, in a democracy every citizen has the right to criticise its judgements. Its not anti-national to do so.

There is, however, a thin line you mustnt cross. Whilst its perfectly acceptable to criticise the Courts decisions you remain bound by them even when you disagree. You cannot defy them. Nor should you attribute motives. That could be contempt of court.

Read: Left has a new comrade, but can Kanhaiya Kumar win votes

This means students criticising the Supreme Court for hanging Afzal Guru were not anti-national to do so. It may have been distasteful, even offensive, but not anti-national. Also, if I understand Fali Nariman correctly, anti-Indian (i.e. anti-national) isnt a crime and it certainly isnt sedition. Thats what he wrote in the Indian Express on the 17th of February.

Now, lets come to a second and more controversial aspect of what is anti-national and what is not. Is it anti-national to demand or campaign peacefully for secession? In this case most people might instinctively say it is. Theyre wrong.

In his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha on the 1st of May 1962, CN Annadurai demanded self-determination for Dravidians and a separate country for southern India. It wasnt considered anti-national at the time. Why, then, is it anti-national today to talk of azadi for Kashmir?

If the Scottish Nationalists in Britain, the Parti Quebecois in Canada or the Catalans in Spain can campaign for secession and be considered respectable and not anti-national, doesnt that suggest mature enlightened democracies dont consider a call for secession anti-national? And isnt that what we, in India, should aspire to as well?

Artists from Moradabad pay tributes to the Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, who committed suicide at the Hyderabad Central University. (PTI File)

In 1995, in the Balwant Singh case, the Supreme Court ruled that the slogan Khalistan zindabad was not seditious. That judgment also applies to students proclaiming Pakistan zindabad or azadi for Kashmir.

Frankly, these examples should lead to a more fundamental concern with nationalism. Surely the time has come to accept that all Indians are patriotic and to stop branding those we disagree with as anti-national?

In western democracies people are wary of the advocacy of nationalism. They see it as a ploy for pushing authoritarianism and intolerance. I suspect thats equally true of the way we misuse the concept in India.

Way back in 1775 Samuel Johnson said patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. When Sakshi Maharaj called Nathuram Godse a nationalist he proved Dr Johnson right. When the BJP gets worked up by slogans praising Afzal Guru but ignores its own MPs utterances you may wonder whether anti-nationalism is a political tactic to be used expediently rather than a principle it upholds.

The views expressed are personal

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
It was hard to take Donald Trump seriously in the more innocent phase of the present US presidential elections, say, about five months ago. Remember his memorable response to Marco Rubio on his qualifications to be the Republican contender for the most powerful office in the world: My fingers are long and beautiful as, it has been well documented, are various other parts of my body?

Today Trump is on an even better documented path to be that contender. A desperate Republican establishment is firing broadsides in an attempt to sink his candidacy. If nothing else, he is dividing his party. Two out of five registered Republicans say they would never vote for Trump. If the maverick real-estate developer emerges victorious from his party convention come July, be prepared for some conservatives considering endorsing Hillary Clinton.

Read | Cheap and effective: Donald Trumps marketing marvel

Yet Donald Syndrome is not confined to one side of the Atlantic. The whole Western world is in the grip of a populist surge. And it isnt just a rightwing thing: Think Britains Jeremy Corbyn and Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders. Mash it together and its safe to say the West hasnt seen this level of insurgent politics since World War II.

Anti-immigrant parties have spread like cancer across Europe. Such parties are now challenging the mainstream in all the largest European countries  Germany, the UK, Italy and France. Marine Le Pens National Front party took 28% of the vote in Frances regional elections. Chancellor Angela Merkel is caught between the devil of xenophobic Alternative for Germany and a deep blue sea full of Syrian refugees. One such, the Law and Justice Party, now rules in Poland. Scandinavians, using to preening about their ultra-liberal ways, are voting in larger numbers for foreigner-unfriendly Sweden Democrats and True Finns.

Much of Trumpspeak has been part of the European political discourse for the past five years ago.

Anti-Muslim rhetoric? Two European party leaders, one of them Le Pen, have been charged with hate crimes for their Arab bashing. Germanys Pegida makes Alternative for Democracy look a decent, ah, alternative.

Building walls against illegals? Hungarys ruler Viktor Orban has already done so to keep Syrians and Afghans out of his country. Brussels denounced him. At home his approval rating soared 15 percentage points.

Support for protectionism? While its evident everywhere, opposition to trade is rising even in Germany, a country whose bedrock is its status as the worlds largest exporter.

Supporters of Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump celebrate as television networks declare him the winner of the Nevada Republican caucuses at Trump's Nevada caucus rally in Las Vegas. (REUTERS)

So why have large chunks of the worlds most advanced and best-educated populations suddenly returned to the policies of cavemen? A closer inspection of populism in the developed world shows a common thread.

The root of all evil is working class angst. A Trump supporter has a clear profile: he will be an older blue-collar white male, lacks a college education, conservative in his values and only periodically employed. His income has either dropped or stagnated for the past 50 years.

His forefathers would have voted for Franklin Roosevelt and he would have first voted Republican when Ronald Reagan ran. Today, he doesnt know who to turn to. In his eyes, his country is run by an urban elite, which is okay with gay marriage, free trade and open borders, and holds him in contempt  and both Republican or Democrats leaders are cut from this cloth.

Read | Trump is terrifying and I hate what he stands for: Hillary Clinton

The Democrats, for example, have deliberately driven away its old working class base in favour of a coalition of minorities and what is now fashionably called the cosmopolitan urban middle class. Many of his ilk shifted to the Republicans but have since been alienated by the partys close links to big business, and touchstone support for free markets and immigration.

Then there came Trump. Strictly speaking, he is not a conservative. He does not care for free markets. He actually wants to expand Obamacare. More reasons, if there were not enough, that the Republican establishment seems him as an interloper. His real attraction lies in talking and acting in a manner different from the Rest. He broadcasts one message, I am not part of the political elite that no longer even attempts to understand you. A remarkable amount of his podium talk is about reality TV stars. After that, what Trump actually believes in seems irrelevant, such is the level of disgruntlement.

It is a measure of their alienation that these redneck resurgents are taken in by someone who is so obviously not one of them. As he Trump likes to say, The beauty of me is that Im very rich. Wo, why should an out-of-work American believe he will help him? This ability to exploit political and cultural insecurity is the art of the confidence trickster. In politics it is the skill of the demagogue.

Watch | How Donald Trump takes the Republican debate below the belt

<span itemprop="name" content="Watch | Donald Trump assures America he is well-endowed"></span><span itemprop="description" content="Trump opened the Republican debate on Thursday night with his devastating response to Rubio joking about the size of Trump&#x27;s hands and saying &quot;you know what they say about men with small hands.&quot;On the debate stage, Trump stretched his hands out for the audience to see - then insisted that the suggestion that &quot;something else must be small&quot; was false.&quot;I guarantee you there&#x27;s no problem,&quot; Trump said to howls from the audience at the Fox debate.In fact, Trump fielded attacks from Cruz and Rubio throughout the night."></span><span itemprop="duration" content="115"></span><span itemprop="thumbnail" content="http://cfvod.kaltura.com/p/1679921/sp/167992100/thumbnail/entry_id/0_lmdghja3/version/100012/acv/192"></span><span itemprop="width" content="640"></span><span itemprop="height" content="362"></span>

A similar game has been playing out in Europe. The European elite has been much taken with the idea of a single union  after all, it has earned them collectively a Nobel peace prize. But the unification, in its most recent phases, has been pushed through with the bare minimum of popular support. Again, the sense of an elite that sees no point in consulting the masses, where judges and bureaucrats rather than legislatures and popular vote set policies, is palpable.

Unsurprisingly, when the European Union began to have problems, the anti-Brussels politician began to emerge from the fringes. Rightwing populism in Europe is thus tightly interwoven with opposition to the European Union, in the same way its American variant is all about opposing Washingtons Beltway residents. Vote share for such parties has been rising since the beginnings of the Eurozone financial crisis in 2011. Merkel may be praised by cosmopolitans worldwide for her refugee policy. Among a sizeable number of Germans, it is being seen as rank madness.

Finally, there is a spreading and mindless political correctness where no one can seriously debate certain uncomfortable issues in the West. Base prejudices do exist and they are best aired, tackled through persuasion. Censorship doesnt make the prejudices go away. Many of the supporters of Trump and Trumpites in Europe like them because they give vent to opinion they know exist on the street but are being silenced in media, academics and political debate.

Or as Trump has put it, in only the way he would want to, I think the only difference between me and the other candidates is that Im more honest and my women are more beautiful.

chanakya@hindustantimes.com

Also read | Why a Trump presidency may be good for India

Fight with China, repeal Obamacare: What a President Trump would do

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Police officials in the city, who often complain about stretched working hours affecting their life, have something to cheer about.

Nearly 77,000 police personnel, between the rank of inspector and constable, will now get leave on their marriage anniversary and on birthdays of their children.

The welfare wing of the Delhi Police issued an order to this effect on Friday. The order says that such leaves will be denied only in exceptional circumstances and that too after the approval of assistant commissioner of police concerned.

Officials say the move will help de-stress the police personnel who work long hours, at times exceeding 16-18 hours. This forces them to stay away from their families and skip family and social obligations such as their marriage anniversary, weddings of their relatives or birthdays of their children, said a senior police officer.

Brief or long detachment from their families added with work overload causes acute mental stress to our staff. There have been cases of suicides or suicide attempts in the past by Delhi police personnel. The main reason behind such incidents were mental stress or depression, said the officer.

Such initiatives go a long way in strengthening team spirit and bonding among members, said special commissioner Taj Hassan, chief spokesperson of the Delhi Police.

The initiative was first adopted by the Maharashtra Police in August 2014. Maharashtra Police personnel were granted leave on their birthday and marriage anniversary. The Delhi Police personnel, however, will not get leave on their birthday but on their childrens birthday.
A 49-year-old Delhi Police head constable was crushed to death by a speeding truck in North Delhis Timarpur area early on Friday.

Head constable Abdul Sabbar was checking vehicles at a barricaded check post near Gopalpur on the Outer Ring Road around 1:30 am when he was run over. The truck driver, Dhir Singh, was arrested within three hours from Tikri, Malviya Nagar. A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder was registered against him.

According to the police, Sabbar flagged down the Tata 407 truck after he saw the driver jump the traffic signal. The driver slowed down but did not stop. He went past three barricades arranged in a zig zag manner in a bid to escape.

He suddenly accelerated, first crushing Sabbar between his vehicle and the barricade and then under the wheels. The staff posted at the picket chased him on their motorcycles but Singh escaped. After covering around two kilometres, Singh got down from the truck. Our team seized the truck from the spot, a senior police officer said.

A passerby, Dheeraj Tyagi, who was on his way home after his night shift helped the police track the truck to Majnu Ka Tila where it was found abandoned.

Our teams recorded the chassis number and traced the owner through the registration number. After we got details of the driver, he was arrested from Tikri later in the day. We registered a case under sections of culpable homicide and not rash and negligent driving as the driver intentionally crushed the cop to escape, a police officer said.

Investigators said Singh did not have documents. He feared the cops would seize the truck and fine him. He said he did not intend to crush the cop and just wanted to escape. He tried to mislead the investigators by saying he was sleepy and crushed the cop accidentally and he did not see him standing in front of the truck, police said.
Preparations for the three-day Art of Living event on the banks of Yamuna have reportedly forced birds to migrate from the area.

As the site has been cleared of all bushes and vegetation, species such as larks, pipits, warblers and other rare birds found in this zone are rapidly disappearing because of the destruction of the riverine habitat.

The World Culture Festival (WCF) being organised by the Art of Living Foundation on March 11-13, expected to see a gathering of 35 lakh people, has spread out over an area on 1,000-odd acres on the ecologically fragile Yamuna floodplain.

Bharati Chaturvedi, director of the Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group and an avid birder, said many birds such as river lapwing, red avadavat, warblers, yellow-bellied prinia, oriental skylark and striated babbler, among others, have been forced to migrate.

Grasslands are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems. The entire event site has been levelled and the small water bodies that existed earlier have been filled up and the natural vegetation like reeds along the sandy banks has vanished. This is breeding season but this disruption may result in no breeding at all for many species, Chaturvedi said.

A plea by Yamuna activist Manoj Misra has challenged the event in the National Green Tribunal and the next hearing of the case will take place early next week.

One of the major structures under construction on the Yamuna bank site for the World Cultural Festival. (Virendra Singh Gosain/ HT Photo )

Birder Sunita Chaudhry says every winter hundreds and hundreds of migratory ducks come to the Yamuna and they roost and feed on the banks.

Different types of storks, waders, diving ducks are usually spotted here but they have all flown away. Every few years, rare birds like crested pochards are seen. The extremely rare white-tailed stonechat and yellow-bellied prinia breed in those reeds by the river. This destruction is absolutely outrageous, Chaudhry said.

An NGT panel headed by Shashi Shekhar, secretary of the Union water resources ministry, recently, in its report has clearly mentioned the devastation on the floodplain, which includes trees removed or lopped.

In this entire area (western side of the river), the floodplain has been destroyed. The natural vegetation consisting of reeds, and trees have been removed, and the large number of birds and other natural life that was supported by the floodplain has vanished due to this destruction, the report says.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A senior faculty of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) resigned on Friday, alleging that he was targeted for supporting protests over Dalit student Rohith Vemulas suicide, the JNU row and FTII issues.

Amit Sengupta, an associate professor in English Journalism, quit after an order was issued transferring him to the premier media schools campus in Odishas Dhenkanal district, which he slammed as a political decision.

In an open letter posted on Facebook and addressed to the officer on special duty Anurag Mishra, Sengupta said, I have been targeted because I supported the solidarity protest for Rohith Vemula on the campus, organised independently by students of IIMC in which other faculty members too participated...I have been targeted also because I supported the JNU and FTII students.

Mishra refuted the allegations. He said Sengupta may have submitted his resignation but his transfer was a routine affair as per the government policies. We believe in freedom of speech and Senguptas post on the social media is a testimony to that fact. Further being a government organisation, officials/faculty staff are regularly transferred, said Mishra.

He said Sengupta was transferred because the Dhenkenal centre had only one faculty of English Journalism.

Sources said the final call on Senguptas resignation would be taken by the appointing authority.

Earlier in the day, Sengupta posted his resignation on social media and said: I am proud of standing up for Rohith Vemula and will continue to do so in the days to come. This is my constitutional right. I think grave injustice has been done to him and the students of Hyderabad Central University. I will always stand and fight for Dalit rights, read the letter.

The institute had earlier conducted a probe and ordered the expulsion of a student from its hostel in New Delhi for three weeks for posting offensive and insulting remarks on social media against Dalit students.

Incidentally, a Dalit student and the complainant in the previous case, was also suspended from the IIMC hostel for a week for allegedly using indecent and vulgar language against a faculty member on a WhatsApp group.
Deep-diving cut-outs, barely-there strings and flesh-toned fabric covering your sexy back - if theres one thing the red carpets have taught us, it is to bare your back with confidence .

Read: Add tadka to your beauty regime with curry leaves

From that glam cocktail do to a priced date with your boo, plunging backs are the prefect way to ace sexy without looking over-the-top .

Actress Saoirse Ronan arrives on the red carpet for the 88th Oscars on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (AFP)

But, lets face the truth. While we all love to pick up a daring cutout, we often hesitate. From skin that breaks out easily to pigmentation and unwanted hair, a lot of us would rather cover up than show off.

Well, with a few simple beauty hacks, you can prep up your skin and make it party-ready. Heres how to tap into that confidence :

Alessandra Ambrosio arrives on the red carpet for the 58th Annual Grammy music Awards in Los Angeles. (AFP)

The makeup trick

You dont need to buy expensive products to get that flawless back. Your vanity case staples can do the trick. A lot of us battle stretch marks, scars and marks that wed love to hide. Colour correction is the key to fix this.

Hide scars and pigmentation by applying a concealer matching to your skin tone. Tap it on with your fingers for a natural finish. To camouflage the marks which are more prominent, rest upon spot-concealing. For this, first apply orange colour-corrector over the scar and blend it well. Then apply your regular concealer with a brush to hide them, suggests beauty expert Ishika Taneja.

Kaley Cuoco put her killer abs on display in a sequined jumpsuit by Naeem Khan with a triangular midriff cutout and plunging V-neckline at the Grammys 2016. (AFP)

You can also use body powders to enhance your skin tone. Bring them to rescue, if youve got oily skin. While those with dry-skin can depend upon tinted moisturizers as they are hydrating and can graciously infuse a velvety finish, she adds.

To wax or not to wax?

A lot of us opt for waxing to get rid of body hair, but it can cause redness and breakouts. Therefore, a patch test is vital to find out how your back reacts to the kind of wax that is used.

Read: Tips to rock in black

Dont go for waxing right before the event, as it can lead to rashes and redness. Moisturise your back and use buttermilk or milk to lighten discolouration. Also dont bleaching the back too often as it could harm the skin. In case you have acne on your back, consult a dermatologist before getting any hair removal treatment done, suggests dermatologist Meghna Gupta.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
With International Womens Day round the corner, Indias national carrier airline, Air India, is all set to make history. Celebrating the power of women, the flight AI 173 thatll take the non-stop Delhi-San Francisco route will set a record for being the worlds longest all-women operated and supported flight. The flight that departs from New Delhi on March 6 at 0235 hrs will land in San Francisco at 0600 hrs, having covered 17 long hours.

This first-of-its-kind flight will serve the passengers with an all-women staff, be it cabin crew, cockpit crew, check-in staff, doctor or customer care staff. Under the command of Captain Kshamta Bajpayee and Captain Shubhangi Singh, the flights First Officers will be Captain Ramya Kirti Gupta and Captain Amrit Namdhari. Not just that, the ground staff - from operator to technician, engineer, flight dispatcher and trimmer - will also all be women. Now thats some celebration, right?

Read: Air India to dock salaries of pilots refusing to fly at 11th hour

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Captain Kshamta Bajpayee said, I feel truly blessed to be a part of the Air India family. Only when you wish can you be granted that wish. Only when you dream can that dream come true.

Captain Ramya Kirti Gupta confesses that the desire to achieve big keeps her going for such initiatives. Its a proud moment. Its a 17-hour flight that we are taking, covering 14,600 km with a ground speed of 1200 km per hr, she says. For Captain Shubhangi Singh, the flight marks a momentous day in her life.

You need to work hard. There is no shortcut to success. I come from a modest family, and without any aviation background. I am overwhelmed to be a part of an all-women crew in the history of aviation. Its a long flight covering various countries; there are several procedures that wed have to keep in mind, says Singh.

Read: Air India plane averts collision course in runway mix-up

Speaking about this special flight, Ashwini Lohani, CMD Air India, said: It will be a historic flight and the longest to be operated by an all-women crew. The airline has immense respect for women and this flight would be a symbol of women empowerment.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
BJP president Amit Shah waded into a raging row over nationalism on Saturday, choosing a youth event to attack Rahul Gandhi for supporting the students of Jawaharlal Nehru University that is now the centre of a bruising political debate over free speech.

Shahs first reaction to the controversy, sparked by the arrest of the universitys student leader Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges, is seen as an attempt to ratchet up the rhetoric on nationalism ahead of assembly elections in four states starting next month, and in Uttar Pradesh, which goes to the polls early next year.

A strange atmosphere has been created. Anti-national slogans are being projected as freedom of expression... Congress should be ashamed that its vice-president goes to the campus and says these (slogans) should be heard as there is freedom of expression, Shah told members of the partys youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM).

Taking on Gandhi and Kumar, the BJP president asked if slogans terming terrorists as martyrs is freedom of expression, then what is sedition?, and questioned Congress president Sonia Gandhi if she endorsed her sons opinion on the issue.

The face-off between the Congress-led opposition and the ruling NDA alliance over the nationalism row, which dominated Parliament proceedings last week, is expected to extend to campaigning for elections in four states -- Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala -- starting April 4.

The two-day annual convention of BJYM in Vrindaban started in the backdrop of one of its top leaders in Uttar Pradesh announcing a reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone who cuts off Kumars tongue. The BJYM expelled the leader Kuldeep Varshnay.

Read | Will bury Jinnahs if they are born in varsities: Yogi Adityanath on JNU row

Almost simultaneously, posters appeared in Delhi in the name of a little-known organisation offering Rs 11 lakh to anyone who kills the JNU student leader, who is accused of being present at an event on the campus where anti-Indian slogan were allegedly shouted. Kumar denies this.

Speaking at the BJYM meet, Union minister VK Singh also targeted Kanhaiya Kumar for calling Rohith Vemula his inspiration, alleging that the Dalit scholar had organised a meeting in support of the 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon.

I read in newspapers today (Saturday) that a JNU student leader says that he does not draw inspiration from Afzal Guru but Rohith Vemula. I told myself that Rohith Vemula too had organised a meeting for Yakub Memon. Are we with those people who encourage terrorism and who abuse India? he said.

Without naming Gandhi, HRD minister Smriti Irani also attacked him saying he goes around claiming to be a youth leader while being close to 50 years of age.

Another Union minister, Mahesh Sharma, said the JNU incident had tarnished the countrys image and affected the tourism industry.

Read | Left has a new comrade, but can Kanhaiya Kumar win votes
Son of a Andhra Pradesh minister has embroiled in a controversy after he allegedly misbehaved with a woman here.

The incident occurred on Thursday but the victims relatives alleged that police made an attempt to hush up the case as it involves Ravela Sushil, son of Andhra Pradeshs minister for social welfare Ravela Kishore Babu.

A woman lodged a complaint with Banjara Hills police station on Thursday night that two persons in a car misbehaved with her on Road Number 13, Banjara Hills when she was walking.

She said the occupants appeared to be in inebriated condition. They called her inside the car and even held her hand.

After the woman called for help, locals manhandled them. The accused were brought to police station and the woman lodged a complaint, naming the driver and another person.

They did not know that the other man is ministers son.

On her complaint, police registered an FIR only against driver Appa Rao but let off Sushil.

Some television channels broke the story on Friday and reported that the ministers son was not named in the FIR.

The complainant and relatives demanded immediate arrest of the ministers son.

Police said they will take necessary action after investigation and recording a fresh statement by the complainant.
The Congress should be ashamed of Rahul Gandhis visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University, BJP chief Amit Shah said on Saturday as he waded into a nationalism row sparked by sedition charges on student leader Kanhaiya Kumar.

Shahs first reaction to the debate on free speech came two days after JNU students union leader Kumar was released on bail in the sedition case, slapped on him after anti-national slogans were allegedly raised by a section of students during a campus event last month.

The face-off between the Congress-led opposition and the ruling NDA alliance over the controversy, which dominated Parliament proceedings last week, is expected to extend to campaigning for elections in five states starting April 4.

A strange atmosphere has been created. Anti-national slogans are being projected as freedom of expression...Congress should be ashamed that its vice-president goes to the campus and says these (slogans) should be heard as there is freedom of expression, Shah told members of the partys youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM).

Taking on Gandhi and Kumar, the BJP president asked if slogans terming terrorists as martyrs is freedom of expression then what is sedition? and questioned Congress president Sonia Gandhi if she endorsed her sons opinion on the issue.

The two-day BJYM meeting in Vrindaban started in the backdrop of one of its top leaders in Uttar Pradesh announcing a reward of Rs 5 lakh to anyone who cuts off Kanhaiya Kumars tongue. Aware of the offers potential to affect the BJP ahead of the polls, the BJYM expelled the leader Kuldeep Varshnay.

Almost simultaneously, posters appeared in Delhi in the name of a little-known organisation offering Rs 11 lakh to anyone who kills the JNU student leader.

In several interviews after his release, Kumar said the students movement he is spearheading will continue till the BJP-led government at the Centre is ousted from power.

He has also rebutted the charges of sedition saying that his icon was not Afzal Guru but Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, whose suicide has been described by student groups and opposition parties a result of campus discrimination against lower castes.

Speaking at the BJYM meet, Union minister VK Singh also targeted Kanhaiya Kumar for calling Rohith Vemula his inspiration, alleging that the Dalit scholar had organised a meeting in support of Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon.

I read in newspapers today (Saturday) that a JNU student leader says that he does not draw inspiration from Afzal Guru but Rohith Vemula. I told myself that Rohith Vemula too had organised a meeting for Yakub Memon. Are we with those people who encourage terrorism and who abuse India? he said.

Another Union minister Mahesh Sharma said the JNU incident had tarnished the countrys image and affected the tourism industry.

Speaking at a rally in Assam, Rahul Gandhi raked up the JNU and Rohith Vemula issues saying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not reply to his pointed questions on the issues during a debate in Parliament.

Modiji, in his hour-long speech, instead of giving a reply to these questions, quoted former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and launched a personal attack on me, Gandhi said.

(With inputs from agencies)
The police could not prove that a man with a blown off hand is a bomb-maker, a Delhi court said on Saturday. The court discharged Abdul Karim Tunda and three others accused of leading terror strikes in New Delhi in 1997, citing lack of evidence against them.

The court said there was no proof that Tunda could be a Lashkar-e-Taiba bomb-maker.

It was the fourth and final case in which Tunda has been discharged.

The Delhi police had filed an FIR against Tunda under the Explosives Act and for leading a terrorist conspiracy against India but an additional sessions judge of Patiala House court noted that there was no prima facie evidence against him to proceed to trial.

Abdul Karims co-accused had earlier disclosed that his left hand got blown off while making a bomb in 1985 in Mumbai, after which he got the nickname Tunda.

Considered a prize catch by the police, who thought that he was a key plotter of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Tunda was one of the 20 terrorists Pakistan had handed over following the devastating attacks on the city.

Already let off in the Sadar Bazaar and Kotla bomb blasts for lack of evidence, Tunda was accused of being the conspirator of nearly 40 explosions here between 1993 and 1997.

The FIR was registered in 1994 against him and three other accused under the provisions of Explosive Substance Act.

The FIR was registered in 1994 against him and three other accused under the provisions of Explosive Substance Act.

Absconding for years, Tunda was declared a wanted man before being arrested from Uttarakhand on August 16, 2013. Special Cell officers received a tip-off about his location by the CIA. A Pakistani passport issued on 23 January 2013 was recovered from him.

While throwing out Delhi Police Special Cells case, the court was moved by defence counsel MS Khans arguments that no charges could be proved against the man whose right hand is missing as if blown-off.

The court said Tundas co-accuseds disclosure statements were not legally admissible as they had only been made before police. Apart from the passport, nothing was recovered from Tunda at the time of the arrest.
Union minister for human resource development Smriti Irani on Saturday launched an all-out attack on the Left parties and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi who she did not name.

Taking a dig at Gandhi, she described him as one who was about 50 years old but still preferred calling himself a youth leader.

Irani was speaking in the last session of the first day of the two-day national convention of the Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Vrindavan.

She reminded the gathering about party national president Amit Shahs statement earlier in the day as to how anti- national activities were being promoted in the name of freedom of expression.

We will aptly reply to those inclined in dividing the nation, she said while alleging that a few political parties were supporting those praising anti- nationals like Afzal Guru, Maqbool Butt and Yakoob Menon.

Targeting the Left parties, she said: Let us go through the history of these political parties and find ghastly acts attributed to them.

Tapsi Malik was fighting to save the land of farmers in Singur (West Bengal) but she was raped and burnt. Her body was thrown in a field. This act was committed by workers of Left parties, alleged Irani.

Why were no tears shed when a Dalit girl was killed so brutally? she asked.

Referring to the murder of a BJP leader in Kerala over 17 years ago, she said: Jai Krishnan, the state vice president of the BJP, was a primary schoolteacher in Kerala. He was murdered in 1999 in a classroom in front of his students by those swearing by Lal Salaam.

She also blamed the then Left Front government for the firing on farmers in Nandigram, West Bengal, in 2007.

She, however, urged the BJYM activists to remain calm when attacked by opponents and give a reply through democratic means.

Shifting the focus of her attack to Rahul Gandhi, Irani said: He is a Member of Parliament for the last 10 years and has the blessings of his mother but has failed to carry out development work in his constituency, she alleged.

He makes tall claims about nationalism, she added.

We have no personal enmity with those making claims about nationalism. It, however, remains a reality that children of the CRPF and army personnel killed in action do not seek a political berth but instead vow to avenge the death of their family members by joining the forces, she said.

Irani concluded her address by reciting couplets penned by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Har nahin manoonga, raar nahin thanunga (Ill neither concede defeat nor nurse grudges).

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Gujarat government has beefed up security across the state, especially along its coastal belt, following a note by national security adviser Ajit Doval about the possible infiltration by 8 to 10 terrorists through land or sea border with Pakistan. The alert was sounded in Kutch district that shares both land and sea border with Pakistan.

The central advisory came following reports by security forces along the borders about five incidents of fishing boats being abandoned off the Kutch coast in the last three months, the latest being on Friday night.

Gujarat additional chief secretary (Home) PK Taneja on Saturday held a meeting with heads of all three wings of the defence, police and IB chiefs as well as head of paramilitary forces.

Security arrangements at all important installations across state have been beefed up after national security adviser Ajit Doval wrote to Gujarat in this regard, said a top official.

After the meeting between various security agencies, director general of police PC Thakur held a video conference with all the district police chiefs. While the police stations are likely to carry out combing operation during night in their respective areas, security cover was scaled up at malls, cinema halls and bus stands. The police is also likely to do a check at hotels and guest houses. All the sanctioned leaves for the police were cancelled.

Chetak commandos were moved to Sardar Patel International Airport even as the police have began thorough checks of any suspected passengers at railway station, an official added.

Heavy patrolling and checking was also put in place at the inter-state border points with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Important monuments and pilgrimage centres like Somnath temple, Dwarka Temple, Akashardham, power plants, defence, dams like Sardar Sarovar Dam and security establishments have also been put on alert.

The incidents concerning the five abandoned boats found in the past three months have been thoroughly investigated. An abandoned boat was found by a BSF patrolling team off Koteshwar coast in Kutch on Friday.

According to reports, the boat was spotted around 8.30 pm. The fishing equipment and fuel found on board suggested the alleged Pakistani fishermen might have fled seeing the patrolling team in the vicinity.

The boat is 20 feet long and 10 feet wide. Some ration, water jugs, fishing nets, crabs, diesel and mattresses were found on board the abandoned boat.
India will look at the real intent of Pakistans Special Investigation Team (SIT) on cracking the Pathankot air force base attack case before getting the dialogue process with its neighbour back on track.

Though the two foreign secretaries are in touch with each other, the Pathankot attack on January 2 cast a shadow over the efforts to normalise tense relations between India and Pakistan. After the attack the meeting between two foreign secretaries to announce a timeline for resuming the dialogue process was postponed.

They might not have made shrill demands in public about it, but Indian officials insist, definite action needs to be taken against the Jaish-e-Mohammed militants blamed for the attack before a timeline for the talks are announced.

India has told Pakistan that it would give a five days notice before sending a team. But there is a difference in opinion among different Indian agencies about the terms and conditions to be put in place for the teams visit.

Once we are told about the composition of the team, many of these issues can be reconciled. And there will be an agreement between the two sides on the requirement of the team.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Villagers in Rajawal of Jharkhands Gumla district are mourning the death of Sister Anselm, one of the four Missionaries of Charity nuns killed by gunmen in the Yemeni port city of Aden on Friday.

A pall of gloom descended on Rajawal, 170 km west of state capital Ranchi, when the news of her death reached the village on Saturday. The 57-year-old nun had left for Yemen nearly two years back to serve people at an old-age home, officials of Missionaries of Charity in Ranchi, said.

A two-member team from the organisation established by Mother Teresa visited her village to console her family members after they got the news of her death through the media.

Cyprian Kullu, vicar general of Gumla diocese, said Sister Anselm used to serve the Rajawal parish.

The gunmen had stormed the old peoples home and killed 16 people including the four nuns. There were around 80 residents in the home run by the Missionaries of Charity. The three other nuns who were killed in the attack have been identified as Sister M Madrid (44) and Sister Reginette (32) from Rwanda, and Sister M Judith (41) from Kenya.

Read: Yemen attack: Indian nun of Missionaries of Charity among 16 dead

Father Tony, a priest from Bengaluru who was at the home, was reported missing after the attack, the first of its kind in Yemen.

Authorities in the district said they came to know about the nuns death through the media.

I came to know about a Gumla residents death in Yemen from you. I will let you know once I get any information, Gumla deputy commissioner, Shravan Sai, said.

Gumla superintendent of police Bhimsen Tuti too did not have any information about the incident.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, whose arrest on sedition charges sparked a debate over nationalism, attacked the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as anti-people on Friday, saying the campus movement would continue till the ruling alliance was thrown out.

Speaking to HT on Friday night at the JNU campus, Kumar also made it clear that as a leftist cadre, he would remain engaged in politics and do what his organisation  the All India Student Federation  would ask him to do.

CPM leader Sitaram Yechury said the JNU student president would canvass for the Left in this years West Bengal polls.

Read | Kanhaiya, the nationalist, swears by Constitution and slams Modi govt

Asked what was the goal of the students campaign and if it would end with the release of fellow students, Kumar said, This movement is for rights and justice. You must see it as a part of a larger struggle  in FTII, the tolerance-intolerance debate, the Occupy UGC movement, what happened in Dadri, the Hyderabad episode and then JNU... the movement will continue till the end of this government. People will keep coming together.

He said people  soldiers at the borders, farmers and students were dying and it was his duty to expose the regime.

Did he agree -- in the light of the February 9 incident-- that fundamental rights and free speech come with restrictions? Yes, I endorse that rights need to be coupled with duties. Restrictions are important but this is a grey area and it is precisely the area power centres seek to manipulate.

He also said though his politics was different from that of Umar Khalid they were together on the need to fight this government. Khalid is in jail facing sedition charges and is also accused of organising the February 9 event during which alleged anti-India slogans were shouted.

Read | We will win this fight: Full text of Kanhaiyas JNU speech

JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar addresses a press conference at JNU campus in New Delhi. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

Kumar was cautious on being asked if he saw the developments of the last three weeks as a turning point. But people coming together against a government trying to impose one ideology, murder democracy and impose authoritarianism is a good thing.

Indian left remained strong on the streets and on issues even if its electoral strength had diminished, he said, adding the two people he felt closest to and admired the most in recent times were Rohith Vemula and Govind Pansare.

His attraction for Left politics, he said, began with his reading of Hindi literature. Literature makes you sensitive, your creative aspects get strengthened, you become aware and then you look for an alternative. And you get attracted to politics that speaks of equality, justice and end of exploitation. If Left politics was about siding with the weak and powerless, he was and would remain a leftist.

Read | Kanhaiya is a Make In India product - and a political entrepreneur

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal accepted an invitation to attend the Karachi Literature Festival (KLF) 2017.

During an event The Coalition Conference on Saturday held at New Delhis Talkatora Stadium when KLF founder Ameena Saiyid invited Kejriwal to attend the festival, he replied in the affirmative.

Saiyid later said she would also send an official invitation for KLF-2017, which is jointly organised by Oxford University Press, Pakistan, and the British Council.

Earlier, veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher, who was to attend the KLF on February 5 this year, had claimed that he had been denied visa by Pakistan.

Read | I am not angry, I am hurt: Anupam Kher on Pak visa denial

Read | Look beyond India for Karachi Literature Festival: Pakistani daily
Can Kanhaiya Kumar help Lefts fortune in assembly elections in four states and a union territory? CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said on Friday Kanhaiya, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader charged with sedition, will naturally campaign for Left parties because he is a leftist.

But on Saturday senior CPI leader D Raja was guarded in his response. No decision has been taken. There are, of course, demands from people (party leaders in poll-bound states) that he should come. He is a students leader and he can go here and there. But the party hasnt taken a call, Raja told HT. Kanhaiya is associated with the CPIs student wing, the All India Students Federation AISF.

Read | End of Modi govt is Kanhaiyas aim: Should BJP worry about JNU leader?

The CPI may not be revealing its cards about Kanhaiya, but as the BJP has stoked up the national-versus-anti-national controversy, the JNU students union president is expected to be drawn into the poll arena as a campaigner. His emergence as a promising young leader whose speech on Thursday night got thousands of people glued to their TV sets and YouTube could not have come at a better time for the Left parties facing alienation from youth and students.

Kanhaiya Kumar arrives for a press conference on JNU campus on Friday. (Sanjeev Verma/ HT Photo)

It is the first time in recent years that the Left has seen a student leader from its stable dominating the national discourse. The Lefts shrinking space on campuses has been a matter of intense organisational debate. Sixty-five percent of Indias population is below 35 and a majority of them do not identify themselves with the Left ideology. One reason for this has been is the diminishing political clout of Left parties, their failure to connect with issues concerning the youth and the rise of alternative forces.

A majority of this population bought Modis idea of India in 2014, went with Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi and trusted Nitish Kumar in Bihar. By taking on what it alleges is the growing interference of the RSS, the Left is trying to capture the anti-BJP space. In Kerala, it competes with the Congress-led United Democratic Front, but the rise of the BJP threatens to eat into its Hindu support base in the state. The Left is trying to compensate with gains among minorities who have traditionally supported the Congress.

Read | Shoot Kanhaiya Kumar, get a reward of Rs 11 lakh: Posters in Delhi

The stardom Kanhaiya has been enjoying should give the comrades reason to rejoice. Kanhaiyas speech on Thursday evening trended worldwide and his press conference on Friday overshadowed the Election Commissions media briefing and the launch of an infrastructure development scheme attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Left has dominated the national discourse in the last two days, but will this translate into political gains, especially among the youth, is yet to be seen.

After a year of controversies and a poll debacle in Bihar, the BJP needs a good election result and its counting on Assam. In its effort to whip up nationalist sentiment, it is preparing to take on the opposition in Assam and West Bengal, two states where illegal immigration and border disputes have lent the nationalism debate a Hindutva overtone. It is in this context that the party is seeking to build on the JNU row. Whether it will work to the BJPs advantage or backfire would also depend, to some extent, on Kanhaiyas future moves and conduct.

Read | We will win this fight: Full text of Kanhaiyas JNU speech

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A blast in Damoh district killed a 65-year-old woman and injured two others on Friday, with police and district authorities claiming that it was caused due to some unknown inflammable gas from below the earths surface.

Damoh collector Shriniwas Sharma said that preliminary investigation had revealed the explosion was caused due to leakage of an inflammable gas which reached the house through a bore well inside the premises.

The district administration has been notified and experts, including geologists, will investigate the incident. A police case has also been lodged.

Vrindavan Ahrirwar of the Special Armed Force (SAF) 25 Battalion Bhopal, and his wife Sheel Rani were injured in the incident while his mother Raj Pyari died, police said. Ahrirwar had just returned home to visit his family.

The initial assumption was that an LPG cylinder had combusted. However, police found an LPG cylinder intact amidst the rubble. Additional superintendent of police, Damoh, Arvind Dubey told Hindustan Times, There was a bore well for fetching groundwater inside the premises of the house. Locals told us that there have been cases when inflammable gas has come out from borewells in the district and catches fire. It is likely the inflammable gas was trapped inside the house during the night and exploded in the morning.

While there have been instances of gas leaks from the ground, Sharma said this was the first time it caused such a blast. He further ruled out that the incident was caused due to ammunition that may have been stored in the building.

According to geologist Prof Arun Shandilya, who has studied the phenomenon of ground water catching fire in Madhya Pradesh for over a decade, an area of over 200 sq kms spread over in Damoh, Sagar, Vidisha, Katni and Satna districts have fissures and leakages through which gas comes out with seasonal variations. The area is home to nearly 500 to 600 million-year-old rocks.

Prof Shandilya pointed out that the old rock layer called Vindhyan rock is covered by a geologically younger rock layer called Deccan trap in these districts. When drilling is done on the top Deccan trap rocks, it sometimes pierces the fissures in the Vindhyan rocks beneath, from which gas starts coming out, he explained.

In the last year, there were three instances reported of gas leaking from the earths surface, beginning in January when villagers in Damoh reported that ground water and the air coming from borewells were burning with a blue flame. In November, gas with a strong pungent smell emanated from cracks in the floor of a house in Jabalpurs Bijapuri village. A month later, there was a leak from the banks of Narmada river in Mandla district, with some associating the phenomenon to a jyoti (divine flame). In September 2014, unknown gas started leaking from a field in Khandwa district. Underground geological blasts also created panic among villagers in Betul district last October.
The government has recalibrated the management of an account, which was used to pay the US under the Foreign Military Sales programme, after a review showed that nearly $2.3 billion had piled up without earning any interest, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said on Saturday.

India and the US have now fine tuned the FMS procedure whereby rather than raising bills case-wise every quarter, funds against various cases have been pooled together in a corpus. The corpus was created in September last year, defence sources said.

A statement released by the ministry said that as and when funds are required to be paid per case, fulfilment of contractual liabilities, the said amount is being withdrawn from the corpus.

Consequent to this creation of the corpus in consultation with the US government, no payments have been made in the last two quarters of the financial year 2015-16, against cases which necessitated payments, against the said contracts, the ministry said.

Instead, payment is being effected from the corpus of 2.3 billion US dollars. It is hoped that no payments shall be required to be made till the amount of 2.3 billion US dollars is depleted and there is a necessity for us to replenish certain amount as required, it said.

Read | I am a tough negotiator, want best price for Rafale jets: Parrikar

It said this has happened through scrupulous and holistic financial management.

Consequently, while the US government will continue to meet their contractual obligations, there will be no additional burden on the Indian government on this account.

It enables utilisation of scarce funds on other projects and hedges the country against adverse exchange rates, the ministry said.

Earlier in the day, Parrikar, who had put the corpus figure at about $3 billion, countered reports that the ministry has failed to utilise about Rs 11,000 crore from the capital budget of 2015-16. He said the country has actually saved money.

He said that even though the provision of capital acquisition in the budget was around Rs 77,000 crore, the actual anticipated spending will be around Rs 66,000 crore.

We have taken measures by which Rs 11,000 crore saving appears there, Parrikar said while briefing reporters about the ddefence budget for the next fiscal.

The minister also said the defence budget for the next fiscal of nearly Rs 2.59 lakh crore sans the pension allocation, was adequate and as per the ministrys requirement.

Read | Non-state Pathankot attackers had state support: Parrikar
In an apparent variance with his partys stance over the JNU row, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday praised the JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumars speech after his release from prison.

Happy about the granting of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that hes been released from prison, Sinha said in a tweet.

Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged, he said in another tweet.

The actor-turned BJP MP later told PTI he was impressed with the student leaders speech in Jawaharlal Nehru University after his release from Tihar jail.

He was filled with energy and his body language was impressive as he was delivering a speech at JNU after release from prison, Sinha, the second term BJP Lok Sabha member from Patna Sahib, said.

He said he spoke in favour of Kanhaiya because he did not find the young man speaking anything against the country and also because he was a native of Bihar.

Bihar is my strength and Bihar is also my weakness, Sinha added.

Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on sedition charge on February 12 and released on March 3 on an interim bail, is a native of Begusarai district of Bihar.

When the row over Kanhaiyas arrest over sedition charges was at its peak, the sidelined BJP MP had defended the JNUSU president, embarrassing his own party.
Congress has described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as being in grip of Rahul phobia and said he has made a mockery of democracy by making petty-minded jibes in his political speech on Presidents address in Parliament, never done in the past.

Prime Minister Shri Modi seems to be in the grip of what I can describe as Rahul phobia. It is an acute disease. It has now attained the size of an epidemic as far as the BJP and the Prime Minister are concerned, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said on Friday.

Singhvi said that the Prime Ministers speech was devoid of substance as he lost the opportunity of clearing doubts of people that were raised through questions posed by Congress and Rahul Gandhi, which he never answered.

In what has now become a characteristic habit of the Prime Minister, he again made a mockery of democracy and Parliament. In a response to Presidents address, this kind of political petty-fogging, petty-minded jobs is neither the culture nor the occasion, nor the manner and style sanctified and hallowed in the almost 70 years of Indian Democracy, he said.

Singhvi said merely because the Congress Vice President raises genuine concerns, as many as three senior Ministers jumped in to deflect questions asked to Modi.

All that the Prime Minister did, in a speech devoid of substance, was that petty pointless attacking on Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress party and the legacy of the Congress...We reject the reply of the Prime Minister as being misleading and giving no real answers, he said.

Singhvi said there have been many Prime Ministers, many political parties in power, there have been many acrimonious elections and there have been less acrimonious elections, but Presidents addresses or responses to them are not the occasion to give this kind of a petty political speeches.

We are forced to say that the Prime Minister has yet again lost the opportunity to give substantive answers, to clear and assuage the genuine doubts of the people.

The questions raised by Congress and by Rahul Gandhi are pointed questions of legitimate public concern and legitimate public interest and they stretch in the length and breadth of India, he said.

Singhvi also pointed out that the Prime Minister in his political diatribe did not mention a word about Rohith Vemula, Kanhaiya Kumar, about the behaviour of Delhi Police, about the lumpen elements across the country linked to ABVP, and atrocities on Dalits and students.

The PM should explain why he didnt apologise for the false speech of his HRD Minister in Parliament, he asked.
President Pranab Mukherjees office has returned an HRD ministry file recommending candidates to fill a vacant seat on Aligarh Muslim Universitys executive council and asked it to send more names, it is learnt.

The ministry recommended the names of India TV editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma and Vijay P Bhatkar, architect of Indias first supercomputer and president of Vijnana Bharati, an RSS-affiliated organisation involved with the Swadeshi Science movement, sources said.

The Presidents office returned the file, asking the ministry to send more names to fill the vacant slot on the universitys highest decision-making body. Of the 28 members on the council, three are recommended by the ministry but the Presidents approval is mandatory as he is the visitor of the university.

The HRD ministry refused to comment on the issue.

Names will be discussed and finalised soon. The process will take some time, a senior ministry official said. However, it seems unlikely that Sharma and Bhatkar will be considered any more, a source said.

This is not the first time that the President has questioned the ministrys choice. Recently, HRD minister Smriti Irani and the President differed over the Visva Bharati VCs sacking. The Presidents office had returned a ministry file recommending the sacking and asked it to examine the issue.

In January, the President ignored the ministers recommendation while appointing M Jagadesh Kumar as VC of Jawaharlal Nehru University, sources said.

The ministry has been at loggerheads with Aligarh Muslim University over the issue of setting up new university centres across the country. The Opposition has targeted the government on the issue, alleging undue interference. VC Zameer Uddin Shah said on Thursday that he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify issues related to Iranis refusal to fund the university centres in Kerala, Bihar and West Bengal. Irani had termed the centres illegal.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hasnain Warekar, who murdered 14 members of his family before committing suicide, was in debt by Rs 69 lakh and had possibly sexually assaulted his sister, the Thane police revealed on Saturday. The revelations were based sole survivor Subiya Barmars statement and police investigations.

Subiya, Hasnains sister, told the police on Friday that Hasnain had sexually assaulted their younger sister several times and she had herself disclosed this to Subiya, when she visited the Kasarvadavli house recently. When she informed her mother about this, the latter revealed she knew about this all along, Ashutosh Dumbare, joint commissioner of police, Thane, told the media.

Read: Thane mass murder: Cops probe split personality, black magic angle

Dumbare said Hasnains mother later told him about Subiyas knowledge of the matter. Subiya said Hasnain was upset about the news was spreading within his family. Autopsies have been performed on all bodies and they do not show any signs of sexual assault, he added.

The JCP said investigations have revealed Hasnain had borrowed a huge amount of money. It was impossible for him to repay the loans he had taken. This could be a reason why he killed his entire family, Dumbare said.

Hasnain was unemployed since 2013 and had borrowed Rs 69 lakh from his parents, sisters and other relatives to start a business. He had also lost money in the share market, he added.

Dumbare revealed Hasnain, an expert in sacrificing goats, used to joke about killing his family members with his favourite qurbani knife.

He added that the police found tablets prescribed by a psychiatrist for his sister from Warekars residence. At times, Hasnain used to consume the tablets. They were bought from Thane and Pune. Our team is probing all angles. Hasnain had also rented a flat at Majiwada and used to pay Rs 7,500 per month as rent. But he hardly visited flat, Dumbare said.
In the backdrop of a countrywide debate on nationalism, firebrand BJP MP Yogi Adityanath on Saturday hit out at JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar and said Jinnahs would not be allowed to take birth in the educational institutions of India.

If such elements were born in premier institutions, they would be buried, he warned.

Asking Kumar to refrain from hailing terrorists like Afzal Guru who was hanged for the 2001 Parliament attack, Adityanath said the freedom of speech had limitations.

The MP made his remark while replying to questions from the media at Gorakhnath temple, of which he is the chief priest, on Saturday.

Those(Kanhiaya) who are out of jail must understand that it is only interim bail for six months . They must consider the conditions on which the court has released them. Let us patiently wait for six months by which time the court will decide on the issue, he said . He denied that the BJP-led government at the centre was working with a mala fide intent.

The BJP is not against any individual. But the students should refrain from hailing people like Afzal Guru, who had targeted Parliament, in the name of freedom of speech and expression, he said.

Whatever is happening inside the JNU is condemnable. What is more condemnable is the fact that the teachers of the university are also involved in these activities. It is very shameful, Adityanath said.

Adityanaths comments come close on the heels of BJP Yuva Morcha leader Pardesh Kuldeep Varshneys announcement of a reward of Rs 5 lakh for cutting off JNU students union leader Kanhaiya Kumars tongue.

Speaking to the media a day after he was released from Tihar Jail after he was charged for sedition, Kanhaiya Kumar had thanked everyone who supported him and alleged that a conspiracy was afoot to malign the JNU campus and its students.

Asserting that the JNU students can never be anti-national, he added that he was part of the fight to not let those succeed who use the Constitution as a tool against those who raise their voices for nationalism.

Talking about Afzal Guru, Kumar had clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula who looked up to.

Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will be a Rohith Vemula in every house, Kanhaiya Kumar had said.

(With inputs from agencies)
Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje took a jibe at the Congress feudal mindset on Friday, contrasting it with the BJP governments vision that she said is translating into development gains for the state.

Speaking on the motion of thanks to the governors address in the Assembly, Raje said the Congress government lacked vision but the BJP is working towards the goal of sabka saath, sabka vikas (Together with all, development for all).

A long-term vision is important for governance. The Congress ruled the state for 53 years but no one knows what their development roadmap is. I gave a clear roadmap to the people and administration, Raje said.

She said the Congress considers people its subjects. But we consider the people our rulers and we have made our development roadmap keeping their welfare in mind. Thats why we started the Sarkar Aapke Dwar programme to go in the midst of people and understand their problems and redress them, she said.

Raje said the governments fresh approach showed in its work. The underlying theme in governance is to remove bottlenecks in administration, ease regulations, overhaul the infrastructure and use technology to improve governance, give benefits and empower people.

She outlined works taken up by the government like increasing and strengthening the road network, making Rajasthan a solar energy hub, the ambitious Jal Svawalamban scheme for water conservation and ground water recharge, opening of model schools for quality education and linking higher education to skill development, providing e-health cards to people and growing new varieties of fruits and crops for benefit of farmers.

Raje said the Bhamashah scheme was weeding out corruption and ensuring delivery of welfare services to the people. She said 60 lakh Bhamashah cards have been made so far.

Raje said her government is committed to providing 15 lakh jobs and already over 6 lakh jobs have been given to youth. On the 311 MoUs worth Rs 3.3 lakh crore signed during Resurgent Rajasthan, Raje said they had been inked after scrutiny and in 75% deals, land has already been identified.

She countered criticism on the refinery, saying the ill-considered Congress deal with HPCL was not in favour of the state. We are reworking the terms and conditions so they favour all the stakeholders. We wont take any hurried decision, she said.

While Raje was outlining her governments work, independent MLA Hanuman Beniwal shouted, Tell us about Anandpal and Lalit Modi too. Speaker Kailash Meghwal asked marshals to escort Beniwal out of the house.
JAI GANGAAJAL

Direction: Prakash Jha

Actors: Priyanka Chopra, Prakash Jha, Manav Kaul

Rating: **

Almost 13 years ago, Prakash Jha made a film called GangaaJal, about beleaguered cops and powerful criminals in Bihar. In one scene, a frustrated police officer says: Kutta ki zindagi hai sala. Kuch na kijiye toh public mare. Kuch keejeye toh sahib mare. Humse zyada izzat toh criminal ka hai. Itna sawaal jawab toh nahin hai.

As it turns out, not much has changed. In Jai GangaaJal, the setting is Bankepur, which is a small town in Madhya Pradesh but might just as well be the Wild West. Characters with names like Babloo Pandey, Munna Mardani and Moti Pahalwan run the show. Land is usurped, women are raped and farmers crushed by debt hang themselves. Meanwhile, politicians and cops collude to amass mountains of money. Into this den of vipers arrives Abha Mathur, the first female superintendent of Bankepur. She has been brought in to serve the status quo. But she turns out to be brave, headstrong and honest. Of course, all hell breaks loose.

Politics has been an essential element of Prakash Jhas cinema. He has contested elections himself and he has a keen understanding of how power games play out, especially in the hinterlands. So the trouble with Jai GangaaJal isnt lack of authenticity. Its repetition. Jha, who also writes and acts, isnt giving us any new insights into these badlands. Its the same old story of an upright officer against the system. The film also cannibalises the first film by retreading the same idea of mob justice  except here, instead of blinding criminals, the good folks of Bankepur are lynching them. Jai GangaaJal is relentlessly grim and only intermittently gripping.

The idea of a woman cop straightening out the goons is instantly sexy. Especially when the cop is played by Priyanka Chopra, who is convincing as the tough-talking Abha. Its very satisfying to see her pummel the bad guys. But Abha is a one-note character. She doesnt evolve, or exhibit a moment of vulnerability or fear. We mostly see her getting out of police jeeps and occasionally she gets to drop a killer line. There is one flat-out terrific moment in which the chief minister comes to her home to deliver a honey-coated warning and Abha fiercely pushes back.

But the best scenes are reserved for Jha himself. He makes his acting debut as deputy superintendent of police Bhola Nath Singh. Bhola is cheerfully corrupt, slimy when we first meet him, but the horrors of the men he serves slowly dawn upon him. The good news is that Jha can act  hes fun to watch, especially in the first hour . But the character slowly starts to usurp the film, and not in a good way. Jai GangaaJal becomes about his redemption rather than Abhas battle. Jha even constructs set-piece action sequences for himself.

Ultimately, Jai GangaaJal is too familiar to be engaging or essential. By the end, the characters and narrative start to blur with the dozens of similar films weve seen before and it becomes exhausting.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Two inebriated bikers assaulted a traffic constable after they crashed into a car in Andheri (West) around 5 pm on Friday. The DN Nagar police have arrested the two.

The constable, Sanjay Navale, was assaulted when he intervened in a road-rage incident involving the bikers near DN Nagar metro station. Navale, who is with the DN Nagar traffic division, was on duty when he was alerted about traffic congestion at the junction.

Read more: Shiv Sena leader who assaulted woman cop must never drive again: Police

There, he saw two men on a bike  Vicky Salve, 21, and Ram Bansode, 29  who had crashed into a car ahead of them.

Salve and Bansode were arguing with the driver of the car when Navale got there.

When constable Navale intervened, the bikers assaulted him. A passerby helped the constable and the two men were eventually brought to the police station, said an officer from DN Nagar police station. Navale told HT, They had a bottle of alcohol and were riding without helmets. I asked them for their licence but they started abusing me and then attacked me.

The two men, both residents of Chembur, had gone to Versova beach as it was raining in the morning.

A police source said they got drunk at the beach and were returning on the bike when they met with the accident and then attacked the constable.

One of the men works as an operator at a cybercafe and the other at a juice center, said police.

A source confirmed that the police have seized a bottle of alcohol that the men were carrying.

Police officials said they will also approach the Regional Transport Office to get the mens licences suspended.

Salve and Bansode have been charged with assaulting a public servant and criminal intimidation under the Indian Penal Code, apart from various sections of the Motor Vehicles Act.
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is likely to return its original plan of building a metro depot in Aarey Colony as it does not expect to be able to acquire an alternative plot in Kanjurmarg anytime soon.

The governing board of the MMRC, a joint venture of the state government and central governments, which is building the Colaba-Seepz Metro 3 line, held a meeting on Saturday to discuss various issues concerning the project. At the meeting, MMRC directors are said to have discussed various options of building a metro depot in Aarey Colony.

While senior bureaucrats, including MMRC managing director Ashwini Bhide, refused to divulge details of the meeting, a source told Hindustan Times that the board decided to revert to the Aarey Colony plan as waiting for the alternative plot at Kanjurmarg would delay the project, owing to legal and administrative procedures involved, and possibly increase the cost of the project significantly as well.

The MMRC board discussed the possibility of building the depot on 24 hectares in Aarey Colony as a two-level depot (which would use less land) was technically unviable.

The idea of a two-level depot was suggested by a committee appointed by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis following protests by various groups opposed to the use of Aarey Colony, one of the few remaining green patches in Mumbai, for the depot.

A senior bureaucrat from the urban development department said, According to the committees recommendations, we can go back to the Aarey Colony plan if we are unable to get an alternate. Now, the board will decide the next step before approaching the chief minister.

The 33.5k-m Metro 3 will start at Colaba and pass through the airport and through areas poorly connected by public transport, before ending at Seepz.

Following protests by environmentalists and local residents against building the depot in Aarey Colony, Fadnavis had in February last year set up a committee to look into the issue.

The committee asked the government to consider Kanjurmarg, Dharavi, Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT), Bandra-Kurla Complex and the Mumbai University campus at Kalina as possible alternatives.

One recommendation was to build a car depot at Kanjurmarg and 16 stabling lines on 10-20 hectares in Aarey Colony to minimise the environmental impact. Another was a two-level depot on 20 hectares in Aarey Colony if the state failed to acquire the Kanjurmarg plot on time.

Meanwhile, environmentalists have threatened more agitations if MMRC decides to build he depot at Aarey Colony.

Environmentalist D Stalin said, Since the matter is sub judice, MMRC cannot take any decision about the metro depot at Aarey Colony. We will hold protests if MMRC goes ahead with its plan. This entire exercise by MMRC is aimed at opening up Aarey Colony to builders.
The police on Saturday arrested a 49-year-old retired air force personnel on charges of illegal confinement and raping a 25-year-old married woman, an assistant with a lawyer, inside a room at a restaurant on National Highway 58 at Murad Nagar in Ghaziabad on Friday night.

According to the complaint lodged with the police, the woman met Parmal Singh Chaudhary, the accused, engaged in property dealing, after receiving his call around 5pm on Friday. Thereafter, she met him around 5.15pm near GTB Hospital from where they drove in Chaudharys Scorpio towards Raj Nagar Extension to select a flat for purchase.

When the woman said she did not find the flats suitable, Chaudhary drove further towards Murad Nagar and consumed drinks in the car, the FIR stated.

On reaching Marwadi Swad restaurant, nearly 15km from Raj Nagar Extension, the accused lured her to the upper storey room where he told her that dinner would be served inside the room.

The accused had assured the woman that he has some flats available at Murad Nagar and she should have a look at them too, said Subodh Saxena, station house officer at Murad Nagar police station.

Thereafter, the accused locked the room from inside after sending his driver to buy cigarettes and indulged in drinks. Later, he raped the woman. She escaped and immediately informed the police about the incident, Saxena said.

The police have arrested the accused and sent the woman for medical examination. The report is yet to arrive. We will also take her to court for recording her CrPC 164 statements before a magistrate, Saxena added.

The victim hails from Shahdara in Delhi while the accused hails from Lajpat Nagar in Sahibabad at Ghaziabad. The police said the accused met the woman some days ago when he went to the court for some work. She works as an assistant to a lawyer at the court.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Chief minister Nitish Kumar believes he has been able to convince the Nepalese leadership of the utility of a high dam in Sapt Kosi region to tame recurrent floods by generating hydroelectricity and ensuring control over the flood plains.

Bihar has been plagued by devastating floods in monsoon months largely because of the run off from its rivers that originate in Nepal. The most devastating of these floods was witnessed on August 8, 2008, when the Kosi jumped its embankments drowning six Bihar districts, displacing 33.30 lakh people and 9.97 lakh cattle heads in Kosi and Saharsa divisions.

The human loss via deaths was 527 even as 2.36 lakh homes were destroyed with loss of 19323 cattle heads.

Nepal has great potential to chain water for its own use, meet power concerns and sell surplus power to India while improving quality of life of its own people, Kumar said.

He said, Indias power needs are burgeoning and Nepal can earn from feeding India as it has potential to generate 1 lakh MW of power as against Bhutans 30000 MW with which the latter has assured the best quality of life to its citizens.

Kumar said, Bihar will largely gain from hydel projects in Nepal, especially a high dam, which will help in flood plains planning and control strategies. Nepal is interested in developing such plans for the Sapt Kosi and Sun Kosi areas, which will help its economy stabilize too.

He added, that there is also a meeting of minds on the way forward on the joint project committee of the two nations to work on containing floods in the Sapt and Sun Kosi area, which also affects the Himalayan country in a big way.

Kosi floods regularly affect a 10150 square km area in its basin in Bihar, which is flood prone. This is the highest area affected among all rivers. Bihar in totality has 68.88 lakh hectares prone to floods, which is 73.06% of entire flood plains and 17.02% of affected area in India.

However, there are dissenting voices in India, with experts saying that a high dam in an highly unstable seismic area could spell a huge risk to Indian districts should a big earthquake strike the zone.

I had fruitful talks with the Nepalese leaders and assured them of Indias goodwill in their democratic process. India needs a strong, resurgent, democratic Nepal as partner. There is an emotional partnership between the two countries, which can only grow stronger, he said.

To a question on the Madhesi agitation over Nepals new constitution, Kumar said, Nepals leadership is a strong one and it is capable of solving its own problems, if any. Its an internal matter, he added.

Madhesis are people who populate the border districts of Nepal with India and are mostly of Bihar and UP origins. They are opposing the new Nepalese constitution claiming it to be discriminatory and encouraging a political asymmetry, which excludes them largely to the benefit of the hill people.

Their opposition had paralysed trade and commerce for close to three months when Madhesis groups blocked the borders with India, negating imports, leading to cost escalation in prices of essentials on the back of the devastating earthquake, which left the Nepalese economy in ruins.
Jhanvi Behal, 15, from Ludhiana has been making headlines after challenging talk-of-the-town Kanhaiya Kumar, president of the JNU Students Union, to a debate on freedom of speech and expression. But who is this girl?

We dug out some facts about the girl to know her better:

1 Back in 2014, she conducted a sting operation on tobacco and liquor stores in a bid to uncover the practice of selling cigarettes and other tobacco-based products to teenagers. Her operation even led to the filing of an FIR against some stores.

Read also: Dont abuse PM Modi: 15-yr-old Ludhiana activist challenges Kanhaiya

2 She considers Mother Teresa as her source of inspiration for working for the societys betterment. Jhanvi made a documentary, Maa Mera Ki Kasoor, on female foeticide to spread awareness. A student of DAV Public School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Ludhiana, she is also an active member of an NGO Raksha Jyoti Foundation and was honoured on Republic Day for her contribution in many projects including Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

3 She sought judicial intervention over frequent dharnas and the traffic snarls that they result in.

4 She has written several letters to the Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, information and broadcasting minister on a number of social issues.

5 She had filed a writ in Punjab and Haryana high court against adult movies and porn content on social networking sites. She also appeared in the court in her school dress. The high court had pronounced judgment in her favour.

Read also: Hum kya chahte? Azaadi! Story of slogan raised by JNUs Kanhaiya

Read also: Jail changed traitor Kanhaiya: ABVP leader at Truth of JNU meet
Three weeks after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided the premises of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in SAS Nagar and registered a case against its officiating director KK Bhutani and seven others for allegedly causing a loss of crores of rupees to the government exchequer, the union ministry of chemicals and fertilisers has issued retirement orders for Bhutani (64) and three other officials on the ground that they were continuing in service beyond the permissible age of 60 years.

Prof KPR Kartha, Prof AK Chakraborti and Dr PP Singh have also been issued the orders and all are above 60.

Wing Cdr PJP Singh Waraich (retd), registrar, NIPER, said, We (the NIPER institute) have received an official confirmation from the ministry to retire these officials. The process will be followed.

He added that of the four issued the orders, three were on leave and the letters would be handed over once they rejoined duty.

Prof Bhutani is on leave, he will be handed over the retirement letter the day he joins. He will officially hand over the charge to a new officiating director, Waraich added, clarifying that the four officials had not been suspended, but had been given retirement from service.

Instructions from the union ministry said the charge of the officiating director will be given to the

senior-most faculty and that at present is Prof Saranjit Singh.

When contacted, Prof KK Bhutani said, I have not received any such communication. I will join office on Tuesday.

The others three faculty members were also not available for comment.

Appointment letters state wrong retirement age

Interestingly, the institute that comes under the ministry of chemicals and fertilisers has to have employees retiring at 60, yet there are many employees who continue in service

All staff members at the institute have been given appointment letters with retirement age mentioned wrongly as 62. In Bhutanis case, the institute went ahead and made an exception. He was allowed to continue in service despite being more than 62 years of age, said an employee, on the condition of anonymity.

He added that in 2013, months before Bhutani was to retire at 62, the board of governors of the institute increased the retirement age to 65 years.

The 2013 decision was implemented even as under the NIPER Act states any change its governing provisions needed the assent of the President of India, the employee claimed.

Finally, this week the ministry issued the orders that fixed the retirement age at 60.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
As in the Bollywood movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan, a 5-year-old deaf and dumb minor girl from Pakistan inadvertently crossed over to the Indian territory on Saturday and the sleuths of the Border Security Force (BSF) handed over her to their counterparts across the border in Abohar, a sub-division of Fazilka district.

At about 1030AM, troops of the 117 Battalion of the BSF at Natha Singh Wala Border Outpost in the Abohar Sector apprehended the girl from inside the Indian territory near the fence, said a press release issued by the BSF.

During questioning, the Pakistani girl was found to be deaf and dumb and could not reveal her name and whereabouts. Pakistan Rangers were immediately contacted and the girl was handed over to them at 2PM.
Chandigarh Housing Board secretary Adapa Karthik  the IAS officer whose pulling up of a superintendent led to work being stalled at the secretariat for two hours on Thursday  has also been cracking the whip in his department. Since taking charge at the CHB around three months ago on November 20, Karthik, who also holds the charge of special secretary (estates) has issued 120 show-cause notices to employees under all categories

He has sought explanations for procedural lapses, while charge sheets have been recommended for not complying with court orders and for sitting on files for months.category (sub-divisional engineers and executive engineers, accounts officers, senior assistants and administrative officers.

The secretarys working has created resentment as employees feel pressured. On every file, his notings are mostly poor draft, silly note. This demoralises us, said an official, on condition of anonymity. Board chairman Maninder Singh, however, said that Karthiks actions were justified.

He added, All my officers want the common man not to suffer. Files have been pending for several months and we just want to make life easy for the citizen.

Karthik could not be contacte even after repeated calls and messages on his mobile phone.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A 15-year-old girl, who was honoured during Republic Day for her contribution to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, has challenged the JNU Students Union (JNUSU) President Kanhaiya Kumar, for an open debate over freedom of expression.

WATCH: 15-yr old student from Ludhiana, Jhanvi Behal challenges #KanhaiyaKumar for an open debate.https://t.co/QYegTs1zdk  ANI (@ANI_news) March 6, 2016

She also advised Kanhaiya Kumar to think before making any statement and to avoid using abusive language against the Prime Minister who was elected by the citizens of India.

Read more: 5 things to know about girl whos challenged Kanhaiya to debate!

Jhanvi Behal who invited Kanhaiya for debate is a student of DAV Public School, Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar. She is also an active member of an NGO Raksha Jyoti Foundation and was honoured on Republic Day for her contribution to many projects including Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Also read: Arrest of JNU students, and the policing side of it: Kiran Bedi writes

Jail changed traitor Kanhaiya: ABVP leader at Truth of JNU meet

While talking to Hindustan Times, Jhanvi Behal said the constitution gives us freedom to express, but it does not mean that we can cross limits. Kanhayia Kumar and others have been misusing the fundamental right for their political gain.

What has happened in JNU campus in the name freedom of expression is not tolerable for any Indian. The students were raising anti-India slogans, when armymen were sacrificing their lives fighting against Pakistan sponsored terrorists, said Jhanvi.

The student leaders for their political gain have been indulging in mud-sledging and using abusing language against the Prime Minister, who is elected by citizens of India. Their act will malign the image of India in the whole world, she added.

Read: Kanhaiyas Azaadi chant not from Kashmir: Read, watch, learn!

Jhanvi Behal has raised several public issues in the past. Recently, she had filed a writ in Punjab and Haryana high court against adult movies and porn content on social networking sites.

She also appeared in the court in her school uniform. The high court had pronounced judgment in her favour. She had also taken the matter of road blockage of various organizations to court.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A resident of Gaggon village here killed his minor daughter for returning late from school on Friday.

After killing his daughter, Balwinder Singh handed himself over to cops. According to police, Mehakdeep Kaur, a Class 11 student at a school in Chamkaur Sahib, allegedly went away with her friend to some place after school. Later, she went to her uncles (fathers younger brother) house at Chamkaur Sahib.

Balwinder came to Chamkaur Sahib to pick her up and asked the girl where she had gone after school. However, the girl, could not give a satisfactory reply. This engraged Balwinder. On way back, he stopped near a park in Chamkaur Sahib and hit his daughter with a sickle.

The grievously injured girl was rushed to the Chamkaur Sahib civil hospital from where she was referred to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where she succumbed to her injuries on Saturday.

Chamkaur Sahib station house officer Des Raj said police have recovered the weapon used in the crime and a case under section 307 (attempt to murder) was registered against Balwinder. It was later converted into section 302 (murder) after the girls death.

Balwinder was presented in a court that sent him to a 14-day judicial custody.
Chairperson of National Commission for Women Lalitha Kumaramangalam on Saturday said that they have not found any evidence of gang-rapes at Murthal in Sonipat during the Jat agitation.

Kumaramangalam made the revelation during a media interaction in Panchkula during a three-day special training programme on investigation of cases involving crime against women.

The women commission chief said that they have not found any evidence during their investigations. We have recorded many statements but there is no evidence. But if anyone has proof, then he or she can come to us, she said.

The three-day training programme was conducted under the aegis of National Commission for Women and Board of Police Research and Development.
Planning the campaign strategy of a prime ministerial candidate of a national party or chief ministerial candidate of a regional party is one thing. Being the backroom man of a regional satrap of a national party is quite another.

Credited for scripting the victories of PM Narendra Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, poll strategist Prashant Kishor --- whose campaigns are personality-centric --- was busy paying courtesy calls to senior Congress leaders during his two-day Punjab visit. His first visit to the state in February after being brought on-board the Congress ship was a hush-hush affair. He had held closed-door meetings with Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh and his a few of his confidants.

But this time round, Kishor paid visits to residences of senior leaders such as former chief minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Punjab Congress senior vice-president Lal Singh and Congress Legislature Party leader Charanjit Channi besides meeting senior MLAs Brahm Mohindra, Ajit Inder Mofar and Rakesh Pandey at the Congress Bhawan here. He listened to their suggestions and feedback on the states poll scenario.

Kishores other main task was gearing up the party to meet the Arvind Kejriwal challenge. The Aam Aadmi Party convener and Delhi CM, with his three visits to the state in as many months, has been setting the agenda for political discourse in the state while his army of volunteers is going village to village, door-to-door with his poll promises and posers for Akali-BJP government and opposition Congress.

Now also engaged by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for more politically-important Uttar Pradesh that goes to the polls along with Punjab, Kishor will be focussing his energies on mainly using partys youth force to build the campaign against AAP.

On Friday, he held a meeting with leaders of Youth Congress and NSUI, the student wing of the party, to take on volunteers of AAP.

Amarinder has already launched a programme to enroll volunteers in each of the 117 constituencies called Jago Punjab. With his historic move of terminating water-sharing agreement under threat of being set aside by the Supreme Court --- an achievement that tops the list of partys publicity of Amarinders five-year rule --- the first agenda to be taken up under Jago Punjab would be to fan out in villages and towns while Amarinder makes political capital out of undertaking a march along the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal route.

But with Congress now betting heavily on Prashant to revive its poll fortunes after two successive defeats in the state, many in the party are also debating if the poll battle should be allowed to become one between Prashant and Kejriwal, pushing the partys face Amarinder to the backburner.

The poll strategy of Prashant and Kejriwal are quite the same such as use of social media, volunteers and strong team for logistics and analytics and articulating counters to poll rhetoric of political opponents. So we need him to counter AAP but can we allow the party to seem incompetent of winning elections, a senior MLA said.

Among suggestions he received from senior leaders were making Amarinder more accessible to party leaders and workers, drafting a poll manifesto that takes care of all sections, the campaign should involve all party leaders and achievements of the party in five years of Amarinder government should be publicised vis--a-vis 10 years of Akali-BJP rule.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
With the nursery admission season nearing end and the UT officials busy monitoring the economically weaker section (EWS) reservations in the private schools, the issue of minority institutes has once again caught the limelight at the backdrop of the recently held conference of the National Minority Commission for Educational Institutions (NMCEI) in Chandigarh.

While the UT has stated that the minority institutes have to enrol EWS students as per their land allotment scheme, the commission says reservation under the EWS quota is not applicable to the minority institutes as the Right to Education Act does not apply to them.

Talking to HT, Zafar Agha, NMCEI member, said, As per a Supreme Court judgment on a petition filed in May 2014 ( Pramati Educational and Cultural Trust and others vs Union of India and other), the RTE Act is not applicable to the minority schools. He added that by the virtue of this, the minority schools are not liable to give admission to the EWS students, in fact no reservation for that matter  be it SC/ST, OBC students.

Contesting the issue, the estate department officials have stated time and again that the minority schools will have to enrol students under the EWS quota (be it even just 5% or more) in sync with their land allotment scheme.

Director school education (DSE) Rubinderjit Singh Brar said, Though there hasnt been a consensus between the department and the commission on this issue, we will be going ahead with the procedure to ensure the minority schools enrol EWS kids as the land allotment scheme cant be ignored.

Officials in the department are also concerned that with an increasing number of schools getting minority status  considering easier guidelines  it will be difficult for students from the economically weaker background to get admissions in Chandigarh.

Sources also said the estate office will now review the decision, and is mulling to take the minority schools to court in case they didnt adhere to the norms. In fact, several teams had been formed to carry out inspections in schools to monitor the EWS admissions.

Kriti Garg, sub-divisional magistrate (south), who is a member of one of the four committees, said, The schools have been asked to submit the details via a self-declaration, soon after which we will carry out the inspection, and in case norms are not followed, a suitable action will be taken.

Meanwhile, the UT education department is at loggerhead with the minority body over the procedure for seeking minority status by the UT schools.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A controversial budget proposal to tax provident fund withdrawals may be deferred, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking for wider consultations on the move that has turned into a political hot potato.

The deferment, not a rollback, is likely given that Modi is sensitive to the salaried class, top government sources told Hindustan Times, signaling some possible relief for a core support base of the Prime Minister. The proposal is to come into effect from April 1.

The sources said the Prime Minister had studied the representations made to the government that had sought a rollback of the tax.

The Prime Minister  has asked the finance minister to revisit the amendments to the Finance Act and explore all options so that the middle-class Indians can properly invest their savings, said a top government source.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley is likely to clarify on the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, sources said.

The government is under pressure from not only the Opposition and labour unions but also some of its allies and the RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh which has slammed the tax proposal as disgusting.

Read | EPF tax: How the decision will affect Amar, Akbar and Antony

A decision to put off the tax rollout would give the Congress and other opposition parties a rallying point to claim victory during the Parliaments ongoing budget session.

Jaitley had announced in his budget last month that 40% of an individuals accumulated corpus in the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and National Pension System (NPS) scheme would not be taxed at the time of withdrawal.

This was taken to mean that the remaining 60% was taxable. Withdrawals from EPF, or retirement savings of private sector employees, are now entirely tax-free.

A day after the budget, the government had hinted that it was open to modifying the rule to tax only the interest earned on 60% of the EPF contributions made after [%20%20]April 1, 2016.

EPF is Indias biggest social security scheme with some 60 million workers depending on it for post-retirement savings.

The budget has also proposed a monetary ceiling of Rs 1.5 lakh on employers contribution to PF accounts.

The finance ministry has indicated that it was willing to re-visit the decisions.

Read |

Tax on EPF withdrawal: People might just stop investing in properties

Jaitley to spell out final stand on taxing EPF in Budget debate today
China will build a second railway line connecting remote Tibet with the southwestern part of the country, expanding connectivity and increasing its options for rapidly moving troops to the area.

The government announced the new line on Saturday as part of plans to rapidly expand the railway network. The new 1,629-km line will connect Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), to Chengdu, the capital of southwestern Sichuan province.

TAR now has only one line  the 1,956-km Qinghai-Tibet railway  connecting it to the rest of the country.

The new line is part of the draft of the 13th Five Year Plan for 2016-20 on national economy and social development.

According to state media, trains will take 15 hours to travel from Lhasa to Chengdu.

Read | China plans taking Tibet rail network near Sikkim

We hope that the railway will be completed as early as possible. It will provide new momentum for our development, especially the tourism, said Wangdui, a national lawmaker and mayor of Tibets Nyingchi City, through which the new line will pass.

The Qinghai-Tibet line, which was opened in July 2006, is the worlds highest and longest plateau railroad.

The TAR borders India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. Chinas rapidly growing road, rail and air networks in the region have been a worry for India.

In late 2014, the Chinese government had extended the Qinghai-Tibet railway to Xigaze or Shigatse, hometown of the Beijing-backed Panchen Lama and located close to the border with Indias Sikkim state.

China has maintained that its efforts to link Tibet to the rest of the country are part of its plan to develop the economically poor region.
In the capital of the southern state of Arkansas, native state of the 42nd President of the United States, the Clinton imprint is everywhere.

Flights land at the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport. The citys downtown is dominated by a shopping district on the bank of Arkansas river, featuring restaurants and retailers, bars and boutiques. This, the River Market, runs mainly along President Clinton Avenue.

Further downtown is the William J Clinton Presidential Library, abutted by the archives. A little along the way is a refurbished historic Choctaw Station (originally built in 1899), which houses the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service and the first office of the Clinton Foundation.

The University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock. The first offices of the Clinton Foundation were also in this building. (Anirudh Bhattacharyya/HT Photo)

From there, a visitor can look across to the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge. There is also a Hillary Clinton Childrens Library. Little Rock, in effect, is big on Clinton structures.

This may be a case of Clinton overkill but it definitely has an upside. For instance, the River Market areas gentrification into a tourist destination coincided with the Clinton Centers emergence.

Jordan Johnson, a spokesperson for the Clinton Foundation, said: When we celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the Clinton Center, there was an economic study that showed it had a direct impact of over $3 billion on the region. Locally, it helped transform and revitalise downtown. It has helped bring people to Arkansas who otherwise would not come.

Locals confirm his claim, noting how unsafe downtown was a decade ago and how it has now turned into a party destination.

But not a destination for the Democratic party. In 2008, as former Arkansas First Lady (later Americas First Lady, Senator, Secretary of State and now the likely Democratic nominee for President) Hillary contended during the primaries, she could win a state like Arkansas while arguing why she was a superior candidate to her rival Barack Obama.

The William J Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock. The complex also includes a museum and archives related to the 42nd President. (Anirudh Bhattacharyya/HT Photo)

Since 2010, however, the state has gone deep red, a Republican bastion, with every member of the current Congressional delegation, whether in the House of Representatives or the Senate, from that party.

Jay Barth, professor of politics at Hendrix College in Conway, said: Its certainly very clear as a political force that (the Democratic party) has diminished immensely. So the legacy remains but the real potency to win elections or shape elections, that really is gone.

The Clintons left Arkansas in 1992 when Bill was elected President, and neither has been on a ballot in the state since 1990.

Another factor at play against Hillary in a general election battle in Arkansas is that the state, with its large population of rural, white voters (once Clinton supporters) are angry with President Obama, partly because of his race.

The Clinton Presidential Bridge in downtown Little Rock. (Anirudh Bhattacharyya/HT Photo)

Barth concurred: It has been a time of rejection of the Obama administration. And Hillary Clinton is clearly now seen as part of the Obama White House as much as someone who has deep ties to the state.

Bill Vickery, a Republican strategist, argued an insert name here Republican candidate would defeat Hillary in the November election in Arkansas.

There are those that believe Hillary may still stand a chance. Among them is Sheila Bronfman. Anythings possible, she said. Forty-seven percent of the state is Democrat, you never know. A lot of people care about Hillary.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Police, using tear gas and water cannons, on Friday raided the headquarters of Turkeys largest-circulation newspaper, hours after a court placed it under the management of trustees.

The move against the paper, which is linked to an opposition cleric, heightened concerns over deteriorating press freedoms in the country.

Police dispersed protesters who had gathered outside of the opposition Zaman newspapers Istanbul headquarters before breaking down a gate and entering the building to escort the court-appointed managers and evict newspaper workers.

The court action against Zaman newspaper was brought by a public prosecutor and came amid an intensified government campaign against the moderate Islamic movement led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. It accuses the movement of attempting to bring down the government.

The move, which also affects Zamans sister newspaper, English-language Todays Zaman, and a news agency linked to the group, further reduces the pool of opposition television and newspapers in the country, which is dominated by pro-government television channels and newspapers.

Zaman editor-in-chief Abdulhamid Bilici addressed his colleagues on the grounds of the newspaper before police had stormed the building. He called the court decision a black day for democracy in Turkey as journalists and other newspaper workers held up signs that read: Dont touch my newspaper and chanted free press cannot be silenced!

Todays Zaman chief editor, Sevgi Akarcesme, broadcast the police raid on Periscope before police confiscated her phone.

A police officer grabbed my phone forcefully, she wrote on Twitter.

The court decision sparked international outrage.

I see this as an extremely serious interference with media freedom, which should have no place in a democratic society, said Nils Muiznieks, the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights. It is the latest in a string of unacceptable and undue restrictions of media freedom in Turkey.

A Zaman supporter holds the latest edition of Turkish daily newspaper Zaman with the headline 'Suspended the constitution' while another holds a placard reading "Zaman wont be silent" in front of the newspaper's headquarters in Istanbul. (AFP Photo)

Reporters without Borders issued a strongly-worded statement, accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of moving from authoritarianism to all-out despotism.

The US-based watchdog, Freedom House, called on the European Union and the United States to speak out against the move. The EU, in particular, has been accused of keeping mute about human rights abuses and the deteriorating freedoms in Turkey because of the countrys crucial role in curtailing the flow of migrants to Europe.

The appointment of trustees to run Zaman amounts to a government takeover of a private media outlet and is a flagrant violation of both rule of law and freedom of the press, said Daniel Calingaert, Freedoms House executive vice-president.

Gulen, who has lived in the United States since 1999, was once Erdogans ally but the two have fallen out.

The government accuses the Gulen movement of orchestrating corruption allegations in December 2013 against ministers and people close to Erdogan as a plot to overthrow it. Authorities have since branded the movement a terror organisation, although it is not known to have carried out acts of violence.

Gulen was placed on trial in absentia last year on charges of attempting to topple the government.

The government has cracked down on the movement since, purging civil servants suspected of ties to it, and businesses have been seized.

Earlier on Friday, police detained four senior officials of Boydak Holding company, which has ties to Gulen, over allegations that it provided financial support to the movement. The state-run Anadolu Agency says police in the central city of Kayseri detained Boydak Holdings chairman, chief executive officer and two board members.

In October, courts similarly placed four media organisations, owned by a company linked to Gulen under trusteeship, turning them into pro-government outlets.
China on Saturday set a lower growth target of at least 6.5% for the next five years, with Premier Li Keqiang warning of a tough battle ahead as the worlds second largest economy goes through structural changes and an inevitable slowdown.

Pushed down by falling demand for its goods globally and overcapacity in its manufacturing sector, Chinas growth at 6.9% in 2015 was its slowest in the past 25 years.

As he opened the National Peoples Congress (NPC) or the annual parliament, Li said the aim is to keep China growing at between 6.5% and 7% in the next five years and double its 2010 GDP and per capita personal income. The annual meeting sets the countrys political and economic agenda.

The larger the economy grows, the greater the difficulty of achieving growth, Li said. Our countrys development faces more and greater difficulties...so we must be prepared for a tough battle.

Read | Chinas defence budget to cross $150 bn, four times that of Indias

But the governments work report released at the inaugural session of the countrys top legislature did not fail to mention that Chinas growth rate was faster than that of most other major economies.

Despite slower growth, Li said, China still created 13.12 million new jobs and increased per capita disposable income by 7.4%.

At the session in the Great Hall of the People, Li also unveiled the draft of the 13th five year plan for economic and social development during 2016-20. The gross domestic product will exceed 92.7 trillion yuan ($14.2 trillion) in 2020, compared with 67.7 trillion yuan ($10.4 trillion) in 2015, the draft said.

To boost growth, China will implement an innovation-driven development strategy and promote science and technology innovation, mass innovation and entrepreneurship, with supporting reforms and policies, the work report said.

Li listed a package of pragmatic policies to address economic weakness, including tax cuts, a flexible monetary policy, cut of overcapacity, and business creativity.

He assured the Communist Party of Chinas top leadership, including President Xi Jinping and the 3000-odd NPC deputies, that the capacity glut in steel, coal and other heavy industries would be addressed.

Read | Chinas population to grow by 45 million in next five years

We will focus on addressing the overcapacity in the steel, coal and other industries facing difficultyWe will use economic, legal, technological, environmental, quality inspection and safety-related means to strictly control the expansion of production capacityand eliminate overcapacityWe will address the issue of zombie enterprises proactively yet prudently by mergers, reorganisations, he said.

Li said 100 billion Yuan will be mainly used to resettle employees laid-off from these enterprises.

China, according to Reuters, aims to lay off five to six million state workers over the next two to three years.

The government, Li indicated, was aware about the social unrest that tough economic decisions could trigger.

Warning of more and tougher problems and challenges this year, Li said China must be fully prepared to fight a difficult battle.

The parliament is perceived as a rubber stamp affair though the prime ministers speech provides insight into overall policy.
Several people joined a march in London on Saturday to seek justice for a woman allegedly murdered in 2009 by an Indian student, now based in Delhi, whose extradition to Britain is being sought for the past five years.

Labour MP Stella Creasy led the march as part of International Womens Day in Walthamstow, where between March and May 2009 three women were assaulted and raped. On May 30, 2009, Michelle Samaraweera, 35, was raped and murdered.

Creasy has written to Indian envoy Navtej Sarna and sought his intervention to expedite the case in Indian courts to extradite Aman Vyas, suspected by Scotland Yard to have been involved in a string of late-night attacks. He has been on bail since 2011.

People joining the march held placards seeking justice for Samaraweera. Messages from the deceaseds family were read out.

Londoners marched on Saturday seeking faster extradition of Aman Vyas, the suspected killer of Michelle Samaraweera. (Twitter)

The extradition is reported to have been delayed for several reasons, including counsel misplacing documents.

The Indian court hearing the case reportedly rejected an application by Vyas lawyers in 2012 to dismiss it. Creasy and Samarweeras family are disappointed the case has dragged on and that Vyas had not been brought to justice.

Vyas is also alleged to have raped two women aged 59 and 46, and attacked another woman in her thirties.

Creasy told The Times she was astounded it had taken so long to extradite a suspect in such serious cases. She said: Its worrying about whether they (the Indian authorities) are serious about dealing with this issue.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday said that an Indian national, a priest, Father Tom Uzhunnalil, has been abducted by terrorists in Yemen.

Swaraj said in a series of tweets that although the Indian Embassy in Yemen was shut down, the camp in Dijbouti is trying to ascertain the developments to find ways to secure his release.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil - an Indian national has been abducted by terrorists in Yemen./1  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 5, 2016

Meanwhile, the external affairs ministry clarified that only one Indian nurse, and not four, was killed in an attack in strife-torn Yemens Aden on Friday.

However, our Camp office in Djibouti is trying to ascertain the whereabouts of Father Tom Uzhunnalil so that we can secure his release./3  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 5, 2016

Earlier, Swaraj had tweeted that four Indian nurses were killed in the attack, asking all Indians living in danger zones to return home. She also said the nurses stayed back in Yemen, ignoring advisories by the government.

Sixteen people were killed in Aden when a group of terrorists stormed an elderly care home run by a Kolkata-based Missionaries of Charity, spraying bullets at residents. There are around 80 residents at the home.
Most employees are used to being routinely mocked by their bosses for not performing up to standards; not so the case in Italy.

Italian unions have lambasted the new museum chief of the world-famous Royal Palace of Caserta for working too hard, prompting Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to come to his defence.

Renzis government appointed Mauro Felicori five months ago to revive the fortunes of the spectacular, 1,200-room Baroque palace of the Bourbon kings, which like many of the countrys artistic and cultural treasures was suffering from decades of neglect and mismanagement.

Local unions however sent a letter to the culture minister, Felicoris boss, complaining that he works late into the evening without the rest of the personnel being informed.

Such behaviour puts the whole structure at risk, said the letter, published in Corriere della Sera daily on Saturday.

In a post on his Facebook page, Renzi said the accusation levelled at Felicori, a 63-year old expert in the management of cultural sites, was ridiculous.

The unions complaining about Felicori, who was chosen by the government after an international selection process, should realise that the tide has turned. The funs over, Renzi said.

The throne room of the Royal Palace of Caserta. The 18th Century building is a wonderful example of the Baroque style of architecture. (Photo Courtesy: Royal Palace of Casertas official website)

Visitors to the Caserta palace, a Unesco World Heritage site often referred to as Italys own Versailles, increased 70% in February from a year earlier, with revenues up 105%, he added.

The palace was constructed for the Bourbon kings of Naples, and is one of the largest buildings erected in Europe during the 18th century. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture.

The director is simply doing his job. And we all stand by him, without fear.

The national leader of Italys biggest labour group CGIL, Susanna Camusso, distanced herself from the complaints against Felicori.

Mistakes must be acknowledged and those unions are wrong, Camusso tweeted.
The Taliban said on Saturday it would not take part in peace talks brokered by a four-way group including representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and the United States.

The Taliban, ousted from power in a US-led military intervention in 2001, has been waging a violent insurgency to try to topple the Western-backed Afghan government and re-establish a fundamentalist Islamic regime.

Following a meeting of the so-called Quadrilateral Coordination Group made up of representatives of the four countries in Kabul in February, officials said they expected direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban to begin in early March.

But the Taliban, which calls itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, publicly denied they would be participating in any upcoming talks in Islamabad.

With the American troops remaining in the country conducting air strikes and special operations raids in support of the Kabul government, the Taliban would not participate in talks, the group said in a statement.

We reject all such rumors and unequivocally state that the leader of Islamic Emirate has not authorised anyone to participate in this meeting, the statement said.

(Islamic Emirate) once again reiterates that unless the occupation of Afghanistan is ended, black lists eliminated and innocent prisoners freed, such futile misleading negotiations will not bear any results.

Direct talks between Kabul and the Taliban have been on hold since last years announcement of the death of the movements founder and long-time leader Mullah Mohammed Omar some two years earlier.

New leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour has laid down preconditions for taking part in any talks as he struggles to overcome factional infighting, with some breakaway groups opposing any negotiations whatsoever.
UPDATED

The Chicago school districts announcement on Thursday that it was furloughing employees for three days in fiscal year 2016 was quickly followed by a response from the teachers union that the districts action all but assures a strike on April 1.

The latest volley came just days after the district took steps to lay off 62 employees, including 17 teachers , in a bid to cut another $85 million from the budget.

The districts current year budget had a gap that exceeded $400 million, which it had been counting on the state to help plug. But with financial assistance from Springfield looking less and less likely this fiscal year, school officials have been making a series of cuts.

In the midst of all of this financial uncertaintyand under the cloud of a possible state takeover of the nations third-largest school systemthe local union and the school district still have not reached an agreement to replace the labor contract that expired last June.

The furlough days will save about $30 million , the district said. The first of three furlough days will be in just a few weeks, March 25, which is Good Friday. Teachers are also expected to be furloughed on June 22, and June 23. Other district employees could be furloughed on April 21 and April 22.

Chicagos CEO Forrest Claypool blamed Gov. Bruce Rauners inaction for the districts latest cost-cutting decision.

After hearing from many principals that they were concerned about staff capacity on Good Friday, which normally falls during Spring Break, we determined the best course of action was a furlough day, combined with non-instructional year-end days. Claypool said in the district-issued press release. Its never easy to furlough employees, but our priority was to preserve instructional time for our students while preserving year-end cash and continuing to chip away at our budget gap.

The teachers union did not take kindly to the furloughs, which it said amounted to a pay cut. The boards action, according to the unions press release, all but assures that teachers will walk on April 1. The last teachers union strike in 2012the first in 25 yearsshuttered the school system for about seven days.

The boards action only strengthens our resolve to shut down the school district on April 1st, Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis said.

In January, the district made an offer to the union that it thought serious enough to consider. But the union rejected the districts proposal . That prompted the district to announce that it was ending the long-standing practice of picking up the union members pension contributions.

The union says changing that practice was the equivalent of slashing pay, and it is arguing that with the end of the pension pickup and the new furloughs, teachers have been subjected to an 8.6 percent pay cut.

The mayor is already seeking a 7 percent pay cut and todays directive adds another reduction in salary and benefits, Lewis said. They should have never extended the school year in the first place if they couldnt afford to do so.

In a union vote last December, eighty-five percent of eligible union members voted in favor of authorizing a strike.

[UPDATE (4:50 p.m.): At a press conference on Friday afternoon, Lewis said that April 1 will be a day of action for the union.

She described it as a showdown for a fair contract, progressive revenues for the schools, for students and parents, and for equitable school funding.

Lewis said the union had not yet decided what the day of action would entail, but that actions could range from a rally in downtown Chicago to a strike.

Shortly before the unions press conference on Friday, Chicago CEO Claypool said that the district will not yet end the practice of picking up the bulk of union members pension payments until fact-finding over the labor dispute is completed.
Police, using tear gas and water cannons, on Friday raided the headquarters of Turkeys largest-circulation newspaper, hours after a court placed it under the management of trustees. The move against the paper, which is linked to an opposition cleric, heightened concerns over deteriorating press freedoms in the country.

Police dispersed protesters who had gathered outside of the opposition Zaman newspapers Istanbul headquarters before breaking down a gate and entering the building to escort the court-appointed managers and evict newspaper workers.

The court action against Zaman newspaper was brought by a public prosecutor and came amid an intensified government campaign against the moderate Islamic movement led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. It accuses the movement of attempting to bring down the government.

The move, which also affects Zamans sister newspaper, English-language Todays Zaman, and a news agency linked to the group, further reduces the pool of opposition television and newspapers in the country, which is dominated by pro-government television channels and newspapers.

Zaman Editor-in-Chief Abdulhamid Bilici addressed his colleagues on the grounds of the newspaper before police had stormed the building. He called the court decision a black day for democracy in Turkey as journalists and other newspaper workers held up signs that read: Dont touch my newspaper and chanted free press cannot be silenced!

Todays Zaman chief editor, Sevgi Akarcesme, broadcast the police raid on Periscope before police confiscated her phone.

A police officer grabbed my phone forcefully, she wrote on Twitter.

The court decision sparked international outrage.

I see this as an extremely serious interference with media freedom which should have no place in a democratic society, said Nils Muiznieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. It is the latest in a string of unacceptable and undue restrictions of media freedom in Turkey.

Reporters without Borders issued a strongly-worded statement, accusing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of moving from authoritarianism to all-out despotism.

The US-based watchdog, Freedom House, called on the European Union and the United States to speak out against the move. The EU, in particular, has been accused of keeping mute about human rights abuses and the deteriorating freedoms in Turkey because of the countrys crucial role in curtailing the flow of migrants to Europe.

The appointment of trustees to run Zaman amounts to a government takeover of a private media outlet, and is a flagrant violation of both rule of law and freedom of the press, said Daniel Calingaert, Freedoms House executive vice president.

Gulen, who has lived in the United States since 1999, was once Erdogans ally but the two have fallen out.

The government accuses the Gulen movement of orchestrating corruption allegations in December 2013 against ministers and people close to Erdogan as a plot to overthrow it. Authorities have since branded the movement a terror organization, although it is not known to have carried out acts of violence.

Gulen was placed on trial in absentia last year on charges of attempting to topple the government.

The government has cracked down on the movement since, purging civil servants suspected of ties to it, and businesses have been seized.

Earlier on Friday, police detained four senior officials of Boydak Holding company, which has ties to Gulen, over allegations that it provided financial support to the movement. The state-run Anadolu Agency says police in the central city of Kayseri detained Boydak Holdings chairman, chief executive officer and two board members.

In October, courts similarly placed four media organizations, owned by a company linked to Gulen under trusteeship, turning them into pro-government outlets.
The budget for the worlds second largest military will grow at the slowest rate in six years, with the Chinese government on Saturday pegging the hike at 7.6% as it pushes a modernisation plan that will cut troop levels.

In real terms, the defence budget for 2016 will be 954.354 Yuan or about $147 billion, less than the expected $150 billion, largely because of the devaluation of the Chinese currency in the past one year. In 2015, the increase was 10.1%.

The finance ministry submitted the budget proposals to the National Peoples Congress (NPC) or annual parliament on Saturday, with the reduced hike in military spending said to be in line with Chinas economic slowdown.

We will support efforts to deepen the reform of national defence and the armed forces and strengthen the military in all respects so that its more revolutionary, modern and standardised. We will promote integrated development of the economy and national defence, the finance ministry said.

In his work report, Premier Li Keqiang said: We will strengthen in a coordinated way military preparedness in all fronts and for all scenarios and work meticulously to ensure combat readiness and border, coastal and air defence control.

Read | Chinas defence budget to cross $150 bn, four times that of Indias

President Xi Jinping announced in September that he would cut the strength of the armed forces by 300,000 personnel to make it leaner and more efficient. As the head of Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC), Xi is supervising an overhaul of the armed forces from a Soviet-style military to a more modern force.

Xis anti-corruption campaign has claimed several former senior officers across the military spectrum.

The state media was quick to support the military budget cut.

Read | China sets lower growth rate, Premier Li warns of tough battle ahead

For many Chinese, the first response was a bit of disappointment. But we believe the decision has its reasons. The Chinese economy has been under grave downward pressure. GDP growth was 6.9% last year, the lowest in years. It makes sense that the budget matches economic growth, the nationalistic Global Times newspaper said in an editorial.

The Chinese government does not want to irritate other countries and trigger an arms race. Domestically, the government does not want to make its people anxious, as if major military conflicts are pending, it added.
Key documents unveiled at the opening of Chinas annual parliament on Saturday spelt out the importance of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which occupies pride of place in President Xi Jinpings ambitious idea of placing his country at the epicentre of a connected world.

The government work report released by Premier Li Keqiang and a separate report from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) focussed on the central role of BRI in Chinas outlook in the coming years. Mention of BRI was placed under the category Opening Up.

The BRI, proposed by Xi in 2013, refers to the Silk Road Economic Belt which links China with Europe through central and western Asia, and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road connecting China with Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe.

We will promote domestic regional development and opening up and international cooperationto build overland economic corridors, maritime cooperation hubs and promote connectivity, economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchange, Li said in the work report.

The government, he said, will also promote the development of border economic cooperation zones and cross-border economic cooperation zones.

Work was coordinated to develop the China-Europe freight train routes along which 815 trips were made in 2015, taking the total number of trips to more than 1200, the NDRC said.

The reports did not mention how much money will be allocated to the BRI in coming years. But clearly finance will not be a problem as official news agency Xinhua reported on Thursday.

It is supported financially by the (China-initiated) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which has an authorised capital of $100 billion, and the $40-billion Silk Road Fund, the report said.

India continues to maintain diplomatic distance from the BRI, saying it will join the initiative where there is connectivity synergy.

Connectivity should diffuse national rivalries, not add to regional tensions, foreign secretary S Jaishankar said at a recent meet on geopolitics in New Delhi.
Half Moon Bay, CA (94019)

Today

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 55F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Low around 55F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Thank you! You've reported this item as a violation of our terms of use.

This content was contributed by a user of the site. If you believe this content may be in violation of the terms of use, you may report it.
A new study from University of Sheffield researchers sheds light on the racial bias in U.S. court sentencing decisions by revealing that petty criminals who are African American face an increased likelihood of being jailed compared to their white counterparts, as well as longer sentences for low severity crimes.

Todd Hartman and his team analyzed over 17,000 criminal sentencing decisions from South Carolina in order to explore if, when and how race affects this process.

The study tested the "liberation hypothesis," which focuses on the flexibility of judges when sentencing, with a particular focus on relevant case facts. This hypothesis states that when case facts are unambiguous, including serious crimes and repeat offenders, they have little choice in their choice of punishment. Conversely, in more ambiguous cases, they are "liberated" from the constraints of the system and have the ability to exercise their own judgment more freely.

In order to test this hypothesis, the team chose study data from South Carolina due to the state's lack of sentencing guidelines, giving decision-makers the maximum amount of flexibility in their sentencing decisions. The results showed that the "black penalty" varied, depending on the criminal history of the offender.

With regards to offenders with low levels of criminal history, African Americans were more likely to be jailed than white people. Furthermore, the likelihood of their incarceration increased by as much as 43 percent for those with no criminal history, whereas those with a moderate criminal history only faced a 10 percent likelihood. However, when offenders had long criminal records, the impact of race was effectively neutralized.

Interestingly, African American offenders that committed low severity crimes received sentences that were longer than white offenders, but those that committed high severity crimes received shorter sentences on average than white offenders.

"Much of the recent media focus in the U.S. has been on racial disparities in law enforcement, most notably with coverage of police shootings, excessive force, and unlawful deaths," Hartman said in a press release. "Of course, this is just part of the story, as contact with law enforcement is only the first stage of the criminal justice system."

"Whether intentional or not, the fact that race appears to influence incarceration and criminal sentencing decisions is troubling," he added. "It is particularly concerning that this pattern of disparity appears to be affecting African American offenders with limited criminal histories or for less severe crimes."

The findings were published in the Feb. 29 issue of the Journal of Quantitative Criminology.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The popular long-time theory of opposites attract has been proven to be a myth. A recent study conducted by a research team at Kansas University and Wellesley College has concluded that similar personalities are more likely to be attracted to one another than opposites.

The study was led by two professors, assistant professor of psychology at Wellesley College Angela Bahns, and a psychology professor at Kansas University, Chris Crandall. Within the study, researchers focused on college relationships.

"Early experiences in college are important for determining who our friends are," said Bahns.

The research team collected its data for the study by using a method known as "free range dyad harvesting." This method asks a pair of people specific questions regarding attributes such as values, attitude, prejudices, personality traits and behaviors.

"We were interested first in the question, 'Do people know that they share their attitudes with other people?' And in that question, we found was that it doesn't matter how much you talk about an attitude or belief, it does not affect how similar you are," said Crandall.

The result of this test was purposed to determine if the pairs who knew each other longer were more similar than a pair of people who knew each other for only a short amount of time. The conclusive results found was this this was not true.

The professors and their research teams then reduced their research to focus on the university as well as some smaller campuses in western and central Kansas. The conclusion to their research indicates that students who are part of a larger campus are more likely to be in contact with like-minded people than students from smaller campuses. This is due to the fact that people at larger campuses have more people to choose from.

Bahns continued to elaborate on one of the most surprising results discovered from their findings, which was that future partners already have similar personalities before they even begin interacting. If two people have similarities they are more likely to continue to interact with one another and build a foundational relationship.

The findings further demonstrate that like-minded partnerships are in fact part of our genetic makeup and that people in relationships do not change each other over time. On the contrary, the friendships compared to relationships differentiated. Friendships at smaller campuses were not always based on like-mindedness. While it is more complimentary to have friends with similarities, it is also essential to be in contact with people that challenge you as an individual and familiarize you with different beliefs and perspectives.

"You don't notice similarities, you only notice dissimilarities," said Crandall.

The study not only debunks the popular theory of opposites attract but it has major implications for how we understand the foundations of relationships.

"People are more similar than chance on almost anything we measure, and they are especially similar on the things that matter most to them personally," Bahns said.

"This is the largest field study friendships formation that I know of," said professor Wendy Berry Mendes, the Sarlo/Ekman Chair in the Study of Human Emotion at the University of California-San Francisco.

The findings have been published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

@ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The emergence of peer-to-peer platforms, collectively known as the "sharing economy", has enabled individuals to collaboratively make use of under-utilized inventory via fee-based sharing. Consumers have so far enthusiastically adopted the services offered by firms such as Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, and TaskRabbit. The rapid growth of peer-to-peer platforms has arguably been enabled by two key factors: technology innovations and supply-side flexibility. Technology innovations have streamlined the process of market entry for suppliers, have facilitated searchable listings for consumers, and have kept transaction overheads low. Supply-side flexibility is another hallmark of these platforms: Uber drivers can add or remove themselves from the available supply of drivers with a swipe on an app, and similarly other suppliers can readily list and de-list the selection of goods or services they have on offer.

In our work, we focus on the impacts that these peer-to-peer platforms have on incumbent firms, specifically focusing on the case of Airbnb, a provider of travel accommodation and a pioneer of the sharing economy. With Airbnb having served over 50 million guests since it was founded in 2008,1 and a market capitalization eclipsing $30 billion,2 we hypothesize that Airbnb has a measurable and quantifiable impact on hotel revenue in affected areas. Our hypothesis is that some stays with Airbnb serve as a substitute for certain hotel stays, thereby impacting hotel revenue, and that this impact is differentiated: by geographic region, by hotel market segment, and by season. Incumbent firms, despite both facing higher fixed costs and offering less personalized products than peer-to-peer platforms, have only recently started to take competition from platforms like Airbnb as a serious threat. For example, hotel executives have publicly issued largely dismissive statements regarding competitors like Airbnb, arguing that these peer-to-peer platforms are either a niche market or that they target complementary market segments from that targeted by hotel chains. Interestingly, Airbnb appears to also espouse this latter view: according to Airbnb, in many cities, over 70% of Airbnb properties are outside the main hotel districts, 3 suggesting complementarity of their offerings.

Read the full article at Boston University School of Hospitality Administration
The Baltimore school police officer put on leave this week after a cell phone video captured him slapping and kicking a teen outside of a school was fired from a previous job in law enforcement and has had a protective order issued against him, the Baltimore Sun reports .

The officer, along with another school officer seen in the video, and the Baltimore School Police Chief Marshall Goodwin are all on leave pending the results of internal and criminal investigations , the district announced Wednesday, the day after the video first appeared on Facebook. The video shows the officer, who is black, kicking, slapping, and cursing at a 16-year-old black boy outside of REACH Partnership School in East Baltimore Tuesday. An attorney for the boy says he is a student at the school.

Baltimore schools have not named the officer, but the Sun identified him as Anthony C. Spence. From the paper:

Spence was one of two Baltimore sheriff's deputies who were fired in 2003 after a wrongful Taser attack that sparked outrage in the Hispanic community, according to reports in The Baltimore Sun at the time. The deputies mistook a Salvadoran construction worker for a bank robber and arrested him during lunchtime in Lexington Market. A third officer shot the construction worker twice with the Taser, injuring him. Spence said at the time he was fired unfairly. In 2011, Spence's girlfriend, who also was a school police officer, got a protective order against him. According to her account in court records, Spence struck her in the face after an argument outside a Charles Street hair salon. The girlfriend said he tried to prevent her from driving away, and that she grabbed her police radio and called for assistance from school police officers ... The girlfriend got a restraining order requiring Spence to move out of their house and to stay away from her. Nine days later, in late December 2011, she asked that the restraining order be removed."

Civil rights organizations, including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, have said the incident in the video is not isolated but part of a larger pattern of brutality against students of color by school-based law enforcement officers.

Local leaders, including mayoral candidate and Black Lives Matter activist DeRay McKesson, have called for the officer to be fired.

Im calling on Baltimore City School Police to fire the officer who assaulted a student yesterday. Sign the petition //t.co/g9k4WLF8wM -- deray mckesson (@deray) March 2, 2016

And State Sen. Bill Ferguson, a Democrat, has suggested Superintendent Gregory Thornton should be fired after school officials could not initially determine whether the teen in the video is a student. On Friday, they said he is believed to be a student on the schools roster, the Sun reports.

The @BaltCitySchools CEO should resign today. Its unacceptable to lie to public about enrollment status to mitigate school police action. -- Bill Ferguson (@SenBillFerg) March 4, 2016

Related reading:

Follow @evieblad on Twitter or subscribe to Rules for Engagement to get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox.
Kanye West was back at with the twitter fingers Friday night, but this time he wasnt ranting or causing drama. Instead, the G.O.O.D. Music leader gave fans something look forward to other than his upcoming Turbo Graphx16 album when he announced that hed be producing on Nas next album, or least at thats what he promised President Obama anyways.

The tweet surfaces just hours after Ye & Nas linked up in the sandy desert of Mojave, California to shoot the music video for French Montanas Wave Gods collab Figure It Out. (see photos here) So they had just spent the entire afternoon together.

Ye followed up the promise, by adding that we need to bring Max B, Lord (Timothy Ballard) and Barkim back home @nas @FrenchMontana #Harlem #QB in a tweet. Ironically, it was just a couple weeks ago when French revealed that Kanye didnt even know who Max B was originally, but I guess things have changed.

As for when that Nas album could be coming? Thats anyone guess, but its anticipation just got that much bigger. Check out Kanyes tweets below.

kanye x Nas
When Tommy Tiernan held court in the Hot Press Chat Room at Electric Picnic recently, he had no idea the kind of shit storm that would unfold. During what was in effect a spontaneous, unscripted live performance  not unlike an appearance on The Late Late Show that also sparked controversy  he told a story about a couple of Jews who reproached him after a performance in New York. The result? He has been accused of anti-semitism and widely vilified. But those who know Tiernan are quite clear that the accusations are completely wrong. So  in order to allow people to judge for themselves  here is the full text of the Chat Room interview.

The unfortunately acronymed Thomas William Anthony Tiernan  or TWAT, as his wife Yvonne jokingly informs me!  needs no introduction in these pages. Nor in muddy Stradbally. This article can only be read with a Premium Account Please Log In or Subscribe to continue reading
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.
This week, the U.S. Department of Education released a proposal that it believes will provide a clearer picture of whether school districts are overenrolling minority students in special education .

Equity in education has been a top priority for the Obama administration, and acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. helped unveil the proposal a week ago.

The data weve seen makes it very clear that we, as a country, are not living up to the intent of the law, said King. The Obama Administrations My Brothers Keeper initiative has identified equity for students with disabilities as a key priority.

The proposal involves tightening up policies on how states can calculate whats known as disproportionality, while loosening up some current restrictions on just how to address the problem. But itll come to no surprise to anyone who follows special education that the topic is complicated, so Ill help you cut through the fog.

OK, so just what is disproportionality?

Are minorities or English-language learners being inappropriately identified for special education services, suspended or expelled more than other students with disabilities, or shifted inappropriately into settings other than general education classrooms, such as alternative schools or resource rooms? If so, those are examples of disproportionality.

When did disproportionality become a part of special education law?

The 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act first touched on the subject, giving states the authority to look into the problem and ask districts to adjust policies if necessary. But it was the 2004 reauthorization of the lawwhich is still in placethat gave this provision more teeth.

What did the 2004 IDEA reauthorization do to address disproportionality?

Congress was clearly concerned about what it still saw as too many minorities in special education. So, it changed the law to say that if states found that some of their districts had significant disproportionality, those districts would be required to spend 15 percent of their federal special education money on coordinated, early intervening services.

Under current regulations, that money is not to be used for students already identified as having disabilities, which seems illogical. But current guidance to the states says that the money is for students who are not currently identified as needing special education or related services, but who need additional academic and behavioral support to succeed in a general education environment. The money can be spent at any grade, but the Education Department wants states to focus on kindergarten through 3rd grades.

Districts found to have overrepresentation that does not rise to the level of significant are also allowed to use part of their federal special education money for early-intervention services. They dont have to, though.

Who determines what significant disproportionality is, and how?

States make that determination. To understand how they figure it out is, well, math-y.

Wait, no one told me there would be math!

Im sorry. Ill try to keep this simple, and Ill borrow heavily from the Education Departments own examples to help.

Okay, lets go.

Currently, about half of all states use whats called a standard risk ratio to figure out if minority students or English-language learners are overrepresented in certain areas.

The department offers this example: If a district serves 100 black children, and 15 of them are in special education, a black students likelihood, or risk, of being identified as a student with a disability is 15 percent. (This same type of calculation could be used for discipline, or for placement in restrictive settings.)

To come up with a risk ratio, you divide the risk to the black students by the risk that a nonblack student in a district has of being identified as a student with a disability.

A risk ratio of 1.0, for example, means that theres no overidentification in this district. A risk factor of 2.0 would show that black students are twice as likely as nonblack students to be enrolled in special education.

So how might this work in a school district?

This example also comes from the Education Department. Lets imagine the Appletree district, which serves 5,000 children, 1,000 of whom are African-American. In Appletree, 450 students are in special education, and 150 of those students are black.

Under this example, the risk of any black student in Appletree being enrolled in special education is 15 percent. Thats 150 black children with disabilities divided by 1,000 black children in the district.

By contrast, the risk of any nonblack student in Appletree being enrolled in special education is 7.5 percent. That figure comes from dividing 300 nonblack students with disabilities by 4,000 nonblack students in the district.

So, in this case, the risk ratio to black students for special education identification in Appletree is 2.0. That ratio comes from dividing the 15 percent risk to black students by the 7.5 percent risk for nonblack students.

Whew!

I know. And thats just a start. It gets more complex in districts that have more than just black and white students, of course. And then there are weighted risk ratios. About 25 states use that method, which is intended to adjust for differences in district-level demographics by incorporating some state demographics to help standardize the calculation.

But rather than going too deep into the weeds on that one, Ill direct you back to the Education Departments recent proposed rule . That document offers several examples of exactly how states are currently developing risk ratios. Many states, for example, require a district to have some minimum number of minorities before it is even evaluated for overrepresentation. States may also look at multiple years of data in making their evaluations.

So how many districts have been found to have significant disproportionality?

Not many. And thats a problem, at least from the perspective of the Education Department. Back in 2013, a report from the Government Accountability Office found that only about 2 percent of the nations school districts were flagged for having an overrepresentation of minorities in special education. In the 2010-11 school year, the report said, 356 of about 13,000 school districts nationwide were required to provide extra services to students because of overidentification. Half of those districts were clustered in five states; 73 districts were in Louisiana alone.

The Education Department provided slightly more up-to-date numbers in the background information that accompanied the proposed rule. During the 2012-13 school year, about 3 percent of the nations school districts were flagged for overrepresentation, it says. About three-quarters of those districts were in just seven states (with Louisiana still in the lead).

Hmm.

Right. No matter how states were choosing to calculate risk ratios, it just so happened that very few districts met the significant disproportionality threshold. The GAO report concluded that if the Education Department really wants more districts to use federal money for early intervention, it needs to come up with some standard calculation that all states would have to useand that would pull in more districts.

So is that whats this new rule about?

Yes. The department says that it has collected information from other sources, such as the data collection overseen by its office for civil rights, and that data shows widespread racial disparities in identification, placement and discipline . The proposed rule sets out some standard methods that would exclude fewer districts from evaluation. But the states would still be allowed some flexibility. Again, the proposed rule goes into the excruciating detail.

The new rule would also allow the 15 percent set-aside to be used for special education students as well as general education students. And, it could be used for children as young as age 3.

Even though the calculation would be standardized states, still retain the authority to determine just what risk ratio is significant. That threshold has to be reasonable, however, and the department says states will be subject to monitoring and potentially enforcement actions.

The Education Department has released an analysis that offers a big hint about what it thinks would be reasonable risk ratios . For example, identifying minority students with emotional disturbance at three times the rate of nonminority students over three years would the disproportionality threshold. States dont have to use the Education Departments examples, but if all of them chose to do so, about 8,100 school districtsclose to half of the nations districtswould have significant disproportionality in at least one monitored area.

How much will all this cost?

Its not free. The department estimates that the total cost of the new regulations over 10 years would be between $48 million and $87 million. Over that time period, the department also estimates that between $300 million and $553 million in federal dollars would be transferred to early-intervention programs that would be used for students both with and without disabilities.

Whats been the response?

Quiet so far. Back in 2014, the Education Department asked for comments about creating a standard rule. Largely, advocacy organizations thought it was a great idea, and states werent thrilled by the prospect , saying that theyre all so different from one another that a standard approach cant work. However, there have been no public comments from the states yet on the new proposal from the Education Department.

Advocacy groups, such as the Council for Parent Attorneys and Advocates, wasted no time in applauding the move. All too often, COPAA said, special education designation has been used to reduce expectations, place students in separate classrooms, and suspend and expel minority students freely. The proposal would help fix those problems, the group believes.

Could minority underrepresentation be a problem in special education, too?

Thats a very interesting question. Youll note that all of this assumes that everyone agrees that largely, there are too many minority children in special education. Theres a large body of research that demonstrates that black children, in particular, have twice or sometimes three times the risk of being enrolled in special education compared to their nonblack peers. In 2002, the National Research Council delved deeply into this issue, eventually producing a book called Minority Students in Special and Gifted Education . I am linking to the executive summary, but the entire 484-page report can be accessed through that link.

However, in 2015 new research suggested that when it comes to identifying children for special education, the real problem for minority students is underrepresentation. In other words, this research shows that its less likely for minority students to be identified for special education services compared to their white peers , after controlling for factors that might be related to academics or behavior, such as low birthweight and household income. Just looking at numbers and calculating ratios without controlling for other factors leads to the wrong conclusion, the paper asserted.

The study challenged decades of work in special education , and drew fire from others who have studied minority overrepresentation. They say that the researchers overstated their conclusionswhile underrepresentation could be a problem in some situations, overrepresentation is more prevalent, particularly in areas relating to suspensions, expulsions, and removal from the general education classroom. In its proposed rule, the Education Department says it wants to hear from the public on strategies to prevent underidentification.

So whats next?

Commenters have until May 16. The department will incorporate those responses into a final rule, to be published at a later date.
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.
Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 16-03-04 Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/> TURKISH CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW No. 43/16 04.03.2016 [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] Akinci describes the current negotiating process as the "last chance for federation" [02] Ak?nc? met with Turkey's Minister Isik [03] Tusk discussed the Cyprus problem with Davutoglu [04] Kalyoncu evaluated the water agreement [05] Turkish Minister said that third countries asked them for water [06] Ozyigit condemned the so-called government for the signing of the water agreement [07] The land on which a university in occupied Morfou area will be built allegedly belongs to the self-styled minister of education or his family [08] Angolemli and Durust talked about Morfou's return at the "assembly" [09] Applications for the establishment of more "universities" in the occupation regime are waiting for "YODAK's permission"; statements by Durust [10] Dincyurek resigned from DP; Serdar Denktas preferred not to comment the resignation [11] Havadis media Group and Phileleftheros Media Group launched cooperation [12] Tacoy: "State policy cannot be conducted only with Bayrak" [13] CHP to sue the AKP government for "aiding terrorism" [14] Berkin Elvan's murderer identified almost three years after shooting [15] Columnist assesses the situation in Turkey regarding the change of political system [A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS [01] Akinci describes the current negotiating process as the "last chance for federation" Under the title "The last chance for federation", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (04.03.16) reports that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci has argued that if the Cyprus problem is not solved in the current negotiating process, "this will not only be the last experiment of our generation, but it could be assessed as the last experiment for the federal system". In a joint interview with reporters of Havadis and Phileleftheros / Cyprus Weekly newspapers, Akinci said that the negotiations for establishing a federation have lasted for a long time and added that with President Anastasiades they share the view that if they could not find a federal solution, the next generations "will put the emphasis on other solution models". Akinci said that a solution in 2016 is possible and added that President Anastasiades also shares this view. Noting that a will for a solution is now existing at the table, Akinci reiterated his belief that "we do not need years for finding a solution in Cyprus". Arguing that we are passing through a sensitive period now because of the parliamentary elections to be held in May in the government-controlled area of the Republic of Cyprus, Akinci said that after May "speedy developments are possible". "Until then we will try to achieve more progress on the four chapters on which we made progress until now", he said, adding that progress has been achieved on the chapters of Governance and Power Sharing, the EU, Economy and Property. He noted that in the above chapters there are also issues that remain open and they will try to reduce their number as much as possible. Asked what is expected in the next stage, Akinci replied: "I am suggesting the discussion of the Territory and the Security/ Guarantees in a different format where the map, the percentages and the names of the places will be discussed. No concrete decision has been taken yet on these issues. However, on the territory issue we do not want a situation like now to go, talk, to come back, to go back in ten days, and meanwhile these issues to become front-page news in the papers. [?] We want to discuss the territory in a continuous process. And right after the territory we want to complete the Security and the Guarantees with the participation of the guarantors". Replying to a question on the confidence building measures, Akinci argued that the Turkish Cypriot side has done whatever it promised, but the Greek Cypriot side says that a law is an obstacle on the connection of the cell phones networks. He argued that if the obstacle was in the "laws" of the breakaway regime he would meet with the parties and overcome the problem. Asked about the other factors which make the solution possible, Akinci said that the most important issue is energy and reiterated the view that the energy resources in the Eastern Mediterranean will either be turned into a field of cooperation or into a means of conflict. He argued that the most "simple, quick and cheap" route for transferring energy from Israel through Cyprus to Europe is Turkey. Referring to the water which was transferred from Turkey to the occupied area of the island, Akinci said: "Water came from Turkey here. This water came with a new technology. This is an important project. Currently 75 million cubic meters will come. In the future, when Cyprus is united, it is possible to create the capacity for the whole of Cyprus to benefit with this technology. Therefore, this is a factor as well, the electricity-water-natural gas and the mutual dependence which they will create, the dependence in a positive direction. It is a dependence which will create possibilities for cooperation. And the last factor is the following: The international community is really supporting this solution. Turkey, Greece, the UN and the EU need such an example. [?]" (I/Ts.) [02] Ak?nc? met with Turkey's Minister Isik According to illegal Bayrak television (03.03.16) the Turkish Minister for Science, Industry and Technology Fikri Is?k who is illegally visiting the "TRNC" to attend the "1st Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME) Summit for the TRNC", met with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci. Speaking during the visit, Is?k expressed support to Ak?nc? at the negotiations process, stating the following: "We are closely following and supporting president Ak?nc?'s works towards a just and comprehensive solution on the island. Hopefully, we will reach a lasting solution as a result of the negotiations. But, Turkey will continue to stand by the TRNC under any circumstances". For his part, Ak?nc? said that the support expressed by Is?k on the Cyprus issue was very important. "All our efforts are aimed towards creating a bi-zonal, bi-communal atmosphere in Cyprus. We are working towards reaching a just and lasting solution which will not make our people suffer again and which will not harm our equality, security and freedom. Turkey's support on this is so important for us and we will continue to work with good will in order to achieve this goal", Akinci said. "I hope 2016 will be a year which a new political climate will be created and instead of regional conflicts regional cooperation will be on the agenda. We should continue working in order to be prepared for the future", added Akinci. [03] Tusk discussed the Cyprus problem with Davutoglu Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.03.16) reports that European Council President Donald Tusk who is currently in Ankara for talks on the refugee action plan, held a face to face meeting with Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. Speaking at a joint press conference with Davutoglu, Tusk said that among the matters discussed during the meeting was also the Cyprus problem. Tusk expressed the view that a solution on the Cyprus problem that will be on the benefit of both sides in the island is very important for the security and the stability of the region. (AK) [04] Kalyoncu evaluated the water agreement According to illegal Bayrak television (04.03.16) the so-called prime minister Omer Kalyoncu evaluated his Ankara contacts and the water agreement signed with Turkey to the illegal BRT and TAK news agency. Kalyoncu announced that the management of the water will be the responsibility of the "TRNC". Describing the water agreement signed with Turkey as satisfactory for both "countries", he said that "as a result of uphill struggles we managed to make changes in line with the expectations of our people and obtained gains on the control and management of the water". Kalyoncu also provided information about the changes made on 13 articles of the agreement as a result of long negotiations with Turkey. Stressing that the water project should be used in the direction of peace and convergences, Kalyoncu expressed the hope that the water will open a new era in relations between the two "countries" and bring peace, stability and mutual benefit. "We need a positive relationship with Turkey during a time when our government is preparing for new investments and for the implementation of many reforms and projects" Kalyoncu added. "A bright future and establishment of a federal Cyprus in equality and peace will depend on these good relations" he stated. Evaluating also the economic protocol to be signed with Turkey, he said the final technical arrangements in the protocol were made during his visit in Ankara. [05] Turkish Minister said that third countries asked them for water Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.03.16) reports that the Turkish Forest and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroglu evaluated the water project and stated: "This glory is ours". Eroglu, who was speaking at the Turkish Assembly, about his Ministry's annual budget, went on and added that this is the first time that such a project took place and said that the water transferred will meet the needs of the population in the occupied area of Cyprus for the next fifty years. He also stated that other countries which saw the success of the project started asking for water from Turkey as well. (CS) [06] Ozyigit condemned the so-called government for the signing of the water agreement Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam newspaper (04.03.16) reports on statements by Cemal Ozyigit, leader of the Social Democracy Party (TDP) who in a written statement yesterday, condemned the so-called government for the signing of the water agreement with Turkey and said that the "agreement concerning the management and water supply" envisages articles which enable a private company to administrate the water. Accusing the "government" for the signing of the agreement, Ozyigit said that together with the "economic protocol", the privatization of "electricity, telecommunication and ports" will come into the agenda. "In what way those who approved the privatization of the water, will oppose to the privatization of KIB-TEK, the Telecommunication department and all the other institutions in the country", wondered Ozygit. (AK) [07] The land on which a university in occupied Morfou area will be built allegedly belongs to the self-styled minister of education or his family Under the title "Is this allegation true", columnist Mert Ozdag reports the following in Turkish Cypriot daily Yeni Duzen newspaper (04.03.16): "There are very serious allegations regarding the land on which it is said that the Turkish Nisantasi University will be built in Morfou. What it is mostly said is that the land, on which the university buildings will be constructed, belongs to education minister Durust or his family. In other words, according to the allegations, the minister of education has sold land to the aforementioned university. Of course, the duty of confirming such information belongs to the competent authorities, but if it is true, this is not good. Because, how come the minister of education sells his own land to a university to which he gave a permit? Perhaps there is an illegal situation. However, in your view, is such an alleged sale procedure ethical? In my view it is not. I hope it is not true and I hope it is a lie. We will see". (I/Ts.) [08] Angolemli and Durust talked about Morfou's return at the "assembly" Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.03.16) reports that a discussion about occupied Morfou took place at the "assembly" between Huseyin Angolemli "deputy" with the Socialist Democracy Party (TDP) and "minister of education" Kemal Durust. Angolemli criticized the recent statements of Durust about Morfou saying that statements like "we are not giving Morfou back, or we are giving it back" at a time when the Cyprus negotiations are taking place are very wrong and they put a burden on the Turkish Cypriot side. Replying to Angolemli's comments, Durust stated that the stance of the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci does not concern him and added that the fact that the area needs investments is a reality. He went on to add that he tries to reply to questions and problems occurring in the area and while doing so he does not have in mind whether Morfou will be given back to the Greek Cypriots or not. Angolemli took again the floor after Durust's statements and said that even the Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called on the Turkish Cypriots "Not to give Morfou back". "But he did not say; you shall not give Morfou", Angolemli noted. He went on and wondered why after all these years a new university is to be constructed in the area now. (CS) [09] Applications for the establishment of more "universities" in the occupation regime are waiting for "YODAK's permission"; statements by Durust Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (04.03.16) reports that the so-called minister of education Kemal Durust, in statements during the meeting of the so-called assembly, said that 5-6 applications were sent to the so-called Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council ("YODAK") for permission for the establishment of new "universities" in the "TRNC". Commenting on this, Durust said that the "authority" for "giving permission" for the establishment of a "university" should be given to the "parliament". He added that since there are already 12 "universities" in the "country", it would be better instead of increasing the number of the "universities", to increase the quality of education that the existing ones provide. (AK) [10] Dincyurek resigned from DP; Serdar Denktas preferred not to comment the resignation According to Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris (04.03.16), Hakan Dincyurek, so-called deputy with the Democratic Party- National Forces (DP-UG) has resigned from his post. . Dincyurek's official letter regarding his resignation was read out during the plenary session of the so-called parliament. Dincyurek will continue as an independent "deputy" at the so-called parliament. Speaking to the paper about Dincyurek's resignation, Serdar Denktas, chairman of DP-UG stated that he preferred not to comment on this. He said that he does not know the reason of this resignation and added that it would be better to ask Dincyurek for this. The number of seats at the so-called parliament after Dincyurek's resignation has been formed as follows: -Republican Turkish Party (CTP): 21 -National Unity Party (UBP): 18 -Democratic Party-National Forces (DP-UG): 7 -Social Democracy Party (TDP): 3 -Independent: 1 [11] Havadis media Group and Phileleftheros Media Group launched cooperation Under the title "Havadis and Phileleftheros hand in hand for Cyprus", Turkish Cypriot daily Havadis newspaper (04.03.16) reports that within the framework of a strategic cooperation between Havadis Media Group and Greek Cypriot Phileleftheros Group, as of today the Cyprus Weekly newspaper and the in-cyprus.com news portal in English are uniting their power to cover developments happening in the whole of Cyprus seeing the island as a one single country. The paper writes that the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mustafa Akinci has described this cooperation as "a historic step for correct communication". In his message President Anastasiades applauded this cooperation, noting after the lack of communication and the decades of division, there are still serious problems in the two communities understanding each other. (I/Ts.) [12] Tacoy: "State policy cannot be conducted only with Bayrak" Turkish Cypriot daily Star Kibris newspaper (04.03.16) reports that Hasan Tacoy, the secretary general of the Democratic Party (DP) said that "state policy cannot be conducted only with Bayrak" but the help of private channels is also needed. Tacoy stated that private channels in the breakaway regime face various problems mainly due to "unjust competition". As he said, the Turkish channels that broadcast in the occupied area of Cyprus are more influential and have a bigger audience therefore get more commercials than the Turkish Cypriot ones. He went on and noted that the "state policy" should not be left only to Bayrak since all the private channels can be very helpful towards this direction and called the "state financial aid" to be increased. On the contrary he said the aid is to be cut after June and this leaves the private channels to survive only by their own means, which will be impossible under the current circumstances. (CS) [13] CHP to sue the AKP government for "aiding terrorism" Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (04.03.16) reports that Kemal K?l?cdaroglu, the leader of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), will sue the government for supporting terrorism. "This government and its predecessors have been the ones which support and abet terrorist organizations", said Kilicdaroglu and added that their provincial heads of the party will take necessary steps in the following days". Describing the support a legitimate government gives to an outlawed terrorist organization as a crime, K?l?cdaroglu implicitly said that his party would file a criminal complaint against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). "A legitimate government cannot support nor abet an illegitimate terrorist organization. This is a crime. However, this crime has been committed in Turkey and is still being committed," Kilicdaroglu also said, adding that there was no terrorism when the AKP came to power in 2002. "Turkey is now a lake of blood today. They ordered governors, 'Do not touch terrorists.' They made the east and the south east warehouses of weapons. We hear news of soldiers' deaths every day," he said and added that Turkey is one step away from catastrophe. [14] Berkin Elvan's murderer identified almost three years after shooting Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (03.03.16) reported that a legal investigation has revealed the identity of the police officer who shot the youngest victim of the Gezi Park protests, 15-year-old Berkin Elvan, almost three years after a tear gas canister that fatally injured Elvan was fired on June 2013. A report by daily Milliyet said that the police officer who caused Elvan's death has finally been identified, almost two years after the teenager succumbed to his wounds following a 269-day coma on March 11, 2014. Camera footage from the incident displayed two police officers shooting tear gas at the spot where Elvan, then 14, sustained his wounds. The footage was retrieved from the camera of a riot control vehicle with water cannon, popularly known as a TOMA, and was sent to the gendarmerie criminal laboratory for investigation. An expert report identified a police officer and a police superintendent as suspects, but it was later determined that only the police officer's position matched the direction from where Elvan was shot. According to reports, the Istanbul Public Prosecutor's Office has since been searching for the suspect and finally identified the officer ? some two years after the footage was retrieved. The officer was transferred to a different province and will testify in the coming days, daily Milliyet reported. [15] Columnist assesses the situation in Turkey regarding the change of political system In a commentary entitle: "Will the AK Party be able to change the Constitution?", columnist Ismet Berkan in Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News (04.03.16) writes the following: "We have reached the stage where Turkey no longer has a Constitutional Conciliation Commission. Indeed, it was never a very realistic prospect in the first place. A minimum of 367 votes are required to change the Constitution in a vote in Parliament; 330 votes are required to hold a referendum. Anything below that has no meaning. The biggest party in Parliament, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), does not have 330 votes. What's more, in a secret vote there is no guarantee that all 316 votes of the AK Party will be positive. The Parliament Speaker cannot vote either. Even if all ruling party Deputies were convinced and voted as a bloc, they would need at least 14 outside votes. Could these votes be found? Of course they could; this is what conciliation means. The three other parties in Parliament could reconcile with the AK Party on several constitutional articles. But a political system change is not among these articles. The fact that there is no climate of reconciliation for a constitutional change introducing the presidential system does not seem to have led the AK Party to postpone its plans. In the coming period, we should expect the party to form its own commission and write a Constitution that includes the presidential system. AK Party officials will likely visit other parties and look for reconciliation only after the drafting of this text is completed. What will happen if no agreement can be reached and the AK Party's constitutional proposal does not receive 330 votes in Parliament? At this point, there is a strong opinion among many that early elections will be called, in order for the AK Party to reach 330 Deputies to take a constitutional change to a referendum. This opinion is thought to be supported by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and several AK Party members. This desire for an early election is based on the calculation that the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) may not be able to cross the election threshold and the AK Party would receive more than 50% of the votes. Whenever this is openly suggested it is immediately denied: First Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu denied it and then Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kal?n. It would truly be a weird and extraordinary development for a country to hold elections once again after holding two consecutive elections in the previous year. But this is Turkey. Holding two elections last year was extraordinary enough in itself. Indeed, for an opposition that opened the way for President Erdogan and the AK Party to hold a second election last year, a similar performance would not be extraordinary. Unfortunately, at this moment politics and political struggles in Turkey are only being conducted within the AK Party - covertly and shyly. Although it is not reflected much on the outside, inside the AK Party there are those who automatically support President Erdogan's desired presidential system and there are those who hesitate to support it. We are all watching this political struggle from the outside. That "outside" includes the opposition parties. Probably the opposition is just waiting for the debate in the AK Party to settle and for clarity to arise. They also waited just like this after the June 7 election last year, and we know what happened next". TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio (AK/AM) Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-03-04 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/> CONTENTS [01] Greece's political leaders conclude meeting on refugee/migration crisis [02] PM Tsipras to Bild: There are 30,000 refugees in Greece; we can accept another 20,000 [03] Refugee crisis 'neither Greek nor Turkish,' Kotzias and Cavusoglu agree in Athens [01] Greece's political leaders conclude meeting on refugee/migration crisis Greece's political party leaders concluded a meeting on the refugee and migration crisis late on Friday. A joint statement issued after the leaders' council, chaired by Hellenic Republic President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, was backed by all the parties except the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Union of Centrists. Government sources said there had been full agreement with the government's positions and plan for the refugee and migration crisis at the meeting. They attributed the delay in drafting the joint statement to the PASOK leader Fofi Gennimata's insistence that it include a reference reflecting her view that this could only be achieved by a national consensus government of all pro-European forces. According to the same sources, this was opposed by the other political leaders, who refused to sign if this was included. Main opposition New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the meeting had resulted in a "minimum acceptable framework" on what Greece will strive to achieve at the EU-Turkey summit on Monday but also expressed "reservations" about the government's ability to handle the crisis. He said ND had strongly criticised the government's strategy on this issue up to this point while adding that, "albeit with some delay, it is finally adjusting its strategy to realism". In statements as he left the meeting, Potami party leader Stavros Theodorakis said the political leaders had agreed on the need for solidarity with the refugees but also that irregular migrants must return home and that the security of the Greek islands must be protected. He said that the prime minister did not receive the opposition's backing for use of Greece's veto but also that he did not want to use it. KKE's leader Dimitris Koutsoumbas had walked out of the meeting early, while Union of Centrists' leader Vassilis Leventis finally refused to back the joint statement, calling the meeting a "fiasco". [02] PM Tsipras to Bild: There are 30,000 refugees in Greece; we can accept another 20,000 BERLIN (ANA-MPA/F. Karaviti) - Countries that violate agreements of the European Union and close their borders are "destroying Europe", Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in an interview with German newspaper Bild published on Friday, adding that there are 30,000 refugees in the country. In the interview titled "Tsipras condemns the closing of the borders", the prime minister asked for a fair distribution of refugees saying that Greece has fulfilled more than 100 pct of its obligations. He also said the situation is difficult but not out of control and that the country can handle another 30,000. "We cannot become a warehouse of souls who don't want to be here," he was quoted as saying, adding that he believed Europe will not abandon Greece because it is defending its fundamental principles. "That which some countries have agreed and decided to do, which is contrary to all the rules, all over Europe, we consider it as a non-friendly action! You cannot agree one thing at a European Union summit and afterwards for some to meet and just decide to close the border. These countries are destroying Europe!" he said, stressing that he considers the refugee crisis as an "existential crisis" for the EU. [03] Refugee crisis 'neither Greek nor Turkish,' Kotzias and Cavusoglu agree in Athens The refugee and migrant crisis is a global problem that concerns all of Europe, not just Greece or Turkey, Greece's Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias said on Friday in joint statements with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, following their meeting in Athens. "We agreed that the refugee issue is not a Greek or Turkish issue, nor can it be confined to relations between Greece and Turkey," Kotzias said. The Greek minister said that they had also discussed the agreement for NATO's involvement in tackling the refugee and migrant issue. Kotzias said that Greece was in favour of building up relations with Turkey "often through difficulties," on the basis of good neighbourship and international law. To the degree that they were able to resolve these problems, Greece and Turkey could be a powerful stabilising factor in the region, he added. The Greek minister also repeated Greece's desire for a solution to the Cyprus problem that reflects the hopes, longings and prospects of the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities, noting that such a solution would also help improve relations between Greece and Turkey. Cavusoglu agreed that the migration crisis was "neither Turkish nor Greek," adding that ways must be found to handle the massive flows and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Both ministers agreed that the solution was to strike the problem at its root by stopping the warn in Syria and the problems in Iraq and Libya. Cavusoglu also noted that Greece and Turkey needed to further develop the existing cooperation framework relating to rescue operations, in order to make it more effective, and pointed to recent changes in Turkish law concerning readmission agreements, saying that 99 pct of the 800 readmission agreements submitted by Greece had been approved. In talks involving delegations, the two sides also examined bilateral agreements designed to encourage investments in both countries, ahead of the high-level Greek-Turkish cooperation council in Izmir next Tuesday. They especially referred to plans for a high-speed rail link between Istanbul, Thessaloniki and the Greek port city of Igoumenitsa, ferry links with Izmir and planned gas pipelines, such as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and linking pipelines. Asked about air space violations in the Aegean, Cavusoglu said there were legal differences between Greece and Turkey but at the same time noted that "humanitarian issues should not be mixed up with politics," and that territorial disputes should not take precedence over problems involving rescue missions. "The exploratory talks are held to overcome the problems," Kotzias replied, while stressing the need "to systematically tackle the networks of traffickers and criminals that have a turnover of six billion euros." Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article
Alyson Aliano via Getty Images Empty elementary school classroom

Teachers in Alberta need to have their salaries slashed to help the province cope with its economic downturn, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF).

The province is staring down a potential $10.4 billion deficit. Teachers should not be exempt from necessary spending reductions," said CTF Alberta director Paige MacPherson in a release Thursday.

Advertisement

The provincial government is preparing to discuss new contracts for teachers throughout the month. Education Minister David Eggen says affordability will be at the forefront of negotiations, given the province's current economic situation.

"The negotiations that I'm entering into will probably set the tone for many other public-service negotiations that will take place in the coming weeks and months and years," Eggen told CBC News, adding that he feels the "full weight" of the financial crisis.

Meawhile, the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) hopes to see rising salaries this year.

We recognize the economic climate that Albertas in. Youd have to live under a rock not know it.

"But make no mistake about it  teachers have their own economic reality that weve just come from, and that is not to be ignored either, association president Mark Ramsankar said Thursday, according to the Edmonton Journal.

We recognize the economic climate that Albertas in. Youd have to live under a rock not know it."

If the teachers union asked for a raise now, the degree to which they would be out of touch is almost incomprehensible, the CTF's MacPherson said.

Advertisement

The federation noted that wages for teachers in Alberta are 20 per cent higher than the national average, and that teachers across the country are some of the most well-paid in the world.

Teachers' current salary contracts expire on Aug. 31.

Also on HuffPost:
New Pics of Jamie and Dakota on Set today. Link in bio for all Pics! #FiftyShades #FiftyShadesDarker #DakotaJohnson #JamieDornan #AnastasiaSteele #ChristianGrey

A photo posted by Dakota Johnson & Jamie Dornan (@fiftyshadesen) on Mar 4, 2016 at 3:42pm PST
You often hear how expensive it is to rent in big cities.

So why not consider a small town? The move would give much more bang for its buck, according to this Rentseeker infographic.

The chart shows what it takes to rent in different cities across Ontario, comparing them to prices in Toronto.

Click for full size.

Advertisement

Each is broken down for how much it costs to rent a studio apartment, a one-bedroom unit, a two-bedroom, or a three-bedroom.

Toronto is the most expensive place on the infographic, topping every other city in every single category.

Renting a studio apartment costs $942 per month in the 6ix, while a one-bedroom costs $1,110, a two-bedroom $1,301 and a three-bedroom $1,531.

At the other end of the spectrum, St. Thomas was the cheapest place to rent. There, you can rent a studio for $489, a one-bedroom for $656, and a two-bedroom for $794. There was no data available for three-bedroom units.

Advertisement

In December, Rentseeker produced this infographic, showing rents across Canada.

Click for full size.

Also on HuffPost:
Minnesotas teacher-licensing system is brokenand should be overhauled, beginning by consolidating the two state agencies that administer it, the states Office of the Legislative Auditor said in a report released March 4.

There isnt any easy way to summarize just how convoluted this all gets over the reports 100 pages, which detail the states complex, unclear, and confusing system, to quote from auditor James Nobles letter. But are a sampling of some of the findings:



The split between the states board of teaching, which sets licensing requirements, and the state education department, which makes decisions about licensing and issues licenses, blur the lines about duties and accountability, confusing teachers and leading to finger-pointing among agency officials.

The states licensing statutes and the regulations carrying them out dont even use the same terms to describe the same type of licenses.

Multiple loopholes and exceptions to the rules, combined with a series of legislative changes over the past five years, have further complicated the issues.

When it denies licenses, the state often doesnt provide teacher candidates with enough information about why.

Minnesotas teacher-licensing system came into the national spotlight last year after some 20 teachers from out of state filed a lawsuit saying that the state gave them confusing, contradictory information about how to get a license.

Among its recommendations, the auditor suggests that one agencyeither the board of teaching or the state education departmentshould oversee all aspects of teacher preparation and licensing. And the legislature should consider totally overhauling the current licensing system in favor of a tiered one that establishes a set of minimum qualifications for all teachers, whether prepared in state or out of state, and create graduated licensure levels for teachers who receive additional training.

The report also suggests that some of the legislatures attempts to make licensing easier might have backfired . For instance, it warns that 2015 legislation that was supposed to make it easier to grant licenses to out-of-state teachers made it possible that some viable out-of-state candidates might not have had specific classes on reading instruction or educational technology or enough student teaching.

In letters in response, representatives of both the board of teaching and the state education department said they agreed with the findings.

Now well have to wait to see what, if anything, changes.

For more on Minnesotas licensing woes:
Pavan Amara, Founder of My Body Back [Credit: Amy Smith]

"When I was raped it totally changed my life. I thought that in a years time I would be better. I thought that it was a time-limited thing and that there would come a point when I would somehow magically forget it. But that didnt happen."

Advertisement

Pavan Amara was raped when she was in her late teens. Although counselling and support groups helped her deal with her emotions in the immediate aftermath, in the years to come the experience affected her in ways she never could have imagined.

Amara, now 28, found it difficult to go to her GP in her early twenties and almost impossible to endure a smear test when she hit 25. Her sex life became unrecognisable to what it had been before she was raped, but she couldnt find anyone offering the practical advice she needed.

So Amara, who is a nurse, set up My Body Back (MBB) - a London-based organisation to help women reclaim their bodies after sexual assault, both in terms of their sexual relationships and their healthcare.

Before the attack, Amara says she felt "quite carefree about sex", but afterwards she felt vulnerable.

Advertisement

"I felt like someone had taken me from my own body and put me in another one, because everything felt so different," she says.

"It really affected things to the point where even if a friend of mine would touch me on the arm it would make me flinch."

Fast forward a few years and thanks to the "brilliant" counselling provided by North London Rape Crisis and the relentless support of her friends, Amara felt emotionally ready to have sex again, so she decided to go back on contraception. She hadnt reacted well to taking the pill in the past, so her nurse recommended she have the coil fitted instead. However, the invasive nature of the coil-fitting procedure proved extremely traumatic.

"I found the procedure really triggering. I did tell the doctor what had happened and although he was very, very nice, there was no specialised training that hed had," Amara says.

"I felt cheated in a way. The fact that I had been raped in the past - somebody elses action - was putting me at risk of becoming pregnant. I felt like I was losing control over my body again, but in a very subtle way that I dont think many people think about."

Advertisement

It wasnt the first time Amara had felt unable to access the healthcare she knew she was entitled to.

For years she avoided going to her GP because the clinical nature of the doctors surgery reminded her of the forensic testing she went through after she was raped. She also found the doctor-patient power dynamic difficult to deal with.

At 25, she knew she should go and have a smear test. Despite building up a relationship with the nurse and booking a double appointment, the visit gave Amara more unwelcome flashbacks.

When she got home, she looked for support online and googled phrases such as "smear test after rape", "sex after rape" and "doctors after rape". While she couldnt find the advice she needed, she did find forums of women talking about these issues.

Amara started commenting on the threads and contacting women through social media. She arranged to interview 32 women about their experiences because she thought it would help her better understand her own feelings.

Advertisement

Little did she know these interviews would turn her life around.

In 2015, around ten years after her rape ordeal, Amara launched MBB, which is made up of two main components: Cafe V, which offers women tips for enjoying sex after rape, and the MBB clinic, a specialist centre offering cervical screening, contraception and STI testing to women who have been sexually assaulted.

Many of the 32 women Amara interviewed told her they also avoided going to their GP, particularly if they hadnt chosen to report the rape, as they feared being "found out".

Each of them also said theyd had difficulty relating to sex after rape. Some feared penetration while others couldnt reach orgasm because they "felt guilty about enjoying sex again".

Worst of all, these women felt there was no one offering practical solutions to these problems.

"Its almost like weve only just started talking about female sexuality anyway and weve only just starting talking about rape, so if you combine both people really dont want to listen," she says.

There was one woman in particular who made Amara realise she wanted to set up an organisation to help.

Advertisement

"This woman estimated that shed slept with over 100 people in the three years since shed been raped. Shed actually lost count," Amara says.

"She was on the pill but apart from that she didnt use any contraception so she was at risk of STIs.

"She was trying so desperately to reclaim her body again after being raped and that was the way she felt she was doing it. I just thought there should be so much more for her out there."

In March 2015, Amara held the first Cafe V at a sex shop called Sh! in Hoxton Square, London.

During the monthly sessions, the shop closes its doors to regular customers and sex experts come in to offer practical tips for women who have experienced sexual assault.

The sessions cover everything, from tips on masturbation after rape to how to enjoy BDSM if youve experienced sexual assault.

Advertisement

"Its a really happy atmosphere and its fun. What I didn't want it to be was depressing, I wanted it to be a bit like a party," Amara says.

The sessions are catered to all women, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, and are very much led by the attendees - women can email questions theyd like the experts to answer ahead of sessions.

"Were currently putting together a feminist porn list which is something the women said they wanted," Amara adds.

"A lot of aspects of mainstream porn, if you choose to watch it or read it, can be very triggering. The document will have a list of films, websites and books, what its about and any potential triggers."

Since its launch, around 300 women have attended Cafe V with some travelling from as far as Ireland to attend sessions. Around 40 women attended the first session and the small shop was very overcrowded, so women wishing to attend now have to book a place in advance. Amara closes booking after 15 people have signed up and the remaining women get put on a waiting list.

Advertisement

Last October, a few months after launching Cafe V, Amara opened the MBB clinic with a team of female staff in an unused area of St Bartholomew's Hospital.

The clinic offers cervical screening, STI testing, and contraception advice and fitting. Because the clinic is only available to women who have experienced sexual assault, the patients dont have to go through the trauma of explaining themselves to a doctor who may not know that they have been raped, meaning an element of pressure is automatically eliminated.

At the start of the appointments the women have a consultation where they discuss what they dont want to happen during the procedure.

"Lots of it is talking about triggers and phrases they dont want to be used. One woman said that doctors in the past had told her to relax, but 'just relax' was the phrase her rapist had used," Amara explains.

Women also have the chance to talk about any parts of their body they dont want to be touched, any positions they dont want to be placed in and any positions they dont want the clinician to stand in.

Advertisement

"Obviously it has limitations because you do have to be in certain positions to have a smear test or have a coil fitted, but we work together to find a way they feel comfortable," Amara says.

"For example, there was a woman who really didnt want to have her legs touched at all and you would think that would be very difficult but we did it fine eventually, we found a way."

Most importantly, the usual doctor-patient power dynamic is shifted and the patient gets to decide what they do want to happen.

If they just want to sit on the bed and see what it feels like - thats fine. If they only get as far as removing one item of clothing, they can book another appointment and remove two next time. The women are always in control.

Advertisement

"A big bit of it is consent, its your body and you have every right to be treated how you want. I dont know why, but that something that seems to be missing in medicine," Amara says.

The women are offered refreshments at the clinic and there are people they can talk to afterwards if theyd like. The MBB clinic has also teamed up with local businesses who offer patients a complimentary massage before or after an appointment to help them have a positive experience.

One person who has really benefitted from the MBB clinic is Lucy*.

Lucy, from London, was raped when she was at university and didnt go to her see her GP for years afterwards.

"I was 19 and I was really drunk and a friend of mine took me home. I had said no a lot to having sex with him, but he ignored that," she says.

"After that I got into a relationship that I didnt really want to be in with someone else, then he raped me as well."

Advertisement

By the time Lucy heard about MBB at the age of 28, she wasnt even registered with a GP.

"I was scared that they would make me do stuff that I wasnt comfortable with," she says.

"I didnt want to have to tell them what had happened and I couldnt bear the thought of having a smear test. I didnt know how I was going to explain that, so I decided Id rather just avoid it."

Despite these feelings, Lucy, who now works as an engineer, knew having a smear test was important for her health.

She was nervous before her appointment at the MBB clinic, but says the staff soon made her feel at ease.

"There was no time pressure and I was offered tea - lots of tea - and I felt really comfortable. It was actually a pleasant experience," she laughs.

Lucy isn't the only person impressed with MBB. Women who have come to the clinic or Cafe V are constantly recommending the organisation to other women who have experienced sexual assault.

Advertisement

As word has spread, women come from as far as Scotland to access the specialised London-based services, sometimes for multiple sessions, which is both time-consuming and costly. Amara is currently looking for a location to run a MBB clinic in the north of England so she can help them more easily.

Although teams at Sh! and St Bartholomew's Hospital help Amara deliver the services, she is single-handedly managing the entire organisation, on top of working full-time as a nurse.

She answers all the emails and appointment requests from women herself and will often complete additional phone consultations out of hours.

"I do feel tired sometimes, but I think its important so I just do my best with it," she says.

Rape Crisis estimates that around 85,000 women experience rape in England and Wales alone each year.

The NHS currently has 43 Sexual Assault Referral Centres around the country that offer counselling and medical advice to women.

The Ministry of Justice has set aside a total of more than 4 million per year since 2011 to fund existing female rape support centres.

Advertisement

The Huffington Post UK contacted the NHS to ask whether the specialised services ran by MBB - sex therapy sessions and a specialist cervical screening clinic - could be extended further across the UK.

An NHS England spokesperson said: "Together with other partners, NHSE commissions a network of 43 Sexual Assault Referral Centres around the country, which can provide or arrange access to sensitive and tailored services for those who have been a victim of sexual violence.

"These services include both medical and follow on support, and are open to any survivor, whether or not they are going through the criminal justice system, and on an anonymous basis if the patient wants it to be."

Nevertheless, Lucy is adamant that a specialist cervical screening service like MBB should be available across the NHS nationwide.

"I dont think we take sexual violence at all seriously enough and the impact it has on womens lives," she says.

Advertisement

"We just expect women to get on with it, then were surprised when they dont access healthcare in the way that its provided, which is often quite uncaring.

"This is a life-saving piece of healthcare that we deserve as women, but we dont get it. I think its disgraceful."

Amara says it still isnt easy to talk about her experience of sexual assault, but she continues to do interviews with with the media to show other women, like Lucy, that they should never be ashamed of their past.

"The reason why I talk about it is because so many women have this happen but they have to stay quiet about it, and I don't think we should have to," she says.

Today, Amara comes across as bubbly, determined and above all, strong. Surprisingly, she says that listening to other women talking about their experiences of sexual assault is no longer triggering for her.

Advertisement

"Sometimes, especially with younger women in their late teens, I feel like Im looking at a younger version of myself," she says.

"I look at them and I think: 'I know you think you wont get through this, but you will, and youll have an amazing life.'"

*name changed to protect identity

Links you may find useful Rape Crisis services for women and girls who have been raped or have experienced sexual violence - 0808 802 9999

Survivors UK offers support for men and boys - 0203 598 3898
Survivors and relatives of the victims of the Dunblane massacre are trying to "power on" with life as the 20th anniversary of the tragedy approaches.

Some of those caught up in the shooting have spoken about it for the first time in a documentary and said they are determined to be defined by what they do in life rather than what happened to them.

Amy Hutchison was part of the primary one class that was targeted by Thomas Hamilton in the gym hall of Dunblane Primary School on March 13, 1996.

Advertisement

Amy Hutchinson pictured after being shot in the leg during the massacre

He killed 16 young pupils and their teacher Gwen Mayor before turning the gun on himself.

Dunblane: Our Story, to be screened by the BBC days before the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, hears from 25-year-old survivor Hutchison as well as head teacher Ron Taylor and the family of some of the victims.

Hutchison was shot in the leg and treated in hospital for six weeks.

She said: "As a child the anger was not there, but looking back now I think 'why?' Why my class, why my school, why my town? Why?

"I don't remember the pain of being shot, I don't remember the noises or sounds, I just remember my leg turning to jelly and falling to the floor and then dragging myself to the gym cupboard where there was other people."

Advertisement

Doctors had suggested skin grafts on her left leg in later life to cover scarring caused by the gunshots, but she said: "To me that wasn't an option - these are my scars, they're on my body, it's my story, so I'm not going to hide them. I'm not ashamed of them."

Dunblane head teacher Ron Taylor speaks to reporters after the shootings

Taylor said the "unimaginable" images from the day still live with him.

He told the documentary: "I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was unimaginably horrible to see children dying in front of you.

"Seeing the staff tending to the injured, seeing the bodies of those who had died - in that moment the enormity of the event hit me. That moment has never left."

To help him cope, Taylor wrote down his memories of the day and stored them in a box in his house - but he has never opened it.

Advertisement

He added: "This event was so unprecedented and so huge with so many implications for so many people that we really must mark this important anniversary.

"It's very difficult for the community and many people might not agree with me, but it's hugely important to help as best we can those who survived and support those who lost."

Alison Ross, the teenage sister of victim Joanna Ross, said it is hard to cope at times but she wants people to see the positive life in Dunblane today.

"It looms over us all I think and it gets a bit hard to accept," she said.

"Even something as simple as her brushing my hair for me - it just isn't there. It always makes me wonder the relationship we could of had. It's just not available now, it's not there at all."

Advertisement

She added: "It needs to be remembered so that everyone's aware that we are still here, we are still getting on with our lives and we didn't just fade into the background either. We still had to power on and push on with our lives and it's important that everyone knows we're doing it, and doing it well."
There was a shock twist in the on-going Lucas Johnson storyline on Friday (4 March) nights EastEnders, as it was revealed the serial killer has been in cahoots with son Jordan, and he is planning to escape prison.

The murderer also unveiled his plan to kidnap ex-wife Denise Fox again in the latest installment of the BBC One soap, taking her, Jordan and son JJ to Calais once he has staged the break-out.

Advertisement

Lucas unveiled his plan to kidnap Denise to Jordan

Lucas famously held Denise hostage in 2011 after staging her death, and has been in prison for his crimes ever since. But since the character returned to the show on New Years Day, he has managed to win his ex-wife round, talking her into helping him get a spot on an enhanced prison scheme.

Denise has also taken in his son Jordan in recent months, but it has transpired he has been working with his dad to manipulate her.

Viewers saw the father and son discussing the plan to break him out of jail on Friday, after Lucas was given a job in the kitchens, thanks to Denises statement.

Advertisement

Denise is unaware of Lucas' dastardly plan

However, Jordan was shocked as Lucas told him that his ex-wife would be coming on the run with them.

Denise is currently unaware of Lucas ulterior motive, while she has ignored her familys advice to stay away from him.

Will she live to regret her decision to support him?

'EastEnders' airs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday on BBC One.
When Republican frontrunner Donald Trump enjoyed a number of wins on Super Tuesday earlier this week, it seems that a number of Americans began considering a rather drastic option: moving to Canada.

Google searches for advice on this costly yet somewhat understandable venture spiked dramatically after Trump's victories.

But it looks like US citizens keen to escape the growing popularity of Trump - and perhaps even the nightmarish possibility of him becoming president - could find themselves facing a particularly big hurdle. Or at least if Adam Hills has anything to do with it.

Advertisement

The Bricking It For Canada campaign is asking people to pledge bricks to a border wall between the US and Canada

Speaking on his show The Last Leg, Hills explained: If I was Canada Id be worried, because theyre going to face an influx of refugees - and they are harder to look after than any other refugees because they need way more food.

Plus Americans dont speak basic English, they carry more guns and they refuse to assimilate with other cultures.

Advertisement

Thats why we here at The Last Leg have decided to help Canada build a wall.

We would like everyone in the world to pledge a brick to help keep Americans in America.

And to do it, weve set up a website.

Enter the Bricking It For Canada campaign, which has the support of Alan Carr, Phil Jupitus, Jack Dee and even Monika from the Cheeky Girls, complete with Brickstarter to help the country build their wall.

At the time of writing, the campaign had already seen 1,889,382 of the estimated 1,545,454,550 bricks required to fence off Canada.

On Friday evening, the site crashed repeatedly as people tried to pledge their support.
Fairfax/Alex Ellinghausen

A highly-anticipated book about former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his chief of staff Peta Credlin gives a window into the "peculiar dynamic" between the pair and argues they shunned the "tried and tested" rules of politics.

Veteran political reporter Laurie Oakes has used his NewsCorp Australia column on Saturday to preview Niki Savva's much-awaited The Road To Ruin about the downfall of the Abbott government.

Advertisement

Column: New book charts Tony Abbotts odd bond with Peta Credlin and how it ended his reign as Prime Minister https://t.co/zZp1hXhG2Z  LaurieOakes (@LaurieOakes) March 4, 2016

Oakes said the book by Savva, who is a political journalist, details how Credlin thought she could not stand aside as the former PM's chief of staff because Abbott couldn't do his job without her.

"She revealed this to a Liberal MP after the leadership spill motion that marked the beginning of the end for Abbott," said Oaks, describing the revelations contained in the insider account.

"The book quotes, with approval of the view of a senior government adviser, that 'he knew he wasn't up to it, she knew he wasn't up to it, so they both hunkered down'."

Advertisement

The book reportedly also explores the odd dynamic between Credlin and Abbott that in Canberra "set gossipy tongues wagging".

Tony Abbott was warned about the perception he was sleeping with Peta Credlin, book claims https://t.co/OW7tEeZFNTpic.twitter.com/nMrRc4N8Nt  The Age (@theage) March 4, 2016

New book reveals Abbott was repeatedly warned to dump his chief of staff Peta Credlin: https://t.co/6s4y3nltuY#9News  Nine News Australia (@9NewsAUS) March 4, 2016

Oakes said The Road To Ruin included a number of anecdotes about the pair's time in the national capital.

"An example is the story of the Liberal MP who, with a staffer, was invited one night to dine with Abbott and Credlin at an Italian restaurant in Melbourne," Oakes said.

Advertisement

"As Savva tells it, they watched, dismayed, as Credlin used her fork to feed the then PM mouthfuls of food from her plate. Afterwards, as the meal was ending, 'she put her head on his shoulder to complain about being tired'."

Savva's book is said to deal with the wide-ranging problems and mistakes that beset the Abbott government and is especially damning of the 2014 budget.

"They ignored all the tried and tested rules of politics, Oakes quotes Savva's book as saying.
Fairfax

It was the crime that horrified Australia; the nations only ever kidnap-for-ransom case.

What made the story so incredibly heart wrenching was not only that eight-year-old Graeme Thorne was kidnapped on his way to school in Bondi in 1960 but that his parents had recently been splashed all over the newspapers after winning the Sydney Opera House lottery. Bazil Thorne won 100,000 pounds -- equal to about $3.5 million today.

Advertisement

Bazil Thorne after winning the Sydney Opera House Lottery, 1960. Picture Fairfax

After seeing the newspaper article, Hungarian immigrant Stephen Bradley stalked the Thorne family and quickly discovered that on school mornings young Graeme was collected outside a local store by his mothers friend, who then drove him to school with her son. Bradley spent some time plotting the crime and then managed to persuade Graeme to get into his car by lying and saying his mother had told him to collect him. The boy was eventually drugged, gagged and thrown in the boot where he later died, after Bradley bashed him on the head to keep him quiet.

Graeme Thorne was kidnapped as he waited outside this Bondi store for his mothers friend to give him a lift to school. Picture Fairfax/NSW Police Forensic Archives

Bradley phoned the Thornes to let them know he had their son and demanded $25,000. He told them if they didnt pay, he would be fed to the sharks.

Advertisement

The police kept a vigil at the family home, ready to take any phone calls from Bradley but, once the child died, the phone calls stopped. Thats when the public took over -- the distraught Thornes had to deal with endless phone calls from people pretending they had Graeme and trying to get hold of their Lotto winnings.

Mark Tedeschi QC, New South Wales Senior Crown Prosecutor, has written a gripping book about the tragedy, Kidnapped, after relentlessly going through trial transcripts, police notes and witness statements. Tedeschi told the Huffington Post Australia most people were very supportive of the Thornes.

But there were a few terribly cruel people who pretended to be the kidnappers, constantly calling the Thornes and wanting the reward. They had a lot of false calls from people claiming to have Graeme and, eventually, the Thornes would ask those callers to ask Graeme certain questions that only he would know, to prove that they really did have Graeme. But, of course, Graeme had already been killed by Bradley," Tedeschi said.

"Following the crime, laws were changed so that a Lotto winners' name is withheld from the public. But, in 1960, there was a desire for transparency so there could be no accusations that the lottery was rigged. So all the details of the winner was published, for the sake of transparency but, of course in the Thorne's case, it backfired so tragically."

It was a dreadful shock for Sydney. Ive given many talks about my book to community groups and libraries and every time people tell me that Graeme Thornes kidnapping and murder changed their childhood. They tell me, 'I was allowed free rein to play in park and on the streets. But, after this I was only allowed to play in my back yard.' Parents become more protective. It was really the beginning of Stranger Danger in Australia.

Advertisement

Hundreds of people joined in the search for Graeme Thorne. Picture Fairfax

Little Graeme's body was found a month later by schoolboys on a vacant block of land. Bradley, fled overseas with his family, but was soon arrested by Australian police officers and extradited to Sydney to face trial.

At first, Bradley confessed to police. But following a stint in custody, he changed his mind (after realising what lay ahead of him in prison) so he recanted his confession.

After his initial imprisonment, Bradley realised his confession wouldnt win him an acquittal on the murder charge. He then said it was a terrible accident and it wasnt his fault Graeme had died. Then he told police that after he snatched Graeme from the street, the boy sat patiently in the front seat until they arrived in his garage and, only then, managed to get the gag on him, tie his hands and drug him. Of course the police did not accept this version," Tedeschi said.

Advertisement

The murderer of Graeme Thorne, Stephen Bradley. Picture Fairfax/NSW Police Forensic Archives

"Bradley was a most unlikely kidnapper. He was a father -- he and his wife had three children between them, and his daughter was just one year younger than Graeme. He had a pretty colourful past; he engaged in financial irregularities and his previous wife had died in suspicious circumstances. But when it came to the kidnapping and murder of Graeme, Bradley was totally deluded. He thought he had every avenue covered."

"Yet he made some extraordinary mistakes. For example, Bradley actually went to the Thornes' house and knocked on the door, pretending to be looking for somebody. So they were later able to recognise him and also pick his accent. It was a very bold, foolish thing to do but he thought he could get away with it.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on the discovery of Graemes body. Picture Fairfax

In March 1961, a jury found Bradley guilty of murdering Graeme and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. Yet Tedeschi said Bradley never showed even a slight hint of remorse. He died in Goulburn jail in 1968.
This post was originally published on LAYoga.com

Therapeutic yoga connects us with a deeper experience.

It was 1985 when I resumed yoga from the Intensive Care Unit of a Scottish hospital. I was 49 years old, 25 years into my yoga practice, and hospitalized with serious injuries after a head-on auto collision.

I woke up with two legs in traction. My hip, knee, ribs, and nose were broken. My lungs had collapsed, a tube was inserted into my trachea and I was on a respirator, unable to speak for weeks or walk for months. During my hospital stay my personal practice included watching the gorgeous dancer Judith Jamison on TV and imagining myself in her body, dancing. It was magic. During one visit my physical therapist told me to 'breathe' and I taught her about pranayama.

Advertisement

Many eye surgeries and orthopedic procedures later, I returned home and my yoga practice went through even more variations. I practiced in my neighbor's pool and rode a stationary bike to rebuild atrophied muscles while stimulating adrenals and endorphins.

Years of incorporating the teachings and instructions of Indra Devi, Lilias Folan, Gary Kraftsow, Larry Payne and the Krishnamacharya Institute in India served and supported my healing. I walked again, took a teacher's training course with Rod Stryker at YogaWorks, and assisted Erich Schiffmann among others. Now I teach yoga full-time with a focus on assisting people with special needs or disabilities. My scars are valuable reminders of how everything that connects us to a deeper experience of the body and mind is yoga.

My Personal Practice

These days, at the age of 77, I practice between 15 minutes and one hour, five to seven days a week. I work out in my home studio, bed, mat, kitchen, shower, and bathtub. I can be found outdoors, on the grass, at the beach, or in the pool. I create yoga opportunities using railings, steps, and stairs.

3 Favorites Poses

Downward Facing Dog

Supported Half Shoulder Stand

Lying Down Twist

I adapt these practice variations to account for my current abilities and former injuries.

Downward Facing Dog

Holding or leaning arms on mat, chair, couch, table, desk, wall and/or railing. My back, hamstrings, and neck all relish this pose.

Advertisement

Supported Half Shoulder Stand

Using a block or bolster under my hips. Legs against the wall is optional. Then I practice splits, bicycles, and criss-crosses. This inverted pose relieves lower back pressure. I become very present. I listen. I meditate and I pray.

Lying Down Twist

This twisting supine pose offers an incremental stretch before a release and rest.

Bliss Pose

Shoulder Stand

This posture offers me a new point of view on the world. With this pose, I feel I have fulfilled my ambitions to be an acrobat and ballerina.

Most Challenging

Balancing poses.

Best Instructions

Do not compare or compete. Rest.

How injuries are teachers

I have learned to respect and listen to my body, using each sensation to guide, inform, protect, and educate me as I practice. I am aware I can assist others and teach from the benefit of my experience. Mindfulness is key to this practice.

Last words

Enjoy, smile, laugh, be silly, stop. Rest.

Photos by David Young-Wolff
FILE - In this Feb. 19, 2013 file photo, Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld, front, speaks during a news conference in Cincinnati. On Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, Sittenfeld, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, questioned whether former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, his primary opponent who has a top rating from the National Rifle Association, really tempered his position on gun control after the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File)

This is quite an election year. Trump, Cruz, Scalia, Bernie, Jeb, Hillary and way too many discussions about Republican penises. It's like we have a whole new verse to "We Didn't Start the Fire." So it's easy to lose site of all the important non-presidential races taking place right now. So, let's talk about one of them.

In Ohio, probably the most important swing state in the country, there is also a race going on for the U.S. Senate, one of maybe four or five that will determine who controls the upper chamber of Congress. The Republican, Rob Portman, is exactly the Jeb-like stooge you'd expect. He's George W. Bush's former trade negotiator and budget guy, someone who thinks defunding Planned Parenthood, opposing a minimum wage increase, blocking universal background checks on guns and refusing to do his job as laid out in the Constitution, to put a new justice on the Supreme Court.

Advertisement

But the real race here right now is in the state's Democratic Primary. While I'd rather not attack a Democrat, there is just too much of a difference between the young, urban-based, future-looking campaign of P.G. Sittenfeld, and the Blue Dog-ish, uninspiring, ghost-like campaign of the one-term former governor of Ohio, Ted Strickland. The former can beat Rob Portman, the latter simply has no chance, and will lose like he did his reelection campaign in 2010.

P.G. is a progressive's progressive in the mold of former senators John Glenn and the late Howard Metzenbaum, as well as current U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. He's for scrapping the cap on Social Security. He supports universal background checks on guns, as well as forward thinking measures like microstamping of ammunition. He's for paid family leave, a $15 minimum wage and bold measures to do all we can to ameliorate the climate crisis. He's also fully, proudly and loudly pro-choice.

The DSCC endorsed Ted Strickland attacked Rob Portman rightfully for disrespecting Article II by refusing to support a new Supreme Court Justice, while refusing to debate his primary opponent. This is not a D-rated NRA supporter, like Bernie Sanders, but an A-plus rated NRA booster, who voted against every single gun-safety measure ever placed before him. He thought guns in bars were a good idea. And Stand Your Ground. And immunity for gun companies.

Strickland fought against paid sick leave; wouldn't raise taxes on the wealthy as governor because he said it would hurt the economy (so he cut mental health funding and library funding instead); he voted to get rid of Glass-Steagall, and got a 30 percent rating from NARAL at one point in Congress (which is considered anti-choice); and recently said he'd support a Supreme Court Justice who is anti-choice. Before having his spokesperson walk it back. He wanted a "pause" in Syrian refugees, opposes a $15 minimum wage and was a friend of coal as governor, who when asked about Keystone refused to take a position because it was "controversial."

Advertisement

Is this what Democrats think counts as leadership? Do Ohio progressives think this kind of cautious, hide-and-go-seek approach to important issues is what will inspire people? There are also the matters of he fact that Strickland is not someone who can sit in this seat for numerous terms, as someone who would be 75 years old when sworn in. And the fact that while P.G. is vivacious and charismatic, Strickland is halting and awkward.

This might be why the only two-term Democratic governor in the past 50 years in Ohio, Dick Celeste, has endorsed P.G. It honestly couldn't be clear who will be a better Senator, and he has a chance of getting there, unlike his opponent. More of the same isn't selling this election season.

This is too important a national race to let slide by without getting engage. Progressives should support P.G. Ohio Democrats must vote for him. We should all contribute what we can. He is the ascendant Obama coalition; let's make sure he ascends right now.

Best yet, P.G. Sittenfeld received the endorsement of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul actor Jonathan Banks.

Advertisement
Crime Facts: 4 Violent Crimes Defined by the FBI

If you judged by television shows or movies, you might get the idea that crime is the major preoccupation of American life. But just how often do crimes occur and which ones occur most commonly?

It is actually a bit difficult to determine because this is a big country with many jurisdictions and compiling the data is not easy. Still, the Federal Bureau of Investigations does just this every year, issuing a report about the previous year's criminal activity around the country based on reports from law enforcement authorities. Let's look at some of the highlights of the Bureau's release in 2015.

Violent Crime Defined

It's also difficult to say what is the most common crime because offenses are not all compared against each other. Rather, they are compared to other like offenses. As such, property crimes are quantified together, while violent crime comprises another category.

In the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, violent crime consists of four offenses:

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter Rape Robbery Aggravated assault

Violent crimes are defined in the UCR Program as those offenses that involve force or threat of force

Most Common Violent Crimes

The FBI warns against making too much of the numbers in a vacuum, saying that a simplistic analysis -- without knowing more about the factors that contribute to their creation -- can result in a distorted or incorrect view of what is happening. Nonetheless, the agency does do some quantification for us.

The figures on 2015 won't be available until next September, so here are some highlights from its latest report:

In 2014, there were an estimated 1,165,383 violent crimes nationwide, slightly down from the previous year but nearly 7 percent below the 2010 level and nearly 16 percent below the 2005 level.

Aggravated assaults accounted for 63.6 percent of violent crimes reported to law enforcement.

Robberies accounted for 28 percent of total violent crime.

Rape accounted for 7.2 percent of violent crime.

Murder accounted for 1.2 percent of violent crime.

Firearms Info

The FBI also has some interesting information about the use of weapons in violent crime. The Bureau reports that firearms were used in 67.9 percent of murders. Two in every five robberies involved a gun, as did 22.5 percent of aggravated assaults. It should be noted that weapons data is not collected for rape.

Accused?

If you have been accused of a violent crime or any other, speak to a lawyer. An attorney can help you cultivate a defense or negotiate a plea. Get guidance.

Related Resources:
Now that our school PA systems' are no longer spewing out stale black facts during morning announcements and history teachers are done glossing over the minuscule civil rights unit of their obsolete textbooks, it is time to finally ask ourselves this lingering question: what happens once black history month is over?

Since 1915, when Black History Month was just a seed in the fertile, but yet, racist soil of this country, the answer to that eerie question has been typically - well, nothing. For over 100 years, Black History Month has been somewhat of a tradition for people of our nation to appreciate, celebrate, and reflect on the past of America's black community. But what do we do after we give Rosa Parks a lousy pat on the back? After we tirelessly recite those chilling words from Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream, how do we begin to transcend his euphoric fantasy to an unbending reality? Now that we have spent the past 29 days paying tribute to the blacks that came before us, how do we plan to spend the rest of the year bettering the lives of black people today?

First, we must hold our country and its many ancestors accountable for the sins that they have committed against the black people of this nation. We must stop pretending that the land of the free wasn't cultivated by black bodies on the receiving end of carriage whips and that the foundation for the home of the brave was not laid by the chained hands of pillaged women and sold children.

Advertisement

If we are to truly open our eyes to the history of the black body in America then we must not close our ears to the sounds of 100 lashes dissipating the backs of little girls and the screeching cries escaping the mouths of mothers as they pick their sons from trees like strange fruit.

It would be irresponsible for a nation who deems itself the beacon of democracy to so recklessly dim its light on the very people whose chained hands lit her torch of freedom. For if we are not to truly learn from our wretched history then we will suffer a ghastly fate. James Baldwin said it best when he proclaimed,

"People pay for what they do, and still more for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it very simply; by the lives they lead."

If America was to truly pay for her crimes would she still be rich enough to flaunt her diamonds of discrimination and pearls of prejudice, or would she grow bankrupt; losing her looted wealth which for so long has shielded her from justice. We must begin to think how America would appear stripped of her gaudy garb and flashy things that are used to distract and divert on-lookers from for her ugly truth.

The truth that America is currently paying the price, and America is doing as she historically does when she is in debt; she pays it with that of black bodies.

Advertisement

America vends the black mind at the education market when only 59% of black males graduate from high school. She auctions off the black stomach when 27.4% of blacks are in poverty while only 9.9% of whites suffer the same fate. She bargains away the black spirit when black people are twice as likely to be unemployed in relation to their white counterparts. She barters the black heart when 72% of black children are born to unwed mothers. And finally, she sells and discards of the entire black body when 1 in every 15 black men are incarcerated compared to only 1 in every 106 white men, regardless of similar crime rates.

This is how America has decided to pay her debt. This is how our nation compensates for the crimes that it has committed for the past 240 years. This is what black people have been reduced to in their own nation; prized stock. That is the only role that black americans have ever played in their own country-their own home.

But didn't black people bring these things amongst themselves? Isn't this a problem for the black community? How or why does this effect me? James Baldwin addressed these questions best when he said,

"People who treat other people as less than human must not be surprised when the bread they have cast on the waters comes floating back to them, poisoned."

Now that black history month is over we must begin to find a cure for the poisoned citizens of our nations. America must begin to figure out another means of currency besides black bodies. We must stop allowing black humans to float lifeless in the bayous of our country after natural disasters. We must stop poising the water of our poor and underrepresented. We must stop hunting our teenage boys as they walk home from the corner stores of their own communities. We must stop supporting Presidential candidates whose platforms are held up by the pillars of hate, fear, racism and bigotry. We must stop using the phrase "those people" and "those communities" and instead begin to use expressions like "our people" and "our communities." Until America denounces her past transgressions and commits to purge herself of her inherent evils, the cancer inside this country will only continue to grow and only self-destruction will be deemed equipped to cut it out.


SPACE X VIA FLICKR

The picture froze, reviving moments later to a few frames showing a bright ball of light hurtling towards the platform. And then, the screen cut to color bars.

Did the rocket land?

Yesterday Elon Musk's Space X fired the Falcon 9 rocket on a mission to send the SES-9 telecommunications satellite into space. Catapulting the payload into orbit was the mission's main purpose but aerospace enthusiasts around the world tuned in to see if the reusable rocket could complete its experimental secondary mission: attempting to make the first landing on a drone ship in the ocean.

Musk, who is also the founder of electric car company Tesla Motors, later confirmed that the rocket crash-landed on the drone ship. This came as no surprise to Musk himself, who was saying well before the mission that he expected the landing to fail. Announcing failure before the mission even launched is an uncomfortable brand of rhetoric, one that illuminates Musk's preference of logic and probability over faith in the thousands of Space X employees working around the clock for him.

Advertisement

But it's this robotic determinism - which in his case literally involves shooting to the stars - that makes Musk one of the great inventors of our time. It also helps that he's deeply involved in a space race with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who successfully launched and landed the reusable New Shepherd rocket in January under his space exploration company, Blue Origin.

Comparing the two programs is comparing apples to oranges; the much smaller New Shepherd project is being designed to take people to the edge of space while the Falcon 9 is commercially sending satellites into orbit. But the independent successes of Blue Origin and SpaceX aren't solely attributed to the two CEOs' competitive fire. It's the result of their ability to efficiently invest their resources to transform their objectives into realities. In addition to making investments in newspapers and solar power, Bezos and Musk have mastered the art of detail-oriented allocation of human capital, a valuable asset in an aerospace industry where small errors in detail have explosive consequences.

But applying airtight calculus to management isn't always a popular human resources strategy. In August the New York Times ran a lengthy article ripping into Amazon's employee practices, profiling white-collar workers who had to sacrifice their time and relationships with co-workers and families to accommodate the data-driven and competitive corporate culture.

The controversial article spurred a defensive response from Bezos, who argued his company was nothing like the "soulless, dystopian workplace" described in the piece. But even if true, the anecdotes in the New York Times article fall in line with Bezos's view that hardship is the secret to solution.

Advertisement

"I think frugality drives innovation, just like other constraints do. One of the only ways to get out of a tight box is to invent your way out," Bezos said in a 2008 interview with Bloomberg.

Musk is of a similar managing style, even calling himself a "nano-manager" in the way he pushes his employees to perfect even the smallest details. This isn't a characteristic that most employees would like to see in their bosses, a sentiment shared by an anonymous Quora user online claiming to have worked at SpaceX.

"He won't hesitate to throw out six months of work because it's not pretty enough or it's not 'badass' enough. But in so doing he doesn't change the schedule," the user posted.

There have been several lawsuits filed against SpaceX, alleging that the company violated state labor laws by regularly expecting employees to work overtime without proper compensation and even denying workers breaks.

Whether or not you agree with their managerial styles, it would be hard to discredit the achievements that Bezos and Musk have reached under their guidance. And if history is any indicator, people will gloss over their controlling attitude towards employees.

Advertisement

That was the case for Thomas Edison, remembered as the prolific inventor of the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb and early motion picture cameras instead of a demanding manager over the chemists, engineers and other employees at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. Much like Bezos and Musk, his employees were aware of how strenuous the working conditions were.

One worker under Edison recalled that employees "worked long night hours during the week, frequently to the limit of human endurance." Nikola Tesla, an apprentice under Edison, slaved away for months on two to three hours of sleep a night to help improve Edison's direct current generation plants. When Tesla asked to be paid after completing the job, Edison clarified that he was joking when he promised Tesla a $50,000 commission.

The relentless work ethic pushed forth by Bezos, Musk and Edison is two-pronged in nature; the stress encourages employees to struggle to innovative solutions while also testing their loyalty to their leaders' powerful visions.

"The psychological atmosphere of the place partook of the inspirational as a sort of reflex from Edison's genius," Edison's worker later explained.

It's too early to tell, but if Bezos and Musk can prove themselves to be the great creators of our generation, these undeniably demanding work environments will be validated as their own innovations, ones independent of the ingenuity that gave us online shopping, electric cars and rockets to outer space.

Advertisement

Photo used under public domain from Space X's flickr account.
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 03: Republican presidential candidates (Lto R) Donald Trump and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) participate in a debate sponsored by Fox News at the Fox Theatre on March 3, 2016 in Detroit, Michigan. Voters in Michigan will go to the polls March 8 for the State's primary. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

It's been a wild and crazy week -- so much so, in fact, that we're going to start with a quote we never thought would become appropriate to use in a column about politics. It's from the movie Taken, where Liam Neeson's character utters the classic line: "Now's not the time for dick-measuring."

Yes, that was exactly the type of week it was. The campaign trail on the Republican side is now indistinguishable from a 5th-grade schoolyard yelling match between a group of belligerent little boys. First, Donald Trump mocks Marco Rubio's ears. Then they both mock each other's makeup (OK, well, admittedly, it's hard to picture that subject ever coming up in an actual 5th-grade throwdown.) Rubio mocks Trump for possibly wetting his pants, and makes a joke about how small Trump's hands are (and we all know what that means...) Trump shot back in last night's debate, and assured the world that he had no problems in that department. He didn't quite whip out a ruler or anything, but it will definitely go down in history as the most bizarre debate moment of all time (unless Trump finds a way to top it, of course.)

Advertisement

Which led us straight to that Liam Neeson quote, of course. A nationally-televised presidential debate stage is, indeed, neither the time nor the place, one would think. This year, however, all the rules have been thrown out and we've got Donald Trump and Marco Rubio comparing relative penis sizes in their effort to become the so-called leader of the free world. That faint sound you hear is our Founding Fathers (well, maybe except Benjamin Franklin...) whirling in their graves.

We even found ourselves actually missing Carly Fiorina in last night's debate, if only to see her smack down the testosterone-fest emanating from the stage. That's how low the Republican debates have sunk.

It's not just us, either. Plenty of rock-ribbed conservatives were downright horrified by last night's spectacle. Frank Luntz, famed conservative pollster, tweeted last night: "22 out of my 25 focus group members said tonight's #GOPDebate will hurt Republicans in the general election. This has to stop. Seriously."

Advertisement

Ross Douthat tweeted his own disappointment last night: "You know which prominent Republican managed to sound like a president today? Not one of these guys." But the most brutal tweet of the night (remember, these are all from conservatives) came from Jamie Johnson, senior advisor to Rick Perry: "My party is committing suicide on national television."

Wow, tell us how you really feel, guys. But this doesn't even really scratch the surface of the roiling angst among some Republicans right now. In fact, there's so much free-floating fear and loathing that we're going to devote the entire talking points section to nasty things Republicans are now saying about Donald Trump and each other. So there's that to look forward to.

Of course, the debate wasn't the only political news of the week. This was Super Tuesday week, when over ten states voted on both the Democratic and Republican sides. Watching the returns filter in Tuesday led to one amusing moment on Fox, which Salon helpfully pointed out: Karl Rove being told he was wrong, once again. Rove was expounding on how well Rubio was doing in Virginia when he got interrupted with the call that Trump had taken the state. Ah, memories of his infamous 2012 meltdown over Ohio! Good times....

But, to us, the most interesting news to emerge from all this Republican chaos was the reintroduction of a man who we've long thought would be the perfect Trump vice presidential candidate. No, really. We know Trump's not going to give the second place on his ticket to any of the people who ran against him, because he loves to hold grudges. So he's going to have to make a selection beyond the expected field. What would make the most sense for him would be to get some retired general (Petraeus, perhaps?) on the ticket, to give his candidacy some much-needed seriousness and foreign policy skills. But Trump hasn't gotten to where he is by doing the sensible thing.

Which leaves one possible candidate, in our eyes. A man who has military experience and has also already been a state governor. A man who is even more politically-independent than Trump. A man who is just as good as Trump at playing to the cameras in a big way. And now, a man who is already considering throwing his hat back into the political ring.

Advertisement

Jesse Ventura truly is the most fitting choice to run with Donald Trump. A Trump/Ventura ticket would indeed be one for the ages.

President Obama had a pretty good week, as he saw yet another good jobs report (unemployment stayed at 4.9 percent and 242,000 jobs were created last month). He also made a splash on PBS, who aired one of those private concerts inside the White House (this one a tribute to Ray Charles). Obama even got up and sang at the end of it, with all the other performers on the stage. He looked relaxed and happy, which is always good to see in our president. Also, little-noticed by everyone, his job approval numbers have gotten noticeably better this week, to the point where the average of job approval is about to become greater than the average of people who don't approve of the job he's doing. If it happens, this will be the first time these two lines have crossed since the middle of 2013, so Obama deserves at least an Honorable Mention this week.

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders both had a relatively good Super Tuesday, but neither one outperformed expectations enough to win them the Most Impressive Democrat Of The Week award. In fact, we're not going to give out the MIDOTW award at all this week, because instead we're going to mint a brand-new "Most Impressive International Statesman Of The Week" award, and hand it to the former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan.

The United Nations is about to convene a big meeting on the global War On Drugs. They may use this venue to chart an entirely different direction than the one pushed by the United States for the past 30 or 40 years. Annan helped this effort along by penning an extraordinary article titled: "Why It's Time To Legalize Drugs."

Advertisement

In it, he lays out a very rational case for the nations of the world to drastically change directions and stop throwing so much money down the rathole of treating drugs as a criminal problem instead of as a health problem. He makes his case well, and we urge everyone to read what he has to say.

For showing such international leadership, and for utterly rejecting the course the United States has been following (without any appreciable success) for so long, Kofi Annan easily wins our very first Most Impressive International Statesman Of The Week award.

[Congratulate Kofi Annan on his namesake foundation's contact page, to let him know you appreciate his efforts.]

Sadly, our Most Disappointing Democrat Of The Week this week goes to Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Not for anything she's done as chair of the Democratic National Committee, but for what she's been up to in Congress. Huffington Post dug up this disappointing story:

Payday lenders have been gunning for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau since the day President Barack Obama tapped Elizabeth Warren to set up the new agency. They've had plenty of help from congressional Republicans -- longtime recipients of campaign contributions from the payday loan industry. As the CFPB has moved closer to adopting new rules to shield families from predatory lending, the GOP has assailed the agency from every conceivable angle -- going after its budget, attempting to tie its hands with new layers of red tape, fomenting conspiracy theories about rogue regulators illegally shutting down businesses and launching direct attacks on payday loan rules themselves. To date, the GOP blitz has resulted in a few close shaves for the young agency, but no actual defeats. But the industry has cultivated a powerful new ally in recent weeks: Democratic National Committee Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.). Wasserman Schultz is co-sponsoring a new bill that would gut the CFPB's forthcoming payday loan regulations. She's also attempting to gin up Democratic support for the legislation on Capitol Hill, according to a memo obtained by The Huffington Post.

The Consumer Financial Protection Board has had to fight Republicans in Congress pretty much every step of the way. That's expected. Republicans are always on the side of the big banks rather than the little guy -- that's all well known. But for a prominent Democrat to aid and abet them in trying to throttle Elizabeth Warren's brainchild truly goes beyond the pale.

For doing precisely that, Debbie Wasserman Schultz wins our Most Disappointing Democrat Of The Week this week.

[Contact Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz on her House contact page, to let her know what you think of her actions.]

Volume 381 (3/4/16)

Below, we have an incredible collection of Republicans absolutely freaking out over the state of their party's nomination race, as we promised. Seriously, this is a week when Democrats don't even have to phone it in -- the Republicans are doing such a great job of trashing their own party on their own that they really don't even need a helping hand. This rage against Trump is still only building, we hasten to point out -- it's going to get even more vicious as we approach March 15, when Florida and Ohio represent the last-ditch chance to take Trump down.

Advertisement

But before we get to all of that fun, we've got to have an interlude for another column series. We apologize for the delay, but the primary schedule dictates that we'll have a few of these on Fridays throughout the voting season.

This weekend brings another round of primaries and caucuses, so first let me update my stats on calling these races, and then I'll make my picks for this Saturday and Sunday.

I had a pretty good Super Tuesday, calling 11 out of the 12 Democratic contests right (got Minnesota wrong), but didn't do so well on the Republican side, as I called everything but Texas for Trump -- meaning I missed Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Alaska. This brings my overall stats to:

Total correct 2016 Democratic picks: 13 for 16 -- 81% Total correct 2016 Republican picks: 17 for 23 -- 74% Total overall correct picks: 30 for 39 -- 77%.

Five states and Puerto Rico will vote this weekend, although only Kentucky's Republicans, Puerto Rico's Republicans, and Nebraska's Democrats will vote (Maine, oddly enough, has Republicans voting on Saturday and then Democrats voting on Sunday).

Advertisement

There is little polling for any of the states voting, meaning calling them is really just throwing a dart at a wall. So here are my darts: Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Maine all go for Donald Trump. Marco Rubio picks up his second win in Puerto Rico. On the Democratic side, Louisiana and Maine go for Clinton, while Sanders picks up Kansas and Nebraska.

OK, that's enough of that -- let's get on with all the delicious Republican-on-Republican violence!

Sick to your stomach



Matthew Continetti of the Free Beacon shared his thoughts on watching last night's GOP debate.

The spectacle made me ill. On screen I watched decades of work by conservative institutions, activists, and elected officials being lit aflame not only by the New York demagogue but by his enablers who waited until the last possible moment to try and stop him.

The Mitt hits the fan



The 2012 Republican nominee came out of hiding this week, to strongly denounce the man who just might be the 2016 Republican nominee. Mitt didn't endorse anybody else, though, so he too seems to have no idea how to actually defeat Trump.

Mr. Trump is directing our anger for less than noble purposes. He creates scapegoats of Muslims and Mexican immigrants, he calls for the use of torture and for killing the innocent children and family members of terrorists. He cheers assaults on protesters. He applauds the prospect of twisting the Constitution to limit first amendment freedom of the press. This is the very brand of anger that has led other nations into the abyss. Here's what I know. Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University. He's playing the American public for suckers: He gets a free ride to the White House and all we get is a lousy hat. His domestic policies would lead to recession. His foreign policies would make America and the world less safe. He has neither the temperament nor the judgment to be president. And his personal qualities would mean that America would cease to be a shining city on a hill.

Another county heard from



A group of "more than 50 conservative foreign policy experts" wrote an extraordinary public letter this week, which itemizes many solid reasons why President Trump would be a disaster for America. After going through an extensive list of Trump's flaws, the letter ends with:

Mr. Trump's own statements lead us to conclude that as president, he would use the authority of his office to act in ways that make America less safe, and which would diminish our standing in the world. Furthermore, his expansive view of how presidential power should be wielded against his detractors poses a distinct threat to civil liberty in the United States. Therefore, as committed and loyal Republicans, we are unable to support a Party ticket with Mr. Trump at its head. We commit ourselves to working energetically to prevent the election of someone so utterly unfitted to the office.

Kristol chimes in



William Kristol is, famously, wrong about everything. If he says it, it won't happen, to put this another way. So take his new plan with an enormous grain of salt. His answer? For the Republican Party to leave the Republican Party (an idea I examined earlier this week), at least for this year's election. He advocates an "independent Republican" ticket:

That ticket would simply be a one-time, emergency adjustment to the unfortunate circumstance (if it happens) of a Trump nomination. [It] would support other Republicans running for Congress and other offices, and would allow voters to correct the temporary mistake (if they make it) of nominating Trump.

Gerson's got a plan, too



Kristol's not the only one, though. Republican Senator Ben Sasse is ready to vote for "some third candidate -- a conservative option, a constitutionalist." Michael Gerson had a similar idea to Kristol's, although he wants Condi Rice to head his mythical ticket. But before he gets to this idea, he has his own choice words to describe the state his party finds itself in.

Advertisement

The GOP is not facing a debate over policy, but rather a hostile takeover by a pernicious force. Traditional Republicans are now presented with a series of deeply flawed options. And serving the party's ideals may eventually require leaving it, at least for a season. Donald Trump is winning the Republican nomination but not sweeping to it. Across the states that have voted so far, he has gotten 34 percent of the vote and is barely on track to get the requisite 1,237 delegates in order to win outright at the Cleveland convention in July. Under normal circumstances, a clear plurality would begin to gather into a majority, as elements of the GOP internally reconcile to the likely nominee. These are not normal circumstances. A significant group of Republicans -- look at #NeverTrump on Twitter -- cannot support Trump. This is not, as in 1964 or 1980, a clash over ideology. It is a moral objection to the return of nativism, religious prejudice and misogyny to the center stage of American politics.

Clinton Republicans?



Could we see the emergence of the Democratic answer to "Reagan Democrats" this time around? Here is what Max Boot, a foreign policy advisor to Marco Rubio, had to say on who he'd pick over Trump:

I would sooner vote for Josef Stalin than I would vote for Donald Trump. There is no way in hell I would ever vote for him. I would far more readily support Hillary Clinton, or Bloomberg if he ran.

Shot or poisoned



Lindsey Graham gave a hilarious interview late on Super Tuesday. He's getting so amusing he's reminiscent of how funny Bob Dole got after losing his election, in fact. In the same interview, Graham predicted Hillary would beat Trump "like a drum" and suggested "let's just pick somebody out of the phone book if we have to," rather than nominating Trump. But he had equally scathing words for Ted Cruz becoming the nominee as well:

Advertisement

The only way we lose this election is to nominate somebody who cannot grow this party's vote among minorities, young women, and the coalitions we need to win. If you nominate Trump and Cruz I think you'd get the same outcome. Whether it's death by being shot or poisoning, does it really matter? I don't think the outcome will be substantially different.

Chris Weigant blogs at:

Follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisWeigant

Full archives of FTP columns: FridayTalkingPoints.com
Sometimes in seeking to understand the way in which current urgent political and economic, domestic and foreign issues are discussed in the media and among respective candidates in an election campaign it is useful to apply what I call the "real world" vs an "alternative altered State or parallel reality" test.

The Republican party presidential candidates are engaged in contest of personalities, insults and and counter insulting responses with minimum thoughtful attention to proposed solutions to some of our nation's urgent domestic and foreign policy problems.

Isn't the shameful refugee crisis resulting from our Syria and Libya foreign policies, the contamination of the domestic water supply in Flint, Michigan, and the homeless sleeping on the streets in several communities across our nation more important than a national television discussion and debate about the size of a candidates' hand or other body parts?

Advertisement

Thomas Jefferson in thoughtful reflection about the institution of slavery in our nation at the time, governed by our Declaration of Independence and Constitution, said ""I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever." Do the candidates for their Republican party's nomination for President have no shame?

Within the Democratic party's primary contests for president, the underlying repetitive theme is whether former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or Senator Bernie Sanders is more qualified or best suited from their respective experiences to address the urgent needs of the party's key constituencies of Hispanic and African-American voters? The Clinton campaign is based on it's assumption that these communities will remember Hillary Clinton as First Lady under two terms of her husband's presidency more than anything Senator Bernie Sanders says he can and will do to address those issues most important to their lives

A debate is scheduled between Sanders and Clinton this weekend in Flint, Michigan, that city's New Orleans "Katrina" consisting of contaminated drinking water resulting from the immoral and criminal behavior, (actions and inactions) by State and Municipal public officials in the State of Michigan.

Democratic Primary voters in Michigan and elsewhere, especially, but not limited to, Hispanic and African-Americans, will have to decide whether they want elect Clinton whom they know over Senator Sanders, whom they know less.

Advertisement

To us THE definitive issue is NOT whom they know better or longer, but which candidate's past, current and proposed polices, offered to address their real life problems is best for them in 2016?

Under the Clinton administration in the 90s there was increased temporary prosperity among the African-American middle class. But, a time bomb was later ignited by the repeal of the Glass-Steagall law separating commercial and investment banking.

This repeal directly caused the 2008 financial crisis. It enabled banks and investment banks to sell and trade bundled housing mortgages which eventually led to the foreclosure of the mortgages on the homes of hundreds of thousands of African-Americans and others across our country.

Additionally, trade policies supported by Candidate Clinton resulted in the closure of many domestic manufacturing facilities in 2000s, resulting in unemployment or low wage employment, requiring the working at two jobs, to support one's family in many African-American and Hispanic communities throughout our nation.

The current generation of African-Americans and the issues confronting them are more attentive to issues of police mistreatment of African-Americans, persistent high unemployment among 18-25 old males, and the community results of the massive incarceration policies under former President Bill Clinton's two terms in office.

Both Clinton and Sanders have domestic and foreign policy positions that seek to address those issues now affecting the current and next generation of African-American voters. Only the results of this weekend and other primary voting contests will indicate the choice that Hispanic and African-American voters make: The Clinton they know or the Sanders they don't know as well, but whose proposed policies may be more responsive to the current problems confronting them in 2016.
Written in conjunction with the Global Fund For Women

Tuesday, March 8 is International Women's Day and it is time to take a look at where we are.

In 2015 there was increased attention and leadership action to advocate for women and girls around the world. In particular we saw exciting new levels of attention on women's human rights.

2016 could be an important year for women and girls, but only if we continue to work together to advocate for women and girls worldwide.

Below are five ways we can work together.

Data was collected--McKinsey & Company revealed that global GDP could increase by up to $12 trillion in 2025 through advancing gender equality, and the No Ceilings project from the Clinton and Gates Foundations released data including that the workforce gender gap hasn't changed in 20 years. This attention, in part, brought leaders in Silicon Valley to use their power and voice to promote gender equity for women in the United States. Mark Benioff of Salesforce spent an additional $3 million dollars after analyzing the gender pay gap in his company, and Mark Zuckerberg gave a signal to men by taking a paternity leave and offering 4 months paternity leave for all employees at Facebook.

Advertisement

This movement by the media and our leaders inspired us to think about how we can use this momentum to change the lives of women and girls in 2016. Global Fund for Women fundraises to support women-led grassroots organizations around the world and has seen that the key to social change is to invest in women on the ground who are solving the gender equity issues in their communities. In 2016 there are many ways we can support these women and girls. Here are a few highlights to consider.

1.Keeping women and girls safe

Despite some progress, gender-based violence remains one of the most entrenched problems facing women and girls in all countries, of all backgrounds. More than one in three women worldwide have experienced physical violence, and one in 10 girls under the age of 18 has been raped.

We need to buck these statistics. Women and girls know how to address the complex issue from its roots in their own communities and unique cultural contexts. We also know that conflict and post-conflict regions, as well as those with growing numbers of refugees, are ripe for increased sexual violence, and that extremist groups like ISIS are using rape and sexual slavery as one of their horrific tactics. Violence against women has become a normalized part of life in refugee camps in Lebanon, among other places, with street harassment and rape becoming more common, as well as forced and child marriage. Despite these threats, women's groups in the refugee camps are leading workshops and trainings to educate women and girls about their human rights, encouraging them to share their stories, and empowering them to speak up to demand their rights.

Advertisement

When it comes to ending violence against women in all of its ugly forms, we must invest in women-led groups on the ground who are driving sustainable change to end the problem once and for all.

2.Investing in girls' education

"Extremists have shown what frightens them most: a girl with a book." - Activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai

When the more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls were kidnapped from their school in northern Nigeria by Boko Haram in 2014--who are still missing nearly two years later--it sparked a global outcry from world leaders, celebrities, and people all over the world using #BringBackOurGirls on social media. School is supposed to be a safe space for girls--a space where they can be free from violence, and we must continue to not only call for the safe return of the Chibok girls but do everything we can to ensure that this cannot happen again by making schools and educational institutions safe for everyone.

We know that girls want to go to school to become leaders in their communities and pursue careers in everything from technology to law to entrepreneurship. But in many places around the world, girls aren't going to school because they cannot access sanitary napkins or clean toilets, or because they are being forced into early child marriages. We will not know the potential of girls around the world until we invest in their education and ensure that nothing stands in their way of going to school and continuing their education for as long as they want.

3.Raising the voice of unknown courageous leaders alongside those that have a platform

In the past year, we've heard from inspiring, well-known women leaders--women like Hillary Clinton, Melinda Gates, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel who was named Forbes' Most Powerful Woman. And while their leadership and advocacy for women's rights is critical, we need to renew our commitment this year to listening to women all over the world. We need to encourage women and girls who are marginalized to speak out. Young women like 23-year-old Milica, a law student in Serbia who is using her voice to advocate for an end to discrimination against Roma people. Many Roma women are denied their basic human rights including health care and job opportunities.

Advertisement

Milica has found her voice as an activist at a small grassroots Roma women's center: "Unfortunately, the biggest problem for Roma women is discrimination based on the ethnic and racial differences. Simply being Roma is a problem. It's very sad for me to talk about this. We are all people. People need to realize that a person's beauty comes from within and not whether they have pretty skin, hair, and such. It is unbelievable to me that in the 21st century we are still talking about discrimination, but unfortunately it is still present and very visible," says Milica.

We need to show women and girls like Milica from all over the world that their stories are important and that the world is listening.

4.Getting more women leaders in politics

Already in 2016, we have seen a major victory for women politicians: Taiwan has elected its first female President. Tsai Ing-wen won Taiwan's presidency in January, a historic step in the right direction not only for gender equality, but a positive signal for the world given that we know more women in positions of power is good for global economic growth, foreign relations, and more.

But what if a female president didn't make headlines anymore because it was the norm, rather than the exception? That's the world we want to see, and one we want to continue to work toward in 2016. There are endless positive benefits for democracy, peace-building, and legislation if every woman has the equal chance to run for office, be a community leader, be a part of peace processes, or have an active voice in politics. It's time to unleash that potential.

The key to doing so? Investing in grassroots women's groups and movements who are empowering more women leaders, and changing the social norms and legal restrictions to women being elected to local and national offices or involved in critical peace-building processes. Groups like Global Fund for Women grantee partner Kachin Women's Association Thailand which, with funding as part of an initiative focused on fueling women's leadership throughout Asia, influenced political parties to adopt a policy of 30% women's participation in decision-making in all levels of politics.

Advertisement

5.Inviting men and boys

More and more men and boys are coming forward as staunch advocates for gender equality. Major campaigns like #HeForShe have encouraged men to take action around the world, and the "It's On Us" campaign in the U.S. calls on men to play their part in ending sexual assault on college campuses. New Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made waves after appointing a fully gender-equal cabinet, with 15 men and 15 women, as he said, "because it's 2015".

Of course, men committed to gender equality is nothing new. There are countless more men and boys around the world who are--and have long been--bold advocates for women's rights, committing to raising the voices of women and girls, sharing more women's stories in media, film, and online, and taking steps to close the gender pay gap.

We know that gender equality is good for everyone, not just women and girls, but men and boys, and those who don't conform to traditional gender norms. When women are empowered economically and politically, and can live free from violence and have control over their bodies and health, the benefits for families, communities, and countries are vast. In fact, women and girls' economic empowerment boosts global GDP. We want to invite more men and boys around the world to be part of the conversation, to be part of the solution to ending violence and systemic inequality. The possibilities for advancing gender equality in 2016 are endless, but only with more men and boys involved.

So, in 2016, will you join us as Champions for Equality? Let's invest in economic empowerment, in ending violence against women, and driving women's human rights around the world. We're working toward a world where every woman and girl is strong, safe, powerful, and heard--no exceptions. And we know that investing in women and girls is the key to making that vision a reality.

Women and girls are fierce and resilient. In 2016, let's empower them to work their magic and make this world better for all of us.

Advertisement
The GOP Establishment is in such a state of apoplectic panic over the rogue candidacy of real estate developer Donald J. Trump that on Thursday they sent out its feckless failed nominee Mitt Romney (who four years previous fulsomely praised Trump on jobs and trade) to verbally assassinate the party's own frontrunner. Even more dramatic, should Florida Senator Marco Rubio lose Florida's winner-take-all primary come March 15, some of these insiders are actually urging a vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Senator Clinton, however, should also be cognizant of one disturbingly persistent electoral fact. Even if a fair number of traditional GOP conservatives abandon Mr. Trump - mainly on the basis of the billionaire's mercurial temperament, intemperate rhetoric, and glaring ignorance of policy details - in favor of her or a third party or write-in alternative, this may not be enough to deny Trump a general election triumph.

Advertisement

Savvy Democratic insiders are thus worried that Mrs. Clinton will not only fail to win Obama's "third term," but, should Trump protectionist fever sweep up Democratic working class voters in the paper mill towns of northern Wisconsin, Minnesota's Iron Range, and in the rest of the NAFTA-hating Upper Midwest, she could become road kill in a GOP electoral landslide ala Nixon over McGovern in 1972 and Reagan over Mondale in 1984. It is no wonder that Bernie Sanders polls far better than Clinton against not only Trump, but against all potential GOP nominees: the Socialist Vermont Senator also opposed the global free trade deals that hurt Rust Belt workers the most.

To that end, Mr. Trump has achieved what the GOP has agonized about achieving for decades: a bigger and broader tent of voters that cuts across lines of race, ethnicity, geographic, party, age, sex, and, yes, education level and income. He reminded the party of just that fact in his victory speech at Mar-A-Lago Tuesday night and again in a tweet on Thursday @realDonaldTrump: "Because of me, the Republican Party has taken in millions of new voters, a record. If they are not careful, they will all leave. Sad!"

Should the GOP Establishment orchestrate a coup against Trump either by successfully ganging up on him now and/or by jerry-rigging an un-democratic result at the July convention in Cleveland, they would lose those new Trump voters for decades.

This inescapable fact does not seem to bother Establishment types, so deep is their venom towards the prohibitive front-runner. They don't care about the broad Trump coalition. They see the uncontrollable Trump as a gauche, "insane" traitor to the "bi-partisan" Ruling Class, a megalomaniacal Kurtz out there in the political hinterlands, commiserating with the serfs, Know-Nothings and untouchables who should be taking orders from central oligarchy command.

Advertisement

Moreover, they are frustrated that Trump can't be bought. Outside of a small percentage of small donors (the spirit of which comic John Oliver incisively questioned), Trump is "self-funding" his campaign. They also don't like that Trump is a political outsider, who takes devilish delight in prodding, poking and disgracing the Establishment for its grotesque failures on trade, wages, Iraq, ISIS, and at the border, where it cynically opposes real solutions, lest it alienate its Chamber of Commerce donors, who feed at the low-wage, easily manipulated illegal immigrant trough.

They especially don't like the Libertarian streak in Trump, who initially equivocated on whether he would give priority to Israel in Mideast negotiations (rabidly pro-Israel billionaires like Sheldon Adelson are huge GOP donors who can single-handedly control any candidate of their choosing), and who openly opposes the regime-change wars of recent Establishment vintage.

Finally, they are outraged by the way that Trump has grown the GOP electorate. He has certainly not followed the playbook that GOP elites outlined in their 2012 electoral post-mortem, entitled Growth and Opportunity Project, which called for candidates to take moderate positions on illegal immigration to attract Latino conservatives.

Instead, Trump has grown the tent in his indubitable shock jock, reality star way, with politically incorrect, if at times hilarious, chutzpah that's captivated a new crop of GOP under-40 voters raised on the politically incorrect charms of South Park and Family Guy, and the faux barbarities of WWE's "Ravishing" Rick Rude, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Howard Stern and The Jerry Springer Show. These voters implicitly get Trump's crude ad hominems, deliberate provocations, and signature, if at times ironic, braggadocio.

However, what most galls the Establishment's obsequious toadies, Machiavellian careerists, and patronizing gatekeepers - not to mention its corporate media suck-ups who would sell their first-born for a slot on Meet the Press or mention in the Politico Playbook - is that, in expanding the tent, Trump has drawn out of the shadows the far-right fringe of the party that the GOP Establishment would like to keep hidden like some crazy dirt-eating Uncle.

Advertisement

This John Birch, citizen militia, and, yes, KKK element of the GOP, is, in electoral terms, tiny. However, the rural and suburban nativists and college-educated nationalists on the outer circles of this core are more numerous than the mainstream GOP wants to publicly acknowledge. No precise figures can be put on its size. However, it's possible that with the support of this suddenly activated populist wing, combined with Trump's enduring appeal to moderate Tea Party members, evangelicals, "country club Republicans," Libertarians, frat boys, and working class union members, that Trump could accrue an unheard of 63% of the overall white vote come November (Romney got 59% in 2012).

As confirmed by U.S. News, this would be more than enough to give Trump the election - based on critical blue collar, Caucasian-strong swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina and New Hampshire - even if the Democratic nominee picks up all the other states that Obama won in 2012. This would occur even if the Democratic nominee manages to capture an unprecedented 85% of the Latino vote (which seems likely, given Mr. Trump's loosely conceived comments about illegal immigrants), 90% of the Muslim vote (which seems likely given Mr. Trump's call for a temporary Muslim immigration ban), over 75% of the Asian vote (beating Obama's 2012 numbers), and at least 85% of the black vote (which seems likely, given Mrs. Clinton's popularity with African-Americans, and an expected Obama speaking tour on Clinton's behalf come Fall).

U.S. News concluded that even if Mitt Romney won a whopping 70% of the Hispanic vote in 2012, he still would not have won the election because Hispanics represented only 7% of voters. With non-Hispanic whites at 62.6% of the U.S. adult population, their votes "Trump" every other racial or ethnic group in the country.

Those are sobering facts to contemplate for an Establishment GOP that has repeatedly proffered the lie that courting Latino voters is the best path to general election victory. Moreover, these numbers don't even consider that Trump could lose a few industrial states and still win the Presidency because of his across-the-board support in his home state of New York, which he has suddenly put into general election play.

Advertisement

The Roper Center concludes that 5-10 million potential white GOP voters stayed home in 2012 because they didn't feel that Outsourcer-in-Chief Mitt Romney represented their economic interests. U.S. News notes that if white voters had merely voted at the same rate they did in 2004, Romney would have won in 2012, even with the minority demographic headwinds against him.

Faced with this distinctly possible electoral result, the GOP Establishment has now collectively agreed that Lindsey Graham's strategy of "Anybody but Trump" must be their unflinching rallying cry (hashtag #NeverTrump). As I noted in my previous column, "Comparing Trump to Hitler is Worst Kind of Hate Speech,"the Establishment has framed its anti-Trump movement in dangerously apocalyptic terms, and have thereby borrowed straight from the liberal racialist playbook.

Never mind that President Obama failed to call out the anti-Semitic remarks of his own pastor (Reverend Jeremiah "Goddamn America" Wright) or the anti-gay remarks of many of the black pastors and professional black athletes that vociferously backed him, or that Hillary Clinton herself used race as a wedge issue in winning blue-collar working class white voters versus Obama in 2008, Trump is being held to a higher standard. Not because the GOP Establishment cares so much about people of color and the racial profiling that still occurs in many parts of America, but because their raison d'etre - for every global conflict there must be a U.S. military solution - is under threat. If deploying the race card allows them to destroy their neo-isolationist front-runner, they are ready to lose a general election, but live to fight another day on their neoconservative terms.

The litmus test of their desperate, last-ditch, divide-and-conquer strategy has now arrived with the run-up to the March 15 Florida primary. During the next ten days, the GOP Establishment will unload the mother of all attack ad blitzes on the GOP frontrunner. Expect to hear even more distorted or outright fallacious stories about Trump's hiring of illegal aliens over three decades go (which Trump has explained ad nauseam), the ill-fated Trump University (which, as a former Forbes education columnist, I can assure you is a bit more shaky terrain for the billionaire), and his ostensible failure to give full-throttle disavowals of the egregious David Duke (whom I once interviewed for Playboy) and the KKK, even though Trump has done so (however dispassionately) on several occasions, including at Thursday night's Fox News Debate in Detroit.

Advertisement

It is not enough, however, that the Establishment merely destroys or severely damages Mr. Trump. They need a Trump alternative. And that's where the GOP Establishment rubber has so far hit a rocky voter road.

The anti-Trump voter is not particularly sold on any one of the Establishment or quasi-Establishment alternatives. For instance, there is previous Establishment bogeyman, the nauseatingly pious and obstreperous Texas Senator Ted Cruz, about whom darkly hilarious South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said, "If you killed Ted Cruz on the floor of the Senate, and the trial was in the Senate, nobody would convict you."

Though Cruz is precisely the win-at-all-costs nihilist debater type I excoriate in my documentary Master Debaters, and as Dr. Ben Carson can confirm, he is also the perfect Establishment candidate because backing him would show that the GOP is at least partially listening to its fed-up base. The redemption narrative would be clear. Cruz is the prodigal son, another hyphenate American, and part Canadian to boot, passionately proclaiming his freedom from Establishment influence, though happy to take their money (including secret loans from Goldman Sachs). Ted Cruz will be gradually bought back into the Establishment fold, with feigned public resistance, but little private compunction.

Unfortunately, Ted Cruz has won only four states. And should he lose this weekend in Louisiana and Mississippi, as seems likely, his "Southern firewall" is toast.

Advertisement

By contrast, there's Marco Rubio, an even more pathetically transparent Establishment lapdog. Another hyphenate American who rose from humble immigrant beginnings, he is, thus, desperately eager for the Establishment's blessings of money, power and prestige. A robotic, kneejerk supporter of Israel, and a strong believer in the neocon model of regime change, Rubio will without question lead us into another Mideast quagmire, which benefits the Establishment's military-industrial complex, if not the sons and daughters of America's working class who must give up their lives for these futile and costly misadventures.

Unfortunately, though a perfectly malleable Establishment "mark," the boyish Florida Senator has won just one state, Minnesota, and barely at that.

And forget Grandpa John Kasich, who's stayed in the race to win the VP slot, but who will drop out if he loses his home state of Ohio to Trump, which still seems likely even after Cranky John's above-average debate performance in Detroit.

So, none of the top establishment picks seem poised to overtake Trump (who has won 11 states and is poised to grab many more), even with this massive show of Establishment force. This is because the Trump voter, knowing that Trump represents their last chance to genuinely protect the border, deport illegal immigrant felons, and bring back manufacturing jobs to the hollowed out Industrial heartland, has dug in. They see any attempt to take down Trump as the Establishment ploy that it clearly is.

This is not Pat Buchanan's Pitchfork Army, which backed down at the first sight of massive Establishment resistance. The Trump voters are not bending. And they are not breaking, no matter how many outre male anatomy jokes their candidate makes. They feel so forgotten by the pandering, diversity-obsessed status quo that they are willing to elect a touchy, narcissistic, policy lightweight as their next Commander-in-Chief.

Advertisement

As Trump himself has admitted, he could murder someone on 5th Avenue and not lose the votes of his hard-core backers, who have pinned on him the same level of hope that Mr. Obama's fanatical base pinned on him.

So, constant reminders of Trump's imprudent rhetoric are likely to fall on deaf ears. In addition, most of Senator Cruz's voters list Trump as their second choice. So, they too are likely to rally around the frontrunner, should Cruz drop out of the race, as is likely to be the case, after Trump's March 15 winner-take-all wins in Florida, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio and subsequent winner-take-all victories in Arizona and Trump's home state of New York.

Moreover, Rubio is currently 20 points behind in Florida. Bolstered by his come-from-behind performance in Virginia, where he was also 20 points back and battled Trump to a near tie, Rubio thinks he can pull off the upset. If the Senator somehow manages this miraculous comeback (late-breaking voters tend to swing his way), then, yes, game on for the Stop Trump movement.

However, should Rubio fail, with the millions the Establishment will be pouring into the Sunshine State on his behalf, the prospect the Establishment most fears becomes likely reality: Donald Trump as the GOP nominee. You can rest assured that the Beltway power brokers - in tacit collaboration with mainstream media - will move heaven and earth to make sure that never happens.

And right up in their smug and condescending faces will be the noisy, passionate fury of America's dispossed, a formerly "silent majority" who, like Howard Beale's followers in Network, are now "mad as hell" and sick and tired of seeing their dead and wounded sons and daughters as pawns in the Establishment's deadly imperial dreams and greedy border schemes.

Advertisement
This has been one crazy political week. It has been so tumultuous and, in some ways, so calamitous for the Republican party, that we may be witnessing a fatal rupturing of the GOP.

The week began with Donald Trump disastrously equivocating before making an outright repudiation of the Ku Klux Klan and ended with elements of the Republican establishment declaring war on Trump. In between: on Tuesday, Trump won primary contests in seven more states; on Wednesday, the GOP's 2012 nominee, Mitt Romney, delivered a blistering attack against Trump declaring that he had to be stopped from winning the 2016 nomination; and, on Thursday, the four remaining Republican candidates met in Detroit for what can only be called "the ugliest, dirtiest, meanest, and, at times, most childish presidential debate" in recent history.

Advertisement

There is no question that the GOP establishment is alarmed. Their leading candidate is most certainly not a conservative. In fact, he has taken positions during this campaign that not only violate conservative orthodoxy, many of them also fly in the face of common sense (building a wall and forcing Mexico to pay for it, imposing a 35% tariff on Chinese imports, to name a few). More than that, Trump is an embarrassing vulgarian whose life-style, values, and language offends the sensibilities of the Republican elite. And so, they are panicking. And their panic is compounded by the fact they see no clear path forward.

Early on, the GOP leadership tolerated Trump. His no-holds barred "tell it like it is" style excited crowds, especially appealing to economically insecure and politically vulnerable white working class voters. There were no alarm bells going off since the establishment had seen this dynamic play out in past elections with the likes of Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, and the entire Tea Party enterprise. The GOP knew how to play this game. First, they fired up the white working class with a combination of social issues (abortion, gays, "Christian values") and fear of the "other" (blacks, illegals, and Muslims) and then they co-opted this energy to help their establishment-supported candidates win.

One Republican strategist told me early on that he feared confronting Trump because he didn't want to lose the support of the voters Trump was bringing into the GOP. Much the same was said this week by former Education Secretary William Bennett--"We've been trying to get white working class into the party for a long time. Now they're here in huge numbers because of Trump and we're going to alienate them? I don't get it. Too many people are on their high horse".

The problem, of course, is that the Trump movement has gained such momentum and its leader has such a massive ego that he can't be so easily co-opted and may even win the nomination outright.

Advertisement

The next source of the establishment's panic is that they have no alternative candidate. Many had hoped Jeb Bush would emerge. He didn't. Others placed their money on Chris Christie. Not only didn't his campaign go anywhere, but his contempt for his competitors so outweighed his loyalty to the establishment that after withdrawing from the race he endorsed Trump. Those who backed Marco Rubio have looked askance at his demeaning and sometimes crude anti-Trump antics--which have diminished him as a serious candidate. John Kasich, the most serious of the contenders, has offended the conservative wing of the party with his unorthodox positions on immigration, health care, and gay rights. This has left Ted Cruz, whom the party leadership dislikes almost as much as they dislike Trump, since Cruz has also made his reputation by railing against the establishment.

With no clear alternative in the field, the task of taking on Trump fell to Mitt Romney. Not only did the former Republican nominee deliver a withering attack on the current front-runner, Romney also laid out scenarios that would deny Trump the nomination. Romney suggested that if all remaining candidates remain in the race and continue to accumulate delegates, Republicans could go to their convention with no single candidate having the delegates needed to win the nomination on the first ballot. In such an "open contested convention", new candidates could emerge (even Romney himself) and multiple ballots could take place until one candidate would receive the needed majority.

There are two problems with this scenario. In the first place, Romney, though respected by the leadership, is not the ideal messenger for this anti-Trump crusade since he represents the face of the very same establishment that Trump and Cruz have been campaigning against. And should the anti-Trump forces see their candidate defeated by what they will view as a "GOP establishment fix", the concern Bill Bennett has expressed will no doubt play out. Polls of Republican voters have shown that while 20% will not vote for Trump if he's the party's nominee, another 20% say they will not vote Republican if Trump is not the nominee.

And so, mid-way through this primary season, the GOP is in a "damned if they do, damned of they don't situation". How it plays out isn't clear, but one thing is clear--Republicans have a serious Trump problem that will redefine their party in 2016 and beyond.

Advertisement
Awards trophy

However you felt about the Oscars, it was a clear sign of progress that the month-long controversy over the Academy's lack of diversity was front and center during the telecast -- not just begrudgingly alluded to as has happened with other controversies in the past. Whether by design or by luck, the fact that Chris Rock was the host and Cheryl Boone Isaacs is the Academy's president ensured that the issue was not swept under the rug.

That being said, the ceremony itself belied Isaacs' words that "our audiences are global and rich in diversity and every facet of our industry should be as well." Just a handful of Latinos and Asian Americans were presenters and there was no mention of the role of these communities within the diversity issue. Viewers not closely following the controversy were likely left with the impression that this is a simply Black-White issue. When the numbers both on screen and behind the camera for Asian Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans are as woeful as they are, this was an egregious and unforgivable oversight on the part of the Academy and the show's producers.

Advertisement

This isn't about competing for who has it the worst in Hollywood, but a plea to make sure that this long-overdue discussion is as inclusive and comprehensive as it needs to be. This leads me to a second observation -- there is another missing voice in this discussion and it's that of Whites. Why were only actors of color asked about this issue on the red carpet? We've seen the amazing New York Times coverage of the controversy, such as a recent piece on what it's like for women and people of color in Hollywood, but why didn't they also ask the gatekeepers of the industry what their take is on being at the helm of an industry that lacks the diversity we see in America?

The reality is that if the only discomfort the so-called gatekeepers feel is sitting through Chris Rock's razor-sharp monologue, we will be having this discussion again in 2017. That is because the gatekeepers have depended on the fact that once the spotlight goes away and no one takes responsibility or is held accountable, they can wait the advocates out and go on with business as usual. NCLR and our fellow advocates will use this moment to hold their feet to the fire, as should the media and everyone else who has been part of this discussion.

And ultimately, accountability is what it's all about. Corporate America and other sectors that have also dealt with the need to diversify -- long before 2016, I might add -- did not start to really diversify until executives had assessments of diversity become part of their evaluation and compensation discussions. We know that Hollywood is not corporate America and we respect the creative process and the need for flexibility. But we also know that the process has been used as an excuse that has ended up serving as a barrier to inclusion. It is time to be proactive and intentional about diversity and inclusion. It is time for the studios, the companies, and all other decision-makers to ask themselves, "What specifically are we doing to diversify and how are we incentivizing people to do better?" It's about keeping it 100: green has always been the most important color in Hollywood, so nothing in Hollywood will change until it costs someone their money or their job.
I live in a schizophrenic household. Two languages, two cultures, two sets of swear words. In our marriage of 40 years, my French husband and I have lived daily between two worlds. We lived in his country, and in mine. We worked in his country, and in mine. We raised two children in his language, and in mine. We read, think, act and eat in his culture, and in mine. We stay abreast of politics here and there. Sometimes we forget words in our native tongues only to remember that phrase in each other's language. I say "his" and "mine" but in our reality, honed now in these over 40 years, our two worlds are inextricably intertwined, French and American, heart and soul, day-in-and-day-out.

Our identities weave in and out with the languages of the movies we watch; of the newspapers, magazines, books, and websites we read; with the meals we prepare. Subtitled movies are distracting because we notice the bad or erroneous translations, and even spelling errors. We joke in two different languages, and on occasion we accidentally concoct some witty cross-language puns. I even feel different at times depending on if I speak English or French -- a certain "je ne sais quoi." Maybe a tad more Yankee with my hard American chime, or a tad more continental with my acquired French tenor. I am split.

Creating a Legacy

Perhaps our most enduring legacy of our bilingual voyage is having raised our children to be fluent in French and English. I am a fervent and vehement advocate for learning languages from the womb on. Yes, it is possible, and yes, it is only a good thing. I was determined that my kids grow up bilingually from day one, and not learn a new language at the late age of 20, like I did. Both my children were born in France, and by the time my first-born came along, I had been living in my adopted country for four years. For all that time I spoke only French on a daily basis, to the point that my English was getting rusty. I made spelling errors in English and I had a hard time finding the English words when speaking to my parents on the phone. As soon as my first-born arrived, I resolved to only speak English to him. Period. It was good for him, and good for me to get the rust out! This precedence had to be set immediately. My husband and I only spoke French with each other from the get-go (so I could learn it), and we were determined that I only speak English with our children, since they would only be speaking French with their father and everyone else around them. I would be their only source of English.

Advertisement

Our language relationships did not change when we came to the United States. French is still the dominant language in our home. As our children were growing up, both French- and English-speaking dinner guests in our home were treated to a scene of babelsque chatter, a sort of language ping-pong, as the mother tongue would switch back and forth depending on who was addressing whom. Our children are grown and living their lives now, but our language ping-pong continues with dinner guests.



Forked Tongues

It is our eating in two different languages and cultures, though, that has been my husband's and my most daily challenge over the years, and the seed of many an argument. Being French, of course, my husband is a foodie and intimate connoisseur of all things gourmet simply by his birthright. It's in their genes; they are brought up that way from infancy. I willingly embraced it, and learned to cook many of their delectable dishes. However, the French dictate and obsession with the daily baguette for every meal has always been a thorn in my side. At first I loved the bread, and for many years gobbled it down. And while I still appreciate a nice, fresh, country confected loaf or baguette, I don't appreciate the constraint of assuring that it is always on the table, day-in and day-out. For a French person, bread on the table is an integral part of a table setting, part of the scene, along with salt and pepper, napkins, plates, and silverware! While I have absorbed many things French into my DNA, for some reason, this gene has not grafted well within my system. I can eat a meal without bread! My husband cannot and thus, our eternal bone of contention for the past 40 years. I simply don't always think of buying it for daily consumption, and he neglects to make the side trip to pick it up.

Advertisement

This simple irritation sometimes leads to a greater argument and then, beware of forked tongues! My husband knows when I am really, sincerely angry because I revert to English, and quickly, English swear words in a whiplash flash. French swear words just don't have the same impact to me. They don't sound as mean with that softened cottony French tonal edge.

Opening Windows to the World

Language is a bedrock of who we are. We identify with a culture through it, and we expose our personalities through it. It's how we learn and communicate. While most of us don't have the chance to start out in life with two languages, we don't have a choice of the one we are born into. We can choose to learn another one, or several. It opens windows to the world, bringing awareness of other worlds. Kids are sponges, and their brains are constantly growing, evolving, thinking. It's easy for them to learn another language, and the earlier, the better, before they have pre-conceived ideas about how things should sound, be pronounced, or that there is only one word for something. Not only does learning other languages give them amazing communication tools, but it piques their curiosity about other cultures, geography, and history. Recent studies even say that bilingual children have more avidly developed brains, somewhat akin to being able to do two things at once.

Learning a language shouldn't begin in a classroom. That should come later. Much later. How did we learn our language as children? Not with books, not with vocabulary lists or weekly quizzes. Just by hearing, watching, repeating. The reading, writing, and spelling came later. There are a lot of programs today such as Rosetta Stone and others that try to teach in this vein of just listening, and granted, as an adult it is hard to surrender to "just listen." Our learned ways tell us to take notes and scribble in the margins of a book. Lingohop, a new app to be widely available soon, strikes me as a better and more intuitive experience for today's language learners on the go.

Many couples and families in the United States are bilingual today, and yes, many are immigrants. Yes, one should learn the language of the country one has adopted, but not to the detriment one's original language just to "blend in." Depriving one's child the gift of two languages is shortsighted and selfish. It takes some discipline to maintain both languages in the home, and there may be an inevitable refusal by the children at some point to speak the second language because "none of their friends do." But how criminal to miss that childhood opportunity when it so easy for them to learn without any effort.

Advertisement

Our Next Generation

My husband and I are proud that our children are now raising their children in bilingual households. Our efforts haven't fallen on deaf ears and today I smile, satisfied that my young grandchildren's French is better than mine and their English is better than their French grandpa's. They even correct us. Intuitively, they just know how it should be spoken. I hope they will aspire to be citizens of the world. They already have some good tools for starters. Oh, and I wish them schizophrenic lives as well.



Earlier on Huff/Post50:
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 20: Former U.S. Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) speaks during a news conference at the National Press Club October 20, 2015 in Washington, DC. Sen. Webb announced that he is dropping out of the Democratic presidential race. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

I found it weirdly poignant when, late this last week, former Virginia Democratic senator Jim Webb said that he could imagine voting for Donald Trump, but not for Hillary Clinton. Maybe Webb, who lasted about 10 minutes in the primary with a resenting-affirmative-action populist deal, and used to be a Republican (as a military official in the Reagan administration), is just an opportunist hoping for a VP slot. But there was a time when his victories in Appalachian Virginia, where other Democrats lose and Trump dominated last week, were seen as a hopeful front for the party.

It also got me thinking. One of the provocative but under-developed claims in Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me is that "white" people, if they want a heritage, should look to what their families were before they were "white." It's attractive, but, unlike much of what Coates writes, simplistic.

Advertisement

I think of this because Webb is a literary practitioner of a certain kind of white-ethnic identity politics. He wrote a book about the Scots-Irish called "Born Fighting." These descendants of lowland Scots and northern English folk were settled in Ulster to displace the Catholic Irish after the colonial wars of the late c16, then moved to the colonies, where they fought in Washington's armies and settled the frontier. (My four-greats grandfather was one: he wintered with Washington at Valley Forge.) They have always been the foot soldiers for blue-blood wars, right down through Vietnam, and they have always been reliably, even belligerently patriotic. As an ethnicity, they were formed by serving as the bleeding edge of two colonial projects - the Anglo-Ulster and the American.

Given the bloody and racially hierarchical history of this country, there are a lot of "white" people whose inherited cultural identity basically comes out of the violent crucible that made "whiteness," without a lot more left back there to recover. In a time when many of those people are economically abandoned and feel culturally displaced, it's not surprising that they are reasserting what they've got. Which, as a matter of culture and (as they like to say in the South) "heritage," is pretty much restricted to fighting for the winning side and getting some spoils (material and symbolic) of victory.
Hollywood Attorney Hints at Spring Celeb Divorces

They walked down the red carpet together hand in hand, glowing, glamorous, and gorgeous. But just watch, there will be a few celebrity divorces filed soon, now that the Oscars are over, or so says attorney to the stars Laura Wasser, according to US Magazine.

Wasser has handled many famous ladies' divorces -- three Kardashians, Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, and Maria Shriver -- and she told Bloomberg Businessweek that she expects to file a bunch more divorces in March. She says that after walking the red carpet clutching each other lovingly, many couples will be ready to kiss goodbye for good.

Star Divorce

Wasser says that business is booming and she gave away some of her trade secrets. The way she manages to deflect attention from the filing of one famous couple is to file multiple big celebrity divorces at once. This dilutes the power of any one divorce's announcement.

Although Wasser is very popular with the rich and famous, she apparently has some perspective on their lives. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, she joked that she had to remind a wealthy client who complains about having to care for her kids on the weekend, which requires work, "Also, you have no job."

The rich and famous get riled up about little things, according to Wasser. One client wanted to seek full custody of her child when she discovered that dad gave their vegan child a meaty hamburger. I'm sorry, but no judge is going to take away custody because you gave the kid In-N-Out," Wasser said (referring to a California fast food burger chain).

Who Will Split?

Wasser is chatty and charming but she is no fool. She did not reveal any client secrets, or dish on who is going to split exactly. Instead, she hinted that there will be some interesting splits coming soon.

She is currently working on 45 cases, many of them divorce-related. "I'll tell my clients, 'I have someone else, I can't say who, but you should really wait and file at the same time." Wasser is considered responsible for several closely-timed celebrity splits last summer. But, Wasser insists in Bloomberg, she is not opposed to love or marriage. "I don't want you to think I'm anti-love, because I'm not," she explained. "I know plenty of people with wonderful, lifelong marriages."

Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Facebook and Twitter (@FindLawConsumer).

Related Resources:


Christopher Gregory, Getty Images

On a phone interview with CNN on July 28th, Donald Trump expressed his criticism of establishment elite:

"This is more than me; this is a movement going on. People are tired of these incompetent politicians in Washington that can't get anything done," said Trump. "They can't make deals; they can't do anything. They go and they - all they care about is getting elected."

It's not a stretch to say the landscape of American politics has changed, with a direct correlation to the current state of affairs in America. In a post-industrial capitalist society, Americans of all creed and color are experiencing an overall decline in quality of life.

Advertisement

On opposite ends of the political spectrum, both Sen. Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump promise change. While their vision of change differs in the most extreme way possible, the part of the American psyche they appeal to is exactly the same.

To understand this, we have to add context.

The middle class is losing more of its wealth as the upper class, fueled by capital gains, continues to swallow up more influence and wealth, further dividing the classes from one another.

The rift amongst occupation and income in America, even amongst those who obtain a college degree, is widening at an alarming rate.

The higher education system has become more economically polarized. Although the higher-education system encourages upward mobility and economic opportunity, the ability to capitalize on those opportunities are fairly slim for individuals from lower-income backgrounds.

Advertisement

Additionally, views on race relations, state violence and discrimination are more divisive, as seen in a CBS/New York Times poll.

The American Dream of equal opportunity, independence, and upward mobility seems a distant memory. As a result, many Americans are beginning to place the blame on ineffective political structures and turn to new ideology in hopes to help fix the system that often works against them.

At the same time, Trump mania is sweeping across the nation and stirring the pot of the once relatively stagnant U.S. political scene. Given Donald Trump's financial independence, immense name recognition, perceived authenticity, and successful business acumen, he has amassed a large constituency and constructed a highly effective upheaval of conventional political campaigning.

Then there's Bernie Sanders, whose "democratic socialist" positioning -- along with his short disheveled hair, hunched shoulders and agitating style -- naturally renders him a political outcast in Washington.



Matthew Ogbeifun, NOC Presidential Forum on Black America, Minneapolis

This raises a couple of concerned eyebrows and two very important questions: Why do Trump and Sanders resonate with voters? What does their presence in the American political scene expose about the current state of American society at-large?

Advertisement

Over the past few decades a series of profound changes have taken place. Increased socioeconomic disparities and changing demographics fueled by increased racial and ethnic diversity has led to a massive cultural and societal divide. As a result, an increase in starkly differing opinions on American socio-political issues and voter polarity have followed suit.

According to a Washington Post article in 2014, Democratic and Republican voters today are far more divided by race religious beliefs, ideological orientations and policy preferences than in the past. These trends manifest themselves in various ways, leading to increased gridlock in Washington and in the everyday life of many Americans.

In 2014, the Pew Research Center conducted a yearlong political survey on political polarization. According to their findings trends in political polarization first start as far back as 1994, and have grown exponentially ever since, as the figure below shows.

The graphic below shows the extent to which members of both parties have become more ideologically consistent, and therefore, trend further away from one another. As a result, today 92% of Republicans are to the rights of the median Democrat, and 94% of Democrats are to the left of the median Republican.

Partisan animosity has also increased substantially over the same period. In both parties, the proportions of those who share a highly negative view of the opposing party has more than doubled since 1994. Most of these intense partisans believe the opposing party's policies "are so misguided that they threaten the nation's well-being." As seen in the figure below.

Advertisement

What is the cause of this massive cultural shift? People are angry. In recent times, this populist anger initiated by the 2008 economic recession lit a fire under American liberals and conservatives, alike. Propelling the Tea Party in 2010 and Occupy Wall Street in 2011.

Over the years, excessive partisanship and massive ideological divisions have led to a disconnect between the voter base and party elite. The void is immense. As a result, this left many voters across party lines feeling as though their voice isn't being heard. This chaotic state, particularly within the GOP, serves as the perfect breeding ground for radical ideology. In response to the turbulence within American society --the fear-mongering, xenophobic machine that is Donald Trump-- has cunningly played well to the base, and positioned himself as the voice of the people.

Bernie Sanders was also known as a forthright antagonist while he served in the House. In 1990, Sanders called Congress "impotent", and scorned the two major parties as inseparable instruments of the rich. In 2003, he grilled former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan, for being "out of touch" with the needs of the middle class and working families.

Other interesting parallels between both candidates can be seen in their rise into prominence. At first, both were seen as underdogs, with willingness to sacrifice ideological purity to 'tell it how it is.' Neither campaign has received donations from Super PACs or special interest groups. And both have an ability to bring new voters into the political process, mostly through support from a new wave of Americans who resent the current economic climate.

Oddly enough, the majority of their constituents are also fairly similar in many ways.

According to a recent Gallup poll, most Democrats and Republicans voters agree on the top four issues in the campaign: the economy, national security, jobs, and healthcare. Where they differ lies in Republicans placing more priority in the federal budget deficit, foreign affairs, the size and efficiency of the federal government, immigration, and taxes, as opposed to Democrats placing more urgency on issues relating to the income/wealth distribution, the environment, and education.

Advertisement

Where Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders are most effective lies in their uncanny ability to speak on behalf of the widespread outrage and frustrations felt by Americans, while simultaneously constituting an element of antiestablishment appeal. All of which serve to aid in their highly effective upheaval of conventional political campaigning. Both seemingly serve to expose fallacies, contradictions, and hypocrisy within American politics, as citizens are beginning to correlate the near-universal decrease in quality of life in America to the ineffective policies leaders enact.

This is true in almost every state where pollsters are speaking to Republican constituents. Trump leads with 38 percent support in New Jersey, 34 percent in South Carolina, 42 percent in Florida, 30 percent in heavily-polled New Hampshire, 31 percent in Ohio, 22 percent in Pennsylvania, 36 percent in Texas, and 25 percent in California.

And while the vast majority of Donald Trump's supporters reside within the GOP camp, even those who traditionally vote Democratic find themselves able to slightly agree to a portion of his strikingly skewed views.

Sanders also appeals to an antiestablishment strain that isn't particularly Liberal. Some Republicans believe that Sanders embodies conservative values. In Vermont, Republicans on the Burlington City Council sided with Sanders on Fiscal issues. His promise to redistribute power from Wall Street to mainstream America is a message that resonates with most Republicans. According to a New York Times/CBS poll conducted in May, 51% percent of Republicans think large corporations have too much influence on American life and politics today. In addition, back in his home state of Vermont many of the low-income parts are Republican, largely populated by Libertarians who generally share a skepticism of government intrusion into individual judgement.

In an article featured in The Atlantic, Author Clare Foran interviews Political Science Professor Chris Ellis, who offers an interesting take on partisanship:

Advertisement



"Once you get out of Washington 'conservative' can mean all sorts of different things. Voters are often left of center on some issues and right of center on others. So someone like Trump or Sanders who talks about themselves in a way that doesn't fit into a pre-ordained box could be appealing to a lot of people," says Chris Ellis, a political science professor at Bucknell University. (Foran, The Atlantic)

So, is there still hope for the future? Will Donald Trump 'Make America Great Again?' or will Bernie Sanders bring us "A Future to Believe in?' Despite all the hoopla surrounding both candidates, I'm still malcontent. Do either represent a true socio-political paradigm shift? or do they only serve to speak on frustrations? In my opinion, neither candidate is a true depiction of the radical disruption and renovation of the political process that many Americans eagerly seek. Old, angry, white men fighting for control of the country is akin to the traditional American power dynamic.

In an interview with NPR News on December 21st, President Barack Obama posed a question for his successor:
Could it be that the 'Persian Spring,' manifested by the anti-hard-line vote this week in which over 60 percent of Iran's eligible electorate went to the polls, has a better chance to succeed than the Arab Spring?

Unlike the brittle autocracies in most of the Arab world that shattered when challenged, Iran has a robust civil society combined with quasi-democratic institutions put in place after the revolution in 1979 that seemingly enable the country to evolve instead of explode. And Iranians are intent on making their own changes without the outside interventions that have roiled the broader Mideast region in recent years.

Advertisement

As Reza Marashi writes, "These elections reflect Iranian society's continued desire to bring about change through gradual evolution rather than radical upheaval. They are demanding pragmatic and democratic reform within the existing system. No one is calling for a revolution, and a diverse socioeconomic swath of Iranian society rejects foreign interference in its politics." Former Iranian National Security Council member Hossein Mousavian hopes the West now grasps that his country has the capacity and institutions to make change on its own terms. "Iranians who went to the voting booths have a palpable sense of the indifference of the West to the existence of democracy and elections in Iran," he testily writes. While no one expects changes overnight, it is clear that, as Iranian philosopher Ramin Jahanbegloo notes, "the results amounted to a popular endorsement of [President Hassan] Rouhani's policy of "constructive and dignified engagement with the world." Their real impact, he adds, "will be felt in the next few years when the battle for the next supreme leader starts." Negar Mortazavi explains the unique conjunction of foreign policy shifts, political coalitions and social media that determined the outcome of the elections.

Muhammad Sahimi sees an inexorable outcome down the road: "The hard-liners that have isolated Iran and repressed its people are on the wane," he writes. Trita Parsi assesses the impact of the nuclear deal between Iran and the West on the vote. "The election results are also a vindication of the Obama administration's outreach and negotiations with Iran," he says. "For decades, moderates in Iran could not demonstrate the benefits of their moderate policies because of an unwillingness in Washington to play ball and negotiate directly with Tehran." Arms control expert Joe Cirincione argues that the tough new sanctions against North Korea imposed this week by the U.N. Security Council -- with unprecedented U.S. and Chinese cooperation -- should be the prelude to negotiations like those that produced the Iran deal. We also publish this week the final installment of a graphic novel that captures what it is like to be gay in Iran.

Advertisement

Key primary season votes took place in the U.S. on Super Tuesday, vaulting Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump into solid front-runner status for their respective parties. Dan Gillmor explores how the "all fear, all the time" media in America has helped create a welcoming climate for the bigoted, fear-mongering of Trump's campaign. Martin Eiermann situates Trump and Bernie Sanders within the long history of American populism. World Reporter Nick Robins-Early reports on the support Trump is finding among Europe's most controversial far-right leaders. Former Mexican President Vicente Fox talks Trump on HuffPost Live. Roque Planas speaks to a Mexico City legislator about a unanimous proposal he said was passed by the region's local legislature on Wednesday to ban Trump from entering Mexico. Planas also explains how El Salvador became the world's most violent country in this week's "Forgotten Fact."

Writing about the recent election in Ireland, Pavlos Tsimas observes the opposite consequence of populist pandering in Europe. "Ireland repeats a pattern that appeared in the Portuguese and Spanish elections," he writes. "The governments which implemented austerity programs in exchange for the market's trust cannot also earn the electoral body's trust. The prosperous macro-numbers are slow to translate to micro-prosperity in the poorer households. And that anger is recorded by the elections."

The other major event in the U.S. this week was the presentation of the Oscars at the annual Academy Awards. Writing from Singapore, Chandran Nair scores Hollywood not only for the lack of black actors on the screen, but also for ignoring global voices even as its movies capture the world market. Actress Meryl Streep celebrates the contrasting diversity of global cinema at the just-concluded Berlin Film Festival where she headed the awards jury. As if to prove the exception to the rule, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Maheen Sadiq write from Hafizabad, Pakistan about their film on honor killings, "A Girl in the River," which was awarded the Oscar for best documentary short and which has stirred widespread public debate in Pakistan.

Writing from New Delhi, Dileep Padgaonkar warns that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is inviting his undoing by not reining in Hindu nationalist zealots. Indian novelist Rana Dasgupta weighs in on the controversy surrounding the recent arrest of students leaders for "anti-national" rhetoric. "A nation cannot be reduced to a territory," he writes. This photo essay documents the faces of protest over the arrests.

Advertisement

In a moving remembrance of Olof Palme, the Swedish prime minister assassinated on the streets of Stockholm 30 years ago this week, former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou recalls the formative years he spent living as a refugee in Sweden that taught him lessons about democracy and tolerance that he took back to his homeland. Speaking of today's refugees in Europe, he writes from Athens: "Europe can, and must, utilize this opportunity to prepare for the return of so many who will be called upon to rebuild destroyed societies. Crucially, they will become the architects and engineers of new societies that can withstand the authoritarianism of dictators, fundamentalists and populists." Writing from Copenhagen, Louise Stigsgaard Nissen chronicles the rise of voluntary civic organizations across Denmark that aim to help refugees in spite of harsh new anti-immigrant laws imposed by the current government. Willa Frej reports on how French authorities razed the famous "Jungle" refugee camp in Calais this week in an effort to ward off more arriving refugees seeking a route to Great Britain. This photo essay shows the inside of the "homes" of refugees inside the Calais camp before it was destroyed.

Writing from Berlin, German Vice-Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel calls for social programs, such as affordable housing and day care, that benefit all of society, not just the newly arrived migrants. Specialized programs, he argues, "can quickly lead to a belief that refugees are the ones responsible for the fact that other issues in Germany aren't being addressed." John Feffer looks inside the illiberal shift of Germany's neighbor, Poland. Eric Olander and Cobus van Staden examine yet another angle in the global conflict over migrants -- this one involving Chinese workers in Africa stranded by the slowdown in China's economy.

WorldPost Middle East Correspondent Sophia Jones reports from Kabul about a group of women who plan to scale Afghanistan's highest peak, Mount Noshaq, as a challenge to their country's rigid gender norms. "They say it's dangerous -- that we can't climb mountains. But I can do anything," one young woman tells her.

In the final part of our "Beyond 2050" series, Astronomer Royal Martin Rees boggles the imagination by pointing out that the future ahead will be longer than the past behind, and evolved intelligence in those times to come may not be organic. "The timescale for developing human-level artificial intelligence may be decades or it may be centuries," he writes. "Be that as it may, it's but an instant compared to the cosmic future stretching ahead, and indeed far shorter than the timescales of the Darwinian selection that led to humanity's emergence." Writing from Paris, Bernard-Henri Levy offers a personal tribute to the vast erudition of his friend, the Italian scholar Umberto Eco, who passed away recently.

Advertisement

Fusion this week looks at an app that can tell you how to ask your boss for a raise. Peter Diamandis reports on how drones are converging with other technologies. Finally, our Singularity series examines new drugs that could replace the need for physical exercise.

WHO WE ARE EDITORS: Nathan Gardels, Co-Founder and Executive Advisor to the Berggruen Institute, is the Editor-in-Chief of The WorldPost. Kathleen Miles is the Executive Editor of The WorldPost. Farah Mohamed is the Managing Editor of The WorldPost. Alex Gardels and Peter Mellgard are the Associate Editors of The WorldPost. Katie Nelson is the National Editor at the Huffington Post, overseeing The WorldPost and HuffPost's editorial coverage. Eline Gordts is HuffPost's Senior World Editor. Charlotte Alfred and Nick Robins-Early are World Reporters. Rowaida Abdelaziz is Social Media Editor. CORRESPONDENTS: Sophia Jones in Istanbul EDITORIAL BOARD: Nicolas Berggruen, Nathan Gardels, Arianna Huffington, Eric Schmidt (Google Inc.), Pierre Omidyar (First Look Media) Juan Luis Cebrian (El Pais/PRISA), Walter Isaacson (Aspen Institute/TIME-CNN), John Elkann (Corriere della Sera, La Stampa), Wadah Khanfar (Al Jazeera), Dileep Padgaonkar (Times of India) and Yoichi Funabashi (Asahi Shimbun). VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS: Dawn Nakagawa. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Moises Naim (former editor of Foreign Policy), Nayan Chanda (Yale/Global; Far Eastern Economic Review) and Katherine Keating (One-On-One). Sergio Munoz Bata and Parag Khanna are Contributing Editors-At-Large. The Asia Society and its ChinaFile, edited by Orville Schell, is our primary partner on Asia coverage. Eric X. Li and the Chunqiu Institute/Fudan University in Shanghai and Guancha.cn also provide first person voices from China. We also draw on the content of China Digital Times. Seung-yoon Lee is The WorldPost link in South Korea. Jared Cohen of Google Ideas provides regular commentary from young thinkers, leaders and activists around the globe. Bruce Mau provides regular columns from MassiveChangeNetwork.com on the "whole mind" way of thinking. Patrick Soon-Shiong is Contributing Editor for Health and Medicine. ADVISORY COUNCIL: Members of the Berggruen Institute's 21st Century Council and Council for the Future of Europe serve as the Advisory Council -- as well as regular contributors -- to the site. These include, Jacques Attali, Shaukat Aziz, Gordon Brown, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Juan Luis Cebrian, Jack Dorsey, Mohamed El-Erian, Francis Fukuyama, Felipe Gonzalez, John Gray, Reid Hoffman, Fred Hu, Mo Ibrahim, Alexei Kudrin, Pascal Lamy, Kishore Mahbubani, Alain Minc, Dambisa Moyo, Laura Tyson, Elon Musk, Pierre Omidyar, Raghuram Rajan, Nouriel Roubini, Nicolas Sarkozy, Eric Schmidt, Gerhard Schroeder, Peter Schwartz, Amartya Sen, Jeff Skoll, Michael Spence, Joe Stiglitz, Larry Summers, Wu Jianmin, George Yeo, Fareed Zakaria, Ernesto Zedillo, Ahmed Zewail, and Zheng Bijian. From the Europe group, these include: Marek Belka, Tony Blair, Jacques Delors, Niall Ferguson, Anthony Giddens, Otmar Issing, Mario Monti, Robert Mundell, Peter Sutherland and Guy Verhofstadt.

MISSION STATEMENT

The WorldPost is a global media bridge that seeks to connect the world and connect the dots. Gathering together top editors and first person contributors from all corners of the planet, we aspire to be the one publication where the whole world meets.

Advertisement
TEHRAN, IRAN - FEBRUARY 26: Iranian women take a mobile phone portrait while they vote in key elections for Parliament and the Assembly of Experts in the Hosseiniyeh Ershad mosque in Tehran, Iran, on February 26, 2016. The vote is essentially a referendum on the agenda of centrist President Hassan Rouhani, whose allies are trying to ease the grip of hardliners over many levers of government. The result in the 290-member Majlis, or parliament, and the 88-member clerical Assembly AAwhich could choose Iran's next supreme leader, if Ayatollah Ali Khamenei passes in the next 8 years A could shape Iran for years to come. (Photo by Scott Peterson/Getty Images)

"I vote because I see images of immigrants from our neighboring countries drowning in the sea ... We can easily be like them." These were the words famous Iranian actor Hamid Farokhnezhad told a reporter in Tehran last Friday as he waited in line to vote. "It is not fair because many [candidates] have been disqualified," he added. "But in this small space that is left for breathing, people try to get the maximum oxygen."

Unlike the 2012 parliamentary elections that were boycotted by most reformists, these elections saw a high turnout in favor of the reformists. And Farokhnezhad was not the only star involved. Dozens of celebrities took to social media to encourage Iranians to participate in the elections and urged them to vote for the moderates. They published photos and videos to their millions of followers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter -- using VPNs for the sites that were blocked -- asking them to vote for the coalition of reformists/moderates in order to eliminate ultra-conservative candidates. Famous actress Baran Kosari published a Dubsmash video with the voice of former President Mohammad Khatami. Dubsmash is a very popular app in Iran used by young Iranians to create short selfie videos of themselves with famous lines from a movie or song. Kosari used a line from Khatami's video in which he asks the voters to vote for the "List of Hope," an ideal candidate list compiled by reformists and moderates for the elections. The list for Tehran included 30 for parliament and 16 for Assembly of Experts, the clerical body that appoints the supreme leader, so Kosari wrote the numbers "30+16" on her palm and displayed it as the former president's voice repeated, "vote for all the individuals in both the lists."

Advertisement

Historic Coalition

Iranian elections may not be entirely free, but that doesn't mean they don't get competitive. The registration is fair -- open to everyone who meets the minimum age and education requirements -- so thousands of Iranians from all walks of life register for every election. But after registration comes the "qualification" process where different state and local entities do background checks on the candidates and approve or disapprove them. These entities include the Guardian Council, which makes the final decision of who is and who is not qualified to run. Dominated by conservatives, the council disqualified thousands of candidates from the race, including many reformists and moderates. Despite the mass disqualification of their candidates, all remaining reformists and moderates came together and formed a historic coalition and announced one unified list of candidates for the entire country -- the "List of Hope." Leader of the reform movement former President Khatami urged Iranian voters to vote for the entire List of Hope in order to prevent conservatives from winning seats.

U.S. Secretary of State Kerry talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif after the IAEA verified that Iran has met all conditions under the nuclear deal on Jan. 16, 2016. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool via AP)

Nuclear Deal: A Uniting Factor

Unlike the U.S. Congress where the nuclear deal with Iran has become a dividing factor, the nuclear deal played an important role in uniting the moderates and reformists in Iran. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or as Iranians call it, BARJAM, was one of the key determining factors in who got elected and who didn't. Most of those who opposed the deal did poorly.

Iranian men hold up ballots marked with reformist candidates as they vote in key elections on February 26, 2016. (Scott Peterson/Getty Images)

Revolt In Tehran

Like most places across the world, parliamentary elections in Iran are more local than political. People tend to vote for candidates who can get things done and solve their local issues. The real political battlefield is in the capital, Tehran, where voters elect 30 members to the 290-seat parliament, or Majlis. The reformist voter turnout in Tehran was so unprecedented that the entire "List of Hope" candidates won 100 percent of the seats for Tehran, leaving no seats for ultra-conservatives. Even the most prominent conservative candidate Gholamali Haddad Adel, former speaker of parliament and a relative of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, lost to the List of Hope and came in 31. In a way, citizens used the ballot to disqualify the conservatives. The results came as a big shock to both the reformists and the conservatives.

An Iranian man shows Telegram app messages from supporters of a female conservative candidate on his mobile phone in Tehran, Iran on Feb. 24. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

An App Called Telegram

Since the 2009 election protests in Iran, Facebook and Twitter have been blocked by the government and Iranians have taken to using other social networks, including a new instant messaging app called Telegram with over 20 million users in Iran. Telegram became the most important campaigning tool in the most recent elections, especially for the reformists and moderates. Millions of people were sharing, forwarding and discussing participation in the vote, and hundreds of discussion groups and public channels were formed. The List of Hope was circulated by millions of users, and many saved it on their smartphones and took it to the polling stations on election day. Although the conservatives tried to block Telegram, the Rouhani administration stood up to pressures and refrained from blocking the Internet. That is why we saw many images of young voters on election day looking at their phone as they filled in the ballot with the List of Hope.

Magic #46? 30 (candidates on Tehran pro-reform list) + 16 (candidates on Rafsanjani-led AoE list) #IranElections2016 pic.twitter.com/mzCyJX4DiW  Hanif Zarrabi-K. (@hanifzk) February 21, 2016

Winning With Tied Hands

Reformists and moderates entered a completely unfair race; many of their candidates were disqualified; both leaders of the Green Movement, Mousavi and Karroubi, were under house arrest; some top figures and activists of the reform movement are still imprisoned; and most importantly, there is a media ban on former President Khatami, leader of the reform movement. They had very limited access to national mass media such as radio and television, which are largely run by the conservatives, and had to use social media as their main campaign tool. Khatami had to publish his List of Hope video message on social media. It seemed as if moderates and reformists were competing with tied hands, and yet they were able to win.

Advertisement

Once again the Iranian people used the limited available democratic process, combined with unconventional tools and creative methods, to take another step towards political change. A slow process that started with the election of President Khatami and the birth of the reform movement in the 1990s continued through the 2009 election and post-election resistance, re-emerged in the 2013 election of moderate President Rouhani and again showed up in the two important elections last week. Iranians have been on a slow path to democracy and continue to progress -- with patience and with hope.

Also on WorldPost:
Berta Caceres (Goldman Environmental Prize)

In the early morning hours of March 3, our long-time partner and friend Berta Caceres was murdered in her home town in Honduras. In the past few weeks, the leader of the indigenous Lenca people and the Civic Council of Indigenous and Popular Organizations of Honduras (COPINH) had been repeatedly threatened with her life for her opposition against the Agua Zarca Dam on the Gualcarque River. Three years earlier, her colleague Tomas Garcia had been killed at a peaceful protest against the dam by an army officer at close range.

We don't know who fired the bullet that killed Berta Caceres. But we need to call out the actors who share a moral responsibility for the murder of our friend and partner:

the Honduran government, which leads the country with the world's worst track record of environmental killings, and which did not protect Berta Caceres even though it had been ordered to do so by the Inter-American Commission of Human Rights;

the dam builder, Desarrollos Energeticos S. A (DESA), which has close contacts with the country's security forces and has orchestrated an intimidation campaign against Berta Caceres in recent months;

and finally, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), FMO, Finnfund and Voith-Siemens, the funders and corporations which underwrite the Agua Zarca Project with their loans and equipment contracts.

Advertisement

How have the different actors responded to the murder of Berta Caceres? The Honduran police reportedly tried to present the killing as a botched robbery, an effort both helplessly ridiculous and outrageous. The dam builder also asserted that "there is no direct or indirect connection between the project and the unfortunate event that has ended the life of the indigenous leader."

COPINH, the indigenous movement which Berta Caceres had founded, didn't buy the obfuscation by the Honduran police and the dam builder. "We know very well who murdered her," the movement said in a statement on March 3. Calling out the Honduran government and the companies and financiers that are backing the Agua Zarca Dam, COPINH concluded that "their hands are stained with indigenous blood and with the blood of the Lenca people."

The Agua Zarca Dam is a relatively small hydropower projects. At the outset, development financiers such as CABEI, FMO and Finnfund may well have hoped to create benefits for the local population through access to electricity, jobs, and other infrastructure investments. Yet the project did not receive the free, prior informed consent from the local indigenous people that is mandated under an ILO Convention that Honduras has ratified. The Lenca people, for whom the Gualcarque River has an important agricultural and spiritual value, vigorously protested against the project and blocked construction for several years. As a result, the dam builder militarized the region, and in July 2013, Berta's comrade Tomas Garcia was killed.

Advertisement

Remarkably, the Chinese dam builder Sinohydro, which had received a contract to build the Agua Zarca Dam, pulled out of the project after Tomas Garcia was killed. "Right from the very beginning," Sinohydro stated, "it was noticed that there were serious interest conflicts between the Employer of the Project, i.e. DESA, and the local communities, which were treated as unpredictable and uncontrollable to the Contractor."
Virtual Reality is opening up new storytelling genres and filmmakers are finding themselves with new tools, techniques, and complexity in the brave new world of immersive media.

In discussions of VR and storytelling, understanding and empathy are two words that are often the center of the conversation. That's because VR flips on its head the "willing suspension of disbelief." Here's the first time I encountered this. I was at the Stanford VR lab of Prof Jeremy Bailenson, wearing a headset, and being asked to walk on a (virtual) path. As I walked, the floor on either side of the path dropped away, and I was now walking across a narrow path with a deadly cliff on either side. I knew the floor was real - and the cavern below was a digital fiction. It hardly mattered. I became unsure of my footing, lost balance, and genuinely feared that I might fall. I didn't have to suspend disbelief, but rather need to work hard to keep my rational mind from fully adopting the digital reality that it was presented with. That day - five years ago - it was clear to me that filmmakers were about to have a new kind of power in their hands.

Advertisement



VR headset demo'd by Edwin Rogers of VR VIDEO (photo: Steven Rosenbaum)



It's as simple as this. Virtual Reality creates a sense of "presence," so even if your conscious = brain knows what you are observing is virtual, your emotional instincts and responsive brain absorbs the VR fiction a real experience and memory. Thinking back to the bridge and that cavern below, it's still frightening to this day.

The way Peter worded it felt like the line at the beginning of a Sci-Fi movie, where the resident scientist explains a concept that will become important later on in the film. You know that moment. It's always a telegraphed concept. Implanting false memories is hardly a new Sci-Fi trope. But here's a technology that can really do it.

Chris Milk and his VRSE studio are at the forefront of exploring and inventing in VR. Milk says VR could actually change human consciousness. In 2015 I watched Milk give this brilliant TED Talk in Vancouver. He showed the gathering a number of extraordinary early VR experiences including The Wilderness Downtown, a music video for the band Arcade Fire.

Said Milk: Unfortunately, talking about virtual reality is like dancing about architecture. It's difficult because it's a very experiential medium. You feel your way inside of it. It's a machine, but inside of it, it feels like real life, it feels like truth. And you feel present in the world that you're inside and you feel present with the people that you're inside of it with.

Advertisement

"I think we just start to scratch the surface of the true power of virtual reality. It connects humans to other humans in a profound way. I think virtual reality has the potential to actually change the world. It's a machine, but through this machine we become more compassionate, we become more empathetic, and we become more connected. And ultimately, we become more human."

What Milk clearly understands is the VR is powerful, and powerful in ways not yet fully conceived. "Think about how the technology scales, to the point where you're eventually incorporating other senses at further and further levels of fidelity," Milk told the Guardian. "What you're talking about at some point is more than a medium, but is fundamentally an alternative level of human consciousness."
Hindustan Times via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA - MARCH 4: JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar during the press conference at JNU campus on March 4, 2016 in New Delhi, India. Kanhaiya Kumar was granted interim bail for six months by the Delhi High Court after spending 20 days in jail. Kumar was arrested on February 12 on charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy after alleged anti-national slogans were raised on the JNU campus on February 9.(Photo by Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

BADAUN -- The BJP Yuva Morcha leader, who had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for cutting off JNU Students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar's tongue, was today expelled from primary membership of the party for six years.

The president of district unit of BJP, Harish Shakya, said that the party has expelled district president of BJP Yuva Morcha, Kuldeep Varshnay for six years.

Advertisement

Shakya told reporters that party has nothing to do with Varshnay's controversial statement.

"Varshnay's statement is his personal one and the party has nothing to do with it...he has been expelled from the primary membership of the party for giving such a statement without the consent of party office bearers," he said.

Meanwhile, it was pointed out on social media that he promised to reward people who will shoot Kanhaiya Kumar.

Advertisement

Shakya stated that a notice to remove Varshnay from the post had been issued six months ago, and Ankit Maurya was made working president in his place.

Varshnay had yesterday announced Rs 5 lakh prize money for cutting off the tongue of Kanhaiya Kumar who he had alleged was speaking against the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ever since he was released on bail.

Kumar who was arrested on 12 February on sedition charges was released from the Tihar jail on 3 March after the Delhi High Court granted him interim bail for six months.

Advertisement

Contact HuffPost India

Also see on HuffPost:
Hindustan Times via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA - MARCH 4: Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar during media interaction at JNU Campus on March 4, 2016 in New Delhi, India. Kanhaiya Kumar was granted interim bail for six months by the Delhi High Court after spending 20 days in jail. Kumar was arrested on February 12 on charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy after alleged anti-national slogans were raised on the JNU campus on February 9.(Photo by Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Of all the arguments that have been raised this turbulent spring in our country, one stands out as egregiously vulgar. It evokes in me the moral equivalent of the middle-ear reflex to high intensity sounds, which has a special place in the hierarchy of unpleasant sensations.

It's the tax nationalism argument. In essence, it's this: How dare students benefitting from subsidized education funded by OUR tax money hold opinions that run counter to ours. To mask the real hideousness of this question, clumsy caveats are added. We are talking about politicking and not politics (what is the difference?), student politics is fine but not anti-national slogans, and so on.

Advertisement

At the heart of this line of argument is the great Indian upper middle class angst that we pay the taxes and hence are entitled to greater share of hand-wringing over how our tax money is spent. It betrays a longing lurking just beneath the surface--for a world where votes weren't tax-agnostic, a country that is more like a corporation, where your share in equity capital determines your share of control.

We need freedom from people like Kanhaiya who are sponging off our taxes,politicking at our cost,depriving others RT https://t.co/ib7PdE28WT -- Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) March 4, 2016

Padmashri T. Mohandas Pai is a vocal proponent of this argument, but he is by no means alone in this thinking. That reliable indicator of popular sentiment among People Like Us--the memes that go viral on Facebook and Whatsapp--have for a while been harping over the shocking non-fact that only 3.2% of Indians pay taxes. The rest, like the worthless PhD scholars of JNU, pay no taxes, live off our taxes and have the temerity to oppose us in television debates.

It's an absurd argument that deserves a swift burial.

It's true that only 3.2% (or thereabouts) of India's population pays personal income tax. This is mostly because only that many people have incomes high enough to be taxed (Rs250,000, or $3,700 per annum).

Advertisement

But does this mean only 3.2% of Indians contribute to taxes? No!

Let us turn to the budget that has just been delivered. It estimates that in the 2016-17 financial year, government will receive Rs16 lakh crore in gross tax revenue. Of this, how much is the contribution of personal income tax? Rs3.5 lakh crore, or 21%.

Kanhaiya Kumar and JNU students address the media.

Where does the rest of it come from?

Income tax and corporation tax (the latter is about Rs5 lakh crore or 31% of the total receipts) constitute that part of the tax kitty known as direct taxes. Then there are indirect taxes, which are customs, excise and service tax (together Rs7.7 lakh crore or 48%). These are taxes paid by every citizen, including the poor, when they consume anything--a pack of salt or soap or a matchbox, or services like electricity, telecom or transportation.

Even within direct taxes, the bigger chunk is corporation tax. This money is coming from corporate profits. Every consumer, irrespective of whether or not they pay personal income tax, contribute to corporate profits and consequently to this category of taxes.

In other words, 79% of the tax kitty is a contribution by the economic activity and all of its participants, not just those who pay personal income tax.

Advertisement

Are JNU research scholars the big beneficiaries of exchequer largesse? Hardly.

Even the poor are not the exclusive beneficiaries of subsidies. The Economic Survey this year has devoted an entire chapter to the matter of subsidies that go to the rich, titled Bounties For The Well Off. Analyzing just 9 subsidies--Kerosene, Electricity, LPG, Railways, Petrol, Diesel, Aviation Turbine Fuel, Gold and PPF--it found that share of subsidies going to the rich (defined as the top 70% of the consuming class) was Rs1.03 lakh crore. A good explanation of this phenomena can be found here.

So it's not just the personal income tax payers who contribute to taxes, and it's also not just the poor who benefit from. In fact the very people who whip out the tax argument benefit from such implicit and explicit subsidies.

Corporate exemptions

Now let's look at the tax benefits enjoyed by corporations.

Out of a universe of 5.6 lakh companies in India, 2.5 lakh paid no taxes last year because they made no profits.

The average statutory tax rate for companies with income upto Rs10 crore is 32.45% and above that is 33.99%. But that is only on paper. The actual effective tax paid by companies during 2013-14 was just 23.22%. The largest companies, with taxable profit of more than Rs500 crore (there were 263 such companies), paid tax at an effective rate of 20.68%. Why? Because companies benefit from a number of exemptions and loopholes that have accumulated in the tax code over the years.

All of these exemptions together amounted to Rs98,407 crore in 2014-15.

All of these exemptions together amounted to Rs98,407 crore in 2014-15, according to budget estimates.

Advertisement

One industry that has most benefitted from tax exemptions in recent years is the information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES) industries. In 1999, the government granted the industry a 10-year tax holiday under a scheme called the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). This had the desired effect of providing a massive impetus to the industry and in less than 10 years many companies became giants, generating thousands of crores in profits, and the industry became a key engine of growth and employment.

The well-regarded Infosys founder N.R. Naryana Murthy reflected the thoughts of many when he said that the 10-year tax holiday needn't be continued. This is what he said in 2010: "Asking for tax exemption for tens of years in my opinion is not the smartest thing. When we criticize subsidy to farmers, to poor people and NREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) schemes, what is the justification in rich industrialists making thousands of crores of profits asking for continuing their tax exemptions. Frankly, I find it is somewhat vulgar."

Narayana Murthy.

But Murthy was the rare voice from the industry that thought this way. Most senior executives and the industry lobby NASSCOM was busy pushing for an extension of the tax holiday. A key spokesperson was T. Mohandas Pai, then a board member of Infosys and its HR director. Ahead of the budget in 2008, Pai warned that India would "lose out"--a polite way of saying his company would take the business elsewhere--if the government did not extend the tax holiday. "If all of us start looking at (greener) pastures outside like creating jobs in place like (the) Philippines, China, Eastern Europe, Mexico and some other countries, there will be challenges (in India)", Pai said.

The government did not extend the tax holiday, but it allowed the industry to continue optimizing taxes by setting up special economic zones. Every IT major set up such SEZs or set up shops in such SEZs and continue to derive tax exemptions.

Advertisement

By Mr Pai's calculations, in 2006, the tax holiday to the IT industry was worth Rs125,000 crore.

When those who lobbied aggressively for tax benefits turn on student fellowships and say they should shut up because they benefit from a subsidized education, the hypocrisy is staggering.

There is of course nothing wrong with tax holidays or companies seeking benefits in line with government policy. But when those who lobbied aggressively for such benefits turn on student fellowships and say they should shut up because they benefit from a subsidized education, the hypocrisy is staggering.

You can wish ill of your political rivals but you (mercifully) can't exclude them from subsidies. And to say that those benefitting from subsidies must behave in a certain way (study, not get involved in politics) is revealing of a feudal mindset. Subsidy recipients are not lesser citizens. This nation does not impose behavioural conditionalities on them and that is how it must remain.
Hindustan Times via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA - MARCH 4: Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar having interaction with media persons at his guides residence at JNU Campus on March 4, 2016 in New Delhi, India. Kanhaiya Kumar was granted interim bail for six months by the Delhi High Court after spending 20 days in jail. Kumar was arrested on February 12 on charges of sedition and criminal conspiracy after alleged anti-national slogans were raised on the JNU campus on February 9.(Photo by Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Following his return to JNU from Tihar Jail, Kanhaiya Kumar showed all the makings of a new political hero. His speech at JNU - telecast live on all major news channels - was fraught with wicked humour and searing retorts to all the allegations hurled at him by BJP leaders. Though Kumar's colleagues and friends Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya are still in jail, his release sparked a wave of celebration on social media. Kumar also spoke to the media about various issues that he had not addressed or touched upon in his speech.

On Afzal Guru

While speaking to the media, Kumar cleared the air on his stand on Afzal Guru. He said, "Personally, Afzal Guru is not my icon, it is Rohith Vemula." But he went on to add, "Afzal Guru was a citizen of India, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir which is a part of India, and he was punished as per the law of the land. The same law permits citizens to discuss that punishment. Those who were discussing it, have been granted the right to do so by the Constitution."

Advertisement

In fact, the 'anti-national' slogan he was accused of chanting - 'Tum kitne Afzal maroge, Har ghar se Afzal niklega - was repeated by Kumar, with Rohit Vemula's name replacing Guru's. "Tum jitne Rohith maaroge, ghar ghar me Rohith niklega (The more Rohiths you kill, the more will emerge from every house)," he said.

On Umar Khalid being a soft target

Kumar exercised caution while speaking to The Wire on the issue of Umar Khalid, who is still in jail. He said, "The government is on the back foot, they are trying to run away from all this now. First they tried to frame me, but I dont want to say too much about the case because it is sub judice. All I will say is that the truth cannot be turned into a lie. Wrong cant be proved right, and right cant be proved wrong. The truth will come out, and we will all be in this struggle together and put up a unified fight. And we will win, that is our belief."

However, while speaking to Hindustan Times, Kumar said that the government is using its power to bully students and vowed to fight them till the end. "The government is exploiting its power but we are fighting to ensure that there is proper utilisation of the states power (It should be exerted in the right direction). Yes some of us are still in jail and some more may go to prison. But whoever is involved, we will continue to fight for all of them."

Advertisement

Umar Khalid on his way to surrender.

On joining mainstream politics

In a comment that we suspect with warm the cockles of Venkaiah Naidu's heart, Kumar said he is a student first and not a politician. "I am not a politician, I am a student. I have no intention of joining mainstream politics or contesting any election. I want to question as a student and I will like to answer as a teacher in the future. So, the question about my political ambitions should be kept aside," said Kumar.

He went on to explain what he thinks his role as a student leader is and rubbished all insinuations about his political ambitions. "The people of the country have not voted for me... It's the students of the university who have. I am not the country's president but of the JNU students' union. I will only talk of them and for them," Kumar said.

JNU students rejoice after Kanhaiya Kumar was granted bail.

On #StandWithJNU

Kumar said that he is still trying to piece together what happened in the 22 days he spent in jail. He expressed gratitude to the people who carried the movement forward and made it a force to reckon. "Honestly, I did not expect that so much would happen if I go to jail. Suddenly from being a student learning about the system, I became a part of the system, facing sedition charges. At this point only thing I am certain about is that all is not well with our country," he told HT.

Advertisement

On campaigning for the Left in Assembly elections

Though Kumar had expressed his unwillingness to become a part of the country's mainstream politics, he couldn't say for sure whether or not he may have to campaign for the Left in the polls. Considering that the Left parties, almost irrelevant in national politics, will leave no chance to piggyback on their new student hero, Kumar has a touch choice to make in future.

He said, "Its a very serious issue. If this question is posed to me as an individual, I may say yes or a no. But if the context of your question is that whether I am going to take the plunge in active politics so soon, I will say I am not prepared. These are just reports, there has been no communication from anybody. I came to know about this through the media only. No such offer has been made, so I cannot answer right now."

Advertisement

Contact HuffPost India

Also see on HuffPost:
Facebook page

Setting the BJP up for more public embarrassment than it has already faced over the JNU row, a youth wing leader of the party has now announced a Rs 5Lakh reward for anyone who cuts JNU President Kanhaiya Kumar's tongue off.

Kuldeep Varshney, a leader of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh issued the threat after Kumar was released on bail.

Advertisement

He said, "He shouted anti-national slogans in support of a terrorist like Afzal Guru. I will award Rs 5 lakh to the person who cut off Kanhaiya's tongue."

This was reported by various media outlets including CNN-IBN, Zee News and India Today.

However, it is not clear, when and where Varshney made the comment. HuffPost India's calls to him went unanswered.

Varshney, whose Facebook page, describes him as a politician and district head of the BJYM, is an ardent Modi follower, if his timeline is anything to go by.

Apart from that, posters have bee found pasted on metro stations in Delhi, announcing rewards for people who will shoot Kanhaiya Kumar. The poster not only bears a the name of the person who announced it, a phone number is splashed right across it. Beginning with phrases like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram', the poster urges people to try shoot Kanhaiya and call a person named 'Adarsh Sharma' for a reward.

Advertisement

Please dont like this photo! A death threat to Kanhaiya casually posted in public places and metro stations. Will Delhi Police arrest anyone or is this deshbhakti? Posted by Ayesha Kidwai on Friday, 4 March 2016

On his release from jail, Kumar said that he had never wanted 'Bharat say azaadi'. In fact, he demands 'Bharat mein azaadi' - freedom from upper caste atrocities, poverty and corruption.

While speaking to the media yesterday, Kumar said that he has now plan to take a plunge into mainstream politics. He clarified that since JNU has elected him as their President, he would prefer to work for them primarily.

Advertisement

Contact HuffPost India

Also see on HuffPost:
ASSOCIATED PRESS India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah, right, gestures to the media after a meeting with Kashmiras regional Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti, left in blue, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015. The BJP and the PDP Tuesday finalized an agreement to form a coalition government in Kashmir, the first time the Hindu nationalist party will share a leadership position in the predominantly Muslim region. (AP Photo / Manish Swarup)

JAMMU -- After suspense of two months, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti yesterday hinted at going ahead with forming government with BJP, saying she was "not afraid" of criticism over it but wanted the Centre to send out a "signal" that it will do "everything" for the welfare of people of the state.

Hours later, she met Governor N N Vohra for an hour and discussed "political issues" and "various challenges" faced by the state which is under Governor's Rule since 8 January.

Advertisement

Before meeting Vohra, she invoked her late father Mufti Sayeed, saying he had "not joined hands with BJP as a party but it was a coalition between the Central government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir" with an aim of benefitting the people of the state.

"For us, the decision taken by my father.., if that aim and that aspiration is fulfilled then I am not afraid if people blame me for going with BJP whether they feel good or bad. If people are benefitted then there is no issue," Mehbooba said while launching party's membership drive.

"When it came to the benefit of people, my father did not care about the party. He rose above everything and joined hands with BJP for the welfare of the people", she said.

Insisting that she was not an "adamant" lady, she said her party leaders want the formation of the government but she will do that when she feels that the bigger aim was fulfilled.

Advertisement

And if the aim of forging (rpt) an alliance with BJP is fulfilled, then she has no objection in forming the government, she said.

"If I feel that the aim is fulfilled, which is the need of the hour, situation is not normal in Jammu and Kashmir after Mufti's death. My father did not join hands with BJP as a party. The coalition was between the Central government and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"If they send such a signal that for the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their welfare they will do everything. It is such a huge country, its treasures would not run empty," Mehbooba said.

She went on to add, "If at any time I feel that they (Centre) have space in their hearts for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and a framework which we have made and they are ready to put colours in that framework, then I do not have any hesitation in becoming Chief Minister of this state, it would be a matter of honour."

Mehbooba, whose party has 27 MLAs in the 87-member Assembly, said "if the promises are not fulfilled and the formation of the government means to keep away from the elections for five years, then she was not ready (to become the Chief Minister)."

Advertisement

"If I feel that these are only hollow promises and nothing will come out of it and that our MLAs would become ministers and we would not have to face elections for 4-5 years, then I am not ready (to form the government)," the PDP chief said.

At the same time, she showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his peace overtures to Pakistan, including his visit to Lahore.

PDP, along with 25-member BJP, ran a coalition government headed by Mufti Sayeed for 10 months before the sudden demise of the then Chief Minister on 7 January.

Advertisement

Contact HuffPost India

Also see on HuffPost:
ANI

NEW DELHI -- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Saturday extended the judicial custody of Islamic State suspects Mufti Abdus Sami Qasmi and Azhar Iqbal till 30 March.

Qasmi, a Delhi-based Islamic scholar, known for his fiery speeches, was arrested on 5 February from Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi District.

Advertisement

The NIA has claimed that Qasmi had been 'delivering provocative and inflammatory speeches and was instigating youth for anti-national activities'.

While other suspect 23-year-old Azhar Iqbal was arrested from Bhopal on 1 February by the NIA.

According to the agency, Iqbal was allegedly in the higher category of members of the group -Junoon al Khilafae-Hind, as he was tasked with finding new recruits.

It is learnt that he was in touch with Yusuf al-Hindi alias Shafi Armar, who was an Indian Mujahideen member but shifted to the IS- held areas in Syria and Iraq.

Iqbal knew at least two of the four suspects arrested by the Delhi police from Uttarakhand a few weeks back.

Advertisement

Contact HuffPost India

Also see on HuffPost:
Hindustan Times via Getty Images JAIPUR, INDIA - JANUARY 25: BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha during the session 'Khaamosh.....Shotgun Sinha Speaks' at Jaipur Literary Festival 2016, at Diggi Palace, on January 25, 2016 in Jaipur, India. Ninth edition of ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival is set to witness over 360 participants from the fields of literature, history, politics, economy, art and culture debate and discuss on one platform for the five days. (Photo by Sanjeev Verma/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

NEW DELHI -- Expressing happiness over the release of Kanhaiya Kumar from Tihar prison, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday said that he hoped the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union president would prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he had been wronged.

"Happy about the grant of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison. Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," Sinha said in a series of tweets.

Advertisement

 Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 4, 2016

 Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 4, 2016

The rebel BJP leader had come out in support of Kanhaiya earlier saying that he had said nothing that amounted to sedition.

"Have heard transcript of speech of Kanhaiya, our Bihar boy president of JNUSU. He has said nothing anti national or against constitution. Hope wish and pray that he's release soon, sooner the better," Sinha tweeted.

Sinha further stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru University is going through a crisis 'for reasons best known to politicians'.

He went on to say that the JNU is an institution of international repute, enviable record and history.

Advertisement

"It is a seat of learning for some of India's brightest young minds & also some very respectable teachers. Save it from further embarrassment, he tweeted.

Speaking to the media yesterday after he was released from Tihar Jail after he was charged for sedition, Kanhaiya asserted that nationalism cannot be anyone's 'patented' idea while stating that he has full faith in the Indian Constitution as it was a document which can't be 'doctored'.

Talking about Afzal Guru, he clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula.

"Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will a Rohith Vemula in every house," Kanhaiya said.

Earlier, the government had warned Kanhaiya after his release that he must help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the 9 February event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity.

Advertisement

However, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury earlier told ANI that Kanhaiya would campaign for the Left in Bengal.

"All students supporting Left will participate in the campaign along with Kanhaiya. For the first time, the nation can see the power of the youth of Left," Yechury said.

Advertisement

Contact HuffPost India

Also see on HuffPost:
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.
SVMCs Maternity Care Receives National and Regional Recognition

BENNINGTON, Vt.  Southwestern Vermont Medical Centers OB/Gyn and Maternity Services departments have recently been recognized for clinical excellence and patient satisfaction by a number of regional and national organizations.



SVMC has been designated by Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care. To achieve this status, SVMC demonstrated cost efficiency, expertise, and a commitment to quality care during deliveries. SVMC was one of only two in the state to have received the additional distinction of being a Blue Distinction Center+. This designation is granted to those with a proven track-record for delivering better results  such as fewer complications and readmissions  than facilities without this recognition.



The SVMC Obstetrics program was recently named to the Womens Choice Awards 2016 list of Americas Best Hospitals for Obstetrics. Awarded hospitals ranked above the national average for patient recommendations, as indicated by the data reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) surveys. Additional considerations include low rates of early elective deliveries (between 0 - 1 percent) and ranking above the national average for patient safety.


Four More Shots Please S3 Review: This Old Wine In New Bottle Doesn't Get You Drunk As Easily Anymore
An honest essay has numerous characteristics: original thinking, a good structure, balanced arguments, and plenty more.

But one aspect often overlooked is that an honest essay should be interesting. It should spark the readers curiosity, keep them absorbed, make them want to stay reading and learn more. An uneventful article risks losing the readers attention; whether or not the points you create are excellent, a flat style, or poor handling of a dry subject material can undermine the positive aspects of the essay. The matter is that a lot of students think that essays should be like this: they believe that a flat, dry style is suited to the needs of educational writing and dont even consider that the teacher reading their essay wants to search out the essay interesting. You might want to have online essay editor service to boost your confidence in writing with an error-free output. Academic writing doesnt need to be  and shouldnt be  bland. The excellent news is that there is much stuff you can do to create your essay more attractive, while youll be able only to do such a lot while remaining within the formal confines of educational writing. Lets study what theyre.

Have an interest in what youre writing about

Dont go overboard, but youll be able to let your passion for your subject show.

If theres one thing bound to inject interest into your writing, its being fascinated by what youre writing about. Passion for a subject matter comes across naturally in your essay, typically making it more lively and fascinating and infusing an infectious enthusiasm into your words  within the same way that its easy to talk knowledgeably to someone about something you discover fascinating.

Include fascinating details

Another factor that may make an essay boring maybe a dry material. 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.
Imperial Valley News Center

Navy to Christen Submarine Washington

Washington, DC - The Navy will christen its newest Virginia-class attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787), Saturday, March 5, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia.

The ceremony will be broadcast live at http://navylive.dodlive.mil.



Elisabeth Mabus is the ship's sponsor. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will deliver the principal address.



"The christening of the future USS Washington brings this technological marvel one step closer to joining the fleet where it will serve as a crucial piece of the finest expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known," said Mabus. "Submarines like the Washington, and all of our platforms, are essential to our Sailors and Marines' ability to do their jobs. Our ships, and those who build them, enable our Navy and Marine Corps to maintain a global presence and protect America. This ceremony is a celebration of not only a submarine but also those who worked to build it--the backbone of our ability to protect our nation--our shipbuilders."



The future Washington is the 14th Virginia-class nuclear submarine and the fourth Virginia-class Block III submarine. The ship began construction in 2011 and will commission in 2017.



Block III and later Virginia-class submarines have a redesigned bow which feature a water-backed large aperture bow (LAB) sonar array and two large diameter Virginia payload tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching six Tomahawk cruise missiles. The two VPTs replace 12 individual vertical launch system (VLS) tubes utilized on earlier submarines. The VPTs simplify construction, reduce acquisition costs, and provide for more payload flexibility than the smaller VLS tubes due to their increased volume. The Washington will have the capability to attack targets ashore with highly accurate Tomahawk cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other sea-based forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare; Special Forces delivery and support; and mine delivery and minefield mapping. So far, 12 Virginia-class submarines have been delivered, 11 are in construction and five are under contract.



The future Washington will be the third U.S. Navy ship to be commissioned with a name honoring the State of Washington. The previous two ships were a World War II battleship (BB-56), decommissioned in 1947, and an armored cruiser (ACR-11) which served under the name from 1905 to 1916.



Virginia-class submarines weigh 7,800 tons and are 377 feet in length, have a 34 foot beam and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. They are built with a reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time. These next-generation attack submarines provide the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. They have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements that will enable them to meet the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
Imperial Valley News Center

U.S. Condemns Murder of Honduran Activist Berta Caceres

Washington, DC - The United States condemns the murder of civil society activist Berta Caceres and calls upon the Honduran government to conduct a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation and to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

We offer our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and the people of Honduras, who have lost a dedicated defender of the environment and of human rights.

We offer again the full support of the United States to help bring the perpetrators to justice.
Imperial Valley News Center

ICE returns Stalin letter, Peter the Great decree and more to Russian Federation

Moscow, Russia - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) returned twenty-eight documents from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries to the Russian Federation. The documents were stolen from Russian State Archives and listed for sale by auction houses, art galleries and individuals. All of the returned items were recovered by HSI offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco between 2006 and 2012.

The ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador John Tefft, Ms. Galina Khabibulina, Deputy Head, Department of Servicing Arrangements, Rosarchive, Ms. Tatiana Goryacheva, Director of the Russian Government Archive of Literature and Art, Ms. Alexandra Olegovna Arakelova, Director, Department of Education and Science, Ministry of Culture, and HSI officials.

The repatriated documents include:

A signed order from Josef Stalin issued on March 14, 1944;

A decree signed by Peter the Great;

Numerous decrees signed by empresses and emperors dating from 1736-1893; and

17 drawings by Russian architect Yakov Chernikov.

A history as long and rich as Russias is both a global treasure and target. These items carry significant cultural and historical importance, making them appealing to criminal elements that abscond with them and sell them for a tidy profit. said HSI Attache Jason Cassidy. HSI agents will continue to partner with foreign law enforcement to return these items to their rightful owners, in this case, the people of the Russian Federation.

HSI plays a leading role in criminal investigations that involve the illicit importation and distribution of cultural property, as well as the illegal trafficking of artwork, specializing in recovering works that have been reported lost or stolen. HSIs International Operations, through its 62 attache offices in 46 countries, works closely with foreign governments to conduct joint investigations.

HSI's specially trained investigators, assigned to both domestic and international offices, partner with governments, agencies and experts to protect cultural antiquities. They also train investigators from other nations and agencies to investigate crimes involving stolen property and art, and how to best enforce the law to recover these items when they emerge in the marketplace. Those involved in the illicit trafficking of cultural property, art and antiquities can face prison terms of up to 20 years, fines and possible restitution to purchasers of the items.

Since 2007, HSI has repatriated more than 8,000 items to more than 30 countries.

Learn more about HSIs cultural property, art and antiquities investigations. Members of the public who have information about suspected stolen cultural property are urged to call the toll-free tip line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or to complete the online tip form.
Food drive donations up 14 percent

Sacramento, California - Food drive donations up 14 percent, California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Ross thanks state employees:

A sincere thank you to all who participated in the 2015-16 State Employees Food Drive. It was a remarkable success, surpassing last years total donations by a whopping 14%.

The California State Employees Food Drive is the result of the hard work and innovation shown by State employees to positively impact their community. The donations this year came from a variety of activities yielding total donations of over 710,839 pounds of food. Of this total, over $167,000 came from cash donations and 229,230 pounds in food donations including 2,702 pounds in turkeys for holiday dinners. The cash donations and nonperishable donations will be used for many months to feed needy families throughout the greater Sacramento area.

This successful drive was only possible through the time, efforts, and donations of over 100 different state agencies, departments, and offices. I want to thank all of you for your hard work and contributions. It is with this community spirit that we can look forward to next years food drive and reaching new goals for feeding needy families.

Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services (SFBFS) was our partner in this endeavor and worked tirelessly to coordinate food donation pickups and deliveries. Their staff was essential in making this effort as smooth and easy as possible for everyone, and I am pleased to have them as our partner.

Thank you so much for your hard work and commitment to this important cause!

Yours truly,

Karen Ross

Secretary
Governor Brown Announces Appointments

Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the following appointments:

Nancy Bargmann, 54, of Long Beach, has been appointed director at the California Department of Developmental Services, where she was deputy director of the Community Services Division from 2012 to 2015. Bargmann has been associate executive director at the San Gabriel-Pomona Regional Center since 2015. She held several positions at Home Ownership for Personal Empowerment Inc. from 2009 to 2012, including executive director and business consultant and held several positions at the MENTOR Network from 1998 to 2009, including vice president of operations, vice president of business development and California state director. She held several positions at the Inland Regional Center from 1985 to 1998, including community services director, resource manager, adult services program manager and consumer services coordinator. Bargmann earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Pepperdine University School of Business and Management and a Master of Science degree in social work from San Diego State University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $186,572. Bargmann is a Republican.

Jeffrey Callison, 54, of Lincoln, has been appointed assistant secretary of communications at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, where he has served as acting assistant secretary of communications since 2015 and was press secretary from 2011 to 2015. Callison held several positions at Capital Public Radio from 1996 to 2011, including radio host of a daily public affairs program, news director and reporter. He was communications director for the California Wild Heritage Campaign in 2000. Callison earned a Master of Arts degree in philosophy and English literature from the University of Edinburgh. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $123,504. Callison is a legal permanent resident of the United States, and therefore not registered to vote.

Vicky Waters, 41, of Sacramento, has been appointed press secretary at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Waters has been vice president of public affairs at Ogilvy Public Relations since 2015. She was deputy director of public affairs at the California Department of Parks and Recreation from 2012 to 2015, director of media relations at the California Charter Schools Association from 2009 to 2012 and an account executive at BPcubed Inc. from 2007 to 2009. Waters was a freelance journalist, independent public relations consultant and translator from 2003 to 2009. She was Sacramento correspondent at La Opinion from 2001 to 2003, an anchor, reporter and producer at Univision Sacramento from 2000 to 2001, evening anchor, reporter and producer at Univision Corpus Christi from 1998 to 2000 and news editor and broadcast operator at WRAL-TV from 1996 to 1998. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $117,012. Waters is a Democrat.

Catalina Hayes-Bautista, 33, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy secretary for legislative affairs at the California Environmental Protection Agency. Hayes-Bautista has been a principal consultant on environmental issues in the Office of California State Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins since 2015. She served as legislative director in the Office of California State Senator Ricardo Lara from 2011 to 2015, legislative aide in the Office of California State Assemblymember Fiona Ma from 2007 to 2011 and as a California Latino Caucus Institute Polanco Fellow from 2006 to 2007. Hayes-Bautista was a development assistant at New America Media from 2004 to 2006. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $120,504. Hayes-Bautista is a Democrat.

Khaim Morton, 43, of Sacramento, has been appointed deputy secretary for legislation at the California Government Operations Agency. Morton has been capitol director in the Office of California State Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer, Sr. since 2015, where he was senior assistant in 2013. He served as chief of staff in the Office of California State Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas from 2014 to 2015, where he was legislative director in 2014. Morton was a legislative consultant for the Office of California State Senator Alex Padilla from 2007 to 2013 and field deputy in the Los Angeles City Council Presidents Office from 2003 to 2007. He served as mayoral aide and senior constituent services representative in the Los Angeles Mayors Office from 2001 to 2003. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $120,504. Morton is a Democrat.

Dana Christine Simas, 29, of Sacramento, has been appointed assistant director for communications and public affairs at the California Department of Child Support Services. Simas has been an information officer in the Office of Public and Employee Communications at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2014, where she has held several positions since 2010, including special assistant to the superintendent at the Northern California Youth Correctional Center. She was deputy press secretary at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General from 2008 to 2010. Simas is communications director for the California Renters Caucus and a member at the California State Information Officers Council and the Public Relations Society of America. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $90,996. Simas is a Democrat.

Julia Montgomery, 45, of Elk Grove, has been appointed general counsel at the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board. Montgomery has been assistant chief counsel at the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing since 2015, where she was senior staff counsel from 2013 to 2015. She was a managing attorney at the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation Inc. from 2002 to 2013, where she was directing attorney from 2001 to 2002 and a staff attorney from 1996 to 2000. Montgomery earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $162,048. Montgomery is a Democrat.

Norlyn Serrano Asprec, 30, of Sacramento, has been appointed marketing and outreach director at the California Health Professions Education Foundation. Asprec has been a legislative aide in the Office of California State Assemblymember Susan Bonilla since 2013. She was a peer academic counselor at the Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions Center for Academic Success from 2010 to 2012 and a capital fellow in the Office of California State Senator Mark DeSaulnier from 2009 to 2010. Asprec earned a Master of Arts degree in creative arts therapy from Drexel University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $56,352. Asprec is a Democrat.

Pete Sanchez, 65, of Suisun City, has been appointed to the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities. Sanchez has been mayor of Suisun City since 2006. He was a member of the Suisun City Council from 1994 to 2005, supervising auditor and appraiser at the Solano County Assessors Office from 1983 to 2006, director at the North Bay Regional Center from 1998 to 2004 and an auditor-appraiser at the Alameda County Assessors Office from 1982 to 1983. Sanchez was a California sales tax auditor at the California State Board of Equalization, Oakland District Office from 1980 to 1982, a bank examiner at Central Bank of the Philippines from 1976 to 1979 and an accountant at Banco Filipino from 1973 to 1975. He is a member of the Northern Solano County Democratic Club and director of the Solano First Federal Credit Union. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Sanchez is a Democrat.

Martha Garcia, 57, of Oxnard, has been appointed to the California State Board of Optometry. Garcia has been an optical manager at Sams Club Optical since 2008. She was an associate at Downtown Disney Sunglass Icon from 2006 to 2007 and at JC Penney Optical from 2005 to 2006, at Sears Optical from 2004 from 2005 and at diModa from 2002 to 2004. Garcia is a member of the California State Society for Opticians. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Garcia is a Democrat.

Cindy Heffren, 66, of Chico, has been appointed to the 3rd District Agricultural Association, Silver Dollar Fair Board of Directors, where she has served since 2006 and served from 1987 to 2002. Heffren was an elementary school teacher for the Chico Unified School District from 1996 to 2011. She is a member of the Omega Nu Sorority and California Women for Agriculture. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Heffren is a Republican.

Michael Doherty, 46, of Arbuckle, has been appointed to the 44th District Agricultural Association, Colusa County Fair Board of Directors. He has been owner at Grindstone Wines LLC since 2010, owner and president at Chamisal Creek Ranch LLC since 2008 and a partner at Doherty Brothers Farms since 1991. Doherty is a member of the Colusa County Farm Bureau. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Doherty is a Republican.
Oceanside Man Pleads Guilty to Staging Online Attacks against Computer System Operated by His Former Employer

Los Angeles, California - An Oceanside man has pled guilty to launching repeated online attacks against a computer system operated by his former employer, a Rancho Dominguez-based manufacturer of precision laser and mechanical drilling equipment.

Conrad Pearson, 64, pled guilty Thursday to one count of unauthorized damage to a protected computer.

When he pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Pearson admitted that soon after he stopped working for Excellon Automation, he began transmitting attack scripts to Excellons website. The attack scripts constituted automated actions against Excellon's website, and included automatically downloading information from the Excellon website and automatically sending commands to the Partlink application of the website, according to a factual statement filed this morning. The Partlink application allowed customers to check inventory of Excellon products.

The attacks on Excellons computer system, which were committed on a regular basis over the course of 10 months in 2009 and 2010, caused the Excellon server to either cease functioning or to become inordinately slow, according to the court document.

Computer hacking causes significant economic damage to local businesses and therefore threatens the economic vitality of our entire region, said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. This defendant used his computer expertise and his knowledge of his former employers business to severely disrupt the companys operations. The victim in this case suffered harm and wasted months fighting the defendants attacks on its website. This case illustrates why the prosecution of those who violate cyber security laws remains a top priority for my office.

Pearson also admitted in court today that, in an attempt to hide his Internet address, he used The Onion Router (TOR) network, which helps conceal the identity of a user by routing them through a distributed network of relays all around the world.

Pearson admitted that his actions caused more than $15,000 in losses to Excellon.

As evidenced in Mr. Pearson's plea agreement, individuals who attempt to hide criminal activity by using TOR are not beyond detection by law enforcement, said David Bowdich, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. This case demonstrates the heightened threat posed by insiders whose attacks can be more effective when they're armed with an understanding of the network operated by a targeted company.

Pearson pled guilty before United States District Judge Beverly Reid OConnell, who is scheduled to sentence the defendant on May 23. As a result of todays guilty plea, Pearson faces a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison,

The investigation in this matter was conducted by the Los Angeles office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Superbugs threaten hospital patients

Washington, DC - America is doing a better job of preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), but more work is needed  especially in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) latest Vital Signs report urges healthcare workers to use a combination of infection control recommendations to better protect patients from these infections.

New data show that far too many patients are getting infected with dangerous, drug-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings, said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. Doctors and healthcare facilities have the power to protect patients  no one should get sick while trying to get well.

Many of the most urgent and serious antibiotic-resistant bacteria threaten patients while they are being treated in healthcare facilities for other conditions, and may lead to sepsis or death. In acute care hospitals, 1 in 7 catheter- and surgery-related HAIs can be caused by any of the six antibiotic-resistant bacteria listed below. That number increases to 1 in 4 infections in long-term acute care hospitals, which treat patients who are generally very sick and stay, on average, more than 25 days.

The six antibiotic-resistant threats examined are:

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (extended-spectrum -lactamases)

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE)

Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter

U.S. hospitals doing better at preventing most HAIs

The national data in this Vital Signs report, along with data from CDCs latest annual progress report on HAI prevention, show that acute care hospitals have achieved:

A 50 percent decrease in central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) between 2008 and 2014. 1 in 6 remaining CLABSIs are caused by urgent or serious antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A 17 percent decrease in surgical site infections (SSIs) between 2008 and 2014 related to 10 procedures tracked in previous HAI progress reports. 1 in 7 remaining SSIs are caused by urgent or serious antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

No change in the overall catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) between 2009 and 2014. During this time, however, there was progress in non-ICU settings, progress in all settings between 2013 and 2014, and most notably, even more progress in all settings towards the end of 2014. 1 in 10 CAUTIs are caused by urgent or serious antibiotic-resistant bacteria.



The Vital Signs report also examines the role of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), the most common type of bacteria responsible for infections in hospitals. C. difficile caused almost half a million infections in the United States in 2011 alone. CDCs annual progress report shows that progress has been made in decreasing hospital-onset C. difficile infections by 8 percent between 2011 and 2014.

Along with the updated annual progress report, CDC released the Antibiotic Resistance Patient Safety Atlas, a new web app with interactive data on HAIs caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The tool provides national, regional, and state map views of superbug/drug combinations showing percent resistance over time. The Atlas uses data reported to CDCs National Healthcare Safety Network from 2011 to 2014 from more than 4,000 healthcare facilities.

CDC message to healthcare providers

CDC is calling on doctors, nurses, health care facility administrators, and state and local health departments to continue to do their part to prevent HAIs. The report recommends doctors and nurses combine three critical efforts to accomplish this:

Prevent the spread of bacteria between patients;

Prevent infections related to surgery and/or placement of a catheter; and

Improve antibiotic use through stewardship.

For clinicians, prevention means isolating patients when necessary, said Clifford McDonald, M.D., Associate Director for Science at CDCs Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion. It also means being aware of antibiotic resistance patterns in your facilities, following recommendations for preventing infections that can occur after surgery or from central lines and catheters placed in the body, and prescribing antibiotics correctly.

CDC efforts, in addition to efforts by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and state mandates for public reporting of HAIs, have all contributed to national progress in improving transparency, accountability, and quality related to patient safety.

The good news is that we are preventing healthcare acquired infections, which has saved thousands of lives, said Patrick Conway, M.D., M.Sc., Deputy Administrator and Chief Medical Officer at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The challenge ahead is how we help to prevent antibiotic resistance as well as infections. We are using incentives, changes in care delivery, and transparency to improve safety and quality for patients.

Congress has recognized the urgent need to combat antibiotic resistance. In fiscal year 2016, Congress appropriated $160 million in new funding for CDC to implement its activities listed in the National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria. With this funding, CDC will fight the spread of antibiotic resistance by:

accelerating outbreak detection and prevention in every state;

enhancing tracking of resistance mechanisms and resistant infections;

supporting innovative research to address current gaps in knowledge; and

improving antibiotic use.

As part of the ongoing effort to improve patient safety, CDC and other federal partners will participate in National Patient Safety Awareness Week 2016, March 13 through March 19.
Zika Action Plan Summit

Atlanta, Georgia - CDC is hosting a one-day Zika Action Plan Summit as the nation faces likely local mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus in some places in the continental United States. The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa are already experiencing active mosquito-borne transmission. The U.S. government has planned this Summit to provide state and local senior officials with the information and tools needed to improve Zika preparedness and response within their states and jurisdictions.

Participants will hear the latest scientific knowledge about Zika, including implications for pregnant women and strategies for mosquito control. This meeting will also provide an opportunity to increase knowledge of best communications practices and identify possible gaps in preparedness and response at the federal, state, and local levels and help begin to address possible gaps.

The anticipated outcome of the summit is to arm state and local leaders with the necessary knowledge and technical support to have a comprehensive Zika Readiness Action Plan for their jurisdiction, including plans for preparedness and response activities.

Who

State and local senior officials

Representatives from multiple federal departments involved in Zika response

Representatives from non-government organizations

CDC experts

When

Save the Date, Friday, April 1, 2016

Where

CDC Headquarters 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30329; sessions may be available by video conference.
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia Kicks Off Small Business Tour Honoring "Small Business Heros"

Brawley, California - Today, Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia, will be visiting small businesses in the city of Brawley to recognize their efforts in stimulating the local economy. This is the first of many visits that Assemblymember Garcia will be making in the coming months to recognize small businesses in the restaurant, hospitality, and service sectors.

Small businesses play a critical role in Californias role in Californias local and regional economies, servings as the primary new job creator, said Garcia, who chairs the State Assembly Committee on Job, Economic Development, and the Economy. I look forward to meeting with our small business owners to hear their concerns and ideas to help them flourish and be successful.

Garcia will be presenting each business owner with a Small Business Hero Award.
Imperial County Sheriff's Office Participating in National Stepping Up Initiative

Imperial, California - , the Imperial County Board of Supervisors supported the efforts of the Imperial County Sheriffs Office (ICSO) participation in the national Stepping Up Initiative through the adoption of a resolution that establishes a plan to reduce the number of people with mental illness in jails. The County of Imperial has joined fourteen other California counties who have adopted a resolution in support of the Stepping Up Initiative.

Now that the Resolution has been adopted the real work begins, stated Sheriff Raymond Loera. The sub-committee will now analyze the prevalence tests and numbers, look at gaps and deficiencies in services or access to services and start to formulate plans on how to best address those. It speaks volumes that the Board has adopted this Resolution and supports the community and all of our partner agencies in ensuring Imperial County is actively keeping the community safe while trying to reduce the number of mentally ill in our jails.

ICSO submitted a request to the Community Corrections Partnership (CCP) to be one of the counties to adopt Stepping Up. Through the support of CCP, a sub-committee was formed to look at the Stepping Up Initiative with the Sheriff's Office assigned as a Co-Chair. The sub-committee has been working for approximately 8 months in preparation of the Resolution being adopted.

The sub-committee's steady partners have been ICSO, Clinicas De Salud Del Pueblo, Inc., Imperial County Probation Department, Imperial County Public Defender's Office, Imperial County Superior Court, American Civil Liberties Union, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services, and BI/GEO Group.

Prevalence rates of serious mental illnesses in jails are three to six times higher than for the general public. By participating in the Stepping Up Initiative, with the help of the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Association of Counties, the sub-committee will be able to create a plan tailored to Imperial Countys needs to reduce the number of people with mental illnesses in our jail.

For more information on the Stepping Up Initiative, visit www.stepuptogether.org.
CBP Officers Foil Attempt to Smuggle Brazilian Man in Gas Tank

Calexico, California - U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Calexico East port of entry thwarted a human-smuggling attempt Tuesday after discovering a man concealed in a compartment in the gas tank of an SUV.

While the vast majority of the smuggling attempts uncovered at the port of entry involve citizens from the United States and Mexico, from time to time we do encounter smuggling attempts involving citizens from Central and South America, as well as other areas around the world," said David Salazar, Acting Port Director for the Calexico ports of entry. CBP has no tolerance for violations of immigration law, especially cases involving human smuggling in such hazardous conditions.

The incident occurred at about 3:15 a.m. on March 1, when a 40-year-old male U.S. citizen entered the East port driving a 2001 Toyota Sequoia. A CBP officer referred the vehicle and driver for further examination.

While conducting an intensive inspection of the SUV, officers used the ports imaging system and discovered anomalies in the vehicles gas tank and under the rear seats. The officers continued searching the area and discovered a man hidden inside the partially modified gas tank.

Officers extracted the man, a 38-year-old Brazilian citizen, from the compartment and escorted him to a secure location for further processing. Officers confirmed that the man had no legal ability to enter the United States.

The driver, a resident of Calexico, was arrested and will face federal charges related to the incident. He was later transported to the Imperial County Jail to await arraignment.

CBP placed an immigration hold on the Brazilian man to initiate removal from the United States at the conclusion of the drivers criminal proceedings.

CBP officers seized the vehicle.

In fiscal year 2014, CBP officers at the border crossings between California and Mexico apprehended more than 33,000 people attempting to enter the U.S. illegally.
Department of State Announces Global Partnerships Week 2016

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of State is proud to announce the launch of Global Partnerships Week 2016 (GPW) which runs from March 713, and celebrates the critical role public-private partnerships (P3s) play in promoting diplomacy and development around the world. The week is an effort led by the Secretary's Office of Global Partnerships, in collaboration with the U.S. Global Development Lab at the U.S. Agency for International Development, Concordia, and the PeaceTech Lab at the U.S. Institute of Peace.

GPW kicks off on Monday, March 7, with the full-day Global Partnership Practitioners Forum, held at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. Practitioners from the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the private sector will convene to discuss best practices in building P3s to address global challenges.

This year, the forum focuses on engaging with the tech sector, exploring innovative tools for partnership financing, and will include a networking marketplace where partner organizations can engage with attendees. Notable speakers at the forum include John Brennan, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Andrew OBrien, Special Representative for Global Partnerships at the U.S. Department of State; Abigail Disney, CEO and President of Fork Films; and Ross LaJeunesse, Global Head of International Relations at Google.

Other partner organizations and individuals around the world have organized events and activities throughout the week to foster, support, and highlight the impact of cross-sector collaboration, as well as showcase potential partnership opportunities locally. GPW events range from small networking gatherings to large scale events and workshops. The 30+ registered 2016 events include a seminar by the Asian Development Bank discussing progress on the Banks partnership operations, an Endeva workshop in Munich on partnering with inclusive businesses, a webinar discussing the success of the 2015 WiSci Girls STEAM Camp, a Brookings Institution panel on business engagement in USAID P3s, and more. A full list of events can be found here.
Couple Indicted for Tax Fraud and Bank Fraud Related to Their Online Business

Washington, DC - A federal grand jury in the Middle District of North Carolina returned an indictment March 1 charging a Greensboro, North Carolina couple, who operated an online sales business with tax fraud as well as bank and wire fraud, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Departments Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Ripley Rand of the Middle District of North Carolina. The defendants were arrested earlier today and had their initial court appearances this afternoon.

Daniel Balson and Renee Balson were charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and five counts of wire fraud. Daniel Balson was additionally charged with three counts of filing false tax returns for 2009 through 2011 and Renee Balson was charged with one count of filing a false tax return for 2009.

According to the indictment, Daniel Balson owned and operated Southern Sales Online (SSO), an online retail business that sold a variety of merchandise through eBay and Amazon, including scrapbooking and art materials, books, inspirational DVDs, pet supplies and tools. It is alleged that although SSO earned more than $1 million in gross receipts during 2005 through 2011, the Balsons failed to report gross receipts for SSO on their tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Balsons also failed to report income from SSO on a bank application for a mortgage loan modification in 2011. The indictment also alleges that the Balsons stole merchandise from LifeWay Christian Stores and Hobby Lobby and then knowingly sold the stolen merchandise through SSO at prices less than retail value.

If convicted, Daniel Balson and Renee Balson each face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, 30 years in prison for the bank fraud count, 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count and three years in prison for each false tax return count. The Balsons also face substantial monetary penalties and restitution.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceeding.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo and U.S. Attorney Rand commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who investigated the case, and Assistant Chief Todd A. Ellinwood and Trial Attorney Mara Strier of the Tax Division, who are prosecuting the case. Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo also thanked the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Middle District of North Carolina for their assistance.
U.S. Department of Education Names Committee Members to Draft Proposed Regulations for Every Student Succeeds Act

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Education today named committee members who will draft proposed regulations in two areas of Title I, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This is the latest step in the process of implementing ESSA.

We look forward to working with the committee to promote equity and excellence for all students by providing states and school districts with timely regulations so that they can plan ahead and support students and educators, said Ann Whalen, senior advisor to the secretary, delegated the duties of the assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education.

ESSA replaces the outdated No Child Left Behind law and expands on the work this Administration, states, districts and schools across the country have already started. The new law will help build on key progress that weve made in education over recent yearsincluding a record high school graduation rate of 82 percent, significant expansion of high-quality preschool, and a million more African American and Hispanic students enrolled in college than in 2008, when President Obama took office.

ESSA promotes equitable access to educational opportunities in critical ways, such as asking states to hold all students to high academic standards to prepare them for college and careers and ensuring action in the lowest-performing schools, high schools with low graduation rates, and in schools that are consistently failing subgroups of students. Maintaining effective, high-quality assessments and ensuring that all states and districts know how to meet the updated supplement not supplant requirement are crucial to achieving these objectives.

The Department hosted public forums, held meetings with stakeholders and received hundreds of written comments on how to best support states, districts and schools in the transition to the new law, which informed the negotiated rulemaking process that is now underway. The negotiators and alternative negotiators announced today represent the constituencies that are significantly affected by the topics proposed for negotiation, including state and local education administrators and board members, tribal leadership, parents and students, teachers, principals, other school leaders, and the civil rights and business communities. Negotiators were selected to represent all of the geographic regions of the country. In addition, the Department selected negotiators who would contribute to the diversity and expertise of the negotiating committee.

The committee will draft proposed regulations in the following two areas of Title I, Part A of ESSA: (1) the requirement that federal funds supplement, not supplant, non-federal funds in high-need schools and (2) assessments. The selected negotiators and their alternates have received background materials to help prepare for their discussions, including issue papers on key areas identified by the Department in the notice announcing formation of the committee. Those areas are:

1. Supplement not supplant

2. Assessments

Computer adaptive testing

The exception for advanced mathematics assessments in 8th grade

Locally selected, nationally recognized high school assessments

The inclusion of students with disabilities in academic assessments

State administration of alternate assessments based on alternate academic achievement standards for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, subject to a cap of 1 percent of students assessed in a subject

The inclusion of English learners in academic assessments

The inclusion of English learners in English language proficiency assessments

Updating existing regulations to reflect statutory changes

In some issue papers, the Department included draft regulatory language intended to facilitate discussion among the negotiators. The committee has ultimate authority over the content of its final recommendations to the Department and may use the materials as guides. To access the materials provided to the committee, please see our website: http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/essa/index.html.

The committee will convene March 21-23 and April 6-8 with an optional session April 18-19 at its discretion. These meetings are open to the public, and more information on the time, location and other logistics for the meetings will be distributed at a later date.

Members of the ESSA Negotiated Rulemaking Committee:

Constituency Negotiators State administrators and state boards of education Tony Evers, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Marcus Cheeks, Mississippi Department of Education Local administrators and local boards of education Alvin Wilbanks, Gwinnett County Public Schools, Georgia Derrick Chau, Los Angeles Unified School District, California Thomas Ahart, Des Moines Public Schools, Iowa * Tribal leadership Aaron Payment, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe, Michigan Leslie Harper, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Minnesota* Parents and students, including historically underserved students Lisa Mack, Ohio Rita Pin Ahrens, District of Columbia Teachers Audrey Jackson, Boston Public Schools Ryan Ruelas, Anaheim City School District, California Mary Cathryn Ricker, St. Paul Public Schools/American Federation of Teachers, Minnesota* Principals Lara Evangelista, New York City Department of Education, New York Aqueelha James, District of Columbia Public Schools* Other school leaders, including charter school leaders Eric Parker, Montgomery Public Schools, Alabama Richard Pohlman, Thurgood Marshall Academy, District of Columbia* Paraprofessionals Lynn Goss, School District of the Menomonie, Wisconsin Regina Goings, Clark County School District, Nevada* Civil rights community, including representatives of students with disabilities, English learners, and other historically underserved students Delia Pompa, Migration Policy Institute, Texas Ron Hager, National Disability Rights Network, District of Columbia Liz King, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, District of Columbia* Janel George, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, District of Columbia* Business community Kerri Briggs, Exxon Mobil, Texas Kenneth Bowen, Office Depot, North Carolina *

*Non-voting member
Fourteen Additional Defendants Charged for Felony Crimes Related to 2014 Standoff in Nevada

Las Vegas, Nevada - The Justice Department announced that a federal grand jury in Nevada has charged 14 additional defendants in connection with the armed assault against federal law enforcement officers that occurred in the Bunkerville, Nevada, area on April 12, 2014.

The Department of Justice is committed to protecting the American people and defending the rule of law, said Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. Todays actions make clear that we will not tolerate the use of threats or force against federal agents who are doing their jobs. We will continue to protect public land on behalf of the American people, uphold federal law, and ensure that those who employ violence to express their grievances with the government will be apprehended and held accountable for their crimes.

Our democracy provides lawful ways individuals can respond if they disagree with their government, but if you resort to violence or threats, you will be held accountable under the law, said FBI Director James B. Comey.

A superseding criminal indictment was returned by the grand jury on March 2 and now charges a total of 19 defendants. The 14 new defendants are Melvin D. Bundy, 41, of Round Mountain, Nevada; David H. Bundy, 39, of Delta, Utah; Brian D. Cavalier, 44, of Bunkerville; Blaine Cooper, 36, of Humboldt, Arizona; Gerald A. DeLemus, 61, of Rochester, New Hampshire; Eric J. Parker, 32, of Hailey, Idaho; O. Scott Drexler, 44, of Challis, Idaho; Richard R. Lovelien, 52, of Westville, Oklahoma; Steven A. Stewart, 36, of Hailey; Todd C. Engel, 48, of Boundary County, Idaho; Gregory P. Burleson, 52, of Phoenix; Joseph D. OShaughnessy, 43, of Cottonwood, Arizona; and Micah L. McGuire, 31, and Jason D. Woods, 30, both of Chandler, Arizona.

The newly-added defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and conspiracy to impede or injure a federal officer, and at least one count of using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, assault on a federal officer, threatening a federal law enforcement officer, obstruction of the due administration of justice, interference with interstate commerce by extortion and interstate travel in aid of extortion. The indictment also alleges five counts of criminal forfeiture which upon conviction would require forfeiture of property derived from the proceeds of the crimes totaling at least $3 million, as well as the firearms and ammunition possessed and used on April 12, 2014.

Twelve defendants were arrested earlier today. Two defendants, Cavalier and Cooper, were already in federal custody in the District of Oregon.

Charges against the original five defendants, Cliven D. Bundy, 69, of Bunkerville; Ryan C. Bundy, 43, of Mesquite, Nevada; Ammon E. Bundy, 40, of Emmet, Idaho; Ryan W. Payne, 32, of Anaconda, Montana; and Peter T. Santilli Jr., 50, of Cincinnati, remain the same.

The superseding indictment alleges that the charges result from a massive armed assault against federal law enforcement officers that occurred in and around Bunkerville on April 12, 2014. The defendants are alleged to have planned, organized and led the assault in order to extort the officers into abandoning approximately 400 head of cattle that were in their lawful care and custody. In addition to conspiring among themselves to plan and execute these crimes, the defendants recruited, organized and led hundreds of other followers in using armed force against law enforcement officers in order to thwart the seizure and removal of Cliven Bundys cattle from federal public lands. Bundy had trespassed on the public lands for over 20 years, refusing to obtain the legally-required permits or pay the required fees to keep and graze his cattle on the land.

The superseding indictment charges that Cliven Bundy was the leader, organizer and chief beneficiary of the conspiracy, and possessed ultimate authority over the conspiratorial operations and received the economic benefits of the extortion. The remaining defendants are charged as leaders and organizers who conspired with Bundy to achieve his criminal objectives.

If convicted, the maximum penalties for the charges are: five years and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States; six years and a $250,000 fine for conspiracy to impede and injure a federal law enforcement officer; 20 years and a $250,000 fine for assault on a federal law enforcement officer; 10 years and a $250,000 fine for threatening a federal law enforcement officer; 10 years and a $250,000 fine for obstruction of the due administration of justice; 20 years and a $250,000 fine for interference with interstate commerce by extortion; and 20 years and a $250,000 fine for interstate travel in aid of extortion. The use and carry of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence charge carries a five year mandatory minimum to be served consecutively.

The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Land Management. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven W. Myhre and Nicholas D. Dickinson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nadia J. Ahmed and Erin M. Creegan of the District of Nevada.
Acting Assistant Secretary Judith Garber to Travel to Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan

Washington, DC - Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Judith G. Garber will travel to Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Tokyo, March 512, to meet with government counterparts and civil society leaders, support wildlife and ocean conservation, and promote science and technology cooperation.

On March 67, the Acting Assistant Secretary will be in Hong Kong to discuss with government leaders U.S. efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, including progress toward a near-complete ban on the domestic commercial trade in ivory. She also will meet with wildlife and ocean conservation activists. On March 89, she will lead the United States delegation to the first U.S.-Thai Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation since the signing of the U.S.-Thai Science and Technology Agreement in August 2013. On March 11, she will consult with senior Japanese government counterparts on climate change, ocean and wildlife conservation, and cooperation on other global issues as part of the preparations for Japans hosting of the G-7 meetings in May 2016.
US Woman, In Open Marriage, Lives Both Husband And Lover Under The Same Roof
Mona Lisa Effect May Get to Animals Just As Much As Humans
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 }}

Viewers settling in to enjoy the next episode of The Night Manager may soon get a chance to see the man behind the BBC1 espionage thriller. A biopic of the books author John le Carre, who worked for MI5 and MI6, could be headed for the screen.

Adam Sisman, who wrote John le Carre: The Biography, told The Independent Bath Literature Festival last week that the film rights to his book had been snapped up.

The Ink Factory, the production company behind the BBCs adaptation of The Night Manager and several other Le Carre novels, has secured the rights, he revealed.

Simon and Stephen Cornwell, the sons of Le Carre, whose real name is David Cornwell, founded the company in 2010. David has quite a say in what the Ink Factory do, Mr Sisman said. I had to sell it to them, really. What was I selling? The rights to someone elses life.

The book lifts the lid on Le Carres troubled childhood as well as his decision to quit school and head to Switzerland where he worked for MI5 and subsequently MI6.

A year after writing The Spy Who Came in from the Cold in 1963, he left the intelligence service to become a full-time writer and would go on to write a series of bestselling espionage novels including Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Culture news in pictures Show all 33 1 /33 Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures 30 September 2016 An employee hangs works of art with "Grand Teatro" by Marino Marini (R) and bronze sculpture "Sfera N.3" by Arnaldo Pomodoro seen ahead of a Contemporary Art auction on 7 October, at Sotheby's in London REUTERS Culture news in pictures 29 September 2016 Street art by Portuguese artist Odeith is seen in Dresden, during an exhibition "Magic City - art of the streets" AFP/Getty Images Culture news in pictures 28 September 2016 Dancers attend a photocall for the new "THE ONE Grand Show" at Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin, Germany REUTERS Culture news in pictures 28 September 2016 With an array of thrift store china, humorous souvenirs and handmade tile adorning its walls and floors, the Mosaic Tile House in Venice stands as a monument to two decades of artistic collaboration between Cheri Pann and husband Gonzalo Duran REUTERS Culture news in pictures 27 September 2016 A gallery assistant poses amongst work by Anthea Hamilton from her nominated show "Lichen! Libido!(London!) Chastity!" at a preview of the Turner Prize in London REUTERS Culture news in pictures 27 September 2016 A technician wearing virtual reality glasses checks his installation in three British public telephone booths, set up outside the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, Netherlands. The installation allows visitors a 3-D look into the museum which has twenty-two paintings belonging to the British Royal Collection, on loan for an exhibit from 29 September 2016 till 8 January 2017 AP Culture news in pictures 26 September 2016 An Indian artist dressed as Hindu god Shiva performs on a chariot as he participates in a religious procession 'Ravan ki Barat' held to mark the forthcoming Dussehra festival in Allahabad AFP/Getty Images Culture news in pictures 26 September 2016 Jean-Michel Basquiat's 'Air Power', 1984, is displayed at the Bowie/Collector media preview at Sotheby's in New York AFP/Getty Culture news in pictures 25 September 2016 A woman looks at an untitled painting by Albert Oehlen during the opening of an exhibition of works by German artists Georg Baselitz and Albert Oehlen in Reutlingen, Germany. The exhibition runs at the Kunstverein (art society) Reutlingen until 15 January 2017 EPA Culture news in pictures 24 September 2016 Fan BingBing (C) attends the closing ceremony of the 64th San Sebastian Film Festival at Kursaal in San Sebastian, Spain Getty Images Culture news in pictures 23 September 2016 A view of the artwork 'You Are Metamorphosing' (1964) as part of the exhibition 'Retrospektive' of Japanese artist Tetsumi Kudo at Fridericianum in Kassel, Germany. The exhibition runs from 25 September 2016 to 1 January 2017 EPA Culture news in pictures 22 September 2016 Jo Applin from the Courtauld Institute of Art looks at Green Tilework in Live Flesh by Adriana Vareja, which features in a new exhibition, Flesh, at York Art Gallery. The new exhibition features works by Degas, Chardin, Francis Bacon and Sarah Lucas, showing how flesh has been portrayed by artists over the last 600 years PA Culture news in pictures 21 September 2016 Performers Sean Atkins and Sally Miller standing in for the characters played by Asa Butterfield and Ella Purnell during a photocall for Tim Burton's "Miss Peregrines Home For Peculiar Children" at Potters Field Park in London Getty Images Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A detail from the blanket 'Alpine Cattle Drive' from 1926 by artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner is displayed at the 'Hamburger Bahnhof - Museum for Contemporary Arts' in Berlin. The exhibition named 'Ernst Ludwig Kirchner - Hieroglyphen' showing the complete collection of Berlin's Nationalgallerie works of the German artist Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and will run from 23 September 2016 until 26 February 2017 AP Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A man looks at portrait photos by US photographer Bruce Gilden in the exhibition 'Masters of Photography' at the photokina in Cologne, Germany. The trade fair on photography, photokina, schowcases some 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and runs from 20 to 25 September. The event also features various photo exhibitions EPA Culture news in pictures 20 September 2016 A woman looks at 'Blue Poles', 1952 by Jackson Pollock during a photocall at the Royal Academy of Arts, London PA Culture news in pictures 19 September 2016 Art installation The Refusal of Time, a collaboration with Philip Miller, Catherine Meyburgh and Peter Galison, which features as part of the William Kentridge exhibition Thick Time, showing from 21 September to 15 January at the Whitechapel Gallery in London PA Culture news in pictures 18 September 2016 Artists creating one off designs at the Mm6 Maison Margiela presentation during London Fashion Week Spring/Summer collections 2017 in London Getty Images Culture news in pictures 18 September 2016 Bethenny Frankel attends the special screening of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Edition release on Blu-Ray and DVD in New York City Getty Images for Walt Disney Stu Culture news in pictures 17 September 2016 Visitors attend the 2016 Oktoberfest beer festival at Theresienwiese in Munich, Germany Getty Images Culture news in pictures 16 September 2016 Visitors looks at British artist Damien Hirst work of art 'The Incomplete Truth', during the 13th Yalta Annual Meeting entitled 'The World, Europe and Ukraine: storms of changes', organised by the Yalta European Strategy (YES) in partnership with the Victor Pinchuk Foundation at the Mystetsky Arsenal Art Center in Kiev AP Culture news in pictures 16 September 2016 Tracey Emin's "My Bed" is exhibited at the Tate Liverpool as part of the exhibition Tracey Emin And William Blake In Focus, which highlights surprising links between the two artists Getty Images Culture news in pictures 15 September 2016 Musician Dave Grohl (L) joins musician Tom Morello of Prophets of Rage onstage at the Forum in Inglewood, California Getty Images Culture news in pictures 14 September 2016 Model feebee poses as part of art installation "Narcissism : Dazzle room" made by artist Shigeki Matsuyama at rooms33 fashion and design exhibition in Tokyo. Matsuyama's installation features a strong contrast of black and white, which he learned from dazzle camouflage used mainly in World War I AP Culture news in pictures 13 September 2016 Visitors look at artworks by Chinese painter Cui Ruzhuo during the exhibition 'Glossiness of Uncarved Jade' held at the exhibition hall 'Manezh' in St. Petersburg, Russia. More than 200 paintings by the Chinese artist are presented until 25 September EPA Culture news in pictures 12 September 2016 A visitor looks at Raphael's painting 'Extase de Sainte Cecile', 1515, from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence during the opening of a Raphael exhibition at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow, Russia. The first Russian exhibition of the works of the Italian Renaissance artist Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino includes eight paintings and three drawings which come from Italy. Th exhibit opens to the public from 13 September to 11 December EPA Culture news in pictures 11 September 2016 Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd perform during Otis Redding 75th Birthday Celebration - Rehearsals at the Macon City Auditorium in Macon, Georgia Getty Images for Otis Redding 75 Culture news in pictures 10 September 2016 Sakari Oramo conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Chorus and the BBC Singers at the Last Night of the Proms 2016 at the Royal Albert Hall in London PA Culture news in pictures 9 September 2016 A visitor walks past a piece entitled "Fruitcake" by Joana Vasconcelo, during the Beyond Limits selling exhibition at Chatsworth House near Bakewell REUTERS Culture news in pictures 8 September 2016 A sculpture of a crescent standing on the 2,140 meters high mountain 'Freiheit' (German for 'freedom'), in the Alpstein region of the Appenzell alps, eastern Switzerland. The sculpture is lighted during the nights by means of solar panels. The 38-year-old Swiss artist and atheist Christian Meier set the crescent on the peak to start a debate on the meaning of religious symbols - as summit crosses - on mountains. 'Because so many peaks have crosses on them, it struck me as a great idea to put up an equally absurd contrast'. 'Naturally I wanted to provoke in a fun way. But it goes beyond that. The actions of an artist should be food for thought, both visually and in content' EPA Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures Culture news in pictures

The Ink Factory first adapted A Most Wanted Man, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Rachel McAdams, and is due to release Our Kind of Traitor, starring Damian Lewis and Ewan McGregor.

Mr Sisman added that as Le Carres biographer he could make an appearance in the film, and suggested McGregor would be the perfect actor to play him.

Le Carre is the first living subject for Mr Sisman, who has written biographies of Hugh Trevor-Roper and James Boswell, as well as an account of the friendship between William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

I havent seen [Le Carre] since the book was published, said Mr Sisman. I got a letter from him on publication day, which said: Enjoy your moment in the sun. It was quite a nice letter but a little barbed.

I think its been a bit of a bruising process for him and Im not surprised by that. I dont think I would have done my job properly if it hadnt been. He added that he did not think he would be invited to Le Carres home again.

Le Carre had toyed with the idea of a biography since 1989. At one point it was going to be written by Robert Harris, before Mr Sisman stepped in.

Le Carre will release his memoirs this year. The Pigeon Tunnel will be his first piece of non-fiction writing and is set to unlock some of the mysteries of the books.

Mr Sisman said: He has a certain amount of detachment from his public persona. The fact its a pseudonym  that he is John le Carre but he isnt  gives him a bit of detachment.
Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This 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

Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Iris Murdoch, the poet and Booker Prize-winning novelist was a secret fan of pop music who went to Rolling Stones concerts and believed the Beatles should have been appointed Poets Laureate, a cache of letters has revealed.

Murdoch was a prodigious correspondent, and more than 700 of her missives are published in Living on Paper: Letters from Iris Murdoch 1934-1995. The books editors, Avril Horner and Anne Rowe, from the Iris Murdoch Archive Centre at Kingston University, told an audience at The Independent Bath Literature Festival last week that some of letters contents had made them sit up.

Two of the letters in which Murdoch talks about the Beatles are published in the book. In one, she writes: I think the Beatles should be Poet Laureate.

That was a real surprise, said Professor Horner. Heres this philosopher writing these complex novels and yet she was really interested in this popular culture.

Murdochs devastation over the murder of John Lennon in 1980 was also articulated in her letters, and she had expressed her admiration for the Rolling Stones in a letter to the author Brigid Brophy.

She [Murdoch] wrote about going to a [Stones] concert and said something like, their appearance was sufficiently androgynous to please even me, said Professor Horner.

The idea that the Beatles should have been installed as Poets Laureate met a mixed reception from contemporary writers and poets.

The poet and Liverpudlian Roger McGough, a huge fan of the band, said a more appropriate honour would have been Masters of the Queens Music. The idea that John, Paul, George and Ringo should have been installed as Poets Laureate was a playful suggestion, he said, but the Liverpool group would have been embarrassed by it.

Iris Murdoch was a prodigious correspondent (The Independent)

The Independent on Sunday asked a diverse group of five poets and novelists to pick a favourite Beatles song and explain its appeal. Here are their choices:

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

Andrew McMillan - judge of this years Ted Hughes Award, which is backed by the Poetry Society, nominated Ticket To Ride (1965)

She said that living with me/ Was bringing her down, yeah/ For she would never be free/ When I was around, oh

Im struck by its simple power, its layering of jaunty rhythm over something much sadder  the tension of whats being said and how its being said, which is surely the tension in all poetry.

Sabrina Mahfouz - poet and playwright, chose I Am the Walrus (1967)

Sitting on a cornflake waiting for the van to come/ Corporation T-shirt, stupid bloody Tuesday/ Man you been a naughty boy

I have fond memories of this due to my friend in French class swapping the GCSE listening tape in the tape deck with this song and us always getting in trouble for singing it out loud instead of asking for directions to the train station in cockney French.

Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Show all 7 1 /7 Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles John Lennon 'looking thoughtful' www.RingoPhotoBook.com Ringo Starr/Genesis Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles 'These people are looking at us in our car, so I photographed them' www.RingoPhotoBook.com Ringo Starr/Genesis Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Paul McCartney: 'He was a great poser. Mr Rock'n'Roll, with the shades and the action' www.RingoPhotoBook.com Ringo Starr/Genesis Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Paul and John in the studio www.RingoPhotoBook.com Ringo Starr/Genesis Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles George Harrison, 'who liked a laugh' www.RingoPhotoBook.com Ringo Starr/Genesis Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Paul McCartney with Brian Epstein in a Beatles wig www.RingoPhotoBook.com Ringo Starr/Genesis Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Ringo Starr's photos of The Beatles Paul 'being very Liverpool' with Jane Asher www.RingoPhotoBook.com Ringo Starr/Genesis

Blake Morrison - poet and novelist, chose Eleanor Rigby (1966)

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been/Lives in a dream/ Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door

Other Beatles songs might work better musically, but none can match Eleanor Rigby for poetry. The imagery is wonderfully economical: when Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been thats enough to tell us she herself has never married).

Jackie Kay - poet and novelist, chose The Fool on the Hill (1967)

The man of a thousand voices/ Talking perfectly loud/ But nobody ever hears him/ Or the sound he appears to make/ And he never seems to notice

I always loved [the song] when I was a teenager  the idea that there was someone outside of society who had a lot of wisdom. I guess thats the role of a poet in society: someone who might possess true knowledge and a curious vantage point.

Attila the Stockbroker, aka John Baine, performance poet, chose Taxman (1966)

Should five per cent appear too small/ Be thankful I dont take it all/ Cos Im the taxman, yeah Im the taxman

All hail the days of the 95 per cent tax bracket! This song comes from an age where the rich were taxed properly, until the pips squeaked. And my, how they moaned about it. Wouldnt happen now.
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 }}

6 March is Mothering Sunday  at least in the United Kingdom  and 8 March marks International Womens Day, both falling slap-bang in the middle of the autumn/winter 2016 Paris womenswear season. Some will see this as an anomaly: the fashion industry is frequently chided for its attitudes towards femininity and its perceived exploitation of female insecurity, as is evident from the ever-raging debates about body ideals.

Isnt fashion about caging women, literally and figuratively? No. It can be about setting them free, empowering them. That was the overriding message of Rei Kawakubos Comme des Garcons show. Of an undeniably, unequivocally, extremely pink, strength. Kawakubo presented outfits composed of ruffles and frills, gargantuan rosebuds, piled-up boned panniers and exaggerated flounces. Pink dominated, alongside rococo floral prints and foliate brocades. A few of the dresses  and I use the term loosely  were articulated like plate armour around the body. The overriding mood was of the 18th century, of Fragonard and Boucher, a whiff of Versailles, the grandeur compressed on to the body of woman in a construction of fabric.

What does it all mean? To begin with, it contradicted entirely the label attached to these garments: Comme des Garcons. This was about woman absolute and all-powerful, where the perceived traps and trappings of an archetypal femaleness  heavy, wide pannier skirts, boned stays, flowers and ruffles  became a kind of protection against the world. Totemic, traditionally, of fragility, they became something tougher  a defence, not an aggression.

That said, this wasnt a sinister Kawakubo offering: there was a lightness of mood  The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy played  if not of garment. The latter is a simple fact, given the masses of fabric forming Kawakubos grand shapes. Those made me think of woman in control, occupying a space, emphasising her presence and physicality through the clothing on her back. Its a power play afforded to women that men have never quite been able to match.

Junya Watanabe (Reuters)

These Comme des Garcons clothes were embedded in history, in a manner quite unusual in Rei Kawakubos work. The 18th century, however, was packed with powerful women, and they clustered around the courts of France. Louis XIV didnt invent the notion of the maitresse-en-titre  the chief mistress of the French king. But his mistresses were afforded more political power than any before  a notion taken to its height by his successor, Louis XV, and Madame de Pompadour.

Her influence also led to her personal style shaping the aesthetic movement we call rococo, crafting an entire female universe. Here, it was compressed into 17 exceptional outfits, a treatise on the absolute power of absolute femininity.

Vivienne Westwoods show habitually butts against Kawakubos, showing just an hour before. Westwoods work also explores hyper-femininity, empowerment through clothing, and in her way she has shifted fashion as significantly as Kawakubo. The difference? Kawakubo does so with a straight face and a degree of abstraction that ensure quiet contemplation, whereas Westwoods literalism has occasionally fallen into farce. The dynamic this season, however, was different. Westwoods label had been rechristened Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood, a reflection of the impact her husband and design partner of some 27 years has had on her aesthetic.

Vivienne Westwood (Reuters)

It also changed the entire tone of Westwoods presentation: the show notes (always a soap box eagerly mounted by Westwood) were written in his voice, not hers. Westwood herself was at a distinct remove. Kronthaler was looking at Bruegel when designing the collection, said he. Westwood was reading Rabelais.

Rabelaisian is a word easily applied to Westwoods clothes. Its defined as marked by gross, robust humour and extravagance of caricature. Theres an argument that Westwoods work has fallen into a kind of caricature at the hands of Kronthaler  its frequently cited that Westwoods unique aesthetic came as a result of her being a woman, sporting her own clothes (she wears no other designer) and reacting to their rapport with her body. Kronthaler had a bunch of men in this show, wearing garments we would traditionally define as feminine (a draped evening gown, a high-heeled shoe). Perhaps he is taking that tactile mantle from Westwood, also?

Commes Des Garcons (Rex)

Given the duality of Westwood and Kronthalers creative process over the past two decades, this felt less like a passing of the torch and more a handing over of the reins. Westwood was still along for the ride, and her name is still on the label. Hence, perhaps she still has a hand in the clothes, which this season werent especially different but were nonetheless handsome, in a palette of Bruegel burgundies and peat-bog browns. Westwood took a bow with Kronthaler, a presence here as in the aesthetic values. Nevertheless, it felt as though one of fashions grande dames had been dethroned.

Succession is something fashion is increasingly addressing. Again, its very 18th century  the various French kings were obsessed with their dauphins, and so it is in fashion. You want someone in line to inherit your empire.

Vivienne Westwood (Reuters)

In many cases, its pressing: Dior and Lanvin are both without creative directors; rumour-mongers insist that Saint Laurent is ready to join, with the departure of Hedi Slimane. Kawakubo and Westwood are both clever in that they have nurtured a new generation of talent to succeed them. Perhaps Westwood would rather you didnt talk about her husband in that way, but certainly her scaling-back her day-to-day design role isnt unforeseen. Westwood has advertised Kronthalers design influence in her collections, and in turn promoted his talent, since the early Nineties. Kawakubos approach is different: to establish subsidiary labels under the umbrella of Comme des Garcons, most recently the Noir line by Kei Ninomiya, and the menswear designer Gosha Rubchinskiy. Call them a school, if you will. Westwood was a teacher, too. It implies the authoritarian influence, and a guiding hand.

One of the first for Comme des Garcons was Junya Watanabe, founded in 1993. His autumn/winter 2016 show wasnt a million miles from Kawakubos: both explored the notion of fabric constructions on female bodies, abstraction and exploration of decidedly three-dimensional shapes (the side-views of these clothes are frequently far more arresting than the front-on). But Watanabes focus is, perhaps, stricter, and simpler.

Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Chanel 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Vivienne Westwood Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Vivienne Westwood Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Chanel 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Rei Kawakubo Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Chanel Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Rei Kawakubo Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Chanel 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Vetements Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Karl Lagerlfeld at his Chanel show Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Vetements Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Celine Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Celine Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Saint Laurent 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Saint Laurent 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Sonia Rykiel 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Sonia Rykiel 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Giambattista Valli 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Gigi Hadid in Giambattista Valli 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Stella McCartney Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Stella McCartney 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Givenchy 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Riccardo Tisci at his Givenchy show Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Givenchy 2016 Getty Images Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures John Galliano Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures John Galliano Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Balmain Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Kendall Jenner in Balmain Paris Fashion Week AW16 in pictures Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Balmain 2016 Getty Images

This time his theme was hyper construction dress  his words, but they could be mine, as they are the perfect description of garments engineered from the kind of hi-tech, highly synthetic fabric normally used to upholster car interiors. In a handful of industrial colours  acidic, fluorescent pink, dull red, lots of black and battleship grey  it was cut into geometric shapes to unfold about the body, clothing studiously and fascinatingly structured with mathematical precision.

There wasnt much that was corporeal, or instinctive, or warm, honestly. This was a cold, scientific fashion show that was, nevertheless, extraordinary, in the way a complex mathematical equation chalked out on a board can fascinate. You werent encouraged to unravel these mind-boggling, complex clothes. But they were interesting enough to encourage you to buy. If just to look at, rather than wear.
Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This 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

IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

On the face of it, there's little to choose between Lidl and Aldi. They are both as German as schwarzbrot, both discounters place value before beauty, and both represent serious threats to the Big Four: Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Asda and Tesco. Both have substantially upped the wine ante in the past couple of years, with credible ranges increasingly appreciated by wine drinkers of all classes.

Where they differ, however, is in their approach. While Aldi maintains a strong no-frills range headed by its Exquisite Collection label, Lidl's core range is supplemented by its one-off, foire-aux-vins-style seasonal "Collections".

Indicating at its most recent press tasting that it's increasing the number of its seasonal ranges, Lidl showed both its Easter Wine Collection, on shelves since Thursday, and its April Wine Cellar, due in store on 21 April. Whites kicked off with a fine, rose-petal scented 2014 Alto Adige Gewurztraminer, 7.99, and a rich, off-dry honeydew melon-like 2013 Neszmely Pinot Gris, Hungary, 6.79.

Finishing with a crisp, dry flourish, a rich, buttery 2014 Montagny Les Carlins, 11.99, is a more than respectable dry white burgundy, while the Cape delivers an approachably juicy 2015 Chenin Blanc-Viognier-Roussanne, La Meridionale, 5.49, and Australia a pleasingly floral, citrus-zesty 2015 Axis Clare Valley Riesling, 5.99.

While spring may be in the air, reds here are broadly speaking better than whites, starting off with the dark cherry-fruity 2014 Lagrein, Alto Adige, 7.99; an aromatic, strawberryish 2014 Morgon, Vignerons du Vieux Tinailler, 8.49; and a bright, violet-scented, 2012 Bodega Tonel, 5.99, Mendoza.

The 2014 Saint Joseph, 8.99, does the northern Rhone spice and pepper to perfection, while its southern hemisphere counterpart, a 2015 Foremost Hawkes Bay Syrah, 8.99, is a tad more pungently peppery with a fine savoury fruit quality.

Pick of the bunch are a stylish St.Emilion-alike vanilla oaky 2012 Lalande de Pomerol, Chateau Jean de Gue, 14.99, and an exotic sweetie: the 2013 Tokaji Kesoi Arany Grand Selection, Hungary, 8.99, half-litre, oozing ginger-spicy pineapple with a toffee-apple richness.
Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our Now Hear This 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

IndyEats email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Grilled leeks might not be the most obvious main course choice to feed 300 hungry restaurateurs. But Damian Clisby will elevate the British winter staple to top billing when he dishes up a special lunch to celebrate the UKs most sustainable restaurants later this month. The chef is on a mission to convince his industry that vegetables deserve star status with the meat-free menu he has devised for the Food Made Good Awards.

The trick to appreciating vegetables is  Clisby says  treating them like a prize cut of meat. Imagine saying, Im going to look at that celeriac like Id look at a piece of steak. Im going to cut it nice and thickly, and Im going to season it really well, maybe put a dry rub on it, and roast it, he says.

When I was a young chef, I didnt really understand about sustainability. It was all about how pretty the plate of food looked, and how good it tasted. Now, the chef, who has worked for the celebrated restaurateur and The Independents long-term food writer Mark Hix, values integrity when sourcing ingredients above everything else.

Recommended Read more Shortlist for the Food Made Good Awards makes tasty reading

At Petersham Nurseries, where he has been head chef for two years, customers eat more fish than meat, he said. And vegetables feature strongly on the menu.

For the Food Made Good Awards lunch, to be held on 22 March at the Royal Horticultural Society, Clisby will serve a starter of salad leaves, flowers, and chickpea fritters. He still doesnt know if the dressing will feature wild garlic or nettles; that depends on what his forager can obtain at the very last minute.

Damian Clisby spent summers on his grandfathers farm in Cork, Ireland, where he honed his passion for food (Ming Tang-Evans)

Then those leeks. Theyre so tender. When you grill them like that, you get that lovely caramelised flavour on the outside and a really tender heart. Ill use some Kirkhams Lancashire and a little bit of sage, he added. Dessert will be a honey and custard tart, with brown butter ice cream, made using free range eggs, naturally.

Clisby spent summers on his grandfathers farm in Cork, Ireland, where he honed his passion for food. He applauded the work that the Sustainable Restaurant Association, which is running the awards in partnership with The IoS, is doing.

Youre rewarding people for doing good, fastidious work. Its not just about the restaurant and the food and the chef being amazing, but has more integrity.

You can vote for your favourite until 13 March by visiting foodmadegood.org/peoplesfave16 or tweet @foodmadegood using the hashtag #fave and the name of your chosen restaurant
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 rogue plumber has been plaguing Independent readers over the past three years. We have reported the stories in our weekly Questions of Cash column (see links below), but it is time to warn everyone about the dangers of dealing with tradespeople who just don't care.

Our three-year struggle with the rogue plumber in Bedford began when reader AS, of London, called London Emergency Plumbers because water was rushing through a ceiling; for a half-hour visit to turn off a stopcock  by this point the water flow from the tank had almost stopped  the charge was 1,058.40. AS queried this with the company, which claimed the charge was correct and that a plumber had spent 90 minutes at the premises.

London Emergency Plumbers had insisted that the reader pass on their card details before it would visit, and so the money was deducted from AS's NatWest Visa debit account. At first, the bank refused to help AS, but after we intervened, it agreed to refund 662 through a chargeback to the trader's account.

Our coverage of that incident led to a series of similar complaints about the firm, which also traded as Express Plumbers of Bedford. In November 2013, Bedford council's trading standards office took legal action against the owner of the business, Muhammed Shamrez (or Shamrel, on the company registration documents). It obtained a court judgment in which Shamrez and his businesses were prevented from conducting unfair trading practices, including misleading customers about charges.

For some time, it seemed that Shamrez had obeyed the order. But in July 2014, reader TB of London was charged 132 by London Emergency Plumbers for requesting a callout, which she cancelled 10 minutes later.

In March last year, we again heard about London Emergency Plumbers, after reader CT of London was charged 1,139 for a 70-minute visit to fix a leak. His wife's credit card company, Halifax, agreed to make a chargeback of 489.19 through Visa. Then, in September, MS of St Albans had the double misfortune of a bad leak and of calling London Emergency Plumbing, another trading name for the same business. MS was charged 678, but Barclaycard, the reader's card company, agreed to levy a chargeback of 468.

This gradual flow of complaints turned into a torrent this year. LH of London paid 860.40 to London Emergency Plumbing and complained that no work had been done. Payment had been made by American Express, which refused to levy a chargeback. As LH declined to authorise American Express to share relevant information with us, we were unable to press the case.

A different LH of London was also stung by Shamrez after a radiator tap broke. "When he brought the bill up on his iPad, it was the shocking total of 977," she said. "The labour cost was more than 600 and he charged for being there for two hours, despite only being there for one hour and 33 minutes. I estimate that he could have carried out the job in 30 minutes."

Next came JH of London, who was angry at a 1,017.90 charge from London Emergency Plumbing for fitting a tap on his bath. A few days later, we heard from GG of Luton, who was billed 863 by Nationwide Plumbing and Heating of Bedford "for the simple task of putting a valve in a bathroom sink pipe and installing a new flexi pipe". We contacted First Direct, which is seeking a chargeback.

Bedford trading standards officers also received a rush of complaints and last month took Shamrez back to court, where he admitted breaching the order previously imposed and was therefore found in contempt of court. He was given a suspended jail sentence of six months, which remains in place for an indefinite period. Shamrez was ordered to pay trading standards costs of 40,643.

Trading standards officers told the court they had received dozens of complaints, including those of our readers, which we had forwarded with their permission. "Mr Shamrez continually breached consumer protection legislation, including deliberately misleading consumers about the price of his services and how he would be paid, deliberately overcharging for his services, deliberately overstating the time taken to do jobs, deliberately taking payments from consumers without authorisation, and lying about his position in the company in order to avoid complaints."

The court was told that the Express Plumbing and London businesses ceased trading last month and the websites have closed. We could find no trace of them still trading under those names.

The court order does not apply to Nationwide Plumbing and Heating, which has different directors. There is no clear link between Nationwide and Express, although the two firms use the same registered company address in Bedford and the same phone number for company registrations. The address appears to be shared by several dozen companies.

We phoned Nationwide Plumbing and Heating repeatedly but the calls were not answered.
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 }}

Back in 2011, 10 months into his tenure as chief executive of Barclays, Bob Diamond gave a revealing insight into his time roaming Africa as the new boss of the British banking giant. In Africa, it is clear from the meetings I have with political leaders, central-bank governors and businesses that they value the contribution the financial-services industry makes to a growing economy, he said.

If it wasnt a rebuke to central bankers in the UK, it certainly sounded like it. Eight months on from his ode to Africa and the Bank of England had quietly forced Mr Diamond to release his grasp on the venerable British institution amid recriminations over the Libor rigging scandal. He quit  or was forced out  ending one of the most colourful tenures at the lender.

Now the unacceptable face of banking, as Lord Mandelson dubbed him, is back on the hunt for deals in Africa  and Barclays, ironically, could be his next target. Mr Diamond is believed to be drawing up plans to bid for a slice of Barclays African business outside of South Africa after the group announced this week that it would sell off interests in the continent after 100 years.

Recommended Read more Barclays mauled by markets after Staley wields the axe

The move sent shockwaves through the City, setting up a mouth-watering battle of business wits between the new Barclays boss, Jes Staley, and Mr Diamond, who still casts a long shadow over the lender. The looming battle has the hallmarks of corporate soap opera. Mr Diamonds PR advisers decline to comment on the rumours.

Will Mr Diamond swoop for Barclays Africa? If he does, the veteran investment banker will have to put to rest doubts about his ability to do the deal. The first problem is cash: there are questions about whether Mr Diamond has enough firepower to mount a serious bid for Barclays African businesses, which have a 1.5bn price tag.

Mr Diamond is pursuing his African M&A adventure through Atlas Mara, which he floated as a shell investment vehicle on the London stock market in December 2013 with the African entrepreneur Ashish Thakkar. The company has acquired interests in five organisations so far, giving Atlas a footprint across seven African countries. These include big stakes in Union Bank of Nigeria and BankABC.

The group is also set to merge BRD Commercial and Banque Populaire du Rwanda after taking over both last year. It also recently agreed to buy Zambias sixth-biggest bank, Finance Bank of Zambia.

Despite turning its first profit last August  registering a 2.7m swing into the black  the outfit is still tiny compared to other potential suitors. Atlas has raised $625m from investors through a $325m flotation on the market and $300m private placement, but it would have to raise double that amount to mount a serious challenge for Barclays African interests, which are likely to attract the interests of other lenders in the region.

Yet Mr Diamond is supported by a host of US mutual fund managers with deep pockets and they could aid him in his quest. Wellington Asset Management  one of the oldest asset managers in America  is Atlas Maras top shareholder, followed by other blue-chip fund managers such as Guggenheim and Janus. The commodity trading giant Trafigura is also a substantial shareholder, with a 6 per cent stake. The groups would be top of the list for any future capital raising, although sovereign wealth funds and other wealthy backers could also enter the fray to arm Mr Diamond for his next assault.

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 second problem is the mismatch between Barclays ambitions and those of Mr Diamond. Barclays Africa was formed in 2005 when Barclays merged its existing operations with South African lender Absa. The group now operates as a standalone bank listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with its own board and chief executive, Maria Ramos. Barclays owns 62.3 per cent of shares in the listed group, but regulatory woes mean it is hoping to trim back that to nearer 20 per cent to reduce the amount of capital it has to hold against.

Selling subsidiaries of the business is no guarantee of lowering the capital requirements on the bank while a sale of Barclays Africa shares is. Given Mr Diamonds preference for investing in standalone banks, it remains to be seen whether Atlas would want to take an equity stake in Barclays Africa alongside Barclays and other shareholders.

The final hurdle could be the perception of Mr Diamond rearing his head at Barclays door. Its new chief executive Mr Staley is the man behind the new strategy to shed its African business, one of Barclays four biggest divisions and one of its best-performing businesses.

Selling to Mr Diamond a part of Barclays business which performs well could prove controversial in an atmosphere where banks are still under the spotlight of MPs and regulators.

I know Barclays business in Africa from the time I was there, Mr Diamond told Bloomberg earlier this week. I respect it as a competitor of that business now. Barclays in Africa is a terrific platform.

Mr Diamonds presence at Barclays has lingered well beyond his tenure as CEO. Now it looks like the banks former boss will continue to haunt Barclays for many more months to come.
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 London Stock Exchange has shot down suggestions that it was rushing into the arms of a German suitor to dodge the impact of Britains possible exit from the European Union as it backed the industry-defining 20bn tie-up.

Its chief executive, Xavier Rolet, said a Leave vote would not dent the groups close ties with traders and investors around the world. This is despite concerns that Londons stock markets would be hurt by a Brexit.

LSE is a global company and we have global infrastructure. We do not have any geographic policies  we position ourselves for clients [worldwide] in a way we can service them, he said. Im happy with Londons global reach. The group has global aspirations.

Last month, Mr Rolet was a signatory to a letter signed by nearly 200 business executives supporting Britains continued membership of the EU. He repeatedly refused to answer questions about a number of suitors circling the LSE, saying that takeover rules prevented him from speaking about the subject.

The LSE has agreed a takeover plan with Deutsche Borse despite rival interest from US operator Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the owner of the New York Stock Exchange. Bankers for Deutsche and ICE are jockeying for position to try to engineer a takeover of the London exchange, although the American group is yet to bid.

If ICE moves, it could force a partial break-up of LSE, with plans by the Americans to spin off its Italian stock exchange and hive off the French arm of LCH.Clearnet. Rival US operator CME is also understood to be exploring an offer.

We believe the potential merger [with Deutsche] can deliver an industry-defining combination, Mr Rolet said.

Analysts expressed concerns about the weak underlying growth of the business and what would happen to LSE if the deal fell through.

Back when Rolet took over it was an equity exchange, and now its a global leader. But where there has been growth its come from consolidation, said Jonathan Goslin, an analyst at Numis. It is trading at high levels at the moment, and if this deal doesnt go through, it is looking at being left an exchange business again.

The LSEs full-year results were flattered by the inclusion of fees generated by its Russell Investments business, which it is still hoping to spin off this year. Including acquisitions made last year, revenues rose 78 per cent to 2.3bn. Stripping them out, the growth was more sluggish, up 2 per cent. Including takeovers, adjusted pre-tax profits rose by 31 per cent to 643.4m.
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 }}

When serial Oscar nominee Leonardo DiCaprio finally broke his Academy Award drought last week he inadvertently triggered a small surge in sales of spinning tops. The reason, explains Will Cutler, a product designer from Burton upon Trent, is somewhat complicated.

Movie buffs will remember that DiCaprios character in the 2010 science-fiction film Inception was a thief who infiltrated the subconscious of his victims. In a world where dreams and real life are difficult to distinguish, Dominic Cobb relied on a small top  his totem  to check if he was awake (the spinning top slows and topples) or dreaming (it spins for ever).

So, when DiCaprio picked up his Best Actor Oscar for The Revenant, the internet celebrated with a meme showing the actor using his top to check if he was dreaming or if he had actually got his hands on a gold statue. And that, according to Mr Cutler, the designer of the Vorso MK1 top, was enough to cause an upturn in business.

Im serious man, said the 26-year-old designer. Im worried we wont have enough stock.

In truth, the curious renaissance of the spinning top was under way before DiCaprio won his first Oscar. A cursory search of crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo  places where the latest tech gadgets tend to dominate  reveals a plethora of tops, a rudimentary toy that has existed since antiquity.

Todays tops tend to be small, metal objects with hyperbolic names. They include the TTi-180, the UltraTop XXX, the BilletSpin, the Kraken and the ForeverSpin, a product that reportedly raised $1.5m (1m) on Kickstarter. Some of the new generation of tops glow in the dark, others can be stacked like building blocks; most promise extravagant spin times. A few boast more metaphysical qualities: the UltraTop, for example, is billed as a great way to relax, escape from the hustle and bustle and meditate.

Oscars 2016 winners Show all 24 1 /24 Oscars 2016 winners Oscars 2016 winners Leonardo DiCaprio Oscar for Best Actor: "The Revenant" Oscars 2016 winners Brie Larson Oscar for Best Actress: "Room" 2016 Getty Images Oscars 2016 winners Mark Rylance Oscar for Best Supporting Actor: "Bridge of Spies" Oscars 2016 winners Alicia Vikander Oscar for Best Supporting Actress: "The Danish Girl" Oscars 2016 winners Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Oscar for Best Director: "The Revenant" Oscars 2016 winners Emmanuel Lubezki Oscar for Best Cinematography: "The Renevant" Oscars 2016 winners Mark Mangini (L) and David White Oscar for Best Sound Editing: "Mad Max: Fury Road" Oscars 2016 winners Margaret Sixel Oscar for Best Editing: "Mad Max: Fury Road" Oscars 2016 winners Lesley Vanderwalt (R), Elka Wardega (C) and Damian Martin Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling: "Mad Max: Fury Road" Oscars 2016 winners Colin Gibson and Lisa Thompson Oscar for Best Production Design: "Mad Max: Fury Road" Oscars 2016 winners Jenny Beavan Oscar for Best Costume Design: "Mad Max: Fury Road" Oscars 2016 winners Tom McCarthy (L) and Josh Singer Oscar for Best Original Screenplay: "Spotlight" Oscars 2016 winners Adam McKay (L) and Charles Randolph Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay: "The Big Short" Oscars 2016 winners (L-R) Steve Golin, Blye Pagon Faust, Nicole Rocklin, and Michael Sugar Oscar for Best Picture: "Spotlight" Oscars 2016 winners Jimmy Napes (L) and Sam Smith Oscar for Best Original Song: 'Writing's On The Wall' - "Spectre" REUTERS Oscars 2016 winners Ennio Morricone Oscar for Best Original Score: "The Hateful Eight" Oscars 2016 winners Laszlo Nemes Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film: "Son of Saul" Oscars 2016 winners Shawn Christopher Ogilvy (L) and Benjamin Cleary Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film: "Stutterer" Oscars 2016 winners James Gay-Rees (L) and Asif Kapadia Oscar for Best Documentary Feature: "Amy" Oscars 2016 winners Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject: "A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness" Oscars 2016 winners Pete Docter (R) and Jonas Rivera Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film: "Inside Out" Oscars 2016 winners Director Gabriel Osorio Vargas (L) and producer Pato Escala Pierart Oscar for Best Animated Short Film: "Bear Story" Oscars 2016 winners Andrew Whitehurst (R), Paul Norris (2nd L), Mark Ardington (L) and Sara Bennett Oscar for Best Visual Effects: "Ex Machina" Oscars 2016 winners Chris Jenkins (R), Gregg Rudolf (C) and Ben Oslo Oscar for Sound Mixing: "Mad Max: Fury Road"

Most of the tops are designed and made in the United States, but Mr Cutlers is machined on a lathe in Staffordshire. Cut from high grade metals and alloys to a tolerance of 0.05 microns, and equipped with either a stainless steel, ceramic or synthetic ruby tip, it is an object of desire designed to spin for more than 10 minutes.

Long spin times require a top made from a particularly heavy metal  tungsten, for example  and a hard surface. Mr Cutler recommends a concave mirror made from surgical glass. The record spin for a Vorso top is 15 minutes 38 seconds; not bad considering a bespoke top with a diamond-coated tip made by a team of Japanese master craftsmen set a record at a contest last December by spinning for almost 19 minutes.

All this refined engineering doesnt come cheap: the basic Vorso MK1 costs 32; the Alpha, a stainless steel-over copper top by American design legend Rich Stadler, will set you back about 90. Heavily customised tops  popular with completists who often buy a set of tops in a variety of exotic metals  sell for more than 500.

Who is buying these exotic tractricoids? According to Mr Cutler, the typical customer is a male professional aged 25 to 35 who works in an office, but has a love of the outdoors. A man who wishes he was elsewhere, presumably?

The tops look like toys that should cost very little money, says Mr Cutler. But they require extremely high levels of engineering and are made on machines that cost 350,000.

Essentially, theyre pointless, but when you spin it and it gets to the point when it appears motionless its  mesmerising.
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 }}

Exactly 30 years after he sacked 6,000 striking print workers, fired scores of journalists, relocated his print empire behind a barbed-wire fortress at Wapping, and sparked Britains dirtiest industrial relations conflict, Rupert Murdoch will today return to the street he effectively destroyed to ask for its blessing.

When the media boss of News Corp, aged 84, enters St Brides church just off Fleet Street, his new wife, Jerry Hall, 59, former long-time partner of Rolling Stone Mick jagger, will already be wearing the wedding ring from their private service on 4 March. The blessing at the parish church of journalism will essentially be, as one of his advisers noted,  a spiritual add-on in an important place for Mr Murdoch.

Thats not how everyone sees it. John Edwards made his living selling newspapers in Fleet Street for 20 years, and felt a part, however small, of a half-a-millennium history that stretched back to Caxtons apprentice, Wynkyn de Worde, and the streets first printing press. Murdoch f***** the street over and then moved on to rule the world. He shouldnt be asking for this special church to bless him.

Recommended Read more Rupert Murdoch to return to Fleet Street to marry Jerry Hall

Dave Nellist, a firebrand MP on Labours hard-left during the early Wapping years, said: Rupert Murdoch has some nerve getting married in St Brides, given his pivotal role, particularly in the 1980s, in destroying journalism. Its like Dracula getting married in a blood bank.

The view of former print union members, and those part of the 5,000-strong army of protestors who serially battled with police outside the News International plant in Docklands throughout 1986, echo similar angry sentiments, most of them unprintable.

Others, like the former Sunday Times editor, Andrew Neil, regard the Australia-born mogul, who started his global empire with the purchase of the Sun and the News of the World in 1968 and 1969, as the saviour of the British newspaper industry, who smashed the unions and ended the destructive and expensive Spanish practices that were keeping new computer technology out of Fleet St, much as monks had kept the technique of the quill pen hidden from the uneducated.

Nellist, now chair of the Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, disagrees with Neil, and claims many journalists will be enraged at Murdoch being blessed inside the Cathedral of Journalism. Papers he bought, like the Sunday Times, had their previous record on investigative journalism destroyed. Wapping and the defeat of the print unions just removed the final obstacle to the total rule of media corporations.

Who is right? In the bars and ornate watering holes once regarded as near second-homes for the scribes and hacks of the street of shame, nobody much cares or remembers the lost industry or the Murdoch legacy.

Mark Fuller, the general manager at El Vino, part of Fleet Streets mainstream bacchanalian culture for over a 100 years, said: Its mostly barristers, judges these days. We dont get journalists any more. The odd booking for a group celebrating the old days, thats about it.

Down the street at the Punch Tavern, the signs were similar. On tables in one corner, cards read : This area reserved for Buck Consulting @ 18.00pm. The barmaid said Its finance and consultants, you know, whatstheirname, Goldman, them people. Lawyers from Baker McKenzie across the road. Were packed between 6 and 8pm specially Thursdays and Fridays. Then its dead. In the old Fleet Street, journalists never went home Im told.

In the first quarter of the 18th century, 31 newspapers were hawked on t Londons streets. Circulation was low - 100,000 combined over a week. But being read and talked about in Fleet Streets taverns and coffee houses was the equivalent of Facebook or Twitter.

By the 19th century, Fleet Street was the centre of a mass circulation industry. Cobbetts Political Register was joined by The Times, The Daily Telegraph, The Evening Standard. Northcliffes Daily Mail arrived late in 1896. Regional papers like Manchesters Guardian had offices in the street. All joined a culture, both low and high, that included at one time or other, Johnson, Boswell, Defoe, Milton, Dryden, Hogarth and of course Pepys. And beyond the mere intellectuals, came the 20th century power barons: Northcliffe, Kemsley, Beaverbrook, Astor and Rothermere.

Murdoch and his initiated revolution may have emptied the street, but that hasnt meant journalists abandoning all association with the old parish and the Christopher Wren church at its heart.

Alison Joyce became rector of St Brides in July 2014 and admits she initially doubted its credentials as The Journalists Church. I wondered if it was desperately trying to cling on to an identity that really belonged to its past rather than building for its future?

That concern has evaporated. Our regular congregation contains a good percentage of those in the newspaper and media industries. Journalists, photographers, editors, executives - alongside others who worked in Fleet Street during its heyday.

Why the connection? Cannon Joyce says: When newspapers departed and dispersed - the diaspora factor - there was no obvious successor to the role played by St Brides.

She insists the historical, spiritual and psychological roots connecting her church and the industry are not easily severed.

The constant round of media-related services includes carols at Christmas and journalists wanting to be married in St Brides. But she adds: Its the memorial services that really bring home to me what an important ministry we have.

Last year she took the memorial service for two gifted Reuters journalists who worked as bureau chief in Afghanistan and Pakistan. One was Maria Golovnina, 34, was found dead in Islamabad in unclear circumstances. She described the service as a tough and emotionally highly-charged event. I was struck by the number of young journalists, who worked in dangerous places themselves, who told me afterwards that although they were not at all religious, they were grateful that St Brides is always here for us.

When the Iraqi journalist Ammar al Shahbander, a Muslim, was killed by an Isis car bomb last year, his wife, also a Muslim, told Cannon Joyce she was absolutely clear that St Brides was the place where she and her four young children wanted his life commemorated.

Other stories about St Brides as a spiritual home, are remarkable, moving - and global in scope. The tidy, small Journalists Altar to the left of the main altar is covered in notices remembering the dead and requests for prayers. Cannon Joyce says : We need journalists, we are dependent on them, they provide us with our window on the world, and I think its incredibly important they knows St Brides is always here to support in any way we can.

One former Times journalist, a Wapping refusenik who specifically asked not to be named, said he understood why Murdoch wanted St Brides blessing. Ruperts never seen himself as sinner or saint. Hell just look around Fleet Street, see all the plaques and statues to the famous and think One day Ill have one too. So maybe its a good thing he wont be around to see the furore that will happen when they try to mark his life with anything permanent in this particular street. Best leave that to Australia. 

Read all about it! The Murdoch wedding

Rupert Murdoch said he is the luckiest and happiest man in the world after tying the knot with Jerry Hall at an aristocratic palace in London yesterday, prior to his celebratory service at St Brides on Fleet Street on 5 March.

The wedding was held at Spencer House, a venue described on its website as one of the most sumptuous private residences ever built in the capital.

Mr Murdoch appeared after the ceremony smiling for photographers next to the former supermodel. Ms Hall, 59, wore her trademark blonde hair in waves, and had a smart handbag slung over her arm. She wore a trench coat, a knee-length navy skirt and flat shoes.

The 84-year-old tweeted: No more tweets for ten days or ever! Feel like the luckiest AND happiest man in world.

Mr Murdoch was previously married to Wendi Deng, mother to two of his children, but they split in June 2013. He reportedly paid out $1.7bn (1.2bn) in a divorce settlement to his second wife, Anna Murdoch, after his first marriage to Patricia Booker.

Spencer House was built between 1756-1766 for John, 1st Earl Spencer, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales, whose father was the 8th Earl, and is said to be Londons finest surviving 18th-century town house. Its website says the elegant venue is available for intimate weddings.
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 }}

Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall have celebrated their wedding at a ceremony attended by a number of famous faces, from playwrights to Cabinet ministers.

The couple, who announced their engagement in January, officially married in a private ceremony at Spencer House in London on Friday.

Following Friday's ceremony, Murdoch told his 745,000 Twitter followers he would be taking a break from social media following his nuptials.

They have now held another ceremony, which was expected to include around 100 guests, at St Brides Church  which proclaims itself the journalists Church - in the heart of Fleet Street.

 Ruper Murdoch's wedding

The 84-year-old media mogul arrived at the Church with his sons wearing a navy suit just before 10.30am this morning.

Rupert Murdoch with his sons Lachlan, left and James, right

The comedian Barry Humphries, better known as Dame Edna Everage, joked as he made his way into the Church: Im not getting married, when reporters asked how he was feeling.

Im very happy. I think its great, I like them both, he said.

Among the guests seen entering the church on Saturday morning were Sir Bob Geldof, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Richard E Grant, Sir Michael Caine and the artist Tracey Emin.

Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Show all 14 1 /14 Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Suzanne Accosta, Bill Wyman, Jeanne Marine and Bob Geldof AP Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Rupert Murdoch with his sons Lachlan, left and James, right Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Jerry Hall arrives at St Bride's for the ceremony to celebrate her marriage to Rupert Murdoch Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Andrew Lloyd Webber and Madeleine Gurdon Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Tracey Emin arrive at St Bride's Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Michael Caine arrives for the service Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Barry Humphries and Lizzie Spender Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Justice Secretary Michael Gove Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Paul Dacre, editor of the Daily Mail AFP/Getty Images Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Mick Jagger's daughter Jade Jagger PA Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Georgia-May Jagger Georgia-May Jagger arrives for her mother Jerry Hall's wedding Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Chloe and Grace Murdoch Bridesmaids Chloe and Grace Helen Murdoch leave the wedding ceremony Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images Murdoch and Hall wedding blessing Bianca Jagger Bianca Jagger leaves St Brides Church Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images

Notable media figures were, of course, also on the list including Alan Yentob, Rebekah Brooks, the Daily Mail editor Paul Dacre and the editor of The Sun Tony Gallagher.

Ms Hall, 59, then arrived. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Hall's bridesmaids would include all of her and her and Murdoch's daughters, which totals six. Hall's daughters Georgia-May and Lizzy Jagger were seen wearing blue bridesmaids dresses as were Murdoch's daughters Grace and Chloe on Saturday morning.

Jerry Hall arrives at St Bride's for the ceremony to celebrate her marriage to Rupert Murdoch

A number of politicians including Michael Gove and employment minister Priti Patel were also in attendance.

The marriage is Murdoch's fourth and Hall's first, she was previously in a long-term relationship with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

The chosen venue for today's blessing has not been without controversy. Some Fleet Street journalists expressed anger at the venue choice, given his effective shut-down of the street's historic link with the industry after he relocated printing presses to Wapping, east London in the 1980s.

Additional reporting by the Press Association.
Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices 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

Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Simpler faces are more attractive to men, a new study has found.

Researchers asked men to rate the attractiveness of womens faces, and found that women with simple faces were rated as more attractive.

The study suggests that this is because simpler faces are easier for our brains to process, and this is why they are more pleasant to look at.

The researchers developed a computer algorithm which models the sparseness of the activity of simple cells in the primary visual cortex of humans when coding images of female faces.

The faces that were rated most attractive were also the ones that were the most sparsely coded  the ones that were most easily processed in the visual cortex.

The ages of the women, skin roughness and facial symmetry were all controlled to ensure accurate results.

The study said that how easily processed a face was explained up to 17 per cent of variance in attractiveness.

Prof Bill von Hippel, a psychology professor at the University of Queensland told new.com.au that the study raises the possibility that symmetrical faces, faces without unusual features, are perceived as attractive partially because theyre processed more easily.

Prof van Hippel also said that we may be attracted to logos and emoticons the same for the same reason.

We see the Nike swoosh or the word Coke and its processed easily by virtue of its familiarity and that makes it more positive, he said.

Think about an emoticon. You have two dots and a curved line that immediately everyone processes as a smile. Its sparse, its plain. Its familiar, and its easy to understand.

The study says that results support recent advances in psychology and neuroscience that suggest that aesthetic preferences in part are a perceptual bias favouring efficiently coded stimuli.

It also added that the study may imply that we don't have as much choice as we like to think when it comes to who we find attracted - our brains are hard-wired to be more attracted to some faces over others.
Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices 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

Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

Scientists believe they may have found a new species of octopus likened in appearance to Casper, the friendly cartoon ghost.

Researchers with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the discovery by chance as they searched the seabed on an unrelated mission collecting geological samples.

Teams were operating an unmanned submarine on the Pacific Ocean floor at depths of more than four kilometres (two-and-a-half miles) in the Hawaiian Islands when they spotted the unusual creature.

The Deep Discoverer submarine approaches the unknown octopod at 4,290 meters depth. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Hohonu Moana 2016. (NOAA)

One of the researchers, Michael Vecchione, said the camera was traversing a rocky plateau when it came across a remarkable little octopod sitting on a flat rock dusted with a light coat of sediment.

The appearance of this animal was unlike any published records and was the deepest observation ever for this type of cephalopod, he added, saying it did not have the normal shape and colouring associated with octopods found in deep water.

Mr Vecchione said the creature was believed to be a member of the incirrates suborder but had suckers in one, rather than two, series on each arm.

This ghostlike octopod is almost certainly an undescribed species and may not belong to any described genus, the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research said

This animal was particularly unusual because it lacked the pigment cells, called chromatophores, typical of most cephalopods, and it did not seem very muscular, he added.

This resulted in a ghostlike appearance, leading to a comment on social media that it should be called Casper, like the friendly cartoon ghost. It is almost certainly an undescribed species and may not belong to any described genus.

The researcher contacted colleagues to share the find, made on 27 February, and said they will compare the Casper octopus with others observed at similar depths for a scientific report.
Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices 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

Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

North Korea flexed its nuclear muscle in January, detonating its fourth successful bomb and unleashing a 5.1 magnitude earthquake.

In the face of crippling international sanctions, Kim-Jong Il warned of "pre-emptive attacks" and said that the pariah nation was preparing nuclear weapons "so as to be fired any moment."

But North Korea is only the latest nation to have developed nuclear weapons technology. This interactive map, created by Esri UK, shows all 2624 successful nuclear detonations since the USA developed atomic weapons technology during the Second World War:

See here for the map in a new tab

The first successful nuclear detonation in history was the Trinity test, carried out by the United States Army in July 1945.

Describing the sight of the 20-kiloton explosion, nuclear scientist Dr Robert Oppenheimer said: "We knew the world would not be the same. A few people laughed, a few people cried. Most people were silent. I remembered a line from Hindu scripture... 'Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds'."

In August 1945, the United States dropped nuclear bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Including later deaths from radiation sickness, the bombs were responsible for killing nearly a quarter of a million people, all but 20,000 of whom were civilians.

This is despite the fact that only 1.7 per cent of the material in the Hiroshima bomb actually detonated. The Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings remain the only wartime uses of nuclear weapons, but across the years that followed then successful nuclear tests proliferated across the globe.

In 1949, the USSR surprised Western intelligence services by detonating a Hiroshima-sized bomb some four years earlier than anticipated.

Britain followed suit with a similarly-sized detonation in Australian waters in 1952, while in 1960 France chose the Algerian desert to explode a device three times as powerful as the Fat Man bomb dropped on Nagasaki.

The most powerful nuclear weapon ever tested was the Tsar Bomba, a 50-megaton behemoth detonated by the Soviet Union in 1961. The resultant five-mile wide fireball was visible from 600 miles away, and the mushroom cloud reached seven times higher than the peak of Mount Everest. The bomb was up to 1,500 times more powerful than those dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

 White House Welcomes New UN sanctions Against North Korea

The largest nuclear weapon tested by the USA was the Castle Bravo bomb, which exploded with nearly three times the force predicted by US physicists. The resultant fallout drifted onto inhabited atolls nearby, causing radiation sickness and congenital birth defects.

A crew member on a nearby Japanese vessel also died of radiation-related infection, provoking an international outcry and inspiring the movie Godzilla.

Throughout the following decades, China, India and Pakistan all successfully detonated nuclear devices, while it is further alleged that Israel and South Africa may have tested nuclear weapons in secret. Having withdrawn from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 2003, North Korea first detonated a small nuclear device in 2006.

Which countries have nuclear weapons? Show all 14 1 /14 Which countries have nuclear weapons? Which countries have nuclear weapons? USA Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Russia Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? UK Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? France Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? China Have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? India Say they have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Pakistan Say they have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? North Korea Say they have nuclear weapons EPA/Rodong Sinmun Which countries have nuclear weapons? Israel Believed to have nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Belgium Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Germany Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Italy Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Netherlands Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty Which countries have nuclear weapons? Turkey Nations hosting nuclear weapons Getty

Larger North Korean explosions in 2013 and 2016 were met with condemnation by Nato, the United Nations and even China, one of North Korea's only allies. However, North Korean claims to have developed a hydrogen bomb continue to be met with scepticism by security experts.

In 1996, countries with nuclear capability signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Though this has not yet been enforced, the last tests by the United States, the United Kingdom and Russia were in 1992, 1991 and 1990 respectively.

The map also charts non-military detonations of nuclear devices, primarily carried out by the USSR. These include the excavation of artifical harbours, explosions to collapse earth onto out-of-control fires in gas and oil fields, and tests intended to stimulate the production of natural gas.
Sign up for a full digest of all the best opinions of the week in our Voices Dispatches email Sign up to our free weekly Voices 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

Voices Dispatches email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }}

The UK is set to join the European Space Agency in a mission to discover whether life exists on Mars.

It is the countrys first attempt to visit the Red Planet since the failed 2003 Beagle 2 mission, which lost contact with ground staff and was only spotted more than a decade later when Nasa cameras picked out its shape on the surface of Mars in 2015.

In a joint project between the ESA and Russian space agency Roscosmos, the Exomars 2016 orbiter and probe are set to leave earth on 14 March from Kazakhstan and are intended to arrive on the Red Planet in October 2016, if all goes to plan.

A trace gas orbiter and a landing module known as Schiaparelli will be launched on a rocket and fly to Mars as one, with Schiaparelli being fired from the orbiter towards the red planet three days before reaching the planets atmosphere.

Exomars 2016 trace gas orbiter and Schiaparelli (ESA)

It will then travel towards the planet at 12,000km/h, using a parachute to slow itself down before its thruster allows it to brake and allow it to land on the surface of Mars.

The mission will then carry out tests on the surface of the planet to attempt to trace the origin of important gases, which scientists believe could indicate the presence of life.

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

It is believed to be one of the few places where life could be detected, with methane found in small quantities on the geologically-active planet, an important discovery as the gas is produced in most cases by living organisms and disappears on the planet after several hundred years.

The scientific mission is expected to begin in December 2017 and will run for five years, ESA estimated.

The 2016 mission will be followed up with the launch of a second mission, Exomars 2018, which will carry a European rover capable of moving across the surface and drilling down into the face of the planet, according to the ESA, collecting samples which will then be analysed.
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 major international child abuse ring has been dismantled by police who controversially captured and operated for several months online sites which shared images of children being abused.

Police and other law enforcement agencies actively ran the child abuse sites, believed to be the worlds two largest, in an effort to identify the abusers who hid their true identities on the Tor network.

Hundreds of arrests took place worldwide following the operation. One of the first Britons arrested pleaded guilty at Blackfriars Crown Court, south London, and was jailed in January. Vithusan Puvaneswaran, 21, used the encrypted Tor software to access anonymously one US site and build up a massive collection of photos and videos. National Crime Agency officers found sickening images of children in cots and other abuse material when they raided his home in west London last year.

Recommended Read more Anonymous calls for activists to expose international paedophile rings

His identity was uncovered by US investigators who seized and then began operating a US-based site known as Playpen. US court documents describe the site as the largest remaining known child pornography hidden service in the world.

In February 2015, FBI agents seized control of the site and used it to hack the computers of users to reveal their true identities and arrest them. It is claimed the FBI identified more than 1,300 users of the site in a two-week period and passed on information to forces all over the world. Arrests as far afield as Greece and Chile as well as Britain followed, according to one report by the website Vice Motherboard.

A major joint operation targeting online child abuse images has already caught nearly 700 alleged paedophiles (Getty)

The US operation was run jointly with a Europol operation which targeted a second so-called dark web child abuse site based in Europe which also employed Tor encryption software to hide users identities.

Tor  which stands for The Onion Router  gives many layers of privacy protection by routing the users unique computer address through thousands of servers before delivering it to the child abuse site. This network makes it almost impossible for law enforcement to trace the original source. The network was developed by the US military to protect its communications but became popular with political activists facing persecution.

The FBI operation led to the arrest of three US citizens alleged to have administered the site. Two have pleaded guilty while a third is still being dealt with. The US site was uncovered following a joint investigation by Australian and Europol police into a separate child abuse site which has proved crucial in cracking open the international child sex ring.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Australian police gained access to KidClub, one of the worlds biggest child abuse networks with more than 400,000 members, allegedly controlled by a Danish citizen. To join and access the images, members had to provide graphic videos and photos of their own abuse. Child victims held signs bearing the words the KidClub and their abusers username.

The Australian officers were able to identify an Adelaide man called Shannon McCoole. McCoole, 34, who was a key administrator of the online site, was jailed for 35 years for sexually abusing children in his care last year. After arresting him police impersonated him online for several months, enabling them to hijack the site and identify other abusers including the US website organisers.

They also identified a key Danish abuser, described as one of Europes most prolific paedophiles, who they say also helped control KidClub. The 48-year-old was arrested after the Australian detectives posing as McCoole engaged him in an online conversation while Danish detectives entered his house to arrest him and gain access to his computer.

The arrested man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has gone on trial in Denmark. Investigators said there was evidence to suggest that he was responsible for uploading 3,696 photos and 116 videos of child abuse. Danish police said the sites membership rules undoubtedly led to many sexual attacks on children. Prosecutors told the court that the man allegedly travelled to Romania with the intention to buy or in some other way acquire an infant for the purposes of abusing the child sexually.

The man denies being a senior figure in the network. McCoole gave evidence against him last December via video from prison.

Europol director Rob Wainwright said Operation Pacifier had succeeded in shutting down the site and securing its abuse images so they could not be used again. He said the investigation had generated more than 3,200 cases.
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 50bn High Speed Two railway is being battered by an emerging storm of problems, damaging Chancellor George Osbornes plans to wean Britains economy from its dependence on London.

The Independent on Sunday can reveal that HS2, which will take commuters from London to Birmingham in 49 minutes when the first phase opens in 2026, before heading north to Leeds and Manchester, is suffering because:

 HS2 executives have been spooked by an unexpectedly early National Audit Office (NAO) probe.

 There are fears the 1,300-person project team, HS2 Ltd, isnt ready to oversee such a massive project, as a long delayed Cabinet Office review begins.

 Many senior staff have refused to relocate from London as the project shifts headquarters to Birmingham  and many staying put will commute on the very line HS2 is supposed to relieve of congestion.

The debate over HS2 highlights the tension between local communities and national interest over big infrastructure projects (EPA)

 Ministers believe the project will become bogged down in the House of Lords when the HS2 bill reaches the upper house.

 The appointment of the private sector partner to run the project has been delayed twice in the past few weeks.

The NAO is looking at the latest position on costs, schedule and programme scope, but HS2 executives had not expected this scrutiny until later this year.

The projects business case was already criticised by the NAO in 2013, and a year later the public spending watchdog questioned HS2s economic rationale. Mr Osborne believes HS2 will help northern and Midlands businesses grow to compete with those in the affluent south-east.

The latest NAO probe comes after tens of millions was added to the price, because of changes such as a longer tunnel in the Chilterns agreed by a committee of MPs last month. An industry source said executives were spooked by the NAO inquiry coming so soon.

Its an emerging storm, said the source. Theyre concerned the NAO report is coming at the same time as the Cabinet Office review.

The HSUK proposal

The Cabinet Offices Review Point One should have started last autumn, but was delayed because of fears HS2 Ltd could fail crucial tests. The four-person review will begin later this month. A source close to HS2 said the organisation, led by chairman Sir David Higgins and chief executive Simon Kirby, might not be fully mature enough to pass. Every day of delay adds to the risk of the project, said another source. There are concerns HS2 Ltd has grown too big. A source said its size is out of control at 1,300 staff; officials are worried it is far bigger in terms of numbers than the team that built the London 2012 Olympics.

The HS2 Bill is undergoing line-by-line scrutiny in the House of Commons and will move to the Lords later this year. A Government source said getting royal assent by the end of 2016, as planned, was unlikely because it was up in the air how long rebellious Conservative peers will try to bog down the Bill.

HS2 Ltd was due to select its engineering delivery partner, the private sector consortium that will help manage the project, last month. Three consortiums led by US firms (Bechtel, CH2M Hill, and Parsons Brinckerhoff) are shortlisted for the 350m job. This had been delayed until tomorrow; now it is understood to have been moved to later this week, following an intervention from No 10 for media management reasons.

UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA 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

HS2s HQ is moving from London to Birmingham, which has upset staff who dont want to live in the West Midlands. Some will commute by rail, an irony given HS2 is to supposed to ease train congestion between London and Birmingham.

Joe Rukin, campaign manager at Stop HS2, said: It is completely unprecedented for the NAO to be working on a third report on a project at such an early stage. Previously the NAO said there was a lack of clarity regarding HS2 and the Government has been unrealistic about the project, but these serious concerns were brushed aside, so it is no real surprise that the NAO is investigating again. All the independent reports about HS2 have shown it is a disaster waiting to happen.

The fact HS2 Ltd staff refuse to relocate to Birmingham is the ultimate hypocrisy from overpaid bureaucrats who are only interested in running their own gravy train.

An HS2 spokesman said: We welcome the NAO scrutiny as part of a process to ensure we deliver this vital project in the most effective way. We have been pleased to co-operate and work with Government as we approach our first Review Point 

HS2 Ltd and Government committed to moving our HQ two years ago. This is not only practical (as Birmingham lies at the heart of HS2) it is also cost efficient in terms of, for example, office rent. Inevitably, there will be a mix of new recruitment, relocation and redundancy.
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 92-year-old woman ordered to leave the UK and return to South Africa has been told she can remain in the UK after the Home Office dropped its threat to immediately remove her.

Myrtle Cothill, a native South African who has heart problems, is losing her eyesight and cannot walk unaided, has been relying on the care of her 66-year-old daughter Mary Wills, who is a British citizen.

The pensioner was booked on to a Virgin flight to Johannesburg two weeks ago, after her application to stay in the UK was rejected by the Home Office.

The Home Office said her application was rejected in December because her "condition was not deemed to be life-threatening" and "suitable medical treatment" was available in her country of origin.

After more than 150,000 people signed a petition calling for her to stay in the UK, the Home Office reconsidered the case, stating: Subject to final security checks and enrolment of biometrics, Mrs Cothill will be granted leave to remain without recourse to public funds.

Her lawyer, Jan Doerful, said this was "just a formality".

According to The Guardian, on hearing the news, Cothill said: I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and God bless them all. It has made such a tremendous difference to me. Its too wonderful.

Ms Cothill's case caused an outcry on social media.

Natalie Bennett, leader of the Green Party, and many others shared the petition, urging the public to put pressure on the Home Office.

One woman, Marsha Coupe, even offered to "trade" places with Ms Cothill.
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 }}

Key documents that could shed light on allegations of UK collusion in torture and rendition are being suppressed by the British government. The newly uncovered files include confidential exchanges between former PM Tony Blair and former president George Bush about treatment of detainees at Guantanamo. Possibly most significant are five other documents, communications between the former UK foreign secretary, Jack Straw, and former US secretary of state, Colin Powell, expressing interest and concern about the welfare and legal status of UK detainees at Guantanamo.

While the documents may relate to casual expressions of care for the welfare of UK citizens, former detainees have alleged that British officials have either been present at, or submitted questions for, extreme interrogation by US officials. The US government has been required to make public a large number of files which relate to British involvement in the treatment of prisoners in the years following the 9/11 bombings.

Litigation continues across multiple US departments over the possible release of mainly intelligence-derived documentation. But 12 documents found in the US State Departments search, not derived from intelligence, were also withheld. These relate to interventions by British politicians and officials over the treatment of detainees and interrogation techniques. In court papers, the State Department reported: After reviewing the documents, the UK Governments Foreign and Commonwealth Office requested that all 12 documents be withheld in full from public disclosure.

The revelation will surprise campaigners, who are accustomed to hearing that the release of confidential documents by Whitehall would go against established protocol whereby a country (eg the US) is entitled to have intelligence documents it has shared with another country kept secret. On this occasion, the US has explicitly stated that the UK is preventing publication.

The documents, which appear not to have been seen by either the Chilcot inquiry into the 2003 invasion of Iraq or the 2007 Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) inquiry into rendition, have come to light as a result of a lawsuit by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Extraordinary Rendition. In 2008, the groups chairman, Andrew Tyrie MP, started legal proceedings against seven US departments and agencies, including the FBI, Interpol and the CIA, under freedom of information legislation. The group asked the State Department to supply files on the circumstances and extent of participation in (rendition) programmes by the UK and on the USs control and treatment of detainees. The State Department initially refused to release any information relating to the 12 documents, but relented on the day they were due for review by a US court but giving only imprecise details of their content.

Possibly most significant are communications between the former UK foreign secretary, Jack Straw, and former US secretary of state, Colin Powell (Getty)

The issue of extraordinary rendition (the state-arranged kidnap and cross-border transporting of individuals for interrogation) has long been controversial. In the US its practice was initially denied and then admitted. In 2005, Mr Straw, then Foreign Secretary, said there simply is no truth in claims of UK involvement in rendition. But three years later, his successor David Miliband said: I am very sorry indeed to have to report to the House [of Commons] the need to correct those and other statements on the subject.

One legal case that stalled a full investigation into UK involvement in rendition was that of Abdelhakim Belhadj, an opponent of Libyas then president Muammar Gaddafi, who was rendered to Libya in 2004. A letter later emerged from a senior MI6 official to the head of Libyan intelligence, describing the UKs apparent delivery of Belhadj into Libyan hands as the least we could do. Mr Belhadj is still trying to pursue a civil claim for damages in the English courts.

The Gibson report, an inquiry into the possible UK involvement in redition set up in 2010, was curtailed and published incomplete because of legal cases such as Mr Belhadjs. Of the 12 documents revealed in outline on 6 March, the Gibson report refers to just three. Apart from the five exchanges between Mr Straw and Mr Powell, the documents contain the following:

* A letter from a British embassy official to a State Department counterpart about a possible visit to Guantanamo to visit UK detainees.

* A three-page letter from Mr Blair to Mr Bush in November 2003 about legal procedures for processing UK detainees at Guantanamo.

Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay Show all 6 1 /6 Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304009.bin AFP / GETTY IMAGES Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304021.bin Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304022.bin Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304023.bin Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304024.bin Gitmo: The Movie - Inside Guantanamo Bay 304025.bin

* A further letter from Mr Blair to Mr Bush in December 2004 on conditions for the return of UK detainees to the UK.

* A letter from Condoleezza Rice, then assistant to the president for national security, to Sir Nigel Sheinwald, foreign affairs adviser to Mr Blair, dated March 2004, about the conditions for the transfer of British nationals detained in Guantanamo.

* A two-page letter from then Foreign Secretary David Miliband to Ms Rice in 2007 about Guantanamo detainees with links to the UK.

* A two-page letter from then UK Foreign Secretary William Hague to Hillary Clinton, dated July 2010, expressing concern about Guantanamo.

In 2010, Mr Miliband admitted to The Independent on Sunday: The facts are that bad things were done by the Americans after 2002 and they didnt tell anyone else. Last night Mr Tyrie said: Either these documents are insignificant  which seems unlikely as the State Department thought them relevant  or they are highly significant. If there is concern about the names of British officials being revealed, those can easily be redacted.

Key documents that could shed light on allegations of UK collusion in torture and rendition are being suppressed by the British government (Getty)

The ISC and Gibson should have seen these documents already, and  bar three of them  it seems they havent. As each piece of new information about the scale of UK complicity has come to light, it has usually been accompanied by a reassurance that this is the full extent of the UK facilitation of the US programme of kidnap and torture. The conclusions of the 2007 ISC report were shown to be misleading and inaccurate by the Binyam Mohamed litigation . It is likely that only a judge-led inquiry can get to the bottom of this.

Philippe Sands QC, professor of law at University College London and author of a book on post-9/11 torture told the IoS last night: The failure to disclose the full contents of these documents, several of which seem to be newly identified, will serve only to fuel suspicion of a cover-up. Facts, rumour and allegation meld seamlessly into an unhappy story that undermines our supposed commitment to the rule of law and an end to impunity.

The Government should support Andrew Tyrie in his efforts, and cauterise the festering wound that is the allegation of UK complicity in torture: since the US seems to have no objection, all these documents should be published now.

Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said: We will never defeat evil in the world by covering up our own Governments past complicity in torture. The Prime Minister must take a lead from one of his most respected MPs. Every day this shameful cover-up continues makes it a little harder to win the ideological war against Isis.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: The UK government stands firmly against torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment or punishment. The Intelligence and Security Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into detainee issues. The UK government is co-operating fully with this review.
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 }}

Two albino people have been murdered in Malawi since the beginning of the year, while five more have been abducted.

As the severed head of a nine-year-old victim was discovered 20km from his home, Amnesty International called on the Malawian government to do more to protect members of the vulnerable minority group.

Last year, Malawi's Inspector General of police authorised his officers to shoot on sight in order to protect albino people, whose body parts are sought for use in magical rituals.

Speaking in April 2015, Lexen Kachama said: Shoot every criminal who is violent when caught red-handed abducting people with albinism. We cannot just watch while our friends with albinism are being killed like animals every day."

Malawian police have been told to shoot "albino hunters" on sight to protect their victims (Getty Images)

But despite this hardline stance, murders and kidnappings of people with albinism are on the rise in Malawi, as they are in Tanzania and other countries in the Great Lakes region.

The nine-year-old's death followed the murder of a 53-year-old albino woman last month, who was found dead with both arms chopped off. A post-mortem determined that she had died due to massive loss of blood. Her killers remain at large.

Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's Director for Southern Africa, said: The government must immediately take steps to ensure the safety and security of people with albinism and their families, especially in border districts, and provide much needed protection for this vulnerable group who are increasingly being targeted for their body parts."

However, Mr Muchena also condemned the actions of vigilantes angered by the murders of albinos. On 1 March, seven men were burned to death by a mob in southern Malawi. The victims had allegedly found in possession of the bones of a person with albinism.

The body parts of people with albinism are believed to to have magical powers. In particular, practitioners of traditional medicine (muti) may believe that the body parts of albino people can provide prosperity if used in certain rituals.

Albino children in neighbouring Tanzania, where their body parts are in high demand (AFP/Getty Images)

"Albino hunters" in Malawi generally aim to sell the body parts of albinos across the border in Tanzania, where they command a higher price. Albinism is more common in Tanzania than any other country in the world, and fear and superstition around people with albinism is particularly common there.

A full set of albino limbs, genitals and ears may fetch up to $75,000 (50,000) on the black market in Tanzania, according to the International Red Cross.

Albinism is a genetic condition in which pigment is partially or completely absent from the skin. Side-effects include blindness or vision defects and a greater susceptibility to skin cancer. As a congenital disorder, albinism is not infectious, but the poorly-understood condition is commonly believed to be an infectious disease or even a divine punishment.

Mothers giving birth to albino children may be suspected of having slept with a white man out of wedlock, and it is sometimes said that albino children are the ghosts of European colonial settlers. There is also a folk belief in parts of sub-Saharan Africa that having sex with an albino woman can cure HIV/AIDs.
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 man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Maine schoolgirl killed more than 35 years ago.

Philip Scott Fournier, 55, is being held on a murder charge related to the death of 16-year-old Joyce McLain, whose body was found in the woods behind Schenck High School in East Millinocket on 10 August 1980, two days after she left her house in the area to go for a jog and didnt return, CNN reported.

The death of the popular cheerleader had been treated as a cold case for more than 20 years, until Ms McLains body was exhumed in 2008, bringing to light new evidence that was reviewed along with evidence gathered at the time of her death, eventually leading to the arrest of Fournier.

As with any homicide investigation, you have one opportunity to prove your case in court, Maine State Police Colonel Robert Williams told NBC News. This is a very complex case. There have been literally generations of state police that have worked on it.

Ms McLains death had even appeared on an internet site of unsolved murders, which states that the unsolved nature of the case has been painful for the McLain family and the town, whose residents pooled their money in order to have Ms McLains body resumed in an attempt to reopen the case.

Fournier, who was 19-years-old at the time of Ms McLains death, was arrested on 4 March and is due to appear at Penobscot County Superior Court in Bangor city, Maine on 7 March.
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 daughter of the jailed Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman evaded authorities to sneak into the US on two occasions while on the run last year.

Rosa Isela Guzman Ortiz, 39, claimed her father managed to enter southern California and visit her at her five-bedroom house in a location she refused to disclose, allegedly paying off Mexican officials to get out of the country.

All I know is that my dad told his lawyer to deliver some checks to [a politicians] campaign, and asked that he respect him, Ms Ortiz told the Guardian.

She did not share any details about how he made it past US border police, and his alleged visits to the US have not been verified by US or Mexican officials  although Mexican former president Felipe Calderon did say at the time of El Chapos disappearance that he suspected he had left the central American country and was north of the border.

The leader of the Sinaloa cartel escaped from Altiplano prison near Mexico City in July 2015 and was on the run for almost seven months before being captured in January 2016 and returned to the same prison.

His escape, through a tunnel he dug out of Altiplano, put El Chapo back at the top of the US and Mexicos most wanted list, and made headlines around the world  particularly as it was the second jailbreak for the cartel leader.

El Chapo had previously escaped from a federal maximum security prison in Jalisco, Mexico in 2001, having been sentence in 1993 to 20 years in prison, only being recaptured in 2014.

The 61-year-old is currently awaiting extradition to the US on charges of drug trafficking and murder, reportedly requesting to his lawyer that the extradition process be sped up so he can enjoy better conditions in a US prison.
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 six-year-old boy from a Muslim family is still flagged on an anti-terrorism no-fly list, though the Canadian government promised to fix the problem months ago.

Syed Adam Ahmed made international headlines when his father, Sulemaan Ahmed, tweeted at Air Canada with a picture of a computer screen showing that Syed was designated as 'DHP', or Deemed High Profile.

The family believe that their son, who has had difficulties flying since he was a toddler, shares the same name as a suspected terrorist on the security watch list.

Following a media furore, the Canadian Public Safety minister wrote to the Ahmeds and other families affected by the list.

He promised to improve the effectiveness of the list and saying he had told airlines not to carry out additional security checks on children under the age of 18.

However, on Friday 4 March when Syed's parents were once more unable to complete an online check-in for their son, as the family prepared to fly from Toronto Pearson Airport to a family wedding in Edmonton.

"Our 6 year old is still on #NoFlyListKids," his mother Khadija posted on Twitter. "Still flagged at online checkin. When does it stop?"

In his letter to parents, Public Safety minister Ralph Goodale said that the government was still exploring ways to distinguish ordinary customers from people on the no-fly list with similar or identical names. These measures included adding social security numbers, birth dates and other additional data to the information already stored on the list, he said.

However, he also warned that some children might be flagged on the watch lists of private air companies or the governments of other countries.

Syed's situation has improved slightly, in that he no longer has to complete additional security clearance. However, he must still be visually verified by airport staff, and cannot check in online.

The countries most impacted by global terrorism Show all 11 1 /11 The countries most impacted by global terrorism The countries most impacted by global terrorism Thailand Thailand The countries most impacted by global terrorism Libya Libya The countries most impacted by global terrorism Somalia Somalia The countries most impacted by global terrorism Yemen Yemen The countries most impacted by global terrorism India India The countries most impacted by global terrorism Syria Syria The countries most impacted by global terrorism Pakistan Pakistan The countries most impacted by global terrorism Nigeria Nigeria The countries most impacted by global terrorism Afghanistan Afghanistan The countries most impacted by global terrorism Iraq Iraq The countries most impacted by global terrorism France

On Friday, a the Public Safety department acknowledged in a statement that Syed's family were still concerned by their son's inclusion on the list. The statement added that "further details [would] be announced in due course" about steps to remove Syed and children like him from the list altogether, though they could not provide a date for when this might happen.

After Syed was flagged up on New Year's Eve, his parents say they were contacted by a number of other parents whose children were in the same position many of them with Muslim or Muslim-sounding names.
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 }}

How the hell can anyone who calls themselves a Christian vote for Donald Trump?

Thats the question that needs to be asked as this racist, misogynist hate-monger who supports torture, ridicules the disabled and wants to ban all Muslims from America, comes ever closer to winning the Republican nomination and, potentially, the White House.

The same can be asked of atheists, Buddhists, Jews, Zoroastrians and anyone else in their right mind; but it is said to be the Christians that hold the power in a nation that was built with a gun in one hand and a Bible in the other. God bless America.

And theyre the ones that The Donald must woo if he is to win the nomination and the presidency; and in particular, the group the commentators always call Evangelicals. Who are they? What do they believe in? And how can they square Trumps vicious, rabble-rousing, violent rhetoric with what it says in the Good Book?

Thank you Lord Jesus for President Trump, said a placard held up by one smiling woman at a rally in Mobile, Alabama. She was a bit premature, or maybe it was a prophecy.

But whatever happened to Jesuss second great commandment to love your neighbour as yourself? Thats also found in religions and cultures across the world. Trump whirls it around above his head and throws it out of the room faster than a heckler being chucked out by his security goons.

Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe in God. Evangelicals are those Christians who believe in the Bible as the word of the Lord (sometimes but not always literal) and Jesus as their personal saviour, who died on the cross to take away their sins.Then theres the much wider cultural definition that takes in anyone born into or associated with Evangelical churches and organisations, from the Southern Baptists to the Mennonites and from Bible colleges that preach against evolution to civil rights groups that work for peace.

Trump's voice is a strong one, but there are still 60 to 65 million conservative Evangelical believers for Trump to woo and it seems to be working (PA)

There are something like 100 million people who call themselves Evangelicals in America, making up nearly a third of the population. Not all of them are potential Trump supporters by any means.

A third are African Americans who are more likely to be Democrats; and a good few million more are members of the small but growing Evangelical left, which is horrified and ashamed of the support their fellow believers are giving Trump.

Whether Donald Trump is a Christian or not is something between Trump and God, but his vision for Americas future and his policies are indeed contrary to the gospel. Donald Trump is an anti-Christian candidate. So says Jim Wallis, leader of the Sojourners community in Washington DC, which campaigns for social justice. He is spiritual adviser to Barack Obama and author of a hard-hitting new book called Americas Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege and the Bridge to a New America (Brazos Press).

Its time to name Trumps dangerous rhetoric for what it is. It is not only racist, but also fascist, with all the dangers that ideology implies. The truth is that we have seen this before. And its time to tell the truth.

His voice is a strong one, but there are still 60 to 65 million conservative Evangelical believers for Trump to woo and it seems to be working. The question is, why?

They believe in repentance, but Trump is not repentant. His backing of the pro-life cause they support feels fake. He is undoubtedly immoral by Evangelical standards, owning a casino and strip club. Hes been divorced twice and married three times. He even said of Ivanka: If she werent my daughter, perhaps I would be dating her.

In pictures: US Elections 2016 Show all 15 1 /15 In pictures: US Elections 2016 In pictures: US Elections 2016 Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speaks to supporters after rival candidate Hillary Clinton was projected as the winner in the Nevada Democratic caucuses Reuters In pictures: US Elections 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton takes photos with workers at her campaign office in Des Moines, Iowa AP In pictures: US Elections 2016 Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, second from left, prays before lunch with supporters at Drake Diner in Des Moines, Iowa Reuters In pictures: US Elections 2016 Democratic presidential candidate and former Maryland Governor. Martin O'Malley, speaks during a campaign stop in Waterloo, Iowa AP In pictures: US Elections 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speaks, as his wife Jane OMeara Sanders looks on, at a campaign event at Iowa State University Getty In pictures: US Elections 2016 Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio speaks at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa Reuters In pictures: US Elections 2016 Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson speaks at a campaign event at Fireside Pub and Steak House in Manchester, Iowa. Getty In pictures: US Elections 2016 Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum visiting supporters at a house party in West Des Moines, Iowa Reuters In pictures: US Elections 2016 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa AP In pictures: US Elections 2016 Republican candidate Ted Cruz campaigns at Greene County Community Centre in Jefferson, Iowa AP In pictures: US Elections 2016 Senator Rand Paul speaks during a Caucus rally at his Des Moines headquarters in Iowa Getty In pictures: US Elections 2016 Republican candidate Jeb Bush speaks at a campaign event in Des Moines, Iowa AFP In pictures: US Elections 2016 Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin introducing the arrival of Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Reuters In pictures: US Elections 2016 A portrait of Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders at his campaign headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa Getty In pictures: US Elections 2016 Campaign badges on sale ahead of a Trump rally at the Ramada Waterloo Hotel and Convention Centre in Waterloo, Iowa Getty

He makes fun of disability. He calls Mexican immigrants drug dealers and rapists. He wont condemn the Ku Klux Klan. He promises to ban Syrian refugees from America. Trump wants a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our countrys representatives can figure out what is going on.

He would bomb the shit out of Isis and kill the families  yes, the husbands, wives and children  of terrorists. He praises the use of torture for interrogation. Jesus wept.

As The Washington Post put it: A more scripturally, spiritually flawed man than Donald Trump would be hard to find. And yet the same people who opposed Bill Clinton on the grounds of immorality because he had an affair are now backing Donald Trump.

You inspire us all, said Pat Robertson, the founder of the Christian Broadcasting Network and an influential figure in older, white conservative, Evangelical circles. Trump, in return, vows to stand by them. We are going to protect Christianity.

Ted Cruz is an Evangelical, but he lost their support on Super Tuesday last week, when Republicans in seven out of the 11 states voting for their candidate chose Trump. Hes promising to act like a Roman centurion outside the gate, said the Post in an editorial. This time around, Evangelicals are not looking for someone like them. Theyre looking for someone who will protect them.

He was asking them to choose: Who do you want out there  a choir boy or a tough guy with a loaded gun and a kick-ass demeanour? They voted for the guy with the gun. Again, why?

Theyre angry at their loss of influence during the Obama years, and feel as if America is departing from what they consider to be its founding Christian principles. They feel under siege in a country where gay marriage  which they oppose  is now legal.

There are something like 100 million people who call themselves Evangelicals in America (Getty)

Were being attacked. Were literally being attacked, one Trump-supporting church worker from Oklahoma said. This despite America being by some distance the most Christian nation on earth (however much it looks like the kind of Christianity that would turn Christs stomach).

Most of all, theyre pragmatic. Theyre prepared to make a deal with the Devil if he protects them and their culture.

The way America thinks about God is changing. The younger you are, the more likely you are to call yourself moderate or progressive when it comes to religion, and that goes for two thirds of people aged 18 to 33, across all the faiths. But the older, white, conservative Evangelicals are the ones with the money, the organisation, the influence, the television stations and the will to power.

Americas Evangelicals have become secular, more interested in the pursuit of wealth and political influence than fidelity to the teachings of Jesus, says Randall Balmer, professor of religion at Dartmouth College, the Ivy League research university.

If racism is Americas original sin, politically conservative evangelicals, neglecting the best of their tradition, have been loath in recent years to seek redemption. They have devolved from theological guardians to political operatives in recent decades, he says.

The process started in the 1970s with the rise of the moral majority led by the preacher Jerry Falwell. His son Jerry Jnr is now backing Trump.

Back then, families who refused to watch movies because they were too worldly and who believed divorce was the Devils work found themselves backing Ronald Reagan, a divorced movie star. He ridiculed evolution, said he would make abortion illegal and persuaded them prosperity was a gift from God (via the White House).

Evangelicals took over the soul of the Republican Party and saw one of their own achieve office when George W Bush became president. God told him to go to war, apparently, and they supported that. They backed policies that favoured the rich over the poor. Then when Barack Obama came to power they lost influence. They lost faith in politics.

Theyre ready  as one commentator put it  to smash things up by voting for an outsider they think will shake up the whole system in their favour.

But Peter Wehner, a senior fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Center in Washington who has served three Republican presidents, says: What stuns me is how my fellow Evangelicals can rally behind a man whose words and actions are so at odds with the central teachings of our faith.

Wehner wrote speeches for George W Bush, arguably the worst president in living memory, but even he is appalled by Trump. At its core, Christianity teaches that everyone, no matter at what station or in what season in life, has inherent dignity and worth, he says. Trumpism defies that. In embracing it, Evangelical Christians are doing incalculable damage to their witness.

Trump and his policies are by no means popular across the whole of the US (Reuters)

But as one man at a Trump rally in Oklahoma put it: Youre voting for a president; youre not necessarily voting for a pastor. Hes not necessarily orthodox, but I like the fact that hes strong.

Trump showed off his strength by starting a fight with the Pope, who he said didnt understand the problem of Americas open border with Mexico. Trump wants to solve it with a huge wall. The Pope fought back: A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not of building bridges, is not Christian. This is not the Gospel. Trump told the Pope hed soon come running for help if Islamic State blew up the Vatican.

For many American Evangelicals, picking a fight with the Pope is a badge of honour. Some of them really do believe he is the Antichrist. Then there are the Christians of all denominations, including Catholics, who worry that the Pope is too liberal. Nobody can say that about The Donald.

British Evangelicals are mostly baffled and embarrassed by what their fellow believers are up to in America, but few leaders here have spoken out against him.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who has Evangelical roots, gave a rather measured English response to the prospect of President Trump: It would certainly be very challenging, wouldnt it?

So its left to Jim Wallis, on the frontline in Washington, to tell it like it is. White Evangelical Christians who support Donald Trump are the demonstration of how racism trumps religion  pun intended, he says.

White has trumped Christian. Sociology has trumped theology. Bigotry has trumped the Bible. Many Christians are acting more white than Christian.

This taps into the deep-rooted problem of racism explored in his book. Trumps campaign is the death knell of white supremacy, which will keep fighting for power; and he has shown that white supremacy is very much alive in America as both an ideology and an idol.

However, Wallis does find hope in the deeper values of the American people, and those believers who are raising their voices against Trump. The Bible says that idols separate us from God; so white supremacy separates white Christians from God. But black, brown, young and many other white Christians will help America see that our diversity is a gift and creation from God; a blessing and not a threat.

The rest of the world can only watch and pray that he is right.
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 Taliban will not be attending what it calls "futile" peace talks in Pakistan.

The militant group said it rejects any rumours that it might be attending meetings of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG), and does not plan to show up.

Representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States make up the QCG, which has been trying to broker discussions between the Western-backed Afghan government and the Taliban.

The talks aim to end the "senseless violence" and restore peace and security in the region, according to the US State Department.

The QCG are due to meet in Islamabad next week.

 Push for Afghanistan peace talks amid Taliban resurgence

However, in a statement, the Taliban,which calls itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, said: We reject all such rumors and unequivocally state that the esteemed leader of Islamic Emirate has not authorized anyone to participate in this meeting.

Neither has the Leadership Council of Islamic Emirate decided to partake in it.

The statement continued: [The Islamic Emirate] once again reiterates that unless the occupation of Afghanistan is ended, black lists eliminated and innocent prisoners freed, such futile misleading negotiations will not bear any results."

The group also said that it was contradictory that the peace talks were occurring as the US deployed fresh troops to Afghanistan.

The US State Department has urged the Taliban to join negotiations and stressed that the countrys neighbours plan to support the Afghan government and not the Islamist group.

"The Taliban have a choice: to join good-faith negotiations for peace, or continue to fight a war in which they are killing their fellow Afghans and destroying their country," a State Department statement said.

"If they choose the latter course, they will continue to face the combined efforts of the Afghan security forces and their international partners."

Despite this rhetoric, Taliban representatives have previously met with both Afghan government, Chinese and US officials in Pakistan, CNN reported.

The new leader of the Taliban, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, has laid down preconditions for taking part in any talks as he struggles to overcome factional infighting. However, some breakaway groups have opposed any negotiations whatsoever.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Attempts to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the on-going conflict in Afghanistan have been hampered by continued heavy fighting across the country throughout the winter. A number of suicide attacks have also taken place in the capital Kabul.

The Taliban ruled Afghanistan from the mid-1990s until 2001 when they were overthrown by a US-led coalition after refusing to give up al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.

The militant Islamist group have been waging an insurgency against the Afghan government and US forces ever since.

Reuters contributed to this report
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 }}

Islam could be dropped as Bangladeshs official religion following a number of attacks in the country against people of other faiths.

Christians, Hindus and Muslim minority Shiites have recently faced attacks that are believed to have been carried out by Islamic extremists.

The countrys Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments in favour of removing Islam as the official religion of Bangladesh, the Daily Mail reported.

Islam has been the countrys official religion since 1988, but the battle to overturn this  which is being supported by many minority religious leaders  will argue that the decision to designate Islam the official religion was illegal.

However it is unclear how much widespread the support the move would have in the country, where 90 per cent of the population is Muslim, 8 per cent are Hindu and 2 per cent is made up of other minority religions.

In the past month, a Hindu priest was hacked to death at an attack at a temple in Bangladeshs Panchgarh district in which two Hindu followers were also injured, while in the past year several prominent religious minority bloggers have been murdered.

Islamist groups Jumatul Mujahedeen Bangladesh and Ansarullah Bangla Team are believed to have carried out at least seven attacks on foreign and minority people in Bangladesh in the past year, and although the government denies there is an Isis presence in the country, it is believed members are increasingly being recruited from there.
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 Chinese government has banned depictions of gay people on television, as part of a national clampdown on vulgar, immoral and unhealthy content.

Censors said that television shows should not show story lines that exaggerate the dark side of society, including gay relationships, adultery and the supernatural.

The report was posted on the website of the China Television Drama Production Industry Association on 31 December but was widely circulated in Chinese state media this week according to Hong Kong Free Press.

No television drama shall show abnormal sexual relationships and behaviours, such as incest, same-sex relationships, sexual perversion, sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual violence, and so on, according to the news rules.

Many people expressed their discontent toward the new rules:

What year are we living in, how are we still openly discriminating against homosexuality? said one unhappy internet surfer.

Another person said, bestiality [wasnt mentioned], is it allowed?

This new rule follows social media uproar after a popular same-sex drama Addicted Heroin was pulled from online video streaming websites last week.

The show can now only be viewed on YouTube which is blocked in China.

New regulations also warned against exposing underage viewers to content which could be considered harmful such as underage love, smoking, binge drinking, fighting and unusual or extravagant clothing.

Witchcraft, reincarnation and other supernatural beliefs are also not permitted under the new regulations.

Scenes which expose the methods adopted by detectives and show in detail how they crack cases, thereby assisting criminals in coming up with counter-moves are also forbidden.

Production companies were asked to actively promote content approved by the regulations.

The shows should promote the excellent traditional culture of China, spread positive energy and contribute to the achievement of the Chinese Dream.
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 }}

You may not have heard of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Neither had I. They sound like exactly the sort of American busybodies you dont need coming around, asking impertinent questions and compiling arrogant reports: post-colonialists masquerading as Mary Poppins, with a Band Aid for all the worlds problems.

So I sympathise with the Indian government of Narendra Modi when it announced that it was declining to issue this organisation with visas. True, the Commission has tramped around several other countries that can hardly have been eager to roll out the welcome mat: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Burma. More fool those countries, all of which have plenty to be ashamed of.

India, by contrast, has only reasons for pride. With the landslide election of Narendra Modi nearly two years ago, the Hindu spirit found full political expression for the first time, with a sannyasin, no less, a Hindu renunciate, in command.

Finally, after the centuries of foreign domination followed by the socialists and appeasers of the Congress party, this sage of nations could chart its true destiny: rediscovering the course of the long-buried Saraswati river, rebuilding the temple of Ayodhya, birthplace of the god-king Rama  and ensuring that the nations economy, like that of Modi-jis home state of Gujarat, gallops ahead.

It is of course a fact that India is not entirely populated by Hindus, but as Hindu nationalists have long made it clear, those of other faiths need to understand that they are in the land of Krishna only on sufferance. If they inflame Hindus feelings, there is often little that the Union government, far away in New Delhi, can do about it.

This was the case, for example, with Mohammad Akhlaq Saifi, a 56-year-old Muslim resident of Dadri village in Uttar Pradesh: when rumours spread that he and his family had celebrated the festival of Eid by eating the meat of a murdered cow, the local people became enraged and took their revenge on him. This followed the discovery of meat in his refrigerator which they assumed to be that of the cow in question.

The local people were quite wrong to stone Mr Akhlaq to death. It is also unfortunate that the meat in his fridge proved to be goat. But those family members who survive him, instead of bleating to the media about lynch mobs, might be better advised to become vegetarians.

Given Indias vast distances, what can government be expected to do about such events? That applies equally to Professor Kalburgi of Karnataka state, shot to death in his home in 2014 by unknown assailants. No one should suffer such an end. Equally, no one should be as rash as Dr Kalburgi had been, describing the worship of images of Krishna, Shiva etc, as meaningless ritual, going so far as to say they could be urinated on. He must have been well aware of the risks. His attackers have yet to be found.

India, as the Indian Embassy in Washington puts it, is a vibrant pluralistic society founded on strong democratic principles. But that does not mean people are exempt from using their common sense.

It stands to reason that Hindus should feel more at home in India than Muslims or Christians, who would be well advised to move to Pakistan or Europe. Once there, nothing would prevent them applying for a visa to pay a sentimental return visit.

Given Indias vast distances, what can government be expected to do about lynch mobs?
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 North Korean ship has been seized by the Philippines as part of strict new measures against the rogue state.

The Philippine government has said that it has to do its part to enforce tougher sanctions against North Korea.

The seizure comes after Resolution 2270 was passed in a unanimous vote by the UN Security Council in response to increasingly frequent nuclear and rocket tests by the country.

The ship, the Jin Teng, was docked in Subic Bay in the north of the Philippines, where its cargo of palm kernals were being unloaded.

North Korea launch short range projectiles Show all 6 1 /6 North Korea launch short range projectiles North Korea launch short range projectiles A man watches a TV news program showing a file footage of the missile launch conducted by North Korea, at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, AP North Korea launch short range projectiles North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaking during a ceremony for the scientists, technicians, workers and officials who worked on the recent successful launch of a satellite EPA North Korea launch short range projectiles People watch a TV news program showing a file footage of the missile launch conducted by North Korea, at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, AP North Korea launch short range projectiles North Korean soldiers guard the truce village of Panmunjom at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which separates the two Koreas, in Panmunjom, North Korea AP North Korea launch short range projectiles People watch a TV news program showing North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea AP North Korea launch short range projectiles An undated file picture released by the Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the North Korean ruling Workers Party EPA

It is now being secured by the coast guard.

The Jin Tengs 21 strong crew, who were reported to be cooperative, are likely to be deported.

"In compliance with the United Nations resolution, the North Korean ship in Subic will be impounded and not allowed to leave port," foreign ministry spokesman, Charles Jose, said.

The ship, which was found to have a number of safety issues and was travelling under the flag of Sierra Leone, was searched by the Philippine authorities.

A photo handout shows Philippines Coast Guard officials inspect North Korean freighter Jin Teng (REUTERS/Philippines Coast Guard)

It will also be searched by a UN team.

Manolo Quezon, deputy presidential spokesman, told Reuters: "The world is concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme and as a member of the UN, the Philippines has to do its part to enforce the sanctions."

The Jin Teng is controlled by Ocean Maritime Management, a North Korean company who were blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2014 following the discovery of weapons on board one of its ships near the Panama Canal.

The recent sanctions imposed on North Korea mean that all shipping and aircraft from the country are now subject to inspections. It is also banned from exporting natural resources and importing small arms, along with other measures.
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 }}

Police in Pakistan have reportedly rescued a nine-year-old girl from being married off to a 14-year-old boy to settle a family dispute.

They arrested four village elders of the council, who had ordered the "compensation wedding" to settle a dispute between two families in Rahim Yar Khan District, Lahore, according to The Express Tribune.

This intervention is rare as it is a country where it is culturally acceptable to use marriage to build and strengthen alliances, settle disputes or pay off debts.

The girls brothers wife died due to some health problems a few weeks ago, and [the wifes] relative suspected foul play and accused her family of murder, deputy superintendent of police Mamoonur Rasheed told Reuters.

The council reporetedly decided that the girl would be married to a 14-year-old cousin of her brothers wife, while her brother would pay 150,000 rupees (1,573) to her family.

Child brides often come from poor families and marriage is used as a way to provide for the girls future, especially in areas where there are fewer financial opportunities for women.

According to Unicef data, three per cent of girls in Pakistan are married before they turn 15 and 21 per cent before the age of 18.

In January, a powerful religious group that advises the government on the compatibility of laws with Islam blocked a bill to impose harsher penalties for marrying off girls as young as eight or nine.

Under the current laws, parents of child brides are punishable by only a month in prison and a fine of 1,000 rupees (10.50).
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 drug dealer in Italy was arrested after allegedly trading two bags of cocaine for a stolen live lamb.

The lamb was offered in exchange for one gram of cocaine by a teenager who had stolen it from his fathers farm, with the drug dealer described by his lawyer as being so desperately hungry that he took the lamb as payment, intending to kill and eat it.

The drug dealer is thought to have asked for 150 euros in exchange for the cocaine, at which point the teenager is alleged to have offered the animal as payment.

My client was so in need of something to eat that he was ready to swap drugs for a lamb, the mans lawyer said, according to Today.it.

In all my time as a lawyer I've never seen anything like it.

However, after the teenagers father reported the lamb as stolen, police raided the drug dealers home  reportedly finding substantial quantities of illegal substances, along with a stolen laptop and a confused farm animal.

According to the lawyer, the lamb was just about to be killed and eaten as police arrived at the property, and has since been removed by police and temporarily given to local authorities.
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 head of the authority vetting countries aspiring to join the European Union has said Turkeys hopes have been jeopardised by a crackdown on press freedom.

Government administrators seized control of Zaman, the countrys largest newspaper, on Friday night following a court order and police have fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the ensuing protests in Istanbul.

Its editor and chief columnist were sacked on Saturday and journalists were told to expect a change in editorial policy as access to the website was cut and administrators reportedly started attempts to delete the media groups news archive.

Men run as Turkish anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse supporters in front of the headquarters of the Turkish daily newspaper Zaman in Istanbul on March 5, 2016, (AFP/Getty Images)

Johannes Hahn, the European Enlargement Commissioner, wrote on Twitter that human rights are not negotiable for prospective EU members.

 A dark day for Turkish democracy: violent clashes follow Zaman takeover

Extremely worried about latest developments on Zaman newspaper which jeopardises progress made by Turkey in other areas, he said.

We will continue to monitor this case closely. Turkey, as a candidate country, needs to respect freedom of the media.

Turkey was declared eligible to join the EU in 1997 and started accession negotiations in 2005, but the ongoing dispute over Cyprus and other human rights issues have repeatedly delayed talks.

But the emergence of the refugee crisis and the rise of Isis amid the explosion of conflicts in Syria and Iraq has made Turkey a crucial partner to the EU as a frontline against terrorists and millions of displaced people.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

As an emergency summit on migration looms in Brussels on Monday, critics have accused European leaders of turning a blind eye to Turkeys abuses as they attempt to stem the flow of asylum seekers and plough millions of pounds of funding into the country.

Daniel Calingaert, executive vice president of the US-based watchdog, Freedom House, said: The European Union and the United States, as Turkey's partners and allies, should not trade Turkey's support on migration and Syria for silence over the dismantling of democratic institutions.

Martin Schulz, the European Parliament President, tweeted that Zamans takeover was yet another blow to press freedom and pledged to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu at the summit.

"If one disagrees about claims or reports of a newspaper, he should counter them with facts, not by gagging journalism," he added.

 Turkish authorities seize country's largest newspaper

Nils Muiznieks, the European Commissioner for Human Rights, added to the condemnation with an official statement saying he deplored the seizure and pointing to a similar move against the Koza Ipek media group in October.

I see this as an extremely serious interference with media freedom which should have no place in a democratic society, he wrote.

It is the latest in a string of unacceptable and undue restrictions of media freedom in Turkey, and it reinforces an extremely worrying pattern of judicial harassment against dissenting media and journalists in the country.

Mr Muiznieks urged Turkish authorities to reverse its intervention and prevent any similar steps in the future, vowing to raise the issue during his visit to the country next month.

The US State Department also raised concern, with its spokesperson John Kirby, calling Zamans takeover the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by the Turkish government targeting media outlets and others critical of it.

He added: Court-ordered supervision of a media companys finances and operations should not prompt changes to the newsroom or editorial policy.

Migrants arrive on a rubber boat in Mytilene, on the Greek island of Lesbos, after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey (AFP/Getty)

As Turkeys friend and NATO ally  and we do count ourself as a friend of Turkey (but) we urge Turkish authorities to ensure their actions uphold the universal democratic values enshrined in their own constitution, including freedom of speech and especially freedom of the press.

The Turkish government accuses Zaman of supporting US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was once an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but is now held as a terrorist inciting a coup through his religious Gulen movement.

The newspaper, which has a daily readership of around 650,000, was taken over days after Turkey's Constitutional Court ordered the release of two Turkish journalists charged with revealing state secrets.

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, from the Cumhuriyet newspaper, were arrested in November over a report alleging that the Turkish government had tried to ship arms to Islamists in Syria.

The pair still face possible life sentences at their trial on 25 March.

Two newspapers and two television channels were also put under state administration over their alleged links with the Gulen, or Hizmet, movement last year.

Turkey ranks 149th among the 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index.

Additional reporting by 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 }}

I arrived in Idomeni, northern Greece, two months ago, feeling apprehensive about the size and nature of the challenge that lay ahead. As a Health Promotion Manager for Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) I have worked in cholera epidemics, with ebola and in conflict areas like Central African Republic and South Sudan, but I knew this posting was going to be different. I now realise that I was right to be nervous  every day brings something unexpected.

I essentially have two jobs. People in the camp have been registered by the Greek government and have permission to travel across the country. I have to make sure that they get the healthcare they need. I also listen to their stories and try to find answers to their questions; this is as much a crisis of information as it is a humanitarian crisis.

Recommended Read more Greek governor calls for state of emergency over stranded refugees

My other job is to work with the people who do not have permission to leave in the country and in most cases have no option but to turn to smugglers. Unable to access any services here in Greece, they are extremely vulnerable, desperate and suspicious. They tend to hide in barren forest near the border, 10km away from the camp. I am the sole link between this vulnerable group, the MSF medical workers and the teams distributing food and organising shelter. I have to try to gain the refugees trust, which at times feels like an impossible task. The smugglers can sometimes prevent us from helping them. I feel ashamed that Europe has completely turned its back on them and is acting as if they dont exist.

One of the hardest days Ive had was around a month ago. The police were holding thousands of people at a gas station 20 km from the main camp to try to reduce the number of people at the border. The temperature was minus 10, and thousands of people were sleeping unprotected in the open. Children were being put to sleep on the frozen ground or in the luggage holds of buses, and bus drivers were charging people to sleep inside their vehicles. I met a mother who was sleeping on the ground with her 11-day-old baby. I couldnt believe I was in Europe.

Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Show all 15 1 /15 Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees try to bring down part of the border fence during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees try to break a Greek police cordon in order to approach the border fence at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees flee tear gas fire by the Macedonian police, after trying to bring down part of the border fence during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees try to break a Greek police cordon in order to approach the border fence at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees in the northern Greek village of Idomeni approach the Greek-Macedonian border as they try to enter Macedonia AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Macedonian riot police officers stand next to part of the border fence brought down by protesting stranded refugees and migrants during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees try to bring down part of the border fence during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees break an iron fence and throw stones from the Greek side of the border as Macedonian policemen push them back, near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February A girl cries as she flees clashes during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Refugees try to broke an iron fence from the Greek side of the border as Macedonian police stand guard, near the northern Greek village of Idomeni AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees and migrants in the northern Greek village of Idomeni approach the Greek-Macedonian border as they try to enter Macedonia AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February A man helps children to run away after Macedonian police fired tear gas at a group of refugees who tried to push their way into Macedonia AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February A woman carries a child on the Greek side of the border as they run away after Macedonian police fired tear gas at a group of refugees who tried to push their way into Macedonia AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Refugees run away after Macedonian police fired tear gas AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February A woman falls as refugees with their children run away after Macedonian police Getty Images

I have also seen Greek police kicking, pushing and screaming at Afghan refugees, including women and children, who were refusing to get on a bus that was supposed to take them back to Athens. The refugees didnt understand why they couldnt cross the border. They wanted to stay in the north of Greece and continue their journey. MSF teams waited with the group of refugees, hoping that nothing really bad would happen as long as we were there. An Afghan man with his children came over, took my arm and looked at me, begging me for help and protection. I could see the desperation in his face. That was the closest I came to crying. I will never forget his face and the feeling of being so useless.

On 29 February, I saw Macedonian police fire teargas into a crowd with children. In my three and half years working in humanitarian aid, it was one the most shocking things I have ever seen. So many of these people have fled war, bombs and gunshots  you could see the terror on their faces as these explosions brought back traumatic memories they had tried to escape. A mother in the waiting room of our clinic lay crying on the floor while her six-week-old baby was treated for inhalation of teargas. A four-year-old girl from Syria lay unconscious inside our clinic for 45 minutes after the gas attack. Doctors are sure this reaction was psychological trauma from her experiences in Syria. These people all came to Europe seeking safety and protection.

I am due to leave Idomeni at the end of the month. I already feel anxious about leaving, because there is still so much to do, but I know that I will be replaced. Im scared of what may happen, of how much more desperate it may become for people, and of what the impact may be on their health. This may turn out to be one of the biggest crises of our time. The most infuriating thing of all is that it could have been avoided, if Europe had reacted with compassion instead of deterrence, if we had provided a welcome for people instead of building walls. Theres one thing that I am sure of: that the time Ive spent in northern Greece will stay with me forever.

Aude Khalfouni is Health Promotion Manager for Medecins Sans Frontieres
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 }}

Turkish border guards are routinely attacking Syrians attempting to cross illegally into Turkey, refugees and campaigners have claimed.

Families who fled the recent fighting in Aleppo told The Independent that officers had opened fire as they tried to reach Turkey with the help of smugglers. Others spoke of heavy beatings for those caught after attempting to slip across.

Turkey has cracked down on its border security amid heavy pressure from the US to limit the transit of jihadist fighters seeking to join Isis. At the same time, the European Union has urged Ankara to stem the flow of refugees setting off towards Europe in dinghies from Turkeys western coast.

As EU leaders prepare for a key summit with Turkey on Monday, aimed at preventing a repeat of last summers influx, they face warnings that they must also encourage Turkey to grant safe passage to those trying to escape a war zone. Turkey insists that it maintains an open door policy towards Syrians, but human rights groups say that, for the past year, only those with serious or urgent medical conditions have been allowed to cross.

Ankara does not deny that border guards sometimes open fire on those crossing illegally. In certain cases, the border patrol has no option but to fire warning shots because they often come under attack from smugglers and terrorist groups on the Syrian side, a senior government official said, while insisting that the border force had an outstanding track record.

Syrians say that Turkeys policies are pushing them into the arms of greedy and unscrupulous smugglers - and that guards use excessive force on those fleeing in fear for their lives.

Aliya Radwan, a grandmother from the town of Hraytan in northern Aleppo, was cowering from air strikes in a neighbours basement when she decided that she had to leave. She knew that she and her family would not be allowed into Turkey at the Bab al-Salama crossing, 25 miles to the north. She had friends among the tens of thousands from Aleppo province who had already flocked to the border but were sleeping in the open after being barred from entering Turkey.

Instead, she turned to a smuggler. He took her family to a crossing at the town of Khirbet al-Jawz in neighbouring Idlib province. On their first attempt to cross on a dark, rainy night last month, they were forced to retreat in terror after border guards opened fire. They managed to sneak through undetected on a second attempt. Others were not so lucky.

Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Show all 15 1 /15 Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees try to bring down part of the border fence during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees try to break a Greek police cordon in order to approach the border fence at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees flee tear gas fire by the Macedonian police, after trying to bring down part of the border fence during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees try to break a Greek police cordon in order to approach the border fence at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees in the northern Greek village of Idomeni approach the Greek-Macedonian border as they try to enter Macedonia AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Macedonian riot police officers stand next to part of the border fence brought down by protesting stranded refugees and migrants during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees try to bring down part of the border fence during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees break an iron fence and throw stones from the Greek side of the border as Macedonian policemen push them back, near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February A girl cries as she flees clashes during a protest at the Greek-Macedonian border, near the Greek village of Idomeni Reuters Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Refugees try to broke an iron fence from the Greek side of the border as Macedonian police stand guard, near the northern Greek village of Idomeni AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Stranded refugees and migrants in the northern Greek village of Idomeni approach the Greek-Macedonian border as they try to enter Macedonia AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February A man helps children to run away after Macedonian police fired tear gas at a group of refugees who tried to push their way into Macedonia AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February A woman carries a child on the Greek side of the border as they run away after Macedonian police fired tear gas at a group of refugees who tried to push their way into Macedonia AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February Refugees run away after Macedonian police fired tear gas AP Refugees break through Macedonia border fence in February A woman falls as refugees with their children run away after Macedonian police Getty Images

A young widow who fled heavy bombardment in Aleppo two months ago, who asked to be named only as Fatima, said that she saw border guards shoot a young girl making the same journey. She didnt speak Turkish so didnt understand when they shouted Get away! she recalled. The guards opened fire. She did not know whether the girl had lived or died.

Amnesty International reported last month that hospitals in Azaz, a town near the Turkish border, were receiving two civilians a day who had been shot while attempting such crossings. It said that, in one case, a child aged 10 died after being shot in the head.

That claim was echoed by Dr Ali al-Saloum, an orthopaedic surgeon at a hospital in Azaz. He said that the number of cases waxed and waned but, during the worst periods, it was common to see two people a day who were shot trying to cross the border. He had seen victims old and young, including a one-year-old baby girl, who died after being shot in the head. Dr Saloum said that, while the problem had been going on for some time, he believed it had grown worse. It used to be much rarer, he said. And when it did happen it was people being shot in the leg of the arm. But people started dying.

He said there was a bitter irony in the ultimate fate of some of those most badly injured while trying to reach the neighbouring country. The funny thing is that, with the most seriously injured people, we dont have the necessary specialism or intensive care services. So we get them transferred to Turkey.

Some of those seeking to sneak into Turkey have suffered heavy beatings. Aktham Alwany, 28, a Syrian activist and journalist, said he was beaten on two separate occasions after being caught attempting to enter Turkey illegally to visit his mother, who has cancer.

On his first of three attempts to cross via the Syrian-Kurdish enclave of Afrin, he says that he was stopped, beaten and detained. His mobile and laptop were taken. After being released, he tried again, near the Turkish town of Kilis. As he and others attempting to cross illegally jumped down into a trench that demarcated the crossing, border guards opened fire, he said. He gave himself up, he said, and was hit over the head with a rock. He claimed to have suffered heavy bleeding from his forehead and nose, followed by period of memory loss. A photograph taken by doctors shows his face streaked with blood.

He said that he eventually made it into Turkey after paying a border guard $1,000 to hide in the back of a goods truck. His experience motivated him to make a documentary about the problem. In the course of filming, he met people who were attacked with dogs, who suffered broken ribs from beatings, and a mother whose child was shot.

Mr Alwany said that he did not solely blame Ankara. I want to be fair, its not only related to Turkey, he said. The issue is bigger than Turkey. But he warned that people already fleeing Syrian and Russian bombing, the tyranny of Isis or the attacks from rebel groups, now faced a fresh danger.

Andrew Gardner, a Turkey researcher for Amnesty International, said that it was abhorrent that people seeking protection should find themselves facing live fire at the border. He called for regulated safe border crossings for Syrians and urged the EU to live up to its responsibilities towards asylum seekers so that Turkey - a country that already hosts 2.5 million Syrians - did not have to shoulder an unfair burden. He said: Without those two things, these tragedies on the borders will be replayed again and again.
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 pro-incest political group from Sweden has proposed giving men the right to a legal abortion that would allow them to opt out of parenthood.

The Liberal People Partys youth wing branch in western Sweden (LUF Vast) say men should be able to decide against being a father up to the 18-week cut-off for abortions, meaning in practice if a woman continues with the pregnancy, the man would have no legal responsibility for the child.

LUF Vast chairman Marcus Nilsen said the idea had been put forward by female members of the group and would increase equality between the sexes as well as allowing women to know whether men were committed to having children early on in pregnancy, The Local reported.

This means a man would renounce the duties and rights of parenthood, Mr Nilsen told the paper. Its something we thought was worthy of debate but the reactions have been overwhelmingly conservative, with a lot of people viewing it as an attack on the nuclear family. We have other issues we're prioritizing such as housing and employment.

He added that there would be little difference for women explaining to children where their father was compared with women who were single parents or who used donor sperm, stating a mother could say I consider this man your father, but legally he is not.

The groups controversial suggestion follows suggestions from members that incest between two consenting adults over the age of 15 be made legal, and that necrophilia be allowed in cases where the deceased had consented to post-life sex prior to dying.

Given the negative reaction the groups male abortion suggestions received  with one user on Facebook reportedly telling members of the group they should be lined up and shot  it is believed they will not be pursuing the policy.
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 most famous monument to Admiral Horatio Nelson is the 169ft column erected in London's Trafalgar Square in 1840, but Dublin had its own column (Nelson's Pillar) more than 30 years earlier. Slightly shorter but no less imposing, it stood in the middle of O'Connell Street and drew its fair share of controversy, particularly after the 1916 Easter Rising. In 1938 a failed attempt was made by Irish nationalists to blow it up; in 1966, 50 years ago this week, another attempt succeeded.

"Operation Humpty Dumpty" left Nelson's Pillar some 50ft shorter, and two days later, what was left of the monument was demolished, with Nelson himself placed in a Dublin Corporation lockup on Clanbrassil Street. But he didn't stay there for long.

Suffused with the spirit of rag week, a group of students at the National College of Art and Design liberated Nelson's head and, after sending a few pounds to the Dublin Corporation to pay for the damage they'd caused, set about using it to pay off Student Union debts.

Over the next six months, the head went on an unusual journey. It was photographed on Killiney beach as part of a fashion shoot for the Evening Press, appeared on stage with the Dubliners, and eventually ended up in London, where the antiques dealer Benny Gray paid the students 200 a month to display it in his shop window. It finally returned to Dublin that September, when Gray arrived on O'Connell Street with the head.

After asking the crowd if anyone could accept it on behalf of the Corporation, an official eventually came forward. "After all the moaning," Gray told the press, "no one seemed to want it when we brought it back." Today, the head sits quietly in the Dublin City Library.

@rhodri
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 }}

Police using tear gas and water cannons raided the headquarters of Turkey's largest-circulation newspaper, hours after a court placed it under the management of trustees.

Officers dispersed protesters who had gathered outside of the opposition Zaman newspaper's Istanbul headquarters before entering the building to escort the court-appointed managers and evict newspaper workers.

The court decision against the newspaper, which is linked to a US-based cleric who is opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has heightened concerns over deteriorating press freedoms in Turkey and sparked international outrage.

Recommended Read more EU urges Turkey to help stem flow of refugees

The legal action came as the government has intensified a campaign against the moderate Islamic movement led by US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

It accuses the movement of attempting to bring down the government.

The case was brought by a public prosecutor in Istanbul and meant the editorial board and management were replaced by people named by the court.

The move, which also affects Zaman's sister newspaper, English-language Today's Zaman, and a news agency linked to the group, further reduces the pool of opposition television and newspapers in the country, which is dominated by pro-government television channels and newspapers.

Zaman editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici had addressed his colleagues on the grounds of the newspaper before police stormed the building, calling the court decision a black day for democracy in Turkey.

Today's Zaman chief editor, Sevgi Akarcesme, broadcast the police raid on Periscope before police confiscated her phone.

The court decision sparked international outrage.

I see this as an extremely serious interference with media freedom which should have no place in a democratic society, said Nils Muiznieks, the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights.

It is the latest in a string of unacceptable and undue restrictions of media freedom in Turkey.

Reporters without Borders issued a strongly-worded statement, accusing Mr Erdogan of moving from authoritarianism to all-out despotism.

Mr Gulen, who has lived in the United States since 1999, was once Mr Erdogan's ally but the two have fallen out.

The government accuses the Gulen movement of orchestrating corruption allegations in December 2013 against ministers and people close to Mr Erdogan as a plot to overthrow it.

The authorities have since branded the movement a terror organisation, although it is not known to have carried out acts of violence.

Mr Gulen was placed on trial in absentia last year on charges of attempting to topple the government.

The government has cracked down on the movement since, purging civil servants suspected of ties to it, and businesses have been seized.

PA
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 }}

Turkish police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at thousands of protesters demonstrating against the governments takeover of the countrys largest newspaper.

The Zaman media groups offices were raided late on Friday night, breaking through a gate and storming the building before dragging out many of the journalists inside.

Demonstrators who gathered outside as outrage mounted over Turkeys latest violation of press freedom were dispersed using water cannons and the scenes were repeated on Saturday as anger grew.

A wounded protester being helped by her friends after Turkish riot police dispersed them during a protest outside of Zaman newspaper building, in Istanbul, Turkey, 05 March 2016. (EPA)

Reuters news agency estimated that around 2,000 people gathered outside Zamans headquarters in Istanbul as administrators enacted a court order placing it under state control.

Footage showed tear gas and rubber bullets being fired at the crowd, while a photo being widely shared on social media showed a female protester with blood running down her face.

Zaman staff members have been chronicling the takeover of their newspaper on Twitter, with one calling it the end of democracy in Turkey.

Internet connection gone, Abdullah Ayasun wrote. Passwords do not work, our access to system is blocked. Thats what happens when govt seizes a newspaper.

He later posted a photo showing him backing up his desk, writing: I can't stand seeing Zaman turns to gov't mouthpiece.

Abdullah Bozkurt, another journalist for Zaman, said that its offices in Ankara had also lost access to internal servers and chronicled new rules enforced by government caretakers.

He alleged that staff were forbidden from going to the toilet in pairs or groups, writing that any bathroom breaks must now be taken alone.

Earlier on Saturday, the trustees enacting the takeover had called staff in for a meeting reportedly announcing a change in editorial policy and firing editor Abdulhamit Bilici.

Humanity is under threat, he wrote on Twitter, accusing the government of persecution.

A plainclothes police officer kicks a demonstrator as Turkish anti-riot police officers disperse supporters in front of the headquarters of the Turkish daily newspaper Zaman in Istanbul on March 5, 2016 (AFP/Getty Images)

Todays Zaman, the newspapers English language edition, said all content management systems had been blocked but vowed to continue reporting on social media.

Journalists said administrators were starting attempts to erase the papers entire news archive on both the internet and internal intranet.

Zaman had issued a defiant last independent edition on Saturday, saying Turkeys press had experienced one of the darkest days in its history.

The Constitution is suspended, a headline on a black background read, according to a translation by the BBC.

Its English-language edition echoed its parent papers sentiment, writing online: Shameful day for free press in Turkey.

More than 1,200 people have so far signed a petition started by Index on Censorship condemning the seizure of Zaman and calling to end Turkeys crackdown on press freedom.

Men run as Turkish anti-riot police officers use tear gas to disperse supporters in front of the headquarters of the Turkish daily newspaper Zaman in Istanbul on March 5, 2016, (AFP/Getty Images)

We, the undersigned, ask the court to reverse its decision to seize Zaman and urge the international community to speak out against Turkey's repeated attempts to stifle a free and independent media, said the petition, signed by prominent journalists including David Aaronovitch, Matthew Parris, Peter Kellner and Tony Gallagher.

Turkey ranks 149th among the 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index.

The group called President Erdogan despotic in a strong statement from secretary-general Christophe Deloire.

It is absolutely illegitimate and intolerable that Erdogan has used the judicial system to take control of a great newspaper in order to eliminate the Gulen communitys political base, he said.

Not content with throwing journalists in prison for supporting terrorism or having them sentenced to pay heavy fines for insulting the head of state, he is now going further by taking control of Turkeys biggest opposition newspaper.

Human rights attacks around the world Show all 10 1 /10 Human rights attacks around the world Human rights attacks around the world China Escalating crackdown against human rights activists including mass arrests of lawyers and a series of sweeping laws in the name of national security. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Egypt The arrest of thousands, including peaceful critics, in a ruthless crackdown in the name of national security, the prolonged detention of hundreds without charge or trial and the sentencing of hundreds of others to death. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Gambia Torture, enforced disappearances and the criminalisation of LGBTI people; and utter refusal to co-operate with the UN and regional human rights mechanisms on issues including freedom of expression, enforced disappearance and the death penalty. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Hungary Sealing off its borders to thousands of refugees in dire need; and obstructing collective regional attempts to help them. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Israel Maintaining its military blockade of Gaza and therefore collective punishment of the 1.8 million inhabitants there, as well as failing, like Palestine, to comply with a UN call to conduct credible investigations into war crimes committed during the 2014 Gaza conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Kenya Extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances and discrimination against refugees in its counter-terrorism operations; and attempts to undermine the International Criminal Court and its ability to pursue justice. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Pakistan The severe human rights failings of its response to the horrific Peshawar school massacre including its relentless use of the death penalty; and its policy on international NGOs giving authorities the power to monitor them and close them down if they are considered to be against the interests of the country. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Russia Repressive use of vague national security and anti-extremism legislation and its concerted attempts to silence civil society in the country; its shameful refusal to acknowledge civilian killings in Syria and its callous moves to block Security Council action on Syria. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Saudi Arabia Brutally cracking down on those who dared to advocate reform or criticise the authorities; and committing war crimes in the bombing campaign it has led in Yemen (pictured) while obstructing the establishment of a UN-led inquiry into violations by all sides in the conflict. Getty Images Human rights attacks around the world Syria Killing thousands of civilians in direct and indiscriminate attacks with barrel bombs and other weaponry and through acts of torture in detention; and enforcing lengthy sieges of civilian areas, blocking international aid from reaching starving civilians. Getty Images

The Turkish government accuses Zaman of supporting US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who was once an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan but is now held as a terrorist inciting a coup through his religious Gulen movement.

The newspaper, which has a daily readership of around 650,000, was taken over days after Turkey's Constitutional Court ordered the release of two Turkish journalists charged with revealing state secrets.

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, from the Cumhuriyet newspaper, were arrested in November over a report alleging that the Turkish government had tried to ship arms to Islamists in Syria.

The pair still face possible life sentences at their trial on 25 March.

Two newspapers and two television channels were also put under state administration over their alleged links with the Gulen, or Hizmet, movement last year.

Additional reporting by 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 }}

Islamic State prepares its murderous bombings with chilling care and attention to detail. Several months ago, the Iraqi security forces discovered a plan to bomb al-Khadamiya, an ancient quarter of Baghdad at the centre of which is one of the holiest Shia shrines. Isis operatives first spent a month watching the checkpoints protecting the district, looking for weaknesses. Then they sent a woman through the checkpoint they had chosen as the most vulnerable, to look at it more closely but without carrying explosives. Soon afterwards she was sent again, but this time carrying a childs toy under her robes. Nobody stopped or questioned her, so Isis had her do the same journey, but this time with a much bulkier toy which the security men at this checkpoint should have noticed but did not.

The next occasion the would-be suicide bomber entered alKhadamiya it would have been on a one-way mission to blow herself up and kill as many people as possible in the area of the shrine. Fortunately, it never happened because the Iraqi security forces received some quite separate intelligence about what was intended, and arrested the bombing team. The elaborate nature of the preparations for the attack were typical of the mixture of fanaticism and expertise with which Isis carries out its terrorist acts.

Safa Hussein al-Sheikh, the Deputy National Security Adviser in Baghdad and one of the most experienced and cool-headed security experts in Iraq, told me the story in an interview in Baghdad, to illustrate the difficulty of stopping Isis slaughtering civilians. During the 10 days I had been in Iraq, two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a Shia mosque in the Shuala district, killing at least 15 people, and a further 73 people were killed in a market in Sadr City. An Isis force fought a pitched battle in Abu Ghraib in west Baghdad, using suicide bombers and fighters in vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns.

The purpose of these assaults is in keeping with Isis strategy of masking failure on the battlefield by targeting soft civilian targets. It sharpens differences between Shia and Sunni with the intention of forcing the Sunni community to look to IS as its defenders. Mr Sheikh says that the military aim of Isis in carrying out these atrocities is to spread out the security forces so IS can get superiority in numbers in one particular sector.

Two suicide blasts hit Baghdad's mainly Shi'ite district of Sadr City (Reuters)

Mr Sheikh does see Isis as getting weaker after losing several cities and much of Salahuddin province, but it is by no means defeated. He says that overall it has between 20,000 and 30,000 core combat fighters, the equivalent of special forces in conventional armies, and they are backed up by a further 40,000 to 50,000 fighters who are less well-trained and ideologically committed. Isis has the capacity to replace casualties by recruiting within the self-declared caliphate, but they cannot recruit foreign fighters who are at the core of their military effectiveness.

Some 85 per cent of Isis troops in Iraq are Iraqi, say other security sources in Iraq, but a limited number of foreign jihadi units have been behind many Isis successes in the past.

Iraqi security officials I spoke to in Baghdad all downplay the idea of an attempt to recapture Mosul this year, emphasising the political and military problems there. More immediate targets will be Hawijah and al-Shirqat further south. Mr Sheikh said that it will be a long road to Mosul. He points out that even during the counter-uprising within the Sunni community against al-Qaeda in Iraq in 2006-07, this never spread to Mosul. In any case, he says that Isis can never be decisively defeated so long as they have strategic depth in Syria.

The bombings in Shuala and the fear the Mosul dam might break made the mood in Baghdad more edgy, but not for long. People in the capital may not enjoy living in a country which is in a state of permanent crisis, but they have become used to it over the past half-century. Isis is not on the verge of defeat, but it is on the retreat and no longer capable of launching an all-out attack on Baghdad as it might have done in the summer of 2014. In fact, Mr Sheikh says that the most dangerous crisis facing Iraq is not military but economic and political, because the country is running out of money thanks to the low price of oil and the weakness of the government.

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

People in Baghdad have been targeted by suicide bombers since 2003, but until recently they always had increasing oil revenues. Even at the height of the sectarian warfare in 2007-07 they were getting their salaries. Seven million Iraqis are on the state payroll at a monthly cost of $4bn (2.8bn), but oil revenues are now less than $2bn. The difference has to be made up from reserves in the Central Bank; this is now running low.

The private sector in Iraq is very much parasitic on the state and public investment projects have stopped. I asked a woman in Karbala in charge of the education sector if teachers had been paid for February, and she replied with relief: I just checked with the bank and the money arrived today. The fact that officials are already checking if salaries are going to get paid shows how nervous they have become.

There is an air of half-suppressed panic in Baghdad as people look for signs of a higher oil price. Real-estate prices stay high but few people are buying or selling houses. The same is true of cars. Aside from crude oil, very little else is produced in Iraq; even the tomatoes on sale in shops in Baghdad are brought from Iran, because they are cheaper than those produced at home. This is the pattern in all the oil producing countries, but nowhere more than Iraq which also has to pay for an enormous, if dysfunctional, war machine and security forces that number almost one million.

With the frightening prospect of an economic calamity if salaries are not paid, there are growing protests in Baghdad. On Friday the Shia cleric and political leader Muqtada al-Sadr called on 200,000 protesters gathered at the entrance to the Green Zone to bring an end to the government of corruption and replace it with one run by technocrats; but even if this happens, it does not resolve the problem that there will still not be enough money.

Nobody doubts that the Iraqi government is corrupt and ineffective, but it is a bit late to do anything about this. Threats to get those who benefited from the corruption to disgorge their fabulous gains are unrealistic. The whole political class in all parts of Iraq have made money from plundering state revenues since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. A large chunk of the population have benefited from a jobs-for-the-boys patronage system. The economic crisis of 2016 has replaced the military crisis of 2014 and could be equally devastating. One intelligence chief told me: I cant even pay for food to feed my men.
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 civilian death toll from Western air strikes against Islamic State fighters is set to pass the 1,000 mark within days, independent monitors told The Independent on Sunday.

The revelation comes as David Cameron faces mounting pressure to honour his pledge to update Parliament on the impact of Britains military contribution to the war.

After the vote on 2 December authorising RAF air strikes in Syria, Mr Cameron pledged quarterly updates to Parliament. In the three months since, the Prime Minister has left it to Philip Hammond, the Foreign Secretary, and Justine Greening, the International Development Secretary, to inform MPs about the situation in Iraq and Syria.

Recommended Read more Footage shows RAF firing missiles through window to hit Isis in Iraq

MPs and peers, however, insist Mr Cameron left the clear impression that the updates would be on the UKs military campaign  including the number of air strikes and civilian casualties and the success in driving back Islamic State  rather than on the wider diplomatic or humanitarian situation in the region.

An amendment laid in the House of Lords by the Conservative peer Lord Hodgson last week would make it a statutory requirement to publish civilian casualty figures every three months. The Government insists British air strikes in Syria and Iraq have not killed a single civilian.

However, according to the independent NGO Airwars, 967 Iraqi and Syrian civilians have died as a result of air strikes by the 12 coalition states engaged in attacks on Isis. The figure was described in Parliament last week as credible. A source at the monitoring organisation said the figure would top 1,000 within days.

Britain has carried out 591 air strikes in Iraq and 36 in Syria  making up around a quarter of the 2,000 attacks carried out by countries other than the US in the international coalition against Isis. Russian air strikes are estimated to have killed up to 2,900 civilians.

British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria Show all 10 1 /10 British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A Tornado jet takes off from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, as RAF Tornado jets carried out the first British bombing runs over Syria British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria Pilots and ground crew prepare combat aircraft Panavia Tornados at RAF Marham at RAF Marham, UK Getty British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A Eurofighter Typhoon jet takes off from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, as RAF Tornado jets carried out the first British bombing runs over Syria British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A RAF Tornado arrives at RAF Akrotiri to begin operations in Akrotiri British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A Tornado jet ahead of taking off from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, as RAF Tornado jets carried out the first British bombing runs over Syria, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed. The air strikes were carried out within hours of a vote by MPs in the Commons to back extending operations against Isis from neighbouring Iraq British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria Personnel work on a British Tornado after it returned from a mission at RAF Akrotiri in southern Cyprus British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria Two RAF Tornado GR4's, both with remaining weapons ordnance, approach RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, as they return to the base after carrying out some of the first British bombing runs over Syria British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A RAF Tornado takes off from RAF Akrotiri, on the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria A Tornado jet leaving RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland British jets prepare for air strikes in Syria AKA RAF Tornado arrives at RAF Akrotiri to begin operations in Akrotiri, Cyprus. The RAF has sent two further Tornado aircraft and six Typhoons to bolster aircraft now flying sorties to both Iraq and Syria

But despite the figures, 11 out of 12 members of the coalition, including the UK, claim no civilian casualties have resulted from their strikes.

Lord Hodgson, a member of the all-party parliamentary committee on drones, told peers on 3 March that this would be unprecedented in a major military engagement and naturally invites questions about how civilians are being classified.

The former Conservative deputy chairman said it was crucial to be transparent about the scale of civilian deaths. He said: We need to spend a lot of time making sure we carry the country with us.

This is a particularly important area for our minority population. I do think it needs to be done with a degree of seriousness if it is to demand confidence.

When civilians get killed in the course of war it is a recruiter for the extremists. But when women and children are killed it also destroys the fabric of society.

The Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake, the partys foreign affairs spokesman, said it was incumbent on Mr Cameron to update MPs on the UKs military campaign.

He said: Parliament voted to support the Prime Minister and support military action by the RAF in Syria.

Parliament is entitled to detailed, quality reports by the Prime Minister setting out what impact that military action has had on Daesh [Isis] fighters and Daesh finances  and also confirmation of the number of civilian casualties caused by RAF action. We are well past a quarter in terms of the number of days.

Labours shadow Defence Secretary, Emily Thornberry, added: As the reported toll of civilian casualties from coalition bombing in Syria continues to rise, we need answers and accountability from the Government about the role that Britains air strikes are playing in this crisis. David Cameron promised quarterly reports to Parliament on the impact of his bombing campaign; keeping that promise is the least the British public deserve.

A spokesman for Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, said he had updated MPs in two private sessions attended by between 90 and 100 MPs. He said there had also been two updates in the Commons since the December vote  first by Mr Hammond, then by Ms Greening.

The spokesman suggested it was Mr Fallons turn next and that he would address the house shortly.

But Chris Woods, the director Airwars, said the gulf between military claims and credible reports from the ground continues to grow ever wider. He added: In downplaying its own casualties so heavily, the alliance undercuts any leverage it might command with Russia  which continues to kill scores of civilians weekly in Syria.
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 }}

Dovish Israeli civil society organisations are under an unprecedently determined attack from the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But now the president of an organisation that provides them with vital funding is mounting a spirited defence of the groups she regards as guardians of democracy.

Today the NGOs are the real opposition in Israel, and the fighting opposition to defend democracy and human rights. Thats why the government is legislating against them, Talia Sasson, president of the New Israel Fund (NIF), said.

Ms Sasson, who worked for 25 years as a senior attorney in the Israeli justice ministry, is best known in Israel for her highly critical 2005 report on illegal settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank, which she was commissioned to write by then prime minister Ariel Sharon. She is one of the countrys foremost opponents of all West Bank settlements.

The fund that she leads collects much of its money in the US but also has offices in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, and the groups it backs amount to a list of the Netanyahu governments least favourite progressive organisations.

They include Btselem, the most important Israeli group monitoring human rights abuses in the West Bank; the ex-soldiers group Breaking the Silence, which gathers testimonies highlighting the moral price of the occupation; the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, the flagship organisation for civil liberties; and Adalah, which defends the rights of the Arab minority within Israel itself.

We lobby strongly against anti-democratic legislation and are very active. We are not appreciated by the right and are very much attacked and criticised, Ms Sasson told The Independent as she prepared to travel to London to address a conference on Israeli security. Organisations we support show the government what harm its policies are causing.

The Knesset last month backed a bill that will adversely impact on groups that receive funding from the NIF. The law will requires NGOs that receive most of their funds from foreign governments to declare the fact prominently in all correspondence and advertising. The move, seen as a bid to discredit such groups as foreign agents, in practice only effects left-wing NGOs.

Inside Israeli society this is branding a part of the organisations as if they are anti-Israeli, that they are not patriots of the state of Israel, Ms Sasson said. The opposite is correct. Because they support Israel and want to correct things, they are so important.

Ms Sassons grandparents helped found Kiryat Anavim, a kibbutz near Jerusalem, where she was born in 1951. She was brought up with an ethos of serving the state, she says.

Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Show all 12 1 /12 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The fire in my heart is beyond my ribs. You left me beloved - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Let me get enough of you, as Im still hungry for your smile my son - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict They besiege me in my homeland so I flew to heaven - Rodaina Al Agha, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict And I am still facing the pain all by myself - Lama Shakshak, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My brother, I watched you go while my heart was tearing - Helen Mo'amar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My new doll is lonely in the rubble - Ayah Sha'ath, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict When a soul hugs another soul they never split, even in death - Ismail Matar, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict Everyone is gone and I stayed alone to make the world witness the injustice done to me - Hamza Shaheen, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict The hand that carries the arms carries roses too - Madeeha Al Majayda, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict My eyes tell you about a dream that overcame the fence - Soliman Shaheen, 15 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict A childhood caught in an unjust siege - Hadeel Quidh, 16 Remembering the Israel-Gaza conflict Remembering Israel-Gaza conflict All the details are torn after you - Hamza Shaheen, 17

I served the state all my life and in my work today I am serving the state, to protect democracy and the character of the state as it was founded. Israel, according to the principles it was founded on, is the homeland for the Jewish people with all citizens deserving equality in a democratic state. Read the Declaration of Independence, thats whats written there.

Ms Sasson is among a small minority that doggedly advocates negotiations with the Palestinians in pursuit of a two-state compromise peace agreement  even as the current wave of violence drives most Israeli attitudes and discourse further to the right.

To maintain democracy you need peace, she said. If you want to defend your democracy you have to give the right to a state for the Palestinians. This is an Israeli interest.

She argues the government is willing to sacrifice Israeli democracy in order to maintain and expand the settlements in the West Bank. This is what they really want, its the goal, she said. The continuation of the conflict with the Palestinians serves that goal. So, she believes, does maintaining such a climate of fear that people think it impossible to change the situation.

Ms Sasson frames Israels choices in terms of values. It cant be a democracy when there is no border between Israel and the West Bank, she said, when 400,000 settlers live among 2.6 million Palestinians, when people live according to two different system of law, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians. Those people have no control over their lives  yet this is what democracy is all about, that people decide what will happen to them. They cant decide about anything.

Ms Sasson is undaunted by swimming against the tide. I have no choice, she said. This is my place, where I was born and will be buried. I wont give up on changing it. If I dont try, I definitely cant change it. And if I dont try Ill betray my family who are buried here, unless they gave their lives for nothing.
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 }}

Israel has imprisoned a Palestinian circus entertainer for nearly three months without charge, prompting Amnesty International and a number of Palestinian rights organisations to call for his immediate release.

On 14 December, children's entertainer Mohammad Faisal Abu Sakha was detained at a checkpoint on his way work at the Palestinian Circus School. Since then, he has been detained without charge in an Israeli prison.

Mr Sakha is detained under an "administrative detention order", allowing the Israeli military to detain him indefinitely. His family have not been allowed to see him since his arrest.

 State of Palestine: Dozens protest killing of naked, mentally ill man by Egyptian forces

According to Amnesty, Mr Sakha specialises in teaching children with learning disabilities, who make up 10 per cent of the students at the Circus School.

AFP report that Mr Sakha is suspected of association with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Though the PFLP does have an armed wing fighting the occupying Israeli forces, the United Kingdom does not consider them to be a terrorist organisation.

His only crime, according to the European Comission-funded Circus School, is "making children happy". The arrest was also condemned by the Palestinian Performing Arts Network, an umbrella organisation which says it "represent[s] the majority of the Palestinian cultural sector."

In a statement calling for Mr Sakha's immediate release, they note that the "the Israeli practice of administrative detention has been condemned on numerous occasions by the UN Human Rights Office," and by the organisation implementing the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights", which Israel has signed.

There are around 7,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons, around 700 of whom are under administrative detention. Around 300 Palestinian children are also incarcerated by Israel.

Prisoners in administrative detention lose the right to legal representation, or to defend themselves before a jury. It is understood that Mr Sakha will be appealing against his detention before a military judge on 21 March. The Israeli Army official will have absolute power over his future.

The Palestinian Circus School say Mr Sakha's only crime is "making children laugh" (Associated Press)

In a statement, Amnesty say that the power of administrative detention is "used by Israel as a way of sidestepping the criminal justice system and detaining people who should never have been arrested."

They continue: "We believe that some Palestinians held in administrative detention by Israel are prisoners of conscience, held solely for the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression and 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 }}

Protests have erupted in rebel-held Syria as residents seized on the calm brought by a fragile ceasefire to renew their calls for the downfall of President Bashar al-Assad.

Waving the rebel Syrian flag and shouting slogans that date back to the early days of the 2011 Syrian uprising, demonstrators took to the streets in opposition parts of Damascus, Aleppo, Homs and Daraa.

Recommended Read more Two Syrians sent to prison over death of Aylan Kurdi

Firas Abdullah, an activist in the Douma, a suburb of the Syrian capital, said that the protest in his town was the biggest since 2012. The message is that we are back with the peaceful revolution, he told The Independent. We didnt give up.

The leader of Syrias official opposition delegation to UN peace talks struck a more pessimistic tone. Riad al-Hijab warned that the current conditions were not suitable for a resumption of negotiations planned for Wednesday  though he said it was too early to predict whether the opposition would stage a boycott.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said that overall violence fell by 90 per cent in the first five days of the truce engineered by the US and Russia, which came into force on Saturday. Its director, Rami Abdurrahman, said that 118 people had died in areas included in the ceasefire. He said the violations were like small waves that rock the boat but are not strong enough to capsize it.

However, Mr Hijab warned that the bloodshed was still too high and said Damascus had not adhered to a commitment to release detainees and allow adequate aid into rebel-held areas. He said the Syrian government and its allies had continued to attack civilians and, along with Kurdish forces, had taken advantage of the agreement to push on with operations to take rebel-held territory.

Amr al-Absi, a senior Isis leader, had been killed in an air strike in Syria, it has emerged.
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 Independent on Sunday opposed the decision to extend British air strikes against Islamic State from Iraq to Syria in December. We did not disagree with the principle of using military force to try to defeat the monstrous cultists of death and violence, but we felt that the case for an additional British contribution had not been made.

Nor did we question the Prime Ministers good faith. We accepted that his arguments for this small extension of the British role in the region were sincere and well intentioned. In particular, we were reassured by the undertaking in the Governments motion, carried by the House of Commons, to keep the country updated on the progress of British military engagement.

However, we report today that the quarterly update promised by David Cameron has failed to materialise. Downing Street claims that the Foreign Secretary and the International Development Secretary have kept MPs informed, but they have done so in general terms. Meanwhile, the Government insists there have been no civilian casualties as a result of British air strikes. This seems implausible. The non-government organisation Airwars, collating open-source information, suggests that the civilian death toll from all coalition strikes, mostly carried out by the US air force, is close to 1,000. It is almost as if Mr Cameron did not take seriously the principle of accountability to the House of Commons for the use of British military force abroad.

In addition to his casual approach to a solemn commitment to the House, his Government has been evasive about the use of drones. Michael Fallon, the Defence Secretary, has suggested that the convention that MPs must approve military action does not apply to drones. He has also refused to say whether British drones might be used in Libya.

Mr Cameron has also disappointed on rendition and torture. Having shown willing, as a new Prime Minister, to get to the bottom of the involvement of the previous government in some of the darker corners of the US-led war on terror, he is now falling short. As we report today, the Foreign Office is obstructing the publication of documents under US freedom of information law. Nine documents, which shed light on discussions of the treatment of Guantanamo detainees, have been withheld.

Recommended Read more UK carries out just 33 successful Syrian air strikes in three months

How different things seemed in 2010, when the new coalition government launched a short and sharp inquiry, under Sir Peter Gibson, a retired appeal court judge, to look into British involvement in rendition and torture. The inquiry was suspended in 2012 and then wound up because legal cases prevented a thorough investigation. Sir Peter eventually published a report, in 2013, but it had a number of omissions. Meanwhile, confidence in government assertions of clean-handedness was further undermined by the apparent smoking gun that emerged in the case of Abdelhakim Belhadj, whose rendering to Libya, seemingly under Tony Blairs deal in the desert with Muammar Gaddafi, was described by an MI6 official as the least we could do.

After the Gibson inquiry was suspended, the Government said it still intended to hold a judge-led inquiry, once the court cases allowed. But the Prime Minister instead passed responsibility to the Intelligence and Security Committee, a committee of MPs whom he appoints.

Dominic Grieve, the former Attorney General who chairs the committee, is an MP of notable integrity, but we must doubt that he has the forcefulness and power needed to hold the Government to account on such an important issue. We look to him to prove us wrong.

The Prime Ministers commitment to openness and accountability in defence matters has failed to live up to his brave and impressive words.
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 have an addiction. My friends and family know it  its clear just by looking at me  but the time has come to go public. My natural hair colour is mid-brown  or at least it was the last time I looked, which was roughly 25 years ago.

As a teen I first dyed it deep mahogany, which was as much as my school would allow. Later I coloured it black. I wanted to look like Joan Jett though, with my complexion, the reality was closer to Dawn of the Dead. Since then its been red, copper, auburn and burgundy. Right now it is, according to the packet, Crimson Promise.

You can keep your tanning, waxing, threading and manicuring  theyre not for me. A fresh dye job, however, makes me feel spruced up and new. Its not very different from putting on a new dress, although as a DIY-colourist, its a whole lot cheaper.

I mention this because our use of hair dye is increasingly politicised. Scientists last week revealed they had discovered the gene responsible for turning hair grey, which will aid the development of methods to stop it. On Radio 4 on Friday the classicist Mary Beard presented Glad To Be Grey, in which she looked at the pressure on older women to colour their hair, lest their salt-and-pepper locks render them invisible or, worse still, unemployable. Beard was dispirited to find that the overwhelming majority of women over 50 choose to hide their grey hair.

It is sad that in these supposedly enlightened times women fret about how their hair may affect their employment prospects, while men can age gracefully, their grey apparently making them distinguished and wise.

Its great to see Beard, Christine Lagarde, Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmylou Harris with their grey hair, though the fact they are in the minority among their respective age groups shows that there is indeed a problem. Pay attention to your hair, Hillary Clinton cautioned Yale students 15 years ago. Everyone else will.

But does this mean that, by colouring my hair, I am vain or shallow, or engaging in some sort of deception? Am I giving in to pressure and betraying my feminist principles by abandoning my natural shade?

I like to think not. Messing about with how I look on the outside doesnt make me empty on the inside and, aside from one bleaching experiment during which a white streak turned a muddy green, it has always been a joyful experience.

And its certainly not about looking younger  though as I reach middle age Ill admit that its a not unwelcome side effect.

Whats important here is that its a matter of choice. My hair is a canvas on to which I can project my mood, and I love doing just that. A sweep of eyeliner and richly artificial hair colour is what keeps me feeling like me.

Twitter.com/@FionaSturges
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 }}

Hero of the week was Stuart Rose, the former boss of Marks & Spencer and former Eurosceptic who now leads the Stronger In campaign. When Wes Streeting, the latest MP to enjoy the title of Next Labour Prime Minister, asked him a straight question, Lord Rose gave a straight answer.

Streeting, a member of the Treasury select committee, asked him whether, if Britain left the EU, the end of free movement of workers could see an increase in wages for low-skilled workers in the UK.

Lord Rose replied: If you are short of labour the price will, frankly, go up. So yes. Thats not necessarily a good thing.

What a refreshing exchange that was. And how depressing that so many journalists seized on it as a gaffe and wrote about it only in relation to how it would affect the horse-race of the referendum campaign. Politicians on the Leave side of the argument trumpeted the embarrassment of their opponent, while those on the Remain side confirmed that they were indeed embarrassed by forcing Lord Rose to issue a statement clarifying his comments.

Sometimes, politicians and journalists conspire in what John Birt and Peter Jay once called a bias against understanding.

Lord Roses answer was right and honest, and could have been the start of a discussion about the complex costs and benefits of EU membership. Indeed, he started that discussion after saying that Brexit would lead to higher wages, but by then no one was listening. He went on to say that free movement works both ways: At the moment we are seeing one-way traffic because our economy is growing and the European economy has had a very tough time. There will probably be a point in five or 10 years time when it goes the other way and we will want to go the other way and we will all want to work in Europe. So lets not shut the door before we see that we want that opportunity for our children and grandchildren.

He had, in fact, touched on a traditional Labour argument that is almost never expressed, namely that UK wages would be more equal if the supply of low-skilled labour from the rest of the EU were restricted. Since the EU expanded in 2004, the pro-EU Labour Party has shied away from talking about the effect of free movement on wages. Jeremy Corbyn hasnt talked about it, despite his anti-EU past, because his supporters are overwhelmingly pro-EU.

This is a pity, because it is an important debate. Lord Rose is right, but the effect of immigration on wages may be small and short-lived. Jonathan Portes, the former Treasury economist, estimates from a recent Bank of England study that, in the eight years after 2004, immigration cut the wages of UK-born semi and unskilled workers by about 1 per cent. Compare that with, for example, next months 7 per cent rise in the UK minimum wage to 7.20 an hour.

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.

What is more, if we left the EU, the boost to low wages might be only temporary. In the long run we might all, including the low paid, be worse off.

Recommended Read more Question Time audience member sums up problem with EU debate

Conventional economics suggests that free movement, like free trade, is in everyones interest. The problem is the social dislocation caused by migration, just as the resistance to free trade comes from sectors of the economy most disrupted by it. Lord Rose was trying to say that lower wages in the short term would be outweighed by the benefits of EU membership in the long run.

He also tried to point out that immigration from outside the EU is still higher than that from within the EU.

Instead of engaging with these important questions, Lord Roses opponents shouted Gotcha! and went back to accusing David Cameron of running Project Fear.

Project Fear? It was Iain Duncan Smith who said staying in would leave the door open to Paris-style terrorist attacks, and Priti Patel who compared the EU to the Titanic. What the Outers wont do is say that leaving has its costs, but that they think the benefits outweigh them.

Recommended Read more MPs to quiz business on the impact of a Brexit

The Prime Minister is quite right to point out that the Outers wont say what they want our relationship with the EU to be if we leave. I think most of those intending to vote to leave mean to exclude Britain from free movement of EU workers, which they think depresses wages. There is a trade-off. They know that free movement is a condition of full access to the single European market. They accept that ending free movement would mean we would have to pay tariffs on our exports to the EU. Tariffs are currently charged at an average of 3 per cent on imports from outside the EU. For most leavers, weighing costs and benefits, that is a price worth paying.

However, Boris Johnson, who has put himself forward as a candidate to be the prime minister who negotiates the terms of our exit from the EU, has not said where he stands on these points. Perhaps, on The Andrew Marr Show, he will follow Lord Roses example and give a straight answer to some straight questions.

Twitter.com/@JohnRentoul
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 we have the answers to everything at our fingertips, its refreshing to be surprised by the odd curious lack of knowledge. A case in point: who would have thought that same-sex marriage was yet to be legally recognised in Australia?

Last week, the Australian Marriage Equality campaign received a timely and heartbreaking boost from a widely shared Facebook post by a woman called Lara Ryan. After changing her profile picture to reflect her support for the campaign, she wrote: This is why. Because having lost my partner in an accident last month I had to ask policemen if I was allowed to write Spouse on incident reports and I had to cross out boxes for Husband on the death certificate.

Because we were never political, we just tried to live by example to shift peoples hearts rather than pushing agendas. BUT the amount of paperwork I am having to do to secure mine and my childrens future welfare is just ridiculous when all it would take is one marriage certificate. Feel free to share widely. Consider it done.

Half-board for Bacon

If you could buy a Francis Bacon painting for the price of the average wedding, you wouldnt think twice, right? Well, you can  albeit a Bacon split in two and recently discovered on the back of two works by the Irish painter Tony OMalley (to be auctioned on 17 March at Christies; estimated price: 20,000-30,000).

But how, precisely, did this piece of hardboard come to be split in the first place? Over to the artist David Page, who was working in a studio which had been used by Bacon in St Ives in the early 1960s.

Up near the door there was a piece of hardboard with an abandoned Bacon on the reverse. One day, Tony OMalley came round for a chat. After a while he told us that he had nothing to paint on, so my friend said, Have that bit of board over there. Its a bit big for me, said Tony. Ill cut it in half for you, said my friend.

And had Page known then what we know now, does he regret giving away that particular piece of board? I wasnt bothered then, and Im not now, because it was a reject, he says. The astronomical prices for some artists work are shameful, particularly when the majority make nothing. And, of course, none of us know for sure if it is by Bacon, so if it were declared not to be, it would become a valueless bit of scribble on the back of a couple of OMalleys  that is to say, it has no intrinsic value at all, only gilt by association.

The Francis Bacon work, split in two, and recently discovered

Leap trick

Backfiring promotion of the week? McGillins Olde Ale House (est 1860) is the longest continuously operating bar in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the US.

Last week, as a special offer for Leap Day, McGillins promised a $100 gift card to the first five women to propose in the pub. The bars owner, Chris Mullins, had this to say about the non-event event.

Hundreds of couples have met, gotten engaged and even married at McGillins but, typically, none of them did so on Leap Day. We are sad and disappointed. Will they repeat the offer in 2020? Yes, says Mullins, but well up the ante.

Double life of Brian

The man widely viewed as the poet Laureate of Twitter, Brian Bilston, last week posted the following:

DONALD TRUMPTON

Skew/Spew/Barmy Hairdo/ Cut-throat/Bigot/and Smug.

Within hours, his words had been superimposed, unattributed, on to a picture from the 1960s childrens television programme and were doing the rounds on social media. Does this sort of thing bother Bilston?

Not at all, he tells me. The main compulsion for writing [the poem] was to ridicule this somewhat unsavoury person. So, a meme that carries that kind of sentiment cant be too bad.

And what did your friends make of it? Brian Bilston is a fictional creation I hide behind because the idea of being a poet still strikes me as being rather ludicrous, when were out of milk and theres washing to be done, he says. Not many people who know me, know of this strange double-life I lead.

A collection of Brian Bilstons work will be published by Unbound in October

Om, oh sod it!

In the week it was announced that swearing was an arrestable offence in Salford Quays, one Canadian woman made her own unique stand for expletives. Ive created Rage Yoga for all of us who want to become Zen as fuck, says Lindsay Istace. Whatever next? Moody meditation? Incensed incense?

The wrong trousers

With sales down, mocking Instagram feeds and an association with hipsters and hooray Henrys, these are not good times for red trousers. Last week, Country Life decided to fight back. But the timing of its In defence of red trousers could not have been worse: as anyone watching the BBCs The Night Manager will know, the worst man in the world Richard Roper is rarely seen sporting anything else.

Twitter: @simmyrichman
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 }}

What happened on Super Tuesday confirmed something amazing about modern democratic politics, the full implications of which voters and the media have been very slow to grasp: the old tribal allegiances are becoming redundant, and the main moral and intellectual divisions are within parties rather than between them.

In Britain and America, both main parties  what used to be called left and right  are split. That this is the condition of four political parties spanning the ideological spectrum and across two continents shows we are not in the realm of coincidence here. Something deeper is going on.

Donald Trump will soon be the Republican candidate. But his partys conservative establishment despises him and his world-view. The feeling is mutual. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has just about stemmed a tide of support for Bernie Sanders, the radical socialist from Vermont.

Over here, Jeremy Corbyn, Sanders ideological bedfellow, leads a pathetically divided Labour Party. And in case you hadnt noticed, civil war has again broken out among the Tories, over Europe. Before that, millions of previously Tory-inclined voters (and many Labour ones) flocked to Ukip, disgruntled by the alleged takeover of their party by a metropolitan elite.

Are there factors that can explain why the same thing is happening to such different political movements? My answer is: yes.

All successful parties are coalitions. Broadly speaking, most tend to be a coalition between richer, better educated, socially liberal types and poorer, less educated and more socially conservative types. This is a crass generalisation but it contains truth. For instance, Labour was always a mixture of unionised working classes and donnish leftists (often from north London). To acquire power, you have to hold these coalitions together. Tony Blair was expert at that.

But now the coalitions have been ripped asunder by the two massive economic forces spreading, virus-like, through the world: rapid globalisation (which includes high levels of migration) and technological innovation. This is destroying whole industries and all the old certainties about life. For poor people in the rich world, especially those who live in small towns unconnected to the new concentrations of capital, it is spreading fear and poverty.

The old divide was between left and right. The new divide is between winners and losers from globalisation and technology. In other words, between the well educated and the uneducated; the urban and the rural. Our political structures are hopelessly out of sync with this change. It may take a bloody rupture for them to catch up. Is that bloody rupture called President Trump?
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 }}

How do you feel? The doctor looked at me in a mildly disinterested manner over his untidy desk. I was here to be checked over after my traumatic trip through Panamanian jungles. Id been told there was a strong chance Id picked up some horrible bug, or worm, or parasite and that it was best to find them before they could do their worst. Nevertheless, I loathe going to the doctor, as I know it will only be a matter of time before I am asked to strip down to my pants ... for no reason. I tried to block him off at the pass.

I feel fine... except for the horrible sandfly bites that I received. They are slowly disappearing however, except for the ones on my hands. I emphasised my hands by waving them at him, so that he would know that my hands were not covered by any clothing and that there was absolutely no need for me to strip. I could just show him my hands and we could move on.

Recommended Read more Nine out of 10 GPs fear missing symptoms because of their workload

Right... well if you can just pop all your clothes off, put them on the back of that chair and lie down well have a look. Unbelievable. There is nothing that you can go and see a doctor about that doesnt end up with them asking you to strip to your pants. Im sure its part of some elaborate gambling scheme they amuse themselves with  each doc betting on how many patients he can make do it in a day.

Nevertheless, like a compliant sheep in an abattoir: I nodded, stripped off and allowed the doctor to inspect my hands while dressed only in my underpants. We both knew that he had won, and that this whole charade was ridiculous but we kept up our thin veneer of normality as we chatted about the inclement weather.

Finally he moved away and back behind his desk. Nothing was said about putting my clothes on but I retook the initiative and started to get dressed. The doctor looked disapproving but said nothing. Once fully clothed I felt human again. I sat down opposite him, an equal, but only for a moment. He had a trump card to play. He opened a drawer and removed a plastic tub, a spatula and an envelope.

This is for your stool sample...

There was a long silence. Eventually I had to say something. You want a stool sample... now? This was worse than the Spanish Inquisition.

No, not unless you can. You can take this home and then, when you next do your business, pop some of it in this tub and post it in the envelope. He smiled like this was a totally normal thing to do.

Two days later and I am at home dreading the inevitable call of my bowels. Surely sending people poo in the post is illegal? What if Im involved in an accident on my way to the postbox? The newspapers would have a field day. The comedian Dom Joly was involved in a minor road accident this morning. Upon arrival at hospital he was discovered to be carrying a small plastic tub of his own faeces. Its the stuff of nightmares.
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 }}

Could there have been a greater contrast between the scenes at the Macedonia border last week and the latest squabbling over the EU referendum campaign in the UK? The row over whether the In campaign was running project fear or project fact did not seem to be on the same planet, let alone the same continent, as the images of hungry babies clutching at their mothers faces, a woman refugee despairing that she no longer feels human, or several members of one family sleeping in thin tents designed for two people.

The Out campaign uses migration and the refugee crisis as a reason for Britain to leave. Peter Bone, the Tory MP and co-founder of Grassroots Out, says, in the event of Brexit: If asylum seekers start arriving at Dover, we will send them straight back. Brexit will give Britain back control of its own borders, and so the ability of migrants and refugees to travel freely throughout the EU would stop at the UK. David Cameron, on behalf of the In campaign, says he has secured tougher rules on migration as part of his reform deal from Brussels. But this only focuses on a narrow detail of a much bigger picture. Shouldnt the Prime Minister use the refugee crisis as precisely a reason that the UK should stay in Europe?

In a House of Commons speech that will take some beating to be the best of 2016, the Conservative MP Sir Nicholas Soames, who wants Britain to remain in the EU, quoted from his grandfathers speech in The Hague in 1948. Arguing why post-war European co-operation was so important, Winston Churchill said: If we all pull together and pool the luck and the comradeship  and firmly grasp the larger hopes of humanity, then it may be that we shall move into a happier sunlit age, when all the little children who are now growing up in this tormented world may find themselves not the victors nor the vanquished in the fleeting triumphs of one country over another in the bloody turmoil of  war, but the heirs of all the treasures of the past and the masters of all the science, the abundance and the glories of the future.

It is a tragedy that Churchills words can be applied to Europe today, but they also underline the reasons why EU countries are stronger together in facing one of the greatest challenges of our age  the refugee crisis. Britain took in refugees during and after the Second World War, and it should not turn its back on them now.

It is true that this country is helping Syrian and Iraqi refugees in camps closer to their home countries. But, on the eve of a major EU summit on migration, it is inescapable that there are also more than a million refugees in Europe. Instead of getting bogged down in the detail of dossiers of what might happen if we left, the Prime Minister should step back and deliver a speech that captures the momentousness of the refugee crisis, and how Britain can play a leading part, through its continued membership of the EU, in tackling it. Because history will judge him on this, whatever he says.

Churchills Hague speech showed that part of what makes Britain great is its ability to firmly grasp the larger hopes of humanity, not release the grip because our hands are full.

Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily.

Poison in the Labour Party

The referendum campaign may be threatening to split the Conservative Party, but at least many of its MPs are insisting (as they would) that after 23 June, whatever the outcome of the vote, there will be a period of healing. The same cannot be said of Labour.

The bitterly fought election for its NEC youth representative shows that the party is already split. Under Jeremy Corbyn, factionalism has taken hold. Wes Streeting, the MP for Ilford North, says he cant recall anything quite as poisonous as the campaign between James Elliott, who was backed by Momentum and Unite, and the eventual winner, Jasmine Beckett.

What was disgraceful was the accusation by Corbyns ally and the founder of Momentum, Jon Lansman, that Beckett was a careerist  when she is a 19-year-old from a working-class background in Liverpool. It is easy to focus only on the EU referendum, but this Mays local and Scottish elections will be the first electoral test of Corbyns leadership. With Labour already so deeply divided, what will the voters do?

Remember Harold  in stone

Harold Wilson, who knew about Labour disunity as the prime minister whose cabinet split over the 1975 referendum, was born 100 years ago this week. Barry Sheerman, the Labour MP for Huddersfield who has long campaigned for a statue of Wilson to be erected in the House of Commons alongside other great premiers, told Cameron at PMQs that Wilson stood up to the rebels in his own party and secured a yes vote for staying in Europe.

This is only half the story, of course: after the Yes vote Labour was still riven over Europe, and this eventually led to the breakaway SDP. However, Sheerman has a point about a statue: Wilson served for two terms and had wide popular appeal. Many places in the UK have a connection to the former PM: he was born in Huddersfield, went to Oxford University, was MP for both Ormskirk and Huyton in Merseyside and became Baron Wilson of Rievaulx, after the abbey in North Yorkshire. There are statues and tributes to him all over the country except in the Commons, so isnt it time he was recognised in Parliament?

Graylings decision isnt funny

Chris Grayling, the Leader of the Commons, dismissed calls for TV programmes such as Have I Got News For You to be able to use footage from inside Parliament. This is an utterly bizarre anomaly, given that factual programmes which deploy some humour, such as the BBCs This Week, are permitted. Like MPs pay and pensions, this is yet another area where politicians are allowed to regulate their own business and we voters can do absolutely nothing about it. Which I guess is satire, on one level.

Twitter: @janemerrick23
Facebook is to stop routing advertising sales from its major UK customers through Ireland.

The social media giant has started informing its larger UK customers that from April they will begin receiving invoices from Facebook UK rather than Facebook Ireland.

It is understood that companies such as Tesco and Sainsbury's are among the big firms affected.

Facebook, and other big tech companies, have routinely moved profits from other countries through Ireland and on to countries with very low corporate tax rates in a completely legal manner.

The method, known as the "Double Irish" has however attracted criticism from European politicians who believe tech firms should pay more tax in their own countries.

Google has reached an agreement on tax with the UK worth 130m, and is in talks with other countries.

In a statement, Facebook said that from Monday, "we will start notifying large UK customers that from the start of April they will receive invoices from Facebook UK and not Facebook Ireland.

"What this means in practice is that UK sales made directly by our UK team will be booked in the UK, not Ireland. Facebook UK will then record the revenue from these sales."

Facebook, which employs around 1,000 people in Ireland, has ruled out any job cuts as a result of the change in policy. However the move will increase concerns that the tax incentives for a company to set up in Ireland and create jobs here are being eroded.

The move will likely see a significant increase in the amount of tax Facebook pays in the UK.

The firm said the change would "provide transparency" to its operations in the UK.

"The new structure is easier to understand and clearly recognises the value our UK organisation adds to our sales through our highly skilled and growing UK sales team," the spokesman said.

The arrangement will not see a change in the way in which Facebook processes smaller advertising deals in the UK. Those firms will continue to deal with sales staff in Ireland and will in turn continue to receive invoices from the Republic.

Facebook's European headquarters will remain in Ireland.

It is understood the company expects revenues at its Facebook UK firm to increase as a result of the change.

The move is specifically about future arrangements and will not include any arrangements around back taxes.

In 2014, the social media giant's UK arm paid just 4,327 in corporation tax.
Some of the Hodson Bay Hotel Group team with presenter Miriam O'Callaghan

ONE of the few remaining hotel groups owned by an Irish family has picked up a prestigious award.

The Hodson Bay Hotel group was awarded a Deloitte special platinum award in the Convention Centre last night.

The Deloitte Best Managed Companies Awards Programme recognises indigenous Irish companies which are operating at the highest levels of business performance.

Padraig Sugrue CEO of the Hodson Bay group said the group's success was down to 25 years of investment in its hotels and the training and development of staff.

"Our corporate culture is built on the three pillars of Respect for our Customers, Respect for our Staff and Respect for the local community", said Mr Sugrue.

He added "it was a great source of pride for the company to be the first Hotel Group in the country to receive this exceptional accolade".

The group's Commercial Director Garry Walsh said that he had returned to the company last year because, in his opinion, Hodson Bay Group are best positioned to exploit the fantastic growth potential in the tourism industry, particularly in the Dublin market.

Mr Walsh took up positions as director of Ancillaries Revenues with Ryanair and also as Commercial head of Digital with Independent News and Media.

Mr Walsh said that his time away from the company allowed him to lead the online commercial retail strategy across 30 countries at Ryanair and replicate his successes across INMs Digital publishing platforms.

The Hodson Bay Group currently owns over 500 bedrooms, including the Hodson Bay Hotel on the shores of Lough Ree, the Galway Bay Hotel on Galway Citys seafront, and the Sheraton Athlone Hotel, and is looking to expand into the Dublin market.

The annual Deloitte awards took place on Friday evening at the Convention Centre.

Guest speaker Frank Ryan spoke passionately of Lifelong learning and paid tribute to the employees of all winning companies on what was National Employee Recognition day.
John McCann is to step down as chief executive of Wireless, only days after the company completed the sale of its television business.

In a stock exchange announcement, the owner of a network of radio stations, including TalkSport, FM104 and Q102, said Mr McCann, above, will retire at the company's annual general meeting in May.

Non-executive chairman Richard Huntingford will replace him.

Mr McCann (62) had been expected to retire this year. He has been with the company since 1983 and had been chief executive for the past 16 years.

Analysts universally praised Mr McCann for the job he did as CEO. One of his last acts was to sell the UTV Ireland TV business he launched to great fanfare last year.

The new channel struggled to gain traction however and the company issued four profit warnings as a result.

Before its January 2015 launch, the station was expected to lose 3m (3.9m) by the end of last year, mostly related to startup costs.

In March the loss estimate increased to 6m before rising further to 8.5m in May and then 11.5m at the end of June. By November however that number had ballooned to 18m.

Mr McCann though engineered a sale its TV assets, which also includes UTV Northern Ireland, to ITV for 136m - a move strongly praised by analysts. Goodbody Stockbrokers' Gavin Kelleher said Mr McCann had "transformed" the business.

With Mr Huntingford taking over, Wireless will unusually have one person in the role of chairman and chief executive. It is understood that the company believes splitting the positions is not neccesary given the size of the business.

Mr Huntingford previously headed Chrysalis Group.
The Metropole Hotel in Cork is a sister to the Cork Airport Hotel.

The Cork Airport Hotel is officially relaunching following an extensive refurbishment.

The venue's redesigned 80-seater restaurant Olivo is serving up authentic Italian dishes and boasts the city's only Make Your Own Pizza station, available to all children dining in the restaurant.

The Airport Hotel, a sister to the Cork International Hotel and the Metropole Hotel, employs 50 staff, with two new high-level positions created as a result of the recent investment.

Jeffery Eiffe was appointed as the new food and beverage manager, and Moyisi Mondula was recently named Olivo restaurant's head chef. The hotel also announced that Down Syndrome Cork is its 'Charity of the Year' for 2016. The hotel's general manager, Aaron Mansworth, said the company has a strong history of working with local charities.
A shareholder in Petroceltic is seeking High Court protection for the Dublin-based oil and gas exploration company.

Worldview, a 29pc shareholder, has been in dispute with the board of Petroceltic for more than 18 months during which it sought to take over control of the company a number of times.

On Friday, Skye Investments, the investment vehicle headed by Petroceltic chairman Robert Adair, which owns a 19pc shareholding in the exploration company, said the latest takeover offer from Worldview - headed by Angelo Moskov - undervalued the company.

Petroceltic has headquarters at Grand Canal Street Upper, Dublin, and offices in Algeria, Cairo, Edinburgh, London, Rome and Varna, Bulgaria.

The company has been hit hard by the collapse in oil prices. Last December the company said it was beginning a strategic review, effectively putting the business up for sale.

According to Worldview's High Court petition, Petroceltic employs 144 staff in its head office and the "operations function".

The petition came before Mr Justice Brian McGovern yesterday via an application for directions concerning its advertisement and hearing.

The judge made the relevant directions and told Declan Murphy BL, for Worldview, that he would return the matter to April 4.

The petition, brought by Worldview EHS International Master Fund, with registered offices in the Cayman Islands, is seeking court protection and the appointment of Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton as examiner.

If appointed, his task will be to devise a scheme of arrangement to be put before creditors of Petroceltic.

The petition seeks protection for Petroceltic International plc and two related companies, Petroceltic Investments Ltd and Petroceltic Ain Tsila Ltd.

In its petition, Worldview says, as a minority shareholder, it does not generally have access to any information or documents relating to Petroceltic other than publicly available information but believes the information relied upon in the petition was true and accurate.

It had not relied in the petition on additional information provided to it on a confidential basis in the context of discussions with Petroceltic, it said.

Worldview claims, based on the information relied upon, that Petroceltic remains in an "extremely uncertain position" relating to its bank facilities and its ability to continue as a going concern absent court protection.

Based on an independent expert's report, Worldview says it believes Petroceltic and related companies have a viable future as a going concern subject to certain conditions.

Those included securing court protection and approval of a scheme involving a viable restructuring of certain creditors of the group by the High Court.

It would also involve investor funding, successful implementation of Worldview's proposed cost-cutting measures and the farming out, or disposal of, non-core assets.

In addition to Worldview's own offer to acquire the group and support it through a period of court protection and examinership, there are other willing investors that have expressed an interest in acquiring the group as a going concern, Worldview claims.

In a statement last night, Petroceltic said it was taking legal advice and declined to comment further.
Tesco has told the Labour Court that it cannot afford to pay its Irish staff their 2015 bonus as it continues to experience a year-on-year fall in sales.

However, the retailer - under pressure from German retailers Aldi and Lidl - has not convinced the Labour Court which has recommended that it pay the bonus to staff which can range from 400 to 1,000 for each employee.

In the dispute before the Labour Court, the court has also recommended a 2pc pay rise backdated to last April for Tesco's 14,000-plus employees. Mandate and Siptu had sought a 3pc pay rise for staff and the payment of the withheld bonus.

Tesco told the Labour Court it continues to experience a year on year decrease in its sales position "and therefore an increase in rates of pay is not feasible at this time".

Tesco said that with the exception of certain employees who had a guaranteed bonus payment - believed to be around one third of staff - "it is not in a financial position to award a bonus to all staff".

Divisional organiser with Mandate Brendan O'Hanlon yesterday welcomed the Labour Court recommendation.

Mr O'Hanlon said that Tesco Ireland has confirmed that it is profitable but wouldn't confirm the level of profitability.

He said the retailer failed to provide profit figures to the Labour Court. "That approach doesn't help anyone. Given that they are the second biggest retailer in the country with around a 25pc market share, I believe that they are extremely profitable and that they are in a position to pay and that it is a case of 'wont pay' rather than 'can't pay'." He said that the refusal by Tesco to pay the bonus last summer "did cause a considerable level of anger". Tesco was unavailable for comment.
Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Ronan Keating performing at the Barclaycard British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park, London.

Getting up close and personal with Boyzlife stars Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden will set you back almost 100.

Boyzone singer Duffy and ex-Westlife star McFadden have teamed up to form the 'manband' which will tour the UK with a series of hotel concerts next year.

On top of tickets to see the lads in action, the Dublin singers are also offering a meet-and-greet deal for fans who want to get a slice of the action backstage.

The VIP Package includes a "private meet and greet with Boyzlife straight after the show" for no longer than one hour.

Expand Close PIC: Brian McFadden Twitter / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp PIC: Brian McFadden Twitter

The package also includes a photo opportunity at the private encounter as well as signed exclusive tour merchandise and 'premium seating' at the concert. The packages priced at 77 - roughly 90 are available across all of the lads' tour dates.

It looks like fans are willing spend that money as the VIP packages have now sold out for nearly all of the 12 concert dates.

McFadden and Duffy will kick off their tour with the Hilton hotel group in London on October 16.

It will take them across the UK, Scotland and Wales with a final date in Belfast on October 31.

Expand Close Popstars: Brian McFadden, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Nicky and Kian Egan in Westlife in 2001. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Popstars: Brian McFadden, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, Nicky and Kian Egan in Westlife in 2001.

Read More

Tickets are available in three categories with the cheapest being 35, while the most expensive cost 58.

The delighted lads yesterday announced that only one of their gigs, which will see them perform a series of hits from their Westlife/Boyzone days, has yet to sell out.

McFadden left Westlife in 2004 and has forged a solo career in music and on TV, most recently on Channel 4 series The Jump. Duffy has pursued an acting career, and is currently appearing in the Gaiety's production of John B Keane's Big Maggie.

Expand Close Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Ronan Keating performing at the Barclaycard British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park, London. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mikey Graham, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Ronan Keating performing at the Barclaycard British Summer Time Festival in Hyde Park, London.

Video of the Day

McFadden, who split from wife Vogue Williams last year, has said that they are hoping to get other band members on board.

However, Mayo music mogul Louis Walsh yesterday ruled out any of the other Westlife members signing up for Boyzlife.

"I read about Boyzlife and that's Brian and Keith," Louis said. "I like both of them, I think they'll do okay. But there was a rumour about all of Boyzone and Westlife and that is absolutely not true," he added.
Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood with his co-stars, Robin Wright and Michael Kelly. The eagerly awaited series 4 premiered on Netflix this week.

Kevin Spacey is back as dastardly Frank Underwood, the moustache-twirling political bad boy we love to hate.

And this year he has even more on his plate than usual. First Lady Claire has gone awol, threatening to pull the rug from under Frank as he seeks re-election as US President.

Meanwhile, enemies from his past are closing in, determined to bring the Commander-in-Chief down by means fair or foul.

After last weeks seemingly endless general election, you might think that political skulduggery was the last thing Irish viewers needed more of.

But House of Cards is worth making an exception for.

With its gorgeous production values, chillingly persuasive performances and biting dialogue, as the show returns to Netflix for a fourth season it remains one of the most compelling things on television.

Theres an intriguing line-up of new characters, including Ellen Burstyn as Claires embittered crone mother; and Nineties actress Neve Campbell as a ruthless campaign manager.

Yet, as ever, the bright shining stars at the centre of the action remain those ghastly Underwoods  Frank (Spacey) and Claire (Robin Wright).

Spacey has always enjoyed playing the charmingly thuggish Frank  the sort of politician who will stab you in the back only when looking you in the eye and slitting your throat isnt an option.

However, this year he slipped beneath Underwoods skin with even more relish than usual. He was back, breaking the fourth wall with his to-camera monologues, inviting the viewer to feel duplicitous as he hoodwinked, cajoled and bullied his ways down the corridors of power.

As we rejoined Frank, he was duking it out with his Democratic party rivalry for the Presidential nomination  the squeaky-clean Heather Dunbar.

Dark against light, cynicism against hope: it promised to be a compelling competition. And on the horizon was an even more ominous foe  the Kennedy-esque Republican darling Will Conway (his wife is played by Dublin actress Dominique McElligott).

Video of the Day

Claire, meanwhile, had an agenda of her own.

At the end of last season shed walked out on Frank, feeling she had played second fiddle too long.

She nursed hefty political ambitions too  and she was determined to make them a reality, even if it sank her husbands campaign.

For Underwood die-hards it was like welcoming a pair of old friends back into your living room.

Of course it is impossible to discuss the Netflix juggernaut without touching on the drama of the real-world Presidential race.

Here, without question, reality trumps fiction. House of Cards has, across four years, assembled an appealing menagerie of weirdos, misfits and iconoclasts  yet none quite as implausible as Donald Trump.

House of Cards is a riotous romp, no question.

But for properly mind-bending politics, youre probably better off watching the evening news.
The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces believes the 1916 commemorations offer the military an opportunity to increase public understanding of their role in the defence and security of the State, while also reinforcing their identity and heritage.

In an interview with the Irish Independent, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett said Oglaigh na hEireann were a key component of the State's security architecture and were part of the bedrock which underpinned our sovereignty and sovereign rights, while contributing to the framework which facilitates a civil society.

"Security is the foundation on which a society's cultural, social and economic achievements stand," he said.

"The norms and principles of a civilised society, including security, are vital towards creating the conditions in which both society and economy can flourish."

The peacekeeping efforts of the Defence Forces around the globe were part of the enabling conditions for a safe and secure environment, which, he said, were essential to facilitating a level of security among peoples less fortunate than ourselves.

"Throughout our history, leaders have shaped the conditions that have enabled an independent Ireland - one underpinned by the determination of men and women for a society where people are free, where the institutions of State function and where the vulnerable are protected.

"It is, indeed, a privilege and an honour", the chief of staff said, "that Oglaigh na hEireann, as a key institution of democracy, play a prominent role in the 1916 commemorations as we continue to uphold our values in the domestic operations of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and on behalf of the Irish people in 15 countries worldwide".

Vice Admiral Mellett said it was also an opportunity for the Defence Forces to recognise the important contribution that the Reserve makes, while acknowledging the tremendous service of their veterans.

"2016 also provides an occasion where the Defence Forces can accentuate the drive towards greater diversity and inclusion in the organisation."

Vice Admiral Mellett, who became Chief of Staff last year and has 40 years' service - much of it seagoing, including three naval commands - said that, internally, members of Oglaigh na hEireann at home and overseas would reflect on what 1916 meant for them as soldiers, sailors and aircrew and they would host historical talks, tours and exhibitions in their installations and as part of their outreach with society.

In the cultural arena, the Defence Forces School of Music would make a significant contribution to the programme of events, as would the Equitation School in promoting Ireland and the Irish horse.

"The history of Oglaigh na hEireann can be traced back to the formation of the Irish Volunteers in November 1913. We have a similar uniform, ceremonial orders and insignia.

"As a fundamental institution of the State, with direct links to the Volunteers, an organisation which played such a prominent role in the 1916 Rising, we are honoured to have been invited by the Government to take an unprecedented part across each strand of the State's centenary programme."

The Chief of Staff outlined the seven strands as State ceremonial; historical reflection; the living language; youth and imagination; cultural expression; community participation; and global and diaspora.

The members of the 9,200-strong military organisation will play a part in all strands, in accordance with government policy and on behalf of Ireland and the Irish people. The first two strands will see military personnel involved in 55 State ceremonial events, together with flag-raising ceremonies in each of the 31 local authorities.

"These solemn ceremonies will honour the men and women of 1916. Military Archives, as the custodians of the State's primary collections concerning the Rising, will be centrally involved in the second strand by providing unprecedented access to source material for the revolutionary period and beyond."

He also described the "flags to schools" initiative as a huge success and said the military had relished the opportunity to engage with young people around the country, educating them in the national flag and the significance of the Proclamation.
Blogging about life's adventures and writing the next novel.
Photographic reproduction (from National Museum of Ireland) of note written by Eoin MacNeill cancelling the Rising planned for Easter Sunday (Note attached on the reverse notes that it was carried by The O'Rahilly in his tour around Munster). Credit: UCD A

An unpublished memoir of Eoin MacNeill tells of how MacNeill was unaware of the Military Commitee activities on the night before the Rising. Credit: Military Archives

The days before the Rising saw intense debates around the city before Pearse gave the order: 'We start operations at noon,' writes Colm O'Flaherty.

Good Friday had yet to dawn on Banna Strand when the three men came crawling in from the waves. Roger Casement, Robert Monteith and Daniel Bailey had travelled to Ireland aboard the U-19 submarine to assist with the forthcoming Rising, although Casement had strong reservations about the undertaking. They had failed to rendezvous with the Libau, a German ship carrying arms, ammunition and explosives for the insurrection.

The Libau, masquerading as a Norwegian freighter called the Aud, was later spotted by the British Navy, who had become aware of the plan after intercepting German communications. They escorted the ship to Queenstown (now Cobh), where it was scuttled on Holy Saturday morning by its captain, Karl Spindler.

The three men on Banna Strand fared no better; within hours of arriving, Casement and Bailey were arrested, while Monteith was forced to go on the run. The episode was of particular interest to authorities in Dublin Castle, who believed it was connected to an uprising that was rumoured to be afoot.

News of Casement and the Aud came as a hammer-blow for the IRB's Military Council. Not only did it leave Volunteers across the country drastically under-supplied, but the promise of German military aid had also been key in ensuring the support of the Volunteers' Chief of Staff, Eoin MacNeill. Up until Holy Week, MacNeill had been unaware of plans for an insurrection, and his compliance only came after much persuasion from Sean Mac Diarmada.

When he heard the news on Holy Saturday, MacNeill became convinced that the Rising was condemned to failure. He travelled to St Enda's College in Rathfarnham, where he confronted Patrick Pearse. According to Colm O'Loughlin, who was also present, Pearse told MacNeill to "issue what orders you like, our men won't follow you".

Pearse and the rest of the Military Council were determined to forge ahead with the Rising, which was due to commence the next day at 6.30pm. As Saturday evening set in, the members of the Council prepared themselves for battle. James Connolly retired to Liberty Hall, where he slept under armed guard; Mac Diarmada wrote a final letter to Min Ryan, the woman he intended to marry; in Eamonn Ceannt's house, a tricolour recently pieced together by Sarah Mellows was sprinkled with holy water.

Meanwhile, there was a gathering at the house of Dr Seamus O'Kelly on Rathgar Road. MacNeill had assembled allies, including Sean Fitzgibbon, Sean T O'Kelly and Arthur Griffith, in an attempt to address the crisis. Following hours of discussion, it was decided to issue a countermanding order that called off all actions set for Easter Sunday.

After being tipped off, Cathal Brugha and Thomas MacDonagh arrived to make representations against, but were rebuffed. Messengers were hastily dispatched to Volunteer leaders across the country. Amongst those sent out were Min Ryan, unaware of the full extent of her boyfriend's activities, and her brother James, who had just returned from Cork, where he had been issuing contradictory orders from Mac Diarmada containing final instructions for the Rising. Most significantly of all, MacNeill had managed to hand in a copy of the countermand to the Sunday Independent, just before it went to print.

The ability of the Military Council to respond to this blow was hampered by its dispersal throughout the city in safe houses. By the time James Connolly called a 9am meeting at Liberty Hall, the countermand had created an atmosphere of confusion, anger and dismay.

The events of the weekend had seen the best laid schemes of the Council fall almost completely asunder, yet there was a feeling that this would be their only chance to strike for independence.

After a four-hour meeting, they decided to go ahead with the Rising, but postponed it until Monday at noon. They then set to ensuring against any premature outbreaks on Sunday evening, with Pearse issuing orders echoing MacNeill's countermand. MacDonagh met with MacNeill, assuring his UCD colleague that "everything was off".

Dublin Castle seemed convinced of this too. In this sense, despite greatly diminishing the numbers who would participate in the Rising, MacNeill bestowed the conspirators an inadvertent favour. Along with the capture of Casement, the countermand helped to persuade the naturally hesitant Castle administration that the threatened insurrection was not going to materialise. They still intended to arrest Volunteer leaders, but it was felt such actions could wait until after the Easter holidays.

Unbeknownst to them, however, couriers were gathering on Sunday evening at the Gaelic League offices on North Frederick Street. There, Pearse awaited with signed notes carrying a simple message: "We start operations at noon today, Monday. Carry out your instructions."

Colm O'Flaherty is an MA graduate of the UCD School of History who has written for the UCD Decade of Centenaries website and historyhub.ie
Considering the violent world in which he was immersed since childhood, the murder of Real IRA member Vinny Ryan was almost inevitable.

His brutal passing has garnered little sympathy from a public fed up with gangsters causing mayhem on the streets as they try to wipe each other out.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Gardai search gardens of houses near the scene of the shooting dead of Vincent Ryan on McKee Road, Finglas. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. Vincent Ryan. Pic: Collins Courts A burnt-out car at Victoria Bridge, Co Kildare, which gardai suspect was used as a getaway car in the murder of Vincent Ryan. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Gardai search gardens of houses near the scene of the shooting dead of Vincent Ryan on McKee Road, Finglas. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

But no matter how deserving of a bullet the victims of the gang feuds may be, it is their devastated families who pay the highest price.

Even the most psychopathic and ruthless of them all leave behind people who loved them dearly and for whom their deaths are a tragedy.

But when a second family member perishes at the end of an assassin's gun the profound sense of tragedy and loss must be incalculable.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Mark Glennon John Paul Joyce John Roche Noel Roche Kenneth Corbally Paul Corbally / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Mark Glennon

Read More

On Tuesday, Vinny Ryan's grieving, widowed mother will be the chief mourner amongst what is expected to be a pageant of paramilitary thuggery.

She will watch her young son being laid to rest next to his older, wayward brother Alan who was also murdered in a daylight assassination in 2012.

But the Ryans are not the only family forced to bury two sons as a result of the mindless drug-related violence, a phenomenon which has become a depressingly regular feature of gangland in Ireland in recent years.

Eddie and John Ryan

Gangland enforcer Eddie Ryan and his brother John were among the first casualties of the brutal gang war which was to engulf Limerick city for almost 14 years.

The assassination of Eddie Ryan by his former partners in crime, the Keanes, in a city pub in November 2000 ultimately lit the powder keg, giving the notorious Dundon / McCarthys an opportunity to strike for control of Limerick's gangland.

That led to the murder of Eddie's killer, Kieran Keane, which was in turn avenged when John Ryan was gunned down in 2003.

Read More

Stephen and Bernard Sugg

Stephen Sugg and his close friend Shane Coates were the leaders of the notorious Westies gang, which earned an almost unparalleled reputation for violence and fear.

But the writing was on the wall when their former partners in crime, the Glennons, and another local crime family staged a takeover coup in August 2003 when they murdered Bernard 'Verb' Sugg, above left.

After that Stephen Sugg and Shane Coates fled to southern Spain where they too were murdered by associates after they tried to push their weight around. The bodies of the two Westies leaders were eventually found under a warehouse floor in Spain in 2006.

Andrew and Mark Glennon

In April 2005, a month after the murder of John Roche, Andrew 'Madser' Glennon was executed in a scene fit for a gangster movie when four armed men surrounded his car and riddled it with bullets.

His brother Mark was shot dead in September of the same year at the family home in Blanchardstown. The Glennons were former members of the Westies gang who had joined forces with another crime family to murder the Sugg brothers in a take-over bid. But the alliance had not lasted very long and it cost the Glennon brothers their lives.

Read More

Tommy and John Paul Joyce

In June 2009, 20-year-old drug dealer Tommy Joyce, a Traveller from north Dublin, was shot five times as part of a feud between rival gangs in the area that had claimed at least five lives. Then in January 2010, his older brother John Paul Joyce was abducted, executed and his body dumped on a lane near Dublin Airport.

John and Noel Roche

In 2005, brothers John and Noel Roche from Rutland Grove in Crumlin were murdered in separate assassination attacks as part of another notorious gang war known as the Crumlin/Drimnagh feud, which claimed up to 14 lives over the period of a decade.

In March, John Roche was shot dead outside his apartment in Kilmainham and the following November his older brother Noel was executed as he drove a car in leafy Clontarf.

The hit man was Paddy Doyle, who was working for current Kinahan gang allies 'Fat' Freddie Thompson and his cousin Liam Byrne, whose brother David Byrne was murdered in the Regency hotel attack last month. Doyle was subsequently murdered when a jeep driven by the Monk's nephew Gary Hutch was ambushed in Marbella.

Kenneth and Paul Corbally

In June 2010, gangster brothers Kenneth and Paul Corbally from Ballyfermot died in a hail of bullets when they were ambushed in a well-planned hit.

Paul Corbally's body alone was left with 35 entry and exit wounds.

The two notorious brothers were gunned down in a feud with former friends and associates in a Ballyfermot-based mob dubbed the M50 gang, which emerged in 1990s and got its name for using the new motorway to carry out ram raids in rural areas.

One of the weapons used in the attack was a service pistol stolen during a burglary from the home of a PSNI officer in the North.

It later emerged that the two brothers, who were in their 30s, had been warned by gardai three times that their lives were in danger. On each occasion they were given official forms alerting them to the threats, the Corbally brothers told gardai to "f*** off" and threw the forms on the ground. The last time the gardai advised them of a threat, Kenneth Corbally bragged to the officers: "Those muppets won't get us." Two weeks later, the Corbally brothers were proved fatally wrong.
Jonathan Costen and Eleanor Joel after overturning their conviction for the neglect of the late Evelyn Joel. Photo: Courtpix

A couple convicted of killing a 59-year-old MS sufferer by neglect have had their convictions quashed by the Court of Appeal.

Evelyn Joel's daughter Eleanor (41) and her partner Jonathan Costen (43) had pleaded not guilty to the unlawful killing of Evelyn by neglect in Co Wexford in January 2006.

They were found guilty at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court and were given a two-year suspended sentence in March 2013 on condition they carry out 230 hours of community service.

The pair, with last addresses at Cluain Dara, Enniscorthy, appealed their convictions, with the Court of Appeal yesterday holding that the couple succeeded on a number of grounds.

Ambulance personnel who saw Evelyn in December 2005 were "greatly disturbed by the condition in which they found their patient". The bed she was lying in was filthy, her lower body was covered in faeces and she had extensive bed sores found to contain maggots.

Admitted to hospital on January 1, 2006, she initially made progress but developed pneumonia and died on January 7.

Mr Justice Birmingham said Eleanor Joel and Mr Costen contended that others, including healthcare professionals and local authority officials, were responsible for such negligence as allegedly occured.

While there was no indication of criminal conduct, Mr Justice Birmingham said the nature of the HSE's interaction with Evelyn Joel "gave rise to concern and disquiet".

"During the final four months of her life, the HSE involvement ... was limited to leaving nappies outside the house," he said.

"One would have to say that there were sufficient indications of possible failings on the part of statutory agencies, the Minister for Health spoke of huge failings, that the matter required investigation."

The healthcare professionals who dealt with Evelyn Joel were potentially "very significant witnesses" and ought to have been called, the judge said.

The judge also said the retrial "should have been transferred from Wexford to Dublin".

He said the replacement of a juror was taken in the absence of Ms Joel's legal advisors.

And Evelyn Joel's complicated medical history made identifying the exact cause of death not altogether straightforward.

Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice Alan Mahon, quashed the couple's conviction.
The "appalling" sexual assault committed by a trainee Montessori teacher underlines the need for childcare workers not to use mobile phones at work, a childcare chief has said.

Teresa Heeney - chief executive of Early Childhood Ireland, an advocacy group for 3,500 independent pre-schools and creches - said there were child protection issues and care issues involved in the use of mobile phones.

Montessori trainee teacher Kevin Muldoon (32) was jailed for five years this week after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl in a specialised playschool.

Gardai discovered 46 images of the girl sent from the man's phone to his email address, including images of her private parts and of him with his finger in her mouth.

Support

When the unnamed Dublin playschool where the offence happened was contacted by the Herald yesterday, a man insisted the school had "nothing to say".

Expand Close Childcare chief Teresa Heeney / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Childcare chief Teresa Heeney

Ms Heeney said her organisation provides support and advice for pre-school centres which employ 20,000 staff nationwide, caring for 100,000 children.

"Early Childhood Ireland members are aware that it is inconsistent with good practice to carry mobile phones on their person while they are at work with young children," she said.

"And that's not just about child protection issues, but it is also about being present and engaged with the children while you are there.

"Mobile phones are a distraction. They are very pervasive and many of our members would have quite strict policies that phones are left in the staff room or lockers."

She said she wanted to reach out to the family of the young victim and express sympathy for the "awful experience they have been through".

"I also want to reach out to the tens of thousands of parents who have children in services countrywide who potentially are worried that there children are safe," she said.

"I want to tell them that members of Early Childhood Ireland are very aware that good recruitment practice, and good child protection practices, are something that you have to be vigilant about all the time.

"That includes good selection, good reference checking, good policies and procedures, good supervision, and, most importantly, good ongoing relationships and dialogue with children and families."

It appeared that garda vetting would not have identified Muldoon, as he had no previous convictions, which underlined the importance of ensuring "really robust supervision and recruitment policies and procedures", she said.

Victim

After this criminal case was brought to light, Early Childhood Ireland wrote to its 3,500 member centres to give them support to be able to engage in conversations and reassure parents, she told the Herald.

Ms Heeney said she felt some relief the victim had verbal skills to tell her parents about the "awfulness that had been done to her", and that her parents responded with speed.

She described the crimes as "awful and appalling".

A spokeswoman for Tusla, the State child and family agency, described Muldoon's crimes as "horrible".

She said all staff - including volunteer students - in pre-school centres must be thoroughly checked in terms of work references and garda vetting, and Tusla verifies that these rules have been obeyed when it carries out inspections.
A number of "inconsistencies and contradictions" were found in the story of a suspected Isil activist who the State is trying to deport, the High Court has heard.

The man is seeking to block his deportation to Jordan, claiming he has been the victim of horrific torture there in the past at the hands of security services in the 1990s.

However, lawyers for the State say the man never told Irish authorities about the alleged torture when he first came to Ireland in 2000.

Conor Power SC said there was no mention of it in an asylum application he made at the time.

The torture claims were only made after Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald informed the man last year that the State proposed to deport him in the interests of national security.

It was alleged by the man that he was tortured with electric shocks, had his fingernails squeezed, and was subject to falanga, the whipping or beating of the soles of the feet.

The man, who is of Palestinian origin but cannot be identified, fears he will be subjected to this treatment again if deported to Jordan.

Mr Power told Mr Justice Richard Humphreys that details of the alleged mistreatment first emerged last year in a report compiled by the Spirasi Centre, a support organisation for survivors of torture.

The barrister said the man's account of how he came to Ireland differed greatly between his asylum application and the Spirasi report.

In his asylum application, he claimed he travelled to Ireland directly from Jordan in 2000.

However, in the Spirasi report, he said he left Jordan in 1995 and travelled to Spain, Holland, Germany and the UK "looking for a suitable place to live" before he arrived in Ireland.

Mr Power also said allegations by the man that he was tortured by Jordanian authorities in 1996 had been contradicted by the man himself when he claimed to have left the country the previous year.

Lawyers for the man are seeking to have the deportation order set aside, and are also seeking a declaration that the Justice Minister did not give sufficient weight to medical opinion that it was probable he had been tortured in the past.

He has denied claims by gardai that he is the "foremost organiser and facilitator of travel by extremists prepared to undertake violent action" on behalf of Isil and the "main recruiter" for the group in Ireland.

The man also denies consulting with senior violent extremist leaders outside Ireland.

The court heard the man withdrew his application for asylum in 2001 after securing residency here following the birth of a child.

However, he submitted another application for asylum after the minister decided to deport him.

In his initial asylum application, he claimed he left Jordan because he could not support his family anymore as he was in and out of prison due to his political views.

No mention of torture was made in the application, Mr Power said.

The barrister rejected claims the minister did not fully take into account the medical evidence put forward. Mr Power insisted no error in law had been made.

"The minister was entitled to consider all of the evidence when considering the Spirasi report," he said.

Mr Power said evidence of scars, problems with the man's feet and psychological issues "were considered and not misconstrued" by the minister.

The court heard the minister found that the allegations of torture were "vague" and that beyond the Spirasi report, no further effort was made to provide evidence of torture.

The court has previously heard the man claimed to be opposed to the regime in Jordan. A son of his spent three months in detention there last year and remains under scrutiny.

A close associate of the man was killed fighting President Assad's forces in Syria in 2013, the court was also told.
A WOMAN has appeared in court accused of stealing thousands of euro from another woman over a three-year period.

Laura Pennick (29) allegedly used the victim's bank card to take cash from ATMs as well as to buy groceries and household goods.

She is facing trial in the circuit court after the DPP ruled the charges were too serious for the district court.

Ms Pennick, of New Bride Street, Dublin 8, appeared before Blanchardstown District Court charged with theft. She is facing a total of 297 charges.

The alleged thefts took place on various dates between January 2010 and December 2012.

The smallest, of 1.79, allegedly took place at the Apple i-Tunes store, while the largest, of 1,600, allegedly took place at Castleknock Autos on October 19, 2012.

It is alleged that Ms Pennick used the victim's bank card to take cash from ATMs and buy goods from Dunnes Stores, Penneys, Tesco, Smyth's Toystore, Homebase and Argos, among others.

She is also alleged to have used the woman's card to make a payment of 500 to the Court Service Office on November 22, 2012.

The amount Ms Pennick allegedly stole from the victim is more than 10,000.

Caution

A state solicitor said the book of evidence had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the present sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Pennick the formal alibi caution.

He assigned defence solicitor Terence Hanahoe as well as one junior and one senior counsel on free legal aid.

The accused has not yet indicated a plea to the charges.
Health Minister Leo Varadkar has raised the prospect of a new subsidy scheme for pensioners and people on social welfare. Photo: Caroline Quinn

Almost 900,000 people who claimed the 100 water conservation grant to offset the cost of their bills face losing the payment for this year.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has raised the prospect of a new subsidy scheme for pensioners and people on social welfare.

This would put the 100 grant payable to all householders in doubt.

The Department of the Environment has confirmed that no decision has been made on whether the payment will be made for 2016, saying it was a matter for the incoming government.

Last December, Environment Minister Alan Kelly told the Dail he would be "reviewing" the operation of the 2015 payment before setting out the arrangements for payment this year.

However, a decision was not made, meaning the grant is now in limbo.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have faced a major backlash over suggestions they could abandon water charges altogether, but not refund families who paid their bills.

After days of controversy, both parties are desperately backtracking on the proposals - with Health Minister Leo Varadkar indicating there is no way Fine Gael would consider abolishing or suspending the charges.

But Mr Varadkar did raise the prospect of a new subsidy scheme.

"There are certainly things that could be done around free allowances. Things that could be done to assist people on pensions or social welfare - but the basic principle of water charges can't be departed from," he said.

Mr Varadkar said that over 60pc of people voted for parties that accept water charges in principle.

Sources told the Irish Independent that Fine Gael is willing to "compromise" on the detail of how the charges work and "to talk about the burden of water charges, especially for people on fixed incomes".

Meanwhile, Fianna Fail said yesterday that they still hold the belief that water charges should be suspended for five years but the party is no longer describing this as a 'red line issue'.

Their finance spokesman Michael McGrath said "irreparable damage" has been caused to Irish Water and the current political vacuum was inflicting further damage.

He denied the uncertainty over its future would lead people to stop paying their charges in huge numbers.

However, the latest fiasco has resulted in both of the main parties being accused of abandoning their voters in the wake of the General Election.

Seamus Boland of Irish Rural Link told the Irish Independent that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have treated people who obey the law in a "cavalier way".

"Those people are now forgotten by the parties that they elected to represent them.

"Those people are now being thrown to the wolves. Many people are feeling completely unrepresented," he said.

Pat Spillane, who headed up the Commission for Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA), said the parties need to focus on the real issues affecting families.

"Too many people in power tend to think of farming when you talk about rural Ireland. The reality is 2.5 million people, representing over 60pc of the population, live outside our five major cities and only 400,000 of them are engaged in farming," Mr Spillane told the Irish Independent.

"Rural development was too low on the food chain," he added.
Almost 340 drinking and wastewater schemes planned for the next five years risk being axed if Irish Water is abolished.

The Irish Independent has obtained details of the company's 3.5bn capital investment plan for 2017 to 2021, which will be sent to the water regulator in the coming weeks for approval.

It sets out the investment needed on a range of projects ranging from new plants to replacement of mains, but also highlights issues which emerged during an in-depth investigation of the network which was operated by under-funded local authorities until 2013.

It finds that only a "fraction" of the 200m to 250m a year needed to maintain the network was allocated to councils, and that leak detection equipment costing 130m was not fully used, meaning treated water continued to be wasted.

The report sets out the piecemeal manner in which the system was operated in the past, where councils were never given the resources needed to maintain the extensive network which comprises 25,000kms of sewers, 63,000kms of pipelines and some 1,900 treatment plants.

The system needs some 13bn of investment to bring it up to standard, and Irish Water will seek permission from the water regulator - the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) - to spend 3.5bn between 2017 and 2021.

Such is the scale of the challenge that not enough money will be available in the short-term.

"Given that the full assessment of needs to meet all deficits is estimated as in the order of 13bn, it is clear that only the highest priority schemes can progress," it says. It adds that minor works and maintenance programmes will be "critical" to keep the system ticking over in the absence of a blank cheque.

The draft investment plan, sent to 77 statutory consultees, sets out where investment is needed.

But the final list of projects to go ahead is subject to change as Irish Water, local authorities and other consultees may suggest other projects.

It shows that works are required in each county across the country. Carlow needs four schemes, Cork needs 54. Donegal needs 32, and Dublin 49. Longford and Westmeath need three each.

The projects range in scope from new treatment plants to replacing pipes, protecting drinking water sources and using a treatment called orthophosphate to reduce the risk of leak contamination.

But it also sets out some of the major projects to be progressed, including replacement of the Vartry Tunnel which serves 200,000 people in Dublin, but at more than 140 years old is in danger of collapse.

A new supply for Dublin and the Midlands, amalgamation of plants in Galway and Mayo and a wastewater treatment scheme for the Cork Lower Harbour are also proposed. The equivalent of more than 44,000 wheelie-bins of raw sewage is discharged into Cork without treatment every day.

Not all the projects will be approved by the regulator, which must also be satisfied that the utility is operating the network efficiently and at a reduced cost.

Irish Water is obliged to reduce operational costs by 7pc, and has met this target, the CER said. It is understood the savings are between 55m and 60m a year.

"The early indications are that the utility has broadly achieved the efficiency targets that we set them, but this is subject to further extensive review," the CER said, adding the review would be published in the summer.

The Irish Water plan also proposes amalgamating almost 600 drinking water plants to reduce costs. This will result in reducing the workforce in some local authorities, and is subject to negotiation with unions.

Counties affected include Donegal, Waterford, Cork and Galway. The reason is because 600 plants produce just 20pc of the 1.7 billion litres of drinking water needed every day.

The plan also highlights that of the 592 wastewater plants serving a population of 500 or more, 415 have issues. Some 96 have already been addressed, with 241 earmarked for investment under the capital plan. The remaining 78 do not require capital works.

The first investment plan for 2014 to 2016 totalled almost 2bn, of which 540m was for the installation of meters. Some 349 capital projects were in the first tranche of investment, of which 124 are due for completion this year, with the remainder in planning or under construction.
Print media covering the election count in Taoiseach Enda Kenny's home town of Castlebar were charged 75 a day towards the cost of 'security' at the venue.

Mayo's TF Royal hotel has defended requesting the fee, which secured access to a media gallery overlooking the count.

The media had been warned that they would not gain access to the gallery without making the payment.

Three Mayo newspapers had initially been told that they would be charged 900 to cover the event from an allocated section of the erected platform.

However, all three declined to pay.

The issue of charging media was raised with the local returning officer by a number of media outlets and local politicians.

Expand Close Counting of General Election votes underway in Castlebar Co. Mayo. Picture: Gerry Mooney / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Counting of General Election votes underway in Castlebar Co. Mayo. Picture: Gerry Mooney

One candidate hit out at the move, describing the charge as excessive.

"Print media have never been charged in the past for so-called security. This is an election count centre, it should be an open democratic process. I'm not happy that media were hit with such excessive charges," he added, asking not to be named.

Seamus Sutcliffe, chief executive of Royal Quarter, Castlebar, - the complex which includes Mayo Convention Centre and TF Royal Hotel - defended the charge, adding that it wasn't "a huge amount".

He said that while the lower floor of the convention centre, where the count took place, was free to all, chairs had to be removed from the second-tiered seated area and platforms put in for cameras.

"It took us about two days - it was a lot of work and a lot of expense. The building materials alone cost 2,000-3,000," he said.

"We also had 24-hour security on both doors - two men at 20 an hour each."

Mr Sutcliffe said journalists could leave their belongings, including laptops and bags, on the balcony, knowing that no one would touch them.

Cables, tables and wifi were included, he said, pointing out that RTE, TV3, MidWest Radio and Raidio na Gaeltachta also used the balcony.

"RTE would have been charged a reasonable amount of money for that," he said.

Mr Sutcliffe added: "The business down there has been in receivership since 2012. It's racked up serious losses over the last number of years. You can't sustain that type of thing."

Returning officer for Mayo, Fintan J Murphy, did not comment on the charge but insisted the main count area was free.

He said: "All media were welcome and ventured through all areas of the count centre."
Dr Othman Alkhamees was due to address the two-day Dublin Muslim Conference 2016 at the Dublin Mosque. Photo: Gerry Mooney

A Muslim conference due to take place in Dublin this weekend was cancelled at the 11th hour after its controversial keynote speaker pulled out at the last minute.

Kuwaiti Islamic scholar Dr Othman Alkhamees - who was previously banned from travelling to Holland following objections over his "radical rhetoric" by the Dutch parliament - was due to address the two-day Dublin Muslim Conference 2016 at the Dublin Mosque.

But according to mosque administrator Mudafar Altawash, the so-called "giant within conservative Salafi Islam" inexplicably cancelled his appearance on Thursday night without giving a reason.

Mr Altawash said he couldn't explain why the visit was cancelled on the eve of the conference, noting that Dr Alkhamees has been to Dublin twice previously.

The conference was organised by the Irish Kuwaiti student group Thabat and hosted by the Islamic Foundation of Ireland, which is based at the mosque on South Circular Road.

"The student union rang us and said he's not coming. We asked why and they didn't give any reason," said Mr Altawash.

Dr Alkhamees was due to give a talk entitled "Strangers are Blessed", which was to be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Gardai

However, the conference drew the attention of gardai after Ali Al Saleh, the imam at the Ahlul Bayt Islamic Centre in Milltown, south Dublin, warned them of the impending visit.

He claimed that Dr Alkhamees and fellow Kuwaiti scholar Dr Khaled Alotaibi, an expert in Sharia law, are both jihad preachers.

Muslim leader Imam Umar al-Qadri has also expressed his concerns over "radical" scholars preaching to young students in Ireland.

"My concern would be that such people and their ideas radicalises young Muslims," he told the Irish Independent.

"I believe that foreign preachers coming to Ireland should sign an agreement that they respect and abide by certain guidelines in order to preach here," he said.

He spoke about signing a statement denouncing Islamic terrorists like Osama bin Laden while promising to show respect and tolerance for the LGBT community.
A convicted murderer has absconded from an open prison in Wicklow.

Gardai have issued an appeal and said that they are concerned for the welfare of the public after Fredrick Lee (51) disappeared from Shelton Abbey Prison in Arklow yesterday.

Lee was found guilty of murder in Leeds Crown Court in 1994 and was repatriated to Ireland four years later.

The Irish Prison Service said that Lee was present at the prison yesterday morning at 6am but was reported missing at 7.30am.

Shelton Abbey is an open prison, but a spokesperson for the Prison Service said it was not unusual for prisoners serving long sentences to be relocated to such prisons towards the end of their terms.

"Absconsions from open prisons nowadays are rare," the spokesperson added.

"The prisoners transfer there on the trust that they obey the rules and they get a more open routine as well as a more open style prison."

Lee is described as 5'9" with brown hair and brown eyes.
The murderous Christy Kinahan cartel is heavily involved with two English criminals deeply associated with horse race fixing.

A special Herald investigation reveals that the notorious English duo, who live in mansions in the suburbs of London, regularly travel back and forth between Ireland and the UK where they host meetings with members of the Kinahan mob.

It has long been suspected that the cartel have been heavily involved in race-fixing and it is understood that they has made hundreds of thousands of euro from it.

Fortune

The British pair are well-known to police and gardai, and have made themselves and the Kinahans a fortune over the years.

The two men, who have been previously identified in England for their involvement in racing scams, are given accommodation by associates of the cartel when they are in Dublin.



The Kinahan mobs' links to horse race fixing have been well established.

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Daniel Kinahan 'Fat' Freddy Thompson at the funeral of David Byrne / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Daniel Kinahan

Godfather Christy Kinahans son Daniel was mentioned in the high-profile jockey Kieran Fallons race-fixing trial in November 2007, but was never charged.

Former champion jockey Fallon, from Co Tipperary, a professional gambler and four others were cleared of race-fixing after the case against them collapsed at the Old Bailey. Daniel Kinahan was named, but not accused of any involvement in the suspected conspiracy during the trial.

Before the trial collapsed, the court was shown photos of Daniel Kinahan talking with Yorkshire businessman Miles Rodgers  the man who police said ran the conspiracy.

Undercover

Evidence was also heard from an undercover police officer who followed Rodgers, a group of other men and Daniel Kinahan, who all got into Rodgers Mercedes in the early hours of May 27, 2004, after meeting at a Newmarket hotel.

The court heard that Kinahan and another man had booked into the hotel using false names and paying cash.

Eight days earlier, Fallon won on a horse called Russian Rhythm, which had allegedly cost the gambling syndicate 160,000 after they backed it to lose.

It was alleged that the four wanted to confront Fallon because he had cost them so much after allegedly agreeing to stop the horse from winning.

Expand Close Murder victim David Byrne (left) with Christy Kinahan Jr at a boxing event in Nov 2015 / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Murder victim David Byrne (left) with Christy Kinahan Jr at a boxing event in Nov 2015

Birmingham connection

Separately, it can also be disclosed that the Kinahan mob are closely associated with a Birmingham gang who are suspected of being one of the biggest drugs-trafficking organisations in the UK.

The Birmingham criminals are believed to work hand in hand with the Kinahan organisation, and they operate a number of front companies in England which are primarily linked with transport and logistics.

These companies are involved in the import of all types of narcotics which are then distributed throughout Ireland and the UK, a source said.

The Birmingham mob linked to the Kinahan cartel are long-term targets of the British Organised Crime Agency.

A number of operations have been mounted in the last five years which has resulted in the seizure of millions of euro worth of goods.

But the main men have not been caught and have been spotted in Dublin with Kinahan gang members on an increasingly regular basis in the past year. They have also been spotted with them in Birmingham.

History

In 2007, the Kinahan cartels members were virtually unknown outside senior law enforcement circles.

All that was to change three years later when Daniel, his brother Christopher Jnr, their father Christy and more than a dozen other suspects were arrested as part of the international police investigation known as Operation Shovel.

The cartels international profile has increased further after last months tit-for-tat murders of their associate David Byrne in Dublins Regency Hotel, and the revenge attack on Eddie Hutch Snr.

Daniel Kinahan was one of the mourners at David Byrnes funeral in the south inner city two weeks ago, alongside criminal Freddie Thompson, a long-time associate of the Kinahans.

The orgy of violence that began with the slaying of Eddies nephew Gary Hutch in Spain last September.
A Dublin mum is appealing for the return of a stolen camera and laptop containing cherished photos of her late husband who died four months ago.

Cora, who is from Killiney, told RTE's Ryan Tubridy that her house was broken into last Monday while she was collecting her five-year-old son from school.

"There wasn't much to rob in my house, but they got my most treasured possessions which are photographs of my recently deceased husband that were on my laptop," she said.

The photos included images taken on her final holiday with her husband in Edinburgh, during which he was informed by doctors he had cancer.

He died six weeks later in October at the age of 47.

Remember

An old iPhone, a Canon DSLR camera and a white Apple laptop were stolen during the break-in, which left the woman's house "upside down".

"I know people say they are just photographs, but it's video as well. I was keeping it for my son, because he is so young. It's going to be hard to remember daddy," Cora said.

"We believed he was going to beat this - that's why it wasn't backed up. We weren't preparing for him to die."

She believes the memory cards may have been dumped in the area, and asked locals in the Vico Road and Killiney areas to keep an eye out for them and, if found, to hand them in to Dun Laoghaire Garda Station.
Police forensic experts examine the scene of an under-car bomb that exploded under a van and injured a prison officer in Belfast. Photo: Photopress

Dissidents are planning to "attack police and soldiers" for the centenary of the 1916 Rising, a senior PSNI officer has warned.

Gardai and military chiefs in the Republic are to review security planning for the 1916 centenary commemorations in the wake of yesterday's bomb attack on a prison officer in Northern Ireland.

Dissident republicans are being blamed for planting the bomb under the officer's van and it detonated as he drove to work in Belfast.

The attempted murder prompted PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin to deliver a warning that dissident terrorists were planning to kill police and British soldiers in the North to coincide with the Easter events.

He said that while the level had been placed at "severe" for the past few years, he would currently describe it as at "the upper end of severe".

Mr Martin said his officers would be "culturally sensitive" to any planned centenary events but there were dissident republican groups who wanted to mark the 2016 anniversary in "an entirely more sinister way".

"I believe there are people within dissident republican groupings who want to mark this centenary by killing police officers, prison officers and soldiers," he said.

"I am saying that publicly, I am saying it deliberately, and I am saying I need the help of the community. That is not inevitable, this does not need to happen, but we need the support of the community."

In Dublin, up to 250,000 people are expected to line the streets during planned events.

Gardai say that an attack on security forces personnel is highly unlikely on this side of the Border.

But they are seriously concerned that the dissidents could try to create disruption by a series of bomb scares or the planting of hoax devices to capture media exposure.

A provisional security blueprint has already been drawn up by senior garda officers to prevent a dissident attempt to disrupt any of the commemorations.

A total of 2,300 serving personnel from the Defence Forces and 400 veterans will march in the parade, which is expected to be watched by a couple of hundred thousand people.

All garda leave will be severely restricted in the run up to the Easter weekend, and preliminary search operations will be carried out along the routes of the main events.

Additional Army bomb disposal teams are being put on stand-by over the weekend while the huge number of armed military personnel taking part in the Dublin event will provide an added dimension to the security.

Garda assistant commissioner in charge of security and intelligence, Mr John O'Mahony has already warned that despite very little public support, the dissident groups posed a very real threat. He pointed out that interventions by the gardai had thwarted dissident terror plans for the visits of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.

The victim of yesterday's attack in the North is a 52-year-old married man with adult daughters and he is 28 years in the prison service.

The bomb detonated as he was driving in the Hillsborough Drive area, off the Woodstock Road, in a predominantly loyalist area of Belfast.

Mr Martin said: "The intention of this device was to kill."
The Kingdom could be in line for its first city, as Tralee prepares to make a formal bid for city status.

The county town of Kerry is eyeing city status as a way to attract tourism and investment.

Town mayor Thomas McEllistrim said city status for Tralee was one of his priorities when elected to the role.

A formal motion seeking city designation will be put before the Municipal District of Tralee meeting on Monday. There is strong local support for the idea, with the Fianna Fail mayor arguing that Kilkenny already enjoys city status. "On population grounds alone, why shouldn't Tralee be designated a city?" he asked.

Kilkenny has a population of 24,000 while Tralee is home to 22,000 people.

The move for city status for Tralee would require legislation. Local Government Legislative Acts set out which are city councils and which are county councils.
It was a moment Caitriona Palmer will never forget. She was meeting her mother in a Dublin city centre hotel, and when the pair spotted each other, Caitriona was stunned to find the usually warm Sarah blanking her. She would soon discover that at that very moment, Sarah had set eyes on an acquaintance in the lobby and didn't want to be asked awkward questions about who the younger woman was.

It wasn't the first time Caitriona would wish that she had a normal parent-child relationship with the woman who had given birth to her in 1972 and had immediately given her up for adoption. Instead, when she and Sarah met, the sense of something illicit going on was rarely far from the surface. Caitriona was happy to tell her family and friends about her real mother; Sarah hadn't told anyone that she had given birth to a child in early 1970s Dublin, and she certainly wasn't revealing to anyone that she would meet with her first-born whenever they could.

Washington-based journalist Caitriona, a regular writer for this newspaper, documents her experiences in a frank, just-published memoir, An Affair With My Mother. It's a book that offers a stark reminder that when birth mother and adopted child reunite after years or decades apart, the initial euphoria can subside quickly and profound difficulties can be just around the corner.

Caitriona was employed as a human rights worker in post-war Bosnia in the late 1990s and as she was helping families who had lost loved ones in the conflict, she became motivated to try to find her birth mother. She had known she was adopted since the age of six and although she felt deeply fortunate to have such kind and thoughtful adoptive parents, there was always a dull ache within her to reach out to her closest blood relation. She assumed the wait would last years, but thanks to a social worker at the adoption agency, Caitriona and her mother were reunited within months. Caitriona was delighted, yet apprehensive; Sarah was overjoyed to meet a daughter she had last seen for just two days 27 years before.

Caitriona learned that Sarah had lived in rural Ireland and had not been married when she became pregnant. The father wanted nothing to do with his child. She felt she had no option but to escape to the relative anonymity of Dublin and then give the baby up for adoption once it was born.

But Caitriona would soon learn that Sarah had never told anyone about the child she had given birth to in the still devoutly Catholic Ireland of the early 1970s. She told Caitriona that she had a husband and children but neither they, nor her friends, knew about her. It's a secret that remains.

Read More

So careful has Caitriona been to protect her mother's identity that 'Sarah', which she uses in the book, is not her real name. "I really don't want her to think that the book was an attempt by me to get her to tell her family about me," Caitriona says.

"But I wanted to tell my story and to show that there can be very complicated relationships when mothers and their children are reunited after so long."

The pain that Caitriona feels is exacerbated by the fact that she has not heard from her mother since Christmas Day, 2014. "We communicated by text message, but she hasn't responded to any of the ones I've sent since then. She wasn't in touch for my birthday last year, which hadn't happened since we'd made contact. I will text her on Mother's Day [tomorrow], but I don't know if I'll hear from her... it's like she fell off the face of the earth."

When she appeared on ITV's This Morning on Tuesday, host Phillip Schofield asked her what she wanted to say to her mother, should she be watching back home, and Caitriona said: "I would tell her that I love her... I wish her nothing but happiness."

Since beginning promotional rounds for her book, mainly in the UK to date, Caitriona's story has resonated with other adopted people who also found reunions weren't as perfect as they might have hoped. "I've been taken aback by it," she says. "There's so much sadness there, and I think what I've been saying has connected with others in a similar sort of situation. For me, it's validation."

Caitriona's sentiments echo with Sharon Lawless, who makes the popular Adoption Stories series for TV3. Now working on the fifth series of the show, she has been in contact with countless Irish people who have either sought their birth parents - typically the mother - or mums who gave up a child for adoption decades ago and desperately want to re-connect.

"The laws in this country, which are from 1952 and are completely outdated, make it very difficult to get information," she says. "The situation in Ireland is not like you'd find in Long Lost Family [the BAFTA-winning UK documentary series that helps adopted adult children make contact with their birth parents, and vice-versa] and that can be a shock for people."

But, Sharon says, many of those who do succeed in making contact can, like Caitriona Palmer, find they are not fully embraced.

"A woman who's the same age as me [48] had a baby and felt she had to give her up for adoption because of societal pressures in 1980s Ireland," she says.

"Years later, when she managed to make contact with her adult daughter, the great happiness she felt disappeared when she felt as though her daughter didn't really want her in her life. She had a great adoptive family and an amazing life, and her mother began to feel she wasn't being asked to events or kept up to date in important aspects of her life.

"The woman said to me that there was no role for her in her daughter's life and almost regretted having made contact with her."

Another anecdote recalled by Sharon Lawless demonstrates that the restrictiveness of the Ireland of years gone by can still hold some older people in its grip of shame.

"I know of a guy in his 50s who now has contact with his mother, who's in her 70s. They'll spend time together and might even have Christmas together, but she will never verbally say that he's her son. And that's not just to other people, this man hasn't heard her acknowledge who he is either. They skirt around it."

Today, the numbers of children born in this country and given up for adoption is virtually negligible, but it was a very different story right up until the end of the 1980s. In 1967, the record year, some 1,502 children born were adopted, a figure almost exclusively comprised of those born outside marriage. A Trinity College Dublin study on adoption in Ireland showed that in 1967, 97pc of all children from single parents were put up for adoption.

The proportion of children born out of wedlock - to employ that archaic term - has gone from 5pc in 1980 to almost a third of all births today, but the numbers facing adoption steadily decreased over that period - a direct result, surely, of the loosening grip of the Catholic Church and the growth of a more inclusive and permissive Irish society.

But societal pressures of yesteryear continue to reverberate for those people who seek answers today. Joanna Fortune, a psychotherapist who specialises in family matters, says we all have a fundamental need for a maternal bond, especially as young children. "You hear of children who go to loving adoptive families where they have great relationships with their parents and yet there's something missing. It's that pebble-in-a-shoe analogy."

A danger, and one that's perhaps unavoidable, is when the 'seeker' builds up an unrealistic picture of their parent or child. "The image they might have created in their minds over many years simply can't be matched when they meet the person," Joanna says. "It's impossible. And, for the adult children seeking their mother, the reasons why they were put up for adoption might be difficult to accept once they learn the facts."

Caitriona Palmer talks about a loved-up few months after she and Sarah first made contact, likening it to a honeymoon period, and Joanna Fortune says it's not unusual for adoption reunions to feel as such at first. "It's great when both people embrace the contact, but what's crucial is what happens next. It's about repairing relationships, rebuilding. It's probably unrealistic to expect to meet and simply get on like nothing has happened. Years have been lost, but that's in the past - it's what the future holds that's important, and both need to be mindful of that."

She says some people who seek contact can have their hopes dashed when they find their parent or child has died. And there's very real anguish in those instances where the relation being sought flatly refuses to meet. "It does happen and it can be incredibly painful, because it's like a further rejection. I think in those cases, it's important that the person seeks counselling. In fact, it's a good idea to have counselling anyway before that first meeting and in the period afterwards because talking to someone who's impartial and isn't a friend or family member can really help."

Despite the pitfalls, 'what-happened-next' instalments of both Long Lost Family and Adoption Stories suggest there are many happy relationships that have grown out of tearful reunions. Sharon Lawless has seen them with her own eyes and several feature in her book Adoption Stories. "I've witnessed so many happy people who have very strong relations with their birth mothers," she says.

"They've worked on it and their lives have been enriched so much by having each other in their lives. In several cases, there's been a really strong connection between siblings too - a lot of people are touched by adoption.

"One thing that strikes me time and again working on Adoption Stories is that primal bond between the mother and the child."

For those who have not been adopted, it may be difficult to grasp how life-changing it can be. The American writer AM Homes captures the experience powerfully in her memoir, The Mistress's Daughter: "To be adopted is to be adapted, to be amputated and sewn back together again. Whether or not you regain full function, there will always be scar tissue."
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.
Premium

What will it take to unite Ireland? Opinions are divided

There are those for whom Northern Ireland is a geographical fragment of the UK holding true to empire on its western flanks, and those for whom partition is a century-old wrong that must be overturned. Somewhere in the middle are the persuadables  people willing to accept either unity or union, so long as the justification is logical. One way or another, the unity conversation is in the air.
Some of the weapons seized during investigations into dissident republican activity in 2014 and 2015 on display at Garda headquarters in Dublin. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Two months ago gardai put on a display of weapons and bomb components they had seized from dissident republicans.

The aim was to demonstrate what were described as the growing capabilities of dissident terror groups to launch explosive and gun attacks in Northern Ireland, with logistical support from their cells operating across the border in the Republic.
One art exhibition I never miss out on is the Dealgan House Vision Of Colour which took place this year on Friday night. No less than nine of the artists from the nursing home were showing off their latest paintings and as usual the standard was nothing short of top quality.

The evening was the work of art teacher Carol Wallace from the Crescent who was accompanied by husband Jim and kids Elizabeth and Tommy.

I wasn't too long in the door when I met up with Anne Leddy and Triona Boyle both from Inniskeen who said they loved the paintings and it was also a lovely night for the residents too.

Next I caught up with the House's proprietors who are Nora and Fintan Byrne who were enjoying the proceedings with Lady-in-charge Catriona Hande from Upper Faughart with her husband Tony, daughter Aine and her boyfriend Conor Matthews from Garrybawn who told me there were some lovely paintings on show and they are all a credit to the painters.

Heading for another table I then got a word with artist Elizabeth Rogers from Line Terrace who was there with his son Hugh and Sheila Rogers from Afton Drive and daughter Maureen and Seamus Corrigan from Birr in Offaly and they all commented that Elizabeth was a bit on the busy side with four pieces on show in the exhibition.

One lady who was certainly busy on the night was Ann Gernon from Roche who told me she thought the paintings on show were just beautiful and a credit to their owners.

After this I headed over for a chat with Mary Byrne from Yorke Street who had one piece on show and told me she just loves the classes and was enjoying the craic with Lila Roddy from Ard Easmuinn who hadn't anything on show but was there to support her friends who did.

Making my way over to another table I then got talking to Mai O'Reilly from Mullingar who was there with her daughter Bridget Williams from Ballybarrack who was with Ellen, Denis and Sinead Williams who somewhat impressed with Elizabeth's two pieces on show and then the bidding war commenced!

I then headed over for a chat with May Hamill from Kilkerley who told me her daughter Ann Woods also from Kilkerley was on the way and May hadn't anything on show, but was happy to be there to support the night.

Seated close by I then met up with May Pepper from Ardee Road who said she had a few on show and was loving the classes too. She was enjoying the launch with Margaret Thornton from Drumconrath who said that she does paint, but just hasn't gotten round to getting anything ready for the Vision Of Colour because she was just too busy at the moment.

Beside them I met up with Kathleen Duffy from Castletown Road who was there to support the night and was having a lively night.

Next I had the pleasure of meeting up with Sr. Brigid Costello from Mayo who told me she had two on show and she was really enjoying the classes with Carol and the rest of the painters.

After this I headed over for a word with Thomas Cotter who told me that he wasn't part of the group, but was looking forward to the night anyway.

Not too far away I got a word with Tommy Treanor from Glenmore Park who was there to support the night and was with his daughter Annmarie Treanor also from Glenmore Park who was very taken by what she had seen on show.

I then caught up with well known artist and musician Oliver Tennyson from Ardrahan in Galway who was there with his brother Paddy and his daughter Gillian Tennyson from Greyacre Road who were there for the lads' mum Kathleen Tennyson from Greyacre Road who was new to the group but already had two pieces on show and Oliver said there was every possibility that he be playing a few turns during the night too.

I then got a word with administrator Anne Carr from Blackrock who told me it was always a lovely evening for residents, their families and staff.

Finally, before I departed I got talking to Jim and Catherine Pepper from Greenwood Drive who told me they were there to support the night in memory of one of its painters Rose Kearney from Dublin Street and the Meadow Grove who recently passed away and whom they said just loved the painting classes.
Dundalk Institute of Technology Students' Union (DKITSU) is this week hosting its annual 'Raise and Give' campaign.

Students will host a variety of events through the week to raise funds for a number of Dundalk charities including; The Birches Dundalk, Shine Dundalk, and SOSAD (Save Our Sons And Daughters).

'The funds collected by students during the week will help these charities continue to carry out the fantastic work, and services they provide in Dundalk,' said Aaron Lawless, President of DKITSU.

'We are delighted to work with these great organisations, and we have excellent students. Our students are excited for the week ahead and while continuing to uphold their great reputation within the community.

'The money that we raise this week will help our charities to continue their great work.'

Derek Pepper, regional development officer at Shine, Dundalk, which supports people with mental health issues and their loves ones, said

'At Shine, we are thrilled with the news that we have been chosen as a beneficiary of this year's Rag Week in DKIT.

Shine has enjoyed an excellent relationship with the students of DKIT for almost 10 years now, and we are privileged to see that connection honoured through this donation.'
Ann O'Rourke, Catriona O'Rourke, Andrea Gartlan, Angela Gartlan and Geraldine Markey at Fitzer's 5K run at The Marshes Shopping Centre

Over 300 people took to the streets on Saturday for the fourth annual Fitzer 5k run.

Among their number was the man who inaugurated the charity event, Peter Fitzpatrick, who gave himself a break from the General Election count at the Ramada hotel.

It turned out to be a great weekend all round for the Fine Gael TD who retained his seat in Dail Eireann, a result that was confirmed the following night.

However, on Saturday the important business was raising as much money as possible for the Maria Goretti foundation and RehabCare resource centre.

The route took participants from the Ramparts, through the grounds of the Marshes shopping centre and onto the Avenue Road.

After turning left off the Avenue Road roundabout, the field made another left and then continued along Seatown Place before heading back to the Marshes, via The Ramparts once more.

First across the line was local athlete Daragh Greene.

'Over 5,000 was raised, and that makes a total of about 25,000 since the Fitzer 5k run began,' said Peter.

He pointed out that the number of people who contributed to the cause was greater than those who took part, as many people registered and didn't participate on the day.

Main sponsors of the event were Gerry Matthews of Toolfix, the Marshes shopping centre and Horseware, and Peter paid tribute to them for their support.

Obviously delighted to be remaining in Leinster House, he described the Fine Gael performance in Louth as one of the best results for the party.

'With Sinn Fein getting two seats, it was nice to hold onto our two seats,' he added.

Next order of business is a meeting in Dublin on Wednesday as Fine Gael make plans.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams helped secure an historic two-seat win for the party in Louth, with the election of Drogheda-based councillor Imelda Munster but has warned that his party 'remains on an election footing'.

Mr Adams came second to Fianna Fail's Declan Breathnach, who topped the poll. Mr Adams secured 10,661 first preference votes, down on his 15,072 result in 2011 when he was the only Sinn Fein candidate. Mr Adams was elected on count seven, with 11,278, just 23 over the quota of 11,255.

He was just under 2,000 first preferences ahead of his running mate Ms Munster coming out of the first count. Following his election, Mr Adams said he was delighted to see two seats going to Sinn Fein in Louth, but said it was 'not down to me'.

He said: 'We had a really smashing team in Louth and East Meath and I want to thank all those people who worked for us as well as those who votes for us. It is a great honour to be re-elected'.

He said he now wanted 'to make sure that we use the mandate given to us for Louth and Meath to create a place where people can live with fairness and that we use that mandate wisely'.

He said he was pleased the party had increased its share of the vote in Louth by almost 50% from 2011 and added he was happy to be leading a bigger team of TDs back to Leinster House.

He said: 'I also want to thank my wife, Collette and the family' and said the party had run 'the most successful campaign in my lifetime'.

Speaking about the wider picture emerging across the country, Mr Adams said that people had 'loaned their votes to Fine Gael in 2011 as they were angry with Fianna Fail' but accused both parties of 'not dealing with the issues such as public services, and, down the road from here, the Louth County Hospital'.

In addition, he said he felt that the North was 'used as a negative factor' in the election campaign and said that if politicians there had behaved the same way as those in the South, 'there would be no peace process, no building peace'.

Mr Adams said SF is involved in 'transforming politics' and again ruled out coalition with Fianna Fail as Sinn Fein had already voted against it at their Ard Fheis, 'a position I happen to agree with'. He said Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are 'the Siamese twins' of politics and warned of 'a most conservative regime' if they governed.
Fine Gael managed to 'buck the trend' in Louth, getting two candidates across the line at the 11th count, with Fergus O'Dowd and Peter Fitzpatrick both retaining their seats.

Each had entirely different election journeys, with O'Dowd coming out as a front runner early on in the count, after tallies put him in the frame to take the third seat.

In contrast, Peter Fitzpatrick faced an uphill battle from the outset, as he went almost head to head with Labour's outgoing Junior Minister, Ged Nash.

But with both men unlikely to reach the 11,255 quota, it was essentially down to the wire for both Fine Gael contenders, who had to wait until almost 7.30pm on Sunday night to celebrate their 'super double.'

As celebrations began in the count centre on Sunday night, Fergus O'Dowd spoke about the challenges of 'the most difficult campaign I've ever had.'

'It was a very difficult campaign, obviously a difficult one for the people out there, who raised their issues with me.'

The Louth electorate had huge concerns over the trolley crisis in the Lourdes hospital, he admitted, and the mounting difficulties with access to housing, along with fears for health services including support for dementia patients and those needing continuous homecare.

'I think if you look people in the eye, and let them know you hear what they're saying, they should know that these things have to be addressed, no matter which party is in govenrment. I, for my part, will insist on it.'

Despite the backlash against Fine Gael nationally, he said 'hard work had won through' for the party in Louth, as they secured a seat in Dundalk and Drogheda.

'There is no substitute for hard work, there is no magic wand in politics.'

Obviously the tide has gone out big time, but I think people trust both Peter and myself.

We have our own separate track records on different issues. I think people do recognise that Peter and I have our vision, and that we are straight, honest people.'

He welcomed Fine Gael's percentage share of almost 19.5% in Louth, saying that they had well exceeded the 16% average needed to secure the seats they aimed for.

'Louth has absolutely bucked the trend, it's incredible. It has been a tough campaign, but I'm thrilled we held two seats.'

The celebrations, he admitted, were against the uncertainty of the national picture, and he said he couldn't rule out another election being called before the year is out.

'I have said to people, you don't want us back here in five months, never mind five years.

We have to work with the solution the people gave us. It's very difficult, but we have to find a way forward for our country.'
A male officer based at Dundalk Garda station received medical treatment after it is alleged he was headbutted in the face by a prisoner who was being brought from the cells.

The alleged incident happened on Monday after the 29-year-old suspect had been brought to the station for questioning about a separate allegation when Gardai say he assaulted the officer as he was being taken up from the cell area. The suspect, who has an address in Dundalk, was charged with assault causing harm and brought to a sitting of Dundalk District Court where he was remanded in custody by Judge Alan Mitchell to appear again tomorrow (Wednesday).

Meanwhile, Gardai are also investigating an incident where a 21-year-old woman was assaulted by a man and a woman at the Laurels on Thursday evening. Witnesses are being sought to assault, which happened when the victim was out walking at about 6pm. She tried to get away from the couple, but was hit in the face by the man and received medical treatment for her injuries. Anyone with information about the attack can contact Dundalk Gardai at 042 9388400.

Power tools, worth in excess of 7,000, were stolen from a van parked at Thomas Street on Tuesday last week in the latest in a spate of similar thefts in Dundalk over the past couple of weeks. Items stolen include three nail guns, a Fini compressor, two Bosch cordless drills and a Kango chop saw.

Two men were questioned about small cannabis finds after a car was stopped on the Inner Relief Road on Monday. A 21-year-old was found with 15 worth of hash, while a 20-year-old was found with 40 of the drug.

Gardai uncovered suspected pepper spray in the door of a car that was stopped at Bachelor's Walk on Monday. A 27-year-old man was questioned about the find, which is being analysed by forensic scientists.

St Mary's College was the target for burglars on Sunday at around 9pm when a window at the canteen was broken and entry. Nothing was taken.
The old Marist school will be location for the students of Colaiste Chu Chulainn from September, it has been confirmed. The Louth Meath Education Board (LMETB) is to retain Colaiste Lu in Chapel Street, while availing of the facilities at the St Mary's Road school.

The move, which was communicated to Chu Chulainn students last week, has caused controversy, with a number of parents telling the Argus they are not happy that the 10 million state-of-the-art campus, that is due to be built at the Marshes, will not now materialise until 2017 at the earliest.

And LMETB member, Cllr. Tomas Sharkey said he is 'very unhappy with the way the entire situation has been handled' and vowed to raise it at board level.

Students from the St Mary's College are moving to a brand new, 900 student facility built at the Marist field that is due to be completed in the coming months.

LMETB CEO Peter Kierans explained the rationale for the decision. In a statement, Mr Kierans said: 'The driver for the change in school premises was the need to have sufficient and suitable accommodation for our students while the new building is being constructed.

'While the education experience is widely complimented by parents the school is outgrowing the Chapel Street building and alternative arrangements had to be made.

'Colaiste Cuchulainn and Colaiste Lu are very keen to be as inclusive as possible. Within the cohort of current and new enrolment are students with mobility needs.

LMETB brought a well-known local architect to the school to advise on movement, access for special needs etc and we decided to retain Colaiste Lu in Chapel Street and to move Colaiste Cuchulainn to the Marist building. Colaiste Lu will avail of the facilities in the Marist school, in particular the gymnasium and the school stage as there are no equivalent facilities in Chapel Street.

'The Marist school has functioned very well in the past and is functioning well for over 600 students even to this day. However it has limitations when trying to provide a modern education in spacious classrooms. Hence the need to provide a complete new school.

'In the case of LMETB and future use of the Marist school building, we intend to bring less than half the number currently enrolled in the Marist school into the building. We are also very happy with the quality and standard of the specialist rooms in the newer building.

'As of this time we have had no withdrawal of students from our schools. We have had a small number of complaints from parents. The matter was brought before the Board of Management at their meeting in February. Board members were concerned that parents might perceive the move as a backward step. However the over-riding need to provide a safe, spacious environment with access to good specialist subject rooms was agreed'.

Parents contacted the Argus in the wake of last week's front page story about the proposed move, which has now been confirmed. They said they were 'very concerned' about the move to the Marist and expressed a fear that 'the new school may never get built'.

Cllr. Sharkey said he, too, had been contacted by parents, unhappy about the plan. He said: In 2014 the CEO of LMETB assured members the building project was on track to have the new school built at the Marshes by September 2016. We were also assured that the CEO had a number of contingency arrangements in case this building was not ready.

'Building has still not started. Ballymakenny College in Drogheda was planned and approved at the same time as Dundalk's school and is due to open soon. In Dundalk, we will be lucky to have it started and finished for September 2017 at this rate. The Board of Management has restricted enrolment for next year to 80 first years due to the space restrictions envisaged.

'I am unhappy at the manner in which this matter has been dealt with. A lot of money was spent purchasing and renovating the old ESB building in Chapel Street for this school. It is a safe, bright, welcoming learning environment that was meant to be the Colaisti's only temporary home.

'If as much effort and political force had been brought to bear on the building project for our Colaisti as was put into plans to build an unnecessary administrative office in Drogheda, we would all be in a better place.

'I am a board member of LMETB and will be raising my dissatisfaction with this initiative from the CEO'.
'The Labour party is not going away, and neither am I,' was the defiant message from Ged Nash, moments after confirmation that he had lost his seat.

The junior minister failed to survive the nationwide move against the coalition partners, as he saw his first preference vote drop to 4,945 from 8,718 in 2011.

Nash did manage to hang in until the very end, eventually giving best to the Fine Gael pair of Fergus O'Dowd and Peter Fitzpatrick for the last two seats.

'Yes, I will go forward again. We could have an election in the next few weeks, I intend to be back.'

It has been a difficult few days for the outgoing TD, who lost his father-in-law, and he was appreciative of the support given by party leader Joan Burton at that time.

'In fact, it was at the end of our conversations that Joan was asking how the campaign was going.'

Reflecting on a disastrous Labour performance, he remarked: 'I think we had a difficult election. The reality was that we were being squeezed on every side.

'The people are always right. Nobody can second guess the views of the electorate as expressed through the ballot box.

'We have got to try to comprehend what that message means over the next few weeks and months.

'I'll stick with what I said earlier on, and what I've been saying all over the weekend. This may not be seen now, but I think the interests of people who work for a living, the people who want to work for a living, the people who depend on public services will not be served by any arrangement that I can see being thrashed together over the next few weeks.

'And I think, unfortunately, the Irish people will miss the presence of a strong Labour party; but we will be back, and back in greater nunbers.'

Nash believes this will be accomplished with Joan Burton at the helm.

'No, it won't involve a change of leadership.

'Joan is a people person, and I am just so relieved that she has retained her seat, as Joan has a huge role to play in Irish politics, and that's at the head of the Labour party.

'I've said time and again. Joan will lead the Labour party until Joan decides she doesn't want to lead the Labour party any longer.

'That's a decision for Joan to make, and I will back her every step of the way.'

Nash said he is proud of the work he has achieved in government.

'People have recognised the work I have done over the last year and a half, particularly on employment rights, on trade union rights, on representing working people, on making work pay.

'I'm immensely proud of the record of achievement I have under my belt, particularly over the last year and a half; and I think that's a record of achievement that will stand to the Labour party, and a record that will stand to improve people's lives over the next number of years.

'I think it's a great shame that the Labour party is going back into the Dail in greatly diminished numbers.

'Working people and people who depend on public services will have a weakened voice.'
It's World Book Day this Thursday, March 3, and Dubray are celebrating all week.

They will be redeeming special World Book Day vouchers which are given free to school children and exchanged at the bookseller's expense.

'They offer an exciting opportunity for children to visit a bookshop and buy their own book,' said a spokeswoman for Dubray.

There is a fantastic range of books specially produced costing 1.50 for the children to choose from. To make the experience as exciting and memorable as possible our staff organise many events and author readings.

On Wednesday, March 2, author Erika McGann will visit Dubray on Bray's Main street at 10 a.m. She is author of The Demon Notebook, The Broken Spell, Watching Wood and The Midnight Carnival.

On Thursday, Bray author Jackie Burke will take to school children at 10 a.m. about her novels Secrets of Grindlewood, Grindlewood The Secret Scroll and Grindlewood The Queen's Quest. Also on Thursday, there will be a Roald Dahl treasure hunt. Do you know your Roald Dahl characters? Find them hiding out instore all day and enter a draw for books.

On Saturday, March 5, the younger reader will enjoy Peppa Pig story time and activities at 11 a.m.
Amye Quigley, Greystones Librarian, with Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick at the children's book masterclass on Thursday

Award-winning illustrator, picture book maker and author Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick gave a masterclass in her profession at Greystones Library last week.

A resident of Greystones, Marie-Louise was participating in a day devoted to the production of children's literature presented by Words Ireland.

Throughout the morning, she was joined by an audience of professional illustrators as well as those keen to publish their own work for children. The session included Marie-Louise's professional background, working life and artistic process. In the evening at the Happy Pear, Marie-Louise was joined on a panel by author Jane Mitchell and poet Seamus Cashman.

They discussed 'Once upon a Place' which is a collection of short stories and poems collated by current Loureate na nOg, Eoin Colfer.

Both events were courtesy of Words Ireland in association with Wicklow County Council arts office.

Together in 2016, these organisations are launching Wicklow's literature programme with events across the country, including masterclasses, mentoring, readings and book clubs. If you would like to find out more visit www.wordsireland.ie.
The road leading to St Laurence's school in Kindlestown is not safe for its 600 pupils, according to Jennifer Whitmore and other councillors.

'I don't want to be sitting at this table if something happens, thinking we didn't do enough,' said Cllr Whitmore.

She said that there are no lights and trucks mount the footpath. 'If a car meets a truck there isn't room for both and one ends up going on the path.'

'We've all been spoken to by the principal,' said Cllr Tom Fortune. 'Collectively as a district we need to put forward support by the six of us that it be dealt with.'

District Engineer Ruairi O'Hanlon said that a CPO needs to happen to widen the footpath because there isn't space there. 'That would be a function of the roads section.'

Cllr Fortune suggested that in the absence of funding a speed limit of 10km per hour be imposed, however Mr O'Hanlon said that it's not a legal possibility. There is already a special speed limit there of 30km per hour.

District manager Michael Nicholson said that it might be possible to speak to the landowners for agreement on the works.

'I've already spoken to them,' said Cllr Whitmore. 'They understand that something has to be done on the path. It's the finish that's a problem. They were offered a wooden fence.'

Cllr Fortune said that the road is not appropriate for a school with 600 students.

Cllr Derek Mitchell suggested forcing traffic to turn left and away from the school. He also suggested holding an informal meeting with the engineer with road plans in front of them in order to come up with some ideas.

The matter will be included in a meeting on the morning of the next meeting of Wicklow County Council taking place on Monday, March 7.

Members decided to write to the roads department and ask for a CPO.
At the stroke of midnight, just as his name was called out and he had made it over the line, FG's Deputy Michael Creed calmly took his mobile phone out of his top pocket and told his 91 year-old father Donal, "Dad. It's me. Job done."

It was indeed job done for the Macroom man as he knows both ends of the electoral sword when he lost his seat in 2002. It was an experience that he never wants to repeat.

At the count centre in Ballincollig, it was clear the battle for Cork North West, which is one of the biggest constituencies, was going to be a hard fought one. However, the tallies gave Deputy Creed the nod early on in the morning and once the first count started just after 5.30pm which netted him 8,869 first preference votes - things started to look up.

When outlined to him that it was not a good day nationally or locally for the FG party, he readily agreed.

" No it hasn't been a good day, but for me I am personally delighted that the people of Cork North West have once again put their trust in me," he said.

However, when asked if he would hold hands in Government with Fianna Fail, he said it was something that he would find hard to do.

When asked about the national swing against the Fine Gael party and even in CNW, he said when the tide is against a party, then there isn't much you can do.

"I think if we are being honest we knew that on the door steps and it was a difficult campaign but look, tides ebb and flow and I am sure that our boats will rise again," he said.

The re-elected Deputy Creed heaped deluge of praise on his supporters who stuck with him every step of the way and in particular his campaign team who put in a Trojan party effort.

He also paid great tribute to his running mate, Aine Collins who lost her seat at the seventh count.

"I am particularly sorry for Aine as I have been that soldier. I lost my seat in 2002 and I know what it is like to lose. It's hard for you as a person but equally so on your family, friends and supporters. It's them who have put all their trust in you," he said.

"Aine is a decent human being and it is only when the well runs dry that you will miss the water and that is particularly true for the people in Cork North West when they realise what they are missing. I am sure she will be missed but I am equally sure that she will be back," he said.

When it was put to him that as a reporter I recall interviewing him in 2002 when he lost his seat and again in 2007 when he bounced back and has remained a poll topper since, he was asked if he had a magical political formula that has kept returning him to the Dail.

Deputy Creed pointed to his large batch of supporters at the count centre and said;, "Look at those people there, it is them who keep me on my toes. They demand hard work and they deserve hard work. I also have a very supportive family and I have two great (parliamentary assistants) in Jonathan and Catherine," he said.

Deputy Creed also said he had an "organisation that would go to the ends of the earth" for him.

"I am very fortunate to be at the helm of that and it is an unbelievable honour but it is not one that I take for granted. I would not have were it not for their commitment in selling me and the public's response to that and I hope that formula will stick with me for as long as I am pursing electoral office," he said.

As it currently stands in CNW, it is a complete role reversal compared to the general election of 2011, which returned two FG candidates and one FF.

It now means that Deputy Michael Creed is the only FG TD in CNW - which is in itself a vast terrain to cover as it stretches from Charleville to Rockchapel in the top northwest corner and right back down to the Kerry border to Gougane Barra.

The Duhallow catchment region now has only one FG councillor, Cllr Gerard Murphy.

While it was certainly a good day for Deputy Creed but for the northern end of the region, it was in the words of Aine Collins "not a good day" for the FG party.
Just shy of 1am the joy was clear to be seen on the face of FF Deputy Michael Moynihan as he was re-elected on a very tight margin of 249 votes beating first time runner and Independent candidate, Cllr John Paul O'Shea.

Deputy Moynihan was hoisted up into the air by his many local supporters at the count centre in Ballincollig. There were roars and shouts of joy throughout the count centre.

It had certainly been a long day for the Kiskeam native and his strong team. At the first count, he polled 7,332 first preference votes compared to the first time running mate and namesake, Cllr Aindrias Moynihan who got 8,924. As the day trudged onwards, the transfers did come his way but not in a massive tide until the elimination of Deputy Aine Collins and the return of Deputy Michael Creed. Both of their transfers certainly gave him the welcome boost that he needed.

In the end, all that separated Deputy Moynihan and Cllr John Paul O'Shea from a Dail seat was 249 votes. For Cllr O'Shea it was a case of 'close, but no cigar,' but for Deputy Moynihan it was the securement of the final and precious third CNW seat in a hard fought battle.

When approached for an interview after being elected, it was put to him that it was a great day for the party and in particular for him as he had secured the final seat in Cork North West.

He said: "It's a great day for Fianna Fail we won two seats in the constituency. Many people wrote our obituary five years ago today.

"Brian Hayes famously said they were feasting on the carcass of Fianna Fail but we're back today and it's a fantastic achievement to take two seats in this constituency."

He said: "Obviously it's been a long day for me.

"The count went on for a long time but we succeeded and I would like to thank everybody who worked with me and for me especially my own team and of course my family and my supporters for the huge effort that they put in over the last while and we're relieved that it is over.

"I'm looking forward to working as hard as I can for the benefit of Cork North West in the future."

In the interview, Deputy Moynihan was asked for his view on the FG party as not only did they take a bashing at a local level but equally so on national level.

He said: "With all due respect I will only speak for my self and my own party and they will have to speak for themselves."

When asked if he would consider going into Government with Fine Gael, he said: " I was elected about five minutes ago and with the greatest of respect and with the greatest of respect I don't think it is time to comment on that."
A Cork priest has lost his appeal against a four year jail sentence imposed for hiring the Continuity IRA to issue death threats and intimidate his nephew into dropping a legal action against him.

Fr Francis Kelleher (60) pleaded guilty to four counts of coercion in relation to the threats made against his nephew, Niall Kelleher (43) on a number of dates in 2012 and 2013.

Fr Kelleher, a native of Cloughduv in Mid-Cork but now resident in Cork city, pleaded guilty in April 2015 to intimidating his nephew over a solicitor's letter which the nephew had sent to the cleric.

Judge Sean O Donnabhain imposed a four year sentence on the cleric at Cork Circuit Criminal Court after hearing how he had contacted a Continuity IRA grouping to intimidate his nephew.

Det Garda Micheal O'Regan had told the original hearing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that Mr Kelleher had sent a solicitor's letter to his uncle with regard to a civil matter on May 24, 2012.

However, on June 27, 2012, three men called to Mr Kelleher's house and met with his 13-year-old son, and then they called to where he was working in Innishannon and threatened him.

"They said to Mr Kelleher: 'We're from the Continuity IRA - withdraw the statement against the priest and drop the case or you won't see the following week,'" said Det Garda O'Regan.

Nine days later on July 6, 2012, Mr Kelleher received a phone call when a man told him to 'Drop the case and stop making up lies about Francis. It's all about money, drop the case or die'.

Two days later on July 8, Mr Kelleher received two more phone calls - the first telling him 'It's your last chance' and a second calling telling him 'You blew it'.

The threats stopped for a period but on January 8, 2013, Mr Kelleher received another threatening call at home urging him to withdraw the statement he had given his solicitor.

'You're a nice guy, Niall, but I've been paid a lot of money to take care of you in relation to your statement,' said the caller to Mr Kelleher, who was deeply disturbed by the threats.

Mr Kelleher had contacted the gardai and upped his personal security at his house as he took the threats to himself and his family very seriously, and gardai put a watch on his home.

Gardai regularly carried out patrols in the vicinity of Mr Kelleher's home as they began an investigation into the threats which they quickly traced to Fr Kelleher, the court heard.

Det Garda O'Regan said gardai arrested Fr Kelleher on November 25, 2013 and he admitted to them that he had paid 4,000 to someone to have his nephew threatened.

Imposing the four year term on Fr Kelleher, who is now out of ministry, Judge O Donnabhain said his behaviour was appalling and the fact that he professed to be a priest at the time made it even worse

But Fr Kelleher appealed the severity of the sentence to the Court of Criminal Appeal last week and the three judge court upheld the four year jail term imposed by Judge O Donnabhain last year.

Dismissing Fr Kelleher's appeal, Mr Justice Alan Mahon said an attempt to stop an individual from pursuing legal proceedings was a very serious matter even where the threats may be mild.

The fact that he hired a gang who purported to be the Continuity IRA for the purpose of instilling in his victim the maximum amount of fear made the offence "particularly reprehensible".

Fr Kelleher's nephew "absolutely believed" that he and his family were in serious danger from the threats, said Mr Justice Mahon, adding the threats were "particularly nasty".

The threats were so realistic that Fr Kelleher's nephew felt the need to check under his car before going to work every day and he was wary of any strange cars around his neighbourhood, he said.

Defence counsel, Tom Creed SC, said his client was effectively "a broken man", having being removed for his post as hospital chaplain and having lost his house provided by his diocese.

Mr Creed submitted that Judge O Donnabhain should have suspended a portion of his client's sentence when dealing with the case at Cork Circuit Criminal Court in 2015

But Mr Justice Mahon said that while four years may have been at the upper end of the scale, it was within Judge O'Donnabhain's discretion having regard to the number of offences and their nature.

Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Paul Butler, said they had found no error in principle by Judge O Donnabhain and they dismissed Fr Kelleher's appeal.
A new service called Befriending Drogheda has been set up to help all families including those going through Alzheimer's.

It has been introduced by Drogheda and District Support for Older People which, with the Drogheda Branch of the Alzheimer Society, helped organise a very sucessful Information Day last week.

Alzheimer's committee member, Ann Shortt, has publicly thanked all those who helped set up the event.

"There were so many people that we could not name everybody but Dave and Paulette were especially helpful.

"Our solicitor Ivan Feran gave a very comprehensive overview on Making a Will and Power of Attorney, a very important service for our clients," she said.

"Our Community Public Health nurses Vicky McAuley from Ballsgrove and Sheila Morris from Clogherhead health centre spoke about the Fair Deal service and nursing homes," she said.

Rosaleen Allen attended as part of the Drogheda Senior Citizens group and spoke on Bereavement, a service available from the new centre on Dominick Street.

"Catherine Tobin from the HSE gave a very informed insight into the person with Alzheimer's, how the sufferer sees life differently and caring for the person in their home," said Ms Shortt.

From the Disrupting Alzheimer organisation came Christy Fleming, looking at early intervention and trying to slow down the illness.

Christy brought along some friends who instructed the audience on healthy alternatives to products such as tea, coffee, etc.

Nick Costello from the Chi Wellness Centre in Laurence Street spoke on the benefits from exercise and the attendees took part in some gentle Tai Chi.

"Rachel and Hillary came from the Highlanes Gallery to show art can be used to stimulate our clients," said Ms Shortt. "The gallery recently set up a pilot programme in Laurence Street specially for Alzheimer patients and this has proved to be very effective."

Counsellor and psychotherapist, Mairead Ryan, from John Street spoke about how caring for the carer is often forgotten about, pointing out that stress and exhaustion is part of the caregiver's life.

Family Carers Ireland gave very useful information about benefits and entitlements and about fairness for carers.

Ms Shortt added : "The wish of the Drogheda Branch is to give a better service to our community going through Alzheimer's. We hope those who attended found some answers to their questions."
A man accused of taking part in a tiger kidnapping of a family has succeeded in having his bail conditions relaxed "so he can live a normal life".

Jonathan Gill (38) is accused of abducting an An Post worker and his family and forcing the victim to take 661,125 from his work. The family, including a ten month old baby, were held at gunpoint overnight.

Mr Gill, a father-of-two of Malahide Road, Coolock, Dublin is charged with falsely imprisoning post office worker Warren Nawn (37), his partner Jean Marie Matthews (36), and their daughter in Drogheda between August 1 and 2, 2011. He is also charged with stealing cash from the post office.

He has yet to enter a plea but Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that he "fiercely denies the charges."

The bail hearing heard a masked gang went to the family's home in Co Louth dressed as parcel delivery men. The family were taken to a farm yard and held overnight.

At 8am the father was given his An Post uniform and told to go the post office on West Street in Drogheda and take the money. He was directed via mobile phone to drop the cash at the side of a motorway before disposing of the phone.

James Dwyer BL, prosecuting, told Judge Melanie Greally that during the abduction there was no food for the family, including the baby. It is the State's case that Mr Gill went to the shop to buy milk for the baby and was caught on CCTV. A carton of milk was later found at the scene.

The court was told Mr Gill's car was seen in a convoy going to the family's house. A co-accused's was also seen in the convoy and his DNA was found on a pizza box at the scene it is alleged.

Mr Gill was granted bail on strict conditions after being charged in 2013. The court ordered him to sign on twice daily at Pearse Street Garda Station and keep a 10 pm curfew.

Gardai had opposed bail due to the seriousness of the charges and the belief that Mr Gill still had access to the stolen money.

Dean Kelly BL, defending, asked the court to relax the signing on and curfew provisions so that Mr Gill could "live a normal life."

Counsel said Mr Gill's son was training to be jockey in the UK but would be home for the summer and his client would like to be able to go for a drink with him without worrying about getting home in time.

Counsel also asked the court to allow Mr Gill to sign on once a day to make it easier for him to work. He conceded his client was not presently employed.

The court was initially told Mr Gill wanted to relax his bail conditions so he could do a training course in Cavan. However he had since decided against doing this course as "he does not want to be a celebrity suspect" with gardai calling to the course everyday to check on him.

Gardai objected to a change of bail conditions but Judge Greally agreed to partially relax them. She said Mr Gill must sign on twice a day on four days every week but can sign on once for the other three. She also extended his curfew until 11pm.

Mr Gill is due to stand trial in February 2017.
Fianna Fail candidate, Declan Breathnach, who topped the poll in Louth, at the General Election count held in The Ramada Resort Hotel.

Sinn Fein candidates, Imelda Munster and Gerry Adams, celebrating after being elected to Dail Eireann at the General Election count in The Ramada Resort Hotel

At precisely one minute to six on Sunday evening, returning officer Mairead Ahern deemed Imelda Munster elected, a proclamation which created history as it declared Louth's first female TD in this momentous year of 2016.

The Drogheda woman got over the line in the 10th count when picking up 2.037 of Garrett Weldon's transfers, which gave her the highest overall tally of 13,029.

In reality, she was destined for Leinster House after the first count, her first preference vote of 8,829, third best behind Sinn Fein colleague, Gerry Adams and Declan Breathnach (FF).

'Now, we have two Louth Sinn Fein deputies.'

It's a lot to take in, but which gives the new TD most satisfaction, being elected for Sinn Fein or making that piece of history?

'They are both different things. I am always proud to be a Sinn Fein representative,' she said.

'I haven't made history, the people have made history.

'I have only one vote. The people have made history to elect me the first female TD for the county.'

She was wholesome in her praise of the party's vote management, as Sinn Fein increased its share from 21.7% in 2011 to 29%.

'We were diligent in our vote management strategy. And it worked out exactly as we had hoped; and we were able to return two Sinn Fein TDs.'

Now that Munster has blazed a trail, she wants more women to follow suit.

'I most definitely would encourage more women to get involved in politics,' she asserted in the lobby of the Ramada hotel, doing the rounds of media interviews.

'I have a young woman here beside me, Edel Corrigan, who is an up and coming female Sinn Fein councillor in Louth.

'Sinn Fein have always met the gender equality, and have been to the fore in promoting gender equality.'

The mother of two didn't expect to end up in the Dail when she began her political career.

'No, it was never an ambition.

'I joined Sinn Fein almost 30 years ago, and the party asked if I would stand for elections in 2004.

'I did, and I got elected; and then in 2009 I got elected on to Drogheda borough council and Louth county council.

'And then in 2014 I topped the poll in Drogheda.

'No, it (becoming a TD) was never anything that was planned. It was just the way it developed.'

Amid uncertainty about the formation of the 32nd Dail, Munster hopes to be part of a new government.

'I would like to see us play a role in the next government, as part of the right to change, and form a left-wing government.

'We will not be propping up any of the two conservative parties. In no circumstances will we do that. We will not shaft the people.'

Gerry Adams meanwhile came second to Fianna Fail's Declan Breathnach, who topped the poll. Mr Adams secured 10,661 first preference votes, down on his 15,072 result in 2011 when he was the only Sinn Fein candidate. Mr Adams was elected on count seven, with 11,278, just 23 over the quota of 11,255.

He was just under 2,000 first preferences ahead of his running mate Ms Munster coming out of the first count. Following his election, Mr Adams said he was delighted to see two seats going to Sinn Fein in Louth, but said it was 'not down to me'.

He said: 'We had a really smashing team in Louth and East Meath and I want to thank all those people who worked for us as well as those who votes for us. It is a great honour to be re-elected'.

One man who had to endure the pain of defeat was Ged Nash.

A government minister, he stayed in the race till the very end, but it was simply not enough.

'The Labour party is not going away, and neither am I,' was the defiant message from Ged moments after confirmation that he had lost his seat.

The junior minister failed to survive the nationwide move against the coalition partners, as he saw his first preference vote drop to 4,945 from 8,718 in 2011.

'Yes, I will go forward again. We could have an election in the next few weeks, I intend to be back.'

It has been a difficult few days for the outgoing TD, who lost his father-in-law, and he was appreciative of the support given by party leader Joan Burton at that time.

'In fact, it was at the end of our conversations that Joan was asking how the campaign was going.'

Reflecting on a disastrous Labour performance, he remarked: 'I think we had a difficult election. The reality was that we were being squeezed on every side.

'The people are always right. Nobody can second guess the views of the electorate as expressed through the ballot box.

'We have got to try to comprehend what that message means over the next few weeks and months.

'I'll stick with what I said earlier on, and what I've been saying all over the weekend. This may not be seen now, but I think the interests of people who work for a living, the people who want to work for a living, the people who depend on public services will not be served by any arrangement that I can see being thrashed together over the next few weeks.

'And I think, unfortunately, the Irish people will miss the presence of a strong Labour party; but we will be back, and back in greater nunbers.'

Nash believes this will be accomplished with Joan Burton at the helm.

'No, it won't involve a change of leadership.

'Joan is a people person, and I am just so relieved that she has retained her seat, as Joan has a huge role to play in Irish politics, and that's at the head of the Labour party.

Nash said he is proud of the work he has achieved in government.

'People have recognised the work I have done over the last year and a half, particularly on employment rights, on trade union rights, on representing working people, on making work pay.

'I'm immensely proud of the record of achievement I have under my belt, particularly over the last year and a half; and I think that's a record of achievement that will stand to the Labour party, and a record that will stand to improve people's lives over the next number of years.

'I think it's a great shame that the Labour party is going back into the Dail in greatly diminished numbers.

'Working people and people who depend on public services will have a weakened voice.'
Balbriggan's 2016 Commemorative Committee is bidding to have a commemorative stone erected around Harbour View and Quay Street to mark the home of Sinead Ni Fhlannagain, or Sinead DeValera as she would become better known.

Cllr Malachy Quinn (SF) raised the issue on behalf of the committee at a recent meeting of the Swords/Balbriggan Area Committee and said the committee wanted to see a commemorative stone to the Balbriggan native who went on to be the wife of Eamonn De Valera.

The council's operations department agreed to meet with the committee to discuss the issue.

Born in the Fingal town on June 3, 1878, Jane Flanagan, as she was called then, was a beautiful actress and teacher and it was at a meeting of the Gaelic league that she met a young Eamon De Valera.

Then only eighteen-years-old, Jane soon changed her name to the Gaelic Sinead Ni Fhlannagain.

The pair fell in love and after a courtship of two years, they were married. It was a marriage destined to last more than sixty years and to bring the couple great personal happiness, along with six children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

But that is only half the story. In those 60 years the pair had many trials and tests but came through them all, Sinead even travelling on a false passport to the United States to visit her husband.

The devotion the pair had for each other was epitomised in a letter De Valera wrote to his wife when he was director of a summer school in Galway.

He wrote: 'There is a big big vacancy in my heart. I feel empty, joyless without you.'

Sinead trained as a teacher and took up her first post in a national school in Dorset Street, Dublin. In her spare time she taught Irish at the Leinster College of the Gaelic League in Parnell Square and took part in amateur dramatics.

One of her pupils at the Leinster College was Eamon De Valera, then a teacher of mathematics. They were married on January 8, 1910 at St Paul's Church, Arran Quay. They had five sons and two daughters, and she devoted herself to her home and family, taking no part in public life.

Almost immediately De Valera became involved in the Irish cause and joined the Irish Volunteers at their first meeting in 1913 and the rest of course, is history.
The film A Terrible Beauty about the events of 1916 will be screened at Malahide Community School

Few people will be better informed of the events of 1916 than the students of Malahide Community School who will host a series of exciting events to mark the centenary of those tumultuous times and will open up their school to the public for two of those events.

On Monday, March 7, students will be treated to a viewing of the film 'A Terrible Beauty' which centres on the events of the Rising. The producer and director will be at the screening and will entertain questions on the film from the students, after the showing.

That event is restricted to students but the school will open its doors later that same evening with a public event, where parents and former students of the school are particularly welcome to come along. The evening event starts at 7.30pm and takes the form of a lecture in the school library by author and historian, Liz Gillis on the role of women in the events of 1916.

Liz has written a series of books about the Irish Revolution, including 'Ireland Over All', 'The Fall of Dublin', 'Revolution in Dublin', 'Women of the Irish Revolution', 'We Were There; 77 Women of the Irish Revolution'.

On Friday, March 11 and restricted to students this time, is a debating competition about fifth year students centring on the topic of the 1916 Easter Rising.

On Monday, March 14, students at the school will be invited to enjoy an all-day series of talks and an exhibition of memorabilia from the revolutionary period of 1912 to 1920. That will take place in the PE Hall at the school.

On Tuesday, March 15 there will be a flag raising ceremony for students in the morning, accompanied by a ceremonial reading of the 1916 Proclamation.

In the afternoon, students will enjoy a concert themed around 1916, performed by first year students.

That evening, from 7.45pm, the public will be invited into the school once more for a spectacular concert with a distinctly 1916 theme which will be staged by students and staff at the school.

The programme of events comes to a close on Wednesday, March 16 in the school canteen when students will be able to enjoy talks by a range of guest speakers.

The speakers lined up include historian, Dr. Pat Callan, the former Lord Mayor of Dublin, Michael Keating who is an expert on Michael Collins and the author of a book on Collins which is due for publication in the coming weeks.

Completing the line-up, will be RTE's Joe Duffy who is the author of the recently published book called 'Children of the Rising' where he detailed some of the affects of the Rising on Dublin's younger citizens.

It promises to be a week of events that will be remembered for a long time to come at the school.
Swapping a seat in the Seanad for one in the Dail is Darragh O'Brien who put in a staggering performance to top the poll against and make a Lazarus-like recovery from the devastation of losing his seat in 2011, in just a single election cycle.

All the pundits had predicted Clare Daly would top the poll, but in the end it was the Fianna Fail man who Fingal voters put across the line first, this time out.

O'Brien burst through the doors of the count centre in the National Show Centre at close to three o'clock on Saturday afternoon and was greeted with a throng of well-wishers as well as the national media.

It is very easy to spot the Fianna Fail supporters in the crowd at the count centre this time around, just as it was in 2011 but for wholly different reasons.

In 2011 they were the ones with the hang-dog expressions, looking like their world had fallen apart but this time, spot a broad smile and chances are it belongs to a member of the Fianna Fail faithful.

But the broadest smile belongs to Darragh O'Brien who spoke to the Fingal Independent minutes after he arrived at the count centre and before he was formally elected. It was clear at that stage that the Malahide man would be elected first in Fingal.

Asked if he could have imagined topping the poll, five years ago as he licked his wounds following a bruising election in 2011, he said: 'No, not really but we never gave up.

'We've been working hard, from myself to our councillors here in Fingal and the whole team and we have been working hard on behalf of our community.

'I've also showed people that I can make an impact on a national level with my role in the Seanad.'

He added: 'Five years is a long time ago, but as I said before, we respected that vote back in 2011 and we knew we had to work hard and doubly hard and it is great to be rewarded with such a sizeable vote here as a party for both myself and my running mate, Lorraine as well. It looks like we are on about 23 or 24%.'

While winning his seat back was widely predicted, nobody dared forecast he would top the poll. When we met the then, Senator O'Brien before the election he was reluctant to even contemplate coming second or third in the poll.

He said: 'I was reluctant to say anything - it was down to the people.

'I'm delighted with the vote but if you looked at our local election performance, and this is what I have been saying to people, we have four superb councillors in Brian Dennehy, Adrian Henchy, Darragh Butler and Eoghan O'Brien who all did extremely well in the local elections.

'So, we were quietly working away and quietly confident.'

The newly crowned Fianna Fail TD said: 'More importantly, I think why people connected with us is that we have been campaigning on issues that are really important to people.

'What we are about, very strongly, is about brining fairness back into Irish society. This has been an incredibly unfair Government that has hit those who can least afford it and people were looking for an alternative and that alternative is Fianna Fail,'

When we met prior to the election, O'Brien reflected on the 2011 election and how difficult it was for his party and for him, personally. To illustrate the point he told us that his wife had said the only reason she voted for him in that tumultuous election was because she was married to him. He joked this time, that she found it a little easier to put a number one beside her husband's name - he thinks.

The new TD said: 'I don't think she had a problem this time. I don't know where she is at the moment so you're going to have to ask her yourself, but I think it was much easier for her to vote for me this time than it was the last time.'

The Fianna Fail front-bencher would not be drawn on his or his party's future and whether that future would be in or out of Government.

In our pre-election interview, he talked extensively about the 'red-lines' on coalition that his party leader set during the campaign on not going into Government with either Fine Gael or Sinn Fein. He said he agreed with his party leader's position on both counts and said he had no interest in 'propping up Enda Kenny' in a coalition.

But in early afternoon on Saturday it is hard to see a workable Government without the 'big two' finally shedding the shackles of the Civil War and getting into political bed with each other.

But for now, the Fingal poll-topper is not willing to speculate.

He said: 'I think we have to let all the votes be counted first. It will be a long weekend ahead and I'll be talking to colleagues across the country.'

Asked what his own preference would be to form the next Government, the Malahide TD said: 'My own preference is to be declared elected myself. That's what I'm doing and I'm not going to pre-empt anything.'

He was not ruling anything in or out and simply said: 'We've got to sit down and talk to people and let the counts happen and let's see what happens at the end of the week.

'It's going to be a long weekend but in Dublin Fingal, we are obviously delighted.'

The newly-elected TD who was born and bred in the constituency was proud to be able to represent his community again in the national parliament and he summed up his mood and we suspect, the mood of his supporters when he said: 'There is no greater honour than to represent the people you've grown up with and worked with so I'm just over the moon, I have to say - it's fantastic.'
Almost everybody predicted Fine Gael would retain one seat in Dublin Fingal in this election but few, if any predicted it would be Alan Farrell as opposed to Dr James Reilly who would hold onto that seat.

But when the votes were counted, Farrell had swapped places with a Government minister and could lay claim to being one of just a handful of Fine Gael candidates in this election to actually improve on his performance in 2011.

So while his victory came as a surprise to many, was the candidate himself expecting the result? Deputy Farrell said: 'We were reasonably confident. I had two trains of thought, either that I would gain on my first preference vote from 2011 which I clearly have done or another was that I would struggle to retain what I had built up between 2004 and 2011.

'Unfortunately, when you are in Government or supporting the Government team, it is inevitable that you will take a hit when that Government isn't popular. I'm very pleased and elated to have been able to buck that trend.

'From my own perspective, I would like to think that it's an acknowledgement of my availability in the constituency, with nine clinics a month for the last four-and-a-half years.'

But while he might have been hopeful of retaining his seat, he admits that it did come as a surprise to him that he was able to overtake his running mate who topped the poll, last time out.

He said: 'I did not expect to finish ahead of the minister, no. We did do a poll at the beginning of February and I was ahead of him but the margin was 4% and I was just 3% ahead of him so I thought we would end up on a very similar level and I was actually concerned about that because I thought, if the transfers are not available it could mean one of us having to cannibalise the other's first preferences to get elected.

'He had a difficult ministry and he didn't have enough money to implement the policies of Government and unfortunately his first preference votes reflects that. He lost nearly 60% of his first preference vote. I'm personally very disappointed that this has arisen and I'm very disappointed with our result nationally, not just on behalf of the two Government parties but from my own perspective, we have lost so many good people who have done their very best to try and get us through this mess of an economy.'

With a lot of prominent figures in the party falling at this election, Fine Gael backbenches like Farrell will have an opportunity to progress up the ranks and the Fine Gael TD is conscious of that and ambitious to take a step up but he believes he will have to wait a while longer and that all of us may have to wait for another election to find a new Government.

He explained: 'From a personal perspective, of course, I've said this from the very first interview I did with the Fingal Independent in 2004 that I did this because I want to achieve something and I'm an ambitious person.

'I didn't want to fail in politics - it would have been the first thing I've ever failed at. Clearly I would like to progress my career and in politics, that means being a committee chair or a junior or senior minister and that is something I would aspire to, but whether that will happen in the next Dail, I think is unlikely. I think forming a Government will be almost impossible and I suspect we will be back before the people sometime before the summer.'

The Fine Gael TD believes that at some point in the not too distant future a coalition between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail will have to happen but he believes that for practical reasons in both parties, it will not happen now.

Deputy Farrell said: 'You ask the average Fianna Fail or Fine Gael voter if they are going to transfer to the other party and they will say no. We would lose a significant number of our supporters, I'm sure - both voters and members (if they coalesced with Fianna Fail).

'I'm not a tribal member of Fine Gael, I'm an ideological one. I'm in it because of the party's policies, not because of its history. We don't live history, we learn from it and I joined because of Nora Owen and her impression upon me, when I was a youngster and the likes of Garrett FitzGerald - ideological politicians. From my perspective, there is a piece of paper between us (Fianna Fail and Fine Gael) - when one is in opposition and when one is in Government, one pursues certain policies and our policies are very similar.'

So is an eventual coalition with 'the big two' inevitable? Deputy Farrell said: 'I think in our lifetime, at some point in the future there will have to be a coalition.

'My concern is the radicalisation of politics across Europe and in Ireland - it is happening as we speak and we see more hard left parties forming and being elected.

'That will present more issues for the Irish public in the future and my concern is that unless there is a united approach to fighting that off. Irish people are traditionally very centrist and both our parties are very centrist.'

So would he favour that arrangement himself? Deputy Farrell said: 'In the future, yes, but not for now.'

With both Government parties suffering in this election, talk is rife of a change in leadership in both Fine Gael and Labour but Deputy Farrell believes that now is not the time to change leader.

He said: 'The Taoiseach has my support. I have no difficulty recognising that we have had a really tough election. We will see what happens. He may go but he has my support.'

Asked if his former Fingal County Council colleague, Leo Varadkar might make a move for the leadership, the Fine Gael TD said: 'He was the first person to text me this morning, interestingly, but I'm sure that was because of our friendship rather than any other reason.

'The question has not arisen - the Taoiseach has my support,' he stated.
A management service provider to the licensed trade has been convicted and fined for placing a 'litany' of advertising posters on poles in different streets in Balbriggan, without permission from Fingal County Council.

Independent Insights, based on Dominick Street in Mullingar pleaded guilty at Balbriggan District Court to exhibiting the posters on structures on Drogheda Street, Dublin Street and Market Green in Balbriggan on dates in May, September and October last year without authorisation.

The offences are under Section 19 (1) of the Litter Pollution Act 1997.

A solicitor for Fingal County Council said that the posters were put up by the management service provider advertising events in local nightclubs and pubs in order to drum up business.

'It is the council's view that a direct prosecution should take place because of the frequency of these posters being put up,' the solicitor said.

'The council has to take a firm stance on this,' the solicitor added.

A Litter Warden for Fingal County Council gave evidence that on May 12 last year she observed 16 such posters erected in illegal locations.

She removed six of the posters from locations along Bridge Street. However, on May 21 these posters were re-erected.

She gave further evidence of coming across the illegal posters during dates in September and October.

Following enquiries, she discovered the posters were put up by Independent Insights company.

'There was no evidence of Fingal County Council's consent to the posters being put up so it is an offence under the Litter Pollution Act,' the litter warden said.

'There was a litany of posters put up over a long period of time.'

Defence solicitor for Independent Insights said the company is 'holding its hand up.'

He said it was not a continued breach over the period in question as they did not receive notice to take them down.

'If they had received notice in May they would not have continued to put the posters up,' the solicitor said.

'The posters were to drum up trade for different pubs and nightclubs in the town advertising themed nights,' explained the solicitor.

The solicitor said a 'former employee of the company took it upon himself to place the posters in areas he should not have.

He was possibly told to ask shopkeepers could be put them in their shops but that didn't happen.'

He said the company's owner Dave Kane, who was in court, was unaware of the locations where the posters were placed.

Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted and fined the company a total of 800 for sample summons for each month plus legal costs of 650.
You might think that the prospect of the so-called 'grand coalition' between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail might horrify parties on the left of Irish politics but Fingal's AAA and People Before Profit candidate thinks it might present a huge opportunity for the left.

AAA-PBP candidate in Dublin Fingal, Terry Kelleher explained: 'Absolutely, it is an opportunity for the left. Let's say they (Fianna Fail and Fine Gael) do go into coalition together, it's not going to be a smooth ride. There are still huge crises and problems there and who do people vote for next time?'

The Balbriggan-based candidate is convinced the 'grand coalition' will happen and he sees it opening up a true right/left divide in Irish politics that he believes has never really existed before.

Terry said: 'Because of the career-based nature of politics, particularly in those two parties, I think it is very likely and I think it will be good for politics. I think it will open up a real left/right chasm in politics and I think that will be very, very positive. Most people that I talk to see no difference between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail and they naturally should be in bed together.'

The fact that people are even talking about the 'big two' getting together reflects a 'crisis' in both parties. Kelleher said: 'It also reflects the crises in these parties. Before, they had the numbers, in the distant past, for an overall majority. They haven't been able to use those words for a long time. It is reflective of a crisis in the right-wing parties and I think what were are opening up is a divided Ireland.'

The AAA-PBP candidate said that it was ironic, given that so many voters voted for parties of the left in this election, that the two centrist parties are favourites to coalesce but he predicts a 'bright future' for the left in Ireland.

Kelleher said: 'We believe we have a great future because we don't believe the return of Fianna Fail or the maintaining of Fine Gael or the possible maintaining of Labour will fundamentally change anything.

He added: 'The AAA's long-term project is to buid a new mass workers' party to replace the Labour Party and this is a step in that direction. I hope people on the left will see that we need to co-operate in elections and develop alliances. But we have a lot of work to do in between elections too, to convince people that the left can be a serious force for change - I don't think we have done that yet.

'I think that still, the left is seen as protest but you see with the election of Mick Barry in Cork and Paul Murphy, Richard Boyd Barrett and a number of others, I think you are going to have more principled left people co-operating together and advocating a new mass workers' party for people.'
Seamus Rafter, seen here pictured with RTE's Anne Doyle in Ferns last year, has written a book on his uncle and 1916 Irish Volunteer in Enniscorthy, Seamus Rafter

A book detailing the life of Seamus Rafter will be launched in the Riverside Park Hotel, Enniscorthy today (March 1) at 8pm.

The book 'Seamus Rafter: The Life and Times' was written by Ballindaggin man Seamus Rafter who chronicles the life and career of his uncle, Seamus Rafter, who was Commandant of 'A Company Volunteers', Enniscorthy, leading up to and during the Easter Rising 1916.

Seamus Rafter was born in Monalee, Ballindaggin in 1873 and died in 1918 as the result of an explosion. The book gives details of his early life in Ballindaggin, his apprenticeship in Enniscorthy to the grocery business, his dedication to 'A Company' Volunteers and to the cause of Irish freedom.

As an avid supporter of the Irish language he was a key figure in setting up the Enniscorthy branch of the Gaelic League. He was a trusted and inspiring leader, leading up to and during the Rising, when the tricolour flew for a week over Enniscorthy.

After the surrender, he was sentenced to death, later commuted and was interned in various prisons including Dartmoor and Frongoch. On his release he once again devoted himself completely to his dream of Irish independence. His untimely death was an irreparable loss to the movement.

After his funeral, which was one of the largest ever seen in the town, he was interred in his native Ballindaggin.

The book is an informative and comprehensive account of the events at the time in Enniscorthy and is bound to be invaluable to all interested in the period, especially people from the Ballindaggin area. The author has drawn information from witness statements and other primary sources including his own family archives. The book will be launched by Niall Holohan, who now carries on his business in the premises where Seamus Rafter died.

Very fittingly the book will be launched in the Seamus Rafter Suite in the Riverside Park.
Inflexibility could well be biggest obstacle to government formation. The people have spoken but now we must try and decipher what they are saying - that's the task ahead as the final seats in Election 2016 are being decided.

The re-emergence of Fianna Fail, the continuing upward curve of Sinn Fein, and the steady rise of Independents have all conspired to create the most interesting of permutations as we now look to March 10 and the task of forming a government.

Fine Gael and Labour suffered the wrath of voters' anger with the latter bearing the brunt of the government's collapse. But the elephant in the room now is whether or not the conflation of Civil War politics is finally upon us.

Fianna Fail gathered 24.3 per cent of the first preference vote, compared with 17.4 per cent in 2011. Whether or not this signals that the party's period of atonement is at an end, or just a reflection of the electorate's exasperation, is still unclear.

But what it does tell us is that the business of forming a government is now going to be one of the most interesting political chapters since the foundation of the state. Fine Gael and Labour have paid the price for not 'selling the recovery' effectively and the high-profile casualties in both parties will call into question the judgements of Enda Kenny and Joan Burton in their capacity as party leaders - and their call on the election date.

Labour will also feel aggrieved that there now exists among the election victors a luxury of political self-preservation as they attempt to iron out a coalition - a luxury Labour feel did not exist back in 2011 when the Troika was pulling the nation's strings.

But Sinn Fein will also be asked big questions in the coming weeks. The party openly encouraged the electorate to come out and 'vote for change' on polling day but they have since circled the wagons saying they will not enter government as the smaller party. Sinn Fein have clearly learned a valuable lesson from the Labour Party but will their long-term strategy to become the largest party in the State work as the machinations of government formation get underway?

In a year which sees Ireland celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Rising, March 10 and the prospect of forming a government is likely to polarise all the old intra-nationalist divisions as the FG, FF and SF faithful gather to carve out a deal.

It's certain that in each case the historic principles that have so far divided the protagonists are likely to supersede those of government formation and any permutation will require a measure of compromise with a bitter adversary. Whether or not this can be achieved remains the question.

And what of the disparate groups and Independents who have provided refuge for voters disenfranchised with the party political system? The Social Democrats, AAA, Renua and Independent Alliance, as well as the Green Party, may have extended voter choice in this election, but equally they have brought us no closer to filling those vital pieces of jigsaw in government formation.

The results have injected much uncertainty for sure as we look to piece together the 32nd Dail, but only political inflexibility from those elected can create the chaos. If the latter is the call, then we must do it all again some time soon, and that, quite frankly, is a solution people do not want.
Tara Vale Swimmers Jim French and Danny O'Connor present Joanne Doyle of the Jack and Jill Foundation and Cecily Jones of North Wexford Hospice Homecare with cheques from the proceeds of their New Year's Day Swim at Ballymoney

The annual New Year's Day swim has become something of a tradition in Ballymoney, and it attracts large crowds. The Tara Vale Swimmers also get great support from family, friends, and locals, as they take to the water to raise funds for two very good causes.

The day always concludes with music, food, and fun in The Tara Vale, Kildermot. The swimmers recently reunited in the Tara Vale to look back on the day and to present the proceeds of the swim to the charities.

A very impressive 14,100 was raised, to be divided equally between the Jack and Jill Foundation and North Wexford Hospice Homecare, with a donation also going to Courtown RNLI for providing safety cover on the day.

The Tara Vale Swimmers sent their sincere thanks to all the people involved in the event. They said that the amount raised would not have been possible without the help and support of local businesses, local people and the staff of the Tara Vale.

'It is amazing that no matter how hard times are, people still help those less fortunate,' said a spokesperson for the group. 'Both charities were delighted with the monies raised and spoke of the work this will enable them to carry out in the area.'
There was disappointment for Saoirse Ronan at Sunday's Oscars as she lost out on the Best Actress award to Brie Larson.

However it was clear from the moment she stepped onto the red carpet that she was a winner in the style stakes as she wowed in a racy Calvin Klein shimmering dress.

A more daring look that we are used to seeing the Carlow native in Saoirse featured on several best dressed lists with her shimmering green dress complete with plunging neckline.

The dress was heavily sequined on the top with spiral patterns created in the almost sheer skirt. The cut-out back makes this a real show stopper.

The 21-year-old who was nominated for the Best Actress award for her role as Eilis Leacy in the hit film Brooklyn, which was set in Enniscorthy and Brooklyn, wore her hair in loose, tousled waves. She teamed her glamorous and sophisticated look with a pair of green drop earrings.

She kept her make-up minimal with the exception of a smouldering eye.

The gown had velvet spaghetti straps and the low cut-out back showcased her enviable curves to perfection.

Ronan is the youngest two-time Oscar nominee since Angela Lansbury in 1946.

Brooklyn itself was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars but unfortunately lost out to Spotlight starring Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo. Brooklyn is the story of a young woman who leaves her family and friends in Ireland to come to New York for work, and finds a new life and love in 1950s America.

Despite losing out to Larson for Best Actress Ronan said that she had been overwhelmed by the support she and the rest of the cast had received for the film.

'From our point of view, there has been nothing but love and support for Brooklyn from people in the industry.

'Everyone, whether they're Irish or not, seems to have such a strong connection to the story for obvious reasons and I think, because of that connection, people have genuinely been so happy that the film has received such wonderful recognition.'

Ronan said she had chosen the green hue as a nod to her Irish roots. 'I'm very proud to be Irish!' Ronan said on the red carpet, in explaining how she chose the deep green hue of her slinky Calvin Klein Collection gown. 'I didn't want to think about what I was wearing to the Oscars before being nominated - I'm very superstitious.' The nominations were announced in mid-January, so the label spent a month and a half crafting the custom gown.

Ronan has been busy rehearsing for The Crucible on Broadway which is set to open next month. It is the first time the actress has taken on a role in a play but she is looking forward to the challenge.
St Mogue's Hall in Inch recently played host to the Irish premier of Frank McGuinness' play 'Greta Garbo Came to Donegal'. Coolgreany Drama Group was delighted to report that huge numbers turned out for the four performances.

The director, cast, and crew and all the members of the group sent a sincere thank you to all who came to support, in particular, the young Macra na Feirme friends who attended night after night to help out.

Director Sally Stevens said that the play went down a storm with great reviews from all who attended. The group now takes to the All Ireland Drama Festival circuit. They competed in Kilmuckridge on February 22, and in Rush on February 25.

Those who haven't yet seen the play are advised to keep an eye out for future dates at Inch Hall, or go to see it at the South Leinster Drama Festival in Gorey on Wednesday March 9. For results and updates, see Coolgreany Amateur Dramatic Society on Facebook.
The Kilgarvan-bound cavalcade made one of the most impressive sights leaving Killarney, but the one bearing up from the south on Ballyheigue told its own historic story - a resurgent Fianna Fail in Kerry on the back of a rejuvenated organisation and candidates of real appeal.

With the John Brassil jeep on point on the hard shoulder beyond Farranfore, the supporting cars pulled in one after another behind to take off as one northwards with gusto.

The victory was a sweet one for the Ballyheigue pharmacist after trying to get the party nod for years. He finally broke the hold of the Fianna Fail dynasties of North Kerry in the convention of March of last year to get the selection.

A BS-free zone, his sharp and calm, matter-of-fact approach came to be seen as the party's only hope in North Kerry of recouping all Fianna Fail lost in its 2011 annihilation.

John Brassil was elected to the fifth seat of the new constituency on the last count on Sunday - under quota on 12,792 votes, having polled 8,156 first preferences. No small feat for a Fianna Fail man amid the ex-Fianna Fail Healy Rae tsunami.

His 45 per cent transfer from south Kerry running mate Norma Moriarty after her elimination on the ninth count spoke volumes of a resurgent Fianna Fail still adept in managing the vote.

It also came as validation of a vote strategy some feared might prove too evenly -split geographically for either candidate to get enough.

"I always had the belief that if I was given the opportunity it would be more difficult for me to get out of the party than it would be to get elected by the people. The convention was extremely difficult to win, my geography wasn't helpful of course, not when you've the Atlantic Ocean at your back, but I won strong support in Tralee and Listowel."

The Deputy elect is unequivocal on the purpose of his new job: "From now on the people of Kerry will be judging me on my performance and I'm only going up there to do the job for them. Getting better services for Kerry after years of cuts to rural services will be my main focus, it's what I've campaigned on and I'm only going to Dublin in order to find solutions."

"Fianna Fail has been given a substantial boost, we're now very close to being the biggest party and we have the right to nominate Micheal Martin for Taoiseach."

When it comes to forming the next government, Brassil believes Micheal Martin's vision of a cross-party system has a lot of merit, but he personally has 'no problem' with sharing power with Fine Gael should the Civil War officially come to an end.

"I think the electorate are telling us they want politicians to do things differently, instead of the usual Government versus opposition way. Everything a government proposes can't always be wrong and every act of opposition can't always be right," John Brassil said.

Right now though, John Brassil is as mindful as ever of his late father Noel's legacy - on whose shoulders he said he stood in building his own political career. "A lot of people remember my father, he had a great way with people and I wish he had passed more of that onto me."

His mother Mary too is foremost in his mind. In his victory speech he wished that the end of their hard campaign on his election would signal the start of her recovery from a recent period of ill health, paying a glowing tribute to her.

As for his council seat? The Ballyheigue man will soon suggest a number of names for party top brass to consider. He says he will have a big input in the succession but that it will be up to party HQ to give the nod. "I genuinely don't know at this point who will be taking the seat," he said.
A Kerry county councillor has asked why, a year after he requested the urgent provision of reflective chevrons at a dangerous bend in east Kerry, he is still looking for action.

Cllr Brendan Cronin said it was 'sad' that he was again forced to raise the issue as a notice of motion at the monthly meeting of the local authority - 12 months after first bringing the bend to the attention of management.

Early last year, Cllr Cronin asked that the council take immediate measures to improve safety and driver awareness at Knockaderry, Farranfore after a serious accident left 10 people injured. At this month's meeting of Kerry County Council he had to make the same plea.

"Over a year ago I requested the urgent provision of proper reflective chevrons on both approaches to this dangerous bend. Why has nothing been done in the past 12 months to improve safety and driver awareness at this location," he questioned.

In response, management said that the need for any road safety measures on the national road network is a function of the TII (formerly the NRA), who have recently appointed dedicated Road Safety Inspection Teams to examine the national road network.

"The teams examine the collision trends for each route and carry out visual inspections of the routes, where necessary, " a spokesperson said.

"Detailed inspections also take place to establish if there are any particular collision patterns associated with a route, and all factors that may have contributed to recorded accidents are taken into consideration."

They said the incident referred to in Cllr Cronin's motion is the subject of an on-going Garda investigation but added that the N22 is included in this programme for assessment and that a final report on this route is near completion and will be submitted by the Consultants to the TII shortly.
Margaret Dwyer was one of the first members of the Rose of Tralee Festival

There is great sadness in Tralee following the death of one of the town's best loved and most respected figures Margaret Dwyer.

Mrs Dwyer, a woman synonymous with the Rose of Tralee festival, passed away peacefully at Cuil Didin care home on Monday after a long battle with illness. She was aged 97.

Originally from the U.S she moved to Tralee with her sons Ryle and Sean shortly after the end of World War Two, a conflict in which her husband John had lost his life.

She was the last surviving member of the group who set up the Rose of Tralee in 1959 and she had remained closely involved with the festival up until 2003. In 1970 she became the first Lady President of the festival and was instrumental in its subsequent growth.

Her role and influence in the life of Tralee was recognised in 2000 when she was granted the freedom of the town by then Mayor Norma Foley.

Executive Chair of the Rose of Tralee Anthony O'Gara paid tribute to Mrs Dwyer.

"The late Florence O'Connor, a fellow founding member of the Festival once said 'If you want to make sure a job is done quickly and efficiently get the women to do it.' One of the women he had in mind was Margaret Dwyer," said Mr O'Gara.

"She became the first Lady President of the Festival of Kerry, as it was known, back in 1970 and helped pave the way to make the Rose of Tralee one of Ireland's most famous and important family festivals," he said.

"The contribution of Margaret to the development, growth and long-term success of the Rose of Tralee International Festival from 1959 to 2003 and indeed to the town of Tralee through her role in the local business sector, has been immense. She will be sadly missed," he said.

Kerry Mayor Pat McCarthy also paid tribute describing her contribution to tourism in Tralee as "exemplary."

"She was a dedicated and long-standing member of the Rose of Tralee committee and was an outstanding ambassador and advocate for the festival and for Tralee," said Mayor McCarthy.

She will repose at Gleasures Funeral Home from 4pm on Friday. Funeral mass will take place at Our Lady and St Brendan's Church in Tralee on Saturday morning.
A Kerry County Councillor has claimed that the quality of water in mid Kerry is so bad that men's teeth are rotting and women have been advised not to wash their hair with it.

Calling for the abolition of Irish Water, Fianna Fail Councillor John Francis Flynn insisted that residents in mid Kerry should not be paying for water because of its quality and the number of network breakages they endure on a weekly basis.

Speaking at the February meeting of the local authority, Cllr Flynn said he knows of several women who have been advised not to wash their hair with the water in the area because of the effect it is having, while one man even came to him to complain that his teeth are rotting due to water quality.

On top of that, he said that people are being tormented by breakages almost on a weekly basis and should not have to pay for water until such a time as the network is rectified.

His motion that Kerry County Council should call for the abolition of Irish Water was seconded by party colleague, Cllr Norma Foley, who said that those who have already paid for water should be entitled to a concession against property tax.

"The law-abiding citizens who have already paid for water should get some kind of concession - perhaps it should be marked against their home and other charges," she said.

This isn't the first time the matter of water quality and breakages in mid Kerry has been brought up at Kerry County Council. Just last December Cllr Michael Cahill told a meeting that Irish Water customers in the mid Kerry area have been 'to hell and back' because of relentless network breakages.

Once again calling for a complete overhaul of the network, he requested confirmation in writing from Irish Water that everyone on the Mid-Kerry Regional Water Supply Scheme would receive a write-off of their water charges until such time as they receive a regular supply of good quality water.
Fethard-on-Sea Mother's Union celebrated 70 years of the branch with a service in St. Mogues Church recently.

The service was conducted by Rev Margaret Sykes, Priest in charge of New Ross and Fethard Union, assisted by Canon Ian Poulton, Chaplain to the Mother's Union. The Diocesan President of the Mothers' Union, Phyllis Grothier, addressed the attendance and spoke of the history of the Mother's Union.

Ms Grothier also spoke of the wonderful work the Mother's Union is doing in so many countries worldwide.

The Mothers' Union was established in Ireland in 1888. Its purpose was to encourage parents in caring for their children, not just physically and mentally, but also spiritually.

Following the service, the large attendance was treated to a lovely afternoon tea party in St Mary's Hall hosted by the Fethard branch members and a specially commissioned cake was cut to mark the 70 group's years in Fethard-on-Sea.
Mother-of-five Katherine (Kitty) Stafford, who died aged 85 on February 11, was a loyal friend and loving mother who was a rock of support and kindness to all who had the pleasure to meet her.

Late of Ballintlea, Taghmon, and Coolboy, Newbawn, Kitty was predeceased by her husband Tom in 1995.

She is survived by her children: Ann, Tony, Breda, Kathleen and Seamus; grandchildren; nephews; nieces; relatives and friends.

Kitty grew up in Coolboy, Newbawn and attended Newbawn NS. Her father died when she was one and after finishing her primary education she helped her mother Bridie out on the farm. A hard working young woman, she became a housekeeper, first in her own area, and later in Dublin for the Mowbray family with whom she kept in touch with over the years. Kitty spent several years living in Dublin where she made many life-long friends. Possessed of an outgoing, friendly nature she enjoyed attending dances and loved music and art. Kitty had a good singing voice and used to sing and lilt when younger for set dances.

She worked housekeeping for Dr Derry McDermott in Taghmon. She was married in Dublin in 1958 to Tom Stafford, a farmer from Taghmon.

She returned to Wexford and lived in Taghmon. The happy couple had five children and Kitty kept herself busy milking cows and with her own little enterprises, like rearing turkeys to sell during the Christmas period.

She was known for her bread and cakes and any workman or farmer who visited the Stafford farm was always very well looked after.

Kitty was good with her hands and used to knit and make clothes. She was a member of the ICA for a time and she was always making new friends. She made the effort to keep in contact with her friends from her youth and with her first cousins Nicky, Peg, Eileen, Mai, Peggie and Tom who were like brothers and sisters to her.

She kept in regular contact with her cousin and godchild, Joan Stafford, a nun in Canada.

With her friendly nature and listening ear she had the knack of putting people at ease and before they knew it they were telling her their own story.

On the death of her husband Tom in 1995 aged 63, she sold the family farm in Ballintlea and moved back to Coolboy with her son Tony. She began studying art and many of the family were gifted her works over the coming years. She enjoyed many trips and there wasn't a place in Ireland that she hadn't visited, with Mountmellick and Knock being favourite destinations.

Kitty was the ultimate matriarch who took charge and oversaw and dealt with whatever needed to be done. She looked after her mother Bridie and her aunt Ellen in their old age and she looked after her brother Will, who passed away in 2001.

Kitty was delighted to see her family grow and to share in the life experiences of her grandchildren, especially their love and prowess at Irish dancing and music.

Kitty attended concerts and fleadhs they performed in and spent a week with them in Donegal for an All Ireland Fleadh. She also travelled with her grandchildren on another occasion to an Irish dancing fheis in England and was their number one cheerleader throughout.

Kitty enjoyed great health throughout her life up until late 2014. She was admitted to St Joseph's Ward in Wexford General Hospital three weeks before she died where she received excellent care. She passed away peacefully there surrounded by her loving family on February 11.

A large crowd attended Kitty's funeral mass at St Aidan's Church, Clongeen where some of her grandchildren performed her favourite songs with Danescastle Music Group. She was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

May she rest in peace.
The designation of Dunbrody Country House Hotel as the best Luxury Country House Hotel in the World by a travel magazine will bring increased interest to the south of the county, according to hotel owner Kevin Dundon.

Dunbrody Country House Hotel in Arthurstown was voted the world's number one Luxury Country House Hotel by the online travel bible, Luxury Travel Guide.

Owned and operated by husband and wife team, Kevin and Catherine Dundon, Dunbrody Country House Hotel has scooped this international accolade for its 'authentic charm, relaxed ambience and top class dining experience'.

The annual Luxury Travel Guide Awards celebrate excellence across all sectors of the affluent global travel and tourism industry.

Each year nominees across various categories are shortlisted before voting is opened to The Luxury Travel Guide's half a million subscribers worldwide.

This top award for Dunbrody County House Hotel marks another major accolade for Irish tourism, particularly for the South East, highlighting Wexford as a premium holiday destination.

Proprietor Dundon is one of Ireland's leading celebrity chefs with an illustrious broadcast and media career, including the popular RTE 1 series Modern Irish Food.

He has gotten massive exposure in America through his cookery programmes and has had success there with his Raglan Road gastro pub in Orlando, Florida.

Commenting on the award, Dunbrody Country House Hotel owner Dundon said: 'Since opening our doors in 1997, Catherine and I have strived to deliver excellence in all we do here at Dunbrody House. This award will hopefully focus increased interest in the Hook Peninsula, an idyllic part of the country. It marks the start of an exciting year ahead for us and our team at the hotel.'

The celebrity chef and his wife Catherine recorded a record year at their hotel and restaurant in 2014 with profits up five-fold on 2013. Dundon attributed the opening of The Local bar on the grounds of the hotel, along with an increase in spend from visitors, to the hotel's success in 2014. The Dunbrody House Hotel company's profits increased from 27,331 to 160,660.

'The hotel has been hugely successful in 2014 and in 2015. The average spend is up. People have gone from getting the house wine to upgrading to finer wines and the spa and the cookery school are busier. We have always maintained what we do here and we are about to undergo a 250,000 refurbishment on the bedrooms, bathrooms and restaurant. It's very important to do something every year as customers like to see you spending the money they spend, putting it back into your business,' he said in an interview with this newspaper in December.

Previously the Dundon's invested in a 200,000 interactive kitchen, while the bar cost 160,000.
Just a few short days remain before the 2016 Arklow Music Festival gets under way. This year's competition is the 47th annual event and is set to take place from this Saturday, March 5, to Sunday, March 13, at five venues across Arklow town.

The Arklow Bay Hotel, Marlborough Hall, St Mary's College Hall, Arus Lorcain and Bridgewater Centre will play host to thousands of contestants who will take part in 140 classes.

Arklow Music Festival is one of the biggest events to take place in town every year and welcomes thousands of visitors from across County Wicklow and, indeed, all over Ireland.

It is second in size only to the Fleadh Cheoil and has been the starting point for many a talented Irish performer over the past four decades.

This year's festival is sponsored by the Bridgewater Centre and Elavon, along with a large number of individual sponsors from within the community of Arklow.

The festival will be officially opened by Noeleen Redmond at St Mary's College Hall at 3 p.m. An array of classes will be open to competitors both in group and individual categories.

A highlight of the festival will be the Seisuin Night at the Bridge Hotel on Tuesday, March 8 from 9 p.m. This is a free event and is open to all session musicians.

The festival will be brought to a close at the Prizewinners' Concert at St Mary's College Hall on Sunday, March 13, at 8 p.m. Admission is 5 and selected prizewinners from the week will perform.
Some of those at the IFA protest outside the Kerry Foods plant in Shillelagh last week

Wicklow members of the Irish Farmers' Association staged a protest outside Kerry Foods in Shillelagh on Friday against the importation of pig meat.

The organisation has accused companies including the South Wicklow based plant of failing Irish pig producers by using pig meat from other countries.

Members vented their frustration as they are experiencing the worst income crisis in decades, which has seen a loss of 5,000 per week to the average pig farmer.

IFA National Chairman Jer Bergin accused companies that trade on their Irish brands of failing pig producers by using imported pigmeat. He said they will have to step up and make a far greater effort to support Irish pig farmers and stop misleading consumers about the origin of their products. The latest Bord Bia results for the last quarter of 2015 show that only 22% of Galtee rashers have the Quality Assured logo, signifying Irish origin.

'Pig farmers are constantly told by processors that the home market gives the greatest return for their product. For this reason, farmers have made huge efforts to protect their home market, but the continued use of non-Irish pig meat in household brands such as Galtee, Denny and others is clearly undermining that effort,' Mr Bergin said.

According Kerry Foods, the company supports Irish producers as much as possible.

'We are one of the biggest purchasers of Irish pig meat in the country. However, it is not always possible to use Irish pig meat due to specific customer requirements,' said Frank Hayes, Director of Corporate Affairs, Kerry Foods.

IFA National Pigs Committee Chairman Pat O'Flaherty said, 'Pig farmers are insisting that companies with Irish brands use 100 per cent Bord Bia Quality Assured pig meat in their products and that their labelling clearly indicates country of origin. Companies cannot have the option of using the Bord Bia logo on their brands some of the time and not at other times. This practice is confusing for consumers who have consistently said they want to buy Irish meat and support local farmers.'
Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty are seen on March 04, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Thumbs up: If this is any indication of what to expect from Cat Deeley's maternity style, we can't wait for the next six months.

Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty are seen on March 04, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty are seen on March 04, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Parenthood certainly suits Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty.

The British tv presenter and Irish comedian welcomed their first child in January and have been keeping a characteristically low profile. But they were spotted running errands in their adopted home of Los Angeles in style.

The famously private pair will be keeping their son out of the spotlight and have decided to not even publicly share his name.

Deeley is one of US television's most recognisable faces as the host of hit reality show So You Think You Can Dance and Kielty splits his time between Los Angeles, London and his native Northern Ireland.

Expand Close Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty are seen on March 04, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty are seen on March 04, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

And the couple, who wed in Rome in 2012, said they'll be raising their child in the Golden State - for now.

"We're going to ensure we take the baby back home to visit our families as much as possible but, for now, we're happy here in Los Angeles and are excited to bring up our child with an outdoors lifestyle," the 39-year-old told Closer magazine.

"They're going to experience the LA sunshine Patrick and I never got to experience."

Kielty and Deeley were friends for 10 years before their relationship turned to romance and the Dundrum native proudly recalled the moment they fell in love.

Expand Close Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty are seen on March 04, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty are seen on March 04, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

"There was a moment, when we always used to keep in contact. It was her birthday and she was in Beverly Hills and I was in Dundrum," he said.

"Obviously LA is eight hours behind, so it was around tea time with her, and I texted her 'Happy Birthday' from a little Irish pub. It was around two o'clock in the morning and closing time. She said, 'It's just a shame you're not in LA, because I'm having a lunch tomorrow' and I said 'I'll be there."

Video of the Day

While she thought he was joking, Patrick made it in time. He joked that Cat was so surprised she fell off her chair when she saw him.

"So I got up at five, jumped on a six o'clock flight from Ireland and got into Heathrow at seven. Then jumped on a twenty to ten flight got in at quarter past one and walked into the Beverly Hills Hotel and I said 'Hi' and she fell off the chair and we've been together ever since."
Mariam al-Mansouri, the first Emirati female fighter jet pilot, gives the thumbs up as she sits in the cockpit of an aircraft in United Arab Emirates. She has been held up as a symbol of female empowerment in the Gulf state.

Last month, the United Arab Emirates made headlines when its rulers announced they were appointing a 'Minister for Happiness'. Sceptics scoffed that it was little more than a publicity stunt in keeping with a nation probably best known for Dubai's brash ostentation.

Human rights groups which have long documented violations - from abuse of migrant labourers to crackdowns on political dissent - behind the UAE's glossy facade were scathing.

"You can be happy [in the UAE] as long as you keep your mouth shut," Nicholas McGeehan of Human Rights Watch told the 'New York Times'. "That is the sort of social contract that is in place there."

The creation of the minister of happiness post, along with a minister of tolerance, is part of the biggest government revamp the Gulf state has experienced in its 44-year history. It was announced on Twitter by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who also serves as the country's prime minister.

The UAE, with a population of 10 million, most of whom are expatriates, has weathered several storms over the past decade. Of its component parts, Dubai was the worst affected by the 2008 global financial crisis. Many expatriate workers fled and the emirate's construction frenzy ground to a halt. Dubai has since bounced back albeit with its wings more clipped.

The Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, now towers above a cityscape where building continues but at a more modest pace than before, particularly as the drop in global oil prices begins to bite.

"People have become a bit more realistic, a bit more cautious," says one long-term resident.

"The overweening ambitions of a decade ago have been checked to a degree and you could say that was perhaps a good thing."

The wave of revolutions and uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2011 left the UAE untouched.

But the turmoil it left in its wake, particularly in places like Syria, Libya and Egypt, has prompted many young Arab professionals to move to the Emirates to seek their fortunes. They are drawn by a relaxed immigration regime and an economy more robust than most in the region.

"There are more opportunities in the UAE and many of us think it is better to hunker down here and progress in our careers until our home countries stabilise a little more," says one Libyan, who moved to Dubai two years ago as his country descended into a civil war which continues today.

"Life is pretty good here but of course it is not home."

Other UAE denizens continue to fret about the economy. A local newspaper recently reported on market research that showed 53pc of residents polled at the end of 2015 believed that they were in recession, a 10-point increase from the previous quarter. Optimism about job opportunities was also found to be declining, with only 58pc saying they feel positive about employment prospects.

Plummeting global oil prices mean the UAE's economy is predicted to grow at a much slower rate this year and its rulers have had to slash their budgets accordingly.

The emergence of Isil in different parts of the Middle East has also caused jitters in the UAE. Security has been stepped up at Dubai's luxury hotels and gigantic shopping malls which draw hundreds of thousands of tourists each year. There are fears that Emirati military involvement in Syria, Iraq and Yemen could result in some blowback.

Mariam al-Mansouri, the UAE's first female fighter pilot, has become a cause celebre in her homeland, feted by Emirati officials at the Dubai Women's Forum last month as a symbol of empowerment. Al-Mansouri has been among the coalition forces taking part in US-led airstrikes against Isil in Iraq. But not everyone is happy with al-Mansouri being held up as a role model. "I'm uneasy with the idea of a fighter pilot being seen as the best example of an Emirati woman," one young woman from Dubai told me. "We need to have a range of role models."

The UAE has always struck a delicate balance between its broadly conservative indigenous population and its much larger cohort of expatriates who range from Asian construction workers to professionals from across the world. Maintaining that equilibrium amid falling oil prices and rising security threats will be key to its future.
For the most part, US presidential campaigns are long slogs punctuated by short gaffes. Then there's Donald Trump.

The rules of political gravity do not apply to him. From insulting Senator John McCain for getting captured in Vietnam to flubbing Jake Tapper's question about the Ku Klux Klan, Trump's 2016 campaign has been an extended gaffe.

At this week's Republican debate, Trump gave us plenty of head-scratchers. He said for example that the wives of 9/11 hijackers were whisked out of the country before 9/11. This was in response to a question about his earlier remark that he would not only go after terrorists as commander-in-chief, but that he would also target their families.

Then there was Trump University. In an exchange with Marco Rubio, Trump said the students of his for-profit college gave it high marks and then said he had reimbursed many of the students who asked for their money back. And let's not forget Trump's suggestion that allegations that his hands were small had no correlation to the size of his penis.

So far, these kinds of gaffes have had no effect. Indeed, it is part of Trump's appeal. He tells it like it is. He's not afraid to say things that are politically incorrect. Unlike career politicians, Trump is unscripted. Sure, the Beltway mandarins are sickened at the thought of deporting millions of illegal immigrants, but this is exactly the kind of policy the Republican base desires. As Michael Kinsley famously observed, a gaffe in Washington is when a politician accidentally tells the truth. But this game works only if we assume Trump means the shocking things he says. There's a good chance he doesn't.

This was a theme in the debate. Ted Cruz attacked Trump three times for writing checks to Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. He asked how he could have supported someone on the other side of the migration issue.

Rubio reiterated his line that Trump is a con man, willing to scam the suckers who enrolled in his for-profit university the same way he is scamming Republican primary voters.

It was the Fox News moderators however who really drove this point home. First, they asked him about an off-the-record interview he gave to the 'New York Times'. Buzzfeed reported this week that Trump in January told the paper that his positions on immigration were flexible. Then the moderators played clips of Trump contradicting himself in television interviews on whether he supported the Afghanistan war and allowing Syrian refugees into the US.

Trump's response was not very Trumpian. He tried to explain that he may have said different things to different people, but that was only because he had meant to be consistent.

When questioned about his contradictions, the unscripted outsider dissembled. Trump sounded evasive and uncertain.

He sounded like a politician, for whom the rules of political gravity may still apply.
Migrant children in the USA protesting against deportation Credit: Center for Human Rights

Understanding immigration law is childs play according to a senior US judge who claims toddlers are capable of defending themselves against deportation orders.

Read More

Ive taught immigration law literally to 3 year olds and 4 year olds, Mr Weil said in an October deposition, first reported by the Washington Post on Friday.

It takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of patience. They get it. Its not the most efficient but it can be done. he said.

Adding: You can do a fair hearing [it] just going to take you a lot of time.

Read More

Following the publication of the deposition, Mr Weil has said his comments were taken out of context, while the Justice Department has sought to distanced itself from the claims, reports the Washington Post.

At no time has the Department indicated that 3 and 4 year olds are capable of representing themselves, the Department said in a statement to the newspaper.

Jack Weil was speaking in a personal capacity and his statements, therefore, do not necessarily represent the views of EOIR or the Department of Justice.
It has been an extraordinary week for Republicans as the party elite scrambled to block the juggernaut of New York billionaire businessman Donald Trump after the eleventh Republican debate in Detroit.

The chaos reflects the Republican leadership's conviction that Mr Trump cannot defeat likely Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

The week ended with an unprecedented attack on Trump by Republican grandee Mitt Romney. Nonetheless, rivals Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and John Kasich all declared they would support Trump if he won the primary election battle. Mr Trump, in turn, said he would support whoever wins, though he seemed to find it inconceivable that it might not be him.

Last night, Mr Trump doubled down on his pledge to bring back methods "tougher than waterboarding" as president. Asked about using the military to target terrorists' families, another practice he endorses, the Republican front-runner said he would give such orders and would be obeyed, "because I'm a leader".

Even when challenged on the facts that such commands would violate US and international law the property mogul was defiant.

"They won't refuse," he said confidently. "They're not going to refuse, believe me."

Mr Trump discussed the beheading of Christians in the Middle East, and argued that when such barbarism was being displayed by terrorist groups the US should not be banning methods like waterboarding.

Mr Trump then repeated a debunked conspiracy theory about the families of the 9/11 hijackers being ushered out of the US to make his point that terrorists' families were appropriate targets.

His responses on torture went down well with those in the auditorium, as did his explanation of why even illegal orders he gave would be followed.

"I'm a leader. I've always been a leader. I've never had a problem leading people. If I say, 'do it', they're going to do it. That's what leadership is all about."

Mr Romney in a speech signalled a state of desperation inside the party establishment.

"His is not the temperament of a stable, thoughtful leader," Mr Romney declared. He called Trump "a phony" and "a con man" who is "playing the American public for suckers", a man whose "imagination must not be married to real power."

Senator John McCain, also a former Republican nominee, endorsed Mr Romney's attack.

Mr Trump lashed back in the debate, calling Mr Romney "a failed candidate" who lost to President Barack Obama four years ago because he was such a poor candidate.

Pressed on policy matters, Mr Trump signalled a willingness to deal on any number of issues.

He said it was fine that Mr Rubio had negotiated with other lawmakers on immigration policy. He said he had changed his mind to support allowing in more highly skilled workers from abroad, adding, "I'm changing. I'm changing. We need highly skilled people in this country."

The bad blood among the candidates flowed freely.

Mr Trump noted that Mr Rubio had mocked his hands as small, widely viewed as an insult about Trump's sexual prowess. Holding his hands up, Trump declared, "I guarantee you, there's no problem" in that area.

Mr Trump asked security guards to take out three protesters from the rally within 15 minutes of the start of his speech. He said he had been criticized for being "too soft" and "too harsh" on people at his rallies.

"So now I've adopted a nice: "Alright, please get them out"," said Mr Trump.

Meanwhile Mr Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, asked voters earlier on Thursday to "make the right choice", warning that Mr Trump's economic plan would sink the US in a recession and that Mr Trump could not remember details from his healthcare plan.

"Dishonesty is Trump's hallmark: He claimed that he had spoken clearly and boldly against going into Iraq. Wrong, he spoke in favour of invading Iraq. He said he saw thousands of Muslims in New Jersey celebrating 9/11. Wrong, he saw no such thing. He imagined it," Mr Romney said.

"Donald Trump tells us that he is very, very smart. I'm afraid that when it comes to foreign policy he is very, very not smart," Mr Romney added.

His comments were supported by Ohio Governor John Kasich and Senator John McCain.

Celebrities have joined the call to bring Mr Trump down, including comedian John Oliver on 'The Daily Show' and Miley Cyrus, who threatened to leave the US if he becomes President. Mr Trump, with 10 state victories, leads the field with 329 delegates. Cruz has 231, Rubio 110 and Kasich 25. It takes 1,237 delegates to win the Republican nomination for president.
Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall after they were formally married at Spencer House. The couple will hold a private ceremony at St Brides Church, Fleet Street, later today Photo: Reuters

Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall have formally wed and will celebrate the marriage at a ceremony attended by their ten children this weekend.

Mr Murdoch (84), and Ms Hall (59), got married at an aristocratic palace in London yesterday.

They smiled for photographers together, the former supermodel wearing a trench coat and flat shoes.

The civil ceremony was held at Spencer House, a venue which is described on its website as "one of the most sumptuous private residences ever built" in the capital. A spokesman for the Murdoch family confirmed that the ceremony had taken place.

Hall wore her trademark blonde hair in waves, and had a smart handbag slung over her arm. She wore a knee-length navy skirt and black tights, while Mr Murdoch wore a navy suit.

Spencer House was built between 1756-1766 for John, first Earl Spencer, an ancestor of Diana, Princess of Wales, and it is said to be London's finest surviving eighteenth-century town house.

Its website says the "elegant" venue is available for "intimate" weddings.

Civil wedding ceremonies can take place in the Dining Room, Lady Spencer's Room and the Great Room.

They are set to celebrate their marriage at a private ceremony today, just two months after they got engaged and less than a year after they were first introduced.

The venue for the celebration is St Bride's Church on Fleet Street in London. The church is known as the Journalists' Church, considered the 'spiritual home' of those who work in the media.

The church, which has space for 150 to 200 guests, will be closed to the public. Mr Murdoch famously killed off the historic link between Fleet Street and the newspaper industry in the 1980s when he moved the printing presses to Wapping in east London.

All six of the pair's daughters from previous relationships will be bridesmaids at the service, according to reports.

"All the daughters are being included, from both sides . . . it was a very specific request to bring them all together for the wedding," a source said.

Mr Murdoch and Ms Hall have ten children between them. Ms Hall has two daughters with Mick Jagger, Georgia May (24), and Elizabeth (32). The billionaire media mogul's eldest daughters Prudence (57), and Elizabeth (47), will attend the wedding alongside his younger children, Grace (14), and Chloe (12), from his marriage with Wendi Deng.

(  Daily Telegraph London)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
The German government has offered to help Greece cope with thousands of migrants camped at its borders but points out Athens hasn't yet requested assistance.

A spokesman for the Interior Ministry last night said Germany's disaster response agency, Federal Agency for Technical Relief, stands ready to assist.

Asked by reporters in Berlin why Germany had so far only provided limited assistance to Greece, spokesman Johannes Dimroth said that "it's not the case that we're not prepared to help".

He added that "on the contrary, the available services and resources . . . have been offered and need to be requested by the Greek side. That hasn't happened yet."

Government spokeswoman Christiane Wirtz said EU leaders would discuss the "dramatic situation in Greece" in Brussels on Monday.

Yesterday, Chancellor Angela Merkel said it was counterproductive for European countries to implement individual measures in response to the migrant crisis.

She said border slowdowns and closures have just meant migrants are now piling up in Greece, overwhelming the country's resources.

Borders

Ms Merkel is attempting to find agreement for a European solution, and said yesterday at a meeting with President Francois Hollande in Paris that "unilateral solutions do not help us".

She said Europe needs to work closely with Turkey to stop the flow of migrants, and also to secure its outer borders so it knows who is entering, and that movement within Europe is not restricted.

The EU's head office estimates the cost of fully restoring border controls between EU member states would be as high as 18bn a year.

As temporary controls between several member states are reimposed to deal with the migrant crisis, the fear of the full collapse of the borderless Schengen zone through most of the EU has increased over the past month.

The European Commission said beyond trade, the re-imposition of borders "would also risk putting in jeopardy the judicial and police cooperation."
Migrants scramble to get fire wood donated by a villager at the northern Greek border station of Idomeni, Saturday, March 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Migrants crowd next to a car to receive clothing donations at the northern Greek border station of Idomeni, Saturday, March 5, 2016. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

A regional governor has called on the Greek government to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing where thousands of migrants are stranded due to border restrictions along the route towards western Europe.

Some 13,000-14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia.

That means the area handles about 60pc of the total number of migrants in the country.

"It's a huge humanitarian crisis. I have asked the government to declare the area in a state of emergency," Tzitzikostas said during a visit to Idomeni to distribute aid to the Red Cross and other non-governmental organisations.

"This cannot continue for much longer."

The neighbouring former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia has stopped all but a trickle of Iraqi and Syrian refugees from crossing, following similar restrictions by countries further north on the migration route.

The moves have caused a huge bottleneck in Greece, whose islands' proximity to the Turkish coast has made it the preferred entry point for refugees and other migrants seeking better lives in Europe.

Greek authorities said only 184 people crossed the border between 6am Friday and the same time Saturday morning, while another 100 crossed between 6am and 6pm.

"The former Yugoslav republic needs to open immediately its borders and the European Union needs to implement severe action against the countries that are closing borders today, whether they are members of the European Union or candidate members," Tzitzikostas said. "This is unacceptable what they are doing."

The governor said the region needed the emergency measures - alternatively for the law to be amended - so that regional authorities can obtain the necessary emergency supplies and food to support the refugees and improve their living conditions. He also called on the government to provide a comprehensive plan on how to handle the migration crisis.

The refugee camp at Idomeni has a capacity of about 2,000 and has dramatically overflowed, with new arrivals daily setting up small tents along the railway tracks next to the camp and spilling out into surrounding fields.

Hundreds of men, women and children arrive each day, walking more than 10 miles from a nearby petrol station where an impromptu camp has been set up. Greek authorities have been trying to discourage more people from arriving because of the bottleneck, but many prefer to wait at the border than in other refugee camps set up nearby, in the hope of getting into the giant line waiting to cross.

As the impromptu camp in the fields has swelled, many of its residents have begun to settle in for the medium term, realising they will be here for several days at the very least. Authorities set up more large tents on Saturday to house the increasing number of arrivals.
Former Sunderland soccer player Adam Johnson is seen in this undated handout photograph released by Durham Constabulary in Britain on March 2, 2016. Photo: Reuters

Disgraced ex-England soccer star Adam Johnson may be locked up in a top-security prison with notorious child killers Ian Huntley and Levi Bellfield.

One of Britain's toughest jails, HMP Frankland in Durham, houses 808 category A and B prisoners serving four years or more, and would be near the sacked Sunderland winger's family.

The 28-year-old was told on Wednesday that jail was "almost inevitable" when he is sentenced for grooming and two counts of sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. He was warned the starting point for his offending was five years.

Johnson could receive "vulnerable prisoner" status due to the nature of his crimes, which would make him a target inside.

A former Frankland inmate said Johnson's fame and wealth may help. "Money goes a long way," he said. "People will be trying to be his friend. Celebrities on the outside say there's always a hidden agenda, it's the same thing in there.

"He can use his money in there to make him more comfortable, or he may get extorted if he is not strong enough."

Huntley, Bellfield and the African warlord Charles Taylor, convicted of crimes against humanity, are kept away from the regular prisoners, the former inmate said. And he expected Johnson would be too.

"He will be on a favourable wing, where he doesn't mix with the general population."

Sunderland supporters among the prisoners may continue to laud him, but rival Newcastle United fans inside "are going to be pushing his buttons".
Riot police use tear gas to disperse protesting employees and supporters of Zaman newspaper at the courtyard of the newspaper's office in Istanbul, Turkey, late March 4, 2016. Turkish authorities seized control of the country's largest newspaper on Friday in a widening crackdown against supporters of U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, an influential foe of President Tayyip Erdogan. REUTERS/Selahattin Sevi/Zaman Daily EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE

Riot police use tear gas against people gathered in support of Turkey's largest-circulation newspaper Zaman Credit: AP Photo

Turkish police fired tear gas and plastic pellets into a crowd of 2,000 protesters gathered outside the country's biggest newspaper after the authorities seized control of it.

Police raided the offices of the Zaman at midnight, following a Government decision to take over the management of the media group.

A court on Friday appointed an administrator to run the newspaper, and its the English-language edition Today's Zaman, following a request by a state prosecutor investigating the group's links to US-based muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, accused of working together with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to topple the Turkish government.

Footage taken by staff at the newspaper shows police firing tear gas and using water cannons to disperse crowds outside Zaman offices, who had gathered to prevent the take over, before forcibly breaking down the building's frontdoor.

Zaman Editor-in-Chief Sevgi Akarcesme said during the raid she was pushed by police as authorities escorted her out of the building.

A police officer grabbed my phone forcefully while I was broadcasting on Periscope. I'll sue him when the rule of law is back. Unbelievable! she tweeted.



This is beyond comprehension! Such a sad day in Turkey!



The daily newspaper confirmed that police had gone to the management floor in the building and had shut out editors and journalists from their offices.

Expand Close Water canons were used to disperse those gathered in support of Zaman outside its headquarters in Istanbul Credit: AP / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Water canons were used to disperse those gathered in support of Zaman outside its headquarters in Istanbul Credit: AP

There has also been reports alleging that police confiscated the mobile phones and tablets of staff.

The raid began shortly before midnight after a day of standoffs between police and opposition protesters furious about what they have called "a government crackdown on free press".

The decision by Istanbul 6th Criminal Court of Peace to remove the management of the Zaman was granted after a request by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, which has accused the publication of taking orders from what it calls the Fethullahist Terrorist Organization/Parallel State Structure (FETO/PDY).

Following the court ruling, the newspaper editorial team released a statement calling the takeover the darkest and gloomiest for the freedom of the press in Turkey.

Expand Close Riot police cut off the gate to enter the headquarters of Zaman newspaper in Istanbul Credit: Turgut Engin/Zaman Daily (REUTERS) / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Riot police cut off the gate to enter the headquarters of Zaman newspaper in Istanbul Credit: Turgut Engin/Zaman Daily (REUTERS)
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A surveillance image of a person authorities are seeking in relation to an attempted bank robbery in January in Seneca.

SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO A surveillance image of a vehicle authorities say is believed to have been used by a person sought in relation to an attempted bank robbery in January in Seneca.

By Independent Mail

Seneca police are asking for the public's help identifying a person accused of an attempted bank robbery in January.

Investigators said the person being sought threatened to use an explosive device in the attempt.

The incident happened around noon Jan. 22 at the State Credit Union on North Radio Station Road in Anderson.

The person being sought went to Walmart in Seneca to buy a phone that was used in the robbery attempt, authorities said. Surveillance images of the person and a vehicle the person is believed to have been using were captured at Walmart between 3:15 p.m. and 4 p.m. Jan. 21, authorities said.

"We are asking for the public's help in identify the individual or the vehicle," said Seneca Police Chief John Covington.

The vehicle appears to be an early 2000s model BMW 3 Series. All information or questions should be directed to Investigator Mike Teramano at 864-885-2296 or mteramano@senecapd.com, Covington said.
Vikram Kotnis is the Founder & Managing Director, Amura Marketing Technologies, established in 2009 with the vision to create a global product/platform company in India. His astute business sense and leadership has been the guiding torch for Amura and its talented team. Vikram co-founded Amura foreseeing a big and growing opportunity for Digital Marketing in India. Vikram has done his graduation in Engineering from Pune University and gone on to complete his further education from the California State University. He comes with a rich technology experience earned during his stint with Fortune 500 companies like Sun Microsystems, AMD. He has also worked for the US based organization - Lending Tree, as their Decision-Engine Architect. Post his professional stint he co founded Mortgage Data Systems  a finance startup in the US. After a successful run, he moved to India and cofounded Axilon Technologies, which was subsequently acquired by Axis Technical Group.



Amura was founded in 2009 as a global digital marketing services and platform company, catering to the automotive and real estate industry. Today, its reckoned as the market leader in real estate marketing in India. With a vision for providing a combination of platforms and services, it launched its first platform in less than a year from conception  a lead capture platform that incorporated live chat and peripheral tracking.



Garbed in a cool, soft-blue, cotton shirt complementing the March heat, hes seated in the hotel lobby, in whats a relaxed demeanour with a dash of affability and notable acuity. Post a casual chat on the days unseasonal drizzle, we move to the moot point  Amura Technologies. Vikram Kotnis, co-founder, Amura Techologies in conversation with Arpita Saxena of IIFL. established in 2009 with the vision to create a global product/platform company in India. His astute business sense and leadership has been the guiding torch for Amura and its talented team. Vikram co-founded Amura foreseeing a big and growing opportunity for Digital Marketing in India. Vikram has done his graduation in Engineering from Pune University and gone on to complete his further education from the California State University. He comes with a rich technology experience earned during his stint with Fortune 500 companies like Sun Microsystems, AMD. He has also worked for the US based organization - Lending Tree, as their Decision-Engine Architect. Post his professional stint he co founded Mortgage Data Systems  a finance startup in the US. After a successful run, he moved to India and cofounded Axilon Technologies, which was subsequently acquired by Axis Technical Group.was founded in 2009 as a global digital marketing services and platform company, catering to the automotive and real estate industry. Today, its reckoned as the market leader in real estate marketing in India. With a vision for providing a combination of platforms and services, it launched its first platform in less than a year from conception  a lead capture platform that incorporated live chat and peripheral tracking.notable acuity. Post a casual chat on the days unseasonal drizzle, we move to the moot point  Amura Technologies.in conversation with Arpita Saxena of IIFL.



How was Amura born?

We set the wheels in motion about six years ago. Right now, we are into marketing and sales automation. We work on the service doctrine of marketing engineered, leading clients towards marketing and business success. We understand the monumental significance of the right messaging in marketing, therefore all our services ensure crisp, credible and candid marketing.



How did you zero in on the digital marketing space?

We found the digital marketing space was not really being tapped effectually with trivial website firms and e-agencies claiming to be digital companies. Technology and analytics are the non-negotiable pillars of a veritable digital firm that power content and creativity. However, most of the companies operate on the creative angle alone, lacking in technology and analytics. Thats our opportunity.



Is there any specific reason for your focus on real estate?

We believe Amura Technologies is a performers market company. Since real estate needs high performance, we chose to make it our focal point. Today, we are the largest marketing company in real estate serving a number of key players. Leads are expensive while the ticket size is high and every sale is important. Tracking inquiries and ensuring their addressal is imperative for the clients business to grow.



How are real estate firms benefiting from digital marketing?

We understand the core purpose of marketing for any business. Precise targeting and segmenting clients amid many others is imperative. Hence, right from strategy to execution to tracking to analytics, we handle everything for our clients. Primarily, we are into systems and consulting. Our services help clients reach the right audience, optimize ad spends thereby augmenting their global reach as well as the number of leads. Our clientele entail major players like Hiranandanis, Oberoi Realty, Kolte Patil, Shapoorji Pallonji among others. Oberoi Realty has even bagged an award for their presence in the digital space.



What are the key challenges in real estate?

Transparency is a real challenge for the real estate industry. The greater the transparency with customers, the more popularity there is for the brand. Changing the mindset of people seems to be the heaviest mind block impeding real estate firms to adopt the digital marketing platform. Digitization has gradually become the need of the hour, which the developers need to understand and accept. Younger developers are more tech-savvy and hence could outrace the developers who are still averse to digital medium. Given our own experience, we really had to coax some real estate companies for a considerable span of time, for switching from a traditional to a digitized platform.



Does digital also influence stock market performance?

We cannot predict something as a cut and dried fact in the stock market area. Having said that, with our strategic consulting along with other tools, our clients are able to raise the velocity of their sales. Its a given that stocks of real estate companies that witness buoyed sales, most likely tend to surge.



Whats the USP of your product Sell. Do and how does it help in digital marketing campaigns?

Sell.do is the ultimate, end to end platform for a real estate developer. It is customized for real estate, helps in building the online presence of a real estate firm as also its reputation. We help real estate developers alienated to the word digital, build and manage their online presence. Our marketing and sales automation services aid clients in tracking the return on investment (ROI) of their respective companies. Right from offline hoarding to radio, everything can be tracked. With Sell.Do, we are evolving as the largest digital ad platform. Advertising in real estate is rapidly shifting from traditional to online. If today, real estate advertising creates purchases around 2,000 to 25,00 crore, with online ads, the number of buys could reach a figure of over 1500 crore. We plan to launch CRM, marketing and sales automation products in sectors like pharmaceuticals. However, for the next four or five months, we are focused on real estate.



What is the significance of big data analysis in digital marketing campaigns?

Big data immensely helps in sale analysis. It also helps distinguish customers and in knowing whether they fall in line with your target audience. You can also determine the amount of sales coming from different segments and the quality of response. For example, big data can help you understand how much sales came from women customers or those who are investors.



Given the explosive growth of mobile users, how do you plan to reach out to them in an engaging manner?

In order to widen reach, it is important to understand the target customer psyche and preferences. For example, audience in the age group of 20-30 prefer Instagram over Facebook. However, Facebook would mostly be the preferred medium for customers above 30 years of age. An IT pro would never get the time to read the newspaper before Sunday. So, a print ad on week days would shrink the chances of reaching out to him or her.



Google has recently stopped serving right hand side text ads on Google search page. How will it affect digital marketing campaigns?

Initially, they have increased upper slots from 3-4 so costs could leap by 10-15 per cent. However, in a span of six months, costs are likely to settle down. Google could undergo some minor loss as a result of this. However, any losses should get compensated given the growing mobile traffic since these ads were majorly created from m-perspective.



Whats your expectation in terms of revenue growth?

Our revenue model is currently built around retainers and performance. Our revenue target for 2017 will be around Rs. 70 crore. With our ad platform, expectations of an increase in our revenues are high.




Tamil Nadu: 22.05.2016

West Bengal: 29.05.2016

Kerala: 31.05.2016

Puducherry: 02.06.2016

Assam: 05.06.2016



As per the established practice, the Election Commission holds the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of the States whose terms expire around the same time, together.



By virtue of its powers, duties and functions under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission is required to hold elections to constitute the new Legislative Assemblies in the States of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry before expiry of their present terms.



Assembly Constituencies



The total number of Assembly Constituencies in the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, as determined by the Delimitation Commission under the Delimitation Act, 2002, are as under: - The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry are normally due to expire as follows:29.05.201631.05.201602.06.201605.06.2016As per the established practice, the Election Commission holds the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of the States whose terms expire around the same time, together.By virtue of its powers, duties and functions under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission is required to hold elections to constitute the new Legislative Assemblies in the States of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry before expiry of their present terms.The total number of Assembly Constituencies in the States of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and seats reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, as determined by the Delimitation Commission under the Delimitation Act, 2002, are as under: -

State Total No. of ACs Reserved for SC Reserved for ST Kerala 140 14 02 Tamil Nadu 234 44 02 West Bengal 294 68 16 Puducherry 30 05 -- Assam* 126 08 16

(*In Assam, territorial determination of Assembly Constituencies is as per Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 1976)



Electoral Rolls



The electoral rolls of all the existing Assembly Constituencies in the States/UT of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry have been revised, with reference to 01.01.2016 as the qualifying date, and have been finally published. As per the final rolls, the numbers of elector in these States/UT are as following:

State Date of Publication Total No. of Electors in 2011 Total No. of Electors in 2016 Assam 11.01.2016 1,81,45,914 1,98,66,496 Kerala 14.01.2016 2,29,40,408 2,56,08,720 Tamil Nadu 20.01.2016 4,59,50,620 5,79,15,075 West Bengal 05.01.2016 5,60,91,973 6,55,46,101 Puducherry 11.01.2016 8,05,124 9,27,034



(a) Improvement in the health of the electoral roll: The Commission, after visiting the poll bound states/UT, had directed to conduct a time-bound and systematic drive for the improvement in the quality and health of their respective electoral rolls, so as to enhance their fidelity for the conduct of free and fair elections. During the Special Electoral Roll Purification Drive from 15th to 29th February, 2016, concerted focus was laid on enrolment of all eligible voters, removal of repeated and multiple entries, removal of the entries of dead voters (after due statutory procedure) correction of various types of errors in EPICs and roll data. Wide ranging consultations were also held with the various stakeholders and their valuable suggestions and inputs were duly factored while undertaking the purification drive. This exercise has improved the quality of the electoral rolls in a significant way.



(b) Photo Electoral Rolls

Photo electoral rolls will be used during these general elections and photo percentages in Photo Electoral Rolls of these States are as follows:-

States Percentage of Photo Electoral Rolls Assam 97.90 Kerala 100 Tamil Nadu 100 West Bengal 100 Puducherry 100



(c) Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC)



Identification of the voters at the polling booth at the time of poll shall be mandatory. Electors who have been provided with EPIC shall be identified through EPIC. Presently, the EPIC coverage in the States are as under:-

States Percentage of EPIC Assam 93.85 Kerala 100 Tamil Nadu 100 West Bengal 100 Puducherry 100



All the residual electors are advised to obtain their Elector Photo Identity Cards from the Electoral Registration Officers of their Assembly Constituencies, urgently.



In order to ensure that no voter is deprived of his/her franchise, if his/her name figures in the Electoral Rolls, separate instructions will be issued to allow additional documents for identification of voters, if needed.



(d) Photo Voter Slips



To facilitate the voters to know where he/she is enrolled as a voter at a particular polling station and what is his/her serial number in the Electoral roll, the Commission has directed thatvoter slip bearing the Photo of the elector (wherever present in the roll) will be distributedto all enrolled voters by the District Election Officer. It has also been directed that the said voter slip should be in the languages in which electoral roll is published for that Assembly Constituency. The Commission has laid a special emphasis on the systematic, efficient and timely distribution of the Photo Voter Slips through the Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are under strict instructions to hand over the voter slip to the elector concerned only and not to any other person. The BLOs shall also maintain a Pre-Printed Register of Voters and take the signatures/thumb impression of person to whom the Photo Voter Slip is delivered. The residual undistributed Voter Slips shall be kept at the Facilitation-desks set up outside each Polling Station on the poll day. The distribution of Photo Voter Slips should be completed atleast 5 days before the date of poll and a very close and rigorous monitoring of the distribution process shall be done by the DEO and General Observer concerned.



(3) Polling Stations and Special Facilitation



The number of Polling Stations in the poll going States as on the date of final publication of electoral rolls are as follows:

States No. of Polling Stations in 2011 No. of Polling Stations in 2016 % Increase Assam 23,813 24,888 4.5 Kerala 20,758 21,498 3.5 Tamil Nadu 54,016 65,616 21.5 West Bengal 51,919 77,247 48.7 Puducherry 815 913 12



(a) Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF) at Polling Stations:

The Commission has issued instructions to the Chief Electoral Officers of all States to ensure thatevery Polling Station is equipped with Basic Minimum Facilities (BMF) like drinking water, shed, toilet, ramp for the physically challenged voters and a standard voting compartment etc



(b) Model Polling Stations:



In order to enhance the quality of voting experience for the esteemed electors, both in terms of the ease and comfort of voting, as well as their constructive association with the voting process, the Commission has directed that, as far as practicable, Model Polling Stations shall be set up in all the constituencies of the poll bound states/UT. The Model Polling Stations envision the enhancement in electoral participatory experience of the voters through a three pronged strategy of improved physical structure and facilities of polling premises, systematic and hassle-free queue management and courteous and polite behaviour and conduct of the polling personnel.



(c) Special Arrangement For Women and Differently abled Voters:



(i) Separate Polling Station For Women: The Commission has directed that in areas where women folk feel inhibited in mingling with male members because of some local custom or social practice, a separate polling station for women can be provided after getting approval of the Election Commission. Further, in big villages, if two polling stations are to be provided for the village, one may be provided for male electors and the other for female electors. In polling stations provided exclusively for women electors, polling personnel also should normally be women. When separate polling stations are provided for men and women of a particular polling area, these should as far as possible be located in the same building for general convenience.



(ii) Facility Of Differently abled Electors: The Commission has issued instructions to ensure that as far as practicable, all polling stations are located at ground floor and sturdy ramps are provided for the convenience of differently abled electors with wheel-chairs. Also, it has been directed that differently abled electors are given priority for entering polling booths, provision for designated parking spaces close to the entrance of polling premise and special care to be provided to electors with speech and hearing impairment. Special focus has been laid for the sensitization of the polling personnel regarding the unique needs of the differently abled.



(iii) Facility For Blind Schools: The Commission has instructed that, as far as practicable, separate auxiliary polling station will be set up inside the Blind Schools for ease and facilitation of the inmates and staff.





(iv) Polling Station For Voters Suffering From Leprosy: The Commission has directed that if a leprosy sanatorium is located within the constituency, then, if possible, a separate polling station may be set up for the inmates and staff working in the sanatorium.



(4) Deployment Of Polling Personnel And Randomization



Polling parties shall be formed randomly, through special application software. Three-stage randomization will be adopted. First, from a wider district database of eligible officials, a shortlist of a minimum 120% of the required numbers will be randomly picked up. This group will be trained for polling duties. In the second stage, from this trained manpower, actual polling parties as required shall be formed by random selection software in the presence of General Observers. In the third randomization, the polling stations will be allocated randomly just before the polling partys departure. There shall be randomization for such Police personnel and Home guards also, who are deployed at the polling stations on the poll day.



(5) Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)



The poll in these States and UT of Puducherry will be conducted at all polling stations using EVMs. The Commission has already made arrangements to ensure availability of adequate number of EVMs for the smooth conduct of elections. The Commission has issued a new set of instructions with regard to the First Level Check of EVMs, that will be used in the poll in these States. The First Level Check of EVMs, has been done in the presence of representatives of political parties. A two-stage randomization of EVMs will be made. In the first stage, all the EVMs stored in the district storage centre will be randomized by the District Election Officer (DEO) in the presence of the representatives of the recognized political parties for assembly constituency-wise allocation. EVMs will be prepared and set for elections after finalization of the contesting candidates. At this stage also, candidates or their agents/representatives will be allowed to check and satisfy themselves in every manner about the functionality of the EVMs. After the EVMs in a constituency are prepared for the poll by the Returning Officer and the ballot units are fitted with ballot papers, the EVMs will again be randomized to decide the actual polling stations in which they will be ultimately used. The Second Stage randomization will be done in the presence of Observers, Candidates or their Election Agents.



(a) Mock Poll: As per the Commission's instructions, a Mock Poll shall be conducted by the Presiding Officer at each Polling Station before the commencement of actual polling in the presence of the Polling Agents set up by the contesting candidates and a Certificate of successful conduct of the Mock Poll shall be made by the Presiding Officer. Immediately after the conduct of Mock Poll, the CLEAR Button shall be pressed on the EVM and the fact that no votes are recorded in the Control Unit shall be displayed to the Polling Agents present. The Commission has issued directions for ensuring proper training to all the polling personnel regarding the conduct of Mock Poll, as well as to create awareness amongst the political parties, contesting candidates, their polling agents and other stakeholders about the Mock Poll process.



(b) None Of The Above (NOTA) In EVMs: In its judgment dated 27th September, 2013 in Writ Petition (C) No. 161 of 2004, the Supreme Court has directed that there should be a None of the Above (NOTA) option on the ballot papers and EVMs.



On the Balloting Unit, below the name of the last candidate, there will now be a button for NOTA option so that electors who do not want to vote for any of the candidates can exercise their option by pressing the button against NOTA. For the first time, the Commission has provided a new symbol for the NOTA option, which was designed by National Institute of Design (NID). This new symbol will facilitate the voters in casting of their votes.



The Commission is taking steps to bring this to the knowledge of voters and all other stakeholders and to train all field level officials including the polling personnel about the provision of NOTA and its symbol.



(6) VVPAT ( Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail)



VVPAT will be used in all the five poll going states as per the details in the table below:

States No. of ACs with VVPAT deployment Assam 10 Kerala 12 Tamil Nadu 17 West Bengal 22 Puducherry 3



VVPATs will be used in a total of 14,066 polling stations across the 5 poll-bound states/UT and the List of Assembly Constituencies in each State where VVPAT will be used in the forthcoming elections is placed at Annexure VI.



(7) Photographs Of Candidates On Ballot Paper



In order to facilitate the electors in identifying the candidates, the Commission has prescribed an additional measure by way of adding provision for printing the photograph of candidate also on the ballot to be displayed on the EVM (Ballot Unit) and on Postal Ballot papers. This will also take care of likely confusion when candidates with same or similar names contest from the same constituency. For this purpose, the candidates are required to submit to the Returning Officer, their recent Stamp Size photograph as per the specifications laid down by the Commission. Many of the poll-bound states will be using the photograph of the candidates on the ballot papers for the first time. Instructions have also been issued to ensure necessary publicity of this instruction.



(8) Affidavits Of candidates  All Columns To Be Filled In:



In pursuance to the judgment dated 13th September, 2013 passed by the Supreme Court in Writ Petition (C) No. 121 of 2008, which among other things makes it obligatory for the Returning Officer to check whether the information required is fully furnished at the time of filing of affidavit with the nomination paper, the Commission has issued instructions that in the affidavit to be filed along with the nomination paper, candidates are required to fill up all columns. If any column in the affidavit is left blank, the Returning Officer will issue a notice to the candidate to file the affidavit with all columns filled in. After such notice, if a candidate fails to file affidavit complete in all respect, the nomination paper will be liable to be rejected at the time of scrutiny. The Chief Electoral Officers have been directed to brief all Returning Officers about the judgment of the Supreme Court and the Commissions instructions.



The Commission has enabled e-filing of Affidavits and expenditure statements to be lodged by candidates. Further, trained Election Commission Return Preparers will be available in each district to assist candidates in e-filing of affidavits and abstract statements and such expenses will be borne by the Commission



(9) District Election Management Plan (DEMP)



The District Election Officers have been asked to prepare a comprehensive district election management plan in consultation with SPs and Sector Officers, including the route plan and communication plan for conduct of elections. These plans will be vetted by the Observers taking into account vulnerability mapping exercise and mapping of critical polling station in accordance with Election Commission of Indias extant instructions.



(10) Communication plan



The Commission attaches great importance to preparation and implementation of a perfect communication plan at the district/constituency level for the smooth conduct of elections and to enable concurrent intervention and mid-course correction on the poll day. For the said purpose, the Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherr y to coordinate with the officers of Telecommunication Department in the State headquarters, BSNL/MTNL authorities, the representatives of other leading service providers in the States so that network status in the States is assessed and communication shadow areas be identified. The CEOs have also been advised to ensure best communication plan in the States/UT and make suitable alternate arrangements in the communication shadow areas by providing Satellite Phones, Wireless sets, Special Runners etc..



(11) Model Code of Conduct



The Model Code of Conduct comes into effect immediately from now onwards. All the provisions of the Model Code will apply to the whole of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and will be applicable to all candidates, political parties and, the State Governments of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Pudducherry. The Model Code of Conduct shall also be applicable to the Union Government insofar as announcements/policy decisions pertaining. for these States/UT is concerned.



The Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of the MCC Guidelines. Any violations of these Guidelines would be strictly dealt with and the Commission re-emphasizes that the instructions issued in this regard from time to time should be read and understood by all Political Parties, contesting candidates and their agents/representatives, to avoid any misgivings or lack of information or inadequate understanding/interpretation. The governments of the poll-bound States/UT have also been directed to ensure that no misuse of official machinery/position is done during the MCC period.



(12) Videography/ Webcasting



All critical events will be video-graphed. District Election Officers will arrange sufficient number of video and digital cameras and camera teams for the purpose. The events for videography will include filing of nomination papers and scrutiny thereof, allotment of symbols, First Level Checking, preparations and storage of Electronic Voting Machines, important public meetings, processions etc. during election campaign, process of dispatching of postal ballot papers, polling process in identified vulnerable polling stations, storage of polled EVMs, counting of votes etc. Webcasting, Videography and Digital cameras will also be deployed inside polling booths wherever needed.



(13) Law And Order, Security Arrangements And Deployment Of Forces



Conduct of elections involves elaborate security management, which includes not just the security of polling personnel, polling stations and polling materials, but also the overall security of the election process. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are deployed to supplement the local police force in ensuring a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for the smooth conduct of elections in a free, fair and credible manner. Keeping all this in mind, the very designing of the poll schedule, sequencing of multi-phase elections and choice of constituencies for each phase had to follow the logic of force availability and force management.



The Commission has taken various measures to ensure free and fair elections by creating an atmosphere in which each elector is able to access the polling station, without being obstructed or being unduly influenced / intimidated by anybody.



Based on the assessment of the ground situation, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and State Armed Police (SAP) drawn from other States will be deployed during these elections. The CAPF shall be deployed well in advance for area domination, route marches in vulnerable pockets, point patrolling and other confidence building measures to re-assure and build faith in the minds of the voters, especially those belonging to the weaker sections, minorities etc. In the LWE areas, CAPF shall be inducted well in time for undertaking area familiarization, hand-holding with local forces and standard protocols regarding IEDs and de-mining/Road Opening and other activities in the LWE areas will be strictly adhered to. The CAPF/SAP shall also be deployed in the Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies and other vulnerable areas and critical polling stations as per the assessment of ground realities by the CEO of the State, in consultation with the various stakeholders. On the Poll-eve, the CAPF/SAP shall take position in and control of the respective polling stations and will be responsible for safeguarding the polling stations and for providing security to the electors and polling personnel on the poll day. Besides, these forces will be used for securing the strong rooms where the EVMs are stored and for securing the counting centers and for other purposes, as required.



The CEOs will ensure a day-to-day monitoring of the activities and deployment of the CAPF/SAP in the states/UT to optimize the usage and effectiveness of these forces for conducting peaceful and transparent elections and inform the Commission periodically. Further, the entire force deployment in the assembly segments shall be under the oversight of the Central Observers deputed by the Commission.



The Commission lays a special emphasis on the advance preventive measures to be taken by the District Magistrates and Police authorities to maintain the Law & Order and to create atmosphere conducive for the conduct of free and fair elections. The Commission will be constantly monitoring the ground situation closely and will take appropriate measures to ensure peaceful, free and fair polls in these States.



(14) Protection To Electors Of SC/ST And Other Weaker Sections:



As per Section 3 (1) (vii) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, forces or intimidates a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe not to vote or to vote for a particular candidate or to vote in a manner other than that provided by law shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine. The Commission has asked the State Governments to bring these provisions to the notice of all concerned for prompt action. In order to bolster the confidence of the voters hailing from vulnerable sections especially SC, STs etc and enhance their conviction and faith in the purity and credibility of the poll process, CAPF/SAP shall be extensively and vigorously utilized in patrolling such areas, conducting route marches and undertaking others necessary confidence building measures under the supervision of the Central Observers.



(15) Election Expenditure Monitoring:



Comprehensive instructions for the purpose of effective monitoring of the election expenditure of the candidates have been issued, which include formation of flying squads, static surveillance Teams, video surveillance Teams, involvement of Investigation Directorates of Income Tax Deptt. etc. State Excise Departments and police authorities have been asked to monitor production, distribution, sale and storage of liquor and other intoxicants during the election process. The functioning and operations of the Flying Squads/Mobile Teams shall be closely monitored using GPS Tracking.



For greater transparency and for ease of monitoring of Election Expenses, Candidates would be required to open a separate bank account and incur their election expenses from that very account. The Investigation Directorate of Income Tax Dept. has been asked to open Air Intelligence unit in the airports of these states and also to gather intelligence and take necessary action against movement of large sum of money in these states.



Some new initiatives taken by the Commission to strengthen the Expenditure Monitoring mechanism are:



(a) Modification of the Standard Operating Procedure for Seizure and release of cash: To avoid inconvenience to common people with genuine need for carrying cash, the Standard Operating Procedure for seizure of cash and release has been modified. An appellate body will be in place in every district to attend to petitions from the public. The Committee will suo motu examine each case of seizure by the Police or Flying Squad or Static teams and in suitable cases immediate steps will be taken to release the same.



(b) Donations received by candidates- to be in cheques or Drafts: The Commission has directed that candidates should not receive any loan or donation exceeding Rs. 20,000/- in cash and all such donations or loans are to be received by cheque or draft or through banking channels only.



(c) Accounting of the expenditure incurred for campaign vehicles  on the basis of permissions granted: It came to the notice of the Commission that the candidates take permission from the Returning Officer for use of vehicles for campaign purpose, but some candidates do not show the vehicle hiring charges or fuel expenses in their election expenditure account. Therefore, it has been decided that unless the candidate intimates the R.O. for withdrawing the permission, the notional expenditure on account of campaign vehicles will be calculated based on the number of vehicles for which permissions is granted by the Returning Officer.



(d) Filing of part statement of Election Expenditure by Political parties in 30 days: The political parties will be required to file a part expenditure statement in respect of the lump sum payments made to the candidate, within 30 days after declaration of results.



(e) Account Reconciliation Meeting: In order to reduce litigations relating to expenditure accounts, a reconciliation meeting will be provided before final submission of the accounts, on the 26th day after the declaration of the results.



(16) Media Coverage And Paid News:



To deal with the issue of Paid News, a mechanism has been laid out with three tier of Media certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC) at District, State and ECI level. Revised comprehensive instruction on Paid News are available on the Commissions website.



Necessary instructions have been issued to the CEOs of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry to ensure briefing of political parties and Media in the districts about Paid News and the mechanism to check Paid News. The MCMCs of all states have been trained to do their job.



(17) Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)



Comprehensive measures for voters education were taken up during the Special Roll Revision process in the states. These measures will continue and will be further augmented during the electoral process.



10% of the lowest turnout Polling Stations in each district have been identified and possible reasons for the lower turnout analyzed. KABBP (Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour, Belief and Practices) survey has also been undertaken by the Chief Electoral Officers and interventions based on the findings have been taken up.



Chief Electoral Officer of the States have been directed to ensure wide dissemination of election related information as well as adequate facilitation measures for ensuing wider participation of people in polling. Model polling stations will be set up in each of the assembly constituencies. Voter helplines, Voters Facilitation Centres, web and SMS based search facilities are active for assistance of voters. Reminder services on poll days have been meticulously planned. There are special facilities in place for persons with disability.



As per the directions of the Commission, Booth Awareness Groups shall be activated at the Polling Stations for educating the Voters and motivating them for informed and ethical voting.



(18) Deployment Of Central Observers:



a. General Observers

The Commission will deploy General Observers in adequate number to ensure smooth conduct of elections. The Observers will be asked to keep a close watch on every stage of the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections. Their names, addresses within the district/constituency and their telephone numbers will be publicized in local newspapers so that the general public can quickly approach them for any grievance redressal. The Observers will be given a detailed briefing by the Commission before their deployment. The Observers will fix a suitable time every day for meeting the political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to redress their election related grievances.



b. Police Observers.

The Commission may deploy IPS officers as Police Observers in district level, in the poll going States depending upon the need and sensitivity. They will monitor all activities relating to force deployment, law and order situation and co-ordinate between civil and Police administration to ensure free and fair election.



c. Expenditure Observers.

The Commission has also decided to appoint adequate number of Expenditure Observers andAssistant Expenditure Observers who will exclusively monitor the election expenditure of the contesting candidates. Control room and Complaint Monitoring Centre with 24 hours toll free numbers shall be operative during the entire election process. Banks and financial intelligence units of Government of India have been asked to forward suspicious cash withdrawal reports to the election officials. Comprehensive instructions for the purpose of effective monitoring of the election expenditure of the candidates have been separately issued by the Commission and are available at ECI website <www.eci.nic.in >.



d. Micro Observers

As per the extant instructions, the General Observers will also deploy Micro-Observers, from amongst Central Government/PSUs Officials, to observe the poll proceedings on the poll day in critical/vulnerable polling stations. Micro-Observers will observe the proceedings at the polling stations on the poll day, right from the conduct of mock poll, to the completion of poll and the process of sealing of EVMs and other documents so as to ensure that all instructions of the Commission are complied with by the Polling Parties and the Polling Agents. They will report to the General Observers directly regarding any vitiation of the poll proceedings in their allotted polling stations.



e. Awareness Observers:

Awareness Observers from Central Government are also being appointed to observe the SVEEP programme carried out during the election period for assessing the level of facilitation, information and motivational programmes at the field level.



(19) Conduct of Officials



The Commission expects all officials engaged in the conduct of elections to discharge their duties in an impartial manner without any fear or favour. They are deemed to be on deputation to the Commission and shall be subject to its control, supervision and discipline. The conduct of all Government officials who have been entrusted with election related responsibilities and duties would remain under constant scrutiny of the Commission and strict action shall be taken against those officials who are found wanting on any account.

The Commission has already given instructions that no election related official or Police officer of the rank of Inspector and above shall be allowed to continue in his home district. Besides, instructions have also been issued that election related officials including police officials of Inspector level & above who have completed three years in a district during last four years should be transferred out of that district. Police officers of the rank of Sub Inspectors who have completed three years in a Sub Division/Assembly Constituency or are posted in their home sub division/assembly constituency shall be transferred out of that Sub Division and the Assembly Constituency.



The Commission has also instructed the State Governments not to associate any officer with the electoral process against whom charges have been framed in a court of law in any case.



(20) Complaint Redressal Mechanism  Call Center And Website Based



The poll going States shall have a complaint redressal mechanism based on website and call center. The number of call center is 1950, which is a toll free number. The URL of the complaint registration website will be announced for the State by the Chief Electoral Officers separately. Complaints can be registered by making calls to the toll free call center numbers or on the web site. Action will be taken within time limit on all complaints. Complainants will also be informed of the action taken by SMS and by the call center. Complainants can also see the details of the action taken on their complaints on the website.



(21) New IT Applications To Be Used For Forthcoming General Elections:



(a) Redressal Arrangements

This application shall be provided so that the people / political party can lodge their complaints on the common platform for all complaints received from all sources. Mobile app shall be made available for the people so that they can submit complaints with photographs / videos on the common platform. SMS is sent to complainant on receipt / disposal of complaint. Complainant can track status and view ATR online through the android App.



(b)Single Window System

A single window system for giving election related permissions/clearances within 24 hours has been created. In this system, Candidates and Political Parties can apply for permissions for Meetings, Rallies, vehicles, temporary election office, loudspeakers etc at a single location, where back-end convergence of various authorities/departments has been done. This system is put in place at every RO level in each sub-division which will provide for applying, processing, granting and monitoring permissions in a synergistic manner. However, in case of permissions for Helicopter usage/landing and use of helipads, the application shall have to be submitted atleast 36 hours in advance.



(c) Vehicle Management System

It is a Vehicle Management System with the facility of Issuance of requisition letters for vehicles, Capturing of vehicle details with address, mobile number and bank details of Owner & Driver, Transfer of vehicles from one district to another district etc.



(d) Use of webcasting / CCTV at polling stations:

Webcasting at selected distant polling stations for LIVE monitoring of election process, to keep a check on illegal activities such as booth capturing, money distribution and bogus voting and to bring about complete transparency in the voting process shall be done. Further, during the election process, CCTV monitoring and webcasting shall also be done at various border check-posts, check-nakas and other sensitive and critical locations across the constituencies to keep a strict vigil on any nefarious activities designed to vitiate the electoral process.



(e) Polling / Police Personnel Deployment Plan

This application will be used for creating database of Police / Polling personnel, generation of command / appointment letters, sending SMS regarding deputation / training, tagging of patrolling party with force, generation of application for postal ballot, formation of polling party / police party after randomization, for sending polling personnel / police force from one district to another district etc.



(f) Voter Centric Information Dissemination Initiatives:

It is the constant endeavour of the Commission to facilitate the voters across the country in accessing the multifarious election related services and information. As part of this vision, an SMS Based search facility and Voter Friendly Interactive Website has already been launched and successfully working.



(22) Poll Day Monitoring System

A constant and stringent 24-hour monitoring of the critical events and activities of the poll day shall be done using the Poll Day Monitoring System. All the crucial events like reaching of Polling Parties, PS Image, Votes Cast, Voters Images etc shall be captured and monitored using this state-of-the-art IT application, which has the added advantage of being used offline also, so as to circumvent non-connectivity of network. All data captured offline is synchronized with the centralized server as soon as the person using the App comes in the coverage area. Through this App, we can find out Voter Turnout (VTR) gender-wise, age-wise and section-wise. Improvement of quality of image in the roll can also be done through this App as we get the recent colour photograph of the voter against old / bad quality photograph in the roll.



(23) Schedules of Election



The Commission has prepared the Schedules for holding General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry after taking into consideration all relevant aspects, like the climatic conditions, academic calendar, major festivals, prevailing law and order situation in the States, availability of Central Police Forces, time needed for movement, transportation and timely deployment of forces and in-depth assessment of other relevant ground realities.



The Commission after considering all relevant aspects has decided to recommend to the Governors of the State of Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala and the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry to issue notifications for the General Elections to their respective states under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as per the schedule annexed.



ANNEXURE  I

Schedule for holding General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Assam.

S. No. Poll Event 1 st Phase

( 65 ACs) 2nd Phase

( 61 ACs) 1. Issue of Notification 11.03.2016 (FRI) 14.03.2016 (MON) 2. Last date for making

Nominations 18.03.2016 (FRI) 21.03.2016 (MON) 3. Scrutiny of Nominations 19.03.2016 (SAT) 22.03.2016 (TUE) 4. Last date for withdrawal of candidature 21.03.2016 (MON) 26.03.2016 (SAT) 5. Date of Poll 04.04.2016 (MON) 11.04.2016 (MON) 6. Counting of Votes 19.05.2016 (THU) 19.05.2016 (THU) 7. Date before which election process shall be completed 21.05.2016 (SAT) 21.05.2016 (SAT)



*Details of ACs going to poll during the two phases enclosed.
India has dragged the US to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the increase in visa fees for non-immigrant temporary workers, according to a financial newspaper.India has told WTO that the US move is not compatible with multilateral trade rules and hurts Indian IT companies operating in America, says the paper.New Delhi has filed a request for consultation with Washington on Thursday on the issue of visa fee increase. It is the first step in the dispute settlement system of the WTO, a WTO official told the business daily.In December, the Obama administration brought in legislation to introduce a US$4,000 fee for certain categories of H-1B visa and US$4,500 for L1 visa.The move hurt Indian IT companies the most since it applies only to those offshore companies that employ more than 50 foreigners, or which have more foreigners than Americans working for them.In its representations to the Government, Nasscom had said that the visa fee hike would result in an estimated US$400 million annual loss to the Indian IT industry.The US has to respond to the consultation request within 10 days and consultations are to begin within a month, according to the paper.The maximum period of consultations is 60 days after the reception of the request, unless both parties decide to extend them or suspend them, says the daily.If consultations fail to resolve the dispute, India can request the Dispute Settlement Body to establish a panel of experts to study the dispute and pass its judgement, reports the paper.
Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has struck down spectrum contiguity charges of Rs. 3,500 crore imposed by Department of Telecom (DoT) on Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd (SSTL).The Telecom tribunal said that DoT must allow SSTL reconfiguration/rearrangement of spectrum blocks on the same grounds as it was allowed to Reliance Jio Infocomm. It added, "The rules are same for all the operators and if Reliance Jio was allowed to reconfigure/rearrange its spectrum blocks with RCom's non-liberalised spectrum, there does not appear any reason why the petitioner (SSTL) should be treated differently."TDSAT pointed out that the government has relaxed the differential pricing norm in Reliance Jio Infocomm's case and allowed it to convert its non-contiguous 800 MHz spectrum into contiguous airwaves in some circles.Sistema Shyam had approached TDSAT last year after the country's sole pure-CDMA player had disagreements with DoT on differential pricing of contiguous and non-contiguous airwaves in the 800 MHz band, urging the telecom tribunal to direct DoT to make its spectrum holdings contiguous.This was after DoT cited Clause 3.10 of the March 2015 auction rules that required Sistema Shyam, the sole buyer of 800 MHz spectrum in the March 2013 auction, to pay the differential between the March 2013 and March 2015 auction price on a pro-rata basis to make its airwaves contiguous.
Bravery is an extraordinary act. Its not the lack of fear, but moving on despite the fear. And not everyone has it in them to stand up against the what scares them. We dont know where this unbelievable strength comes from, and why it comes only in few people. Maybe these 9 stories of real people will help us understand. Maybe.

1. Sunita Murmu who fought against criminal elements from within her country.

hindubusinessline

Sunitas only mistake was falling in love. Once the self proclaimed Panchayat found out, they publicly stripped her, then made videos and circulated them in the entire village so that no one would dare repeat Sunitas so called crime. No one helped her and the local police station refused to lodge a complaint. Parents, shocked, were of little help, and forced her to forget about the incident. For two months Sunita lived in a corner of her hut, isolated and neglected by the rest of the world. Months later, Sunita told the police everything that had happened, and lodged a formal complaint. Sunita recognised the criminals and they landed in jail. Just two days after filing the complaint, the six main accused were arrested. These culprits, just out of their teens, had incited the crowd and influenced people to keep quiet. Sunita was honoured by President Pratibha Patil with the National Bravery Award for her exemplary act of courage.

2. The acid attack survivor who now rehabilitates survivors of acid attacks

indiatoday

Laxmi, an acid attack survivor, was hurt when a 32-year-old man whose advances she had rejected threw acid on her in 2005, when she was in her teens. She faced several health issues and underwent several surgeries for skin graft. Laxmi never gave up - she succeeded in reaching out to the masses and collected thousands of signatures for a petition to curb acid sales, which was later filed in the Supreme Court. As a result, the central and state governments were asked to regulate the sale of acid, and the Parliament to make prosecution of acid attack cases easier. Today, Laxmi heads Chhanv Foundation, an NGO that rehabilitates survivors of acid attacks. Not only that, she received the International Women of Courage award in 2014 from Michelle Obama.

3. Bhanwari Devi, a Dalit social worker who was gang raped after she tried to prevent a child marriage.

indiatvnews

Bhanwari Devi, a Dalit social worker from Bhateri, Rajasthan, was allegedly gang raped in 1992 by higher-caste men who got angry at her efforts of trying to prevent a child marriage in their family. Her entire case, treatment by the police, and acquittal of the accused, attracted widespread national and international media attention, and became a landmark episode in India's women's rights movement. In 1994, she was awarded the Neerja Bhanot Memorial Award. Sadly, she never got justice through the judicial system and the accused were acquitted. But her case opened up the debate of taboo topics in the public arena. Several womens groups and NGOs filed a petition in the Supreme Court. Eventually, Bhanwri Devis case led to the definition of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, usually known as the Vishakha guidelines.

4. The Indian shopkeeper who fought with a thief using a hammer

It took Bhumika Patel hands, a hammer, and a lot of fearlessness to fight off a man allegedly attempting to rob her shop. Patel, an Indian shopkeeper in the United States, fought with an armed man, before chasing him out of the store.

5. Malala Yousafzai, t he Pakistani activist who didnt stop fighting for education despite being shot by terrorists.

Reuters

Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and is the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate. She is known mainly for advocacy for education and for women in her native Swat Valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of northwest Pakistan, where the local Taliban had at times banned girls from attending school. Terrorists had shot her in order to curb her movements, but she survived and continued.

6. Sunitha Krishnan, who was raped at 15, but continues to rescue, rehabilitate and reintegrate sexual trafficking victims into society.

Tumblr

While working on a neo-literacy campaign for the Dalit community, Sunitha Krishnan, then 15, was gang raped by eight men. But that incident changed her life for good. She became a passionate social worker, and co-founderd Prajwala, a non-governmental organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates victims of human- trafficking into society. She has saved thousands of lives, and is still at it.

7. This woman who battled a crocodile with a washing bat, and saved her daughter

toi

In an outstanding act of bravery, a woman rescued her 19-year-old daughter from the jaws of an adult crocodile in Thikariyamubarak village, Gujarat. Daughter Kanta Vankar was washing clothes on the banks of the Vishwamitri river when the crocodile grabbed her leg and started pulling her into the water. Her mother, Divali, ran as soon as she heard her shrieks. She grabbed her daughter's hand, picked up a washing bat and started hitting the crocodile. After about 10 minutes, the crocodile gave up and let go of Kanta's leg. Well, we have only one word for Diavali - Heroic

8. Rukhsana Kausar, a n Indian farmers daughter, who disarmed a terrorist leader who broke into her home.

bill-purkayastha.blogspot.com

In 2009, Rukhsana Kausar, 21, was with her parents and brother in Jammu and Kashmir when three gunmen, believed to be Pakistani militants, barged their way in and demanded food and beds for the night. Kausars father refused to give in to their demands and was attacked. Kausar, who was hiding under a bed, heard her father crying. She ran towards her fathers attacker and caught him with an axe. As he collapsed, she snatched his AK47 and shot him dead. Police in the region acknowledged her bravery and said that it came as a surprise because most people treat militants like kings.

9. Neerja Bhanot, t he Indian flight attendant who saved 360 lives on a hijacked Pan Am flight

catchnews

The world knows Neerjas story. In a sad incident, senior flight attendant on board, Neerja Bhanot, helped 360 passengers escape. She was murdered while shielding three children from terrorist fire, two days before her 23rd birthday. Neerja has received bravery awards from three nations India, United States and Pakistan. The Indian government awarded her the Ashoka Chakra.

They came from different backgrounds, faced different kinds of horror, but courage is what brought them together. On the occasion of women's day, we salute them and applaud their phenomenal strength that has inspired us all.
Bollywood stars have to barter their personal life in exchange for all the limelight they get. But at times, their open lives are mistaken as public property. Call it the dark side of fame, but these celebs find themselves at the receiving end of unwanted attention too.

mrpopat.in

Swedish-Greek beauty turned Bollywood actress Elli Avram had to recently change her residence after she was stalked by a crazy fan. The guy followed her to every event she attended, acted like her bodyguard and stopped others from approaching her. So much so that he even dragged her mother away from her once. She shifted to a new house after he scribbled her name on the door of her old home. And you thought stardom was only about acting and signing autographs?

Here are 20 other actors whose die-hard fans turned into obsessive stalkers.

1. Sushmita Sen

indianexpress

She almost had a Dastak deja vu moment in 2008. A completely smitten fan first began sending rich gifts to her unnamed. The frequency of gifts kept increasing but Sush wasn't too bothered until one day she received a bridal dress and wedding accessories. Thus began rounds of obscene messages and letters threatening her to either marry him or prepare to die. A police complaint was necessary for her.

2. Priyanka Chopra

popsugar

In 2014, while the actress was away shooting in Barcelona, some high voltage drama unfolded outside her Mumbai residence. A 25-year-old guy was found snooping around her building. After the security guards found his behaviour highly suspicious they called the police. A search through his bag revealed that PeeCee's fan was carrying sweets, bangles and flowers for the actress. It seemed he was keen to meet her.

3. Katrina Kaif

7-themes

Bollywood's Barbie Doll was in for a shock in 2009 when she was stalked by a crazy fan for nine long months. He followed her everywhere and even managed to reach her apartment building, claiming she called to meet him. Once he came all the way to a promotional event in Mumbai but Kat's security staff stopped him. The actress, however, refused to file a police complaint.

4. John Abraham

siasat

He has always had females going gaga about those dimples. But it seems his homosexual act in Dostana left such a deep impression on one of his male fans that he began constantly calling John on his landline, wanting to speak to him. He even called up his parents. When John's staff informed the actor, the actor was quick to file a police complaint.

5. Dia Mirza

ibn

Behind that lovely smile, who would say Dia was once fighting a doctor stalker in his early 30s? Dia was stunned when he showed up at her house a day after her birthday. He asked her to marry him and even came with a bouquet and a ring. Dia didn't lodge a complaint because he maintained a decent distance from her. But when his obsession became unbearable, she filed one in 2009.

6. Kangana Ranaut

sareeblousefashion

The Queen is followed wherever she goes. Well, that's what this eager fan thought. No wonder in 2010, he stalked her at the gym she used to visit. He would send gifts at her residence and flood her mailbox with love letters. A horrified Kangana chose to call the cops.

7. Vidya Balan

ndtv

She made several men weak in the knees with her film The Dirty Picture. But there was one man who was so smitten, that he began to frequent her sets, and began following her to her flat. He even knocked on her door once, but luckily Vidya wasn't home. Even a year after the film was out, she would spot him lurking around her home. He was finally arrested.

8. Hrithik Roshan

liteleymamu

His stardom knows no bounds. And like many of his stature, even Hrithik was stalked by a certain Russian girl named Anna. She used to roam outside his Juhu residence, and even tried to barge in to his Andheri office twice. When she was refused an entry by the security guards, Anna turned aggressive. That's when Hrithik had to lodge a police complaint.

9. Minissha Lamba

hdwallpapersfit

Better to call him a psycho stalker, who followed her for a month. The man used to harass Minissha by repeatedly calling her and sending her vulgar and abusive text messages. Even though she tried blocking him, he never gave up. Ultimately, the actress filed a non-cognizable complaint with the police to stop it in 2009.

10. Raveena Tandon

eprahaar.in

It was revealed that Raveena had a fan who always took her as his wife, even when she tied the knot with film distributor Anil Thadani. Since the stalker believed it was his "duty" to protect her from any other man, he began following her and even pelted stones at her house and Thadani's car. It was found that the 45-year-old man was mentally disturbed and needed medical consultation. Raveena voluntarily decided to help him and end the matter.

11. Shahid Kapoor

wadsam

His case is different. He was stalked by not just any obsessive fan, but Vastavikta Pandit, the daughter of legendary actor Rajkumar. She followed her favourite actor everywhere and even claimed to be his wife! She was so madly in love with him that she bought a flat next to his building and stalked him to various places. Her obsession forced Shahid to file a police complaint. Obviously, it was all because of some psychological problems she had.

12. Jaya Bachchan

photos2648.rssing

The veteran actress approached the police against a phone stalker who consistently made crank calls to her. It was later revealed that the person was a crazy fan living in Dubai.

13. Shruti Haasan

getlatestwallpapers

Hers made headlines. The South Indian actress was attacked by a stalker who walked straight inside her apartment and rang the doorbell late in the night. He even tried to push his way into her house after grabbing her by her throat. Shruti managed to break free from the physical altercation by slamming the door. She even lodged a complaint with the police. The obsessive fan who had the guts to trespass her flat later turned out to be a spot boy from her shooting staff.

14. Abhishek Bachchan

ibn

So what if his career didn't take off well? He had a passionate and mad lover, who, just a day before his marriage to Aishwarya, showed up and claimed to be his wife! To garner media attention, she even slashed her wrist. The police had to intervene. It was revealed that she was a background dancer in Abhi's famous song "Dus Bahane". She was floored by the actor during the shooting itself.

15. Asin

glamsham

A persistent 20-something stalker of the South Indian siren followed her all the way to Singapore! The story dates back to 2009 when a stranger found her at the hotel she was staying at, clicked pictures without her knowledge, followed her to a mall where she was shopping and even to an award function. The man, who claimed to be her bodyguard, stopped other people from going near her. However, the episode ended in Singapore itself as Asin's security men ensured that nothing unprecedented happened.

16. Akshay Kumar

zee

He has fans of all ages, agreed. No wonder an under-aged girl once stalked Akki for one whole year. She ran away from her home in Lucknow, wanting to meet him. She would do anything to catch a glimpse of him. When she failed to reach out to him, she slashed her wrists outside Akshay's home in December 2009. Luckily the actor was there and came out immediately. The girl's physical and emotional trauma moved him and he rushed her to a hospital.

17. Kareena Kapoor

indiatoday

She is adored by her fans, and hence receiving their messages isn't something unusual for her. What started as a regular fan mail later turned into expensive gifts being delivered to her. He even kept a tab on Bebo's movements for months, which made her family worried. While close ones were nervous, Kareena refused to file a police complaint. She never took it seriously.

18. Rajesh Khanna

boxofficeindia

It is no secret that Bollywood's first "superstar" had not one, but hundreds of stalkers. So great was his female fan following, that women in those times sent him blood-letters, kept his pictures under their pillows while sleeping, and even mobbed him during his public appearances. Guess he was used to so much adulation, which is why he took everything in his stride.

19. Celina Jaitley

fevatv

The former beauty queen had an admirer who followed her to the sets of her film in 2007. She complained that the youth "jumped at her, tugged her hair and flashed her" to say the least. Interestingly, the film she was shooting for was titled Love Has No Boundaries. Irony at work!

20. Tusshar Kapoor

shortday

Don't be shocked! Even Tusshar became a victim of stalking in 2012. One crazy fan named Shikha from New Delhi kept following him everywhere. She not only stood outside his hotel but also gave him a cake and flowers. She refused to go without meeting him!

The things people do. Tch tch.
Email has become a huge part of our lives, but somehow it hasn't taught us how to make our messages more gripping and emotional. Poorly written, unclear, misleading and meaningless emails can go as far as causing havoc in and out of the workplace and just leaving behind a poor impression of the sender.

This is where these pointers come in. It is imperative that communication via email follow these, else we're just beating around the bush, aren't we!

1. Start on a personal note

When writing to an acquaintance or a stranger, a simple 'hope you are well' isn't enough and can come across as pretty cliche. If you know something about his or her life, don't hesitate to bring it up. For example, 'How was your trip to Jaipur last week?' or 'I am an avid reader of your work and your article on climate change really moved me.'

It helps to warm up the introduction and start on a good note.

2. Keep your emotions in check

Negative emotions like anger and desperation can often come across on emails with strong and hurtful words. In the absence of vocal tone and facial expressions to soften them, you might just end up making more enemies than friends. Keep calm and choose a professional way of conveying your thoughts without sounding offensive.

3. KISS

Keep It Short and Sweet. Long emails don't necessarily cover the points you want to get across, thus leading your audience to blank out and probably close it down along the way.

Keep two lines as a personal opener, 4 to 5 lines as the body which addresses the issue, 2 lines to address a desired outcome or a call to action and two lines to sign off.

4. Read it twice

Never send the email right away. Pause and give it a read while putting yourself in the shoes of the reader.

If you are half asleep or really need to use the bathroom, save it in your drafts and get back to it when you are in your senses.

5. Have an effective subject line

Consider using a desired action rather than brief subject matter to have your email answered. The subject line makes or breaks an email and will determine whether readers will actually click on your message.

For example, "Urgent Action Required" might get a better response than "Last minute changes".

6. State benefits clearly

When pitching a proposition, always remember to state what's in it for the reader. Make sure the incentives are realistic, the exchange is fair, and there truly are benefits to the receiver. Understand how tempting your promises might be to yourself before expecting your readers to give a reasonable response.

7. Pretend your email is a face to face intro

When meeting a person first off, we never ramble on about our lives. We briefly introduce ourselves after which we wait for the other person to respond. The same goes for introductory emails. Keep your story short so that your reader can digest it, while you sense the mood from their response.

8. Font matters

Choosing a font that is presentable, not bold and of a legible size is what will make people want to read your email. Send something in complete Bold Caps and it might just send across a message that the sender is insecure, unfriendly and above all, has the mental capacity of a toddler.

Save the uppercase and bold for highlighting important parts of your email.

9. So does formatting

Make emails easier to read and quicker to skim through by using bullet points, lists, short paragraphs. Highlight keywords (bold or italic) for emphasis, without going overboard.
Stories of atrocities being carried out on Indian workers in the Gulf countries have unfortunately become so regular that it doesn't shock us anymore. For ages now, the working class are being harassed and tortured by their employers. In fact, very recently an Indian domestic help's hand was chopped off by her employer for trying to escape torture. Things are just as regressive as ever.

Now comes a report of a youth, hailing from the Barabanki district in Uttar Pradesh, being tortured, sodomised and starved by his employer in Saudi Arabia. A youth named Mohammad Shami was reportedly forced to survive without food for days, tortured, even used as a sex slave by his employer according to a report by India Today.

wiki

Shami's mother and brother have been waiting to hear his voice and learn more about his condition there. They are desperately trying to get him out of the country as soon as possible although we are yet to hear anything on this issue from our Ministry of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj.

Shami went to Saudi to work as a cleaner in a mosque for which he was promised a monthly sum of 1200 Rial as salary. But instead, he was brutalised, tortured with iron rods and used for sexual pleasure by his employer. Like most of the workers in the Gulf region, Shami's passport had been confiscated by the employer on his arrival. Unable to withstand the brutality anymore, he called his brother Zaki in India, begging him to get him out of there. Zaki told India Today that he had gone to Saudi to get his brother back but he too was tortured and forced to return home, alone.

raifbadawi.org

A video of a case very similar to this one came to light a few months ago where three men from Kerala were rescued by the government after being tortured in Saudi. The video that went viral caught the attention of the Indian authorities who helped the men return home safely.

Images used for representative purposes only.
The BSF on Friday lodged a protest with Pakistan over a cross-border tunnel along the international border in RS Pura sector of Jammu district. The BSF had on Thursday found the 30-metre-long well-constructed tunnel about 10 feet below the ground.

TOI

Why is it significant?

1. The BSF says the tunnel was dug for a major terror attack. "The tunnel even bypassed the three-tier fencing beneath the agriculture field and was designed exclusively for infiltration. A big terrorist attack was being planned," BSF IG Rakesh Sharma said.

2. Army and police installations along the Jammu-Pathankot national highway have been the main target of terrorists in Samba and Kathua districts for some years now.

3. During the terror attack at the Pathankot air base in January this year, more than six security personnel were killed in an attack by Jaish terrorists.

4. Terrorists arrested have in the past talked about tunnels being used for infiltration.

TOI

How was it found?

The BSF's earth moving machines were pressed into action after reports of terrorist movement on the Pakistani side of the border came to light. A 'fox cavity' was detected and further digging revealed the tunnel.

What happened after the discovery?

economictimes

1. A flag meeting was called with the Pakistan Rangers.

2. Rangers claim the site of the tunnel a 'disputed area' but BSF insists that the wild growth be cleared right up to the zero line. That is when the entire tunnel on the Indian side is detected.

3. Rangers have been asked to join investigation. They have said they'll 'take action'.

TOI

Tunnels from the past

March 2001

135-yard underground tunnel detected across Indo-Pak border in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.

2008

Jodhpur Police unearthed a tunnel used for drug-running in Rajasthan's Barmer sector.

August 4, 2009

Army discovered another tunnel when heavy rains led to the caving in of the tunnel along Line of Control in Pallanwala.

July 2012

400-metre long tunnel dug 20 feet below the ground, complete with ventilation and breathing system, discovered near Samba, not far from Pathankot.

intoday

August 8, 2012

A GSI and BSF team found a 540-metre-long tunnel dug into the Indian side cutting through Pakistan from the zero line.

September 4, 2014

A 50-metre tunnel discovered near Pallanwala in Jammu sector.
Scientists have seen the furthest thing that humans have ever seen  and it shouldn't even be able to exist.

sci-news

A galaxy 13.4 billion light years away has been spotted by the Hubble Space Telescope.

The new galaxy could lead scientists to question their understanding of the way that the universe evolved. A galaxy of such a size shouldn't have been able to exist when the universe was so young, scientists have said.

The distance away from the galaxy was measured by splitting up the light into the colours that its made up of. Since the universe is expanding, very distant objects stretch towards the red part of the colour spectrum  the more that "red shift" has happened to an object's image, the further away it is.

The new galaxy has been named GN-z11. It takes the crown from EGSY8p7, which set the red shift record at 8.68  the new galaxy has a red shift of 11.1.

That distance means that the light left the galaxy when the universe was in its infancy. The light came just 400 million years after the universe began, 13.8 billion years ago  meaning that scientists can look back into the very formation of the universe.

biztekmojo

Dr Pascal Oesch, a member of the team from Yale University in the US, said: "We've taken a major step back in time, beyond what we'd ever expected to be able to do with Hubble. We managed to look back in time to measure the distance to a galaxy when the universe was only 3% of its current age."

GN-z11 is thought to be 25 times smaller than the Milky Way. But it is growing fast, throwing out new stars 20 times faster than our own galaxy does.

That size should not be expected in the current understanding of how the cosmos came to evolve.

Co-author Dr Ivo Labbe, from the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, said: "The discovery of GN-z11 showed us that our knowledge about the early universe is still very restricted. How GN-z11 was created remains somewhat of a mystery for now. Probably we are seeing the first generations of stars forming around black holes."
Follow us on blackberry exploring alternatives to whatsaap soon to re instill life into bbm

NEW YORK: BlackBerry is exploring alternatives to make working on BBM, its messaging platform, "more convenient and fun" to support users after rival WhatsApp announced to stop its support to Canadian firm's operating system from later this year.

WhatsApp, which has over a billion users globally, had earlier this week said it will end support for BlackBerry phones and those powered by Nokia's Symbian operating system later this year.

"BlackBerry is committed to our BlackBerry 10 operating system, and we work closely with developers to create and deploy solutions to bring apps to our consumer and enterprise fans. We continue to invest in the BlackBerry 10 platform and will introduce several key security updates this year," BlackBerry said in a statement.

It added that the company is "actively exploring alternatives for BlackBerry users once support of WhatsApp Messenger for BBOS and BlackBerry 10 ends in late 2016".

"Users of BlackBerry PRIV, which runs on Android, will not be impacted...While the app landscape continues to evolve, our commitment to BlackBerry10 and our developers is unwavering," it said.

BlackBerry, in its blog, said it is building more features into BBM, especially on the security front.

"We're evolving group and multi-person chats. We're making BBM Protected an even better messaging solution for security-conscious organisations. We're giving you ever more privacy and security by allowing you to control previews. We're also working to make BBM more convenient and more fun," it said.

Stating that messaging continues to be one of the most popular ways to communicate, BlackBerry said it will keep evolving the app and the services within it.

Once exclusive to BlackBerry devices, the company made BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) available on rival platforms of Android, iOS and Microsoft in 2013.

As of March 2014, it had about 85 million monthly users and around 113 million global registered users. The move was aimed at offering the struggling smartphone maker get newer avenues for monetisation.

WhatsApp said it had made the "tough decision" to end support for BlackBerry (including BlackBerry 10), Nokia S40, Nokia Symbian S60, Android 2.1, Android 2.2 and Windows Phone 7.1.

Citing the reason, the Facebook-owned company said when it was set up, about 70 per cent of smartphones sold were powered by operating systems offered by BlackBerry and Nokia.

However, mobile operating systems offered by Google, Apple and Microsoft account for 99.5 per cent of sales today.

Latest Business News
Follow us on xiaomi mi 5 set to launch next month here s everything you need to know about it

New Delhi: While Xiaomi launched the Redmi Note 3 in India at a price starting Rs. 9,999, the company's Vice President Hugo Barra had announced that the flagship Mi 5 will be launched next month.

Xiaomi's India head Manu Kumar Jain also has revealed that the number of registrations for the smartphone has crossed 350,000 in just 24 hours.

Xiaomi had unveiled the Mi 5 at MWC 2016 last month and the smartphone went on sale in China earlier this month. Barra did not disclose the exact date of the launch but it will surely be released in April. Xiaomi also disclosed that it had received 16.8 million registrations for the first flash sale.

In China, the 32GB variant was priced at 1,999 Yuan (approximately Rs 20,900), the 64GB variant at 2,299 Yuan (approximately Rs 24,100) and the 128GB variant with 4GB RAM at 2,699 Yuan (approximately Rs 28,300). But you will have to wait another month for the flagship device, although the wait is worth it.

Also Read: Xiaomi launches Redmi Note 3 starting at Rs. 9,999; have a look at its 5 alternatives

Here are the 5 features you need to know about Mi 5:

 The Mi5 comes with a 5.15-inch Full HD IPS display with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution including key Xiaomi standouts like Sunlight Display.

 The smartphone takes major design cues from the Mi Note. The company is offering the smartphone in two options  the top-end comes with a 3D ceramic body, while the base variant boasts of a 3D glass surface.

 It is powered by Qualcomm's latest mobile processor Snapdragon 820. It will be available in 2 RAM variants: 3GB and 4GB.

 The Mi5 will come with a 16-megapixel camera on the rear with 4-axis optical image stabilisation, phase detection autofocus and LED flash. It will also have a Sony IMX298 sensor, 4K video recording capabilities, four-axis OIS technology, PDAF, and dual-tone LED flash. It will have a 4-megapixel selfie camera with 2-micron pixels for selfies and live beautification mode even in videos.

 It runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow-based MIUI 7. The device comes with a 3,000mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0 support, fingerprint scanner, and connectivity options like dual-SIM card slots, 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi, IR Blaster, USB Type-C port and NFC.

Latest Business News
Follow us on meet pappu the crorepati beggar who gives loans to businessmen

Patna: Seeing the life of a beggar usually saddens people but we have a story for you which will make you feel sorry for yourself. This is a tale of a beggar in Patna who owns property of around Rs 1.25 crore.

Patna-based tramp Pappu kumar is a handicapped beggar who has four banks accounts. Kumar is an educated boy and once he was an aspirant of engineering.

The reality of this vagrant surfaced during the beggar removal drive by Railway Protection Force at Patna Railway Station.

RPF personnel recovered various essential things including four ATM cards and Rs 10 lakh from him.

According to the media reports, Kumar told the RPF that he has also given loan of Rs 10 lakh to the local traders in a new market area at a high rate of simple interest.

On further investigations, it was found that he has Rs 5 lakh balance in his bank account.

When a RPF official asked him to get treatment for his paralysed hand and leg, Pappu replied, 'If I am cured, how will I continue begging?'

Besides having a land of nearly 2000 square feet and five lakh cash in bank, Pappu has still no plans of giving up begging.

Feeling bad about yourself, much?

Read More Trending News
Follow us on black buck case salman may have to spend 3 7 years in jail if convicted

Jodhpur: A local court here has ordered Bollywood superstar Salman Khan to be present in the court on March 10 to record his statement in a case related to the Arms Act.

"Prosecution evidences have finished. The court of chief judicial magistrate (CJM) Jodhpur district has set March 10 as date for recording of statement of the accused (Salman Khan)," Salman's counsel Hastimal Saraswat told IANS.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Dalpat Singh Rajpurohit, while dismissing an application from Salman's counsel for re-examination of the then collector Rajat Mishra, said examination of prosecution witnesses has been completed, and ordered Salman to remain present before the court on March 10 for recording of the "accused's statement".

If convicted, Salman could be sentenced to three to seven years in jail. It is the third time that Salman has been asked to record his statement during the trial in this case.

The court was to pronounce its judgment in this case on February 25 last year, but it was deferred when a few applications for examination of four witnesses were allowed.

After examination of four witnesses, Salman appeared before the local court on April 29 last year.

On Thursday, after completing the re-examination, Salman's advocate again moved an application to examine witness Rajat Mishra, but the court did not allow this and ordered Salman to remain present before the court for recording of his statement on March 10.

Salman and his "Hum Saath-Saath Hain" co-stars, including Saif Ali Khan, were accused of poaching black bucks on the night of October 1-2, 1998, during the shooting of the Hindi movie.

Two black bucks, a protected animal under the Wildlife Protection Act, were killed on the outskirts of Kankani village near Jodhpur. Salman is accused of carrying and using illegal arms. He is also alleged to have been carrying arms with an expired license.

Latest Bollywood News
Follow us on dadasaheb phalke award recipient manoj kumar thanks pm modi

New Delhi: Veteran actor Manoj Kumar thanked the Indian government for honouring him with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award on Friday. The 78 year old actor also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It's a pleasant surprise. I was sleeping, and I started getting calls from my friends. I thought they were kidding, but when I read the news myself, I realised that it's for real, Manoj Kumar had told earlier today.

Let me digest the fact that I am getting this award. It is certainly one of the most prestigious awards we have. I am extremely satisfied with whatever I have achieved in my life, and my family is extremely happy with this news, added the actor, most of whose works have dwelt upon patriotic themes.

The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.

The honour is given on the basis of recommendations of a committee of eminent personalities set up by the government for this purpose. This year, a five member jury - Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Salim Khan, Nitin Mukesh and Anup Jalota - unanimously recommended Manoj Kumar for the prestigious award.

Expressing his gratitude Manoj Kumar said, I am thankful to the government and citizens of the country.

I will try to maintain the same honesty in my future endeavours as I have done in the past, he went on.

Appreciating the Prime Minister, Manoj Kumar said, Narendra Modi is uplifting the nation.

Having starred in films like Upkar, "Hariyali Aur Raasta", "Woh Kaun Thi", "Himalaya Ki God Mein", "Roti Kapda Aur Makaan" and "Kranti", the National Award winner and Padma Shri awardee has also directed over five films, including Roti Kapda Aur Makaan.

Manoj Kumar's last big screen appearance was in the 1995 film Maidan-E-Jung. He says he will try to be more active in the film industry now.

I have been absent from the limelight, and that's my mistake. I have been wanting to make a movie and will soon make one as I want to be more active, he said.

With inputs from agencies

Latest Bollywood News
Follow us on jai gangaajal prakash jha gets angry when questioned over priyanka s absence from promotions

Mumbai: Filmmaker Prakash Jha got annoyed when asked about the "unsatisfactory" promotions of his upcoming film, "Jai Gangaajal", due to the "absence" of the lead star, Priyanka Chopra.

Jha on Thursday held a special screening of his film for some IPS officers, considering Priyanka's IPS officer role in the film. While interacting with the press at the event, a journalist asked, "The film has not done the kind of promotions it should have, so are you nervous, with the release of the film approaching?"

Despite Priyanka being busy with her international assignments, Jha and the other cast members held interviews with journalists, and even launched a couple of songs. Perhaps that is the reason Jha got irked and replied, "Who told you promotions haven't been done?"

When the journalist spoke about the absence of lead star Priyanka Chopra for the promotions, Jha said, "So say that Priyanka Chopra hasn't come. But we have done promotions."

When some media persons requested him to look into the camera, he said, "Ask the questions properly, only then I will look there. I haven't come here to defend it."

Except for the trailer launch of "Jai Gangaajal", lead actor of the film, Priyanka Chopra was not seen for any of the events related to the film. She is currently in the US, shooting for the second season of her show, "Quantico" and her Hollywood debut, "Baywatch".

But the last time Jha was asked about Priyanka's absence, he had emphasised that she was promoting the film through Skype, with some publications.

"Jai Gangaajal" is releasing on Friday.

Latest Bollywood News
Follow us on p.k. nair india s celluloid man passes away

Mumbai: India's pioneering film archivist and film scholar P.K. Nair, who won the epithet 'celluloid man' for his impeccable body of work as the founder of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), breathed his last on Friday morning. Indian film fraternity members mourned the demise of the "beloved son of cinema".

Nair was 82, and had been battling critical condition for the past 10 days at a hospital in Pune. His last rites will be conducted on Saturday, but first his body will be placed at NFAI starting 8 a.m.

Nair's unending passion for movies, their preservation and restoration, remained fascinating to most industry persons.

It was just in October last year that Nair had attended the screening of filmmaker Hansal Mehta's latest movie "Aligarh" at a film festival.

Recollecting the moment, Mehta shared: "RIP PK Nair, celluloid man and inspiration. Privileged that he made the long trip to Regal and watched 'Aligarh' at MAMI. Salute."

It was this spirit and love for cinema that made Nair the legend he continues to be even after his death.

Filmmaker and film archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, whose 2012 documentary film "Celluloid Man" explored the life and work of Nair, termed Nair's death as "the end of a great chapter".

On an emotional note, Dungarpur, who considers Nair his "spiritual father", told IANS: "He contributed to developing not only film archiving, but also a generation of filmmakers. He was the man responsible for NFAI."

Mumbai-based film historian S.M.M. Ausaja told IANS: "After Feroze Rangoonwalla, this is the second blow to the world of cinema archivists. And it's a very small niche world as it is."

Born in 1933 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Nair's interest in films began with 1940s Tamil mythological dramas such as "Ananthasayanam" and "Bhakta Prahlada".

His interest in films began with 1940s Tamil mythological dramas such as "Ananthasayanam" and "Bhakta Prahlada". The documentary on his life reveal how he had watched his first few films lying on the white sand floor of a cinema in Trivandrum.

He was also a collector of small memorabilia, and it eventually grew into love for collection of films.

His stint with the NFAI started in 1965 as assistant curator. And 17 years later, in 1982, he became its director.

When he retired in April 1991, he had collected over 12,000 films, of which 8,000 were Indian. These include the works of legendary filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak, Mrinal Sen, V. Shantaram, Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt; and then there were films of international stalwarts like Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, Andrzej Wajda, Miklos Jancso, Krzysztof Zanussi, Vittorio De Sica, and Federico Fellini.

Members of the film fraternity on Friday paid condolences, hailing Nair for his work in preserving the country's rich cinematic history.

What a loss... PK Nair. How he loved film and was so knowledgeable. RIP, tweeted veteran actress Shabana Azmi.

Veteran movie critic Anupama Chopra said that Nair had "single-handedly preserved India's cinematic heritage", and added: "We all owe you. Salute and thanks for the education and inspiration."

Actress Renuka Shahane remembered him as a "great archivist who painstakingly preserved our celluloid history for us"; while filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan shared: "His passion for cinema was unparalleled and so is his pioneering work. RIP."

Even the younger generation in Indian filmdom realises the value of Nair's work.

"Masaan" writer Varun Grover tweeted: "PK Nair saab goes beyond the end-credits. A man who loved cinema so much that he singlehandedly discovered many lost gems and archived them. He founded and then managed NFAI for many years - literally starting the culture of film conservation and archiving in India. Legend.

"Fighting a million bureaucratic battles along the way, he never lost that bonafide film-buff zeal. Sadly, we haven't learnt much from him.

Actress Shilpa Shukla, referring to a bout of unexpected showers in Mumbai on Friday morning, shared: "No wonder the thunder - Rest in peace beloved son of cinema who never abandoned her. Shri PK Nair, regards and prayers."

Latest Bollywood News
Follow us on awkward no more when exes sushmita sen and randeep hooda came face to face

New Delhi: Actors Sushmita Sen and Randeep Hooda were once among the most sought after celebrity couples of Bollywood, but destiny had it that they parted ways after being together for almost three years.

Infact, Randeep's bitterness for Sushmita became evident when the Highway actor said that his break up with Sushmita was the best thing to happen to him.

But it seems they have finally moved on with their lives and have no bad blood between them. A recent incident testifies this.

At an event in Thursday, they ran into each other and exchanged pleasantries. They were seated next to each other till actress Bipasha Basu came and sat between the two, suggest media reports.

This wasn't it. When Sushmita was called on stage to say a few words, in her speech se mentioned, Some people we love, some people we don't'. She deliberately looked at Randeep in the audience, who laughed at her statement.

When she stepped down from the stage, the ex couple shared a warm hug too.

On the movie front, Randeep Hooda is gearing up for his next release, Sarabjit'. Directed by Omung Kumar, the movie also stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Richa Chadda. For this role of an Indian citizen serving sentence in a Pakistani prison, Randeep went through shocking body transformation. The movie is expected to release in May, this year.

Latest Bollywood News
Follow us on president calls for revival of women s reservation bill

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee today called for revival of women's reservation bill, saying it is sad commentary on India that parliament has only 12 pc women.

President Pranab Mukherjee was speaking at the inaugural function of the two day national conference on Women Legislation at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Expressing dissatisfaction over lack of women in the parliament and various legislatures, President sunless reservation is given , it's toom much to expect political parties to field one thirda women as poll candidates."

Mukherjee also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching progammes like beti bacho, beti pado.

Lauding the role of women MPs and representatives at various levels of governance Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that they play double role as chiefs of nation and their families.

The theme for the conference is Building Resurgent India.

Latest India News
Follow us on south koreans worship lord ram s ayodhya as their maternal home

New Delhi: It is very peculiar that every year thousands of South Korean tourists visit Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh to pay tribute to their legendary queen Heo Hwang-ok.

Heo was the first queen of Gaya kingdom and to pay tribute to their queen the descendants visit Uttar Pradesh every year. They consider Ayodhya as their maternal home.

According to an estimate, almost 60 people visit Ayodhya every year.

A delegation of South Korea also visited Uttar Pradesh to meet state chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday and discussed the detail of proposed memorial of the queen Hur Hwang-ok. The queen is popularly known as Princess Suriratna.

Last year in the month of May Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited South Korea. During his visit he had announced to strengthen the link of Korean people with Ayodhya.

Both the countries agreed to make a monument of Queen Suriratna at Lord Ram's land Ayodhya.

CM Akhilesh Yadav has also given a green signal for the starting of this proposed memorial which will be constructed as per the Korean architecture from its own resources.

Yadav has also urged South Korean government to provide design for the memorial at earliest so that government can proceed further.

Latest India News
Follow us on gurudwara vandalised by a naked man in washington

Washington : In an apparent hate crime, a gurdwara in the US state of Washington was vandalised by a "naked" man who desecrated sacred items of the Sikh worship place, drawing condemnation from the community leaders.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when Jeffrey C Pittman, 44, broke into the gurdwara in Spokane.

Deputies say that Pittman was arrested early Thursday morning wearing nothing but a sheet taken from the temple's furnishings. He was also holding the gurdwara's ceremonial sword.

He also desecrated sacred items of the gurdwara.

Pittman was booked in Spokane County Jail connection with charges of burglary, malicious mischief and malicious harassment, which is the state's statute for a hate crime, The Seattle Globalist reported.

"All religions should be respected. Any crime committed due to someone's religious beliefs will be a priority and fully investigated," said Spokane Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich in a statement.

"They (deputies) detained Pittman after a short altercation. The damage is estimated to be several thousand dollars and there was damage to religiously sacred items of the Temple," Knezovich said.

Gurdwara priest Gurjwet Singh Augla said he and another man were able to detain the person until police arrived.

"We don't know the motivations behind the vandalism yet, but we do know that police are treating the case seriously and that the perpetrator has been arrested. There are no immediate indications that bias was involved," a statement issued by the the gurdwara said.

"No house of worship in America should ever be vandalised. The Sikh articles of faith, which include the turban and beard, show our commitment to equality, justice and freedom for all. These are not just Sikh values, they are American values," the statement said.

Rajwant Singh, chairman of the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, expressed shock and anguish over the vandalising of the Sikh gurdwara in Spokane, Washington.

"This is terrible news for Sikhs in the Spokane area and nationwide," he said.

"This kind of incidents should not become norm for us or for the country," he said.

"This can change and Americans can appreciate our values once they know that Sikhs believe in equality and tolerance towards other religions," said Singh, who is also the senior adviser to the National Sikh Campaign.

The incident is thelatest in a number of hate crimes against Sikhs in America.

A gurdwara in a suburb has been vandalised with hateful anti-ISIS graffiti in December. In September, a Sikh-American father was viciously assaulted in a suburb outside of Chicago after being called "Bin Laden".

In 2012, a gunman with Neo-Nazi ties walked into a Sikh gurdwara and shot and killed six innocent Sikhs in Oak Creek, Wisconsin.

Latest World News
Follow us on india drags us to wto over temporary work visa fee hike

New York: India has dragged the US to the top global trade arbiter over a dispute over an increase in the fees of temporary working visas, the World Trade Organisation said on Friday.

India has filed a complaint against the US for imposing increased fees on certain categories of temporary work visas for the US and limits on their numbers, a move that has hit India's export-driven IT outsourcing firms, reports the BRICS post.

A WTO statement said India has alleged these measures appear inconsistent with commitments that the US has made by treating persons from India working in sectors such as computer services less favourably than US citizens.

The US had 10 days to respond to the request, which will go to the Dispute Settlement Body if India and the US cannot come to a satisfactory agreement.

The US Congress in December doubled the cost of sponsoring workers under short-term H1B and L1 visas, and spurred concerns of future curbs on IT workers sent overseas by US companies before the US presidential election.

US President Barack Obama had signed into law a US $1.8 trillion spending package which among other things introduces a hefty US $4,000 fee for certain categories of H-1B visa and US $4,500 for L1 visa.

Companies having more than 50 employees and having more than 50 per cent of their US employees on H-1B and L1 visas would have to pay the new fee when the next visa application session kicks off on April 1.

According to India, the statement said, the current measures appear to be "inconsistent" with the terms, limitations and conditions agreed to and specified by the US in its commitments under the GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services).

India has asked for consultations with the US under the aegis of the WTO to resolve the issue.

The request for consultations is the first step in a dispute at the dispute settlement system of the WTO.

Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation. If consultations fail to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request the Dispute Settlement Body to establish a panel of experts to study the dispute.

India had serious objections over the US move to hike professional visa fees in 2010 as well.

(With agencies)

Latest World News
Follow us on four indian nuns among 16 dead in deadly yemen attack reports

Aden: Four Indian nuns of the Missionaries of Charity are suspected to be among the 16 people who were killed by gunmen who stormed an old people's home in the Yemeni port city of Aden on Friday, agencies reported.

The Indian government said it was trying to ascertain reports about the Indian nuns being gunned down. We have seen the reports and are trying to ascertain the details of Indian victims, Vikas Swarup, spokesperson for the External Affairs ministry said. There is no official mission in the country, making it difficult for details to flow in.

The motive of the gunmen was not immediately known. They fled after the attack, an official said. Though no group has claimed the attack, the first of its kind in Yemen, but the attackers are believed to be extremists from the Islamic State.

One nun who survived and was rescued by local residents said she hid inside a fridge in a storeroom after hearing a Yemeni guard shouting run, run.

Meanwhile, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has appealed to Indians living in the region to return to India till the situation gets better.

Four gunmen, who told a guard they were on a visit to their mother, entered the home with rifles and opened fire. While two gunmen surrounded the home, the others moved from room to room, handcuffing victims and shooting them in the head.

In addition to the four Indian nuns, six Ethiopians, a Yemeni cook and Yemeni guards were among the dead. The bodies of the dead were transferred to a clinic supported by the Medecins Sans Frontieres.

There are around 80 residents in the retirement home run by the Missionaries of Charity, an organisation established by Mother Teresa. Missionaries of Charity nuns were also attacked in Yemen in 1998, when gunmen killed three nuns in the port city of Hodeida.

Aden descended into lawlessness after a Saudi-led coalition recaptured the city from Shia Houthi rebels last summer. On Monday, a suicide car bombing, also in Sheikh Othman, hit a gathering of loyalist forces killing four people and wounding five others. On February 17, a suicide bombing claimed by the IS killed 14 soldiers.

The IS has claimed responsibility for a wave of deadly attacks in Aden, including a suicide bombing that killed the governor and several assassination attempts on top officials.

Yemen's embattled government is based in Aden but has struggled to impose its authority since its forces, backed by Gulf Arab troops, expelled the Iran-allied Houthi fighters who still control the capital Sanaa.

(With agencies)

Latest World News
Follow us on mamata banerjee accuses bjp of harassing her confidante mukul roy

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed her lieutenant Mukul Roy had temporarily distanced him from her due to "pressure" and "harassment" from the BJP.

For long considered the second-in-command of Banerjee's Trinamool and credited as the architect of its electoral successes, Roy fell out with party following his grilling by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in January last year in connection with the Saradha ponzi scam.

"BJP disturbed Mukul, we did not. This is not right. He was harassed politically," Banerjee told a television channel on Friday when quizzed about the reasons for the temporary snapping of ties between Roy and Trinamool.

However, Banerjee denied there were any major parting of ways.

"There was no parting of ways. Because of the way they mentally pressurized him, he distanced himself (from Trinamool). But there were no major differences," she told 24 Ghanta.

After the CBI summoned him for questioning, Roy had gone against the Trinamool line that the CBI was targeting the party, and said in early 2015 that he would "fully cooperate" with the probe agency.

Roy - a former railway minister - started skipping Trinamool meetings, Banerjee stripped him of all his posts, and relegated him to the Rajya Sabha back benches. There was much speculation of Roy either floating a new political outfit or join some other party particularly the Congress.

However, the mending of fences started after Roy and Banerjee exchanged pleasantries in parliament, during the chief minister's visit to New Delhi in December 2015.

Subsequently he found his way into a Trinamool delegation that met Union Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla in Delhi, signalling his return to the Trinamool mainstream.

Over the past month, Roy has regained a substantial portion of his earlier clout and has been made all India vice president of the party.
Follow us on congress should be ashamed of rahul s jnu visit amit shah

Mathura: BJP president Amit Shah today launched a scathing attack on Congress and its vice President Rahul Gandhi over JNU row and said that the party should be ashamed its vice-president's visit to the university.

Shah asked whether anti-national slogans can be called freedom of speech.



Addressing a meeting of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha, BJP's youth wing, Amit Shah said the JNU row was about the party's core issue of nationalism and invoked its Ram Janambhumi campaign to buttress his point besides its role in Goa and Hyderabad liberation movement.



A strange atmosphere has been created. Anti-national slogans are being projected as freedom of expression... Congress should be ashamed that its vice president goes to the campus and says these (slogans) should be heard as there is freedom of expression.

If these slogans are freedom of expression, then what is treason? he said seeking Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's views on whether she agrees with her son on this. Shah asked party workers to work hard to ensure that it remains in power at the Centre for 25 years so that India could become the vishwaguru' as it was not possible in five years.

In five years there could be development and high growth rate and borders could be made safe but if India has to be vishwaguru', then it is a must that BJP is in government for 25 years, he said.

Underlining party's Hindutva credentials, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Ganga aarti with pride and went to Pashupati Nath temple in Nepal to seek blessing. The party wants India to have top IT and MBA professionals, who also seek their inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, he said.

The BJP chief also made fun of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to attack Congress and hail Modi's leadership, saying Singh visited more countries than Modi but his tours made little impact.

He would read from two pages he carried with him which were written in English. At times, he would read the speech meant for Thailand in Malaysia and the one for Malaysia in Thailand... Modiji spoke in Hindi in the UN and the whole country felt proud, Shah said.

The biggest work the Modi government has done is to make the country's borders safe, he claimed. Invoking a number of Centre's schemes aimed at welfare of youth and farmers, he said the government has made a beginning for miraculous change in the country.

(With PTI inputs)
Donald Trumps Policies Are Not Anathema to U.S. Mainstream but an Uncomfortable Reflection of It





By Glenn Greenwald

March 04, 2016 " Information Clearing House" - " The Intercept " - The political and media establishments in the U.S.  which have jointly wrought so much destruction, decay, and decadence  recently decided to unite against Donald Trump. Their central claim is that the real estate mogul and long-time NBC reality TV star advocates morally reprehensible positions that are far outside the bounds of decency; relatedly, they argue, he is so personally repellent that his empowerment would degrade both the country and the presidency.

In some instances, their claim is plausible: there is at least genuine embarrassment if not revulsion even among Americas political class over Trumps proposed mass deportation of 11 million human beings, banning of all Muslims from entering the country, and new laws to enable him to more easily sue (and thus destroy) media outlets which falsely criticize him. And his signature personality brew of deep-seated insecurities, vindictive narcissism, channeling of the darkest impulses, and gaudy, petty boasting is indeed uniquely grotesque.

But in many cases, probably most, the flamboyant denunciations of Trump by establishment figures make no sense except as self-aggrandizing pretense, because those condemning him have long tolerated if not outright advocated very similar ideas, albeit with less rhetorical candor. Trump is self-evidently a toxic authoritarian demagogue advocating morally monstrous positions, but in most cases where elite outrage is being vented, he is merely a natural extension of the mainstream rhetorical and policy framework that has been laid, not some radical departure from it. Hes their id. What establishment mavens most resent is not what Trump is, does, or says, but what he reflects: the unmistakable, undeniable signs of late-stage imperial collapse, along with the resentments and hatreds they have long deliberately and self-servingly stoked but which are now raging out of their control.

Two of the most recent, widely discussed anti-Trump outrage rituals  one from Wednesday and the other from last nights Fox News debate  demonstrate the sham at the heart of the establishment display of horror. This week, American political and media figures from across the spectrum stood and applauded a tawdry cast of neocons and other assorted war-mongers who are responsible for grave war crimes, torture, kidnappings, due-process-free indefinite imprisonment, and the worst political crime of this generation: the attack on and destruction of Iraq.

These five dozen or so extremists (calling themselves members of the Republican national security community) were the toast of the town because they published an open letter denouncing Trump on the ground that his own statements lead us to conclude that as president, he would use the authority of his office to act in ways that make America less safe, and which would diminish our standing in the world. This was one of their examples:

His embrace of the expansive use of torture is inexcusable.

Most decent human beings, by definition, would express this sentiment without including the qualifying word expansive. Even Ronald Reagan, whom virtually all the signatories claim to idolize, advocated for and signed a treaty in 1988 which stated that no exceptional circumstances whatsoever . . . may be invoked as a justification of torture and that each State Party shall ensure that all acts of torture are offences under its criminal law. The taboo is on all acts of torture, not its expansive use: whatever that means.

But the group signing this anti-Trump letter cant pretend to find an embrace of torture itself to be inexcusable because most of them implemented torture policies while in government or vocally advocated for them. So instead, they invoke the Goldilocks Theory of Torture: we believe in torture up to exactly the right point, while Trump is disgraceful because he wants to go beyond that: he believes in the expansive use of torture. The same dynamic drove yesterdays widely cheered speech by Mitt Romney, where the two-time failed GOP candidate denounced Trump for advocating torture while literally ignoring his own clear pro-torture viewpoints.

Here we see the elite class agreeing to pretend that Trump is advocating views that are inherently disqualifying when  thanks to those doing the denouncing  those views are actually quite mainstream, even popular, among both the American political class and its population. Torture was the official American policy for years. It went way beyond waterboarding. One Republican president ordered it and his Democratic successor immunized it from all forms of accountability, ensuring that not a single official would be prosecuted for authorizing even the most extreme techniques, ones that killed people  or even allowed to be sued by their victims.

Many of the high officials most responsible for that torture regime and who defended it  from Condoleezza Rice and John Brennan  remain not just acceptable in mainstream circles but hold high office and are virtually revered. And, just by the way, both of Trumps main rivals  Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz  refuse to rule out classic torture techniques as part of their campaign. In light of all that, who takes seriously the notion that Trumps advocacy of torture  including beyond waterboarding  places him beyond the American pale? To the contrary, it places him within its establishment mainstream.

Then theres the Outrage du Jour from last night. A couple of weeks ago, George W. Bushs NSA and CIA chief, Gen. Michael Hayden, claimed that members of the military would never follow Trumps orders if it meant committing war crimes such as torturing detainees or killing a terrorists family members (perish the thought). When asked about this last night, Trump insisted that the U.S. military would do so: Theyre not going to refuse. Believe me, he said. If I say do it, theyre going to do it. Thats what leadership is about. Of all the statements Trump made last night, this was the one most often cited by pundits as being the most outrageous, shocking, disgusting, etc. Even bona fide war criminals such as the Bush White Houses pro-invasion and torture propagandist got in on the moral outrage act:

But is there any doubt that Trump is right about this? Throughout the 14-year-old War on Terror, a handful of U.S. military members have bravely and nobly refused to take part in, or vocally denounced, policies that are clear war crimes. But there was no shortage of people in the military, the CIA and working for private American contractors who dutifully carried out the most heinous abuses and war criminality. The military official in charge of investigating War on Terror policies, Gen. Antonio Taguba, said this in 2008:

After years of disclosures by government investigations, media accounts and reports from human rights organizations, there is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes. The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account.

In 2009, Gen. Barry McCaffrey said: We tortured people unmercifully. We probably murdered dozens of them during the course of that, both the armed forces and the C.I.A. The notion that the U.S. intelligence and military community will collectively rise up in defiance of the Commander-in-Chief if they are ordered to obey polices that are illegal is just laughable.

Its obviously a pleasing fiction to believe  it produces nice, nationalistic feelings of nobility  but everything in the past decades proves that Trump is right when he says theyre not going to refuse. Some likely would, but nowhere near enough to preclude the policies being carried out. In fact, the primary argument used to justify immunizing Americas torturers is that they were just following orders as approved by John Yoo and company: reflecting a moral code which dictates that, even when it comes to plainly illegal policies, obedience is preferable to defiance.

Then theres the feigned horror over Trumps proposal to kill the family members of terrorists. Though they claim they dont do it deliberately, the fact is that this is something that both the U.S. and Israel, among others, has routinely done for years: they repeatedly bomb peoples homes or work places, killing innocent people including family members, and then justify it on the ground that a terrorist was among them. While they claim they dont target terrorists family members, they certainly target their homes and other places family members are certain to be found.

When a U.S. drone strike in 2011 killed the U.S. citizen Anwar al-Awlaki in Yemen, and then another drone strike two weeks later killed his 16-year-old American son Abdulrahman (who nobody claimed was involved with terrorism), former White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs justified that this way:





If you really think you can locate fine distinctions  we merely keep killing the children, spouses and other family members over and over by accident, not by purposely targeting  at least dont pretend that what Trump is advocating is something our civilized minds have never previously encountered. He may be more gauche for saying it aloud and gleefully justifying it rather than feigning sorrow over it, but the substance of what hes saying  despicable though it is  is hardly categorically different from what the U.S. government and its closest allies actually do over and over. And thats to say nothing of the unpleasant fact which were all now supposed to ignore lest we be smeared as Trump supporters: that even as he advocates clear war crimes, he also, in some important cases, is advocating policies and approaches less militaristic and war-mongering than not only his GOP rivals but the war-loving leading Democratic candidate as well.

As for his starkly disgusting personal qualities, none of these is new. Anyone who has lived in New York has known for decades that this is who and what Donald Trump is. And yet he was fully integrated within and embraced by Americas circles of power and celebrity, including by those who now want to pretend to find him so hideously offensive. As The New York Times put it in December: For years, President Bill Clinton was the best friend Donald J. Trump always hoped to have.

One can argue, with some validity, that theres value in collectively denouncing the most extreme expressions of imperial violence and war criminality in the context of a national election, even if its tinged with some inconsistency and hypocrisy. Thats fine, provided doing so does not serve to consecrate feel-good fantasies about American government and society. Finding a villain we can collectively condemn by consensus is a natural tribalistic desire: declaring someone uniquely evil and then denouncing him is an affirmation of ones own virtue. It feels good. As an excellent New York Times Op-Ed last week by psychology researchers at Yale explained, human beings have an appetite for moral outrage because its often a result of a system that has evolved to boost our individual reputations.

Collective moral condemnation can be genuinely valuable if its grounded in honest moral line-drawing. But when its driven largely by self-delusion and self-glorification  by the fiction that what is being condemned resides in a different moral universe rather than just a couple of degrees further down the road  it can be quite destructive: ennobling that which is decisively ignoble.
Home Sign up for our FREE Daily Email Newsletter I Apologize For Calling Donald Trump An Anti-Semite The Last Trump



By Uri Avnery Updated March 05, 2016 - N.B. After publication, an alert reader has sent me the following correction: "The Donald is no anti-Semite or KKK sympathizer. He has repeatedly disavowed Duke 19 times over the past two weeks. He's a significant donor to Israel, two of his children have married Jewish people with his total approval and one of them has even converted to strict Orthodox Judaism." This was not reported here. I don't like throwing around false accusations of anti-Semitism. I therefore apologize whole-heartedly. This does not change my views about the man. Fascism does not need anti-Semitism, especially when it can use Islamophobia. Fact: we have quite a lot of Jewish fascists around. All the best Uri March 04, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - A farmer comes to the big town for the first time. He visits the zoo and stands for hours transfixed before the cage of the kangaroo. There is no such animal! he keeps exclaiming. I must confess that I felt the same when I saw Donald Trump on TV for the first time and heard that he was a candidate for president of the US. Impossible, I muttered to myself. Must be a hoax! The Americans are capable of many things. From time to time they indulge in a spell of collective insanity. Take Joe McCarthy. But not this! This is too much. Now it seems that Donald Trump is well on his way to the White House. Wait, I am told. These are still only the primaries. OK, something odd has happened to the Republican Party. But on election day, faced with the real choice, the vast majority of Americans will return to sanity and vote for his opponent, whoever he or she is. I thought so, too. Not anymore. Now I just dont know. I have a funny feeling that on the morning after the election I may wake up to a President Trump. Unthinkable? Think again. Probable? I am not sure anymore. Democracy, Winston Churchill is said to have said, is the worst political system  except for all the others. (Churchill, who was elected many times for different parties also said that to become disillusioned with democracy, it was enough to talk with an average voter.) One of the faults of democracy is that it is based on a contradiction. The capacity to win a democratic election and the ability to lead a country are very different, and often contradictory, talents. There are candidates who are sheer geniuses at winning elections. They woo the masses, beguile the rich donors. Once elected, they have not the slightest idea what to do next. There are candidates who are born statesmen or women, endowed with wisdom and intuition, but have not the slightest chance of ever being elected. Presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson was once told that all the intelligent people were going to vote for him. But I need a majority, he quipped. And then, of course, there are the very, very few who are born leaders, who can both be elected and, once elected, lead their country with a sure hand. Churchill, again. Trump, it seems to me, is of the first kind. Those who have a knack of appealing to the masses, but whose ability to lead a world power is in severe doubt. More than that  I believe that he is a very dangerous person. In the beginning, he looked like a clown. People discounted him. It was assumed that he would play around for a little bit, and then he would disappear. Those who said so have themselves now disappeared. Then he looked like an unprincipled opportunist, a person who would say at any moment whatever entered his head, even if it was the opposite of what he had said the day before. Not serious. A fool. Unelectable. Not any more. The Trump we see now is a very shrewd campaigner, a winner, a candidate who has an uncanny talent to channel the misgivings, resentments, anger and bitterness of the lower class of whites, who feel that their country is being taken away from them by corrupt politicians, blacks, hispanos and other riffraff. Wait! What does the last sentence remind us of? Of a person who also began by looking like a clown, then developed into a shrewd campaigner, promised to make his country great again, made a career out of the resentment against minorities (Jews in this case and leftists and homosexuals and gypsies and foreigners and the disabled), who said all the things his rivals were afraid to utter  and who brought untold misery to his country and the entire world. No names, please. Donald Trump is of German origin. His ancestors were called Drumpf and worked in a vineyard in a little town in the Rhineland. His grandfather, Friedrich, emigrated in 1885 to America. During the gold rush on the west coast, he opened a string of restaurants for lonely gold diggers, who were offered food as well as sexual services. Thats how the Trump fortune originated. But when Friedrich married a girl from his hometown, he wanted to return to Germany. There was a problem. The new German Reich was very strict about military matters. They discovered that Friedrich had left Germany just before he was of draft age and wanted to return just two months after his draft age had passed. You cant do such a thing. Not in the Kaisers Germany. So they threw him out, all the way back to America. One may idly wonder what would have happened if he had been allowed back into Germany. Would Donald Drumpf now lead an extreme-right party in Berlin? In the heyday of Italian and German fascism, the American novelist Sinclair Lewis wrote a book called It Cant Happen Here. The title was ironic, because the book precisely showed that it can happen here: fascism can win in the USA, too. But Lewis imagined a copy of European-style fascism, which was alien to America. So did the Italian writer Ignazio Silone, who also wrote a book  The School for Dictators  about a future fascist America. There is no clear definition of fascism. Fascists have no holy book, like Das Kapital for the Communists. It has been said about fascists: Ill recognize one when I see one. But every country has its own brand of fascism, and they can be quite different from each other. Look at Trump. The total self-confidence of the Leader. The cult of brutal power. The unbridled nationalism. The incitement against minorities. The contempt for the political establishment (of both parties). No funny little moustache, but funny orange hair. Since fascists claim to glorify their own nation as against all other nations, it could have been assumed that the fascists of different nations are enemies of each other. But in practice there is such a thing as a fascist international. Fact: the French fascist leader Jean-Marie Le Pen, who has been thrown out of his partys leadership by his own daughter because of his unbridled extremism (and anti-Semitism), has congratulated Trump, and so has the former leader of the American racist Ku-Klux-Klan. Trump has disavowed neither. Indeed, when he was caught quoting a line much beloved by Benito Mussolini (Better to live one day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep) Trump did not apologize. (Mussolini the lion himself begged for his life before he was executed by Italian partisans.) In this light one must judge Trumps attitude towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On first sight, it looks refreshing. All the other candidates of both parties grovel before Binyamin Netanyahu in abject submission, begging for handouts from the divers Sheldon Adelsons. Trump does not need the Jewish money. So he says the sensible thing: that he wants to remain neutral in order that as President he will be able to act as a neutral mediator. Sounds good. But it sounds different coming from a KKK-sympathizer. All this puts Binyamin Netanyahu in a quandary. What to do? He detests Hillary Clinton, as he detests all Democrats. True, many years ago, as First Lady, Hillary once came out for a Palestinian state side by side with Israel. At the time, I organized a demonstration of support for Hillary in front of the US embassy in Tel Aviv. The marines did not allow us to approach. But since then much water has flowed down the Jordan river, and so has much money from Chaim Saban and other Jewish billionaires. Now Hillary grovels like the rest. Netanyahu is a devout Republican. He would be very happy with a President Rubio or a President Cruz. But a President Trump? An anti-Semite? An Arab-lover? Well, stranger things have happened. According to the Oxford dictionary, a trump is not only a card of the suit which ranks above others, but also a deafening sound. The Last Trump is the trumpet blast that will wake the dead on Judgment Day. Lets hope American voters wake up before that. In the 1960s, an aide ran to the then Prime Minister, Levy Eshkol. Levy, a terrible disaster, he cried out. There is going to be a severe drought! Where? In Texas? Eshkol inquired fearfully. No! Here in Israel! the aide answered. So what do we care! Eshkol replied, relieved. Uri Avnery is an Israeli writer and founder of the Gush Shalom peace movement. A member of the Irgun as a teenager, Avnery sat in the Knesset from 1965 to 1974 and from 1979 to 1981. 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.
The Caesar Photo Fraud that Undermined Syrian Negotiations



By Rick Sterling



March 04, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Dissident Voice " - A 30 page investigative report on the Caesar Torture Photos has been released and is available online here. The following is a condensed version of the report. Readers who are especially interested are advised to get the full report which includes additional details, photographs, sources and recommendations. Introduction There is a pattern of sensational but untrue reports that lead to public acceptance of US and Western military intervention in countries around the world: * In Gulf War 1, there were reports of Iraqi troops stealing incubators from Kuwait, leaving babies to die on the cold floor. Relying on the testimony of a Red Crescent doctor, Amnesty Interenational verified the false claims. * Ten years later, there were reports of yellow cake uranium going to Iraq for development of weapons of mass destruction. * One decade later, there were reports of Libyan soldiers drugged on viagra and raping women as they advanced. * In 2012, NBC broadcaster Richard Engel was supposedly kidnapped by pro-Assad Syrian militia but luckily freed by Syrian opposition fighters, the Free Syrian Army. All these reports were later confirmed to be fabrications and lies. They all had the goal of manipulating public opinion and they all succeeded in one way or another. Despite the consequences, which were often disastrous, none of the perpetrators were punished or paid any price. It has been famously said Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. This report is a critical review of the Caesar Torture Photos story. As will be shown, there is strong evidence the accusations are entirely or substantially false. Overview of Caesar Torture Photos On 20 January 2014, two days before negotiations about the Syrian conflict were scheduled to begin in Switzerland, a sensational report burst onto television and front pages around the world. The story was that a former Syrian army photographer had 55,000 photographs documenting the torture and killing of 11,000 detainees by the Syrian security establishment. The Syrian photographer was given the code-name Caesar. The story became known as the Caesar Torture Photos. A team of lawyers plus digital and forensic experts were hired by the Carter-Ruck law firm, on contract to Qatar, to go to the Middle East and check the veracity of Caesar and his story. They concluded that Caesar was truthful and the photographs indicated industrial scale killing. CNN, Londons Guardian and LeMonde broke the story which was subsequently broadcast in news reports around the world. The Caesar photo accusations were announced as negotiations began in Switzerland. With the opposition demanding the resignation of the Syrian government, negotiations quickly broke down. For the past two years the story has been preserved with occasional bursts of publicity and supposedly corroborating reports. Most recently, in December 2015 Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a report titled If the Dead Could Speak with significant focus on the Caesar accusations. Following are 12 significant problems with the Caesar torture photos story. 1. Almost half the photos show the opposite of the allegations. The Carter Ruck Inquiry Team claimed there were about 55,000 photos total with about half of them taken by Caesar and the other half by other photographers. The Carter Ruck team claimed the photos were all similar. Together they are all known as Caesars Torture Photos. The photographs are in the custody of an opposition organization called the Syrian Association for Missing and Conscience Detainees (SAFMCD). In 2015, they allowed Human Rights Watch (HRW) to study all the photographs which have otherwise been secret. In December 2015, HRW released their report titled If the Dead Could Speak. The biggest revelation is that over 46% of the photographs (24,568) do not show people tortured to death by the Syrian government. On the contrary, they show dead Syrian soldiers and victims of car bombs and other violence (HRW pp2-3). Thus, nearly half the photos show the opposite of what was alleged. These photos, never revealed to the public, confirm that the opposition is violent and has killed large numbers of Syrian security forces and civilians. 2. The claim that other photos only show tortured detainees is exaggerated or false. The Carter Ruck report says Caesar only photographed bodies brought from Syrian government detention centers. In their December 2015 report, HRW said, The largest category of photographs, 28,707 images, are photographs Human Rights Watch understands to have died in government custody, either in one of several detention facilities or after being transferred to a military hospital. They estimate 6,786 dead individuals in the set. The photos and the deceased are real, but how they died and the circumstances are unclear. There is strong evidence some died in conflict. Others died in the hospital. Others died and their bodies were decomposing before they were picked up. These photographs seem to document a war time situation where many combatants and civilians are killed. It seems the military hospital was doing what it had always done: maintaining a photographic and documentary record of the deceased. Bodies were picked up by different military or intelligence branches. While some may have died in detention; the big majority probably died in the conflict zones. The accusations by Caesar, the Carter Ruck report and HRW that these are all victims of death in detention or death by torture or death in government custody are almost certainly false. 3. The true identity of Caesar is probably not as claimed. The Carter Ruck Report says This witness who defected from Syria and who had been working for the Syrian government was given the code-name Caesar by the inquiry team to protect the witness and members of his family. (CRR p.12) However, if his story is true, it would be easy for the Syrian government to determine who he really is. After all, how many military photographers took photos at Tishreen and Military 601 Hospitals during those years and then disappeared? According to the Carter Ruck report, Caesars family left Syria around the same time. Considering this, why is Caesar keeping his identity secret from the western audience? Why does Caesar refuse to meet even with highly sympathetic journalists or researchers? The fact that 46% of the total photographic set is substantially the opposite of what was claimed indicates two possibilities: * Caesar and his promoters knew the contents but lied about them expecting nobody to look. * Caesar and his promoters did not know the contents and falsely assumed they were like the others. The latter seems more likely which supports the theory that Caesar is not who he claims to be. 4. The Carter Ruck Inquiry was faulty, rushed and politically biased. The credibility of the Caesar story has been substantially based on the Carter-Ruck Inquiry Team which verified the defecting photographer and his photographs. The following facts suggest the team was biased with a political motive: * the investigation was financed by the government of Qatar which is a major supporter of the armed opposition. * the contracted law firm, Carter Ruck and Co. has previously represented Turkeys President Erdogan, also known for his avid support of the armed opposition. * the American on the legal inquiry team, Prof David M. Crane, has a long history working for U.S. Dept of Defense and Defense Intelligence Agency. The U.S. Government has been deeply involved in the attempt at regime change with demands that Assad must go beginning in summer 2011 and continuing until recently. * Prof Crane is personally partisan in the conflict. He has campaigned for a Syrian War Crimes Tribunal and testified before Congress in October 2013, three months before the Caesar revelations. * by their own admission, the inquiry team was under time constraints (CRR, p.11). * by their own admission, the inquiry team did not even survey most of the photographs * the inquiry team was either ignorant of the content or intentionally lied about the 46% showing dead Syrian soldiers and attack victims. * the inquiry team did their last interview with Caesar on January 18, quickly finalized a report and rushed it into the media on January 20, two days prior to the start of UN sponsored negotiations. The self-proclaimed rigor of the Carter Ruck investigation is without foundation. The claims to a scientific investigation are similarly without substance and verging on the ludicrous. 5. The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is involved. In an interview on France24, Prof. David Crane of the inquiry team describes how Caesar was brought to meet them by his handler, his case officer. The expression case officer usually refers to the CIA. This would be a common expression for Prof. Crane who previously worked in the Defense Intelligence Agency. The involvement of the CIA additionally makes sense since there was a CIA budget of $1Billion for Syria operations in 2013. Prof. Cranes Syria Accountability Project is based at Syracuse University where the CIA actively recruits new officers despite student resistance. Why does it matter if the CIA is connected to the Caesar story? Because the CIA has a long history of disinformation campaigns. In 2011, false reports of viagra fueled rape by Libyan soldiers were widely broadcast in western media as the U.S. pushed for a military mandate. Decades earlier, the world was shocked to hear about Cuban troops fighting in Angola raping Angolan women. The CIA chief of station for Angola, John Stockwell, later described how they invented the false report and spread it round the world. The CIA was very proud of that disinformation achievement. Stockwells book, In Search of Enemies is still relevant. 6. The prosecutors portray simple administrative procedures as mysterious and sinister. The Carter Ruck inquiry team falsely claimed there were about 11,000 tortured and killed detainees. They then posed the question: Why would the Syrian government photograph and document the people they just killed? The Carter Ruck Report speculates that the military hospital photographed the dead to prove that the orders to kill had been followed. The orders to kill are assumed. A more logical explanation is that dead bodies were photographed as part of normal hospital/morgue procedure to maintain a file of the deceased who were received or treated at the hospital. The same applies to the body labeling/numbering system. The Carter Ruck report suggest there is something mysterious and possibly sinister in the coded tagging system. But all morgues need to have a tagging and identification system. 7. The photos have been manipulated. Many of the photos at the SAFMCD website have been manipulated. The information card and tape identity are covered over and sections of documents are obscured. It must have been very time consuming to do this for thousands of photos. The explanation that they are doing this to protect identity is not credible since the faces of victims are visible. What are they hiding? 8. The Photo Catalog has duplicates and other errors There are numerous errors and anomalies in the photo catalog as presented at the SAFMCD website. For example, some deceased persons are shown twice with different case numbers and dates. There are other errors where different individuals are given the same identity number. Researcher Adam Larson at A Closer Look at Syria website has done detailed investigation which reveals more errors and curious error patterns in the SAFMCD photo catalog. 9. With few exceptions, Western media uncritically accepted and promoted the story. The Carter Ruck report was labeled Confidential but distributed to CNN, the Guardian and LeMonde. CNNs Christiane Amanpour gushed the story as she interviewed three of the inquiry team under the headline EXCLUSIVE: Gruesome Syria photos may prove torture by Assad regime. Critical journalism was replaced by leading questions and affirmation. David Crane said This is a smoking gun. Desmond de Silva likened the images to those of holocaust survivors. The Guardian report was titled Syrian regime document trove shows evidence of industrial scale killing of detainees with subtitle Senior war crimes prosecutors say photographs and documents provide clear evidence of systematic killing of 11,000 detainees One of the very few skeptical reports was by Dan Murphy in the Christian Science Monitor. Murphy echoed standard accusations about Syria but went on to say incisively, the report itself is nowhere near as credible as it makes out and should be viewed for what it is: A well-timed propaganda exercise funded by Qatar , a regime opponent who has funded rebels fighting Assad who have committed war crimes of their own. Unfortunately that was one of very few critical reports in the mainstream media. In 2012, foreign affairs journalist Jonathan Steele wrote an article describing the overall media bias on Syria.. His article was titled Most Syrians back Assad but youd never know from western media. The media campaign and propaganda has continued without stop. It was in this context that the Carter Ruck Report was delivered and widely accepted without question. 10. Politicians have used the Caesar story to push for more US/NATO aggression. Politicians seeking direct US intervention for regime change in Syria were quick to accept and broadcast the Caesar story. They used it to demonize the Assad government and argue that the US must act so as to prevent another holocaust, another Rwanda, another Cambodia. When Caesars photos were displayed at the House Foreign Affairs Committee in Congress, Chairman Ed Royce said It is far past time that the world act. It is far past time for the United States to say there is going to be a safe zone across this area in northern Syria. The top ranking Democrat in the House Foreign Affairs Committee is Eliot Engel. In November 2015 he said Were reminded of the photographer, known as Caesar, who sat in this room a year ago, showing us in searing, graphic detail what Assad has done to his own people. Engel went on to advocate for a new authorization for the use of military force. Rep Adam Kinzinger is another advocate for aggression against Syria. At an event at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in July 2015 he said, If we want to destroy ISIS we have to destroy the incubator of ISIS, Bashar al-Assad. The irony and hypocrisy is doubly profound since Rep Kinzinger has met and coordinated with opposition leader Okaidiwho is a confirmed ally of ISIS. In contrast with Kinzingers false claims, it is widely known that ISIS ideology and initial funding came from Saudi Arabia and much of its recent wealth from oil sales via Turkey. The Syrian Army has fought huge battles against ISIS, winning some but losing others with horrific scenes of mass beheading. 11. The Human Rights Watch assessment is biased. HRW has been very active around Syria. After the chemical attacks in greater Damascus on August 21, 2013, HRW rushed a report which concluded that, based on a vector analysis of incoming projectiles, the source of the sarin-carrying rockets must have been Syrian government territory. This analysis was later debunked as a junk heap of bad evidence by highly respected investigative journalist Robert Parry. HRWs assumption about the chemical weapon rocket flight distance was faulty. Additionally it was unrealistic to think you could determine rocket trajectory with 1% accuracy from a canister on the ground. To think you could determine flight trajectory from a canister on the ground that had deflected off a building wall was preposterous. In spite of this, HRW stuck by its analysis which blamed the Assad government. HRW Director Ken Roth publicly indicated dissatisfaction when an agreement to remove Syrian chemical weapons was reached. Mr. Roth wanted more than a symbolic attack. In light of the preceding, we note the December 2015 HRW report addressing the claims of Caesar. HRW seems to be the only non-governmental organization to receive the full set of photo files from the custodian. To its credit, HRW acknowledged that nearly half the photos do not show what has been claimed for two years: they show dead Syrian soldiers and militia along with scenes from crime scenes, car bombings, etc But HRWs bias is clearly shown in how they handle this huge contradiction. Amazingly, they suggest the incorrectly identified photographs support the overall claim. They say, This report focuses on deaths in detention. However other types of photographs are also important. From an evidentiary perspective, they reinforce the credibility of the claims of Caesar about his role as a forensic photographer of the Syrian security forces or at least with someone who has access to their photographs. (HRW, p.31) This seems like saying if someone lies to you half the time that proves they are truthful. The files disprove the assertion that the files all show tortured and killed. The photographs show a wide range of deceased persons, from Syrian soldiers to Syrian militia members to opposition fighters to civilians trapped in conflict zones to regular deaths in the military hospital. There may be some photos of detainees who died in custody after being tortured, or who were simply executed. We know that this happened in Iraqi detention centers under U.S. occupation. Ugly and brutal things happen in war times. But the facts strongly suggest that the Caesar account is basically untrue or a gross exaggeration. It is striking that the HRW report has no acknowledgment of the war conditions and circumstances in Syria. There is no acknowledgment that the government and Syrian Arab Army have been under attack by tens of thousands of weaponized fighters openly funded and supported by many of the wealthiest countries in the world. There is no hint at the huge loss of life suffered by the Syrian army and supporters defending their country. The current estimates indicate from eighty to one hundred and twenty thousand Syrian soldiers, militia and allies having died in the conflict. During the three years 2011  2013, including the period covered by Caesar photos, it is estimated that over 52,000 Syrian soldiers and civilian militia died versus 29,000 anti-government forces. HRW had access to the full set of photographs including the Syrian army and civilian militia members killed in the conflict. Why did they not list the number of Syrian soldiers and security forces they identified? Why did they not show a single image of those victims? HRW goes beyond endorsing the falsehoods in the Caesar story; they suggest it is a partial listing. On page 5 the report says, Therefore, the number of bodies from detention facilities that appear in the Caesar photographs represent only a part of those who died in detention in Damascus. On the contrary, the Caesar photographs seem to mostly show victims who died in a variety of ways in the armed conflict. The HRW assertions seem to be biased and inaccurate. 12. T he legal accusations are biased and ignore the supreme crime of aggression. The Christian Science Monitor journalist Dan Murphy gave an apt warning in his article on the Carter Ruck report about Caesar. While many journalists treated the prosecutors with uncritical deference, he said: Association with war crime prosecutions is no guarantor of credibility  far from it. Just consider Luis Moreno Ocampos absurd claims about Viagra and mass rape in Muammar Qaddafis Libya in 2011. War crimes prosecutors have, unsurprisingly, a bias towards wanting to bolster cases against people they consider war criminals (like Assad or Qadaffi) and so should be treated with caution. They also frequently favor, as a class, humanitarian interventions. The Carter Ruck legal team demonstrated how accurate those cautions were. They were eager to accuse the Syrian government of crimes against humanity but the evidence of industrial killing, mass killing, torturing to kill is dubious and much of the hard evidence shows something else. In contrast, there is clear and solid evidence that a Crime against Peace is being committed against Syria. It is public knowledge that the armed opposition in Syria has been funded, supplied and supported in myriad ways by various outside governments. Most of the fighters, both Syrian and foreign, receive salaries from one or another outside power. Their supplies, weapons and necessary equipment are all supplied to them. Like the Contras in Nicaragua in the 1980s, the use of such proxy armies is a violation of customary international law. It is also a violation of the UN Charter which says: All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other matter inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations. The government of Qatar has been a major supporter of the mercenaries and fanatics attacking the sovereign state of Syria. Given that fact, isnt it hugely ironic to hear the legal contractors for Qatar accusing the Syrian government of crimes against humanity? Isnt it time for the United Nations to make reforms so that it can start living up to its purposes? That will require demanding and enforcing compliance with the UN Charter and International Law. Rick Sterling is a retired engineer and co-founder of Syria Solidarity Movement. He can be emailed at: rsterling1@gmail.com.
The Revenge of the Lower Classes and the Rise of American Fascism By Chris Hedges March 04, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - " Truth Dig " - College-educated elites, on behalf of corporations, carried out the savage neoliberal assault on the working poor. Now they are being made to pay. Their duplicityembodied in politicians such as Bill and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obamasucceeded for decades. These elites, many from East Coast Ivy League schools, spoke the language of valuescivility, inclusivity, a condemnation of overt racism and bigotry, a concern for the middle classwhile thrusting a knife into the back of the underclass for their corporate masters. This game has ended. There are tens of millions of Americans, especially lower-class whites, rightfully enraged at what has been done to them, their families and their communities. They have risen up to reject the neoliberal policies and political correctness imposed on them by college-educated elites from both political parties: Lower-class whites are embracing an American fascism. These Americans want a kind of freedoma freedom to hate. They want the freedom to use words like nigger, kike, spic, chink, raghead and fag. They want the freedom to idealize violence and the gun culture. They want the freedom to have enemies, to physically assault Muslims, undocumented workers, African-Americans, homosexuals and anyone who dares criticize their cryptofascism. They want the freedom to celebrate historical movements and figures that the college-educated elites condemn, including the Ku Klux Klan and the Confederacy. They want the freedom to ridicule and dismiss intellectuals, ideas, science and culture. They want the freedom to silence those who have been telling them how to behave. And they want the freedom to revel in hypermasculinity, racism, sexism and white patriarchy. These are the core sentiments of fascism. These sentiments are engendered by the collapse of the liberal state. The Democrats are playing a very dangerous game by anointing Hillary Clinton as their presidential candidate. She epitomizes the double-dealing of the college-educated elites, those who speak the feel-your-pain language of ordinary men and women, who hold up the bible of political correctness, while selling out the poor and the working class to corporate power. The Republicans, energized by Americas reality-star version of Il Duce, Donald Trump, have been pulling in voters, especially new voters, while the Democrats are well below the voter turnouts for 2008. In the voting Tuesday, 5.6 million votes were cast for the Democrats while 8.3 million went to the Republicans. Those numbers were virtually reversed in 20088.2 million for the Democrats and about 5 million for the Republicans. Richard Rorty in his last book, Achieving Our Country, written in 1998, presciently saw where our postindustrial nation was headed. Many writers on socioeconomic policy have warned that the old industrialized democracies are heading into a Weimar-like period, one in which populist movements are likely to overturn constitutional governments. Edward Luttwak, for example, has suggested that fascism may be the American future. The point of his book The Endangered American Dream is that members of labor unions, and unorganized unskilled workers, will sooner or later realize that their government is not even trying to prevent wages from sinking or to prevent jobs from being exported. Around the same time, they will realize that suburban white-collar workersthemselves desperately afraid of being downsizedare not going to let themselves be taxed to provide social benefits for anyone else. At that point, something will crack. The nonsuburban electorate will decide that the system has failed and start looking around for a strongman to vote forsomeone willing to assure them that, once he is elected, the smug bureaucrats, tricky lawyers, overpaid bond salesmen, and postmodernist professors will no longer be calling the shots. A scenario like that of Sinclair Lewis novel It Cant Happen Here may then be played out. For once a strongman takes office, nobody can predict what will happen. In 1932, most of the predictions made about what would happen if Hindenburg named Hitler chancellor were wildly overoptimistic. One thing that is very likely to happen is that the gains made in the past forty years by black and brown Americans, and by homosexuals, will be wiped out. Jocular contempt for women will come back into fashion. The words nigger and kike will once again be heard in the workplace. All the sadism which the academic Left has tried to make unacceptable to its students will come flooding back. All the resentment which badly educated Americans feel about having their manners dictated to them by college graduates will find an outlet. Fascist movements build their base not from the politically active but the politically inactive, the losers who feel, often correctly, they have no voice or role to play in the political establishment. The sociologist Emile Durkheim warned that the disenfranchisement of a class of people from the structures of society produced a state of anomiea condition in which society provides little moral guidance to individuals. Those trapped in this anomie, he wrote, are easy prey to propaganda and emotionally driven mass movements. Hannah Arendt, echoing Durkheim, noted that the chief characteristic of the mass man is not brutality and backwardness, but his isolation and lack of normal social relationships. In fascism the politically disempowered and disengaged, ignored and reviled by the establishment, discover a voice and a sense of empowerment. As Arendt noted, the fascist and communist movements in Europe in the 1930s  recruited their members from this mass of apparently indifferent people whom all other parties had given up as too apathetic or too stupid for their attention. The result was that the majority of their membership consisted of people who had never before appeared on the political scene. This permitted the introduction of entirely new methods into political propaganda, and indifference to the arguments of political opponents; these movements not only placed themselves outside and against the party system as a whole, they found a membership that had never been reached, never been spoiled by the party system. Therefore they did not need to refute opposing arguments and consistently preferred methods which ended in death rather than persuasion, which spelled terror rather than conviction. They presented disagreements as invariably originating in deep natural, social, or psychological sources beyond the control of the individual and therefore beyond the control of reason. This would have been a shortcoming only if they had sincerely entered into competition with either parties; it was not if they were sure of dealing with people who had reason to be equally hostile to all parties. Fascism is aided and advanced by the apathy of those who are tired of being conned and lied to by a bankrupt liberal establishment, whose only reason to vote for a politician or support a political party is to elect the least worst. This, for many voters, is the best Clinton can offer. Fascism expresses itself in familiar and comforting national and religious symbols, which is why it comes in various varieties and forms. Italian fascism, which looked back to the glory of the Roman Empire, for example, never shared the Nazis love of Teutonic and Nordic myths. American fascism too will reach back to traditional patriotic symbols, narratives and beliefs. Robert Paxton wrote in The Anatomy of Fascism: The language and symbols of an authentic American fascism would, of course, have little to do with the original European models. They would have to be as familiar and reassuring to loyal Americans as the language and symbols of the original fascisms were familiar and reassuring to many Italians and Germans, as [George] Orwell suggested. Hitler and Mussolini, after all, had not tried to seem exotic to their fellow citizens. No swastikas in an American fascism, but Stars and Stripes (or Stars and Bars) and Christian crosses. No fascist salute, but mass recitations of the pledge of allegiance. These symbols contain no whiff of fascism in themselves, of course, but an American fascism would transform them into obligatory litmus tests for detecting the internal enemy. Fascism is about an inspired and seemingly strong leader who promises moral renewal, new glory and revenge. It is about the replacement of rational debate with sensual experience. This is why the lies, half-truths and fabrications by Trump have no impact on his followers. Fascists transform politics, as philosopher and cultural critic Walter Benjamin pointed out, into aesthetics. And the ultimate aesthetic for the fascist, Benjamin said, is war. Paxton singles out the amorphous ideology characteristic of all fascist movements. Fascism rested not upon the truth of its doctrine but upon the leaders mystical union with the historic destiny of his people, a notion related to romanticist ideas of national historic flowering and of individual artistic or spiritual genius, though fascism otherwise denied romanticisms exaltation of unfettered personal creativity. The fascist leader wanted to bring his people into a higher realm of politics that they would experience sensually: the warmth of belonging to a race now fully aware of its identity, historic destiny, and power; the excitement of participating in a wave of shared feelings, and of sacrificing ones petty concerns for the groups good; and the thrill of domination. There is only one way left to blunt the yearning for fascism coalescing around Trump. It is to build, as fast as possible, movements or parties that declare war on corporate power, engage in sustained acts of civil disobedience and seek to reintegrate the disenfranchisedthe losersback into the economy and political life of the country. This movement will never come out of the Democratic Party. If Clinton prevails in the general election Trump may disappear, but the fascist sentiments will expand. Another Trump, perhaps more vile, will be vomited up from the bowels of the decayed political system. We are fighting for our political life. Tremendous damage has been done by corporate power and the college-educated elites to our capitalist democracy. The longer the elites, who oversaw this disemboweling of the country on behalf of corporationswho believe, as does CBS Chief Executive Officer Leslie Moonves, that however bad Trump would be for America he would at least be good for corporate profitremain in charge, the worse it is going to get. Chris Hedges, spent nearly two decades as a foreign correspondent in Central America, the Middle East, Africa and the Balkans. He has reported from more than 50 countries and has worked for The Christian Science Monitor, National Public Radio, The Dallas Morning News and The New York Times, for which he was a foreign correspondent for 15 years.
What Will Many Bernie Sanders Voters Do After July? By Ralph Nader



March 04, 2016 " Information Clearing House " - The hard-bitten, corporatist Democrats are moving Hillary Clinton through the presidential primaries. They are using "Republican-speak" to beat down Bernie Sanders as favoring Big Government and more taxes and they may unwittingly be setting the stage for a serious split in the Democratic Party. What is emerging is the reaction of millions of Sanders supporters who will feel repudiated, not just left behind, as the Clintonites plan to celebrate at the Democratic Convention in July. The political experience gained by the Sanders workers, many of them young, helped Sanders register primary victories over Hillary in Colorado, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Vermont and New Hampshire with their energy and votes. They came close in Nevada and Massachusetts and probably won in Iowa. Hillary's rhetoric has outraged Sanders' supporters. She berates Sanders regularly for not being practical or realistic about his Medicare-for-all, breaking up big banks, a $15 minimum wage, a tax on Wall Street speculation and carbon and getting big money out of politics. Clinton's putdowns exemplify why so many people who back Sanders want to defeat her. Clinton is the candidate of the status quo, favored over all other candidates from both parties by the Wall Street crowd and quietly adored by the military-industrial complex who see Generalissima Clinton as a militarist who would maintain the warfare state. Democrat Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton, derided this "We Shouldn't Even Try" attitude common among many frightened Democrats. These are, in Reich's words, "the establishment Democrats - Washington lobbyists, editorial writers, inside-the-Beltway operatives, party leaders and big contributors who have grown comfortable with the way things are." These hereditary Democrat opinion-shapers tell their audiences that Hillary personifies experience and electability. They argue it is either Clinton or Trump or some other crazed Republican. Here we go again. Every four years, the Democratic leaders define the Democratic candidate by how bad the Republicans are. This is designed to panic and mute their followers. Every four years, both parties become more corporatist. Sanders' voters want to define the Democratic Party by how good it can be for the people. And these Sanders voters may not go back into the Democratic Party fold. Low turnout for the Democratic Party's primaries is being compared to a much higher Republican voter turnout for their candidates. Low turnout in November would dim Hillary's chances in an electoral college, winner-take-all system. Such Democratic Party misfortune can become more likely should Bernie endorse Hillary at the Democratic Convention without any conditions or her acceptance of his agenda, assuming she is the nominee. Last year he declared that he would endorse "the Democratic nominee." Certainly, all the Democratic politicos in the Congress who endorsed Hillary set no conditions. The large labor unions that went with Hillary are known for giving their endorsements without receiving any benefits for workers. So, Hillary would have no mandate should she win the election. And you know that Clintons without mandates tend to bend toward Wall Street and rampant militarism. It is doubtful whether Hillary will credibly adopt any of Bernie's agenda, considering where her campaign money is coming from and how unwilling she is to alienate her circle of advisers. Where does this leave the Sanders people who see Hillary as experienced in waging wars, qualified as an entrenched pol, and realistic to suit the plutocracy's tastes, and not really getting much of anything progressive done (alluding to the ways she has described herself)? The energetic Sanders supporters, including the Millennials who voted so heavily for Bernie, could form a New Progressive movement to exercise a policy pull on the establishment Democrats before November and to be a growing magnet after November with the objective of taking over the Democratic Party starting with winning local elections. This will have long-term benefits for our country. To those who point to history throwing water on such a potential breakout, I tell them to look at the 2016 presidential primaries. All bets are off when political debates become big media business with huge ratings, and when a gambling czar and builder of expensive real estate, Donald Trump (a hybrid Rep/Dem), is overturning all the old homilies about presidential politics, and is in a primary contest with two freshmen Senators whose vacuous ambitions are their only achievements. Follow Ralph Nader on Twitter: www.twitter.com/RalphNader
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has vowed to henceforth stop abduction for marriage in the region.

The group made the remark in reaction to the public outcry generated by the abduction of Ese Oruru, a 14-year-old girl by 25-year- old Inuwa Dahiru Bala (otherwise known as Yunusa) from Bayelsa State to Kano State.

The AYCF said perpetrators of such crimes should be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Comrade Shetima Yerima, the president of the group told The Nation on phone that: The issue has been politicized with many people saying different things. Despite this, the action is immoral. No parent would ever be happy to have an underage child taken away in that manner. Our attention has been drawn to the incident and we have taken it up as one of our projects to begin massive sensitization of people in our region against this kind of thing. We condemn it and stand to say that whoever does such should face the full wrath of the law.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has reiterated the pledge of the Nigerian Army to sponsor the education of children of army personnel who lost their lives during the counter-insurgency operations in the North East.

He made the pledge during the presentation of the Group Life Assurance cheques to the next of kins of each of the bereaved families at the Army Headquarters Friday in Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Administration of the Army, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar, the army chief said the cheques were to provide succour to the bereaved families to cushion the economic impact caused by the loss of their bread winners.

He also said that aside from the cheques, the Nigerian Army would sponsor four children each of the bereaved families, from primary up to the tertiary level of education.

The families present at the occasion were full of gratitude to the army for showing commitment in alleviating their plight.
Four gunmen have killed at least 17 people in an attack an old peoples home in the Yemeni port city of Aden, local officials and medical sources said. According to one official, the gunmen entered the premises in Adens Sheikh Othman district after telling the guard they were visiting their mother, before storming into the building and opening fire.

Fridays casualty figure includes six Catholic nuns from India, four local nurses, four security guards and three cleaning staff, medical sources told Al Jazeera. Screams of elderly residents echoed from the home during the shooting rampage, witnesses told they AFP news agency, adding that they saw bodies of dead workers with their arms tied behind their backs scattered on the floor.

The motive of the gunmen, who fled after the attack, was not immediately known. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Aden was once a cosmopolitan city home to thriving Hindu and Christian communities but its small Christian population left long ago.

Unknown assailants have previously vandalised a Christian cemetery, torched a church and last year blew up an abandoned Catholic church. Yemen descended into a civil war in March when the Houthi fighters forced President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to flee to Saudi Arabia after they closed in on Aden, drawing in an Arab coalition assembled by the Saudis into the conflict. The United Nations says nearly 6,000 people have been killed in the fighting, while hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes.
Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday, dismissed Senator Dino Melaye as vainglorious and childish after the senator representing Kogi West mocked the governor for marrying a non-Nigerian.

While contributing to a motion in the Senate on Wednesday on the need for Nigerians to patronize Made in Nigeria goods, Melaye had said: apologies to my uncle, the Governor of Edo State, we must as a people stop paying dowries in dollars and pounds.

Oshiomhole hit back at the senator who he said was renown for his vainglorious rodomontade and the childish display of his ostentatious lifestyle.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Peter Okhiria, the governor said Melaye displayed hollowness by delving into a matter as private as his marriage to his heartthrob.

If he has anything to offer, Dino Melaye should concentrate on making good laws for the people of Nigeria rather than descend to a ridiculous level, thus displaying to the whole world his unworthiness to sit in the hallowed chambers of the Nigerian Senate, Oshiomole said.

He wondered how Melaye could descend to this pedestrian level of using the hallowed chambers to cargorise women as if they were pieces of items for purchase.

Any responsible individual that is truly worth to be called a Senator, a position that convokes respect, decorum and decent public conduct, should know the limits of his verbal diarrhea. The liberty of free speech guaranteed in the hallowed chambers does not impose lunacy on anyone to disparage other Nigerians, let alone pry into their matrimony in a very derisive manner.

We had intended to ignore this uncomplimentary comment as one of the several empty displays of the Senator, but the fact that it tends to reduce women to pieces of tissue calls for this response.

As we probed into Dino Melayes humanity, we were reminded that he is a man known for his vainglorious rodomontade and the childish display of his ostentatious lifestyle complements his love for foreign items.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State has dismissed reports of a brewing crisis among its ranks, saying it remains focused and united more than ever.

The party was reacting to the reported disaffection between its governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 election, Dakuku Peterside and the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Ibim Semenitari.

According to reports, Peterside was displeased with Mrs. Semenitari for accompanying a delegation from the Senate on a visit to Governor Nyesom Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

Mr. Wike is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

But the Rivers PDP Chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, in a statement on Friday, alleged that the rumour of rift in the party was being peddled by the state chapter of the PDP and that it was not only a wicked lie from the pit of hell, but has no foundation whatsoever.

The party said it was meant to cause disaffection among the Rivers APC leadership.

This plot is dead on arrival because we are too intelligent and too close-knit a family to be deceived by such a fallacious and wicked falsehood intended to distract us from the urgent task of winning the forthcoming State and National Assembly re-run elections.

How can the performance of a simple official duty by the Acting NDDC Managing Director amount to disloyalty to APC and a fictional quarrel with Dr. Peterside over the 2019 governorship ticket? the party said.

Many of the Distinguished Senators whom Mrs. Semenitari escorted to the Government House to see Governor Nyesom Wike are also APC members, so does their visit mean that they are also disloyal to the APC?

The Rivers APC described Mrs. Semenitari, who was the immediate past Information Commissioner in the state, as an accomplished administrator who knew where to draw the line between her official duties and politics.

It said, As head of NDDC, she has a statutory role that covers the six states of South-South that includes Rivers State plus the two states of Abia and Imo in the South-East and Ondo State in the South-West.

The Senate is probing the 16 years of NDDC and if the investigating senators are to visit the Rivers State Governor on issues pertaining to NDDC, are we saying that the Acting NDDC MD should not accompany them because she is an APC chieftain even while most of the

Senate Committee members are also APC members?

The APC said it was not only happy with the NDDC managing director but also proud of her, stressing that her commitment and loyalty to the party was never in doubt.

The party also said Mrs. Semenitari had been one of the arrow heads of the struggle it had embarked upon and also one of the most persecuted among its members.

As a matter of fact, she was the only one invited to appear before the then dreaded National Security Adviser to erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan when the heat was on us at Rivers State, the party said.

Apart from this, she was one of our principals targeted to be assassinated by the PDP hoodlums at the Okrika rally attack.

Her house in Port Harcourt was attacked immediately Wike took over as governor and her personal jeep towed away by the Wike regime just to publicly disgrace her.

So, if anybody is trying to blackmail her for any reason such a person is embarking on a mission impossible.

The APC explained that it was not factionalised as had been alleged, insisting that it remained united under the leadership of the Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi.

It is worth stressing that we have no Dakuku faction or any faction or factions but one united, compact, virile and vibrant Rivers APC under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, it said.

As for the purported intrigues about 2019, that does not deserve any attention because it just does not make sense as we cannot start talking about 2019 when we have not concluded the 2015 elections.

The Rivers APC urged its members, supporters and the public to ignore the story of the alleged rift, saying it was a desperate strategy by the floundering PDP to shore up its image ahead of the forthcoming Assembly re-run elections, for which PDP has become jittery because of the imminent defeat staring it in the face.
It appears that in some parts of the world, prayers have legit market value. For example, a church in Russia is getting away with a $11,500 debt by promising to pray for the good health of the creditors instead.

The Nizhny Novgorod diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church owed 916,000 roubles to construction company Era for designing a heating system for one of their buildings. The church was only able to settle half the amount, and the company decided on taking legal action. But the owners of the company happen to be religious people, so the church was able to convince them to agree to a pre-trial settlement in which the loan would be written off and the church would pray for them in exchange.

Although it is common to make financial donations to Russian churches in exchange for a prayer, this is perhaps the first time such a legal agreement has been reached. In fact, the dioceses legal department was rather taken aback when the company readily accepted the offer. We had an agreement on the design of the heating in a building that belongs to the diocese, and which houses the pilgrim center, a church representative said. It turned out that there were financial difficulties. But we ourselves were surprised when the plaintiffs before the court suggested to make a settlement agreement in place of prayers. They even constituted the wording themselves.

It seems that the company was more than willing to withdraw charges when they realized that the goodwill of the church was at stake. It obviously was a great deal for them  perhaps they thought that the churchs prayers might bring them far more benefit than the amount in question.

Since the company had no objection to the settlement the court ruled that it does not violate the law, asking the church to repay the remaining 258,000 rubles ($3,244) for the heating system, and 65,000 rubles ($817) towards fines and legal fees, in the form of prayers. The defendant promises to offer prayers for the health of Gods servant Ivan Arsenyev and Gods servant Sergei Lepustin, the decision signed by the judge read. It also added that the prayers would go out to their families, and for their well-being in all their good works and deeds.

Sources: O Central, Znak, Gazeta.ru
Two Syrians have been convicted for human smuggling leading to the deaths of five refugees, including a 3-year-old boy whose drowned body, photographed washed up on a beach, became a symbol of themigrant crisis.

A Bodrum, Turkey, court sentenced Muwafaka Alabash and Asem Alfrhad to 50 month jail terms for human trafficking, but acquitted them on charges of death through deliberate negligence, which carried 35-year sentences. The men abandoned a vessel in September 2015 traveling at night from Bodrum to the Greek island of Kos after seas became rough. The refugees aboard were left to steer the boat themselves.

The boat capsized and among those drowned were four members of a family, including 3-year-old Alan Kurdi. Images of his lifeless body, face-down on a Turkish beach, outraged observers and prompted governments and humanitarian agencies to call for more to be done to help the refugee Syrian population.

The Kurdi family fled Kobani, Syria, which was invaded in 2014 by the Islamic State, and went to Turkey, with plans to travel through Europe and eventually live with a relative in Canada. The familys father, Abdullah Kurdi, 40, was the only survivor.

UPI.
In an attempt to combat the nations food wastage problem, Denmark has opened the worlds very first supermarket that sells expired or damaged products. Ever since the grand opening in Copenhagen last Monday, people have been lining up outside WeFood for a chance to purchase discounted items that would otherwise have ended up in the trash because of damaged packaging or very short use-by dates. Food, cosmetics, and other household items at WeFood are priced at least 30 to 50 percent lower than at regular stores.

WeFood is the first supermarket of its kind in Denmark and perhaps the world, as it is not just aimed at low-income shoppers but anyone who is concerned about the amount of food wastage produced in the country, said project head Per Bjerre. Many people see this as a positive and politically correct way to approach the issue. The grand inauguration was attended by Denmarks Princess Marie, and former minister for food and environment, Eva Kjer Hansen.

Its ridiculous that food is just thrown out or goes to waste, said Hansen, who was full of praise for the initiative. It is bad for the environment and it is money spent on absolutely nothing. A supermarket like WeFood makes so much sense and is an important step in the battle to combat food waste. While Denmark alone is estimated to waste about 700,000 tons of food every year, the United Nations has stated that globally, food waste amounts to a whopping 1.3 billion tons. These are shocking figures, considering the fact that about 795 million people in the world are undernourished, according to the World Food Program. Denmark, however, has adopted several measures to clean up its act, wasting 25% less food than it did five years ago. One such initiative is The Food Bank, a local nonprofit that distributes surplus food to homeless shelters.

OCentral.
Panoramica privacy

Questo sito web utilizza i cookies per fornire all'utente la miglior esperienza di navigazione possibile. L'informazione dei cookie e memorizzata nel browser dell' utente, svolge funzioni di riconoscimento quando l' utente ritorna nel sito e permette di sapere quali sezioni del sito sono ritenute piu interessanti e utili.
It's not easy to see things in the middle, rather than looking down on them from above or up at them from below, or from left to right or right to left: try it, you'll see that everything changes.



-- Deleuze and Guattari, A Thousand Plateaus
What Is Return on Equity (ROE)?

Return on equity (ROE) is a measure of financial performance calculated by dividing net income by shareholders' equity. Because shareholders' equity is equal to a companys assets minus its debt, ROE is considered the return on net assets.

ROE is considered a gauge of a corporation's profitability and how efficient it is in generating profits. The higher the ROE, the more efficient a company's management is at generating income and growth from its equity financing.

Key Takeaways Return on equity (ROE) is the measure of a company's net income divided by its shareholders' equity.

ROE is a gauge of a corporation's profitability and how efficiently it generates those profits.

The higher the ROE, the better a company is at converting its equity financing into profits.

To calculate ROE, divide net income by the value of shareholders' equity.

ROEs will vary based on the industry or sector in which the company operates.

1:14 Return On Equity (ROE)

Calculating Return on Equity (ROE)

ROE is expressed as a percentage and can be calculated for any company if net income and equity are both positive numbers. Net income is calculated before dividends paid to common shareholders and after dividends to preferred shareholders and interest to lenders.

Return on Equity = Net Income Average Shareholders Equity \begin{aligned} &\text{Return on Equity} = \dfrac{\text{Net Income}}{\text{Average Shareholders' Equity}}\\ \end{aligned} Return on Equity=Average Shareholders EquityNet Income

Net income is the amount of income, net expenses, and taxes that a company generates for a given period. Average shareholders' equity is calculated by adding equity at the beginning of the period. The beginning and end of the period should coincide with the period during which the net income is earned.

Net income over the last full fiscal year, or trailing 12 months, is found on the income statementa sum of financial activity over that period. Shareholders' equity comes from the balance sheeta running balance of a companys entire history of changes in assets and liabilities.

It is considered best practice to calculate ROE based on average equity over a period because of the mismatch between the income statement and the balance sheet.

What Return on Equity Tells You

Whether an ROE is deemed good or bad will depend on what is normal among a stocks peers. For example, utilities have many assets and debt on the balance sheet compared to a relatively small amount of net income. A normal ROE in the utility sector could be 10% or less. A technology or retail firm with smaller balance sheet accounts relative to net income may have normal ROE levels of 18% or more.

A good rule of thumb is to target an ROE that is equal to or just above the average for the company's sectorthose in the same business. For example, assume a company, TechCo, has maintained a steady ROE of 18% over the past few years compared to the average of its peers, which was 15%. An investor could conclude that TechCos management is above average at using the companys assets to create profits.

Relatively high or low ROE ratios will vary significantly from one industry group or sector to another. Still, a common shortcut for investors is to consider a return on equity near the long-term average of the S&P 500 (14%) as an acceptable ratio and anything less than 10% as poor.

Return on Equity and Stock Performance

Sustainable growth rates and dividend growth rates can be estimated using ROE, assuming that the ratio is roughly in line or just above its peer group average. Although there may be some challenges, ROE can be a good starting place for developing future estimates of a stocks growth rate and the growth rate of its dividends. These two calculations are functions of each other and can be used to make an easier comparison between similar companies.

To estimate a companys future growth rate, multiply the ROE by the companys retention ratio. The retention ratio is the percentage of net income that is retained or reinvested by the company to fund future growth.

21.88% Companies in the S&P 500 saw an average ROE of 21.88% in 2021.

ROE and a Sustainable Growth Rate

Assume that there are two companies with identical ROEs and net income but different retention ratios. This means they will each have a different sustainable growth rate (SGR). The SGR is the rate a company can grow without having to borrow money to finance that growth. The formula for calculating SGR is ROE times the retention ratio (or ROE times one minus the payout ratio).

For example, Company A has an ROE of 15% and has a retention ratio of 70%. Business B also has an ROE of 15% but has a 90% retention ratio. For Company A, the sustainable growth rate is 10.5% (15% * 70%). Business B's SGR is 13.5% (15% * 90%).

A stock that is growing at a slower rate than its sustainable rate could be undervalued, or the market may be accounting for key risks. In either case, a growth rate that is far above or below the sustainable rate warrants additional investigation.

Using Return on Equity to Identify Problems

It's reasonable to wonder why an average or slightly above-average ROE is preferable rather than an ROE that is double, triple, or even higher than the average of its peer group. Arent stocks with a very high ROE a better value?

Sometimes an extremely high ROE is a good thing if net income is extremely large compared to equity because a companys performance is so strong. However, an extremely high ROE is often due to a small equity account compared to net income, which indicates risk.

Inconsistent Profits

The first potential issue with a high ROE could be inconsistent profits. Imagine that a company, LossCo, has been unprofitable for several years. Each years losses are recorded on the balance sheet in the equity portion as a retained loss. These losses are a negative value and reduce shareholders' equity.

Now, assume that LossCo has had a windfall in the most recent year and has returned to profitability. The denominator in the ROE calculation is now very small after many years of losses, which makes its ROE misleadingly high.

Excess Debt

A second issue that could cause a high ROE is excess debt. If a company has been borrowing aggressively, it can increase ROE because equity is equal to assets minus debt. The more debt a company has, the lower equity can fall. A common scenario is when a company borrows large amounts of debt to buy back its own stock. This can inflate earnings per share (EPS), but it does not affect actual performance or growth rates.

Negative Net Income

Finally, negative net income and negative shareholders' equity can create an artificially high ROE. However, if a company has a net loss or negative shareholders equity, ROE should not be calculated.

If shareholders equity is negative, the most common issue is excessive debt or inconsistent profitability. However, there are exceptions to that rule for companies that are profitable and have been using cash flow to buy back their own shares. For many companies, this is an alternative to paying dividends, and it can eventually reduce equity (buybacks are subtracted from equity) enough to turn the calculation negative.

In all cases, negative or extremely high ROE levels should be considered a warning sign worth investigating. In rare cases, a negative ROE ratio could be due to a cash flow-supported share buyback program and excellent management, but this is the less likely outcome. In any case, a company with a negative ROE cannot be evaluated against other stocks with positive ROE ratios.

Limitations of Return on Equity

A high ROE might not always be positive. An outsize ROE can be indicative of a number of issuessuch as inconsistent profits or excessive debt. Also, a negative ROE due to the company having a net loss or negative shareholders equity cannot be used to analyze the company, nor can it be used to compare against companies with a positive ROE.

As with all tools used for investment analysis, ROE is just one of many available metrics that identifies just one portion of a firm's overall financials. It is crucial to utilize a combination of financial metrics to get a full understanding of a company's financial health before investing.

Return on Equity vs. Return on Invested Capital

Though ROE looks at how much profit a company can generate relative to shareholders equity, return on invested capital (ROIC) takes that calculation a couple of steps further.

The purpose of ROIC is to figure out the amount of money after dividends a company makes based on all its sources of capital, which includes shareholders' equity and debt. ROE looks at how well a company uses shareholders' equity while ROIC is meant to determine how well a company uses all its available capital to make money.

Example of Return on Equity

For example, imagine a company with an annual income of $1,800,000 and average shareholders' equity of $12,000,000. This companys ROE would be 15%, or $1.8 million divided by $12 million.

As a real-world example, consider Apple Inc. (AAPL)'s financials for the fiscal year ending Sept. 29, 2018, the company generated $59.5 billion in net income. At the end of the fiscal year, its shareholders equity was $107.1 billion versus $134 billion at the beginning.

Apples return on equity, therefore, is 49.4%, or $59.5 billion / [($107.1 billion + $134 billion) / 2].

Compared to its peers, Apple had a very strong ROE:

Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) had an ROE of 28.3% in 2018.

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) had an ROE of 19.4% in 2018.

Google (GOOGL) had an ROE of 18.6% for 2018.



How to Calculate ROE Using Excel

The formula for calculating a company's ROE is its net income divided by shareholders' equity. Here's how to use Microsoft Excel to set up the calculation for ROE:

In Excel, get started by right-clicking on column A. Next, move the cursor down and left-click on column width. Then, change the column width value to 30 default units and click OK. Repeat this procedure for columns B and C.

Next, enter the name of a company into cell B1 and the name of another company into cell C1.

Then, enter "Net Income" into cell A2, "Shareholders' Equity" into cell A3, and "Return on Equity" into cell A4.

Enter the formula for "Return on Equity" =B2/B3 into cell B4 and enter the formula =C2/C3 into cell C4.

When that is complete, enter the corresponding values for "Net Income" and "Shareholders' Equity" into cells B2, B3, C2, and C3.

ROE and DuPont Analysis

Though ROE can easily be computed by dividing net income by shareholders' equity, a technique called DuPont decomposition can break down the ROE calculation into additional steps. Created by the American chemicals corporation DuPont in the 1920s, this analysis reveals which factors are contributing the most (or the least) to a firm's ROE.

There are two versions of DuPont analysis. The first involves three steps:

ROE = NPM  Asset Turnover  Equity Multiplier where: NPM = Net profit margin, the measure of operating efficiency Asset Turnover = Measure of asset use efficiency Equity Multiplier = Measure of financial leverage \begin{aligned} &\text{ROE} = \text{NPM} \times \text{Asset Turnover} \times \text{Equity Multiplier} \\ &\textbf{where:} \\ &\text{NPM} = \text{Net profit margin, the measure of operating} \\ &\text{efficiency} \\ &\text{Asset Turnover} = \text{Measure of asset use efficiency} \\ &\text{Equity Multiplier} = \text{Measure of financial leverage} \\ \end{aligned} ROE=NPMAsset TurnoverEquity Multiplierwhere:NPM=Net profit margin, the measure of operatingefficiencyAsset Turnover=Measure of asset use efficiencyEquity Multiplier=Measure of financial leverage

Alternatively, the five-step version is as follows:

ROE = EBT S  S A  A E  ( 1  TR ) where: EBT = Earnings before tax S = Sales A = Assets E = Equity TR = Tax rate \begin{aligned} &\text{ROE} = \frac{ \text{EBT} }{ \text{S} } \times \frac{ \text{S} }{ \text{A} } \times \frac{ \text{A} }{ \text{E} } \times ( 1 - \text{TR} ) \\ &\textbf{where:} \\ &\text{EBT} = \text{Earnings before tax} \\ &\text{S} = \text{Sales} \\ &\text{A} = \text{Assets} \\ &\text{E} = \text{Equity} \\ &\text{TR} = \text{Tax rate} \\ \end{aligned} ROE=SEBTASEA(1TR)where:EBT=Earnings before taxS=SalesA=AssetsE=EquityTR=Tax rate

Both the three- and five-step equations provide a deeper understanding of a company's ROE by examining what is changing in a company rather than looking at one simple ratio. As always with financial statement ratios, they should be examined against the company's history and its competitors' histories.

For example, when looking at two peer companies, one may have a lower ROE. With the five-step equation, you can see if this is lower because creditors perceive the company as riskier and charge it higher interest, the company is poorly managed and has leverage that is too low, or the company has higher costs that decrease its operating profit margin. Identifying sources like these leads to a better knowledge of the company and how it should be valued.

What Is a Good ROE? As with most other performance metrics, what counts as a good ROE will depend on the companys industry and competitors. Though the long-term ROE for S&P 500 companies has averaged around 18.6%, specific industries can be significantly higher or lower. All else being equal, an industry will likely have a lower average ROE if it is highly competitive and requires substantial assets in order to generate revenues. On the other hand, industries with relatively few players and where only limited assets are needed to generate revenues may show a higher average ROE.

How Do You Calculate ROE? To calculate ROE, analysts simply divide the companys net income by its average shareholders equity. Because shareholders equity is equal to assets minus liabilities, ROE is essentially a measure of the return generated on the net assets of the company. Since the equity figure can fluctuate during the accounting period in question, an average shareholders equity is used.

What Is the Difference Between Return on Assets (ROA) and ROE? Return on assets (ROA) and ROE are similar in that they are both trying to gauge how efficiently the company generates its profits. However, whereas ROE compares net income to the net assets of the company, ROA compares net income to the companys assets alone, without deducting its liabilities. In both cases, companies in industries in which operations require significant assets will likely show a lower average return.

What Happens if ROE Is Negative? If a company's ROE is negative, it means that there was negative net income for the period in question (i.e., a loss). This implies that shareholders are losing on their investment in the company. For new and growing companies, a negative ROE is often to be expected; however, if negative ROE persists it can be a sign of trouble.
PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) is one of the largest and most well-known companies in the world. Though famous for its namesake soft drink, PepsiCo has branched out into many other products over its lifespan, leading to diversified revenue streams. How does the global behemoth operate, and which are its key products and markets across the globe in terms of sales? Let's take a look.

Key Takeaways PepsiCo operates seven different business segments that encompass a wide range of beverages, food, and snack offerings, diversifying its revenue stream.

The seven business segments of PepsiCo are (1) PepsiCo Beverages North America, (2) Frito-Lay North America, (3) Quaker Foods North America, (4) Europe, (5)Africa, Middle East, and South Asia, (6) Latin America, and (7) Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and China.

The largest contributors to PepsiCo's revenue are PepsiCo Beverages North America, Frito-Lay North America, and Europe.

Global Divisions

With its beverages, snacks, and food products sold around the globe, PepsiCo operates through its seven global divisions. Depending on the product portfolio and regional market, these various divisions work independently. Many also offer licensed products from other brands and operate with third parties as required in different regional markets. They also have a number of endorsements with athletes and other celebrities.

PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA)

PBNA is the largest revenue earner of the PepsiCo empire and it constitutes all beverages business across the U.S. and Canada. As per the fiscal year ending 2021, it contributed $25.3 billion to total revenues of $79.5 billion, or 32%.

This division includes world-famous proprietary brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Aquafina, and Tropicana. It also includes partnership brands like tea variants from Unilever (Lipton) and coffee with Starbucks.

Additionally, PBNA also makes and distributes licensed products from Keurig Dr. Pepper, like Dr. Pepper, Crush, and Schweppes, and juices from Dole Food Company, Inc. and Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

Frito-Lay North America (FLNA)

FLNA makes up the second-largest revenue-generating business. It accounted for $19.6 billion in revenues for 2021.

Focused on the North American markets of the U.S. and Canada, this division includes potato chip brands like Lays and Ruffles, tortilla chip brands like Doritos, and snacks brands like Cheetos and Fritos.

FLNA also operates a joint venture with Strauss Group for manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution of Sabra brand refrigerated dips and spreads.

Quaker Foods North America (QFNA)

With the leading brand in oatmeal breakfast and cereals (Quaker), QFNA also includes products spanning snack bars, rice, and pasta.

Popular brands include Pearl Milling Company, Quaker, and Rice-A-Roni. Though QFNA constituted only about $2.8 billion in revenues for 2021, it complements the PBNA and FLNA divisions in keeping a good market share for PepsiCo in the North American markets.

Europe

The European segment operates a full range of beverages, food, and snack products in Europe. Established brands in this market include Lays, Doritos, Cheetos, Ruffles, Walkers, and Quaker cereals, in addition to many of their drinks. This market contributed $13 billion in 2021; the third-largest revenue-generating division for PepsiCo.

Africa, Middle East, and South Asia (AMESA)

Spread across two large continents, this market contains snack brands like Lays, Kurkure, Chipsy, Doritos, and Cheetos, as well as beverages brands like Pepsi, Mirinda, 7UP, Mountain Dew, and Aquafina. It also has partnership brands like Lipton iced tea products with Unilever (UL). This market contributed $6.1 billion in 2021.

Latin America (LatAm)

The LatAm division operates an entire product range in the Latin American markets and includes beverages, food, and snack products, including many of Pepsi's biggest brand names. This division constituted $8.1 billion in revenues in 2021.

Leading brands include Toddy, Sabritas, Marias Gamesa, and Emperador.

Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and China Region (APAC)

APAC encompasses the manufacturing and distribution of many of Pepsi's largest brands, including Cheetos, Doritos, 7UP, Aquafina, and Quaker. The company also has a strategic alliance in juices with Tingyi in China.

This segment brought in $4.6 billion for PepsiCo in 2021.

The Bottom Line

The PepsiCo portfolio contains billion-dollar brands spread across beverages, food, and snacks. Diversification offers sufficient room for offsetting declines in one product line with growth in others. This product and regional diversification combined with dynamic business strategies enable PepsiCo to be a regular dividend payer and a leader in the food and beverage markets.
The United States has a very large mutual fund market. There are literally hundreds of different fund families and thousands of individual funds available, and all of them are vying for your investment dollars.

There are almost as many mutual funds as there are stocks traded on the NYSE Arca and NASDAQ combined. In fact, as of February 2021, there are approximately 8,000 mutual funds in the United States, managing approximately $21 trillion dollars.

Faced by this daunting array of options, investors need to find a way to separate the wheat from the chaff. One simple way to accomplish this is to focus on the biggest mutual fund companies. After all, mutual funds that serve their shareholders the best tend to attract more assets, so size seems like a reasonable proxy for success, or at least a reasonable starting point.

The process is easy: List all of the mutual funds for any given family, add up their combined total assets under management, or AUM, and see which companies investors have collectively poured in the most money. Since the relatively free market in the U.S. is supposed to reward success and punish failure, the biggest fund families ought to be the ones that have served investors the best over time.

A subtle yet important distinction must be determined before the list can be made, and that is the difference between mutual fund providers and mutual fund families.

Fund Families vs. Fund Providers

A subtle yet important distinction must be determined before the list can be made, and that is the difference between mutual fund providers and mutual fund families. A mutual fund family is like a brand name umbrella. Most investors encounter mutual funds through their family names, such as the first words in titles including Vanguard International Growth Fund or Templeton Global Bond Fund. If you organize the list by fund families, you are going to get the initial title to match for every mutual fund in a group.

The mutual fund provider is the larger financial institution that owns the fund family. For example, Wells Fargo, or the fund provider, owns the Wells Fargo Advantage Funds, or the fund family. The tricky issue with fund providers is they often handle more than just mutual funds, and they may have more than one fund family brand out in the market. As such, it is advantageous to focus on fund families instead of fund providers.

BlackRock Funds top the list in terms of assets held by a single fund family, followed by other familiar names such as Vanguard, Charles Schwab, State Street Global Advisors, and Fidelity Investments.

Fast Fact BlackRock has approximately $9 trillion in assets under management as of December 2020; the Vanguard Group manages approximately $7.2 trillion as of January 2021, while Charles Schwab manages $6.7 trillion, which includes TD Ameritrade assets, as of December 2020.

1. BlackRock Funds (iShares)

The New York City-based BlackRock, Inc., which carries the title iShares instead of BlackRock, released its first mutual funds in 1998 in conjunction with PNC Financial Services Group. The period between 1999 and 2009 saw enormous growth for BlackRock funds, in part because the company uses an elaborate risk-management theory of fund management. This laser-like focus on risk serves shareholders particularly well during economic downturns.

BlackRock was a leader in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) investments during the boom years of the housing bubble. Its iShares MBS Fund was released in 2007 with plenty of fanfare just months before the financial crisis started to unfold. Yet the iShares series was able to escape the crisis relatively unscathed.

Not only was BlackRock not bailed out by the U.S. government during the crisis, but the White House actually consulted it on how to keep the financial system functioning during the mid-crisis panic. As of December 2020, BlackRock has approximately $9 trillion in assets under management.

2. Vanguard

If a random sampling of the population was polled about the name of the largest mutual fund company, the Vanguard Group would probably win in a landslide.

Vanguard is the most serious challenger to the iShares series by BlackRock. Its popularity is due to its wide selection of fund offerings, over 190 in the U.S., low costs and a strong track record of positive returns. The Vanguard Group manages approximately $7.2 trillion as of January 2021.

3. Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab has been a trusted name in the financial services industry for almost five decades, with its primary fund offerings focusing on index funds. Its funds have gained popularity due to their low costs and no minimum investment amount. As of December 2020, Charles Schwab manages $6.7 trillion in assets, which includes TD Ameritrade assets.
When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site.
Investment Banking vs. Investment Management: An Overview

Plenty of undergraduate finance majors and master of business administration (MBA) students consider pursuing a career in investment banking or investment management, two intensely competitive fields in the finance industry, after receiving their degrees. These professions offer some of the highest starting salaries in the field, and there's plenty of room for growth for those who are talented and ambitious enough to land one of these spots.

If you take away all of the industry terminologies and boil these jobs down to their basic elements, investment bankers and investment managers (sometimes called asset managers or fund managers in the U.K.) are primarily responsible for channeling money from investors to companies that need capital. Some of the top experts in the investment world can be found in these positions.

Investment management is all about investment decisions and asset allocation. This means coming up with investment strategies and directing funds to property, equities, or debt securities on behalf of clients. Investment bankers, by contrast, are deal-makers. They work as high-level consultants and analysts for large companies to help with capital raising strategies.

Key Takeaways Investment managers help clients by managing their money. Clients can include individuals, educational institutions, insurance companies, and pension funds.

Investment managers perform financial analysis, portfolio allocation between bonds and stocks, equity research, and issue buy and sell recommendations.

Investment bankers help with corporate finance needs, such as raising funds or capital. Companies and governments hire investment bankers to facilitate mergers and acquisitions as well as IPOs, and new debt issuance such as a bond offering.

Investment Management

Investment managers help clients reach their investment goals by managing their money. Clients of investment managers can include individual investors as well as institutional investors such as educational institutions, insurance companies, pension funds, retirement plans, and governments. Investment managers can work with equities, bonds, and commodities, including precious metals like gold and silver.

Investment managers can have varied roles and responsibilities, depending on the firm, which can include:

Financial statement analysis

Portfolio allocation such as a proper mix of bonds and stocks

Equity research and buy and sell recommendations

Financial planning and advising

Estate and retirement planning as well as asset distribution

Investment Banking

Investment bankers help with corporate finance needs, such as raising funds or capital. Companies and governments hire investment bankers to facilitate complicated financial transactions, including:

Debt issuance such as a bond offering

New securities underwriting

Mergers and acquisitions

Initial public offerings (IPOs)

Investment banking can involve equity and security research and making buy, sell, and hold recommendations. Investment banking firms are also market makers, which provide liquidity or connect buyers and sellers to "make" the market.

Almost every investment banker starts out as an associate or analyst and hopes to put in enough years to reach a role as a vice president or managing director.

Special Considerations

Education and Skills

Competition for both careers is notoriously stiff. Investment banking firms are usually only interested in candidates who have graduated from top schools and who have worked previously with major corporate players. It's virtually impossible to find an investment banking associate position without an MBA and strong recommendations from respected professionals in the field. Investment management positions aren't quite as crowded by top applicants, but it's still very difficult to break into major firms.

Networking is very important and sometimes matters more than experience or academic bona fides. Many firms use internships as extensive application processes; in fact, some investment management and banking internships are more competitive than entry-level positions for corporate finance or research analyst positions.

Undergraduate degrees are preferred in business disciplines, such as finance, economics, accounting, or investment analysis, although degrees from other fields are considered. Some banks look for demonstrated analytical proficiency in specific sectors, like healthcare or pharmaceuticals.

Firms are generally looking a strong combination of the following skills and characteristics:

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Demonstrated independence and responsibility

Responsiveness and attention to detail

Negotiation and client management skills

Knowledge of investments, corporate finance and business negotiations (practical commercial expertise)

Advanced mathematical and technical skills

An ambitious, eager, get-it-done attitude

Salary

Investment banking and investment management jobs have attractive salaries and bonuses. Even the lowest-level investment banking analyst at a smaller firm can expect a first-year salary of $65,000 to $95,000 and a hefty signing bonus.

The average base pay for investment managers is $95,829 with salaries that can be as high as $180,000, according to glassdoor.com. Additional compensation averages $14,900, which includes commissions and bonuses.

The average base pay for investment bankers is $119,110 with salaries that can be as high as $235,000, according to glassdoor.com. Investment banking analysts make anywhere from $73,000 to 108,000.

Work-Life Balance

High-level investment jobs are highly concentrated in New York, London, and Tokyo. Even though there is some evidence of geographical shifts as the 21st century marches forward, it is still probable that a career in investment banking or investment management means moving to one of these three global financial hubs.

Workloads for investment managers vary. Those employed by mutual funds or hedge funds work when the stock market opens and closes. This can be a relatively short time if the firm is only active in one market, but those active in all three major exchanges can have very irregular. Private equity firms average much longer workdays, sometimes as many as 65 to 70 hours per week.

Investment bankers sometimes joke that they enjoy a nice "work-work" balance. Very few careers demand as much time and energy as investment banking; it's not uncommon to work 12- to 14-hour days for six or seven days a week. Despite the high salary and prestige afforded to an associate or analyst, many burn out and suffer physically and emotionally after a few years on the job. These roles are for career-minded people who may have little time for relaxing on weekends and spending time with family.

Occupational Outlook

These are very prestigious careers with huge salaries, so competition should remain very high for the foreseeable future. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that financial jobs such as analysts, bankers, and financial managers will experience 15% job growth between 2019 and 2029.

In all likelihood, a prospective banker or manager must decide on a firm-by-firm basis. Pay structures and workloads can vary, and the choice may hinge on the specifics of the role and the career goals of the individual.
What Is a Hedge Fund?

A hedge fund is a limited partnership of private investors whose money is managed by professional fund managers who use a wide range of strategies, including leveraging or trading of non-traditional assets, to earn above-average investment returns.

Hedge fund investment is often considered a risky alternative investment choice and usually requires a high minimum investment or net worth, often targeting wealthy clients.

Key Takeaways Hedge funds are actively managed alternative investments that commonly use risky investment strategies.

Hedge fund investment requires a high minimum investment or net worth from accredited investors.

Hedge funds charge higher fees than conventional investment funds.

Common hedge fund strategies depend on the fund manager and include equity, fixed-income, and event-driven goals.



1:51 Introduction To Hedge Funds

Understanding the Hedge Fund

The term "hedge fund" defines this investment instrument as the manager of the fund often creating a hedged bet by investing a portion of assets in the opposite direction of the fund's focus to offset any losses in its core holdings.

A hedge fund that focuses on a cyclical sector such as travel, may invest a portion of its assets in a non-cyclical sector such as energy, aiming to use the returns of the non-cyclical stocks to offset any losses in cyclical stocks.

Hedge funds use riskier strategies, leverage assets, and invest in derivatives such as options and futures. The appeal of many hedge funds lies in the reputation of their managers in the closed world of hedge fund investing.

An investor in a hedge fund is commonly regarded as an accredited investor, which requires a minimum level of income or assets. Typical investors include institutional investors, such as pension funds, insurance companies, and wealthy individuals.

Investments in hedge funds are considered illiquid as they often require investors to keep their money in the fund for at least one year, a time known as the lock-up period. Withdrawals may also only happen at certain intervals such as quarterly or bi-annually.

Types of Hedge Funds

Hedge funds target select investments and pools of securities primed for gains. Four common types of hedge funds include:

Global macro hedge funds are actively managed funds that attempt to profit from broad market swings caused by political or economic events.

An equity hedge fund may be global or specific to one country, investing in lucrative stocks while hedging against downturns in equity markets by shorting overvalued stocks or stock indices.

A relative value hedge fund seeks to exploit temporary differences in the prices of related securities, taking advantage of price or spread inefficiencies.

An activist hedge fund aims to invest in businesses and take actions that boost the stock price which may include demands that companies cut costs, restructure assets or change the board of directors.



Common Hedge Fund Strategies

Hedge fund strategies cover a broad range of risk tolerance and investment philosophies using a large selection of investments, including debt and equity securities, commodities, currencies, derivatives, and real estate.

Common hedge fund strategies are classified according to the investment style of the fund's manager and include equity, fixed-income, and event-driven goals.

A long/short hedge fund strategy is an extension of pairs trading, in which investors go long and short on two competing companies in the same industry based on their relative valuations.

A fixed-income hedge fund strategy gives investors solid returns, with minimal monthly volatility and aims for capital preservation taking both long and short positions in fixed-income securities.

An event-driven hedge fund strategy takes advantage of temporary stock mispricing, spawned by corporate events like restructurings, mergers and acquisitions, bankruptcy, or takeovers.



How Do Hedge Funds Make Money?

Australian investor Alfred Winslow Jones is credited with launching the first hedge fund in 1949 through his company, A.W. Jones & Co. Raising $100,000, he designed a fund that aimed to minimize the risk in long-term stock investing by short-selling, now referred to as the long/short equities model.

In 1952, Jones converted his fund to a limited partnership, added a 20% incentive fee as compensation for the managing partner, and became the first money manager to combine short selling, the use of leverage, and a compensation system based on performance.

Today, hedge funds employ a standard "2 and 20" fee system, a 2% management fee, and a 20% performance fee.

The management fee is based on the net asset value of each investor's shares, so an investment of $1 million garners a $20,000 management fee that year to cover the operations of the hedge and compensate the fund manager.



The performance fee is commonly 20% of profits. If an investment of $1 million increases to $1.2 million in one year, $40,000 is the fee owed to the fund.



Hedge Fund vs. Mutual Fund

Hedge funds differ from mutual funds and hedge funds are not as strictly regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as mutual funds are.



Mutual funds are a practical cost-efficient way to build a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or short-term investments and are available to the general public and average investor.

Hedge funds can only accept money from accredited investors which includes individuals with an annual income that exceeds $200,000 or a net worth exceeding $1 million, excluding their primary residence. These investors are considered suitable to handle the potential risks that hedge funds are permitted to take.

A hedge fund can invest in land, real estate, stocks, derivatives, and currencies while mutual funds use stocks or bonds as their instruments for long-term investment strategies.

Unlike mutual funds where an investor can elect to sell shares at any time, hedge funds typically limit opportunities to redeem shares and often impose a locked period of one year before shares can be cashed in.

Hedge funds employ the 2% management fee and 20% performance fee structure. In 2021, the average expense ratio across all mutual funds and exchange-traded funds was 0.40% for the average investor.

What to Consider Before Investing

As investors research to identify hedge funds that meet their investment goals, they often consider the fund or firm's size, the track record and longevity of the fund, the minimum investment required to participate, and the redemption terms of the fund.

According to the SEC, investors should also do the following when deciding to invest in a hedge fund:

Read the hedge funds documents and agreements which contain information about investing in the fund, the strategies of the fund, the location of the fund, and the risks anticipated by the investment.

Understand the level of risk involved in the funds investment strategies and that they equate with personal investing goals, time horizons, and risk tolerance.

Determine if the fund is using leverage or speculative investment techniques which will typically invest both the investors capital and the borrowed money to make investments.

Evaluate potential conflicts of interest disclosed by hedge fund managers and research the background and reputation of the hedge fund managers.

Understand how a funds assets are valued as hedge funds may invest in highly illiquid securities and valuations of fund assets will affect the fees that the manager charges.

Understand how a fund's performance is determined and whether it reflects cash or assets received by the fund as opposed to the managers estimate of the change in the value.

Understand any limitations to time restrictions imposed to redeem shares.

Examples of Hedge Funds

As of 2022, the most notable hedge funds include:

Elliot Management Corporation with a 55-year-long history and over $50 billion in assets under management (AUM). Its core holdings are in the energy sector.

Bridgewater Associates is a global leader, with more than $235 billion in assets AUM, and a rate of return of 32% for the first half of 2022.

 Man Group offers a mix of long/short equity funds, private market funds, real estate funds, multi-asset funds, and fixed funds and its core value is responsible investing, which it achieves through its funds compliance with environmental, social, and governance ESG investing goals.



What Tools Do Investors Use to Compare the Performance of Hedge Funds? Investors look at the annualized rate of return to compare funds and reveal funds with high expected returns. To establish guidelines for a specific strategy, an investor can use an analytical software package such as Morningstar to identify a universe of funds using similar strategies.



How Do Hedge Funds Compare to Other Investments? Hedge funds, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) all are pools of money contributed by many investors that aim to earn a profit for themselves and their clients. Hedge funds are actively managed by professional managers who buy and sell certain investments with the stated aim of exceeding the returns of the markets, or some sector or index of the markets. Hedge funds aim for the greatest possible returns and take the greatest risks while trying to achieve them. They are more loosely regulated than competing products, with the flexibility to invest in options and derivatives and esoteric investments that mutual funds cannot.



Why Do People Invest in Hedge Funds? A wealthy individual who can afford to diversify into a hedge fund might be attracted to the reputation of its manager, the specific assets in which the fund is invested, or the unique strategy that it employs.

The Bottom Line

Hedge fund investment is considered a risky alternative investment choice and requires a high minimum investment or net worth from accredited investors. Hedge fund strategies include investment in debt and equity securities, commodities, currencies, derivatives, and real estate. Hedge funds are loosely regulated by the SEC and earn money from their 2% management fee and 20% performance fee structure.
Want to escape the United States and the Donald Trump presidency? Why not relocate to Ireland!

If you're (still) unhappy with the 2016 election result, all hope is not lost. As previously featured on IrishCentral, Inishturk Island off the Irish coast extended an open invitation to those who dread the thought of President Trump to relocate to their sparsely populated island, and an incredible amount of Americans have shown an interest in taking them up on the offer.

Read More: Top reasons to make the move to Ireland

While beautiful, Inishturk may not be for everybody, however, so IrishCentral has put together a more general escape root for those hoping to make a speedy exit.

Why not make that yearly trip to Ireland a more permanent arrangement? Here it is - your guide to moving to Ireland:

Where in Ireland do you want to live?





Youve decided to move to Ireland, but where exactly in Ireland should you make your home? If you dont have any family members currently living in a particular part of the country, the world (or at least Ireland) is your oyster but there are some things you should keep in mind. While the idea of retiring to the remotest of remote places in the countryside may seem like a good idea at first, if you cant drive then youre in trouble.

Public transport in many rural areas can be hit and miss at best, with older people left to take long journeys by bus to hospital appointments and not a cab service in sight. You should also think about how far away you want to be from an airport, what job opportunities are in certain regions, what kind of schools youd like your children to attend (many Irish schools are Catholic), and how far away from stores, banks etc. youd like to be.

Cost is a huge factor within this. Accommodation in Co. Leitrim is not going to cost you as much as somewhere in Dublin. You may have to spend a lot more on gas if living in the country, however, as you'll have to drive a lot more. Weigh up which lifestyle would suit you best before making a final decision.

The decision to move to Northern Ireland will also create a difference in terms of where youll be applying for a visa and it will bring its own cultural differences that should be taken into account. As the six Northern Ireland counties are technically part of the UK, you'd be required to apply for a UK visa and not an Irish one. In the aftermath of Brexit and the current climate of confusion regarding the future of the Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland border and immigration to the UK, it will be a hard call to make.

Read More: How hard is it to move to Ireland as an American?

What type of accommodation in Ireland are you looking for?





While its a good idea to have visited the village, town, or city you wish to move to at least once before you move, to get a feel for the neighborhood and attempt to line up accommodation, temporary accommodation is an option. A downside would be, of course, how difficult this could be to coordinate if you plan on bringing most of your US possessions with you. (Do you want to move twice within a short space of time?)

To save yourself money on expensive hostels, hotels, short-term leases and to avoid the sense of floundering on arrival, wed advise that you know where youll be living before you make the move. It doesnt always happen but with websites such as Daft.ie and the Real Estate Alliance offering advice on buying property in Ireland, you can at least research well before taking the plunge.

It should be noted that many rented places can also come furnished in Ireland so thats one less thing to worry about.

Acquiring an Irish visa





As an American citizen, this is possibly the most difficult and uncertain part of the whole moving to Ireland process, but checking with your nearest Irish embassy is a good place to start.

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) was established in 2005 in order to provide a one stop shop in relation to asylum, immigration, citizenship, and visas. You can explore the options personally available to you here and browse through some FAQ here.

US citizens can travel to Ireland without a visa for three months but any plan to stay longer than that and you have three main options: go to Ireland to work, to study, or to retire.

The D-visa is a single-entry long-term visa allowing you to travel to Ireland to pursue a course of study, to work or to settle permanently in Ireland with family members who are already residents. (More information can be found here.)

Read more: Mayo and the Cliffs of Moher tours

Studying: One option is to enroll in a course of study but if you plan on staying in Ireland long-term, unfortunately, years spent in the country as a student are not counted as years of residence when applying for citizenship.

Working: To be completely honest, if looking for a work visa, it is difficult and there are many reasons why you may not be able to acquire a permit. Youll need to have a job lined up before applying for the visa and convincing a company to hire you instead of an EU citizen may be hard. If you do manage to find a job, the chances of you getting a work visa are higher if you earn more. If you earn less than 30,000, for example, it becomes much more difficult.

You can check out the two largest Irish job sites to see whats available at IrishJobs.ie, or try browsing LinkedIn.

You can check out Irish job sites like IrishJobs.ie, or browse LinkedIn, to see whats available.

Retiring: Although one-third of Irish Americans would like to retire in Ireland, new rules implemented in 2015 make it increasingly difficult.

The new rule requires that retirees have an annual income of no less than $55,138 (50,000) per person,($110,276/100,000 for a married couple) for the remainder of their lives in Ireland, regardless of their existing cash on hand or lack of debt. While INIS is currently finishing up a review of these rules that could see the required income levels drop, the numbers they've proposed are still quite high and will be above the means of many.

If you chose to move to a county within Northern Ireland, this process will be different as you will need to apply for a visa to the UK and submit your application to the UK home office. You can start your application for settling in the UK (Northern Ireland) indefinitely here.

There is also a range of work or study visas available on the UK's Home Office website.

Read more: Galway and the West tours

Apply for Irish citizenship





It never hurts to try and you may be surprised to learn you qualify. The US also allows dual citizenship with Ireland so no need to give up being an American in case you ever wish to return. You can find more info here.

If applying for citizenship in the UK, dual citizenship is also allowed. You can find more information on UK citizenship here.

Read More: Irish New Year's resolutions: How to apply for Irish citizenship

Renew your passport before you leave

If you're successful in acquiring a visa and plan to live in Ireland for a few years, save yourself the future hassle and check when it expires before you leave. Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your intended date of departure from Ireland and if you enter the state on a visa and then travel abroad, you will need another visa to re-enter the state. Plan ahead.

Read More: How to get an Irish passport if you're not yet an Irish citizen

How much will it cost?





It will depend on each case and depend on whether you have a job lined up or not. You will need a large chunk of savings to keep you going without a job. Wed advise taking the cost of your accommodation into consideration and always planning for the worst.

Ireland is also quite an expensive place to live in. When I first moved to New York, I was paying as much rent on my apartment here as I would in Dublin and in the capital city especially, things are only getting worse.

If you move all of your possessions from the US, you will have to pay to ship them, but if you leave them behind, youll need to judge how long you can last without them for in Ireland.

One other big cost to take into consideration is the possibility that you may also need to buy a car, depending on the area in which you chose to live.

Read More: How can you retire to Ireland from America

What to bring to Ireland with you?





It will again depend on where youre living, and how long you think your savings are going to last/how long you can survive without something in Ireland.

For some recommendations, you can check out this interesting piece previously published on IrishCentral - Things we wish wed brought when we moved to Ireland (and what we shouldve left behind).

Embrace the differences!





When I moved to the US, I was taken aback by how much of a culture shock it was. I thought I knew all about American life but I was very wrong and Im sure that the same can be said in reverse.

In moving to Ireland, youve avoided Trump, but you still might not agree completely with how we run things. Gun laws are strict, higher taxes pay for social welfare and health care, and we have a strong relationship with the European Union.

If you cant deal with any of these things (heres looking at you, Bill OReilly) you may want to rethink your move. It will be hard at the start to adjust to the new culture but eventually, even if you dont agree with everything, you will learn to agree to disagree (as I have with many, many American ways of life I don't understand)! There are plenty of benefits to make up for it.

Read more: Dublin and surrounding areas tours

Enjoy!





The weather might not be great and we have our own issues with our government - see the narrowly avoided strike planned by the country's police officers last week, the aforementioned housing crisis, and concerns about our tax plan with Apple - but what with the people, the food, the culture, the sport, the drink, and the craic, theres plenty to enjoy about life in Ireland.

Whether you prefer the outdoor lifestyle or sitting in with the literary greats, Ireland has all you need.

Read More: Ready to move to Ireland? Resources, support has never been easier to come across

And lastly  Request an absentee ballot!





So you can make sure to support whoever is running against Trump if it happens all over again in 2020!

* Originally published in March 2016.

Read more: Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way tours

Have you ever made the move to Ireland? Do you have any advice? Let us know in the comments section, below.
The British Dental Association Northern Ireland has backed moves among MLAs to consult on the introduction of a tax on the sugary drinks that are fuelling an avoidable epidemic of decay.

Northern Ireland has the worst oral health in the U.K., with 72 percent of 15-year-olds having tooth decay, compared with 44 percent in England and 63 percent in Wales. There is a well-established association between poor oral health and socio-economic deprivation.

It remains unclear if the U.K. government will pursue any measures on sugar tax in its long awaited obesity strategy. The BDA is calling on all governments to keep all options on the table.

Roz McMullan, chair of the BDAs Northern Ireland Council, said, Its great to see real leadership on the sugar crisis from the Assembly.

Every day dentists are seeing the results of an avoidable epidemic, with tooth decay now the leading cause of hospital admissions among our children. Government should consider everything within its powers to tackle this preventable disease and reduce the misery it is causing our children, young people and their parents. That means keeping every option on the table, whether its action on education, marketing, or taxation.

- Ballymena Times.
A petition to have the New York City Department of Education reschedule parent teacher conferences scheduled for St. Patricks Day, March 17, has been launched on Change.org.

The petition states, Brian ODwyer, senior partner at ODwyer and Bernstien, announced on February 19 that the firm filed, on behalf of Frank J. Schorn, a teacher in the public schools of New York, a charge at the New York City Human Rights Commission alleging that the New York City Department of Education had violated Schorns civil rights by scheduling parent teacher conferences on St. Patricks Day of 2016.

Schorn and other Irish American teachers in the New York City school system are obligated by contract to participate in parent teacher conferences. As a result of this scheduling, Irish American teachers have been denied the opportunity to participate in the New York City St. Patricks Day parade in particular. The parade has been found by the United States Courts to be not only a celebration of Irish heritage but a religious activity celebrating the feast day of the patron saint of the Archdiocese of New York, St. Patrick.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the petition had 738 signatures.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said that the conferences wouldnt be rescheduled.
Security services on both sides of the border have been on high alert over a threatened hijacking of Ireland's centenary commemorations by dissident republicans.

In the last two months the danger has been warned of at least twice by experienced officers.

The big concern is that terrorist splinter groups will attempt a spectacular as Ireland honours those who fought and died in the 1916 Easter Rising - a bloody rebellion against Britain which the dissidents claim to keep alive.

Among these small but lethal renegade groups are the Continuity IRA, the Real IRA, "new" IRA and Oglaigh na hEireann (ONH).

While an attack on Irish soil is virtually unheard of, any one of these closely monitored hardcore factions would look upon preparations to mark the Rising on Sunday March 27 as fertile ground to justify murder.

It would also garner huge publicity with an estimated 250,000 people lining the streets of Dublin and an international audience for the biggest commemoration the Irish state has ever seen.

President Michael D Higgins will lead a series of events over several hours from honouring the executed rebel leaders such as Patrick Pearse and James Connolly in Kilmainham Gaol to the raising of the Tricolour and reading the Proclamation at the GPO on O'Connell Street.

Dissident terrorist numbers are small but in the ceasefire era they have routinely attracted disaffected youth in disadvantaged estates in Northern Ireland.

One of Ireland's most senior police officers, Assistant Garda Commissioner John O'Mahoney, warned in January that the threat of an attack around the period of commemorations was "very much in mind".

A similar assessment was made by PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr a year earlier and only weeks ago the Police Federation for Northern Ireland expressed the same fears after shots were fired at officers in Lurgan, Co Armagh.

There has also been repeated disruption to the Dublin-Belfast rail line in recent months.

It would not be the first time that dissidents tried to use historically significant events to launch a spectacular.

During the Queen's visit to Ireland in 2011, what the Real IRA called the "final insult", a number of suspects were arrested and a pipe bomb was found on a bus bound for Dublin on the first day of the trip.

A number of people are awaiting trial in the Special Criminal Court in Dublin in relation to incidents.
A draft document from the European Commission seen by Reuters also suggests Chinas market economic status be viewed in the context of strengthening EU defences against unfair trade practices in the steel sector.

The commission, the EU executive, has to decide by December whether to grant China market economy status, a status that would limit the EUs power to impose duties on excessively cheap Chinese imports.

The overcapacity of steel is a major bone of contention and will be the subject of a meeting in Beijing next week between EU and Chinese negotiators.

Negotiators are considering linking the EUs decision on granting China market economy status to a higher drop in Chinese steel overcapacity, an EU official involved in the talks said, conceding that no final decision has been taken on the negotiating strategy. A spokesman for the commission declined to comment.

EU data shows it has imposed sanctions in 37 cases of steel exported to Europe at dumped prices, of which 16 are on products coming from China.

China has an overcapacity in the steel sector of 400 million tonnes, the EU document shows, more than double the total annual EU steel production of around 170m tonnes. Much of the surplus is exported to Europe, with a 53% increase in steel imports from China last year, according to an EU draft communication on EU steel industry challenges, which the commission plans to release on March 16.

China has already made some moves. Trade minister Gao Hucheng said China has committed to decrease the steel output by between 100 and 150m tons in a letter sent in February to the EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom.

This is too little. Even if China respected the engagement in full, it would still have an overcapacity that is larger than the total EU steel output, the EU official said.

EU countries are urging the commission to enhance defences against cheap steel imports. Ministers from Germany, Britain, France, and Italy, EUs four biggest economies, were among the signatories of a joint letter in February calling for increased action to relieve the ailing steel industry.

Europe has lost 85,000 steel jobs since 2008, over 20% of the workforce, according to industry body Eurofer, as prices crashed to decade lows due to overcapacity, shrinking demand, and a flood of cheap imports, mostly from China.

Reuters
Chartered Accountants Irelands head of taxation, Brian Keegan, said the social media giants decision to book the majority of its British sales through its UK office was probably driven by forthcoming changes to the global taxation environment.

The move will see Facebook handle more sales through its UK operations and consequently pay more tax in that jurisdiction, while having the opposite effect on its Irish business, which acts as the companys international headquarters.

I dont think its necessarily a problem with the Irish tax environment.

I think whats happened is that theres been a raft of stuff coming from the OECD.

I suspect that were seeing a certain amount of activity from multinationals gearing up in advance of those changes, said Mr Keegan.

I think, as well, were looking at charging tax by reputation as much as by regulation.

We had an instance only in the last couple of weeks where Google agreed to pay significant additional amounts of tax to the UK governing authorities without any apparent legal basis, except to get public opinion off their backs.

I expect that theres going to be significant restructuring by multinationals as the OECD proposals roll forward. I think were at the start of a process and its a process where theres going to be winners and losers.

My instinct is that even the whole purpose of these OECD proposals, which have been largely adopted now in principle by the OECD countries, is to get multinationals to restructure the way they do things.

That was their whole intention, so Ive no doubt were going to see [more] changes like these rolling forward in the next year, 18 months, two years.

Some of them will be towards countries like Ireland; some of them will be moving business out of countries like Ireland  its just the way its going to be.

Facebook said on Monday that it will start notifying large UK customers that from the start of April they will receive invoices from Facebook UK and not Facebook Ireland.

What this means in practice is that UK sales made directly by our UK team will be booked in the UK and not Ireland. Facebook UK will then record revenue from these sales.

In light of changes to tax law in the UK, we felt this change would provide transparency to Facebooks operations in the UK, said a spokesperson, adding that the move had been in development for some time.

The company faced wide scale criticism in the UK late last year when it emerged it paid just 4,327 (5,591) in corporation tax in 2014.

It also faced criticism in Ireland for paying tax of 3.4m on profits of 12.8m in 2014, despite revenues of 4.8bn.

Ian Dodson, co-founder of the Digital Marketing Institute, said Facebooks move was unlikely to have a significant impact on its Irish operations.

The people that are throwing their arms in the air and crying sackcloth and ashes that were going to lose Facebook, I think theyre just being extreme.

Facebook are not about to move a couple of thousand employees out of Ireland on the back of something like this, Mr Dodson said.
New accounts filed for the year to the end of June last show Harvey Norman Trading (Ireland) Ltd reduced its losses to 6.2m as revenues increased by 8% to 161.3m.

Chief executive Blaine Callard said he expected the business to turn a profit next year after it broke several sales records over the Christmas period.

Harvey Norman consistently stated its commitment to Ireland. And its our firm expectation the Irish operation will return to profit in this financial year.

The shape of Christmas is changing with the increasing influence of Black Friday which has become a prominent sales date in the retail calendar. We broke several sales records over the Christmas period and saw significant online sales growth, Mr Callard said.

The businesss directors said they were pleased with the results which they anticipate will improve again throughout 2016.

The directors are satisfied with the reduction in the underlying operating loss. This result reflects the continuing trend within the Irish business of material loss reduction, this being the sixth year of loss reduction within the Irish business. The directors are confident the trend will continue, the directors report reads.

Gross profit during 2015 also increased by 7.7m to 52.4m  an improvement of 17.2%  while its gross profit margin also increased to 32.5% in the year. The directors key focus is to continue to take measures to ensure the company capitalises on the improving economy.

A strong focus on our omni-channel offering, growth in sales, continued strengthening of market shares, and a focus on operational efficiencies and brand awareness will maintain the path to restored profitability, the directors report continued.

The company also stated it would look to optimise its cash flow through maintaining tight controls over inventory levels and costs across all parts of its business.

The companys operating lease rentals decreased from 12.8m to 12.4m in the year.

The retailers staff costs increased from 24.5m to 25.9m last year as staff numbers increased by just over 30 to more than 755.
Worldview is a 29% share- holder. It has been in dispute with the Petroceltic board for more than 18 months.

Earlier yesterday, Skye Investments, the investment vehicle headed by Petroceltic chairman Robert Adair, which owns a 19% stake in the firm, said the latest takeover offer from Worldview undervalued the company. Worldviews petition came before Mr Justice Brian McGovern yesterday.
It was a case study in how to lose an election, a mixture of arrogance and tin-eared disconnect, combined with a lurking bruised populace (or whingers as the Taoiseach would have us known) unwilling to believe that the recovery existed, never mind had been kept going.

Behavioural economics has a fair degree of traction now as the driving paradigm of how we should interrogate the economy.

It has, perhaps, not yet reached the point where it is the mainstream but it nonetheless has some useful findings which shed light on the results.

Perhaps the main precept of behavioural economics is that around what is known as prospect theory.

This, for which a Nobel Prize was awarded, tells us how people (whingers) feel about losses and gains. Put simply, we dont treat them the same  we feel our losses more keenly than we appreciate our gains.

It is this that lies at the heart of the problem for the coalition.

Capital formation and personal consumption took a massive hammering in the deflation of the bubble. Since then they have risen pallidly if at all.

Since 2011, over the nearly 20 quarters, personal consumption has risen by just over 9%.

That is, in effect, flat. It remains below the peak.

People do not feel the recovery there. As a consequence, they feel, at best indifferent to and at worse feel that there has been deterioration in their position.

The scars of the deflating of the bubble, fading though they be, are still hurting more than the sickly rise in personal spending.

Whether this is fair or not to the coalition, it is where they were.

This is reinforced by the Central Bank data on household wealth. Much of the rise in household net worth over the last few years has been on the basis of increases in pension pots or on the basis of house prices. Neither of these feed into immediate consumption or utility.

The fall in household net worth, from about 800bn to about 600bn over the 2007-2012 period hurts a lot more than the rise back to about 750bn now.

The 200bn loss greatly outweighs the 150bn gain.

Again, this may be unfair to the coalition, but there it is.

Talk about macroeconomic aggregates doesnt cut it with people who still bear the scars of the crash.

A further element that is clear from behavioural economics is that fairness is something that matters.

Fairness and trust are really important elements of economic exchange.

There is increasing evidence that people are not, contrary to the precepts of traditional economics, self interested only.

Put simply, while we greatly value our own utility we also gain utility from the utility of others.

Put even simpler, economics has discovered that which Thatcher denied existed, society.

An important element is that people converge to some degree of fairness in society.

In simple games of giving and receiving we find people willing to exchange fairly substantial portions of wealth.

This is borne out by the findings of the exit polls, which showed much greater concern for fairness issues  health in particular  than for tax cuts.

Homelessness was seen as more important than tax cuts.

People wanted fairness and competency and there was scant evidence of either from Fine Gael in particular.

They have squandered decades of perception of being a competent economic managerial crew.

They have continued this with the shenanigans around Irish Water.

They and Renua exemplify the words of Keynes: Practical men who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist. Madmen in authority, who hear voices in the air, are distilling their frenzy from some academic scribbler of a few years back.

Reaching back to the tax cutting-tropes of the heirs of Arthur Laffer, and the neo-Thatcherite self-interested economic man, they missed the recent revolution in how people think and ran into the revolution of 2016.
However, the supermarket giant under pressure from German discount retailers Aldi and Lidl  has not convinced the Labour Court, which has recommended that it pay the bonus to staff which can range from 400 to 1,000 per employee.

The court has also recommended a 2% pay increase backdated to last April for the companys 14,000-plus employees.

Union representatives Mandate and Siptu were seeking a 3% pay rise for staff and the payment of the withheld bonus.

Tesco told the court that it continues to experience a year-on-year decrease in its sales position and therefore an increase in rates of pay is not feasible at this time.

The company said that with the exception of certain employees who had a guaranteed bonus payment  believed to be around one third of employees  it is not in a financial position to award a bonus to all staff.

The Labour Court recommended the payment of the bonus  1.5% of an employees annual earnings  and the 2% pay rise.

Tesco said the recommendation is under consideration.

Welcoming the recommendation, Mandates Brendan OHanlon said: Given that they are the second biggest retailer in the country with around a 25% market share, I believe that they are extremely profitable and that they are in a position to pay and that it is a case of wont pay rather than cant pay.
Kathy OHare, who returned from volunteering on Wednesday, criticised how the authorities tried to clear the camp and how they handled the relocation of the thousands of migrants who lived at there.

It was very surreal to watch the camp being bulldozed by the French authorities, who had gone to court to get an order to handle the matter humanely. There was nothing human about what happened Monday morning, I was shocked and horrified by what I witnessed, she said. Ms OHare said trouble started as she was working on the digital radio station within the camp.
The Queen of England was due to visit the Rock of Cashel the day after the warnings were made, the court also heard.

Kevin Power, 38, with an address at Railway St, Passage West, Co Cork, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation within the State styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on December 19, 2011.

Yesterday at the three-judge, non-jury court, David Maher, a security officer at Cork University Hospital, told prosecuting counsel Vincent Heneghan BL that on May 19, 2011, between 1.55am and 2.05am, he received a phone-call warning of a bomb.

The caller, speaking in a Northern accent, said he was a member of the republican movement and that there were bombs at a UCC car-park and the Rock of Cashel, the court heard.

Mr Maher said after the warning he called the gardai.

A volunteer with the Samaritans also gave evidence that, on the same night, at 1.59am, he received a call.

The caller said there was an active device at UCC and he gave the Samaritan volunteer a codeword, Heather Bay, the court heard.

Detective Sergeant William Blaney told the court that one of the warnings was about the Rock of Cashel and that he knew the Queen was due to visit the following day.

Earlier, opening the prosecution case, Mr Heneghan told the court that after the calls had been received and the gardai contacted, UCCs car park was searched and a detective found what he believed to be a grenade.

He said the evidence will be that the grenade was non-viable and for training purposes within the army. The court will also hear evidence the device had been put into a plastic bag and fingerprints were found on the outside on the bag.
Prison authorities have records of a previous warning that he was under threat for the 2012 murder of Vincents brother, Alan Ryan, the then Dublin leader of the Real IRA.

The Irish Examiner understands that while the criminal figure has been moved between a number of small protection areas within the prison, his status has not changed since February 18  before the murder of Vincent Ryan last Monday.

Sources said that if a fresh death threat had been made against him for the Vincent Ryan murder, he would most likely have been moved to a designated maximum security wing within the same prison.

In the mini-protection areas he has been in, he is free to associate with other protection prisoners. The criminal boss has been on protection in the prison since he was transferred there from another jail last November for his own safety.

It is further understood that he is on an enhanced regime, the highest of three categories prisoners can attain  the others being standard and basic.

Those on an enhanced regime have greater access to Sky Sports, Playstation, more family visits and phone calls, and more pocket money.

Enhanced regime status is given to prisoners to reward good behaviour, co-operation with prison services and no P19s (or disciplinary records).

Vincent Ryan

Detectives investigating Vincent Ryans death have been in contact with prison management regarding the identities of every person the criminal has met in recent months.

Prison intelligence staff are also understood to have supplied gardai with the names of known associates of the criminal  and, in turn, who has visited them.

In addition, gardai are examining whether or not any of these individuals had access to, or used, smuggled mobile phones.

Sources told the Irish Examiner that Vincent Ryan, a 25-year-old father of a newborn girl, was a member of the Real IRA in Dublin and had not been kicked out, unlike some of his previous close associates.

A number of them were subjected to internal punishment attacks. Another associate, Declan Smith, was shot dead in March 2014, although it is not clear if it was by dissidents or criminals. Gardai are drawing up a policing plan for Vincent Ryans funeral next Tuesday in Donaghmede, north Dublin.

Sources expect the Real IRA will put on a show, but are trying to ensure there is no repeat of Alan Ryans funeral, when shots were fired over his coffin.

Gardai are concerned the Real IRA will seek revenge once the funeral is over. The Special Branch is monitoring 20-plus core members of the group in Dublin.
PSNI commanders expressed fears that violent dissidents are intent on killing security force members as a perverse way of commemorating the landmark anniversary.

The 52-year-old prison officer, a married father- of-three, required surgery after an explosive device detonated under the van he was driving to work in Belfast yesterday morning.

His condition was described as stable. The long-serving officer is based at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre in south Belfast and works as a trainer for new recruits to the NI Prison Service.

PSNI assistant chief constable Stephen Martin said he was extremely concerned about an upsurge in dissident activity ahead of the centenary commemorations.

Mr Martin said while the terror threat level in Northern Ireland had been categorised as severe for a number of years he was now describing it as the upper end of severe.

I believe there are people within dissident republican groupings who want to mark this centenary by killing police officers, prison officers and soldiers.

I am saying that publicly. I am saying it deliberately, and I am saying I need the help of the community. That is not inevitable, this does not need to happen, but we need the support of the community.
The boys father echoed that plea to Judge Tim Lucey at the juvenile sitting of Cork District Court yesterday.

I lost a son through suicide. I just want you to remand him in custody for a week, the boys father said.

Judge Lucey said the courts could not operate like that.

The boys father then said, He is going to kill himself or kill someone else.

Judge Lucey said he was very sympathetic to the young man and his father. The judge said that when he started in practice as a lawyer it was not unusual for judges to remand someone in custody for a week to give them a taste of prison in the hope that it would curb their behaviour. However, Judge Lucey said the higher courts in Ireland rightly did not allow such an approach and he could not simply remand the youth in custody when it was not merited on the facts of the case.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said the boys father and mother  who were both present in court yesterday  were trying to do right by their son. The defendants father said his son had a lot of charges coming against him for breaking into many properties in Co Waterford.

The only matters before Cork District Court yesterday were two counts of being drunk and a danger, and one of damaging the fly-window of a car. Inspector Gary McPolin said the teenager broke into a parked car and was so drunk he could not get out of it at Gurranabraher on February 25. The other drunken incident occurred a fortnight earlier at St Finbarr Street, Cork.

Mr Burke said the accused had mental health and substance abuse issues: He is going nowhere fast and his parents are very, very worried.

Judge Lucey said that in the absence of any previous convictions and the nature of the offences to which the accused pleaded guilty and his age he was entitled to have the case dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act.

Mr Burke said the family had hoped the boy would be remanded in custody for a week for fear of what would happen. Judge Lucey said, That is a risk we have to take.

The defendant commented: Risking my life.

His father said: I am begging you, your honour.

When it was clear that the accused was not being remanded in custody, the boys father walked out of court saying his son would end up killing someone or killing himself.
Aaron Daly, aged 20, was out with his girlfriend and their friends when the group came across then 20-year-old Jamie Kelly and her friends. Dalys group started shouting comments and Ms Kelly approached them about it.

She was walking away when a glass bottle was thrown in her direction. The bottle smashed and a piece of glass cut Ms Kellys arm, so she returned to the group and confronted them.

She subsequently told gardai she has no recollection of what happened next because she was knocked out.

Ms Kelly was treated in hospital for a large cut above her left eye and swelling. She was too embarrassed to leave her house for a number of days because of her injuries.

Daly, of Primrose Grove, Darndale, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting Ms Kelly causing her harm at Marigold Crescent, Darndale, on April 21, 2013. He was 17 at the time and has no previous convictions.

Judge Martin Nolan said it was a severe punch to the face which rendered Ms Kelly unconscious. He said there was no excuse for what Daly did.

Last October Judge Nolan had ordered a report from the Probation Service to see if Daly was suitable for community service and told him to have 1,500 in court for Ms Kelly on that date.

Yesterday, Judge Nolan noticed that the report was positive.

He ordered Daly to carry out 200 hours of community service over the next year in lieu of an 18-month prison sentence. The 1,500 was also paid over.

Sgt Damien Mangan told Lorcan Staines, prosecuting, that Ms Kellys friend witnessed the assault and later told gardai that Daly hit the victim a ferocious dig in the face and knocked her out.

Aoife Nickle, defending, said her client was ashamed of his behaviour. She said he had since become a father and was also diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2014.
It comes as Carlow-Kilkenny TD John McGuinness added his name to the list of Fianna Fail TDs hoping to be nominated for the sought-after ceann comhairle position.

Although party leader Micheal Martin has been making contact with smaller parties and Independents, senior party members including finance spokesman Michael McGrath believe proper discussions will not begin until late next week.

The Dail will resume on Thursday when Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Mr Martin, Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, and a member of the AAA-PBP will be put forward as leader of the new government.

A ceann comhairle is also expected to be elected on that day. Fianna Fails Mr McGuinness last night put his name in the hat, bringing to five the number of people within his party who have sought the nomination.

Fianna Fail will meet early next week to decide on whether to put forward Mr McGuinness, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Michael Moynihan, Brendan Smith, or Sean O Fearghail.

Mr McGuinness said: Its all very uncertain. We were asked for expressions of interest before 5pm and I expressed interest; that makes it five. Where it goes from there, we will have to see.

Mr Martin has been buoyed by the number of party TDs elected and appears determined to get as much support as possible from Independents and others ahead of next weeks taoiseach nomination.

Although Mr Martin had initiated informal discussions with the smaller parties and Independents since Tuesday, it is understood Mr Kenny only began making contact with potential supporters yesterday.

But Cork South Central TD Mr McGrath said the true business of forming a new government will only begin after Thursday  a view echoed by prominent party members yesterday.

Mr McGrath added that it is not tenable to allow a caretaker government to remain in place for long as there were major issues in housing and healthcare that must be addressed.

We have to have a government in place with authority and the capacity to address the issues of concern to the Irish people, he said. Obviously, our preference is to have a Fianna Fail-led government with Micheal Martin as taoiseach, but we also realise our standing  we are going in with 44 seats.

We have given our party leader backing to go out there and talk to smaller parties and independents, he said, but negotiations enter a new phase at that stage.

Mr Martin has already spoken to the Social Democrats, the Green Party and a smattering of Independents, to the Healy-Rae brothers, Michael Collins, Katherine Zappone, and the Independent Alliance.

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE
Stephen Comey, aged 29, has 70 previous convictions and had been released from prison six weeks prior to this offence. Comey, of Pearse House, Pearse St, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawful seizure of a car, assault causing harm, and possession of a syringe, in the north inner city on May 12, 2014.

The court heard he has a tragic background but was now anxious to rehabilitate.

Judge Patricia Ryan noted that Comey had made great efforts to rehabilitate himself while in custody for this offence and now had the support of his family. She said she wanted him to have a plan in place for when he leaves custody.

Judge Ryan ordered an updated probation report and said she will finalise sentencing in April.

Sergeant David Wogan said a Chinese couple had parked their car in the city centre and the husband went to get a parking ticket, leaving the keys in the ignition. His wife, who was seven and a half months pregnant, stayed in the passenger seat.

She had removed her seatbelt and was turning to get a coat when the drivers door opened and a man shouted at her to get out. The car started moving and she had no chance to get out. She tried to put the gear stick into neutral but Comey punched her to the face.

The woman said the punching persisted and she did not know how many times she was hit. She tried getting out of the car and called for help. She was crying and very upset.

During the struggle the man shouted at her and tried to push her out of the car while it was in motion. She felt unable to jump out because of her pregnancy.

Sgt Wogan said gardai saw the silver Audi being driven erratically at speed, with the front passenger door open.

They saw Comey in the car having a physical altercation with the distressed woman, and the womans husband in the street, chasing the car.

Comey grabbed a mobile phone from the car before exiting and was put to the ground by arresting gardai, who found a syringe in his possession.

Anne Marie Lawlor BL, defending, said her client was now drug-free and had been using his time in custody wisely. He was doing extremely well and was anxious to avail of any chance to rehabilitate.

She handed in a comprehensive psychiatric report on Comey and his tragic background.
The first-time TD who won a seat in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency for Sinn Fein is now hoping to make an impact in Leinster House by raising issues around childcare, housing, and health.

The Callan native was elected on the 10th count shortly after 11pm on Saturday.

However, she had to leave the centre mid-way through the count to perform a quick waltz in the nearby Lyrath Hotel in aid of charity.

I was doing a strictly lets dance for our local GAA club, John Lockes GAA in Kilkenny, she said.

It was a charity event so I had signed up to it weeks ago and it fell on the same day as the count, luckily enough the hotel was next door to the count centre, so I went and I did my dance and did the opening part of the show and then came back to the count. It was a great distraction during the day, Ms Funchion said.

She said that as a result her celebration pictures from the count centre involved loads of hair and loads of make-up.

Growing up she always had an interest in Irish history and first became involved in politics while studying for a degree in social science in Dublin.

I would have had a trade union background. My dad worked for Siptu and I worked for Siptu up until the weekend, so there would have always been a sense of social justice in the house, she said.

After missing out in the byelection last year she finally claimed a Leinster House seat on her fourth attempt after first running in the 2007 general election.

However, this time around the sitting councillor in Kilkenny City West polled 8,700 first preferences, which helped get her over the line.

She was joined at the count centre by deputy first minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness.

Coming from a trade union background she is interested in workers rights but would also relish the opportunity to act as a spokesperson on childrens rights, social protection or housing.

The mother of two young boys  Emmet who is nine and five-year-old Finn  is looking forward to a career in national politics but will also be making time for her children.

Emmet was only three months old in the 2007 election and I was pregnant with Finn in the 2011 election so they have grown up with it. When they see a poster going up for anything they say dont tell me there is another election going on!

I think it is about the quality of the time, you just have to keep going, Ms Funchion said.

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE
PJ Cahill was driving an ambulance which was transporting a patient from Co Cavan to Dublin when his friend, father of six Simon Sexton, fell out the ambulance side door and died.

Mr Cahill, aged 50, from Kilnagarbet, Stradone, Co Cavan, had sued his employers, the HSE, and the German manufacturer of the ambulance, Wietmarscher Ambulanz Und Sonderf Ahrzeug, for nervous shock after witnessing the accident on June 2, 2010.

He had claimed an ambulance was supplied which permitted the side door to open against the direction of travel and there was an alleged failure to ensure a motion lock was fitted to the door to ensure it could not be opened while the ambulance was in motion.

The claims were denied by both defendants. On the third day of the case yesterday, Miriam Reilly SC told the court the case had been resolved and could be struck out against both defendants.

Mr Justice Raymond Fullam complimented the sides and their legal advisers for resolving what he said was a difficult case for everybody.

During two days in the High Court, Mr Cahill told how he has survivors guilt after the accident.

The survivors guilt was hitting me all the time. I felt it was never ending thing, PJ Cahill told the High Court.

Three years ago, the HSE was fined 500,000 for health and safety breaches as a result of the paramedics death in June 2010. In a statement after the settlement and issued through Hayden Dolan & Co Solicitors, Mr Cahill said he was pleased the litigation had come to an end. In particular PJs thoughts are with Catherine Sexton, the widow of his life long friend and colleague Simon, and their six wonderful children, the statement said.

The paramedic also thanked his wife Bernie and their children along with his friends and work colleagues for their support.
The survey of people during the general election showed almost two-thirds of people want politicians to show leadership and deal proactively with the controversial issue.

Colm OGorman, director of the human rights group in Ireland, said the incoming government is being told to make abortion reform a priority. This poll demonstrates yet again that on the issue of abortion, Irelands people are way ahead of their political leaders, he said.

The incoming government cannot ignore the fact that the vast majority of Irish people want womens human rights to be respected. It must prioritise the expansion of access to abortion in Ireland without delay.

The Red C survey found: n 69% of people called for expansion of Irelands abortion law to be a priority issue for the next government, when dont knows and those who were neutral are excluded. n 68% described the ban on abortion as cruel and inhumane, also when undecideds and neutrals are excluded. n Politicians, anti-abortion groups, media and church leaders are the least trusted sources of information on the issue. n 87% of people want access to abortion expanded and 72% want it decriminalised. n More than half agreed that Irelands abortion laws are cruel and inhumane.

Amnesty said there were progressive views on abortion across all regions and socio-economic groups.

It said the survey showed two thirds of people think it is hypocritical for the constitution to ban abortion in Ireland while it is legal for women to travel abroad for the procedure.

Amnesty said the research showed that almost three-quarters of people surveyed believe the fact that women must travel for abortions discriminates against those who cannot afford to or are unable to travel.

Mr OGorman said: Almost three-quarters of respondents believe the Government should hold a referendum to allow people an opportunity to vote on whether or not to remove the Eighth Amendment.

In the election campaign Labour vowed to hold a referendum on the constitutional ban, as did Sinn Fein. The Anti-Austerity Alliance-People Before Profit grouping and the Social Democrats also favour removing the ban.

Fine Gael is much more cautious, preferring a constitutional convention to thrash out the issues, and Fianna Fail is opposed to the idea, declaring the issue is not a priority for the party.

The survey also found that of those in favour of expanding access to abortion in Ireland, 7% want it limited to fatal foetal abnormalities.

Cora Sherlock of the Pro-Life Campaign rejected Mr OGormans interpretation of the poll. Take the result showing 80% of respondents believe womens health must be the priority in any reform of Irelands abortion law. Thats a finding the Pro Life Campaign would wholeheartedly endorse. If it were acted upon, it would lead to the repeal of the 2013 abortion law that ignored all the medical evidence showing that abortion is not a treatment for suicidal feelings and can in fact be detrimental to womens health.

She said that the poll was obviously timed to influence negotiations on the formation of a government.
The Fine Gael leader has been told the issue is key for the Independent Alliance, the Healy-Rae brothers and others after meetings and phone calls over the past 24 hours and before others occur this weekend.

Speaking as Health Minister Leo Varadkar insisted Mr Kenny doesnt need to look over his shoulder and controversial Independent TD Michael Lowry said I wont need my arm twisted to give support if asked, the Taoiseach attempted to make up lost ground on Fianna Fail in the race to control the Dail.

However, having only started his search yesterday for non-Fine Gael help to win next Thursdays taoiseach nomination  five days after Micheal Martin began making calls  Mr Kenny is under pressure to receive the vital backing to not lose the first stage of a lengthy battle with the opposition party.

In a 90-minute meeting at Leinster House yesterday morning after a bruising seven-hour discussion with Fine Gael TDs the day before, Mr Kenny sought out the help of the six-TD Independent Alliance.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Alliance TDs Shane Ross, Finian McGrath, and John Halligan said the meeting focussed specifically on the groups 10-point charter for change.

The document emphasises the need for the next government to prioritise ending cronyism, Dail reform, keeping Ireland in the EU, broadband, and post office and garda station improvements for rural Ireland.

Its simply a matter of who takes the charter the most seriously, they said after confirming the Taoiseach will respond early next week and that the alliance is due to speak with Mr Martin.

The alliance is also planning to speak to Cork South West TD Michael Collins, Clare-based Dr Michael Harty and the Healy-Rae brothers this weekend to further increase its numbers and therefore put extra pressure on Mr Kenny to meet their demands.

Michael Healy-Rae told reporters yesterday he and his brother Danny believe there should be a minister sitting at the cabinet table with a responsibility for rural affairs and that they will side with whoever best reflects their needs.

Separately, controversial Independent TD Michael Lowry told the Irish Examiner last night that while he has yet to receive any calls I wont need my arm twisted to give support.

This is the time for everybody to put the countrys interests first, before party or personal, he said.

As the race for Dail support continued yesterday, Fine Gael was still trying to come to terms with its own post-election difficulties.

The party will set up an independent investigation of what went wrong in its campaign on Wednesday, before a separate meeting with its 38 unsuccessful candidates later this month.
The case was taken by Michael Murray, aged 44, formerly of Killiney Oaks, Killiney, Dublin, who was jailed at the Central Criminal Court in 2013 for 15 years for rape, attempted rape, oral rape and aggravated sexual assault, child abduction, threats to kill or cause serious harm, false imprisonment and theft.

The Central Criminal Court had heard that in February 2010, Murray lured his female victim into an apartment by telling her that an elderly woman was dying inside and needed her help. He tied her up and assaulted her before taking her son away and abandoning him in a city centre square late at night. He returned to the flat where he drugged and raped his victim.

Murray denied the charges, however he was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous jury decision.

Murray, whose High Court case against the Irish Prison Service and Minister for Justice was dismissed last July, had sought injunctions restraining prison authorities from intercepting his calls, as well as certain declarations and damages.

Murray had drawn particular attention to two phonecalls to his solicitor on July 23, 2013, on the evening before day 21 of his trial, during which he discussed privileged matters in relation to his defence.

In his judgment, Mr Justice Seamus Noonan said Murray had not put any evidence before the court to demonstrate the slightest prejudice arising from what appears to have been a technical infringement at best of his rights.

Once the prison authorities became aware of the inadvertent recording, Mr Justice Noonan said, steps were immediately taken to rectify the position. Mr Justice Noonan said there was no ongoing or threatened infringement of Murrays rights in this matter. No declaration was required to vindicate his rights and no issue of damages could arise.

Accordingly, he dismissed Murrays application and awarded costs against him.

Murrays appeal against the High Courts decision was dismissed yesterday  three days after it was opened in the three-judge court.

Giving judgement, Mr Justice George Birmingham said the court was in complete agreement with the approach taken by Mr Justice Noonan. The application was without substance and the appeal without merit, he said.

Murray was not prejudiced or otherwise adversely affected in any way whatsoever. It is entirely clear that calls were recorded inadvertently, that calls were not accessed and that steps have been taken to ensure that what went wrong in the past will not be repeated.

Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards agreed with their colleagues judgment.

Costs were awarded against Murray who uttered insults at the judges as he was led away.
The planning authority has judged that the coffee chains branches on St Patricks Street, Princess Street and Emmet Place were all opened in commercial units that were formerly retail shops, and that the company should have applied for planning permission to change the use of the stores prior to opening its coffee restaurants.

The decision comes nearly six months after a planning dispute between Cork City Council and Starbucks was referred to An Bord Pleanala for consideration last October.

City planners had argued that Starbucks opening in the units constituted a change of use of the premises, while the coffee company is understood to have claimed that most of its produce would not be consumed on site, are take-away items, and thus its operations were retail in nature and in keeping with the stores planning designation.

However in its ruling on all three stores, An Bord Pleanala has sided with the City Council, and judged that in all three cases the scale, nature and layout of the coffee shop is more akin to a restaurant use which is expressly excluded from the definition of shop.

The planning authority said the change of use of the three premises, from use as shops to use as coffee shops raises issues that are material in relation to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area.

It said this material change therefore constitutes a development of the units within the meaning of Section 3 of the Planning and Development Act, meaning the changes required planning permission.

It also ruled that signage erected on the protected Queen Anne house on Emmet Street would contravene a number of conditions set for the premises. A design strategy for all the retail shopfronts in the area was set in place as part of the wider Opera Lane redevelopment. An official from the City Councils planning department said the ruling means that Starbucks will now have to apply for retention for all three stores.

We are looking at the implications of An Bord Pleanalas decision. We feel that Starbucks should either apply for retention or should close the stores, and we are considering further enforcement action, the council official said.

Starbucks declined to comment on the decision when contacted by the Irish Examiner. The chain has opened six outlets in Cork in the past year, and has stores in Douglas Village and Mahon Point shopping centres and also in City Gate.
Whats a woman to do who wants to be Americas president?

If she raises her voice shes too shrill. If she doesnt, shes too weak to be commander-in-chief.

Enter Hillary Clinton who wants the job thats always been held by a man.

The man who has it now, Barack Obama, had to face down racism during his historic campaign as the first African-American president.

And for Hillary Clinton, her supporters say, sexism is part of the battle she must enjoin.

Sexism can never be equated with the menace of racism, of course, but it can have the capacity to crush the faint hearted.

Not that Hillary Clinton could ever be described as faint hearted.

Which is just as well, considering some of the comments that have come her way  not just in this campaign but also during much of her political career.

When she last ran for the presidency in 2008, there was the infamous incident when two male hecklers at a New Hampshire event chanted at her iron my shirt.

Clinton dealt with it, as women often do, by both confronting it and laughing it off.

Ah, the remnants of sexism are alive and well, she responded.

Later, during a question and answer session, she joked: If theres anyone left in the auditorium who wants to learn how to iron a shirt, Ill talk about that.

This time round, in her campaign for the Democratic nomination against Bernie Sanders, there has been the ugly Bernie Bro phenomenon, which Sanders has denounced.

It entails his backers harassing female Clinton supporters online, accusing them of voting with their vagina and calling them bitches.

While such expletives are frequently used to denounce Clinton on social media, other sexist-driven terms are often more subtle.

For example, she might be described as calculating where her male rival is being strategic.

Or she might be manipulative where he is persuasive. Or she is cold and distant where he is simply firm and assertive.

Shes often judged by a double standard, said Democratic Senator Barbara Mikulski.

Whats being said about Hillary is what women have heard for centuries. Youre too loud, youre too aggressive, youre too pushy.

Former Vermont governor Madeline Kunin put it this way: An angry female voice works against women, but is a plus for men. It demonstrates passion, outrage and power.

Others say sexism has nothing to do with it.

They contend that Hillary Clinton, by virtue of her politics and personality, has always been a polarising figure.

Yet some Republicans also see a double standard, though they argue it applies to women across the political spectrum.

I think women just generally get greater criticism of their appearance and their style, their speaking style, said Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski.

This is a reality we face.

Certainly, after nearly four decades in the public eye, Clinton is no stranger to the fixation by some on her appearance  something male politicians rarely face.

She once joked: If I want to knock a story off the front page, I just change my hair style.

Discussing the issue in Glamour magazine, she said: Ive often laughed with my male colleagues  What did you do? You took a shower, you combed your hair, you put your clothes on. I couldnt do that.

Unlike many women, most men arent concerned with perfection, she added.

Most men never think like that. Theyre just trying to figure out whats the opening and how they can seize it. Theyre not thinking about, Oh my gosh, Im not perfect, my hairs not perfect today, I wore the wrong shoes.

Then again sexist comments have emerged before, sometimes even from powerful women themselves.

Back in 1984 when former first lady Barbara Bush was asked what she thought of Democrat Geraldine Ferraro, who was then running against Barbaras husband, George H W Bush, in the vice presidential race, she opined: I cant say it, but it rhymes with witch.

About 30 years ago when Pat Schroeder, a powerful congressional leader, was asked by a male colleague how she could handle being both a congresswoman and a mother, she responded: I have a brain and a uterus, and I use both.

Women now make up almost 51% of the US population, so the female vote is crucial in deciding who wins the White House.

More than half of all women in a Quinnipiac University poll had a favourable opinion of Clinton, compared with 36% of men.

But she is encountering a generational divide among female voters. While older women are supporting her, shes battling for the younger female vote.

In the New Hampshire primary contest between Sanders and Clinton, for example, polls showed that 64% of women younger than 45 backed Sanders, while just 35% supported Clinton.

More life experience should help there, it appears, but maybe not soon enough for Clinton to benefit.

[Womens] experience starts to change a few more years into the work force. By 35, those same college-educated women are making 15% less than their male peers.

"Womens earnings peak between ages 35 and 44 and then plateau, while mens continue to rise... More time in a sexist world, and particularly in the workplace, radicalises women, says lawyer and journalist Jill Filipovic.

Women overall are paid 79 cents to every dollar paid to men. And women make up less than 19% of elected officials and hold less than 5% of top corporate jobs.

But when a previous female secretary of state Madeline Albright (79) told women at a campaign event for Clinton that there was a special place reserved in hell for women who dont support each other, many women were outraged.

Albright subsequently had to row back on the comment, explaining in The New York Times she wasnt saying women politicians deserved support merely because of their gender but because she believed in this case, Clintons credentials and experience as a senator and former secretary of state would be tools to improve the position of women.

Despite decades of progress, women still make less money than men for equivalent work. Paid family leave remains an elusive dream. Sexual abuse against women continues to plague our communities, Albright said.

When it comes to criticism, sexist or otherwise, Clinton herself likes to quote another first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, who said back in the 1940s: Every woman in public life needs to develop skin as tough as a rhinoceros hide.

It seems Clinton may well find such an accessory useful in this White House race.
Winston Churchill was justly famed for his wartime oratory.

But it is his peacetime warning in March 1946 that Europe had been divided by an iron curtain that continues to reverberate to this day: From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.

Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia.

Behind that line to the east was the Soviet Union and its communist allies.

Isolated from western influences, countries within the Soviet sphere were slipping into totalitarian control, becoming iron curtain countries, as the repressive states of the communist bloc came to be known.

Today there is talk of a new iron curtain in Europe  behind which lies Putins Russia.

While the original Iron Curtain could be attributed to Soviet expansion westwards after the Second World War, the modern divisions in Europe are the result of NATO and the EU expanding eastwards to the borders of Russia.

In the 1940s the Soviet Union sealed itself off from the outside world. In the current decade it is the west that has quarantined and isolated contemporary Russia because of conflict over Ukraine.

When Churchill delivered his Iron Curtain speech in Fulton, Missouri on March 5, 1946 he was no longer British Prime Minister, having been defeated by Labour in the 1945 General Election  a result that surprised Stalin who did not believe that Britains great war leader could lose.

When he met Churchill at the Potsdam conference in July 1945 he had confidently predicted an 80-seat majority for the Tory leader.

Churchill did not enjoy being out of power, forced to sit on the opposition benches in the House of Commons.

He missed the limelight and craved publicity.

His opportunity came when Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri invited him to receive an honorary degree.

President Harry S Truman returned to his home state to be with Churchill at the ceremony.

His presence on the platform added political weight and ensured the event received mass coverage by newspapers and on newsreel film.

A year later  in March 1947  Truman delivered a famous speech of his own, more radical than Churchills, in which he called on the US Congress to deploy American power directly to defend the free world from totalitarian threats.

The so-called Iron Curtain speech, typically Churchillian in its scope, was rather pompously titled The Sinews of Peace  a reference to the perceived need for a robust postwar peace settlement.

Churchills message was that the west needed to get tough with Russia before the Iron Curtain effectively excluded all western influence from Central and Eastern Europe.

Churchill identified the speech as the most important of his political career but that had nothing to do with his iron curtain reference. It was instead because of the section in which he introduced the world to an idea that has been as enduring as that of an Iron Curtain  the Anglo-American special relationship.

Churchills fundamental position was that a strong British-American alliance was essential to create a stable postwar order.

This stance originated with his realisation during the Second World War that only the Americans could save Britain from Hitler and only the United States could preserve the power and values of the English-speaking world.

Yet while the anti-Soviet theme of Churchills speech was generally welcomed in the United States, his call for an Anglo-American alliance was criticised as a species of dangerous power politics that potentially marginalised the newly-created United Nations, a body that many hoped would ensure peace and security for all states.

Although Churchill did not use the term Cold War, his speech is often identified as the harbinger of the conflict that erupted between the Soviet Union and the West in 1947-48.

That was certainly Stalins view.

A few days after Fulton he publicly denounced Churchill as a warmonger and harked back to Churchills role as a leading foreign interventionist in the Russian civil war.

Churchills reference to an Iron Curtain also annoyed Stalin and the Soviets because it was the term Joseph Goebbels, Hitlers propaganda minister, had used to describe countries liberated by the Red Army from Nazi occupation.

In the 1945 General Election campaign Churchill had shocked the electorate by accusing the Labour Party of putting forward a socialist programme for social change that would be implemented by a de facto Gestapo. At Fulton he accused the communists of creating police states in the countries they controlled.

Stalin, however, defended the communist presence in Eastern Europe as being based on anti- fascism and on popular support for communism.

But, more importantly, he viewed the existence of a Soviet bloc as the USSRs just reward for its crucial role in defeating Hitler in a war that had cost the lives of 25 million Soviet citizens.

Stalin interpreted Churchills Iron Curtain speech as a sign the west intended to deny the Soviet Union the fruits of its victory  a conviction further reinforced by Trumans containment speech delivered a year later.

Despite this ill-tempered public exchange, Churchill and Stalin had not fallen out personally.

During the war they had developed a friendship based on mutual respect for each other as successful warlords and, a few months after Fulton, Stalin messaged Churchill to say he had the greatest respect and admiration for what he had achieved during the war years.

Churchill responded that Stalins life is not only precious to your country, but to the friendship between Soviet Russia and the English-speaking world.

The initial furore about the Iron Curtain speech did not last long but its rhetoric was regularly regurgitated when the cold war did heat up.

Meanwhile, the irony was that when Churchill returned to power as British Prime Minister in 1951 he shed the Cold War mantle bestowed on him by the Fulton speech and reinvented himself as a peacemaker.

It was Churchill who popularised the concept of summit meetings between top leaders.

Better jaw-jaw than war-war, he said, not least because the invention and deployment of thermonuclear weapons now meant the whole world could be destroyed by a superpower conflagration.

There is no doubt the 70th anniversary of the Fulton speech will be used by western cold warriors to revivify the idea that a new Iron Curtain has descended across Europe and that Russian expansionism is again rampant.

For their part, Russian cold warriors will argue that the speech shows how deep-seated is western antagonism to their county.

But a better analogy for the contemporary world would draw on the Churchill of the 1950s  the conciliator who called for negotiation and compromise to resolve Soviet-western differences.

As the truces in both Ukraine and Syria now show, the west needs Russia as an ally not as an adversary. Churchill understood this.

When he denounced the Iron Curtain it was more in sorrow than in anger.

He did not demand a cold war against the Soviet Union.

He called for a continuing partnership with Russia based on frank negotiations about the future.

At Fulton Churchill spoke the kind of blunt words that President Vladimir Putin would today understand and appreciate.

Geoffrey Roberts is Professor of History at UCC
This Tuesday as we celebrate International Womens Day 2016  it seems fitting to take a look at one of the softly-sung, female heroes of textile design, Marjatta Metsovaara (1927-2014).

Her most iconic mid-century creations are national treasures in Finland and four of the most beautiful imaginings are being relaunched in the summer by fabric house Vallila Interior.

If you are very lucky, you might even find enough vintage Metsovaara material for a single cushion, but the work is becoming rare as the appreciation for her design genius grows amongst collectors worldwide.

Metsovaara studied at the Helsinki Institute of Industrial Arts from 1949, and became a leading light in modernist pattern and colour throughout Europe in the 1950s and 1960s. Her bold experimentations won gold medals at the prestigious 1957 Milan Triennales in both 57 and 1960.

Marjatta was one of three wildly talented women who brought Finnish design to the world stage after the war, the others being Armi Ratia (1912-1979) who founded Marimekko Oy in 1952, and Vuokko Nurmesniemi founder of Vuokko (1964-closed 1988).

The importance, appeal and positive influence of new design for the home came more slowly in Finland than it did to Denmark and Sweden.

The relaunch of 4 of Mesovaaras designs in 15 colour-ways by Vallila of Finland includes these gorgeous kitchen lines, www.vallila.fi.

Born in the ancient seaport of Turku, Marjattas early life involved a commonplace financial struggle from the effect of two world wars.

Finland was bowed down economically with reparation payments to Russia. Materials to make anything, let alone decorative pieces, were hard to come by.

The Metsovaara family was resilient, outward-looking and clearly independent and Turku was a city with a mix of goods and ideas on the move from overseas.

Marjattas father was Russian, a determined entrepreneur and retailer, and her mother had travelled extensively, which included a long stay in the United States.

Consequently, the young Metsovaara was surrounded by commerce and creativity, as her father set up two lean, consecutive businesses weaving, dying and selling rugs and carpets.

His daughter eagerly worked alongside her parents, familiarising herself with the production process. The move to original in-house design, informed her work and abilities as she moved onto her third-level studies in Helsinki.

Still in her 20s, Marjatta would return to her fathers factory in 1954, weaving and marketing pieces for her second attempt to set up a company, Metsovaara Co.

In the same year, she showcased her work at the important Design in Scandinavian Expo which travelled through the USA and Canada over three years.

By 1956, she had installed two weaving machines at another premises as the supply of hand-worked pieces were being outstripped by client demand.

Industrial production at this level for a single designer was brave stuff in 1950s Finland.

Eagerly collected today, Marjatta Metsovaaras mass produced prints, popularised by the magazine spreads of the era, are marked out above all by her instinct for colour combinations.

Influenced by experimentation while still at college, she printed not only on conventional fabrics but created wall coverings in daring materials including metals, wool, ply and the new family of flexible plastics.

Her rug design Simpukka c1962 (shell) is an acknowledged mid-century classic.

Americans might not have known her name, but every well heeled New Yorker would shelter under a Green & Green TipTop umbrella blossoming in her colour-scapes by the mid-late 60s.

Fresh, economical and trilling with joy  these patterns are newly relevant as we seize on inspiration from the exuberant boldness of the Mad Men era.

In textiles she took on jacquard successfully in the 1960s, before moving largely to printing her happy imaginings on cottons in the 70s.

Marjatta used room sets at her Helsinki company to demonstrate more immediately to customers and touring trade scouts, how her vivid blossoms and psychedelic frolics would look in a real setting.

Media coverage of her work was enhanced by the designers striking good looks and vibrant personality, but she astutely guarded her private life, which included two marriages to fellow aesthetes.

In 1965 Marjatta moved to Belgium, continuing to design her rhythmic abstract patterns and scaled up fabulous flowers, manufactured in Tampella, Finland and at a factory at van Havere, where her jacquard was produced and then imported back to Finland.

Retiring to Nice, she kept a home in Finland and passed away in 2014 at the age of 87, but her reputation not surprisingly is being reappraised and feted.

Exquisite and accessible designs by Metsovaara-Aalto, Elle, Liliana, Miranda, Paivankakkara (Daisy) and Valmu (Poppy) are all back in production in 15 different colourways.

The new collection features rugs, kitchen textiles, cushion covers, and tote bags. Nauttia (enjoy). Vallila.fi.
The Lexus brand has captured the highest ranking in vehicle dependability among all nameplates for a fifth consecutive year in the 2016 according to a JD Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS).

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) received six segment awards in total, and four of the top 10 models belong to Toyota. The study measures the number of owner-reported problems of the 2013 model year vehicles in their third-year of ownership.

In addition to the brands highest score in the overall nameplate ranking, Lexus received three segment awards. The Lexus ES is the most dependable premium model overall, reporting the lowest average number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) and was ranked highest in the compact premium car segment. The Lexus GS was awarded for the midsize premium car segment and the Lexus GX luxury utility vehicle was awarded among midsize premium SUVs, with the Lexus RX coming in second in the category.

The Toyota brand was ranked fourth overall and also received three segment awards, with the ToyotaPrius claiming the award for the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment.
He decided Fianna Fail had to make a move to break the deadlock. The political situation was fraught, the results of the election were inconclusive and the parties were finding it hard to reach agreement. It was 1992, and Albert Reynolds, then Fianna Fail leader, had been through a very difficult election. Fianna Fail had lost nine seats and the party had returned to the Dail with only 68 TDs  the lowest number for Fianna Fail since 1954.

Though Albert Reynolds won more seats in the 1992 election than Micheal Martin has managed to win in the 2011 and 2016 general elections combined, Albert has been depicted as an electoral disaster.

After the 1992 election, Reynoldss chances of returning to the taoiseachs office seemed slim. Most commentators argued, given Fianna Fails seat losses, that Reynolds had been decisively rejected by the electorate. Looking back on the scale of Reynolds defeat almost a quarter of a century ago, it is far less seismic than the scale of the seat loss Fine Gael is experiencing today. Enda Kennys party has lost almost three times as many seats as Albert Reynolds did in 1992.

The 1992 election was a political low point for Albert Reynolds. During the campaign, one journalist actually labelled him the stumblebum taoiseach. In a particularly poor interview, Reynolds had spoken of his desire to dehumanise the social welfare system and he also name-checked the leader of Fine Gael as John Unionist, without trying to be ironic.

Reynoldss campaign gaffes are now largely forgotten, but Enda Kennys use of the word whingers in this campaign and his suggestion that ordinary people dont understand economic jargon are likely to grate for a long time with many failed Fine Gael candidates.

With a little help from his friends, and because he got a lucky break, Albert Reynolds survived. So too may Mr Kenny.

When the 27th Dail convened on December 14, 1992, TDs were unable to elect a taoiseach and the expected Fine Gael-Labour coalition failed to materialise. Fine Gael and Labour were more evenly matched in seat terms than ever before, but John Bruton was adamant there would be no rotating taoiseach  a concept that has again raised its improbable head in recent days. Bruton was also reluctant to accept Democratic Left into government and favoured instead a Fine Gael-Labour-Progressive Democrats arrangement. On the back of Labours then best-ever result, Dick Spring was in no mood to be pushed around.

The inability of Fine Gael and Labour to conclude a deal left a chink of light for Fianna Fail. Bertie Ahern was quick to exploit this unexpected opportunity. On an instinct that the Fine Gael and Labour talks were not going well, Ahern and Martin Mansergh, a key party strategist, had produced a detailed policy discussion paper based on overlaps between the respective Fianna Fail and Labour manifestos and the existing social partnership programme.

When this document was passed to Dick Spring, he was impressed by the strong synergies between the priorities of both parties. Labour opened negotiations with Fianna Fail and ultimately, on January 12, 1993, Albert Reynolds, was re-elected taoiseach.

The lessons of this political saga wont be lost on todays politicians or backroom officials. It is very likely that right now, sitting under lock and key in the top drawer of at least one of the top policy wonks in Fine Gael or Fianna Fail, there is a document which has begun the process of merging the manifestos of both parties into a single, coherent programme for government. The parties may not yet have commenced formal discussions or even off-the-record contacts, but the ground is already being prepared.

The never-coalesce-with-each-other mantras that we heard from Mr Kenny and Mr Martin during the election are already being deliberately diluted. Both leaders are now making calculated noises about everyones responsibility to form a government and about business being done in a new way. The shifting sands can also be detected from the debate about water charges being a potential block to a Fine Gael-Fianna Fail government. This is a sure sign that the political ground is gradually but inexorably moving forward from a point where coalition was out of the question, to a new space where the political priorities of a Fine Gael-Fianna Fail government can be explored.

The movement towards a Fianna Fail and Fine Gael arrangement will be incrementally slow. Under its new rules, Fianna Fail will have to get the approval of its membership at a special ard fheis before it can enter any such coalition. In the immediate afterglow of a successful election, where the party has more than doubled its seat numbers, Fianna Fail activists might be tempted to reject overtures from their historic rivals in Fine Gael, especially because such an alliance would let Sinn Fein lead the opposition.

However, it is not where opinion stands now that is crucial, but the direction it may travel after the 32nd Dail convenes for the first time next Thursday.

From next Thursday evening on, political discourse will increasingly be dominated by language that speaks eloquently of the need for stability; the need for the country to have a government; and the need to put the national interest above tribal party loyalties.

At some point thereafter, expect the document cataloguing the synergies between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to make an appearance from some bright party apparatchiks drawer.

On the day the election was called, Enda Kenny told Joan Burton this is not goodbye, but a parting is now inevitable, especially if Fine Gael moves towards Fianna Fail.

Dr Brian Murphy lectures in communications at the Dublin Institute of Technology.
THANK heaven for the distraction of Caitriona Perrys stunning dress at the Oscar ceremony last Sunday. RTEs Washington correspondent wore an exquisite, hand-embroidered gown, designed by Kerryman, Don ONeill. That gave us a reason to shout Up the Kingdom without having a Healy-Rae  or indeed a flat cap  in the frame.

Not that theres anything wrong with a Healy-Rae, flat-capped or otherwise, but its nice to show the world that Kerry has many different faces.

And the county has many faces, though you wouldnt have thought so with the lazy rush to paint Michael and Danny Healy-Rae, the brothers who made electoral history, as a pair of parish-pump Darby OGill politicos.

Did you hear the one about the Kerry stereotype? Well, how could you have missed it, when even the New York Times lapsed into Kerryman-joke mode.

Heres how it covered the election of Michael Healy-Rae, after he logged a staggering 20,378 first-preference votes: Boisterous supporters lifted the lawmaker into the air, his trademark farmers cap somehow staying on his head, as they sang his campaign song: Make your vote and pray, that he goes all the way! Hes flat to the mat with his black cap, and theres no time for tae (tea).

Tae? What we need in Kerry, right now, is a stiff drink to take on what the Healy-Raes described as racism in a front-page Kerryman article that ran under the headline: They think were all a pack of culchies.

And they do.

The election of the formidable brothers has made three things clear: 1) Culchie is still a term of abuse. 2) All politics is local, no matter what anybody argues. 3) Rural Ireland is worth fighting for.

Lets start with the word culchie. Youre a culchie, apparently, if you have your dinner in the middle of the day; if you make tea (tae?) for the men who are doing a bit of work for your father, or if you can complete the lyric Rock me mama like a wagon wheel/Rock me mama  Yes, its funny, but its too easy to split the country into two regions: Dublin and everywhere else. Thats a disservice to everyone, but particularly those of us in the regions.

For anyone unfamiliar with life outside the city, it is hard to describe how varied a county can be. Take Kerry, for example. If its elected representatives  and by inference its inhabitants  are dismissed with a few choice insults, as happened this week, how can anyone appreciate that life in that stunning county changes mile by mile?

Youll hear it in the accents, which can lose a syllable or gain one, depending on which stretch of road youre travelling. That is also true of an individuals outlook, and experience of the world.

Don ONeills design ethos  to make every woman feel gorgeous, even if her body shape is not the type to make the cover of Vogue  was inspired by his early days in Kerry.

The man from Ballyheigue, in north Kerry, dressed Oscar nominee, Emma Donoghue, this year, but his Theia label has had many outings on the red carpet. Oprah Winfrey, Amy Poehler and Taylor Swift, to mention but a few, are all devotees.

He once told an interviewer: My whole ethos is about taking care of people and thats something I learned growing up in Ballyheigue, with the bed-and-breakfast. Seeing mum and dad taking care of the guests, and making sure that people were comfortable and they didnt want for anything. I think, years later, that has become my philosophy.

The founding father of economics, Richard Cantillon, also came from Ballyheigue, a town with a population of 1,459.

Cantillon, born in the 1680s, was the first to use the term entrepreneur and his book, Essay on the Nature of Trade in General, written when he moved to France, was regarded as the first complete treatise on economics.

Would you call him a culchie?

Of course, Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are far too focused on for their constituents to worry about being called culchies, but  call me humourless and PC, if you will  I think the term should be banned and bleeped-out on TV.

If the landslide victory in Kerry has exposed our continuing urban/rural divide, it has also exploded the myth that Irish politics is anything other than local.

Some have bemoaned the Healy-Rae victory as a return to parish-pump local politics. The truth is that national politics never left the parish pump.

Michael himself was spot on when he said that a minister will do anything to be photographed announcing new jobs in his own constituency. Politicians of all hues shake hands, go to funerals, and visit constituents, though few have mastered the local touch and vote-management as well as the Healy-Raes.

If you want to talk about political reform, acknowledge that Irish politics runs entirely on clientelism. Its not clear if Michael Healy-Rae was calling for structural reform, when he told politicians to give up their nonsense and get on with it, but were right behind him.

Though, I have to admit, this Kerry native watched his campaign song through closed fingers (what was that scene with the shotgun about?). But, then, 30,000 people cant be wrong.

So, lets get on with it and put the real issues that affect rural Ireland back in the spotlight  crime, closing post offices, poor broadband networks, unemployment, emigration.

And to the begrudgers and the insult-slingers who write things like idiots electing muck-slingers for a joke and thats (sic) why Kerrymen are the butt of Irish jokes, lets consider the wise words of another great Kerryman, Con Houlihan: A man who will misuse  [or not use]  an apostrophe is capable of anything.

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE
I want to feel grown up and independent. I want to feel the same as everyone else, began the heartfelt outpouring of a young woman with an intellectual disability searching for a job.

Aisling Lynam, 25, from Swords, Co Dublin, sent a letter to several national papers last October, after years of doing up CVs, voluntary work experience, and struggling to find work.

In her letter, she described the effects of her struggle on her self-esteem and confidence, saying she felt unwanted and yearned for an opportunity to make a difference.

I felt like nobody wanted me, said Aisling. There were no opportunities for me and I was very low. I wasnt eating or even communicating with my family. Then my aunt said, Why dont you send out a letter to the papers?

Aislings letter was published in the Irish Examiner and spotted by a member of the human resources team at Woodies DIY. Aisling was offered a job in the Airside branch of the chain, and started in November.

I was a bit nervous on my first day. I went in and met my manager and she was really nice. Then I did an induction day and one of my colleagues helped show me what to do, said Aisling. Now her duties include pricing, shelf stocking, and helping customers. With the help of other staff, her confidence is growing daily.

At the beginning, if a customer asked me for help I would just bring them straight to the customer service desk, and they said to me, Youre well able, you can just help them find what theyre looking for yourself, and now I am able to do that, she said.

Aisling works from 12 midday until 4pm every weekday, and with her newfound financial independence is planning a summer holiday to the US. She penned another letter to thank the newspapers for printing her article and to ask that other large employers consider their position on employing people with intellectual disabilities.

I feel very happy now and I get on with everyone at work. But Id like other employers to know that there are other people in the same situation as me and they should be given a chance.

Aislings floor manager in Woodies, Mark OCarroll, described her as an asset to the team. One of our social media team saw Aislings letter and then Hazel Dunne from our HR department arranged for Aisling to come in for a meeting, said Mr OCarroll.

I feel that giving Aisling the chance to succeed by opening doors and just giving the opportunity is the least big business can do.

I hope Aislings story sends out a positive message to other employers; its never wrong to do the right thing.

Mr OCarroll said Aisling was an asset to the store and very committed to doing her job well. Aisling is like a ray of sunshine in the store, he said.

She brings so much to her work and she has huge capability. Shes a lovely girl and very dedicated to her job.

Aislings mother, Carol Lynam, said that watching her daughter struggle after she completed her Applied Leaving Certificate was a source of huge heartbreak for her and her husband Liam: We did up so many CVs, at one stage I remember sending out 37 in one go. We mentioned her intellectual disability in them and we asked for feedback; we didnt get a single response.

Wed keep getting her back to the stage of encouraging her to go for it again and then watching her sink and sink and feeling powerless. Shed say that nobody wanted her because of her disability and that she was a loser, said Mrs Lynam.

Adopted by the Lynams from Romania, where its likely her birth mother suffered maternal malnutrition due to the poverty inflicted by the brutal Ceausescu regime, Aisling was identified at 13 months as having global developmental delays.

Having struggled throughout her childhood with gigantism, vitamin B12 deficiencies, and other medical problems, Aislings path hasnt been easy, said her mother.

Shes an amazing young woman; shes had operations, injections, and lots of health problems, and has always coped like an absolute trooper.

Its wonderful to see her come into her own.

She even loves wearing the uniform; she wears it with real pride because then everybody knows that shes got a job.

Shes planning things now, because she feels like she has a future.

Mrs Lynam said that, like Aisling, she hopes more employers get the message that people in Aislings position have a valuable role to play as part of the work force.

Its great for your store and for your image because people see that youre supporting the more vulnerable members of your local community, she said.
ITS just three days after Christmas, on a dark and dank day on the Limerick-Clare border. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has left his family in Cork to hold a secret meeting with his key team to finalise the partys strategy for the pending general election.

The beauty of the 20 acres of landscaped parkland which surrounds the Raddison Blu Hotel on the Ennis Road in Limerick was lost on those gathering as they arrived at 9am, given the inclement weather.

Whatever unhappiness existed about being away from loved ones at this time of year, all share a sense of relief the election had not been called in November, as the party simply wasnt ready for it.

We were fucked. Had Enda called it in November, we were goosed. We had a lot done but we were only 75% ready at best. So when they bottled it, we all breathed a sigh of relief and got to work, says one senior party figure.

Among those present are Martins chef-de-cabinet Deirdre Gillane, general secretary Sean Dorgan, party communications director Pat McParland and TD Billy Kelleher, the partys director of elections.

The team agreed the partys An Ireland for All election slogan as well as the four main themes for the campaign. After seven hours of robust debate with the job done, and darkness falling outside, the gathering broke up at 4.30pm and they headed for home.

For a party that was decimated in 2011  this was a make or break election. Depleted in terms of TDs, starved of resources, and stagnant in the opinion polls, fixing on the right message was a tricky proposition.

They didnt have the access to the same level of focus group market research that Fine Gael have become so reliant on and had to be somewhat imaginative.

The party suffered a major setback when its director of elections, Pat Carey, resigned and was replaced by Kelleher, who caused some consternation by suggesting the party was heading back into Opposition on his first day in the job.

Under Martin, Fianna Fail has shifted left back to the centre ground, eschewing big business in favour of the working man, the young family and the small business owner.

Fine Gael had already begun to dish out the Tory playbook of stability versus chaos. But the little research we did showed people didnt equate a change of Government with chaos. It also showed us they wanted a fairer society and better services ahead of tax cuts, one party figure says.

Martin, since becoming leader, had spent two to three nights a week knocking on doors and canvassing across the country. This first-hand interaction became a major influence in the partys message positioning for the election.

Two weeks after the key meeting in Limerick, the party held its one-day ard fheis in Dublins CityWest Hotel.

It was to mark a major turning point for the party thanks to Martins keynote address which went down very well with party members but also the media.

It was significant, says one TD.

The party had also established its election HQ in an empty office block, Clanwilliam Court, on Mount St. The Shelbourne Hotel or even the Treasury Building it was not. Many observers took the basic facilities to be a sign of how far the partys fortunes had fallen.

Every morning, the key campaign team of Martin, Kelleher, Dorgan, Gilllane, McParland gathered with people like Martin Mackin (former general secretary turned PR operative) and Peter McDonagh (Martins Czech-based confidant and adviser whose nickname is the Child of Prague).

On February 3, when Kenny announced the election and the campaign started in earnest, Fianna Fail could not believe their luck as the Taoiseach and Fine Gael fluffed their lines.

Fianna Fail had decided to try and force the debate away from the economy, but they knew their offering in terms of taxation and spending would come under close scrutiny.

For five years in the Dail, the partys finance spokesman Michael McGrath had one major goal in mind. To show the country that the party could be trusted to run the country again.

So, McGrath and Martin attacked Kenny for promising US-style taxes but also decided to offer a much lower commitment of abolishing the universal social charge (USC).

We got it right on the USC in not seeking its total abolition. That was a key decision as Fine Gael lost the high moral ground. Our more modest plan sat better with the public, says a key figure.

The party did come under some fire over its planned extra spending until 2021  the dreaded fiscal space term  as Sinn Fein claimed credit for being the only party to get their numbers correct.

Pressure came on McGrath to kill the issue off from within.

Calls were made to Michael to ensure the numbers stacked up, but he was more than able to deal with it. The pressure was more on Noonan who again failed to kill it as an issue, says the party source.

While the party held daily policy launches in Dublin, Martins leaders tour saw him target key marginal constituencies where the party saw they had a shot of gaining seats.

The party came under huge pressure during the campaign about its plans for Coalition and whether it would do a deal with Fine Gael. Every day, the same fucking questions kept coming. We did well to hold the line, says one TD.

If the Ard Fheis was key for the party before the campaign, then the leaders debates were as important. But there is a consensus within that the first debate on TV3 was the most important as Martin was seen to win out, if only marginally.

By the second week, Fianna Fail could not believe their luck as Fine Gael continued to misfire in spectacular fashion.

Noonan was flagging, looking tired and jaded. Kenny was becoming a major Achilles heel and their message was tanking. We saw a noticeable shift to us in how people were engaging with us on the doors, said one strategist.

The last weekend of the campaign, saw four separate opinion polls which mainly suggested the partys support was now solidly above 20%, which could see them achieve the 35-plus seats they were seeking.

But they could not believe their luck again when Kenny in Castlebar made his comment about whingers, and then refuse to retract it the following day, only to do so two days after making the remark.

It took them days to kill the story about doing a deal with Lowry, it took them days to kill off the fiscal space thing. It took him three days to kill off the whingers comments. That cost them seats, says one TD.

For the final few days of the campaign, Kelleher, Timmy Dooley and others were adamant the party had to keep it tight and not make any mistakes. They carefully selected who went out on key TV programmes and radio shows to minimise the potential for disaster.

When the ballot boxes opened up last weekend, even though they had sensed a swing away from Fine Gael, no one expected the surge that came about.

As the dust settled on the result for the team and their new TDs last Monday, the media had already turned to the next step in terms of forming a government.

Martin may have had readied his Dail reform demands but most others had their minds on other things.

Danny, to be honest, lads are in their bed, dying of a hangover, one TD said, adding that others were probably getting reacquainted with their partners after six weeks of campaigning.

It was certainly the election Fine Gael threw away, but Fianna Fail were in the right place to capitalise on it, having been able to stay on message. Three weeks ago no one would have said Micheal Martin could be the next taoiseach. Now, he is odds on.

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE
IN LATE January, Donald Trump held one of his final rallies before the Iowa caucuses at the Dubuque airport.

On the tarmac, with loudspeakers blasting the theme from the Harrison Ford movie Air Force One, a crowd of shivering supporters roared when Trumps Boeing 757 made a flyby. Many of the estimated 400 people in attendance had been notified about the event through NationBuilder, a digital hub for campaigns that handles website design, fundraising, organising volunteers, and social media.

As Trump has moved from outsider candidate to Republican frontrunner, his campaign has been collecting email addresses, mobile phone numbers, and other information from supporters and feeding the data into the NationBuilder system to automate the voter-outreach process.

The software lets campaign staffers target individuals with emails about issues in which theyve expressed an interest and notify them of events occurring near their homes. It can also track social media so a campaign can see whos liking or sharing a post.

NationBuilders technology is pretty much turnkey. Its not as sophisticated as a custom-built platform, but candidates who subscribe to the service can immediately start tracking voters and organizing volunteers, for far less money.

In the world of retail politics, the company has become a great democratiser since its founding in 2009. Its given a political novice like Trump access to the type of sophisticated tools that Barack Obama and Mitt Romney had to build in 2012, helping Trump get supporters to turn out for primaries and caucuses.

This is what Obama figured out, but it took $1bn and a whole host of engineers to do, says Emily Schwartz, NationBuilders head of organising.

Now its commercialised and readily available and can scale to different sizes of campaigns. You dont have to be a fundraising machine. You dont have to have million-dollar PACs behind you. (NationBuilder, citing nondisclosure agreements, declined to discuss the services it provides to Trump. The campaign didnt respond to requests for comment.)

NationBuilder is the creation of Jim Gilliam, who worked at Lycos, the search engine, before becoming an antiwar activist in the early 2000s.

Hes always been what people characterise as a hero engineer, says Patrick Michael Kane, a former chief technology officer of MoveOn.org who now runs We Also Walk Dogs, a software company that makes the organising software ActionKit.

He can sit down and in 10 hours bang out an application that would take another engineer 100 hours to write.

NationBuilders prices start at $29 a month for email blasting and social media tracking. Versions of the software that sync credit databases and consumer data  voters incomes, what magazines or newspapers they subscribe to, what cars they drive  with a campaigns own voter lists run $5,000 (4,500) a month and higher.

Before he came along, Gilliam says, it was at least $10,000 to get started for what were offering for $29 per month. Its biggest client spends $500,000 a year.

Gilliam expected most of his customers to be state and local candidates or petition-drive organisers  such as the animal-rights advocates pushing to end carriage horses in New Yorks Central Park, one of NationBuilders 7,000 active campaigns.

The people who are in power frankly dont need NationBuilder, Gilliam says. They can afford engineers to hack things together.

But NationBuilders easy-to-use platform has also turned out to be attractive to candidates with plenty of money.

In 2014, US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell signed on for his reelection campaign. Volunteers armed with iPads scattered across Kentucky, knocking on doors with messages tailored specifically to how somebody responded to certain Facebook posts.

At the end of each day, the team would review the data that streamed into NationBuilder, giving them confidence about a victory even as polls showed a tight race. It held everything together, says Vincent Harris, a Republican consultant who oversaw McConnells digital strategy.

Last year, Jeb Bushs presidential campaign was one of the companys largest customers among federal candidates, according to campaign spending records pulled by the non-profit Center for Responsive Politics.

Rick Santorum signed up, and so did Trump. Absent from NationBuilders list of customers are many Democrats. The partys candidates rely on a company called NGP VAN, which has formal ties to the Democratic national committee. Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and nearly every Democratic candidate for the House or Senate use the system. (Grassroots groups supporting Sanders and others opposing Trump do use NationBuilder.)

Gilliam spent part of his childhood in San Jose, where his father was a software engineer for IBM. His parents were Christian fundamentalists and members of a local megachurch affiliated with Jerry Falwells Moral Majority. The family moved to North Carolina after his father was transferred, and by age 12, Gilliam was listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio and attending church three days a week.

His computer obsession started early. When his father brought home an early IBM PC with a modem, Gilliam discovered a new world. In a 2011 speech he said, Growing up, I had two loves: Jesus and the internet. He attended Falwells Liberty University in Virgina, and designed its first website.

I even fixed Dr Falwells computer once, he says. But over spring break of his sophomore year, doctors discovered he had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Two weeks into Gilliams chemotherapy treatment, his mother was also diagnosed with cancer. When he lived and she didnt, Gilliam dropped out of Liberty to work for a start-up in Boston. About six months later, he was diagnosed with leukemia; eventually he underwent a successful bone marrow transplant.

Gilliam went to work for Lycos in 1998. Two years later he was hired by Business.com, a search company. Gilliam rewrote the companys main search code in 17 days and was named chief technology officer. But after the September 11 attacks, his passions shifted.

He was enraged by the George W Bush administrations invasion of Iraq and decided to make a career change after hearing that Robert Greenwald, a documentarian, needed a researcher for a film about the war.

Gilliam sent Greenwald an e-mail and was hired. He immediately demonstrated his skills at internet organising, creating tools to let people schedule screenings at their homes and raise money for projects.

In 2005, when Greenwald released an independent film about Walmart Stores labour practices, the retailer hired a crisis-management firm to respond.

It was really intoxicating, Gilliam says. We were a ragtag group of filmmakers and did this on virtually no budget.

Soon after, he began feeling short of breath. His earlier treatments had scarred his lungs, and he required a double-lung replacement. Surgeons at the University of California at Los Angeles decided the procedure was too risky.

His friends and family organised an online campaign to change the doctors minds; it worked. A donor was found, and the procedure was successful. Gilliam was 29.

In late 2008, as Obamas campaign was demonstrating what technology could do for politics, Gilliam started writing the code for what became NationBuilder. In 2010 one of his friends, Reshma Saujani, ran for US Congress in New York, and Gilliam made her a database at no cost.

A fundraising tool he built simplified the way people could contribute money online; one feature allowed supporters to organise events, and another made it easier for campaigns to communicate with volunteers.

I agreed to be his guinea pig, says Saujani, who lost the race. (She now runs the non-profit Girls Who Code.) Gilliam came away convinced he had a viable business. Others agreed: NationBuilder has raised about $35 million from the likes of Sean Parker, an early backer of Facebook, and Andreessen Horowitz. (Bloomberg is an investor in Andreessen Horowitz.)

Gilliam has attempted to broaden his companys reach outside electoral politics, with varying success. Last year it laid off about a quarter of the staff whod been hired to strike deals with small businesses, musicians, and others in the private sector.

It didnt work trying to push it faster than it wanted to work, he says. Despite the setbacks, Gilliam says, the company recently became profitable. Several corporations are using NationBuilder, including Airbnb, which has tapped it to mobilise customers to fight regulations.

Its also having success outside the US. Politicians and groups in Africa, Australia, and Europe have signed up. Britains Labour Party uses NationBuilder, and Canadas leading parties have adopted it.

Gilliams friends question why he works with candidates and organisations whose political beliefs he almost certainly abhors. I dont want to sell to people who I think are making the world a worse place, says Kane, the former MoveOn CTO. That line of criticism makes Gilliam angry.

As he frequently points out, the right to organise is fundamental to American democracy. Donald Trump is not the first person to use NationBuilder that I disagree with, he says. I probably disagree with most of our customers. Thats what democracy is about.

The bottom line: The get-out-the-vote software used by Donald Trump and other Republicans was built by a liberal antiwar activist.
Authority is a word being bandied about this week in talks about talks on the formation of a new government. What authority means, lest there be any doubt, is control.

What is at stake is not just who is in government, it is how government is done.

Specifically, the authority required is continuance of the domination of the legislature by the executive. I purposely say the executive, not the government.

By executive, I mean the executive arm of the State, including the civil service and public service agencies. The elected government is only one part of the executive and, its own pretensions and the expectations visited on it notwithstanding, it is not always the most important.

It is, however, the government that is nominally always in charge, and sometimes really is. Lest this be imagined as supposition, the recent banking inquiry is proof of how, by virtue of its scale and complexity, most of the apparatus of state is usually beyond the horizon, let alone the control, of ministers.

The authority sought now, wearing mufti to appear as stable government, is to ensure a continuation of that comfortable slackness which characterises our system, except in occasional moments of crisis. Then it is too late. The most obvious slackness is between the elected legislature and the government accountable to it. This may be the most obvious, though it is not always the most important.

For all its inadequacy it is government, in the 15 ministers at the cabinet table, which is most accountable in our dysfunctional system. Proposals put forward by the Independent Alliance, Fianna Fail, and others to strengthen the Dail should be pursued. I have said from the outset that looking at the current hiatus as some sort of pseudo crisis is nonsense. From a historical perspective, it is the opportunity to have the democratic revolution. Simply voting for an overwhelming change of political personnel in 2011 failed to deliver.

There is cynicism about the motives of some, especially Fianna Fail, being angels of reform now, when they did little in office.

Its largely justified. Aside from Noel Dempsey, who persevered through thick and thin to abolish the dual mandate for councillors and Oireachtas members, political reform had little consistent interest. The outgoing government was equally underwhelming. But politics is transactional. Agendas move on, and whether from altruism or cynicism, it is on the agenda now and the opportunity should be seized. Reform should obviously start in the Dail, and in the first instance follow the money. The core function of the Dail, besides assenting to a declaration of war, is raising and spending money. The inadequacy of the resources of the legislature to scrutinise the executive in the wider sense, including the government in the narrower political sense, in how it spends money voted by the Dail, is almost total. In making key financial decisions which are the core of a legislators responsibility, most TDs are playing blind mans buff. Alarmingly, so are many ministers.

Scrutiny, to be effective, must extend to the civil and public service. This is where most of the information and an astonishing amount of real responsibility lie. It requires expertise, which must be based in the Oireachtas, to pursue labyrinthine rivulets of public spending, coursing with public money.

Our public servants are overwhelmingly honest. They are, for all practical purposes, also effectively almost unaccountable, at least on a sustained basis.

Unless Dail reform that begins with ministers continues onto senior officials, it will stop well short of the nexus of actual power, as distinct from notional responsibility.

The reality of Irish government, like Los Angeles, is that there is no centre and no body capable of consistent command and control. There is no effective means of getting around its constituent parts quickly, either.

In-between responsibility rests in occluded areas of no-mans land. If a minister or official under pressure can put one foot in that space, regardless of where their hands have been previously, they can claim sanctuary from responsibility.

The entire system depends on these regular rest stops. This is the unity, indeed often the only effective unity, of the executive in the wider sense. What is at issue when they speak of authority is control. What is at risk is freedom from effective responsibility, a lot of the time.

The first essential task of the new Dail, having elected a ceann comhairle, is to establish a finance committee or by some other mechanism to hold hearings with the minister for finance and, more critically, finance officials, to ascertain exactly what is inside the now notorious fiscal space. It is only by credibly scoping out what is available, that policies can be negotiated and agreed.

Forming a new government is not an emergency issue. Reforming how government is done, is. This is our opportunity, and the potential permanent legacy of the 32nd Dail.

The big picture is made up of a million pixels. In terms of spending, the second-largest budget but the least predictable, is health. The consequence of a health spending overrun in 2016 is enormous.

The traditional remedy of a supplementary budget is unavailable under new EU rules. The knock-on consequences for a new government and the policies agreed by it will reverberate across every other policy.

The new Dail needs to hear directly from the civil service management of the Department of Health about whether spending is already running ahead of profile and if so, under what headings and to what extent.

If the 32nd Dail were serious about accountability it would institutionalise monthly reporting in person before the relevant committee, from all secretaries general. This institutionalising of reporting on the record would cut through the miasma of responsibility.

That would be an exercise of authority and a real loosening of control.

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE
He was philosophical about the shock that had been delivered his party. Reflecting on the campaign, he felt one doorstep encounter summed much of it up.

A middle-aged woman opened the door and listened patiently to the candidates pitch. She just kept her head down, listening and then she looked up and said, wed just like things to be the way they were, the canvasser relayed.

That summed it up for me. People have gone through a trauma and they dont know where to turn now. Everything is insecure.

That voter was not alone in wishing to have the clock turned back. Its a feeling that can be grasped right across society. Up until the economic crash it looked as if the trajectory of enhanced prosperity down through the generations was still on course. In this country, prosperity had come dropping slowly, but it had arrived.

Then, all changed, and now there still persists in some quarters a feeling that we can still go back to the future.

One small example of that sentiment was available in some of the final lobbying ahead of the general election.

Forty-eight hours before polling, the Garda Representative Association issued a release calling on the new government to fully reinstate the terms and conditions of rank and file Garda Siochana to pre-2008 levels. The release also touched on two of the major issues in the recession, the depletion of public services and the inequitable manner in which young people and new recruits have borne the brunt of cutbacks. But apart from that, the message was that everything should be put back together as it had been.

The GRA was merely echoing a feeling in large parts of society that the past can be revisited. That myopic view chooses to ignore how unsustainable things were. Life was being lived on the never, never. Sure, there was a hierarchy of blame, at the top of which sat bankers, developers and compliant politicians. But the wealth that trickled down into wage increases, tax cuts and enhanced services was illusory, not real.

Many in the main political parties must also be harking for the past following the result of the general election. The political system now looks to be on the cusp of a new era, particularly if there is not going to be a grand coalition of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Heretofore, the system was straightforward and comfortable. Government parties ruled the Dail. The opposition was tolerated, but never allowed proper opportunity to engage in advancing legislation, or even scrutinising the executive.

The opposition, for its part, reverted to a position of opposition for opposition sake. And the only real loser was the country, which was poorly served by all in parliament.

That will have to change if the system moves to install a minority government. Its a scenario that will take all political entities out of their comfort zone and present huge challenges.

One issue that defined the way politics was done in this country was that of Irish Water and the accompanying charges.

The coalition attempted to ram through the new regime with a minimum of fuss or consultation. Irish Water was set up without any consideration that it might be perceived as a vehicle to eventually privatise the resource. Legislation was rushed through the Dail. News tumbled out that not only would householders be subjected to another new charge, but it would be administered by a gold-plated quango.

For the radical left, this presented an opportunity to go back to the 1980s, when Margaret Thatchers regime was holed below the waterline over the issue of the poll tax.

Here was a chance for a repeat this side of the Irish Sea. Sinn Fein saw the Anti- Austerity Alliance nibbling away on its left flank, so it joined the campaign. Then Fianna Fail promised to abolish Irish Water and suspend charges on the basis that it might attract transfers down the ballot paper for the last seats in some constituencies.

That was how things were done. Incompetence, shoddy scrutiny and disregard for consequences on the government side, every opportunity to make hay taken among opposition parties, and the health of the nation mortgaged for political expediency.

Notably, the AAA and People Before Profit appear to have zero interest in how to fund upgrading the decrepit water infrastructure. The charges are merely a political tool: Irish Water as an effigy of Thatcher.

The only solution according to Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein is to go back to the future, by returning responsibility for water to the local authorities and reverting to central funding for resources.

If this is their vision of the future in a new political era, were in bigger trouble than we imagined. Practically every other country in the OECD recognises the importance of a separate national or regional authority, with access to its own funding to manage supply and infrastructure. Here we prefer to ignore inconvenient truths.

A new way of doing things might be to suspend charges for a relatively short period to poverty-proof the system and review the structure of Irish Water. Throw in a constitutional referendum to copper- fasten water as a public resource, and with it some hope that the political system is finally coming around to accept change.

Dont bet on it. The electorate might have signalled that major change is desirable, but the familiar is still comforting for many elements of the new Dail.

What will be interesting is how Fianna Fail with its newly enhanced complement of TDs enters this new era. For so long the standard-bearer of the old way of doing things, the party now has the opportunity to lead from the front. How exactly it gets itself off the hook it is caught on over water will tell plenty about what we can expect.

Ideally, of course, we should be able to go right back to the past, to that different country of illusion and plenty. Back then we told ourselves that the good times would never end; that we were entitled to low taxes and enhanced services on the back of a construction bubble.

There was no problem with water then either. It leaked through rusting subterranean pipes, out of sight and out of mind, but arrived in our homes free and bountiful.

Now the future has arrived. There is no going back with the economy. In politics, and in how we deal with water, there remains a choice, albeit a dubious one.

Will the body politic attempt to genuinely reform how it does business? Is the country going to face up to the reality that the old ways of managing water simply wont work? Hold on tight.

For more election news, analysis and general banter join us HERE
When Churchill made that speech 70 years ago today it was seen as something a little short of an old aristocratic warlords call to arms to stop the advance of communism.

Even if the speech formalised the Cold War, some contemporary historians now argue that it was made more in sadness than in anger. They argue that Churchill, who had just been stood down by a war-weary British electorate, thought the terror and hardships of the preceding years  nearly 50m dead  were hardly worth it if it meant no more than one totalitarian regime replacing another.

Seventy years later it is remarkable how very little, but how very much, has changed. Most of those ancient capitals are now the first cities of democracies, some more secure than others. The advance of communism  Reds Under the Bed!  is no longer a concern, but a bellicose, near-bankrupt Russia is an issue bordering on a threat, especially under the leadership of the inscrutable and volatile Vladimir Putin.

The people of Ukraine and Crimea are only too familiar with Russian, particularly Putins, assertiveness and what it means to try to live something like a normal life in the buffer zone between the Europe of Nato and the EU and the hinterlands of the old Soviet empire. Russias policy of promoting instability in Ukraine to the point that the state cannot function has turned some of that country into something like a lost African country in the grip of anarchy, facilitated by a deranged dictator.

This is not at all how how it should be, or was supposed to be, on the fringes of the new, liberal, and peaceful Europe rejuvenated all those years ago by Americas Marshall Plan.

Earlier this week, General Philip Breedlove, Natos supreme allied commander in Europe, warned the massive flow of migrants from Syria has had a destabilising effect on European countries and that this worked to Moscows advantage. He warned that Russia is helping Syrian president Bashar al-Assad turn the refugee crisis into a weapon against the West. There seems an unquestionable rationale to Breedloves analysis as the refugee crisis has divided the 28-member EU like no other challenge in recent decades.

Countries such as Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, that welcomed the destitute of North Africa and beyond, face huge challenges  from without and within. Countries such as Greece and Turkey, struggling to do the right thing but unable to respond as they might wish because of the huge resources needed, seem swamped. Others, like Macedonia and Hungary seem hostile, unwelcoming. We look on and hope no-one will notice us sitting quietly in the corner.

On Thursday, European Council head Donald Tusk poured fuel on an incendiary situation by urging economic migrants to stay at home. With 10,000 people stuck on the border between Greece and Macedonia, and 2,000 more arriving daily into Greece, Mr Tusk vowed that the EU would support Greece as it finds itself on the front lines of a deteriorating humanitarian situation. Yesterday, the European Commission gave EU member states until the end of the year to phase out all border checks introduced in the wake of the refugee crisis. In an effort to save the Schengen free-travel area, EU migration commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos urged member states to pull together in the common interests to safeguard one of the unions crowning achievements.

As this crisis gathers what seems an unstoppable momentum, military historians and politicians of the right point out that European armies were never weaker or less able to act as a plausible deterrent. So too America. It is indeed a tragedy to have to consider such things but it would be even more tragic not to. Even at a point in time when the study of history is unfashionable  or its purpose less understood  it would be a dangerous travesty to pretend that the horrors of the last century might never be repeated. Like it or not, the only way to deter a hostile force, or to persuade it that aggression will have severe consequences, is to be in a position to make that threat real. This unattractive reality is no more than a recognition of an obvious fact  that we rarely learn from history, and the threat Churchill recognised 70 years ago exists today, albeit in a different guise and on a different scale.
Her parents didnt know she had made the call.

Deputy Martha Lohnes was in the vicinity and met the girl at the front door. Lohnes says the girls pants werent quite up to her waist and she said she couldnt get them on.

Lohnes said she helped the little girl put her pants on. After that, the deputy said the little girl asked Lohnes to pick her up and hug her. Lohnes called that the best part of her shift.

Sheriffs office spokesman Drew Pinciaro says a family member was at home when Lohnes arrived.

Pulling no punches

ZIMBABWE: President Robert Mugabe challenged a TV interviewer when quizzed about any retirement plans, asking him: Do you want me to punch you to the floor to realise I am still there?

Mugabe, 92, was responding to a question about who would succeed him.

Having led Zimbabwe since the country was formed in 1980 from the ashes of white-ruled Rhodesia, Mugabe said he has no plans to hand over power and ruled out grooming his politically ambitious wife Grace as his successor.

No-fly zone

USA: A woman with a history of sneaking aboard planes has been placed under house arrest for six months by a Chicago court.

Cook County Circuit Judge William Raines ordered that Marilyn Hartman, 64, serve her house arrest at a mental health facility where she lives. Under the terms of a two-month probation, she cannot go to any airports, railway stations, or bus stops.

Hartman has attempted several times to board planes without a ticket and was arrested twice last summer at Chicagos OHare and Midway International Airports. Last month, she was arrested at an airport bus shelter.

Fighting chance

USA: A Philadelphia hospital is taking first-aid training to a new level by teaching residents in high-crime areas how to treat gunshot wounds. Temple University Hospital treats at least 400 shooting victims a year, so its doctors and nurses have plenty of experience.

The hospitals new programme is called Fighting Chance. The hospital is borrowing from battlefield tactics to teach residents how to tighten a tourniquet, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and position someone in a car before taking them to a hospital.

Art is the weapon

ENGLAND: A sculpture made from illegal guns seized off the streets of Manchester has been created in honour of a peace activist who fought against gun crime in the city.

The bust, made from melted down guns collected during amnesties across Greater Manchester, depicts activist Dr Erinma Bell, who fought to rid Moss Side of gun crime.

The symbolic artwork will be unveiled at Manchester Cathedral on International Womens Day on Tuesday, to mark her contribution to Greater Manchesters communities.

Financial dig-out

ENGLAND: Crowdfunding is being used to help reveal a mystery of early Christianity in Britain that has lasted for more than 1,000 years.

A major exploratory dig will take place on Lindisfarne, off the Northumberland coast, to find the first monastery where the world famous Lindisfarne Gospels were created and where St Cuthbert once lived. The Anglo-Saxon monastery, founded in 635 by King Oswald, was attacked in 793 by Vikings in their first major raid on the British Isles.
It said the main hospital and train station had been destroyed, along with thousands of other buildings.

Local officials told the UN team 64 bridges and much of the electricity grid had been ruined.

Iraqi forces declared victory over the jihadist group in Ramadi in December and has since cleared most of the western Iraqi city.

IS fighters still hold pockets in the northern and eastern outskirts.

Its recovery boosted prime minister Haider al-Abadi in his campaign to oust the militants from their northern stronghold of Mosul later this year.

However, more than six months of fighting shattered most infrastructure and levelled many homes in Ramadi, the Anbar provincial capital where around half a million people once lived.

The fighting saw IS bomb attacks and devastating US-led coalition air strikes.

The destruction the team has found in Ramadi is worse than any other part of Iraq. It is staggering, said Lise Grande, the UNs humanitarian co-ordinator in Iraq.

The two-day assessment found nearly every building had been damaged or destroyed in frontline areas.
Economy The Irrawaddy Business Roundup (March 5, 2016)

GE expands footprint; Uber-like service comes to Rangoon; Burmese migrants get Thai factory payout; Rangoons first underground walkway planned; and Yoma signs Volkswagon import deal.

General Electric Expands in Burma, With Caution

A company report submitted to the US Embassy in Rangoon last month details the expansion of American industrial conglomerate General Electric (GE) into a number of sectors after re-engaging with Burma in 2012.

GE is working in the health care, aviation leasing and power sectors, said the report, dated Feb. 19, which was submitted under a US government rule that requires any American firm investing more than $500,000 in the country to file submissions.

In a recent development, the company said, it will supply gas turbines to a major power generating project.

GE was also recently awarded a contract to supply two state-of-the-art gas turbines to the Myingan Power Project in central Myanmar, which is owned and operated by Singapore-based Sembcorp, operating as an IPP [independent power producer] and selling electricity to MEPE, the state-run power firm, the filing said.

Sembcorp Utilities announced in December that it had signed an agreement with the Burmese government to develop the 225-megawatt plant in Mandalay Division. A 20 percent stake in the project is held by a local firm thought to be owned by a prominent Mandalay businessman with links to the Kokang region bordering China. The World Bank is considering putting $45 million into the project.

GE has also sold turbines for a gas-fired power plant in Rangoons Ahlone Township run by Thailand-based Toyo Thai Power Corp. The US firm will also rehabilitate two gas turbines in Rangoon and supply turbines to China Energy Engineering Group, in a World Bank-funded project in Thaton, Mon State.

The conglomerate is also providing aircraft to the state-owned Myanmar National Airlines, and equipment to the oil and gas sector.

Overall, GEs focus has been on supplying safe, efficient and sustainable products and services to meet the substantial infrastructure needs of the Myanmar people, the report said, noting that the company was taking a careful approach to operating in Burma, where concerns over labor and land rights abuses, and over the involvement of armed groups in business, remain. A foundation linked to GE has commissioned a report on the human rights impacts of the extractive industries sector.

GEs approach to operating in Myanmar has been, and will continue to be, measured, incremental, and informed by due diligence, commensurate with the size, scope and nature of our operations, it said. GEs activities in Myanmar are in compliance with US law and in keeping with the companys human rights commitments.

Rangoon Gets Uber-Like Taxi Ordering Service

An application has been launched that lets users in Rangoon to order a car or limo with their mobile phone.

Travel company Oway in January launched Oway Ride, according to the services website.

The appwhich can be downloaded to smartphones on Googles Play Store or the Apple App Storemimics the functionality of Uber, and the founders hope it can gain the same popularity Uber has found around the world.

One of the many advantages of riding with Oway Ride is that fare is calculated within the app based on the distance and time that rider travels, the website says. So, you only have to pay as you go!

According to a report this week on the website Web in Travel, users are offered the choice of Standard, Prime or Limo vehicles.

Oway CEO Nay Aung told Web in Travel that the service would initially be available in Rangoon only. With Yangon as the main economic hub city in Myanmar, it is logically [sic] to launch here first with a hundreds of cars and then expand the service rapidly into other cities, such as Mandalay and Naypyidaw, Nay Aung was quoted saying.

Burmese Workers to Get Compensation From Thai Factory

A factory in Thailand that processes tuna has agreed to pay out a total of $1.3 million in compensation to mostly Burmese workers, Agence France-Presse reported this week.

Hundreds of workers in the migrant worker hub of Samut Sakhon are set to receive compensation after demonstrating to demand compensation, the report said. About 1,000 workers went on strike demanding back pay in line with Thailands minimum wage, and forced the company, Golden Prize Tuna Canning, to enter negotiations involving the countrys military junta.

Some of the workers have already been paid, AFP quoted a Thai labor official as saying.

The Thai seafood industry relies on migrant laborers from Burma and Cambodia, many of whom are undocumented and therefore do not receive proper protections under the law. The multibillion-dollar industry has been embroiled in a series of scandals of late, including revelations of widespread slavery on Thai fishing boats.

In a statement about the factory dispute, released before an agreement was reached, Thailands Foreign Ministry insisted that it is committed to protecting migrant workers.

The Royal Thai Government is determined to protect the rights of workers regardless of their nationality, the statement said. It has implemented a raft of policies aiming to regularize undocumented migrant workers and to combat human trafficking.

Singapores Surbana Jurong to Build Underground Walkway

Surbana Jurong Private Limited, which is owned by the Singaporean governments investment fund, is set to build Burmas first underground pedestrian walkway.

According to a press release Feb. 26, the company has been hired by Burmese tycoon Aik Htuns Shwe Taung Development to design and build the subterranean tunnel, close to one of his shopping malls in Rangoon.

The underpass will connect the Practising High School, Yangon Institute of Education and Junction Square Shopping Centre, allowing pedestrians [to] bypass heavy traffic on Pyay Road, Yangons busiest thoroughfare, the press release said.

The underpass measures about 30 metres long and when completed will help improve traffic flow and pedestrian movement significantly.

The same press release touted Surbana Jurongs growing business in Burma. Projects include working with Chinas CITIC Group to win the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone tender, an industrial park in Pegu Division and the planned Hanthawaddy International Airport, also in Pegu, it said.

Since our branch opening in April 2014, Surbana Jurong has grown its presence rapidly in Myanmar. From two projects in April 2014 in Yangon, we are now actively involved in 40 projects across the states of Yangon, Bago, Mandalay, Rakhine as well as Ayerwaddy Division, CEO Teo Eng Cheong was quoted saying.

Yoma Strategic Signs Volkswagen Import Deal

A subsidiary of Singapore-listed investment vehicle Yoma Strategic Holdings has signed an agreement with German automaker Volkswagen to import passenger cars and SUVs for sale in Burma.

Yoma German Motors limited signed the importer agreement on Feb. 29, extending an existing relationship under which the Burmese firm has been providing after-sales, servicing and spare-parts services for Volkswagen in Burma since October 2013, according to a statement on Yoma Strategics website.

Under the Agreement, Yoma German Motors Limited will serve as the official importer and distributor of a range of passenger cars and SUVs manufactured by Volkswagen AG, within Myanmar.

This appointment will allow us to tap into Myanmars fast growing automobile market by offering an enticing and dynamic range of passenger cars and SUVs to local customers, further expanding our presence in the automotive industry in Myanmar, Yoma Strategic CEO Melvyn Punson of Yoma founder Serge Punsaid in the press release.
Food Rangoons Rare International Cuisines

The Foodie Myanmar guide profiles four restaurants offering Russian, German and Mediterranean eats in the historic capital.

RANGOON  Asian cuisines from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand and India are not considered unconventional among food lovers in Rangoon. But German, Russian and Mediterranean dishes challenge the traditional palate and offer an opportunity to try flavors not available in Rangoon until now. The Foodie Myanmar guide profiles five restaurants below which offer rare eats in the historic capital.

Mahlzeit

The German word Mahlzeit is a salutation translating to mealtime in English. The charmingly decorated eatery offers traditional German foods such as sausages, chicken schnitzel, and German beef rouladewith a cheeseburger. The restaurant lies at No. 84, Pun Hlaing Street in Sanchaung Township.

KVAS Restaurant and Bar

Kvas is a fizzy drink sometimes referred to as Russian cola. This Russian shop teaches its customers how to both mix and drink vodka and beer. It also provides visitors with an introduction to holodetscold meat jelly traditionally served at the holiday table. Cuisine from Russia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and across eastern Europe is available at KVAS, which is located at No. 202/8 Yanshin Street in Yankin Township. The restaurant also provides delivery service in the local vicinity.

Monsoon Restaurant and Bar

Cambodian and Lao cuisine is available at Monsoon. The restaurant offers traditional Khmer dishes such as fried pepper beef and samlor kakoa soup which is considered by some to be Cambodias national dish. Or lam, a rich buffalo meat stew, is a featured Lao dish. Monsoon is located at No. 85/87, Theinbyu Street in Botatung Township.

La Taverna Mediterranean Bistro

La Taverna is a perfect place to indulge in Mediterranean cuisine, most of which is cooked with a seafood or vegetable base and is therefore considered healthier and less oily than some other dining options. The restaurant is situated at No. 330, Ahlon Street, Dagon Township, inside the Yangon International Hotel compound.

This article was written by Foodie Myanmar. Available for download in the Google Play Store, the Foodie Myanmar app will help you discover great places to eat and ways to share your foodie moments. Available at: http://bit.ly/InstallFoodieMyanmarOnAndroid




The Atlantic Image from





...

The line it is drawn

The curse it is cast

The slow one now

Will later be fast

As the present now

Will later be past

The order is

Rapidly fadin'

And the first one now

Will later be last

For the times they are a-changin'.





Arab Spring, there was a lot of discussion about the role played by social media in the uprisings. Then came a number of analysis that downplayed its actual impact. Whatever the case, it is clear that platforms like Facebook and Twitter are transforming the youth - be it in the US or in Saudi Arabia. Damian Radcliffe has recently released a report, During the initial phases of the, there was a lot of discussion about the role played by social media in the uprisings. Then came a number of analysis that downplayed its actual impact. Whatever the case, it is clear that platforms like Facebook and Twitter are transforming the youth - be it in the US or in Saudi Arabia. Damian Radcliffe has recently released a report, Social Media in the Middle East: The Story of 2015 (you can download it from the link). Here are his key findings

Facebook is the Middle Easts most used social network, with 80 million users in the region. The U.S., with 192 million subscribers, has more than double the Facebook users of the whole of the MENA region.

Egypt, with 27 million users, has MENAs largest Facebook population; although with fewer (30.5 percent) than a third of the countrys residents on the network, there remains considerable scope for growth. In contrast, 59.7 percent (192 million) of the U.S. is on Facebook. The next most populous Facebook nations are Saudi Arabia (12 million users, akin to 43.2 percent of the total population) and Iraq (11 million, representing a third of the countrys 33 million residents). In Iraq, where there are also 11 million internet users, Facebook is the Internet for many people. WhatsApp, the popular messaging service owned by Facebook, is the leading social media platform in Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Northwestern University in Qatar. Beyond just being an SMS replacement service, WhatsApp groups are used to discuss religion, cooking and the news, as well as being a platform for a growing group of eCommerce entrepeneurs. WhatsApp is also the preferred social media channel for 41 percent of social media users in 20 countries across the region, according to a 2015 study produced by the research agency TNS.

And since we at SSiM S are working on videos related to science and Islam, here are the Damian's findings about videos in the MENA:

MENA is the fastest growing consumer of videos on Facebook. Consumption per head of Facebook embedded videos is twice the global average. Turkey is the second most active country for Periscope streams; and three Turkish cities  Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir  are among the top 10 cities with the most Periscope users worldwide. Periscope, the live video streaming app, was launched by Twitter during March 2015. Growth in watch time on YouTube is up over 80 percent year on year in the region, Google data show. After the U.S., MENA enjoys the worlds second-highest online video viewership. These video stats are incredible! This is one of the reasons we have to look at the impact of online videos.




ABC/ Ida Mae Astute(WASHINGTON) -- Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson told an audience of conservatives Friday outside Washington, D.C., that he was leaving the campaign trail."

"I realized it simply wasnt going to happen," Carson said at the Conservative Political Action Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

"I will to continue to be heavily involved and try to save our nation. We have to save it," he added.

In recent weeks, Carson seemed to fade into the background as leading candidates like Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio captured most of the attention on the campaign trail.

Ever since he launched his presidential bid last May, Carsons campaign was something of a roller-coaster ride. At one point he led the Republican presidential field in national polls -- even topping Trump -- but his numbers sagged and he never regained the top spot.

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
It has opened its case files for a first-hand look at cyber investigations - from the eyes of its digital forensic investigators  and paints the story behind the cold, hard metrics. Welcome to the trenches.

In 2008, Verizon Enterprise launched its inaugural Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), now widely considered the most authoritative source on data breaches and cybersecurity.

Today, Verizon releases its first ever Data Breach Digest (registration required for the free report)  essentially opening its case files and providing a first-hand look at cyber investigations from the eyes of its digital forensic investigators.

Containing 18 scenarios from real-world cyber investigations, Verizons Data Breach Digest cuts through the fear, uncertainty and doubt to reveal whats really happening in the trenches. This report illustrates how breaches actually work and provides a valuable resource for IT departments to bring to company boards signs of a data breach, important sources of evidence, and ways to quickly investigate, contain and recover from a breach.

Twelve of the cases represent more than 60% of the 1,175 cases investigated by the RISK team over the past three years while the other six are less common but more lethal.

Each scenario goes through a detailed analysis of how the attack occurred, the level of sophistication, threat actors involved, tactics and techniques used and recommended countermeasures. All data is categorized according to the standardized VERIS (Vocabulary for Event Recording and Incident Sharing) Framework used to compile the DBIR.

The report will help businesses and government organizations understand how to identify signs of a data breach, important sources of evidence and ways to quickly investigate, contain and recover from a breach.

The research suggests that at any given time, the vast majority of incidents fall into a small number of actual breach scenarios, said Bryan Sartin, managing director, the RISK Team, Verizon Enterprise Solutions. There is a tremendous commonality in the breaches we see and investigate on behalf of our clients.

The report groups the 18 scenarios into four different types of breaches and gives each a personality, including these select examples:

The human element

Social engineering  The Hyper-Click

Partner misuse  The Busted Chain

Conduit devices

Peripheral tampering  The Bad Tuna

Hacktivist Attack  The Dark Shadow

Configuration exploitation

Backdoor access  The Alley Cat

CMS compromise  The Roman Holiday

Malicious software

Data ransomware  The Catch 22

RAM scraping  The Leaky Boot

Verizon has modified/excluded certain details of each real-world situation including changing names, geographic locations, the quantity of records stolen and monetary loss details. Everything else has been imported straight from Verizons case files.

The Verizon RISK Team performs cyber investigations for hundreds of commercial enterprises and government agencies across the globe. In 2015, the RISK team investigated more than 500 cyber security incidents in more than 40 countries.

In 2008, the results of this teams field investigations were the genesis of the first Data Breach Investigations Report, an annual publication that dissects real-world data breaches with the goal of enlightening the public about the nature of threat actors behind the attacks, the methods they use, including the data they seek and the victims they target.
Top cryptographers differ on whether Apple or the FBI is in the right in the case of the iPhone 5C over which the US domestic security agency has obtained a court order demanding that Apple create a modified version of its operating system so that data on the device can be accessed.

The cryptographers in question are Ron Rivest, MIT Institute Professor, MIT; Adi Shamir, professor, Computer Science Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel; Whitfield Diffie, cryptographer and security expert, Cryptomathic; Moxie Marlinspike, chief technology officer, Whisper Systems; and Martin Hellman, professor emeritus of electrical engineering, Stanford University.

The five were participating in a panel discussion at the RSA Cryptographic Conference which was held in San Francisco last week. The panel was moderated by Paul Kocher, president and chief scientist, Cryptography Research division of Rambus.

The FBI obtained the order on February 16 and when Apple refused to pay heed, the agency asked the issuing court on February 19 to compel the company to comply. Apple has filed a motion asking for the order to be dismissed.

The order revolves around an iPhone 5c belonging to the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health; it was being used by Syed Rizwan Farook, one of its employees, and one of two people who participated in a mass shooting that left 14 people dead in December.

Rivest said that if people lived in a world where companies could be compelled to obey orders of the sort issued to Apple, the question was under what kind of conditions that would happen. "The All Writs Act doesn't seem to support it, so Congress would have to pass a law," he said.

He asked how a trade-off could be done, whether anybody could be compelled to do anything. "I think you're opening a can of worms here which is really the wrong way to go," said Rivest, one of the three who was involved in developing public key cryptography and the R in RSA.

"The systems we have are so fragile, that trying to have extra keys, extra means in and ways of taking them apart are just asking for all kinds of trouble," he said. "The good of the country depends on having strong security universally."

Hellman tended to agree. "When you take a holistic view, you can see that the FBI is right now really frustrated at not being able to get at that phone and I sympathise with them," he said.

He mentioned former NSA director Bobby Inman  who had tried to jail Hellman and Diffie in the 1970s when they challenged the US government's longstanding domestic monopoly on cryptography  who had told an interviewer from a Stanford alumni magazine that his attitude today would be that rather than trying to make sure that Diffie and Hellman were going to damage the NSA's information collection capabilities, he would be interested in how quickly the pair were going to make crypto systems available in a form that would protect proprietary and government information. Inman had cited the theft of some plans for the F-35 fighter-bomber in this connection.

Hellman said law enforcement interests were not limited to getting at the iPhone 5C in question, but in preventing crime. Mentioning the fact that former NSA director Mike Hayden had come out with a statement that the FBI director James Comey was wrong in the Apple case, Hellman added that what was needed was a discussion to figure out what was right for the US, rather than for a particular government agency or company.

Shamir  the S in RSA  took a diametrically opposite position. "I think we are confusing several separate issues," he said. "The tension between the FBI, or law enforcement in general, and the technology industry has existed for a long time and the question is where do you put the line.

"Some people claim that the current discussion is related to the issue of placing of backdoors in encryption technologies. I don't think this is the case. The FBI is asking Apple to do something very specific: the FBI will give Apple a particular phone and ask Apple to privately open up that particular phone. It has nothing to do with placing trapdoors in millions of telephones around the world."

Said Shamir: "There is also the issue of mass surveillance. Again, I think that we are confusing the issue. It's the case of a single phone. Of course, it can set a precedent, I'm aware of that. But if you look carefully at this issue, I think that it falls squarely on the side of helping the FBI in investigating a particular case, a particular device, doing something that Apple is capable of doing."

Shamir said that in his opinion, Apple had goofed up in several ways. "First was that they tried to put themselves in a position where they will be able to honestly tell the FBI, 'sorry as much as we would like to help you, we are technically unable to do so'. They made changes in the operating system, they no longer keep keys to various pieces of information, so they tried to protect themselves against exactly this situation, but they failed because they did not close this particular loophole where the FBI can point out a very specific way in which Apple can help them.

"So, in my opinion, they should, as quickly as possible, close this loophole and roll out a new update in the operating system that will really prevent them from helping the FBI in the future. Then they'll be able to use this argument. At the moment, they cannot make the argument."

Shamir said the second Apple goof-up was in choosing their battleground. "You know in Sun Tzu, The Art of War, he says that in order to win you have to choose very carefully where you are fighting. Here, the FBI had been waiting for a long time for the ideal situation from their perspective and they found it. They wanted to force the issue and this is a case in which it's clear that those people (involved) are guilty. They are dead so their constitutional rights are not involved. They did a major crime, they killed 14 people. The phone was found intact.

"Almost everything is aligned in favour of the FBI. And even though Apple helped in countless numbers of previous cases and supplied the information, they decided not to comply this time. My advice would have been that they should have complied this time and waited for a better test case to fight, where the case is not going to be so clearly in favour of the FBI."

He said it was the rule of law that would eventually decide things. "Apple is right in fighting it, possibly all the way to the Supreme Court. But if eventually, the legal decision would be that Apple should comply, they should try to change some laws in Congress."

Marlinspike said there had been several references recently to the US government's efforts to weaken cryptography. "I think we should at least acknowledge that the whole reason we are actually having this discussion is because Apple decided to make products that actually serve their customers and I think we should applaud them for that. This is very unusual in today's world where a lot of people are selling out their customers and mining their data," he said.

The security researcher, who is also known as Matthew Rosenfeld or Mike Benham, said his view on the issue might be unpopular. "The thing is, I think the chances are there is nothing (of importance) on this device (the iPhone 5C)," he said. "This isn't the shooter's personal phone which he intentionally destroyed, it's his work phone issued by the county (of San Bernardino) which he left in a drawer.

"The FBI already has all the suicide call logs that they got from the cellphone carriers and they have an iCloud back-up. They might have had a more recent iCloud back-up if they had not messed up and reset the iCloud password before prompting the device to sync. So they have a tremendous amount of information but what the FBI seems to be saying is, we need this because we might be missing something. And obliquely they are asking us to take steps towards a world where that isn't possible. And I don't know that that's the world that we want to live in."

He added: "I actually think that law enforcement should be difficult. And I think that it should actually be possible to break the law. In the US we've seen, in many states recently, the legalisation of gay marriage as well as the legalisation of marijuana in some states and these are held up as the triumph of the democratic process.

"But I think we also have to acknowledge that those developments would not be possible without the ability to break the law. How would we know that we wanted to legalise same-sex marriage if nobody had ever been allowed to have a same-sex relationship before because of the sodomy laws that are on the books in many states and have been enforced until now? How would we know that we ever wanted to legalise marijuana if nobody had been able to successfully consume marijuana because drug laws had been completely enforced?

"The FBI seems to be saying that we should consider their surveillance capability as something that is for our social good and I don't necessarily think that that is true."

Diffie said the great moral victory of his lifetime was gay rights. "It was a felony in the 1950s to have gay sex. Look at (Alan) Turing. Now that's been settled, gays can get married."

Turning to Marlinspike, he said, "and I agree with you completely that the difference between a free society and a totalitarian society is in large part the difference in being answerable for your actions. You do something society doesn't like, you might get beat up for it. In a tyranny you build mechanisms to deny people the opportunity to have control of their actions. Like, for example, going to their cellphones and breaking in directly. It isn't a matter of, if you don't tell us you'll go to jail; you don't have to tell them, they will simply steal from you.

"I think this is part of a much, much larger issue. You've heard me say, we're doing something we've never done since five or seven thousand years ago, that's when we moved into cities which were things made by people. We are moving into digital media, we're moving our culture into digital media. But there's another aspect to this: in some sense, all societies in the past over the long run were democratic. That's where all the political power, all the productive power, all the things were done by human beings. And we are moving into an era where the confrontation between people and machines, the interaction of people and machines is the major issue of this era. And who control machines is going to be who controls the world."

Hellman added that though he was in agreement with the FBI he would be signing an amicus brief supporting Apple's position asking that the order be vacated. "As Adi (Shamir) said it might set a precedent, most people I talked to said it would set a precedent. It wouldn't be so bad if (when) they get into the phone, they then tell us what was on it so that if it's as we think, that there's nothing on it, we can say it was useless. But I suspect they will try to classify it and prevent that from happening."

Shamir responded that it was necessary to remember that a precedent could be changed by a new law passed in Congress. "The precedent is not something that will stay forever. I think it would be helpful for the audience to have a mental image not of a phone, but of the police confiscating a safe which presumably contains some incriminating evidence about a crime. Are the police right in approaching the manufacturer of the safe and asking for the design in order to know where to drill in order to open the safe in the easiest possible way?

"We are not talking about asking the company to put backdoors that will make the safe weaker. Just to help them open that particular safe. I think it's reasonable."

Hellman said if this became a precedent, there were thousands and thousands of requests, "not only from the federal government but state and local governments and not just from this country but China and other authoritarian governments. Many of the people I've talked to feel that Apple will have to build a universal backdoor, instead of something specific to each phone, something general that provides a break-in system, and if that gets out then we're in big, big trouble."

Rivest said that though he was not a lawyer he liked looking at legal documents because they were interesting. "And I think the precedent that would be set here if the judge in that San Bernardino case ruled in favour of the FBI would be rather breathtaking in its scope, because what the FBI is essentially asking here is that it can ask any third party, whether related to the case or not, to do anything that's not explicitly prohibited by law.

"They could come into any other company to decrypt the chips, under the All Writs Act. So the precedent is not just for opening a particular phone that Apple happen to have manufactured, it's basically asking an unrelated third party  because Apple is unrelated to the terrorism case here  to do something which they don't normally do to help the FBI with its research.

"And it's important to separate the moral feelings you have about helping the FBI that tugs at your heartstrings  and the San Bernardino case is one where you feel sympathy for the victims and want to help them  that's one level of judging what's going on.

"The other is the legal question and there what the FBI is asking for seems inappropriate; this debate really belongs in Congress where Congressional representatives can, as you say, make the law that guides us towards a future that has potentially better balances."
Nominations for the iAwards, Australias premier awards programme for innovation in the digital economy will close on 31 March 2016.

Now in its 23rd year, the iAwards honours both companies at the cutting edge of technology innovation as well as leading professionals across the Digital Economy. These awards recognise Australias best innovations and innovative projects from start-ups, mid-sized companies, students, government, corporate, research and academia. The awards honour individuals and institutions that innovate to make a difference to society through solving a simple or complex solution.

Over $75,000 in prize money is offered across 11 categories. Valuable business services and mentoring will also be made available to finalists as part of a renewed focus to support Australian innovation.

According to Rob Fitzpatrick, CEO, Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), the AIIA has focused on building a strong network of business mentors this year to support the finalists throughout the process.

Australia is full of people who are brimming with great ideas, and who can reach out to those whove gone before them and are now willing to provide support and guidance to our nominees. Mentors contribute world-class experience across a whole range of business practices. AIIA is delighted this year to help our entrants benefit from the commercial and business experience of our mentors and to provide them with knowledge that will continue to support them as their ideas and businesses grow, he said.

The iAwards provide a great opportunity for smart and innovative Australian companies and individuals to compete with great ideas across a diverse pool of competitors.

The iAwards opens up new horizons for emerging Australian innovations. This is the only awards programme that enables entrants to compete across all industry sectors based on the strength of their innovative idea. Its rare to see a student innovation compete with a government or a large corporate innovation, and this is what makes the iAwards particularly exciting. All innovators are potential winners  regardless of industry, Fitzpatrick added.

Nominees must first win at the state award ceremonies to be eligible to compete at the national iAwards held in Melbourne this August. Winners will be selected by a panel of 100+ high profile industry business professionals, who volunteer their time. All national and state winners will receive a range of business services from Gartner, UTS, Deloitte, Pyms Technology Lawyers, KPMG and Grant Thornton.

The iAwards is hosted by the AIIA, a non-profit organisation run by members for members driving innovation in the digital industry.
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.
HERTFORDSHIRE Probation Service is among the country's most effective in dealing with offenders who flout court orders.

Confirmation of the service's tough stance was revealed in the latest government audit which revealed that the Herts service is one of nine in England and Wales to take action in 100 per cent of cases by returning culprits to court.
Do you guys know what next week is? It's the start of marathon training for me! Yes, after announcing that I am running the Chicago Mara...
The "One Piece Film Gold" trailer was streamed on Friday.

Anime News Network reported that the movie's official website has released a special video. The "One Piece Film Gold" trailer promoted TOHO cinemas and featured the "black leather" outfits of the characters in the movie.

It was also revealed that manga series creator Eiichiro Oda supervised the line art for the "One Piece Film Gold" trailer. The video will be played in TOHO theaters on Saturday.

Aside from being credited for his original work, Oda is also the movie's executive producer. He was also the executive producer for "One Piece Film Z."

"One Piece Film Gold" will be directed by Hiroaki Miyamoto. He has directed "One Piece" episodes 352-679 and was the assistant director for "One Piece: Baron Omatsuri and the Secret Island."

Tsutomu Kuroiwa, who previously worked on the live-action "Black Butler" film, live action "Liar Game: The Final Stage" film and live-action "The Perfect Insider" TV series, is writing the script.

"One Piece Film Gold" is slated to premiere in Japan on Jul. 23.

"One Piece" manga series creator Eiichiro Oda drew the main visual for "Gold." According to Crunchyroll, a new male character is featured in the image along with the members of the Straw Hat Pirates.

Posters for "One Piece Film Gold" will be displayed at Japanese theaters beginning Mar. 19. The second batch of its advance tickets will also be available on the same day. An A3-size original art calendar with character references drawn by Oda will accompany the tickets sale.

Movie News Guide reported that Mayumi Tanaka (Luffy), Akemi Okamura (Nami) and Kazuya Nakai (Zoro) have been confirmed to take on their characters for "One Piece Film Gold."

YHM noted that the upcoming "One Piece" film will focus on Pirate King Gol D. Roger. The movie may provide more details on the character who inspired Luffy to gather his pirate crew and search for treasure.
WASHINGTON  Asked to describe the current shape of the Middle East, a visiting Israeli official uses a Hebrew expression, gam vegam, which translates roughly to: Its going in both directions at once.

The shards of the Middle East mosaic are as sharp and dangerous as ever, but U.S., Israeli, and Arab officials say these pieces have been rearranged in the past few months  and may now fit together in different and often surprising ways. There are opportunities few observers would have expected, and also new perils. President Obama is often seen as a lame duck who is hobbling off the Middle East stage in his final 10 months as president. But the pace is likely to be set largely by Secretary of State John Kerry, a man who still has something to prove as a diplomat.

However the next months unfold, 2016 will shape the options for the next president. The departing Obama, who hoped to change the strategic balance in the Middle East, has partly done that  encouraging others to take a larger military role, for better or worse, but preserving U.S. diplomacy.

What are the new puzzle pieces? First, theres Syria, arguably Obamas greatest foreign policy failure. Despite a chorus of naysayers, Kerry has managed to cajole the various Syria antagonists  Russia, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the regime of Bashar al-Assad, the fractious opposition  into the same tent to work on details of a cease-fire.

This diplomatic process is fragile, and dependent on the goodwill of Russians and others who in the past have displayed only naked self-interest. But its not nothing. According to State Department estimates, relief convoys have reached 225,000 desperate Syrians in the past few weeks; the target is to provide aid to 1.7 million by the end of March.

The cease-fire process invites violations, because many of the more than 100 rebel groups that have accepted the truce are camped alongside excluded fighters from the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra. State Department officials describe this co-location of groups as marbling, and expect it will take weeks for fighters to vote with their feet which side of the line theyre on. This sorting will work only if theres some sign of progress toward an eventual political transition away from Assad.

Iran is the second puzzle piece that looks different than most would have predicted a few years ago. Obamas bet that Iran could be pressured into a meaningful nuclear deal by a global sanctions coalition has proved correct. Whats more, his hope that the Iran opening would strengthen pragmatic forces there also appears to have borne fruit after last Fridays elections.

State Department officials say its impossible now to calculate precisely what the political balance will be in the new parliament or the Assembly of Experts group that will choose Irans next leader. But its clear that the hard-liners have been weakened, and that President Hassan Rouhanis position is stronger. That was Obamas biggest strategic gamble; it appears to be paying off.

Saudi Arabia is also changing shape. Who would have predicted a few years ago that the decisive figure in this once-moribund, hyper-conservative monarchy would be a headstrong 30-year-old whose goal appears to be a Saudi version of the modernizing, relatively tolerant United Arab Emirates? But thats whats happening under Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The young Saudi has sometimes been more bold than wise, as in his war in Yemen, his decision to break diplomatic relations with Iran and his new effort to destabilize a Hezbollah-dominated Lebanon. But his role as a change agent is unmistakable. He wants to transition Saudi Arabia very quickly, said Adel Al Toraifi, the Saudi information minister, whos just 36 himself, in a visit to Washington last week.

The piece of the Middle East puzzle that seems most jagged right now is Turkey, only a decade ago the brightest spot in the region. President Recep Tayyip Erdogans power plays have shattered a once-promising reconciliation with the Kurds and undermined Turkish democracy. Turkey has managed simultaneously to worsen its relations with Russia, Israel, Iran and the U.S.  quite a feat. Veteran Turkey-watchers fear growing internal turmoil there.

As America has stepped back in the Middle East during Obamas presidency, Russia, Iran, the Islamic State and Saudi Arabia have stepped forward. This has brought many new dangers. But even though Americas military dominance has faded, its diplomatic role remains decisive  as the Syria and Iran talks show.

Fitting the altered pieces of the puzzle together brings many risks, but it does provide new openings. And its clear that even in its diminished role, the U.S. remains the indispensable stabilizing power, like it or not.
RALEIGH  During a recent book tour across North Carolina, I had occasion to visit with thousands of politically active people, most of them conservatives. The most frequent question I received from audiences was what I thought of Donald Trump.

I told them. Donald Trump is a dangerous charlatan, a bully who deftly uses false promises, egregious lies and malicious attacks to manipulate people to his advantage. His marks include media figures desperate for ratings, political has-beens desperate for relevance and voters desperate for someone to restore American greatness after two unpopular presidencies, two costly wars and nearly two decades of economic stagnation.

Its a swindle. Its a world-class con. And for conservatives in North Carolina and around the country, its one of the greatest challenges we will ever face.

Trumps toxic brew of insult comedy, rank dishonesty, ethnic grievance and hostility to basic principles of free enterprise, free speech and limited government cannot be reconciled with the modern conservative movement. If Donald Trump is the answer, you have asked a very wrong and very stupid question.

Win or lose in the fall  although the odds clearly favor the lose scenario  a nominated Trump would obviously sit atop the Republican Partys ticket in 2016. But he need not become its permanent national brand. Moreover, while the GOP has become the primary political vehicle for American conservatism, the movement is about far more than elections. It is about powerful ideas. It is about timeless principles. It is not the equivalent of an infomercial offering fake cures or a reality TV show offering fake freaks.

Here is my advice for North Carolina conservatives. When it comes to politics, focus your attention on campaigns that appeal to voters noblest aspirations, not their basest fears. Fight on, naturally, but if the presidential race this fall ends up pitting a dishonest, narcissistic conspiracy theorist who dreams of using federal power to silence dissent  Im talking about Hillary Clinton here  against a Republican exhibiting the same ominous qualities, look elsewhere for candidates to champion. For example, look at governors, legislators and other leaders who are solving real problems and building real, lasting political coalitions.

Outside of politics, focus your attention on education and outreach. Many Americans are susceptible to political con jobs because they lack a solid grounding in the principles of free enterprise and constitutional government. There is no substitute for hard, patient and creative work to address this problem.

Many Trump supporters dont know much about his actual positions or his shameful history. They are frustrated, understandably so, and looking for answers. Weve all been there at some point in our lives. Weve probably all been the victims of a con at least once. But other Trump supporters  a motley crew of simpletons, bigots and cynical manipulators  know exactly what kind of person he is. They dont care. They want to make a statement. They want to tell off the establishment. They want to see things burn.

Conservatives have no choice but to hold these fools accountable for what is likely to come next. They deserve our scorn and ridicule. They would rather lose gloriously rather than win in stages. Some hold significant positions of influence. Conservatives should shun their shows, defund their groups, leave their books unsold and their speeches unattended.

I am a fundamentally optimistic person. Thats because I am a realist. If you survey human history, you will find many tales of tragedy, deceit, rancor and woe. But on balance, things are getting better. Wars are less frequent. Hatreds and prejudices are less prevalent. Living standards are rising. The cornucopia of goods and services available to the average American today would simply amaze the wealthiest American from a century ago.

Realism teaches me not to bet against the future  particularly not here in North Carolina and the rest of our great country. We dont have to settle for a choice between anemic, European-style social democracy and septic, European-style demagoguery. We can still fight for freedom, American-style. Will you join me?
SHARE

By of the

As cable television companies try to reinvent themselves in a changing market, the planned $55 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable by Charter Communications could result in more program choices and better Internet service for Wisconsin, but the merger's critics say it could come at the expense of customer service and job losses.

Federal regulators could rule on the proposed merger of the second and third larg-est cable providers in the nation as early as this spring. If the deal is completed, Time Warner Cable customers would become Charter Communications customers, but they wouldn't have to change subscription plans.

There's about an 80% chance of the deal receiving approval, said Barry Orton, a recently retired telecommunications professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Time Warner and Charter are the two largest cable companies in Wisconsin, providing television and Internet service in the most heavily populated areas.

If the acquisition is approved, Charter says it has big plans for Time Warner customers. The company says its slowest Internet speed, of 60 megabits per second, is much faster than Time Warner's minimum speed but is comparably priced.

Also, Charter does not have a $10 monthly modem lease fee, and the company says it would offer a $14.99 per month Internet plan for low-income families and senior citizens who receive Supplemental Social Security.

As a larger company, Charter could offer expanded video services, including more high-definition television channels.

Over time, perhaps three years, Charter says it would upgrade Time Warner's network to an all-digital system and the Charter Spectrum portfolio of products.

Then, Time Warner customers could get the same products and prices that Charter offers in its current service areas.

"We don't have an exact time for this, but we are committed to offering the Spectrum brand as quickly as we can in all markets," said Charter spokesman Justin Venech.

Changes are coming as cable providers now have more Internet subscribers than TV subscribers, according to data provider SNL Kagen. As more viewers ditch TV for online video, competition for customers  from the likes of Netflix, Amazon and others, is increasing.

"There was a time when pay TV could get away with discontented users without being penalized by revenue losses from defecting customers, but those days are over," said Claes Fornell, chairman and founder of the American Customer Satisfaction Index, a national data collecting group that's part of the University of Michigan.

Charter says if the merger is approved, Time Warner customers will not notice an immediate difference.

Time Warner Cable's brand would continue for a while, and customers wouldn't have to change their subscription plans.

"If someone likes the package they are receiving now, they can keep it," Venech said.

How do Time Warner Cable and Charter compare in customer satisfaction ratings?

"I can't say that Charter's reputation is great in Wisconsin. But it's not terrible, and it's certainly better than the previous companies they took over," Orton said.

In the 2015 American Customer Satisfaction Index, Charter and Time Warner Cable had comparable scores  of 57 and 58, respectively  of a possible 100 points for Internet service. Charter scored 63 for subscription television, while Time Warner Cable's score was 51.

"Although Charter shows the most improvement in the industry, it may be difficult to maintain customer satisfaction momentum as the company combines operations with other providers. ACSI data suggests that mergers usually result in lower customer satisfaction, at least in the short term," the organization said.

"Sixty-one percent of U.S. households have just one or no high-speed Internet provider servicing their region, and the lack of customer choice contributes to weak customer satisfaction. Customers are frustrated with unreliable service, slow broadband Internet speeds, and rising subscription prices  and they resent being locked into service contracts," ACSI noted.

"Cable companies are trying to strengthen their positions through consolidation, but the benefits to consumers of one coaxial cable company absorbing another are questionable," said David VanAmburg, ACSI director.

Combined, Charter and Time Warner Cable have about 3,900 employees in Wisconsin, including employees at customer service centers and offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton and Fond du Lac.

Critics of the merger say one of the largest impacts could be fewer jobs as the combined companies eliminate duplication of services and operations.

Orton says Time Warner and Charter, as one company, would not need as many people in areas such as customer service, billing, marketing and management.

It's difficult to imagine that the combined companies would keep all of the customer service centers intact, Orton said.

Charter disagrees with that assessment.

The Stamford, Conn.-based company says it has added 7,000 jobs in the last three years for total employment of about 24,000 people.

"We have been focused on in-sourcing our technician jobs and bringing overseas call centers back to the U.S. In the last year, 95% of all Charter customer-care calls were handled in the U.S. by a Charter employee," Venech said.

Opponents of the merger say the combined companies would be big enough to impair competition in the cable industry, where a lot of consolidation has already taken place.

While cable companies usually don't compete for individual households, they do compete in other areas such as programming.

The merged companies could keep Google Fiber and other competitors out of some markets, said Brian Kirsch, an information technology instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College.

"They would have more horsepower to do that," Kirsch said.

Cable and broadband markets are already highly concentrated. Yet mergers and attempts at mergers keep coming, according to Public Knowledge, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that promotes open Internet access.

"The smart money seems to suggest that more consolidation is good for profits, good for some investors and good for fending off competition. But there's little reason to think it's good for consumers, or even for the industry and economy as a whole," Public Knowledge said in an FCC filing about the proposed Time Warner Cable acquisition.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
SHARE

By of the

A bill backed by the state's electric utilities would cut funding for the state's energy efficiency program at a time when electricity costs in Wisconsin have climbed above the national average and nearby states.

Funding for the Focus on Energy program would be cut by $7 million, in a move utilities and state regulators said would return money back to ratepayers.

But critics say the bill will hurt customers in the long run by cutting a program that's delivered $3 of savings to customers for every $1 spent.

The bill passed the state Assembly last month and is slated to be considered by the state Senate March 15.

At a time when capital spending budgets are tight, Focus offers incentives that enable customers to reduce their costs by allowing them to afford the upfront expenses of switching to LED lighting that will save them money over time, said Theresa Lehman, director of sustainable services at Miron Construction.

"It's very short sighted to vote on a bill that's going to reduce Focus on Energy's program budget by $7.2 million," she said. "Our clients use that money every year."

They include St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, which is saving $30,000 a year by upgrading the lighting in its corridors. Another client, Lake Mills Elementary School  which has won accolades for its green design  received $100,000 in incentives from Focus and is now saving $85,000 every year on its energy costs, she said.

Supporters of the cut, including the state's utilities and manufacturing groups, say it fixes a problem that, in effect, charges some utilities twice for Focus.

Investor-owned utilities are paying into Focus based on a percentage of sales, and then municipal utilities  which buy power from investor-owned utilities  are paying into Focus separately, at a rate of $8 per meter. But right now Focus is funded based on 1.2% of investor-owned utilities' total sales.

The change would collect Focus funding by retail rather than total utility electric sales. so investor utilities aren't paying for both their customers' and municipal customers' contributions to Focus. "Our concern is the formula and getting rid of the double charge," said Brian Manthey, spokesman for We Energies. Total funding for Focus would increase over time as utility power sales rise, he added.

Madison-based Alliant Energy and Milwaukee-based WEC Energy Group, parent of We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, are backing the bill. All three of the utilities estimate they would see savings of roughly $2 million a year.

The change is about equity and fairness and "would put $7 million back in ratepayers' pockets," said Elise Nelson, spokeswoman for the PSC.

Since it was founded more than 15 years ago, the Focus on Energy program has been given high marks by auditors, both for its payback and its economic impact on the state. The $3 back for every $1 spent means ratepayers are seeing $21 million in savings from the $7 million on the chopping block.

Critics of the bill say scaling back funding for a program that helps customers save money doesn't make sense given the rate trends the state has seen.

Electricity costs in Wisconsin have risen by 50% over the past decade, as utilities have moved to beef up the state's supply of energy by adding power plants and transmission lines. In 2015, residential customers in Wisconsin were paying the 13th-highest rates in the country, according to new statistics released last month by the federal Energy Information Administration.

On average, electricity costs for industrial customers in Wisconsin rank highest in the Midwest and 15th in the country.

Since Gov. Scott Walker took office in 2011, the Legislature has rolled back a funding increase for Focus that was approved in 2010, capped funding for Focus on Energy and eliminated a provision that allowed the PSC to ask for more money for the program. In addition, in recent years the PSC has made several changes that interrupted funding for renewable energy projects.

Keith Reopelle, senior policy director with the conservation group Clean Wisconsin, says the funding shouldn't be cut but says his group supports addressing the problem the utilities want fixed. By charging utility customers slightly more, 1.3% rather than 1.2% of sales, the fairness problem for utilities would be solved and Focus would remain fully funded, he said.

Last week, Miron and a coalition of more than 30 businesses signed on to a memorandum to legislators opposing the cuts.

The discussion should at some point move toward expanding funding for Focus rather than cutting it, Reopelle said.

Studies by Clean Wisconsin and others have found that helping consumers save energy is an essential tool the state has for helping keep a lid on the cost to comply with federal greenhouse gas rules. The federal Clean Power Plan, finalized last year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will require changes to reduce the emissions from power plants that burn coal and natural gas.

The rules were put on hold last month by the state Supreme Court, and Gov. Scott Walker then barred state agencies from taking any steps toward implementing the rules.

RePower Madison, a local clean-energy group that is pushing Madison Gas & Electric to move more quickly to cut its reliance on fossil fuels, says a cut to Focus would be bad for customers of MGE, which charges the highest electric rates in the state.

"MGE customers would have reduced opportunity to benefit from Focus because of the cut," said Mitch Brey, project manager at RePower Madison.
Registered nurse Debby Smith-Wint demonstrates how to use hand sanitizer before entering a patient room Friday at Columbia St. Marys Hospital Milwaukee, 2301 N. Lake Drive. Washing hands and using sanitizer play a key role in preventing infections. Credit: Mark Hoffman

By of the

On average, almost three people die each day in Wisconsin from sepsis, a complication from infections. The infections often occur in hospitals and other health care settings. And new strains of bacteria are increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

The potential risks were shown last week when the state Department of Health Services announced that bacteria causing sepsis had been linked to 18 deaths and 44 cases of infection in southern Wisconsin since late December.

Reducing so-called health care-associated infections has become a priority in recent years for hospitals throughout Wisconsin and the country.

Hospitals have made impressive gains in preventing infections from central lines, catheters and surgery by putting in place strict guidelines and redesigning how they care for patients.

Hospitals are quick to acknowledge that much work remains. However, an annual report by the Wisconsin Hospital Association released Thursday documents the gains so far:

Infections from central lines used to deliver fluids, medications and blood fell 42% from 2008 to 2014. For 2015, an additional type of infection was added to the measure, resulting in an increase in the rate.

Infections associated with urinary catheters fell 66% since 2008.

Deaths from sepsis fell 16% since 2011.

The measures  for about 100 hospitals in Wisconsin, including 65 that have 25 or more beds  are all better than the national benchmarks.

Nationally, an estimated 722,000 health care-associated infections occurred in U.S. acute care hospitals in 2011, and approximately 75,000 of those patients died, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Infections are the most common and most deadly of so-called hospital-acquired conditions. Others include falls and pressure ulcers, or bed sores. Hospitals also have worked to reduce those.

"All of our hospitals are trying to drive these rates as low as they can," said Kelly Court, chief quality officer for the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

The association launched a series of initiatives in 2009 to prevent infections and other health care-acquired conditions.

The steps taken by hospitals have entailed hundreds of changes in the way they care for patients. Clinical guidelines and checklists are now common. Prompts and alerts are built into systems for electronic health records. And doctors increasingly are asking whether a patient needs a central line or urinary catheter.

"First and foremost, if you don't need it, don't use it," said Richard Shimp, chief medical officer of Columbia St. Mary's Health System in Milwaukee.

When a patient in the health system needs a central line, a standard kit is used. And the electronic health record will remind the nurse each day to check whether the line can be removed.

He or she also will get similar alerts for a urinary catheter.

The guidelines and best practices for reducing infections and other risks to patients being put in place by Columbia St. Mary's were developed by Ascension Health, its parent organization and the largest Catholic health system in the country.

"We have to start thinking differently in health care around what we do," Shimp said.

The result has been fewer infections, falls, and other health care-acquired conditions.

"Our trend lines are all down," Shimp said.

Hospitals have had additional incentives to focus on improving the quality of care.

Medicare now requires them to disclose infection rates and other quality measures or pay a penalty. Until 2011, Wisconsin was among the 23 states that did not disclose hospital infection rates.

That information and other quality measures are available on Medicare's website at medicare.gov/hospitalcompare.

Medicare also stopped paying hospitals for 10 health care-acquired conditions in 2008. Before that, hospitals could bill the federal government for the additional care required when a patient was harmed while being treated.

The Affordable Care Act added other incentives and penalties.

Medicare payments to hospitals that perform the worst in preventing infections and other health care-acquired conditions  those in the bottom fifth  are reduced by 1%. Fifteen hospitals  out of the 65 hospitals in Wisconsin subject to the penalty  are receiving the lower payments this year.

Medicare payments to hospitals that perform poorly on an array of quality measures compared with other hospitals can be reduced by a maximum of 1.75%. Hospitals that do well receive bonuses. This year, 52 of the 65 eligible hospitals in Wisconsin are receiving bonuses.

Continuing to make progress in lowering the rate of infections and other health care-acquired conditions will get more difficult each year, said Court of the Wisconsin Hospital Association.

She nonetheless expects future gains.

"We are going to keep after this," she said.

so what's your risk?

The risk of getting an infection while hospitalized is small for any one person.

For each day that a hospital patient in Wisconsin had a central line or urinary catheter, for example, he or she had a less than one-in-1,000 chance on average of getting an infection in 2014.

But the overall numbers add up, and the infections can be deadly.
The federal government's dispute with Apple over unlocking the smartphone used by a dead terrorist in the San Bernardino, Calif., attacks apparently hangs on how the courts interpret the All Writs Act, written in 1789 but still used today to extract data from tech companies.

As this crucial test of national security vs. corporate and personal privacy unfolds, perhaps we should all be more concerned about how things might play out in the digitally connected America of 2089 or 2019, for that matter.

The facts of the case are well-known. The FBI has asked Apple to help unlock a phone once carried by Syed Rizwan Farook, who along with his wife carried out the December attacks in San Bernardino that left 14 dead and 22 wounded. The phone was issued to Farook by his employer, San Bernardino County, which isn't opposed to having it opened.

Until September 2014, when Apple introduced its iOS 8 operating system, it used a "master key" to unlock phones to comply with court orders in certain criminal cases touched by the All Writs Act. Since then, it has been unwilling to perform data extractions  and its phones wipe out data after 10 failed tries to crack the code.

Apple's stand is not based on the company's sanctioning of terrorism, but being compelled to create a "back door" to its devices against its will  an outcome it fears will put customer data at risk of snooping by law enforcement and government agencies, not only in the United States, but in nations such as China and Russia that have fewer qualms about doing so.

Most major tech companies have rallied to Apple's defense, and many have filed amicus briefs in the complicated legal fight. There's an emerging sense that the outcome of the Apple case will set the tone for years and decades to come, and perhaps open the door to a world in which there is no such thing as truly private conversations or information.

From a commerce point of view, that's especially worrisome as the Internet of Things  devices communicating with other devices  takes hold.

Tech companies that have assured customers their devices cannot be penetrated by governments or others will see their credibility undermined. That's crucial in an era when connected cars, homes, kitchens and even refrigerators are being touted as the next wave of innovation, yet all of those platforms come with cameras or sensors that can capture personal data.

The Internet of Things should aspire to be the Internet of Secured Things, not the Internet of Surveillance Things.

Of course, society has brought some of this upon itself. Anyone who carries a smartphone that backs up data to an Internet "cloud" is likely participating in the collection of data that can be used for many purposes, from marketing soap to public health assessments to monitoring traffic flow. It's also potentially accessible to hackers, at home or abroad, and even official snooping under some circumstances.

The advent of the digital age has made some Americans, particularly those of the millennial generation, a bit numb to the concept of privacy. They recognize that life in a future connected world means they will likely see an erosion of privacy, even subtly so, due to technologies that are otherwise viewed as helpful or fun.

As one university student told me the other day, "Every time I use my smartphone, I assume I am telling someone something about me."

Companies themselves are partly to blame, too. Encryption wasn't talked about much at the dawn of the Internet, and the rise of mobile technologies and hackers has only recently forced companies to become more diligent, as Apple has done of late with its hardened security.

And yet, those same companies don't want to become unwilling conscripts for potential government surveillance as they invite customers to use their products in their homes, cars, kitchens and bedrooms.

Technology is making the world and society more prone to surveillance. Perhaps society itself invited that outcome, but it shouldn't mean compelling companies to open back doors to make snooping even easier.

Tom Still is president of the Wisconsin Technology Council. Its Wisconsin Innovation Network meets in Wauwatosa. Contact him at news@wisconsintechnologycouncil.com.
Terrance Anderson (left) and Desha Robertson (right) were shot and killed in a Milwaukee tavern Feb. 8, 2015. Pierre Cardell Brown was sentenced Friday to 34 years in prison. Credit: Journal Sentinel files

SHARE Pierre Cardell Brown Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office Derrell Anderson, the brother of Terrance Anderson, wears a ribbon memorializing his brother during the sentencing Friday of Pierre Cardell Brown. Bruce Vielmetti

By of the

Pierre Cardell Brown shouldn't have had a gun when he went to New Entertainers Lounge last winter. Without one, he couldn't have killed two people in an instant for no apparent reason.

But because he pleaded guilty, and because since his arrest he tried to do some good  intervening in an attack on a guard, and supplying information about a gun found smuggled into the House of Correction  Brown, 30, avoided a life sentence.

Instead, he'll serve 34 years in prison, followed by 20 more on supervised release if and when he gets out. Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Ellen Brostrom imposed the sentence Friday after hearing about the "unspeakable devastation" suffered by the victims' families.

Early on Feb. 8, 2015, Brown fatally shot Terrance Anderson, 38, who was helping out his brother, the bar's owner, and Desha Robertson, 22, a customer who was on his way out the door when he was gunned down in the enclosed entryway of the business on W. Green Tree Road and N. 54th St.

Derrell Anderson, the victim's older brother, told Brostrom, "Mr. Brown is my al-Qaida, my ISIS, the terrorist in the community that changes everyone's lives."

Artravia Mills, the victim's fiance, said Terrance saved her life and was the glue the kept the family together. She said he won't be able to walk his 20-year-daughter down a wedding aisle, or help teach his values to his sons, ages 16 and 4.

Christina Moore, Robertson's mother, said while some in her family have moved on, she's stuck on Feb. 8, 2015. "I'll never see my son again, and it hurts, it hurts bad."

Everyone in the courtroom saw video from the tavern that shows Brown reaching for a gun as Robertson walks ahead of him toward the door, and then turning and firing toward Anderson as he approaches.

Originally charged with first degree reckless homicides, Brown pleaded guilty on the eve of his trial to two counts of second degree reckless homicide. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to recommend "significant" prison time.

Brostrom's sentence comes in at six years short of the maximum, which she said amounted to a discount for Brown's actions in jail since his arrest, when she said he "tried to create more safety, rather than more fear."

She also ordered Brown, who has prior felony convictions and gun arrest as a juvenile, to pay about $17,000 restitution to the victims' families and the state crime victim compensation fund.
A reader asked me to write about Donald Trump's education platform. I can't, I said. There isn't one.

That's not exactly true. Trump's campaign website says, "I will end common core. It's a disaster." In a short video, Trump says that, as president, education will be "an absolute priority." He says, "I'm a tremendous believer in education." But schools should be run at the local level and not by Washington.

That's not a platform. It's a couple of slogans, a vague concept, and a sort-of position that has been pretty much already settled in favor of Trump's view. The education law passed a few months ago by Congress stops the federal government from promoting the Common Core education standards and shifts education decision-making generally back toward states.

Trump has a lot of company in downplaying education. In both the Republican and Democratic presidential races, none of the candidates has made kindergarten through 12th-grade issues prominent.

Turning the focus more locally, Milwaukee has a race for mayor underway in which education is not a major issue.

On the other hand, education is a hot issue in the race for county executive, an office that historically has nothing to do with schools. A new state law makes the country executive a key figure in what lies ahead. Who expected that a year ago?

But nationwide, I suggest, education is waning as an issue, after some years in which it was a bigger deal. I suspect a major reason is a broad sense of fatigue with education debates  they've gone on for so long and brought so little improvement. The surge of anti-big government sentiment is an important factor also.

How much is education in the backwaters of the presidential campaign?

When Ohio Gov. John Kasich was asked during the Republican debate Thursday night in Detroit what he would do about public schools in that city (they are fiscally, physically and academically pretty much at the point of collapse), it was the first time a K-12 policy question had been asked in a Republican debate in seven months, according to reporters who (I admit) keep score on this more closely than I do.

Kasich didn't really answer the question and incorrectly said Detroit schools are under mayoral control. But at least he talked about education policy, including his support of school choice options.

The other major Republican candidates generally agree on eliminating or sharply reducing the U.S. Department of Education, which they say (without giving details) would save billions of dollars. This has been advocated in the past, to no consequence.

The two Democratic candidates aren't really beating the education drum much either.

Hillary Clinton's website has a section on K-12 education with promises such as this: She will "make high-quality education available to every child  in every ZIP code  in America." (And how is she going to do that?)

Bernie Sanders' website lists 22 subjects on which he is taking stands. None of them involve K-12 education, although free college education has been a major theme for him.

It's certainly accurate to say there is a difference between, say, Clinton and Ted Cruz when it comes to education policy. Just think about teachers unions or overall spending. But except for the hot issue of college-related debt, bet on education to be a backwater issue through November. And just what either would do isn't so clear.

Mayoral hands-off on schools

Turning back to Milwaukee, it's worth saying that in cities that are making notable progress on education, one thing that is almost always present is a mayor who is big on education policy. That's true even in some cities where the mayor does not have direct control of schools.

In Milwaukee, where City Hall and Milwaukee Public Schools officially (and usually unofficially) operate on separate playing fields, there is a long history of mayors staying away from education issues. (John Norquist was an exception.)

Hands-off has generally been the policy in the 12 years Tom Barrett has been mayor. His campaign website doesn't have a section for education (or any other specific issue).

The website of Barrett's challenger, Ald. Bob Donovan, calls for a "no-excuses" policy to deal with bad behavior by students, with more parental accountability and more empowered teachers. And it calls for high quality education. (Of course.) But schools are not a central theme of his campaign.

I wish the Milwaukee mayoral race would serve as a catalyst for serious discussion about education. It won't.

The county executive's race, with a sharp divide over the new state law that could put some MPS schools under the executive's control, offers a lot of heat. But I don't know how much light it will shed.

So does anybody have any fresh ideas that could help improve overall educational success in the city?

Why, yes. I just listened to one such person last week.

Matt Desmond is a Harvard professor whose new book on evictions in Milwaukee is causing a national stir. Among many points he makes in the book is the hefty negative impact on children's education when a low-income family is forced to move. And it happens thousands of times each year in this city.

"Without stable shelter, everything else falls apart," Desmond said during a program at Marquette University Law School, where I work. He described families he met who moved and changed schools five or more times a year, each move a setback for the kids.

One solution he advocated: Broader use of housing vouchers that allow families to stay put in modest but acceptable apartments, keeping their children in the same schools.

How to increase stability in the lives of high-needs children  now there's a subject we should discuss. I wish someone running for president or mayor or county executive would.

Alan J. Borsuk is senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette University Law School. Reach him at alan.borsuk@marquette.edu.
SHARE

By of the

No new infections were reported Friday caused by Elizabethkingia anophelis bacteria, which has been linked to 44 cases and 18 deaths in southern Wisconsin, the state Department of Health Services said.

Dozens of epidemiologists, lab workers and investigators from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are trying to pin down the source of the infections, which have been reported in 11 counties: Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sauk, Washington and Waukesha.

While E. anophelis bacteria are widespread, health officials say they pose no threat to the community at large.

Most of the Wisconsin patients have been older than 65 and all of those who have died had chronic conditions so severe that, in come cases, investigators are unsure if patients died of infections or of their underlying ailments.

The heath department said that, for privacy reasons, it cannot release a tally of cases broken down by county.

More infections are expected, and the department said it planned to update the over-all count of cases on Wednesdays.
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn requested the review in November 2015. He announced his request on the same day federal prosecutors told the public a former Milwaukee police officer would not face charges in the fatal shooting of Dontre Hamilton at Red Arrow Park.

The review comes amid recent tension between police and members of Milwaukees black community sparked by several high-profile incidents  including the fatal police shooting of Dontre Hamilton and the in-custody death of Derek Williams, who died after gasping for breath in the back of a squad car  and illegal strip searches conducted by police that resulted in a $5 million settlement with 74 African-American residents.
SHARE

By

A ferocious explosion and fireball followed a Wisconsin Central train wreck in the frigid predawn hours of March 4, 1996, in Weyauwega. Two thousand citizens, many fleeing without pets or medications, were evacuated for 18 days as the fires burned.

Authorities feared additional explosions that would catapult shrapnel a mile or more from the derailed propane tank cars. Gas lines were shut off; water pipes froze in unheated houses.

Four days after the initial explosion, Wisconsin National Guard armored personnel carriers transported residents into the danger zone to rescue their pets. Wearing helmets and flak jackets, the evacuees dashed into their abandoned homes to retrieve hungry dogs, cats and parakeets. Ever so slowly, specialists drained the railroad tank cars of their volatile cargo and Weyauwega pulled back from the brink.

Federal investigators blamed a cracked rail and deficient track maintenance for the derailment.

Friday was the 20th anniversary of the Weyauwega catastrophe. Unfortunately, railroad track failures remain a concern today  a concern greatly magnified by massive increases in explosive crude oil train traffic in recent years. Wisconsin, now one of the busiest routes in the nation for this dangerous cargo, is part of a nationwide surge from 9,500 railroad tank car loads of crude oil in 2008 to 407,761 in 2013.

Connect the dots on the systemic danger the oil trains bring  and the details of the Weyauwega incident  and a reasonable citizen would question whether a Weyauwega scale disaster, or worse, is looming.

Key points: Highly explosive crude oil from North Dakota is traveling in tank cars that are aging and were never designed with this kind of volatile cargo in mind. In addition, the sheer weight of mile-long oil trains stresses railroad tracks and aging bridges.

Those concerns grew when a Canadian government investigation into the oil train explosion that killed 47 people in Lac Megantic, Quebec, on July 6, 2013, traced that fatal train's path. The train had traveled through Wisconsin and Milwaukee on Canadian Pacific tracks before exploding in Quebec.

As knowledge of the dangers of oil train traffic spread, something else became clear: a lack of transparency on the part of the railroads. Milwaukee citizens, local elected officials and journalists sought to obtain safety inspection reports for the corroded, century-old 1st St. railroad bridge. Canadian Pacific railroad officials refused to share the inspection reports for half a year.

Federal Railroad Administration Director Sarah Feinberg announced a new program to obtain bridge safety reports on Feb. 19, indicating that some progress is at hand.

Bridge inspection reports are only the tip of the iceberg. Railroads are not sharing information on what levels of insurance they carry, their worst case accident scenario plans or how they make critical routing decisions that bring oil trains through densely populated areas.

Any illusion that federal regulators are exercising effective due diligence on oil train traffic faded when the Department of Transportation released an audit of the FRA on Feb. 26. That report's opening words cite the Lac Megantic disaster and the vast increase in crude oil train traffic. However, the audit summarizes FRA's overview of oil train traffic as dysfunctional and lacking analysis on the impact to towns, cities and major population areas. It also notes a lack of criminal penalties for safety violations.

When citizens push, governments move into action. Insist that your elected representatives take effective action to protect our communities from dangerous crude oil train traffic.

Outdoor writer Eric Hansen is a member of Citizens Acting for Rail Safety-Milwaukee Area. He will be one of the presenters at "Your Right to Know-Oil Train Risks to Metro Milwaukee," a March 12 forum hosted by the League of Women Voters. For more information see lwvmilwaukee.org
By of the

Madison  A conservative group is poised to spend more than $700,000 on TV ads starting Tuesday to help state Supreme Court Justice Rebecca Bradley.

The Wisconsin Alliance for Reform has purchased ad time at stations across the state through March 21 to help Bradley, according to Bradley opponents who track media buys. The same group spent about $1 million on a spot praising Bradley in the run-up to last month's primary.

Bradley faces Appeals Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg in the April 5 election. The winner will serve a 10-year term on the court.

So far, no group has run ads helping Kloppenburg, who has won the backing of liberals.

Chris Martin, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Alliance for Reform, declined to comment.
SHARE

By of the

A bill that would strip the City of Milwaukee of its ability to force financial institutions to quickly sell abandoned, foreclosed properties known as zombie homes is headed toward the Senate floor.

"This would worsen the zombie property problem in Milwaukee and other communities considerably," Mayor Tom Barrett said. "I don't know why someone would want to worsen that problem."

Assembly Bill 720 would undo some of the powers to battle zombie homes that the city gained from a 2015 Wisconsin Supreme Court decision.

The bill passed a hurdle last week when it narrowly cleared a Senate committee. The Committee on Insurance, Housing and Trade passed the bill Thursday on a 3-2 vote, which was taken by a paper ballot rather than at a public meeting.

The move angered opponents of the bill, who said the committee's chairman, state Sen. Frank Lasee (R-De Pere), who is also the measure's lead sponsor in that house, had recently expressed concerns that the proposal needed work.

"At the public hearing on February 10th, Chairman Lasee was quite clear in his comments that this bill 'wasn't soup yet' and 'needed work,'" Vicky Selkowe, a lobbyist for Legal Action of Wisconsin, wrote in a Thursday email to the committee.

"Yet the bill before you today contains no new amendments or changes to address the concerns raised at that public hearing."

Lasee did not return calls for comment.

The 2015 unanimous Supreme Court decision upheld a 2012 law that strengthened Milwaukee's hand in dealing with zombie homes.

The justices said that when a court declares a foreclosed property to be abandoned, the lender must offer it for sale.

Foreclosed properties are auctioned off at sheriff's sales and lenders often buy the properties themselves.

The suit was brought by Legal Action on behalf of Shirley Carson, an elderly Milwaukee woman who had erroneously assumed she lost her home after a foreclosure suit, only to later learn she still owned the home and was responsible for the taxes and all the other costs of homeownership.

A homeowner keeps title to the property until a foreclosure action is complete and the home is sold at a sheriff's sale.

Many homeowners, however, assume they lost title when the foreclosure action begins and they abandon their property.

"This is why its referred to as a zombie" property, Barrett said, explaining the property sits vacant and is an attractive target for vandals. "Grandma is no longer around, grandma has moved on, grandma has zero economic incentive to improve the property."

Current law requires a lender to sell an abandoned foreclosed property after a five-week "redemption" period, during which the homeowner has an opportunity to pay the mortgage.

Assembly Bill 720 would give the lender one year to decide what to do with the property.

At the end of that period, the lender could sell the property or opt to walk away from it, leaving it in the original owner's hands  even if that person erroneously assumed they lost title and is long gone.

In the Carson case, the court did not set a time limit for when a lender must sell an abandoned property, said Rose Oswald Poels, president of the Wisconsin Bankers Association.

The trade group is backing the bill so that "a clear line" is established for when a lender must act.

But April Hartman, the Legal Action attorney who successfully argued the Carson case, said the bill would also allow lenders to release the mortgage and walk away from the property  an action that would keep the abandoned home in its zombie state.

The original owner would retain title and responsibility for the property even if they were long gone.

"If all they were trying to do is set the one-year limit, the bill would be less problematic," Hartman said. "Nothing in the Carson decision, or the current law, allows (lenders) to walk away" from an abandoned property.

For a commercial property, the bill would allow a lender to opt to do nothing, leaving the property in limbo, Milwaukee officials warn. And they warn the bill would make it easier for lenders to create zombie homes.

The bill's lead Assembly sponsor, state Rep. Terry Katsma (R-Oostburg), has said the proposal would help address the lingering foreclosure crisis  an argument city officials strongly dispute.

Katsma, a freshman legislator and former bank president, has acknowledged that he met with Milwaukee officials and knows they are opposed to the bill, but said he believes the measure would benefit the city.

The measure has already passed the Assembly, so if it wins the support of the Senate it would head to the desk of Gov. Scott Walker for his signature.

The proposal comes amid a crush of bills at the end of the legislative session, as lawmakers scramble to finish their work before heading out on the campaign trail.

It remains unclear whether the bill will make it to the Senate on March 15, which is the only remaining floor debate of the session.

"It's on the agenda for caucus discussion ... and then it will be under consideration for the floor on March 15," said Myranda Tanck, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau).
By of the

Although the Milwaukee Police Department was the subject of a listening session Friday with a federal official, it was the fatal shooting of a Milwaukee man by a sheriff's deputy in Walworth County that stood out as an example of the current tension between law enforcement and black communities nationally.

"This issue has really hit home for me," said Paulara Davis, whose brother, Christopher J. Davis, 21, was shot to death Feb. 24 while sitting in a car in the Town of East Troy during what authorities have said was a drug investigation.

"He was the only black person in the car," Davis told about 125 attendees at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society and Museum. "I never knew the Black Lives Matters movement would hit me."

The session, which sought to hear from young people, was part of a two-year federal review of the Milwaukee Police Department known as a "collaborative reform initiative," a voluntary review that will examine the department's policies, training and practices.

The review was requested by Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn amid recent tension between police and members of Milwaukee's black community that was sparked by several high-profile incidents, including the fatal shooting in 2014 of Dontre Hamilton.

The 31-year-old man was shot 14 times by a police officer at Red Arrow Park after taking the officer's baton and striking him.

During the session, Troy V. Williams, an official with the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, listened to accounts from residents alleging harassment and mistreatment by Milwaukee police officers as they go about everyday tasks, such as throwing out the trash, driving or just walking down the street.

"I've seen kids at events that were held to keep them off the streets get arrested as soon as they step outside for loitering," said Eric Montenegro, 25.

Arthur Clements, 19, invoked the names of Hamilton and other black men fatally shot by police, decrying the disproportionately large number of officers cleared in the shootings.

"Those men were me," Clements said.

"Young, black and unarmed."

Walworth County sheriff's officials have only said that Davis was shot when a deputy "discharged his department-issued firearm" when the driver of the car "failed to follow commands."

The driver and another person were arrested following a chase that ended in a crash in Muskego.

The shooting is being investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

Walworth County sheriff's officials were not available Friday night to provide an update on whether charges have been filed against the two people arrested.
Brooks stares down judge on Day 15 of Waukesha Christmas Parade trial

Darrell Brooks called his ex-girlfriend as a defense witness Friday morning. His examination was cut short after an argument over some photographs.
SHARE

By

Madison A former Dane County sheriff's deputy found not legally responsible for killing his wife and sister-in-law in 2014 because of a mental disease will be released from a mental institution.

A Dane County judge ruled Friday that Andrew Steele's body has degenerated because ofALS and he can't move in a way that would pose a risk to public safety.

Judge Nicholas McNamara also says symptoms of a mental disorder haven't manifested, showing Steele likely didn't suffer from a mental disease when his wife, 39-year-old Ashlee Steele, and her sister, 38-year-old Kacee Tollefsbol of Minnesota, were killed.

Still, McNamara wrote, Steele "has the mind of a killer," the Wisconsin State Journal reported.

McNamara ordered the Health Services department to prepare a conditional release plan for Steele within 60 days.
Bison that had escaped from a farm in western Kenosha County blocked traffic Saturday morning. Credit: Courtesy of Brittany Burmeister

SHARE

By of the

Ten bison that escaped from a Kenosha County farm were euthanized Saturday after several attempts to corral them failed, and officials became concerned about the safety of area residents and passing motorists.

After consulting with veterinarians and other animal experts, the Town of Paris farmer who owned the animals made the decision Saturday afternoon to euthanize those still loose. Seven bison had been safely corralled by 1 p.m., and were returned to the farm they wandered away from Saturday morning after jumping a section of fence line damaged by a fallen tree.

No one was injured during the roundup, according to the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department.

"The owner was very concerned about the community and wanted to ensure that no one was injured," Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth said in a news release.

"While the loss of these animals is unfortunate, they are wild animals and could have severely injured or killed anyone who happened to cross their path."

Authorities said the herd got out of its enclosure in the 20300 block of CTH NN around 8 a.m.

The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department issued an alert, warning area residents to be on the lookout for escaped bison that could be roaming the roadways.

As of 1 p.m., seven bison had been corralled. Others had been spotted near CTH EW and CTH K, just northeast of the Village of Paddock Lake.

Sheriff's deputies were assisted by the state Department of Natural Resources, the owner of the bison, staff from the local animal control service Claws and Paws, other area farmers and local veterinarians.
Reddit Email 0 Shares

By: Belal Shobaki | Maan News Agency | al-Shabaka |  

While Israels efforts to link Palestinian resistance to its military occupation to global terrorism are not new, it has expanded its propaganda to address Arab as well as Western audiences. By so doing, it is clearly seeking to exploit the global aversion to movements that have drifted towards extremism and terrorism while claiming to represent Islam. Hamas is ISIS and ISIS is Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared at the United Nations in 2014. Yet better than anyone else, Netanyahu and the Israeli political establishment know that Hamas and Daesh are not related, as do those Arab regimes that also tar all Islamic movements with the same brush to serve their own ends.

Not only are Hamas and Daesh unrelated, they are bitter enemies, and Daesh has denounced Hamas as an apostate movement. Al-Shabaka Policy Analyst Belal Shobaki discusses the major ways in which Hamas differs from Daesh including its approach to jurisprudence; the position vis-a-vis the nature of the state; and relations with other religions. He makes the case that it is especially important for the Palestinian national movement to rebut the attempts to conflate Hamas with Daesh and points out the dangers of not doing so.

Serving short-term political gain.

The conflation of Hamas with Daesh ignores reality on the ground. The political environment in Palestine is defined by the occupation, whereas the political environment in the Arab countries where Daesh emerged is defined by authoritarianism and repression as well as sectarian and religious conflicts, an ideal environment for the emergence of a radical ideology motivated by indiscriminate violence.

For Israel, however, the attempt to link the two may pay off regionally and internationally. Many Arabic media outlets have no qualms about referring to this terrorist organization as an Islamic State although it is anything but, while many Western media outlets embrace the Israeli conflation of Hamas and Daesh without scrutiny. Arab regimes are uninterested in defending the image of Hamas. Even the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) does not seem concerned with defending Hamass international image given the political division between Fatah and Hamas.

Hamas is considered part of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is seen as a threat to authoritarian Arab regimes, particularly in the Arab Mashreq. Thus one way for Arab regimes to fight the Muslim Brotherhood is by claiming it shares common ground or is even synonymous with Daesh, as claimed by the Egyptian regime, and then using this as a justification for excluding the Muslim Brotherhood from participating in political life.

The rapid developments of the past five years in Egypt, the country that provides the only outlet for the Palestinian Gaza Strip, has pushed Hamas into its informal tunnels economy. The official Egyptian stance after Abdel Fattah Sisis coup against elected president Mohammad Morsi became tougher against the Gaza Strip, with claims that Hamas was cooperating with Jihadist groups in the Sinai, the same narrative promoted by Israel and its media. However, this narrative is flawed. It is too risky for Hamas to maintain a close relationship with Sinai jihadists, on the one hand, while cracking down on individuals embracing the same ideology in Gaza, on the other.

Any links Hamas has established with those groups is limited to securing the needs of the enclave besieged by Israel and Egypt. This interaction is not motivated by a shared ideological identity or shared enmity towards the Egyptian regime. Indeed, Hamas has been eager to keep communication lines open with the Egyptian regime even when accusations conflating Hamas with Sinais Salafi Jihadi groups were made in the media. Hamas has also repeatedly said that it is keen on rebuilding the relationship with Egypt in order to ensure the legal flow of goods, services and individuals into Gaza. It is important to refute this narrative concerning one of the largest Palestinian political movements: Excluding moderate Islamists from political life carries the danger of pushing Palestinian society towards radicalism, in which case both Fatah and Hamas will find themselves fighting takfiri groups. The ensuing discussion will demonstrate the real differences between Hamas and Daesh as well as the very real enmity between them. Differences in doctrine Hamas positions itself as a centrist Islamic movement and an extension of the Muslim Brotherhood, with a rational jurisprudential authority, whereas Daesh adopts a text-based approach that deals with Islamic texts in isolation from their historical context and refuses to interpret them in line with current developments. Hence, for Daesh and other takfiri groups in general, movements like Hamas are secular and un-Islamic, since Hamas is primarily a resistance movement against the Israeli occupation and believes in a moderate Islamic authority.

Moreover, Hamas does not take Islamic texts literally; it allows for ijtihad  interpretation and use of discretion. Some scholars have categorized these movements along a horizontal line with the right representing advocates of the text and the left representing advocates of reason. Using this classification, the Muslim Brotherhood can be found a good way down the left of the line, while Daesh is on the far right. Daesh characterizes Hamas and its discourse as deviant. Hamas for its part has condemned Daeshs threats and considered these part of a smear campaign that extends beyond Palestine. When threats from Daesh and other takfiri groups materialized into action, Hamas no longer stopped at condemnations. Mahmoud al-Zahar, a prominent Hamas leader, declared Daeshs threats can be felt on the ground, and we are handling the situation from a security standpoint. Whoever commits a security offense shall be dealt with in accordance with the law, and whoever wants to debate intellectually shall be debated intellectually; we take this matter seriously. Hamas had in fact dealt decisively with a Daesh-like group. In August 2009, Abdul Latif Musa, leader of the Jund Ansar Allah (Soldiers of Gods Supporters) armed group, announced the creation of the Islamic Emirate in Gaza at the Ibn Taymiyyah Mosque. The group had previously been accused of destroying cafes and other venues in the Gaza Strip, pushing the Hamas government into a confrontation. Security forces, reinforced by the al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas military wing), encircled the Ibn Taymiyyah Mosque and, when Musas group refused to surrender, Hamas ended the emirate project in its infancy by killing the members of the group.

Hamas was criticized for its use of violence but justified its actions by arguing that the violence that could have been perpetrated by such groups would have been much worse than that used to eradicate extremism in the Gaza Strip. Daeshs supporters in Gaza are far fewer than Hamass, mainly due to the fact that these groups have not historically contributed to resisting the occupation. Some polls suggest that 24 percent of Palestinians think positively of jihadist movements, but this percentage is exaggerated. When some Palestinians cheer for the jihadist groups hostility towards the US, it is not because they believe in these groups but rather because they see the US, with its infinite support for Israel, as being playing a destructive role. Different stances on statehood Hamas and Daesh differ in their view of the modern state, in both theory and practice. As noted above, Hamas has always allowed for ijtihad or discretion, evolving its thoughts and opinions. It is thus unfair to assess Hamass stance on the civil state and democracy based on the early literature of the mother movement, the Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas maintains that it has embraced new convictions in this regard and has come to fully accept democracy and the concept of the civil state. Indeed, the Muslim Brotherhood itself has evolved. Qatar-based Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, the jurisprudential authority of the Muslim Brotherhood at large, has stated on multiple occasions, including in his book The State in Islam, that the concept of the religious state does not exist in Islam.

According to al-Qaradawi, Islam advocates for a civil state founded on respect for the peoples Islam-based opinion, and also founded on the principle of accountability and political pluralism. Although the discussion about the relationship between Islam and democracy predates the Muslim Brotherhood, it gained clarity after the 1950s, when numerous Islamic thinkers, including al-Qaradawi, the Tunisian leader and Ennahda co-founder Rached Ghannouchi and the Algerian philosopher Malek Bennabi, affirmed that Islam and democracy were not in contradiction with each other. At the opposite end, the movement that Daesh represents rejects democracy in its entirety and considers it an apostate system of governance. Although some jihadist groups do not denounce Islamists who take part in the democratic process as apostates, they do consider their discretion flawed. Daesh views any expression of democracy such as elections as a manifestation of apostasy and any movement or individual taking part in elections as apostates.

By contrast, the Muslim Brotherhood participated in elections from its earliest days, when its founder Hassan al-Banna decided to run in the Egyptian parliamentary elections that El-Wafd Party Government sought to hold in 1942. Although al-Banna could not run because the government rejected his candidacy, the Muslim Brotherhood has served in Arab parliaments and sometimes in the executive branch. When Hamas decided not to participate in 1996 Palestinian Authority elections its position was based on a political and ideological stance towards the Oslo Accords. However, Hamas allowed its members to run in the elections as independents. When the circumstances changed and the 2005 Cairo Agreement became the governing framework for the PA elections instead of the Oslo Accords, Hamas decided to participate. It nominated many members in the movement and some independents to a Change and Reform list to run for the Legislative Council, winning the majority of votes. By participating in the elections, Hamas has offered evidence that it is willing to function in a modern state and a democratic system. It has called for coalition governments inclusive of leftist and secular parties. Its government as well as its parliamentary list included women and its first government included Muslim and Christian ministers. Daesh, on the other hand, has turned against all modern institutions in the areas under its control, refusing to recognize borders or national identity. It rules through chaotic and individual decisions. Although Daesh has been eager to use administrative terms derived from the Islamic tradition such as caliphate and shura (consultation), the essence of its governance contradicts the majority of unquestionable texts in the sources of Islamic legislation in many ways.
Reddit Email 0 Shares

By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Ben Carson is withdrawing from the GOP primary fight.

Since he has emerged as the front runner, the focus of the press and politicians has been on Donald Trump and his erratic and often bizarre pronouncements.

But back last fall, Trump was running neck and neck with Ben Carson, who said things even more wacky than did Trump. That Carson was for several months so popular with GOP voters is evidence that the Trump phenomenon is not about Trump. It is about Republican voters, who like several flavors of crazy.

Here are some Carson pronouncements on Islam and the Middle East

1. Despite the Constitutions rejection of a religious test for office, Carson maintains that a Muslim should not be president of the US. He maintains that a believing Muslim could not perform the duties of his office.

2. Carson visited Syrian refugees in Jordan and pronounced that they did not want to come to the US. Life in refugee camps is pretty horrible; I think theyd take a visa if it were on offer.

3. Carson urged that the US turn its foreign policy toward Iran over to Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu and just carry out his commands.

4. Carson wants to declare the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) terrorist organizations, even though they are peaceful.

5. Carson argued that droning Middle Eastern women and children could be justified as merciful, and that You have to be able to look at the big picture and understand that its actually merciful if you go ahead and finish the job rather than death by 1,000 pricks. . .

Ben, we bloggers will all miss you, as will all the standup comedians.

-

Related video:

The Young Turks:  Ben Carson Suspends Presidential Campaign
LINCOLN  No death penalty drugs, no refund, but hopefully, no hard feelings.

That was the gist of a recent letter from Indian drug broker Chris Harris in response to Nebraskas demand for a refund of $26,700 it paid for a lethal substance that was never delivered. The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services released the letters Friday.

Prison Director Scott Frakes wrote in a Jan. 6 letter that Harris broke the terms of his agreement to ship 1,000 vials of sodium thiopental to Nebraska for use in executions. Gov. Pete Ricketts authorized the purchase last year during the heat of a legislative debate on repealing capital punishment.

Please provide full reimbursement immediately in hopes that this matter may be resolved amicably and without the necessity of further proceedings, Frakes wrote.

Harris, whose previous dealings with the state came under suspicion, replied Jan. 28 by deflecting the blame on his customer. Nebraska officials couldnt get the drug imported because of a ban on sodium thiopental by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Im sorry to state that refund of the payment is not possible as there has been no fault of my company, Harris wrote.

Then, in a stroke that was either incredibly tone deaf or bold, Harris concluded with: Hope this issue does not spoil the relationship between our organizations and we are able to do business in the future.

Instead, officials with the Corrections Department are now exploring legal options to recoup the funds, said Andrew Nystrom, communications director for the department.

The state sought a refund of only the money it spent for sodium thiopental, an anesthetic banned for importation by the FDA. The exchange of letters did not address an additional $27,700 the state paid Harris for pancuronium bromide, the second of three drugs in Nebraskas lethal injection protocol.

The governor said late last year that his administration had halted efforts to obtain lethal substances until after a referendum vote on the death penalty takes place in November. The Nebraska Legislature repealed capital punishment during the last legislative session, but supporters of the death penalty obtained sufficient signatures to put the question on the general election ballot.

The state had obtained death penalty drugs from Harris in the past, but Nebraskas efforts to import the drug this time were thwarted by the FDA. Federal officials said they would not allow importation of sodium thiopental because it is no longer approved for general use in this country.

Nebraskas U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilg also has said it would be illegal for the state to import sodium thiopental, the first of three drugs prison officials would administer in an execution.

Nebraska currently has 10 men on death row, but without a means to carry out a death sentence, no executions are scheduled.

Ricketts also has said that his administration has been reviewing the procedures used by other states that have lethal injection.

Harris has twice sold sodium thiopental to Nebraska in the past.

Federal authorities destroyed the first batch delivered by Harris in 2010 after learning that the Corrections Department lacked the proper importers license. The second supply expired after legal challenges emerged in response to claims by the drugs Swiss manufacturer, which said Harris obtained the drug under false pretenses.

The manufacturer, which opposed executions, said Harris told them he was trying to develop a market for the anesthetic in Africa.

The documents released by Corrections on Friday show the state was successful last year in obtaining a fresh supply of potassium chloride, the third drug administered in the death sequence. The department purchased the drug through a firm called Cardinal Health in Kansas City, Missouri.

In sequence, the drugs in Nebraskas lethal protocol are intended to first knock the inmate unconscious, then stop the ability to breathe and finally to stop the heart.

The state has never used lethal injection. The last execution in 1997 was carried out with the electric chair, but the Nebraska Supreme Court has since banned electrocution as cruel and unusual punishment.
Experts tell us that 213,600 sandhill cranes have checked in at feeding and roosting areas in south-central Nebraska. Coupled with forecasters predictions for temperatures in the 60s and 70s, the high bird numbers should make this weekend one of the best in recent memory for sandhill crane viewing.

Taken Monday, the 213,600-crane count represents the largest number recorded in February since weekly aerial crane inventories began in 1998. The largest number recorded prior to this year was 30,000 in February 2005, Crane Trust Vice President Brice Krohn told the Grand Island Independent.

The high numbers could be a sign that this years warmer temps and wetter precipitation patterns have triggered cranes to migrate earlier than normal. Regardless of the reason, the birds are here and visitors will be arriving to observe the spectacle.

Before its finished, the crane migration will bring an estimated 600,000 of the birds through south-central Nebraska where theyll replenish bodily reserves to complete their journey to nesting grounds in Canada and Alaska.

The peak of the migration normally occurs in mid-March. If theres a large supply of grubs, waste corn and other goodies, the early-arriving cranes might not wing north so soon. Maybe theyll hang around until mid-April, but dont risk missing them. Get out and see them soon.

Viewing etiquette

Crane watching is a simple and fun activity for people of all ages. However, it is important to not frighten the birds or place them in danger. Disturbing the cranes causes them to waste energy. These tips from Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon also help to keep crane watchers safe:

- During the day, the best way to watch cranes is from your vehicle on county roads. Drive along slowly and stop where you do not impede traffic or block an entrance. You should never stop or slow down while on highways.

- Remember, most land in the area is private and permission is required to enter. Always respect the rights of the people who live and work in the area. That includes driveways, farm roads and gated fields. It is also important to remember that the ground is soft off the road and vehicles can easily become stuck.

- Birds roosting on the river should never be approached. This will stress the birds and even cause collisions with unseen obstacles, such as power lines.
The University of Nebraska is nearing a decision on who will be the next chancellor of the Lincoln campus. And at the same time the Nebraska Legislature is nearing a decision on LB1109, a revision to state law that would deny the public information about future searches for chancellors and NU presidents.

Last week and this week, the students, faculty and staff of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have been listening to and asking questions of the four finalists for the job of UNL chancellor. Those candidates have described their ideas about how the university should be governed, what the university needs to do to excel in the 21st century and how it should allocate its resources to achieve its goals.

Because we have had the opportunity to see and question all four finalists, students, staff and faculty will be better prepared to support the next chancellor, whoever that might be, and to help that person strengthen the university.

If LB1109 were in place, we would not see four finalists, but only one priority finalist. We would not have an opportunity to compare and evaluate. We would be forced to accept someone elses judgment that this one person was the best choice for the university. But the only way one can determine which candidate is best is by having four or more from whom to select.

Faculty members have asked the chancellor candidates about the public nature of the selection process and about LB1109. While the candidates have avoided injecting themselves into the politics of the issue, all of them have spoken of the need for transparency in management of university business. They all have embraced the notion that the only way to get the support they need to manage the university is by being as open and frank as they possibly can be with everyone who has a stake in UNL. And that means just about everyone in Nebraska.

It would be sadly ironic if the Legislature decided to eliminate the last vestige of transparency from the process of selecting university chancellors and presidents at the same time that the new chancellor of UNL was promising transparency.

The Faculty Senate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln voted 48-4 in February to oppose LB1109. Our reason for doing so was to send a message that we value the opportunity to participate in the process of selecting university leaders and that a public university deserves leaders who are committed to the widest possible public participation in all of the major decisions they make.
454 Shares Share

38 states currently have an apology act. This means that if doctors feel they owe a patient an apology, they may provide one without any ramifications, if future legal actions are taken by the patient/patients family.

In 2006, I spent 218 days in the hospital after the healthy birth of my daughter. My chronic autoimmune disease, scleroderma, masked certain signs of preeclampsia, which went undiagnosed. This led to a massive infection that ultimately resulted in eight major surgeries, two tracheotomies, ICU psychosis, sepsis, extreme deconditioning from the neck down, multiple interventional radiology drains, feeding tubes, and a myriad of other life-threatening horrors that brought me to the brink of death at age 31.

In my opinion, and the professional opinions of multiple doctors and nurses whom Ive consulted with since my recovery, much of what my family and I endured was caused by medical error. I believe there were four physicians who contributed to my patient harm.

My high-risk OB-GYN did not give credence to the rising levels of protein in my urine, or my rising blood pressure because I was not swelling (due to tight skin, scleroderma patients typically do not swell). My rheumatologist, whom I had seen for 11 years and had guided me through my first successful pregnancy, never communicated or collaborated with my high-risk OB-GYN. The GI specialist who was assigned to my case was arrogant and dismissive of my symptoms. Even after examining my post-partum ileus, which was enormous and hard as concrete, he suggested I was merely constipated. The surgeon who ultimately did perform exploratory surgery that resulted in an emergency colectomy, was extremely reluctant to bring me into the OR. He kept insisting that there was nothing that he could do for me surgically.

I dont think any of these doctors woke up one morning and thought, hmm, today seems like a good day to kill a 31-year-old mother with a newborn and toddler. The medical harm I suffered does not rest on the shoulders of an individual doctor. However, it was their collective ambivalence, dismissive attitudes, failure to practice collaborative medicine, and inability to follow through with solid recommendations and common sense that I believe, nearly cost me my life. Each doctor was only looking at a sliver of data and how it related to their specialty area, rather than examining the wholeness of my circumstances.

Eight days after my emergency colectomy, my health was plummeting rather than improving. In a desperate attempt to save me, my family moved heaven and earth and had me emergency transferred to a different hospital. Three out of the four above mentioned doctors came in to see me on the morning I was being transported. They kept referring to my emergency transfer as my desire to seek a second opinion, as if I had a suspicious mole I wanted another doctor to examine. Even when I asked them direct questions about how my routine C-section could have brought me to this grave situation in just 15 days, they were evasive. Might that have been a good time for an apology?

To this day, I have not seen or heard from these four doctors. Even knowing that an apology is not an admission of guilt, nor the fact that the statute of limitations has run out, and I couldnt sue them if I wanted, has swayed these physicians to contact me. Despite the fact that a leader in the patient harm prevention movement has spoken with the CEO of the hospital, asking on my behalf to allow me to speak with their medical professionals on the role that empathy plays in patient harm, Ive received zero communication from the hospital.

I do not believe these doctors to be malicious individuals who dont care about the quality of care they provide. My gut tells me the doctors and hospital administration is terrified to apologize, or communicate with me because thats just not the way things are done. Sadly, the errors made in my case were swept under the proverbial rug, in the hopes of avoiding a malpractice suit. No one has learned from the mistakes that forever changed the course of my life at that of my familys.

What if there was another option? What if, instead of concealing medical mistakes, we used them as teachable moments? What if the errors were exposed, examined by colleagues, and protocols were remediated in order to reduce patient harm? This very concept was conceived at the University of Illinoiss Hospital, which led to the creation of the Seven Pillars Approach. Programs like these are cropping up all over the country.

Many will argue that the future of medicine hinges on innovative technology and propelling scientific research forward. While I agree these are critical elements, I maintain that in our new digital world, we cant discredit the role that humanity and empathy play in medicine. Its an arduous task to balance the benefits of innovation with the heart of medicine. To me, the future of medicine rests on the ability of medical professionals to see patients as people, not data. Only then, can we begin to change the culture of medicine and cultivate an environment where medical error is acknowledged and examined, protocols are changed, and apologies are made.

Lisa Goodman Helfand is the author of Does This Hospital Gown Come With Sequins? She blogs at Comfortable in My Thick Skin.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
We get it. Youre busy. Youre preoccupied with raising your children, holding on to a demanding job, and maintaining your sanity during your daily commute. But it pays to take time to nurture your long-term wealth.

Buy a house (if it makes sense). Owning a home is the American dream. Growing home equity is also a key to long-term wealth. But before you buy, make sure you plan to stay put long enough to recoup the up-front cost of getting a mortgage and the back-end cost of selling your home.
SHARE

By Mary Earl

Today's wines and beers have many similar qualities. First, they both can be made in simple or complex styles. Complexity comes from controlled fermentation where yeasts and bacteria are the agents. Fermentation techniques used to develop more complexity could include temperature, barrel fermentation, fermentation in the bottle, malolactic fermentation, cask conditioned, bottle conditioned, and barrel aging, to name a few.

The beer evolution toward more complex brews has taken a slower route if you exclude Belgian beers, but I think you'll agree, it's knocking on your door. Let it in.

One unique brewery sits in the middle of the Californian Paso Robles AVA surrounded by vineyards. In 1996, when the brewery was established, it was an outbuilding on the Firestone Vineyards' property. And it grew from there.

Around the turn of the century, the brewery was producing about 5,000 barrels a year. But with the move to Paso Robles in 2001, Firestone Walker was able to expand production. It purchased an existing small brewery, renovated it and added new equipment.

From the beginning Firestone Walker focused on session beers and doing them very well. At the prestigious World Beer Cup, it has been honored as Champion Mid-Size Brewery and Brewmaster in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2012.

And it was honored because of the fermentation system it used that was inspired by an old traditional British brewing method called Burton-on-Trent. A barrel fermenting method, the Burton-on-Trent system utilizes used oak barrels so that flavors or aromas are not imparted from the wood.

So these entrepreneurial brewers working in an outbuilding in the middle of wine country decided to put fermenting beer in the used chardonnay barrels. Repurposing wine barrels was mighty convenient and an interesting connection to the surrounding wine country.

A quaint idea, but those agents in the used wine barrels were geared, microbiologically speaking, to make a Belgian sour beer. Not the results they were after.

After a few years of experimentation, Adam Firestone and David Walker patented their version of the Burton-on-Trent system, which they called the Firestone Union. Firestone Walker's brews have a certain amount of complexity derived from the new American oak 65-gallon, toasted barrels that are exclusively used.

The Firestone Union barrel fermentation is the brewery's signature of the Double Barrel Ale, or DBA, which is an aromatic English-style pale ale with a kiss of vanilla and toast. That kiss elevates the brew's complexity. The DBA is blended with 20 percent oak fermented and 80 percent stainless steel fermented ale.

Many of today's big beers are on the bourbon barrel-aged bandwagon. One of the reasons for that is bourbon barrels can only be used once for bourbon. Repurposing by the distillers to brewers who are using oak to age the beers much like wineries do is a win-win. Typically, big beers are aged in barrels for some time to pick up flavors such as oak, sourness, brett or the flavors of the wine or whiskey previously in the barrels.

Much like a barrel-fermented white wine, the contact time is short. Fermentation in oak barrels is fast and then it's popped into stainless steel for cold stabilization. The barrels are then cleaned and another fermentation begins. Typically, a barrel will go through 20 to 30 fermentations before it's removed from the union system.

The move into barrel aging took a few years, even though there were all these used barrels around the brewery. The first barrel-aged brews were specialty brews and limited-release ales - until the brewery's 10th anniversary.

For that special occasion, an Anniversary Ale was blended from barrel-aged Parabola Russian Imperial Stout, Bravo Strong Ale, barrel-aged Rufus Imperial Red Ale, and Velvet Merkin Oatmeal Stout.

And every year after that for its anniversary, Firestone Walker hosts an exclusive blending party with some of the area's winemakers. Yep, winemakers. Who better to blend the delectable liquid than someone who does it for a living?

Each fall, a very special event occurs at the brewery. Throughout the year, head brewer Matt Brynildson creates a variety of beers and ages them in different barrels. Favored Central Coast winemakers are invited to come in, sit together, and create a custom blend for that year's anniversary beer. The beer changes each year, but the blenders always have the same goal - to create a complex beer showcasing the characteristics of barrel aging.

During a blending session, lots are pulled from barrels that could include Double Jack, Helldorado, Bravo, Lil Opal (secondary in white wine barrels), Parabola, Rufus, Saucerful of Secrets, Stickee Monkey, Wookey Jack, Double Double Barrel Ale, Black Xantus, and/or Good Foot. And then they do what winemakers do, create a special blend.

As a result of all this care, the anniversary beers sell out very quickly, we're talking hours here, not days. Collectors even age them and resell them. Sounds a bit like fine wine, doesn't it?

And as a brewery in the midst of so many Paso Robles AVA wineries, Firestone Walker has many winery workers for customers. As the saying goes, it takes a lot of beer to make a great wine!

This wine lover would like to thank Marti and Ernie, who put Firestone Walker's Anniversary Ales on my radar. In honor of Marti's birthday, they invited some friends over to partake in a vertical of the 10 Anniversary Ales that they had cellared.

It was a magical experience - like a vertical of Mouton. The 19th, 16th and 14th were amazing. Even the 10th from 2006 was still rich and complex with ginger, coconut, citrus, cinnamon and toffee aromas and flavors. You must try this beer, says the wine lover.
<p>Busy Philipps, left, and Michael Strahan sample some of the nation's best-tasting drinking water on a national morning talk show. Water from Silverdale was deemed the tastiest.</p>

SHARE

By Steven Gardner

SILVERDALE -- If the people in Silverdale act like they are awash in the glow that only a national spotlight can offer, its with good reason.

You won't believe which cities in the nation have the best tap water! WATCH Busy Philipps and Michael Strahan taste some of the best tap water! Rodale's Organic Life Posted by LIVE with Kelly and Michael on Thursday, August 13, 2015

Congratulations to you if you live in one of those cities, said Busy Philipps, known most recently for her role as Laurie Keller on the sitcom Cougar Town.

On Thursday, she filled in for Kelly Ripa on the Live! With Kelly and Michael morning talk show and joined co-host Michael Strahan in taste-testing five of the 10 best tasting waters in the country. Silverdale was on the table alongside water samples from Denver; Louisville, Ky.; Greenville, N.C., and New York City.

Seriously, New York City. Strahan recognized the rest of the countrys surprise by admitting: It freaks people out because people walk into the subway and theyre like, (sniff) Theres no way the water can taste good.

The two hosts, not knowing which city the five different waters came from, picked their favorites. Philipps said all but one tasted pretty much the same, then picked the glass that came from Louisville.

Strahan spoke music to local ears. I liked Silverdale, Washingtons water.

Its not the first time the Silverdale Water District could gush about its chief product. In 2009, Silverdale tied for first in a nationwide competition hosted by the American Water Works Association and finished second after a final taste-off. The utility tied for third in the country in 2010, with New York City in second.

Morgan Johnson, general manager at the Silverdale Water District, said those competitions are ones the utility agency enters. This one, we had nothing to do with it, which made us feel good, he said.

The request came from Rodales Organic Life, a magazine that focuses on healthy living. The magazines September/October issue is centered on water and Silverdale is in an unranked list of Americas Top 10 Tapwater Cities.

Lauren Paul, director of communications at Organic Life, said she pitched the idea of doing a taste test to a few shows. Live! greenlighted the idea on Tuesday.

She took the samples from four of the cities to the show Thursday morning. The New York water came straight from the tap.

Staff from the Silverdale utility drew water from a well near its Newberry Hill headquarters, filled a glass container and shipped it overnight to New York. Johnson got an email sometime after 6 a.m. Thursday with a video clip that had already aired on the East Coast.

The whole venture of bottling water and shipping it cost about $140 -- well worth it, Johnson said, for the bragging rights it offers the utility, the kudos it generates within the community and for how it can motivate residents to join the effort to preserve water quality.

Weve had quite a few calls in our office congratulating us, Johnson said. I think its letting everyone know that were doing a good job. We have a good resource. Lets protect it.

Some of Silverdales good fortune comes from where it draws its competitive taste samples. The Newberry well draws from a deep aquifer that Johnson said is well protected from elements like manganese, which can affect water quality. The water goes straight from the well to the tap.

Thats the basis for Organic Lifes description. The deep Green Mountain aquifer is so pure that the rainwater-fresh H2O can be consumed untreated, the magazine explains.

Johnson said within the districts eastern neighborhoods, such as Ridgetop, there is manganese present and the water gets treated before it reaches customers. The distinction mean customers in different neighborhoods will have varying opinions about Silverdales water quality.

Johnson said all the nearby water agencies do great work and that he would love to see other local agencies win. If they beat us we know they have good water.

For now the honor is all Silverdales, which means the Live! video will likely continue to go viral locally, as well as in Greenville, Denver and Louisville. And maybe even people in New York City will be saying the name Silverdale, before asking where it is.
SHARE

By Ed Palm

One of the ironies of American political life is how extremists at both ends of the ideological spectrum tend to double back and meet in the middle.

Consider the current controversy over Apple's refusal to unlock the iPhone that belonged to San Bernardino, California, shooter Syed Farook. Ideologues on the left and the right are envisioning a slippery slope, at the bottom of which our right to privacy will no longer exist.

As a lawyer friend has reminded me, our Constitution contains no explicit guarantee of the right to privacy. That right is only implied in the Fourth Amendment. It guarantees the right to be "secure" in our people, houses, papers, and effects" and prohibits "unreasonable searches and seizures." But, more to the point, there have to be common-sense limits to all our rights  the right to maintain the privacy of our communications included.

The "common-sense limit" in this case involves a valid national security concern. Farook and his wife may have spent more money on weapons, ammunition, and explosives than they could have earned. The FBI has a legitimate need to determine who they were in contact with.

And as William Finnegan revealed in his article Last Days in the Feb. 22 issue of "The New Yorker, there are more disaffected and radicalized Muslims living in the San Bernardino area than most of us would have imagined. This is not to say that all of them are intent on striking "terror into the hearts of the enemies of Allah," as radical Muslim websites are urging them to do. But some of them certainly belong on the FBI's watch list.

Farook's iPhone may help identify people who bear watching, if not some who are actively supporting what those terrorist websites advocate - the believer's duty to wage "Jihad in the West."

In one sense, what the FBI is seeking impresses me as comparable to what law enforcement officials were able to do before the advent of cellphones. They could subpoena phone records identifying the people a suspect called. Only a court-ordered wiretap could reveal the substance of a phone conversation, and I have to believe that the same limitation applies to today's iPhones. Neither Apple nor any cellphone service carrier records and stores all our phone conversations.

What's different today is that an iPhone can connect to the Internet. Un-encrypting a cellphone could potentially give authorities access to all sorts of personal information the owner may have stored in various sites. That is a legitimate concern.

But, again, I view that concern as overridden by the national security implications of this case, and I have to believe that Apple and the FBI could maintain adequate security against hackers and internal misuse of the un-encryption software Apple is being asked to create. In fact, we're all taking a comparable risk in maintaining Internet-based banking and credit card accounts, and the banks have devised adequate safeguards and remedies. Apple can as well.

There is really no cause for concern. Apple CEO Tim Cook's hyperbolic assertion that they're being asked to create the "software equivalent of cancer" is just that - hyperbole.

The central issue here, of course, is whether the FBI has a legal right to gain access to the phone in question. My lawyer friend maintains that the FBI has no case because there is no evidence Farook actually used his cellphone in the commission of his crimes. But another lawyer, the judge who issued the order against Apple, obviously felt that Farook's use of the phone constituted evidence enough. That's enough of a connection for me.

An additional wrinkle, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sun, is that Farook didn't actually own the cellphone in question. San Bernardino County did, and the county has gone on record as supporting the FBI.

The practice of the law, as I understand it, is grounded in precedent, and it would seem that an important precedent has already been set. With all the school shootings we've suffered in recent years, authorities have seized the computers belonging to the shooters. There was certainly no evidence that these computers were used in the actual commission of a crime. But no one questioned the right of law enforcement to seize and examine them.

The only significant consideration in this case is that the software to un-encrypt an iPhone does not yet exist. Apple is being asked to create it, and there may not be a legal way to compel it to do so. But its refusal to try says something even more troubling from what that iPhone might reveal.

Our multinational corporations today recognize only their obligations to their shareholders and their customers. They feel little loyalty to the country, and profit overrides any concern they may have for the common good. That is a tragic state of affairs.

Contact Ed Palm at efpalm@centurylink.net
SHARE

By Tom Philpott

The irony of the blistering attack that Brad R. Carson, the Defense Department's top personnel official, endured last week at his confirmation hearing to become undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness is that many of his "Force of the Future" ideas might survive the likely demise of his own nomination, a senior Pentagon official suggested.

Even as Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee pilloried Carson, accusing him of exceeding his authority and ignoring the committee and its oversight responsibilities, no senator vigorously attacked or threatened to roll back any individual Force of the Future initiative that Defense Secretary Ash Carter has implemented in the past year.

That was seen as a favorable sign as Carter prepares to announce a third and final package of initiatives for reforming the military personnel system, some of which the committee itself has been studying to modernize force management tools. Those ideas include developing more convenient on-and-off ramps to military service, and modification or repeal of the up-or-out promotion system for officers.

The first batch of Force of the Future initiatives unveiled in November included no-cost or low-cost steps the department vowed to take to work smarter to manage the force, and the use of more modern tools to attract, nurture and assign military and civilian workers.

But the second tranche of initiatives announced in February came with a cost estimated at $385 million over just the next five years. The services are to grant up to 12 weeks of maternity leave. Legislation is sought to allow 14 days of paternity leave and to expand adoption leave, too. Child care service hours are to be available at least 14 hours a day. Installations must have "mothers' rooms" for nursing service members. The services also are to begin to pay for egg and sperm freezing (cryopreservation) for active duty service member sto protect their reproductive options in case of injury.

It's a progressive agenda that irked some conservatives. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., committee chairman, told Carson the Force of the Future effort "has been an outrageous waste of official time and resources during a period of severe fiscal constraints. It illustrates the worst aspects of a bloated and inefficient defense organization."

But McCain seemed angrier over two other issues: Carson's failure to brief the committee on these ideas, and his making decisions as acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness without Senate confirmation. McCain said that violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

Carson had been undersecretary of the Army until last spring, when appointed to serve as acting undersecretary of defense. His title was lowered in November to acting principal deputy undersecretary after McCain wrote to President Barack Obama, saying Carson was violating the law. He cited a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia last August that officials nominated to jobs requiring Senate confirmation are banned by law from serving as "acting" in the same posts.

"It's a structural safeguard intended to curb executive abuses of power," McCain told Carson. Though the court decision involved an executive elsewhere in government, McCain said, "it appears Mr. Carson's service as the acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, from on or about July 8, 2015, violated the Federal Vacancies Reform Act."

Carson countered that at the time of his appointment to acting undersecretary of defense, "the orthodox interpretation of the vacancies act was such that there was no legal question at all."

After McCain sent his letter, Carson explained, he was asked to resign as acting undersecretary of defense, "which I did, and became the acting principal deputy. And every act I have taken since then is consistent with the role of the acting principal deputy," he said.

In no way, he added, did "I presume confirmation" to that post.

"I disagree," McCain said. Carson, he said, not only violated the law before November, he likely continued to do so as acting principal deputy.

"I'm not convinced that your initial Vacancies Act violation is remedied by moving to another acting position in which you exercise all the authority and powers of the original vacant position," McCain said.

Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., suggested Carson's confirmation was at risk as a result of complaints from employees that he had created a hostile work environment in the office of undersecretary. Inhofe gave no details.

"I would strenuously object to this characterization. I have never heard that allegation," Carson said.

At Inhofe's urging, Carson promised to conduct a command climate assessment. Inhofe said he would delay a vote on the nomination until it's done. By one estimate the assessment could take up to six months. And regardless of outcome, it likely won't result in Carson's confirmation.

McCain and Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., also grilled Carson on his relations with senior military, saying he frustrated uniformed leaders by not involving them more deeply in developing Force of the Future initiatives.

"They were very engaged in it, I can assure you," Carson said.

Unfortunately for appearances, Carson saw his authority narrowed only a day after his contentious confirmation hearing. The department had recognized weeks earlier that Carson's window to serve as acting principal deputy undersecretary would hit its statutory limit of 210 days on Feb. 27.

So on the 26th, Defense Secretary Ash Carter signed a memorandum to Carson, explaining that he could continue to serve as senior adviser to the undersecretary for personnel and readiness. He no longer is acting principal deputy but he can sign documents "as performing the duties" of that post.

Carson, however, can't perform "statutory" responsibilities of the positions he once filled, including signing of department directives and regulations. For any question he might have on the limits of his authority, he is to consult the department's general counsel.

Given a "coincidental lapse of statutory authority," the memo was required "to ensure clear continuity of leadership" in the office of undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said Matthew R. Allen, a spokesman for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
A handmade under-bed table with casters is a designated place to build with LEGOS and tucks away for quick cleanup.

SHARE Betsy Kornelis Nice-looking baskets and boxes can disguise toys after they're put away from playing for the night. Clear plastic tubs help keep toys organized but keep them in sight so children can see what's inside.

By Betsy Kornelis

Keeping Thomas and Lucy's toys contained in our small house takes constant organizing. Space constraints aside, having proper toy storage is always a challenge, because we perpetually bring more play things home. As our kids age out of what they used to play with and get into something new, we need to purge and box up old toys so our systems don't get overwhelmed.

A few tactics have worked pretty well for me, and although it is an ongoing battle, we usually manage to keep the house from feeling overloaded with toys. Here are my key kid-friendly, clutter-wrangling tips.

Do a pre-party purge. Before birthdays and holidays, I try to do a pre-emptive purge of the kids' rooms, assessing what they no longer favor. I'll tuck some of those things away and others I'll donate to a secondhand store or give to friends. This makes room for all of the new stuff. Keep this idea in mind before new toys enter the house, and you are one step ahead.

Make a toy rotation system. In the basement, I keep a labeled storage tub of the toys Thomas doesn't play with much anymore, but is still interested in. When he wants to use some of them, we swap out something from his room, like a little borrowing system. We have done this with Thomas's toy dinosaurs, train set and some other toys that he'd like to keep but doesn't need to have out all of the time.

Create hobby-specific solutions. Thomas entered the LEGO craze hard and fast last year, and I struggled to figure out how to keep them all contained, and designate a place for him to build. I came up with an under-bed table on casters that can be wheeled out of the way when he is done for the day. As for the now hundreds of tiny LEGO bricks, we just dump them all into one small storage bin. Finding fixes like this is a great way to honor your kids' favorite activities and make it easy for them to clean up.

Store toys where the kids can see and reach them. I've said it before and I will say it again: clear plastic shoe boxes are the best! You might be surprised just how much you can fit into those little bins. I love that they are stackable and not so big that they become too heavy for kids to lift. We use them for LEGO bricks, card games, planes, play tools and many other items. Zippered mesh bags are good for larger sets of toys. They can fit more than what a shoe box can hold, but you can still see what's inside.

Zone-out the room. In Thomas's little bedroom, we have several different areas to keep specific types of things. I promise I am not militant about the lines between these zones, but it helps when it is time to put toys away or when we are searching for something. His zones are as follows: musical instruments, LEGOS, games, books, puzzles and other toys. Creating zones within a room is a classic organizing trick that can be applied to every single corner of the house.

Use storage bins that enhance your decor. Our living room is Lucy's main play area, so I opted for a few nice-looking baskets and boxes for her smaller toys. They are on shelves at her level, so she can easily pull them out and get to what is inside. Since this is also where we read, work and watch TV at night, I like that once I've put things away the bins conceal the clutter. Larger items just sit happily next to the bookcase, waiting to be played with the next morning.

Prioritize a monthly sort. Little ones change so quickly, it is almost impossible to stay on top of what they are actually interested in. Every few weeks, I find myself sorting through Lucy's toys and setting aside what she has already outgrown. I'm also coming around to a less-is-more philosophy with her things. Toddlers are like small tornadoes, leaving a tiny (or huge, depending on your toddler), path of wreckage wherever they roam. I know if I limited her toys just a bit more, I'd have less of a mess to clean up at the end of the day!

Betsy Kornelis is a local decorator. Find her at paisleyandpine.com.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
SHARE

By Sean Kinch, Chapter16.org

Ariel Lawhon's new novel, "Flight of Dreams," fits into the narrow genre known as historical mystery: the story behind a public tragedy whose ending everyone knows but whose cause remains unknown. The crash of the Hindenburg in May 1937 had devastating consequences - 35 deaths and the sudden end of the age of airships - but investigators have not been able to agree on how the fire started. "Flight of Dreams" capitalizes on the historical lacuna. Following 78 years of inconclusive scrutiny of the physical evidence and the last survivor's death in 2014, Lawhon writes in an author's note that she was interested in the Hindenburg precisely because historians have given up on solving the mystery. "I built this story within those blank, unknown spaces," Lawhon writes.

In the opening chapters, Lawhon introduces two alarming pieces of the puzzle, both of which are verified by the historical record. First, the ship's officers have received credible bomb threats and are busily investigating all possible leads. Though Commander Pruss assures elite passengers that "we would not let anyone destroy this great airship," he confesses that the Hindenburg does have "one great weakness": hydrogen, which when mixed with oxygen becomes combustible. In no other novel has the lighting of a cigarette or tiny sparks flying from a child's metallic toy carried such grave implications.

Lawhon, who lives near Nashville, assembles the cast with alacrity, immediately raising speculation about which of the characters will trigger the fatal events. Identified by their roles (The Cabin Boy, The Stewardess, The Navigator), the principal actors find themselves pushed toward life-altering decisions during the three-day, trans-Atlantic flight, long before the catastrophe expunges their histories and hopes. Emilie Imhoff, a young widow with a dangerous secret, must choose between emigrating to the U.S. and returning to Germany and the prospect of new love. The Journalist, Gertrud Adelt, and her husband have been coerced by German officials into promulgating Nazi propaganda abroad. At risk is their 1-year-old son.

While private drama occupies the foreground of Lawhon's novel, the specter of Hitler is never far from the characters' minds. "The Nazi symbol represents the white elephant in the room, a thing to be avoided in civilized discussions," Lawhon writes. But the mysterious American on board, skulking about the zeppelin with sinister designs, declares in the dining cabin that he is undeceived by the Hindenburg's veneer of Teutonic glamour. "Whatever else this airship might be, it was funded by the Nazis and used for their purposes," he says. The story continually reminds us that horror awaits the passengers and crew at the end of this voyage, but far greater atrocity is about to envelop all of Europe.

Lawhon deftly integrates her research regarding the technical specifications of the zeppelin, offering enough detail to pique the interest of aviation buffs without slowing the pace. The Navigator, the novel's romantic leading man, nimbly saves the airship from colliding with cloud-shrouded mountains, but quickly the narrative returns its attention to emotional vicissitudes. The most impressive facts Lawhon supplies relate to the ship's colossal scale. Moored, the Hindenburg rises "almost sixteen stories tall and over eight hundred feet long," with "massive tail fins emblazoned with fifty-foot swastikas."

Within this tale of doomed lovers and desperate schemers, Lawhon leavens the incipient dread with colorful diversions and amusing side stories. The adolescent Cabin Boy experiences his first kiss; the Journalist and her husband find time to make love amid their urgent investigations. .

In "Flight of Dreams," Lawhon proves herself adroit in adding flourishes to the mystery that give it suspense and human interest in equal measure. Told in the present tense, this novel builds tension scene by scene. With clever orchestration of voices and cogent choreography of movement, Lawhon delivers a novel filled with interlocking secrets, betrayal, and intrigue, but it never loses sight of the devastation to come.

For more local book coverage, visit http://chapter16.org/, an online publication of Humanities Tennessee.

FICTION

Flight of Dreams by Ariel Lawhon (Doubleday, 336 pages, $25.95)

DISCUSSION

Who: Ariel Lawhon

Where: Union Ave. Books

When: 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10
SHARE

Klinker Brick Winery out of Lodi, Calif., has been one of my favorite producers over the past four or five years because it produces quality wines for reasonable prices. Lodi is Zinfandel country, and they make some very nice Zins. But over the years I have fallen in love with its juicy, elegant Farrah Syrah. Yep, little ole Syrah in Zin Country.

But now Klinker Brick has thrown me another curveball with the release of its 2015 Albarino. Albarino is a grape variety best grown in the upper northwest corner of Spain in a relatively cool climate unlike Lodi's, where temps easily can reach 100 degrees in July and August. If you are a fan of Pinot Grigio, here is your next adventure. The 2015 Klinker Brick Albarino ($14) is a minerally-driven, beautifully textured white with pear and apple flavors that will work as an aperitif or with salads, fish and white meat. Once again kudos to Klinker Brick!

Speaking of Zinfandels, one of the great Zin producers over the past three decades has been Kent Rosenblum. His career started out of his garage in the late 1970s. He grew his business to the point that during his heyday at Rosenblum Cellars, Kent was producing 27 different Zins from all over California.

In 2008 Kent sold his winery and was ready for a break. That didn't last long because his daughter Shauna was dabbling in the winemaking business, and he thought it would be fun to pair up and start a new winery. Using a lot of Kent's old contacts with wine growers across the state, Shauna and Kent were once again producing some outstanding Zinfandels at affordable prices. Take the 2013 Rock Wall Sophia Favalora Vineyard Contra Costa County Zinfandel ($20). Here is how Kent and Shauna describe the tasting notes: "Aromas of mint-chocolate cookies, cappuccino and dark cherry followed by flavors of caramel creme, blackberry, blueberry, lavender and a bright raspberry finish." How can I top that? Mint-chocolate cookies or not, this is one of the best Zinfandel values in town.

Switching to overseas, I recently tasted the 2014 Lucashof Pfalz Riesling ($13) at a wine-tasting hosted by Holly Hambright and yours truly. Wiengut Lucashof is located in the region of Pfalz, which is located further south than the Mosel with slightly warmer temperatures. Because of the warmer temps, you tend to get Rieslings that are a little drier and fuller-bodied. At our monthly tasting event at Holly's Gourmet Market, we paired the peach-laced, mineral Riesling with a flatbread pizza with Benton's Bacon, apples, caramelized onions and white cheddar. It was outstanding and the best pairing of the night!

Finally, we head south to Chile where we discovered one of the finest Pinot Noir values in the world. Check out the 2013 Sierra Batuco Pinot Noir Reserva ($10). It starts out light and earthy on the palate but then comes this burst of cherry and plum fruit, vanilla and bright acidity which makes this not only a great food wine but also an incredible buy for the price. It was just awarded a Wine Enthusiast Best Value and deservedly so. Make sure to seek this one out and buy it buy the case.

Thad Cox Jr. is owner of Ashe's Wine & Spirits and a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel. He may be reached at thad @asheswines.com.
Dave Menke, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/special to the news sentinel Long-necked white-crowned sparrows, winter residents in Tennessee, have an elegant look with their black and white heads and colorful bills. First winter birds have brownish stripes on the head instead of black and white.

SHARE

Bird-watchers somehow feel compelled to seek out bird species they've never seen. This is especially true of birds occurring locally only during certain seasons. Birders even keep "most wanted lists" of targeted species.

To see a new bird, you have to be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes you get lucky, like when a bald eagle just appears out of the blue and soars overhead. Other times, you must research a bird's preferred habitat. Then you go to a patch of that habitat at the right time of year and hopefully find the bird.

On Feb. 20, Danny Nash of Knoxville saw two white-crowned sparrows at Seven Islands State Birding Park in Kodak. He discovered these winter residents, elegant sparrows with black and white heads, as he walked the trail leading from the main parking lot. One flew right down onto the trail about 30 feet ahead of him. "I'm out there about every weekend, and that's the first time I've seen one," said Danny. He got lucky that day.

I asked Danny why he goes to Seven Islands so often. "Seven Islands first of all is beautiful with the trails, beautiful grasslands and ponds," he replied. "With the French Broad River as the backdrop, it's a premier outdoor venue for me. If I'm not in the Smokies, this is where I opt to be outdoors along with Ijams Nature Center and the Urban Wilderness. My main motivation for going there is for viewing birds with the hope, which I always have anywhere I go, of seeing a species of bird I haven't seen before and hopefully to get a photo of it. It's obviously a great place for exercise as well with over seven miles of trails."

On Feb. 24, Morton Massey of Knoxville found five white-crowned sparrows spread out at three different locations at Seven Islands. He also saw 14 white-throated sparrows, 10 field sparrows, seven song sparrows, and one Savannah sparrow. You don't see that many sparrows by chance. You have to work for them by exploring their habitat.

Obviously, Seven Islands is a good place for sparrows. There's a lot of good sparrow habitat with seed and insect food in the grassy fields, brushy areas, hedgerows, woodland edges and native grasses. Brushy areas provide needed protective cover where sparrows can hide.

Licensed bird bander Mark Armstrong of Seymour banded 10 white-crowned sparrows there in 2015. Mark has observed the white-crowns this year at the parking lot, around Schumpert's Pond and at the end of the paved road near the barn and brush pile. This winter he noticed one with a band on it leg. White-crowns return to the same wintering area year after year.

The species was first described in 1772 as an "elegant little species" by naturalist J.R. Forster. It is elegant, with its clean white crown patch, white patches above the eyes and its bold black head stripes. Add a pink bill typical of white-crowned sparrows in the eastern U.S., and the bird looks quite spiffy. Pacific Coast birds have yellow bills, and northern birds have orange bills.

White-crowns visit feeding stations in rural areas. One or two occasionally mingle with the far more numerous white-throated sparrows feeding on the ground. White-crowns leave Tennessee for nest areas in northern Canada by early May. But before they leave, you might hear them on a sunny day singing their "poor-wet-wetter-chee-zee" song.

An easy way to learn about less familiar birds is to go on guided bird walks. Seven Islands State Birding Park at 2809 Kelly Lane in Kodak (865-407-8335) offers free public bird walks hosted by members of the Knoxville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society the last Wednesday every month. If you attend the next walk on March 23 starting at 8 a.m. at the park entrance, you may see an elegant white-crowned sparrow. For a bird list, trail maps and upcoming event information, visit tnstateparks.com/parks/about/seven-islands.

Freelance columnist Marcia Davis may be reached at tennwren@gmail.com or 865-518-BIRD (2473).
SHARE James Greenlee Davis Jr.

By News Sentinel Staff

James Greenlee Davis Jr., a gang member with six prior felony convictions including shooting a police officer, was sentenced to 40 years in prison without parole.

At a trial in January, Davis, 41, was convicted of possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine in a drug-free zone and criminal trespass, according to a Friday news release from District Attorney General Charme Allen. Prosecutors also proved Davis is a member of the East Side Bloods criminal street gang since 1994, according to the release.

At the trial, Assistant District Attorneys Hector Sanchez and Sean McDermott told the jury that on July 29, 2013, Knoxville police were foot-patrolling Walter P. Taylor Homes and around 2:30 a.m. saw Davis in the parking lot and "engaged in what they believed to be a hand-to-hand transaction," according to the release.

As officers approached, Davis tried to evade them, but slipped in the grass, and when he was taken into custody, officers found 5.1 grams of cocaine on him, the district attorney general's office said. At the time, Davis was on parole for an aggravated gambling promotion conviction.

According to Allen's office, Davis's previous convictions include an aggravated assault case in 1993 where Davis shot at a Knoxville police officer, who was not injured. At that time, Davis was on bond for another aggravated assault where he shot another man over a gambling debt and the man was paralyzed.

Davis has three prior convictions for dealing cocaine.

"A prosecutor's No. 1 job is to protect the community," Allen said in the release. "This defendant has been a gang member committing violent crimes and drug crimes in our community for over twenty years. While he has been in and out of prison for most of his adult life, the conviction in this case will make sure that he can no longer endanger this city."
SHARE

By News Sentinel Staff

Jefferson City police are investigating a driver's report a man forced him off the road and then beat him with a club.

According to police, officers responded to a call about 6:20 p.m. Thursday about an assault involving a gun on Broadway Boulevard, near Aaron's Rentals.

The victim told police that he and the other man nearly collided on U.S. Highway 11E near North Chucky Pike. As the cars approached Aaron's Rental, the other driver's vehicle forced the victim's vehicle off the road, according to police.

The victim told police the other man got out of his truck and pointed a gun at him before returning to the truck, grabbing a club and attacking the victim with it before driving away.

Police described the driver as about 6 feet tall and about 175 pounds. He drove a silver 2004-2006 Ford F-150 four-door pickup with tinted windows, a chrome tool box in the bed and running boards.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Sgt. Roland Holt at 865-475-2002.

More details as they develop online and in Saturday's News Sentinel.
MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL Knoxville Area Transit has approved new trolley routes for downtown, and Summit Towers resident Judith Knight is not happy. The new routes include extended hours and service to the Old City, but reduced service to Summit Towers.

SHARE Knoxville Area Transit has approved new trolley routes for downtown and some of those who live at Summit Towers are not happy. The new routes include extended hours and service to the Old City, but reduced service to Summit Towers. (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL)

By Megan Boehnke of the Knoxville News Sentinel

At least four times a week, Judith Knight rides the downtown trolley to pick up prescriptions and stock up on groceries.

On Thursday morning, Knight, who has had two back surgeries and uses a walker, stood outside Summit Towers on Locust Street waiting for the trolley to pick her up for a trip to the University Commons shopping center. The trolley service now runs every 10 minutes to the towers, a low-income apartment complex for elderly and disabled residents.

Beginning May 2, Knoxville Area Transit will cut back service at Summit Towers to once an hour.

"It's very sad, because you have elderly people here who won't be able to walk from the tower and back, especially when they have groceries," Knight said. "It will limit them going shopping and everything."

KAT officials first considered eliminating all direct service to the towers and instead requiring residents to walk about 50 yards to a stop on Summit Hill Drive. But after hearing feedback from residents, KAT officials opted instead to reduce service to once an hour and add service on Saturdays.

The change is part of three new routes for the downtown trolley passed by the Knoxville Transit Authority board late last month on a 7-1 vote. The new routes will take riders to Cumberland Avenue, the core downtown and, unlike before, the Old City.

The change will extend trolley hours on Mondays through Thursdays until 8 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m. The three routes will converge on a transfer point near the old State Supreme Court Building on Locust.

"What we've kind of done is give as many people as much service on the trolley as possible," said Dawn Distler, the city's transit director.

Distler called the hourly service a compromise and said KAT also plans to build a shelter at Summit Hill with an accessible pathway for those who want to use the regular 10-minute service route.

"The people at Summit Towers are very important to us," Distler said. "They're part of our community, and we want to continue to provide service to them that helps them continue to lead independent lives."

But Summit Towers residents, many disabled or elderly, argue a shelter 50 yards down a hill from the towers isn't workable for them.

"They cut us off totally," said A.T. Lincoln, a resident at the towers for more than eight years. "There are real bad cases here. These people can't walk from here down to catch the trolley."

Lincoln said he's collected nearly 100 signatures from residents for a petition he plans to present to Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero and to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Distler said she has a meeting Monday in Nashville with TDOT officials, including TDOT's Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator. The state agency reached out to KAT last month with questions about the public process used to determine the route changes. TDOT didn't give specifics.

Distler said KAT followed the proper procedures, and she does not expect any issues with the state.

Distler also pointed to a letter of support from Alvin Nance, head of Lawler Wood Housing, the management company that operates Summit Towers. Nance was originally concerned about the proposal to end direct service to the complex, but after sitting down with KAT officials, wrote that he was pleased by the compromise, Distler said.

Hubert Smith, the only board member to vote against the changes, said the pressure from residents forced the board to consider the compromised route. But it's still not enough, he said.

"These (residents) are the least of thee," Smith said. "What they (KAT) did was no compromise. A compromise is you give a little bit, I give a little bit. We'll give you once an hour, to me, is not a compromise."

Chris Shaw, who has lived in the towers for more than two years, uses the trolley daily. She takes it to The Market on Gay Street and to Magnolia Avenue to pay her phone bill.

"All the time I've been here, (the trolley) has been here, then one day, poof," she said throwing her hands up.

The first plan to eliminate service to the towers caused an uproar, Knight said. It's all her neighbors talked about - in their apartments, in the common rooms, she said.

While hourly service is still a disappointment, Knight said it was better than the alternative.

"Once an hour is a hell of a lot better than nothing at all," she said.

Click on image for larger version.
SHARE

The U.S. Supreme Court recently did all Tennesseeans a favor by putting a temporary hold on the Environmental Protection Agency's sweeping new carbon regulation. With a final ruling not expected until at least 2017, any continued work by Tennessee agencies on implementation plans risks wasting millions of taxpayer dollars - and it's why they should halt work on it immediately.

The EPA's carbon rule would fundamentally restructure the nation's power grid - and force every American to pay for it. It requires states to cut emissions from power plants by varying amounts. Tennessee is required to cuts emissions by 40 percent by 2030.

About the only way to accomplish such dramatic cuts would be to shut down affordable energy sources that Tennesseeans have already bought and paid for. Their replacements would largely come from wind and solar, which can be up to three times more expensive.

Those higher costs will be passed on to Tennessee families in the form of higher energy bills. Economists at NERA Economic Consulting estimate it will increase annual electricity rates by up to 20 percent between 2022 and at least 2033. That will amount to hundreds of dollars per year for families who are already living paycheck to paycheck.

Those higher energy prices will hit employers, too, driving up the cost of doing business. That's especially true for manufacturers, which require abundant amounts of energy. Combined with other new carbon regulations, the Heritage Foundation estimates this will cost up to 14,000 manufacturing jobs in Tennessee alone.

These crushing costs are part of the reason 29 states joined in a federal lawsuit against the regulation. The other is that it is an unprecedented federal overreach into states' rights. Liberal Harvard Law School professor Laurence Tribe - President Barack Obama's own law school professor - argues that it amounts to "burning the Constitution."

This is where the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in. In temporarily halting the regulation until this lawsuit is resolved, the court ruled that moving forward with its implementation could irreparably harm the states, and that they have a likelihood of succeeding in federal court. This is an extremely rare move that speaks volumes to the regulation's shaky legal ground.

So, what does that mean for Tennessee? Testifying before Congress after the stay was issued, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy made it clear: "Nothing is going to be implemented while the stay is in place. It is clearly on hold until it resolves itself through the courts."

In other words, there will likely be no further action on this regulation until at least 2017, which is the earliest the Supreme Court could make its final ruling. And even with Justice Antonin Scalia's recent passing, which many EPA supporters say improves their chances before the court, the future of the regulation remains in jeopardy, as evidenced by the bipartisan legal opposition to it.

Therefore, during that time, it simply makes no sense for Tennessee state authorities - including air and environmental quality boards, public utility commissions and individual utilities - to proceed with implementation plans. Doing so risks wasting millions of taxpayer dollars if the regulation is ultimately ruled illegal, which as the stay suggests, is likely.

Obama has spent much of his eight years in office passing regulations that push constitutional boundaries. Now the Supreme Court has put a check on his authority, with a more decisive ruling to come next year. Tennessee state officials should heed the court's warning and move to minimize any loss to taxpayers between now and then.

Thomas J. Pyle is the president of the American Energy Alliance.
SHARE

All over the world people are confronted with how to respond to a seemingly long list of current plagues. Now add the Zika virus, which the World Health Organization is calling "a public health emergency of international concern," causing distress to pregnant women all over the world.

When confronted with world problems that need compassionate prayer, I always turn to God and shift my thinking away from what seems to be wrong to what I know to be spiritually right in order to find a way to help. In this case, I am finding it helpful to turn to the 91st Psalm, which begins "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and fortress: my God, in Him will I trust."

The idea of God's children abiding under the protective power of the Most High - defended in a place invisible and inaccessible to evil or harm - can calm our fears about any public health emergency. Also, in Psalm 94, God is described as our defense against any evil that would "condemn the innocent blood."

As I was pondering the news of this virus and thinking of a pregnant friend who had fearfully canceled upcoming vacation plans out of the country, I was reminded of a favorite Sunday school jingle: "There is no spot where God is not."

I considered: Is God absent from one part of the world and present in another? Are we safer in Tennessee than Colombia, or safer in London than in South Africa?

In that same 91st Psalm, we are assured that "he shall deliver thee  from the noisome pestilence" and "thou shalt not be afraid." God is everywhere, loving his creation. And being aware of his presence can make us immune to all kinds of ills.

God doesn't leave one part of the world plagued and unprotected while he focuses on another continent. Mary Baker Eddy, a 19th-century religious reformer and author, was well acquainted with the power of God to address the plagues in her time. She saw God as universal love, and wrote that his calming, reassuring voice "reaches over continent and ocean to the globe's remotest bound."

God is keeping us safe everywhere - even "to the globe's remotest bound."

A few years ago, a friend went on a business trip to Asia. He began experiencing symptoms of the avian flu (bird flu) and became quite ill and fearful. He called a Christian Science practitioner for prayer. Among the things they discussed was the fact that there was no spot on the globe where God, infinite good, was not present. When he returned to the United States, he related in a church service that he had experienced an almost immediate healing. He mentioned that the prayer was so quickly effective because God was his refuge and help, keeping him well and safe no matter where he was.

So, in the midst of reports of the Zika virus and contagion, let's turn to God as our refuge - knowing that prayer helps all mankind. Let's allow divine peace and calm to replace fears and alarm by reasoning that God is infinite good. Whether you are walking to the grocery store or flying to another continent, the Divine and its loving, protecting power cannot be absent from any geographic location.

Debra Chew writes about the connection between thought, spirituality and wellness from a Christian Science perspective. She is the media and legislative liaison for Christian Science in Tennessee.
SHARE

A look at recent events in the news that pleased us ...

Record turnout: Tennessee voters set a new record for voter turnout for a state presidential primary.

According to The Associated Press, 1,226,113 Tennesseans cast ballots in early voting and on Election Day, eclipsing the previous record for the Tennessee presidential primary of 1,178,579 votes cast in the 2008 primary.

In Knox County, 90,574 people voted in the presidential primary. Of that number, Republicans accounted for 64,830 votes, while 25,744 voted in the Democratic primary.

Safe return: After an unprecedented 340 days in space, astronaut Scott Kelly returned to Earth on Wednesday. He and a Russian cosmonaut landed in Kazakhstan after nearly a year in the International Space Station.

Kelly and Mikhail Kornienko traveled 144 million miles through space, circled the world 5,440 times and experienced 10,880 orbital sunrises and sunsets, the AP reported.

Kelly, 52, is a graduate of the University of Tennessee Space Institute. NASA will monitor his health over the next year to gauge the effects of long-term space flight on the human body. The first finding already is in: Kelly came back to Earth 2 inches taller than when his mission began.

Hiring surge: Consolidated Nuclear Security, the managing contractor at the Y-12 and Pantex nuclear weapons plants, is hiring hundreds of workers at the two facilities in Tennessee and Texas.

CNS president and CEO Morgan Smith said the government contractor plans to hire more than 1,100 new employees this year. The breakdown of new jobs by site is not yet available, nor are details of the mission needs that are driving the growth. Pantex is responsible for the initial disassembly of warheads after they are retired from the nuclear arsenal, and Y-12 later dismantles parts and recycles materials from the components that were originally manufactured in Oak Ridge.

Highway shutdown: Interstate 75 remains closed in both directions since a series of rock slides beginning Feb. 26 completely blocked the northbound lanes and spilled into the southbound lanes near mile marker 142 in Campbell County.

All traffic continues to be detoured, with message boards in place along I-75 to alert motorists to the closure.

Drivers are advised to plan ahead and seek alternate routes. State officials anticipate some lanes will reopen in another week or so, with all lanes reopened by April 15.
By Choi Sung-jin



As competition in the virtual reality market heats up for global businesses, Korea's two largest IT equipment makers are each teaming up with different global platform and content giants, respectively.



Samsung Electronics made the first move. In the World Mobile Congress 2016 in Spain last month, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook, made an appearance at Samsung's presentation, demonstrating and showing the Samsung-Facebook alliance to the world.



LG Electronics immediately struck back. LG's 360-degree camera, which can shoot still pictures or film for VR, has recently won official recognition as the compatible product of Google's "Street View," becoming the first cellphone maker in the world to accomplish this.



LG didn't try to hide that its alliance with Google is inspired by the recent teaming up of Samsung and Facebook.



"Cooperation between LG and Google has always been strong, but the recent upgrading of compatibility between our 360-degree camera with Google's Street app is in part a response to the close relationship between Samsung and Facebook," an LG official said. "If LG produces equipment and makes the most of Google's platform and content, it will significantly enhance the synergy of the two companies working together."



LG-Google cooperation went even further. At the WMC 2016, LG used the "USB-C" recharge terminal, a new standard promoted by Google, for its G5 phone. On the other hand, Samsung's Galaxy 7 is sticking to the existing "micro USB" terminal. LG also signed a cross-licensing agreement with Google in 2013, sharing patents comprehensively.



Stimulating LG and Google to make their move was Zuckerberg's appearance during Samsung's presentation at WMC 2016 on Feb. 21 and his remarks. "Samsung, the world's best mobile hardware maker, and Oculus (a Facebook subsidiary), the best VR software company, will join hands to create the VR market," Zuckerberg said.



An industry expert here agreed, saying, "As Samsung has excellent ability to manufacture devices and Facebook boasts outstanding platform services, the two companies could enhance each others' strengths.



Google, threatened by the Samsung-Facebook tie-up, could also make love calls to LG, he added.




By Choi Sung-jin



The recent decision by the U.S. administration on imported cold-rolled steel plates has drawn different responses from exporters in Korea, China and Japan, industry sources say.



On March 1, the U.S. Commerce Department slapped antidumping duty of 265.7 percent on Chinese products, which could virtually drive them out of the U.S. market temporarily, they said. Chinese steel plates took up 31 percent of the U.S. market.



On the other hand, Korean exporters, which account for 9.3 percent of the U.S. market, were fined punitive duties ranging from 2.17 to 6.85 percent. Japan, which has 5.2 percent of the market, was levied with an antidumping duty of 71.35 percent.



Korean steelmakers are heaving a sigh of relief  for now. As Washington slapped prohibitive duties on price-cutting Chinese exports, Korean makers are hoping the move will also help dissolve the global supply glut.



"Antidumping duties are strictly calculated by deducting export prices from normal prices," an official at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said on Friday. "The Chinese makers seem to have dumped their products in excessive ways to ease their oversupply."



According to Korea Iron and Steel Association, China's cold coil inventories totaled 1.33 million tons, an increase of more than 240,000 tons from their lowest level over the past five years. If the U.S. upholds its preliminary ruling, China's exports will be all but impossible.



The Japanese exporters will also experience considerable difficulties maintaining their market share if the current ruling is confirmed.



"It has been an open secret that the U.S. officials' main targets were Chinese products," said a steel industry executive. "The antidumping duties on Korean exports are relatively lower this time around but we need to watch the development closely until the final rulings in July."



The U.S. countermoves came at a time when China's provincial steelmakers have voluntarily cut production, so few can tell for sure if Korea will be free from the spillover effects, he added.




Star chef Todd English poses at Gosang, a restaurant specializing in temple food, in Seoul on Sept. 4. / By freelance photographer Park Young-kyu



Star chef Todd English sees high potential in temple food, citron tea

By Park Si-soo



It was a seemingly well-organized operation with no chance of failure.

Under the code name "hansik (Korean food) globalization," the government kick-started the project in 2008 with the big dream of lifting the country's signature dishes to the same rank as hamburgers, sushi and pizza.

It spent nearly 80 billion won ($73.6 million) up to last year pushing forward with the ambitious project of opening a state-run upscale Korean restaurant in the heart of Manhattan, hanging promotional signs at tourism hot spots and hosting many events aimed at boosting awareness of Korean dishes globally.

Several Hollywood stars and high-profile figures were mobilized to facilitate the drive and, in the process, many regulatory barriers against it have been eliminated.

Five years on, the restaurant plan collapsed and, even worse, the whole project now faces the risk of losing its raison d'etre after being called a waste of its budget, for which a state audit has been underway for months.

There are pundits who recognize the positive impact of the project, but still the dominant view is that it was a money-losing operation.

Celebrity chef Todd English from New York City threw himself behind the negative standpoint, suggesting the government "not push" the globalization of Korean food.

"It was too ethnic. It wasn't fun. People (American consumers) didn't understand it," English told The Korea Times in an interview at Gosang, an upscale restaurant specializing in temple food in downtown Seoul. "It was too serious. You got Americans the wrong way."

The 53-year-old is an American millionaire with his own restaurant empire whose business territory spans across the United States. He earned rock-star status through his TV cooking show, "Food Trips with Todd English," on America's PBS TV channel.

He claimed Korean food has "huge" potential to become an international cuisine, adding the possibility will turn into reality only when it is blended with the mainstream culture of target markets.












By Kim Se-jeong

Namdaemun Market, the nation's largest traditional market, will be refurbished to cater to foreign visitors.

According to Jung District Office in Seoul, Thursday, a section at the market will be designated as "K-food street," where visitors can experience Korean food, mainly street snacks. The list of food includes deep fried vegetable and fish, "sundae" (Korean sausage stuffed with various ingredients), "tteokbokki" (rice cakes in red chili sauce), "hotteok" (sweet pancake), "gimbap" (rice rolled in dried seaweed), fried chicken with sweet sauce, fish cake, chicken and beer, among others.

"We are confident the project will make Namdaemun a major tourist attraction for cuisine," an official from the district office said.

He said they hope the project will also prompt the Korean food industry to help turn Namdaemun into another tourist attraction for food similar to Gwangjang Market, which has become a hot place for tourists seeking traditional Korean snacks.












A government-affiliated foundation said Monday the Chinese-language version of a free mobile application introducing Korean cuisine is now available.

The Korean Food Guide 800, which is already in service in English and Spanish, includes information on rice, side dishes and soups that South Koreans enjoy daily, as well as the country's specialty dishes, the Korea Foundation said (FK).

The app, which provides information on more than 800 dishes, can be used by Chinese speakers who are traveling to South Korea or those who want to know more about the Korean dish they're trying in their home country, according to the foundation.

The content can be searched based on ingredients or recipes and the app also introduces historical and cultural background related to the dish, the Seoul-based foundation said.

The application is available via Google Play, iPhone App Store and Chinese search engine Baidu. (Yonhap)






















At first glance, Park Young-ho seems like any other young South Korean struggling either to set up his own businesses or find a job amid the slump in the local job market.



But he has something that sets him apart from the majority of South Koreans. He crossed the Tumen River into China at an age of 11, along with his older brother, to avoid starvation in North Korea.



The 26-year-old opened his first business earlier this year with a truck and started to sell coffee and toast to visitors at a race track in Gwacheon, just south of Seoul.

"Selling food on the side of the road in sub-zero temperatures is not easy at all," Park told Yonhap News Agency at a quiet cafe in Gangnam district in southern Seoul last week. "Still, it was a hard-won chance and I am not going to let it slip away."



Park is one of two North Korean defectors who were selected to open food trucks at the park, funded by the Ministry of Unification, Korea Racing Authority and Hyundai Motor Co.



Some 26,500 North Koreans have settled in the South after escaping from their home country as of November 2015, according to the government data. The Korean Peninsula has been divided since the end of World War II, with the communist North and capitalist South remaining technically at war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a ceasefire, not a peace treaty.



Some might think Park was lucky and privileged to have such an opportunity, but the path he has come through says something different.



Graduating from a local elementary school, Park started doing part-time jobs.

"Dish washing, cooking, delivery, you name it. I have done it all," he said. "Whether legal or not, I had no choice."



In 2012, Park had a chance to visit Germany through a government program on reunification education, where he witnessed people enjoying food and drinks on the streets.



After coming back to Sogang University in Seoul, Park started hashing out a plan for his own food truck business.



"I took a leave of absence last semester and began with market research," Park said. "I met so many people to figure out their needs and visited dozens of companies with my business plan to seek support."



Most of the companies turned him down, citing his lack of experience, age and background.



When the unification ministry issued the announcement to recruit food truck operators, however, Park was more prepared than anybody else.



"I was quite surprised to see other applicants who were barely prepared," Park said. "Some had no idea what a food truck is."













Park Sang-don, a ministry official handling the food truck program, said Park already talked about his plan of opening a food truck and suggested how the government and private sector could help in the process.



"When I later saw his name on the list of those selected for the program, I was not surprised," Park said.



Food trucks are a fairly new business in South Korea. The government lifted the ban against food trucks in 2014 it had imposed on the businesses due to safety and sanitation concerns.



As of January 2016, there is a total of 118 legitimate food trucks in South Korea, including the two operated by the North Korean defectors, according to government officials. The figure in Seoul remains at 14.



It is fair to say that chances are slim for North Korean defectors to dive into newly arising industries when they already face a grim reality in settling down in the South amid high competition and persistent prejudice against them.



According to an annual survey by the state-funded Korea Hana Foundation, affiliated with the unification ministry, North Korean defectors are paid far less than South Koreans, while they work longer on average.



North Korean refugees' monthly income increased to 1.47 million won (US$1,337) in 2014 from 1.41 million won a year earlier, but it is still just 66 percent of the 2.23 million won earned by South Koreans a month on average, the Seoul-based foundation said.



North Korean defectors, many of who perform physically demanding labor, work 47 hours a week, three hours more than South Koreans, the data showed.



The annual survey for 2015 will not be available until later this month.



Shin Hyo-sook, an official at the foundation, said the government is seeking to narrow the gap between South Koreans and the defectors but said the decisive factor always seems to lie in one's attitude.



"After all, the most important thing is the individual's will to get a job, whether by getting into a firm or opening one's own business," Shin said.



"Getting a job here is already a challenge," Park said. "The label of defector makes it even more difficult."



Kim Kyeong-bin, a 56-year-old woman who runs the other truck right next to Park, also started with dish washing when she first came to South Korea in 2006.

"My strong accent did not allow me a lot of choices (in terms of getting a job)," Kim said. "I obtained cook licenses in Korean and Western cuisine, hoping it would give more opportunities than just physical labor."



Although South and North Koreans speak the same language, South Koreans do not understand some North Korean dialects and tend to look down upon people who speak with a strong North Korean accent.



In a situation where most defectors have to go to their part-time job after school, competing against ordinary South Koreans -- who have English proficiency certificates as well as internship and study abroad experience -- is just impossible, Park said.



"I did not think I had a chance of winning this standardized competition," Park said. "That's why I came out of the race and decided to do something of my own." (Yonhap)
South Korea urged North Korea on Saturday to abandon its "delusion" that nuclear weapons will protect its regime as Pyongyang bristled at new U.N. sanctions on the country.



On Friday, the North threatened to take "strong and merciless actions" in protest of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC) adopting unprecedentedly tough sanctions over the country's nuclear and long-range rocket tests earlier this year.



It rejected the sanctions as "the most reckless provocation" and vowed to take "stern" actions.



"Our government, in response to such reckless behavior by North Korea, will make it wake up from its delusion about nuclear development through strong and effective measures," Seoul's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Our government has already stated that we will no longer tolerate the exploitation of the North Korean people, and the extreme and cruel reign of terror used to maintain the Kim Jong-un regime."



The ministry said North Korea's threat amounts to a "flagrant challenge" to the international community's resolve expressed in the unanimous adoption of the UNSC resolution on Wednesday.



South Korea will strengthen its defense posture and closely cooperate with the international community to respond to the North's provocations and resistance, it added.



The U.N. sanctions call for mandatory inspection of all cargo going into and out of North Korea and a ban on the country's exports of iron and other mineral resources, among other things.



The measures were punishment for North Korea's fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6 and long-range rocket launch on Feb. 7, both of which violated past U.N. resolutions.



Angered by the fresh sanctions, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday ordered the country's nuclear arsenal on standby.



"We hope North Korea will abandon its nuclear weapons development, choose the path of peace wished for by the U.N. and the international community, and wake up from the delusion that nuclear weapons will protect its regime, and we once again strongly urge it to choose the path of sincere change toward denuclearization," the ministry said.



(Yonhap)




U.S. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, if elected, would "pick fights" with South Korea and Japan over the cost of American troop presence in the allies, the Washington Post said, warning of foreign policy troubles Trump's presidency could bring about.



"The Trump foreign policy ... is that the United States' long-standing relationships and alliances are stacked against it, and that they must be downgraded, renegotiated or abandoned," the paper said in an editorial, titled "A President Trump would weaken the United States abroad."



"Mr. Trump would pick fights with Japan and South Korea over their purported insufficient payments for the U.S. troop presence in those countries, even though each country funds about half the non-personnel costs -- and even though the costs of dealing with a U.S.-free Asia, in which Japan and South Korea might go nuclear for fear of China and North Korea, could be higher by far," it said.



The billionaire real-estate mogul has repeatedly made unfounded accusations that South Korea pays almost nothing for the upkeep of the 28,500 American troops stationed in the country to help defend the ally against North Korean threats.



Seoul has long shouldered part of the burden needed for the U.S. troop presence.













In 2014, the two countries renewed their cost-sharing agreement, known as the Special Measures Agreement, with Seoul agreeing to pay 920 billion won for the upkeep of the U.S. troops per year, a 5.8 percent increase.



The presence of U.S. troops in South Korea is a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War, which ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, leaving the divided peninsula still technically at war. Moreover, the American military presence on the peninsula is seen as in line with U.S. national interests in a region marked by a rising China.



As Trump looks increasingly likely to be the Republican nominee after the "Super Tuesday" primaries and caucuses earlier this week, concerns about his possible nomination have been growing stronger within the Republican Party.



On Wednesday, more than 50 Republican national security leaders, including former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick, issued an open letter saying they are united in opposition to a Trump presidency that they said would "make America less safe" and "diminish our standing in the world."



"His insistence that close allies such as Japan must pay vast sums for protection is the sentiment of a racketeer, not the leader of the alliances that have served us so well since World War II," they said in the letter.



On Thursday, former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney delivered a blistering attack on Trump, saying his domestic policies would lead to recession and his foreign policies would make America and the world less safe.



"Let me put it plainly, if we Republicans choose Donald Trump as our nominee, the prospects for a safe and prosperous future are greatly diminished," Romney said. (Yonhap)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the test-firing of a new multiple rocket launcher, ordering his military to "promptly" deploy the weapons system that can hit major military targets in South Korea, a military source said Friday.



Over the last three years, the communist state has test-fired the new multiple rocket launcher a total of 13 times, the source said.



On Thursday, the North fired six short-range projectiles toward the East Sea, apparently in anger over the United Nations' adoption of its harshest resolution against the communist regime ever for its recent nuclear and long-range rocket tests. (Yonhap)




The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

Read more
PRESS RELEASE

European Parliamentarians Tour Hill Asking for Glass-Steagall

March 4, 2016 (EIRNS)European Parliamentarians (MEPs) invited to the United States capital by EIR, spent March 1-3 in intensive meetings on Capitol Hill asking Members of Congress to break up Wall Street by restoring the Glass-Steagall Act, and give a push to widespread European constituency bank separation efforts.

MEPs Marco Zanni and Marco Valli met with eleven Members of the House from both partiessome Glass-Steagall sponsors and others on the fenceand told them

"we are standing before another global crisis of the financial system, and we need to act now in both the United States and Europe."

The two represent Italys Five Star Movement Party, now Italys second-largest, whose Delegates have put in five of the nine Glass-Steagall bills in the Italian Parliament. They were able to convey in strong detail the chaos, impoverishment, and banking crisis triggered since "bank bail-in" rules went into effect across the European Union at the end of 2015.

Strong offers of collaboration were extended to the MEPs by several Glass-Steagall sponsors. Others told them about the fight riving the Democratic Party in particular, over Glass-Steagall vs. the Dodd-Frank Act. The primary election has intensified this fight in Congress as well.

Many Members have noticed that two Federal Reserve bank presidents have recently told them that Dodd-Frank will only lead to another gargantuan bank bailout, and suggested that they break up Wall Street instead. The first of those warnings, by Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, was widely reported in national and international media, and is still being debated two weeks later.

The Italian MEPs, with EIR, also met with staff of more than a dozen other Members, including the Democratic leadership of both House and Senate. It was clear from those meetings that the partys Congressional leadership has formed a defensive line for Dodd-Frank and against Glass-Steagall. The leadership offices, equally aware of the constituency strength of the fight against Wall Street, were extremely interested to know what the European Parliamentarians and EIR were doing about it. There were indications that Members of Congress who support Hillary Clinton for President are not to be sponsors of Glass-Steagall.

H.R. 381, the House bill to restore Glass-Steagall, now has 71 sponsors.
PRESS RELEASE

Korea War Danger Escalates

March 4, 2016 (EIRNS)Despite John Kerrys public statement to Wang Yi on March 1 in Washington, that the decision had not been made regarding the deployment of THAAD missiles in South Koreaa serious escalation of war preparations against China, the official negotiations between the US and South Korean militaries on the deployment opened today in Korea. They signed a "term of reference agreement" in the morning and then convened the first meeting, to begin mapping out possible sites and discussing local security concerns.

Joongang Daily reported that the cost of one THAAD battery comprising 48 interceptors, six truck-mounted launchers, a fire control and communications unit, and an AN/TPY-2 radar, is around $831 million, according to a defense official. However, additional interceptor missiles could raise the cost to $1.25 billion.

The battery will be run by American forces.

President Park Geun Hye continued her verbal attacks on Pyongyang, calling Kin Jun-un a "tyrant," while leaders of her party in the National Assembly have called for "regime change." The upcoming U.S.-South Korea military exercises incude explicit training for an invasion of the North to take out the nuclear sites and the leadership.

Kim Jong-un has responded by putting his nuclear and other forces on full alert and preparation to launch "at any minute."

"The only way for defending the sovereignty of our nation and its right to existence under the present extreme situation is to bolster up nuclear force, both in quality and quantity, and keep balance of forces,"

Mr. Kim was quoted as saying in the official DPRK news service, KCNA.

"It is a very foolish act for Park Geun Hye to cry for preemptive attack while recklessly beefing up the armed forces in league with the U.S. scoundrels, but her hysteria will precipitate only her ruin in the long run,"

said Kim

An official release by the government called the sanctions voted up at the UN Wednesday a "heinous provocation."

A leading South Korean expert, Cheong Seong-chang of the Sejong Institute, warned that war is increasingly possible.

"Theres no reason to believe that North Korea wont choose the extreme option of nuclear weapons if the South threatens the North with a beheading operation, a landing operation and the pressure of regime change,"

Cheong said.

Former South Korean secretary for national security strategy under President Roh Moo-hyun, Park Sun-won, warned that this tension could turn into actual conflict.

"Caution is required before it happens. The provocations might grow bigger, due to the (South Korean) military policy of action first, report later"

Park said.
PRESS RELEASE

The U.S. Is Militarizing the South China Sea, Chinese Official Says

March 4, 2016 (EIRNS)Speaking at the opening press conference of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) on March 4, NPC Spokesperson Fu Ying was asked by CBS News why China was militarizing the South China Sea.

I have seen the reports by your and other news services with these misleading claims, she replied.

Talking about militarization, if you look into it carefully, the advanced aircraft, warships in and out of the South China Sea, arent most of them deployed by America? And the U.S. has made the decision to deploy over 50% of the U.S. Navy to the Asia-Pacific region as a part of their pivot to the region,

Fu said.

The U.S. is strengthening military deployments with its alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. If were talking about militarization, whats this? Isnt it militarization?

She added,

The Chinese Foreign Minister when he was in the U.S. recently made clear that such deployments were provoking resentment by the Chinese people. The U.S. says it is not taking sides in the maritime disputes, but by the actions they are taking, they are provoking changes in the region.

These islands, while they are somewhat remote from the mainland, should have their own defense capabilities, Fu said.
PRESS RELEASE

Turkish Opposition To Sue Government for Aiding Terror

March 4, 2016 (EIRNS)The leader of Turkeys main opposition party, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, of the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), has announced that he will sue the government for supporting terrorism.

"This government and its predecessors have been the ones which support and abet terrorist organizations. Our provincial heads of the party will take necessary steps in the following days,"

said Kilicdaroglu on March 3.

"A legitimate government cannot support nor abet an illegitimate terrorist organization. This is a crime. However, this crime has been committed in Turkey and is still being committed."

Kilicdaroglu said there was no terrorism when the AKP came to power in 2002.

"Turkey is a lake of blood today. They ordered governors, Do not touch terrorists. They made the East and the Southeast warehouses of weapons. We hear news of soldiers deaths every day. Turkey is one step away from catastrophe,"

he added.

There is good reason to sue the government. In the past year close to 200 people have been killed in terror attacks in just Ankara and Istanbul, while in the Southeast, well over 1,000 people have been killed. While the majority of those killed were members of the Kurdistan Workers Party, an unknown number of civilians, as many as 200 or more, have been killed.

On Thursday in Istanbul there were four terror attacks within 12 hours. The first occurred in the morning when two women from the terrorists Revolutionary Peoples Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) attacked a riot police headquarters in Istanbul. Both were subsequently killed, while no one else was killed. This was followed later in the evening by attacks on a service bus carrying judicial personnel, and on an armored police vehicle, by unidentified assailants in separate incidents. No casualties were reported. In a fourth attack, the official car of the Istanbul-based Fatih Sultan Mehmet University rector was attacked along TEM highway. The driver of the car was injured. The rector was not traveling in the car.
Is there a big infrastructure project anywhere in the country as disrespected as Californias bullet train?

The high-speed rail project, designed to carry passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco in two hours and 40 minutes, at speeds averaging 220 mph, has been labeled a train to nowhere and Gov. Browns crazy train.

Cost estimates have shifted up and down for years  the latest financial projection from the states High-Speed Rail Authority is $64 billion  as have forecasts of potential ridership. Critics assert that public support for the project is ebbing, and a group of Central Valley farmers is collecting signatures for a ballot measure that would divert its billions of dollars in authorized bond proceeds to fund water projects instead.

Advertisement

The rail project, which aims to start carrying passengers on an initial segment connecting Silicon Valley and the Central Valley in 2025, may be suffering now through its most vulnerable period. Doubts about financing from the state, federal government and private investors are proliferating at a time when physical evidence of progress is virtually nonexistent, giving the public little reason for confidence. Even some of its most ardent original supporters have turned sour, notably Quentin Kopp, a veteran Bay Area political figure who was among the projects original champions in the state Legislature and served as the first chairman of the High-Speed Rail Authority after its creation in 1996.

Today, Kopp says that the systems specifications have changed so drastically that its not high-speed rail anymore: among other changes, compromises have reduced its overall design speeds and forced the bullet trains to share tracks with slow conventional trains along the San Francisco-San Jose corridor. Its not a viable program, he says. Its a fiction.

Yet despite years of controversy, its rationale hasnt changed: to dramatically remake the states transportation network, relieving pressure on air and road infrastructure that cant possibly accommodate long-term population growth.

The High-Speed Rail Authority has estimated that its project would forestall the need to build 3,000 lane-miles of freeway, five airport runways and 90 departure gates, all costing $100 billion total. Some also contend that, once its built, the rail system will help the economy by reducing vehicular exhaust in favor of cleaner sources of electricity, especially renewables, to power the trains.

One can debate the authoritys numbers or the true potential change in greenhouse gas emissions, but whats undebatable is that the state is going to need the kind of flexibility in transportation capacity that only high-speed rail can provide.

More planes and more freeways simply arent in the cards. Proposals to cut off funding in Congress or divert the money from rail to supposedly more urgent needs such as water facilities are opportunistic and shortsighted.

Infrastructure projects of even a fraction of the trains magnitude often take decades to come to fruition, with the finished product sometimes unrecognizable to its original promoters. What became Hoover Dam was first conceived in 1905 as a flood-control dam on the lower Colorado River, not begun until 1931, and completed in 1935 as the towering flood-control dam, irrigation source and electrical generation station familiar to tourists today.

With any such project you cant be completely sure of what it will cost, says Martin Wachs, an expert on transportation and urban planning at UCLA and a member of the peer review committee monitoring the business plans of the high-speed rail project. The technology changes as its being built, the demand pattern changes as its being built. Theres an enormous amount of uncertainty.

The projected cost of the California project has soared from about $30 billion to $100 billion before the most recent estimate of $64 billion. Ridership estimates have been decried as massively inflated. Thats not unusual among big transportation projects. The Channel Tunnel, which runs under the English Channel and connects the United Kingdom and France, cost the equivalent of about $6.6 billion upon its completion in 1994, and ran 80% over budget. Revenue has been only half what was projected.

To this day, every passenger is heavily subsidized, observed Bent Flyvbjerg, an expert on mega-projects at Oxford, in 2014. A mega-project may well be a technological success, but a financial failure, he wrote, and many are.

Minimizing cost estimates typically is part of the process  if an unsavory one  of getting big projects approved. Former Assembly Speaker and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown observed in 2013 that a $300-million cost overrun for his citys massive Transbay transit and redevelopment project should not come as a shock to anyone.

We always knew the initial estimate was way under the real cost, he wrote with typical bluntness in his San Francisco Chronicle column. If people knew the real cost from the start, nothing would ever be approved.

On top of the customary uncertainties, the bullet train faces its own unique obstacles. Proposition 1A, the 2008 ballot measure that authorized nearly $10 billion in state bonds for the project, mandated that the train carry passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco in no more than two hours and 40 minutes  as much as an hour shorter than many experts thought could be reasonably expected. Operating subsidies from any governmental source were barred, and funding for every segment was required to be identified before construction of that segment could begin.

Strict adherence to all these stipulations is almost impossible without creative interpretation, but that leaves the project open to legal challenge. Among more than a dozen lawsuits filed against the project, one brought by Kings County in the San Joaquin Valley alleging multiple violations of these provisions may be the most dangerous legal land mine. A Sacramento state judge could halt funding for construction and land acquisition in a ruling due within 90 days. Already the litigation has helped place the project two years behind schedule.

The biggest uncertainty is financial. Doubts raised by the lawsuits have prevented sales of the state bonds since 2014. Some $2.3 billion appropriated for the bullet train in the 2009 federal stimulus bill must be spent by 2017 or it might be forfeited. Meanwhile, the willingness of a fiscally conservative Congress to make future commitments for infrastructure, a crucial piece of the projects funding, is in doubt. And no private investor has yet shown a willingness to put up risk capital for the venture.

Will Californians be traversing the state in conditions that rival air travel for convenience and speed starting in 2025? The goal is still worthy, even if the path is hazy.

The project can be rescued, says Kopp. But its got to secure universal acceptance and get back to the fundamentals.

To Kopp that means reversing the political compromises that will turn the system from high-speed rail to low-speed rail on many stretches of the route. It also means showing the public how crucial the project is for the states future.

High-speed rail works, says James Earp, leader of the Proposition 1A campaign and member of the California Transportation Commission. If you can build it properly and solve the financing, it can be self-sustaining. And Californias the perfect place for it.

Michael Hiltziks column appears every Sunday. Read his blog every day at latimes.com/business/hiltzik, reach him at mhiltzik@latimes.com, check out facebook.com/hiltzik and follow @hiltzikmon Twitter.
Last week, the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation in New York announced that it would ease copyright restrictions on art belonging to the artist. The move will make images of Rauschenbergs work  he was a groundbreaking figure known for his hybrid assemblage-paintings  much easier to access and disseminate.

It will do this in a number of ways. One, the foundation has issued a statement that provides guidelines for fair use of its imagery, and imagery of Rauschenbergs work in general, making it simpler for museums and members of the media to employ images.

Second, the foundation will even allow royalty-free use of its images to museums and educational institutions who might want to use Rauschenbergs art in promotional materials  something that is not governed by fair use.

Advertisement

This is good news  not only for reporters and for institutions, but also for the free flow of ideas.

The people who are the best stewards are the scholars and the museums, says foundation CEO Christy MacLear. Professors were making choices of images and teaching based on what images are available. That affects our history. What you teach should be the best pieces, not the free pieces.

It is too early to tell whether other foundations or artists estates will follow Rauschenbergs lead. For one, theres the issue of money. The Rauschenberg Foundation is well capitalized and therefore is able to walk away from the image-rights income it would otherwise earn (about $100,000 per year).

Rights fees are an important way for some smaller estates to go about doing what theyre doing, says Robert Panzer, executive director at VAGA, an image-rights clearinghouse in New York City that represents Rauschenbergs work, as well as others. There are practical considerations.

In addition, fair-use laws (explained here) already allow for the reproduction of works in the news media and critical journals under some circumstances  on the grounds that they provide new insights and analysis and, therefore, they arent copying for the sake of copying.

Professors were making choices of images and teaching based on what images are available. That affects our history.  Christy MacLear, CEO of the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation

In reality, almost everything the foundation claims to be innovating is already a practice that ARS largely goes by, stated Theodore Feder, president of the Artists Rights Society, another rights clearing house, via email. For instance, we too recognize the fair use exemptions for editorial commentary, criticism, news reporting and non-commercial scholarship.

That is indeed true. Fair-use laws already technically protect the publication of images in relation to criticism and news stories. But the day-to-day on this is more complicated than saying, Hey, this is fair use.

Part of this is because navigating copyright is downright labyrinthine. Even if a work is held by a museum, it is often someone else  most frequently the artist or the artists estate  who retains copyright to the work (for their lifetime plus 70 years). And their copyright governs all reproductions of a work, which would therefore include any and all pictures.

So even if I have my own totally rad picture of a Jeff Koons balloon dog sculpture, the right to reproduce it lies with the artist or whatever entity he invests with that right (such as VAGA or ARS).

Visitors make their way past Robert Rauschenbergs Ace, from 1962, at the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2006. (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)

Moreover, the boundaries of fair use can be fuzzy. And while I would likely be covered by fair-use laws in publishing my balloon dog photo alongside my withering analysis of Koons work, its not the sort of thing Id want to have to defend in court  which would be costly and time-consuming.

Frankly, in our sue-happy age, the idea of publishing any photo without clearances (even one I take) is the sort of thing that would give me and my bosses nuclear levels of agita. So I always work to get clearances  be it permission to shoot or by securing handout photos that have been cleared in advance. If you publish an art blog once or twice daily, however, this is a process that can quickly get onerous. (Especially if youre trying to clear something after 3 p.m. Pacific, when New York is at happy hour.)

By proactively stating its policies on fair use, and by easing restrictions on other uses, the Rauschenberg Foundation offers scholars and arts journalists the comfort of knowing that were not going to be sued for publishing a picture of his angora goat combine in some deep-dive story about artists and stuffed goats. And it means that any pictures of Rauschenbergs work in the L.A. Times archive can resurface on occasion without piles of legal back and forth.

All of this is not to say that copyright protection isnt important  especially when it comes to commercial uses.

Copyright is also the right to say no, to say I dont want that on a toilet paper roll.  Robert Panzer, executive director, VAGA

If you go on the Internet and type in the names of any of our artists, you will see thousands of illegal reproductions, says Panzer, whose organization also represents painter Jasper Johns and collagist Romare Bearden. Many of those are minor. But there are very commercial things. Youll see posters from companies youve never heard of. Often, they will shoot images out of books or simply copy other posters. What they are doing is selling infringed art.

Feder concurs. The unauthorized and unbridled use of artists work is a growing concern, he says. Artists, their estates and foundation must make sure that the patrimony over which they have charge is distributed in a way which reflects credit on the artist.

Photographers have been especially hard hit by cut-and-paste Internet culture because they often survive by licensing reproductions of their work.

Copyright is also the right to say no, says Panzer, to say I dont want that on a toilet paper roll.

I recognize the importance of artists being able to protect their work. Being a writer, I am no fan of being ripped off.

But the Rauschenberg Foundations announcement is the sort of thing that makes my job a little easier: being able to share and talk about art, choosing images not because they have been cleared, but because they illustrate a story.

Its about redefining control, says MacLear. We just want to make sure the best images are out there and people want to use them.

"[The artist] Rachel Harrison recently called us up, she adds. She wanted to use some of [Rauschenbergs] images. She was so surprised that we not only said yes, but that we didnt give constraints. She could crop and whatnot. But thats what Rauschenbergs work was about.

Lets hope other artists and artist estates feel the same way. Art draws from the culture around it. Itd be nice if occasionally the culture could more easily draw back.

Find me on Twitter @cmonstah.
Shirley MacLaine has been a force in feature films since her debut in Alfred Hitchcocks The Trouble With Harry in 1955. Shes received six Academy Award nominations including for Billy Wilders The Apartment (1960) and Irma La Douce (1963) and won the Oscar for James L. Brooks beloved 1983 dramedy, Terms of Endearment.

Shes done big-budget films, quirky comedies like Richard Linklaters 2011 hit Bernie and even guest-starred on Downton Abbey.

But nothing prepared MacLaine for Wild Oats.

During the production of the indie comedy two years ago on Spains Canary Islands, finances got so dicey MacLaine and her fellow stars including Jessica Lange and Demi Moore deferred their salary.

Advertisement

Wild Oats not only doesnt have a scheduled release date, MacLaine hasnt seen any money. No one has been paid, she said. I got a book though. I look at it that way.

Above the Line: My Wild Oats Adventure is MacLaines funny new book about the near screwball comedy of errors making the film about a woman (MacLaine) who accidentally receives a life insurance check for $5 million instead of $50,000 and is persuaded by her friend (Lange) to keep the money and go to the Canary Islands.

The film was original written for the friends to go to Las Vegas, but the location depended upon where the producers could find the biggest rebates, including Pittsburgh, New York, New Orleans, Puerto Rico and then finally the Canary Islands.

The cast changed as the film was delayed. The one who hung on the longest was Jacki Weaver, said MacLaine in Santa Monica. Weaver eventually dropped out too.

At 81, MacLaine is fabulously fit, funny and fearless about speaking her mind, a trait shes always had.

Ive never been afraid of what people thought, she noted.

Alan Arkin also stayed with the project for a while, but MacLaine noted: I think he finally got tired of waiting.

Andy Tennant (Hitch) was hired as the director. And Lange stepped into Weavers role. But no leading men had been cast by the time MacLaine and Lange arrived in the Canary Islands. Billy Connolly and Howard Hesseman eventually came on board.

MacLaine was told the cast signed despite misgivings about the financing because I was going to do it. What an honor! And the crew, she reported, also wanted to work with her. They didnt get paid most of the time, she said.

Filming was often halted because the money ran out. MacLaine recalled receiving phone calls in the morning saying, Hello, dont come in today. We cant pay the cab drivers. That happened several times. Who is not going to laugh at that?

MacLaine found herself laughing through all the craziness. What we would say to each other as we were waiting, I nearly got a hernia from laughing. I learned so much about the need for laughing.

But Above the Line is about a lot more than filmmaking. In typical MacLaine fashion she also writes about reincarnation and metaphysics  subjects shes tackled before including in a previous book, 2011s Im Over All That.

Though her longtime agent warned her not to do the film, MacLaine believes she was drawn to the project because of the location. There are those who believe that the Canary Islands are the location of the fabled Lost City of Atlantis.

And while making the film, MacLaine said she discovered she had a past life in Atlantis.

What did you think of that?, she asked about the revelation. I know it was true. I trust my memory. I remember the environment. I remember the things that happened. I remember the feelings. I am allowing myself to understand the reality that are other dimensions and third dimension is just one. You have got to lay down and dream. You got to let your mind, let your soul, do some traveling.

She would love to go back to the Canary Islands. I have good memories of Atlantis, MacLaine explained.

But any trip back to the islands will have to wait because shes working on numerous films this year, including The Last Word, directed by Mark Pellington, in which she plays a successful business woman.

Its the big lead, she said, adding her character is pretty satisfied with whats she accomplished, but nobody likes her anymore. So she becomes obsessed with writing her own obituary.
If you care even a little about the art and history of American motion pictures, about being able to see classic films now and forever, you owe a debt of gratitude to David W. Packard.

Packard, the son of Hewlett-Packard co-founder David Packard, has never seen a Steven Spielberg movie and takes pleasure in reading Homer in the original Greek. But he cares deeply about film history, and his Packard Humanities Institute has become one of the leading philanthropic organizations funding film preservation.

See more of Entertainments top stories on Facebook >>

Advertisement

Now a landmark moment in that cause is nearing completion on 65 acres in the hills of Santa Clarita: a $180-million facility that houses vintage movies in the UCLA Film & Television Archive, including The Maltese Falcon, the Flash Gordon serials, Laurel & Hardys Way Out West, Cecil B. DeMilles personal collection and producer Hal Wallis own print of Casablanca.

UCLA was looking for a modest little place to move to, and I got involved and turned it into something monumental, Packard, 75, said during an extended tour of the facility. Its a labor of love and a labor of craziness. I could have just built an adequate facility, but it didnt cost that much more for it to be something wonderful.

 The Packard Humanities Institute, or PHI, prepares to officially open a $150-million facility in Santa Clarita known as the PHI Stoa. The new facility will house the UCLA film and TV archives.

The campus is designed primarily for storage, research and work related to film preservation, although there may be occasional semi-public events in one of the three screening rooms.

The facility is known as the PHI Stoa, for the Packard Humanities Institute and because the exterior resembles a type of classical Greek building known as a stoa, an outdoor colonnade structure supported by an impressive row of marble columns.

The interior is patterned after the 15th century Convent of Saint Marco in Florence, with offices resembling the cells of a monastery.

Packard, who rarely grants interviews, acknowledges that the design fits his style.

Im more like a monk; I like to do my work, he said. I dont want to be a person who goes around boasting about doing things. Whats the point of that?

The Packard Humanities Institute is nearing completion on 65 acres in the hills of Santa Clarita: a $180-million facility that houses vintage movies in the UCLA Film & Television Archive. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

For moviegoers who want the classic films they love to be seen on the big screen by their children in the best condition possible, the stakes are enormous. It may seem films are forever, but history tells us this is not the case.

Nitrate-based negatives, Hollywoods choice until about 1951, are notoriously unstable and over time often deteriorated to chemical goo, taking their one-of-a-kind images with them.

Before efforts like Packards, so many films were routinely lost or destroyed that its estimated that approximately half the films made before 1951, not to mention that more than eight of 10 features made between 1912 and 1930, no longer exist, according to film historians.

Talk to anyone in the film preservation world and you hear echoes of the words of James H. Billington, the recently retired librarian of Congress, who says: If you want an analogy to David in American history, Andrew Carnegie would be the best.

Packards institute financed a similar facility dedicated to film preservation outside of Washington, D.C., in Culpeper, Va. Built inside a disused Federal Reserve bunker that once held billions of dollars of shrink-wrapped currency, it includes nearly 90 miles of shelving, plus storage for highly flammable nitrate materials. It was donated to the Library of Congress in 2008.

The interior is patterned after the 15th century Convent of Saint Marco in Florence, with offices resembling the cells of a monastery. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

Frankly, I can think of no one and no institution which has done more for the cause of film preservation, specifically the preservation of classic American films, than David Packard, said Jan-Christopher Horak, director of the UCLA Film & Television Archive.

There are a lot of wealthy people in the film industry, but no one has stepped up to the plate the way David has. The amount of funding he has provided is staggering.

About 90% of the films at PHI Stoa belong to the UCLA collection. They are stored in 120 nitrate vaults, built at a cost of $48 million.

Looking like cells in a 1930s big house movie, these structures are a chilly 38 degrees inside, with contents protected by an elaborate complex of anti-fire technologies, including exhaust ducts and a system called VESDA for Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus.

Theyre the most modern nitrate vaults in existence, Packard said. This is not just buying five more years; theyre supposed to last centuries.

During the tour, Packards infectious enthusiasm for film preservation and attention to detail were always on display. He noticed doors that didnt function properly, pointed out cans of nitrate film that were not placed to take full advantage of heat-resistant shelving and clambered up a ladder to show off the buildings well-maintained interstitial space.

It broke up my friendship with Steve Jobs when I told him movies were not meant to be seen on 21/2 -inch screens.  David W. Packard, philanthropist

Packard, who was intimately involved in the planning and building, takes pleasure in detailing exactly where in Italy the stone floor tiles, the marble columns, the handmade iron ceiling lanterns came from. He is so happy, in fact, with the work of the more than a dozen Italian subcontractors that he is planning to invite them and their families to the Stoa for a big, celebratory party this summer.

Enough of a film fan to have bought at auction the prop passport that Warner Bros. created for Casablancas Victor Laszlo, Packard emphasizes that I dont consider myself a funder, Im a colleague who has resources to contribute. When there is something Im interested in, I jump in with all five feet.

If that sounds like an exaggeration, consider the specifics: When everything film-related that Packard and his foundation have contributed is added up, the total is close to half a billion dollars and includes the restoration of hundreds of films.

And because Packard believes passionately in the traditional theatrical experience, in screening as well as saving films, he has spearheaded the impeccable restoration of two vintage movie palaces: the California in San Jose and the Stanford in Palo Alto. The Stanford has been showing double bills that Packard (whose favorite actors include Ronald Colman, Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant) has personally programmed since the late 1980s.

It broke up my friendship with Steve Jobs, he said, when I told him movies were not meant to be seen on 21/2 -inch screens.

The Packard Humanities Institute houses items including, The Maltese Falcon, the Flash Gordon serials, Laurel & Hardys Way Out West, Cecil B. DeMilles personal collection and producer Hal Wallis own print of Casablanca. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

A second-generation philanthropist whose family funded the Monterey Bay Aquarium without putting their name on it, Packard and his wife also founded the multibillion-dollar David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

Something I inherited from my father is that once you decide to do something, just do it, Packard said. While youre building something, you worry about how much money youre spending on it, but when its finished, you only worry about whether you did a good job.

Whats the point of cutting a corner? Im lucky that I dont have to, and if you can do it right, why not? Honestly, it doesnt cost that much more to do it nicely, and people appreciate the opportunity to work in an environment where everyone wants to do things right.

Packard founded PHI in 1987, but it really took off in 1998, when it received a major endowment grant from the foundation his parents began. Because he very much puts his money where his passions lie, Packard has funded a fascinating array of projects not only in film but in his two other main areas of interest, archaeology and music. Im really lucky, he said, I can help things I really care about.

Hard as it is to believe now, Packard, with a PhD in classical philology from Harvard and immersed in a career as an classics academic at UCLA and other universities, once had total disdain for motion pictures. I thought there was nothing to them; I looked down on them as degraded popular culture, he remembered.

The campus is designed primarily for storage, research and work related to film preservation, although there may be occasional semi-public events in one of the three screening rooms. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

He said that from ages 20 to 35 he saw just three motion pictures, all with Greek themes: Never on Sunday, Zorba the Greek and Z. Even today, with the exception of a passion for the works of the Indian director Satyajit Ray, whose Film & Study Center is relocating to the PHI Stoa, he pretty much avoids films made after 1960.

Packards conversion to classic cinema began when he taught at the University of North Carolina in the mid-1970s and, at the invitation of a friend, went to see a screening of The Wizard of Oz at a Judy Garland festival. He liked it so much that he went to see another Garland film, Meet Me in St. Louis, the next night.

That was the most decisive moment in my life, he remembered. Meet Me in St. Louis somehow changed my life. And the next day I saw A Star Is Born. That weekend was an explosion in my consciousness.

Packard and his family moved back to Los Angeles, and he became a habitue of long-gone repertory houses like the Vagabond and the Tiffany and found out about the work of the UCLA archive, then directed by Robert Rosen, with Robert Gitt working as its first film preservationist.

UCLA had these gorgeous nitrate prints off the camera negatives, and David fell in love with the work of Ernst Lubitsch, Josef von Sternberg and Billy Wilder, says Gitt, who is now retired but still active in film preservation. When David began funding, the major studios had not yet begun to preserve their own past; there was still a lack of interest in older films, so what he did was invaluable.

Packard, for his part, has an equal admiration for Gitts impeccable preservation work, half-joking that he thought of naming the Stoa the Gitty Villa.

As his passion for classic film grew, Packards earlier love and knowledge of the classic Greek period, his understanding that, for instance, only a very small percentage of Sophocles complete plays (seven out of perhaps 120 written) survive today, unexpectedly informed his passion for saving cinema.

Until a few years ago, Id spent my whole life studying and teaching ancient Greek literature, looking back 2,000 years, he said in a 1987 interview, just when his preservation work was beginning in earnest. I wondered what people would see when they looked back at the 20th century, and I became persuaded that its going to be the Hollywood films of the 30s and 40s. A lot of my friends think Im crazy, but I really do believe that. And its important that we preserve those films and not let them fade into obscurity.

Packard has great plans for PHIs collaboration with UCLA, including digitizing and making freely available to the public 27 million feet of Hearst newsreel footage the archive owns, and for the Stoa to possibly be the centerpiece of a historic preservation campus, but even as a stand-alone effort it is already doing a great deal.

It may seem a little willful just to follow my instincts, Packard said in as close as he wants to get to a summation, but Im in a position where I can. Im a lucky guy whos had the resources to support things I care about. Im doing this because I love these movies and I want them to survive.

ALSO:

10 movies we might be talking about at next years Oscars

Tina Feys Whiskey Tango Foxtrot shows that laughing is sometimes the only way to make sense of war

Norways The Wave shows Hollywood how to make a disaster film with real thrills
Joey Feek, who with her husband, Rory, formed the award-winning country duo Joey + Rory, died Friday, her manager said.

Feek, who had been diagnosed with cancer two years ago, died at home in Indiana, Aaron Carnahan said.

The brunette singer from Alexandria, Ind., found success when she paired with her songwriter husband on the Country Music Television singing competition Can You Duet? in 2008. Joey Feek sang lead, and her husband, known for his sideburns and blond flattop, provided harmonies on such traditional country songs as Thats Important to Me.

Advertisement

SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter >>

In 2014, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer, which continued to spread despite multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Last fall, Rory Feek wrote on his blog that the couple had decided to end treatment.

Even after the diagnosis, the couple continued to record, and an album of hymns topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in March. Since her diagnosis, the music community responded by honoring the couple with award nominations. Their song If I Needed You was nominated for best country duo/group performance at the Grammy Awards, and they also are nominated at the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards for vocal duo of the year.

They have a 2-year-old daughter, Indiana.

Their first album, The Life of a Song, was a surprise hit in 2008 and earned them a spot opening for the Zac Brown Band on tour. Although their songs were never top airplay hits, the couples plainspoken style and Joey Feeks sweet, smoky voice earned them a host of fans of traditional country and western music. And on Cheater, Cheater and other songs, they showed they could also handle upbeat and witty material.

In a 2009 interview, Rory Feek told the Associated Press that being together all the time didnt make them get on each others nerves.

Were really good friends, Feek said, while cuddling his bride. I know everybody says that, but you know, this is one of those times that everything were doing, we are both interested in. Were both passionate about country music and we are both thrilled to be here, and we really do get along well.

In the tradition of such couples as Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash and Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, their blended voices and deep bonds made them beloved by fans of country music.

Were experiencing everything together, Joey Feek told the AP in 2010. Thats been the highlight of it all.

The Feeks seemed like old friends to their fans and fellow Tennesseans. They met at a songwriters night at Nashvilles famed Bluebird Cafe, married in 2002 and lived on a farm in rural Pottsville, Tenn., about 45 miles south of Nashville. Even as their fame was rising, the two opened a restaurant inside an old general store that became a community center. The restaurant and their community were featured in their music video This Songs For You. Tourists from all over would stop at Marcy Jos Mealhouse to grab a bite to eat and maybe even spot Joey behind the counter.

They earned three nominations, including for the fan-voted new artist of the year, during the 2010 Academy of Country Music Awards and won the Top New Vocal Duo of the Year award. They followed up with Album Number Two, in 2010, then released a Christmas album in 2011 and a collection of gospel songs, Inspired, in 2013.

The couple were always entertaining fans from their farmhouse through their weekly television show on RFD-TV or on their radio show that aired on WSM-AM before the Grand Ole Opry, or through their farmhouse concerts.

Rory Feek documented his wifes cancer diagnosis and treatment on his blog.

ALSO

In Memoriam: Remembering everyone who died on Downton Abbey

Yes, Loretta Lynn is 83, but she has a new album, Full Circle, and no plans to retire

Tina Feys Whiskey Tango Foxtrot shows that laughing is sometimes the only way to make sense of war
Good morning. I'm Paul Thornton, The Times' letters editor, and it is Saturday, March 5. For readers in Southern California, here's a friendly reminder to shut off your sprinklers this weekend. Now, let's turn our attention to another force of nature.

The Times' editorial board hasn't exactly been unsparing in its praise for Donald Trump. After Ted Cruz won the Iowa caucus on Feb. 1, an editorial thanked the Texas senator for doing the country a favor by defeating Trump. In December, after Trump called for a "total and complete shutdown" of Muslim immigration to the United States, an editorial called his record of inflammatory statements a "giant soup of bigotry and intolerance."

But for readers who still wonder, "Hey, what does The Times' editorial board really think about Donald Trump?," here's an answer: "Donald Trump is not fit to be president of the United States."

More from the editorial:

He has shamefully little knowledge of the issues facing the country and the world, and a temperament utterly unsuited to the job. He is a racist and a bully, a demagogue. He has proposed killing the families of terrorists, a violation of international law so blatant that a former CIA director predicted that U.S. troops would refuse to carry out such an order. He mocked a disabled person at a campaign rally. He has vowed to reinstate waterboarding and forms of torture that are "much worse." He intends to seize and deport 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally. He would bar all Muslims from entering the country until further notice. He would "open up our libel laws" so that news organizations are punished for writing critical "hit" pieces. He wants to build a wall along the entire Mexican border, on the fantastical premise that he could force the Mexican government to pay for it. He has threatened to start trade wars with two of the country's biggest trading partners, Mexico and China, by slapping on the kind of protectionist tariffs that U.S. leaders have been trying for decades to eliminate worldwide. Often enough he says nothing at all, promising to replace Obamacare, for instance, with "something great" or assuring listeners vaguely that a winner such as himself  someone who never tires of telling the world he's rich, successful and famous  will make it all work out one way or another. It isn't easy to tell how much of Trump's performance is merely shtick and how much is real. In the aftermath of his victories Tuesday, Trump struck a less adversarial tone and talked about how he was "becoming diplomatic." Yet at the same time, he said this of House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), one of several GOP leaders who suggested Trump hadn't disavowed an endorsement by former KKK leader David Duke forcefully enough: "Paul Ryan, I don't know him well, but Im sure Im going to get along great with him. And if I don't, he's going to have to pay a big price, OK?" That's about as diplomatic a message as a dead fish wrapped in newspaper. We hope we won't have to learn who the real Donald J. Trump might be.  Click here for more.

"I assume we will get enormous support and a lot of blowback as well," editorial page editor Nick Goldberg said about the piece, which a Washington Post reporter called "scathing." Said Goldberg: "There is a dramatic, important, high stakes presidential race going on, and a candidate we view as unqualified for the job is winning primary after primary. It seemed like time to weigh in with a clear statement of our position rather than hemming or hawing or biding our time." Washington Post

Here are two (not three) cheers for Mitt Romney's attempted takedown of Trump. Michael McGough applauds Romney's indictment against the Republican front-runner but withholds unequivocal praise: "There was a weird false equivalence in the implication that both Trump and [Hillary] Clinton are equally unfit for the presidency. And surely Trumps evasion when asked to repudiate a former Ku Klux Klan leader is more objectionable in itself than because it might provide Clinton with an advantage." L.A. Times

Mr. 47% tries to save the Republicans from Trump. That's rich. It's gotten so bad for Republicans that the guy who in 2012 called half the country losers for being too poor to pay federal income taxes now emerges to halt Trump's nomination march. L.A. Times

Readers rejoice at the apparent implosion of the Republican Party. For the last week or so, The Times' letter writers have been saying that the GOP deserves Trump. Last Saturday, a string of three letters to the editor opened with this: "The GOP has done this to itself ... by encouraging the hateful rhetoric and anti-government vitriol of Fox News and others." Responding to Jonah Goldberg's #NeverTrump column on Tuesday, one letter writer cheered, "There is nothing sad about the GOP's impending self-immolation." In today's letters to the editor, a reader from Denmark begs Republicans to rethink their support for Trump, saying his election would have catastrophic consequences for the world.

It's official: San Salvador is the murder capital of the world. Beheadings and other grisly murders, most often of young adult men in cities, have become distressingly common in El Salvador. Last year, there were 6,656 killings in the country; compare that to Canada's 516 slayings in 2014. The only reliable, large-scale way to curtail this humanitarian crisis is for the war on drugs to end. L.A. Times

If you're a Los Angeles resident, you're not paying enough for water and power. And if the proposed rate hikes make it through the City Council, Department of Water and Power customers' bills will still be too low. This isn't to say that the council should reject the increase, writes The Times' editorial board, but that the utility's needs are vast and therefore demand high-enough rates to cover overdue upgrades. Over the long term, DWP needs reform. L.A. Times

I like to read feedback. If you have some, email paul.thornton@latimes.com.
Whether youre looking for an intimate affair to share with close family or a sumptuous culinary feast, chances are Easter brunch in Vegas wont disappoint  or leave you hungry.

A tradition for locals and tourists alike, consider the Stratospheres Top of the World. One hundred and six floors above the Strip, the romantic atmosphere and international entrees prepared by Chef Rick Giffen are a glorious treat for your eyes and taste buds.

Top of the World has a big draw on Easter because we offer our guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Giffen told the Vegas Guide. With 360-

degree views of the entire Las Vegas Valley, it is one of the best places in the valley for celebrating special occasions and our offerings always live up to it.

Advertisement

Ranging from $29 to $59, the award-winning revolving restaurant will serve three special items on the holiday: smoked salmon Boursin cheese Belgian waffles with lemon zest maple syrup and artisan greens, braised lamb shank osso bucco with butter poached lobster polenta and sauteed asparagus, and Aspen Ridge prime rib of beef with spring peewee potatoes and tarragon butter.

My inspiration for Easter always comes from memories as a kid growing up. For the menu, I want our guests to enjoy the classics, but with a twist of current culinary trends, Giffen said.

In the mood for traditional brunch classics with a contemporary Mediterranean twist? Head over to Cleo at the SLS Las Vegas. Their all-you-can-eat Easter menu is priced at $49 per person, excluding beverages, taxes and gratuity. For an additional $19, guests can also enjoy bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys from the trendy eaterys signature mixology program, which uses fresh juices and ingredients.

And finally, no trip to town is complete without a stop at a neighborhood buffet. The Bistro Buffet at the Palms Casino Hotel will offer their famous champagne brunch for just $25 per person the weekend of March 27. Count on food stations to have more selections than usual, including crowd favorites like leg of lamb, maple glazed ham, omelets, crepes, sushi, crab legs, oysters, shrimp, quiche, cheese and charcuterie.

Genevieve Wong, Tribune Content Solutions
Yes, Vegas is all about excess. But quality often trumps quantity, even when it comes to drinking. From high-end cocktails to creative craft beers, theres something here for every liquor connoisseur.

Nearly every bar, lounge and restaurant has an inspired cocktail menu with its own signature drinks. But if you really want to get fancy, try one (or all) of these.

From Carbone  star restaurateur/chef Mario Carbones pricey new Italian eatery  the mai tai ($15) is a step beyond the traditional, made with an almond syrup orgeat developed specifically for Carbone. Or try the Stinger ($15), which uses vanilla-infused maple syrup and muddled mint to perfectly balance and showcase the Armagnac base.

Advertisement

At Lago by Julian Serrano, the elegant Rosso Bellini ($17) boasts a beautiful caramel nest holding a golden raspberry hovering over a refreshing mixture of Hangar One Raspberry, Toschi Fragoli Wild Strawberry Liqueur, Prosecco, raspberry syrup and fresh lemon juice.

In a similar food-inspired vein, Beets by Roy ($16) from Harvest by Roy Ellamar combines El Silencio Espadin Mezcal with house-made cold-pressed beet juice, lemon juice and mandarin syrup to create a savory yet sweet cocktail garnished by a goat-cheese-stuffed beet cone.

Las Vegas craft beer scene is rapidly growing  from Sin City Brewing Company, which now has three locations on the Strip to Bad Beat Brewing, Tenaya Creek and Aces and Ales  making Las Vegas an unexpected rite of passage for hop-heads everywhere.

For craft beer on the Strip, head to Bardot Brasserie for the Hors dage, a Flemish country ale brewed in Esquelbecq, France. Exclusive to this Michael Mina eatery, the champagne-style beer is designed to complement the Parisian cuisine. Or sample Sin City Extra Pale Ale at Aria, which teamed up with Sin City Brewing Company to create this special-edition pale ale that is exclusively available on tap at the resort.

Andrea Kahn, Tribune Content Solutions
As owner and CEO of the D Las Vegas and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, Derek Stevens has become a key part of the revitalization of Downtown Las Vegas. His reinventing of the former Fitzgeralds as the D and his renovation of the historic Golden Gate, both in 2012, have helped to rejuvenate the old heart of Sin City. Further innovation is expected following Stevens purchase of Downtowns Las Vegas Club casino-hotel in August. We picked the brain of this influential Las Vegas leader.

LVG: Youre a proud Michigan native with a background in the auto parts business. Why were you so driven to get involved in the Las Vegas hospitality industry?

DS: I always focused on customer service, whether it was in the auto parts industry or the hotel/casino industry. It may seem like a large jump, but there are far more similarities to my businesses than meets the eye.

Advertisement

LVG: Has your outsider perspective helped you approach your current role in fresh, nontraditional ways?

DS: I do believe its important to have a blend of new creativity with time-tested experience as part of a management staff. I certainly feel that my uniquely passionate team is far more important to our growth than anything specifically that Ive done. Ive just made sure to support my team with capital, sweat, equity and creativity.

LVG: What has the D Las Vegas brought to Downtown and to Las Vegas as a whole?

DS: D Las Vegas has brought some new ideas and some fun back to Las Vegas. I still remember the feeling you get when youre about an hour out of Las Vegas on a flight and the adrenaline boost you get when you get to see the lights of the greatest city in America. I want our customers to have that excitement.

LVG: What about the Golden Gate? What is that propertys continuing contribution to the city and to Downtown?

DS: Golden Gate is a great blend of the old with the new.  I love when people come back to Golden Gate and mention that they havent been in the property in 20 years but wanted to come back to see the transformation.

LVG: In August you bought the Las Vegas Club. What are your plans for that property?

DS: Weve been working inside the property  to prepare for a combination of demolition, renovation and new construction. Thats about all I can say so far, but rest assured were going to have a whole lot of fun with this project.

Paul Rogers, Tribune Content Solutions
Good morning. It is Saturday, March 5, 2016, and heres whats going on in the Golden State.

TOP STORIES

Southern Californias air quality agency on Friday fired its longtime executive and reaffirmed its support for smog rules sought by oil refineries and other major polluters. The move comes a month after Republicans took control of the panel as part of a campaign to adopt rules that are friendlier to businesses. Los Angeles Times

The O.J. Simpson case took center stage Friday  again. Twenty-two years after the killings of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman, a retired police officer has handed over a knife given to him by a construction worker who helped raze Simpsons mansion in 1998. But there is deep skepticism over whether the knife has any bearing on the murder case. Los Angeles Times

Advertisement

SpaceX successfully blasted a commercial communications satellite into orbit on Friday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The satellite, SES-9, is to provide services such as broadcasting and video capabilities, maritime connectivity and high-speed broadband for more than 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Los Angeles Times

Knight of Cups, the new Terrence Malick film, is in many ways a loving Instagram feed of Los Angeles architecture. Los Angeles Times

Orange County supporters of Donald Trump explain their passion for the presidential candidate. Our way of life, our middle class and our European civilization hang in the balance, one says. Orange County Register

The legal dispute that caused the historic names of Yosemite attractions to be removed has longtime visitors upset. I started to weep, one told columnist Robin Abcarian. Los Angeles Times

A different view of Rodney Kings legacy and policing in Los Angeles from Jill Leovy, a Times writer and author of Ghettoside. The Marshall Project

ICYMI, HERE ARE THIS WEEKS GREAT READS

For more than 50 years, it was the little cantina that could. Las Palomas in Boyle Heights was a world of Mexican immigrants who drank earnest beers after a hard day of work. Its demise is seen by many as a sign of Eastside gentification. Los Angeles Times

Rodney Kings difficult legacy through the sober eyes of his daughter. Los Angeles Times

The four-story building at Western and Olympic was meant to pull Korean Americans together as a community. But in recent years it has become a battleground. Lawsuits fly back and forth, and alternating waves of armed guards and locksmiths sneak in to lop off chains and drill through the locks of adversaries. Los Angeles Times

The struggles and the triumphs of life at the bottom of L.A.s comedy scene. BuzzFeed

The long game of surviving AIDS. They are lucky to be alive but also face incredible struggles  sometimes all alone. San Francisco Chronicle

One thing about Donald Trump: Say his name and you get a reaction. On the Eastside of Los Angeles, as Trumps star rises, most of those reactions are not simpatico. Los Angeles Times

LOOKING AHEAD

Sunday: The latest CicLAvia will run through Pacoima, Arleta, North Hills East and Panorama City.

Monday: The LAPD holds a memorial for Officer Nicholas C. Lee, who was killed last year in a car accident.

Tuesday: Topping off ceremony for what will be L.A.s tallest skyscraper, the Wilshire Grand Center in downtown.

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Alice Walton or Shelby Grad.
For decades, San Gabriel Valley commuters have groused about bumper-to-bumper traffic on the freeways that connect them to central Los Angeles.

Starting Saturday, there is a new alternative: A 11.5-mile extension of the Metro Gold Line, stretching east from Pasadena through the cities of Arcadia, Monrovia, Duarte, Irwindale and Azusa.

The $1-billion projects path through quiet bedroom communities represents a new chapter, and new challenges, for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which has never brought a rail line so deep into suburbia.

Advertisement

NEWSLETTER: Get essential California headlines delivered daily >>

Supporters say the line will release the regions pent-up demand for alternative transportation options. The test, critics say, is whether Metro can attract  and retain  regular riders in suburban cities where driving is still the norm.

Things are so bad on the freeways that folks who otherwise wouldnt think about it will get on transit, said Habib Balian, chief executive officer of the Metro Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority. When they do, theyll be so impressed by what they see.

The Foothill Extension is the first new stretch of passenger rail in Los Angeles County in nearly four years, and is the first to be built and opened with funding from Measure R, the half-cent sales tax increase for transportation projects that county voters approved in 2008.

The Gold Line is now the countys longest light-rail line, stretching 31 miles through Pasadena, Highland Park, downtown Los Angeles and the cultural hubs of Chinatown and Boyle Heights.

From the lines new terminus in Azusa, the $1.75 one-way ride to Union Station will take 49 minutes. From there, passengers can transfer to Metrolink and Amtrak, continue on the Gold Line to East Los Angeles, or transfer to another Metro rail line.

Trains will run every 12 minutes during rush hour, less frequently during off-peak periods.

In addition to the employment centers of Pasadena and Downtown L.A., the train will connect Southern Californias growing rail network to Santa Anita Park, which is a half-mile from the Arcadia station. The benches on the platform are adorned with Art Deco-style racing scenes.

Chris Harris, 48, of Covina said he plans to go to the races several times a year with his 5-year-old son. He loves riding the train, and I like going to the track, Harris said. Its a beautiful old place.

The route has brought some criticism from urbanists and planners who say the string of cities along the route dont have the population density to support a passenger rail line. Until now, Metros rail projects have run through denser neighborhoods with more transit-dependent passengers, including Hollywood, Boyle Heights and Exposition Park.

Metro estimates the Gold Line will have about 66,000 boardings a day by 2035, with about 13,500 of them on the new extension. Supporters say the route will quickly exceed projections.

A decade ago, support for the Foothill Extension was tepid, in part because projected ridership figures were lower than for other projects, including the Wilshire Boulevard subway and a light-rail line to Santa Monica.

But San Gabriel Valley transit boosters pushed back, saying suburban communities deserved rail lines, too. A few threatened to appeal directly to Congress for funds if Metro didnt back the project.

But Measure R staved off that conflict. The half-cent sales tax proposal needed support from two-thirds of county voters to pass, and the support of the San Gabriel Valley was key.

What makes these initiatives work is that you spread all the projects around the county, Balian said. Plus, he said, the Gold Line was shovel ready, meaning much of the design and planning work had already been done.

Balian and others, including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, are urging another extension of the line through Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont and Montclair. Some transportation officials have dubbed it the Brain Train because it will connect to the Claremont Colleges.

That extension is seen as a favorite for a list of projects that Metro would fund if county voters approve another sales tax increase in November.

See more of our top stories on Facebook >>

The construction authority has received high marks for its project management. Rail construction budgets tend to balloon, but the Foothill Extensions cost of $690 million grew just 7% to $741 million over the last five years.

Metro contributed an additional $210 million for a 24-acre rail maintenance and operations center in Monrovia, and some cities funded improvements of their own, including a bridge over Santa Anita Avenue.

Agnes Duyshart, 86, and her grandson walked across the Monrovia stations broad brick plaza on a recent weekday, admiring the band shell and a row of fountains. She drives everywhere, and although she lives two miles from the Arcadia station, she wont take the train often, she said.

Once in a while, to Pasadena, or to explore downtown, Duyshart said. And, she added, she may use it to visit her son, who lives a short walk from the Highland Park station.

Her grandson, Peter Duyshart, 21, of Glendora said hell take the train regularly to reach an internship in Hancock Park. Right now, he carpools with his father to Pasadena, boards the Gold Line and transfers to the Purple Line at Union Station.

It will smooth out my commute, he said. Im a big fan of transit.

All six stations have parking garages, but there have already been concerns that there wont be enough parking. The Sierra Madre Villa station in Pasadena, the lines old terminus, has a 900-space garage that often fills up in the morning.

I would say theres not a transit-riding culture here, said Gary Kovacic, the mayor of Arcadia. But, he said, local governments are adding shuttles and encouraging residents to take a bus, bike or walk, and to leave their cars at home.

The lines new terminus is adjacent to Azusa Pacific University and Citrus College. Metro hopes to attract students who want to go to Pasadena or downtown and cant or dont want to drive.

Although the Great Recession slowed development, officials say empty lots near the stations will eventually be home to hundreds of units of housing and retail space, which will encourage residents to live without a car or to leave theirs at home.

In Monrovia, construction will start soon on a 261-unit apartment complex and food hall next to the station. In Duarte, near the City of Hope cancer treatment center, officials are planning a 250-room hotel and a commercial and residential complex.

And at the end of the line is a planned community called Rosedale, which will eventually contain 1,250 houses within walking distance of the APU/Citrus College station. The homes, targeted at older adults, are one way to draw more residents onto transit, officials say.

laura.nelson@latimes.com

Twitter: @laura_nelson

ALSO

L.A. Unified keeps schools open after non-credible threat

Lopez: Power grab topples another defender of Californias environment

Officer tried to report knife found on O.J. Simpsons property years ago, attorney says
Moments after armed assailants stormed the Inland Regional Center, a San Bernardino police officer broadcast an urgent message.

We have two witnesses who watched the whole thing start, the officer said. They said there are three shooters with rifles without a doubt. They said definitely three.

Hours later, police Chief Jarrod Burguan repeated the number during a news conference that was broadcast nationwide, telling reporters that there may have been as many as three shooters involved in the Dec. 2 attack.

Advertisement

In the months since, FBI and police say they have found no evidence that the attack was carried out by anyone other than Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik.

But the early reports of a possible third shooter  a source of worry for first-responders racing to the scene  continue to bedevil authorities.

A handful of victims interviewed by police still maintain they saw a third attacker. The father of one victim raised the possibility this week while weighing in on the legal dispute over investigators attempts to gain access to Farooks work iPhone. And Burguan said residents still ask him about an additional assailant when he attends public forums.

The questions about this third shooter have persisted, and I understand why, Burguan said. Our dispatch radios have been recorded, they have been played live. We know there was information that went out over the air. That was all fog of war.

The lingering concerns about a third shooter underscore a key challenge police face when trying to make sense of conflicting witness accounts in rapidly unfolding, violent crimes.

Studies have found that witnesses who experience a highly stressful or traumatic event are less likely to accurately recall details. An exhausting news cycle that helps spread early information that is often wrong also serves to feed false narratives even after a better picture of what happened emerges, according to police and forensic psychologists.

Once the misinformation is embedded, it becomes a part of their memory, said Deryn Strange, a professor of psychology at John Jay School of Criminal Justice in New York. It is exceptionally difficult to get rid of that information because we dont really take on corrections particularly easily.

Federal investigators have said that none of the evidence they have so far collected  including weapons used in the attack  indicate the involvement of a third shooter.

Burguan said ballistics evidence shows only two weapons were used in the Inland Regional Center. Police have interviewed several hundred people in connection with the investigation, and the vast majority reported that they saw two shooters, he said. There were no surveillance cameras in the room where the shooting occurred.

In the absence of video, you rely on forensics and witness accounts, said Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokeswoman.

As the probe continues, FBI officials said they wont rule out the possibility of a third shooter  or any other potential scenario. Last month, the federal government called on Apple Inc. to help FBI agents unlock an iPhone used by Farook, as part of the bureaus effort to figure out if he communicated with anyone else about the terror plot.

The ongoing investigation into the shooting can help fuel public concerns that another person might have helped in the attack, said Strange, whose research focuses on false memories held by witnesses to traumatic events.

Full Coverage: San Bernardino terror attack>>

Relatives of those killed in the terrorist attack and law enforcement leaders also threw their weight behind the FBI in court filings this week, arguing that information on Farooks phone could lead to information about possible co-conspirators or a third shooter.

Mark Sandefur, whose son was killed in the massacre, said in a letter to Apples chief executive that several survivors recounted bone-chilling stories involving a third attacker.

Recovery of information from the iPhone in question may not lead to anything new, Sandefur wrote in the letter. But, what if there is evidence pointing to a third shooter?

San Bernardino County Dist. Atty. Michael Ramos filed a brief backing the FBI that cited two 911 calls that reported a third shooter.

Although the reports of three individuals were not corroborated, and may ultimately be incorrect, the fact remains that the information contained solely on the seized iPhone could provide evidence to identify as of yet unknown co-conspirators, Ramos wrote.

Other major disasters or violent crimes have produced witness accounts that were later discounted by authorities but nonetheless helped spur enduring concerns or alternative theories about what occurred.

During the 1997 North Hollywood bank robbery that left two gunmen dead and several police officers and witnesses injured, early reports surfaced of a third heavily-armed suspect. Police responded by knocking down doors, even a shed, to search the residential area around the bank, and an ambulance racing to the bloody scene was also delayed out of fear that a third assailant was nearby.

Over the next few days, police said the reports had been wrong. Even so, years later, a woman who lived nearby came forward to insist she had seen a heavily armed man run from the area of the shootout into a shed near her apartment.

Nearly two decades after TWA Flight 800 crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of New York in 1996, some witnesses remain insistent that a U.S. Navy missile brought down the airliner. The National Transportation Safety Board spent four years investigating the crash, and in 2000 ruled that a fuel tank explosion probably caused the jet to break apart, killing all 230 people on board.

In 2013, a group that included investigators from the original NTSB probe urged the agency to reconsider its earlier findings, arguing that radar and other evidence supported witness accounts that a detonation or high-velocity explosion caused the crash.

The NTSB denied the request, saying that the groups analysis was flawed. None of the physical evidence supports the theory that the streak of light observed by some witnesses was a missile, the agency declared.

During the 2013 manhunt for Christopher Dorner, an ex-LAPD officer who killed four people and wounded three others, the military veterans ability to elude authorities for days sparked concerns among investigators that he was being helped by others, said San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon.

Dorner was eventually cornered and killed himself in a gun-battle with law enforcement officers in Big Bear. Investigators concluded he had been acting alone, but they did not publicly talk about their earlier search for accomplices, McMahon said. That decision, he said, helped end any public discussion or false narrative about Dorners rampage.

It is absolutely human nature for folks to think theres got to be more to this, McMahon said.

In the December attack on the Inland Regional Center, the early reports of a third shooter weighed heavily on the minds of those rushing to the aid of victims.

Michael Neeki, a trauma physician who entered the building with a county SWAT team, was already struggling to tune out panicked sobs and shrieks echoing throughout the facility as he tried to evacuate victims. With each step, he said, he wondered whether another round of gunfire or an explosion could happen.

Alex and Nina Jabourian, a husband-and-wife who work as emergency medicine residents at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in nearby Colton, shared Neekis concern as they arrived at the scene of the firefight that left Farook and Malik dead hours later.

They had been told during a debriefing that there may have been three shooters. Even after Farook and Malik had been killed, reports of another armed assailant were coming over police radios.

Right now we have one down outside the car, one down inside the car. From what we understand, one is on the run, a dispatcher said, according to recordings of transmissions that followed the gun battle.

It was worrisome because we didnt have complete information about what was going on, Nina Jabourian recalled. We didnt know if it was safe to be there.

Months later, Jabourian says that she and her husband no longer wonder whether there was a third shooter. She attributes those concerns to the chaos of the day.

The dispatch of a possible third assailant during the gun battle came after several witnesses reported seeing someone run from the shootout and hop over several fences, Burguan, the police chief, said. He said officers caught the fleeing man and determined he was simply running from the gunfire.

We deal with this all the time with eyewitnesses, Burguan said. Four different people can see the same exact incident and have four different stories to what they saw.

james.queally@latimes.com

Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT

sarah.parvini@latimes.com

Twitter: @sarahparvini

Times staff writers Joseph Serna and Richard Winton contributed to this report.

ALSO

How a pizzeria busboy led to an arrest in the Grim Sleeper case

Knife discovery stirs up skepticism and speculation in O.J. Simpson case

UC Davis chancellor makes $424,000, so why the $70,000 side job at DeVry?
Maria Onate had not read a book until her son started high school.

Her illiterate parents ended her schooling when she was 15, informing her that she had to get ready for marriage and work to help support the family in their rancho in Puebla, Mexico.

More than two decades later, she was shocked when the parent center coordinators at her sons new high school, Bravo Medical Magnet, suggested she join a book club. She was there for her childs education. She thought it was too late for her own.

Advertisement

I hated to read, Onate, 44, said in Spanish. I read in elementary school, but I never read on my own.

Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >>

On a recent morning, however, the mother of two was among the most outspoken of 15 Latina women energetically discussing a 600-page novel in a basement classroom at Bravo.

Twice a month the schools club de literatura meets as a way to encourage immigrant parents to become more involved in their childrens education.

Ive seen it change parents, said Bravo Principal Maria Torres-Flores, who founded the club. They now enjoy reading, and see it is something important for the kids  its not just, Youre wasting time because you dont want to do chores. 

The women gathered to discuss the Mexican American saga Rain of Gold, by Victor Villasenor.

Torres-Flores was barely able to get a word in as the womens ideas flowed.

The bell rang, with announcements for students about opportunities at the USC biomedical lab and a request to be nice to counselors. The club members kept talking over the voice on the loudspeaker  dissecting how the author depicted mothers, comparing memories of courting rituals in their hometowns to those in the book and sharing the lessons they learned on how to talk with their children about sex.

Rain of Gold will soon be added to a list on the wall of more than a dozen completed books. Each holds a different lesson, notes club member Nereyda Arenas:

Don Quixote showed them wisdom through his words, his advice, his poems.

Steve Jobs was a little difficult but also a fascinating glimpse into the life of this man that had changed the lives of so many people with his technology.

And Anne Franks The Diary of a Young Girl offered an example of the strength of the spirit  and for some women a symbol that even though many could not travel freely back to Mexico they were relatively free in the United States.

Many of the club members said it is a highlight of the week. Most are homemakers, but those who work outside the home have rearranged their schedules. One, a cook, told her boss she could not miss a meeting.

Onate is among those who travel by bus for more than an hour to attend.

This is an opportunity for those of us who never had an opportunity to learn, said Elizabeth Villegas, who was wearing a black poncho against the cool weather. Not every principal would spend time with us.

Torres-Flores started the club six years ago when she was attempting to increase literacy across the curriculum. She realized that key barriers to students reading were often in the home.

So Torres-Flores began to focus on parents. If I can get parents to want to read, she said, those parents would see the value of reading and want the kids to read more.

Yet when Torres-Flores started the group, parents told her they did not think they would be able to read books, which were available in Spanish, at the grade level of their children. Only a handful showed up for the first meeting.

Then Id get another parent, and then another parent, she recalled.

The literature club soon grew to a core group of 15, sometimes up to 25. A few men attended for a while, but generally it has been mothers. When their children graduate, the mothers do also.

How many people can say I have a library at home, especially in the Latino community?  Bravo Principal Maria Torres-Flores

At the beginning, only a few of the women spoke. Torres-Flores encouraged them to take notes at the end of each section and bring something to share.

Beyond expanding their ability to read, mothers tend to take a leading role in organizing activities for other parents, she said.

Bravo has among the highest levels of graduation requirement completion.

The achievement probably has more to do with what goes on in the classrooms and the self-selective nature of the students who enroll, Torres-Flores acknowledges. Yet, she also has seen how efforts to integrate parents are critical.

Parental involvement is known to improve educational outcomes, said Carola Suarez-Orozco, the co-director of UCLAs Institute for Immigration, Globalization, and Education. But often immigrant parents do not feel welcome at schools, or are ashamed that they didnt progress in their education, she said.

One concern is that efforts like this should start even earlier. Its really late for the kids, said educational psychologist Carrie Rothstein-Fisch, a professor at Cal State Northridge. Before third grade, she said, would be a better time for such a program to have a strong influence on the childrens education.

Torres-Flores, however, said she sees a positive effect on both the students and their mothers.

For one thing, the women take home the completed book, which is added to what they proudly call their libraries. A 20-year study from the University of Nevada, Reno found that the presence of books in a home was even more important than the educational level of parents as an indicator that a child will succeed in school.

How many people can say I have a library at home, especially in the Latino community? Torres-Flores said.

She said families who used to watch television on Sundays are now reading. You know that literature is important to them. Thats going to make a difference if the kids succeed or not.

Onates son Gabriel has noticed a shift in their relationship. I feel like we can interact on a more intellectual level now, he said. She has more of an understanding of why I read so much in middle school, because now she loves to read.

Cleotilde Flores, another immigrant from Puebla with a black braid stretching down her back, shows off her signed copy of Rain of Gold.

Recently the author held a reading at a library in East Los Angeles, and Flores accompanied her son, who was assigned the book in his Latin American studies class.

For Flores, reading had been a solitary activity. The opportunity to discuss books and share this interest with others has changed that. I feel like were all in a big family, she said. We can say what we want. I couldnt do this in another school.

At the end of the club meeting  and after sharing a celebratory potluck meal  its time for the women to choose the next book. They reject various options: Emotional Intelligence, The Voice of Knowledge, Across a Hundred Mountains.

After some discussion the mothers choose Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua  Madre Tigre, Hijos Leones, in Spanish. The winning argument: Its going to help us get our children ahead.

daniela.gerson@latimes.com

Twitter: @dhgerson



ALSO

USCs tuition will top $50,000 for the first time

UC Davis chancellor apologizes for controversial moonlighting activities

The massive immigrant-rights protests of 2006 are still changing politics
A man accused of running over a federal employee and slamming into the exterior of a federal building in Orange County was charged with assault, authorities said Friday.

Geoffrey Rickner, 45, was charged with assault of a federal officer of the United States using a deadly and dangerous weapon, according to a criminal complaint filed Friday in federal court in Santa Ana.

NEWSLETTER: Get essential California headlines delivered daily >>

Advertisement

About 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Rickner allegedly struck a security specialist with the Department of Homeland Security outside the Chet Holifield Federal Building in Laguna Niguel and crashed into a maintenance garage near the side of the facility, authorities said.

Rickner had earlier been detained at the building but returned, according to the complaint.

About noon Thursday, the Federal Protection Service received a call of a suspicious male in a silver Mercedes Benz who was driving in an unusual manner and pacing outside the car.

An inspector with the Federal Protection Service found Rickners car stopped and facing the wrong direction near a parking lot entrance, prosecutors said.

When authorities temporarily arrested him, Rickner repeatedly told them he owed money to the IRS. He had previously told his parents he owed $200,000 plus penalties, according to court records.

He was released after authorities searched the car, finding nothing.

Rickner returned a few hours later.

The same inspector who arrested Rickner earlier spotted him again about 4:30 p.m. Rickner gunned the car, according to the complaint, driving through an intersection, hitting the federal employee in a crosswalk and slamming into the building.

The security specialist suffered broken ribs, a broken nose and injuries to the colon area, according to court papers.

Later, Rickners girlfriend told federal authorities he has been suffering from a mental illness and that she believed it had worsened over the last two weeks.

Completed in 1971 for Rockwell International, the building, colloquially known as the Ziggurat, was taken over by the U.S. government in 1974, according to the General Services Administration. The Department of Homeland Security and the Internal Revenue Service are the main tenants in the building.

sarah.parvini@latimes.com

For more local and breaking news, follow me on Twitter: @sarahparvini

Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

ALSO

Knife find a joke says man who demolished O.J. Simpsons former home

Man fatally stabbed in mosh pit at punk rock show in Santa Ana, police say

Santa Clara County inmate brawl is captured on Costco cameras personally purchased by sheriff
Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman managed twice to evade border security and sneak into California to visit relatives after his escape from prison, according to his daughter.

Guzman entered the U.S. shortly after his interview in October with actor Sean Penn, said the drug kingpins eldest daugther, Rosa Isela Guzman Ortiz, in an interview with the Guardian.

She said her father gave money to Mexican politicians in exchange for protection, a deal she said was broken. Guzman Ortiz provided the Guardian with a number of documents confirming her identity, including a birth certificate.

Advertisement

See more of our top stories on Facebook >>

Guzman, one of the worlds most wanted criminals, was recaptured Jan. 8 after a bloody shootout in the Mexican coastal town of Los Mochis. He had escaped from prison in July, his second escape from a maximum-security prison, using a milelong tunnel and help from security guards.

The Mexican attorney generals office announced the day after his capture that it had begun the process of extraditing Guzman to face charges in the U.S. The government had refused to consider such a move when Guzman was recaptured in February 2014 after more than a decade on the lam.

On Jan. 23, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said that he had ordered the attorney generals office to accelerate the extradition process.

But even with a willing Mexican government, the extradition process could take years if Guzman decides to fight the procedure.

Guzman is willing to accept extradition and plead guilty to charges in a U.S. court if he can negotiate an unelevated prison sentence in a medium-security prison, his lawyer told reporters last month.

In an interview with Radio Formula of Mexico City, Guzmans attorney, Jose Refugio Rodriguez, said his client had decided to try to negotiate such a course of action because of what he described as poor treatment in the Altiplano prison where he is being held.

carlos.lozano@latimes.com

MORE ON EL CHAPO

As seen on El Chapo: Theres a mad rush for this L.A. clothing companys shirts

Murder, torture, drugs: Cartel kingpins wife says thats not the El Chapo she knows

Twice-escaped El Chapo Guzman says hell do time in U.S.-- as long as its in medium security
There was growing skepticism this weekend that a knife reportedly found on the property of O.J. Simpson in the late 1990s had any major value in the infamous murder case.

While specialists are testing the knife, law enforcement sources said a preliminary review suggested that the weapon appeared to be unconnected to the brutal 1994 slayings of Simpsons wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

But the sources said a full investigation was continuing.

Simpson was tried for murder but a jury found him not guilty.

The knife was supposedly found while crews were tearing down the Simpson estate in Brentwood after the property changed hands. But the owner of the firm that did the demolition said no one found a knife.

I think its a joke. I think its just filler  no one on my crew found anything said Mike Weber, 70. I had instructed my people, If you find anything, dont keep it. Tell me, well take the appropriate action.

The retired Los Angeles police officer given a knife found by the construction worker called the LAPD to report it years ago, his attorney said Friday.

When the department showed no interest, retired officer George Maycott put it in his toolbox for more than a decade, attorney Trent Copeland said.

The LAPD is investigating whether the knife is tied to the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Goldman and is conducting a forensic examination. Department officials say at this stage they have nothing to tie the knife to the slayings.

Copeland said Maycott, who retired in 1998, was working security on a movie set in 2003 when a construction worker at the demolished estate handed him the knife.

Hey look, I found this knife on what I think is O.J. Simpsons property, the worker said, according to Copeland, re-creating Maycotts recollection of the encounter. It is dirty, muddy and rusted out, but do you guys want it? ... Within moments of receiving that knife, he called West LAPD Traffic Division, Copeland said.

See the most-read stories this hour >>

Copeland said his client was put on hold and later told that the Simpson case was over. He was told, O.J. Simpson has been acquitted and there is double jeopardy ... there is nothing we can do.

Maycott took the knife home and put it in his toolbox and left it there for 15 years, Copeland said. He thought it had no evidentiary value, the attorney said.

Copeland said his client feels the LAPD is being dragged through the mud.

He also doesnt want to be portrayed as the villain here, as the bumbling cop who had evidence here and did not do anything with it .... He did ask what he should do with that knife.

Los Angeles police said the department was now testing the knife for DNA evidence and also trying to sort out the bizarre chain of events that brought the knife into their possession.

I dont know why that didnt happen or if thats entirely accurate or if this whole story is possibly bogus from the get-go, LAPD Capt. Andrew Neiman said Friday. He added that the timing was interesting, referring to a current television miniseries about the 1994 killings and subsequent trial that has attracted a massive following.

Neiman declined to specify the type of knife, but a police source described it as a small folding knife.

While the finding has stirred up controversy, it is yet another hypothesis in a tragic tale. Goldmans father, Fred, said he would rather not form an opinion on the knife until he hears more definitive news. Right now its a bunch of speculation and Im going to stay away from that.

Twitter: @lacrimes

MORE

O.J. Simpsons legal dream team slams investigation of knife

Knife find a joke says man who demolished O.J. Simpsons former home

Even if discovered knife is really murder weapon, O.J. Simpson could not be retried, experts say
A massive storm system plowing through California this weekend is expected to dump several inches of rain on Southern California and add sheets of snow to the Sierra Nevada, where the drought-stricken state needs it most.

Forecasters say the cold front will arrive in two waves: one Saturday night and into Sunday morning and another Sunday night, continuing into Monday.

In Los Angeles, the storms could bring as much as 2 inches of rain to downtown and as much as 3 inches in the foothills and mountains.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, important parts of Northern California that feed the states reservoirs could receive as much as 6 inches of precipitation and 3 feet of snow.

This is a large-scale system, said Dustin Norman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services station in Reno. Getting 4, 5, 6 inches of liquid precipitation along the [Sierra] Crest is definitely good.

While Northern California has at times benefited from above-average rain and snow this winter, Southern California has been less fortunate.

Since the beginning of the so-called water year on Oct. 1, downtown Los Angeles has received about 5 inches of rain, said Bonnie Bartling, a weather specialist at the NWS station in Oxnard.

The normal amount hovers around 11 inches, she said; even last year, when statewide hydrology was suffering, downtown L.A. got more than 7 inches.

March usually brings about 2 1/2 inches of rain to downtown, Bartling said.

So far, weve been at zero, she said. But this weekends storm alone could almost get L.A. to average.

At least were seeing some storms in March, Bartling said.

The second storm in the system is likely to be colder than the first and could add thunderstorms to the mix on Monday, Bartling said. Snow levels also will drop Monday night into Tuesday and could affect travel through the Grapevine.

Snow levels are expected to fall rapidly in the Sierra Nevada starting Saturday night and could cause complications along Interstate 80, Norman said.

But California needs the snow. On Saturday, the water content contained in the states snowpack had fallen to 79% of normal. At one point in January, it had reached 119% of normal.

Precipitation levels at an eight-station index in the Northern Sierra were recorded at 103% of normal for Saturday, while almost all of the states most important reservoirs still hold much less water than they do historically.

Mother Nature is not living up to predictions by some that a Godzilla El Nino would produce much more precipitation than usual this winter, Department of Water Resources Director Mark Cowin said in a statement earlier this week. We need conservation as much as ever.

State water officials are expected to have a better sense of drought conditions after they measure the snowpack again on April 1.

For more on the California drought and water, follow me on Twitter @ByMattStevens.

ALSO

San Gabriel commuters cheer as Gold Line rail extension officially opens

Drug lord El Chapo sneaked into California twice after escape from prison, his daughter says

UC Davis chancellor makes $424,000, so why the $70,000 side job at DeVry?
UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi has apologized for her controversial moonlighting activities, which had prompted a call for her resignation and legislative hearings on paid outside activities by university officials.

Katehi, who earns $424,360 annually as chancellor, had come under fire for accepting a $70,000-a-year position with the DeVry Education Group, a for-profit firm that offers college degrees online and on 55 campuses nationwide, including 13 in California.

DeVry is being investigated by state and federal authorities on allegations of deceptive advertising about job and income prospects for its graduates. It has denied the accusations.

Advertisement

Katehi resigned from the DeVry seat last week after questions were raised by public interest groups and Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the budget subcommittee on education finance. McCarty met with Katehi on Thursday; he said he was unsatisfied with her explanation as to why she accepted the DeVry position. After the Sacramento Bee reported that day that Katehi also earned $420,000 over three years as a board member for John Wiley & Sons, a college-textbook publisher, McCarty said he decided to call for her to step down as chancellor.

It is unseemly for the chancellor to be seeking these side deals moonlighting ... while students are struggling with a tremendous amount of debt.  Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento)

It is unseemly for the chancellor to be seeking these side deals, moonlighting to increase her pay, serving on these boards ... while students are struggling with a tremendous amount of debt, McCarty said in an interview. I dont see how this serves the university, students or taxpayers.

Katehi said Friday she would donate all stock proceeds earned while serving on the Wiley board to a scholarship fund for UC Davis students.I take my responsibilities as chancellor of UC Davis, and to the entire University of California, very seriously and sincerely regret having accepted service on boards that create appearances of conflict with my deep commitment to serve UC Davis and its students, she said.

UC President Janet Napolitano, who had not given Katehi permission to join the DeVry board, as is required, seemed satisfied. I appreciate that Chancellor Katehi has apologized and taken responsibility for having accepted board positions that created an appearance of conflicts of interest with her university responsibilities, Napolitano said in a statement. I deeply value Lindas strong record in helping to make UC Davis a world-class center of scholarship and research, and continue to believe in the value of her contributions to the university. We will take all steps necessary to prevent a recurrence of this unfortunate incident.

McCarty, however, said he was not mollified by Katehis apology or her decision to donate her Wiley proceeds. This just adds insult to injury, he said. She gets caught, and now shes remorseful and is trying to pay off students with this fund. It seems too little, too late.

He said he would hold legislative hearings in the coming weeks to review UCs moonlighting policies.

State Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento) said in a statement that Katehi showed poor judgment in accepting the DeVry board seat and called on UC to reexamine its policy permitting chancellors to serve paid board seats of for-profit firms. But Pan, a former UC Davis faculty member, credited Katehi with increasing student enrollment, diversity, research funding and the university endowment for scholarships, facilities and academic programs to more than $1 billion.

The Bee reported that Katehi served on the board of Wiley, a publisher of science, engineering and math textbooks, from 2012 to 2014. According to Securities and Exchange Commission filings, she received $125,000 in pay and stock in 2012, $144,000 in 2013 and $151,000 in 2014, the Bee reported. UC policy allows senior managers to accept paid positions on up to three outside for-profit boards. The position must be approved by superiors, with activities performed during personal time and reported annually.

Katehi became UC Davis chancellor in 2009.

teresa.watanabe@latimes.com

For more education news, follow me @TeresaWatanabe

ALSO

Student accused of stealing and posting teachers nude photo faces charges

How a busboys work at a pizza restaurant led to an arrest in the Grim Sleeper case

With prosecutors blessing, a jailhouse informant tied to the Mexican Mafia gets leniency
Dr. Thomas Rea, a dermatologist whose discoveries led to treatments that allowed patients with Hansens disease  leprosy  to live without stigma, has died. He was 86.

Rea died in his home in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains on Feb. 7 after a battle with cancer, said his son Steven Rea.

Rea and his colleague Dr. Robert Modlin nailed down the precise role played by the immune system in Hansens disease symptoms such as skin lesions and growths. The immune connection had long been suspected but never previously explained.

Advertisement

Their work opened the door to new treatments that rendered the disease non-contagious and allowed patients to live normal lives.

It was huge, said Dr. David Peng, head of the dermatology department at USCs Keck School of Medicine.

The disease went from largely untreatable to entirely controllable, he said. No more would sufferers be exiled to colonies, as they had been since biblical times.

Rea was also an early champion of the drug thalidomide in treating a complication of leprosy. The drug had been banned for its role in causing birth defects, but Rea successfully lobbied the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to allow its limited use.

Rea was head of the USCs dermatology division between 1981 and 1996, and kept working at the Hansens disease clinic at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center in Boyle Heights until a few months before he died.

The clinic is the largest of its kind in the nation and tracks several hundred cases of Hansens disease. It was renamed for Rea last year.

For years, Rea worked with patients who suffered from leprosys stigma and felt they had to avoid human contact. Hed come straight in and shake their hands, no gloves on, and it would empower them to realize that they could get better, Peng said.

He wanted them to live normally and did much of his work outside the laboratory, helping patients learn to function day-to-day.

Reas efforts changed the narrative for leprosy patients. Once, the disease forced them to hide. Now, they can hide their disease and live among people.

Thomas Herald Rea was born in 1929 in Three Rivers, Michigan. He went to Oberlin College and to medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He completed his dermatology residency at University Hospital in Ann Arbor.

He worked in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army in Korea and in the dermatology department at New York University, where he first began treating Hansens disease patients, and moved to Los Angeles in 1970.

His son said he loved books, was a fan of William Robertson Davies and Kurt Vonnegut, and could recall everything hed learned in school, even the lineage of the British royal family.

He collected figurines of armadillos  the symbol of leprosy because they can carry the disease  and also classical music on vinyl and Japanese art. He filled his home with Japanese prints, which he began collecting when he visited Japan on leave from the Army in Korea.

Steven Rea is a movie critic at the Philadelphia Inquirer. He said his interest in movies comes in part from his father, who was a movie buff.

In addition to his son, Rea is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary, another son, Andrew, and four grandchildren.

soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com

Follow @skarlamangla on Twitter for more health news
Steve S. Kim had been running a flower shop with his sister across the street from Los Angeles City Hall for a couple years when a customer who bought flowers every week for his wife off-handedly asked a life-changing question.

A year earlier, riots had torn through Los Angeles. The new mayor, Richard Riordan, was amassing a diverse staff. Did Kim have any interest in politics?

Kim, who was 25 at the time, figured: Politics? Why not?

NEWSLETTER: Get essential California headlines delivered daily >>

Advertisement

The customer set up an interview with Riordans chief of staff, who turned out to be a fellow alumnus of John Marshall High School.

Soon, instead of delivering flowers weekly for the City Hall rotunda, Kim took on a new role as liaison between the mayors office and the Korean American community  no matter that he barely spoke Korean.

Kim quickly realized he was one of only a handful of Asian American political deputies working in City Hall and one of just two Koreans.

In the 23 years since then, the political landscape has changed. The number of Asian Americans seizing opportunities to work on the staff of elected officials at local, state and federal levels has expanded dramatically. And from the ranks of those who, like Kim, started out working for white or African American politicians, a cadre of Asian American political leaders has emerged.

Over the same period, Asian Americans have become the fastest-growing population across the U.S., particularly in Southern California, where they are increasingly influential as business leaders, voters and political donors.

It was just inevitable that elected officials wanted to build that bridge, and they hired deputies that looked like those communities, L.A. City Councilman David Ryu says.

Ryu made his foray into politics in 2003 as a deputy on the staff of then-L.A. County Supervisor Yvonne Burke. His job was to keep his boss informed about what was important to Asian Americans while helping constituents navigate the linguistic and bureaucratic labyrinth of local government.

His work helped the supervisors constituents, and the experience helped him.

Asian American staffers who had paved the way before him offered on-the-job tips. They connected him to other political players. John Chiang, then a staffer for Sen. Barbara Boxer and now the states treasurer, sat him down for a talk about his career, Ryu recalls.

During his eight-year tenure with the supervisor in the mid-2000s, Ryu says he saw a surge in the number of Asian American community liaisons and legislative deputies.

It was like a fad  everyone needed to have an Asian American on their staff, he recalls. And for a long time, Asian American constituents seemed grateful just to have deputies who looked like them and understood their language. They never fathomed that they could vote one of their own into office, Ryu says.

The Asian Pacific American Legislative Staff Network, an informal group of Asian American and Pacific Islander political deputies that began shortly after the riots, estimates that today there are between 50 and 60 aides working for officials in the Los Angeles area.

I thought Id never see a Korean council member in my time.  Steve S. Kim

Thomas Wong, external affairs liaison for state Controller Betty Yee and an elected member of the San Gabriel Valley water board, sees the role of staffers as helping connect the dots for Asian Americans who might otherwise be neglected by public officials.

Lisa Thong worked on Chiangs staff when he was state controller, and later worked for state Sen. Jack Scott. Having grown up in an immigrant family herself, she says she knew how important it was to connect new immigrants to public resources and help them navigate government bureaucracies. She saw it as her job to help people understand what a senate office can and cannot do.

When Assemblywoman Young Kim (R-Fullerton) began her two decades of working as a deputy to Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton), fewer than a dozen people showed up at the legislative staff networks meetings, she says. Now there are Korean American staffers everywhere.

These staffers still play a critical role as the eyes and ears of the elected officials, Kim says. And the job continues to springboard into office ambitious staffers such as Young Kim, who won her Assembly seat in 2014.

See more of our top stories on Facebook >>

After his break into politics in 1993, Steve Kim went on to work as a political aide for a city councilman, a state assemblyman and then a state senator. His Korean made strides along the way  and he has a tattered Korean-English dictionary to prove it. Today he is an independent land-use consultant helping businesses with permits and zoning.

Back then, Koreatown papers wrote about every Korean American deputy hired by elected officials as a major triumph.

Talking about the possibility of getting elected to office was a parlor game among staffers, who thought it wouldnt become reality any time soon.

It was a very nice thought, running, but nobody actually attempted it, Kim recalled. I thought Id never see a Korean council member in my time.

Hes glad to have been proven wrong.

victoria.kim@latimes.com

Twitter: @vicjkim

ALSO

21 to smoke? California Assembly approves raising smoking age

Southern California air board moves to weaken pollution regulation

The government spends $1.7 billion a year on 770,000 empty buildings, and one Central Valley congressman is fed up
This Hollywood Regency residence, set on half an acre on Beverly Hills Alpine Drive, has the fluted columns, parquet wood floors and romancing details distinctive of the style popularized by John Elgin Woolf. Designed for silver screen star Eleanor Parker, the 1960s home was later acquired by the architect, who resided there with his partner, interior decorator Robert Koch Woolf, for nearly a decade.

Location: 965 N. Alpine Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210

Asking price: $12.95 million

Year built: 1961

Architect: John Elgin Woolf

House size: Three bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms

Lot size: 0.49 of an acre

Features: Hardwood floors; fluted columns; floor-to-ceiling windows; chefs kitchen with marble countertops; formal living room; salon with fireplace; library; dining room; oval-shaped swimming pool; meditation area; formal gardens and landscaping

Advertisement

About the area: In January, 20 single-family homes sold in the 90210 ZIP Code at a median price of $4.563 million, according to CoreLogic. That was a 15.4% decrease in median price compared with January 2015.

Agents: Drew Fenton and Barbara Duskin, (310) 278-3311, Hilton & Hyland, an affiliate of Christies International Real Estate

To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, send high-resolution color photos via Dropbox.com, permission from the photographer to publish the images and a description of the house to homeoftheweek@latimes.com.
One morning last month, something changed about the testimony of Joseph Steed Allred, the mayor of Colorado City, Ariz. He stopped answering questions.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Allreds city and the neighboring town of Hildale, Utah, regularly violated the rights of people they considered a threat to the dominant religion in town  a fundamentalist sect of Mormonism that regards imprisoned polygamist Warren Jeffs as its prophet.

Officials in both towns have denied the allegations, and the case is now under deliberation by a 12-person jury after a seven-week trial.

Advertisement

The two cities, federal prosecutors allege, misspent federal funds, denied housing and water to new arrivals and intimidated apostates from the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, known as FLDS.

Allred took the stand on Feb. 9, his attorney in the witness box with him, a move U.S. District Judge H. Russel Holland called interesting, but allowed.

Allred then answered questions on his citys population, its religion and his election. But then the mayor began to refuse to answer questions, citing his rights against self-incrimination. He declined to talk first about city business, then Jeffs, city money in FLDS coffers and the ages of his wives at the time of their spiritual marriages.

The repeated refusals allowed Justice Department attorney Sean Keveney to perform a kind of soliloquy for the jury that eventually spelled out the contours of the governments case without Allred having to say much of anything.

Defense attorney Jeffrey Matura broke in occasionally to protest, objecting to the questionings relevancy. At one point, apparently frustrated with the entire performance, he stood up.

Hes just trying to taint the jury with these questions to the mayor, Matura said.

Keveney was permitted to continue. Here are some of the questions Allred refused to answer on the stand.

City business

As mayor, you oversee the police department. Is that right?

Is this a copy of a letter that you wrote to Warren Jeffs when you were city clerk, sir?

The signature on the letter looks like the one on your drivers license record, doesnt it?

Isnt it true, sir, that you got this letter to Warren Jeffs through a secret FLDS courier network?

Isnt it true, sir, that you knew as city clerk that the [city] Marshals Office knew about this courier network and concealed the information about the network from the FBI?

Warren Jeffs

Isnt it true, sir, that you were married to Miss [Josephine] Olds in Needles, Calif., in a ceremony

performed by Warren Jeffs on Sept. 20, 2004, when Miss Olds was 17 years old?

I dont want to give Miss [Julia] Williams full date

of birth in open court but, if we do the math, sir, isnt it true that at the time of the marriage, she was 15 years old?

And isnt it true, sir, that Miss Williams gave birth to your child when she was 17 years old?

Isnt it true, Mayor Allred, that the Colorado City Marshals Office was aware of your marriage to Miss Williams and was aware that you engaged in conduct that could have been considered statutory rape?

Employment

Isnt it true, sir, that as late as 2012 you were taking cash out of the Twin City Water Works for either your personal benefit or the benefit of the church?

All that money that was flowing out of Twin City Water Works to the church, that could have been used to upgrade pipes, is that right?

To fix pump failures?

Church security

Isnt it true, sir, that you used that Nextel function because its a secure, encrypted channel that allowed you as church security to communicate with other church security members and police officers?

And you kept those communications secret because you knew perfectly well, sir, that what you were doing on church security was illegal, didnt you?

When Allreds attorney asked Keveney to repeat a question to Allred, Keveney replied: I can move on. I think I recall his answer.

The jury was scheduled to resume deliberations Monday.

Follow @nigelduara on Twitter

ALSO

Park Service rejects plan for development with 2,200 homes near Grand Canyon

Stalking wildflowers in the Anza-Borrego desert to forecast the Big Bloom

Grizzly bears are rebounding in Yellowstone. Should hunting be allowed to keep numbers in check?
The Alabama Supreme Court refused Friday to defy the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, cutting off a conservative bid to prevent gay weddings in the state.

The court issued a one-sentence order dismissing a challenge by a probate judge and a conservative policy group that wanted the state to bar same-sex marriage despite the landmark federal decision.

Several state justices railed against the federal high courts ruling while noting they cant overturn it.

Advertisement

See the most-read stories this hour >>

Chief Justice Roy Moore, a Christian conservative who has repeatedly spoken out against same-sex unions, wrote that previous state orders barring gay marriage in Alabama remain. Most probate judges already are ignoring that directive, however, and hundreds of same-sex couples have wed in Alabama.

Eric Johnston, an attorney for the Alabama Policy Institute, which went to court seeking to prevent more gay marriages in the state, said the decision left opponents nowhere to turn in the court system.

The order effectively ends the case, he said in an email interview. It appears to give us no option.

Most Alabama counties have been issuing same-sex licenses for months. Randall Marshall, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, said that while some of the states 67 counties quit issuing marriage licenses completely, none was issuing licenses to straight couples while denying licenses to gay couples.

I dont think that we will see any change going forward, he said by email.

While the court used only 11 words in its order, members of the all-Republican bench railed against the U.S. Supreme Court decision in multiple written opinions totaling 169 pages.

Quoting passages from past court rulings, the Bible and the 1974 song Feelings, the chief justice called the federal courts ruling immoral, unconstitutional and tyrannical. He referred to homosexuality as a disgrace to human nature that cant be compared to opposite-sex intimacy.

Sodomy has never been and never will be an act by which a marriage can be consummated, Moore wrote.

Justice Tom Parker said the high courts decision to allow same-sex marriage nationwide meant the rule of law is dead. Similarly, Justice Michael Bolin said the U.S. Supreme Court sided with advocates of same-sex marriage without any constitutional basis, yet added: I do concede that its holding is binding authority on this court.

Marshall, the ACLU attorney, said state probate judges could face federal court sanctions if they attempt to discriminate against same-sex couples now that the state Supreme Court has acted.

The justices writings revealed what seemed to be deep splits within the court.

Justices Bolin and James Main said it would be erroneous and unjust to attribute other judges opinions to them, and Justice Greg Shaw distanced himself from Moores arguments that he had a right to consider the case despite his past positions against same-sex unions.

Whether any participation or vote by [Moore] violates the Canons of Judicial Ethics is an issue I do not address, wrote Shaw.

ALSO

Manny Pacquiao apologizes for comparing gay people to animals

Supreme Court majority blocks Louisiana law restricting abortion providers

Trump fends off debate mockery, trips on specifics. Will his supporters care?
A high school student who went through his teachers cellphone, found a nude picture of her and posted it online has been charged with a computer crime and voyeurism, authorities said Friday.

Sam White, public safety department chief in the city of Union, said the student, who is being charged as a juvenile, was taken into custody at Union High School without incident.

The 16-year-old is charged with a count of violating the states computer crime act in the second degree and a count of aggravated voyeurism.

Advertisement

He is being held in juvenile detention for a hearing in family court. There have been no other arrests, but the investigation is continuing, the chief said.

Officials say its not clear how many people may have seen the social media postings of the photo.

The teacher, Leigh Anne Arthur, was forced to quit her job teaching mechanical and electrical engineering and computer programming at the schools vocational center.

Arthur, 33, told police on Feb. 18 that while she stepped out of her classroom, a boy took her unlocked smartphone from her desk, opened the photos application and found a nude selfie she had taken for her husband as a Valentines Day present.

As of late Friday, almost 12,000 people had signed an online petition urging school district officials in the community in northwestern South Carolina to give Arthur her job back. The superintendent has said it was the teachers fault for leaving students unattended during a four-minute break between classes.

The voyeurism charge relates to a law that makes it illegal, for the purpose of sexual gratification, to record or make a digital file of another person without his or her consent. The computer crimes count involves a law against taking possession or depriving the owner of a computer of computer data.

Both charges are misdemeanors for a first offense. But if the teenage is convicted on both counts he could be sentenced to a maximum fine of $10,500 and four years in prison.

ALSO

Knife find a joke says man who demolished O.J. Simpsons former home

Man fatally stabbed in mosh pit at punk rock show in Santa Ana, police say

Bell Gardens man is convicted of lewd acts on teenage girl he later married
Donald Trump: I want Ted one-on-one

Donald Trump, elevated by a pair of victories in Kentucky and Louisiana on Saturday, said hes ready for a head-to-head battle with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

I want Ted one-on-one, Trump said at a late-night news conference in West Palm Beach, Fla., urging Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to exit the GOP primary after he failed to win one of the four contests Saturday.

Its time for Marco to clean the deck, Trump said.

Trump, who lost Kansas and Maine to Cruz, dismissed the latter outcome as expected.

He should do well in Maine, because its very close to Canada, Trump joked, alluding to Cruzs birth in Canada to an American mother and Cuban father. Trump has questioned whether Cruz is eligible to become president because of his Canadian birth.

Trump emphasized that the Texas senator will be unable to best him in upcoming states and called on the Republican Party to unify around his campaign.

We should come together and stop this foolishness, he said. The establishment is very unhappy with the way things are going.

In recent days, Mitt Romney, the partys 2012 nominee, and Arizona Sen. John McCain have assailed Trump as unfit to lead the party in November.
Three days before the Michigan primary, former President Bill Clinton pushed for votes for his wife, Hillary, telling campaign volunteers Saturday in Detroit that Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders had forwarded unrealistic proposals on college tuition and healthcare, two key differences between the Democratic presidential candidates.

In a lengthy speech at a labor union headquarters downtown, Clinton also mocked the behavior of the Republican presidential candidates and asserted that his wife has the best command of both foreign and domestic policy to grasp the job he held for eight years.

The former president isolated two major points of contention between Hillary Clinton and Sanders, though he referred to Sanders only as her opponent. (He praised both candidates  this time by name  when he later discussed their reactions to the water contamination in Flint.)

Advertisement

See the most-read stories this hour >>

Sanders has proposed free tuition for everyone attending state colleges and universities, on the grounds that a college education is as necessary now for a good job as a high school diploma once was. Clinton has argued for an income-based plan that would allow students to graduate debt-free but would not allow wealthier families to have their tuition covered by taxpayers.

Bill Clinton told campaign volunteers  with the expectation that they would pass it on to undecided voters  that Sanders plan would not help students at private colleges, including historically black colleges, and would encourage schools to raise tuition knowing that the costs would be borne by taxpayers. He also said it was unfair for wealthy families to be subsidized.

We need upper [income] people to step up for the same reason that Willie Sutton robbed the banks: Thats where the money is, he said. He also repeated the Democratic front-runners call for students to be able to refinance past debt, as they would a mortgage, currently forbidden by law.

Think of what this means. It means you can move out of your parents house, he said to laughter from younger volunteers in the crowd. It means if you dream of opening your own bakery, you can go down to the bank and your credit wont be compromised.

On healthcare, Clinton said Sanders proposal for a universal, Medicare-for-all system was unworkable because of the Republican hold on Congress  and that seeking it would undercut Obamacare, which has driven coverage levels up to 90%.

Her position is, Hey its going to be a lot easier to go from 90 to 100 and tackle the problems that are real, he said, citing high costs for drugs, high co-payments and difficulties faced by small businesses as areas needing improvement. Thats a lot easier than fighting and scratching and trying to go from zero to 100, he said.

He seemed to bridle at Sanders criticism of Hillary Clintons plan as insufficiently robust.

Im sorry, I dont think its a little reform to take Hillarys position that we can get to 100%, he said. It will work, thats all there is. Thats a very big piece of business and we should do that.

Clinton did not discuss the issue of trade, which Sanders has made an important part of his campaign in Michigan. Sanders has argued that the North American Free Trade Agreement, one of Bill Clintons signature presidential achievements, contributed to the dramatic decline in manufacturing and other jobs in the state and others like it. Sanders has criticized Hillary Clintons support of NAFTA and other trade deals.

See more of our top stories on Facebook >>

The former president did, however, reiterate his wifes proposal that companies moving offshore be assessed an exit tax, whose proceeds would be invested in creating American jobs.

Hillary Clinton has also proposed that companies that receive tax breaks from the government be required to pay them back if they try to move out of the country. In commercials running in Michigan, she has cited the case of Johnson Controls, a Midwestern auto supplier that benefited from the auto bailout at the height of the recession but has recently announced plans to move its headquarters to Ireland.

You look pretty rich going out there and saying, Ive got my hand out, please save my job, and now that you have, I think I will go to Ireland where the tax rate is about a third of what it is here, Clinton said. Johnson Controls would say, Well, but your corporate tax rates so high. Maybe, so let them work for corporate tax reform, not run off after we bailed them out.

The Clinton family campaign operation will expand Sunday, with daughter Chelsea Clinton arriving in Michigan. The candidate will appear Sunday night with Sanders at a Democratic debate in Flint.

For political news and analysis, follow me on Twitter: @cathleendecker . For more on politics, go to latimes.com/decker.

MORE POLITICAL NEWS

Trump fends off debate mockery, trips on specifics. Will his supporters care?

Hillary Clinton will appear Monday on Fox News for the first time since 2014

Ben Carson ends his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination
Charlie Costantino heard the crash near his home on Evergreen Street in Burbank two years ago this month, but his wife Sandy felt it.

She was crossing Edison Boulevard when she was struck by a motorist traveling 65 mph  the skid marks were 110 feet long  and has endured five surgeries since then, including one last week, running up a medical bill of more than $700,000 to repair her broken neck and damaged vocal cords.

NEWSLETTER: Stay up to date with whats going on in the 818 >>

However, Charlie Costantino said it could have been worse.

I could have heard my wife die, Costantino said in December, after a Burbank City Council meeting the couple attended.

At the same meeting, the Costantinos neighbor Bill Sebastian pleaded with the council to take action to put stop signs on all corners of the intersection and at all five corners a few blocks away where Edison crosses Valley and Oxnard streets near Valley Park.

Last week, the Burbank Traffic Commission endorsed a proposal intended to calm traffic in the area. The Costantinos couldnt be at the meeting because they were at the hospital where Sandy Constantino was undergoing another surgery.

Both Sebastian and the Costantinos have been asking the city for traffic controls in the area for more than a year. Sebastian said they have a Facebook group of more than 40 people who support the effort, and before attending the council meeting in December, he had met with and walked the intersections with Mayor Bob Frutos.

A new proposal calls for creating bike lanes on Edison Boulevard, which the Burbank officials hope will provide an added buffer to push drivers traveling down Edison toward the center of the lane and allow for drivers on the cross streets more space to roll forward from a stop to see cross-traffic. (Roger Wilson / Staff Photographer)

The issue, Sebastian said this week, is poor visibility due to the roughly 60-degree angle at which Edison intersects side streets, parked cars and parkway trees, and the need for drivers to look far over their shoulders to see potential cross-traffic.

Near Valley Park, Sebastian said, the number of streets that come together and the higher volume of pedestrians, who are often overlooked  hes nearly been hit while crossing there himself  add confusion for drivers that he feels could be eliminated if all ways had stop signs.

The commission in December rejected Sebastians eight-page formal request for stop signs at Edison and Evergreen because it did not meet the state-recommended criteria for adding them, based on crash history, traffic volumes or a combination of the two.

City staff had rejected a similar request in 2014 for similar reasons. However, in December, the commission directed Ken Johnson, the citys traffic engineer, to come up with a proposal that would improve safety but stop short of installing stop signs.

The new proposal calls for creating bike lanes on Edison Boulevard, which the city hopes will provide an added buffer to push drivers traveling down Edison toward the center of the lane and allow for drivers on the cross streets more space to roll forward from a stop to see cross-traffic.

Johnson said the city still needs to determine the costs of the striping and whether it will need to be contracted out. If so, it will be included in the citys budget for fiscal year 2016-17. The commission asked for a follow-up report a few months after the bike lanes are installed to see if they have improved safety.

I am skeptical [that they will improve safety], Sebastian said of the plan. But I cant wait to see if it does.

In the meantime, Sebastian is putting his campaign for stop signs on hold until he can determine if theyre still worth fighting for, he said, though he doesnt understand why the commission opposes stop signs. He also said he wants to adhere to every step of the citys process, so officials arent blind-sided.

Costantino said as the two-year anniversary of his wifes accident approaches, its still painful and he fears that someone else could suffer something similar, or worse.

Just put the darn stop signs in, he said.

--

Chad Garland, chad.garland@latimes.com

Twitter: @chadgarland
An effort to redefine housing terms in Burbanks city code  including a controversial piece that allows unlicensed group homes, including possible sober-living facilities, in single-family residential neighborhoods  has lain dormant for many months, a city official said this week.

The news came after nearly a dozen residents of the Burbank neighborhood that includes the 1100 block of East Tujunga Avenue spoke Tuesday during a City Council meeting, voicing concerns that the owner of a piece of property on that block could bring drug and alcohol addicts, and their dealers, into the area.

NEWSLETTER: Stay up to date with whats going on in your neighborhood >>

They said that they learned the owner is a Rancho Cucamonga-based real estate holding company that establishes small group homes, which may include sober-living facilities, in single-family residences. Some speakers held fliers that quoted some descriptions of the company, Main Pulze Inc., in language from its own materials.

The company claims to buy properties and convert them to mini skilled nursing facilities for profit as well as facilities providing residential care for the elderly, the developmentally disabled, and intensive inpatient/outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

It seeks to take advantage of a market opportunity for small, intensive state-licensed facilities, according to its materials.

The flier claims that while it is not known what type of rehab facility is proposed, the multistory Burbank home would be unsuitable for serving the elderly and disabled and would likely be a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility.

Representatives of Main Pulze Inc. did not return multiple calls seeking information about their project.

Sharon Springer, a resident of the neighborhood who also works for a nonprofit that provides programs at senior apartment communities, said in an email Friday that she had spoken to a Main Pulze representative and put together the flier with another area resident, Ed Zolian, to provide factual and non-alarmist information.

But residents said they were alarmed to learn of the new neighbor and were concerned about the dangerous element a rehab facility could introduce into what Zolian called a so-called safe neighborhood. They also complained about potential parking impacts, traffic and decreased property values.

Their comments echoed concerns raised in January 2014, when dozens of residents protested a council vote to approve a state-required housing element to allow community care facilities, which may include sober-living facilities that dont require licensing, in single-family residential neighborhoods.

At the time, officials said there were at least three sober-living facilities in Burbank that didnt require licenses, but just one in a single-family residential zone. However, Burbank Police Capt. Mike Albanese said, at the time, that calls to local sober-living facilities were surprisingly low  just two in two years to the one in a single-family zone.

While Burbank officials disagreed with state housing officials who said the law required Burbank to allow group homes in all residential zones, they said they were limited in regulating such facilities, citing a Newport Beach ordinance restricting homes for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, which was struck down by a federal appeals court.

After adopting the housing element two years ago, the city had three years to implement the policy document through council-approved ordinances that would be consistent with state laws defining housing-related terms. This week, in response to the renewed public outcry, Mayor Bob Frutos asked for an update on that matter.

The housing definitions became the kiss of death, said Carol Barrett, the citys assistant director of community development, during a City Council meeting this week.

The city had hired an outside attorney, Barbara Kautz, who specializes in land-use law and had done community outreach to residents and housing providers about the issue and had brought an ordinance to the City Council for a first reading in June 2014.

However, state housing officials raised concerns that sent the city back to the drawing board, Barrett said Friday.

Then, the staff members assigned to work on the issue  there would be four  began resigning during a period in which several city planning staff members left for opportunities in other cities. And then, for a while, there was no one to work on it. However, Barrett said the city is ready once again to move forward with the work.

Weve reengaged Barbara Kautz, Barrett said, and a community meeting on the issue is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on March 24 in room 104 of the Community Services Building, 150 N. Third St.

Barrett said that even if the work to revise the definitions had been completed, it likely wouldnt have prevented Main Pulze from setting up a facility on Tujunga Avenue. She said a second phase of the citys effort involves looking into what the city can legally do to regulate group homes, short of what Newport Beach attempted.

--

Chad Garland, chad.garland@latimes.com

Twitter: @chadgarland

--

ALSO:

Operation Firefly shines a light on night-time bicycle safety

A sisterhood between Girl Scouts is forged by cookies and a lost Hello Kitty purse
In-N-Out Burger, the popular Irvine-based chain that is considered an icon of California fast food, says it is committing itself against buying beef raised with antibiotics.

The company made the announcement after a coalition of activists urged In-N-Out last month to stop serving beef produced with the routine use of antibiotics.

The coalition, composed of more than 50 groups, contended that animals raised in industrial-style facilities are fed antibiotics to prevent disease because the facilities are crowded and unsanitary. That overuse of antibiotics, the coalition said in a letter to In-N-Out Burger, contributes to a rise in antibiotic-resistant infections that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, claim at least 23,000 American lives each year.

Our company is committed to beef that is not raised with antibiotics important to human medicine, and weve asked our suppliers to accelerate their progress toward establishing antibiotic alternatives, Keith Brazeau, In-N-Outs vice president of quality, said in a statement.

The Food and Drug Administration guidance on the use of antibiotics in livestock increases veterinary oversight of antibiotic administration and phases out the use of antibiotics to promote growth. We are committed to working closely with our suppliers to ensure they follow these science-based best practices, as well as the American Veterinary Medical Assn. guidance on antibiotic use in cattle.

Jason Pfeifle, public health advocate with CALPIRG Education Fund, said in a statement this week that were thrilled that In-N-Out is responding so quickly to consumer demand. If In-N-Out follows through on these commitments, it will be an important win for public health.

CALPIRG describes itself as an independent, nonpartisan group working for consumers to counterweight the influence of special interests.

In-N-Out Burgers recent statement is an important step forward, Kari Hamerschlag, senior program manager at Friends of the Earth, an environmental group, said in a news release. Now the company needs to provide the public with a timeline showing that its serious about eliminating everyday use of antibiotics in meat production.

Some patrons of In-N-Outs restaurant on West 19th Street in Costa Mesa said they were pleased with the chains announcement.

Carrie Berg of Newport Beach said her two daughters, ages 7 and 9, arent allowed to eat fast food, except for In-N-Out.

I feel that In-N-Out uses the freshest and most natural ingredients, which is how I cook at home, so I do not feel bad letting them eat there, Berg said. I will be so excited when and if In-N-Out decides to use beef that is raised without antibiotics. It will even be more like what I use at home.

She said she is willing to pay a little bit more and know that my growing daughters are not getting dirty meat filled with chemicals.

Mattie Fowler, a Huntington Beach resident, also frequents the In-N-Out on West 19th.

Of course itd be nice not to have antibiotics, she said.

But Fowler, who is nearly 72 and said she is healthy and eats beef in moderation, said news stories about advocacy groups urgings sometimes get to her.

I get tired of everybody demanding everything all the time, Fowler said. It just makes me tired.
A man accused of kidnapping his estranged wife and their two sons Monday before leading police on a freeway chase and then escaping from a standoff in Newport Beach was charged Thursday, officials said.

Thomas Ueno, 35, faces 17 counts, including kidnapping for carjacking, false imprisonment by violence, false imprisonment of a hostage, violating a domestic-violence restraining order with a prior conviction, fleeing an officer while driving recklessly, injuring a spouse, first-degree burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon and carjacking, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

Uenos arraignment was postponed Friday to March 23.

He could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Ueno was arrested about 7 p.m. Tuesday while walking in Cerritos, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Detectives from the Huntington Park Police Department eventually took custody of him.

Police say Ueno had fled from authorities Monday night after an hours-long standoff on Dover Drive in Newport Beach, following a freeway pursuit that started in Buena Park. A woman and two children ages 1 and 6, whom the district attorneys office described as Uenos estranged wife and their sons, were with him in her Hummer SUV throughout the incident, authorities said.

The woman and children walked toward officers after the man ran up a hillside near Castaways Park.

As officers backtracked on the path where the driver fled, they found a replica handgun they believe he had in the vehicle with him, Huntington Park police said.

The California Highway Patrol said several factors contributed to the man evading police in Newport, including fog and darkness. Also, officers didnt want to unleash a police dog with the woman and children present, the CHP said.
Three City Council members are heading to Dallas, Texas, next week to get an up-close look at a park built over a freeway  a project idea thats been kicked around locally for the past few years.

Klyde Warren Park opened in 2012 in Dallas and cost about $120 million to build. The area that Glendale officials are eyeing is over the Ventura (134) Freeway between Brand Boulevard and Central Avenue, a distance of about 0.2 miles.

The first phase would be called the heart, while a second phase, if city officials want it down the road, would be known as the soul and extend farther to Geneva Street, said Alan Loomis, deputy director of community development for they city.

NEWSLETTER: Stay up to date with whats going on in the 818 >>

During the past year, the city has had a few meetings with residents to see what amenities they would like in a cap park.

More than 75% of surveyed respondents said they supported the idea of a cap park, Loomis said. Some of the most favored amenities included a walking trail, a childrens play area, a nature park, concert space and a potential restaurant.

Loomis also presented some artists renditions of what Space 134 could look like based on community feedback.

The next step in the process will be opening up a bidding process to find a firm to do a feasibility study that would examine construction of the cap park  a study that could cost $300,000 and take about a year to complete.

Funding may be a combination of county, state and federal sources, as well as relying on donations, which is the process Dallas officials underwent to get Klyde Warren Park off the ground, Loomis said.

However, the Glendale City Council unanimously agreed to hold off on a vote until council members Zareh Sinanyan, Vartan Gharpetian and Paula Devine return from visiting Klyde Warren Park.

Join the conversation on Facebook >>

Devine said the feedback she has received from the community in the form of emails has been almost entirely positive.

Hopefully, we can work together to get the funds, she said. I think its a great way of bringing the community together.

Devine said she received a letter that stated the 134 Freeway has torn the community apart and a cap park could stitch it back together.

Mayor Ara Najarian questioned using Measure R funds  typically used for transit and road projects  to fund the feasibility study.

How is [Space 134] making congestion less? Is this solving any of our interchange problems? he asked. Weve got numerous ways that we can use that [funding]. I dont think were being honest with ourselves when we say this is for transportation services, wink, wink, nod , nod.

Loomis said one transit change that would be examined would be constructing one-way street frontages to allow for more queuing of vehicles before they get onto the 134 Freeway.

--

Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com

Twitter: @ArinMikailian

--

ALSO:

Op-Ed: Muslim Americans in their own voice

Parolee, unwelcome at moms house, caught making himself at home in nearby apartment

As dual-language immersion reaches Glendale middle schools, officials eye offerings
For a week last month, Glendale residents driving into the Chevy Chase Canyon neighborhood may have seen a digital roadside sign that boasted, in two slides of capital letters: Burglar arrested in area faces life in prison.

The sign referred to a Pasadena gang member accused of breaking into a Glendale home on Feb. 4 occupied by a mother and her two young children, then fleeing through neighboring yards with his accomplice before they were caught.

If convicted, Joshua Muema, who will turn 21 later this month, would be a third-striker, and therefore would face 27 years to life in state prison, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

Glendale Police Chief Robert Castro said the benefit of the unorthodox signage tool is threefold: it serves as a crime deterrent to potential burglars scanning the neighborhood for victims, informs residents about enforcement efforts and may remind neighbors to call the police when they see something suspicious.

Thieves, he said, might think, Is there a camera on that? Did it just take a picture of my car? Do I want to be in this neighborhood? Im going to get out of here.

These things dont deter real criminals ... Until they see the area is a hot zone with increased police activity, theyre going to keep coming to these areas.  Glendale resident Alex Djarbekian

The initiative was in response to a spike in home break-ins toward the end of last year and subsequent concerns voiced by neighborhood residents.

Glendale resident Alex Djarbekian, who has spearheaded efforts to plan a community meeting later this month with police and his Emerald Isle neighbors, called the signage a passive approach to policing.

These things dont deter real criminals, he said, adding that crooks know they wont spend life in prison for a burglary conviction. Until they see the area is a hot zone with increased police activity, theyre going to keep coming to these areas.

Last October, police logged 41 residential burglaries in Glendale, nearly double the monthly 2015 average of 24, according to statistics released by the agency. Those numbers include thefts from cars parked in residential parking garages or residential storage units, as well as home break-ins.

In each of the following two months, police responded to 31 residential burglaries.

Since then, the monthly numbers have dropped. Police logged 14 residential burglaries in January and 10 in February.

From January of last year through the end of last month, police arrested 35 suspects  many of whom worked in teams  on suspicion of residential burglary.

According to Castro, about half of those suspects would have otherwise been in custody for other charges if not for Proposition 47, which reduced penalties for several criminal offenses, and AB 109, the states criminal realignment law.

Castro partially attributed the recent drop in burglaries to the newly-formed community impact bureau, which includes a lieutenant and six officers, as well as a special enforcement detail consisting of four officers and a sergeant, who work with a crime analyst to identify and respond to problem areas without being bogged down by regular calls for service.

For example, if a home break-in is reported in a neighborhood, another one is likely to follow in the next 72 hours, Castro said.

So during that time, members of the community impact bureau may covertly patrol the area  in plain clothes and an unmarked police car  in an attempt to catch the burglars in the act.

When we catch them, we not only clear cases here, but were clearing cases in the whole area, Castro said, referring to neighboring cities. These guys dont know boundaries.

--

Alene Tchekmedyian, alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com

Twitter: @atchek

--

ALSO:

Man arrested for alleged mail theft in La Crescenta

Deep in the heart of Texas, Glendale searches for inspiration for proposed park over Ventura Freeway

A sisterhood between Girl Scouts is forged by cookies and a lost Hello Kitty purse
The Orange County Water District continues to push forward on its involvement with Poseidon Waters proposed ocean desalination plant in Huntington Beach, deciding this week to delve deeper into three water distribution options for the facility.

The districts board voted 7-0 on Wednesday to have staff continue analyzing the methods of how the water from the desalination project would be delivered to customers. Board member Jan Flory abstained from the vote, and members Denis Bilodeau and Jordan Brandman were absent.

The Orange County Water District serves most of the northern county, including Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Irvine and Huntington Beach.

Advertisement

The desalination plant, which is proposed to be built next to the AES power plant at Newland Street and Pacific Coast Highway, is expected to produce 50 million gallons per day of desalinated water, according to Poseidon.

The water district is analyzing distribution methods because of a term sheet it agreed to with Poseidon. The term sheet, approved in May, says the district would be responsible for distributing the water, while Poseidon would be responsible for creating the facility and producing the water.

The district has yet to decide whether it will purchase water from Poseidon.

Last month, water district staff introduced eight distribution options to the board. Three of them, which proposed injecting the water into various wells in the county, were rejected because costs were considered too high.

On Wednesday, board members dismissed two more options  one that would require the district to build new wells and another in which all the water would be directly delivered to cities and water agencies, including in south Orange County.

Sandy Scott-Roberts, a principal engineer for the water district, told board members that directly distributing the water to cities and agencies would come with many obstacles.

The district would need an agreement with each agency in the districts service area that wanted to purchase the water. The district includes 19 agencies.

The district also would need approval from the West Orange County Water Board in Huntington Beach to connect Poseidon to one of its feeder lines.

Additionally, the water district is not allowed to sell water to agencies outside its service area and would need to negotiate with the Municipal Water District of Orange County if it chose to go that route.

Were set up to manage the groundwater basin and we have a specific boundary, said John Kennedy, executive director of engineering and water resources for the Orange County Water District. We dont really have any powers outside of our boundary, so we really dont have the authority to sell water to South County. We would have to partner with MWDOC.

However, one of the options board members want to continue pursuing involves selling a total of 10 million gallons per day to four South County water districts that have expressed interest in buying water from Poseidon: Laguna Beach County, Santa Margarita, Moulton Niguel and El Toro.

In that plan, an additional 25 million gallons per day would be distributed directly to various agencies. The remaining 15 million gallons per day would be pumped into the groundwater basin at the Talbert Barrier injection wells in Huntington Beach and Fountain Valley.

Scott-Roberts estimated the cost of that option at $161 million.

Flory, who chose not to vote on the issue because she believes her district should not be negotiating with Poseidon, said south Orange County should build its own desalination facility if it wants desalinated water.

Orange County Water District General Manager Michael Markus said the South Coast Water District plans to build a plant at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point that was expected to produce 15 million gallons of desalinated water per day.

However, Kennedy said expected production was cut to 5 million gallons per day because of a lack of interest from surrounding water agencies.

In one of the other options OCWD wants to analyze, a total of 42 million gallons per day would be pumped into the groundwater basin at the Talbert Barrier and the Burris booster pump station and outlet in Anaheim. The remaining 8 million gallons per day would be sold directly to Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Scott-Roberts estimated the cost at $131 million.

But she told board members that method would increase OCWDs cost for the final expansion of its groundwater replenishment system by $200 million.

Board member Philip Anthony said directly delivering water to users is best because it would be ready for use.

Whatever we do, we should not put that water back into the ground, he said. We should use it somewhere where it can go directly to the consumer.

The remaining option would pump 15 million gallons per day of desalinated water into the groundwater basin at the Talbert Barrier and sell the remaining 35 million gallons per day directly to agencies. Scott-Roberts estimated the cost at $97 million.

However, as in the other options, the district still would face the increased cost of pumping out and treating the desalinated water stored in the ground. It also would still need approval from the West Orange County Water Board to connect to its pipeline, as well as approval from the Municipal Water District to sell the water outside OCWDs service area.

Meanwhile, Poseidon officials are still waiting to hear from the California Coastal Commission on when their application for a plant construction permit will be heard.

Poseidon is one permit away from being able to build the $1-billion facility in Huntington Beach. It submitted its application to the Coastal Commission in September.

This is the second time Poseidon has sought a construction permit from the state agency. The commission first heard Poseidons application in November 2013. However, the company withdrew it to conduct additional studies on subsurface water intakes for the plant.

Poseidon Vice President Scott Maloni said Coastal Commission staff has deemed the latest application incomplete. Commission staff is seeking more information on how a tsunami could affect the plant site and how Poseidons project would not conflict with AES.

AES is in the process of converting its facility to be air-cooled instead of water-cooled. Poseidon has said it would use AES ocean water intake pipe to bring in water for the desalination plant.

Maloni said he does not know when the permit application will be heard.

Coastal Commission staff told us [the hearing] was going to be in March, then they told us May, and if it not May, it would be in July, he said.
The word around the racetrack is the best 3-year-old in the country isnt even trying to run in the Kentucky Derby.

The assessment is based partly on facts known, partly on the unknown, with a dash of sentimentality.

Its known that Songbird is undefeated in five starts, having won those races by a total of 28 1/2 lengths. Three of the races were Grade 1 stakes and another was a Grade 2.

Advertisement

Whats unknown is how a still-growing horse could handle the rigors of a full-blown 20-horse charge in May at Churchill Downs, plus all the lead-up prep races considering Songbirds late birth date of April 30, 2013.

The sentimentality is easy. Songbird is a filly.

Songbird goes for her sixth win Saturday at Santa Anita in the Santa Ysabel Stakes. She is listed at morning line odds of 1-9. The last time opening odds were that low was six years ago when Zenyatta was racing for the first time after winning the Breeders Cup Classic.

The Kentucky Derby has been run 141 times and only three fillies  Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988)  have won it.

There is no reason to run her in the Kentucky Derby unless you want to say you won the Kentucky Derby, Songbirds owner Rick Porter said. Its asking too much of her at her age to do it.

Songbird is targeted for the Kentucky Oaks, a race for 3-year-old fillies the day before the Derby.

Getting to the Oaks is a tough proposition, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. Getting to the Derby is an even tougher proposition and a lot of horses get beat up. We just dont want to beat her up.

Rick Arthur, equine director at both the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and California Horse Racing Board, agrees.

Day in and day out a colt is heavier and more able to withstand the rigors of training at that age, Arthur said. Fillies dont really catch up [with colts] until near the end of their 3-year-old career.

Arthur said that generally fillies are easier to train than colts because they learn quicker. They also can compete at shorter races, but the Derby distance of 1 1/4 miles is just asking too much at that age.

Zenyatta didnt run against males until she was 5, same with Beholder. Rachel Alexandra was an exception, winning the shortest Triple Crown race, the Preakness, as a 3-year-old in 2009.

Porter says his experience in the 2008 Kentucky Derby was not a factor with Songbird. Eight Belles, a filly, finished second in the race but took a bad step just after the finish line and broke both ankles and was euthanized.

Sure, it entered my mind, but it had nothing to do with my decision. Porter said. It was a fluke. I was very comfortable running her. She was entered in both the Oaks and the Derby. But she drew the 14 [post position] in the Oaks and the five in the Derby. We based which race to run on post position.

Porter admits that he has no idea how good Songbird can be but says shes the best horse Ive ever had.

Jockey Mike Smith, who has been aboard every race, says, We havent seen the best of her yet.

In each of her races, when Smith has asked her to run, she immediately accelerated, but she has not even come close to emptying her tank.

She came out of the Las Virgenes like she didnt even run, Smith said of the mile race at Santa Anita on Feb. 6. The last eighth of a mile I even eased her up. She won by 6 1/2 lengths.

Smith, while emphasizing 100 things can go wrong in a race, sees Saturdays race as something to keep her sharp.

Theres a lot of time between races, so we would have to work her anyway, he said. If all goes well and she runs her race, Im breezing her for $100,000.

Hollendorfer says its all about timing.

Timewise it makes sense because its a month after her last race and a month before her next, Hollendorfer said.

Smith has a personal fondness for the filly but points out there are two sides to her.

In the morning you can rub her and love all over her, but when its in the afternoon [on race day] dont mess with her. She means business, Smith said.

Porter hopes to run her a while longer before turning her into a broodmare. If she continues to improve, I might see how she stands up against the boys, but that will be at a later date, he said.

The current plan is to run Songbird as a 4-year-old as long as she is competitive in Grade 1 stakes.

If shes still kicking strong, I might run her as a 5-year-old. I would rather race her.

New turf course

Santa Anita will suspend turf racing June 20 for the rest of its spring meeting while it installs a new course. A Bermuda grass course will be ready well in advance of the Breeders Cup on Nov. 4, getting its debut Sept. 30 when the fall meeting starts.

Work on the hillside course will start on June 6. The goal is to have all the grass installed by July, giving it time to grow before racing.

Shuttle service

The Metro Gold Line will now be an option for racegoers. Starting Saturday, Santa Anita will offer a free shuttle from the newly opened Arcadia stop to the track between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The shuttle will run about every 20 minutes.

john.cherwa@latimes.com
The stormy weather that cruise ship Anthem of the Seas encountered Feb. 6 off North Carolina not only shook up passengers but created a wave of ill will among many of the 4,500 passengers who voiced their displeasure about the Royal Caribbean cruise when they disembarked.

We had to hold onto poles so we didnt fall over into the glass window, the Asbury Park Press quoted New Yorker Kimberly Short as saying.

FULL COVERAGE: Cruise reviews, deals and news

Advertisement

Others passengers described flying objects and being jerked from one side of a hallway to another as the ship rolled in 30-foot waves.

Royal Caribbean apologized profusely.

We simply didnt anticipate what the true strength of the storm would be, said Bill Baumgartner, a company vice president. Then it launched a 30%-off sale, perhaps hoping people would forget or forgive.

I wasnt on that voyage and thus didnt need to do either, but I did need to make sure an upcoming cruise in Southeast Asia wouldnt put me in the eye of a storm.

The answer to my Google question about storm season in Singapore and Southeast Asia: June to November, which isnt when Im going.

The hurricane season in the Caribbean is June to November, about the same time as in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia. In southern Baja, storms are more frequent September through November.

Heres the good news about storm season for the 24 million people who will set sail in 2016, according to Cruise Line International Assn.: Cruise ships can generally navigate around storms. And, perhaps more important for bargain hunters, cruise lines often offer great buys in the Caribbean during hurricane seasons peak from mid-August through late October.

Thats when you find those $550 weeklong cruises, said Geraldine Ree, a vice president with Expedia CruiseShipCenters.

Another plus to sailing in hurricane season: Kids are back in school, so if you want to avoid children, its a good time.

But is it worth the risk? Would you encounter the same kind of weather the Anthem of the Seas passengers faced during that Feb. 6 cruise and again late last month?

Most veteran cruisers say your odds of serious trouble are slim.

Ive been sailing for 26 years, and Ive only run into one hurricane Ree said. And then we didnt really feel any effect because the ship was just diverted elsewhere out of the storm. It wasnt a problem.

Ree noted that any vacation plan involves some risk. Most of the time you really dont have much choice when you plan a vacation, Ree said. You have to go when your family can go.

Youre in better shape when you cruise than you would be if you were staying at a resort and a hurricane headed in your direction. A cruise ship can move somewhere else. If you were staying at a resort youd be stuck there.

A ship can high-tail it in the opposite direction at up to 22 knots per hour  about 25 mph. Hurricanes move slowly, generally about 8 to 10 knots an hour  about 9 to 11 1/2 mph.

But storms can cause a change in ports of call. You may not be happy if you wanted to go to St. Martin and you end up in Aruba.

To help ensure safety, you could also choose an itinerary whose ports are unlikely to be in harms way.

Colleen McDaniel, managing editor of CruiseCritic.com, suggested a southern Caribbean trip for those who worry.

Islands like Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao are all on the outskirts of the hurricane belt and dont see as many storms as in the eastern and western Caribbean, McDaniel said.

If youre still concerned about the possibility, go elsewhere.

Skip the potential for storms altogether by choosing a cruise to Alaska or the Mediterranean, McDaniel said. Both see their peak seasons in the summertime, and low season begins in early fall if youre looking to save a bit on the trip as well.

Many cruise lines avoid the Caribbean during hurricane season, so youll have plenty of options in Alaska or the Mediterranean.

Still worried? Travel insurance might be the answer.

Travel insurance can help cover costs such as missed flights, a missed part of the cruise, or an unexpected hotel stay because of weather, McDaniel said, but reading the fine print is critical.

Just make sure your insurance plan includes weather disruption; not all plans will cover these weather-related situations, McDaniel said.

Also, remember you must buy a plan in advance, before any storms are forecast. Travel insurance generally covers trip disturbance only for an unexpected weather event.

Some people like the idea of being at sea during stormy weather and choose itineraries that may include some rocking and rolling, Ree said.

Others like the suspense of not knowing where they might end up, sort of a vacation surprise. After all, its a vacation. No matter where you find yourself, its generally better than being at work.

Tips for landing a great cruise deal

Travel agents often are notified of last-minute cruise deals, but most major cruise lines also offer bargain information to consumers through newsletters that promote their last-minute deals. Cruise websites also send out regular newsletters promoting fares. If youre looking for a deal but dont want to clutter your in-box with all the emails, set up a separate email account and use it when you sign up for that communication using the cruise lines website, directing all the cruise mail to it. You can look at it whenever you want instead of every time you open your primary email account.

travel@latimes.com
A funny thing happened on my way to a beach in Phuket (poo-KET). I came upon the annual Vegetarian Festival, a nine-day Chinese celebration thought to bestow good fortune.

I like kale and sprouts as well as the next person, but Phukets October festival is over the top. Devotees, most dressed in white, pierce their cheeks and mouths with daggers, skewers, swords, even guns and tree branches. Then they hold noisy processions through the city, set off fireworks, bang drums and beat themselves with spiky metal balls.

The processions and drums, OK, but the mutilations seem a little out there. Especially since people bleed a lot on the white robes.

Advertisement

The annual fall celebration is said to be a tourist attraction, but I walked into it cold. And open-mouthed. Well, maybe thats the wrong phrase. To prepare yourself, you can read more about the Phuket vegetarian festival.

Phukets vegetarian celebration depressed me so much that I went straight to Wat Chalong Buddhist temple for a spiritual lift. The pink three-story temple, the largest in Phuket, has 36 golden Buddhas in various stages of repose: sitting, reclining and meditating. Beautiful and definitely transcendental.

Phukets beach wasnt as grand an experience. Too crowded for me. Its classified as the most popular beach in Thailand, which means lots of people and lots of vendors selling coconuts, flutes and hats. The streets nearby are well-developed too with plenty of bars, T-shirt shops and hotels.

I might not like the vibe in Phuket, but seeing all that development is a sign of hope: It means many of the physical scars from the powerful tsunami that struck in December 2004 have disappeared. No one who survived the disaster  and nearly a quarter of a million people from 14 countries died as a result of the Indian Ocean quake and tsunami  will forget, but resorts have been rebuilt and the tourist economy reestablished.

Hope comes in many forms.

travel@latimes.com
If youre after calm emerald water punctuated by towering monoliths, few places compare with Thailands 155-square-mile Phang Nga Bay.

The unusual character of the bay, once part of the massive coral reef that covered what is now Southeast Asia, arose after millenniums of tectonic action. The result: 42 limestone karst islets and islands jutting hundreds of feet out of the water.

As our speedboat crossed the boundary of the Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park, I marveled at the shimmering water surrounding what appeared to be a prehistoric cityscape of rock spires softened by lush greenery.

Advertisement

Adding to the drama, troupes of macaques watched us drift by from their rock ledge hangouts.

Kayakers make their way around parts of Phang Nga Bay in Thailand. (Glenn Van Der Knijff / Getty Images / Lonely Planet Image)

These were the final days in Thailand for my husband, Chris, and me, a highlight of our nearly monthlong tour of Southeast Asia in December 2014. After a couple of days lazing at Layan Beach on the north end of the island of Phuket, it was time to test the waters of the Andaman Sea.

We chose Laguna Tours 4 in 1" full-day expedition led by Pom, who grew up in the region. With nearly 30 years at the company, who better to lead us through the mangrove forests and secret spaces that lie between Thailands No. 1 resort island and the mainland?

Aquatic limbo

Your camera and your iPhone take with you, Pom told us as we stepped onto the floating dock to meet our kayaking guide. Though he spoke little English, the guide succeeded in getting us to lie back so he could maneuver our bright yellow kayak ever so delicately through a narrow opening into the sea cave on Ko Thalu (ko means island).

Fully reclined, I watched as abstract rock formations passed overhead and the comments of other visitors echoed against the stalactites.

Ive never been inside a sensory deprivation tank, but the peacefulness of this confined space and the gently lapping water must be the closest thing to it. For those inclined to claustrophobia, fear not; the sensation lasted but seconds.

Light poured in as guides transported clusters of aquatic limbo-ers to an otherworldly space called a hong. This interior roofless room seemed even more mysterious, thanks to its craggy cliffs and mature trees growing out of the rock.

It was barely 9 a.m., and the sun was already hitting the western walls that rose some 200 feet above us. True, we were not alone  this was the high season in Southeast Asia  yet there was a sense of solitude despite the presence of three other kayaks. The hong is accessible only by boat and only during low tide. There wasnt much time to linger as the rising tide eventually would have made exiting impossible.

A tourist boat at Ko Khao Phing Kan, also known as James Bond Island after the 1974 filming of The Man With the Golden Gun. (Paul Chesley / Getty Images)

007 was here

Once back on our speedboat, we had to travel just five minutes to Ko Phing Kan, or James Bond Island, named for the fictional British Agent 007 after the 1974 filming of The Man With the Golden Gun.

The small island had all the artifice of a Hollywood stage set, though its natural beauty explained why it was stuffed with tourists. Still, it was entertaining to watch people jockeying for that obligatory selfie in front of Ko Tapu, a tall, spike-shaped islet offshore that once held the solar panels that powered the laser gun of Scaramanga, Roger Moores movie nemesis.

I know Roger Moore, Pom said with a laugh. But he doesnt know me.

I think youre a little young to know him, Chris countered, followed by more laughter.

By now, the midday sun was beating down hard enough to coax us into the shade provided by shops hawking giant conchs, pearl jewelry and James Bond T-shirts. More interesting and cooler, perhaps, was the nearby cave created by two mammoth limestone slabs leaning against each other. One legend said it represents lovers supporting each other  a sacred place where people come to pray for a good relationship.

Floating village

My prayers, though, were for lunch, and they were promptly answered after a short boat ride to Ko Panyi, which most guidebooks describe as a floating Muslim village.

About 1,680 people live here, Pom said. This is a nomadic village and is almost 150 years old. The 350-plus families are said to be descendants of two Muslim families from Java.

But floating is a misnomer. Ko Panyi is really a fishing village on stilts next to a small, rocky island. After a family-style lunch more Chinese than Thai, we walked through the maze of narrow walkways, passing a school, an aquarium and people going about daily life.

With its collection of hundred-plus-seat restaurants, tourism clearly dominates island life. But for me, the villages allure was best appreciated from offshore. As we pulled away I glimpsed the gold domes of the mosque in relief against the tree-covered limestone pinnacles.

In the bat cave

Next up was Ko Panak, about an hour by boat, and a visit on foot to a hong. Aided by headlamps and the low tide, we entered an expansive 1,150-foot-long cave, much larger than the one on Thalu Island. Adding to the drama, Pom told us, maybe 5 or 6 meters above your head there are thousands of bats.

Do they bite? I asked.

He laughed. No, no, he said. These are insect bats; they dont like us.

Had we visited here a few hours earlier, we would have been doing it by kayak. And though I found floating into a hong more relaxing, it was no less captivating to pass through the cave on foot and observe the water line on the mangrove roots that were about as tall as I am.

We finished the day at the white sandy beach on Naka Island, which has, according to Pom, the best beer in the world. Its free, he explained. Its tough for a near-teetotaler like me to get too excited about that prospect. The white sand, crystalline waters and frolicking macaques gave me quite enough of a buzz.

travel@latimes.com

::

If you go

THE BEST WAY TO PHUKET, THAILAND

From LAX, connecting service (change of planes) to Phuket is offered on Air China, Korean, China Eastern, Asiana, Qatar, Emirates and Cathay Pacific. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $1,054, including all taxes and fees.

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 66 (the country code for Thailand) and the local number.

FINDING A TOUR OPERATOR

We used Laguna Tours, 390/1 Moo1 Sri Soonthorn Road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket; 76-362-330, www.lagunaphuket.com/tours. Offers a variety of land and sea tours, including sunset cruises, snorkeling and kayaking. Its four for one tour costs about $100 per person, including hotel pick-up, lunch and snacks.

WHERE TO STAY

Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, 168 Moo 6 Layan Beach Soi 4, Thalang, Phuket; 76-317-200, phuket-layan.anantara.com. Upscale luxury hotel in a quiet setting on a private beach. Doubles from about $240 a night and up.

Baan Krating Phuket Resort, 11/3 Moo 1, Wiset Road, Rawai Ao Sane Beach, Phuket; 76-510-927, www.baankrating.com. Mid-range hotel on Phukets southern end; jungle-like hillside setting with ocean views. Rooms from about $70 a night.

WHERE TO EAT

Dee Plee Restaurant, deeplee.layan@anantara.com. At the Anantara resort on a hillside with sweet views. Dishes include green mango salad with Thai herbs and soft-shell crab and wok-fried flat noodles with vegetables and Korobuta pork tenderloin.

Siam Supper Club, 36/40 Lagoon Road, Choeng Thale, Phuket, 76-270-936, www.siamsupperclub.com. Atmospheric eatery on Phukets west coast. Features Wagyu beef carpaccio and seafood selections such as barbecued Tasmanian salmon. Pizza and pasta also available.

TO LEARN MORE

Tourism Authority of Thailand, (323) 461-9814, www.tourismthailand.org.
Clouding hopes for an end to the escalating violence in Afghanistan, the Taliban on Saturday said its leaders would not sit down for scheduled face-to-face talks with the Afghan government.

In a statement released on its website, Afghanistans largest armed opposition movement unequivocally rejected reports that it would partake in direct talks with the Afghan government that had been expected to begin as early as Monday in Islamabad.

We reject all such rumors and unequivocally state that the esteemed leader of Islamic Emirate has not authorized anyone to participate in this meeting and neither has the Leadership Council of Islamic Emirate decided to partake in it, the group said in the statement.

Advertisement

The group said its political office had not been kept informed about negotiations from the onset, a reference to the fact that the Taliban had not been involved in a series of four-party meetings  involving representatives from Afghanistan, China, the United States and Pakistan  that have attempted to lay the groundwork for talks between the government and the armed opposition.

The group also said it would not negotiate until the occupation of Afghanistan comes to an end.

America is deploying fresh troops to Afghanistan, is carrying out airstrikes in various areas and partaking in night raids.

There are more than 9,000 U.S. troops remaining in the nation.

The Taliban also repeated calls for its leaders to be removed from United Nations blacklists and for its prisoners to be freed from U.S. detention in Guantanamo Bay, in Cuba, and in an Afghanistan-run detention facility near Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

Last year, representatives from the Kabul government and the Taliban did sit down for face-to-face talks in Pakistan, but the process came to an immediate halt after it was announced that Mullah Mohammad Omar, the groups founder and long-time leader, had died in 2013.

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani has expressed optimism about prospects for a new round of peace talks, but several high-ranking officials, including members of his own national unity administration, have taken a much more critical view.

Critics point out that the Taliban now controls more land than at any time since the U.S.-led invasion of 2001 meant to topple its government. The group also has been able to shift the battle from fighting in rural areas during the spring and summer to increased targeting of urban centers, continuing battles well into the cold winter months.

Latifi is a special correspondent.
A law enforcement raid on a prominent media company and takeover of the nations largest-circulation newspaper have raised new fears of a press under assault by the administration of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Police late Friday forced their way into the offices of Zaman newspaper and its English-language sister publication, Todays Zaman, after an Istanbul court ordered the seizure of Feza Media Group, which owns the two dailies.

Police in riot gear peppered protesters and staff alike with volleys of tear gas and water cannons, a scene broadcast live on satellite television.

Advertisement

Both papers are linked to the Cemaat movement, which is led by the U.S.-based Muslim cleric, Fethullah Gulen, a one-time Erdogan ally whose followers have become fierce rivals of the Turkish president. The Turkish government has labeled Cemaat a terrorist organization.

See the most-read stories this hour >>

Addressing a crowd of supporters Friday waving placards reading Do not touch my newspaper, Todays Zaman editor-in-chief Sevgi Akarcesme described the takeover as a shameful day for media freedom in Turkey.

Our media institutions are being seized, she said. As of today, the constitution has been suspended.

Zaman has a daily circulation of more than 600,000, the largest in Turkey.

Amnesty International described Fridays actions as deeply troubling.

By lashing out and seeking to rein in critical voices, President Erdogans government is steam rolling over human rights, Amnesty Internationals Turkey expert, Andrew Gardner, said in a statement.

The shutdown also drew an unusually forceful rebuke from the U.S. State Department, which is generally hesitant to criticize Turkey, a NATO ally.

At a regular news briefing Friday, a State Department spokesman, John Kirby, said the raid was the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions and was not in keeping with Turkeys constitution.

Critical opinions should be encouraged, not silenced, Kirby said.

The case is the latest instance in which Turkish authorities have targeted the opposition media. In October, days before the countrys general election, Turkish authorities ordered the seizure of Koza Ipek Group, which ran several prominent television stations critical of the government.

The government-led crackdown on opposition media is having a chilling effect on Turkeys press, media advocates say.

Pro-government protesters led by prominent ruling party figures have intermittently surrounded opposition newspaper offices, pelting them with stones and smashing windows. Scores of journalists have lost their jobs under government pressure, according to press freedom groups.

Turkish newspapers often tend to be partisan, analysts note, blurring the distinction between media and politics  in effect making opposition newspapers Erdogans political rivals.

Media here is so politicized that we often dont know what is real news and what is not, said Huseyin Bagci, head of the international relations department at Ankaras Middle East Technical University. But the government is absolutely determined to suppress any opposition.

Critics say the media crackdown demonstrates Erdogans authoritarian streak and lack of tolerance of dissent.

The Turkish government has come under strong internal criticism for a number of controversial policies. Those include ongoing military operations against Kurdish groups in the southeast and the extensive effort to back rebel factions, including militant Islamists, fighting to overthrow the secular government of President Bashar Assad in neighboring Syria.

Prosecutors have opened at least 1,845 cases of insulting the president since Erdogan rose to the presidency in August 2014 with 52% of the vote.

Among those who have been charged are celebrities, a former Miss Turkey beauty queen and children who tore down a poster depicting Erdogan. A public health worker, Bilgin Ciftci, was even accused of insulting Erdogan for sharing pictures on social media likening the president to the creature Gollum from The Lord of the Rings.

These cases often appear to be intimidation, said Ergun Ozbudun, a Turkish constitutional law expert.

Highlighting the often hostile media environment was the case of IMC TV, an independent channel that had its signal cut last month in the middle of a broadcast interview with a pair of journalists who had just been released from jail.

Prosecutors contended that the channel was spreading terrorist propaganda.

The channel reports extensively from Turkeys predominantly Kurdish southeast, where Kurdish militants and Turkish authorities have been engaged in bitter urban conflict with government forces since July.

The channels signal was cut as its anchor was interviewing Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, respectively the editor-in-chief and Ankara Bureau Chief of Cumhuriyet newspaper  a left-leaning newspaper often critical of the government.

See more of our top stories on Facebook >>

Prosecutors had sought life sentences for the two journalists, charging that the pair had supported a terror organization, threatened state security and engaged in espionage. The journalists said they were just doing their jobs.

In May last year, Cumhuriyet published a sensational report that allegedly showed trucks, halted by police in southeastern Hatay province, belonging to Turkeys National Intelligence Agency, stacked full of ammunition destined for insurgents in neighboring Syria.

The two journalists were arrested and sent to prison to await trial. After 92 days, Turkeys Constitutional Court last week ordered their release on grounds that their personal rights had been violated.

The Turkish president fumed at the court decision, publicly refusing to respect or obey it.

Johnson is a special correspondent. Times staff writer Patrick J. McDonnell in Beirut contributed to this report.

MORE FROM WORLD

Italian Senate passes bill recognizing same-sex unions, but strips adoption rights from measure

Film buffs stage a sit-in, 15 months and counting, to save a Belgrade cinema

Refugees buying one-way tickets home after finding Germany intolerable
On the outskirts of this village, where the rich green of the Nile Valley abruptly meets the desert, parishioners of the St. George Coptic Catholic church recently built a wall.

It was a simple structure of stone blocks and mortar surrounding a plot of land owned by the church. Father Ayoub Yousef said he hoped to build a dialysis center there so villagers wouldnt have to travel for treatment.

But last month, local authorities knocked it down, leaving the blocks jumbled in the sand. Yousef said the authorities were responding to complaints from angry villagers, but they showed no legal justification for the demolition.

Advertisement

It was a violation of the law, and of parishioners rights, said Yousef, who dresses in long black robes and has a salt-and-pepper beard.

What were asking for is the implementation of the law, he said. We dont want advantages for Christians. Were not saying Muslims are oppressing us. Just apply the law.

Yet for Egyptian Christians, thats often a distant dream.

Discrimination against Christians, who make up less than 10% of Egypts population, is nothing new. But attacks against Christians rose after a 2011 uprising overthrew the autocratic government of President Hosni Mubarak, replacing him with a democratically elected Islamist leader, Mohamed Morsi. And the violence may have reached a peak shortly after Morsi was overthrown in 2013.

Many Christians had participated in the uprising against Morsi. So when security forces stormed a protest camp full of Morsi supporters, killing more than 1,000 people, Islamists targeted Christians in retaliation. Dozens of churches and Christian homes throughout Egypt were attacked and burned.

With a high concentration of Christians, Minya, the governorate where Delga is located, was a focal point of the violence.

Supporters of the ousted president seized control of Delga, demanding that Christian families pay protection money. After security forces killed the protesters in Cairo, angry Delga residents burned churches, attacked 20 Christian homes and killed a Christian resident, dragging his body through the streets. It was 73 days before security forces reasserted control of the town.

Some two years later, conditions for Christians in Egypt are markedly better. Many see Abdel Fattah Sisi, the general who led the coup against Morsi and was subsequently elected president, as their protector, sent to deliver them from the rule of Islamists.

The number of attacks and kidnappings for ransom, common in the years after 2011, have dropped. In a historic first that heartened many Christians, Sisi attended a Christmas Eve service in the main Coptic Orthodox cathedral in Cairo in January 2015, and again this year. He ordered the military to rebuild the churches burned in 2013, although progress has been slow.

God gave us Sisi, said Medhat Atta Morkos, a 54-year-old pediatrician from Minya who was kidnapped for ransom in 2012. After his release, he said, he lived in fear  not going out at night, and staying away from his rural clinic  but now his life has returned to normal.

Its a miracle that Sisi came and saved us from the corruption that happened, he said. He saved the country from being destroyed.

But despite undeniable progress, Egypts largest religious minority still endures widespread injustice and discrimination.

Obtaining a permit to build a church, or even conduct renovations on an existing building, requires presidential approval  a daunting bureaucratic hurdle not required of Muslims. Prosecutions and investigations for blasphemy, often targeting Christians, are on the rise. Attacks on religious minorities still go unpunished. Christians are rarely represented in the top ranks of state institutions.

And authorities often deal with sectarian incidents not according to the law, but by imposing traditional reconciliation councils, which usually end with Christians, even if they are the victims, banished from their villages or forced to pay fines.

So although Christians enjoy better security under Sisi, an autocratic leader who brooks no dissent, the underlying reality is still the same, said Ishak Ibrahim, officer for freedom of religion and belief at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights.

The state is not addressing the root of the problem, Ibrahim said. The number of sectarian incidents may have decreased, but the view of the state has not changed.

In Delga, where a building belonging to the St. George church still lies in ruins, Christians are feeling uneasy.

The army, which residents say had been deployed in the village constantly since security forces retook it in September 2013, left abruptly last month  on the same day local officials demolished the wall around the churchs plot. Since their departure, Christian residents say theyve begun to hear threats in the streets.

Your protectors are gone, went one. Youll see what happens now.

Noura Shehata Rizk was selling notebooks and pens at the St. George church to raise money for charity work. She said it had been tense since the military vehicles rolled out of the villages rutted dirt streets.

She doesnt let her daughter walk alone anymore, and with the memories of the terror they endured in 2013 still fresh, she worries about what could happen now. Accountability for past crimes would help, she said.

The solution is that anyone who does something is taken and punished, so it keeps others from doing the same, she said.

Yet impunity for attacks on religious minorities in Egypt is commonplace. Instead of investigating sectarian incidents as crimes, authorities often rely on traditional reconciliation councils, denying victims their rights and access to justice.

In a recent case, a teacher from a Minya village was convicted of contempt of religion for a short video clip he made showing some of his students mocking Islamic State militants. He was sentenced to three years in prison, and he and his family were banished from their village after a reconciliation council.

The four students he filmed were convicted of contempt of religion, and three of them were sentenced last week to five years in prison, the maximum sentence. The fourth was ordered held at a juvenile detention center.

Mina Thabet, program manager for minorities and vulnerable groups at the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms, says Sisi has offered superficial changes to garner the support of Christians, without addressing deeper problems.

Christians are a marginal group and can be pleased by small things because they have nothing, he said. But the solution is not rebuilding some damaged churches. The real solution is allowing Christians to have freedom to practice their religion.

Yousef says many Christians dont blame Sisi for their problems, partly because they see authorities at the lower levels, such as police officers, security officials or judges, as responsible for allowing or abetting discrimination.

Plus, Christians have no alternative, he said. What can they do? Fear runs deep in them, right next to the blood in their veins.

Chick is a special correspondent. Special correspondent Hassan El Naggar contributed to this report.

ALSO

Supreme Court majority blocks Louisiana law restricting abortion providers

How Asian Americans climbed the ranks and changed the political landscape

Knife reportedly found at O.J. Simpsons former Brentwood estate is being tested by LAPD
One of the biggest and most notable issues surrounding the 2016 presidential elections is a topic brought forth by Republican candidate Donald Trump. From the first day of his campaign, the candidate has centered his sights on one very visible target -- illegal immigration, and how he intends to solve the problem.

Trump's Proverbial Wall

Trump's solution to the immigration issue in the United States is quite simple. One, he intends to crack down and deport all who are in the United States illegally and two, he intends to erect a wall that completely separates the United States from its closest neighbor, Mexico. Trump's stance on the latter has been so assertive that he even stated that he is going to require the Mexican government to fund the building of the wall.

The statement, unsurprisingly, has offended a number of notable personalities in the Mexican government, with former Mexican president Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderon even going so far as to compare the Republican presidential hopeful to Adolf Hitler, reported WWAYTV3 News.

The latest critic to Trump's remarks, coming not from a former politician but from one currently serving as one of Mexico's public servants, comes in the form of Mexican Treasury Secretary Luis Videgaray, who condemned Trump's statements on Wednesday.

"I say it emphatically and categorically: Mexico, under no circumstance, is going to pay for the wall that Mr. Trump is proposing. Building a wall between Mexico and the United States is a very bad idea, it is an idea based on ignorance and that is not supported by the reality of North American integration," he said.

Trump's Increasing Power

As much as Mexican politicians are condemning Trump's stance on the immigration problem of the United States, the fact remains that as the 2016 presidential elections draw nearer, Trump's supporters have increased. In fact, recent surveys have placed him right in front of the Republican hopefuls.

It's not just Trump who has strong feelings regarding the illegal immigration issue, either. National Geographic even noted that most candidates on the Republican side, even those lagging behind the billionaire businessman, have taken the immigration issue as a focal point in their campaigns.

Erecting a wall will undoubtedly cause a significant rift between the United States and Mexico. Apart from being a physical wall that separates the two sides, the sheer presence of such an imposing structure is a massive symbol that the United States intends to keep to itself for the next few years or so.

Unfortunately, those fearing that Trump's wall might very well become a reality might have fears that are well-founded. After all, if Trump does manage to get even more support, then what will happen to the United States and Mexico's relations would be anyone's guess.

 2015 Latin One. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
One of Brazil's most popular former presidents, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has been questioned by police on Friday, as part of the ongoing graft and corruption scandal involving a number of the country's prominent politicians and the state-run oil company, Petrobras, whose funds were allegedly channeled into political campaigns.

'Arrogant' Investigators

The former president's stint with the police, which involved authorities raiding his home and subsequently detaining him, was greatly denounced by da Silva. At a rally late Friday in Sao Paolo, the former president described the experience.

"I felt like a prisoner this morning. If they are a cent more honest than I, then I will leave politics," he said, asserting his innocence. The former president also stated that the authorities were "arrogant" during the events.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who was once da Silva's protege and also his hand-picked successor, has expressed her "total in conformity" with the authorities' operation against her predecessor.

The operation against da Silva started at about 6:00 a.m., when the police arrived at the former president's residence in greater Sao Paulo's Sao Bernardo do Campo. After apprehending the former president, he was taken to a federal police station at Congonhas airport, where he was released after four hours of interrogation, reported Yahoo! Finance.

A Crackdown Beyond da Silva

It was not just da Silva's home that was targeted by authorities on Friday, however, as authorities have also confirmed that the former president's nonprofit organization, Instituto Lula, as well as properties connected to da Silva and his family members, were also searched by the police.

One of his sons was allegedly taken in for questioning as well.

Before the massive graft scandal exploded in the Latin American country, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva towered over Brazilian politicians due to his contributions to the country's economy. Fondly known as "Lula," he served a significant role in ushering Brazil towards the international stage. His reign as president, from 2003 to 2010, is considered by many in the country as one of the most successful.

His successor, current Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, however, was not so fortunate. With the country's economy reeling amid the current crisis and allegations regarding her alleged corrupt practices in office, her reign as the country's president is almost the complete opposite of her predecessor.

As prosecutors continue to pursue leads into the graft scandal, even popular politicians such as da Silva are not safe. Responding to the controversy, the former president, who recently stated his intentions of running for the country's presidency in 2018, has stated that he will not be backing down.

"They're going to have to defeat me on the street. I'll be 72, but as hot and ready to go as a man of 30," he said.

 2015 Latin One. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Despite breaking almost every rule in the political playbook on how to run a successful presidential campaign, Donald Trump has maintained a strong lead in the Republican primary race and has a good shot at winning the GOP nomination. His brash bravado, racist rhetoric and indignant insults to his political rivals have only fueled his campaign, crowning him as the Republican front-runner.

The momentum behind his campaign is also being powered by his hardline stance on immigration reform, his threats to "bomb the sh*t out of ISIS" and his vague promise to "make America great again."

Here's where The Donald stands on five key issues:

Immigration

Throughout his campaign, the billionaire has vowed to crack down on illegal immigration through several outlandish proposals. One part of his plan includes forcing the Mexican government to pay for a multi-million dollar wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. According to Trump, this will curb the influx of illegal border crossings.

In order to actually force Mexico to pay for the costly wall, Trump has threatened to either increase fees or cancel all temporary visas issued to Mexican CEOs and diplomats. He has also said he would "increase fees on all border crossing cards - of which we issue about 1 million to Mexican nationals each year (a major source of visa overstays); increase fees on all NAFTA worker visas from Mexico (another major source of overstays); and increase fees at ports of entry to the United States from Mexico," according to his website.

Another part of his plan to stop illegal immigration is to deport the nearly 11 million undocumented residents currently in the U.S. However, he has not given specific details on how he would executive this massive deportation.

The real estate mogul -- who infamously called Mexican immigrants drug traffickers and rapists -- has also proposed to reverse the 14th Amendment and deny American-born children their birthright to citizenship if their parents are undocumented.

Furthermore, he has called for a freeze on green cards and a temporary ban on Muslims entering the U.S. in the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California last year.

Second Amendment Rights

During his campaign, Trump has positioned himself as a stark defender of the Second Amendment, promising to "empower law-abiding gun owners to defend themselves."

On his website, he adds, "To make America great again, we're going to go after criminals and put the law back on the side of the law-abiding."

According to the former reality TV star, government limitations on military style weapons and magazines are a failure. He has said that law abiding citizens should have the right to carry any type of firearm.

Unlike President Barack Obama, who wants to expand background checks on gun sales, Trump argued that the current background check system is already too burdensome on law-abiding gun owners.

"When the system was created, gun owners were promised that it would be instant, accurate and fair. Unfortunately, that isn't the case today," his website reads.

To fix the broken system, the candidate has proposed that states log data regarding criminal and mental health records.

The Trump Tax Plan

Under the Trump tax plan, there would be four tax brackets instead of seven and significantly lower tax rates for most Americans. As president, Trump has promised to push a tax reform plan in which married couples earning up to $50,000 would pay no income tax. The highest rate, 35 percent, would apply to those making over $477,450.

To pay for the tax cuts, Trump said he aims to reduce or eliminate most deductions and loopholes exploited by wealthy Americans. He would also reduce or eliminate corporate loopholes that cater to special interests, as well as deductions made unnecessary or redundant by the new lower tax rate on corporations and business income. He would also phase in a reasonable cap on the deductibility of business interest expenses.

Veteran Reform Plan

Trump offered a plan to help veterans get accessible health care. One part of his plan calls for the termination of the Veteran Affairs executives responsible for the corrupt system that has prevented vets from getting healthcare.

His goal is to ensure veterans "get the care they need wherever and whenever they need it. No more long drives. No more waiting for backlogs. No more excessive red tape. Just the care and support they earned with their service to our country."

To accomplish this, Trump said he plans to modernize the VA, invest in the needs of female veterans and empower medical professionals to give veterans the best care available in a timely manner.

Climate Change

Trump has declared that climate change is a hoax. Back in 2012, he tweeted that Chinese officials are responsible for creating the concept of climate change in order to suppress the U.S. economy, reports PBS. So it's safe to assume that he plans to take absolutely no action to reverse the effects of climate change or to stop carbon emissions and greenhouses gases from polluting the ozone layer.

Watch Trump explain his immigration plan below:
His tenure at the White House is winding down, but it's not keeping President Barack Obama from celebrating the milestones of his administration. The Affordable Care Act is one of Obama's signature bills, and he recently labelled it a success after the healthcare law marked a milestone with 20 million enrollees.

Landmark Number

According to a report from Newsweek, the United States President visited Milwaukee, Wisconsin and announced the recent accomplishment of the law. He was introduced by a man named Brent Brown, who said that he was a Republican who didn't vote for Obama in the elections but now credits Obamacare as a law that saved his life.

"Today I can announce that thanks to the law, 20 million more Americans now know the security of health insurance," Obama said to the crowd.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services revealed that the number included coverage from the expansion of the Medicaid program, health insurance marketplaces and policies that allowed parents to keep their children as part of their private insurance plans for a longer amount of time.

The last estimate was 17.6 million insured Americans back in September 2015.

Republican Resistance

Even with the impressive figures, Obamacare has faced remarkable opposition from the Republicans as they had attempted to repeal the law over the years, according to a report from New York Times.

"Congressional Republicans have tried and failed to repeal Obamacare about 60 times," Obama told the audience at the Midwest city. "They have told you what they would replace it with about zero times. If they got their way, 20 million people would have their insurance taken away from them. Twenty million people!"

The president added that up to 129 million people in the U.S. with pre-existing conditions now would not be charged more or denied health care coverage due to their prior illness. About 140 million Americans also have access to free preventive care including mammograms.

"So your insurance is better than it was even if you don't know it, even if you didn't vote for me," Obama said good-naturedly, adding that the city was able to get an upgrade through the health care act.

Healthy Communities

While he celebrated the success in Milwaukee, the world leader was in the city to reward around 38,376 people with private health insurance through the law. This is about 75 percent of the uninsured eligible people in Milwaukee and a reward for winning the Healthy Communities nationwide competition.
Alejandra Ceja travels a lot these days. As the executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, Ceja goes where she has to, as long as her visit brings Latinos one step closer to a better education.

"To be in this position at this level -- working for a White House commission that can advocate for better resources, that can advocate for high quality education, that can advocate for better diversity in our teaching profession, that can represent my Latinas by community -- it has definitely been the highlight of my career," Ceja told Latin Post.

Last September, President Barack Obama kicked off the initiative's 25th anniversary by announcing that $335 million had been raised for the nation's Latino community. The funds came from 150 Commitments to Action, contributions from public, private and non-profit investors who want to improve the quality of education for Hispanic students.

The goal is for the country's fastest-growing demographic, which makes up about one-quarter of the public school student body, to get the academic support they need, from cradle-to-career.

Promoting STEM Education

Ceja is on a nationwide mission to thank and encourage the teachers, parents and communities that make everyday differences in childrens' lives. She attempts to demystify the role government plays in the Latino community, especially when it comes to numerous programs people may not be aware of.

STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education is projected to increase by 17 percent by the year 2020, yet only 67 percent of Latinos currently have access to all of the courses involved, which include Algebra I, Geometry, Calculus and Biology. Less than 9 percent of Latinas graduate college with a STEM-related bachelor's degree, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

"We can't just rely on the school districts. We have to rely on the community as a whole to make sure they know," Ceja said. "The president has been clear: STEM is the future. We know where the projection are in terms of our future workforce needs, and we need to continue to have this conversation."

She added, "This community is playing a key role in the future of this country to be economically and globally competitive. One of the things we did was set an aggressive agenda to honor our anniversary, but most importantly send a message nationwide that it's important to invest in our community and not have to apologize that we're just focusing on the Hispanic community. It's important to set high expectations."

Ceja was in San Antonio on Feb. 18 and 19 to meet with commendable groups and organizations recognized as Bright Spots in Hispanic Education. She traveled to Houston, Austin and Miami within the last month, stressing the importance of STEM education and early learning from kindergarten to college.

Soon, her message will reach a regional television audience.

On March 5, San Francisco's Univision 14 Bay Area will televise Ceja's opening remarks at "Latin@s in STEM: Vias para la Inclusion (Pathways for Inclusion)." The entire town hall will be conducted in Spanish, aimed at a Latino audience who may be hearing about STEM for the first time.

From Huntington Park to Washington D.C.

Ceja's family come from the modest Mexico town of Villamar in the state of Michoacan. She grew up in the predominately Latino city of Huntington Park, California.

After a stint with the Congressional Hispanic Fellowship and jobs with the House Committee on Education and Labor and the White House Office of Management and Budget, Ceja took on an executive director role that directly affects how young Latinos and Latinas are educated.

"The voice of our Latino students is critical and we have to lift those voices from the field," she said. "I'm proud that we've been able to change the narrative on the importance of this initiative. And I hope that we continue to drive the message that this White House initiative is that forum for us to continue to challenge our country on how they're going to make sure that we all have a bright future."
The U.S. Latino unemployment rate dropped during February as labor force participation increased.

Unemployment Rate Drops, but Millions Still Not Working

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, based on February data, the Latino unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 percent, down from January's 5.9. The new number is a considerable decline from February 2015's 6.7 percent Latino unemployment rate.

The BLS indicated slightly more than 26.4 million Latinos are in the civilian labor force, which takes into account both employed and unemployed demographics. While almost 25.2 million Latinos were employed during February, over 1.4 million were unemployed. The unemployment rate takes into account individuals who were laid off, who are expecting to return to the workforce and those actively seeking employment.

A real determination of the rate of jobless Latinos includes those not actively seeking employment, a significantly high figure at nearly 13.7 million Latinos. Although the unemployment rate dropped considerably between February 2015 and February 2016, the rate of Latinos not in the labor force has remained consistent at more than 13 million people.

Taking into account gender, the unemployment rate for Latino men, ages 20 and older, dropped from January's 4.9 percent to 4.7 percent last month. Among Latinas, the unemployment rate is 5.4 percent, also down from January's 5.9 percent. More Latino men than Latinas were employed during February -- 14.7 million to approximately 10.7 million.

Overall Employment

The overall U.S. unemployment rate, regardless of ethnicity, did not change between January and February, staying at 4.9 percent as a result of 242,000 new, non-farm jobs last month. The number of Americans not in the labor force declined from 94 million in January to 93.7 million.

"Job growth occurred in health care and social assistance, retail trade, food services and drinking places, and private educational services. Mining employment continued to decline," said BLS Commissioner Erica Groshen.

U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez said the latest employment report demonstrated the country's "continued economic vitality," but added that there are still challenges to meet such as closing opportunity gaps and inequalities.

"We are both proud of how far the economy has come and eager to make continued progress. In the remaining 10-and-a-half months of this administration -- the 322 days until 'the weekend' -- we will do all we can to help all our people enjoy the fruits of this recovery, to create the shared prosperity America needs and deserves," Perez later said.

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.
What happens to immigrants if their labor is no longer needed, as robots rise to take their jobs?

I've you've ever seen a video of an Amazon fulfillment center in action, you're aware of how automated blue-collar work has become. Sure, there are people collating items and putting the finishing touches on packages, but for the size of the warehouse and whir of activity, you'd be forgiven if you overlooked the single human in sight operating a forklift.



A huge modern online retail company like Amazon couldn't operate at the level it does these days with less efficient, more costly, fully human-staffed fulfillment warehouses.

That idea can be extrapolated into the future, as automation expands in technological sophistication and begins to creep into any job. Robots -- seen in the Amazon warehouses essentially as parts of a giant beehive -- can be programmed and designed to do anything.

Robot Take-Over

Will all blue collar jobs -- landscaping, construction, farm labor and warehouse work -- eventually be replaced by automation?

That's the question Vice explored with Steven Bender, a law professor and associate dean for research at Seattle University. Bender -- an ironic last name for someone in this field as "Futurama" fans would tell you -- expects the future of robotics in the U.S. to be harsh economically on newly-arrived, low-skilled immigrant labor. This could only compound the current political pressure on this group coming from Donald Trump's insurgent Republican candidacy.

In the near future, automation may move into the labor field that immigrants normally lay exclusive claim to due to their circumstances.

"Our economy is addicted to precarious and cheap labor, so we rely on Mexicans for dangerous and monotonous jobs, from crop picking to baby butt-wiping, to slaughter houses, to steep roof repairs, to unwashed dishes," Bender said.

Due to the structure of our economy, automation will fill the types of jobs that the U.S. currently outsources for lower labor costs across the world. Many of those jobs may also become scarce for human hands.

"We outsource the work that we can," said Bender. "Whether it's in a maquiladora on the U.S.-Mexican border manufacturing heavy goods, or it's the same factories in Guatemala, and the Caribbean, and Asia manufacturing lighter goods like apparel."

The First Jobs to Go

In the U.S., Bender pointed to early successes and development being spurred right now in agricultural technology as a sign of things to come.

"Technology has replaced a number of jobs, and there's a great deal of research being done in the agricultural industry for the development of technology that can pick certain crops, and obviously that was transformative for the cotton industry," said Bender, adding that, at least currently, "for certain crops like grapes, it's very difficult to engineer a machine that has the delicacy of the human hand and the human eye in terms of what to pick."

"But it's likely those technologies will eventually come to fruition," he concluded.

It's not necessarily a bad thing that automation replaces some jobs on the lowest rung of the labor market, filling roles that people only work when they have no other options.

As Bender explained, "One of the things we have to think about is whether that's actually a good thing in some ways, because of all the dangerous conditions in the field. We've never really progressed from dangerous migrant farm labor conditions, with pesticide-laden workers in sweltering fields."

Robotic automation across the labor market is a real possibility. If robots arrive in force, they will disrupt the exact community least protected from the economic fallout.
The road to the White House just came to a halt for Ben Carson on Friday, March 4, 2016. The retired neurosurgeon acknowledged that while there are many people who love and admire him, this same lot may not be in support of his bid for the presidency.

"Even though I might be leaving the campaign trail, you know there's a lot of people who love me. They just won't vote for me," said Carson in the Conservative Political Action Conference gathering in National Harbor, Maryland. "But it's OK. It's not a problem. I will still continue to be heavily involved in trying to save our nation."

The Right Candidate

While Carson has refused to endorse a particular candidate, he has shared the kind of candidate he would have chosen for the position. He emphasized the need to make the logical choice as opposed to selecting one based on fear or anger.

He said that the right candidate must have the needed credentials in terms of significant accomplishments, not just in his field of work but throughout his life, according to his statement. The chosen candidate must also have treated their families and other people the right way. This alone could say a lot about how the candidate will run the country.

The chosen one must also have contributed to the betterment of the lives of Americans and the people who are part of their lives. Carson also cited the candidate's ethics and being a team player as important considerations.

Carson's Commitment

He also encouraged the people to be more active and to equip themselves with the right information to make the right choice. He said that it is important not to get swayed by the media or some of the political advocates.

"Along with millions of patriots who have supported my campaign for President, I remain committed to saving America for future generations. We must not depart from our goals to restore what God and our Founders intended for this exceptional nation," he said.

Carson's Call for Unity

On the falling out between Mitt Romney and Donald Trump, Carson said that it would be better for the Republicans to stop fighting one another as it could give the Democrats a key to the office.

"I don't think it is the proper place for someone who was the former standard bearer to be attacking the leading contender right now in a negative way," Carson said via Yahoo Politics.
The Dakota House of Representatives were not able to meet the required two-thirds majority to override the governor's veto regarding the proposed law for transgender students using public school bathrooms. The veto was given by Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Tuesday.

According to Time, the transgender bathroom bill would have required public school students to use facilities such as the bathroom and locker rooms as per the dictates of their gender when they were born and not the gender that they are identified with now. The override vote in favor of the bill fell ten votes short as 36 agreed and 29 did not. Five members of the House of Representatives did not vote.

As per Daugaard issuing a veto to the proposed law, he said that the issues regarding gender and facility usage at public schools should be handled locally rather than statewide as it could lead to lawsuits being filed, Yankton Daily reported.

The bill has received an immense amount of backlash from advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Human Rights Campaign. Tourists have also voiced out saying that they will cancel their trips to the state if the bill is passed as they believe that transgender youth are being treated unfairly.

The Department of Justice and civil rights groups have also expressed that denying transgender, both children and adults, to use facilities that aligns with their gender identity is a form of sex discrimination under Title IX, Raw Story reported.

The same bill has been proposed in other states such as Arizona, Kentucky, and Maryland but South Dakota was supposed to be the first state to ever sign it into law in case Daugaard did not veto it. Opponents of the bills being proposed say that the legislation will only further marginalize transgender students or people.

Daugaard's veto comes a month after the United States appeals court heard the arguments about a high school in Virginia allowing a transgender male to use the boys' bathroom. It also comes days after local lawmakers in Charlotte, North Carolina allowed transgender people to use public bathrooms in line with their gender identity.
Super Tuesday's results haven't swayed the Lehigh Valley's Republican congressman.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent said he's still backing Ohio Gov. John Kasich's campaign to be the GOP's nominee for president. He endorsed Kasich last month.

As for frontrunner Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, the only other candidate to carry multiple states thus far in the Republican primary, the party will be better off in November if its voters change course and do it quickly, according to Dent, who's been in office since 2005 and is running for re-election this year.

"My concern right now is that Donald Trump is ideologically scattered and Ted Cruz is ideologically rigid," he said. "Each presents enormous general election challenges."

Trump padded his delegate lead with victories in seven Super Tuesday contests, with Cruz claiming three states and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio picking up his first victory of the 2016 race. Kasich hasn't won a state and is counting on a momentum boost with a win in his home state's March 15 primary.

If Kasich doesn't take Ohio, Dent said he'll re-evaluate his position, but he reiterated that neither Trump nor Cruz are currently a lock for the nomination.

Asked whether he'd support Trump or Cruz if either do win the nomination, the congressman said: "We're going to cross that bridge when we get to it ... I'm not prepared to make that decision yet."

Dent, an Allentown native, is co-chairman of the Tuesday Group, a group of center-right Republicans. Many who consider themselves center-right have condemned Trump for what they've described as hateful, bigoted rhetoric.

Dent pointed to a number of statements Trump has made that he said should be concerning to fellow Republicans. A recent dust-up over Trump failing to disavow Ku Klux Klan sympathizer David Duke is one example, Dent said.

"Seriously, how hard is it to condemn David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan and that kind of bigoted racism?" he said.

Dent is running for a sixth term as the representative of the 15th Congressional District, which includes large parts of both Lehigh and Northampton counties. Democrat Rick Daugherty is challenging him.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Nick Falsone may be reached at nfalsone@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickfalsone. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Susan Ravitz, LEPOCO

Susan Ravitz marches with LEPOCO as she walks down Church Street during the annual Steelworkers and Friends Labor Day Parade in Bethlehem in August 2014. (lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

Five decades after advocating for civil rights and speaking out against the Vietnam War, Susan Ravitz is still giving peace a chance.

The Forks Township resident has been a part of the Lehigh-Pocono Committee of Concern (LEPOCO) family since the organization was established in December 1965. She continues to serve as a volunteer and activist for peace.

LEPOCO, which is based in Bethlehem, this month is marking its 50th anniversary.

"I was interested in peace and justice from the time I was in high school," Ravitz said. "I did come from a pretty progressive family, so it wasn't much of a stretch to get involved in the '50s."

Ravitz recalled going from classroom to classroom raising money to send to families affected by a bombing at an all-black high school in the South. She spoke out against the effects of nuclear bomb testing.

By the time Ravitz was attending Penn State University, she had joined her first protest. Later, her husband Artie would help integrate and desegregate barbershops.

As the Vietnam War heated up overseas, so, too, did the voices opposed to the United States' military intervention. The timing coincided with Ravitz's move to the Lehigh Valley from the suburban Philadelphia neighborhood of Lower Merion Township. (Ravitz has lived in the same Forks Township home since 1963.)

"It didn't make sense to me what was going on over there," she said. "The logic eluded me and it still eludes me."

By 1965, a group of concerned Lehigh Valley residents began meeting in Bethlehem to share their thoughts on the escalating conflict in Vietnam. Those initial meetings led to the formation of LEPOCO.

"Back in the days of Vietnam, we would get yelled at that we should go back to Russia, not that any of us were Russian, or leave the country ... They said we were traitors."

Since then, LEPOCO has spread its message of peace with justice through peaceful protests and demonstrations, guest speaker engagements and events such as their monthly "Potluck and Politics" film series. The group also runs a weeklong peace camp, held each July in Allentown. Their mailing list has surpassed 1,000 homes throughout the Valley.

On March 12, LEPOCO will host a discussion led by peace activist Ann Wright during their 50th anniversary banquet at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bethlehem. Wright, according to a news release, has become an outspoken critic of U.S. military actions in the Middle East and elsewhere since resigning from the State Department in 2003.

Ravitz said those who are not comfortable with joining a picket line or a protest will often come up to her and other protesters and thank them for being present.

"The thing that is really wonderful is that there is a group like this in the Lehigh Valley," she said. "There are lots of forces against peace, unfortunately."

Nancy Tate, who has been on the LEPOCO staff since 1974, said the organization has between 200 and 300 volunteers who participate yearly. She said interest in the organization ebbs and flows, depending on what is happening in the world.

Tate said the organization saw a groundswell of volunteer activity during the Gulf War.

"Hundreds of people were coming out of the woodwork to get involved," she said.

Today, LEPOCO continues to spread its message of peace with justice, though its focus has extended beyond speaking out against global conflicts. It also addresses climate change and opposing the use of drones in military operations.

"I learned a long time ago that justice issues are intertwined with peace issues," she said. "Wars take so much of our resources."

Ravitz said she is still optimistic that, one day, peace will prevail around the globe. It just may take a while for the seeds of harmony to sprout, she said.

"I think that the world has gotten a bit more complicated for many reasons. There certainly seems to be more conflict around the world," she said.

"I certainly will never give up hope that we can live more peacefully. I think that is the desire of the majority of the people on Earth."

IF YOU GO

What: Lehigh-Pocono Committee of Concern Annual Dinner

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, March 12

Where: Wesley United Methodist Church, 2540 Center St., Bethlehem

Tickets: $35 (includes dinner and program), $10 (program only); discount tickets are available for those with children and low income

Information: 610-691-8730

Dustin Schoof is a freelance writer. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
During coalition we blocked the Snoopers Charter. The bill, resurrected under the name of the Investigatory Powers Bill, shows the intent of the Tory Government  to degrade all forms of privacy we once held dear.

This new Bill isnt much different than the old one. It gives the police the power to indiscriminately record internet connection data, tap phone calls and scariest of all  give the security services the power to hack all electronic devices we own. The Bill has been marketed to MPs and the wider public as a necessity to public safety, but in reality it is nothing more than a draconian measure to curb our civil liberties in a move akin to the Stasi in East Germany.

Its not only civil rights groups who are concerned, its the tech community too. Questions are being raised about the bill as to whether or not its actually possible to implement. Part the proposed Investigatory Powers Bill legally requires Internet service providers (ISPs) to archive connections a device makes to the internet and hold that data for a minimum of a year. What Theresa May needs to understand is that this is a lot of data. Nobody for certain can put a finger on just how much data that is but one thing is for certain; Cataloguing it will be a wonder of the computing world.

Lets assume that the government has successfully completed their task of cataloguing my connections to a youtube server containing the cat video I wanted to watch  along with the 10 million others who watched the video in the UK. What now? How can the security services decide which data is useful in the fight against terrorism, and which data is a product of procrastination? This isnt a new problem, just ask the United States National Security Agency. They have too much untargeted data for any of it to be useful, only leading to their counter terrorism operations to be more inefficient and less cost effective.

Overall, its clear we need to think very hard as a country. Do we decide to sacrifice our privacy to a Tory government who seems hell bent on intruding into our personal lives? Or do we simply say no.

* Elliott Motson is Gateshead Lib Dems Campaign Support Officer. As well as VC of LY North East and VC of Middlesbrough and East Cleveland.
Germanys finance minister says the UK would be shut out of the single market in the event of Brexit.

Investment warning from the experts

The worlds biggest fund management company, BlackRock, says Brexit offers a lot of risk and little reward and has explained how it could damage the financial services industry in Britain:

Under one of the potential scenarios analysed by the fund, Britain could be excluded from the passport framework , which would deal a significant blow to those looking to sell or advise on investment funds within the EU. Should such a scenario come into place, investors looking to gain access to worldwide markets through Britain could be forced to relocate their businesses elsewhere and BlackRock indicated Dublin, Paris and Frankfurt could be among the beneficiaries in such circumstances.

A loss of goodwill  migrant camps to move here?

The Guardian analyses French government (and opposition) indications that the UK border may be removed from France if Britain leaves the EU.

Is being European part of being English?

The Telegraph has an interesting article on the need not to overlook English identity in this campaign.

Quiet Corby

Momentum, the grassroots movement that arose out of Corbyns leadership campaign, may not take an active part in the referendum. Caroline Lucas has attacked the Labour leaderhips noticeable silence on the biggest issue facing the country, reports the Guardian.

BMW UK jobs

BMW-Rolls Royce-Mini staff have been warned that Brexit will damage their company.

The South West

The Plymouth Herald reports concerns for what Brexit will mean for farmers and fishermen.

Pro-Brexit Tory MPs from Cornwall are guaranteeing that if we leave Europe, the UK government will replace considerable EU funds that Cornwall receives. Presumably they are honourable men and will resign if their guarantee does not hold?

Who votes?

The Express has a handy summary of who is eligible to vote.

Latest from the betting experts

Political Betting predicts Remain will win by 8.6% on a turnout of 62.75%

* Antony Hook was #2 on the South East European list in 2014, is the English Party's representative on the Federal Executive and produces this sites EU Referendum Roundup.
It seems that there is widespread misunderstanding among the federal party members as to why we here in Scotland decided to end the current moratorium we had on fracking and other non-conventional extraction of hydrocarbons.

Introduced in 2013, the Scottish moratorium on fracking was, as far as one understands it, based upon awaiting further evidence. The following year, such evidence actually came to light in the form of the Scottish Governments 2014 report: Independent Expert Scientific Panel  Unconventional Oil and Gas.

The report is comprehensive: addressing as it does both the environmental and public concerns. It comes to the conclusion that, with proper oversight, public consultation and tight planning restrictions, that it is possible to exploit the United Kingdoms potential for future hydrocarbon exploitation.

It was upon the basis of this report that Ewan Hoyle of Glasgow put forward his amendment to end the moratorium on fracking. At conference, I spoke in support of the amendment on the current state of the industry. With the oil price currently around $36 a barrel, the North Sea offshore industry has already shed over 70,000 jobs, with the associated knock-on effects throughout the economy.

Ewan also outlined the costs of importing oil and gas abroad, outlining the additional carbon cost of shipping. I would like to expand upon this point.

The graph comes from the report Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Shale Gas Extraction and Use, published in 2013. It shows that shale gas compares favourably with both non-EU gas imported by pipeline and LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) which is the method of importation by tanker.

I want to add to this the issue of not just CO2, which is of course vital, but also that of safety. To my mind, environmental concerns are global. This was brought home to me in the mid 1990s by none other that the ecologist and botanist Dr. David Bellamy. After he gave a talk, I asked him what he thought of the North Sea oil industry. His answer surprised me. David Bellamy regarded the North Sea has having the best and highest safety regulations and record in the world. He said that one had to be very careful in campaigning against oil and gas extraction and gave the example of Conoco in Central America. Conoco had obtained licences to drill in part of this nations rainforest and had prepared careful plans to do so with the minimum of ecological impact. The green campaigners in the USA strongly objected and launched a huge campaign to stop Conoco drilling in the rainforest. The Greens won: Conoco decided that the adverse publicity was not worth it and withdrew. Big celebrations among environmentalists.

That still left a poor nation with an unhappy government determined to do its best. What happened after Conoco pulled out was the government granted licences to some two-bit drilling outfit who didnt give a damn either about its public image and even less about the environment. The new operators trashed the place.

Since then, I have been working in the oil industry, very much at the sharp end and all over the world. I found Dr. Bellamy to be correct: the North Sea basin (United Kingdom, Norway, Germany, Denmark and The Netherlands) is collectively the best, the safest, the cleanest and most regulated oil and gas basin in the world. Outside Northern Europe, the industry is patchy. Some of the oil majors do manage to uphold high standards throughout their global operations. Others say they do, while if the crunch comes and an incident reported, the move is not to investigate but to cover up.

This ought to show that if we in the UK do not use our own expertise, under our own regulations, to the standards applied to the offshore industry, but yet continue to import oil and gas from other parts of the world, we dont really care about the environment. What we dont know may not upset us but we will be doing nothing to reduce CO2 emissions, accidents and pollution elsewhere.

So it saddens me that we have an email from Willie Rennie saying that the policy committee has decided to oppose fracking on the grounds of climate change. As I have outlined above, this would be factually incorrect and smacks more of popularism than policy. This drive is from top-down and does not reflect either conference decision nor understanding of the issues.

In campaigning, messages have to be simplified. What should never, ever happen is that the message dictates the policy. I get that fracking is not popular but for us to examine the evidence and then campaign against what the evidence says is frankly perverse. That is one bandwagon that the Liberal Democrats should never jump on. To do so may lead to some short term success but it will inevitably lead us being hollowed out morally as a party. The last thing we need to adopt is an opportunistic culture. Liberal Democrats need to be evidence-based.

Winning is important but if the leadership starts reversing conference decisions because they are politically inconvenient, we have to ask ourselves: what kind of party are we becoming?
Last Friday, Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference passed this amendment to a motion on climate change.

After line 21 insert:

The report of the Independent Expert Scientific Panel on Unconventional Oil and Gas published in July 2014 which states that The technology exists to allow the safe extraction of such reserves, subject to robust regulation being in place and There could be minimal impact from unconventional hydrocarbons if they are used as a petrochemical feedstock. Delete lines 36 to 38 and replace with Lifting the moratorium on planning and licensing for unconventional oil and gas extraction, granting the potential for Scottish-sourced unconventional gas to supply our important petrochemical industry.

The original lines 38 and 39 read:

maintaining a complete moratorium on planning permission and licensing for tracking and unconventional gas extraction in Scotland for the next parliamentary term to allow for a full assessment of the risks involved and the long term implications.

We all thought that was that until an email came to Scottish members last night entitled We need to talk about fracking.

It said:

Last weekend at the Scottish Liberal Democrat conference, members voted to lift the moratorium on fracking and unconventional gas extraction while supporting a pre-manifesto commitment that endorses a move away from polluting fossil fuels and continued support for renewable energy. These two policies do not go hand in hand. Scotland has missed its climate change targets for the last four years. We need an energy mix that will help us cut down on emissions, not boost them. Fossil fuels will remain part of the picture for years to come but our focus must be on reducing carbon emissions. We dont want to distract from supporting renewables by opening up a whole new front of carbon-based fuels and energy production. Thats why, at a meeting of Policy Committee last night, it was agreed that the partys manifesto will contain a commitment to oppose fracking on climate change grounds. Scotland needs a strong climate change policy that does not divert investment and research away from green technologies. I believe we have that strong policy and I hope you will stand by our bold proposals to make sure Scotlands energy needs are met by renewable resources that do not open up a whole new front of carbon-based fuels and energy production.

Those who proposed and supported the amendments will not be happy that what was a clear Conference vote has effectively been overturned. The issues are slightly nuanced. Willies position is that it doesnt matter what the evidence says, we simply shouldnt be investing in yet more fossil fuels.

He discussed this pretty frankly with Policy Committee, which has ultimate responsibility for the manifesto, on Thursday evening. They agreed to back his position.

This is far from the first time that a leader has not implemented a Conference decision. Whats different is that they dont usually bother to consult the party about it. Think of all those conference votes against secret courts the Bedroom Tax and the NHS reforms which Nick Clegg ignored. Ross Finnie, as Rural Affairs Minister back in 2002 came into conflict with Liberal Democrat moves over GM crops.

I suspect that the party will be more comfortable with the position that Willie has taken than the amendment even if it is unhappy with the process. If nothing else its refreshing to have the leader adopt a more radically environmentalist position than the Conference.

Only around half of those registered for Conference were in the hall for the vote. Im kicking myself for sitting in the cafe sipping tea and chatting for my friends, because had I been in the hall, Id have voted against it, as would a fair few of the people in there with me. One of the morals of this story is that if the subject matters to you, you need to be in the hall.

Its a tricky situation, and there will need to be a bit of good will on both sides to get through it. I think the policy that was passed last Friday was inherently contradictory. You cant call for action to tackle climate change that enables burning of more fossil fuels. We have always talked the importance of careful stewardship of the planet. I understand the frustration of the supporters of the amendment, too. I proposed the motion, passed unanimously in Dundee in 2013, against secret courts that was subsequently ignored by Nick Clegg so I know how that one feels. Unlike what we did on secret courts, though, I think that Willie has done the right thing to ensure that our policy is coherent. Policy Committee and the leader need to take an overview of all our policy. Our pre-manifesto has a strong section on climate change and the environment, committing us to beat our climate change targets with bold plans and to focus on renewable energy. That was also passed by Conference by a massive margin. I dont think anybody voted against it.

I think that Willies statement last night makes us more capable of delivering the ambitions in the pre-manifesto and I think, on this occasion, we should back him because hes right.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
THE SMALL matter of stepping down from a life in politics wont stop Dan Neville from continuing his crusade to raise the profile of services for mental illness and suicide prevention.

Mr Neville was at the count centre in UL to see his son, Tom, follow in his footsteps in Limerick county.

It must have been a strange experience because for the first time in decades fighting council, senate and general elections his name was not on the ballot paper. And, instead, he was a father supporting his son.

Forget about Dan Neville. Tom is a good candidate in his own right. We saw that in the council election when he got in on the first count. He has a level of attraction in his own right without Dan Nevilles vote  that will stand to him in the future. Because I wasnt on the ticket we didnt know if he was a vote getter himself but he is, said Mr Neville.

And if the first time candidate wants any advice he has the perfect counsel in his dad.

I can be selfish and say the work that I did  I worked very hard for 25 years on raising the profile of services for mental illness and suicide prevention  I will be able to continue through him with Dail questions and continue that campaign and information.

I am still president of the Irish Association of Suicidology and will continue to be - that is important to me. Of course I can be there for him in anything he wants to be advised on or anything he wants me to do.

Because when you retire, somebody like me who is engrossed in my job, in politics, in Fine Gael, in representing the people of County Limerick, we have nothing else.

You had to be at that level of involvement. If he wasnt selected I had nothing, now I have some role whether you call it adviser or nusiance, said Mr Neville.

He said he was relieved rather than proud that the party, in contrast to much of the country, did so well in Limerick county.

A lot of hard work went in by both candidates to get the vote that we have. It is obvious that the people responded to the work that both of us did - Patrick [ODonovan] and I  over the period. The dilemma was would my vote - my personal vote because everybody has a personal vote - would my personal vote transfer to Tom and obviously it did. I would put it at 80 per cent and that is very high. But Mr Neville Snr stresses that the election is over, three have got the publics endorsement and it is time to get down to work.

Hard work, very rewarding work and very frustrating sometimes, espec-ially at national level when you want to get issues of interest on agendas.

Once elected you are a representative of all the people, those who voted for you, didnt vote for you or didnt vote at all. It never bothered me who ever approached me what their politics was.

Tom will represent the people of County Limerick because he knows how I won my seat is by representing the people individually. He will do that because that is what elected me and kept me in office for that time.

He will do that very strongly because that is the work ethic we have.
The most obvious symptom of microcephaly is that the child has a smaller head than others of the same age and gender.

Pregnant women who become infected with Zika virus may be at risk for not only having a child with microcephaly, but also having a fetus with other serious health issues, including problems with the nervous system and even fetal death, according to a new study from Brazil.

The study  which provides some of the strongest evidence that Zika virus causes microcephaly  found that nearly one-third of women who had Zika infections during their pregnancy had an ultrasound that showed fetal abnormalities. These abnormalities included problems with growth, such as microcephaly (meaning an abnormally small head); problems with the placenta; and lesions in the brain or spine.

"Zika definitely causes the problems. We think microcephaly is only the tip of the iceberg," said study co-author Dr. Karin Nielsen-Saines, a professor of clinical pediatrics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. [Zika Virus FAQs: Top Questions Answered]

Infants and fetuses in the study showed a variety of problems, including calcification (or hardening) of brain tissues, problems with the amniotic fluid and an abnormally small body size. There were two stillbirths in the study. Usually, viral infections don't cause only one problem, and because of the array of problems now linked with Zika, the researchers suggest using the term congenitial Zika virus syndrome, Nielsen-Saines said. The new study provided a stronger type of evidence than previous studies of the effects of Zika during pregnancy because it was prospective, meaning that women who went to the clinic in Brazil were tested for Zika and were then followed over time (regardless of whether they tested positive for the virus).

In addition, the researchers tested the women for Zika by looking for the virus's genetic material  which is more reliable than looking for antibodies, or proteins produced by the immune system in response to a Zika infection, Nielsen-Saines said.

The new study is "what people have been waiting for," in terms of the type of evidence needed to prove that Zika infection in pregnancy causes microcephaly, said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease specialist and a senior associate at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's Center for Health Security, who was not involved in the study. That's because the researchers compared pregnant women infected with the Zika virus with pregnant women who were not infected with Zika virus and lived in the same area  a so-called "case control" study.

"This is the closest we've gotten to [proving] causation," Adalja said. Although more studies are still needed to solidify the link, "for all intents and purposes, this justifies the concern raised early on," that at least a proportion of the microcephaly cases in Brazil were caused by Zika virus, Adalja said.

The Zika virus is currently spreading rapidly in Central and South America. Health officials became concerned about a link between the virus and microcephaly after there was a dramatic rise in cases of this birth defect in Brazil last year.

The study involved 88 pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro who were tested for Zika virus because they had recently developed a rash  one of the symptoms of the infection. Of these women, 72 tested positive for Zika virus, and they were at various stages of pregnancy  anywhere from five to 38 weeks pregnant.

The researchers performed ultrasounds on 42 women who had a Zika infection and 16 women who did not have a Zika infection. (A number of women in the study who tested positive for Zika did not agree to have ultrasounds, Nielsen-Saines said and, in some of those cases, were due to women not wanting to know whether the fetuses they were carrying potentially had health problems.)

About 30 percent of the Zika-infected women showed a fetal abnormality on their ultrasound, compared to none of the women without a Zika infection. The Zika-infected women were all previously healthy and did not have other risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, the researchers said. [Zika Virus News: Complete Coverage Of The Outbreak]

Five of the Zika-infected women (12 percent) had fetuses with microcephaly, but in most of these cases, the fetus also had a condition called intrauterine growth restriction, meaning the whole fetus, and not just the head, was abnormally small.

Seven women (16 percent) had fetuses with lesions on the brain or spinal cord, or other central nervous system problems, and seven women appeared to have placental insufficiency, when the placenta doesn't work as it should so that the fetus does not receive a sufficient amount of oxygen and other nutrients.

Two women infected with Zika had stillbirths at 36 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, respectively. In previous studies, there was some speculation that Zika infections may be more damaging if they strike earlier in pregnancy. But in the new findings, the both stillbirths happened in women who were infected late in their pregnancies, Nielsen-Saines said. And in another case, a baby had to be "urgently delivered" from a woman with a later Zika infection, because the baby would have died otherwise, she said.

None of those three cases involved microcephaly or other problems with the central nervous system, but rather these cases had other problems such as placenta or amniotic fluid abnormalities, she said. There "may be a high risk of fetal demise with infections in the last trimester," she said.

The finding that nearly 30 percent of Zika-infected women had an abnormality on their ultrasound is "worrisome," the researchers said. They noted that the rate of fetal death in women with Zika was 4.8 percent, which is about twice the rate of fetal death among women infected with HIV living in the same area.

However, Adalja said that because the new study was small and in a single area, more studies are needed before researchers know the true rate of Zika-related pregnancy complications. In addition, there were 30 women in the study who were infected with Zika but did not have an ultrasound. It will be important for future studies to perform ultrasounds on all Zika-infected women in order to generalize the findings, Adalja said. [The 9 Deadliest Viruses on Earth]

In Brazil, fears about Zika are running very high, Nielsen-Saines said. "People are very worried; there is a lot of fear and concern," she said. Some pregnant women who become infected with the virus are coming to doctors and requesting to have their labor induced right away  some in the third trimester, but also some still in their second trimester -- in hopes of minimizing the damage to their fetus, she said.

The study is published today (March 4) in The New England Journal of Medicine.

Follow Rachael Rettner @RachaelRettner. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.
Two Australian surfers are trying to tackle the planet's water pollution problem head-on, by developing a device that functions as an automated floating trash bin for the world's oceans.

The device, called the Seabin, can be placed in the water, attached to a floating dock in a marina, and is connected to an onshore water pump. The pump generates a flow of water into the container that collects trash and other debris, according to the inventors.

Plastics and other forms of water pollution have become a big problem, according to the Natural Resource Defense Council. Plastics, in particular, make up a significant portion of the stuff floating around in the world's oceans; scientists estimate that 4.4 million to 13.2 million (4 million to 12 million metric tons) tons of plastic washed ashore in 2010, Science magazine reported. That is the same weight as more than 435 copies of the Eiffel Tower all stacked together. [In Photos: World's Most Polluted Places]

The Seabin's inventors, Pete Ceglinski and Andrew Turton, met through their mutual love of water sports, according to the project's Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign , which wrapped up in January. Eight years ago, Turton came up with the idea to create a rubbish bin for the water, Ceglinski told Live Science in an email.

There are a few existing ways to clean up marinas and waterways, the inventors said. One is to use trash boats with built-in nets to scoop up garbage as the boats motor around. Marina workers also walk around and scoop up trash where it gathers in the corners of docks. These methods are effective at removing debris, but they have some drawbacks, Ceglinskiand Turton said.

For one, trash boats are very expensive to operate and maintain, Caterina Amengual, general director of the environment for Spain's Balearic Islands, said on The Seabin Project's Indiegogo page. Marina workers face a similar problem: Their efforts cannot keep up with the amount of pollution in the water, Eli Dana, general manager of Newport Shipyard in Rhode Island, stated on The Seabin Project's Indiegogo page.

Turton and Ceglinski said their initiative could help solve these problems.

The Seabin is an "an automated marina rubbish bin that collects floating rubbish, debris and oil 24/7," the inventors said on their Indiegogo page. The basic design is pretty simple. The device consists of a cylindrical container lined with a natural fiber catch bag and a water pump system with an optional oil/water separator. [Top 10 Craziest Environmental Ideas]

The water pump (run by an onshore power source) would create a flow of water into the bin that carries floating trash with it. These pieces of garbage would get caught in the fiber catch bag (made from a natural fiber called hessian). The water would get sucked out of the bin and up the water pump, and then pumped back into the marina.

"The Seabins will [be] made from polyethylene plastics using a mix of recycled ocean plastics, recycled plastic and new plastic," Ceglinski wrote in an email. "All other components will be materials we [can] reuse or recycle (i.e. aluminum, stainless steel)."

The Seabin Project hopes to have a Seabin production operation in place by the end of this year. Additionally, the group wants to create a small carbon footprint for the product and put a strong emphasis on local production, using sustainable materials in production and finding a way to reuse or recycle the trash collected in the Seabins.

"Eventually, we expect to be reusing all our plastics we have caught and not have it go to [a] landfill," Ceglinski said.

The project's Indiegogo campaign ended Jan. 8 and raised a total of $267,667  more than 15 percent more than its original goal.

Follow Elizabeth Newbern @liznewbern. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.
LivingNonviolence

works to inform and inspire a life of nonviolence. Gandhi claimed that nonviolence is "the law of our being"; that nonviolence manifests in human life in infinite ways; that violence is an aberration from

being

human. We agree! We write to support and encourage this point of view.

We are writers from many locations and walks of life, most associated with an international non-profit called Nonviolent Alternatives.
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
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
A news outfit affiliated with the Islamic State says the caliphate carried out 90 suicide attacks in Iraq, Syria and Libya during the month of February. The claim was made by Amaq News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic State and often provides reliable information about the groups international operations.

An infographic produced by Amaq, and released via social media earlier today, summarizes the martyrdom operations for February. It can be seen below. 51 of the suicide attacks involved the use of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED) and the remaining 39 were executed using explosive belts.

Amaq previously released a similar summary for January (also seen below), claiming that 85 suicide operations were launched in Iraq and Syria. 47 of those used VBIEDs and the remaining 38 were launched by jihadists with suicide belts.

The Long War Journal has not independently verified these statistics, but the figures are plausible given the scale of the caliphates operations in these countries and prolific use of martyrs. However, the Islamic State is also known to exaggerate the impact of its operations and one should not assume that the infographics are completely accurate.

In addition, not all suicide operatives die willingly. Some are coerced to blow themselves up. Still, there is no doubt that the number of jihadists willing to die for the Islamic States cause has grown dramatically over the past few years.

Amaq News Agency infographic summarizing suicide operations in Iraq, Syria, and Libya in February:

Amaq News Agency infographic summarizing suicide operations in Iraq and Syria in January:

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.
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.
Femern A/S, a subsidiary of the Danish state-owned Sund & Blt Holding A/S, has today announced its intention to award a substantial contract related to the construction of a tunnel connecting Denmark and Germany to the Fehmarn Belt Contractors consortium including Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis). Besides Boskalis, the consortium includes Hochtief AG, Ed Zublin AG and Van Oord. The total budget for the Fehmarnbelt link construction is DKR 45 billion (approximately EUR 6 billion) and the value of the contract to Boskalis is approximately EUR 300 million.



The Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link will connect Denmark and Germany and will be the world's longest immersed road and rail tunnel. The fixed immersed tunnel link across the Fehmarnbelt will be more than 18 km long and carry a four-lane motorway alongside a twin track-electrified railway.



The Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link tender consisted of four contracts: the tunnel north, the tunnel south, tunnel dredging and reclamation and the tunnel portals and ramps. The Fehmarn Belt Contractors consortium is the preferred bidder for the tunnel dredging & reclamation contract. The contract is conditional to obtaining the outstanding environmental permits that have yet to be issued by the German authorities. To the best of our knowledge, these permits are not expected to be issued before 2017.



The activity scope for Boskalis together with Van Oord includes the dredging of a tunnel trench in the seabed over a distance of 16 kilometers with the use of various types of dredging equipment including trailing suction hopper dredgers, backhoes and grab dredgers. The dredged material will be reused to create a new recreational nature reserve area on the Danish side of the Fehmarnbelt. The consortium will also construct a new working harbor where the tunnel contractors will construct a tunnel fabrication yard where the tunnel sections will be cast before being floated out to sea for installation.
Super Tuesday Exit Polls Showed Voters Want Revolutionary Change

Americas dysfunctional political system is too corrupted to fix. Ordinary Americans understand.



Half the electorate usually ops out, refusing to vote when no choices exist, no one for high office representing them.



Governance at all levels is unresponsive to their rights and needs. People want revolutionary change, yet remain unwilling to get actively involved.

Indifference lets dirty business as usual flourish. Elections are farcical when held. A previous article said duopoly power presidential aspirants look more like an FBI most wanted list than legitimate candidates, representing monied interests exclusively, not popular ones.



No matter who succeeds Obama, murder (remains) Washingtons foreign policy, Paul Craig Roberts explains - endless wars on humanity, including against Americas most disadvantaged, a permanent underclass, tens of millions affected.



America was never beautiful. Democracy is pure illusion. None whatever exists. Voters have a right to angry. Dissatisfaction with US policy changes nothing.



Rage for change alone may work, nonviolent grassroots revolution against deep-rooted fascist rule, tyranny headed toward becoming full-blown.



International law no longer matters. Constitutional protections are gone. All three federal branches spurn them. Bipartisan neocon lunatics run things.



Democrats are no different from Republicans on issues mattering most, two sides of the same coin, indifferent to democratic values, rule of law principles and human needs, their agenda threatening global peace.



Political season is meaningless theater, substance entirely absent. So-called elections are exercises in deception - the same outcome achieved every time.



Ordinary Americans are systematically betrayed, media scoundrels part of the problem, opposed to responsible change, against governance serving everyone equitably, supporting privileged interests exclusively.



The America I grew up in during the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s no longer exists - woefully flawed then, intolerable now, heading toward the unthinkable, what remains of a free society disintegrating altogether, full-blown tyranny replacing it.



We the people alone can change things. Nothing else can work. Elections are a waste of time.



At stake is peace or permanent war, freedom or slavery, justice or tyranny.

By Stephen Lendman

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com

His new book as editor and contributor is titled Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.

http://www.claritypress.com/Lendman.html

He lives in Chicago and can be reached in Chicago at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.



Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to The Global Research News Hour on RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday through Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national topics. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 2016 Copyright Stephen Lendman - 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.

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Mass enthusiasm and interest in the Bernie Sanders campaign has swept the entire planet. As his viability as an electable candidate gathered momentum, a chain reaction of support was unleashed throughout the country.

Photo by Gage SkidmoreIn particular, Sanders 20-point victory in New Hampshire marked an influx in the rise of sincere illusions and enthusiasm for his candidacy, transforming him from scrappy underdog to potential contender. However, we are only at the beginning of the beginning of a protracted process that will unfold over many electoral cycles. As with all complex and contradictory social phenomena, a sense of proportion is needed when it comes to American politics.

As we predicted many years ago, the political pendulum, which had swung so far to the right, is beginning to swing dramatically in the opposite direction. Years of crisis and instability have inexorably had an effect on consciousness. Sanders insurgent candidacywhich wasnt given an ice cubes chance in hell just a few months agois clear evidence of this. Tens of thousands have turned out at mass rallies to hear his message of political revolution against the billionaire class. He has put socialism in the headlines in an unprecedented way, reflecting the deep-seated discontent that has been slowly but surely percolating beneath the surface.

Following in the footsteps of Wisconsin, Occupy, and Black Lives Matter, Sanders has given conscious political expression to the formerly unconscious process of radicalization taking place in US society. A response to decades of crisis, austerity, cuts, attacks, and sellouts by the status quo politicians, Sanders expresses essentially the same fundamental process as the rise of Podemos in Spain and Jeremy Corbyn in Britain. However, similar is not the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to understanding or intervening in political processes. The fact that the discontent is being channelled at this stage through the ruling bourgeois party makes things far more complicated.

For decades, the two-party system hung like an albatross on the neck of US workers. Now, with quintessential American energy, the old norms and expectations have been tossed out the window. Trumps domination on the Republican side and Sanders close finish in Iowa and win in New Hampshire set the stage for a showdown on Super Tuesday. Clinton and Trump, each with seven wins that day, feel increasingly confident and have begun to aim their political fire on one another. Although Sanders won convincingly in Vermont, Minnesota, Colorado, and Oklahoma, he narrowly lost the New England state of Massachusetts and has fallen behind Clinton in pledged delegates. Never mind the spectacle of Bill Clinton personally and illegally haranguing and blocking voters at the Massachusetts pollsa win is a win. With many Southern states up for grabs early in the nomination contest, Clintons edge among black and Latino voters has given her an early boost. But the nomination contest is not over yet, and Sanders has vowed to soldier on, despite facing a hostile party machine and diminished chance of pulling off the political upset of the century.

Republican Party in crisis

At the same time, without a clear lead in the form of a mass socialist labor party, millions of workers are disoriented and have fallen for the right-populist demagogy of Donald Trump. Mass audiences have welcomed him to cities across the country. His persistent appeal has confused many, but has a clear explanation. Despite his off-the-wall and reactionary sound bites, Trump is not a traditional conservative. He is not an evangelical fundamentalist Christian like Ted Cruz, or a Cuban-American gusano like Marco Rubio. At heart, he is a mediocre trust-fund-baby businessman, reality TV star, and opportunist par excellence. A former Democrat who opted to run as a Republican out of convenience, he was at one time pro-choice and a supporter of socialized health care. Despite his attacks on immigrants and China, he has hired plenty of immigrants, and manufactures clothing in China. And although he initially gave an ambiguous answer when asked whether or not he disavowed the endorsement of Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke, he is hardly a fascist.

The secret to his success is his brash, take-no-prisoners confidence, which plays on the fears and frustrations of ordinary Americans who are dissatisfied with both the party in power and the traditional wing of the Republicans. Given the crisis of capitalism and of US capitalism in particular, his promise to make America great again is an ahistorical utopia. But to the pragmatic American mind, jobs and security sound pretty good after decades of crisis, austerity, and terrorism. The fact that he is already rich and therefore claims he is not owned by anyone is also appealing to those who rightly suspect that Wall Street owns most politicians. And although he lies perpetually through his teeth, when he does tell the truthfor example, about the character of his political rivals or big businesss stranglehold on politicshe is seen as a straight-talker.

As we explained in our last editorial, the 2016 election has stressed the limits of the prevailing two-party system to the breaking point. The monotonous back and forth between carefully vetted candidates that dominated US politics for decades has come to a screeching halt. As evidence of this, take the case of former Florida governor Jeb Bush, who aspired to become President Bush III. Heavily funded and favored by the Republican elite, he ran a traditional campaign in a year when tradition was the last thing voters wanted. He ignominiously exited the campaign after a pathetic showing in South Carolina.

Many heavy hitters in the Republican establishment can see the writing on the wall. The choices before them are stark: either embrace Trump or risk a split in the party sooner rather than later. Some elected officials have already announced that they will abandon the party if Trump is nominated. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, the darling of the Tea Party, is already trying to distance himself from Trump while at the same time seeking to rein in the New York property magnate.

Tim Pawlenty, former Governor of Minnesota, offered this stark assessment: The party is fractured, which isn't unusual for political parties and they almost always come back together. But this could test the outer limits of that tradition. If the Republican Party were an airplane and you're looking out the window, youd see some pieces of the surface flying off. And you'd be wondering whether the engine or a wing is next.

Former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott was even less optimistic, when he explained to CNN that by mid-March, the Republicans will know whether it is time to throw up our hands in despair and panic. He continued, Weve now backed ourselves into a corner hereand its not very pretty. [Super Tuesday] is not the final blow, but we will know in the next two weeks whether this is a done deal or not.

Conservative patriarch and failed presidential aspirant Newt Gingrich also has a grim view of his partys prospects, explaining, Trump is putting together a very unique coalition thats rattled a lot of people who have made a living out of trying to win within a Republican structure which is now increasingly obsolete . . . Its a crossroads for the Republican Party and its a crossroads for America.

Internal tensions have reached such a fever pitch that there is open talk of running a third-party independent Republican candidate if Trump wins the nomination. William Kristol, editor of the conservative Weekly Standard, explains that such a ticket would simply be a one-time, emergency adjustment to the unfortunate circumstance (if it happens) of a Trump nomination . . . [It] would support other Republicans running for Congress and other offices, and would allow voters to correct the temporary mistake (if they make it) of nominating Trump.

There is even talk of conservative Republicans supporting a candidate on the ballot line of an existing minor party, such as the Libertarian Party or the Constitution Party. Max Boot, a foreign policy advisor for Marco Rubio, declared bluntly that I would sooner vote for Josef Stalin than I would vote for Donald Trump. There is no way in hell I would ever vote for him. I would far more readily support Hillary Clinton, or Bloomberg if he ran.

But if the Republican Party splits, who will get the majority? Will the split involve a move to the right of Trump, which may well render such a formation unelectable on a national scale? Will Trump take over the party, a one-man show without a significant base in the party apparatus? Or will he split off himself, whether or not he wins the nomination, and establish a new right-populist formation? These and many other questions will only be answered by events. What is clear is that the Republican Party roller coaster ride has only just begun.

However, as significant as all of this is for the future of American politics, of far more interest for revolutionary Marxists are the processes taking place at the other end of the political spectrum. Although things have not yet reached the levels of tension that exist among the Republicans, there have already been several high-profile resignations from the Democratic National Committee by officials who want to throw their lot in with Sanders.

In 2008, Obamas inspiring but ultimately empty abstractions of hope and change were sufficient to rally people to the polls. Back then, accusing a candidate of being a socialist was a good way to discredit them. Today, the word socialism is seen positively by millions, especially the youth, and even among many who consider themselves Republicans. Eight years ago, the possibility of electing the first black or woman president was foremost on many peoples minds. Today, an elderly Jew impersonated by Larry David who calls himself a socialist is giving Hillary Clinton a run for her money. How to explain the fact that millions of Americans now consider themselves socialists?

The Great American Compromise

It has been said that the American people have a genius for compromise, and that the US Constitution is its most sublime legal expression. For decades after its adoption, the Southern slave owners and the nascent Northern industrialists were able to compromise their way out of many near misses that threatened to rip apart the young republic. But the time eventually came when there was no more room for compromise. The old set up was torn up in an explosive and transformative revolutionary conflagration.

After the US Civil War, a new era of compromise was initiated, this time between capitalists and workers. It was a tumultuous relationship, with many a hard-fought struggle waged by the working class and its organizations against the bosses. But things eventually reached the semblance of an equilibrium.

Trotsky described this epoch in Their Morals and Ours: In order to guarantee the triumph of their interests in big questions, the ruling classes are constrained to make concessions on secondary questions, naturally only so long as these concessions are reconciled in the bookkeeping. During the epoch of capitalistic upsurge especially in the last few decades before the [First] World War these concessions, at least in relation to the top layers of the proletariat, were of a completely genuine nature. Industry at that time expanded almost uninterruptedly. The prosperity of the civilized nations, partially, too, that of the toiling masses increased. Democracy appeared solid. Workers organizations grew.

At the same time reformist tendencies deepened. The relations between the classes softened, at least outwardly. Thus certain elementary moral precepts in social relations were established along with the norms of democracy and the habits of class collaboration. The impression was created of an ever more free, more just, and more humane society. The rising line of progress seemed infinite to common sense.

Instead, however, war broke out with a train of convulsions, crises, catastrophes, epidemics, and bestiality. The economic life of mankind landed in an impasse. The class antagonisms became sharp and naked. The safety valves of democracy began to explode one after the other.

World War I was followed by an economic boomThe Roaring Twentiesand illusions in gradualist reformism were again reinforced. The dream was violently shattered by the nightmare of the Great Depression. After the chaos of the 1930s and World War II, capitalism was again stabilized temporarily, this time aided by the betrayals of Stalinism, and yet another epoch of compromise opened up. US capitalism was in an enviable position, accounting for 50% of world GDP. On this basis, a new epoch of relative social peaceat least for some layers of the populationwas made possible through the postwar economic boom, which allowed unprecedented crumbs to be given to the workers. Long gone were the class struggle labor leaders of the past, replaced now by class collaborationists who saw themselves as partners with the bosses, whose job was to mediate the class struggle on behalf of the ruling class.

But compromise requires give-and-take. In exchange for a stable job, modest benefits, and a somewhat comfortable retirement, millions of workers were willing to compromise their dreams and aspirations for a more interesting and exciting existence. Work on the line in an auto plant wasnt particularly easy or fun, but it provided for a relatively high quality of life, even without a college degree. But by the 1970s and into the 1980s, as the postwar boom sputtered out, this era of compromise, too, ran aground. However, with few militant leaders in place to lead the fight back, American labor entered a long decline, accompanied by a precipitous fall in living standards for all workers.

Fast forward several more decades. Today there is no give by the bossesonly take. Give-backs, concessions, and shrinking benefits are the norm when it comes to union contracts, while those without a union are sinking even faster. On the basis of bitter personal experience, millions of Americans are coming to understand that this is as good as it gets under capitalismand they are looking for a way out.

2008: A tipping point

Eight years ago, in the middle of a presidential election, the country entered an unprecedented economic meltdown. It marked a before and after in US economic, political, and social history and consciousness. As many as 800,000 jobs were being lost every month. Years of Bushs war on terror had drained the treasury and exhausted the country. Wall Street and the capitalists had not been as discredited in generations. The ruling class needed to pull a rabbit out of a hat. They did so in the form of Barack Obama. Handsome, eloquent, and offering a vision of hope and change, millions of people rallied around him and elected the countrys first black president. Despite the heartfelt illusions of millions, we explained that Obama would ultimately be more of the same, and that American workers would have to pass through the School of the Democrats.

Disappointment rapidly set in. President Obama sent home the vast network of organizers who had gotten the vote out for him. Despite controlling both the House and the Senate for the first two years of his administration, he continued Bushs economic and military policies. The Employee Free Choice Act, which would have made it much easier for workers to join a union, was tossed aside. Obamacare was nothing like the single-payer version supported by most Americans. Even the prison camp at Guantanamo, set up in the aftermath of September 11, remains operational to this day. In 2012, he was unenthusiastically reelected. We explained at the time, however, that the more things stay the same, the more they change. Beneath the surface of society, the molecular process of revolution was simmering.

Now, as we near the end of Obamas final term, the US is a very different country. We have passed through the experience of the Wisconsin uprising, the Occupy movement, federal recognition of same-sex marriage, the lowering of the Confederate flag in South Carolina, the Black Lives Matter movement, and much more. The apparent apolitical apathy of the youth has turned into its opposite. Just as Spains anti-politics Indignados movement eventually found a political expression in the meteoric rise of Podemos, young Americans in particular have begun to awaken to politics in a big way.

The world they live in is not the same as their parents and grandparents, and their political attitudes reflect this. They have never known and will never know the relative stability of the postwar world. There is no guaranteed job, mortgage, car loan, or retirement to anchor them to the system. Theirs is a world of crisis, revolution, and change, combined with instant worldwide cultural exchange and communication. They have no firm loyalties to any party or politician and the pillars of bourgeois society have little authority in their eyes. As Marx explained, they live in a world in which all that is solid melts into air, all that is holy is profaned, and man is at last compelled to face with sober senses his real conditions of life, and his relations with his kind.

In these conditions, millions of Americansand not only the youthare tearing up the old political playbook and are ready and open for something dramatic and new. Despite running in the traditional parties of the ruling class, both Trump and Sanders are seen as mavericks taking on the powers that be. It seems contradictory, but is in fact perfectly understandable, given the US context and history, that many voters are torn between Sanders and Trump.

Political system in crisis

The overwhelming institutional weight of the Democratic and Republican Parties makes it extremely difficult for outside parties to develop into a mass force. Without the existence of an already established mass workers party, the pressure and polarization in society are being expressed through the two parties of the ruling class. Income and wealth statistics show that the so-called middle classthe backbone of the American Dream and postwar stabilityhas been squeezed nearly out of existence. The buffer between the poorest and the richest is getting thinner every day, blowing apart the old political equilibrium.

For far too long, Americans have been kept on a tight leash when it comes to what is politically and economically realisticdespite the potential for so much more being right before our eyes. That leash will snap sooner rather than later, as youth and workers strive and strain to pull free from the artificial constraints of the past.

The period we have entered will be far more similar to the 1850s than the 1950s. The years before the Civil War saw the rise and fall, split and fusion of many political parties as the balance of forces between the classes and of layers within the classes shifted one way and then another. The political strife of that era included the now-forgotten Whig, Liberty, Free Soil, American, Constitutional Union, and Know-Nothing parties. The Democrats split and transformed, and out of the chaos emerged the Republican Party, seemingly out of nowhere. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln, initially a longshot to win his own partys nomination, was elected president in a four-way vote with just 39.8% of the vote, a mere six years after the partys formation. In time, a new equilibrium was attained, as the Northern capitalists asserted their economic domination of the countrybut not without the disruptive turmoil of the Civil War and Reconstruction.

In times such as these, rapid changes and unexpected transformations are the norm, not the exception. We too must be ready to follow the twists and turns of history as the class balance of forces shifts and seeks a new equilibrium, as the basis for the old one has been upended. However, given the organic crisis of the system, there is no new equilibrium possible on the basis of capitalism. Only the socialist revolution can cut the Gordian knot of capitalist contradictions and liberate humanity from the absurdities of a system in which recurring crises of overproduction, hunger, homelessness, and unemployment affect billions in the midst of unprecedented abundance.

Unfortunately, however, although the working class has the numbers and potential power to transform the situation overnight, the lack of a farsighted leadership means that the confrontation between the classes will again involve a prolonged period of turmoil, accompanied by a wide range of unpredictable political manifestations. As weve noted in the past, the capitalists will come to regret not having allowed the formation of a mass labor party in the postwar period. In countries such as Britain and France, the leaders of these parties have historically played a key role in controlling the working class and staving off revolution. Without such a party in place in the US today, all bets are off, and many transmutations are possible, starting with the Sanders phenomenon.

Perspectives

The art of developing perspectives is an integral part of scientific socialism. The purpose of these conditional prognoses is not to provide an absolute, immutable, 100% accurate blueprint for the futurewhich would be impossiblebut to outline the most likely processes and variants. This in turn allows our comrades and sympathizers to anticipate and therefore more efficiently orient to movements and events as they arise. Nearly two years ago, at a time when Bernie Sanders candidacy was merely the whisper of a rumor, we explained in our 2014 Perspectives document:

The decay of capitalism is manifested in a variety of ways. Many people are turning inward and are lashing out in frustration on an individual basis. At present, there is a mood of resigned tension and disaffection. There is a nationwide heroin epidemic in states like Vermont. Nationally, drug overdoses have tripled since 1990, and now account for more deaths than motor vehicle crashes. Mass shootings, bombings, and murders over texting in a movie theater or overly loud music in a car are regularly in the headlines. We live in a society of economic, political, and social decline.

But this will all eventually turn into its opposite. The workers and youth are just waiting for something to happen, for a lead, for someone to point the way forward. You can feel it in the air, on the bus, in the workplace, and at the check-out counter.

In the coming period, in the absence of a political outlet, the workers aspirations to improve their position will tend to be channelled into economic struggles. We can anticipate a rise in strikes, organizing drives, and militant, class struggle tendencies in the unions. But as economic struggles and strikes are nowhere near enough to stop austerity and falling living standards for the majority, this energy will feed back into the struggle to build a labor party. Alongside these developments, interest in socialism will continue to grow, and there will be an increasingly clear understanding of what socialism really is. International events and the economic cycle will also play a big role in shaping workers outlook.

As we are always at pains to explain, changes in consciousness are not linear. However, history wastes nothing, and the contradictions continue to pile up and will eventually reach a breaking point. Consciousness can and will catch up with a bang.

The task of Marxist perspectives is not to look into a crystal ball, but to draw out the most general trends. To use a scientific analogy, American society is a nonlinear system tuned to the edge of chaos. Any efforts to reestablish equilibrium in the economy can only lead to further instability in politics and society, and vice versa. All of these dynamics feed on and condition each other in ways that are impossible to predict precisely. We can expect many unexpected twists and turns, even though they are deeply rooted in the objective and subjective conditions themselves. Like the sorcerers apprentice, the instability of the system has unleashed dynamics that are impossible to predictand even harder for the ruling class to control.

The longer the pressure builds the more explosive it will be when it finally bursts to the surface. Small, accidental incidents can express a deeper historical necessity and have an effect far out of proportion to their immediate significance. This is why, while developing the broad overview of our perspectives, we must also do our best to keep our finger on the day-to-day pulse of the working class and the youth. The coming period will be fundamentally different from the recent past. In an epoch such as this, there is no room for routinism!

It is a dialectical contradiction that we must build our forces precisely now, at a time when the movement is at a low ebb. But history shows that once the revolution begins, it is too late to improvise the necessary leadership. Recent examples such as Tunisia and Egypt, or even Wisconsin and Occupy demonstrate this without a shadow of a doubt. Our small forces can develop an excellent analysis, but we cannot yet have a decisive effect on events. If we do not build the leadership the working class requires and deserves, no one else will. This is why, although we understand that there are no magic shortcuts to the building of the revolutionary party, we must have a healthy sense of urgency.

We live in the most exciting historical epoch humanity has ever witnessed: the epoch of the world socialist revolution. As Trotsky explained in his 1938 classic, Their Morals and Ours, the Marxists have studied and learned from the rhythm of history, that is, the dialectics of the class struggle. They also learned, it seems, and to a certain degree successfully, how to subordinate their subjective plans and programs to this objective rhythm. They learned not to fall into despair over the fact that the laws of history do not depend upon their individual tastes and are not subordinated to their own moral criteria. They learned to subordinate their individual desires to the laws of history . . .

They know how to swim against the stream in the deep conviction that the new historic flood will carry them to the other shore. Not all will reach that shore; many will drown. But to participate in this movement with open eyes and with an intense willonly this can give the highest moral satisfaction to a thinking being!

We have been fighting against stream since the WIL was founded in 2002. But in the brief span of time that has elapsed since then, our ideas already no longer seem as radical or out there as they once did. The disconnect between the conditions faced by the majority and the potential for humanity to reach ever-new heights has never been more glaring. Our ideas reflect reality, while those of the labor leaders and the bourgeois politicians are increasingly at odds with the situation confronting workers and the youth. There have never been greater possibilities for our organization or for the struggle of the working class for socialism. To make this potential actual, we must train the cadres and build the IMT in the US and internationally.

The processes described above have accelerated since these lines were written. The tide has most certainly begun to turn. Although the class struggle has not yet been expressed on the trade union frontthere was only a slight uptick in strikes and days lost to strikes and lockouts in 2015 as compared to 2014it is clear that the system is hovering on the edge of chaos. A barrage of sharp and sudden changes is yet in store. At the moment, the pent-up frustration is being expressed in a contradictory way through Bernie Sanders candidacy as a Democrat. But at a certain stage, in some form or another, this energy can and will feed back into the unions, the broader working class, and the working classs objective need for class-independent political representation.

The Democratic Party

As we noted in a recent article on the Iowa Caucus, The Democratic Party is neither democratic nor a party, in the usual sense of the word. It is a massively corrupt capitalist electoral machine with no unified program and no democratic internal organizational structures through which the rank and file can hold its leaders accountable. The vast majority of voters merely self-identify as Democrat or Republican, as there is no standard criteria for membership. Although many workers vote for the Democrats and are encouraged to do so by the labor leaders (more often than not as a lesser evil), the unions are seen merely as another special interest, almost akin to lobbyists, and there is no formal or organic connection between them and the party.

As the worlds oldest active voter-based political party, the Democrats have changed spots many times over the last two centuries: from the party of the Jacksonian small farmers, the Southern slavocracy, and the corrupt Tammany Hall machine, to the backbone of Jim Crow segregation, the New Deal, and alleged friends of labor. Originally based on libertarian principles of small government and states and slave-owners rights, they are now perceived as socially liberal advocates of big government spending. Closely fused with Wall Street and the capitalist state, the party is one of the key pillars of bourgeois rule in the US and around the world.

The presidential nomination process, via caucuses and primaries, is intended to give the illusion of inner party democracy. But the institution of unelected superdelegates and other party rules and regulations means that in the final analysis, everything else being equal, it is the party tops and big donors who call the shots. However, in recent weeks, everything else hasnt been equal, and Hillary Clintons carefully scripted campaign seemed on the verge of unraveling. Bernie Sanders was supposed to merely lend a modicum of left cover to her inevitable coronation. But the electorate has taken the idea of democracy seriously, and massively voted for Bernies unrealistic proposals, instead of Hillarys uninspiringly pragmatic politics of the possible.

Despite the momentum Sanders gained in the first handful contests, Super Tuesday represents a setback, and there are still plenty of other cards the Democratic Party machine can play to stop himlong before the superdelegate nuclear option needs be deployed. Lets also not forget that New Hampshire is a small rural state right next to Sanders home state of Vermont, and despite the enthusiasm his win there generated, it provided him with few delegates, which in the Democratic Party are allocated more or less proportionally.

Even if Sanders won more pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention, it is not at all likely that the Democrats would risk an all-out split in the party just months before the general election by giving Clinton the nomination on the basis of the superdelegates. Nothing has been decided this far in advance. Clinton also had a majority of superdelegates going into the 2008 convention, and yet they changed their votes and supported Obama, the majority winner in the primaries and caucuses. The New York Timesthe mouthpiece for the more sober, Wall Street wing of the US capitalist classhas called on the superdelegates to follow the lead of the majority. The ruling class may feel differently about Sanders than they did about Obamaabove all because of the forces he has begun to stir upbut they have not lost their heads entirely. Although they are worried, it would be an exaggeration to say that they are in an outright panic at this stage.

The Democratic Party machine has successfully neutralized or co-opted many attempts to push it to the left. They have always succeeded. But these are new times, and it will certainly be more complicated this time around. Much will depend on what Sanders decides to do. Nonetheless, without an organized mass opposition prepared to lead the charge against the party apparatus, especially in the unions, even the most explosive eruption will end up only letting off steam if it is not channeled into useful work.

Far from taking Sanders head-on at this stage, the serious bourgeois are treating him with kid gloves. They would far rather make the best of a bad situation and keep Sanders within the big tent of the party than have him spin entirely out of their control, running as an independent, with hordes of voters following him out of the Democratic Party. A race between an independent Sanders, the Democrat Clinton, Republican Trump, and possibly an independent Bloomberg, is the kind of political unpredictability the ruling class would very much like to avoidthough they will not be able to avoid it indefinitely. And if, for example, the next economic meltdown occurs between now and November, or a hard-to-control wave of labor strikes develops, they may well need to rely on Sanders services to try and keep things within safe channels.

The flip side of the delegates and superdelegates question is that if Hillary appears to win fair and square, big pressure will be brought to bear on Sanders and his supporters to back her and the Democrats. It is certainly theoretically possible that Sanders has had a secret plan all along, that he chose to run as a Democrat as part of a long-term strategy to use the partys infrastructure as a vehicle to get his name and ideas out there, planning all along to break with them if he was not selected as their nominee. However, Sanders is not new to Washington, having served in the House and Senate since 1991. Hes an extremely seasoned and savvy politician who has voted with the Democrats for most of his career. His decision to run as their candidate was carefully considered. So far he is playing by their rules even though the cards are stacked against him.

Major shocks from many possible quarters may yet scuttle Clintons campaign and leave Sanders as the de facto candidate. He may do surprisingly well in upcoming contests and wrest the nomination from the DNC after all. While there is growing pressure on Sanders to run as an independentwhether he wins the Democratic nomination or notonly time will tell what course he takes. Although millions of his supporters would be bitterly disappointed, he may yet play the role of a pied piper who leads left-leaning voters into the swamp of the Democratsall in the name of combatting the greater evil. He has, after all, stated that he doesnt want to end up like Ralph Nader.

It is best to avoid making categorical statements when it comes to what a politician will or will not do, or what the result of an election may or may not be, as there are too many impossible-to-predict variables in a chaotic system such as this. But the clock is ticking. In the not too distant future, Sanders will have to make a decision that will determine his political legacy and potentially change the course of US history. Will he follow through on his word to support Clinton if she is the nominee? Will he withhold his endorsement and go home quietly? Or will he help lay the foundations for something new and necessary in American politics? Will he call on the unions to break with the Democrats and build an independent socialist labor party? If he does pursue such a course, on what basis could such a party be built?

Eroding base of support

The Republicans have seen record turnouts in primaries and caucuses throughout the candidate selection season. While the party tops are not enamored of Trump, he has energized millions of Republicans and independents in a way that a Jeb Bush simply couldnt. In the Democrats camp, however, interest in the candidate selection process has dropped dramatically. Despite the enthusiasm Sanders has generated, three million fewer Democratic voters participated in Super Tuesday than in 2008. Throughout the South, between 25% and 50% fewer voters came out to the polls. This could perhaps be chalked up to decreased enthusiasm among black voters, now that Obama is not up for election. But Iowa, too, saw a 40% fall in participation by voters under 30 years of age, and despite boosting Clinton over the top, Latino voters in Nevada came out in significantly lower numbers as well.

The takeaway is that turnout in 2008 was the result of enthusiasm in Obama himself, compounded by eight years of GW Bush, in the midst of a terrifying economic meltdown. As the party in power, anyone associated with the Democratic Party label will suffer, no matter how much pressure there is at this stage to stop the Republicans, no matter how excited people are by Sanders ideas or the possibility of electing the first female president. These are above all Sanders and Clinton votersnot necessarily Democratic voters. Many Sanders voters have strongly asserted that they would prefer to stay home or even vote for Trump if Clinton is the candidate. Once the lesser evil machine ramps up, they may well change their minds, but the sentiment is clear. These voters would not give a Clinton presidency much of a honeymoon.

Loyalty to the two ruling parties, once grounded on the promise and even guarantee of a certain standard of living, is disintegrating. Millions of Republicans and independents would follow Trump out of the party without hesitation, and he himself has made it clear that he is far more loyal to his own brand than to the Republican Party in the abstract. As he recently explained to MSNBCs Morning Joe, I am watching televisionand I am seeing ad, after ad, after ad put in by the establishment, knocking the hell out of me, and its really unfair. But if I leave, if I go, regardless of independent, which I may doI mean, may or may not. But if I go, I will tell you, these millions of people that joined, theyre all coming with me.

According to Gallup, a record number of Americansa plurality of 43%consider themselves independent as compared to Democrat or Republican, a substantial increase from 35% in 2008. Both Sanders and Trump have tapped into this base of discontent, but more voters have abandoned the incumbent Democrats (from 36% to 30%) than the opposition Republicans (from 28% to 26%). According to Jocelyn Kiley of the Pew Research Center, Younger people tend to be less likely to affiliate with parties than older people. This is as pronounced as it's ever been . . . People give some of the most negative ratings of either party that weve seen in the last 20 years.

Behind the diminishing support for the mainstream parties and candidates is an even more dangerous reality, pregnant with implications for the future: support for capitalism itself is falling precipitously.

Women voters

For decades, the Democrats enjoyed the almost guaranteed support of an overwhelming majority of trade union, black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ voters, as well a healthy overall majority among women and the youth. This was to be the foundation of Hillarys nomination and eventual installment in the White House. However, these layers of the populationthe most downtrodden and affected by the grinding economic crisishave not rallied around her as expected. Instead, many have responded enthusiastically to Sanders. Although she pulled off a win on Super Tuesday, her march to the coronation has been nowhere near as smooth as she anticipated.

Gail Sheehy outlined what is happening in an opinion piece for the New York Times: Kathryn Levy, a poet and arts educator of Mrs. Clintons vintage, said: Between Hillary coming so close to winning the nomination in 08, and an African-American man winning the election, that narrow mold of who could be president has already been broken . . . A female editor at a prestigious national magazine confided: I should be jumping up and down with enthusiasm for Hillarys candidacy, but Im not. I asked if she would vote for Hillary in the end. I am waiting to see if Bernie wins Iowa, she whispered. If so, Im right there!

In the 2008 presidential election, many boomer women, especially self-described born feminists like Lorraine Dusky, a writer and activist based on Long Island, started out as monotheistic Hillary worshipers. When a young, passionate African-American senator stole her thunder, most of the Democratic women I knew turned to Obama. . . . This time, Ms. Dusky, having passed 70, said: Im feeling Clinton fatigue. Even exhaustion.

The Rev. Katrina Foster, a Lutheran pastor for 21 years, told me, Im no longer interested in the physical packaging of these candidates. Pastor Foster, who is gay, acknowledged that Mrs. Clinton finally had the right position on gay issues. But we now have won rights, Im more concerned with what we have lost  what it means to be an American. She is leaning toward supporting Bernie Sanders.

Huge numbers of young women have enthusiastically backed Sanders campaign. Gloria Steinems smug assertion that these women have flocked to Sanders because thats where the boys are, is just one example of the growing disconnect between the old guard and the youth. Then there was Madeleine Albrights infamous comment that there is a special place in hell for women who dont help each other, which provides a valuable lesson in dialectics. For 25 years, that line apparently played well to audiences. Now things have turned into their opposite. Not only didnt it connect, but it badly backfired. Then there is Clinton herself, who has scolded young women like a disappointed parent for not backing her, including this young black woman.

A recent article in the New York Times provides the following insights on the growing disconnect, based on discussions with students at Penn State University:

She and her friends note that the nation already has a black president; they see themselves in a postgender world. As Ms. Sandidge, also African-American, said, I dont find gender that important. . . . It is as if Mrs. Clintons campaign, based partly on revealing the power of female voters, has instead revealed something else: a generational schism that threatens to undermine it. Mrs. Clinton lost the womens vote in New Hampshire by 11 percentage points. Broken down by age, the results were even more striking: She led by 19 points among women 65 and older, but trailed by a huge margin, 59 points, among millennial voters, ages 18 to 29 . . . Many younger women already take for granted some of the gains that those before them fought for, and they identify strongly with their generations collectiveconcerns  student debt, finding a job in postrecession America, and the fight for gay rights and a more flexible view of gender than their parents considered . . . Polls suggest Americans in both parties long ago became open to a female occupant of the Oval Office. By 1999, as Elizabeth Dole contemplated running for the 2000 Republican nomination (she did, unsuccessfully), the Gallup organization found that 92 percent of Americans said they would vote for a woman. Ms. Lake said that number was inflated, because voters are not often truthful with pollsters. Still, when Gallup first asked that question, in 1937, the figure was 33 percent. Yet as Kellyanne Conway, a Republican strategist who runs the super PAC that backs Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, says, it is impossible to divorce a theoretical question about women from the realities of a specific candidate. If young women are not excited by Mrs. Clinton, Ms. Conway says, it is because they reject her message, or do not relate to her. People no longer hear, Do you want a woman to be president? she said. They hear, Do you want that woman?

Black voters

And what about the so-called black vote, which was likewise supposed to be all but guaranteed to Hillary? Earlier on in the campaign season, Sanders was confronted by Black Lives Matter activists who called him out publicly for not making police brutality a central part of his campaign. To many, this awkward clash seemed like a confirmation that an old white dude couldnt possibly connect with black voters. His response was to raise the issue of police brutality in his stump speeches and to bring several BLM activists on to his staff, some of whom have gone on to play a leading role in generating support for him in states like South Carolina.

Hillary lost this bellwether state in 2008 to Obama, and this time around, it was felt by many that black South Carolinians owed the Clintons. This view was summed up by former Senate Democratic staffer Jimmy Williams, a native of the Palmetto State, in a pre-primary article on MSNBC: Hillarys lead in South Carolina is simply insurmountable, due specifically to the black vote, and this notion that hes peeling away black voters from her is a myth. What black voters in South Carolina want is simple. They want someone who loves God, wont lie to them, will protect America and will fight against racism. And the Clintons are literally family to black South Carolinians.

However, this paternalistic attitude, which sees black voters merely as political capital, an amalgamation of quid pro quo favors to be called in, come election season, backfired among the youth. Although Hillary succeeded in maintaining the support of a majority of black voters, there is a clear generational split, as the youth drift toward Sanders. Sanders comes across as sincere and honest, and this connects with those who have come to scorn the artificially choreographed poll-and-focus-group-driven Clinton machine. Most importantly it gives lie to the myth that black voters somehow care only about black issues.

Issues such as police brutality resonate deeply with black Americans. But the reality is that this many-times oppressed layer of the working class has little to lose and much to gain if capitalism is overthrown and replaced by genuine socialism. Historically, there are deep reserves of radicalism, pro-socialist, anti-imperialist, and pro-union sentiment among the black population. Black workers are more likely to be in a union than any other demographic. The vast majority of black Americans are workers, often among the worst paid, and it is working class issues that resonate the most.

Once again, the truth is concrete. Sanders call for socialism, a higher minimum wage, universal education and health care connects far more with the average black worker, especially the youth, than something Bill Clinton may have done for black people 20 years ago. Nonetheless, Sanders faced an uphill struggle to make up for decades of political preparation for these elections. The Clintons are a household name and have effectively been on a constant presidential campaign since the 1970spromising eight years of Bill, eight years of Hill. But once again, the generational divisions are coming into focus.

As for LGBTQ+ voters, Sanders has supported marriage equality for decades, whereas Clinton only recently opportunistically changed her position to align with majority opinion. It is difficult to find solid statistics, but the quotes in the New York Times cited above would seem to indicate that this too is no longer a guaranteed demographic for the Democratic Party establishment candidate. And Latino voters, while still overwhelmingly for Clinton, are less enthusiastically Democratic than in the past, as was evident in Nevada. There is surely a generational gap deepening here as well.

The labor movement

This brings us to the all-important and decisive question: the organized working class. Although numerically weakened by decades of attacks and sell-outs by the class-collaborationist leadership, union workers represent a powerful force in society. In 2015, the overall unionization rate was only 11.1%. However, this amounts to 14.8 million union members, with another 1.6 million workers who report no union affiliation but whose jobs are covered by a union contract. 35.2% of the public sector is unionized, above all teachers, federal, state, and municipal workers. And while only 6.7% of workers in the private sector are unionized, this is in key sectors of the economy: utilities (21.4%), transportation and warehousing (18.9%), educational services (13.7%), telecommunications (13.3%), and construction (13.2%).

Tensions have risen within many unions over the question of endorsing Clinton versus Sanders. Many large unions rushed to endorse Clinton early in the campaign season to cut across this. Despite the pressure from above to stick to the tried-and-true, several unions went ahead and endorsed Sanders anyway, including the influential National Nurses United, American Postal Workers Union, and the Communication Workers of America. In a clear nod to the pressure against a presumptive endorsement of Clinton, the AFL-CIO has declined to endorse one candidate or another for the time being.

Millions of workers are excited by Sanders despite his running as a Democrat. Millions of others are still on the sidelines precisely because of his association with the party in power. Although Sanders program is left-reformist at best, all of the above shows that there is indeed a natural basis for a labor party based on the unions and rising support for socialist ideas.

Sanders broad fundraising base highlights this potential. He has received donations from over four million individuals and out-fundraised Clinton in February ($43 million to her $30 million). His refusal of money from Wall Street is a major source of his support. The unions have even more resources, above all the real-world social networks and infrastructure that could organize a massive rank-and-file campaign to get out the vote if it mobilized its full potential around an independent campaign. In many states, were it not for the unions, Clinton would have little in the way of a ground game. If the plug were pulled and instead channeled into an independent bid by Sanders, it would mean the effective end of the Democratic Party in its current form.

How will a labor party be formed?

Is it possible that a split in the Democrats could lead to the formation of a labor party? Of course it is. For years we have explained that a split off from the Democrats, which would eventually break away the major unions, was one possibility. In Brazil, the Workers Party (PT) was formed on the basis of many smaller unions and the broader working class, before eventually winning over the larger unions in the CUT federation. We even named potential Democrats such as Dennis Kucinich, who at one point might have split away over support for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. We pointed to potential support from unions such as the National Nurses United, whose leaders supported the short-lived effort to form the Labor Party in the 1990s.

The US Marxists have never had a rigid approach, or mechanically asserted that the process would be exactly as it was in Britain, where the unions took the initiative to set up the political party, though even there it was not a linear process. That was our basic working hypothesis, based on the conditions in the US. But we always left open the possibility of other variants. Given the state of the trade union leadership, we believed that this was not necessarily the most likely scenario, and that something far more amorphous was likely in the initial stages. But the objective necessity would remain a class-independent party with the backing of the main unions, even if they didnt all break from the Democrats at once.

Clearly, there is no preconceived schema that can be imposed, as it would be impossible to work out in advance the exact path to a labor party. What we can say is that whatever form it takes, its coalescence will be a process, with many streams of struggle, both political and economic, both in and out of the existing union structures, coming together over time. Depending on how events unfold, it is even possible that the future labor party will be called The Democratic Party. If that is the case, we will be there with our class. What concerns us above all is the content of such a party, not the outward form or the name. Whatever zigs and zags history takes, we will retain our connection to the working class and its organizations, fighting for our program and the socialist revolution.

Unfortunately, the current crop of pro-capitalist labor leaders has no interest in rocking the boat. In fact, they have become the greatest objective obstacle on the path of independent working class organization, both political and economic. But the class struggle in the coming period will violently shake up the labor leadership. They will no longer be able to coast along on empty promises of better things to come if only the lesser evil is supported. This worked in 2008 and 2012, but with literally nothing given in exchange by Obama, it is becoming a harder and harder sell.

No matter who ends up as the Democratic nominee, the lesser evil pressure to defeat the right will be merciless in the general election. To help ground us in resisting this onslaught, we should be clear that lesser evilism represents the pressure of alien classes: both those who dont want the workers to take economic and political power, and those who have no confidence that this is possible.

Although polls are mixed as to whether or not Trump can be beaten by a Democrat, it remains to be seen whether the lesser evil mantra will have the same effect as in the past. When you cry wolf once too often, people stop listening. The bitter lesson that US workers will likely be forced to endure at a certain stage, is that by not building a viable alternative to the lesser evil, the greater evil will eventually make its way back into power. Needless to say, a Trump presidency would quickly disabuse those with illusions in his populist demagogy, further eroding support in the two-party system, and creating even more potential labor party supporters. The wave of protests and mobilizations his election would unleash would introduce even more instability to the equation.

Which way forward?

The contradictions and disparities of capitalism are in many ways more acute and intractable in the US than anywhere else on the planet. The protective layer of fat accumulated during the postwar years is rapidly burning away. Virtually all the key institutions of capitalist rule are discredited. The old guard of both parties is rapidly blowing its political capital, which will mean even less room for maneuver in the future. The capitalist class is no longer sure how to maintain its rule. This is the explanation for the incredible array of candidates who have presented themselves in this years election.

Enormous social energy is building up in this country, and once provided an outlet, it will set the entire planet on a different course. If Sanders loses the nomination, chooses not to endorse Clinton, and instead sets out on his own, it could have far-reaching consequences. Even if he fails to win the presidency as an independent in 2016, it could lay the foundations for a mass working-class alternative at all levels of US politics. It would shock the union leadership out of complacency and energize the rank and file, widening the chasm that exists between their interests. However, none of this is guaranteed this electoral cycle, and we will have to attentively see how things play out.

One thing is certain: the question of how socialism is perceived in the US will never be the same. The Marxists can build our forces as a result. It is crucial, therefore, that we have a sense of proportion and position ourselves for the future. There is a big difference between perspectives and wishful thinking, just as there is a difference between the first and the ninth month of pregnancy. There are no shortcuts to building the revolutionary party. We are in the early days of this process and cannot get carried away. The next few months will be extremely interesting and important, but the coming years will be even more momentous, and we we must prepare for this.

We cannot take any responsibility whatsoever for the Democrats in their present form. Sanders is a historical accident, in the sense that nature abhors a vacuum, and he has filled it. What is most important is not Sanders or his campaign as such, but the social forces he has awakened to political life and activity. Those most interested in joining a revolutionary Marxist organization such as the IMT can already see through the Democrats. As we have explained, they are excited about Sanders despite the Democrats, not because of them. They can see that support for his campaign represents a tidal change of public opinion and can sense the opportunity this represents to spread the ideas of socialism.

Even if Sanders succeeds in winning the presidency as a Democrat, none of the fundamental problems facing US workers can be resolved within the limits of capitalism. Likewise, if he breaks with them and runs as an independent, the fundamental need to break with capitalism would remain. There is no way forward on the basis of this system. We must explain that even the most modest of reforms will be difficult if not impossible to implement in the midst of the capitalist crisis, and that even if some positive reforms can be wrenched from the bosses, capitalist exploitation and oppression will continue. In order to fundamentally change society, far more will be required than a vote at the ballot box, the passing of a few laws, or modestly higher taxes on the rich. We must patiently explain that what is really needed is the nationalization of the big banks and the Fortune 500 under the democratic control of the workers, to be run in the interests of the majority, not the 1%.

Sanders often says that his campaign is not just electing a president, its about transforming America. He has also stated repeatedly that one person cannot bring about the kind of change that is needed. Millions of people can relate to these statements and want to do something about it. So far, Sanders has restricted himself to working within the existing political and economic system. He has called in the abstract for a mass movement to support his candidacy, but has not initiated the process whereby the necessary organizational structures can actually be formed, structures which simply do not and cannot exist within the parameters of the Democratic Party machine.

Super Tuesday graphically exposed the limitations of attempting to bring about change through the Democratic Party, and the potential that exists to build something viable outside that electoral machine. This is why we say: if you want to fight for Bernies progressive ideas and against the billionaires, you must break with the Democrats, break with capitalism, build a labor party, and fight for socialist revolution! Although for many this sounds too radical, those who are looking for serious answers to a serious crisis are very open to these ideas. And as we have seen, opinions can change quite rapidly. Millions of those who reject this perspective today will embrace it in the future.

Through a series of successive approximations, the US working class will test one party and leader after another. In time, American workers will come to the conclusion that nothing less than a socialist revolution is required. As Leon Trotsky explained in If America Should Go Communist, Yet communism can come in America only through revolution, just as independence and democracy came in America. The American temperament is energetic and violent, and it will insist on breaking a good many dishes and upsetting a good many apple carts before communism is firmly established. Americans are enthusiasts and sportsmen before they are specialists and statesmen, and it would be contrary to the American tradition to make a major change without choosing sides and cracking heads.

Under American conditions, this process will unfold in many dramatic stages. There will be exciting victories and demoralizing defeats, but the workers will learn from the experience. What is most encouraging for the future is the attitude of the youth. This is the real guarantee for fundamental transformation in this country and around the world in the historical period we have entered.

The crisis of capitalism will not end until capitalism is ended. And until the necessary revolutionary leadership is forged, ending capitalism will be impossible. When the revolution reaches a crescendo, if the Marxists are not present in sufficient numbers, the revolutionary floodtide will eventually ebb. This must imbue us with a sense of urgency.

Engels on the US working class

Karl Marxs lifelong collaborator, Frederick Engels, made the following scathing indictment of US politics in 1892, which provides useful insights into the support for Donald Trump 124 years later: The small farmer and the petty bourgeois will hardly ever succeed in forming a strong party; they consist of elements that change too rapidlythe farmer is often a migratory farmer, farming two, three, and four farms in succession in different states and territories, immigration and bankruptcy promote the change in personnel, and economic dependence upon the creditor also hampers independencebut to make up for it they are a splendid element for politicians, who speculate on their discontent in order to sell them out to one of the big parties afterward.

The tenacity of the Yankees, who are even rehashing the Greenback humbug, is a result of their theoretical backwardness and their Anglo-Saxon contempt for all theory. They are punished for this by a superstitious belief in every philosophical and economic absurdity, by religious sectarianism, and by idiotic economic experiments, out of which, however, certain bourgeois cliques profit.

But the same Engels made the following remarks in 1886 on the process of the formation of a labor party:

The first great step of importance for every country newly entering into the movement is always the organization of the workers as an independent political party, no matter how, so long as it is a distinct workers party. And this step has been taken, far more rapidly than we had a right to hope, and that is the main thing. That the first program of this party is still confused and highly deficient, that it has set up the banner of Henry George, these are inevitable evils but also only transitory ones. The masses must have time and opportunity to develop and they can only have the opportunity when they have their own movementno matter in what form so long as it is only their own movementin which they are driven further by their own mistakes and learn wisdom by hurting themselves.

The movement in America is in the same position as it was with us before [the revolutions of] 1848; the really intelligent people there will first of all have the same part to play as that played by the Communist League among the workers associations before 1848. Except that in America now things will go infinitely more quickly . . . If we in Europe do not hurry up the Americans will soon be ahead of us. But it is just now that it is doubly necessary to have a few people there from our side with a firm seat in their saddles where theory and long-proved tactics are concerned.

With a delay of well over a century, the US working class is once again shaking off the cobwebs of a long hibernation and seeking alternatives to the existing state of affairs. In a world of endless distractions, sensory, and information inputs, the need for theoretical clarity, perspectives, and patience is greater than ever. Turbulent waters are necessarily muddy and confused, and things will only get more complicated before they are clarified. But we study dialectical materialism for a reason: in order to apply it to complex processes such as this.

It is said that the darkest hour is before the dawn. The Marxists have passed through a tough period in which socialist ideas were marginalized in US society and a general malaise and apolitical apathy prevailed. We had relatively few opportunities to connect with wider layers of the workers and youth. But that is beginning to change. While there are plenty of storm clouds ahead, the first rays of light are beginning to shine above the horizon. As the curve of historical development accelerates, we can look ahead with great optimism to a revolutionary socialist future.
Doctors at Seattle Childrens Heart Center were able to help save a Butte boys heart with the help of a 3-d printer. 3-year-old Bowen Warren was born with three different heart defects. "Gets me a little choked up looking at him some days but it definitely shows the road weve traveled and it was worth every price we paid," said Bowens mother Emily Warren.

By Nessa Wright

Full Story: http://www.abcfoxmontana.com/story/31391515/3-d-printing-helps-doctors-save-butte-boys-heart
Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy's Indian Reservations.
Missoulas mayor begrudgingly gets behind a proposal to deconstruct a historic downtown building  saying despite community objection  its the citys only choice.

The plan was proposed by a Bozeman-based developer and would take down the Missoula Mercentile piece-by-piece and construct a Marriott hotel in its place.

This offer to do something with the building thats been vacant for six years is one Mayor John Engen says the city might not get again, but its a loss the community would mourn.

By Jenna Heberden

Full Story: http://www.abcfoxmontana.com/story/31391262/missoula-mayor-backs-proposal-to-demolish-mercantile-building

***

Mayor backs developers plans to demolish Missoula Mercantile for new hotel

The fate of the Missoula Mercantile building, one of the citys most important historical icons, is a powerfully divisive issue.

DAVID ERICKSON [email protected]

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/local/mayor-backs-developer-s-plans-to-demolish-missoula-mercantile-for/article_1fb1220f-070c-5676-bbcb-1160cf94617c.html

***

I agree with the Mayor that, if there is no way that the current building can be utilized because of structural problem, it should be demolished.

I do not agree with the proposed design.

Missoula is a unique draw for tourists and residents because it doesnt look like every other city out there. Other small communities do everything they can to preserve their older buildings and when they do replace one, many demand that the replacement keep with the older type of architecture that is so important to the soul of the community.

Id like to understand why the developers couldnt provide a more appropriate facade. Im afraid that if we keep allowing new structures like the Millennium, First Security and this new hotel we will eventually lose the "look and feel" of downtown Missoula that draws so many to our community.

Lets have a discussion about the soul of Missoula before we let yet another "modern" building go up that lacks soul and could be found in any big city in the world.

Missoulas history and its unique beauty are at stake.

Russ Fletcher

***

Like the Mayor, and like thousands of other people in the Missoula area, I have good memories of the Mercexperiences, purchases, people. The building has defined a great part of our community longer than any of us can know. Someone acknowledged it as part of our community fabric, and that sounds about right. I tend to believe those who say it has passed its usefulness, though, and it is time to let it go.

This wont be easy. Losing an iconic building like this is a form of change that is as violent to a communitys soul as it is necessary. It would help if the developers saw this property and Missoula as a community and not as a "market," though. To the degree that the Mayor is able to remind the developers of that, the more he is able to use his office to impress upon them the significance of that corner to what it means to be a part of Downtown Missoula, the better.

A good place to begin is in the architecture. The developers get to make money off what goes on inside the building, but the people of Missoulaall of ushave to look at the building for the next several generations. To the degree that the City allows ANY concessions, provides ANY assistance (financial or otherwise) to these developers, the members of the community ought to hold our elected and appointed officials to the highest standards when it comes to influencing the design of this development. Now is a good time to say, NO, to any more opportunistic and offensive designs like the unfortunate Cellular Plus/Verizon horror show on East Broadway. Hopefully, the design of the hotel that has been shared is only conceptual at this pointa massing study or something. If the hotel ends up looking like the drawing shown in the paper, we will be sorry.

There is no architectural context for that building that I can see. No buildingwith the possible exception of the less than inspirational First Interstate Bank buildingseems to evoke any architectural kinship with this hotel.

It doesnt have to be that way. Our recent Mayors have participated in a program called the "Mayors Design Workshop." They have been exposed to how mayors can influence good design in their communities. Our mayor has access to experts who can help him lead the developers to design a building worthy of that site. I have confidence that if he chooses to, the mayor can make a meaningful difference on what this building looks like. My confidence stems from the fact that Mayor Engen is part of a community, he not part of a "market."

The worst thing would be to simply accept whatever is the first thing put on the drawing board. This location calls out that we have some community leadership on design like it really mattered because, in this case, it truly does.

Geoff Badenoch

***

What are your thoughts?

MATR welcomes comments, articles, events, job openings, resumes, and company listings from registered members http://www.matr.net/login.phtml (also free) After youve registered, just go to the upper right hand side of the home page to "My Account".
Le gouvernement a decide de promulguer ces deux nouvelles regulation concernant la peche dans nos eaux et zone economique exclusive.

Cabinet has agreed to the promulgation of:

(i) the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Licence and Fees) Regulations which would review the licence fees payable by foreign owned Mauritian flagged longliners and purse seiners, and introduce licence fees for mid-water trawlers operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Mauritius and international waters; and

(ii) the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Licence and Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which would make an amendment with regard to the Footnote in the Second Schedule of the Fisheries and Marine Resources (Licence and Fees) Regulations 2013 to include the following:

(a) There exists a dispute between Mauritius and France concerning Tromelin and its surrounding waters, including its EEZ.

(b) While Mauritius unequivocally asserts its sovereignty over Tromelin and its waters, including its EEZ, the French authorities unilaterally purport to exercise jurisdiction, which is not recognised by the Government of Mauritius, over Tromelin and its waters.

(c) For the avoidance of doubt, the Chagos Archipelago and its waters are an integral part of the territory of Mauritius, over which Mauritius has sovereignty, as determined by the International Court of Justice in its Advisory Opinion of 25 February 2019 and affirmed by a Special Chamber of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in its Judgment of 28 January 2021.
by Ryan Cahill , April Mullen , March 4, 2016

Since the beginning of the digital age, email and other digital marketers have been focused on getting a click to drive the user to the website. From there, the website does the work of converting a customer.

But that traditional focus is about to change. Thanks to the digital money revolution and products like ApplePay, Samsung Pay, Bitcoin, and traditional payment gateways, consumers are gaining the ability to transact or convert money anywhere and anytime.

Earlier this month, Paypal, as part of its big New Money rebrand, launched Paypal Commerce, meant to compete with products like Stripes Relay that allow conversions to happen anywhere with a buy now button that can be embedded in any digital communication.

Now, companies no longer need to host a transaction on a website or landing page. Consumer can purchase items from a social post, push message, email, ad, article -- essentially, anywhere -- in a process called omnicommerce.

advertisement advertisement

As the world moves to omnicommerce, there will be several implications affecting marketing -- namely that email marketers will no longer be tasked with selling a click.

Here are some ways to help you reshape your focus for this drastic, omnicommerce shift on the horizon.

Creative and User Experience

While weve traditionally focused design on driving a click to a website, omnicommerce will require that the design of messages incorporate the information needed to enable a user to convert right from the inbox. The design needs to be optimized to make it clear that customers can convert right from the email, in a way that strategically limits content and friction.

We continue to see smartphone engagement rise across all digital channels, so this new design will need to take the mobile-on-the-go consumer into account. In fact, this mobile customer will most likely be the most common type converting from an omnicommerce message.

Customer Profiles and Targeting

The customer profile should already be omnichannel, but in the omnicommerce world, it will be essential to have a unified view of the customer. This will enable you to create a cohesive brand experience as all channels become revenue-producing, rather than just influencing.

It will be important to understand how your company is unifying customer data and how that information is and can be used in the future to execute across channels. And it becomes paramount to continually gather direct and indirect profile information to build and refresh customer profiles.

Reporting

The attribution and reporting of marketing campaigns becomes more important than ever as omnicommerce takes hold. These insights will be critical as you leverage this information to drive channel strategy, lifecycle logic and dynamic personalization. It will also help your company understand where to invest.

What do the conversion details tell you about your brand, your consumers, and how you can message each consumer better? It's vital to leverage all the information you have on a particular customer to determine the channel where he or she typically prefers to convert. And it will be important to decide if a buy now button should even be presented as part of the messaging at any particular point in the customer journey. Because the conversion will be taking place right in the channel, itll be important for marketers to understand what is and is not working to get the experience right.

In Conclusion

Marketers that begin shaping their strategies around omnicommerce will be positioned to gain a competitive edge when the technique becomes more commonplace, especially since millennials have already adopted this technology and represent the largest buying segment for most brands. Even for other demographics, anything that reduces friction in the buying process should increase conversions. But be sure to start testing campaigns to learn how to navigate through this new territory.

How do you plan to approach omnicommerce? Will you become an early adopter? Let us know in the comments.


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.
Advertisement

The findings, published in, are the first to prove that cavitation takes place around the free end of ultrasonic scalers.Professor Damien Walmsley, from the School of Dentistry at the University of Birmingham, explained, "Removing dental plaque and calculus, that is the build-up of what we know as tartar or hard plaque, is a big part of maintaining oral health and a regular occurrence in dental check-ups. These findings will help us to understand how to make the tools as effective as possible."A Satelec ultrasonic scaler, operating at 29 kHz with three different shaped tips, was studied at medium and high operating power using high speed imaging at 15,000, 90,000 and 250,000 frames per second, and the tip displacement was recorded using scanning laser vibrometry.The team were not only able to show that cavitation occurred at the free end of the tip, but that it increases with power, and the area and width of the cavitation cloud varies for different shaped tips.Nina Vyas, lead author of the paper from the University of Birmingham, said, "Other studies we have done, using electron microscopy, have shown that removal of plaque biofilm is increased when cavitation is increased. Putting the pieces together, we can therefore say that altering the shape and power of these commonly used tools make them more effective, and hopefully, pain-free."Source: Newswise
Advertisement

"It turns out that HIV and its evolution high-jacked that receptor and uses CCR5 as its primary way of binding to T-cells, entering them and killing them. That's what causes AIDS. CCR5 is not just present on T-cells but also exists in the liver on the surface of hepatocytes and also in the liver on stellate cells. Stellate cells are the cells that produce scar tissue in the liver which can lead to the development of cirrhosis. The focus of this grant is to look at how inhibition of CCR5 might influence the development of liver injury and/or the development of scar or cirrhosis in the liver," explains Sherman."An additional question to consider is, 'How does interfering with CCR5 affect viruses like hepatitis C that might be co-infecting the liver?'" says Sherman. "We know hepatitis C causes liver injury, but is that injury modulated in part through this receptor, which may not be a specific receptor for hepatitis C but is for HIV?"Medications have been developed to block the CCR5 receptor and Sherman will be examining their effect in clinical populations and conducting lab studies of the meds. Two medications that will be reviewed are Cenicriviroc, an investigational drug currently under study for the treatment of fatty liver, and Maraviroc which is currently approved for treatment of HIV.Sherman says an aberrant CCR5 protein created by a CCR5-delta 32 gene mutation may be protecting individuals who have been exposed to HIV, but don't have rapid AIDS progression. Researchers think CCR5-delta 32 mutation is a gene that was selected among Europeans as a result of another great epidemic, Europe's black plague of the 14th century, explains Sherman."HIV has been particularly devastating in Africa. It is certainly a terrible disease in Europe and the U.S. but some people had slower disease progression." says Sherman. "Those that didn't get high HIV viral loads and had slow AIDS progression were called 'elite controllers.""Research showed that Europeans and people of European descent who were selected genetically through their ancestors during the plaguethe black death of Europeand they have the CCR5-delta 32 mutation," says Sherman."This variant in the population also protected people from the plague. The disease was highly fatal in the 14th century. Many died, but some did not. Those who did not die from the plague were able to reproduce and pass forward the gene variant down through the generations. The gene was enriched in Europeans. If you have this gene, it's like taking a drug that blocks CCR5," he adds.The Black Death hit Europe in the years 1346-53 and was spread by a bacillus called Yersina pestis, which traveled from person to person through inhalation of fine infective droplets or through the bite of infected fleas and rats, according to History.com. The disease followed European trade routes to devastate large populations.Sherman says his review of hemophiliacs will allow for the comparison of fibrosis or liver scarring, examining those that have the CCR5-delta 32 mutation versus those who don't."We are using a very special group of patients, a long-term longitudinal cohort called the Multicenter Hemophilia Cohort Study," "It was a study started in the early days of the HIV epidemic. It looked at outcomes of patients with hemophilia, many of whom developed HIV and hepatitis because of blood contamination. We have obtained samples from thousands of those patients and are studying differential outcomes in terms of liver disease to determine if CCR5-delta 32 mutation provided protection in those patients," he says."If over the next few years, we can show that CCR5 blockade protects HIV-infected people from liver disease, then we may change the entire treatment paradigm of HIV and make this part of the routine treatment of many or most patients," says Sherman.Source: Newswise
A monsoon destroyed part of their hospital on a South Pacific island. They were swamped with the sick and wounded near the front lines. A disease outbreak killed colleagues. Yet Amelia "Mimi" Greeley and Ruth "Brownie" Girk survived, and so did a friendship that still spurs near nightly phone calls as both turn 100.

"We've always appreciated our friendship, but as it gets later and later, we appreciate it more," says Girk, who turns 100 in June. Greeley celebrated her birthday this week.

"We're sort of like sisters  that get along," says Greeley.

Then Amelia Devivo and Ruth Brown, the two women met after volunteering to serve in a war hospital being organized by what is now NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where both worked. They thought the same way about medicine and shared a readiness to laugh and enjoy life, traits they'd need after getting to Goodenough Island in early 1944.

A monsoon on the mountainous island, part of what's now Papua New Guinea, poured mud into the newly built Ninth General Hospital and destroyed several wards, according to histories compiled by NewYork-Presbyterian. An outbreak of scrub typhus, a mite-borne disease that causes high fevers, sickened dozens of the hospital's personnel and killed eight.

Within months, the Ninth General moved to Biak Island, off Indonesia's Papua province and closer to the fighting. A hospital designed for 1,500 patients sometimes cared for as many as 2,500. By the war's end in September 1945, the hospital had cared for about 23,000 people.

"It was awful" sometimes, says Greeley, who lives in New York. "But if we saw them get well, it was worth it."

Yet there were adventures, too, such as a 15-day leave that stretched far longer as Girk and Greeley waited to hitch flights in Australia. And there was the camaraderie preserved in a fading photo from the hospital's archives, showing Greeley, Girk and a half-dozen colleagues with broad, carefree-looking smiles.

"When you're in the service, you're away from home, you become very close to people," says Girk, of Peoria, Arizona. "They're your alternate family."

After both worked six postwar months at a now-closed Army hospital in New York and finished their service as captains, Girk studied industrial nursing and worked for an insurer before marriage and moves to the Midwest and elsewhere. Greeley returned to work at NewYork-Presbyterian until her marriage in 1966.

But their friendship held fast. They spent holidays and traveled together with their husbands and later without, after both were widowed in the 1980s.

Friendships among older adults can yield more than emotional benefits, researchers believe. Studies have suggested that people who feel more connected to others live longer, though it's difficult to quantify the effect, said psychologist Louise Hawkley of the NORC research center at the University of Chicago.

These days, it's been several years since Girk and Greeley saw each other; medical issues have made travel difficult. But their phone calls keep the friendship immediate.

They trade updates on their days, confer about their health, revisit three-quarters of a century of memories and had-to-be-there jokes. Laughter starts quickly, stops slowly.

If there's a secret to a long life and friendship, Girk thinks it's "happiness and a pleasant outlook on life."

"We couldn't care less about being 100, believe me," she said.

And Greeley's opinion?

"I think, very often, that we were just two lucky gals."
BAY CITY  Another delay has been ordered by the court in the case against four locals who are charged with criminal activities last year involving illegal immigrants.

Irene Maria Martinez Gonzales, Tina Frost, William Carlson and Melissa Rodriguez were all scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

According to court documents, last weeks big snow canceled the grand jury session that was scheduled for Feb. 29. The grand jury would have been asked to consider a proposed indictment in the defendants cases.

A preliminary examination has been rescheduled for 1:30 p.m. March 14 at the federal courthouse in Bay City.

The four individuals were arrested Jan. 8 when the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan issued warrants.

A complaint was filed against the defendants on Jan. 8, which reads, in part:  Conspired with others for commercial advantage and private gain to unlawfully transport, harbor and shield from detection one or more aliens, knowing in reckless disregard of the fact that the aliens had come to, entered or remained in the United States in violation of the law.

Gonzales is being represented by Caro-based attorney Robert A. Bates; Frost by Flint-based attorney Bryan J. Sherer; Carlson by Saginaw-based attorney Alan A. Crawford; and Rodriguez by Saginaw-based attorney Barbara Klimaszewski.

Since their initial arrest, all defendants have been released on bond.
Almost 100 people mostly from Haiti who were rescued from an overcrowded boat off the Florida coast had no food or water for...
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said Thursday that his efforts to bring in top talent from Silicon Valley were making progress in solving one of the Pentagon's long-standing problems -- the integration of military service records with the Veterans Administration.

Carter said that Chris Lynch, the new head of Defense Digital Services at the Defense Department, had "solved some important problems for us" by bringing coders and other experts with him "for what we call a tour of duty" on a temporary basis at the Pentagon.

One of the problems Lynch, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and former Microsoft executive, has worked on was improving data sharing in the department "to make sure our veterans get access to their benefits," Carter said. "Chris turned the whole thing around in a couple of weeks."

The records transfer issue has plagued both the VA and Defense Department for years. In 2013, the VA and the department gave up on their joint strategy to build a single, integrated record. The Pentagon later decided to purchase a commercial off-the-shelf system by awarding a $4.3 billion contract to a vendor team led by Leidos last year.

Carter spoke at a Microsoft breakfast in Seattle towards the end of a week-long West Coast trip, his third to Silicon Valley, to talk up partnerships between the department and the tech community.

On Wednesday, Carter announced that he would be setting up a Defense Innovation Advisory Board whose chairman would be Eric Schmidt, chief executive of Alphabet, Google's parent company.

The board will be similar in concept to the Defense Business Board, which advises the department on best business practices, but will instead "inform DoD culture, organization and processes with feedback from top tech innovators," according to a statement.

The board will not involve itself in strategy issues and military operations but will instead focus on "technology alternatives, streamlined project management processes and approaches -- all with the goal of identifying quick solutions to DoD problems," the statement said.

Carter said Schmidt, the former chief executive of Google, would join with him in selecting 12 other members of the new board. The board members were expected to be individuals who had "excelled at identifying and adopting new technology concepts," the statement said.

Essentially, Schmidt was being brought into the Pentagon "to advise me on how to remain innovative" in cybersecurity and stay ahead of potential adversaries, Carter said, and also to "build bridges" to the tech community.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump reversed course on the issue of torture Friday when said he would not order the military to disobey the law by abusing prisoners to gain intelligence.

After arguing to the contrary for months on the campaign trail, Trump said he had come to the recognition that the U.S. was bound by "laws and treaties" and he also would be.

If elected president, "I will not order a military officer to disobey the law. It is clear that, as president, I will be bound by laws just like all Americans and I will meet those responsibilities," Trump said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal.

Torture is against the Uniformed Code of Military Justice, the law of armed conflict and the Geneva Conventions, and is also proscribed by various military Field Manuals, including one co-authored by retired Army Gen. David Petraeus.

However, at the Republican presidential debate Thursday night in Detroit, Trump appeared to double down on his advocacy for torture, which he had never clearly defined while campaigning but had said repeatedly included methods "a hell of a lot worse than waterboarding." Waterboarding has also been banned as an interrogation method by President Barack Obama.

When reminded that torture was against the law, and that service members would be duty bound to disobey an unlawful order to torture, Trump shot back, "I've always been a leader. I've never had any problem leading people. If I say do it, they're going to do it. That's what leadership is all about."

His statement Friday amounted to a complete reversal.

Trump said that as president he would "use every legal power that I have to stop these terrorist enemies. I do, however, understand that the United States is bound by laws and treaties and I will not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters."

His latest remarks contrasted with what he said on torture in South Carolina last month: "Don't tell me it doesn't work -- torture works," he said at the time. "OK, folks? Torture -- you know, half these guys [say]: 'Torture doesn't work.' Believe me, it works. OK?"

Trump's critics have stressed that debates on whether torture "works" missed the point -- it is against the law, demeans those who do it, and would put U.S. troops in the same category as their enemies.

Last week, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford said in testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee that torture went against the "American values" embodied by the U.S. military.

Dunford did not respond directly to questions on Trump's torture remarks but said "We should never apologize for going to war with the values of the American people."

In a letter Thursday published by "War On The Rocks," 65 Republican national security experts, many of them members of the administration of former President George W. Bush, said that Trump's "embrace of the expansive use of torture is inexcusable."

Despite the criticism, Trump's initial stance on torture appeared to have strong support among voters. A Pew Research Center poll last year showed that 73 percent of Republicans favored torture to gain intelligence, compared to 46 percent of Democrats.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
A federal judge in Washington, DC, called the Army's plan to require a Sikh soldier to undergo special testing to make sure his long hair, beard and turban did not interfere with proper, safe wear of his helmet and gas mask "unfair and discriminatory."

US District Judge Beryl A. Howell offered the characterization in a 32-page opinion released Thursday night when she issued a temporary restraining order against the testing while the two sides litigate whether Army Capt. Simratpal Singh is permanently allowed to wear the hair, beard and turban that are considered articles of faith by devout Sikhs.

"Singling out the plaintiff [Singh] for specialized testing due only to his Sikh articles of faith is, in this context, unfair and discriminatory," Howell wrote. "It is this singling out for special scrutiny -- indeed, with the initial precaution of requiring an escort and observers for the plaintiff as he was subjected to the tests--that has a clear tendency to pressure the plaintiff, or other soldiers who may wish to seek a religious accommodation, to conform behavior and forego religious precepts."

Even if that is not the intent of the Army's order, she wrote, "such pressure and its concomitant coercive effects on a religious adherent amounts to a 'substantial burden'."

In issuing her opinion with the restraining order, Howell said that Singh has demonstrated a likelihood of success in winning the right to a permanent accommodation.

"What is so sad about the Army's position in this case is how unnecessary it is," Eric Baxter, Senior Counsel at The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, said in a statement after Howell issued the restraining order. The Becket Fund is representing Singh.

"Thousands of service members protect our country while wearing beards, including observant Sikhs," Baxter said. "There is absolutely no evidence that there is any problem with providing a permanent accommodation so Captain Singh can continue serving his country and practice his Sikh faith."

The Army has not responded to Military.com's requests for comment.

Singh, a 10-year Army officer and combat engineer, had been wearing the articles under a temporary religious accommodation granted in December. He expected to be granted a permanent accommodation after successfully passing the gas-mask test last month.

Instead a senior Army official at the Pentagon ordered the special tests, which would have begun Feb. 29 at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland but for Singh's attorney going into court that morning and getting an initial restraining order.

Howell on Thursday ordered the two sides to come up with and submit proposed schedule for further proceedings.

The Army maintains that the special testing is needed to ensure that Singh's long hair and turban would not interfere with the Kevlar helmet's ability "to withstand ballistic and blunt forces" and his beard prevent the mask from providing protection from toxic chemicals and biological agents.

The testing, to be done under expert supervision, according to the court, would cost $32,000.

"At first blush, the challenged order appears to reflect a reasonably thorough and even benevolent decision by the Army to fulfill its duty of protecting the health and safety of this particular Sikh officer," Howell wrote. "Yet, that is far from the complete picture."

Howell noted that thousands of soldiers already are permitted to wear long hair and beards for medical or other reasons, without being subjected to the tests the Army is demanding of Singh. She also noted that Singh passed the standard gas mask test just before seeking the injunction.

Additionally, Army Special Forces troops have routinely grown out their beards during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan with no concern expressed by the Army.

The Army has conceded that it has not required other soldiers to undergo the special tests, according to the court brief.

The Defense Department only began allowing Sikhs on active duty to wear their articles of faith in 2009 after lifting a ban set in the early 1980s. Before then Sikhs served with beard, long hair and turbans from World War I through Vietnam.

The Pentagon left it up to the individual services to grant accommodation, however.

Three other soldiers currently serve with a permanent accommodation. These include Maj. Kamaljeet S. Kalsi, Maj. Tejdeep S. Rattan and Cpl. Simranpreet S. Lamba.

Singh said in court papers that he had always been a devout Sikh, though he was willing to put aside the articles of faith when he entered West Point and later accepted his commission. He said it was always a painful choice but he wanted to serve in the US military, in part to pay the country back for giving his father political asylum years earlier.

Singh, in his application for religious accommodation, included a number of officer evaluations that rated him highly. Excellent, top performer, absolute unlimited potential, one supervisor wrote, noting that he "would fight to serve with Simratpal again."

In the citation of his Bronze Star citation for service in Afghanistan in 2012 it states Singh - then a first lieutenant - performed admirably as the platoon leader on more than 170 route clearance patrols throughout Kandahar Province. It states he demonstrated leadership and personal courage that inspired his soldiers to maintain discipline and professionalism as they cleared some of the most dangerous routes in the country.

And when enemy forces breached the defenses of Forward Operating Base Frontenac, Singh "led his platoon in suppressing and eventually counterattacking the heavily armed insurgents. His leadership enabled his platoon to defeat the enemy forces and secure the base without suffering any casualties."

"During his combat tour 1LT Singh has set the example as a Combat Leader and a Sapper."

Bryant Jordan can be reached at bryant.jordan@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @bryantjordan.
After being the only car-sharing business in town for many years, Zipcar has a little competition in newcomer Maven.

Last week, General Motors launched Maven, a car-sharing service that directly competes with Boston-based Zipcar in offering users the ability to hop in a car at their convenience and drive themselves to and from their destination.

Zipcar launched on the University of Michigan campus 10 years ago with four vehicles, according to a spokesperson with the company. Since then, membership levels have continued to climb in Ann Arbor and don't appear to be slowing down.

The company declined to say how many members utilize the service in Ann Arbor, but did say there are nearly one million users worldwide.

So, how do the two services compare?

While similar in many ways, each has different features and price points for the cars they offer. Both utilize smartphone apps through which users can reserve vehicles and find their location. Both companies also park the cars in designated spaces around town where users pick up and drop off the vehicle.

Each service covers the insurance for the vehicle and all gas used. Users are provided with a gas card to fill up the tank before returning the car.

Zipcar offers two memberships services for users: an occasional driver plan and a monthly membership plan. With a monthly membership, users pay $7 a month, but with the occasional plan, users pay an annual $70 fee.

Zipcar offers several different vehicle types in Ann Arbor ranging from small, fuel-efficient cars, to larger SUVs from a variety of auto makers. Rental rates for cars start at $8.50 per hour for smaller cars or $69 for the whole day. Prices increase based on the size of the vehicle. Each rental comes with an allowance of 200 miles a day.

There are 39 Zipcar vehicles on the U-M campus and 21 off campus. With a membership to Zipcar, users also have access to 12,000 different vehicles worldwide.

With Maven, membership is $35 a year. However, there are only four types of vehicles available and naturally they're all GM products. The Chevrolet Volt, Spark, Malibu and Tahoe can be rented. Prices start at $6 an hour for smaller cars and climb up to $12 an hour for the Tahoe. Daily rates range from $42 to $84 and come with an allowance of 180 miles a day.

Maven has only launched in Ann Arbor and New York, but the company has plans to launch the service in other cities in the near future.

Vehicles in the Maven fleet come equipped with several extra feature that typically come at an additional price when using traditional car-rental services. Every Maven vehicle comes with access to Sirius XM satellite radio, OnStar, Apple CarPlay, and in-car Wi-Fi.

During last week's public launch of Maven, GM executives confirmed all testing of new programs and services related to Maven will be piloted in Ann Arbor.

Matt Durr is a business reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Email him at mattdurr@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.
The Pretzel Bell, a new sports-focused bar and restaurant coming to Main Street in Ann Arbor, is putting out the call to fill 70 positions ahead of a planned April opening.

Pretzel Bell management is looking for both full-time and part-time workers, including bartenders, cooks, servers, bussers, dishwashers and hosts.

"Our employees will develop their skills in a high-paced, fast-growing industry through our training programs and day-to-day operations," said Brent Stevens, general manager, in a prepared statement. "We're very excited to open the new Pretzel Bell and bring back a bit of Ann Arbor history to the city's food and beverage scene."

Interested? Bring your resume and references to the Pretzel Bell (226 S. Main St.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The new Pretzel Bell is opening with the tagline "a legend reborn" - a nod to the restaurant with the same name that held court around the corner on E. Liberty St. for more than 50 years. The new restaurant is being opened by Jon Carlson, Chet Czaplicka and Greg Lobdell, the team behind a group of Michigan restaurants that includes Jolly Pumpkin, Grizzly Peak, Blue Tractor and Mash.

Carlson, Czaplicka and Lobdell closed their Lena and Habana restaurant and nightclub at 226 S. Main St. in mid-January and began the transformation of the 8,000-square-foot space into the new Pretzel Bell restaurant.

In its heyday, the original Pretzel Bell was a gathering place for locals and University of Michigan students, athletes and faculty.

Jessica Webster covers food and dining for MLive and The Ann Arbor News. Reach her at JessicaWebster@mlive.com. You also can follow her on Twitter and on Google+.
Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will be speaking on the campus of the University of Michigan Monday.

A get out the vote rally has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday at Crisler Center where Sanders will speak to the crowd along with a concert featuring performances by Grammy award-winning Nate Ruess of the band FUN and Detroit-based band JR JR. The Michigan primary is Tuesday.

The Vermont Senator is expected to address topics including the Flint water crisis, college affordability and what he calls "a rigged economy held in place by a corrupt campaign finance system."

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required to attend, but the Sanders campaign encourages people to RSVP online as admission is on a first come, first serve basis.

Sanders has been active in Michigan in recent weeks and is likely to spend a large amount of time in the state in the coming days.

On Sunday, he is scheduled to square off with fellow Democratic presidential candidate Hilary Clinton in Flint for a presidential debate being held by CNN in partnership with MLive and The Flint Journal.

Following Monday's event in Ann Arbor, Sanders is scheduled to take part in a town hall meeting in Detroit on Monday at the Gem Theater.

Last month, Sanders visited Eastern Michigan University for an event that packed the EMU Convocation Center with 9,200 attendees. The Sanders campaign has also opened an Ann Arbor area campaign office at 4072 Packard Road.

Earlier this week, Sanders spoke on the campuses of Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University.

Matt Durr is a reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Email him at mattdurr@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter.
ANN ARBOR, MI -- In the midst of the Flint water crisis and recently heightened concerns about an underground plume of dioxane contaminating drinking water supplies in the Ann Arbor area -- both situations in which it's abundantly clear the government could have done more to protect people -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is looking to change the culture of the state's bureaucracy.

"Clearly what is happening in Flint and what is happening in Ann Arbor is bringing to the forefront the importance of water quality for everyone," Ari Adler, Snyder's director of communications, told The Ann Arbor News on Friday.

Adler said Snyder wants to move away from a culture of checking off boxes on bureaucratic forms to instead taking the extra steps necessary to put people first.

The Ann Arbor News has been requesting comment from the governor's office for weeks. Adler's remarks on Friday marked the first response giving any indication of the governor's current thinking on the dioxane issue.

Adler said the governor is concerned about the plume of dioxane that continues to spread through the groundwater in Ann Arbor and Scio Township, where a family with three young children was alarmed this week to find out they've been drinking dioxane-poisoned well water for the last two and a half years while government officials knew about it and never reached out to inform them of the risks.

Instead, testing of the water was left to Pall Corp., the company responsible for the pollution, and the company told the family the water was safe to drink because it didn't exceed state standards -- standards officials have known for years are outdated and not reflective of the latest scientific findings about cancer risks associated with dioxane.

The dioxane plume that originated years ago from the Gelman Sciences property on Wagner Road on the border between Ann Arbor and Scio Township continues to spread.

Dioxane is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure.

The EPA published new findings in 2010 indicating dioxane at 3.5 parts per billion in drinking water poses a 1 in 100,000 cancer risk.

The state for the last several years has maintained a standard of 85 ppb that was intended to result in the same 1 in 100,000 cancer risk.

Local officials have been fighting for years to convince the state to move to a stricter standard to reflect the latest science, only to hear that Lansing politics and technical problems were causing delays and holding up the process.

Because the state has been slow to adopt the latest science, there has been no legal remedy for anyone with dioxane in their water below 85 ppb, and people such as the Pate family have been told it was safe as long as it was below 85 ppb. The most recent testing of their well water by Pall Corp. shows it at 17 ppb.

"The presence of 1,4-dioxane below the drinking water advisory of 85 ppb is safe for drinking and cooking purposes," the company reported to the family on Feb. 10 without disclosing that federal guidelines say otherwise.

Pall Corp. has not responded to requests for comment.

The governor's office said this week Snyder has been briefed on the latest concerns about the expanding dioxane plume in Ann Arbor, where he lives, and he has asked key staff in the governor's office and at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to monitor the situation closely and keep him updated.

The Ann Arbor News reported this week that residents and businesses in Scio Township have had dioxane in their drinking water wells at concentrations as high as 54 parts per billion, but no action was taken by the state to remedy the situation because it was below the state's longstanding standard of 85 ppb.

The DEQ, under Snyder's administration, was required by law to revise the state's standards by December 2013 to reflect the latest scientific findings. But after years of repeated delays and missed deadlines, that still hasn't happened.

The DEQ acknowledged this week the standards revisions didn't move forward three years ago as required because they didn't have consensus among stakeholders, including the polluters, who couldn't agree on things like whether the exposure assumptions for toxic chemicals should take into account children.

Rather than simply follow EPA guidelines and fast-track a new standard for dioxane that's more protective of public health, the DEQ for years now has struggled its way through trying to simultaneously update the standards for dioxane and 300-plus other chemicals and hazardous substances, with 67,000 data inputs going into the calculations to produce more than 3,000 different exposure standards.

The most recent delays in the process are attributed to technical problems with an electronic risk calculator designed to perform the many calculations.

"I have to question what took the DEQ so long to protect families from this carcinogenic crisis," state Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor, said on Friday.

Ann Arbor's representatives in Lansing have had meetings with the DEQ this week to talk about the dioxane concerns.

Zemke said the DEQ is promising to put forward a stricter, single-digit standard for dioxane by an April 18 town hall meeting planned in Ann Arbor.

"We've seen that the DEQ needs stricter standards so human life in Michigan is given full priority, and I hope the DEQ stays true to their word," he said.

Zemke and state Rep. Gretchen Driskell, D-Saline, issued a joint press release on Friday, indicating they plan to hold committee hearings in the state House to discuss possible legislation to bring the state in line with EPA guidelines if the DEQ fails to have new standards proposed by the April 18 meeting.

"If the DEQ's standards were at the level we're proposing, the high level of dioxane in the water of my constituents in Scio Township would have been caught and addressed years ago," Driskell said.

"We need to make sure we have standards in place so there is accountability and so we can ensure all Michigan families have access to safe drinking water."

State Rep. Jeff Irwin's office has been involved with setting up the April 18 town hall meeting in Ann Arbor at which it's expected the DEQ will give another update on the plume situation and the pending revisions to the state standards.

Details about the meeting are pending.

The state standard used to be 3 ppb back before Republican Gov. John Engler in 1995 enacted new laws weakening the state's environmental regulations and essentially adopting a risk-management approach that allows pollution such as the dioxane plume in Ann Arbor to fester in the environment.

"The law was changed from really a law that required polluters to clean up their mess to a law that required the department to manage exposure between humans and the pollution that is caused," said Irwin, D-Ann Arbor. "And that has been a big part of why it's been so hard to get a good cleanup here in Washtenaw County, why this 1,4-dioxane plume continues to spread. Because not only have we had, I think, an insufficient effort from our regulatory body ... but I also think it's fair to say that our regulatory body is working with a law that isn't very good."

Irwin said the state needs to change its environmental cleanup laws and go back to having a stronger polluter-pay law like it used to have in the 1990s.

Adler said on Friday he's not sure where Snyder stands on changing state law in such a manner, but the governor's office is putting pressure on the DEQ to wrap up the standards revisions process that's expected to move the groundwater or drinking water standard for dioxane from 85 ppb to somewhere under 10 ppb.

"He is concerned about this issue," Adler said. "He has made it very clear to the DEQ that these standards need to be updated, and now we have a renewed push."

Adler said state officials will be taking a close look at the process once it's completed to see why it took so long, what worked and what didn't.

The DEQ has said there needed to be consensus on the DEQ-proposed standards, including consent from polluters, in order to get through the state's Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, the bipartisan legislative committee comprised of five House and five Senate members that is responsible for the legislative oversight of administrative rules proposed by state agencies.

The members of the Legislature who serve on JCAR essentially get the opportunity to veto the new standards, so they're subject to political whims in Lansing. So, if politicians who aren't big on government regulation of businesses don't like what they see, that can be another hurdle to clear in setting new standards.

Going forward, Adler said the governor's office will be looking at what can be done to push ahead with changes more quickly, particularly when public health is at stake.

"This is part of the culture change that's happening with all of the recent incidents with Flint and we're looking at what's going on within state departments," he said.

Adler noted the governor's proposed budget for the fiscal year starting in October includes $16 million in special funding to deal with legacy contamination sites across the state, including $700,000 for the dioxane plume that originated from the former Gelman Sciences site on Wagner Road in Scio Township.

That's expected to cover a wide range of things from better monitoring and tracking the plume to providing alternate water sources to people with contaminated wells, though whether there will be a more aggressive cleanup remains to be seen. Pall Corp. acquired Gelman Sciences in 1997 and is operating under a consent judgment hashed out over the years in Washtenaw County Circuit Court.

Adler said the governor's office has been assured by the DEQ that they would be able to tell years in advance if Ann Arbor's municipal drinking water supply was going to be contaminated by the expanding dioxane plume, so there would be time to react before the plume reaches Barton Pond, the city's primary water source. The private drinking water wells that are being contaminated in the meantime are another story, though.

In addition to the family with three children who have been drinking dioxane-poisoned well water on Jackson Road, the Ann Arbor News reported this week that dioxane in lower amounts also has been detected in other wells used by residents and businesses along Jackson, Wagner and Elizabeth roads.

As of Thursday, the county and the state finally stepped in to provide the family on Jackson Road, as well as two neighboring businesses, with bottled water, and as of Friday municipal water service was extended through a temporary connection.

Irwin said he has drafted legislation to both rewrite the state's cleanup law and require the DEQ to move to a stricter standard for dioxane, but he notes state law already requires the DEQ to update the standards using best available science.

He said he has been meeting with the DEQ regularly for the last few years and the department has made numerous promises it hasn't kept. The DEQ has repeatedly failed to meet deadlines for revising the standards.

As the DEQ is now in the process of working out some of the technical glitches with the exposure risk calculations, Irwin said he's watching closely to make sure the DEQ follows through this time, and he hopes once that happens there will be a renewed effort to better manage the plume and put in additional monitoring wells.

Ryan Stanton covers the city beat for The Ann Arbor News. Reach him at ryanstanton@mlive.com.
UPDATE: Woman found in closet died of sharp-force injury to neck

DETROIT, MI - A 21-year-old woman was found dead Friday in the bedroom closet of a home on Detroit's east side, and police arrested a suspect, Detroit police reported.

Police received a 911 call about 7:30 a.m. March 4 regarding family trouble in the 14100 block of East State Fair Avenue.

No one came to the door, and officers saw a large amount of blood on the floor, Detroit police Officer Nicole Kirkwood said Saturday.

They forced their way into the house and caught a suspect, 24, trying to leave through a rear door, Kirkwood said. They detained him and took him into custody.

Police searched the home and found the woman in the closet with a cut to her body, Kirkwood said.

Details about the woman's death were not released.

An autopsy was scheduled for Saturday.
[March 04, 2016] Technavio Identifies Three Key Trends Impacting the LBS Market in GCC Through 2020

Technavio's latest location based services (LBS) market in GCC report highlights three key emerging trends predicted to impact market growth through 2020. Technavio defines an emerging trend as something that has potential for significant impact on the market and contributes to its growth or decline. "Key finding of this market study indicates, in 2015, the location-based tracking segment, with a market share of 36.56%, dominated the outdoor LBS market in the GCC region. The outdoor location-based tracking market is driven by increased adoption of GPS-enabled smartphones and a rise in broadband penetration. Consumers use tracking applications to find transportation, and it is also popular in industries, such as oil and gas and manufacturing, for equipment and asset tracking," said Rakesh Kumar Panda, one of Technavio's lead industry analysts for machine to machine research. Technavio's market research study identifies the following three emerging trends expected to propel growth of the global LBS market in GCC: Rising use of 3D platforms

LBS using LED fixtures

LBS for public safety and national security Rising use of 3D platforms The use of 3D platform in the form of geospatial information systems has increased considerably in the GCC region. Companies such as Atos use GIS platforms with LBS to offer services to various businesses in the GCC region related to supply chain management, data centers, infrastructure development, urban planning, risk and emergency management, navigation, and healthcare. Augmented reality technology uses GIS information and 3D platforms to provide users with information about their surroundings. This helps enterprises understand user needs and sends them targeted advertisements. Logistics and supply chain management 3D platforms are used to increase efficiency and minimize cost. 3D visualization provides clarity about routes, warehouse utilization, and throughput, while software management provides information about transportation. Consumers in the supply chain segment tend to modify transport routes based on the information gathered by 3D pltforms to optimize performance. The market trend thus indicates an increased use of 3D platforms coupled with LBS will likely propel the overall indoor LBS market over the next four years.



LBS using LED fixtures The use of LED fixtures acting as indoor LBS trackers eliminates the need to install additional hardware and therefore saves cost. Various chips manufactured by lighting companies are embedded in LED-based overhead lights that are used in offices and stores. These chips communicate with consumer smartphones, while sensors track customer movements within the store.

Indoor location-based services using LED fixtures are being used to provide directions to various services at airports, museums, and retail outlets. These services help locate required products or services at the right time. It also helps retailers offer customized incentives and sales offers to shoppers to increase sales volumes. Thanks to these promising benefits on offer, the market for LBS using LED fixtures in GCC is predicted to witness steady growth during the forecast period. LBS for public safety and national security An LBS platform includes software as well as hardware network infrastructure, collectively used to calculate the position of mobiles. Mobile LBS platforms are used to provide public safety services, and for national security and law enforcement. Approximately 72% of emergency calls are made using mobile phones, and it is essential to track the accurate location of these callers during an event of emergency. LBS platforms provide real-time information about the caller's location in a short span of time. These platforms are also used in public warning systems where all mobile users in a geo-fenced area receive alert messages during an emergency. Government agencies use LBS platforms with data mining platforms for critical infrastructure protection. Governments and security agencies in countries such as Kuwait, the UAE, and Oman use LBS to track criminals, for emergency call applications and surveillance. AirPatrol, for instance, develops precision location-finding software and systems that allow organizations to identify tablets, wireless devices, and cellphones inside any building. R&D firms, government agencies, and enterprises worldwide use AirPatrol's ZoneDefence location-based mobile security platforms. Polaris Wireless provides the Altus application suite, which delivers services such as tracking, geo-fencing, and mass analytics. Technavio researchers anticipate the growing use of LBS for public safety and national security will boost market growth until 2020. Browse related reports: Indoor LBS Market in Western Europe 2015-2019

Global Indoor LBS Market 2015-2019

LBS Market in India 2015-2019 Purchase any 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160304005037/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Ghana's celebrated star, Tic Tac, has charged Ghanaians to eschew partisan politics and show patriotism in the celebration of the country's independence day.

According to him, the show of patriotism is the only path to economic growth and peaceful coexistence.

The music gem made the statement in Accra yesterday at the Press launch of Freedom Concert aimed at celebrating the country's 59 years of emancipation from external control.

The multiple award winner, said some Ghanaians fail to participate in the country's independence day celebration when their political party is out of power.

He said the day is meant to celebrate the toil of the forefathers who struggled in achieving freedom, adding that on such day, that patriotism should be celebrated.

He said freedom is a vital component to comfort in life and must be valued.

"Until your freedom is taken away from, you realise it is expensive", Tic Tac said.

Tic Tac also indicated that the political parties may fade away but Ghana would remain.

"Ghana is bigger than every political party",he said.

He therefore urged Ghanaians to go out in their numbers to make merry.

"All Ghanaians should go out there and celebrate. Those in Kumasi and Accra should come and see me perform live at the freedom concert on March 5 and 6 respectively", he added.
Once again, award winning actor of international repute, Van Vicker, joins few movie stars to grace this year's Africa Magic Viewer's Choice Awards to be hosted in Lagos on 5th March, 2016.

Speaking to Mustaphainusah.com. Com, Van said the gone years have helped him better his art, mature, and gained much experience.

He was very hopeful of coming home with an Aaward "my first AMVCA." Sounding ever confidence, Van emphasized that he has worked diligently well for the year under review and that his role in the movie which got him nominated --- A Long Night, speaks it all.
Remy Martin Cognac recently celebrated the launch of its new global campaign, One Life/Live Them in Ghana at the Shaka Zulu Bar & Restaurant . The featured guests were brand ambassadors, Jay Foley, Radio Presenter/General Manager/TV Host/Aspiring Pilot and Steven Adusei, Photographer/CEO/Petrol Head, whose diverse personal and professional paths and interests are a true reflection of the One Life/Live Them concept of living life with many passions.

Some of Ghanas top bloggers, media and cultural influencers were in attendance to meet the brand ambassadors, experience the lively One Life/LiveThem lifestyle, enjoy classic Remy Martin cocktails, and create their own custom version of the campaign photo with The Remy Martin Slash-Card website microsite (http://slash.remymartin.com) . Foley and Adusei will be featured in a series of print, billboards, and digital ads throughout Accra.

I desire to help more people reveal their talents so they can live their lives to the fullest. When you open up, you can let more out. That is the exact reason why I feel so honoured and enthusiastic to be part of the Remy Martin campaign to let more people understand: One Life/Live Them, shares Foley a Radio presenter and General Manager at Live FM one of Ghanas most successful radio stations, founder of international award winning 2131 Group of Companies, a Television Presenter at 4syte TV, and aspiring pilot.

Modern men are not defined by one thing that they do, but all that they do. They meet new people, go to new places, and try new things. These men get one life, but lead many. With the One Life /Live Them campaign, Remy Martin recognizes this generation and salutes them in Ghana and around the world, says Alvin Saal, Remy Cointreau Marketing Manager, Ghana.

The Remy Martin One Life/Live Them campaign is a celebration of people who follow many passions, these passions are not defined through a single perspective. In Ghana, a term to describe someone doing multiple things at a once is called One-Man-One-Thousand, which is traditionally looked down upon but with this campaign it showcases people like me in a positive light and that feels good, adds Adusei, a renown fashion and lifestyle photographer, graphic designer, CEO, and Petrol Head.

In alignment with the global One Life/Live Them campaign, Remy Martin will continue to highlight and recognize extraordinary Ghanaians who are defined by multiple passions.

#OneLifeLiveThem

#RemyMartinGH
05.03.2016 LISTEN

A number of stakeholders in the creative industry in Ghana have showered praises on the 'Beasts of No Nation' star Abraham Attah for raising high the flag of Ghana to the world.

The young actor, who returned home yesterday morning after a week stay in the United States where he attended the 2016 Oscars and also presented an award, was in the Flagstaff House where he had a chat with Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur.

Attah, who played a lead role in the 'Beats of No Nation', won his third award at the 2016 Independent Spirit Awards as Best Male Lead.

He also took the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor at Venice Film Festival 2015, followed by Rising Star Award at the Black Film Critis Circle (BFCC).

In the 'Beasts of No Nation', Attah played Agu, who when civil war tears his family apart, is forced to join a unit of mercenary fighters and transformed into a child soldier.

.

The Ghanaian actor, who has become the toast of many international celebrities following his impressive role in the 'Beasts of No Nation', is already preparing to star in a new movie titled 'The Modern Ocean', an adventure drama, alongside Hollywood actors such as Anne Hathaway, Keanu Reeves and Daniel Radcliffe.

Abraham Attah was last year awarded the Marcello Mastroiannis Best Young Actor Award at the 2015 Venice Film Festival for his performance as Agu, an 11-year-old orphan-turned-child soldier in an unnamed African country.

A section of the stakeholders who are happy about Attah's success story have all endorsed the call for Attah to be relocated to the States to enable him to protect his career.

He has appeared on big international movie platforms like the SAG Awards, Spirit Awards and recently the Oscars.

By George Clifford Owusu


05.03.2016 LISTEN

Popular Kumasi based gospel music star, Anita Afriyie, has sued telecommunication giant MTN over copyright breach of her intellectual property.

A source in the management team (DANKAY Records) of the gospel artiste, explained to MustaphaInusah.Com that MTN has been using the said gospel musicians music for the past two years for caller-ring tone and on MTN play; without any formal notification, permission or consent from the management team.

The source further stated that many attempts by Anitas team to reach out to officials at MTN have proved futile  as the latter keeps acting unconcerned about the issue.

Due to MTNs unconcerned posture, management of the artist (Plaintive), whos patience run out, had no option but to sue the Yellow branded telecommunication company (Defendants).

DANKAY Records have sued MTN and have also officially served the latter the writ suit number C12/36/16 on 12thFebruary, 2016-- waiting for an appropriate response within eight days.

You can click below for the content of the writ:

By-MustaphaInusah.Com
Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL.
A construction worker found a blood-stained knife buried on OJ Simpsons property years ago  and gave it to an off-duty cop who kept it in his home before finally turning it over to police in January, a report says.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ that the blade is a folding buck knife, which is now being tested for hair and fingerprints after being handed over to the L.A.P.D.s Robbery Homicide Division.

It will be tested for DNA and other biological evidence at the departments Serology Unit next week, sources told the site.

Cops who saw the weapon said it appeared to have blood residue on it, but its extremely rusted and stained, so further testing is needed.

The construction worker who found the knife told police he stumbled upon it while Simpsons home in Brentwood was being demolished, but he couldnt remember the exact date, sources told TMZ.

After finding the blade, he took it to an LAPD officer standing across the street, according to TMZ.

But the cop was off-duty  and instead of turning the knife over to his higher-ups, sources said he kept it for years.

In late January, he contacted a friend in the homicide division  and told him he was getting it framed for his wall.

The former traffic division officer even asked the pal to get the departmental-record number for the Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman murder case so he could engrave it in the frame, TMZ reports.

The friend told superiors and he was eventually forced to hand the knife over to the LAPD.

Sources told TMZ that authorities have chosen to keep their investigation top secret and that they have even logged the case into a computer system outside the official case file in order to keep it under wraps.

OJ likely cannot be prosecuted again for the stabbing deaths of Simpson and Goldman, due to double-jeopardy laws, which prohibit someone from being charged with the same crime twice.
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been questioned by police and his house raided by police as part of a major fraud inquiry into the state oil company Petrobras.

He was released after three hours of questioning by police.

Lula, who left office in 2011, has denied allegations of corruption.

The long-running inquiry, known as Operation Car Wash, is probing accusations of corruption and money laundering at Petrobras.

Dozens of executives and politicians have been arrested or are under investigation on suspicion of overcharging contracts with Petrobras and using part of the money to pay for bribes and electoral campaigns.

Police said they had evidence that Lula, 70, received illicit benefits from the kickback scheme. But no charges have been brought against him so far.

Lulas institute said in a statement (in Portuguese) the violence against the former president was arbitrary, illegal and unjustifiable, as he had been co-operating with the investigations.

Officials said some 33 search warrants and 11 detention warrants were being carried out by 200 federal police agents in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Bahia.

Lulas house in Sao Bernardo do Campo, near Sao Paulo, was raided early on Friday. The headquarters of his institute in Sao Paulo was also targeted, as were his wife, Marisa, and sons, reports said.

One of the lines of inquiry is that construction companies targeted by the operation could have favoured Lula in the development of a ranch and a luxury beachfront apartment.

.

Raids in the cities where these properties are located have also been carried out.

Former president Lula, besides being party leader, was the one ultimately responsible for the decision on who would be the directors at Petrobras and was one of the main beneficiaries of these crimes, a police statement quoted by Reuters news agency said.

There is evidence that the crimes enriched him and financed electoral campaigns and the treasury of his political group.

Supporters and opponents of the former president clashed in front of his house following the raids. Both sides have called protests for later on Friday.

Demonstrators also scuffled outside the police station where Lula was questioned. A popular figure

Lula, from the Workers Party, served two terms as president and was succeeded in office by his political protege, Dilma Rousseff.

He led Brazil during a time of rapid economic growth and is credited for lifting millions of people out of poverty.

He still is a well-liked figure and has been considered as a potential candidate in presidential elections in 2018. But his popularity has been hit by recent allegations that he either had knowledge or involvement in the wrongdoings.

Lulas institute has repeatedly said the former president had never committed any illegal acts before, during or after his presidential term.

The corruption scandal threatens the government of Ms Rousseff, who has faced repeated impeachment calls, analysts say. She has denied having any knowledge of wrongdoings.

-bbc


05.03.2016 LISTEN

Pakistani police say they have halted the marriage of a 10-year-old girl, who was due to wed a 14-year-old boy to end a dispute between their families.

Local village elders had ordered the marriage after the girls brother was accused of killing his wife.

Correspondents say vani marriages, where a woman is ordered to marry to settle the crime of a relative, are illegal but remain common in Pakistan.

Police say they have arrested four village elders over the case.

The vani marriage had been due to take place in Punjabs Rahimyar Khan district on Friday, but was stopped after police raided the village.

Officers were still searching for nearly 20 other suspects, police official Chaudhry Yasin told the BBC. Honour killing

The girls brother was accused of killing his wife after he suspected her of an affair. He was arrested and is currently in jail.

.

Following his arrest, a council of local village elders, known as a panchayat, was called to settle the conflict between the two families.

Both families belonged to the minority Hindu community living in Rahimyar Khan, Chaudhry Yasin said.

The panchayat ruled that the 10-year-old girl should marry the 14-year-old boy, who was a relative of the victim, in order to settle the dispute.

Under Pakistani law, relatives of a murder victim have the right to pardon the perpetrator in return for blood money or a compromise, the BBCs M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad reports.

Both honour killings and vani marriages remain common in Pakistan, with perpetrators from poorer and less influential sections of society most likely to be prosecuted, our correspondent adds.

In January, a bill that proposed raising the legal age of marriage for women from 16 to 18 was withdrawn after a religious body, the Council of Islamic Ideology, described the bill as un-Islamic.

-bbc


Accra, Mar. 4, GNA - The fall in foreign direct investments (FDI) to Ghana is as a result of the lower crude oil price and power supply challenges during the past year.

Mr Courage Kingsley Martey, Senior Economic Analyst at Databank, said the situation has eroded confidence in the Ghanaian economy.

He said other emerging markets were experiencing similar lower investment levels; stating that 'this is in particular to primary commodity exporting markets.'

FDI is an investment made by a company or entity based in one country, into a company or entity based in another country.

A statement issued by Mr Fidel Amoah, the Content Manager of Lamudi Ghana and copied to the Ghana News Agency, saidd Mr Martey believes that part of the reason is due to the decline in prices of Ghana's main commodities, especially crude oil.

'The sharp decline in crude oil price saw investment slow down not only in the Ghanaian sector but other West African countries as well. As a result, it affected foreign employment levels in Ghana negatively,' he said.

The Ghana Investment Promotion Center last month released results of FDI in 2015, indicating a 31 per cent decrease from 2014's $ 3.4 billion.

Mr Martey said apart from the adverse impact of the lower oil prices on capital investments by the foreign investors, the country had also increased its expenditure against expected crude oil revenue.

He said, however, the last two years has seen a dip in actual revenue, meaning an increase in debt finance indices and exchange rate pressures; stating that this he believes could also have been one of the reasons investors are averse to invest.

'The country's ability to refinance its debts has been negatively affected by the lower crude oil price.

'One of the government's debt management strategies is the establishment of the sinking fund. Its source of funding is from excess crude oil revenue above the cap on the stabilization fund.

'However, when you have a situation where crude oil price drops, revenue inflows to the sinking fund is affected. This would constrain the country's progress towards managing and servicing its debts,' he said.

The Economic Analyst also said that the country's power challenges could be another leading reason why foreign investment in the country has reduced.

He said power cuts also raised the cost of doing business, serving as a disincentive for investors.

Other factors he attributed to the reduction in FDI were bureaucracy and the country's tax regime.

He said these two factors affect the competitiveness and productivity of businesses operating within that environment.

He observed that the demand for luxury housing could be affected as a result of less influx of expatriates; domestic employment however increased by over 15 per cent according to GIPC's report.

Akua Nyame-Mensah, the Managing Director of property portal, Lamudi Ghana, said the domestic employment growth has created a great opportunity for real estate developers.

'The focus for the Ghanaian real estate market is currently luxury housing. Though the reduction in expat employment may not affect real estate business drastically, it still would have some slight implications,' she stated.

'Meanwhile, the GIPC report indicates growth in local employment. This serves as a great opportunity for real estate developers to diversify and tailor their products to this segment of the Ghanaian population,' she added.

Launched in 2013, Lamudi is a global property portal focusing exclusively on emerging markets.

The fast-growing platform is currently available in 32 countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, with more than 800,000 real estate listings across its global network.

The leading real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters a secure and easy-to-use platform to find or list properties online.

GNA
05.03.2016 LISTEN

The constitution of Ghana according to Chapter 5 deals with the fundamental human rights and freedoms of citizens and all who reside within the territory of Ghana. It guarantees a right to life which is further enveloped by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of which Article 3 is of most importance for this discourse. Article 3 says, Everyone has a right to LIFE, liberty and security of person.

This piece was necessitated due to the barrage of negligence and unethical as well as unorthodox interventions and activities which have contributed in no small way towards defeating the spirit and letter of Article 3 and contravening ultimately the constitution of the republic of Ghana. As a flu or an epidemic, a lot of Ghanaians might have caught the cold of death from medical ineptitude or negligence, a relative may have lost a limb or a breast, a brother may be resting peacefully in Awudome or Osu cemetery, a friend could have been saved during childbirth and some orphans wouldnt have been fatherless if a few of the laid down documents, precepts and regulations that govern the practice of medical science are followed to the heel.

Medicine cant or shouldnt be equated to the complex theorem of Calculus or Atomic physics, why should the theme be set in the proper context? Firstly, the human body continues to be in a state of constant change yet always adjusting to its environment, this is called homeostasis. Thus an ideal situation or an ideal premise becomes nearly fictional or unattainable. This doesnt mean and shouldnt be construed to mean a dose of 1.5g should be converted to 15mg. In writing this piece, I look at the long list of faces, a tile of emotions busting from the faces of relatives as they have had to watch relatives and loved ones gasp for their last breaths. Indeed the greatest of men are most driven by passion.

Secondly, medical science cant be equated to the perfect calculations of Newtonian Mechanics because; its practice is not set in inanimate objects. Medical science has been found to be a rather complex and an open system whose confounding factors and variables could range from just a white coat as in giving a false blood pressure result or having a phobia which cant be measured scientifically using our devices of stethoscopes, a copplin jar or a meter rule. This creates an avenue where scientific and medical measurements only approximate the true value.

Then comes the characteristic caricature of human Anatomy and Physiology, as an example, there are some people whose normal body temperatures are above what is considered normal and yet may show no signs or symptoms of pathology. There are some whose basal metabolic parameters such as hormones and enzymes may well be below or above the reference ranges but show no signs of illness.

Some people have their regular hemoglobin levels being as low as 7.0g/dl and yet arent considered anemic. These few limiting factors which in itself may not stand as caveats or be exhaustive enough affect the outcome of medical interventions and initiatives. The pivot around which this piece is set has to deal with human deviations from the bullseye of the medical practice (near - ideal situation).

The Ghana Health service (GHS) is a public service body established under Act 525of 1996 as required by the 1992 constitution. It has as its mandate to provide and prudently manage comprehensive and accessible health service with special emphasis on primary healthcare at regional, district and sub-district levels in accordance with approved national policies. It has as its functions amongst others been, to establish effective mechanisms for disease surveillance, prevention and control and perform any other functions relevant to the promotion, protection and restoration of health. Of key interest is the PROMOTION, PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF HEALTH.

In as much as the ultimate liability and responsibility towards healthcare delivery is vested in the GHS, the patient must also know the rights he/she has under the laws of Ghana as is enshrined in the PATIENTS CHARTER. All patients must come to an understanding that services rendered at hospitals, clinics, wards and health posts as well as Centers arent privileges. These are due rights. They are your rights as a human being first, as a Ghanaian and also because your taxes are serving you. The health and patients charter can be succinctly outlined as;

The patient has the right to privacy during consultation, examination and treatment. In cases where it is necessary to use the patient or his/her case notes for teaching conferences, the consent of the patient must be sought. The dignity of the human person must be respected and duly upheld at all material times. There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. Good pride represents our dignity and self-respect. Bad pride is the deadly sin of superiority and reeks of conceit and arrogance. This quote by John C. Maxwell aptly captures the power play that unfolds in consulting rooms and wards across this country. Most times the docility of the Ghanaian prevents him/her from demanding what is morally and humanly right. How many male nurses havent walked into a consulting room when a lady lay naked having a pelvic examination?

How many female nurses havent made silly comments about the size of a patients manhood? How many Laboratarians havent made silly remarks about the pain they cause to their clients during the taking of blood? How many patients havent had their cases used for numerous conferences and symposia without their consent? How many record keepers or archivers havent insulted patients who misplaced their cards? Theres a subtle power play going on, the patient been the victim in most instances. This doesnt rule out the unruly and disturbing behaviors of some patients, but most times the patient naturally feels a sense of discipleship and followership of the deity called a healthcare giver. This trust bestowed on them must not be abused.

The needed respect and dignity must be accorded them. The deadly sin of superiority, self-conceit and arrogance must be eschewed. As a patient, you need to first and foremost accord yourself the due respect you demand. This would be demonstrated in your demeanor and how you behave together with the sort of questions you ask. A nurse once told me how a patient had insulted her after seeking permission to dress her gangrenous wound which was anything but pleasant.

As a patient, you need to also understand that respect is reciprocal, health professionals are there for your wellbeing. Dont feel intimidated by any white coat. Ask for privacy when any consultation or examination is to be done on your body. That is a right and not a privilege.

The patient is entitled to confidentiality of information about him or her and such information shall not be disclosed to a third party without his/ her consent or the person entitled to act on his/her behalf except where such information is required by law or is in public interest. Our society is one whose roots run deep and wide. Societal interconnections in Ghana presents us with a great sense of belonging as well as the adversity of less privacy.

Your Uncle who works in Winneba Government hospital may know the Father and brothers of your boyfriend who suffered from epileptic seizures and fits very often. Hes been their physician for a long time and could vouch for a hereditary pattern to their peculiar illness. He comes to Accra to see you planning to get married to one of their brothers he treated a few weeks back. What should be his reaction? Only a few companies and health facilities have confidentiality clauses and contracts. I remember working at a hospital facility some time ago where patients details including family history where normal talk among health care givers. Youll hear these from the grapevine.

Nurses would gather and talk, some would even go as far as pointing to the particular man or woman who had such a condition. If you were unlucky to have the dreadful HIV/AIDS, damirifa due is what I wish for you. Itll have to take a Florence Nightingale of a nurse to attend to you and make you feel human. A lot of people have had such challenges with the system at one point in time or the other. Their health issues have escaped the secure vault of consulting rooms and wards.

Theres been occasions where people at home hear of the loss of a baby even before a woman leaves the labour ward. What happened to confidentiality? We need to wake up as health professionals and stick to our code of ethics. Ours is a divine mandate, lives entrusted in our hands, futures and nations, word travels fast and could destroy lives of people. As a patient, you may ask, what can I do? Make a specific request to the Health giver to treat all information as confidential as possible.

If you need the results of your test to be sent to a particular doctor, make the request so and hold them accountable to it. The laws of Ghana provides avenues for redress anytime you feel your privacy and confidentiality has been breached. Perhaps you didnt die from knowing that your family knows youve got Gastric ulcer though you didnt tell them, but someone hanged himself on a tree when his sister asked how he contracted Syphilis. Demand for what is right. Its our collective responsibility to make our nation great and strong.

Hospital charges, mode of payments and all forms of anticipated expenditure shall be explained to the patient prior to treatment. Many are surprised when I tell them that the hospital environment which is supposed to be a recuperative and curative one, akin to an NGO or a not for profit organization is sometimes more profitable than a banking or commercial enterprise. In this, Ill walk you through what a typical retinue for a person seeking treatment for appendicitis may have to go through. This illustration may not hold true for all patients but some may easily identify with some aspects.

If you come to the hospital in a car, youll have to pass through the gates, if youre generous enough to look at the Security mans face youll realize theres a tradition that must be done. Some people ignore this and move on to the reception. If your case is an acute one you may likely be sent to the Accident and Emergency center. The hustle starts from there; youre likely to meet a few nurses on duty wholl have to direct you to the registry or records department where youll have to buy a folder. Based on how quick you want the folder considering the queue available, youll have to grease a few palms to facilitate this process. Some workers are bold enough to demand extra for the work done. As a meek lamb, you dole out a few notes and continue the journey.

The nurses would then have to take your Vitals. Depending on the in-house policy, you may likely dole out some housekeeping monies. From there your consultation fee comes up, after paying that at the cashier, youre made to go see a doctor. He examines you and makes a few laboratory and drug requests. Getting to the Laboratory, you see a long queue there too. Youll have to grease a few palms there too if you want express service as by this time youre in severe pain. Your blood may likely be taken or any other specimen required, from where you may proceed to the pharmacy to buy a few drugs to help with your pain before any other interventions.

The same cycle repeats itself again and then you come back to stay in a ward where ward dues are becoming a norm. Which of these transactions have you really budgeted for?, The medical directors would tell you to ask for receipt for any payments made, how do you ask for a receipt when the system places no checks and balances to rectify these irregularities? At the end of the day, the purses and wallets of Hospital staff are fattened at the expense of the patient.

So sorrowful isnt it, imagine coming to the hospital in a rush, youll have to go back home and bring these monies requested for. The currency of life is a privilege to serve , how many people become doctors, nurses , pharmacists , lab scientists , receptionists ,dentists and the like out of a desire to serve and make the lives of people better ?. Our very human nature has been so tainted by corruption and evil, were just thinking about the best ways to extort and make our lives unbearable.

The patient should be the center of all healthcare initiatives. Quite undeniable is the role education and literacy plays in this matrix. A huge chunk of people who patronize public hospitals are our local folk whove merely had any sort of elementary education. The system cheats them of their cocoa monies, it pilfers on their ignorance and extorts from them, what option do they have?, wholl speak on their behalf?, though they feel the pinch of corruption do they even know what to do about it?,

I cry silently in my closet when I watch such distasteful acts perpetuated by a few miscreants paint the entire health profession black. Patients must ask and need to know. Ask for your receipt for whatever payments you make. Hold people accountable for their actions! Sorry for delving into a period of momentary melancholy, sometimes great people even cry , Obama cried on gun violence , Cronkite cried on the assassination of John F. Kennedy, George Washington cried during his inauguration and I cry for my people and country as well. Ill be back with part 2 soonest.

The writer is a champion of preventive healthcare, and has a passion for stemming the ills in society through constructive pieces and articles. Hes a Scientist and takes key interest in prevalent public health issues. This he does as his contribution to knowledge advancement and a cure to the ills of society. He can be reached on [email protected]
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and five of his comrades in the struggle for Ghanas independence, Komla Gbedemah, Kojo Botsio, Archie Casely-Hayford, Krobo Edusei, and N.A. Wellbeck, who struggle for all appeared in splendid smocks at the Old Polo grounds on 6th March,1957, to declare Ghanas independence from British colonial rule.

The picture of Dr. Nkrumah and his five comrades standing on a podium in splendid Northern Ghanaian smocks, while Dr. Kwame Nkrumah made his historic independence speech, remains one of the most famous pictures in Africas political history and in our national and continental archives.

Around the world, many people must have said to themselves, what colorful and gorgeous garments these African men are wearing.

He and his comrades was well aware of the cultures that allowed the wearing of smock which they noted were ones blessed with honest, intelligent, hardworking and determined people, who had limited opportunities as compared to their counterparts in the Southern part of the country. Thank God President John Dramani Mahama has emerged to fulfill the true dream of Ghanas founder, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

Fifty nine(59) years ago, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his comrades sent out a very clear message. It's takes someone with critical thinking to understand the message. It is worth noting that, for the historic declaration of Ghanas Independence, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his five colleagues proudly wore smocks on the podium at the Old Polo Grounds. He was aware it was only a Northern President that will lead a true united Ghana to the promised land.

The opposition npp thought President Mahama is not fit to rule this country simple because,he is a northerner. Just like Obama assuming the presidency, it was a long prophesy by Marcus Garvey that one day a black person will be president in America,like wise Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's prophesy of seeing a northern president leading Ghana some day.

The NDC's founder his excellency former president Jerry John Rawlings took to wear the smock in his days as the president of Ghana. Like the bible story of John Baptist,who cleared the way for Jesus Christ. In his days, he led a united Ghana and it is now time for president John Mahama to carry on the baton handled to him in fulfillment of the prophecy of Ghana's founder.

Countrymen and women, the future ahead is full of promise under President John Mahama as prophesized by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The prophesy is here. A future where the labour of many is not exploited to the benefit of just a few.

The smock is a symbol of hope for Ghana and president John Mahama is one who wears a smock, he is a warrior and will close the ranks for Ghanaians to chase out our bad economic situations.

Very soon, we will mark our independence as gained for us by our first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Let's all of us have confidence in President John Mahama,join hands with him to make Ghana a better place.

I wish every Ghanaian, great happiness in the fifty nine(59) years of our great nation and many years that lie ahead and trust that together we shall go forward to our successful destiny.

Long live Ghana

Ibrahim Hardi 0208235615

Email [email protected]
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Around the end of 2013, as I sat in one of the court rooms at the Accra High Court in wait for a case which I was following to be called, an interesting case, suit number AC 41/2014, between Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd (the defendant) and one Doreen A. (the plaintiff) was called up. The noble, common sense reliefs which the plaintiff was seeking versus the ruthless, remorseless disavowal of responsibility by the defendant struck a cord in me which is too often encountered by the average citizens of our nation: The feeling that we cannot stand up to big companies and government bodies even if we are violated, unjustly inconvenienced, injured or defrauded by them.

From the court proceedings and documents, the merits of the case are as follows: In the early hours of May 10th, 2013, a Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd Dongfeng refuse truck hit and very badly damaged the plaintiffs car which was stationary at a stop light, waiting for the light to turn green, at the TT Brothers Intersection on the Dahwenya-Prampram Road. All passengers survived without serious injuries. The facts just stated were accepted by both parties. Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd, however, was disputing the cause of the accident. Contrary to the plaintiffs claim that the accident was caused by the over-speeding of the Zoom Alliance truck driver who they claimed failed to see the stop light and failed to stop, the defendant argued that the accident was rather caused by a braking system failure on their truck per the accident report.

The plaintiffs witnesses asserted that they saw the defendants driver giving money to the DVLAs accident report officer in an effort to cause him to alter his findings so as to absolve the driver and in extension, the company, from blame. This claim of bribery by multiple witnesses might explain why despite the police (DVLAs) subsequent report findings that the accident was caused by the malfunctioning of the brakes on the defendants refuse truck, the defendants driver was still instructed by the police to (and was able to) drive the same truck through heavy traffic to the Tema MTTU immediately after the accident without the so-called malfunctioning brakes being repaired or replaced at the accident scene. This informs me that contrary to the police accident report, the refuse trucks brakes had no problems or defects before or after the accident. Needless to say that, with our current national situation of such grotesque endemic corruption, if the police report is to be given any credence, then both the police and the defendant aught to stand a criminal trial for knowingly condoning and operating a vehicle unfit for the road especially after the same vehicle had just caused a rather serious accident. This would have constituted a reckless endangerment to the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of innocent people on and off the roads.

The plaintiff was seeking for the defendant to repair her damaged vehicle. The defendant, was categorically refusing to be held responsible for the repairs or any other related costs. Even though the defendant, Zoom Alliance GH Ltd, accepted it was their brakes which malfunctioned and caused their truck to badly damage the defendants vehicle, they maintained that the destroyed vehicle was still not their responsibility because it was an accident. They prayed that the court absolve them of any responsibility because per their writ, it was all purely accidental. I was left scratching my head as it was obvious that Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd was asking the plaintiff to seek redress from the brakes on their truck instead of them, the owners of the truck, taking responsibility for the accident for not ensuring that their vehicle was road worthy and fit to be driven on that fateful day.

As if their line of reasoning and argument was not shocking and shameful enough, I was confronted with yet another undisputed damning revelation which raised my blood pressure even higher. It was revealed that Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd, the company which has the national contract and is paid to haul about 90% of the trash which all of Ghana generates, a company which has numerous big trucks on our roads and highways everyday of the week crossing paths with tens of thousands of people on our roads daily, had elected as matter of company policy to have a third party liability insurance coverage of two thousand cedis (2,000) on their refuse trucks. What? Unbelievable right? Very negligent right? Indeed I found this revelation so distressing and unbelievable that I wasted no time in investigating this claim. I contacted the defendants insurance provider and it turned out to be true. This truth was corroborated by messages from Zoom Alliance itself to the plaintiff which formed part of the tendered evidence in the case.

Simply put, by choosing this particularly inadequate coverage, Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd plans to receive and only disburse no more than 2,000 to help offset the cost of any accident or carnage which they cause on our roads. This includes accidents which private or public property, be they cheap or expensive, is totally damaged or innocent Ghanaians, irrespective of the total count, are injured or killed by their big garbage collection trucks. How can a company which has earned and continues to earn millions of cedis from their multiple-year contracts with the government and people of Ghana, select to be so negligent and refuse to implement common sense policies which will adequately protect those they serve and the people that they share the roads with, the people of Ghana. The fact that they would choose such a grossly inadequate policy and fight with their immense power in the courts, if the injured party can actually afford to take them to court, to reject responsibility of accidents which they accept were caused by a malfunctioning of their vehicles, demonstrates that they have no respect for the safety, wellbeing and interest of Ghanaians. Such disavowal of responsibility is very common with many of our big companies. Many of these companies use their resources to bully and walk over the average Ghanaian. Such actions demonstrates the disregard which some of these companies and their executive management teams have for the rules and laws which are designed to guide all actions and undertakings by individuals and organizations as we interact within our democratic republic.

The decision makers within these companies feel empowered to overlook standard safety and consumer rights measures simply because they have gotten away with doing same in the past and believe they can get away with even worse. This to me was a demonstration of one of the worst forms of corporate negligence in our country.

Since my reason for being in the court on that day was to report on a different corporate negligence case, I decided to add this particular case to my list of relevant social justice cases. I promised myself I would follow up on it and bring it to the public domain at the right time. Fast forward to last week, the 4th week of February 2016. I checked at the court to find out if and how the honorable judge ruled in this case.

It turns out that the honorable judge who ruled on the case agreed with the plaintiff that Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd was indeed responsible for repairing the plaintiffs car so judgment was awarded to the plaintiff in January 2016, almost 3 years after the accident. My investigations also revealed that the defendant delayed and stretched the case as long as they possibly could within the rules of engagement in an effort to frustrate and cause more expenses to the plaintiff in hopes that she would drop the case. The biggest surprise from my latest enquiry is that the defendant, Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd, has filed an appeal and stay of execution to stop the payment for the repair of the plaintiffs vehicle and settlement of some of her litigation costs as rightfully and justly awarded by the honorable court.

The road worthiness or status of the brakes on any vehicle is the responsibility of the owner of that vehicle. This chosen path of an appeal by the negligent company in question, Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd, is once again riddled with an intentional effort to remain unaccountable for their actions. It also seems to be a calculated effort to break the plaintiffs resolve at achieving the necessary and just redress in this matter.

Even though I don't know the plaintiff, I can only imagine the pain, suffering and expense that the plaintiff, Doreen A, has had to bear and is still enduring due to this brazen attempt of another big company to have their cake and eat it, refusing to bear responsibility for the destruction caused by their vehicle/driver which was driven by their employee and by so doing causing grievous harm, frustration and untold growing expenses to an innocent, law abiding Ghanaian for the past three years and still counting.

Since the plaintiff was only asking for her vehicle to be repaired, this should have been settled three years ago in the very week which the accident happened. At the time I felt that is was also necessary, fair and just, that a means of transportation or reimbursement for transportation during the trial and repair phase must be given or awarded the plaintiff since she pleaded with the court that this was her only vehicle and means of transport. I still feel this way and hope the distinguished appeals court will rule in favor of the plaintiff and increase the judgment to include all expenses and interests otherwise missing from the initial judgement.

In another civil trail that I am following, a construction company decided to put big boulders as make shift road blocks during a road construction in one of our local districts. They did so and failed to put adequate signs to warn drivers of this danger in the middle of the road. Sad to say a driver lost his dear life after he unknowingly drove into one of the boulder in the middle of the night. Again, rather than settle with the victims family, the owners of the construction company felt they bore no responsibility for the death of the driver and refused to provide any form of assistance or compensation to the victims family. This case is still ongoing at the high court.

Other examples of daily corporate negligence and infractions against Ghanaians who pay for their services and the general public include, but are not limited to, the ECG (dumsor every day), the Ghana Water Company (wake up at 2am to fill your gallons once every month or buy water after you have paid your expensive water bills), GPRTU (pay for a ride on an air condition bus which does not have air condition, plus most private bus owners that sign up use buses that are not adequately insured to cater for all the passengers should the unforeseen happen), Metro Mass, etc. For years, all of these companies have made unfulfilled promises to providing Ghanaians with optimum services in exchange for our paid monies.

We cannot ignore the role of some unethical corporate lawyers who in pursuit of validating and renewing their lucrative retainer agreements, often give bad advise to their clients, the corporations, advising them to take advantage of the absence of a vibrant consumer rights advocacy in Ghana. Seeking to underscore the value of their retainers or make a case for full time hiring arrangements, some of these lawyers unfortunately counsel their clients to attempt to shed their responsibilities by using the courts and appeals process to scare and exhaust the public when clearly, their clients have inflicted different kinds of injuries to, or have gravely infringed on the rights of, the public. The trick here is, when these companies refuse responsibility, the only option left to the injured party is litigation. Due to the highly possible lengthy time and exorbitant cost of litigation, most of us would retreat and suffer in silence. Indeed, nine out of ten Ghanaians would have already given up on this Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd Vs Doreen A. hit-and-refuse-responsibility case. For most, the case would have never made it to court. Thus, in Ghana, nine out of ten times, corporations like Zoom Alliance Gh Ltd, ECG and The Ghana Water Company are successful in getting away with nearly anything including whatever injuries or (financial) burdens they inflict on the currently powerless and voiceless general public.

What has happened to the consumer advocacy agency in Ghana? Where are we going as a nation when companies, especially those with commercial vehicles like Zoom Alliance and GPRTU, seem to enjoy a policy of unchecked compliance as it relates to having adequate insurance and protections for consumers and the general public whom these companies interact with on a daily basis in the execution of their profit making duties? Companies such as Zoom Alliance who disregard basic rules of engagement such as being adequately insured and providing a fast resolution of accidents they cause must be investigated and prosecuted by the appropriate state bodies. Companies which neglect to fulfill promises made in their bid to secure national contracts from our government and/or individual Ghanaians must equally be made to compensate their aggrieved clients and their contracts annulled and license revoked in cases where such drastic measures are necessary to send a signal of zero tolerance for such intentional corporate negligence.

Every day in Ghana, the negligent actions and inactions of companies like Zoom Alliance Gh ltd cause varying levels of harm to consumers in particular and to the public at large. Our social fabric and the publics sense of security, stability and the rule of law is rattled and weakened every time we the public are made to feel helpless and powerless in the face of such brazen, unchecked and unpunished corporate negligence by companies and government bodies.

The impetus of articles like this is to start serious discussions which can lead to some urgently needed changes including the support and empowerment of public/consumer advocacy groups and free legal representation to sections of the general public who cannot afford them in clear-cut cases of corporate negligence and violation of consumer rights. The time to hold these companies responsible for their negligence and compel them to act in good faith is now!

My next piece will be on medical malpractice in Ghana. May the truth, integrity and protection of the rights of the general public strengthen our resolve to achieve excellence and justice at all times. God Bless Our Homeland Ghana!
05.03.2016 LISTEN

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has made a passionate appeal to the National Accreditation Board (NAB) to grant permanent accreditation to newly established university, the Madina Institute of Science and Technology (MIST).

He is of the believe that the said, institution which currently has a temporary affiliation from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to start with its pioneering group for the 2016/2017 academic year will be of tremendous help to the Nation.

Dr Sharubutu who spoke through his Personal Assistant, Alhaji Khuzaima M. Osman made this appeal when he made a familiarizing tour to the multi-complex facility at Lakeside Estate, a suburb of Madina in Accra.

The establishment of this multi-dimensional facility has the prospect of boosting the economic activities of this community in the areas of transportation, employment and offering health care to residents, he added.

Beaming, the Dr Sharubutu who turned 96 this year noted he was happy to witness an educational project of that magnititude in his life time but urged the muslims community to take advantage of the institution to empower their children through the quality education the institution would offer.

Vice President, Academic Affairs, Naa Alhaji Ali Seidu Pelpuo in his remark noted that MIST, which was established by the Madina Foundation for Science and Technology (MFST) with support from sponsors from Qatar, had satisfied all NAB requirements for accrediation except that of a permanent affiliation.

He said the institution which has Engineering as its flagship programme with options in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Oil and Gas would also run programmes in Business Administration, Arts and Health and Alied Sciences.

 The programmes at MIST are purely secular and the training will focus on producing graduates who will be willing to work in their communities to help raise the living standards of their people, he added.

MIST currently has well furnished Administration block, permanent library, laboratories, a clinic facility, a mosque for worshippers, lecture halls, a hostel facility, senior members quarters and various other facilities at various stages of completion

Present at the occasion was Mr. Safwan, board chairman of the institution, Dr. Rabiatu Armah, senior lecturer of University of Ghana, Legon and member of the MIST governing council, Sheikh Musa Abdul Kadir and other senior clerics and members of the Ghanaian Muslim community.

We hope that you give it the necessary attention.

National Chief Imam toured the university campus on Thursday 3rd March 2016
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Fellow Ghanaians, the year is piling up its months towards November, 2016. As good and patriotic as we are, we must be eager to franchise our right by voting for a political party that has mastery over our economy. We should vote for a political leader who can transform our economy to create lots and lots of jobs, lots of business opportunities and create sound path for Ghanas true economic growth.

We need to vote for someone with good leadership qualities, a leader who is intelligent and competent, a man of vision, a real action man with demonstrated success in Law, business and politics; an honest man who is capable of working with lots of quality men around him. Lets vote for a matured person who loves our country.

We need a president who is ready to sacrifice his life for Ghana. Lets vote for an astute politician who has provided quality leadership in Ghanaian politics. We should vote for a political party that has exhibited leadership of peace, understanding , unity and patriotism to mother Ghana. At a critical moment where all eyes were on our dear country thinking that our beloved country will be mined by bloody war.

Let us ask these most burning questions in Ghana today, as Ghanaians, are we satisfied with the state of our economy since the inception of the NDC government especially the Mahama led administration? Are we satisfied with the current standard of education in Ghana? Has the countys fortunes improved after the rejection of the NPP in 2012? Your views and answers to these questions are as good and prudent as mine.

It disheartens us whenever we hear the owl cries of fellow ordinary Ghanaian citizens even in this crucial moment . We know the difficulties and hardships that confront us in this country. Does the current government really care about its citizenry? It is surprising to live in a country where the rich and the middle class grumble and complain bitterly to show their discontent of the unprecedented level of hardship and sufferings! As for the peasants , they live in Ghana because they are Ghanaians and have no place to go! Are we not fed up with this government?

The leadership of the NDC are using their incompetence and cluelessness to plead with Ghanaians to massively cast their votes for their New Patriotic party (NPP) under the able leadership of Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo. So that we can move forward as a nation.

The NDC government has abysmally failed Ghanaians in terms of education. In their quest to provide free quality education to the Ghanaian citizenry, the NDC government has intentionally scratched off Teacher Trainee Allowances with massive increment in their fees. This has caused immense poverty among the youth in Ghana especially we in the three northern regions. Still in education, the NDC government has skillfully laid off pupil teachers which has significantly affected teacher- student ratio in Ghana. Not to even talk of the tremendous impact of this act on the people affected. The NDC government claims to have built schools: schools without teachers, schools without furniture, schools without chalk and schools without textbooks? Are the schools going to teach the pupils?

The NDC government has worsened the condition of service of teachers in the name of quality education. What a government! We need to vote for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to salvage us because the NPP has done it before. The NDC government has significantly increased school under trees because of the uncompleted structures that the government has put up which they call Senior High Schools, to the extent that we now have Senior High Schools under trees! I believe that if Ghanaians do not change the current government, there will be universities and polytechnics under trees in Ghana by 2020!

It will be wise for the NDC to equip the existing schools to accomplish their vision. The NDC government has really failed us interms of education. Some Junior High School leavers have to abandon their Senior High education because of the unprecedented increment in Senior High School fees that their parent could not afford.

Recently, the general Secretary of the ruling NDC claims that, 54,800 out-of-school children have been enrolled into schools-in fact, schools that we do not know. He further claimed that over 100 million exercise books have been distributed across the nation which happens to be one of the usual lies of the NDC. He also mentioned that 12.5 million textbooks have been distributed nationwide under the Mahama led administration. Another lie to the higher level because most schools in the three Northern regions are complaining of lack of text books especially in English language. We therefore wonder who were the beneficiaries of those books? He again said that 10,000 sandals have been given to very needy pupils. If we may ask, how many schools do we have in Ghana? What is the total population of basic school pupils in Ghana? Do your calculations and you'll notice that the NDC government has once again failed us.

The general secretary of the NDC added that, the distribution of the textbooks had reversed the textbook ratio, from three pupils to one pupil to four textbooks under the NDC. If classroom teachers will be sincere and honest here, is this statement true? Meanwhile, the performance of both Junior High and Senior High Schools is something that enthuses the government. Beware of propaganda in 2016!

Fellow Ghanaians , we are not satisfied with the state of the economy since the inception of the NDC government. The fortunes of our beloved country has been capsided. We therefore stand for change in November, 2016. We're pleading with all Ghanaians to vote for the NPP come November, 2016 so that the NPP can continue from the numerous indelible marks that the JOHN Ayekum Kuffour led administration has left. We wish you all, our fellow Ghanaians, well in all your endeavours. We will back if Almighty Allah permits. Thank you.

Bawah Chakiha Latif : Acting Communication Director of Young Patriots in the Sissalaland

O544876973/0504786573

Abass Musah Tonduogu: Acting Secretary of Young Patriots in the Sissalaland

0208377521/0544728694
05.03.2016 LISTEN

If you have your own resources like gold, diamond or oil that brings steady income, why gamble for leverage? Businesses have a good reason for using Other Peoples Money OPM to establish and split the profit with risk takers on the long run. If the business fails, owner of the business is protected from personal liability and shareholders also absorbed a loss. In case of governments, Africas liability multiplies since countries do not fold, even when they defaults on odious loans.

It is well known that the advantage of stocks and bonds as part of financial portfolio has its gain in long-term profits. This is where capitals are raised for most projects with the hope that the project would produce gain for the investors on the long run. The only beneficiaries of short-term trade, acquisition and corporate raiders are funds managers and black knights in hostile take-over. They now descend on African countries, to make quick cash or profit in Nigeria.

Politicians send loot out while our domiciliary foreign cash account gamble in devalued naira. Dollar account and loot cannot enhance local development. Instead of relying on whatever we have by making sure our foreign reserve is not drained by foreign portfolio investors, we place faith on FPI intention. Its pennywise pound-foolish to stake foreign income as collateral loan.

Unfortunately, each time these foreign portfolio investment fund managers pull their money out of stocks and bonds at a convenient and opportune time, the government of the day is blamed for bad economic policy driving foreign investors away. In the first place, they are not in our countries for local interest and their local partners furnish them inside information on our policies. Foreign ratting agencies look after the interest of their partners, not local beneficiaries.

Foreign portfolio investors have gravitated towards funds manager seeking their interest for maximum profits around the world. While this is a legitimate pursuit to increase shareholders return on investment, it devastates poor African countries trying to get on their feet by seeking long-term investments for infrastructures and capital projects. It could be a win-win situation if the foreign investors do not seek short-term gain at the expense of their hosts.

Government investment banks have handled most of the capital projects and infrastructure in Africa with low interest loan from international bodies like International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Enormous projects like Ajaokuta Steel that needed foreign technical assistance and materials became obsolete before production. Smaller projects with confidence that FPI were expected to invest in Nigeria resulted in loses of N304bn to foreign divestment in six months

Surprisingly, Innoson products have low patronage. For its population Nigeria has one of the lowest auto manufacturing activities in Africa. Nigeria must plan and implement auto policy for foreign investors to start from scratch. Morocco, with only two assembly plants, is producing 460,000 units and Egypt, which has 26 assembly plants currently boasts of 325, 000 production capacity, while Nigeria with an allegedly 36 assembly plants only has 15, 000 production capacity. See Auto Industry

African countries must trade more with one another to get long-term benefits. It used to be cheaper to fly from West Africa to London than to fly from West Africa to East or South Africa. Well, right now we do more businesses outside Africa than we do within Africa. The reason is simple, our needs and wants have been diverted from our home to Europe and United States. So we must buy more and trade more outside Africa.

Our leaders are quite aware of this and they have formed regional economic bodies like ECOWA and established national airlines that fly across the Continent. With so many airports within our countries, we have many local airlines. So we have made progress, though not enough. Many of our airlines are still unreliable and not enough, plagued by maintenance problems. Even when they are cheaper, we still fly foreign airlines out of Africa.

Maintenance, service and material of equipment are the source of continuous money making avenues for foreign companies. Apart from bringing their foreign technicians, the codes to open or operate their equipment are easily controlled from their American or British based plants or offices. So, when African countries buy top grade medical and manufacturing equipment, local technicians and operators may not be able to service them when and if due without paying fees.

African confidence in local trade must go beyond buying and selling, imported ready-mades and burst into manufacturing finished products admired and patronized at home. It is catching fire in Nigeria in view of the arguments for and against devaluation of naira. The fear is, this is not the first time. We went through series of Operation Feed Yourself to Buy Africa but discovery of oil as easy foreign income destroyed the incentive to be more productive.

Some Asian countries like Indonesia, South Korea and Japan have tailored foreign investment to their cultural values mutually to the benefit of both foreign investors and local entrepreneurs. In cases where foreign franchises have been accepted, they adapt the taste and culture of the host countries. A good example is in the food industries where local menu are different from what one would see in American or British market.

Most African countries want exactly the foreign taste, style and menu deriding local culture. It should be noted that those businesses that have copied foreign types but diversified into local cultures stood a better chance of success because they save a great deal of money in franchise fees and they do not have to depend on foreign goods as their raw materials. Anyone accepting Coca-Cola franchise must accept their imported formula of raw material: African sugar and cola!

We should not be discussing this after many years of political without economic independence. Foreign Investment must help budding industries not paper profit draining our foreign reserves.
05.03.2016 LISTEN

I dont have a dime left. I am dependent on my friends for food and small old-age pension-Bela Lugosi

She officially started work as a civil servant on Wednesday, 6th March, 1957 and I learnt she was the first among her peers to get a civil service job.

Her name was Gold Coast but had to Change to Ghana after gaining the white colour job which wasnt easy to come by in the 1950s. Things were not that bad for her though but growing up she met many challenges.

Some of these challenges scare her when the thought of going on retirement next year comes to mind.

Ghana was envied by all the guys in Europe and Asia all because of her ancestral treasures of gold, diamond, bauxite, cocoa, cashew, Shea nut, Timber, rocks, lime and many more other treasures which other women at that time couldnt boast of.

The fear of Pension

After working for 59 years, Akua Ghana sees no hope in the future when she finally goes home come 6th March, 2017.

Akua shivers when she looks at the state of some sectors that were very vibrant some time back.

Security

Akua wonders if her security is guaranteed with the current happenings. She reads and hears in the media of recent contract killings and broad day knife and gun welding armed robbery.

Some of these Police Officers recruited with no proper background checks some times are arrested for armed robbery and car snatching, so Akua is right if she laments of poor security.

Just recently, some of Officers of the Ghana Armed Forces who returned from Peace Keeping Missions in Sudan complained bitterly of how their monies were being paid! Barracks of security personnel is nothing to write home about.

Akua remembers vividly, the poor welfare of security officers in 1966 might have been one of the factors that led to the overthrow of her first Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kwame Nkrumah, very sad story that had had a painful impact on Akua Ghanas growth.

Akua Ghana a times wonder if the National Security can protect her if she visits Bunprugu Yunyo, Asante Agogo, Tafo and other security flash points.

All these security night mares give her sleepless nights.

Health

Akua wept bitterly after losing close to 71 children in a gory accident on the Kintampo-Tamale highway. The absence of Ambulances was one of the factors that led to the many deaths on that sad Wednesday.

The fear of her dialing the Ambulance number and no one responding, when she is in an emergency pierce her heart! And she wonders what she has been paying all these taxes for, all these 59 years?

She registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme some years ago, thinking her retirement will be smooth when it comes to health care. After knowing there are less than 170 old rickety public Ambulances, means she cant always get one standing by at the closet Hospital to carry her from home? She took a second a look into the NHIS.

The NHIS Authority owe many hospitals close to 9 months, this has forced some of them to reject NHIS bearing card holders whiles others who still accept these cards, cant pay hospital staff and manage their facilities because most of them rely solely on revenues from the Health Insurance claims to run their facilities.

Akua nearly went on Coma when she heard the internationally recognized Korle Bu teaching Hospital is closing down most of its surgical units due to a breakdown in some of their machines. Many souls were lost during that time.

She wonders, if she can leave additional 8 years after retirement if the health sector is such deplorable?

Her meager SSNIT benefit cant pay for a plane ticket to Madibas South Africa or Mahatmas India for health reasons but the politicians can.

Power and Water

She stopped relying on the Ghana Water Company some six years ago because of their poor services and high tariffs which the PURC cant do anything about but to support.

One of Akua Ghanas childhood friends Malaysia used to come to her for marital advice and family tutorials. She is doing very well in terms of Water issues and from what Akua is seeing; Malaysia might never suffer when she goes for retirement as she is going through.

Akua wonders how her Children and grandchildren who rely on Ghana Water will survive in this era of water rationing.

Ghana Prisons Service have no option than to allow inmates go out and get water. Schools are closing down because they cant be spending all their revenues on buying water from Water Tanker operators.

Its being 59 years, and Akua has no option than to keep on weeping for her kids who had hope in her but now cant even boast of a single treasure.

For close to 12 years the previous and current Chief Executives are doing all their best to stabilize electricity but it seems its not going to work any moment from now!

Akua Ghana and most of her children cant afford even a rechargeable lamp how much more a generator set.

The fear of Power fluctuations and water rationing currently cut her intestines. Ghana Water Company has increased their tariffs to 140%!

Companies from some her friends, Europe, America and Asia are folding up because of the high tariffs in utilities.

She wonders if she is really the Akua of those days when all eyes were on her because of her beauty and treasures bestowed on her.

Education

Akuas school going grandchildren at Kperisi in the Upper West Regional capital, lie flat on the floor to write, sorry but they are not physically challenged. There are no tables and chairs.

Some students of Pong Tamale Senior High School, use the corridors of their washroom as a sleeping place.

How can a Pensioneer to be see her grandchildren suffer like this, for no crime done? She has paid all her dues to make her grandchildren enjoy but structures are not working.

Agriculture

When the Chief Executives Accountant told the people that, they now have to import Cocoa beans from her close door sister, Ivory Coast, Akua Ghana and her children beat their chest in pains and all what could be heard from the wailings were WHY..WHY..WHY?

How can she come home for retirement, visit her hometown and be told the only Cocoa farm belonging to her and her children have been sold to the some greedy descendants of her longest male friend China, for illegal Mining!

The Chief Executive is doing all what he can to make Agriculture appealing to her grandchildren, but they are not buying into the idea at all because of poor policies!

In no time, we will be importing Agri-produce just as weve started with Cocoa.

Akua Ghana, remembers vividly when Mr. Nkrumah told her, she was free forever and that she can control her own affairs but now she can barely control her assets in and outside her home.

She knows by now her young friends, Malaysia and Singapore who were everyday visitors to her house for advises will be disappointed in her for going on retirement empty handed.

Akua will turn 60 next year, but some of her children dont give a hoot about her wellbeing but fighting over her very limited treasures. Selling some away and sharing the proceeds among themselves.

Corruption is everywhere and the Chief Executive Officer feels helpless.

Some of her children who are preacher men now take advantage of the already poor people and milk them of their hard earned money. Some are turning into crabs and cockroaches; others claim they have holy water and stickers that can solve Akuas woes forever.

After being raped mercilessly by different gangs of Military guys and coat and tie politicians, she has been left alone to suffer when she comes home.

Long live Ghana.Long live GhanaLong live Ghana

You can contact the writer via [email protected] or 0249542342
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Tigo Ghana, proudly associated with about 5million subscribers, continues to increase the level of digital excitement with the much awaited new digital experience for subscribers to Live It! and Love It! The company, on Thursday launched cutting-edge products and services to meet the growing digital needs of customers after massive restructuring running into several millions of dollars.

Ghanaians now have a new way to live the best possible life and love every single moment of it because of the power of digital technology which Tigo has offered solutions to coming from the good old days of Mobitel (Me Gyena Abonten Na Me Kasa Yi (Den Tymes).

Adding to the pack of exciting moments is the introduction of the TRIBE service which offers subscribers overwhelming freebies on social media.

Where customers subscribe to the TRIBE service, they get free Facebook, free WhatsApp, free Twitter and free IMO without any worries and headaches over data bundles. All one has to do is to register by sending - START to 5060 and the Subscription is Free! #LiveItLoveIt!

The launch was graced by the Deputy Minister for Communications, Hon. Ato Sarpong, industry players of the telecom sector, investors, Tigo staff among others.

According to Tigo CEO, Roshi Motman, who spoke extensively on Tigo operations so far, the telecom giant had made heavy investments to ensure network stability, reliability and availability.

"To achieve this, we have done a complete overhaul of our business model focusing on building a business with a long term strategy and some quick wins. To be able to get to where we are today we had to invest millions of cedis in building a stable and reliable network our with network availability now improved from 88 to 99% within a year," she emphasised.

She also observed that the company has the attention of all industry players and Ghanaians because it had become smarter in the way they do business and are attractive to top professionals, investors, partners, suppliers and most importantly to customers; revealing that Tigo had completely changed its product portfolios since it introduced new products to suit today's digital savvy customer and have sanitised and simplified all products and services.

"On the customer front, we have improved service levels from 11 to 78% in 1-year and customer satisfaction has improved from 38 to 64% within the same period," she disclosed.

It would be recalled that in 2003, the company rebranded from Mobitel to Buzz and migrated from analogue to GSM to reflect the standard brand name across all operations and after immense upgrades became Tigo in the year 2006.

"From Express Yourself to Smile you've got Tigo, a lot has taken place in our business. Since I joined Tigo in April 2014, the company has been on a remarkable transformational journey to become the brand of choice for digital users in Ghana," she said.

"The Tigo brand, today is loved by many and we look and feel different from what we used to be. For starters, you may have noticed the shift in our advertising to include emotion and humour. Our colours are no longer red, green, yellow and blue. We are royal blue with crisp white and perceived to be very exciting brand. As Ghana's first mobile network operator, we remain committed to staying on the cutting edge of technology bringing firsts that empower every Ghanaian to do more with digital technology something we call 'the digital lifestyle agenda."

Statistics show that 90% of all adults have their mobile phones within arm's reach every hour of everyday. There are 6.8 billion people on the planet and 4billion of them use mobile phones.A lifestyle driven by Mobile and digital technology is where the future is and that's where the new tigo is and will continue to be. Tigo's new tagline "Live it. Love it, is not just an advertising slogan but rather a new approach and a new direction.

...This tagline reflects the company's ambition to improve internet penetration in the country and to make the internet, and all the amazing features it comes with, a way of life for Ghanaians."

The Tigo CEO further extended her warmest commendation to the hardworking Tigo staff for their dedicated services over the past two years as well as government and regulatory partners for providing the conducive environment in doing business.

The deputy minister in an interview with news men praised Tigo for the massive digital migration and technology transformation over the past years the company had existed.

Hon. Ato Sarpong also welcomed the heavy investments by Tigo which paved way for this new digital age and urged businesses to take advantage of the opportunities that the current digital world offers.
05.03.2016 LISTEN

A 27year old teacher at the Nkronso Methodist Primary in the Eastern Region, Solomon Akoto yesterday met his untimely death during a rehearsal session for the upcoming independence day anniversary celebration scheduled for Sunday, March 6, 2016.

The young man who is said to have recently graduated from the Kibi Presbyterian Teacher Training School and doing his national service at the basic school was said to have collapsed on the field during a rehearsal with some selected students.

Headmaster of Nkronso Methodist primary school, Daniel Bosomtwe who confirmed the incident to DAILY GUIDE said he was subsequently rushed to the Suhum Government Hospital.

But the young man passed on even before they arrived at the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

It is not clear what exactly might have caused Solomon's sudden death.

Some have however said he could have been sick.

The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the Suhum Government Hospital morgue awaiting autopsy.

But news of the young man's death has however thrown the entire school, both teachers and students into a state of mourning.

FROM Daniel Bampoe, Akyem  Nkronso


05.03.2016 LISTEN

Independent Presidential candidate in the 2012 general elections, Jacob Osei Yeboah popularly known as JOY is seething with anger at the level of disappointment and neglect by the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

His anger stems from the fact that the nation's premier hospital and once prized national asset, the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital has almost been left in ruins and is therefore calling for Ghanaians to boycott the country's 59th independence anniversary celebration scheduled for Sunday, March 6, 2016.

In a post on his Facebook wall on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, the 44 year old engineer and entrepreneur could not hide his frustrations after visiting the hospital with blazing guns at the President Mr. President JDM, transforming lives is not killing lives.

That was after visiting the Korle Bu hospital on Tuesday.

He then took to his Facebook wall to vent his frustration with the hashstag #boycott59thIndecday#, saying today, I visited Korle Bu and was greeted with a sad situation. A young man was begging for his father to have surgery but the medical team maintains that its not possible.

Upon seeing him, the engineer turned politician cum entrepreneur said one of them (referring to the doctors) retorted 'this is the true state of the nation- killing Lives'.

Apparently, he had been told by doctors there that all equipment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital have broken down for the past 2 years with the surgical recovery ward which has only four beds which are shared by patients of the ICU.

Anger

.

This was what seems to have ruffled him since according to Osei Yeboah, the Minister of Health was well aware of the problem.

What seemed to annoy him the most was the fact that instead of looking for a solution to the problem, the Minister has directed that surgical patients be transferred to 37 Military Hospital or the Police Hospital.

For him, this is shameful to say the least for Korle Bu and our lives, reason he wanted the President to understand that his claim to 'transforming lives' as he said in his recent state of the nation address should not mean he and his government would look on for people to die since according to him the medical team were not doing politics but true and sad state.

Instead, he noted that one doctor told me they doctors have done their part and its up to patients to do the same.

This is the reason he is asking Ghanaians to boycott the independence anniversary celebration in solidarity with his campaign for equipment for the Intensive Care Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital since according to him, the Tanzanian President canceled such independence day celebration and used the funds to equip such hospital as Korle Bu and asked that President Mahama should emulate same.

Aside that, Jacob Osei Yeboah insisted you can be the next patient at Korle Bu ICU and all what you need is register, boycott upcoming independence day wearing red or black on that day.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu


05.03.2016 LISTEN

The Eye Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) will be closed from Wednesday 9th March 2016 for additional construction works.

A release signed by the head of public relations department of the hospital, Mustapha Salifu said the additional works will include the upgrading of the ventilation and cooling system as well as other civil works in the department.

These are to improve the working environment and safety of both the workers and patients. The work is to be completed within three weeks, the release stated.

The hospital has however made arrangements for patients who have undergone surgery/operations to receive post operative care at the Korle Bu Poly Clinic. Such individuals are requested to call 0507901291/ 0268532170 between 8am and 2pm on working days for assistance.

Meanwhile, all other patients who require eye care services are to make use of the 37 Military, Ridge and Police Hospitals.

The closure of the eye department comes a few weeks after the visit by the first Vice President of Lions Clubs International, Lion Bob Corlew to the centre to check on the project the club funded together with Morfileds Eye Center in the US.

.

Dr. Edith Dogbe, Head of the Eye Department of KBTH, during the visit raised the issue of poor ventilation in the newly constructed eye clinic which according to her, was affecting the operations of the centre.

Dr. Dogbe said per the technological design of the facility, air from outside was supposed to be used to cool the facility however, upon its completion, it was realized that the technology was unable to cool the centre.

She said this has resulted in the center getting warm making it uncomfortable for health officials and patients who use the place.

Hospital management while acknowledging the inconvenience caused is regrettable, has indicated that the additional works are part of efforts the hospital is making to improve the quality of care it provides.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri


05.03.2016 LISTEN

The Police in Ho have attracted the displeasure of some residents in the municipality after they allegedly shot a suspected drug pusher last Wednesday evening.

Although the Police described the incident as accidental, other eyewitnesses who spoke to DAILY GUIDE claimed otherwise. According to the eyewitnesses who pleaded anonymity, the young man was allegedly shot without provocation.

On Wednesday, 2nd March 2016, policemen from the Regional Police Command undertook a swoop of suspected dens of drug users, addicts and dealers in the Ho Municipality.

The operation which involved about 30 police officers led by an inspector of the SWAT unit, covered Anlokodzi particularly the 'Kpako enclave,' the area behind the Metro Mass Bus terminal; opposite the main Commercial Bus Terminal in Ho.

In the course of the operation, one person who is popularly referred to as Fulani was shot. He is believed to be in his early thirties. Residents said the deceased who was a scrap dealer was also called Fulani due to his resemblance of the Fulani tribe.

The incident was confirmed by the Volta Regional Police Commander, DCOP Peterkin Yentumi Gyinae. Narrating the incident to DAILY GUIDE, the Volta Regional Crime Officer, Superintendent Adamu Seidu said on the night of the operation, the policemen made the swoop in different groups in order to cover the area thoroughly.

In the course of the operation, one of the officers came into contact with three suspects and one quickly accosted him with a struggle. In the course of the struggle, the officer's rifle fell and another policeman who chanced on the scuffle rushed to pick the weapon.

Just as he picked the gun, another suspect also grabbed him leading to another scuffle. In the course of the melee, the weapon went off hitting the suspect in the abdomen.

Other suspects rushed to the scene forcing the police to flee for their dear lives. Eyewitnesses then took the injured man to the Ho Municipal Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

.

10 other suspects were later arrested and are being processed for court. Supt. Adamu Seidu said the police are yet to locate the family of the deceased and has appealed to the public to volunteer information to enable them find the family.

However during an interaction with some of the eyewitnesses, they presented a different picture.

They claimed, per the slim stature of the deceased, there is no way he could struggle with the able bodied police officer.

One of them indicated that they all started running for cover when the police barged into their hideout. Unknown to them, some of the officers had hidden along some of the escape routes.

We all run in one direction with the deceased ahead of us and as we moved a little forward, we heard 'poo' and we saw Fulani fell, he narrated as he eyes turned teary.

He said Fulani in spite of that, stood up and struggle to run but fell. The police later returned to pick him up and send him to the Police station where he was pronounced dead. Contrary to the claim by the police that he was shot in the abdomen, eyewitnesses said he was shot in the head; the chin through the eye.

They revealed that at the morgue some policemen came to search Fulani's pockets and took away his wallet, and other metal scraps which the Police said was an exhibit.

This was the third time a suspected drug dealer has been accidentally shot by the police. In all the cases, the residents argued, it was not accidental.

From Fred Duodu, Ho ( [email protected] )
John Boadu (Right)

05.03.2016 LISTEN

The unending controversy over the drillship, 'Discoverer 511,' which was sold for $24 million, has taken a new twist.

The acting General Secretary of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Boadu, has dared the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to prosecute his party's flagbearer for the 2016 general elections, Nana Akufo-Addo, if they have a shred of evidence of wrongdoing against him.

Akufo-Addo was the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice during the previous Kufuor-led NPP administration which opted to settle $47 million owed French bank Societe Generale.

The Ghana National Petroleum Company (GNPC) used the drillship as collateral in the deal and the debt was inherited from the previous Jerry Rawlings-led NDC administration.

A couple of days ago, General Secretary of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, resurrected the issue, accusing Nana Akufo-Addo of causing financial loss to the state.

But at a press conference in Accra yesterday, John Boadu said Akufo-Addo and the NPP as a party were tired of the deliberate attempts by the NDC and their agents to tag the man as a corrupt person.

Anger

Arrest Nana Addo and prosecute him if it's not just propaganda you are doing with the drillship saga, John Boadu said, insisting that Asiedu Nketia's misguided and erroneous reference to Nana Akufo-Addo's alleged incompetence is borne out of the usual ignorance and/or deliberate attempts to mislead the public.

For him, the NDC's claim that Akufo-Addo caused financial loss to the state in the drillship judgement debt case is laughable and falls in line with the NDC's strategy of demonising Nana Akufo-Addo at all cost.

.



This propaganda and bogus allegation, which is founded on the equally bogus propaganda report of the Judgement Debt Commission, should be dismissed by all right-thinking Ghanaians especially as the Commission conspicuously failed to call Nana Akufo-Addo to testify in the matter, even though Nana Akufo-Addo indicated publicly his willingness to testify if invited, he insisted.

He noted that the judge who failed to invite Nana Akufo-Addo to testify but who, against all the accepted norms of respectable judicial conduct, proceeded to make these unsubstantiated allegations was, in the culture of the NDC, duly rewarded with promotion to the Supreme Court, making reference to Justice Yaw Apau who has since been promoted from an Appeals Court judge to the Supreme Court.

John Boadu therefore dared government to arrest and prosecute Akufo-Addo if they had anything incriminating against him, insisting that they could not tag him (Nana Addo) as a corrupt man.

Justification

John Boadu further narrated that when Tsikata and GNPC defaulted, the debt was inherited by the Kufuor government and Akufo-Addo as Attorney-General, after reviewing the facts and merits of the case, chose to settle the matter with the approval of President Kufuor.

As it turned out, instead of $47 million, Ghana paid $19.5 million after the drillship, Discoverer, was sold for $24 million to defray the settlement. How anyone who helped save this country nearly $30 million could be said to have caused financial loss to the state simply boggles the mind, John Boadu stated, insisting, This was a mess created by GNPC under the leadership of Tsatsu Tsikata and the first NDC government and cleared up by Nana Akufo-Addo and the Kufuor government.

He therefore noted that the allegation that there was a settlement between GNPC and Societe Generale to pay $14 million has never been proven anywhere and there is no factual support for that illusory claim.

He wondered why Asiedu Nketia would state that by settling a debt of $47 million with $19.5 million Nana Akufo-Addo caused financial loss to the state.

This is ridiculous and a vain and patently useless attempt to try to tag Nana Akufo-Addo with incompetence and corruption, something that continues to elude the NDC for all the systematic efforts they put into it, he added.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu


05.03.2016 LISTEN

THE ASANTEHENE, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who returned from a private visit to South Africa on Tuesday, will not publicly speak about the recent troubles at Tafo and Asante Akim Agogo in the coming days.

As the rich tradition of the Asante demands, Otumfuo will have to be officially briefed about the Tafo and Asante Akim Agogo issues which occurred in his absence during a durbar of chiefs.

It is after Otumfuo has been thoroughly briefed by the chiefs that he (Otumfuo), who is the overlord of Asanteman, can talk publicly about the two sensitive and security-related issues.

A credible source at the Manhyia Palace, the official seat of the Asante Monarch, has hinted DAILY GUIDE that it is not likely that the Asantehene will be briefed by the Asante chiefs in the coming days.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said Otumfuo would be seriously engaged next week as it was likely that the late Bantamahene, Baffuor Asare Owusu Amankwatia, would be buried next week.

He said after the Bantamahene's burial, which is likely to happen next week Thursday, the Asantehene would also sit in state for people from all walks of life to pay homage to him during the Akwasidae festival on Sunday.

According to him, it is likely that Otumfuo would sit in state at the Manhyia Palace for the chiefs to brief him about the Tafo and Agogo issues the week after the burial of the Bantamahene.

.

The Asantehene is so powerful that words from his mouth are considered sacred by people living in Asanteman.

It is therefore believed that total calm and peace will be restored to the trouble spots in Asanteman such as Tafo and Asante Akim Agogo once the Asantehene breaks his silence on both issues.

Arrival

Hundreds of concerned Asantes drawn from Tafo and Asante Akim Agogo stormed the Kumasi Airport in colossal numbers on Tuesday evening to welcome Otumfuo from his trip to South Africa.

The people wore mourning clothes and held placards with inscriptions that suggested that Asantehene was the only person whose intervention would help bring lasting peace to Tafo and Agogo.

Some of the inscriptions were about Fulani herdsmen's maltreatment of residents of Asante Akim Agogo and the rowdy acts which occurred at Tafo. Others appealed to Otumfuo to help arrest the situation.

FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi


05.03.2016 LISTEN

A question we must also ask ourselves is, does the Bible say that true servants of Christ own churches? Should they boast of owning churches? No, not at all! No true minister of God ever thinks of owning a church personally. Rather, he regards himself as a servant of Christ employed to manage God's church and hidden truths of God's kingdom. IF A TRUE MINISTER OF GOD SAYS, 'THIS IS MY CHURCH,' HE MAY BE MAKING SUCH A STATEMENT IN REFERENCE TO HIS STEWARDSHIP AND ASSOCIATION WITH THAT PARTICULAR CHURCH BUT NOT TO CLAIM ITS OWNERSHIP.

Any claim other than this may be unacceptable. True men of God consider themselves as servants or ministers of someone else  God.

This is how one should regard us, AS SERVANTS OF CHRIST AND STEWARDS OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD (1 Corinthian 4: 1).

People must think of men of God as servants of God. The apostle Paul made it clear that true men of God are servants of Christ and managers of God's hidden truths. He was emphatic about their designations. He drew the attention of the people of Corinth who had believed on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and confessed Him as their Lord and Saviour that they (apostles) were servants of Christ. They were also stewards of God's mysteries. What are these mysteries? Some examples are the mystery of the church (Eph. 5: 32), the mystery of the will of God (Eph. 1: 9- 10), the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6: 19), the mystery of faith (1 Timothy 3: 9) and the mystery of Christ (Col. 4: 3- 4).

True ministers are expected to have deeper understanding of these mysteries and appropriately explain them to the church to build them up. Paul requested that prayers be offered for him so that God would open a door of utterance for him to speak the mystery of Christ.

According to the Bible, Paul and his brothers were servants of Christ Jesus. The apostles did not consider themselves as bosses of the churches. No, they did not. Humility and meekness ruled their hearts and so they did not strive for positions or honourific titles. The apostles did not take honour for themselves just as even Christ did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest (Hebrews 5: 5).

However, Peter, John, James, Paul and their brothers were content and enthusiastic with their designations  servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. Paul, in particular, with all the anointing that was upon his life, his sufferings and the accomplishment of his race, never told the Corinthian church to look upon him as the owner of the churches he planted. He and the other servants knew that the gospel that they preached and the churches they established were not theirs. The churches belong to a far more superior person  King Jesus.

For what we proclaim is NOT OURSELVES, BUT JESUS CHRIST AS LORD, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake (2 Corinthian 4: 5).

.

Paul even described themselves as servants of the church for Jesus' sake. As apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists and teachers, they were leaders. They were aware of their holy, higher and heavenly calling but that did not influence them to be bossy. Instead, they humbled themselves and recognized their dependence on Christ. Obviously they saw themselves as servant-leaders.

They knew the teaching of the Lord that Gentile leaders lord it over their people, and their great ones exercise authority over them. The Lord Jesus warned His apostles against being bossy as the unbelievers do. He insisted that Christian servant-leaders who wanted to be great ought to be sincere servants. Our Lord showed how He served as an example. He served but not to be served. This is one of the principles of the kingdom of God. The Bible says to be great in God's kingdom one has to show childlike humility. Humility or meekness is one of the fruit of the Spirit and so we should not find it difficult to put down our crowns and serve.

True servants of Christ will always say that they can do nothing without Christ. Why? Because they know that Christ is the source of their strengths. They know that Christ is the vine and they are the branches.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, FOR APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING (John 15: 5).

Yes, ministers must know that Christ is the vine and they are the branches. Branches survive as they abide in the vine which supplies strength to them. The Lord did not tell this to the world. He told His disciples. This is a straight and direct warning to all ministers of the gospel. Without a deep relationship and obedience to Christ, ministers cannot heal the sick, cast out devils, raise the dead and powerfully preach the gospel to the unsaved and turn them to Christ. Listen to Jesus, Apart from me you can do nothing. The 'nothing means you cannot do what is expected of you as a man of God. You will be called a man of God but without the corresponding power of the Holy Spirit. Every true servant of Christ knows this secret. Being conscious of this, a genuine minister of the gospel always says that he is what he is by the grace of God.

The piece you just read is an excerpt of my book titled, How Jesus Builds His Church through His Genuine Ministers which was published in November, 2015.

FROM James Quansah, Kumasi


Roads and Highways Minister, Inusah Fuseini has disagreed with suggestions by a colleague minister that the opposition leader breached the Constitution by presenting his version of the State of the Nation address.

He said the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo acted within the constitution in presenting what he called the 'real state of the nation' in response to the president's State of The Nation Address presented to Parliament.

On March 2, the Deputy Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson said on Okay FMs Morning Show that there is nowhere in Ghanas Constitution which allows the opposition leader to deliver his state of the nation address after the President was through with his.

However, Mr. Fuseini said the real state of the nation address delivered by the NPP flagbearer, Nana Akufo-Addo, was an exercise of his Constitutional rights.

According to him, Nana Akufo-Addo was expected by his party to react to the Presidents State of the Nation address and that his failure to do so could have got him removed by his party as Presidential Candidate.

Speaking on the Joy FM's/ Multitv news analysis program News File, Mr. Fuseini explained President Mahama expected some reaction from Ghanaians to his evidence based achievements saying the NPPs reaction was expected and proper.

He said Nana Akufo-Addos speech was calculative and that it is a testament of the nations growing democracy.

Also, Mr. Fuseini said he is interested in accountability, explaining that Nana Akufo-Addo was held to task by the NDC.

Responding to the controversial Hohoe roads which the President announced in his State of the Nation address that work was on-going to give the town a new facelit, Mr. Fuseini said the President did not say all the roads had been constructed but rather some.

Contrary to some reports in the media, Mr. Fuseini said the residents of the area did not take him on and that they only helped to bring the real issues to the attention of his office.

He berated the contractor saying if he were a serious contractor he would have constructed the road within two months.

Mr. Fuseini said government officials in the region failed to furnish his office and that of the President with the true state of the roads.

He commended residents of Hohoe for drawing the attention of the government to the true state of Hohoe roads.
One person has been killed in a gun battle between the two factions in the chieftaincy dispute at Protor near Kintampo in the Brong Ahafo region.

The conflict is between the Mo and Gonja ethnic groups according to the immediate past District Chief Executive for Kintampo North, Kojo Datiakwa.

Now each tribe has installed a chief of Protor. The Gonjas shot and killed the Mo chief in the Mosque sometime last year and the Gonja chief sought refuge in Accra. He got back to town last night thinking that matters had cooled down," Kojo Datiakwa explained.

The other side (Mos) got information that the Gonja chief was in town last night and that resulted in the disturbances that got one person killed, he added.

Meanwhile, another former DCE for the area, Seidu Harrison told Joy News over a thousand residents especially women and children have fled the area to neighboring towns.

About 4-5 year old children passed through the bush to Gulumpe. Some didnt even know where to lodge, they were just roaming about, Seidu Harrison indicated.

He said he and some other officials found places for the people to lodge and stated that over twenty of the Protor residents were at his house.

Seidu Harrison added that security has been beefed up in Protor.
Deputy Minister of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, mourned with the family of late veteran actor Solomon Sampas family

Poetical as she is, Hon. Dzifa hatched her feelings through a well written piece. Read below what the Honorable and former actress posted:

Silence spoke loud  And tears painted the portrait of a faithful childs respectFor a departed heroYet, wails are only salute the departed, never to restore his loss.

Before the heavy down pour that characterized the arrival of March yesterday, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie (Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts) took some moments of her busy schedule to mourn with the family of one of her life and Professional mentors who is now muteSolomon Sampah.

Welcomed by the Family head, bereaved wife, children, and some family members of the late Ghanaian actor at his Mataheko residence, the scene can best be described as an epic one. For minutes, silence and drip of tears poured down the cheeks of the honourable Deputy Minister- signifying her respect for her former Stage Manager and life inspirer.

Speaking to the family, she shared fond memories of her life with the ace Ghanaian actor as a young worker in the National Drama Company of Ghana, Abibigromma. According to her, Paa Solo, as they affectionately called him, played an instrumental role in horning her acting skills and also was one of the inspirers towards attaining her University Degree.

She also shared with the family how she still counted on the late actor even as the Deputy Minister of State for advice before his sudden departure. To her, Solomon Sampah has been and will always continue to be part of her life.

The family head also took the opportunity to express their gratitude to her for honouring their late king and national icon with her unexpected visit and also took time to inform her about their preparations so far. As always, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie ceased the opportunity to remind the family of the essence to respect culture and customs in all the procedures due towards having a befitting a burial for the late Ghanaian theatre icon.

She also reminded them to respect each other (extended family and nuclear family) in the course towards and after the burial of Paa Solo so as not to injure the pains of the widow and children more. She donated cartons of bottled water and physical cash to the family towards the preparation of the final funeral rites and assured her best role in same regards.

She also reminded the family to serve formal letters of notice to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts and National Theatre since Solomon Sampah is well known in these sectors for his enormous roles towards building the theatre industry of Ghana.

She was accompanied by some members and executives of the Ghana Actors Guild and a poet/spoken word artist, Oswald Okaitei.

By-MustaphaInusah.Com
Following an explosive celebration of the celestial anniversary by Wikipedia Ghana User Group, and Shaping Davos in Accra, the whole fraternity of the former converged on MiPromo, a neo-media company located in the heart of Achimota, to climax Wikipedia's 15th anniversary celebration with a party, for want of a better word.

The anniversary which was fixated on the theme ''Creating huge presence with massive impact'', commenced on the 1st day of the year 2016 with a movement labeled ''One Wiki a Day',' spanning 1st to 15th January, 2016.

One Wiki a Day was all about sharing one Wikipedia article a day on social media. Indeed, huge presence and awareness was created. Members were apt to the dictates of the movement, then the public followed suit and the impact was massive!

Upon everyone's arrival, Mr. Felix Nartey, the community manager kick started the program with a succinct prayer inviting the good Lord to get involved in proceedings.

The program soon dovetailed into an extensive discourse where members gave a brief bio of themselves, how they joined the community, what they do for Wikipedia, their experiences so far, fun facts and favourite foods where Wakye carried the day. A lot of experiences were shared, many members were inspired and discoveries made; one of them being that most members joined the community through the Bar Camp franchise organized by ''Ghana Think Foundation'' whose Director Mr. Ato Ulzen Appiah was also present on the day.

Soon after that, was time for some snacks and refreshment to give fresh strength and perhaps make members salivate and put together their tasting buds to devour the cake staring them in their faces. But the convo did not end there, it continued with some networking as well. As was to be expected as time went by, anxiety and anticipation swelled up among members to have a bite of the anniversary cake but it did not take long before that wish was satisfied.

Ably assisted by Mr. Ato, Sandister Tei, the first woman from West Africa to make it to Wikimania, Rexford Nkansah, Raphael Berchie, and Muhammed Sadat, Mr. Felix drove the knife through the heart of the customized Ghanaian version of the 15th Wikipedia anniversary cake to initiate a very important part of the gathering. Hipeee!!!

Everyone in attendance had their fair share of bite and some bottles of minerals to complement it. What a sight to behold! Precisely why the scenes could not play without being captured in digital forms.

Following the little feast, another interesting segment ensued. A hot and interesting convo was mounted around the theme of the occasion; ''The Journey so Far for the Ghanaian community and the way forward''. Mentions were made of many past programs undertaken by the Wikimedia Ghana User Group (WMGHUG) including the Edit Ghana Project, Retention Program, Wiki Loves Africa, Wiki Needs Girls etc and how they inured to the benefit of Wikimedia Foundation.

Members also expressed satisfaction for contributing to the data base of Wikipedia and other free and valuable opportunities to take advantage of: Wikimania, the annual gathering of Wikipedians around the world in one city, working for Wikipedia Foundation on full time base (Wikipedi-in-Residence) etc

Touching on other important aspects, Mr. Ato Ulzen rightly pointed out the very important aspect Wikipedia has occupied in the whole world: ''Increasingly, the whole world is embracing Wikipedia as a paramount source of information as such, huge organizations including FC Barcelona who even use their Wikipedia article as their About Page'', he said.

Speaking on the Way Forward', Mr Felix Nartey acknowledged that information is expensive. People pay huge sums to get it but Wikipedia exists to change that. That said, Wikipedia needs volunteers to contribute to the database because it is very important and a crucial step in making that dream to remain a reality. With reference to Mr. Ato's submission, Mr. Felix stated with joy that ''it is stories like these that show how important the work we are doing is''.

He also used the opportunity to touch on the magic of Bar Camp and its impact on the Ghanaian society and WMGHUG. According to him, members who joined the user group through Bar Camp programs constantly make WMGHUG activities rise exponentially. ''That is the magic of Bar Camp'', he said. Mr. Ato and other stakeholders of Ghana Think Foundation were commended and encouraged to keep up the good work.

Members, Ghana's and the whole of Africa's attention was brought to a very worrying fact. He pointed out that, we have not been forthcoming in any attempt to chronicle our story to the world. It is very worrying, so much so that Antarctica, the less inhabited continent in the world has more texts and photos on the internet than the whole of Africa, the world's second largest continent. Hence the urgent need for us to write our own story to pull parity with our counterparts from the other world else they will remain incognito to the world.

That notwithstanding, he also thanked and commended members for being part of the largest digital phenomenon of the 21st century.

Inevitably, it was time for the curtain call, for a month of Sundays since the world learnt that there will be a historic celebration of Wikipidia's 15th anniversary, it has finally ended in a great Ghanaian fashion.

All in all, not a bad way to spend a few weeks and a couple of hours to climax the celebration of the 15th anniversary of Wikipedia before getting back to our busy schedules, reenergized in our endeavours in contributing voluntarily to the data base.

A Felix G Fate Korku submission, @2016
Ladies and gentlemen of the media, fellow comrades!

I have the pleasure to welcome you all to this important engagement on behalf of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the United Cadres Front of Ghana (UCF-GHANA).

As most of you may well be aware, there have been some differences within the cadre ranks which led to a division dubbed UCF-EAST LEGON and UCF-KUKUHILL. This caused the formation of two national executive bodies with their attendant followings. This situation, needless to say, gave rise to acrimony and rancor within the Cadre Front, over the recent past few years.

However, the ability of cadres to reason logically, comprehend issues in their right perspective and analyze them to arrive at sustainable conclusions, engendered us, cadres, to close our ranks, resolve our differences and are now together as a unified body under an Interim Management Committee (IMC), mandated to organize a congress to elect substantive executives of the United Cadres Front of Ghana.

The first part of our press encounter this morning is to introduce the Interim Management Committee, then proceed to make some comments on recent national developments and subsequent reactions.

The I.M.C is co- chaired by Comrades Kofi Aikins and Shine Gaveh. The other members are Comrades: Rejoice Ahiable, Mercy Akromah, Sammy Donkor, Camillus Maalneriba-Tia Sakzeesi, Edward Aganaboya Mba, Lawson Godro, Charles Afare, Tom Brown, Osei Piesie-Anto and Efanam Nyaku, Secretary to the IMC. We are happy to announce that our party, the National Democratic Congress is, indeed in tune with this development within the cadre ranks, and the venue of this press conference is indicative of the level of recognition accorded the United Cadres Front of Ghana.

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me on behalf of the IMC, once again, thank all our senior Comrades who in diverse ways contributed and facilitated the resolution of our differences. We single out for special mention the Cadres Contact Group. A Y E K O O ! ! ! !

As we have already stated, we have invited you here to also express our concern on issues of national interest which has made us quite restless. We segment them as below stated:

POITICIZATION

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, fellow Comrades. The politicization of everything in this country by the NPP has become of grave concern to many well-meaning Ghanaians. To the extent that motor accidents that occur because of hasty decisions of overtaking drivers, causing mayhem is attributed to the NDC, not providing enough ambulances to convey accident victims to the hospital, hence, the death of victims of the Kintampo accident. What Logic!

His Excellency the President, as part of his constitutional obligations renders his State Of The Nations address and again, for political gains, the Flag Bearer of the NPP decides to provide a real state of the nation address. Suffice it to state that he ended up displaying such ridiculous misunderstanding of the issues at hand. What a shame!!!

The cumulative effect of our over reliance on hydro power in times past and the lack of preparedness for the increasing electricity demands which led to a deficit resulting in Dumsor which was also FIXED by His EXCELLENCY, is also politicized by the NPP as an ineptitude of the Mahama administration. What a joke!!!

GUANTANAMO EX-DETAINEES SAGA

Another issue that has been politicized by the NPP and some clergymen and engaged the attention of the Ghanaian citizenry lately, is the acceptance of the ex-Guantanamo detainees into the country. Some informed/uninformed commentaries have done the rounds on the electronic and social media. Some intellectuals have also dishonestly waded into the discourse, presenting skewed views to project their political agenda. This, to say the least is absurd and must be exposed.

On October 30, 2003, the Parliament of Ghana ratified an agreement with the government of the United States of America on what is now commonly known as "The Non Surrender Agreement". One of the key issues in that agreement which is publicly known now is that American citizens who may be sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, for crimes of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity and aggression  should not be handed over by countries in which they live, who have signed up to that agreement.

Prior to the signing of the agreement, there was a divided opinion between the then majority NPP and the then minority NDC for and against the agreement. The Ghana News Agency (GNA) had the issue reported thus: Parliament on Thursday by 101 votes to 53 voted for the ratification of the bilateral agreement between the Ghana Government and the Government of the United States, regarding the surrender of offenders to the International Criminal Court. Members of the Minority (NDC) vehemently protested against the Motion, saying it violates the sovereignty of the country and that the country should not cheapen itself just for peanuts.

It had to be put to vote due to the failure of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Constitution, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs to reach a consensus on the issue because of entrenched positions of both sides. The GNA reported that the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Mr. Joseph Darko-Mensah had told the august House of their meeting with the then Foreign Affairs Minister, Nana Addo Danqwah Akufo-Addo, who gave them details of the agreement. He (Nana) further stated that Ghana had already signed and ratified an agreement known as the THE ROME TREATY which sought to hand over suspects for trial on crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity and aggression.

The Joint Committees report to the entire membership of Parliament, stressed that Ghana stood to benefit when the agreement is signed and ratified  failure for which Ghana could lose certain benefits from the US government including FINANCIAL SUPPORT and the hampering of the countrys bilateral relationship.

However, the Minority (NDC) on the other hand as reported by the GNA disagreed with that assertion, saying the country should on principle not sign and ratify the agreement since it would be COMPOMISING (our stress) its stand on The Rome Treaty it signed. It emerged that the issues contained in the agreement are so important that they should be brought to the public domain for public inputs and that entering into such a bilateral Agreement would mean surrendering the national sovereignty.

The United Cadres Front of Ghana has observed from media reports at the time that the country was BULLIED into signing the agreement by the NPP, and the GUANTANAMO EX-DETAINEES situation, which has sparked the current controversial discussions  smacks of probable inferences that created the environment for the possible consideration of Ghana as a probable destination for the ex-detainees.

Prior to October 30, 2003, when the Agreement was signed, the GNA again captured Hon. Joseph Darko-Mensah in its report as saying that, To strengthen its position on the issue, the US Congress in 2001 passed the American Service Members Protection Act introducing sanctions against regimes that dont comply. Compelling the US Administration to suspend all forms of military assistance to countries refusing or failing to sign the Agreement by July 2003, and later extended to October 2003.

He said it was intimated that Ghana stands to benefit by ratifying the bilateral Agreement especially with military assistance to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

The Minority (NDC) stood on a different pedestal, stressing it was a huge betrayal on the part of the Government of Ghana. They further stated that it was also a contradiction to the then two imminent Ghanaian personalities, i.e Mr. Kofi Annan who was the Secretary General of the United Nations and Prof. Henrieta Mensah Bonsu who was then serving as the Vice President of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow comrades. The above is how far things went and you have all heard the effort the then Minority in Parliament in resisting the signing of the Agreement as against whatever good the Majority saw in that whole transaction. When the minority (NDC) even advocated a general public discourse on it  they were ignored.

Today, those who used their huge numbers in Parliament at the time (NPP) to prevent public participation and input in that controversial Agreement, are faulting government for having accepted the two ex-detainees without engaging the public on it. Those sections of the clergy now making wheezing noises against President Mahama, were no doubt, beclouded by their political spectacles and chose to remain gullibly silent.

We are grateful they have found their voices now. Kudos. !!!!

We cannot end our statement without expressing disappointment in civil society organizations and faith based organizations who have suddenly found their voices. They find it convenient now to contribute to the debate. We condemn such selective attitudes and urge them to display more objectivity in national discourse.

The UCF-GHANA, begs to state that the presence of the two gentlemen does not in itself expose us to terrorist attacks. Rather, political violence in whatever form is terrorism, Those engaged in it should purge themselves off it.

Thank you for your attention.

 ..

Co-Chairman, Comrade Kofi Aikins 2. Co-Chairman, Comrade Shine Gaveh

..

3. Comrade Efanam Nyaku Felix (Secretary)
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Accra, March 4, GNA - Work on the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, currently before Parliament is progressing steadily, and the Bill is expected to be passed before the end of the year.

Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Majority Leader in Parliament, on Friday gave the assurance that the House was committed to working on the legislation.

He said the House had to carefully consider all the technical details and the proposed amendments carefully before proceeding to pass it.

'Statements made to the effect that this honourable House is not committed to passing the bill are false,' Mr Bagbin said, on the floor of the House, as he presented the Business Statement for next week ending Friday, March 11, 2016.

Next week's ending, will form the seventh, of the eight week first meeting of the fourth session of the Sixth Parliament of the Fourth Republic, before the Easter Recess.

Mr Bagbin urged Ministers whose sectors were connected in one way or the other to the Bill to avail themselves during the consideration stage to make contributions.

He said the Bill had gone through a lot of metamorphosis, yet the volume of work on it was huge and required more time.

According to the Majority Leader, the African Union had passed a resolution that all legislatures of member states had to pass RTI legislations after which the various states had to fine-tune the bill to suit their specific needs.

There were interjections from Mr Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, the Member of Parliament for Tema East, who said he had been questioned on a regular basis, and sometimes accused by his constituents that he, as well as all other members of the House were reluctant to pass the bill.

Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, in a rejoinder, said it was the responsibility of the member to explain to his constituents that the bill required careful scrutiny and that the volume of work on it was huge.

He said the proposed amendments alone were 52 pages.

Continuing, Mr Bagbin also told the House that the Presidential Transition (Amendment) Bill, 2016, would be presented and read for the first time.

Mr Bagbin also announced that the Governor of the Bank of Ghana would in camera brief the House on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 on the operations of savings and loans companies and micro finance companies operating in the country with particular reference to the DKM Diamond Microfinance, Little Drops Financial Services, God is Love Fun Club, Jaster Motors and Investment Company and Care for Humanity Fun Club.

GNA
Accra, March 4, GNA - Mr. Paul Ababio, the Head of Strategy at UT Bank, has said the Bank would soon launch a new product for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The new product is aimed at providing multi-factorial variables to enhance assessment of credit worthiness of SMEs and allow the Bank to provide added insight to its SME clients on how to improve their credit portfolios.

In a statement sent to the Ghana News Agency on Friday, Mr Ababio reiterated the Bank's commitment towards the continual organisation of clinics for SMEs to provide them with more tactical advice on how to operate successful businesses.

'UT Bank reinforced its commitment to empowering SMEs by promising to organise more clinics in the future to provide tactical advice for SMEs.'

He said the Bank would continue to demonstrate strong partnerships in the country to maintain its position as the leading SME centric bank in Ghana.

He said the organisation of SME Clinic was to reinforce UT Bank's commitment to understand the needs of customers and to develop innovative solutions which reinforces their quest to do more.

The maiden UT Bank SME Clinic, held under the theme 'Funding Your Business - Strategies, Options and Considerations, brought together industry players, financial experts and entrepreneurs to explore solutions for business financing and strategies towards improving their businesses.

Mr. Stephen Antwi-Asimeng, Chief Executive Officer, UT Bank lauded the contributions of the SME towards the Ghanaian economy as it had been proven to contribute 70 per cent of the nation's annual Gross Domestic Product.

'As UT Bank's core area is SME, we have come to understand that they usually need a lot more than financing and that is why we have assembled some of the best SME minds to teach us how to unravel some of the problems,' he added.

Mr. Sampson Agkligoh, Managing Director of InvestCorp, an Investment Bank providing services in Asset Management, Research and Corporate Finance, also urged SMEs to have proper management systems in place while taking tax planning seriously.

"If you have your management in place, and you run your business well, banks are willing to help," said Akligoh who also stressed 'the need for SMEs to desist from taking short-term loans from banks to develop long-term projects.'

Another keynote speaker, Mr. Richard Siaw, a Senior Investment Officer at private equity firm Oasis Capital also outlined alternative sources of funding for SMEs stating that 'the SME sector is an engine of growth in any economy, but in the absence of financial access, it cannot be developed.'

He said Oasis Capital provided risk capital in the form of equity, quasi-equity and profit-sharing facilities to entrepreneurial businesses in Ghana and throughout Africa.

GNA
Accra, Mar. 4, GNA - Parliament has recommended the strict implementation of the Children's Act to ensure that children are not used in the 'kayayei' (head porter's) trade.

The Committee on Gender and Children, which made the recommendation, said the budget allocation to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection should be increased to enable it tackle all socio-cultural issues effectively and efficiently.

Laadi Ayii Ayamba, Chairperson of the Committee, presenting the report of the Committee on 'the kayayei phenomenon in Ghana' to House on Friday, noted that the phenomenon has gained a national dimension and requires national attention and a comprehensive policy to bring it down to the barest minimum.

'The Ministry  should be given the needed support in developing policies that would help in the reduction in the levels of migration,' she said.

The report was occasioned by a directive by the Speaker in February 2014, to the Committee for research, study, consideration and report to the House on the kayayei situation was made, following a grand interest on the issue after sector Minister Nana Oye Lithur had made a statement on it to the House.

In that statement, the sector Minister provided a background to the rural-urban migration in Ghana, the current nature of the 'kayayei' phenomenon, reasons why people migrate to the regional capitals to engage in the kayayei, challenges face by the kayayei, the national response to the phenomenon and the way forward.

According Laadi Ayamba, who is also the MP for Pusiga in the Upper East Region, the Committee observed that there has been no national survey on the phenomenon although the Ministry conducted a study on the phenomenon in Accra in 2009, with two non-governmental organisations- People's Dialogue and the Ghana Federation of Urban Poor.

However, there were variance in the figures as the Ministry put the number of head porters in Accra at 2,300 while that of the NGOs stated a figure of between 15,000-17,000 head porters in Accra.

The porters are mostly located in markets across the capitals especially at the Agbogbloshie, Mallam Atta, Darkuman, and Ashaiman markets, and Tema Station.

There are also others in Sekondi- Takoradi, Kumasi, Tamale and Kintampo.

The report said some researchers have made the observation that 80 per cent of the head porters are females mostly from the Northern parts of Ghana and 20 per cent are males engaged in truck pushing, sale of scraps, loading and off-loading of goods from trucks.

'Eighty-six per cent of them are not married and 41 per cent are single but have children. Fifty per cent of them have no formal education, 5 per cent of them have no formal education, and 54 per cent of them are from Dagomba, Sissala and Mamprusi extraction from Northern regions. Fifty eight per cent of them were engaged in farming prior to migrating to Accra'.

Most of them are school dropouts.

Among the key factors for the prevalence of the phenomenon are poverty and financial difficulties experienced by young girls in the northern parts of the country, climate change which has seriously impacted on rain fed agriculture in the north and inability to complete education due to lack of funds.

Others are irresponsible parentage and harmful socio-cultural practices like early marriages and adoption, inadequate schools, teachers and lack of jobs.

The kayayei are faced with the challenges of rape, sexual abuse, long working hours, harassment and extortion by city officials, lack of access to good health, poor education and lack of accommodation, drug trafficking and maltreatment.

GNA
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Mar. 4, GNA - The Minerals Commission will from the first week of April begin a nation-wide registration of illegal miners in order to organize them into co-operatives for easy regularisation.

The registration is to be done in collaboration with other institutions, experts and the respective District Assemblies.

Dr Toni Aubynn, Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, said each group or cooperative would have a clear structure with key responsibilities and be given training to conduct their activities in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner.

Dr Aubynn, who was speaking at a press conference on Thursday, said under the model, all registered members of the various co-operative groups would be issued with personal identity cards and their activities monitored by mining wardens across the country.

'The registered co-operative groups will be provided with the necessary technical support to enable them mine profitably, efficiently and sustainably,' he said.

Also, the Commission will continue to earmark grounds with some geological investigations on them to identify suitable areas for small-scale mining. Such grounds will be made available for the registered co-operative groups at a minimum fee to partly pay for the cost of the geological studies.

He said in addition to the measures underway a proposal to track earth moving equipment in mining areas had received favourable response from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.

Dr Aubynn said in line with the requirements of the Minerals and Mining Act 30 District Mining Committees (DMCs) had been formed.

Currently, 24 out of these DMCs have been inaugurated and have started functioning. Nine out of the 24 DMCs have been trained in policy and legal issues.

He said the District Mining Committees by law would be supporting the various District Offices of the Minerals Commission in managing the small-scale mining activities at the district level.

'It is our firm conviction that, with the training offered them, they will be able to complement the Commission's efforts at implementing initiatives to sanitise the Small-Scale Mining sub-sector,'Dr Aubynn added.

The Commission called on all unlicensed miners to look forward to forming co-operatives to regularize their operations to enjoy technical assistance, and supervision provided by Government to enable them operate in a conducive environment as well as mine profitably.

GNA
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Mar. 4, GNA - Alhaji Idris Hassan, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Workers of COCOBOD, has refuted allegations of labour unrests between the leadership of workers and management of COCOBOD.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Alhaji Hassan said any such information in the public that COCOBOD workers were threatening a revolt was untrue.

It would be recalled that the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) has hinted creating unrests which could adversely affect the fortunes of cocoa production in the country.

According to the Union, the attitude and management style of the company is creating tension among employees, unions, as well as management staff, and this could soon trigger unrests.

Alhaji Hassan said workers of the company expressed surprise about the hint of unrest and sought for clarifications from the leadership of the Union.

'There is no revolt or any intended strike in the company, there is sanity and workers are going on with their normal duties without fear or victimization, there is serious harmony among workers and management of the company 'he said.

He said there is no such wrangling in the company and that the issue emanated because the COCOBOD workers have plans of breaking away from the ICU and as a result, the Union brought these issues to create tension among workers.

Alhaji Hassan said the case is currently before the courts and assured all workers of the company that there is theoretical and practical labour harmony between the workers, leaders and management of COCOBOD.

GNA
Accra, March 4, GNA - Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, has called for the promotion of tourism within the African continent.

She said regional tourism was key to the development of the sector on the continent.

The Minister made the call when the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Mrs Lulama Zingwama called on her at the Ministry.

'Ghana and South Africa should put in measures to encourage and promote travel between the two countries,' she Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said.

She encouraged South African investors to explore the opportunities that existed in Ghana especially in the tourism sector for mutual cooperation.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare commended South Africa for the improvement in their visa regulations and expressed optimism it would boost tourism in the country.

Mr Lulama Zingwama said Ghana and South Africa had very good relationship in the area of tourism and culture; hence much was needed to improve on the already existing connections.

She said as a former Minister of Culture, she was keen on seeing both countries collaborate in sharing knowledge and organizing events which would solidify the relationship between the two countries.

She was full of praise for Ghana's tourism offerings especially the arts, culture and the hospitality of the Ghanaian people.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare earlier conferred with the Mexican Ambassador to Ghana to explore cultural cooperation between the two countries.

This was the second of time such meeting, following one last year.

GNA
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Accra, March 5, GNA - Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur has lauded Abraham Atta the young Ghanaian actor for making the nation proud on the international movie scene.

He also congratulated the young movie star for being an ambassador for the nation internationally.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur made the statement when he received Abraham Atta, his parents and his Ghanaian manager at the Flagstaff House in Accra.

Abraham Attah, the 14 year old student of the Cape Coast Montessori School returned to Ghana after being adjudged 'Best Male Lead' at the Independent Spirit Awards. Attah played the lead role in a feature debut film the 'Beast of No Nation'. He also presented an award at the 2016 Academy Awards, Oscars.

Abraham Attah played the lead role of Agu in the movie 'The Beast of No Nation' who when civil war tears his family apart, is forced to join a unit of mercenary fighters and transformed into a child soldier.

The film is based on the 2005 novel of the same title by Uzodinma Iweala.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur urged the young Ghanaian actor to live a simple and modest life and not be carried away by his international fame and stardom.

He tasked the young movie star to continue with his education, adding that the best way to nurture such talent was to learn as much as he could.

He said with education the young film actor would be able to do better than what he had done already.

Vice President Amissah-Arthur also urged the young Ghanaian actor to serve as a role model for most children who would want to be like him.

Abraham Attah on his part commended Vice President Amissah-Arthur for the warm reception given him and promised to make the nation proud.

Abraham Attah, the Ghanaian young actor arrived in Ghana to a superstar welcome at the Kotoka International Airport after a week of international breakthroughs, including attending the 2016 Oscars where he presented an award, and winning 'Best Male Lead' at the 2016 Independent Spirit Awards.

It was the third major award for the young actor who won Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actor at Venice Film Festival 2015. He also won 'Rising Star Award' at the Black Film Critics Circle (BFCC).

Abraham Attah played the lead role of Agu, who when civil war tears his family apart, is forced to join a unit of mercenary fighters and transformed into a child soldier. Based on the 2005 novel of the same title by Uzodinma Iweala, the movie was shoot in Ghana and also stars Ama K. Abebrese, Fred Amugi and Grace Nortey. It was directed by Emmy Award-winning Cary Fukunaga, and the first fictional feature produced and distributed by Streaming Service Netfli.

GNA
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Bobi (C/R), March 5, GNA - Mr Francis Kofi Korankyi-Sakyi, District Chief Executive of Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira (THLD) has called on NGOs and corporate bodies to perform their social responsibilities in their area of operations to enhance development.

This, he noted, would enable communities in which they operate appreciate their efforts and also help supplement government's effort at bringing development to the grassroots.

Mr Korankyi-Sakyi said this on Friday when he inaugurated five mechanized boreholes for the Bobi, Paaso, Somnyamekodu and Nyamebekyere all cocoa growing communities in the THLD district.

The boreholes valued at GH 88,000.00 were jointly funded by ConfiseurLaderach AG a Swiss family owned chocolate Company based in Switzerland, the Rainforest Alliance, OLAM Ghana Limited in partnership with COCOBOD and as well as the District Assembly.

The DCE said the government was committed at providing potable water for all communities in the area and announced that 26 communities have so far benefited from the Community Small Water Project.

He said 10 other communities were yet to benefit from the project and called on those that had already been provided with the boreholes to take very good care of them so as to increase their live span.

Mr Korankyi-Sakyi said plans were far advanced to provide electricity to the beneficiary communities to enable them effectively use the mechanized boreholes.

On cocoa farming in the District, he said, everything was being done to provide the farmers with the needed fertilizer and chemicals to improve upon cocoa production in the area, but warned that anyone caught diverting cocoa fertilizer and chemicals would be made to face the law.

He said measures had also been put in place to decentralize the COCOBOD scholarship and that beneficiaries would no longer have to travel to Accra to have their scholarship forms processed since everything would be done at the district level.

Mr Christian Mensah, Chief Executive Office of Rainforest Alliance explained that the projects were implemented in the four communities to help intensify and increase cocoa production, create wealth and entrepreneurship as well as improve livelihoods and eliminate child labour.

He said the communities were selected for the project based on their volume of trading, leadership commitment and the aspiration of the community members to change their lives.

He said apart from supplying the beneficiary communities with water, they also supported cocoa farmers on how to adopt practices to increase yield and at the same time protect the forest resources.

Mr Mensah said the selected communities have been trained in good agronomic practices to increase productivity and livelihood of the farmers and in addition facilitate access to free fertilizer from COCOBOD.

Mr Mensah pointed out that water was a symbol of life and that children in the beneficiary areas still spent a significant amount of time fetching water in highly unsafe conditions, hence the provision of the boreholes.

Otumfuo Amoah Sasereku III Omanhen of Twifo-Hemang Traditional Area, who presided, underscored the importance of water and thanked the sponsors for the supply of the boreholes, adding that it would help reduce the time children spent in looking for water.

He advised the farmers to produce quality cocoa beans that would meet the market demands and endeavour to keep their water bodies safe.

Otumfuo Sasereku also appealed to the District Assembly to provide Bobi community with a CHIPs Compound since the nearest health facility was at Hemang, which was quite a distance. GNA
Accra, March 5, GNA - Mr Ibrahim Oppong Kwarteng, Ambassador Extraordinaire of Prisons, says sensitizing students on the consequences of crime through prison documentaries remained one of the surest ways of significantly reducing crime among students across the country.

He has, therefore, charged government to support his prison crime prevention initiative to reduce the large number of students being convicted on various offences.

Mr Kwarteng, who is also the Executive Director of Crime Check Foundation, (CCF), an NGO, made the statement when the organisation visited Insaniyya Senior High School at Kasoa in the Central Region to sensitize the students to conditions in the country's prisons.

The over 800 students, who had the opportunity of watching for the first time, Mr Kwarteng's new prison documentary, "Life in Prison' could not contain their emotions as they listened attentively to numerous prisoner confessions and pieces of advice from prisoners to the public.

Mr. I K Mensah, Headmaster of the school, expressed optimistic that the programme would go a long way to deter crime among students in view of its factual, chilling and emotional nature.

He, therefore, urged the management of the Foundation to quickly extend the programme to schools across the country.

The students, who claimed they have never visited a prison facility, took turns to thank the Prison's Ambassador and his team for showing the maiden edition of the documentary to the school.

The Director General of GES, Jacob Kor, last month gave the Foundation the greenlight to show Prison documentaries in pre-tertiary institutions across the country.

GNA
Accra, March 5, GNA - The Convention Peoples Party (CPP) at the weekend condemned the unguarded attack on the personality of Mr Ivor Kobina Greenstreets, the Party's Elections 2016 Presidential Nominee.

Professor Edmund N. Delle, CPP Chairman and Leader in an interview with the Ghana News Agency expressed shocked and total disappointment about the statement attributed to Mr Franklin Jantuah, a Member of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah's Cabinet.

'The CPP abhors any form of discrimination either based on social class, political affiliation, health status, religious affinity, ethnic background. It is against the spirit and letter of the 1992 Constitution.

'The CPP dissociates the leadership, the Party and the rank and file from the unfortunate statement of Mr Jantuah,' Prof Delle stated.

The last surviving member of the Kwame Nkrumah administration, Mr Jantuah was alleged to have made derogatory remarks about Mr Greenstreet mainly due to his disability.

Prof Delle said the Party was committed and pledged its total support for Mr Greenstreet in spite of the disability 'Mr Greenstreet who served two terms as the General Secretary of the Party has demonstrated his capacity and capability to withstand and overcome all obstacles.

'We believe that the CPP delegates who elected Mr Greenstreet at the Party's December National Delegates Congress made the right choice, Mr Greenstreet is well prepared and psychologically ready to campaign across the country.

'The Party is solidly behind him to project the CPP agenda for victory, CPP alternative agenda for the Ghanaians to consider and elect the Party again to complete the unfinished agenda of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah'.

Prof Delle noted that 59 years after Independence Ghanaians must acknowledge the critical role Persons with Disabilities can play in the nation's social-economic development.

The CPP Chairman noted that building a sustainable, inclusive country for all requires the full engagement of people of all abilities; 'we must work together to transform the country'.

The CPP Chairman noted that the Party will continue to champion the voices of persons with disabilities; 'as we look ahead, we need to strengthen development policies and practices to ensure that accessibility is part of inclusive and sustainable development.

'This requires improving our knowledge of the challenges facing all persons with disabilities - including through more robust, disaggregated data - and ensuring that they are empowered to create and use opportunities.

'Together with persons with disabilities, we can move our nation forward by leaving no one behind'.

Prof Delle called on the electorate not to look at Mr Greenstreet based on his disability but his capabilities as a person.

Born to two Professors from the University of Ghana, Legon, Mr Greenstreet is the third of four children.

Mr Greenstreet is a lawyer as well as a writer and publisher and was called to the Ghana Bar and the English Bar (Inner Temple).

He contested as a CPP Parliamentary Candidate in 1996 but had to withdraw due to the Great Alliance between the Party and New Patriotic Party at that time.

In 2004, he again contested as a parliamentary candidate for the CPP in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency and had 4,964 votes for the Party (prior to that election the vote for CPP in that constituency had never exceeded 500).

He was later elected as General Secretary in 2007 and again in 2011, being the only national officer to be re-elected for a second term.

Mr. Greenstreet has been confined to a wheelchair since a horrific accident that occurred one night in Accra, as he returned home from overseeing business at a nightclub he owned.

Ivor also served on the Disability Council from 2007-2009.

The election of the wheelchair-bound Politician for the CPP flagbearership makes him the first disabled person to run for President in Ghana.

He is married to the daughter of late former Vice President Kow Arkaah, who is also a Lawyer and they have three children, a son and two daughters.

GNA
Journalist Abdul Malik Kweku Baako says if stripped of the propaganda, allegations that the NPP Flagbearer actively encouraged judgment debt payments, are baseless.

He said the claims, made by the General Secretary of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, were a rehash of palpably false claims designed to tar Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Responding to the NPP flagbearers real state of the nation address, NDC scribe, Johnson Asiedu Nketia accused the former Attorney-General of appealing for a judgment debt to be paid by the government to a private company.

Nana Akufo-Addo had said, The president also omitted an important group of beneficiaries of his government over the last 8 years. These include Alfred Woyome and other beneficiaries of the create, loot and share judgment debt brigade.

He was referring to the 51.2 million cedis fraudulent judgment debt payment to NDC financier, Alfred Agbesi Woyome.

Reacting to the comment, the NDC General Secretary who is popularly called General Mosquito said This is a man who made a passionate appeal for payment of judgment debt to the Great Cape Company despite the non-availability of documentation.

How can a man be opposed to judgment debt payment and plead for it to be paid at the same time? Such hypocrisy is unbecoming of someone seeking the High office of the President, he stressed.

But speaking on Joy FM and MultiTVs news analysis programme, Newsfile, Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku said Asiedu Nketia's claims were complete fabrications.

There are some politicians out there who think people have short memories so they dont give a damn; even when the truth has been put out, they still proceed with the fallacies, the distortions and the lies, hoping that people will buy into it, he noted.

Armed with letters, Kweku Baako explained that the claims that the NPP flagbearer appealed for judgment to be paid to the Great Cape Company whose local agent was Dr. Nat Tanoh, a brother of NDC guru, Goosie Tanoh, were false.

He read the letter dated 3 October 2011 signed by Nana Akufo-Addo in reply to a September 20, 2011 letter by Dr. Nat Tanoh on a case which had its genesis in the Jerry John Rawlings government.

Dr. Tanohs letter read in part, Im by this letter humbly approaching you as well as appealing to you, honourable sir, to kindly assist us in the authentication of the attached letter of 21st April 2001 which you wrote during your tenure as Attorney-General of Ghana and honourable Minister of Justice.

In this regard, honourable sir, the Minister [of Finance] has made it abundantly clear that he would also be happy to act if he were in receipt of an affidavit or letter from your good self simply stating that you are indeed the author and signatory of the attached letter recommending the supplementary payment to Great Cape through the often mentioned letter though the often mentioned letter is not on a headed paper, Dr. Nat Tanohs letter stated.

Kweku Baako explained that Nat Tanoh was asking Mr. Akufo-Addo to authenticate a letter he wrote as A-G in 2001 recommending supplementary payment based on an earlier letter written by Obed Asamoah who was A-G in the Rawlings government.

This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter of 20th September, 2011, requesting my assistance in the settlement of Governments longstanding indebtedness to Great Cape Company of Switzerland. I am somewhat disturbed by its contents, which have led to the unusual request contained in the letter. It is disconcerting to find that public records keeping has fallen into such straits that the files on this matter cannot be found either in the Ministry of Justice or in the Ministry of Finance. Be that as it may, it will be unconscionable on the part of Government if its own poor record keeping is used to defeat legitimate claims of its creditors. I have a vague recollection of the transaction, and can readily confirm that the signature on the letter ILD/SCR/002 dated 18th April, 2001, addressed to the Ministry of Finance, attached to your letter, is indeed mine. I know from your letter that such a confirmation will satisfy the Attorney-General to whom I am addressing a copy of this letter. I am also sending a copy of the letter to the Ministry of Finance. I hope this is satisfactory for your purpose, Kweku Baako quoted Nana Akufo-Addos letter of 3 October, 2011.

He wondered how anybody could construe the contents of this letter as "a passionate appeal for payment of judgment debt to the Great Cape Company despite the non-availability of documentation."

Kwaku Baako further said based on the letter, Nana Akufo-Addo did not go out of his way to make any passionate appeal for payment of judgment to the Swiss company.

He also took issues with claims by Asiedu Nketia that the NPP had created civil society organisations such as IMANI Ghana and Centre for Democratic Development which manufacture reports on the basis of which government is unduly criticised.

The final thing I will say about Asiedu Nketiah and I have described him as an unmitigated communications disaster, were the things he said relative to IMANI Ghana and CDD. Incredible! Focus, deal with the issues, do content analysis of what an opposition leader has said, why drag in other institutions? it is so incredible but sometimes it smacks of the arrogance that power comes with, he said.
The Writer

05.03.2016 LISTEN

Russia signed an inter-governmental agreement in early late January 2016 that would resettle Mongolias debt to Russia which totaled $172 million, 97 per cent of Mongolias total debt. The debt forgiveness signals Moscow is moving closer to Ulan Bataar as it slowly losses grip on other Former Soviet Union Republics economically.

Mongolia also presents an increased market opportunity for Russia and its petrol products. The use of financial instruments and debts to bring countries closer to Russia and to gain political concessions are a mainstay in Russias diplomatic toolkit.

The crashing oil market impacted Russias economy by shrinking Russias GDP and the regional economy causing many former Soviet Republics to rethink their economic policies and alliances. Countries heavily interconnected with Russia, politically and economically, suffered because of the crash of the commodities market and Western sanctions on Russia. Remittances dropped among four Central Asia states affecting their GDP. The slowed Russian economy has forced Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstantwo of Russias closest allies out of the Former Soviet Unionto seek economic opportunities elsewhere.

Kazakhstans currency, the tenge, plunged 100 per cent in the last five months and the current exchange rate 352.08 tenge to one US dollar on 18 February. According to reporting on 23 February 2016 from Reuters, Kazakhstans economy will grow only 0.5 per cent, as opposed to the originally forecasted 2.1 per cent. Kazakhstan will also cut its oil output to 74 million tonnes. Kazakhstans is looking to Middle Eastern investors such as the United Arab Emirates. Kazakhstans diversifying economic partners is also reflected in Kazakhstans desire to be a bridge between Europe and Eurasia and to expand its bilateral economic partnerships.

The squeeze prompted discussion of raising rent rates for Russia who leases four of Kazakhstans military and space sites including the Sary Shagan and Emba missile testing sites. Russia, for all four sites, pays $24 million which is not enough according to Kazakhstan MPs. Russia is currently leasing Baikonur Cosmodrome from Kazakhstan for $115 million a year until 2050.

Kyrgyzstan also cancelled plans for a hydroelectric power plant (HPP) as the two companies, Inter RAO and RusHydro, responsible for the project were unable to finance the completion of the Kambar-Ata-1 HPP. Vladimir Putin signed the agreement to construct the HPP in 2012 and costs projected at $3 billion. RusHydro was to build four smaller hydropower plants (HPP) costing $727 million. Citing information from EurasiaNet, Kyrgyz authorities are trying to find a way to avoid paying Russia a $40 million debt for a HPP in the Upper Naryn region.

Results for Kyrgyzstan in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) are mixed. Kyrgyzstan joined the EEU because of a large population of migrant workers in Russia, to strengthen bilateral ties, and access to traditional and regional markets. Kyrgyzstans inclusion in the EEU generated more migrant workers, about 544,000 Kyrgyz work in Russia today, according to Minister of Economy Kylychbek Dzhakypov. For the migrant workers, remittances dropped 28.3 per cent by the end of 2015; Tajikistans and Uzbekistans remittances dropped by half.

Internally, the resettlement of the debt favors Mongolias government. Mongolias Prime Minister survived a no confidence vote in January 2016 facilitated by Mongolias poor economic performance. Mongolias economy grew only 2.3 per cent in 2015, the slowest in seven years and since the 2009 global economic downturn. A drop in commodity prices, dwindling foreign investment, and a slowdown in Chinese trade contribute. One indicator of increased foreign direct investment is the end of negotiations over the Gatsuurt gold mine deposit permitting mining operations and the end of the dispute over Tavan Tolgoi.

Clearly, the post-Soviet Russia avoids any strategic global competition with the USIs it possible to (re-)gain a universal respect without any ideological appeal?  famously asked prof. Anis Bajrektarevic. Well, here might come an answer: Revived Oil-gas Russian diplomacy.

Debt forgiveness may be way to lure Mongolia to import more energy from Russia. Mongolia in 2014, imported 91 per cent of its petroleum products from Russia including: gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. As of 2013, Mongolia imported $1.03 billion worth of refined petroleum products accounting for 67% of imports from Russia. In 2011, Mongolia imported 90 per cent of its petrol products from Russia. Trade volume between Russia and Mongolia decreased by 2.8% (May 2015).

Mongolias energy dependence makes it vulnerable to supply shocks and Russian politics as Russia terminated gas supply (Ukraine) during strained relations and spikes in anti-Russia sentiment. During April 2011, Russia cut its diesel supply to Mongolia because of shortages in its domestic supply which drove up costs of mining operations and logistics.

Energy dependence affects mining operations and infrastructure which Mongolia lacks. Improved infrastructure in the country would mainly be used to export mining goods. Concerns of sovereignty and control also drive Mongolias Third Neighbor Policy. Many fear that Chinese and Russian construction projects would make movement of Mongolias mining tonnage more dependent on the two countries. Another argument is that such [railway] links would make Mongolia a natural resource backyard for China and even facilitate a Chinese demographic influx into Mongolia.

Mongolia, to avoid energy dependence, needs to expand the third neighbor policy to avoid over-dependence. Mongolias should use its status as a democracy for increased cooperation and funding from the European Union and other Asian nations such as Japan and South Korea. Mongolias other third neighbors are all democracies. Mongolia also needs to diversify its economy from only exporting mineral resources. Russia will most likely take advantages of opportunities to advance the Mongolia-Russia bilateral relationship and to enhance Russias position in the region.
Thursday, 3rd March, 2016 (Accra, Ghana)  Ghana's leading online real estate marketplace, meQasa.com is an OFFICIAL SPONSOR of this year's renowned Exquisite Ghana Independence Ball being hosted at the famed Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., on 5th March, 2016.

This is the startup's first foray into the diaspora affording Ghanaians, Nigerians and other Africans in America's capital city and surrounding metro area, the opportunity to learn more about the property market in Ghana. meQasa.com features over 17,000 residential and commercial properties from across the country available for rent or purchase.

Many "returnees" in Ghana and others looking to repatriate to the Motherland are ecstatic to find out about and use meQasa.com to find housing in a more easy and efficient manner, explains the companys CEO, Kelvin Nyame.

People abroad who have vacant homes in Ghana can also make additional rental income by leasing their property through easy listing on meQasa's online classifieds portal with the assistance of recommended and trusted real estate agents*.

The company also has a very popular and resourceful blog as well as their DREAM HOMES weekly e-newsletter, both of which provide housing deals as well as home decor and home improvement tips, and other real estate related news and advice. Ghanaians abroad can subscribe to meQasa's newsletter to stay in the know of real estate happenings in Ghana.

The ball is a glamorous affair featuring a Red Carpet reception, hosts' welcome speech, cultural drum ensemble performance, musical performances, dancing and business networking that pulls dignitaries and celebrities and an impressive percentage of the 25,000 Ghanaians that reside in the Washington metropolitan area.

This year Ghana turns 59 and meQasa will be engaging attendees at the event and celebrating the advances made in Ghana and by Ghanaians, especially in the technology scene, including its own innovative house hunting/ property search platform which has transformed the process of buying and renting real state in Ghana. meQasa is Ghanas easiest way to rent, buy and sell property, offering a user-friendly online marketplace mutually beneficial to homeowners/landlords, home seekers and real estate agents alike.
Mr Love Alister, assembly member of Amasaman Electoral Area in Ga West Municipality, and G-Club, a community-based organisation, have jointly donated educational materials to Amasaman Junior High School.

Presenting five plastic dustbins, five white marker boards and 150 pieces of mathematical sets worth GHC6, 000.00 to the school at a brief ceremony recently, Mr Charles Turkson, leader of the organisation, said his outfit was determined to partner with stakeholders to promote quality education in the area.

"G-Club would continue to work with stakeholders to promote education in this area. We are also grateful to the honourable assembly member for his unflinching support to education in this electoral area. Actually, the dustbins and mathematical sets are from him", he stated.

Mr Love Alister, on his part, urged parents and stakeholders to come to the aid of the school, adding, "Teachers cannot do it all alone. They need our support, as parents and partners, for more quality education for our kids. My doors are always open for partnership and sponsorship in the execution of programmes and projects that are needed to raise the standards of education in this area".

Mr Charles Wormenor, the head teacher, who received the items on behalf of the school, expressed gratitude for the gesture and appealed for more support for the school.

Mr Anthony KwakuAmoah, a public relations officer of the Ghana Education Service, urged teachers and school heads to ensure that school supplies and instructional materials are used for the purposes for which they have been given.

"Just give the books and materials out to the pupils for them to use in their studies instead of locking them up in stores and boxes. What our pupils need is proper monitoring, guidance and motivation for them to make good use of their time towards success", he said.
05.03.2016 LISTEN

When President John Pombe Magufuli got elected to the presidency of Tanzania in October last year, he immediately took bold steps to cut wasteful expenditure in his country. Among the audacious decisions taken to this end was his scraping of the country's 54th independence day celebration.

To the man aptly nicknamed "The Bulldozer", it was pointless and shameful to spend huge sums of money on the celebration at a time his people were dying of cholera. In its stead, he ordered a national clean-up and directed that the money for the celebration be used to refurbish hospitals, and fight a cholera outbreak in the country.

Pragmatic and exemplary, the president took active part in the clean up on independence day.

But that was not the first time an African leader had exhibited such decisive leadership. In 1982, Flight Lieutenant J.J. Rawlings, then chairman of the ruling Provisional National Defence Council(PNDC), banned Ghana's 25th anniversary celebration. The reason was convincing; mismanagement, corruption and plunder had left the country broke. The 'revolutionaries' were spot-on!

Well, tomorrow Ghana will celebrate her 59th independence day. As usual there will be song and dance, pomp and pageantry. School children will try to outdo one another with their marching skills... And politicians will read well-rehearsed speeches. Some people will clap, more out of courtesy than admiration...But to what end? And how much will it cost the taxpayer to foot the bills?

To me a celebration is wasteful. The reasons normally advanced for holding lavish celebrations have outlived their usefulness. The key reason which is to remind us of the struggle for independence so as to promote patriotism has become stale. After 59 years, it is exemplary actions, especially from the leaders of our nation that will engender patriotism not ceremonies. Most young people find it difficult to identify with the independence struggle. If there is good governance, there will be no need for "pious admonition administered by the ruling classes" on the need for patriotism.

We should 'commemorate' the day, but not lavishly as we have always done.

'Commemoration' will mean that we done hold colonial-styled parades; we won't have extravagant 'refreshment' for dignitaries and guests; and most importantly, we won't lose man-hours by making Monday a holiday.

But as I write I know the celebration will be held tomorrow, but it for you (reading this) to ponder on it. And if you find yourself in a position where you can alter things for the betterment of our country, you wouldn't hesitate to do it.

Ghana is currently 'enjoying' the IMF's generosity. But it's not the kind of generosity that is without conditions. It is not something a country prays for!

Ghana is 59 tomorrow. Happy birthday to her. She has done well. She sincerely could have done better. She should do better

God bless her.

Emmanuel Asakinaba.

Student, UG. Poet. Activist. Writer.
05.03.2016 LISTEN

It may be clear by now why Archbishop Peter Kwesi Sarpong declared that Ghanas contemporary political system is a caricature democracy. He is reported to have said the following: What we are practicing is a caricature democracydemocracy has rather brought about bribery, corruption, vote rigging and stealing of ballot boxesnow with the introduction of party politics look at what is happening

This blunt apocalyptic and prophetic indictment of the deeply troubling and flawed dispensation of Ghanas duopolistic dictatorship is a difficult subject matter we have taken up in a number of essays from time to time. Archbishop Sarpongs general observations point to a decadence of public morality, decreased respect for public authority and patriotism, blatant abuse of freedom of conscience and of press freedom, corruption, and indiscipline. These are all public knowledge.

Across Ghana there exists impunity and by-heart talk everywhere. Apparently, a duopolistic democracy of schadenfreude insults is the order of the day. Here we quote Archbishop Sarpong again for direct reasons of discursive emphasis: Ghanaians have misconstrued democracy to mean an open system of insults against each other including those in authority Again, we have seen this scenario enacted over and over across the duopolistic aisle of Ghanas sham democracy.

The more recent era of duopolistic trading of political insults and wisecracks between Sir John, perhaps one of Ghanas famous social grotesque caricatures and political comics, and our own political transvestite and transsexual General Mosquito, of yesteryear, to say the least, come to mind. General Mosquito, a mature Machiavellian politician with a strong culicid character, hides his political wisecracks, intimidating insults, and arrogant wizardry behind a colorful wall of cross-dressing. Sir John, on the other hand, has found a way to dissemble his cartoonish political buffoonery behind a bespectacled scarecrow-umbrella, which we may also alternatively refer to as a cowboy hat.

But, unlike General Mosquito, Sir John does not have the steeled confidence of a racing heart that easily comes with the intellectual flair of equestrian politicism. This is hardly surprising, though. The manner of Sir Johns public projection is all about rhetorical feinting. For all we should care to know, though, Ghanas sham democracy does not put a premium on competence, meritocracy, and thoughtful, critical, and analytic cognition.

Rather, what this sham democracy does is to celebrate mediocrity, loose and uncritical political communication and rhetoric, political patronage, nepotism and cronyism, and unhealthy dose of helpless sycophancy and aping, the latter exemplifying a relationship of unequal dichotomy connecting Sir John and Fuhrer Akufo-Addo to an anamorphic ideological space of a far more deeply secularized political theology than meets the eye.

And as it is, these political menageries and taxidermies in Ghanas body politic are the accidental creation of the countrys creeping sham democracy, for it may necessarily come as a big surprise to us why a political menagerie and taxidermy, like Sir John, for all intents and purposes, refuses to apply himself in the underlying areas of his intellectual capacity and emotional intelligence whenever and wherever he asymptotically approaches the illusive mirage of Fuhrer Akufo-Addo.

Sir John is reported to have said also that, I will die if Akufo-Addo is not elected president. Of course, we have no specific qualms about the disconcerting parallax of his grotesque intellect. After all, it is his preference for or choice of conscience to forgo thoughtful or pragmatic rationalism when and as he chooses. As well, it should be his preference or choice to remain tied to Fuhrer Akufo-Addos apron strings.

What is rather at stake here are those in the long-gone era of ethnocentric anachronism, otherwise called the New Patriotic Party (NDC), who are quick to lurch at those who sporadically revisit the exemplary leadership of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Perhaps unbeknownst to some of these unctuous partisan useful idiots, Fuhrer Akufo-Addos cult of personality is largely a self-made invention or manufacture, tactically and strategically cooked up in the political manufactory of ethno-partisan demagoguery, intolerance, elitism, and exceedingly bloated self-importance.

In other words, Fuhrer Akufo-Addos cult of personality lacks a philosophical formality of rational authority. Yet again, we have all witnessed his shameful inability to nip the festering internecine warfare in his party, as it were under his sleeping leadership, in the bud. This is a person Sir John will die for if he fails to steal the presidency through the ballot box of the bullet.

We may want to ask: But who cares if Sir John dies if Fuhrer Akufo-Addo does not steal the presidency? Are there no more cemeteries in Ghana? Assuming there are no cemeteries in Ghana however, are we saying on that account alone that there are also no cemeteries in Africa, Australia, the Americas, Europe, Antarctica, Asia, and the oceans? Or that his dead body cannot be cremated? Where was Osama bin Laden buried? And why did he not die on the two previous occasions when Fuhrer Akufo-Addo lost the presidential elections?

Perhaps it could as well be that his impending and pending obituary is an epiphany revealed to him by Bishop Obinim. Regrettably, we do not think Fuhrer Akufo-Addo holds the same height of respect for Sir John, a grotesque political caricature with a questionable knighthood hovering around his cranial-manifold! That is, Fuhrer Akufo-Addo did not die when Sir John lost the General Secretaryship of the NPP, thus confirming our argument for a lack of a gesture of reciprocity in the formers case.

Maybe, just maybe, Sir John is interested in the antique of political anthropology where his dead body accompanies Fuhrer Akufo-Addo to the underworld. Perhaps also, Sir Johns opportunistically belated and precocious obituary is a scandalous exercise in metaphoric Orwellianism, an involute allusion to Sir Johns possible deja-vu verbiage vis-a-vis Fuhrer Akufo-Addos political demise as he pursues the meandering path to his third presidential bid. This is a complicated matter from out narrow viewpoint, certainly so from the larger viewpoint of Sir John himself. Sir John, nevertheless, lacks the haloed gift of charismatic authority to even speak in unambiguous language for public digestion and consumption.

For this reason and this reason alone, peradventure, Sir John may be mortally scared of the reactionary expenditure of the political hyenas on the other side of the political aisle, on him. The question itself, as we have advanced it in the penultimate paragraph, is largely a technical one based on the cranial contents of Sir Johns as-yet-unexplored emotional Pandoras box and Trojan horse.

What is also not certainly clear at this point in time is whether Sir John has a Last Will and Testament in place should he eventfully pass on in the event of Fuhrer Akufo-Addos political demise, whether the latter crosses carpet to the National Democratic Party (NDC) or the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), say, the latter being his [Fuhrer Akufo-Addos] autochthonous digs, and finally, whether his [Sir Johns] wife and children approve of his servile genuflection before the alter of assisted suicide (euthanasia) or suicide.

We surely will like to know if Sir John is apprehensive about Fuhrer Akufo-Addos possible political demise will lead to the sudden end of his ant-sized emotional penile erection once his closet romantic relationship of political homosexualism with the latter becomes a scarlet-sinned page in the gossipy book of public knowledge. This should not be a problem for him at all, however. Bishop Obinim can enlarge the partisan ideological office of his emotional phallus to fit the outsized, overused, and overhyped hymnal butthole of Fuhrer Akufo-Addos bloated ego.

This is why Afrocentric American rappers Chuck D and Flavor Flav, of Public Enemy, say Dont Believe the Hype. Thus, we will also advise Sir John to stop singing that political requiem song if, in fact, he can learn from rappers Notorious B.I.Gs Suicidal Thoughts and Tupacs Niggas Done Change. Others who reportedly had premonitions about their own deaths before death actually knocked on their doors are John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Michael Jackson, Jimi HendrixWhere is Sir John on this list? Well, as we said before we will suggest to him again to take this list to heart.

Certainly death can come about in a number of ways including using ones tongue. This has been part of the human experience, for the same tongue that contains taste buds and taste receptors can also be the source or cause of ones or others death. It is this tongue Archbishop Sarpong strongly believes is slowly destroying Ghana. It is, however, not in question that the same unregulated and unchecked tongue, the bedrock of our sham democracy, largely also gave birth to the constitutional dictatorship of Ghanas Fourth Republic in the form of executive dominance.

In the final analysis, then, there is no doubt in our minds that democracy has turned us into primitive, uncivilized talking animals. Ironically, the thinking, thoughtful, and forward-looking animals in George Orwells dystopian and allegorical novel Animal Farms created a better society than we can ever bring ourselves to our celebrated Fourth Republic. In other words, the animal characters of Orwells hugely successful novel will not be happy with us regarding our jungle democracy.

Thus, Sir John (and all our politicians, members of the clergy, journalists, civil society and think-tank leaders, and ordinary members of the public at large) should watch out for his acidic and flesh-eating-bacterial tongue.

FINAL THOUGHTS

And in the remarkable event that Sir John refuses to die if Fuhrer Akufo-Addo does not succeed in stealing Archbishop Sarpongs ballot boxes through Archbishop Sarpongs vote rigging by any means necessary, NPPs Yaw Adomako-Baafi can contract the spiritual services of the arrogant wizard Asiedu Nketia and his evil powers in a forced euthanasic death of Sir John, a means to force him to honor his promise to his political god, Fuhrer Akufo-Addo.

The other option is to contract the underworld services of the spiritual mercenary, an individual whom Atiko Afisa Djaba described as possessing the face of an angel but the heart of a devil, President Mahama whom Akua Donkor reportedly equated with God, or those spiritual services of the amorphic, shapeshifting, and therianthropic Bishop Obinim to give Sir John a poisonous ophidian stinging-bite in the comfort of blanket nocturnal blissfulness and intellectual ignorance.

Sir John can, indeed, make a mountain out of a molehill whenever and wherever. But his agitprop politics and clinical death need not come about at the expense of passing on intestate. This is hugely important. It turns out that Sir John has lost his political mojo and moral superego to the uncritical emotionalism of partisan politics and cult-worshipping of Fuhrer Akufo-Addo. Certainly Sir John is the Charles Antwi of Ghanaian duopolistic culture, for how else could Ghanas political system have achieved the enviable status of a caricature democracy?

CONCLUDING REMARKS

But then again, exactly how else could one describe Ghanas caricature democracy without mentioning Kennedy Agyapong, Akua Donkor, Asiedu Nketia, Sam George, Kweku Bonsam, Bishop Obinim, Sir John, Chairman Wontumi, and Afia Schwarzeneggerin the same breath? Sadly, and truthfully, Archbishop Sarpongs caricature democracy is all about wine and roses and about the primrose path!

Can anyone ever imagine Bishop Obinim insulting Pastor Sam Korankye Ankrah in the same way Asiedu Nketia and Sir John used to trade banter, political insults and wisecracks? The veteran journalist turncoat Kweku Baako, says of Nketia: There are some politicians out there who think people have short memories so they dont give a damn; even when the truth has been put out, they still proceed with the fallacies, the distortions and the lies, hoping that people will buy into itThe final thing I will say about Asiedu Nketiah and I have described him as an unmitigated communications disaster

What is more, Kwesi Pratt, another veteran journalist turncoat, also has this to say about Ghanas post-Nkrumah leadership: Our leaders cannot think anymore because they are not doing what is expected of them but always thinking about their selfish interest. They have blocked their minds and blocked their ears and cannot do anything anymore No wonder the landscape of Ghanaian politics and the House of the Lord have both become Max Romeos den of thieves. David Hinds of roots-reggae band Steele Pulse has a word of caution for politicians and their bodyguards on his song, Bodyguard.

Readers listen up for it reads in part: So-called leaders aide with deceitful faces; Corruption in a high place; Your hands full with bribes; Mouth pours out lies yea, cause of all oppression, now running for protection;Who's gonna lose their lifeBodyguard I wouldn't like your job; Snakes in the grass they know not God; Polytricksters drinking human blood; Concrete heart can hold no love; Bodyguard I wouldn't like your job;..Watch it all you presidents; Heads of government, whos gonna lose their lives;I just can't sorry for the bodyguard, who's gonna lose their lives

Where are Charles Antwi, Kwame Gyebi, and President Mahama in this song? Let us all come together to guard against Hinds apocalyptic augury from ever materializing as long as our politicians change their evil and corrupt ways. Else Bob Marleys Revolution and Ambush in the Night, Fela Kutis Coffin for Head of State, and Mutabarukas The Peoples Court 1 will take the place of Bob Marleys One Love. And the coffin on Felas track will be exclusively reserved for head of state, namely any Ghanaian politician who does not have the country and the people at heart, and not necessarily for President Mahama. We should take note!

REFERENCES

Ghanaweb. Ghana Practicing Caricature DemocracyArchbishop. Sourced from starrfmonline.com. March 4, 2016.

Ghanaweb. I Will Die If Akufo-Addo Is Not Elected PresidentSir John. Sourced from adomonline.com. March 4, 2016.

Ghanaweb. Video: Obinim Insults Korankye Ankrah. Sourced from kasapafmonline.com. March 5, 2016.

Ghanaweb. Asiedu Nketia Is An Unmitigated Communications DisasterKweku Baako. Sourced from myjoyonline.com. March 5, 2016.

Ghanaweb. Our Leaders Cant Think AnymorePratt. Sourced from adomonline.com. March 5, 2016.
Koforidua, March 5, GNA - The mortal remains of David Sarpong Boateng, a former Minister of State in the Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings' Administration was laid to rest after a burial service at the St George's Catholic Cathedral at Koforidua.

The late D. S Boateng, also Ghana's former Ambassador to Cuba, died at the age of 72 and left behind his wife, Madam Akua Dwubi, three children and three step children.

At the funeral service, Most Rev. Francis Afrifa- Agyekum, Bishop of the Koforidua Diocese of the Catholic Church, urged all to lead a Godly life because no one knows when death will knock at ones doors.

Dignitaries who attended the funeral to pay their last respect included Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoa Amissah-Arthur as well as former Head of State Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings.

Other high ranking members from the ruling National Democratic Congress and the opposition New Patriotic Party were at the funeral.

GNA
05.03.2016 LISTEN

Cape Coast, March 5, GNA - Professor Joseph Ghartey Ampiah, Department of Science and Mathematics Education, University of Cape Coast (UCC), has said the 2012 Ministry of Education (MOE) Science curriculum for basic schools was loaded with too much content and unrealistic expectation.

The syllabus, he said, also concentrated very heavily on content knowledge, scientific concepts and theories with little or no attention being paid to scientific literacy that enabled students to cope with the applications of science to make informed judgment about scientific issues affecting their daily lives.

He therefore admonished the curriculum developers to revisit the 2012 Primary and Junior High School (JHS) curriculum and address the issue of how much content was necessary at that level to be able to have an improved scientific literacy society.

Prof. Ghartey Ampiah was speaking on the topic "Pre-Tertiary Science Education in Ghana: Curriculum, Teaching, Resource and Student's Performance" at an inaugural lecture organized by the UCC on Thursday.

He explained that with a loaded curriculum and unrealistic goals for children at the basic school level, the attempt to delineate what aspects of science were important to learn and what should be studied beyond basic science literacy would be beneficial to students, but this had proven elusive in Ghana.

He noted that pupils in primary schools, given their age, level of comprehension and the resources available for teaching them the subject, could not exhibit these skills and knowledge required by the syllabus.

'Basic electronics was introduced in the 2012 MOE curriculum at the primary to JHS level. A tall order for JHS students that have no laboratories, no equipment for carrying out experiments to develop the 16 science process skills quoted by the curriculum'.

'The science curriculum also expects JHS students to experiment both to physically explore and discuss knowledge within their environment and in the laboratory to be able to contribute new scientific principles and ideas to the body of knowledge already existing in their culture. This is incredible,' he stressed.

He stated that the content of science curriculum at the Basic school level have been changed four times from 1987 to 2007 but, the expectations of science curriculum balancing profile dimensions in the right proportions had since not been achieved .

The education professor argued that the philosophy of the curriculum developers on relative importance of the three profile dimensions did not match the structure of the curriculum and has therefore confused teachers as to where to lay the emphasis.

He said in doing so, the emphasis has tilted heavily towards the acquisition of knowledge and understanding instead of application, attitude and process skills.

A study conducted by the Institute of Education in 2015, showed that out of 2416 teacher trainees who took part in an untrained teacher education programme, 97 per cent of them failed in a test made up of primary, JHS and SHS content.

He said the analysis from the answers given clearly indicated that the teachers teaching the students at the basic school themselves have little or no knowledge on the subject.

He said the West African Examination Council's(WAEC) results for Integrated science for the past five years have shown disturbing trends but the underlying factors in the decline in general performance were not being addressed.

Prof. Ampiah emphasized that it was ironic because from his investigations, questions set for Primary, Junior and Senior High Schools were predominantly on knowing with a few on applying and reasoning.

He therefore recommended to WEAC and other examinable bodies, schools and colleges to raise the level of their questions for the students to incorporate higher order questions.

Prof. Domwini D. Kuupole, Vice Chancellor, UCC who chaired the programme stressed that it would take a collective responsibility to address the numerous challenges in relation to curriculum, teaching, resources and student performances.

He called on the Government and all stakeholders to invest in the human, material and logistics of science education to be able to develop as a nation.

GNA
you are here:
Why dry fruits could be the perfect gift this Diwali | Dry fruit demand up 10%
Archive October (53) September (64) August (48) July (63) June (58) May (57) April (60) March (72) February (53) January (58) December (71) November (67) October (84) September (66) August (59) July (64) June (58) May (54) April (68) March (59) February (44) January (53) December (55) November (54) October (60) September (107) August (78) July (78) June (95) May (110) April (71) March (95) February (66) January (52) December (50) November (51) October (66) September (56) August (55) July (59) June (59) May (69) April (81) March (71) February (48) January (40) December (55) November (45) October (69) September (46) August (46) July (41) June (48) May (71) April (59) March (50) February (42) January (40) December (52) November (50) October (66) September (56) August (42) July (45) June (46) May (47) April (46) March (61) February (40) January (37) December (43) November (46) October (52) September (50) August (55) July (54) June (60) May (65) April (74) March (82) February (69) January (71) December (72) November (69) October (81) September (85) August (67) July (75) June (76) May (76) April (87) March (68) February (80) January (71) December (80) November (64) October (110) September (90) August (77) July (75) June (85) May (100) April (106) March (113) February (96) January (92) December (91) November (120) October (109) September (120) August (97) July (76) June (98) May (106) April (120) March (94) February (77) January (95) December (93) November (99) October (90) September (101) August (126) July (114) June (120) May (118) April (127) March (104) February (95) January (109) December (116) November (103) October (124) September (104) August (111) July (73) June (96) May (93) April (87) March (109) February (65) January (70) December (72) November (71) October (122) September (83) August (26) July (1)
Sure, Donald Trump has the support of David Duke. But the membership of the Ku Klux Klan is small. So anyone hoping to understand Trump's electoral appeal must assume it goes beyond those whose favorite pastime is burning crosses.

Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., recently explained why he endorsed the GOP front-runner. "I come from an interesting rural county with a lot of Rust Belt union folks, and Donald Trump is truly resonating through western New York," he told The New York Times. "It starts first and foremost with the leader who is going to make our borders safe again."

His district is actually on the border  the border with Canada. But that's not the one Trump wants to secure with an impenetrable wall. Collins' constituents are about as far as you can get from the Rio Grande, and they have not been overrun by Mexican immigrants, legal or otherwise. Hispanics of all types make up just 2.6 percent of the population there.

Trump's ability to inflame such passions in so many places is puzzling because the number of foreigners coming here illegally has been declining. The number living in the United States is down by nearly 1 million from the 2007 peak. The volume of apprehensions by the Border Patrol along the border with Mexico has plunged.

Fear of terrorism has something to do with this urge to seal off the southern border. Republican presidential candidates have raised the terrifying specter of Islamic State terrorists sneaking into the country from Mexico.

None of them mentions that the 9/11 hijackers came here legally. Nor does anyone seem to recall that in 2011, the head of Customs and Border Protection said, "We have had more cases where people who are suspected of alliances with terrorist organizations or have had a terrorist suspicion in their background  we see more people crossing over from Canada than we have from Mexico."

Oddly, Trump pays no attention to our northern frontier. Something about Canada just doesn't frighten people  even people who can see Toronto from their homes  the way Mexico does.

Trump is fond of saying that the southern border is so porous as to be no border at all. "If we don't have a border, we don't have a country," he asserts.

As a matter of history, he couldn't be more wrong. "The Mexico-U.S. border remained little more than a line on a map, entirely unguarded by federal authorities until 1924, when the U.S. Border Patrol was established," writes Princeton sociologist Douglas Massey. Ronald Reagan, the hero of every Republican, envisioned a North America without border controls.

It's not just illegal immigration that alarms Trump fans. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., who endorsed him this week, favors a reduction in legal immigration. So does the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which has praised Trump's immigration plan. "I'm opposed to new people coming in," he said in 1999.

Racial prejudice undoubtedly motivates many of his supporters. One thing Mexicans and Central Americans sneaking over the southern border usually have in common with Middle Eastern refugees is a dusky complexion.

That doesn't win them points with the 70 percent of Trump voters in South Carolina who think the Confederate flag should still be flying at the state Capitol or the 16 percent who believe "whites are a superior race."

UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck has documented that many of his supporters are "people who are responsive to religious, social and racial intolerance." Latinos and Muslims get the blunt end of their response.

It clearly infuriates those drawn to Trump that they have repeatedly failed to get their way on the issues they are passionate about. Most Americans, polls show, are in favor of giving unauthorized immigrants a path to citizenship. Most think immigrants strengthen America. Most want to let those brought here illegally as children gain legal status. Most are fine with the country's becoming browner and more culturally diverse.

On these and other matters, Trump's supporters have been losing, year in and year out. That's not the fault of corrupt Washington insiders or cowardly politicians or weak leadership. They have been losing because the majority of Americans have considered their views and rejected them.

The fantasy Trump holds out to his followers is that despite being out of step with the majority of their fellow Americans, they can dismantle all the changes they detest. Win or lose, they're in for a disappointment.

Steve Chapman blogs at newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/steve_chapman. Follow him on Twitter @SteveChapman13 or at www.facebook.com/stevechapman13. To find out more about Chapman, visit www.creators.com.
Hamilton police say a mortgage broker accused of sexual assault against a prospective client is facing several new counts.

They say three women have come forward with allegations against the broker since he was first arrested in January.

At that time, police alleged that a person was sexually assaulted while visiting Khanna's office on King St. W. in Hamilton.
Swedish electro-pop trio Miike Snow, comprised of Andrew Wyatt and producing and songwriting wizards Bloodyshy & Avant, have released their new album iii. The LP has few features because they don't really need any assistance creating catchy pop songs, but they do tab Charli XCX on "For U" and have Run The Jewels remix "Heart Is Full" for a bonus track.

The LP does exactly what Miike Snow do best - create well-written fun pop songs. There are slower ballads like the final track "Longshot (7 Nights)," but then plenty of the upbeat jams that will be found in plenty of streaming services' playlists like "Genghis Khan."

Their lyrics may not be the most serious, diving into love, but even in their most longing like on "Genghis Khan," "I get a little bit Genghis Khan / Don't want you to get it on / With nobody else but me," it all comes across as playful and fun as the video itself.

Travelling down that same road, listening through the album songs have the remarkable ability to grab you one hook at a time. It isn't going to start a social movement, but this is the type of fun and uplifting pop music that many need.

This is the third album from Miike Snow overall and the first since 2012's Happy For You.

The group just kicked off a very extensive tour around North America in New York City last night. They have another show in the Big Apple tonight and then two months of gigs all over North America with festival shows sprinkled in.

Stream the album below and pick up a copy on iTunes.

iii tracklist:

1. My Trigger

2. The Heart of Me

3. Genghis Khan

4. Heart Is Full

5. For U (Feat. Charli XCX)

6. I Feel the Weight

7. Back of the Car

8. Lonely Life

9. Over and Over

10. Longshot (7 Nights)

11. Heart Is Full (Remix) feat. Run The Jewels

 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Martin Garrix has been discussing it for the past few months, but today he has officially launched his own label STMPD RCRDS. To inaugurate the label, he is releasing one of his most sought after IDs, the "Sziget ID," then given the fan title "Don't Crack Under Pressure" and now titled "Now That I've Found You" featuring John & Michel.

"My aim with STMPD RCRDS is to foster an artist first community to support great music," says Garrix in a statement. "It's important for young, undiscovered talent and veterans alike to have a support system that is invested in and dedicated to their success above all else."

The move to start his own label comes after Martin Garrix cut ties with his long-time label Spinnin' Records last year. This was not a clean break and the two parties have been firing volleys in public and through lawyers trying to win the upper hand.

It has netted a new label without any vowels for the young and already quite influential Dutch producer.

He hasn't shared any other details about who may join him on his venture, but the timing of the label announcement and his best friend and fellow producer Julian Jordan going independent could mean Jordan joins up at STMPD. Mike Hawkins, another colleague of his also just left Spinnin' for presumably greener pastures.

The new song "Now That I've Found You" has a long history. Garrix created the melody live at a Dance Fair masterclass where he was schooling some aspiring producers on the craft and made a rough version of this song. It was then premiered during his Sziget Festival main stage headlining set. It will be released in one week on March 11. He released a short teaser video to go along with the announcement.

 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Chicago's Save Money Crew returns with "G W M," a new Towkio track featuring verses from Vic Mensa. The duo was joined by frequent collaborator Mr. Carmack alongside Kenny Segal, who co-produced the bubbly trap beat.

"G W M," which stands for "gang with me," features unmistakable production elements from Los Angeles Team Supreme beatmakers Carmack and Segal including lurching bass and prominently frenetic high hats. Listen to the cypher-inducing hip-hop anthem below.



While Towkio and Mensa dedicate a few fun verses to the usual lyrical fodder including illicit substances like Molly and DMT, the focus of the song is a celebration of the squad-like nature of hip-hop culture. Towkio raps, "I got Vic with me. That mean 'Ye with me, mean Jay with me, Kim K with me, Beyonce with me," Stereogum reports. In other words, the community gets closer when established stars like Kanye, Jay Z and Beyonce support rising stars.

The duo also shout-out Puff Daddy and Just Blaze among other artists. When Mensa drops a few disparaging lines about Spike Lee, however, he expresses some disdain for the director's most recent film, Chi-Raq, and insists that Chicago is "not a movie scene."

"G W M" marks Towkio's first track of 2016. As Noisey points out, the artist has been pretty quiet following the release of his .Wav Theory mixtape last summer.

Mensa, meanwhile, has had a busy start to 2016. Earlier this week he spoke out on the Flint, Michigan water crisis following a performance at the #JusticeForFlint fundraiser event alongside Janelle Monae and Dej Loaf among others; there he debuted "16 Shots," a new tribute to Laquan McDonald who was shot 16 times by Chicago police in 2014.

"G W M" marks Mr. Carmack's second new collaboration so far this March, following his feature on Salva's new track "A.D.D." Give that a listen below.

 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
& Other Stories,4,3.1 Phillip Lim,2,7 For All Mankind,4,A.P.C.,1,Abbey Lee Kershaw,19,Abby Champion,6,Abigail Breslin,2,Accessories,109,Accessorize,9,ACM Awards,8,Acne,2,Acne Paper,1,Ad Campaign,3816,Adam Levine,1,Adele,10,Adele Exarchopoulos,2,Adidas,41,Adolfo Dominguez,2,Adriana Lima,54,Adut Akech,22,Adwoa Aboah,9,Aerie,6,AG Jeans,2,Agent Provocateur,17,Agua Bendita,6,Agua de Coco,6,Agyness Deyn,1,Alana Zimmer,1,Alberta Ferretti,20,aldo,9,Aldo Martins,1,Ale by Alessandra,6,Alejandra Alonso,4,Alessandra Ambrosio,110,Alex Morgan,9,Alex Wek,1,Alexa Chung,26,Alexa Vega,1,Alexander McQueen,52,Alexander Vauthier,3,alexander wang,21,Alexandra Daddario,2,Alexandra Oleynik,1,Alexandre Vauthier,3,Alexis Ren,5,Ali Landry,1,Ali Larter,3,Alice + Olivia,6,Alice Dellal,3,Alicia Vikander,12,Alina Baikova,1,Aline Weber,10,Alison Brie,1,Alison Nix,4,Alla Kostromichova,1,Allie Crandell,1,Allison Williams,6,AllSaints,4,Allure,16,Altuzarra,2,Aly Michalka,1,Aly Raisman,1,Alyssa Miller,6,Alyz Henrich,1,Amal Alamuddin,12,Amal Clooney,5,Amanda Laine,1,Amanda Murphy,4,Amanda Norgaard,2,Amanda Seyfried,32,AMAs,24,Amber Anderson,2,Amber Heard,27,Amber Valletta,14,american apparel,10,American Eagle,1,Americana Manhasset,6,amfAR Gala,26,Amica,3,Amra Cerkezovic,1,Amy Adams,28,Ana Beatriz Barros,7,Ana Locking,5,Anabel Van Toledo,1,Anabela Belikova,1,Anais Mali,4,Anais Pouliot,10,Andi Muise,1,Andrea Huisgen,1,Andreea Diaconu,35,Andres Sarda,3,Andrew Garfield,1,Andy T,4,Angela Lindvall,1,Angelina Jolie,33,Animale,5,Anja Konstantinova,2,Anja Rubik,45,Ankle Booties,2,Ann Taylor,4,Anna Brewster,1,Anna de Rijk,3,Anna Dello Russo,2,Anna Ewers,34,Anna Faris,1,anna gushina,1,Anna Kendrick,8,Anna Maria Jagodzinska,1,Anna Paquin,1,Anna Rudenko,1,Anna Selezneva,12,Anna Speckhart,3,Anna Sui,5,AnnaLynne McCord,5,AnnaSophia Robb,5,Anne Hathaway,30,Anne Vyalitsyna,12,Annie McGinty,1,Anthropologie,3,Antik Batik,1,Antje Traue,1,Antonio Berardi,3,Anya Kazakova,1,Anya Taylor-Joy,8,Ariana Grande,39,Ariel Winter,19,Arizona Muse,18,Arlenis Sosa,3,Armani,3,Armani Beauty,5,Armani Exchange,12,Armani Jeans,4,Artdeco,1,Ashlee Simpson,3,Ashleigh Good,6,Ashley Benson,27,Ashley Graham,32,Ashley Greene,27,Ashley Olsen,4,Ashley Roberts,2,Ashley Smith,10,Ashley Tisdale,11,asos,27,Aubrey Plaza,4,Audrey Marnay,1,Audrina Patridge,5,Aurelie Claudel,1,Autumn 2011,2,Ava Smith,4,AvantGarde,1,Avon,4,Avril Lavigne,5,Awards,402,Aymeline Valade,2,backless dress,1,Badgley Mischka,1,BAFTAs 2016,7,BAFTAs 2017,7,BAFTAs 2018,6,BAFTAs 2019,3,BAFTAs 2020,4,bags,77,balenciaga,26,Ballet Flats,3,Ballin,1,Bally,9,Balmain,53,Bambi Northwood-Blyth,10,Banana Moon,1,Banana Republic,11,Band of Outsiders,1,Baptiste Giabiconi,4,Bar Refaeli,16,Barbara Bui,1,Barbara Palvin,43,Barney's,3,Bath and Body Works,8,BaubleBar,5,BCBG MaxAzria,5,BCBGeneration,3,Beach Bunny,28,beachwear,9,Beanpole,1,Beautiful People,1,Beauty,938,bebe,13,Bebe Rexha,1,Becky Gomez,3,Behati Prinsloo,57,beige,1,Bella Hadid,147,Bella Thorne,74,Belstaff,1,Belts,5,Ben Watts,1,Benefit,5,Bergdorf Goodman,3,Berlin,1,Bershka,27,BET Awards,6,Beth Behrs,1,Betina Lou,1,betsey johnson,1,Bette Franke,9,Beymen,3,Beyonce,40,Bianca Balti,28,Billabong,2,Billboard Magazine,9,Billboard Music Awards,16,Billie Eilish,13,Binx Walton,7,Bionada Castana,1,Birgit Kos,10,black dress,2,Blackpink,7,Blake Lively,45,Blanco,9,Blazer,2,blonde,1,blonde color trends,1,Blouse,2,Blugirl,3,Blumarine,18,Blush Lingerie,2,Bo Don,1,Bobbi Brown,15,Bolon Eyewear,6,Bonds,3,Bongo Jeans,6,Bonprix,3,Boohoo,4,boots,14,Bottega Veneta,6,Bourjois,4,Bow,1,bra,1,Bracelet,6,Brad Kroenig,1,Brandon Maxwell,6,Bregje Heinen,9,Brian Atwood,1,Bridal,65,Bridal Lingerie,8,Bridget Malcolm,2,Brie Larson,4,BRIT Awards,7,Brit Marling,1,Britney Spears,12,Britt Maren,1,Brittany Hollis,1,Brooklyn Decker,5,Bulgari,25,Burberry,61,Burberry Prorsum,12,Business,6,Cailin Hill,1,Caitlyn Jenner,5,Calvin Klein,88,Calzedonia,18,Camera,1,Cameron Diaz,7,Camila Cabello,18,Camila Morrone,4,Camilla Belle,11,Camilla Skovgaard,1,Camille Rowe,11,Candice Huffine,1,Candice Swanepoel,140,Cannes Film Festival,61,Cara Delevingne,117,Cardi B,12,Cargo Pants,1,Carla Crombie,3,Carlo Pazolini,1,Carly Rae Jepsen,9,Carmen Electra,4,Carmen Kass,4,Carola Remer,1,Carolina Herrera,24,Caroline Brasch Nielsen,7,Caroline Flack,2,Caroline Middleton,1,Caroline Trentini,6,Carolyn Murphy,12,Carrie Underwood,5,Cartier,9,Carvela,1,Carven,5,Casio,1,Cassadee Pope,1,catalog,13,Cate Blanchett,18,Caterina Ravaglia,1,Catherine McNeil,8,Cato van Ee,2,Catrinel Menghia,1,Celebrity,4304,Celia Becker,1,Celina Seilinger,1,Celine,18,Cerruti,1,CFDA Fashion Awards,12,Chad White,1,Chanel,188,Chanel Iman,13,Chantal Stafford,1,Chantelle Lingerie,3,Charli XCX,23,Charlize Theron,28,Charlott Cordes,1,Charlotte Free,2,Charlotte Mckinney,9,Charlotte Olympia,2,Charlotte Tomaszewska,1,Cheap Monday,5,Chery Cole,2,Cheryl Cole,10,Chiara Baschetti,1,Chiara Ferragni,14,Chicago,1,Chip Chop,1,Chloe,28,Chloe Lecareux,1,Chloe Moretz,21,Chloe Norgaad,4,Chloe Sevigny,2,Chopard,3,Chopard Imperiale,1,Chrissy Teigen,32,Christian Louboutin,34,Christina Aguilera,4,Christina Hendricks,8,Christina Ricci,7,Christopher Kane,2,Christy Turlington,13,Chrome Hearts,2,Ciara,6,Cindy Crawford,11,Cindy Sherman,1,Cintia Dicker,8,Claire Danes,10,Clara Alonso,3,Clarins,1,Claudia Merikula,1,Claudia Schiffer,9,Cle de Peau Beaute,5,Clemence Poesy,3,Clinique,12,clothing,35,Clothing Line,1,clutch,8,Coach,48,Coach Kristin,1,Coachella,41,coats,2,Cobie Smulders,8,Coca Cola,3,Coco de Mer,4,Coco Rocha,16,Codie Young,2,colcci,15,Coleen Rooney,1,Colette,1,collection,4,Comic-Con,17,Constance Jablonski,25,Constance Wu,2,converse,12,Cora Keegan,3,Corello,1,Corinna Drengk,1,corset,1,Cosmopolitan,46,Costume Denmark,1,Courtney Robertson,1,Couture Dresses,2,Cover,225,CoverGirl,4,CR Fashion Book,11,Cris Urena,3,Cristina Tosio,2,Croatia,1,Crumpet,1,Crystal Reed,3,Crystal Renn,2,Cushnie Et Ochs,9,Czech Republic,1,Daisy Lowe,13,Daisy Ridley,1,Daisy Short,1,Dakota Fanning,28,Dakota Johnson,26,Dani Thorne,1,Daniel Wellington,1,Daniela Braga,6,Danielle Lloyd,2,Daphne Groeneveld,9,Daria Strokous,8,Daria Werbowy,14,David Beckham,9,David Jones,8,David Yurman,11,Davidoff,1,DAY Birger et Mikkelsen,1,Dazed and Confused,8,Debby Ryan,5,Debenhams,3,Delpozo,1,Demi Lovato,19,Demi Moore,2,Denim,7,Denim jacket,2,Desigual,7,Devon Windsor,4,diane,1,Diane Kruger,16,Diane von Furstenberg,8,Dianna Agron,2,diesel,15,Dinara Chetyrova,1,Dior,192,Dior Homme,9,Dita Von Tesse,13,DIY,1,DKNY,44,DL1961,8,Doc Martens,1,Dolce and Gabbana,96,Dolce Vita,2,Donna Karan,14,Dorothea Barth Jorgensen,2,Doukissa Nomikou,1,Doutzen Kroes,54,Dr. Martens,1,Dream Out Loud,3,Dree Hemingway,6,dresses,25,Drew Barrymore,3,Dries Van Noten,2,Dsquared2,7,Dua Lipa,29,Duckie Thot,1,Dulce Maria,1,duMade,1,Dunhill,1,Duvetica,1,DuWop,1,Earrings,3,Ebay,1,Eberjey,2,Edie Campbell,18,Edita Vilkeviciute,42,Editorials,1453,Ego and Greed,1,Eiza Gonzalez,6,Elena Peminova,1,Elena Sudakova,1,ElevenParis,3,Elie Saab,42,Elie Tahari,2,Elisa Sednaoui,3,Elisabetta Franchi,4,Eliza Cummings,7,Eliza Doolittle,2,Elizabeth and James,4,Elizabeth Banks,10,Elizabeth Hurley,5,Elizabeth Olsen,10,Ellassay,1,Elle,160,Elle Fanning,31,Elle France,13,Elle Women in Hollywood Awards,6,Ellie Goulding,5,Elsa Hosk,55,Elsa Pataky,3,Elyse Saunders,1,Elyse Taylor,2,Emilia Clarke,20,Emilia Wickstead,2,Emilio Pucci,26,Emily Blunt,12,Emily Didonato,26,Emily Ratajkowski,90,Emily Senko,2,Emma Appleton,1,Emma Maclaren,2,Emma Roberts,23,Emma Stone,45,Emma Watson,67,Emmanuelle Chriqui,1,Emmy Awards,39,Emmy Rossum,18,Emporio Armani,14,EnC,1,Eniko Mihalik,8,Erdem,11,Erin Brady,2,Erin Heatherton,19,Erin Wasson,11,Escada,11,Escorpion,1,Esprit,10,Esquire Magazine,19,essence,1,Essie,3,Estee Lauder,25,Ester Evans,1,Esther Heesch,3,etam,14,ethicalclothing,1,ethicalfashion,1,Etro,15,Etude,2,Eurowoman,1,Eva Herzigova,7,Eva Longoria,16,Eva Mendes,5,Evil Twin,1,EXO,1,Express,8,eyewear,69,Fabi Shoes,1,Fall 2011,50,Fall 2012,1,Faretta,3,Fashion,244,Fashion Photography,1,fashion shows,5,fashion trends,6,fashion week,10,Fashion Week 2011,4,FCUK,2,FEEL THE PIECE,1,Fei Fei Sun,15,Felicity Jones,17,Fendi,43,Fenty,41,Fergie,1,Filippa K,2,Fitness,5,FKA twigs,4,Flare Magazine,5,flats,5,Flaunt Magazine,6,Flavia De Oliveira,2,floral dress,3,footwear,2,For Love and Lemons,38,Forever 21,21,Forever New,1,Forum,1,Fossil,1,Fragrance,135,Fran Summers,1,frangrance,2,Frankies Bikinis,1,Freak Factory,1,Frederick's of Hollywood,4,Free People,133,Freida Pinto,9,Freja Beha Erichsen,33,French Connection,2,fresh face,4,Frida Gustavsson,14,furla,7,Gaetano Perrone,1,Gal Floripa,3,Gal Gadot,9,GAP,16,Gareth Pugh,1,Gas Jeans,1,Gemma Arterton,5,Gemma Ward,1,Georges Chakra,2,Georgia Fowler,13,Georgia Frost,1,Georgia Jagger,4,Georgia May Jagger,12,Georgia Salpa,4,Georgina Dorsett,1,Georgina Stojiljkovic,1,Gerard Darel,1,Germaine Kruip,1,Gertrud Hegelund,2,Giambattista Valli,5,Giedre Dukauskaite,2,Gigi Hadid,181,Ginta Lapina,14,GIORGIO ARMANI,34,Gisele Bundchen,91,Gisele Intimates,1,Giuliana Rancic,1,Giuseppe Zanotti,9,Giveaway,6,Givenchy,57,Glamour,31,Glamour Russia,3,Glamour UK,9,Gok Wan,1,Golden Globes,40,Gorman,1,Gosh,1,Gottez,1,GQ Magazine,50,Grace Elizabeth,28,Grace Hartzel,5,Gracie Carvalho,5,Graff Diamonds,7,Grammy Awards 2016,3,Grammy Awards 2017,10,Grammy Awards 2018,9,Grammy Awards 2019,10,Grammy Awards 2020,9,Grammy Awards 2021,3,Grazia,12,gucci,109,Guerlain,12,Guess,52,Guinevere van Seenus,4,Gwen stefani,8,Gwyneth Paltrow,11,H and M,262,H.E. by Mango,5,Hailee Steinfeld,25,Hailey Bieber,54,Hailey Clauson,23,Hailey Gates,1,Haircut,1,Hale Bob,1,Haley Bennett,2,Halle Berry,11,Halloween,21,Halsey,6,Hana Jirickova,14,handbags,42,Hannah Davis,5,Hannah Ferguson,11,Hannah Holman,2,Hannelore Knuts,1,Hare,1,Harper's Bazaar,130,Harry Styles,7,Harry Winston,3,Hartje Andresen,1,Hat,1,Haute Couture,11,Hayden Panettiere,7,Health,133,Heather Marks,2,heels/wedges,2,Heidi Klum,42,Heidi Mount,3,Helen Flanagan,9,Helena Bonham Carter,1,Helena Christensen,13,Hello Kitty,6,Helmut Lang,2,Heloise Guerin,1,Hermes,11,Herve Leger,13,highlights,1,Hilary Duff,5,Hilary Rhoda,8,Hilary Swank,5,Hobo,1,Hogan,5,Holiday 2015,20,Holiday 2018,17,Holiday Wear,1,Holland Roden,7,Holly Rose,1,Home Products,1,Hoodies,2,House of Harlow 1960,7,House of Holland,2,HoYeon Jung,3,Hudson Jeans,3,Hugo Boss,19,Hunkemoller,14,Hyoni Kang,2,i-D Magazine,14,ICEBERG,2,Iekeliene Stange,2,Ieva Laguna,2,Iggy Azalea,8,iHeart Radio Music Awards,13,Illamasqua,3,Ilvie Wittek,2,Imaan Hammam,15,Imogen Poots,3,Imogen Thomas,3,Inamorata,6,Indya Moore,4,InStyle Awards,13,InStyle US,12,Interview,20,intimates,2,Intimissimi,18,Intropia,1,InWear,1,Ireland Baldwin,7,Irina Nikolaeva,1,Irina Shayk,109,Iris Strubegger,1,IRO Jeans,3,Iryna Rozhik,1,Isabel Lucas,3,Isabel Marant,14,Isabeli Fontana,57,Iselin Steiro,3,Isla Fisher,7,Issa London,1,italy,1,Ivy Park,5,Iza Olak,1,Izabel Goulart,12,J Brand,1,J. Mendel,13,J.W. Anderson,1,Jac Jagaciak,6,Jackets,6,Jacquelyn Jablonski,8,Jacquetta Wheeler,1,Jaeger,3,Jaime King,1,Jakarta,1,Jalouse,4,Jamie Chung,6,Jana Knauerova,1,Jane Iredale,1,Janini Milet,1,January Jones,4,Jasmine Sanders,4,Jasmine Tookes,26,Jason Wu,10,JCrew,22,Jean Paul Gauliter,9,Jeans,10,Jeans West,1,Jeff Tse,2,Jeffrey Campbell,10,Jehane Gigi Paris,2,Jelena Ristic,3,Jenna Dewan-Tatum,11,Jennifer Aniston,24,Jennifer Garner,6,Jennifer Hawkins,3,Jennifer Hudson,2,Jennifer Lawrence,83,Jennifer Lopez,74,Jennifer Love Hewitt,4,Jennifer Massaux,1,Jennifer Nicole Lee,6,Jenny Packham,18,Jenny Sinkaberg,2,Jesinta Campbell,1,Jessica Alba,36,Jessica Biel,10,Jessica Chastain,27,Jessica Gomes,1,Jessica Hart,7,Jessica Miller,2,Jessica Perez,1,Jessica Simpson,3,Jessica Stam,11,Jewellery,70,Ji-Young Jung,1,Jil Sander,6,Jill Stuart,4,Jimmy Choo,51,Joan Smalls,41,Joanna Krupa,11,John Galliano,2,John Hardy,5,John Varvatos,1,Johnny Depp,1,Joie,1,Jon Kortajarena,1,Joop,2,Jordin Sparks,1,Josefien Roderman,1,Josefina Cisternas,1,Josephine Skriver,35,Jourdan Dunn,22,Joy Bryant,1,Judith Leiber,1,Juicy Couture,39,Juju Ivanyuk,2,Julia Dunstall,3,Julia Faria,1,Julia Hafstrom,6,Julia Ivanyuk,1,Julia Johansen,1,Julia Nobis,11,Julia Restoin Roitfeld,1,Julia Roberts,6,Julia Saner,3,Julia Stegner,8,Juliana Imai,2,Julianne Hough,14,Julianne Moore,5,Julie Bowen,1,Juliette Lewis,2,Julija Steponaviciute,3,Jumper,1,June Sauren,1,Just Anna,1,Just Cavalli,9,Justin Bieber,9,Jyothsna Chakravarthy,1,Kacey Musgraves,1,Kacper Kasprzyk,1,Kaia Gerber,86,Kaley Cuoco,19,Kanye West,11,Karen Elson,16,Karen Millen,6,Karen Walker,3,karl Lagerfeld,35,Karlie Kloss,116,Karlina Caune,5,Karline Caune,1,Karmen Pedaru,32,Karolina Kurkova,10,Kasia Struss,5,Kasia Szwan,1,Kat Dennings,1,Kat Graham,5,Kat Hessen,1,Kat Von D,1,Katarina Ivanovska,3,Kate Beckinsale,14,kate bosworth,15,Kate Hudson,29,Kate King,2,Kate Mara,12,Kate Middleton,143,Kate Moss,80,Kate Spade,19,Kate Upton,63,Kate Walsh,2,Kate Winslet,15,Katheine Heigl,1,Katherine Jenkins,1,Kati Nescher,5,Katie Fogarty,1,Katie Holmes,10,Katrin Thormann,5,Katsia Zingarevich,1,katy perry,74,Ke$ha,1,Keds,2,Keira Knightley,28,Kelly Brook,16,Kelly Defina,1,Kelly Gale,1,Kelly Osbourne,3,Kelly Rowland,3,Kendall Jenner,224,Kendra Spears,4,Kenneth Cole,2,Kenzo,6,Kerry Washington,6,Khloe Kardashian,14,kidswear,20,Kiernan Shipka,3,Kim Kardashian,190,Kim Sears,5,Kimberley Garner,2,Kinga Rajzak,2,Kirsi Pyrhonen,2,Kirsten Dunst,13,KKW Beauty,6,Klara Wester,1,Knitwear,1,Kohl's,4,Kourtney Kardashian,16,Kristen Bell,9,Kristen Dunst,2,Kristen McMenamy,4,Kristen Stewart,84,Kristina Gromovaite,1,Kristina Nikolic,1,Kristina Romanova,1,Kristy Hinze,1,Kristy Kaurova,1,Kurt Geiger,8,Kylie Cosmetics,14,Kylie Jenner,100,Kylie Minogue,8,L'Officiel,16,L'Oreal,26,La Perla,18,La Senza,7,lace dress,4,Lacoste,3,Lady Gaga,43,Laetitia Casta,11,Lais Ribeiro,22,Lana del Rey,17,Lancaster Paris,6,Lancome,26,lanvin,28,Lara Stone,24,Lascana,2,Laura Marano,2,Laura Mercier,2,Laura Vandervoort,3,Lauren Goodger,1,Lauren Rippingham,1,Lauren Young,1,Lea Michele,17,Lea Seydoux,12,LeAnn Rimes,1,Leather Dress,1,Lee Cooper,1,Lee Jia Xin,1,legging,1,Leighton Meester,8,Leila Goldkuhl,2,Lela Rose,1,Leonisa,10,leopard prints,1,Les Copains,1,Leticia Z,2,levis,15,Lexi Boling,8,LF Stores,7,Liam Hemsworth,2,Liberty London,1,Lida Fox,1,Lifestyle,90,Ligne Roset,1,Lila Moss,5,Lili Reinhart,3,Lily Aldridge,46,Lily Allen,4,Lily Collins,26,Lily Donaldson,22,Lily James,8,Lily Rose Depp,14,Lina Zuluaga,1,Linda Farrow,4,Linda Vojtova,5,Lindex,6,Lindsay Ellingson,10,lindsay Lohan,5,Lindsey Morgan,1,Lindsey Vonn,1,Lindsey Wixson,13,lingerie,460,Linnea Regnander,1,Lip Gloss,2,lipsy,9,Lisanne De Jong,1,Littlewoods,3,Liu Jo,15,Liu Wen,31,Liv Tyler,6,Liya Kebede,17,Lizzo,2,Loewe,12,London Fashion Week,27,Longchamp,12,lookbook,1419,Lorde,3,Lorraine Van Wyk,1,Lottie Moss,15,Lou Doillon,1,Louis Vuitton,138,Lourdes Leon,7,Love Culture,1,LOVE Magazine,8,Lovers + Friends,4,LoveShackFancy,7,Lucy Boynton,2,Lucy Hale,19,Lucy Liu,4,Lui Magazine,5,Luisa Bianchin,1,Luisana Lopilato,2,Luna Bijl,15,Lupita Nyong'o,28,mac,86,Macy's,5,Madame Figaro,9,Madewell,16,Madison,2,Madison Beer,3,Madison Headrick,6,Madisyn Ritland,2,Madonna,11,Magdalena Frackowiak,16,Maggie Rizer,1,Maisie Williams,4,Maison Michel,1,Maison Scotch,1,Maite Perroni,1,Maitland Ward,1,Maja Mayskar,2,Maje,5,make up,156,Make Up Academy,5,Make Up For Ever,4,Malaika Firth,1,Malgosia Bela,20,Malin Akerman,5,Mandy Moore,4,Mango,106,Manolo Blahik,1,Manolo Blahnik,3,Marc Jacobs,66,Marc O Polo,3,Marchesa,6,Marella,8,Margaret Qualley,7,Margot Robbie,29,Maria Menounos,17,Maria Palm Lyduch,1,Maria Sharapova,15,Maria Sokolovski,1,Maria Valentina,1,Mariacarla Boscono,22,Mariah Carey,5,Mariana Idzkowska,1,Marie Claire,72,Marina Rinaldi,2,Marine Vacth,1,Marion Cotillard,20,Marique Schimmel,1,Mariya Ahchieva,1,Marks and Spencer,16,Marlena Szoka,2,Marloes Horst,12,Marlon Teixeira,10,Marni,5,Martha Hunt,35,Martha Plimpton,1,Martina Dimitrova,1,Marwood,1,Mary Kate Olsen,5,Mary Katrantzou,2,Mary-Kate,3,Maryna Linchuk,4,mascara,7,Massimo Dutti,32,Matchless,1,Material Girl,1,Maurie and Eve,1,Mavi Jeans,4,Max Azria,3,Max Factor,3,Max Mara,26,maxi dress,2,maxi skirt,1,Maxim,31,MaxMara,6,Mayara Rubik Marchi,1,MAYBELLINE,14,megan fox,38,Megan Gale,1,Megan Williams,2,Megan Young,1,Meghan Collison,6,Meghan Markle,22,Melanie Laurent,1,Melinda Messenger,1,Melissa Rauch,1,Melissa Tammerijn,1,Melo Dagault,1,Melodie Monrose,2,Menswear,141,Messika,8,Met Gala,100,Metrocity,1,Mica Arganaraz,9,Michael Kors,74,Michaela Kocianova,2,Michelle Buswell,1,Michelle Hunziker,2,Michelle Monaghan,3,Michelle Rodriguez,1,Michelle Trachetenberg,1,Michelle Williams,10,Mila Jovovich,1,Mila Kunis,18,Milagros Schmoll,1,milan,3,Milan Fashion Week,66,Miley Cyrus,77,military,1,Milla Jovovich,5,Millie Bobby Brown,16,Milou Sluis,2,Ming Xi,9,mink pink,3,Minka Kelly,3,miranda,1,Miranda Cosgrove,2,Miranda Kerr,138,Miranda Lambert,1,Miroslava Duma,1,Mirte Maas,4,Miscellaneous,344,Mischa Barton,3,Miss America,1,Miss France,1,Miss Sixty,10,Miss Universe,9,Miss USA,5,Miss World,7,Missguided,3,Missoni,19,Miu Miu,58,models,71,Mollie King,6,Molly Quinn,1,Molly Smith,1,Mona Johannesson,1,Monica Bellucci,13,Monica Cruz,1,Monica Potter,1,Monika Jagaciak,5,Monique Lhuillier,12,Monki,1,Monsoon,1,Montana Cox,2,Morena Rosa,11,Moschino,46,Motel,1,Mother's Day,1,MSGM,1,MTV EMAs,10,MTV Movie Awards,11,MTV VMAs,16,MuchMusic Awards,8,Mugler,6,Mulberry,11,Muse,2,Mustang,2,Myf Shepherd,1,Myla Dalbesio,1,Nadine Leopold,1,Nadja Bender,11,Naeem Khan,8,Nail Art,6,nail polish,38,NakedCashmere,8,Nancy Gonzalez,1,Naomi Campbell,33,Naomi Watts,15,Naomie Harris,4,Narciso Rodriguez,3,NARS,21,Nasty Gal,37,Natalia Chabanenko,3,Natalia Vodianova,15,Natalie Dormer,9,Natalie Martinez,1,Natalie Portman,25,Natallia Krauchanka,1,Natasha Poly,20,Nathalia Ramos,2,Naty Chabanenko,3,Naya Rivera,4,Necklace,6,Neiman Marcus,8,New Look,2,New York,1,New York Fashion Week,75,New York Fashion Week 2011,19,Next,24,Nic and Zoe,1,Nicholas Kirkwood,2,Nicki Minaj,13,Nicola Haffmans,1,Nicola Peltz,9,Nicolas K,1,Nicolas Ripoll,1,Nicole Benisti,2,Nicole Kidman,29,Nicole Miller,1,Nicole Richie,11,Nicole Scherzinger,24,Nicole Trunfio,6,Nieves Alvarez,1,Nike,7,Niki Minaj,2,Nikki Philips,1,Nikki Reed,6,Nimue Smit,3,Nina Agdal,49,Nina Dobrev,31,Nina Ricci,11,nine west,7,Nivaldo de Lima,1,Noa Noa,1,Noah Mils,1,Noemie Lenoir,1,Noot Seear,1,Nordstrom,7,Novo Shoes,1,Numero,13,NYFW Spring 2014,10,Nylon Magazine,3,NYX,4,Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics,1,Obzee,1,Ochirly,8,Oda Nordengen,1,Off-White,3,Office Wear,1,Olesya Romanenko,1,Olga Maliouk,2,Olga Sherer,3,Olivia Culpo,18,Olivia Garson,1,Olivia Munn,17,Olivia Palermo,7,Olivia Wilde,21,Ollie and Nic,1,Omega,3,OP,1,Opening Ceremony,6,Ophelie Guillermand,4,OPI,11,Orla Kiely,2,Orlando Bloom,1,Oroton,2,Oscar 2018,26,Oscar de la Renta,30,Oscars,92,Oscars 2016,21,Oscars 2017,18,Oscars 2019,17,Oscars 2020,22,Oscars 2022,11,Osklen,1,Osmoze,2,Otto,1,Outfits,20,Oysho,3,Paco Rabanne,4,PacSun,9,Padma Lakshmi,2,Paige Denim,4,Panache,2,Panasonic,1,Pania Rose,3,Paolla Rahmeier,1,Paris,3,Paris Fashion Week,70,Paris Fashion Week 2014,27,Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week,29,Paris Hilton,20,Paris Jackson,10,Party Dress,1,Passionata Lingerie,4,Patricia van der Vliet,1,Patrizia Pepe,3,Paul and Joe,7,Paul Smith,3,Paula Ludwig,1,Paule Ka,3,Paulina Nierodzik,1,Pedro Del Hierro,1,Penelope and Coco,1,Penelope Cruz,28,Pennyblack,1,Penshoppe,20,People's Choice Awards,6,Pepa Loves,2,Pepe Jeans,11,perfumes,6,Perry Ellis,1,Peter Hahn,2,Peter Pilotto,10,Peter Som,1,Petra Ecclestone,1,Petra Nemcova,3,Philipp Plein,3,Phoebe Dynevor,2,Photo Shoot,22,photography,3,Piaget,4,pierre balmain,3,Pierre Hardy,2,Pinko,5,Pippa Middleton,27,Pixie Lott,12,Planet Blue,6,Playing Fashion,3,Poca and Poca,1,Poketo,1,Poland,1,Polina Kouklina,2,Polka Dot Cat,1,Poppy Delevingne,11,Porter Edit,2,Portmans,1,portrait,1,Prabal Gurung,10,Prada,63,Prada Boots,1,Pre-Fall 2011,2,Preen,1,Pretty Ballerinas,1,primark,7,Priyanka Chopra,18,products,10,Proenza Schouler,16,Prom Dresses,6,Pull and Bear,5,Pulp Magazine,1,Puma,54,pumps,16,Pura Lopez,1,purses,2,Python,1,Queen Elizabeth,1,Querelle Jansen,4,Rachel Bilson,8,Rachel McAdams,6,Rachel Weisz,2,Rachel Zoe,4,Rag and Bone,20,Ragnhild Jevne,1,Ralph and Russo,2,Ralph Lauren,30,Raquel Zimmermann,16,Rebecca Minkoff,2,Rebecca Taylor,2,RED Valentino,10,Redemption,2,Redemption Choppers,5,Reebok,22,Reed Krakoff,4,Reem Acra,1,Reese Witherspoon,17,Reformation,8,Regina Feoktistova,1,Reina Triendl,1,Reiss,4,Replay,6,Reserved,9,Resort 2011,1,Resort 2012,26,Resort 2013,1,Resort 2016,5,Resort 2017,8,Resort 2018,2,Review,114,Revlon,6,Revolve Clothing,22,Reykjavik,1,Rianne van Rompaey,9,Riccardo Tisci,1,Ricky Martin,1,Rihanna,146,Rimmel,10,ring,3,Rita Ora,58,River Island,13,Robert Pattinson,2,Roberto Cavalli,24,Robyn Lawley,7,Roccobarocco,1,Rodarte,6,Roger Vivier,2,Rolling Stone,9,Romee Strijd,20,Romeo and Juliet Couture,1,Romwe,5,Rooney Mara,16,Ros Georgiou,2,Rosa Cha,3,Rosamund Pike,9,Rosanne Doosje,1,Rosie Huntington,74,Rosie Tupper,1,Rouge Bunny Rouge,1,Roxy,1,Ruby Aldridge,4,Rumi Neely,8,Runway,307,Russh Australia,1,Ruth Bell,3,S Moda,1,SAG Awards,18,SAG Awards 2016,8,Saint Laurent Paris,42,Saks Fifth Avenue,2,Salma Hayek,18,Salvatore Ferragamo,23,Sam Edelman,2,Samantha Gradoville,3,Samantha Hoopes,11,sandals,24,Sandra Bullock,11,Sara Berman,1,Sara Blomqvist,5,Sara Chafak,1,Sara Sampaio,53,Sara Ziff,1,Sarah Hyland,27,Sarah Jessica Parker,10,Sarah Stephens,1,Sasha Luss,10,Sasha Pivovarova,24,Saskia de Brauw,19,Scapa Sports,1,Scarf,8,Scarlett Johansson,32,scarves,9,Schutz Footwear,5,Seafolly,10,Secret Squirrel Botanica,1,SEE BY CHLOE,4,Seed,1,Selena Gomez,215,Self Magazine,3,Self-Portrait,8,Sephora,3,Serena Williams,6,SERGIO ROSSI,2,Seventeen Magazine,12,Seventy,1,shades,1,Shailene Woodley,30,Shakira,5,shakuhachi,1,Shalom Harlow,1,Shampalove,3,Shanina Shaik,21,Shannan Click,1,Shape Magazine,7,Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy,1,Shay Aaron,1,Shay Mitchell,21,Sheila Marquez,2,Shiatzy Chen,1,shirts,1,Shiseido,2,ShoeDazzle,1,shoes,72,shopbop,9,shorts,2,Shu Pei,4,Sienna Miller,8,Sigrid Agren,3,Silviu Tolu,1,Simons,1,SINGAPORE,1,Sinsay,1,Siri Tollerod,2,Siviglia,1,SKIMS,11,Skincare,13,Skinny Jeans,1,skirts,2,Sky Ferreira,4,Smashbox,2,sneakers,2,Snejana Onopka,3,So Young Kang,3,Sofia Coppola,2,Sofia Richie,4,Sofia Vergara,27,Sojung Yoon,1,Solange Knowles,2,Solid and Striped,13,Sonam Kapoor,1,Sonia Ben Ammar,2,Sonia Rykiel,4,Soo Joo Park,10,Sophia Bush,5,Sophia Webster,2,Sophie Turner,17,Sophie Vlaming,3,Sportmax,6,Sports Illustrated,46,sportswear,3,Spring 2011,3,Spring 2012,13,Stacy Keibler,6,Stacy Martin,4,Stana Katic,22,Staz Lindes,2,Stefanel,1,Stella Maxwell,38,Stella McCartney,41,Stella Tennant,5,Stephanie Johnson,1,STEVE MADDEN,10,Stila Cosmetics,1,Stolen Girlfriends Club,2,Stone Cold Fox,1,Stradivarius,17,Strappy Sandals,1,streetstyle,58,Strellson,1,Stuart Weitzman,19,stylebob,1,Su-shi,1,SuiteBlanco,2,Suki Waterhouse,12,Summer 2011,6,Sun FeiFei,4,Sun Yingying,1,Sun-hwa Park,1,sunglasses,9,sustainableclothing,1,sustainablefashion,1,Suvi Koponen,4,Swarovski,24,swimwear,396,Sydney Sweeney,10,Tag Heuer,2,Tali Lennox,2,Tamala Jones,1,Tamara Ecclestone,4,Tao Okamoto,1,Target,9,Tatiana Cotliar,5,Tatler,7,Tatler Russia,6,Taylor Hill,34,Taylor Momsen,3,Taylor Nicole,1,Taylor Schilling,2,Taylor Swift,117,teen vogue,19,Telva,2,Temperley London,10,Teresa Palmer,1,Tezenis,4,Thairine Garcia,2,Thais Oliveria,1,Thakoon,6,The 2 Bandits,3,The Body Shop,25,The Cambridge Satchel Company,1,The Daily Front Row,1,The Edit,8,The Eleventh Hour,1,The Kooples,7,The Limited,1,The Sunday Times Style,3,The Upside,1,Theirry Mugler,1,Theory,5,Theres Alexandersson,3,Thomas Pink,1,Three Floor,2,thrifted,1,Tibi,2,Tiffany and Co.,18,Tilda Lindstam,1,Tobey Maguire,1,TOD'S,15,Tom Ford,29,Tom Tailor,1,Tommy Hilfiger,41,Toni Garrn,34,Tony Awards,18,Too Faced Cosmetics,4,Topman,2,tops,5,Topshop,52,Tori Praver,3,Toronto International Film Festival,12,Tory Burch,23,tote,8,Towel Series,10,Triton,1,Triumph,7,Tropic of C,15,Trousers,1,True Religion,5,Trussardi,7,Tufi Duek,1,Tularosa,1,Tulisa Contostavlos,10,Tush Magazine,1,Tutorial,6,TwinSet,7,Ultimo,1,Ulyana Sergeenko,1,Un.i Lingerie,2,Uniqlo,1,United Colours of Benetton,6,Urban Decay,14,urban outfitters,18,V Magazine,30,Valentines Day,33,Valentino,67,Valerie van der Graaf,2,Valerija Kelava,4,Valery Kaufman,3,Valisere,1,Van Cleef and Arpels,1,Vanessa Axente,2,Vanessa Bruno,1,Vanessa Hudgens,44,Vanessa Paradis,3,Vanity Fair,51,Vasilisa Pavlova,1,Venice Film Festival,21,Vera Wang,23,Vero Moda,7,Versace,137,Vicki Andren,1,Victoria Beckham,35,Victoria Justice,37,Victoria Tuaz,1,Victorias Secret,310,videos,14,Vigoss,2,Vika Falileeva,3,Viktor and Rolf,5,Vince Camuto,7,vintage,8,Vittoria Ceretti,25,Vittoria Puccini,1,VIVA Moda,1,Vivara,12,Vivienne Westwood,17,Vlada Roslyakova,3,VMAN,2,vogue,380,Vogue Eyewear,5,VS Fashion Show,10,W Magazine,31,Wallets,1,Wang Xiao,1,Wasteland,1,wedding,32,wedding 2010,1,wedding 2011,4,Wedding Dress,6,Wedding Gown,2,wedding trends,8,Wedges,4,Wildfox,8,Winnie Harlow,9,Winter 2011,4,Winter Kate,1,Witchery,1,Wonderbra,5,Wonderland,8,Wrangler,6,Xenia Deli,4,Ximena Navarrete,2,XOXO,3,Xti,12,Yamamay,19,Yara Khmidan,1,Yara Shahidi,2,Yasmin Le Bon,2,Yayoi Kusama,1,Yeezy,2,Ylonka Verheul,1,Yulia Terentieva,2,Yulia Terentyeva,2,Yves Saint Laurent,34,Z Spoke,1,Zac Posen,12,Zadig and Voltaire,10,Zahia Dehar,4,zara,118,Zara Man,3,Zendaya Coleman,37,Zimmermann,37,Zippora Seven,1,Zoe,1,Zoe Karssen,1,Zoe Kravitz,10,Zoe Saldana,11,Zoey Deutch,2,Zooey Deschanel,11,Zuhair Murad,33,Zuzana Gredecka,1,Zuzana Straska,1,Zuzanna Bijoch,1, ltr item My Face Hunter: Rihanna talks Manolo Blahnik collaboration with Vogue UK April 2016 Rihanna talks Manolo Blahnik collaboration with Vogue UK April 2016 https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srgtFnSf63M/VtsSNGUOs5I/AAAAAAAB-cE/oZd5VaE1Gnw/s1600/Rihanna-Vogue-UK-April-2016-Cover.jpg https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srgtFnSf63M/VtsSNGUOs5I/AAAAAAAB-cE/oZd5VaE1Gnw/s72-c/Rihanna-Vogue-UK-April-2016-Cover.jpg My Face Hunter https://www.myfacehunter.com/2016/03/rihanna-talks-manolo-blahnik.html https://www.myfacehunter.com/ https://www.myfacehunter.com/ https://www.myfacehunter.com/2016/03/rihanna-talks-manolo-blahnik.html 4315257249008687450 UTF-8

Loaded All Posts Not found any posts VIEW ALL Readmore Reply Cancel reply Delete By Home PAGES POSTS View All RECOMMENDED FOR YOU LABEL ARCHIVE SEARCH ALL POSTS Not found any post match with your request Back Home Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat January February March April May June July August September October November December Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec just now 1 minute ago $$1$$ minutes ago 1 hour ago $$1$$ hours ago Yesterday $$1$$ days ago $$1$$ weeks ago more than 5 weeks ago Followers Follow THIS PREMIUM CONTENT IS LOCKED STEP 1: Share to a social network STEP 2: Click the link on your social network Copy All Code Select All Code All codes were copied to your clipboard Can not copy the codes / texts, please press [CTRL]+[C] (or CMD+C with Mac) to copy Table of Content
Sarkodie should have been bigger than ...
Sacramento, CA  The state court system has determined that Butte Fire lawsuits will be consolidated  and heard in Sacramento.

As previously reported here, well over two dozen suits pertaining to the Butte Fire disaster have been filed to date; many of them with multiple plaintiffs. Although a cause has still to be publicly determined, PG&E publicly acknowledged early on that a live tree hit power lines near the ignition point. Legal firms specializing in property damage cases resulting from wildfire disasters promptly pounced on that news, shortly after which, initial case filings of suits were levied against the utility and contracting tree firms ACRT and Trees Inc. California lawmakers further queried PG&E over the matter last fall, as reported here.

As Sacramento Superior Court Public Information Officer Kim Pederson explains, the move to consolidate cases comes at the request of one or more parties to the California Judicial Council, based in San Francisco, which then considers the qualifications of the suits. When there are multiple filers related to a singular event, if you will, [the Court] puts in some ability to coordinate those cases, and so they will be assigned, for all purposes, to one judge in the state. As in this case, the Chief Justice from the Judicial Council, who oversees coordinated cases statewide, then makes an order and assigns the matter to a particular jurisdiction  in the case of Butte Fire matters, to Sacramento Superior Court.

Continuing, Pederson notes, The next step is that our presiding judge, Judge Kevin Culhane, will assess workload  and who has availability and expertise in consolidated matters  and will make a permanent assignment to a judge on our bench, who will then retain all of the Butte Fire cases, from beginning to end.

From that point on, Pederson states, the cases will be placed within a queue and handled jointly. As she points out, the benefits to this process are many: Typically, if the same fact patterns apply to multiple casesthey can make concessionsif you willso it savesattorneyspartiestime and money  and court time. So, it is a good process. She adds, It is going to be a lengthy process  obviously, civil cases can take a long time once they reach the trial phase  but we are confident that Judge Culhane will select a strong judge who has experience in consolidated cases to work through the legal matters.

According to CAL Fire, the Butte Fire, which broke out last year on Sept. 9, established itself as the states seventh most damaging wildfire on record. Two residents perished in the blaze, which also ravaged nearly 72,000 acres and 863 structures.
CHP Patrol Car Logo View Photos

Valley Springs, CA  A pickup smashes into an embankment injuring two passengers a man and a teenage passenger in Valley Springs.

The CHP reports 18-year-old Kenneth Reed was driving a 1998 Ford pickup just before 4 p.m. Thursday on Butler Road, north of Heney Lane and lost control on the gravel road. The truck hit an embankment and rolled over onto the passenger side of the pickup. Two passengers, 19-year-old Kyle Chaboy and a 15-year-old male, suffered minor injuries in the crash. All three are from Valley Springs. Tow crews were able to upright the truck and drive it from the scene.

The CHP reports neither drugs nor alcohol played a role in the wreck.
Brenda Barrera, booking photo View Photos

Sonora, CA  A previous DUI offender who caused a fatal crash on Highway 108/120 has been convicted for second-degree murder.

Brenda Barrera, 28, of Modesto was also convicted of DUI causing great bodily injury today. The verdicts were handed down, according to Tuolumne County District Attorney Laura Krieg, following a six-day jury trial before Judge Donald Segerstrom that was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric Hovatter.

It took the jury approximately three hours to complete their deliberations, Krieg says. Hovatter states that the evidence was overwhelming, and that Barerra, after being convicted of a DUI in 2014, had signed a court document, also initialing an advisement acknowledging that, if she was charged a second time for a DUI and someone was killed as a result, she could be charged with murder.

As previously reported here, Barrera was arrested in back in April 2015 and jailed on a million-dollar bond following a horrendous head on collision that occurred on a Tuesday morning, right around the time that parents might be driving their kids to school, as Krieg points out.

One Dead, Three Seriously Injured

Court findings state that several motorists had called 911 to report a wildly erratic female driver headed west on Highway 108/120 past OBrynes Ferry Road. Near La Grange Road her vehicle plowed head on into a 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by 78-year-old Maxsimiano Aldana, causing a multiple-roll over crash after which he was pronounced dead at the scene. His wife, Martha Aldana, 69, and other passengers, Vincente Cabrera, 85, and Sara Cabrera, 80, who all suffered numerous broken bones, had to be airlifted to hospitals for treatment.

Blood tests by the Department of Justice determined Barerra had Xanax and marijuana in her system at the time of the crash and a vehicle search turned up a glass smoking tip and several containers that tested positive for marijuana residue. Hovatter stated that the evidence pointing to her conviction for murder was overwhelming.

Krieg shares, We are very, very pleased with the verdict in this case and very thankful to the jury for their careful attention, because these cases are never easy cases. Explaining, she continues, In the legal language it is a Watson murder. In 1981, the California Supreme Court ruled in the case of People versus Watson, that if someone has been convicted of a DUI, the person essentially acknowledges the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If that person is booked a second time for a DUI  and as a result kills someone after they have a previous DUI conviction  then that, in essence, is asking with conscious disregard to the risk and allows prosecutors in the State of California to charge them with second-degree murder.

Prosecution Proves Implied Malice

The charge of second-degree murder specifically assigns that the accused had the implied malice to commit murder, knowing the risks involved but still continuing to act in a manner that would put people at risk of death. That, Krieg says, is exactly what this individual didwe are very lucky she did not kill four people. Recalling the numerous 911 calls that fatal morning from citizens who witnessed Barerras terrible driving, Krieg recounts that a woman with a dashboard camera filmed Barreras vehicle, subsequently capturing the accident and was on-scene providing aid to the victim. Krieg remarks, We are so thankful that we have people who are out there looking, and calling in, and protecting the people of the communityfrom the day that I filed this case I believe that she committed murder. It is sad for everybody involvedit certainly sends a message that there are consequences for your actions and certainly, in this case, she knew the consequenceswas well-awareand chose to disregard them.

This is only the second Watson murder to be filed in this county, according to Krieg. This is not something where, every time there is a DUI anda fatality that it turns into a murder case, she points out. We look at all the surrounding circumstances, the persons history, what happenedwe do not take it lightly.

Due to be sentenced on April 28 in Tuolumne County Superior Court, Barrera faces a maximum of 28 years to life in prison, which Krieg states, is the penalty that her office is seeking. She indicates that should Barerra receive that punishment, she would have to serve 85 percent of 28 years before becoming eligible for parole.
GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here.
Organizations across Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties are coming together for a day of service with the goal of helping the poor become self-sustainable.

Three years ago, Ricardo Ortiz moved to a motel with his family. He never thought it would be for this long.

For a small place like this. Its not cheap, its not cheap, he said.

Ortiz now has one thing to look forward to, its called He Got Up, a resource fair for those in need taking place on Easter Sunday at the Citrus Bowl.



Orlando Serve Foundation is behind the initiative, along with other local organizations.

Were all a different piece to a bigger puzzle," said Danna Camacho, House Of Every Nation pastor. "And bringing it together is just the unity that needs to happen, not only within the church, it needs to happen within the community, within the government.

Volunteers spread the word about He Got Up and registered people for the event in advance. On March 27, there will be a number of opportunities like on-site hiring, legal services and haircuts.

It gives me an open door to expand my talent, my skills and at least help me get a job. At least motivation to keep going, said Ortiz.

Star Motel at Lakeside on US 192 is one of the locations where buses will swing by and pick people up to take them to the Citrus Bowl.

So He Got Up is the reality that Christ rose from the dead to lift us up, to lift us out of our spiritual place of darkness and separation from God," said Orlando Serve Foundation president Tim Johnson. "But he didnt just lift us up so that we can feel good about ourselves. Its so that we can lift others up in his name.

Ortiz signed up for free transportation to the event in hopes that this will be his ride to change.

God gives me the strength to keep going and push forward, he said.

For more information on the event and pick up locations, go to the Orlando Serve Foundation's website.




Bank stocks with low betas bring peace to your portfolio. Image source: iStock/Thinkstock.

While bank investors should generally avoid technical stock trading metrics, there's one worth paying attention to: beta. Generally speaking, the best bank stocks right now have the lowest betas, including Wells Fargo , U.S. Bancorp , and M&T Bank .

12 Biggest Commercial Banks Beta Return on Equity (TTM) U.S. Bancorp 0.76 14.8% M&T Bank* 0.83 13% Wells Fargo 0.91 13.7% PNC Financial 0.95 9.2% BB&T 1.09 9% Fifth Third Bancorp 1.29 11.9% Capital One 1.35 8.7% SunTrust Banks 1.43 8.7% JPMorgan Chase 1.68 11.3% Bank of America 1.76 7.2% Regions Financial 1.88 6.6% Citigroup 2.02 8.5%

*M&T's return on average common equity excludes expenses related to its merger with Hudson City Bancorp. Data source: Finviz.com and YCharts.com.

What's important to note here is the negative relationship between a bank's beta and its profitability. On one end of the spectrum are U.S. Bancorp, M&T Bank, and Wells Fargo, which have low betas but high profitability metrics. On the other end are Bank of America, Regions Financial, and Citigroup, which have high betas but low returns on equity.

Beta measures how much a stock moves on a typical day relative to the broader market. A beta above 1.0 means a stock moves more than the broader market. A beta below 1.0 means a stock moves less. And a beta that equals 1.0 means a stock generally moves in line with the broader market.

What the table above reveals, then, is that shares of U.S. Bancorp, M&T Bank, and Wells Fargo tend to be less volatile than the broader market, while shares of Bank of America, Regions Financial, and Citigroup tend to be more volatile than other stocks.

Common sense explains why this is. U.S. Bancorp, M&T Bank, and Wells Fargo are boring stocks. Sure, they're the best run banks in the country. And, sure, they've delivered the best shareholder returns over the long run. But they're consistent. Reliable. On a quarter-to-quarter basis, there's nothing to write home about. Just great returns, per usual.

But while these traits are appreciated by long-term investors, they're anathema to stock traders. Traders want action. They want earnings volatility. They want to be surprised. That's how they make (or lose) money. Consequently, they tend to avoid stocks like these.

Bank of America and Citigroup, on the other hand, offer the polar opposite of stability. Both of these companies came within a hair's breadth of failure during the financial crisis. And since then, both have struggled to generate consistent earnings. In Bank of America's case, its quarterly earnings since 2011 have fluctuated by an average of 66% over the prior-year period. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo's have grown at a consistent rate of 13.5%.



Data source: YCharts.com.

In sum, as Warren Buffett has said in the past, companies get the shareholders they deserve. Rock-solid companies that make great long-term investments attract people that want stability and consistency -- which explains their low betas. But companies that can't get their you-know-what together, attract investors that just want to make a quick buck from short-term volatility caused by earnings surprises.

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 Why Investors Should Generally Prefer Bank Stocks With Low Betas originally appeared on Fool.com.

Copyright  1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
In these thought-provoking poems, some close to prose-poetry, one never knows where Brian Swann may be headed, although we find out by the end of a page or two, wherein he sets up a few surprises and usually closes with a stark illumination.

The title poem exemplifies this, being more about flies than St. Francis, but ending up with a clever turn toward the narrator.

Rather than kill flies, he has trained himself to like them. If you can like flies/you can like anything, for flies are unavoidable/as death, and as they die are replaced as if they were//all one eternal fly. . .

Like the saint, the poet is at his desk: who knows who is circling my goose-neck, doing a/breakdance on my book, hiding/in my hair? I could ask, the way I once asked my cat/if he was my dead grandfather and who gave signs/in the affirmative. So, as one fly lands here and looks/about, after Ive lightly blown off the paper a leg or two,//a head and a few filmy wings ... /Each fly has a story. I wait to take it down.

In Continuo (the musical equivalent to the style of this book), we presume Swann is listening to Albinonis popular Adagio for Strings and Organ Continuo, and the opening sentence is 247 words (some are longer, but he also composes short ones, a few just a word), as he continues experiencing nature parallel to memories that have nothing to do with music, later finding that Albinoni was not the composer of this Adagio on which he depended. Some scholars believe Reno Giazotto composed it, but questions remain. But we know Swann wrote the poem!

There are four powerful poems that relate to the poets father  one in which the poets mother declares, Youre not half the man your father was//Not looking up from copying more aphorisms and proverbs/into an already large collection she lived by, where/each one somewhere cancelled another out.

More Information St. Francis and the Flies Poems by Brian Swann Autumn House Press, $17.95 See More Collapse

Swanns range is marvelously exhibited in Thought  a poem that begins with the migration of hummingbirds, and then recharges with the process of thinking that the only way they could be so small/and yet so tough is if, as (D.H.) Lawrence wrote, they were/once much bigger in a primeval otherworld/before anything had a soul, and theyd retained/those giant appetites and abilities, now packed/into bodies a thousand times smaller, in some sort/of inverse evolution shrunk to the size of a vivid thought,/a quick insight, forbidden or guilty desires, the kind/that are bright and hot and burn you and when you try/to shake them off they fracture into spectrums that scale/and cling, ever more voracious, as poignant as obsession/whose motive is more of the same, year after year,/and so focused that when you think youre thinking them,/theyve already thought you through.

Like Thought, most of these poems seem to drift through Swanns brilliant, imaginative mind.

Long considered to be one of our most important translators (Italian poets and Native American literature), Swann is also one of todays most exciting and prolific poets, lauded by W.S. Merwin, Mary Oliver, Hayden Carruth and R.H.W. Dillard. He has taught at Manhattans Cooper Union for more than four decades.

St. Francis and the Flies won the Autumn House Poetry Prize. After nearly a dozen well-received collections, Autumn House will publish Swanns New and Selected Poems next year.

Roberto Bonazzis newest book, Outside the Margins (Wings Press, 2015), marks 40 years of literary commentaries (including many from the Express-News). Reach him at latitudesinternational@gmail.com.
From country dance halls to (oontz-oontz) house clubs, and a splash of cumbia to boot, San Antonio's nightlife includes a wild mix of places to get your funky groove on.

And if you are looking to spice up your night and stretch your comfort zone, reviews on Yelp are the perfect place to start. Yelpers are known to provide real talk on key elements for a night of crazy boogie downs  cover charge, quality of drinks, dance floor space and DJ skills.
A Houston real estate company landed in the top 10 of Fortune magazines annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Camden Property Trust placed ninth overall, moving up one spot from the previous year.

MUCH LOVE: The most admired companies in Texas
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

Officer John Lee filed a complaint against San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus just three days after he was handed a "contemplated indefinite suspension" following the shooting of an unarmed man during a felony arrest.

Lee fatally shot Antronie Scott on Feb. 4 while attempting to arrest him on two felony warrants at about 6:45 p.m. after undercover officers had followed Scott to the Wood Hollow Apartments at 10362 Sahara St.

SAPD Sgt. Jesse Salame confirmed in a statement Friday afternoon that they did receive the complaint and they were reviewing it.

His attorney Ben Sifuentes Jr. could not be reached for comment, but WOAI-TV reported that the lawsuit alleges McManus took photos at the crime scene, which were not included as part of the criminal investigative case or the internal affairs investigation.

During a meeting Thursday, McManus told the San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board that Lee was facing indefinite suspension because he placed himself in a vulnerable position where he didnt give himself time to react.

Officials said Lee, a 12-year veteran, has seven days to notify the chiefs office that he wants a hearing. Salame said they will meet sometime next week and that when they do, the suspension can be upheld or amended.

If McManus upholds Lees indefinite suspension, then the officer has the right to appeal his termination to an arbitrator, Salame said.

Attorney Morris Munoz was initially representing Lee, but Morris said Friday he is no longer handling the case.

It was unclear what impact this would have on the outcome of Lees indefinite suspension.

jbeltran@express-news.net

Twitter: @JBfromSA
McALLEN  The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has suspended operations of a fraternity after some of its members fired weapons during an initiation ceremony Thursday.

The shots were fired at an Alton-area ranch, about 10 miles northwest of McAllen, alarming neighbors and prompting a response from Alton Police, Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office and Texas Department of Public Safety. Of the 54 people involved, four members of the local chapter of Kappa Sigma fraternity were cited for disturbing the peace, and three weapons were seized.
Hondo police are investigating whether $304,907 in donations to help build a new city library are still in the bank. They havent found the money yet.

Frances Bendele, who was supposed to present a check last month to Mayor Jim Danner, was in a car crash that day and reportedly suffered amnesia. She was treasurer of the Friends of the Hondo Public Library  but not anymore.
Re: Scalia captivated law students at St. Marys, Michael Ariens, Opinion Feb. 28:

Professor Ariens took pains to describe this person as wonderful. Too bad his decisions over 30 years on the Supreme Court have damaged the democratic system, requiring years to heal. I am talking about his leadership on Bush vs. Gore, Citizens United, gerrymandering, voting rights, Hobby Lobby, Planned Parenthood cases, etc.

Scalia sounds like a fine teacher.

Michael L. Vogelsang

Opportunity lanes

Re: Fighting HOV lanes just cheers on congestion, Editorial, Feb. 28:

Very good article on HOV lanes in the Feb. 28 Opinion section. I have traveled in many cities that use these lanes and they are very efficient.

One thing I did notice in the article, however, was the file photo from Toronto. I love the fact there are absolutely no vehicles using the HOV lanes in either direction. Dont forget a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Lee Fox

The real story

Re: CPS writes off $391 million; Money was for STP expansion, front page, Feb. 25:

The headline should have read: CPS wastes $391 million of tax payers hard-earned dollars!

Randol Gilmore

Sad commentary

Re: Shooting at plant in Kansas is deadly, Nation & World, Feb. 26:

I guess we are finally there. Mass shootings have become so commonplace that they get the last page of the A Section.

Where is everybody? Anybody out there awake?

Doug Storment

Safe guns

Reading letters to the editor comparing deaths by cars with death by firearms, I believe that getting state and federal governments more involved in manufacturing firearms might be a reasonable approach to reducing gun casualties.

We have cars that warn the driver of potential accidents, and indeed cars are almost ready to drive themselves. Why not develop smart firearms that can be fired only by their rightful owner? Imagine how many lives would be saved if these individualized weapons were commonplace. I hear this technology exists today but is expensive to manufacture and purchase. Maybe suitable manufacturers could be subsidized by the government to create safe firearms?

As a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, I have never owned a firearm. I didnt think the benefits outweighed the risks involved. However, I would be interested in purchasing one of these safe weapons and joining the militia talked about in the Second Amendment.

Jack Perrin

False labels

Re: Diversity goes beyond black and white, Esther Cepeda, Other Views, Feb. 26:

It was great to read this column addressing the term Hispanic with clarity and accuracy in the context of the historical lack of diversity in the movie industry. As the columnist pointed out so well, this label gets assigned to a large portion of the population that is, in fact, American. These people happen to have ancestors originally from Latin America. For example, my children are Americans of Mexican descent.

The problem with the lack of diversity in Hollywood has been there forever. There is hardly any outrage at the ridiculously small number of American actors of so-called Latino descent, which has been the case from the start of the motion picture industry. It seems that today, with such a large proportion of U.S-born Hispanics, that a much larger number would be represented in the movie industry.

So it is not just black and white that needs to be addressed.

Edward Esparza

You go, Marco

Re: Tuesday is put up or shut up time, front page, Feb. 28:

I cant believe I was loudly cheering for Marco Rubio when he went after Donald Trump during and following the recent GOP debate. Im a Democrat, but I was ecstatic to see a good guy take on a loudmouth bully.

David Plylar

Stop Trump

Donald Trump is dividing our country and feeding into the base fears of whites who resent the inevitable demographic changes that are becoming reality. At a time when we should all work to understand and accept one another, he is encouraging hatred and bigotry. Building a wall along our southern border and limiting Muslims from entering our country is contrary to everything our country has established. Our forefathers are lucky the Native Americans didn't have strict immigration policies or they would not have been allowed to escape religious oppression. With the exception of native Indians, we are all descended from immigrants.

Forrest Tankersley

American tyrant

Donald Trump as president? I shudder at the thought. The man has shown his disdain for those audacious enough to question his judgment. Just ask the GOP (which he has hijacked) as to how much control it has over the man. The answer is none.

A narcissistic Trump for president? Do we really want an American Putin?

Robert Paul

Footing Trumps bill

Why has there been no analysis on the costs incurred if Donald Trump is elected and tries to do all he has said he will do, including deporting 11 million, building a wall across our southern border (even though he said he will bill Mexico), greatly increase military spending, put a 35 percent surcharge on Chinese imports and refuse to touch entitlements?

The press and his Republican rivals are all missing the problems of his ridiculous pronouncements.

Jerry Schmidt, Bulverde

Duping Americans

Try this on for size: If you can forgive an adult male who says your wife or daughter got schlonged because she lost an election or that her unfair questions about him may be because she is bleeding from her eyes or somewhere else, we should talk about where your good sense has gone off to.

Wake up! This is nothing but a disrespectful, arrogant and misogynistic buffoon who has played Americans for fools.

Ruben Zamora
Posted on 03/05/2016, 10:00 am, by mySteinbach

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reports that on March 1, 2016, Robert William Roske of Minnesota entered a guilty plea in a Winnipeg Provincial court and was sentenced to a 2.5 year jail sentence for attempting to smuggle digital images and videos of child pornography, contrary to section 159 of the Customs Act.

This case dates back to July 30, 2015, when Robert Roske was seeking entry into Canada at the Sprague port of entry and was referred for secondary examination. Border services officers examined his electronic devices and discovered suspected child pornography. The officer seized the electronic devices and arrested Roske.

Preventing this prohibited material from crossing our borders is an important role that the CBSA plays in protecting the most vulnerable members in our society, said Kim Scoville, Regional Director General, CBSA Prairie Region. We are committed to taking action to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of our laws.

The case was referred to the CBSA Criminal Investigations Section, where they identified a total of 1,954 images and 389 video files of child pornography belonging to Mr. Roske.
Posted on 03/05/2016, 1:00 pm, by mySteinbach

Discover Agriculture in the City, an event showcasing agriculture to Manitoba consumers, is coming to Winnipegs Forks Market Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19.

The event is for visitors of all ages, from both the City of Winnipeg and surrounding areas, and will provide an excellent overview of the foods that are produced on Manitoba farms  from eggs and chickens, to canola and fruit, to beef, pork and dairy products.

Visitors are invited to participate in interactive displays, taste products, pick up recipes and give-aways, and enter contests  all in the name of learning more about farming in Manitoba.

This year, representatives from the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers will join Discover Agriculture in the City to celebrate the International Year of the Pulses. They will show visitors the difference between the pulses  dried peas, beans and lentils  and hand out recipes so people can enjoy this nutritious commodity.

Kid Bean will also be on hand to promote pulses  and is sure to be a hit with the kids.

Other displays include butter-making, a view from right inside the barn that shows how pigs are raised, a look at how fast mushrooms grow, and a nutritious foods display.

The event is open from 9:30am to 9pm on March 18, and from 9:30am to 6:30pm on March 19.
GOP Statisticians Develop New Branch Of Math To Formulate Scenarios In Which Trump Doesnt Win Nomination Onion (Chuck L)

How a Dogs Brain Processes Human Faces Psychology Today

China?

Protests Rise as China Lays Off Millions of Coal Workers MIT Technology Review (resilc)

As Economy Slows, Experts Call on China to Drop Growth Target New York Times

China Sets Growth Target of 6.5% to 7% for 2016 Wall Street Journal

India files trade complaint against U.S. over temporary work visas Reuters (EM)

Refugee Crisis

Why are members of the liberal Turkish media so willing to eat their own? Erik Meyersson (guurst)

Turkish police raid critical newspaper BBC

Ending HIV: A Missing Piece in the Health-Care Debate Truthout

Syraqistan

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

Trump Panic

Republicans in tailspin, group forms to draft Ryan for U.S. president Reuters. EM: I love the smell of establishment desperation in the morning.

G.O.P. Faces Rebellion Over Leaders Calls to Stop Trump New York Times

Mainstream Republicans struggle for a way to halt rise of Trump Reuters. EM: Note Reuters uses mainstream as a synonym for establishment, i.e. in reference to the party elites as opposed to the (snicker) Will of the People.
Marco Island Mattress Company owner Richard Sumer opened his store January 2016 to become the only mattress store on Marco Island. (David Albers/Staff)

SHARE Mattress displays await customers at the Marco Island Mattress Company on Friday, March 4, 2016. The locally-owned store opened in January 2016 to become the only mattress store on Marco Island. (David Albers/Staff) Marco Island Mattress Company opened in January 2016 to become the only mattress store on Marco Island. (David Albers/Staff) Marco Island Mattress Company opened in January 2016 to become the only mattress store on Marco Island. (David Albers/Staff)

By John Osborne, Daily News Correspondent

A new mattress store propped up by decades of history made a soft landing on Marco Island in mid-January.

In the Pelican Plaza at 713 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island Mattress Company features 36 models that owner Greg Sumer said have already created quite a buzz around town - emphasis on the "Zs."

"Business has been way above our expectations," said Sumer, a recent Southwest Florida arrival whose family owned similar stores in New Jersey for three generations. "We're the only mattress store on Marco Island, and there hasn't been one here before, so I think we've found our niche."

Sumer said well-known brands such as Dunlopillo and Serta help fill that niche - not to mention ensure a good night's sleep for his customers.

"Dunlopillo is the world's oldest and most trusted brand in latex mattresses; they invented latex mattresses," he explained when asked to elaborate on the particulars. "We also sell the Serta iSeries, which are hybrid mattresses with individually pocketed coils that feature the latest technology in foam upholstery."

Sumer said fans of memory foam mattresses could turn to Serta iComfort models for a glovelike fit.

"It's the latest generation of gel memory foam and top-rated by Consumer Reports," said Sumer, whose family has been in the mattress business since 1948.

Delving into the family connection brought Sumer both a generation ahead and a generation behind.

"When I first broke into the industry, I worked with my dad, Richard, and now my son Richard works with me," he said of the only other employee at the 2,000-square-foot location. "Working with my dad and son certainly had and has its challenges since you need to separate the fact that you're family from the fact that you're also business people. But it's also an extraordinary blessing to spend the time with my son and achieve what we've achieved. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Richard Sumer said much the same when the shoe shifted to the other foot.

"Obviously, we're two different people, so we'll have different influences on things, but as partners you work it out," he said of the challenges involved before segueing into the joys of running a business with his dad. "On the plus side, I get to hang out with him every day. Any time you spend time with somebody, it strengthens the bond you have as you get to see their inner workings and how they do different things effectively."

Marco Island Mattress Company client Angella Anderson - office manager at Something Olde, Something New consignment shop on Marco Island - said the Sumers were particularly effective when recently asked to help out with an unusual request.

"We do full interior design in addition to new and high-end consignment sales, and one of our jobs called for a custom mattress," she recalled. "We were in a tight spot because the company we hired worked on it for three months before calling to say it wouldn't be delivered on time. Greg hadn't opened his store yet, but he'd stopped by to introduce himself, so I knew who he was."

When presented with the challenge, Anderson said Sumer was able to turn around the requested mattress in 10 days.

"It was an odd, funky size - something a grandfather wanted for his grandchildren's bunk bed because they were coming down for Christmas - so it wasn't something that was easy to pull off," she said. "I was pretty shocked he was able to do it, so I guess it's safe to say it was a very positive experience for us. Plus, the first time Greg stopped by he brought homemade cookies - and how can you beat that?"

Greg Sumer said it's his goal to make such experiences the norm.

"People can buy here trusting that they'll be completely happy," he said, citing his store's unlimited comfort exchange policy. "We really search the marketplace to offer the very best mattresses when it comes to both quality and value."
SHARE Together in Prayer (TIP) Founder Gray Harwell and Mark Gonzales, executive director for Royal Palm Association of Churches, are organizing a community prayer event called "HeartCry" Monday night at Summit Church. Laura Gates/Banner Correspondent

By Laura Gates, Banner Correspondent

On Monday night, Summit Church will host a first-of-its-kind event, inviting scores of Southwest Florida believers to its main campus near Florida Gulf Coast University for a singular purpose: Prayer.

"HeartCry" is one of six simultaneous, Southwest Florida prayer gatherings scheduled for March 7, and local organizers have no idea how many people will show up. More than 100 churches are on the invite list, and the event is open to the community.

"I'd rather have 50 people there who are ready to have an encounter with God than to have a crowd," said Mark Gonzales, executive director of Royal Palm Association of Churches, which represents 104 Southern Baptist congregations in Southwest Florida.

Royal Palm is co-sponsoring HeartCry, along with Together In Prayer (TIP), an interdenominational organization with nine church partners in Estero and San Carlos Park. Host church, Summit, is a member of both groups and offered its auditorium, which seats 530.

"We've been sensing we really need to have a greater commitment to prayer as we see the brokenness of our world and the needs in our community," said Orlando Cabrera, one of Summit's six directing elders.

While prayer has always been an integral part of the Christian faith, the current state of national politics and global unrest underscore the need to pray, Cabrera said. However, HeartCry will devote more prayer time to local issues, with prayers over selected Southwest Florida ministries and prayers for local pastors, churches and families.

Coming forward for prayer will be representatives from Florida Baptist Children's Home, Orphan's Child, The Porch Light (human trafficking), Hope Community Outreach, Verity Women's Pregnancy Center, Liberty Youth Ranch and New Horizons of Southwest Florida (after-school programs).

"These organizations are right here helping individuals in need and seeking to serve our community," Cabrera said. "I think that's important."

While a prayer event was the idea of the Southern Baptist Convention of Southwest Florida, Gonzales sought to make it an interdenominational happening here. That's why he enlisted the help of Pastor Gray Harwell, who founded TIP three years ago with a mission to unite Southwest Florida pastors in "prayer, provision and proclamation." The group includes Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist and independent churches of other affiliations.

"Our heart and our passion is to bring the body of Christ together," Harwell said. "A key to evangelism is the unity of the body."

Cabrera said he has been encouraged by the humility of participating pastors, who understand they are stronger together.

"I think it's great churches are coming together and realizing we're not in competition with each other," he said. "One church can't serve all the people and needs in our community."

Even among the region's 104 Southern Baptist churches, there is great diversity, Gonzales noted. While Summit is large, charismatic and casual, most Southern Baptist churches are much smaller (85 percent have a membership of less than 100). Some churches offer traditional style worship, while others are much more expressive, Gonzales noted.

The Royal Palm Association includes Haitian, Hispanic, Brazilian, Korean, Romanian and Vietnamese churches, as well.

"I love the diversity in the body of Christ," Gonzales said.

For Monday's HeartCry event, "We hope for a rainbow of God's body there," Harwell added. "In God's eyes, we're all one."

While five other prayer events will be simultaneously taking place in other Florida cities, each event is unique, with planning left up to local organizers. The HeartCry theme comes from a Bible verse in Colossians: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." (Col. 4:2, New International Version)

"We want it to be crying out to the Lord from the heart," Gonzales explained. "Not hoopla. We want it to be a 'burning bush' experience with the Lord."

IF YOU GO

HeartCry: Call to Prayer

When: 7 p.m. Monday, March 7

Where: Summit Church, 19601 Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, Fort Myers

Information: 239-433-2292
Associated Press (3) Reform Rabbi Nicole Greninger, right, takes a picture of other American and Israeli Reform rabbis as they pray at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, recently in Jerusalem's old city.

SHARE Associated Press (2) American and Israeli Reform rabbis pray Feb. 25 in the Western Wall. In this photo taken Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, American Reform Rabbi, Zachary Shapiro, center right, and other American and Israeli Reform rabbis pray in the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city. A recent gathering of American Reform rabbis in Jerusalem was meant to celebrate the small gains the liberal Jewish movement has made in Israel in recent years. But a series of comments by Israeli leaders denigrating the group marred the event, reflecting an awkward relationship that many fear is alienating the world's second-largest Jewish community from Israel. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) A rabbi prays Feb. 25 at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city. Reform Rabbi Nicole Greninger prays at the Western Wall.

By Tia Goldenberg, Associated Press

JERUSALEM - A recent gathering of American Reform rabbis in Jerusalem was meant to celebrate the small gains the liberal Jewish movement has made in Israel in recent years. But a series of comments by Israeli officials denigrating the group marred the event, reflecting an awkward relationship that many fear is alienating the world's second-largest Jewish community from Israel.

The Reform Movement is the largest stream of Judaism in the United States, claiming to represent 1.5 million people, and its members provide a key source of financial support and political advocacy for Israel.

But the movement is marginal in Israel, where religious affairs are dominated by the Orthodox rabbinical establishment. Israeli lawmakers, both secular and ultraorthodox, have repeatedly disparaged the group, questioning their Judaism and accusing them of promoting Jewish assimilation.

"How do you ask Jews around the world to support Israel politically, economically, socially ... and at the same time you have these ministers who say to our people, 'You're not really Jewish' or, 'You don't have a place here in Israel?' That incongruity is a real problem for us," said Rabbi Steven Fox, the chief executive of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, which held its septennial convention in Israel last week. The group represents 2,000 rabbis.

In the U.S., Reform synagogues are commonplace, characterized by practices such as mixed-gender prayers, services led by female rabbis and members who drive to synagogue on the Sabbath - customs that violate Orthodox norms.

In Israel, Reform Judaism is often seen as a curiosity and, in some cases, a threat. This in turn has placed obstacles in the way of the movement's effort to make inroads in Israel, beaten back by an Orthodox monopoly over Jewish rituals such as marriage, burials and conversions.

Reform rabbis have made small gains in Israel, and in January, the movement was jubilant over perhaps its greatest victory - Israel's announcement that it would create a special mixed-gender prayer area at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

The wall, managed by an ultraorthodox rabbi who opposes having Reform customs at the site, is the holiest place where Jews can pray. The new area will also permit women to wear prayer shawls and skullcaps, a rite reserved for men under Orthodox custom.

The announcement came after three years of painstaking negotiations between Israeli officials and the liberal streams of Judaism, and it appeared to mark a historic turning point in relations between Israel and Diaspora Jews.

But right after the plan was approved, Israel's secular Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said the Reform movement was a "waning world." He accused it of tolerating intermarriage, encouraging assimilation, and he predicted the mixed-prayer area would become unnecessary within two or three generations. Under religious law, Jews cannot marry non-Jews.

Even after Reform rabbis criticized him, Levin expressed no remorse.

"It's very important that we'll be aware of the problem of assimilation and do our best efforts to solve it," he told The Associated Press.

A chorus of other lawmakers, most of them Orthodox, have publicly lashed out at the Reform movement. As the rabbis' convention was kicking off, a legislator from an ultraorthodox party compared the movement to the "mentally ill."

The rhetoric has put Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a tough spot. Early this month, he rejected "disparaging and divisive remarks" about Reform Jews and called the movement "part and parcel of the Jewish people."

He also met the visiting American rabbis. But, possibly wary of antagonizing religious factions in his coalition, his office made no announcement of the meeting, as it often does with high-profile visitors.

Fox, the rabbi group's chief executive, said the encounter was "more positive" than past meetings with Netanyahu, although they were surprised by the absence of the public announcement.

"The ministers here paint us as if we're not really Jewish. And the ignorance they display makes my congregants ... think, 'Is Israel really that backward of a nation?' It reflects poorly on the state of Israel," said Rabbi Denise Eger, another leader of the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

Netanyahu's office said he does not put out public statements on all his meetings.

It declined to discuss the meeting with the Reform rabbis or say why he had decided to keep silent.

For decades, American Jewry - the second-largest Jewish community in the world after Israel - has served as a bedrock of support for Israel. But there are signs of that support eroding, particularly among younger and more liberal Jews.

Jay Ruderman, president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, a Boston-based group that teaches Israeli leaders about the American Jewish community, said that at a time when Israel faces so many challenges, it makes no "strategic sense" for Israeli leaders to alienate American Jews.

"A smart politician would say, 'These Jews are different from us, but they play a very important strategic role,' " he said.

Beyond the Western Wall compromise, the Reform rabbis say they do see progress elsewhere as well.

Israel's Supreme Court ruled last month that the country's ritual baths must accept all converts to Judaism, even those who have undergone non-Orthodox conversions outside the country.

The rabbis also point to the movement's small but growing base in Israel and their invitation to a parliamentary committee during their convention last week, where lawmakers, mainly from centrist parties, showered them with gratitude and praise.

"When I read statements by the Israeli tourism minister about Reform Judaism in the United States, it comes from a denial and a misunderstanding and an ignorance about the importance of the powerful contribution that you make to relations between the two countries," Nachman Shai, a lawmaker from the centrist Zionist Union, told the packed auditorium, where women and men wore rainbow-colored skullcaps and sang "Hatikva," Israel's national anthem.

Reform leaders told the meeting that the harsh reactions from some lawmakers were an unfortunate but expected response to the gains the movement has made.

"These are clearly changes that are long overdue," said Rabbi Richard Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism. "The change signals to the ultraorthodox that there will no longer be a monopoly."
SHARE PJ Deitschel A sedated brown pelican is supported after undergoing a medical procedure to remove a fish carcass that had been lodged in its throat.

By Joanna Fitzgerald

A brown pelican and three gray squirrels were among the 60 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida last week. Other admissions include a white Ibis, an Eastern screech owl, a red-bellied woodpecker and a Florida soft-shell turtle.

The brown pelican was rescued from the Naples City Dock after it was seen struggling with a large fish carcass stuck in its throat. Sadly it was the second pelican admitted from the Naples City Dock in less than a week that had a filleted fish carcass stuck in its throat.

Both pelicans received similar emergency medical care. They were sedated in order to remove the fish carcasses. For one pelican the trauma caused by the large spines on the sheepshead's dorsal fin puncturing its throat proved fatal. The second pelican survived the trauma and is recovering at the Conservancy.

The pelicans had attempted to ingest filleted sheepshead carcasses. Two problems exist when pelicans attempt to swallow fish the size of a sheepshead. One is that sheepshead are too large a fish for pelicans to swallow. Pelicans typically eat small bait fish. The second problem is exactly what we saw with both these pelicans - the large spines on the sheepshead dorsal fin pierce through the soft tissue in the pelican's throats, making it impossible for the birds to regurgitate the carcass.

It is unclear how the pelicans came across the fileted sheepshead carcasses. Many fishermen purposefully toss fish scraps to birds because they think they are being kind by feeding the birds. Other fishermen feed the birds as a way to entertain tourists. Pelicans can also gain access to fish carcasses if fishermen do not properly dispose of their fish scraps.

Feeding wildlife is never a good idea. Providing handouts, especially to pelicans, causes them to associate humans with food. This leads them to expect handouts in the future. A pelican can't tell the difference between someone throwing them fish scraps and someone casting a line that is baited with fish. Once they see the fish on the end of the line, they go after it thinking it is a scrap and end up getting hooked - or worse, they ingest the hook. Ingesting a hook and line often results in death.

Please don't feed wildlife. It may be entertaining to you but it is a matter of life and death for the animals. If you see someone feeding fish scraps or filleted fish carcasses to birds, take the time to politely inform them of the dangers this causes the birds. Many people just don't realize the harm caused by feeding wildlife.

The three gray squirrels were admitted after being found struggling on the ground. The babies were thin and weak and had obviously been orphaned. The rescuers immediately transported the squirrels to the hospital for care.

Two of the baby squirrels were in critical condition. They were extremely dehydrated and showed signs of respiratory distress. The third baby was slightly stronger. After several days of intensive treatment, all three squirrels were gaining strength and began to thrive under our care.

Although it is winter, keep in mind that wild animals can breed year round in Florida. Along with the baby squirrels, several baby Eastern cottontail rabbits were admitted last week after they were attacked by cats.

Check for active nests before performing any landscaping activities such as mowing or tree trimming. Also, monitor pets when they are allowed outdoors. Being aware of what is going on with local wildlife populations will help you adjust your behavior in order to prevent injuries to wild animals.

Recent Releases

Five raccoons, seven eastern cottontails, a gray squirrel, five brown pelicans, two double-crested cormorants, two cedar waxwings, three gray catbirds, a Florida soft-shell turtle, a yellow-rumped warbler and an ovenbird were released this past week.

The ovenbird release was particularly rewarding. The ovenbird had been admitted over five months ago after colliding with a window and suffering neurological damage. The healing process was slow, but finally the ovenbird made a complete recovery and was able to be released.

Under Construction

Our outdoor wildlife viewing area is temporarily closed to the public while our new outdoor animal recovery enclosures and guest education areas are constructed. Visitors to the Conservancy can continue to experience the nursery viewing window and wildlife rehabilitation exhibits throughout the Nature Center. Thank you for your understanding and patience while we improve our patients' recovery areas.

Opportunities to Help

Please visit the Conservancy website at conservancy.org to view all of the volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Your volunteer time, memberships and donations are vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida's water, land, wildlife and future.

Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Call 239-262-2273 or see conservancy.org.
SHARE Breast cancer survivors Suzanne Dundon, left, of Fort Myers, and Donna O'Sullivan walk during the 10th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the Coconut Point Mall in Estero on Saturday, March 5, 2016. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/Special to the Daily News) Clad in her pink cape, Kate Moran, 3, of Naples, runs during the 10th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the Coconut Point Mall in Estero on Saturday, March 5, 2016. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/Special to the Daily News) Twenty-year breast cancer survivor Jane Sprague walks with her husband Mark and their dogs Pepper and Mini during the 10th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the Coconut Point Mall in Estero on Saturday, March 5, 2016. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/Special to the Daily News) Donned in a pink firefighter helmet, pink shoe laces, and pink beads, Jeff Candelario, of Fort Myers, walks during the 10th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the Coconut Point Mall in Estero on Saturday, March 5, 2016. (Photo by Gregg Pachkowski/Special to the Daily News) Related Photos Komen Race for the Cure

By June Fletcher of the Naples Daily News

Under hazy early morning skies and spurred on by thumping doo-wop music, some 6,500 people gathered Saturday at the Coconut Point Mall in Estero to race, cheer and volunteer in the fight against breast cancer.

Celebrating the 10th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, pink-clad participants sported such outlandish gear as foam Lady Liberty hats, fuzzy sweatbands and polka-dot socks. Some ran, while others strolled over the 5K course that snaked through the mall.

First over the finish line, with a winning time of 16:41, was Estero High School junior Arye Beck, 17, who was named the Daily News 2015 Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Beck said he was partly motivated to run because of a breast-cancer scare his mother once faced when she got suspicious results on a mammogram, which fortunately turned out to be negative.

"But I'd run anyway," he said. "It's a good cause."

Kenneth O'Donnell, president of the Susan G. Komen Foundation affiliate in Southwest Florida, said he expects the event will raise $540,000 when all the donations are in. Since the Southwest Florida affiliate of the Texas-based foundation was founded in 2002, it has raised $6.4 million, said O'Donnell, a retired bank executive who lives in Bonita Springs.

Three-quarters of the money raised by the foundation is used to fund local grantees that provide breast cancer screening; the rest is used to promote medical research, he said.

Screening is especially important because throughout the region, 170 people die every year of the disease, and 275 are only diagnosed when the cancer is in its late stages, he said.

Pediatrician Elaine Scholes, 69, a part-time Naples resident, said early screening using a digital mammogram found her cancer 2 1/2 years ago, when it was in the highly curable Stage 0.

"That's one reason I'm running, to raise awareness of the importance of early screening and self-exams at an early age," she said. "Even 16-year-olds can get breast cancer."

Like celebrity Angelina Jolie, Scholes opted for a double mastectomy to eliminate most of the risk of a cancer recurrence.

O'Donnell's wife, Nadine, who was diagnosed with the disease when she was 41, also underwent a double mastectomy 21 years ago.

Yet she emphasized that the options now for treatment for newly diagnosed women are much greater than they were for her in 1995.

But having more choices also adds to the anxiety for the newly diagnosed, since they must make their decisions at an emotionally vulnerable time.

"Then I didn't know where to go for help and support," she said. "With Komen, women can know that they're not alone."
Bill Barnett cracks a smile as he chats with people during an event where he announced he will run for Mayor of Naples again on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Cambier Park in Naples, Fla. (Logan Newell/Special to the Daily News)

By Joseph Cranney and Maria Perez of the Naples Daily News

The question for City Councilman Bill Barnett came near the end of the final Naples mayoral debate, hosted by the Old Naples Association earlier this week.

"Do you have or have you had any significant or reportable conflicts of interest as a council member or mayor? And if yes, how did you manage them?" the moderator asked Barnett, who is running for mayor.

"No I have not," he said. "And so, that's an easy answer."

The question was a nod to the frequent digs Barnett has taken during the campaign against Mayor John Sorey, who also serves as the executive director of the Sugden Theatre and has faced criticism over his two jobs. Barnett has faced criticism during the campaign for a pro-development voting record.

What's not widely known is Barnett's personal ties to a Naples law firm that frequently represents developers or property owners appearing before the council. The firm, Cheffy Passidomo, includes John Passidomo, who claims more than 100 appearances before the council since the early 1990s.

Barnett, his relatives or his businesses have used Passidomo or lawyers in his firm for private legal matters at least 17 times during the past two decades, court records show. Many of the cases coincide with Barnett's time as a City Councilman or mayor. Barnett served on the council from 1984 to 1992. He was elected mayor three times, from 1996 to 2000, and again from 2004 to 2012. Barnett started another term on the council in 2012.

The law firm, or an attorney in the firm, worked on at least two private lawsuits Barnett was involved in during his term as mayor from 2004-12, court records show. The firm's lawyers also handled other personal matters for Barnett, including real estate and private business transactions, records show.

Barnett's daughter, Lisa Barnett Van Dien, also worked for the firm from 1999 to 2014, including work on some issues in the Naples Square development just before she left, according to correspondence obtained by the Naples Daily News. Barnett and a majority of other council members approved the development.

Van Dien said she handled private matters, and did not participate in issues presented to the council. She worked on a cost-sharing and easement agreement, and a declaration of condominium for one part of the project.

Barnett said he hired the lawyers for their expertise and paid them for all of their work. The Daily News requested payment receipts and invoices for the work provided in five of the legal matters handled by the firm while he was in public office. The receipts and invoices were not provided, but lawyers who handled some of the cases and a paralegal said their review of four of the matters showed Barnett paid standard fees for the work.

The fifth matter, a real estate transaction, was handled by Barnett's daughter. She said, "I am sure I charged him something" for the 2014 work. Barnett said he didn't know.

"I would hope she didn't charge me as I wouldn't have charged my parents if the situation was reversed," Barnett said.

Passidomo said the firm allows lawyers not to charge relatives for work that doesn't take much time, like routine real estate transactions.

Barnett said his relationship with the firm had no impact on his votes.

"I vote in favor if I've done my homework and looked at the project, and that's the only way I've ever made my decision," he said. "It has nothing to do with the attorney. It has to do with the project."

A Daily News review of council agendas since August 2012 on the city's website found the council considered at least 69 items for clients represented by Passidomo. Barnett voted in favor of 57 and didn't vote against any. In some cases, Barnett was absent, or voted in favor of continuing items.

Barnett said he never brought up his relationship with Passidomo's firm at a council meeting or abstained from a vote "because there was never anything to abstain from."

Passidomo, who was also a vice-mayor and council member from 1990-92, said, "One thing I can tell you is that in the 24 years since I chose not to run for re-election to City Council, my track record as an attorney representing clients before City Council is no better when Mr. Barnett has been a member of City Council than when he has not been a member of City Council."

Passidomo said he didn't recall his firm doing work for any other City Council members, except handling a minor matter for former City Councilman Fred Coyle.

"We were reluctant to take on that kind of work," Passidomo said. "We had a pretty strict rule against that kind of work."

But they did help Barnett, Passidomo said, because of his daughter.

"They came through Lisa in each instance," Passidomo said.

However, Passidomo and his firm's lawyers have helped Barnett with legal issues before and after Barnett's daughter worked there, court records show.

Passidomo prepared some documents, such as property deeds or mortgages, for Barnett or businesses he owned, beginning in the early 1990s. In 1998, with Barnett serving as mayor and Passidomo a member of Cheffy Passidomo Wilson & Johnson law firm, Passidomo prepared a partial release of judgment for Barnett and a business he owned with his wife, a continuation of lien for that business, and a mortgage modification for the business.

Barnett's daughter left Passidomo's firm in May 2014. In January 2015, another lawyer in Passidomo's firm worked on a real estate transaction for Barnett.

As for his daughter working at Passidomo's firm, Barnett said she never talked to him about her clients or worked on anything that would be discussed or voted on by the council.

Barnett said he didn't know his daughter worked with clients involved with Naples Square.

"She might have, but I wouldn't have any idea," Barnett said.

Passidomo said the documents Van Dien prepared for Naples Square clients are private agreements that have nothing to do with the council, he said.

"The city doesn't have any interest in those," Passidomo said. "They don't approve them, they don't do anything to consider them."

Van Dien said she never worked on matters that would go to the city council.

"I was just a transactional attorney," Van Dien said. "I didn't represent clients."

Passidomo said the firm hired Van Dien because she finished at the top of her law class. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Richmond School of Law. The fact that she is Barnett's daughter made the decision to hire her more difficult, Passidomo said.

To prevent any potential conflict, Passidomo said Van Dien was told she could not work on matters going before the city council or talk to city employees or elected official in any way that could be viewed as trying to influence them.

Bob Pritt, the city's lawyer, said he remembers a conversation with Passidomo about Van Dien's hiring, and said the conversation probably happened sometime after Barnett became mayor in 2004.

"My dim memory is that I had a discussion with John Passidomo and they wanted to make sure there was no conflict of interest regarding Mr. Barnett's vote," Pritt said.

Pritt said he could not comment on Van Dien's legal work because he didn't know the details.

Passidomo said the firm talked with Pritt about the possibility of making Van Dien a partner in the firm. She was entitled to be an equity partner, Passidomo said, but they didn't want her father to vote on any matter that would affect her compensation. As a partner, she would share the firm's profits. They decided against it, Passidomo said.
SHARE Larry Pirnak adjusts the sails during a sailing trip with ovarian cancer patient Trisha Wu and her husband Oscar around Naples Bay provided through Sailing Heals on Friday, March 4, 2016. Sailing Heals provides private sailboat trips with volunteer boat captains to cancer patients and their caretakers. (Scott McIntyre/Staff) Sailing Heals executive director Trisha Boisvert, center, welcomes guests to their lunch before setting out on their sailing trips from Naples Sailing and Yacht Club on Friday, March 4, 2016. (Scott McIntyre/Staff) Ovarian cancer patient Alisa Wu, right, peers out over the Gulf of Mexico alongside her husband Oscar Wu while she gets some help steering the boat from its captain, Larry Pirnak, during a sailing trip around Naples Bay provided through Sailing Heals on Friday, March 4, 2016. Sailing Heals provides private sailboat trips with volunteer boat captains to cancer patients and their caretakers. (Scott McIntyre/Staff) Ovarian cancer patient Alisa Wu, right, points out a stone crab trap to her husband Oscar Wu on board Larry Pirnak's boat during a sailing trip around Naples Bay provided through Sailing Heals on Friday, March 4, 2016. Sailing Heals provides private sailboat trips with volunteer boat captains to cancer patients and their caretakers. (Scott McIntyre/Staff)

By Liz Freeman of the Naples Daily News

Alisa Wu leans back in the 36-foot sailboat as it leaves Naples Bay for the Gulf of Mexico, not something she customarily does on a beautiful Friday afternoon.

For two hours, the 72-year-old - diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year - can be lost in happier thoughts. The sun and the gentle breeze eases the preoccupations of treatment out of her mind.

Her quieter half, Oscar, her husband of 48 years, is equally at peace sitting next to her.

Offering cancer patients and caregivers a reprieve is the mission of Sailing Heals.

The Boston-based nonprofit organization teamed up with Naples Sailing and Yacht Club to provide therapeutic sailing excursions for cancer patients and their caregivers, thanks to a handful of boat owners at the yacht club who volunteer their time and boats.

"Your mind is very peaceful," Alisa Wu said. "I could relax and see the nature and the beauty, and you are so glad you can forget. I just enjoyed the nature."

Larry Pirnak, the boat owner who took the couple out in the Gulf, let each of them take a hand at the wheel.

"I don't know how to do it," Oscar Wu warned.

"I will show you," Pirnak, who is vice commodore of the yacht club, said. "It sails by itself. It's just like driving a car."

Sailing Heals was founded in 2011 and now operates in nine states with 150 volunteer captains, said co-founder Trisha Boisvert. She came to Naples from Boston to organize the outing Friday for eight cancer patients and caregivers, but the organization refers to them all as VIPs.

"We help them escape for a spiritual day at sea, just to get out from a clinical environment and the stress. We try to give them an escape, " she said. "A lot of people don't have access (to boats)."

This is the third year Sailing Heals has come to Naples, and Boisvert heads to Miami for similar outings on Monday. "We have been doing Miami for five years," she said.

Three boat owners volunteered Friday in Naples, and each vessel had a helper as well.

Florida Cancer Specialists and a physician with the group, Dr. Andrew Lipman, worked with Sailing Heals to identify patients who would enjoy the outing, and physically be up for it.

The last time the Wus were on a large sailboat was in New Zealand in 1996 or 1997, Alisa Wu said.

The couple spends seven months a year in Naples, and the rest of the year in Cleveland. After cancer surgery last year and ongoing treatment, Alisa Wu knows staying positive is important. She also keeps up her walking and other exercise to stay strong.

"You need to get your system going," she said.

At the helm of the sailboat Friday, Wu got friendly teasing from Pirnak to stay on course in the Gulf.

"We are in the right direction," Wu said. "This is wonderful."

Sailing Heals operates solely through donations and support from two companies, Panerai, the watch company, and Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Boisvert said. To date, Sailing Heals has arranged for 1,900 cancer patients and caregivers to go on sailing outings. The group's annual operating budget is $150,000, with Boisvert and a part-time bookkeeper as the only staff.

Boisvert quit a financial consulting job to start Sailing Heals with her sister and has never looked back.

For more information, visit the website www.sailingheals.org.
Naples Mayor John Sorey has been too brusque at times while laser-focused on moving the city forward, but considering all the council has accomplished in his first term, he deserves re-election.

Sorey's mantra is that he wants to get things done. It's at the root of criticism he moves too hastily. At times he has, but on balance we find it indisputable that the city is better off because of Sorey. Consider:

 For decades, residents heard about plans for another park along the Gordon River east of Goodlette-Frank Road. In Sorey's first term, one is approved. Much of the long delay for a park in that area came during opponent Bill Barnett's long tenure as mayor and councilman.

 The City Dock has decayed through the years until it no longer fits the well-heeled image of Naples. A plan to replace the dock is advancing, with a necessary remake of the iconic Naples Pier recently completed.

 Studies of Naples Bay pollution go back 40 years; an effluent water reuse system is in place as a means to begin to address it, as are other initiatives.

 Downtown Naples is so vibrant, it's hard to remember the days it wasn't. Yet Sorey understands it can't remain stagnant and still compete with mixed-use residential and commercial areas outside the city limits, such as Mercato.

 We see community service work outside the walls of City Hall as an important role of a leader. Sorey's civic resume dwarfs both opponents. Notably, he took charge of stalled fundraising for the Freedom Memorial at an eastern gateway to the city. A year later, it's getting finished.

Style vs. substance

By no means has Sorey done all of this alone. He's had the council's help, notably that of Barnett who has moved in lockstep with Sorey on almost all votes.

Yet some accomplishments, such as Baker Park, have been realized despite the others. Some council members have been prone to dine on rehash, stirring up an issue, poking it with a fork again, letting it get cold and then warming it up for another discussion.

We hear doublespeak in criticism that Naples council meetings run too long, yet Sorey is faulted for cutting people off before they're finished talking.

We outright reject the contention Sorey shouldn't be mayor and hold a job directing a local theater group. That's as if to say the Naples mayor must be a retiree, not a working person. Sorey chooses to burn full-time hours as mayor. It's to his credit, not a shortcoming. If Naples voters have a problem with Sorey's dual roles, they should switch to a strong mayor system of government. He understands there will be conflicts of interest on theater issues and stands ready to do what's required.

Mistakes

The past few weeks have been quite an education for Sorey.

Five of the other six council members lined up to challenge his re-election bid or endorse an opponent. His leadership style was a recurring complaint. In late February, he acted impulsively in removing Barnett's campaign signs at Naples Plaza, a mistake Sorey acknowledges.

He took a trip to China at city expense more than a year ago, but improperly documented it and didn't share the results with council. Yet some fault lies with staff that should have asked for better documentation, and with all council members who failed to create an expectation that anyone taking an out-of-town trip report back on what was gained for the taxpayers' expense.

Sorey's a military guy - he was an Army infantry lieutenant in Vietnam. He ran a company, founding and directing a problem-solving management consulting business. That plow-ahead style doesn't resonate in a city with as many opinions as there are street corners. We believe Sorey's learned that lesson and can adjust in a second four-year term.

What's next?

Traffic? It's terrible. Sorey grasps that a key part of the answer lies outside Naples - the actual city limits are much smaller than many people think. Sorey says "activity nodes" and destinations are needed in the unincorporated area to spread out traffic. City residents concerned about traffic should welcome Sorey's assertiveness as this issue is forcefully pressed with Collier County commissioners.

RELATED LINK: Watch more videos of editorial board interviews with candidates

Biggest city issue ahead? To us, it's stormwater runoff to keep more pollution out of the Gulf and Naples Bay. Sorey's background serving on the Big Cypress Basin Board and Coastal Advisory Committee give him a command to lead on the issue.

The opponents

Councilwoman and opponent Teresa Heitmann strikes us as too much of a contrarian to be the right fit as a ceremonial head. But what resonates is her advocacy for active plans suited to Naples' distinctive neighborhoods. Each has unique challenges to address through stepped-up interaction with city leadership.

That approach, which the council initially didn't take with the controversial Gulf Shore Boulevard North median overhaul, could have saved a lot of heartache, if not money. We encourage the mayor and newly constituted council to heed her advice.

There's not a more likable guy in office than Barnett, a true Naples statesman. He served 12 years as mayor from 1996-2000 and 2004-12, and on City Council from 1984-92 and from 2012 until now. History will chronicle he's served the city well.

Now, it's about the future. We're confident John Sorey is the best choice to lead forward and recommend his re-election as Naples mayor.
SHARE

Kudos

Amazing is a word that describes the community's response to the second annual Give Where You Live Collier.

More than 1,700 donations were received in 24 hours, raising nearly $4.2 million in the online fundraiser hosted by the Community Foundation of Collier County and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. They provided a $400,000 match proportioned to donations that came in for 40 Collier County nonprofits.

It's noteworthy that, during the waning hours of the 24-hour event, Collier commissioners were meeting to discuss ways to create more affordable housing for frontline workers, first responders, young professionals and seniors. As the books closed on Give Where You Live Collier, the top recipient was Habitat for Humanity of Collier County, which received nearly $815,000.

We'd be hard-pressed to name an organization that's done more to address the affordable housing issue in Collier than Habitat, which is building about 100 homes yearly and has been at it for 38 years.

In a recent meeting with the Daily News editorial board, Habitat leaders said families and workers are leaving Collier because they can't afford homes here.

"We see it all the time," said Lisa Lefkow, executive vice president for Habitat.

Habitat says it has many more qualified applicants than it can approve, but doesn't have much land left on which to build. Habitat says it's exploring the idea of going to two-story structures. Because it relies on applicants and volunteers to help in the construction, any taller structure would need more professional building help.

Habitat leaders told the Daily News that a significant amount of Give Where You Live Collier donations will go toward buying land.

The 24-hour blitz also underscored community support for families and the environment. Friends of Rookery Bay received nearly $465,000 and the Greater Naples YMCA more than $387,000.

Kudos

The Turtles on the Town fundraiser that brings together the arts, environmental awareness and philanthropy comes to fruition next week.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, United Arts Council of Collier County and the Community Foundation of Collier County will benefit from a gala auction Wednesday at the Conservancy's site on Goodlette-Frank Road.

Turtles on the Town features 50 loggerhead sea turtle sculptures that have been placed throughout Collier County in recent weeks.

Those attending will be able to bid on the turtles at the gala, which includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a catered dinner and a chance to meet the artists who embellished the turtle sculptures. Tickets are $500 per person. VIP tables of 10 are available. E-mail info@turtlesonthetown.com and put "Auction Invitation" in the subject line. Call the Community Foundation at 239-649-5000.

Kicks

Maybe there was something in the air that day at Naples City Hall.

As the Daily News was reporting on sign-gate - Mayor John Sorey admitting he wrongly pulled up campaign signs of opponent mayoral candidate and Councilman Bill Barnett at Naples Plaza - news partner NBC-2 was reporting on what Councilman Sam Saad III had been up to.

On a Facebook post Saad directed at a woman, there is a photo of a gasping person with a plastic bag over their head accompanied by words in large type: "Take the plastic bag challenge to show your support for Bernie Sanders."

The woman it was directed at told NBC-2 her sister was hospitalized at the time, recovering from a suicide attempt; Saad responded he gave her a written apology.

Kicks

When the Legislature is in session, you can't take your eye off the target.

A proposal to allow the open carrying of guns in Florida was thought dead. To the dismay of opponents, Sen. Don Gaetz, a Republican from the Panhandle town of Niceville, took steps to amend it to a bill about another type of weapon.

Thursday, Gaetz came up blank thanks to Senate opposition and backed down. Nice try, senator.
SHARE

Don Brown, Naples

Some accomplishments

Bob Dimond's letter on President Obama's accomplishments lost all credibility with me when he said "He ended the war in Iran."

We have never been in a war with Iran. And if he was referring to Iraq, withdrawing the troops was a huge mistake. When we removed the troops, ISIS was formed and now we are sending advisers and soon it will be troops to retake the country.

Here are a few of the president's accomplishments:

He has doubled the national debt. He put though Obamacare, making us a country of part-time workers and causing companies to flee to Mexico. The average family income today is lower than 2009.

Yes, he did get Osama bin Laden killed. President George W. Bush would have done the same thing if he could be found. It took four years of Bush searching for him plus another four years by Obama.

As far as the two Democratic candidates, the senator from Vermont wants everything to be free, which is a joke, and Hillary Clinton is considered to be dishonest by most educated people. God help us if either is elected.
"Napoli e come il Cairo" a Tagada su La7. La trasmissione dell'emittente ha confezionato un servizio che, tra interviste a cittadini e immagini giustapposte, e riuscito a collezionare un'accusa doppia di discriminazione: sia territoriale verso Napoli, che razziale verso l'Egitto.

La trasmissione di Tiziana Panella ha veicolato  secondo numerosi partenopei  pregiudizi e luoghi comuni, attingendo anche al bagaglio di una Napoli tutta buche e monnezza che forse e piu recente passato che non attualita.

La7 definisce Napoli e il Cairo umanamente e socialmente vicinissime. Abbiamo messo a confronto la citta piu disorganizzata del medio oriente con Napoli: e venuto fuori laffresco di uno strano gemellaggio, in cui dai vicoli al mercato alle vendite per strada, passando per gli ambulanti, il traffico, le buche nelle strade viene documentata una straordinaria disattenzione e trascuratezza. E non manca la domanda sul dna dei napoletani, omaggio ad un Lombroso mai troppo passato di moda.
Wallace on Larson: 'Steering was gone, he just so happened to be there' Bubba Wallace explains his side of the story after a run-in with Kyle Larson took both cars out of the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
During his two-day visit to Podgorica (3-4 March 2016), General Petr Pavel welcomed Montenegros commitment and progress towards NATO membership. The Chairman had bilateral discussions on the current state of relations between NATO and Montenegro with particular focus on military cooperation with the President, Mr. Filip Vujanovic, the Prime Minister, Mr. Milo ukanovic, the Minister of Defence, Professor Milica Pejanovic-urisic, the President of the Parliament, Mr. Ranko Krivokapic and the Chief of the General Staff of the Montenegrin Armed Forces, Admiral Dragan Samardzic.

Speaking with President Vujanovic, General Pavel highlighted the progress Montenegro has made in its defence and security sector reforms and exchanged views on how NATO can continue to assist Montenegro. Montenegros membership will bring benefits to both your country and NATO. It will further reinforce the security and stability of the Western Balkans, the Mediterranean, and Europe, said the Chairman.

During the Joint Press Conference with the Minister of Defence, Prof Milica Pejanovic- urisic, the Chairman expressed NATOs commitment to continue its support to Montenegro and valued the constructive role that the country plays in the region, and through its contributions to NATO, EU, and UN missions, to international security. Euro-Atlantic integration stands for stability. Being in NATO means greater security. It also allows for the sharing of experiences and pooling of capabilities", stated General Pavel.

Speaking with Admiral Samardzic, the Chairman praised the transformation of the Montenegrin Armed Forces and their participation in the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Your contribution to the NATO-led missions in Afghanistan is highly valued, together with the financial support you are providing to the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces. We are grateful for these concrete and important contributions, said General Pavel.

Concluding his visit, the Chairman highlighted Montenegros proud military tradition and expertise in areas such as mountain warfare and maritime security. He also stressed that the cooperation with Allied forces in joint training, exercises and operations has made the Montenegrin Armed Forces stronger and better able to protect the Montenegrin people.
Just four years

What they found

Will it ever stop?

(NaturalNews) Since the early 2000s, U.S. government bureaucrats have adopted a welcoming attitude towards hydraulic fracturing. By obtaining oil and gas locally, the country doesn't need to purchase them at an increased cost from other nations. At the same time, jobs are created for an economy that was previously slumping, so that when the 2008 crash occurred, the fracking industry was one of the few that kept its bearings. People needed gas and oil and they need it still. On paper, it makes sense.The interesting fact is that while hydraulic fracturing has been going on for more than 10 years in the U.S., there are no long-term governmental studies that indicate its effect on the citizens living near wells. The wastewater produced in the process, along with the hundreds of chemicals to extract gas and oil from the earth, didn't seem like a major concern.However, Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania are worried, and they're not quite as impressed with the positives of fracking.Using some of the best analytical strategies available to statistics, a group of researchers from both institutions carefully considered the effects that fracking, referred to as UGOD (unconventional gas and oil drilling), has on people living within a 10-mile radius of a well. From education to age, proximity to the rigs and density of sites within a region, no variable was excluded.The correlation between these complex factors is difficult to manage at best. One could not simply observe that people near the wells are a lot sicker than those living hundreds of miles away  no. Numerous scientists, activists, non-profits, as well as other universities have done that. If you want to prove something, you must make sure that your conclusion has absolutely no politically exploitable blind spot Penn State and Columbia focused on just four years of fracking, from 2007 to 2011. Their conclusions were proven in at least three different ways. They used a control group, a well-density per square km indicator, supporting evidence for the inherently dangerous chemicals known for their harmful effects, as well as concrete evidence of hospitalized patients from the examined areas, who were admitted for conditions known to be caused by these toxins.Until now, politicians and government officials could juggle and mess anyone around who said hydrofracking kills the Earth and its people. But can they find a way to ignore hospitalized patients? Children, women and men are all suffering from the chemicals used in this method of extraction.The most obvious consequence of UGOD procedures is seen in cardiovascular diseases. In four years, heart illness rates for the people in the three Pennsylvanian counties examined increased significantly. Closely following are neurological issues, skin maladies and even cancer. Not convinced? The number of admitted patients was considerably higher in regions that had more wells.What's worse is that after 2011, the local production of gas and oil increased over twofold due to the expansion of fracking throughout the country. If this investigation were done on the 2011-2014 time frame, there's no telling what it would have shown in relation to the population's health.Currently, America's need for these resources has not decreased one bit. Nonetheless, fracking requires considerably more effort and finances than conventional methods of exploitation. For a year and a half now , shale gas producers have been cutting back on their operations by at least a quarter. Moreover, the natural resources at our disposal are quickly dwindling to dust.In less than 10 years, there will be no gas left to drill for. While the local economy owes much of its stability to this industry, the boost is temporary. The time we have left should be used to find other, more reliable sources of energy. It's bad for the environment, it makes people sick or even kills them and, considering long-term prospects, it is only a mirage of economic strength. It's high time we open our eyes.
(NaturalNews) Unfortunately, when the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs over Japan, the Japanese weren't the only ones that suffered immediate and long-term adverse health effects. During the early 1900s, atomic bomb production took place at more than 30 sites across the U.S., the United Kingdom and Canada.In the 1940s, St. Louis, Missouri became home to the largest war industry plant in the U.S., which at its peak employed 35,000 St. Lousians and produced more than $1 billon rounds of ammunition each year. In 1942, Mallinckrodt Chemical Company, located in the northern part of the city, began refining uranium used in the Manhattan Project , coordinated by a group of scientists committed to developing a viable atomic bomb.Mallinckrodt Chemical Co. extracted uranium and radium from ore before processing the elements. From 1946 through to the 1950s, radioactive byproducts were disposed of in a 22-acre open storage site near the midwestern city's airport. In 1973, some of the waste was illegally dumped at the West lake Landfill.The nuclear production also contaminated areas surrounding Coldwater Creek, which runs from St. Ann to the Missouri River through Florissant, Hazelwood, Black Jack and Spanish Lake.Today, surveys conducted by the Missouri health department reveal high rates of cancers, many of them rare, in north St. Louis County, an area close to where nuclear production took place.Gail Vasterling, director of the state's health dept., is asking the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to "explore the possibility of a connection between cancer rates and environmental hazards in North County," reported theA 2013 survey [PDF] by the state health dept. concluded there weren't higher risks of cancer types related to radiation exposure among people living near the creek, and instead blamed any higher cancer rates on "poverty and poor health."However, the 2014 state report [PDF] documents high rates of leukemia, breast, colon and other cancers in the areas surrounding Coldwater Creek, which was contaminated by nuclear waste after World War II.The latest survey added seven years of cancer data through 2011, more rare types of cancer and two ZIP codes nearest the radioactive West Lake Landfill. Newly added data identified 455 cases of leukemia reported in the area from 1996 to 2011, 44 more cases than would be expected in the population over that time period, according to reports.Leukemia is one of the most common cancer types to develop after radiation exposure, which typically occurs within two to five years, however, other types like myeloma, can take up to 15 years to develop.High rates of brain and nervous system cancers among kids 17 and younger were found in the 63043 ZIP code near the landfill. Seven cancers of these types in that age group were reported from1996-2001, compared with an expected two and half cases based on the state's estimated average.Children's parents in an elementary school in the 63043 ZIP code say cancer among students and staff has recently increased, pushing the state to perform a separate disease investigation at the school.After noticing a cancer spike among classmates now in their 30s and 40s, alumni from a nearby high school began their own survey, which found more than one-third of 3,300 current and former residents of north St. Louis County have developed cancers; more than 40 of which are rare appendix cancers.While state health department investigators were unable to conclude if radiation exposure caused the cancer spikes, the CDC may conduct a more thorough examination, hopefully providing answers for St. Louis residents, and ideally, introduce safety mechanisms to keep future generations safe.Additional sources:
Every year about this time, state and federal fish regulators set recreational commercial fishing quotas for the upcoming salmon season which begins in April and May. The weighty decision is partially based on the number of salmon in the Sacramento River.

The question is: How does anyone even know how many fish are actually in the river?

The answer lies near the small Northern California town of Red Bluff, about a 45 minute drive from Shasta Dam. Beneath a diversion dam, giant metal buckets churn and rotate in the tide, scooping up anything heading down river  pointedly, tiny Chinook salmon fry making their way to the ocean.

For 20 years, biologists from U.S. Fish and Wildlife have made daily treks to monitor these devices which are called screw traps  to count and measure the fish that land in the traps year round.

This is very significant, said Jim Smith, project leader for the Red Bluff Fish and Wildlife station. Weve been doing this for 20 years here  and so it gives us an idea of how the run has been doing for 20 years.

Every day of the year, aside from Christmas and Thanksgiving, the biologists pile into a small metal boat and make their way out to the traps. The devices are cleaned of debris, and the fish are siphoned into a bucket where theyre measured and counted individually. The fish are anesthetized for the brief procedure, and returned to the river shortly after.

These guys are out there day and night  storms, said fish biologist Bill Poytress. No matter, we can do whatever we can to get the best data we can.

The data helps paint a living picture of life in the river  which helps form the base for regulators on how the fishing season will play out and how much water to release upstream on the Shasta Dam.

Its basically an early warning system, Smith said. It tells us that right now weve got very few fish moving downstream so there needs to be a lot of care taken for these fish.

This year, estimates coming from Red Bluff have state and federal officials warning of a grim commercial salmon season  the toll of several years of drought and unusually warm water temperatures in the ocean. Wildlife managers said the survival rates for salmon dropped to 3 percent this year  even lower than the 5 percent estimated the year before.

The number of fish  it is very concerning, Smith said. This drought has been very hard on the winter-run Chinook.

The winter-run of federally threatened Chinook salmon pose the biggest concern. This years numbers paint a stark picture of the prolonged droughts impact on the fragile fish.

This year weve estimated 425,000 winter-run, Poytress said. In other years weve seen as many as 8 or 9 million.

While commercial fishermen are likely to get a fishing season this year, unlike in 2008 when the entire season was shut down, itll likely be greatly limited by the small number of fish on the Sacramento River.

The smaller the winter-run gets, said John McManus, executive director of the Golden Gate Salmon Association, the less time and area on the ocean the commercial fleet is allowed to fish.

Smith recalled a time in the 80s when only a 190 winter-run adult salmon returned to the river. These days its around four-thousand. As the team wrapped-up its count and headed toward its next trap, he pondered the highs and lows of the fish documented by the biologists  describing himself as a glass is half full kind of guy.

I think these fish will survive, theyll come back, Smith said. But theres got to be a lot of work to do.
Former Secretary of State and Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton debuted two television ads Saturday in Illinois

The ads will start airing Saturday in the Chicago, Champaign-Springfield-Decatur, Peoria-Bloomington and Rockford media markets.

One of the ads, titled Breaking Barriers, features voice narration by actor Morgan Freeman.

The ad claims Clinton has been a beacon of equity and a champion of the disenfranchised for her entire political career..

Her lifes work has been about breaking barriers, and so would her presidency, Freeman says in the ad.

The ad claims Clinton will stand up for the underpaid, the debt-ridden and those held back by a system tilted against them."

There are far too many of you, Freeman continues. She understands that our country cant reach its potential unless we all do, together.

A release provided by the Clinton campaign claims the candidate has called for coming to terms with the hard truths about race and injustice in America, and has outlined an agenda to break down all barriers.

A second ad, titled Johnson Controls, accuses the eponymous automotive parts company of moving profits to Ireland so they can avoid paying taxes  The ad states that the company received a bailout from the federal government during the automotive industry crisis that began in 2008.

Its an outrage, Clinton says in the ad. If Im president, when companies walk out on America, theyll pay a price.

Johnson Controls disputes the ad's claim that they received bailout money, saying in a release that the then-COO in 2008 testified before Congress on behalf of the auto supplier industry in favor of the bailout, but they received no financial aid.

According to a release provided by Clintons campaign, the 30-second ads are part of an initial six-figure ad buy in Illinois.

Illinois Clinton supporters will also host a series of grassroots organizing activities this weekend.

The Weekend of Action will include supporters ranging from Illinois union workers to students to Latinos. Supporters will discuss Clintons candidacy and encourage voters to participate in early voting, which runs until March 13.

From the beginning, Hillary for Illinois has been building a diverse, grassroots coalition of supporters who share Hillary Clintons commitment to raise wages for hard working Americans, make college affordable, and tear down the barriers that hold Illinoisans back, Clintons Illinois State Director Jason Houser said. This weekend, our supporters will be mobilizing their neighbors, friends, and others to vote for Hillary Clinton, the only candidate who can deliver results for them.

Clinton opened two Chicago campaign offices, located at 5401 S. Wentworth Ave. and 1543 N. Wells St., in February.

Clinton also held a get-out-the-vote rally at the Parkway Ballroom in Bronzeville last month in an effort to gain the support of African-American voters. At the event, Clinton slammed Gov. Bruce Rauner and his Turnaround Agenda.

The governor has refused to start budget negotiations unless his so-called turnaround agenda gets passed, first, Clinton said during her speech. Now, his plan will turn Illinois around, all tight. All the way back to the time of the robber barons of the 19th century.

During the same trip, she attended a private host reception for donors who have raised more than $27,000 for her campaign.

Clinton will face Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in the Illinois March 15 Democratic Presidential primary.
How else would a six mile ride in suburban Chicago cost more than a round trip plane ticket to Paris?

Liz Cunningham of Glenview is speaking out after a private ambulance transport for her son between two northwest suburban hospitals came with a $5800 price tag.

I think that somebody needs to hold these ambulance companies responsible, Cunningham said. Theyre taking advantage of people.

It all started when Cunninghams fifteen-year-old son, Kevin, injured himself on a school basketball court. She said he took a nasty fall that knocked him out cold.

He actually came down almost vertically from what the guys described and hit his head, Cunningham said.

The Wilmette Fire Department stabilized Kevin and transported him to Skokie North Shore Hospital. There, Cunningham said doctors told her the scary news: her son had a skull fracture.

You hear kids break their arms. You hear kids break their legs. But you dont hear kids break their heads, Cunningham said.

Cunningham said she was told Kevin needed pediatric trauma care. She said Kevin was already on a backboard and had an IV started.

A Superior Ambulance transported Kevin six miles to Lutheran General Hospital. Cunningham and her husband followed close behind.

The ambulance never went above the stated speed limit, did not turn the lights on, Cunningham said.

After arriving at Lutheran General, Cunningham said Kevins brain swelling eased over the next several hours. His blood began to absorb back within the brain. And he did not require surgery.

He literally just needed his body to heal, Cunningham said.

Weeks later, Cunningham received the ambulance bill. Superior billed her insurance provider $5800. After her insurer paid its portion, Cunningham was left to pay around $2500.

I thought, oh, no, they must have done something wrong, Cunningham recalled.

She said she called Superior and was told the bill was correct.

Cunningham said the $2500 ambulance bill cost more than her out-of-pocket costs for Kevins two hospital visits.

The Illinois State Ambulance Association previously told NBC 5 Investigates a lot factors in to private transport rates, including the advanced equipment on board ambulances and interaction with doctors.

Superior Ambulance told NBC 5 Responds it could not discuss Cunninghams bill without her permission due to privacy laws.



But several days after NBC 5 Responds contacted Superior, Cunningham said the ambulance service dropped the charges not paid by insurance. Thus, she no longer would owe $2500.

I think it is fair and the right thing to do, based on the payment that has already been made by the insurance company, Cunningham said.

Cunningham said she never knew that insurance companies did not contract with ambulance providers.

I have a much better understanding of this and if this would ever come up again I think I would be a little bit more vocal, Cunningham said.

Theres even more good news. Kevin made a full recovery and is shooting high school hoops once again.

The Better Business Bureau urges consumers who are faced with high ambulance bills to try negotiating with the ambulance service. The BBB said you could possibly get a discount up to 20% or more.

Jim Poynton of Healthpoynt said medical billing advocates may be able to negotiate down bills for consumers. He said advocates typically work on a cost savings percentage that varies from 20 to 35%. For example, Poynton said if a bill is $5,500, an advocate can negotiate it down to $3,500 for a savings of $2,000. The consumer would pay the remaining $3,500 plus the percentage owed the advocate.

Keep in mind, most fire departments charge for ambulance trips. An earlier NBC 5 Investigates and Better Government Association analysis found Chicago area municipal ambulance rates range between $365 and $2,500.
Race to Watch is a twice weekly Ward Room column dedicated to helping voters familiarize themselves with candidates in the lead-up to the March 15 primary elections. This weeks focus is the 5th District Illinois House race.

Incumbent Rep. Ken Dunkin will face Juliana Stratton in the March 15 Democratic primary for Dunkins Illinois House seat.

There are no Republicans on the ballot, so the Democratic primary will be a decisive election.

Dunkin was raised in Chicagos Cabrini-Green Housing Development. He previously served as the director of the Robert Taylor Boys and Girls Club, managing over $2.5 million in program services.

The state representative also interned at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as with former Sen. Paul Simon.

Dunkin currently serves as a member of the Attorney Registration Disciplinary Commission, to which he was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court.

Dunkin assumed office as the 5th Districts Representative in the Illinois House in 2002. As a member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Dunkin has served as a member of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus as well as on a handful of committees, including the International Trade & Commerce committee.

Dunkin broke up the Democratic super-majority in the Illinois House of Representatives last year, siding with Gov. Bruce Rauner on certain state budget issues.

Dunkin has come under fire from fellow Democrats after holding out on two bills that could have nullified changes Rauner made to social service programs.

Dunkin also received a $500,000 campaign donation from the Illinois Opportunity Project earlier this year. The group was co-founded by former Republican gubernatorial candidate and conservative radio host Dan Proft.

Dunkin made headlines after Rauner's State of the State address earlier this year when he came to a news conference with a backpack and sleeping bag promising to camp out at House Speaker Michael Madigans office until the states budget stalemate was resolved.

Many view the 5th District Illinois House race as a proxy battle between Rauner and Madigan. Although Dunkin is a Democrat, he has received substantial donations from Republican backers, while Stratton has received support and donations from powerful Illinois democrats.

Stratton served as an associate at Monahan & Cohen from 1991 to 1994. She dealt in juvenile, probate and special education law.

She then founded JDS Mediation Services, Inc. in 1995. She still serves as president of the consulting group that provides mediation services.

Stratton has also served as an adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago teaching conflict management, negotiation skills and mediation skills. She taught at the university from 2002 to 2004 and more recently from 2009 to present.

From 2005 to 2011, she held the position of deputy hearing commissioner at the City of Chicagos Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection.

Stratton was also an administrative law judge for the City of Chicagos Office of Administrative Hearings from 2006 to 2011.

From 2011 to 2014, she served as executive director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council.

Stratton also served as the executive director for Cook County Justice for Children from 2014 to 2015.

Stratton currently serves as the director for the Center for Public Safety and Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Last month, Stratton was endorsed by Secretary of State Jesse White, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Father Michael Pfleger, among others.
A 12-year-old boy who was hit by a pickup on Route 163 in Montville on Saturday morning is in critical condition.

The 12-year-old boy was apparently riding his bike down his grandparents' driveway around 10:40 a.m.before he rode into traffic, state troopers told NBC Connecticut.

The driver of the pickup was cooperative and it does not seem like there was a mistake made by the driver, state troopers said.

The boy was taken to Backus Hospital and then transported to Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

The biggest concern for the boy is trauma to the brain, troopers said over the weekend.




Connecticuts own Dr. Henry C. Lee was a key forensics witness during the double murder trial of O.J. Simpson for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.



Dr. Lees testimony bolstered the defense team's theory that more than one attacker was responsible for the murders.



Dr. Lee tells NBC Connecticut fairly quick lab testing and results will reveal whether there is a link to the homicides on the knife now being investigated by LAPD Detectives.

Dr. Lee's testimony for the defense was critical to their theory that more than one attacker was involved in the murders.



The weapon used in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman has remained a mystery for more than two decades. Dr. Lee added, If this is from the O.J. Simpson home, kind of embarrassing."



Fresh reaction tonight, to the news Los Angeles Police are now investigating a knife found at OJ Simpson's former estate sometime after he was acquitted of double murder. The knife was handed over to a now-retired policeman working security near the property at the time.



NBC Connecticut spoke with Dr. Henry Lee by phone Friday afternoon. Dr. Lee stated, How can you miss the knife? Its big, single-edge, long knife, pretty sharp."



You'll recall, the internationally known forensic expert from right here in Connecticut was called as a Defense witness at OJ Simpson's trial back in 1995.

Reporter Jill Konopka asked Dr. Lee, Can you even recover DNA from the knife? Dr. Lee responded, "If the knife underneath someplace, yes, if protected. If knife exposed to environment you probably can still find some mitochondrial DNA. If you find hairs, because that's a really brutal murder so there should be sufficient amount of blood, or tissue, or cells still, or hair on them. 



Dr. Lee says the first order of business is doing a lab test to find out if there's blood on the knife in question.



Dr. Lee stated, Second, is that human blood? If its human blood what is the DNA type? Code? Then you establish the link between this knife and homicide, then of course you want to link this knife to OJ Simpson or not, then find out whether OJ Simpson DNA on the knife because he supposedly cut himself.



The person who had the knife last, needs to give good details to forensic experts.

Dr. Lee added, If the knife is already rusted, going to have some problems, because rust is going to give false positive.



Dr. Lee says he has not been called for any expert opinions with these new developments.

According to the constitution, Simpson cannot be re-tried for the murders even if the knife is proven to be linked to the case.


In response to a surge in reports of anti-Muslim bullying  students being called terrorists, having their head scarves ripped off and facing bias even from teachers  schools are expanding on efforts deployed in the past to help protect gays, racial minorities and other marginalized groups.

Civil rights organizations and other advocates have been working more closely with schools since the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, California, stirred a new backlash that led the U.S. Justice Department and U.S. Education Department to urge vigilance on the bullying of Muslims.

While stressing that students have rights under the law, and that offenses should be reported, speakers at schools and mosques have also discussed how to create an inclusive culture, how Muslims are scapegoated for attacks and how non-Muslims can be allies to their peers.

"Muslim kids get bulled, gay kids get bullied because other kids are uncomfortable with them, and they show it," said Bill Howe, a multicultural education specialist who spoke at an anti-bullying forum in December for children at Meriden's Baitul Aman mosque. "That causes Muslim students to retreat, to be more isolated. They need to develop critical social skills so they can build relationships."

One mother who attended the forum, put on by the office of the U.S. attorney for Connecticut, said she was relieved to learn help is available.

Shazia Choudry's 13-year-old daughter, Maria, transferred recently from a public school after students repeatedly grabbed away her head scarf, but became frightened one day in January at her private Roman Catholic school when seventh-grade classmates peppered her, the only Muslim student, with questions about the Paris attacks.

"They were saying 'Did you hear about this before the terror attack?' And I was like, 'No I didn't,'" Maria said.

Saleha Qureshi, a member of the mosque, said that in the past several months, her son has been called a racial slur and a "terrorist" by his eighth-grade classmates at a public middle school.

Her son has grown anxious, she said, but does not want her to take matters to the principal. She checks up on him daily, letting him vent to her, but she's not sure what more she ought to do.

"I'm just hoping things will change for him," Qureshi said.

The Anti-Defamation League updated its anti-bias training activities after the Paris attacks to incorporate Islam.

One lesson plan tailored for junior and senior high school students has them discuss ways in which Muslims and Syrian refugees are being scapegoated as a result of the attacks. Another encourages students to discuss connections between stereotypes about Muslim people and acts of bigotry, as well as ways they can support Muslims.

Education officials in most of the ADL's 27 U.S. regional offices have been reporting anti-Muslim incidents, and schools have been requesting materials to help deal with the bullying, said Jinnie Spiegler, the organization's curriculum director. Among other efforts, the agency participated in a town hall meeting at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, where officials said some Muslim students were being called names.

The town hall followed others at the school on topics such as Black Lives Matter, said Andrea Lamphier, a sponsor for the school's Muslim students club. Afterward, she said, a petition drive gathered signatures from more than a third of the student body on a letter criticizing Gov. Larry Hogan for saying the state would not welcome Syrian refugees.

While schools generally do not keep statistics on motivations for bullying, a survey of 600 Muslim students in California by the Council on American-Islamic Relations found in October, even before the latest attacks, that 55 percent reported facing religion-based bullying  a rate twice as high as the national average of students who report being bullied at school. Officials with the group say bullying reports spiked in recent months.

Parents say that incidents often go unreported, particularly among older students, and that many families address the problem by changing schools or home-schooling.

Left unchecked, advocates warn, bullying and harassment can make students feel disconnected from school and hurt their academic performance.

Donna Clarke Love, a bullying prevention trainer in Houston, said schools traditionally brought her in for issues affecting students who or gay or have distinguishing physical traits, such as obesity. More recently, anti-Muslim bullying has emerged as another top concern. All result from a lack of acceptance, she said, and she addresses them the same way, by teaching children to have respectful conversations.

In some cases, teachers have taken it on themselves to hold discussions on anti-Muslim bias. Kate Sundeen, a chemistry teacher at the Academy at Palumbo magnet school in Philadelphia, helped to set up a discussion in January that was modeled on a town hall on the Black Lives Matter movement. A panel of a dozen students spoke about their experiences after the Paris attacks, including being accosted by adults in public and harassed over headscarves.

"It was heartbreaking but important and really brave of them to share these experiences," Sundeen said.
Among the many ways Donald Trump has redefined presidential politics, he stands alone for how he has used large, protest-ridden rallies, often bubbling with raw anger, to fuel his candidacy.

The Republican front-runner says the massive events are evidence of a "movement" of a "silent majority" frustrated by everything from the nation's uneven economy and immigration laws to a government run by "stupid people."

"And you know what?" he asked from the stage in Louisville, Kentucky, this week. "It's not about me. I'm a messenger. It's really about you. We're going to take our country back and make it great again."

While Trump generally exaggerates his crowd sizes, thousands routinely line up for hours to attend. There are almost always protests, and the response to them isn't always peaceful. Yet Trump supporters, some driving hours to see the former reality television star, appreciate the boisterous performance and see in it a strength they don't find in Washington leaders.

"Hell yeah, I'm voting for Trump ... that's a man right there  a man," said Joe Hash, a 57-year-old building contractor, after a raucous Monday rally at Virginia's Radford University.

In Texas last week, Arlene Smart attended her fourth Trump rally. "It's just the feeling," said Smart, 58, who said she'd be traveling the country to his events if she didn't have a construction business to run. "There's pride in America. There's a reason to believe."

Detractors see something darker.

"It's a spectacle driven by pure hate," said Michael Marmol, a 20-year-old student who was ejected from the Radford event after he yelled at Trump over his plan to construct a wall on the Mexican border.

Indeed, crowds from Nevada to New Hampshire have devoured Trump's hour-long offerings of economic populism and unrepentant nationalism, all wrapped in promises to "win, win, win" and "make you so proud of this country again."

A natural showman, Trump peppers his speeches with humorous asides, imitation and dramatic acting. In Texas last week, he threw water across the stage and then tossed the bottle behind him to mock a rival's sweat. He frequently holds events in open airplane hangars, circling in his private jet with giant gold "T-R-U-M-P" letters as thousands hold cellphones up to capture its descent as soaring music from the movie "Air Force One" plays.

The crowd anticipates applause lines like rock concert throngs.

"We're going to build a wall. And who's going to pay for the wall?" Trump shouts.

"MEXICO," they yell.

"Who's going to pay for the wall?"

"MEXICO," they thunder back.

But the atmosphere sometimes turns darker, with booming chants that can shake arenas. Young men pound their fists in anger, attendees sometimes shout racial slurs.

Police are investigating at least two alleged assaults against protesters at a recent Kentucky rally. One, captured on video, involves a young African-American woman who was repeatedly shoved and called "scum."

In recent weeks, one of Trump's biggest applause lines has been his vow to bring back waterboarding and other methods of torture. "We don't go far enough," he told a Las Vegas crowd before the Nevada caucuses, prompting thundering applause and chants of "USA! USA!"

Anti-Trump protesters have also becoming increasingly common as the election calendar has moved away from the more subdued early-voting states.

"Get 'em outta here, get 'em outta here," Trump often booms when he spots one. "Are you protesting, darling?" he asked a demonstrator at Radford. He mocked another: "He just got on television. He's happy." Sometimes, he suggests they're high on drugs.

Occasionally Trump complains police are being too gentle with protesters, bemoaning the "old days" when police didn't fear for their jobs when they roughed up citizens.

"You know what they used to do guys like that when they were in a place like this?" he asked in Las Vegas as a protester was removed. "They'd be carried out on a stretcher, folks." Amid cheers, he added, "I'd like to punch him in the face."

On Friday, Trump recalled an incident at a New Hampshire rally where a protester started "swinging and punching." Trump said some people in the audience "took him out."

"It was really amazing to watch," he told an audience in Warren, Michigan.

Later Friday in New Orleans, Trump's rally was interrupted by a near-constant stream of protesters, including many from the Black Lives Matter movement. At points, campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was spotted personally assisting police as they escorted protesters out of the building. Members of Trump's personal, private security detail were also on hand to assist.

Months ago, Trump's team began telling supporters they should not harm demonstrators. Instead, crowds are instructed before rallies to surround protesters with signs and chant "Trump! Trump! Trump!" until authorities arrive.

Some incidents have carried racial undertones. At Radford, Trump asked one protester, who appeared to be of Asian descent, "Are you from Mexico?"

Later, as black demonstrators were led out, Trump recalled Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders once yielding his microphone to Black Lives Matter protesters. "That's never gonna happen here," Trump boasted, saying the Vermont senator acted "like a little boy."

While Trump often talks about how much he likes protesters  suggesting he'll hire some because they encourage television cameras to show his crowds  his aides have, at times, become aggressive about ejecting them.

On Monday, black Valdosta State University students were escorted out of a campus event in Georgia before it began. Ameer Junious, 19, said police directed him to the back of the arena  with no explanation given  before Trump arrived. Videos shot by Junious show a person who appeared to be police officer telling him, "They asked me to have y'all moved," adding, "I can't explain that, OK?"

In a statement, Trump campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks said the campaign "had no knowledge of the incident."

Video of a fall rally in Birmingham, Alabama, captured Trump supporters physically assaulting Mercutio Southall Jr., an African-American activist Trump ordered removed  "Get him the hell out of here, will you, please?"  after Southall shouted "black lives matter!"

Trump later said on Fox News, "Maybe he should have been roughed up."

Yet as he continues his march toward the nomination, Trump reassures his backers they have the moral high ground. "I'm not an angry person," he said at Radford. "You're not angry people." Then, pointing at demonstrators, he said: "They're angry people."


A 20-year-old baby sitter charged with felony child abuse after a hidden nanny camera allegedly caught her trying to smother a child who wouldn't stop crying pleaded not guilty on Friday during her arraignment.

Before court, Moriah Pulani Gonzales of Livermore, was seen smiling and holding her sister's hand and walking next to her high-profile criminal defense attorney, William DuBois. Her mother was also present. The young woman did not speak to reporters.

Outside the Alameda County Superior Courthouse in Pleasanton, DuBois said his client would never harm a child. "It's not in her nature," he said.

In an exclusive interview with NBC Bay Area Thursday afternoon, the victim's mother, Amanda Von Glahn, said she was "absolutely heartbroken" and disgusted. "I have a knot in my stomach that I can't get rid of until this day because of what I saw," Von Glahn said. "I hope she's held responsible for what she did ... she's held accountable and she doesn't victimize any family ever again."

The Alameda County District Attorney charged Gonzales on Feb. 22. She was booked and released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin ahead of her arraignment. Her next court date was set for April 8.

According to the police report attached to Gonzales' charging documents, two mothers, identified only as Amanda and Nicole, called Livermore police on Feb. 18 to say their 13-month-old son had been abused, and the act was captured on a secret camera in their toddlers room.

DuBois hinted after court that the boy's mothers are police officers themselves in another county and had a cozy relationship with police, which is why, he said, officers jumped all over the case "enthusiastically and instantaneously." He also said no doctor examined the child, and there was no evidence the boy even suffered any injury.

DuBois added that the mothers had seen the video and then sent Gonzales to the park the following day with the boy. The mothers fired Gonzales the day after that. When reached at their Livermore home Friday afternoon, one of the mothers, holding the smiling baby boy, politely declined comment.

Livermore nanny Moriah Gonzales arrives to court to answer to child abuse charges pic.twitter.com/YoQt8Wfjv1  Jodi Hernandez (@JodiHernandezTV) March 4, 2016

Footage from that video showed the nanny pacing back and forth, apparently trying to calm the boy, according to the police report. After bouncing him up and down, she lowered him into his crib with her hands near his face.

Her back was to the camera, but the child's "clear audible" crying changed to a "muffled cry," the report states. After a few seconds, the boy began to squirm and kick, then went limp.

Police said Gonzales then picked the boy up and released her hands from his face, at which point he again began to cry. She placed him back in the crib and left the room.

When police interviewed her Feb. 19, Gonzales provided a statement "completely inconsistent" with the video and was surprised to learn a camera had been in the room, authorities said. She "insisted" she didnt put the boy down for a nap and denied hurting him in any way, according to the report.

Neighbor Jim Ward, whose daughter is friends with Gonzales, found the allegations shocking.

"She seems like a normal person," Ward said in a previous interview. "She's a normal girl."

Gonzales advertised her services on the popular baby-sitting website Care.com, which touts itself as the "largest online destination for care." On its website, the company says it is not responsible for the "conduct of any care provider or care seeker."

"Care.com provides information and tools to help care seekers and care providers connect and make informed decisions," the site says.

Background checks are not required. Parents can choose to do their own background checks on baby sitters and must pay for the service. It's unclear whether the mothers in this case checked out Gonzales first.

In a statement, the company apologized and said it's working with police.

"We are deeply troubled by this incident and our thoughts are with the family," the statement read. "The safety of our community is of paramount importance to us and we have proactively contacted local law enforcement to provide whatever assistance we can in this matter."

NBC Bay Area's Lisa Fernandez, Bob Redell and Henry Mulak contributed to this report.
The family and colleagues of a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission expressed anger and disappointment at a rally Saturday that he wasn't part of a January prisoner exchange with Tehran.

Several hundred people attended the rally for Robert Levinson, 67, who disappeared from Iran's Kish Island in March 2007. A 2013 Associated Press investigation revealed that the married father of seven was working for the CIA on an unauthorized intelligence-gathering mission to glean information about Iran's nuclear program.

If Levinson remains alive, he has been held captive longer than any American _ longer than then-AP journalist Terry Anderson, who was held more than six years in Beirut in the 1980s. Unlike Anderson, Levinson's whereabouts and captors remain a mystery. U.S. officials believe the Iranian government was behind his disappearance. It has denied that.

The case drew renewed attention in January when Levinson was not part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Iranian governments that freed four other Americans who had been in Iran's custody. Levinson's family insists he is still alive, even with health issues including diabetes, gout and high blood pressure. They last received video and photos of him about five years ago.

Stephanie Levinson Curry, his second-oldest child, said her autistic 9-year-old son Ryan cried for days when the other American captives were released, but not his grandfather.

The rally's stage was decorated with nine chained and padlocked glass cookie jars filled with yellow rocks, each one representing a day Levinson has been held captive. The crowd held yellow signs showing the social media hashtag ``whataboutbob.''

``Bob Levinson has been deprived of being a grandfather, a job that he would love so much,'' Curry said. ``We worry all the time about what he is thinking while he is alone in his cell. Even prisoners in jail get to see their families, write them letters and call them. Bob Levinson has none of that.''

Retired FBI agent Ellen Glasser harshly criticized the Obama administration for not demanding that Iran release Levinson or, at least, turn over information about his whereabouts. The FBI says it still investigates every lead and remains committed to finding Levinson. A $5 million reward for information leading to his whereabouts remains in effect.

``The failure to push publicly and hard for answers about Bob was an outrage,'' Glasser said. ``A rare opportunity was squandered when we had the most possible leverage to bring him home. Despite many requests, no new pressure was put upon Iran to produce information on Bob's status.''

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, told the crowd they should send messages to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, who is active on Twitter.

``It is unfair that Bob wasn't among the Americans who came home, but because of that, our fight continues,'' he said.

The 2013 AP investigation showed that in a breach of the most basic CIA rules, a team of analysts _ with no authority to run spy operations _ paid Levinson to gather intelligence from hotspots around the world, including the Middle East and Latin America.

The official story when Levinson disappeared was that he was in Iran on private business, either to investigate cigarette smuggling or to work on a book about Russian organized crime. Russia has a presence on Kish, a tourist island.

In fact, he was meeting a source, an American fugitive, Dawud Salahuddin. He is wanted for killing a former Iranian diplomat in Maryland in 1980. In interviews, Salahuddin has admitted killing the diplomat.

The CIA paid Levinson's family $2.5 million to pre-empt a revealing lawsuit, and the agency rewrote its rules restricting how analysts can work with outsiders. Three analysts who had been working with Levinson lost their jobs.

``What I wouldn't do to rewind nine years and beg my dad, `Please don't go away,''' said a weeping Susan Levinson Booth, his oldest child, as her siblings gathered around her to close the rally.

She named her son, who was born after his disappearance, after him.
Two men are in custody after a gunman shot up a police car in Philadelphia's Frankford neighborhood.

On Friday at 7 p.m., a 15th District police officer was driving in his unmarked vehicle east on Bridge Street. Two men who were apprehended during a narcotics arrest were also in the back of his vehicle. As he was driving the officer suddenly heard gunshots and turned north on Lesher Street where he saw several people running.

The officer reported the gunshots on police radio and turned right onto Hedge Street. As he continued south he saw a gunman approach his vehicle from his right and open fire, striking his police car twice. As many as 12 shots may have been fired, based on witness accounts and evidence markers on the ground.

"Just a whole bunch of gunfire," said Ruby Johnson. "It sounded crazy."

The officer took cover and stopped his car. He then chased after the suspect on foot as he ran into a side alley that led west back toward Lesher Street. After running through the alley with his gun out the officer was met by three men with their guns pointed in his direction, investigators said. The officer took cover and identified himself, according to officials.

Two of the suspects, one armed with a silver revolver, ran north on Lesher toward Brill Street while a third suspect, who also had a gun, ran south toward Bridge Street but was cut off by responding officers, police said. The third suspect, later identified as 21-year-old Malik Smith, ran back and forth between a parked mini-van before he was finally apprehended, according to police. The officer said he thought he heard the sound of Smith throwing a gun on the ground however no weapon was found in the area.

Smith was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, and other related offenses. While police say Smith was one of the men who pointed a gun at the officer, they have not yet revealed whether he was also the person who shot at the police car.

Another suspect, identified as 22-year-old Genex Johnson, was arrested on narcotics charges but was later cleared of any charges related to the shooting. Two other men were also stopped by police but cleared of any charges in relation to the shooting.

No officers were injured during the incident. The investigation is ongoing.
South By Southwest -- SxSW -- is just around the corner, and besides Barack and Michelle making the trip, hundreds of indie bands and performers kick their tours into high gear in order to make it to Austin. Lower Dens, From Indian Lakes and Eliot Sumner are just a few artists in town on Saturday that will find themselves the next buzz band, the hottest ticket in town, the indie darlings of SxSW. But you get to check them out in your hometown without the festival fuss. Besides those, we've got Atreyu at the Observatory, our buddy Tyson Motsenbocker celebrates his CD release at the Loft, and, of course, a sold-out Crssd festival decends upon Waterfront Park.

Saturday, March 5:

Lower Dens, Ditches, Spooky Cigarettes @ Casbah

Tyson Motsenbocker @ The Loft

From Indian Lakes, Soren Bryce @ House of Blues

Busker Festival @ Seaport Village

Bad Cop/Bad Cop, the Maxies, Dudes Night @ Til-Two Club

Crssd Festival @ Waterfront Park (sold out)

HAPA @ AMSD

Atreyu, Devil You Know, From Ashes to New & Cane Hill @ Observatory North Park

Eliot Sumner, Bakkuda @ Soda Bar

The Benedetti Trio Celebrates George Harrison @ Dizzy's

Dead on the Wire, Ex-Gentlemen, Dethsurf, the Natives @ Ken Club

Suzie Glaze & the High Lonesome Band @ San Dieguito United Methodist Church Hall

Abba Mania @ Balboa Theatre

Ryan Hemsworth @ Music Box

DJ Mike Delgado @ Bar Pink

Tainted Love, DJ Scotto @ Belly Up

Plane Without a Pilot @ Stone Brewing Tap Room

Papadosio, Saqi, Bluetech @ House of Blues' Voodoo Room

Fuzz Junkies, Shadowplay, Chango's Psychedelic Garage @ The Bancroft

Sammy Kay, Mochilero All Stars, DJ Dr Bones @ Tower Bar

Motorbreath, Sonic Temple, Stoned Temple Pilots, American Zombie, Memory Layne @ Brick By Brick

Gregory Page (CD release) @ Lestat's

Nena Francis, Fein @ Java Joe's

Nervous, Daisy World, Tan Tien, Quali, Adhesive @ Che Cafe

Kulteir, Festering Grave, A Hero Within, Green Skull @ The Merrow

The Moves Collective (EP release), Finnegan Blue @ 710 Beach Club

Sabor Caliente @ Tio Leo's

Backwater Blues Band @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (5 p.m.)

Pop Vinyl @ Humphrey's Backstage Live (9 p.m.)

Chachi @ Fluxx

Cirez D @ Spin

Poolside @ Andaz Rooftop

Jamie Jones @ Bang Bang

Damien Lazarus @ Andaz

Datsik @ Bassmnt

Fergie (DJ set) @ Omnia

Dante the Don @ Parq

Undercover @ V Lounge, Viejas Casino

Masters of Puppets, Fred Barchetta  a tribute to Rush by Points North, Fooz Fighters @ Ramona Mainstage

Rosemary Bystrak is the publicist for the Casbah, the content manager for DoSD, and writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.
Eater San Diego shares the top stories of the week from our local food and drink scene, including a look at Pappalecco's new cafe and pizzeria in Kensington, plus Buona Forchetta's North County expansion and the scoop on a Travel Channel shows trip to San Diego.

Pappalecco Adds Pizzeria to Kensington Location

The popular Italian cafe opened its fourth branch in Kensington this week. In addition to its house-made gelato, pastries and espresso drinks, Pappalecco has added a pizza oven to this outpost and is now baking 12-inch, "Tuscan-style" pies. The coffee house will next launch a Cardiff location.

Free or Cheap Things to Do in San Diego

Buona Forchetta Plans North County Expansion

The South Park community's beloved Italian eatery will be launching a second location in Liberty Station later this spring, but the restaurant has also announced that it intends to head to Encinitas, where it will open on North Coast Highway 101 in June.

'Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations' Films in San Diego

The Andrew Zimmern-hosted show from the Travel Channel, which seeks out "not-to-be-missed legendary foods" in different cities, recently filmed an episode in San Diego. Eater has the scoop on which local spots will be featured, including a favorite fish taco shop and a neighborhood farmer's market.



Preview Flour & Barley's New Space in The Headquarters

Gearing up for a mid-March opening is Flour & Barley, a Las Vegas concept that replaces Pizzeria Mozza in The Headquarters at Seaport complex. Get a sneak peek of the redesigned casual eatery and a preview of its menu, which features wood-fired New York-style pizzas and lots of craft beer.

The Headquarters at Seaport is a modern marketplace with a very unique history: it was once the site of the San Diego Police Department headquarters. Today, many relics of the past linger. NBC 7s Monica Garske reports.

French-Inspired Restaurant To Grand Open in Hillcrest

Park Boulevard's Heat Bar & Kitchen has new proprietors, who are adding classic and traditional French dishes to the restaurant's menu and renaming it Pardon My French Bar and Kitchen. When it reopens on March 12, the eatery will also have an upgraded, refreshing wine program featuring mostly French labels.

Candice Woo is the founding editor of Eater San Diego, a leading source for news about San Diegos restaurant and bar scene. Keep up with the latest Eater San Diego content via Facebook or Twitter, and sign up for Eater San Diegos newsletter here.


A walking and hiking trail in San Diegos East County has earned an award for its unique features and development.

The City of Santee announced Friday that the community will receive a Merit Award from the California Trails & Greenway Conference next month for the citys 2015 development of the Walker Preserve Trail, located at 9500 Magnolia Ave. The award will be presented on April 7 during a ceremony at the Riverside Convention Center sponsored by the California Trails Conference Foundation and the State Department of Parks and Recreation.

The Merit Award recognizes a unique trail or greenway development or reconstruction project that has reached a significant milestone.

The 107-acre Walker Preserve property includes land on both sides of the San Diego River. It was purchased in 2012 for $2.14 million. Construction of the trail at the site required $2 million of local park funds. The project  from conception to completion  took about seven years and opened to the public last April.

The 14-foot-wide, 1.3-mile-long trail is open to bicyclists, walkers, hikers and joggers and features many amenities, including a bike repair station and drinking fountains for both pets and people. There are rest spots and overlooks along the trail as well, which include picnic tables and benches, as well as historical artifacts. Informative kiosks and signs line the path, too, so visitors can learn about the habitat. Drought-tolerant landscaping rounds out the trail.

Anyone who has been to the Walker Preserve can see what a tremendous asset the trail is

to our city and the region, said Paul Malone, Interim City Manager, in a press release Friday. The trail serves to bring the community together to enjoy the outdoors and enhances the quality of life for all.

In 2012, the City of Santee received another Merit Award, that time for the development of the Mast Park West Trail.


A fugitive wanted for child sex crimes in San Diego County has been apprehended in Simi Valley, officials said Friday night.

Christopher Thomas Harper, wanted on three counts of sodomy or sexual intercourse with a child under 10 and lewd acts with a child, was arrested on Thursday.

Officers with the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force notified the Simi Valley Police Department that they believed Harper was in the Simi Valley area.

Harper was taken in to custody in the 1600 block of Yosemite Avenue in a place he was staying, officials said.

Officers booked Harper into a San Diego County jail facility on his warrant. He's being held on $2 million bail and faces at least nine counts of sex crimes against minors. He is set to appear in court on March 11.
None of the students involved in a big fight at Lincoln High School last week will be expelled, school officials decided on Friday.

Meanwhile, the San Diego Unified School District has requested an independent investigation into the actions of school police officer injured in the fight.

The decision about the students came as school officials met with church leaders and community members to address how to move forward after the school melee last Friday.

A fight broke out between two male students at the school on Imperial Avenue during a lunch break and ended up in a parking garage. No weapons were involved.

A students cellphone video shows a 16-year-old student on the ground in the parking garage after being stunned with a Taser by a school police officer. The officer was taken to the hospital with serious injuries as well as five students who were pepper sprayed.

School officials said Friday they were still sorting out what exactly happened during the fight. But, they said, the students involved will be able to continue attending school, will undergo counseling and have one-on-one assistance to ensure theyre on track for college.

Restorative justice has to do with repairing the harm, said School Superintendent Cindy Marten. Who did you hurt? Why did you hurt them? You hurt your community. You hurt yourself. We have to determine in an individual circle what harm has been caused.

Reverend Shane Harris of the National Action Network echoed that sentiment.

Whether the kids were right or wrong, the fact is they deserve a second chance, he said. They deserve a second opportunity.

As the board moves forward from the fight, board member Sharon Whitehurst said every part of the incident is being looked at by officials.
A man has been arrested after police said he followed a woman to her car in La Jolla on Wednesday night and then sexually assaulted her.

The suspect, 25-year-old Marco Antonio Villasenor of Oxnard, Calif., was booked in jail on suspicion of assault with intent to commit rape, felony sexual battery and forced penetration with a foreign object.

San Diego police said the 25-year-old woman was walking to her car parked along the 7700 block of Exchange Place in La Jolla just after 9 p.m. Suddenly, a man walking behind her ran toward her, grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground, police said.



The man started sexually assaulting her, police said, but she managed to fight him off, screamed for help and called 911.

The suspect, who ran away, was found by officers a short time later walking in the 7700 block of Fay Avenue.

Police said the woman identified the man, Villasenor, as her assailant.

San Diego police are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information should call police at 619-531-2000. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
An Egyptian flight student who was arrested after posting threatening comments about Donald Trump on his Facebook page agreed Friday to leave the country by July.

A deportation hearing was conducted Friday in the case of 23-year-old Emadeldin Elsayed, who was enrolled at a Southern California flight school when he posted a threatening message directed at the Republican presidential front-runner.

Elsayed was angered by Trump's statements about blocking Muslims from visiting the United States and posted an article about it Feb. 3 on Facebook.

The post said he was willing to kill Trump and the world would thank him. The following day, Secret Service agents questioned him and searched his residence and computer devices, according to the student's attorney, Hani Bushra.

At Friday's hearing, immigration authorities agreed to let Elsayed return to Egypt voluntarily instead of deporting him, so long as he departs by July 5. Elsayed, who is being held at a jail in Southern California, appeared at a hearing in immigration court in Los Angeles shackled and wearing a yellow jail jumpsuit.

Elsayed will be escorted by authorities during the departure process.

"He has to be escorted from jail directly to New York, where he will take the Egypt Air flight to Cairo," his attorney said in a statement. "We are now trying to work on expediting this process as fast as possible."

Federal prosecutors have not charged him with a crime, but his visa was revoked.

"He's just a student who said something foolish, and it's being taken way out of proportion," Bushra said earlier this week. "To look at the other side, it's not unreasonable for the authorities to be concerned about a post like this, but once it's been investigated and there's no reason to be worried about it or grounds for criminal charges then I don't think it's fair to pressure a school owner to terminate him and use that as an excuse."

Bushra told Immigration Judge Kevin Riley that he may seek another bond hearing for the aspiring pilot from Cairo because he believes Elsayed's detention is illegal.

Bushra said after the hearing that he understands why the Feb. 3 Facebook post led to his client being investigated. But in the absence of criminal charges, Elsayed should be freed, the attorney said.



"He's being detained, I think, primarily because he's a Muslim and he's a Middle Easterner," Bushra said, adding that social media sites are teeming with similar comments. "This kid is going to become a poster boy for hating America."

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials issued the following statement about Elsayed's case: "Mr. Elsayed was taken into custody Feb. 12 by officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ... for allegedly violating the terms of his admission to the United States. Mr. Elsayed remains in ICE custody pending the outcome of immigration proceedings before the Executive Office for Immigration Review."

Bushra said the owner of Universal Air Academy in El Monte expelled his client, giving immigration officials the authority to kick Elsayed out of the country as that was the basis for his visa. The academy's owner, Alex Khatib, has said he would take Elsayed back as a student if possible.

Bushra argued that many other people on social media have made worse statements about candidates and do not appear to be facing expulsion from the country. He said it appears his client's religious and ethnicity are driving the push to expel Elsayed. The attorney acknowledged that some of the 9/11 attackers were enrolled in flight school, which may also be a factor.

Bushra argued his client has already paid more than $40,000 in tuition, but Elsayed was still declared a danger to the community by immigration officials.

Elsayed is from Cairo, but he said he spent much of his life in Saudi Arabia, where his father worked as a civil engineer. He came to the United States for the first time last September to attend Universal Air Academy with the hope of returning to Egypt and getting a job at an airline, he said.

He said he'd like to continue his studies in the United States. If not, he will seek a refund of some of the $65,000 he has spent on his education and use it to study elsewhere.

Trump is leading the Republican presidential contenders and has used especially tough talk on immigration to win over many voters. He has vowed to build a wall along the entire Mexican border and has called for temporarily banning Muslims from entering the country.

The State Department and Secret Service declined to discuss the case. A Trump campaign spokeswoman also declined to comment.
An elementary school boy was injured by another boy with a knife Thursday, Hagerstown police said.

The boy sustained minor injuries in the attack, which happened at Winter Street Elementary School.

The assailant has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services, police spokeswoman Heather Aleshire said Friday.

Officers were called Thursday morning to school for the report of an assault. Aleshire says they learned that one boy had been injured by another boy with a knife.

Aleshire refused to release the boys' ages or details of the incident, citing juvenile privacy concerns.
Aside from Ben Carson's announcement that he would be dropping out of the 2016 race, the big news out of the Conservative Political Action Conference appears to be a party divided.

Republican voters - many of them college students - attended the conference at the National Harbor and lined up to see Carson, Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Ted Cruz. Sen. Marco Rubio is scheduled to address the conference on Saturday morning.

"I haven't decided who I'm supporting yet, but I came here, hopefully, to see many of the candidates discuss their positions," said UNC Chapel Hill student Damian Walker.

Another group of college students attending said they are part of a "dump Trump" movement.

"I feel that (Donald) Trump is really going to end up tearing our party apart more than anything. He has caused a lot of conflict," said Emma Wagner, a student at University of Cincinatti.

"We need to focus on getting a conservative in office and Trump's not the way to go," John Grover, of Lock Haven University, agreed.

Former presidential nominee Mitt Romney told Matt Lauer on "Today" why he decided to publicly condemn Trump on Thursday.

"You can't have someone whose policies are so far from the views of my party become the nominee. And someone who's demonstrated over time that he doesn't have the temperament or the personal qualities to be a great President."

Those comments made some Trump supporters at the CPAC conference angry.

"Mitt Romney's a turncoat. I don't want anything to do with Mitt Romney," said Anne, a Maryland voter.

"It's up to us. The voters are speaking and they're not listening," said Mary-Agnes Marocchi, of East Stroudsburg, Penn.
A federal appeals court will reconsider a Maryland ban on semiautomatic high-capacity assault weapons.



The Washington Post reported the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit announced Friday that it'll rehear a case involving the state's 2013 ban, which prohibits the possession or sale of over 45 types of assault weapons. The law remains in effect.



A divided panel of the court cast doubt last month on the legality of Maryland's ban, which was passed after the mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.



The decision would have sent the gun control law back to a lower court for review, but instead a majority of eligible judges voted to revisit it this spring.



Oral arguments are scheduled for May 11 at the Richmond, Virginia-based appeals court.
A Florida man who flew a small gyrocopter through protected Washington airspace before landing outside the U.S. Capitol last spring was seconds away from colliding with a Delta flight that had taken off from Reagan National Airport, prosecutors said.



In a court filing Friday, prosecutors said Douglas Hughes flew his one-person aircraft almost directly into the oncoming flight path of the 150-person Airbus turbojet last April. Hughes came within 1,400 yards of Delta Flight 1639, while safety rules require aircraft to remain separated by more than 3,000 yards.



"If the gyrocopter had drifted slightly west, or the airline had taken a slightly more easterly path, a collision could have occurred," prosecutors said. Such a collision could have been "catastrophic," they added.



Hughes, who agreed to a plea deal in November, is set to be sentenced April 13. Prosecutors are asking for 10 months in prison, arguing the former mail carrier from Ruskin, Florida, put countless lives at risk.



Hughes' attorneys say they don't think he should have to serve any more time behind bars, noting that no one was injured and no property was damaged. Hughes spent one night in jail after the stunt, served five weeks in home confinement and had this travel privileges restricted for nearly a year, his attorneys said.



Mark Goldstone, an attorney for Hughes, said they will look into the government's claim about the Delta flight. But he questioned why prosecutors are now saying Hughes flew closer to the plane than they previously reported.

"It seems suspicious that on the eve of sentencing, all of a sudden his flight was about to blow up a commercial airliner," Goldstone said Saturday.



Hughes pleaded guilty in November to a felony of operating a gyrocopter without a license. The charge carries a potential three years in prison, but prosecutors agreed not to ask for more than 10 months in prison as part of a plea deal.



Hughes has said he was trying to send a political message about the need for stronger campaign finance restrictions by flying the aircraft to Washington after taking off from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He told investigators during an interview after he was arrested that the only way he potentially put lives in danger was if ``authorities overreacted'' and tried to shoot him down.



Hughes' attorneys argue that while Hughes broke the law, prosecutors should not respond in a way that discourages Americans from expressing their grievances about their government.



"Suppressing or even discouraging political dissidence is a very dangerous and undemocratic prospect," his attorneys wrote.



Prosecutors said Capitol police officers were in position to shoot Hughes when he landed and that one of the officers had him in his gunsight with a round in the chamber. They noted that Hughes' flight took him less than a mile from Vice President Joe Biden's home, about 175 feet from the Washington Monument and close to other landmarks.



They say prison time is necessary to deter such action in the future.



"Whether the next airspace violator is an unpopular religious extremist who wants to impact U.S. foreign policy or a popular advocate on any issue of domestic policy, the deterrent message must be clear. If you violate the airspace of our nation's capital, regardless of your message. you will be punished because of the substantial risks to safety and national security,'' prosecutors wrote.



Hughes' attorneys say he has pledged that he will comply with the law from now on as he continues his push for political change. Hughes has said he plans to challenge South Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz for her 23rd Congressional District seat.
Police are searching for the person they say struck and ran over a Maryland-National Capital Park Police officer with an ATV being driven illegally.

Surveillance video obtained by News4 shows a group of ATVs and dirt bike riders speeding into the parking lot of Mister Sparky on Old Branch Avenue in Prince George's County last Sunday.

Rick Moore, the owner of Mister Sparky, told News4's Darcy Spencer it was unlike anything he has seen before.

"They just rode in here like they owned the place and was circling around. I mean really, like a Wild West movie," Moore said.

Police say they spotted the bikes disrupting traffic in the area of Allentown Road and followed them to the business. When police arrived, all but one driver drove away.

The driver of a green bike (pictured above) was trapped and rammed into the Park Police officer and his cruiser to get away. He left behind the ATV when he hopped on another person's bike.

"It was an attempted murder," Moore said. "You start hitting police cars or other cars, that's an attack."

The officer was hospitalized with leg injuries and is now back at work.

Police say they found the owner of the ATV, who was not involved in the incident. Anyone with more information is asked to call Park Police at (301) 429-9867.
Honor student Asher Potts was well into his senior year in high school when police got a tip that the earnest teenager who had so impressed community leaders for nearly four years was not the person he claimed to be.

Now authorities are looking into the possibility he may have had help in concealing his identity.

Investigators concluded Potts was actually a 23-year-old Ukrainian named Artur Samarin, who had overstayed his visa, and they said in charging documents that he confessed to having sex with an underage teen girl.

His arrest last week  charged first with identity theft, then with statutory sexual assault and corruption of minors  drew astonished responses from people who knew the boyish-looking Samarin through his participation in a school military program, his academic excellence and his acceptance to a prestigious flight school.

"My understanding is his motives were pure coming over here, and given his time at John Harris (High School), no one had a complaint about him," said his lawyer, Adam Klein. "Until that's proven differently, that's my feeling at this point  that he came here to do what many immigrants do, to take part in the American dream."

Prosecutors said that they are working with federal investigators to piece together the facts about Samarin and that more charges are possible. But it's clear he made an impression in Harrisburg.

The city's mayor at the time pronounced Oct. 27, 2013, as Asher Potts Day to recognize his accomplishments; he was a student representative to the school board; and he was third runner-up for a spot on the homecoming court, Pennlive.com reported.

One aspect of the case that has drawn the attention of investigators is the role played by Michael and Stephayne Potts, with whom he lived for much of the past four years before moving in months ago with another family.

Samarin told Harrisburg television station WHTM last week in a call from jail that his family pooled money to send him to the U.S. "for a better life." After his visa expired, he said, the Pottses helped him obtain a birth certificate and a fake Social Security card in the name of Asher Potts.

He accused the couple of using his illegal immigration status as leverage to pressure him into doing work for them.

"Everything they ask of me, I could not tell them no," he told the station.

Court records say the couple "conspired with" Samarin in faking his way through high school, but they have not been charged.

Their lawyer, Corky Goldstein, said Thursday it was the Pottses who first alerted authorities about Samarin by contacting the FBI months ago. Goldstein would not say what motivated the couple to contact authorities, but said that they thought he was younger than he is and that they did not know he was having sex with the girl. They deny his claim he was pressured to work for them.

"She thought she was helping a young man who was being persecuted in his country, the Ukraine, by the Russians," Goldstein said. "They opened up their home to him."

Samarin had left the Pottses and was living in a shelter several months ago when Waleed McClintock and his family let him move in with them in nearby Middletown.

McClintock said he was troubled by what he and his wife saw of the Pottses' relationship with Samarin and equally impressed by the young man's drive.

Samarin, who shared a bedroom with McClintock's 17-year-old son, would rise before 5 a.m. to get a bus to school. He took college-level classes at night and also worked at a grocery store.

"This is the worst that Ukraine has to offer? OK, you can ship another busload over here," McClintock said Thursday. "He was a very impressive young man. He was respectful and intelligent and seemed to have a plan for his life."

He said Samarin was slight of build, disappearing beneath a hand-me-down coat. He told McClintock little about his past or his family.

"We never pried," he said. "We simply wanted to offer a safe space to be in."

In the TV interview, before he was charged with sexual assault, Samarin appeared to admit the identity theft allegations.

"What can I say? I did abuse the system. Yes I did," Samarin told WHTM. "I did use this identity, and it's the law."

Police said that by the time Samarin's tourist visa expired in March 2013, he already nearly finished his freshman year at John Harris, better known as Harrisburg High School, despite having attended two years of college in Ukraine.

"By all accounts he was an excellent student," Dauphin County District Attorney Ed Marsico said. "He was involved in the community, he was in the ROTC program, he did community service."

Samarin's mother, Victoria Samarina, emailed WHTM from Ukraine this week after finding news accounts about him that confirmed her fears he might be in trouble. She said she was sure he could not have done anything wrong.

"I know that he just wanted to get a good education, I could not help to get him here," she wrote. "Please convey to him that I love him very much; he's my dearest person in the world."
Former mobster James "Whitey" Bulger, convicted of participating in 11 murders during the 1970s and '80s, will not get a new trial, a federal appeals court ruled on Friday.

A three-judge panel of the 1st U.S. Circuit of Appeals found that Bulger had not shown his right to a fair trial was violated when a judge barred him from testifying about his claim that he received immunity for his crimes.

"For the reasons spelled out above, Bulger got a fair trial and none of the complained-of conduct on the court or government's part warrant reversal of his conviction," the appellate judges concluded.

The ruling likely isn't the end of the line for Bulger, who was once one of the nation's most wanted fugitives: He has the right to appeal the panel's ruling by asking for a hearing before the full court of six judges. His lawyer Hank Brennan didn't immediately comment Friday.

Brennan argued before the court in July that Bulger's defense was eviscerated when he wasn't allowed to tell the jury that a now-deceased federal prosecutor granted him immunity to commit crimes. The trial judge said Bulger had not offered any hard evidence of such an agreement.

Prosecutors argued that Bulger was not barred from taking the witness stand in his own defense, only from testifying about his immunity claim.

The appeals panel, in its ruling, determined the trial judge was right to take up the immunity issue pretrial, saying its research has found that resolving such claims before trial is "more the norm than the exception."

Bulger, who's now 86, fled Boston in 1994 following a tip from an FBI agent that he was about to be indicted, and he was on the run for more than a decade. He was finally captured with his longtime girlfriend in Santa Monica, California, in 2011. The girlfriend, Catherine Greig, who's in her mid-60s, pleaded guilty to charges related to helping Bulger elude authorities and was sentenced to eight years in prison.

During Bulger's 2013 trial, he disputed the government's contention that he was a longtime FBI informant who gave the agency information on the New England Mafia, his gang's main rival.

Bulger said that former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremiah O'Sullivan, who died in 2009, had given him immunity during the 1980s in return for protecting his life from the mobsters he prosecuted. The judge found that O'Sullivan did not have the authority to grant such immunity.

Bulger, after deciding not to testify in his own defense, cited the judge's ruling and called his trial a "sham."

"And my thing is, as far as I'm concerned, I didn't get a fair trial, and this is a sham," he said in court.

Brennan argued that if Bulger had been allowed to testify about his immunity claim, the jury would have had a chance to weigh his credibility against the credibility of prosecution witnesses.
Maine State Police have made an arrest in the 1980 homicide of Joyce McLain in East Millinocket.

Philip Scott Fournier, 55, is charged with murder. He is on the registered sex offenders list for possession of child pornography.

McLain was 16 when she died. She disappeared while jogging on a summer night not far from Schneck High School. Her body was found a few days later. McLain had injuries to her neck and head.

Community members pooled their money in 2008 to have McLain's body exhumed in hopes of finding any shred of DNA evidence that could be linked to her killer.

[NATL] Top News Photos: House Dems. Announce Impeachment Inquiry Against Trump, and More

Police conducted a new search in Nov. 2015.

Fournier will be arraigned Monday in Penobscot Superior Court.

In their affidavit, police say Fournier confessed to McLain's murder or made statements indicating he had knowledge about her death to several people.

Authorities are asking anyone with knowledge about this 36-year-old crime to contact them at 1-800-432-7381.
New Haven, Connecticut, police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Friday night.

Police say they were called to the intersection of Orange and Eld Streets around 9:05 p.m. by a woman who said the passenger in her car was suffering from a gunshot wound. After a brief search, police discovered a white Honda parked on State Street between Eld and Bradley Streets.

The male victim, identified as Brent Bennett, 25, of West Haven, was suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. EMTs transported the victim to Yale-New Haven Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly before 11 p.m.

Policebelieve the crime occured at an apartment on Walnut Street, about six blocks from where the victim was found.

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or who may have information is asked to call detectives at (203) 946 6304. Calls may be made anonymously.

Check back for updates.
Police say speed, alcohol and snowy weather conditions were factors in a crash that left six people injured Friday in Bourne, Massachusetts.

According to investigators, an 18-year-old male driving a Toyota Camry was drunk, with four other males under 21 in the car, when he crossed the the center line of Scenic Highway, crashing head-on into a Toyota Corolla shortly before 5:30 p.m.

One of the Camry's passengers fled the scene. He was found and taken to a hospital.

All of the other occupants of the Camry, and the 34-year-old Marshfield man who was driving the Corrola, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The Jaws of Life were used to extricate some of the victims.

Everyone in the Camry faces charges of being minors in possession of alcohol and having an open container. The driver will also be charged with OUI, negligent operation, transporting alchol as a minor, a marked lanes violation and speeding.

Police have not released the identities of anyone involved in the crash.
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


Churches join call for Norfolk action on refugees Churches join call for Norfolk action on refugees

Church members and leaders joined a packed meeting of over 200 people at the RC Cathedral in Norwich last night calling on local councils to act on their pledges to welcome 50 Syrian refugees to Norfolk. Keith Morris reports.
Home News Sports Social Obituaries Events Letters Looking Back Health Jewels Stitch in Time Boundary County man arrested in five state federal sweep as part of 16 count indictment March 5, 2016 A Boundary County man who was arrested in a multi-state sweep on Thursday made a first appearance in federal court yesterday in connection with the 2014 armed standoff over grazing cattle on public lands near Nevada rancher Cliven Bundys property.



Federal authorities arrested a dozen people across five states on Thursday, bringing to 19 the number facing federal charges in connection with the 2014 standoff. These newest arrests came after indictments were filed by a federal grand jury in Las Vegas.



Among the twelve arrested on Thursday were four men from Idaho. Todd C. Engel, age 48, identified as a resident of Boundary County, was one of the Idahoans arrested. The other Idahoans arrested were Eric James Parker, 32, and Steve Arthur Stewart, 26, both of Hailey, and O. Scott Drexler, 44, of Challis.



Arrests go back to Nevada standoff

The Nevada standoff drew national attention back in 2014, when Mr. Bundy, a rancher from Bunkerville, Nevada, resisted federal rules to obtain required permits and pay fees for allegedly grazing his cattle on federally-owned public lands in southeastern Nevada. The incident quickly became a flashpoint for, among others, those who contend that federally-owned land actually belongs or should belong to the states and who oppose the exercise of federal authority on those lands. The standoff escalated into an armed confrontation between law enforcement and Mr. Bundy, along with supporters who were drawn to his cause.



Mr. Bundy himself was arrested just last month for his role in the Nevada standoff. His arrest came at the Portland International Airport in Portland, Oregon, as he was traveling to support those who recently occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon.



Mr. Bundy also made his first court appearance yesterday since his arrest, appearing before a U.S. judge in Las Vegas.



Boundary County man, other Idahoans arrested

Todd Engel of Boundary County and the three other Idaho men arrested on Thursday also appeared before federal judges on Friday. The three southern Idaho men appeared in person in federal court in Boise. Mr. Engel, who is being held in Coeur dAlene, made his federal court appearance by way of video conferencing from Coeur dAlene.



The four Idaho men are charged with 11 of the 16 felony counts listed in the 63-page federal indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court of Nevada on March 2. All the charges are related to the 2014 standoff, and include:



 Conspiracy to Commit an Offense Against the United States

 Conspiracy to Impede or Injure a Federal Officer

 Use and Carry of a Firearm in Relation to a Crime of Violence

 Assault on a Federal Officer

 Threatening a Federal Law Enforcement Officer

 Obstruction of the Due Administration of Justice

 Interference with Interstate Commerce by Extortion

 Interstate Travel in Aid of Extortion



All are violations of Title 18, United States Code.



Details of the indictment

The indictment alleges that "On or about April 11, 2014, [the four Idaho men] Parker, Stewart, Drexler, and Engel traveled from Idaho to Bundy Ranch in Nevada with firearms and with the intent to commit the crimes set forth" in the indictment.



The indictment goes on to describe the four Idaho defendants as "[gunmen] who threatened, impeded, intimidated, interfered with, assaulted and extorted federal law enforcement officers while in the performance of their duties . . ."



Potentially heavy penalties

The violations with which they are charged carry heavy prison sentences and potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, and in total could result in the possibility of de facto life sentences in prison.



In addition to the criminal counts listed, the indictment also sets forth five forfeiture allegations. The Idaho defendants are named in all five of the forfeiture allegations. Forfeiture allegations essentially state that if a defendant is convicted of any of the crimes with which they are charged, they must forfeit any property used in the commission of the crime, or profits or property derived from the crime.



The various forfeiture allegations in the indictment specifically state: Upon conviction of any of the felony offenses charged in Counts One through Sixteen of this . . . Indictment . . . any firearm or ammunition possessed by the above-named defendants would be forfeited. It further states that those convicted shall forfeit to the United States of America, any property, real or personal, which constitutes or is derived from proceeds traceable to violations of Title 18, United States Code. The indictment also describes a criminal forfeiture money judgment including, but not limited to, at least $3,000,000 in United States Currency.



Detention hearings are scheduled for the four Idaho men next week, which will lead toward determining whether the defendants will remain detained until trial. Mr. Parker, Mr. Stewart, and Mr. Drexler will have their hearings this Wednesday, March 9. Mr. Engels detention hearing will be in Coeur dAlene on Thursday, March 10. Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail!
Womans throat slit in Retrench Village

The woman, of East Indian descent with short hair, is brown in complexion, about five feet four inches in height and is in her late 30s. She was wearing a burgundy- coloured long-pants and a plaid shirt. She was also wearing two silver beras (hand band) on her left hand, A police report stated that shortly after 4 pm yesterday a villager was walking behind SKS Hardware located on the Cipero Road, along lands allocated for housing development by the State, where he stumbled upon the body. The report added that she was lying faceup and her throat was slit .

San Fernando and Ste Madeleine Police Stations and Homicide Bureau ( south), were contacted. ACP Cecil Santana, Supt Rajkumar, ASP Ramdeo, Insp Don Gajadhar and other officers visited the scene and combed the area. Up to last evening, the woman remained unidentified and police are asking persons with information to contact the nearest police station or Homicide Bureau at 652- 0495.
John Babb, the consummate newsman

After 70 years in the profession, Babb  who covered the Dole Chadee murder trial and who is famous as the only journalist who had the ear of TTs first Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams  had some words of advice for up-andcoming reporters.

I try to put in every junior reporters mind that you must consider yourself as an artist, Babb said. You are painting a picture.

Who is going to want to look at an ugly painting? The work is tireless, but once you put your mind to it you will get through. He paid tribute to Newsdays founding editor- in-chief Therese Mills and said the difference between journalists like her and others was, chalk and cheese.

You have to do the work, Babb, 83, said. Always try to get an interview face-to-face. It is the best interview you will get. Valencia-born Babb had his first story at the Port-of-Spain Gazette in 1946 when reporters could be paid one cent per line. He did not get a by-line then. That would come later when he joined the Guardian. He also worked for Radio Guardian, McGraw-Hill Publishing, Canada, the Daily Mirror, Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Platts Oilgram.

He was recalled from Canada by the Guardians Editor-in-Chief, the late Lenn Chongsing to become the papers Chief Political Reporter. During the tenure of Eric Williams, he was the only journalist to whom Williams would grant interviews any day; any time.

On three occasions he offered me jobs, Babb recalled. I turned him down on every occasion. But yesterday was not the first time Babb had retired. He recalled how, when he first retired from the Guardian in 1993, he was persuaded to return to work at a new newspaper. It took just one phone-call from the late Therese Mills  whom he had followed from the Gazette to the Guardian  to convince him to work at Newsday. At yesterdays event, Maria Cooper, Acting CEO of Newsday, paid tribute.

With John, you clearly know hes one of the good guys, said Cooper. You meet him and straight away you get comfortable.

Its about time that John gets to do exactly what he wants to do.

And I am pretty certain that is going to include us. But the show is Johns now. We will miss him, but I know he is going to be around and, well, we love you. Newsdays editor-in-chief Jones P Madeira, who worked with Babb at the Guardian, said Babb, though favoured by Dr Williams, did not kow-tow to him.

Today, we are joining with John who is celebrating almost 70 years of continuous service in the field of journalism, Madeira said. He is indeed a member of a most exclusive club, where one can safely say: they dont make them like that any more. He is a man of no pretence, a dedicated, loyal person whom you can truly describe as diligent. John is an extremely special person. He did not begin with Newsday, Newsday began with him.
Govt considers beach for Magdalena Grand

One of the problems that this hotel has, is that it doesnt have a beach that is usable, its close to the sea, but there is no beach that guests can go on. So persons coming to Tobago, locals and foreigners, you dont see them on the beach, but we spent all this money investing in this facility, and havent spent any money on creating a beach.

We have taken a look along the coastline and have concluded that the thing to do is to make the relevant breakwater, which can be done easily. And once a breakwater can be done according to proper engineering standards, a beach can be achieved outside this hotel, Rowley said, adding that Government will find the funding to build the beach. The Magdalena Grand is about ten minutes away from the world famous Pigeon Point and Store Bay beaches. Asked about the recent visit of Jamaican hotelier Butch Stewart to the island, Dr Rowley noted that the Sandals owner has expressed some interest in Tobago.

Sandals management did come to Tobago, and yes they looked around. One of the things that negated the interest of this hotel is the absence of a beach. Now we do know that they have some interest for elsewhere in Tobago, so we have to wait and see the outcome of that
Fire at house on Warner Street

Borel said while there was some minor fire spread to the back of the peach-coloured flat house, the main fire was located at the rear; in an annex and bathroom area. It took fire fighters, using water from the tanks of the two appliances they arrived in, approximately half an hour to get the fire under control and about an hour to completely extinguish it.

Although the house, which belongs to a family of three, remained intact, there was smoke and water damage to the structure, which meant the parents and their young son had to seek alternative sleeping arrangements, until repairs are completed. One of the home-owners was on site when Newsday visited the scene after 5 pm on Thursday, but she declined to give her name, saying only I dont know what caused it. The washing machine was running when I left home, but the fire service said the fire didnt start there. Newsday also spoke with Aldric Ling, Manager of Cost Price Supermarket which is located next to the house on the corner of Picton and Warner Streets.

Ling recalled hearing, about four small explosions a little after 4 pm, but there was no boom like a gas leak. There was more smoke than fire.

The lady (home owner) said she had some paint stored in the (annex), so who knows if that had anything to do with the fire? Thank God no one was hurt and the fire tenders arrived quickly.
Slain prison officer cremated

We will walk without fear, said the Commissioner.

We will walk with professionalism.

We will celebrate his life by being a light among the darkness. He added that all members of society must come together to fight against crime. Deputy general secretary of the Prison Officers Association (POA) Dion Joseph added to the commissioners comments.

For far too long we have been condoning wrong in our neighbourhood.

We will continue to be fearless.

We are not resigning.

We will forge forward, Joseph said in his contribution.

Prior to the funeral held at the Belgroves Crematorium in Tacarigua, members of the various arms of the protective services engaged in a procession along the Eastern Main Road starting from Caura Junction and ending at the crematorium.

The procession led to massive traffic as portions of the Eastern Main Road were virtually blocked off by the procession and this in turn led to traffic along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway and the Priority Bus Route.

After the funeral service, POA president Ceron Richards was asked to comment on Prime Minister Keith Rowleys statement that prison officers should do their duty, even in the face of whatever challenges they face. I think it is a very commendable statement, said Richards. But he should take a page out of his own book! Richards said the government should do its duty on putting efforts in place to better protect prison officers.

He noted that there are several prison officers sleeping in dormitories for in excess of eight months, because they have nowhere to go and are unable to go home.
Sturge writes IC on Camille

In his letter, Sturge noted, there was no statement available for the year 2014, the most recent year, which had been due by May 2015.

The declaration for the Minister did not contain any explanation for this irregularity which may very well amount to the breach of the provisions of the Act. The letter continues, I trust that the Commission will share my view that the matters that are raised by this complaint are most serious and troubling especially in light of the fact that Mrs Robinson Regis presently holds a ministerial portfolio in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. Senator Sturges call for a criminal investigation to be launched came about after it was reported that there were gaps in declarations made to the Integrity Commission and also comes in the wake of questions raised in the media on transactions made by Minister Robinson-Regis at First Citizens Bank (FCB) in Arima. Minister Robinson-Regis has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and also has closed her FCB account.
Get the news faster.

Tap to install our app. Access Newser even faster.

Click here to install our app on your desktop.

X
(Newser)  On Sept. 14, 2001, a 20something man calling himself Lyle Stevik got a room at the Lake Quinault Inn, a rundown motel on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Three days later, the inn's maid discovered the man dead in his room. He had used a leather belt to hang himself from a metal coat rack attached to the wall in an alcove in the room. And so began the mystery of Lyle Stevika man who, as far as the system goes, did not exist. In a lengthy account in online magazine Mel, Kirk Pepi walks us through the "strange case" of Stevik, who "in death  became a 9/11 terrorist, a ghostly apparition, and an Internet superstar."

When law enforcement arrived at room 5 at the Lake Quinault Inn, they discovered a folded comment card with "for the room" written on it. Inside there was $160. They also found a crumpled piece of paper on which "suicide" was written in all caps. A Gideon Bible was bookmarked to John 12:33: This he said, signifying what death he should die. But what police didn't find is where the mystery lies. Stevik left no ID. Running his DNA, dental information, and fingerprints through law enforcement databases yielded nothing. Stevik appeared in no phone directory, search engine, electoral roll, or census. All roads led to dead ends. Eventually, the Stevik case went cold. But, years later, would-be detectives have again begun to attempt to unravel the mystery. Theories include:

The name Lyle Stevik was a pseudonym based on a character from a Joyce Carol Oates novel.

Stevik became suicidal after losing a loved one on 9/11 (which occurred three days before he checked in at the motel). Stevik feared WWIII was about to break out and decided to end it all. Or, Stevik was actually a 9/11 terrorist.

Stevik was driven to suicide by bulimia.

Whoever he was, at least two people have reported seeing his ghost at the Quinault Inn. Read the whole fascinating story here . (Read more mystery stories.)
(Newser)  The 16-year-old South Carolina student who grabbed his teacher's phone on Feb. 18, found a nude photo she had taken for her husband for Valentine's Day, snapped a photo, and shared it may have arrived at his own "day of reckoning." Leigh Ann Arthur, the Union County High School teacher in question, says the student told her, "Your day of reckoning is coming," after grabbing the image. Arthur says she was given the choice to resign or go through a process for dismissal and resigned last Tuesday. The boy had gone unpunished, but that may be changing. The unnamed juvenile has been charged with a computer crime and voyeurism and was taken into custody while at school on Friday; he now faces possible expulsion, reports CBS News. Arthur tells WSPA that she's "relieved and proud they are holding him accountable and responsible for his actions."

WSPA also has a statement from Union County Schools Superintendent Dr. David Eubanks, and it most definitely does not come down on Arthur's side. It reads in part: "Ms. Arthur has used the media to transmit false information obviously intended for the purpose of deflecting the incident totally to students. It is truly unfortunate that a teacher charged with proper supervision and care of students failed to fulfill that responsibility in her classroom." He alleges that Arthur was not "in her assigned position" when the incident occurred, that she regularly let students use her phone, and that she often left it on her desk so they could do so. A petition asking that Arthur be reinstated has more than 12,000 signatures and counters Eubanks' claims, alleging that his "evidence" comes via a student who used Arthur's phone, but only once and only to order parts for a project. (Read more nude photo stories.)
(Newser)  An American adventurer says it would be a "very lucky discovery" if the piece of aircraft he found on a sandbank off the coast of Mozambique is confirmed to be from the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished two years ago. Blaine Gibson, who says he's been searching for Flight 370 over the last year, tells the AP that he had wanted no publicity about his Feb. 27 discovery until after the piece was assessed by investigators, but that news of the finding leaked. He says he is cautious about the possibility that the part is from the missing Boeing 777 because three large jets had crashed in the area before. Regardless, Gibson says he hopes his finding will encourage more people in the area to comb beaches for clues and to hand over any items they think could be passenger belongings or plane debris.

The new piece of debris is now in the hands of Mozambique civil aviation authorities and is expected to be sent to Australia this coming week to be examined. The Malaysian transport minister says there is a "high" probability that the part found off Mozambique is from a Boeing 777. Flight 370 is the only missing 777. And Australia's transport minister says the location of the debris matches investigators' drift modeling. Gibson says he decided to look for plane debris after a week of sightseeing in Mozambique. A tour guide told him the sandbank was where fishermen went to look for rope that washed up from the open ocean. He says the tour guide spotted the piece of debris after about half an hour of searching. (Read more Flight 370 stories.)
(Newser)  Four Catholic nuns and 12 others were killed during an attack on a home for the elderly Friday in Yemen, in what the Vatican is condemning as an "act of senseless and diabolical violence," CNN reports. According to the AP, six gunmen got past the home's gate in the city of Aden by pretending they were visiting their mothers. Four then entered the building and went from room to room, handcuffing victims and shooting them in the head. The nuns, members of an organization founded by Mother Teresa, were acting as nurses in the home and serving breakfast when the gunmen entered, the BBC reports. One nun was able to escape death by hiding inside a fridge. Two of the killed nuns were from Rwanda, one was from India, and another was from Kenya. A Yemeni cook and Yemeni guards were among the other victims.

Pope Francis was "shocked and profoundly saddened" by the violence, according to a Vatican press release. The Vatican's secretary of state says the Pope "prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogue." A spokesperson for the nuns' organization, the Missionaries of Charity, says the nuns decided to stay in Yemen longer than required in order to continue helping people. The identity of the gunmen is unclear, but Yemeni officials are blaming ISIS. Yemen is in the midst of a civil war, which is being used as cover by both ISIS and al-Qaeda. More than 6,000 civilians have been killed since the war started. (Read more Yemen stories.)
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Snow will taper off and end this evening but skies will remain cloudy late. Low 26F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 80%..

Tonight

Snow will taper off and end this evening but skies will remain cloudy late. Low 26F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 80%.
New Delhi:

The JNU row took the nation by storm with a series of twists and turns surrounding the issue. After protests, violence and controversies, JNSU president, who was arrested on sedition charges, has finally been released on bail.



Well, lets have a look at how it all started and what the JNU row is all about:



Event on Afzal Guru



An event was organised by Jawaharlal Nehru University students on Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, who was hanged in 2013. The event was to be held the day after Gurus third death anniversary.



Posters were placed across the campus by the event organisers to invite students to join a protest march against judicial killing of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat and in solidarity with Kashmiri migrants struggle.



The event was named A country without a post office  against the judicial killing of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhatt. The protest was to be showcased in the form of poetry, art and music.



Soon, the members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) launched a protest demanding the sacking of the organisers, kicking off a row.



A disciplinary enquiry was ordered by the administration of the university, saying the organisers went ahead without permission.



Anti-India slogans



ABVP members have alleged that anti-India slogans were raised during the protest march. Videos from the event were also emerged and showed students raising anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans like, Kashmir ki azai tak bharat ki azadi tak, janh rahegi jari.



What students said?

Students who were part of the committee that organised the event denied being part of the group that shouted slogans.

A student who was a part of the event organising committee, was quoted as saying:

The programme was a cultural evening organised to question the working of the Supreme Court. It was also meant to bring the grievances of the Kashmiri citizens to light. The struggles of self-determination must be openly spoken about. Considering this is a democratic republic, why should dissent be suppressed?



Sedition charges



Sedition charges under IPC Sections 124A (sedition), 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 34 (acts done by several persons with a common intention) were framed against several students at Vasant Kunj (North) police station.

The university took action and barred 8 students from academic activity but allowed them to stay in hostels.

Kanhaiya Kumars arrest

The police arrested JNSU President Kanhaiya Kumar on charges of sedition following allegations of anti-national against him. The arrest of Kanhaiya triggered protests by his supporters at JNU.



Why was Kanhaiya arrested?



Videos of protest went viral and Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to the then Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi following which the police took action.

Rajnath said in a statement: If anyone raises anti-India slogans, tries to raise questions on the countrys unity and integrity, they will not be spared.



Umar Khalid, Bhattacharya surrender



Jawaharlal Nehru University students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya surrendered before the police on February 24. The duo faced sedition charges. The Delhi High Court had refused to grant them protection from arrest.



Protests in support of Kanhaiya at JNU



The arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar led to protests by students at JNU who boycotted classes at the university till the release of the JNSU president. JNU teachers too joined the protest and questioned the universitys decision to allow police crackdown at the campus.



The fake tweet

A big controversy was sparked when Rajnath Singh alleged that Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed backs JNU students. He said this on the basis of a tweet, which was later turned out to be fake and was posted from an unverified account.

What proof is there that it was a parody account? Our domain is not to check parody accounts but to red-flag any incendiary content on social media. The law is very clear on this, Internet is just a medium of communication. Idea was to caution young people and students to not get carried away by such messages, a senior officer who handles the Delhi Police Twitter account said.



Violence at Patiala House court

The JNU row took an ugly turn when violence broke out at the Patiala House courts on February 14. Lawyers were seen thrashing Kanhaiya Kumars supporters and journalists soon before the JNSU president was scheduled to be produce before metropolitan magistrate.

BJP MLA OP Sharmas arrest

BJP MLA OP Sharma was arrested after he was caught on camera beating a CPI worker at the Patiala House Courts complex. But he was released on bail soon after his arrest.

As I was leaving the court I saw a man raising anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans. I lost my cool, like any patriot, and asked him to shut up. And when I turned, he attacked me with an object, he said.

The problem of this country at present is that terrorism and being anti-national are considered being progressive. And JNU is promoting this kind of ideology and producing anti-nationals. JNU should be sealed, he said.



Rahul Gandhi visits JNU campus

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited the JNU campus, where a section of students showed him black flags. Rahul slammed the Modi government and accused it of bullying the prestigious university.

He called an emergency meeting after visiting JNU campus to discuss the issues of students. Rahul also met President Pranab Mukherjee over the issue.



Kanhaiya Kumar attacked

Violence was witnessed at the Patiala House courts complex for the second consecutive day on February 15. The lawyers beat up Kanhaiya Kumar minutes before a hearing in sedition case. The lawyers defied the Supreme Courts order for restricted entry to the trial court complex, putting a question mark on Delhi Police, who remained a mute spectator.

Forensic probe:

A forensic probe in the issue ordered by the Delhi government shocked everyone with the revelation that 2 video clips out of 7 of the controversial event at JNU campus were doctored.

The report also suggested that voices of people who were not present in the videos of the event, that took place on February 9, were added.



Kanhaiya Kumar walks free



Kanhaiya Kumar was realised from Tihar jail on bail on March 3 and received a rousing welcome from the JNU students, friends, teachers and family. Soon after his release, he addressed students at JNU, where he launched attack on PM Narendra Modi.

Honble Prime Minister was saying, he was talking about Stalin and Khrushchev, and I felt that I should enter into the TV set, tug at his suit and say, Modiji, please say something about Hitler as well... OK, forget Hitler, at least talk about Mussolini whose black cap you wear [the reference is to the RSS black cap], the one whom your Guruji, Guru Golwalkar had gone to meet and who preached to learn the definition of Indian-ness from Germans... he said.

Addressing the students, Kanhaiya said, "We don't want 'azadi' from India, we want 'azadi' in India. The struggle is long. The more you try to suppress us, the higher we will rise."

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Moscow:

Russian investigators today filed murder changes against a nanny after she beheaded a four-year-old handicapped girl in her care and brandished the severed head in a Moscow street.



The Investigative Committee said suspect Gyulchekhra Bobokulova, a 38-year-old native of Muslim-majority Uzbekistan, would undergo psychiatric and drug tests to determine her mental condition.



The maximum punishment for the murder of a minor is life in prison although women offenders cannot be sentenced to more than 25 years in jail in Russia.



A defendant cannot be sentenced to jail term if found to be legally insane.



The investigation is currently taking exhaustive measures to study the personality of the accused and establish the motives of the crime she committed, the Investigative Committee said in a statement.



Bobokulovawhom the media have dubbed the bloody nannywas detained on Monday as she was waving a childs severed head outside a metro station in northwestern Moscow.



In a court on Wednesday, the 38-year-old told journalists that Allah ordered the killing.



Video footage that emerged on the Internet appeared to show the mother-of-three saying the attack was revenge for President Vladimir Putins bombing campaign in Syria, which began in September.



The Investigative Committee swiftly said she had long been diagnosed with schizophrenia, while the Kremlin called her a deranged person.



Some have suggested that the Uzbek nanny might have been radicalised by Muslim hardliners.



Moskovsky Komsomolets daily reported today investigators were focussing on Bobokulovas 48-year-old partner Mamur Dzhurakulov, who was detained in Tajikistan, another Muslim-majority nation in Central Asia, several days ago.



One of Bobokulovas sons, Rakhmatillo Ashurov, was questioned by Uzbek police and said his mother had become very devout after meeting Dzhurakulov, the newspaper said.



Bobokulovas son reportedly also said his mother wanted to take him to the Islamic State in Syria where she could freely wear an Islamic veil and live according to Sharia law and where he could join jihad.



The son said he had told his mother he wanted to move to the United States or South Korea and had no plans to travel to the Islamic State, the newspaper said.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Los Angeles:

An Egyptian flight student who was arrested after posting threatening comments about Donald Trump on his Facebook page has agreed to leave the country by July.



Immigration authorities agreed to let Emadeldin Elsayed, 23, return to Egypt voluntarily instead of deporting him, so long as he departs by July 5. Elsayed, who is being held at a jail in Southern California, appeared at a hearing in immigration court in Los Angeles shackled and wearing a yellow jail jumpsuit.



His lawyer, Hani Bushra, told Immigration Judge Kevin Riley that he may seek another bond hearing for the aspiring pilot from Cairo because he believes Elsayeds detention is illegal.



Immigration authorities arrested Elsayed at his Los Angeles-area flight school on February 12, eight days after the Secret Service interviewed him about a post he wrote on his Facebook page. It said he would be willing to serve a life sentence for killing the Republican presidential hopeful.



Federal prosecutors have not charged him with a crime, but his visa was revoked.

Elsayed said in a phone interview earlier this week that Trumps comments about banning Muslims from traveling to the United States angered him, but he never intended to harm anyone.



Trump has used especially tough talk on immigration during his campaign. He has vowed to build a wall along the entire Mexican border and called for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha has come out in support of JNSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and has expressed happiness over his release from Tihar jail. Kanhaiya, who faces sedition charges, was released on bail on Thursday.

Sinha said he hoped Kanhaiya will prove himself worthy of all the support he received from everyone.

"Happy about the grant of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison. Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," Sinha said in a series of tweets.

<1/2>Happy about the grant of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison.  Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 4, 2016

Voicing support for Kanhaiya, Sinha said that Kanhaiya had not said anything that amount to sedition.

"Have heard transcript of speech of Kanhaiya, our Bihar boy president of JNUSU. He has said nothing anti national or against constitution. Hope wish and pray that he's release soon, sooner the better," Sinha tweeted.



"It is a seat of learning for some of India's brightest young minds & also some very respectable teachers. Save it from further embarrassment, he tweeted.

<2/2>..Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged.  Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 4, 2016

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Claiming that JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar is an activist, leaders of Communist parties today said he will campaign for the Left Front in the five assembly poll-bound states.



He (Kanhaiya Kumar) is a Left activist. As a Left activist, he will naturally campaign (for the parties). It is often said that youth is not attracted to the Left. What they have to say about yesterdays meeting in JNU? CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.



Kumar is a leader of All India Students Federation (AISF), the students wing of CPI.



CPI national secretary D Raja said there is a demand for Kanhaiya to campaign in different parts of the country.



As a student activist, political activist he is likely to campaign for us. There are demands for him to campaign in many places. We will have to see how it works out, Raja said.



West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will go to polls in April and May.



Kumar was arrested on the charge of sedition three weeks ago for allegedly raising anti-India slogans. The governments move had triggered a massive outcry in the country.



The JNUSU President was released yesterday from Tihar jail, after he granted interim bail for six months by the High Court on Wednesday on condition that he will cooperate in the ongoing investigation and has to present himself before the police as and when required.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

A Kashmir based politician has formed a unique group with the name of Bhartiya Modi Army, a leading daily reported today. The group aims to check the development and the loopholes in the schemes initiated by PM Narendra Modi.

The medical practitioner turned politician is based in North Kashmirs Bandipore village. As per the report, Manzoor Ahmad Mir claims to have formed an army of 8000 Kashmiri youths who will be keeping eye on the Central sponsored projects.

The group has established an office at the citys posh locality Rajbagh, incidentally the BJP already had an office here.

Mir, who hails from Brar village, has a small medical shop in the village. He introduced his party at SKICC during a function last week for the first time.

However, BJP has distanced itself from Modi Army and said that it has no affiliation with any such group. Moreover, the party have termed the group as a self-styled organization that has been created to fool the people.

BJP General Secretary Ashok Kaul said that BJP has no affiliation with the Modi army and people should not fall in the trap of its organisers.

We have no party under this name and whoever is using Modis or party name must be exposed to the public, Kaul said, adding, some people are out in the market to exploit gullible people and asked people to be cautious.

Now, the BJP has written to Jammu and Kashmir police, over formation of Bharatiya Modi army in the state.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

The Poorvanchal Sena leader Adarsh Sharma, who announced Rs. 11 lakh reward for killing JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar, spoke exclusively to News Nation. In the conversation, Adarsh Sharma said that he stands by his view that Kanhaiya Kumar should be shot down.

Q.1 What is the reason behind this announcement?

Kanhaiya has brought shame to the land of Bihar. I am citizen of Bihar which is the state of Buddha, Ashoka and Jains. But this man brought shame to my state. Thats why he should be shot.

Q2. Will you take law into your own hands, and kill anyone who opposes your ideology?

There is a way of putting things, there is certain method of putting up your views. Kanhaiya is politicising his views. He is indulged in anti-national activities to garner publicity. He is anti-national, and whoever is an anti-national should be killed.

Q3. How do you differentiate of somebody being a Nationalist or antinational?

I hail from a place which has been the bastion of communists. And I can very precisely say that every communist is an anti-national. In their strongholds they supress the voices of people who dont stand by their views. This is not politics this is hooliganism.

Q4. This is what exactly you are doing, you are also indulging in hooliganism?

We are doing this as we are compelled to this. Something has to be done to stop such elements, thats why I had to issue posters.

Q5. Wouldnt it been better if you had gone to police and sought legal action against Kanhaiya?

Indian Law is very weak. Had it been strong such activities wouldnt have took place. Any person who hurts the sentiments of Indian people should be shot.

Q6. Will you kill them to stop them?

I am a follower of Bahgat Singh, Sukhdev and Nathuram Godse. I stand by what I said. I am not a follower of Gandhi. I will shoot them, people from my group will shoot them and we will create such atmosphere in the country where people will start thinking about Nationalism.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Seeking more choices, President Pranab Mukherjees office has returned to the HRD Ministry a file recommending nomination to a vacant seat in the Executive Council of the Aligarh Muslim University.



Earlier, the names of senior TV journalist Rajat Sharma and eminent scientist Vijay P Bhatkar, who is also the National President of RSS-linked Vijnana Bharati, had been returned by the President.



Three of the 28 members on the AMU Executive council are recommended by the Ministry for which the Presidents nod is necessary as he is the Visitor of the institution.



This is not for the first time that the President has taken a view different from that of the Smriti Irani headed HRD Ministry.



It is learnt that the President had ignored the HRD Ministrys recommendation while choosing M Jagadeesh as the JNU Vice Chancellor.



There have also been reports that in the matter related to former Visva Bharati VC Sushanta Dattagupta, who was eventually sacked, the Presidents office and HRD ministry had certain differences.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

Even Islamic State hasn't thought of such a thing which powers them of snatching lives of nothing less than 1 million people within few moments in Iraq.



With no guns or ammunition, Mosul dam has indirectly powered the terror outfit for creating panic like situation.



It has turned out to be one of the biggest concerns for Iraqi engineers who were involved in making giant Mosul dam. The engineers have warned that the risk of its imminent collapse and the consequent death toll could be even worse than reported.



According to a report published pressure on the dams compromised structure was building up rapidly as winter snows melted and more water flowed into the reservoir, bringing it up to its maximum capacity, while the sluice gates normally used to relieve that pressure were jammed shut.



Islamic State had forcefully taken custody of the dam in 2014 and since then no repair work has been done which makes it more prone to disastrous 20-metre-high flood wave hitting the city of Mosul and then rolling on down the Tigris valley through Tikrit and Samarra to Baghdad.



In normal course of repair, injection filled with concrete are pushed to keep dam base solid but with Islamic State over it the chasms in the porous rock under the dam have become bigger and more dangerous. If no quick action is taken on this then it is very likely that dam will not be able to survive the increasing water pressure.



As a security measure, Iraqi government has asked people to shift at least 6 kms away from the river banks.



No one knows how many days people have to save their live. There are chances that dam could survive for a year or even collapse tomorrow.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
New Delhi:

After a Pakistani boat was seized by BSF in Kutch, an alert has been issued by Intelligence Bureau regarding infiltration at Indo-Pak border. Alert issued on Saturday mentions that nearly 8-10 LeT terrorists have entered India via Kutch.



It has been learnt that high profile temples like Somnath and Dwarka are on the hit-list of these terrorists.



A Pakistani fishing boat was seized by a BSF patrol party after its occupants fled upon seeing the border security personnel in the Koteshwar creek area off the Kutch coast along the Indo-Pakistan border.



A Pakistani fishing boat was seized yesterday from the Koteshwar creek area after its occupants fled to the Pakistani side on seeing a patrol party, BSF officials said.



Nothing suspicious was found in the boat, they said.



This is the fifth such seizure in that area by BSF in the last five months. Last month too they had seized one boat from the Koteshwar creek area.



Earlier in January, a boat was found in the Sir Creek area. In December last year, a fishing boat was seized from Padala creek near Koteshwar while in November, two fishing boats were found in another area of Kutch.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
DANBURY  Over more than two decades, the Hord Foundation has helped 1,500 Danbury-area African-American students attend college. More than $4 million in scholarships has been awarded, thanks to the foundations fundraising efforts and donations from the community.

The foundation will host its largest annual fundraiser, The Annual Hord Foundation Gala, on March 12 at the Amber Room Colonnade, 1 Stacey Road.

The gala usually accounts for more than half of the foundations annual fundraising efforts. Tickets at $150 per person can be purchased online at www.hordfoundation.org. There will also be a silent auction, and attendees can donate to the scholarship fund at the gala.

My philosophy has always been that you can do something thats important and worthwhile and have fun, said Noel Hord, co-founder of The Hord Foundation.

Hord added that the gala is a great way for the community to support the local youths.

I think we all have a role to help make sure that deserving students get an education, he said.

The event begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and a program recognizing three former recipients and two community honorees. The night ends with dancing.

Hord started the foundation with his late wife 27 years ago as a way to support the NAACPs scholarship efforts. When that program ended in 1992, the couple decided to start the Hord Foundation and to continue the fundraising gala under that name.

Our goal is to encourage and reward excellence, said Hord, adding that he has relied on the support of his wife, Tamar, and his children, Michelle Hord White and Noel D. Hord.

About 75 students in Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Redding and Ridgefield are selected for scholarships annually based on their GPAs, community involvement and financial need. Last year the recipients average GPA was 3.5.

The foundation is in a relatively small community thats producing outstanding adults and contributors around the country, Hord said. Im very proud of that.

The audience will have the opportunity to hear from three of them at the gala, including a doctoral candidate at Columbia University, a graduate of Saint Louis University now teaching in North Carolina and a man who started a charter school in Harlem, N.Y.

This year, Thomas Fanning, president of Ability Beyond, will receive the foundations humanitarian award, and Edward Robbs, principal at Broadview Middle School, will receive its Lifetime Achievement Award.

Youre talking about two individuals who have had significant contributions to the Hord Foundation and the Danbury area, Hord said.

The foundation began awarding the humanitarian award five years ago and the lifetime achievement award 12 years ago to recognize those doing important work for the foundation and in the service of others.

Robbs said he has always supported the foundation, which was started by his childhood friend, including flying from California for the gala when it started and then volunteering for the foundation when he moved to Connecticut in 1998. He said the foundations mission is extremely important and special.

Its been very successful and its only because of the generosity of the community, Robbs said.

He said many of his former students have won the award.

I hope people come out and continue the tremendous work that the volunteers and foundation do for our young people in the Danbury area, he said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345; @kkoerting
TORONTO, March 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Mercedes-Benz Canada and Compass Group Canada joined forces to host their first annual Retail Experience Innovation Competition (CXI) in Toronto. While Mercedes-Benz Canada and Compass Group Canada are known as highly successful and innovative organizations in their respective industries, they felt that they needed to do something different to fully utilize the potential of creative Canadian startups to boost the retail customer experience.

It was only three months ago that Ralph Ostertag from Mercedes-Benz Canada and Humza Teherany from Compass Group Canada were chatting informally. Despite their companies' different product offerings, they soon realized that they were facing similar challenges, especially in their retail customer experience environments. They surmised that working with young startups could very well be the key to creating and executing these much needed solutions with a shorter turnaround and a more focused approach than by using traditional means.

"Our mission as the number one manufacturer in the luxury car segment in Canada is to delight our customers and make them into fans of our products and our brand. In the digital age where opportunities come and go quickly, collaboration with nimble startups is essential to win the race for the best retail customer experience. Our Retail Experience Innovation Competition is a new and different way of connecting startup champions with premium enterprises to further drive innovation in Canada," said Ralph Ostertag, Chief Information Officer, Mercedes-Benz Canada, Mexico and Latin America.

"As an industry leader in hospitality, retail and food services, we understand that to grow and maintain our market dominance over the long term, it's all about driving great consumer experiences, through innovation," said Humza Teherany, Chief Innovation Officer, Compass Group Canada. "Young startups offer the agility and creative thinking that larger organizations require to unplug innovation bottlenecks along with access to new energy, talent and enthusiasm."

With the proliferation of young and very successful Canadian startups, it was a timely opportunity for both firms to seek out potential associates to help them develop turnkey retail experience solutions. It was decided that the search for these partners would be done in the form of a startup competition.

Mercedes-Benz Canada and Compass Group Canada turned to TWG (The Working Group) whose invaluable experience helped them conceptualize the CXI competition, build its numerous components and organize the event. A few weeks ago, TWG cast a wide net to invite as many startups as possible to enter the competition. A significant number of them responded and it was an arduous task for the committee to pare down the number of applicants to six startups.

This very strong field of contenders, listed below, presented to a group of discerning judges comprising of the companies' CEO's and CIO's, Baba Shiv, Professor at Stanford University and the Marketing Director at TWG.

The six presenting startups were:

Candid: Providing powerful tools for building community and driving revenue from Instagram. Using fresh and authentic content to increase conversion and sales as well as generate higher user engagement.

Chargespot: A smart platform to help to turn power into a powerful customer engagement and retention tool using wireless charging triggers and engaging customers while providing them with an invaluable service.

Nudge Rewards: Harnessing the combined power of smartphone technology, performance feedback, social competition and incentives to mobilize the team, drive sales, improve productivity or operational performance.

Sampler: Helping brands distribute product samples to customers through digital channels in more targeted and measurable ways than in traditional strategies. A digital sampling program that converts consumers to the clients' own marketing channels.

Spently: Maximizing a business' transactional emails as a marketing tool to effectively provide an on-brand customer experience after the point of purchase and reward existing customers with relevant promotions.

teaBOT: Building and distributing a robot that makes customized tea. teaBOT makes customized cups of grab-and-go loose leaf tea to create a new consumer experience where grab-and-go and made-to-order food meets robotics.

All six startups delivered compelling and passionate eight-minute pitches that were followed by a Q&A from the judges who were not afraid to ask tough questions. Following a much longer than expected deliberation, the judges agreed unanimously that each of the six startups had very interesting propositions which made their decisions all the more difficult.

In addition to sizable cash prizes, there was the riveting possibility for any of the startups to earn one or even two pilots to actually develop and implement their idea at their newly acquired client(s), Mercedes-Benz Canada and/or Compass Group Canada. The judges' choices were:

1st place (Cash prize of $12,000) teaBOT 2nd place (Cash prize of $6,000) Candid People's Choice Award (Cash prize of $2,000) Nudge Rewards Compass Group pilot winner Nudge Rewards Mercedes-Benz pilot winner Nudge Rewards

Jordan Ekers, Partner at Nudge Rewards said, "We were delighted to be invited to participate in the CXI. It was the perfect platform to ignite a discussion around how the disruptive solutions of small businesses can be applied to solve large-scale enterprise problems. We're thrilled to have been chosen to launch Nudge Rewards with two forward-thinking businesses and to be able to drive their team performance."

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the Mercedes-Benz and AMG passenger vehicles, Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. employs approximately 1,400 people in 21 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 11 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 46 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 44,526 vehicles in 2015. This represents the best year ever for the company and has positioned Mercedes-Benz as the top luxury manufacturer in Canada for the second consecutive year.

About Compass Canada

Compass Group Canada became a market leader in contract foodservice and facilities management through a simple recipe: great people, great service and great results. This easy-to-follow recipe serves millions across the nation, from serving delicious, nutritious meals at school cafeterias, corporate cafes, hospitals and remote camps to routine cleaning and maintenance services at your workplace and airports. Chances are good that if you're hungry and away from home, you've tasted Compass Group's award-winning food and experienced our exceptional support services.

About TWG

Founded in 2002, TWG is a world-class team of software engineers, product designers and product managers located in downtown Toronto. Its mission is to build software applications for the world's most innovative companies while keeping values such as problem solving, reliability, craftsmanship and collaboration close to heart. TWG's roots are in software development and, as the web has evolved, so has TWG. The company believes that software is the most powerful tool available to create impact for its clients. TWG's toolkit blends lean and agile methodologies with human-centred design philosophies to generate real, measurable results.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Image with caption: "Nudge Rewards wins Compass Group Canada pilot during the Retail Experience Innovation Competition (CXI) in Toronto. From left to right: Humza Teherany, Chief Innovation Officer of Compass Group Canada, Jordan Ekers, Vice President, Business Development of Nudge Rewards, Lindsey Goodchild, CEO of Nudge Rewards, Saajid Khan, CEO of Compass Group Canada and ESS North America. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160304_C3052_PHOTO_EN_635708.jpg

Image with caption: "Nudge Rewards wins Mercedes-Benz Canada pilot during the Retail Experience Innovation Competition (CXI) in Toronto. From left to right: Gareth T. Joyce, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada, Jordan Ekers, Vice President, Business Development of Nudge Rewards, Lindsey Goodchild, CEO of Nudge Rewards, Ralph Ostertag, Chief Information Officer of Mercedes-Benz Canada, Mexico and Latin America. (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160304_C3052_PHOTO_EN_635726.jpg

For further information: Mercedes-Benz Canada: JoAnne Caza, [email protected], 416-847-7550; Nathalie Gravel, [email protected], 416-847-7509; Compass Group Canada: Saira Husain, [email protected], 905-568-4636 x7432; TWG: Alison Gibbins, [email protected], 647-537-2229
TRUMP: THE ONLY CANDIDATE THAT CAN SAVE AMERICA

By Ann Herzer, M.A.

March 5, 2016

NewsWithViews.com

Please Vote for Trump in Arizona March 22

I am working every day possible to get out the vote for Donald Trump for President in our Primary Election, March 22. Why? Because, I truly believe he can turn around our country and rebuild the economy by bringing back companies who have gone elsewhere for economic reasons. He has a plan. Read his recent book! I have not heard a concrete plan from any other candidate running for President. Have you? Materialism is not our first interest, but we must eat and have shelter and protection for ourselves, family and children, so we need a job to do provide the necessities of life that give us dignity as individuals and citizens.

I also believe Donald Trump will do everything possible to secure our borders and make the USA a safe place, once again, to live. He is not against immigrants, never has been; he just wants to make sure we are safe from illegal criminals filtering into our nation, and uphold our immigration laws. What's wrong with that? I see nothing wrong with that. We are a nation of immigrants, but most came legally and we created a melting-pot of great citizens who helped create the greatest nation on the face of the Earth. We have been a symbol for freedom- seekers throughout our time, and we continue to be, but we can't take in the whole world, or protect it.

Ask yourself this: Why would this man be against immigrants when his wife is one, his mother was one, and so was his grandfather? The most important job of government is to secure the safety of its citizens. Is this bigotry? I think not! Donald Trump fully understands this simple concept of putting America first!

Donald Trump will see that our brave veterans are helped and he will demand immediate care for those in need. He is a man of his word!

He will produce jobs once again in our nation by rebuilding our outdated bridges, roads etc. This will help rebuild our economy and secure jobs for unemployed citizens. This will reduce welfare and give citizens hope and dignity.

Donald Trump knows how to work with union members for a fair shake for all. He has done this for years. He has hired citizens of all race, and gender to help him build his fortune. He has always tried to hire the very best, and I truly believe he will surround himself with the best once he is president. After all, he wants to succeed, not fail. This is what all smart people do. I for one am tired of failures and excuses from Congress, and Presidents..present and past.

He takes no "dark money". He is spending his own money because he believes in us and our nation of laws. He wants these laws upheld like most other citizens. That is what our Constitution is all about...a legal document to guide, protect, and direct us.

No nation has done more to protect the freedom of others than ours. The cemeteries around the world speak to this truth. But, now, I believe is the time for us to protect our own freedom by electing a patriot, and the only one I see running for president is Donald Trump. Of course he fights back when he is attacked. Some say his uses politically incorrect language, so what? Isn't it time some American speak directly to the people in plain language that rings of truth? Rest assured, this is one reason Donald Trump is leading in the polls and will continue to the finish line as the winner with your help. The people are tired of promises made by career politicians, vested interest, dark PAC money, and above all unethical lies by individuals why put their vested interest first. America needs a true patriot once again, and I believe that Donald Trump is that man.

Donald Trump loves children. If you don't believe this take a look at his family that he holds close.

He is not afraid to stand up to foreign nations who have taken advantage of America through trade agreements....that they have not kept.

I believe he truly loves and supports the USA Constitution and will put our interests FIRST where it should have been all along.

The controlled opposition Republican, Democrat and internationalists with vested interests are working hard to defeat this brave man. Please help me get Donald Trump elected, and help us all help him rebuild America.

 2016 Ann Herzer  All Rights Reserved

[ P.S. In order to help Mr. Trump we need to increase the hits to reach more people. Please use this material, and call into talk radio programs (like Rush Limbaugh) and mention NewsWithViews.com on the air while discussing the content of this article, write letters to newspaper editors, and speak to your friends. Spread the word, and in doing so, we have a chance to save America.]

Please, click on "Mass E-mailing" below and send this article to all your friends .

i 2016 Ann Herzer - All Rights Reserved

Ann Herzer, M. A. Independent Researcher, Graduate in History/Reading/Education from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. Former Candidate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction 1982 and 1986. For years Ann was an active member of the Republican Party in Arizona. She worked for, and supported Senator Barry M. Goldwater for President in 1964. Ann does not, and has never belonged to any neo-conservative splinter group of the Council for National Policy. She believes "secret" groups are destructive to our Constitutional Republic. She is equally as concerned about the "far-left" groups like the CFR who help establish policy in our government at all levels, exactly as ALEC the "far-right" now does. She believes after thirty-five years of research that these two groups have the same agenda.

E:Mail: Not available
Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo celebrated his 79th birthday on Saturday and he took a retrospective look at the Economic and Financial C...

The event held at the International Conference Centre, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.He said the ex-EFCC boss handled the job so well, and people coined the saying that the the fear of Ribadu was the beginning of wisdom. But the former president bemoaned the fate of the anti-graft agency, describing it as a toothless bulldog.He said, looking in the direction of Ribadu, who was present at the event:As all know when Nuhu Ribadu was handling the EFCC, he handled it in such a way that people coined the saying that the fear of Ribadu is the beginning of wisdom.And the thing you will ask is, how did we go down? How did we lose that, how did we, Nuhu Ribadu is still here, he is still alive, the institution that we started together is still there, what made the institution to become a toothless bull dog?Obasanjo emphasised the need to be serious as a nation, if the nation really wants to develop.We need to work things out so that we dont take two steps forward, one step and three steps backward, he said.Talking about fighting terrorism and insurgency, the former president recommended the deployment of technology to fight insurgents both at local and global levels.Obasanjo who made reference to the theme of the international colloquium: Human Security, Violent Extremism and Radicalisation: Seeking Sustainable Solutions held on Saturday as a prelude to his birthday celebration, noted that the deployment of technology became imperative because the insurgents were equally deploying technology to unleash terror on innocent people.The former president further added that since technology was in our homes, in our pockets, it should be used to ward off those who made life unbearable for others.Eminent Nigerians including former governors, serving ministers and the host governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun paid glowing tributes to the former president, describing as a nationalist, an icon and a special gift to the country.Amosun, described him as a nationalist, who is neither ethno-centric nor an irredentist. He added that Baba puts Nigeria first in everything he does.On his own part, the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonaya Onu, described Obasanjo as aspecial gift to our country, Nigeria, because every time the country had faced any challenge God has used him to solve that challenge.The founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo later prayed for the celebrant, requesting that God should grant him more years to continue to serve humanity.Other personalities present at the event include former governors of Osun and Cross River, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Liyel Imoke, wife of the late former governor of Ondo State, Mrs Olufunke Agagu, and Lotto magnate and Chief Kessington Adebutu.
The Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, on Saturday cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes ...

The Deputy National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, on Saturday cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on what he described as its stringent administrative bail conditions.He said the conditions help to promote corrupt practices in the name of fighting corruption.Secondus, who said such conditions would not help the anti corruption war of the present administration, also explained that he did not collect 23 exotic cars from Mr. Jide Omokore, as alleged by the EFCC.The immediate past acting National Chairman of PDP, stated this in a statement titled keeping records straight.He added that there was no truth in the allegations that he collected 23 exotic cars purchased from proceeds of oil swap.Describing the allegation against him as baseless, the Secondus explained that he only received two cars and buses as gift from his friend staggered between 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.It will be recalled that Secondus was granted administrative bail on Wednesday night, after spending eight days in EFCC detention over allegation that he collected 23 cars from Omokore.Secondus also described his arrest and detention by the EFCC as part of political intimidation by the All Progressives Congress against the opposition political parties.Secondus frowned at his detention by the EFCC, which he blamed on what he termed political intimidation and harassment of political opponents.
THE Fulani community in Benue State, accused of killing hundreds in Agatu in Benue State, said on Thursday that the crisis started after...

THE Fulani community in Benue State, accused of killing hundreds in Agatu in Benue State, said on Thursday that the crisis started after 10,000 of cattle belonging to its members were killed by Agatu natives.Ado Boderi, who spoke on behalf of the Fulani community on Thursday, during a meeting between Agatu community, Fulani community and Police Inspector General Solomon Arase, said criminal elements from both sides escalated the crisis despite the quick intervention of the governor.He said that Fulani herdsmen were a peace-loving people, whose main concern was the problem of cattle rustling.Akpa Iduh, who spoke on behalf of the Agatu people, decried the continued unprovoked attacks on his people by Fulani mercenaries.Mr. Iduh, who said that the crisis started over five decades ago, lamented that it had recently turned into a war because of the types of weapons the herdsmen were using against them.He alleged that the Fulani mercenaries were killing both children and pregnant women on sight, adding that they were powerless after embracing the Benue Amnesty Programme and surrendered illegal arms to government.The herdsmen are bent on turning our land into their grazing area, thereby rendering us homeless and without food.Is it because we are minority and poor that they are using their numerical advantage and wealth against us?We are going to remain in Agatu until the day they have succeeded in killing all of us.The Inspector- General of Police, Solomon Arase, said in Makurdi that the force had deployed enough policemen to end the clashes between Agatu farmers and herdsmen in Benue.Mr. Arase, who was on a fact-finding mission to the state, made the assertion at a meeting between Agatu farmers and herdsmen.He disclosed that the force had deployed additional four units of police teams to the area to arrest the situation.I am in Benue on the directives of Mr President on a fact- finding mission and to also see if there is a way to resolve the crisis.We have enough security officers to end the ongoing crisis between farmers and herdsmen in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue.We have also deployed additional four units of police teams in the area to arrest the situation.There is no way we can all live together without having disagreements with one another at some point; it is the way we manage the disagreements that matters.Both the farmers and herdsmen must learn to cohabit with one another as a nation for the peace and progress of our people, he said.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has directed the states Human Rights Commission to wade into the alleged abduction of a 14-year...

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has directed the states Human Rights Commission to wade into the alleged abduction of a 14-year-old Miss Patience Paul, on August 12, 2015.This came as Pan-Idoma group, Opiatoha K Idoma, yesterday, pleaded with the Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammed Saad Abubakar III, and Inspector General, Solomon Arase, to intervene and ensure the girl was released without delay.The governors directive came against the backdrop of reports of forcible abduction of the Benue-born girl, who was alleged to be held in the palace of the Sultan. The governor, in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said the commission should conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and report to him.The statement read: On the case of alleged forceful abduction/forceful conversion of 15-year-old Patience Paul from Benue State, in Sokoto State, I wish to make the following statement. On Wednesday, March 2, Governor Aminu Tambuwal directed the state Human Rights Commission to undertake a thorough investigation into the allegations and report same to the government.In the interim, the Human Rights Commission was asked to present an interim report and update the public with all information as it becomes available. In the first 24 hours, the Commission has contacted the Sultanate Council and the state police command for a briefing.The Commission has also spoken to the state Hisbah Commission, as well as the person whose phone number was given in the initial allegation made online. Despite efforts, however, the Rights Commission has been unable to contact the family of Patience Paul or anyone who will shed more light on the allegations. It has now opened a public plea, urging Ms Pauls family or representatives to contact it for a detailed briefing.
The Department of State Services said on Saturday that it had arrested one Garba Abubakar, who it claimed was a gun fabricator for Boko H...

It said that Abubakar was arrested in Jos, Plateau State, during a special tactical operation by the Service.A statement issued by the departments spokesman Tony Opuiyo, said that the arrest was in line with the Services statutory mandate, and avowed commitment to national security.He described Abubakar, an engineer who was arrested on March 2, 2016, as a major gun fabricator, arms-runner and a covert linkman/courier for the Boko Haram group.Opuiyo claimed that during the arrest, two pistols, 80 rounds of live ammunition and several sensitive documents were recovered from him.He added that in a bid to employ propaganda to manipulate the international community against the efforts of the Federal Government, in the ongoing war against terror in the North-West region, the suspect had approached a foreign mission in Nigeria for logistics and financial support to fight the Boko Haram.The statement said, However, unknown to the mission, he is actually an unauthorized gun-maker/runner with intent for mischief and communal strife in the North-Central region.He added that in furtherance of exploited leads, the Service apprehended other suspected associates of the gun-runner.Those listed were Umar Khalil Muhammed and Mohammed Yakubu Tahir, aka Mallam Yaro, who he said were also apprehended March 2.Opuiyo said that Muhammed was arrested at Layin Oscar in Jos South LGA, while Tahir was apprehended up at Mista Ali area, along Jos-Zaria road in Bassa LGA.Opuiyo said, The duo are accomplices and active marketers of Abubakar and his products to criminal elements in the North-Central region of the Country.In strengthening its counter-terrorism strategy, he said that the Service also arrested one Armayau Yakubu a.k.a Ali Tekwando, Yakubu Sule and Usman Ibrahim on 3rd March, 2016, at Hayin Danmani area in Kaduna metropolis.He alleged that the three men were members of an extremist cell under the coordination of Yakubu, with affiliation to the proscribed extremist group, ANSARU.Opuiyo further alleged that the three suspects had been perfecting plans to travel to Sudan, for terrorist training with other radical elements of the group.He reemphasize the resolve of the Service to sustain the fight against organized vices and criminalities by terrorists, kidnappers, fraudsters and other deviant elements in the country.Opuiyo urged law abiding Nigerians and indeed, all residents to continue to support law enforcement/security agencies, with proactive and actionable intelligence, for the sustenance of peace, law and order.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who spoke through the Presidency on Friday, said the present administration had no plan to dump the free s...

President Muhammadu Buhari, who spoke through the Presidency on Friday, said the present administration had no plan to dump the free school feeding scheme which is an aspect of the social intervention programme of his administration.The Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, stated this in an interview with our correspondent.The assurance came on the heels of Buharis recent declaration at an interactive session in Saudi Arabia that he would not fulfill the All Progressives Congress electoral promise of paying N5,000 monthly allowances to unemployed youths in the country.The Presidents declaration fueled speculations that his administration may decide to dump the remaining five aspects of the social intervention programme.The six aspects of the social intervention programme include the Teach Nigeria Scheme; the Youth Employment Agency; Conditional Cash Transfer; Micro Credit Scheme, Home Grown School Feeding and Free Education Scheme for Science Students.But Akande told our correspondent that there was no plan to dump the school feeding scheme.He said the Federal Government was committed to its success and those of other aspects of the intervention programme.Akande said, I dont know of any dumping of the school feeding programme. The free school feeding programme is going forward. Dont forget that the programme has already been budgeted for in the 2016 Budget currently before the National Assembly.It will be recalled that shortly after Buharis declaration in Saudi, Akande had said the President never promised to pay unemployed graduates N5, 000 monthly.Akande had said the provision the government made in the 2016 Budget currently before the National Assembly is to pay N5,000 monthly to one million extremely poor Nigerians and not the unemployed graduates.He said the promise to the poor still stands.He explained that a provision for half a trillion naira had been made in the budget for social investment, which he said included the payment for the extremely poor.Akande said, The budget for 2016 which has been submitted to the National Assembly has made an allocation of half a trillion naira, the first time in the history of this countrys budget where you have that huge chunk of money allocated for social investment.In that N500bn, close to about 10 per cent of the entire budget, there are six social safety net programmes.One of them is the Conditional Cash Transfer where government is going to pay N5,000 monthly to the vulnerable and extremely poor Nigerians. That promise stands.The President never promised to pay unemployed graduates N5,000; the President never made that promise and the government never made that claim that it would pay N5,000 to unemployed graduates.The programme for unemployed graduates is the direct creation of half a million teaching jobs so that they will be trained; 500, 000 unemployed graduates will be trained to teach and they will be deployed to teach, while they are looking for their career paths or jobs. That still stands!In addition to that, there is also a scheme to train 370, 000 non-graduate youths for skill acquisition and vocational training. During the time of that training, they will also be paid.So, the President did not say that he would be giving unemployed graduates N5, 000.The N5,000 monthly which is already in the budget is for the vulnerable Nigerians and the extremely poor, and this year by the grace of God, once the budget is okay, one million extremely poor Nigerians will receive N5, 000 monthly.Akande had said the school feeding programme would be entirely homegrown, unlike previous Federal Governments plans which relied on importation.He said, Homegrown school feeding programme will commence in public primary schools this year to provide adequate nutrition to school children, promote local farming, boost agriculture and create jobs and wealth locally.
The Ogun State Police Command has debunked the rumour making the round on Saturday,that there was violence between the Yoruba and Hausa ...

The Ogun State Police Command has debunked the rumour making the round on Saturday,that there was violence between the Yoruba and Hausa community in Ogere area of the state.In a statement issued by the Commands Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, he described the news as baseless and untrue.The statement read, The attention of the Ogun State police command has been drawn to a rumour in circulation that there is an ethnic clash between Yoruba and Hausa in Ogere,Ogun State.The command wishes to debunk d rumour. Such news is baseless and not true.Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police said the command is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure peaceful co-existence among tribal groups in the state.He added that the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Ali had urged members of the public to disregard the rumour and go about their lawful businesses as there was no breach of peace in any part of Ogun State.It added, All hands have been on deck to maintain the peaceful coexistence we enjoy in the state.
CAMDEN -- Two brothers from opposite ends of the country were sentenced Friday to decades in prison while their brother -- a Jamaican dancehall DJ who previously lived in Gloucester County -- awaits a retrial.

Kemar Davis, left, and Roger Davis, right.

Kemar Davis, 25, of Hollywood, California, was sentenced to 20 years in state prison with 12 years of parole ineligibility. Roger Davis, 38, of Roslyn, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 10 years in state prison with three years of parole ineligibility.

The sentences were handed down by Superior Court Judge John T. Kelley and the two had previously pleaded guilty to the charges against them.

Their well-known brother, Andrew "Flippa Mafia" Davis, 37, of Kingston, Jamaica, previously hailed from Swedesboro. He was convicted late last year of leading a narcotics trafficking network and more, but the jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on that charge. He is expected to be re-tried this spring.

According to authorities, Andrew Davis allegedly directed Kemar Davis -- the ring's alleged co-leader -- and others to ship the cocaine from California to New Jersey, the Associated Press reported.

The charges against Kemar and Roger Davis were part of a Jan. 10, 2014 indictment stemming from "Operation Next Day Air," an investigation led by the New Jersey State Police, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Division of Criminal Justice. More than 26 kilograms of cocaine, valued at $960,000, were seized along with two handguns and more than $500,000 in cash.

"This case sends a powerful message to drug traffickers who sell addiction, misery and death into our communities -- no matter where you live, we're going to investigate you, track you down, and bring you to justice," New Jersey Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said in a statement.

The multi-department investigation targeted large quantities of cocaine allegedly being shipped by the drug ring through parcel delivery services to New Jersey for distribution to other drug suppliers and dealers.

Marsha G. Bernard, 34, of Cherry Hill, was also part of the drug ring, according to the Attorney General's office. She was convicted earlier this month of first-degree distribution of cocaine, second-degree money laundering, and second-degree conspiracy and sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
VOORHEES TOWNSHIP -- Maria Gonzalez never gave up hope.

It had been nearly three years since her puppy Rihanna was stolen from her backyard in the Bronx, but Gonzalez always held out hope the microchip implanted in her beloved white boxer mix would lead her home one day.

Rihanna, a white boxer mix, pictured as a puppy just before she was stolen from Maria Gonzalez's backyard in the Bronx. She was turned up three years later in Camden County, more than 100 miles away. (Photo provided)

When Gonzalez's phone rang on Feb. 18 and a staff member of the Voorhees Animal Orphanage on the other line told her Rihanna was found at last, more than a 100 miles away in South Jersey, however, she couldn't believe it.

"I don't know how she got that far," said Gonzalez on Friday. "But I thank God she's with me now. I'm making up the time with her now."

The joyful reunion was captured on video and made possible by volunteers at the nonprofit, no-kill shelter who were so moved by Rihanna's story they went the extra miles, literally, and drove her back to New York.

"I got the call saying 'Guess what? Your baby's coming home,' and I started crying right there," said Gonzalez, starting to tear up again on the phone.

Voorhees Animal Orphanage Kennel Manager Laurie Ballard said Rihanna was brought into their shelter on Feb. 17 by two men who said the boxer was dumped on a front lawn in Stratford Township.

Rihanna was scared and nervous, Ballard, said, so it wasn't until the next day they were able to scan her for a microchip and discovered not only did she have a home, she had been stolen and the animal equivalent of an Amber Alert was put out for her recovery nearly three years ago.

"We we're like, 'Oh my gosh,'" said Ballard, who said out-of-state microchip addresses usually mean a dog has been dumped or the owners never updated their location. "It was definitely almost like a miracle on our end, we were all really excited."

Rihanna pictured just before reuniting with her family after being missing for nearly three years. (Photo provided)

Once they got ahold of Gonzalez, who was overjoyed at the news but unsure she'd be able to make the trek down to South Jersey, the shelter's volunteers arranged the trip, packed up a case full of dog food, treats and shelter t-shirts and headed north.

Rihanna knew her family as soon as she saw them.

"She recognized all of us, and was jumping on me and kissing me," said Gonzalez. "I was so, so happy."

Ballard said there's no way to know at this point how Rihanna ended up in Camden County and how she was treated in the years she was away from her family, which makes the reunion video that much more emotional.

"I cry every time I watch it, it feels so good and it's so touching," said Ballard. "Who knows where she has been and what she's been through?"

Back at home, Gonzalez said Rihanna is happy and healthy after reuniting with the family's two other dogs and now spends her nights curled up in Gonzalez's bed. Her son is so thrilled to have her back, he plans to frame his Voorhees Animal Orphanage t-shirt along with a photo of Rihanna.

"I'm thankful and I pray good things come to the people who brought her to me," Gonzalez said about the shelter, which is the midst of an ambitious capital campaign to replace its deteriorating facility. "Without them I'd never have seen her again."

Michelle Caffrey may be reached at mcaffrey@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShellyCaffrey. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
1005EaglesMG_47.JPG

Philadelphia Eagles safety Earl Wolff leaves the field after a game against the St. Louis Rams at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, October 5, 2014. The Eagles won the game 34-28. (Martin Griff | Times of Trenton)

(Martin Griff)

Former Eagles safety and current Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad member Earl Wolff was kidnapped at gunpoint last month and released unharmed, police said, according to the Fayetteville Observer.

The report says that the incident involving Wolff took place on Feb. 23, but authorities are unsure how long the 26-year-old was held.

"We are still following up on any leads that potential witnesses can give us," Fayetteville police spokesman Antoine Kincade told the newspaper.

Authorities have made an arrest in connection with Wolff's alleged kidnapping. Bobby Deshawn Bailey is behing held on $156,000 bail after being charged with robbery with a dangerous weapon, first-degree kidnapping, conspiracy, larceny, possession of marijuana and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Text messages and phone calls to Wolff by NJ Advance Media were not immediately returned. According to the report, Wolff is in good spirits after the ordeal:

Annabelle Meyers, assistant athletics director for communications at NC State, said she had spoken to Wolff. She said he was "really shook up" and did not wish to discuss the incident.

Tad Dickman, senior manager of public relations for the Jaguars,tweeted Saturday that Wolff was "doing well, mentally and physically."

The Eagles released Wolff in August after selecting him in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The North Carolina State product has 52 career tackles and one interception in 18 career NFL games.

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MDLombardo@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardo975. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.
NEWARK -- Following Donald Trump's repeated call during Thursday night's debate to cut the Environmental Protection Agency to save money, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez rallied in support of the agency.

Menendez (D-N.J.) also condemned the tone of the the most recent Republican presidential debate, and the fact the Gov. Chris Christie would support Trump, given his EPA position.

The frontrunner for the Republican presidential candidacy, Trump repeated prior calls to end the EPA during Fox's Thursday night debate.

"You have to judge, in the measurement of who you endorse, what they stand for," Menendez told NJ Advance Media on Friday.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) criticized Donald Trump's call to cut the EPA after the EPA announced on Friday, March 4, 2016, a historic plan to get 100 polluting companies to pay for a $1.38 billion cleanup of the Passaic River. (Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

"And (Thursday) night, Donald Trump once again reasserted that part of the way he is going to deal with the deficit is by eliminating the EPA. Well, then, I'm not surprised because he probably doesn't like the EPA engaged when he has to build buildings, he doesn't really care about the environment and how you affect it...You need someone to be the cop on the beat, and that's what the EPA is."

Of Christie's endorsement of Trump, Menendez said that "it's really, just in this dimension alone, pretty hard to comprehend, in the state that has the largest number of Superfund sites in the nation, that the governor would endorse someone who actually wants to end the agency that actually could do something about those sites."

Menendez was speaking at a press conference in which the EPA announced a $1.4 billion cleanup plan for the polluted Passaic River, one of the most polluted rivers in the country.

Other officials at the conference, including U.S. Senator Cory Booker, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District Colonel David Caldwell, declined comment when asked specifically about Trump's statement.

Christie has been criticized recently by the Sierra Club of New Jersey for "siding" with water polluters. However, Martin, who was at the conference on behalf of Christie, said in his speech that Christie was a longtime, strong supporter of Passaic River cleanup.

"Gov. Christie and I are committed to protecting all the waters in New Jersey. Since the first day of this administration, the governor and I have been committed to this project very specifically," he said. "We decided that this was going to be a priority for the state of New Jersey. ...The chosen remedy and this record of decision is strongly supported by Gov. Christie and myself."

EPA Region 2 Regional Administrator Judith Enck also declined comment on Trump's statement.

"We don't get in the middle of partisan politics," she said to NJ Advance Media. "I think our announcement today in Newark is a great example of why you need a strong EPA to clean up the toxic legacy of the past."

Christie's press spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment about what his thoughts on the EPA and Trump's statement.

Laura Herzog may be reached at lherzog@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LauraHerzogL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Andy Polhamus | For NJ.com

Deptford school bond: What you should know

Don't Edit

A long time coming

Deptford is one of three school Gloucester County districts that will vote on a multimillion-dollar bond referendum March 8. Deptford's proposal is the largest, with a total cost of $97,406,860. The township's last bond vote was in 2008, when voters rejected about $75 million in renovations and improvements intended to keep pace with the district's growing enrollment.

Im not here to convince you to vote yes or no, said Dr. Charles Ford, superintendent of Deptford schools. Im here to educate you on what my vision is: to make us the best school in Gloucester County.

Don't Edit

Two questions

The bond is divided into two questions. Question 1, which costs $68,576,150, would bring widespread security and facility upgrades to every school building in the district. Those upgrades range from vestibules adding another layer of security to an entire new wing at Monongahela Middle School. Question 2, which is written so that it cannot pass unless voters also approve Question 1, would install air conditioning at every school and costs $28,830,710. (file photo)

Don't Edit

(image provided)

Elementary schools

Question 1, in addition to bringing academic buildings into ADA compliance, would upgrade security at every school. Three elementary schools  Good Intent, Oak Valley and Lake Tract  would have auxiliary gyms added onto the existing structures. Pine Acres School would get four new classrooms, including permanent spaces for art and music classes that currently travel from room to room, while Oak Valley would add three new classrooms.

Don't Edit

(image provided)

Monongahela Middle School

Monongahela Middle School would receive a substantial addition of 16 new classrooms, with the aim of moving sixth-graders from the districts elementary schools into junior high. Question 1 also covers a new gym to accommodate the added students, along with new art and music rooms and new science labs. Five existing labs would be upgraded, and the roof of the current structure would be replaced. The middle school represents nearly a third of the referendum cost, with a total bill of $33,366,680.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

(photo provided)

Deptford High School

Deptford Township High School would also get a major addition under Question 1. A new two-story addition on the south side of the school would provide vocational training for special education students who currently take classes at the New Sharon building, as well as about 14,000 square feet of science lab space for use by STEM students. Numerous existing classrooms would be transformed as well: two outdated science labs would be converted into general education rooms, and two classrooms would be turned into adjoining science labs.

Don't Edit

Art and music

High school improvements go beyond the addition. If Question 1 passes, two high school music rooms will be renovated and the weight room will be expanded. The auditorium would also receive an extensive remodel.

Don't Edit

(file photo)

Tax impact

If only Question 1 passes, taxpayers will see an increase of $213.56 a year for a home assessed at the township average valuation of $179,080. If both questions pass, the increase will be $276.76. Funding from the state government would kick in a projected $10,134,639 for Question 1, and another $11,532,284 for Question 2.

Don't Edit

Debate

The referendum is not without controversy. One letter writer to the South Jersey Times referred to the projects as "a wish list of virtually every spending item that the school board could envision." Deptford's mayor, Paul Medany, also wrote in, pointing out that township council did not increase the municipal tax rate last year. "As a taxpayer, you need to know that your new tax bill will also have increases from some of the township's other taxing entities," he wrote.

Don't Edit

(Clay Jackson | AP Photo)

Voting

Ford responded to critics with a letter of his own. "An outdated infrastructure that has not been addressed in over ten years is the reality of our district and I must change that trend in order for our students to be able to compete with our surrounding communities," he said. "The students that we educate will soon become the backbone of our society and we must prepare all of them for this situation."

Voting will be held from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the gym of Deptford Township High School, 575 Fox Run Rd. Multiple videos on the referendum, as well as a slideshow, are available at deptford.k12.nj.us.

Don't Edit
WEST NEW YORK -- The lawyer for the driver in the West New York hit-and-run that killed a 7-year-old girl said her client was "one of the most remorseful" defendants she had ever represented, with a child of his own the same age as the victim.

"Everybody loses right now, both families are broken up," said attorney Brooke Barnett. "All I know is that the person I'm dealing with is one of the most remorseful individuals I have ever dealt with."

Pictured, Shaila Pichardo, 7. (Photo courtesy of Vainieri Funeral Home)

Barnett represents Fabian Rodriguez, 33, of Newark, a native of Ecuador who is in the United States illegally and is now being held in the Hudson County jail in lieu of $250,000 bail on criminal charges related to Monday's fatal hit-and-run, which include leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Authorities say Rodriguez was driving a black 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe just after 8 a.m., Monday, when he struck and killed Shaila Pichardo, 7, as she was walking to School No. 1 in West New York, where she was a first grader. Shaila was walking with her mother, Yeime Vital, 32, who was hospitalized after she was also struck by the SUV.

While Rodriguez has entered a not-guilty plea, Barnett acknowledged that he was behind the wheel of the SUV, and that he briefly stopped and got out of the vehicle after the accident, as authorities have asserted. But Barnett said she had no idea what was on his mind when he drove off.



"I am in the midst of exploring his mental state at that time," said Barnett. "People do things that are not explainable."



"For all I know, he got out of the car and saw his son on the ground," she said.



West New York Mayor Felix Roque did not believe the lawyer's assertions.



Referring to Barnett, Roque said, "I would say thank God it wasn't her kid."

Also charged in the case is Johana Rosas-Alvarez, 26, whose own lawyer, Rodrigo Sanchez, and Barnett have identified as Rodriguez's wife. Barnett said the couple were married eight years ago, though she did not know where or by whom, after they had known each other in Ecuador, where Rosas-Sanchez is also from originally.



Rosas-Alvarez, the legal owner of the SUV, was not in the vehicle at the time of the accident. She is charged with hindering Rodriguez's apprehension by allegedly taking the Tahoe to a car wash to erase any evidence of what happened.



The couple made their first court appearance together on Wednesday, when both were clearly distraught and at times in tears. Sanchez has not returned calls since speaking to a reporter briefly following Wednesday's hearing.

Barnett said the couple have a 7-year-old son, Fabian Jr., who has been reunited with his mother after she was released on bail this week.

The mother of Shaila Pichardo was also released this week, from Palisades Medical Center, where Roque said she was treated for injuries to her knee and back. She is inconsolable, the mayor said, often sitting by herself on the sofa even as the house is filled with well-wishers. Roque, a pain specialist, said he would personally treat the mother, who is uninsured, free of charge.

The father, Javier Pichardo, a native of Mexico, spoke tearfully of his daughter's loss and of his absence of ill-will toward the SUV's driver during a press conference on Tuesday. Roque said Pichardo is anxious to bury his daughter, though a service had not been scheduled as of Friday.



Roque, who has pledged to pay the little girl's funeral expenses with his own money, said a fund drive led by the West New York Police Benevolent Association had raised $10,000 to cover other costs, including plane tickets for Shaila's grandparents, from Puebla, Mexico. Roque said he picked up visas for them on Friday.



Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
BAYONNE -- Outgoing city Fire Chief Greg Rogers officially passed the torch of leadership to Keith Weaver at City Hall today, with both chiefs declaring the Fire Department's "future is bright" before a packed council chambers.

The 2 p.m. promotions ceremony also featured the swearing-in of two new deputy chiefs, William Bartos and Stephen Peterson; two battalion chiefs, Frank Pawlowski and Robert Kleczynski; three captains, Christopher Czuba, Alfred Liana and Michael Smith; and a new coordinator of the city's Office of Emergency Management, Edoardo Ferrante.

At the event, Rogers told a crowd of fire personnel and their families that Weaver and all the other firefighters who were promoted are "well prepared" to handle the "big responsibility" of moving the department forward.

"It is the joint responsibility of all our members to now step up to the plate, embrace the new leadership and provide the support that is necessary to guarantee our future. Chief Weaver is your new leader and will take you to new highs," the outgoing chief said.

In his former position as a deputy chief, Weaver -- a 26-year veteran of the department -- was in charge of operations and administrations, meaning he oversaw the department's day-to-day operations, safety, training and activities under Rogers' direction.

Today, Weaver thanked Rogers, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, city council members, Public Safety Director Robert Kubert and his family for their support. The 11th chief of the Fire Department then congratulated the newly promoted firemen, addressing them individually and collectively.

"Embrace the future and work hard every day to your fullest potential. Keep yourselves, your subordinates, your co-workers and our community safe. The future is bright," Weaver said.

Rogers, who retired this week after more than 35 years with the department and nearly eight years as chief, said the state of the department is "strong" and "better equipped, better trained, and better prepared" than ever.

"As we now transition to the new leadership, I can assure you that we are in good hands. The talent that makes up this group is the best of the best," he said.

Fire chiefs from across Hudson County and a few towns outside of the county, as well as retired fire chiefs, attended the event. Toward the end of the ceremony, Rogers and Weaver held the Bayonne fire chief's helmet together to symbolize the transfer of leadership.

All of the promoted firemen have agreed to forgo the salary raises that usually come with promotions for a year in order to help the city's finances.

During the ceremony, Kubert, Davis and city council members each spoke briefly to congratulate the promoted firefighters and their families. Davis told The Jersey Journal that "it's a new era."

"Our guys do a wonderful job protecting our citizens and our city. And I'm just proud to be here today and to be able to be a part of this," the mayor said.

Jonathan Lin may be reached at jlin@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @jlin_jj. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
A Hudson County judge slammed a Bayonne man as a "vile coward" and sentenced him to 30 years in prison yesterday for murdering his girlfriend's 2-year-old daughter by punching her so hard that he lacerated her liver.

"You split her insides open -- wounds larger than my hands," Hudson County Superior Court Judge John Young told 27-year-old Reinaldo Rodriguez before sentencing him for the murder Karen Lewin inside her Jersey City home on May 27, 2014.

"She had no chance of survival. For what? You didn't like her reaction when you wanted to comb her hair? What were you thinking? ... You pulverized that child."

Echoing Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Michael D'Andrea, Young said: "Wild animals care more about their young than you did for Karen that day."

In a very brief statement Rodriguez said he should have listened to his mother and he should not have been "a hot head." He ended saying, "I didn't understand what reality was."

Rodriguez' aunt, Wanda Torres, addressed the court saying she believes that whatever happened, it was not intentional.

"My nephew is not a bad person," Torres said. "He does have a great heart ... I love my nephew with all my heart and I will continue to pray for him and pray for Karen. On behalf of myself, my family and Reinaldo, I would like to say we are deeply sorry."

Rodriguez pleaded guilty to murder on Jan. 22.

His attorney, Scott Finckenauer, said the charge should have been aggravated manslaughter, but a case in which a 2-year-old child is killed inflames passions.

Had Rodriguez been convicted at trial he could have faced life in prison. The attorney said he and his client discussed the matter and "based on the circumstances and a 2-year-old victim, a jury may not have cared about the distinction between murder and aggravated manslaughter."

D'Andrea countered saying, "There is not doubt in my mind that the state would have met its burden and that 12 good and true residents of this county would have convicted him of murder, not because of the subject matter, not because of the passions the crime would create, but because of the facts."

Authorities said Rodriguez was babysitting Karen on May 27, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the home of his girlfriend, Jennifer Cruz. At some point he gave the 2-year-old a bath; and he struck her afterward when she refused to let him comb her hair.

At about 4 p.m. that day police received a call of a 2-year-old child barely breathing at Cruz's home. Officers found Karen unconscious and began CPR but she was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health at about 5:10 p.m., officials said.

Cruz has pleaded guilty to two counts of endangering the welfare of her two surviving children and she faces three to five years in prison under a deal that would have required she testify against Rodriguez. Yesterday, D'Andrea said she would serve prison time.

Sandra Aviles, Cruz's godmother, has taken in Cruz's children, Carla, 1, and Kevin, 2, saying, "I didn't want them to be lost in the sauce. I didn't want them to be part of the system."

While addressing the court, Aviles said: "I'm not here to judge him, and it breaks my heart to think his life will end in such a horrible manner ... I heard what his family said and I appreciate it, but justice has to be served."
A second arrest has been made in the murder of a 20-year-old city man fatally shot in front of his Jersey City home on Nov. 17.

Maurice Newton, 29, of Union Street near Clerk Street, was arrested yesterday and charged with the murder of Rondell Fairley, as well as weapons offenses. His bail was set at $1 million cash only.

Michael Reaves, 26, also of Jersey City, was arrested on Jan. 14 in Fairley's murder. Bail for Reaves, who has two robbery convictions and one for drugs, was also set at $1 million cash only.

Fairley, of Orient Avenue, was shot in his midsection early on Nov. 17 near Martin Luther King Drive. He was taken Jersey City Medical Center-Barnabas Health, where he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m. A gun and shell casings were recovered at the scene, officials said.

Newton has 17 prior arrests, a multi-state record and six felony convictions, including a violation of probation and bail jumping. Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Leo Hernandez argued that Newton's bail should remain at $1 million cash only when the Newton made his first court appearance on the murder charge yesterday.

Defense attorney John Cardona asked Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale to reduce the bail to $500,000 cash or bond, arguing that Newton is a lifelong resident of Hudson County, has lived at the same address for 20 years and has ties to the community.

DePascale ruled "There will be no modification of the bail," which was originally set by Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mitzy Galis-Menendez at $1 million.

The criminal complaint said the probable cause for the charges against Newton is "a witness who saw the defendant holding a handgun and facing the victim (who) was shot dead" and "video surveillance footage of the defendant in the vicinity of the shooting."
Princeton University Nassau Hall pic

Princeton University's Nassau Hall

(Star-Ledger file photo)

PRINCETON - Princeton University lecturer Michael Barry can often be seen sitting at a table in the Nassau Street Panera, spending hours in avid discussion with any of his students who stop by.

"That shows a level of dedication that I frankly don't always see," said Andrew Hanna, a Princeton University senior who has Barry as a thesis advisor.

That's why, when students discovered last week that the university was not renewing Barry's contract after 12 years of teaching, they snapped into action.

On Thursday they drafted an open letter, protesting the decision. On Friday students gathered in the Frist Campus Center throughout the day to write letters to the administration, imploring them to rethink their decision.

"His loss would be irreplaceable and his dismissal, just two years from retirement, decidedly unjust," students said in the letter.

The university would not comment on the reasons for their decision but spokeswoman Min Pullan clarified that it was not a firing. The university just opted to not renew his contract, she said.

But Barry, a Near Eastern Studies lecturer who spent years doing humanitarian work in Afghanistan, shed some light on the discussion Friday.

He said that as a lecturer, his contract has been renewed every year since he took the position in 2004.

"You're always on non-tenured eternal danger," Barry said. Recently that danger became more real when members of the administration told Barry that they have decided to hire a younger, entry-level professor on tenure track in the department, he said.

That happened in the fall and Barry kept it to himself for months until this year when students started asking why his classes weren't scheduled for next semester, he said.

When he told them the reason, Barry said his class sizes grew exponentially. Emails started flooding in from students who said they had to take a class with him before he left. Suddenly, Barry found himself with a class size of nearly 200 students, far above the norm, he said.

Just as the class sizes grew, Barry's students became more vocal. In the open letter Thursday, which was signed by 18 students, they called Barry an "exceptional teacher, mentor and friend," as well as, "a leading expert in the field."

"Above all else, Dr. Barry exemplifies Princeton's commitment to undergraduate teaching," they said.

Barry said the outpouring of support has been both touching and encouraging.

"It lets you know what you're doing has some value," he said.

But for Barry, the problem stretches beyond his own loss of a job.

"I see and warn of what has become an extremely dangerous intellectual drift," Barry said Friday, explaining that many of the classes on Near Eastern Studies focus on contemporary issues in the Middle East, rather than delving into the culture and history of the region.

"It fosters a terrible emotion - a contempt for the culture," Barry said.

He added that he teaches current issues but also tries to focus on the histories and cultures of the area.

It's a style of teaching that Andrew Hanna said fosters an, "understanding that goes much deeper than the superficial."

Though the university has not reversed its decision, Hanna said that students will continue to make their voices heard.

In the letter, they encourage other students of Barry's to come forward and share their stories about Barry's influence on their lives.

"This university is meant to be a true sanctuary for scholarship. It makes no sense to dismiss one of our greatest scholars," students said.

Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.
EAST BRUNSWICK -- The owner of an East Brunswick pet store charged with 267 counts of animal cruelty claimed his innocence in a YouTube video posted on Thursday.

The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals handed Vincent LoSacco, owner of Just Pups on Route 18, 40 separate summonses Feb. 29 after officials discovered conditions at the store led to animals getting sick.

Several dogs had died after they were purchased from Just Pups and three dead dogs were found in a freezer at the store, according to the NJSPCA, the law enforcement agency tasked with investigating acts of animal cruelty.

But, in a video posted on YouTube, LoSacco -- who owns and operates four pet stores throughout New Jersey -- cleared himself and his staff of any wrongdoing, and even accused the NJSPCA officer who issued the summonses of targeting him.

"Neither myself, nor any of my staff in East Brunswick, nor any of my staff anywhere, has ever committed any acts of cruelty or neglect to any of the puppies in my store," LoSacco said in the nearly 10-minute video.

And the goal of the officer who issued the summonses, LoSacco said, "was to close my East Brunswick store down permanently."

LoSacco was due to appear Monday morning in municipal court in East Brunswick. But, according to a report on MyCentralJersey.com, the hearing has been postponed and no new court date has been scheduled.

Just Pups has been closed after the NJSPCA obtained a temporary restraining order from Judge Robyn K. Brown that bars the store from re-opening to the public. The store has been temporarily closed four times since officials began investigating it on Jan. 22.

LoSacco faces up to $100,000 in fines and is likely to face additional charges, the NJSPCA said.

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all.
Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, announced Wednesday he has introduced legislation to crack down harder on registered sex offenders who are abusing their registration requirements.

This bill helps to improve tracking of sex offenders through improved registries and dedicated resources to target offenders who fail to comply with registration requirements, Grassley told Iowa reporters.

Grassleys bill reauthorizes key parts of the Adam Walsh Protection and Safety Act of 2006 that established nationwide notification and registration standards for convicted sex offenders to bolster information sharing between law enforcement agencies and increase public safety through greater awareness.

Specifically, the bill reauthorizes the Sex Offender Management Assistance Program, a federal grant program that assists state and local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to improve sex offender registry systems and information sharing capabilities.

The bill also authorizes resources for the U.S. Marshals Service to aid state and local law enforcement in the location and apprehension of sex offenders who fail to comply with registration requirements.

Preventing sex crimes, especially by known offenders, requires a team effort by law enforcement at every level, Grassley said. Congress has passed laws to promote a unified approach to sex offender registration and notification. This bill will help to ensure that our state and local law enforcement officials continue to have the federal resources and assistance they need to successfully track offenders with a history of crimes against children.

The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act is named for a 6-year-old Florida boy who was kidnapped and murdered in 1981. Adams father, John Walsh  host of the Americas Most Wanted TV program  worked closely with Congress to develop the 2006 law and the proposed reauthorization. bill, Grassley said.
Current and former residents in a Council Bluffs neighborhood suspect foul play was involved in a series of dog deaths that spans back years and possibly decades.

The latest canine on Rosebud Lane, located on the eastern outskirts of Council Bluffs, to lose his life was Harley, a healthy 10-month old Golden Retriever.

He was full of energy, just a puppy, said Tara Campbell, who was dogsitting for her father, Terry Mabbitt, this past week.

On Tuesday morning, Tara and husband Jays son put the dog on a long tethered leash in the familys front yard. The dog spent the morning and early afternoon inside the house, where Tara Campbell found hed gotten sick in his kennel.

He wouldnt get up, she said. We knew something was wrong.

With Jay out of town, Tara Campbell hurried the dog to Valley View Veterinarian Clinic, where Harley collapsed within 15 minutes of arriving. From Valley View, the family went to an emergency clinic in Ralston, Nebraska, where a urine test found anti-freeze crystals.

There were other unknown crystals in the urine, Campbell said, alluding to a potential second poison.

Mabbitt picked the dog up from the emergency clinic and took to his veterinarian in Wahoo, Nebraska, where Harley died.

He didnt regain consciousness after passing out at Valley View, Campbell said.

Tara and Jay Campbell were saddened about the dogs death, but they were also angry. This wasnt the first time a dog had died in the area unexpectedly.

Their 6-year-old Schnauzer, Pepper, died from mysterious causes in 2010, shortly after the family moved into their Rosebud Lane home. Their Chihuahua Rocky died unexpectedly at 4 years old in 2012.

The Campbells wondered what Harley couldve gotten into that wouldve caused such a quick descent from health. They wondered if someone had poisoned the dog.

They found refried beans in the yard, with evidence Harley had eaten them, in an area easily within the dogs reach. Tara Campbell pointed to the beans as the likely source of the poison and that it was placed in the yard sometime between 10 a.m. Monday and 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Campbell filed a report with the Pottawattamie County Sheriffs Office. An investigation is underway, and the refried beans have been collected for testing by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation lab. Katie Pattee with the sheriffs office collected the sample and said results would likely be available in a few weeks.

An autopsy will be performed on Harley at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

In a Facebook post, Tara Campbell expressed sadness about Harleys death, noting that there had been several dog poisonings in the neighborhood since the family moved to Rosebud Lane. The message went viral, with 867 shares as of Friday evening.

Her story is not unique.

In November of 2010, Tracy and Matt Smiths Labrador Retriever Jazz died at the age of 4.

She was healthy, she was a big girl, Tracy Smith said. We would go out to my mom and dads farm, and Jazz would run around with Mom and Dads Lab. Theyd run all day.

After one such Sunday excursion, Jazz spent the following Monday laying around the house. The Smiths thought it was a normal farm hangover.

That night, she wasnt popping out of her hangover. She wouldnt eat, Tracy Smith said.

Smith woke up overnight to feed the couples infant daughter and found Jazz had defecated on the floor, and she noticed blood in her stool.

She was breathing weird, stomach camped up. I comforted her, Smith said.

The family was getting ready to take her to the animal emergency room when Jazz died.

This was my first baby. She slept in the bed with us. We picked her out the second day after she was born, Tracy said. It was awful.

At the time, Tracy said she thought the dog got into something, but she figured it must have been at their home because her parents dog was fine. Matt Smith suspected poison at the time.

I think Matt has always thought that happened. But I was too devastated at the time to think too much, Tracy said. Now looking back, at how she died and all these other dogs died, its sick.

Ben Kult grew up in the neighborhood after moving there with his parents as a child. He then bought a nearby house as an adult.

In July of 2011, he left his Pomeranian Smoky, 9, tied in the yard for less than an hour while he ran an errand. When Kult returned, he found Smoky was sick and swollen.

Smoky died shortly thereafter.

The vet suspected foul play, Kult said.

Marcy Franks OConnor and Zach Chapin had dogs die mysteriously as well while living in the area. Jay Campbell said he came home one day to find OConnors daughter screaming as her dog endured a seizure. Campbell helped rush the dog to the vet, where it later died.

In May of 2012, Tiffany Springsteels Border Collie, Ruffy, fell ill.

He started acting real goofy one day, Springsteel said, noting that prompted a trip to the emergency clinic.

The dog lover found out Ruffy had been poisoned, but she decided against a toxicology report, as  and this is true of all the cases mentioned  vet bills can get expensive, fast.

Springsteel, who lives in Omaha now, said she feels lucky the poison was mild and Ruffy survived.

Kult said he remembers a dog being poisoned in the neighborhood in the late 1980s or early 1990s, noting he was 13 at the time and friends with the dogs owner.

Kult said he believes someone that lives on Rosebud Lane or Wildwood Road is behind the poisonings.

This goes back a long time, he said. Its happened to way too many dogs in that neighborhood to be coincidence. Its been a continual trend. And somebody doesnt just drive to a neighborhood and poison someones dog.

Kult added: I hope they catch whoevers doing it.

Campbells sheriffs office report is one of the few, if only, times a dog owner reported a poisoning to authorities. Many of the pet owners noted a lack of evidence about how the dog ingest poison as their reason for not calling police.

Animal abuse is an aggravated misdemeanor, according to Iowa Code. The crime carries a prison term of up to two years.

It needs to stop and the person needs to be caught, Tara Campbell said while standing in her front yard, overlooking the spot where Harley spent his last pain-free moments. The family plans to go door-to-door with fliers about the issue.

Were hoping to get answers, Tara Campbell said.

The Smiths, OConnor, Chapin and Kult all since left Rosebud Lane in the months and years after the incidents.

This isnt a bad neighborhood, people shouldnt feel afraid to let their dogs out, said Campbell, who noted her family is putting up a $500 for information that leads to an arrest. This has gone on too long, the person knows what theyre doing. It needs to stop and the person needs to be caught.
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.
The Sudbury Indie Cinema Co-op's Women In Film Wednesday series is presenting a 20th anniversary screening of the film "My Feminism" on March 9 in honour of International Women's Day.

The Sudbury Indie Cinema Co-op's Women In Film Wednesday series is presenting a 20th anniversary screening of the film "My Feminism" on March 9 in honour of International Women's Day.The film, which will be screened at the Ernie Checkeris Theatre at Thorneloe University at 7 p.m., is described as a look at second-wave feminism in the 1990s.The locally produced short "You've Got Male" will also be screened. Tickets cost $15 in advance at Event Brite or $20 at the door.The event is co-presented by Thorneloe University's women's studies program and The Coalition to End Violence Against Women.
CBA 2016: Rick Bartolucci wins Hall of Fame award

It is not an overstatement to say the feisty politician has been involved in every major development and decision in our community in the last quarter century.

Rick Bartolucci won the Hall of Fame award at the 2016 Community Builders Awards.

It is not an overstatement to say the feisty politician has been involved in every major development and decision in our community in the last quarter century.



Rick Bartolucci has been making headlines since 1979 when he was first elected to Sudbury city council. As a member of provincial parliament for 19 years (from 1995 to 2014), he was a strong advocate for Sudbury and Northern Ontario at Queens Park.



A true community builder, his role as a champion of Sudbury and Northern Ontario will profoundly be felt for many generations to come, says Kevin McCormick, president of Huntington University, and a friend. McCormick nominated Bartolucci for this prestigious Hall of Fame award.



Bartolucci can been credited with revitalizing the Northern Ontario Heritage Corporation, which continues to create thousands of jobs and ignited the Northern Ontario film industry. He helped to bring $8 billion of provincial money to Sudbury during his time in office: money spent on highway improvements, a new hospital, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation, the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, the Vale Hospice, and Laurentian Universitys School of Architecture.



Bartolucci has Sudbury in his DNA. He was born in Gatchell and attended Laurentian University and the North Bay Teachers College. He worked as a teacher and school principal for 30 years before he started his second career in provincial politics.



After testing the waters in municipal politics, he was first elected as the Liberal MPP in the Sudbury riding in 1995. Bartolucci was a vocal member of the official opposition during two majority Progressive Conservative governments. His one-man band played a symphony of opposition to Mike Harris and Ernie Eves. He launched an intense campaign for Highway 69 improvements during this time that did not cease until final plans to four-lane the northern highway were announced a decade later.



In 2003 the Ontario Liberals won a huge majority with 72 seats at Queens Park, and Bartolucci got an opportunity to make decisions not just criticize them. He held three cabinet posts: Northern Development and Mines, Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Community Safety and Correctional Services. He also served a term as chair of cabinet.



Of his many initiatives, were told he feels strongly his most enduring legacy is his private members bill that created the Highway Memorials for Fallen Officers Act. This gives the legislature authority to name highway bridges and other structures in memory of police officers killed in the line of duty.



As he reached his 70th birthday, Bartolucci announced he would not seek re-election in 2014. He told Sudbury Living magazine last fall, since retiring, stress suddenly disappeared.



After a lifetime of public service, he and his wife, Maureen, now holiday in Florida and have time to spend with their children, Angie and Dan, and four grandchildren.



Have we heard the last word from Rick Bartolucci? Dont bet on it!
ETFO leadership needs to be less white and male, union says

On the eve of International Womens Day, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is working with First Nations, Metis and Inuit women members to encourage them to be leaders within the union and their communities.

On the eve of International Womens Day, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is working with First Nations, Metis and Inuit women members to encourage them to be leaders within the Federation and their communities. File photo.

On the eve of International Womens Day, the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario (ETFO) is working with First Nations, Metis and Inuit women members to encourage them to be leaders within the union and their communities.



This week, 22 First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) women members gathered in Toronto to network, share stories of their leadership journey and learn about ETFO leadership programs that are available to them, an ETFO press release stated.



As a union dedicated to equity and social justice, we are working to ensure that our members, including women, FNMI, racialized and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) educators have the full opportunities and support to aspire to leadership positions within our federation, said ETFO president Sam Hammond.



ETFO said the initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the union to raise the profile and awareness of the issues among its members and develop age-appropriate curriculum resources on a broad range of FNMI issues for classrooms. ETFO said it's the only teacher federation in Canada to have a designated full-time FNMI staff position to carry out such work.



The Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario represents 78,000 elementary public school teachers, occasional teachers and education professionals across the province.
A Toronto man is in hospital after crashing his snowmobile into a light pole Saturday morning in Naughton. In a news release, Greater Sudbury Police said members of its Uniform Division and Traffic Management Unit responded to the call around 9:30 a.

A Toronto man is in hospital after crashing his snowmobile into a light pole Saturday morning in Naughton.



In a news release, Greater Sudbury Police said members of its Uniform Division and Traffic Management Unit responded to the call around 9:30 a.m.



The collision occurred on Municipal Road 55 near McCharles Lake Road in Naughton, the release said. A 60-year-old Toronto resident was out on area trails when his snowmobile struck the pole, causing minor damage to the light housing and a significant amount of damage to the snowmobile.



The driver was taken to hospital with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. Police are still investigating the incident.
WINFIELD  In a state celebrating its bicentennial and with communities all around it with histories nearly as old as the state, Winfield qualifies as the new kid on the block, and it is still trying to learn how to walk.

The town was created in 1993 to prevent annexation by Merrillville. The move would have taken most of Winfield Township. Garry Rinkenberger, who was a member of the township board at the time, was among those who led the fight to prevent being gobbled up by Merrillville.

"It was all rural then, except for Lakes of the Four Seasons," Rinkenberger said. "Lakes of the Four Seasons didn't want to be in Merrillville, and none of the rural area wanted to be in the town. Merrillville is very commercial, and the town wanted to stay rural. We had to figure out a way to fight it."

He said the issue came to a head over the Mother's Day weekend. With the Merrillville Council expected to vote on the annexation on the following Monday, Rinkenberger said he and Winfield Township Trustee John Curley looked at it and decided the only solution was for Winfield to form its own town.

"It's not a simple thing to do. We got a little help from attorney Tim Sendak, and we called the county commissioners, especially Ernie Niemeyer, because we had to get the county commissioners to approve it."

About a dozen people spent the weekend gathering signatures on petitions to incorporate the town of Winfield, and, because Lakes of the Four Seasons didn't want to be part of it, that meant they needed a lot fewer signatures. They also needed to whip up some kind of boundaries for the town and a legal description to cover it.

The petition to incorporate the northern half of the township as a new town was presented to the commissioners Monday morning. The request was approved, which really only got the process started, but it also blocked Merrillville's takeover attempt. Hearings before the commissioners and the county Plan Commission showed little opposition, but it was September before all the paperwork was done.

Merrillville had sued, but the suit ended with the final approval of the creation of the town. Then somebody had to figure out how to set up and run the town and how to pay for it. The town had no tax money of its own, so the organizers held fundraisers to pay the legal fees.

The election cycle for towns wasn't until the following year, so a special vote was held at which Rinkenberger, Rita Winter and Terry Willie were chosen as the first council members.

"It didn't go real smooth the first year," Rinkenberger said. "Everybody had different ideas of what they wanted to do and not do, but we got through to the first election and got a little more organized after that."

The town operated out of Rinkenberger's house at first. Joyce Furto, who was elected clerk-treasurer in the first official election, said those first few years were "an interesting time."

"There were no set procedures when we began operations and I took over as clerk-treasurer," Furto said. "All the clerk-treasurers in the area were very helpful, but they had procedures all in place. I had to start from scratch. One of the councilmen's wives had been doing the job, but we weren't collecting any taxes, so she didn't have much to do. There were a lot of things that had to be established."

Furto said she and the council were of different political parties but worked together well for the first couple of years. No taxes meant no pay the first year, and Furto said she donated her first actual year's pay for one of the town's parks.

The council first met in a church, and, when they tried to move it to a pole barn, residents objected. Furto said things deteriorated after that with political battles. Two of the council people quit and had to be replaced, and the town was sued and also lost its insurance coverage. Unhappy with the way things were being run, Furto ran for the council and won. After one term, she didn't campaign for re-election although she was on the ballot. She didn't win but said she didn't really care.

Since then, the town has continued to see rapid residential growth. To handle it, the town bought a wastewater treatment plant that had been built by a developer, which has spurred even more growth, including some commercial development in the vicinity of the center of town. The council itself also grew from three to five members and a stormwater utility, a redevelopment commission and the town marshal program have been initiated.

The town now is completing a downtown master plan and a sewer master plan and is preparing to begin development of a 10-acre park. The little town that could is becoming the town that can.
They're called the crown jewels of the city school system, but the specialized high schools are less diverse than ever. NY1's Lindsey Christ filed the following report.

Despite outreach on behalf of the Department of Education, outrage on behalf of some alumni and promises of reform by the mayor, the number of black and Hispanic students offered seats at the city's specialized high schools dropped again this year.



At Stuyvesant High School, long considered the city's most elite, only nine black students and 14 Hispanic students were offered places for this coming September. One hundred and seventy-eight white students and 682 Asian students were accepted.



"New York is supposed to be a very diverse place, but Stuyvesant's not, and that confuses me," said Brian Lul, a student at Stuyvesant High School.



There are eight city high schools that accept students based on the results of a single exam, the Specialized High School Admissions Test, or SHSAT. And though black and Hispanic students make up 70 percent of the overall school system, their representation within the specialized schools has decreased dramatically in recent years.



The city has been trying to encourage more students to take the test, but 500 fewer black and Hispanic students sat for the exam this year compared to last year. And despite modest investments in free preparation programs, only 3.6 percent of black students and 5.3 percent of Hispanic students who took the test received an offer to any of the eight schools, compared to 34 percent of Asian students and 29 percent of white students.



As a candidate for mayor, Bill de Blasio had pledged to change the admissions process to include factors like middle-school grades, interviews and annual state test scores, but he has yet to take any action. On Friday, his schools chancellor, Carmen Farina, said, "We continue to review a variety of strategies to foster diversity at these schools."



Among students and alumni at the specialized schools, some fiercely defend test-based admissions, while others say unequal access to expensive test prep should not determine who gets in.



"People just go to SHSAT prep, and that's usually what gets them into school, and I don't feel that's fair at all," said Wajeah Raja, a student at Stuyvesant High School.


St. Patrick's Day is still about a week and a half away, but the celebration has already begun in the city. Things kicked off in Queens Saturday afternoon. Our Erin Clarke was there.

Irish eyes were smiling on the Rockaways Saturday during the 41st Annual Queens County St. Patrick's Day Parade.

It was a grand show of Irish culture and heritage  complete with everyone's favorite  the bag pipe bands.

But you didn't have to be Irish to enjoy the event.

"I'm Columbian and I became an American citizen 18 years ago and I'm here because I love culture," said one parade goer.

"Kiss me I'm Irish," said another, with a wink and a Spanish accent.

Even the Mayor donned green for the day.

"The pride in Irish heritage is so strong here," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "The whole city is celebrating with you. It's an honor to be celebrating with you today."

Mayor de Blasio will also be taking part in the 5th Avenue parade later this month after an LGBT group was allowed to march as well.

And this is just one of several St. Patrick's Day Parades held before the big one on 5th Avenue, but folks here say this one's the best.

Not only because it's the first parade that kicks off the month of St Pat's celebrations day, but also because there's such a large Irish population living in the Rockaways.

"Everyone knows everyone," said one local. "You walk down the street to go to the store or something and you bump into someone that you know and everyone has heritage from back home."

A tight knit community that looks forward to sharing this event together every year.
Season 4, Episode 3: Chapter 42'

Sometimes art imitates life. Sometimes life imitates art. And sometimes, life imitates art before that art has even shown up on Netflix.

Thats what happens here when Frank, riding on strong momentum in the presidential primaries, gets stopped in his tracks by a controversy about his connections to the Ku Klux Klan. This, of course, is a slightly different version of whats happened in recent days to Donald Trump, who was widely criticized for neither condemning the group nor disavowing the endorsement of David Duke during an interview on CNN two days before Super Tuesday. (Trump has since said he disavows Mr. Duke and blamed his responses in that CNN interview on a bad earpiece.)

On House of Cards, an old photo of Franks father shaking hands with a hooded Klansman gets plastered on a billboard on Primary Day in South Carolina. It becomes a massive, damning media story, so the president responds by condemning what the Klan stands for, in a black church, while also telling the truth: that his Daddy did press flesh with a Klansman, but only because he desperately needed money to save the family farm and a white supremacist happened to be only pathway to a loan. The story, while seemingly true, is still cockamamie. Frank loses the endorsement of Rep. Doris Jones  Cicely Tysons delivery of the line When we stop getting beaten and shot, youll have my good will, Mr. President is breathtaking  and loses the primary in his home state.

In real life, Trump failed to condemn the Klan when repeatedly asked about it, during a nationally televised interview. In another coincidence, The Washington Post also highlighted an old news story that places Trumps father at a Klan riot in 1927, though it does not claim that the elder Trump was either a member or a supporter. This all happened, just as it did in Frank Underwoods case, right as people are about to vote in the primaries. But on Super Tuesday, Donald Trump won handily in seven out of 11 states in which he was competing; two weeks ago, he also emerged overwhelmingly victorious from the South Carolina primary.
Welcome to Social Capital, a series devoted to analyzing the social-media presences of celebrities.

The key to understanding Representative Ryan Zinkes Twitter account  the ur-tweet, if you will  is this photo of an assault rifle printed with the stars and stripes, which his campaign offered as a raffle prize during the 2014 Montana Republican primary. It is a ridiculous object: Too garish for the solemn purpose of self-defense, it is similarly inappropriate for hunting, in which animals are not imagined to be in conflict with the United States. But it means something. There is a connection among the AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, the American flag and the Republican Party, and Zinke has made it the essence of his social media persona.

As a freshman congressman  he became Montanas sole delegate to the House of Representatives in 2015  he criticized President Obama for participating in the Paris climate summit, on the grounds that it did nothing to stop ISIS. He made the same argument about gun control a month later. In his disdain for the hierarchies of Washington, his attention to cultural signifiers and his fixation on foreign enemies, Zinke represents the post-Tea Party strain of conservative populism. But unlike Sarah Palin or Ted Cruz, he actually fought in a war.

Zinke is a former Navy SEAL. Lest you forget, his office consistently refers to him as Commander Zinke. Shortly after he was elected, he tweeted his promise to push back against making decisions based on politics, rather than what is right for the mission. The mission is the representative government of the United States, and Commander Zinke will be damned if hes going to let politics get in the way. When @RepRyanZinke approves of something, he tweets the Navy expression bravo zulu  at his son Konrad, at the Special Olympian Dakota Shaffer, at CNNs Wolf Blitzer. The message is plain: He is a soldier doing politicians work, a gun painted over with the American flag.

If Commander Zinke were a fictional character, this presentation would be too flat: No real person could bravo zulu so hard. But on Twitter, were all fictional anyway. Zinke has taken the performance of identity that is social media and reduced it to one clear note. Ironically, his relentless message discipline compels us to imagine the man behind the curtain, or the phone, in this case. There must be a real Ryan Zinke, because Commander Zinke is obviously fake. This impression only deepens with the discovery that there are two of him on Twitter: @RepRyanZinke, the congressman, and @RyanZinke, the citizen.
BIG EYES (2014) 8 p.m. on Showtime. Open wide: Amy Adams won a Golden Globe as Margaret Keane, the artist behind those waiflike figures with melancholy faces and saucer eyes so popular in the 1960s. Christoph Waltz plays her husband, who took the credit and stole the spotlight. This Tim Burton film is a horror movie tucked inside a domestic drama wrapped up in a biopic, A. O. Scott wrote in The Times. It makes a passionate case for Ms. Keane, whose portraits were described by The Times critic John Canady as the very definition of tasteless hack work, he added. But whether it vindicates her art is another question entirely. (Image: Ms. Adams and Mr. Waltz)

48 HOURS 10 p.m. on CBS. In March 2009, as Rhonda Casto prepared to hike the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon with her boyfriend, Stephen Nichols, she joked to a friend that he was either going to propose to her  or kill her. She didnt come back alive. Peter Van Sant investigates.

Whats Streaming

BLANK ON BLANK on PBS Digital Studios. In 2008 at Colorado State University, the writer and animal behaviorist Temple Grandin talked about her autism, her eccentric look and being a woman in a mans world.
But the curiosity surrounding Ms. Lees will extended beyond the question of how much her estate  thought to amount to tens of millions of dollars  is actually worth. Also of keen interest is how her assets are to be distributed. Ms. Lee never married and had no children. Her closest living relatives are nieces and nephews.

After the death of her sister Alice in 2014, she had increasingly relied on the counsel and companionship of her lawyer, Tonja Carter, who was the trustee of her estate and the person who said she discovered the manuscript for Watchman in a bank safe deposit box.

Ms. Carter became a controversial figure because of fears she had allowed publishers to persuade Ms. Lee to publish a second book, something the author had long said she had no intention of doing. But Ms. Lee told friends the decision to publish had been hers, and friends of both women have defended Ms. Carters care of the aging author.

The motion to seal the will from public view was filed Monday by a Birmingham law firm on behalf of Ms. Carter, acting as the estates trustee. In court papers, Scott E. Adams, a lawyer from the firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, said, It is not the publics business what private legacy she left for the beneficiaries of her will.

Probate Judge Greg Norris of Monroe County agreed and signed an order to seal the documents the same day.
Not everyone in Branford, where 94 percent of the 28,000 residents are white, favors changing the name.

Mike Infantino, 65, a boat captain who owns the Sea Mist Thimble Island Cruise here, said the name Negro Heads  offensive or not  was part of the towns heritage. Im old school, he said. Whether they are trying to be politically correct, I dont think something that was put there hundreds of years ago should be changed.

Nichola Roberts, a 28-year-old nurse who has lived in Branford for six years, disagreed. Its nice to be sensitive to other peoples feelings, so why not? she said.

Mr. Kennedy said he felt strongly that local and state residents had a right to rename the landmark. The bottom of Long Island Sound is actually owned by the citizens of the state, he said, and I think most people would feel that this name is not appropriate.

As for whether he had any ideas of his own for a new name, Mr. Kennedy was politic. I dont want to superimpose my particular views on the town, he said. This should be a community project and it needs to be scrupulously historic, nonpartisan and inclusive.
A judge who had previously thrown out a jurys award to a New York City man who was wrongly convicted of rape and imprisoned for over 20 years ruled on Friday that the judgment should be reduced by more than $6 million.

A jury in 2010 awarded $18.5 million to Alan Newton, who was found guilty in 1985 of rape, robbery and assault in a case built largely on eyewitness testimony. He was cleared by DNA evidence and released from prison in 2006.

On Friday, United States District Court Judge Shira A. Scheindlin reduced the award to $12 million, after comparing amounts awarded others who had been wrongfully convicted.

In her ruling, she wrote that Mr. Newton must accept the reduced amount or a new trial would have to be held.
The new Bronx district attorney, Darcel D. Clark, oversees the prosecution of crime in a dozen police precincts and scores of neighborhoods.

But it is one particular trouble spot that is her focus: Rikers Island.

New York Citys main jail complex, which sprawls across the island in the East River, lies within her jurisdiction and is at the top of her priority list. Right now, its the worst neighborhood I have, Ms. Clark told an audience at a recent town-hall-style meeting on reforming Rikers, in Harlem.

Since taking office in January, Ms. Clark has created a prosecution bureau that will eventually have a total of 30 assistant district attorneys assigned to Rikers cases full time, about triple the current number.

In another change, many of those prosecutors will be based on the island, along with investigators and support staff, in a new office being set up in a trailer. The office, which will be open five days a week, will be the first permanent physical presence on the island for a district attorney in recent times.
2. Frankly, Donald Trump is going to put an end to the Republican Party and Hillary Clinton is going to put an end to the Democratic Party. The working class and the middle class are not going to take the wholly owned candidate of the oligarchs dished out by the party machines any more. Bernie Sanders has made it safe to espouse socialism in America again and that is going to make a big difference.

FDR staved off socialism in the 1930s with the New Deal; it is not going to happen again. This time Bernie Sanders and the Greens are going to build a new coalition that is going to change the landscape of politics in this country.

 Richard wrote in response to NS in Virginias comment.

Donald Trump and the G.O.P. Race
The lowest-wage workers in New York could soon get a much-needed raise  if the stingy Republicans who control the State Senate dont block it.

Legislators in Albany are supposed to vote by April 1 on the latest state budget from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which includes a strong and sensible provision to raise the state minimum wage. Under the proposal, the minimum in New York City would rise from $9 an hour now to $15 by the end of 2018; elsewhere in the state, it would rise to $15 by mid-2021.

So far, however, Senate Republicans have opposed the increase, saying the $15 target is a populist ploy rather than valid policy. The Democratic-controlled Assembly supports the increase.

It is the Republicans who are playing politics. By opposing a $15 minimum, they are currying favor with corporations that keep wages low as a way to keep profits high. They ignore the economic arguments in favor of $15. They also are defying the majority of voters in New York who support it, according to recent polls.
While the C.D.C. recommends intervention for lead poisoning at 5 micrograms per deciliter, HUD regulations do not call for action until after a childs blood lead level is 20 micrograms per deciliter, or 15 to 19 micrograms per deciliter over three months  levels that cause severe and permanent brain damage.

These regulations are the most egregious contributors to the epidemic of lead poisoning in public and low-income housing. I have spent six years working with Loyola University Chicago law students, the Erie Family Health Center and civil legal aid organizations on cases involving low-income families living in unhealthy housing. We have seen firsthand how chipping, cracking lead paint creates toxic living conditions.

Many landlords make the problem worse by ignoring federal and local laws and making repairs and renovations that disperse poisonous dust in the air  or simply evicting the problem tenants who complain. A result is that hundreds of low-income Chicago children in federally subsidized housing have been poisoned in the past few years.

Until recently, the Chicago Housing Authority routinely denied requests from low-income families to move out of lead-hazardous homes. In doing so, it did not break any rules; it merely followed federal guidelines.

Take the case of 4-year-old Mahoghany Walker. When her blood lead levels started to rise, her family applied for a transfer. But the housing authority rejected the application, saying she had yet to reach the HUD threshold.
The world recoiled in horror in 2012 when 20 Connecticut schoolchildren and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School by a deranged teenager using a military-style assault rifle to fire 154 rounds in less than five minutes. The weapon was a Bushmaster AR-15 semiautomatic rifle adapted from its original role as a battlefield weapon. The AR-15, which is designed to inflict maximum casualties with rapid bursts, should never have been available for purchase by civilians.

This is the eminently reasonable point that the parents of the 6- and 7-year-old students cut down at the school are now pressing in Connecticut state court. They are attempting to sue the gun manufacturer, Remington; the wholesaler; and a local retailer for recklessness in providing the weapon to the consumer marketplace with no conceivable use for it other than the mass killing of other human beings.

The question of whether the lawsuit will be allowed to proceed is at issue because Congress, prodded by the gun lobby, in 2005 foolishly granted the gun industry nearly complete immunity from legal claims and damages from the criminal use of guns.

The Sandy Hook parents argue that their suit should continue because that law, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, allows claims against companies  gun shop dealers, for example  if they knew or should have known that the weapons they sold were likely to risk injury to others. The parents contend that the maker of the Bushmaster is no less culpable because it knowingly marketed a risky war weapon to civilians.
After nearly a year in space, Scott Kelly, the NASA astronaut who returned to Earth this week, is clear on one thing: It was a long trip.

I think the only big surprise was how long a year is, Mr. Kelly said at a NASA news conference on Friday. It seemed like I lived there forever. It seemed longer than I thought it would be.

He traveled nearly 144 million miles over 340 days while living on the International Space Station, so it is perhaps no surprise that Mr. Kelly is suffering from a sort of ultra jet lag. He said he felt good right after a Soyuz capsule carrying him and two Russian astronauts bumped on the ground in Kazakhstan, better than he did on his return in 2011 from a 159-day stay on the space station.

But in the days since, fatigue and soreness have set in. A lot higher than last time, he said.

He said his skin, not accustomed to touching much while floating in orbit, felt very sensitive, almost like a burning feeling.
SAN FRANCISCO  To Amit Yoran, a digital security veteran, the fight between Apple and the F.B.I. over access to an iPhone can be viewed in black-and-white terms: What law enforcement authorities want is so misguided, they simply boggle the mind.

Speaking to an audience of computer security professionals at the RSA Conference, Mr. Yoran, who heads the RSA Security division of the data-storage provider EMC, explained his exasperation with officials who he says want to weaken the data protection in computer products despite the growing threat of hackers and other attacks.

Such a policy would harm U.S. economic interests on an already suspicious world stage, as well as unconscionably undermine those trying to defend our digital environments in every industry, said Mr. Yoran, who was the cybersecurity czar at the Department of Homeland Security for a little more than a year, ending in 2004.

Mr. Yorans strong take on Apples confrontation with the F.B.I. might be expected of someone in the tight-knit security world. Indeed, it was a typical refrain of conference attendees who see the dispute as an extension of the decades-long struggle between the tech industry and government over encryption.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.  The United States Forest Service has dealt a huge blow to a company seeking to build hundreds of homes, retail shops and hotels outside Grand Canyon National Park.

The Kaibab National Forest on Friday denied an application for a road easement that would clear the way for the development in Tusayan.

Heather Provencio, the Kaibab forest supervisor, said the proposal was deeply controversial and opposed by most of the people who submitted comments on it.

Environmentalists applauded the decision and said they were hopeful that it put a permanent stop to development plans.
Harvard Law School is poised to abandon an 80-year-old shield based on the crest of a slaveholding family that helped endow the institution, as campuses across the country debate the use of historic names and symbols that some consider offensive.

On Friday, a law school committee said the shield did not represent Harvard values. It shows three sheaves of wheat, a symbol that is derived from the family crest of an 18th-century slave owner, Isaac Royall Jr., who endowed the first law professorship at Harvard, though the gift did not by itself create the law school. The image of the wheat appears under the word Veritas, or Truth in Latin, the Harvard motto.

We believe that if the law school is to have an official symbol, it must more closely represent the values of the law school, which the current shield does not, the committee wrote. Its recommendation was endorsed by the law school dean, Martha Minow, and is considered likely to be approved by Harvards corporation.

But it came with a passionate dissent from Annette Gordon-Reed, a professor of legal history who is known for her scholarship on Thomas Jefferson and his relationship with Sally Hemings, his slave. The work of Ms. Gordon-Reed, who had argued that historians had too readily discounted the oral testimony of Hemingss descendants, was vindicated in 1998 by DNA evidence showing that a Jefferson fathered a child by Hemings.
From Michigan to Louisiana to California on Friday, rank-and-file Republicans expressed mystification, dismissal and contempt over the instructions that their partys most high-profile leaders were urgently handing down to them: Reject and defeat Donald J. Trump.

Their angry reactions, in the 24 hours since Mitt Romney and John McCain urged millions of voters to cooperate in a grand strategy to undermine Mr. Trumps candidacy, have captured the seemingly inexorable force of a movement that still puzzles the Republican elite and now threatens to unravel the party they hold dear.

In interviews, even lifelong Republicans who cast a ballot for Mr. Romney four years ago rebelled against his message and plan. I personally am disgusted by it  I think its disgraceful, said Lola Butler, 71, a retiree from Mandeville, La., who voted for Mr. Romney in 2012. Youre telling me who to vote for and who not to vote for? Please.
hem of my Mother's Thai silk wedding dress





The gown in all its 1967 glory

The Drawing room with doors opening to a terrace via The House on the Klong





The other view of the Drawing Room via The House on the Klong





The dining room via The House on the Klong





Jim Thompson's house, now a museum

Entry Foyer of the Jim Thompson house





My own bit of Jim Thompson fabric in my Sitting room









I've long held an interest in Thai silk, and this probably stems from my Mother's own love affair with it. Back in the 1960's when my Mum was at University, she befriended a Thai student. The lasting legacy from that friendship was that my mother was married in 1967 in a Thai silk wedding gown made of silk sent back from Thailand by her friend C. The other legacy was that my older sister, born some years later, was given C's unusual Thai name which apparently means "character". If you have met my sister, then you will definitely think she lives up to her name quite nicely.But back to the silk. Thai silk was all the rage in the 1950's and 1960's, a traditional handicraft that had been transformed into a very large industry post WW2. By the 1960's there were probably a hundred different Thai silk manufacturers, of varying quality. My mother's wedding silk was fairly typical of the more elaborate weaving and embroidery methods that were by then being utilised, and the edge of the long straight train and hem of the dress were woven with silver thread, with small silver embroidered medallions scattered through the body of the fabric. It was a fairly typical style of 60's wedding gown for its day, and after the wedding Mum had the train shortened, the sleeves taken off and neckline lowered to turn it into a ball gown to get more use out of it. Sadly this meant that by the time I came to be married I couldn't use it myself as it was by then rather the worse for wear from too much partying.While many people think that Thai silk, now synonymous with the country, was always there, it was in fact an industry almost wholly created by an American Architect and ex CIA agent named James (Jim) Thompson. He spent some time in Bangkok after the Japanese surrender at the end of WW2 with the US Army, and fell in love with the exotic culture. His return to the US was a short lived one; he discovered his wife had had an affair with his best friend, a blow that left him a confirmed bachelor, and he decided to sever ties with the US and move permanently to Bangkok. As an aesthete he immersed himself in traditional culture, something that was not fashionable at the time in Asia where they were aping the West and rushing to catch up on development. He amassed a huge collection of traditional antiques, art, fabrics and porcelain travelling all over the country in search of items to complete his collection. Simultaneously, he was developing the Thai silk industry. When Thompson arrived in Bangkok, silk weaving was a traditional handicraft practiced by a very, very small number of people and was truly on its way to dying out. It was largely undertaken by a small ethnic minority group of Muslim families who lived beside a Klong (Klongs are Canals, and Bangkok was called the Venice of the East due to the network of Klongs that used to run through the city, many of which are now gone and replaced by large multi lane roads instead); their relative isolation from the rest of the Thai society meant that it had not died out completely.It was neither prestigious, nor given much interest by anyone, but Thompson became fascinated with the silk and the traditional methods of weaving. With his artistic background and practical sensibilities (such as introducing synthetic dyes which were more vibrant, colour fast and uniform in end result) he began to have the silk woven in colours and patterns never before seen, and with his excellent contacts in the US he began to establish a market that soon clamoured for the vibrantly hued, shimmering silks he produced. Mass expansion resulted and the industry grew, with other manufacturers riding the coat tails to success. Interestingly Thompson himself did not become a millionaire from this - he had some fairly enlightened attitudes and had made weavers shareholders in the business. In fact he was largely disinterested in the money aspect, and far more interested in producing beautiful product, a freedom probably afforded by the fact that he was independently wealthy via family inheritance.When he decided to build a house for himself, he again went against the grain of what was at that time the fashionable thing to do - build a modern, Western style air conditioned house in Bangkok. Instead, he purchased from a variety of sources traditionally built Thai wooden houses, early portable homes if you like, as they were designed to be disassembled and stacked on a barge to be floated down a Klong to a new location if so desired. He purchased houses with patina and character at a time when people were essentially throwing out the old houses in favour of the new. Piecing several houses together to form his new house beside a Klong that overlooked his silk weaving district, he filled it with his collection of traditional Art, furniture, sculpture and porcelain, using the house and its overall style as a showcase for it - a sort of living museum. The house was completely different to anything else in Bangkok, and as a result became something of a tourist attraction (along with his shop, which was the first stop for tourists arriving in Bangkok at the time). People would turn up to the shop with letters of introduction from friends of friends of friends, and Thompson, a very social man, would invite them for dinner, no matter how tenuous the connection offered by the letter, where they would dine in splendid style amid flickering candlelight, and surrounded by ancient treasures by the inky black waters of the Klong.Then, in 1967, Thompson took a short Easter weekend holiday to the Cameron highlands in Malaysia with friends to stay in a villa. This area is mountainous and was originally developed as an English Hill Station town (a place for the colonials to move to during the hottest months down on the plain). It was surrounded by dense jungle criss crossed with narrow and fairly rudimentary hiking trails, and at the time still had local Indigenous tribes living deep in the jungle. On the afternoon of Easter Sunday, the entire household decided to have a nap. It appears that Thompson wasn't feeling so tired, and so went for a stroll, leaving his cigarettes and jacket on a chair on the verandah indicating he wasn't planning to be gone long (he was a heavy smoker). No one saw the direction he went in, and he never returned. He simply disappeared.An enormous search and world wide media attention ensued, and wild conspiracy theories began to fly about in the absence of any trace of him, due largely to his connection to the CIA over 20 years before. He had received extensive training in jungle survival during his time there, which gave rise to kidnapping theories, and slightly implausible thoughts of involvement from Vietnam and China as a potential "Quiet American" (as the Vietnam war was raging), and that he may well have been a covert spy (despite the fact that he worked incessantly in his silk business day and night) as it was difficult for people to believe that he could simply vanish without trace as he did. Two more plausible scenarios are that he became injured/ suddenly ill in the dense jungle, died and was never found (he was 62 at the time of his disappearance and known to enjoy going off track in jungles), or fell into a hunting hole dug by one of the indigenous tribes and when they discovered they'd accidentally killed a white man they covered it up so as not to incur the wrath of the authorities.At any rate, while the mystery will likely never be solved, it is his lasting and enduring legacies of the creation of an industry that became a backbone of the Thai economy, of the world famous fabric company that bears his name, and of his great architectural legacy- his house and collection on the Klong that remain.Porcelain collection, screen and traditionally decorated chest of drawers via The House on the KlongIf you are in Bangkok the house is open for viewing, now owned and managed by a Foundation set up by his family after his disappearance. His collection of traditional Thai and Cambodian pieces contained within is fabulous, and it's a window into another era before Bangkok transformed into the densely populated, Western style city it is today.If you are interested in learning more, two books I've read on the subject recently are "Jim Thompson the unsolved mystery" which is an extensive biography and discussion on his disappearance from someone who knew him in Bangkok, and "The house on the Klong" which is more a coffee table book and deals exclusively with his collections and the house itself, and surely used as inspiration by designers such as Anouska Hempel, who references the screens and moody lighting devices in her schemes. I can highly recommend both books.My last post in this Design and Crime series will be on the novel "Rebecca", the author Daphne du Maurier, and the house that inspired the book.
Amid the sparring and free-flying insults of Thursday nights Republican presidential debate, Donald J. Trump said he wanted to expand the number of visas available for highly skilled immigrants.

His remarks caused shock among some supporters who have seen Mr. Trump as a bulwark against an influx of foreigners taking American jobs.

In an immigration blueprint he released in August, in the early days of his surprising charge toward the Republican nomination, Mr. Trump said the visas for highly skilled workers were part of what he called disastrous immigration policies that had destroyed our middle class. He gave detailed proposals on fixing the visa program to protect Americans.

But on Thursday, responding to a question from Megyn Kelly of Fox News, one of the debate moderators, Mr. Trump said: Im changing. Im changing. We need highly skilled people in this country, and if we cant do it, well get them in. But, and we do need in Silicon Valley, we absolutely have to have.
Mr. Reines also wrote that the Jerusalem police had retrieved a prayer that Mr. Donilon had left in the Western Wall, after it had slipped out. He even attached a fake copy of it to the email.

Mr. Donilon shouldnt be in such a rush as he speeds around our city and does a fly-by of our Wall, Mr. Reines quoted an unnamed, fictitious Jerusalem police official as saying. He should take his time, learn our history, fold his notes tighter, and wedge them in better. He will not truly understand why we face an existential threat until he does.

When the emails were first released on Feb. 3, the State Departments reviewers almost entirely redacted their contents on the grounds that they should be protected as part of the deliberative process, a common, if ill-defined, standard for withholding information under the Freedom of Information Act. But when the same emails were released again as part of a different thread on Monday evening, their content, including the attachment, were left visible by mistake.

The confusion did not end there. When lawyers in the White House counsels office reviewed the emails last weekend, they initially believed the prayer from Mr. Donilon might be real, according to a person briefed on the process. After all, Mr. Reines had scrawled the note on White House stationery and signed it Thomas E(lijah) Donilon. Given Mr. Donilons position, that raised both privacy and national security concerns. And given his reputation for extreme caution, it was also highly unlikely he would take such a risk. Finally, the State Department told the White House that it was all in jest.
WASHINGTON  President Obama is vetting Merrick B. Garland and Sri Srinivasan, federal appellate judges who have enjoyed substantial support from Republicans in the past, as potential nominees for a Supreme Court vacancy that has set off a brutal election-year fight.

Judge Garland, 63, and Judge Srinivasan, 49, are undergoing background checks by the F.B.I., according to a person knowledgeable about the process, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because it has been cloaked in secrecy.

The White House is also vetting Ketanji Brown Jackson, 45, a federal trial judge, according to The National Law Journal, which cited a lawyer who had been interviewed by the F.B.I. Judge Jackson formerly served on the United States Sentencing Commission and is related by marriage to the House speaker, Paul D. Ryan, Republican of Wisconsin. Earlier this week, the president was reported to also be vetting Jane L. Kelly, another federal appeals court judge.
MADRID  The leader of the Socialist party, Pedro Sanchez, on Friday lost another parliamentary vote in his bid to become prime minister, prolonging the deadlock in Spanish politics.

It is now increasingly likely that Spain will have to hold new elections in June. Far from helping end the political standoff since inconclusive elections last December, this weeks heated debate over Mr. Sanchezs nomination opened up fresh wounds that will further complicate any new coalition talks.

On Wednesday, lawmakers rejected Mr. Sanchez in a first round of voting. On Friday, he lost again, securing 131 out of 350 votes, just one more than he had won on Wednesday.

Mr. Sanchez was backed by lawmakers of his own party as well as those of Ciudadanos, or Citizens, a center-right party that had struck a deal with him to form a coalition government. But conservative lawmakers from the Popular Party of Mariano Rajoy, the acting prime minister, as well as those from the left-wing Podemos party, voted against Mr. Sanchez.
LOS ANGELES  Regina Kings house has a cozy seat at the foot of a hill in a section of the Los Feliz neighborhood here. The house isnt far from the street but fosters an aura of secluded serenity anyway: A grapefruit tree guards the property. Off the rear patio is a small room with a vintage Pac-Man console and a signed LP of Princes Controversy on the wall.

On a sunny January morning, Ms. King sat in the kitchen calmly as the finishing touches were being done on her hair and makeup. She was hours from a trip to the Critics Choice Awards. Getting dressed would happen later. In the meantime, she wore a black one-piece unitard that unzipped in the front.

Its easy to imagine this scene playing out regularly in her kitchen. After 30 years in the business, starting as a teenage actor on the NBC sitcom 227 and continuing with a series of notable but supporting film roles, Ms. King has made her mix of hard candor and intense warmth an asset for dramatic television. In 2015, five years after she published a short but action-packed plaint in The Huffington Post criticizing the lack of inclusion at the 2010 Emmys, she won her first Emmy for her work as Aliyah Shadeed, the Muslim-American sister of a murder suspect on Johns Ridleys ABC anthology series, American Crime.

At the same ceremony, Viola Davis and Uzo Aduba also won awards in a year in which 18 very different black performers were nominated in the acting categories. Ms. King received her Emmy from the stars of Empire, Terrence Howard and an elated Taraji P. Henson. Seated at a glass table on her back patio, Ms. King said she often gets asked about what that night was like. It still would have been a special moment for me if Taraji and Terrence hadnt presented, but would it have been as special? she wondered. Would it have been as special for everyone if you didnt see Taraji have as much joy as I did? Would it have been as much of a moment in time? Probably not.
The tranquil graveyard at Trinity Church is tucked into an otherwise bustling commercial corner of Lower Manhattan. Inside its gates, weatherworn headstones  some dating from the 1680s  stand in the shadows of skyscrapers.

Alexander Hamilton, a founding father and the first secretary of the Treasury, has long been one of the cemeterys most famous residents. But in the 212 years since a duel with Vice President Aaron Burr claimed his life, he may never have had the volume of visitors hes had in the last six months.

Hamilton is having a moment, said Anne Petrimoulx, the archivist of Trinity Church. While giving tours, she said, I used to say, You might recognize him from the ten-dollar bill. Now I say, You might know him from the musical.

Since Hamilton opened on Broadway in August, fans have been making pilgrimages to the site. On Instagram and Twitter, they post the proof. Yes, I am such a musical nerd I took a photo of Alexander Hamiltons grave @ Trinity Church, tweeted Jaclyn Mika of Toronto, a self-described Hamilton fangirl.
Dont call them old maids. Dont call them African-Americans. Sadie and Bessie Delany, holding forth at Long Wharf Theater in Emily Manns Tony-nominated 1995 play, Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters First 100 Years, are very particular about things, whether the exact placement of a spotlessly white cutwork tablecloth, the precise thickness of an orange slice for ambrosia, or the careful arrangement of sparkling goblets and candlesticks. And when you have lived past the century mark, you are entitled to have things just as you want them. And husbands were not among the things they wanted. They were too smart, too independent for most men, Bessie says.

So when Sarah Louise Delany, known as Sadie, and Dr. Annie Elizabeth Delany, called Bessie, tell you that they want to be described as maiden ladies who are colored , it would be churlish to disregard their wishes. And, as implied by the title of the play, Sadie and Bessie do get their say, addressing the audience as if we happened by their house in Westchester County and settled into their comfortably old-fashioned parlor, designed for this coproduction with Hartford Stage by Alexis Distler. Acted by Olivia Cole (Sadie) and Brenda Pressley (Bessie), under the direction of Jade King Carroll, these Delanys are great company, just as the extraordinary sisters must have been in real life.

Introduced to the public in the best-selling memoir they wrote with Amy Hill Hearth, who first interviewed them in 1991 for The New York Times, Sadie and Bessie were the daughters of Henry Beard Delany, a school administrator who had been born into slavery, and Nanny Logan, the descendant of a white woman and a slave.

The Delany girls grew up on the campus of the North Carolina school where their parents both worked. They attended college in New York and settled in Harlem after graduating. Bessie became a dentist and Sadie a high school teacher. In 1957, they moved north to Mount Vernon, N.Y., which was predominantly white. They lived there until their deaths, Sadies in 1999 at 109, Bessies in 1995 at 104. Their long lives overlapped the imposition of Jim Crow laws in the South, the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights era, and they came into contact with a whos who of black America: Booker T. Washington, Paul Robeson, W.E.B. Du Bois, Lena Horne.
Resettlement lawyers said the ruling was the first to address substantively the attempt by some governors, mostly Republicans, to exploit the terrorism issue. The presidential candidates, of course, have been vying furiously to keep up with venomous nativism coming from Donald Trump and from Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, who told a conservative radio interviewer that I dont think orphans under 5 are being, you know, should be admitted into the United States at this point.

According to the State Department, 67 percent of the Syrian refugees referred to the United States for asylum are women and children under the age of 12. Mr. Trump has falsely suggested that federal officials steered Syrian refugees to states with Republican governors, when in fact resettlement decisions are made by mainstream social agencies like the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Mr. Trumps claim was one more example of propaganda being used to distort the truth on the refugee issue.

The fact is, the refugee resettlement program in this country involves a cautiously paced investigative process that contrasts sharply with the uncontrollable floods of refugees in Europe that Republican politicians are using to arouse terrorist fears in this country. Over three million people fleeing persecution and war have been investigated and welcomed to the United States in the last four decades. Syrian refugees must be no less welcome.
Its delightful to see the encrusted political king-making class utter a primal scream as Trump smashes their golden apple cart. Hes a real threat to the cozy, greedy, oleaginous cartel, their own Creature from the Black Lagoon.

For all the Republican establishments self-righteous bleating, Trump is nothing more than an unvarnished, cruder version. For years, it has fanned, stoked and exploited the worst angels among the nativists, racists, Pharisees and angry white men, concurring in anti-immigrant measures, restricting minority voting, whipping up anti-Planned Parenthood hysteria and enabling gun nuts.

How lame was it that after saying he was a crazy choice, Rubio, Ted Cruz, Paul Ryan and John McCain turned around and said they will support Trump if hes the nominee?

After watching Hillary Clinton, for whom campaigning is a nuisance, and Barack Obama, who disdains politics, its fun to see someone having fun. Like Bill Clinton, Trump talks and talks to crowds. They feed his narcissism, and in turn, he creates an intimacy even in an arena that leaves both sides awash in pleasure. Its easy to believe him when he says that, unlike President Obama, he would enjoy endlessly negotiating with obstructionists and those on the other side of the aisle.

Thats the wicked fun part. But then theres the simply wicked part.

Trump wants to be seen as Ronald Reagan but often hes more like Pat Buchanan, playing to the crowds prejudices just to hear the bloodthirsty roar, evoking memories of Molly Ivinss observation about Buchanans 1992 culture wars speech, that it was translated from the original German.

Trump, who was slow to disavow David Duke and the Klan, stokes the gladiatorial fever, leading to minorities being roughed up and the press being bullied. His mocking of a Times reporter with a disability was grotesque.

He has a tenuous relationship with the truth and an inch-deep understanding of policy. Although it is compelling when he says he would surround himself with an A team in the White House, his campaign is not chock-a-block with A-team players. On Friday, his team put out a press release saying Trump would campaign this weekend in a town called Witchita in the state of Kanasas. And he has not brought on heavyweights who could bring him up to speed on substance.
IS there any scarier nightmare than President Donald J. Trump in a tense international crisis, indignant and impatient, with his sweaty finger on the nuclear trigger?

Trump is a danger to our national security, John B. Bellinger III, legal adviser to the State Department under President George W. Bush, bluntly warned.

Most of the discussion about Trump focuses on domestic policy. But checks and balances mean that there are limits to what a president can achieve domestically, while the Constitution gives a commander in chief a much freer hand abroad.

Thats what horrifies America-watchers overseas. Der Spiegel, the German magazine, has called Trump the most dangerous man in the world. Even the leader of a Swedish nationalist party that started as a neo-Nazi white supremacist group has disavowed Trump. J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter books, reflected the views of many Britons when she tweeted that Trump is worse than Voldemort.
IF the gatekeepers at Davidson College had judged the teenager by her ACT score, she probably wouldnt have gotten in. It was 25 out of a possible 36, and more than three-quarters of the students at Davidson, a liberal-arts school in North Carolina with about 1,800 undergraduates and an acceptance rate of just over 20 percent, do better than that.

Her grades at a small charter school in the Boston area didnt carry the day. I was allowed to look at her application, with her name redacted, and what I saw was an impressive but unexceptional mix of As and B-pluses, along with an impressive but unexceptional array of extracurricular activities much like any ambitious high school seniors.

I had to read deeper, as the admissions officers at Davidson had done, to understand why they felt so strongly about her, and to feel that way myself. I had to notice details embedded in her letters of recommendation and mentioned fleetingly in bits of personal information that shed provided.

Shed been reared by a single mother. She had a 6-year-old brother. And for the last few years, shed spent three nights a week making his dinner and getting him to bed while her mom was at work, earning an income so modest that the teenager met the federal requirements for receiving free lunch at school.
The scientific method may be impartial, but the scientific culture is not. From grad-school admission on up through tenure, every promotion can hinge on a recommendation letters one key passage of praise, offered  or withheld  by the most recent academic adviser. Given the gender breakdown of senior scientists, most often that adviser is a man.

Perhaps she decides to ignore this first email  and this is often the case  knowing that she has little to gain, and a lot to lose, from a confrontation. Once satisfied with her tendency toward secrecy, the sender then finds a way to get her alone: invites her to coffee, into his office, out for some ostensibly group event. At said meeting he will become tentatively physical, insisting that if people knew, they just wouldnt understand. At this point, any objection on her part wouldnt just be professionally dangerous, it would seem heartless  and shes not a horrible person, is she?

Then there are conferences, field trips, cocktail hours and retreats, whispering co-workers, rolling eyes and sadly shaking heads. On and on it goes, and slowly she realizes that hes not going to stop because he doesnt have to. She thought she was there to learn, to work and to be useful. She feels stupid, and shes been told that stupid is the opposite of what a scientist is supposed to be. She wants to go back in time, before this whole mess happened, and have it not happen. She knows she cant have that, and so she starts to want the one thing that she feels she can have at this point: She wants out of science.

Brilliant men make for good copy, even when they fail at their jobs. Recently, reports of sexual harassment and assault within science departments at the University of California, Berkeley, Caltech and the University of Chicago have been in the news. Academia will have to respond. A great chorus of formal condemnation shall be lifted up, and my male colleagues will sputter with gall, appalled by the actions of bad apples so rare they have been encountered by every single woman I know.

Female scientists like me will be solicited for constructive solutions that dont involve anybody getting fired. Female students will be advised to examine how their own behavior might have contributed, and I will have more than my usual trouble keeping my mouth shut. Human resources offices will issue statements reminding employees that we do not tolerate such behavior. These statements will be filed within cabinets already stuffed to bursting with reports of jokes that werent funny, of grabbing that wasnt an accident, of infatuations unwelcome and unwanted. And in the end, science  an institution terminally invested in believing itself honorable  will sort of come close to admitting that it isnt.

ITS not something I can put on my C.V., but I believe that one of my most important duties is to walk young women through emails like the one my former student received, and I am called upon to do it many times each year. I emphasize to them that the first email is important because it is the one that the powers that be will point to and say, Why didnt you do something when you first got this? I talk to each woman bluntly and advise her to write back immediately, telling (not asking) him to stop.

I teach her to draw strong professional boundaries and then to enforce them, not because she should have to, but because nobody else will. I insist that she must document everything, because someday he will paint this as a two-way emotional exchange. I wearily advise her to stick it out in science, but only because I cannot promise that other fields arent worse. And I hope that this is enough to make him stop. But it never, never stops.

My former student is still receiving late-night emails, notes and presents left on her desk, and her co-worker is still insisting that they should meet outside of the hectic hours of work. She doesnt feel that she can go to her personnel office; shes heard plenty of stories from the other women at her institution about how this happens all the time and how nobody ever does anything about it. She was the best student that I had during the year that we worked together. The last time she talked to me, she told me that she was thinking of quitting.
DURING oral arguments last week before the Supreme Court in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt, Justice Elena Kagan noted that she was struck by the clear relationship between abortion restrictions in Texas and the closing of abortion clinics. Its almost like the perfect controlled experiment as to the effect of the law, isnt it? she said. Its like you put the law into effect, 12 clinics closed. You take the law out of effect, they reopen.

How women respond to these closings, however, is another story.

We do not have large enough surveys to discern behavior in different states or to track how it has changed over time  and in any case, people may not feel comfortable sharing the truth in a survey.

Google searches can help us understand whats really going on. They show a hidden demand for self-induced abortion reminiscent of the era before Roe v. Wade.

This demand is concentrated in areas where it is most difficult to get an abortion, and it has closely tracked the recent state-level crackdowns on abortion.
Ask Real Estate is a weekly column that answers questions from across the New York region. Submit yours to realestateqa@nytimes.com.

Padding the Coffers

My fiance and I bid on an apartment in the Bronx that requires us to have at least two years of mortgage and maintenance in savings, which we could borrow from a bank. I have two friends who have been approved by tough Manhattan co-op boards after they filled their coffers with dummy money from their parents  money that their parents lent them temporarily until the sale closed. I want to do the same, but my fiance worries that we could get caught, leaving us legally on the hook for false representation. I think his fears are unfounded. Could the board really demand to see our financial statements after we own the apartment? What is the worst-case scenario?

Spuyten Duyvil, the Bronx

Just because your friends game the system does not mean you should, too. Instead, trust your fiance, whose moral compass seems to be steering him away from deception.

If you accept a gift, your lender would require you to sign an affidavit stating that the money is a gift, not a loan (and your co-op may do the same). By knowingly signing a false legal document, you would very likely be committing fraud. Its like lying on your tax returns, said Daniel M. Shlufman, the managing director of Classic Mortgage. If you dont get caught, you still lied on your taxes.
AT no point in recorded history has our world been so demographically lopsided, with old people concentrated in rich countries and the young in not-so-rich countries.

Much has been made of the challenges of aging societies. But its the youth bulge that stands to put greater pressure on the global economy, sow political unrest, spur mass migration and have profound consequences for everything from marriage to Internet access to the growth of cities.

The parable of our time might well be: Mind your young, or they will trouble you in your old age.

A fourth of humanity is now young (ages 10 to 24). The vast majority live in the developing world, according to the United Nations Population Fund.

Nowhere can the pressures of the youth bulge be felt as profoundly as in India. Every month, some one million young Indians turn 18  coming of age, looking for work, registering to vote and making India home to the largest number of young, working-age people anywhere in the world.
Each Saturday, Farhad Manjoo and Mike Isaac, technology reporters at The New York Times, review the weeks news, offering analysis and maybe a joke or two about the most important developments in the tech industry. Mr. Isaac is out this week, so Joe Plambeck, deputy technology editor, is filling in.

Farhad: Howdy, Joe! Mike has the week off, so Im thrilled to have a big-shot tech editor like you join the discussion. As I tell every guest who takes Mikes place here, you have some small shoes to fill.

Joe: Thanks, Farhad. Its a joy to be here. To get myself in something of a Mike Mode, Ive been reading about tech while eating burritos on my couch all week. I must say, what a life that guy lives.

Farhad: On to this weeks news. First, there were lots of new products. Amazon announced two new versions of its Echo voice-controlled assistant  one of them is portable, and the other is meant for plugging into your home stereo. The move suggests that Amazon sees the device, which many once ridiculed, as a potential hit.
WASHINGTON  The intensifying legal battle over encryption between Apple and the Justice Department has all but obscured another more subtle division, the one inside the Obama administration itself.

Driven by competing and sometimes clashing interests about privacy, national security and the economy, some of the presidents most senior aides are staking out a variety of positions on the issue.

The White House denies there is disagreement over the effort to force Apple to break into the phone used by one of the terrorists in the San Bernardino, Calif., shootings, but the differences on how to deal with the broader questions raised by encryption have become increasingly apparent.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants the ability to break into smartphones and computers for investigations. The Pentagon and intelligence officials worry that the same techniques could be used by foreign powers or hackers to drain data from phones used by the United States government, and that countries like China will demand the same access provided to American law enforcement officials.
HONG KONG  The search for the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished almost two years ago has involved ships scanning thousands of square miles of the Indian Ocean seabed. But what could be the most promising development in months was the result of a lone mans search, one that took him to an uninhabited sandbank along the coast of Mozambique.

Blaine Alan Gibsons discovery of a triangular piece of fiberglass composite and aluminum, if it is confirmed to be from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, could add to the scant concrete evidence of what happened to the Boeing 777. The plane, with 239 people aboard, disappeared on March 8, 2014, during a flight from Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, to Beijing.

Like much of the world, Mr. Gibson, a lawyer from Seattle, said he had become intrigued by the fate of the plane while watching the intensive news coverage after its disappearance. He attended events in Kuala Lumpur marking the first anniversary of the flight, and after meeting with families of missing passengers, he decided to pursue his own investigation.

Im intrigued by mysteries that need to be solved and am also touched by the families who have had two years with almost no answers at all, Mr. Gibson said by telephone from Bangkok, where he had flown en route to Kuala Lumpur for an event Sunday marking the second anniversary of the disappearance.
KABUL, Afghanistan  The Taliban said on Saturday that they would not participate in international peace talks, citing what they claimed were increased American airstrikes and Afghan government military operations.

The talks, convened by the United States, China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, were expected to start this month in Pakistan. Taliban envoys were expected to join the discussions after being pressured by the Pakistani government, which provides the insurgents with sanctuaries inside its territory. Afghan and Pakistani government officials said the talks would continue despite the Taliban statement, but pushed the start date back to sometime later this month.

In a statement posted on the insurgents website, the Taliban denied that a representative would attend the talks. We reject all such rumors and unequivocally state that the esteemed leader of Islamic Emirate has not authorized anyone to participate in this meeting, read the statement, posted in English.

Previous talks have taken place without Taliban representatives present, but Afghan and Pakistani officials had expressed confidence that direct talks between the Afghan government and the militants would resume in March, and they maintained that position on Saturday.
Slide 1 of 11,

Donald J. Trump has often taken the presidential race in unexpected directions. In a, um, coarse debate on Thursday, he led Americans, as our TV critic notes, into his pants. Establishment Republicans are voicing their dismay at Mr. Trumps dominance in ever sharper terms: The former Reagan speechwriter Peggy Noonan described seeing the party shatter before our eyes. And Ben Carson officially suspended his campaign, saying, Theres a lot of people who love me, they just wont vote for me.
Albania has signed today an agreement to ban illegal fishing.

The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Water Management and FAO with the support of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry.

The main objective of the Agreement is to prevent, detect and eliminate illegal fishing by not allowing fishing vessels who signed the agreement to use ports of Albania for fishing.The agreement was signed by USA, EU, and 20 other countries in the world.The implementation of the agreement contributes to long-term storage of marine resources and marine ecosystems. Also this agreement brings several advantages:- Prevents illegal fishing and increase the efficiency of the fishing fleet;- Formalises the fishing business and protects the rights of legal activity;- Increased state control over the fishing fleet;- Improves fisheries management at all levels and meeting the international standards.Unreported and illegal fishing is a serious threat to the efficient management of fish resources.On a global scale, is estimated at around 26 million tons in one year, worth about 23 billion dollars from illegal fishing activity.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Hamstrung by student loans and dismayed at her meager prospects for repaying them, Kimberley Chongyon Motley left the long hours and low pay of the Milwaukee public defenders office in 2008 for the long-shot promise of Afghanistan.

I came here for the money, just like half the people here, she says in Motleys Law, a documentary about her unusual legal career that was broadcast on Al-Jazeera America in February. Before arriving here, I couldnt find Afghanistan on the map.

Motley, 40, a Marquette University Law School graduate, had never before traveled overseas when she enrolled in a Justice Department program to train Afghan lawyers and flew to one of the worlds more dangerous places.

After her nine-month assignment, she did not return home to Milwaukee, instead hanging out her own shingle in Kabul. She studied Shariah, the Islamic code that lies beneath the fragile new Afghan Constitution, and she established herself as the only foreign litigator in one of the worlds most conservative and male-dominated cultures.

She earned respect, she said in an interview, by showing people she was willing to make an effort to understand Afghan culture, even if she would always be an outsider.

Tall, uncovered by a head scarf, outspoken and prone to salty language outside the courtroom, Motley stands out in the courtroom and in a country where many women cannot leave home unless wrapped in a burqa.

To tell the truth, I get more sexist crap from foreign men than I do from Afghans, she said in the interview, adding that other lawyers have told her she should defer to her male colleagues or credit her courtroom victories to her male interpreters.

I try not to complain, because thats what people want you to do  they want to see weakness, she said, adding that the abuse does little to deter her.

There are so many people who believe in me, who depend on me, she said. It would be a disservice for me to leave Afghanistan. And it would be a victory for some bad guys if I were to leave.

In almost eight years practicing law here, Motley has been involved in some of the most important human rights cases of the post-Taliban era. She is perhaps the first independent lawyer to represent a victim of domestic violence in an Afghan court  a woman who had been forced into marriage by her family at the age of 12 and was tortured by her husband. And Motley represented the family of Farkhunda Malikzada, a 27-year-old woman murdered last year after being falsely accused of having burned a Quran.

She has also helped foreigners who have run afoul of Afghan justice and, to pay the bills, she represents the local interests of Western embassies and big foreign companies, including on occasion The New York Times.

I still make money, thats a motivating factor, she said. But I love representing those clients, people I would never have heard of if I hadnt gone.

The documentary about her career in Afghanistan, directed by Danish filmmaker Nicole Horanyi, was awarded the Grand Jury Prize at the DOC NYC film festival in November. The jury praised it for having brought viewers into the world of the fascinatingly brave Kimberley Motley.

Motley is widely appreciated in the ranks of Kabuls expatriates. Shes the only foreign attorney litigating in Afghanistan; that in itself is quite courageous, Markus Potzel, the German ambassador in Kabul, said. But I really admire her knowledge. Sometimes she seems to know the Afghan law better than the Afghans themselves.

The daughter of an African-American U.S. airman and a Korean mother who met at Osan Air Base near Seoul, Motley was born and raised in Milwaukee. She earned her associate degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College, bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and then a law degree from Marquette.

She has set a few best practices for dealing with officials and shady characters in Afghanistan, one of the worlds most corrupt countries  166th out of 168 in Transparency Internationals latest global list. My rule is, just dont pay, simply dont pay, ever, she said, adding, Be willing to put something in writing  that scares people. Make a record of it, and let them know youre making a record of it.

At a time when most of the nongovernmental organizations that came to Afghanistan have given up, fearful of the Taliban challenge to the embattled government, Motley is not sure how much longer she will be able to practice law here.

She laments the dismal path Afghanistan is on, and the billions of dollars in aid that she says has been wasted here. This place should look like Dubai, considering all the money thats been poured into it.

And things are getting worse, not better, she said.

Still, her experience has taught her to recognize the persistent signs of hope: There were only a few licensed lawyers in Afghanistan when she arrived from Milwaukee, and now there are several thousand. The fact that as an American lawyer Im allowed to practice here, thats progress, she said. But I accept that there is so much more to be done, at every level.
On Feb. 9, the same day as the New Hampshire primary, President Obama submitted his final proposed budget to Congress. He wants to spend $4.15 trillion; tax revenue is projected to be $3.64 trillion, so the deficit is half a trillion dollars.

The president focused on the budget deficit as a percentage of U.S. gross domestic product, predicting a return to 2.3 percent in fiscal 2018, the lowest deficit-to-GDP number since 2007. Congressional Republican leaders focused, instead, on the sheer size of the budget (in real terms, the largest in American history, other than during World War II), and announced they would forgo even the formality of holding hearings on the presidents proposal.

All this, sadly, revives the budget theatrics typical when the White House and Congress are controlled by different parties. For that reason, as well as the presidential primary campaigns, there has not been much focus on the Obama budget.

In that budget plan, however, is a remarkable proposal: lifting sequestration in future years so that we continue to invest in our economic future and our national security. No statement of outrage, or even disagreement, was forthcoming from the Republican congressional leadership. Sequestration appears to have died  virtually without notice.

Sequestration is the automatic cuts in spending put into law in 2011 and activated in the event Congress fails to cut spending any other way. The cuts were to apply in equal amounts to defense and nondefense spending. Rather than endure across-the-board cuts to their favorite programs, both parties  the writers of the 2011 law calculated  would find specific spending cuts, tax increases or a combination.

They gave a special bicameral, bipartisan committee one year to identify thoughtful alternatives to the sequester. The committee failed. Just before the sequester was to take effect, in January 2013, Congress acted to postpone those cuts, but they kicked in by that March. Both parties hated them and resolved that the new budget would be different. The fiscal year ended with no agreement, however, so a partial government shutdown occurred for two weeks in October 2013.

Since then, a series of short-term budget deals have postponed the effect of the 2011 law. So, in proposing the end of the sequester, Obamas budget does little more than acknowledge reality. The sequester was intended only as a threat, and, except for a few months in 2013, it never actually applied. We can predict that the formal repeal of the 2011 law establishing the sequester system will be found in some of the fine print of one of the appropriation bills passed this year.

The sequester law had a flaw. The proposed cuts in defense and nondefense spending were unrealistically large. The 2011 Congress, in pursuit of the laudable goal of reducing the deficit by $1.2 trillion over 10 years, established an automatic system that cut social spending more than the Democrats could tolerate and defense spending more than the Republicans could tolerate.

So, they suspended the law.

A wiser approach would have been to follow the 1985 Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act in setting annual deficit reduction targets that could be (and were) achieved, or GRHs 1990 successor, the Pay-Go system requiring any new spending (or tax cuts) to find an offset in lower spending or tax increases elsewhere.

The GRH numbers constituted a realistic threat. The result was that budget bargaining actually took place in the final years of the Reagan administration. By contrast, similar bargaining has been elusive in recent years, even as entitlement spending on Americas aging population, and increased health care costs under Obamacare, make budget agreement more critical.

Pay-Go was an even more effective system: every idea could be accommodated, so long as its proponent paid for it. It was under Pay-Go that the federal budget actually hit surpluses in the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 budget years (without having to count the borrowings from Social Security)  the last time this has happened since 1960. Those were years of a Republican Congress (with John Kasich as chairman of the House Budget Committee) and a Democratic president (Bill Clinton).

Why this all matters is illustrated by another overlooked element of the presidents budget: 76 percent of the budget deficit is being financed by borrowing from private individuals (as opposed to from government trust funds). In our nations history, only in World War II was that percentage higher. This money cant be shuffled between government accounts. It has to be paid back. In abolishing the sequester, we leave our creditors with no structural reason to believe it will be.

Tom Campbell is a professor in the Fowler School of Law and a professor in the Argyros School of Business and Economics at Chapman University. He served on the Joint Economic Committee during his five terms in Congress. He was also California finance director.

These views are his own.
MEXICO CITY  An indigenous activist in Honduras who won a prestigious international environmental prize for fighting a dam project despite continued threats was assassinated on Thursday in her hometown, officials said.

Gunmen broke down the door of the house where the activist, Berta Caceres, was staying in La Esperanza, in western Honduras, and shot her early Thursday, human rights groups said.

Caceres, 44, had led a decadelong fight against a project to build the Agua Zarca Dam along the Gualcarque River, which is sacred to the Lenca people. The campaign involved filing legal complaints against the project, organizing community meetings and bringing the case to the Inter-American Human Rights Commission. Last year, she won the Goldman Environmental Prize, which is awarded to grass-roots leaders who build community support to protect the environment.

The killing of one of Honduras most prominent environmental activists casts attention on the countrys dismal human rights record. It comes just after President Juan Orlando Hernandez traveled to Washington and Mexico City last week to argue that his government was turning the corner in combating the violence that makes Honduras one of the most murder-plagued countries in the world.

Although the Inter-American Human Rights Commission had ordered protective measures for Caceres, she was not under the protection of the Honduran security forces on the day of her death, Julian Pacheco Tinoco, the Honduran security minister, said at a news conference in Tegucigalpa, the capital. He said she was not in the place she had reported as her home when she was killed.

Her brother Gustavo Caceres told media outlets in La Esperanza that her death could have been avoided. The police were responsible for providing security for my sister here in the city, he said. She wasnt hiding.

The killing brought widespread condemnation from international human rights organizations and U.S. lawmakers.Hernandez, the president, called the killing of Caceres a crime against Honduras, a blow for the people of Honduras, and promised an investigation with help from the United States.

There are no immediate suspects, officials said. Conflicts between local communities and large companies in Honduras often draw in several armed groups, including the army.

Everyone is saying that the government or the company did it, but youll never know, said Caceres nephew, Silvio Carrillo, in a telephone interview from Oakland, California, where he lives. Its the art of obfuscation.

Since 2013, Caceres organization, the National Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras, turned to protest to try to stop the dams construction. Under international law, indigenous groups must be consulted on projects that affect their lands, but the Lenca say they were not consulted about the dam. They maintain that the 22MW hydroelectric project, which would create a 300-meter-long reservoir and divert 3 kilometers of the river, will jeopardize their water resources and their livelihood.

For over a year, the organization maintained a blockade to prevent access to the site despite attempts by security officials to evict protesters. In July 2013, a Honduran soldier fatally shot Tomas Garcia, another leader of Caceres organization, during a peaceful protest.

The protest prompted the Chinese company Sinohydro, which had the contract to build the dam, to withdraw from the project.

The Honduran company behind the dam, Desarrollos Energeticos SA, continued with the project, however, and Honduran business leaders took up the cause against Caceres.

Aline Flores, president of the Honduran Council for Private Business, said in 2013 that the groups led by Caceres were boycotting, invading and making Honduras look bad internationally. Criminal charges were filed against Caceres, first for carrying an unlicensed weapon, which she said had been planted by military officers at a roadblock, and then for incitement.

The company resumed construction of the dam last fall, avoiding potential blockades by moving to the other side of the river, Caceres said at the time.

During the past month, the threats against Caceres and her organization had mounted after security forces detained more than 100 people during a peaceful protest on Feb. 20.

Since a 2009 coup in Honduras, journalists, judges, labor leaders, human rights defenders and environmental activists have been the subject of targeted killings, with their murders often going unsolved. Twelve environmental defenders were killed in Honduras in 2014, according to research by Global Witness, which makes it the most dangerous country in the world, relative to its size, for activists protecting forests and rivers.

In accepting the Goldman prize, Caceres described what it had been like to live under siege. They follow me and threaten to kidnap and kill me, she said. They threaten my family. This is what we have to face.
LOS ANGELES  In his final term as Californias governor, Jerry Brown has made the battle against climate change a signature issue: he is fighting to vastly reduce the states emissions of greenhouse gases, to accelerate the move to electric cars, and to rewire the states electrical grid. In December, he had a star turn with world leaders at the United Nations climate change conference in Paris.

But despite all his efforts, Californias emissions rose modestly over the first three years after he took office in 2011, the last years for which data is available. The latest blow came from Porter Ranch, a Los Angeles suburb where a breach at an underground natural-gas storage site in October released 107,000 tons of climate-changing methane and ethane  the largest such leak in American history  before it was capped late last month.

A report in the journal Science last week concluded that the Porter Ranch breach, at its peak, effectively doubled the amount of methane emitted daily in the entire Los Angeles Basin, highlighting how such accidents can set back even the best-intentioned climate policies.

Speaking on behalf of the Brown administration, Mary D. Nichols, the chairwoman of the California Air Resources Board, said her agency had been in the process of working on regulations for methane as a short-lived climate pollutant when the leak occurred.

She said that the environmental policymakers  not just the Brown administration  had only recently started to focus on the effects of pollutants like methane, and that the Porter Ranch leak had added a real sense of urgency to address that.

Its been a jolt for everybody, realizing what potential for really major harm can come from this sector, which we have tended to take pretty much for granted, Nichols said. New studies have shown that, even aside from the leak, Theres more methane escaping into the atmosphere than we previously thought, she added.

The leak not only snarled the states climate-change efforts but also prompted complaints that the governor was slow to address the problem and that his regulators failed to prevent it.

Food & Water Watch, a group that works to ban hydraulic fracturing and protect the water supply, sometimes brings a papier-mache likeness of Brown to its rallies to decry what it sees as his support for the oil and gas industry. The governor has shunned calls to move toward reducing the states oil production, and while he has supported strict regulation of hydraulic fracturing, commonly called fracking, he has opposed a ban on the technique.

Just believing climate change is real doesnt mean hes doing anything about it, said Adam Scow, California director at Food & Water Watch. He hasnt done anything that constitutes real leadership.

Referring to some of Browns climate goals, like reducing greenhouse gas emissions in California to 80 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2050, Scow said: Thats a politically convenient approach. We need to be planning for a 100 percent renewable future in California, and were not doing it.

Nichols of the California Air Resources Board defended the governor, saying he had made addressing climate change a priority across state government. He is not going to get a perfect score from environmentalists, she said. Environmental advocates are always looking to push for more.

In the last year, Brown has pushed through legislation accelerating a shift to renewable energy, and struck clean-energy agreements with a host of states and cities. California now gets 26 percent of its power from renewable sources, compared with an average of 10 percent in other states.

Nichols said that the governor has a broad view of what the state needs to be doing on these issues, and its now been incorporated into the work of every relevant agency. For example, the Department of General Services now considers the environment when buying fleets, she said, and the Department of Transportation includes greenhouse gas emissions in its plans.

But there have been setbacks for the governor and his goals besides Porter Ranch. In 2013, the state was unexpectedly forced to close the San Onofre nuclear power station north of San Diego, eliminating a zero-emissions source of electricity. Last October, the California State Legislature spurned what was perhaps Browns most ambitious proposal  to cut petroleum use in half by 2030  after a campaign by the oil industry raised voters fears of higher gasoline prices.

And there are signs of fatigue here with environmental regulations in general. Last month, the agency charged with preserving Californias coastline ousted its executive director, who was deemed too hostile to development. And the regional commission that oversees air quality for 17 million people in the Los Angeles area plans a similar move: Republicans committed to making pollution regulations more business-friendly took control of the commission last month and say they may oust its executive director.

John Laird, California secretary for natural resources, offered a laundry list of accomplishments during the Brown administration, beginning with the focus on climate change, but moving on to a variety of habitat protection efforts that are far less heralded, like negotiating a deal with Nevada to maintain Lake Tahoe and creating a network of marine protected areas.

Sometimes, its hard to appreciate whats going on around us, Laird said. I think people will probably look back with much greater appreciation on what is happening in this time.

Yet even many who applaud that record suggest that Brown should guard against overconfidence.

Some scientists say that the trajectory looks positive. Together with colleagues, Jeffery Greenblatt, a scientist and expert on low-carbon technology at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley has used computer models to study whether the first step toward Browns 2050 goal  getting greenhouse-gas emissions back to 1990 levels by 2020  was feasible. Under three different scenarios, the resulting graphs show a line representing carbon emissions steadily dropping until the 2020 goal is met.

That the line was still rising in 2013 is interesting, he said, but not worrisome  yet.

As we get closer to 2020, Greenblatt said, I would start to get concerned if it does not go down.
On a map of American disadvantage, Genesee County, Mich., stands out, a troubling outlier for the Midwest and even the entire nation.

The places where children grow up deeply affect the kinds of lives they lead as adults. Some places nurture children in ways that become apparent years later; others hold them back. Simply growing up in Genesee County, economists now know, means that a child from a poor family will earn about 20 percent less at age 26 than a child raised in an average place in America. Thats worse than in St. Louis or Baltimore City or some of the poorest rural counties in the American South.

Rank nearly 2,500 U.S. counties this way  by how much they lift or depress the adult earnings of poor children  and Genesee sits fifth from the bottom. It is one of the bleakest places to grow up in America. It is the home of Flint.

As Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders meet there Sunday night for the next Democratic presidential debate, this grim fact poses a difficult question. Lets say we invest in every way imaginable in the children of Flint whove been exposed to lead poisoning through their household faucets. We give them the best nutrition, the best health care, the best after-school programs educators can design. What will that amount to? Can we even give these children every advantage possible when they live in one of the most disadvantaged places in the U.S.?

It seems hard to imagine that you could, says Nathaniel Hendren, a Harvard economist who has worked on that sweeping study that has shown in detail how geography helps determine a childs life chances. It wasnt simply the decision to switch the citys water supply that prevents children there from reaching the American dream, he says.

There is so much else in Flint that drives that outcome, too: the segregation of the poor, the citys finances, the dwindling population, the long-term decline of industry and decent jobs, the high crime rate, the vacant properties, the struggling schools. Investments we could make in individual children whose brains and bodies have been harmed by a potent neurotoxin will push against all these other forces, too.

And so perhaps the best thing we could do for the children of Flint, in addition to attentive care, is offer their families a chance to move somewhere else, to go to one of those places like nearby Clinton County where we know that children thrive.

Ask families in Flint, and many want to leave. They dont know when the water will be safe again or whether they can trust what officials say. But the same problems that harm them trap them there, in the middle of an environmental disaster. What are we going to do? Kala Green, 72, asked The Washington Posts Lenny Bernstein. Aint nobody gonna buy our homes.

Others who might want to go dont have the money to pay higher rents in a more expensive community, or the means to search for housing there, or the knowledge of where those places might be.

Is it better for children in the long run to leave the community versus stay? First and foremost, thats the parents decision, says Phil Tegeler, the executive director of the Poverty and Race Research Action Council. And we shouldnt be forcing people one way or the other. But were not giving really low-income parents a choice.

He cites all of the health outcomes that researchers have linked to housing: neighborhood violence is connected to stress hormones, dilapidated housing to asthma triggers, poverty to pollution. Studies of a federal experiment that helped families move with housing vouchers to low-poverty communities have found that parents had lower rates of obesity and diabetes and girls had better mental health. Giving children a chance to move would mean changing not just their school districts or their exposure to crime; it could change their health. And that is precisely what we are most worried about right now in Flint.

Its going to take a lot of time to fix the water situation there, the pipes in general, says Alison Bell Shuman, who runs a program in Baltimore that helps poor families use their housing vouchers to move to higher opportunity neighborhoods. And these families dont have time. These kids need something now.

She argues that it would be easiest to start in Flint with the 860 families there  and their 1,068 children  who already have federal housing vouchers, and she has offered assistance from Baltimores widely recognized mobility program.

Resettling even temporarily as many 9,000 children, as Columbia Universitys Irwin Redlener has advocated, would be a vastly more complex undertaking. There are no doubt families who would choose to stay. But what about those would want to leave? Can we accept that they dont have that choice?

These questions in Flint broach a larger discussion about how best to help children in distressed communities that should figure into Sundays presidential debate  assuming that its location in Flint makes such topics harder to breeze past than in the Republican debate Thursday night in Detroit.

If we do help families move, what happens to the disinvested places they leave, and the people who choose (or have no choice) to stay there? Are resources better spent trying to revive Flint, or helping people who want to abandon it? Or  because many people say we must do both  how do we balance those two goals when the one complicates the other? As more people leave Flint, especially those with any means to leave on their own, that could make it harder to build back a community where future children will prosper.

Its the hardest question that were faced with now that we think places matter, Hendren says.

This is an old debate among advocates and academics concerned about the poor  whether we ought to pour our intentions into places or people. But Flint has made the question even more urgent.
MIAMI  The U.S. government has been paying to feed and shelter thousands of Cubans trying to migrate to the United States, in what critics consider another sign of the lopsided treatment provided to Cubans under U.S. law.

The Obama administration has tried hard to deter the crush of migrants arriving from Central America in recent years. It has pressed Mexico to crack down on migrants passing through its territory, while women and children who managed to cross the U.S. border have been held in detention facilities.

But U.S. law gives Cubans special status to live in the United States and apply for a green card, provided they make it here. That has set off a rush of Cubans who have taken advantage of changes inside Cuba that make it easier to leave, and who are worried that the Obama administrations improved relations with their government will soon erase their privileged status.

In January, the United States pledged $1 million to help provide temporary shelter, potable water, food, sanitation and hygiene kits to thousands of Cubans who were stranded in Costa Rica while trying to make their way to the U.S. border.

Tens of thousands of Cubans have been arriving each year to the southwestern U.S. border after making an arduous journey by land through eight nations. But Nicaragua put a stop to the exodus by refusing them passage in November, causing a bottleneck of about 8,000 Cubans in Costa Rica and 3,000 in Panama.

The Costa Rican government was forced to open 29 shelters in schools, fire stations and other locations around the country where the Cubans are fed and sleep on mats on the floor. Some 2,000 Cubans remain.

The United States contributed to the effort through the International Organization for Migration, eliciting criticism that it was helping Cubans on their journey north at the same time it was blocking other migrants.

We expect this particular contribution to be a one-time contribution, and the final amount that will actually be provided to IOM will depend upon needs on the ground, given that the number of vulnerable migrants in need of immediate humanitarian aid in Costa Rica fluctuates, the State Department said in a statement.

The International Organization for Migration declined to discuss the donation, referring questions about it to the U.S. government.

I dont think that the ambassador wants to talk about exact amounts, said Roeland de Wilde, who heads the organizations mission in Costa Rica. He wants to talk about the role, the impact and the fact there is support.

The State Department said the donation was consistent with other U.S. efforts to help vulnerable migrants throughout Central America. The United States has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in Central America in aid programs for law enforcement and other areas, largely to stem the tide of migration.

Its a double standard for sure, said Kevin Appleby, international migration policy director at the Center for Migration Studies in New York. We are not doing that for the Central American children who are more vulnerable. We are not paying for their shelters in Mexico.

The U.S. government, he noted, has paid Mexico to step up deportations.

They are handling even more vulnerable populations by using tax dollars to interdict them versus housing others, he said. Thats the inconsistency they are embarrassed about.

Aracy Matus Sanchez, who runs a refuge for migrants in southern Mexico, said that as far as she knew, none of the shelters in Mexico received American funding.

It seems a little strange, she said. Here in Mexico, support has not been seen in any way. I suppose it makes sense they would receive the Cubans with open arms, because they are more educated.

David North, a fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, said any debate that arises over the donation boils down to questions about the Cuban Adjustment Act, the 1966 law that gives Cubans the right to enter the United States, even if they paid smugglers to make the journey.

The Cuban government has consistently pressured Washington to do away with the law, which many people feel encourages illegal and dangerous journeys by land and sea.

I just dont think we should be encouraging people by funding even this rudimentary shelter in Costa Rica, North said.

Rep. Carlos Curbelo, a Republican in South Florida who has introduced legislation to eliminate welfare aid for Cuban migrants, said President Barack Obama was to blame for the migration crisis because he had normalized relations with Cuba, but Curbelo said the donation was important anyway to support a major partner in the region.

Costa Rica has always been a key ally in the region and offered assistance to these Cubans after the Marxist government of Nicaragua shut its border in a geopolitical dispute, Curbelo said in an email. The following crisis exasperated Costa Rican resources as the migrants piled up in that country. Throughout, the Costa Rican people demonstrated great humanity and hospitality to these migrants.

Manuel Gonzalez, the Costa Rican foreign minister, said his country had spent up to $3 million housing the Cubans. At one point, 29 shelters were open, although 15 have since closed as thousands of the migrants have left for routes to the United States in a deal brokered by Central American nations and Mexico.

At one point, it was costing $35,000 to $40,000 daily, Gonzalez said in a telephone interview. Its complicated logistics: security, medicine, food, electricity. Its quite an important daily expenditure.
ATHENS, Greece  When Greeces debt crisis threatened to sink the European Unions single currency last summer, the rest of Europe, led by Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, ganged up to deliver the Greek government a stern message: Overcome your domestic political problems and do what is necessary to hold the Continent together.

Eight months after Greece agreed to do its part, it is the rest of Europe that is failing to muster the will to address a threat to the blocs unity, this time the continued influx of migrants from the Middle East and beyond. And Greece, the main entry route for asylum seekers, has been largely left to fend for itself.

We are now in the situation where Greece is essentially becoming a holding pen for refugees and is being asked to solve a problem created by other countries, said Jens Bastian, an economics consultant based in Athens and a former member of the European Commissions task force on Greece. You are basically putting the management of Europes migrant crisis at the doorstep of Greece.

The chaos has saddled Greeces prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, with the challenge of simultaneously handling growing numbers of migrants, while carrying out austerity measures and structural reforms required under the financial bailout Athens received last year to avoid exiting the euro  just as Greece has fallen into yet another recession.

But if the situation is generating more despair in an already battered nation, it also holds the potential for Tsipras to exert new leverage over the rest of Europe  with a possible ally in Merkel, long seen in Greece as a usurper of Greek sovereignty and a dispenser of economic punishment.

Perhaps more than any other European leader, Merkel, who continues to welcome refugees from Syria and Iraq to Germany despite intense opposition at home and among other governments, needs a deal to defuse the migrant problem. She would find her job that much tougher if Greece deteriorates further into humanitarian and political crisis.

With Merkel angered by decisions in Austria and nine other countries to tighten their borders, trapping tens of thousands of migrants in Greece, this creates an opportunity for a closer alliance between Athens and Berlin, said Mujtaba Rahman, head of European analysis at the Eurasia Group in London. The refugee crisis could win Greece some bailout flexibility, he said.

Some members of Tsipras fragile coalition government have also hinted they would like creditors to reduce some of Greeces debt in exchange for Greece bearing the burden of warehousing the migrants Europe will not allow in.

There is little outward sign that European leaders are willing to link the two issues and let up on requirements in last summers bailout plan for deep budget cuts and painful overhauls of many elements of the economy. Wolfgang Schauble, the German finance minister, warned Thursday in a speech at the London School of Economics that the refugee crisis did not mean Greece could relax its fiscal efforts.

Of course, there is a new situation, the refugee crisis, and therefore Greece needs beyond all discussion additional solidarity, he said. This does not mean that Greece should not continue to work to regain competitiveness.

Yet, with dramatic scenes of thousands of migrants piled up at Greeces northern border, enduring tear gas and increasingly unsanitary conditions, European officials moved with unusual speed this week to promise 700 million euros ($770 million) in humanitarian assistance over the next three years, most of it for Greece. And they are intensifying their efforts to bottle up more of the migrants in Turkey, before they can reach Greece, with hopes of relocating those who qualify for asylum directly to the heart of Europe.

But Tsipras challenge remains substantial, with political opponents coming at him from the far left and right.

The economy has continued to weaken since summer, when Greece imposed capital controls during turbulent negotiations with its EU creditors for a new bailout in exchange for accepting harsh austerity terms.

Despite tentative signs that the worst was over, the economy has continued to contract after Tsipras imposed new taxes and began cutting pensions further to comply with the terms of the bailout. Greeces overall unemployment rate has been stuck above 25 percent for more than two years, while the number of young people without jobs remains near 50 percent.

Tsipras biggest immediate challenge is to complete an overhaul of the near-bankrupt pension system, without which Greece cannot move forward in negotiations with creditors on sorely needed debt relief. The pressure from creditors has sparked raucous street protests in recent weeks. The creditors have also delayed disbursing billions of euros in new bailout funds, citing slow progress by Tsipras government in implementing the austerity measures.

Throughout last year, Tsipras government had effectively waved through migrants  almost none of whom wanted to stay in the economically moribund country  to Germany and other prosperous nations where they wanted asylum. But when the nations along the migrant trail ultimately decided to constrain the flow of people, the rest of Europe warned Greece that it could be kicked out of the Schengen system of passport-free travel if it did not exercise control over its borders.

Faced with an ultimatum, Tsipras has moved to get new migrant registration centers operating on the islands and ordered the construction of refugee camps around Athens and elsewhere.

At the same time, he has hardened his position with Europe, demanding this week that the EU explicitly recognize that Greece cannot assume all the responsibility by itself, and demanding sanctions for countries that do not take their share of refugees under a Europe-wide relocation plan that has been a flop.

Its a huge challenge for Tsipras because the nature of the crisis is changing, and rather than seeing refugees and migrants simply pass through, were now talking about having to find places to house them, said Nick Malkoutzis, the editor of MacroPolis, a political analysis website.

The one thing he cant let happen is for migrants and refugees to be left out in the open, where they become not only vulnerable to extremists, but turn into a focal point for the far right to try and rally support, he said.
MEXICO CITY  The once-secretive Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman has launched a public relations blitz, calling on his lawyers and even his common-law wife to keep his name in the news.

Emma Coronel, mother of Guzmans twin 4-year-old daughters, has given unprecedented media interviews, issuing dire warnings about his health and pressuring the government to improve the conditions he endures his third time behind bars.

His lawyers have gathered the media at Mexicos supreme court and outside the White House in Washington. On Friday, one of Guzmans lawyers called a news conference outside the maximum-security Altiplano prison where hes being held, and which he escaped from through a mile-long tunnel in July.

Wearing an Extradition Never!!! sweat shirt emblazoned with a photo of his client, attorney Jose Luis Gonzalez Meza said he planned to begin a hunger strike  water and juice allowed. He called on Mexicans to join him.

Analysts say the publicity is all part of a carefully planned media strategy.

At the very least, Guzman hopes to negotiate the terms of his imprisonment in the United States should moves to extradite him succeed.

Another Guzman attorney, Jose Refugio Rodriguez, says that the drug lord wants to be sent to the U.S quickly and negotiate a guilty plea in exchange for a reasonable sentence in a medium-security prison in the United States.

Samuel Logan of the business and security consulting firm Southern Pulse said he doesnt believe the effort will work.

El Chapos folks are grasping at straws, he said. I doubt the U.S. will negotiate on any level.

The PR campaign has featured Guzmans former beauty queen common-law wife giving her first-ever public interview in February.

Conservatively dressed and poised throughout her conversation with Telemundo, Coronel painted an image of El Chapo as a loving family man. She was careful to suggest his innocence, or at least not confirm his guilt.

Im not certain that he traffics drugs, she said.

Guzmans attorneys have publicly expressed concern for his health and criticized his treatment while jailed.

How long is his body going to tolerate this state of stress that hes submitted to? Rodriguez said last month after a 30-minute visit at Altiplano prison with Guzman. If this doesnt stop, he is going to get sick and his life is at great risk.

Outside the prison Friday, Bernarda Guzman Loera, who said she was one of the drug lords sisters, said his family was very worried.

The drug lords lawyers have filed several requests for injunctions in Mexican courts to stop his extradition. Rodriguez said Wednesday they wont drop those efforts until they get an agreement with U.S. prosecutors, an unrealistic scenario.

Things were a lot different for Guzman the last time he was in prison, after being captured the second time in 2014. Mexicos then-attorney general said the drug chieftain would only be extradited to the U.S. in 300 or 400 years after serving his Mexican sentence.

In a recent court filing shared by his lawyers, Guzman described a relatively permissive environment with plenty of access by outside visitors and some freedom to move around.

Half a year ago I was in this place and had a daily visit of an hour and a half with my defense attorney, Guzman said in the filing, plus a four-hour family visit every nine days and a four-hour intimate (conjugal) visit every nine days, a daily hour on the patio to go out and walk in the sun.

Raul Benitez, a security specialist who teaches political science at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said during that earlier imprisonment authorities did not violate his human rights, quite the opposite. They practically let him open an office in the prison to run his businesses.

But then El Chapo pulled off a brazen escape, coolly stepping into a hole in the floor of his prison cell shower and whizzing to freedom on a motorcycle modified to run on tracks laid the length of the tunnel.

President Enrique Pena Nieto was embarrassed by the escape in July, Guzmans second from a maximum security prison. The first escape was in January 2001 from a prison in Jalisco state. After Guzman was recaptured in January of this year, Pena Nieto said the drug lord would be extradited.

Now, Guzmans visits with his lawyer and his wife are shorter and chaperoned. Guzman complains that frequent bed checks, barking dogs and regular prison racket keep him from sleeping and drive his blood pressure to dangerous levels.

National Security Commissioner Renato Sales has denied Guzmans claims that authorities are violating his rights.

Shouldnt someone who twice escaped from maximum security prisons be subject to special security measures? The common sense answer is yes, Sales said.

Now, Logan said, the politics are against him.

Any backroom deals that he may have cut before are rendered null now that he escaped and embarrassed Pena Nieto, he added. Hes a king in his own fiefdom in the interior of Sinaloa (state), but nationwide I think people are just tired of having him around.
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.  The family and colleagues of a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission expressed anger and disappointment at a rally Saturday that he wasnt part of a January prisoner exchange with Tehran.

Several hundred people attended the rally for Robert Levinson, 67, who disappeared from Irans Kish Island in March 2007. A 2013 Associated Press investigation revealed that the married father of seven was working for the CIA on an unauthorized intelligence-gathering mission to glean information about Irans nuclear program.

If Levinson remains alive, he has been held captive longer than any American  longer than then-AP journalist Terry Anderson, who was held more than six years in Beirut in the 1980s. Unlike Anderson, Levinsons whereabouts and captors remain a mystery. U.S. officials believe the Iranian government was behind his disappearance. It has denied that.

The case drew renewed attention in January when Levinson was not part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Iranian governments that freed four other Americans who had been in Irans custody. Levinsons family insists he is still alive, even with health issues including diabetes, gout and high blood pressure. They last received video and photos of him about five years ago.

Stephanie Levinson Curry, his second-oldest child, said her autistic 9-year-old son Ryan cried for days when the other American captives were released, but not his grandfather.

The rallys stage was decorated with nine chained and padlocked glass cookie jars filled with yellow rocks, each one representing a day Levinson has been held captive. The crowd held yellow signs showing the social media hashtag whataboutbob.

Bob Levinson has been deprived of being a grandfather, a job that he would love so much, Curry said. We worry all the time about what he is thinking while he is alone in his cell. Even prisoners in jail get to see their families, write them letters and call them. Bob Levinson has none of that.

Retired FBI agent Ellen Glasser harshly criticized the Obama administration for not demanding that Iran release Levinson or, at least, turn over information about his whereabouts. The FBI says it still investigates every lead and remains committed to finding Levinson. A $5 million reward for information leading to his whereabouts remains in effect.

The failure to push publicly and hard for answers about Bob was an outrage, Glasser said. A rare opportunity was squandered when we had the most possible leverage to bring him home. Despite many requests, no new pressure was put upon Iran to produce information on Bobs status.

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, told the crowd they should send messages to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, who is active on Twitter.

It is unfair that Bob wasnt among the Americans who came home, but because of that, our fight continues, he said.

The 2013 AP investigation showed that in a breach of the most basic CIA rules, a team of analysts  with no authority to run spy operations  paid Levinson to gather intelligence from hotspots around the world, including the Middle East and Latin America.

The official story when Levinson disappeared was that he was in Iran on private business, either to investigate cigarette smuggling or to work on a book about Russian organized crime. Russia has a presence on Kish, a tourist island.

In fact, he was meeting a source, an American fugitive, Dawud Salahuddin. He is wanted for killing a former Iranian diplomat in Maryland in 1980. In interviews, Salahuddin has admitted killing the diplomat.

The CIA paid Levinsons family $2.5 million to pre-empt a revealing lawsuit, and the agency rewrote its rules restricting how analysts can work with outsiders. Three analysts who had been working with Levinson lost their jobs.

What I wouldnt do to rewind nine years and beg my dad, Please dont go away, said a weeping Susan Levinson Booth, his oldest child, as her siblings gathered around her to close the rally.

She named her son, who was born after his disappearance, after him.
OAKLAND  The 70 teachers who showed up to a school board meeting here recently in matching green and black T-shirts paraded in a circle, chanting, Charter schools are not public schools! and accusing the superintendent of doing the bidding of a corporate oligarchy.

The superintendent, Antwan Wilson, who is an imposing 6-foot-4, favors crisp suits and Kangol caps and peers intensely through wire-rimmed glasses, has become accustomed to confrontation since he arrived in this activist community from Denver two years ago. One board meeting last fall reached such a fever pitch that police officers moved in to control the crowd.

Wilson is facing a rebellion by teachers and some parents against his plan to allow families to use a single form to apply to any of the citys 86 district-run schools or 44 charter campuses, all of which are competing for a shrinking number of students.

How he fares may say a great deal not only about Oakland, but also about this moment in the drive to transform urban school districts. Many of them have become rivalrous amalgams of traditional public schools and charters, which are publicly funded but privately operated and have been promoted by education philanthropists.

Wilson is trying to bring the traditional schools into closer coordination with the charters. If he gets it right, its a model for moving past the polarized sense of reform that we have right now, said Robert C. Pianta, dean of the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia.

But Wilson has emerged as a lightning rod partly because he is one of a cadre of superintendents who have been trained in an academy financed by the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation. Like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, Broad, a Los Angeles billionaire who made his fortune in real estate and insurance, is one of a group of businessmen with grand ambitions to remake public education.

His foundation has pumped $144 million into charter schools across the country, is embroiled in a battle to expand the number of charters in his home city, and has issued a handbook on how to close troubled public schools.

Unique among the education philanthropists, his foundation has also contributed more than $60 million over 15 years to a nonprofit that trains superintendents and administrators, convinced that they are key to transforming urban school systems.

When Broad first announced the initiative in 2001, he noted that the average urban schools leader lasted just over two years and had little preparation in finances or management.

The new academy, he said, would dramatically change this equation by seeking candidates in educational circles as well as recruiting from corporate backgrounds and the military, introducing management concepts borrowed from business. Those chosen embark on a two-year fellowship, trained and mentored while working in their districts.

The fellows meet with speakers from think tanks, other school districts, charter networks and the business world. During one session last fall in New York, administrators from large districts shared a conference room with charter leaders and discussed challenges they have in common: how to recruit racial minorities to teaching, how to staff executive teams, and how to change punitive disciplinary cultures.

Regardless of training, any leader of a large school district faces daunting challenges. Superintendents deal with a very unusual stew of people who are often divided by race and language and income and religion, said Michael Casserly, executive director of the Council of Great City Schools, a coalition of urban districts where the average chief now lasts just over three years. Those diverse groups, he said, are all fighting over the one thing that they care most passionately about: their children.

Some prominent academy alumni have resigned after tumultuous terms. Mike Miles, the Dallas schools superintendent, quit in June after just three years, during which he battled teachers over new evaluation criteria and performance-based pay.

Still, Broad said his money is well spent. When I look at how many students are educated in public school systems where our alumni are and have worked, he wrote in an email, there is no question that this has been a worthwhile investment.

Oakland is the kind of place where philanthropists hope to make a difference.

Here, across the Bay Bridge from San Francisco, close to three-quarters of the 37,000 students in district-run schools come from low-income families. About 30 percent of the students are African-Americans, and more than 40 percent are Latino.

A little over a decade ago, the district was in financial chaos. The state put the district into receivership and extended a $100 million loan just to cover payroll.

In 2003, the state appointed the first of a string of Broad-trained administrators to run the district, free of local school board authority. Randolph Ward, who was then a state administrator of a troubled district in Compton, near Los Angeles, arrived as Oakland was embarking on an initiative to open a series of small schools. During his time here, Ward opened two dozen small schools but also closed 14 schools. New charter schools were also opening, cutting into enrollment at district schools.

Ward was succeeded briefly by two other Broad alumni, Kimberly Statham and Vincent Matthews. All three declined to comment for this story. Meanwhile, the district is still paying back its debt.

The Broad-trained superintendents  along with other non-Broad state-appointed administrators  had modest success in raising student achievement. Between 2004 and 2010, scores on standardized reading and math tests grew more than in any other California district with population similar in size.

Still, less than a quarter of students met standards on tests last spring, below state averages. At the charter schools, by contrast, about a third met math standards and close to 40 percent met reading standards  although the charters educate fewer students with disabilities, an element that can depress test score averages.

While the teachers union and some parent groups worry that district-run public schools will ultimately be eviscerated by competition from charters, other parents are voting with their feet, sending their children to the newer schools.

Kenetta Jackson, a housing administrator and a mother of two, decided the local school in her East Oakland neighborhood was not up to my personal standards. Her daughter, 16, and son, 13, have attended charter schools in the Aspire Public Schools network since they were in kindergarten.

Jackson said she did not understand the debates about the merits of charter schools. Its a lot of politics beyond my reach, she said. Im more concerned about my childrens education. I personally think that Aspire came and saved Oakland public schools because if they didnt come, I would be paying an arm and a leg for my kids to go to some private school somewhere, and who can afford that?

For his part, Wilson says he is neither for nor against charters. I want effective schools, he said in an interview in his offices in downtown Oakland.

Since he arrived, Wilson has focused on sending more tax dollars away from the central office and directly to schools, and he negotiated a contract giving teachers a 14 percent raise, their largest in 15 years, although Oakland teachers are still paid less on average than educators in surrounding counties. Wilson is also overhauling five of the citys most troubled campuses, moving principals and introducing new academic and enrichment programs.

He is working with both district schools and charter leaders to negotiate an agreement to meet the same standards for academics, discipline and enrollment criteria.

Although he retains a solid bloc of support on the board, some members question whether he is pushing too hard and overriding community input. You cant change overnight, said Roseann Torres, a board member. Does he understand that? I hope so. I know he feels a deep sense of urgency.

Teachers, parents and other activists regularly turn out at board meetings to attack him. Take the furor over a plan he introduced last fall to help more students with disabilities enter mainstream classrooms.

At a meeting in October, teachers, students and parents lined up before a microphone, warning that the proposals did not provide enough funds for teachers aides and would lead to oversize classes, prompting an exodus of more students from district schools into charters.

At one point, the anger at Wilson boiled over and police officers helped quell the unrest. Yvette Felarca, a local activist, denounced Wilson, saying he was undermining special education to make the charter schools more competitive with a degraded public school system.

When Eli Broad trained Antwan Wilson, she shouted, he trained him to come in here and privatize the schools!

Wilson said he sympathized with some of the anger directed at him. Its youre the superintendent of Oakland schools and a power structure that has not served us well, in many cases, for decades, he said.

But he scoffed at allegations that he is a puppet of the Broad Foundation. People can connect all kinds of dots, he said, adding that no Broad agenda has ever been shared with me.

The foundation has given to the school district in other ways: it has granted about $6 million for staff development and other programs over the last decade. The Broad Center, which runs the superintendents academy, has subsidized the salaries of at least 10 ex-business managers who moved into administrative jobs at the district office.

But it is the leadership turnover that has left teachers wary. Its just a different face at the top, said Leona Kwon, who teaches ethnic studies at Castlemont High School. I have not personally experienced a significant increase of support or resources at our school, so Im skeptical that thats ever going to happen.
At the federal level, the fight for gay rights is practically nonexistent. But at the state level, the cultural and legislative battle is raging.

The latest salvo to be fired comes in California, where the Sacramento Bees Jon Ortiz reports that a lawmaker proposed a bill that would prohibit state employees from using government funds to travel to states that have laws that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates say sanctions discrimination against them. It comes days after South Dakotas Republican governor vetoed a bill that would have restricted transgender students access to public schools and locker rooms.

The state is the first to revisit instituting such a travel ban based on a states LGBT laws in the wake of outrage last year about Indianas religious freedom bill. At the time, several state legislatures considered it, and Democratic governors in Connecticut, New York and Washington state, and mayors in Oakland, Seattle and San Francisco temporarily instituted government-funded travel bans to states such as Indiana. Most of those  including all the state bans  were lifted weeks later, after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) signed a revision to the law specifically banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The proposal would take things a step further by making such a travel ban permanent. Assemblyman Evan Low (D) proposed the bill as part of a package of LGBT-related bills, including one that would cut off state aid to public colleges and universities with similar religious freedom regulations. No one wants to send employees into an environment where they would be uncomfortable, Low told Ortiz.

Its unclear how much support the proposal will have in the Democratic-controlled legislature; Ortiz reports the bill will get a hearing in April and has the backing of the LGBT group Equality California. But if it gains any traction whatsoever, it will likely fuel the inter-state gay rights battle.

For example, look at the thorny questions that arise just from debating the ban: How would a state measure another states anti-gay levels? The bill would likely include all 21 states that have some kind of religious freedom laws (according to a National Conference of State Legislatures count), but would it include states with long-dormant religious freedom or exemption laws, for example? Would states that champion religious freedom counter with their own ban? Does it punish so-called LGBT friendly cities in the states that are banned?

Supporters of the travel ban might counter that at least this puts them on the offensive in a year when LGBT activists have been put on the defensive. They are playing whack-a-mole to try to block bills in state legislatures that, they say, would roll back many of their rights won at the federal and judicial levels.

The Human Rights Campaign, the leading LGBT rights lobbying group, is tracking some 150 bills it classifies as unfriendly to LGBT people. In the entire 2015 legislative session, it tracked 110. And despite the near-miss for LGBT advocates in South Dakota, about a dozen states are considering so-called bathroom bills.

It remains to be seen what will happen to this proposal. But the fact that its been floated in one most influential state legislatures in the nation suggests the battle over religious freedom bills  and more broadly, how to balance LGBT rights after the summers Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage  is far from over.
Sixteen-year-old Dorjee Tsering, a Tibetan student in India who set himself on fire earlier this week to protest the Chinese occupation in Tibet, has died from his injuries at a hospital in New Delhi, according to local news reports.

The teen told his mother he wanted to do something for his country moments before he self-immolated Monday, in Dehradun in Uttarakhand in northern India, according to the Indian Express. His mother tried to save him, she told the newspaper, but she could not.

Dorjee was transported to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi where he died Thursday night, hospital spokeswoman Poonam Dhanda told The New York Times.

For decades, Tibetans have protested Chinas heavy-handed rule in Tibet  upset over countless political, environmental and religious issues, and worried that their culture will be forgotten.

The first self-immolation in Tibet motivated by a hunger for change was thought to occur in April 1998 during a hunger strike in Delhi, according to the International Campaign for Tibet, a human rights organization based in Washington, D.C.

Since then, it has counted more than 140 Tibetans who have died in the same way.

Earlier this week, another Tibetan fighting for the cause died after self-immolation.

On Monday, 18-year-old Tibetan monk Kalsang Wangdu died when he lit his own body on fire in the Chinese province of Sichuan, according to Radio Free Asia.

A source told RFA he called out for Tibets complete independence while he burned.

Dorjees mother, Nyima Yangzom, told the Indian Express that her son, too, had been talking about doing something for Tibet.

Once, he called me from his hostel and said he would set himself on fire, she told the newspaper. I rebuked him and said if he wanted to do something for his country, he should do so through his studies.

I warned him that if he tried to do anything stupid, even I would set myself on fire.

On Monday morning while Dorjee was visiting his uncle in Dehradun, witnesses said he called out for freedom for his homeland, doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze, according to the Indian Express.

His mother suffered minor burns trying to put out his flames.

After Dorjee reached the hospital, doctors said he was burned over 95 percent of his body, his mother told the Indian Express.

Apart from his face, she told the newspaper, he has burn injuries all over the body.

Human rights groups supporting the community in exile have since pointed to Dorjees story as an example of the plight of his people.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton brought further attention to it, holding up his picture Tuesday in Minnesota where she spoke with the president of the Tibetan National Congress, an advocacy organization.

Before Dorjee died from his injuries, he spoke this week from his hospital bed, according to reports.

I did discuss my intentions with my parents, who told me they would kill themselves if I did this, he said in a video, according to Radio Free Asia. But, he added, he had the will to do something for the Tibetan cause.

He said he thought I could sacrifice this body for the Tibetan cause, according to the news service.

I want His Holiness the Dalai Lama to live long, he said, and for Tibet to achieve its independence.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump backed down Friday from claims that he would order the U.S. military to waterboard militants and carry out other acts that violate international law, as the top general in the U.S. military was asked to weigh on Trumps previous remarks.

Trump, the Republican front-runner, has said repeatedly that he wants to waterboard suspected terrorists, kill the family members of those who carry out terrorism and commit other acts that would leave U.S. troops with a quandary if Trump is elected: Do they follow the orders of their commander in chief, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice that governs their actions?

Sen. Lindsay Graham, R.-S.C., a frequent critic of Trumps who withdrew from the Republican presidential race earlier this year, asked Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a letter Friday to weigh in on the issue.

Graham did not mention Trump by name, but asked the general for his opinion on intentionally targeting the family members of terrorists, whether waterboarding and other extreme interrogation techniques are authorized and legal in the military, whether he would view orders to target children and other noncombatants as lawful, and what advice he would offer to service members who were issued such orders.

One of the things I most admire about you is that your warrior spirit coexists with an ethical underpinning, Graham wrote Dunford. It makes you, and all who serve in the armed forces, the finest fighting force the world has known.

Dunford could not immediately be reached for comment.

In a statement released Friday, Trump clarified that he would not order a military officer to disobey the law. If elected, he said, he will be bound by laws just like all Americans and will meet those responsibilities. He added that he feels very strongly about the need to attack and kill terrorists who target the United States and its people, and will not forget the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

I will use every legal power that I have to stop these terrorist enemies, Trump said. I do, however, understand that the United States is bound by laws and treaties and I will not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters.

Trump has made regular references to waterboarding on the campaign trail, assuring his supporters that the would reinstate the practice along with other tougher interrogation techniques. He has been steadfast in his belief that those techniques are highly effective and has dismissed concerns about their legality under international law.

Trump was adamant on the matter Thursday night during the 11th GOP debate, when moderator Bret Baier pressed on what he would do if U.S. service members refused to comply with his orders.

They wont refuse. Theyre not going to refuse me, believe me, he said. If I say do it, theyre going to do it. Thats what leadership is all about.

Trump also sought to draw a sharp distinction between himself and Sen. Ted Cruz, R.-Texas, whom he accused of weakening on the issue in a February debate. He made clear that he believed neither waterboarding nor pursuing the families of suspect terrorists was beyond the pale.

Its fine, and if we want to go stronger, Id go stronger too because frankly thats the way I feel, Trump said. Can you imagine, can you imagine these people, these animals over in the Middle East that chop off heads sitting around talking and seeing that were having a hard problem with waterboarding?

We should go for waterboarding and we should go tougher than waterboarding, he added.

The issue would have been complicated for rank-and-file members of the military, said James Weirick, a Marine retired lieutenant colonel and military lawyer. Any service member who disobeys an order that he deems unlawful bears the burden of proving that, he said.

Weirick said that Trump has only given bumper sticker statements regarding the killing of terrorists families, leaving some gray area in how to interpret his remarks. For example, if a family member was killed while detained by the U.S. military, that would violate the law of armed conflict, Weirick said. However, if a terrorists family was killed along with him in an airstrike on his home, that could be deemed acceptable collateral damage or reasonable if they provided material support to the terrorist, he added.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Five more states were taking their turns Saturday in the 2016 presidential race with caucuses and primaries largely overshadowed by Super Tuesday and potentially make-or-break contests soon to come.

After making this huge U-turn to Kansas, if I lose, Im going to be so angry at you, Republican front-runner Donald Trump told a crowd in Wichita, getting in one last Kansas stop just before the states caucuses.

Youre going to see us win, win, win, said the billionaire businessman, who ditched a conference of conservatives in the Washington area  a snub that organizers said sends a clear message to conservatives.

Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich were competing in Maine, Kansas, Kentucky and Louisiana. Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders faced off in Nebraska, Kansas and Louisiana.

Trumps rivals are increasingly questioning his commitment to conservative policies, saying that his promise to be flexible on issues is a warning flag.

With the GOP race in chaos, establishment figures frantically are looking for any way to stop Trump, perhaps at a contested convention if none of the candidates can roll up the 1,237 delegates needed to snag the nomination.

The Republicans are eating their own. Theyve got to be very careful, Trump said in Wichita. We have to bring things together.

A Trump backer had a stern warning for those trying to block the Trump juggernaut: If the big, fat GOP dont like him, they dont like me, said 65-year-old Connie Belton, a retired homemaker from Wichita.

Kasich acknowledged that a sure way to grab the spotlight for his campaign would be to hurl insults at Trump. But he wont take the bait.

Im with Harry Potter  Im not going to the dark side, he told reporters after a rally in Traverse City, Michigan, ahead of the states Tuesday primary.

But Rubio, in a question and answer session at the conference Trump skipped outside the nations capital, said: Its not enough to say, Vote for me because I am angrier and over the top and am going to do and say things no one is going to do.

The audience booed at Trumps name when Rubio was asked about his rivals absence. This is the American Conservative Union, and so its usually reserved for conservatives, Rubio said to loud cheers.

Going into Saturdays voting, Trump led with 329 delegates. Cruz had 231, Rubio 110 and Kasich 25. In all, 155 GOP delegates were at stake in Saturdays races.

The rules for the latest round of voting made it easier for candidates to claim a share of the delegates than was true in some Super Tuesday states, when Trump rolled up seven wins to three for Cruz, including in his home state, and one for Rubio.

Rubio, going all-out for victory in Florida on March 15, predicted he would take the state. He was to campaign in Jacksonville on Saturday afternoon.

Cruzs schedule had him in Kansas and Idaho, which votes Tuesday.

Kasich is focusing on Michigan, also a Tuesday contest, and Ohio, which holds its primary March 15, as he looks for political survival with victories in the Midwast. The crown jewels going to be Ohio, he said.

On the Democratic side, Clinton has outpaced Sanders with 1,066 delegates to his 432, including pledged superdelegates  members of Congress, governors and party officials who can support the candidate of their choice. It takes 2,383 delegates to win the Democratic nomination. There were 109 at stake on Saturday.

Ahead of a debate Sunday night in Flint, Michigan, Clinton met with about 20 African-American ministers in Detroit on Saturday and said the future of the Supreme Court was on the ballot in Novembers general election.

Clinton urged the GOP-controlled Senate, where she once represented New York, to do its constitutional duty and make a decision about any nominee President Barack Obama may submit to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Republican leaders say they will not consider a nominee and will leave that choice to the next president.

Her criticism of Republicans on that issue and their opposition to restoring a key part of the Voting Rights Act wasnt new, but allowed her to convey her message to an important constituency in the majority-black city.

Sanders had events in Ohio on Saturday as the Democrats kept close watch on those two big states and their upcoming delegate hauls.

One ironic twist to Saturdays voting was the backstory to the GOP contest in Kentucky.

The caucus was created so Kentuckys Rand Paul could run for president and re-election to the Senate without violating a state law banning candidates from appearing on the ballot twice in one day.

Even though Paul is long gone from the presidential race, hes still on the hook to pay $250,000 plus other expenses for a caucus that will choose between four people not named Paul.
DANA POINT  Whale-watch captains and their passengers watched in shock Friday as a playful humpback whale entangled itself in fishing gear, but rejoiced when the whale managed to free itself.

Everybody on all three whale-watch boats cheered, it was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever had on the water, said Capt. Dave Anderson, who operated Capt. Daves Dolphin Safari. It was so awesome to see that happen.

Anderson was on the Fast Cat, Capt. Steve Burkhalter was the Manutea and Capt. Tommy White was out on the Dana Pride. Between the three boats, there were likely more than 100 passengers.

It was about 1 p.m. and the boats were out watching multiple whales about two and-a-half miles out from Dana Point Harbor.

Burkhalter and White saw the about 50-foot humpback swim over to a shrimp trap buoy and play with it. As it played, it dove down and caught itself on the line.

The whale was ticked off and scary mad, trying violently to get out of the trap line, Anderson said, adding he pulled up just as the whale was thrashing.

Everybody on all the boats cheered and clapped as the whale made one big thrash and swam free. After about 10 minutes, the whale freed itself.

Its a good happy ending and good start to the Festival of Whales, Anderson said.

Anderson added he had a record 26 gray whale sightings on Friday.

Just two weeks ago, a whale disentanglement team from SeaWorld freed a hog-tied, drowning humpback from fishing gear off La Jolla. The whale  a 25-foot, juvenile on migration from Baja California to Alaska  was first spotted by California Fish & Wildlife officials on a boat at 1 p.m.

Fishing line ran through its mouth, pinned down its left pectoral flipper and cinched around its tail fluke. Rescuers from SeaWorld freed the whale after a two-hour effort.

Officials from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Marine Fisheries, who monitor entanglements, say the rescue is the first successful effort this year. Two others in January  one off Orange County, one off Los Angeles County and a gray whale off Dana Point  could not be rescued. Reports of those whales came in too late for disentanglement teams to respond, said Justin Greenman of NOAA.

In December, NOAA reported a record 62 whales off the California coast entangled in various types fishing gear, with a record 35 humpback whales reported entangled. From 2000 to 2012, an average of eight whales per year were found entangled off the California coast.

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@ocregister.com or Twitter:@lagunaini
FAMOUS for its in-store bakery, Mulrooneys Gala in Roscrea has picked up a national award for Best Bakery at Checkout magazines Best in Fresh awards, which were held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin in July.

FAMOUS for its in-store bakery, Mulrooneys Gala in Roscrea has picked up a national award for Best Bakery at Checkout magazines Best in Fresh awards, which were held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin in July.

Beating off stiff competition from some of the major multiple retailers, Mulrooneys scooped the top award, proving that you really can have your cake and eat it.

From small beginnings in 2003, where the store started to bake fresh scones and soda bread, Mulrooneys Roscrea now boasts a scratch bakery, producing products that are synonymous with quality and taste, at great prices.

Customers travel from far and wide to pick up scones, breads, rolls, yeast breads, tarts and fresh cream products from the store.

Such is the bakerys reputation that Mulrooneys has started to produce bespoke birthday cakes and the bakery has even been commissioned by a number of brides-to-be for their wedding cakes.

Sean Mulrooney, Proprietor of Mulrooneys Gala, Roscrea, said: We are absolutely thrilled with this national award for Best Bakery in Ireland. For years, weve been building up a loyal clientele and its down to the huge demand for our bakery products from day one that weve continued to invest and develop the business.

The team, led by store manager, Deirdre Harding, are very deserving of this award as its the quality products, combined with the second-to-none customer service that keeps our customers coming back for more. We now distribute a select range of the fresh cream products to Mulrooneys Galas in Portuma, Nenagh and Ballywilliam.

The Best in Fresh awards were judged by a panel comprising of Valerie Rice, food industry consultant; Jeanne Quigley, Secretary of the Irish Food Writers Guild; and John Ruddy, Editor of Checkout Magazine and its Retail Intelligence news service.

Each entry was assessed across a number of key criteria, including overall freshness, range of offer, management and display of food in-store, traceability, and service and advice in-store.

There are over 100 Gala stores across the country with a Bakers Corner bakery concept, offering wholesome, freshly baked products nationwide.
PHOENIX (AP)  Computers help us decide what route to take to the grocery store, whom to date and what music to listen to. Why shouldnt they also decide how we invest?

Younger investors  particularly those who, born in the early 1980s to late 1990s, are known as millennials  are increasingly adopting apps and what are known as robo-advisers to make their retirement decisions for them. In the past year, Betterment, Wealthfront, Acorns and others have brought in several billions of dollars in assets that used to be handled by traditional brokerages or wealth advisers.

In Betterments case, the largest of the robo-advisers, the company went from $1.1 billion in assets under management at the beginning of last year to $3.5 billion this year.

In terms of the overall wealth management market, robo-advisers are tiny, a drop in the bucket. But their disruption potential to traditional wealth advising is massive, said Alois Pirker, research director at the Aite Group, which studies wealth management trends.

Robo-advisers are brokerages that use computers instead of a traditional wealth adviser to allocate customer funds across various types of investments, similar to how popular funds targeted at specific retirement dates allocate investments. The money goes into low-cost exchange-traded funds that own stocks and bonds. The system automatically adjusts the mix as the person ages or if his or her goals change.

The issue is not that millennials do not have interest in investing, its the perception that investing is inaccessible, said Jeff Cruttenden, founder of Acorns. The universe of investment options is too huge.

Cruttenden helped launch Acorns, an app-based investing company, in 2014. Customers choose from five portfolios that range in approach from conservative to aggressive, and Acorns invests in a series of ETFs that matches their investment style.

Acorns also helps customers squirrel away savings by rounding each purchase a customer makes with their linked credit or debit card to the nearest dollar and investing the change. So if you buy a $4.25 latte at Starbucks, Acorns takes the 75 cents and puts it into your investment account.

Computers are usually cheaper than people, so robo-advisers have been able to attract customers both with their simple interfaces and relatively low fees, Pirker said.

These portfolios are priced at a fraction of a traditional wealth adviser, he said.

Betterment charges customers on a scale based on how much they have invested, from as much as 0.35 percent of assets for less than $10,000 to 0.15 percent for more than $100,000. A person with $20,000 invested would pay Betterment $70 a year, for example. Acorns charges $1 a month for balances under $5,000 or 0.25 percent for assets above $5,000.

This does not include the fees charged by the ETFs that the customers money is eventually invested in.

Still, wealth advisers, by contrast, typically charge 1 percent to 1.2 percent of assets to manage a portfolio, on top of fund fees.

Wealth managers are going to have to figure out what value they are bringing to keep customers. Simple portfolio planning is not enough anymore, Pirker said.

On the other hand, investors who want to do everything themselves can open an account at a discount brokerage like Charles Schwab or Fidelity and pay only the fund fees, which for some big exchange traded index funds can be just 0.05 percent.

Traditional wealth management isnt going anywhere soon. Pirker estimated the amount of assets managed by robo-advisers to be roughly $40 billion to $60 billion. By comparison, Vanguards total market fund has $385 billion by itself, and the wealth management market is measured in the trillions.
The actions that resulted in former Chesapeake Energy Corp. chief Aubrey McClendons indictment arent uncommon across the shale patch, lawyers and analysts said.

McClendon was charged Tuesday with allegedly violating antitrust laws known as the Sherman Act by coordinating a scheme in which two companies didnt bid against each other for oil and natural gas leases in Oklahoma. He died in a car crash in Oklahoma City the next day.

The Justice Department on Thursday moved to dismiss the charges against McClendon in federal court in Oklahoma, citing his death, but they are continuing to investigate the conduct, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The Energy & Minerals Group, one of McClendons biggest backers at his post-Chesapeake venture American Energy Partners LP, is among those in the industry looking out for any ripple effects from the case.

The entire oil and gas industry has been watching this investigation because it could have broader implications on the industry, Energy & Minerals Group Chief Executive Officer John Raymond said in a letter to investors.

Michigan charged Chesapeake and Encana Corp. in 2014 with dividing up counties in which each would seek drilling rights before a May 2010 auction, driving bid prices down from $1,510 per acre for that auction to $40 in October. The state settled with Encana in 2014 for $5 million and Chesapeake in 2015 for $25 million.

I dont think its uncommon, said Lance Astrella, a lawyer who specializes in energy litigation at Astrella Law P.C. in Denver. In particular, it wouldnt be unusual in areas where you see a lot of hot plays, he said.

While those in the industry are aware of antitrust laws that prohibit collusion between competitors, Astrella said its not rare to see leasing patterns, for example, that suggest two parties are staying out of each others way. Some practices may appear suspicious, but courts becoming stricter about needing direct evidence has limited the number of cases, he said.

Independent oil explorers for years asked people to contribute to their drilling funds, and McClendon was doing that on a larger scale, Charles Maxwell, a former senior energy analyst at Weeden & Co., said Thursday on Bloomberg TV. Now its seen as a practice that we should no longer follow. But I think that to call this evil would be a little harsh on the history of how it emerged and what was very common when he started in the business.

I wont tell you that doesnt happen, but I dont think it happens all that often, said John Lowe, an energy law professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. I dont think this is business as usual.

The Justice Department has shifted its focus toward prosecuting individuals instead of just companies, said Scott Wagner, a partner focusing on antitrust in Miami-based Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrods litigation group, who has worked on investigations related to energy. A company may dismiss fines as part of the cost of doing business, but a conviction against an individual may be more of a deterrent, he said.

I have been singled out as the only person in the oil and gas industry in over 110 years since the Sherman Act became law to have been accused of this crime in relation to joint bidding on leasehold, McClendon said Tuesday in a statement.

The Justice Department has taken business practices well-known in the Oklahoma and American energy industries that were intended to, and did in fact, enhance competition and lower energy costs and twisted these business practices to allege an antitrust violation that did not occur, his lawyers said.

It probably is pretty prevalent, Wagner said. How would this get picked up? Who is going to be the one to complain?
In its most tumultuous period since emerging from ConAgra Foods, Omaha grain trader Gavilon said Friday that it is not for sale, even as rumors about a divestiture swirl around Asia.

The company, whose top three executives departed last month after Japanese owner Marubeni expressed extreme disappointment with its U.S. unit, was rumored this week to be an acquisition target of Chinas state grain trader, according to the newspaper the Australian.

The Australian, based near Sydney, reported in its Business Review column this week that China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corp. is looking to buy the global agricultural commodities logistics business Gavilon, which counts Nebraska in the U.S. as its base, but also has a regional office in Brisbane.

The column did not cite sources. An email message left with the Chinese companys media relations desk was not answered.

Gavilon, employer of 375 people in Omaha, wasnt having any of it.

Per the management of both Gavilon and Marubeni, there is no validity to the report out of Australia, Gavilon spokesman Patrick Burke told The World-Herald.

That is perhaps a relief for the employees of the global grain trader, which owns almost 300 locations storing and handling grain, feed and fertilizer.

In late February, the company reshuffled its executive suite, with the departure of Chief Executive Jim Anderson, its chief operating officer and the head of its North American grain division. That followed a period of poor performance in the eyes of Japanese parent Marubeni, which bought Gavilon for $2.7 billion in 2013 after the company spun out of ConAgra Foods.

Marubeni a year ago attributed its 50 percent profit decline from 2013 to 2014 to worse-than-expected results from grain trading, and wrote down the value of Gavilon on its books by $420 million.

Last month Marubeni Chief Executive Fumiya Kokubu told investors he was fed up with Gavilon and its excuses.

Gavilon continues to experience difficulty, Kokubu said, according to a transcript of Marubenis third-fiscal-quarter conference call available on Bloomberg. So we will be taking dramatic measures.

But nothing so dramatic as selling the business, the company said.

Marubeni and Gavilon management have confirmed that Gavilon is not for sale, spokesman Burke said.

Contact the writer: 402-444-3197, russell.hubbard@owh.com

* * * * *

FOR THE RECORD, March 5: Former Gavilon Chief Executive Jim Anderson along with the firms former chief operating offer and the former head of its North American grain division resigned from their positions in late February. The company said the executives separation from the firm was incorrectly referenced in a Saturday story. In addition, earlier pay cuts instituted by Japanese parent company Marubini didnt apply to the top Gavilon executives. Saturdays story wasnt clear on that point.
DES MOINES (AP)  Declaring herself the Judge that Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley cant ignore, former Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge launched a Democratic bid Friday to unseat the Judiciary Committee chairman  a campaign she said would focus largely on his handling of the current Supreme Court vacancy.

Judge, 72, gives Democrats a candidate with proven ability to win a statewide election and a background that matches Grassleys family-farm roots. Judge has raised cows with her family for 40 years.

Grassley, 82, was first elected to the Iowa Legislature in 1958 before winning a U.S. House seat in 1974 and the Senate seat in 1980.

Judge served two terms in the Iowa Senate and became the first woman to be elected Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in 1998, serving two terms. She was elected lieutenant governor with former Gov. Chet Culver in 2006, but they were defeated by a wide margin in a 2010 campaign against former Republican Gov. Terry Branstad.

Judge said Friday that she initially didnt want to run but reconsidered after Grassley insisted he would not hold hearings to vet a nominee from President Barack Obama to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last month in Texas.

I had not thought that I wanted to be involved in a campaign again, but after the Supreme Court issue came up and Chuck Grassley acted so badly and just seemed to cave to Washington pressure, I decided that it was something I need to speak out about, she said.

Grassleys stance could be further weakened by discussion that Obama is considering nominating 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Jane L. Kelly, who was swiftly confirmed in 2013 on a Senate vote of 96-0, with Grassleys support.
Karnataka to strengthen ATS and up the number of prisons

Bengaluru: After fight with husband over fish curry, woman sets herself on fire

Bengaluru

oi-Shubham

Bengaluru, March 5: A 36-year-old woman set herself ablaze following a quarrel with her husband over preparing fish curry, a Times of India report said.

The incident happened at the couple's residence in Tarabanahalli, Chikkajala, North Bengaluru on Thursday night.

Police said the victim Anjali was rushed to Victoria Hospital by the neighbours on time to save her life. Doctors said she had suffered 10 per cent burns but was stab, the report said.

Police added that Anjali was asked to cook curry by her husband Venkateshwarappa, a lobourer, who bought fish from the local market. When she said she doesn't know to prepare curry, a heated argument followed between the two.

Around 9.30 pm, Anjali went to the kitchen set herself ablaze after dousing herself with kerosene. Her husband started to scream seeing this and the neighbours rushed in with a blanket and took her to the hospital, the report said.

Police have detained Venkateshwarappa.

Oneindia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, March 5, 2016, 9:54 [IST]
Assembly polls 2016: Key takeaways

Feature

oi-Pallavi

By Pallavi

The Assembly Elections 2016 is notable in many ways. For the first time, all the four states-Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam, and Puducherry will have it in phases spanning across 43 days. Apart from this, the election commission too has made arrangements to make the polls all-inclusive and easily accessible for all classes and sections of society.

Here are some of the exceptions one can observe this election:

Symbol for NOTA

Designed for the National School of Design, the NOTA (None of the Above) symbol will appear in all polling booths. Placed

at the bottom of the list of all candidates, the NOTA will be implemented for the first time.

Booths to have basic facilities, all-women booths

Keeping in mind the various necessities of voters, all the booths will have basic facilities, including those required by women. All including, 7 basic facilities will be provided. The Election Commission also said that polling centres will be established in blind schools and leprosy centers to ensure inclusiveness.

[Read: Assembly polls 2016: Know about the 4 states, Puducherry]

Security

Mobile squads will be provided with GPS-fitted vehicles. They will be accompanied by central forces so that polls are conducted without any hindrance. However, their numbers have yet not been confirmed, the Election Commission said that the number of security personnel have gone up as compared to 2011.

All polling stations in Assam and West Bengal will be covered by CRPF. Each district would have five Central observers to monitor the elections. To ensure impartial poling, the EC has already ordered the transfer of officials above the rank of sub inspectors and working above 3 years in that area to be transferred.

[Read: Tamil Nadu polls 2016: DMK, DMDK inch closer to alliance]

The EC did not name the officials to avoid any poser for proximity situation. It has ensured that only those neutral will be assigned poll-related work.

When asked about duplicity of voters in Kerala, Zaidi said a latest software has been used to delete multiple entries. He further added,"We will now investigate whether it was an inadvertent mistake or a mischief."

Enrolling voters and electoral roll verification

The commission has allowed new voters to enrol themselves 10 days from the last date of nomination. CEC Nasim Zaidi, however said that the voters should check their names in the electoral rolls and that mere photo ID card is not enough.

[Read: Poll dates announced: Political fronts in Kerala all set for assembly elections 2016]

Candidates photo in EVMs

To avoid any kind of confusion among voters, the candidates photo will be printed beside their names on the EVM.
Dhanteras 2022: How much gold can you buy from Dubai

ABVP behind posters announcing reward for attack on Kanhaiya: CPI

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 5: CPI on Saturday alleged that ABVP, RSS' frontal wing, was behind the posters that have come up in the national capital announcing cash rewards for anyone "shooting down" and "cutting off" the tongue of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and demanded that a probe be initiated into the issue.

"CPI expresses serious concern over posters appearing at some places offering Rs 11 lakh to anybody who will shoot down Kumar.

BJP expels youth leader who declared prize for cutting off Kanhaiya's tongue

A statement that Rs 5 lakh will be given to anybody who cuts his tongue is also doing the rounds. The party feels that ABVP is behind such moves.

"We urge the government to conduct a thorough probe into the incident and take stringent action against the culprits," a party statement said.

Delhi Police on Saturday registered a case after a person was spotted pasting a poster announcing Rs 11 lakh prize money to anyone "shooting down" Kumar.

BJP Yuva Morcha leader Kuldeep Varshnay had on Friday announced Rs 5 lakh prize money for cutting off the tongue of Kanhaiya, who he had alleged, was speaking against BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after being released on bail.

Taking note of Varshnay's remark, the Badaun unit of the Morcha today expelled him from primary membership of the party for six years.

Kumar, who was arrested on February 12 on sedition charges, was released from Tihar jail on March 3 after the Delhi High Court granted him interim bail for six months.

PTI
Dhanteras 2022: How much gold can you buy from Dubai

Air India to fly longest flight with all-women crew on Women's Day

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, Mar 5: Air India will commemorate International Women's Day on March 8 by operating the longest all-women flight on its longest route on Sunday.

The Delhi-San Francisco flight, which will cover 7,831 nautical miles (approximately 14,500 km) in a total of 17 hours, is the first long-distance flight wholly operated and supported by an all-women crew, an airline official claimed.

How Air India's 1990 'airlift' created a Guinness record

The flight will be managed by a 14-member crew, apart from the four pilots led by Captain Kshamta Bajpai. The flight dispatchers and flight engineer will be women, while the line safety and safety audit will be conducted by women and the load and trim staff will also be women.

The aircraft used is Boeing 777-LR which is scheduled to take off at 02.35 a.m. on Sunday morning from Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport and travel at an average speed of 500 km per hour. It will return here on the International Women's Day on Tuesday.

Additionally, the national carrier will operate 20 domestic flights with all-women crew on March 8.

Air India was the first airline to operate an all-women flight way back in 1985 to mark International Women's Day, and last year it operated two all-women crew flights on the domestic and two on the international sectors.

"The national carrier (Air India) supports the cause of women in every area," said Harpreet Singh Dey, president of the Indian Women Pilots' Association.

IANS
Dhanteras 2022: How much gold can you buy from Dubai

AMU VC meets PM Narendra Modi, tells centres not illegal

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, March 5: AMU Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah (retd) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, and told him that the centres that the HRD ministry has called illegal were sanctioned by the president and government.

The vice-chancellor, who led a five member delegation, informed Modi about various research programmes going on in the Aligarh Muslim University including that on Ganga rejuvenation and agriculture technology.

He also told the prime minister that they have not been able to meet Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani despite several attempts, and have got an appointment for March 10, only the second meeting with her since she took charge.

"We told the prime minister that we are trying to meet the HRD minister since one and a half years, we could meet you twice, but with her, the first meeting was when she took charge, and the second meeting is scheduled for March 10," Shah told journalists after the meeting.

The AMU VC told the PM that the centres in Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar that the minister has called illegal have been sanctioned by the government only.

"The stand of HRD minister that the centres are illegal was explained. We told the prime minister that all bodies of AMU have been sanctioned by president of India and government of India, so how can they be illegal," he said.

He said they questioned the difference in allocations to the university vis a vis other universities like Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

"We told him about the inequity of funds. Banaras Hindu University is the same as Aligarh Muslim University but they get Rs 100 crore more than us. Jamia Millia Islamia is half the size but it got Rs 689 crore more."

Shah said that they explained to the prime minister the ongoing programmes of the university which includes establishing modern education schools in Muslim majority areas.

"These will be secular schools, we don't want ghettoisation of education. The schools will have 50 percent Muslims and will be given modern education," he said.

The VC also mentioned the bridge course being conducted by the university for Madrasa students to gear them up for modern education.

"These students are going to the Madrasas and telling them there is need for change," Shah said adding that religious education and modern education should go hand in hand.

He also informed the prime minister about the research work in the university, which includes one on cleaning river Ganga, one of the pet projects of the NDA government.

"Our scientists are involved in the project Ganga. We told the prime minister that the research is low investment, there will be no need for electricity. We are also working on Swachh Bharat (Mission).

There is a technique being developed where a car battery can be charged in 20 minutes, patrol and diesel will not be needed. We are doing research in agriculture on a nano fertiliser that will not pollute the soil," he said.

Irani has maitained that the AMU off-campus centres have been established illegally and her ministry would not fund them.

In a meeting with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, she asked him to take back the land allotted to the AMU centre.

IANS
Dhanteras 2022: How much gold can you buy from Dubai

Arvind Kejriwal may visit Pakistan next year to attend Lit Fest

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Mar 5: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal may travel to Pakistan next year as he has accepted an invitation to attend the next edition of annual Karachi Literature Festival (KLF).

At an event, KLF director Ameena Saiyid extended an invitation to Kejriwal to grace the festival as guest and the Chief Minister promptly said he will definitely go there.

Arvind Kejriwal demands azadi from 'interferences' of Lt Guv, Centre

"I will definitely. We will learn from each other. We will learn from you and you will learn from us," he said.

Kejriwal was interacting with audience at conference on 'Coalition, a festival of creativity programme' at Talkatora Stadium here.

Earlier last month, Bollywood Actor Anupam Kher had claimed that he has been denied visa by Pakistan to attend the Karachi Literature Festival, which had taken place from February 5-6.

The Delhi Chief Minister has not visited any foreign country after coming to power for the second time in February last year.

On Kejriwal's acceptance of her invitation, Saiyid said she was "very happy" and that all the organisers will look forward to his participation.

"We are very happy that the Delhi Chief Minister has accepted our invitation. Delhi and Karachi have almost the same culture. Both cities have a population of two crore each," she later told reporters.

PTI
Prashant Kishor claims Nitish Kumar in touch with BJP says don't be surprised if he joins hands with it again

BJP not amused by Bhratiya Modi Army in Jammu and Kashmir

India

oi-Vicky

Jammu, Mar 5: The launch of a group called the Bharatiya Modi Army has not gone down too well with the state unit of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Bharatiya Modi Army of the BMA which was inaugurated on Monday at Rajbagh on Monday comprises of fans of the Prime Minister states that the organisation was formed to spread the vision of Narendra Modi.

The J&K unit of the BJP is however not amused. We have nothing to do with them party officials informed OneIndia. In fact the party has written to the police in the state to initiate action against the group.

It is a trap and aimed at maligning the name of the Prime Minister, the party's general secretary in the state, Ashok Kaul informed.

The BMA has however termed the allegations against it as misplaced. The organisation has units across the nation and the only aim is to spread the message of the Prime Minister is the official line from the BMA.

Jammu and Kashmir police arrest former assistant of Asaram

The reason why this organisation has come up in the Valley and also in the North Eastern states is to spread the message of the Prime Minister since the party does not have a major presence in these areas, the BMA also states.

The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir has however demanded stringent action against the group which is operating the state.

The BJP feels that it is an attempt to malign the image of the PM since the organisation comprises of suspicious elements whose motive is not clear. The police is yet to react to the complaint.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, March 5, 2016, 9:39 [IST]
The psychology of an officer who falls prey to honey trapping

Espionage- ISI has sensitive information, India must be on guard

India

oi-Vicky

The chargesheet filed by the Delhi police in connection with a major espionage case has some explosive details.

The Delhi police maintains that although major arrests have taken place the probe needs to be on since there is already some amount of information that has been passed on to the ISI which could be used against India.

The case on hand involves five persons including a head constable of the BSF who were arrested by the Delhi police in connection with an espionage case.

It was the case of the Delhi police that these persons were passing on sensitive information to the ISI in exchange for money.

Information could hurt India:

A reading of the chargesheet would indicate that the Delhi police has stumbled upon plenty of material relating to the espionage case. The handler in this case Kafaitullah Khan was roped in by an ISI operative named Faisal.

Khan while agreeing to do the job procured sensitive information from the Indian army and passed it on, the chargesheet also states.

The chargesheet which runs into 420 pages states that these persons kept in touch through chatting services such as Viber and Whatsapp.

Khan a teacher in Jammu and Kashmir according to the chargesheet roped in his nephew Abdul Rashid who was a head constable in the BSF to gather information for him.

The Delhi police also relied heavily on the information provided to them by the military intelligence. The investigation by the Delhi police coupled with the intelligence from the military helped build a strong case.

The information that has been leaked is sensitive in nature. It was aimed at helping the Pakistan army, Delhi police officials say.

The Delhi police say that this is the first chargesheet. The investigations are still on. As and when there is more information that would come by, the charges would be added, the police official informed.

Based on the information that has been made available by the Delhi police, the intelligence bureau too is on high alert. There is a good chance that in the near future the ISI may attempt using this information against India, both the IB and the Delhi police say.
JNU row: Amit Shah takes on Cong, says party should be ashamed of supporting 'anti-nationals'

India

oi-Mukul

Mathura, mar 5: Amid ongoing JNU controversy, BJP president Ami Shah on Saturday launched scathing attack on Congress. Shah said that Sonia Gandhi led party should be ashamed of supporting 'anti-nationals'.

Shah made this statement while speaking at two-day national convention of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Mathura. BJYM is a youth wing of BJP.

While taking a dig at Congress, BJP president also said that it is unfortunate that anti-national elements are being portrayed as 'patriots'. Amit Shah also asked Congress president Sonia Gandhi to clear her stand on the same.

"A strange atmosphere has been created. Anti-national slogans are being projected as freedom of expression... Congress should be ashamed that its vice president goes to the campus and says these (slogans) should be heard as there is freedom of expression. "If these slogans are freedom of expression, then what is treason?" he said.

While addressing youth wing, Shah asked party workers to work hard to ensure that it remains in power at the Centre for 25 years so that India could become the 'vishwaguru' as it was not possible in five years.

"In five years there could be development and high growth rate and borders could be made safe but if India has to be 'vishwaguru', then it is a must that BJP is in government for 25 years," he said.

Underlining party's Hindutva credentials, he said Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Ganga aarti with pride and went to Pashupati Nath temple in Nepal to seek blessing. The party wants India to have top IT and MBA professionals, who also seek their "inspiration" from Swami Vivekananda, he said.

The BJP chief also made fun of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to attack Congress and hail Modi's leadership, saying Singh visited more countries than Modi but his tours made little impact. "He would read from two pages he carried with him which were written in English.

At times, he would read the speech meant for Thailand in Malaysia and the one for Malaysia in Thailand... Modiji spoke in Hindi in the UN and the whole country felt proud," Shah said.

The biggest work the Modi government has done is to make the country's borders safe, he claimed. Invoking a number of Centre's schemes aimed at welfare of youth and farmers, he said the government has made a beginning for "miraculous" change in the country.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from PTI)
Peace activist Irom Sharmila extends her support to Kanhaiya Kumar, Rohith Vemula

India

oi-Oneindia

By Maitreyee Boruah

The nation is witnessing a surge in students' movements. Campuses across the country are echoing with voices demanding justice for the marginalized communities.

Be it the students of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi protesting on the streets to demand their right to dissent after the arrest of Kanhaiya Kumar, or young activists from Hyderabad raising slogans demanding justice for Rohith Vemula, youngsters of the country are no longer mute spectators.

Along with getting support from various corners from across the globe, many people (especially the ruling political class) have also criticized the dissenting voices as anti-nationals. Several students of the JNU are currently facing sedition charges.

The legendary Manipuri activist and poet Irom Chanu Sharmila has extended her solidarity to the progressive movements started by the students of the JNU and the University of Hyderabad (UoH), Hyderabad.

The peace activist has been on a fast-unto-death since November 4, 2000, demanding the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives carte blanche to the security forces while combating the insurgents.

In a video, posted by The India Express, Irom says, "I think the building of a university is like a temple for the young minds. Why should the government and the concerned authorities restrict open debate? I extend my solidarity to JNU and UoH students' progressive movements. I want justice for RohithVemula and all the other students."

On Wednesday (February 2), the activist was once again arrested by the state police after she had resumed her fast on February 29.

The fresh arrest of Sharmila came after she was acquitted of suicide charges by a court in Imphal on February 29. On that very day she resumed her non-violent protest at BT Park in Imphal.

OneIndia News
Man arrested for spying at Bhuj Army Base in Gujarat

India

oi-Vicky

New Delhi, Mar 5: One person has been arrested after he was found to be spying inside the Bhuj Army base, Gujarat. He was arrested when the security officials found that he was shooting photographs of sensitive locations with his mobile phone. The police is investigating the matter.

The police have seized his mobile phone and are currently questioning him. Officials from the army too are part of the questioning.

The police is trying to ascertain the reason he had entered into the army base and also why he was shooting the pictures. Prima facie it appeared that he was spying inside the base to seek out sensitive information.

It may be recalled that in the year 2012 two persons had been arrested for collecting and passing sensitive information inside the same camp. Sirajuddin Ali and Mohammad Ayub were arrested and charged with espionage. It was found that they were spying for a handler who was part of the ISI, Pakistan's intelligence agency.

This incident comes just a day after the Delhi police filed a 420 page chargesheet in connection with a major espionage case in which a head constable of the BSF has also been made an accused.

The police stated in the chargesheet that these persons working for the ISI had collected sensitive information and passed it on.

The police also warned that sensitive information that was already passed on may be used against the Indian army in the near future which led to enhanced vigil by the Intelligence Bureau.

OneIndia News
Couple killed as their bike hit by speeding vehicle on Delhi-Dehradun highway

Prashant Kishor to attend Congress strategy meet for 2017 UP polls

India

oi-PTI

Lucknow, Mar 5: Poll strategist Prashant Kishor will attend the meeting of Congress state, district and city unit office bearers to chalk out a strategy for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections here on March 10.

Kishor, who had successfully managed the poll strategy of prime minister Narendra Modi and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, will remain present in the meeting which has been convened for chalking out the plan for next year's assembly polls, chairman of the communications department of the party Satyadev Tripathi said.

Prashant Kishor to pen book on how to win, lose elections

Besides, the vice presidents of the Congress committee, general secretaries of district and city units will attend the meeting along with UPCC president Nirmal Khatri and AICC general secretary in charge of state affairs Madhusudan Mistry, Tripathi said.

Kishor reportedly had a meeting with Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi earlier this week.

PTI
Secret tunnel from Pakistan: Why India needs to worry about it

India

oi-Mukul

New Delhi, Mar 5: India needs to worry following after the detection of 30-metre long cross border tunnel on Friday.

BSF said that it was made with the motive to facilitate infiltration to the Indian side. BSF has also lodged protest with Pakistan about the same.

Tunnel

The tunnel was of approximately 10 feet below the ground and had a length of 30 metres from Pak end to Indian side.

Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontier, Rakesh Sharma said, that it was dug with JCB machine.

"Tunnel was blocked on our side. It was dead end. It had no exit as they could not complete it further. It came close to the border fencing," Sharma further said.

Another officer said, "One person can sit and easily move inside the tunnel which has came up in the vicinity of Allah-Mai-Di-Kothi BoP of ours from Pakistan Post of Afzal".

What happened after tunnel was detected to the Indian side

According to reports, a flag meeting was called where Pakistani rangers were told about the same.

According to TOI report, Pakistani Rangers claimed the site of the tunnel a 'disputed area' but BSF insists that the wild growth be cleared right up to the zero line.

Pakistan assured that it will do proper investigation of the case and let BSF know about it.

Why Indian security agencies need to calibrate its strategy about security at border regions?

BSF officers said that tunnel was dug with the purpose to execute major terror attacks in India. "It was aimed at pushing in militants into Jammu region", IG Rakesh Sharma said.

Giving details about how Pakistan was planning to harm India, IG said if not detected in time, Pakistan would have succeeded in pushing in 'fidayeen' and other militants inside Indian territory.

Terming tunnel detection as a major success, officer further said, "Pakistan was objecting to our efforts to clear grass as it was anticipating that BSF would be able to detect the tunnel. We resisted Pakistan's attempts and went ahead with clearance operation during which the tunnel was found".

Police installations, army base have been the targets of terrorists in past

Terrorists have been targetting Army base and police installations in Samba and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Recently, Punjab's Pathankot air base was attacked by JeM terrorists. Six security personnel were killed in the attack.

Police have also revealed that terrorists who were caught recently have accepted the fact that they use tunnel to infiltrate into Indian regions.

This is not the first time when tunnel has been detected.

September 2014: A tunnel was detected near Pallanwala in Jammu sector.

August 2012 : BSF detected a 540-metre-long tunnel.

July 2012: A 400-metre long tunnel was discovered by BSF in J&K.

OneIndia News
UP Congress to hold poll strategy meet, Prashant Kishore to attend

India

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Lucknow, March 5: The Uttar Pradesh unit of the Congress has called a high-level meet of the party leaders on March 10 and poll strategist Prashant Kishore will also attend it, an official said here on Saturday.

The meet, being convened by Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Nirmal Khatri, will be attended by district unit presidents, general secretaries, senior functionaries, UP in-charge Madhusudan Mistry, members of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) and Prashant Kishore.

Chairman of the UP Congress Communcations Cell Satyadev Tripathi, while informing about the meeting, said the meet's motive is to first deliberate on various issues before the party in the state and to prepare an election strategy for 2017 assembly polls.

Two days after poll strategist Prashant Kishore met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, he has been officially roped in for reviving the political fortunes of the Congress in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections due early next year.

Congress, which ruled the state for over 40 years has been relegated to fourth position in the state in past two decades.

Regional parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have been ruling the state for the past several years. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the state, winning 71 of the 80 seats.

Congress managed to retain Amethi and Rae Bareli, the two constituencies held by party vice president Rahul Gandhi and party chief Sonia Gandhi.

IANS
What does the US actually want in Syria?

Sri Srinivasan among 3 shortlisted for SC judge: Report

International

oi-PTI

Washington, Mar 5: Indian-American Sri Srinivasan, who enjoys a substantial support among Republicans, is among the three candidates being vetted by US President Barack Obama as potential nominees for a rare vacancy at the Supreme Court.

"President Obama is vetting Merrick B Garland and Sri Srinivasan, federal appellate judges who have enjoyed substantial support from Republicans in the past, as potential nominees for a Supreme Court vacancy that has set off a brutal election-year fight," The New York Times reported today.

According to a person knowledgeable about the process, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because it has been cloaked in secrecy, Judge Garland, 63, and Judge Srinivasan, 49, are undergoing background checks by the FBI, it said.

The White House has not given any indication in this regard. The report, however, said that the White House was also vetting Ketanji Brown Jackson, 45, a federal trial judge.

Following the death of Antonin Scalia, the first Italian American judge of the Supreme Court, early this month, there is a rare vacancy in the country's top court.

Padmanabhan Srikanth "Sri" Srinivasan, is currently the US Circuit Judge of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit  which many call as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court.

Hillary Clinton pitches for 'corporate patriotism'

He is not only considered a favorite of Obama, who called him a trailblazer, but also his nomination was confirmed by a record 97-0 votes, which is a no mean achievement given the bitter political divide in the American Senate.

Srinivasan was sworn-in as judge of the second-most powerful court of the US on September 26, 2013, making him the first Indian-American to be on the bench of the US Courts of Appeal for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Retired Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor has called Srinivasan "fair, faultless and fabulous." Srinivasan began his legal career by serving as a law clerk from 1995 to 1996.

He then spent a year as a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General before clerking for Justice O'Connor during the Supreme Court's 1997-98 term.

He was an associate at the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers LLP in Washington, DC, from 1998 until 2002. In 2002, he returned to the Solicitor General's Office as an Assistant to the Solicitor General, representing the United States in litigation before the Supreme Court.

He received the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Furthering US National Security in 2003, and the Office of the Secretary of Defence Award for Excellence in 2005.

Srinivasan received his BA with honours and distinction in 1989 from Stanford University and his JD with distinction in 1995 from Stanford Law School, where he was elected to Order of the Coif and served as an editor of Stanford Law Review.

He also holds an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, which he received along with his JD in 1995. Srinivasan's mother is from Chennai and father was from Tirunelveli. His parents came to the US in the 1960s, returned to India, and then returned in 1971 to Kansas.

PTI
Watch: Cargo plane splits into two as it makes emergency landing

Maldives-bound Go First flight makes emergency landing in Coimbatore, all safe

Plane that threatened to crash into Walmart in US lands safely

Mozambique to discuss plane debris with Malaysia

International

oi-IANS

By Ians English

Maputo (Mozambique), March 5: Mozambique authorities said they will discuss the investigation of the plane debris found off the coutry's coast with Malaysia on Saturday.

Debris that washed up in Mozambique has been tentatively identified as a part from the same type of aircraft as the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 that disappeared on March 8, 2014.

Joao de Abreu, the director of Mozambique's National Civil Aviation Institute, said on Friday that his institute would like to hand over the debris to the expert team from Malaysia, Xinhua news agency reported.

As to whether the Mozambican government would launch a search for more possible debris afterwards, Abreu said it would be considered after the identification results.

The debris, with a honeycomb structure inside, was found by Mozambican fishermen accompanying an American tourist on a sandbank near Vilanculos town in Mozambique.

The state news agency AIM on Friday quoted Abreu as saying any claim that the debris came from Flight MH370 was "premature" and "speculative".

During an interview with a local TV, Abreu expressed doubts that the wreckage could possibly come from the missing Malaysian Boeing 777, citing that the object looked too clean to have been in the ocean for the past two years, AIM quoted.

However, he said "no aircraft which has overflown Mozambican airspace has reported losing a panel of this nature."

Currently, the institute has received two contacts who want to investigate the piece, one from Australia, and the other from Malaysia.

"We are open to anyone who wants to collaborate to find out what type of plane this belongs to," said Abreu.

The MH370, with 239 lives on board, most of them Chinese, is believed to have crashed in the southern Indian Ocean.

If confirmed, the object found in Mozambique would be the second piece of debris discovered from the MH370. Last year, a piece of the plane's wing was found on the shore of Reunion island in the Indian Ocean.

IANS
Can NATO allies arm both Ukraine and themselves?

What is the risk of Putin using a nuclear weapon?

'If NATO clashes with Russian army, it will lead to global catastrophe,' says Putin

NATO says Russia in the way of solving Syrian conflict

International

oi-PTI

Warsaw, Mar 4: NATO today accused Russia of complicating the search for a solution to the Syrian conflict by bombing moderate opposition groups battling President Bashar al-Assad.

"Moscow's challenge to the international rules-based order now extends to Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean," NATO deputy secretary general Alexander Vershbow said at an annual conference in Krakow, Poland.

"As Russia has provided greater levels of military support for President Assad -- including bombing moderate opposition groups, and driving tens of thousands of civilians from Aleppo and other cities -- it has made it even more difficult to find a long-term end to the violence and a negotiated peace and political transition."

French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron had yesterday also called on Russia and the Syrian regime to "immediately stop attacks on the moderate opposition".

Speaking ahead of peace talks set for next week, Vershbow said he hoped the "current cessation of hostilities can be developed into something much longer lasting".

Air strikes and fighting have been drastically reduced by an unprecedented ceasefire brokered by Russia and the United States but some intermittent clashes and shelling continue, and many residents fear that the truce may not hold.

"Russia could still use its influence over Assad to be a force for peace in the Middle East. But it is still unclear whether this is Moscow's ultimate aim," Vershbow said.

His comments come on the heels of a stark warning earlier this week by NATO's top general that "Russia and the Assad regime are deliberately weaponizing migration in an attempt to overwhelm European structures and break European resolve."

Syria's conflict, which spiralled from widespread anti-government protests into an all-out civil war, has forced millions of people to flee their homes.

Of the record 1.2 million asylum seekers that arrived in the European Union in 2015, fresh figures published today showed Syrians were the largest group, numbering nearly 363,000. More than 270,000 people have died in Syria since the conflict erupted in March 2011.

AFP
From 'dangerous' to 'secure and confident': US makes a u-turn after Biden's comment on Pak

Pakistani court upholds life term of man in honour killing case

International

oi-PTI

Islamabad, Mar 5: Pakistan's Supreme Court has upheld the life imprisonment handed down to a man convicted for murdering his daughter in an 11-year-old honour killing case, days after a filmmaker from the country won an Oscar for documenting such murders in a film.

Mohammad Zaman killed his daughter Kauser and injured his wife Husa Bibi and two other daughters Kahkashan and Komal in 2005 in Lahore.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) had in May 2013, converted the death sentence awarded to Zaman by an additional sessions court in July 2007, into life imprisonment. A three-judge SC bench, headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed, yesterday maintained the conviction and the sentence.

The court observed that Zaman had committed a heinous offence in a desperate manner by causing murder of his real daughter. During the hearing in the trial court, Kiran had alleged in her witness account that her father, armed with a pistol and a 'tokka' (a sharp knife like weapon), had killed her sister Kauser and then fled the scene.

Explaining the motive, she said her father wanted to take into possession the money her uncle had sent from London for the wedding of Kauser, scheduled for September 2005.

Zaman in his statement said Kauser had illicit relations with a criminal, Nasir Mughal, with whose assistance she had even kidnapped a person for ransom. According to him, his daughter again developed relations with a police constable on Rawalpindi, forcing him to shift the family to Lahore.

Later, Zaman said, his wife had agreed to marry Kauser with the police constable without his consent. The family had to again shift to another house after Mughal raised hue and cry over the marriage of Kauser with the police constable.

Zaman claimed that it was not he but Mughal who had killed his daughter and injured other members of his family, but his wife leveled allegations against him because she "harboured grudge as I used to pull up my children over bad activities which she used to defend."

Hounour-killing is a big issue in Pakistan and every year over 1,000 girls and women fall victims. Last week, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy won an Oscar for his documentary film 'A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness'.

The story is about a girl shot in the head by her father and brothers, and thrown into a river. She, however, survived to tell the award-winning story.

PTI
Saudi Arabia rejects UN council action on Yemen aid crisis

International

oi-PTI

United Nations, Mar 5: Saudi Arabia's UN ambassador has said there was no need for a UN Security Council resolution to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is waging a military campaign.

"We don't think that a resolution is needed at this time," Ambassador Abdallah al-Mouallimi told a news conference yesterday.

His remarks came after the 15-member council expressed grave concern for the worsening situation in Yemen, where the coalition launched air strikes nearly a year ago to back Yemeni forces fighting Shiite Hutu rebels.

The council is considering a new resolution to press for more humanitarian aid deliveries and to stress the importance of protecting hospitals from attacks.

The United Nations says more than 80 per cent of the population is in dire need of food, medicine and other basic necessities and the crisis ranks as a "Level 3 emergency", the most serious in the UN system.

Mouallimi said that UN aid officials and the UN envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, agreed with him that there is no need for new action by the Security Council.

Oil prices tumble as Saudi Arabia rules out production cuts

Asked about the ambassador's comments, the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said: "OCHA cannot comment on what a diplomat may say he has heard.

The Security Council takes such decisions and makes such recommendations as it sees fit." The ambassador cautioned that any new resolution could prolong the war "because the Huthis would now feel that they have a new lease on life with something other than 2216."

Adopted last year, Resolution 2216, which was drafted by Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners, demands that the Huthis withdraw from all territory seized in their offensive.

More than 6,000 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition began its air strikes campaign in late March last year.

The United Nations is pushing for peace talks between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, the Huthi rebels and their allies, but those efforts have been deadlocked over disagreements on a ceasefire. Mouallimi said he hoped that talks could resume by March 15.

AFP
We want to meet our mother- Gunman told guard at old age home in Yemen

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The attack at the Yemeni port city of Aden in which an Indian nun was killed has left India concerned.

India is gathering all possible information relating to the attack which was carried out by gunmen at the old age home run by the Kolkata based Missionaries of Charity.

The Indian embassy camp at Dijbouti has informed the Ministry of External Affairs that there were around four attackers who entered the premises on the pretext that they wanted to meet with their mothers. They first shot the guard and then fired indiscriminately.

The MEA has learnt that these attackers were dressed in a blue uniform and their only intention was to destroy the old age home. They destroyed the statues present in the old age home and also fired at the Chapel thus destroying it completely.

The MEA has also learnt as per the preliminary investigation being conducted at Aden that the gun men never spoke anything. They just entered and began firing indiscriminately, the MEA has also learnt.

Further it has also been stated that none of those present in the old age home were handcuffed at shot. The gunmen entered the premises and when they opened fire the nuns tried to flee. However they shot dead while trying to escape the investigation has also suggested.

Return home:

The MEA has urged Indians living in such conflict or danger zones to return to India immediately.

The MEA has been constantly telling Indians not just in Yemen, but in other danger zones such as Iraq and Syria to come back to India immediately. However many Indians have failed to return due to economic problems.

Many Indians have raised personal loans before setting out to these countries. They are caught in between the danger and also economic problems. Most chose to take the risk as they fear of being hounded by the money lenders and their agents who insist repayment of the loan with high rates of interests.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Saturday, March 5, 2016, 8:57 [IST]
Taking a stand on Rafale deal, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said he is a tough negotiator and wants the best price for Rafale fighter jets from France. India is trying to drive a hard bargain to get a better deal in the long-pending mega contract for acquisition of 36 French Rafale fighters, which will be worth around Rs 60,000 crore. During French President Francois Hollandes visit here in January, India and France had inked an MoU for the purchase of 36 French Rafale aircraft but persisting differences over the pricing of the fighter jet came in the way of the deal.
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has rejected the governorship and House of Assembly elections results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the state.

The State Chairman of APC, Ini Okopido said in Uyo, the state capital on Monday that the results announced by the commission were fictitious.

Our party has rejected the sham and fictitious results as announced by INEC in the state.

We rather insist on the results of the elections from the field which gave our party an overwhelming victory in 26 local government areas.

We had told the world that INEC in Akwa Ibom had no credibility and integrity to deliver free, fair and credible elections to the people of our state, Mr Okopido said.

The state chairman of APC accused INEC of electoral coup after allegedly colluding with a political party to rig out the APC.

The commission, in collusion with the other party committed an electoral coup against the people of Akwa Ibom by publishing and announcing results that has no bearing with the results as counted and announced at various units in the state, he stressed.

Reacting to the allegations, Mike Igini, the Residents Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state denied that the commission compromised the election.

According to him, INEC conducted fair, credible and free election in the state.

As a commission, we have no vote to give to anybody and that the will of the people is expressed through ballot and is what determines who becomes who, Mr Igini said.

However, Emmanuel Enoidem, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state agent commended INEC for conducting the most credible elections ever held in the state.

Since inception of Akwa Ibom, the governorship and house of assembly was the only elections that the votes of Akwa Ibom people count, he said.

NAN reports that the state Returning Officer, Faraday Orumwense, also the Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, declared Governor Udom Emmanuel of PDP the winner of the election.

(NAN)
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and incumbent governor of Akwa Ibom state, the winner of the gubernatorial election in the state.

Emmanuel won with a wide margin in majority of the 30 out of 31 local government areas in the state.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nsima Ekere, however won in Essien Udim LGA of the state.
Why is Imo State always having issues with results? Francis Otunta, the INEC returning officers for Imo, has ordered the collation officer for Ohaji Egbema arrested for manually altering results of the LGA, obvious rigging. And he was arrested live in the presence of everyone

The collation officer, who was immediately arrested and led away by security officials, is a professor.
Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121

"In his groundbreaking new book Bottom Up: Tapping the Power of the Connection Revolution, Rob Kall invites and eases us into in a much-needed meta-level shift -- a truly basic paradigmatic shift from top-down to bottom-up. He capably and imaginatively explores the differences between these ways of approaching life, clearly demonstrating that bottom-up allows us to flourish. His vision and his book are enriched by telling references to interviews which he has engaged in over the years with bottom-up researchers, theorists, activists, and dreamers in a variety of areas. Think about Rob's interviews. Read this revolutionary book. And take one step further into the bottom-up universe yourself. You will not regret it."



Bonnie Burstow, MD, author of Psychiatry and the Business of Madness and Radical Feminist Therapy, associate professor at the University of Toronto
Dark Money, Super PACs, shady multi-millionaires buying your democracy. When Americans were asked recently what they fear most, it wasn't terrorists (unless you mean the sort that take over your TV at election time.) It was corruption of government officials.It's that fear that a certain multi-millionaire megalomaniac is playing into when he says "I'm so rich I can't be bought -- so vote for me."So is voting for a billionaire to protect you from rule by billionaires a sensible way to fight money in politics? Not exactly. It just looks that way on TV.Is today's election auction normal or inevitable? Neither. A handful of Supreme Court decisions, decided by a single vote unloosed the cash-flow. It's happened mostly over the last 10 years. As the Brennan Center reported this January, just one justice shifting opinion could speedily restore common sense limits on big spending.Change won't come easily. In the last quarter century, the share of political contributions traceable to the top hundredth of Americans has doubled -- from 15 percent to 30 percent. Excess corporate cash rushes into every Congressional and State House office in the land.Concentration of wealth is the problem. Corruption is the consequence. But it's just not true there's nothing regular Americans can do.Reformers in California are gathering signatures to put a Voters Bill of Rights on the ballot next November that would require TV ads to display their top donors clearly -- and overhaul the state's campaign finance database to make tracking special interests easier.California's measure could send a message -- even to the justices. Similar efforts are underway in Maine and Washington and South Dakota. But paying more attention to people making change would require money media to pay just a little less attention to that billionaire.
Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) March 5, 2016: in the fall of 1964, I first read selections in Walter J. Ong's book The Barbarian Within: And Other Fugitive Essays and Studies (New York: Macmillan, 1962).

The title essay is "The Barbarian Within: Outsiders Inside Society Today" (pages 260-285). In it Ong works with the contrast barbarian/Greek. Back and forth he goes comparing and contrast the barbarian position versus the Greek position. For Ong, the barbarian position represents the outsiders, the out-group, and the Greek position represents the insiders, the in-group.

The ancient Jews gave us another way to conceptualize in-group versus out: Jews versus gentiles. The ancient Christians gave us yet another way to conceptual in-group versus out-group: Christians versus pagans.

But Ong chose to work with the barbarian versus Greek contrast. On the one hand, we Americans can look back on the experiment in participatory democracy in Athens as limited precursor of our American experiment in representative democracy. On the other hand, most Americans in 1962 were not actively using the Greek/barbarian contrast, but certain Americans were still using the Jew/gentile contrast and the Christian/pagan contrast. In addition, the Greek/barbarian contrast provided more vivid terms for Ong to use than would the terms in-group versus out-group.

For a scholarly study of the Greek/barbarian contrast, see Edith Hall's book Inventing the Barbarian: Greek Self-Definition Through Tragedy (Oxford University Press, 1989).

Because we Americans are not Greeks, we must invent, and regularly re-invent, our collective self-definition as Americans by revisiting our American ideals and renewing them. However, unlike the ancient Greek who engaged in their experiment with participatory democracy in Athens, we Americans have not invented a conceptual construct of the barbarian onto which we could project "shadow" material that we did not want to consider to be part of our self-definition as Americans. As a result, our self-definition as Americans has tended to be an idealization.

Furthermore, it is possible that Ong, as a Roman Catholic priest with a Ph.D. in English from Harvard University in 1955, may have seen himself as a member of an out-group: American Catholics. After all, in 1962, white Anglo-Saxon Protestants (WASPs), or lapsed Protestants, dominated the prestige culture in American culture. (But on his father's side of the family, Ong's relatives were WASPs.)

However, in the 1960 presidential election, Harvard-educated Senator John F. Kennedy was narrowly elected the first Roman Catholic Irish American president of the United States. Symbolically, his election seemed to show an out-group in society rising in the prestige culture in American culture. Tragically, President Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963.

In the deeply probing book JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters (Orbis Books, 2008), James W. Douglass explores JFK's religious orientation.

Even before JFK's assassination, the black civil rights movement represented another out-group in American society struggling to make headway against Jim Crow laws and customs. Today Jim Crow laws and customs are history. Good riddance to them.

Today the prestige culture in American culture appears to be a wee bit more diversified than it was in 1960 -- less WASP-ish.

But the breakdown of the centuries-old dominance of WASPs, or lapsed Protestants, in the prestige culture that has enabled a wee bit more diversity to emerge in the prestige culture has also a new mix of out-groups, including now certain white Protestants. Thus since 1960, a new mix of out-groups has emerged along with a new mix of in-groups.

Not surprisingly, both the emergent in-groups and the emergent out-groups have formed political alliances in our two-party system. The emergent in-groups have formed alliances in the Democratic Party, and the emergent out-groups have formed alliances in the Republican Party. Naturally political alliances require a common cause to unite behind and promote. Oftentimes, political alliances may also require a common enemy to struggle against.

Now, in World War II, the United States formed an alliance with the Soviet Union to defeat Germany, Italy, and Japan. However, after the successful end of World War II, the United States pivoted into the Cold War with the Soviet Union. This example shows that political alliances may be temporary.

Today the Republican Party struggles against real and imagined enemies roughly imagined to be represented by the Democratic Party, and vice versa.

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).
Only twice in the past 34 years has a new city been formed in Oregon.

It's rarer yet for a city to dissolve itself. Disincorporations have occurred a grand total of three times since the state was founded in 1859.

Number four may be just around the corner. Damascus, one of Oregon's newest cities, is poised to end more than a decade of political and community rancor in May, when its 10,700 residents vote on a measure to disincorporate.

If that happens, Mayor Diana Helm said she won't be surprised if it passes.

"Most cities provide 16 or 17 different services," said Helm, who voted in favor of disincorporating the first time the issue was put to voters, in 2013. "We don't provide any. People will have to decide for themselves if that constitutes enough value to remain a city."

The 2013 measure won by a two-to-one margin, but fell short of the raw vote total it needed. At the time, disincorporating a city required getting more than 50-percent of all registered voters - not just 50 percent of voters who participated in a given election.

A law tailored just for Damascus and passed by the state Legislature in 2015 reset the bar at a simple majority of those casting ballots.

This time around, few are betting Damascus will still be a city once votes are tallied May 17.

"It appears likely they will disincorporate," said Jim Moore, a political science professor at Pacific University in Forest Grove. "There's been an awful lot of enmity out there over the years and, at this point, this has gone way beyond a simple political issue. This is a personal issue."

The city's record of infighting, one-of-a-kind ordinances aimed at crippling local governance and lawsuits against its own citizens underscores that statement.

"Tires have been slashed, people kicked out of their churches and feuds started that may never go away," Helm said. "It's just been terrible."

Damascus, established in 1851 as a farming and ranching outpost in northern Clackamas County, voted in 2004 to become a city. That vote came in direct response to Metro's 2002 decision to add all of the almost exclusively rural land around Damascus to the urban growth boundary - opening the way for future development.

If large-scale development was on the way, many said at the time, let's at least have as big a say as possible into how it will play out.

Almost immediately, however, things went wrong, with increasingly aggressive clashes pitting those in favor of developing their land against pro-city forces whose vision included large environmental set-asides.

A small group of statewide anti-tax advocates, seeing the chance to establish a foothold for their limited-government views, helped place measures on the ballot to severely limit how much the city government could spend without asking voters for authority. As a result, the type of projects any other city would routinely embark upon - paving streets, developing a transportation plan, forming a police department -- still remain impossible in Damascus.

"We can maybe fix a pothole here and there," Helm said. "But that's about it."

That same limited-government spirit was behind a successful effort that made Damascus the only city in Oregon that is required to take its comprehensive plan - the required blueprint for future growth - to a public vote before it could get approval.

In the dozen years since the city's incorporation, six comp plans have gone to the ballot. Six have failed.

The over-heated rhetoric that frequently turned City Council meetings into shouting matches also took a toll on employees. In one eight-year stretch, Damascus burned through seven city managers.

"What's happening there is certainly unprecedented," said Clackamas County Commissioner John Ludlow, whose jurisdiction will assume planning responsibilities for Damascus if it disincorporates. "A very disparate group came together in the first place to create this city. Now, it seems increasingly obvious that they can't go on the way they have been."

Mike McCauley, executive director of the League of Oregon Cities, said Damascus residents may not have grasped early on just how difficult it is to form a new city. The process is both very complicated and extremely expensive, he said.

"It appears many there had different reactions to state land-use laws and the standards Metro was applying to them," McCauley said. "They struggled with that."

With the vote just over two months away, Damascus has been wrestling recently with what may prove to be its final slice of local controversy.

Some members of the city's volunteer Finance Committee, along with two City Council members, want to return $500,000 to residents that has been gathering dust in Damascus' contingency fund as the city struggled to get a comp plan approved. The city's assets and reserve funds will all be turned over to Clackamas County if disincorporation succeeds.

But the city charter and legal staff at both the city and Clackamas County say the move could not only violate state law, but leave council members faced with paying back the money personally if any rebate effort proceeds.

The City Council voted 4-2 Feb. 16 to quell further talk of distributing the funds. Given Damascus' seeming inability to hold its collective political tongue over the years, council-watchers aren't taking bets on the odds of that happening.

-- Dana Tims

503-294-7647; @DanaTims
Apartment complex photo.jpeg

A broken window at second-floor Oak Grove apartment unit remained a day after Clackamas County deputies fired at a 19-year-old resident reported to have had a rifle and in a mental crisis in January 2016. The man later died at an area hospital.

(Everton Bailey Jr./The Oregonian)

Christopher Kalonji

Two Clackamas County sheriff's deputies were found justified in

in January, the district attorney's office announced Friday.

A Clackamas County grand jury came to the conclusion Thursday after listening to testimony from 10 witnesses, including the two deputies who opened fire on 19-year-old Christopher Kalonji, a county behavioral health staffer who responded to the scene, Kalonji's neighbors and family friends who called 911, said Bryan Brock, a Clackamas County deputy district attorney who oversaw a review of the case. Kalonji's parents did not attend the hearing.

Sgt. Tony Killinger, a 15-year member of the sheriff's office, and Deputy Lon Steinhauer, a 21-year agency veteran, were placed on paid administrative leave - standard procedure in officer-involved shootings - after the Jan. 28 incident. Both were still on leave as of Thursday, Brock said.

Kalonji died from a gunshot wound to the chest, said Dr. Larry Lewman, the Oregon State Medical Examiner who performed the autopsy and testified during the grand jury hearing. Lewman said on Friday that he ruled Kalonji's death a suicide due to the teen's behavior and actions in the presence of armed deputies.

The medical examiner's decision makes Kalonji's death at least the fourth fatal police shooting ruled a suicide in the state since 2012. The other cases also involved people going through apparent mental health crisises.

In January 2012, 21-year-old

after authorities say he aimed a toy gun at officers while he was on a parking garage roof. Morgan called 911 earlier saying he was suicidal and intended to jump from the garage or provoke responding officers to shoot him.

In February 2015, 34-year-old

at his mother's home in Colton when he approached the cops while holding a hatchet and a knife. Steward, who had depression, called 911 earlier, falsely claimed a man had a gun in the home and that someone had been stabbed. He was wearing the same clothes as the suspect he described to a dispatcher.

In November 2015, 51-year-old

near a hospital after someone called police and said Johnson had a handgun and was suicidal. Before he was killed, witnesses say he held a gun to his head, fired two shots into the ground and aimed his weapon at officers.

J. Ashlee Albies, an attorney representing Kalonji's family, said Friday that she didn't know why the teen's parents chose not to attend the grand jury hearing. They still don't know all the details of how their son was killed, the attorney said, and intend to review all of the police reports before deciding what to do next.

Albies described the medical examiner's ruling on Kalonji's death as "frustrating" and "problematic." Doctors who conduct the autopsies do not witness what led to an officer-involved shooting and are heavily reliant on police accounts in their findings, she said.

"It's an inappropriate and controversial diagnosis for a state medical examiner to make," Albies said. "This case was brought before a grand jury by the district attorney's office. If it was a suicide they wouldn't have done that."

Kalonji is one of five people killed in officer-involved shootings this year in Oregon. Two of them -- the

by an off-duty Medford police officer in January and the

by a Seaside police officer in February -- have been ruled as justified by either by a grand jury or district attorney. Rulings have not yet been announced in the January shootings of 54-year-old

and 44-year-old

.

In the case involving Karjalainen, police responded to his apartment three times in seven hours to investigate reported disputes between him and a roommate. Officers encountered Karjalainen holding a replica gun during the third call and one officer

when he refused to drop the weapon and kept moving toward the cops, according to authorities.

Police said a witness heard Karjalainen say he "was going to go out in a blaze of glory with the police that morning." The Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office ruled his manner of death a homicide. The medical examiner's rulings on the other shooting this year were not immediately available Friday.

According to a

, the teen and someone else separately called 911 early Jan. 28 to summon police to the Oak Grove apartment complex. Kalonji claimed to see an armed person outside his second-story bedroom window, that he had a firearm and was concerned about Donald Trump, Leonardo DiCaprio and the corruption of public funds. The other caller said Kalonji was "out of control" and appeared to have an assault rifle.

Police hostage negotiators and staff with the county's behavioral health unit responded and spoke with Kalonji for hours before he was shot. Kalonji, who was scheduled to appear in court that morning in an unrelated incident, told emergency responders that he was going to die, threatened to shoot children, and said he believed someone had been sent to torture and kill him, the affidavit said.

His mother told deputies that she believed her son had bipolar disorder and was stressed over the court appearance, the affidavit said. The apartment manager reported seeing Kalonji in his underwear sitting on his window sill and appearing to pick up an assault rifle when he was shot and fell backward into the unit.

Police soon threw tear gas into the apartment and later used an explosive to blow the door open and retrieve Kalonji. He died at a Portland hospital.

Brock, the Clackamas County prosecutor, said witnesses testified that just before Kalonji was shot he was speaking to Oregon City Police Officer Dan Shockley, who was on a ladder propped under the teen's window. The officer jumped off the ladder, injuring himself, when he believed Kalonji was going for the rifle. Killinger and Steinhauer opened fire soon after.

Shockley still hasn't returned to active duty, Brock said.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
scotch_whiskey_lead.jpg

The world's supply of single-malt Scotch is running low.

(Wendi Nordeck)

Asia and America's growing passion for a peaty punch is draining the world's supply of single-malt Scotch.

According to CNN Money, thirst for the liquor is booming from the U.S. to China, pushing prices of older vintages to new highs and forcing distilleries to scramble to meet demand.

"The shortage of old and rare single malt ... has already started, and it's going to get worse," Rickesh Kishnani, who launched the world's first whisky investment fund, told the financial news website.

In a sense, the shortage is by design. Age-labeled single malt has always been a limited commodity. Distillers produce a set amount in a given year without knowing what demand will be 12, 18 or 24 years later.

But the growing demand for Scotch in Asia is forcing distilleries to scramble to meet demand. Per CNN Money:

Global single malt exports jumped 159 percent between 2004 and 2014, according to the Scotch Whisky Association. Asia now accounts for one-fifth of all Scotch exports, buying up a quarter of a billion bottles a year.

The world's most expensive Scotch was sold in Hong Kong: a large crystal decanter holding Macallan "M" whisky went for a whopping $628,205 at a Sotheby's auction in 2014.

-- Michael Russell
Carolyn McDermed.JPG

University of Oregon Police Chief Carolyn McDermed, who has led the department for four years, was given $46,000 to leave the job with four months left on her yearly contract. Her retaliation against an officer who spoke out against department bias and mismanagement helped cost UO at least $1.5 million in damages and legal bills. (The University of Oregon)

The University of Oregon paid its police chief, Carolyn McDermed, $46,000 to leave the position, officials said Friday.

She left the job abruptly just days before a federal judge reconfirmed a $755,000 jury award against McDermed and her department in a whistleblower case. The jury's decision indicated they believed she retaliated unlawfully against an employee who complained about her leadership, then lied about it repeatedly on the stand.

The case is expected to cost UO more than $1.5 million in damages and attorney fees.

McDermed, who made $139,000 a year, had four months left on her yearly contract when she agreed to step down a week ago.

University spokesman Tobin Klinger declined to say why McDermed's bosses at UO wanted her gone so badly that they asked her to depart and agreed to pay the remaining four months of her contract in exchange for no work. Her total payout, $53,000, included two weeks of accrued vacation, he said.

Klinger disclosed the payment in response to a public records request from The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Both McDermed, 57, and Klinger characterized her departure as a retirement.

The payment to McDermed pales in comparison to the $940,000 settlement that the UO Board of Trustees paid Michael Gottfredson to step down as university president in 2014.

McDermed was hired as UO's assistant chief in 2008 after serving in supervisory roles in the City of Eugene Police Department. She was promoted to acting UO chief in 2012 when then-Chief Doug Tripp was pushed out but kept on payroll for a period as "adviser" to a university vice president.

That made her one of very few women police chiefs in Oregon.

McDermed headed the department as it transitioned from an unarmed public safety department to a police department with a combination of armed and unarmed officers.

By her own testimony in the whistleblower case, she could be clueless about goings on in her own department. She presided over roughly eight supervisors, seven sworn police officers and nine public safety officers. Petty and vindictive management were rampant in the department, many employees testified.

In court, McDermed indicated she never looked into some misbehavior by her officers, confessed to ignorance about some department policies, said she knew little about the actions of her top deputies, and gave answers diametrically opposed to her earlier testimony.

She raised questions about her own judgment, testifying she lacked familiarity with a longstanding federal law regarding police officer honesty and saying it did not occur to her that fraud was a form of dishonesty.

This week, UO officials hired Pete Deshpande, the department's former No. 2 leader, to return from retirement to act as interim chief until a permanent replacement can be found. Deshpande never met the officer who blew the whistle on department misdoings, but played a role in retaliating against him.

The university identified a promising successor to McDermed last fall and offered the bilingual, community-oriented policing specialist the job of assistant chief. But after University of California Merced Police Captain Chou Her visited Eugene to gain familiarity with his future employer, he backed out of taking the job, citing difficulties with relocating his family to Oregon, according to student journalists at the Daily Emerald.

-- Betsy Hammond
Health Savings Accounts-HSAs

Research suggests HSAs are better savings options than 401(k)s. But that's before taking into account HSA fees and low interest rates.

(Michael Burrell/Fotolia)

Longtime readers of this column have heard me tout the benefits of Health Savings Accounts for those with high-deductible health insurance.

Now comes research suggesting employees should max out HSAs before they contribute to a 401(k). In many cases, the researcher suggests, the HSA should take precedence.

On the surface, this is true. The HSA is a superior tax shelter. But there are two big flaws in applying this advice to the real world. HSAs aren't well-tailored to saving. And the fees embedded in most of them erode some of the advantages.

Few of us will come out ahead saving in HSAs, unless things change.

First, let's review the features of an HSA. There are many, but I'll stick to the ones relevant to this discussion.

Only people with HSA-qualified, high-deductible health insurance plans can make tax-deductible or pre-tax contributions to an HSA. That means an insurance plan with a deductible of at least $1,300 for singles and $2,600 for family coverage.

Once that test has been met, participants can contribute to the HSA., up to $3,350 in 2016 for individuals and up to $6,750 if the plan covers two or more people.

HSAs are commonly confused with Health Reimbursement Accounts for Flexible Spending Accounts. A key difference is that an HSA is not a "use it or lose it" account. Balances can be retained year-over-year.

Not only are contributions tax free in most states (California, Alabama and New Jersey impose state taxes), the accounts grow tax free, and money can be withdrawn from them tax free as long as it's spent on qualified health costs, of which there are many.

While Medicare recipients cannot contribute to HSAs, a senior on Medicare can spend money saved in an HSA on qualified health expenses. So it makes sense for working individuals to want to save money in an HSA for retirement, when health expenses could be higher.

Many HSAs are tied to "cafeteria" benefit plans in the workplace, which deduct employee HSA contributions before they're taxed. Individuals who buy high-deductible plans on the federal health exchanges or private market can also open their own HSAs, make contributions and deduct them on their tax return.

Here's where HSAs get a leg up on 401(k)s. In workplace cafeteria plans, contributions to into HSAs before Social Security & Medicare taxes are deducted. That's not the case with 401(k) contributions.

This difference amounts to a 7.65 percent advantage (the Social Security and Medicare, or FICA, tax rate) for HSA contributions over 401(k) contributions.

2016 HSA Guide

in Oregon and abroad, with details on interest rates, fees and investment options. Share your experience and observations in the comments.

.

View the

.

The next main advantage is that HSA withdrawals aren't taxed as long as they're spent on qualified health care costs. In contrast, withdrawals from traditional 401(k)s or IRAs are eventually taxed.

This is how Greg Geisler, an assistant professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, concludes that HSAs provide superior savings. Take an employee who contributes $2,400 to her 401(k) and HSA. Her employer even matches 25 percent of her 401(k) contributions. She pays a combined federal and state tax rate of 20 percent.

After 20 years, earning a 5 percent rate of return, the employee ends up with an HSA worth $8,801, Geisler says. The 401(k) account is worth $7,960 after applying taxes upon withdrawal.

Now, the practical problems.

First, HSAs shouldn't govern your choice of a health plan, if you have a choice. Your health needs should.

Second, HSAs are built to be spent much more so than retirement accounts. They must be paired with high-deductible health plans, which require money be spent out-of-pocket to cover most health expenses before plan copays and co-insurance kick in. As a result, it's hard to see how most employees will ever build up much of a balance in their HSAs. They'll be inclined to spend most of it along the way (though they're not required to).

Just look at the average balance among HSAs open since 2005. It's only $7,223, according to a nationwide survey of HSA custodians by Denevir Research. Last year, for every $1 contributed to an HSA, only about 26 cents was left in the account to be carried forward into this year, Denevir's survey found.

For those who have a history of good health and few unexpected doctor's visits (annual preventive visits are now covered for no out-of-pocket costs, thanks to Obamacare), the HSA is certainly the superior savings vehicle. They might find it worth maxing out an HSA before maxing a 401(k), provided they can afford both.

But for most users, Health Savings Accounts are really Health Spending Accounts.

At some point along the way, a large medical expense could drain it, leaving employees wishing they had a bit more in their retirement plan. For that reason, I'm not sure it makes sense to forfeit some or all of an employer 401(k) match to max out an HSA.

Third, Geisler's analysis ignores the fact that many HSAs have higher fees than 401(k) plans. Most HSA providers lace their accounts with regular maintenance fees, account opening or closing fees, overdraft fees and extra charges to invest in stock and bond funds.

Furthermore, if account holders don't (or can't) choose an investment option, their money won't earn anywhere near 5 percent a year. Few HSA providers pay more than 1 percent annual percentage yield on deposits, and that's before expenses. Many local bank or credit union HSAs don't offer any investment options.

As we've learned about personal finance over the years, rules of thumb don't always fit. That's the case in deciding whether to max out your HSA before you give up any employer retirement match.

Instead, you should ask yourself several questions: How much money you can really save each year in your HSA after covering (unpredictable) medical expenses? How much of a return can you earn in an HSA after fees? How many years do you have ahead of you to save? How good is your workplace retirement plan and your employer match? And are you willing to do the legwork to manage all this?

"(HSAs) can be even better than the free money you get on your 401(k)," Geisler said. "Is that the case for everyone? No."

On that much, we agree.

-- Brent Hunsberger is an Investment Adviser Representative in Portland. For important disclosures and information about Brent, visit ORne.ws/aboutbrent. Reach him at itsonlymoneyblog@gmail.com or leave a message about his columns at 503-683-3098.

CLARIFICATION: This post was updated on March 6th to clarify that only people with HSA-qualified, high-deductible health plans can use an HSA. Previous verions of this post omitted the words "HSA-qualified."
Alley.JPG

Allen Alley, former chairman of the Oregon Republican Party, in a file photo from 2012.

(Doug Beghtel/Staff/2012)

This is not a political endorsement. But it is a (cautious) celebration that Oregonians might be treated to a fruitfully competitive gubernatorial race if (as reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting) Allen Alley, a Lake Oswego businessman and former chairman of the state's Republican party, announces on Monday that he will run for Oregon's highest elected office.

Why? Because competition reveals the best qualities and weaknesses in candidates. And because Gov. Kate Brown, who stepped into office to backfill for John Kitzhaber, would otherwise go insufficiently tested: on the issues, on leadership style, on long-term vision. After months of hearing vigorous debate, voters would be better positioned to decide on a leader whose economic, educational and environmental propositions show the most promise. Yes, four Republicans have filed to run, but only Bud Pierce, a doctor from Salem, has caught much attention. Alley would complicate things enormously and productively.

He is no newcomer. Alley unsuccessfully sought the Republication nomination for governor in 2010. But over the years, success attended him: in co-founding Pixelworks, a top semiconductor company; in chairing the Oregon Business Plan; in serving as Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski's deputy chief of staff overseeing economic development.

Could Alley be a contender? Yes. Is he more fit to meet Oregon's needs than Brown? Unclear. Only Alley can say -- if, come Monday, he throws his hat into the ring and helps give to Oregonians the grist they'll need to choose well.
UrbanGrowthBoundaryForestGroveCornelius.zip

Is it time to get rid of the urban growth boundary?

(Staff/2014)

'Petaluma Plan' for Portland: Randal O'Toole writes to urge Portland to ditch the urban growth boundary as a way to bring about more affordable housing. Yet there is an even more simple and direct solution to this conflict: Just limit growth, via zoning restrictions on new housing units. Not everyone who wants to move to Portland need be allowed to move here. There is no "right" to move here. Unfettered growth is destroying the character of the city that so many love -- and destruction of that character will ultimately bring about blight and decay. Unfettered growth is not just expensive; it is something to be feared in our community's future.

Before the howling begins about the propriety/impropriety of zoning for restriction of growth, look to the path of Petaluma, California, a city that in the 1970s sought to prevent the unfettered growth that was destroying the character and history of the town by determinedly restricting the number of new permits for housing construction per year. Of course, developers sued. Petaluma won, all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States, which refused to hear the appeal by developers. Petaluma's historic buildings still stand, and its rich urban farm land still flourishes.

So. It is settled law that a city may seek its own future, its own character, its own size by limiting growth through simple zoning. The trick for Portlanders is fighting the rapacious and greedy construction industry.

Judy Smith

Milwaukie
YWCA Great Lakes Bay Region will honor eight local leaders at the fifth annual Women of Achievement Awards on Wednesday, March 16, at 5:30 p.m. at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw.

The award honors women from the Great Lakes Bay Region who have demonstrated volunteer or professional activities and have made outstanding contributions in the categories of business, health care, entrepreneurship, education, community leader and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron arrives at Andersen

U.S. Pacific Command's continuous bomber presence mission continues with the arrival of the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron from Minot Air Force Base, N.D., to replace their sister home unit, the 23rd EBS.



Since March 2004, Andersen has hosted the CBP mission, which is designed to enhance regional security and provide reassurance to allies and partners that the U.S. is capable of defending its national security interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.



The main goal out here is to advance and strengthen alliances, said Capt. Matthew Reoch, 23rd EBS pilot and resource adviser. Our continual presence out here, showing commitment to our allies and having our aircraft ready is critical in showing that the U.S. is always prepared to respond to any threats that arise.



Expeditionary units that deploy to Andersen also benefit from the CBP mission due to the training environment and opportunities that differ greatly from what they're used to at their home stations.



Andersen provides a great experience when it comes to training with joint and international partners, said Capt. Erik Nelson, 23rd EBS B-52 Stratofortress aircraft commander. Also, the key to performing missions to the best of our ability was to remain flexible throughout all the missions, especially those that were short notice. That kind of ingenuity and flexibility is crucial and all of our guys have the capacity to do that.



While stationed here, the outbound aircrew and maintainers assigned to the 23rd EBS exceeded their flightline and training goals by logging 1,428 hours of flight time, performing more than 200 sorties and dropping over 300 munitions totaling 197,000 pounds.



The Airmen arriving from the 69th EBS will be stationed in Guam for the next six months to conduct CBP operations and training.



The B-52 is a symbol and a strategic projection of power, said Maj. Luke Dellenbach, 69th EBS assistant director of operations. The training environment and airspace out here is great. There are a lot of individuals in the squadron that have not had the experience flying a long-range distance over oceanic waters, so this will be a great opportunity for them.



In-between flying missions, members from the 69th EBS hope to build good rapport and take an active role in the Guam community through volunteering and partnership events, Dellenbach said.



The upcoming months present a unique opportunity for the 69th EBS in training and deployment experience in an environment unlike any found in the continental U.S.



Knowing you're a part of these Pacific power projection missions, which help to shape the best interest of the U.S. and parts of the world, is very rewarding, Dellenbach said. It's a great opportunity to represent the 69th EBS and fly out to Andersen AFB to promote deterrence and assurance.




Fans and followers finally got a taste of the "Ghostbusters" reboot with Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones. Apparently for some, the trailer of the "Ghostbusters" reboot left a sour taste in the mouth.

The "Ghostbusters" reboot director Paul Feig has a proven track record for comedy films, with such work as "Bridesmaids," "Spy" and "The Heat." USA Today reports how Feig explained that the trailer for the "Ghostbusters" reboot is a bridge of sorts between the old versions and this latest one. "We wanted to plant a flag early," Feig said. "People don't know what this movie is."

While Feig's style is apparent and appreciated in the recently released trailer for the "Ghostbusters" reboot, the production choice for the characters had been found stereotypical at best.

According to Daily Mail, fans were unhappy with the decision to design Erin Gilbert (Wiig), Abby Yates (McCarthy), Jillian Holtzman (McKinnon) as female scientists in the "Ghostbusters" reboot while the one African American character, Patty Tolan played by Jones is a New York City subway character. Intentional or otherwise, fans felt that the call was stereotypical and racist. More than a few took to social media to express their disapproval.

Many lauded the decision to make the "Ghostbusters" reboot a female-dominated version of the franchise. However, the Tolan issue certainly seems the proverbial two steps back for what was initially touted as progress in equality.

Gossip Cop points out that the opening to the reboot is an homage to the first "Ghostbusters" film. While fans were happy enough to get reacquainted with the sight of ectoplasm, some wonder if original mainstay Slimer will make an appearance. Original Ghostbusters Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson will reportedly be seen in cameo roles in the latest instalment.

"Thor: Raganorok" star Chris Hemsworth joins Wiig, McCarthy, McKinnon and Jones as the team's secretary. The "Ghostbuster" reboot is set to make the cinema rounds on July 15.
"Game Of Thrones" star Maisie Williams is all grown up and is in a serious relationship with a secret boyfriend. Maisie Williams broke into Hollywood the scene as 13-year old with her character Arya Stark in "Game Of Thrones." While dancing is her first love, she is now more concentrated on acting. Maisie Williams attends the Bath Dance College in the UK.

Despite the fame that surrounded Maisie Williams, she fought to keep most aspects of her life normal. This includes her relationship with her current boyfriend. Maisie Williams and her boyfriend have been going out for a year now.

According to Perez Hilton, Maisie Williams and her boyfriend met in her high school. Arya Stark's real-life Romeo is not a celebrity and nowhere near her "Game Of Thrones" celebrity status.

"People feel it's strange that someone who's famous can go out with someone who's normal," Williams said. "I don't meet anyone else."

Maisie Williams admitted to not being too fond of glamorous parties and does not hang out with male actors. The "Game Of Thrones" star said she prefers being around a more normal crowd.

Daily Mail reports that the public initially got wind of Maisie Williams' romance when she accidentally let the fact slip in YouTube video late last year. After the unintentional admission, Maisie Williams firmly closed the discussion on her real-life boyfriend.

According to Maisie Williams she does not really stand out in the crowd. "Game Of Thrones" viewers do not always recognize Williams. When fans are intoxicated, they have a hard time placing her as her "Game Of Thrones" character.

At other times, "Game Of Thrones" fans would actually recognize Maisie Williams but would not say anything to her. In some of those cases Maisie Williams said she feels that the fans are somehow disappointed with what they see.

Sneak peek at my April cover for @instyle_UKhttps://t.co/aSgC3CcsQq  Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) February 25, 2016

"Game Of Thrones" will return to HBO for Season 6 on April 24. Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister, Peter Dinklage as Tyrian Lannister and Kit Harington as Jon Snow will join Maisie Williams in "Game Of Thrones."
Are the sultry 29-year-old Megan Fox and ex-husband Brian Austin Green reconsidering their 6-month-old divorce? The hot "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" star and the former Beverly Hills 9210 actor were seen by ever alert paparazzis leaving Sweet Butter Cafe together. One thing that caught the attention of many was the ever gentlemanly manner by which Green treated Fox. So are they rekindling the old flame?

According to E! Online, Green, 42, held the door for Fox as they left the Sweet Butter Cafe in Studio City, California. Although Fox was trying to hide her beautiful face behind dark shade glasses, one can easily recognize the stunning figure which her black T-shirt and matching black cropped leggings. As always, she made every ordinary outfit look glamorous by tying a plain pink and blue shirt around her waist.

Green, on the other hand was wearing a similar outfit. He donned a gray shirt, gray cropped pants and likewise gray sneakers. Aside from opening the door, he could be seen looking at his ex-wife. Is that fondness and longing?

Well, if Fox and Green would be reconsidering their divorce, a lot of people would surely cheer them on. Life and Style Mag reported that the two have two sons, Noah and Bodhi, three and two years old respectively.

The sighting at the Sweet Butter Cafe was not the first time that Fox and Green were seen together after the divorce which Megan filed last summer. They were seen together last October all over Los Angeles, including being alone in a movie theater. There were also several instances when the couple was together with their sons.

Does this mean that Fox regretted having filed for divorce against Green? Well, their divorce is still in court, and fans can simply hope and speculate that they'll be back in each other's arms again.
The SAT -- the standardized exam used for college admissions in the U.S. -- is changing its format for the first time in more than 10 years. Experts commented that the new SAT might be the easiest version of the test yet.

Parenting.com and The Washington Post shared some of the changes that students taking up the new SAT should know about as well as tips for answering the test. Hopefully, knowing these changes and tips could make a positive difference in students' preparation methods and new SAT results.

New SAT Change #1: No obscure vocabulary.

Many students who took the past SATs complain about obscure vocabulary being used in the test. With the new SAT, students will be tested on vocabulary that can actually use for college and their future.

New SAT Change #2: Fewer answer options.

The old SATs included five answer options for the test takers. The new SAT only has four choices which can increase the chances of students choosing the right answer.

New SAT Change #4: No penalties for guesses.

This change is a big one for students! "Rather than a wrong guess adversely affecting their score, students are now being advised to answer every question rather than leaving any blank for fear of guessing wrong," Parenting.com shared.

New SAT Tip # 1: Do not flip back and forth between the test booklet and the answer sheet.

Flipping back and forth from the test booklet and the answer sheet wastes a lot of time and disrupts the flow and momentum of the test. Go to the answer sheet only after answering a whole page of test booklet questions.

New SAT Tip #2: Substitute answers in algebra problems.

"You can avoid algebra altogether on the SAT Math section when there are variables in the question and numbers in the answer choices," The Washington Post advised. "Simply plug in the numbers from the answer choices back into the original algebraic equation to see if the problem works out fine."

New SAT Tip #3: Eliminate prepositions.

For the new SAT, watch out for prepositional phrases when trying to find writing errors. These phrases do not contain grammatical errors. Once you have crossed these phrases out, it will be much easier to find the writing errors.
Toddler Ayeeshia Jane Smith suffered cardiac arrest last May 2014 after being stomped to death by her own mother and father. Her parents, Kathryn Smith, 23, and Matthew Rigby, 22, both from Staffordshire were brought to court for the trial of Ayeeshias murder. They were accused of murder and cruelty to the child.

The court currently received a report that the 21-month-old toddler had only consumed tiny amounts of food the day she died. According to Daily Mail, the toddler only ate a pack of crisps, chocolate biscuit and yogurt the whole day. The court was informed that Ayeeshia was very thin and frail and that she was already taken to the hospital before.

Detective Sergeant James Brady, who had a word with Smith was told that Ayeeshia bit her lip in bath approximately three weeks before she died and had slipped in the bath. She was then brought to Queens Hospital then taken home. She also told him that the toddler was rushed to the hospital twice for suffering three "overheating fits" since the beginning of 2014. The mother told him that she went to get some juice in the kitchen and found the child with blue lips and fitting. The toddler had her last meal the night before at Rigbys grandparents house located in Nottingham. He also noticed that Smith was very emotional. According to Brady the fits the child had suffered were similar to what she had suffered previously.

According to Independent UK, Autopsy reports conducted by Pathologist Dr. Alexander Kolar show that Ayeeshias brain had a bleeding months before she passed, linking this to the February incident. The little girl suffered from blunt force trauma and had sixteen injuries in total which include three broken ribs. The child died from cardiac arrest due to being stamped forcefully on the chest.

His statement states that The colour of these bruises indicate that there had been at least 24 hours between injury and death. More than trivial forces have been used. It is blunt force trauma using reasonable severe force.

I would expect these sorts of injuries to occur from severe trauma to the chest or torso similar to that of a victim of a road traffic collision or a fall from a height. She has been subjected to a very significant trauma to the rear of her body resulting in a fatal chest injury. It was non-accidental.

The little girl was previously taken into social services about welfare issues and was returned to her mother half a year before she died. The couple still denies the allegations thrown to them.
An IHOP in Austin, Texas has made a couple upset after they were issued a racist receipt. In the description section of the receipt, the words stated were "BLACK PPL," something that the couple didn't ever expect to find.

According to Yahoo News, Ariana Brown and Rolman Sparkman went to IHOP Monday morning to pick up an order. After paying for their to-go order, they looked at the receipt and were aghast at finding the label "BLACK PPL" on top, which could have had other forms of labels to refer to them.

In an interview over the incident, Brown told KVUE, "I feel upset, I'm sad, I'm angry." She added, "Like this, it makes no sense. You could have asked me my name."

Right after discovering the racist receipt, Brown and boyfriend, Sparkman, went home without saying a word to the employees of the restaurant. She instead posted the photo of the racist receipt on Facebook, and it was shared on social media a thousand of times.

Reports have it that restaurants often use shorthand to identify their customers. Many restaurants would ask the name of the customer for identification. However, when race, sexual orientation or skin color become labels, it becomes unacceptable.

Fox News reported that when the racist receipt incident reached IHOP's corporate headquarters, the company was quick to condemn the act of the employee. In a statement, it said, "This was a poor choice made by our franchisee's team member, and is not in keeping with policies and procedures. We recognize that it could be offensive and apologize." The statement also mentioned, "Everyone is welcome in our restaurants and our franchisee is using this as a teachable moment for the entire team so that it will not reoccur."

The waiter, Dwayne Williams, who attended to the couple is, much to the surprise of everyone, also black. Williams also apologized on Facebook about the IHOP racist receipt incident and was sorry if he offended anyone.
Another prince has been born! The Swedish royal family welcomes a new heir. According to Vogue, at exactly 8.28 p.m. late Tuesday, Princess Victoria of Sweden, 38, and her husband Prince Daniel, 42, welcome their second child to the world, Prince Oscar Carl Olof. Crown Princess Victoria gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing exactly 3,655 grams and measuring 52 centimeters at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden.

Prince Daniel, the father of two responded to the media: "Everyone is obviously very happy. I haven't had time to feel yet how it feels to be a father of two, but it obviously feels good." He also recently joked in an interview with The Local, quoting that he is very proud and impressed with his wife because the labor happened very quickly and very well. "You women are a primal force... He looks like his mother, which is pleasing." The proud dad dished that he had been present during his wife's labor and had cut his son's umbilical cord by himself.

Meanwhile, the press asked Price Daniel about how his daughter Princess Estelle feels about her new baby brother. The Prince told the Swedish media that Estelle was really enthusiastic and happy to become a big sister. He also said that Princess Estelle had made some artwork for her brother but was a little disappointed that the baby had his eyes closed because she wanted to show all the drawings she had drawn for him. The Princess went to visit his brother last Thursday morning when he was sleeping when she arrived.

According to Daily Mail, The Royal Court's press office confirmed that both mother and baby are in good health and declared that the royal family had checked out of the hospital just shortly after 9 a.m. and went back to the Haga Palace. They also announced as a tradition there will be, a Te Deum celebration held at a church in the next few days. Their newborn will be third in line to the throne after his mother and sister.
Out of all the remaining Royal Families in the world, the British Royal Family is no doubt the most famous with over numerous commonwealth countries; it is no question why they are well-known in the entire globe. British Family famous member, Kate Middleton, wife to Prince William, has just recently given birth to their second child, Princess Charlotte, not too long ago but already speculations of the Duchess Kate Middleton being pregnant has been spreading across the internet.

But, as to the truth of this news, it is yet to be confirmed although there have been reports that both the Duchess Kate Middleton and husband, Prince William, want a big family. Rumors have it that Prince William is even pressuring Kate Middleton to get pregnant after Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden welcomed a baby boy, Prince Oscar just last March 2.

Obviously, this recent happening in the Swedish Royal Family captured the hearts of many around the globe and it seems like Prince William and Kate Middleton are fancying a third child as well. But, unlike that of the British Royal Family, the Swedish Royal Family was fast in celebrating and announcing the title immediately.

There has been numerous rumors though, involving the beautiful Kate Middleton being pregnant again with a girl and even rumors that she is carrying twins. There is yet to be a confirmation to any truth about this rumors going around the internet but it is highly unlikely that the Duchess Kate Middleton would hold off such good news.

Some other fans of the British Royal Family also explained that Kate Middleton being pregnant right now is impossible since the duchess is doing so many things right now including her work with The Hufftington Post. But, it is no lie that it would be amazing if the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, will have another child.
Tables have been turned as Mila Kunis is rumored to cheat on her husband, Ashton Kutcher, after being spotted having clandestine meetings with ex-boyfriend Macaulay Culkin. While Kunis denied cheating rumors, she admits to being friends with the former child actor.

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are still plagued with divorce rumors despite firm denials from the two. After rumors of Kutcher going to a massage parlor which offers indecent services, it's now Kunis' turn to be rumored of illicit affairs.

Master Herald recently reported that Kunis was spotted secretly meeting her ex-boyfriend of nine years, Macaulay Culkin. The rumors went on to say that Kutcher is even aware of the secret meetings and is threatened by Culkin's presence.

It turns out, Kunis is actually trying to help the former "Home Alone" actor professionally. Movie News Guide further reported that Kunis is trying to help Macaulay Culkin get back on track in acting. Aside from acting, Kunis is also known to produce shows and series and she may just find the right break for her former partner. These talks about cheating come from the same source who made gossips about Kutcher and the massage parlor, Kunis added.

Master Herald also reported that an insider privy to the former lovers meet up said that Kunis is just concerned with Macaulay Culkin's welfare. She is just trying to be friends with the actor who seems to need all the help he can get to start again his acting career.

Kunis is considering putting up Culkin in a couple of projects. Kutcher is also aware of this and seems to support his wife. The website also added that Kutcher does not feel threatened at all.

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are confident enough in each other's loyalty. Kunis reportedly just laughed off cheating rumors and Kutcher seemed not to be affected by it. Kutcher can be seen gushing about his wife and their one-year-old child in a recent interview with Ellen Degeneres, reports Crossmap. This might be what the fans need to see to stop the divorce rumors. Watch the interview below:
Bonnie Raitt has always been a pilot light, powering hard love, broken love, lost love and yes, unrequited love. In the valley of the unfulfilled and yearning, her voice has warmed that want into something that infused with the blues with a whole lot of blazing red.

It is that red which defines Dig In Deep, the grooves, shuffles and guitar lines all buck and thrust with the promiseor needfor meaningful copulation. Starting with the steamy Fender Rhodes organ tumble and high hat-spanking Unintended Consequence of Love, Raitt is looking to scratch an itch that has somehow gone fallow in a very salty way. And its not just a shrewd vocal; its the way she wrings sweat from a slide solo that just keeps pushing the pocket.

Joie du mattress dancing informs Los Lobos percolating Shakin Shakin Shakes with a bawdy delight that makes Kelis Milkshake seem like childs playand INXS throbbing Need You Tonight gets transformed into a bawdy shakedown from a woman who knows how to make carnality an on-the-bone proposition.

What informs Raitts performancelike blues great Sippie Wallace before heris the confidence of flexing how-to with savory gusto. Her U2-evoking If You Need Somebody, the knee-buckling want What Youre Doing To Me and freight-train tumble and boogie The Comin Round Is Going Throughfeaturing muscular guitar interplay between Raitt and longtime foil George Marinellidrip with the tossed-off mastery of musicians who know how to push songs, emotions and each other.

With drummer Ricky Fataar and bassist Hutch Hutchinson, her longtime rhythm section, the skeleton of these ravers is robust enough to hang this kind of playing on. Like kids on the monkey bars, Raitts fingers are as connected as her heart-in-her-throat vocals. It recalls that deeper musicality of her earliest work.

Yes, there are the signature ballads of regret. Undone is all vulnerability and quiver, while Youve Changed My Mind finds the 66-year-old songwriter struggling with the elusive trust love requires. The grown-up The Ones We Couldnt Be, a few piano notes and Raitts dying sunset vocals, suggests nuance and detail still ignite songs that haunt long after the last bit fades.

Ultimately, Raitt remains utterly herself. With true blues-mama grit, she drops her voice to its earthiest for Gypsy In Me, a declaration of the independence that defines her 40-plus-year career, as well as the spirit of the picker in search of the song.
Joss Whedon, director of The Avengers and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, is set to write a 75th-anniversary Captain America story for Marvel. Captain America first appeared in 1941, with the mission of fighting the Nazis, as the alter ego of Steve Rogers. In 2014, Sam Wilson took the mantle as the nations leading freedom fighter, and Whedons storywhich comes out in the March 30 issuewill focus on Wilson.

Whedon will work with John Cassady, the illustrator behind The Astonishing X-Men. The issue will also feature one last appearance by Steve Rogers, the original Captain America, so at least for this issue there will technically be two Captain Americas at once.
Gina Torres, Firefly alum and star of USA Networks hit legal drama Suits, has signed on for the lead role in the pilot for ABCs drama The Death of Eva Sofia Valdez.

The actress will star as Eva Sofia Valdez, a modern-day Havana-born Cleopatra in what is being described as MacBeth with a Cuban twist. Valdez is a celebrated Miami entrepreneur and champion of immigrant rights with a rags-to-riches immigrant story of her own. Her power is far-reaching and her rise to the top is admired by many, but fueled by insatiable ambition. Its an intense level of drive that could destroy her family, a vendetta against the lover who betrayed her, and could unearth a haunted past that threatens to reveal Valdez dark and questionable sacrifices in the name of the American Dream.

While Suits has been renewed, where the conclusion of season five left Torres Jessica Pearson could mean a season six premiere appearance with a proper send off in order for Torres to focus her acting energies with the ABC show, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As of now, however, Death of Eva Sofia Valdez is in second position to Suits.

Devious Maids writer Charise Castro Smith will write the pilot and serve as executive producer on the ABC Studios drama. Agent Carters showrunners Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters will also executive produce.

Actors Raul Castillo, Marta Milans, Zabryna Guevara, Alison Fernandez, Christian Ochoa and Christina Pickles also co-star in the soapy drama.
On Tuesday we reported that "Tidal Streaming Music Fired Norwegian CFO and COO." Now a second tidal wave may be in the works to really shake up the industry. Variety is reporting exclusively that "Samsung is getting close to making a major announcement in the music space. This could include the acquisition of a streaming service, or a partnership with a major streaming provider. As a result, Samsung is likely going to shutter its existing Milk Music streaming service.

It's still unclear what exactly is going to replace Milk Music. Yet with that said, Variety shifts to speculating that Samsung may be working on some kind of deal with the Tidal music streaming service.

The report notes that "Samsung had been in talks with Tidal about a potential acquisition, and Tidal owner Jay Z even stopped by Samsung's campus to meet with the company's executives last October. The New York Post reported last month that the two parties have picked up talks again, which could be because Tidal has seen a surge of new users, thanks to high-profile exclusives." Though in reality, it's likely that Tidal is experiencing a business meltdown and not a surge as witnessed by this week's 'firing' of the company's CFO and COO.

In the end, Variety's 'exclusive' is weak at best as "multiple music industry insiders cautioned that an acquisition may be far from certain in part because Tidal may be asking for more than Samsung is willing to pay. Many see a partnership with Tidal or another streaming service as a likelier option."





Yet if Tidal is to ever take on Apple Music head on, then they have to have a closer tie-in to a major smartphone line and Samsung fits the bill. The saying of 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend' seems to fit the bill.

That works with Samsung as well. Samsung tried to challenge Apple's iTunes with their 2014 Milk Music venture that ended up being an utter disaster. Now with streaming music taking off, Samsung is lost and needs to quickly catch up with Apple Music on the iPhone. Will this deal get made between both desperate parties? Only time will tell.

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.
A powerful piece:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/04/opinion/donald-trump-the-great-betrayer.html?_r=0

On a closely related matter:

Most of the media talking-head reactions that I heard to Mitt Romneys Thursday speech regarding Donald Trump were stunningly negative. Thats been discouraging. Ive lost a lot of respect for people like Andrea Tantaros and Laura Ingraham, for instance, over their responses.

I think that Governor Romneys remarks would have been even more effective had he acknowledged his own comments upon receiving Mr. Trumps endorsement for the 2012 campaign, and then explained them and distanced himself from them. I regret that he didnt do this. t think that he could have done it rather easily.

However, with that said: I thought that Mr. Romneys remarks were superb. He nailed Donald Trump on issue after issue after issue. And most of the negative responses have been irrelevant. Whether you think that Mr. Romney was a suitable spokesman, whether you like him or not  I was, and I do  has absolutely nothing to do with the substance of what he had to say, and it surely doesnt refute him. Anyway, just in case you didnt hear Governor Romneys excellent speech or would like to hear it again, his full remarks are available here:

Posted from Monterey, California
Patna: Police in Patna on Friday busted a fake job placement racket following the arrest of two persons from a hotel room under Gandhi Maidan police station.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Patna police raided room number 304 of Hotel Welcome on Jamal Road and arrested two men along with nearly Rs. 4 lakh in cash, six mobile phones, and dozens of fake rubber stamps and letterheads with names of prominent teachers and Principals of various schools.

Based on the information provided by the two men, police arrested two more men from Punaichak who were part of the interstate gang that took money from their innocent victims by promising to find jobs for them.

The men were identified as Kalyan Kumar of Supaul and Pramod Mishra of Alamganj. The two men arrested from Punaichak were identified as Ranvir Mahto and Shailendra Kumar.

Three other men believed to be the masterminds behind the fake job racket, however, managed to escape just minutes before the raid. Police have identified their hideouts by tracing their cell phone calls.

The SSP said that after taking thousands of rupees from their victims, the con men then issued them appointment letters for a fake NGO. For a couple of months these victims would be paid a salary of Rs. 4-5,000 just to make the whole scam real after which they would be fired from their job on some flimsy ground.
Iranian Lawmaker Says Parliament Is No Place For Women, Donkeys

03/05/16

By Golnaz Esfandiari, RFE/RL

A hard-line Iranian lawmaker has come under fire for declaring that women should not be allowed to serve in parliament. "The parliament is not a place for women, it's a place for men," lawmaker Nader Ghazipur said in a video posted online in which he appears to suggest that women can be abused and places women in the same category as "donkeys," a term used to insult a person's intelligence.





Iranian lawmaker Nader Ghazipur

Source: Ghanoon daily)





"We didn't easily win control over the country to send every fox, kid, and donkey there. The parliament is not a place for donkeys," he said.

Ghazipour, 57, was reelected to Iran's parliament last week in his hometown of Orumiyeh in West Azerbaijan Province. He appears to have made the comments during a meeting at his campaign headquarters.

His comments come as a record number of women -- as many as 20 -- are expected to gain seats in the parliament following the February 26 poll.

The YouTube video of Ghazipur's controversial and crude remarks was posted recently, sparking both online and offline criticism, as well as calls for him to be barred from office.







Zahra Nejadbahram, the head of the Information Council of the government's office for women's and family affairs, was quoted by Iranian news sites as saying that Ghazipur should be disqualified.

"When his thinking [allows] him to insult half of the country's population, he should expect a reaction, and the reaction should be the rejection of his [credentials]," Nejadbahram said on March 2.

The Orumiyeh branch of a women's group, the Islamic Society of Revolutionary Women, said Ghazipur should be disqualified for his "obvious and blatant disrespect of women."

Criticism also came from Orumiyeh's Friday Prayers leader, Mehdi Ghoreishi, who did not name Ghazipur but said that "insults and vulgarity" are "not worthy of an Islamic society."

"We should not allow rudeness and vulgarity to become institutionalized in our city," the cleric was quoted by domestic media as saying.

On social media, some called on the Guardians Council, which approved Ghazipur to run in last week's elections, to disqualify him. Others likened him to former President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, who was known for his use of crude and undiplomatic language.





Recently elected woman lawmaker Hamideh Zarabadi's response to Nader Ghazipour

(Read related coverage by Arman daily)





In an Instagram post, Ghazipur apologized to the women of Orumiyeh while calling himself a "servant and soldier" of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"I apologized for the comments that hurt the feelings of the ladies of Orumiyeh because I wasn't talking about them," he wrote.

"Those who spied [on me] and recorded and published the video should doubt themselves, because by attempting to hurt Ghazipur, they're putting people's votes under question," he wrote, adding that he will not change his "stances."

Ghazipur is a member of the parliament's Mine and Industry Commission. His biography says he fought during the 1980-88 war with Iraq to defend "his country and Islamic values."

He also worked as Khamenei's campaign manager in 1981 and 1985, according to his biography posted on the website of the parliament's research center.

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
A near-miss between a drone and an Air France passenger jet is the latest in a string of recent incidents involving drones flying too close to airports. The Feb. 19 flight from Barcelona to Paris was minutes away from landing at Charles de Gualle Airport when the crew spotted a drone flying beneath them, according to an accident report(Opens in a new window).

At 5,500 feet above the ground, the copilot noticed a drone directly ahead and disconnected the autopilot, preparing to take evasive action. The crew estimated that the drone passed about 16 feet below the airplane's left wing.

The incident prompted France's first investigation into a drone near-miss, Bloomberg reported(Opens in a new window). But such episodes are becoming increasingly frequent at major airports across Europe and the U.S.

Drones flew too close to planes on three separate occasions in the United Kingdom last year, according to The Guardian(Opens in a new window). As a result, the British government is convening public hearings(Opens in a new window) to encourage responsible drone flying.

In the U.S., a drone passed within a few hundred feet of a landing Southwest Airlines jet in Dallas, Texas last June. An American Airlines plane nearly hit a drone in Florida in 2014.

Compared to its British counterparts, the FAA is taking a more forceful stance on drone mishaps and now requires all drones heavier than 0.5 pounds to be registered. Once you pay the $5 fee, you must attach a sticker with a registration number to your drone, which helps identify it in case of a mishap.

To comply with FAA safety guidelines, owners are forbidden from flying their drones within five miles of airports unless the owner notifies the airport operator and air traffic control operator beforehand. Check out our handy guide for a more complete list of the do's and dont's of drone flying.

The FAA is also developing a technology that would analyze radio signals between the drone and its operator in order to figure out who's flying illegally. Such a tool would come in handy in the Paris case, where investigators have not been able to determine who was flying the drone, which was seen only by the Air France crew that nearly hit it, according to Bloomberg.
Ontario International Airports users got a sketch of its future Friday, March 5 from its future CEO and other leaders who worked to return the facility to Inland control after decades of management and ownership by Los Angeles.

The airport needs more passengers, more direct flights to more destinations, more revenue from non-airline sources, a marketing and promotion campaign, and a plan to develop the more than 600 acres of land that will be controlled by the Ontario International Airport Authority when it gets control of the facility, possibly by July of this year.

Officials cautioned at an Inland Empire Center symposium organized by the Rose Institute of State and Local Government and the Lowe Institute of Political Economy of Claremont McKenna College that none of those changes will come quickly.

The lowest hanging fruit is just shining a brighter light on Ontario International Airport. We have heard so much about the visibility, the visibility, the visibility, said Kelly Fredericks in an interview about raising public awareness of the airport.

He will take the helm of the OIAA as CEO on Monday.

Fredericks, who has left his job as president/CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corp., overseeing the operation and economic development of a six-airport system, spoke to the morning symposium on the airports future at the Drucker School of Management on the Claremont Colleges Campus.

He said one team for OIAA will work on a strategic air service development plan.

Not done in a vacuum, but what the regional priorities are as far as destination, more flight frequency (and) if theres carriers that arent currently here.

Fredericks came to the conference after a long flight from the East Coast and joked, it takes forever to get here from the East Coast  so well be working on that.

Fredericks cautioned the symposium that he was painting in broad strokes as he prepared to take the CEO job, and the changes he was talking about generally were not going to happen overnight  (its) not an off-on switch.

After years of litigation, Los Angeles World Airports and the city of Ontario reached a $249 million agreement last year to transfer Ontario International Airport back to Inland control. The OIAA, a joint powers agency, was formed in 2012 anticipating the transfer.

The airport came under management by Los Angeles in 1967 and was transferred to it in 1985.

Contact the writer: rdeatley@pressenterprise.com or 951-368-9573
The new leaders of Ontario International Airport are not going to waste one second rehashing what went wrong as the Inland airport lost millions of passengers under the control of Los Angeles World Airports.

Instead they will focus on the future: transforming an airport that is under-served (by airlines) and under-utilized (by passengers) into a thriving transportation hub.

So said new CEO Kelly Fredericks to an audience of about 100 business people and elected officials Friday at the Inland Empire Center summit on ONTs future. The airport comes under local control later this year.

Although he was jetlagged from a late-night flight Thursday, Fredericks made his Inland Empire debut first thing Friday morning as keynote speaker at the summit.

He left his job managing the Providence, Rhode Island airport on March 1 and his official start date in Ontario isnt until Monday. What you have here is an unemployed airport manager, he joked.

Fredericks has overseen the rebuilding of another mid-sized airport in the shadow of a major airfield (Boston, in the case of Providence). Those skills should come in handy as ONT is transferred to the Ontario International Airport Authority July 1, if all goes as expected.

The past is going to be a guidepost, not a hitching post, Fredericks said, as the local authority begins rebuilding ridership that fell from 7.2 million in 2007 to less than 4 million in 2014.

Success wont come overnight, he said. But he added, I wouldnt be here if I didnt truly believe in this place.

As passenger numbers begin to recover, airlines will offer more frequent flights to more destinations, in larger aircraft, at lower fares, Fredericks said.

Thats exactly what the regions air travelers are hoping.

Following the no-bashing L.A. theme, Alan Wapner, president of the authority board said it was natural for Los Angeles to focus on operating LAX, its flagship airport. With the return of local control, ONT can get the attention it needs, he said.

As Kelly mentioned, were not here to look backward, Wapner said, going on to praise L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, who agreed to return the airport, not for Ontarios or San Bernardino Countys sake but for the benefit of the entire region.

One of the priorities for the new airport authority will be to bring mass transit to ONT, Wapner said: Metrolink, the Gold Line, flyway service from the High Desert and eventually (perhaps) high-speed rail.

Transit will be needed to avoid the kind of congestion that plagues LAX as the Inland population grows by 1 million in the next five years, according to projections.

Fredericks holistic approach to ground access was one of the reasons he was hired, Wapner said.

During audience Q&A, someone asked whether ONT has enough room to grow both passenger and cargo service. With no constraints on hours of operation and lots of vacant property, Wapner said theres plenty of room.

Several summit panelists made it clear ONT will serve not only the Inland Empire, but also the San Gabriel Valley and northern Orange County.

Panelists also seemed optimistic ONT can add overseas flights, particularly China, with interest from a growing Asian population in the region.

Southwest Airlines station leader Bruce Atlas said his firm will be evaluating what other cities Southwest can serve from ONT, including international destinations. (Thats very welcome news.)

ONT has been primarily a short-haul airport for Southwest, but now that the economy is recovering, the company may revisit the market for long-haul flights, Atlas said. (More good news. As panelist Steve Lambert pointed out, the farthest one can fly nonstop from ONT today is Chicago.)

Lambert and other panelists said businesses prefer to locate near airports with frequent flights to many destinations. Thats an important goal for ONT, which panelists said can drive economic growth in the region.

Fridays summit was put on by the Inland Empire Center, a project of the Rose Institute of State and Local Government and the Lowe Institute for Political Economy at Claremont McKenna College.

The center hosts an annual economic forecast, said Andrew Busch, director of the Rose Institute. The summit was the centers first policy conference, which is hoped to become an annual spring event.

Center officials were delighted Fredericks was willing to be keynote speaker even before he officially starts his new post on Monday, said Ken Miller, associate director.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9470 or cmacduff@pressenterprise.com
At the federal level, the fight for gay rights is practically nonexistent. But at the state level, the cultural and legislative battle is raging.

The latest salvo to be fired comes in California, where the Sacramento Bees Jon Ortiz reports that a lawmaker proposed a bill that would prohibit state employees from using government funds to travel to states that have laws that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocates say sanctions discrimination against them. It comes days after South Dakotas Republican governor vetoed a bill that would have restricted transgender students access to public schools and locker rooms.

California is the first state to revisit instituting such a travel ban based on a states LGBT laws in the wake of outrage last year about Indianas religious freedom bill. At the time, several state legislatures considered it, and Democratic governors in Connecticut, New York and Washington state, and mayors in Oakland, California, Seattle and San Francisco temporarily instituted government-funded travel bans to states such as Indiana. Most of those  including all the state bans  were lifted weeks later, after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) signed a revision to the law specifically banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The California proposal would take things a step further by making such a travel ban permanent. California Assemblyman Evan Low (D) proposed the bill as part of a package of LGBT-related bills, including one that would cut off state aid to public colleges and universities with similar religious freedom regulations. No one wants to send employees into an environment where they would be uncomfortable, Low told Ortiz.

Its unclear how much support the proposal will have in the Democratic-controlled legislature; Ortiz reports the bill will get a hearing in April and has the backing of the LGBT group Equality California. But if it gains any traction whatsoever, it will likely fuel the inter-state gay rights battle.

For example, look at the thorny questions that arise just from debating the ban: How would a state measure another states anti-gay levels? Californias bill would likely include all 21 states that have some kind of religious freedom laws (according to a National Conference of State Legislatures count), but would it include states with long-dormant religious freedom or exemption laws, for example? Would states that champion religious freedom counter with their own ban? Does it punish so-called LGBT friendly cities in the states that are banned?

Supporters of the travel ban might counter that at least this puts them on the offensive in a year when LGBT activists have been put on the defensive. They are playing whack-a-mole to try to block bills in state legislatures that, they say, would roll back many of their rights won at the federal and judicial levels.

The Human Rights Campaign, the leading LGBT rights lobbying group, is tracking some 150 bills it classifies as unfriendly to LGBT people. In the entire 2015 legislative session, it tracked 110. And despite the near-miss for LGBT advocates in South Dakota, about a dozen states are considering so-called bathroom bills.

It remains to be seen what happens to this California proposal. But the fact that its been floated in one most influential state legislatures in the nation suggests the battle over religious freedom bills  and more broadly, how to balance LGBT rights after the summers Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage  is far from over.
San Bernardino Countys top prosecutor broached the possibility that those who carried out the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11 may have planned a cyber attack against the countys computer network, in a court filing supporting the FBIs bid to compel Apple to unlock a smart phone.

District Attorney Mike Ramos also said in a friend-of-the-court brief that cracking one of the terrorists phones could answer the question of whether a third person took part in the attack at a county employee holiday party that took 14 lives and injured another 22 people.

San Bernardino County health inspector Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, opened fire at the Inland Regional Center the morning of Dec. 2, then left. They were killed in a shootout with police a few hours later.

At least two of the 911 calls that were placed as the massacre was unfolding mentioned three assailants. That was never confirmed and ultimately may be proven incorrect, Ramos stated in a 40-page brief filed Thursday, ahead of a deadline.

The fact remains that the information contained solely on the seized iPhone could provide evidence to identify, as of yet, unknown co-conspirators Ramos wrote.

The phone, the brief asserts, also could help authorities determine if there is an ongoing threat the terrorists planted something that could crash the county governments computer system.

The seized iPhone may contain evidence, that can only be found on the seized phone, that it was used as a weapon to introduce a lying-dormant cyber pathogen endangering San Bernardino Countys infrastructure which would pose a continuing threat to the citizens of San Bernardino County.

Such a breech is technically possible, but unlikely, said David Meltzer, a computer security expert and chief research officer at TripWire, a commercial IT security firm.

If an employee wanted to introduce malicious software into the countys network, Meltzer said they would be more likely to use a desktop or laptop PC because its easier to download and manipulate malicious code on a PCs operating system.

NAGGING QUESTION

As for the question of whether there was a third attacker, San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan said Friday thats something that continues to nag investigators.

Weve never been able to completely eliminate it, Burguan said. We know we have some witnesses that said they thought they saw three  some saw two, some saw one. The majority said two, and the evidence we have up to this point only supports two.

Still, he said, investigators would like to definitively answer the question, and unlocking the phone could help do that.

Authorities found a pair of smashed cell phones in a Dumpster behind Farooks Redlands townhome. But they managed to retrieve an intact, county-issued iPhone 5c that Farook had used, in a car parked in front of the home.

However, authorities have not been able retrieve information from the smart phone. And the government has gone to court over the matter.

In February, a federal magistrate judge ordered Apple to help the FBI unlock the encryption of Farooks iPhone after the agency said it feared data could be erased from the device.

Farook apparently turned off the phones iCloud remote storage function about six weeks before the Dec. 2 shooting at the Inland Regional Center that killed 14 people and wounded 22, a government memorandum said. The federal agency said Farook may have done it to hide evidence, which may now reside solely on the iPhone. Data that would be encrypted on the device could include contacts, photos and iMessages.

BONE-CHILLING STORIES

Apple is asking a judge to reverse the order. And a hearing is set for March 22. Experts say the high-profile, potentially precedent-setting case could go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Thursday was the deadline for submitting court papers supporting one side or the other in the controversy. The district attorney was among dozens of agencies, companies and groups to weigh in.

Apple says unlocking Farooks phone would make all other iPhones more vulnerable to future attacks.

In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, cited in another court brief, Mark Sandefur  the father of one of the men killed in the terror attack  countered that the phone must be unlocked because of the possibility of a third attacker.

Several of the survivors tell me bone-chilling stories of where they were, and what they saw, Sandefur wrote. Some of them describe in precise detail, laying on the floor, hiding under furniture and the bodies of their co-workers, that they saw three assailants, not two, walking around in heavy boots as they carried out their murders.

What if there is evidence pointing to a third shooter? Sandefur wrote. What if it leads to an unknown terrorist cell? What if others are attacked, and you and I did nothing to prevent it?

UNLOCKING PANDORAS BOX

Among those backing Apple are civil liberties advocates and some of the companys biggest competitors, including Google, Microsoft and Facebook.

The top human rights authority at the United Nations warned Friday that if the FBI succeeds in forcing Apple to unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino attackers, it could have tremendous ramifications around the world and potentially 1/8 be 3/8 a gift to authoritarian regimes, as well as to criminal hackers.

The statement came a day after a deluge of technology companies and other groups publicly backed Apple in the fight, and it echoed what many of these firms and groups said in arguing that the FBIs demands could have a devastating impact on digital privacy going forward.

In order to address a security-related issue related to encryption in one case, the authorities risk unlocking a Pandoras Box that could have extremely damaging implications for the human rights of many millions of people, including their physical and financial security, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement Friday.

If the FBI prevails, Hussein argued, it would set a precedent that could make it impossible to fully protect privacy worldwide.

Encryption tools are widely used around the world, including by human rights defenders, civil society, journalists, whistle-blowers and political dissidents facing persecution and harassment, Hussein said.

RELATED:

Apple standoff reveals cracks in policy front

Victims family supports Apples iPhone position

NY judge rules against FBI in similar case

Police Department to receive award for locating suspects

Apple says county, FBI at fault in iPhone case

Encryption is hardest question Ive seen, says FBIs Comey

Court action for victims and families will be filed next week

Q&A on the Apple vs. Justice Department court fight

Complete coverage of the San Bernardino shooting, aftermath

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9699 or ddowney@pressenterprise.com
An accounting professor who regularly analyzes the finances of public college systems says the California State University system can afford to pay faculty members the raise they have been demanding.

Howard Bunsis, a professor at Eastern Michigan University, recently testified during the fact-finding phase of negotiations between CSU administrators and the California Faculty Association.

Negotiations have been stalled for months, with CSU officials offering faculty members a 2 percent salary increase and the faculty demanding 5 percent. Neither side has budged since negotiations began more than a year ago.

The union has planned for a five-day strike in April if an agreement isnt reached by then.

Chancellor Tim White has said other workers in the system, including administrators, have settled for 2 percent raises for the 2015-16 school year, and he expects faculty to do the same. He has said other important spending priorities dont allow the CSU to offer more than that.

Bunsis appearance at Cal State Los Angeles on Thursday and Cal Poly Pomona on Friday was the unions latest salvo in promoting its stance. He presented his assessment not only of the CSUs finances, but of those individual campuses as well.

This campus and the system are doing very well, Bunsis told a small group of Cal Poly Pomona faculty members meeting in a library conference room. The resources are here to pay people the right way.

Bunsis pointed to a chart showing a steady increase in cash flow for the 23-campus system since 2012. In 2015, the CSU had more than $500 million in excess cash flow from operations.

Providing faculty with a 5 percent raise would cost the CSU an additional $107 million beyond its current budget.

CSU officials provided data showing that they have spent $95 million in raises over the past two years and the 2 percent raise would add another $37 million.

Bunsis said the CSU had more than $2 billion in reserve funding at the end of 2015. He said that was adequate for six months of operation. CSU officials said they are operating with only two months of reserves.

Faculty union members say will renew their call for the 5 percent raise at Tuesdays CSU trustees meeting in Long Beach. The union made its presence known at recent trustees meetings, sporting bright orange shirts that say, I dont want to strike, but I will.

In November, they staged a large rally outside the offices of Chancellor White, a former UC Riverside chancellor, while board members met inside.

Bunsis also presented data showing the increase in salaries at CSU since 2008. The greatest increase was in the category of student services, which Bunsis said consisted of administrators. The average increase of all salaries was 9 percent. And instruction salaries went up by 6 percent.

The unions position got a boost earlier this week when the California Democratic Party backed the faculty members in their efforts to secure the 5 percent raise by passing a resolution at the partys state convention in San Jose. Chairman John Burton said the CSU should pay its faulty members what they are worth.

FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS

The University of Redlands has added three more students to its list of Fulbright Scholars. The school has been designated as a Top Producer of Fulbright students, according to administrators.

The federal program, established in 1946, provides support for scholars to do research in their fields or to teach in foreign locales.

This years U of R recipients are Mounika Parimi, a music and biology major; Amber Stansbury, who is studying communicative disorders; and Stefani Spence, a double major in environmental studies and Spanish.

Parimi will study Type 1 diabetes in Dresden, Germany. Stansbury plans to research the roots of language impairment in Queretaro, Mexico. And Spence will travel to Oaxaca, Mexico, to study the indigenous Chinantec community.

Contact the writer: mmuckenfuss@pressenterprise.com or 951-368-9595
In February, three Temecula Valley nonprofits joined forces to strengthen their organizations and become a catalyst for giving in the area.

Michelles Place Breast Cancer Resource Center, Oak Grove Center for Education Treatment & the Arts and Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education launched the Temecula Valley Endowment Program in Wildomar during a donor reception. By combining the three nonprofits into a consortium, the organizations will strengthen the endowments growth potential.

The Community Foundation has managed the endowment funds for all three organizations since their funds were established. The goal of an endowment is to establish permanence for a nonprofit organization.

Monetary gifts from donors, given both directly to the endowment fund and those that are legacy gifts, remain at the Community Foundation in perpetuity.

The interest earned on these funds is used to support daily operations. Raising funds for overhead and capital maintenance is notoriously difficult, and having this buffer helps ensure a nonprofits future.

Serious about developing the possibilities of combining their resources, the nonprofits looked for guidance in organizing the unification.

The consortium selected Jeff McNurlan as the programs director to facilitate and grow the potential of endowment giving. McNurlan has worked with several nonprofits in resource development and strategic planning roles.

These organizations saw the power of banding together to build their individual endowments through a consortium, McNurlan said. Its truly an opportunity to build value, resilience and permanence that will impact the Temecula Valley in the near future and for decades to come.

The three nonprofits address different needs in the community.

Michelles Place is a full-service breast cancer resource center whose mission is to assist individuals and families affected by breast cancer with education and support services. Since 2001, it has provided over 100,000 services to more than 10,000 men and women with cancer. Services offered include support groups, free comfort items, patient navigation, educational seminars and temporary financial assistance.

Oak Grove Center for Education Treatment & the Arts is a 24-hour residential, educational and therapeutic treatment center in Murrieta. The organization treats 76 at-risk children who live on campus as well as 90 to 100 day students who attend its private school. Oak Grove also operates a second campus in Perris, Oak Grove at the Ranch, that serves an additional 50 students.

Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation is an outdoor and nature education provider at a biological reserve at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains near Murrieta. Its programs are offered at no cost.

McNurlan said it is important to the consortium that it not only inspire further giving in the community, but also stand by its donors intentions to support individual philanthropic passions. And the donors who support Temecula Valley nonprofits are passionate about their causes.

The needs are great, and there is a great personal satisfaction that we get from being able to see firsthand that our contributions are put to good use and remain in the greater community in which we live, said Harry Finch, a supporter and board member of Michelles Place.

To learn more about the Temecula Valley Endowment Program, contact Jeff McNurlan at 951-387-4921 or email jmcnurlan@thecommunityfoundation.net.

The Community Foundations mission is to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy.

Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com
The impact of the goods movement industry remains a huge factor for the Inland Empires economy, but some of the issues that face this key industry are no less considerable.

The benefits of the Inland regions logistics hub, as well as some of the problems that comes with this key industry, were discussed Friday at a town hall meeting at San Bernardino Valley College. The discussion was hosted by Assemblymember Cheryl Brown and attended by more than a half-dozen Democratic lawmakers from across California.

More than 103,000 residents of San Bernardino and Riverside counties currently hold jobs related to the logistics industry, representing close to 10 percent of the salaried workforce, according to the most recent state data.

We are the central hub of the supply chain, said Christopher Gopal, a professor at the Drucker School of Management at Claremont University.

John Husing, chief economist for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, told the audience that 2015 was the third-highest year ever for goods arriving at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The heavy volume was recorded despite a protracted labor dispute, which slowed port traffic early in the year.

About 80 percent of those goods eventually pass through Inland Southern California, either on trucks or on trains.

The impact of that traffic led to a disruption of Fridays event when about a dozen students entered the room and loudly protested the air pollution caused by the heavy truck traffic in the area. The demonstrators carried signs that said smog killed my future and blood is on your hands.

The demonstrators were escorted from the room by security guards without incident.

Husing said that the logistics industry, especially trucking, contributes less air pollution than it did in years past because of new emissions controls that sharply reduce the carcinogens released into the air.

Also, the expansion of online commerce is going to continue the need for large warehouses, and it is something that the Inland Empire cannot afford to miss, he said. Online retailer Amazon has opened three large fulfillment warehouses in the Inland area in the last few years.

Husing added that a high percentage of Inland residents have never attended college, and the region has a much lower level of educational achievement than Californias coastal cities. He said logistics employment is the best ticket to the middle class for many of them.

These are folks that are not going to be at the high end of the innovation spectrum, Husing said.

Brown, D-San Bernardino, said the student protesters and their message were very, very important, and she said she seeks a balance between a strong logistics industry and clean air. She said she recalls when Kaiser Steel Industries had a major factory in Fontana but left the area about 30 years ago.

In those days you couldnt see the mountains. Now the air is better but the jobs have split, Brown said.

Brown and other elected officials who attended discussed several legislative initiatives to address these issues, including infrastructure improvements to reduce congestion and more funding for education that could train workers for advanced logistics jobs. Also, Brown said she is seeking of a better share of cap-and-and trade revenues.
San Bernardino Countys top prosecutor claimed the dead San Bernardino shooters may have planned a cyber attack against the countys computer network, in a court filing supporting the FBIs bid to secure Apples help in unlocking a terrorists iPhone.

And there may still be a threat, stated the 40-page document filed Thursday by District Attorney Mike Ramos.

Thursday was the deadline for submitting court papers in support of the FBIs high-profile case. Dozens of groups and agencies weighed in with written arguments on both sides of the controversy, something that could go all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court before being resolved.

The flurry of legal activity follows the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil since 9/11. Fourteen people were slain and 22 others injured at the Inland Regional Center on the morning of Dec. 2.

Terrorists, Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, were killed in a shootout with police a few hours later.

Farook, a health inspector, was carrying a San Bernardino County -issued cell phone, an iPhone 5c, authorities said. But they havent retrieved information locked inside it.

The seized iPhone may contain evidence, that can only be found on the seized phone, that it was used as a weapon to introduce a lying-dormant cyber pathogen endangering San Bernardino Countys infrastructure which would pose a continuing threat to the citizens of San Bernardino County.

The district attorney also said it is crucial to unlock the phone to determine whether someone else helped plan and carry out the attack. At least two 911 calls placed as the massacre unfolded reported three people were involved in the attack, the brief stated.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney has a specific, unique, and compelling interest in acquiring the evidence of criminal activity that may be contained on the Apple iPhone the brief stated.
A former rocket scientist is the featured speaker at the second Girl Power Conference on March 12 in San Jacinto.

The conference will give 150 sixth- and seventh-grade girls an opportunity to explore positive career and life choices through a day of guest speakers, activities and networking.

Presented by Soroptimist International San Jacinto-Hemet Valley, students will be informed, engaged and inspired to change the world.

Keynote speaker is Shayla Rivera, an aerospace engineer and former rocket scientist with NASA who uses her experiences and observations to deliver speeches about subjects that span motivation, inspiration, leadership, education, female empowerment, communication and the importance of humor.

I am never interested in telling people what to do. I am more interested in people discovering that what they do is what already determines the quality of their lives, Rivera said.

Also featured is Edalia Olivo-Gomez, a 1982 graduate of San Jacinto High who will speak about her career as a senior environmental specialist with San Diego Gas & Electrics Environmental Programs in San Diego.

Olivo-Gomez, who lives in Chula Vista, said she wants attendees to understand this time in their lives, as they begin to make choices that will have big consequences.

I look forward to seeing the light bulbs turn on, the sparkle in their eyes, their wheels start to turn, she said. I am one of them and I hope they will relate to me and know that there are resources and people available to help them achieve their goals.

Prior to joining the utility eight years ago, she spent many years in city planning. Her bachelors and masters degrees from San Diego State University are in public administration, with an emphasis in city planning.

Olivo-Gomezs interest in the field started as she took part in a Summer Youth Employment Program as a high school junior and worked at the Hemet Community Development Department.

It changed my career plans of being an architect and provided a plan forward, she said.

Soroptimist International San Jacinto-Hemet Valley president and conference chair Dee Cozart is one of the all-volunteer Soroptimist staff who will supervise the conference, and she will also be speaking before the lunch break about Building a Life of Service.

In addition to six guest speakers, there will be a dozen professional women serving as group discussion leaders to allow more personal communication with the girls.

The deadline to attend the conference, held at the Mt. San Jacinto College San Jacinto campus gym, has passed.

Information: 951-206-0274 or sisjhv.org.

Contact the writer: dianerhodes.writer@gmail.com
San Gorgonio Middle School in Beaumont can boast a true rags-to-riches story.

Despite moving from one shuttered campus to the next, the school recently earned recognition from the California Middle Grades Alliance.

The award, the Schools to Watch  Taking Center Stage Model Middle Schools, is given to campuses that are academically excellent, developmentally responsive, socially equitable and structured for success. It is one of the most prestigious awards a middle school can receive in the state.

Administrators said they have worked to make the school a place children want to be, adding myriad courses and extracurricular activities beside the core subjects.

We have lots of high-quality electives that give kids opportunities, things that get them excited about going to school, Principal Drew Scherrer said. My goal was to have a lot of electives that have a lot of meaning to them. We need to inspire them.

San Gorgonio Middle School opened in 2004, the second middle school in the Beaumont Unified School District. It was housed for two years at the former Summit Elementary site near the civic center. It then moved into the vacated Beaumont High campus a decade ago, when the high school was relocated into a new facility.

Like a child wearing a siblings hand-me-downs, students attend a 55-year-old campus with the equivalent of patches on its knees and holes in its sleeves. Meanwhile, the districts other middle school, Mountain View, opened its facility in 2002.

We always were a very good place. We always had a caring staff, but we always had a little chip on our shoulder, said Assistant Principal Steve Kok, who was a counselor at San Gorgonio when it opened. Our teachers tried a little harder and did a little more. We really make this a place kids want to be. We give them really cool opportunities to want to be here.

Scherrer, in his third year as principal, said it was just a matter of San Gorgonio telling its story.

Weve always known it was a good school with good people. These affirm these things, he said, pointing to some plaques. The kids are proud of these awards.

Each of the 970 students entering San Gorgonio at the start of every school day is greeted with a handshake from a teacher or administrator.

It sets the tone, Scherrer said.

San Gorgonios 40 teachers have been given the opportunities to teach classes outside of their core subject. Offerings include robotics, yearbook, speech and debate, sports, jazz band and chess club.

The school earned a Gold Ribbon Award last year from the state Office of Education, one of 300 campuses to do so. It was one of only 13 schools statewide to earn the Schools to Watch award.

One of the criterion is offering programs that can be replicated at other schools.

San Gorgonio uses a master schedule, where each grade level is split into two academic teams led by a group of teachers. The same group of students rotates among the teachers, which allows educators from different subjects to assist the children.

The same themes are taught through each subject, as is AVID, a college preparedness program.

Our goal is that they graduate high school and go to college, Scherrer said.

More than half of San Gorgonios population is Hispanic, and 15 percent are English learners. Seventy percent qualify for free or reduced-cost school meals.

The atmosphere here is very caring, said school board member Susie Lara. The teachers care about the students a lot.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9086 or cshultz@pressenterprise.com
A fight involving two eighth graders on a school bus in San Bernardino led to a boy being hospitalized with stab wounds Friday, March 4, officials said.

The fight started about 7:10 a.m. on a bus that was en route to Golden Valley Middle School at 3800 N. Waterman Ave., said Linda Bardere, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino City Unified School District.

One boy took out a knife and stabbed the other boy, who was injured in the arm and leg, Bardere said. He received medical care and was released from a hospital, she said.

The other student was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and taken to juvenile hall, Bardere said.

The cause of the fight has not been determined. School district police are investigating the incident.
restaurant inspections logo

(PennLive)

Many midstate restaurants are inspected each week and come through with no problems.

But some restaurants in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties had violations during inspections conducted from Feb. 7 to Feb. 13.

At a Dauphin County restaurant, inspectors found questionable food dating and handling practices, including raw pork being kept in the same pan with a box of squid.

In Lancaster County, repeat violations were common.

At a Lebanon County establishment, food workers were observed decorating cakes without wearing required hair restraints.

In Cumberland County, a number of locations were found to be without valid food certificates, which are required by law.

And at a York restaurant, inspectors had reason to question cleaning practices, since flour and chicken breading were found on a number of surfaces, including a cart in a walk-in refrigerator and on open boxes of single-use disposable gloves.

But some Perry County schools came through inspection with no violations.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture oversees restaurant inspections in the state. Inspection reports are "snapshots" of the day and time the inspections took place. In many cases, violations are corrected on site prior to the inspector leaving.

Click on the links below to see how restaurants and other food establishments in the region fared:
WILLIAMSPORT -- A former Pennsylvania College of Technology student has admitted to his participation in an unsuccessful plot to break into three bank automatic teller machines in 2013 to steal money.

Neiko Alexander Pratt, 20, of Moreland, Montgomery County, pleaded guilty Friday to two felony criminal mischief counts.

Lycoming County Judge Nancy L. Butts sentenced him to 30 days to two years minus a day followed by six years of supervision. He has already served the minimum, so he was paroled.

In addition, he must pay restitution totaling $72,520 and perform 100 hours of community service.

The restitution for damage to two ATM machines will be shared with Jordan Christopher Smith, 22, of West Hanover Township., Dauphin County, if he pleads guilty April 1 as scheduled.

Assistant District Attorney Nicole M. Ippolito told the judge the plea agreement reflected Pratt's cooperation, which included implicating and testifying against Meade Hamilton Lewis of Port Matilda.

Lewis was acquitted in January of charges that included a weapon of mass destruction, possession of explosive material, possession of an instrument of crime and recklessly endangering another person.

In a rarity for a defense attorney, Peter T. Campana told Butts he had nothing to say on behalf of his client because Ippolito had done such a good job explaining how she believed Pratt had turned his life around.

Pratt, Lewis and Smith were roommates at Penn College when the plot was hatched to break into ATMs.

Pratt, who is a welder, and Smith were charged with attempting to break into the ATM at the Wyrope Williamsport Federal Credit Union in South Williamsport on Dec. 4, 2013, and at West Milton State Bank near the West Milton interchange of Route 15 four days later using welding equipment.

Because of their cooperation, they were not charged with the attempted break-in of the Muncy Bank & Trust ATM in Montoursville on Nov. 1, 2013.

Lewis had been accused of making a bomb that failed to detonate at the Montoursville location and helping plan the other two attempts.

State police arrested Smith and Pratt shortly after the West Milton attempted break-in because the ATM alarm system had been activated. Without the plea agreement, Pratt was facing up to seven years in prison.
INDIANA, Pa. (AP) -- The mother of a western Pennsylvania man found hanging from a rope -- but also shot in the face -- will be allowed to exhume his body so the family can challenge the coroner's ruling that he killed himself.

The Indiana Gazette reports that Indiana County judge Carol Hanna on Friday granted the request to allow exhumation of the body of 47-year-old Andrew Dubnansky, who was found dead Dec. 4 by his wife in the woods near his home.

Coroner Jerry Overman didn't conduct an autopsy but ruled the gunshot self-inflicted, saying Dubnansky killed himself after discussing marital troubles with his wife and then going hunting.

A family attorney says Dubnansky had a girlfriend, a job and planned to leave his wife and move in with his brother.
midstate lawmakers

Midstate lawmakers rally at Kaplan's Careful Cleaners in Camp Hill against Gov. Tom Wolf's $32.7 billion budget plan, which they say requires unsustainable tax hikes to balance.

HAMPDEN TWP. - If Gov. Tom Wolf hopes to rebuild the bipartisan coalition that almost delivered a compromise state budget proposal to Pennsylvania in December, lawmakers from the midstate sent this signal Friday:

Better start looking for Republican votes in other parts of the state.

Because to a person, eight House members from Cumberland, Dauphin, York, Adams, Lancaster and Lebanon counties said Friday, they are not interested in raising the personal income tax from 3.07 percent to 3.4 percent.

Or most other pieces of the governor's $2.7 billion tax increase package.

The setting was Kaplan's Careful Cleaners in Hampden Twp., where owner Dale Kaplan said the proposed 10.7 percent jump in the income tax, which he pays as a small businessman, will hurt his and his customers bottom line.

"I would recommend - what we've all had to do whether it's big business, middle, or small business - is cut expenses, lay off people, not have as many people doing as many different jobs, and try to save money that way," Kaplan said.

Kaplan's message was echoed by the lawmakers in attendance, all part of the House Republican majority.

The day was not without its olive branches, however.

Rep. Greg Rothman, R-Camp Hill, suggested that if Wolf can work with fiscal conservatives to drive down state spending and reduce the need for tax increases, lawmakers like him would let the Democrat governor have his priorities.

"I'm OK with the Legislature setting a parameter for how much money we're going to spend...and then if the governor wants to say: 'I want to make case to spend more money on this, than that,' I'd be OK with that," Rothman said.

"We agree there's a fiscal crisis. But the answer isn't to spend more money. It's to stop spending at the rate we have been."

Democrat Wolf and the Republican-controlled Legislature have not been able to settle on a final spending number for the 2015-16 budget year yet, much less 2016-17.

State agencies, school and non-profits are operating, at present, on a partial budget that Wolf signed into law Dec. 29.

The administration says its $2.7 billion tax package for next year is needed to correct a growing imbalance between income and expenses that have been papered over in recent years by gimmicks and one-time fixes.

Those gimmicks have run their course, Wolf says, adding that if the state establishes an "honest" budget now, with necessary increases in education funding, Pennsylvania will be set up for stronger schools and economic growth in the future.

If not, the governor has predicted spending cuts that will be far deeper and harsher that he thinks most legislators want to see.
UPDATE: The southbound lanes of the roadway were reopened at about 12:30 p.m.

Emergency crews are responding to the scene of an overturned tractor-trailer along Interstate 81 in western Cumberland County.

The crash occurred at about 10:08 a.m. Saturday along the northbound lanes of the interstate near mile marker 35 in Penn Township, just south of Exit 37, the exit for Newville and Route 233, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The southbound lanes of the interstate have been closed at Exit 37, one lane of traffic is moving along the northbound lanes around the accident, according to Cumberland County 911.

The rig has reportedly overturned in the median. Further details were not immediately available.

Southbound traffic is being diverted onto Route 233 and then Route 11.

For more traffic information, follow live traffic updates, accident reports and road closures below from PennDOT, Total Traffic Network and other Twitter sources.

Get a look at conditions on local roads -- via PennDOT traffic cameras -- anytime here on PennLive. For Pennsylvania Turnpike updates and possible travel delays visit the Turnpike website here.

Tweet us at @pennlive with any incidents you see on your commute or send a submission to submissions@pennlive.com.
redblueamerica

By Joel Mathis and Ben Boychuk

Donald Trump's Super Tuesday victories in the GOP primaries leave him in commanding position to be the party's presidential nominee.

One problem: Many Republicans say they won't back Trump for president - but they're not going to vote for the Democratic front-runner, Hillary Clinton, either. That leaves two options: Sit out the election or mount a third-party challenge.

Which should it be? Joel Mathis and Ben Boychuk, the RedBlueAmerica columnists, discuss the issue.

JOEL MATHIS

Republicans who can't accept the idea of voting for Donald Trump have three options - none of them very palatable, probably.

They can sit out this election, which would probably hand the presidency to Hillary Clinton. They can vote for a third party, which would probably hand the presidency to Hillary Clinton. Or they can vote for Hillary Clinton. Yes, that would help Hillary Clinton, too.

So maybe the real question here is: Can we get dissident Republicans to live with the idea of a Clinton presidency - even if just for four years - rather than return to the party, hold their nose and vote for a candidate (Donald Trump) they clearly think is harmful to the country?

Let's examine the possibilities.

If you're a Republican, you might sit out this election banking on an ability to reunite and restore the party in 2020. That means, though, you don't think Trump would irrevocably destroy the Republican brand in the meantime.

If you opt for a third party, you might think Trump has already destroyed the GOP brand, and that it's time to start building new right-of-center institutions to fill the void. Both ideas require long-term thinking and a willingness to abide with Clinton.

Here's a liberal's argument to non-Trumpian conservatives why they should do so: Despite all the GOP's attempts to take down the Clintons over the last 25 years, the truth is that Hillary Clinton and her husband hail from the moderate wing of the party.

They defend abortion, yes, but they've time and time again co-opted or signed onto conservative ideas ranging from welfare reform to Middle Eastern wars. She's even a darling of Wall Street!

Don't misunderstand: She's clearly a Democrat. Clearly left-of-center. But she might also be the closest thing the Democratic Party has to an actual Republican. How bad could her presidency really get?

Trump is a destructive force. Clinton, at least, would preserve a government that non-Trumpian Republicans could hope to fight for again. Believe it or not: It's time for principled Republicans to embrace Clinton.

BEN BOYCHUK

Ronald Reagan, a New Deal Democrat until he switched parties in 1962, famously said, "I didn't leave the Democratic Party. The party left me." It's a quip that newspaper columnists, disillusioned activists and disaffected politicians love to haul out at times of partisan upheaval.

This is one of those times.

Incredible as it seems, Donald Trump appears to be headed for the Republican presidential nomination. Trump the serial adulterer, the business fraudster and the fan of Vladimir Putin. Trump the GOP front-runner who couldn't quite bring himself to denounce David Duke and the Ku Klux Klan on national television.

Are you kidding?

Here's the most amazing part: Trump's basic critique is correct. The old party establishments are politically and intellectually bankrupt. They need to be swept away.

Time and again, Republican elected officials made promises they either couldn't keep or had no intention of ever keeping, whether on the national debt or health care or illegal immigration.

Middle class voters feel insecure and no longer trust the Republicans to deliver. They're right to be angry.

At the same time, conservatives have lamented for 25 years the mediocrity of presidential candidates. Every four years we hoped for the second coming of Reagan. What we got instead were the likes of Bob Dole, John McCain and Mitt Romney.

We might have realized the weakness of our position after Romney's defeat in 2012. Instead, some Republicans are looking to Romney to save them from Trump at the 11th hour.

Less than a week ago, some other Republicans were putting their hopes on a one-term senator from Florida who will likely lose to Trump in his home state. Their alternative is a first-term senator from Texas.

Have Republicans learned nothing about elevating inexperienced senators to the Oval Office? No wonder Trump is winning.

Yet given the choice between Trump and Hillary Clinton, many Republicans could be forgiven for rejecting them both. I know I will. And I know other Republicans will, too.

We don't need a strongman with an overinflated ego and a big mouth. A political party that embraces Trump is no longer the Party of Lincoln.

We will not have left the Republican Party. The Republican Party will have left us.

Ben Boychuk (bboychukcity-journal.org) is associate editor of the Manhattan Institute's City Journal. Joel Mathis (joelmmathisgmail.com) is associate editor for Philadelphia Magazine. Visit them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/benandjoel
U.S. Senate Democratic candidates.jpg

U.S. Senate Democratic candidates (from left) Katie McGinty, Joe Vodvarka, Joe Sestak, and John Fetterman get ready to answer questions at Friday's Democratic State Committee Women's Caucus candidate forum.

(Jan Murphy/PennLive)

Those who came to a Democratic State Committee's Women's Caucus forum on Friday hoping to hear some fiery debate amongst candidates in the two contested races for statewide office likely left disappointed.

Instead of the great theater that some of the presidential debates have proven to be, this discussion inside the Hershey Lodge was kept civil and focused on an assortment of issues that gave the party faithful a chance to decipher differences between the candidates in the two statewide contested primaries.

On Saturday, the state committee will consider candidate endorsements.

In the four-way race for the party's nomination for U.S. Senate candidates, the candidates were asked questions about such issues as veterans care, health care, and easing racial tensions particularly with the black community.

Katie McGinty, the former chief of staff to Gov. Tom Wolf, shared a story about her brother who after serving in the Marine Corps for 25 years, became an alcoholic. When he was taken to the VA hospital for help, he was told to come back a year and a half later and they might be able to help him.

"That's a disgrace," she said. "It will be my top priority to stand by those who have sacrificed everything and stand by this great country."

Joe Sestak, a retired Navy admiral, spoke of his record as a member of Congress in supporting funding for veterans with traumatic brain injury and the GI Bill. He also mentioned his visits to prisons where he said too many veterans sit.

"Take care of our veterans? You betcha," Sestak said.

Three of the candidates voiced support for a single-payer system to drive down the health care costs with retired spring manufacturer Joe Vodvarka, who vowed to serve only one six-year term, instead calling for a "Manhattan-style project" to develop cures for prevalent diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease, using all foreign aid except what is paid to Israel to do it.

On improving race relations, Braddock mayor John Fetterman said education is part of the answer and spoke of how he has helped black members of his community get their GEDs. Beyond that, he said, "I think the country should offer a complete apology for the sin of slavery. Second of all, we need to acknowledge in this country black lives haven't mattered."

Democratic candidates for state Attorney General (from left) Josh Shapiro, John Morganelli, and Stephen Zappala were all on hand for Friday's candidate forum hosted by the Democratic State Committee Women's Caucus.

Two of the three candidates in the race for the party's nomination for attorney general made a point of emphasizing their prosecutorial experience while Montgomery County Commissioner Josh Shapiro stressed his leadership skills as a county commissioner and as chair of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Shapiro said he sees one of the most fundamental differences between him and his opponents is how they view the office. He views it as being the "public protector and that's the job I'll do."

Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli responded to that comment by stating that the office is defined as the commonwealth's chief law enforcement officer similar to how he is chief law enforcement officer in his county and the third candidate, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala is in his county.

"Josh, you're not a chief law enforcement officer," Morganelli said. "You give good speeches but we are every single day enforcing these laws that are on the books and going after scams."

In responding to questions on issues, all vowed to get tough on the drug dealers fueling the heroin epidemic in various ways, spoke of how they have ensured gender and racial equality in the workplace, and expressed a desire to take a hard look at the treatment of minorities by law enforcement.

With regard to keeping guns out of criminals' hands, Morganelli supports mandatory reporting of lost and stolen guns and believes the attorney general has the power to impose that without requiring a law.

Zappala, who admitted he wasn't a good speechmaker, said he would add an indicting power to the office's three investigating grand juries, which would allow the office to do a better job of taking guns off the streets.

Shapiro said he would look at all reciprocity agreements to close loopholes that allow Pennsylvanians to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon from another state and bring it back. And he favors instituting a gun show law similar to one New York has that requires private firearm sales including those at gun shows to be processed through a licensed dealer who conducts background checks.

A question about ensuring women have access to reproductive health care revealed a distinction between two of the candidates on the issue of abortion. Morganelli described himself as "pro-lie with exceptions" allowing for abortion when the mother's life is in danger, incest and rate. Shapiro said he is firmly pro-choice.

Zappala said he didn't see abortion rights as an issue in the campaign for this office. "The state's only interest is ensuring if a woman makes that decision she is safe in how that is undertaken," he said.

Attendees to the forum also heard from incumbent Auditor General Eugene DePasquale and state treasurer candidates Joe Torsella. Neither has a primary opponent.
Alberta Premier Don Getty is shownat his nomination meeting in Stettler, Alta., April 20, 1989. Mourners are to gather in Edmonton Saturday to say goodbye to Don Getty, the one-time football star and Alberta's 11th premier. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ray Giguere
Photo: San Bernardino (CA) Sheriff's Department

More than two dozen people were taken into police custody this week in an investigation into several mannequins left in parks and several other San Bernardino County, CA, locations as an apparent threat against law enforcement officers, authorities said Thursday, reports KCBS.

San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies responded to calls of seven mannequins hanging in various locations in the Crestline and Cedarpines Park communities on Feb. 18, according to Sheriff's spokesman Gil Flores.

The mannequins had "bulls-eye" targets painted on them along with names of current and former deputies as well as a San Bernardino County probation officer, Flores said.

Investigators focused on homes in the Crestline and Valley of Enchantment communities which Flores says were believed to be linked to the mannequins.

A total of 27 people were taken into custody during the investigation on charges ranging from "various drug-related crimes" to assault on a peace officer, according to Flores.

"During the investigation Twin Peaks deputies arrested anyone with active warrants or who were involved in new criminal activity," Flores said.
North Jersey law enforcement officials praised new guidelines Thursday that give officers broader discretion in deciding when to deploy stun guns, while a leading civil rights organization criticized them as giving too much power to police, reports northjersey.com.

"I welcome the changes," Fort Lee Police Chief Keith Bendul said. "It's going to give us the ability to apply a less than lethal use of force option."

But Ari Rosmarin, public policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, said, "The new policy expands the authorization for the use of stun guns well beyond" the limits of what had been previously allowed. "We have little doubt this change will lead to increased  and deadly  use of stun guns," he said.

Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced changes to the state's policy regarding stun gun use Thursday, following input from community and law enforcement leaders and a review of incidences in which police have used the devices in New Jersey.

Under the new guidelines, police would be permitted to use stun guns - also known under the commercial name Tasers - on individuals who actively resist arrest and pose a "substantial" risk of causing bodily injury. The previous policy, which was considered one of the strictest in the nation, required an officer to establish that the suspect was likely to cause death or serious bodily injury, either to him or herself or to another person.

Police had complained that it was unrealistic to expect an officer in the field to predict the degree of injury that a suspect might inflict, Hoffman wrote in a letter to law enforcement officials. Requiring them to do so, he said, had had a chilling effect on officers, who opted not to deploy stun guns in situations where they might have helped de-escalate a confrontation. It has also discouraged police departments from equipping officers with the devices.
President Obama responded to the news that the economy added 242,000 new jobs and that unemployment was below 5% for the second straight month by dropping a reality bomb on the Republican Party.

Video:

The President said:

In other words, the numbers, the facts dont lie. And I think its useful, given that there seems to be an alternative reality out there from some of the political folks that America is down in the dumps. Its not. America is pretty darn great right now, and making strides right now. And small businesses and large businesses alike are hiring right now, and investing right now, and building this country brick by brick, block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood, all across the country.

And I dont expect that these facts and this evidence will convince some of the politicians out there to change their doomsday rhetoric, talking about how terrible America is. But the American people should be proud of what they have achieved, because this speaks to their resilience, innovation, creativity, risk-taking, and grit.

The fact of the matter is, is that the plans that we have put in place to grow the economy have worked. They would work even faster if we did not have the kind of obstruction that weve seen in this town to prevent additional policies that would make a difference. And there is going to be a debate going on around the budget in the coming months. Republicans in Congress are, sadly, trying to cut some of the investments that could spur additional growth. They are blocking things like an increase in the minimum wage, or more robust investment in jobs training, infrastructure, education that can continue to lift up wages and incomes  an area, by the way, where we are not seeing the same kinds of pace that we want to see, and where, if were working together, we could be making a difference.

Thats what we should be debating. Thats the debate that is worthy of the American people. Not fantasy. Not name-calling. Not trying to talk down the American economy, but looking at the facts, understanding that weve made extraordinary progress in job growth; how can we continue to advance that, how can we make sure that people are successful in climbing the ladder of wage and income growth over the coming years; how do we make sure that we make this economy grow even faster.

..

The notion that we would reverse the very policies that helped dig us out of a recession, reinstitute those that got us into a hole  plans that are being currently proposed by Republicans in Congress and by some of the candidates for President  thats not the conversation we should be having. Thats not the direction America should take. And Im looking forward to very forcefully making clear that what we have done has made a difference, and that theres a huge gap between the rhetoric thats going on out there and the reality of success that were seeing in Americas economy, even as we acknowledge that theres more work that can be done to make sure that everybody is benefitting from that success.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

Donald Trump has dumped CPAC  the venerable Conservative Political Action Conference thrown by the American Conservative Union every year  in order to campaign in Witchita, Kanasas, a place apparently somewhere in the Midwest, perhaps to be confused with Wichita, Kansas.

Yes, it turns out Trump will be at the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center in Wichita at 9 am CST. Trumps campaign just isnt very good at spelling, proving its not just Twitter that stumps Trump.

This announcement (since corrected) did not escape the notice of observers:

Donald Trump statement on skipping CPAC pic.twitter.com/MW74kBr38o  Colin Campbell (@BKcolin) March 4, 2016

Or CPAC itself, which tweeted that they were Very disappointed @realDonaldTrump has decided at the last minute to drop out of #CPAC  his choice sends a clear message to conservatives.

To be fair, Media Matters reports that conservatives told them CPAC is not pro-Trump territory. And you know how much Trump dislikes being disliked.

His thin skin would have boiled over, a form of torture Trump would probably prefer to reserve for is enemies.

Speaking of which, CPAC would have been a chance to Trump to explain why he is all for torture after all, that far from renouncing torture, he would embrace it: As far as Im concerned, waterboarding is absolutely fine but we should go much further.

Maybe drawing and quartering came make a comeback.

Trumps willingness to denounce CPAC if not torture did give Ted Cruz a chance to poke fun at Trump in the wake of his disastrous Fox debate encounter with Megyn Kelly: He was told Megyn Kelly was going to be here, Cruz joked when he heard.

Maybe not. But Stacey Dash will be there to make everybody uncomfortable again, like she did at the Oscars.

And Cruz himself will be speaking in Wichita, Kansas at 10 am, though he does still plan to attend CPAC. Cruz is the guy who needs to be there. It isnt like this is a must-stop for Trump, who is already the predicted winner of todays caucus.

Trumps decision makes Marco Rubio happy, because as Politico reports, Rubio complained that allowing Trump to speak at CPAC was a tacit acknowledgment that Trump was a conservative after all.

It is a big deal, Trump giving in when faced with his flight or fight reflex. You have to wonder if he would avoid meeting Putin if he is this afraid of other Republicans. Anger isnt any better as an excuse. Either way, Americans are seeing Trump at his worst on an almost daily basis now.

We are in an election year and CPAC is important to conservatives. For Democrats it is a rich source of comedy material, but conservatives living in the reality-free Fox News bubble, this is a big deal, a chance to talk about the non-existent problems they are campaigning against.

Someone else, somewhere else  in Kanasas  will have to listen to Trump go on about his man-parts and how Mitt Romney would have gone to his knees before all this Trump manliness. The CPAC audience has been spared.

Thanks be not to heaven, but to Trumps petulance and/or fear. Dont worry: CPAC will be plenty entertaining even without Trump.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

In this column on Friday, a reference was made to the quote from Chinese author Sun Tzu or Sun Wu in The Art of War that says the wheels of justice grind slow, but grind exceedingly fine. The statement is relatively accurate in the secular world, but is not remotely applicable to religion; particularly the Catholic religion. This is not an indictment of the faith as a whole, but it is a condemnation of the Vatican leadership that allowed pedophilia by its clergy to go unpunished and unreported despite the tens-of-thousands of lives that have been forever ruined.

There will never be any real justice for the victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests in and around Philadelphia; at least not in the sense that even one of the 50 serial rapists will ever be punished. In those cases, the wheels of justice not only did not turn slowly, they didnt turn at all because the Church concealed the crimes and protected the rapists. However, according to a grand jury report released Tuesday; Hundreds of children in western Pennsylvania were sexually assaulted by 50 Roman Catholic priests over four decades while the diocese Catholic bishops covered up their actions.

The too little, too late report revealed that the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese Bishop James Hogan who passed away in 2005, and the bishop following him, Joseph Adamec who retired in 2011, were diligent in concealing the pedophile priests crimes. The not-so-stunning findings also revealed that many local law enforcement agencies refused to investigate the sexual abuse allegations according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane. The wheels of justice can hardly turn when powerful religious leaders and their law enforcement facilitators get in the way.

The real tragedy is that despite any private lawsuits against the Church, the diocese, church leaders, or individual rapists, no-one will ever punish the monsters responsible for sexually abusing children. It is as good to be a religious leader as it is to be a crooked Republican governor or corrupt businessman like Willard Romney because none of them will ever be held to account for their crimes. In the rapist priests cases, the crimes committed over the course of over 40 years exceed the statute of limitations and cannot be prosecuted. Attorney General Kane announced that no criminal charges can, or will, be filed because the incidents are just too old to be prosecuted.

She also said, The heinous crimes these children endured are absolutely unconscionable. These predators desecrated a sacred trust and preyed upon their victims in the very places where they should have felt most safe. One wonders why Kane did not lash out at the various local law enforcement agencies that looked the other way while the powerful and influential holy men were sodomizing children. Obviously, the wheels of justice are as apt to come to an abrupt halt when law enforcement is corrupt as when religious leaders and corrupt Republicans violate the law. It is as good to be in law enforcement, apparently, as it is to be in positions of leadership in religion.

This obscene idea that members of the clergy are above the law is something that advocates for child victims of sexual assault have long been urging lawmakers to change; at least to give prosecutors more time to bring sexual abuse charges against members of the clergy. The victims advocates have noted, particularly in the case of sexual assaults against minors, that the young victims may take several years before they come forward or alert even their parents. Of course, those ornately-robed monsters in funny collars are fully aware that children are not inclined to report being raped by priests who are a veritable law unto themselves in the eyes of the faithful; especially little children raised to be awestruck by the righteous authority of the clergy.

The 147-page Grand Jury report contained explicit and very graphic details of the scores of sexual attacks against children, including naming the righteous perpetrators; many of whom have died or were transferred to other parishes and diocese to spread their priestly love around the country and, indeed, the world. In fact, during the two years the Grand Jury was carefully investigating over forty years worth of priestly sexual assaults, many of the still-surviving rapists were safely ensconced within the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese to continue down the path of unrighteousness toward children according to Attorney General Kane.

Allegedly, all of the remaining sexual-predator priests were recently removed by the current Altoona-Johnstown Bishop, Mark Bartchak, just in time to miss out on the damning Grand Jury reports unveiling; it is a very common practice to continue protecting the child rapists even when they are caught red-handed until it appears the long arm of the law is approaching; then they are typically transferred to a diocese far away from the original scene of the crimes.

One serial rapist priest in California, for example, was sent from one California parish to another, and eventually had to be assigned out of country to South America to impose his particularly twisted brand of Christian love on poor Hispanic children. After he was caught and exposed as a monster on another continent, the abuser was transferred back to his original parish crime scene to sexually assault a new generation of innocent children.

When the story finally came out exposing the serial pedophile priest, the local diocese bishop said precisely what the current Altoona-Johnstown bishop said when his, and the Vaticans role in creating, protecting, and expanding the reach of the pedophilia ring was exposed publicly; This is a very painful and difficult time for our Diocesan Church. I deeply regret any harm that has come to children.

The director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused By Priests, David Clohessy, said in a statement that Were saddened but not the least bit surprised. It proves what weve long maintained: that even now, under the guise of reform, bishops continue to deceive parishioners and the public about their ongoing efforts to hide abuse. There was no response to requests for comment from the former, and now retired, Bishop Joseph Adamec; likely because he is waiting for explicit directions from the Vatican that will excuse both the church and clergy from any culpability to avoid paying out damages to the victims.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

Donald Trumps Friday night New Orleans event was even worse than youve come to expect from Trump events.

Donald Trump sneered his contempt as more than two dozen protesters linked arms to chant Black Lives Matter in response to Trumps refusal to immediately disavow the endorsement of white supremacist David Duke, a former Ku Klux Klan leader, while other protesters were dragged forcibly out of the Landmark Aviation hangar. Protesters carried signs saying, Your Hate Is Killing People.

Ali Vitali of NBC News captured a mob of Trump supporters shoving black protesters while screaming All lives matter!

Watch here:

Tonight was the most intense rally I've witnessed so far on the trail. This is just a clip: pic.twitter.com/SKE5TOQqz9  Ali Vitali (@alivitali) March 5, 2016

More from Jeremy Diamond of CNN:

One of the most intense protests I've witnessed at a @realDonaldTrump event. Here's a snippet: pic.twitter.com/3LUEUEH0Es  Jeremy Diamond (@JDiamond1) March 5, 2016

That wasnt the only violent encounter during the New Orleans event. A young woman was forcefully dragged out.

As the rabid crowd looked ready to devour protesters, Trump sneered, Not another one. Get out of here. Get out! This is one wild evening.

There were a half-dozen disruptions during the Republican presidential front-runners campaign event, according to CNN.

The group of protesters were one of a half-dozen interruptions by protesters during Trumps rally. Security personnel  including event security, police officers and several former members of Trumps private security detail dressed in civilian clothes  took at least six minutes to eject the protesters, several of whom forcefully resisted being led out of the venue.

Trump peppered his speech with Friend or foe? to disruptions, saying he didnt mind friends but foe, Get them the hell out, right?! Get that guy outta here. Get him out! Do we love our police? Get him out! Wise guy. Hes a wise guy. Alright, yeah, you take him down.

Watch Trumps angle here:

Stupid people, Trump shrugged to wild, hungry cheers from his supporters as the police took down his foe.

Trump was forced to take back his refusal to disavow the KKK endorsement with a cheap excuse akin to the dog ate his homework (his ear piece wasnt working  no seriously), but his excuse was flimsy and quickly exposed.

For those who say you cant blame Trump for this, that might be passable if he werent egging it on. Not only are Trumps purported policies playing on racial hatred, but when you toss red meat to a crowd of raging animals, theres going to be a fight.

Additionally, Vox has pointed out, But Trump has condoned and called for this behavior in the past:

 When two Boston men assaulted a homeless Mexican man while citing Trumps name, Trump didnt condemn the behavior, instead saying his supporters are passionate.

 After a protest interrupted a Trump rally in November, he said that the protester was so obnoxious and so loud that maybe he should have been roughed up.

 During another protest at a Trump rally in February, Trump said, Theres a guy, totally disruptive, throwing out punches, and we arent allowed to punch back anymore. 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 used to carry them out in a stretcher.

Donald Trump is unleashing a monster of hate upon this country, taking up where Sarah Palin left off. Both of them Republicans, both of them doing the ugly work of the party, and both of them the worst sort of deliberately ignorant vulgarian with too much ego to ever hope they might eventually touch base with reality or civility.
25  2021 - 200     

        !

     . (     )

  ,  Cookies        .          cookies.




I'm not usually one to give much credence to Top 10 lists, as they usually reflect the list maker's tastes and preferences. However, Virtuoso, the global luxury travel network and influential trend forecaster, has recently crunched its own numbers, releasing a list of 10 destinations that U.S. travelers are heading for this winter and spring.

Having been to nine of the 10 (India still being on my wish list), I can vouch for their allure. Here are Virtuoso's Top 10 destinations for this winter/spring.

1. Mexico.I know what you're thinking  unless you're Sean Penn heading for a rendezvous with El Chapo  this isn't likely to be on anyone's Top 10, let alone No. 1. While some former favorites such as Acapulco have declined in popularity due to spates of violence, our neighbor to the south can still lure us across the border.

Why? According to Darlene Silvestri, co-owner of Avant Travel in Lexington, Ky., and a Virtuoso adviser, it's because Mexico is affordable and accessible.

"The number of all-inclusive resorts makes it a good value, and the number of nonstop and one-connection flight options make getting there quick and easy," she says.

ADVERTISEMENT

Why I love Mexico: For the Yucatan Peninsula, with its lush jungles and strong Mayan culture (especially the ruins at Tulum, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.) For the Riviera Maya's sugar white beaches and the scuba diving paradise of Cozumel.

I also love its colorful colonial cities  Taxco, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende  and the dramatic landscape of its Baja region.

2. Canada.Our northern neighbor is also popular, and it's easy to see why: safe, accessible, no language barrier, a favorable currency exchange and gorgeous scenery from the Maritime Provinces to the Pacific Coast.

Why I love Canada: For the journey of a lifetime  a two-day train trip through the Canadian Rockies. Starting in Banff and ending in Vancouver, it takes in the splendor of the Rockies and the British Columbia rainforests. To say that you'll be glued to the window of the train's observation car is an understatement.

3. Australia.Someone (it may have been me) once remarked that there are more things in Australia that can kill you than anywhere on earth, beginning with the (22-hour) flight over.

But once you get there, if you give the sharks, snakes, spiders and poisonous jellyfish a wide berth, you'll find a destination that deserves its world-wide reputation as a traveler's paradise.

Nothing tops the experience of taking a seaplane to the Great Barrier Reef for a day of diving that is equaled by few places in the world.

Then there's Sydney  possibly the world's most beautiful city, with a host of attractions that includes dining al fresco on Bondi Beach; taking in a performance at the Opera House; or scaling the heights of the Harbor Bridge (scarier than all the sharks and snakes combined.)

ADVERTISEMENT

4. New Zealand.Australia's nearest neighbor has all of its beauty, minus the snakes and spiders. Many feel that this is the world's most beautiful country. From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, it's like going from Hawaii to Alaska in one country.

Why I love New Zealand: What's not to love  the black sand beaches around Auckland, the enchanting Bay of Islands and Wellington (a San Francisco twin) on the North Island; the Marlborough wine region, Southern Alps and glaciers in Fjordland National Park on the South Island.

5. United Kingdom.The only European destination to crack Virtuoso's winter/spring list, the U.K. offers an embarrassment of riches  from the rugged Scottish Highlands to the Mediterranean-like beaches of Cornwall on England's south coast. For a country that is roughly the size of Kansas, it would take several lifetimes to explore all it offers.

Avant Travel's Silvestri says that exposure on the big screen ("Harry Potter") and the small screen ("Downton Abbey") may have had a part in helping Britain topple perennial favorites Italy and France.

"And there's the fact that off-season rates through the end of March make a four or five-night stay affordable," she adds.

Don't stop with London  to get the full U.K. experience, take in Snowdonia National Park in Wales, the English Lake District and Scotland's beautiful western isles.

6. South Africa.According to Virtuoso, bookings to Africa are booming, with luxury travel there having grown more than on any other continent. South Africa is the destination for most of these luxury travelers, with its multitude of travel experiences  from beautiful beaches to wine estates to game parks.

Why I love South Africa: Capetown, another of the world's most gorgeous cities, where highlights include taking a cable car to the top of Table Mountain; strolling the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and enjoying tea on the manicured grounds of the shocking pink Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel.

ADVERTISEMENT

7. Argentina. From Tierra del Fuego, the closest bit of land to Antarctica, to the windswept plains of Patagonia to the vibrant capital of Buenos Aires, Argentina never fails to impress with its grandeur.

Buenos Aires, like the city it was modeled after, Paris, exudes passion, and the best place to experience it is in colorful neighborhoods such as Boca and San Telmo (the latter's Sunday afternoon flea market shouldn't be missed.)

Argentina's most spectacular sight is Iguazu Falls, straddling the border with Brazil, where the rumbling thunder of water spewing from the Devil's Throat tells you that you are looking at the world's widest waterfall.

8. India.I have yet to visit India, but Silvestri says there are a number of factors that make the subcontinent a popular choice for curious and adventurous travelers.

"Well-traveled individuals looking for a new experience are especially drawn to India," she says, "whether it involves a spiritual pilgrimage, seeing tigers in the wild or an opportunity to visit historic sites such as the Taj Mahal.

"Additionally, travel companies such as Butterfield & Robinson and Backroads offer active travelers the chance to do things like hiking in the Himalayas," she adds.

9. Chile.This long, slender column of land that hugs the west coast of the South American continent has it all  fjords and glaciers that rival anything in Alaska or Norway, and in a surprising contrast, the lush green vineyards of the wine region and the arid landscape of the Atacama Desert. Hard to believe all of this is in one country.

10. China.Perhaps no country has enjoyed such a travel renaissance in recent years as has China, the quintessential bucket list destination for travelers since Marco Polo. Beijing's Forbidden City evokes the splendor of the Last Emperor; the army of terra cotta warriors in Xian really does have to be seen to be believed, and a walk along the Great Wall is a humbling experience.
Caroline Glick is, in my opinion, the most astute commentator on events in Israel and the surrounding region. In yesterdays column, she assessed Hillary Clinton as a possible successor to Barack Obama:

Whether or not Obamas anti-Israel policies will survive his tenure in office depends on who succeeds him. If Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton is elected to serve as the next president, there is no question that they will survive him. During her four years as Obamas secretary of state, Clinton was a full partner in Obamas hostile policies toward Israel. Moreover, as her internal emails have shown, all of Clintons close advisers are hostile to Israel.

My sense is that many American Jews believe that Mrs. Clinton would be more friendly to Israel than President Obama has been. But I am not aware of any evidence that supports that belief. An implacable antagonism toward Israel is nearly universal on the American left.

Glick also reminds us of Mrs. Clintons appalling failure of judgment on Libya, which, as her emails show, she and her sycophants intended to be the crown jewel of her tenure as Secretary of State. This is a theme that we have sounded many times here on Power Line:

On Sunday the [New York] Times published a 13,000-word, two-part investigation into Clintons role in the 2011 overthrow of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Published in the White Houses paper of record, the report makes no attempt to hide the fact that consequences of Gaddafis overthrow have been calamitous and that the decision to overthrow the Libyan strongman was Obamas most visible foreign policy fiasco. At the time the US overthrew Gaddafi, it was the position of the US defense establishment that he threatened no one outside his country. Gaddafi had disavowed nuclear weapons and was assisting the US with its campaign against al-Qaida. Moreover, his regime kept Libyas massive store of advanced weaponry secure. Since Gaddafis overthrow, Libya has ceased to exist as a functioning state. Islamic State has taken over large swathes of the former country, which now comprises its largest base outside of Syria and Iraq. Hundreds of thousands of Libyans have been displaced and up to a quarter of a million Libyans have descended on Europe. Libyas storehouse of advanced weapons has fallen into the hands of jihadists. Huge weapons caches have been shipped to jihadists from Nigeria to Syria, from Algeria and Tunisia to Gaza and Sinai. Chemical agents as well as nuclear yellowcake and advanced anti-aircraft missiles were all to be found in Gaddafis Libya. The trail of many of these weapons and WMD agents has grown cold as ISIS in Iraq have made regular use of chemical weapons. The Times investigation places the full blame for Obamas decision to overthrow Gaddafi on Clinton. If it hadnt been for Clinton, the story claims, Obama never would have gotten involved. Clinton reportedly not only convinced Obama to join Britain and France in bombing regime targets, she directed much of the campaign from the State Department. By the Times telling, it is all her fault.

No president can escape responsibility for his administrations foreign policies, but the available evidence does indicate that Hillary was the driving force behind the overthrow of Qaddafi, and that she was motivated largely by her desire to have an accomplishment to her name when she ran for president. It is not easy to see how any foreign policy debacle could reflect more badly on a Secretary of State. And that, of course, is before we get to Benghazi.

Liberals used to accuse the Bush administration of overthrowing Saddam Hussein without having a plan for what would come after. That accusation was false. The Bush administration had a plan, and followed it. But, remarkably, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton actually did overthrow Qaddafi without having a plan for who or what would succeed him, even though they presumably had the cautionary tale of Iraq before them. It is hard to imagine worse judgment.

Glick wraps up by drawing inferences for Israeli policy that I believe are sound:

The contagion of Islamic revolutions began in neighboring Tunisia a year before the US decided to overthrow Gaddafi. That contagion made clear that there are no isolated events in the Islamic world anymore. Every perceived victory for jihadist forces impacts jihadists regionally and throughout the world. The impact is massively escalated when jihadists gain actual ground  as was the case in Libya. The implications for Israel in regard to the administrations demand that Israel commit to withdrawing from Judea and Samaria and effectively end its sovereign rule over Jerusalem are dire. Every time Israel withdraws from territory, jihadists regionally and worldwide proclaim victory and  perhaps more important  are perceived as the actual victors.

***

If Israel bows to US pressure and withdraws from Judea, Samaria and parts of Jerusalem, either in the framework of a peace deal with the PLO or unilaterally, these moves will be immediately perceived regionally as a massive victory for the forces of jihad. Not only will Israel be imperiled, the fate of the Jordanian regime will likely be sealed as empowered jihadists launch a war against the Western-allied regime. In the world of ISIS and Iran, Israeli sovereignty over united Jerusalem and Israeli control over Judea and Samaria is the only real, best guarantor of the survival of the Hashemite Kingdom in Jordan, and of whats left of stability in the Middle East, after seven years of Obamas  and Clintons  foreign policy.

I think that is correct. One hopes that our next president will be someone other than Hillary Clinton, someone who will view Israel as a key ally rather than a malefactor and an embarrassment.
The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and Amateur Heads Productions is proud to announce the premiere of Silent Tears, which would screen on International Womens Day, March 8, at the Silverbird Galleria, Abuja.

Produced by Ishaya Bako, an award winning filmmaker, the short documentary examines and uncovers the truths behind the violation of women in the Federal Capital Territory by a taskforce set up by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to clean the streets off sex workers.

It intricately weaves the stories of different women from different backgrounds from across the city exposing unique insights about our society.

According to the producer, Violence against women has become quite casual and almost pedestrian in our society.

Mr. Bako said that women in our society need to be treated with dignity rather than abducted, molested and abused by law enforcement officials.

Silent Tears screened at the 5th African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in November 2015, and won The Audience Choice Award.

The production of Silent Tears by Amateur Heads was supported through a grant from OSIWA.

This same collaborative effort was behind the award winning documentary, Fuelling Poverty which uncovered the fuel subsidy scam of 2012.

Silent Tears would be aired on major television channels across the country.

The 30-minute video incorporates expert views and features high profile interviews from, Ordinary Ahmad Isah of Brekete Family; Ayisha Osori (OSIWA Board Chair); Maryam Uwais MFR; Chidi Odinkalu the immediate past Chair of the Governing Council, National Human Rights Commission.

Attendees at the Abuja screening will have the opportunity to interact with the filmmaker.

This compelling film aims to raise awareness of the pervasive mentality that fosters such negative actions towards women while inspiring behavioural change.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has blamed the current fuel scarcity in some cities across Nigeria, including Abuja and Lagos, on strikes by petroleum tanker drivers and the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA.

Victor Adeniran, NNPCs Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment, said this during a tour of petrol stations in Abuja on Saturday.

He said the strikes had effect on the movement of the fuel offshore and onshore.

He said the NNPC had made special arrangement to provide intervention trucks that would ensure adequate supply of petroleum products in the country.

Since Thursday, we have made special arrangement for intervention trucks.

If you go round the streets of Abuja, you will see that virtually all the stations are selling.

As we are going extensively on this, you will see that queues will reduce, he said.

Mr. Adeniran said that NNPC currently supplies 100 per cent instead of the 48 per cent supplied under normal circumstance.

He said the corporation embarked on the 100 per cent supply because other complimentary marketers were not bringing in products.

As for the product, we have product, the minister gave instruction to ensure supply on a 30-day basis.

As I am talking to you now, we have the supply for March and out of the 31 days in March; we have supply for each day.

Nigerias consumption is one vessel cargo of 30,000 metric tonnes per day and so, we have 31 vessels already lined up for the month of March, he said

According to him, that figure is aside the nine that are currently being discharged in various ports and jetties in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar.

He added that NNPC was on top of the situation as one-day gap could create five-day problem in the country.

He said that petrol queues in Lagos had considerably reduced, adding that Abuja would be free by Sunday.

He appealed to Nigerians to bear with the corporation, saying that it was working hard to ensure that the refineries were back on stream.

He said that pipeline vandalism was a major hindrance to the operation of the refineries.

The reason why the refineries are not working is because some of the pipelines that supply crude to them is not functioning.

Port Harcourt is running because we are able to fix bonny- Port Harcourt line.

As I speak with you, we are pumping crude from Bonny to Port Harcourt refinery, he said

Mr. Adeniran noted that Kaduna was not functional because Warri which supplied product to it had yet to be fixed.

He said that with pipelines working, movement of products would be made much easier.

On marketers selling above the approved price, he said that plans were underway to apprehend and punish culprits.

He said the NNPC and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) would collaborate to tackle the situation.

Earlier, Branch Managers of Total and Conoil filling stations in the Central Business District told journalists that they took delivery of products on daily basis and dispensed 24 hours.

Abasebaor Ogbagha of Conoil said the station had always received about six trucks daily and had continued to dispense to its customers.

We have products we are even expecting three of our trucks. We sell 24 hours and it has helped to reduce the queue, he said.

Also, Francis Odihi of Total filling station said that queues would soon disappear as the outfit had enough product to service its customers. (NAN)
The administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, Galye Smith, said the American government has so far spent N160 billion ($500m) on mitigating the effects of drought in Ethiopia.

Ms. Smith, who announced this in a transcript of her teleconference with journalists from across Africa, said that the U.S. government had been responding to the impact of drought in Ethiopia.

We began responding to the impacts in Ethiopia in the fall. We track these things, looking at weather and market data.

It is now at the point where over 10 million people are in need. And the U.S. has, to date, provided $500 million.

We are also announcing today, a step, as a contribution to that and one that we hope will lead the rest of the international community, she added.

Ms. Smith also announced her governments plan to deploy a disaster assistance team to Ethiopia.

The administrator said it was imperative for the international community not to only respond to human suffering, but to also strive to promptly respond to the mitigation of worse situations.

We are moving earlier in this case because we have found that there is real alignment between donors, NGOs, the governments, and UN agencies.

We believe that if we move very, very, very quickly, we can avert the worst impacts of this drought, she said.

According to her, the UN estimates that what is needed urgently over the next three months to addressing the situation is $268 million.

(NAN)
Four ECOMOG Field Commanders, and two Nigerian journalists will receive posthumous awards at the public presentation of a book, titled: The ECOMOG STORY, in Abuja on March 17.

A statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Frank Akinola on behalf of the organisers of the event, said the recipients would be honoured for their sacrifices in the Liberian civil war.

Mr. Akinola named the recipients as the late Majors General, Ishaya Bakut, Rufus Kupolati, John Inienger and Maxwel Khobe.

According to the statement, the two journalists are Krees Imodibie of the Guardian Newspaper and Tayo Awotusin of Champion Newspaper.

The book launch will feature posthumous award to four ECOMOG field commanders whose gallantry and professionalism were chronicled in the book.

Two Nigerian journalists who lost their lives in the Liberian civil war and to whom a complete chapter was devoted in the book will also be honoured posthumously.

The public presentation of the book will take place at the Nigerian National Merit Award House on March 17, the statement said.

He said the field commanders would be honoured with the award of Grand Commander of International Peace (Africa).

Mr. Akinola added that the two slain journalists would receive the award of Grand Master of International Peace (Africa) for their bravery and contribution to journalism.

It said that the organisers had also named Lt.-Gen. Arnold Quianoo of Ghana, Maj.-Gen. John Shagaya and Maj.-Gen. Timothy Shelpidi as other former field commanders to be given award at the event.

Mr. Akinola added that Maj.-Gen. Felix Mujakperou, Gen. Martin Agwai and Lt.-Gen. Victor Malu would be honoured at the event.

He said other field commanders whose tenures during the ECOMOG operations were covered in the book would also be recognised by the organisers.

He said the Minister of Defence, retired Brig.-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali, would grace the occasion as chief host while the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, Betara Aliyu, would be the Chairman.

The organisers said former President, Olusegun Obasanjo would be Special Guest of Honour while General Theophilus Danjuma would be the Chief launcher. (NAN)
There were 99 new allegations of sexual exploitation, also known as sexual abuse, against UN staff members across the UN system in 2015, a new UN report has said.

According to the report, the figure represents a sharp increase from the 80 allegations in 2014.

The majority of those allegations, which were 69 in all, involved personnel in 10 peace keeping missions, it said.

Nigerian troops were also named in the report among those accused of sexual abuse while on peace-keeping mission. Details of the allegations are not provided.

The report said the military and police personnel accused of sexual crimes while serving for the UN involved some 21 countries, most of them African.

The report by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon does not identify the nationalities of the 30 UN staff members that were accused of sexual abuse or exploitation who were not working for peace keeping missions.

The report said that the advance copy of the UN report came in response to a new UN name and shame policy for UN peace-keepers implemented after a series of allegations of rape and sexual abuse by international troops in Central African Republic (CAR).

Most of the allegations involved peace-keepers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, seven in all, serving in CAR.

There were also allegations against several European countries and Canada.

There were allegations against troops and police from Burundi, Germany, Ghana, Senegal, Madagascar, Rwanda, Congo Republic, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Tanzania, Slovakia, Niger, Moldova, Togo, South Africa, Morocco, Benin, Nigeria and Gabon.

In addition to CAR, the allegations involved peace keeping missions in places like Haiti, Mali, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ivory Coast.

The report includes recommendations for member states to make it easier to identify suspected perpetrators and prosecute them.

(Reuters/NAN)
Dear Editor,

The guy who recently made a First Class in Psychology with the CGPA of 5.000 is a national treasure and should be treated as one.

In fact, he should be the main celebrity hugging the pages of our print media and the darling of our broadcast media houses now. For what is a country without academic avatars? Whats a country without philosopher kings and first rate thinkers?

It wont be a bad idea if the Federal Government can bedeck him with a national honour of say the rank of MON, MFR or even an OFR. He deserves it. He has set a new bar. No one has ever done it before. Its just like when our illustrious Kongi won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986. The whole world got to see the erudition in us. At least prior to that we were mostly seen as savages, hunter-gatherers and men with little intellect. Or even without, Africa being the heart of darkness. May Conrad find peace with his creator. I can only pray for him!

I celebrate Ayodele Dada. I celebrate his prodigious erudition. I celebrate his doggedness and the fact that hes from a humble background. I celebrate him for the fact that Psychology is an abstract subject only a weird man can fully comprehend and internalize its many contradictory theories, hypotheses, claims and counter-claims.

Anyone who has read a thing or two with doses of Psychology in it will agree with the son of man that it requires a special intellect to deconstruct its many recondite layers and complex contours

I read one of the interviews the genius granted. I was more than impressed with his responses and how he finally settled for Psychology after battling many contradictions from within and without.

From the world go, it was always Psychology for him, and nothing else. He was a guy in search of his identity until he finally got it after many draw backs.

Ayodele Dada belongs to a rare class of genius. I would really love to see him in Harvard or any other top school in the world where he can repeat the unusual feat he posted in UNILAG. If he could do it here, he would do it anywhere on the surface of the earth.

I hope our government or any of these top flying organisations in the private sector will pick up the guy now and help him actualise his other dreams that require material assistance. His breed is rare to come by.

Salutations, dear brother!

Dayo Williams

Abuja, Nigeria
A month after charging senior lawyer, Rickey Tarfa, for allegedly bribing a federal judge, Mohammed Yunusa with N225,000, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has dragged another Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to a Lagos State High Court for allegedly bribing the same judge.

According to an affidavit deposed to by G.O. Adebola, an assistant detective commander, the anti-graft commission slammed a five-count charge against senior lawyer, Joseph Nwobike, for allegedly offering N1,050,000 gratification to Justice Yunusa, a public official, contrary to sections 64 (1) and 97 (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, No.11, 2011.

According to the EFCC, on March 19th, 2015, Mr Nwobike, through his United Bank for Africa account number 1002664061, transferred N750,000.00 to Mr Yunusa in order that the said Judge refrains from acting in the exercise of his official duties.

The commission also alleged that on September 28, 2015 Mr Nwobike intentionally and indirectly gave the sum of N 300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira only) to Hon. Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court indirectly through Awa Ajia Nig Ltds account No. 0000971931 domiciled in Access Bank Plc belonging to Hon. Justice Nganjiwa Hyeladzira Ajiya of the Federal High Court in order that the Hon. Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa acts in the exercise of his official duties.

The fifth count of the charge borders on the allegation of attempting to pervert the course of Justice contrary to section 97 (3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State No. 11, 2011.

The commission has also lined up nine witnesses, including representatives of UBA, Access Bank, Zenith Bank and the Federal High Court, Lagos.

The suit is yet to be assigned to a judge and no date has been fixed for its commencement.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has slammed a fresh 27-count charge of corruption and bribery on senior advocate of Nigeria, Rickey Tarfa, accusing him of bribing another judge.

In the charge filed at the Lagos State High Court, the anti-graft commission accused the lawyer of bribing two federal judges to the tune of N8.83 million over a period of four years.

Court documents filed on Friday, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, alleged transfer of money in trances of mainly N1.5 million and N500,000 from Mr Tarfas bank account number 1002926967 with Zenith Bank, to Awa Ajia Nigerian Limited, a company allegedly owned by Justice Nganjiwa Ajiya of the Federal High Court.

An affidavit signed by G.O Adebola, an assistant detective commander, claimed that the lawyer started making the suspicious payments on June 27, 2012 with the sum of N1.5 million from his account directly to Mr. Ajiya.

On the same day of the initial payment, Mr Tarfar, allegedly paid another N500,000.00 to Mr Ajiya.

Subsequently payment made to the judge were as follows:

Five hundred thousand naira paid on 6 August, 2013; N1.5 million paid on 29 January 2014; N835,000 paid on 3 October 2014; N500,000 paid on 22 December, 2014; N1.5 million paid on Awa Ajia Limiteds account number 0000971931 with Access Bank Limited paid on 27 October, 2015, N500,000 paid on 30th December 2015 to Awa Ajia Limited; and N500,000 paid to Awa Ajia 8th January, 2016, N200,000 to Justice Mohammed Yunusa on 30th November, 2015.

Other payments are: N500,000 paid on 15t December, 2015 to Awa Ajia Limited, and another N300,000 paid indirectly to Mr Yunusa, through Awa Ajia Limited.

The anti-graft agency claimed alleged that the monies were meant to subvert the course of justice as they were intended to refrain the judges from acting in the exercise of their official duties and therefore contravenes section 64 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, No. 11. 2011.

The charges also included three charges of refusal to declare his assets contrary to section 27 (3) (c) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004 and making false statement to an officer of the EFCC, contrary to section 38(2)(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004.

The EFCC said Mr. Tarfa lied and made a false statement to Usman Zakari, a Senior Detective Superintendent of the commission when he claimed to be 43 years old.

This fresh 27-count charge comes on the heels of another on a two-count charge of obstruction of justice and attempting to pervert the course of justice the EFCC filed against the senior lawyer last month.

In the suit, the commission claimed that details of the lawyers call log showed that he maintained constant communication with Mr. Yunusa, a judge of the Federal High Court.

The EFCC further claimed that Mr Tarfa bribed the judge with N225,000.00 to give judgement in a case in favour of his client.
The State Security Service has announced the arrest of a man it said manufactures and procures arms for the extremist Boko Haram sect.

In a statement Saturday, the agency said Musa Garba Abubakar (Engr) aka Muhadis Musa Bin Haddad, was arrested at Jos, Plateau State, during a special tactical operation.

Mr. Abubakar, the SSS said, is a major gun fabricator, arms-runner and a covert linkman/courier for the Boko Haram group.

The statement added, During his arrest, two pistols, 80 rounds of live ammunition and several sensitive documents were recovered from him.

In a bid to employ propaganda to manipulate the international community against the efforts of the Federal Government, in the ongoing war against terror in the North-West region, Musa (Mr. Abubakar) had approached a foreign mission in Nigeria for logistics and financial support to fight the Boko Haram.

However, unknown to the mission, he is actually an unauthorized gun-maker/runner with intent for mischief and communal strife in the North Central region.

Read full statement below.

DSS Arrests Gun Fabricator for Boko Haram

The Department of State Services (DSS) wish to inform the public that in line with its statutory mandate, and avowed commitment to national security, the Service has continued to record positive milestones in strategic and tactical operations embarked upon across the country.

On 2nd March, 2016, one Musa Garba ABUBAKAR (Engr) aka Muhadis Musa Bin HADDAD, was arrested at Jos, Plateau State, during a special tactical operation by the Service. ABUBAKAR is a major gun fabricator, arms-runner and a covert linkman/courier for the Boko Haram group.

During his arrest, 2 pistols, 80 rounds of live ammunition and several sensitive documents were recovered from him. In a bid to employ propaganda to manipulate the international community against the efforts of the Federal Government, in the ongoing war against terror in the North-West region, MUSA had approached a foreign mission in Nigeria for logistics and financial support to fight the Boko Haram. However, unknown to the mission, he is actually an unauthorized gun-maker/runner with intent for mischief and communal strife in the North Central region.

In furtherance of exploited leads, this Service apprehended other suspected associates of the gun-runner, namely: Umar Khalil MUHAMMED and Mohammed Yakubu TAHIR aka Mallam YARO, on 2nd March, 2016. MUHAMMED was arrested at Layin Oscar in Jos South LGA, while TAHIR was picked up at Mista Ali area, along Jos-Zaria road in Bassa LGA. The duo are accomplices and active marketers of ABUBAKAR and his products to criminal elements in the North-Central region of the Country.

In strengthening its counter-terrorism strategy, the Service also arrested one Armayau YAKUBU aka Ali Tekwando, Yakubu SULE and Usman IBRAHIM on 3rd March, 2016, at Hayin Danmani area in Kaduna metropolis. The trio were members of an extremist cell under the coordination of YAKUBU, with affiliation to the proscribed extremist group, ANSARU and have been perfecting plans to travel to Sudan, for terrorist training with other radical elements of the group.

The Service wish to reemphasize its resolve to sustain the fight against organized vices and criminalities by terrorists, kidnappers, fraudsters and other deviant elements in the Country. The Service also wish to urge law abiding Nigerians and indeed, all residents to continue to support law enforcement/security agencies, with proactive and actionable intelligence, for the sustenance of peace, law and order.

TONY OPUIYO

Department of State Services,

Abuja

5th March, 2016
A military court in Mogadishu on Thursday found Hassan Hanafi, a former journalist, guilty of direct or indirect involvement in the killing five journalists on behalf of the armed militant group Al-Shabaab, according to news reports.

The court sentenced him to death by execution, which in Somalia is usually carried out by firing squad.

Impunity in the murders of Somali journalists has long perpetuated a cycle of violence and fear, severely limiting the freedom of the press, said CPJ Africa Research Associate Kerry Paterson.

While we support efforts to combat impunity, we call on Somali authorities to deliver justice through fair and transparent trials and by handing down humane sentences.

According to press reports, the military courtfound Hanafi guilty of being either partly or directly responsible for the killings of Mahad Ahmed Elmi, director of Capital Voice radio, a private station run by HornAfrik Media; Ali Iimaan Sharmarke, the founder and co-owner of HornAfrik Media; Said Tahliil Ahmed, director of HornAfrik for TV and radio stations; Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, a reporter for Radio Shabelle; and Radio Mogadishu reporter Sheikh Nur Mohamed Abkey, the only murder to which Hanafi confessed. The murders spanned the years 2007-2010.

All five victims are listed in CPJs database of journalists murdered in direct retaliation for their work.

Hanafi himself had worked as a radio reporter at Holy Quran Radio, and after joining Al-Shabaab, had been a reporter for Radio Andalus, a mouthpiece for the militant group, before joining its armed wing, according to reports. He would regularly call Somali journalists to threaten them with death if they refused to join the militant group, according to press accounts.

Somalia ranks at the top of CPJs Global Impunity Index, which spotlights countries where journalists are murdered regularly and their killers go unpunished. CPJ has documented the murders of 41 journalists in Somalia since 1992.

In 2014 Human Rights Watch published a report on Somali military courts, indicating that they routinely fail to meet international fair-trial standards.

SOURCE: Committee to Protect Journalists
Justice C.M.A Olatoregun of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on Friday convicted Ngqula Nosisi Pam, a South African for money laundering and bulk cash smuggling.

The convict was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 1 after her arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.



The convict had earlier pleaded not guilty but changed her plea to guilty and was consequently convicted by the court.

Justice Olatoregun ordered that the convict forfeit the entire sum of $374,355.00 to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The judge also ordered the EFCC to remit the money to the Federal Government Account within 29 days and file notice of remittance at the court.

The judge admonished the convict to shun illegality in the future, a statement by the spokesperson for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said.

The one count charge reads: That you Ngqula Nosisi Pam on or about the 24th of March, 2015 at Murtala Muhammed International Airport within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court had in possession cash in the sum of Three Hundred and Seventy Four Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty Five United States of America Dollars ($374,355.00) which you transported from the Republic of South Africa to Lagos; and failed to declare the sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Five United States of America Dollars ($374,355.00) to the officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service as required under the provisions of section 2(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012 and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 2(5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012.
Despite the decision of the Lagos State government to shut down the popular Mile 12 market as well as declare a curfew in some crisis hotspots, the ethnic clashes in the area continued Friday leaving burnt carcasses of vehicles and buildings in its wake.

A gang of youth purportedly belonging to the Hausa ethnic group marched down deserted streets setting ablaze buildings, despite the deployment of armed police officers.

At least, four buildings, including a bakery, were burnt on Friday, a witness told PREMIUM TIMES.

We locked ourselves indoors since morning praying that this killings should end, said the resident who preferred not to be named.

The casualty figure on Friday is still unclear, but, at least, ten people had died by Thursday after crisis erupted in the area the day before.

The Lagos State government had responded on Thursday by shutting down the Mile 12 market and declaring a curfew in four streets in the area.

The public is hereby assured that we will not shy away from our responsibilities to protect lives and property, and will deal decisively with those criminal elements who fan embers of ethnic strife, said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Dolapo Badmus, the Lagos State Police spokesperson, told AFP that 105 people had been arrested in connection with the Mile 12 violence.

On Friday, the government met with stakeholders from Mile 12 market, Agiliti community, Maidan and its environs to find a lasting solution to the violence.

Tunji Bello, the Secretary to the State Government, who presided over the meeting, said all the leaders agreed on the need to co-habit in peace irrespective of their religion, culture or tribes.

Mr. Bello urged the leaders to go back and assure their people to maintain the peace, stating that the State Government would consider the inputs of all those present in arriving at a decision.

The issue of disagreement is not new in the area and what is uppermost is that everybody should see the next person as his brother, Mr. Bello added.

Speaking at the meeting, Assistant Commissioner of Police, I.O Edgal who stood in for the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the Police High Command had secured the Agiliti area and its environs and peace had now returned to the community.

He said the clash and resultant loss of lives were unfortunate and that going by the level of destruction on ground, they were not commensurate with what was reported to have precipitated the clash.

Other participants at the meeting included the Iyaloja of Mile 12 market, Iyabo Ahmed; Baale of Maidan, Baale Ogunjobi; Baale of Agiliti, Jimoh Onikosi; Serikin Nupe, Jibril Magaji; Chairman, Shukura yam, Mohammed Damdana; and Chairman of CDA Central, M.A Showande.
A former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday blamed the rise in violence, extremism and insecurity in the land on the failure of homes, schools, churches and mosques.

According to him, those key institutions have failed in their responsibilities in inculcating the right values in children.

He spoke at the 2016 National Summit and 4th International Colloquium themed, Human Security,Violent Extremism and Radicalisation, Seeking Sustainable Solutions.

The event was organised by the Centre for Human Security at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library,Abeokuta, as part of his 79th birthday celebration.

If we do not get it right from home, we have started losing the battle. Communialism is going down the drain' Mr. Obasanjo said.

There is a popular saying that four eyes brought a child to the world, and 200 eyes nurtured the child, but where is the 200 eyes of the community. Unless we are able to deal with present problems.

We do everything with impunity. We have been dealing with issues beyond us. We ought to prevent it. Prevention is even cheaper than cure. Can we prevent? Can prevention be part or best of our solution?

We can also see where things are going down. We have home or houses, what happened at home, What do we teach? Moral training, values start from home. Home is very important, but parents do many wrongs.

The former president urged the international community to rise up to the challenge posed by global insecurity, warning that their indifference poses serious consequences for innocent citizens.

He pointed out that the international community should also be conscious of the need to ensure there is justice and fairness in tackling insecurity to ensure sustainable peace.

Mr. Obasanjo cited some countries now witnessing serious conflict as a result of injustice and negligence on the part of the international community.

I went to Syria when I was President of Nigeria, one of the places I was taken to was a refugee camp, where those refugees have been since 1948, nothing has been done to them. How do you want their children to think, he stated.

In Norway,I met some members of the Taliban, we spent two days together. They were in the second echelon of the leadership. I was told the top ones will not come out, and when we listened to them, we said yes, they can get something better than they were getting.

He lamented that the international community was not doing enough in ensuring that democracy and good governance were effectively practised in developing countries.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has lifted the temporary suspension on the operation of the Bristow Helicopter Sirkorsky S-76 aircrafts in the country.

This is contained in a statement signed by its External Communications Manager, Julie King.

The NCAA had on Feb. 4 suspended Bristow Helicopters Sikorsky S-76C from further operations in Nigeria after two air accidents.

However, the statement said the return of the Sikorsky S-76 aircraft to flight operations followed completion of the NCAAs comprehensive operational audit.

It said the company, in addition, carried out an extensive return to service safety activities.

The statement said Bristow Group Vice President, Global Operations, Mike Imlach, thanked the NCAA for conducting a thorough review of its operations.

We completed a detailed safety inspection of our S-76 series helicopters and test flights for all (16) S-76 aircraft in compliance with the NCAA.

Our Group President and CEO, Jonathan Baliff, was a passenger in one of the approved non-revenue test flights to demonstrate his confidence in the safety of our S-76 fleet, it quoted Imlach as saying.

The statement noted that Bristow had concluded a number of return to service safety activities with flight crews, engineers and other service employees, clients and key stakeholders.

This is an additional precautionary measure prior to resuming the S-76 fleet to operation.

These activities include maintenance assessment reviews, risk assessment, and pre-flight safety briefings with passengers to give them the opportunity to talk to the crew and ask questions, it said.

The statement said the company had also engaged a reputable independent third party aviation firm to conduct an additional review of its entire operations in Nigeria.

Bristow proposes that the review be extended to other operators in Nigeria so that best practices can be shared to enhance safety across the industry.

The company has commenced discussions with a number of operators regarding their participation.

Bristow is in full compliance with NCAA regulatory requirements and all Sikorsky directives for its fleet.

The company maintains its aircraft to industry standards in accordance with special maintenance and monitoring programmes developed by the aircraft and engine manufacturers, that are fully approved by the NCAA, it said.

The statement quoted Bristow Senior Legal Director Africa Region, Tolu Olubajo, as saying that the company would continue to cooperate fully with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

We thank our clients for their unwavering support during this time and remain steadfast in our commitment to continuing to honour our contractual obligations with them.

Bristow has been committed to Nigeria for nearly 50 years and we will continue to invest in support for our customers and the country.

Safety remains our number one core value and our Target Zero culture governs every decision by the company, Olubajo was quoted as saying. (NAN)
The management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), says it did not award any contract for the renovation of classroom blocks at the Government Technical College, Abak in Akwa Ibom.

Ibim Semenatari, the acting managing director of the commission, disclosed this on Saturday at Government Technical College, Abak, when the Akwa Ibom Government complained that the contract was abandoned.

Aniekan Umanah, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, had taken the Senate Committee on NDDC and Amnesty Programme on projects inspection to show the abandoned classroom blocks.

Mr. Umanah alleged that the commission came into the school and removed the roof of four classroom blocks leaving the students to suffer in the rain and under the scorching sun.

The commissioner said the contract was abandoned a year ago, complaining that delicate science facilities and computer sets were damaged during the process of transferring them.

Responding, Mrs. Semenatari explained that the contract was not listed in the books of NDDC.

Mrs Semenatari further explained that any contract awarded by the commission usually carries NDDC signpost at the site.

In his reaction, the Senate Committee Chairman on NDDC and Amnesty Programme, Peter Nwaoboshi, cautioned the people of Niger Delta to beware of fake contract letters purportedly issued by the NDDC.

The committee chairman said there had been reports of fake contract letters issued by unscrupulous persons in the name of NDDC.

At the inspection of the 2km Edienne Abak  Ikot Ekan Road, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the level of work done since 2012 when the contract was awarded.

Mr. Nwaoboshi directed the contractor to return to site immediately or refund the mobilisation of N48 million earlier collected from NDDC.

The NDDC engineers had informed the committee that the contractor had completed earth work and one kilometre of stone base before abandoning the work.

Mr. Nwaoboshi, who was baffled at the contract sum for the project, put at N248 million, and the level of work done, said, I am really surprised, I am disappointed.

The committee, however, said that it was impressed by the quality of work done at the NDDC prototype hostel complex for the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

Commenting on the project, the committee chairman said, I want to commend NDDC for this beautiful project.

I commend the contractor for an excellent work and recommend him for further contracts in NDDC, Mr. Nwaoboshi said.

The senator also commended the contractor handling the 6.5km Okoroutip-Okoroete-Ette Road, cutting through the mangrove swamp of Ibeno Local Government Area.

We are impressed that an indigenous contractor is doing this. I want to appeal to NDDC to release funds to this contractor.

This area is the largest oil producing communities in the state. This project will be captured in the 2016 budget, Mr. Nwaoboshi assured.

Briefing the Senate Committee, Nnanna Anwara, the Project Manager of the company, Viche Resources, said the company had not been mobilised for the work. (NAN)
The switch-over from analog to digital broadcasting in Nigeria will create 10,000 jobs for Nigerian technicians, and 5,000 for engineers, the Minister for Information, Lai Mohammed, has said.

Mr. Mohammed said when the switch-over is implemented, it would allow for a better transmission of programmes, and also afford the country the opportunity to have up to 30 national digital television stations.

Mr. Mohammed said there were only four national stations in Nigeria for now.

The minister, who disclosed this on Friday during a visit to the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, regretted that Nigeria missed the earlier deadline for the switch-over.

He said the federal government was working toward meeting the June 17, 2016 deadline.

We will ensure that the digital switch-over programme was a reality, he said.

The minister commended Governor Lalong for restoring peace in the state.

The governor, in his response, thanked the federal government for commencing the digitisation programme in Plateau state, and pledged his support for it.

The minister visited federal information establishments in the state.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has dismissed reports of a brewing crisis among its ranks, saying it remains focused and united more than ever.

The party specifically stated that there was no truth in the report of disaffection between its governorship candidate in the April 11, 2015 election, Dakuku Peterside and the acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Ibim Semenitari.

There were reports of disagreement between Mr. Peterside and Mrs. Semenitari following the latters decision to accompany a delegation from the Senate on a visit to Governor Nyesom Wike at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

Mr. Wike is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In a statement Friday by its chairman, Davies ikanya, the APC alleged that the rumour of rift in the party was originated by the state chapter of the PDP and that it was not only a wicked lie from the pit of hell but has no foundation whatsoever.

The party said it was meant to cause disaffection among the Rivers APC leadership.

This plot is dead on arrival because we are too intelligent and too close-knit a family to be deceived by such a fallacious and wicked falsehood intended to distract us from the urgent task of winning the forthcoming State and National Assembly re-run elections.

How can the performance of a simple official duty by the Acting NDDC

Managing Director amount to disloyalty to APC and a fictional quarrel with Dr. Peterside over the 2019 governorship ticket? the party said.

Many of the Distinguished Senators whom Mrs. Semenitari escorted to the Government House to see Governor Nyesom Wike are also APC members, so does their visit mean that they are also disloyal to the APC?

The APC described Mrs. Semenitari as an accomplished administrator who knew where to draw the line between her official duties and politics.

It said, As head of NDDC, she has a statutory role that covers the six states of South-South that includes Rivers State plus the two states of Abia and Imo in the South-East and Ondo State in the South-West.

The Senate is probing the 16 years of NDDC and if the investigating senators are to visit the Rivers State Governor on issues pertaining to NDDC, are we saying that the Acting NDDC MD should not accompany them because she is an APC chieftain even while most of the

Senate Committee members are also APC members?

The APC said it was not only happy with the NDDC managing director but also proud of her. It said her commitment and loyalty to the party was never in doubt.

The party said Mrs. Semenitari had been one of the arrow heads of the struggle it had embarked upon and also one of the most persecuted among its members.

As a matter of fact, she was the only one invited to appear before the then dreaded National Security Adviser to erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan when the heat was on us at Rivers State, the party said.

Apart from this, she was one of our principals targeted to be assassinated by the PDP hoodlums at the Okrika rally attack.

Her house in Port Harcourt was attacked immediately Wike took over as governor and her personal jeep towed away by the Wike regime just to publicly disgrace her.

So, if anybody is trying to blackmail her for any reason such a person is embarking on a mission impossible.

The APC explained that it was not factionalised as had been alleged, insisting that it remained united under the leadership of the Minister of Transport, Chibuike Amaechi.

It is worth stressing that we have no Dakuku faction or any faction or

factions but one united, compact, virile and vibrant Rivers APC under the

leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, it said.

As for the purported intrigues about 2019, that does not deserve any attention because it just does not make sense as we cannot start talking about 2019 when we have not concluded the 2015 elections.

The APC urged its members, supporters and the public to ignore the story of the alleged rift, saying it was a desperate strategy by the floundering PDP to shore up its image ahead of the forthcoming Assembly re-run elections, for which PDP has become jittery because of the imminent defeat staring it in the face.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday congratulated the new Olubadan, Saliu Ogungunniso 1, on his coronation.

Mr. Buhari joined the indigenes of Ibadan, the family of the new Olubadan, the government and people of Oyo State in celebrating Mr. Adetunjis ascension to the ancient throne of his forefathers, a statement by the presidency said.

As he ascends the throne as the 41st Olubadan, President Buhari urges Oba Adetunji to follow in the worthy and commendable footsteps of his predecessors by working diligently for peace and development in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria, the presidents spokesman, Femi Adesina, said in the statement.

The president called on Mr. Adetunji to also do his best in his new role as the chief custodian of the traditions of his people to preserve and propagate the admirable culture and customs of Ibadan.

Mr. Buhari assured the new Olubadan of the full support and cooperation of the federal government as he strives to lead his people forward and contribute to the development of his domain, Oyo State and the nation.

He prayed that Almighty God would grant the monarch long life, good health and the wisdom he needs for a successful reign.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
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, March 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/qvb6wz/the_global_car) has announced the addition of the "The Global Car Rental Industry 2016-2021: Trends, Forecast and Opportunity Analysis 2016" report to their offering.

The global car rental industry is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2016 to 2021

The major drivers of growth for this market are rising global tourism industry, increasing globalization of corporate operations, and increasing income levels across the globe.

In this industry, car rental location (On-Airport and Off Airport), customer type, vehicle type, and mode of booking (Online and offline) are some of the major segments of car rental market. On the basis of its comprehensive research, the author forecasts that the location and mode of booking segments are expected to show above average growth during the forecast period.

Within the global car rental industry, On-Airport and Off-Airport segment is expected to remain as the largest segment. Increase in air travel and domestic tourism is expected to increase the customers in airport locations, which would spur growth for this segment over the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to remain the largest market due to rapid urbanization and increased expenditure on traveling by domestic tourists. North America and Rest of the World are expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period because of improving economy, increasing domestic as well international tourists, and high quality road infrastructure.

Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the industry, include enhanced user experience through digitization, introduction of green vehicles in car fleet, enhanced technologies in car rental service, and concept of self-drive instead of hiring driver. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., Avis Budget Group Inc., Europcar Groupe S.A., and Sixt AG are the major car rental service providers in the global car rental industry. Some companies are opting for merger & acquisition as strategic initiatives for driving growth.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. The Car Rental Industry Background and Classifications

3. Industry Trends and Forecast Analysis

4. Competitor's Analysis

5. Growth Opportunity & Strategic Analysis

6. Company Profiles of Leading Players

- Avis Budget Group Inc. - Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Europcar Groupe S.A. - Hertz Global Holdings Inc. - Sixt AG

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/qvb6wz/the_global_car

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
ROME, March 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The issue of Iranian dissidents living at Camp Liberty, Iraq is a pressing humanitarian issue that deserves our immediate attention. They have been subject to several deadly attacks by terrorists affiliated with the Iranian regime and Iraqi security forces during the tenure of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, resulting in 140 being killed and more than 1300 injured. The last attack on these refugees took place on October 29, 2015, resulting in the deaths of 24 of them. In this light, the efforts of the government of Albania to host the Iranian dissidents are commendable.

The Italian Helsinki Committee has for several years been following the plight of Iranian refugees in Iraq, members of the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI or MEK), the principal Iranian opposition movement. As such, the Secretary General of the Italian Helsinki Committee was part of the last delegation of foreign dignitaries who visited Camp Ashraf, the former place of residence for Iranian dissidents in Iraq, in 2008, prior to its handover to the Iraqi government and the imposition of a total siege on the camp at the behest of the Iranian regime.

We would like to take the opportunity to warn about the obstacles of resettlement of the residents of Camp Liberty.

There has been a growing international consensus across Europe and the US over the need to relocate the members of the MEK in line with their status as protected persons under the Geneva conventions. The only parties that have been obstructing these efforts throughout the past decade have been the Iranian regime and its agents in Iraq.

Tehran wants to see the MEK destroyed for two reasons: on one hand, it represents a formidable opposition to Tehran's theocracy and, on the other, it has been a bulwark against Tehran's campaign to export Islamic fundamentalism. The Iranian regime wants to see the residents of Camp Liberty either done away with or forced to surrender to Tehran.

Our committee has noticed that since 2011, when the Iranian dissidents agreed to the European Parliament plan to be relocated to third countries, Tehran has been engaged in an organized, orchestrated campaign to derail the process and has used a variety of means to pursue this purpose. Parallel to the military attacks, the Iranian regime, through its intelligence agents, has resorted to a malicious demonization campaign to obstruct the transfer of the Iranian dissidents to safe locations.

In this light, the Italian Helsinki Committee commends the attitude of the government of Albania to host a significant number of Camp Liberty residents. It indicates the correct value that both the government and the people of Albania place on human rights. In our view, the EU countries and US should commend the noble position of Albania on this pressing humanitarian issue.

Albania's attitude is not only commendable on humanitarian grounds but also points toward a correct policy vis-a-vis the Iranian regime, which has the highest number of executions per capita the world over, is the central banker of terrorism and has been the main backer of Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war and in causing an influx of refugees to Europe.

We have noticed that subsequent to US Secretary of State John Kerry's trip to Albania on February 14, the Iranian regime has stepped up its demonizing campaign against the Iranian dissidents and against the government of Albania.

Anne Singleton and Massoud Khodabandeh (who, according to an investigative report by the Pentagon released by the Federal Research Division of the Library of Congress in December 2012, are agents of the mullahs' Ministry of Intelligence and Security) are allegedly active in this campaign.

The British Parliamentary Committee for Iran Freedom, a cross party committee in the UK Parliament that enjoys broad-based support in Parliament, broke the cover of these two individuals in a 2007 report titled "Spying for the Mullahs".

The objective of this campaign is to dissuade third-party countries and in particular the Government of Albania from hosting the residents of Camp Liberty, by repeating and disseminating unfounded malicious allegations against the Iranian dissidents.

The Italian Helsinki Committee has been scrutinizing the dreadful situation of human rights in Iran and has dealt with Iranian dissidents for the past three decades. In this capacity it has become familiar with these allegations, and has studied them carefully. It is totally clear to us that all of the allegations and the smear campaign against the Iranian opposition are orchestrations of the Iranian intelligence service and its agents.

The MEK is the pivotal force of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. It advocates a democratic, anti-fundamentalist Islam. The activists of the MEK have been the primary victims of the Iranian regime's brutal theocracy and some 120,000 of them have been executed in the past three decades. Maryam Rajavi, the President of the NCRI, has articulated a ten-point plan for the future of Iran that stipulates total gender equality, abolishment of the death penalty, a non-nuclear Iran, free and fair elections, an end to institutional discrimination against women and minorities, a free-market economy, and freedom of expression and association.

Over the years, the Iranian Resistance was instrumental in revealing the most secret sites and aspects of the Iranian regime's clandestine nuclear projects, at tremendous risk to the MEK activists. If it were not for these revelations, Tehran might have obtained nuclear weapons by now. The network of the Iranian resistance has also been instrumental in exposing Tehran's gross human rights violations and its terrorist conduct worldwide.

The MEK enjoys extensive support among the Iranian Diaspora. More than 110,000 individuals took part in the last major gathering of the Iranian resistance in Paris in June 2015.

On the international front, the MEK enjoys the support of a majority of members of more than 45 national legislatures. That includes bi-partisan support from a majority of the US House of Representatives and dozens of US Senators. Scores of the most senior US officials dealing with national security matters in four administrations, along with top US military commanders, have expressed their support for the MEK and the need for necessary steps to guarantee the safety and security of its members at Camp Liberty, Iraq. Many Nobel laureates have also expressed support for the safety and security of these people.

Italian Helsinki Committee for Human Rights

Corso Duca di Genova, 92 - 00121 Roma - Italy - Tel: +39-348-7296708

E-mail: italhelsinki@gmail.com



SOURCE Italian Helsinki Committee
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Thiruvananthapuram, March 2 : With the video of a Kerala senior police officer's minor son driving an official car going viral, former chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan on Wednesday slammed the state police for not registering a case against the police officer.

On Tuesday, the visuals of Inspector General Suresh Raj Purohit's minor son driving an official police vehicle surfaced, forcing Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to order a probe into it by Assistant Director General of Police Rajesh Dewan.

"Why the authorities are playing slow, the evidence is quite clear and instead of a probe, police should immediately register a case against Purohit. He is a senior police official himself and the law is being violated but no action is being taken," said Achuthanandan in a statement here.

Purohit is a top officer at the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur and his son, a Class 11 student, was seen driving the official car in the campus.

In the visuals, while the minor son is at the wheel, another person is seen seated on the front seat.
Aligarh, March 3 : AMU Vice Chancellor Zameer Uddin Shah said on Thursday that he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify issues related to the controversial off-campus AMU centres.

Shah, a retired lt. general, also denied that he was insulted by Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani when he went to her house in New Delhi for a meeting on January 8.

"It would take a lot to humiliate a veteran of the Longewala Battle of 1971 who spent the better part of his 40 years in the army fighting insurgencies in Punjab and North-East and dousing communal passions in various riots," he said in a statement.

Shah maintained that Irani had refused to fund the AMU centres in Malapuram in Kerala, Kishanganj in Bihar and Murshidabad in West Bengal.

He said the Aligarh Muslim University Act of 1920 allowed the university to have these centres, including the one in Malappuram, and two more in Bhopal and Pune.

"However, it is apparent that a certain AMU alumnus has wrongly informed the minister that the centres have been established illegally," he said.

The vice chancellor said he would meet Modi soon "to resolve the problems".

Irani insists that the AMU off-campus centres have been established illegally and that her ministry won't fund them.

At the January 8 meeting, she even told Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to take back the land allotted to the AMU centre.

Shah said media reports over the issue were aimed at tarnishing the AMU's image.

"I will reserve further comments on this," said the vice chancellor, on his failure to hold discussions with the HRD minister on January 8 in the presence of the Kerala chief minister.

"The chief minster informed me that the HRD minister was adamant that the AMU centres were illegally established and would not be funded by her ministry despite being told that they had been approved by the AMU Executive Council and the president of India," he said.

The five off-campus centres were supposed to be fully functional by 2020. Only those in Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar are partially working but without any schools.

The centres had got the approval of the country's president, who is the AMU's Visitor, in 2010.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 04 : Kerala Congress (Mani) [KC(M)] rebel leader Antony Raju has accused party patriarch K M Mani of making attempts to align with the Bharatiya Janata Party by opening a secret channel of communication with Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah.

Antony Raju charged that K M Manis son and parliamentarian Jose K Mani had called on Amit Shah at his residence in New Delhi on February 2 and had received an assurance from the BJP chief that he would be made a junior minister in the NDA government.

The controversial remarks came at a press conference jointly convened by KC(M) rebels Antony Raju, Francis George, and K C Joseph in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday to announce their resignation from the party.

Their resignations came amidst much speculation that they had been making overtures to the Left Democratic Front having fallen out with the KC(M) leadership over talks on candidate selection for the forthcoming assembly polls.

At the press conference, the three leaders announced their decision to resign from the KC(M), declaring their protests against the dynastic politics being practised in the KC(M) by party chairman K M Mani and his son Jose K Mani.

Antony Raju accused the father-son duo of running the affairs of the party in a unilateral manner, adding that they were even loath to organisational elections on time.

On the hunger strike staged by Jose K Mani demanding Centres intervention to better the lot of rubber farmers, Antony Raju said that it was nothing but part of moves going on behind the curtain to hand over the reins of the party to Jose K Mani, adding that no self-respecting party worker would be able to continue in the party.

Mr. Raju also refuted suggestions that they were leaving the party for their own careerist reasons, saying that all three of them were offered seats to contest the upcoming elections.

Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters that a few leaders making their exit from the KC(M) would not in any way affect the United Democratic Front (UDF) coalition.

KC(M) leader Joy Abraham took the party rebels head on, pointing out that one of the rebels protesting against dynastic politics, Francis George, came into the party following in the footsteps of his father K M George, who was the founder of the Kerala Congress.
Beijing, March 4 : China is set to raise its defence budget by around 7 to 8 percent this year, an official said on Friday.

At a press conference a day ahead of the National People's Congress annual session, spokesperson Fu Ying said the increase is in line with China's national defence need and fiscal revenue, Xinhua news agency reported.

The exact figure will be released in a budget report on Saturday.

China's defence budget rose by 10.1 percent last year.
New Delhi, March 4 : The opposition in the Rajya Sabha on Friday united against the BJP-led government for its stand on the minority institution-character of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Almost all opposition members were up on their feet and shouted slogans against the Narendra Modi government as the issue was raised during Zero Hour in the upper house.

They shouted 'Stop discrimination against minority institutions', 'No injustice will be tolerated against the AMU' as Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien urged them to give notice to the chair for a discussion.

"Like this, you won't get anywhere... please give a notice if you want discussion on the issue," he said.

Senior members like Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India-Marxist and Anand Sharma of the Congress also expressed concern over the issue.

Amid the din, the house was adjourned for 10 minutes at 11.50 a.m. No meaningful business could be carried out during Zero Hour.

When the house met again at noon, some members urged the chair to adjourn the Rajya Sabha in honour of former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma who died following a heart attack on Friday morning.

Chairman Mohammad Hamid Ansari politely rejected the demand, saying "the house has an established practice" that it would only be adjourned in case a sitting member passes away.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said if the chair deems fit, it could adjourn the house and the government would have no objection.

The house, however, went ahead with Question Hour. However, around 1 p.m., the chairman adjourned the house for the day as leader of the house Arun Jaitley too urged for it.

On January 22, eight opposition members of parliament of different parties had issued a joint statement slamming the Centre for its stand on the status of the Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia and the Aligarh Muslim University.

"We condemn the statement of the Attorney General of India, who has blatantly tried to outrage the rich tradition of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb by mentioning before the Supreme Court that these two institutions were not minority institutions," their joint statement said.
New York, March 5 : Reality TV personality Farrah Abraham has revealed that she was almost raped by a taxi driver after a late-night outing here.

"An Uber driver almost raped me," Abraham said, adding that she was banned from Uber after the incident happened, reports aceshowbiz.com.

"I'm banned from Uber," the "Teen Mom" star stated.

Though police were called, Abraham said that it's her on-off-beau Simon Saran who came to rescue her.

"My non-boyfriend threw him in the window and almost broke his car window. The cops were called," she said.

After police showed up, the driver still tried to pursue her.

"The Persian dude ran after me. The cops were like, 'You're harassing her' and I was like, 'See I told you'," the mother of one explained.
Moscow, March 5 : Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the US Secretary of State John Kerry on Friday called for resuming quickly the intra-Syrian peace talks in Geneva.

"The sides called for a quick resumption of talks between the Syrian government and the entire spectrum of opposition under the UN aegis in Geneva, where the Syrians must decide on the future of their country," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Lavrov and Kerry reaffirmed the course of close military interaction between Moscow and Washington in order to support the Syrian ceasefire regime, which has been approved by the Russian and the US presidents, Xinhua news agency reported.

It was agreed to continue the active efforts to promote all aspects of the Syrian settlement through the International Syria Support Group co-chaired by Russia, the US and the UN, according to the statement.

During a phone conference earlier in the day, state leaders of Russia, Britain, Germany, France and Italy praised the Russian-US agreement on ceasefire in Syria, which came into force at midnight of February 26.

Meanwhile, foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain expressed their hope for a rapid resumption of negotiations in Geneva, warning that Syrian peace talks would fail unless humanitarian aid was granted and a ceasefire respected.

Currently the UN-mediated intra-Syrian peace talks are scheduled to resume on March 9.

The talks sought to broker a political solution between warring factions in Syria, namely Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government and opposition forces, but came to a standstill on February 3 after parties failed to see eye-to-eye on a number of issues.
New York, March 5 : Actor Oscar Isaac is set to star in theatre director Sam Gold's version of William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" at the Theatre For A New Audience in Brooklyn next year.

The 36-year-old has taken on the iconic role as the Danish prince in the off-Broadway version of Shakespeare's play, reports dailymail.co.uk.

However, Bruce Cohen, a spokesperson for the theatre, says there is "no information" regarding the show at present.

The star is well-versed when it comes to doing theatre work having performed in a number of shows including "Romeo and Juliet", "We Live Here", "Grace", "Two Gentlemen of Verona" and "Beauty of The Father".

Isaac is currently shooting for "Star Wars: Episode VIII" here, in which he plays X-wing fighter pilot Poe Dameron.

The sequel to "The Force Awakens" is scheduled for release on December 15, 2017.

He will next be seen playing villainous mutant Apocalypse in superhero movie "X-Men: Apocalypse", which will release in May this year.
Islamabad, March 5 : Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has approved launching of the "Green Pakistan Programme" whereby over 100 million trees will be planted all across the country, the media reported on Saturday.

The idea, according to a press statement released by the Prime Minister's Office on Friday, is based on the "Great Green Wall Programme" of China -- a series of human-planted wind-breaking forest strips designed to stop the expansion of the Gobi Desert, Dawn online reported.

The programme targets to add 100 million plants over the next five years all over the country.

The prime minister has approved the launch of to improve forestry and wildlife sectors.

Protection and management of wildlife and reclaiming and developing forest areas are the main aspects of the programme, the statement said.

Preservation and management of forest and wildlife resources of the country need to be adequately developed in line with the best international practices.

All relevant federal and provincial ministries and agencies will be facilitated to fulfil the task so that the desired objectives of forests preservation and wildlife protection is achieved, the statement quoted the prime minister as saying.

The prime minister has asked the climate ministry to develop a proposal for strengthening Zoological Survey of Pakistan to immediately undertake inventory of endangered wildlife species and habitats across Pakistan.

He issued directions for the revival and management of internationally recognised wildlife habitats, including Khunjrab National Park (Gilgit Baltistan), Khirthar National Park (Sindh), Hingol National Park (Balochistan), Chitral Gol National Park (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Lal Suhanara National Park and Salt Range area (Punjab), Machiara National Park (Pakistan occupied Kashmir) and Margalla Hills National Park (Islamabad).
New Delhi, March 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid tributes to late Biju Patnaik, the former chief minister of Odisha, on his 100th birth anniversary.

"Biju Babu was a man of the masses and a visionary who devoted his life to serving society. I pay my tributes to him on his birth anniversary," Modi tweeted.

Biju Patnaik's son and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also used Twitter to pay respects to his late father.

"Offer my tributes to legendary leader Biju Babu. Resolve to work to fulfil his dreams for Odisha," he tweeted.

Biju Patnaik was born on March 5, 1916, and died on April 17, 1997. He was chief minister of Odisha for two terms.
Madrid, March 5 : Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) leader, Pedro Sanchez, failed in his second attempt to be named as the prime minister.

He received only 131 votes in favour with 219 votes against in the investiture vote held in the Spanish Congress on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The defeat made Sanchez the first party leader to lose two investiture debates in Spain.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, whose party won 123 seats in the general elections, but turned down the chance to form a new government a month ago, poured scorn on Sanchez's attempt to replace him at the head of government, saying his fiesta had "come to an end".

Leader Pablo Iglesias of Podemos party also criticised Sanchez, but offered the PSOE leader the chance to form a coalition with his left-wing party, saying that although a pact between the two parties was neither's first option, it gave Spain the chance of a "progressive government".

King Felipe VI will hold further talks with party leaders in the coming days in an attempt to find a new candidate, but if no candidate is able to form the government before May 3, Congress will be dissolved and new elections will be called for June 26.
Damascus, March 5 : Two people found guilty of "refugee smuggling" that lead to the much-publicised case of the drowning of Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi and four other refugees were sentenced to four years and two months in prison.

On Friday, a court in Turkey jailed two Syrian men, Mufawaka Alabash and Asem Alfrhad, for smuggling but acquitted them on charges of negligent homicide, CNN reported.

They had faced up to 35 years in prison had they been convicted of causing the death of five people "through deliberate negligence".

Aylan, the refugee toddler whose death prompted an outpouring of sympathy from around the world, and his relatives drowned when their boat capsized during a perilous crossing from Turkey to Greece.

Images of a rescue worker scooping up his limp body marked a turning point in the debate over how to handle the surge of people fleeing to Europe.

The boy and his family were trying to reach relatives in Canada's Vancouver.

Alan's mother and five-year old brother also died in the accident. They were buried in Kobani, the Syrian city they had left behind to escape the daily barrage of bombs.

Of his immediate family, his father, Abdullah Kurdi, was the only survivor. Other relatives, including an aunt and uncle, made it to Canada as refugees.

The boy's family was among throngs of desperate men and women who are fleeing in overcrowded, sometimes deadly journeys by land and sea. Many have children in tow.

So far this year, migrant and refugee arrivals via the Mediterranean have reached almost 130,000, according to the International Organisation for Migration.

More than 400 people have died making the treacherous journey this year alone, it says.
New Delhi, March 5 : Stressing the need for appropriate women representation in parliament and state assemblies, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said women's empowerment was impossible in the absence of their representation in legislative bodies.

"It's unfortunate (for the country) for not being able to ensure 33 percent representation of women in Parliament," he said here, while addressing the inaugural function of the two-day national conference of women legislators on 'Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India'.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present on the occasion, for giving due importance to the cause of women and girls, the president said: "I thank prime minister for 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (save girl child, educate girl child) programme".

He said that to ensure overall development of the country and society, the country must recognise and encourage 'stree shakti' (women's power) and this could only be possible by giving them their due representation in parliament and state legislatures.

"How can there a be empowerment of women without proper representation," he asked.

Pointing out that the Indian Constitution provides for equal rights for men and women, the president said the UN has declared the theme of International Women's Day of 2016 as "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it up for Gender Equality".

Observing that the global community has to rededicate itself to gender equality and women's empowerment, the president said the organisation of the conference is a step in the right direction to carry forward the UN agenda of sustainable development through gender equality.

On the occasion, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said women's representation in parliament and state legislatures has to be corrected as they play a crucial role in society.

Observing that the theme of the conference was "appropriate and timely", Ansari called upon all political parties to help in ensuring women's representation as it was in national interest.

"Women must have votes and equal legal status, but the problem does not end there. It only commences at the point where women begin to affect the political deliberations of the nation," he said, adding that the present situation with regard to their representation is "certainly not very encouraging".

Mahajan hoped that when women legislators would sit together, they would come out with new provisions and answers to various problems.

She also emphasised the need for ensuring "women-friendly tools" as a large number of women work in the country's agriculture sector.

The Lok Sabha speaker also thanked renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi for writing a good song for the conference. She said women could actually be best compared with the river as he did in the song which has been specially composed for the two-day conference.

"A river gives life to many... similarly women, too, are life-givers," she said.

The prime minister did not speak on the occasion. Among those who attended the conference were women leaders Uma Bharti, Maneka Gandhi, Sheila Dikshit, and Poonam Mahajan.
Bhubaneswar, March 5 : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday paid tribute to late Biju Patnaik on his birth centenary, describing him as a great institution and symbol of progress.

"Biju Babu is an idea in continuity -- an idea of realising the dream in progress and prosperity, an idea of Odia self-esteem, selfless service and empowerment. He is an idea that every Odia wants to follow," he said, addressing a large gathering of party members here.

Even though Biju Babu figured among the top leaders of the country, he stood with the poor people and successfully carried out development at the village level, said Naveen Patnaik, who is the son of the late leader.

He said the birth centenary of the legendary leader would be celebrated year long nationally and internationally.

The dream of the legendary leader to create a developed and resurgent Odisha could only be fulfilled if the youths worked with courage, conviction and dedication, Naveen Patnaik said.

"Biju Babu was the Baraputra of Mother India. He went beyond the limits of regional and national boundaries to international height," said Patnaik.

Earlier on Saturday, the chief minister inaugurated a sand sculpture created by renowned sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik on the occasion of Biju Patnaik birth centenary at new domestic terminal.

Besides, a 18-feet statue of Biju Patnaik was unveiled at the city airport. A mini marathon was organised in city on Saturday morning.

Biju Patnaik was born on March 5, 1916, and died on April 17, 1997. He was chief minister of Odisha for two terms.
Lucknow, March 5 : The Uttar Pradesh unit of the Congress has called a high-level meet of the party leaders on March 10 and poll strategist Prashant Kishore will also attend it, an official said here on Saturday.

The meet, being convened by Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Nirmal Khatri, will be attended by district unit presidents, general secretaries, senior functionaries, UP in-charge Madhusudan Mistry, members of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) and Prashant Kishore.

Chairman of the UP Congress Communcations Cell Satyadev Tripathi, while informing about the meeting, said the meet's motive is to first deliberate on various issues before the party in the state and to prepare an election strategy for 2017 assembly polls.

Two days after poll strategist Prashant Kishore met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, he has been officially roped in for reviving the political fortunes of the Congress in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections due early next year.

Congress, which ruled the state for over 40 years has been relegated to fourth position in the state in past two decades.

Regional parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have been ruling the state for the past several years. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the state, winning 71 of the 80 seats.

Congress managed to retain Amethi and Rae Bareli, the two constituencies held by party vice president Rahul Gandhi and party chief Sonia Gandhi.
Hyderabad, March 5 : Opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday sought disqualification of eight of its legislators who defected to the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

A delegation of YSRCP leaders, led by the party's deputy floor leader in the state assembly Jyothula Nehru, met Speaker K. Sivaprasad Rao and submitted a memorandum in this regard.

They urged the speaker to disqualify the legislators who were elected on YSRCP ticket but switched loyalties to the TDP.

Nehru said the speaker should take the action to save democracy. He hoped that Rao will take an impartial decision.

The only opposition party in the state submitted the memorandum a couple of hours before the budget session of the legislature began.

YSRCP legislators led by party president Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy marched to the assembly building with black scarves to protest what they call 'murder of democracy' by the TDP.

The leader of opposition said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu with ill-gotten money was luring YSRCP legislators. "Every MLA is being offered Rs.20 crore to Rs.30 crore," he alleged.

Later, the opposition legislators also raised slogans during Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan's speech to both the houses of state legislature.

Jaganmohan Reddy said the march to the state assembly was also to protest land scam in building new state capital Amaravati.

Jagan said ministers and those close to Naidu purchased huge tracts of land as he revealed the crucial and confidential information to them with regard to the location of new capital city.

YSRCP leader said Naidu betrayed farmers and people from scheduled castes by forcibly taking their lands.
New Delhi, March 5 : The ABVP on Saturday demanded an early release of the report of the high-level enquiry committee, probing the Jawaharlal Nehru University issue.

The committee was set up on February 11 to probe the matter related to "anti-India" sloganeering at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

"Why hasn't the enquiry committee which was formed to look into the February 9 incident released its report yet? Is any group pressurising it? If a three-member committee was formed earlier then why was it expanded," asked JNU Students Union (JNUSU) joint secretary and ABVP member Saurabh Sharma.

"The report was supposed to be released on March 3. It is now March 5 and the report hasn't been released still. I demand from the vice chancellor that the report should be brought in the public domain as soon as possible," Sharma said.

On February 9, a cultural event was organised at the JNU to commemorate the hanging of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

During the event, anti-India slogans were allegedly raised, following which JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar was arrested on February 12. He was released on an interim bail on Thursday for six months by the Delhi High Court on Wednesday.

He also said the ABVP, the student wing of the RSS, will gherao the Vasant Kunj (north) police station on March 7 and demand to identify all those students present in the event on February 9.

Sharma also accused the university teachers of providing shelter to the 10 students, who were part of the organising team of the February 9 event while they were away for 10 days when police were looking for people behind organising the event.

ABVP's Delhi state secretary Saket Bahuguna said: "The JNU registrar himself has said that a video was recorded on the February 9. That video should be considered as the primary evidence for the investigation."
New Delhi, March 5 : AMU Vice Chancellor Lt. Gen. Zameer Uddin Shah (retd) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, and told him that the centres that the HRD ministry has called illegal were sanctioned by the president and government.

The vice-chancellor, who led a five member delegation, informed Modi about various research programmes going on in the Aligarh Muslim University including that on Ganga rejuvenation and agriculture technology.

He also told the prime minister that they have not been able to meet Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani despite several attempts, and have got an appointment for March 10, only the second meeting with her since she took charge.

"We told the prime minister that we are trying to meet the HRD minister since one and a half years, we could meet you twice, but with her, the first meeting was when she took charge, and the second meeting is scheduled for March 10," Shah told journalists after the meeting.

The AMU VC told the PM that the centres in Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar that the minister has called illegal have been sanctioned by the government only.

"The stand of HRD minister that the centres are illegal was explained. We told the prime minister that all bodies of AMU have been sanctioned by president of India and government of India, so how can they be illegal," he said.

He said they questioned the difference in allocations to the university vis a vis other universities like Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

"We told him about the inequity of funds. Banaras Hindu University is the same as Aligarh Muslim University but they get Rs.100 crore more than us. Jamia Millia Islamia is half the size but it got Rs.689 crore more."

Shah said that they explained to the prime minister the ongoing programmes of the university which includes establishing modern education schools in Muslim majority areas.

"These will be secular schools, we don't want ghettoisation of education. The schools will have 50 percent Muslims and will be given modern education," he said.

The VC also mentioned the bridge course being conducted by the university for Madrasa students to gear them up for modern education.

"These students are going to the Madrasas and telling them there is need for change," Shah said adding that religious education and modern education should go hand in hand.

He also informed the prime minister about the research work in the university, which includes one on cleaning river Ganga, one of the pet projects of the NDA government.

"Our scientists are involved in the project Ganga. We told the prime minister that the research is low investment, there will be no need for electricity. We are also working on Swachh Bharat (Mission). There is a technique being developed where a car battery can be charged in 20 minutes, patrol and diesel will not be needed. We are doing research in agriculture on a nano fertiliser that will not pollute the soil," he said.

Irani has maitained that the AMU off-campus centres have been established illegally and her ministry would not fund them.

In a meeting with Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, she asked him to take back the land allotted to the AMU centre.
Chandigarh, March 5 : The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday handed back a five-year-old deaf and dumb Pakistani girl to their Pakistani counterparts after she inadvertently crossed over into Indian territory in Punjab's Abohar sector, a senior BSF official said.

"At about 10.30 a.m., BSF troops of border outpost Natha Singh Wala, Abohar sector, apprehended one Pakistani girl (age around five years) while she inadvertently crossed International Boundary, entered inside Indian territory and reached near border security fence," said BSF DIG R.S. Kataria.

"During questioning, the Pakistani girl was found deaf and dumb and could not reveal her name. She inadvertently came inside Indian territory and was apprehended by alert BSF troopers. Pakistan Rangers were contacted and the girl was handed over to them at 2 p.m. on humanitarian grounds," he said.
New Delhi, March 5 : Following widespread concern over the proposed tax on withdrawal from the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) contributions, the goverenment is contemplating to give relief to people but without a complete rollback, said informed sources.

According to sources, a meeting between the officials of Prime Minister's Office (PMO), the finance ministry and the labour ministry took place on late Thursday and discussed the EPF tax issue.

The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), which has also opposed the proposal and demanded a complete rollback, also said that government is considering their demand.

"We are talking to government representatives and they are considering our concern. We are in regular touch with them. We hope some announcement in a day or two," BMS general secretary Vijesh Upadhyay told IANS.

The BMS leaders have met Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, Power Minister Piyush Goyal and some other government representatives in this regard.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is likely to make the announcement when he replies to the debate on the Budget in parliament.

In his budget speech on February 29, Jaitley said that 60 percent of withdrawals from the provident fund accounts will be taxed on contributions to be made after April 1. The aim is to make India a more insured and pensioned society, he said.
Kolkata, March 5 : Claiming that certain remarks made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a TV interview tantamount to "voter intimidation" and "open threat", the CPI-M on Saturday lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission (EC) seeking action.

"We have submitted to the EC a video of her Friday's TV interview during which she has resorted to intimidating tactics. Her comments which have come after the announcement of the polls, are in gross violation of the EC guidelines," said CPI-M state secretariat member Rabin Deb.

EC officials led by chief electoral officer Sunil Gupta on the day held discussions with representatives of nine political parties.

"During the interview she said the central security forces will provide security for the few days of election, but common people will have to depend upon her administration for the rest of the year.

"She also said if need be, she might change her party slogan of 'change and not revenge' and seek revenge. These remarks are nothing but intimidating the voters and issuing threats publicly," said Deb.

Referring to announcement of Additional Superintendent of Police, Jalpaiguri, James Kujur, as a Trinamool Congress candidate for the Kumargram seat in Alipurduar district, Deb also accused the ruling party of blatantly violating the model code of conduct.

"The polls have just been announced and the ruling party has already displayed that it has no qualms in violating the model code of conduct. We have raised all these issues with the commission during the meeting," he said.

On Wednesday a Communist Party of India-Marxist delegation comprising general secretary Sitaram Yechury and central secretariat member Nilotpal Basu met Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi in Delhi to draw the EC's attention to some serious concerns which could undermine the right of the voters in the coming assembly polls.

"During Zaidi's vvisit here we had raised certain issues regarding the polls here including discrepancies in voters' list, we also submitted a memorandum to the EC on Wednesday about our concerns and again today (on Saturday) we lodged complaints, seeking to know what the EC is doing about them," added Deb.
Mumbai, March 5 : Actress Karisma Kapoor says that her big Fan Moment was meeting Gayatri Devi.

Late Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, besides being an accomplished woman, was considered a classical beauty and had become a fashion icon in her younger days.

The actress got the opportunity to meet Gayatri Devi during the shooting of Shyam Benegal's 2001 film 'Zubeidaa' which also starred Manoj Bajpayee and Rekha.

"A few years ago, when I was making 'Zubeidaa', I met Rani Gayatri Devi for the first time and saw her elegance and her class. And you know that time I was also doing this movie which was also about a princess. So yes, it was a big fan moment," said Karisma Kapoor on the sidelines of Spring Summer Collection launch of designer Esha Amin.

Gayatri Devi's husband Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II, played a crucial role for Jaipur State to become part of the Union of India. She had become an extremely successful politician, especially during the 1960s.

Karisma, who was present to support a designer, feels that comfort plays a key role in fashion for her, which even creates a style statement.

"I should wear what I feel comfortable in, for me that is fashion. And once you wear what you feel comfortable in, that makes a style statement,"

Karisma ruled the film and fashion industry during her prime, especially during the 1990s. She was the most sought-after actress for all things fashionable, with numerous of the fashion trends she sported, being followed by girls of the country.

Currently Karisma Kapoor is going through a tough legal battle for divorce from her estranged businessman husband Sunjay Kapoor.
Kottayam, March 05 : The resignation of Kerala Congress (Mani) [KC(M)] rebels Francis George, Antony Raju and K C Joseph from the party on Friday seems to have triggered an exodus of sorts with more leaders walking out of the party declaring their support to the rebels.

KC(M) State general secretary Vakkachan Mattathil, State secretariat member Jose Kochupura, State secretaries P J Joseph and Mathew Kunnappilly, and six other State secretariat members announced their decision to leave the party on Saturday.

A section of Youth Front leaders under the leadership of Micheal James also reportedly held talks with Francis George.

The rebels also claimed to have the backing of a sizeable portion of activists owing allegiance to the erstwhile Joseph group in certain pockets of Kannur.

Announcing the decision to leave the KC(M), Vakkachan Mattathil, a former Rajya Sabha member, told mediapersons that K M Mani was was in the grip of a clique of schemers, adding that Mani was wont to exact vengeance on those falling out with him.

Meanwhile, Francis George said that a decision on formation of a new party would be taken on March 9.

Talking to reporters in Kottayam, he said that they were thinking about reviving the Kerala Congress founded in 1969, and not the one belonging to the P J Joseph group which merged with the KC(M) ahead of the previous assembly polls.

He expressed the hope that P J Joseph would part ways with K M Mani and join them.

On whether they would join the Left Democratic Front fold, Francis George said that their wish was to function as a separate group within the LDF.

Francis George along with Antony Raju and K C Joseph had called on CPI(M) leaders at the AKG centre in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday soon after announcing their intention to part ways with the KC(M).

The LDF, however, is yet to take a decision on inducting them into their fold.

Francis George stood by the claim that Jose K Mani held secret parleys with Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah to secure a junior ministerial berth in the NDA government.

He also took potshots at K M Mani, asking why he was reluctant to release the partys inquiry report on the alleged conspiracy behind the bar bribery scam despite being in possession of it.

Francis George, Antony Raju and K C Joseph had resigned from the KC(M) on Friday accusing party chairman K M Mani of functioning in a unilateral manner and of trying to usher in dynastic rule in the party by propping up his son Jose K Mani as the next in line to the throne.
Kolkata, March 5 : West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress on Saturday said the Election Commission (EC) should have been "more aware" about the state's geography and demography while drawing out the poll schedule for the assembly polls.

Interacting with media persons after an all-party meeting with Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sunil Gupta, Trinamool vice president Mukul Roy also asserted his party would come back to power with over a two-third majority.

"While its the prerogative of the EC to decide the number of phases and how to conduct the polls, but we feel, while picking up the assembly constituencies for the various phases, the EC should have been more aware about the state's geography and demography," he said.

"We feel, the division of the constituencies have been done without having proper awareness about the geographical conditions, about the knowledge of adjoining districts. This will create problems in campaigning," said Roy.

His comments come a day after party supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday terming the staggered six-phase assembly election schedule for the state as a "result of the stepmotherly" attitude towards the state.

Even as Roy criticised the schedule, both the Congress and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) raised serious objections to the assertions claiming they were "intimidating".

"While the chief minister made a similar remark on Friday, Roy made a similar assertion during the meeting before the CEO, which is akin to threatening and intimidating the EC," said Congress leader Debabrata Bose.

The CPI-M, which on the day lodged formal complaints with the EC about some comments made by Banerjee also held a similar view.

"Roy's comments before the EC officials, is indicative of the Trinamool's lack of respect for democratic institutions. The ruling party led by the Mamata Banerjee has already started to resort to various intimidating tactics," said CPI-M leader Rabin Deb.
New Delhi, March 5 : Linking the issue of women's empowerment with their numbers in parliament and state assemblies, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said it was impossible in the absence of their appropriate representation in legislative bodies.

"It's unfortunate (for the country) for not being able to ensure 33 percent representation of women in Parliament," he said here, while addressing the inaugural function of the two-day national conference of women legislators on 'Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India'.

He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was present on the occasion, for giving due importance to the cause of women and girls, saying: "I thank prime minister for 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' (save girl child, educate girl child) programme".

He said that to ensure overall development of the country and society, the country must recognise and encourage 'stree shakti' (women's power) and this could only be possible by giving them their due representation in parliament and state legislatures.

"How can there a be empowerment of women without proper representation," he asked.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said women's representation in parliament and state legislatures has to be corrected as they play a crucial role in society. Congress president Sonia Gandhi was also slated to attend the conference but did not turn up. Party sources said she was unwell.

Observing that the theme of the conference was "appropriate and timely", Ansari called upon all political parties to help in ensuring women's representation as it was in the national interest.

"Women must have votes and equal legal status, but the problem does not end there. It only commences at the point where women begin to affect the political deliberations of the nation," he said, adding that the present situation with regard to their representation is "certainly not very encouraging".

Sumitra Mahajan hoped when women legislators would sit together, they would come out with new provisions and answers to various problems.

She also emphasised the need for ensuring "women-friendly tools" as a large number of women work in the country's agriculture sector.

The Lok Sabha speaker also thanked renowned lyricist Prasoon Joshi for writing a good song for the conference. She said women could actually be best compared with the river as he did in the song which has been specially composed for the two-day conference.

"A river gives life to many... similarly women too, are life-givers," she said.

The Women's Reservation Bill that sought to reserve one-third of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha and the state legislative assemblies was introduced in Parliament by the UPA-I government in May 2008.

It was passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2010, but kept pending in the Lok Sabha and lapsed with the 15th Lok Sabha expiring its term.

The prime minister did not speak on the occasion.

Among those who attended the conference were women leaders Uma Bharti, Maneka Gandhi, Sheila Dikshit, and Poonam Mahajan.

The report examining the 1996 women's reservation Bill recommended that reservation be provided for women of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) once the Constitution was amended to allow for reservation for OBCs. It also recommended that such reservation be extended to the Rajya Sabha and the Legislative Councils. Neither of these recommendations has been incorporated in the Bill.
Kolkata, March 5 : The hobby of collecting ammunition landed a mother-daughter duo into trouble on Saturday after they were detained by police at the airport her ewhile they were to catch a flight to Dubai.

During the security check, five cartridges were found in their baggage following which Piyali De and daughter Anamika were detained.

"During interrogation, it was found that they have a hobby of collecting ammunitions and these cartridges were actually bought by them as collectibles. After verifying their claims and identities, they were allowed to go," said a police officer.
Vrindavan, March 5 : BJP national president Amit Shah on Saturday lashed out at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi for supporting the anti-national slogans and happenings in the Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi.

Addressing a conference of the Bharatiya Janata (BJP) Yuva Morcha here, Shah said efforts were being made to dress up seditious anti-national outbursts.

He sought to know if Rahul Gandhi supported anti-national slogans. Shah remarked that in the garb of free expression anti-national sentiments were being aired.

On the occasion, the BJP president praised the Narendra Modi government for taking major initiatives for taking the country to new heights. He urged the youth activists to ensure that the party remained in power not just for five but 25 years to take the country forward.

Shah asked the party workers to ensure the victory of the BJP in the forthcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.
Itanagar, March 5 : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul on Saturday formed his new council of ministers by inducting seven members of the People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) including two deputy chief ministers.

Governor Jyoti Prakash Rajkhowa administered the oath to the seven ministers at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan.

Deputy Speaker Tenzing Norbu Thongdok has been elevated to the rank of a cabinet minister, while veteran political leaders Chowna Mein and Kameng Dolo were inducted as deputy chief ministers.

The others ministers inducted were Sarvasshri Kumar Waii, Lombo Tayeng, Wanglin Lowangdong, Kamlung Mossang.

"The chief minister will take a decision soon to induct four more ministers in his cabinet," PPA spokesperson Pasang Dorjee Sona told IANS over phone.

Pul was sworn-in as the eighth chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh on February 19 after the central government recommended that President's Rule be lifted from the state.

On February 25, Pul won a vote of confidence in the 60-member assembly, whose strength now stands at 58 following the expulsion of two Congress legislators.

The BJP which has 11 members and two other Independent members also supported Pul. Ousted chief minister Nabam Tuki and his 16 loyalist Congress members did not attend the assembly session.

On Thursday, Pul and the 29 dissident Congress members merged with the regional PPA.
New Delhi, March 5 : A court here on Saturday dropped charges against suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) bomb maker Abdul Karim Tunda in 1998 case under the Explosive Substance Act - the fourth case he was facing.

Tunda, one of the 20 terrorists whom India had asked Pakistan to hand over after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, was chargesheeted by Delhi Police in four cases and with Saturday court's order, he has been discharged in all.

On April 23 last year, another Delhi court dropped charges against Tunda in connection with two separate blast cases - the October 28, 1997 blast in Karol Bagh and October 1, 1997 explosion in Sadar Bazar.

Another court on March 10 last year also discharged the Tunda, accused under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosive Substances Act, the Arms Act and for criminal conspiracy.

A sessions judge on Saturday discharged Tunda, accused of waging war against India under the Indian Penal Code and under the various provisions of Explosive Substance Act, observing that there lack of evidence to prove the allegations against him.

According to informed sources, two people were arrested by Delhi Police in connection with the case in 1998.

Police have also recovered explosive substances from the arrested accused.

Police has said that during investigation it was revealed that arrested accused were planning terror strikes in India to avenge the Babri Masjid demolition and Tunda was the mastermind of the plan.

Advocate M.S. Khan, defence counsel of Tunda told court that there is no evidence to bear out the allegations against his client and he was falsely implicated.

Though Tunda got relief in the fourth case, he has to remain in jail as he was named as an accused in 33 other bomb blast cases across India between 1994 and 1998, 22 of which occurred in Delhi.

However, Delhi Police has filed chargesheet against Tunda in only four cases and he gor relief in all four cases.

The detail order of the case will be released later.
Hyderabad, March 5 : A girl was burnt alive by a spurned lover and his friend in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, police said.

The shocking incident occurred in Chataparru village of Eluru mandal in West Godavari district.

Vicky and his friend Pedababu poured kerosene on 19-year-old Indumati and set her ablaze when she was alone in her house. The girl sustained 90 percent burns and died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Eluru town.

Senior police officials, who rushed to the hospital, spoke to the girl and recorded her statement before she succumbed.

Vicky, a youth living in the same village, had been harassing her as she had rejected his advances. He along with few friends recently came to the house and picked up a fight with her parents. The girl's family had lodged a complaint with police, which issued a strong warning to Vicky.

The elders from both sides were scheduled to meet on Sunday to sort out the issue but on Saturday the youth along with his friend burnt alive the girl.

Police booked a case against the accused under Nirbhaya Act and launched a hunt for them.

Women Empowerement Minister Peethala Sujatha spoke to district Superintendent of Police Bhaskar Bhushan and asked him to conduct a thorough investigation.
Brussels, March 6 : At least 140 Belgian soldiers will soon be deployed in a special operation to patrol the country's nuclear sites, the Belgian cabinet announced on Friday.

According to TV news channel RTL Info, these additional security measures were initiated by the Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon and follow the attacks in Paris last November, Xinhua reported.

A video found at the home of a suspected terrorist suggests that it was possible that attacks were being planned at Belgian nuclear sites, the report added.

The nuclear plants that will be protected by the army are Doel, Tihange, Mol, Dessel and Fleurus. The cost of the extra security measures will be met by electricity company Electrabel.

There are currently 740 military personnel carrying out patrols in Belgium. The terror threat level in the country, as set by the Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis (OCAM), remains at level three out of a possible four.
Beirut, March 6 : Palestinian refugees in north Lebanon Tripoli held a sit-in on Saturday to protest the continuing reduction in medical and educational services.

The services are supplied to the refugee camp of al-Beddawi by the United Nations Relief and Work Agency's (UNRWA), which shrank due to lack of funds, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the National News Agency, the sit-in campaigners voiced to increase pressure on UNRWA to undo the reduction which "has turned our people into walking dead at the gates of hospitals".

The new measures by UNRWA kicked off earlier this year and led to several protests in Palestinian refugee camps.

UNRWA decided to adapt its hospitalization support in Lebanon, so as to increase support for tertiary care and alleviate the burden of costly surgical operations.

In addition, a cost-sharing scheme for secondary care was introduced in line with positive international practice, according to UNRWA.
Woodwind & Brasswind this week announced the retailer will donate up to $20,000 to music projects to support of Music In Our Schools Month.

Woodwind & Brasswind this week announced the retailer will donate up to $20,000 to music projects to support Music In Our Schools Month. Woodwind & Brasswind works with various charities and music programs across the country to help music students in need.

Music In Our Schools Month is an annual celebration during March which engages music educators, students and communities around the United States in promoting the benefits of high quality music education programs in schools.

"We are proud of our involvement in bringing music to students across the country," said Woodwind & Brasswind President Steve Zapf. "We have rewarding partnerships that allow us to help thousands of music students every year. Were also able to support the greater music education community with the largest assortment of school instruments and accessories in the world, a dedicated staff of product specialists and a website for music educators with special educational pricing not available anywhere else.

For those interested in learning more about Woodwind & Brasswind's matching program, visit http://www.wwbw.com/donorschoose

About Woodwind & Brasswind

Woodwind & Brasswind  your band and orchestra authority  offers thousands of products to musicians and music educators all over the world, through online, phone and catalog channels. For almost 40 years, the company has provided expert advice, superior customer service and competitive pricing for all band and orchestra needs.
Sugar Foods launches a new website for its ground-breaking, zero-calorie ecoStick sweeteners which provide foodservice operators with better looking, space saving sweeteners that are affordable and are better for the planet. http://www.ecoStick.net

The GMO-free ecoStick sweeteners are provocative for their lowered impact on the environment. Both their packaging and ingredients are designed to change the world one sweetener at a time.

According to Sugar Foods, Since the turn of the century, your sweetener has barely changed. Now, a few small tweaks change everything. The elegant design of the new ecoStick sweeteners saves space, reduces waste and delivers the same great taste. Each ecoStick uses less packaging than traditional sweeteners, creating a sleek appearance and reducing their carbon footprint by 47% versus traditional sweetener packets. ecoStick sweeteners are also a proud supporter of Americas National Parks. We think of just doing our part to change our world, one tiny sweetener at a time.

For the first time, a full line of zero-calorie sweeteners in the most popular varieties: sucralose, saccharin, aspartame, and stevia are GMO-free and designed with the environment in mind.

As a proud supporter of the National Park Foundation (http://www.nationalparks.org/), ecoStick furthers its commitment to a sustainable planet by helping to ensure that people can enjoy these natural treasures for years to come.

In terms of the positive impact on the environment, the website notes, If Americans replaced their traditional sweeteners with ecoStick sweeteners, they would save 75,000 lbs. of cardboard, 274,000 lbs. of paper, 1.37 million lbs. of corn and take 194 truckloads off the roads in one year alone.

Currently, ecoStick sweeteners can be found at The Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Mt. Rushmore National Parks with plans to expand the products exposure throughout the industry.

###

About Sugar Foods Corporation

Sugar Foods is a multinational food products company servicing all segments of the marketplace  foodservice, cash and carry, retail, specialty and international markets. Our products cover a broad range of consumer known brands (such as ecoStick, Fresh Gourmet, NJoy, Maui Brand sugar, The Better Chip, Mrs. Cubbisons and Naturel Agave) to private label items. The companys core values and team principles are focused on an enduring commitment to its mission statement  The Customer Is King. Sugar Foods is a proud partner of the National Park Foundation. For more information visit http://www.ecoStick.net. Twitter: @sugarfoods123

About the National Park Foundation

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of Americas national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and INSPIRE the next generation of park stewards. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at http://www.nationalparks.org.
In response to the implementation of Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative, Huahai Vitiligo Hospital is proud to announce an upcoming trip to Africa and the Middle East to promote China-Africa academic exchanges and cooperation in vitiligo research. The famous Chinese vitiligo expert Cheng Aihua has been invited to Ghana, Kenya and Dubai for academic study and exchanges in early March 2016.

Aihua, director of the Huahai Vitiligo Hospital, is the expert of the United Nations vitiligo research clinic demonstration base. She has researched vitiligo for more than 23 years and developed a new vitiligo treatment, BWCT(black and white cured together). BWCT is now one of the worlds leading vitiligo treatments. This technology is the first vitiligo technology led by government. BWCT can treat all patients, regardless of the patients age, vitiligo size, or history of vitiligo. The new vitiligo treatment has successfully treated hundreds of thousands of patients from 118 countries worldwide. Aihua has been called the first person to cure vitiligo.

During her visit to Ghana, Kenya and Dubai, Aihua will conduct extensive exchanges with local government health officials and academic authorities. At the same time, to promote cooperation in the field of vitiligo medicine, she will also help people who want to engage in the medical field of vitiligo research to achieve entrepreneurial dreams. The "Internet + traditional Chinese medicine treatment" project will use remote diagnosis over the internet and scientific treatment for patients.

About Huahai Vitiligo Hospital

Huahai Vitiligo Hospital has specialized in the treatment of vitiligo for 20 years. They have the largest vitiligo research laboratory and preparation center in China and have taken China's National Ministry of Science and Technology to new heights regarding researching vitiligo. They have obtained more than 20 national patents and the protection of non-material cultural heritage. They have performed research of vitiligo therapeutic treatments and 13 medical monographs. In addition they have been published in Vitiligo Thoughts as well as more than 300 academic journals both at home and abroad. For more information visit http://www.hhvitiligo.com/.
Professor Johannes Rau imparted some invaluable perspectives on the Khojaly Massacre He stressed that responsibility for the crimes must be taken, thereby enabling the victims relatives to finally mourn.

On 26 February, a fascinating academic debate took place at Humboldt University in Berlin, focusing on the expertise of renowned Professor Johannes Rau. The event commemorated 24th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre in 1992  the worst single atrocity of the ArmenianAzerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which claimed the lives of 613 civilian victims. The death toll included 106 women, 63 children and 70 elderly people.

Speaking before the audience of 200 attendees, including politicians, VIPs and press representatives, Shahin Namati-Nasab, Director, The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) Germany, explained: TEAS is proud to organise this debate within the framework of the Justice for Khojaly campaign, which is an international awareness campaign initiated by Mrs Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President, Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The Justice for Khojaly international awareness campaign was launched on 8 May 2008. The campaigns rapid development is a measure of international support for the restoration of justice in the region. This support has been expressed at events in over 100 countries in Europe, America, Asia and Africa, and has come from individuals and international organisations, as well as states. This year, TEAS is organising events within the Justice for Khojaly campaign in Strasbourg, Stockholm, Vilnius, Athens, London, Brussels, Paris, Istanbul and Florence.

Mr Namati-Nasab continued: It is an immense pleasure to welcome the audience, including H.E. Parviz Shahbazov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany; Bundestag members, especially Florian Hahn MP and, of course, the main speaker tonight  Professor Johannes Rau  who is an expert on the complex situation in the post-Soviet Caucasus region, and particularly Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region and the seven surrounding districts, which remain under Armenian occupation. Having held important research and teaching posts in Moscow, he will enlighten us today with his profound insights.

Today, we commemorate the 24th anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre and, though many actions have been taken, the international community continues to ignore the ongoing Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the plight of the nearly one million Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Afterwards, Ambassador Shahbazov explained the significance of the massacre and the ongoing occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts. The situation is almost unbearable yet, despite this, Azerbaijan has still been transformed into a stable and economically successful partner for Germany and elsewhere in Europe. He explained that Azerbaijan aims to play a peaceful role in resolution of this conflict, although Armenia must take responsibility for its actions and withdraw from Azerbaijani territory.

Mr Hahn MP highlighted the relevance of Azerbaijan to Germany in his greeting and stated that Germany must play a constructive part in the settlement  especially within the scope of its OSCE Presidency.

Finally, Professor Rau hauntingly described the horror of the massacre and highlighted that not only human lives were erased, but unimaginable cruelties were also committed. He pointed out that, in addition to the high number of deaths, many human rights violations had been committed. At this point, he described the perspectives of both the Armenian offenders and foreign eyewitnesses. Professor Rau emphasised the need for swift conflict resolution. He stressed that responsibility for the crimes must be taken, thereby enabling the victims relatives to finally mourn.

Despite the passing of four UN Security Council resolutions against the invasion, Armenia continues to occupy Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts to this day. Currently nearly 20 per cent of Azerbaijani territory remains occupied. The event was dedicated to the memory of the Khojaly victims and those Azerbaijanis who have one wish  to return home.
Enterprise-IT-Security.com announced today that it will release its unique and patented system dump and log anonymization solution SF-SafeDump for z/OS mainframes in the U.S. on April 12, 2016. SF-SafeDumps U.S. premiere will coincide with a free webinar hosted at IBM Systems Magazine on April 12, 2016, at 10 a.m. PT / Noon CT / 1 p.m. ET.

Whenever systems or applications run into problems, they create system dumps and logs. Exchanging these dumps and logs with software vendors has been standard practice for decadesbut is it safe? "Far from being a harmless collection of technical data, dumps and logs frequently contain sensitive company and client data, sometimes even the entire contents of a computer's main memory," says Stephen Fedtke, CTO of Enterprise-IT-Security.com.

The world's most important business transactions run on IBMs System z, and hackers and saboteurs around the world would just love to get their hands on a core system dump coming from a large bank, health insurance or tech company, or even from the IRS or DOD," says Mr. Fedtke. "One dump in the wrong hands is enough to expose your company or even your country to significant IT risks."

To address these risks, Enterprise-IT-Security.com rolled out the Integrity 2.0 Initiative for System z at the beginning of this year. SF-SafeDump, the latest release, allows mainframe users to easily and effectively anonymize their system dumps and logs before sending them out. It currently supports IBMs z/OS mainframe platform, with support for other leading operating systems to be added in the near future. SF-Sherlock, the company's flagship protection software, is also part of Integrity 2.0.

ABOUT ENTERPRISE-IT-SECURITY.COM:

Enterprise-IT-Security.com is a leading provider of unique security and compliance solutions and services for both mainframe and client-server platforms. The Swiss company with worldwide operations specializes in critical IT infrastructure and partners with the world's largest companies and institutions to successfully achieve and maintain IT environments that fulfill the highest security and compliance requirements. Its Integrity 2.0 Initiative for System z, which launched in 2016, offers new and unique solutions for security and compliance at a level that far surpasses todays industry standards.

System z, and z/OS are trademarks of IBM Inc.

###

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Dr. Stephen Fedtke at ++41-(0)41-710-4005, or email stfedtke(at)enterprise-it-security(dot)com.
Miami, Fla: Juan Pablo Cappello, co-founder of Miami-based law firm, the Private Advising Group, recently joined the CASE i3 Advisory Council at Duke Universitys Center for Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE).

CASE is an award-winning research and education center based at Duke Universitys Fuqua School of Business that offers opportunities for student and practitioner engagement through projects, curriculum and practica. CASE i3 is the centers impact investing initiative (i3). Its primary purposes are to connect students, researchers, and practitioners with the resources needed to promote social and environmental impact as well as receive financial return.

Juan Pablo is a well-known entrepreneur who has supported venture capital and impact investing in Latin America. He began his career as a partner and director of Patagon.com, which was sold to Banco Santander for a transaction value of over US$750 million. In recent years, he has co-founded http://www.idea.me, the leading Latin American crowd-funding site; the LAB Miami, a 10,000 sq. ft. campus for creative entrepreneurs in Miamis Wynwood Art District; and, http://www.melaartisans.com, a leading retail site that promotes a sustainable livelihood for artisans in India by providing a customer base for their handmade products.

A Chilean native, Juan Pablo received his A.B. from Duke University and holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from NYU School of Law. He was named one of Poder Magazines Most Influential Hispanics in the areas of science and technology, and in 2012, was selected as a Top 50 Entrepreneur by Business Leader magazine. In addition to the Case i3 Advisory Council, Juan Pablo also serves on the Knight Foundation Advisory Committee, the US Board of Un Techo Para Mi Pais, is a senior advisor of Endeavor.org, and a member of the Legal Committee of the Latin American Venture Capital Association.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held last week for The Montclare at Lawndale, a new affordable assisted living community that Gardant Management Solutions will operate.

The community, which will be located in Chicagos Lawndale neighborhood next to Unity Park, is expected to open next year. It will serve older adults of all incomes, including those on Medicaid, who need some help to maintain their independence. It is designed to especially benefit low-income seniors.

This is a great day in Lawndale, especially for our seniors, said Cook County Commissioner Robert Steele, who served as master of ceremonies for the groundbreaking.

The development is able to move ahead, Steele said, because of a partnership that was created between private industry and the City of Chicago, state and federal governments.

Funding sources for the $27.7 million project include a loan from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, City of Chicago HOME Funds, a TIF grant, and an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant.

The community will operate through the Illinois Supportive Living Program, which provides a residential alternative to nursing homes.

It has been a long-time coming, said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. By investing in senior housing, we are investing in the community.

The five-story, 108,000 square-foot building will house 120 private studio and one-bedroom apartments. Each of the private apartments at The Montclare will feature a kitchenette, spacious bathroom with shower and grab bars, individually-controlled heating and air conditioning units, and an emergency alert system.

In addition, The Montclare will have community areas, including a dining room, movie theater and fitness area.

Certified nursing assistants, working under the direction of a licensed nurse, will be on-duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The community will be managed by Gardant Management Solutions. It will further expand Gardants mission of providing residents with the love, compassion and dignity they deserve, in addition to the help with medication and personal assistance they need, said Rod Burkett, President and CEO of Gardant.

I know the value of this type of project, said Sen. Patricia Van Pelt, whose district also includes the Heritage Woods of Chicago affordable assisted living community managed by Gardant.

For the seniors who live in Lawndale, The Montclare is a blessing because it means they will not have to go far to live in a community that operates through the Supportive Living Program, said Rep. Arthur Turner Jr.

Construction of the community is being accomplished through a joint venture involving Safeway Construction, Brown Construction Co., Inc., and the Joseph J. Duffy Company.

When fully occupied, the community will provide 55 to 60 full-time and part-time jobs. Annual payroll with benefits is projected to be $1.9 million.

The Montclare will join more than 40 other communities operated by Gardant Management Solutions. Gardant is the largest assisted living provider in Illinois and the 14th largest provider in the nation. In Chicago, Gardant also operates Beth Anne Place and Churchview Supportive Living.

Individuals interested in having their names added to the interest list to obtain further information about The Montclare can call 1-877-882-1495 toll-free.
High School students representing 10 Arizona High School automotive programs will participate in the 2016 Arizona High School Auto Challenge being hosted at Mesa Community College, Friday April 22.

Junior and Senior high school students from across the state first competed online via a written qualifying test administered on Jan. 27. The top 10 schools will select a team of two seniors and one alternate to travel to MCC to demonstrate their automotive skills hands-on by fixing a uniformly bugged vehicle.

Schools participating in this inaugural event, listed starting with the highest score from the qualifying exam, are:

1. West-MEC  Peoria High School  Peoria

2. Safford High School  Safford

3. Mountain View High School  Marana/Tucson

4. East Valley Institute of Technology High School  Mesa

5. Page High School  Page

6. Flowing Wells High School  Tucson

7. Kofa High School Yuma

8. Lake Havasu High School  Lake Havasu

9. Marana High School  Marana/Tucson

10. Mingus Union High School  Cottonwood

A full-time student scholarship will be at stake when high school students from these schools from across Arizona test their automotive skills during the Arizona High School Auto Challenge sponsored by Maricopa Community Colleges. Auto instructors from across the Maricopa Community Colleges have banded together to present the Auto Challenge, which replaces a similar competition co-hosted for 22 years by Ford and AAA. Mesa CC: Bryce Bond and Steve Skroch, Glendale CC: Don Davis and Gateway CC: Steve Folks.

The qualifying exam provided all students the experience of sitting for the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification tests, the industry standard. Awards, tools and scholarships will be presented to students during the competition, which is also supported by Glendale Community College and GateWay Community College automotive programs.

Contacts

Mesa Community College, Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer(at)mesacc(dot)edu

Gateway Community College, Christine Lambrakis, 602-286-8227, lambrakis(at)gatewaycc(dot)edu

Glendale Community College, Janet Traylor, 602-432-7390, janet.traylor(at)gccaz(dot)edu

GateWay Community College is a fully accredited public institution of higher education located in Phoenix. Offering more than 125 certificate and associate degree programs in the areas of Business and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Industrial Technology, Nursing and University Transfer, GateWay has emerged as a leading institution to meet the needs of business and industry. Visit http://www.gatewaycc.edu or call 602-286-8000 for more information. The campus is located at 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix AZ 85034.

Glendale Community College offers innovative higher education curriculum in 111 associate degree, certificate, transfer, workforce development and career re-training programs. Glendale Community College is one of ten colleges in the Maricopa Community College District.

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for its service-learning, civic engagement and innovative educational programs, which include university transfer, career and technical, workforce development, and lifelong learning. Host to nearly 40,000 students annually, MCC offers more than 195 degrees and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. MCCs student body hails predominantly from the East Valley of Phoenix and includes Veteran, American Indian and International students who enrich the learning experience. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to compete locally and globally. MCC is one of 10 colleges that comprise the Maricopa County Community College District. The District also includes the Maricopa Corporate College and two skill centers. For additional information, visit mesacc.edu.

Glendale Community College, Gateway Community College and Mesa Community College are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) http://www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440.

The Maricopa County Community College District is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
As a free-lance writer Jim Lamb knows the drill when it comes to interviewing otherscheerleaders, clowns, authors and airplane pilotsbut being on the other side of table is like an out-of-body experience. Thats how he portrayed being profiled by TheProse.com; a link to that interview can be found on his website at http://www.jslstories.com.

The retired journalist lives in Florida and writes regularly for MCA-RJ (http://myclassifiedads.net)

TheProse.com describes itself as a reading and writing community that provides an innovative social platform for creating and consuming literature. It's a place where your words are never censored and always remain your own. Lamb is a regular poster of some awesome wordsmithery as well as a great supporter and commenter, a Prose staffer said.

For his part, Lamb listed why he enjoys writing at The Prose: "The intimacy. The great young talent. The exuberance. Immediacy. Feedback. I cant imagine what it would've been like having TheProse.com growing up."

During the interview, he singled out an English teacher at Windber Area High School as a major influence:

She saw past my motorcycle boots, long hair, sunglasses and teen-induced moodiness, Lamb said, affectionately. She planted seeds that took years to root and grow, but eventually they produced a healthy harvest. Why she took the time to invest in me, I do not know. Perhaps she possessed the genuinely passionate and patient heart of a true teacher. Thats a powerful quality in a person.

Lamb is originally from Pennsylvania: Born in Johnstown, grew up in Windber, thrown out of college in Shippensburg, drafted in Kennett Square. He joined the Navy in the fall of 1967: Boot camp in Great Lakes, electronics training at Naval Air Station Memphis, processed for an undesirable discharge on suspicion of drugs in Corpus Christi, TX, though charges were later dropped.

A self-described bookwormhe wrote poems, played guitar and acted in theatric productions in high school and collegeLamb had difficulty adjusting to the rigors of military life, particularly inspections. Then, after three and a half years of trying, he finally learned how to conform to Navy life by amassing a collection of proven techniques. The result: stunningly shined shoes, a brilliantly bright brass belt buckle, starched white hat, perfectly trimmed hair.

He became virtually indistinguishable from every other sailor.

That gave me an idea, Lamb said. I decided to go into one of the biggest and most important inspections of the year in perfect naval attire except for one thing: I wore orange socks.

And he got away with it.

That impish act gave birth to one of the more comical chapters in his book Orange Socks & Other Colorful Tales.

Following his time in the Navy, Lamb worked a variety of jobsincluding youth director, ditch digger, carpenters helper, kitchen cleaner, mason tender and mosquito killerbefore going to what was then called Pasco-Hernando Community College. He later attended the University of South Florida. After graduation, he took a job with The Tampa Tribune, where he worked 11 years.

Lamb calls Orange Socks a collection of the good, the bad and the funny things that happened to him while serving in The Worlds Largest and Cleanest Nuclear Navy. The book is available in Kindle, ePub and PDF versions. It can be purchased at Amazon for $4.99, in the iTunes Store for $4.99 or as a "DRM-Free Bundle" at http://www.jslstories.com/orange-socks.

ABOUT: Jim Lamb is a 1977 graduate of the University of South Florida with a double major in Mass Communications and Political Science. He worked as a copy desk editor for The Tampa Tribune, The Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Charlotte Sun-Herald. Now retired, Lamb free-lances for MCA (http://myclassifiedads.net), a full-service ad agency based in Tampa.
We are excited about the potential to connect with local business owners and provide them with smart and affordable marketing solutions

LW Marketing will be exhibiting their products and services at the 2016 Community Business Expo, organized by the Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce. The event will take place from 3pm to 7pm at the Promenade Shops in Bonita Springs, FL.

The digital marketing agency, based in Bonita Springs, has a diverse client base all throughout North America. They specialize in providing small to mid-size business owners with SEO, SMM, business video and motion graphics, measurable digital marketing, innovative web and print design and strategic long-term planning solutions.

This is the second year we are joining other community service providers at the Business Expo, said Palma Frable, Director of Marketing Operations at LW Marketing and Consulting. We are looking forward to expanding the opportunities available to us, as a member with the Bonita Chamber. We are excited about the potential to connect with local business owners and provide them with smart and affordable marketing solutions.

The LW team is built with an experienced team of marketing consultants, business development strategists, graphic designers, web developers, programmers and specialized email-marketing technicians. The collaborative team is able to provide comprehensive, analytical value-added marketing services to their clients, all to assist in the clients business growth goals.

Visit the LW Marketing Team at Table # 71 near the waterfalls and across from DeRomos, and register to win $ 500 in promotional marketing! Click here for directions to the event.

For more information about LW Marketing visit: http://www.LWMarketing.com

About LW Marketing:

LW Marketing is a full-service, comprehensive marketing agency that provides marketing services both locally and across North America, for a diversified range of clients. LW Marketing provides clients with website and graphic design, print design, website development, print and promotional collateral, business video and motion graphics and SEO and SMM. LW Marketing also has their own promotional website where businesses can shop for promotional products to bring their brand to life. Visit their promotional site here. They are your next BIG idea.
Oddly for an interview about a book suffused with the nature of a single placein this case, the book is All Things Cease to Appear, coming from Knopf in Marchmy talk with author Elizabeth Brundage takes place everywhere and nowhere. She skypes from a corner of her apartment overlooking an old mill in New Yorks Albany County, I talk from coastal Florida, and we immediately discover that we both come from central New Jersey. All Things Cease to Appear being a gorgeous but searing book with a murder at its heart, its lovely to discover that Brundage is relaxed and funny, as comfortable talking about White Castle hamburgers as about narrative experimentation.

After graduating from Hampshire College and attending NYUs film school, Brundage was a screenwriting fellow at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles, where she says she learned the fundamentals of storytelling. After an agent who read one of her scripts suggested that she try fictionShe said she liked my sentencesshe got an M.F.A. from the Iowa Writers Workshop and three novels followed. Viking published The Doctors Wife (2004), Somebody Elses Daughter (2008), and A Stranger like You (2010).

Brundages fourth novel, and her first for Knopf, All Things Cease to Appear is also her most complex book to date. Spanning nearly three decades and a variety of viewpoints, its narrative is at once a police procedural, a family drama, a bildungsroman, a love story, and a ghost tale. Brundage dislikes writing the same kind of book twice and embraces formal experimentation, and she is no stranger to fictional complexity. Still, she says, this latest work put up a hell of a fight.

The central action of the novel occurs in Chosen, N.Y., a fictional town in real-life Columbia County. One day in 1979, George Clare holds his young daughter in his arms when he arrives at his neighbors door, announcing that he has just found his wife murdered. The storys seed was sown 24 years ago, when Brundage and her cardiologist husband, who was then a medical resident, were looking to buy a house. I was standing in this room, looking out on the backyard, and there was this sort of oppressive darkness. The realtor told her that a woman had been murdered next door with her three-year-old daughter in the house. Her husband came home and found his wife dead and his daughter in her pajamas. Brundage adds, The finished novel is a completely invented story, but for years I couldnt get that initial image out of my mind.

Brundage has lived in the region about which she writes for several decades now, giving her a sure sense of its nuances and complexities. All Things Cease to Appear captures its contrasts: the collision of rural tradition and urban gloss as the failing farms of longtime residents are bought by more affluent outsiders, and the way the loss and change of human life is juxtaposed with the staggering natural beauty of the land. Shimmering at the edge of her setting is the vision of the Hudson River School painters, whose luminous and sweeping landscapes helped define the region in American culture. Brundage says she knew early on that Clare would be an art historian, but she was unsure of his focus. I thought it might be Caravaggio until I saw some George Inness paintings that had been acquired by the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, near our home at the time. Then, soon after, in a moment of serendipity, my husband and I passed a sign advertising a lecture by an Inness expert named Adrienne Baxter Bell. Of course, I insisted that we go.

Baxter Bells talk opened up the book for me, Brundage says. Everything I use in a novel has some reason for being there. Innesss connection with the Hudson River School allowed me to explore the beauty of the regions landscape and to consider the land, and nature, as a prevailing spiritual forcea way to connect with God. Innesss devotion to the philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg made so much sense for the novel thematicallyit was a way to address this question of an afterlife, ghosts and angels, where we go after deathit was an incredible gift.

For someone who studies visual and philosophical transcendence, Brundages Clare has a distinctly dark side. He is suspected of killing his wife within pages of the novels opening. Yet Brundage wanted to make him recognizable and ambiguous, and she succeeds. He has a kind of strange charisma, she says. He doesnt ever apologize for his behavior, or really consider that hes done anything wrong. In his mind hes always just getting out of a difficult situation.

Clares wife, Catherine, came in part out of the authors own past. Brundage says that Catherine has a 1950s sort of repression and insecurityshe lives by a kind of code that I describe as being handed down like everyday china. But in the late 1970s, when I started college, women like her were also beginning, fighting, to change. When Catherine and her feminist friend Justine hear Adrienne Rich reading from her 1978 book, A Dream of a Common Language, a pleasure Brundage herself experienced and has never forgotten, Catherine begins, however gropingly, to regain her own power. I dont really write about my own life, Brundage comments. But its fair to say that Im sort of a combination of Catherine and Justine. I think a lot of women share that. We have this strong side, this powerful side, but we also have inside us a frightened, vulnerable person who doesnt want to trust the things she already knows.

Though it shares the readability and craft of its three predecessors, All Things Cease to Appear leaves behind their more topical themes, among them abortion, adoption, pornography, and PTSD. About her last book, A Stranger like You, Brundage says: I had begun to venture into somewhat different terrain. I was really pleased with the experimentation I did in that book, but it didnt do very well.

Referring to her time at Viking, she adds, I think it was probably a good time to move on for all of us. Still, she has no regrets. I was happy and grateful to be working with the team there, she says. A group of strong, incredibly smart women. I learned a lot from them, and they tried really hard with my work.

The fact that Brundages latest novel was slow in coming offered another sort of opportunity. I knew this book was different, she says. It seemed like the right time to readdress who I was as a writer, what I wanted to accomplish on the page. I was encouraging my students at Skidmore to write good literary fiction and to take their time, I realized, so why wasnt I doing that? Why wasnt I letting myself take the time to really do what I wanted to do, try new things, get away from worrying about what the book was or whether it would sell? With that, the pages started accumulating.

When it came time to sell the new book, I wasnt really sure what I had, Brundage says. In a discussion with her agent, she mentioned Gary Fisketjon at Knopf. All my favorite writers have been edited by Gary, she notes. Hes like the guru. I didnt think hed want to work with me, but we sent it to him and, lo and behold, he liked it. His editing, his appreciation for the importance of every single sentence... its been miraculous.

As I ask about whats next, we are interrupted by Daisy, Brundages golden retriever, nestling against her legperhaps a sign that weve talked long enough.

You have to be patient, Brundage says in closing. Writing takes its own time. Its okay if it takes years. Theres no point in writing something thats not good. Ive learned that lessonto really waitthe hard way. I was able to do that with All Things Cease to Appear. Whatever happens, Im satisfied.

Florida writer Suzanne Fox is the publisher of Stories of You Books.
Readers Respond

Hachette Book Group announced on Tuesday that it will buy the publishing division of Perseus Book Group, whose imprints include Running Press, Da Capo, and Weinstein Books. In a comment on publishersweekly.com, Kensginton CEO Steven Zacharius gave his take on the deal:

The big get bigger and the independent publishers like us have to compete even harder. Its a shame that this industry has been consolidated to five major publishers and 10 major book accounts with less and less retail space available. On the other hand, it makes us more attractive to many agents and authors because they like to be affiliated with a smaller, nimble company.

Farewell to Louise Rennison

Beloved British author Louise Rennison died on Monday, and fans shared fond memories and farewells on our site:

So sad. I adored those books and read them over and over. She was a comic genius!Kate Hosford

She easily evoked the memories and feelings of being a teen. The world is a much sadder place without her brilliant wit and sparkling personality.Tambra Nicole Kendall

From the Newsletters

PW Daily

Sign up for PW Daily and get each days publishing news delivered to your inbox.



Tip Sheet

Amy Parker, author of the linked-story collection Beasts and Children (HMH), picks 10 other great linked-story collections.

Childrens Bookshelf

Two former publishers pay tribute to British author and comedian Louise Rennison, whose Confessions of Georgia Nicolson books were bestsellers in the U.K. and the U.S.

BookLife Report

Self-publishing tips from Andres Quintero, the architect turned author behind Hairy Harold & His Extraordinary Trip to New York.

The most-read review on publishersweekly.com last week was Barkskins by Annie Proulx (Scribner).



Blogs

ShelfTalker

Why more trade publishers should get on board with the Reading Recovery program for struggling early readers.

Podcasts

Week Ahead

PW senior writer Andrew Albanese on Hachettes acquisition of Perseuss publishing division, and whether the Supreme Court Conference could be the end of the road for Apples e-book price-fixing case.

More to Come

The More to Come crew discuss the Angouleme Rebellion: after the recent controversy regarding sexism at Frances Angouleme Comics Festival, 40 French comics publishers demand changes and threaten a boycott.

LitCast

Katie Chin discusses her new cookbook, Katie Chins Everyday Chinese Cookbook (Tuttle).

PW Radio

Prolific childrens book author Bridget Heos discusses her new book, Its Getting Hot in Here (HMH), which informs kids about global climate change. PW editorial director Jim Milliott explains how Hachette and Ingram finally bought Perseus.

PW Star Watch 2016 Is Open for Nominations

Were looking for the next generation of publishing-industry leaders. Do you work with someone who is going to make a big impact on the business? Nominate them for PW Star Watch, or you can nominate yourself. A panel of judges including members of PW, the Frankfurt Book Fair, and noted industry leaders will pick 50 up-and-coming stars and select five top honorees and a Superstar who will get an all-expense-paid trip to the 2016 Frankfurt Book Fair. Find out more at publishersweekly.com/starwatch.
In February, PW visited the children's pavilions at the 25th Feria Internacional del Libro de La Habana (Havana International Book Fair), where there was no shortage of books for children and young adults. Lines of children with their families and groups of teenagers extended for a couple of blocks, and no one seemed to walk out of the fair without a few books in hand.

One of the titles by Cuban authors that stood out at the fair was Zambile by Nersys Felipe Herrera, beautifully illustrated by Alejandro Rodriguez Fornes. It's a children's book that deals with the subject of African children who were brought to Cuba as slaves. Herrera is an educator and poet who has twice been awarded the Premio Casa de las Americas, one of Cuba's most prestigious literary prizes.

Another book that drew lots of interest was the young adult title Vampiros con tatuajes raros (Vampires with Weird Tattoos). Written by Eldys Baratute Benavides, Vampiros is composed of seven amusing stories about being differentabout children who are marginalized or rejected by others. The illustrations by Dagnay Tomas Martinez are in a fun and whimsical style, in keeping with the spirit of the text.

Baratute was born in 1983 and has already published more than a dozen books for children and young adults. He has won three of Cuba's most prestigious literary awards for children's and YA books: Calendario, La Edad de Oro, and La Rosa Blanca. Baratute is also the president of the Guantanamo chapter of the Asociacion Hermanos Saiz (a Cuban cultural organization for artists younger than 35). His books are known for addressing various social problems in a very entertaining manner.

Ivette Vian Altarriba is a storyteller, poet, journalist, and television writer. She has won numerous awards, including La Edad de Oro, Premio Ismaelillo, and La Rosa Blanca. Vian is the creator of a popular children's television program in Cuba called La sombrilla amarilla (The Yellow Umbrella). The show takes place in the home of a fictional artistic woman named Marcolina, and a book based on the show was popular at the fair. Marcolina en la cocina (Marcolina in the Kitchen) has a colorful cover and features almost 60 simple recipes from the show. In addition to the recipes, the book includes songs, tongue twisters, guessing games, and comments about some of the ingredients used in the recipes. The illustrations are by Aristides Hernandez, better known as Ares. Ares has illustrated more than 70 books, and his work appears in periodicals all over the world. In 2002, he received the National Cultural Medal from the Cuban Cultural Ministry. The book is appropriate for older children and young adults.
FICTION

La abadia

(The Abbey)

James Martin

HarperCollins Espanol

ISBN 978-0-7180-7895-9

In the tradition of the spiritual classics comes a debut novel from the revered Jesuit priest and bestselling author

of Jesus and The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything.

La amiga estupenda (Dos amigas 1)

(My Brilliant Friend)

Elena Ferrante

Lumen

ISBN 978-1-941999-72-1

This modern masterpiece from one of Italy's most acclaimed authors is a rich, intense story about two friends.

El ano en que te conoci

(The Year I Met You)

Cecelia Ahern

Ediciones B

ISBN 978-8-46665-792-1

Losing her job felt like losing everything, but being fired is just the beginning for Jasmine. In the year that follows, she learns more about herself than she could have imagined.

El azul entre el cielo y el agua

(The Blue Between Sky and Water)

Susanne Abulhawa

Planeta

ISBN 978-607-07-3016-0

A tale of powerful, flawed women; of departures, separation, and heartache; of renewal, endurance, and love. Abulhawa brings a raw humanity and delicate authority to this story of a Palestinian family's journey.

Cancion de cuna de Auschwitz

(Auschwitz Lullaby)

Mario Escobar

HarperCollins Espanol

ISBN 978-0-7180-7610-8

Helene describes her stay in Auschwitz IIBirkenau, a Nazi extermination camp. As a German citizen, she doesn't have to go to Auschwitz, but she decides to share her Gypsy familys fate.

Cinco esquinas

(Five Points)

Mario Vargas Llosa

Alfaguara

ISBN 978-1-941999-70-7

Peruvian characters from different

social circles find themselves affected

by the terror provoked by the Shining Path, tabloid journalism, and the corruption of the ruling elite during President Alberto

Fujimori's administration in the 1990s.

El espia ingles

(The English Spy)

Daniel Silva

HarperCollins Espanol

ISBN 978-0-7180-7647-4

Bestselling author Silva delivers a other thriller in his latest action-packed tale of high stakes international intrigue, featuring the inimitable Gabriel Allon.

El hijo

(The Son)

Philipp Meyer

Literatura Random House

ISBN 978-843-9729-273-

An epic of the American West and a multigenerational saga of power, blood, land, and oil that follows the rise of one unforgettable Texas family.

Huerfanos de Brooklyn

(Motherless Brooklyn)

Jonathan Lethem

Literatura Random House

ISBN 978-8-4397-0647-2

Lionel Essrog is an orphan with Tourettic impulses who works for small-time mobster Frank Minna. When Frank is fatally stabbed, this outcast attempts to untangle the case.

El invierno mas largo

(Wolf Winter)

Cecilia Ekback

Roca

ISBN 978-84-163-0683-1

Maija and her family arrive in Sweden hoping to forget the traumas of their past. Above them looms Blackasen, a mountain whose dark history haunts those who live in its shadow.

Logia

(Lodge)

Francisco Ortega

Planeta

ISBN 978-607-07-3221-8

After the death of a writer working on a story about a fourth ship in Columbus's expedition to America, a novelist becomes obsessed with finding the truth about the mysterious boat.

La melodia del tiempo

(The Melody of Time)

Jose Luis Perales

Plaza & Janes

ISBN 978-84-010-1680-6

This is the story of three generations living in a Castilian townan homage to country life about love, roots, and the relationship between parents and children.

Muerte en Blackheat

(Death on Blackheath)

Anne Perry

Ediciones B

ISBN 978-84-666-5699-3

Thomas Pitt is ordered to investigate the blood, hair, and shards of glass discovered outside the home of naval weapons expert Dudley Kynaston, and the disappearance of the Kynaston's maid.

Paginas de viaje

(Lone Star)

Paullina Simons

HarperCollins Espanol

ISBN 978-0-7180-8045-7

This is a love story about a college-bound young woman and a traveling troubadoura compelling novel of love lost and found, set against the backdrop of Eastern Europe.

ParisAusterlitz

(ParisAusterlitz)

Rafael Chirbes

Anagrama

ISBN 978-84-339-9802-6

A painter from Madrid recalls the steps that led to the last journey of his relationship with Michel, the man who took him in. Michel is now dying.

Un pacto audaz

(How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days)

Laura Lee Guhrke

HarperCollins Espanol

ISBN 978-0-7180-8023-5

From bestselling author Guhrke comes the story of a marriage of convenienceand the chance for love to last a lifetime.

Un regalo que no esperabas

(A Gift You Weren't Hoping For)

Daniel Glattauer

Alfaguara

ISBN 978-84-204-1223-8

When Gerold discovers he has a 14-year-old son, his life is upended. Then he finds himself involved in anonymous donations that turn him into an unwitting hero.

Una leccion de vida y muerte

(The Facts of Life and Death)

Belinda Bauer

Roca

ISBN 978-84-164-9836-9

In North Devon, in southern England, young women have become victims of a terrifying murder game. Meanwhile, 10-year-old Ruby lives in constant fear of school bullies and the threat of her parents' divorce.

La vigilante del Louvre

(The Louvre Watchman)

Lara Siscar

Plaza & Janes

ISBN 978-84-010-1598-4

A security guard at the Louvre finds herself obsessed with L'Origine du monde, a 19th-century painting by Gustave Courbet, and she's not alone in her fascination.

NONFICTION

Ciudades fabulosas

(Fantastic Cities)

Steve McDonald

Urano

ISBN 978-84-795-3939-9

This unique coloring book features aerial views of real cities from around the world alongside gorgeously illustrated architectural mandalas.

Como leer y entender la Biblia

(How to Read and Understand the Bible)

Larry Richards

Tyndale

ISBN 978-1-4964-1299-7

Join scholar and theologian Richards on a journey through the Old and New Testaments, as he explores 21 key stories and themes in scripture and shows what they reveal to us about God.

Del caos emocional a la paz interior

(From Emotional Chaos to Inner Peace)

David Sola

Tyndale

ISBN 978-1-4964-1307-9

There are various

reasons why we can

become victims of our own emotions. Here, Sola provides tips on how to resolve the emotional chaos.

La enciclopedia del punto

(The Stitch Encyclopedia)

We Are Knitters

Aguilar Ocio

ISBN 978-84-035-0821-7

This book features photographs and diagrams of more than 100 types of stitches to knitfrom the most classic to the most complex and spectacular.

Franco con franqueza

(Frankly Franco: The Public Figure's Private Tales)

Jose Maria Zavala

Plaza & Janes

ISBN 978-84-010-1546-5

This book explores Franco's private life, revealing that he had an illegitimate brother and was abused by his father.

El futuro de la arquitectura en 100 edificios

(The Future of Architecture in 100 Buildings)

Marc Kushner

Urano

ISBN 978-84-929-2142-3

The founder of Architizer.com and

architect highlights 100 important buildings that embody the future of architecture.

Hacemos pan

(Let's Make Bread)

Alma Obregon e Iban Yarza

Aguilar Ocio

ISBN 978-84-035-0078-5

This book features recipes to make all kinds of bread: quick breads; pretty breads; breads to share; healthy, delicious breads; and traditional breads, like roscon.

Medicina tradicional China

(Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Jose A. Gallardo

Sirio

ISBN 978-84-165-7939-6

Acupuncture is an important branch of traditional Chinese medicine that uses needles and heat. Gallardo explains the basic mechanisms by which it operates.

Mujeres terribles de la Biblia

(Wicked Women of the Bible)

Ann Spangler

Vida

ISBN 978-0-8297-6460-4

This book tells the compelling and entertaining stories of more than 20 of the most fascinating and outrageous women in the Bible.

Personas e ideas (Obra reunida 1)

(People and Ideas: Collected Works, Vol. 1)

Enrique Krauze

Debate

ISBN 978-60-731-3083-7

This volume contains Krauze's splendid conversations with world-class thinkers and writers. They discuss history, free thought, and the critique of ideologies.

Principios que funcionan

(It Worked for Me)

Colin Powell

HarperCollins Espanol

ISBN 978-0-8297-0246-0

Powell's book is bound to inspire, move, and surprise readers. Thoughtful and revealing, it is a brilliant and original blueprint for leadership.

Recetas sanas para cada dia

(Everyday Healthy Recipes)

Jamie Oliver

Grijalbo

ISBN 978-60-731-3623-5

This book is filled with satisfying recipes that will tickle your taste buds, and since Oliver has done all the work on the nutrition front, every choice is a good choice.

Siete mujeres

(Seven Women)

Eric Metaxas

Grupo Nelson

ISBN 978-0-7180-4171-7

In his anticipated follow-up to Seven Men, Metaxas gives us seven portraits of some of history's greatest women, each of whom changed the course of history after following God's call.

30 minutos para salvar tu matrimonio

(Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love)

Marcia Naomi Berger

Diana

ISBN 978-607-07-3205-8

Couples can fix their problemsthey just have to learn how. Psychotherapist and clinical social worker Berger has created half-hour sessions aimed at resolving crucial issues that couples face.

Tenia que sobrevivir

(I Had to Survive)

Roberto Canessa and Pablo Vierci

Atria Espanol

ISBN 978-1-4767-6547-1

A gripping firsthand account of the power of human endurance, revealing what it took to survive in the Andes and what Canessa's pediatric cardiology patients teach him about survival every day.

Tiene futuro Dios?

(The Future of God)

Deepak Chopra

Vintage Espanol

ISBN 978-0-8041-6965-3

In this powerful, groundbreaking, and imaginative new work, the bestselling author explores the evolution of God.

Vivir con intencion

(Living with Intent)

Mallika Chopra

Diana

ISBN 978-607-07-3221-8

Everyone is entitled to lead a fuller life. Chopra helps readers create a practical chart to reach this goal.

CHILDREN'S/YA

Lost atrevidos dan el gran salto

(The Daring Take the Plunge)

Elsa Punset

Beascoa

ISBN 978-60-731-3919-9

Punset combines endearing adventures for children with a workshop in which the whole family will discover clues and resources for improving their emotional intelligence.

Bomba apestosa cara de catsup

(Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers)

John Dougherty

Alfaguara Infantil

ISBN 978-60-731-3174-2

In this hilarious book, Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face set off on a dangerous

adventure (or it may just be very silly and mildly perilous!).

Dara & Nick

(Vanishing Girls)

Lauren Oliver

Ediciones B

ISBN 978-84-160-7561-4

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the

accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred. She vanishes on her birthday, and Nick has to find her.

Los grandes genios de la historia

(History's Greatest Geniuses in 25 Stories)

Javier Alonso Lopez

Montena

ISBN 978-84-904-3485-7

Entertaining and informative, this book presents the thinkers, scientists, artists, and inventors who changed the world.

El libro que duerme

(The Sleeping Book)

Cedric Ramadier

Loguez Ediciones

ISBN 978-84-944-2955-2

It's time for bed, but the book wants to be told a bedtime story. Its eyes finally close when it gets a little kiss.

Nac-nac, el monstruo comelibros

(Nibbles the Book Monster)

Emma Yarlett

Bruno

ISBN 978-84-696-0491-5

Look out! Nibbles has eaten through his book, escaped, and moved onto other stories!

La proxima vez que veas la luna

(Next Time You See the Moon)

Emily Morgan

NSTA Kids

ISBN 978-1-68140-286-4

Through vivid pictures and engaging explanations, children will learn about many of the Moon's mysteries.

Una historia verdadera

(A True Story)

Juan Arjona

A Buen Paso

ISBN 978-84-944-0767-3

Grandpa Manolo was painter who used to fly from scaffold to scaffold. Grandma Carmen didn't fly at all. Thus begins this sweet love story filled with magic realism.

Una pelota para Daisy

(A Ball for Daisy)

Chris Raschka

Corimbo

ISBN 978-84-847-0526-0

Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog.

Yo soy la humanidad

(I, Humanity)

Jeffrey Bennett

Big Kid Science

ISBN 978-1-937548-56-8

This book describes what we now know about the universe and how we learned it.

AUDIO

Arte Tolteca de la Vida y la Muerte

(Toltec Art of Life and Death)

Don Miguel Ruiz, read by Horacio Mancilla

HarperCollins Espanol

ISBN 978-0-7180-8906-1

The bestselling author of The Four Agreements takes listeners on a mystical Toltec-inspired journey, introducing us to a deeper level of spiritual teaching and awareness.
The Alleman High School Drama Department's spring plays will be two western one-act comedies, "The Day Ma's Boys Done Went to Town to Rob the Bank, Again and "The Day Black Bart Balderdash and Dangerous Dan McGrew Nearly Went to Dueling at Miss Kitty's Golden Nugget Saloon by John Donald OShea.
WASHINGTON  The newly redesigned SAT college entrance exam that debuts nationally today is getting good reviews from some of the students who took it early this week.

The new exam focuses less on arcane vocabulary words and more on real-world learning and analysis by students. Students no longer will be penalized for guessing. And the essay has been made optional.

The College Board says more than 463,000 test-takers signed up to take the new SAT in March, up slightly from a year ago.

WHY DID IT CHANGE?

This was the first SAT revision since 2005. David Coleman, President/CEO of the College Board, said students taking the new SAT will find more familiar reading passages, vocabulary words and math.

"The sum of the redesign of the test is to make it much more like the work that kids are already doing in high school," he said. It was retooled, he said, "so that all kids could feel that they had a shot."

With fewer questions, Coleman said, there's more time for each of the reading and math questions.

WHAT'S DIFFERENT?

-- Gone are obscure vocabulary words such as "lachrymose." Instead, there are more widely known words used in the classroom. Students will have to demonstrate their ability to determine meaning in different contexts.

-- Test-takers no longer will be penalized for wrong answers.

-- In math, students will see more algebra and problem solving instead of testing a wide range of math concepts. The use of calculators is limited to certain questions.

-- There are fewer questions  154 in all, plus one for the essay, compared to 171 on the old version. Students will have a choice about whether to write the essay.

-- A perfect score goes back to 1,600 with a separate score for the essay.

EARLY REVIEWS

Brian Keyes, a junior at Woodrow Wilson High School in the nation's capital, says he really didn't mind the new SAT.

"There aren't as many questions where it's trying to trick you ... It was much more straightforward," he said

Said classmate Isabel Suarez: "I liked it better than the old one. I thought that it was way more applicable to what we've been learning in school. The English was a lot easier for me than it was with the old one."

Isabel, a junior, said the math was a little harder. "It was more algebra based, but I think I was able to perform a lot better on it than the old one because it was stuff that I actually learned in school."

TIPS FROM TEST PREP EXPERTS

Lee Weiss, Kaplan Test Prep's vice president of college admissions programs, said students shouldn't skip the essay. Research of college admissions officers shows many of the top most-competitive programs for college do look at the essay and it's an important part of their admissions process.

On reading, PrepMatters President Ned Johnson said students should be literal, not literary. Students can help themselves by coming up with their own answers before looking at the options provided.

The new math problems are much wordier, he said. Students should read slowly and analyze problems piece by piece.

WANT TO PRACTICE?

The College Board has teamed up with Khan Academy to offer free SAT practice through diagnostic quizzes and interactive practice tests. Go to khanacademy.org/sat.
Police are asking for the public's help in finding a missing Janesville, Wisc. man whose family lives in the Quad Cities.

Samuel M. Knobloch, 26, is a 6-foot-5-inch, 350-pound man with red hair, blue eyes and a beard.

He is believed to be driving a white 2002 Dodge Caravan with an Illinois fire fighter license plate of 15883FF.

His mother, Deb Knobloch, who lives in East Moline, said it was unlike her son not to notify family of his whereabouts.

"He's just a very quiet, nice guy," she said.

She said her son was reported missing Friday after his fiance arrived home from work around 3:30 p.m. to find him gone. Despite plans the couple had made for later that evening, Mr. Knobloch left no indication of his whereabouts, his mother said.

"We've been racking our brains and we really can't think of anything," she added.

Mrs. Knobloch said the family found a receipt for a pizza her son ordered around 10:30 a.m. Friday, but there had been no activity on his credit card since.

Mr. Knobloch is believed to have his cellphone, but family say it is turned off and that the 26-year-old has not been answering social media messages.

Mr. Knobloch graduated from United Township High School in East Moline and moved to Janesville about two years ago. He and his fiance are set to get married in August, his mother said.

As the youngest of four boys, "his brothers all miss him and want him home," said Mrs. Knobloch, who worked for Black Hawk Area Education Center. Her husband, Mark, is a retired East Moline fire fighter.

A missing persons investigation is under way by the Janesville, Wisc. Police Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local police department or Janesville Police at (608) 755-3100.
A federal judge handed down a four-year, three-month prison sentence to a Quad-Cities man who pulled a gun at a party, leading to a dispute that ended in the death of another man, prosecutors said.

Kelvin Dwayne Shaw, 33, was sentenced Thursday by Senior Judge James Gritzner in U.S. District Court in Davenport. Mr. Shaw was ordered to serve concurrent prison terms of 51 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a stolen gun, charges to which he pleaded guilty in November.

Judge Gritzner also ordered Mr. Shaw to serve three years of supervised release.

Prosecutors requested a prison term of 51 to 63 months for Mr. Shaw, who they said had a history of gun involvement and dangerous situations.

According to a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Melisa Zaehringer, Mr. Shaw admitted to stealing a Tisas Zigna American Tactical 9mm firearm from a home in Rock Island and storing it in Davenport.

On Aug. 2, Mr. Shaw brought the gun to an outdoor party, "knowing there may be problems," Ms. Zaehringer wrote.

She said, after a fight broke out among several women at the party, Mr. Shaw pulled out the gun, pointed it at the group and threatened them "in order to break up a fight and scare the onlookers."

Mr. Shaw's actions "enraged the others, one of whom pulled out his gun and started shooting," causing a person's death, the memorandum said.

Police identified the victim as Gerald Housley, 28, of Davenport, who was shot in the head about 6:25 a.m. Aug. 2 in the 300 block of Marquette Street, Davenport. In January, Justin A. McGowan, 28, of Davenport was sentenced to 15 years in prison in connection with the shooting after pleading guilty to going armed with intent and voluntary manslaughter.

Ms. Zaehringer wrote that Mr. Shaw's actions on Aug. 2 "likely led to the murder of his associate" and that, after, he left the party and hid the loaded gun outside a residence, where it later was recovered by police. Mr. Shaw later admitted to handling the weapon the night of the murder, the memorandum stated.

In 2012, Mr. Shaw was accused in connection with the shooting death of Kion T. Lewis in Rock Island. Although originally charged with murder, he later pleaded guilty to a lesser felony count of obstruction of justice.

The 2012 case appeared not to be a deterrent for Mr. Shaw, who "continued to carry a loaded gun and be involved in dangerous situations," Ms. Zaehringer wrote in advocating for "a more severe penalty" in the latest case.

Mr. Shaw's attorney, Assistant Federal Defender Terence McAtee, petitioned for a lesser sentence than the government's recommendation.

His client, a native of Chicago, never knew his father and spent much of his childhood in different locations and homes, Mr. McAtee wrote in a sentencing memorandum. He said Mr. Shaw was exposed at a young age to "drugs around the neighborhood" and began drinking at the age of 8 and smoking marijuana at the age of 12 -- issues that persisted until just before his arrest.

Mr. Shaw's addiction to controlled substances "contributed significantly" to his criminal history, Mr. McAtee wrote, adding his client had possessed the gun for a short time.
The tall, dark-haired, 44-year-old scion of one of Canada's most famous politicians was sworn into office in November. Within weeks, President Barack Obama granted Trudeau one of the highest honors the U.S. reserves for close allies: a pomp-filled visit with plenty of time in private talks and in front of cameras with Obama, who remains popular in Canada.

Trudeau, accompanied by his wife, Sophie Gregoire, will be feted Thursday at a sparkly state dinner, the first of Obama's final year in office and the first for Canada since April 1997.

"Obama was delighted that Trudeau got elected," said Nelson Wiseman, a University of Toronto political science professor, offering perspective on Trudeau's speedy invitation. "They're both liberals. They both like to talk the same kind of language."

Stephen Harper, Trudeau's predecessor, is a conservative who held office for nearly a decade. His relations with Obama were strained over various issues, most notably the proposed Keystone XL oil pipeline that would have run from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. After years of U.S. government reviews, Obama killed the project last year.

Trudeau's election has ushered in a new era in Canada's politics that he and others hope will help strengthen relations with the U.S.

"I think we've seen the incredible excitement that Justin generated during his campaign in Canada," Obama said after their first meeting at a summit in the Philippines last fall. "We're confident that he's going to be able to provide a great boost of energy and reform to the Canadian political landscape. And we're looking forward very much to working with him."

Added Trudeau: "It's going to be a wonderful time of strengthening ties between our two countries both on the economic, on the security, on the engagement with the world and on the personal level."

Nik Nanos, a Canadian pollster, said more Americans have become interested in Canadian politics because of Trudeau.

"Not all Canadian prime ministers have star power. Justin Trudeau has star power," Nanos said.

Trudeau channels the charisma of his father, the late Pierre Trudeau, who often flashed his intelligence and wit. Trudeau aims to restore his father's legacy as leader of the Liberal Party, a record that was under siege during 10 years of Conservative rule under Harper.

Pierre Trudeau swept into power in 1968 on a wave of support dubbed "Trudeaumania" and, with a short interruption, served until 1984. He was often compared to John F. Kennedy and remains one of the few Canadian politicians who are recognized in America.

Justin Trudeau is a former teacher, nightclub bouncer and snowboard instructor who has three young children with his wife, a former model and TV host. The second-youngest prime minister in Canada's history, Trudeau's rivals made his youth an issue, but he came from behind to win a sweeping mandate.

He tapped into a desire for change among many Canadians with an unexpectedly popular campaign promise to spend billions on infrastructure in an effort to stimulate the slowing Canadian economy. He has cut taxes for the middle class and increased them for the wealthy. He delivered on a major campaign promise by taking in 25,000 Syrian refugees amid terrorism fears after the Paris attacks. He also pulled Canada's fighters from the U.S.-led mission against the Islamic State group but more than doubled the number of military trainers on the ground.

Trudeau has also signaled seriousness about climate change, and not just Canada's oil sector.
SEPANG, Malaysia (AP)  An American adventurer said Saturday that it would be a "very lucky discovery" if the piece of aircraft he found on a sandbank off the coast of Mozambique is confirmed to be from the Malaysia Airlines jet that vanished two years ago.

Blaine Gibson, who said he's been searching for Flight 370 over the last year, flew to Malaysia to attend a commemorative ceremony to be held Sunday by families of the 239 people who were on board the plane to mark the second anniversary of its disappearance.

Speaking to The Associated Press upon his arrival at the airport outside of Kuala Lumpur, Gibson said that he had wanted no publicity about his Feb. 27 discovery until after the piece was assessed by investigators, but that news of the finding leaked.

The 58-year-old lawyer from Seattle said he was cautious about the possibility that the part is from the missing Boeing 777 because three large jets had crashed in the area before.

"I'd say it was a very lucky discovery if it turns out to be from Malaysia 370," said Gibson, who was wearing a black T-shirt that read "MH370 Search On."

Even if the piece does not turn out to be from the jet that disappeared on March 8, 2014, Gibson said his discovery could still be useful, perhaps providing clues to another air disaster or raising the public's awareness that the mystery of Flight 370 still has not been solved.

Gibson said he hopes his finding will encourage more people in the area to comb beaches for clues and to hand over any items they think could be passenger belongings or plane debris to authorities to be assessed.

An ongoing search in the southern Indian Ocean has found no trace of the missing plane, though a wing part from the jet washed ashore on Reunion Island in the western Indian Ocean in July.

The new piece of debris is now in the hands of Mozambique civil aviation authorities and is expected to be sent to Australia this coming week to be examined. Australia is leading the search for the jet.

Malaysian Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai has said there is a "high" probability that the part is from a Boeing 777. Flight 370 is the only missing 777.

Australian Transport Minister Darren Chester said the location of the debris matches investigators' drift modeling and would therefore confirm that search crews are looking in the right place for the main underwater wreckage.

Gibson said he didn't travel to Mozambique specifically to search for the plane. He said he loves traveling and picked Mozambique  the 177th country he has visited  because he had never been there before.

He arrived in Mozambique on Feb. 20 and spent his time sightseeing before deciding to look for possible plane debris a week later, when he hired a boat to go to the sandbank. He said the sandbank was suggested by a local tour guide because it was where fishermen would go to scour for ropes and other items that are washed in from the open sea.

Gibson said half an hour after they started searching the sandbank, the tour guide spotted the piece lying on top of the sand and quickly called him over.

"The odds are very, very small" of finding plane debris, Gibson said, adding that he has "combed a lot of beaches in the world and found absolutely nothing."

"I did not bring this public and wanted this to stay quiet until it was in the hands of investigators and they were able to make a determination, but the story got ahead of itself," he said.

Gibson said he started actively searching for the plane in the past year, taking him to beaches in the Maldives, Mauritius, Cambodia, Myanmar and the French island of Reunion.

He said he attended a service in Malaysia last year on the first anniversary of the plane's disappearance, and that his trip back here for the second anniversary was planned before his discovery of the plane part in Mozambique. He said he has been in touch with some relatives of Flight 370 passengers via Facebook.

Gibson said he has funded his search out of his own pocket and has not sought or received any money. He has no plans to write a book, saying his focus is on "finding clues and finding the plane."

What has driven Gibson's search for Flight 370? "The combination of two things: my love of travel, adventure and solving mysteries, together with a very deep concern for the families of all those on board are driving me in this search," he said.

Gibson said he has previously traveled to Siberia to investigate a meteor crash and Central America as a volunteer in archaeological expeditions to find out why the Mayan civilization collapsed.
Sixth-graders from Geneseo Middle School were given six documents (A-F) to read about Alexander The Great that detailed military experiences throughout his life. The students had to decide whether Alexanders name fit him correctly... was he great or not so great? They then held debates in class on this topic.

Alexander the Not So Great

By Maya Bieneman

Sixth grade

There is no doubt that I think Alexander the Great was not great. For example Alexander crucified 2,000 people with no reason except to set an example. What if the next town refused to surrender? Would he crucify them too? In fact, he decided to walk across a desert without a proper supply of water for his 40,000 men. It sounds to me like he is just killing people for sport. As you can see, Alexander was not a great leader as historians may say. In short, Alexander the Great was not great in my opinion.

Alexander The 'Great'

By Keira Schehl

Sixth grade

It is my belief, that Alexander the Great was not as Great as he seems.

In support of this accusation, there has been evidence, as stated in document E, that Alexander, during his war parade, killed over 100,000 soldiers and civilians.

In fact, in document C, he invaded the empire of Tyre, slaughtered civilians, crucified soldiers, and the 30,000 citizens that survived the attack were sold into slavery. As evidence to this claim Alexander forced his men to marry Persian women to unify the large Empire. For the reasons above, it has come to my attention that Alexander is not the great war hero we assumed he was.

Alexander Was Not So 'Great'

By Audrey Lamb

Sixth grade

It seems to me that Alexander the Great was not that great. Although Alexander did some great things, most of those great things lead to him killing more people. For example, when he had the patience to make the bridge into the city of Tyre it was amazing, yet it lead to him killing lots of people. In addition Alexander pushed his men too far, he pushed them to the point where they just didnt even care to follow him back to Greece. Without question Alexander wasnt as great as people made him seem.

Alexander the Great

By Ella Olson

Sixth grade

I believe that Alexander the Great was not as great as some people may think. For example, Document F states the people of India saw Alexander as a Two Horned man. So, Alexander killed 100,000 people in four major battles, or about 25,000 people every battle, which is supported by Document E. Document C suggested that Alexander was a big-headed, pushy, and over-controlling leader. As you can see, Alexander the Great was not as great of a leader as some people may think.

Alexander The Great

By Anthony Pierce

Sixth grade

It seems to me that Alexander The Great was not as great as you may think he was. First, in document D in the desert he should have been prepared with water for all his men. Also, who would even think of taking their army of 40,000 into the desert? Second, in 4 battles he killed over 100,000 soldiers AND civilians. That proves that he was killing innocent people that he didn't have to kill. In document F it says that some of his men stopped following him, which probably means that he was mistreating his men. For all the reasons above you can see that Alexander was not that great of a person.

The Great Haters

By: Rose Henderson

Sixth grade

In my opinion, and the opinions of all the great haters, I believe that Alexander the Great was not all that great and Im going to prove it to you right now. For instance, Document C states Alexander crucified 2,000 military age men, and if thats not bad enough, he sold 30,000 other survivors into slavery. Second of all, he brought about 40,000 men into the desert without any water as evidenced by many different biographers. As you can see, Alexander was obviously a leader who longed only for war and power. Without question, I would say that Alexander was not really that great of a leader and definitely not the kind of person I would respect as my leader.
MOLINE -- U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, is joining other lawmakers to sponsor a bill aimed at helping the Rock Island Arsenal win more contracts in the ongoing battle to preserve jobs on the island.

The total workforce on the Arsenal is 6,236, which includes 5,727 civilian jobs, an Arsenal spokesman said Friday, and is down significantly from the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan when employment peaked at about 9,000.

Rep. Bustos this week joined with U.S. Reps. Tammy Duckworth, D-Hoffman Estates, and Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa City, to introduce a bill: the Army Arsenal Revitalization Act. Also sponsoring the bipartisan legislation were two congressmen who represent districts in Arkansas and New York with manufacturing arsenals.

Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sens. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

The bills would give the Arsenal flexibility on the rates they charge to customers to carry out contracts. At present, rates are set for the year, which Rep. Bustos' office said sometimes makes it more difficult for the Arsenal to compete for work.

The Army Arsenal Revitalization Act also includes language that would require the Department of Defense to identify work opportunities that the arsenals are uniquely qualified to meet, according to a statement from Rep. Bustos.

This legislation will remove barriers to the Arsenals success and takes critical steps to bolster the Arsenals competitiveness for years to come, she said.

Employment at the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, which is the Arsenal's manufacturing hub, now is at 1,075, according to a spokesman, but stood at about 1,700 in 2012. Employment levels at the Arsenal have fluctuated historically between times of war and peace.
Jack Boccarossa

Age: 69

Address: Milan

Family: Wife, two grown children, two grandchildren

Party: Republican

Occupation: Retired (42 years on the Arsenal Complex, 17 years Army Civilian, 25 years Small Business Administration Liaison Office)

Education: B.S. engineering; M.S. professional management

Political experience: Former Sherrard School Board member

Patrick Harlan

Age: 36

Address: P.O. Box 642, Galesburg

Family: Married with four children

Party: Republican

Occupation: Fuel truck driver

Education: G.E.D.

Political experience: President of the Knox County TEA party

Why are you running for office?

Boccarossa: I will fight to stop out of control spending in Washington. Defend, protect and enhance the Rock Island Arsenal complex. I will work to repeal Obamacare, defund Planned Parenthood and reduce taxes.

Harlan: I am running for office because I believe it is time for an everyday working-class, God-fearing, America-loving patriot, who stands for the Constitution as the law of the land and the Bible is the word of God in which this country was founded.

Should Congress be concerned about growing levels of income inequality, and if the answer is yes, what can be done about it?

Boccarossa: The work congress should do about growing levels of income inequality is to let the free market forces take off. Higher paying jobs and more jobs will come. Example: North Dakota (before the oil price drop) McDonald's was paying $15 plus for help due to scarcity of workers. This is what happens when business roars.

Harlan: Congress has no business getting involved the inequality concerns. If the government would stay out of mandating every action of employers, we would have a stronger economy and more jobs for plenty of opportunities for everyone to succeed.

Should we send combat troops to fight ISIS on the ground in Iraq and Syria or is it best for the U.S. to avoid another middle eastern entanglement?

Boccarossa: Yes, we should send troops there, but it has to be in coalition with Mideastern and NATO countries.

Harlan: Now that we have seen that ISIS is wanting to kill all infidels, it is time that we declare a war on ISIS before they take complete control of our allies and the U.S. I would lift the Rules of Engagement that has been placed on our troops, send them there with a mission to destroy the enemy and then make the enemies' country reimburse the expense of the war.

What can Congress do to reverse the trend of stagnating or falling middle class incomes?

Boccarossa: Again, let the free market roar. We are holding back businesses with overregulations and taxes.

Harlan: Congress needs to abolish the IRS and the EPA so that small businesses, entrepreneurs and corporations are able to produce and grow jobs that will allow Americans to get back to work again. As we can see, the federal government cannot control the economy without controlling the people. Limited government is the key to success for the working class Americans.

Do you believe it's time to privatize Social Security and/or Medicare to ensure the long-term sustainability of the two programs, or are they more secure in the hands of the federal government?

Boccarossa: I believe the sustainability of Social Security is a combination of social security and private and personal retirement plans. The federal government instituted the FERS retirement plan replacing the CSRS system, which they found was not sustainable. FERS is a combination of plans. Also the retirement age should be gradually increased.

Harlan: I do believe it is time to privatize Social Security for the generations getting ready to enter the workforce, as we do have a large group of the society that are currently retiring and are entitled to what they have already paid into.

What is your top priority if elected?

Boccarossa: My top priority is for jobs in the 17th district. Working with John Deere, Caterpillar and the Rock Island Arsenal. I will also work with the redevelopment agency to bring business to the closed Savanna Army Depot.

Harlan: My top priority is to get the federal government out of the decision-making process for the states.
MOLINE - Two Republicans are contesting the March 15 primary election in the Illinois 17th Congressional District for an opportunity to take on U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-East Moline, in the November general election.

The Republican candidates are Jack Boccarossa, of Milan, and Patrick Harlan, of Galesburg. Rep. Bustos is unopposed in the Democratic primary.

First elected to Congress in 2012, when she beat former Republican Congressman Bobby Schilling, Rep. Bustos was re-elected in 2014 with a comfortable margin of victory, again defeating Mr. Schilling.

The winner of the Republican primary will face an uphill battle to win against Rep. Bustos, who had $1.5 million in campaign cash at the end of February.

Neither Mr. Boccarossa or Mr. Harlan have raised significant sums of money yet. Mr. Harlan has never run for public office before while Mr. Boccarossa served on the Sherrard School Board for four years in the 1990s.

Mr. Boccarossa is retired from a job at the Rock Island Arsenal and owns and operates a Christmas tree farm. He cites his pro-life principles as one of the main reasons he decided to run for office and he's committed to ending all federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

Mr. Harlan, who works as a fuel truck driver, is a Tea Party activist and favors sending U.S. troops to Syria and Iraq to fight ISIS.

Both of the Republican candidates generally favor cutting government spending, taxes and regulations.

The 17th Congressional District covers all of Rock Island, Henry, Mercer and Whiteside counties and stretches from Fulton County in the south to Jo Daviess County in the northwestern corner of the state.
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (AP)  The family and colleagues of a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission expressed anger and disappointment at a rally Saturday that he wasn't part of a January prisoner exchange with Tehran.

Several hundred people attended the rally for Robert Levinson, 67, who disappeared from Iran's Kish Island in March 2007. A 2013 Associated Press investigation revealed that the married father of seven was working for the CIA on an unauthorized intelligence-gathering mission to glean information about Iran's nuclear program.

If Levinson remains alive, he has been held captive longer than any American  longer than then-AP journalist Terry Anderson, who was held more than six years in Beirut in the 1980s. Unlike Anderson, Levinson's whereabouts and captors remain a mystery. U.S. officials believe the Iranian government was behind his disappearance. It has denied that.

The case drew renewed attention in January when Levinson was not part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Iranian governments that freed four other Americans who had been in Iran's custody. Levinson's family insists he is still alive, even with health issues including diabetes, gout and high blood pressure. They last received video and photos of him about five years ago.

Stephanie Levinson Curry, his second-oldest child, said her autistic 9-year-old son Ryan cried for days when the other American captives were released, but not his grandfather.

The rally's stage was decorated with nine chained and padlocked glass cookie jars filled with yellow rocks, each one representing a day Levinson has been held captive. The crowd held yellow signs showing the social media hashtag "whataboutbob."

"Bob Levinson has been deprived of being a grandfather, a job that he would love so much," Curry said. "We worry all the time about what he is thinking while he is alone in his cell. Even prisoners in jail get to see their families, write them letters and call them. Bob Levinson has none of that."

Retired FBI agent Ellen Glasser harshly criticized the Obama administration for not demanding that Iran release Levinson or, at least, turn over information about his whereabouts. The FBI says it still investigates every lead and remains committed to finding Levinson. A $5 million reward for information leading to his whereabouts remains in effect.

"The failure to push publicly and hard for answers about Bob was an outrage," Glasser said. "A rare opportunity was squandered when we had the most possible leverage to bring him home. Despite many requests, no new pressure was put upon Iran to produce information on Bob's status."

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, told the crowd they should send messages to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who is active on Twitter.

"It is unfair that Bob wasn't among the Americans who came home, but because of that, our fight continues," he said.

The 2013 AP investigation showed that in a breach of the most basic CIA rules, a team of analysts  with no authority to run spy operations  paid Levinson to gather intelligence from hotspots around the world, including the Middle East and Latin America.

The official story when Levinson disappeared was that he was in Iran on private business, either to investigate cigarette smuggling or to work on a book about Russian organized crime. Russia has a presence on Kish, a tourist island.

In fact, he was meeting a source, an American fugitive, Dawud Salahuddin. He is wanted for killing a former Iranian diplomat in Maryland in 1980. In interviews, Salahuddin has admitted killing the diplomat.

The CIA paid Levinson's family $2.5 million to pre-empt a revealing lawsuit, and the agency rewrote its rules restricting how analysts can work with outsiders. Three analysts who had been working with Levinson lost their jobs.

"What I wouldn't do to rewind nine years and beg my dad, 'Please don't go away,'" said a weeping Susan Levinson Booth, his oldest child, as her siblings gathered around her to close the rally.

She named her son, who was born after his disappearance, after him.
Today, Saturday, March 5

--Two Rivers United Methodist Church, 1820 5th Ave., Rock Island; noon free meal every Saturday.

--The youth group at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3300 24th St., Rock Island: 5 p.m., doors open, 5:30 p.m. performances begin; annual "Fun-Raiser," featuring "magic" performed by Dave Casas and Mark Yeager; proceeds to cover summer youth trip expenses to a "Higher Things Lutheran Youth Conference" in Nashville, Tenn.; offering accepted; silent auction.

Sunday, March 6

--First Baptist Church, 1901 29th St., Moline: 6 p.m., "Christ in the Passover," highlighting parts of the Jewish Passover Seder that point to Christ; presented by Lisa Smolowitz, a Jews for Jesus missionary.

Friday, March 11

--Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 800 17th St., Silvis: 4-7 p.m., Lenten Fish Fry; menu items, choice of fried catfish, fried shrimp, baked cod, fish taco, with a baked potato, bread and a hot and cold salad bar; $12 per adult, $6 dollars children younger than 12; $35 family.

Saturday, March 12

--Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities, 3707 Eastern Ave. Davenport; 1 p.m., part two of its "Race and Reconciliation Series;" Latrice Lacey and the Quad City Boots on the Ground Coalition, presents a Davenport Civil Rights Commissions "Communities of Opportunity program that reviews U.S. housing discrimination and its community impact; free event; childcare available upon request; email Becky Nakashima Brooke at beckynakabrooke@gmail.com or call 563-359-0816.

--Candace "The Angel Girl" Pittenger: 1-4 p.m. presentation; 12:15 p.m. doors open; presentation starts promptly at 1 p.m.; Unity Church of the Quad Cities, 5102 47th Ave., Moline; $10, cash only at the door; checks, credit cards not accepted; limited seating; no food, drinks or pets allowed; audio or video recording prohibited; cellphones off during event; not affiliated with Unity Church; percentage of sales benefit the church; 888-875-3533; TheAngelgirl.com.

--Colona United Methodist Church, 1709 Cleveland Road, Colona: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; third annual free full-day retreat; guest presenters Sandi Conrad, "Who Am I?," Angela Sands, "Cloud Nine Meditation," Dixie Shaff, "Healing Oils of the Bible," and Olivia Ryan, Holy Yoga; donations sought of new umbrellas and a childs coloring book/crayons women and children at Winnies Place, a local shelter for battered and homeless women and children; lunch ; childcare provided when registering; bring yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing; call the church office at 309-792-1661 for reservations.

Sunday, March 13

--Two Rivers United Methodist Church, 1820 5th Ave., Rock Island: 2 p.m., March Movie Matinee; popcorn, bottled water provided.

Friday, March 25-Saturday, March 26

--Furnish Out, an organization supporting a China Hope Foundation; 8 a.m.-4 p.m., furniture and home accessory sale; 5565 Carey Ave., Davenport; each piece is handmade by Chinese artisans using reclaimed wood, from 80 to 100 years old; furnishout.com or facebook.com/furnishout.

Miscellaneous

--The Rev. Dr. John Bray, pastor emeritus at Heritage Church, Rock Island; recently appointed as Indiana Wesleyan University chapel dean, providing spiritual leadership to more than 3,000 students.

--Bethany for Children and Families, Moline: recently honored for its "Wise Guys" teen pregnancy-prevention program by am Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; full report available at hhs.gov; learn more about Bethany at bethany-qc.org.
ROCK ISLAND -- He went from a flatline to a line of faith.

John "Pastor John" Nikulski once was pronounced dead at a Quad-Cities' hospital after being beaten and spending three days in a coma. He recovered and now leads Calvary Chapel Quad Cities, 823 20th St., Rock Island.

Born in Munich, Germany, in a military family Mr. Nikulski said, during his teen years in Rock Island he used to "walk on the wild side." After the coma-causing fight, he moved to Rhode Island with his father.

Mr. Nikulski said he was raised in the Catholic Church but drifted away at an early age, wanting to know God better. Instead, he became involved with drugs and alcohol that began to consume his life.

He said he battled depression and a failed marriage before realizing his life was out of control. To obtain substance abuse help, he joined The Salvation Army in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"I began to feel the power of the Holy Spirit working to change my life, he said. Mr. Nikulski said he began to study the Bible and eventually became the chaplain for the Salvation Army Unit in Colorado Springs.

"When I finally surrendered my life to Jesus, He broke the chains of addiction by taking away the desire for alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and rage," he said.

"As I was born again, my hunger and thirst for Gods word drove me into a close relationship and understanding of whom God of the Bible is," he said. "And the closer I got to Him, the more I wanted to tell the world about my savior Jesus Christ.

In 2010, Mr. Nikulski returned to the Quad-Cities to be with his father.

I was going to Calvary Chapel in Colorado, and when I was in the Quad-Cities I went to Calvary Chapel in Rock Island and immediately felt safe and welcome by Pastor Bill Menner and the other people, Mr. Nikulski said.

He said he felt the Lord calling him back to the Quad-Cities when he returned to Colorado.

"God put it on my heart to share the Gospel with the people of the Quad-Cities area, to share the transforming power of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he said. He and his wife, Sokie, moved to the Quad-Cities in 2013.

Mr. Nikulski said he continued to study the Bible and prepared himself for a leadership role in the church. At about the same time, he said, Rev. Menner was deciding to move to South Carolina and was praying that God would send someone to take his place at Calvary Chapel.

In December 2015, Mr. Nikulski became pastor of Calvary Chapel of Quad Cities with the goal of winning people to Jesus. "I want to reach the lost and hurting people of the Quad-Cites area and give them the saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ," he said.

Sunday services at Calvary Chapel are at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday services are at 6:30 p.m. A prayer night is at 7 p.m. the third Friday of each month and an Agape Feast follows worship the first Sunday of each month. For more details, call 309-278-2182

John 'Pastor John' Nikulski

Family: Wife, Sokie; two adult children, in Durango, Colo.

Education: Attended Jordan Catholic School, Audubon Grade School, Washington Junior High and Rock Island High School; he earned a GED in Colorado. He also attended the Salina Area Tech for Construction and Trade, in Salina, Kan., and USA Truck Driving School in Midway, Colo.

Experience: Was servant and helper at Calvary Chapel Pagosa Springs, Colo., for three years where his wife served on the worship team and the couple led a ministry, The Most Excellent Way, focusing on addictions and habitual sins. He was installed at Calvary Chapel in December and supports his ministry as owner/operator of Nikulski Carpet Cleaning & Detailing.

Favorite scripture: Many favorites but most favorite now is Romans 10:17 -- So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.... It is my favorite because the more you read the Bible, the more you study it and hear Gods word and the stronger your faith in the Lord becomes.

Biblical character Id like to meet: My favorite is Jesus because of the relationship I already have with Him.

Hobbies and activities: Studying the Bible, spending time with my church family and my three dogs.

One thing I feel strongly about: Leading people to Christ.

I wish I knew how to: Make everybody understand that the earthly treasures are temporary, but the treasures we store in heaven are for eternity.
An Ephesians verse in the Bible says we have been called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Several upcoming conferences in the Quad-Cities are designed to give people the tools they need to do those jobs, from several different perspectives.

The Intelligent Life Conference, March 11-12 at the Bettendorf High School's Performing Arts Center, 3333 18th St., Bettendorf, will feature guest speaker J. Warner Wallace, a cold-case homicide detective and noted Christian Apologist. In a telephone interview earlier this week, Mr. Wallace said he had been an atheist for about 35 years, but went from being an "angry atheist" to a believer, Christian author and speaker.

He plans to explain how the tools and techniques used at crime scenes also can be used to investigate Christianity Resurrection claims.

"I was the kind of guy who would argue the case," he said. "But when I applied cold-case tools, I saw there were reliable eye-witness counts and evidence to support it."

The conference also will feature John Stewart, from Ratio Christi, and Eric Hovind, from Creation Today.

Doors open at 6 p.m. March 11 followed by the 7-9 p.m. program. Doors reopen at 8 a.m. March 12 for the 9-4 p.m., program. The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for students with ID. A family of two adults and up to six children will pay $80. A Chick-Fil-A lunch will cost $8.

To register or get more information, visit IntelligentFaithQC.

"The Eucharist is Justice" is planned at 7 p.m. March 8 at St. Ambrose University's Rogalski Center, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport.

The school is observing a "Year of Justice" with a series of presentations. Monsignor Kevin Irwin, of the Catholic University of America, will focus on how church liturgy impacts everything done in every-day life.

For information, call the Rev. Charles Adams at 563-336-6151, or email AdamCharlesA@sau.ed.

St. Ambrose also will host a "Bible and Justice Webinar" series on March 12, April 23 and May 7. The Saturday sessions are designed to train participants how to use Biblical texts to confront oppressive systems, said Dr. Matthew Coomber, assistant theology professor of theology and director of The Center and Library for the Bible and Social Justice.

For more details, call 563-333-6041, email CoomberMatthewJM@sau.edu or visit sau.edu/bible-justice.

Dr. Coomber said he hopes participants will see how relevant Biblical aspects still show up unexpectedly in modern-day examples. For example, he said, the Bible tells how Joseph was sold and sent to Egypt, as a case of human trafficking.

"I think people will walk away surprised by the number of topics in the Bible that clearly relate to justice issues," he said.

The annual Wilber Symposium titled "Justice and Health Care" is planned for 7 p.m. March 31, also in the Rogalski Center. Call the Rev. Brian Miclot at 563-333-6129 or email MiclotBrianJ@sau.edu.

"Human Rights and Ethics in Israel in an Age of Terrorism" is planned for 7 p.m. March 10 at Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall, 520 7th Ave., Rock Island.

The Jewish Federation will host Israeli guest speaker, Dr. Moshe Cohen-Eilya, president of the College of Law and business in Ramat Gan Israel, who will discuss how the Israeli Supreme Court has played a major role balancing human rights and the fight against terrorism, according to Allan Ross, Quad-Cities Jewish Federation executive director.

Dr. Cohen-Eilya's free presentation is co-sponsored by the Quad-Cities Jewish Federation, St. Ambroses Middle East Institute, the America Israel Economic Forum Quad Cities Region and Augustana's Center for the Study of Ethics, its Center for the Study of Judaism and Jewish Culture, and its religion department.

For more details, call 309-793-1300 or email aross@jfqc.org.

"Israel is a strategic asset and very close ally of the United States, primarily because both countries share the same core values of democracy, human rights, freedom of religion and speech, and the rule of law," Mr. Ross said. "Israel, however, lives in a very rough neighborhood, much different from that of the United States.

"On a daily basis, Israel faces internal threats from Palestinian terrorists, and external threats from terrorist-sponsoring regimes and collapsing states," he said. "But, in spite of all this, Israel has been able to grow and thrive economically, as well as being able to protect itself from these threats."
EAST MOLINE -- Before local Catholic sisters spring ahead, they will "Pray it Forward" starting Tuesday.

The Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi River Valley -- including Benedictines at St. Mary Monastery, in Rock Island -- will celebrate National Catholic Sisters week through March 14.

This year's social-justice theme is titled "Pray it Forward." The grant-funded campaign will feature six one-minute videos of sisters holding signs identifying and illustrating different social justice issues, such as human trafficking, violence and poor environmental practices. Videos will appear throughout the week at its facebook.com/sisters page.

Sisters encourage the public to share the "Pray it Forward" posts on other social media channels to share information about what and how sisters spend their time in prayer.

To explain their activities better to local Catholic school children, Benedictine sisters at St. Mary Monastery have been creating and testing a special curriculum at Our Lady of Grace Academy in East Moline.

Sister Stefanie MacDonald has been coordinating the projects. The monastery's communication director Susan Flansburg, has written 10 books telling stories about various sisters and the jobs they've done.

The books have been illustrated by local artist and teacher's assistant Michelle Sierra. Two are hardcover books, and the remaining are all paperback.

Sister MacDonald and Ms. Sierra spent time last week reading one of the books, titled "How Sister Marilyn Helped the Children After the Tsunami," to a group of preschoolers while Ms. Flansburg watched on and took photos.

The story told about a girl named Ashley who lived with her family high up in an Indonesian mountain.

"One day, Ashley looked out her window at the ocean," the story continued. "All of a sudden, the ocean rose up. It made a mountain-sized wave of water called a tsunami.

"The tsunami rushed into the village below. It knocked down houses. It uprooted trees. It carried cars and buses away."

Ashley's family remained safe. Ashley went to school the next day, where her teacher, Sister Marilyn, awaited.

"Ashley held up her hand. 'Sister, did the people in the village do something bad to make the tsunami hurt them?' Ashley asked.

"'No one did anything bad,'" Sister Marilyn said. She also asked Ashley and her classmates about what Jesus tells us we're supposed to do for each other."

Answers in the book -- and from the assembled preschoolers -- included building new houses, sharing food and giving toys to children who lost them in the storm.

"Sister Marilyn's students had learned a lesson that Catholic Sisters know," the book continued. "Catholic sisters like Sister Marilyn help people who are sick, cold, cold, hungry and lonely. Catholic sisters do what Jesus said we are to do. They care for everyone in the whole wide world."

Ms. Sierra illustrated the books using watercolors to symbolize water's role in the story.

Two of the other manuscripts Ms. Flansburg wrote and shared told how Catholic Sisters care for everyone in the world. One book was about how a sister cared for orphans in Mexico; another told the of a sister who was among founders of the parish nurse program.

Ms. Sierra used computer-enhanced photos she took during a visit to Mexico for the orphanage story and stained-glass replications for the parish nursing book.

Students love the story times Sister MacDonald said. People interested in copies may call her at 309-283-2300, or email her at smacdonald@smmsisters.org.

The Catholic Sisters of the Upper Mississippi River Valley represent 12 congregations with a collective mission to spread the Gospel message in the 21st Century, according to new release statements. "We are sent, as Jesus, to do good works and meet the needs of the times," the release stated.

In addition to the Benedictine Sisters of St. Mary Monastery, Rock Island, congregations include Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton; Congregation of the Humility of Mary, Davenport; Carmelite Nuns of Eldridge; Sinsinawa Dominicans, Sinsinawa, Wis.; Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, La Crosse, Wis.; Sisters of Mercy-West Midwest Community, Omaha; and Sisters of St. Francis-Dubuque; Sisters of the Visitation, Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Sisters of the Presentation and Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey, all of Dubuque.
Think carefully who you vote for in November. Did you know Illinois is fast becoming the epicenter for abortions in the Midwest? Our good Governor JP and his cohorts with the approval of our so-called Catholic president are saying come to Illinois for your abortion. Big corporations such as Amazon, Microsoft and even Walt Disney are paying for Abortion Travel for their employees. Did you know over 63 million babies have been killed since 1973 when abortion was legalized? A whole generation has been lost. Thats pretty sad for America. No longer is there any question on when life begins. Life is just not sacred anymore.
The 2018 self-imposed completion date has been looking increasingly unrealistic due to the difficulty in getting the six countries of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman to coordinate their plans for the project. This has been exacerbated recently by the huge reduction in the price of oil which has reduced the amount of funding available, and the decision by Etihad Rail in January to suspend the second phase of its national railway network which has since prompted an Omani rethink of its priorities.

Etihad Rail's second phase involves the construction of 628km of new lines, encompassing the line from the Omani frontier near Al Ain to Ghweifat on the Saudi border, which is a key section of the Gulf Railway, together with links to the UAE's three principal ports.

Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, the UAE's minister for public works, says he asked GCC transport ministries at a meeting in Doha, Qatar, last year to become "more realistic" in delivering the network. "We know that 2018 is not realistic," he said in Dubai this week.

Al Nuaimi says the UAE will now "reconsider" its plans for the national railway network, even though the scope for the regional network has not changed.
Staff Sgt Rowe was shot in the chest while serving in Iraq, and was saved by the body armor he was wearing. "All three rounds were stopped by the plates, he explained,  It hurt, but I was still mission capable. I was still able to do my job. In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there have been no penetrations of the body armor or fatalities when the armor issued to U.S. soldiers was struck by projectiles it was designed to stop. Like Staff Sgt Rowe, the armor has done its job. Even those who have been saved by the equipment, however, are well aware of the problems posed by its weight.

Lightening the load carried by dismounted soldiers and marines has long been a goal of military leadership. In 2001, Gen Eric Shinseki, Army Chief of Staff, expressed a goal that the combat load of an individual soldier should not exceed 50 pounds. A study by the Naval Research Advisory Committee (NRAC) in 2007 made the same recommendation. Yet, soldiers and marines in Afghanistan marched carrying more than twice that amount, and regularly went into battle carrying 60 to 80 pounds of armor, weapons, and equipment.

Congress asked the question How can body armor weight be reduced, and incorporated provisions to answer the question into the National Defense Authorization Act for 2011. RAND Arroyo center was selected to study the issue, and to provide a response.
Last year, President Obama announced he would deploy 50 Special Operations troops into Syria to advise and assist local groups who are fighting the Islamic State.

As numerous foreign policy observers have noted, Obama's decision to intervene in Libya helped set the stage for the ongoing chaos in the Middle East. At the time, many pundits supported the president's intervention, justifying their support by invoking what has become known as the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, or R2P.

The R2P doctrine essentially states that governments have a sovereign responsibility to protect their population from abuses of state power such as genocide, ethnic cleansing, and other crimes against humanity. If the government fails in this first task, however, the international community, according to the doctrine, has a responsibility to intervene.

Throughout the post-World War II era, the United States has embraced its self-assigned role to "make the world safe for democracy" in three main ways: through direct military intervention; through indirect interventions, such as by arming rebel groups to help overthrow hostile regimes; and through economic sanctions. The best of intentions may drive these interventions, but in most cases the outcome has been disaster.

Luckily, economics can teach us a few lessons about reformulating the R2P doctrine in a way that maintains its altruistic spirit while at the same time giving policymakers more effective means to help victims of horrendous crimes. Surprisingly, part of the answer lies in loosening immigration quotas for refugees to come into relatively peaceful and developed countries such as the United States, which in the long term can have better results for us and for them.

To his credit, the president did announce that he plans to extend refugee status to 10,000 Syrians in 2016. The recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, however, have placed these proposals under enormous scrutiny. Even if we concede there might be national security concerns, the economic argument for allowing more refugees and migrants remains quite compelling.

Many Americans would reject expanding immigration out of fear that these immigrants will "steal" American jobs. Yet contrary to popular opinion, many economists have estimated that opening up immigration would actually make most people better off and bake a much larger economic pie. As George Mason University economist Bryan Caplan notes, most immigration studies do not show a long-run decline in American wages due to increased immigration. In fact, since most foreign workers enhance our productivity by doing jobs most Americans won't, most studies show a notable rise in Americans' real earnings.

Many might reasonably worry the influx of refugees would impose a net fiscal burden on our welfare state. Again, the evidence suggests these concerns are vastly overstated. As a Cato Institute study shows, immigrants pay far more taxes than they receive in benefits.

Some argue that loosening immigration is likely to result in a surge in criminal and perhaps even terrorist activity. Indeed, these concerns are what lie behind the fairly substantial support for Donald Trump's proposal to temporarily halt all Muslim immigration to the United States. Yet contra Trump, immigrants are considerably less likely to commit violent crimes or be incarcerated. It's true some might have criminal intent, but it is safe to presume the majority are good, hard-working people.

A final concern is that loosening immigration restrictions would erode American culture and values. Again, evidence of this alleged cultural erosion is incredibly weak. Most of the United States' meccas of culture are filled with immigrants. Moreover, immigrants who choose to come to the United States because of its civil and economic liberties are especially unlikely to wage war on American values either in the streets or in the voting booth.

In the special case of political refugees, there's another important economic argument for liberalizing immigration. Just as allowing open entry and exit in the marketplace introduces competitive pressures on firms to continually innovate, opening borders and allowing refugees to more easily escape the grip of oppressive despots puts enormous pressure on all governments to treat their citizens humanely for fear of losing their most productive ones to foreign competitors.

This wouldn't mark the first time the United States opened up immigration to thousands of refugees from the Levant. During the Lebanese Civil War, millions of Lebanese citizens fled. According to the Arab American Institute, one million Lebanese refugees currently reside in the United States -- roughly one-third of the Arab-American population. These immigrants earn an average annual household income of more than $67,000 -- 25 percent more than the national average.

History clearly shows that the United States has relied on its dominant military power for too long and at too high an ethical and economic cost. It's now time for policymakers to heed the advice of economists who recognize the failures of these coercive policies. They can start by recognizing that Good Samaritan policies are also good economics.

(AP photo)
European governments refuse to work together to deal with the migration crisis. Putting on hold the Schengen passport-free travel area could shift attitudes.

It is time for the European Union to suspend the Schengen Agreement. To hold on to the myth that the EU's arrangement of passport-free travel continues to work amounts to self-denial. Several European countries have already reimposed border controls to quell or restrict the flow of refugees and migrants. Belgium became the most recent example when it introduced checks on its border with France on February 23.

And because Greece is now saddled with having to cope with the thousands of refugees reaching its shores from Turkey, there was a suggestion in Brussels that Greece be suspended from Schengen-as if that would solve the refugee crisis. That suggestion, thankfully shelved, showed how the EU Council of Ministers, which represents the member states, was yet again trying to pass the buck and continue the blame game. Both must stop.

Collectively, the EU member states share responsibility for this catastrophic mess they find themselves in. Yes, many of them, especially the Visegrad countries of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia are quick to point the finger at Germany, even suggesting that Chancellor Angela Merkel is responsible for this crisis. But these accusations are disingenuous. It is the member states that have failed Schengen.

This is because Schengen is about much more than a Europe without border controls, something that has been a boon for the free movement of people, labor, and goods.

It is also about intelligence gathering and sharing. The Schengen Information System is supposed to "[allow] national border control and judicial authorities to obtain information on persons or objects." That proved ineffective before the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015. It is well-known in Brussels and the member states that the Schengen Information System is underperforming. Sharing intelligence is not an automatic reflex for most EU governments.

Schengen is connected to the protection of the EU's external borders as well. Without that, the entire raison d'etre of Schengen, including the security of European citizens, would be undermined. In 2004, after several years of haggling, the member states agreed to set up the bureaucratically titled European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union.

The agency, now known as Frontex, was mandated to "provide the [European] Commission and the Member States with the necessary technical support and expertise in the management of the external borders and promote solidarity between Member States." That solidarity has hardly gone far since the refugee crisis, which began soon after the Arab Spring erupted in late 2010.

Individual countries have consistently hindered Frontex's ability to become a genuine EU agency for protecting the bloc's external borders. As the agency's mandate states, "the responsibility for the control and surveillance of external borders lies with the Member States." Germany, Austria, and some other EU countries have declined to give Frontex the support it needs. The agency has had a measly budget and receives miserly contributions of officers to give it credibility and visibility.

Schengen was also aimed at pushing the EU into forging a common asylum and migration policy. The so-called Dublin Regulation stipulated that the first EU country an asylum seeker reached was responsible for registering that person's asylum claim. That didn't take place in Italy. And Greece's conditions for migrants were so bad that Germany refused to send people back to the country. The EU Council of Ministers and the European Commission knew that the Dublin Regulation wasn't working. But neither institution acted, even as the refugee crisis grew bigger.

The regulation was flawed because many member states didn't have in place an efficient system to register migrants and asylum seekers. Germany is a case in point. During his visit to Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria from February 28 to March 1, Germany's Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere briefed his counterparts about repatriating thousands of their citizens. His interlocutors replied that repatriation was all very well-if the people had identity papers. Most have none. They destroyed them, as the German judicial and police authorities explained. This means that Germany didn't have a functioning registration system, even before the huge influx of refugees.

This dysfunction is damaging for several reasons. First, it creates a security issue. European authorities do not know the backgrounds of individuals reaching European countries. That is all the more important given recent terrorist attacks and threats. Little can be shared via the Schengen Intelligence System.

Second, Euroskeptics, populists, and xenophobes can exploit these deficiencies to promote their own causes. Third, the weaknesses in the Schengen setup can be abused by those wanting to commit terrorist acts. And fourth, the system's shortcomings hurt those who really need refuge.

All these failings-poor intelligence sharing, insufficient external border controls, and the lack of a proper EU-wide asylum and migration policy-have undermined Schengen. It has become a free-for-all.

To tackle these failings, the Schengen Agreement should be suspended for a limited period-up to twelve months. Commuters, industry, small businesses, truck drivers, and tour operators would all complain. So they should. The inconvenience and economic costs would be high. But that might finally concentrate the minds of EU governments. The suspension of Schengen should be used during that time to address the abysmal failures of the system and the EU's abysmal failure to cope with the refugee crisis.

EU governments' refusal to pull together over such an important issue is entirely consistent with their inability to understand the necessity of common foreign, security, and defense policies. That is why the EU lacks a strategic culture, solidarity, and political will. If terrorist attacks or the refugee crisis won't change that, what will?
Property details:

Vacant Land in Coolidge, Pinal County, Arizona! Item Id: Lopez01 Case Name: Lopez, Aaron & Maria Case Number: 15 07347 Trustee: Description: Estate's interest in 0.15 acres of vacant land in Coolidge, Arizona in the McIntyre Subdivision. The property is located at approximately 391 West Taylor Avenue, Coolidge, AZ 85128. The status of water, power, sewer and utilities is unknown. The APN# is 205-18-030A. The legal description is 'McIntyre Second Subdivision: Lot 1 in Blk 4'. 2015 taxes are appro...

Price: $ 1,000 Seller State of Residence: Arizona Property Address: 391 West Taylor Avenue State/Province: Arizona City: Coolidge Zip/Postal Code: 85128 Location: 851**, Coolidge, Arizona

You will be redirected to eBay



Nearby 85128
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
Caitlyn Jenner has voiced her support for Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz in addition to her plan to be an advisor of his if he wins the presidency.

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking with The Advocate, Jenner expressed her hope conservative politician Cruz would become sensitive to LGBT issues with her help as a "trans ambassador."

"Wouldn't it be great, let's say he goes on to be president," she said. "And I have all my girls on a trans issues board to advise him on making decisions when it comes to trans issues. Isn't that a good idea?"

Jenner, 66, defended Republican ideals during the interview, saying although Democrats "are better when it comes to these types of social issues," conservative, captitalist economics is what made the United States.

"Socialism did not build this country. Capitalism did. Free enterprise. The people built it. And they need to be given the opportunity to build it back up," the "I Am Cait" star said.

The television personality will be seen in the second season of her hit E! Network docu-series trying on wedding dresses and confronting angry protesters, according to a recently released trailer.

During the recent Advocate interview, Jenner said "three people, one with a bullhorn, just yelling and screaming," met her outside of a fundraiser.

"I'm in there raising money for Chicago House, which is helping trans women of color find a place to sleep," Jenner explained of the media spectacle involving the protest.
Vancouver, Canada property market has made another record-breaking month in terms of house sales last February. According to VancityBuzz, data from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) has revealed a 36.3 percent increase in February compared to the same month in 2015 from 3,061 sales to 4,172 units. Sales in the region rose 65.6 percent from January 2016's figures.

"We're in a competitive, fast-moving market cycle that favors home sellers," said Darcy McLeod, REBGV president. "Sustained home buyer competition is keeping upward pressure on home prices across the region."

Average home price in Metro Vancouver increased 22.2 percent at $795,500 from last year's residential property prices during the same period. REBGV figures showed that detached properties saw the biggest jump at 27 percent year-on-year to a little over $1.3 million. Prices of apartments rose 17.7 percent to $454,600 while attached units climbed 17 percent to an average of $569,600.

In a related news, some millionaire homeowners are taking advantage of the hot market and cashing in on their properties in the metro. Realtors are noting a trend in homeowners selling their million-dollar properties in the city and moving to the countryside to acquire hobby farms and acreages.

While the house prices increases come as good news for investors looking to gain profits, they send some concerns over home affordability in the area. RBC recently warned that the Vancouver's property market is poised to overheat to a point that it becomes "dangerously unaffordable" for prospective homeowners.

Elsewhere in Canada, Toronto also saw a record-breaking pace in home sales, The Globe and Mail reported. The area saw over 21 percent increase in February sales compared to the same period last year and about 15 percent increase in average home price to $685,278. The strong sales have been observed against constrained supply of listings. With this, analysts say that house prices will continue to influence the upward trend.
Georgia tennis player Caroline Brinson and her mother, Elizabeth Brinson, shared an intense moment in November 2012.

It was the semifinals of the National United States Tennis Associations mother-daughter tournament, and the duo fell behind by two games in the first set. They were an unseeded pair, and the lackluster opening of their first competition together reinforced their low standing in the tournament.

Caroline Brinson walked over to her mother and voiced her disdain for their poor start.

I dont like to lose, she told her mom.
Hyangsoon Yi always knew she wanted to be a teacher.

All my life I wanted to be a scholar first. And, for me to be a good scholar, I had to be a teacher. Only when I teach, I know what I know and what I dont know and teaching is an important and critical part of my scholarship, said Yi, Director of the University of Georgia's Center for Asian Studies.
SHARE

By David Benda of the Redding Record Searchlight

Shasta County gained 1,700 year-over-year private-sector jobs in January as its unemployment stood at 8 percent, the state reported Friday.

The area's jobless rate was up from December's 7.5 percent but down from 9.4 percent in January 2015.

Much of the month-over-month increase was due to employers such as retailers shedding the jobs they took on for the holiday shopping season. The mining, logging and construction sector also lost jobs during the month.

The unemployment rate in January was less than half of what it was six years ago, when it stood at 18.2 percent at the height of the Great Recession. There were an estimated 14,300 people without jobs in Shasta County in January 2010, compared with 6,000 this January.

"I think it was a typical January that we have seen over the last couple of years," said Sheila Stock, a state Employment Development Department analyst based in Redding. "The unemployment rate generally goes up in January."

Stock noted that Shasta County's labor force (the working age population that includes those who are employed and those looking for work) was down slightly year over year in January but the number of people employed is up and the number of people unemployed is down.

"So that is what we want to see," she said.

California's non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in January was 5.8 percent, a tick up from 5.7 percent in December but down from 7.2 percent a year ago.

Shasta County's unemployment rate in January was the 34th highest among 58 counties in California. San Mateo had the lowest rate at 3.1 percent. Colusa had the highest at 22.4 percent.

Jake Mangas, president of the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce, said he has heard that there are businesses out there still struggling to find trained, skilled workers.

"But I also get a sense of a lot of optimism and a good feeling of how the economy is recovering," Mangas said. "So I have heard more along the lines of businesses being in an expansion mode versus the opposite, which is a good sign."

The chamber signed up 19 new members in February and to date has 40 new members in 2016. Mangas' job is to bring in 250 members, with the goal of finishing this year with a net positive of 150.

Phil Feser, of Rush Personnel Services, a Chico-based staffing agency that has a location in Redding, said business in Shasta County lags behind Butte County. However, both communities are growing economically.

In 2015 Rush Personnel had its most volume in sales and staffing in its 33-year history, both in Butte and Shasta counties, Feser said.

"So we can count on this year, 2016, being pretty close to that because we know those clients are still with us," Feser said.

One trend that Feser sees is wages in greater Redding lagging behind take-home pay in Chico and surrounding areas.

"Redding is busier but we have not seen the wages go up as much as we would like," Feser said.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg speaks during the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2016 event on the eve of this weeks Mobile World Congress wireless show, in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Manu Fernadez)

SHARE

By ANICK JESDANUN and JOSEPH WILSON, Associated Press

BARCELONA, Spain (AP)  To revive interest in smartphones, Samsung and LG are improving their cameras and embracing the nascent world of virtual reality.

Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg joined Samsung at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona, Spain, to announce that their companies are teaming up to push VR in mobile phones and social networking.

Virtual reality "is now mainly used for gaming, but that is quickly changing," Zuckerberg said. "That is why Facebook is investing so much in VR, so we can deliver these social experiences."

Samsung's new Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge promise better photos under low-light conditions, in part with sensors that capture more light. Both will work with the $100 Gear VR headset that Samsung released last fall. And Samsung will now make a 360-degree camera for everyday folks to capture and share VR images.

VR is still in its early days, with much of the interest coming from hard-core gamers and tech pioneers. Samsung wants to make it easier for everyday people to create VR videos  so that friends will buy VR headsets to view them.

LG will also have its own VR headset and 360-degree camera, while the main camera on its upcoming G5 smartphone will have two lenses  one for standard shots, and another with a wider angle to capture more of what's in front of you.

Sunday's announcements at the Barcelona show come as worldwide smartphone growth has slowed, particularly for high-end devices such as Samsung's S and LG's G series. Many consumers have turned to lower-cost Android devices that sport features considered top of the line just a few years ago.

Phone makers used to guarantee upgrades by making phones bigger and bigger  but phones can't get much bigger for one-handed use. In fact, the new LG phone is shrinking to 5.3 inches, from 5.5 inches last year. Samsung's Edge is getting bigger, at 5.5 inches, but because the sides curve like a waterfall, the phone won't be much wider. The main S7 model is staying constant at 5.1 inches.

With size out of the equation, phone makers have to innovate elsewhere.

"Their problem is that phones from two to three years ago are still in use," said Ian Fogg, head of mobile analysis at IHS Technology. "VR is essential. It is a smartphone-industry initiative to drive consumers to upgrade."

That's been particularly important for Samsung, as its chief rival, Apple, largely matched Samsung on size, while boosting the iPhone camera's resolution to 12 megapixels from 8. The iPhone has also gotten better at low-light shots, even surpassing some stand-alone, point-and-shoot cameras in performance.

"Having seen everything the smartphone can deliver, at Samsung we have other ideas," said D.J. Koh, the head of Samsung's mobile business.

In a few months, Samsung will start selling its Gear 360 camera, a device with front and back lenses to stitch together 360-degree videos for VR devices and apps. Samsung phones will come with apps for viewing those videos on the Gear VR and sharing them with friends.

Samsung's phones will see improvements, too, particularly in the camera.

Realizing that the megapixel count alone doesn't necessarily translate to quality images, Samsung is reducing resolution in the new phones to 12 megapixels from 18. That allows individual pixels on the sensors to be larger, thus capturing more light. The new cameras also allow the camera's aperture to open wider, letting in more light. Together, the shutter needs to stay open for a shorter time, reducing the blurring that sometimes mars indoor and night shots.

Samsung also says its new phones will have a faster focus, which it says will improve performance at low light.

And for the selfie camera, Samsung is turning the screen into a flash, similar to what Apple introduced last fall.

Samsung is restoring the ability to add storage, but the battery won't be replaceable by users, something Samsung had allowed before last year. Instead, Samsung is increasing the battery capacity in both models, though the Edge's larger screen and other new features in both models, including an always-on mode, will sip away power.

The new phones will start shipping March 11, with advance orders to begin this week. In some markets, including the U.S., Samsung is including a Gear VR headset for free to those who order ahead of time. Prices will vary by carrier and region. In the U.S., AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile are offering the regular version for $650 to $695 and the Edge version for about $100 more. Verizon hasn't announced prices yet.

LG, meanwhile, designed the LG 360 VR headset to work with an LG smartphone that's attached by a cable. With Samsung's VR device, the smartphone is inserted at eye level and becomes the headset's display, increasing the weight on the head. LG's version has built-in, lighter displays in the headset's eyepieces.

For the G5 phone, an optional attachment will function as a camera grip with physical buttons to take shots and control video recording. It's part of LG's new modular approach to design; you'll be able to pop out the phone's bottom and swap in new hardware features.

Prices and release dates for the LG phone and accessories from both companies have yet to be announced, though the LG phone is expected in the U.S. in April.

Neither VR system will be as powerful as full-fledged VR devices coming this year. HTC said Sunday that a consumer version of the Vive will start selling in early April for $799, with ordering to begin Feb. 29. A personal computer is required and sold separately.

VR isn't limited to high-end devices: On Saturday, Alcatel announced a mid-range Idol 4S  with packaging that can be folded into VR headset.

___

AP Technology Writer Anick Jesdanun reported from New York.
SHARE

By LINDSAY WHITEHURST, Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP)  The organizers of Salt Lake Comic Con and San Diego Comic-Con are inching closer to settling a court battle over naming rights.

Lawyers for the two pop-culture conventions said they have been able to resolve many of their disagreements over whether the names are too similar, and are working on the remaining sticking points.

They asked a federal judge to give them more time, until March 1, to work on a possible agreement, according to court documents filed Friday in Southern California.

San Diego Comic-Con, considered the flagship of the popular convention circuit, filed a trademark violation lawsuit against the rapidly growing Salt Lake convention in August 2014.

The California organizers say they have legal ownership of the term "comic con" in all its forms, and the name of the Salt Lake event is so similar that people will think they are affiliated. Salt Lake says it's a general term used by similar events around the country and the lawsuit has more to do with their growing popularity.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark office is withholding judgment. It suspended its own ruling in November until the federal case could be resolved. In July, the office awarded Salt Lake Comic Con a trademark for its name. Officials said "comic con" was too generic to trademark but "Salt Lake Comic Con" was specific enough to qualify. While the Utah organizers called that a decisive step, San Diego disagreed.

Settlement talks have broken down before. The case appeared headed for trial last summer, but by late fall they were back on track.

The long-established San Diego Comic-Con started in 1970. Since then, it has grown into the Holy Grail of pop culture conventions, drawing self-described geeks in elaborate costumes as well as Hollywood studios and actors looking to create buzz for upcoming projects.

In comparison, the Salt Lake Comic Con debuted in September 2013 with an estimated 72,000 people turning out. More than 120,000 people attended the three-day convention the following year.

The convention scored its top celebrity appearance to date when Captain America himself, Chris Evans, attended last year's event.


Record Searchlight file photo Murder defendant Quentin Bealer, right, is shown with defense attorney Shon Northam during an earlier court proceeding.

SHARE

By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight

A Tehama County Superior Court judge on Friday rejected a defense motion to dismiss the murder case against a Red Bluff man accused of strangling a 14-year-old girl to death in February 2013.

Judge Matthew McGlynn also denied a companion defense motion seeking to recuse the Tehama County District Attorney from prosecuting Quentin Bealer, charged with murder in the death of the girl, Marysa Nichols of Red Bluff.

Defense attorney Shon Northam filed those two motions, accusing the DA's office of prosecutorial misconduct.

Northam claims the DA's office deliberately failed to turn over hundreds of pages of potentially exculpatory information until only a few weeks before Bealer's trial had been set to begin last month, prompting a continuance until April 4.

But McGlynn, who sided with prosecutor Donna Daily that Northam's motion failed to substantiate the claims and lacked merit, rejected them both.

Still, McGlynn was clearly annoyed with the DA's office for turning over so late the discovery evidence in the case, as well as in another one.

And, he said, he was putting the office on notice to correct that late discovery evidence problem, warning that any additional episodes may lead to sanctions.

"This must stop," he said.

Although Bealer's trial is scheduled to begin next month in Sacramento County Superior Court, Northam said he will need more time to review the discovery evidence.

It's expected he will file a motion, presumably later this month, to seek a trial continuance.

Bealer was ordered in January 2014 to stand trial in the death of the Red Bluff teen after a preliminary hearing that saw a Department of Justice criminalist testify that Bealer's DNA was found on the shirt used to strangle the girl.

Bealer's pending trial has been moved to Sacramento County to ensure he receives a fair trial from jurors who have not been exposed to extensive North State media accounts of the case.
Jim Schultz/Record Searchlight Virginia Lyn Anderson, shown Friday in Shasta County Superior Court, is scheduled to begin standing trial next week in connection with a fatal 2014 traffic wreck.

SHARE Facebook photo Hayley Marie Riggins of Redding was 27 when she was killed in a 2014 traffic accident in Redding.

By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight

It's been a long wait, but the trial for a 53-year-old Redding woman suspected of driving under the influence of drugs in a 2014 traffic wreck that killed 27-year-old motorcyclist Hayley Marie Riggins is set to begin next week in Shasta County Superior Court.

It's estimated that Virginia Lynn Anderson's felony trial will take about three to four weeks.

Anderson, represented by the Shasta County Public Defender's Office, faces up to eight years in prison if convicted of the charges against her.

Police say Anderson was driving under the influence of methamphetamine and other drugs when she allegedly ran a red turn arrow on April 24, 2014, at Buenaventura Boulevard and Placer Street.

That led to a traffic crash that killed Riggins, a Redding resident and the mother of a then nearly 1-year-old daughter. Sandy Haley, the mother of Riggins, said after court on Friday that she was pleased the long wait to go to trial appears finally over.

"We're just praying for justice," she said.

Haley, who has attended most, if not all of Anderson's court appearances with friends and other family members, will be at the trial.

"We'll be here, every day," she said.

Twice charged with second-degree murder in connection with the crash, Anderson saw that charge against her twice dismissed by separate judges after prosecutors failed to show she acted with a deliberate disregard for human life.

Police said Anderson, whose criminal history includes a 1996 arrest on suspicion of methamphetamine possession, admitted using methamphetamine and other drugs before the fatal crash.

In addition to felony DUI causing bodily injury, Anderson is also charged with two misdemeanor counts of being an unlicensed driver and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

She is free from custody on $100,000 bail.
SHARE

By Sarah Breitenbach, Stateline.org

WASHINGTON  This year, as Americans select the next president, the entire U.S. House of Representatives and a third of the Senate, as well as an array of state and local officials, many voters will cast ballots on a generation of electronic voting machines that is nearing extinction.

Most of the machines, adopted by local governments after hanging chads left the 2000 presidential election in the balance for weeks, are at least a decade old. And they create a perilous situation: An equipment breakdown on Election Day could mean long lines, potentially leaving some people unable to vote.

But replacing the old machines with newer models is costly. The latest computerized machines typically cost between $2,500 and $3,000 each, and election boards should budget for one machine per 250 to 300 registered voters, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

That high cost is just one reason the computerized machines, which record ballots via a touch-screen, push-button or dial mechanism, have been falling out of favor with cash-strapped local governments. Some elections officials and lawmakers also worry the machines could be hacked and lead to voter fraud.

Some states are already turning to other approaches. This year Maryland voters will cast paper ballots that can be scanned by machines. Optical scanners that read paper ballots cost up to $5,000, but only one is needed per polling location, making them a cheaper approach than computerized voting machines. In Virginia, officials have ditched most of their voting machines in favor a similar system, and legislation before the General Assembly would get rid of all voting machines in the state by 2018.

In New Hampshire, a proposal would create a municipal grant program to support local governments that want to change their election procedures, and lawmakers in Ohio put a provision in the state budget to save money by eliminating certain special elections.

About 25 percent of voters will use electronic voting systems this year, said Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting, a nonprofit focused on ballot accuracy. Thats down from 30 to 40 percent when the machines were more popular.

In most states, those machines are at least 10 years old, an age at which most reach the end of their life span, according to a report from the Brennan Center for Justice. Nearly every state is using machines that are no longer manufactured.

Jurisdictions have to make sure they have good emergency provisions in place, Smith said. If you have a good paper ballot and scanner system in place as your voting system, even if your scanner breaks down, voters can still vote.

State and local governments first began to buy computer voting machines in the early 2000s under the federal Help America Vote Act. Some states still have HAVA money on hand, but additional federal help is not expected and many governments have trouble paying for new election equipment  typically from a combination of state and local coffers.

Election funding often butts against the need to pay for more in-demand priorities like schools and roads, said Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams, a Republican.

You cant wait for it to break to fix it, he said. You can wait for a road to have issues to fix it, but if you wait to do that in an election, its too late.

Across the country, officials in at least 31 states want to purchase new voting machines within five years, but at least 22 of them dont know where the money will come from, according to the Brennan Center report.

The Center estimates the total national cost of replacing existing machines could exceed $1 billion. The countrys largest jurisdiction, Los Angeles County, has allocated $70 million to design and develop its own voting system for the 5 million registered voters who live there. County officials are pursuing a system that will allow voters to cast ballots on a touch-screen device that would issue a printed ballot that they would place in a ballot box to be counted.

But other county and local governments will have to get by with existing equipment because many states have cut their election budgets in recent years. In 2014, Virginia lawmakers stripped $28 million from the state budget that was intended to pay for new voting machines.

In Utah, Republican Rep. Brad Daw is pushing legislation that would replace the states aging computer-based machines. His proposal would set up a selection committee to recommend voting equipment and help counties pay for the machines if they choose to use the state-selected brand.

Daw, who is also a software engineer, said hes never been a fan of the states computer voting machines  they require a lot of equipment and their operating systems are easy to hack, he said.

Opponents of the machines also say they create long lines as voters have a hard time figuring out how to use them; they are prone to crashes as the software ages; and they are vulnerable to attack. A 2014 analysis of Virginias computerized voting machines found that hackers could access the wireless networks the machines ran on to view or change votes.

A system by which voters mark paper ballots that are scanned by machine could be a better option, Daw said.

Marking a piece of paper is pretty old school, he said. But marking a piece of paper and putting it through a scanner is just as efficient.

As the computer models fade out, most jurisdictions are replacing them with the scanner systems, which are more affordable and were recommended by experts following the 2000 presidential election. But, the high-tech (for the time) computer systems were more attractive, Smith said, because nobody wanted to be the next Florida.

To save on election costs, a few states have turned to voting by mail.

Oregon, Washington and Colorado require that all elections be conducted by mailed ballots, though many others permit localities to conduct mail-in special elections. California, Hawaii and Oklahoma are also considering mail-in systems.

In Oregon, the first state to adopt a mail-in process, in 2000, all eligible voters are mailed a ballot, which can be mailed back to the election board, completed in person at a county clerks office or placed in a public drop box. People with disabilities are able to vote on machines at a clerks office.

The ballots are examined by election board workers who verify voters signatures and then pass them through scanners that tabulate results.

Phil Keisling, Oregons former secretary of state who is credited with pioneering the vote-by-mail program, said it not only saves money  an estimated $3 million per election cycle in Oregon  by reducing the number of polling places and machines required to hold an election, but also increases turnout.

A 2015 analysis from The Pew Charitable Trusts shows more people are voting by mail. In 2012, 19 percent of U.S. ballots were cast by mail, up from 10 percent in 2000 (Pew also funds Stateline).

During the 2012 presidential election, 64.2 percent of voters cast ballots in Oregon, compared with a national voter turnout of 58.6 percent.

In the last four general elections, 40 percent of Oregon voters returned their ballots by mail and roughly 56 percent returned them via public drop boxes, said Jim Williams, elections director for the Oregon secretary of state. The remaining ballots were cast by walk-in voters.

Last year, San Mateo County, Calif., held its first mail-in special election, garnering a nearly 30 percent voter turnout, almost five percentage points higher than a similar election two years earlier. Only 2.5 percent of ballots were cast at a precinct or voting center in the 2015 election, down from 24 percent in 2013.

While Oregon has had success as the first state to move to a mail-in system, few others are interested, Keisling said.

Some states are resistant to mail-in ballots simply because they buck tradition, said Wendy Underhill of NCSL.

Cost is one consideration, Underhill said. But it is by no means the only consideration. (Mail-in voting) does change the feel of Election Day. Thats not a small consideration.



2016 Stateline.org

Visit Stateline.org at www.stateline.org

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
SHARE

By Jenny Espino of the Redding Record Searchlight

An effort to bring a sobering center in Redding is beginning to take life.

Mayor Missy McArthur has scheduled an April 7 meeting to discuss the idea. The list of participants is long. Among those invited are representatives for Empire Recovery Center, Good News Rescue Mission, Hill Country Community Clinic, Mercy Medical Center, Shasta Community Health Center and Shasta Regional Medical Center.

Also at that table will be April LaFrance, the Redding businesswoman whose citizen group, the Safe City Project, in 2014 recommended a sobering center to divert non-aggressive, intoxicated people from jail and free up officers' time from the lengthy booking process.

In Shasta County, more than one in 10 jail bookings is for public intoxication.

"The more I was able to dive into public safety, the more I would hear about struggles with addiction," LaFrance said of the research the group put into its recommendations. The sobering center was one of 11 ideas it presented on Nov. 13, 2014.

But it took a visit from Leon Evans, the speaker who came to Redding last fall for a conversation on the groundbreaking mental and substance abuse services he's delivering at the Restoration Center in San Antonio, to renew interest in the idea.

A mental health facility, with a possible tie-in to a sobering center, was suggested to Matrix Consulting Group by Police Chief Robert Paoletti, and it was written into the Blueprint for Public Safety.

That report provides direction for police and fire services and offers a shift in mindset on homelessness and the culture of incarceration.

The blueprint recognized the need for the sobering center, given Shasta County's homeless issue, its lack of jail space and the challenges to officers who are tied up responding from one low-level call to the next.

When the Safe City Project researched the topic, it reported 2013 data that showed 1,200 public intoxication arrests.

The numbers appear to be growing. The blueprint found public intoxication was one of the most common calls for service handled by the Redding Police Department. The report listed it ninth with 1,363 calls, a figure that validates officers' concerns that it's those types of calls that drain resources.

In 2015, Shasta County Jail had 11,272 bookings. Of those, 1,515 were for public intoxication. It represents 13.4 percent of the total bookings for the year.

Vice Mayor Brent Weaver, who pushed for the blueprint, is the liaison between the City Council and the team of city and county executives determining which ideas to implement.

He has been invited to attend next month's meeting and was upbeat about the sobering center becoming a reality. It is an idea that everyone can agree on, he said.

"I have not allowed myself to think of what it will look like and where it will go," he said. "But this one is such a win-win."

Across the country, sobering centers are seen as a model for freeing up officer time, saving jail space for more serious offenders and getting people with alcohol problems treatment.

Sheriff Tom Bosenko agreed the center would save officers time but was less hopeful it would free up jail space.

People being booked for public intoxication sometimes are uncooperative and resist arrest or have arrest warrants or other criminal charges against them in which cases, the jail is the right place for them.

The sheriff said any facility being considered will have to have some type of follow-up or availability to get treatment.

"If there is no intervention for the substance abuser to get drug- or alcohol-free, it becomes another process to move them off the street and brought back again," Bosenko said.

At a sobering center, an inebriated person dropped off by an officer would be allowed to sleep off the effects of alcohol. Once sober, a professional counselor would offer that individual referrals to social services and treatment programs.

The blueprint said the sobering center would require an adequate facility and modest staffing made up of either staff or volunteers. One of them would have to be certified as an emergency medical technician or have the equivalent medical background. A second staffer would handle intake.

It's a similar vision to what LaFrance and her group had. Men and women sleep in separate quarters. There are restrooms, and sometimes a facility can have a private room. But to Bosenko's point, LaFrance wants for clients to have a chance for face-to-face counseling.

She deferred to law enforcement officers on what the potential is for cooperative arrests and talked about training to de-escalate those who end up arrested so they can be taken to a sobering center.

"My guess is that it would start small and then we see the statistics for those coming through," she said. "How many are getting services? How many get diverted from jail?"

The City Council has committed up to $375,000 from the sale of the former police station toward the creation of a sobering center.

The city would not build the facility. Rather, it would receive proposals to run the center and award the proceeds to the successful applicant.

City Manager Kurt Starman said an appraiser has been retained to determine the property's fair market value, all part of the city's sales negotiations with Building Adventures' Jamie Lynn.

McArthur stressed the talks for the group she has convened are informal for now.

"It's kind of like, 'let's get people together and see if there is any interest in moving the ball down the field,'" McArthur said.

A location has not been identified for the facility, but LaFrance said she would prefer to see it near the mission and in an area that works well for law enforcement.

Asked how soon she wanted to see a center, she said, "If this were April LaFrance, it would be fast."

But she said it is just as important as to follow the appropriate steps and get it right.

"People are encouraged we are moving in the right direction," she said.
SHARE

A couple weeks ago there was an incident at a local high school that hinted to gang involvement. Having lived in several urban communities where I witnessed teen gang activity often, I got to thinking that it seems rare for us to see this sort of thing in the local news in Redding.

Despite recent upticks in violence, crime and addiction, it seems as though this is one issue that has yet to become a problem here.

A study about youth gang membership published about a year ago by The Journal of Adolescent Health found that in general, gang activity is relatively "rare" in the U.S., with about 1.2 percent to 2.8 percent of teens involved in gang activity.

The researchers also found that about 94 percent of youths leave gangs, putting holes in the widely believed theory that once someone joins a gang he's stuck there for life. While that may be true in some of the more legitimate gangs, this study finds over all this is not the case and that "gang activity" is a lot more loosely defined than law enforcement and other authorities normally frame it.

So how does the North State measure up to the national landscape when it comes to youths involved in gang activity? I contacted the county to get comparison numbers for our area to give better context but as of yet have not heard back from anyone. Until then we have only our perception to go off. And perception is everything. Sometimes it can be the culprit to bad practices in reducing crime. And sometimes it can be the pivot point to finding out of the box solutions to community issues.

In working with residents at JRF here in Shasta County, I found that there were only some cases of the young people I've met being involved in small gangs. I found that involvement in legitimate gang activity was even rarer.

From my perspective though, it seems that gang activity is not as much of an issue here in Shasta County. And I think that is something worth noting since we are in a time where crime, addiction, poverty and violence seem to be at every corner, and since some people are beginning to believe the quality of life here is declining. So, if traditional organized gangs aren't the problem, what is?

Classically, one key selling point to recruiting for gangs is protection and safety, friendship, loyalty, constant contact and purpose. Basically gangs can become the family an at-risk young person never had. Coupled with financial provision that can come from selling drugs and other illegal goods, young people can easily believe a gang is the answer to what they are missing.

This longing for family is actually universal to all of us but will be a key factor in how an at-risk kid functions as well as the deciding factor to his or her successful transition into adult life. While many urban youths find organized gang activity as the answer to this problem, in developing nations it can be terrorist groups. Regardless of how it looks, this desire for family and the unhealthy answers to it often lead to crime, violence and addiction. And that is actually something that is happening here in the North State even if it does not appear to look the way we would imagine.

One thing I do see in the county Juvenile Rehabilitation Facility is that many of the residents know each other well. They are all part of circles that give them a sense of family and loyalty, and a crew they can run with to make a little bit of money, feed their addictions, and gain a sense of adventure by living on the run, together.

Rarely is there any true adult supervision with these particular kids when they are out of custody, and many of them are running the streets on a consistent basis. A large number of them told me they were in because they had been caught in high-speed chases after stealing a vehicle. What these kids are doing unsupervised in the streets at night is playing a role in the crime problem you and I deal with daily. It's not just the homeless addicted adults living in the river bank encampments or panhandling in front of Wendy's.

This is why mentoring can be so important to help alleviate some growing problems here. Giving a young person someone to trust and answer to outside of their "gangs" and usual way of life can be monumental for them. It could also become monumental for us as a community if these children had better access to mentor relationships.

So what if we did a better job at being the answer to this? What if we became a community-wide gang for at-risk youths?

While the high crime time we live in can seem daunting at times, I view it as an opportunity do significant things here and there is no better place to becoming a reliable family of sorts to the kids here who don't really have that.

Christina Calendaria volunteers with Forward Leap, which works with at-risk youths. This column is an edited version of one of her blog entries on Redding.com. Email her at chriscandelaria@yahoo.com.
SHARE

By Silas Lyons of the Redding Record Searchlight

The true forces of civilization are often forgotten when we think about the Wild West.

In their place stands the grim, stoic and mostly fictional lawman, a badge on his vest and a gun in his hand. This works quite well, for movies.

In reality, the seamstresses, the preachers, the farmers, the families  these and many others began to build structure out of chaos. And in the structure, people became more civilized. There was an order to things, some accountability.

This is, to some large extent, how I view the comments on newspaper websites, and a new system of rewards and recognition we launched last week on Redding.com.

The comments to date have been something like the Wild West. There are lawmen (staff members who delete offending comments, ban egregious violators, etc.), but that alone is not enough. Too often, the bad guys still ride off with the loot.

Now, the Wild West and its frenzied, freewheeling spirit was not all bad. Not by a long shot.

It gave us some pretty great things. Like, for example, swinging saloon doors. And California.

Still, most of us wouldn't enjoy life in the West so much today if not for the progress of civilization.

So, back to the comments. We introduced a new set of features intended to recognize and reward Redding.com users who contribute to making the online community better.

It introduces reputation, gives people a stake in their online identities.

Enforcement is fine, and it'll continue. Heck, Tombstone, Ariz., has a marshal to this day.

The new features take us beyond that.

Registered site members will start to see tokens of appreciation almost immediately. They'll earn points and badges that indicate how active and trusted they are on the site, and have the chance to cast votes of confidence for fellow users they respect.

Here are some key changes you'll see:

A "Mark insightful" button to the left of every comment;

A count of the number of times each comment has been marked "insightful;"

A small badge next to the names of users who have earned sufficient "insightful" votes from the community. The higher the number displayed, the greater that person's reputation.

We think this will allow Redding.com readers to judge for themselves which comments are worth reading and which commenters are worth their attention. We also suspect it will provide some motivation to put just a bit more thought into comments before they're posted.

I hope you'll sign up for an account on Redding.com, if you haven't already, and try the new system. We're going to be closely watching the results and making changes based on what we learn, and I'd appreciate any feedback you have.

Political posture

My prediction: You're going to hear presidential contenders say a lot of things they don't mean in the coming months.

Well of course so, you may say, politicians have always said whatever was expedient.

This year, the pressure to do so is even stronger. The tea parties, along with other traditional power brokers in the Republican base, have defined the agenda in very sharp terms.

So you'll have two kinds of Republican politicians. The ones like Michelle Bachmann who truly fit the mold, and those like Mitt Romney whose nomination will depend on proving that they do.

For more purist conservatives, the challenge will be to see through the pretenders. For moderate Republicans, it will be to identify the pragmatists  and decide whether they really will shift back to more centrist positions in the general election and, ultimately, in the White House.

Does that mean some of them will (gasp!) claim to hold beliefs they really don't or promise to deliver changes they have no intention of making? Um, yes.

This should make for interesting months ahead.
Robert Levinson's sister, Judi Levinson cries during a rally for Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission, at the Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Fla. (Mike Stocker / AP)

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla.  The family and colleagues of a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission expressed anger and disappointment at a rally Saturday that he wasn't part of a January prisoner exchange with Tehran.

Several hundred people attended the rally for Robert Levinson, 67, who disappeared from Iran's Kish Island in March 2007. A 2013 Associated Press investigation revealed that the married father of seven was working for the CIA on an unauthorized intelligence-gathering mission to glean information about Iran's nuclear program.

Advertisement

If Levinson remains alive, he has been held captive longer than any American  longer than then-AP journalist Terry Anderson, who was held more than six years in Beirut in the 1980s. Unlike Anderson, Levinson's whereabouts and captors remain a mystery. U.S. officials believe the Iranian government was behind his disappearance. It has denied that.

The case drew renewed attention in January when Levinson was not part of a prisoner swap between the U.S. and Iranian governments that freed four other Americans who had been in Iran's custody. Levinson's family insists he is still alive, even with health issues including diabetes, gout and high blood pressure. They last received video and photos of him about five years ago.

Advertisement

Stephanie Levinson Curry, his second-oldest child, said her autistic 9-year-old son Ryan cried for days when the other American captives were released, but not his grandfather.

The rally's stage was decorated with nine chained and padlocked glass cookie jars filled with yellow rocks, each one representing a day Levinson has been held captive. The crowd held yellow signs showing the social media hashtag "whataboutbob."

Supporters gather during a rally for Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who disappeared in Iran nine years ago while on a CIA mission, at the Center for the Arts in Coral Springs, Fla. (Mike Stocker / AP)

"Bob Levinson has been deprived of being a grandfather, a job that he would love so much," Curry said. "We worry all the time about what he is thinking while he is alone in his cell. Even prisoners in jail get to see their families, write them letters and call them. Bob Levinson has none of that."

Retired FBI agent Ellen Glasser harshly criticized the Obama administration for not demanding that Iran release Levinson or, at least, turn over information about his whereabouts. The FBI says it still investigates every lead and remains committed to finding Levinson. A $5 million reward for information leading to his whereabouts remains in effect.

"The failure to push publicly and hard for answers about Bob was an outrage," Glasser said. "A rare opportunity was squandered when we had the most possible leverage to bring him home. Despite many requests, no new pressure was put upon Iran to produce information on Bob's status."

U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Florida, told the crowd they should send messages to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, who is active on Twitter.

"It is unfair that Bob wasn't among the Americans who came home, but because of that, our fight continues," he said.

The 2013 AP investigation showed that in a breach of the most basic CIA rules, a team of analysts  with no authority to run spy operations  paid Levinson to gather intelligence from hotspots around the world, including the Middle East and Latin America.

Advertisement

The official story when Levinson disappeared was that he was in Iran on private business, either to investigate cigarette smuggling or to work on a book about Russian organized crime. Russia has a presence on Kish, a tourist island.

In fact, he was meeting a source, an American fugitive, Dawud Salahuddin. He is wanted for killing a former Iranian diplomat in Maryland in 1980. In interviews, Salahuddin has admitted killing the diplomat.

An FBI poster showing a composite image of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, right, of how he would look like now, left, taken from the video, released by his captors in Washington during a news conference. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / AP)

The CIA paid Levinson's family $2.5 million to pre-empt a revealing lawsuit, and the agency rewrote its rules restricting how analysts can work with outsiders. Three analysts who had been working with Levinson lost their jobs.

"What I wouldn't do to rewind nine years and beg my dad, 'Please don't go away,'" said a weeping Susan Levinson Booth, his oldest child, as her siblings gathered around her to close the rally.

She named her son, who was born after his disappearance, after him.

Associated Press
Kevin Spacey has spent so much time around the American presidency that he should have his own Secret Service code name.

The actor recently completed his fourth season playing President Frank Underwood on the Netflix political drama "House of Cards," which begins streaming March 4.

Advertisement

He also wrapped up his first big-screen presidential role in "Elvis & Nixon," inspired by the strange 1970 Oval Office meeting between the king of rock 'n' roll, Elvis Presley, and the imperial president. Amazon Studios and Bleecker Street are releasing the feature this spring.

SIGN UP for the free Indie Focus movies newsletter >>

Advertisement

And off-camera, Spacey is known to pal around with former White House occupant Bill Clinton, who is apparently a fan of the actor's spot-on impression of him. "He loves it," said Spacey, sipping a large cup of coffee recently as he prepared for a long day of press interviews at a hotel in Manhattan's NoMad district. "When we toured Africa together  he used to get up and pretend he was hoarse and say [as Clinton], 'My voice is gone, my friend Kevin is going to give the speech.' So I'd get up and start giving his speech, and he'd go, 'Sit down, you're doing too good. I'm going to do it.'"

Clinton, Nixon and even Underwood figure into Spacey's new CNN original series, "Race for the White House," which premieres March 6 (7 p.m. Pacific time). Each week, the show will look at a compelling presidential campaign from the past using some combination of reenactments, archival news footage and interviews with historians, experts and participants.

The races were selected for their historical significance and, perhaps coincidentally, have a high quotient of dirty tricks and bare-knuckle tactics. They range from the 1828 rematch between Andrew Jackson and incumbent John Quincy Adams, which led to the rise of the Democratic Party, to the generational power shift that came with baby-boomer Clinton's victory over World War II hero George H.W. Bush in 1992.

"These races give you a pretty great swath of time," said Spacey, who narrates the series as well as serving as co-executive producer. "They show that whether someone's ideas travel very slowly or very quickly, there is a lot that hasn't changed in terms of how politics works."

Dirty politics

While people complain about the deterioration of discourse in the current political environment, "Race for the White House" shows how ugly it was back in the day too.

Supporters of Adams leaked letters to the press that showed Jackson was bad at spelling (just like 2016 Republican contender Marco Rubio is doing to his tweeting rival Donald Trump). They called the general a bigamist and a brutal killer who executed his own men on the battlefield. Jackson's camp accused Adams of being a pimp, claiming he once procured female company for the Russian czar.

Such campaign handiwork would make Frank Underwood proud. The intrigue, music and even the credits for "Race for the White House" are bound to remind viewers of "House of Cards," and that's just fine with CNN.

Advertisement

"We wanted it to feel like a political thriller," said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent and development for CNN. "We didn't want to make it a history lesson."

Entelis looked at a number of election-themed ideas for an original series to run in a year when CNN is providing saturation coverage of the presidential campaign. Most of them were looks at the 2016 race from an insider's perspective, which she believed might be overkill.

Then along came the pitch for "Race for the White House." Spacey, a fan of Tom Hanks' CNN series "The Seventies," came attached to the project with Dana Brunetti, his partner at Trigger Street Productions and the British TV company Raw.

"It might have been one of the fastest greenlights we've given to anything," Entelis said.

The premiere episode recounts Nixon's loss to John F. Kennedy in 1960, a hard-fought race so close that it may well have been decided on some dubious results in Illinois and in JFK running mate Lyndon B. Johnson's Texas. Nixon, who had trouble adapting to campaigning in the emerging television age, comes off as sympathetic and even heroic for choosing not to contest the outcome.

It's a different Nixon than the one Spacey became acquainted with as he studied for the role in "Elvis & Nixon." To prepare, the actor spent hours listening online to the obscenity-laden White House tapes that revealed Nixon's knowledge of the Watergate break-in, which led to his resignation.

Advertisement

"He was remarkably grumpy," Spacey noted as he channeled the 37th president's rumbling cadences. "The level of paranoia  'They are out there trying to get in, trying to get us.' He was a man who felt entrapped. A man who felt unhappy. The thing that was really most surprising was his use of language  'the god damned [expletive deleted]'  I think that was more shocking than a missing 18-minute gap."

Spacey also examined his screen test for Ron Howard when the director was casting his 2008 feature "Frost/Nixon." (Nixon was played by Frank Langella.)

The reason I wouldn't think of running is because I like to get things done.  Kevin Spacey

"Ron Howard really needed to see if the actors tested could do Nixon," he said. "I thought I was talking too slow and thought it was too much of an imitation. I learned quite a lot watching again."

Spacey's portrayal in "Elvis & Nixon" is based more on the president's essence  a public man who didn't like dealing with the public. "It's often said he went into the wrong profession for the kind of person he was," Spacey said. "You look at private photos of him sitting in the White House, he was kind of uncomfortable being in his own body."

Spacey's interest in politics goes back to his teenage years in the San Fernando Valley. He stuffed envelopes for Jimmy Carter's successful 1976 campaign and worked on John Anderson's independent White House bid in 1980.

Run for office?

Advertisement

He became friends with Clinton  his favorite president, he says  back when the Democrat was governor of Arkansas. The actor was also in the ballroom the night Hillary Clinton, the 2016 front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, celebrated her election to the U.S. Senate.

His connection to Washington has been further solidified by Frank Underwood. The Smithsonian recently added a portrait of Spacey in character as Underwood painted by British artist Jonathan Yeo.

That blurring of art and reality  no doubt aided by the use of real-life TV journalists who eagerly appear as themselves on "House of Cards"  has admittedly become bizarre for Spacey. He's been told there are "a great number of people in China" who believe he is the real president of the United States.

As comfortable as Spacey looks behind an Oval Office desk, he's never been seriously approached about running for any public office, nor would he consider it. Like many Americans, he's angry about political gridlock.

"The reason I wouldn't think of running is because I like to get things done," he said. "I like to have goals, and I like to achieve them, and I think I'd be very frustrated by the situation as it exists now. It doesn't mean I don't admire those in public service. I'd be enormously frustrated by not being able to get everything done that I wanted to get done. I might take on tactics of a Frank Underwood."

stephen.battaglio@latimes.com
'The family is the final court of appeal, the first among unequals.'

'If there is no family, all leaders are equal.'

'If all leaders are equal, anyone can lead the Congress.'

'So every time the family has stayed in the background, the Congress has split.'

Aditi Phadnis on the Mother and Child Party.

One of the most important political forces in the world's most populous democracy will always be run by one family. And only that family has the power to divest itself of that responsibility.

What is it about the Congress that makes it so family-dependent? Is it the way the party is structured? Is it the personality of the Congressman, so conditioned by the party's spoken history that it refuses to countenance a leadership other than the Nehru-Gandhi family'? And is this the way it is always going to be?

This was the central issue in the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address that concluded in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi to listen to someone in the party besides himself: there were many other equally capable leaders.

Modis response was: 'And what about you? How come talented leaders in the Congress are never allowed to flourish for fear that they might outshine the family?'

Wake up a Congressman in the middle of the night and ask him why he tolerates a regency. His unguarded, spontaneous response will be: 'The family has made sacrifices for India that no one else has.'

The answer to this comes from critics of the Congress. The Bharatiya Janata Party says: 'Our party is also a family. We too have sacrificed: The founder of the Jana Sangh, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, was assassinated; Deendayal Upadhyaya was killed. Do you hear of anyone from the family of these leaders making a claim to head the BJP, just because they are related to them?'

Interestingly, this perpetuation of family in the Congress has provoked a counter narrative from the opponents of the Congress. Recently, when former finance minister Yashwant Sinha tore into the government's economic management, top BJP leaders told Business Standard it was because he was disgruntled: "He wanted to become the chairman of BRICS bank -- and the PM said he would not give him that position while his son was in government (Jayant Sinha is minister of state for finance). If we also started doing what the Congress does -- accept the principle of family rule -- what would be the difference between the BJP and the Congress?"

The paradox is, the more the BJP criticises the Congress on the grounds that it is a family-run enterprise, the more it serves to reinforce the dominant discourse in the Congress that The Family must be protected from assault at all cost. Correspondingly, the leadership has now decided it has to choose the battles it needs to fight

At one stage, for Rahul Gandhi, replacing internal systems so that the Congress was welcoming of all kinds of political opinion, not just a place for inherited leadership, was the most important mission. But today, internal rectification so that the Congress looks less like a Mother and Child party is a project to be undertaken later.

Witness the decision to name Tarun Gogoi the chief minister of Assam if the party comes to power in that state after the forthcoming assembly elections: it was in protest against promotion of his family by Gogoi that a man like Himanta Biswa Sarma left the Congress and joined the BJP.

And thinking firmly in the box, the Maharashtra Congress, on its Facebook page, has welcomed image manager Prashant Kishor's suggestion that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra play a greater role in Congress politics! This is tacit acknowledgement that Rahul Gandhi's leadership has been underwhelming, but that the alternative must come from within the family.

The past tells us about the present. The family is the final court of appeal, the first among unequals. If there is no family, all leaders are equal. If all leaders are equal, anyone can lead the Congress. So every time the family has stayed in the background, the Congress has split.

The breakaway group calling itself the 'real' Congress has split further: Whether it was the Congress-S formed in the aftermath of the Emergency that broke away to call itself the Samanantar Congress in Maharashtra under the leadership of Sharad Pawar in the 1970s; or the Rashtriya Samajwadi Congress launched in 1986 by Pranab Mukherjee after the assassination of Indira Gandhi when he mistakenly thought the party had become a republican animal and would prefer him over Rajiv Gandhi as prime minister; or the Congress in Tamil Nadu, which split in 1996 when Sonia Gandhi was still in mourning (she formally joined the party only in 1997) and P V Narasimha Rao was running things along with Sitaram Kesri as party president.

True, there were other reasons for the split -- but ultimately an Indira Gandhi loyalist like G K Moopanar broke away from the Congress because the family was not a compulsion.

A rebellion against Narasimha Rao in 1994 was led by N D Tewari and Arjun Singh and called itself the All India Indira Congress. But the 'convention' held by the party kept waiting and waiting for 10 Janpath to endorse it -- and when the message from 10 Janpath came it was that Soniaji would never bless a faction of the Congress: So that was a non-starter.

This then leads us to the somewhat unsettling conclusion that one of the most important political forces in the world's most populous democracy will always be run by one family. And only that family has the power to divest itself of that responsibility -- which it does not seem to be inclined to do at present.
There are some "disturbing" inputs about a terror attack in India aimed at creating the "maximum media impact" during the Shivratri festival and the ongoing Parliament session, a top army commander disclosed in Pathankot on Saturday with an assurance that steps have been taken to deal with it.

"There are security-related problems today. You know, Maha Shivratri is coming. There are inputs which are disturbing but notwithstanding that extra care has been taken," Western Army Commander Lt Gen K J Singh told media persons.

When asked to elaborate, he refused but said such events are planned to create "maximum media impact".

"See elaboration is neither required nor warranted. These events (terror attacks) are planned to create maximum media impact and when can you create a media impact when Parliament is in session, when a festival is taking place, so both happen to be going on.. So that is why, there are inputs but we have taken steps against that. I must assure you of that," he said.

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command went on to add that such "mischievous" activities will not deter a great nation as the Indian Army is fully geared to meet any eventuality.

"We want to tell whoever has got this mischievous intention that nothing can deter us, one Pathankot, one Arnia, one Janglot, once more Samba, cannot deter us. This nation is too great. Indian army is fully organised. We will take care of every situation," Lt Gen Singh said.

When asked about inputs that some Pakistan-based terrorist commanders were in touch with their Kashmiri counterparts, he said, "There are certain inputs. There are certain indications. I should only tell you this much that we are fully prepared for that."

With regard to the detection of a tunnel in Jammu on the International Border with Pakistan, he said it had helped avert a major terror attack.

He added that a survey will be carried out in all the border areas to see if there are any more such tunnels, for which a team of officials of Home Ministry and other security agencies has been formed.

"Definitely, a major terrorist attack has been foiled with the detection of the tunnel. It is a very serious matter and MHA has constituted a team which has got representatives from security agencies, Survey of India. They are going to survey the entire fencing and put in place the measures to seal whatever gaps are there," the Western Army Commander said.
Armed with just a hammer, an Indian-American woman store clerk bravely fought and chased away a man who tried to rob her store at gunpoint, according to a media report.

Bhumika Patel was behind the cash register at her store in Burke County Georgia when the man, identified by authorities as 17-year-old Christian Dakota Thornton approached the counter and instead of paying for the soda bottle he bought, brandished a gun in Patel's face and demanded that she hand over all the money to him, a report in WRDW-TV Augusta said.

Surveillance video shows that Patel did not hesitate for a moment and took on the robber all by herself.

"I say no I can't. He say I shoot you! I say go ahead. If you want to shoot me, shoot me!" Patel said in the report recounting the incident.

Patel said she slapped the gun off from his hand and after pushing the gun to the side, she clawed at the man's hoodie as he tried to grab the money.

She continues to hit the man and grabbing the cash register drawer, begins beating him over the head.

Then as she got her hands on a hammer, the man fell down and ran out of the store.

Patel said she chased the robber outside the store, hammer still in her hand.

According to the Sheriff's Office, Dakota is charged with Criminal Attempt Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm during a Crime.

Deputies said the Richmond County Sheriff's Office helped arrest Thornton at a home in Richmond County after surveillance video deputies said shows him fight with a woman at the convenience store.

Patel said she did not sustain serious injuries in the fight except for a few scratches.

People in her neighborhood are calling her a hero and praising her for fighting off the man with bravery.

Patel said she preferred to go down fighting the man instead of letting him rob the store and shoot her.

IMAGE: A screengrab of the woman taking the gun away from the attacker. Photograph: YouTube
Upholding the religious freedom rights of Sikhs in the US armed forces, an American court has ruled in favour of a decorated Sikh Army Captain who had demanded that the military accommodate his articles of faith and abandon its impromptu discriminatory testing.

Captain Simratpal Singh, 28, in a lawsuit filed against the Department of Defence demanded the US military accommodate his articles of faith and dump the discriminatory testing.

"Thousands of other soldiers are permitted to wear long hair and beards for medical or other reasons, without being subjected to such specialised and costly expert testing of their helmets and gas masks," Judge Beryl A Howell swiftly ruled in Captain Singh's favour last evening.

The US Department of Defence, which had granted and then extended Captain Singh's temporary religious accommodation until March 31 this year, remains scheduled to make a final decision on Singh's permanent accommodation by that deadline.

Captain Singh, who is a West Point graduate, Ranger, and Bronze Star Medal recipient, has successfully passed the safety tests required of his unit.

"The US Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act make it crystal clear that Captain Singh's right to practice his faith and serve in our military are not mutually exclusive," said Amandeep Sidhu, Partner at law firm McDermott Will & Emery that represented Captain Singh.

"We are grateful that the court is on the right side of religious freedom with its ruling, which begs the question: does the world's largest employer really want to be on the wrong side of history?" he said.

The testing that the military planned to impose on Captain Singh is not required of any other soldiers, even the tens of thousands with medical or religious accommodations, and including previously accommodated Sikhs, he said.

Given that Captain Singh has passed the standard safety tests, further testing would clearly be discriminatory, he claimed.

"We have been advocating for the simple, straightforward, equal right to serve for years, and held onto the belief that the military would correct this injustice once they realized their mistake," said the Sikh Coalition's Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur.

"The military's treatment of Captain Singh, a decorated soldier, makes it clear that they deliberately want to squash diversity and religious freedom in their ranks; that is not something that any court, or American, should ever tolerate," Kaur said.

Image: An American court has ruled in favour of a decorated Sikh Army Captain Simratpal Singh. Photograph: The Beckett Fund.
A top Republican Senator has asked his colleagues in the Senate to join him in opposing the sale of eight nuclear-capable F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, saying it was "past time" to demand accountability from the country whose "coziness" with terrorists has harmed the US military.

"Selling military hardware to Pakistan -- with a generous subsidy from American taxpayers -- is no way to convince them to become responsible players in the international community and assist in the fight against terrorism," Rand Paul said.

"It is past time to stand up and demand greater accountability from Pakistan -- that it fully severs its ties with terrorist organisations, and that it respect the rights of its own people," Paul said in an official correspondence to other members of the US Senate.

In the letter, Paul urged Senators to join him in blocking the sale of F-16s to Pakistan in an over $600 million deal.

"I request that you support the resolution of disapproval when it comes up for consideration."

Last week, he introduced a resolution in the Senate in this regard. The Senate Joint Resolution 31, if passed by the Senate, would prohibit the sale of F-16s and additional major and non-major defence equipment to Pakistan.

Under the Arms Export Control Act, the joint resolution is privileged. Paul said he would seek vote on the sale of F-16s. "Why should the US consider selling major defence items to Pakistan whose allegiance to the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network is well-known," Paul said.

He said just last week Senator Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticised Secretary of State John Kerry for advocating a deal that would cost the US taxpayer millions.

Senator John McCain, Chairman of the powerful Armed Services Committee, has also voiced concerns over the sale. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific Chairman Matt Salmon said the sale was "extremely problematic in light of the Pakistani military's widely alleged complicity in terrorist violence..."

Representatives Ted Poe and Tulsi Gabbard sent a letter to Kerry on February 16 citing Pakistan's duplicitous nature.

Paul said Pakistan's "coziness with terrorists has harmed our military" and a recent Congressional report authored by the Pentagon cites how Pakistan's support for terrorists allows for IED components to make their way across the border into Afghanistan, targeting US and Afghanistan forces.

General John F Campbell, who till recently was Commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, testified this year before Congress that, "Haqqani Network remains the most capable threat to US and coalition forces, planning and executing the most violent high profile attacks in Kabul."

Paul also said Pakistan's human rights record is abysmal. "Pakistan fails to provide protection for religious minorities such as Shia Muslims, Christians, Ahmadi Muslims and Hindus," Paul added.
'It is extremely important to take back the domain of both religion from the religious bigots and nationalism from the chauvinists, who are spreading hatred.'

Sugata Bose, the Harvard historian-turned-MP, who is Netaji's great-nephew, tells Anjali Puri why it is imperative to speak up for India's students.

Sugata Bose surprises me by emerging, on time, from behind the wheel of a bright blue Honda sedan.

As we enter Tres, a bistro in a sleepy street on the fringes of Lutyens Delhi, the Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member from West Bengal, also a history professor on leave from Harvard University, explains that he likes to try and drive himself.

When he refuses wine, and I ask if he is being a circumspect Indian politician, he looks astonished and says, "Not at all, I enjoy good wine but I usually have it in the evenings rather than in the middle of the day."

Such atypical political behaviour would have made me feel well-disposed towards my guest, even if he had not delivered that especially luminous speech during the debate in the Lok Sabha last week on Rohith Vemula's suicide and the police action on students of Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Bose's articulation of a nationalism that respects freedom and his powerful critique of the ruling party's 'narrow, selfish and arrogant' nationalism was scholarly and elegant, as you might expect. But his speech was also passionate and lyrical, radiating empathy for students painted as anti-nationals.

It quickly made the rounds on social media, wryly described by some as 'the thinking person's alternative' to Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani's soap-operatic defence of the government's position, and as the speech the Congress forgot to make.

It won Bose admiration even among those who wonder what the good professor is doing in a party often accused of harbouring roughnecks with a taste for extortion, hooliganism and attacks on academia. Several national newspapers played it up.

Allowing himself to look a little dazzled by his blossoming Internet life, Bose narrates "a wonderful vignette" from his Harvard history department colleague Emma Rothschild (Amartya Sen's spouse). "She went out into the cold rain in Harvard Square to get a taxi, and got into the first one in the rank, and what was the driver, from our part of the world, doing," he asks, laughing softly. "He was listening to my speech on YouTube."

Bose's previous speeches, beginning with his maiden one, have been noticed, too. Why does he think he makes an impact, gets to speak with few interruptions and garners bipartisan praise? "I don't know..." he says, "but let me speculate a little. I speak with conviction, I don't take a line I don't believe in, I typically speak without rancour. I don't pull my punches but I don't personalise. I don't raise my voice even though I speak forcefully."

One politician clearly unimpressed, though, by the Bose way is Irani, who has bristled more than once at his dissection, in his refined Bengali bhadralok accent, of her ministry's performance.

This, even though, says the Cambridge-educated professor looking wounded, "I have never commented on her educational qualifications." In her reply to the JNU debate, Irani even singled out a controversial book on Bangladesh by the MP's sister, Sarmila Bose. "I think it was very sad," Bose says shortly, "especially for a woman minister, to drag in my sister to attack me."

Bose cooks. In fact, he sometimes spends hours in the kitchen, trying his hand at Bengali, north Indian and South East Asian dishes. I think I might have picked the wrong restaurant when he praises SodaBottleOpenerWala, a lively Parsi food place in Khan Market. Scanning Tres' menu, Bose orders a beetroot salad. Asserting, as he puts it, his Bengali identity, he follows it up with crispy fish with mustard sauce.

I summarise what I've read, that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wanted him to contest the general election from Jadavpur, his mother's former constituency, and he agreed because he wanted to be part of the battle 'for the soul of India.' "I kept saying no," he adds, "and then got arm-twisted by her in March 2014."

"For all the rhetoric about development and the economy, I feared the forces of religious majoritarianism would do exactly what they are now doing."

When I allude to some less-than-pessimistic commentaries on Narendra Modi before the elections, he takes a well-mannered swipe at them with a faint smile: "Many of our liberal intellectuals made the mistake of not recognising the threat that would be posed by this formation being in power."

I ask him what he thinks about a recent piece by fellow historian Ramachandra Guha warning against misleading analogies with late 1930s Germany or the Emergency, and arguing, among other things, that unlike Hitler or Indira Gandhi, 'Modi is a very weak leader indeed.'

Bose has read the piece and while he agrees there are "no exact analogies," he does not believe Modi is weak. "He may have some differences with the RSS (the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) -- for instance, on the running of the economy -- but the leader and the formation are basically one. He is well ensconced in the organisational and ideological framework."

Even after having had his say in Parliament, Bose has much to add, and in a discernibly troubled way, about the "denial of equal citizenship" to students from marginalised backgrounds. "There was neglect before," he says, "but today there is a direct onslaught by State forces, which is worse than neglect."

Several major scholars have written to him in recent days, he reveals, and a "huge number of unknown students, just to say thank you for speaking for us."

A theme Bose turns to often is that the secular intelligentsia "needs to rethink its conception of secularism" and "target religious majoritarianism, rather than religion as such."

He takes some trouble to explain why he chose to declare, in Parliament, that he is a nationalist, something he might not do in a Harvard classroom (even though he does believe in a self-critical nationalism). "It is extremely important," he stresses, "to take back the domain of both religion from the religious bigots and nationalism from the chauvinists, who are spreading hatred."

While our conversation has progressed, our meal has not. Over an hour into it, the fish is yet to arrive. I fear Bose is getting restive. He has already told me that he finds the interminable delays in Parliament frustrating, because he keeps himself on a tight leash. When not in Parliament or his constituency, he is at Harvard, attending to his PhD students.

"I need to be in the Harvard library to get my sanity back," he says. His partner, the Pakistan-born American historian Ayesha Jalal teaches at nearby Tufts University. And oh yes, he mentions, he is writing an economic history of Asia, and is the general editor of The Cambridge History of the Indian Ocean.

As waiters drift in and out, avoiding eye contact, I wish momentarily that Bose would be a typical politician and throw his weight around. However, he merely frowns, and murmurs that he is needed in Parliament.

Will he continue with electoral politics? "I'll cross that bridge when I come to it," says the 59-year-old MP, "but continuing to be a historian and teacher is very important to me; it is my primary identity. But I will always be involved in public life in India, even if only as a public intellectual."

Finally, the fish arrives, and since Bose seems to be enjoying it, I pop my last question: What is a nice man like him doing in a party like the Trinamool Congress?

He doesn't pretend not to understand the reference to its unsavoury side, but says that he has known Banerjee for more than three decades, and praises her development work. No political party is free of blemishes, he points out.

"You know," he says finally, "it would be a huge mistake if we didn't recognise that the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Sangh Parivar, with their ideological rigidity and organisational muscle, pose a threat of a completely different order to our democratic polity."
What you need to know about Powerball and the $580 million jackpot
Coach Valentine's legacy honored with park rededication Friday

Under new policies adopted in December by the city's parks board, the name change will stand for at least 50 years.
Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Katherine Woolridge shops with her children, including Garon, left, and Grayson, right, at the semiannual Dittos for Kiddos consignment sale at the Round Building of the Taylor County Expo Center. Friday, March 4, 2016. The last day of the sale is today (Saturday).

SHARE Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Several Minnie Mouse dolls wait for new owners at the Dittos for Kiddos consignment sale. Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Toys are stacked on tables at the Dittos for Kiddos consignment sale.

By Scott Kirk, Special to the Reporter-News

Jennie Fannin of Abilene won't get to shop the final day of the Dittos for Kiddos say, so she was stocking up on Friday at the semiannual event.

"I normally go on the first day and the last day," said Fannin as the picked out shoes and clothing for her three-year-old daughter. "But I'm not getting to come tomorrow (Saturday)."

The Dittos for Kiddos consignment sale, held twice a year in the Round Building at the Taylor County Expo Center, is the brainchild of Carole Houston, who started the sale 15 years ago with consignments from 33 people, mostly friends and friends of friends. The current sale, which began on Thursday and runs Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., features 52,000 items from more than 400 consignors.

"The fall sale is usually larger," said Houston, of Abilene. "But, this sale is just about the same size."

The way the event works is that consignors place the price they want to sell the item for. If they so desire, they can agree to put the item on sale for 25 percent off on the second day of the sale and for half off on the last day. If the item doesn't sell, it can either go back to the consignor or be donated to one of the charities designated by Houston. Houston said no items went into her stock for the next sale, which is scheduled for October.

The sale only includes in-season clothing.

"No one wants to buy a winter coat in March, although they may want to next week," said Houston, referring to the notoriously fickle West Texas weather.

Consignors pay a nominal fee to be in the sale and receive 65 percent of the price the item sells for. Houston said she mails out checks within two weeks of the event.

As the name of the event implies, the sale includes only items for children, except maternity clothing. There is clothing for newborns through kids size 20, toys, strollers, furniture and electronics. Houston said the furniture and strollers, if they're in good shape and aren't overpriced, will usually go fast. Most of the left over items are clothing.

Although the event lasts three days, Houston starts setting it up the week before. She takes in items on Wednesday-Friday of the week before, going through the items to make sure they can be sold before she sorts them.

She's not working the sale by herself. Several of her friends help her out and her father and sister, both visiting from Indiana, were on the floor on Friday.

Consignors get the first crack at the items on Wednesday night and will also get to shop each night after the sale concludes.

Fannin said she shops at both sales each year to stock up on her daughter's wardrobe. Her haul on Friday included several dresses (mostly pink) and a couple of pairs of new shoes still in their packaging.

"There are some new things," she said. "If they're not, they look new."

Fannin said she wasn't worried about her daughter not liking mom's choices.

"She wears what I put on her," she said. "I hear they can change when they get older."
Benefit bazaar and bake sale

A bazaar and bake sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Grace United Methodist Church, 1402 Grape St., to benefit residents of Flint, Michigan, who are enduring a 2-year-old water crisis.

A soup lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission to the bazaar is free. The lunch is $4. Grace UMC has partnered with Lincoln Park UMC in Flint, which has been designated a water resource center. The water supply in Flint was found to contain contaminants two years ago, and the city is still fighting the crisis.

Children of the World Choir

Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 701 S. Pioneer Drive, is bringing the Children of the World Choir to the church for a concert during morning worship at 9 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

Lenten Studies: 'The Parables Of Lent'

Zion Lutheran Church, 2801 Antilley Road, continues its Lenten Study Series, "The Parables of Lent," at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesdays. A meal will be served at 6 p.m.

'Way of the Cross' and 'Ashes to Fire '

The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, 602 Meander St., continues a teaching series on Wednesday in the Parish Hall. "Ashes to Fire: Being Healed and Healer" will be offered at 6:30 p.m.

"The Way of the Cross" is an ancient prayer practice adapted for local custom based on pilgrims who travel to Jerusalem to follow the same footsteps that Jesus walked during his passion and death. Each of the 14 stations includes prayers and readings. "The Way of the Cross" will be observed at 10 a.m. each Friday in Lent in the church nave.

Lenten Bible study: 'Did Paul Say That?'

First Christian Church, 1420 N. Third St., continues a Bible study for the Lenten season from 5 to 6:30 p.m. each Sunday during Lent. The focus of the study will be the Apostle Paul and especially the "unknown Paul" who emerges when there is a closer study of his epistles.

Unitarian Universalists

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Abilene, 1541 Sayles Blvd., welcomes people of all religions and nonreligious to learn the astonishing examples and insights into the creative process of an incredible young musician, Alma Deutscher at 11 a.m. Sunday.

For more information visit www.uuabilene.org.

Send news of your religious organization or group to Religion Editor, Abilene Reporter-News, P.O. Box 30, Abilene, Texas 79604; fax it to 325-670-5242; or email it to jan.woodward@reporternews.com. Deadline is noon Monday.
A student runs past fumigation fog, sprayed to kill Aedes Aegypti mosquitos, in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Authorities are fumigating in an attempt to prevent the spread of Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

SHARE FILE - In this Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 file photo, army soldiers set up a sign that reads in Portuguese "A mosquito is not stronger than an entire country" at the Central station in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as troops across Brazil try to tackle the Zika virus. Scientists may have the first evidence that Zika causes temporary paralysis, according to a new study of patients who developed the rare condition during an outbreak of the virus in Tahiti two years ago. The research was published online Monday, Feb. 29 in the journal, Lancet. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo, file)

By Loretta Fulton, Special to the Reporter-News

It's going to take more than the threat of a mosquito-borne virus to keep missionaries from their appointed rounds.

At least that seems to be the sentiment among Abilenians who have signed up for mission trips either during the upcoming spring break or next summer. Two members of Highland Church of Christ will be spending the entire summer in Brazil, one of the countries hit by the Zika virus. Another dozen will spend 10 days there during the summer, working with a partner church.

Derran Reese, director of global ministries at Highland, said everyone who signed up still intends to go.

"It hasn't scared anybody off yet," Reese said. "If they're not evacuating, we're fine going."

The Zika virus has been reported in Central and South American countries, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific - all prime grounds for students and adults serving long and short-term mission trips.

The virus is most dangerous to pregnant women because of the threat of birth defects. Healthy adults who contract the virus most likely will have flu-like symptoms that last two to seven days, according to the World Health Organization.

A group from Aldersgate United Methodist Church will travel to Guatemala, one of the affected countries, in May. They recently got an email from Lee Jarvis, who works with New Life Children's Home in Guatemala, where the Abilenians will be. Jarvis warned of the concern over pregnant women.

"I actually recommend not to bring pregnant women on your trip," he wrote, "or any woman that is trying to get pregnant."

Several students and adult leaders from McMurry will travel to Haiti May 15-22 to continue helping the country recover from the 2010 earthquake. McMurry teams have gone to Haiti several times since then to assist with the rebuilding.

Rebecca Williams, a senior religion major from Midland, plans to return to Haiti in May after going there last summer. The students help with tasks as varied as working with children to digging latrines. To date, no one has opted out of the trip, Williams said, due to the threat of the Zika virus.

"Everyone who expressed an interest in going," she said, "is still very much interested in going."

Jeff Lust, university chaplain and director of religious life at McMurry, will go with the students in May. He said the university coordinates with Partners in Development, which is keeping the university up to date on the Zika situation.

Stephen Corbett, minister for communications at Southern Hills Church of Christ, recently led about 12 church members and Abilene Christian University students on a mission trip to Haiti. More trips are planned there in the coming months, as well as a high school youth trip to the Dominican Republic next summer.

"None of our trips has been altered by the Zika virus," Corbett said in an email, "although we take precautions by using mosquito sprays with high concentrations of deet, sleeping under mosquito nets, etc."

Although the Zika virus can be serious, especially in pregnant women, it isn't likely to deter missionaries, who feel a strong calling, said Reese, Highland's director of global ministries. Although Reese isn't going on the trip to Brazil this summer, he is a veteran of foreign missions. He lived in Thailand when the severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS epidemic started in 2003.

Reese suspects that people living with the threat of Zika today face it like those facing SARS did a decade ago.

"It's the feeling," he said, "that we deal with this all the time."

MORE ON ZIKA

THE ZIKA VIRUS

Zikais a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The same mosquito also transmits three other vector-borne diseases  dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever  across tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The most common symptoms of Zika virus are headache, muscle and joint pain, mild fever, rash, and inflammation of the underside of the eyelids.



HISTORY

Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.



KEY FACTS

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes.

People with Zika virus disease usually have symptoms that can include mild fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise or headache. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.

The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.



Source: World Health Organization www.who.int


Corey Marks, an award-winning poet from Michigan, will serve as the featured speaker at Hardin-Simmons University's Lawrence Clayton Poets & Writers Speaker Series on Monday.

Marks will sit for an informal question and answer period from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday. His presentation, which begins at 7:30 p.m., will be followed by a reception at 8:30 p.m.

All events will take place in the multipurpose room in the Johnson Building on the school's campus.

Marks has published multiple poetry books, including "Renunciation" through University of Illinois Press in 2000, which was selected as a National Poetry Series Competition winner and as the winner of the Natalie Ornish Prize from the Texas Institute of Letters. Other awards his poetry has received include the Green Rose Prize from New Issues Press in 2011, a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bernard F. Conners Prize from The Paris Review.

Teachers hand out award

The Abilene Retired Teachers Association named Abilene Christian University student Summer El-Attrache the recipient of a $1,000 scholarship in February.

The award is specifically given to college juniors seeking degrees and careers in the teaching field, the association said.

El-Attrache, an Abilene High School alumnus, is the daughter of Lawrence and Elizabeth El-Attrache. After graduating from college, she hopes to receive a Master's degree and become a kindergarten teacher. She is majoring in special education.

Brownwood, Early students get busy trading

For Big Art Day this year, students at Brownwood and Early middle schools decided to exchange some trading cards.

Throughout the year students have made artist trading cards featuring miniature sized artworks. Each student selected one to send to the other school, and the teachers, Julie Mize of BMS and Jacque Rider of EMS met to give each other their students' cards.

During their art classes, students were able to choose a trading card from the other school.

McMurry President Elected Chair of College Board

McMurry University President Sandra Harper was elected chair of the board of directors of the Texas United Methodist College Association.

She will serve for the 2016-17 term, according to McMurry University.

The Association helps Texas United Methodist students attend Texas United Methodist colleges and universities and is committed to faith-based Christian higher education.
TinMan Percival

BROWNWOOD, Texas - TinMan Percival, 59, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016, from 2 to 4 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home of Brownwood.

Marcell L. Smith

COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Marcell L. Smith, 79, of College Station, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016. Visitation will be Monday, March 7, 2016, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Chapel in College Station. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Memorial Funeral Chapel.

Caroline Ann Williams

WEATHERFORD, Texas - Caroline Ann Williams, 80, passed away Thursday. The service and visitation will be held Monday, March 7, 2016, at the Bailey-Howard Funeral Home Chapel in Clyde. Visitation will be held from noon to 3 p.m., and the service will begin at 3 p.m. under the direction of Bailey-Howard Funeral Home.
Bill Shive, Early

Sunday marks the 180th anniversary of the fall of the Alamo in San Antonio.

After 13 days under siege, the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, March 6, 1836, brought General Santa Anna's wrath down upon the Alamo garrison. These men had decided that their causes of liberty and freedom were worth the price they were destined to pay. One has to be both amazed and proud of the valor, courage and bravery shown by these defenders. Read about them individually. They were far from perfect, but they knew what they were doing.

Our young people get one chance at the required study of Texas history. That comes in the seventh grade and there is no guarantee that this part of the curriculum will remain constant. Moms, dads and grandparents can be instrumental in making even better Texans of their boys and girls ... and many of them are doing so. Talk to them about their heritage. Take them to the Alamo, San Jacinto, Fort Concho, NASA, the San Jose mission or your choice of the hundreds of other historical sites throughout our great state.

One has to wonder how the Alamo defenders would feel about Texas today.

We can nearly hear them say, 'Were our sacrifices and lives worth it? Do you appreciate what we did for Texas?' Hopefully, they would hear a resounding, 'Yes!'
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

This just in...
The Afghan Taliban has refused to hold direct peace talks with Afghan authorities, days before the beginning of international talks aimed at bringing an end to 14 years of insurgency.



A Taliban spokesman said in a March 5 statement that the insurgents will not participate in peace negotiations unless foreign forces stop attacking their positions and withdraw from Afghanistan.



The announcement comes just days before direct talks were scheduled to begin in Islamabad.



"We want to repeat our stance once again that until the occupation of foreign troops ends, until Taliban names are removed from international blacklists, and until our detainees are released, talks will yield no results," the group said in a statement.



China, Pakistan, and the United States had been working with the weak Afghan government to restart negotiations aimed at ending the violence.



It also comes as Taliban fighters have racked up a string of military victories in southern Helmand Province and elsewhere after NATO formally ended its combat operations more than a year ago.



Afghan security forces have suffered record casualties since NATO ended its combat mission in December 2014, leaving them to battle the resurgent Taliban largely on their own.



In addition to seizing territory in the opium-growing province of Helmand, the Taliban briefly captured the northern city of Kunduz.



In a sign of growing concern, the United States recently bolstered its forces in Helmand, in an effort to fortify the Afghan military positions there.
A large part of Moldova's military equipment dates back to Soviet times and is in urgent need of replacement, Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatii told RFE/RL, adding that the money allocated by the government for defense amounts to a small sum but is still important for its badly underfunded and underequipped army.

Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, was part of the Soviet Union until 1991, when it declared independence. It has a long border with Ukraine and has been hosting hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees since the start of Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has some 1,500 troops in Moldova's Moscow-backed separatist region of Transdniester, a sliver of land sandwiched between Moldova proper and Ukraine.

"Some 90 percent [of our military equipment] is of Soviet origin and dates back to the 1960s to the 1980s.... You cannot modernize a ZIL-131 [military truck] or an antiaircraft system made in the 1970s," Nosatii said.

The pro-European government of President Maia Sandu accelerated its EU bid after Russia invaded Ukraine and in June was given candidate status alongside Ukraine.

Moldova's armed forces consists of 6,500 professional personnel, while 2,000 conscripts are being recruited annually for compulsory military service. The military also employs 2,000 civilians as auxiliary personnel.

Nosatii told RFE/RL that the 0.5 percent of the gross domestic product allocated for defense by the government -- roughly $25.5 million -- while small, is still very important for the implementation of modernization projects.

Nosatii also spoke about the equipment shortages that the Moldovan military faces because of insufficient funding.

The Defense Ministry covers only partially the contents of the so-called "emergency backpack" that contract soldiers, who account for the bulk of Moldova's armed forces, must have at the ready for unexpected situations, Nosatii said.

Nosatii, who was appointed in August last year as defense minister in Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita's reformist government, told RFE/RL that his ministry's current priority is to provide every member of the armed forces with one of these individual first-aid medical kits.

Moldova has been cooperating with foreign partners, including NATO, in its efforts to supply the first-aid kits to its military personnel, Nosatii said.

Besides the first-aid kit, the emergency backpack must also include personal items such as underwear, socks, gloves, a woolly hat, food, and a flashlight, Nosatii said, adding that the state can only partially cover the cost of such equipment.

"For example," Nosatii told RFE/RL, "if the state provides four T-shirts [for daily usage] but the backpack has to cover seven days of deployment, the remainder of three or more T-shirts must be bought by the soldier."

Nosatii said that supplying Moldova's small military with equipment has been a permanent underlying problem but that the ministry has obtained aid from Moldova's external partners.

"You can't demand that a soldier perform his duties when he doesn't have what he needs, when he's cold, lacks military equipment, or is forced to buy it himself," Nosatii said.

Military equipment donated by Moldova's Western partners this year consists of protective gear such as helmets, flak jackets, and waterproof and winter clothing.

Earlier this month, German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht visited Moldova and said Berlin is prepared to provide drones and other military equipment to Chisinau.

Lambrecht also said the German Army is ready to provide military training to Moldova.

She said Berlin also realizes the importance of supporting Moldova in the wake of energy shortages stemming from the war in Ukraine.
The European Union has extended an asset freeze against former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and 15 of his close associates for alleged misappropriation of state funds.

The restrictive measures, put in place two years ago after Yanukovych fled Ukraine during the Euromaidan protests against his government, were extended until March 6, 2017.

Other prominent figures on the EU blacklist include two former prime ministers, Mykola Azarov and Serhiy Arbuzov, and the former head of Yanukovychs presidential administration, Andriy Kliuiev.

Former Health Minister Raisa Bohatyriova was removed from the blacklist after returning stolen assets to Ukrainian authorities.

EU ministers approved the extension of the sanctions at a meeting in Brussels on March 4.

The decision became official after being published in the EU's official journal on March 5.

With reporting by TASS
A Greek governor has called for a national state of emergency and Bulgarias prime minister says his government will send over 400 troops and other security personnel to guard its border with Greece, amid fears the migrant flow along the Balkan route will pick up with the onset of warmer weather.



The president of neighboring Macedonia, meanwhile, criticized the European Union for failing to resolve the crisis that is posing one of the gravest tests yet to the 28-member bloc.



Speaking before the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Rome on March 4, Macedonian leader Gjorge Ivanov said that after decades of having moved to establish the bloc as a border-free zone, "Europe now has more walls than during the Cold War."



Ivanovs comments, and the moves by Greek and Bulgarian officials, highlight the deepening conflict within the EU, and with its periphery neighbors, to craft a coordinated plan to deal with the hundreds of thousands of migrants flooding Europe from the Middle East and North Africa.



Macedonia, which is seeking EU membership, has rankled Brussels by erecting a barbed-wire fence at its border with Greece to prevent hundreds of thousands of migrants from transiting the country on their way to northern Europe.



In the Greek region of Macedonia -- which shares the same name as the country -- Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas called on the central government to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border.



He said 13,000 to 14,000 people were trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000 to 7,000 were being housed in refugee camps around the region. That means the area handles about 60 percent of the total number of migrants in the country.



"It's a huge humanitarian crisis. I have asked the government to declare the area in a state of emergency," Tzitzikostas said March 5. "This cannot continue for much longer."



In his speech in Vienna, Ivanov said Athens was the "weakest link" in Europe today because it had failed to secure its borders.



"Europe is only as strong as its weakest link, and today that link is Greece," he said.



He said Macedonia had to build a wall because Greece was unable to prevent migrants from entering its territory on boats manned by people smugglers from Turkey.



Meanwhile, speaking after security force exercises held along its border with Greece, Bulgarias prime minister announced plans to send hundreds of security personnel to the border. Another 500 security personnel could be mobilized within hours if necessary, he said.



"Hundreds of people, more than 400, from the army, paramilitary police and police, will stay here permanently," Boiko Borisov said March 5.



Last month, Bulgaria's parliament granted the army greater powers to help guard the country's borders. Previously, troops were only able to provide technical and logistic support.



EU member Bulgaria already has close to 2,000 police guarding its porous 260-kilometer frontier with Turkey and is currently extending a razor-wire fence.



The European Union and Turkey will hold a summit March 7 to discuss the refugee crisis.

With reporting by AP, AFP, and Macedonian Information Agency
U.S. President Barack Obama urged Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to keep trying to establish peace with the Taliban in a video conference on March 4, the White House said.

Obama "underscored U.S. support for a peace process that reduces violence and ensures lasting stability in Afghanistan and the region," and he noted Ghani's role in "working with Afghanistan's neighbors to deepen regional cooperation and advance the reconciliation process with the Taliban," it said.

Officials from Afghanistan, the United States, Pakistan, and China said after a meeting in Kabul last month that the Afghan government and Taliban were expected to meet for direct peace talks by the first week of March in the Pakistani capital.

No word of such a meeting came during the week, however.

During the video conference, which also included U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Afghan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, Obama praised the "performance and courage" of Afghan security forces in fighting against "terrorism," according to the Afghan president's office.

Obama told President Ghani that he is impressed by Afghan national defense and security forces," the office said.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Khaama Press
For the past two months, the de facto president, defense minister, and parliament speaker of the breakaway Republic of South Ossetia (RYuO) have been engaged in an acrimonious dispute over a proposed ancillary agreement to the framework Treaty on Union Relations and Integration between the Russian Federation and the RYuO signed a year ago.

Russia is one of only a handful of countries that recognized South Ossetia as an independent sovereign state in the wake of the August 2008 Russian-Georgian war. Most members of the international community still consider it a part of Georgia occupied by Russia.

The Treaty on Union Relations and Integration made provision for individual units of the South Ossetian army to be subsumed into the Russian armed forces within the framework of a common defense space. The two successive versions of the draft ancillary agreement sent by the Russian Defense Ministry to its South Ossetian counterpart in late November and mid-December have not been made public, but they may require a larger-scale subordination of RYuO army personnel to Russian command than de facto President Leonid Tibilov and Defense Minister Ibragim Gasseyev are prepared to condone.

Parliament speaker and One Ossetia party chairman Anatoly Bibilov, however, who has consistently lobbied for subsuming South Ossetia into the Russian Federation at the earliest opportunity, has raised no objections to the wording of the agreement. That failure has given rise to speculation, which he rejects as misplaced, that he advocates abolishing the regions army.

Bibilov is, moreover, clearly seeking to extract political dividends from the executive branchs reluctance to sign the agreement, probably with an eye to the presidential election due in April 2017 in which he and Tibilov are likely to be the main candidates -- unless, as has recently been suggested, Tibilovs predecessor Eduard Kokoity attempts a political comeback.

Tibilovs position, as formulated in his February 19 annual address to parliament, is that in order to preclude a repeat of the August 2008 [deployment into South Ossetia of the Georgian Army], South Ossetia needs its own national military formation, not necessarily a large one, but disciplined, mobile, well-armed, and professionally trained to conduct military operations effectively in mountainous and forested terrain and within populated areas. He recalled that in 2012, he succeeded in persuading Russian President Vladimir Putin to annul an agreement Kokoity had concluded with Moscow on downsizing South Ossetias military, and thus we managed to preserve our army.

De facto Defense Minister Gasseyev likewise argues that the republic should have an army that is capable of resisting aggression in the event of an attack on our country, and for that reason, the Defense Ministry is not prepared for a significant downsizing of the RYuO armed forces.

The ancillary agreement envisages the downsizing of all combat-ready units of the RYuO army, Gasseyev explained in a subsequent interview. Some units will be transferred to serve under Russian command at Russias 4th Military Base in South Ossetia. The RYuO defense-ministry command will not be subsumed into the Russian armed forces and its status will not change. The agreement does not, however, Gasseyev continued, guarantee that those servicemen who are demobilized will be accepted into the ranks of the Russian armed forces, which he considers unacceptable, given that we could end up with no army, and people will be left unemployed.

The question of possible redundancies is all the more sensitive given that the total manpower was cut by almost 50 percent, to 1,250 men, in the spring of 2010.

Ekho Kavkaza quotes an unnamed RYuO defense ministry official as explaining that while the ancillary agreement entails the subsuming of some units of the RYuO army into the Russian armed forces, there is no question of abolishing the republics army, and the agreement does not mention possible dismissals. It was the RYuO Defense Ministry, that source said, which calculated that only 200 of its 800 servicemen meet the more stringent requirements of the Russian Army.

Ossetias criticisms of the executive branchs stance ignore the wording of the ancillary agreement and focus primarily on the imputed failure of the Defense Ministry either to keep the parliament majority informed of the ongoing negotiations or to solicit its input.

Both those criticisms are unfounded, according to Gasseyev. He said the RYuO Defense Ministry received the initial draft of the ancillary agreement from Moscow on November 23, and within days communicated proposed changes. The Russian Defense Ministry sent a revised draft in mid-December that the South Ossetian Defense Ministry forwarded to Bibilov, followed by its proposals for fine-tuning the draft. Those proposals were also sent to Moscow.

Then in mid-January, before any response had been received from the Russian Defense Ministry, RYuO deputy parliament speaker Dmitry Tasoyev, in his capacity as the legislatures representative on the working group tasked with fine-tuning the text of the draft agreement, posted on the parliament website a statement affirming that the signing of the ancillary agreement was being delayed by the unconstructive and stubborn position adopted by the republics Defense Ministry.

Tibilov responded on January 19 with an official proposal to Bibilov to convene an emergency parliament session in order to reach agreement on a mutually acceptable formulation. So, too, did the three minority parties represented in parliament.

Bibilov, however, ignored Tibilovs proposal because, as he told RFE/RLs Echo of the Caucasus, an emergency parliament session is not the appropriate constitutional format in which to discuss an interstate treaty. Bibilov suggested holding parliament hearings instead.

He went on to accuse the presidential administration of seeking a pretext to delay the signing of the ancillary agreement while offloading the blame for the delay onto the legislature.

Bibilovs refusal to convene a parliament session was construed by some media outlets as reflecting tacit support for the abolition of the RYuO army. His fellow parliamentarian Pyotr Gassiyev categorically rejected those dirty rumors as untrue, and as intended to discredit Bibilov in the run-up to the 2017 presidential ballot.

Moscow, meanwhile, appears unfazed by the failure to finalize the draft ancillary agreement by the January 31 deadline. Ivan Boltenkov, who heads the Russian presidential administrations section for relations with the Commonwealth of Independent States, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia was quoted on February 10 as saying that work on any treaty is a two-way street, and that it is not surprising that the two sides have adopted such a scrupulous approach to discussing the small-print. At the same time, Boltenkov expressed confidence that all remaining issues will be resolved in the immediate future.

There is, nonetheless, still a possible legal hurdle to be overcome. Alan Djussoyev of the social movement Your Choice, Ossetia points out that there is no such legal concept as the subsuming of military units of one national army into another, and no precedent for doing so.
Syrian rebel fighters seized control of a crossing on the Iraqi border, activists said, after air strikes from the U.S.-coalition battered Islamic State fighters, pushing them back from the Syrian side of the border.



The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said March 5 that rebel forces entered from Jordan to seize the Al-Tanf crossing on the Syrian side of the Iraqi border.



The fighting began a day earlier when fighters from the Free Syrian Army's Southern Front routed IS fighters, killing one and wounding several others, according to the Local Coordination Committees, an opposition network in Syria.



The Iraqi side of Al-Tanf remains under control of Islamic State fighters, who had initially seized both sides of the border in May 2015, activists said.



Along the rest of the border with Iraq, Islamic State militants control the key Albu Kamal crossing, but Kurdish fighters control Yarabiyah to the north.



After seizing vast swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria in 2014 and 2015, Islamic State insurgents have seen their gains rolled back by Kurdish forces in Syria, as well as Iraqi forces and allied paramilitaries.



Brett McGurk, the lead U.S. envoy to the coalition fighting the group, said Islamic State, also known as Daesh, has lost important ground in Syria in recent weeks.



"The overall square kilometers that Daesh has now lost in Syria has increased exponentially in just over the last couple weeks. But it's not just the territories, it's the strategic nature of the territory," McGurk told reporters in Baghdad.



The group still controls territory in Syria and Iraq, including Iraq's second-largest city, Mosul. It has also carried out a number of large bombings in Iraq over the past week that have killed dozens of people.



McGurk declined to put a timeline on when the group would be defeated or when Mosul and the Syrian city of Raqqa, considered the groups stronghold, would be retaken.



"Daesh is losing. As they lose, we focus increasingly on stabilization," he added, referring to plans being made to rehabilitate and police cities recaptured from militants.
It is becoming more and more difficult to tell Tajikistan and Turkmenistan apart.

Of course, there are some obvious differences, foremost being that Turkmenistan has the worlds fourth-largest reserves of natural gas and Tajikistan does not, nor does it possess any other valuable reserves. So in terms of state revenues, the two Central Asian countries do not compare to one another.

But in terms of the style of leadership practiced, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon appears to be taking some cues from the established practices of his Turkmen counterparts.

To look at this transformation in Tajikistan, and how it does and does not compare to the situation in Turkmenistan, RFE/RLs Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk, assembled a majils, or panel, to discuss the topic.

Azatlyk Director Muhammad Tahir moderated the discussion. Participating were Edward Lemon, researcher at the University of Exeter, who has written extensively on Tajikistan, and Steve Swerdlow, the Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. I, of course, jumped in with some comments here and there also.

Under its first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmenistan was characterized by the cult of personality. Niyazov was given the name Turkmenbashi, literally the Head of the Turkmen, and officials and state media referred to him this way. He ordered lavish buildings to be constructed in the capital, Ashgabat. Monuments were erected to him, including the infamous golden statue of Niyazov sitting atop a 75-meter-high tripod and built so that Niyazovs face always turned in the direction of the sun.

The Caspian coastal city of Krasnovodsk was renamed Turkmenbashi City, books were purportedly written by Niyazov, and many more books were written praising him. State media devoted nearly all of its coverage to Niyazovs activities. In December 1999, Turkmenistans parliament declared Niyazov president for life.

Recently, in Tajikistan, parliament awarded President Emomali Rahmon the title Leader Of The Nation. There is a contest under way among schoolchildren for the best essays about Young People: Followers Of The Leader Of The Nation. Parliament also just approved renaming the town of Pitovdasht, in the eastern Gorno-Badakhshan region, to Rahmonobod. That, reportedly, was done in response to a request from residents of Pitovdasht.

More is going on, as Lemon noted. We've seen late last year proposed changes to the constitution that would effectively lift [Rahmon] above the law, lift him and his family above the law and allow him to rule the country indefinitely, he said.

Rahmon has been elected president four times, but amendments to the constitution will strike term limits, as well as making some other changes favorable to Rahmon and his family. A referendum on those changes is scheduled for May 22.

One big difference between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan is that Niyazov eliminated political opposition very quickly after 1991 independence. When Rahmon became Tajikistans leader in November 1992, the country was in civil war. The 1997 peace agreement that ended the war called for allowing members of the armed opposition, including the Islamic opposition, to lay down their weapons and take up 30 percent of the places in government.

That, as Lemon said, is changing: Last year, we saw an unprecedented crackdown on the opposition. We saw the region's only faith-based legal opposition party -- the Islamic Renaissance Party (IRPT) -- closed and over 200 of its members arrested and the organization declared a terrorist organization.

Swerdlow said these 200 IRPT members might be just the start: The trial against the IRPT, which just started on February 9, it looks like that is not going to be an aberration, so we could actually have dozens of people getting sentences of 17 years, 20 years, on what appear to be extremely flimsy, trumped-up cases of so-called extremism.

Other alleged government opponents have also been targeted, such as Group 24, which was virtually unknown until Tajik authorities publicly called it an extremist group a few years ago and banned it. Group 24 leader Umarali Kuvvatov was assassinated in Istanbul in March 2015. Deputy Defense Minister Abdulhalim Nazarzoda was killed in September 2015 after the Tajik government claimed he was about to stage a coup. Evidence for this claim remains thin.

Political opposition has now been almost entirely wiped out in Tajikistan.

And Swerdlow added, Since September, things have sort of gone on hyperdrive in terms of this culture of fear expanding. The discussion of many topics is now taboo, whether it's talking about the IRPT or Group 24, or it's freedom of religion.

That sounds like Turkmenistan.

Niyazov was able to start establishing his personality cult in the early days of independence. Of course, its more difficult for Rahmon, but Lemon pointed out Tajik authorities and state media are engaged in some image-making.

[The people] are constantly bombarded with this message that there was this horrible fratricidal warand Emomali Rahmon, the strong president, lifted the country out of the civil war, built a peaceful, democratic, secular country that is stable and prosperous. So the government narrative goes, Lemon said.

Niyazov was able to wall off his country from the outside, especially after the UN granted Turkmenistan the status of a neutral country in 1995. Official neutrality gave Niyazov an excuse to shun participation in international organizations and to ignore outside criticism. And while the Turkmen government was able to isolate the country from the outside world, Turkmenistans gas reserves guaranteed there always would be outside interest in the country. It was difficult to effectively pressure the Turkmen government to make changes.

Tajikistan is not in such a position, but Swerdlow suggested the Tajik government has a different card to play to stem outside pressure and ensure outside interest, and help. Swerdlow said other governments in some sense are buying the narrative that the [Tajik] government is selling, which is that, 'Look, we have to crack down. Not only do we have existential threats from the south and from without, things like [Islamic State], but we also have this economic existential threat, and we have to control things or else you're going to have a failed state and you dont want that. You have enough problems to deal with in this region.'"

The panel explored these comparisons and contrasts between Turkmenistan and Tajikistan in greater detail and looked at other issues that might indicate Tajikistan is undergoing a process of Turkmenization.

Listen to the Majlis podcast here:
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu says Ankara and Tehran must develop "common perspectives" in order to end sectarian strife in the region.

Davutoglu made the comments on March 5 during a visit to Tehran, the first in two years by a top Turkish leader.

"We may have different views, but we cannot change our history or our geography," he said, standing alongside Iranian Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri.

"It is extremely important for Turkey and Iran to develop some common perspectives in order to end our region's fight among brothers, to stop the ethnic and sectarian conflicts," he added.

Jahangiri admitted "differences on some regional issues" but said Tehran is "determined to manage the differences to reach stability in the region."

Turkey and Iran are at odds over the war in Syria.

Iran's Shi'ite regime supports the Shi'ite leadership of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey is among his most outspoken critics and backs the Sunni opposition. Turkey is also close to Sunni Saudi Arabia, which has cut its diplomatic ties with Iran.

Davutoglu's visit comes amid a cessation of hostilities in Syria sponsored by the United States, Russia, and the United Nations which has largely held for the past week.

It also takes place days before the planned resumption of Syrian peace talks in Geneva.

Despite their differences on Syria, Turkey and Iran have largely maintained cordial diplomatic relations over the years.

Davutoglu said his country is eager to boost trade relations with Iran now that the West has eased sanctions over Tehran's controversial nuclear program.

"The main obstacle that prevented us from reaching our goal were the sanctions," he said.

He voiced confidence that Turkey and Iran will soon exceed their previous trade target of $30 billion annually.

Trade between the two nations was $9.7 billion in 2015, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.

With reporting by Reuters and dpa
Police in Istanbul used tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse hundreds of demonstrators protesting the forceful takeover of Turkey's largest newspaper.

The Zaman newspaper reopened earlier on March 5 amid a heavy police presence, hours after police raided the building to enforce a court-ordered seizure.

Footage shows police firing tear gas and water cannons and forcibly breaking a gate to enter the offices overnight.

The Cihan news agency and the Today's Zaman English-language daily, which are part of the Feza Publications group that owns Zaman, are also affected by the court order placing Zaman under state control.

The newspaper is closely linked with U.S.-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most influential foe.

Erdogan has accused Gulen of conspiring to overthrow the government by building a network of supporters in the judiciary, police, and media. Gulen's movement has also been branded a terrorist organization, although it is not known to have carried out any acts of violence.

A court on March 4 appointed a state administrator to run Zaman and its sister outlets. State media say the decision was taken at the request of a prosecutor investigating the Gulen's movement on terrorism charges.

Zaman's seizure further reduces the number of independent media organizations in Turkey, which is dominated by pro-government news outlets.

The March 5 edition of Today's Zaman, published before the raid, printed its entire front page in black with the headline: "Shameful Day For Free Press In Turkey."

The swoop sparked concern in Washington and Brussels amid deepening worries over freedom of expression in Turkey.

State Department spokesman John Kirby condemned the takeover as "the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by the Turkish government targeting media outlets and others critical of it."

EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said he was "extremely worried" about the move, which he said "jeopardizes progress" made by Ankara in other areas.

The takeover comes just days before a March 7 meeting during which EU leaders will try to convince Turkey to do more to curtail the flow of migrants traveling to Europe and take back thousands who do not qualify for asylum.

Some international rights advocacy groups have accused the European Union of muting its response to Zaman's seizure, and more generally to deteriorating freedoms in Turkey, due to the country's crucial role in the migrant crisis.

Daniel Calingaert, executive vice president of the U.S.-based watchdog Freedom House, said Washington and Brussels "should not trade Turkey's support on migration and Syria for silence over the dismantling of democratic institutions."

The European Federation of Journalists called on the European Union not to "remain silent to the political seizure of Zaman newspaper."

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and dpa
Turkmenistan's president has complained that there is major corruption in the Central Asian countrys oil and gas industries, in an unusually public statement made on state television.



President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov gave few details in his remarks to his cabinet, which occurred March 4 and was broadcast the following day on national television.



But he did single out former vice prime minister for the energy sector, Baymyrat Khodzhamukhamedov, who was removed from his post in November, reportedly for health reasons.



The president said Khodzhamukhamedov subsequently returned about $1.5 million he had allegedly taken in bribes.



Turkmenistan has some of the largest natural gas deposits in the world, and the country is tightly controlled by an authoritarian government that allows virtually no opposition.

With reporting by AP and Interfax
It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search?

Search for: Search
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
RICHMOND  Del. Nick Rushs flat-fee degree bill cleared the Senate with a few rewrites Friday. House Bill 961 encourages state colleges to offer discounts, flat tuition rates or other considerations for students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields.

The Senate changes delete a provision that would have required the student to repay the money if they drop out, dont graduate on time or switch to a non-eligible major.

It also takes out a section detailing specific financial incentives the college would qualify for. Instead, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is directed to pull together recommendations for incentives.

Rush, R-Christiansburg, said he supported both amendments. The incentives will be laid out in state guidelines rather than cemented in the law, he said.

We think well be able to accomplish the same thing, he said. They didnt want to put it in the code, which makes sense.

The amended bill will return to the House of Delegates for review and, if approved, advance to Gov. Terry McAuliffes desk.
RICHMOND  Gov. Terry McAuliffe has agreed to sign an open government bill without the vast rewrite he recently pushed for.

The governors attempt to heavily amend Senate Bill 494 was decried by its supporters as an effective veto of the measure.

The bill seeks to reinstate a Freedom of Information Act principle that public officials should redact protected information when possible and release the remaining, public portions of a record rather than denying access wholesale to a document.

Many believed that was already required by Virginia law. But in a ruling last year, the state Supreme Court found the duty to redact wasnt uniform throughout the codes language.

The governors office contended only one FOIA section needed an update to fix the gap created by the court ruling and proposed to refer the rest of SB 494 for study.

The bills sponsors and open government advocates disagreed with that reading and argued delaying action would weaken the states public records laws.

On Friday, officials announced McAuliffe would sign the original version of the bill, with the understanding he may still seek changes to an identical House of Delegates bill also working its way toward his desk.

If changes are made to the House bill and accepted by the General Assembly, that is the version that will become law.

If no agreement on the House bill can be reached, the Senate version will take effect.

McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said the deal gives the administration more time to try to work out an agreement with legislators. Because the House bill is advancing late in the session, McAuliffe will have until next month to act on it.

Wed very much like to find a middle ground, Coy said, adding the governor remains concerned about the scope of the bill as proposed.

Sen. Scott Surovell, patron of the Senate bill, said minor edits could be considered but another attempt at a major overhaul isnt going to fly with the General Assembly. Lawmakers passed the bills with near-unanimous support.

I think everybody was aware that this bill is very important to maintaining a vibrant and functional Freedom of Information Act, said Surovell, D-Fairfax.

The governors office has suggested that parts of the bill could create significant new burdens for public agencies. Supporters maintain it is only restoring the law as everyone understood it prior to the Supreme Court ruling and point to a clause in the bill that underscores that intent.
RICHMOND  Candidates for local office will be able to put an R or D next to their name on the ballot under a bill advancing through the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 767, carried by Sen. David Suetterlein, cleared a House of Delegates committee Friday and is headed for a floor vote.

This appears to be the first time a local party identification bill has advanced this far. Virginia for years has been wary of adding party markers to local election ballots.

Candidates vying for city councils, boards of supervisors or other local offices can run as party nominees under current law but cant be identified as such on the ballot.

State candidates have been allowed to list themselves by party only since 2001. In the years since then, a handful of bills have been introduced to extend that to local races. But each quickly died, according to an online search of past legislation.

Suetterlein, R-Roanoke County, described the issue as a question of transparency during a Friday morning appearance before the House Privileges and Elections Committee.

The state already allows these candidates to be nominated by party, he said, and allows that nomination to be decided by a publicly funded primary if the party so chooses. The taxpayers foot the bill for that, he added, but dont get to see the results noted later on Election Day.

This adds transparency to the process, Suetterlein said. If were going to have candidates nominated by party, it should be reflected by the ballot.

SB 767 doesnt alter the status quo for candidates who, by law or local charter, are barred from running under a party label, Suetterlein said. School board candidates, for example, cant seek formal party nominations.

All candidates would retain the option of running as independents.

The bill passed the committee on an 11-6 vote. Those voting nay remained worried about the effect it would have on local races.

At the local level, theres no place for partisan politics, said Del. Riley Ingram, R-Hopewell, who served on his city council before being elected to the House. Its not like it is at the state and federal level.

Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke, said there is already too much partisan rancor in campaigns.

I certainly dont want to have quite as much in our local elections, he said in an interview. I think as much as we can do to try to pull some partisanship out, its a good idea.

Del. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, voted in support of the bill after being reassured it wont undo local charters in towns and cities that require non-party-affiliated elections.

Once I understood it was only dealing with those offices that are nominated by party, I thought, you know, transparency is a good thing, she said.

The bill will be heard on the House floor next week.
The Senate Courts of Justice Committee on Friday certified Court of Appeals Judge Rossie Alston as qualified to fill the Supreme Court of Virginia vacancy created by the Republican-controlled legislatures refusal to elect interim Justice Jane Marum Roush to a full, 12-year term.

Roush  a former Fairfax County Circuit Court judge who presided over the trial of Beltway sniper Lee Boyd Malvo  was appointed last summer by Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Leroy Millette.

Roush was forced to leave the high court Feb. 12 when her interim appointment expired 30 days into the General Assembly session. The governor and GOP leadership have battled for months over what the GOP called a failure by McAuliffe to consult and communicate on the appointment.

House Republicans have certified Alston as their choice to replace Roush. So far, however, they have been unable to win approval for him in the Virginia Senate.

Freshman Sen. Glen Sturtevant, R-Richmond, has voiced his objection to the nearly unprecedented ouster of a sitting justice by the legislature by siding with Democrats and denying Republicans the 21st vote they need to approve Alston.

On Wednesday, Senate Republican leadership certified Roush as qualified and, adding a handful of votes to existing Democratic support, approved her nomination to the Supreme Court, knowing that House Republicans would then reject the nomination. The House voted against Roush, 55-38.

The rejection of Roush by the House laid the groundwork for the House and Senate to push for Alston and proceed to a quick vote, should Sturtevant abandon his stance on Roush or if a Senate Democrat flips.

Republicans have a 21-19 edge in the Senate; a majority of members in both chambers is required to elect a judge. A Senate vote on Alston could come as soon as Monday.

The Virginia Constitution gives the legislature the authority to elect judges and the governor the authority to appoint judges on an interim basis when the legislature has adjourned. Governors judicial appointments, however, are ultimately subject to General Assembly approval.

With the General Assembly set to adjourn on March 12, pressure is building to fill the vacancy.
Farmers, economic development staff and local government leaders will be gathering for the 2016 Virginia Conference on Agritourism on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 5 and 6, at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in Halifax, Virginia, to explore innovative strategies.

Virginia agritourism is part of growing Virginias new economy. More than 50 speakers will deliver dynamic, relevant and interactive presentations on opportunities and challenges for agritourism entrepreneurs. Participants will explore promising practices for farm events, such as weddings and music, social media, marketing, hospitality, regional networks, zoning and conservation, financing and legal structures, wineries and farm craft breweries, bed and breakfast, food and farm safety, farm workforce and businesses planning.

Special guests include the Honorable Maurice Jones, secretary of commerce and trade; the Honorable Todd Haymore, secretary of agriculture and Forestry; the Honorable Danny Marshall, state delegate and chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources; and Mary Rae Carter, special advisor for Rural Partnerships.

On Tuesday afternoon, conference participants will tour one of four farms, including Hudson Heritage Farms, which is partnering with Greenwood Vineyards, Reeses Farm Fresh, Hunting Creek Vineyards partnering with Bright Meadows Farm Winery or Shangrila Guest Ranch.

Every session is bursting with engaging speakers and tools for Virginias agritourism industry said Martha Walker, community viability specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension. Our state planning team has secured an outstanding lineup of experts to share their knowledge. Anyone working with agritourism will want to be in Halifax County for this conference.

Denise Hudson with Hudsons Farm Feed and Hudson Heritage Farms is also offering a pre-conference workshop on Monday, April 4, and a farm-to-table dinner on Tuesday evening.

The conference is sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension, Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, Farm Credit, Virginia Association of Counties, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia FAIRS, Virginia Tourism Corporation and USDA Rural Development.

To register, visit http://tinyurl.com/2016Agritourism-Conference and complete the registration process before Friday, March 25. Registeration for one day is $95 and both days is $135.

For more information, contact Martha Walker, Virginia Cooperative Extension, at 434-766-6761 or walker53@vt.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Martha Walker during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss such accommodations at least five days prior to the event. The TDD number is 800-828-1120.
Want these insights before anyone else? Join my email list to receive a curated list of top non-obvious stories of the week and useful insights like these every Thursday  a full 24 hours before they are published on this blog! Click here to subscribe >>

This weeks edition of curated underappreciated marketing stories features some fascinating marketing strategy  from a 103 year old luxury automaker targeting women drivers for the first time in its history to McDonalds in Sweden transforming Happy Meal boxes into virtual reality headsets. Along with Amazons brilliantly sneaky product launch for two new Alexa powered devices a story about the sad, slow decline of cereal sales  there are plenty of ideas to chew on in this weeks curated list of the most non-obvious and underappreciated marketing stories of the week!

Why Breakfast Cereal Sales Are Down

For several years now, the slow decline of cereal has been widely reported. Despite nostalgia inspired boutiques like trendy Cereal Bars, the unfortunate fact is consumers are wary of carbs and often skipping breakfast entirely. As a new generation considers cereal, a powerful dislike of having to clean up afterwards may ultimately doom cereal sales as the product becomes an occasional indulgence rather than an everyday staple.

Read The Full Story On NY Times >>

Aston Martin Targets Women For First Time Ever

For the struggling brand, its latest announcement of the new DB11 at the Geneva Auto Show last week was another chance to talk about their year old strategy of targeting women drivers. Their new CEO Andy Palmer describes their prototypical customer as Charlotte  a wealthy and attractive American woman in her late 30s. Along with Harley Davidson, it is yet another example of a brand hungry to shed its masculine baggage and appeal to the other 50% of the market. And its about time.

Read the full story on AdWeek >>

Amazons Sneaky Product Launch

Earlier today Amazon unveiled two new Alexa devices using voice activation  the Echo Dot and the Amazon Tap. As a part of the launch, they limited ordering only to those Prime members who already had an Amazon Echo or Fire TV. Aside from limiting supply, this brilliantly sneaky beta strategy ensured the products were only available to those customers who were already familiar with the Alexa voice activation technology and rewarding existing Prime members before other customers.

Read the Echo Dot page on Amazon >>

Virtual Reality Happy Meals

Several months ago Google made news with Cardboard, its low cost introduction to virtual reality. This week, McDonalds in Sweden tried a similar effort to put virtual reality into the hands of the masses with its Happy Goggles effort. Each new initiative adds more legitimacy to VR and makes technology that is typically scary less threatening. Particularly when you have initiatives like Samsung partnering with 9 US amusements parks to launch virtual reality enabled roller coasters.

Read the full story on Popular Science >>

Mood Tracking Video Games

A growing range of emotion based technology is pioneering new ways that devices and digital experiences can tailor themselves to how we feel. Like video games that track facial reactions or wearable tech that alerts us to our own mood. This data also opens up new opportunities for understanding consumers, promoting impulse purchases and generally understanding the role mood plays in consumer behaviour.

Read the full story on Fast Company >>

Chick-Fil-A Gets Diners To Ditch Phones

Could you avoid checking your phone for an entire meal? A group of store owners are offering diners a free ice cream cone as incentive if they can do it. As restaurants around the world struggle with an overall increase in average dining time thanks mostly to selfies and posting food photos on Instagram, more are likely to turn to ideas like these to get consumers to focus on the food  and get in and out faster in the process.

Read the full story on TODAY >>

Book Release of the Week  Hug Your Haters by Jay Baer

I had the good fortune to see Jay practice his keynote speech for this book nearly a year before it was published  and you could tell it was going to be great. Now that I have read it, Im sure it is. Continuing in the intellectual tradition from his last book Youtility of providing amazingly useful ideas boiled down into easy to implement steps, the premise of this book is defiantly simple: embrace the people who actively hate you. It can be hard advice to take, but this wonderful book is filled with unexpected stories of brands building powerful loyalty, people having transformative experiences and perhaps even the hidden secret to making you a happier person. Embracing hate is hard. Read this powerful book to show you how and why learning how to do it may be the most important communications commitment you make this year.

Learn more about Hug Your Haters >>



Event Of The Week  PostSecret Show

Seeing Frank Warren, the unassuming creator of PostSecret, host a live event is a memorable experience. He has often been called the most trusted stranger in the world for his ability to encourage people to open up and share secrets they have never told anyone else. For years he has been touring college campuses, but now the secrets scrawled on postcards that millions have mailed to him form the basis for a new theatrical show and it looks amazing. Rather than recommend just another business conference, this week Id like to share the site for this event and experience  along with my heartfelt suggestion that you try to see the show or one of Franks live shows at least once. It is bucket list worthy.

Learn about PostSecret The Show >> | Learn about Frank and Postsecret >>

How are these articles chosen?

Every week I review hundreds of articles to curate the best stories of the week  and share some quick insights about why they matter for business and marketing. I call these Non-Obvious Insights and this is the fourth week I am sharing them. If you would like to see these insights a FULL 24 HOURS before anyone else, please join my email subscriber list here to get the insights every Thursday directly in your email inbox!
Around 60 people were injured in Thailand's capital Bangkok after the engine of a commuter boat exploded on a major waterway in the eastern outskirts of the city.

The blast occurred in Khlong Saen Saep, which is one of the capital's busiest waterways for commuters.

Most of the injured suffered from minor burns and are hospitalized. Three foreigners including two Myanmar nationals and one Japanese were among those injured in the accident, according to the city's Erawan medical emergency centre.

Initial reports suggested that a fuel leak was the reason for the explosion.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
Pakistani police rescued a 9-year-old girl from from being married off to a 14-year-old boy to end a dispute between their families.

Four members of the village council who had ordered the "compensation wedding" or "vani", were arrested by the police.



In Rahim Yar Khan district of Punjab province, a girl is ordered to marry to settle the crime of her relatives and disputes between families.

The girl's brother's wife died due to some problems recently. The wife's relatives suspected foul play and accused her family of murder, deputy superintendent of police Mamoonur Rasheed reportedly said.

The village council decided to give the little girl in "vani" to settle the suspected murder.

Meanwhile, the council decided the marriage of the girl to a 14-year-old cousin of her brother's deceased wife. While, the brother is ordered to pay penalty to his deceased wife's family.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
                                               .

                                      .
Germany concerns over high number of Yemen's civilian casualties

br>

BERLIN, March 05 (Saba) - The German government has expressed concern over the high number of civilian casualties in Yemen.



A German Foreign Ministry's spokesperson said Germany believed the conflict in Yemen can only be settled through political means, expressing concerns over the catastrophic conditions in the country.



The German government has called for a ceasefire in Yemen in order to enter humanitarian aid to the country, stressing reaching a ceasefire is first priority.



German Foreign Minister Frank Walter-Steinmeier is due to start a three-day visit to the UAE and Oman on Sunday. The situation in Yemen will be on the top of the issues to be discussed.



AF

Saba

Facebook Facebook

Twitter Twitter

Whatsapp Whatsapp

Telegram Telegram

Email Email

Print Print

[05/March/2016]
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
By SA Commercial Prop News

Ndibu Motaung is an experienced researcher having previously held Research Manager roles at Liberty Properties and Absa Development Company (DevCo) at Absa Bank Limited.



Jones Lang LaSalle has appointed Ndibu Motaung to head the research offering for its South Africa office.

Commenting on Ndibus appointment, Mark Bradford, CEO of Jones Lang LaSalle South Africa, said: Our South African Research Desk will offer both our local and international clients, independent data and thought leadership on market conditions and trends within a South African and comparative global context.

It presents an ideal opportunity to directly market South African cities to occupiers and investors through Jones Lang LaSalles global network in 60 countries around the world.

Together with vast experience in market and strategy research, Ndibu has considerable understanding of the African market and with specialist sector knowledge and experience in business banking, property (commercial and residential property) and public sector (mainly local government and utilities ), in addition Ndibu has management consulting experience.

Previously Ndibu was a Senior Project Manager for 3P Consulting (Pty) Ltd and Assistant Economist for Absa Bank and the Africa Desk at Standard Bank. Ndibu held the positions of Non-Executive Director of Sedibeng Water Board from 2006 to February 2010.

She also served as a member of the HR and Remuneration Committee and a member of the task team that evaluated the business plan and the corporate annual reports and performance amongst other Board responsibilities.

Commenting about her new role at Jones Lang LaSalle, Ndibu said she is excited to take on the opportunity to represent South Africa, an economic hub and hope for many African countries. I look forward to providing independent research about my country to investors locally and in the rest of the world.

I believe that real estate in South Africa will still yield some great returns as it has previously performed well above global benchmark in the past few years.

Ndibu brings a wealth of knowledge acquired over 14 years of professional service across different industries.
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
Press Release

March 4, 2016 Drilon urges OFWs to vote in May 2016 polls Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, author of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act, urged the overseas Filipinos to take part in the upcoming May 2016 elections. Drilon, who is running for a re-election in the Senate under the Liberal Party, said that their fate, as well as the future of their families in the Philippines is at stake in the elections. "We should not take for granted the May 2016 elections. We should exercise our right to vote and take an active role in choosing the country's next set of leaders, Drilon said. Drilon said that the main reason why he pushed for the absentee voting law is "to empower the overseas Filipino workers to participate in shaping our country's future by electing qualified leaders." "The outcome of this election will have an impact on our country's policies on the welfare of around seven million Filipinos living abroad including the 2.3 million overseas Filipino workers," he stressed. The four-time Senate President then lauded the Commission on Elections and the Department of Foreign Affairs for stepping up their efforts in implementing the Overseas Absentee Voting Act. He said that it is the first time since the law's enactment in 2003 that registered overseas voters has reached over one million. Citing Comelec's data, Drilon said that there are 1.37 million registered overseas voters who ate expected to participate in the 2016 national elections, 826,880 of which are new registrants. However, Drilon said that the real challenge for these two agencies is "how to increase the overseas voting turnout," as he noted the low overseas voting turnout in the past elections. During the 2010 elections, Drilon said that the actual number of voters that participated totalled 153,323, which represented only 26 percent of the 589,830 registered absentee voters in 2010. Drilon said that he hopes that overseas Filipinos will avail of the one month overseas voting period which is slated from April 9 to May 9. He further said: "Ang panawagan ko po ngayon sa ating mga kababayan sa ibayong dagat, ang kinabukasan po ng ating bansa ay nakadepende sa mga leader na ating inihahalal. Ang karapatan po natin na maghalal ng maayos na pinuno, iyan po ang ating kinabukasan. Kaya hinihimok ko po kayo: Exercise your right to vote. Bumoto po kayo," Drilon emphasized. "Sumali po tayo sa halalan upang maayos at karapat-dapat ang mga lider na ating maihalal. Lalo na po sa ating overseas Filipino workers, ang resulta ng eleksyong ito ay makaaapekto sa pamumuhay ng ating mga mahal sa buhay na nanatili rito sa Pilipinas na siyang dahilan kung bakit tayo naglakas-loob na makipagsapalaran sa ibayong dagat," Drilon concluded.
Press Release

March 4, 2016 Drilon's twin anti-smoking laws to reduce

smoking-related diseases Senate President Franklin M. Drilon is optimistic that with his twin anti-smoking laws - the Graphic Health Warning Act and the Sin Tax Reform Law - already in place, the smoking incidence in the country, particularly among the youth, will finally decline. Drilon issued the statement following the start of the implementation of the Graphic Health Warning Law, which mandates graphic health warnings in cigarette packages showing the health risks of smoking. He is the author of the two aforementioned anti-smoking laws. "I am glad that the Graphic Health Warning Act will now join the Sin Tax Reform Law as fully implemented health laws which I am confident will be significant in dissuading Filipinos from smoking, especially our youth and our more impoverished constituents," he said. Drilon said that the Graphic Health Warning Act must be strictly observed to save many Filipinos from the deadly dangers posed by tobacco use. The four-time Senate President and Liberal Party re-electionist senatorial candidate commended the Department of Health and other government agencies involved with the implementation of RA 106943, which he said is crucial in addressing the unabated rise of cigarette smokers within the country. Under the act, tobacco companies are required to print 12 graphic health warning templates on all cigarette packages, which depict the dangers of tobacco smoking or passive smoking, along with text-based information. The law also effectively bans the manufacture and importation of tobacco products without the graphic warnings. He explained that studies have shown that graphic-based warnings on tobacco use are more effective than text-based warnings in educating the public about tobacco-induced health complications. "So when we look at other countries where this system has been set in place, they were able to reduce the incidence of smoking in their respective jurisdictions. Hopefully, this will also be the case in implementing our own graphic warning on cigarette packages," he said. Drilon then urged the DOH and other agencies involved to see to it that the implementation of the RA 10643 "will be done so in the strictest form possible," and to be aggressive in deterring and preventing violations of the act within the tobacco industry. "It's about time that we take charge and ensure compliance among the stakeholders, for the benefit of Filipinos who need to be properly informed of what smoking truly entails for their health," he stressed. He pointed out that according to estimates made by the Department of Health (DOH), 87,000 Filipinos succumb annually from complications caused by cigarette smoking, which costs the country an estimated P188 billion in annual health care expenses and productivity losses. "Ten Filipinos die every hour from cigarette smoking-related illnesses. It is about time that we put an end to this, and with graphic health warnings and the Sin Tax Reform Act, we have a fighting chance at ending the plague of smoking cigarettes," Drilon said.
Cayetano pays last respect to Ouano

Vice presidential candidate and Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano took some time off from his national campaign to pay his last respect to the late Provincial Board (PB) Member and ex-Mandaue City mayor Thadeo "Teddy" Zambo Ouano.

Cayetano was in Cebu on Saturday to attend Ouano's burial mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.

In a eugoly which he delivered before families and friends of the late official, Cayetano recalled how Ouano had dedicated his life in the service of his fellow Cebuanos.

"Thank you (and) we love you for everything that you have done for us. This is a sad day for the country," Cayetano said.

The senator expressed hope that future leaders of the country would be able to replicate what the board member was able to do to address the disorder in the daily lives of Cebuanos.

Ouano, who was 69, passed away last month after suffering from prostate cancer. Cayetano had worked with him in several projects in Cebu back in 2012.

Through their partnership, a barangay health center was constructed in barangay Opao and a rural health center was completed in the town of Tabogon.
CHIZ CONFIRMS ATTENDANCE TO VP DEBATE

SAMBOAN, CEBU--Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero confirmed his attendance to the lone vice presidential debate to be held at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on April 10.

Escudero welcomed the debate, saying it is an opportunity for independent bets like him to present their platform to a wide audience with the full coverage granted by media entities.

"Yes. Kaming mga kulang sa advertisement gusto naming mag-attend sa debate para makita sa TV," he said when asked in a press conference in this coastal town if he will be participating in the debate hosted by CNN Philippines.

If he had his way, the veteran legislator said, he would have wanted more vice presidential debates since they grant equal footing among independent bets and moneyed candidates, who have the resources to spend on television advertisements.

"Whether in Cebu or in Mindanao or in Luzon, as long as it will be covered (by media), it will be an opportunity for us to share our platform, we will be there," the consistent vice presidential frontrunner in all pre-election surveys said.

Unlike most of his fellow vice-presidential bets, Escudero only started advertising on television on the first day of the campaign last Feb. 9.

Monitoring done by Nielsen Philippines from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30 2015 showed Escudero only spent P30,000 on television advertisements.

On the other hand, the media research firm said Escudero's opponents like Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano had spent over P398 million; Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., P103.43 million; Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, P91.62 million; and Sen. Gregorio Honasan, P43.58 million; just for 11 months last year.
Press Release

March 5, 2016 Bongbong to Filipino women: I will be careful with your heart VICE presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. has assured today that the women sector will have a voice in the government if he is elected. Marcos made the assurance in a speech he delivered at the Municipal Hall Auditorium in Bambang, Nueva Viscaya on the occasion of National Women's Celebration Month with the theme, "Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda." "Pangako ko po na kayo ay mabibigyan ng sapat at malinaw na boses sa ating pamahalaan. I assure you of a Vice President that will be a good, virtuous, responsible and unifying leader, with whom you can entrust not only your voice, but your lives and future, and those of our younger and succeeding generations. 'Ika nga sa buhay ni Sir Chief: 'I will be careful with your heart," he said. He said the Filipino people can stand proud because the country has come a long way in respecting women's rights and the Filipino women are now more empowered. He said not only the Constitution but there are laws enacted to ensure that Filipino women are protected and treated equally like the 7-year old Magna Carta for women (Republic Act 8710) and the 12-year old Anti-Violence against Women and their Children (Republic Act 9262). He said he advocates for "women empowerment" and firmly believe that women can compete with men, and match their abilities and performance and can even surpass them. "So much so that I firmly believe that Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago--my running-mate--is not only most qualified, but is also the right and the perfect person to take the job of the Presidency of our country. Ang OFW advocate naman na si Susan Ople naman ay isa sa aking mga ini-endorsong Senatoriable," he said. However, Marcos said there is still a need for the continued education of the Filipinos, especially the men, to completely erase the "patriarchal" mentality. "Kaya, patuloy na edukasyon ng ating mga kalalakihan at mga kababaihan mismo ang ating kailangan," he said. Marcos also expressed gratitude to the women in his life, particularly his wife, Atty. Liza Araneta Marcos, for supporting him all the way. "I completely have faith and trust in all the great women in my life--in their skills, their talents and their abilities to make the right decisions... Naniniwala po ako sa kasabihan na, 'Behind every successful man is a woman.' Whoever I am now and whatever I have become, it is because of the influence and guidance of all the great women in my life," he said. He added: Kaya sa mga kababaihan ng Bambang, Lalawigan ng Nueva Viscaya at nang buong Pilipinas, kayo na po ang bahala sa akin."
Press Release

March 5, 2016 Sen. Marcos calls for audit of Malampaya Fund use;

backs Palawan's claim to 40% share Vice presidential candidate Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. on Friday said the next administration should conduct an accurate audit of the collections and expenditures of the Malampaya Fund not only to ensure proper use but also provide the province of Palawan its just share in the funds. Under the Local Government Code, Palawan is entitled to 40 percent share of the Malampaya Fund but until now the province has yet to enjoy this right. In an ambush interview in the sidelines of Puerto Princesa City's "Balayong Festival" where he was the guest speaker, Marcos lamented that the current administration has yet to provide Congress an accurate accounting of the Malamapaya Funds. "Ilang taon na naming hinihingi sa kanila ang accounting hindi maibigay-bigay. Hindi nga makakuha ang local share dahil hindi namin talaga alam kung ano ba talaga ang nakukuha ng national government. So yun ang problema, itinatago sa atin yung kinikita," Marcos said. Unless a clear accounting of the funds is done, Marcos said determining the share of Palawan is next to impossible. Government officials have been giving contradicting data on the Malampaya collections. A report said that as of April 30, 2015, total remittances to the Malampaya fund were P210 billion while expenditures reached P42 billion, for a net of P168 billion. A lawmaker earlier said the government has yet to explain where P32 billion of the fund went. Marcos said he is hopeful that the next administration will prioritize accounting of the fund. "Pero palagay ko sa susunod na administrasyon maaasahan ng taga-Palawan na mahahanap na yung mga itemized na accounting na ganyan at kung anuman ang dapat pumunta sa Palawan, kahit sa mga nakaraang taon ay dapat ibigay," said Marcos. The situation of Palawan, according to Marcos is not unique as many other local governments have been complaining of difficulty in getting their 40 percent share in the exploration and use of natural resources in their area, or the so-called "national wealth tax". Marcos has filed Senate Bill No. 133 mandating automatic appropriation and release to the concerned local government unit (LGU) of their 40 percent share in national wealth taxes as part of his advocacy to promote the welfare of LGUs in the country.
Press Release

March 5, 2016 POE TO HARNESS PH'S TREMENDOUS TOURISM POTENTIAL SAMBOAN, CEBU--As the campaign season enters its fifth week, top presidential contender Grace Poe is even more convinced that tourism can be a great driver of economic growth in the country. Speaking to media in Samboan, a small town in Cebu known for its waterfalls and natural beauty, Poe said it was important for candidates to see and experience the country if the government wants to effectively promote tourism. Travel and tourism contributed P1.44 trillion or 11.2 percent of the Philippines' Gross Domestic Product in 2014, and this is forecast to increase to P2.58 trillion in 2025, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reported. The sector also directly created 1.26 million jobs or 3.3 percent of total employment in the Philippines in 2014, according to the WTTC. Counting the jobs indirectly supported by tourism, the industry would account for 4.3 million jobs or 11.1 percent of total employment in the country. "Tourism is one sector we need to harness and improve so we can have more jobs for our countrymen," said Poe, who along with her running mate, Sen. Francis Escudero, and local officials, went to Samboan's Aguinid Falls. "Pag tinanong ako kung ano'ng pwede gawin sa lugar nito, I can speak with authority and convincingly about the beauty of our country," she said in a press conference. The senator, who is pushing for infrastructure development to boost tourism and business investments in rural areas, said it would help the local government units, especially in remote islands, if candidates on the campaign trail can promote the beauty of the places they visit. Since the official campaign period began on February 9, Poe has been to Abra, Benguet, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Zamboanga Sibugay, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Iloilo, Bukidnon and Gensan, among others. Poe has visited Cebu twice since the start of campaign: for separate meetings with supporters in Toledo and Camotes Island, another place that has been noted by international travel magazines for it's authentic island vibe. She is also set to visit Bantayan Island after Samboan. "We want to cover as many places and meet as many people. I like visiting different sights in the provinces," Poe said. The annual World's Best islands List by a renowned travel magazine consistently includes Palawan, Cebu and Boracay, generating buzz among international travelers. Last year, the Department of Tourism said there were 5.36 million visitors to the country, 10 percent higher than 2014 figures.
Two additional East Bay residents have tested positive for the Zika virus, bringing the total amount of Bay Area cases to at least five, public health officials said Friday.

The patients, both from Contra Costa County, are believed to have contracted the virus abroad. One traveled to South America and the other to Central America, said Vicky Balladares, a spokeswoman for the countys public health department.

The primarily mosquito-borne virus may be connected to a birth defect, and has mainly circulated among Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Officials in San Francisco reported a case Thursday, a day after Napa County officials reported a pregnant woman had the virus.

On Feb. 11, Alameda County officials issued an advisory on a Zika case there, two days after officials confirmed the patient tested positive in a preliminary exam.

Contra Costa County officials said one case was confirmed last week and the other was determined in early February but officials refrained from making them public because they felt there was no danger to public health, Balladares said.

We dont feel that theres a public health threat because Zika virus is mostly spread by the bite of the mosquito and the mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are not present in Contra Costa County, she said.

San Francisco officials knew about the confirmed case there since Feb. 4 but didnt think that announcing it was important from a public health point of view, said Rachael Kagan, spokeswoman for the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

Kagan said the infected patient in San Francisco contracted Zika in Central America, but has recovered.

The virus, which can also be sexually transmitted, has been linked to microcephaly in the newborns of infected mothers. Babies with the condition generally have significantly smaller heads and brains than normal.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Victoria Colliver contributed to this report.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
Dr. Edward Lammer, a Bay Area medical geneticist best known as one of the first scientists to link the use of popular acne medication Accutane in pregnant women to severe human birth defects, died Feb. 20 in San Francisco. He was 62.

His death was both unexpected and abrupt, said his son, Aaron Lammer, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine his cause of death.

Dr. Lammer had been a well-known figure in the Bay Area science community since he moved to Berkeley in 1986 to begin work at the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program.

He most recently served as a principal investigator at UCSF Benioff Childrens Hospital Research Institute in Oakland, where he continued his exploration into various birth defects and their causes. He retired there in January, but continued work on several studies.

Study of Accutane

Previously, Dr. Lammer served as an epidemic intelligence service officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a postdoctoral fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital. It was there that he was a principal investigator in a 1985 study that showed that women who took Accutane during the first three months of pregnancy increased their risk of having a baby with malformation by 25 times.

Accutane manufacturer Hoffmann-La Roche had previously found the medicine to cause birth defects in animals. The Food and Drug Administration approved Accutane in 1982 anyway, with a warning label and a brochure advising pregnant women not to take the drug. However, the magnitude of the drugs effects wasnt fully understood, especially in women who became pregnant while taking the drug or were unaware of their pregnancies.

Dr. Lammer was an advocate for families affected by the drug, pushing for stronger safeguards and rigid policies.

He liked to be involved in science that affected peoples lives, his son said. He was very committed not to just the scientific parts, but the families affected and how peoples lives were shaped by this.

Work was his passion

Gary Shaw, a Stanford pediatric researcher and longtime colleague, said Dr. Lammers work with birth defects was his lifes passion.

Shaw said Dr. Lammer made flights across the country to meet with and care for families affected by Accutane birth defects. He was the master source of all information related to that issue, Shaw said.

In the lab, Dr. Lammer was known as a gentle giant with incredible intellect, who served as a mentor to countless students throughout the years, even taking in area high school students, Shaw said.

In his personal life, Dr. Lammer was known for his love of hiking, traveling and psychedelic music.

His son said he could often be found wearing a Grateful Dead T-shirt and shorts in the lab.

He was an iconoclastic person who didnt feel like he had to dress the part or inhabit a specific template for what a scientist should be, Aaron Lammer said.

Dr. Lammer was born in 1953 in Dubuque, Iowa, the second of six children, to Benedict Lammer, a milkman, and Anne Lammer, a schoolteacher. He received his undergraduate degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his medical degree and residency in pediatrics at the University of Iowa School of Medicine.

In addition to his son Aaron of New York City, Dr. Lammer is survived by his wife since 1981, Dibsy Machta of Berkeley; his daughter, Ellie Lammer of New York City; three sisters; and two brothers.

The family celebrated his life Feb. 26 at the Brazilian Room in Tilden Park.

Kevin Schultz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kschultz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KevinEdSchultz
San Franciscos Old Mint will make history this weekend with a two-day fair that celebrates history.

The fair, which is free and open to the public, marks a rebirth for the 142-year-old national landmark, which had fallen into such a state of neglect last year that the grounds were strewn with trash and homeless people had set up encampments atop its once-grand granite staircase.

The Old Mint at the corner of Fifth and Mission streets has been cleaned up in recent weeks.

There is new landscaping, new trees have been planted along the Fifth Street side of the building and the exterior has been steam cleaned for the first time in years.

The Mint was used as a party site during Super Bowl Week last month, but the History Days weekend is the first big public event since last summer when weekend tours were ended after the city evicted the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society, which had tried for years to turn the Old Mint into a permanent history museum.

The city signed an interim agreement in December with Activate San Francisco Events, a venue management firm. The company had the Old Mint cleaned up and got it ready for public events like this weekends San Francisco History Days at the Old Mint.

S.F.s past and present

The event celebrates both the citys past and its diverse present. Over 75 neighborhood and history groups are offering exhibits on virtually every ethnic group and neighborhood in the region. The shows include everything from magic lantern slides to archives of more than 100,000 historic photographs of the citys past. There will be talks ranging from how to research the history of a house to the life and times of Dr. Carlton Goodlett, the San Francisco physician, publisher and civil rights leader.

Other exhibits include rare movies about San Francisco, a primer on 19th century architecture as well as the 20th century history of the citys gay and lesbian community.

This weekends history fair is the start of something new, said Jonathan Lau, project manager for the citys Office of Economic and Workforce Development, which owns the Old Mint.

Lau said the city is getting ready to select a lead partner to help the city set up the Old Mint as a permanent cultural facility with what he called exciting events.

New era for landmark

If it works out, it will be a significant change for the building, which is both a national historic landmark and a granite white elephant. The Old Mint started making gold and silver coins back in 1874, but it hasnt produced money in nearly 80 years.

It has been an office building, a museum and an exhibit space. But mostly it has been empty.

The city acquired the Old Mint in 2003 and leased it to the S.F. Museum and Historical Society, which had big plans to convert it into a museum of the citys history. But the plans foundered because the building needs more than $50 million in seismic upgrades and other work. The societys fundraising drives fell short and the city lost patience and evicted the group last summer.

Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carlnoltesf

History Days at Old Mint

What: A look at the citys past and present as told by neighborhood and history groups.

Where: The Old Mint, Fifth and Mission streets, San Francisco.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: Free to the public.
A witness who testified that Alejandro Alex Nieto had his hands in his pockets when he was shot by San Francisco police in Bernal Heights Park came under contentious cross-examination Friday as attorneys defending the city in a federal wrongful-death lawsuit sought to question his memory and undercut his credibility.

The witness, Antonio Theodore, had on Thursday told the jury that he witnessed the March 2014 shooting from a distance of about 115 feet, after going to the park to jog with his dog.

Theodore said Nieto never took his hands from his jacket pockets, contradicting the testimony of two police officers, who said the 27-year-old City College of San Francisco student and security guard threatened them and then pointed a Taser stun gun at them that they mistook for a pistol.

On Friday, Deputy City Attorney Margaret Baumgartner repeatedly questioned Theodore about a deposition she took from him in May 2015, in which some of his answers were purportedly different than the ones he gave in court.

Theodore had not gone to police to give a statement in the immediate aftermath of the killing  he said he was scared of them and didnt trust them  and city lawyers have suggested he is biased against law enforcement.

Asked Friday whether he had ever spoken with an investigator from the offices of the Nieto familys attorney, Theodore replied, No. But Baumgartner read a transcript from the deposition in which Theodore recounted speaking with the investigator on three occasions, once in person and twice on the phone.

Baumgartner also indicated that, in the deposition, Theodore had recalled telling the crowd at a music venue that he had witnessed the shooting and thought it was unjustified. But Friday, Theodore said he had not made such a public statement.

At one point, Theodore attributed his difficulty recalling specific dates and times  and recalling his deposition answers  to heavy drinking.

You have a different memory now from the one in the deposition? Baumgartner asked.

Slightly, Theodore responded. I drink a lot and that kind of helps sometimes, but I do not remember.

Adante Pointer, the attorney representing Nietos family in the civil trial, concluded his questioning of Theodore by asking him if he wanted to be in court Friday.

I dont want to be here right now, he said. I am not for or against anyone. I am doing this for me. I feel threatened.

The central question at the trial at the U.S. District Court in San Francisco is whether four officers  two of whom arrived after the first shots were fired  used excessive force when they fired 59 shots at Nieto on March 21, 2014, even though Nieto fired none.

The city says Nietos pointing of his Taser forced the officers to fire in self-defense, and that when the stun gun was recovered its barb-like electrodes had been released.

Also testifying Friday was pathologist Amy Hart of the citys Medical Examiners Office, who said Nietos autopsy revealed 14 bullet wounds, including to the head, hands, chest, back and legs. As Pointer prepared to show pictures of the body, Nietos parents were led from the courtroom, with Elvira Nieto crying.

Attorneys disputed whether the autopsy results indicated the position of Nietos hands when he was shot. Pointer focused on one bullet wound, to Nietos left wrist, and the fact that a bone fragment was found in his left jacket pocket. Hart could not confirm the fragment came from the wrist injury, but couldnt rule it out and said a link was probable.

But under questioning by Deputy City Attorney Rebecca Bers, Hart said there was no damage found to the pockets of Nietos jacket.

Kale Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kwilliams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfkale
Four young students, including a 4-year-old, have come forward with rape and molestation allegations against a former Santa Rosa after-school caretaker, officials said Friday.

The suspect, 21-year-old Christopher Sean Harmon, was arrested for a third time Wednesday after twice making bail. The latest case involves a teenager who told detectives that, when she was a minor, she had been lured into a relationship with him and sexually assaulted on multiple occasions, according to a statement from the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office.

Harmon ingratiated himself into her family, coercing her into sexual acts and later raped her after serving her intoxicants, the statement said.

The girl was sexually assaulted between August 2014 and sometime in 2015, police said.

Harmon was dismissed from his position at the Summerfield Waldorf School as soon as the first allegations  molesting the 4-year-old  came to light last month, said Sgt. Cecile Focha, a sheriffs spokeswoman. Soon afterward, detectives uncovered two more victims.

When Harmon stepped outside the courthouse, where he appeared to face the initial charges against the toddler, deputies arrested him again, this time on suspicion of raping an intoxicated victim, attempted rape, oral copulation by force, possession of child pornography, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and annoying a child.

After the second arrest, his bail was set at $200,000, which he made.

According to inmate records, he was booked for a third time Wednesday on suspicion of rape by use of drugs, sexual intercourse with a minor within three years of the perpetrators age, and oral copulation with a minor. He is being held in Santa Rosas Main Adult Detention Facility with bail again set at $200,000.

None of the alleged crimes occurred during the periods he was out of custody on bail, Focha said.

We know its absolutely abhorrent, she said. Were doing everything we can to support the victims and the victims families.

The sheriffs office urged anyone with information about Harmon to contact its investigations tip line at (707) 565-2185. Tipsters can also submit a silent witness form online.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
A woman was convicted of second-degree murder Friday for her role in a 2012 West Oakland shooting in which she took her son and the victim with her to confront another man, officials said.

A jury found Laquisha Allen, 34, guilty of second-degree murder with an arming enhancement, said Rebecca Richardson, an Alameda County District Attorneys Office spokeswoman.

Allen had been in police custody since July 7, 2012, a day after the shooting took the life of 18-year-old Richmond resident Tommy Lacy III.

Allen drove her juvenile son and Lacy to 11th and Willow streets in West Oakland around 7:20 the night of the shooting to look for Oakland resident Marjon Fuller, according to a declaration from Oakland Police Officer Bradley Baker .

Fuller and Allen had been arguing over accusations in the June 2012 murder of Jah-Kwan Smith in Stockton, Baker said. Allen drove until she saw Fuller near a liquor store. When she spotted him, she stopped the car and her son and Lacy got out, firing several rounds near a witness while Fuller ran into the store.

A witness said Allen told Lacy to handle his business during the incident, Baker said.

An exchange of gunfire followed and Lacy was struck in the head with a bullet. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Allen drove her son away from the shooting afterward.

Her son, whose name is not being released because he was a juvenile at the time, is facing charges related to the shooting in Alameda County Juvenile Court, according to court documents.

Fuller, the man Allen had the dispute with, was killed at the age of 20 in an April 2014 drive by shooting, also near 11th and Willow streets.

Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
FLINT, Mich.  Nakiya Wakes raised her hand in a church to ask Bernie Sanders what he would do to help the people of Flint if he is elected president.

The citys lead-tainted water, Wakes said, is to blame for her miscarriage and her sons repeated suspensions from the first grade.

About 2 weeks earlier, she and another mother met privately with Hillary Clinton during her stop in city to discuss solutions, not politics.

Its really not political with me, Wakes, 40, said after Sanders forum. When are you going to get something done for the families and these children?

The majority-black, impoverished community in central Michigan is dealing with a months-long state of emergency over its contaminated drinking water. The crisis has become a hot-button issue for Democratic presidential candidates.

The issue has become so dominant for these White House hopefuls that they scheduled a prime-time debate in the city Sunday ahead of the states primary Tuesday. Sanders has called for Republican Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder to resign, saying an apology is not enough.

Clinton dispatched aides to the city of almost 100,000 in January, raised the issue during a nationally televised debate and won the mayors endorsement. A campaign ad with scenes from Clintons Feb. 7 visit to an African American church in the city touts her resolve to fight for you in Flint no matter how long it takes.

Sanders vowed never again would a disaster like this occur if he is elected president. In a break from his large rallies, he listened to angry residents voice their frustrations and he pointed to Flints aging underground pipes while pushing his $1 trillion infrastructure spending plan.

Political experts say Clintons focus on Flint both before and since her loss in New Hampshire  including her assertion that racism is a factor  has helped shore up her standing with black voters.

You can tell that from their perspective, its a very important signal of affiliation with the African American community nationally and in Michigan, said Matt Grossmann, director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University.

GOP candidates, meanwhile, are mostly avoiding talk of Flint along with mention of Snyder, whose administration has come under heavy criticism for the disaster. Elevated lead levels in children can cause adverse health effects, developmental delays, and emotional and behavioral problems.

Republicans accuse Democrats of politicizing Flint for their own gains and oversimplifying how the fiasco happened.
CHARLESTON, S.C.  Author Pat Conroy, whose beloved works The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides are set against the vistas of the South Carolina coast that was his home, was lauded Saturday as a great chronicler of the human condition and a humble and loving soul.

Mr. Conroy, 70, died Friday at his home in Beaufort, about an hour south of Charleston, surrounded by family and friends at the time, according to his publisher.

The author died less than a month after announcing on Facebook that he was battling cancer. He promised to fight it hard and told his fans I owe you a novel and I intend to deliver it.

A funeral Mass will be said Tuesday at St. Peters Catholic Church in Beaufort with a private burial afterward.

Barbra Streisand, who starred in and directed the movie version of Mr. Conroys The Prince of Tides posted a picture of herself with him on Instagram. The 1991 movie starring Streisand and Nick Nolte earned seven Oscar nominations, including best picture.

He was generous and kind, humble and loving. Such a joy to work with. I was so honored that he entrusted his beautiful book to me, she wrote. Pats natural language was poetry. He wrote sentences that are like an incantation.

Nan Talese, Mr. Conroys longtime editor and publisher, said that the late author will be cherished as one of Americas favorite and bestselling writers, and I will miss him terribly.

Mr. Conroy, who sold 20 million books worldwide, candidly and expansively shared details of growing up as a military brat and his anguished relationship with his abusive father, Marine aviator and military hero Donald Conroy. He also wrote of his time in military school, the Citadel in Charleston, and his struggles with his health and depression.

The reason I write is to explain my life to myself, Mr. Conroy said in a 1986 interview. Ive also discovered that when I do, Im explaining other peoples lives to them.

Much of his youth was spent in the shadow of Donald Conroy, who thundered out of the sky in black-winged fighter planes, every inch of him a god of war, as Mr. Conroy would remember. The author was the eldest of seven children in a family constantly moving from base to base, a life described in The Great Santini, the film of which starred Robert Duvall as the relentless and violent patriarch.

He was born Donald Patrick Conroy on Oct. 26, 1945. The Conroy children attended 11 schools in 12 years before the family eventually settled in Beaufort.

Mr. Conroy was married three times and had two daughters. Although he lived around the world, he always considered South Carolina his home and lived in the coastal Lowcountry.
Delmer Berg, the last known living veteran of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, which vainly fought against fascisms advance into Spain in the late 1930s, died last Sunday Feb. 28 at his home in Columbia (Tuolumne County). He was 100.

His death was confirmed by Marina Garde, the executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives in New York, who said Mr. Berg was believed to have been the only survivor left of the nearly 3,000 quixotic young Americans who volunteered for the Spanish Civil War in a bloody prelude to World War II. About 800 of those who volunteered were believed to have been killed.

Mr. Berg, an unreconstructed Communist, was a 21-year-old union-card-carrying hotel dishwasher in 1937 when he spotted a billboard for the brigade and, through the Young Communist League, enlisted. After cobbling together bus fare to New York, he boarded the French luxury liner Champlain for France.

I was a worker, Mr. Berg told the Modesto Bee in November. I was a farmer. I was in support of the Spanish working people, and I wanted to go to Spain to help them.

The war was an audition by proxies for World War II, with a democratically elected leftist government under siege from rebels led by Gen. Francisco Franco.

Through the Communist Party, the Soviet Union was supporting the Republicans, or Loyalists. Nazi Germany and fascist Italy fortified Franco. Franco won the war in 1939 and installed a dictatorship that endured until his death in 1975. The United States was officially neutral during the war.

Mr. Berg slipped into Spain in January 1938, crossing the snow-capped French border. He went on to install communication lines for front-line antiaircraft artillery near Barcelona, Spain, defended the mountain town Teruel, Spain, and fought at the Battle of the Ebro, the biggest battle of the Spanish Civil War.

He was wounded that August when Italian bombers missed a railroad station and instead struck a monastery where he and others were billeted. Shrapnel from the bomb remained in his liver for the rest of his life.

The Munich Pact, which appeased Nazi Germany by allowing Hitler to annex portions of Czechoslovakia, left many Loyalists demoralized. Mr. Berg left Spain and returned home early in 1939.

Unlike a number of other starry-eyed recruits to the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, Mr. Berg never outgrew his devotion to underdogs.

He joined the Communist Party USA in 1943, became a vice president of his local chapter of the NAACP, organized farm workers and protested the war in Vietnam and nuclear weapons.

He was always attached to just causes, a friend, Pat Cervelli, said in an interview.

Delmer Esley Daniel Berg was born in Anaheim on Dec. 20, 1915, of Ukranian, Dutch and Bavarian ancestry. His father was a tenant farmer.

He left high school in Manteca (San Joaquin County) as a junior during the Great Depression (auspiciously, given his stint in Spain, after studying Latin and Don Quixote) to help support his family in Oregon. He later moved to Los Angeles, where, tempted by recruiters for the military and the circus, he joined the National Guard.

He legally bought his way out of the Guard for $120 and got a job washing dishes at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, when he saw the billboard advertising for Lincoln Brigade recruits.

After returning from Spain, he was drafted into the Army in 1939 and assigned to an antiaircraft battery in New Guinea. He was discharged early in 1942 because of his shrapnel wound from the fighting in Spain.

After the war, he worked as a farm laborer and a landscaper and started a cement and stonemasonry business with one of his sons.

He and his wife, June, lived in the Sierra Nevada foothills. She died last year. Survivors include his sons from an earlier marriage, Ernst and Tom, and two grandsons.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)



A woman's finger was nearly severed when a vehicle struck her as she attempted to cross the street in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood early this morning.



At 1:32 a.m., officers responded to a hit-and-run at the corner of Mission and 10th streets, according to police.



The victim, a 38-year-old woman, was heading north on 10th Street. When she crossed the street inside the crosswalk, a vehicle that was traveling west on Mission Street struck her, police said.



The victim suffered a laceration to her head, as well as the injury to her finger. She was taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.



The suspect vehicle was described as a gray sedan and was last seen driving on 10th Street, according to police.




















These are our martyrs, said our Incarnate Word Sisters in Chimbote, Peru, as they showed us an image of three priests whose beatification ceremony they attended on Dec. 5.

These priests  Micael Tomaszek and Zbigniew Stralowski, Franciscans from Poland, and Alessandro Dordi of Italy  were murdered by the terrorist group Sendero Luminoso, the Shining Path, in 1991.

I was on my fifth trip to Peru as a teacher from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, connecting students and faculty with realities in Chimbote, where our sisters started working after Pope John XXIII begged the North American religious to go to South America to help meet the needs.

In the 1950s, Chimbote had been a popular resort and prosperous fishing port. Things changed as thousands of indigenous people migrated there seeking a better life. Some got jobs in fish-meal factories, but eventually this led to overfishing. Air, water and soil were polluted by factories.

Now Chimbote is one of the poorest and most contaminated cities in the country, with about 400,000 inhabitants, many of whom do not have access to water, sewage or electricity.

According to Worldwatch Institute, life expectancy in Chimbote is about 10 years lower than the Peruvian national average.

Abimael Guzman, the leader of Sendero Luminoso and a former university philosophy professor in Ayacucho, said they wanted to help the poor. He taught that violence and terror were the only ways to destroy the governmental system in Peru and bring in a new communist model. They began bombings and assassinations in 1980. Church workers, who tried to protect the people or advocate nonviolent approaches to change, were considered enemies.

The martyred priests were working among the poor and trying to teach peace. Sister Grace OMeara, who actively spoke for justice and peace, received a death threat from the terrorists.

Sister Rita Prendergast reflected, The violent methods of the terrorists overshadowed their claims that they wanted to help the poor.

Sister Sarah Lennon noted, Often, those working for peace and justice (were) caught in the crossfire between terrorists and government forces.

I remember the late 1980s and the reports of thousands being killed in Peru. Some of us were saying to our sisters in Peru, Come home. Come back to the U.S. and Mexico. You can minister here. We do not need you dead in Peru. The Incarnate Word Sisters can minister other places.

On Aug. 9, 1991, the two Franciscans were killed in a village not far from Chimbote. Sister Rosaleen Harold had collaborated on diocesan projects with Father Dordi. He was killed 16 days later, and the terrorists left a sign on his body: This is how those who speak of peace die.

Two months later, our sisters gathered for a special assembly in Peru to discern what to do as more people were being killed. They remembered how the first six Incarnate Word sisters began ministry in 1964 in health care and education, and by accompanying the most vulnerable.

They opened the Santa Clara Center, where they offered basic medical services and received hundreds of sick people per week during the many cholera, typhoid and yellow fever epidemics.

In 1982, the sisters extended their mission to Cambio Puente, a nearby rural zone, where they helped protect the rights of farmers, and where they developed catechists, literacy programs, health promoters, centers to feed the needy and other services.

Three years later, the sisters began a mission among the Aymara-speaking indigenous people in the Puno area in the Andes. The sisters accompanied those with physical disabilities and did prison ministry, and they promoted religious education.

In 1988, the sisters began ministering in parts of Lima as houses were opened to welcome and teach Peruvians wishing to be sisters, as well as lay persons seeking to be associate members of the congregation.

In the 1980s, as the congregation became more firmly rooted in Peru, the terrorist group Sendero Luminoso was spreading.

Finally, Guzman was captured and imprisoned in 1992. About 70,000 people were killed during 20 years of conflict in Peru. In 2003, the Peruvian Truth and Reconciliation Commission reported that although the government reacted with excessive violence and there were other terrorist groups, about 37,800 people were killed by Sendero Luminoso, led by Guzman.

Sister Juanita Albracht said that when Guzman was in prison, Father Jack Davis, a good friend of our sisters in Chimbote, went to talk to him. He asked why the priests were killed. Guzman replied, Because of their faith; they were teaching peace.

Sister OMeara explained that Senderistas believed that violence was essential in the revolutionary process and that religion was the opium of the people.

Despite the dangers, our congregation chose not to abandon its mission in Peru. Sisters there argued that if they left the peoples side, they might never have a chance to go back.

If we had let the danger drive the sisters out of Peru, what difference would it have made?

In the Andean area, there wouldnt be lay pastoral leaders for the 150 small communities in their parish that has only one priest, leaders who were taught and encouraged by our first Peruvian sister, Hirayda Blacido.

Hospicio Santiago Apostol, the first hospice in Latin America, which was started by our sisters in 2002, wouldnt be bringing a holistic approach of spiritual and physical care, as well as assistance to the patients families. Sister Mirella Neira is now the administrator of the hospice program with both home-based care and a residential center.

If the sisters had left, about 31,000 people would not have been served last year by the Incarnate Word Health System in Peru.

Sister Lourdes Gomez, a psychologist who works in mission effectiveness, guides more than 70 lay collaborators in the clinic and hospice in the spirit and values of our congregation. She is also the coordinator of our sisters in Peru. Sister Sofia Mamani, who sings beautifully in her first language, Quechua, is studying physical therapy.

In the Lima area, Sister Mary Luz Cayo wouldnt be an early childhood teacher in San Viator School in Comas.

We wouldnt have Carol Velarde Flores, our pre-novice, attending the intercongregational formation program where women and men of more than 20 congregations study.

Sister Katty Huanuco, as director, wouldnt be bringing her extensive skills in communications and her passion for justice to our International Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office.

And we wouldnt have the opportunity to be proud of Sister Pilar Neira, who is the executive secretary of CONFER, the national Peruvian organization of religious men and women.

If our congregation had let danger drive us out of Peru, there would not be Peruvian Incarnate Word sisters, lay associate members and lay missionaries from the U.S., Ireland and Mexico volunteering for a year or two there, and more than 70 lay collaborators working with them in the Centro de Servicios de Salud Integral Santa Clara and in the Hospicio Santiago Apostol.

If the sisters had left, our 21-member university international service learning group, sponsored by the UIW Ettling Center for Civic Leadership and Womens Global Connection, wouldnt have had the recent opportunity to visit Peru. We shared workshops with early childhood educators and women trying to develop small businesses. We received information for pharmacy and nutrition collaborations in the future. We helped provide eye care to more than 400 adults and children, many of whom had never had glasses before.

We were helping them to see, but more than that, they were helping us to see more of the beauty of the face of God that danger cannot dim.

Martha Ann Kirk is a member of the Incarnate Word Sisters International Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Committee. This article first appeared in Global Sisters Report, a project of the National Catholic Reporter.
Texans shouldnt be afraid because they are Muslims. But, as a recent Express-News article by Adam Hamze of the Hearst Austin bureau details, they are.

In this, unfortunately, Texas is not an outlier. The FBI reports that although hate crimes have dropped nationally, those targeting Muslims have increased. The Council on American-Islamic Relations for Dallas-Fort Worth reported a call each day on discrimination, violence or harassment  up from two to three a month.

Feces were smeared and a Quran defaced at the Islamic Center of Pflugerville in November. A gun was pointed at two Muslim women driving in Austin in December. Armed anti-Islamic protesters rallied outside a mosque in Irving, also in November.

Observers point to the Paris attacks in November; the terrorist-inspired San Bernardino, California, massacre in December; and ongoing conflicts with the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Campaign and official rhetoric about refusing Mideast refugees entry  including by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton  and a bogus claim by one candidate in particular, Donald Trump, about U.S. Muslims cheering the 9/11 attack certainly dont help.

We can point to another factor. Empathy. Whether the topic is religion, poverty, immigration, school funding or any of the myriad issues debated in this nation, this seems to be in short supply.

Surely, people who act as if there is a war here on Christians can summon the ability to understand. But our reactions to any number of issues these days seem infused with notions of us and them.

Islam is not a religion of hate, and only a fraction of the people who practice that faith  in this country and elsewhere  subscribe to terrorist methods or cheer their results.

That anti-Muslim sentiments can take root in such a religiously, ethnically and racially diverse immigrant nation as ours is confounding, though such exclusionary notions have been currents in our history.

That it can take root in Texas is likely testament to the reluctance of Texans who harbor no such anti-Muslim feelings to challenge the utterances of acquaintances, friends and colleagues who do.

Good people stepping forward is how worlds change. It is no small thing. Speak up.
Yes, Donald Trump is the front-runner in a crowded Republican primary field. Yes, he can draw votes from Democrats. Those two facts dont mean Trump can win in the general election. As the GOPs 2012 nominee Mitt Romney argued during a speech designed to stop the Trump surge in its tracks, Trump relishes any poll that reflects what he thinks of himself. But polls are also saying that he will lose to Hillary Clinton.

Trump has defied reports before that he has gone too far and that his campaign is doomed, but the general election is a different ballgame than the GOP primary. Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg produced research that shows a Trump nomination threatens to drive moderate Republicans from the party. Whats more, The Donalds anti-immigrant, anti-Latino, anti-Muslim and anti-women remarks threaten to pump up turnout among Democratic voters in November.

To save the party from a Trump nomination  and an exodus of GOP voters  Romney outlined the case against Trump: Hes crude. His language and absurd third-grade theatrics set a bad example for children. Trump is clueless about foreign policy. His protectionist schemes could lead to a recession. Most of all, Romney railed, Trump is a phony.

Republican super PACs have amassed information about Trump University that suggests that the now-defunct institution  the subject of three lawsuits, including a class-action complaint with 5,000 plaintiffs, which allege fraud  did not live up to its marketing. Trump boasted during Thursday nights Fox News debate that Trump U had a Better Business Bureau rating of A. Trump has claimed that he handpicked instructors, but FactCheck.Org found a top executive deposition that attested Trump picked none of the instructors. Worse, the most recent known rating  from 2010  from the bureau was D-.

The super PAC American Future Fund, which promotes conservative and free-market ideals, produced a video that features Sherri, a single mother who sank $35,000 into Trump U  trusting him, she said was a huge mistake. And: All of it was just a fake. America, do not make the same mistake that I did with Donald Trump. I got hurt badly, and Id hate to see this country get hurt by Donald Trump. During the Fox News debate, Sen. Marco Rubio called the school a fake university.

Theres more  the bankruptcies, for example  but you get the idea.

The fake facts that Trump promotes are scarier in their fashion. Thursday night, Trump repeated a fable about the wife or wives of a 9/11 terrorist or terrorists flying out of the United States to a foreign land where they watched their husband on television flying into the World Trade Center, flying into the Pentagon and probably trying to fly into the White House. As PolitiFact noted, the only 9/11 terrorist who had not cut off ties with his family had a girlfriend in Germany. If Trump cannot get this straight, what else has his brain muddled?

Pundits are taken with the symbolism of the prim Romney going after the blowhard billionaire in blunt language, filled with put-downs. The most striking part of Romneys address, however, is his failure to endorse an alternative candidate. Instead, Romney laid out a course that ends with a contested convention.

Alas, Romney noted, the rules of political history have pretty much all been shredded during this campaign. Ergo: Given the current delegate selection process, that means that Id vote for Marco Rubio in Florida and for John Kasich in Ohio and for Ted Cruz or whichever one of the other two contenders has the best chance of beating Mr. Trump in a given state. Translation: Vote for anyone who can keep Trump from walking into the Cleveland convention with the 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination in the first vote.

During the debate, Fox News Bret Baier asked Kasich about the Romney blueprint. Kasich replied that he found process questions boring.

I talked to Cruz spokesman Ron Nehring earlier in the day. Nehring doesnt want voters to go for Rubio in Florida and Kasich in Ohio. We win by winning, Nehring concluded.

Sacramento GOP wise man Rob Stutzman supports the Romney battle plan. He sees a Cruz victory as rather implausible. If Rubio can boost his poll numbers in Florida and become the nominee, Stutzman argued, Rubio has a better chance of winning in November than Cruz. Stutzman sees a progression of fire breaks. The next fire break is: deny Trump 50 percent. If Kasich and Rubio dont win their home states, the establishment goes to Plan B  a 2016-only independent conservative candidate runs against Trump and the Democratic nominee to stop a stampede of voters fleeing the Grand Old Party. Think: the Alamo.

Debra J. Saunders is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: dsaunders@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DebraJSaunders

Mitt Romney unleashed

Donald Trump is a phony, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from Trump University. Hes playing the American public for suckers. He gets a free ride to the White House, and all we got is a lousy hat.

His domestic policies would lead to recession. His foreign policies would make America and the world less safe. He has neither the temperament nor the judgment to be president.

Trump relishes any poll that reflects what he thinks of himself. But polls are also saying that he will lose to Hillary Clinton.

Mitt Romney, from his March 3 speech

at the University of Utah
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

The energy at the Curran Theatre on Wednesday, March 2, was through the roof, which is OK because the Curran is under construction and could probably use a new roof anyway. Dozens of excited tweens and teens huddled beneath the stage before the final dress rehearsal for the first-ever amateur production of Andrew Lloyd Webbers musical School of Rock  and none of them could stand still.

The musical based on the movie is still on Broadway, so its rare that the rights were released, even to kids. When the shows New York producers began accepting applications from amateur theater companies to present School of Rock, the folks at the Curran helped Oakland School for the Arts lock in the deal.

Oakland School for the Arts was founded as a charter school by then-Mayor Jerry Brown in 2002 and has been directed by Executive and Artistic Director Donn Harris since 2007. Educating students in grades six through 12, the public Fame-esque school is free to attend, but prospective students must audition, and only 1 out of every 4 is admitted.

The cliche is real, Harris said. Kids dance and sing in the hallway.

The Curran is very literally under construction, featuring cheeky sidewalk signs that read, Were going through a stage. Still, theater people have never been the type to let a little dust stop the show.

Curran curator and producer Carole Shorenstein Hays beamed as teens frantically ran around her, seemingly oblivious to the theatrical power this little woman wields.

We all love authenticity, talent and the next generation, said Shorenstein Hays as she opened up her arms and motioned to the stage. This is our community playhouse.

These days, the stage is where Curran Under Construction audiences sit in 150 or so chairs that fit quite nicely on platforms at the back of the stage, leaving just enough room for an intimate theater experience. For the first amateur production of School of Rock, the Curran could not be more perfect.

Chelsea Loftus plays the school principal, Miss Mullins. At first, the 15-year-old Danville resident was nervous about the audience proximity that Curran Under Construction requires, but she has changed her mind.

It feels like I have all these people supporting me instead of all these people judging me, Chelsea said.

Joe Culberg-McClung of Alameda plays Zach, and while he has performed in some large venues, the 14-year-old is pretty psyched to be onstage in San Francisco.

The city makes it feel so much more real and professional, he said.

It puts the stakes up a little bit, agreed cast member Tatianna Cordoba, 16, of Castro Valley.

Its not just the cast that consists of OSA students. The live band, set design and construction, costume design and construction, stage management, and assistant direction responsibilities are all handled by (super talented) children. This production is unique in the world of musical theater, and its a big deal.

Before the cast and crew kicked off Wednesday nights final dress rehearsal of School of Rock and their sold-out eight-show run, the students and their small rehearsal audience of OSA staff and board members were treated to a video greeting from the Broadway cast, followed by a message from composer Lloyd Webber himself.

These kids have taken a seven- or eight-month rehearsal process and condensed it down to seven or eight weeks, said the shows (adult) director, Michael Barry. Were going to rock the ... the shoot out of this show.

And rock they did. School of Rock is the story of a deadbeat rock n roll fan who hilariously lies his way into substitute teaching at a prep school, managing to transform his students and himself by starting a rock band. Sixteen-year-old Jack Isaacson-Brewster of Albany scored the lead role of Dewey Finn, and it was clear why. At one point, Jack dramatically threw himself onto the floor. It was planned, he said after the show. But I added something extra. The result of that something extra was a bloody nose.

After the fall, Jack stayed in character and casually announced, Actually, I need a tissue. Im bleeding. It took the stagehands a few seconds to realize that he was serious. Before someone could run offstage and grab a tissue, a member of the audience passed one forward, and Jack shoved it in his nostril and promptly soldiered on.

The enthusiasm for the project buoyed everybody involved, from Lloyd Webber and Shorenstein Hays to 11-year-old Kai Estrella-Kowal. The sixth-grader, who lives in the Oakland hills, plays the drums in the School of Rock cast band. At intermission, Kai deadpanned how much fun he was having. Stoic-faced and adorable, he said he was having the time of his life.

I feel like I could just do this for hours and hours more, he said.

Beth Spotswood is a freelance writer.

School of Rock  The Musical: Youth Production: 7 p.m. Thursday- Saturday. Through Saturday, March 12. Sold out. Curran Theatre, 445 Geary St., S.F. www.sfcurran.com.

To view a clip of the Oakland School for the Arts School of Rock kids, go to https://youtu.be/ZJUndaz_teA.
SANAA, Yemen  Gunmen in southern Yemen stormed a retirement home run by a charity established by Mother Teresa, killing 16 people, including four Catholic nuns, officials and witnesses said.

Fridays killing spree began with two gunmen who first surrounded the home for the elderly in Aden. Meanwhile, four others entered the building on the pretext they wanted to visit their mothers at the facility, according to the charity and witnesses. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The gunmen then moved from room to room, handcuffing the victims before shooting them in the head. A nun who survived and was rescued by locals said that she hid inside a fridge in a storeroom after hearing a Yemeni guard shouting, Run, run.

Khaled Haidar said he counted 16 bodies, including that of his brother, Radwan. All had been shot in the head and were handcuffed. He said that in addition to the four nuns, one Yemeni cook, and Yemeni guards were among those killed.

Sunita Kumar, a spokeswoman for the Missionaries of Charity established by Mother Teresa in the Indian city of Kolkata, said the members of the charity were absolutely stunned at the killings. Aden descended into lawlessness after a Saudi-led coalition recaptured the port city from Shiite Houthi rebels last summer.

She also said that two of the killed nuns were from Rwanda and the other two were from India and Kenya.

Yemens civil war has split the country in two. The northern region, where Shiite rebels are in control, has been struck by an extensive air campaign by the Saudi coalition. The southern region, which is controlled by the internationally-recognized government backed by Saudi Arabia, is suffering from a power and security vacuum.

Adens churches have also come under attack. Last summer, a Catholic church in the district of Crater was torched by Islamic extremists.

Yemens war has killed at least 6,200 civilians and displaced 2.4 million people, according to U.N. figures.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 3 1 of 3 LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images Show More Show Less 2 of 3 LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images Show More Show Less 3 of 3





IDOMENI, Greece  A regional governor called on the Greek government Saturday to declare a state of emergency for the area surrounding the Idomeni border crossing where thousands of migrants are stranded due to restrictions along the route toward western Europe.

Up to14,000 people are trapped in Idomeni, while another 6,000-7,000 are being housed in refugee camps around the region, said Apostolos Tzitzikostas, governor of the Greek region of Central Macedonia.
MUWAQER INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, Jordan  A new trade deal with Europe, a rush of foreign investment and public works are to put 200,000 Syrian refugees to work in Jordan in what the international community has described as a radical new approach to tackling the biggest displacement crisis in decades.

Still, senior officials acknowledged that it may take several years to reach that target.

Such a slow pace could keep many Syrians in limbo and possibly undercut one of the main aims of the global intervention  to quickly reduce refugee migration from struggling regional host nations to Europe.

Shifting from handouts to helping refugees sustain themselves is now seen as the most effective way to deal with the fallout from a prolonged conflict that has defied a negotiated solution. The Syria war enters its sixth year later this month.

Up to now, humanitarian aid for Syrians has consistently fallen short because of the staggering needs of millions of displaced, forcing cuts in food and cash support, which helped trigger last years exodus of hundreds of thousands to Europe.

The new deal, described by Jordanian Planning Minister Imad Fakhoury as transformative, was struck at last months annual Syria aid conference in London.

Jordan is the main testing ground for job creation.

Under the new pact, Jordan promises to allow up to 200,000 Syrian refugees to work legally, an idea it rejected in the past because of high domestic unemployment.

In exchange, Jordanian products would win easier access to European markets, meant to create new investment and jobs. Jordan would also receive hundreds of millions of dollars in grants and cheap loans for development projects.

If successful, the scheme would probably mean replacing some of Jordans hundreds of thousands of foreign workers, mostly from Egypt or Asia, with Syrians.

Easing access to European markets would also throw a lifeline to Jordanian factories whose exports have plummeted following the conflict-driven closures of Jordans trade crossings to Syria and Iraq last year.

Jordanian business owners are eager to employ Syrians, seen as hard-working, but remain skeptical, said Jalal al-Debei, head of the Jordan Industrial Estates Company which administers five industrial zones with hundreds of factories.

They heard a lot of promises from the government, from the world, but nothing happened, al-Debei said of the entrepreneurs.

A key element is a promise by the European Union to ease its rules of origin.

Under relaxed rules, Jordanian factories could, for example, bring in raw materials from other countries, such as fabrics from Asia, and still label the finished products as Jordan-made, and qualify for duty free trade.

The plan calls for 150,000 jobs for Syrians to be created in the industrial zones and 50,000 in labor-intensive projects, such as building schools and water cisterns, he said.
RIO DE JANEIRO Police officers raided the home of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the former president of Brazil under investigation in a colossal graft scheme involving the national oil company, and took him into custody Friday.

In an operation that began at 6 a.m., officers from the Federal Police swarmed da Silvas home in Sao Paulo. He was taken to a federal police station at Congonhas Airport for questioning, but he has not been arrested or charged. He was released after about 3 hours of questioning and went to his partys headquarters, according to news reports.

Universally known as Lula, da Silva, 70, remains a towering figure in the governing left-wing Workers Party. He was president from 2003 through 2010, and he continues to exert considerable sway as one of Brazils most powerful people.

More than any other politician, da Silva was the face of Brazil at a time when the country, Latin Americas largest, emerged as a rising power in the developing world, boasting huge offshore oil discoveries and thriving trade with China.

The expanding criminal investigation comes at a time of growing political and economic turmoil in Brazil, with da Silva and his successor, President Dilma Rousseff, grappling with a downturn in global commodity prices and with soaring discontent over reports of corruption at nearly every level of government.

Rousseff is already facing impeachment proceedings over her use of funds from state banks to cover budget gaps. Beyond that, an array of politicians, including several from her party, are in jail or on trial for corruption at the national oil company, Petrobras. For years, prosecutors say, hundreds of millions of dollars were siphoned from the company and channeled into political campaigns.

A souring economy is also raising pressure on Rousseff, with the authorities reporting this week a 3.8 percent plunge in gross domestic product in 2015, the worst decline in 25 years.

The move against da Silva raises questions about his political future and the ambitions of the Workers Party to retain the presidency. As recently as last week, he defiantly signaled in public statements that he planned to run for president again in 2018.

Theyre going to have to defeat me on the street, he told supporters at a party celebrating the anniversary of the party, founded 36 years ago during Brazils military dictatorship. Ill be 72, but as hot and ready to go as a man of 30.

Prosecutors are examining whether OAS and Odebrecht  two construction companies that profited from government contracts under both da Silvas and Rousseff  may have gotten special consideration for government contracts by renovating properties intended to be used by the ex-president , including a country estate and a beachfront apartment.
SEOUL  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered his military to be ready to launch nuclear strikes at any time, state media reported Friday, an escalation in rhetoric targeting Seoul and Washington that may not reflect the countrys actual nuclear capacity.

The threats are part of the authoritarian governments ramped-up propaganda push to signal strength at home and abroad in the face of what it portrays as an effort by South Korea and the United States to overthrow its leadership.

In North Koreas first official response to the U.N.'s recent adoption of harsh sanctions over its recent nuclear test and long-range rocket launch, the North also warned Friday it will bolster its nuclear arsenal and make unspecified strong and merciless physical measures. A government statement called the U.N. sanctions the most heinous international criminal act aimed at isolating and stifling the country.

The only way for defending the sovereignty of our nation and its right to existence under the present extreme situation is to bolster up nuclear force both in quality and quantity, the Norths official Korean Central News Agency said, paraphrasing Kim. It said Kim stressed the need to get the nuclear warheads deployed for national defense always on standby so as to be fired any moment.

North Korea has threatened nuclear war in the past, but it is unclear just how advanced the countrys nuclear program really is. It is thought to have a handful of crude atomic bombs, but there is considerable outside debate about the state of its arsenal.

Most experts say its highly unlikely that North Korea currently has a reliable intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching U.S. shores, let alone the ability to arm it with a miniaturized nuclear warhead. But North Korea can probably place nuclear warheads on its shorter-range Scuds and its 800-milerange Rodong missiles, which can strike targets in South Korea and Japan, said Lee Choon Geun, an analyst from South Koreas state-funded Science and Technology Policy Institute. Other analysts, however, question this.

Kim issued the nuclear threat while guiding the test-firing of a new large-caliber multiple launch rocket system, in a likely reference to six short-range projectiles that Seoul says North Korea fired on Thursday.

South Koreas Defense Ministry said the projectiles, fired from the eastern coastal town of Wonsan, flew about 60 to 90 miles and landed in the sea. The report did not say when the test-firing occurred.

The U.N. Security Council sanctions, the toughest of their kind in two decades, include mandatory inspections of cargo leaving and entering North Korea by land, sea or air; a ban on all sales or transfers of small arms and light weapons to the North; and the expulsion of North Korean diplomats who engage in illicit activities.

On Friday, the European Union boosted sanctions of its own against North Korea, adding 16 people and 12 companies to its list of targets. They were not identified by name. Prior EU sanctions targeted nuclear, weapons of mass destruction and missile programs.
MANILA  The Philippines will impound a suspected North Korean cargo ship docked at a port northwest of Manila and eventually deport its North Korean crewmen in compliance with tough new U.N. Security Council sanctions on Pyongyang over its latest nuclear test and rocket launch, officials said Saturday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III said the U.N. sanctions will be applied to the MV Jin Teng, which arrived Thursday at Subic Bay, a former U.S. naval base thats now a key commercial port. The ship has 21 North Korean crewmen.
BENGALURU: Good food, good mood, is a phrase that quite aptly works for everyone, barring the geographical location, language, caste, creed, or culture.

With the emerging of the year 2016, the Nations Restaurant News editors after an extensive research procedure, lists out 2016s roster of quirky creativity Breakout Brands. The fourth annual class of Breakout Brands represent numerous segmentsquick service, fast casual, casual dining, coffee and fine dining across variety of citiesChicago, New York, Miami, Phoenix, Austin, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Considering the menus, its different, ranging from Indian-inspired fare to vegan cuisine to poke dishes to Chinese hand-ripped noodles, according to nrn.com.

The concepts that all the surveyed restaurants have in common, is their focus revolves breaking the mould. The listicle of Nations Restaurant News' fourth class of Breakout Brands are bringing together customers to have a unique experience, tapping into hot trends and taking innovative approaches to food and service.

Listed are the five new brands that are changing ever-evolving and challenging restaurant industry:

The 3 Arts Club Cafe is one among the selected out-of-the-box food corner. It is the combo of a restaurant, coffee bar, and wine bar, located inside home decor giant Restoration Hardwares landmark Three Arts Club building, Chicago. The restaurant is collaboratively founded by Gary Friedman, CEO of Restoration Hardware Holdings Inc., and Brendan Sodikoff, Chef and CEO of Hogsalt Hospitality. Headed by the topmost food expert, enables 3 Arts Club Cafe serve mouth-watering dishes to its customers. Friedman notes that the restaurant, opened last fall, is running on track to earn $5 million in annual sales.

Read Also: 10 Indian Dhabas for Your Hunger Pangs on Road Trips

8 Amazing Restaurants That Opened In India 2015
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
Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal.

Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.



We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.



A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612ebc228e8)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0605e08)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612ebc228e8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0605e08)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612efe3bd50)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0605e08)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0605e08)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e880cdd0)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f0611a48)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f0611a48)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f01f5dd0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f010cf28)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f01f5dd0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f010cf28)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f01175e0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f010cf28)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f010cf28)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e880c8d8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f009c6f0)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f009c6f0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
System error

error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.

context: ... 21: </%method> 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: </%perl> 28: <table width="90%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 29: <tr> ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25

/usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:948

/var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17

/usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149



Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 125 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 157 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f0226a20)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0092270)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/2011159162/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f0226a20)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1302 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 955 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0092270)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 135 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x5612f021c980)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1300 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1292 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 481 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 433 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0092270)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0092270)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e880d7e8)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01cf778)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01cf778)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0
Monroeville, Alabama: In death, as in life, Harper Lee appears to have opted for privacy, as a lawyer for the estate of the To Kill a Mockingbird author has asked that her will be sealed from the public.

A judge in Monroe County - the section of Alabama where Lee was raised, and where she died last month at the age of 89 - agreed to seal the will in a decision made on Monday and released on Friday by the probate court.

Author Harper Lee, who died earlier this year aged 89. Credit:Getty Images

Considerable curiosity surrounds the document detailing the estate of a woman who published just two books but enjoyed tremendous success with each. Mockingbird became one of the best-selling books of all time, with 40 million copies sold since its publication in 1960.

A second book, published last year, Go Set a Watchman, became the best-seller in the United States for 2015.
An audit of delivery drivers by the Kingston franchisee had found errors in payment for two drivers, but the staff had since been paid all owed money, Crust Pizza's head office said.

The audit occurred after former driver Simon Cole told Fairfax Media last week he had been dismissed by the store manager because he had challenged the cash payments and underpayments he received for three months.

Simon Cole has claimed he was underpaid nearly $9 an hour by the Kingston Crust franchise. Credit:Matthew Raggatt

Mr Cole's union representative said the former driver had received $1000 from Crust this week.

Mr Cole said the store manager had told him in late January the other drivers were happy to receive cash, and those who objected to the off-the-books cash payments were "let go".
Treatment for Hepatitis C became drastically more affordable this week when four new-generation medicines were added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

But the news prescriptions will cost as little as $6.20 has come too late for some "buyers' club" members who have paid up to $3000 a pop.

Hepatitis ACT executive officer John Didlick is calling the PBS listing of the drugs " a watershed moment." Credit:Melissa Adams

The government's resolution to list the drugs means Australians with Hep C now pay just $6.20 a prescription if they are a concession card holder or $38.30 for general patients, saving patients as much as $100,0000 for treatment.

Clinicians across the country shelled out millions of dollars in prescriptions on Tuesday March 1, during the first 24 hours of the listing, securing medications which work faster, achieve higher cure rates and have far fewer side effects than any previous treatment.
When Luis Menendez first started work on bilateral relations between Australia and El Salvador, he had no idea he would one day take on his country's ambassadorial post in Canberra.

Late last month he presented his credentials to Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove as the second resident ambassador of El Salvador to Australia.

El Salvador ambassador to Australia, Luis Menendez. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

His mission is to develop further trade ties, encourage tourism to the Central American state, and "tell the stories" of the substantial expatriate population living in Australia.

The two countries first established official diplomatic ties in 1983, the same year 75 Salvadorans moved across the Pacific as part of a special humanitarian program during the height of El Salvador's civil war.
Chief executive Ian Narev's apology comes after a joint Fairfax Media and Four Corners investigation revealed the big bank had been using an outdated and, when used in isolation, unfair method to define heart attacks.

The Commonwealth Bank boss is "saddened and disappointed" by how the cases of some life insurance customers have been handled, admitting the bank focused on the process over the people.

The media investigation understands that the Commonwealth Bank was aware of this, even as it continued to use the method to assess claims on heart attacks  which account for one-fifth of CommInsure's trauma claims.

As a result, legitimate heart attack victims might have been unfairly refused payouts.

Half of CBA's senior executives who report to chief executive Ian Narev will be female. Credit:Getty Images

Mr Narev admitted on Saturday the bank had failed to meet its responsibility to those customers identified in the media investigation.

"Life insurance is there to support customers and their families at times of great need and distress. Insurance providers have a responsibility to deal with claims as sensitively, as quickly, and as fairly as possible," he said in a statement.
The Turnbull government intends to keep secret the report into former Fair Work Commission vice-president Michael Lawler's epic sickie.

Mr Lawler resigned from his $435,000-a-year job last week, a day before he was due to respond to an investigation into the 215 sick days he allegedly took to help his partner, disgraced union boss Kathy Jackson.

The investigation by retired judge Peter Heerey was commissioned by Employment Minister Michaelia Cash last year after Mr Lawler allegedly took the time off to help Ms Jackson defend a lawsuit over theft from the Health Services Union.
It's probably a good thing Rebel Wilson is a world-famous comedian earning millions of dollars a year, because as the events of the past week have proven so comprehensively, she makes a lousy investigative journalist.

Wilson attempted to shame freelance Australian journalist Lizzie Wilson last week, labelling the reporter "total scum" after she had phoned Rebel Wilson's octogenarian grandmother Betty while researching a profile piece. Reporter Wilson, who has many years experience under her belt as a journalist and written for a raft of titles locally and abroad, later said she had been commissioned to write for an unnamed but apparently "respectable" international publication about the rise of the comic star who has seen her career scale the dizzying heights of Hollywood over the past five years.

Actor and comic Rebel Wilson came off second best when she got her facts wrong about an investigative journalist. Credit:Steven Chee

Lizzie Wilson defended her actions and told website Mamma Mia: "I was approached by a publication, a very respectable publication, who were working on a story around 'Who is the real Rebel Wilson?'. They wanted someone on the ground here in Australia to speak with her family and school friends  and I agreed to do it.

"I did ring her grandmother, not once, but twice. The first discussion we had was very pleasant. I introduced myself and we chatted.
Alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelets for drink-drivers and domestic violence abusers are being considered by police and substance-abuse experts as part of a scheme that would force repeat offenders to stay sober.

Supporters say abstinence orders for offenders with serial alcohol-related convictions would improve public health and safety and reduce crime, particularly among young men whose drinking poses a risk to the community.

Young drivers 'are consistently over-represented in alcohol-related road trauma'. Credit:Jerry Galea

Courts would require those with serial convictions to give up drinking for up to six months and wear ankle bracelets that provide round-the-clock monitoring of blood-alcohol levels.

The "sobriety tags" return readings every 30 minutes through the wearer's sweat, with results being sent to a judge or parole officer. Another option under consideration is a breathalysing scheme, in which offenders make twice-daily visits to a police station or testing centre. If they fail a test they are jailed for 24 to 48 hours, with prison terms escalating for repeated failures.
After eight years, no one has ever been charged for murdering James but the promise of a $1 million reward for information announced by the homicide squad on Sunday may change that. James Russouw. "We believe there are people who know what happened to Mr Russouw and we urge them to contact investigators," said Detective Inspector Mick Hughes. "We owe it to Mr Russouw's family to solve this case and bring justice for them." The car seen leaving the murder scene. Credit:LUIS ENRIQUE ASCUI

For a long time, James' parents Cecil and Lorna Russouw said they were in shock. "You have to bury your son, rushing around trying to find a plot, funeral directors, it was so weird," Ms Russouw said. "Then it's in the paper, then it's on the news, then the police come to the house." Eight years on, their grief is heavily anchored to the big looming gaps; why had he got caught up in drugs, how he hid it from them. And the bigger ones, who took his life and why. "I still can't get my head around it," Ms Russouw said. "A young man once told me, he said to me, 'You older folks, you don't understand us'. He said to me, 'This is like a social thing to us and there's nothing wrong in it'."

At the time, James was searching for a new supplier after his usual one from Sunshine had stopped selling to him. At 10.54pm on March 7, 2008, James was on his way to a friend's place in Vermont when he received a call from the public phone box at the Burwood East Kmart complex nearby. That phone call, most likely made by someone he trusted, promised the product James was after and a meeting was arranged at the Burwood East Reserve. "Whoever met him was either a supplier or saw him as vulnerable," Inspector Hughes said. Security footage captures James driving into the reserve in his dad's dark blue Jeep Cherokee with a front seat passenger at 11.03pm. Twenty minutes later, a witness sees a British racing green Ford Falcon sedan leaving the reserve at the same time as James' Jeep explodes. Firefighters find James' charred body and a weapon lying across the front seat. At the inquest into James' death last November, Detective Senior Constable Simon Hunt revealed there were two "persons of interest". One was a gunman with a crooked history who appeared to have coincidentally been in the area. The other, a troubled young man who checked himself into a psychiatric unit the next day. James knew one of these two - the soon-to-be psych patient was the younger brother of an acquaintance. Ms Russouw can still recall a conversation with her son about the troubled young man.

"He said 'I feel sorry for him because he's got an illness'. But he was a very unstable boy," Ms Russouw said. Unstable and, at times, violent. His family had an intervention order out against him, he had threatened at least two people with knives and reportedly talked about torching cars. "(Name omitted) goes into hospital when he has done something wrong, such as when he has serious charges coming up," a friend told a recent inquest. Detective Inspector Hughes said the key to solving the case is identifying the man shown in grainy security vision making the call from the phone box. ."The earlier they (those with information) engage with us, and are frank with us, the better position we are in to give advice to them."
Vandals have bombarded a multicultural shopping strip in Melbourne's west in a racist graffiti attack overnight.

Swastikas and white power slogans were sprayed onto a number of Indian-owned and other stores and restaurants in West Footscray in the early hours of Saturday, enraging locals.

Graffiti sprayed on a fence in West Footscray overnight.

A team of volunteers descended on Saturday morning to scrub out Nazi symbols and slogans such as "white power" and "niggers must die" from Barkly Street shop and restaurant windows, along with fences on residential Clarke Street.

Resident Brett Long, who organised the clean-up response, said he wanted to send the message that the local community overwhelmingly supported the businesses and those who ran them.
Stan Taylor, handcuffed, leaves the Supreme Court escorted by police Rather than wait for replacement keys Taylor went into the court to find a car thief he knew was appearing that day. The crook produced his zip tool and opened the police car in seconds allowing Taylor and his team to drive away. The scene after the Russell Street bomb exploded. It was 12.55pm  five minutes before the bomb detonated.

"If we hadn't driven off, we would have been blown to smithereens," he recalled. Investigators at the scene of the bombing. Almost at the exact moment Taylor left the danger zone a car with false number plates pulled up behind the explosive-laden Commodore. It was driven by Charlie Bezzina who would become a long-serving homicide investigator. Then he worked in the anti-corruption surveillance unit, which is why he was driving a car with fake plates. Mark Wylie was a detective sergeant in 1986. He was shot and nearly died in a raid for a suspect in the Russell Street bombing. Credit:Tom McKendrick

Just five minutes before the bomb detonated he parked and ran down Russell Street to buy camping gear for the Easter holidays. If he had drunk a second cup of coffee that morning or been sidetracked by an office conversation he may not have survived the massive explosion. If the crooks had picked a different day the toll would have been so different, according to a key investigator into this act of terrorism. Russell Street bomber Craig Minogue was sentenced to life with a minimum of 30 years, and expected to be eligible for parole in a few weeks' time. It was the Thursday before Easter and there were no school tours scheduled for D24. On a normal day around 40 students and teachers would have been leaving the building to board a bus parked next to the bomb car. "Luckily the bombers picked the wrong day," taskforce investigator Gary Ayres says.

Even if the bomb had gone off five minutes later the toll would have been worse as many more police and court staff would have been in the street heading for lunch. But for Angela Taylor, 21, there would be no reprieve. Taylor was a rising star, having graduated as Police Academy Dux, but, like all newbies, she started at the bottom and was working at the watchhouse connected to the court complex. On that day she lost the toss on the lunch run, which meant she was walking to the police canteen and was a metre away when the bomb car exploded. She died 24 days later. There were immediately plenty of theories and a key suspect. The man squarely in the frame was Phillip Grant Wilson, a neo-Nazi and suspected murderer, with an interest in explosives who was appearing in court that day.

The first theory was Wilson, who had planned to abduct and kill a Special Operations Group policeman by throwing him from a light plane, planted the bomb car in the hope of killing the police who charged him. Wilson knew he was the main suspect and feared he would be killed before he could establish his innocence. He contacted me that afternoon and we met that night. "I am not a terrorist. I'll take a lie detector test or truth serum to prove I am not involved," he said. He was right but it only delayed the inevitable. He was shot dead outside outside a South Yarra chiropractic clinic 17 months later. Next on the list was Claudio Crupi, an armed robber with a hatred of detectives and an interest in bomb-making.

The Russell Street bomb taskforce found Crupi had built a device on his kitchen table just before the bombing with the intention of attacking a police station. He said it was a fake that he wanted to plant at the Flemington police station but when interviewed he admitted he had a hatred for detectives who worked at Russell Street. The real breakthrough came not through a network of informers or the dark art of interrogation but from meticulous forensic work. The bomb car was slowly rebuilt  a massive task considering the size of the explosion. Debris was found on the Queen Victoria Hospital roof three blocks away. Eventually Stolen Car Squad Sergeant Arthur Adams realised that the bomb car and a second stolen car used in a Donvale bank raid the same day had chassis numbers removed by a method favoured by car thief Peter Reed.

At first police thought Reed may have stolen the Commodore for Crupi and it was decided to bring in the suspected car thief for questioning. What was not known was that Reed was connected to Stan Taylor, a career criminal who turned a group of willing apprentices into a vicious armed robbery gang. Armed Robbery Squad Detective Sergeant Mark Wylie was to lead the arrest team into Reed's Kallista home on Anzac Day 1986. Wylie was uncomfortable as the raiding party was selected from different groups and had not trained together. But this was not a request, it was an order. It seems hard to believe today but the 10-strong arrest team had only three ballistic vests between them.

Then another sliding door moment. Wylie was shotgun trained but when the team met pre-dawn at the Nunawading police station he found the gun was a make and model he had never used. His last minute training was to stand alone in the police station car park and pump the weapon three times. As Wylie was to be one of the last through the door he was not wearing a vest. When the team fanned out in the darkened house Wylie was the first to see the wanted man. "He's on his haunches ... and he's pointing a .45 revolver straight at me," Wylie recalled. Reed fired two shots and Wylie returned fire with two rounds until his shotgun jammed. Unfamiliar with the weapon he was helpless as he tried to clear the gun. "He fired off his third and fourth, and basically I walked into the fourth and it went straight through me," he told me on the ABC documentary Trigger Point.

Wylie nearly died while Reed was shot and wounded by another policeman. Wylie said, "What I sense is that death, even in violent circumstances, is an extremely peaceful event. A couple of times I was pegging down; I was getting almost peaceful, surreal, elevated. You just drift, you drift peacefully, even in violent circumstances as a result of a gunshot wound; you drift into the big sleep." While Wylie recovered physically he battled many mental demons in the years that followed. In 2014 he took his own life  another victim of the bombing. The arrest of Reed led to the rest of the gang, brothers Craig and Rodney Minogue and the leader, Stan Taylor. (Taylor and Craig Minogue were convicted of the bombing. Reed was acquitted but convicted on a number of charges including the attempted murder of a policeman from the Kallista raid. Rodney Minogue's accessory to the bombing conviction was quashed on appeal.)

Taylor, a cunning career crook, tried to cut a deal by dobbing in his followers but there is no prize for running second in the race to inform. Another member of the group, Paul Hetzel, had already made a statement and Taylor would ultimately be sentenced to life with no minimum. In what was one of the most cold-blooded crimes in Australia's history, one of the bombers organised the murder of Prue Bird, the 13-year-old granddaughter of Hetzel's partner Julie, as a payback for him giving evidence. Prue was abducted from her Glenroy home in February 1992 and never seen again. In 2013, the despicable Les Camilleri was sentenced to a minimum of 28 years after pleading guilty to the murder. Camilleri, who was already serving life with no minimum for the murder of two schoolgirls in Bega, said he acted alone and grabbed Prue off the street in a random attack.

He also claimed he couldn't remember where he left the body. In sentencing Camilleri, Justice Elizabeth Curtain rejected his story. He is a killer and a liar with no redeeming features. Police say Craig Minogue threatened that if anyone spoke to police he would kill them and their families, telling Julie Hetzel, "It would be a shame if anything happened to your sweet little Prue, wouldn't it?" Minogue, who admits to his involvement in Russell Street and has apologised to his victims, maintains he was not involved in Prue's murder. Taylor is now gravely ill and appears likely to die in jail. Both Reed and Taylor were brutalised, generations apart, when they were sent into care as kids.

Which proves what the Royal Commission into the Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has already found. If you can't protect kids in care then you may pay the price later. Taylor, it turned out, transformed the younger men from mere car thieves into a ruthless gang of armed robbers  and we paid him for the privilege. Taylor had been released after serving 17 years for earlier armed robberies. In a deadly version of poacher turned gamekeeper, he was employed as project officer for the Commonwealth Youth Support Scheme in Mooroolbark. This put him in direct contact with the younger crooks. He and Craig Minogue produced a version of Robin Hood as bush theatre for kids. Naturally Taylor starred as Robin Hood and the chubby Minogue as Friar Tuck. Why they set the bomb has never been established but it was designed to kill as many police as possible.

Minogue was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years. There is a perception that courts have become softer but there is no doubt if he was sentenced today he would be given no minimum term. In July 1988, two weeks after his July 12, 1988, conviction, he killed multiple murderer Alex Tsakmakis inside Pentridge Prison by repeatedly smashing a pillowcase filled with gym weights into his head. And yet when he was convicted and given another life sentence not one extra day was added to his minimum, which means he has never been punished for the killing. It was, frankly, outrageous, but since then Minogue has been close to a model prisoner, devoting himself to education. An early teacher remains unimpressed.
One man is fighting for his life and two other men have been serious injured following two separate shootings in Melbourne early Saturday.

In the first shooting, two men were gunned down outside the Bros outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouse in Yarraville in Melbourne's inner-west.

Two men were wounded outside this motorcycle clubhouse in Yarraville.

One of the men is believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries and both were taken to hospital.

The victims, a 38-year-old from Altona and a 37-year-old from Herne Hill, were shot about 1.40am at the clubhouse in Campbell Street.
Bangkok: A United States nuclear powered aircraft carrier and a group of warships has been deployed to the flashpoint waters of the South China Sea.

The arrival of group led by the carrier USS John C. Stennis is seen as the latest signal to China that the US will continue to enforce freedom of navigation in the waters through which about US$5 trillion ($7.4 trillion) of trade is shipped each year.

The US Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen, which in October sailed near Subi Reef, one of several artificial islands that China has built in the disputed Spratly Islands chain in the South China Sea. Credit:New York Times

The arrival of the ships came as Fu Ying, a spokeswoman for China's parliament, accused the US of massively escalating its military level in the South China Sea, further raising tensions.
GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that road works will be carried out on the Walter Nisbeth Road in the vicinity of the Pierre Buncamper Lodge on March 6. These works will be carried out between 8.00AM and 6.00PM.

The road works are related to repairs to a water line.

There will be no road closure, but motorists and pedestrians, should be alert of the works that are taking place in the aforementioned area.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

Road works commence in Beacon Hill on Monday

GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that road works will be carried out in Beacon Hill starting March 7 to the 11th. These works will be carried out between the 8.00AM and 5.00PM.

The civic works entail the placement of splice boxes and trench work in the vicinity of White Sands Drive.

There will be no road closure, but motorists and pedestrians, should be alert of the works that are taking place in the aforementioned area.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.

Road closure planned for Saturday in Middle Region

GREAT BAY(DCOMM):--- Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Development and Infrastructure (Ministry VROMI), announces that there will be a road closure on Saturday, March 5 from 7.00AM to 11.00AM.

The road closure will take place between Middle Region road entrance and Sister Marie Laurant School in connection with the maintenance of the sewage pit.

Motorists and pedestrians, should be alert of the works that are taking place in the aforementioned area.

Ministry VROMI apologizes for any inconveniences this may cause.
PHILIPSBURG:---The Philipsburg Jubilee Library in close collaboration with Division Public Education Elementary Schools have set up an exhibition for all public schools.

Division Public Education Elementary schools are having their annual Dutch week from the 7th of March until the 11th of March, 2016.

The overall objective of these Dutch Weeks is to encourage students, teachers, staff, and parents to support the Dutch learning experience.

The theme of the upcoming Dutch Week is:  De natuur om ons heen. This theme is connected to the 2015-2016 Division Public Educations theme of the year: Health and Wellbeing, with the focus on the role Nature plays in the wellbeing of the HUMAN RACE.

To facilitate the students in their learning experience about their particular topic, a special display with Dutch books is at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library with a variety of topics about nature.

Division Public Education and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library is wishing all students of the Public Elementary Schools a fruitful Dutch Week.
What you need to know about Powerball and the $580 million jackpot

News
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.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches the SES-9 communications satellite into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on March 4, 2016. (Image credit: SpaceX)

After a series of delays, a SpaceX rocket soared into space to successfully deliver a commercial satellite into orbit, but couldn't quite manage to stick the landing during an audacious attempt to touch down on a drone ship at sea.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket blasted off in a brilliant launch from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station tonight, March 4, at 6:35 p.m. EST (2335 GMT). Its mission: Deliver the SES-9 commerical communications satellite into orbit for its Luxembourg-based customer SES. That part went fine, with the SES-9 satellite separating as planned from the Falcon 9 rocket and heading off toward its final orbit. The rocket landing, however, was not successful.

"Rocket landed hard on the droneship," SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote in a Twitter update. "Didn't expect this one to work ([very] hot reentry), but next flight has a good chance."

SpaceX tried to land the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket on "Of Course I Still Love You," one of two "autonomous spaceport drone ships" owned by the company, as part of a bold experiment for resuable rocket technology. The company publicly stated that the chances of success were slim, but it hoped to try anyway.

About 2.5 minutes after liftoff, the first stage of the Falcon 9 separated from its upper stage, then performed two engine burns to return Earth for a landing in the Atlantic Ocean a few hundred miles off the Florida coast. A video feed from the drone ship offered a tantalizing glimpse of what appeared to be the Falcon 9 approaching its landing zone before cutting out, apparently just before the booster hit the ship's deck. [See photos of the SpaceX rocket launch and landing try here]

On three previous occasions  in January 2015, April 2015 and January 2016  a Falcon 9 first stage had gotten this far during an ocean landing try. But all three times, the booster ended up toppling over on the ship's deck and exploding.

Less than three months ago, in December 2015, SpaceX managed to land a Falcon 9 first stage on terra firma at Cape Canaveral, marking the first time this had ever been done during an orbital launch. (Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company established by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, landed its New Shepard launch vehicle in November, but that milestone occurred during a suborbital test flight.)

All of this work is part of the company's effort to develop fully and rapidly reusable rockets  a key priority for SpaceX and Musk. [Inside SpaceX's Epic Fly-Back Reusable Rocket Landing (Infographic)]

Musk has said repeatedly that he set up SpaceX primarily to help humanity colonize Mars, and he thinks reusable rockets are key to making that happen. The technology could slash the cost of spaceflight by a factor of 100, Musk has said.

The booster stage that landed in December survived its flight in good shape, and it performed well in engine tests after its recovery, SpaceX representatives said last month. That particular rocket stage will probably end up on display somewhere, but the company aims to refly other landed boosters in the future.

The SES-9 communications satellite separates from the upper stage of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket in this view from an onboard camera beamed to Earth during a live webcast of the successful launch on March 4, 2016. (Image credit: SpaceX)

While the rocket landing attempt drew much of the attention for today's launch, the mission's main purpose was to get the SES-9 satellite aloft for SES.

"SES-9 will provide expansion and replacement capacity to serve the video, enterprise, mobility and government sectors in fast-growing markets across Northeast Asia, South Asia and Indonesia," SpaceX representatives wrote in a mission description.

"The additional capacity on SES-9 will enable direct-to-home operators to broadcast more local content and increase their SD and HDTV channel lineup to 22 million households across Asia-Pacific, in markets such as India, Indonesia and the Philippines," they added.

Today's liftoff and landing attempt were delayed multiple times. Launch tries on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 were scrubbed because of issues with the loading of liquid-oxygen propellant onto the Falcon 9, and an attempt on Feb. 28 was aborted just before liftoff, apparently because of rising oxygen temperatures. (This temperature rise was partly attributable to a 35-minute delay caused by a boat in the launch's "keep-out zone," according to Musk).

SpaceX had intended to try again Tuesday (March 1), but ended up pushing the launch to today because of concerns about high-altitude winds.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate

STAMFORD  Officers might balk at enforcing a proposed law that would fine drivers up to $500 for not properly yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk, the citys top accident investigator said.

The proposal calls for a significant increase to the $181 penalty for passing a pedestrian in a crosswalk. But sympathetic officers would be more likely to issue a warning instead of levying the larger fines during most circumstances, Stamford Police Sgt. Andrew Gallagher, head of the departments collision and accident analysis squad, predicted this week.

In a crosswalk, when a car passes someone and there is no crash, it is hard to write someone a $500 ticket, Gallagher said. Its a time where you give them a lecture about the safety of pedestrian and being more cognizant of their surroundings.

The problem with it is that not every cop is going to issue a $500 infraction to a working-class guy, but will issue them warnings instead, Gallagher said. Its not like everybody we encounter in Stamford is part of the Gold Coast hedge fund crowd.

The proposed measure is part of a bill discussed Wednesday at a General Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing in Stamford meant to deter passing pedestrians in crosswalks. The bill is backed by State Rep. Terry Adams, D-Stamford, who represents the citys South End. Adams said constituents have urged him to push for stiffer fines to curb the disregard for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Adams, who supported a similar proposal last year, said the law could result in $500 in fines even if the pedestrian is not hit if officers decide to cite drivers for failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due caution to avoid a pedestrian.

I think it is kind of bad that we lose more people in Stamford, Connecticut by car then by gun, Adams said. There should be some importance for us to put a bill like this forward so we dont lose eight people one year and five the next. We should be doing everything possible to make it safer for our pedestrians.

Pedestrian safety has again come to the forefront after two January accidents  including one fatality  on a stretch of High Ridge Road north of Bulls Head. In both cases, the pedestrians appeared to have been attempting to cross within the legal crosswalk, according to police.

Jimmy Goldsmith, 81, was struck Jan. 10 as he tried to cross High Ridge Road at Vine Street with his walker to return to his assisted living center. He later died of his injuries. Police are awaiting additional results from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiners Office in Wallingford before deciding whether criminal charges should be filed, Gallagher said.

On Jan. 21, a 2015 Audi driven by Michael Warshaw, 35, of Stamford, seriously injured Sharon Aks, 58, and Bruce Goldstein, 55, when they were struck crossing High Ridge Road at High Ridge Center.

Aks and Goldstein had a green crossing signal when Warshaw turned left out of the shopping plaza into their path, police said. Warshaw has been cited with two counts of failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, according to police.

Aks, a Stamford resident for 27 years, suffered a fractured pelvis, a serious concussion, brain bleeding and has no memory of the accident, she said this week. Goldstein suffered a broken hand and leg, she said.

Aks said she supported the higher fines for failure to yield to a pedestrian. More importantly, she said, the city should eliminate traffic signal sequencing at intersections that allow left or right turns into the path of pedestrians who have a green walk signal.

At busier intersections, there need to be signals that provide ample time to cross roads on foot, she said.

You have to start somewhere, but Im concerned that there needs to be changes to signals to make it safer and avoid future fatalities, Aks said. We were both lucky to come away with our lives. There are too many places in the city where cars can continue to turn when the pedestrian signal is green.

Civil and criminal consequences

Criminal charges in addition to infractions for failure to yield or failure to exercise caution are not common in non-fatal car-versus-pedestrian cases, even when the injuries are serious, Gallagher said.

Even in the case of pedestrian deaths due to car accidents, prosecutors can stop shy of hefty criminal charges like negligent homicide or vehicular manslaughter because they feel they cant prove negligence or recklessness, Gallagher said.

Police sought a criminal charge in the death of 65-year-old Carmine Passero who died in 2014 after being struck by a car when walking through the driveway of a condominium complex on Strawberry Hill Avenue. Ultimately, the driver, Peter Parachkevov, of Stamford, was not charged even though police felt he should have yielded to Passero, Gallagher said.

If the prosecutor doesnt feel he had enough to make a criminal case stick or based on the information, thinks it is a push frequently we see no charges, Gallagher said. ...They send the case to the civil arena where the level of evidence to sustain a complaint of liability or negligence is much less than for a criminal charge.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has been touting fresh rhetoric about the new economic reality that Connecticut is now facing, and judging by his op-ed published last Sunday (Connecticut is not going back to the way it was), state Rep. William Tong (D-Stamford, Darien) is clearly stepping into line and regurgitating the governors talking points.

I do not have a problem with the content of most of the ideas that the governor and Rep. Tong are putting forth  I agree with them that there need to be deep cuts to state spending, no tax increases, and immediate action to confront our long-term pension obligations head on.

My issue is that the five basic principles Tong outlined are things he has had the opportunity to support in recent years but has refused. Each of Tongs points are things that Republicans have been pushing for years and, if they were adopted years ago, we could have avoided much of what ails us now.

First, while the Republicans have been vocal about cutting spending for years, the Democrats have actually increased state spending since 2011 by more than $2.8 billion, or a 15.8-percent increase over five years. You may be familiar with claims from Democrats that they have cut spending; but a Democrats definition of a spending cut is different than how the rest of us define it. To Democrats a smaller increase in spending than originally planned is actually a cut  even though spending increases.

Second, look back at what the Republicans have been saying for years about addressing the long-term obligations that the state faces. We have pleaded with the Democrats to tackle these issues head on as we have one of the largest unfunded liabilities in the nation. These huge obligations make our budgetary future uncertain and are part of the reason companies, large and small, are moving out of state. In December, the legislature held a special session to mitigate current year deficits. Republicans put forth proposals to enact some long-term structural changes and the Democrats refused to entertain the ideas. This was just a few months ago.

Third, the Republicans have long called for state government to focus on essential, core services, such as education, transportation, and public safety. Republicans believe that the more government does, the less it does well. Right now government is too big. Democrats are forcing government in to the health care business and now have a proposal for government-run retirement investments. When will it end?

Fourth, the GOP has always pushed for more accountability. We are not sure the answer is to simply get out of the governors way as he has weakened the watchdog agencies and eroded the independence of the Office of Governmental Accountability.

Fifth, I completely agree that the budget process must change. Republicans represent more than 42 percent of Connecticut residents and yet the Democrats refuse to include them in negotiations. Republicans urged the majority leaders and the governor to be invited to the table. When Republicans were finally brought to the negotiating table in December, Republicans agreed to support the deficit mitigation package if the package included long-term structural changes to state government. Republicans gave a specific list of these changes, and they were ignored wholesale much like the proposed Republican budget, the Blueprint for Prosperity, that cut spending, fully funded a realistic 30-year transportation plan and made the necessary structural changes that would lead Connecticut down the path to long-term success. And all this was done without raising taxes.

Rep. Tong closed his op-ed with saying that making cuts is not about courage, and I agree. But these problems are not new and have been exacerbated by years of inaction and poor decisions by Tong and his Democrat colleagues. Courage would have been demanding real shared sacrifice from the state employee unions and asking them to come up with real concessions like Gov. Malloy said they would back in 2011. Courage would have been making real, long-term structural changes to the budget when the legislature convened in a special session in December.

Real courage would have been Rep. Tong standing up to his party bosses and voting against the disastrous budget back in June. But he didnt, he voted for it and our state has been suffering as a result ever since. Actions speak louder than words Rep. Tong.

Eva A. Maldonado is chairwoman of the Stamford Republican Town Committee.
F ive people have been charged after violent clashes broke out at the north London derby.

The Metropolitan Police said the five men were arrested in unconnected incidents ahead of and during the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at White Hart Lane on Saturday.

They have all since between charged.

Hakan Gulesin, 26, of Caldecott Way, Hackney, was charged with a public order offence ahead of the commencement of the match and has been bailed to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on March 21.

George Davies, 22, from Page Hill, Hertfordshire, and Michael Tyrrell, 20, of Wentworth Road, Doncaster, have each been charged with criminal damage during the match.

Both men were bailed to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on March 21.

Mason D'Vaz, 21, of Larshall Road, Waltham Forest, was charged with a public order offence related to the alleged throwing a coin before the start of the match.

He has also been bailed to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on March 21.

James David Ilsley, 26, of Main Road, Romford, was arrested ahead of the match and charged with an offence in connection with the Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham match on March 1.

He has been bailed to appear at Stratford Magistrates Court on March 21.

A sixth person  a 61-year-old man  was arrested after the match for being drunk and disorderly and was given a fixed penalty notice.

Today's match, which was a key fixture in the title race, ended in a 2-2 draw after Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez equalised in the 76th minute of the close-fought tie.
A baby boy has been taken to hospital with a head injury after a moped pulling wheelies crashed into the nine-month-olds buggy in east London and then sped off again.

Police say the vehicle was driving west along Lonsdale Avenue in East Ham when the accident happened yesterday at 3.15pm.

The childs mother had been trying to cross the road when the moped hit the buggy and knocked it over, police say.

Witnesses told detectives that the motorcyclist, who failed to stop at the scene, was pulling wheelies and driving at speed just before the crash

Paramedics took the child to an east London hospital for treatment and later transferred him to a central hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

The babys mother suffered minor injuries.

Anyone with information should call the Mets Roads and Transport Policing Command on 020 8597 4874 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A Muslim woman from a universitys Islamic society was racially abused and had her face veil ripped off in a disgusting attack outside campus buildings, it is claimed.

The group of students were running a stall outside the Strand campus of King's College London as part of its Discover Islam week yesterday afternoon at 1pm when they were confronted by two men.

In an altercation lasting around 30 minutes, one woman had her niqab pulled away and suffered a string of racist taunts, it has been claimed.

One of the students running the stall wrote on Facebook afterwards that she was absolutely sickened by the disgusting display of racism and Islamophobia.

She said: A dear friend of mine was targeted and attacked physically for choosing to wear a veil that represents her relationship with God.

She is free to do so. Before anyone thinks of claiming her choice of clothing provoked such a reaction, take a step (or two) back and ask yourself would you have said the same thing if she was wearing a different style of clothing that some other idiot felt offended by?

If you would then you are that idiot. If you wouldn't then you are not so far from these bigots who attacked us.

Security complaint: Hareem Ghani has been speaking on behalf of the victims / Hareem Ghani

In a statement the university said two of its security managers intervened, but students say it took a long time for them to take action and questioned why.

Speaking on behalf of the women, Hareem Ghani, a member of the universitys Islamic Society, said the men kept asking: Why are you wearing that on your face?

Ms Ghani said: It escalated from there and one of them reached out to the sisters and pulled off her niqab.

Security were called but they only responded 15 minutes afterwards.

Geography student Mahamed Abdullahi said he stepped in to help after hearing one of the men tell the women: I shouldnt have to see this on my streets.

He said: They were looming over the women and moving towards them and being very aggressive, which is why security were called.

The 20-year-old said: One of the students was trying to take a photo of the man for the police and he sort of lunged towards her. I had to physically get in the way and block him from attacking her.

The university said the two men finally left at around 1.35pm, shortly before police arrived.

A university spokesman said: "We are mindful of concerns raised around this incident and would like to reassure our staff and students that the safety and security of our campuses is of the utmost importance.

The incident is now being investigated by the police, following the arrests made yesterday, and our CCTV footage will be provided as evidence as part of this process.

We will continue to support the police in their investigation, which will take precedence over our own proceedings.

However, we will also be reviewing the incident, including the CCTV evidence, to establish precisely what happened and further improve student safety on campus."

A spokesman for the Met Police said two men, aged 39 and 41, had been arrested under the Public Order Act following the incident and bailed until May.
T his is the shocking moment a fight broke out in a south London chicken shop minutes before a 17-year-old was stabbed in the street during a frenzied attack.

The footage, captured on Monday, shows a youth hurling punches inside the crowded Tennessee Chicken Shop on Brixton Road near Oval Tube station.

At one point, he leaves the venue before coming back seconds later and throwing more punches.

The incident on Monday came just before a teenager was stabbed near the junction of Camberwell New Road and Brixton Road. He has since been discharged form hospital.

Fight: Police want to trace these two people Metropolitan Police / Metropolitan Police

Police have linked the two men shown in the chicken shop footage to the incident.

Both are black, believed to be in their teens, wearing black clothing and dark hooded jackets.

Stabbing: A teen was stabbed shortly after the incident Metropolitan Police / Metropolitan Police

The person suspected of stabbing the victim was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and was around 5ft 11ins tall, police say.

Officers are also appealing for the victims inside the chicken shop to come forward.

CCTV: Police are also appealing for victims in the shop to come forward / Metropolitan Police

Detective Inspector Ian Kenward of Lambeth CID said: "This was a frenzied attack in which a knife was used to inflict life threatening injuries on a teenage male. I have no doubt that the perpetrator intended to cause serious harm to the victim.

"Police will do everything in their powers to bring the offenders to justice. We are appealing for help from the public to assist in identify those involved. We are grateful for any assistance that you may be able to offer."

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Lambeth CID on 07785 774 447.
T housands of beer drinkers will descend on upmarket Chiswick for a five-day Oktoberfest this summer despite objections from neighbours.

Organiser Carsten Raun announced yesterday that Ealing Council had approved his plans to hold an Oktoberfest event in one of Londons priciest postcodes.

Members of the Bedford Park and Acton Green residents' associations had spoken out against the event, arguing it was an imposition on the local community and they would have to hold their nose if it went ahead.

But licensing officers at the council have conditionally approved the plans, which had been resubmitted to take into account previous objections.

Mr Raun said he was expecting a full house of 1,500 people each day at the Acton Green event, which will run from August 10 to 14 and bring the taste of Bavaria in the middle of London.

He told the Standard: We want to bring a new attraction to Ealing and we expect up to 6,000 visitors.

I think we have shown how well we can run events with our big 3,300 capacity Millwall Park Oktoberfest.

Alongside the drinking, there will be an oompah band, stalls selling sausages or pretzels and even the chance to buy some lederhosen on site.

The event is one of four Mr Raun wants to hold in the capital summer, with a fortnight-long festival also planned for Millwall Park and two more in unconfirmed central London locations.

A spokesman for the Bedford Park residents group said: There is still a lot of concern among the various residents associations around the green, however it is not clear that these objections are shared by the wider population in Bedford Park or the wider Chiswick area.

However, he admitted the groups own survey of people living in the area found nearly two-thirds wanted the event to be held so they could judge if it was a success.

An Ealing Council spokesman said: We have consulted with residents and other interested parties and have taken their views into account as part of the approval process.

As with any event that is granted a licence, the application met all of our requirements and we expect the green to be left in good condition and the disruption to residents to be minimal.

This will be the only event held on the green this year.
D emonstrators took the streets of Brixton today to protest against a council plan to convert libraries into gyms.

The controversial proposals have sparked anger among residents in Lambeth, with an online petition opposing the move backed by more than 5,000 signatures. IT Crowd actor Richard Ayoade has also joined calls to drop the plans.

Lambeth Council proposes redevelopment of the Tate South Lambeth library into a healthy living centre with an integrated book-lending service, despite fierce opposition from library users.

Chair of The Library Campaign, Laura Swaffield, said: The proposal to turn South Lambeth library into a gym with a bit of a library on the end of it is at first glance so ludicrous you want to burst out laughing.

Then you realise its not funny at all. They are destroying a really important service and spending millions on replacing it with a service that nobody wants. Nobody wants a gym around here  there are loads of gyms around here. It is mad.

Lambeth council is yet to publish costings for the proposals. Work is set to begin in the next few weeks.

The local authority has defended the move as being part of a savings drive that will improve the health of residents. It has confirmed the library will continue to offer self-service facilities allowing people access to a limited supply of books.

Library user Lino Diogo said the local Portuguese community depends on its resources to learn English: If the library closed, we would suffer a lot because it is the best place to teach English to the Portuguese-speaking community  the door is open, everybody knows where it is, there are no restrictions and it is free.

Lambeth council published a Culture 2020 report stating: Tate South Lambeth Library was originally proposed as the temporary town centre library for the north of the borough but because the building is more suitable for a healthy living centre, its now proposed that Durning Library will become the temporary town centre library funded by the council.

However, the ambition would remain for a new library in the north of the borough by 2022.

In north east London, Redbridge council has already gone ahead with plans to redevelop libraries, and South Woodford library reopened in January 2015 with a gym attached. The gym, unlike the library, however, requires private membership to access.

Redbridge councillor and MP for Ilford North Wes Streeting said: Like councils across London and up and down the country, Redbridge council faces deep cuts from central government and unless we deliver services differently, many of those frontline community services that people really value will come under threat.

One of the great things about adding a gym to South Woodford library is that we were able to refurbish the whole facility so the community library is frankly in a lot better shape than it was before and there is better disabled access.

What we are doing with the revenue that the gym generates is making sure the library can continue for many years to come.

Visitor numbers to South Woodford library increased by 15.9% following the redevelopment, which was completed in January 2015. 195,853 people used the library in the year following the 600,000 changes, compared to 168,962 the previous year.

Despite the increase, some residents remain sceptical about Redbridge councils decision to spend 600,000 on the redevelopment.

Library user Andrew Glover said: The gym, if it is going to earn some money is a good idea. However, as a council tax payer, I think money could be spent in other areas because I think it was okay as it was.

The Standard has contacted Lambeth Council for comment.
N ewlyweds Rupert Murdoch and Jerry Hall today held a private ceremony of celebration on Fleet Street to mark their marriage.

Former supermodel Hall, 59, and the 84-year-old media mogul hosted the event in St Bride's Church on the street, which proclaims itself the "spiritual home of the media".

Leading names from the world of showbiz and the media turned out despite the rain for the function at the so-called "Journalists' Church" - which has a 200 capacity and was closed to the public all day.

Murdoch arrived flanked by his sons shortly after 10.30am. Wearing a navy blue suit and tan shoes, he paused for photographs outside the venue.

Rupert Murdoch arrives at St Bride's church to celebrate his marriage to Jerry Hall

Shortly after top media figures including Alan Yentob, Rebekah Brooks and editor of the Daily Mail Paul Dacre arrived.

Barry Humphries, the Australian comedian better known as Dame Edna Everage, joked: "I'm not getting married" as reporters asked him how he was feeling.

Newlywed: Rupert Murdoch arrives at St Bride's Church in London with his sons James (right) and Lachlan / PA

He said: "I'm very happy. I think it's great, I like them both.

"The wedding present was hard to work out."

Star-studded: Sir Bob Geldof leaves the venue / Getty

Bob Geldof and the Turner prize-nominated artist Tracey Emin were also on the guest list.

Murdoch is a "big fan" of the church given his historic family links to Fleet Street, a spokesman for St Bride's has previously said.

Rebekah Brooks and her husband Charlie were among those in attendance / Getty

"I know Mr Murdoch is a very big fan of St Bride's and has been since his father cut his teeth on Fleet Street 60 years ago, so we are delighted to hold it here," said the spokesman.

"His father led him to England and St Bride's has always been part of Fleet Street and the journalistic industry. Mr Murdoch has always had a lot of time and love for this place so we are delighted he is having a service of celebration here."

Richard E. Grant and Joan Washington make their way from the church following the ceremony / Getty

Murdoch famously killed off the historic link between Fleet Street and the newspaper industry in the 1980s when he moved the printing presses to Wapping in east London.

The 84-year-old wrote of his elation shortly after marrying Hall on Friday.

He tweeted: "No more tweets for ten days or ever! Feel like the luckiest AND happiest man in world."

The pair emerged from their wedding at Spencer House, a venue which is described on its website as "one of the most sumptuous private residences ever built" in the capital, smiling for photographers.

The marriage is the fourth for Murdoch and the second for Hall, 59, who had a long relationship with Sir Mick Jagger.

Murdoch was previously married to Wendi Deng, mother to two of his children, but they split in June 2013.

He reportedly paid out 1.7 billion US dollars (1.2 billion) in a divorce settlement to his second wife Anna Murdoch, while his first wife was Patricia Booker.
T he former head teacher of Dublane Primary School today broke a 20-year silence to describe the unimaginable horror of the massacre and tell how it still leaves him racked with guilt.

In a harrowing account, Ron Taylor said he felt violated after bursting in his schools gymnasium to find dying children and gunman Thomas Hamilton, who also shot himself, twitching on the floor.

Sixteen pupils and their teacher Gwen Mayor were killed in what to date remains the deadliest firearms atrocity in British history.

"People couldn't understand why I felt so guilty after the event because there is no way any of us could have anticipated what happened," Mr Taylor told the Daily Mirror.

"There is no way we could have adequately prepared for what happened.

"But I felt I should have been able to do more and that guilt lives with me."

His public account comes ahead of a BBC documentary to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragedy, in which other victims including pupil Amy Hutchison, now 25, speak about the massacre for the first time.

Survivor: Pupil Amy Hutchison, now 25, recovers in hospital following the shooting / PA

He added: "It was unimaginably horrible to see children dying in front of you. I felt enormous guilt - more than a survivor's guilt.

"It was my school, I felt violated," he said.

The head teacher then had to undertake the grim task of helping police to identify the dead where they had fallen, before writing down the events of March 13 1996, for detectives.

To this day Mr Taylor has been unable to face re-reading the account, or look at a collection of newspaper clippings from the time.

He told the newspaper he keeps clippings locked away in a box.

"It's quite easy to keep that box locked. It's much more difficult to keep the box in my head locked, he said.

Dunblane: Our Story will be broadcast on BBC Two and BBC One Scotland at 9pm on Wednesday.
A man has been arrested after an eight-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in a Greggs bakery shop.

West Yorkshire Police said a 34-year-old man was detained on suspicion of sexual assault following the incident at the bakery shop in Headrow, Leeds, on February 12. He was later bailed.

The girl was waiting with her younger brother in the seating area at the shop at about 3.30pm while their mother paid at the counter.

Police previously said the alleged incident was distressing for the victim and her family.

Chief Inspector Mark Griffin, from the Leeds district policing team, said: "A 34-year-old man from the Bradford area has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who shared our appeal for information, and for the public's support in this matter."
A truck crashed into a tree after seemingly being driven by a dog.

Customers at a petrol station in Mankato, Minnesota, were left baffled after seeing a golden Labrador retriever appear to drive the large semi-truck across a main road on Friday.

Mankato police said the truck, which was in neutral, was somehow put into gear before it travelled through a car park, across a road and hit a tree.

The Free Press of Mankato reported a passer-by discovered a dog sitting in the drivers seat when he jumped into the vehicle to stop it.

David Stegora told the newspaper he was at the petrol station when he heard the truck crashed into a tree and a parked car.

He said: I heard the tree snap and I thought somebody decided to turn around, but then it just kept going forward.

Mr Stegora said he initially didnt understand how the truck was moving as he could not see a driver, but then saw a dog climb up near the drivers side.

Police commander Dan Schisel told The Free Press of Mankato the vehicle had since been taken off the road.
Youll never know the secret to whats in a cupcake at Cloud 9 CaKery, but it doesnt matter once you bite into one.

Five years ago, Carianne White and her sister Katie Ernst attended a wedding where the cake was actually a cupcake cake. They thought it would be a great idea. After taking a cake decorating class at Western Nebraska Community College, they began making cakes. Their first commissioned cake was a gag gift cake for a friend. It was well-received and they began to seriously think they could make something of it. Even though their cakes were good, they fell in love with making cupcakes. Cupcakes are more popular, more mobile and easier to serve.

We tried to make cakes and found that we just couldnt produce that same fun look that we could with the cupcakes, White said.

[Click on photos to see cutlines.]

They made cupcakes for friends and coworkers, then they heard about the farmers market.

We filled out the application four years ago and started there, White said. The very first week we sold out.

Though they dont sell out every week, Cloud 9 CaKerys popularity continues to grow. The community has supported them since they began and businesses regularly recommend them for events and weddings. Some events are booked a year in advance. This year is the first time they expanded to an all day event, Girls Day Out.

We couldnt be happier to be in the position of our business right now, White said.

When White and Ernst began, they invented flavors in their head. Then they began reading recipe books and finding new ideas in magazines and the Internet.

We have quite a library now that includes over 65 flavors, White said.

At the Winter Farmers Market, customers stream through their booth, eager to get a cupcake before the 100 or so cupcakes are all sold out.

White is quiet, sometimes on the shy side. It takes a lot to get to know her and even more for her to talk to other people. Selling cupcakes and speaking to customers was hard for her during the first year at the farmers market. After getting to know customers and other vendors, she found she really liked the marketing of cupcakes and the farmers market as a whole. But shes not just at the farmers market to sell you a product. Shes there to sell small businesses in Scottsbluff and Gering.

We support small businesses when we can, White said. We try to use Great Western Sugar in all of our cupcakes, we really support everything that we can.

During their five years in business, White and Ernst learned a lot about time management. They were late to the first wedding they were hired as they didnt calculate the time needed to prepare correctly. They also learned about pricing.

People dont realize what it costs to make these beautiful little desserts and how much time it really takes to make them look that way, White said.

Everything costs something. Electricity, time, decorations, ingredients, labor. They do everything themselves. Bigger cities charge upwards of $5 a cupcake, but Cloud 9 CaKery has managed to keep the price under $2.

Cloud 9 CaKerys name is a little bit about its owners and a little bit about how you feel when you eat them. White and Ernst want their customers to feel like they are on cloud nine when they taste their velvety smooth cupcakes, followed by an explosion of flavor. The C is for Carianne and the K is for Katie.

White beams with pride when she mentions the time she and her sister were featured in Nebraska Life Magazine about cupcake places in Nebraska. They were shocked when they got the call.

We didnt know what was going on or who even clued them into us, she said. They sent us this big list of questions.

Their photographer friend, Jessica Mikolocyk, took photos for the article.

We were in a magazine, White said. A small Nebraska magazine, but hey, thats pretty big time for us.

One of their biggest successes was a catering job of 1,250 cupcakes, something they didnt think they would be able to pull off.

At first, we thought we had to be crazy, but we did it, White said. We did it and it was awesome.

Last year, they worked on their biggest event yet, The Cattlemens Ball. Cloud 9 CaKery was chosen to cater the dessert for the VIP lunch. White and Ernst submitted a bid with their business plan and gave test flavors. Ernst created spreadsheets and sat with food companies to order the ingredients for the huge amount of cupcakes needed.

We baked for what seemed like years, White said.

Each cupcake had to be individually boxed and labeled and placed on the tables. With sore hands, they decorated each cupcake in a single day. Katie was nine months pregnant at the time, but the sisters had a lot of fun and have fond memories of preparing for the event.

That was the last thing we did together before she moved away, and I couldnt have been more proud of what we accomplished, White said. We, as a business, have begun to get our name out there.

Cloud 9 CaKery now sponsors sporting events and baseball teams. In 2015, they sponsored a softball/t-ball team. This year, they sponsored a fighter at the Legion Combat Sports fight night.

We will sponsor the baseball team again this year and donate when we can to as many benefits as possible, White said.

One benefit close to the sisters heart is epilepsy. Each March, they sell purple cupcakes to raise awareness about epilepsy. They became involved in the effort to raise awareness because their sister, Rebecca, has epilepsy. Money raised is donated to the Anita Kaufman Foundation.

Cloud 9 CaKery has also taken on their first employee, Beverly Strauch, who came to help out and refuses to let White give her cupcakes or pay.

I wont take them for free, Strauch said. I have to force her to take the money or I put it in myself.

Cupcakes are quick to eat, but take a while to make. Depending on the flavors involved, 75-100 can be made in one night. If they are more complicated, it takes a lot more time to make sure each one is frosted and decorated without falling apart.

Cupcakes come in different flavors. Vanilla fudge. Chocolate cream pie. Orange crush. There are so many ways to make them and the flavors are limitless. White and Ernst love to experiment and have fun when baking.

Weve had orders for cupcakes with bacon on them, orders for sports-themed cupcakes, princess cupcakes, cartoons, you name it, White said. Our specialty is flavor. We have a niche for making flavors that cant be found at your normal bakery, so we take pride in making specialty cupcakes for our customers.

Cloud 9 CaKery has made French toast cupcakes topped with bacon, beer cheese and bacon cupcakes for the Super Bowl and a dark chocolate cupcake with caramelized bacon on top.

You dont even know what you can do with bacon, White said.

Whites favorite flavor is strawberry lemon with white frosting that Ernst makes.

Those are really hard, too, White said. You have to fold ingredients by hand.

The purple velvet cupcakes they make each year in March for epilepsy awareness are the most difficult to make.

You have to alternate ingredients; buttermilk, dry ingredients, buttermilk, she said. They take forever when youre tinting them the right color purple.

At the farmers market, Cloud 9 CaKery usually sell out by noon. They have their regular customers. Theres one lady who always looks for something chocolate. Others stop by to chat or tell stories. One man came to each market and purchased six cupcakes. White puts her hands in her pockets and looks to the ground when she talks about how he doesnt come anymore. He moved to be closer to his grandchildren.

Usually when we sell at the farmers market we try to make one chocolate, one spice, one vanilla and one fruit, she said. If we think we will have some extra time, well throw another one in there just for fun or if we want to try a new recipe.

Theyve also begun selling mini-cupcakes this year and they have been a huge hit. As they experiment with them more, the mini-cupcakes will be on their regular menu by next year.

When Cloud 9 CaKery began, Ernst was in school full-time and White worked and took care of her family. They almost threw in the towel. They pulled late nights, had some laughs and tossed away some very bad cupcakes, and realized it was all part of a growing business.

We didnt want to give up because we knew that we had customers who counted on us, but we didnt want to miss out on the time with our families either, White said. It was very hard.

Now, the tables are turned. White still works a full-time job, takes care of her family and is three months away from graduation.

I feel the urge to give up on the business every week, she said. My customers keep me motivated. I know the disappointment will be there if I am not at that booth.

Despite the tough times, they refuse to give up.

We were both taught to work hard by our parents and grandparents and we wont give up for those that depend on us, White said.

When shes not whipping up another memorable batch of cupcakes, White spends time with her husband of 17 years, Leon, and their children, Lawrence, 12, and Kherington, 5. Lawrence is an avid baseball player, which fits well with a family that watches baseball almost every night during the regular season. White grins from ear to ear when she speaks of Lawrences musical accomplishments in band and choir. Miss K, as everyone knows Kherington, is still all about the dolls and princesses. Even though she is in her second year of t-ball, its all pink everything  socks, helmet and shirt. If you ask White about her life, shed rather speak about her family than the fact shes about to graduate with an associate of arts in information technology.

Ernst, who received her bachelors degree in 2014, has been married for nearly 12 years to James. Their children Alivia, 7, and Isla, 1, are also destined to be baseball fans. Alivia is already good at bowling and played baseball before their recent move to Bismarck, North Dakota.

When White graduates in May, she plans to shift her focus to a summer off and spending time with her children.

Im going to see my family and watch some baseball, she said.

It can be hard to turn down a cupcake, even ones as delicious as a Cloud 9 CaKery cupcake.

Sometimes though, you just have to eat one, White said. I mean, you cant sell them if they dont taste good right?
As far as Im concerned, Nebraska doesnt get much better than our end of the state. I like visiting Lincoln and Omaha, and the Sandhills are uniquely beautiful, but its hard to beat our bluffs, valleys, canyons and lakes.

In addition to serving on the Scotts Bluff County Tourism Advisory Committee and highlighting many of our regions natural wonders through feature stories, I keep an eye every year on the Nebraska Tourism Commissions annual Passport Program. I wasnt disappointed when the list was announced Friday. This year, 11 Panhandle sites will be among the 80 attractions selected for the 2016 program.

The Passport program encourages travelers to explore Nebraska while making memories with family and friends. Last year the commission recorded the highest participation in the history of the program.

The Passport Program encourages travelers to explore the state collecting stamps, while reconnecting with Nebraska and supporting small businesses and attractions, said Nebraska Tourism Commission executive director Kathy McKillip. Year after year the program gains popularity. In 2015, more than 24,600 travelers collected stamps and we expect 2016s participation to be even better.

The 2016 Passport will again feature 80 attractions on 10 themed tours. Travelers will have from May 1 through Sept. 30 to visit the attractions and get their stamps. Because this seasons program will honor the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, both Scotts Bluff National Monument and Agate Fossil Beds both made the list, which will feature 23 new communities.

Last year, Nancy and Edwin Giorgi of Hemingford traveled about 3,000 miles and visited all 80 of the Passport stops. As the programs grand prize winner, Nancy Giorgi won an Omaha Steaks Culinary Calendar package valued at more than $1,000, in addition to other prizes she earned for participating in the program. She was among 81 people who visited all of the Passport stops.

Participants included Nebraska residents from more than 125 communities. Out-of-state visitors from 23 states participated, including Iowa, Utah, Texas, Wisconsin, Colorado, Pennsylvania, California and Montana. The average age of participants is 54, according to the Tourism Commission, and the average number of stops per participants was 36. In all, 553 participants submitted their passport books for prizes.

Featured Panhandle sites this summer include Agate Fossil Beds, Harrison; Scotts Bluff National Monument, Gering; Bean Broker, Chadron; Mark Ferraris Coffee, Oshkosh; Newberrys Common Grounds, Alliance; Duckpin Bowling Alley, Potter; Brown Sheep Company, Mitchell; Knight Museum, Alliance; Blue Stem Shoppe, Scottsbluff; Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, and Chimney Rock, Bayard.

The Passport selection team wanted to approach the 2016 program in a way that emphasized the incredible stories of Nebraska and its people  from the things we make to our unique history, said Passport Program coordinator Amanda Barker. This year will feature some stops that will make you reconsider our reputation as a flat state and help you explore the various heritages and cultures present in our state, and of course, give you something to eat along the way.

Passports will be available at participating stops in May or can be pre-ordered by emailing info@NebraskaPassport.com, with a name, mailing address and number of Passport booklets requested. Participants are also encouraged to download the Nebraska Passport App for their smartphone and get stamped digitally, supplementing the physical Passport booklet for convenience. The free mobile app works for travelers who might be visiting stops outside of their posted hours. The passport app will be updated with the 2016 information on May 1. Those who used the mobile app last year will need to download the update to see the new program information. To download, search NE Passport in the Apple App Store or the Google Play App Store. Prizes for this years participants will be announced at the start of the program. Last years prizes included T-shirts, duffle bags, gift baskets with Nebraska-made products, Nebraska Lottery scratch coupons and the Omaha Steaks calendar package.

Although Ive visited many of the local featured sites, some of which have been on the program list before, I look forward to adding them to my story list for the coming year and sharing information about them with the Star-Heralds readers.

Even after 36 years as Nebraska residents, the Giorgis found out a lot about Nebraska while on their Passport adventure.

It was a great way to see the state and meet a lot of nice people, she told me after winning last year. It made us realize even more what a great state we live in.
Countries & Areas

Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe
Plans are progressing to put town houses on the lot where pizza lovers parked, then walked across North Sarah Street to get a hot pie at Rossino's.

The restaurant in St. Louis' Central West End closed in 2006 after more than 50 years in business.

Now comes Lawrence Group, which just bought what had been Rossino's parking lot and the adjoining vacant lot to the south. The site is at North Sarah and West Pine Boulevard.

Planned are 13 for-sale town houses in three buildings. Lawrence Group has designed the project with one row of attached town houses facing West Pine. The two other buildings would face each other across small, city-sized yards. Parking would be in garages beneath the town houses off the alley on the north side of the site and a lane off North Sarah.

Steve Smith, Lawrence Group's chief executive, said he hopes construction can begin this fall. He said that getting a sufficient number of presales will determine the precise start date.

Lawrence Group already is in the neighborhood. Just north of the town house project site, at Sarah and Lindell Boulevard, is the company's recently completed renovation of a 1950s office building. The three-story building has apartments and a bank in a structure designed by architect Gyo Obata for business machine maker Remington Rand.
Missouri Attorney General Chris Kosters lawsuit against the owner of the smoldering Bridgeton Landfill wont be going to trial next week.

The lawsuit, filed in March 2013, leveled eight counts of violating Missouri environmental laws against landfill owner Republic Services. It sought orders requiring it to extinguish a smoldering fire deep within the landfill and take action to control odors, emissions and hazardous liquid releases caused by the fire.

Residents and workers near the landfill have complained of sore throats and other effects they worry are caused by the smelly landfill emissions caused by the fire that started more than five years ago.

Since filing the lawsuit, Republic Services and Kosters office have reached agreements that required Republic Services to pay for a plastic cap, air monitoring and a hazardous liquid treatment plant built on site. Republic Services says it has the underground smoldering under control and plans to let it burn itself out over the next couple of years.

But some still worry the fire could spread to the adjacent West Lake Landfill, where radioactive waste from early nuclear weapons processing is buried.

Kosters office says more needs to be done to finally put out the fire, and Republic Services could still face civil penalties. Koster spokeswoman Nanci Gonder said the state wants more gas extraction wells and cooling equipment to abate the smoldering, and it also is seeking a monitoring plan and protections for the states air and water.

Republic Services declined to comment.

The case was scheduled to go to trial Monday, but both Kosters office and landfill owner Republic Services say that date is no longer viable.

Koster blames Republics October transfer of the case from St. Louis County Circuit Court to federal court for the delay, referring to the move last year as a delaying tactic.

Defendants removal of this case to this Court, and the resulting uncertainty about jurisdiction and a trial date has rendered the state courts scheduling order inadequate and no longer appropriate, Kosters office said in a federal court filing earlier this year.

But Republic Services contends that expert reports Koster released in September showed his office sought to assert control over radiological waste that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has exclusive jurisdiction over.

The state asked Judge Ronnie White to send the case back to St. Louis County Circuit Court four months ago. Meanwhile, Republic Services has continued filing motions to resolve certain disputes in the case, but Kosters office says its pointless to argue over those matters until White rules on jurisdiction.

In the meantime, the two sides are fighting over a subpoena Kosters office issued to Pelopidas, a marketing and lobbying firm with ties to Missouri Republican mega-donor Rex Sinquefield. Koster, a Democrat, is running for Missouri governor.

Kosters office says that Pelopidas, which Republic Services says it used to manage public relations, has admissions by Republic employees or contractors that the smoldering fire will indeed reach the radiologically impacted materials at one or both of the landfills.

Republics attorneys dispute that Pelopidas has any such statements. It argues that subpoenaing its clients work product with Pelopidas chills their right to participate in freedom of expression and should be protected on First Amendment grounds.
New restrictions on fetal tissue donation and research are making their way through the Missouri Legislature.

Research on fetal tissue derived from abortions is already banned by state law, although federal law permits the practice, and research is ongoing in other states.

At least five proposed bills in the Legislature would ban the donation of fetal tissue by women who have abortions, further regulate the disposal of fetal tissue and create criminal penalties for violations.

Last summer, anti-abortion activists released undercover videos that purported to show Planned Parenthood executives discussing the sale of fetal tissue for research with people posing as third-party tissue suppliers.

Abortion providers under federal law can be reimbursed for the costs of storing and shipping fetal tissue for medical research.

At least a dozen investigations nationwide, including those by Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster and the state health department, uncovered no wrongdoing by Planned Parenthood. A Texas grand jury indicted two of the undercover videographers on charges of tampering with government records and the purchase or sale of human organs.

There is no fetal tissue donation program in Missouri, although it is currently allowed under state law with the consent of a woman who has an abortion.

Fetal tissue research has led to the development of vaccines for polio, chickenpox, whooping cough, shingles and rubella. Currently it is used for Ebola vaccine research and in studies on diseases including Alzheimers, AIDS, diabetes and blindness.

Washington University was among dozens of research institutions in the Association of American Medical Colleges that signed a letter in January with grave concerns about legislative proposals to restrict the use of fetal tissue for research.

The restraints on fetal tissue research in Missouri create a chilling effect for scientists, said Jennifer Lodge, vice chancellor for research at Washington University.

Laws that restrict scientific investigation affect the ability of any university or biotech company to recruit the brightest minds to solve real-world medical problems affecting us all, she said.
Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger 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

That a movie about the Senate confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas would portray former U.S. Sen. Jack Danforth of Missouri as a villain should not be a surprise.

Danforth, a Republican who at the time was known in some circles as the saint of the Senate, faced harsh criticism in 1991 and in the decades hence, particularly from womens groups, for his vociferous defense of his friend and protege against allegations that he once sexually harassed a former employee, Anita Hill.

Some of that criticism even came from Danforth himself, who in his 1994 book about the saga, Resurrection, acknowledged that his attempts to diminish Hills credibility went too far.

If there is any lesson to be learned from the Thomas-Hill matter, it must be that service of a good cause does not justify the wanton destruction of a person, whether that person is Clarence Thomas or Anita Hill.  I fought dirty in a fight without rules.

HBO, it seems, plays dirty, too.

The cable network has produced a docudrama on the infamous hearings called Confirmation. It is scheduled to debut in April. Danforth has seen a script, which he shared with the Post-Dispatch. Hes not pleased. The movie makes up scenes that never took place, he says, uses real characters and invented ones, and portrays Danforth, an ordained Episcopal minister, as a manipulative, partisan politician.

Im OK being the villain, if the reason is truthful, Danforth said. The script that they sent me is just totally wrong. Its a hybrid of fact and absolute make-believe.

Danforth is not the only subject of the upcoming movie to complain.

Last month, former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo., and Mark Paoletta, who was a White House lawyer during the confirmation hearings, told online news publication Politico that the script was potentially defamatory. Paoletta threatened legal action. The Politico article indicated that Danforth, too, might sue, but he said thats untrue.

Im not going to sue anybody, he said.

That doesnt mean hes happy about the movies portrayal of him.

He sent the HBO producers a four-page memo outlining at least 12 inaccuracies in the movies script.

The draft you sent me of Confirmation is inconsistent with events it purports to portray, factually wrong and seriously damaging to my reputation, Danforth wrote. It omits material that would help viewers understand events of the time, and it includes fabrications that conflict with reality.

The key omission, as Danforth sees it, is ignoring his motivation for backing Thomas.

They were longtime friends, and Thomas had been a protege of Danforths, working for him when he was the Missouri attorney general. He says his motivation was one of friendship, not partisan politics.

I was doing my best to help (Thomas) and support him as a friend during a time when he was reduced to sobbing, Danforth said. All I was doing was defending a friend.

The timing of the movie, from HBOs standpoint, couldnt be better.

Just last week, Thomas spoke up from the bench, questioning attorneys who were arguing a case before the Supreme Court. It was the first time the normally reticent Thomas participated in questioning from the bench in at least a decade and it created a media firestorm.

The case was the first heard since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia, the stalwart conservative who had a heart attack at a hunting lodge in Texas. Scalias death likely portends another huge battle over the next Supreme Court appointee, with Republicans vowing to block anybody President Barack Obama nominates, no matter who it is.

For Danforth, that makes the lessons of the Thomas confirmation hearings all the more prescient today. The former senator has been highly critical of the state of politics today, most notably during his eulogy of another friend and protege, state Auditor Tom Schweich, who killed himself last year.

As he did in that famous speech, Danforth cautions those in his own party who would use an upcoming confirmation battle as a proxy war for other political fights.

The lesson from Thomas is that its not true that anything goes to win a political battle, Danforth said. Its not worth it. You just cant set out to destroy somebody.
ST. LOUIS  A jury in federal court here Friday awarded $2.5 million to a man who spent five years in prison in a case that involved two former St. Louis police officers, one of whom was convicted of stealing money and planting drugs.

Finally, after 13 years of fighting, Ive got exoneration  in my eyes, Michael Holmes said after the verdict. He called it a measure of exoneration because although his conviction was reversed, he is still fighting to be declared innocent.

Holmes claimed in his lawsuit and on the witness stand that former officers Shell Sharp and Bobby Lee Garrett, lied when they said that they found him with drugs in a 2003 raid.

Holmes was later charged, convicted at trial and sentenced to 20 years for crack possession and five more years for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, despite proclaiming his innocence.

His 2007 appeal was rejected.

But both officers reputations were called into question in 2008 and 2009. Defense lawyers said Sharp lied on search warrants, and prosecutors later dismissed some of his cases. Federal prosecutors accused Garrett of stealing money, dealing drugs and planting evidence on innocent people.

Garrett and a partner, Vincent Carr, were arrested in December 2008 and accused of planting evidence, stealing drug money, dealing drugs and arresting an innocent man. Criminal defense lawyers told the Post-Dispatch that dozens of clients had complained about Garrett over the years.

Another officer, sentenced to three months in prison for stealing money, said Garrett had pressured him into taking it.

Garrett was sentenced to 28 months in prison; Carr got 12 months.

A judge tossed out Holmes criminal conviction in 2011. Prosecutors said at the time that other officers at the search could have testified in a new trial, but that the seized drugs had been destroyed and they wouldnt call Sharp or Garrett.

It was not clear who must pay the damages.

David B. Owens, one of Holmes lawyers with the Chicago firm Loevy & Loevy, said it could be years before Holmes sees any money. The search occurred before the city assumed local control of the police department from the state, and Fridays verdict occurred afterward. A pending state lawsuit seeks to clarify the liability.

Holmes 2012 lawsuit was one of a series against Garrett, Sharp and their partners or associates, claiming corruption that led to years spent in prison.

Missouri officials settled a suit against Sharp and Vincent Carr for $1 million in December 2014. That plaintiff, Stephen Jones, was freed in 2010 after 12 years.

Another civil suit, against Garrett was settled for $20,000 that year.

Most of the other suits were dismissed on procedural grounds or because the plaintiffs were still behind bars.

In closing arguments Friday morning, Roshna Keen, one of Holmes lawyers, said that in a sense he is still imprisoned by the effect of officers lies. She said Garretts method of operation was to charge the innocent and let the drug dealers go so he could steal their money.

She asked jurors what a year wrongly imprisoned is worth. Is it $500,000 a year? Is it more. Is it less?

Robert Isaacson, of the Missouri attorney generals office, said not one nickel should go to Holmes, whom he characterized as a drug dealer using lies for profit.

But the jurors took only about an hour, including lunch, to decide in Holmes favor. Keen said their speed showed whom they believed.

Outside the courtroom, Holmes told a reporter he suffers from PTSD and nightmares from his time behind bars.
MARYLAND HEIGHTS  Maryland Heights has given its city clerk power to examine and act administratively against troublesome hotels and motels.

An ordinance passed by the City Council on Thursday night allows the city clerk to take action if a hotel refuses to make available its guest register, which can be key to an investigation into possible criminal activity. The refusal can lead to an administrative hearing and ultimately to business license revocation.

The prior law allowed only police officers to inspect the registry and no specific administrative action against a business that refuses such inspection.

The city has 23 hotels and motels.

Although criminal violations may still be cited, city officials said the administrative power is an additional and efficient way to proceed against businesses with numerous violations.

Bridgeton enacted similar legislation in recent years to deal with questionable motel activities not far from Lambert Airport.

At the start of the meeting Thursday, Daniel Staab and Stefanie Granado, received Hometown Hero awards from Mayor Mike Moeller. On Jan. 12, the pair followed a robbery suspect who was fleeing a McKelvey Road store, leading to an arrest.

In a surprise that had been aided in advance by city staff, Staab asked for Granado's hand in marriage in front of the council. He produced a ring hidden in a speaker's podium. Granado accepted, leading to applause and congratulations from all corners of the meeting room.
UNIVERSITY CITY  Defying University City residents and elected officials, Social House II  a bar and restaurant featuring a topless wait staff  welcomed its first customers without fanfare at its new Delmar Loop location Friday.

The opening occurred three days before the University City Council holds a special meeting to revoke the liquor license issued to the Market Pub House, the business that occupied 6655 Delmar Boulevard until earlier this year. The Social House is taking over the site.

When you use word emergency it conjures an image of a cerebral hemorrhage or some other catastrophic disease, Albert Watkins, the attorney representing Social House II owner John Racanelli said of the special meeting.

But it seems to me with all the issues in the world to label this as an emergency may be overstatement.

Watkins contends the liquor license issued to Market House Pub in 2010 remains valid.

City officials say a new license is required.

University City Manager Lehman Walker said Friday afternoon that the municipality is monitoring the situation.

It was unclear whether the city would seek an injunction to close the business. By 7 p.m., the business was in operation with several customers being served by waitresses sporting only body paint and pasties above their waists.

Some customers said they think its a perfectly fine restaurant. Trisha Wilson, 48, said she doesnt see the difference between Social House and Hooters, except that there were no children in Social House II.

Its very tasteful. Shes completely covered. Its very artistic, said customer Bryan Cannon, 48, referring to the waitresses body paint. Its a business. Theyre just running a business.

Former Market Pub House manager Sharon Gunn said she thinks its time Delmar Loop got a different kind of restaurant.

The Loop is diverse. Why not? she said. Things change. Its 2016. People need to step outside the box and get over it.

The restaurants opening happened quietly, with virtually no publicity and no grand opening signs donning the plain storefront.

Watkins, who argues Social House II and other nude establishments are protected by the First Amendment, said Racanelli had no choice but to open.

He has bills to pay, a landlord to pay, the attorney said.

The building owner, Dan Wald, has said he intends to terminate Racanellis lease. The Social Houses owner declined to comment Friday evening.

The University City business has faced nearly universal opposition since city officials learned that Racanelli  the owner a chain of local pizzerias, including one in the Loop  planned to bring the Social House to the site vacated by the Market Pub House.

Residents and Loop business owners alike blasted Racanelli at a Feb. 22 meeting at which the council unanimously pledged to prevent the business from opening.

The council also promised to take action to halt future attempts to locate businesses featuring nearly nude employees in the city.
CUBA, Mo.  Backstage at the Interstate Regional Stockyards, a gauntlet of metal gates screeched open and clanged shut as cowboys herded bawling calves to their holding pens.

The cacophony sounded like an orchestra warming up, only the racket went on for hours, which was fine with Loren Basham, riding on the back of his mule, Split.

Not only was he getting paid to pen cattle with his pals, he was training his own animals at the same time.

He had one last session with Split, before shipping her back to Arkansas with two other mules that still didnt meet Bashams high performance standards to ride.

Its really good for them because they get used to a lot of stuff, he said from the saddle about all the loud, sudden activity.

Basham, of Pair-A-Dice Mule Farm near Belle, Mo., has become a reputable name in the mule market, which is undergoing a resurgence for dependable mounts that dont spook and kick.

He had just returned from a delivery to Arizona. In June, he was in Wyoming, where one of his mules brought $16,500, another $34,000.

At the same event, a different trainer sold Peaches for a whopping $61,000. Fifteen years ago, $7,000 would have been a high price at the best auctions.

Its insane, said Basham, 47, amazed  like many others  by the market.

Mules are hybrids, bred between a female horse, or mare, and a male donkey, or jack.

A mule cant reproduce. Unlike Seabiscuit, the prize-winning racehorse that had many offspring, a fine mule like Peaches is the last in her bloodline.

All that can drive up the prices. So, too, does a growing market for retirees with disposable income and nostalgic memories of grandparents who had farm mules.

Now, trail-riding is the growing craze. High-end buyers want tame mules that are easy to catch and dont mind having their big ears touched. They want an animal thats gentle enough for a grandmother or granddaughter to ride.

For Basham, that means that theres never been more need for his services.

And for the state  long known for its legendary Missouri mules  it adds up to a thriving specialty industry, from breeding to training, to outfitting and even international publishing.

But its not for everyone.

Matt Dillon, a cowboy working the sale barn in Cuba from horseback, knows Loren Basham and appreciates his work with mules. He still prefers horses.

I want a football player, Loren wants ballet, Dillon said. He gets more finesse. I like speed.

Gabe Whittle, 37, also on horseback, was even more diplomatic about mules.

I enjoy riding the good ones, he said.

He was given a mule for a wedding present. With the market being up, he trained it. Even after selling his gift mule for $16,000, hes not a convert.

It aint for me, he said. In my experience, it takes two times as much time to train a mule.

The Natural Superiority of Mules

There are dozens of mules in various stages of development at Bashams Pair-A-Dice farm in rural south-central Missouri. Some were sent there from far away for several months of training.

Others belong to the farm and are prospects for future sales.

One of them is a burly mule originally named Big John. Since Basham acquired the animal, he renamed it Del Fuego and expects it to be in slick shape by June.

The mule he just delivered to Arizona is the third that John Hauer has purchased from him.

He always has good mules, and hes a great trainer, said Hauer, who trail rides most days, mainly in Arizona, Utah or South Dakota, depending on the season. Hauer added: He will tell you anything that might be a problem with the mule.

Hauer is 80 and has been fascinated with mules since his father told him a story about riding a mule boat across the Atlantic Ocean. Hauer authored a book titled: The Natural Superiority of Mules: A Celebration of One of the Most Intelligent, Sure-Footed, and Misunderstood Animals in the World.

Theyll take care of themselves, he said. Unless you go under a low tree branch, they will take care of the rider, too.

Mules have long been portrayed as stubborn and their traders a tad untrustworthy. That is changing, thanks to better breeding and training to use the animals for recreation instead of beasts of burden in cotton fields and war zones.

Experts assure that mules are not stubborn but have a heightened sense of self-preservation.

Pound for pound, mules are so tough it was said that Native Americans would trade two horses for one mule, Hauer said. Though smaller, slower and sterile, they eat, drink and sweat less than horses, while being more disease resistant and smarter.

At war with mules

Draft mules made the animal popular years ago, particularly in Missouri, where the state animal is the mule.

Mules have contributed more to this state than any other, wrote Melvin Bradley, an authority on mules who taught at the University of Missouri-Columbia. They farmed our land, harvested our timber, drained our swamps, built our roads and took us to church and to war.

Mules seem to have first arrived in Missouri when the Santa Fe Trail opened up. By the late 1800s, the Missouri Mule was a famous export item.

Indeed, the hundreds of thousands of good Missouri Mules used against the Central Powers in World War I have been given credit by some historians for tipping the balance of power toward the Allies, Bradley wrote.

Guyton and Harrington Mule Company, of Lathrop, Mo., landed the massive contract to supply the Brits with mules and horses.

Several shiploads of mules went to the bottom of the sea, consequent on enemy activity off the British and French Coasts, but more ships and more mules were forthcoming, and orders came in according to the needs of the armies in France, according to the 1924 book History of Jack Stock and Mules in Missouri.

Author John Ashton reported in the book that the Guyton and Harrington company was generally conceded to be the largest mule dealer in the world, while St. Louis was the most important mule market in the United States.

Tractors and trucks, of course, drastically changed the need for mules. Though there are small exceptions, such as a Kentucky farm that sold mules to the military during the Soviet war in Afghanistan.

The era of draft animal dependency is over, Bradley wrote in 1987. Those who experienced it are senior citizens and are rapidly declining in numbers. By the close of the 20th century most old-time mule men will be gone.

Everything real slow

Today, the Boone County Draft Horse and Mule Sale is among the largest auctions of its kind in the country. It will be held Wednesday through Friday at the state fairgrounds in Sedalia.

Trainers will do all kinds of things to convince buyers their animals arent fearful. Theyll stand in the saddle, crack a bull whip and probably even fire up a leaf blower.

At the end of the day, its all about supply and demand and being in the auction company, you want two people to like the same thing, said Gary Moss, owner of the sale. The good ones bring a lot of money and the bad ones dont bring anything.

He also credited better breeding and training with elevating prices.

These guys that train these mules, they know how to manipulate their mind, he said. I have no clue how you do it.

Loren Bashams son, Cole, says the answer is simple: patience, time and assuring the mule that it wont be put in danger.

Move everything real slow and you get to your target quicker, said Cole, 24. We dont want to fight them to do what we want. We want to teach them. Fixing things takes you longer.

Cole rides and takes care of mules that are in their greenest form all day long. He was recently bucked off, but he says he still prefers to work with the animals than do the sales end of the family business.

I try to stay away from people, they confuse me, said Cole, also a champion mule racer. Its hard to give people cues.

His grandmother, Sue Cole, is on the other end of the spectrum. Though she still has a 40-year-old mule, she doesnt ride anymore.

When Gov. Mel Carnahan sat down to sign legislation naming the mule as the state animal in 1995 Cole stood in a group at his side.

Based in Bland, Mo., she has also helped promote mules through her glossy magazine, Mules and More, published monthly for mule and donkey enthusiasts. The publication captures an industry that is special to Missouri but that also has strong footholds in California, Tennessee, Wyoming and other states.

She said she has subscribers as far away as Egypt and contributing writers in England and France. Her only competition is Western Mule Magazine, also published in Missouri.

Its great that people are waking up to the versatility of mules, she said.

Still, she cant believe how high the market has climbed. Even with advances in breeding and training, she cautioned not to get too carried away by one of Missouris state animals.

There is no such thing as the perfect mule, she said. They all have a flaw.
HONOLULU  With less than five months to go before medical marijuana dispensaries can open in Hawaii, business owners could face unique obstacles in this state made up of islands separated by federal waters.

Dispensaries can open as soon as July 15, but industry experts say they could be confronted with challenges unlike those in other states, such as navigating rules that ban interisland transport and limit the number of growers  all of which could cause marijuana shortages. A lack of labs to test the crop presents another challenge for state lawmakers.

Hawaii is going to be a really interesting market in general, basically because of the geography, said Chris Walsh, managing editor of Marijuana Business Daily. First, its a chain of islands separated by bodies of water, and second, its remote.

The Hawaii Department of Health is currently reviewing dispensary applications and plans to award licenses in April. Actor and marijuana advocate Woody Harrelson and video game designer Henk Rogers are among 59 Hawaii residents who have applied for licenses.

Under a law passed in 2015, Hawaii will grant eight licenses for marijuana businesses, each of which can have two production centers and two dispensaries. Three licenses will be awarded for Oahu, two for Hawaii Island, two for Maui and one for Kauai.

However, the law banned interisland transport. Marijuana advocates say that will separate the industry into distinct economies on each island. It could also lead to marijuana shortages, and go as far as preventing some dispensaries from selling until laboratories are approved.

All medical marijuana must be tested in a state-approved lab before its sold, but currently, there are none in Hawaii. Some worry that high startup costs and low patient numbers will prevent labs from opening on rural islands.

Clearly, not every island can support a full-on laboratory, said Pam Lichty, president of the Drug Policy Action Group.

In response, Hawaii lawmakers are considering whether to allow marijuana to be transported to another island if a laboratory isnt available. Rep. Della Au Belatti, who introduced the bill, said lawmakers were trying to figure out how to get around federal laws that prevent marijuana from being transported by sea or air. She said she asked state agencies to look at other state policies for answers.

Some airports in Washington, Oregon and Alaska allow travelers to fly with marijuana, airport officials said. They said the Transportation Security Administration sent travelers with marijuana to local law enforcement officers, who allow people to board flights carrying legal amounts under state law.

However, the Federal Aviation Administration is required to revoke pilots licenses if they knowingly commit a federal crime involving a controlled substance on an aircraft  for instance, transporting marijuana.

The Department of Justice says it is less likely to interfere with state marijuana programs so long as theyre well-regulated, according to a 2013 memo.

Medical marijuana advocates in Hawaii say patients would benefit from relaxed laws on interisland transport. For instance, a crop failure on Kauai, with only one license, could leave patients without medicine for months.

Marijuana shortages are not unheard of. States such as Massachusetts and New Jersey have dealt with shortages because of low yields and mold contamination. Those in the industry say Hawaii dispensaries could face pot shortages if something goes wrong in the growing process, which could be a higher possibility as growers start out.

Growers that are not set up properly will fail, said Jeremy Nickle, who owns Hawaiian Holy Smokes and is applying for a dispensary.

Hawaiis medical marijuana industry could also face other problems, such as the nations highest electricity costs and a thriving underground market. Hawaii was the first state to legalize medical marijuana through the legislative process 16 years ago, which means many patients already know where to find marijuana.
A Russian firm has developed a new ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) design apparently intended for the most extreme terrain. Called the Sherp, it costs $65,000 and is amphibious and able to handle swamps, snow, sand, ice and just about any type of terrain. Sherp is 3.4 meters long, 2.52 meters wide and 2.3 meters high. It moves on four 1.6 meter self-inflating tires. The vehicle weighs 1.3 tons and has a top speed of 45 kilometers an hour on land and six kilometers an hour in water. Carrying capacity is one ton and it seats up to four plus cargo. The vehicle has an electricity generator and carries 258 liters (62 gallons) of diesel for its 44 horsepower engine. Sherp is built for extremes of terrain, which describes much of northern Russia. Most Western ATVs are more specialized.

For example in 2015 Chinese airborne and light infantry units began receiving a locally made amphibious ATV. This is an 8x8 vehicle apparently based on the Canadian Argo design, which has been around since the 1960s and has been regularly upgraded, refined, improved and extensively used all over the world. The Chinese ATV can carry six people (including the driver), weighs 1.7 tons and has a max payload of about a ton. If used amphibiously the ATV can only carry about a third of a ton. Max road speed is 60 kilometers an hour. The ATV is 3.9 meters (12.7 feet) long and 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) wide. The Chinese military has several thousand of these vehicles, many (if not most) of them with non-combat units.

Western manufacturers have built hundreds of different ATV models, a growing number of them modified for military use.
The U.S. Navy has decided to put the latest (Block III) version of the AGM-154 JSOW (Joint Stand Off Weapon) glide bomb into mass production and make this version the current standard. What makes Block III special is that it has a Link-16 digital data link and is equipped to go after moving ships. Block III carried out its first successful test of this in 2014. The video link/heat sensing guidance system was also accurate enough to locate and find a cave entrance, fly into it and then detonate. Two missiles were tested and both were able to do it. This was part of ongoing upgrades for JSOW. The last round of tests in 2015 verify that the new software can handle a wide variety of moving ship targets. This final round of tests included verifying that Block III can handle electronic countermeasures.

JSOW has been continually upgraded since the 1990s. In 2013 the powered (ER for extended range) version of JSOW completed its testing. Earlier problems with the fuel system were fixed and this enabled the small jet engine to propel a JSOW nearly 500 kilometers. Normally, JSOW is unpowered but able to glide for up to 22-130 kilometers (depending on the altitude it is dropped from). The powered version (JSOW-ER) had been in development for six years and has been delayed by technical problems and a shortage of customers.

JSOW first entered service in the late 1990s. Australia, Canada, Greece, Finland, Poland, Singapore, Turkey, and the Netherlands have bought small quantities. The U.S. Navy and Air Force have bought over a thousand and used 400 in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The long range and cave finding versions are apparently sending a message to Iran and North Korea.

The JSOW is becoming a popular, if specialized, smart bomb, even though it has had little use in combat. JSOW is basically a smart bomb with wings. That enables it to glide up to 130 kilometers. Range is about 22 kilometers if dropped from low altitude. JSOW also contains more elaborate fins and software that enables it to follow a specific route. Like the wingless JDAM smart bomb, JSOW uses GPS and inertial guidance (as a backup) to find its target. The C version has a terminal guidance system using IR (infrared, as in heat, sensors) for additional precision. Like JDAM, JSOW will hit within 10 meters (31 feet) of its aiming point just using GPS (or about 30 meters is using the backup INS system). JSOW can also attack moving ships.

There are three types of JSOW warheads. AGM-154A carries 145 bomblets that attack personnel and vehicles. AGM-154B contains six SADARM bomblets that seek out and destroy armored vehicles in an area 300 by 600 meters. This one costs $490,000 each. The AGM-154C carries a 361 kg (794 pound) warhead that can penetrate concrete or earth before detonating the high explosives it carries. This model contains a video link that allows for hitting very small targets (like going through a window). The C1 version is able to hit moving targets.

Each JSOW weighs 500-618 kg (1,100-1,500 pounds), depending on type. Not a lot of JSOWs have been bought because there is not a lot of demand for them. The purpose of a standoff weapon is to keep the aircraft away from enemy anti-aircraft defenses (mainly missiles). Some JSOW have been used in Iraq (between 1999 and 2003) and Afghanistan (2001). But in most cases, the much cheaper JDAM (about $30,000 each) does the job just as well. But against a better equipped foe, like China, Syria, Iran, or North Korea, JSOW would be more useful, and thats why JSOW remains in production and development continued on JSOW ER.

JSOW ER is similar to JASSM a heavier and longer range missile that entered service over a decade after JSOW and the development delays caused the U.S. Navy to back out of the JASSM program as JSOW ER and SLAM ER did what the navy needed and it could save a lot of cash and hassle by leaving JASSM to the U.S. Air Force. The delays in getting JASSM into service enabled improved JSOWs to take a lot of the business JASSM was going after. Sometimes better isnt good enough if its too late to arrive. JSOW entered service in 1998 while JASSM was not ready until 2011.
The U.S. and its Sunni Arab allies fear that Iraq is on its way to becoming subordinate to Iranian foreign policy. Because of effective Iranian aid in dealing with ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) the Iraqi government has become less enthusiastic about needing more American and NATO troops in Iraq. In addition Iraq has made it clear that Saudi Arabia should not even consider sending troops into Iraq to fight ISIL. The Saudis did not suggest this but are planning to send troops into Syria. The Saudis have no border with Syria but do have land access to Jordan and Iraq. Thus Iraq is emphasizing that Saudi forces are not welcome in Iraq even if they are just passing through.

Meanwhile Iran supports the increasingly aggressive and autonomous behavior of the Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militias that are assisting the Iraqi Army in the fight ISIL. The Shia militias are also taking control of territory in urban and rural areas, displacing the police and local government. Because of that by late 2015 the Iraq government saw more American troops as saviors. At the end of 2015 there were several thousand American troops already in Iraq and more (most of them Special Forces) on the way. The government has made it clear to Iran (which is very hostile to U.S. forces in Iraq) that some American troops were essential. The presence of American troops also makes it less likely that Iran will attempt anything too ambitious (like invading or backing a takeover by Shia militias) and everyone knows that. But now Iran appears to have convinced Iraqi leaders that American troops come and go while Iranian forces are always next door. Most Iraqis are more concerned with Iranian meddling than anything the Americans might do. At the same time Iraqis are wary of the other Gulf Arabs, especially Saudi Arabia. For example the Saudi ambassador to Iraq suggested that the Iran backed Shia militias in Iraq should stand aside and let the Iraqi Army deal with ISIL. That comment was widely condemned by Iraqi Shia clerics and politicians. The Shia politicians running Iraq have to move carefully because Iran, Saudi Arabia and America are making demands, often contrary ones, on Iraq.

One little mentioned advantage Iraq has right now is generally secure borders. The Syrian border is the only one that is really dangerous. The borders with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Turkey are all well-guarded and pose little risk that ISIL or other hostile groups can get in from there. Jordan in particular has been very successful in keeping ISIL out. For example recently Jordanian security forces got a tip that a number of ISIL men appeared to have established themselves in a town near the Syrian border. When police raided the building they were met by gunfire. After a brief battle seven of the Islamic terrorists were killed, 13 arrested and large quantities of weapons and bomb making materials seized. Despite its long Syrian border the Jordanians have managed to make it very difficult to ISIL men to sneak across and when they do they have a hard time keeping their presence secret.

Since January American warplanes have been attacking banks and other sites used by ISIL to store cash and pay its staff. The U.S. believe these attacks have destroyed over a billion U.S. dollars in ISIL cash and caused an acute money shortage. Around Mosul Kurdish troops report more ISIL deserters showing up complaining that their pay has been cut or they have not been paid for months. These men risk their lives deserting because ISIL publically executes those who leave without permission or disobey any orders. These public executions are increasingly common in Mosul. Many of these deserters are unskilled foreigners attracted to ISIL in large part by the prospect of regular pay and a better life in general.

The air attacks on ISIL finances are part of the preparation for the attack on Mosul. This will require about 25,000 combat troops (eight Iraqi Army brigades and two brigades from the Kurdish north). Most of the Iraqi brigades are still being trained and are not expected to be ready until the end of 2016. Iraqi politicians talk of taking Mosul sooner but American advisors consider that unlikely unless the government wants to send in poorly trained troops. That might work if the ISIL defenses are too disorganized and poorly prepared to resist. That is a difficult assessment to make but the government might take a chance. They can always blame the Americans if it doesnt work. Meanwhile advancing Kurdish and Iraqi forces have pushed the ISIL defenders back towards the city itself. Until mid-2015 ISIL put up a lot of resistance to these advances but ISIL decided that the constant air attacks made it preferable to keep casualties down by delaying the advance and not trying to stop it. That was good for morale and ISIL fighters knew that they would be safer and able to cause more casualties when fighting from inside Mosul. But a growing number of ISIL men are not too encouraged by that prospect, in part because they see a growing armed opposition forming among the civilians still inside the city. Iraqi government propaganda plays this up and there is enough evidence of such a resistance within the city to convince a growing number of ISIL men that it is worth risking execution by fleeing Mosul. Many of these men are not deserters (although all would be executed if caught) and plan to show up and rejoin ISIL in Syria or elsewhere. ISIL record keeping is not thorough enough to prevent that sort of thing.

ISIL morale is low for many reasons, not just because of the increased danger and unpredictable payroll. ISIL men know that in Iraq ISIL has lost nearly half the territory the organization had seized by the end of 2014. The situation is a little better in Syria but even there ISIL is losing towns and key roads it had controlled for over a year. Foreign ISIL recruits are also dismayed to find that life in ISIL controlled territory was less ideal (in an Islamic way) than they were led to believe. In fact ISIL areas are run like a police state. Punishments are harsh and quickly administered for the smallest infractions (actual or suspected). Recruits from the West are especially dismayed by this. ISIL recruits are also unhappy to find that some of their leaders are unworthy. There is corruption in ISIL and while ISIL punishes this (like it did recently when the ISIL finance minister was executed in Mosul for stealing) that is still not what many recruits expected. Even more demoralizing has been the execution of ISIL police on corruption charges.

The growing number of air attacks dont just hit concentrations of ISIL fighters but also convoys carrying ISIL supplies. It has become increasingly difficult for ISIL to supply all its forces because of the growing number of attacks on trucks and supply storage areas.

March 2, 2016: In the Kurdish north oil exports (via a pipeline to Turkey) are expected to resume soon once repairs are complete. PKK bombed the pipeline on February 17th and Turkey had to make sure the area was clear of PKK rebels for bringing in the repair teams on the 27th. PKK has been attacking the pipeline inside Turkey repeatedly and that has cut Kurdish oil exports (and revenue) about 20 percent during 2015. The Kurds use this money to run their autonomous government and pay for their military operations against ISIL. The Arab dominated Iraqi government is reluctant to send the Kurds cash or military aid.

The Iraqi government has hired an Italian construction firm, for nearly $300 million, to make needed repairs on the Mosul Dam (on the Tigris River). Italians were involved in building the dam and in December 2015 Italy announced it was sending 450 troops to help Iraq guard the Mosul Dam. Aside from the fact that an Italian firm is one of the owners of the dam and its 750 MW electricity generating plant, there is a humanitarian aspect to providing the dam with more security. This is the largest dam in Iraq and because of shoddy construction during the 1980s requires constant maintenance to prevent it from failing. If the dam did come down over half a million Iraqis could die from the flood and subsequent water shortages. The wall of water created by a dam collapse would be about five meters (16 feet) high when it reached Baghdad. The power generating plant would also be lost along with the credibility of the Iraqi government, which has long acknowledged that the dam is important but rarely comes through when troops are needed for security or money is required to make the constant (and essential) repairs. The deal with the Italian firm did not say when the repairs would begin but engineers who have seen the dam recently report that a collapse could occur soon.

March 1, 2016: Iraqi casualties from ISIL inspired violence has remained at a lower level for the sixth month in a row. In February 670 Iraqis (security forces and civilians) died, down 21 percent from 849 in January and down 31 percent from the 980 in December. This is also down more than a third from February 2015. So far in 2016 most (60 percent) of the dead are civilian while the rest include Iraqi security forces, including army, Kurds and the many Sunni and Shia militias. All this is part of a trend because there were 888 dead in November, 714 in October and 717 in September. This decline in deaths (from earlier in 2015) is mainly because the government has improved the leadership in the security forces and one result of that is fewer friendly casualties. In contrast during August 2015 1,325 Iraqis died, 1,332 in July, 1,466 in June and 1,100 dead in May. The increase after May was largely because the government began its promised June offensive a little late but still in June. Since January (when nearly 1,400 died) monthly terrorist related deaths were usually 1,100-1,200 a month. This is because most of the ISIL violence was of the terrorist, not military, variety. Another factor is the difficulty obtaining accurate data on casualties in ISIL held areas. Thus the actual Iraqi total deaths since late 2014 are probably 20-30 percent higher once you include ISIL losses.

The death toll for all of 2015 was about 13,400, compared to 15,600 in 2014. Thats still a big jump from 2013 when the death toll was 8,900 for all of Iraq and only ten percent of those were terrorists while the majority were Shia civilians killed by Sunni Islamic terrorists. Despite an expected increase in combat casualties in mid-2016 when the attack on Mosul begins the total 2016 deaths are expected to be at least 20 percent lower than 2015. While 2015 was 14 percent less deadly than 2014 both years were much less than the worst year. That was 2007 when nearly 18,000 died. Then as now the main cause of the mayhem and murder was Sunni fanatics who want to run the country as a Sunni dictatorship. Still Iraq was a lot less violent than neighboring Syria where the 2015 death toll was 55,000, which was down 38 percent from the 76,000 in 2014. Thats over 69,000 dead (down 24 percent from 91,000in 2014) for the two countries where ISIL is most active. The death toll has declined in both Iraq and Syria because ISIL has become less effective and in Syria there is a lot more war weariness. Most of the rebels and government forces in Syria are just playing defense and even ISIL has been less active in attacking compared to 2014.

A more widespread problem is coping with the needs of the more than three million people driven from their homes by ISIL violence since 2014. Most of these refugees have been relocated inside Iraq and most want to go home (especially to Mosul and surrounding areas.)

February 29, 2016: American commandos (from Delta Force) captured what was described as a key ISIL leader near Mosul and that man is being interrogated by U.S. investigators before being turned over to Iraqi forces.

February 28, 2016: In Baghdad two ISIL suicide bombers got into a Shia neighborhood and detonated their explosives in a crowded market. This left 73 dead and over a hundred wounded. The Shia neighborhoods in Baghdad have long been a prime target for Sunni Islamic terrorists and despite extensive security the bombers keep getting in. This is a major embarrassment to the pro-Iran Shia dominated government and ISIL knows it.

February 27, 2016: In Anbar over 500 ISIL men and their families were apparently ordered to leave Fallujah for Mosul. That will leave only a few hundred ISIL fighters in Fallujah. ISIL can get away with depleting the Fallujah garrison because most of the Anbar population is either pro-ISIL or anti-government. Nearly all the Anbaris are Sunni Arabs and while most dont like ISILs heavy handed rule (lots of restrictions on lifestyle plus heavy taxes) the local Sunnis tend to doubt promises by the Shia dominated government that with ISIL out life will be better. That was not the case before ISIL took over in 2014 and many Anbar Sunnis do not believe the government has changed. That said many, if not most, Anbar Sunnis are willing to stand aside and not interfere with government efforts to fight ISIL. That means the government forces in Anbar cannot depend much on local tribes to fight the remaining ISIL gunmen in Fallujah. For the moment the government is concentrating on clearing ISIL out of western Anbar and putting more troops on the Syrian border before turning towards the few ISIL men left in eastern Anbar (Fallujah). Meanwhile the government is using a lot of non-Sunni militias to keep the peace in Anbar and despite orders to behave some of these non-Sunni militiamen do not try to hide their hatred and distrust of all Sunni. Despite that these militia have also proved effective at defeating ISIL attacks, be they by gunmen or suicide bombers. These attacks continue and some of the efforts using suicide bombers, usually wearing army or police uniforms, work and account for most of the security forces casualties in Anbar.

February 25, 2016: Turkish F-16s bombed a suspected PKK base near the Turkish border in northern (Kurdish) Iraq. The Shia Iraq government is not happy with this Turkish incursion, nor the presence of some two thousand Turkish troops in a training camp (for Iraqi Kurds and their allies) north of Mosul. Fortunately the February 26th elections in Iran brought in more moderate politicians who are openly encouraging better relations with Turkey (and the West).

February 18, 2016: Iran revealed that it had sent special operations troops (Saberin) to Iraq and Syria. Those in Iraq are there mainly to ensure security around some very important Shia shrines in southern Iraq. The Saberin in Syria are apparently for special combat missions. The Saberin are modeled on the British SAS and U.S. Special Forces. At the same time the Saberin were headed to Syria many, if not most, of the 2,000 trainers and advisors from the IRGC (Revolutionary Guards) have been withdrawn. Many of these appear to have been shifted to Iraq where Iran wants its military well represented as Iraq seeks to clear ISIL out of Anbar province and Mosul.
The military government is increasingly hostile to any form of criticism. That can be seen by the growing number (nearly a hundred so far) of known (via speeches, Internet posts or published remarks) critics who have been arrested and held, often without being charged. The generals are increasingly criticized for these police state tactics but the most common criticism is about the refusal to name a date when elections and democracy will resume. Best estimate now is late 2017, maybe. There is growing foreign pressure from neighbors (except China) and the West. Worse since September 2015 the pro-democracy populists (the red shirts) have largely ceased demonstrations. The populists did so to demonstrate that there was no violent opposition to justify continued military rule. The red shirts are waiting for the military government to allow elections which is what Thai military governments all eventually do. The May 2014 coup came after months of political protests in the capital and those tensions remain but the army is definitely in control. Despite that the economy is not doing as well as people expect and the military government is blamed. In the past this sort of thing played a large role in persuading the generals to allow elections again and that seems to be happening again.

The Smugglers Are Suffering

There is growing evidence that some people smuggling continues via land routes into Malaysia. Although the security forces now monitor known smuggling routes (trails or dirt roads crossing the border in forested but thinly populated areas) there are so many of these routes that there are always some that smugglers can still get small groups of people across on. Despite this, there is now a lot less people smuggling and in large part because the numerous Thai smuggling gangs got the message in 2015; anything but people is tolerable and the pressure will ease off once the people smuggling stops. The gangs apparently decided to do what was best for business.

All this began in early 2015 when the security forces carried out a major crackdown on gangsters smuggling Burmese Moslems (and others) through Thailand to Malaysia. In the course 2015 some 2,300 illegal migrants were arrested (and many more turned back) in Thailand along with over a hundred of the smugglers. This forced the smugglers to seek another route. By early 2016 it appeared that the people smugglers had largely shut down the people smuggling operation because far fewer people were disappearing from refugee camps in Burma.

What triggered all this crackdown was the deaths, and bad publicity associated with the illegal migration of Rohingya Moslems from Burma and Bangladesh via Thailand. As of early 2015 thousands of Rohingya had gone missing after getting on boats to be taken south. People smugglers used boats and trucks to move these people south, often overland through Thailand or via Thai coastal waters. The Thai crackdown halted a very lucrative criminal enterprise for smugglers large fees to take people to Malaysia, Thailand, India or more distant points (like Indonesia). This had become big business and by late 2014 it was believed that up to 10,000 people a month were leaving with 75 percent coming from Burma. Security forces in Burma and Thailand were accused of working with the smugglers, usually in the form of taking bribes to allow the smuggler boats and trucks to pass without interference. Security forces were accused of sinking some boats because the smugglers refused to leave or pay. Others pointed out that smugglers tend to use poorly maintained boats, which are often overloaded and this leads to boats sinking, especially in bad weather or being stranded when engines fail.

A growing number of Rohingya who survived the trip reported that some smuggler gangs would use Thai transit camps to try and extort more cash from the families of some refugees and would torture or kill some refugees while doing this. Some of the bodies found in these camps showed signs of torture and other abuse. Most of the deaths were from disease or exhaustion. Because of international pressure the Thai government also cracked down on corrupt security personnel taking bribes from or otherwise cooperating with the smugglers. Over 200,000 Rohingya are believed to have fled Burma by sea since the anti-Moslem violence began there in 2012. At least 25,000 are believed to have gone south in the first three months of 2015 and that level of activity continued until May when the Thai crackdown took effect. Suddenly a lot fewer (soon over 80 percent fewer) Rohingya refugees were showing up at in Malaysia or Indonesia. All the countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal were now watching for boats engaged in people smuggling and that pretty much ruled out using large vessels anymore. At that point smugglers could only move a few people at a time on smaller vessels that could avoid or pass inspection. The drove the price of using people smugglers way up, to the point where most Rohingya could not afford it.

Peace Talks Sputter Forward

In the south the terms for the resumption of formal peace negotiations are still being worked out in Malaysia with Malaysian government help. A major point of contention is which southern political groups will be recognized as negotiators. Meanwhile the government monitors the mood down south and reports that the Moslem majority there is generally repelled by the actions of major Islamic terror groups like al Qaeda and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). Very few, if any, Thai Moslems have joined ISIL although a few Malaysians Moslems have. Meanwhile the violence down south continues to decline. Islamic terrorist bombings were down 49 percent in 2015 compared to 2014. The 2015 bombing activity was 65 percent less than 2007, the peak year for violence in the Moslem south. The violence has been going on since 2004 and most Moslems in the south are fed up but there are still a few hard core violent separatists who keep at it. This is believed partly responsible for the recent increase in separatist violence down south.

March 4, 2016: In the south (Narathiwat province) Islamic terrorists used a roadside bomb to attack local defense volunteers escorting teachers to school. Two of the eight volunteers were wounded and the others opened fire on the Islamic terrorists who set off the bomb but did not hit any of them.

March 3, 2016: In the south (Yala province) Islamic terrorists killed a Buddhist civilian and in a separate incident killed an off-duty Moslem soldier.

March 2, 2016: In the south (Yala province) Islamic terrorists, in three separate incidents, killed two Moslem civilians and badly wounded a soldier.

February 27, 2016: In the south (Pattani province) Islamic terrorists stole a car, placed a bomb inside and then parked it near a police station. The bomb had a timer and when it went off wounding six policemen and a civilian.

February 17, 2016: Task Force (TF) 152 of the Chinese Navy reached Thailand and spent five days visiting and showing off the destroyer, frigate and replenishment ship that comprise task force. The sailors and 64 commandos assigned to the task force also got some shore leave. TF 152 has been on a world tour for nearly a year. First it spent four months with the international anti-piracy patrol off Somalia then proceeded around the world making stops in Africa, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and the Americas (including the United States). TF 152 visited Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Thailand and Cambodia before returning to China.

February 14, 2016: In the south (Narathiwat province) armed men stopped a truck and killed one of the three men in the vehicle because he could not speak Malay (that is, he was not a southern Moslem). The other two men were left unharmed.

February 12, 2016: In the south (Pattani province) there were eight Islamic terrorist attacks; four small bombs went off in various places, a garage and a school were set on fire, a pro-government Moslem shot dead and a police checkpoint fired on. The only casualty was the murdered Moslem man. At the same time in nearby Yala province a remote controlled bomb killed two soldiers and wounded five others. This unusual amount of Islamic terrorist violence comes after a year of relative peace in the south. This was partly the result of Islamic terrorist leaders ordering their followers to only carry out attacks in response to any government actions that warrant it. In that case the retaliation should be as widespread as possible but also avoid harming any civilians. It is unclear what government action, if any, prompted this surge in violence.

February 10, 2016: In the south (Pattani province) troops, acting on a tip found and raided an Islamic terrorist camp. They encountered five armed men who briefly fired at them and then fled. Troops seized bomb making materials and documents that led to the arrest of a local man.

February 6, 2016: In the south (Yala province) a village leader accused of cooperating with Islamic terrorists was found shot dead. Locals believed he was murdered by a pro-government gunman.
AUT researcher Camille Nakhid (front, right) attends a meeting to discuss her report into police racially profiling African youth.

Police and African community leaders have come together after a war of words over allegations that police are racially profiling African youth.

In a peaceful meeting, about 150 people gathered at a community centre in Auckland on Saturday to discuss a controversial report.

A dispute erupted after the release of AUT University research which claimed African youth felt unfairly targeted and sometimes racially abused by police.

The police responded by denying the claims and using prominent migrant figures former Race Relations Conciliator Greg Fortuin and Muslim Association president Dr Anwar Ghani to talk up how tolerant the police are.

READ MORE:

* Police hit back at African youth claims

* New Zealand's ethnic populations to grow

* How the ethnic mix in your community is set to change

* Why we left: Refugees tell stories of their journeys to NZ

In response African leaders who called the meeting have fronted AUT University criminologist John Buttle with claims that police use the tactic of attacking evidence of racial profiling in an effort to silence critics.

"Police tend to treat independent research on racial profiling as a threat and in a very conscious attempt to suppress and discredit it rather than engaging in a productive manner," Buttle said.

The research found some Africans were on the receiving end of derogatory insults, dismissive behaviour and excessive force by the police.

This included African youth being called "n******s" and one alleged had his back broken by police when he was arrested for a crime he was wrongly accused of.

Police downplayed the research on Friday, with Superintendent Wally Haumaha saying they were "disappointed" with the "unsubstantiated claims".

The research by AUT social sciences associate professor Camille Nakhid involved a very small number of individuals aged 16 to 31, some of whom were known to police, he said.

"I do not agree with the generalised findings of this report which are at odds with the very positive feedback we receive from our African and other ethnic communities," Haumaha says.

However, African Communities Forum president Kizito Essuman said the researcher findings were shocking and needed to be treated seriously.

"Even if there is only one person coming out to share his or her experience about Police abuse on the street, one case is too many at this civilised age.

"These are real stories by real people in our community and cannot be swept under the carpet."

African leader Tuwe Kudakwashe called on the police to "put their house in order".

"I have heard some heart-breaking and tear-jerking stories where our African youth have been stopped, harassed and mistreated by the Police.

"We cannot afford to have our innocent youth being harassed, cajoled and mistreated."

Five police officers were among those attending a meeting to discuss the research on Saturday.

Nakhid said it was an uncomfortable and difficult conversation to have, but the public needed to be aware that discrimination was rife.

"I'm thinking the more we talk about racism the more we can expose it and identify it and get rid of it. Everyone wants to believe that New Zealand has this racially harmonious society but the reality is we do not."

Those surveyed said they were stopped by police for no apparent reason and targeted for things like walking at night, being in the "wrong" neighbourhood, hanging out in groups and waiting in parked cars.

Two online surveys were used to gather quantitative data from 84 respondents.

The surveys found 93 per cent of those surveyed were born outside New Zealand.

More than 52 per cent had been stopped by police and 3.6 per cent had been arrested in New Zealand.

Nakhid said the research found African youth had a lack of trust or hatred of police due to their experiences.

However, former Race Relations Conciliator Greg Fortuin said in the last 15 years police have made "the biggest strides" interacting with African people.

Police have worked with Auckland's African community while nationally, they have built positive relationships with ethnic groups, Fortuin says.

Waikato Muslim Association president Dr Anwar Ghani says muslim communities have had "positive" engagement with police.
OPINION: Is politics getting nastier? Prime Minister John Key talked about his concern this week after son Max revealed some of the ugly abuse he has copped on social media.

In Max Key's case, Key Sr has clearly done a good job of reinforcing to him that these attacks are directed more at him as prime minister than at his son. But some politicians kids may not be as resilient as Max. And some politicians may not be as resilient as Key.

As Key Sr has become more polarising, so too has opposition to his leadership become more visceral. On a Radio New Zealand Face book page recently there were death threats, including a reference to "gassing" the prime minister. Comments on Key's own Facebook page can be just as ugly.

It's a symptom of our increasingly hard-edged politics. Yes, we've seen it before - during Helen Clark's tenure the hatred got just as ugly, personal and visceral towards the end.

Read more:

* Max Key reads ruthless messages directed at him

* Prime minister visits Palmerston North amid TPPA and flag protests

* Prime Minister John Key talks about son Max's music and cyber-bullying fears

Right wing blogger Matthew Hooton has even given it a name, Clark derangement syndrome, which he describes as an extreme dislike of Clark that was unrealistic and exaggerated. A self confessed sufferer of this syndrome, he blames it on the ability of "political rhetoric [to] get out of hand in group-think situations (like blogs, twitter etc)."

The Government's opponents are now exhibiting the same symptoms as victims of Key derangement syndrome, Hooton suggests.

And yet somehow it's not the same.

Over the years politicians families have occasionally been thrust into the limelight by their actions but not in the way that we are seeing now. Max Key's celebrity status is a completely new phenomenon

In large part, this is due to social media, because politicians children are more accessible than would have been the case a decade or so ago when there were only a few grainy newspaper images around.

Max, for instance, has a large and growing social media following, so much so that on the PM's recent trip to Sydney he attracted a bigger headline than his dad. But he is hardly unusual in putting his life on show via social media. It's what young people do these days. It would be more remarkable if he had no social media footprint.

Here is another big difference.

When Helen Clark was prime minister an ugly rumour or meme may have been shared among a comparatively small circle. The internet has exploded since then and smartphones make us connected in a way we have never been before, amplifying and exaggerating everything

So while back in Clark's day the memes and personal attacks were circulated mostly among those who held roughly similar political views, the potential audience these days is exponentially huge and politically indiscriminate.

One meme apparently doing the rounds on Facebook, for instance, has Key standing in front of a flag bearing a silver fern which slowly morphs into a ponytail. And that's a tame one. If you do an internet search on John Key memes there are hundreds if not thousands of them. They pop up on Facebook feeds everywhere, not just of those who oppose National.

Research confirms that when it comes to social media birds of a feather don't always flock together.

A study by the Pew Research Centre dating back to the 2012 US election reveals that 25 per cent of those using social network sites (like Facebook, Twitter or similar) said they became more active in a political issue after discussing or reading posts about it on those sites; 16 per cent said they had changed their views about a political issue as a result and nine percent said they became less involved in a political issue after encountering it in a social network site.

The same research showed that around a third of those who used sites like Twitter or Facebook use them to post their own thoughts or comments on political and social issues and they are also likely to repost content of that nature after it's shared with them by others.

And yet among social network users whose friends posted political comment, a staggering majority (73 per cent) only sometimes or never agree with what's being shared with them, according to Pew.

So what does that mean for politicians?

The natural conclusion would be to assume that it shortens their political lifespan; the speed and frequency with which critical posts and memes ridiculing them are shared presumably hastening the day when their personal stocks are irretrievably diminished in the eyes of the public.

And yet so far that has not been the case with Key, despite his increasingly polarising leadership, or at least so the polls show.

The main effect appears to have a hardening of feelings against Key at one end of the spectrum. Or maybe it's the other way round, a chicken and egg thing.

For evidence of that, see the extraordinary speech in Parliament by the usually mild mannered Green MP Gareth Hughes, where he referred to Key as a "derping, planking, rape-joking expert at getting us on late night American comedy shows".

It has always been seen as something of a truism that personal attacks boomerang in New Zealand politics because the public find them so distasteful. We saw that to an extent at the last election when a concerted assault on Key by his opponents - while not personal in its nature - ultimately fuelled a backlash that helped propel National back into power.

The big question has been whether social media and its massive reach in some way tips that thinking on its head.

That is still unanswered.

- Comments on this story have been turned off
50 years in tourism: Is Sri Lanka marketed properly? View(s):

When a Singapore hospitality expert asked in 2014 for a package tour of Sri Lanka, the offering was similar to that she had experienced 10-15 years ago. It was no different. I have been visiting Sri Lanka for many years and the package was the same as 10-15 years ago. You need to change your product, you need to provide experiences, she told a Colombo forum last year. At a 2015 hospitality conference in Colombo covering island tourism in Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Mauritius, a UK-based hospitality branding expert presented slides from a standard Sri Lankan presentation which showed sun, sand, beaches, wild life and Sigiriya, and said: Sri Lanka has much more than these standard offerings. Noting that there is much more in the country than what is promoted (beaches, sands, culture which are what tour agents talk about), he added:

Sri Lanka has such a breadth of diversity but the Wonder of Asia doesnt talk about the incredible offerings like kids going to school, devotees in temples, churches, chatter on the streets, lifestyles, cooking a curry. Ironically at the same meeting and after the branding experts presentation, local officials pitched Sri Lanka as a great place to visit showing the same old slides and worn-out pictures! As Sri Lanka marks a milestone, celebrating 50 years in tourism and the hospitality business, are there lessons to learn, correct them or is it a continuation of strategies and plans driven by political agendas rather that industry or client-driven? Will the national celebrations be yet another tamasha, grand statements and wishful thinking or come up with a solid 25-50 year plan?

Sri Lanka, just like the recent debate over a Harvard-driven investment conference where foreign economists were saying the same things that local economists have been saying for many years, also doesnt need foreign experts to explain what is wrong in tourism. Entrepreneurs like Herbert Cooray, M.T.A. Furkhan and George Ondatjee created the platform in the early 1970s for a vibrant sector that was backed by a simple ingredient  service with a smile. From that era, missing today are the Sri Lankan smile and positioning of the product. In a recent interview, veteran lawyer K. Kanag Isvaran, a board director at the Bentota Beach Hotel in the 1970s, said missing in today service delivery is the ubiquitous Sri Lanka smile and natural welcome.

That old world charm that was evident those days are gone. The service is more mechanical (today) and we have to address young staff as Putha to get their attention, even when they come into the hotel room, place flowers on the bed and rush away. Those days they would chat and talk. This is missing today with profit, not service, being the motive, he said wistfully. To be fair by todays entrepreneurs and managers, the industry was dealt a heavy blow when the civil conflict erupted in 1983 and scarred the industry for life. An industry that was gearing for growth and would have had Shangri-Las, Sheraton or the top-end St Regis brand in the 1980s, was brought to a grinding halt. Unsure of the future, professional managers migrated for better jobs. Tourism struggled but to the credit of those who remained,

the industry was able to sustain itself even though far below its potential. Some of the chains like Aitken Spence and John Keells expanded locally and abroad (widely in the Maldives) while Jetwing expanded locally amidst the war, all ploughing their own financial resources on promoting the country abroad amidst negative publicity (just like what the Maldives is facing today) from pro-LTTE groups. Since then new groups have emerged like LOLC, Ananthaya and Citrus Leisure. The war ended in 2009 but rather than a proper game-plan to tackle new challenges (in particular a proper marketing and promotion plan), the government relied on a now-that-the-war-has-ended-tourists-will-start-flowing-back-to-the-country kind of strategy. Yes, visitor arrivals rose but in recent years,

the rate of growth has slowed down which means that pent-up, post-war demand is over and Sri Lanka needs to dig in far for some new solutions! The rate of increase in recent years is as follows: Year 2009 (up 2.1 per cent from minus 11.7 per cent growth in 2008), 2010 (up 46 per cent), 2011 (up 30.8), 2012 (up 17.5), 2013 (26.7), 2014 (up 19.8) and 2015 (up 17.9). Seven years after the war, Sri Lanka is still groping in the dark for a proper positioning strategy: Is Sri Lanka a top-end destination; is it a mid-market destination or a bottom-end destination? The industry is all over the place and (like the old saying) with no fixed abode. In pricing, Sri Lanka is competing with other Asian nations. The compulsory Colombo hotel rates are neither good nor bad, says a cross-section of the industry with no clear definition or idea.

On Thursday, reporters pitched into a visiting Malaysian tourism promotional delegation saying the visa process is restrictive to which the visiting officials promised to ease the process. Nevertheless, more than 50,000 Sri Lankans visited Malaysia last year despite these roadblocks while only 5,000 Malaysian travellers came to Sri Lanka. Is Sri Lanka too costly? Gone are the days when Sri Lanka used to attract investors using the cheap labour and highly skilled workforce strategy. Today with high energy rates and wages (due to rising cost of living), Sri Lanka has no comparative advantage. Likewise tour operators are offering cheap packages of around Rs. 50,000 for a 3-day visit to an Asian destination inclusive of air fares, B&B, etc which is equivalent or sometimes less than what it costs to stay in a middle or up-market hotel here!

While most upmarket destinations like the Maldives and Dubai, for example, are rapidly building mid-market hotels to cater to this growing segment, Sri Lankas upmarket and bottom-end (homestays, guest houses and unregistered accommodation) are doing well while the mid-market (actually upper-mid range) segment is struggling without a competitive pricing policy. At a recent discussion on tourism, it was revealed that 40 per cent of visitors came through online bookings and stayed at unregistered accommodation! So, how should Sri Lanka be positioned as a destination? Cheap, value-for-money or sustainable? These are the challenges the industry is facing today and in the next few years.
Kia Motors (Lanka) supports training at Technical Colleges View(s):

Kia Motors (Lanka) Ltd has offered on-the-job training at its repair and service facilities to Sri Lankan students who achieved the highest marks on completion of the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Automobile courses at local technical colleges. This, the company said in a media release, was its contribution to a project supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The Modernisation and Upgrading of Automobile Centres in Colleges of Technology and Technical Colleges in Sri Lanka project is implemented under an Academic-Industry Cooperation Plan that brings together KOICA, Kia Motors and the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training, it said.

Kia Motors has undertaken to provide industry exposure to the students, in-service training for teachers, on-the-job training and employment opportunities to selected students, extra and used equipment to the schools upon request, and to provide technical assistance to the Ministry and the Department of Technical Education and Training (DTET) for the development of the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector in Sri Lanka. The first batch of students selected for on-the-job training received their certificates at a recent ceremony attended by representatives of Kia Motors, KOICA and the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training.

There is lot of potential in Sri Lanka and overseas for well-trained, professionally-qualified mechanics and technicians with hands-on experience and exposure in the automobile industry, said Andrew Perera, Executive Director of Kia Motors (Lanka) Ltd. Kia Motors is happy to support this project as part of its commitment to good corporate citizenship, and its obligation to the needs of the industry.
Rubber to be grown in the North By Sunimalee Dias View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankas rubber industry established in the country during the colonial era is to expand to the North, a non-traditional area, as part of the new Master Plan for rubber development scheduled to be launched later this month. The Rubber Research Institute (RRI) says that non-traditional areas found in the Northern Province would be ideal locations for cultivating rubber trees eyed as a golden crop to bring in a high yield that could generate a large income through value added exports.

The Master Plan has been worked out for a 10 year period from 2016-2025 as a national agenda for the rubber industrys development and prepared by the Plantation Ministry together with the Industries and Commerce Ministry and the Sri Lanka Society of Rubber Industry. The plan looks at opening up rubber plantations of 22, 000 hectares (ha) extent in non-traditional areas like Monaragala (5000 ha) Ampara (10, 000 ha), Vavuniya (3000 ha), Mullativu (3000 ha), Hambantota (500 ha) and Puttalam (500 ha).

In three years the state plans to increase planting in 11,000 ha and the full extent to be completed by 2025 with maturity to be gained by 2032. The main objective is to increase national rubber production by 12 per cent through the expansion of rubber cultivation into agronomically feasible new regions where land is accessible to be developed as smallholdings. It was found that Moneragala was quite successful since planting commenced in the early 1990s and when the war was over cultivation moved into the Ampara district in 2003 which has now been harvested, RRI Additional Director Dr. Lakshman Rodrigo told the Business Times.

He however noted that those involved in chena cultivation in the non-traditional areas were averse to planting rubber as it takes longer time to yield. In the Sinhala dominated areas of Vavuniya in 2010 the RRI was able to convince people to plant rubber trees but in Kilinochchi and Mullativu the people would not accept planting these crops as it takes a longer time and was a deterrent to cultivating crops that bring in quick incomes, he explained. However, since these plantations have been neglected owning to lack of awareness the Rubber Development Department (RDD) that is mandated to expand cultivation, has taken steps to train Tamil speaking individuals in these areas who would be able to act as Rubber Development Officers to promote the cultivation of the crop.

Although lands were allocated to the people in Kilinochchi and Mullativu it had not proved to be a success as they were neglected, Dr. Rodrigo said. Due to rapid urbanization in the traditional rubber growing areas the RRI and the RDD have been looking at other areas to expand the rubber production. In this respect selecting the non-traditional areas in the North which have proper irrigations methods and solar pumps in addition to the availability of ground water is believed to be a good choice. However, authorities would be faced with the task of convincing the recently settled Northerners in former conflict affected areas to grow rubber, cultivation of which was not been seen by these people.
Tech Pacific Lanka wins Emerson Excellence Award View(s):

Tech Pacific Lanka, one of Sri Lankas specialised information technology (IT) distributing companies, was recently awarded a certificate of excellence for being the Best Partner for Smart Solutions for the year 2015 by Emerson Network Power (I) Pvt Ltd, the company said in a media release. Tech Pacific Lanka was recognised with this award at the Emerson Annual Channel Event held in Aamby Valley, Lonavala, India for its accelerated business contribution during 2015 to Emersons Smart Solutions business.

Emerson Network Power is the worlds leading provider of critical infrastructure technologies and life cycle services for information and communications technology systems. Emerson products and services cater to a wide variety of organisations. Emerson helps organisations protect and monitor their critical data with best-in-class Data Center Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Telecom Solutions. It offers reliable and energy efficient solutions through a wide range of products and services such as, Power Management, Thermal Management, IT Management and Services and Consulting. Tech Pacific Lanka has helped Emerson to grow its Smart Solutions business in Sri Lanka since becoming an authorised partner two years ago.

Reginald Borges, Director  Business Development  Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives said, I would like to congratulate Tech Pacific Lanka on winning the excellence award for the work they have done to popularise Emersons Smart Solutions business in Sri Lanka. Tech Pacific Lanka brings in years of expertise and the right blend of team to drive Emerson Smart Solutions ahead in the country. The team is trained and certified by Emerson, so that they are fully equipped to offer customers the best solutions and service. I thank Tech Pacific Lanka for their unwavering focus and investment in our Smart Solutions business.

Emerson recognises the contribution of business partners through various performance awards annually. At the beginning of ever year, Emerson sets performance benchmarks for their business partners and nominates the highest achievers for the award. Business partners from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal and Bhutan were nominated for the excellence award this year, the release said. Hafez Wahid, Tech Pacific Lanka Managing Director said, It is a great honour for our company to be presented with this special award from Emerson.

Our network of data centre design experts are geared to help local businesses building strong, infrastructures for IT environments of all sizes and types. Brandix Lanka, Orange Electric Corporation, Alliance Finance Company, Siyapatha Finance, Maga engineering, Softwatch Infosys as well as the Institute of Chartered Accountants Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Women and Childrens Affairs are some of the companies that have already used Emerson Smart Solutions to uplift their competencies in modern data centre environments.
Treasury calls for brainstorming by industry experts on widening tax base By Duruthu Edirimuni Chandrasekera View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankas Treasury has called on industry experts to suggest ideas of widening the tax net, in a bid to bring in new areas to collect taxes, an industry official said. The first meeting on Tuesday saw industry experts such as Asite Talwatte, Riyaz Mihular, Duminda Hulangamuwa and Manjula de Silva discuss these issues with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) officials, the official said. This was an informal meeting recommended by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake to discuss ideas on how to widen the tax base, an expert who participated at this meeting, told the Business Times. He added that they had an initial discussion late last month and will be meeting in the next few weeks to hammer out ways to increase tax collection. We will present these findings to the Minister after a month.

The minister confirmed this, to the Business Times, saying that hell reveal the results in a few weeks. He said that they are aware that theres at least 60 per cent of the wealthy class who were not paying taxes and that they need to be brought under the tax net. Some of the worlds advanced economies represented in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have a tax revenue-to- GDP-average of 36 per cent, he added. Many countries collect more direct taxes than Sri Lanka, for example Malaysia (over 60 per cent), India (over 50 per cent), Pakistan (around 40 per cent) and Thailand (50 per cent), he said. The reason for the weak tax base is the horde of tax exemptions, tax evasion, countless discretionary tax measures in operation, and weak tax administration, he explained.

According to reports, less than 600,000 people pay taxes in Sri Lanka and 1.3 million civil servants are not taxed. The tax to GDP ratio of Sri Lanka is about 16 per cent and it has been declining since 1990. We are trying to increase direct taxes while bringing down indirect taxes for the benefit of middle and low income groups, another official said. Currently tax revenue is around 10 per cent, which the Central Bank Governor Arjuna Mahendran has slammed as pathetic in media reports. He told the Business Times that donor agencies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have asked why Sri Lankas tax collection is low. They have always said that we need to come up with better tax collection and I tend to agree with them that we have to innovate to get out of this situation. Despite our high per capita income we tax our people like a sub-Saharan country, he said adding that taxes need to be simplified, tax holidays reduced and the system made more transparent.
Emergency Budget: Cabinet approves sweeping tax reforms By Our Political Editor View(s): View(s):

PM presents 9-page document to meet global economic crisis and clean up colossal liabilities

Capital Gains Tax to be reintroduced on higher echelons of society to balance direct and indirect taxation

Intensified efforts to recover money plundered by previous regime; new high-level team going to Dubai again

Tough new measures to avert an economic crisis are now engaging the attention of the Government. The first of these was decided upon at a special meeting of ministers on Friday. The subject first came up for discussion at Wednesdays weekly ministerial meeting. This was when they discussed a Cabinet memorandum by Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake. In that, he had recommended certain fiscal measures including an increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), changes in the Nation Building Tax (NBT) and revising the threshold of those eligible to pay income tax.

President Maithripala Sirisena who chaired the meeting was not in favour of the memorandum being approved in that format. The wording in the memorandum had given the distinct impression that the measures were being sought to meet the demands of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, a Government source insisted Minister Karunanayakes move was unintentional and he was being transparent with his colleagues. The fact that the Government was negotiating a one billion US dollar facility was revealed exclusively in the front page lead story of the Sunday Times last week. Sirisena insisted that the memorandum should not be adopted in that format.

Then an unusual move followed. He directed an official in attendance to go around collecting copies of the memorandum from the ministers present. Sirisena advised them not to speak outside about this issue. Perhaps the leak of the document would have been grist to the mill for the opposition and the media. The Government would run the risk of being accused of dancing to IMF dictates if the information reached the public domain. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe undertook to present another memorandum under his name. Since time was running short, it was decided to hold that meeting on Friday afternoon.

In a nine page note titled MINIMISING THE IMPACT OF THE GLOBAL DOWNTURN ON THE SRI LANKAN ECONOMY AND CLEANING UP THE COLOSSAL AMOUNT OF REPORTED LIABILITIES AT PUBLIC SECTOR INSTITUTIONS, Premier Wickremesinghe made some key observations.

He noted that the outstanding Government debt as at the end of 2015 was Rs. 8,475 billion, which was equivalent to 74.9% of estimated GDP. Total estimated debt service payments in 2016 amount to Rs. 1,209 billion, which consist of Rs. 647 billion of debt repayment and Rs. 562 billion of interest payments. He added that the Sri Lankan economy could have coped with the adverse developments, if not for the global economy taking a nosedive during the last few months adversely affecting the economy. Among the reasons he listed were the implications of falling oil prices, the economic slowdown in China, the continued dominance of the terrorist group ISIS in vast areas of the Middle East thus impacting on tea exports and Britains possible exit from the European Union.

In this context, he said, the Government would have to face the present global economic situation that had arisen particularly with the lack of confidence and the fall in oil prices. He emphasised that maintaining Government debt at prudent levels, with strengthened fiscal consolidation on a combination of sustainable revenue enhancing and expenditure rationalisation measures, would be a key priority for the Government. The reduction of the budget deficit to 3.5% of the GDP by 2020 will be the overarching target in this context. The revised budget, he said, has planned a 15.8% increase in the public investment in 2016.

Premier Wickremesinghe pointed out that unfortunately Sri Lanka was sadddled with a relatively high debt burden requiring a significant amount of resources to pay it back. He said this could be overcome only through a committed medium term fiscal consolidation programme embedded with appropriate reforms, and aimed at reducing the budget deficit and lowering the countrys debt burden. He emphasised that this must be implemented on an urgent basis and added that this should be complemented by a new taxation system and enhancement of the revenue collection by 2017. He said this would enable us to maintain a higher level of growth required for the job creation.

Here are the policy proposals recommended by Premier Wickremesinghe and approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on Friday:

VALUE ADDED TAX: The budget 2016 proposed to implement two VAT rates  8% and 12.5% instead of a single rate of 11%

Implementing such complex multi rates in tax can result in a shortfall in revenue target further deepening the crisis. Therefore, the safer option is a single VAT rate of 15%. The exemptions on telecommunication, private education and private health will be removed. Furthermore VAT will also be imposed on selected retail and wholesale items excluding the essential items.

INCOME TAX: Non-corporate Income Tax and Corporate Tax: It is proposed to suspend the 2016 Budgetary proposals for one year and continue the 2015 tax rates for both sectors.

Corporate Income Tax: For all other sectors which were subjected to different tax rates earlier, it is proposed to impose 17.5% rate instead of 15% rate proposed in the Budget 2016. CAPITAL GAINS TAX: Capital Gains have not been taxed in Sri Lanka since 1987. The last decades have seen a massive increase in private capital in the country especially among the higher echelons of society. Increase on price of land and shares have enabled them to make massive capital gains free of taxation while the indirect taxes on the masses kept increasing. The last ten years have seen the rise of inequality. Fortunately the relief measures given in the Budget 2016 have enabled to aggregate demand to pick up. Therefore it is proposed to implement Capital Gains Tax.

NATION BUILDING TAX: Sri Lanka has two types of consumer taxes. One is the NBT, which is based on turnover. Therefore, increasing NBT rate from 2% to 4% as proposed in the Budget 2016 in the background of weakening global currency which may lead to cascading effects on the economy and to a marked increase in the cost of living. Hence, it is proposed to keep the existing NBT rate of 2% unchanged to ensure business development and prevent cascading effects. It is assumed that the new proposal to remove exemptions on electricity, lubricants and telecommunication will be implemented while reducing the threshold to Rs. 3 million from Rs. 3.75 million per quarter as proposed in the Budget 2016.

TITLE DEEDS FOR ALL: With these physical consolidations and with the intention of having asset-owned society, the people who are living under permits and tenancies will be empowered by bestowing freehold title deeds to more than one million individuals with immediate effect.

Now that these proposals have been approved, Premier Wickremesinghe has observed that the overall budget deficit will decline to 5.4% of GDP (Rs. 679 billion) from 5.9%. He has said that the Cabinet Sub Committee on Economic Management will where necessary determine further expenditure restraint on recurrent expenditure as to ensure that they will adhere to the targets. Furthermore, he has added, a committee of three, including the Secretary to the Treasury entrusted with implementing the new tax reforms and ensure that revenue agencies adhere to the targets.

In conclusion Premier Wickremesinghe has observed that the steps decided on Friday will give confidence to the external and global economic community about Sri Lankas ability to weather the storm. The Rating agencies, IMF and multilateral lending institutions will have positive sentiments about Sri Lanka and Bonds and Funds could be raised without paying huge costs.

Premier Wickremesinghe will make a statement in Parliament on Tuesday explaining the reasons why the new tax measures were necessary. He told the Sunday Times, People asked why these measures were not reflected in the budget. These were not envisaged then. Today the global market rates are higher. The United States Federal Treasury may raise rates. In the short term, it is a big threat to us. The International Monetary Fund is working with us on tax collection.

He said the IMF was helping Sri Lanka on tax policy to ensure the economy is in order. Towards this end they will carry out a forensic audit, he added. There would be 60 % direct and 40 % indirect taxation, he added. He noted that the current situation was a spill over from the Rajapaksa Administration and was hopeful there would be a turnaround soon. He cautioned that similar measures would have to be taken in other areas if it became necessary.

Whilst enhancing fiscal measures, the Government has not given up on its efforts to track down funds stashed away overseas by leading members of the previous Government. Towards this end, a delegation is due to leave for Dubai in the coming week armed with fresh evidence to confirm that monies held in their banks by these individuals were in fact amassed through illegal means. The delegation this time is to comprise top officials of the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) and the Attorney Generals Department. The Sunday Times learnt that a dossier on recent findings which include allegations of money laundering and other criminal activities has already been compiled.

This is said to include material obtained from e-mails exchanged by those concerned with different parties. The matter figured at a top level meeting recently. Earlier efforts, first by the Stolen Assets Recovery Task Force and thereafter jointly by the FCID and the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) did not materialise. The Dubai authorities had declined to confirm such accounts were existent nor provide any other detail. FCID detectives have in the meantime amassed a wealth of documentary evidence with regard to what they claim are illegal activities including money laundering.

It was only in November last year that an FCID-CIABOC team made a plea to the Government in the Emirate of Dubai that the accounts in question be frozen. They also sought confirmation of balances held but the requests were then turned down. It was explained that such disclosures were made strictly on grounds of proof that the monies banked, if any, were earned through illegal or criminal means.

These attempts with Dubai authorities as well as ongoing local investigations are being intensified. In this backdrop, there is little doubt that President Maithripala Sirisena is wresting some form of control within the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). This is notwithstanding his ability, so far, to gain full control of the party. He removed from the post of organisers some of the staunch backers of his predecessor, Mahinda Rajapaksa. They included Dilum Amunugama (Senkadagala), Prasanna Ranatunga (Minuwangoda) and Kanthi Kodikara (Maharagama). He replaced them with nominees who are his loyalists. The SLFPs Central Committee which met thereafter empowered Sirisena to take disciplinary action against those who went against the Sirisena-led party line. This is notwithstanding the meeting ending up on an abrupt note after Kumara Welgama (Kalutara District), a pro-Rajapaksa group member, argued over some issues.

Four staunch backers of Rajapaksa  Dulles Alahapperuma, Kumara Welgama, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and C.B.Ratnayake  wrote to SLFP General Secretary Duminda Dissanayake against the appointment of new organisers. They said:

SUDDEN CHANGES IN THE POST OF ORGANISERS

We extremely regret the decision taken to remove several frontline party electoral organisers including two MPs namely Prasanna Ranatunga and Dilum Amunugama and we are of the view that this decision will widen the ongoing internal conflict of ideas within the party.

Prasanna Ranatunga became first on the list in the Gampaha District in the last general elections having secured 384,448 votes as well as ensuring landslide victory in the Minuwangoda electorate. Dilum Amunugama secured 104,469 preferential votes and came third in the Kandy district and is a future asset to the party. Dhanasiri Amaratunga secured 33,784 votes and is on the threshold of gaining entry to Parliament. Kanthi Kodikara secured 27,976 votes and came ninth in the Colombo District list and was ahead of 13 other candidates on the list and has become a leading woman candidate. Attorney Senarath Jayasundera who was also removed as Colombo West organiser is the Chairman of the Colombo Magistrate Court Lawyers Association. In the elections held to the Bar Association Sri Lanka last month, he contested for the post of secretary and came in second and is an asset to our party which is lacking in professionals.

We are not challenging the powers vested by the party constitution in the party leader to remove any party organisers and appoint new ones. As has happened on several occasions during the 66-year history of our party, the differences that are as far and widely spread from the village level party groups in far off villages right up to the Central Committee, we must act in a manner that the unity of the party is preserved and not further aggravated.

We must not forget that all these organisers have never betrayed the party and are people who worked tirelessly for the victory of the party at all past elections. At a time when the local Government elections are close at hand, instead of creating a situation which will only be beneficial to our main political rival, the United National party, we call on the President and the Central Committee to reconsider this decision so that the victory for the SLFP can be secured.

Compared to the rhetoric in the months ahead of the expulsion, it is noteworthy that the tenor of the letter is conciliatory. Is it borne out of any apprehension that the leadership would go a step further and expel them from membership?

In such an event, the ruling party, no doubt has the edge in the controversy that could follow. That is not the only fallout. Already, some are shying away from associating themselves with the MR group.

Loyalists of Mahinda have now planned a campaign titled Mahinda Samaga Obey Satana (Your struggle together with Mahinda). The first such meeting organised by Prasanna Ranatunga was held in Udugampola in the Minuwangoda electorate yesterday. Only selected invitees were allowed to take part in the meeting which was held at the Pradeshiya Sabha auditorium. The organisers were fearing that information was leaking. The next such meeting will be held today at the Mahindananda Aluthgamage Foundation in Nawalapitiya. Another one has been planned for in Iyagama in the Ratnapura electorate at the Urban Council hall on Monday.

These developments together with a delay in local government polls have prompted Rajapaksa to put off the formation of a new political party. He has gone back from the publicly stated position to insist that he would remain in the SLFP. Nevertheless he is spending more time in his new office in Battaramulla leaving the leader of the joint opposition Dinesh Gunawardene to play a bigger role. Gunawardena said yesterday that he had already written to President Sirisena to summon a meeting of the UPFA Executive Committee to decide on a General Secretary for the alliance. It fell vacant after the death of Prof. Viswa Warnapala, who was named by President Sirisena recently in place of Susil Premajayantha. Those engaged in reconciliation of the feuding factions in the SLFP are now facing a new demand from the MR group. They say that ceding the post of General Secretary to one of their nominees and the formation of a Government of both sides (excluding the UNP) was one way there could be unity. Factions supporting Sirisena have already dismissed the suggestion.

Gunawardena told the Sunday Times the time frame for the announcement of elections, since the dissolution of the local councils, in terms of the law is March 31. He has conveyed this position to Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya during a meeting last Monday. He only told us that we will be kept informed, Gunawardena added. He said that according to an official of the Delimitation Commission, they had completed work in 18 districts and there were six districts remaining. If this is so, why dont they hold elections to the ones that have been completed, he asked. The National Freedom Front (NFF) of Wimal Weerawansa, an ally of the joint opposition, will hold a public rally at Hyde Park in Colombo on March 17, among other matters, to demand that local polls be held.

According to Premier Wickremesinghe, a Cabinet Sub Committee is now formulating electoral reforms. He said it would be ready by June the latest. Thereafter, when the other measures are in place, local council polls will be held. For an altogether extraneous reason, the delay in the local council elections had also come in Governments favour. Recent developments have alienated the farmers in different parts of the country. They, together with Opposition politicians, were staging demonstrations in different parts of the country over the issue of fertilizer. There were protests yesterday in Wilgamuwa (Matale), Weeraketiya and Kaduwela. On Friday, similar protests were also held in Tambuttegama, Wellawaya and Ambanpola.

It was only a week ago that President Maithripala Sirisena directed that fertilizer be sold at a maximum price of Rs. 2,500 per bag. He also said the farmers should be entitled to Rs. 25,000 for fertilizer for an extent of one hectare irrespective of whether they had a larger extent. Farmers complain that they had earlier purchased fertilizer at a price of Rs. 1,300 per bag. Hence, they complain that they had to incur more money now. In the Government budget in November last year, a cash grant of Rs. 25,000 for Yala and Maha seasons was provided to farmers for a maximum extent of one hectare. For this purpose Rs. 37.5 billion was allocated for this year as against Rs. 35 billion last year.

The issue has been further exacerbated by bumper harvests paddy farmers are reaping in different parts of the country. This phenomenon is reflected in areas regarded as the rice bowls of the Wanni where farmers have blocked off one section of the road so they could spread the moist paddy and dry them before sale. These sights are a daily feature along the Trincomalee-Mullaitivu Road in the past days. The Paddy Marketing Boards storage facilities are full with the stocks from the previous yield. With some 75 percent of the harvest being carried out, paddy in the market was fetching only anything between Rs. 17 to 20. The matter caused serious concerns at the highest levels of the Government. This is particularly in view of the upcoming national New Year where farmers will not have the money to celebrate.

The matter came up for discussion at Wednesdays ministerial meeting. It was decided to introduce new amounts for procurements under the Guaranteed Price Scheme. Keeri Samba was to be purchased at Rs. 50, Samba at Rs. 41 and Nadu at Rs. 38. A maximum of only a thousand kilos will be purchased from every farmer. How the Paddy Marketing Board (PMB) will be able to cope with this new decision appears to be a cause for concern even among ministers. They say with the PMBs warehouses full, and within a short timeframe of some six to seven weeks before the national New Year, whether they can purchase substantial amounts from farmers remains a critical question. Adding to that is the regular PMB complaint that the moisture content in the paddy they had been called upon to purchase was high. In the end, they fear the political fallout will be on the Government when farmers are unable to mark the most observed annual event. There is little doubt that such a development could have an adverse effect even if the local polls are held next year. The farming community, with no buying power due to lack of money, could easily turn hostile. As the ongoing protests indicate, they are already looking to Opposition parties to air their grievances  the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) now in the forefront of it because the National Government is both UNP and the SLFP.

The entry of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help shape the countrys economy is significant in many ways. Particularly in the light of the Governments budget proposals being changed periodically, revenue has to be generated. As Premier Wickremesinghe points out, the IMF is already working for tax collection. He also cautions that more measures to generate funds for the Government in the short term may become imperative. Yet, the Government is lucky in some ways. With an Opposition in tatters, it is unlikely they will be able to campaign against what would turn out to be a further spiral in the cost of living.

Yet, the Government has to be mindful. Any widespread discontent will come in the backdrop of the measures it would have to adopt in accordance with the US-backed Geneva resolution which it has co-sponsored. One such case is the alleged war crimes inquiry, with or without, foreign participation. With little or nothing being done to educate the public on the different aspects, doubt and suspicion have grown. Coupled together with calls for belt tightening would naturally lead to more discontent. It is still in the Governments hand to ensure critical issues are addressed correctly. Being complacent on the grounds that the Opposition is in disarray would be no answer. Such a situation could only be avoided by a focused approach which seems sadly lacking at present. That a cohesive strategy would be required is no understatement to say the least.
FM blunder: New Zealand PM billed for Taj stay View(s):

Whilst Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera is away on official foreign jaunts, ministry officials tasked for responsible jobs seem to be lost. An embarrassing incident for both the Government and the country took place last week. That was when staff at Hotel Taj Samudra delivered bills to be paid by New Zealand Prime Minister John Keys delegation for their five-day official visit to Sri Lanka.

The New Zealand Governments embarrassed entourage had to make a string of calls from the hotel lobby to have the matter sorted out. They explained that they were on an official visit and hence it was standard practice that the host Government accommodated them.

In fact, a list of those accompanying Premier Key had been provided to the Foreign Ministry which made the bookings at Hotel Taj Samudra. A hotel staffer claimed that while the Presidential Suite had been given to Premier Key, others had been booked for deluxe rooms. However, at their request some were given suites. He insisted that this was brought to the notice of Foreign Ministry officials. Evidently, none of them took steps to regularise the bookings or ensure the visitors were not billed.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was livid when he heard the embarrassing story. He hurriedly ensured that the hotel bills would be settled by the Foreign Ministry. An official had conveyed this to Premier Keys entourage and the hotel staffers said they could now leave without making any payment.

Premier Wickremesinghe, a source at Temple Trees said, will raise this issue when he meets Mr. Samaraweera. The Foreign Minister accompanied President Sirisena on official visits to Germany and Austria. Thereafter, he flew to Washington DC for the Sri Lanka-United States partnership dialogue. At the end of this event, he took time off for a private visit to Texas. On Wednesday he arrived in Bern (Switzerland) for a luncheon meeting with Didier Burkhalter, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland.

The source at Temple Trees said the Premier had earlier sought changes in some important positions since those occupying them were staunch backers of the previous Government. Whilst this has not been carried out, the source added, new policies of the Government were also not being properly projected.

The source added, the state of affairs in the Foreign Ministry was one of the reasons why the help of the Singapore Government was being sought to re-structure it. The move comes as Foreign Secretary Chitranganee Wagiswara is to be named the new Ambassador to Germany. She will replace Karunatilleke Amunugama, who is retiring in April. Mr. Amunugama also served a stint as Foreign Secretary. The search is now on for a replacement Foreign Secretary with senior career officers being overlooked for the job. So much for good governance.

Doctor-mate for young politico

A flowery young politico, now at the centre of many a controversy, is to enter into wedlock.

The young lady, they say, will be able to take good care of him since she comes from the medical profession.

It comes at a time when he has to surmount many an obstacle.

Three in line for IGPs post

The Constitutional Council has recommended to President Maithripala Sirisena the names of three Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) for consideration as the next Inspector General.

They are S.M. Wickremesinghe, Pujith Jayasundera and Chandana Wickremeratne.

The current Police Chief N.K. Illangakoon retires next month.

Bitter truth about economy

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was overheard telling ministerial colleagues about a story he had heard.

He had been told that former Treasury Secretary P.B. Jayasundera had told then President Rajapaksa that the economy would collapse before the end of the year.

He related the story as he laughed. So it was not just the soothsayers predictions that resulted in an early presidential election last year, it seems.

Lacilles term not extended

President Maithripala Sirisena told ministers at their weekly meeting on Wednesday that Lacille de Silva (Secretary to the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power, State Resources and Privileges) has not been sacked.

He said his one year term, which came to a close this month, has not been extended. Instead, H.M. Gunadasa, Secretary to the Disappearances Commission has been appointed.

He also said he had received complaints that Mr. de Silvas work at the Commission was slow. Minister Rauff Hakeem faulted Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva for making a reported announcement that he (the Minister) was being summoned before the Commission even before he was officially intimated.

Cabinet applause for Fonseka

Ministers at their weekly meeting on Wednesday clapped and cheered when Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka attended the first Cabinet meeting since becoming Minister of Regional Development.

US to expand military ties with Sri Lanka

Admiral Harry B. Harris, the four-star Navy Admiral is Commander of the United States Pacific Command where he leads 370,000 troops.

Last week, he appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee. This is what he said of Sri Lanka:

President Sirisena, elected in January, is serious about addressing Sri Lankas human rights issues. We have an opportunity to expand U.S. interests with Sri Lanka  Asias oldest democracy  and will proceed deliberately as progress is made. Given Sri Lankas strategic location, it is in Americas interest to increase military collaboration and cooperation. As conditions permit, USPACOM will expand military leadership discussions, increase naval engagement, and focus on defence institution building in areas such as demobilising and military professionalism.
The rainbow revolutions Satakaya infiltration View(s):

In a typical twist of Sri Lankan humor, there is a sardonic caricature doing the rounds of Ministers in the Sirisena-Wickremesinghe coalition government sporting a satakaya, the habitual wear closely associated with the Rajapaksa brand of political leadership.

Changing shades of crimson

Initially signifying an earthy affiliation with the village, the kurahan satakaya (a shawl in the colour of finger millet) underwent an unfortunate metamorphosis during the second term of the Rajapaksa Presidency. Its colour variation from brown to ominous shades of crimson came to signify a plethora of sins, ranging from corruption to killings.

Some may protest that draping ministerial types of the rainbow revolution in this (symbolically) deadly raiment is unfair at the least and grossly exaggerated at the worst. But there is more than a morsel of truth in this satirical characterization when assessed against the outrageous conduct of ruling party politicians elected to power just a few months ago.

This particular caricature was occasioned by Higher Education Minister Lakshman Kiriellas recommending in a letter sent to the University of Kelaniya that a party supporter be considered for appointment as a Temporary Assistant Lecturer. Later it transpired that this was not the only instance; another such recommendation had allegedly been sent to the Rajarata University regarding recruitment of a minor worker.

Degeneration of academic standards

No doubt, Minister Kiriella would have been immensely puzzled as to what the furor was all about. He was simply following in the (dis)honorable traditions of the past. Indeed some academics have publicly explained away the controversy on the casual basis that well, it is always done. This is the same reasoning which justified excesses of the previous regime. I recall one academic responding to a call in these column spaces on the need to foster institutional democracy at the time by arguing that the people need a strong monarchical ruler, not democratic institutions.

Certainly it is no secret that under the Rajapaksas, the Universities faced the brunt of extreme politicization extending to the highest levels of academia. Academic standards fell to brutally unimaginable depths with higher degrees being awarded on the basis of a single phone call by a politician. Senior academics scrambled over themselves in slavishly urging the gratuitous bestowing of academic honors not only on the former President and his brother but also on sundry others. Indeed, an exploration of the issuance of these degrees may be useful as a learning experience.

For those of us proud to have studied at Sri Lankan Universities, the proliferation of mediocrity in disciplines as diverse from history to law to languages was difficult to witness. This distasteful process of political favoritism was fully encouraged and supported by the University Grants Commission (UGC) at the time. Ironically, after having virtually destroyed the university system, some of these very individuals have become veritable shining lights of the present administration.

Understanding the reason for political change

So it would be naive to expect reforms overnight. However, considerable disquiet arises as a result of several other factors. The Higher Education Ministers fury when a journalist routinely queried regarding the impugned recommendation was plain to see. But Minister Kiriellas anger is not singular. Rather, this is reflective of a collective angst which lies at the heart of this Governments basic incapacity to understand what the people of Sri Lanka expected from the change in power last year. Assuredly this was not to continue pervasive practices of politicization in Universities or elsewhere. It was also not to justify such practices by lashing out at the media in response. Yet this is the overriding pattern that we see.

Last week, this newspapers publication of a gazette notification issued by the Central Bank requiring banks to observe due diligence safeguards in regard to monetary transactions over two hundred thousand rupees was ferociously castigated by the Minister of Finance. This was later admitted to be a bona fide error on the part of the Bank itself. But in the meantime, journalists following up on the story were labeled as catchers of the previous regime. This is the same choleric accusation leveled against the Federation of University Teachers Association (FUTA) by the Higher Education Minister over his recommendation controversy.

Meanwhile Prime Ministerial tirades against the media and professionals disturbed at secretiveness over the proposed Economic and Technology Cooperative Agreement (ECTA) with India had been discussed previously in these column spaces. The terminology was uncannily Rajapaksa-like, with dissenters being sweepingly labeled as traitors. Demonizing critics appear to be a trait that Sri Lankan politicians are simply unable to free themselves of.

Need for a reconciliation agenda

Let it be clearly said. The sooner that this Government displays some maturity in responding to critiques of its performance, the better it will be for its own health. It is no excuse to say that academics or journalists are not white-vanned (disappeared) as before. That is an unacceptable process of reasoning. It must be rejected outright.

At another level, the Higher Education Ministers formal response to the controversy in issue was monumentally ill-advised. First, his defence was that he had merely asked for the recommendation to be considered. Secondly and far more disingenuously, he asserted that this was covered under his statutory power to issue directions to academic institutions. This position is contrary to law. One wonders if these Ministries have no Legal Department to go through such responses before being released to the media.

The scheme of the Universities Act is expressly designed to reduce politicization as repeatedly observed by the Supreme Court. More than a decade ago, the Court struck down amendments to the Universities Act radically revising the structure of appointments of Vice Chancellors to Universities, opining that academic freedom must be safeguarded. These are norms that were discarded thereafter even while our judicial institution was subverted. Presently, the need for legal competence in regard to the functioning of government is obvious. This weeks issuing and abrupt withdrawing of an (unlawful) notice by the Ministry of Media calling upon all websites to register is another example.

It seems that, quite apart from a reconciliation process for the North and the East, this Government needs to set a reconciliation agenda for itself in regard to Sri Lankas citizenry, including the media, the professional sectors and apparently the farmers protesting over the withdrawal of the fertilizer subsidy. Difficult times lie ahead.
Fertilizer subsidy; IMF and new agri-culture View(s):

The price of fertilizer may not interest most except that it will affect rice, fruit and vegetable production and therefore hit their stomachs at some stage. Vegetable farmers in Bandarawela, Welimada, Keppetipola in the central highlands and Hambantota in the south, worst hit by a shortage and paddy cultivators in the North Central and North Western provinces were out on the streets protesting the Governments new measures aimed at cutting the fertilizer subsidy without wanting to be seen doing so.

The Government argues that it has since rescinded an earlier decision and will now grant a cash offer in lieu of the subsidy arguing the subsidy provides farmers with low quality fertilizer harmful to them and the soil and that they should be weaned away towards purchasing organic fertilizer suitable for their fields. But the farmers  the end users  do not seem to buy that line, calling it a mere facade to deprive them of a useful privilege they had.

Once a concession is given, it is near impossible to take it away without a fight. Whatever good intentions the Government may have had, they certainly were not marketed with the stakeholders. This has now become a trend with this Government, examples being the Kathikawatha Bill and also, the ETCA (Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement) proposal.

For years this country was a textbook welfare state; from free education to free health to two measures of free rice. Post-Independence leaders genuinely felt the long oppressed people deserved this, but the stark economic realities were something else. Somebody had to pay the bills at the end of the day.

It was President J.R. Jayewardene who had the courage to stop the ignominy of people queuing up for free rice, but he ensured there was a safety net to cushion the poorest of the poor in the form of food stamps. This later developed into Samurdhi benefits, unfortunately a scheme that has been rife with false claims, corruption and abuse from the very top to the bottom over the years.

What the incumbent Government has done however, is paradoxical. On the one hand they are trying to liberalise the economy by relaxing all the laws and regulations relating to foreign remittances to the extent of initiating a no questions asked policy to attract capital. On the other, they are being utterly bureaucratic asking hardworking farmers who feed the nation to trudge towards far away bank branches, fill endless forms, provide their photograph and wait their turn to get a cash voucher for them to obtain fertilizer at a subsidised price.

It is clear as clear can be that the Government has no focused policy on how to handle this dichotomy. A subsidy the farmers now enjoy is to be taken away from them and what they call a sop is to be given to them instead after some laborious form filling which they feel is more tedious work than the back breaking toil in the midday sun in their fields. And yet, the Government is so cash-strapped that a fertilizer subsidy has to be pruned. From where these orders are coming, is an open secret.

This week, the Cabinet of Ministers was at pains to find a via-medium. Financial experts and industry sources say a billion dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was at stake. The IMF has a familiar formula for giving loans to economically developing countries; put your house in order is the bottom line. To heck with the political fall-out. It is called officially, Structural Adjustment Policies. For Governments that must fall in line with this fiat; you are damned if you do, you are damned if you dont.

A fortnight back, our UN correspondent in his reminiscences in this newspaper recalled a joke oft told by a former Secretary General of UNCTAD, our own Dr. Gamani Corea, a one-time Deputy Governor of the Central Bank. He (who disliked the IMF) said all economically developing countries have one thing in common. Their de-facto Finance Minister is the IMF. He then went on to say how a newly appointed Finance Minister from one of these loan seeking countries upon being congratulated on his appointment replied; Im only half a Finance Minister. The other half is in Washington.

And so it is as Sri Lanka now has no option but go for a billion dollar loan from the IMF as its Balance of Payments reaches crisis proportions. At present there is a glut in paddy, the result of which is a fall in the prices farmers get for their bountiful harvest. The Guaranteed Price Scheme (GPS) has been thrown to the winds as their produce fetches half of what the Government has assured them, by law.

The major roads in the countryside are being used by farmers to dry their paddy, and a further harvest is due shortly from different areas. The countrys main goal in the 1960s with the Food Drive of the Dudley Senanayake Government was to see that Sri Lanka was self-sufficient in rice. That once maligned initiative has now borne positive results and there is a surfeit available. A decade ago there was a campaign for the people to stop eating bread and eat rice even thrice a day.

The need now however, is multi-fold. One, to get away from the toxic fertilizer application that has parched Mother Earth in the process of achieving high yields. The produce has resulted in dangerous food, including certain categories of rice, fruit and vegetable that people consume causing long term health hazards. The spreading kidney disease among the farming community has been directly attributed to certain chemicals in the fertilizer used. Next week, the Government has launched a timely campaign on food security and sustainable agriculture for a Toxin-free nation. Scientists, farmers, agriculturalists, politicians and traders are joining forces to make this venture a success.

Second, there needs to be a Master Plan to develop better strains of more nutritious varieties of rice and other foods grown locally with a view to exporting the excess produce. Bringing back old forms of cultivation sans the imported chemicals and the carbide needs to be made fashionable  and safe. Some of these concepts are already on the drawing boards but the implementation is always slow. There clearly is a mismatch between the farmer-producer, marketer, the consumer  and the exporter. Agro-industries are still way behind.

Today, excess paddy is being sold as poultry feed or for making alcohol while consumers are still left paying more than Rs. 60 a kilo of rice in the marketplace. The deficiency in efficient marketing and packaging has not been remedied despite the success achieved in production.

There is so much waste as a result. There is, therefore, a crying need for a total review of the countrys agri-culture; a new culture in agriculture; a cultural revolution of sorts. There is no better time than now for the Government to put plans into action.
Live Parrot Story View(s):

(For Amara, Lakshna, Layla and Nayantara)

Pethammah made steady progress over Monday and Malar was delighted that she was able to feed herself. It was clear that she was partial to the papaw fruit. This also meant that Malar could get on with some of the work that needed doing in the house!

Pethammahs mother brought a whole battalion of relatives to see her on Monday morning. They watched from afar while only the mother descended to keep company and on occasions would do a fly past as though to teach her child to do the same.

She, the mother, would often come alone and sit in the vicinity. As time went by, progress seemed slow to her. She was beginning to display a look of annoyance. The closing in of the weather compounded this as the peninsula was engulfed by a tropical storm that led to continuous rain for several days as it turned out.

Attempts at flying consisted of small, short hops that were not convincing. The old doctor, while pleased with the progress made by the head wounds, wondered whether a joint or bone problem could be the cause of this slow progress on the flying front. He shared the mothers concerns and the lack of avian X-ray facilities at Chelvacot were not helpful.

The storms closed in with tropical showers, accompanied by thunder and lightning that seemed never ending. It became decidedly cool at night with a dampness that clung to your skin like a wet sock. These conditions were not conducive for nursing Pethammah outside in the courtyard. She was brought into the back veranda on Tuesday night for protection from the elements. The wet night continued punctuated by the noise of rolling thunder and the wailing of stray dogs in the distance.

The old doctor awoke to go to the bathroom at five oclock on Wednesday morning. Across from his room was the enclosure housing Pethammah. He went to look at her and to his horror found her on the floor, eyes half closed but breathing. He did not like her breathing pattern at all! He feared the worst. Quick, he thought, must get her some fresh air. He flung open the back door and laid a cloth on the wet sand in the courtyard and took her outside into the dull grey of the impending dawn. Thankfully the rain had stopped. The poor old doctor had reached the limits of his knowledge of avian medicine. His father had been a vet and would have been the man for the job. The old doctors mind flashed back to the time when he was a boy living on the banks of the river Nile in Khartoum, Sudan.

During the rainy season Lake Victoria in Uganda and Lake Tana in Ethiopia would overflow causing the River Nile in the Sudan to flood. In Khartoum the river would be three times its normal width flooding the banks and depositing the rich silt on to the crop growing banks. As the waters receded large puddles would be left with fish trapped in droves. The old doctor recalled catching a catfish and bringing it home just across the road and putting it in the bath tub having filled it with water. Catfish have a round body and a flattish head with bristly moustache like hair around the mouth.

They have powerful tails allowing them to leap distances. The next morning the boy doctors mother summoned him from his slumber to explain why a dead cat fish was lying in the living room some twenty yards away from the bath tub!

As these thoughts flashed by, action was needed now. He called Malar on the phone. Pethammah is critical, I think she is about to die, he said. The tigress nurse reached the house within fifteen minutes. She took her off the floor and blew into her face. This seemed to bring a response. She then squeezed mango into a pulp and placed it into Pethammahs mouth. After a while she began to swallow and gradually became livelier.

This was accompanied by further breathing exercises and attempts to make her fly.

Malar, fed her small amounts frequently. By the end of the day she began to feed herself and perched herself on the branches placed in her space. Pethammahs mother visited several times and seemed not to be perturbed by the movements of human beings in the house. As night fell she was taken into the back veranda for the night.

At one oclock in the morning, on Thursday, the old doctor was woken by a loud screech. He rushed out into the veranda. Pethammah had departed into the black Jaffna night sky only lit by the lightning from the electric storm. The old doctor was crest fallen. Her mother never came again.
Severely warned By R.S. Karunaratne View(s): View(s):

Silence!

The mudliar shouted. The judge sat in his seat and looked at the case files piled up for the day.

Hendrik Appuhamilage Nandawathi Subasinghe.

The mudliar shouted again. A middle-aged but good-looking woman wearing cloth and jacket stood on the deck.

My lord, this woman was found loitering in the streets at 12.30 a.m. She also has previous convictions, a tall police sergeant told the judge.

Another prostitute, the judge muttered to himself. Then he looked at the woman carefully. He thought that she resembled his own mother who died a few years ago. His mind raced back to his childhood.

Who is this fellow?

Oh, this is that prostitutes son.

The judge remembered how he as a child reacted by placing the pail of cement mixture on the floor and ran home.

When he reached home, mother was waiting for him.

Today, theres hardly anything to cook. Theres a little rice in your plate. Eat it with some onions a raw chillies.

He didnt make a fuss as he knew that mother had no money to buy anything.

When the dusk was falling he saw a man coming towards his house. He immediately identified him as the mason under whom he worked.

Ive bought some sweets. Take this money and run to the boutique and buy anything you want, he said.

When he was about to leave the mason asked him where his mother was.

Shes in the kitchen.

The mason walked into the kitchen and the child ran to the boutique. When he returned home after some time, he found mother crying.

Did he go, mother?

Yes, she said with a sigh.

I cant work there, mother. People tell me bad things about you. What bad things?

One man said I am the son of a prostitute.

He saw mother wiping away tears from her eyes.

From the day your father left us, I had no money to bring you up. Thats why I allowed you to do a small job although youre too young to be employed. Mother said so breathing deeply.

Its the same old story she used to come up with every now and then. Although mother had no feelings for my father, I knew that he would come back one day. I did not want to do a menial job under a mason. I wanted to attend school, pass examinations and be gainfully employed.

When I got up in the morning on the following day, I had a pleasant surprise. My father was sitting by me and stroking my head. Ignoring my fathers presence mother asked me whether I was going for work.

From today dont worry about my son. Im taking him away to Matara. He can stay with a friend of mine and attend a good school. Father was talking without looking at my mother. It was not surprising because father hardly lived at home. And mother had no respect for him.

Father turned to me and said, Collect whatever things you want to take and put them into this suitcase. We have to leave now.

I hardly had anything to take away except an old metal soap box with a few coins in it and a dark green handkerchief mother had given me. When I worshipped mother to bid goodbye, she gave me a one rupee note which is still with me.

Before leaving, father casually looked around and saw a sarong on the clothes line.

Whose sarong is that?

My uncle came here and spent a few days here. He must have left it, mother said meekly.

Uncle? I know everything about your uncles coming here. Thats why I am taking away my son.

Father walked ahead carrying the small suitcase. I followed him. At the kadulla I looked at my mother. She was crying leaning against a wall.

The judge also remembered how he attended a leading school in Matara and later gaining admission to the Ceylon Law College. After some time he was called to the Bench.

The judge looked at the woman standing in the dock. Then he said something to the mudliar.

The mudliar shouted, Youre severely warned and discharged.

Flash Fiction

This story beautifully captures the plight of women  how they are judged even if the actions they do are not what they chose to do  and are very often brought about by the deeds of others. An underlying sadness is subtly present in this story  shown in small details like the son keeping the last rupee given by the mother.

Please send in your Flash Fiction contributions to Madhubhashini Disanayaka-Ratnayake, C/o The Sunday Times, No 8, Hunupitiya Cross Road, Colombo 2
Another mini budget to raise government revenue By Bandula Sirimanna Treasury prepares proposals to meet emergency liabilities View(s): View(s):

Sri Lankas Treasury is preparing a mini budget 2016 as the 2016 Budget revenue and capital expenditure estimates have gone haywire due to the introduction of amendments to the ongoing budget, officials said yesterday.

In December last year, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament that a contingency liability bill or a mini budget would be presented in Parliament in March with new taxes to meet the need for growing state finances.

A senior Treasury official said the mini budget would revise the present tax structure and introduce new taxes or a tax hike to raise additional revenues to implement amendments made to the 2016 Budget.

The amendments made in the 2016 Budget revenue would incur a deduction of at least Rs. 70 to Rs. 80 billion in the estimated revenue, he said, adding that re-introduction of tax-slashed vehicle permits and the reduction of vehicle emission test levy to Rs. 1,500 from Rs. 5,000 would alone bring down the estimated revenue by at least Rs. 66 billion  another reason to present new estimates through a mini budget.

Lakshman Yapa Abeywardana, Minister of State for Finance, also confirmed to the Sunday Times that the Treasury was preparing a mini budget while a cabinet decision would have to be taken to present it in parliament.

He said the Treasury was also working out modalities of the tax framework that would be presented to the IMF for a bailout programme. The need of a mini budget has arisen as the countrys tax-to-GDP ratio is one of the lowest in the world, and tax efficiency is low compared with other countries in the South Asian region. The official said that overall expenditures were expected to grow by 30 percent, with recurrent and capital spending increasing by 17 and 70 percent, respectively.

He noted that erroneous estimates, data and records were endangering the countrys economy with relation to 114 expenditure proposals mostly for handouts where financial allocations were to be made from Treasury votes for the medium term 2015-2017 provisions.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake told a media conference in Colombo last Monday  the day Fitch ratings announced a downgrade of the countrys rating  that the Government had unearthed liabilities worth Rs. 1.15 trillion that had been hidden by the former Rajapaksa regime, making the debt burden that needs to be repaid worse than anticipated.

The official said the Government would spell out measures to raise additional revenues to pay for those additional expenditures including borrowings of the previous regime.

The Government expects to reduce the budget deficit to 5.9 percent of the GDP in 2016 from a revised 6 per cent in 2015. Last years targeted deficit was 6.9 percent.
Dondra fishermen protest attack by Indian fishermen View(s):

Fishermen in Dondra, Matara yesterday staged a protest over an alleged attack by Indian fishermen within Sri Lankan territorial waters off Point Pedro.

A crew of six fishermen who sailed from Dondra had reportedly come under attack on February 28 and they returned to the island on Friday.

U.K. Samaranayaka, representing the Fisheries Federation in Dondra said the fishermen had been surrounded by two Indian boats and had been assaulted with clubs and knives.

They have even removed communication equipment, clothing, food items, a TV and a catch of about 600 kilos of fish, he said.

Navy spokesman Capt. Akaram Alavi said the crew was rescued by them and brought back to the Kankesanthurai harbour.

He said the incident had taken place about 40 nautical miles off Point Perdu in an area within the Sri Lankan waters.
Farmers continue protests, reject Presidents offer View(s):

Farmers continued their protests in several parts of the country yesterday, demanding that the Government restore the earlier scheme of offering fertilizer at the subsidised price of Rs. 350. Protesting farmers in Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Weeraketiya and other places rejected the Governments cash grant of Rs. 25,000 per hectare and President Maithripala Sirisenas offer on Monday to make fertilizer available at

Rs. 2,500 a bag  about Rs. 1,000 less than the market price. At Mondays special meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, the Government also decided that the cash grant would be sent to the farmers existing bank accounts and they need not open new bank accounts.

The President said that banks would be instructed to hand over the full grant to the farmers without deducting a single cent from it in view of any unpaid loans.
Foreign company out; local builders get contract for 65,000 houses in NE View(s):

The Government has decided to award a project to construct 65,000 houses for war-affected families in the North and East to local builders, abandoning earlier moves to give the lucrative deal to a foreign company.

The Major Constructors of Sri Lanka (MCSL), an industry association, was notified on Friday by the Department of National Planning that the project could be implemented absorbing local contractors and local materials to give more benefits to the local construction industry and to reduce the construction cost.

The Department has instructed the MCSL to develop a suitable project proposal in cooperation with the relevant line agencies. A meeting will be held with the Director General of National Planning on Wednesday.

There was strong pressure by a government faction to award the full project initially estimated at a massive US$ 1 billion  to ArcelorMittal, a French concern headquartered in Luxembourg. This company was offering prefabricated houses with steel frames. The company even launched a model house in Jaffna on Friday morning with the attendance of Resettlement and Rehabilitation Minister D.M. Swaminathan.

But the contract is now likely to be carved up into ten packages of 6,500 houses each and distributed among large construction companies in Sri Lanka, six of which have already expressed interest. This was decided at a meeting of the construction industry with R. Paskaralingam, Senior Adviser to the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs. Minister Swaminathans office was informed of the decision on Friday.

The Sunday Times learns that the money-spinning project had pitted powerful lobbies inside the current administration against each other. For instance, one of the other bidders was an Indian joint venture called EPI-OCPL Consortium, of which the construction company owned by Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage was a partner. While it qualified after the technical evaluation, the Consortiums financial proposal was not considered.

ArcelorMittal has its own influential, if questionable, backers. Construction industry sources confirmed this week that the companys local agent is Ravi Wettasinghe who was ignominiously arrested last year while attempting to leave the country. He is being tried for alleged criminal fraud.

Mr. Wettasinghe touted strong connections within previous United National Party regimes. In 1993, he acquired the Ceylon Transport Boards Werahera, Kahagolla and Keppetipola workshops and formed two companies named Wesco and Kesco. The following year, with the defeat of the UNP, he fled the country leaving the incoming Government to settle millions of rupees in dues to workers.

Official sources said Mr Wettasinghe was now back in action and was involved in having the model house erected in Jaffna. He has friends in certain state agencies that are actively supporting ArcelorMittals bid for the housing project, one source said.

The proposal had generated controversy from the beginning. Civil society groups, many of them working in the North and East, questioned the fast-track process by which a contractor was selected out of several bidders. Only ArcelorMittal was found to have met the necessary technical and financial specifications.

The Construction Association later complained that the Request for Proposals issued by the Ministry to prequalified bidders  included several exclusionary conditions that the local industry deemed to be completely disproportionate to the complexity of the work which was basic housing.

They appear to have been deliberately done to favour one contractor and block out several capable contractors, a senior construction industry source said at the time. Among these conditions was a minimum single job of Rs. 25 billion completed in the last five years; a bid bond of Rs. 650 million; and a contractor funding letter of more than US$ 1 billion.

Another criticism was that the houses, valued by ArcelorMittal at Rs. 2.1 million each, were highly overpriced. This was flagged, too, by Housing and Construction Minister Sajith Premadasa who objected to the cost at a recent Cabinet meeting. A Cabinet subcommittee was consequently appointed to reevaluate the recommendation that the contract be awarded to ArcelorMittal.

Civil society groups also protested that the basis for costing was unclear and that the amount quoted was four times the amount in the Indian housing project and significantly more than all other housing programmes completed or currently underway.

A consultant for ArcelorMittal maintained this week that the price was realistic. He said the cost of construction was high in the North and East when compared with the rest of the country. There was a scarcity of skilled labour and raw materials were more expensive. He said ArcelorMittal was providing a solar panel for lighting, toilet, septic tank, overhead tank, electrical wiring and fittings, television, gas cooker and fan.

The consultant added that a tube well was included but could not say whether ArcelorMittal had intended to sink 65,000 tube wells across the region to match the number of houses. The furniture, meanwhile, was to have been provided on the companys account as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. If awarded the contract, ArcelorMittal had planned to hire Chinese subcontractors.

It is still not known what price Sri Lankan builders will provide houses at. A spokesman for one of the companies that had expressed interest in the project said the cost would be lower but he would not commit to a figure. We already have an indication now what others would charge, he said. It could be around 15 to 20 percent less. We can even do a house for Rs. 1.5 million. It depends on the system we use.

We are also suggesting some kind of lightweight concrete panels, better than the steel frame, the spokesman said. He vowed that local labour would be used wherever possible. Everyone will be involved, he asserted.

In the meantime, civil society representatives urged the Government to get it right this time. Reviewing the project is an opportunity to ensure that it is designed, developed and implemented in consultation and with full participation of the community and having flexibility required to meet the specific needs of the affected families, said Raga Alphonsus, who has worked in the sphere of permanent housing in the North and East for over 15 years.

Housing is not merely about building shelters but building homes and communities, he said. It needs a partnership involving the communities, government, industry and experts to ensure a successful and sustainable solution to the housing crisis in the north and east and indeed elsewhere in the country.

There is a need to ensure equity in the support to all those who have been assisted so far recently and those yet to be assisted through other housing initiatives as well, Mr Alphonsus explained. Avoiding regional disparities and inconsistency in housing policy which can negatively impact the peace building initiatives currently pursued by the State needs to be carefully considered.

The key point I would like to stress, he said, is that the house is a home and every family has its specific needs. I do understand that, when you do a mass project, you cant have too many options, but there must be space and some consultation. That needs to happen.
Indians confess to surgical removal of their kidneys: Police View(s):

Eight Indian nationals arrested over alleged visa violations were produced before the Colombo Medical Officer (JMO) yesterday to ascertain if any of their organs had been removed, after suspicions surfaced that they may be part of an international kidneyracket involving Sri Lanka. The JMOs report will be submitted to the Colombo Chief Magistrates Court.

The men were arrested on Thursday (3) in two separate raids conducted by the Colombo Crimes Division (CCD). Officers had first arrested six Indian nationals staying at an apartment in Pennyquick Road, Wellawatta. Based on information provided by them, two other Indian nationals were taken into custody from a housing scheme in Havelock Place in Pamankada, later the same day. None of the suspects possessed a valid visa to stay in Sri Lanka. However, when the suspects were produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate on Friday, investigators had informed court that some of those arrested in Wellawatta had admitted to having their kidneys removed. They also bore scars on their stomachs that indicated surgeries had been performed on them.

While ordering the suspects to be held at the Mirihana Detention Center, court also sought a full report from the Colombo JMO to ascertain if any other organs had also been removed from the suspects. In January, Indian police filed cases against six Sri Lankan doctors alleging they had been engaged in illegal kidney transplant operations. It was further alleged that the illegal operations had been conducted at four private hospitals in Sri Lanka. This followed the arrest of an alleged kidney racket kingpin and two of his associates by Indian police. The men were said to have facilitated some 60 illegal kidney transplant operations in Sri Lanka.

The revelations prompted the Sri Lanka Government to temporarily suspend all kidney transplant operations conducted on foreigners at the countrys private hospitals. The suspension is still in place.

A committee appointed by Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne to probe the matter handed in its report last month. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is currently conducting a probe into the alleged racket in Sri Lanka.
Major drive to detoxify Lanka begins today View(s):

Government today will take a major step towards a gradual turn around from the use of imported agrochemicals, to locally produced organic and bio fertilizers. The programme for a Vasa Visa NethiRatak  a mission to make Sri Lanka free of poisonous agrochemicals and thereby, free of poisoned or polluted food including rice, vegetables and fruits  will be officially launched today, with a three-day exhibition and sale of organically produced food items.

The Vasa Visa Nethi Ratak project was one of the main promises made during the election campaign which brought President Maithripala Sirisena and the National Unity Government to office on January 8, last year.The three-day exhibition and sale will be held from March 6-8 at the BMICH, from 10 am to 9 pm daily. It has been organised by the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Agriculture. The Organisers said there would be about 350 stalls selling organically grown native rice, other grains, vegetables and fruit at affordable prices.

At stall No. 215, the Oblate Mission Services Centre will sell organic manure, pure cow dung obtained from villages in Kuchcheveli in the Trincomalee district and Buttala in the Moneragala district. The cow dung manure  heated, sterilised, powdered and packed  will be sold at Rs 100 per kg packet and the proceeds will go to improve the livelihood of the villagers.One of the highlights of this three-day BMICH programme will be an international seminar on the theme Vasa Visa Nethi Ratak. President Sirisena will preside at this seminar to be attended by scientists of the Agricultural Research Officers Association, more than 5,000 farmer community leaders islandwide and international agro-science specialists. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, as the head of the Cabinets Committee on Economic Management, will be the chief guest at the opening of the exhibition and sale today.

Parliamentarian Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera, playing an active role in this mission, said that, for the past few years, he and other members of the Vasa Visa Nethi movement had conducted awareness and education programmes among hundreds of farmers.

As a result, about 50,000 acres of land had now been cultivated with paddy and other crops, without the use of chemical fertilizers, weedicides or pesticides. He said that, within three years, they hoped to make tens of thousands of farmers aware of the dangers of poisoning the spoil and even the ground water, through the excessive use of expensive agrochemicals.

According to Presidential Secretary P.B. Abeykoon, the total amount of foreign exchange spent in importing food to Sri Lanka is about Rs 400 billion annually. Of this, Rs. 60 billion is for sugar and Rs 50 billion for powdered milk. Sri Lanka imports about Rs 80 billion worth of agro-toxins every year.

In a statement issued in connection with the launch of the programme, A wholesome agriculture  a healthy population  a toxin-free nation, Mr Abeykoon said diabetes and other Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) had reached pandemic proportions in Sri Lanka. Due to the injecting of hormones into meat products including chicken, girls as young as six or seven are attaining puberty at an alarming rate, while childhood obesity is becoming a bellyful.
NIC at 15 years under amended Registration of Persons Act View(s):

The Registration of Persons Act will be amended for the compulsory registration of every citizen of Sri Lanka, as well as the introduction of new age limit for the issuance of National Identity Cards (NIC). The age of registration under the proposed laws is 15, down from the present 16.

The wide changes to the Registration of Persons Act No 32 of 1968 will also see the introduction of biometrics and the compilation of a National Register of Persons, a database to be established and maintained by the Commissioner General (CG) of the Dept of Registration of Persons (DRP).

While persons authorized to act under the new law will be required to sign a declaration pledging observance of strict secrecy in respect of any information contained in the National Registrar, the law allows for such information to be provided in the interest of national security upon a direction issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence for the prevention or detection of crimes, or for the purpose of complying with any order or direction issued by a court.

The amendments to the Act will also allow for the powers of the CG DRP to be decentralized, allowing for the establishment of offices at provincial, district or divisional level. The new laws will make it mandatory for persons who cease to be citizens of Sri Lanka to surrender their NICs, while it also provides for a waiver of the prescribed fee payable on grounds of poverty.

Once the proposed changes get parliamentary approval, all persons in possession of valid NICs will need to re-register with the Dept, in the manner and period to be prescribed by the Minister of Home Affairs under whom the Dept operates.

However, the present system of issuing NICs will continue until the necessary infrastructure arrangements and technological methodologies that are proposed in the new law are put in place and the date for the enactment of the law announced by the Minister.

The issuance of the electronic NIC (e-NIC) along with the setting up of the National Register of Persons was first advocated in 2014, when it met with criticism in some quarters over fears the law would lead to an invasion of individual privacy.
PM sends for SLs Diplomats for a 3-day brainwashing View(s):

Sri Lankas High Commissioners, Ambassadors, Consuls General and Consuls have been summoned to Colombo for a meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, to take place from March 31 to April 2.

The venue for the three-day conference is yet to be decided but could be in Bentota, Galle or Negombo, sources said. The meeting has been called to inform Sri Lankas diplomatic machinery about national priorities under the new government, and how best economic diplomacy should be advanced.

It is likely that targets will be set for each mission in the current year and beyond. Other topics on the agenda are the importance of effective outreach; diaspora relations; new and emerging forms of partnership including the US-Sri Lanka Open Government Partnership and Trans-Pacific Partnership; strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, National reconciliation and the initiatives under way to promote peace building.

The Open Government Partnership is a multilateral initiative launched by the United States in 2011 to provide an international platform for domestic reformers committed to making their governments more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens, which Sri Lanka signed in 2015. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a trade agreement among 12 Pacific rim countries signed on February 4, 2016, in Auckland, New Zealand. Sri Lanka is exploring the possibility of joining the TPP.

Diplomats could be asked to come up with concrete proposals under all areas to be discussed and vagueness or rhetorical expressions are likely to be rejected, informed sources said. It is expected that there will be separate boardroom type meetings, where each Diplomat will make a presentation on the goals and targets, possibly before the PMs Global Affairs Committee, which will scrutinise them.

It has been made clear that this is not a GL Peiris-Sajin de Vass Gunawardena era wine and dine meet, where only the duo spoke, with Sajins being the last word, one of the sources held. Most Diplomats have reported they are ill-informed about what is going on in the area of reconciliation and accountability, in particular the implementation of the Human Rights Council resolution on Sri Lanka, the sources said. This area is likely to be explored.

Another aspect of the conference is that it will bring some captains of industry in Sri Lanka to make presentations on different aspects of trade, economic and investment challenges, opportunities and strategic interest. Some academics too are likely to speak on various issues of global and regional significance.

Housekeeping matters are also likely to be taken up. For instance, a concern of most embassies and consulates is a delay in getting approval for various administrative and resource requirements from the Overseas Administration Division (OAD) of the Ministry. These include requests for replacement of stenographers, personal assistants and attaches, as well as other clerical officers who have completed their tenure.

Some areas that might not come up for discussion are the challenges that Sri Lanka faces in its relationship with India (including poaching by Indian trawlers); Chinas Silk Route concept, and the Governments recent overtures to China, as well as the perception that Sri Lanka is drifting away from Pakistan and some Middle East countries.
Poaching crisis: NPC tells Govt. to get tough View(s):

The Tamil National Alliance-controlled Northern Provincial Council (NPC) has urged the Government to take immediate measures to ensure the livelihoods of the Northern fisher folk, as Indian fishermen continue to rob marine resources in Lankan waters.

Participating at a Conference of Provincial Fisheries Ministers in Colombo on Thursday, NPC Fisheries Minister B. Deniswaran explained how a former war torn area was still finding it difficult to develop the fisheries sector because of the poaching by Indian fishermen.

The invasion by the Indian fishermen and their prohibited fishing techniques such as bottom trawling are a grave threat to our sea resources. They not only violate the international borders to fish in our territory, but sometimes they even come closer to the shore, he said.

The minister said the provincial administration would press the central government to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue which had severely affected the livelihoods of the northern fisher folk.

Thursdays conference was organised by the Fisheries Ministry with a view to working out a joint process with the provincial administrations for the development of the fisheries sector.

Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera reiterated that the arrest of Indian poachers would continue despite the protests in Tamil Nadu. He said that as a direct result of illegal fishing methods used by Indian fishermen, there had been a gradual decline of fish resources in the Sri Lankan waters.

He pointed out Sri Lankas territorial sea was eight times as large as the land area, but sadly we were importing a large percentage of our fish requirements. Unfortunately a larger percentage of the total fish requirement of the country is imported from foreign countries though we are possessed of a sea eight times larger than the land area, he noted.

According to the Ministry, 77,000 metric tonnes of fish were imported in 2014 while the amount imported in 2015 exceeded 200,000 metric tonnes.
Senior DIG to interview minister over Sunday night accident View(s):

Police will interview Minister Champika Ranawaka over last Sunday nights accident involving one of his official vehicles and a motor cycle.

Pujitha Jayasundara, Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (Western Province) who is handling the investigation said Mr. Ranawakas statement will be recorded. He said he would forward a report to Police Chief N.K. Illangakoon once the inquiries are completed.

A high powered motor cycle (990 cc) had crashed into the jeep of Mr. Ranawaka from the rear as the vehicle was taking a turn opposite the Central Bank Training Centre in Rajagiriya. Soon after the incident the driver of the vehicle surrendered himself to the Borella police.

The driver, Thusitha Kumara was subjected to a breathalyzer test which proved negative. He was produced in courts on Monday and granted surety bail of Rs. 500,000.

Minister Ranawaka flatly denied he was driving the vehicle when the accident occurred. He said it was mischievous propaganda carried out by his opponents to discredit him. A driver from the Ministry was driving the vehicle. He has admitted that to the Police, he said.

I will not be intimidated by misleading statements and plots to implicate me. I have faced bigger odds, he added.
Singapore-style online tax system View(s):

A Singapore style tax collection system where payments and transactions made by individuals and companies with 26 state institutions will be monitored from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will come into effect in October, Tax chief Kalyani Dahanayake said yesterday.

The IRD Commissioner General told the Sunday Times that the new system would enable the department to use a computerised network to expand the collection of taxes and draw new tax payers into the system. Under the project, the Tax Department will be able to draw information from the respective institutions directly and estimate the tax payments.

For instance if a person owns an additional vehicle without declaring it in his or her tax returns, the information can be obtained from the Motor Traffic Department and taxes can be imposed accordingly, Ms Dahanayake said. Among the state institutions networked under the system are the Central Bank, the Bank of Ceylon, the Peoples Bank, Customs, the Motor Traffic Department, the Credit Information Bureau, the Registrar of Companies, the Board of Investment, the Registrar Generals Department, the Lands Registrar, the insurance sector, the Ceylon Electricity Board, the Condominium Authority, the Colombo Stock Exchange, the Export Development Board, the Department of the Registration of Persons, the Immigration and Emigration Department, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission and the Excise Department.

Ms. Dahanayake said taxpayers would be given regular reminders of the payments, arrears and on estimates prepared by the IRD based on information obtained through the system. She said the system would replace a bulk of the manual files maintained by the Department and it would be more convenient for taxpayers to make their payments. Among the benefits to the taxpayers would be the facility of e-filing, e-services of request for refunds, and a pin number to make online payments.

Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake said the Government hoped to raise the tax revenue by 35 percent or by Rs. 60 billion annually with the new system in place.
Trincomalees long road from ethnic conflict to ethnic harmony By Anthony David View(s): View(s):

Seven years after the war, the Trincomalee district, one of the biggest multi-ethnic regions in Sri Lanka, is rapidly returning to its pre-war glory, with the displaced people coming back to reclaim their lands, tourism business picking up and law-and-order situation improving.

In this eastern district, where the strategic port city of Trincomalee, the administrative capital, appears as an ideal ground for national reconciliation, more people now turn up at police stations to lodge complaints in a sign of increasing public confidence in the police and the judicial system.

Earlier, the police did not have access to certain areas while the people also did not have much confidence in the police. Now even for minor disputes with neighbours, they rush to the police, Murugesu Sathiyavel, a resident from Selvanagar, said.

He said that during the war period, the police had to seek the armys assistance to visit some of the areas that were under the control of the Army when they wanted to investigate a crime.

A senior Police officer who did not wanted to be quoted  as he is not authorised to speak to the media  confirmed that the number of complaints to the police was on the increase, with most of them from the remote villages from where complaints were not received earlier.

Though the conflict has ended and normalcy is returning, the lack of a serious effort to build relations between ethnic and religious groups is visible.

The Amarapura Sri Dharmarakshitha Nikaya Mahanayake, the Most Ven. Thirikunamale Aananda Thera, who hails from the Trincomalee district, said he believed that much needed to be done to build relations between communities.

Instead of external solutions, we have to work out internal solutions to achieve reconciliation in the district, said the Mahanayake Thera, who is also the chief incumbent of the Shri Vajiraramaya in Bambalapitiya. (See separate story on this page).

One of the reasons for the delay in achieving reconciliation is that almost all politicians in the district concentrate mostly on problems related to their respective communities.

Trincomalee businessman Nishantha Abeywickrema said: All communities lived in harmony in this district before the war, but now we see that communities live in isolation, confined to their respective villages. The interaction is not the same as it used to be.

Though life is gradually returning to normality, there are many socio-economic problems such as unemployment.

Although seven years have elapsed since the end of the war, hardly have any new factories been set up or major projects come up in the district for youths to find jobs.

Most of the jobs in the tourism and hotel industry are snapped up by skilled people from outside the district. (See side story on this page.)

Additional reporting: Amadoru Amarajeewa, S. Rubatheesan and Damith Wickremasekara
A haven on Koggala Lake By Cecily Walker View(s): View(s):

Arriving at Tri Lanka it was easy to see why there has been so much hype surrounding the opening of this new luxury eco resort.

Set on Koggala Lake, arguably the most peaceful and stunning setting in the south of Sri Lanka, this place certainly has the wow factor.

Located just three km off the busiest tourist trail, this hotel is in the perfect situation to explore surrounding areas or to just hide away in this serene haven.

There are two ways to reach Tri. For the adventurists out there, take the long, windy and bumpy dirt road. With every twist and turn the anticipation builds and climbing the stairs to Tri you are immediately hit by the panoramic views of the lake and greenery.

The second option is truly special and completely different to your average hotel entrance. Arrive in style by taking a Cinnamon Air flight to Koggala airbase.

There a quaint, Tri boat fitted out with refreshing drinks and a shady green canopy will pick you up and ferry you across the lake to the Tri private jetty. The view from the water is exquisite and the perfect way to admire Rob Drummonds masterpiece.

Tri Lanka is the vision of British photographer Rob Drummond. The core element of Tri design is the Golden Ratio which results in this aesthetically pleasing hotel.

Every architectural piece in the resort carefully incorporates the Golden Ratio and in fact it is so hard wired into the Tri consciousness that you dont even notice it because it fits so perfectly.

Eleven suites and villas are strategically placed to incorporate the stillness of the lake and are nestled into foliage to create a calm atmosphere. Thoughtful placement also means everywhere you go in Tri you have spectacular, panoramic views which add to the enjoyment of Tri.

Sri Lanka is becoming a top worldwide holiday destination and is famous for many things; cinnamon, ayurvedic treatments, Yala National Park to name a few but what is perhaps underpublicised is Sri Lankas natural beauty.

Therefore Tris philosophy of offering the best of Sri Lanka means nature is at the centre of this resort. In fact a beautiful, huge Banyan tree is located at the heart of the resort, emphasising the melding of nature.

Tri has taken the idea of an eco resort even further than anyone else  every building is lined with recycled cinnamon timber to create a camouflaged effect.

There are living walls, green roofs and an enormous central water tower, all of which emphasise nature but also serve a practical purpose. The local materials cleverly unify accommodations and landscape.

Wellness is a theme weaved throughout the Tri story. The food on offer is entirely fresh and local. Every evening a different six-course menu is created to offer the produce and flavours of the surrounding areas.

The chefs forage for wild herbs and edible flowers which they cook up with local seafood from local fisherman and even mussels and prawns from Koggala Lake  it doesnt get much fresher than that!

The idea is that the menu leaves you satisfied yet not overindulged. All food is Sri Lankan; deconstructed, reconstructed and contemporary with elements of the west and Asian twists. Once a week traditional rice and curry nights take place where the guests have an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience.

Continuing the theme of wellness, morning Yoga sessions are taken four times a week in the incredible treetop Yoga studio. Robs wife Lara Baumann is the brains behind a new Yoga system Quantum Yoga which is practised at Tri.

Tri goes above and beyond during your stay. It will carefully cater a holiday to fit you: whether that involves taking advantage of the surroundings by organising boat trips, canoeing tours, or a romantic lakeside dinner nothing is too much trouble. And if relaxation is what you are after, the incredible infinity pool is a definite highlight. The extras are what Tri thrive in.

However, do be aware that they do not allow children under the age of 12, the hotel is family welcoming but not necessarily family friendly. Rooms start at $275/night for half board and prices increase for lakeside villas. For more information check out www.trilanka.com

If Tri had to be summed up in three words, Oliver James, Tris passionate and knowledgeable General Manager accurately chose Serene, unique and tri-mendous! I couldnt agree more!

What is Quantum Yoga? Lara Baumann created the style using a combination of techniques she picked up during her travels and experiences

Quantum Yoga is a dynamic flowing exercise suited to your individual needs and designed by yourself based on an effective and safe grouping and sequencing system. Its a yoga path that resonates with your personal requirements at all times and balances your inner nature, to bring you into a state of greater harmony with the environment. Also its a spiritual system that adopts the holistic approach to health from the ancient Indian healing science of Ayurveda, whilst embracing the modern insights of Quantum Physics to maximise ones power of conscious manifestation.
Often its only me and the Morning Star By Renuka Sadanandan Retired banker turned photographer Cecil Pereras book, Sri Lanka- A Mystical Journey, to be launched later this month, reflects his fascination with capturing nature at pre-dawn View(s): View(s):

If youve ever sat at your desk, gazed out of the window and yearned to take the road less travelled, Cecil Perera is a man after your own heart.

After some 31 years in banking, when retirement came at the age of 60, Perera found his true calling. At this point, he didnt really know anything about photography.

He read books and scoured the Internet to learn what he could and soon found that he had an uncanny eye for it. By then he was rediscovering another love which had been somewhat submerged in the busy momentum of working life his love for places off the beaten track.

The latter stemmed from a childhood spent in Rakwana and Deniyaya. The thrill of scrambling up mountainous terrain and looking out on mist-shrouded hillsides never paled and he still maintains that Rakwana and Deniyaya are among the most beautiful parts of this country.

Not surprisingly when he gained a place at the University of Kelaniya, he chose to follow an honours degree in Geography and became somewhat of an expert in reading maps, a skill he now puts to good use.

After a brief spell teaching geography at the University, he joined the Peoples Bank as a Manager and given a choice of postings picked Nuwara Eliya where he made frequent climbs up the mighty Pidurutalagala. But as his career progressed, he had to come to Colombo, and wound up his career as AGM of corporate credit.

His travels now are in search of the least explored parts of the country in search of nature, pristine and serene. Not for him the touristy places and well known sights. Schoolchildren he meets and talks to, and villagers, most often are his willing guides, eager to show him little known vantage spots and jungle paths barely trodden.

The pre-dawn hours are his favourite time, he says and seeking that elusive golden light he is ever game to trudge up a hill at 4 a.m. and brace himself against the slight chill with his camera and tripod until the first glimmer of dawn pierces the blanket of darkness.

Often it is only me and the Morning Star, he says, confessing too to a deep fondness for mist. I always look for mist-shrouded valleys  mist is something I want to capture in most of my photographs.

These then are the photographs taken of mist and in absolute stillness that capture the countrys amazing diversity in all its breathtaking grace and grandeur.

Perera didnt set out to compile a book but as his travels widened and the collection of photographs grew, it seemed a natural progression.

He has titled his book to be launched later this month Sri Lanka- A Mystical Journey and it is indeed an ode to a precious communion with nature that he considers himself blessed to have experienced.

There are photographs capturing sights the length and breadth of Sri Lanka, the heights  like a spectacular sunrise at Liptons Seat and Riverstone, Matale, the lagoons of Jaffna and Kalametiya, the jungle fastness of Maduru Oya where he drove up and down a deserted stretch of road until he came upon a herd of elephants, the sanctity of Mihintale (he climbed an adjacent rock Eth Vehera to photograph it), a solitary Sal tree at Situlpawwa, a view of Adams Peak across a valley of mist from Bulutota all views awe-inspiring.

It is largely a lone effort, he makes his mostly 3-4 day trips on his own (with some food and drink stowed in his vehicle) and the choice of photographs too, his alone.

He has 77 in this handsome coffee-table book for which he did not rest till he found a publisher in Hong Kong who was able to ensure the quality colour reproduction of his images.

Landscape photographers have only colours to show unlike wildlife photographers who have action, he says. It is a book remarkably uncluttered -each image spread across the page accompanied by a single quote  in the case of a golden sunrise over the Knuckles range  Diane Arbus words My favourite thing is to go where I have never been.

Cecil Pereras hope is that his photographs will prompt his countrymen to see their land with new eyes. It is significant that while most of the pictures are of hills and valleys far from the cities, there are too scenes not far away- the morning mist over the Bolgoda Lake and sunrise over a paddy field in Piliyandala.

His family, he says, have been supportive of his travels, and his son has gifted him many lenses for his Canon 5D mk 11 enabling him to indulge this passion that has made retirement so fulfilling.

For this soft-spoken man a quote from Thomas Jefferson that he has used in the book could perhaps sum up his thinking: It is neither wealth nor splendor: but tranquility and occupation that give you happiness.

Cecil Pereras book will be launched on March 15 at the BMICH. It is presently available at the pre-publication price of Rs. 4,900 and thereafter at Rs. 6,000 at leading bookshops.

To pre-order, see his website www.srilankamj.com and also Facebook ://www.facebook.com/slmysticaljourney/
Aping the Americans MONTHLY MUSINGS BY CITIZEN SILVA View(s): View(s):

Being now in my seventies I am old enough to remember people like Ranasinghe Premadasa, Gamini Dissanayake, Lalith Athulathmudali, Lakshman Kadirgamar, Ranjan Wijeratne, C.V Gooneratne, Appapillai Amirthalingam and Mohamed Ashraf. These folk represented the creme de la creme of the political leadership of our country during the latter part of the twentieth century. Unfortunately they all met violent deaths almost certainly at the hands of the LTTE. With these political heavyweights being removed from the ranks of those who had the personality and potential to lead our country, we in 21st century Sri Lanka have now been left with the residue  the also rans  who have got into power through sheer default.

And now our new leaders  the President and Prime Minister from different political parties whom misery has converted into strange and barely compatible bedfellows  are falling over backwards to dance to the tune of the Americans.

Just take the example of our huge cabinet. In the latter part of the 20th century, when we had a unicameral legislature (a House of Representatives only with no Senate), all members of the cabinet had to be members of the parliament  in other words, only those who were elected by the people to serve as members of parliament could become Cabinet Ministers. If one was not a MP, one could not become a cabinet minister.

This is the same principle that is followed in other countries that have Westminster-style of democracy such as India, Australia, Canada, Malaysia and Britain. In America however, things are different.

In the US, the members of the Cabinet (who receive the title of Secretary rather than Amathi-thuma) are nominated by the President. These nominations are then presented to the US Senate where they have to be confirmed or rejected by a simple majority. If the people nominated by the president are approved, they are then sworn in and commence their duties  but if the nomination for whatever reason is rejected by the Senate, then the President has to accept the rejection and nominate someone else who the Senate will accept. Members of the Cabinet serve at the pleasure of the President, who may dismiss or reappoint them to other posts as he wishes.

This is how President Obama appointed people like our recent visitor John Kerry (who lost the 2004 presidential election to George W. Bush) as his Foreign Secretary and Arne Duncan, a non-politician who was Chief Executive Officer of Chicagos public schools, as his Secretary of Education. All these US Secretaries (Ministers) are direct presidential appointments  which of course have to be approved by the Senate.

Here in Sri Lanka, we now have a similar system where Cabinet Ministers are appointed at the whim and fancy of the President. Since however they all have to be members of Parliament before they can be made Ministers, the President has adopted a typical yahapalanaya-subterfuge. If he wants to make a cabinet minister out of somebody who has not been elected to Parliament, he takes the simple and immoral step of appointing that person into Parliament  even if that candidate was a loser at the elections and was decisively rejected by the people at the polls!

This is how men like S.B.Dissanayake and Sarath Fonseka, convincingly defeated and rejected by the voters at the last general elections, have ended up as cabinet ministers.

The sad thing about our presidents Yahapalanaya-Pachapalanaya is that he has taken the worst aspect of the American system (making cabinet ministers out of those whom the people rejected at the polls) and left out the good part of the American system (where all nominations have to be approved by the legislature). Kaata kiyannade?
Mount Maunganui is being overrun with VW enthusiast who have pulled into town for The Run to the Sun.

Around 80 classic Volkswagens in all, plus disciples, are down at the Phoenix carpark today to help raise money and awareness of the surf lifesaving club.
We celebrate Mothers day and Fathers day  but on Sunday, March 6 its going to be all about the kids on The Strand in Tauranga.

YMCA Tauranga is celebrating Childrens Day for 2016 with a free day of fun and activities for kids of all ages from 10am-2pm.
Syracuse, N.Y.  A six-month project to restore the 92-year-old chandeliers of the historic Hotel Syracuse is coming to an end.

Workers from Grand Light, a lighting restoration company in Seymour, Conn., are bringing the chandeliers back to the hotel, now named Marriott Syracuse Downtown. They are scheduled to begin reinstalling them on Tuesday.

Altogether, artisans at Grand Light have restored eight chandeliers from the hotel's lobby and five from the Grand Ballroom (three of which weigh over 700 pounds).

"They're functional pieces of art that were created for the hotel," said Ryan Stockman, vice president of Grand Light. "They're historical. The craftsmanship is unbelievable."

In addition to restoring the chandeliers, Grand Light has restored 16 wall sconces from the Grand Ballroom and has built 10 new (but old looking) chandeliers for the hotel's Persian Terrace room.

The work is part of owner Ed Riley's $70 million renovation of the 92-year-old hotel, which closed in 2004. Riley acquired the downtown Syracuse structure in 2014 and plans to reopen it as a full-service Marriott with 261 rooms and historically restored common areas this summer.

Workers removed the light fixtures from the hotel in September and shipped them to Grand Light's facility in Connecticut. They then disassembled them, cleaned and repaired their iron, brass and plaster components, repainted them, and then reassembled them with all-new wiring and energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Stockman said 12 of the company's 15 employees worked "full steam" on the project for the past six months.

"A project like this utilizes every skill set required for a museum-quality restoration  cleaning, metal fixing, hand painting, plaster repair, replication," he said.

Workers performed much of the work by hand. However, Grand Light employed advanced technology for some of the job. For example, crystals from the chandeliers were placed in a tub filled with a cleaning solution, then hit with ultrasonic waves to reach the nooks and crannies that hand cleaning could not, Stockman said.

Grand Light is almost as old as the hotel's chandeliers. Founded in 1929 as an electrical equipment distributor, it now specializes in restoring historic lighting fixtures and fabricating custom fixtures. Among its other recent projects, it was selected to restore crystal chandeliers at the U.S. Capitol.

Below is a video showing a Grand Light artisan cleaning part of a Hotel Syracuse chandelier using a cleaning solution and ultrasonic waves:

Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148


Syracuse, N.Y.  Spencer Wallace, who managed the Hotel Syracuse for many years and hoped to see its reopening this summer, has died. He was 92.

Wallace, of Manlius, became general manager of the downtown Syracuse hotel in 1963 after 18 years of management service with the Statler and Hilton chains in Boston, Detroit and Montreal. He was named president of the publicly held Hotel Syracuse Inc. in 1970 and later served as a consultant to the hotel until his retirement in 1988.

The hotel opened in 1924 and was the grand lady of Central New York hotels for many decades before filing bankruptcy and closing in 2004. Wallace, however, closely followed efforts to reopen it and was always available to assist reporters writing about the building, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

In 2014, hotel developer Ed Riley, of Camillus, bought the hotel and began a $70 million renovation, with plans to reopen it as the Marriott Syracuse Downtown this summer. In October, he invited Wallace, who was a year older than the hotel, back to tour the renovation work with the hotel's new manager, Paul McNeil.

During the tour, Wallace agreed to pose for a picture in the hotel lobby at the same spot where he posed for a photo as a much younger man in 1964, a year after he became the hotel's general manager.

"It was the headquarters for Syracuse," he said of the hotel. "Everyone in the area would make it a point to come in at some point. It was a real special place."

He told a reporter he hoped to be able to return for the hotel's reopening, adding,"It's wonderful what they're doing."

It was not to be. Wallace, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was just 7 years old and took insulin every day for the rest of his life, underwent a recent heart procedure and a surgery. He survived both, but then fell and broke his hip while recovering from the surgery, his wife of nearly 60 years, Margaret Wallace, said.

Wallace developed pneumonia while recovering from the broken hip and died Feb. 23 at Crouse Hospital.

A memorial service was held Monday at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fayetteville. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Daniel, of Maitland, Fla., and a brother, James, of Kennebunk, Maine.

Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148
AUBURN, N.Y. -- Authorities are seeking help finding a missing 15-year-old girl who has run away before.

Auburn police said Paige S. Sharp ran away from Cayuga Centers, at 202 Franklin St., in Auburn, around 11 p.m. Wednesday and has not been heard from since.

She is described as a 5-foot-3-inch white girl weighing about 125 pounds. She has brown hair, brown eyes and a tattoo of an infinity symbol on the left side of her abdomen. Police said they did not know what clothing she was wearing when she disappeared.

Sharp has several contacts in Cayuga and Tompkins counties. She may be in the city of Ithaca, police said.

Sharp ran away on Dec. 1, 2015, but had intermittent contact with family. She was not reported missing to the police until Jan. 29. She was found in Tompkins County on Feb. 11 after police received several tips.

Police asked anyone with information on Sharp's whereabouts to contact 315-253-3231.
2014-07-09-ll-destiny3.JPG

Destiny USA as seen from The Cheesecake Factory entrance to the mall. A man was stabbed in the mall parking lot Saturday morning.

(Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man stabbed early Saturday morning in the Destiny USA parking lot is expected to survive, police say.

Syracuse police officers working the security detail at the mall around 1:35 a.m. called for help after finding a wounded man, said Sgt. Richard Helterline, of the Syracuse Police Department. The man, 25, had been stabbed in the lower abdomen, Helterline said.

The man was cut across his abdomen in the parking lot outside the Cheesecake Factory, a source said. Bleeding heavily, the victim was rushed by Rural/Metro Ambulance to Upstate University Hospital for surgery.

The victim is listed in critical condition, but is expected to survive, Helterline said.

The suspect may be a heavy-set man who is about 6 feet tall, Helterline said. The investigation into the stabbing remains open.

The parking lot near the Cheesecake Factory is located on the east side of the mall near Hiawatha Boulevard. Most of Destiny USA closes at 9:30 p.m.

Police asked anyone with information about the stabbing to call (314) 442-5222 or submit an anonymous tip through the SPD Tips app.
Murky waters from Lake Okeechobee discharges flow south Feb. 11 from the St. Lucie Inlet. The Army Corps of Engineers opened the St. Lucie Lock and Dam on Jan. 30 and Lake Okeechobee water has been flowing into the St. Lucie River since. The lake water dumps nitrogen into the river which eventually can create toxic algae blooms. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

SHARE

By Isadora Rangel

TALLAHASSEE - State lawmakers are doing more than they did last year to address Lake Okeechobee discharges into the Indian River Lagoon.

They are proposing to carve out a fund for existing cleanup projects while prioritizing those that alleviate discharges.

Yet the Legislature hasn't looked into what some experts say is the only solution to the problem: buying land south of the lake to create a pathway for excess water to flow into the Everglades instead of east into the St. Lucie and west into the Caloosahatchee estuaries. A 2015 University of Florida study commissioned by the Florida Senate suggested the floway south as one of the solutions.

Follow our Lake Okeechobee discharge meter for daily updates.

Last year, with an option to buy more than 26,000 acres from U.S. Sugar Corp., Senate President-elect Joe Negron tried to borrow up to $500 million that could be used for that purpose but his proposal died.

Since then, the "buying land south" topic has been dead in Tallahassee. On the Treasure Coast, the topic is still alive on social media and in protests as residents grapple with the effects of the lake releases that started Jan. 30.

How's the water in your area?

Negron said his bill to create a minimum 10-year fund for Everglades-related projects could free up enough money to buy land in the future. The House and Senate have yet to negotiate a final amount for that fund and some of the money would be tied to other restoration projects. Negron said he's committed to looking for "the best course of action to reduce the need for discharges" when he becomes president in 2017-18.

"To me the issue is making sure we have the revenue available to be in the marketplace to purchase lands," he said. "It's similar to purchasing a house. Until you have cash or financing, no one takes you seriously."

Focus on existing projects

Lawmakers this year have chosen to focus on finishing Everglades, Lake Okeechobee and estuary restoration projects already in the works and provided a bump for them from $89.7 million last year to $205.8 million in a budget deal unveiled Thursday. The House and Senate have to pass the budget before the March 11 scheduled end of session.

The budget also mandates the state must give priority to water storage projects that relief discharges and that can be "implemented expeditiously" when the state uses money allocated this year. That likely means storing water on existing public land as well as the so-called water farms, in which the state pays private landowners around the lake to store water on their property, said Audubon Florida Executive Director Eric Draper. One those water farms is on a former citrus grove near Indiantown owned by Caulkins Citrus Co., which pumps water out of the C-44 Canal.

Ideal solution

All water farming projects combined would reduce lake levels by 1 to 2 inches, Draper said. He said that helps relief discharges and he is glad the Legislature is focused on the Everglades and the lake this year. Yet the final solution would be to buy land and move water south.

But before the Legislature allocates money for that the South Florida Water Management District would have to conduct a study on how many acres are needed and where, Draper said. The 2015 study by the University of Florida Water Institute found the state needs 11,000 to 129,000 additional acres of storage between Lake O and the Everglades. The study also points out to other options to help reduce discharges, such as finishing existing projects and using well storage north of the lake as a temporary solution.

"At some point land needs to be bought," Draper said.

Optimistic

Despite not looking into buying land south, the Legislature is proposing more money for overall land conservation, such as buying lands for parks. There's $92 million compared with last year's $55 million. Draper said he wanted about $100 million and more going into the Florida Forever land acquisition program, which got $15.1 million. Environmentalists want to revive the program after voters approved Amendment 1 in 2014 to set aside one-third of documentary tax revenue to buy, restore and improve water and land.

Rep. Ben Albritton, a Wauchula Republican in charge of drafting the environmental section of the state budget, said the Legislature has made significant progress by putting more money into a program that pays ranchers not to develop their land, which makes up about 40 percent of the total proposed this year.

With Amendment 1 in effect for 19 more years, Albritton said there's still time for the Legislature to put more into land purchases. But first the state should better manage its land, such as by controlling exotic species.

"Maybe in the future after we do a better job of land management. ... Isn't the argument for at least incrementally purchasing more land a more valid argument?" he said.
The Florida State Capitol building pictured during the first week of the 2016 Florida legislative session in Tallahassee. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

SHARE The Florida State Capitol building pictured during the first week of the 2016 Florida legislative session in Tallahassee. (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

TALLAHASSEE - With one more week before the end of the legislative session, it's crunchtime for the House and Senate to negotiate a state budget and pass it before Friday.

The chambers already reached a deal on health care and environmental spending and are giving more money for Everglades restoration with an emphasis on projects that reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges. They couldn't agree on the $250 million Gov. Rick Scott asked for in economic incentives to attract companies to Florida, so there's no money for that.

The Legislature gave final passage to a bill that revamps the state's death penalty system after the U.S. Supreme Court in January found it to be unconstitutional because it gives too much power to judges and not the jury. The House and Senate agreed on a 10-2 jury decision to recommend a death sentence, which is less than the unanimous decision the Senate previously wanted, but more than the current 7-5 vote minimum requirement.

Bills to allow the open carry of weapons and to regulate fracking while prohibiting local governments from banning the oil and gas drilling method likely are dead this session.

Here's how bills filed by Treasure Coast lawmakers progressed:

Sen. Joe Negron, R- Stuart (parts of Martin, St. Lucie, northern Palm Beach and Indian River counties)

Bill to prohibit state from contracting with companies that boycott Israel: Cleared the Legislature and heads to Scott to sign.

Bill to create separate dental services from medical services provided under Medicaid after a study is conducted on the current system: Ready for a Senate vote.

Bill that requires the lesser of $145 million or 25 percent of Amendment 1 dollars over 10 years to go to Everglades restoration, with an emphasis on projects that reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee rivers. Also creates a fund for springs Lake Apopka and Kings Bay restoration: Ready to be heard on the floor.

Bill to allow people injured in a terrorist attack to sue those involved or who facilitated it for damages: Cleared the Senate.

Sen. Thad Altman, R-Rockledge (parts of Brevard and Indian River counties)

Bill revising provisions relating to the passing of a vehicle, such as allowing bicycles to pass a vehicle on the right under certain circumstances: Ready to be heard on the Senate floor.

Bill that requires law enforcement to issue a civil citation for some teenagers younger than 16 for some misdemeanors, such as retail theft, instead of arresting them: Ready to be heard on the floor.

Bill to create the Florida Commission on Poverty to advise the governor and state agencies on the issue: Ready to be heard on the floor.

Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring (Okeechobee and parts of Highlands, Martin, Osceola, Polk and St. Lucie counties):

Bill to authorize a physical therapist to implement a plan of treatment provided for a patient by a physician licensed in other states: Ready to be signed by Scott.

Bill that prohibits counties and medical examiners from charging a fee for an examination, investigation or autopsy to determine the cause of death of a person, but allows a fee of up to $50 for the examiner's approval of cremation, burial at sea or dissection of a body: Ready for a House vote.

Bill that exempts rehabilitating hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes from reporting the dispensing of controlled substances to the state's prescription drug monitoring program: Scheduled to be heard in the House Monday.

Rep. Gayle Harrell, R- Stuart (parts of Martin and St. Lucie counties)

Bill to require the Department of Children and Families to set performance standards for entities that manage mental health and substance abuse recovery services, among other things: Ready for a vote in the House.

Bill that enhances requirements the state and school districts must follow to identify students with difficulty reading: Ready for a House vote.

Bill that requires the lesser of $200 million or 25 percent of Amendment 1 dollars to go to Everglades restoration, with an emphasis on projects that reduce Lake Okeechobee discharges into the St. Lucie River: Cleared the House.

Rep. MaryLynn Magar, R-Tequesta (parts of northern Palm Beach and Martin counties)

Bill that expands the eligibility for medical school faculty physicians to practice medicine in Florida without a state license to Florida Atlantic University professors: Ready to be signed by Scott.

Bill to enhance licensing requirements for fumigators and allow the state to adopt safety procedures for clearance of homes for re-occupation after fumigation; bill was filed after a Palm City boy suffered brain damage after his house was fumigated: Cleared the House.

Bill that establishes a frailty-based screening process to prioritize people for enrollment in a Medicaid program that provides assistance for seniors and disabled adults who need home care or who are in nursing and assisted living homes, among other things: Cleared the House.

Rep. Larry Lee Jr., D-Port St. Lucie (part of St. Lucie County)

Bill that creates the "Art in the Capitol Competition," which allows students in grades 6 through 8 to submit their work for display in the Florida Capitol building: Ready to be signed by Scott.

Bill that creates the Healthy Food Financing Initiative Pilot Program to provide financing to build grocery stores in low income communities: Cleared the House.

Bill that allows the St. Lucie County Fire District to borrow up to 10 percent of its operating budget to buy firetrucks and ambulances and build stations: Scheduled to be heard on the House floor Tuesday.

Rep. Cary Pigman, R-Avon Park (Glades, Highlands, Okeechobee and part of St. Lucie counties)

Bill to allow physician assistants and advanced registered nurse practitioners to prescribe controlled substances, which can cause addiction: Cleared the House.

Bill to add requirements for hospitals that provide adult cardiac treatment, such as staffing and training requirements: Cleared the House.
A Florida East Coast Railway train stops as employees are changed out in Fort Pierce, as seen from the dead-end of Avenue E on March 2, 2015. (XAVIER MASCARE-AS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)





CQ:

DATE TAKEN:3/2/15

By Lisa Broadt of TCPalm

By the end of 2017, trains traveling the Florida East Coast Railway tracks would blast their horns at least 9,000 times a day.

All 9,000 would occur as Brightline passenger trains and Florida East Coast freight trains cut through the Treasure Coast.

To silence the 110-decibel horns, local governments officials need only raise their hands and ask the Federal Railroad Administration for quiet zones, or stretches of track where safety infrastructure meets a federal standard eliminating the need for a train to sound its horn.

But, at least for now, no officials have plans to do so - even though it would be all but free, according to All Aboard Florida president Michael Reininger.

Nearly two years ago, the company said that to mitigate the effects of its $3 billion, Miami-to-Orlando railroad, it would help pay for quiet zones.

Last year it made good on that promise to local governments between Miami and Orlando, paying for at least 20 percent, and in some cases up to 85 percent, of the work needed to meet quiet-zone standards, according Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization.

All Aboard Florida has offered the Treasure Coast an even better deal. Here it would be virtually free, because work planned north of West Palm Beach already exceeds quiet-zone standards, according to All Aboard Florida.

When communities establish quiet zones on their own, costs can vary from $30,000 to more than $1 million per crossing, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.

Reininger on Thursday said that despite interest among Treasure Coast residents, no local government has applied to the railroad administration.

Reininger said he hopes the governments will come around, but emphasized that only local governments can initiate the process.

"We're standing by the ready to help with any applications. We have a little experience with it, having gone through it with some of the other municipalities," Reininger said. "We're happy to engage in that conversation. We've been open to that engagement for a long, long time."

Treasure Coast officials previously have said accepting quiet zones would increase crossing maintenance costs - for which local governments are responsible - and could increase liability for accidents.

But there may also be concern about perception: Indian River and Martin counties are in the midst of lawsuits against All Aboard Florida and say the project can and will be stopped.

Requesting the quiet zones apparently could indicate resignation or could be viewed as cooperation, some Stuart and Martin County officials have said.

The basic objection is "philosophical," according to Stuart City Manager Paul Nicoletti.

"Until they agree to mitigate some of the adverse impacts, we just feel like it's not the time to negotiate," Nicoletti said.

Still, local governments have not ruled out the possibility.

Fort Pierce City Clerk Linda Cox on Friday said the city is "evaluating whether to consider quiet zones" but has not applied.

St. Lucie County, meanwhile, hopes to hold a regional forum for municipalities to discuss quiet zones, according to spokesman Erick Gill.

"After that, we would schedule a workshop with the Board of County Commissioners to decide on what direction we want to go," Gill said.

Sebastian officials previously have expressed interest in quiet zones and have spoken with the railroad administration but have not yet made a formal application, according to All Aboard Florida.

Construction of the passenger railroad already has begun between Miami and West Palm Beach, and service there is to begin by mid-2017, with full service beginning in late 2017.

QUIET ZONE PROCESS

The steps generally needed to establish a quiet zone:

Determine which crossings will be included in the quiet zone.

Conduct a diagnostic review of the crossings.

Update the U.S. Department of Transportation on the current physical and operating conditions at each public, private and pedestrian crossing in the proposed quiet zone.

Provide a Notice of Intent to the state and railroad. The notice must explain any planned safety improvements.

Complete safety improvements. All the crossings need to have, at minimum, an automatic warning system with flashing lights and gates.

Establish the quiet zone by providing a Notice of Quiet Zone Establishment to the railroad and state and federal agencies. The quiet zone can go into effect 21 days after the notice is sent out.

Source: Federal Railroad Administration
Images from the Feb. 16, 2016 special Port St. Lucie City Council meeting where City Attorney Pam Booker's contract was terminated.(ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS)

SHARE

By Nicole Rodriguez of TCPalm

PORT ST. LUCIE - A new communication procedure meant to make the city more transparent - after a Treasure Coast Newspapers investigation revealed a seemingly opaque public-records system - will become official policy.

The City Council on Friday, at its annual winter retreat, directed staff to make the new procedure permanent policy. City Manager Jeff Bremer implemented the system last month following the investigation and a series of news stories that broke city news to the City Council, angering its members.

Bremer revamped the procedures by firing the city communications director, forbidding city employees from speaking to the media, setting up a system for all department heads to help craft responses to media requests and planning to brief the City Council more frequently on all issues. All media inquires must be submitted in writing and will be circulated among city administrators.

Bremer and Assistant City Manager Daniel Holbrook claim the "centralized" policy will spare the city embarrassment in the future.

"Yes, it's increased the number of emails we're all getting, but the clear thing is that we know the conversations that are happening before articles are going out," Holbrook said Friday. "It also is helping to control the message."

The city is recruiting a new communications director and has nearly 40 applications, Holbrook said.

"If it's a policy, then the level of accountability then goes into that and so that we can all be accountable and we can all hold each other accountable in making sure everybody is on the same page," Councilwoman Shannon Martin said Friday.

Bremer rolled out the procedure in a Feb. 9 memo, calling it part of a "Trilogy of Transparency." The last installment has yet to be released.

Treasure Coast Newspapers in January reported the Legal Department took weeks and sometimes months to fulfill seemingly routine public-records requests from the public and the news media. An internal audit of the public-records system still is pending and will take up to three months to complete, Bremer said.

The new procedure was strictly enforced after the Feb. 16 firing of City Attorney Pam Booker following what the City Council characterized as a communications breakdown among Bremer and Booker's offices and the City Council over their handling of pressing issues and high-profile cases and the mishandling of public-records requests by the Legal Department.

Bremer took the blame for any embarrassment the City Council experienced through media reports.

"I want to apologize to staff and City Council for any embarrassment over actions or inactions that have happened over the past several months," Bremer said after Booker's firing. "It is my responsibility to accept that responsibility, and I have failed to properly identify needs that need to be brought back to the City Council for their consideration."
Tushar Senior - BHPian



Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,148 Thanked: 8,557 Times

Rumour: Honda India to launch HR-V



Honda currently offers the CR-V in India and with the BR-V on its way, Honda may be looking to use the HR-V to fill in the gap between the two. The HR-V / Vezel was revealed in 2013 at the Tokyo Motor Show and it was believed that it would not be launched in India as production costs would prevent it from being priced competitively. However, the Creta's success may have caused Honda to revisit the idea of introducing the HR-V here to take advantage of the rising popularity of SUVs that have cracked the ground underneath D-segment sedans.



No official sources have confirmed the HR-V's Indian prospects yet. In the UK, the HR-V gets a 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine (129 BHP / 155 Nm) and a 1.6L i-DTEC diesel (118 BHP / 300 Nm), with only two-wheel drive available.



Source:



Honda is gearing up to launch the Brio-based BR-V compact SUV in India later this year and rumours of a Jazz based crossover making its way into Honda's line-up have also arisen. Now, it looks like the Japanese automaker is looking to expand its UV portfolio further as a report suggests that the Honda HR-V has been slated for a launch in 2017.Honda currently offers the CR-V in India and with the BR-V on its way, Honda may be looking to use the HR-V to fill in the gap between the two. The HR-V / Vezel was revealed in 2013 at the Tokyo Motor Show and it was believed that it would not be launched in India as production costs would prevent it from being priced competitively. However, the Creta's success may have caused Honda to revisit the idea of introducing the HR-V here to take advantage of the rising popularity of SUVs that have cracked the ground underneath D-segment sedans.No official sources have confirmed the HR-V's Indian prospects yet. In the UK, the HR-V gets a 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine (129 BHP / 155 Nm) and a 1.6L i-DTEC diesel (118 BHP / 300 Nm), with only two-wheel drive available.Source: Zigwheels Last edited by Tushar : 4th March 2016 at 15:36 .
Dell on Tuesday announced the release of its first purpose-built industrial PC products for the mainstream market: the Embedded Box PC 3000 Series and 5000 Series.

The products are a response to the growing embedded computing market and the lack of reliable devices, Dell said.

The embedded systems market was valued at more than US$11 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach $23.1 billion in 2019, growing at a compound annual rate of almost 15 percent, according to aTechnavio study that Dell cited.

Falling component costs, improved power efficiencies, increasing return-on-investment needs, and demand from the Internet of Things are fueling that growth.

Known Quantity

Customers have consistently told us that current embedded solutions do not meet the level of cost-effective sophistication, scale and support they need for these to be a critical, reliable component of their operations, said Andy Rhodes, Dells executive director of commercial IoT solutions.

Dell provides global scale and an end-to-end IT and operations technology security portfolio, he said.

The products rugged design can withstand extreme temperatures while using a fanless cooling system, which is beneficial in several applications, according to Dell spokesperson Sarah Luden.

These were made to be used in a wide range of industries, from digital signage to factory automation and transportation and construction. Within factory automation, the fan is the first thing to go down, she told TechNewsWorld.

Its also much quieter, so in a hospital setting, think of MRI machines, where patient care and comfort is important, Luden added.

The IoT is a new arena for many business owners, and investing in costly computers and programmers can be a scary proposition, she noted. For some people, the Internet of Things is new, so they want to go with a brand they know.

Why This Box Is Different

What makes the Dell PC appealing is its out-of-the-box capabilities, said Christian Juarez, an instructor atTechShop.

Dell Embedded Box PC

The IoT is helping industries streamline their processes to make work more efficient. The whole point of IoT is bringing everything to the cloud and then connecting to the Internet and then having a control center for it, Juarez told TechNewsWorld.

What happens a lot of times is that you have to set up the control center yourself. If youre setting it up yourself, as opposed to what Dells offering, you have to decide on your distro, have all kinds of software running to get everything working together, you have to code things yourself, things of that nature, he said.

With Dell, they have software built in for you, so you dont have to do that much. Software can be a huge issue, so with something like an out-of-the-box embedded machine youre going to appeal to a lot more people, Juarez added.

Microcomputers like Raspberry Pi are used for control centers, he noted, but that kind of device requires expert-level programming skills that a Dell doesnt necessarily need, which may help companies save money in the long run.

The Embedded Box PCs will be available this summer. Pricing starts at $1,099 for the 3000 series and $1,699 for the 5000 series.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid RaAd Al-Hussein on Friday weighed in on the Apple-FBI dispute, asking U.S. authorities to proceed with great caution. The legal fight centers on a courts order that Apple help the FBI access encrypted iPhone data to aid its investigation of the San Bernardino terrorist attack.

Such a move could lead to crackdowns in various authoritarian countries, Al-Hussein said.

In order to address a security-related issue related to encryption in one case, the authorities risk unlocking a Pandoras Box that could have extremely damaging implications for the human rights of many millions of people, including their physical and financial security, he contended.

Legal Wrangling Ahead

The case is far from settled. Apple has appealed the order, and a hearing is scheduled later this month in a federal court in northern California.

In the meantime, everyone involved should consider the wider implications of such a decision, Al-Hussein urged.

The San Bernardino attack was an abominable crime, he acknowledged. A husband and wife who were ISIS sympathizers killed 14 people and injured 22 in a mass shooting.

Everyone should support the FBI in its investigation, Al-Hussein said.

However, the issue at hand has ramifications that extend beyond this one case and this one particular company, he pointed out.

A successful case against Apple in the U.S. will set a major precedent that may make it impossible for Apple or any other major international IT company to safeguard their clients privacy anywhere in the world, Al-Hussein cautioned.

Those big picture concerns beg the question of how the FBI should carry out its investigation of the San Bernardino case. Would some type of compromise be possible if the iPhone at the center of the controversy contained valuable evidence?

Thats a big if,' said Rupert Colville, a spokesperson for the commissioner.

There may be nothing of interest on the phone, he told TechNewsWorld. People have been investigating and solving crimes long before the invention of the smartphone.

Rogue States

Foreign governments have pressured Google and BlackBerry to expose their customers through mass surveillance, Al-Hussein pointed out.

BlackBerry last year threatened to exit Pakistan rather than comply with the governments demand for access to its servers, he recalled.

China has pressured Google to censor its search engine, Al-Hussein added.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority requires prior approval for the use of VPNs and encryption, he pointed out, citing a 2015 report on the role of encryption in human rights.

Buba (Germanys central bank) requires regulatory authority for those using encryption, the report notes.

China reportedly requires that encryption products adhere to government-approved algorithms that have not been peer reviewed for security.

Officials in the U.S. and UK have advocated creating backdoor access to encrypted devices. Other countries like Bolivia and Brazil prohibit anonymous speech, according to the report. In Iran, all IP addresses inside the country must be registered, and cybercafe users must provide their real names when using a computer.

Advocates back UN

Privacy and human rights advocates echo many of Al-Husseins concerns.

The high commissioner is right to raise concerns about the serious global human rights ramifications of this case, maintained Jamil Dakwar, director of the ACLU Human Rights Program.

A particular worry is the risk of helping authoritarian regimes, he told TechNewsWorld, as well as the threat to privacy and cybersecurity for millions around the world.

There are several important issues related to the debate between Apple the FBI, according to the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Among them are First Amendment implications, privacy rights, human rights and democracy.

We believe that compelling Apple to build a backdoor for its own product actually undermines the security and personal safety of millions of Americans and others around the world, especially those living under authoritarian regimes, spokesperson Karen Gullo told TechNewsWorld, by creating the legal precedent, by weakening the trust users have in software updates supposedly authorized by companies, and by building the technology itself.
One of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is usually treated with medications and behavioral therapy. A new study, however, suggests that children on medication for ADHD may have lower bone density compared to their peers.

Researchers from the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research examined more than 5,300 patients and compared children who took ADHD drugs with those who did not. They found that kids on medication had lower bone mineral density in the femur, femoral neck, and lumbar spine or lower back.

"This is an important step in understanding a medication class that is used with increasing frequency, and its effect on children who are at a critical time for building their bones," said Dr. Jessica Rivera, an orthopedic surgeon with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research.

They presented the study at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Link Between ADHD Meds And Osteopenia

About 25 percent of children on ADHD drugs met criteria for osteopenia, a condition wherein there is reduced bone mass of lesser severity than osteoporosis. Kids who use medications such as dexmethylphenidate (Focalin), methylphenidate (Ritalin), atomoxetine (Strattera), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).

The definite link between osteopenia in childhood and osteoporosis in later life has not been confirmed yet. Osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass that increases the likelihood of brittle bones and fracture risk.

The drugs used to treat ADHD symptoms can lead to gastrointestinal problems, such as upset stomach and loss of appetite. This could lead to nutritional deficit and lower calcium intake. Another mechanism of the drug includes decreasing bone density by altering the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for bone regeneration and remodeling.

What Should Be Done?

Since most of these medications are given to growing children and most skeletal growth happens by the age of 20, the researchers urge doctors to include nutritional counseling in the treatment regimen of kids under these medications. Other preventive measures should also be considered as well as informing the parents about the risks of taking these medications.

"Parents of patients taking ADHD medications should be informed of potential bone loss, especially if the findings of this study are validated in prospective studies." said Dr. Rivera.

What Is ADHD?

Children Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disordr (ADHD) may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors and may be hyperactive. Normally, children may have a problem in paying attention at one time or another but those with ADHD do not grow out of these behaviors.

The symptoms may continue and cause difficulty at home and in school. Common signs and symptoms include daydreaming a lot, being forgetful, squirming, fidgeting, having trouble taking turns, and they have a difficulty getting along with others.

ADHD By The Numbers

ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral condition usually diagnosed in childhood. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 6.4 million children were diagnosed with ADHD through 2011.

The number of kids diagnosed with ADHD continues to increase from 7.8 percent in 2003 to 9.5 percent in 2011 and 11 percent in 2011. The condition affects boys more than girls. About 13.2 percent of boys are affected compared to 5.6 percent of girls.

On average, ADHD is diagnosed when children reach 7 years old and the state with the highest prevalence of ADHD is Kentucky with 18.7 percent. Nevada, on the other hand, has the lowest prevalence with 5.6 percent.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A team of scientists has discovered that chemicals used as flame retardants, which are harmful to humans, are found in the hair and nails. This could be a biomarker that could make it easier for scientists to study how much a person is exposed to flame retardants.

Flame retardants are usually added to foam, plastic, textiles and wood. Exposure to these chemicals in various forms has been linked to learning disabilities, neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, endocrine problems and obesity.

At present, scientists rely on blood, urine and breast milk samples to provide an idea of exposure levels. Compared with hair and nails, these conventional methods are more difficult to obtain.

The researchers collected samples from hair, toenails and fingernails from 50 students from Bloomington. They compared chemical levels found in the samples and those found in their blood.

They found a strong relationship between the levels of flame retardants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), found in hair and nails, and levels found in serum. The study also shows that higher concentrations of flame retardants are found in women, probably because they use nail polishes that contain those chemicals.

"Little is known about the human exposure to flame retardants, especially new classes of the retardants," said Amina Salamova, a researcher from Indiana University.

"The first step is to establish a relatively easy and reliable way of measuring chemical levels in people, especially children, and we've determined that hair and nails can provide exactly that," she added.

This group of chemicals has been widely used in various industries. They are persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals that can cause several health problems. These chemicals are neurotoxic and can cause neurobehavioral and developmental problems. In addition to that, they are known carcinogens.

Consumers can limit exposure to these chemicals through limiting consumption of animal fats and farmed-raised fish, cleaning floors with vacuums to trap fine particles of dust and keeping the house well-ventilated. Most importantly, make sure furniture or mattresses do not contain these chemicals, which may predispose the family to serious health problems.

Indiana University Collaborative Research Grant funded the study and was published online in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

Photo: Moyan Brenn | Flickr

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Scientists have long been fascinated with the ability of certain octopus and squid species to adapt to their surroundings by changing the texture and color of their skin. This trait allows the creatures to effectively use a natural form of three-dimensional morphing to camouflage themselves against would be attackers.

In a study featured in the journal Science, graduate students at Cornell University in New York describe how they were able to use the concept of glowing octopus skin to develop an artificial version that can stretch several times its original size and even emit light.

Electroluminescent Skin

To create the new glowing skin technology, the researchers made use of a device known as a hyper-elastic light-emitting capacitor (HLEC) that was developed using a pair of ionic, hydrogel electrodes that have been embedded in a silicone matrix. The HLEC has better stretchability compared to other light emitters made from organic semiconductors.

The color-changing feature of the electroluminescent skin comes from the matrix, which contains zinc sulfide and different kinds of transition metals. These metals can emit various wavelengths whenever they are exposed to electric currents, such as magnesium for yellow light and copper for blue light.

The plate-like design of the capacitors' layout allows them to serve as some form of actuation sensors capable of detecting deformations on the artificial skin caused by stretching or pressure.

Practical Uses

The Cornell researchers tested their new electroluminescent skin by placing it on a simple three-chamber soft robot. They also added inflatable layers to the bottom of the robot to allow it to move. With each linear expansion of the robot's chambers, it causes the device to wiggle forward much like how a worm would move.

Robert Shepherd, a mechanical and aerospace engineering professor at Cornell and lead author of the study, said that they were able to develop two things: a soft robot capable of changing colors and information display, and a display capable of changing shapes.

Shepherd and his colleagues view the creation of the color-changing skin as a significant development that could have a number of uses, especially in the field of robotics.

Researchers can use the technology's changing colors as a way for robots to express moods, allowing them to establish a better emotional connection with people.

Shepherd added that the artificial skin can also be used to create wearable electronic devices. It makes it an ideal base for gadgets, such as Fitbit and the Apple Watch, because its stretchability allows it to conform to the wearer's shape well.

"You could have a rubber band that goes around your arm that also displays information," study co-author Chris Larson pointed out.

"You could be in a meeting and have a rubber band-like device on your arm and could be checking your email. That's obviously in the future, but that's the direction we're looking in."

Shepherd also envisions using the stretchable technology to develop devices that display buttons, such as a volume control knob, only when users need them and then goes away once they are finished adjusting it.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Samsung has taken into its own hands handset subsidization, confirming and launching the rumored Upgrade Programme for the UK. The device leasing program arrives ahead of the company's latest pair of flagship phones.



Samsung is working through a third-party financier, Close Brothers Limited's Pay 4 Later Limited. Consumers in the UK can drop a 10 percent deposit on a Samsung Galaxy S7 or S7 edge and pay the rest of the price over a 24-month period. After 12 months of on-time payments, a lessee will qualify for an upgrade to the latest Samsung Galaxy handset.



"Once we have received, inspected and confirmed the eligibility criteria we will settle the outstanding balance on your initial finance agreement with Close Brothers Limited on your behalf and you will not be required to make any further payments under the agreement. You must sign up to a new 24 month finance agreement," Samsung says.



Beyond making payments on time, lessees will need to take care of their handsets. Badly damaged handsets will disqualify consumers from upgrading. Old phone s will need to power up and charge when attached to an approved Samsung charger. The screen must also be functional with no cracks in it. The keys and buttons, Wi-Fi, SIM reader, memory card slots, speaker and microphone must all still be functional. Also, the phones must be free of water damage.



Samsung will accept handsets with one or two light minor scuffs or scratches, and beyond that may require a surcharge of up to 150 (more than $200).



While consumers can upgrade after 12 months of on-time payments have passed, they aren't required to do so. They can simply continue to pay off their handsets.

To avail of the program, customers will have to deposit 56.90 ($81) and pay 24.58 ($35) monthly for the Galaxy S7. For the Galaxy S7 edge, they will need to give the same amount of deposit but with a slightly heftier 27.60 ($40) monthly payment. It's worth mentioning that the Galaxy flagships currently available under the program include only the 32 GB variants, but both in black and gold colors.



The Samsung Upgrade Programme for the UK only covers the cost of the handset, so consumers will still have to work out cell service details with a wireless carrier. And unlike wireless carriers, the monthly installment for Samsung's upgrade plan are subject to a 14.9 percent fixed APR.



The upgrade program's arrival in the UK is expected to be followed by its delivery to Samsung's homeland of Korea. There's no word if or when it will arrive in the U.S. or the EU.



For now, the only handset maker offering such an upgrade service to consumers in the U.S. is Apple, which announced its iPhone upgrade plan last fall, receiving adulation for doing so. The company also recently launched its Trade Up With Installments program last February.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London are pretty sure they have figured out the identity of the notoriously-elusive graffiti artist Banksy  all thanks to a little math.

In a paper recently published in the Journal of Spacial Science, the researchers detailed how they were able to geolocate Banksy "by identifying a pattern between the locations where his graffiti artworks most frequently appear and addresses with a close association to [the suspect]," reported the Independent, essentially "tagging" him  almost the reverse of what one would do in terms of geolocating themselves via a social media app (but a bit more complicated than that).

According to the original scientific article, the results they garnered aren't necessarily some sort of cat-and-mouse endgame regarding the artist; rather, the team used Banksy as a sort of stand-in for a terrorist-like figure in an effort to "help locate terrorist bases before more serious incidents [of terrorism] occur":

"Our analysis highlights areas associated with one prominent candidate (e.g., his home), supporting his identification as Banksy. More broadly, these results support previous suggestions that analysis of minor terrorism-related acts (e.g., graffiti) could be used to help locate terrorist bases before more serious incidents occur, and provides a fascinating example of the application of the model to a complex, real-world problem."

So, who is Banksy? Unfortunately, the answer is a little bit anticlimactic. The scientists fingered previous suspect Robin Gunningham as the culprit; Gunningham had been accused of being the true identity of the street artist back in 2008 after the British rag the Daily Mail claimed that it had figured it out after an exhaustive year-long search. Its key evidence? Paint cans used by Banksy and a photograph of Gunningham, who is pictured holding the same brand.

"I'd be surprised if it's not (Gunningham), even without our analysis, but it's interesting that the analysis offers additional support for it," said Steve Le Comber, a biologist co-author of the article, in an interview with the BBC.

"What I thought I would do is pull out the 10 most likely suspects, evaluate all of them and not name any," he continued, breaking down the process in pinpointing Banksy's geographic profile. "But it rapidly became apparent that there is only one serious suspect, and everyone knows who it is. If you Google Banksy and Gunningham you get something like 43,500 hits."

Gunningham was one of 140 suspects used for the study, titled "Tagging Banksy."

Source: Journal of Spatial Science

Photo: Francisco Huguenin Uhifelder | Flickr

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
HTC has revealed that its upcoming smartphone would have a "very, very compelling camera." Now, images of that device, the HTC One M10, have leaked, showing the device from all angles.

Samsung and LG unveiled their 2016 flagship smartphones at this year's Mobile World Congress in February. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are currently available for preorder from all four major carriers, and T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint have already begun shipping the handsets ahead of their official March 11 release date. All four carriers have pledged to offer the LG G5 in the coming weeks.

While HTC attended Mobile World Congress and launched new smartphones, it didn't announce its 2016 flagship smartphone. Instead, after watching Samsung and LG introduce their new devices, an HTC exec declared that his company was confident its upcoming smartphone would be very compelling.

"We can confidently say that HTC will have a very, very compelling camera experience. We're making this comment after we've seen what's going on in the market," said HTC CFO Chialin Chang.

HTC recently revealed a teaser image of the HTC One M10, which confirmed its rumored chamfered-edge design, and now, press renders of the smartphone have leaked, showing the handset from all angles.

The always-reliable Evan Blass posted what appear to be official press images of the HTC One M10. As you can see in the image above, the HTC One M10 will have a similar design to that of its predecessors but includes chamfered edges and a home button for its embedded fingerprint scanner. The photo also shows its rear UltraPixel camera with dual-LED flash.

The HTC One M10 is expected to feature a 5.1-inch 2,560 x 1,440 quad-HD AMOLED display, and run on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with an updated version of HTC Sense 8.0. The smartphone will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4 GB of RAM. Recent reports have claimed the device will ship with three internal storage configurations; 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB, in addition to a microSD expansion slot.

An HTC exec said that the smartphone would have a "very, very compelling camera," which is expected to be a 12-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front-facing shooter for video chat and selfies. The handset is also believed to pack in a large 3,000 mAh non-removable battery with Quick Charge 2.0 support and fingerprint scanner embedded in the home button.

HTC is expected to officially take the wraps off of the HTC One M10 at a press event in April. As always, we'll keep you posted on any new HTC One M10 details as they become available.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Marie Hatch, a 97-year-old woman facing impending eviction, dies at her home in Burlingame in San Francisco, California on Thursday.

Hatch was a feisty woman who would rather die on the train tracks than leave the house she had been residing in for 66 years.

Marie's Death

Hatch caught a severe cold, which was accompanied by heart palpitations and breathing problems. She was admitted to the hospital, and was later discharged, says Nanci Nishimura, one of Hatch's lawyers.

Turns out, Hatch was not able to recover fully as she succumbed to death due to natural causes from the respiratory virus she acquired.

She died in her home with her only son.

Neighbor Lisa Krieger updated Hatch's GoFundMe page, saying Hatch's "body and spirit were too weak to sustain her."

For Hatch's other lawyer named Nancy Fineman, her client's death is no doubt due to the impending eviction.

Notice For Eviction

Hatch is a retired bakery employee who lived in the two-bedroom cottage with her 85-year-old roommate Georgia Rothrock.

On Feb. 11, they received a notice for eviction that required them to move out within 60 days. If not, they would have to face sheriff's deputies.

During that time, Hatch said people were taking away everything from her, adding that she did not know what to do if ever she would 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?" she said.

Response To Eviction Notice

Fineman and Nishimura from Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy took over Hatch's case under pro bono service. They filed a complaint against landlord David Kantz on Feb. 26 at the Mateo County Superior Court.

The lawsuit alledges Kantz of breach of contract, elderly abuse and intentional infliction of emotional stress. It also claims that Vivian Kroeze, the original owner of the house, asked Hatch to move in with her for companionship. Kroeze promised that Hatch could live in the house until her death if she agreed to move in.

Kroeze eventually died, but her daughter and granddaughter kept that promise.

In 2006, however, granddaughter Pamela Kantz was killed by her new boyfriend during the process of her divorce with her husband, who turns out to be David. The estranged husband then assumed the role of Hatch's landlord.

Kantz said he just kind of inherited the property and that he cannot rely on past promises that were not really supported by written evidence. He just had to do what's best for his beneficiaries, which are his sons.

Kantz said he informed Hatch of the eviction in December 2015, adding that the move made him feel bad for Hatch, his sons and for himself.

Despite Hatch's death, Fineman said they will still continue with the lawsuit for the benefit of Rothrock, the Hatch family and all the people who knew and loved her.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
After a year in space, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly returns to Earth with a list of physical predicaments: sore muscles, skin issues and joint pains, among others.

Physical Issues

Kelly spent 340 days in orbit. When he landed in Kazakhstan, Thursday, he felt muscle soreness and joint pains that are far different from the last time he went on space missions.

"That was something that was kind of unexpected," he said in his first press conference since he returned back to Earth.

Kelly also mentioned about a certain skin issue that he has been experiencing since he arrived. He explained that because he had not grasped anything for too long, his skin has grown so sensitive that even mere walking, sitting or lying down create a burning sensation.

Long Space Mission

Astronauts are usually sent to the International Space Station for projects that last for six months at the maximum. However, that is not the case for Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko, who both spent twice the usual period of ISS stay.

Kelly said time was rather too slow while up in space, even saying that it seemed like he had lived there forever.

Kelly was sent to space to study the impacts of weightlessness, radiation and congested environment to humans during spaceflight. These things are said to be valuable factors in preparing for future missions to Mars.

Medical Tests

Kelly will undergo a series of medical tests, which will run for an entire year. Such tests will look into the physical, mental and psychological states of Kelly, not only to address whatever he is feeling, but also to determine how spaceflights affect humans.

The Space Experience

The space experience for Kelly looked like a busy one as he and his colleagues embarked on over 450 experiments in ISS.

Kelly said it was challenging to be away from family and friends, but he could stay longer if needed.

Most importantly, the experience did not only enrich Kelly's knowledge of space. He also realized more valuable things about the Earth too. This is because during his stay in the ISS, he was able to look down on Earth and appreciate it more.

He recalled how Asia looked very polluted that the grounds cannot be seen very clearly anymore.

He also mentioned about the extensive fire in California during the summer.

Ultimately, the most striking observation he made while up there is how thin and fragile the atmosphere of the Earth has become  something he describes to be alarming considering the amount of pollution he observed.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Current and future Samsung Galaxy S7 owners, there's no need to worry about the limited storage on the smartphone, as apps can be installed on the microSD card.

When the handset was first unveiled, it definitely turned some heads when it came strutting on the market with a microSD card slot, but it did draw some flak when the smartphone maker didn't provide support for the adoptable storage feature of Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Fortunately, that won't be much of an issue after all.

Droid Life Editor-in-Chief and Founder Kellen Barranger discovered that the Galaxy S7 lets users move apps to the external storage, pretty much the same way its predecessors did. Well, except for the Galaxy S6 lineup obviously. He continued to say that when he took out the SD card, the apps transferred to it went with it.

That's good news because it would be a shame not to be able to make the most out of the 200 GB microSD card support of the Galaxy S7, but the bigger reason is that the smartphone eats up a whopping 8 GB of space out of the box, all thanks to an avalanche of preloaded and system apps plus the TouchWiz on top. Coupled with the fact that only the 32 GB variant rolled out in the United States, a power user won't be happy with the circumstances, even if they offload every media file to the external storage.

Samsung explains that it opted out of the adoptable storage deal because it could cause some problems for consumers, such as when they could pull out the microSD card while the feature was in gear and possibly mess up the software.

For the uninitiated, adoptable storage essentially turns the microSD card into a part of the internal storage, allowing users to install apps on it and anything else that a native storage can offer. As everyone can imagine, people were not happy when Samsung ditched this.

To boil things down, it's a good idea to cram in a 200 GB microSD card into the Galaxy S7, and in the case of others, it's more or less a necessity. Perhaps Samsung could soon change its mind about adoptable storage, but this temporary solution of sorts is more than enough to quell the outrage that the absence of the feature has caused.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
An albino whale named Gallon of Milk made a rare appearance during a yearly whale census off Mexicos Pacific coast.

It was a welcome sight for conservation officials in the country as the extremely rare albino female gray whale had last been spotted in 2009.

The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) posted a Facebook video showing the whale swimming in waters located near Baja California Sur in Mexico with a small calf in tow. The offspring did not appear to inherit her albino appearance.

Gallon of Milk was first documented during the 2008-2009 season and belonged to an annual count of gray whales migrating to the area.

According to CONANP, 2,211 gray whales showed up this year in the Ojo de Liebre lagoon of the El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, the biological landscape of which researchers have been monitoring for 20 years now. Of those specimens, 1,004 are calves born in Mexico.

The bright white whales condition albinism makes her of a special kind, since the gene mutation that leads to a sharp decrease in the pigment melanin  or the lack of it  is barely recorded among marine mammals. This condition has been better documented among land mammals, reptiles and birds, both in captivity and in the wild.

The annual monitoring helps ensure the continuing survival of the gray whale species (Eschrichtius robustus), a highly endangered breed migrating every year between feeding and breeding sites. These majestic creatures can live up to 70 years, and grow to weigh 40 tons and reach 50 feet in length.

Young whales grow to learn their parents migration patterns. Usually calves follow their mothers from breeding areas to foraging grounds, said Bruce Mate, director of Oregon State Universitys Marine Mammal Institute.

Gray whale populations were also decimated by commercial whaling. At present, their groups thrive in waters on the Pacific Oceans eastern and western sides, believed to be separated from each other.

Those in the western Pacific  previously thought to be totally wiped out  are estimated to possibly be critically endangered at a 130-population count.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The problem with tweets, for many people, is that most of them are just mediocre. Well, there's a new Twitter bot, named DeepDrumpf, and it's promising to make tweeting great again - it's going to be so amazing and so great that people won't understand how they lived life without it so far, maybe.

Regardless how his comments make people feel, Republican presidential candidate Donald J. Trump spouts out headlines on a regular basis these days.

Whether he's claiming he could shoot someone and still get votes or threatening to raise a "great wall" at the United States' southern border, the sharp-tongued businessman draws press and ratings.

Now it seems a Twitter bot has kissed whatever blarney stone Trump once smooched. The bot, given Trump's ancestral family name of "Drumpf" - according to John Oliver - tweets out Trump-like lines thanks to an artificial intelligence algorithm.

@DeepDrumpf is the creation of Bradley Hayes, a postdoc at MIT's CSAIL (Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab). The bot uses a technique called deep learning to recognize patterns and create new content from what is has absorbed.

@DeepDrumpf has been fattened with transcripts from addresses, victory speeches and debate remarks from Trump. The stuff it tweets could give nightmares to Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, Trump's top two rivals on the campaign trail.

"The algorithm essentially learns an underlying structure from all the data it gets, and then comes up with different combinations of the data that reflect the structure that it was taught," says Hayes.

Hayes was inspired by a training model for developing deep learning via neural networks. The model that inspired him simulates Shakespeare. Hayes also found inspiration from a Boston Globe report that, after analyzing the language of 19 presidential hopefuls, concluded that Trump speaks at the fourth-grade level.

"Trump's language tends to be more simplistic, so I figured that, as a modeling problem, he would be the most manageable candidate to study," says Hayes.

Check out some of very important things @DeepDrumpf has been tweeting about:

we really do have people that are stupid.  DeepDrumpf (@DeepDrumpf) March 4, 2016

Great manufacturing, bring back our jobs, bring back our manufacturing, because my file, you know, I dont need anybodys money. ...  DeepDrumpf (@DeepDrumpf) March 4, 2016

[The second amendment] we have people that are crime. That's coming horribly; I looked. I say that is very illegal eminent domains...  DeepDrumpf (@DeepDrumpf) March 4, 2016

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Women need more frequent dosing of the antiviral medication Truvada  the only approved drug for preventing HIV infection  compared to men, according to a new study.

Researchers from University of North Carolina said that women need daily doses while men only need two doses a week because of how Truvada accumulates in various tissues in the body.

According to senior author and professor Angela Kashuba, the results show that a single dose doesn't fit all.

In determining how best to use drugs to protect people from HIV, we need to understand where in their body they are at risk for being infected, along with the concentration of drug that is needed to protect that site from infection, she explains.

The team used human cells in a test tube for measuring the amount of DNA material in the cells and how much of the drug was needed to prevent HIV infection in them. They then gave Truvada to 47 healthy females, sampling vaginal, cervical, and rectal tissues, and testing for drug levels and DNA material present in each person.

They found that twice as much Truvada is necessary to prevent infection in vaginal and cervical tissue than in rectal tissue, as fewer drug components were able to make it into those two types of tissue. The virus, too, uses more DNA material for reproducing in those two tissue types, requiring more of the medication to thwart infection.

And while the Food and Drug Administration recommends daily drug intake to both men and women since 2012, the former need not take Truvada more than two times a week.

The researchers said, however, that they would not recommend that people stop taking the drug daily, particularly without a doctors prior approval.

The findings were discussed in the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Truvada is produced by Gilead and was approved in the United States as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV, a way to reduce infection risks.

The combination therapy of two HIV drugs  namely tenofovir and emtricitabine  performed well in clinical trials compared to a placebo, working to multiply inside CD4 cells or T-cells that are important in the fight against infections.

A gay man in Toronto, Canada, was recently diagnosed with HIV despite claiming to have religiously taken the pill for 24 months, marking the first report of the medications failure to work.

HIV specialist Dr. David Knox said that PrEPs failure in this case could be due to a rare transmission of an HIV 1 strain resistant to both tenofovir and emtricitabine.

For experts, this may not necessarily be a show of ineffectiveness, but proof that PrEP may fail to work 100 percent, especially with sporadic or inconsistent intake.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The elusive Omura's whale was caught on video in 2015 for the first time. Now, scientists found the largest population of this rare whale species in Madagascar.

A research team was led by New England Aquarium's Dr. Salvatore Cerchio. The scientists documented around 80 Omura's whales off the coast in Madagascar last November.

To date, the November report alone doubled the entire number of Omura's Whale sightings in its whole research history. This population included five pairs of mothers and calves.

The Madagascar population also recorded some Omura's whales that were seen for the first time. This suggested the possibility of a larger population residing near the island nation.

When Cerchio and his team posted the first video footage of the rare 38-foot tropical whales, the discovery made global headlines in early November.

When the team returned to Madagascar, they discovered exceptional numbers of euphasiids (tiny shrimps) in the waters of the same area. This suggested that there could be a large population of whales in the vicinity and they were right.

The November sighting enabled the research team to observe the Omura's whales' feeding behavior as well as that of the mother-calf pairs. They were also able to analyze the distinct but erratic marks and colors on the species' heads.

Cerchio mentioned two major highlights from his latest visit. First, they were able to see their first mother-calf pair. The mother gave the researchers a chance to take an underwater video of the feeding behavior.

"The mom was feeding at the surface, making several rolling lunges in which her pectoral fin and fluke came out of the water, while the calf meandered around nearby," wrote Cerchio on the New England Aquarium blog.

The second highlight was when they recognized a familiar whale which was observed during their earlier visit.

"Upon return to base that night, a check of photos verified that this was in fact a female that we first photographed in 2012 within an aggregation of four whales, and then in 2013 with a calf, and now in 2015 again without a calf," wrote Cerchio.

The two-week worth of acoustic data included condensed choruses of the whales' songs. This new data can lead to new information about these rare and elusive tropical whales.

For over 30 years, Cerchio has been studying free-range cetacean populations around the world. He is currently New England Aquarium's visiting scientist.

The team is hoping to return in May for further research. Cerchio's research was funded by the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A new method enabled scientists to produce naive pluripotent stem cells from human embryos for the first time. The new study can pave the way for the development of new regenerative drugs and advance the research on genetic disorders including Down syndrome.

Currently, procuring stem cells is a tedious process. Moreover, the harvested cells still carry instructions on how to develop into a specific type of cell. The new method offers better and easier way to obtain stem cells.

A naive pluripotent stem cell is the foremost manifestation of a cell before it becomes a specific type that can be found in various organs and body parts.

To date, scientists have two pluripotent stem cell sources. The first are the embryonic stem cells that can be obtained from discarded IVF fertilized eggs. The second are from the skin cells pre-programmed to become stem cells. However, these two sources are already "primed" to become specific types of cells.

The new method can help analyze how genetic disorders occur during cell development, including Down syndrome. The new technique enables the creation of earlier stem cells and make it easier for scientists to produce cells required for the regenerative treatment of damaged tissues and organs, including the pancreas, heart and brain.

University of Cambridge researcher Ge Guo said that until recently, isolation of these naive stem cells was impossible even if the needed technology has been present for the past 30 years.

The technology was first developed by Professor Matthew Kaufman and Sir Martin Evans 30 years ago during their time at the university. It was used for research on mouse embryos. This made some people doubt the technique and question the possibilities for human embryos.

"But we've managed to extract the cells and grow them individually in culture. Naive stem cells have many potential applications, from regenerative medicine to modeling human disorders," added Guo.

The embryonic cells band together five days after the egg is fertilized. This cluster forms the blastocyst prior to its implantation. At this stage, there are three types of cells present. One type transforms into the placenta, the second type develops into the yolk sac that provides the fetus with the needed nutrients and the third type grows into the fetus.

The new method extracts the cell type that grows into the fetus. Separating these cells mean they can't differentiate and communicate anymore. When they are individually cultured, the cells grow and continue to differentiate.

The new technique was detailed in the journal Stem Cell Reports on March 3.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Nintendo Land is set to become the next highly-anticipated attraction at Universal Studios Japan, where it is scheduled to debut by 2020 in time for the Tokyo Summer Olympics.

The recently confirmed $350 million deal was said to mirror the same large-scale investment that was needed in building the Harry Potter-themed area of the park, which opened to the public in July 2014.

According to the report by Japanese publication Sankei, Universal Studios Japan plans "to use the popularity of Nintendo character Mario" by launching a new Mario-themed area in the park as part of its partnership with Nintendo.

The move shows how USJ is keen on taking new ways to earn profits by creating attractions that are not only inspired by blockbuster movies, but also by Japanese games and anime.

Currently, USJ has park attractions that include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter; Hollywood Dream, The Ride Backdrop; the new Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, which will be a featured attraction until June 26; and Jurassic Park The Flying Dinosaur which is scheduled to open in Spring 2016 as the first attraction to mark the 15th anniversary celebration of the park.

Dr. Serkan Toto, CEO of Tokyo-based Kantan Games, revealed the planned area where the Mario-themed portion of the park will be housed.

"Busy start of 2016 for Nintendo. See the picture below for details," tweeted Toto.

The area said to house the future Nintendo attraction is currently being used as an event space. USJ plans to secure the area by moving the park's offices and staff rooms right next to it.

Based on the picture from the tweet, the area marked red on the map will be the location of the upcoming Nintendo-themed park attraction. The green areas on the map show the current attractions found in USJ.

Dr. Yasufumi Nakoshi, a psychiatrist, describes the USJ as a place where park goers can rejuvenate and become emotionally refreshed.

"I feel that Universal Studios Japan is a place where the Re-born philosophy can flourish," said Nakoshi. "Simply walking through the park can rejuvenate your spirits, allowing you to break away from your pre-established harmony and enjoy your own unique experiences."

Now that Nintendo is indeed coming to USJ in 2020, park goers certainly have more options to "rejuvenate" and have a "re-born" park-going experience.

4) Busy start of 2016 for Nintendo. See the picture below for details (from Sankei: https://t.co/NRejTXGL6Q) // end pic.twitter.com/EMHunhgYFa  Dr. Serkan Toto (@serkantoto) March 5, 2016

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
HTC announced that the One A9 will never get support for Verizon's network.

When the company launched the handset in October, it touted the unlocked One A9 as the first non-CDMA device that will run on Verizon's network. It also added that the handset's Verizon variant will be released in December.

According to the HTC site, the handset would be added with Verizon LTE compatibility through a software update.

"The HTC One A9 is the first CDMA-less device to support both voice and data services over LTE, providing individuals with the flexibility to use the same device on multiple carrier networks," said HTC. "To ensure the best experience for our customers on the Verizon network, we are conducting more extensive testing and certification. We expect availability to be delayed but we are actively working with Verizon to make it available as quickly as possible."

HTC started taking preorders for the One A9's unlocked version that is compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile, and for the handset's carrier specific variants that would include AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile.

Early in November 2015, Tech Times reported that orders for the One A9 in the United States will be delayed. Sprint subscribers had to wait until late November for the One A9's gray and silver variants and until mid-December for the gold and the red versions. T-Mobile and AT&T customers had to wait until late November to purchase the gold version and until early December for the red variant.

At the same time, HTC said that the One A9's Verizon compatibility would not be available in December, which no doubt negated previous expectations on the handset. HTC, however, promised to make the compatibility available as soon as possible.

Now, it seems like the unlocked One A9 will never have Verizon LTE support after all, based on the company's official statement obtained by Droid Life.

"HTC is committed to providing the best experience for all of our device owners," said HTC. "Following extensive testing, we are unable to support the Verizon network with the Unlocked HTC One A9."

The company further apologized for the inconvenience, and added that customers can contact HTC Care at 1-888-216-4736.

While it does seem like the announcement could disappoint Verizon customers, HTC wants to make up by offering a refund and a 20 percent discount on any of its handsets that are currently available or scheduled to launch within the year.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
This teen hacker is targeting Russian websites to avenge the downing of Malaysia Airlines MH17

A teen hacker has taken it upon himself to avenge the alleged downing of the ill fated Air Malaysia flight MH-17 by a Russian missile. The hacker who calls himself Cyber Anakin after the Star Wars character has been hacking Russian websites and leaking stolen information.

The teenager told Motherboard he wanted to hit Russian websites, to open private databases and expose Russians websites by publicly airing their data on Russian internet users. I choose the targets randomly, as long as its Russian, Cyber Anakin told Motherboard in a Twitter message.

I hold consequentialist approach during the hack, meaning that I only care about the public shock among Russians as a result of the hack, and to show the irony that Russians can defend against Hitler but cannot defend against hacker [sic].

The ill fated Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was reportedly shot down by a Russian Buk missile. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was on a trip from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it crashed on 17 July 2014 after being shot down. All together, 283 passengers and 15 crew on board were killed in the incident.

The Dutch Safety Boards report on the incident concluded that the Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur Boeing 777 was hit by a Russian-made Buk surface-to-air 9M38-series missile with 9N314M warhead launched from Eastern Ukraine. The Russian government has blamed Ukraine for the incident as it occurred in Ukrainian airspace.

The incident has been blamed on the Ukrainian rebels as immediately after the crash, a post appeared on the VKontakte social media profile attributed to Russian Colonel Igor Girkin, leader of the Donbass separatists, claiming responsibility for shooting down an AN-26 near Torez, but after it became clear that a civilian aircraft had been shot down, the separatists denied any involvement, and the post was taken down.

The Dutch report said that the warhead exploded just outside the cockpit on the left side, instantly killing the pilot and two other crew members as the front of the plane sheared off.

Cyber Anakin told Motherboard these hacks are part of revenge he wanted after the MH17 crash. Cyber Anakin says that he has already hacked into km.ru, and the video game maker Nival.com and has access to the complete data base on those website.

This was confimed by a security researcher from haveibeenpowned.com, Troy Hunt who told Motherboard that he could have gained access to information that will affect 1.5 million victims linked to km.ru. He said the hacked database contained emails, encrypted passwords, secret questions and answers. Nivals database has similar data.

It is assumed that Cyber Anakin either knew someone whose relative lost their life in the plane crash or has lost someone close on the ill fated flight. This may be the reason behind Cyber Anakins Russian hack mission.
Two Weeks After Apple Boycott Call, Donald Trump Is Still Using iPhone

Just two weeks ago, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump had called for people, including himself, for boycott of Apple Inc. products until the tech company agreed to help the U.S. government unlock the iPhone of one of the killers in last years San Bernardino, California, shooting.

Boycott Apple until such time as they give that information, Trump said at a campaign event in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. It just occurred to me.

Now, two weeks later, Mr. Trump has ignored his own boycott. Trump had been tweeting from both Android and Apple devices, but he promised on February 19 to use only his Android-powered Samsung phone until Apple gave the info to authorities on the shooter.

Even as he was still speaking, Trumps campaign posted on his Twitter handle (@real Donald Trump) from an iPhone, with the timestamp labeled via Twitter for iPhone.

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.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2016

Boycott all Apple products until such time as Apple gives cellphone info to authorities regarding radical Islamic terrorist couple from Cal  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2016

The most recent 200 tweets the Presidential candidate had sent starting from February 23, four days after his boycott call, until this Friday morning was investigated by Marketing Land. It was discovered that Mr. Trump, or someone tweeting on his behalf had used Twitters iPhone app to send more than half of those tweets.

Marketing Land analysed those 200 tweets, of which 101 were sent using Twitters iPhone app, 98 using the companys Android app and one using Twitters site. Corey Lewandowski, Mr. Trumps campaign manager, did not reply to a question sent by Marketing Land through Twitter on Friday asking why the candidate is still using iPhone to send tweets.

In contrast, the Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton uses TweetDeck mainly for tweets. As of Friday morning, her most recent 200 tweets, showed that Ms. Clinton had sent 147 through TweetDeck, 52 through Twitters site and one through Twitters iPhone app.
5 Tourists Fall Off Cliff While Clicking Selfie In Goa, 2 May Never Be Able To Walk Again

Selfie is one contagious disease which arrived with the launch of camera equipped smartphones. The more powerful front cameras the more deadly this selfie business is turning out to be. We have had a Russian teen fall of to his death while attempting a extreme selfie while falling from a roof.

These 5 tourists to Goa dont fare any better. Clicking selfies turned out to be a nightmare for five tourists who fell off the cliff at Anjuna village in Panaji, injuring all of them. Of the five tourists, two of them are seriously injured.

The Goa police have already requested for a sub-divisional magistrate to take down the statement of two women who were seriously injured in the incident and admitted to hospital.

Police said that the five persons fell off the cliff on February 22 as they attempted to click a selfie by leaning on the railing, the gate of which duly opened.

The incident happened near the hillside cottages, which was the place of residence for the tourists.

Two women fell on their back on a stone and are currently admitted in a private hospital. The doctors have said that they might be paralysed for life, police inspector Paresh Naik told PTI today.

As for the other three, they were discharged after being administered primary treatment, he said.

The family members of the two women have refused to file any formal police complaint, but we have requested sub- divisional magistrate to record their statements, Mr Naik said.

Police declined to disclose the names of the women, but said that all those injured in the incident are in their late 20s.

It appears that the selfie craze has gone very awry in India. At least 27 selfie-related deaths that have occurred around the world last year, about half of them have taken place in India, reports The Washington Post. Indians were killed by an oncoming train, falling off a cliff, falling into a canal, falling out of a boat, and drowning in the sea while taking selfies. In September, while taking a selfie a Japanese died after falling down the steps of the Taj Mahal.
Comment Policy

Advance Indiana allows you to post comments via this blog subject to the guidelines set forth herein. You understand that any comments you post are your own and are not those of Advance Indiana. You further understand that Advance Indiana is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced in your comments. Unlawful, harassing, defamatory, abusive, threatening, harmful, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, racially offensive, or otherwise objectionable comments are not acceptable. If you think any content posted or otherwise included in Advance Indiana violates the guidelines set forth herein, then please alert Advance Indiana. Advance Indiana reserves the right to pre-screen, edit, and remove any post as it deems appropriate. You specifically acknowledge that Advance Indiana has no obligation to display any post submitted or otherwise provided via Advance Indiana.
It is bound for an area called Meridiani Planum, a plain located two degrees south of Mars equator where scientists know water must have once flowed because of the presence of the crystal jarosite, which can only grow in water.

Once there, it will deploy a range of instruments, many designed by Oxford University, to start measuring humidity, pressure and temperature.

Away from the surface, the ExoMars Orbiter will be inserted into a circular orbit 250 miles up where it will use an instrument designed by the Open University to measure methane emissions in the atmosphere and determine if they have a biological or geological origin. The orbiter will be able to make 13,000 orbits per Martian year so will be able to tell if certain areas show increased methane activity. It is eight times more powerful that the equivalent Nasa, Odyssey spacecraft which is currently orbiting Mars.

In May 2018, the hi-tech rover will be launched, which will touch down in January 2019. It is currently undergoing testing in a sandy Mars yard atAirbus Defence and Space in Stevenage.

Using a six and a half foot drill, it will extract samples from under the surface of Mars and analyse them for signs of life. Nasa rovers can only currently drill two inches down.
Mother's Day, the celebration of mums far and wide, took place on Sunday, March 27, with children presenting flowers, cards and chocolates to their maternal figures as a thank you for all they do.

While the occasion has become heavily commercialised in recent years and we now typically associate the day with buying gifts and making breakfast in bed for our mums, it has not always been linked to honouring motherhood.

From the history behind the calendar date to the traditions and its Americanisation, here is the story of Mother's Day.

Why do we celebrate Mother's Day?

Mothering Sunday is a celebration of mothers and the maternal bond, and offers us all a chance to show love, gratitude and appreciation.

Children commonly give flowers, presents, cards and acts of kindness to their mothers, as well as their other special maternal figures including grandmothers, stepmothers and mothers-in-law.

When is Mother's Day in 2022?

This year, Mother's Day, otherwise known as Mothering Sunday in the UK, fell on Sunday, March 27.

The date changes every year, but always takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday and usually in the second half of March or early April.

The history of 'Mothering Sunday'

Celebrations of motherly figures date back to ancient periods, with the Greeks holding festivals of worship every spring to celebrate Rhea, the Mother of the Gods, and the Romans honouring their mother goddess, Cybele, every March as early as 250BC.

Yet, the early Christian date, known as Mothering Sunday, is the first clear recognition of the maternal bond, beginning as a religious occasion in the 16th century to give thanks to the Virgin Mary, or Mother Mary.

The development of Christianity across Europe led to Mothering Sunday becoming an official calendar date, falling on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

Throughout the years during this period, people in England and Ireland would regularly visit their "daughter" church, but on Mothering Sunday, people would visit their "mother" church instead to bring offerings of thanks.

The fourth Sunday of Lent is also the date of another Christian celebration, known as Laetare Sunday, where people would return home to their families and mothers from church. Anyone who did this was said to have gone "a-mothering".

Mothering Sunday later became a day when children and young people, working as domestic servants, were granted a day off to visit their mothers and families. Reunions often took place within the "mother" churches.

While the religious celebration of Mothering Sunday had a significant following for many centuries, by the early 1900s it began to decline, following the Americanisation of Mother's Day.

Anna Jarvis and the impact of the US campaign for "Mother's Day"

While "Mothering Sunday" originates from the UK and Ireland, the history behind Mother's Day is slightly different, originating from a US movement.

American social activist Anna Jarvis, from Grafton, West Virginia, was behind the creation of Mother's Day, lobbying the Government for an official day.

Her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, dedicated her life to motherhood, creating work clubs before the Civil War, which taught women how to care for their children. She also set up the Mother's Friendship Day in 1868, uniting mothers with former Union and Confederate soldiers.
The Venezuelan government celebrated on Friday the arrival in the country of the last five crew members of the Emtrasur aircraft that had been held in Argentina since June 6. | Read More
ZP Chairmen meet Eatala seeking funds

Hyderabad, March 5 (INN): The Zilla Parishad Chairmen of nine districts of Telangana called on Finance Minister Eatala Rajender here on Saturday.



They demanded that the State Government restore the old system of granting funds for Zilla Parishads and Mandal Parishads. They pointed out that the 13th Finance Commission had allocated Rs. 100 crore for each Zilla Parishad from 2010-11 to 2014-15. However, the 14th Finance Commission has decided to allocated funds directly to Gram Panchayats. They said that the new system might hurt the development of Zilla Parishads and Mandal Parishads.



They also made similar representation with Panchayat Raj Minister Tarakarama Rao and Energy Minister Jagadish Reddy.









News Posted: 5 March, 2016








The Safe Schools Coalition has helped teachers support students dealing with gender and sexuality issues, but left schools entirely in control of what resources they used, the head of the anti-bullying coalition in Canberra said.

It was also "very unlikely" a teacher would point a student to the breast-binding or penis-tucking information on the separate Minus18 website which has been a factor in the controversial debate, and federal review, into the coalition, Tim Bavinton said.

Launch of Safe Schools Coalition ACT at Lyneham High School. (Behind from left), Lyneham High Principal Colleen Matheson, Education and Training Directorate ACT director general Diane Joseph, and CEO of Foundation for Young Australians Jan Owen. (front form left) Students Jett Byrne-Simic 17, and Alex Sanderson 16. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Mr Bavinton, executive director of the coalition's ACT service provider, Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, said the program aimed at preventing bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex students and their families had been welcomed.

"What both classroom teachers and those in welfare roles say is they are feeling very much more confident because they have some good resources and good training now," he said.
High profile US investor, Rogers Holdings chairman Jim Rogers, says he is certain that the US economy will be in recession in the next 12 months.

During an interview on BloombergTV, the famous investor said that there was a 100 percent probability that the US economy would be in a downturn within one year.

Bancor issued its own tokens and raised about 390,000 Ethers (a crypto-currency that competes with Bitcoin) in its initial coin offering. That's $US153 million ($202 million) at the current exchange rate. Credit:Phil Carrick

"It's been seven years, eight years since we had the last recession in the US and normally, historically we have them every four to seven years for whatever reason - at least we always have," he said.

"It doesn't have to happen in four to seven years but look at the debt, the debt is staggering."
But now, three years later, she is still performing the show to enraptured audiences. As one of her friends noted on Davey's 53rd birthday, "Why stop now, just as things are becoming interesting?" As it happens, Davey and I both studied at the Victorian College of the Arts  around the same time. "You remember," she says, "there was this obligatory nude thing at college. In performance-making classes. It was all about body image. Vulnerability. Confessional nudity." I rack my brains. I don't think I got that memo. My husband and I took our places inside. We were directly at muff level. So what makes her want to take her clothes off? Is she an exhibitionist?

She describes her career as a nude performer as a quest for authenticity. "Being nude is the most profound kind of normal there is," she says. "People often come up to me after a performance and say 'You're so brave!' Which makes me think, 'Am I so hideous?"' But there is no question: as she has grown older it has become harder and harder. "Sometimes I feel like I've just rubbed myself all over with a cheese grater and going out into the audience feels like bathing in acid." One night she heard a man in the audience mutter, "Jeez, if I have to look at one more pair of saggy tits" So she visited Elizabeth Burton, a 65-year-old stripper in Sydney, to ask her how she coped with ageing.

Burton said: "I look down and I see all the wrinkly skin on my legs and I'm thinking: 'Far out. I look like crepe-paper woman.' "But you don't need to be brave to take your clothes off, you just need to like what you live in." One day, some time after this, Davey watched a young woman with Down Syndrome dancing naked around a room. "As I watched her, I suddenly understood what burlesque is. It is, fundamentally, an assertion: I am beautiful and I am worthy of your regard." ANNI DAVEY Anni Davey during a routine with Circus Oz in 2001, 10 years after breaking her neck in a fall. Credit:Ponch Hawkes

Anni Davey is a trapeze artist who was on tour with Circus Oz when she broke her neck in two places at the Edinburgh Festival in 1991. This is what happened. At a press call, in the presence of TV cameras and an entourage of journalists, Davey was hanging upside-down holding her trapeze partner, Lisa Small, by the wrists as they swung through a series of elegant acrobatic moves. Then, the foot loop supporting Davey snapped. Both performers fell. Small landed on her feet. Davey fell head-first to the ground, breaking her wrists and neck. She remembers the news cameraman shouting, "Don't anybody move her!"

In Edinburgh hospital, she spent five months in traction. The doctors drilled holes in her head and screwed a metal ring into her skull  like a halo. In fact it's called a halo frame: it was connected to four steel rods attached to a fibreglass vest, strapped around her torso. A team of four men and two women, "the turning team", turned her on her back, then side, then back, every two hours. Day and night. But during this ordeal in the spinal ward, Davey knew that she was going to get up and walk again. The girl in the next bed was 17 and would never walk. The man in the next room could communicate only by flickering one eyelid. "I was the lucky one!" says Davey. "When you're in the midst of nurses and patients who are so resilient, so glorious and so cheerful, you hang on to the fact that you've been fortunate. You will get back to your happy place soon enough. Life will resume." Three years later, Davey made a comeback. She founded a troupe of aerialists called Club Swing with three other women, one of whom was Small, her partner in the Edinburgh accident.

It was in a tent in the Melbourne city square and most of the audience on that opening night knew about the accident. The atmosphere was electric. "I remember making my entrance with M People's One Night In Heaven pumping, and the roar from the crowd was incredible." When Davey climbed the rope and reached out for the bar, suspended high in the air, the audience went berserk. As you may have guessed, Anni and Maudie Davey are twins. "What is it with you two?" I ask Anni Davey. "Do you have the risk-taking gene or were you brought up to live dangerously?"

She says that when she was 17, she was offered a job at the Tax Office. Coming back from the interview, she was travelling up the steep escalators at Kings Cross Station in Sydney, when she saw a friend. She burst into tears. "You don't have to do it," he said. "You just don't!" So she didn't. She wanted to work in the theatre, like her twin, but she wasn't drawn to what she calls the "pretendy" arts. She, like Maudie, is in search of authenticity in performance.

And she, more than anyone, knows that in the circus, if you fall, you are actually falling. Not pretending. Ten years after the accident, Davey was finally back in the big show with Circus Oz. My sister-in-law, Sarah Cathcart, was there. "What I remember," she tells me, "is Anni hanging upside down, suspended by a strap and pulling a television off the ground with her hair. I was so exhilarated and inspired by her sheer guts and determination, I wanted to shout." Davey says: "I think people who knew about the accident were particularly taken with that act because it's a simple and direct connection, hanging a heavy object from my hair." REBECCA MARSHALL

Rebecca Marshall heads a Critical Incident Response Team. Credit:JasonSouth If I were balanced precariously on a ledge, contemplating jumping, I would like Senior Sergeant Rebecca Marshall on speed dial. She has coaxed people down from buildings and bridges. She has persuaded hostage-takers to lay down their weapons and come out of apartment blocks or offices with their arms up. "Ninety-five per cent of the time, people have got themselves into a situation which has escalated so quickly that they cannot see a way to come back from it. They want me to help them come back," she says. Marshall joined the police force when she was 18. Now she is 33. That's young to be a manager in the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). They do their work in so-called high-risk incidents. These include suicide attempts, hostage situations, sieges, confrontations with violent offenders. Any of these events could be defused by a skilled negotiator. Like Bec Marshall.

"Throughout your policing career, you learn how to identify what's going on. Drugs. Mental health issues. Other forms of trauma. You make mistakes. You also make right choices. You just learn from hard, hands-on experience." And from being self-reflective. "I was never a person who knew how to talk about what was happening to me. I didn't grow up with those skills. I had to learn them." Marshall says that when she is in the middle of a dangerous incident, the key is to suspend judgement. "You don't know what has led a person into getting themselves into such a fix."

And you have to find the way to connect. Like the time police were trying in vain to coax a suicidal man down from a bridge. She says: "When I arrived, I noticed his four-wheel-drive, parked at the base of the bridge. It had kids' car seats. So I asked him some hard questions about how his children were going to cope without him." That's what persuaded the man to come down. "If I hadn't seen the kids' car seats, I may never have found a way in, a way to reach the guy." She describes some hair-raising situations. One of her first jobs involved a psychotic man who was holding his stepchildren hostage. Over three hours, he threatened to stab them or shoot them. The man had been on a drug binge for five days. He issued an ultimatum. If you don't get in here in 30 seconds, I'm going to blow the house up and stab the kids. Next minute, a massive 20-metre ball of fire roared from the house.

She had no choice but to go in. The man was apprehended. The children were retrieved. Scared, but safe. "Were you fearless as a kid?" I ask. Marshall laughs. "I can be a big sook." This is the way she looks at it: "If you are in a situation where something has to be done, and you're the police officer there, well who else is going to do it? "If you have to go into that house, you know that the first person who enters might get injured. You don't think about being brave. You think about being sensible. You do your risk assessment and trust you'll have the right skills to take on anything. I'm supported by so many people.

"If you get scared, and think, 'I shouldn't go there', well, you probably shouldn't. Your risk assessment is working. Generally in that situation, you'll wait, get support and work out your best options." "Are people frightened of you?" "No. I don't want anyone to be frightened of me." She cites compassion as one of the most important qualities for a police officer. Loyalty. Resilience. Emotional intelligence and being a team player are also vital. "I'd like to believe that all police officers bring a strong moral code to the job when they join. That's why they've signed up. To do the right thing."

KOBRA MORADI Kobra Moradi was fetched from her cot minutes before a bomb landed on her family's home in Kabul. Mr and Mrs Moradi lived in a tiny three-room house in Kabul in Afghanistan. Their baby, Kobra, was laid in a little cot in the middle room, while they sat in an adjacent room with relatives, planning their escape from the war-torn city. Her father owned a hotel in the city, but the Taliban was on his case. He had already been imprisoned as a communist sympathiser, after the Taliban discovered that government officials had stayed in his hotel. Farsi-speaking Hazaras, like the Moradis, are despised by the Taliban. The tradition of persecution is long and bloody.

As the night drew in, Kobra's father said, "Go and get the baby!" Her mother replied, "Why? She is asleep." Her father explained that he was worried that she might cry. So her mother fetched Kobra from the middle room and carried her into where the rest of the family were talking in hushed voices. A few minutes later, a bomb dropped on the house. It destroyed the middle room. Kobra Moradi is now 20 and doing a double major in law and international relations at La Trobe University. She dreams of becoming a human rights lawyer. She is determined to defy the double oppression which was her destiny.

"I was born a girl," she says. "I was born Hazara. I was born in a country riven with lawlessness." But she says that the hole in the middle of the family's old house is a symbol for her. She was spared. "In fact, when people come to our home in Melbourne," she says, "it is like a Harry Potter moment. So, this is the girl who lived!" After the bombing, the family fled to the Hazara city of Jaghori, but the Taliban followed close behind. Then one night, Moradi's father disappeared. Her mother raised her seven children alone in a house built in the middle of a mountain. They grew potatoes in the warmer months and stored food for the snow-bound winters.

"My daddy told my mother that no matter what happens, we had to go to school," Moradi tells me. So she, her five sisters and little brother went to a community school. No books. No pencils. The older children taught the younger ones. Then one day, her mother heard from a relative. Her husband was alive and safe in Australia. "Australia? What the hell? Where is that?" laughs Moradi. Her father had been an asylum seeker. After spending six months locked up at the Woomera Detention Centre, he got a temporary protection visa and then finally, permanent residency in 2004. One more year passed as he worked, picking onions and plucking chickens, doing farm work and butchery, all the while sending money to his family.

Meanwhile, his wife and family were preparing the documentation required to migrate to Australia  a task that took two years. Then they boarded a plane. "The only technology we had ever seen was a small black-and-white TV and an old Nokia phone," says Moradi. "So when we took our seats on the plane we were terrified. So how is this going to work, then? How is this thing going to fly in the air?" On a warm day in December 2005, eight people passed through immigration at Sydney Airport and walked towards the man who had waited for them on the other side of the world for seven years. Moradi will never forget it. "My mother and father threw their arms around each other and sunk to the ground, hugging and crying."

The grief and anguish of separation was finally over. "We didn't care what anyone thought of us. They fell down and all of us children fell on top of them." This summer, during her university vacation, Moradi flew to Indonesia to work at the Cisarua Refugee Learning Centre near Jakarta. At 20, she is also the director of dialogue, empathic engagement and peace-building, Kabul. And the writer she most admires is Simone de Beauvoir. The woman who said: "We are not born women. We become women."
They're the political equivalent of The Hateful Eight: that motley crew known as the Senate crossbench.

They don't have much in common but they're united in their new mission  if you'll allow me to mix my Quentin Tarantino movie metaphors  to Kill Bill: namely the Commonwealth Electoral Amendment Bill 2016, the Turnbull government/Greens legislation that aims to put them out of business.

Illustration: Michael Mucci

There's David "The Philosopher" Leyonhjelm, the whacky libertarian who likes drugs and guns and free love and fiscal rectitude; the perfect vehicle for a sweary Tarantino monologue about bicycle helmet laws.

There's Bob "The Preacher" Day, the religious fundamentalist who thinks Senate voting reform is the devil's work and who, like Samuel L. Jackson's character in Pulp Fiction, can probably quote Ezekiel 25:17 by heart: "And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee!"
There's a long history of discrimination against women in Australian superannuation.

While the advent of compulsory super and improved unsupported contribution arrangements have helped reduce the gross disparity in account balances between men and women, this disparity remains.

Older women have faced discrimination in the superannuation system, but there's been progress for the next generation.

The superannuation industry, including the Commonwealth's defined benefit funds, may prefer to forget past practices. There was a time when women were forced to leave their super fund on marriage and, as a result, were deprived of unvested benefits. The winners then were long-term (usually permanent) employees, predominantly male, who reaped their full entitlements on retirement.

It's indisputable that we have come a long way. Today, employer contributions have to be vested in employees' accounts and women and others who leave the workforce temporarily, for example, for family reasons or via redundancies, don't lose their super entitlements. This is, nevertheless, cold comfort for the generation of women deprived of superannuation benefits by past shoddy practices and poor advice about superannuation options. The gap between the median balances of 55-year-old men and women is from $100,000 to $38,000.
When he was 21, Chris McDonald entered a bet that would go on for more than a decade.

As his hair reached the point where he had to grow it long or cut it, he bet a mate that he could grow his longer.

Chris McDonald gets his first haircut in 12 years at Irish Murphy's in the city on March 11 for the World's Greatest Shave. Credit:Michelle Smith

Mr McDonald, 33, a delivery man from Alexandra Hills, most definitely won that bet.

Twelve years later it has grown down to his knees and he sports an impressive set of dreadlocks.
Bleach Festival Gold Coast - Performance theatre at Currumbin - 'Shifting Sands' "In my mind one of the greatest opportunities of public art is simply stimulating curiosity," Robyn Archer says in a recent visit to Brisbane to help scrutinise new performers at South Bank's Performing Arts Market. "The challenges we face on the Gold Coast at the moment... while there is a massive amount going on down there and the progress in the past couple of years has been absolutely phenomenal... unless you purposefully drive past the arts centre or you happen to be there when the Bleach Festival is on, or the Swell Festival is underway, you don't actually see that anything much has changed," she said. The first permanent thing people will soon notice is a big new "urban oasis" sculpture for Surfers Paradise, where five sculptors are now at work capturing the spirit of the long-lost Gold Coast rainforest. "This is sort of the first step in real public art on the Gold Coast," Archer said.

That begins mid-year in Surfers Paradise Boulevard and will eventually lead to a line of public art running towards Evandale, the Gold Coast's fledgling $300 million cultural precinct. Public art is important for any city because it promotes that curiosity about the city's past and its future, she said. "We hope there will be some stimulating, interesting  and I hesitate to use the word beautiful, because even though we all quest for beauty  sometimes what one person finds highly stimulating is not beautiful for another." "But it's about the curiosity and at the least if a piece persuades you to say 'My Goodness why did they put that there', at least for a moment you are interrupting your normal day to day thought processes." "And it makes you think and that is the real purpose of the arts in my opinion."

Robyn Archer's first two-years at the Gold Coast is closing and she is now considering the first of two 12-month extensions to her Gold Coast City Council. If she extends her contract  and that seems more than likely - it will be to guide the evolution of the Gold Coast's new cultural precinct between Surfers Paradise and Evandale. The idea sounds a little like a street of public art, with sculptures, "pop-up shops" and cafes in behind the concrete towers of Surfers Paradise. "From Brisbane you could get the heavy rail down to the Gold Coast, hop on the light rail, get down to Surfers Paradise precinct where this public art will be," Robyn Archer tells. "And then you will be able to walk along what we will call the Cultural Corridor which will take you over to Chevron Island and then over to the new cultural precinct."

Robyn Archer's link with the Gold Coast came while she was co-ordinating Canberra's Centenary festival, arriving on the Gold Coast to enthuse festival directors. "I think what the Gold Coast was hearing from Canberra was that I was changing people's minds about the city," she said. "That I was telling positive stories, that Canberra had a particular reputation and we were trying to change that mythology. "We were saying that you probably have a memory that was 30 years old and you don't really know what the city was like any more." 'And clearly, that has a relationship with the Gold Coast.
The Andrews government considered raising public transport fares during peak hour as it sought to work out the feasibility of the Melbourne Metro Rail project.

Despite the government insisting that fare hikes are not on the agenda, the business case for the Metro Rail reveals that "peak-period price increases" were among several strategies contemplated to deal with demand on the city's overcrowded train network.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan returned empty-handed this week after a trip to Canberra to make the case for federal funding of the Metro Rail project. Credit:Joe Armao

Other options included more high-capacity trains, new timetables for the City Loop and the "construction of a freeway to increase city access by car".

Many of the strategies were ultimately rejected, with the government deciding that building a second cross-city rail tunnel beneath the CBD would be the best way to tackle transport congestion and improve Melbourne's liveability in the long term.
"Adjusting to space is easier than adjusting to Earth for me," he said at his first post-flight news conference on Friday.

Russia's Soyuz TMA-18M space capsule carrying the International Space Station (ISS) crew of US astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonauts Mikhail Kornienko and Sergey Volkov prepares to land in a remote area outside the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. Credit:AP

He's surprised: after his previous half-year space station mission five years ago, he wasn't nearly so tired or sore.

Cape Canaveral: Fresh from a year in space, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly says his muscles and joints ache. His skin is so sensitive it burns when he sits or walks.

Kelly returned from the International Space Station on Wednesday, ending a 340-day mission that set a US record. It took him a full day to get back home from the landing site in Kazakhstan to Houston. That's when the aches and pains set in.

Astronaut Scott Kelly spent 340 days aboard the International Space Station, longer than any American astronaut. Credit:Washington Post

The 52-year-old astronaut said because his skin hadn't had significant contact with anything for so long - in space, clothes just float around you - "it's very, very sensitive. It's almost like a burning feeling wherever I like sit or lie or walk. I'm not wearing these shoes all the time," he said, kicking up his right foot, which sported a shiny black dress shoe. "I just wore them for you guys." Thick running shoes are his preference these days - they make his feet "feel a little bit better".

Kelly's companion for the entire space journey, cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko, 55, is back home in Star City, Russia, dealing with his own adjustments to gravity.

Many of their blood, urine and saliva samples are still up on the space station, frozen. NASA must wait until its commercial shipper SpaceX is delivering back and forth again - following a launch accident last summer - to get the scientific treasure trove, hopefully in May. Charles expects it will take the next year to analyse all the data.
"I thought this day would never come," said Chatwin, 48, a former member of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the sect that rules the hearts and minds of followers here and across the state line in Colorado City, Arizona.

Hildale, Utah: Andrew Chatwin watched as federal agents and sheriff's deputies swarmed this rural polygamist outpost, storming dairy and produce stores and a food distribution centre in black bulletproof vests, guns drawn, handcuffs dangling from their belts.

According to prosecutors, the businesses were key players in a high-desert conspiracy that redirected millions of dollars in food-stamp benefits (the US food stamp program, provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people) from the pockets of American families to bank accounts controlled by the polygamist sect. Their leaders - most prominently, the jailed Warren Jeffs - follow a self-styled form of Mormonism and dictate where followers live, how much they eat and whom they marry.

Thomas Jeffs, foreground, the son of Lyle Jeffs, and Roy Jeffs, son of jailed polygamous leader Warren Jeffs, leave the federal court in Salt Lake City last week. Credit:AP

Not even defence attorneys dispute that the fundamentalist sect has gone to extreme lengths to preserve its vise grip on the community of Short Creek on the Arizona-Utah state line. For six weeks, tearful witnesses in the government's civil suit against the community in the twin bordering towns of Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah, testified to the church's constant spying and harassment of people considered a threat to the church.

Collectively known as Short Creek with a population of 10,000, the towns were both founded and operated by adherents of the FLDS faith - and, the US Department of Justice alleges, are run by the religion's prophet, Warren Jeffs, from the solitary confinement of his Texas prison cell, where he is serving a life sentence.

Federal government lawyers allege that when Jeffs was captured in 2006, Colorado City modified its old brand of justice, such as outright banishment, and adopted more modern forms of exclusion, such as denying water service to those perceived as threats to the church and its prophet.
A host of stars celebrated the opening night of 3 Mics, a new work from writer and comedian Neal Brennan, at the Lynn Redgrave Theater on March 3.

Using his extensive experience working behind the scenes in the world of comedy, Brennan takes the stage alternating between three separate microphones, each giving voice to the various aspects of his life. With bracing honesty, he reveals challenges that have shaped who he is today  life as a soloist with shoddy confidence and life in the shadow of parental abuse and alcoholism.

Joining Brennan were his producer, musician John Legend, model Chrissy Teigen, and screen personalities including Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Seth Meyers, among others.

Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle join Neal Brennan for a celebratory photo.

( Christian Frarey)

For tickets and more information, click here.
It's Made Of Wood! Its An EV! It's The Toyota Setsuna

PREQUEL Wooden Cars and Cars and Wood

Toyota to Debut the Setsuna Concept Car at Milan Design Week

Toyota City, Japan, Mar, 04 2016; Next month, Toyota will make a fittingly stylish first appearance at Milan Design Week(1) by debuting the Setsuna, an attractive new concept car made primarily of wood.



The decision to use wood - a material that is durable yet prone to change over time - reflects Toyota's efforts to give form to the developing relationships between people and their cars. The Setsuna symbolizes how cars undergo a gradual transformation over the years, as if absorbing the aspirations, memories, and emotions of multiple generations of a family. With the Setsuna concept, Toyota is expressing the notion that, as a family accrues time and experiences together with their car, lovingly caring for it and passing it on to the next generation, that car will acquire a new type of value that only the members of that family can appreciate.



The car's name - Setsuna, meaning "moment" in Japanese - was chosen to reflect that people experience precious, fleeting moments together with their cars. Toyota believes that, over time, these collective moments make their cars irreplaceable to their owners.



To embody this concept, Toyota picked a variety of distinctive types of wood for different parts of the car, including the exterior panels(2), frame, floor, and seats. Wood provides uniquely appealing characteristics that are not offered in conventional cars: it can last for many generations if properly taken care of and it also changes in coloration and texture in response to its environment (particularly temperature and humidity) and conditions of use, taking on a unique character and depth.



Kenji Tsuji, the Toyota engineer overseeing development of the Setsuna, said of his process: "We evaluated various ways to express the concept and selected different lumber materials for specific applications, such as Japanese cedar for the exterior panels and Japanese birch for the frame. We also paid particular attention to the sizes and arrangements of individual parts. For the assembly structure, we adopted a traditional Japanese joinery technique called okuriari(3) which does not use any nails or screws. The completed body line of the Setsuna expresses a beautiful curve reminiscent of a boat. We would also like the viewer to imagine how the Setsuna will gradually develop a complex and unique character over the years. The car includes a 100-year meter that will keep time over generations, and seats that combine functional beauty with the gentle hue of the wood."



Main specifications Overall length 3,030 mm Overall width 1,480 mm Overall height 970 mm Wheelbase 1,700 mm Seating capacity 2 Powertrain Electric motor Outline of Toyota exhibition at Milan Design Week Duration Media day April 11 (11:00 - 18:00) Public days April 12 - 17 (11:00 - 21:00) Venue Via Tortona 31, Milan

(1) The world's largest design exhibition, held in Milan, Italy. Furniture manufacturers and fashion brands hold various events to highlight the uniqueness of their products. It is also called Salone del Mobile, Milano.(2) The exterior panels of the car were developed jointly with Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd.(3) A joinery method used when making beams and lintels.
ACAPULCO, Mexico  One comforting truism of the drug war in Mexico holds that drug-related violence and tourism are mutually exclusive of one anotherlike the orbits of neighboring planets, the two supposedly never intersect.

But the sunburned vendors who trudge from beach umbrella to beach umbrella hawking their wares to tourists here along the Bay of Santa Lucia have a different story to tell. Five of their number have been murdered here in a month, as the violence that has for years plagued the favela-like neighborhoods on the citys periphery has reached at last the tourist beaches downtown.

On Saturday, Feb. 20, after the fourth such murder, sun bathers and tourism boosters in this city were treated to the spectacle of Mexican Army and Marines trudging past them on the sand in combat helmets and battle fatigues with assault rifles at the ready.

The deployments are part of a new and somewhat desperate government effort to keep the violence contained. The playground of Sinatra and the Rat Pack, immortalized by Elvis Presleys Fun in Acapulco, is finally getting the Francis Ford Coppola treatment.

Tourists and locals give the new strategy mixed reviews. Several told The Daily Beast they feel safer and more reassured. Others did not. I dont think it deters crime. And its scary, said one Canadian tourist, who declined to give his name.

There is broad consensus, however, on one point: in the city long known as The Pearl of the Pacific, this is a first.

Weve never seen anything like this before. Its a bad image for tourism, said a woman in her sixties who has worked as an ambulant vendor on the downtown beaches for 30 years. I dont consider it a healthy response.

There were 903 homicides in Acapulco last year, 104 for each 100,00 inhabitants, the highest per-capita murder rate in Mexico, and fourth highest in the world. In the first two months of this year, there were 149 murdersan average of 2.5 per day.

The violence in Acapulco is suffocating its tourist sector: the average hotel occupancy rate for the year is down to 40 percent; a recent survey by the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness ranked Acapulco last out of 78 tourist destinations in Mexico. The president of the Acapulco Hotel and Tourism Association, Jorge Laurel Gonzalez, put it most succinctly: If the problem of safety is not resolved there will be no tourism recovery.

Acapulco is the largest city in Guerrero, a state where the military solution to violence is old hat. Guerrero has the highest murder rate in Mexico, and the Mexican Army is routinely deployed to conflict areas in the rough-and-tumble interior of the state, where cartels operate clandestine drug labs and harvest an estimated 40 percent of the opium poppy used to supply heroin to the United States. In an infamous case in Iguala, about three hours drive from Acapulco, 43 students disappeared in September 2014.

Advertisement

Acapulco, the keystone of the states tourism sector that provides 70 percent of the GDP, was exempt from military patrols until last October. But then the new governor of Guerrero, Hector Astudillo, in one of his first official acts deployed the army and navy to patrol the port. Astudillo, whose election restored the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party to power after several years out of power, ran on a campaign pledge for a Guerrero of peace and order.

Until recently there was a line of demarcation that violence rarely crossed: Avenue La Costera Miguel Aleman, that scenic boulevard of palm trees and high-rise hotels that links the cliffs of Las Brisas to the old quarter of La Caleta, and shelters the eight miles of beachfront along Santa Lucia Bay, known as the Golden Zone.

Until a month ago, every tourism booster in Acapulco affirmed that La Costera effectively quarantined the beaches of the Golden Zone from the plague of homicides in the city. The U.S. State Department affirmed as much in a Mexico travel advisory issued on Jan. 19, which is the departments most recent statement on Acapulco. It cautions tourists not to travel through the interior of Guerrero, but says they can go to Acapulco if they remain in tourist areas.

In fact, the warning signs started almost a year ago. In April and then July, in separate incidents, a waiter and an ambulant vendor were murdered in the area of La Costera.

Then, on Jan. 30 this year, the first day of a three-day holiday weekend, an ambulant vendor of bathing trunks was assassinated at Carabali Beach in broad daylight, not 10 feet from where tourists were relaxing under their umbrellas. The assassin, in a twist suited for a Hollywood script, made his escape on a jet ski. It was the most newsworthy of the seven murders in Acapulco that day.

On Feb. 15, an employee of a refreshment stand who rented sun-shades to tourists was shot and killed at noon before the saucer-eyes of two American couples at Playa Tamarindos. Bystanders ran for cover, and the kids who pulled the trigger ran away. El Sur de Acapulco reported that, The body remained under a palapa, sprawled on the sand with shots in the face, next to chairs and a plastic table where there were beer bottles and glasses. A second man, seated at the victims table drinking a beer, was wounded.

Advertisement

Later that same day, at 6:30 p.m., police discovered another body, an employee of yet another beachfront business. The second murder victim, age 25, was found beaten to death at an access point at Playa Hornos, with a local drug gang claiming credit in a handwritten sign found next to his body.

We used to be able to tell tourists the beach is safe, said the woman who has worked the area for 30 years, who declined to give her name for the story. Now how can we look them in the eye and tell them that? We cant. She knew both murder victims, and said she wasnt aware of their involvement in any criminal activity.

Gov. Astudillos latest decree, expanding the militarys responsibility to the busy beaches of the Golden Zone, does not appear to be improving the security situation.

In February, a local attorney was assassinated in broad daylight 50 feet from Playa Caleta, the most popular beach in Acapulco. (Its at the north end of La Costera, that Elizabeth Taylor married Mike Todd in 1957.)

The authorities never seem to be around when these things happen, said another ambulant vendor who was weaving multi-colored bands into diadems to sell to tourists on Playa Caleta, within sight of the Rorschach of damp blood that still dabbed the sidewalk. Tourists get scared and they wont go back to the beach, he said.

El Sur de Acapulco quoted Astudillo on Feb. 23 attributing 98 percent of the murders in Acapulco to a turf battle between drug gangs. It was worth noting, the governor said, that the victims dont represent the organized civil society but rather unknown persons tied to organized crime.

Advertisement

Critics argue that arbitrary estimates and off-the-cuff statements of that sort serve to criminalize the victims and excuse the governments inability to bring the violence under control.

Might some of the dead have been involved with drug trafficking? Perhaps. But it is one thing for a beach vendor or bartender to offer a tourist a little chance to try something mas fuerte, stronger than beer or margaritas, and another thing for the man to have his brains blown out for his troubles.

Its also bad for criminal business. The dive in tourism, local experts say, has caused a parallel dive in the party-time market for drugs in Acapulco, and dealers are competing for a shrinking clientele.

The prosecutor general of Guerrero, Xavier Olea Pelaez, estimated that the drug rackets by the bay are run by 40 different street gangs, which are also responsible for the extortion and money rackets in the city, not to mention most of the murders that occur.

In Acapulco there are 40 gangs and we know who they are and so the thing is to go after them, cleaning up, there is no other way to face this, Olea said.

Most of the hotels, restaurants, water parks, and shopping malls crowded along the Golden Zone were constructed in the 1970s and 80s.

Advertisement

As recently as six years ago, 20,000 American college students flocked to the Golden Zone for spring break; this year, the local hotels and tourism industry expects about 300. These days, international tourism to this area consists largely of Canadian pensioners, and the occasional cruise ship.

Soon there may be more military on patrol than there are tourists to protect. Soldiers along La Costera turn up standing outside the bank, outside the convenience store, eyeballing passersby on the steps where locals gather for a beer at night at La Bandera. They are posted outside the entrance to the hotels and gated residences in Las Brisas and the newer and pricier Diamond Zone.

And still

On Sunday, Feb. 28, Alma Delia Lazaro Ramos, 55, who sold seafood from a shop on the beach called Cholita, was assassinated at around 2 p.m. at Playa Condesa, a beach at the heart of the Golden Zone known for clubs and restaurants that light up the night.

An American tourist who has wintered in Acapulco the past 25 years, and declined to give his name, said he dove onto the sand in an area near the banana boat and jet ski rentals when the five shots were fired.

Lazaro, like previous victims, was a local who had worked at the same business for years, and was well known. And his was the second murder at La Condesa in 12 days.

Advertisement

This tourist had witnessed both.

Weve known for many years that drugs are available around here, but weve never felt unsafe until now, he said. I love Acapulco. I love the people. The weather is absolutely perfect. It doesnt get cloudy. Im really angry at whats happening, because its the best community, the best area, but theyre going to kill it with what theyre doing.
Business / Companies

by Stephen Jakes

Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Chiratidzo Mabuwa has said the China Jingniu Glass Factory (Pvt) Limited needs $13 million for its completion.Mabuwa said Kadoma Chinese Glass Company, officially referred to as the China Jingniu Glass Factory (Pvt) Limited is a government approved project."The company started the construction of the factory in 2006 under funding from Jingniu Ceramic Company Limited of China. An estimated US$12, 5 million out of the total cost of US$25, 5 million was utilised for civil works and part construction of the factory and installation of machinery and equipment," he said."About US$13 million is now required to fully complete the project. The company has cited the shortage of funds as a major constraint to the completion of the construction of the glass factory. I am informed that to mitigate this challenge, the parent company, Jingniu Ceramic Company Limited approached China Bank for additional funding to bankroll the project. The company has also approached potential local investors who may want to partner in the business. These efforts have not yet produced the desired results."He said in line with the Ministry's mandate of promoting industrial growth, Kadoma Glass Company was invited for a meeting in order to establish the state of the project and the challenges undermining the operationalisation of the project."The meeting was attended by a high level delegation from Jingniu Ceremic, which is the parent company of Kadoma Glass Company. They travelled all the way from China to meet with us," he said."Subsequent to the referred meeting, a delegation from my Ministry comprising myself, the Secretary for Industry and Commerce and senior officials from the Ministry visited Kadoma Glass Factory for further findings. The main purpose of the visit was to have an in-depth appreciation of the state of the glass project, establish the challenges undermining the operationalisation of the project and to map the way forward."Mabuwa said the findings confirmed that the unavailability of funds is the main challenge facing the company and it also confirmed that there was no local attraction of that investment of $13 million."My Ministry will, therefore, continue to provide all the necessary assistance to Kadoma Chinese Glass Company to ensure that it completes the construction of the buildings so that full production takes place as soon as possible. We are in consultation now with the parent company which has informed us that they are waiting for their bank to consider the additional $13 million loan that they have asked for," he said.
At 74, Samuel R. Delany, the Grand Old Man of polymorphously perverse science fiction, looks like a louche Kris Kringle: luxuriant white beard, impressive paunch, multiply pierced ear, New York boho uniform of black jeans and black button-down shirt.

Its easy to forget that this is the man who wrote Hogg (1995), a novel of such emetic depravity it makes the novelist Dennis Cooper, a career transgressive, look like Garrison Keillor. Pedophilic rape, murder, rape, incest, rape, golden showers, rape, coprophilia, rape, necrophilia, rape, and on and on, for 270 pages: the reader reviews, on Goodreads, constitute a kind of collective gag reflex, mingled with moral horror and dazed fascination. What is this thing? A pitch-black satire of masculinity in America? A deadpan send-up of conservative fears of a queer planet? A philosophical exercise, equal parts Derrida and de Sade, in the tactical use of disgustthat most irreducibly, irresistibly visceral of emotionsto blow up our critical strategies and ideological systems for imposing meaning on a text? And why did the nice man with the adorable beard write such a nasty book?

Delany is, in many ways, a walking paradox. Hes African-American, yet so light-skinned hes often mistaken for white. Hes gay, yet spent 14 years married to a woman, the mother of his daughter. Hes a Hugo- and Nebula Award-winning pillar of literary science fiction, an oxymoronic term the New Yorker crowd would have dismissed, until very recently, as pulp in a starched collar. He dropped out of college at 19 yet makes fluent use, in his essays, of ideas drawn from Barthes, Baudrillard, Derrida, and Donna Haraway, and ended up a full professor at Temple University, where he taught in the MFA Creative Writing Program and English Department until retiring last year. He crafts sentences that are as beautifully turned as Victorian finials, and has given us bejeweled phrases like Starboard Wine and Stars In My Pocket Like Grains of Sand and Time Considered as a Helix of Semi-Precious Stones, yet has struggled, his whole writing life, with dyslexia.

Perhaps this last detail accounts for what might be called his literary atomisman almost obsessive attention to the sentence as proses fundamental unit, coupled with a semioticians understanding of how cultural discourses structure our understanding of what a sentence means. Which brings us to another paradox: Delany is well-versed in postmodern literary theory but is, at heart, an old-school close reader in the Northrop Frye, T.S. Eliot, New Criticism sense of the term.

Im forever delighted, then delighted all over, at the things sentences can trip and trick you into saying, into seeing, he says, in his interview-cum-essay The Semiology of Silence. Im astonishedjust plain tickled!at the sharp turns and tiny tremors they can whip your thoughts across. Im entranced by their lollop and flow, their prickles and points. Poetry is made of words, Mallarme told us a hundred years back. But I write prose. And prose is made of sentences.

Of course, the most paradoxical thing about Delany is that hes done some of his deepest thinking within the genre conventions of science fiction, a genre not known, when he published his first novel (The Jewels of Aptor, in 1962), for its hospitality to black men, let alone gay ones. Undaunted, he pushed the envelope of speculative fiction and fantasy, improvising on the identity politics of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and class in sprawling, richly imagined novels that are as sensual as they are philosophical.

His Tale of Plagues and Carnivals (in Flight from Neveryon, 1984), was the first fictional work about the AIDS epidemic published by a major house, Bantam. B. Dalton Books, then the biggest bookseller in the nation, refused to stock it because of its gay themes. His million-selling epic, Dhalgren (1975), refracts questions about mixed-race consciousness and masculinity through the adventures of an amnesiac, possibly schizophrenic drifter, born of a Native American mother, who falls in with a street gang of teenaged boys. Set in a magical-realist metropolis where the sun has ballooned to gargantuan size and time stretches and shrinks, its a brain-bending read; Delany counterbalances metanarrative mind games and enough literary allusions to give Joyce a run for his money with graphic sexual interludesgay, straight, and every which way. In Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand (1984), he considers love, sex, and genderqueer identity among triple-sexed aliens whose relationships are monogamous, polyamorous, anonymous, cross-species, or any combination thereof.

Yetagain, paradoxicallyDelany insists that his fiction, so often viewed through the lens of identity politics, is among other things an interrogation of the philosophical props that underpin our assumptions about identity. Identity is not an essentialist nugget at the center of things, he told an interviewer. Its a category to put things in. You cant think without categories; but you want categories that are complex enough that whatever is inside them is always questioning its own boundaries.

As part of this continuing series of essays on the art (and cultural significance) of the book cover, I interviewed Delany by e-mail about the covers of his books, as well as the book covers in his life.

Given your visual imagination, I imagine youre one of those readers for whom the right book jacket can serve as a portal to other worlds, a cosmic wormhole into alternate realities on the other side of the cover. Have any covers, SF or otherwise, had that sort of effect on you?

I dont think I ever had a cover that stayed in the memory, or that clung more tenaciously to the imagination, than the black-and-white photographic cover of the New Directions edition of Djuna Barness Nightwood. I used to like the Frazetta covers for the Conan novels, and his more pastel and sharply drawn covers for the Tarzan novels that Lancer brought back into print in the 60s. Once, I was a fan (too strong a word, but I liked her covers and would pick them up off the racks to look at them) of Rowena MorrillSaddam Husseins favorite American artist, it turned out. She did three of my Return to Neveryon covers for Bantam. Things that were honestly sexy I always thought were good, and that was certainly Rowena.

Its the rare cover that adds new narrative levels to a book, layers of meaning that exist in mind of the beholder and thus arent really there (though of course they are). Barbara Remingtons triptych for the Ballantine mass-market edition of Tolkiens Lord of the Rings is a case in point. Admittedly, her paintings have little to do with the novels, but theyre powerfully evocative nonetheless. To encounter them in the heyday of Hobbit-mania, as I did in the late 60s and early 70s, was to understand that a book cover could be a doorway to immersive fantasythe pulp progenitor of virtual reality.

For me, the best covers that Tolkien ever had in this country were the jackets the hardcover British edition [by George Allen and Unwin] was originally published with. They were one- or two-color jackets, and they represented the slightly old-fashioned, slightly fey sensibility behind them pretty well.

I got The Hobbit as a junior in high schoolthis was in the 50s. And while the book got good press, the success was undercut by the notion of it being a kids book. A year later, when the Lord of the Rings three volumes came outI remember they had placeholder ribbonsthey didnt do well at all commercially. (A high school friend loaned them to me, and a few months later, after reading them, I gave them back.) The success only happened later, when Ballantines mass-market edition started the paperback swell in popularity that continues to this day.

My feelings about the books are unconventional. I thought The Hobbit was a good book. I didnt think it was great, though, or even very good. Its just good. It keeps you reading, then its over. I dont carry around with me, say, Michael Moorcocks loathing of its reactionary and mindlessly racist glorification of the militarys ability to kill Orcs, which arent as interesting as zombies, old- or new-fashioned. A couple of people have called The Lord of Rings Wagner without the music. Tolkien charms with a twee vision of paradise (which is fine if it charms you, and pathetic if it doesnt) and an equally overinflated vision of hell as a military betrayal of one race by another, over and over and over.

As far as the paperback book covers to both the [unauthorized Ace edition, with cover art by Jack Gaughan] and the Ballantine edition are concerned, I think they range from atrocious to laughable. None of them give me any sort of nostalgic charge.

Can you offer some general thoughts on the book coveras sales tool, commercial art form, stimulus to free-associated fantasy, or whatever?

Ive always tried to heed the admonition, never judge a book by its cover, which for me is a warning against capitalist/consumerist packaging in general. The only thing you can judge by its packing is the packaging itselfand even then, you should be on your guard.

Take the cover of my short novel, Phallos, first published by Bamberger Books in 2004 and then reprinted in an enhanced and revised edition in 2013 by Wesleyan University Press: Theres a lot of information in that cover, in both versions, but especially in the 2013 one. The book is about a novel within a novel, and the cover shows a book cover within a book cover. Like many of my favorites among my own books, the initial cover was done as a pretty close collaboration between my friend, the artist John Del Gaizo, and myself. John is a wonderfully responsive artist, and for many years he had a room in the back of my and my life-partner Denniss apartment in New York City. That made it very easy to work together. Whenever we did, John would say he tried to make his ego vanishand he almost succeeded.

But what would move in to displace it was a tremendous amount of illustrative talent and computer savvy. John did the Bamberger cover. The witty and thematically informative revised and enhanced version is basically Johns cover from the Bamberger edition with a little revision of the title lettering for legibility; it was carried out in much the same spirit by the Wesleyan market manager in those years, Leslie Starr. I think its a cover you can trust; what it tells you about the book is largely true.

When I was in my early twenties, either a publishers art director or perhaps an editorpossibly Don Wollheim or Terry Carrvoiced a principle that described a lot of what I liked in book covers in general: Science fiction fans like covers that invite you to live in the book.

As soon as I heard it, I realized it was a reasonable description of me, as a reader of mass-market and trade paperbacksscience fiction or notand as a lover of illustration and art in general.

What SF covers have invited you to live in the book, besides those youve mentioned?

The first I ever examined carefully was one that became the subject of a talk I gave on book covers back in the late 60s at a Lunacon SF Convention. It showed a sea with a boat in the distance. But fog obscured the horizon so you couldnt tell where the sea ended and the sky began. You kept looking again and again, trying to figure it out. The sky was lighter, the sea was grayer, but there was no demarcation between. It was an effective cover, because it made you look and look back and become involved in trying to solve a problem. And if you had actually stood on a shore or a dock and seen the effect out on the foggy water (and I had), you recognized it as something youd experienced before, which made the cover that much more effective  Thats what I mean by living in the illustration. The artwork suggests skillfully an ambiguity that you recognize from life.

Im a highly theoretical guy: I tend to be seduced by covers that obey certain theories. My favorite principle is, if the person who makes the cover has read the book, or has read part of it, you have a higher likelihood of having a good cover. My next favorite is, if the person who chooses the book cover or the artwork for the cover has read the book, you have a higher likelihood of the cover turning out well. (Its a slightly weaker version of the first.) Heres another: if the artist and/or the person choosing the cover has only worked from a synopsis, and no one in the process has read the book itself, you have a far higher likelihood of having a bad or inappropriate cover: Someone in the cover-making/cover-choosing process has to know the book itself, not just a synopsis of it.

Put that way, it seems self-evident. But its particularly important for SF. Sure, you can get something thats interesting by chance. But thats rare. Take, for example, the Bob Pepper cover for the 1973 NAL edition of my SF story collection Driftglass. It shows a long-haired man sitting cross-legged, with what looks like the collar of a deep-sea diving helmet around his neck. Im pretty sure that the picture of the man came from a synopsis of the title story, and that the images embedded in the mans stomach (one of which is a bluish girl with an eye-patch) derive from another synopsis, though of which story I cant fathom.

I think its a painting with enough skill in its execution to catch the eye. But I dont think its a good book cover in general, and its not a good science fiction book cover in particular. One assumes that the story its supposed to be illustrating is the title story, in which the main character has been badly mutilated. At a certain point, as you begin to recognize the characters from Shakespeares final play, The Tempest. Prospero is gone from his cell, and Caliban has taken it over. Caliban and Ariel are both sea creatures, more than they are human. Caliban is deeply wounded, and his wound keeps him tied to the landscape where he was maimed. Its a story in which history repeats itself. Its also a story about the older generation being displaced by a younger one.

Thats a lot to put into a cover illustration. But what bothers meand, yes, offends meabout it is that once youve read the story, its immediately clear that Pepper did not read the story, and at best worked from a very skimpy synopsis. The images of the door and the child with the eye-patch dont even pretend to reflect anything in the tale. Its just another cover painting by another artist who never got a chance to respond directly to the text.

One cover that did work well, I thought, was the cover that John Del Gaizo and I did for the Wesleyan 1998 reprint of my 1967 novel The Einstein Intersection, which was part of that early spate of Wesleyan reprints. Years ago, Id decided someday I was going to have the drawing Aubrey Beardsley did for Act II of Siegfried on the cover of my book. John and I worked hard on the four-color photomontage of Hubble images of stars to create the frame.

The subtle four-color starscape framing the precise, black-andwhite, Late-Victorian Beardsley is very effective when you walk up to it on a bookstore rack. John and I put it together from enhanced Hubble images and worked on it for a week. It contains an amazing amount of energy, in my opinion, because of that. (Its three different photos arranged to suggest a single stretch of nebula somewhere in the universe.) The way the colors themselves are, in effect, all but thrown away is another source of the images meaning. When you first look at it, youre not even sure that the frame is in color, until it settles on the eye a while.

The first covers that really took hold of the principles I mentioned earlier, however, are the ones for the Wesleyan revivals of Return to Neveryon. Theyre black with gold lettering, each with a photographic strip of a landscape down the right-hand side, a different landscape with a different color predominating on each volume. I suggested they find a lakeside scene for first, rocks on a mountain for the next, a seascape at sunset with an island in the distance for the third, and for number four an aerial view of an autumn forest landscape with a mountain in the distanceand damned if their art department didnt come up with exactly what Id asked for! Those covers say: These landscapes are almost America (and a hidden part of America, an idealized part of America, someplace on its margin or possibly hidden within), which is what they should say for this series of tales.

Can you think of any exceptions to your rulesinstances where the illustrator clearly didnt read the book but nonetheless produced a suitable, maybe even inspired image?

No, but Ed Emshwillers wonderfully surreal cover for The Towers of Toron, the second volume of my Fall of the Towers trilogy, was probably the best on my first 10 books, even though hed only read two chapters. (If Id been fortunate enough to get him for all three, the triptych might well have constituted a minor SF cover art triumph.)

Clearly hed read the first chapter or two until he found a scene with an illustratable momentin this case, when the Duchess of Petra surprises the historian Rolth Catham by going invisible, after the ball where prime minister Chargil has been assassinated. (For 1962, that was too violent and bloody for a paperback cover on a genre volume assumed to be for adolescent boys.) Petra was an elegant woman, whosince at that moment she was just a dress and a cape, some evening gloves, an anklet, an armband, a tiara, and some earrings, all hanging over a pair of empty high-heeled shoeshe could make as sexy as you (assumed teen-age boy) or he (as the artist constructing the image with you, assumed teen-aged boy, in mind) wanted. And so he did.

This was an intelligent methodwhen used by a highly and technically skilled figurative artist. Three of four years later, I became friends with Ed and Carolat least good enough friends for him to use me for a scene in his experimental film Image, Flesh, and Voice (1969), and to offer me a ride back from Milford, Pennsylvania after the shoot. While we were driving up, Ed confessed to me that hed only read two chapters of my book, till hed reached an image, and from then on it was the image that had occupied himnot my work. (He would often do one of these mass-market paperback covers a week, he told me, week in and week out.)

Can you elaborate on the adverse effects, on cover art, of working from a synopsis?

By the time Dhalgrens cover [by Dean Ellis] won a design prize, in 1975, no cover artist, for SF or any other mass-market genre, was reading any book in order to come up with an illustration. Theyd read a half- or a quarter-page synopsis by an editoror by an art director who himself had read a three-page synopsis of the book. Synopses by their very nature obliterate the kind of specific information that makes science fiction, indeed any fiction, interesting.

What makes the Dhalgren cover work is the design and the ideanot the illustration. The big sun, the fragments of a city, but not the three men in the distancewho, once youve read the book, youll realize are from another book (if you look at them with a magnifying glass), as, indeed, are the towers on the horizon, which are specifically not the towers in Bellona. Nor could the sun pictured be the sun that rises and sets in Bellona Only the juxtaposition of the three suggests its an illustration for the novel.

Today, cover houses (companies that design and print a small publishers covers for the year, which are then delivered in two batchesspring and fall, say) give the art director one shot, then one revision. And direct communication with the writer is forbiddenbecause were crazy (and by and large theyre right) and because most of us know nothing about art or design. Every once in a while, you get a writer like me who is actually interested in some of those topics, and isnt entirely out to lunch: Okay, now, in a very realistic style, I want you to show the entire universe, only down in one corner, you can see the earth, and on one spot of it you see an ordinary picket fence house, while thousands of miles away you have this Egyptian Pyramid, in the middle of which, surrounded on all sides by stone walls, a three-thousand-year-old monster is chained and 

Youre not literally that involved in the art-directing of some of your covers?

Not like that, no.

I have no feeling that the cover of any book need slavishly follow the text of the story. But I do feel offended when the artist does something thats flagrantly violated by the text and nobody feels that its worth doing anything about. To me, thats a cover that says fuck you to the writer and tells the readers you really dont care what they see on the book. Its bad advertising for any product. Im thinking of all the times I, or my one-time student the late Octavia Butler, had to endure brass-armored Nordic Viking women on the covers of novels that had Asian poets or black housewives as protagonists because there really were suits running around the company who deeply believed that anything else on the cover just wouldnt sell.
Wild parties in Palm Springs with famous actors and musicians, affairs with beautiful starlets, nail-biting showdowns with international rivals, a dramatic death, a heros burial: The life and times of President John F. Kennedy are both well-known and well-mythologized.

For decades, JFK was viewed as a prototypical golden boy both in his home state of Massachusetts and beyond. But the truth about his behavior , which has slowly come out over the years, is a good deal less glowingand a good bit boozier.

His dinners at the White House were legendary for their copious cocktails, including rum & cokes according to Sally Bedell Smiths book Grace and Power. They served the drinks in enormous tumblers, writer and close Kennedy friend George Plimpton told Bedell Smith. Everybody had too much to drink because they were excited.
It has been 100 years since the first act of terror on U.S. soil was committed by revolutionary Francisco Pancho Villa. On March 9, 1916, Villa and more than 400 heavily-armed mounted bandits crossed the Mexican border and attacked Columbus, New Mexico. The Villistas caught the town of 350 inhabitants, plus a garrison of 553 troops from the 13th U.S. Cavalry, completely by surprise. I was awake, they were asleep, he later bragged, and it took them too long to wake up.

For almost two hours Villas men ransacked the towns hotel, its few stores, and adobe houses before the cavalry chased them back across the border. Left behind on Columbuss dusty streets lay eight dead civilians and 10 American soldiers, and several others wounded. The Villistas took greater losses, between one and two hundred men, some killed during a cavalry skirmish 30 miles deep into Mexico.

Villas raid was an act of terrorism and the first of its kind conducted on U.S. soil. Unprovoked, his men gunned down innocent Americans and destroyed their property. Although the death toll pales in comparison with the 9/11 attacks or the recent Paris mass shootings, the American public was stunned and demanded immediate retribution, fearing Villa was on a rampage with plans to massacre other border towns. President Woodrow Wilson, a reluctant warrior, was in the midst of a re-election campaign that pledged to keep America out of the war in Europe. A war with Mexico was now a possibility and he had to act.

Villa never said why he orchestrated the attack, but his hatred for America was no secret. He was angered that the Wilson administration formally backed Villas chief political rival, Governor Venustiano Carranza. Seeking revenge three months before the Columbus raid, his Villistas murdered 18 Americans on board a Mexico train. Wilson ignored the episode and did nothing.

Yet, a day after Columbus was hit, Wilson needed to look strong and ordered his new secretary of war, Newton D. Baker, to send an armed force into Mexico. A week later, a punitive expedition of more than 14,000 troops under the command of Brig. Gen. John J. Pershing, including aide Lt. George S. Patton, headed to Mexico in pursuit of Villa.

Today, Pancho Villa is more associated with a slew of Mexican restaurants that bear his name than his true legacy as a cold-blooded killer. Villa was not a folk hero as some would like to believe, but a violent terrorist whose actions remind us of the atrocities committed by ISIS a century later.

Mitchell Yockelson

Excerpted from Forty-Seven Days: How Pershings Warriors Came of Age to Defeat the German Army in World War I by Mitchell Yockelson:

Pancho Villa and around four hundred men raided Columbus, New Mexico, on March 9, 1916, and tangled with the 13th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, who were garrisoned nearby. Villa supporters had been terrorizing Americans in Mexico and conducting border raids for the past year in retaliation for the U.S. backing of President Venustiano Carranza, with whom Villa was embroiled in a civil war. The day after Villas invasion, President Wilson directed that an armed force be sent into Mexico with the sole purpose of capturing Villa and preventing any further raids by his band, and with scrupulous regard to the sovereignty of Mexico.

Secretary of War Baker, who had just arrived in Washington and knew little about the Armys field officers, asked his general staff to recommend an expedition leader. Army chief of staff Major General Hugh L. Scott and his assistant, Major General Tasker H. Bliss, put Pershings name forward, and Baker selected him. The other possibility was Major General Frederick Funston, a Medal of Honor recipient and commander of the Southern Department out of Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. Funston outranked Pershing and seemed the obvious choice, but reports that he drank too much ruined his chances. Pershing also had more experience working directly with civilians than any other officer, and that comforted Baker.

Out of all his Army assignments, commanding the Mexican Punitive Expedition was the most difficult. Capturing Villa would be hard enough, considering the bandit knew the terrain better than Pershing and had many allies willing to protect him, but entering Mexico and not inciting its army into a full-scale war would be another challenge. Just after midnight on March 18, 1916, Pershing and the Mexican Punitive Expedition brought the U.S. Army into the modern era of warfare. Accompanying the 12,000 Regulars were motorized supply trucks, Signal Corps communication equipment, and some airplanes. Pershing split his army into two columns and headed toward the town of Casa Grandes, 100 miles south of Columbus. A supply base was established at Colonia Dublan and this is where Pershing made his headquarters.

Four weeks into the operation, Pershings Punitive Expedition had pushed 350 miles into Mexico without snagging Villa, although there had been several skirmishes with his Villistas. On March 29, 1916, 370 troopers from the 7th Cavalry Regiment clashed with Villas bandits at San Geronimo ranch near the town of Guerrero. Seventy-five Villistas were killed and five Americans wounded. Villa escaped unharmed; it was the closest Pershings men would get to capturing him. On April 12, a squadron of the 13th Cavalry entered the town of Parral, 400 miles from the border, where they were swarmed by an angry crowd. Wisely, squadron commander Major Frank Tompkins tried to leave town and was attacked in the process by the local Carranzistas (the name given to Carranzas military forces). Tompkins engaged the Mexicans, and after more American cavalry arrived throughout the day, the outnumbered Carranzistas withdrew. Two Americans died and six were wounded during the standoff. There were many more Mexican casualties, although the exact number is disputed.

Frustrated by failing to locate Villas whereabouts and fighting Mexican troops in the process, Pershings men grew tired and aggravated. Cavalry regiments were overly exhausted because much of the landscape they traversed was mountainous and troopers often had to lead the horses on foot. Mexican villagers added to the misery. Pershing ordered his men to treat them with respect and purchase their goods at fair prices, as he had done with the Moros. But locals didnt reciprocate the kindness and snubbed the Americans when asked for help finding Villa. Even more distressing was the Carranza government, which had reluctantly permitted the expedition into Mexican territory under pressure from Wilson but now hoped the Americans would go away.

Pershing thought the 1st Aero Squadron, with its eight Curtiss JN-3 (Jennys) airplanes, led by Captain Benjamin Foulois, could help spot the bandit. He was mistaken. One of the planes crashed on its maiden flight from Columbus to Colonia Dublan, and the other planes either couldnt fly much above the treetops, or suffered from broken propellers, among other failures. Pershing lamented that the aeroplanes have been of no material benefit either in scouting or as a means of communication. They have not at all met my expectations.

On June 21, the last major battle of the expedition involved Pershings old regiment, the 10th Cavalry. Once again the enemy was not the Villistas but the Mexican Army. Eleven American soldiers were killed in a skirmish at Carrizal, including the commander of Troop C, Captain Charles Boyd, when the regiment entered the village without approval from the local Carranzista commander. Pershing wanted to retaliate by attacking the Carranzista garrison at Chihuahua, but President Wilson rejected his order for fear it would lead to war between the United States and Mexico and requested that the commander now cease hostile activity. Pershing obeyed and agreed that he would stand down until further notice. Despite the lack of progress and frustrations over equipment failures, Pershing kept his composure and remained professional throughout the expedition. This is apparent in one of the iconic photographs taken of him at the time. Pershing is captured sitting confidently on his horse. A Montana Peak campaign hat rests just above his ears, while he wears a crisp shirt and perfectly knotted tie.

Patton saw his first combat during the Punitive Expedition. For the first couple of months he served under Pershings watchful eye as his aide. Patton tended to scheduling, ordering supplies, and any other administrative task he was told to do. All the while he observed Pershings command style, and wanted so badly to emulate him. As one of Pattons biographers put it, Pershings influence on young Patton cannot be overemphasized. He was the very model of a military commander, whose ideas of duty and discipline meshed perfectly with Pattons own conception. Pershing, too, appreciated the young lieutenant for his energy, ambition, and hunger for action that reminded Black Jack of himself when he had first started out. He brought Patton along during morning horseback rides, and they slowly developed a strong bond. Pershing saw that Patton longed for adventure, and occasionally sent him out in the field as a courier. Besides these small excursions, however, Patton remained at headquarters, helping his boss to keep the expedition organized.

After weeks of little movement, and with Villa and his band still on the loose, Pershing received a credible tip in early May 1916 that General Julio Cardenas, Villas trusted bodyguard, was holed up in the vicinity of Rubio. Capturing Cardenas would be a major coup for Pershing, and Patton wanted to take part in the score. Patton made his pitch; Pershing bought it and temporarily assigned his aide to Troop C of the 13th Cavalry. At daybreak one morning the regiment went looking for Cardenas. They searched the San Miquelito Ranch, where the Cardenas family was supposedly living, but only an uncle and some other relative were home. From there the troop scoured the surrounding countryside, but came up empty-handed. Patton was disappointed and vowed to return to the ranch.

His chance came a couple of weeks later when Pershing dispatched three Dodge touring automobiles and loaded them with Patton, ten soldiers from the 6th Infantry, and a couple of civilian guides to purchase corn from a farmer in Rubio. After buying the feed, Patton seized the moment, sending the party to the San Miquelito Ranch, where he hoped Cardenas had returned from his hideout. Patton ordered the soldiers to surround the dwelling and prepare for a fight. As they crouched with their guns at the ready, three Mexicans ran out the door. The Americans opened fire, killing two of them, including Cardenas. More shots rang out and a third Mexican was felled. There is no way to tell if the bullets from either Pattons rifle or ivory-handled Colt 1873 single action .45-caliber revolver killed any of the men. But Patton is credited with initiating the operation and he couldnt wait to tell Pershing, who had no idea what his aide and the other men were up to. Lieutenant Patton and his party rushed back to headquarters with the corpses of the dead Mexicans tied to the hoods of their cars. Patton also carried away Cardenass silver-studded saddle and sword as war trophies, which Pershing allowed him to keep. News of Pattons feat blazed in the headlines of newspapers in the United States, which proclaimed him the Bandit Killer.

From FORTY-SEVEN DAYS: How Pershings Warriors Came of Age to Defeat the German Army in World War I by Mitchell Yockelson. Reprinted by arrangement with New American Library, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright  2016 by Mitchell Yockelson.

Mitchell Yockelson, the recipient of the Army Historical Foundations Distinguished Writing Award, is an archivist with the National Archives and former professor of military history at the United States Naval Academy. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Los Angeles Times, and he has appeared on 60 Minutes, Fox News, PBS, and the History Channel. He is the author of three earlier books: Borrowed Soldiers: Americans under British Command, 1918, named one of the best military history books by The Independent (UK) in 2008; MacArthur: Americas General, and Grant: Savior of the Union. An historical adviser to the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, Yockelson regularly leads tours of World War I battlefields for the Smithsonian Journeys and New York Times Journeys series, and frequently lectures on military history. He lives in Annapolis.
Entertainment / Celebrity

by iNdaba Ndaba

As it turns out, in our African culture one is celebrated when they are gone, hence most of our musicians struggle to be noticed while 'besadl-amabele' (still alive).'Celebrate them while they live' is a weekly column aimed at promoting Zimbabwean artists at home and abroad.Today I picked a track by Jeys Marabini called 'Ndwandwe', Listen and enjoy. Don't forget to post your comment below and visit Jey's website www.jeysmarabini.com If you know of anyone Zimbabwean whose work deserves recognition drop me an email at editor@bulawayo24.com (attention Roy Moyo)
The different energy sectors in Denmark - oil, electricity, natural gas, and district heating - are each assigned a share of energy savings to reach depending on their market share. The trade associations for those sectors then delegate responsibility for those savings to its member companies, also based on market share.

The country also quadrupled new buildings' thermal efficiency from 1977, and forbade oil- and gas-fired heating of new buildings from 2013.

CHP good - but biomass?

Twelve percent of all power in Denmark is generated from biomass and organic waste in Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants, and more than 80% of Danish district heating is cogenerated with electricity. Today, there are 670 decentralized CHP plants around the country.

Most of the biomass being used in Denmark today is from straw and biodegradable waste, and 30% is imported from Eastern European countries and Canada in the form of wood pellets and wood chips.

Biomass proponents claim that burning wood pellets is a carbon-neutral form of energy because the plants that are the source of biomass capture as much CO 2 when growing as they emit when burned. However, many others believe harvesting wood for biomass is anything but carbon-neutral and threatens many diverse ecosystems throughout the world.

In December 2014, the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Building announced that only sustainably produced biomass would be purchased. The agreement includes requirements for the entire biomass supply chain and requires that forests that supply biomass for energy production be replanted.

However, the debate continues, as some argue that planting is no guarantee of healthy maturation - about as much biomass belowground must also be protected in its volume and biodiversity, and although the biomass may be sustainably produced, the magnitude of the biomass material harvested may be unsustainable.

Denmark's CHP plants, in combination with the wind turbines, make Denmark one of the countries with the highest percentage of distributed generation in the world.

In 1990, the country had 15 central power plants. It now has 20 central power stations (4,200 MW), 45 electric boilers (550 MW), 5,300 wind turbines (5,070 MW), and 94,000 solar PV panels (785 MW), in addition to the 670 local combined heat and power plants (2,300 MW).

Long distance grid connections create network stability

While the variability of wind power can be challenging, one advantage Denmark has is its proximity to other countries to which it can export wind power. When Denmark has an excess of wind power, as happened last July when the country's wind turbines produced 140% of the electricity demand, it exports electricity to Sweden, Norway, and Germany.

Sweden and Norway import the electricity to save water in their hydro reservoirs, and use their hydropower during periods of low wind. Germany uses German windpower to save coal, though Germany's own renewables are so robust that with their legal (and economically rational) dispatch priority, they often limit Denmark's ability to export to Germany.

Denmark is also looking into establishing new connections to farther countries such as Holland and England.

Denmark is hoping to build a smart grid, and embarked on a full-scale smart grid pilot project in 2005, by reorganizing its grid in a cellular architecture. The Cell Controller Pilot Project(CCPP), which lasted for seven years, used advanced computers to jointly control wind turbines, CHP plants, and other distributed generation sources in a 1,000 square kilometer region

This allows them to operate as a single integrated virtual power plant that can intelligently ramp production up or down depending on wind conditions and power consumption. This not only helps with grid reliability, but also provides ancillary services such as power balancing, import and export of power, and voltage control.

A study conducted by Energinet showed that implementing a smart grid would provide gross socioeconomic benefits of $1.2 billion.

Most importantly, Danish grid operators, who 15 years ago would have considered it impossible to run the grid stably with 60% renewable supply, now achieve this routinely. They have become among the world's most adept at integrating diverse, distributed, often variable, renewable resources.

As a result, Danish electricity supply is the most reliable in Europe, slightly ahead of Germany's, and about ten times more reliable than US electricity supply.

Being fossil fuel free by 2050 means a big change in transportation. Yet Denmark has already made great strides. To discourage gasoline consumption, Denmark has a 180% tax on new cars, waived if one buys an electric car; a 95% surtax on cars weighing over two tonnes; and an annual tax on cars' inefficiency.

There is also free parking for EVs in all cities. It is estimated there are more than 4 million bicycles in Denmark and more than 10,000 kilometers of separated bike paths and bike lanes. And one-third of all commutes to work and school are done by bicycle.

A fossil-fuel-free future

In its 2014 report, the Danish Energy Agency laid out four scenarios on how to be fossil fuel free by 2050:

Wind scenario: primarily wind, solar PV, and CHP deployment, including massive electrification of the heat and transport sectors

Biomass scenario: CHP for electricity and district heating.

Bio+ scenario: Replacing coal, oil, and natural gas with bioenergy. Wind energy remains at 2020 level (50% of electricity).

Hydrogen scenario: Highest wind deployment of any scenario along with hydrogen production.

The country does face challenges ahead. "The continued governmental support around Europe to renewable energy with zero marginal costs drives conventional units out of the market and will make the pricing of electricity a strange business", Parbo told RMI.

"This also means that the ability to supply enough electricity in periods with no wind and no solar production will become the main future challenge."

But the main conclusion of the Danish Energy Agency's report is that it is technically feasible for the Danish energy system to be 100% fossil fuel free. And it's well on its way.

Laurie Guevara-Stone is the Writer/Editor for Rocky Mountain Institute, where she writes blogs and articles on all the issues that RMI addresses.

This article was originally published by Rocky Mountain Institute and is reproduced on The Ecologist by RMI's kind permission.
The editorial staff reserves the right to edit and/or delete posts in accordance with the above guidelines.

FEATURES

* The Puzzle Corner (games) and The Week in Review (news highlights) every Saturday.

*The Sunday Funnies (comedy) each Sunday.

*Other features/articles appear as applicable and time permits.





Our IN OTHER NEWS feature normally at the bottom of your screen was suspended when Blogger updated their gadgets, but you can find a new TRANSLATE feature above.



NOTES

Any (news) links just lead to the original source material.

Those websites own and are responsible for their individual content.

Every copyright law is respected and honored as much as humanly possible. All links were active at the time of posting.



(above last updated July 24, 2022)



was first founded in college on December 13th, 2003 as
News / Education

by Stephen Jakes

Mthwakazi Republic Party spokesperson Mbonisi Gumbo has said Primary and secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora in his policies is pursuing the 1979 Grand Plan of Zanu PF which sought to eliminate people of Matabeleland in the developmental projects done by the government."The minister of education's education policy presides over an Education Master Policy meant to finalize the fulfillment of the 1979 grand plan," he said. "MRP ground team managed to be part of the Bulawayo Curriculum review. The observation of the Mthwakazi Republic Party Team is that, the Education policy which is said to have been done through community consultations is not a reflection of what Mthwakazi communities are anticipating."He said the teams further noticed that, the Ministry of Education uses a lot of threats to align the vulnerable teachers of Mthwakazi."The Ministry of Education principals comprising of the Minister, the Deputy Minister and the Permanent Secretary of which all are Shonas have no respect for the province, because they arrived at half past three(15:30) at a meeting which was scheduled to take place at two in the afternoon(14:00), they ironically talked of respect and professionalism which is an insult to the capital of Mthwakazi. Mthwakazi Republic Party further condemns the so-called "National school pledge" where they are compelling teachers and students to recite that at schools," he said."This is more of a religion, and children should not be taught to worship the oppressive Zanu PF rule. This was done by Hitler and Mussolini and it must not be tolerated by the world in this day and age. We believe the Minister is supposed to address questionable issues like the payment of bonuses to the teachers, who are now given the extra work of teaching students to recite national pledge that praises the oppressive government."Gumbo said the party advises the faithful citizens of Mthwakazi to refuse and condemn this madness that is highly primitive in this day and age."The Minister should be talking about free primary and secondary education which is what our communities are anticipating. Another very discouraging empirical information is that in Bulawayo there are 188 schools whilst in Harare there are 400 schools. The number include also private schools. They claim to be championing equitable education yet at ground level they are not reflecting that," he said."Furthermore, the Minister was bold to say that, he will deploy teachers anywhere not considering languages issue which is a major cry in our nation of Mthwakazi whereby(Early Child Development) ECD students are taught by teachers who do not understand the local languages. Such policies are resulting in poor performances at schools and undermining local cultures and customs, which is a violation of Ubuntu. We warn the government of Zimbabwe to refrain from such behaviour which is aimed at disturbing the pride of our valued and loved rich culture of Mthwakazi."He said another issue of importance which the Minister did not respond to clearly was failure of the government to employ teachers who recently graduated from Tertiary institutions and also addressing the issues of resources at government schools due to their policy at the schools."The ministry cannot seek to introduce other things before addressing the current issues which are pertinent at the moment. Its very unfortunate that our people are subjected to day dreamers leadership rather than visionaries. Some of the components of the new curriculum are a misdirected dream and they are not visible and viable. Its unfortunate that, the Zanu PF government is now fast tracking reforms, which is a process that was supposed to have started in 1980," he said."The problem with this government is that it always fast track programs and they are not learning from their mistakes. Fast-tracked programmes tatamount to populist stop gap measures; as they are not policy based Implementation, and do not address and offer long term solutions. We expect this Ministry to be talking about the fall of fees in the education system, but instead it is introducing bureaucracies that would further milk the very little tax payers' hard earned cash. Furthermore they are not promoting privatization which may encourage economic growth if not manipulated, as they usually do. Bantu bakithi lafa elikaMthwakazi sithule. Leli yilo ithuba eliqondileyo lokuthi silungise indaba zakithi. Sithi vuka sizwe sikaMthwakazi leli yilo ithuba eliqondileyo."
PHOTOS BY DENNY SIMMONS / THE GLEANER Although it is the third time Anna Selter, 10, has donated her hair for the Wigs for Kids program, the youngster still feels a little strange having 12 inches of her light brown hair snipped off by Imperial Beauty Salon hair stylist Jennifer Wilkerson Friday afternoon. "It's so short," she moaned to the stylist.

SHARE Hair stylist Jennifer Wilkerson (left) shows off the first cut of the day she made on Anna Selter on Friday afternoon. DENNY SIMMONS / THE GLEANER Cairo Elementary School 4th-grader Anna Selter, 10, of Henderson, Ky., displays the third batch of hair she has donated to Wigs for Kids out of Westlake, Ohio, at Imperial Beauty Salon in Henderson Friday afternoon. The youngster made her first donation in kindergarten and her second in second grade. DENNY SIMMONS / THE GLEANER Imperial Beauty Salon hair stylist Jennifer Wilkerson begins the measurements for 10-year-old Anna Selter's haircut Friday afternoon. Selter was donating her hair for the third time to Wigs for Kids out of Westlake, Ohio.

By Abbey Nickel, abbey.nickel@thegleaner.com / @abbeynickel

It was deja vu for 10-year old Anna Selter as she watched 12 inches of her long, brown hair fall to the floor Friday afternoon.

"That's a lot of hair," the shy, Cairo Elementary School fourth-grader said with a smile as stylist Jennifer Wilkerson brushed, snipped, and trimmed sections of her hair at the Imperial Beauty Salon in Henderson.

It was the third time Selter has donated her hair to a nonprofit organization, with this year being Wigs for Kids out of Westlake, Ohio.

But this time it was a little more bittersweet. She made the donation in honor of Evelyn Cummings, one of her fourth grade teachers who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and in honor of 3-year-old Anna Shappell, who was recently diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Shappell is the daughter of another one of Selter's teachers, Brooke Shappell.

Selter said it made her "really happy" to know her hair was going toward making wigs for other children who were experiencing hair loss.

Cummings said having students such as Selter rally around her keeps her spirits up as she goes through treatments.

"Knowing that Anna cares that much about me means the world," Cummings said. "She is such a giving little girl with the kindest heart."

Brooke Shappell said finding out Selter had decided to donate her hair on honor of her daughter was an emotional moment.

"For a 10-year-old to do it three times in her lifetime already, that just goes to show how great of a kid she is," Shappell said.

Selter was humble as onlookers praised her generosity.

"It's never made me nervous," Selter said. "I'm glad I get to do it."

And even though it was Selter's third time donating her hair, she said she still "feels weird" after having that much hair cut off.

"My head feels so much lighter now," she said afterward.

Both Shappell and Cummings said knowing the community continues to support them makes them feel less alone in both of their journeys.

"The prayers, the thoughts, the phone calls, they are all keeping my spirits up, and this is a great example of that," Cummings said. "I know that I am loved. Anna is one of those people that is just genuinely kind and giving, and to be able to say that about a 10-year-old is just amazing."
SHARE

By Gleaner Staff

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans rolling road blocks with brief traffic stoppages along U.S. 41 near the U.S. 60 interchange on Monday evening.

The rolling road blocks starting around 8 p.m., are to create a break in traffic to allow the contractor to remove old overhead sign trusses above the roadway.

Kentucky State Police will assist the work by slowing traffic to create a gap in traffic. The gap in traffic with about a 10 minute halt in traffic will allow time for a crane to remove the truss systems in place at the following locations:

Around 8 p.m., the roadblock will halt both northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 41 near the Long John Silver's restaurant.

Around 10 p.m. traffic in both directions will be halted just south of the U.S. 41/U.S. 60 cloverleaf.

The contractor expects rolling road blocks with a duration of about 10 minutes each. Traffic may be halted during part of that time to facilitate the sign truss removal.

Motorists should be alert for slowing and stopped traffic at these locations and times. Appropriate caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and maintenance personnel are along the roadway in proximity to traffic flow.
Federal appeals court temporarily blocks Biden student debt relief plan

A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked the Biden Administration from moving forward with its student debt relief program aiming to forgive billions of dollars in student loans.
Was Friday morning's snowfall the last we'll see of the white stuff? No one knows for sure, but that was a lamb of a snow event. Less than an inch fell and even that was gone by noon. Now we're hearing about the possibility of pushing 70 degrees next week. Our roller coaster of a winter continues.

New England weather may be difficult to predict, but what is a certainty is that good things will continue to happen in our community. We highlight some of these stories each week here in this space. Today we kick off with a bouquet to the politicians, police departments, and citizens who are shining a spotlight on the heroin epidemic gripping the state and other parts of the country.

With overdoses in the state rising nearly 87 percent since 2012, it's past time to shine the light on this issue. Politicans got the message and are addressing it head on with forums, conferences and, most importantly, bills to help communities deal with the epidemic. Norwalk is not immune as police are responding to an ever-increasing number of heroin-related incidents.

It's a sad story and each overdose death has a wide-arching ripple effect on surviving families and friends. We are happy to see it getting the attention it deserves and hope positive results follow. The Hour is helping to spread the word, too, as we started a series of stories on heroin last Sunday. We will print a new story each week for the next month or two by staff writer Leslie Lake to keep the conversation going.

To further the discussion, consider attending the Courage to Speak Foundation's annual Empowering Youth to be Drug-Free Family Night, which is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. on Monday, March 14. The night will include a complimentary dinner followed by talks by community leaders -- including Courage to Speak founder Ginger Katz -- and local middle school students. Katz founded the Norwalk-based nonprofit in 1996 after losing her son, Ian, to a drug overdose.

We like to call out scammers with brickbats and this week is no exception. A hearty brickbat goes out to those scammers who call a parent and claim that their child has been kidnapped. It's an old scam that is starting to gain traction again. Somehow the scammers get the phone number of a parent who has a child in school. The scammer claims to have kidnapped the child and seeks a ransom in exchange for returning the child unharmed. Alert the police if you receive such a phone call.

Similar to our first bouquet, we offer another one to the politicians who are tackling the transit issues that continue to plague the state. U.S. Senator Chris Murphy is meeting with residents to hear their concerns and possible solutions. The concerns are nothing new: I-95 too crowded; bus routes inadequate; and trains too crowded, slow and expensive.

Governors have made ambitious transportation overhaul proposals, staring with Jodi Rell and now with Dannel Malloy. Even with the recent improvements to I-95 in the Norwalk area, traffic still crawls far too often. We are glad to see Senator Murphy join the fray as getting federal, state and local government involved may be the only way to fix this perpetual problem.
News / Health

by Stephen Jakes

Kuwadzana MDC-T MP Nelson Chamisa has expressed disaproval over the attack on the war veterans by the police saying the act underrated the former freedom fighters.Speaking in parliament Chamisa asked Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa who was the acting Leader of the Housem over the attack of war veteransd by the police."Chinamasa we were pained by what happened, the torment and torture given to the war veterans who were showered with hot water and also tear gas and yet they are respectable people. There is no country without war veterans," he said."If the war veterans are ill treated in such a way, what is the Government saying to the torture given to the war veterans? We did not fight the war because we were young and we are now pained when we see that the war veterans are being tortured. Hon. Chinamasa, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, what do you say to such torment to war veterans?"Chinamasa said President Robert Mugabe apologised to the war veterans for what had happened and in the course of his explanation he apportioned blame as to what happened."What happened is very regrettable and I hope that in future, incidents of that nature will not occur," he said..
First, he waffled. When Iowas senior U.S. senator finally accepted the presidents invitation to meet for a customary confab, which take place when Supreme Court vacancies arise, Chuck Grassley acted as if he were doing Barack Obama a favor.

Then Grassley, a Republican who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced he would not be discussing the situation for which he was invited: replacing the late Antonin Scalia. In a statement made jointly with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, he said he wouldnt even recognize Obamas authority as president to appoint the next justice. The next Supreme Court justice will be determined once the elections are complete and the next president has been sworn into office, the duos statement said.

To complete the snub, Grassley suggested that he, the president and McConnell might instead use their time together to chat about opioid abuse.

The meeting took place Tuesday. There was no immediate word if opioids were discussed, but Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, of Nevada, said in news reports the two Republicans were adamant they wouldnt consider filling the vacancy during Obamas presidency.

It increasingly feels as if were living in a parallel universe where constitutional law and precedent are voided simply by declaring them not to be so. The latest narrative from Senate Republicans is that a president with a year left on his term should leave a Supreme Court vacancy unfilled in deference to his successor. They call this honoring the will of the people. Grassleys statement followed a group letter from the seven Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee declaring their refusal to meet with or hold hearings on any potential justice Obama might appoint. That, in their words, is based on constitutional principle and born of a necessity to protect the will of the American people.

The Constitution stipulates its the presidents duty, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint Supreme Court justices. But the Republican majority is framing it as if the president is the one being crafty by carrying out his duty. Theyve got a slick propaganda campaign to say otherwise. McConnell accused Obama of wielding an electoral cudgel. A TV ad supporting Grassley says, Its we the people. Sometimes the politicians forget that. The Supreme Court has a vacancy and your vote in November is your only voice. Sen. Chuck Grassley agrees the American people should decide.

This shouldnt require spelling out, but the people did use their voice when they elected Obama president _ twice.

The ad is placed by something called the Judicial Crisis Network  that crisis evidently being that the courts leading conservative happened to die during a Democratic presidents tenure. But its the luck of the draw which party is in the White House when a court vacancy occurs. The ad has pictures of black, brown, white and Asian people as if theres one big multicultural clamor for the president to give up his authority to appoint a justice. Some African-American voters, however, see it as yet another slight on the first African-American president, whose legitimacy some members of Congress have never acknowledged.

Reagan appointed someone to the court in his last year, LBJ did the same thing, Michael Eric Dyson, a scholar and author of The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race, is quoted as saying in the left-leaning Talking Points Memo. Why was it legitimate for those men in an earlier epoch, but not Barack Obama? How can we conclude anything but race?

Call Sen. Grassley, instructs the Judicial Crisis Network. Thank him for letting the people decide.

I will not be calling with thanks anytime soon. Im seriously dismayed that the once affable and independent-minded Iowa senator now seems to be taking his cue from the likes of Donald Trump and Steve King with his facts-be-damned unilateralism. Its especially galling considering that Obama accepted Grassleys recommendation and nominated Iowans Rebecca Goodgame Ebinger and Leonard Strand for federal judgeships last year.

But Im also disappointed in Obama for trying to win over the right by considering nominating Brian Sandoval, the anti-labor, anti-gun-control governor of Nevada, who according to the pro-choice organization NARAL, has also not been consistent on reproductive choice. Sandovals decision to recuse himself from consideration spares Obama from having to justify caving on his key priorities. Maybe the president thought hed be calling the Republicans bluff by putting forth a Republican nominee. But once the obstructionists sense weakness, theyll stop at nothing.

The nonpartisan organization Justice Not Politics, headed by former Democratic and Republican Lt. Govs. Sally Pederson and Joy Corning, is also asking people to call Grassley  for the opposite reason. Its ad features Reagan-appointed former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor saying the court nomination should not be delayed. We need somebody to do the job now. Lets get on with it, she says.

Yes. And lets let Grassley know hes not acting in his constituents interest, and there could be consequences in his next election. The will of the people can work either way.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin The Jakarta Post Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

Publicly listed property developer Agung Podomoro Land plans to build several hotels and superblocks in major cities outside of Java, such as Medan and Balikpapan, as part of the company's planned nationwide expansion.



The company's vice president director, Veri Y. Setiady, said that the company was currently working on two superblocks, Podomoro City Deli in Medan and Borneo Bay Residences in Balikpapan, and the Indigo hotel in Seminyak in Bali.



'The superblock project in Medan is one of our biggest projects,' Veri told reporters Thursday, adding that the Borneo Bay Residences was an extension of the Plaza Balikpapan complex.



The Podomoro City Deli Medan, managed by one of the company's subsidiaries, Sinar Menara Deli, consists of 3,000 apartment units, a hotel, an office tower and a shopping mall, while the Borneo Bay Residences, also managed by a subsidiary, Pandega Citra Niaga, consists of 1,100 apartment units, a hotel and a shopping mall.



The hotel project in Bali, offering around 280 rooms, is managed by another of its subsidiaries, Bali Perkasa Sukses.



The property giant is also planning on constructing a new hotel next year in Ubud, Bali. The company will also expand its project operations on 15 hectares of land in Makassar.



Veri said that with the expansion, the company expected stable growth for the company's future revenues. This year, Agung Podomoro expects its marketing sales to rise by 40 percent to Rp 3.5 trillion (US$265 million) from Rp 2.5 trillion last year.



The company is optimistic that the targeted market sales will be achieved seeing as the economy has been recovering this year.



'So far, there is no big issue that will slow down the country's economic growth this year,' the company investor relations head, Wibisono, said. Last year the company's marketing sales declined by 58 percent from Rp 6 trillion in 2014 because of the economic slowdown and the issue of the planned property tax increase, added Wibisono.



Last year, the government imposed more taxes on the property sector including a 20 percent increase in the luxury tax on landed houses.



Veri added that last year the company faced difficulties in finding construction workers due to the large number of construction projects in Jakarta.



'The problem of finding construction workers also slowed down the development of our company's construction projects,' he said. (vny)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said on Friday that he will partner up with a top city official if his current deputy governor does not get permission from his political party to be his running mate in the 2017 gubernatorial election.

Ahok is eyeing the chairman of the city's Financial and Asset Management Board (BPKAD), Heru Budi Hartono, to pair up with him in the upcoming election if Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat needs to be replaced.

"If the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) does not allow Djarot to run with me, I will run with Heru," Ahok told journalists at the City Hall on Friday.

Djarot is a member of PDI-P, which had yet to declare which candidate it would support in the 2017 election.

Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok), a group of supporters, are helping the governor collect Jakarta citizens' identity cards for him to run as an independent candidate.

The deadline for the PDI-P to make a decision about whether to allow Djarot to run with Ahok is March 11, Ahok said, adding that the Friends of Ahok needed to acquire a deputy governor's name as soon as possible in order to arrange the candidacy plans.

Heru's name came to Ahok's mind as Heru was close to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo when the latter served as Jakarta governor.

"I have trusted Heru and even President Jokowi knows him well," he added.

Still, he denied that he chose Heru solely because of Heru's closeness with Jokowi, explaining that as a civil servant in the city administration, Heru has the least issues.

During Jokowi's term as governor, Heru served as a regional head and an international cooperation bureau chief and later as North Jakarta mayor before being appointed by Ahok as BPKAD chairman in 2015.

Besides being BPKAD chairman, Heru also serves as a commissioner at city-owned Bank DKI and as president commissioner of city-controlled public company PT Delta Djakarta TBK, which manufactures and distributes beer.

By having Heru as his possible running mate, Ahok also hoped to show the public that there are still many honest city civil servants.

Despite being chosen by Ahok, Heru said seperately that he hoped Ahok and Djarot could pair up in next year's election.

"They fit each other. They can continue their work," he said on Friday.

Still, he welcomed the possibilty of being a deputy governor candidate should Ahok not run with Djarot.

"If it is the governor's will, I'll be ready. Bismillah [in the name of God]," Heru added.

Ahok had announced that he would make an official announcement of running as an independent candidate in the 2017 Jakarta election in the near future.

The Friends of Ahok had gathered at least 760,000 citizen IDs, surpassing the requirement set by Jakarta General Election Commision for a minimum of 532,000 IDs for a candidate to be independent. (rin)
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Corry Elyda (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

Incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama, by far the strongest candidate in the 2017 gubernatorial election, has engaged in a political dance with the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).



Although Ahok, through his volunteer group Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok), has gathered enough Jakarta ID-backed signatures to support his independent candidacy, he has maintained friendly ties with PDI-P by 'always staying on their good side' and later naming PDI-P member and his deputy, Djarot Saiful Hidayat, his first choice for running mate.



On Friday, however, Ahok said should he and PDI-P fail to reach an agreement, he had another name in mind as a possible running mate.



'If PDI-P refuses to give me Djarot, I will run with Heru,' he said, referring to Jakarta Financial and Asset Management (BPKAD) head Heru Budi Hartono.



Ahok said he would wait one week for PDI-P to decide. 'If it does not give me a clear answer, I have to choose another name,' he said.



Ahok, who left the Gerindra Party in 2014, is currently not affiliated with a political party.



To secure his path to the next gubernatorial election in February 2017, he has been preparing to run as an independent. Teman Ahok has collected at least 760,000 ID-backed signatures, enough names to secure an independent ticket as a governor hopeful.



Ahok, however, has never officially declared himself an independent candidate and continues to communicate with many political parties, including PDI-P, for endorsement.



As of Friday, only the NasDem Party has pledged its support for him, but the party has not proposed a running mate.



Ahok said PDI-P should ask Teman Ahok volunteers for permission if the party wanted to pair him with Djarot.



PDI-P Jakarta chapter secretary Prasetio Edi Marsudi said that there was no way the party would do so. 'It will never happen. We are an official organization built through hard work,' he said.



Prasetio said his party had yet to decide whether it would endorse Ahok. 'We have not made up our mind. Our decision will be made in April,' he said.



He said that if the party did not endorse Ahok, it still had many strong members, including Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharani and former Regional Representative Council (DPD) members Boy Sadikin and Djarot.



With 28 chairs on the City Council, PDI-P is the only party that can solely endorse a candidate without having to pair with other parties.



Meanwhile, Boy, who resigned from his position in the DPD and was once mentioned as PDI-P's strongest candidate for the election, met with Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) member Muhammad Idrus, who announced that he was ready to contest Ahok in the election, scheduled for Feb. 15, next year.



Other figures that have announced their intention to run include entertainer Ahmad Dhani and constitutional law expert Yusril Ihza Mahendra.



A seasoned lawyer, Yusril told reporters that Teman Ahok's ID collection form was flawed because it did not state Ahok's running mate. 'Even if they have gathered 3 million ID-backed signatures, they have to do it all over again,' Yusril said last month.



Meanwhile, Gerindra has thrown its support behind businessman Sandiaga Uno for the gubernatorial race after Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil decided not to run.



Ridwan decided against joining the race after netizens on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter expressed their objections to his plan to leave Bandung and fight for Jakarta's top post.



Separately, Heru conveyed his willingness to partner with Ahok for the next race, although that would mean leaving his position as a civil servant. 'If the governor says so, I am ready,' said Heru, who is also Ahok's shooting mate.



Heru, who is a former gubernatorial and foreign bureau chief, was appointed North Jakarta mayor in 2014 before holding the most strategic position in the city administration as the financial and asset management head. (fac)

------------------

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
News / Local

by Staff reporter

FOUR Zimbabwean Women have been nominated for the inaugural New African Woman Forum and Awards to be held in London on the 10th of March.Sipho S Moyo, Ellah Wakatama-Allfrey, Elizabeth Nyamayaro and NoViolet Bulawayo have been nominated in the Finance and Banking, Arts and Culture, Civil Society and Rising Star categories of the prestigious awards to be held under the theme "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality".Dr. Sipho Moyo is the Director of the Cabinet and Chief of Staff in the Office of the President (African Development Bank). She holds a Masters in Development Economics (1989) and a PhD in Financial Economics (1994), both from Howard University, Washington DC, USA. She has over 22 years of experience in international development.Ellah Wakatama-Allfrey is an accomplished Zimbabwe-born editor and literary critic. She is a former Deputy Editor of Granta and former Senior Editor at Jonathan Cape, Random House.Elizabeth Nyamayaro is Senior Advisor to Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. She has been at the forefront of Africa's development agenda for more than a decade, helping to improve the lives of under-served populations.NoViolet Bulawayo is a Zimbabwean author and a former Stanford University fellow. She one of the only two Zimbabweans to have won the prestigious Caine Prize of Literature and her novel We Need New Names was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.The four, who have been shortlisted for the awards after being voted by New African Woman magazine's readers, will be part of over 60 remarkable women to be honoured for making significant contributions in their respective fields.Announcing the nominees Thursday, the chairperson the NAWF adjudication panel Leila Ben Hassen, they are happy to introduce the awards which recognise African women.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Farida Susanty (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

The owner of the country's largest low-cost carrier, Lion Air Group, says it wishes to continue its cooperation with state airport operator Angkasa Pura II (AP II) in the management of Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta, despite the Supreme Court ruling in favor of the airline in a legal dispute with the airport operator.



'We haven't received the copy of the ruling. But regarding the management of Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Lion Air Group will work with airport operators including Angkasa Pura II or others. We don't desire to entirely take over the airport management,' Lion Air Group general director Edward Sirait said on Friday.



In the ruling, issued on Feb. 16, the Supreme Court rejected AP II's request for a case review over the airport management following the same court's cassation ruling in November last year that also favored Lion Air's subsidiary Angkasa Transportindo Selaras (ATS).



The dispute stemmed from an agreement between Air Force Central Cooperative (Inkopau) and ATS to manage the airport back in 2005, while AP II claimed it held the right to manage the airport.



Going forward, Edward said Lion Air, through its subsidiary ATS, would be more focused on developing and increasing the capacity of the airport, as well as improving the facilities.



'Regarding improvements to the facilities and infrastructure at the airport, Lion Air Group will discuss this with its partner as well as setting aside the funds for the investment,' Edward said.



Meanwhile, AP II president director Budi Karya Sumadi said, 'We respect the legal process.'



Budi said that the day-to-day airport management would not be affected by the ruling.



Budi said that the court ruling did not necessarily grant a permit to ATS to manage the airport.



To date, ATS still has not received its airport operator permit from the Transportation Ministry despite the joint venture being formed in 2004 with Inkopau, with the airline controlling an 80 percent stake and the remainder held by Inkopau.



The 21-hectare airport site is owned by the Air Force and Lion Air Group secured a 25-year contract to operate it. This agreement became effective in 2006. However, AP II has not transferred the management or assets to Lion Air Group since then, which prompted the latter to file its lawsuit.



AP II claimed it held the management of the airport, based on an agreement between the Transportation Ministry directorate general for air transportation and the Air Force chief of staff.



In 2014, Lion Air planned to spend US$436 million on expanding the existing terminal in the airport in cooperation with state construction company PT Adhi Karya.



Halim previously served as a non-commercial airport for state visits and military exercises, but began commercial operations in 2014.



The ministry's airport director Agus Santoso said that Lion Air would have to apply to get the airport operator permit to run the airport.



Agus said that based on Ministrial Regulation No. 56/2015, it would have to fulfill its administrative, financial and management requirements to get the permit.

-----------------------

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 Aldrin Rocky Sampeliling (The Jakarta Post) Depok  Sat, March 5, 2016

Heavy rain on a recent weekend did not stop dozens of members of the Alliance Violin Community (AVC) from drawing their bows on the strings of their violins on the terrace of Depok's City Hall.



It was 7 p.m. and the members were still chatting with each other although their scheduled practice was over. The group borrows the venue for practice every Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.



AVC is a community that feels like a family to some of its members, in which people learn to play the violin from each other. Founded by street musician Wando Pirastro in 2010, the group welcomes anyone who wants to learn to play the string instrument, even those who have never touched a musical instrument in their life.



Formerly called Autodidact Violin Community, Wando wanted to make violin-playing accessible to all people regardless of their economic background. He started by teaching violin to street youths at Depok Baru Station.



'The sound of the violin emerging from the station's second floor attracted more people. At first they would ask me about the community, and then came to join for the next session,' said Dail Alwi, 20, the community's vice chairman.



Dail, a University of Indonesia (UI) student who also works at a private company, initially had no violin skills or experience. What he did have was a strong desire to learn, and now he even performs in public, together with his friends.



'Autodidactism wouldn't be enough to define our learning practice, that's why we changed our name. It's more like we are autodidacts, but as a community, a family,' he said, referring to the 'A' in AVC, which changed from 'Autodidact' to 'Alliance'.



In the community, the more skilled members teach the rookies. They share their knowledge and skills, and they thrive together.



'Currently we have around 190 members from Greater Jakarta,' Dail said. AVC charges Rp 200,000 (US$14.81) for enrollment and Rp 100,000 in monthly fees.



But AVC also welcomed those who cannot pay to learn the violin, Dail said.



He said previously members would come and go, so they decided to charge fees to improve the structure of the organization. 'The money will be used for the community,' Dail said.



The learning curriculum was developed by Wando, the current chairman, and his colleagues. 'We are using Suzuki's violin curriculum,' Dail said.



In the learning system, the violinists will be divided in two groups. Those aged above 15 years will play on Saturdays, the rest, children and teenagers, on Sundays. The groups are further divided into sub-groups based on their skill level. The skilled members will have their own sessions to refine their playing.



The members of the group are diverse not only in age, which ranges from 5 to 60 years, but also in term of their backgrounds.



Member Wahyu Prihanto, 35, is a primary school teacher, while Dedi Pratama, 25, works for a travel agency.



'Some of our members teach violin at established music institutions. Also, there was once a South Korean, an exchange student at UI,' Dail said.



Dedi said violin was the first musical instrument he has ever played. 'Same as Dail, I had no ability in playing musical instruments. My friend recommended I come here, and here I am; now I can play the violin,' he said. It took him one month to master the basic 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' after he joined the group 10 months ago.



Since its establishment, the community has moved from the train station to UI Library's circular stage and then to City Hall.



Suparjono, secretary of Depok's Youth, Sport, Tourism and Culture Agency, said he supported the community. 'The AVC has been invited to perform at our programs and activities several times,' he said.

_______________



The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin The Jakarta Post Singapore  Sat, March 5, 2016

American giant conglomerate General Electric (GE), already the world's largest supplier of electricity-generation equipment, is poised to strengthen its role in the ASEAN market, especially Indonesia, the region's largest economy, which is building power plants to generate 35 gigawatts within the next five years.



'As the emerging markets have become the primary engine of the global economy, accounting for 57 percent of global growth last year, it is here in Asia, especially the ASEAN countries where the strongest demand for additional power is taking place,' GE Power's CEO, Steve Bolze, told journalists on Thursday.



Speaking at the end of a two-day ASEAN steam power summit, Bolze said ASEAN countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia were fortunate to own a wide diversity of fossil and renewable energy to secure adequate power generation. 'GE power has one of the largest portfolios of steam turbines, ranging from 100 to 1,900 MW to meet the needs of ASEAN countries,' Bolze noted.



Of upmost importance, he added, countries like Indonesia should optimize in harnessing all of its energy resources so as not to rely too heavily on one or two resources although locally abundant.



'Energy is the national security priority for every country and the key is to provide power that is affordable, accessible, reliable and sustainable,' Bolze said.



Hence, according to GE Power chief economist Marco Annunziata, it is most important for every country to achieve an optimal degree of supply diversification, including imported energy, to reduce the risk of disruptions.



That is why, Annunziata said, even several countries in the Middle East that are enormously rich in hydrocarbon resources, such as the United Arab Emirates, are also building coal-fired power plants.



Last October during President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's working visit to the US, GE Power signed three power projects with Indonesia worth almost US$1 billion that will contribute to an estimated 3 GW of capacity to the country's ambitious plan to build more than 35 GW of additional power by 2019.



One of the contracts is with PLN Batam, a subsidiary of state-owned electricity provider PLN, which had selected GE's aero-derivative gas turbine technology for a 500 MW fast power project.



The 20 TM2500 gas turbines will meet Indonesia's need for quick installation, efficiency, reliability and flexibility. The units are truck-mounted, run on dual-fuel and are fully re-deployable. With almost 17,000 islands, Indonesia needs to meet unique electricity demand for smaller and more localized power-generation solutions.



GE is also currently installing four similar units in Gorontalo, North Sulawesi, which will provide 100 MW of power generation capacity. Each TM2500 generator can produce more than 25 MW of power output, enough power for approximately 25,000 homes.



The other two contracts will evaluate the feasibility of developing and investing in power projects using combined cycle technology: The first, with PT Indonesia Power, another subsidiary of PLN, for a minimum power target of 500 MW, and the second, with independent power producer PT Cikarang Listrindo, for a minimum target of 1,000 MW.



Bolze conveyed good news to coal producing countries, especially Indonesia as the world's largest seaborne-exporter of thermal coal, by forecasting that coal, which supplies 50 percent of the world's power, will continue to be a major fuel for electricity generation.



'About 25 percent of all future capacity additions will be coal or oil-fired steam power plants,' Bolze said, adding that new technology has able to improve the efficiency and carbon emission of coal-fired power stations. GE Power, which recorded over US$30 billion in revenue globally last year, claims that GE technology is responsible for more than 20 percent of Indonesia's electricity generation, and more than 8 GW of electricity is generated using GE gas turbines.



GE also owns a boiler manufacturing and service facility in Surabaya, a turbine service facility in Bandung, an oil and gas equipment manufacturing plant in Batam, a lightbulb manufacturing plant in Yogyakarta and a transformer and air-insulated switchgear equipment manufacturing factory in Jakarta.



In addition, the GE business group is also a major supplier of locomotives to state-owned PT Kereta Api Indonesia and healthcare technologies and services. Given the importance of health care for the country, GE relocated the headquarters of its healthcare business in ASEAN to Jakarta earlier this year. (vin)

-----------------------

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 The Jakarta Post Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

The termination of the investigation into former chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Abraham Samad and his deputy Bambang Widjojanto has won praise from various quarters in the country. Yet expectation looms that the same decision be made in controversial legal cases pertaining to other law enforcement officials.



Law experts asked the government on Friday to put an end to a number of controversial cases involving antigraft 'heroes', following the latter's decision to drop cases implicating Samad and Bambang on Thursday.



The government, via the Attorney General's Office (AGO), decided on Thursday to bring those cases to a standstill using a deponeering method, a right conceived by the attorney general to stop an investigation in the interest of national stability.



Constitutional law expert Refly Harun said deponeering should also be used in 'other cases that have a similar background to that of Samad and Bambang's'.



'For instance, the case of Denny Indrayana who has been accused by the police of graft. The case seems peculiar as it has been prolonged for a year due to insufficient evidence,' Refly told The Jakarta Post on Friday.



In early 2015, Denny, a former law and human rights deputy minister, was named a graft suspect in a case involving the ministry's online passport system (payment gateway), which purportedly caused state losses of up to Rp 32 billion (US$2,436,800).



Denny, a vocal antigraft campaigner, was accused of abusing his power by directly appointing two online service providers, PT Nusa Satu Inti Artha and PT Finnet Indonesia, to run the system, which was canceled after running for only four months in 2014.



Refly question a statement by Attorney General M. Prasetyo on Thursday, in which he defended that the dropping of Samad's and Bambang's cases was part of the government's effort to 'keep the country's anticorruption spirit alive'.



'If the AGO wants to maintain 'the country's anticorruption spirit', it should have decided to issue deponeering soon after the police named Samad and Bambang suspects ['] Not yesterday,' Refly said.



The prolonged investigation into Denny, Refly explained, was similar to the investigations into Samad and Bambang. It took more than a year for the AGO to finally decide to drop their cases.



Bambang was charged with perjury relating to a local election dispute at the Constitutional Court when he was a lawyer, while Abraham was named a suspect for document fraud, during a tumultuous standoff between the National Police and the KPK last year.



The police mounted the cases in retaliation for the KPK naming Comr. Gen. Budi Gunawan, now the National Police deputy chief, a bribery suspect in January last year. Budi was the adjutant of Megawati Soekarnoputri when she served as president between 2001 and 2004. Megawati is currently the patron of the ruling Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).



'Their cases go against the spirit of law enforcement because first and foremost, law enforcers, including the AGO, should work on felonies rather than on petty crimes, as what had been accused of them,' Refly said.



Legal expert Bivitri Susanti also shared Refly's opinion, asking the attorney general to issue deponeering in Novel Baswedan's case. Novel, a top KPK investigator, has been accused by the police of shooting robbery suspects during his year as Bengkulu Police detective chief in 2004.



On Feb. 22, the AGO issued a cessation order (SKPP) on Novel's case due to its expiration on Feb. 19 and the police's inability to gather enough evidence. (mos)

-------------------

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 The Jakarta Post Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

JAKARTA: The Jakarta Health Agency has recorded that at least 2,600 dengue fever cases have been reported in Jakarta and many of them occurred in upscale housing complexes. Agency head Kusmedi Priharto said during an anti-mosquito campaign in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, on Friday that the data was gathered from five municipalities and one regency in the last two months.



Kusmedi said that areas that had a high number of cases included Kelapa Gading with 65 cases and Setiabudi in South Jakarta with 62 cases.



'Most of them happen in high-class residential areas,' he said.



Kusmedi said that the number of mosquito larvae controllers, locally known as jumantik, was not adequate.



'I hope that one house can have its personal jumantik,' he said.



He said that his agency intensified the mosquito raids from once a week to twice.



Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama said previously that the fogging officers complained that many owners of houses in elite areas did not allow them to fog their houses.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

A non-Indonesian Indonesianist is optimistic about Indonesia's path of democratization.



Democracy in the country is sustainable thanks to the growing middle class, says Gerry van Klinken, a senior researcher at the KITLV (Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies).



He said Indonesia had proven wrong some experts' prediction that democracy in the world's largest majority-Muslim population would fail. This was due to the middle class, which suddenly became very influential after the fall of the Soeharto regime in 1998.



'This whole idea that we used to have that Indonesian culture is too traditional to be interested in democracy is no longer applicable. That was probably suitable for a time when Indonesia was mainly rural and people were living in their villages and masih bodoh [still stupid]. But that idea is completely out of date now,' Klinken said during a visit to The Jakarta Post on Friday.



According to him, who is also a professor of Southeast Asian history at the University of Amsterdam, middle-class citizens like democracy as it gives them more power.



'They especially like it, because democracy gives them the chance to hit back at Jakarta,' said Klinken.



While middle class Indonesians enjoyed democracy, they also used their political skills and clientelistic networks to make the system work to their advantage, the expert explained.



'They really control their districts, because they control the informal economy. It makes it difficult for someone from Jakarta to come and say 'I want to do this' and do a project there. It might be sabotaged if the people there disagree. So it is better to work together and spread the money around,' Klinken said.



He came to that conclusion after studying the middle class in provincial towns of Indonesia in a research project called 'In Search of Middle Indonesia' from 2006 to 2012. The research categorized half of the country's population as middle class.



'The main warning from our research is to not assume that the middle class is only the richest 10 percent,' Klinken said.



Therefore, the middle class is characterized by its more conservative mindset.



'They will always be more conservative than the cosmopolitan elite who travel all the time to New York or London and have only a shortage of time, not money. But for the rest, for whom Indonesia is their home, or their province is their home, of course, their world is smaller than that of the 10 percent. That means they will seem more conservative to us,' said Klinken.



Besides that, the middle class in Indonesia really loves the state, unlike the middle class in the US, according to him.



The Dutch researcher was of the opinion that the middle class in Indonesia also resisted rather than welcomed globalized, open markets.

-------------------

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 Markus Makur (The Jakarta Post) West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara  Sat, March 5, 2016

The population of the endangered Komodo dragon in Komodo National Park in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), continues to decrease according to the park's management.



Park spokesperson Margareta Priska said on Friday that numbers had fallen from 3,222 in 2013 to 3,092 in 2014, with a further decrease to 3,014 in 2015.



She said the dragon currently only inhabited Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang, Nusa Kode and Padar islands.



Separately, Achmad Ariefiandy, a researcher at the Komodo Survival Program Institution, told The Jakarta Post on Friday that the rare animals' diminishing numbers had occurred particularly on smaller islands like Nusa Kode, Gili Motang and Padar.



'The population on the bigger islands such as Komodo and Rinca is relatively stable,' he said.



Achmad linked the declining numbers with the availability of the dragon's prey, such as deer, which is also facing scarcity.



He therefore suggested that the government take security measures to minimize deer poaching.



The researcher also called on the government to consider reintroducing deer from Padar to Gili Motang.



Achmad noted that the dragons were also found outside the national park, including on Mbeliling Island in the southern part of West Manggarai and on Longos Island in northern West Manggarai.



His institution and the NTT Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) had conducted a survey on the population spread of the dragon in the northern part of Flores Island. It started in Labuan Bajo, the regency capital of West Manggarai, and ended in Sikka, the capital of Maumere regency.



The survey revealed that dragons were also found on Watu Payung Island in the East Manggarai regency, and both on Ontoloe and Riung islands in Ngada regency.



When asked whether he had found dead dragons in the national park during his research, Ariefiandy said he had found fewer than 10. They had died from old age, he explained.



Meanwhile, environmental activist Zakarias Samuel Sem of West Manggarai has pointed his finger at tourism, especially cruise ships, as a disruptive presence to the animal.



'We must work together to ensure a sustainable number of dragons in this province,' Zakarias said.



'The national park's management should limit the number of tourists visiting the Komodo and Rinca islands, especially cruise ships,' Zakarias said.



The head of NTT BKSDA's technical division, Maman Surahman, said that the population of Komodo dragons in a particular region fluctuated. The inventory team sometimes finds 10 to 15 in one area and then none in another area.



Surahman also urged locals to stop hunting the dragons' food source, such as deer and swine, and not to release dogs in the woods because their presence disturbed the dragons' habitat.



'We expect cooperation from all parties in East Nusa Tenggara for the preservation of this majestic creature,' he said.

------------------

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 The Jakarta Post Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

JAKARTA: President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo wants the Judicial Commission (KY), an external judicial supervisory body, to maintain good relations with the Supreme Court (MA) in order to forge more synergy in preventing corruption in the country's graft-mired judiciary.



Jokowi's statement was made after a closed-door meeting between Jokowi and the commission's two newly elected chairman, Aidul Fitriciada Azhari, and deputy chairwoman, Sukma Violetta, on Friday at the State Palace.



Ties between the commission and the court have had their ups and downs in recent years with the court still appearing to oppose the external oversight formally conducted by the commission. Currently, the court's internal monitoring body oversees its staff, including its justices, while the commission has power to monitor judges only on ethical matters and cannot scrutinize their judicial methods. For a long time, judges have often hid behind arguments of judicial method in order to avoid the commission's oversight.



'The President said having good relations does not mean it would undermine the Judicial Commission's monitoring authority on judges,' Aidul told reporters.



The commission's new leadership also promised that it would intensify means to bring such monitoring into the public domain in order to influence the court to improve its transparency.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Anggi M. Lubis (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

The already strong relations between Indonesia and Palestine will only become stronger with the Indonesian flag flying in Ramallah, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Fariz Mehdawi says.



Indonesia is materializing its plan to establish an honorary consulate in Ramallah in late April, the envoy said.



Indonesia currently has an embassy for Palestine installed in Amman, Jordan, established in 1989 after the two countries signed a joint statement a year after Palestine declared its independence.



Not having a direct representative in the country was a matter of practicality given the current situation in Palestine, Mehdawi said, but that did not constrain ties between the two countries.



He, however, appreciated the plan to establish an honorary consulate, seeing it as a hadia (a gift).



'I realize that having a consulate is helpful to better understand the situation and to promote our bilateral relations,' he said, adding that there have been no issues in maintaining a two-way relationship between the two countries as the Indonesian embassy is only a one-hour drive from Ramallah.



It will, however, be good symbolically, he said. 'We would like to see the Indonesian flag flying over our territory; it would be nice.'



Many Palestinians are coming over to Indonesia and many Indonesians are traveling to Palestine as tourists, said Mehdawi, and a consulate situated right in the country's capital might help bring more trade and tourists.



Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi has said that the honorary consulate is expected strengthen ties between the countries' citizens as well, but she refused to disclose the name of the appointed honorary consular.



'After the conference, Ibu Retno plans to visit Amman and Ramallah. While in Ramallah she will inaugurate the new consulate,' Mehdawi said.



President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo, who chose Palestinian issues as one of his major foreign policy platforms in his 2014 presidential election campaign, has repeatedly promised to open an Indonesian representative office in Ramallah in support of Palestinian independence. The plan was considered by his predecessors as well.



Indonesia ' with high public interest toward Palestine reflected in frequent 'Free Palestine' demonstrations in Jakarta and vocal support from the country's prominent mass organizations ' will host an extraordinary summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Sunday and Monday to exclusively address issues revolving around Jerusalem.



Indonesia has pledged that the summit will result in concrete actions, through resolution and declaration.



In regard to its bilateral relations with Palestine, an expert said that Indonesia should take a more participative position, especially to help Palestine in easing tensions on the West Bank and Gaza Strip.



Siti Mutiah Setiawati, a Middle East expert from Gadjah Mada University, said that Indonesia should maintain its role as a facilitator to address issues on the West Bank and Gaza Strip and, to some extent, to directly participate in the conflict.



'It is, however, difficult to position ourselves as a mediator as a country is required to be neutral, to fully comprehend the problem and to be trusted by all conflicting parties to actually act as a mediator,' Siti said.



'But Indonesia has facilitated two political factions in Palestine, Hamas and Fatah, deemed as a success. We should keep on doing what we have efficaciously done.'



As the situation on the status of Jerusalem has become more tense, she said that Indonesia should also start infusing itself into the conflict by sending a peacekeeping mission.



'We have sent peacekeepers into many conflicts around the world and we can do the same for Palestine. This way we can set an example for other countries,' added Siti.



She said that Indonesia had a framework on how it should position itself in easing conflict between Palestine and Israel, given that the country is a member of al-Quds Comittee, which was established to implement the resolutions of OIC's sixth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Jeddah in 1975, addressing the Arab-Israeli conflict.



She said that Indonesia and OIC member countries should include justice in the declaration prepared as a result of the upcoming extraordinary OIC Summit, saying that it is imminent to equally treat conflicting parties.



'Hamas is considered a terrorist group by the US, because of its physical attacks on Israel. But the title doesn't apply to Israel's attacks on Palestine,' she said.

------------------

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 Nethy Dharma Somba, Haeril Halim and Severianus Endi (The Jakarta Post) Sorong/Pontianak  Sat, March 5, 2016

Labora Sitorus, a former low-ranking officer with the Raja Ampat Police in West Papua, has once again made a mockery of Indonesia's law-enforcement agencies.



Having been temporarily released from detention last year, despite the huge time and effort that had been expended getting him into prison in the first place, the convicted money launderer, fuel stockpiler and illegal logger is once again on the run.



Labora avoided arrest on Friday after being tipped off that prison officials were on the way to transfer him to Cipinang Penitentiary in Jakarta to serve out his 15-year prison term handed down by the Supreme Court in 2014.



His planned transfer to Cipinang came after it became apparent that West Papua law-enforcement authorities were either unable or unwilling to detain Labora, who was found at the time of his first arrest to have a bank account with a balance of Rp 1.5 trillion (US$104 million).



Labora had not returned to his cell in Sorong Penitentiary since October last year, having been allowed out for medical treatment, and had lived in a heavily guarded residential compound in Sorong, where he ran his business.



On Friday morning dozens of prison officials, backed up by police and military personnel, stormed Labora's residence in order to take him to Jakarta but were ultimately unable to locate him.



'We suspect the involvement of [law enforcement] officials in his escape,' Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna Laoly said, while declining to elaborate further.



Yasonna has sought the assistance of the National Police to hunt down Labora.



The ministry's director general of penitentiaries, I Wayan Dusak, explained that the 200 personnel who had attempted to enter Labora's residence were met with stiff resistance from dozens of the fugitive's supporters.



'A police Barracuda armored vehicle was deployed to penetrate Labora's residential compound because his supporters repeatedly pelted us with stones,' he said.



'We then contained his supporters, but could not find him.'



Labora has a record of avoiding prison. He was declared a fugitive in January last year for refusing to serve his prison sentence or pay a fine of Rp 5 billion.



He was later found to be living with dozens of his employees in his residence, a 7-hectare compound that resembled a fortress.



It was not until late February that 720 police and military personnel, acting on direct orders from Jakarta, finally arrested Labora.



Minister Yasonna said at the time that Labora had remained free because he was protected by a strong network of powerful people.



West Papua Police chief Brig. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw rejected Yasonna's allegations, arguing that Labora's resistance to his arrest at the time was the result of a misunderstanding.



Shortly after his first detention, Labora repeatedly lodged requests for temporary release to enable him to receive medical treatment outside the prison. The demands were granted without hesitation by prison authorities.



National Police Gen. Badrodin Haiti, however, was quick to blame prison authorities for the latest fiasco. 'Just ask the law and human rights minister how a prisoner can so easily avoid prison and escape,' said a visibly irate Badrodin.



' Ina Parlina and Stefany ribka also contributed to the story

------------------

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
News / National

by Staff reporter

Tazzen Mandizvidza (TM): Hello and welcome to the programme, "The President@92", this is a special programme in which we talk to the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe who turned 92 on the 21st of February and was recently in Masvingo for the 21st February Movement celebrations where he celebrated his birthday this time with the youths. My name is Tarzan Mandizvidza and my guest on this special programme is his Excellency Comrade Robert Gabriel Mugabe.TM: Your Excellency, thank you for joining us on this special programme.President Mugabe. Thank you.TM: Your Excellency at 92 muri kunzwa sei panyama nepandangariro?President: At 92 ndirikunzwa sei? Makore makumi mapfumbamwe nemaviri? Ndiri kunzwa masimba ekuti ah, ah ndaakusvika semunhu arikumhanya murace hee, avakuda kusvika. Pandavakuda kusvika unoziva kuti ndepapi? Pazana! Saka ndasarirwa nenhano ngani? Tsere chete.TM: Are you coping as a leader, as a parent, as a President?President: Yes, as how every man copes isn't it? As a parent vana vakura, vachiri kuchikoro vaviri, mumwe akachata. So there are two who are still our dependants and therefore we still have that responsibility as parents to see them through their education. Bellarmine is the last born, Tinotenda is the other boy. He has turned 24 now but he is at a university in Dubai doing architecture, studying architecture that is. Bellarmine, we hope he will get through his A-Level this year and we hope he goes to university. He hasn't quite decided what to do, sometimes he says he wants to be a lawyer and other times he wants to be an accountant or something, etc, he is yet to make up his mind.As a leader, well, we continue to lead in the same way as before except that each phase of our leadership depending on the circumstances must take into account of course the demands of the situation. Now 2015 has been the most trying situation or year for me because of the fact that I was not just a Zimbabwean leader, I also became the leader of SADC and the leader of the African Union and I was like a table standing on three legs but I said no, I really am standing on four because the fourth leg is myself. I had to lead myself, so there I was, that triangular leadership was very challenging, I had to keep going to ensure that I did not lose my focus as a national leader. But at the same time, also realised that I had to pay attention to issues that had to do with Sadc and right at the top of course, the continental issue and, above all, these,, were the circumstances naturally that confronted us.We had not just meetings of the three fora, we also had visits, you see, to cope with and one of the most important visits was that of the President of China, President Xi Jinping. I met him in France at the climate conference and a visit was to take place on the same day I left France to come home and that is the first visit I am talking about, visit to Zimbabwe. And he was coming just behind me, so we had to leave Paris at midnight, we arrived about seven or eight hours before he did. We had a bit of rest, we managed to receive him at the airport and managed to meet him here in this building (his Munhumutapa offices) later on but at the same time give him a send-off to South Africa.Now to start a visit, a one-day visit in Pretoria and behind him, I was following him, for the China-Africa meeting in Johannesburg. And so that one was quite hectic but we managed to cope with it and the meeting in South Africa was a very good one. And so there it was, and obviously we had to give our own farewell speech as the Chairman of the African Union to the last session of the AU and that was the speech which you all read about, the speech which was so welcomed, which drew so much applause from the Heads of State who were attending that session.And I think we have managed to raise the name and profile of Zimbabwe and nobody will doubt that Zimbabwe is a country which has seasoned politicians, revolutionaries and people with a given direction. And an enlightened direction at that. But we are glad that it also gave us that leadership of the African Union, a chance to acquaint ourselves with the problems of a number of African countries including Ebola in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea- Conakry and to attend that pledging meeting with (United Nations) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, where pledges were made to assist these three countries which had been hit by that epidemic to reconstruct and start a new life again but we also were able to attend the inauguration meetings or shall I say ceremonies where some presidents were being sworn in and apart from that we also visited as Head of State in a number of African countries. So it was also educative and informative to me as indeed a source of inspiration and also an occasion which enabled me to pass on some ideas of how we in Africa, united as we are, can transform our socio-economic systems to get our countries to develop and Zim-Asset ideology you know.We managed to get it through to Africa and through the AU and individually, bilaterally and to countries of Africa. In Africa almost everybody is now talking about adding value, beneficiation, industrialisation and that is what Zim-Asset is all about.TM: That's quite a hectic schedule that you had to go through, but are you, are you still doing your morning exercises?President: Morning exercise! Yes, of course to keep alive and also to enable me to resurrect when they say I am dead. You know to come back to life when people begin saying that you are dead. It takes quite a lot and every January, I must prepare the necessary exercises for resurrection because I know I will be destined for death, every January. So now I am dead alive.TM: Your Excellency, what has been the impact on the family of Amai Dr Grace Mugabe joining you full-time in politics, two politicians at home?President: Yes, two politicians at home, she made up her mind. She asked me whether I approved of her to join politics and I said it was entirely up to her. If she wants to join politics, well and good, it's rough going. I don't want you to say, I said tomorrow. And this I had said to my own relatives, my own sisters and my own brothers earlier on, that "Ah it's you who got us or got me into this trouble, now look what's happening to me".No. Get into it and swim into it, it's rough waters and, yes, it has proved to be rough waters but she can cope with it, she is a rough swimmer as well. And well, well she is very mature, she can take the criticism but some of the criticisms are a bit too abusive, mamwe ndeekutsvinya, mamwe ndeekunyomba which is not in keeping with our custom.Yes, for the Internet it's all rotten there absolutely and I don't know what people are responsible for those abuses but kana vari vana vedu vakakudzwa mumhuri dzedu muno muZimbabwe tinoti, ah havana kukudzwa patsika dzedu dzechivanhu. Kune zvinoera kutaurwa nevana vadiki but mazwi ekutuka, akarema, anotyisa, nepachiKristu futi hazvitaurwe zvimwe zvacho zvirikuenda kuInternet.It is an Internet of dirty and filthy language. Ini ndinotongozvinzwa ndaakudzwa nevamwe and I don't have any perception or interest of wanting myself to be directly linked with the Internet.TM: But Your Excellency, what has been the impact of that on the children, especially the two boys vamasarirwa navo?President: We pretend that they don't see or hear what is happening but we know they do. But they don't say it to us and which shows that they are maturing now. They can take it. They have grown up sufficiently. They should be able to absorb it and know that where there are positives, there are bound to be negatives and it is not always the right things that are said or done.Wrong things are also being said and being done. That is how the world is. There is virtue, there is vice, there is good behaviour, there is bad behaviour, good conduct and bad conduct and that is how it is. That's life.TM: From the family let me take you now to the economic hardships your critics are saying you are failing to come up with workable solutions to turn around the economy. How do you respond to that?President: No, we are not failing, but there are difficulties that face us. Running an economy is not just a matter of, you know, having capital as it is and then producing products. You have to trade products and trade has got to be facilitated. It is in the facilitation of trade and the securing of investments and the necessary failings from your exports that we face a problem, a huge problem.We don't have our own currency, we are using American currency. When we export, sorry when we import say vehicles be it from America, South Africa, Brazil  vehicles for example and want to pay for them, it's American dollar that we use. Questions are asked when the money gets to New York, where it is from and if it's from Zimbabwe. No. Similarly, if payments are to be made to us if these are to Zimbabwe, America says no because all the payments must be made through their own banking system. All the payments whether these are for imports or earnings from our exports, it's a same route and because we have sanctions, are sanctioned America says no. So you have a country or countries the European countries are better behaved than the Americans on this one.Anyway, the American dollar is not the currency of Europe, but when we pay Europe what we have here is the American dollar. So the same story happens. So we do not print the American dollar and do not control its flow, international flow, the regulation of that flow is by America. And so your progress is inhibited. You have to find ways of circumventing, you know these impediments that face us in trading with other countries and that just slowed us tremendously.Lending in some cases made things quite impossible but we have managed to sustain our economy nevertheless. Then, of course, we have got some in-built forms of resistance, you have in the same system some people who don't think the way you do, and have different ideas and do not, therefore, take the same stance as yourself. They are slow or they think the policies we are pursuing are not the correct ones and they are not happy and you have also quite some level of corruption in the system, private and public.We are looking at how we can get rid of this corruption. We have just recently established the Anti-Corruption Commission, and we hope it will help us in eradicating  if it is possible  or reducing the level of corruption taking place in the country. Economies function on the basis of inputs either way, inputs that come to you by way of investments and what become inputs by what you export to others.Now what comes to you by way of earnings will depend on the vigour and performance of your economy; the vigorous performance of your economy. If it's performing very well and you are able as I said to export and export freely there is free flow of goods, mobility of goods as they say then obviously you are doing well provided the costs that you are able to perform freely also. And then there is the issue of investment of course, investment by way of capital coming from other countries, countries may feel that your policies are not that encouraging to them.Currently, countries would want to know the meaning and significance of our policy of indigenisation and empowerment amount to and we are trying to explain this that when we say indigenise, we mean total ownership, empowerment but that indigenisation is not about ownership of resources in the first place, resources that we have, but when we do business with regard to them, we are saying come if it's mining, minerals, the resources are ours, we own them in the first place. That ownership must be recognised because we must get them out of the ground with your help and you are prepared to be partners with us in that process of getting them out of the ground.We say your share is 49 percent as against our share of 51 percent. In other words, from our total ownership of these commodities, which is an indigenous one, we are prepared to reward you for your task to the extent of 49 percent. But we are aware that it's your own resource that you are bringing into our environment and you are establishing a factory here, no that doesn't apply at all.You bring your own oil for example, we don't have oil here, you want to process it, we don't apply our indigenisation and empowerment law to the same extent we do where the resources are our own natural resources here then we leave it to pure negotiations that you want to go into whatever manpower you would want to employ. It's your business but we would expect that you will be fairly employing our people then if it is okay we regard the numbers you employ in your business.Empowerment, yes we want our people empowered, given jobs, but that is not just the task we demand of investors. It's a task that we ourselves on our own must ensure is discharged, establish enterprises, companies ensure that our people are employed, are empowered therefore give jobs to our people and give them also jobs at various levels including the level of management, in some cases encourage our people to undertake businesses where they do that business for themselves entirely.In that case it's not the State employing them, or the State might be sponsoring them or just supporting them financially or technologically but the business is entirely their own. It might be a mining proposition, the gold that they are mining where the mineral might be gold is entirely their own.They will sell it to Fidelity, to the Reserve Bank and at the end of the day smelt it and they smelt it and sell it after it has been smelted, that's better and a better price for it but is entirely their own. So you have State enterprises, but the majority we would hope are private enterprises in a number of areas.We have decided recently that in the mining sector, the mining of diamonds be reserved for the State, be a matter for the State alone. The State might decide to engage certain experts, perhaps because they have the necessary technology as mining engineers or metallurgists and employ them as experts or technocrats. That will not make them owners of the business. We will give them the shares, you know.The State will now own all the diamonds in the country and cut and polish them. But in cutting and polishing them we would require also the services of others who can do the cutting and polishing because that becomes now an industrial arena where we can employ quite a number of people. However, in regard to production our consolidated diamond mining entity is going to undertake that.TM: Your Excellency, let me stop you there, talking of diamonds just a few years back you were upbeat about the abundant reserves of diamonds in the country but up to now it looks like we have not seen much from diamonds. Then, secondly, this move now to say the State will be in charge of ownership of diamonds what has brought about this change?President: Precisely what you have said in the first place we have not received much from the diamond industry at all. Not much by way of earnings. I don't think we have exceeded $2 billion or so, no and yet we think that well over $15 billion or so have been earned in that area. So, where have our carats been going, the gems? There has been quite a lot of secrecy in handling them and we have been blinded ourselves, that means our people whom we expected to be our eyes and ears have not been able to hear or see what was going on.A lot of swindling and smuggling has taken place and the companies that have been mining, virtually, I want to say robbed us of our wealth. That is why we have decided that this area should be a monopoly area and only the State should be able to do the mining in that area. You cannot trust private companies in that area, none at all. And we should have learnt from the experiences of countries like Botswana, Angola and Namibia, etc. We might go partners with leading diamond company, one which is already well established. Fine, we may be able to do that but on good terms.Botswana was telling us their deal, that is President (Ian) Khama that they work with De Beers and they had had to demand that they get more than 70 percent of the earnings that are made by De Beers because they reckon that over years, De Beers has been having a lion's share of their diamond wealth and this is what we are trying to do now. Start afresh. After all, the really kimberlite mining has not been done, it was all alluvial so far, just doing the sands, the loose earth and the conglomerate of course, cutting the stones through and then getting whatever carats, that is what the Chinese company Anjin was doing.TM: Stopping them, let me focus on the Chinese company, how has this affected Zimbabwe's relationship with China?President: I don't think it has affected any of the relations adversely at all, I don't think so, I told President Xi Jinping that we were not getting much from the company and we didn't like it anymore in this country, so we wanted it to go back, I told him that, here in this house.TM: Talking of the Chinese, Your Excellency and the issue of investment, we have seen the efforts you have made to lure investment into Zimbabwe in line with the Zim-Asset programme talking of the Chinese and the Russians, they are ready to move in and invest. But your critics have started to say this talk of investment might just be a pie in the sky. When is this investment going to come?President. But they have been investing, hasn't the story been told of what they are doing? People might say the investment is not at a high pitch but you don't start on a high pitch. No, investment does not start that way. It starts low, on a low pitch and step by step it goes up as it gains more and more confidence. We have the Russians kuMakwiro, Selous, they are doing platinum there, they were in Chimanimani, doing diamonds and gold and then diamonds but now diamonds are now a monopoly of the State.As for the Chinese, well surely people know the companies the Chinese have established in this country, I have just been talking about Anjin which was doing diamonds in Chiadzwa, but there have been quite a number of others building here, building there and we started with the Chinese, they built our stadium, they built other smaller places and we wanted them to build a hospital, and they said they would rather finish work with doctors in Chitungwiza.TM: Let me take you to the Zim-Asset blueprint which is being implemented, are you satisfied with the pace of its implementation, can we say we are moving towards a success story?President: Yes, you don't need a success story the moment you start on a project or programme and you must be given time to unroll it, unfold it, to roll it and unfold it as time goes on and it's only after you have gone, say, halfway that you examine how far you have gone, whether the pace you have taken, the thrust you have made has given you the result that you expected and you planned for in the first place.But let people give us a little more time, the programmes, proposals are not miracles you see, are not feats, they don't achieve their results within just a short time period. It's a five-year plan that we have, while, as I see midway that is three and half years or three years after the plan has started and then you may be able to assess the effectiveness, efficiency and competence of your efforts and say we are succeeding or we are not succeeding.But the Ministry of Industry will tell you that quite a number of industries, which were folding up in Bulawayo and elsewhere are now picking up, vanaDavid Whitehead, vanaDunlop, etc  they are all on their feet. But this is not to say we are where we wanted to be. We are not yet there as I said much earlier we have sanctions to cope with and let it be understood that we are not as free to do things in this country as our neighbours are.Only recently the Americans re-imposed their sanctions on us. Europe also imposed sanctions on us or lifted part but America didn't lift a thing. And this is so, that must be understood. There is a negative side in our environment that we continue to fight against. To say no, give us way, allow us to pass through and constantly we have roadblocks, we are stopped on the way. But we keep ourselves going and ensuring that our community remains alive especially during a period like we have had this year where the rains were, at the beginning, were sparse and were visited by El Nino and our crops went dry in the fields, so it's a year of hunger, but we have taken steps, effective steps of the nature that will enable us to feed our people and to get all along in the difficulties of the year in the hope that the year 2017 will not be as bad as this year.Like just now we have good rains coming. They may not do any good to any of our crops that have withered already and it's late to plant crops like maize, but we still welcome them because the grass grows. At least our animals will thrive, both wild and domestic, and perhaps we may at the end of it also be able to plant one of those crops like beans which don't need a long season.TM: Your Excellency, talking of drought, you have said Government has taken steps to ensure that the people do not die of hunger. But usually whenever there is an issue of food distribution it is always allegations that it is used as a political tool. How do you assure Zimbabweans that politics does not come into food distribution?President: How do we ensure that politics does not come in? We never talk of any politics. When we distribute food, food is distributed to the people regardless of their affinities. In the rural areas you do not go asking people are you Zanu-PF, are you not? No, we do not mind the politics of the people. It does not matter to which party they belong. Whether it be MDC-T or MDC-Z or what? Or People First or People Second or People Third We just give people.TM: Still looking at this drought situation that we are facing in the region, are we likely to see maybe an adjustment in policies on land and agriculture in line with this phenomenon?President: Sure, it is already our policy that we undertake our agriculture that is resort to irrigation system that requires water, requires dams. But when the rains fall like this. If they are heavy enough, we know that our dams will retain some water. And we have been trying to acquire the necessary equipment for our irrigation to take place, already with what we managed to get from Brazil, we have distributed this to so many cooperatives which have been lucky enough to have dams, big or small and some of them have reported very good results, excellent results. The more we do that I think, I think the more we guard ourselves against El Nino in the future.TM: Let's now move on to political issues. Lately there has been an escalation of infighting within Zanu-PF. Is the party still holding?President: Very much so. The infighting has been peripheral really. Although we complain, some of us at the top who are in the leadership that some of our leaders are responsible here and there. But right at the grassroots and the middle system of the party, it's very intact although we have these quarrels that show themselves mainly here in Harare. You don't hear much of them except in the urban areas in Harare here, Gweru, Masvingo and sometimes just a bit in Mutare. In the rural areas where the majority people are, there is silence and quiet.Yes we don't like them. They are some of them personal. Some of them based on very little on regional ambitions. Some people abuse the region or the tribe. But that has been very little in our party. There's been people wanting to be what they are not. And wanting to push others out of place so they can get there. And the system of passing these votes against persons you don't like, sometimes persons you think are holding you back. You pass a vote of no confidence. And the person goes and you think you can take their place. Some of the things are childish.But we have said whatever their cause, wherever they are happening they are affecting the party to some extent, but not in any substantial way but then we would want to see the party avoid them completely and get better united. And you can see the small papers which are good reading for a minute and then you throw into the bin, have been thriving on these small quarrels and sometimes creating them or wanting to create some. And even magnifying the effect of these quarrels in terms of their effects on little parties. All the ambitions of those who want to get into the (inaudible).Anyway, they have not affected us very much, but the party, the people's party will always have negative elements. You can't have everyone move in a perfect direction. There will be others who will always be troublesome elements. But we are not short of members. Those we see are troublesome in the party we chuck them out of the party and we are not short of members. We don't cry for members; they can go and form a People this, a People that or MDC this MDC that. The segmentation you get in the area of opposition parties.Some think we are afraid of them we are not at all. Anyway let's have that opposition. We want that opposition. It's an opposition for nothing. They don't oppose things that are substantial and all of them, if you look at them, the opposition parties of MDC, down to the lately formed one, what do they call it? People First or Last? They just have one target  let's remove Zanu-PF  let's remove Zanu-PF, did you form a party in Zimbabwe just to remove Zanu-PF, or to transform the socio-economic system and address the needs of the people.We are there, we are the only ones who speak about the needs of the people and how we want to transform them. We are the only ones with policies, Zim-Asset and others. They only want you talking about how we can make our diamonds save our people, make our gold save our people. We talk of empowerment, indigenisation, we are not talking about how to remove MDC, or how to remove this and those little things can come. We know they will go and live in the wilderness, where little ants and other biting insects are known to live, fine.TM: But Your Excellency, there is talk of a grand coalition of these political parties against Zanu-PF and meanwhile we are talking of infighting in Zanu-PF, is Zanu-PF ready to meet such a coalition?President: Of course, we are. A grand coalition, it includes zero plus zero plus zero plus zero plus zero, grand zeros, what do they amount to? You are afraid of them? The naughts, no. They don't even amount to add as if they were one plus another and another.TM: Let me take you to another issue Your Excellency, what is the relationship between the party Zanu-FP and war veterans? I am asking this in relation to recent events?President: What is the party and war veterans? You are putting the war veterans there and the party there. The war veterans are part of the party, the war veterans are within the party. We are the war veterans, I am a war veteran myself. So you mean the welfare of the war veterans. Yes, we have been very worried about their welfare. The welfare of some of them who are not employed, some have grown old. The party being just the sponsor of Government have been urging Government to pay the fees, whether these are school fees or health fees and look at the families of the war veterans and this has not been going well in Government and we are sorry about this one.I was just talking to (Chris) Mutsvangwa, who is minister and telling him that I will talk to (Sydney) Sekeramayi tomorrow so that we have a meeting with the war veterans perhaps next week, properly called. We don't want them just to come in this irregular manner kungozvisunda sezvavakaita musi uya uya. Aiwa. We know they are orderly people, they are well disciplined. We want to hear from them, how they are coping and what their problems are.That's right. They are within the party province by province. They are within the systems of the party, within the organs of the party as members of the party generally. So they don't stand aloof but as an organisation for purposes of their welfare yes, we say, because we want to give them the treatment that they deserve and this treatment has not always been given to them and I will ensure myself that we look at their problems very positively and see what we can do.I mean the things like fees and giving them food, giving them hospital fees that they need to pay. Those are humanitarian needs and you can't say you don't have money for those. No. I don't want to hear that one. Let us hear that the message of we have no money, maybe for your money to travel to Johannesburg yes, but to say no money for food?But we must give them jobs, but as we began our land reform programme, we stated that wherever we are apportioning land, 20 percent of it must first go to the war veterans  throughout the country. Then also naturally we ensured that we did assist them, we gave jobs to them, some qualified for the jobs, some may not have qualified because they had the least education but we also made provisions for their education and the scholarship which we ran with Minister (Chris) Mushohwe, and the Presidential Scholarship Programme and (George) Charamba we always ensured that the ones we gave preference to first were the children of war veterans.Province by province, district by district, even where they did not have enough points to enter our universities, if they had six points, five or four (points) and we know that with those points they qualified to enter South African universities because the entrance in South Africa is matriculation which is equivalent to five years of O-Level which is below A-Level. So we still sent them and they distinguished themselves with just four points.And then back home we still ensure that the few of them who came to us here and there with children to go to school we helped them. But we wanted them especially and what do you call it? Beam, under Beam to be treated very fairly under Beam. But Beam soon ran out of money. Now it is that story, running out of money, running out of money which I don't like. I think it has been exaggerated. Running out of money in the meantime some of our employees in the civil service area have been treated fairly and properly.Yes, they may have been paid late salaries but nevertheless, the salaries have been forthcoming. The allowances to the families of war veterans in some cases have been zero and I don't like that. We only get to know when they tell us. That should not have happened at all or should never happen. Then of course we want them to be righted.Earlier on we tried to establish co-operatives for them but you see co-operatives are a proposition that is very difficult to keep intact because if 10 people are members of a co-operative and are expected to work alike, make the same contribution in terms of their skills to the co-operative sooner or later some start not giving their skills, absenting themselves, not working as hard as others and the few who work hard and consistently start giving in then you have quarrels and there is that breakdown of the co-operative eventually. But we have tried. There is need also for the training of the war veterans. We try to give them that necessary training at various institutions, Chaminuka, etc.We have tried our best. In some cases we have also wanted them to undertake businesses .We wanted them to be part of the Telecel organisation which (James) Makamba and his relative Mai (Jane) Mutasa monopolised. They had a niche there but they were pushed out. I am sure they will be telling us new stories so on and so forth. We would also want suggestions from them.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Ahmad Fuady (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

Creating a healthier Jakarta through the Kartu Jakarta Sehat (Jakarta Health Card) program has run beyond the card, which focused more on coverage at the beginning. Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama and the provincial health agency have upgraded 20 community health centers (Puskesmas) to subdistrict public hospitals and launched a grassroots-based program called 'knock on the door with heart'.



The efforts look impressive, but beg the question as to whether they will lead to a fundamental, systematic change in the provision of health services for Jakarta citizens.



Indeed, Jakarta is a unique prototype ' and its health system in an urban setting may differ from other areas. Jakarta has no shortage of health workers ' with 11,178 doctors, 10,164 nurses and 1,683 midwives. Jakarta requires more than bringing specialist-based services to the subdistrict level as a shortcut that could lead to an unstructured referral system.



The major step is strengthening primary care services. It should shift health-care toward long-term person-focused care (not disease-focused), comprehensive care and coordinated care. Primary care services should manage the population carefully, i.e. recognizing not only patients' bodies, but their mental health; treating them as people; giving care in the long-term; and helping them with seeking care elsewhere if needed.



The governor offered an exciting initial concept of 'private physicians'. However, follow-up measures have to be taken. The government should adjust the primary care system by transforming clinics at the primary level into 'primary, family clinics' where families stand as the focus of services.



There is no precise definition of a 'primary clinic'. However, it would solve the current, drawn-out stagnation in health practices. There are at least two major points of change. First, the emphasis on family units should balance the proportion of total coverage with a reasonable ratio.



The current ratio of doctors to people in Jakarta ' at 1:1,000 ' is much better than the WHO recommendation of 1:2,500. This idea would be a breakthrough to address the shortage of Puskesmas that should cover up to 40,000 people. Currently, even with an estimated two visits per person, it would be 80,000 visits per year.



For example, if there are four doctors at a Puskesmas, they have to treat 20,000 people in a year, or 384 people per week. It also means they have to meet 11 patients per hour and patients have less than six minutes for their consultation. What quality of care do we expect?



With the overload coverage, Puskesmas cannot undertake promotion and prevention programs either. The 'knock on the door with heart' program may run to a very limited extent ' no precise assessments, follow-up projects, or changes in grassroots programs.



It is obvious that we should reset capitation coverage to the ideal ratio, 1:2,500 to 1:5,000. By this estimation, Jakarta requires 14-351 doctors per subdistrict ' and it is very likely to conform. Assuming three doctors practice at each clinic, there would be five-100 primary family clinics per subdistrict. Some subdistricts may be covered only by Puskesmas, but more subdistricts require additional clinics from private providers.



Restrictions on coverage per clinic will inevitably reduce capitation funds obtained ' and a much less than decent gain for medical staff. The government must align the policy by providing incentives beyond the capitation funds for those working in the primary family clinics, including those practicing with private health-care providers. Additional funding to bolster the current Rp 8,000 (60 US cents) to Rp 10,000 per capita may not be feasible.



However, instead of giving a salary of Rp 10-13 million to a general practitioner at a Puskesmas, this re-organization of the primary care system with appropriate additional incentives would encourage private providers to support the Jakarta Sehat scheme. For example, the government could give a basic incentive of Rp 10-15 million to every provider that wants to join, then provide performance-based incentives for those that perform well. The provincial health agency, then, should arrange a credible performance appraisal system.



Another important approach is delivering team-based services consisting of doctors, nurses and midwives, which would improve the quality of health services. It would address the absence of an integrated and continuous service that currently exists in primary care. So, the teams would provide services with clear responsibilities, including ensuring people can access services any time, as needed.



The current practices in Puskesmas, which serve people only during work hours, are unfavorable for those who work. Changing the practices of health behavior is another concern to address.



This change would restore the function of primary care as 'public' health-care providers. Puskesmas, given their original function, should diminish curative measures and shift to more health promotion and prevention measures for the public interest.



This reorganization, even reengineering, of the health system requires changes in mindset and behavior in delivering services, as well as strong capacity building for health workers.



Accordingly, support from academic institutions, e.g. medical schools and health faculties or academies, is critical.



Networking within the academic health system would be the best alternative. However, it is a sensitive measure. A highly designed structure and notable roles, responsibilities and authority are prerequisites for running the system properly.



Revisiting the Jakarta Sehat program may sound revolutionary or clichA. The obstacles are formidable. Learning from what the Jakarta governor has done, reconstructing the health system in Jakarta is nothing complicated, but necessary.

________________



The writer is a lecturer at the University of Indonesia's School of Medicine, with focuses on health economics and policy issues. He is also a member of Hemisphere, a health research and policy analysis group.
Share this article Whatsapp

Facebook

Twitter

Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, March 5, 2016

The government is gearing up for 2016 National Polio Immunization Week ' a nationwide campaign on polio awareness ' as the country's citizens are still at risk of contracting polio from Pakistan and Afghanistan, the only two countries in the world to still have poliovirus.



As part of the campaign, the Health Ministry has planned to deliver polio vaccines to 95 percent of children aged 5 years old and under during the national immunization week, which is to start on March 8 and last until March 15.



'This is a part of our surveillance effort as well as to strengthen the immunization that we have been conducting. We are doing everything we can about the possibility of the emergence of new cases of polio,' the ministry's director general for disease control and environmental health (P2PL), Muhammad Subuh, told a media conference at his office on Friday.



Indonesia was declared free of polio by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014. However, the risk of importation of the virus into polio-free areas persisted.



'There are refugees from Afghanistan and Pakistan in Riau and Aceh. Therefore, there are possibilities of new transmissions,' Subuh said. 'When there are foreigners or Indonesians coming to Indonesia from other countries and they bring babies, we will immunize their babies.'



Furthermore, there had been polio cases among adults in Indonesia, meaning that adult refugees could also carry the virus.



'In 2006, we found polio cases not only among children. The oldest person with polio that we found was a 22-year-old. Therefore, we are worried that if we don't fully eradicate polio now, there will be new transmissions,' said Subuh.



The year 2006 was also when Indonesia last had polio cases, which caused 305 children to be paralyzed. Southeast Asia, meanwhile, reported its last case of wild poliovirus in West Bengal, India, in 2011.



The government aims for the country to enter the polio eradication stage by 2020. As part of the Polio End Game strategy, Indonesia will soon introduce injectable inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) in childhood immunization schedules.



The strategy is in line with plans for a globally synchronized, phased and sequential withdrawal of oral polio vaccines from the program.



'We want to phase out oral vaccines because the weakened poliovirus [used for the vaccines] is still alive and goes out of the bodies through feces,' Subuh said.



'Meanwhile, IPV is safer when it comes to spreading the virus because the virus is inactive and delivered through injection.'



According to him, the logistics preparations for the immunization week are finished, with more than 300,000 vaccination posts being set up across 32 provinces. Yogyakarta is not included in the 32 provinces as it is the only province that has already introduced IPV into its polio immunization program.



'East Java alone has 56,000 posts,' Subuh said. 'We are deploying all health resources.'



While the government is aiming to immunize 95 percent of children aged 5 years old and under, there are concerns that parents might resist the vaccinations if they believe the ingredients used in the vaccines were not halal.



Pontianak Health Agency head Sidiq Handanu, for instance, voiced his concern, saying that among the challenges that could hamper the program was religious belief about vaccines.



Subuh, however, said that resistance because of religious reasons was not a concern.



'There are indeed some regions that resist vaccination, but when it comes to polio vaccination, the resistance is very little. The fiercest resistance usually comes from West Sumatra, but when we went there to monitor [the vaccination week preparations], they already accepted it,' he said, adding that the government had ensured that all polio vaccines were halal.



Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) edict commission secretary Asrorun Niam Sholeh said the commission had issued a fatwa on Jan. 23, reiterating that immunization is allowed in Islam to improve immunity and prevent sickness.



However, the ingredients had to be derived from halal sources, he said. 'But haram vaccines are still permissible during an emergency,' he said.

------------------

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
We were on hand yesterday afternoon as the doors officially opened for the first time at the Metrograph Theater on Ludlow Street. We brought along photographer Whitney Browne, who captured the images you see here.

People waited patiently outside the converted warehouse building for the 2 p.m. showing of Taxi Driver. The Metrograph is the first independently owned theater to open in New York City in at least a decade. Its the brainchild of Alexander Olch, the Lower East Side-based fashion designer.

When we sat down with Olch this past October to discuss his vision for a new golden age of independent cinema, the space at 7 Ludlow St. was pretty much an empty shell. Four months later, the Metrograph is up-and-running. In the minutes before yesterdays debut, CEO Ethan Oberman took a few minutes to chat with us about the gutsy venture.

The likes of Dustin Hoffman, Sophia Coppola and Jim Jarmusch were part of the opening celebrations earlier in the week. If its going to be successful, the Metrograph will need to become a go-to destination for New Yorks film community. But Oberman, who lives on Ludlow Street, said they also want it to be a real part of the local community. Were hoping its welcoming, he explained. One of the things that is very important about this project is that its very much embedded in the Lower East Side, in the community.

The two theaters are in good shape for the first screenings. The projectors work, the screens look great, the sound is great, said Oberman. Theres still some work do do in other parts of the building, however. Oberman expects the restaurant, located on the second floor, will be open in the next week to 10 days. For the moment, guests are able to select a variety of retro and gourmet snacks from a self-serve concession in the lobby. Offerings include: Swedish fish, packaged pistachios, lychee gummy candy, salt water taffy, wasabi green peas and, of course, spicy house-made popcorn.

The goal of the Metrograph is to make going to the movies a special experience again. We are really focused on bringing hospitality to theater going, in many ways, like it used to be, said Oberman. We hope that all of these things (the theaters, restaurant and bar, a bookstore) operating together in the same space will be something really different (than you see in most independent cinemas). Glancing at the crowds flowing into the 175-seat theater, Oberman concluded, We can see that its already working.
(front page)

Socialist Workers Party campaign statement:

Defend abortion rights!

The following statement was released March 1 by Alyson Kennedy, Socialist Workers Party candidate for U.S. president, and Osborne Hart, SWP candidate for vice president.

We join with those marching March 2 in Washington, Chicago and elsewhere to defend womens right to choose abortion. This fight is in the interests of all working people.

The right to decide whether or when to bear children is fundamental to a womans right to control her own life and win full social, economic and political equality. It is critical to break down divisions fostered by the employers and their government and to unite the working class.

The case before the Supreme Court March 2  Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt  challenges a reactionary Texas law that imposes unnecessary and onerous restrictions on abortion providers that have forced many clinics throughout the state to close. If the high court upholds these restrictions only 10 abortion providers will remain open there.

Whether and when to have an abortion must be the decision of women  not the government, a doctor, a relative or anyone else. Its a question of equal rights for women, building on the conquests won through the Second American Revolution and codified in the equal protection of the laws guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

This fight is being taken up by women and the working class worldwide. Capitalist rulers from Germany to Ireland to much of the semicolonial world either restrict or outright bar womens right to abortion.

Ever since the new rise of the fight for womens rights in the 1970s and the U.S. Supreme Court decision decriminalizing abortion in 1973, state and federal government officials have imposed increasingly onerous restrictions on its availability  denial of Medicaid and insurance coverage, shortening the time to seek an abortion, requiring parental consent, mandatory counseling and waiting periods, invasive and demanding ultrasound requirements, and, like in Texas, demands that clinics meet hospital-like building standards  all of which hit working-class women and those in rural areas the hardest.

Working people are paying the price for the refusal of labor officials and the most prominent womens rights organizations over many years to mobilize a nationwide campaign of public action to bring to bear the broad support that exists for womens right to choose abortion. Instead, they say raising the issue stirs things up and tell people to elect and rely on pro-choice capitalist politicians.

More workers today are looking for ways to fight to defend their jobs, lives and living conditions. Fast-food workers are protesting for $15 and a union. Street actions against police brutality  from Salt Lake City to Council, Idaho  have forced the propertied rulers to begin to rein in their cops. Women fighting to defend the right to an abortion will find many allies willing to stand and march with them.
(front page)

US, Moscow broker shaky cease-fire in war-torn Syria

A shaky cessation of hostilities brokered by Washington and Moscow took effect in Syria Feb. 27. The United Nations has slated a new round of talks in Geneva March 7 aimed at reaching a longer-term cease-fire and broader political deal. As things stand, the outcome could produce a situation where Moscows ally Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would control most urban areas, the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) would control virtually all Kurdish areas, and various opposition forces could hold sway over some smaller areas they control.

The political bloc with Moscow and the cessation are the product of President Barack Obamas administrations all-consuming mission since last summer, when Washington reached its nuclear accord with Tehran, the New York Times reported.

Washington aims to stop the civil war in Syria, allowing it to restore some stability to defend its imperialist interests in the oil-rich region. The arrangement would also allow Washington and Moscow to organize a coordinated campaign targeting Islamic State, a brutal jihadist current that has controlled extensive areas of Syria and Iraq since 2014. The Pentagon announced it is working with Baghdad to organize to drive Islamic State out of the Iraqi city of Mosul.

In September Moscow and Tehran, with Washingtons acceptance, reinforced their ally Assad with heavy Russian bombing and Iranian ground troops. Iranian-backed Lebanese Hezbollah fighters were already on the ground there. As a result, Assad regained control of much of western Syria, at the cost of massive death and destruction in opposition-held areas.

Hostilities began in Syria in 2011 when Assad responded to mass popular protests against his rule, modeled on the Arab Spring mobilizations in Egypt and Tunisia, with murderous bombings and sieges. An array of opposition forces  from former members of Assads Baathist government to leaders of the protest movement and of Islamist currents  formed armed groups to fight for his overthrow, getting funding from Washington, Ankara and Riyadh.

Millions of Syrians are in dire straits. Recent heavy Russian bombing around Aleppo has displaced tens of thousands, many of whom are massed at the Turkish border seeking entry. In the Syrian border town of Azaz, there are almost 50,000 families receiving no food or other humanitarian aid. To date, the Turkish government has accepted 2.6 million Syrian refugees.

While Washington and Moscow are pushing to drive the deal through, many U.S. government allies consider themselves weakened by the likely outcome, including rulers in Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf monarchies and Israel. Riyadh sent fighter jets to Turkeys Incirlik Air Base Feb. 14 and Turkish troops joined military exercises in Saudi Arabia.

Secretary of State John Kerry said Feb. 25 that Tehran has been pulling some troops out of Syria as part of the deal. Hezbollah forces remain in place.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Feb. 28 he welcomes the cease-fire, but called for a halt to Irans aggression toward Israel from Syrian territory. He said Israel would not agree to the supply of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah from Syria and Lebanon and will not agree to the creation of a second terror front on the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967.

The Washington-Moscow brokered truce excludes any letup in attacks on Islamic State and al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria. Some opposition groups said that since the cease-fire began they have been bombed by Damascus and Moscow. They also charged the government with delaying aid deliveries.

However, the U.S. State Department played down such reports March 1, saying it had received no reports of significant violations.

The YPG has expanded areas they control near the Turkish border with the aim of connecting the eastern and western Kurdish areas in northern Syria.

Imperialist-imposed agreements setting their spheres of influence after World Wars I and II denied Kurds a homeland. They were divided as new borders were drawn to create modern Syria, Iraq, Iran and Turkey. Ankara is determined to prevent a Kurdish-controlled state in Syria along Turkeys border, fearing it would further fuel independence sentiments among some 15 million Turkish Kurds.

The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a war against the population in the countrys majority-Kurdish southeast last summer in the name of fighting the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), an organization Ankara labels as terrorist. He sent 10,000 police and troops to the area and conducted airstrikes that have killed hundreds and displaced several hundred thousand.

Washington plans Iraq drive against Islamic State

Washington is looking at stepping up action on the Iraqi front in its campaign against Islamic State  seeking to take back Mosul, the largest city in ISs caliphate. Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces captured Shadadi in northeastern Syria Feb. 19, cutting the reactionary jihadists supply route to Mosul.

Momentum is now on our side, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said in a Feb. 29 press briefing at the Pentagon, joined by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford. He pointed to the taking of Ramadi last December, the fall of Shadadi and Washingtons success in setting the cessation in Syria.

The long fight by Iraqi security forces to take back Ramadi, the Times reported March 1, offers a preview of the battle to come over Mosul.

As difficult as that battle was, the Times said, the fight for Mosul will be much harder.

Dunford said Washington will have to step up its military involvement. This means, the Times said, American attack helicopters would fly close cover for some 30,000 Iraqi troops.

Pentagon sources quoted by the Times said combatants at Mosul would include heavy participation by Iraqi Kurdish forces. Gen. Talib al-Kinani, commander of Baghdads Counter Terrorism Service, said Iraqi troop commanders have already been sent to areas next to Kurdish-controlled territory for final planning.





Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home




(front page)

Steelworkers stood up to ATI lockout, say the bosses underestimated us

Militant/Arlene Rubinstein

Our determination got us this far, United Steelworkers Local 1138 member Terry Stinson, who works at the Allegheny Technologies mill in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania, told theFeb. 28. The union and ATI announced a tentative agreement on a four-year contract Feb. 22. Picket lines remained up while union members at ATIs 12 facilities in six states discussed the proposal.

USW officials announced March 1 that members voted 5 to 1 to approve the agreement.

They thought we would cave in after a few weeks. They underestimated us, said Stinson.

ATI locked out the 2,200 unionists Aug. 15, bringing in replacement workers from scab-herder Strom Engineering. Six months later workers remain determined in face of the companys drive to cut wages, slash health care, institute 12-hour shifts, cut pensions and contract out more work.

Company President Robert Wetherbee told the media in December the bosses have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cut labor costs by imposing a lower tier for new hires, as up to a third of the workers approach retirement.

The Steelworkers have maintained 24-hour picketing and mounted expanded pickets and rallies with other workers, both union and nonunion. Through these actions and regular social events locked-out workers, family members and supporters have gotten to know each other and gained experience. No union member crossed the picket line.

Many of us are not the same people we were when this started, and thats a good thing, Beth Cribbs, a member of USW Local 1196 in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, said Feb. 26. We have a different relation to one another, to the union, to the hall. Attitudes about how the company treats us have changed. After all, were just wage slaves.

The locked-out workers have extended solidarity to others. Four members of her local joined a rally at the University of Pittsburgh on Feb. 26, said Cribbs, in support of an organizing drive by faculty and graduate employees there and for the fight for $15 an hour and a union.

They need to make sure that the folks at Midland and Bagdad continue to have jobs, said Stinson, referring to 600 workers at two mills ATI announced it will close. As long as they take care of them, I think that is a big step.

The company tried to wear down our families. They cut health care in November. In February unemployment benefits ended. However the vote goes, were already preparing for the next fight, said Regina Stinson, an activist in the Wives of Steel union auxiliary.





Related articles:

Anti-labor outfit targets ATI workers and their union

On the Picket Line

California Cartage workers rally for better conditions

Fight against frame-up of rail workers wins support







Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home




(front page)

US govt plans wider frame-up against Oregon land protesters

U.S. prosecutors in Portland, Oregon, said Feb. 24 they plan to add charges to their frame-up case against Ammon Bundy and 24 others. Theyre currently accused of conspiracy to impede federal officers for joining the 41-day peaceful occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County, Oregon. All 25 say they are not guilty.

Bundy, who is from Idaho, led the Jan. 2 takeover of the refuge to demand U.S. authorities release father and son cattle ranchers Dwight and Steven Hammond, imprisoned twice on the same arson charges, and to combat what many ranchers call overreach by the federal government in its control of most of the land in the area.

The Hammonds, whose land federal agents have sought to take over for years, were found guilty for setting two controlled fires on their own Harney County ranch  a common practice both ranchers and government agencies use to control the spread of invasive plants and prevent destruction from wildfires. The fires spread to small areas of federal land. After serving out their sentence, the Hammonds were sent back to prison Jan. 4 when an appeals court ruled that under the Bill Clinton-era Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act they should serve more time.

Only four of Bundys co-defendants have been released on bail. Ten others appeared in court Feb. 24, where federal Judge Anna Brown told them the law presumes them to be innocent unless they are proven guilty.

Its difficult to understand the presumption of innocence when Ive spent the last month in a jail cell and been led around in chains wherever I go, defendant Ryan Payne told the judge.

Sandy Anderson was released on bail Feb. 19. She was told she isnt allowed to write, phone, email or have any physical contact with any of her co-defendants, including her husband Sean.

While the conditions are humiliating and add insult to injury, they are not unusual, Michael Arnold, Ammon Bundys attorney, told the Militant Feb. 26 from Eugene, Oregon.

Arnold said he plans to renew his request for Bundy to be released. Bundy never threatened to harm anyone, Arnold said, he just exercised his constitutionally protected right to speak out about issues of concern to ranchers and others in the West. Were putting together many of his words from the Internet to present to the judge when we make the new motion, he said. His words speak for themselves.

Two days after his arrest, Bundy said from jail that while many of those at the refuge had guns with them during the occupation, they never once pointed them at another individual or had any desire to do so. He says that their occupation of the refuge was civil disobedience to promote the idea that the land belongs to the people.

At the Feb. 24 hearing federal prosecutors asked the court to designate the cases as complex. This would allow prosecutors to drag out proceedings, tossing aside the defendants right to a speedy trial. The prosecution proposes a trial date sometime in 2017.

Bundy and several of the accused were arrested Jan. 26 when the FBI and Oregon state police ambushed them as they were driving to speak at a community meeting in John Day, Oregon. Another leader of the occupation, Robert LaVoy Finicum, was ambushed and killed by the police.

The FBI says the killing of Finicum is still under investigation.

While area residents had different opinions about whether the occupation was a good idea, most ranchers and working people agree the Hammonds should go free and many say the killing of Finicum was murder.





Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home




(feature article)

Class struggle in US and the Cuban Revolution today are focus of new books on the Cuban Five

HAVANA  The experiences of five Cuban revolutionaries who spent a decade and a half in U.S. prisons were featured at several well-attended presentations at this years Havana International Book Fair, held Feb. 11 to 21. Each of the Five  Gerardo Hernandez, Ramon Labanino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando Gonzalez and Rene Gonzalez  spoke at one or another of these events.

One of these meetings, attended by 150 people, launched three books by and about the Cuban Five, as they are known worldwide. These books, Labanino said, are about the class struggle in the United States as well as what the Cuban Revolution represents today.

The titles included Cuban editions of Guerreros paintings I will die the way Ive lived, by Editorial Jose Marti, and Voices From Prison: The Cuban Five, under the Ciencias Sociales imprint of the Nuevo Milenio publishing house. Both were originally published in the United States by Pathfinder Press. The third book was Pathfinders newest title, The Cuban Five Talk About Their Lives Within the US Working Class.

All of the Five Heroes, as they are known here, participated in the Feb. 18 launching, along with a number of their family members. Two of the Five, Labanino and Guerrero, spoke at the event.

Also in attendance were the directors of Ciencias Sociales and Jose Marti publishing houses and a delegation from the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), which played a central role in the international campaign that won the release of the Cuban Five. The meeting was chaired by Sandra Ramirez, director of ICAPs North America Department.

Ramirez introduced Mary-Alice Waters, president of Pathfinder and editor of the Pathfinder editions of all three books. Waters is a member of the National Committee of the Socialist Workers Party in the United States.

Ramirez said she had first met Waters years ago while working in the leadership of the Union of Young Communists (UJC). Since then she has been reading Pathfinder books and the Militant, which every week carries serious articles about working-class struggles in the United States and questions facing workers in other countries. These publications have been telling the truth in the United States about the Cuban Revolution and our Five Heroes.

Waters said all three books featured at the meeting were born as weapons in the fight for the freedom of our comrades, who were framed up by the U.S. government and imprisoned for more than 16 years for their actions in defense of the Cuban Revolution.

Commenting on the title of the newest Pathfinder book, she said some readers ask, How can you say the Cuban Five were part of the U.S. working class? They were prisoners. But as the book itself explains, a significant proportion of the U.S. working class is behind bars or has been at some time in their lives.

The Cuban Five Talk About Their Lives Within the US Working Class conveys vividly the respect and solidarity they extended to their fellow inmates, and the respect and solidarity they earned in return, Waters said.

What prepared the Five to act with such dignity and steadfast resistance for 16 years behind bars, she said, was the Cuban Revolution itself  the proletarian internationalist values they internalized as young people growing up in Cuba. (See the full text of Waters presentation on page 8.)

We were part of U.S. working class

Labanino said with evident pride that not only while in prison but before we were arrested, we were part of the U.S. working class. I arrived with no money in my pocket. I did all kinds of work. I sold shoes through a catalog. The best job I could get was driving a van delivering medicines to pharmacies.

He said The Cuban Five Talk About Their Lives Within the US Working Class describes how U.S. prisons are a microcosm of capitalist society, designed to dehumanize and break the morale of working people.

Labanino gave examples, cited in the book, of solidarity among fellow prisoners in face of those brutal conditions. He drew laughter and applause from the audience with his humorous account of an inmate who, despite his deserved reputation as the baddest Cuban in the prison, expressed genuine respect for Labanino as one of Fidels five men.

Labanino explained how all five revolutionaries used the Militant and Pathfinder books to educate other prisoners. These publications, by telling the truth about the Five and about the Cuban Revolution, also won them support and protection while in prison.

At the invitation of Pathfinder and Jose Marti publishers, one of the speakers on the platform was Ricardo Alarcon, former president of Cubas National Assembly, who became one of Cubas best-known voices in defense of the Cuban Five throughout the 16-year-long campaign that finally won the freedom of the last three of them in December 2014.

Alarcon spoke about the significance of that battle today. Referring to Washingtons decision to restore diplomatic ties with Havana, he said, Now that there is a change in the dynamic between our country and the one that has historically been and remains our principal adversary, I think the case of the Five must not be forgotten as a past battle.

Books needed today

In face of todays challenges, the Cuban leader said, we need clarity and firm determination, and our companeros conduct in prison can serve as an inspiration to all Cubans. Thats why I think the publication now of these books is very important.

Alarcon saluted the Socialist Workers Party for its long history of defense of the Cuban Revolution within the United States, and Pathfinder Press for its many books telling the truth about the revolution.

Jose Maury, speaking on behalf of the National Bureau of the UJC, stressed the importance of the new books on the Cuban Five for Cuban youth today. They help explain the realities of capitalist society that are unknown to the new generations of Cubans, he said. They show the example of the Five Heroes as the kind of human beings that have been produced by our revolution.

Jorge Hernandez, author of the preface to the new Cuban edition in Spanish of Voices From Prison: The Cuban Five, was also on the panel. The book includes the content of the original Pathfinder edition along with nine pages of photos of the December 2014 return to Cuba by Hernandez, Labanino, and Guerrero, plus Hernandezs February 2015 speech when the Five were decorated as Heroes of the Republic of Cuba.

Jorge Hernandez, who is the director of the University of Havanas Center for the Study of Hemispheric Affairs and the United States, read from the new preface, commenting on the significance of the book. Capturing what the example of the Five Heroes represent for Cubans today, he concluded with a quote from Fidel Castro, Cuban revolutionaries have made mistakes. But the one mistake they will not make is to become traitors.

Guerrero concluded the program. He spoke about the 17 months the Five spent in the hole at the Miami federal prison, the time period after their arrest that is conveyed in his collection of watercolors, I will die the way Ive lived. The beautiful design of the new bilingual Cuban edition by Editorial Jose Marti vividly reproduces Guerreros paintings.

What it means to be a revolutionary

These three books we are presenting are very useful for us today, Guerrero said. He stressed that they are not about the Five personally, but should be read by young people for their message: what it means to be ready to die for what you believe in, by doing through our everyday actions what is incumbent for each of us to do.

The meeting concluded with several comments from the audience, a performance by a group of visiting Argentine musicians who were involved in their country in the campaign to free the Cuban Five, and a sale of the featured books.

Three days earlier, the Cuban Five spoke at presentations of two other Spanish-language books prominently featured at the Havana book fair. One was the Ciencias Sociales edition of What Lies Across the Water: The Real Story of the Cuban Five by Canadian author Stephen Kimber, with a preface by Rene Gonzalez.

The other was the launching of the Cuban edition of Redeeming the Past: My Journey from Freedom Fighter to Healer by Michael Lapsley, an Anglican priest in South Africa. In the course of his activity in the movement to overturn the white-supremacist apartheid regime in South Africa, Lapsley lost both hands and was blinded in one eye in a letter-bomb explosion in 1990. The book was published by Editorial Caminos, publishing house of the Havana-based Martin Luther King Center.

Gerardo Hernandez, who wrote the preface to this edition, told the audience how Lapsley, an outspoken defender of the Cuban Five, visited him 10 times in maximum-security prisons in California. As a cleric he was one of the few visitors Hernandez was allowed to receive.

In his remarks, Lapsley noted that Hernandez was one of the hundreds of thousands of Cuban internationalist combatants who, between 1976 and 1991, helped defend Angolas sovereignty, defeat invasions of Angola by the South African army, and win the independence of Namibia, contributing to the end of the apartheid regime itself. On the African continent, we will always be grateful for what Cuba did, Lapsley said.





Related articles:

A powerful indictment of capitalism: how prisons grind up human beings,

serve rulers class interests

Students in Matanzas, Cuba, eager to learn about class politics in US

US capitalist justice some facts







Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home




SWP candidate Eleanor Garcia joins warehouse workers fight

LOS ANGELES  The Socialist Workers Party launched the campaign for Eleanor Garcia for U.S. Senate at a Feb. 20 forum here attended by more than 100 people.

We will go to struggles big or small, whether labor battles to organize or win a contract, fights to beat back attempts by the bosses to make workers pay for their crisis, actions by women demanding abortion rights, and protests against the killing of cattle rancher Robert Finicum by Oregon State police and the FBI, said Garcia, an aerospace worker.

These fights are schools for workers to learn. They open up new perspectives. What marks our campaigns is that they are campaigns of action. These are our battles.

Participants enthusiastically contributed well over the $3,480 needed to put Garcias name on the ballot for the June 7 open primary, for which she filed on Feb. 26. SWP supporters across the state are now organizing to complete the ballot effort by filing nomination petitions signed by 100 registered voters by March 11.

California has so-called voter nominated primaries, in which the top two vote getters in June are placed on the ballot for the November election, regardless of party affiliation. This will be the first time in many years that an SWP candidate for statewide office is on the California ballot.

Garcia joined California Cartage workers Feb. 24 picketing outside the warehouse at the Port of Los Angeles. The action was organized by the Warehouse Workers Resource Center. We urge people to fight alongside you, she said. Workers the world over face the same conditions. Through fights like these we can gain experience and confidence. It changes us. We become capable of controlling production and our conditions.

Garcia campaigned in solidarity with Farmer John meatpackers, members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770, after their union meeting Feb. 28 where they discussed ongoing contract negotiations. The managers harass us, theyre always on top of us. They want us working all the time. They dont want to give us raises, Marta Menendez told her.
(SWP campaign statement)

No miner has to die, in Russia or US!

No miner has to die! Thats the response workers should give to the claim by Russian officials that the death of 36 coal miners in Vorkuta last weekend was a natural disaster. Its the same lie weve heard time and again from the mine bosses and their government mouthpieces around the world  from Soma, Turkey, where more than 300 died in the Eynez mine in 2014, to coalfields across the United States.

Statements by relatives of Vorkuta miners and independent union leaders that the coal bosses tampered with methane detectors and pressured them to work in spite of high levels of the deadly gas are all too familiar. In their drive for profits, the mine owners put production ahead of human life, cutting corners on safety for the sake of their bottom line. And the same thing is true at construction sites, in steel mills, oil refineries, on the railroad and in other jobs where working people face speedup and the bosses disdain for our life and limb.

As a longtime member of the United Mine Workers of America, having worked in mines in Alabama, Colorado, Utah and West Virginia, I know firsthand that the fight for stronger unions is a life-and-death question. We need to organize, unionize and fight for workers control of safety on the job  including exercising the right to stop work whenever we face unsafe conditions.

On behalf of the Socialist Workers Party, I extend a hand of solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Vorkuta. Your fight is our fight. What happens in one country affects the conditions we all face.

Sharpening competition among the mine bosses and other capitalists, a result of the international crisis of trade and production, guarantees they will press harder in their offensive against the working class. Conditions in the mines, in Russia and worldwide, will continue to deteriorate unless our class organizes to stop them.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Tears of joy were shed last week at the 21st February Movement celebrations in Masvingo to commemorate the President's birthday as President Mugabe was reunited with some of his fellow surviving inmates from Sikombela Restriction Camp, a colonial facility during Rhodesian rule. The one man who made this possible is Raymond Mazorodze, a volunteer social worker who works closely with zanu-pf and is involved in researching and documenting the ruling party's history. Our Senior Reporter Lovemore Ranga Mataire (LRM) caught up with Mazorodze (RM) who spoke about how he brought President Mugabe together with his wartime buddies after half a century of separation.LRM: Mazorodze, can you explain your motivation in facilitating the meeting of President Mugabe and his fellow detainees 35 years after independence?RM: First, you must understand that I am a voluntary social worker who after retiring from my job made a decision to work for the cause of the people without expecting any payment. I am an individual who values our history and I have so much respect for people like President Mugabe who sacrificed everything for the good of the majority.The process to locate former restrictees and detainees who were with President Mugabe started way back in 2004 when I met the late Edgar Tekere and arranged to go to Sikombela so that he could narrate his ordeal there. He agreed to go with me and in the process of narrating his story he mentioned an incident that took place there.Tekere said at some stage he had a heated argument with the late Enos Nkala who punched him on the right cheek. He was restrained from retaliating by President Mugabe who told them to behave like adults. It was during the same month of October that I went to see Nkala to verify Tekere's story and he confirmed the incident.So that's what essentially triggered my interest about the life behind the restriction camps. Besides, some of the comrades had approached me wanting to meet the President. I also wanted the President to reminisce on the journey he has travelled thus far. Yes, you may say that the event in Masvingo was the pinnacle of my voluntary work.LRM: So how long did it take you to locate the surviving detainees?RM: It took quite a long time. At one point I was so disheartened and heartbroken because some of the comrades had died. But I never gave up. The culmination of my perseverance was a letter I wrote to the Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth, (Pupurai) Togarepi requesting that President Mugabe meets his former inmates and friends.I indicated to Togarepi that the comrades were former Sikombela and Gonakudzingwa restrictees with six of them having been at Sikombela while 10 were from Gonakudzingwa. I also indicated that it was important for His Excellency to meet some of them after nearly 50 years of separation.Former Sikombela restrictees that I managed to contact are Cdes Solomon Marembo, Thomas Ziki, Kenneth Manyonda, Samson Maposa, Solomon Gwitira (Nyanyadzi) and Thuli Sithole (Gokwe).Those who were at Gonakudzingwa with the late Father Zimbabwe are Cdes Mupasi Marinda (Chief Chiwara), Kakora Mhindurwa, Joseph Kapeta, Denga Hunda, Killion Bhebhe, Reniah Sungayi, Samuel Mpofu, Million Ngwenya, Zipa Ncube Inyathi and George Kawenda.I must also mention that Cephas Msipa was also very helpful in assisting me to locate former Gonakudzingwa restrictees and the late Dr Eddison Zvobgo also told me all the names of those at Sikombela. People like George Mudukuti and Solomon Evaristo Marembo.LRM: Do you think this event (introducing the restrictees to President Mugabe) has propelled you to national recognition and appreciation of your voluntary work?RM: It is not so much about national recognition but in a small measure I was happy to see the President smiling when he saw his former comrades after such a long time. That in itself brings joy to me. I am also happy with the fact that the First Family promised to meet them again.I would also want the President to meet Jane Lungile Ngwenya, the unheralded founding mother of Zimbabwe currently staying at No. W11 Coronation Old People's Home in Bulawayo. She was incarcerated at Grey Prison, Gweru Central Female Prison, WhaWha, Gonakudzingwa and attended the All-Africa Cairo Conference in 1961 that later gave birth to the Organisation of African Unity.She also visited Jomo Kenyatta, the founding president of Kenya when he was in detention. She used to broadcast from Lusaka, Zambia, encouraging young people to join the struggle. She also gave a testimony to the envoy of United Nations about the conditions of female freedom fighters in Southern Africa. She was the only woman in the National Democratic Party (NDP) executive that included Mugabe, Michael Mawema and others.LRM: Lastly, Mazorodze, can you give us a brief background of yourself?RM: I am neither a war veteran, a restrictee nor detainee. I played my role in supporting nationalists during the struggle through contributions that we used to make as a group. I was born at Machaya Village in Ndanga, Zaka District in Masvingo Province on February 1, 1947, in a humble family of four  three boys and one girl. I guess I am following the footsteps of my father who also had a passion for voluntary work and initiated the construction of Mutamba Primary School in 1942, established a grinding mill and various small dams for livestock.I worked for various companies during Rhodesia but in 1979 I decided to work as voluntary social worker at the national level. In 1980, I was fortunate enough to receive legal advice from Dr Zvobgo who told me that I must never ask or accept money from those I help and that I should not be promiscuous. I still keep his advice religiously.I have done quite a lot in my work. In 1980, I managed to facilitate the rehabilitation of two families from Zambia to Zimbabwe. The first family of Mr and Mrs Manunure had gone to Zambia in 1959 while the second family of Mr and Mrs Mudambiranwa had been in Zambia since 1962.When refugees were repatriated from Zambia to Zimbabwe I went to Zambia and approached the United Nations Representative through the Lutheran Christian Church and everything went on smoothly and the two families came home.On March 4, 1984 I had a successful meeting with Dr Zvobgo who later requested the Government to send a team of road construction workers who managed to tar the road from Roy to Zaka which was impassable during the rainy season. I also facilitated the establishment of two more public schools and shelters at Mbare Old Terminus and in 1987 I lobbied for the introduction of Shangani language on the then Radio 4 after meeting Members of Parliament for Chiredzi North and South, Cdes Henry Pote and Titus Maluleke.I have initiated many projects  far too many to mention  and I have several pending ones which include the need for the construction of a post office in Budiriro, erecting statues of the late Vice Presidents Simon Muzenda and Joseph Msika, adequate shelters at the new Mbare Musika and at all other main bus terminuses in the country, spirt medium to give opening remarks at any national event before a pastor or reverend, change of chiefs gowns and army barracks to be given indigenous names.I will continue with my voluntary work and my wish is for Zimbabweans to be selfless in pursuing various national causes without expecting any monetary personal benefits.
(feature article)

Students in Matanzas, Cuba, eager to learn about class politics in US

MATANZAS, Cuba  A packed auditorium of nearly 200 students and faculty members heard a presentation here of Pathfinders The Cuban Five Talk About Their Lives Within the US Working Class . The Feb. 25 meeting was held at the Camilo Cienfuegos University of Matanzas, some 60 miles east of Havana.

The featured speakers were Fernando Gonzalez, one of the Cuban Five and vice president of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), and Pathfinder president and Socialist Workers Party leader Mary-Alice Waters. They were introduced by Sandra Ramirez, North America director of ICAP. Accompanying them on the platform were university vice rector Roberto Vizcon and Teresa Rubio, ICAP delegate for Matanzas province.

The students listened intently as both speakers explained that the book  as Gonzalez put it  is not about anecdotes of prison life, but about the class character of the U.S. justice system and who those who end up in prison really are.

Gonzalez emphasized that the big majority of those behind bars in the United States are not part of what Marx called the lumpenproletariat, that is degraded, anti-social petty-criminal elements found in most capitalist cities. Yes, he said, there are some who are, but the majority are not people with a criminal mentality. They are workers, people of modest resources and low incomes.

That is why, he said, citing Ramon Labaninos words highlighted on the books cover, its the poor who face the savagery of the U.S. justice system.

During the discussion period, Edith Gonzalez, dean of the school of social sciences and humanities, told the audience how, more than 20 years ago, she was part of a team of volunteers who helped make it possible for Pathfinder to publish a new edition of Lenins Final Fight in Spanish by checking the existing Spanish translations against the original Russian text of the speeches and writings of V.I. Lenin. She and the other volunteers were young professors at the University of Matanzas who had studied in the Soviet Union and were fluent in Russian. She described how proud they all were of contributing to get the book out, which remains one of the most sought-after titles every year at the Havana book fair.

A student asked about the political work that Socialist Workers Party members carry out in the United States, commenting that it must be very difficult. Waters replied that while that was a common perception outside the United States, the work of communists is not more difficult in the United States than in Cuba or other countries. We face the same enemy as you  the imperialist rulers and their capitalist system. Were in the same struggle, in the same trench.

At the end of the program, the visiting team of communist workers from the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States, who had come to Cuba to help introduce Pathfinder books to those attending the fair, was swamped by students seeking literature on revolutionary politics. Within minutes, all 106 Pathfinder books and dozens of copies of the Militant they had brought were sold out.





Related articles:

Class struggle in US and the Cuban Revolution today are focus of new books on the Cuban Five

A powerful indictment of capitalism: how prisons grind up human beings,

serve rulers class interests

US capitalist justice some facts







Front page (for this issue) | Home | Text-version home




Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here

You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. Please check our main navigation pages for other content: 

Home Page
Tentang Situs Slot Online Resmi MGS88 Nama Situs  MGS88 Minimal Deposit  Rp. 10.000,- (Sepuluh Ribu Rupiah) Proses Deposit   2 Menit Metode Deposit  Bank Transfer,  Pulsa,  E-Wallet Judi Online Terbaik  Slot Online,  Judi Bola,  Casino Online,  Togel Online,  Tembak Ikan Provider Slot Gacor Mudah Maxwin  Pragmatic Play,  PGSoft,  MicroGaming,  Habanero Slot Gacor Gampang Menang  Gates of Olympus,  Sweet Bonanza,  Wild West Gold,  Starlight Princess Win Rate 98%

RTP Live Slot Gacor Tertinggi Hari Ini Terbaru Terlengkap

Selamat datang di halaman RTP live dan informasi soal slot gacor hari ini dari situs MGS88 yang setiap hari selalu update. Berdasarkan RTP Live MGS88, Anda bisa mendapatkan informasi tentang slot online yang saat ini yang sedang Gacor atau onfire dengan persentase yang terbukti akurat, ini bisa menjadi rekomendasi anda sebelum memilih permainan slot online di situs MGS88. Cek RTP Slot sekarang juga bosku

Klik Provider Slot Untuk Mengetahui RTP Slot Secara Real Time

Selamat datang bagi kalian yang sedang mencari situs RTP Live terlengkap dan terkini hari ini. Sangat sesuai jika Anda mengunjungi website MGS88 RTP live untuk informasi tentang permainan slot yang lagi gacor dengan slot RTP yang terupdate. Persentase kemenangan yang kami berikan tentunya diambil dengan data yang sangat valid dan hanya untuk permainan slot yang tersedia di situs MGS88. RTP yang tersedia juga akan selalu diperbarui setiap hari berdasarkan level kemenangan yang diberikan kepada member kami.

Memang sih untuk bermain slot itu tergantung hoki dari setiap pemain, Namun RTP live atau bocoran slot dari yang kami sediakan ini adalah data autentik dari banyaknya pemain yang telah bermain dan mencapai kemenangan tinggi. Sederhananya, kalau banyak pemain yang menang di dalam 1 permainan slot, karena itu permainan slot tersebut akan mempunyai persentase RTP yang sangat tinggi.

Namun kami tegaskan sekali lagi, ini bukan sebuah paksaan kami situs MGS88 untuk anda bermain di game slot yang mana. Ini bisa dijadikan sebagai referensi atau tolok ukur, boleh dicoba kalau anda mempunyai feel yang kuat dalam memainkan permainan game slot. Anda dapat mengakses kapan saja dan di mana saja selama anda siap bermain. Jangan ragu untuk bertanya ya seputar pola putaran terhadap kami, sebab kami juga menyediakannya loh.

Apa itu RTP Live?

RTP Live ialah informasi mengenai persentase tertinggi saat ini dari hasil RTP Live dengan bocoran kemenangan pemain saat ini. RTP Live merupakan singkatan dari Return To Play atau bisa juga diartikan sebagai Return to Player. Karena itu, para pemain slot sekarang jika ingin mengetahui seberapa besar kemenangannya, bisa dengan memainkan permainan yang akan dimainkannya dan bisa untung dengan mudah dan tentunya maksimal.

Apa itu RTP Slot?

RTP Slot juga dikenal sebagai return to player atau pengembalian ke Pemain. RTP slot ialah persentase dari nilai pengembalian semua uang yang dipertaruhkan pemain dari waktu ke waktu. Dengan kata lain, RTP juga dianggap sebagai salah satu fitur slot yang mengembalikan uang pemain saat pemain kalah.

Persentase digunakan untuk menghitung RTP dalam permainan slot. Misalnya, jika slot memiliki RTP 97%, itu berarti untuk setiap 100.000 koin yang hilang di slot, slot dapat mengembalikan 97.000. Jika Anda mengetahui RTP sebuah permainan slot, Anda dapat memutuskan permainan slot mana yang akan dimainkan tanpa kerugian besar.

Apakah Angka Persentase RTP Slot Itu Penting?

Biasanya pemain slot itu tidak memperhatikan RTP dalam permainan yang akan dimainkan, biasanya setelah anda mengisi saldo utama anda akan langsung buru-buru memainkannya. Yang terakhir 90-96% mempengaruhi jumlah kemenangan. Semakin tinggi jumlah RTP yang digunakan, semakin luas peluang untuk mendapatkan keuntungan.

Akan namun itu segala tak secara 100% menjamin kemenangan kau dalam bermain, RTP itu cuma sebagai kalkulasi pengeluaran anda saja selama bermain slot.Dengan adanya RTP, kau dapat mengerjakan pengaturan atas uang yang akan kau pertaruhkan nanti pada ketika bermain.Untuk itu pada ketika kau bermain slot dan telah mengalami banyak kekalahan di satu permainan, direkomendasikan kau pindah ke permainan slot lainnya yang RTP nya lebih tinggi dari permainan yang tadi kau mainkan.

Keuntungan Menggunakan Bocoran RTP Slot Hari Ini

Situs MGS88 Akan dengan senang hati akan beberapa keuntungan yang didapatkan jika anda bermain slot dengan menggunakan RTP Live yang telah disediakan. Berikut Keuntungannya :

Peluang Kemenangan Meningkat Tentu saja, saat bermain slot online, menang adalah hal yang paling penting. Di sinilah RTP berperan sebagai metode atau metode baru yang akan membantu Anda memilih permainan slot persentase tinggi. Mendapat variasi dalam Memainkan Game Slot Pastinya banyak pemain slot online yang hanya memainkan 3-5 permainan slot saja. Namun dengan RTP Live slot akan memberikan banyak game slot lain yang bisa anda coba. Tentunya semua permainan slot memiliki potensi kemenangan yang besar, jadi jangan hanya mengandalkan beberapa permainan saja. Menambah Pengalaman Dalam Bermain Slot Keuntungan terakhir adalah Anda tentu saja menambah pengalaman dan keahlian dalam permainan slot online. Dengan berbagai macam permainan slot yang dimainkan, Anda pasti mengetahui karakteristik dari setiap permainan slot yang Anda mainkan. Akibatnya, Anda pasti bisa dianggap sebagai pemain slot yang andal, yang pasti akan meningkatkan peluang Anda untuk menang besar menggunakan RTP.

Daftar 8 Situs Dengan RTP Slot Live Tertinggi Hari Ini

Ada banyak penyedia mesin slot online di internet. Tetapi tidak semuanya memiliki peluang tinggi atau RTP Live Slot yang sangat tinggi. Tapi jangan khawatir, berikut ini adalah situs slot gacor yang akan memberikan bocoran slot dengan RTP Live Tertinggi:

RTP Live Slot Pragmatic Play (RTP Slot 97.85%) RTP Live Slot PG Soft (RTP Live 96.15%) RTP Live Slot Habanero (RTP Slot 95.89%) RTP Live Slot CQ9 (RTP Live 98.83%) RTP Live Slot Spade Gaming (RTP Live 94.99%) RTP Live Slot Micro Gaming (RTP Slot 95.39%) RTP Slot Live Top Trend Gaming (RTP Live 96.14%) RTP Slot Live JOKER123 (RTP Live 97.45%)

Itulah Daftar 8 Provider Slot Gacor dengan RTP Live teratas diatas tentunya kami analisa terlebih dahulu. Anda bisa membuktikannya langsung dengan mengklik banner atau meprovider game slot yang sudah tersedia di atas. Saran kami yaitu Anda harus memainkan semua penyedia slot di atas untuk mencapai peluang kemenangan terbaik.

Daftar Slot RTP Live Tertinggi Sering Kasih Jackpot

Selain mempertimbangkan RTP Slot Gacor yang ada, sebenarnya ada banyak faktor penting untuk menang dalam permainan judi online. Sebab ada banyak game yang memiliki fitur dan mekanisme unik dan bisa membantu anda meraih Jackpot yang sangat besar.

Berikut ini akan kami ulas daftar 5 game slot paling populer karena sering memberikan jackpot:

RTP Live Gates of Olympus Gates of Olympus adalah game slot teraneh dan terbaik di Indonesia. Karena permainan mesin slot ini paling populer karena kakek Zeus dapat mengizinkan pengganda x500. Selain itu, fitur dan mekanik Gates of Olympus juga sangat menguntungkan untuk memenangkan Grand Jackpot. Secara teoritis, RTP slot langsung Gates of Olympus bernilai 96,50%, yang berarti peluang Anda untuk memenangkan MaxWin cukup tinggi. RTP live Sweet Bonanza Sweet Bonanza adalah permainan slot terpopuler kedua. Game slot bertema buah dan permen yang lezat ini sepertinya akan menarik banyak perhatian karena tergolong slot gacor yang mudah menang. Secara teoritis, slot Sweet Bonanza RTP bernilai 96,48%, yang berarti peluang Anda cukup tinggi untuk memenangkan jackpot. RTP Live Wild West Gold Wild West Gold adalah permainan slot bertema koboi yang juga populer di kalangan penggemar konspirasi. Permainan slot Wild West Gold sendiri kerap menawarkan kejutan jackpot bagi para pemainnya. Selain itu, nilai RTP Live Slot menunjukkan indeks tertinggi hari ini, yang berarti sangat layak dan sangat direkomendasikan. RTP Live Starlight Princess Slot Starlight Princess ini memiliki gaya dan fitur yang mirip dengan Gates of Olympus. Perbedaannya hanya pada desain dan karakter gamenya saja, karena memiliki fitur dan mekanik yang sama tentunya RTP slot teoritis pada game slot ini sama yaitu 96,50%. RTP Live Cash Elevator Mungkin sebagian dari Anda baru mengenal slot Cash Elevator. Namun dari data benchmark yang diungkap, ternyata banyak sekali yang menikmati permainan slot ini. Dengan fitur dan mekanisme unik seperti Lift up and down asli, slot ini juga memiliki slot RTP Live dasar 96,64% yang juga memiliki mekanisme yang sangat menguntungkan untuk memperlancar tingkat kemenangan besar.

Bocoran Jam Main Slot Gacor Hari Ini

Dalam bermain permainan slot online itu tidak bisa dilakukan dengan sembarangan yah. Jadi, Jika anda bermain pada waktu tertentu seperti yang akan kita bahas sesaat lagi, ada kemungkinan anda untuk mendapatkan kemenangan lebih tinggi. Jam RTP Slot Gacor merupakan bocoran jam main slot yang akan memberikan anda kapan waktu yang pas dalam bermain game slot.

Tentu saja seluruh provider slot online memiliki jam tertentu dalam memberikan peluang kepada para pemainnya untuk mendapatkan kemenangan. Disini kami akan memberikan anda Bocoran Jam Slot Gacor yang Paling Akurat Hari ini:

Jam Slot Gacor Pragmatic Play 02:30 WIB - Jam 05:25 WIB Jam Slot Gacor Habanero 14:26 WIB - Jam 17:38 WIB Jam Slot Gacor CQ9 00:45 WIB - Jam 05:53 WIB Jam Slot Gacor PG SOFT 14:25 WIB - Jam 17:35 WIB Jam Slot Gacor Joker123 17:41 WIB - Jam 20:42 WIB Jam Slot Gacor Microgaming 22:30 WIB - Jam 00:35 WIB

MGS88: Situs Judi Slot Online Gacor Pay4D Resmi dan Terpercaya

MGS88 adalah situs game slot online Gacor terbaru yang bermitra dengan Pay4D, Pay4D sendiri merupakan daftar situs game slot online terpercaya dengan berbagai macam permainan judi yang mudah dimenangkan seperti Game Bola, Casino Online, Slot Pay4D, Tembak Ikan dan Pay4D Online Permainan togel seperti Singapura, Hongkong, Sydney dan lain-lain. Tujuan utama kami adalah menjadi situs judi online Pay4D yang menyediakan layanan judi online terbaik di Indonesia.

Kami juga salah satu situs resmi PAY4D di Indonesia yang pasti akan membayarkan semua kemenangan kepada semua member kami, karena kepercayaan dari semua member kami adalah prioritas utama kami sebagai mesin slot 4d Asia terbaik di Asia, khususnya di Indonesia.

Dalam melakukan sistem transaksi sistem simpanan dapat dilakukan dengan mudah melalui mobile banking dan electronic banking berupa bank BCA, BSI, BRI, BNI, Cimb Niaga, Permata dan Mandiri. Selain itu, transaksi e-wallet juga tersedia melalui Dana, Gopay, LinkAja dan Ovo serta dapat digunakan untuk pulsa tanpa dipotong.

Untuk mempermudah dan kenyamanan dalam melakukan registrasi atau melakukan setiap transaksi, MGS88 menyediakan layanan live chat dan Whatsapp terhubung langsung dengan customer service online 24 jam.

Mengenal Istilah Dalam RTP SLOT

Di slot RTP Live Anda akan melihat berbagai fitur yang mungkin tidak Anda pahami masing-masing. Namun jangan khawatir, disini sebagai situs slot gacor MGS88 kami akan memberikan penjelasan lengkap mengenai tentang istilah yang ada di RTP SLOT dibawah ini.
News / National

by Tendai Ruben Mbofana

 Tendai Ruben Mbofana is a community activist, communications specialist, writer, and journalist. He writes in his personal capacity, and welcomes feedback. Please feel free to call/WhatsApp: +263782283975, or email: tendaiandtinta.mbofana@gmail.com.

Firstly, I would like to express my appreciation for the feedback that readers have been sending, and also assure them that I am still writing - however, the lull in the frequency of my writings has been due to the fact that I am currently involved in a research project, whilst at the same time, looking after my mother who is suffering from cancer (as an only child, I have to do this alone).As a result, I have not had much time for anything else, but will always try to write something whenever I get a little moment.Nevertheless, the recent proclamation on corruption in diamond mining by the Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, during a recently televised Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) interview, leaves one wondering as to what extent this government is prepared to go with its hypocrisy.The President said that the government was losing huge sums of money through corruption in the mining of diamonds, and as such, government had decided to take over diamond mining.Agreed, there has been very little revenue accrued to government through the mining and selling of diamonds, but when did this problem start?According to reports, the then Minister of Finance Tendai Biti, in the Government of National Unity (GNU), informed the President of the corrupt activities involved in the mining and selling of diamonds, and was actually presented by Biti several authentic investigative reports produced by impeccable organisations, including the Kimberley Process.However, the President rubbished these accusations, and instead asked Biti why he was just concerned about diamonds and not platinum.As such, it appears as if the government had no problem with corruption in the mining and selling of diamonds when the lack of revenue into the fiscus meant that the then Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)-led Ministry of Finance would be blamed for withholding funds for critical government programmes.However, now that the Ministry of Finance is back in the hands of ZANU PF, the government suddenly is taking the issue of corruption in the diamond sector seriously.That is utter hypocrisy!Can anyone be expected to believe that the ZANU PF government is sincere about fighting corruption in this country? I think not.Corruption in Zimbabwe has been embedded in our society as a result of the government's own insincerity in fighting it, as it has been used to benefit those in power both politically and financially.If the above example is to be used, corruption was used as a political tool to starve the MDC-led Finance Ministry, so as to portray the party as the cause of government's failure in increasing civil servants' salaries, and infrastructural development, amongst a whole host of other things.Who can forget the tired and shameful statements from the President, ZANU PF-led ministries, and the states controlled media during the GNU, to the effect that government could not do such and such because 'Biti is refusing to release funds'.Today, Biti is long gone as the Finance Minister, and yet the ZANU PF government is still failing to provide funds for its programmes, in fact, the situation has significantly deteriorated, as government can no longer pay salaries that were being provided during the GNU.As such, government allowed for corruption to freely exist as a way of scoring political points over its opponents.At the same time, government officials are busy building for themselves Hollywood-type lifestyles through corruption, yet there is nothing been done about that.As long as corruption is acceptable at highest levels of our society, the talk about fighting it is just mere hypocrisy.Honestly, who in Zimbabwe does not know of the existence of corruption at nearly all the traffic police checkpoints?There is no lack of witnesses, as any driver will tell you all about it.So why is the government not doing anything about it?Arresting one or two traffic officers once in a while is pathetic window dressing, because if the government was genuinely against corruption, they could easily set up traps at randomly selected traffic police checkpoints throughout the country.However, the manner in which bribes openly exchange hands at these checkpoints clearly shows that there is no seriousness at all in fighting corruption in this country.Is it then any wonder why we end up having tragic accidents on our roads, due to factors that proper police and Vehicle Inspection Department (VID) checkpoints could have easily detected and taken appropriate action, but instead opted for a bribe?Another of the corruption cases that the government allows to go unchecked is with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) at our border posts.I remember travelling by bus from South Africa, and a bus crew asking passengers to pay, in addition to the regular fare, a certain amount that would be given to Zimra officials at the Beitbridge border post, so that their luggage would not be searched - and as a result not pay any import duties.As a result, the much needed revenue that could have been used to resuscitate Zimbabwe's struggling industries - thereby, creating employment for thousands - in fact ended up in the pockets of a few individuals working for Zimra.Again, such corruption is carried out in the open, and if the ZANU PF government was sincere about fighting corruption, it could easily clamp down on this, but it chooses not to.That is why the economy of Zimbabwe will never be revived, no matter what economic stimulus programmes the government comes up with, as long as corruption is not seriously dealt with - because money that is supposed to be used to revive the economy will always be siphoned out by a few individuals, with impunity, for their own self-aggrandisement.It is time the government took corruption seriously, and stopped using it as a tool for selfish political and financial benefit, and considered the country's welfare above all else.
At least 60 injured as Bangkok ferry engine explodes

BANGKOK: At least 60 people were injured when the engine on a gas-powered Bangkok commuter boat exploded, pitching several passengers into Khlong Saen Saep, earlier today (Mar 5).

marineaccidentsdisasterstransportpolice

By AFP

Saturday 5 March 2016, 02:53PM

A commuter boat travels along Saen Saeb canal, which runs through the heart of Bangkok and eventually connects to its main river, the Chao Praya River. Photo: AFP / file

The blast occurred at around 6:20am near the Wat Thep Leela pier near Ramkhamhaeng Soi 39 in Bang Kapi district. Khlong Saen Saep is one of the capitals busiest waterways for commuters.

Pol Col Sarayut Chunnawat, chief of Hua Mak police station, told Thai media at noon that he had been told 67 people were injured, two seriously.

The citys Erawan Emergency Medical Centre said at noon that 66 people had been hurt and were being treated at five hospitals.

Images provided by police showed that the boat was rattled by the explosion but still largely intact.

Boat services at all piers along Khlong Saeng Saep were still operating normally, except at the Wat Thep Leela pier where liquefied natural gas (LNG) had to be released from the damaged craft.

Gas leak possible cause

Sanit Mahathavorn, acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said an initial investigation found the explosion was caused by a gas leak at the rear of the boat, according to INN News.

Most of the injured passengers sustained burns on their bodies, he said.

The boat, operated by Family Transport (2002) Co, was travelling from the Wat Sribunruang pier to Pratunam when the explosion occurred in the engine room near the Wat Thep Leela pier.

Police were questioning the engineers who assembled the companys boats to see whether the vessels had been inspected regularly and whether their tanks met the standards, said Pol Gen Satit.

Booths were set up as contact centres at the Wat Thep Leela pier and at Hua Mak police station so people could check the victims' names and notify authorities of any missing persons.

Nat Chubchai, deputy director-general of the Marine Department, which supervises marine transport, said the cause was likely a gas leak but authorities had yet to find out how it happened.

We will set up a panel to look into the incident. As for reports of missing persons, divers have confirmed initially there were no victims in the water.

Family Transport has 70 boats plying the Saen Saep canal. There were unconfirmed reports that all of its 30 LNG-powered boats have been suspended from service.

But Deputy Transport Minister Ormsin Chivapruck clarified at midday today that Family Transport was told to switch to using diesel on all of its boats and keep providing services normally as a service suspension would affect a lot of people.

Owner apologises

Family Transport managing director Chaovalit Metayaprapas said the company would take responsibility for all medical costs and damage.

He explained that his company had been using LNG without incident for some time.

Its use had been approved properly by authorities and the installation was supervised and checked by experts including PTT Plc, he said, adding that he personally believed the flaw was limited to just the one boat.

Our staff are visiting the injured at hospitals. We sincerely apologise to the people and vow to find better preventive measures.

Additional reporting by the Bangkok Post. (See story here.)
Foreign renters in Phuket ask officials to investigate alleged fraud

PHUKET: Governor Chamroen Tipyaypongtada has called a meeting at Provincial Hall next week that aims to resolve a dispute between foreign tenants at The Aspasia Phuket in Kata and the the property management company at the development following allegations that the company is misusing funds.

property

By Darawan Naknakhon

Saturday 5 March 2016, 10:09AM

Prapan Kanprasang (left), Chief of the Damrongdhama Centre (Ombudsmans Office), receives the complaint from the tenants. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

Led by Dutch national Jan Cornelis van Zuilekom, the group filed a complaint at the Damrongdhama Centre (Ombudsmans Office) and met with Governor Chamroen on Thursday (Mar 3).

Every year, we have to pay a fee to the company so they can use that money to pay for maintenance. However, we want to be sure that management team did not mismanage the fund, said Mr Zuilekom.

We asked the company to explain to us how they spend the central fund, but we have never received an answer. In addition, recently some of us have received a notice about lease termination, while others have had their unit utilities cut off. This means they cannot stay in their units as they have no electric or water even though money has been paid to cover the bills, he added.

We are speaking out today in the hope that our actions will pressure the company to solve our problems as soon as possible because most of us have limited time in Thailand and are not often in Thailand at the same time, he added.

We need to resolve this as soon as possible, said Gov Chamroen. Id like to see this issue resolved within the coming week.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

ZIMBABWEAN police have arrested and charged three school authorities for allegedly mocking President Robert Mugabe on social media after they purportedly posted satirical pictures of the Zanu PF leader on Facebook.Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Right said police in Bindura in Mashonaland Central province on 09 February 2016 arrested Edson Chuwe, a school head at Shamva Primary School, Edna Garwe who is employed as a typist at the same school and Leman Pwanyiwa, who serves as the secretary of Shamva Primary School Development Committee and charged them with undermining authority of or insulting President Mugabe in contravention of Section 33 (2) (b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23 or alternatively criminal nuisance as defined in Section 46 (2) (v) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23."Police claimed that they received a tip off on 05 February 2016 to the effect that the trio had "doctored" degrading photographs of President Mugabe using the school computer," said ZLHR."Upon rummaging through Pwanyiwa's mobile phone handset, the police charged that they accessed a message sent to Chuwe through WhatsApp, a cross-platform instant messaging application which read; "Mr President isn't it time to bid farewell to the people of Zimbabwe".ZLHR said Pwanyiwa, the police charged, also sent a video of a speech delivered by President Mugabe's wife, Grace during a political rally held in Rushinga in Mashonaland Central province to Chuwe to which he allegedly responded by stating that; "Havana shungu ne collapse of economy"."Police and prosecutors claimed that between June 2015 and November 2015 the trio "doctored" some photographs denigrating the person of the President of Zimbabwe. They claimed that the photographs were exchanged between Chuwe, aged 42 years, Garwe, aged 45 years and 33 year-old Pwanyiwa through their mobile phone handsets after having been edited using the school's computer," ZLHR said."It is alleged that the police were alerted by a former employee of the school who worked in the school's computer laboratory and discovered the "doctored" photographs in Chuwe and Garwe's mobile phones. The unidentified former employee had been sacked by Chuwe for some unestablished misdemeanors, which involved tampering with official documents."ZLHR said the police and prosecutors also accused Pwanyiwa of keeping images in his photo gallery portraying a "doctored" picture of President Mugabe being kicked by a white man."Police and prosecutors claimed that Chuwe posted some "doctored" photographs showing President Mugabe being assaulted by a sjambok wielding member of the Zimbabwe Republic Police," ZLHR."Some of the photographs show a "doctored" picture of President Mugabe sitting down naked and wearing some beads with the caption reading "Mambo wedu". The other photograph shows President Mugabe posing with pop star Rihanna in a position which the police and prosecutors claimed it suggested that they were in love."zlhr said the other post showed several leaders who served as Presidents of neighbouring Zambia from Kenneth Kaunda to Frederick Chiluba while on Zimbabwe, there were several pictures of President Mugabe appearing several times and with the caption reading "Zimbabwean Presidents"."The trio, which was arrested on 09 February 2016 was only freed on 11 February 2016 after the intervention of their lawyer Ernest Jena of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, who applied for their release on bail, which was granted by Bindura Magistrate Ruramai Chitumbura,"ZLHR."Chuwe, Garwe and Pwanyiwa, who had endured two nights in police detention were ordered to pay $50 bail each, to continue residing at their given residential addresses and not to interfere with State witnesses."ZLHR said Chuwe, Garwe and Pwanyiwa will return to court on Tuesday 08 March 2016 when Magistrate Chitumbura will hand down her ruling on an application for refusal of further remand filed by the trio's lawyer and which is being opposed by State prosecutors."In the meantime, the police confiscated the trio's cellphones and the school's computer which they intend to use as exhibits if the case proceeds to trial stage," said ZLHR.
Phuket real estate show gets underway

PHUKET: The Phuket Real Estate Show at Central Festival East on the bypass road got underway yesterday (Mar 4) with dozens of displays highlighting some of the best properties available in Phuket.

propertylandeconomics

By The Phuket News

Saturday 5 March 2016, 11:50AM

The Phuket Real Estate show has more than displays by more than 20 Phuket property companies. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

From left, holding copies of Class Act Medias three print newspapers The Phuket News, Russian-language Novosti Phuketa and Chinese-language Puji Dao Xin Wen are: Jason Beavan, General Manager  of Class Act Media, stands with Thanusak Phungdet,, President of show organiser Phuket Real Estate Association (PREA), and Nipat Pacharapha, Assistant Managing Director of J.D. Pools. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Three receptionists are on hand to welcome guests to the show. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

More than 20 house, villa and condo projects are on display, with discount packages and incentives offering discounts of up to 40 percent available, with many highlighting the current mortgage, property transfer breaks launched by the government as a key advantage for buying property now. (Sees story here.)

The show will also feature a series of one-hour public talks called 10 experts in 10 days, with prominent Phuket real estate figures extolling their experience in the local market, live on stage from 5pm to 6pm.

This year we will have many projects and campaigns to attract foreign investment to invest in real estate in Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga, said Thanusak Phungdet, President of show organiser, the Phuket Real Estate Association (PREA).

We want to promote this in the beginning of the year at the event since the government has lowered registration and transfer fee and real-estate mortgage rates, said Mr Thanusak.

The show continues until Sunday, March 13, and includes a lucky draw held daily from 7pm to 7:30pm, and the Sexy on the pools by J.D. Pools on show daily from 7:30pm to 8pm.

The Phuket News is proud sponsor of the PREA Show.
Phuket sea gypsy mass sit-in wins expanded walkway to religious shrine

PHUKET: More than 50 officers from the Chalong Police, Royal Thai Navy and defense volunteers were once again called in to keep the peace between villagers and construction workers at the sea gypsy village in Rawai yesterday (Mar 4) as a mass sit-in prevented the workers from building a wall at the site.

landpropertytourismculturepolicemilitary

By Darawan Naknakhon

Saturday 5 March 2016, 01:12PM

More than 50 officers from the Chalong Police, Royal Thai Navy and defense volunteers were called to sea gypsy village to keep the peace. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

More than 50 officers from the Chalong Police, Royal Thai Navy and defense volunteers were called to sea gypsy village to keep the peace. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

The mass sit-in began after workers arrived with a backhoe to begin construction of a rock wall at the site. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

More than 150 villagers, mostly women and children, gathered near their ceremonial Balai shrine. Photo: Darawan Naknakhon

More than 150 villagers, mostly women and children, gathered near their ceremonial Balai shrine, located on land claimed by Baron World Trade Co Ltd, after workers moved into the area with a backhoe.

The workers began moving large rocks into place that would have prevented the villagers direct access across the land that Baron World Trade is trying to build 33 villas on, but would have left the sea gypsies unfettered access via the two-meter-wide walkway along the beachfront as ordered by Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada. (See story here.)

But by 12:40pm, the workers ceased their efforts after the mass sit-in began.

Leading members of the sea gypsy community told The Phuket News that the walkway was not wide enough. At high tide, we would unable to use the walkway to reach the Balai shrine, one villager said.

A delegation of officials led by Capt Sathaporn Wajrat of the Royal Thai Navy, who also serves as Deputy Director of Phuket Provincial Office of Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), arrived at 2pm to resolve the dispute.

Joining Capt Sathaporn were Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Saman Chainarong and Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos.

By March 16, a 3.4m-wide walkway will be marked out so villagers can freely access their worship place and the beach, Capt Sathaporn said.

By this same date, a proper legal document affirming that the walkway is on public land will be issued, he added.

In the meantime, Baron World Trade has instructed the contractor to cease work at the site and remove the backhoe, Capt Sathaporn assured.
Police arrest man for Phuket pocket-knife pharmacy robberies

PHUKET: Police have arrested a 22-year-old man for the robbery of two pharmacies in Phuket during the past week. Both holdups were carried out by threatening staff with a pocket knife.

crimepolice

By Darawan Naknakhon

Saturday 5 March 2016, 02:35PM

The 'pocket knife robber' was caught on CCTV robbing the Samkong Pharmacy. Image: Courtesy of Phuket City Police

Armed with a warrant issued earlier yesterday, officers arrested Wiwat Homhwan, from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, at a rented room in Soi Kraisart in Rassada at 10:45pm last night (Mar 4).

Police seized a Honda Scoopy motorbike, B10,140 cash, a pocket knife, his motorbike helmet and items of clothing that match those worn by the robbery during the robberies.

Lt Col Krisana Yadkam of the Phuket City Police explained that his officers picked up the suspects trail after Chalong Pharmacy on Chao Fa West Rd was robbed just before 10pm on Thursday (Mar 3).

The robber made off with B7,820 cash. Staff told police the robber was 20-25 years old and gave a description of him.

The robber was last seen speeding away on a blue-white Honda Scoopy, heading toward Chao Fa East Rd, said Col Krisana.

The description of the motorbike was critical to the police getting their breakthrough.

We were sure then that the robber was the same wanted suspect that robbed Samkong Pharmacy in Phuket Town on February 28, who got away on a Honda Scoopy with a Trang license plate, Col Krisana said.

The officers then tracked down the suspect by checking CCTV and questioning people.

Which led us to a where we found Wiwat and confronted him with the CCTV footage, Col Krisana explained.

Wiwat confessed to us that he robbed both places, Col Krisana added.

Wiwat was taken to Phuket City Police Station to be charged charged with armed robbery after dark using get away vehicle.
Police probe gun shop robbery motive for terror links

BANGKOK: Police say they havent ruled out terrorist links as they investigate the motive behind the failed gun shop holdup by Chinese nationals in downtown Bangkok yesterday morning (Mar 4).



By Bangkok Post

Saturday 5 March 2016, 10:23AM

One of the suspects is apprehended following an attempted robbery and a shootout yesterday morning (Mar 5). Photo: Bangkok Post / Patipat Janthong

Four Chinese men tried to rob a gun shop in the Wang Burapha area using BB guns and knives shortly before noon. The shop owner fought back and police later shot three of the robbers, one of whom died in hospital later. The other robber was arrested in nearby areas.

Police chief Chakthip Chaijinda on Friday afternoon said that the motive behind the robbery was now the focus but the suspects claimed they did not know what the guns would be used for.

Their boss told them they would know only when they got hold of the arms. Personally, I dont think they wanted the guns for sale, he said.

The general did not rule out a terrorist act since the mastermind has yet to be found.

But we now know who he is. Hes a Chinese who has travelled to Thailand several times. We believe hes still in the Kingdom and Ive already told immigration police to be on high alert.

While the general is confident no Thais were involved, he was not so sure about other groups, especially after the Aug 17, 2015 Erawan Shrine bombings, in which police concluded that Uighur Chinese were the perpetrators.

Asked whether the gang had links with the Uighurs, the police chief said it was too early to draw such a conclusion.

But we wont rule out anything. Well have to look at all angles. The fact that they used BB guns means they couldnt find firearms. Other equipment such as radio transmitters and earphones were locally sourced, he said.

Read original story here.
Vietnam steps up regional tourism stake with airport slated for Ha Long Bay

VIETNAM: An airport near Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, will open late 2017 with a capacity to serve up to 2 million passengers a year.

tourismeconomics

By TTR Weekly

Saturday 5 March 2016, 10:00AM

Ha Long Bay is the most popular sightseeing destination in North Vietnam and was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Photo:Disdero

Thanh Nien News quoted the provinces vice chairman, Nguyen Van Thanh, saying the project has been delayed for nearly a year due to a longer than expected feasibility study process.

With a cost estimated at US$331.7 million (B11.809 billion) for its first phase, Quang Ninh Airport will be built on Van Don Island, about 50 kilometres from Ha Long Bay.

The airport will cover an area of around 290 hectares (1,813 rai) with one runway, a terminal and parking space for four medium to large aircraft.

By 2020 studies indicate the airport will need to expand to accommodate up to 5 million passengers a year.

A group of South Korean investors, including Korea Airports Corporation and POSCO Engineering and Construction, were assigned to build the airport under a build-operate-transfer arrangement.

But they withdrew, last year, leaving real estate conglomerate Sun Group to take over the project.

The Quang Ninh Airport project received the go-ahead from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in July 2014.

Quang Ninh welcomed around 7.7 million tourists in 2015, a year-on-year rise of 103% compared with 2014, according to the province department of Culture, Sport and Tourism. Of that total foreign tourists accounted for 2.7 million visits, a 6% increase.

Ha Long Bay is the most popular sightseeing destination in North Vietnam and was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. It is also the worlds New 7 Wonders of Nature designated in April 2012 by New Open World Corporation, an associate of the New 7 Wonders Foundation.

Read original story here.
News / National

by Staff reporter

An estimated three million Zimbabweans - 23 percent of the country's population - is food insecure in the wake of one of the worst droughts to ever hit Zimbabwe, a government official has said.Zimbabwe Food and Nutrition Council director George Kembo told delegates at the signing ceremony of a $10 million donation from the US government for hunger alleviation on Thursday that at the end of January, Zimbabwe had received less than 75 percent of the expected rainfall."The Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (Zimvac) had initially said that about 1,5 million would be food insecure, a figure that rose to 2,8 million then the current three million."After all the preliminary work has been done, we do not expect the figure to rise significantly from this," Kembo said.At the event, the US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Harry Thomas, announced an additional $10 million in response to the food security situation in Zimbabwe.The country has already declared a drought emergency and is now appealing to the international donor community to offer aid promptly for relief operations in order to avert the crisis.The $10 million, provided through the US Agency for International Development (USAid), brings the total US funding for drought relief since June 2015 to $35 million, ensuring 600 000 rural Zimbabweans have adequate food supplies to cope with the drought.Of this, $10 million contribution, $5 million will be allocated to Word Food Programme (WFP) to enable it to provide food rations and cash transfers for the purchase of food to the most vulnerable Zimbabweans.Guided by the results of the Zimvac Rural Livelihood Assessment, WFP will target three additional districts - Chipinge, Mangwe, and Uzuma Maramba Pfungwe - and scale up operations within the eight districts currently receiving assistance - Zvishavane, Mudzi, Hwange, Binga, Chiredzi, Mwenezi, Kariba, and Mbire - to reach an increasingly food insecure population.Poor weather conditions in Zimbabwe, including erratic rainfall and long dry spells, have contributed to large-scale crop failure and livestock deaths across the country.The country was recently ranked number 18 in the top 20 countries most prone to hunger in 2016 by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), in its Global Hunger Index (GHI).Zimbabwe, which has been receiving unreliable rainfall in the past two years, will according to the GHI see "starvation-ranking hunger" in 2016.Current weather patterns are being influenced by the El Nino phenomenon, a climatic pattern that occurs above the Pacific Ocean every five years and causes extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods in many regions of the world.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Defiant war veterans loyal to embattled Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa are taking President Robert Mugabe head-on, vowing to stand by their ousted former leader Christopher Mutsvangwa, who was booted out of Zanu PF on Thursday.At the same time, Zanu PF members who were either expelled or suspended from the former liberation movement on Thursday - and who are all linked to Mnangagwa - told the Daily News yesterday that their purging by the party's politburo was a "factional nullity".A spokesperson of the bitterly-aggrieved war veterans, Douglas Mahiya, told the newspaper that while Mutsvangwa served in Cabinet at the pleasure of Mugabe, he had been elected the leader of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans' Association (ZNLWVA) by its members, and as such could not be removed from the position easily.As a result, and in a move that puts them on a collision course with Mugabe, the war veterans would be pushing to meet with the nonagenarian next week, as had been originally planned, so that they could discuss their grievances with him in his capacity as their patron.The tough-talking Mahiya said Mutsvangwa would for now remain their leader, adding that the decision to freeze the War Veterans' minister out of the ruling party was "deplorable"."The chairman (Mutsvangwa) is not losing sleep because of the unjust, unprocedural and unfair suspension."He (Mugabe) promised to meet with us next week. When we meet with him, we expect our problems to be addressed," Mahiya said.Among some of their complaints, the war veterans accuse the government of failing to take care of their welfare and medical bills, as well as their children's school fees - further accusing Zanu PF party's bigwigs of grand corruption."We are also human beings . . . We wonder if this is still the same Zanu PF we know. Why are we being vilified? Why are we being abused like that?" Zvinorwadza (It's painful)," Mahiya said.He said war veterans would also fight to ensure that the country's economy improved, and that it benefitted the majority of Zimbabweans."We can only be defeated because we can't fight a giant who is well armed. But our spirit will not die," the emotional Mahiya added.His sentiments came as banished Mnangagwa supporters vowed to fight back and remain in Zanu PF "come rain or thunder".The Daily News also learnt yesterday that after suffering a savage beating at the hands of their party foes at Thursday's politburo meeting, where Mutsvangwa and his wife were shown the exit door, Team Lacoste bigwigs congregated at a crisis meeting in Harare, to plot their comeback programme.Although details of the meeting were sketchy last night, one of the camp's alleged kingpins who was expelled from Zanu PF on Thursday - former Mashonaland Central youth league chairperson Godfrey Tsenengamu - told the newspaper that his firing was a "nullity"."Hapana, hapana (it's a nullity)," he said angrily, adding that he would not be expelled from the party because it was, in any case, a voluntary organisation.A war veteran linked to the camp, Batsirai Musona, said the party constitution was being violated willy-nilly, as "mere cell members are being arraigned before the national disciplinary committee"."Every party organ has a disciplinary committee starting from branch to national level and it is well spelt out on who should be brought before which disciplinary committee."We have a case of three former youth chairpersons, two of whom were officially suspended from the party by the same NDC and the third one was never accused of having violated any of the party rules and regulations except having been arraigned before the courts of law on cooked-up charges."Vengai Musengi and Godfrey Tsenengamu were booted out of the party without being given any chance to defend themselves in a well-constituted NDC which went on to recommend their suspensions in the politburo which seems to just rubber stamp the NDC' s decisions," the aggrieved Musona said.He also savaged Zanu PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, accusing the Local Government minister of "single-handedly expelling a number of loyal party cadres for no apparent reason"."If one bothers to take a closer look at all these upheavals in the party, you find that there is one person who stands accused and that person is none other than the NPC (national political commissar) Kasukuwere, who has all the privilege of being the offended party, the arresting and investigation officer, the jury and the judge."He sits in all party organs, that is the NDC, politburo and central committee, and this gives him an edge over his perceived political opponents who would have crossed paths with him."Surprisingly, the NDC is now summoning cell members of the party to its court without recommendations from branch, district and provincial disciplinary committees."If this is not a violation of the party's constitution what can it be? The party constitution must be first respected and allowed to operate for the benefit of every member of our party," Musona added.He also criticised Mugabe for praising Kasukuwere at the nonagenarian's birthday bash in Masvingo last week, saying this had given the youthful minister the impression that he could do anything he wanted."It is no longer business as usual in the party because the destabilising forces are being praised for a job well done at every party function, instead of them being put to task for having destroyed the party from within."I was surprised in Masvingo when the president praised Kasukuwere for doing a sterling job when it is common cause to every loyal Zanu PF member that this self-confessed biggest political thug in Zanu PF has caused more harm than good to the party."He has brought the name of the party into serious disrepute," Musona alleged.In addition to suspending the garrulous Mutsvangwa and his wife Monica from the party for three years last Thursday, Zanu PF also summarily expelled from within its ranks 14 youth leaders - including Godfrey Gomwe, Tsenengamu, Vengai Musengi and Edmore Samambwa.Addressing the media just after the politburo had met and dealt with scores of disciplinary cases that had been brought before it by the party's NDC, spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo revealed that more than 20 officials had been banished from the former liberation movement.
Karol Sadkowski

sadkowsk@grinnell.edu

On Monday, BridgeEDU CEO Wes Moore spoke in Sebring-Lewis Hall about the mission to improve others lives through education. Author of the New York Times bestseller The Other Wes Moore and Afghanistan combat veteran, Moore was invited to campus by Grinnells Careers in Education Professions Program.

During his lecture, Moore described his totally opposite life trajectory from another man coincidentally named Wes Moore. Though both faced challenging upbringings, one Moore studied at Johns Hopkins University, became a Rhodes Scholar and lectured at Grinnell on Wednesday, while the other is serving a life sentence for killing a police officer during an armed robbery.

Raising kids is amazingly complicated. And when you happen to raise kids in some of the most dangerous and precarious communities of our country, it is that much more complicated, Moore said. Potential in this country is universal. Opportunity is not.

Moore also discussed that what one does with their education is much more important than the education itself.

What Im saying is this: What is your major? is a question that seems like it has paramount importance right now, and it will quickly fade  The question that will be asked about you long after you are gone is, Who did you choose to fight for? he said.

Moore concluded his lecture with two points. First, he said, Education revives social capital. He explained that a person with no education has a vastly smaller chance at achieving what they want or need because of their prescribed social standing.

Second, Education also matters because of expectations. On this, he said that education allows individuals the freedom to meet their expectations.

After the event, Careers in Education Professions member Isabel Gerber Brydolf 18 recalled Moores discussion of acquired social capital through education: [I]f your parents didnt grow up with the resources to make connections for you and you dont have other people in your life that can help you with that, then youre at a distinct disadvantage That really resonated with me because my parents do have that social capital. These are advantages I had taken for granted.

President Kington also attended Moores lecture. Relatedly, he spoke to Moores personable qualities: He  has the ability to tell a story in a way that I think the right people will listen to, in a way that they might not otherwise. Because he straddles these worlds. Like many of us straddle these worlds.

Like Moore, Kington also grew up in Baltimore and managed to accomplish a number of things despite living in a disadvantaged area.

I grew up in a very tough neighborhood. I had the fortune of having an educated family, but my parents refused to move out when desegregation occurred. They said, No, you have to stay here. This is your community.

Moore also spoke to his observations serving the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.

To understand Afghanistan and the situation the country finds itself in, you have to understand the role that education has played or has not played in said society, he said.

If you show me a society where education is not something that is treasured or believed in, if you show me a society where there are massive barriers against being able to educate women and girls, etc, youre also showing me a society that is going to have a very difficult time with any type of success measures, he said. And thats where conflict and disillusionment become commonplace. So, I think its something that has to be a priority not just for whats happening here.
News / National

by Ndou Paul

Years after superstar musician Oliver Mtukudzi released the song 'Who is a hero?' it is still relevant today.While most of Mtukudzi's set list is in the band's native tongue, one prettily emotive song asks, in English, "What does it take to be a hero? Do you have to die to be a hero?"Tuku prefers education to political advocacy, but the song certainly nods to charges questions about human rights and freedoms.Mtukudzi has been promoting brand Zimbabwe overseas and in Zimbabwe through his concerts.
OTTAWAAs the Liberal government began moving on its commitment to legalize marijuana, Health Canada flagged nine key considerations  from health risks and benefits to the experience of other jurisdictions, newly obtained documents show.

A November 2015 ministerial briefing presentation, Legalizing & Regulating Marijuana, was released to The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act. Some conclusions and recommendations were withheld from release, but the document offers insight into how the new government will navigate the issue. A look at the nine areas cited by Health Canada:

Canadian marijuana usage rates. Eleven per cent of the population 15 and older used marijuana in the past year, according to a 2013 survey. Use was highest among 20-24 year-olds at 26 per cent. The presentation characterizes this as relatively low overall rates of usage and points to evidence that use declines with age.

Evidence of health benefits and risks. There is some evidence of limited therapeutic benefit to marijuana use for managing symptoms of chemotherapy, neuropathic pain and treatment-resistant epilepsy in children. But the health-community consensus is that regular recreational usage carries risks, including long-term cognitive ones for those under 25.

International legal framework. Canada is party to a global legal framework on psychotropic drugs, including the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. It does not allow for legalization but allows leeway on the kinds of sanctions imposed. The International Narcotics Control Board expressed regret over Uruguays decision to legalize marijuana, but it is not clear what practical impact this has had, Health Canada notes. A UN special session on the World Drug Problem is slated for next month.

Canadian regime for medical marijuana. The 2013 Marijuana for Medical Purposes Regulations attempted to shift the medical marijuana industry to licensed producers, away from home growers. But thousands of Canadians were allowed to possess or grow marijuana pending a court ruling that came down last month.

Domestic legal context. The court ruling handed down in February affirmed the right of people to grow their own medical marijuana. The presentation, drafted before the ruling, says the decision and others from the courts could affect government choices on the new legal regime.

Role of provincial and territorial governments. The federal and provincial/territorial governments would be able to regulate in many of the same areas concerning access to legal marijuana. The federal government could set minimum standards, but provinces and territories might enact more stringent requirements on where pot is consumed, retail sale locations or minimum age for purchase. Achieving a national approach will require close co-operation.

Experience of other jurisdictions. While Uruguay adopted tight government control, Colorado and Washington states chose models that spurred involvement of commercial interests, increasing risks to health and safety. Early lessons from the U.S. reinforce the need to take time to implement a legalized model, figuring out the complexities of how best to protect public health.

Law enforcement issues. Organized crime groups are heavily involved in the marijuana trade. Illicit grow operations exist in all parts of Canada. Police-reported drug-impaired driving incidents are a small fraction of actual drug-impaired driving incidents, as it is difficult to recognize the signs. Given all this, a national approach will require police agencies to work together.

Youth justice. The Youth Criminal Justice Act requires police to consider use of measures such as warnings and referrals to community programs for those ages 12 through 17. Careful consideration will need to be given to how the new regime will be enforced when it comes to young people.

SHARE:
CHICAGOTwo new studies bolster evidence that feeding babies peanuts or other allergy-inducing foods is more likely to protect them than to cause problems.

One study, a followup to landmark research published last year, suggests that the early prevention strategy leads to persistent, long-lasting results in children at risk for food allergies. It found that allergy protection lasted at least through age 5 and didnt wane even when kids stopped eating peanut-containing foods for a year.

That means at-risk kids who dont want to eat peanut butter on a weekly basis can safely take a break, at least for a year.

The second new study suggests that the early strategy could also work with eggs, another food that can cause allergies in young children. It found that allergies to peanuts and eggs were less common in young children who started eating those foods at 3 months of age than in kids who as infants received only breast milk.

The New England Journal of Medicine published both new studies online Friday, coinciding with their presentation at a medical meeting in Los Angeles.

Food allergies are common, potentially serious and sometimes deadly. Theyre becoming more prevalent in children in many countries, affecting up to 8 per cent of kids under age 3. About 2 per cent of U.S. kids have peanut allergies.

The results from last years study prompted a sea change in experts approach to preventing these allergies. It was the first to show that early introduction of peanut can prevent the development of allergy to it, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said in a statement.

It also led to new draft guidance issued Friday by a panel convened by Faucis agency. The recommendations include giving at-risk kids peanut-containing food as early as 4- to 6-months of age. Infants at risk are those with severe skin rashes or egg allergies; allergy tests are recommended beforehand.

The agency paid for last years study and followup, and will issue final guidelines after a 45-day comment period. The draft guidance echoes advice issued last year by the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical groups in response to the groundbreaking study.

That study involved more than 600 at-risk British infants. By age 5, peanut allergies were much less common in children who had started eating peanut-based foods before age 1, usually peanut butter or a peanut-based snack, than among children who had been told to abstain.

The followup involved most of those children. After a year off, an additional three kids in both groups tested positive for peanut allergies. The allergies remained much less common in the early peanut eaters  affecting just under 5 per cent of those kids versus almost 19 per cent of the others.

The new results suggest that early introduction of allergy-inducing foods results in true tolerance in at-risk kids, said Dr. Stacy Dorris, an allergist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was not involved in the research.

The second study involved 1,300 breastfed British children randomly assigned to get several types of allergy-inducing foods or just breast milk.

The strongest results were with peanut-based food and eggs but there was one hitch. About 60 per cent of the early eaters didnt stick to the program. Some may have had immature swallowing skills; some doctors dont recommend starting solid foods until around 4 months of age. But its possible some parents stopped giving solid foods because they noticed allergy-like symptoms, which may have included false alarms, said Dr. Gideon Lack, a Kings College London researcher who led all three studies.

The results suggest feeding these foods to at-risk infants is safe, but often not feasible in infants so young, said Dr. Gary Wong, a Hong Kong pediatrician. He wrote an editorial published online with the new studies.

Still, Wong said the new studies confirm that the old approach to preventing food allergies  avoiding certain foods early in life  is probably obsolete.

Evidence is really building up. It appears early introduction would be better off than avoidance, said Wong, who is also an associate editor at the journal.

SHARE:
News / Regional

by Patrick Chitumba

A WOMAN from Lower Gweru watched in horror as her husband brutally murdered her alleged boyfriend at their love nest, police confirmed yesterday.Midlands acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Ethel Mukwende said the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 7.30PM. She said James Murunye of London B resettlement in Lower Gweru was allegedly murdered by Leonard Phiri, 27, of number 37 Spring farm."We received a sudden death case involving a male adult from Lower Gweru. Police investigations are underway," Asst Insp Mukwende said. Sources close to the incident said Phiri allegedly murdered Murunye for dating his wife.They said trouble started when Murunye proposed love to Phiri's wife, Lorain Garakara, 23. "Lorain (Garakara) and James (Murunye) have been going out for some time. Phiri was just suspecting but didn't have enough evidence to pin his wife," said a fellow villager who identified himself as Shumba.He said on Tuesday, Garakara forgot her cellphone in their bedroom hut and Phiri took it and started reading messages in the phone before coming across a message from Murunye."Murunye had sent a text to Garakara asking her to meet him at their usual meeting place in that area. Phiri then responded to the text message pretending to be his wife and agreed to meet him," said Shumba.He said when Garakara returned home, Phiri force marched her to where her alleged lover was. When they arrived, Phiri went into hiding after ordering his wife to wait for Murunye. He said after some time, Murunye arrived and greeted Garakara."Before Murunye knew it, Phiri sprung from the bushes, struck him with a knobkerrie on the head and all over the body while Garakara watched helplessly," said Shumba. He said Phiri ran away from the scene before Garakara reported the matter to the police.Asst Insp Mukwende said police were worried by the increase in murder cases in the province. "We call upon members of the community to refrain from using violence as a means of solving their disputes. The police, church leaders and traditional leaders should be consulted when such matters arise because life is sacred," she said.
News / Regional

by Stephen Jakes

There has been increasing incidents of discrimination in food distribution and harassment and intimidation of political opponents made up most of the violations in Matabeleland North."Food was being used as a political tool to control communities. The right to health was heavily compromised as a result of gross shortage of medicines in health institutions," Zimbabwe Peace Project reported."This was tragically exposed in Sipepa area of Tsholotsho where a school boy was bitten by a cobra at night and was rushed to Sipepa Hospital. There the boy was only given paracetamol because there was no anti venom serum. He died the following morning."ZPP reported that it appears the ruling 'elite' found new ways of denying their rivals and perceived opposition members the right to food."This they did by ensuring that during registration process they write their party colleagues top of the lists so that in case of food running out their people would have benefited and rivals lose out," reported ZPP."Some relief food was reportedly also seen being sold in shops especially in Nkayi."
Opinion / Columnist

Politics has never been so exciting in Zimbabwe and like a soap opera the intriguing twists and turns have left many Zimbabweans wandering what the next day has in store for them. When former premier Mr Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC invaded Zimbabwe's political space it was with a bang, it was newsworthy and it brought a new dimension to Zimbabwe's political practice the highlight being the inclusive government which ceased to exist in 2013.After independence there has not been another opposition party that almost threatened to wrestle power from the ruling ZANU PF like the MDC outfit did but as painful as it may sound, almost is never good enough because as we all are aware the revolutionary party is still calling the shots.Such was MDC's threat to the status quo that apart from hostile nations like Britain, America and a host of other European Union countries who have always agitated for the demise of revolutionary parties in Africa, even some in ZANU PF began to believe that it was now the end of the road for the revolutionary party. Some cadres even crossed sides while some sat on the fence just in case.Others continued in the revolutionary party but with compromised allegiance which would result in them initiating and maintaining contact with the opposition and Western diplomats in the hope of appearing as the sensible and moderate ones. This was to ensure that once ZANU PF capitulated they would still be accommodated by the new Government and then work against their former comrades but these were just dreams.Its one thing to dream and it's another to manage that dream into reality. For many it became a case of so near and yet so far. They did not vote for MDC because of its good record, no, because for the record it had no record to talk about. So why did it get so much support with no record of achievements to back it? The answer is simple-people were hungry, angry and protesting against the government of the day and holding it accountable for their suffering and for them the only solution to their problems was to get rid of the ruling party at any cost and at any cost meant it did not matter what good ZANU PF had achieved over the years while it also did not matter who made up the opposition MDC and what it stood for.Quality was not an issue; values were of secondary importance and ideological bankruptcy counted for nothing. They did not see the big picture because they were hungry and just like the children of Israel in the wilderness who began to crave for life back in Egypt, some gullible and misinformed Zimbabweans began to crave for apartheid Rhodesia citing the 'good life and abundance of food and everything else'.Even some men of cloth joined in scandalizing and demonizing government forgetting that the crisis the country was and is still going through is a collective responsibility because if the church was really playing its role then we could have gotten guidance from the Almighty on what to do. Some even 'prophesied' and others still do, the death of President Mugabe, contrary to what the Bible teaches about the Church praying for those in authority so that they can execute their duties properly.Who dies when, where, how and why is God's exclusive domain and to prove this on Saturday the President was joined by thousands of Zimbabweans to celebrate his 92nd birthday and he is still going strong much to the chagrin of those who find him a stumbling block to their nefarious activities.Some were actually anti-celebrations because according to their reasoning, the country cannot afford such extravagance given the biting economic crisis but what they forget is that the money and other resources for the event are not coming fromTreasury and moreover in this same economy some Zimbabweans are still hosting extraordinary weddings and parties, building elegant mansions while others are driving in the latest models of top of the range vehicles so why should it be an issue when the people celebrate with the President.Enough of that. After the MDC faltered in several elections including the 2013 one, ZANU PF surprisingly instead of savoring this victory by embarking on fulfilling electoral promises has found itself fighting itself or is there any enemy we don't see ourselves in the party. While I don't have misgivings about the fall of the former VP and her group, it is the latest upheavals within the party that are worrying.While conflicts and disagreements are healthy for the survival of any organization it becomes worrisome when these conflicts have become personal, selfish and unmerited.Cadres must be reminded that the welfare of Zimbabweans is more important than any title, political party ,qualification, religion or tribe. When political conflict is ignited and sustained at the expense of service delivery and accountability then it defeats the whole idea of having liberated ourselves.We did not liberate ourselves to further abuse ourselves and the nation cannot remain silent just because this time the abuse is from a fellow black man?it's even worse. ZANU PF stands for black emancipation, black dignity and identity, black empowerment, unity, justice quality and pride and these values are both biblical and Godly and those in the party must be seen to champion them because any other agendas are not acceptable.People who are pursuing personal, selfish, partisan and tribalistic goals in the name of the party are dangerous. Cadres need to be reminded that ZANU PF and its noble values will never collapse but those with other ideas contrary to national development and welfare will find them falling by the wayside. God is interested in the ZANU PF institution and anyone working against its founding principles inside or outside will never succeed. In this dispensation we are in, in case you did not know there is no place for deception, double standards, self-aggrandizement and any other unbecoming maneuvers.The shaking within the ruling party does not signify its collapse but a reality check, pretenders and imposters will be exposed and ashamed while the party retraces it's footsteps to its core values and this ZANU PF cannot do without holding in high esteem our selfless cadres, the war veterans. We can never prosper without acknowledging the true sons of the soil in word and deed and the war veterans themselves must respect each other and set a good example for the young generation.True politics is not about using each other but empowering and supporting one another. Zimbabweans are watching, they are yearning, and they are looking up to you for a better life. We can't live a life of excuses for ever, together we can make it!-----SHAME ISAKI is a preacher, businessman, and a socio-political commentator. he can be contacted on +26377301662.
Opinion / Columnist

A BIGGER force is behind the baiting of some Zanu-PF youth members to destabilise the party and those being used will be uprooted from the party, says the national secretary for youth affairs, Pupurai Togarepi.Addressing thousands of people drawn from the length and breadth of Zimbabwe to celebrate President Mugabe's 92nd birthday at Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo last Saturday, Togarepi, said fights among the youth, abuse of social media and insults targeted at the leadership were now rampant."In my view, the majority of these conflicts bedevilling some members of the youth league is exogenously funded."The social media is a new development that can be harnessed positively for communication purposes, but at the moment it has been used to spread venom and disharmony in the party."I suspect that there is a bigger force baiting some of our gullible members of the party to these platforms as a weapon to destabilise the party and our great revolution."The million dollar question is: is it as straightforward as we see it, juvenile delinquency or it is more sophisticated? Who is behind this?"Is our best State machinery failing to uncover the plot? While I ponder like others, I do not doubt the target of these machinations, the target is our revolution and heroic legacy of our people," he said.Togarepi said all members who insults leaders and abuse the social media should be dismissed from their positions."As for the gullible youths who are used as fronts and those hangers-on, please allow me President to uproot them now before they become dangerous to your legacy and our revolution."You told me President to keep them busy, but there are among them incorrigible characters who must go and go now."Any members of the youth league who insults leaders and abuse the social media at whatever level I request your permission to dismiss them instantly from their positions."We intend to setup a committee this following week to look at the alleged abuses and deal with the perpetrators accordingly," said Togarepi.In response, President Mugabe said he would accord the youth all the support they need."Party yanga yakuda kurasika. Saka if the youth is lost we are lost, even if the women are lost, we are lost."So the wings need to be strong and there should be unity. This issue of insulting each other, we say down with it."We should be united. What has gone wrong? The people showed that they are rallying behind us in 2013," said President Mugabe.He also urged youths to have a harmonious working relationship with war veterans."I am sure the youth want to work together with the war veterans and find one direction."We want principles and discipline on both sides, the youth and war veterans."Hapana zvekuti ndisu chete, aiwa zvenyu zvekuti ndisu chete hatidi. The war was fought for us all so now together we must find our way to the problems that we face together, but you (youths) have a lot to learn from the war veterans because they are experienced."Vava vakuru, vakarwa hondo, but I don't want them to be bullied, izvo kwete," said President Mugabe.On empowerment programmes, the youths have intensified their efforts to address unemployment among their rank and file by patterning with the Agricultural Rural Development Authority to run crop and horticulture activities at the latter's estates.Togarepi said as a result of unemployment and under-employment, life was proving to be an uphill struggle for the youths."Unemployment is the biggest challenge affecting the lives of the young generations as a result of multi-faceted causes, chief among them being illegal sanctions imposed upon our nation by our enemies from the west and corruption among ourselves."The youth is the energetic working age group and are the ones with the future that needs to be built today."But as a result of unemployment and under-employment, life has become so difficult for them and political charlatans are taking advantage to use money to lure our youths into engaging into divisive behaviours and pursuing selfish interests affecting the party today," he said.Togarepi added: "We have put in place programmes to promote youth empowerment and enhanced productivity among them partnership with ARDA to run crop and horticulture activities at every ARDA scheme across the country. Groups are being identified."We are embarking on housing projects for the youths in all local authorities and financial partnership is already in place."We also have capacity building programmes through specialised training- Central Association of Co-operative Union."
Jim Cramer fills his blog on RealMoney every day with his up-to-the-minute reactions to what's happening in the market and his legendary ahead-of-the-crowd ideas. This week he blogged on:

More boxes he can check off on his list on how to create more rallies

How the oil companies today remind him of the 2009 banking crisis

Click here for information on RealMoney, where you can see all the blogs, including Jim Cramer's -- and reader comments -- in real time.

We Accept Checks Here

Posted on March 2 at 3:16 p.m. ET

It sure feels better, but is it better? That's what you have to ask after a day like Wednesday, a consolidation day after Tuesday's big run.

That's why we have our checklist, the one that makes us more emboldened or makes us play keep-away from stocks.

1: We say the Fed has to give us clarity about where it stands on rates. We have had two primo hawks, James Bullard from the St Louis Fed and Bill Dudley from the New York Fed, downgrade their views of the economy. Short of a smoking-hot employment number on Friday, this is good enough for government work. I'm checking it off.

2: We need some resolution in political uncertainty. The last time we went down the list, we had no certainty in either party. Barring something extreme, now it's Hillary v. the Donald. Now we can start creating portfolios for either eventuality. Check.

3: We need China to get better. It's actually gotten worse, but the Baltic Freight Index has been creeping up and there's a big parliament meeting this weekend where we expect aggressive stimulus. Meanwhile, the decline in the Chinese market hasn't hurt our markets. Big change. Half check. Maybe full check on Monday.

4: Do we have a commodity bottom? The commodities have rallied of late, led by copper, which is breaking out. I am feeling more and more confident that this group may be done going down. Check.

5: Oil has to stop going down. The relentless slide must end. Hmm. We had a big inventory increase today and oil didn't get hammered. It went higher! The stocks have stabilized. I am feeling good that a bottom may have been reached at $26 and it won't be breached. I don't expect a big rally but the downside seems to be quantified. Check.

6. We need to see some improvement in the political scene. Here we have a definitive check. North Korea's been quiet. There's a cease-fire in Syria. The less-hardliners are winning in Iran. Not bad for a couple of weeks' work.

7. We need the zombie companies to be put to death. Here's something I didn't expect: Many of them have gone up enough to get more liquid. There have been equity offerings for the oil companies that have saved their balance sheets. That, in turn, has buoyed the stocks of the banks that have lent them money. There are plenty of smaller oil companies that are going belly-up, as well as some smaller coal companies, but I think there's enough equity money to keep a ton of dying companies alive until oil eventually goes higher. Let's give it a check.



8. We need relief from the freaking strong dollar. It's funny, this was the one thing that had been going right just a few weeks ago. But the euro's gotten weak again, and while some emerging-market currencies have been stronger of late, there's no check in sight for this important box.

9. We need more mergers and acquisitions. Let's see, we have some. We've gotten Johnson Controls (JCI) and Tyco (TYC) and we got a Chinese company to buy Syngenta (SYT) , the seed company. Then again, we had a failed deal when United Technologies (UTX) rebuffed Honeywell (HON) . I want to say things are getting better here, though. Half check.

10. We want to see a healthy IPO market. Nope. No check whatsoever.

11. We were afraid of peaks. But we have seen some resurgence in the homebuilder stocks, perhaps because interest rates have come back down. We have had a split decision on autos, Ford (F) showing nice acceleration but GM (GM) faltering. And aerospace, according to both United Tech and Honeywell, remains strong. I am no longer taking my cue from Boeing's (BA) stock because there are issues involving accounting, and when I see those I run from -- not go to -- a stock. Cellphones? Still getting a bad read on them, but I think Apple's (AAPL) stock may have put in a bottom because the iPhone 7 beckons in the second half of the year. Let's say half check.

12. We needed to see more negativity. Two weeks ago Thursday, we had a level of negativity that I hadn't seen in ages, a genuine flight to quality that included what many thought would be a credit crunch. Oil threatened to take down the banks. We began to hear about freeze-ups in lending worldwide. That fear has dissipated. I think we have seen peak fear and negativity for this cycle.

13. We need more sector leadership beside FANG, my acronym for Facebook (FB) , Amazon (AMZN) , Netflix (NFLX) and Google, now Alphabet (GOOGL) . I think we are getting it. We saw the cloud stocks, which had been decimated by terrible performances with LinkedIn (LNKD) and Tableau Software (DATA) , come back to life with back-to-back superior quarters from Salesforce.com (CRM) and Workday (WDAY) .

We have seen some leadership of late in the cyclicals, especially Honeywell and United Technologies as well as General Electric (GE) , Ingersoll-Rand (IR) and Parker-Hannifin (PH) . We lack the drugs and the biotechs. The banks are still stalled. But we have seen some retailers and restaurants bottom and go higher. I am checking this box off. (Apple, Facebook and Google/Alphabet are part of TheStreet'sAction Alerts PLUS portfolio.)

14. Finally, we wanted to see some of our favorite companies do better because of lower energy prices. Other than a very small handful, this just hasn't happened. We have seen the downside of lower oil but very little of the upside. No check.

Let's put it all together. We had 14 boxes that needed to be checked before we want to hold on to stocks when they rally and buy them more aggressively when they come in. I make it so there are three boxes that are definitely vacant of checks. The others are full or half checks, eight and three, respectively.



You are never going to have all the planets align at once. But are there enough checks and half checks for me to say the dips must be bought and the rips? I wouldn't be so quick to sell them. They might be the real deal.

Position: Long AAPL, FB, GOOGL

The Oil Companies Remind Me of the Banking Crisis of 2009

Posted on March 2 at 11:23 a.m. ET

It's gotten self-fulfilling. Devon (DVN) does a company offering of shares, and it works. Pioneer (PXD) does one and it works. Marathon (MRO) does one, Hess (HES) does one, Newfield (NFX) does one and now it is Weatherford's (WFT) turn.

I am talking about the insatiable appetite of buyers to snap up "in-the-hold" offerings from cash-strapped companies, something that makes it likely that unless oil plummets again to the mid $20s, these companies will be able to hold out until prices go higher or they are taken over.

This equity market has obviated the need for bank loans. In fact, these deals are done because of existing bank loans.

They are so bountiful that one could argue that even some of the worst of the worst, like Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) , which has been doing at-the-money equity selling, could easily sell 150 million shares in the hole and give themselves more breathing room. The higher it goes, the more longevity it has.

It's been a long time since companies have had to tap the equity market for balance sheet purposes, but these remarkable deals are showing how effortless it has been if your stock is down enough and the company's willing to price the merchandise low enough.

Without this fountain of capital, you would see the oils and the banks down big.

Recently, Exxon (XOM) came out with amazing news: higher production, much lower costs and a possibility of a raised dividend. The fact that it could sell $12 billion in bonds so easily is a sign that not everyone overspent their cash flows with the endless expectation of forever higher oil.

Now there are some stressed out companies like Encana (ECA) , Linn Energy (LINE) , Chesapeake (CHK) and Ultra Petroleumundefined , well chronicled by Carleton English, which could use more capital - urgently, frankly -- and that's going to be very difficult.

(Encana, by the way, is the company that settled in an investigation by Michigan state a few years ago, which resurfaced in the Aubrey McClendon Sherman antitrust saga).

In the meantime, though, as long as oil stays up, and the equity offerings work, you are going to see an amazing transformation to where we were less about oil, because the majors are all liquid.

Remember, none of them wants to do this. It's like the banking crisis of 2009. But they did. With these companies, it will be no different.

Position: None
There's an old saying that "sex sells." But how much is sex selling for?

We decided to take a closer look at the business of sex during a recent trip to Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel located about an hour outside Las Vegas.

"We cater to blue collar workers all the way up to people who are CEOs of companies," explained Dena, the madam of the brothel, who didn't want to give her last name.

Sheri's Ranch offers its clients a printed menu of services, but it's a menu without any listed prices. Dena explained that each prostitute working at Sheri's Ranch is an independent contractor who sets her own prices. The brothel collects 50% of the take.

Sheri's Ranch is owned by a private company, which doesn't disclose its financials. But a spokesman offered some insight.

"It has been estimated that legal Nevada brothels take in around $50 to $70 million annually," said Jeremy Lemur, a spokesman for the brothel. "As the premier bordello in southern Nevada, Sheri's Ranch sees a strong portion of that revenue."

We spoke with a few of the women who worked there about their own finances.

"I do very well here. I don't have a college education, so I do much better here than any job I could get without a degree," said Erin, a 27-year-old former U.S. Marine who works at the brothel and likes to invest in the stock market.

Apparently, she's done quite well. "Hopefully this year I should be able to buy a house," she said.

"It really is quick easy money but you have to be responsible with it and not spend it as soon as you get it," said Allissa, a 28-year-old former dance teacher.

According to the book "Prostitution in the Digital Age: Selling Sex from the Suite to the Street," prices for sexual services typically begin at $200 per 15 minutes, but the rate can also run much higher.

Sheri's Ranch has embraced the digital age to attract more business, encouraging their independent contractors to be active on social media.

"Over the years we've expanded in regards to our social media and online presence and I think that's really contributed greatly to a lot of our success," explained Dena, who expects business in 2016 to be better than last year.

"Even if the economy seems to be in a downward spiral people come to see us. I think we're one of those guilty pleasures people can't do without," she said.
This weekend at the National People's Congress, the Chinese leadership is apparently going to propose a big economic initiative, called by President Xi Jinping, "supply-side structural reform."

New York Times reporter Chris Buckley writes that this plan "sounds less like Mar and Mao than Reagan and Thatcher."

Buckley continues, "The supply side Mr. Xi is referring to would, like Reaganomics, include lowering taxes and reducing the government burden on investors. Yet its main goal appears to be shutting or paring down mines and factories that produce far more coal, steel, cement and other industrial products that the market demands and reining in the credit and subsidies that feed that glut."

That is, structural reforms are a huge part of the project.

China went through a huge structural reform earlier in the 1990s and that effort resulted in more than 30 million workers being laid off. This time the reductions would not be so substantial, but they would be sufficiently large to cause major protests and disruptions.

Buckley writes "The job losses envisioned today, while smaller, may be more contentious when the economy is slowing. They threaten to erode the stability Mr. Xi prizes."

And, herein lies the problem: Xi and the Chinese want to maintain stability. So, just how far do they go?

The dilemma is that China has earned a lot of praise for the advancements that it has made. Yes, people have problems with the way the Chinese function and operate, but one cannot deny that they have moved very dramatically to emerge as a major player on the global economic scene.

Just to get its currency approved by the International Monetary Fund to be treated as a reserve currency right along with the U.S. dollar, the British pound, the Japanese Yen and the Euro has been a major triumph. The Chinese impact on world trade has been huge and their investments all over the globe is causing major alterations in what is happening in the world.

There are three major problems looming on the horizon, however. The first has to do with Chinese economic growth. The second has to do with the huge debt outstanding in China. And the third has to do with the value of the renminbi, the Chinese currency.

The Chinese economy is slowing. We will hear this weekend how the Chinese leadership views the future as they will release projections of expected Chinese economic growth.

Here, of course, is where some of the supply-side ideas come in. Cutting taxes, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, and freeing up ownership and the rewards of ownership are easy to talk about. The Chinese leadership may be for encouraging the first two of these but they have some trouble in losing control to the business class.

The debt outstanding in China is overwhelming. This debt overhang connected with the slowdown in economic growth has resulted in the rating agency Moody's downgrading the outlook for China from stable to negative. China is concerned with its debt rating in the world

These conditions have also resulted in a massive outflow of currency reserves into the rest of the world. The Chinese would like to stop this and have even suggested credit controls. However, this also gets into the concern over the value of the renminbi.

The Chinese have attempted to gain and maintain some control over the value of their currency. This was badly done in August of 2015, but they are working at getting better. As the Financial Times writes, capital controls would only be a short-time fix in terms of stemming the currency outflows now taking place. Eventually, China needs to devalue further the value of its currency.

And, then there are the reforms, which is probably the stickiest point and completely separate from the other three items. The reforms needed really require a change in mindset of the Chinese leaders. To complete the reforms that are needed, more freedom and more wealth will have to accrue to the Chinese society. This is hard to do because it runs up against the whole idea of control and stability.

However, some day, if China is really going to become a major world-class player economically speaking, it is going to have to loosen up and allow for innovation and productivity to reach whatever levels it can. China must become fully competitive and to achieve their goal, it is going to have to let information spread and opportunity to proliferate.

In doing this, the Chinese will also more toward restoring its credibility and trust within the world community. China's leaders want this.

This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned.
Opinion / Columnist

SINCE the 2014 dismissal of Dr Joice Mujuru as Vice-President from both Government and Zanu-PF and the subsequent formation of her political party, the Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) meant to challenge the supremacy of Zanu-PF in elections, Dr Mujuru has shown that she struggles to remain consistent in saying out some real issues that satisfy the public on why she was dismissed.The ZimPF party leader, Dr Mujuru wants to make people believe that she left Zanu-PF on her own accord, yet the public knows quite well that she was fired from both Government and Zanu-PF by President Mugabe.Actually, Dr Mujuru wants the people to believe her own version of the story surrounding her dismissal as a way of making people to embrace her newly launched political outfit. She wants to mislead the electorate into believing that she is a principled someone who stands for the truth.In a turn of events for Dr Mujuru in trying to appear respectable, she has sought to dismiss the notion that she was sacked from both Government and the ruling party, Zanu-PF by choosing to tell her supporters in Chinhoyi recently that she moved out of Zanu-PF on her own accord.Dr Mujuru said she was not dismissed by President Mugabe as alleged by the public, but decided to move out from Zanu-PF after realising that the alleged barrage of attacks she received from the First Lady, Dr Amai Grace Mugabe during her meet the people tours around the country had no end in sight.Dr Mujuru further said her departure from the ruling party Zanu-PF had been "inevitable" as she was always clashing with President Mugabe regularly over policy matters up to the time she decided to leave.Surprisingly Dr Mujuru who spent the better part of her life in Government waited for the 2014 debacle to leave the party. She was always in Government and did not see any reason to leave the party until the alleged attacks on her from the First Lady?The alleged clashes with the President on policy matters were not of significance as to cause her walk out from the party, but only her personal attacks? Could such a person who values her personal interests more than those of the masses become a good leader? Food for thought for those rushing to her ZimPF party like people rushing to new dawns of prophets sprouting across the country today.What Dr Mujuru is not aware of is that everything is in the public domain that her alleged policy clashes with President Mugabe were fictitious because Zimbabweans have never come across with such allegations before her dismissal from both Zanu-PF and Government.If it was true that she was ever clashing with President Mugabe on policy matters she could have shown the world by leaving the party like what she is claiming that she did in 2014 after her alleged attacks from the First Lady.What Zimbabweans know about Dr Mujuru is that since 1980 she was in Government holding different ministries until she was appointed Vice-President of Zimbabwe in 2004 making her second in command in both Government and the ruling party, Zanu-PF.With that influential position being in Government, Dr Mujuru got into the comfort zone of being the VP.All the Zanu-PF policies which were implemented during her time in Government were done in agreement with all those who were in cabinet including herself. Now that she is no longer in Government, she wants the public to believe her that she was regularly clashing with President Mugabe on policy matters. Is that not cheap politicking?It is surprising that Dr Mujuru`s statements have been inconsistent and she has never checked her previous statements in order to correct such anomalies from what she could have said previously.Dr Mujuru thinks that by changing goal posts to suit what she wants her supporters to hear at different intervals would bring her votes in the 2018 harmonised elections. She must be aware that no amount of lies would bring electoral victory in 2018 on a silver platter.Dr Mujuru should be aware that only reality would make people take her seriously and begin supporting her political party.She should not forget that during an interview by Blessing Zulu of the Studio 7 on December 9, 2014, Dr Mujuru declared that she didn't know any other party other than Zanu-PF and that it was her party.She further declared that she was going to die in Zanu-PF. Surprisingly, just a year after her declaration that she would die in Zanu-PF, she now finds herself being a leader of an opposition political party running by the name ZimPF.She has forgotten that she told Blessing Zulu that she would die in Zanu-PF and the revolutionary is her only party she knew.As if her wrongful declaration that she would die in Zanu-PF and her subsequent formation of the ZimPF party is not enough, Dr Mujuru told her supporters in Chinhoyi recently that she was not dismissed from government but moved out on her own accord.Dr Mujuru`s actions points to someone who has no confidence in her actions. She is always shifting goal posts in order to satisfy certain situations at a given time. Why is she now claiming that she was not dismissed from Zanu-PF, yet during her interview with Zulu she did not reveal that? She only said she would die in Zanu-PF and she failed to say that she was no longer part and parcel of Zanu-PF during that interview. She did not tell Zulu that she had already left the ruling party. Is that not hypocrisy?The fact that she declared she would die in Zanu-PF and later dumped that party to form an opposition political party shows that she is desperate for political office.Her move to form a political party vindicates those who were always saying that she was power hungry in Zanu-PF and was ready to remove President Mugabe from office as to take over the leadership of both the revolutionary party and government. Her formation of ZimPF has nothing to do with bringing relief to the economic turnaround of Zimbabwe, but that has do with catapulting herself to the leadership of Zimbabwe which she failed to do while in Zanu-PF.If she was someone who was there for the people she could have walked out of Zanu-PF on her alleged clash with the President on policy matters. There was no need to wait until she received that alleged attacks from the First Lady.Her failure to leave Zanu-PF during her alleged clash on policy matters with President Mugabe shows that she has no people at heart only wants herself to remain in good position.
Sue diRosario does not see a way shell retire. At this point, shes just looking forward to a time she doesnt have to work a full work week.

I do look forward to the day I may be able to work three days a week, said the 60-year-old Maine resident. I do not see a way to pay off the mountains of medical debt and loans I have had to secure to chip away at some of this debt.

But diRosario is just one of many who feel lost when it comes to retirement, according to a new survey by HSBC. The study shows while 65% of pre-retirees 45 years old and older would like to retire within the next five years, about 38% say they are unable to do so. Additionally, 18% believe they will never be able to fully retire fully  almost double the percentage from last year that said they expected never to be able to afford to fully retire.

Retiring at 60 is a pipe dream for virtually all Americans, except for the relatively few who are independently wealthy or will receive significant pension payments, said Len Hayduchok, president of Dedicated Senior Advisors in New Jersey.

As fewer Americans are retiring with pensions and as more pensions that are still in place are become increasingly underfunded, early retirement or retirement even at the traditional 65-year benchmark will become increasingly more elusive, Hayduchok added.

He said Americans need to be prepared for just the opposite of retiring earlier and instead think of retiring five years later. Americans retiring in their 70s, and in another generation 75, will very possibly be the new 65, Hayduchok said. For those that value retirement, they need to drastically cut back expenditures and save at least 20% of their paycheck, and remember the best strategy is always a combination of guaranteed income  such as Social Security, pensions and income  and growth strategies  such as stock investments with a time horizon ten years longer, he added.

Kevin Reardon, a planner at Shakespeare Wealth Management in Wisconsin, said retiring before 60 is possible, but one needs to be disciplined.

If youre committed to retiring at 60, it is easier to reduce consumption now in exchange for more leisure later in life, Reardon said. If you cant acknowledge that reality and are unwilling to make sacrifices now, then an early retirement goal is unrealistic.



Reardon said for clients younger than age 50, its recommend a savings rate of 20% and for those between 50 and 60 years of age, a savings rate usually should be about 15%.

A higher savings rate has two benefits, Reardon added. The obvious benefit is youll have more assets later in life to spend and live on. The hidden benefit is that youll be accustomed to a reduced lifestyle during your working years so when you retire you have a lesser need.

Reardon said while everyone is different as far as where they should put their money, most people need to strive for strong investment returns to make an early retirement possible. He said in that instance, one needs a portfolio that tilts heavily towards equity.

Use disciplines such as dollar cost averaging and account rebalancing to moderate risk, he said. Be sure to downshift your risk three years prior to retirement and three years into retirement as this is the period in life you can least afford to suffer a large loss.

One thing not to do is try to make up for too much lost time too quickly, said Scott Stratton, president of Good Life Wealth Management in Dallas.

For investors who are under saved, they often hope that their investment selection will help them retire earlier, Stratton said. Some think that if they are more aggressive  invest in last year's hottest fund, day trade, or take an options class  that this will be their ticket to growing their portfolio quickly.



Stratton said this usually brings disastrous results.

Instead, stick with a diversified asset allocation using high quality ETFs or mutual funds,  he said. The investment horizon you need to consider is not five years to retirement, but the 30 or 40 years that you need this money to last.
"There is no free lunch," according to Ira Fateman, a San Francisco certified financial planner. "It's one of the few things that are true in life."

And it's almost as certain you will get a similar response if you ask most financial advisors about free investment seminars that offer to provide attendees with a no-cost meal. To say that free-lunch investment seminars are viewed with skepticism would be an understatement.

There is some justification for this. When the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) examined more than 100 free-meal seminars, it found half of the invitations and advertisements contained exaggerated or misleading claims, and 12% appeared to involve fraud.

Chances are good that the average person will receive an invitation to one of these dubious opportunities, FINRA reported after surveying investors. "We found 64% of respondents over the age of 40 had been invited to some sort of free meal investment seminar," says Gerri Walsh, senior vice president of investor education for Washington, D.C.-based FINRA.

The problem with many of these seminars, Walsh says, is that they are more focused on selling investment products than on educating investors. Often the hard sell doesn't come during the seminar, she adds. "It comes afterwards," Walsh says. "The organization will send someone to your house or send an email and start pitching products."

Free investment seminars are one of the most effective marketing tools available to investment sellers. One marketer's website suggests that a $10,000 investment in seminars is likely to attract 40 attendees, of which four will make a purchase at an average commission of $7,500, producing a 300% return on marketing investment.

Free seminars may be used to pitch a variety of financial products, but they are commonly associated with annuities, Walsh says. These often have high commissions, as well as other features that make them unsuitable for many investors, she says.



FINRA suggests checking invitations for specific claims, such as helping attendees to retire early, generating investment double-digit investment returns and being able to receive as much income in retirement as from working. Walsh also advises looking at the backgrounds of presenters and sponsors, using FINRA's BrokerCheck tool and checking with state securities regulators for complaints or disciplinary actions.

While Millennials are less likely to be targeted than older savers, that doesn't mean they can't be affected. "If they hear about their parents going to these kinds of seminars, they maybe should be a bit worried about whether their parents are getting a hard sell," Walsh says.

Of course, only a minority of free financial seminars suspected of being fraudulent. And free seminars can be useful. "I have attended some seminars at which I actually learned something valuable and was not faced with sales pressure after the fact," says Barry Korb, a CFP with Lighthouse Financial Planning in Potomac, Md.

Korb says good sources for unbiased finance seminars include those sponsored by university agricultural extension services and community colleges. Considerable online information is available from FINRA, public libraries, the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and private groups like the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors. FINRA says seminars offered by employers are also less likely to be suspect.

Pay a little for education can gain a lot in terms of unbiased advice, says Fateman. He recently began offering a $195 seven-hour finance seminar in connection with San Francisco State University. No products are sold during or after the seminars, Fateman says, although he is hoping to create relationships with attendees and eventually get them to attend additional seminars.

Meanwhile, Walsh says that investors are encouraged to want to learn. "But be skeptical," she says. "Make a pact with yourself that you are not going to sign up for anything or open a new investment account until you've had time to distance yourself from the free meal seminar and think about your choices."
Editor's note: This article was originally published March 5 on Real Money, the second of a three-part series. Click here for Part 1 and here for Part 3.

BlackRock (BLK) isn't alone in its opposition to mining company G-Resources Group's plan to sell an Indonesian gold mine. Two proxy advisory services have weighed in and urged shareholders to vote against the proposed sale.

"While we readily acknowledge many firms exposed to sagging commodities prices have recently been compelled to explore strategic alternatives to maximize value and improve growth, we consider GRG's overall case fails to persuade," Colin Ruegsegger of proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis wrote in a report last month.

Shareholders are scheduled to vote on the proposed sale at a special meeting held at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre on Monday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Due to time differences, neither G-Resources nor BlackRock immediately responded to requests for comment.

In November, Hong Kong-based G-Resources announced plans to sell the Indonesian Martabe mine for $775 million to a mix of private equity firms. G-Resources said that while the mining business has been profitable for the company, volatility in spot prices has had a negative effect on profitability recently. The company believes it is an "opportune" time to exit the mining business and diversify -- namely into financial services and real estate, two areas G-Resources believes are poised to do well in Hong Kong.

BlackRock, which has an 8% stake in G-Resources, takes the opposite view.

In statement released last month, BlackRock said that its decision to invest in G-Resources in 2009 was driven by the company's exposure to the gold sector and the Martabe mine's low production costs, long mine life and significant exploration potential.

Additionally, where G-Resources sees negatives in the commodity space, BlackRock sees increased demand for gold. On Friday BlackRock announced that it had to suspend issuance of new shares in its iShares Gold Trust ETF (IAU) as it hadn't filed paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission in time to address increased demand for gold, which has been by global macroeconomic conditions. (Economic uncertainty usually makes hard commodities, such as gold, more attractive to investors.)

"IAU has $8 billion in assets under management, and has expanded $1.4 billion year to date," BlackRock said in a release. "February marked its largest creation activity in the last decade."

While proxy advisory services such as Glass Lewis and ISS don't weigh too much into the gyrations of the gold prices, they do see problems with G-Resources planned sale of the Martabe mine.

Analysts at ISS acknowledge that G-Resources' stock has outperformed the Hang Seng index by 30.8% since announcing the sale, but they doesn't believe that G-Resources has made a "compelling case" for the disposal of its "core asset."

"The proposed dismissal of the mining business may be an abrupt departure from the longer term outlook provided by the board to the shareholders," ISS wrote in a report released last month. ISS also noted that only two years ago, the G-Resources raised capital from shareholders to boost its working capital, when mining was its principal business.

Additionally, ISS notes a potential conflict of interest in the sale as Owen Hagerty, one of G-Resources directors, is also the chairman of EMR Capital, one of the firms expected to acquire the mine. In a statement announcing the sale, G-Resources said Hagerty was excluded from the negotiations tied to the transaction and that he is blocked from participating in Monday's vote. However, ISS notes that he is still "indirectly interested" in the transaction going through.

While BlackRock and Glass Lewis have also acknowledged the potential conflict of interest, their much more pressing concern is G-Resources divesting itself of its core asset and going into a line of business in which it has limited experience.

"The board is proposing to completely eliminate exposure to the asset solely responsible for the entirety of GRG's revenue for its most recently reported fiscal year in order to pursue lines of business to when the company obtained the bulk of its current exposure no earlier than mid- 2015," Ruegsegger wrote.

Indeed, in the plans announcing the sale, G-Resources said it started a money-lending business in June 2015. In August 2015, it entered the securities-dealing business and said that it had the necessary licenses, as mandated under Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Ordinance, for securities dealing and asset management. However, G-Resources is planning to obtain licenses for dealing in futures contracts, advising on securities and futures contracts, and advising on corporate finance.

"To date, the Board has patently failed to develop appropriate resources to build meaningful resources in these areas," BlackRock said, adding that its disclosures and explanations have been "well below" the standards it expects from a listed company.

While Ruegsegger acknowledged that G-Resources might be feeling pressure from commodity volatility, he doesn't see it as affecting the firm's ability to continue as a going concern.

"We see little cause for unaffiliated investors to fully abandon GRG's core operating asset in favor of an uncertain and largely undefined focus on financial services operations management has yet to establish it is suitably experienced to profitably manage on a medium to long-term basis," Ruegsegger wrote.
Editor's note: This article was originally published March 4 on Real Money,the first of a three-part series. Click here for Part 2 and here for Part 3.

A BlackRock-led (BLK) proxy battle against G-Resources, a Hong Kong-based mining company, is heating up as the shareholders will vote on Monday. The point of contention is whether G-Resources should dispose of its Indonesian Martabe mine.

In November, G-Resources said it planned to sell the mine for $775 million to EMR and Farallon, two private equity firms. G-Resource directors said that while the mining business had produced positive financial results through June 2015, downward volatility in spot gold prices affected the profitability of its mining business. The directors believed it was an opportune time to exit the business and instead focus on building its financial services and real estate business, which would deliver more consistent shareholder returns.

BlackRock, which has an 8% stake in G-Resources, takes an opposite view. The Martabe mine is -- quite literally -- a gold mine. BlackRock invested in G-Resources in 2009 to gain exposure to the gold sector and was attracted to the company's low production costs, long mine life and exploration potential. Blackrock also questioned G-Resources' ability to be successful in its new business endeavors as BlackRock has not seen evidence of the G-Resources team having background or expertise in financial services and real estate. Meanwhile, the company's website highlights its focus and expertise in gold mining.

In a statement released last month, Pru Bennett, head of BlackRock's investment stewardship team for the Asia Pacific region, said she was "disappointed" in G-Resources' disclosures about its new course of business.

"There has been no satisfactory explanation of its change of strategy and we are perplexed by the company's complete lack of progress over the last 15 months in building out its new 'principal investment' business and 'financial services' business," Bennett said.

Other investors will have their say on Monday.

Employees of TheStreet are restricted from trading individual securities.
One in 10 Canadians has kidney disease. Millions more are at risk, but many dont know the causes, signs and symptoms behind the disease.

People think chronic kidney disease is uncommon, says Manitoba nephrologist and researcher Dr. Navdeep Tangri. People dont talk about it.

This month, The Kidney Foundation encourages Canadians to know their risk factors and to talk about kidney health. An easy way for people to learn more about kidney disease is to complete our self-assessment tool at kidney.ca/risk, according to Paul Kidston, National President of The Kidney Foundation of Canada. It can encourage people to think about their own health management choices and to consider how their medical and family history may also impact kidney health.

Events and activities across the country, including the support of thousands of door-to-door canvassers participating in the annual March Drive, help raise the profile of kidney health during this awareness month.

Facing the Facts

Statistics and facts about kidney disease in Canada :

41,931 Canadians are living with end-stage kidney disease; since 2004, this number has grown 35%

Of those Canadians with end-stage kidney disease, 57.5% are receiving dialysis treatment and 42.5% have a functioning kidney transplant

Diabetes was the main cause of kidney failure in nearly 36% of new patients

More than half of newly-diagnosed patients were age 65 or older

Of those patients on hemodialysis treatments, only 42.7% survived at least five years

At the end of 2013, there were 3,382 Canadians on the waiting list for a kidney transplant

1,419 people received a kidney transplant, including simultaneous kidney-pancreas transplants

In January 2016, Dr. Tangri published a paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association about predicting when people living with CKD would reach kidney failure. A common misconception about the disease is that it equals kidney failure, he said. Some patients may never get to that stage.

Some advice Dr. Tangri would give to people in the early stages of the disease would be to maintain really good blood pressure and blood sugar control and to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Dialysis negatively affects a patients life, said Dr. Tangri. Our job is absolutely to prevent dialysis.

Dr. Tangri is an attending physician at the Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg as well as an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba. His research is currently supported by grants from The Kidney Foundation of Canada Kidney Research Scientist Core Education and National Training (KRESCENT) Program, the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and Research Manitoba.

To learn more about kidney health and risk factors related to kidney disease, visit www.kidney.ca

 The Kidney Foundation of Canada

 AB
Opinion / Columnist

"We are fighting against a system, it is that system which is unjust," said Joice Mujuru at the Press Conference on 1 st March 2016. She was quoting the late General Josiah Tongogara. "This system has stolen any hope for the people of Zimbabwe!"By the time Zimbabwe gained her independence in 1980 many people had heard that repeated many, many times by Tongogara, President Mugabe, Hebert Chitepo and many other liberation war leaders as well as other nationalist leaders. It was the standard answer repeated over and over again, especially to allay white fears that the liberation struggle was a race war and the blacks were hot intent on driving all the white out of the country.It was only at Zanu PF members only meetings or "off the record" one to one discussions that many of these leaders would tell you in no uncertain terms that the struggle was to replace white domination with black domination and take back all the white had stolen from the blacks.The reason why the violent white farm invasions of 2000 onward had such a strong appeal to many blacks especially the war vets is this was fulfilling the pre-independence promise that blacks will have their revenge and settle old scores with the whites.After independence, President Mugabe has reaped huge political capital by upholding the "on the record" position that Zanu PF was fighting "the system" and not a racial war. He was knighted by the British, a singular honour bestowed on very few nationalist leaders who fought to end British colonial rule. Mugabe reverse his position to the "off the record" position of going out of one's to punish the whites. There is no doubt that Zanu PF leaders and their thugs on the ground derived a lot of gratuitous pleasure from the harassment and wanton violence and mental stress that inflicted on the white farmers and their friends.Mai Mujuru and her Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) party followers know Zanu PF is an in-competent, corrupt and murderous regime that lost the support of the ordinary people years ago. But since she and many of her ZPF party members like Didymus Mutasa, Rugare Gumbo, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti, Jabulani Sibanda and many others were Zanu PF members until 2014, the new party desperately needs to convince the Zimbabwe public that it is as different from Zanu PF as chalk and cheese. And what better way of underlining the difference between Zanu PF and ZPF than evoking the same pre-independence sentiment of fighting an "unjust system"!How ironic that people like Mai Mujuru and many other ex-Zanu PF members now calling the dictatorship an "unjust system" and undertaking to "fight" to end it have spent the last 34 years creating it and then ramming it down the nation's throat. Are they just playing the old game again of "on the record" fighting the unjust system and "off the record" making sure the dictatorship is not dismantled?Joice Mujuru and ZPF's agenda to end the dictatorship and deliver free, fair and credible elections or is the party interested in ending the Zanu PF dictatorship and removing the dictator Robert Mugabe only to install in its place a ZPF dictatorship headed by a new dictator Joice Mujuru.Anyone who believes even for one second that Mujuru has ever cared about democracy, freedom, human rights, free and fair elections, etc. is very naive or dishonest. All she has ever cared about is absolute power and as soon as her position on the feeding trough was secured she never lifted a finger to fight for any of these things in all her 34 years in power. When she lost her position on the feeding trough she has, once again shown interest in democracy, justice, etc. but only as the only means for her to regain her position on the feeding trough.Our aim should be to end the Zanu PF dictatorship and remove the dictator Mugabe and re-place it with a healthy and functional democracy and accountable and competent leaders. We must not allow ourselves to be fooled by Mujuru and her ZPF into settling for a half-way house of replacing the Zanu PF dictatorship with a ZPF dictatorship!
Airline-safety standards are changing in the wake of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 nearly two years ago, but the head of one of the worlds top air crash investigation agencies says its not happening fast enough.

On Wednesday, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the U.N. agency that sets global aviation standards, moved to address some of the more glaring safety gaps. Planes in distress will have to automatically report their position and other critical information at least every minute to help searchers find the wreckage. But the requirement will only apply to planes built six years from now or later.

It could take even longer to implement another ICAO change requiring new planes have a reliable means to recover information stored in black box data and cockpit voice recorders, rather than scouring the ocean floor for the boxes. Several existing technologies could do that, but ICAOs timeline means it could be a decade or more before planes equipped with those technologies begin entering service.

Chris Hart, chairman of the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, told The Associated Press that more should be done to put available technologies to use quickly.

We are concerned about the slow pace of progress at both the national and international levels, Hart said. We believe this is long overdue.

Heres a look at what has changed, what has not and what is in the works.

___

FLIGHT TRACKING

As a result of MH370, ICAO has approved a requirement that all airliners report their position about every 15 minutes over open ocean by November 2018. Pilots of planes flying over open ocean have typically reported their position about every 30 minutes.

Inmarsat, a provider of satellite flight tracking services, has offered free tracking to all long-haul carriers. But there are gaps in Inmarsats coverage of the globe.

Another aircraft-tracking provider, Aireon LLC, has partnered with Iridium Communications, which has a network of 66 low-orbit satellites, and says it plans to offer flight tracking of virtually all of the worlds airspace beginning in 2018. In order to use the system, planes must be equipped with special satellite communications technology known as ADS-B.

Besides flight tracking, ADS-B can be used to prevent collisions and allow planes to fly closer together. Aircraft manufacturers are already including the technology in new planes, but airlines are still in the process of equipping older planes, which is expensive.

The United States has set a deadline of 2020 for airlines operating in its airspace to equip their planes. There is no international deadline.

___

FINDING WRECKAGE

Flight tracking is helpful, but may not narrow a search area enough to reliably find a plane. Instead, aviation officials want planes to automatically send out position reports at least once per minute when they are trouble.

At normal flight speeds, minute-by-minute reports would provide authorities with a search area of a little over 100 square miles. If reports are less frequent, the search area grows much larger.

ICAOs newly adopted requirement for automatic, minute-by-minute reports by planes in distress applies only to planes made after Jan. 1, 2021.

Many planes are already equipped to send periodic short automatic messages to ground stations via VFR radio or satellite using a digital datalink system. In 2009, a burst of such brief messages from Air France flight 447 provided searchers enough information to find wreckage from the plane just days after it disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean. However, it still took two years before the planes black boxes were recovered.

In the case of MH370, the Boeing 777 was also equipped with the technology to send such messages, but the service wasnt in use. Airlines typically use the systems to relay information on how the plane and its engines are functioning so that maintenance personnel and equipment can be positioned at its next destination if needed.

___

FLIGHT RECORDERS

MH370s flight data recorder was equipped with an underwater locator beacon designed to last 30 days. ICAO standards adopted before the planes disappearance require the beacons to last 90 days beginning in 2018.

This week, ICAO approved a requirement that new aircraft designs approved after Jan. 1, 2021, have some means for retrieving a planes recorders, or the information contained in them, before the recorder sinks to the ocean floor. One possibility is a deployable recorder that automatically ejects from a plane upon impact and floats to the oceans surface. Theyre widely used in military aircraft, but Boeing says cases where theyll be needed are likely to be fewer than instances in which they accidently deploy, potentially causing injuries and property damage.

An alternative is to have planes in distress automatically relay the data via satellite to ground stations, eliminating the need to search for the box. But there are many unanswered questions about security and custody of the information.

Even then, it might be 2028 or later before planes with either deployable recorders or a means to transmit the recorders data before a crash enter service because of the time lag between the approval of new plane designs and when they are ready to fly.

The new requirements dont include cockpit voice recordings. MH370 contained a two-hour voice recorder that recorded in a continuous loop. Even if the recorder is ever found, it is likely that critical information from early in the flight was erased.

ICAO also adopted a standard this week requiring planes manufactured after Jan. 1, 2021, to include 25-hour voice recorders to capture an entire flight, as well as crew preparations beforehand. The requirement doesnt apply to planes already in service, which can have lifespans of 20 years or more.

Crash investigations have shown that even when voice recorders cover the length of the flight, they dont always reveal the whole story of what happened in the cockpit. Theyve been pushing for image or video recordings as well, but pilot unions have resisted that as too intrusive.

(AP)
Escape artist and drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman made two furtive visits to the United States last year while he was on the lam, his daughter has told the Guardian in an exclusive interview.

Rosa Isela Guzman Ortiz, 39, a U.S. citizen, said her father sneaked into California to visit her in late 2015 at the large, five-bedroom home he purchased for her and her four children, the location of which was not disclosed. According to the Guardian, Guzman Ortiz owns a chain of small businesses, but she insisted that any money she received from her father was clean.

Asked how her father managed to cross the heavily patrolled U.S. border with Mexico  whose alleged porousness has become a major theme of leading Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump  Guzman Ortiz declined to answer. I asked him the same, believe me, she said.

Jacqueline Wasiluk, a Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman, said Friday the agency has no information that substantiates the claims in news reports about Guzman.

Guzmans Sinaloa cartel has engineered dozens of smuggling tunnels under the U.S. border over the past decade or more, but those are only the ones authorities know about. It wouldnt have been difficult for Guzman to zip into California through one of the passageways, many of which have sophisticated ventilation systems and customized shuttle carts for moving drugs, guns, cash and people back and forth.

Guzman was recaptured by Mexican navy commandos in January and is being held at the same maximum security prison he escaped from last July using an elaborate mile-long tunnel leading straight up to his shower drain.

What Guzman Ortiz told the Guardian is what millions of skeptical Mexicans already believe: The government let him out. My dads escape was an agreement, she said in the interview.

At least 34 people have been charged with facilitating the escape, including the head of Mexicos federal prison system.

Guzman Ortizs statements, and those of other Guzman surrogates in recent weeks, appear to be part of a concerted public relations campaign, with his wife, attorneys and now his daughter all giving detailed interviews reportedly at Guzmans behest.

My dad is not a criminal. The government is guilty, Guzman Ortiz told the Guardian. She claimed that her father has financed the election campaigns of high-ranking Mexican politicians who have since betrayed him.

She said her father was also double-crossed by longtime trafficking partner Ismael El Mayo Zambada, the man now believed to be at the helm of the Sinaloa cartel, Mexicos most powerful drug organization.

It was the first interview Guzmans daughter has given. The Guardian said it confirmed her identity with several documents and with an evangelical pastor in the rural community of Badiraguato in Mexicos Sinaloa state, where Guzman grew up dirt-poor and hungry.

Through his lawyers and his wife, Emma Coronel, a former beauty queen, Guzman has recently alleged mistreatment by prison authorities, claiming that they frequently disturb his sleep.

Coronel, a dual U.S.-Mexican citizen in her mid-20s who gave birth to Guzmans twin daughters in California in 2011, told Telemundo that the treatment amounts to torture and that she fears for her husbands life.

On Wednesday, Guzmans attorney, Jose Refugio Rodriguez, told reporters that the wake-ups have become so intolerable that his client is willing to drop legal challenges to his extradition to the United States and plead guilty, provided he is allowed to serve at a medium-security U.S. prison. U.S. officials have not commented on the offer.

But the proposal also looks like a shot across the bow for Mexican authorities who may have ties to Guzman and the Sinaloa cartel, as his daughter and others allege.

Guzman, 61, or maybe 58  his birth date is also still a mystery  has been in the drug trade nearly all of his life, and he is believed to possess damning information about two generations of Mexican politicians and security officials.

On U.S. soil, there would be little to prevent him from sharing it with the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. law enforcement as part of a deal for less-harsh prison conditions.

Though she did not say, Guzman Ortizs statements also raise the possibility that her father spent time in the United States prior to his previous arrest in 2014. He was also captured in Guatemala in 1993 but broke out of another maximum-security prison in 2001 by hiding in a laundry cart, as the legend goes.

Asked in 2011 where Guzman might be hiding, then-president Felipe Calderon said in an interview with The New York Times that the drug lord wasnt hiding in Mexico. I suppose hes in the United States, he said. How many families and drug bosses would be more comfortable on the northern side of the border instead of the southern side?

(c) 2016, The Washington Post  Nick Miroff
Donald Trump has canceled a scheduled Saturday speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, snubbing a gathering of activists while possibly averting an ugly media scene.

The American Conservative Union, CPACs sponsors, announced the snub with a short tweet, following a morning of rumors that Trump would dodge the conference.

Very disappointed @realDonaldTrump has decided at the last minute to drop out of #CPAC  his choice sends a clear message to conservatives.

In a statement minutes later, Trumps campaign said that the candidate had scheduled a Saturday speech in Wichita, hours before Kansas competitive caucuses begin.

He will also be speaking at the Kansas Caucus and then departing for Orlando, Florida, and a crowd of approximately 20,000 people or more, Trumps campaign announced. Because of this, he will not be able to speak at CPAC as he has done for many consecutive years. Mr. Trump would like to thank Matt Schlapp and all of the executives at CPAC and looks forward to returning next year, hopefully as President of the United States.

But even a glance around the halls of the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md., suggested that Trump was heading for a disaster. He was scheduled to speak at 8:30 a.m., kicking off a day often sapped of energy by activists straggling in after sleeping off their Friday nights. He was likely to confront a protest or walkout from some activists, including one led by William Temple, a tea party activist who had led a buzzy walkout of Jeb Bushs 2015 speech.

We planned one, said Ben Howe, a contributing editor at RedState. Looks like he heard about it.

He was also more than likely to face an unfamiliar sight on the Trump trail: a half-empty room. Trumps Secret Service protection would have mandated a security checkpoint, and the one laid out for Ben Carson on Friday created a traffic snarl, with activists lining up for 30 minutes or more.

By noon, as the ACU announced Trumps decision to quit the conference, the Potomac Ballroom where the largest events were held was still half-empty, hundreds of activists still in line as Tea Party Patriots co-founder Jenny Beth Martin gave the first sustained criticism of Trump, as an egomaniac who altered his positions to fool voters.

I know Donald Trump says he loves the tea party but thats not what it takes to be tea party, said Martin, who has endorsed Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, for president.

In the run-up to CPAC, as the Republican front-runners stumbling answers about the KKK fueled a #NeverTrump campaign, some activists asked the American Conservative Union to disinvite Trump. Matt Schlapp, the Bush administration veteran who now runs the organization, declined.

Had that effort succeeded, it would have echoed the last-minute decision of then-RedState editor Erick Erickson to boot Trump from the August 2015 RedState Gathering in Atlanta. The cause was Trumps irate CNN interview about the first Republican debate, in which he muttered that moderator Megyn Kelly had blood coming out of her . . . wherever. To Erickson, it sounded like misogyny, and a cause to write him off his corner of the conservative movement.

On Super Tuesday, Trump handily won the Georgia primary.

As news of Trumps decision circulated through CPAC, disappointed Trump fans were outmatched by the indifferent or the relieved. Oh, who cares, its not like hes a conservative anyway, said Kyle Foley, 28, a musician from Austin. It doesnt matter. This doesnt seem like a place hed want to be, and I doubt too many people will mind that he wont be here. He just isnt a nice person, and this is in his character to cancel last minute.

Gene McIlhone, 62, a rider with a motorcycle ministry, called Trumps decision a surprise, but sensible.

I guess he doesnt pretend to be a conservative and is trying to appeal to everyone, he said. But I dont care. I want to build the damn wall. Hes appealing to a lot of conservatives even if he isnt one, exactly.

(c) 2016, The Washington Post  David Weigel, Ben Terris
SOUNDS FROM SPAIN

SXSW 2016 ARTISTS

Los Nastys, Agoraphobia, Sexy Zebras, Juan Zelada,

The Parrots & Juventud Juche

Sounds From Spain On Social Media

ICEX Spain exports and invests through the Sounds from Spain brand that was created for the internalization of Spanish music.Sounds From Spain will participate once again this year in the next edition of South by South West Trade Show which will take place during March 2016 in Austin, TX.Sounds From Spain serves as a platform that supports the internalization of the music industry in Spain and is a division of ICEX Spain Exports and Investments, the National Institute of TheaterArts & Music (INAEM), the SGAE Foundation, the Society Performing Artists (AIE), the Technical Performance Representatives (ARTE), the music producers in Spain (PROMUSICAE) and the Independent Radio Union (UFI).The brand SOUNDS FROM SPAIN is highly praised at the Texan festival.They will be participating in one of the most important international music markets with an strong presence of their cultural music from Spain in an official pavilion organized by ICEX-SOUNDS FROM SPAIN.Eleven companies from different sectors of music, will participate including, agents and record executives that will meet with producers and record labels from all over the world: ALGAZARA PRODUCCIONES, DELFUEGO BOOKING S.L., DOTBEAT!, ESCUELA DE MUSICA CREATIVA, GROUND CONTROL MANAGEMENT, HANGTHEDJRECORDS, MUWOM, SARA PI, SONIDO MUCHACHO, VAGABUNDOS RECORDS S.L., AND CHARCO MUSICA.ICEX- Sounds from Spain will also sponsor 6 bands from Spain who will be part of the two concerts scheduled in Austin at SXSW on March 16 and 18.The bands include: AGORAPHOBIA, JUAN ZELADA, JUVENTUD JUCHE, LOS NASTYS, SEXY ZEBRAS AND THE PARROTS.Besides the presence during music week with bands from Spain at SXSW, ICEX Pavilion will also screen the Spanish documentary DEAD SLOW AHEAD, selected by the film festival which runs parallel to the music festival and is considered one of the most prestigious international indie movie festivals in the U.S.Movies, technology and music from Spain have a date at South By South West 2016 in Austin to further the Spanish brand and open doors in the US general market.
Controversial binary options gambling group Banc de Binary and its boss Oren Laurent have been hit with a bill for $11million (about 8million) in penalties and compensation after a three-year court battle with American financial regulators.

The group, which sponsors Liverpool FC and expects the club's stars to help promote it, was accused by the Securities & Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission of illegally marketing investment deals linked to the prices of shares, currencies and commodities without being vetted and authorised by either of the financial watchdogs.

Evidence was given to a federal court in Nevada that Banc de Binary lied to its customers, claiming that it had a 'world headquarters' on Wall Street when all it had was a maildrop accommodation address.

Some customers complained they were falsely promised that all the group's staff were within the US, and their personal data would never leave the country.

Support: Banc de Binary's Oren Laurent, left, with LFC's Olly Dale

In fact, the group is based between Cyprus, Israel and the Seychelles. Oren Laurent  also named in court papers as Oren Shabat and Oren Cohen  gives an address in Israel.

In settlement of the charges brought in the US, Laurent is personally liable to pay $150,000 (108,000).

Banc de Binary will pay $3.95million (2.85million) in penalties, as well as handing over $7.1million (5.2million) it raked in from investors who were persuaded to make spin-of-a-coin bets on market movements.

Much of the money will be returned to American investors who were Banc de Binary's victims.

But British victims will not get a penny, even if they dealt with the group between 2011 and 2013, when it was posing as a Wall Street investment firm.

The US court result is the biggest penalty to face Laurent and his group, but it is not the first. It has been fined at least five times by the Cyprus authorities:

350,000 (270,000) to settle charges including misleading marketing;

10,000 (7,700) for concealing material information when it applied for its Cyprus licence;

20,000 (14,500) for repeated violations of Cypriot laws aimed at fighting money laundering;

20,000 (14,500) for breaches of its investment licence and for failing to disclose secret links to a separate business

125,000 (96,000) for a series of offences including lying to the Cyprus regulator and having two top executives who were 'not of good repute'.

Public warnings against Banc de Binary have been issued by consumer protection watchdogs in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Mail on Sunday first warned against its operations in Britain almost three years ago.

The FCA refused to comment on the American court case, and Banc de Binary appears on its register with a clean disciplinary record

Although Banc de Binary appears on the official public register of the Financial Conduct Authority, British investors have no protection. This is because the regulator regards it as a gambling operation and not a genuine investment business.

The regulator will not investigate complaints against the group, but is forced under EU rules to list it on its register because Banc de Binary is licensed in Cyprus. European Union rules require the rest of Europe to fall in line.

The FCA refused to comment on the American court case, and Banc de Binary appears on its register with a clean disciplinary record, ignoring all the fines and penalties imposed in Cyprus and the US.

Banc de Binary confirmed details of the court case. However, it added: 'It is important to note, however, that neither the CFTC nor the SEC alleged fraud on the part of Banc de Binary and/or its affiliated companies.

'The agencies alleged only that the Banc de Binary defendants offered commodity options contracts and securities in the US without proper registration.'

The company emphasised that it is 'officially registered by the FCA'.

02 failed to call off debt collectors after mystery of phoney account

R.J.W. writes: Thank you for all your efforts on my behalf, including publishing my letter on January 31 about the 'Mystery of the O2 mobile account set up in my name'. Now I have received a letter from debt collector Lowell, saying that if I do not pay them, it will take county court proceedings for 891. Fourteen days later, a County Court judgment will be registered against me.

It is stunning to see how long it takes big businesses to apply the brakes. As I reported on January 31, when I began investigating the demands you received for mobile phone bills that had nothing to do with you, O2 quickly told me: 'We accept the account is fraudulent and have closed it down with immediate effect.'
Opinion / Columnist

WHEN the Rhodesian settler colonialists had destroyed the Ndebele state and killed the former King Lobengula in 1893, the British South Africa company administration made it clear that they were not going to allow anyone to become King of the Ndebele people again.The Administration declared that the Ndebele State was then dead and buried as far as they were concerned and so any attempt to revive it was not going to be tolerated.With that declaration, Lobengula's children, especially his sons were thrust onto the centre stage.The British South Africa Company (BSAC) government decided that Lobengula's sons were never going to be allowed to assume the Ndebele Kingship.And to achieve the above aim the BSAC government, instead of killing the former king's sons decided to employ civilised methods' to achieve their goal.First they identified Lobengula's sons who were eligible to claim the kingship.Those eligible were the ones born when Lobengula was king and they were: Njube Mpezeni, Nguboyenja and Sidojiwe ranging from ages six to 15.They then removed them from Rhodesia and sent them to Cape Town in 1894 where since they were young they went to school to be educated in Western culture to forget about their own culture and the Ndebele kingship.Little Sidojiwa could not go to Cape Town because he was still too young.However, as years went by, some Ndebele elders began asking for the eldest of the boys, Njube to come back home to become king. The BSAC government made it clear that Njube was not going to become the new Ndebele king.In fact, they would not allow him to come back to Rhodesia. However, Njube was allowed to attend the funeral of his brother Mpezeni in 1899.After Mpezeni's burial, the settler government noticed that the Ndebele wanted to have Njube installed as king.On realising that, they quickly sent Njube back to South Africa where due to frustration and bitterness, he died in 1910.His young brother Nguboyenja, who had also been banished to South Africa, died wretched after suffering a mental breakdown, living the life of a vagabond.This was in 1908.Other sons such as Nyamende and Tshakalisa who had been born before Lobengula had become king and were not eligible to become king according to tradition were simply frustrated by the settlers and were never allowed to make any kingship claims. They eventually died after leading miserable lives.No one knows exactly what happened to the last born, Sidojiwa. Some accounts say he was put away quietly by the authorities.The above was not the end to the suffering of Lobengula's children under the Rhodesian authorities.His grandchildren were also persecuted.Njube had two sons, one named Rhodes, what a name?The other one was called Albert.These two were eligible to ascend the Ndebele throne even though they were born in exile in Cape Town.Eventually, Rhodes and Albert came to Rhodesia and settled among their people.Then the Ndebele wanted Rhodes to become king.The people went a step further and gave Rhodes cattle which were eventually referred to as 'royal cattle'.When Rhodes accepted the above cattle and the people's call for him to become king, the colonial administration heard about it and they went mad.They framed Rhodes, saying he had extorted the cattle from the people.They tried him and gave him a suspended sentence for extortion.After giving him a suspended sentence, the colonial government sent him into exile like his father before him.They decided to help him leave the country with the Prime Minister of the time, one Moffat saying! "It is a good policy for us to get this young man out of the country."In the end Rhodes Lobengula was forced to sign an agreement which said that once he left the country, he would never return! And so accompanied by his wife called Rosanmond, Rhodes left for South Africa eventually settling near Grahamstown.He had a miserable life in South Africa resulting in him dying in mysterious circumstances in the Fish River in 1937.Accounts differ.Some accounts said he committed suicide by throwing himself into the raging river while others say he was shot by a gun.Rhodes Lobengula's young brother Albert was not spared.At the time Rhodes was charged of extortion, Albert was deliberately left untouched.However, on the eve of Rhodes' departure, Albert was framed by the authorities.He was arrested for stealing cattle from a European neighbour.He was sentenced to nine months hard labour.After Albert had spent two months in jail the colonial authorities gave him a choice.To remain in jail or to get out and immediately leave the country for South Africa where his brother Rhodes was living.Albert decided to go to South Africa and was sent there in July 1938.He went to live in Grahamstown.However, when his health had gone bad, he came back to Rhodesia where he eventually died in 1952.Thus ended the sad story of King Lobengula's children.Talk of human rights abuses, why don't you ask former colonial Statesmen?
Super Tuesday catapulted Donald Trump to front runner of the Republican candidates in the US Presidential Election.

After claiming victory this week in seven states, the polls gave the businessman-cum-celebrity a 27 per cent chance of becoming the next US president.

But with a host of outlandish policies, not least building a wall across the border to Mexico, what would a Trump triumph in the November election mean for investors?

America's 45th president? Donald Trump was originally written off as a joke but he has since electrified US politics claiming victory this week in seven states and is said to have a 27% chance of wining the election

HEALTHCARE

One of Hillary Clintons campaign promises is that she will introduce regulation around drug pricing. Biotechnology and Healthcare funds, which had had an incredibly strong run over the past few years, took a major hit when she first broached the subject back in September.

The Pictet Biotechnology fund is down 19.7 per cent over the past three months, and the Axa Framlington Biotech fund has fallen 16.7 per cent over the same period.

But a Trump victory could be good news for these funds as he has made no mention of capping the amount that pharmaceutical firms can charge for their products.

However, Adrian Lowcock, head of investing at Axa Wealth, points out: Trump has said he believes in providing support for all but wants to repeal the Obamacare act and replace it with something else, though its not clear what.

He could be good for the healthcare sector but his stance is quite contrary to the typical Republican beliefs so might not get much support.

He also thinks insurance companies could suffer under a Trump regime. Part of Trumps proposals include allowing health insurance firms to sell policies to people in other states than the company is based, something they cannot currently do. There is a risk that this could drive out smaller providers.

BUY: Biotechnology funds. The Axa Framlington Biotech fund is down 16.7 per cent over the past three months, but its up 87 per cent over three years.

SELL: Watch out with US funds with big holdings in insurance. For example the Jupiter North American Income fund has 8.5 per cent of its cash in non-life insurance companies, while the M&G North American Value fund has 3.9 per cent of its money in the sector.

THE WALL

ONE of the most striking promises Trump (pictured) has made is to build a wall between the US and Mexico. If that goes ahead then construction firms are likely to benefit.

Ben Gutteridge, head of fund research at Brewin Dolphin, says it depends who will foot the bill for the construction as to which companies will benefit. If Mexico has to construct the structure then it will likely pick its own domestic firms to build it.

He says: Cemex is a Mexican building material company which could benefit if the wall did go ahead. However it does seem pretty implausible at the moment.

Elsewhere, businesses which rely on a low-paid work force could be hit if the construction goes ahead.Lowcock says: Hotels, restaurants and agriculture businesses are dependent of cheap labour, and would suffer if access to those employees dried up.

The Republicans tend to spend more on defence, which is good news for companies such as engineering firm Meggitt and engineering company Cobham.

The party is also typically thought of as being better for the economy as they are pro-business, although history suggests that may not actually be the case.

Fidelity research has looked at how the US economy has fared under each Government since 1928. On average the US stock market returned 10 per cent a year under Democrat leadership, compared to just 1.8 per cent under the Republicans.

The best stock market performance in that time was during Roosevelts second term when the market grew 24.2 per cent a year. Directly before him, under President Hoovers four years in power, the stock market lost 24.7 per cent a year.

BUY: Defence firms such as Meggitt and Cobham.

SELL: An S&P 500 tracker fund which aims to match the performance of the US stock market.

EXPORTERS

The infamous proposed wall will affect more than the building sector, of course. Emerging markets which are heavily reliant on the export of commodities such as oil could suffer if Trump introduces protectionist measures such as increasing tax on imported goods.

It would be good news for US firms though. They are likely to benefit from an increase in domestic demand and talk of cuts to corporation tax.

Lowcock says: While this is great for companys which already produce all their items at home, the main aim is to try and encourage manufacturers to relocate to the US and not operate out of Mexico. Relocating and building new factories, for example, will cost manufacturers though.

BUY Shares in big US tech firms such as Apple and Alphabet (Google).
Opinion / Columnist

Typical of the many African pre-colonial military and political leaders, the name and legacy of Mzilikazi Khumalo is enveloped in colonial and racist myths. European adventurous explorers and prospectors who encountered these early African leaders wrote about them and their people in racist, mythologised and stereotyped terms.The tragedy is that even now in what is supposed to be post-colonial Africa, the names and legacies of precolonial African leaders still appear in the textbooks and documentaries rendered in mythology and stereotype. Some toxic myths about King Mzilikazi, his life and rule still endure today. Sometimes these harmful myths and colonial confabulations are unwittingly circulated by well-meaning scholars, historians and journalists who receive them without question from colonialist historiographers.In the prevalent colonial mythology, Mzilikazi Khumalo is supposed to have been a blood thirsty and marauding warrior King who perfected his art of killing in ordering the slaughter of his first born son Nkulumane Khumalo. A close decolonial look at the life and political rule of Mzilikazi betrays him as indeed a warrior but one to whom war and violence were a last resort. Mzilikazi Khumalo was a diplomat and statesman of impressive dexterity.Naming the KingThe name Mzilikazi according to such colonialist and imperialist historiographers as Peter Becker refers to "the path of blood" which means umzila wegazi in Zulu and IsiNdebele languages. This name is supposed to define Mzilikazi's confabulated legacy of bloodletting and killing, as if Nomphethu and Matshobana, Mzilikazi's parents knew in advance that he was to gain a reputation as a mass killer. Other colonialist historians like Howcroft also, with cruel prejudice, simply understand the name Mzilikazi to mean "the great path" which means umzilakazi in IsiNdebele and Zulu languages, as if anyone knew at his birth that Mzilikazi was to make a great journey from Mkuze in Zululand to Ingama in what is now called Matabeleland. Correctly, the name Mzilikazi originates from the word umzili that comes from the word ukuzila which refers to the custom of ritual abstinence.Umzilikazi then would describe a person who abstains from sex or from any other human activity for a longer time than usual. This name should have been a reference to the habits of his mother or father, not any of the king's own personal attributes.Briefly, King Mzilikazi was born in 1790 in the Mkuze area of Zululand, to Nompethu the daughter of King Zwide of the Ndwandwe and Matshobana the son of Mangethe. Largely, Mzilikazi grew up in Zwide's kraal and observed the leadership and warrior ways there. After King Zwide murdered Matshobana, Mzilikazi affiliated himself to the neighbouring King and rival of Zwide, Dingiswayo of the Mthethwa people.At the kraal of Dingiswayo is where Mzilikazi met Shaka who had sought refuge there after an attempt on his life by assailants sent by those among the Zulu who correctly speculated that Shaka would return and seize the throne after the death of his father. Seizing the throne is what Shaka eventually did, assisted by regiments from the Mthwethwa Kingdom and the Khumalo chieftaincy of Mzilikazi. From the beginning, the relationship between Shaka and Mzilikazi was that of love and respect.Fleeing ZululandIn 1822, as a trusted General in the Zulu army and personal political advisor to Shaka, Mzilikazi led an attack on Sotho Chief, Ranisi, prevalently referred to in history literature as Somnisi. After this attack and raid of cattle from Ranisi, the differences between Shaka and Mzilikazi on how to treat soldiers and distribute the war spoils seem to have magnified. Colonialist historians have dramatised these differences to a spectacular and even violent standoff.The poetic reference to Mzilikazi as "owala ukudla umlenze kwaBulawayo" has comically been circulated by mythologists as referring to a day when Shaka wanted Mzilikazi to eat "umlenze" the thigh of a cow, meat that was meant for women, what would have been an insult to Mzilikazi. And Mzilikazi is said to have defiantly refused. This is all colonialist and mythologist nonsense, Ukwala ukudla umlenze refers to disagreement, to refuse instructions, and politely so.The other myth that followed this is that Mzilikazi then stole many cattle and women from the raid and fled Zululand in 1823, leaving Shaka seething with anger. Children at school are made to imagine a movie like scene when Mzilikazi and his followers are leaving Zululand at night, in a great hurry. The truth seems to be that, out of love and respect, and concern that they had created two centres of power, Mzilikazi and Shaka agreed to part ways peaceably. In a word, in political stature and military power Mzilikazi had become another King.There is acceptable evidence that after murdering Shaka on the 2nd of September 1828, King Dingane tried to pursue Mzilikazi who had now settled in what is presently Gauteng in South Africa. Dingane had either felt that Mzilikazi left with a lot of wealth or he feared that Mzilikazi might come back to avenge the killing of Shaka, who was dear to him. That Mzilikazi stole a lot of cattle and women from Zululand is a myth that stinks to the high heavens; sadly this myth is widely circulated and believed. Even more mythical is the narrative that all the way from Zululand up to present Matabeleland, Mzilikazi was fleeing Shaka. The truth is that Mzilikazi was seeking peace and settlement away from colonialist settlers with whom he engaged in many battles.The killing of Nkulumane and the chiefsThis particular myth is narrated with much racist glee and colonialist relish. In the long journey Mzilikazi was separated from his people for many years, up until the group that had settled first in present Bulawayo installed Nkulumane as the King of AmaNdebele in 1838. When Mzilikazi arrived to find Nkulumane on the throne, he is said to have immediately ordered his murder and the murder of the chiefs that had installed him as king.Whether there were any chiefs killed and buried on the mountain at Ntabazinduna is what must be verified. What has been proven is that Mzilikazi sent Nkulumane with a number of regiments and chiefs that were loyal to him back to what is today called South Africa. His intention for Nkulumane and his followers was to return to Zululand, the intention was not going to arise if Mzilikazi had stolen cattle and women from Zululand.On their way, Nkulumane's party arrived in the land of the Bakwena in present day Rusternburg, where Mzilikazi had settled before. Finding the Bakwena under attack from one Sotho King called Mathebe, Nkulumane quickly generalled his warriors and the Bakwena young boys to repel the attackers. As narrated by the Bakwena themselves, Nkulumane personally killed Mathebe.The King of the Bakwena asked Nkulumane to stay in the Kingdom as Chief and advisor to the king until he died of natural causes in 1883. Nkulumane's grave is a marked heritage site in the Phokeng area of Rusternburg that was once named Nkulumane Park by the apartheid administration in South Africa.That Mzilikazi Khumalo was a great fighter cannot be disputed. What can be disputed is that his life was a life of fighting. He engaged in sophisticated diplomacy and conducted some of the most fantastic nation building experiments ever observed.Mzilikazi died of natural causes at the age of 78 in 1868. Lobengula was installed only in 1870 as there was a group of people, prominently led by Mbiko the Son of Madlenya, a Masuku chief who believed that Nkulumane should have been sought and found to come and succeed his father as King of the Mandebele, not Lobengula who was considered, among other weaknesses, of being a sissy, softy who had been corrupted by his learning of the ways of white people.It is a matter of academic speculation what the Ndebele history would have turned up to be if Nkulumane had been the successor to Mzilikazi.---------Cetshwayo Zindabazezwe Mabhena is a Pretoria based Zimbabwean academic: decoloniality2016@gmail.com.
HATTIESBURG, Miss.Husband-and-wife team Kathi Sherman and James Hubbard, who own Peppers Parties Too adult boutique in Hattiesburg, Miss., were recently interviewed by the student newspaper of their alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi.

The Student Printz talked with the couplewho are also known as the Peppersabout how their degrees have helped them in their business: Sherman has a masters degree in counseling psychology, while Hubbard has a doctorate in research.

I went into psychology because I wanted to help people, Sherman told the student newspaper. This is a way that I can do it most efficiently. I still feel like I practice psychology. I do a lot of counseling in the storea lot of relationship counseling. Because I dont have my license to do individual therapy, sometimes Ill say, You guys might want to go to counseling, then come back to me, and we can talk more about the sex part.

For his part, Hubbard said his degree serves him well because of the research he does for the business and as a part of the sexual health industry.

Ive done a lot of statistical consulting, Hubbard told the paper. Ive at least had one article, one presentation each year. My background is literally staying in the background [with] researching, publications and presentations.

Together, the pair work not only to provide quality pleasure products to customers, but also to provide accurate sex information and ways for people to express their sexuality.

I find that in Mississippi, because a lot of people have been sexually repressed, some people are very uneducated about sex, Sherman said. I get to teach them.

The article, Sherman said, marks the first time any local publication has featured their store.

I was surprised, she said of the newspapers decision to interview her and Hubbard. I'm honored and elated that they showed interest. It's funny that the students are the first to write about us, instead of the local publications. I think that it shows that we're a sex-positive, safe place for people to learn about sex and explore new avenues for communication. It also shows the university that this is our application of our psychology degrees, that we're not just small business owners or retail salespeople. I'm really proud of the way they depicted our store.

The articleand the couplehave received high praise from others in the community as well.

She is such a wonderful lady, said regular customer and friend Kayla. She is so passionate about her life, her work, her husband, education, etc. I have known her for years and she is so much more than just a salesperson or business owner; she is a leader, a counselor, an entrepreneur and one of those friends you can literally talk to about anything.

The couple have increased their visibility in the industry in recent years, with both Sherman and Hubbard becoming regular panelists on a number of seminars at the annual AVN Novelty Expo.

To view the article, click here.

For more information, visit PeppersParties.com.
By Bob Friedrich

When I ran for the New York City Council in 2015, the leaders of the Queens Village Civic Association (Nagassar Ram Ramgarib and Mohamood Mo Ishmael) and I initiated a months-long community-driven battle against a program conceived by Albany politicians to open a neighborhood prison on a Queens Village residential street. We organized weekend protests at the site that garnered more protesters and greater press coverage week after week. After a couple of months as the protests grew, elected officials took notice and joined in.

The Close to Home Initiative was designed to relocate imprisoned juvenile delinquents from upstate jails into residential New York City communities. Engineered in Albany for implementation by New York Citys Administration for Childrens Services, Close to Home prison relocations are an ill-conceived and harmful neighborhood intervention. The scheme was incubated without community knowledge or input, and residents were kept in the dark. Even worse, the program was weeks away from moving inmates into the residential facility when we discovered it and alerted the local population and public officials.

The genesis of the neighborhood prison scheme was an under-the-radar piece of legislation quietly enacted a few years earlier in Albany to study prison populations. It is said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and the wellmeaning legislation in this case is no exception. Albany legislators felt that it would be compassionate to house prisoners closer to their own families so their relatives would not have to travel long distances to upstate prison facilities where these individuals were incarcerated. Unfortunately, legislators gave little thought to the families living in communities where these inmates, including violent offenders, were to be moved. ACS, which was slated to operate the Queens Village neighborhood prison had a track record of incompetence and at least one in four inmates held at their other facilities were AWOL at any given time. The ACS managed a Close to Home facility in Park Slope, Brooklyn, from which three teenage residents escaped undetected in June 2015, going to Manhattan overnight, and allegedly beating and raping a woman in Chinatown.

Fast forward to today, when we find Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and other council members actively considering proposals to close down Rikers Island, the prison situated between Queens and the Bronx, and home to more than 10,000 prisoners. This proposal seems to be gaining traction among progressive City Council members. Sure, there is no disagreement that Rikers has serious problems, but the answer is to fix it, not close it. There are obviously endemic, intractable problems at Rikers. Last summer, a lawsuit resulted in a settlement that will move teenage inmates into our communities. According to the New York Observer, as part of the settlement, The city will have to make best efforts to find somewhere to house inmates under 18. The site would have to be accessible by public transit and be able to allow for direct supervision. Will that supervision come from ACS, or some other agency with little oversight?

The proponents of closing Rikers tell us that dispersing the prison population into smaller prisons throughout the city is more compassionate. Perhaps for the prisonersbut certainly not for neighborhoods in the crosshairs of site-location discussions. Despite assurances otherwise, our communities will have no control or veto power over site locations. Sure, there will be public hearings, but they will be nothing more than a dog and pony show to allow program administrators to assert that discussions did take place with the community.

Now is the time to alert your elected officials if you want them to protect our safety and security by stopping implementation of this prison initiative. City Council members appear to view neighborhood prisons as a viable option so long as they are in someone elses neighborhood. The City Council should more seriously analyze the real-life consequences of their actions rather than trying to force us to be pawns in their grand social experiments.
By Robert C. Koehler

Weve had our first big vote, and Im doing my best to dig Tulsi Gabbards endorsement of Bernie Sanders out from beneath the pile of Super Tuesday numbers and media declarations of winners and losers.





As a Boston Globe headline put it: Clinton and Trump are now the presumptive nominees. Get used to it.

But something besides winning and losing still matters, more than ever, in the 2016 presidential race. War and peace and a fundamental questioning of who we are as a nation are actually on the line in this race, or could be  for the first time since 1972 when George McGovern was the Democratic presidential nominee.





Embrace what matters deeply and theres no such thing as losing.





Gabbard, an Iraq war vet, a congresswoman from Hawaii, and rising star in the Democratic establishment, stepped down as vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee in order to endorse Sanders  because hes the only candidate who is not financially and psychologically tied to the military-industrial complex.





As a veteran of two Middle East deployments, I know firsthand the cost of war, she said, cracking the mainstream silence on U.S. militarism. As a vice chair of the DNC, I am required to stay neutral in democratic primaries, but I cannot remain neutral any longer. The stakes are just too high.





Because of Gabbard  only because of Gabbard  the multi-trillion-dollar monstrosity of U.S. militarism is getting a little mainstream media attention amid the reality-TV histrionics of this years presidential race, the Donald Trump phenomenon and the spectacle of Republican insult-flinging.





As the results of Super Tuesday started coming in on Tuesday night, Gabbard was given a few minutes to talk on MSNBC. While Rachel Maddow wanted to discuss the risk her Sanders endorsement might have on her career; Gabbard insisted on addressing the slightly larger matter of our unchecked, resource-hemorrhaging military adventurism across the globe.

War is a very real thing, she said. If the Syrian war continues, we wont have the resources to fund important social programs. This isnt a question of the past  its a question of today. Regime-change wars do nothing to strengthen our national security, but they do strengthen our enemies.





Fine. Well return after these messages . . .

A short while later, the MSNBC analysts attention snapped back to the Trump phenomenon. Someone opined: The vast majority of Trump supporters are enamored of winning far more than they care about the goofball issues Trump is supposedly running on, like the wall across the Mexican border and the ban on Muslims entering the country.

Maybe its true, and maybe its not, but I sense the mainstream media is a lot more comfortable with an issue-free presidential race, which is what the powers that be want, of course. The presidential election is supposed to be a distraction, not some kind of public accountability process.





The Sanders phenomenon, while as shocking and unexpected as the success of the Trump campaign, is far too substantive to garner a similar amount of media attention, let alone serious consideration of the issues hes bringing up. Yet remarkably, his call for social change  for the transformation of a rigged economy  has not receded to the margins, either.





So what happens next? Tulsi Gabbards endorsement is the key. As Dave Lindorff recently wrote:

Sanders, who has been avoiding talking about the countrys military budget and its imperialist foreign policy, should use the opportunity of Gabbards defection from the DNC to announce that if elected he would immediately slash military spending by 25 percent, that he would begin pulling U.S. forces back from most of the 800 or more bases they occupy around the world, and that he would end a decades-long foreign policy of overthrowing elected leaders around the globe.





The shock waves generated by such a stance, from a candidate who already has 386 delegates, would be enormous.

Conventional wisdom cries no, no, thats too much. No matter how much harm our wars have caused in the last decade, no matter how absurd a slice that war preparation  including nuclear weapons development  gouges from the national budget, the U.S. military, the planets biggest polluter and most prolific terrorist, remains untouchable. The public has no say in these matters. The president has no say in these matters.





This delusion goes back to the Vietnam War and McGoverns loss to Richard Nixon. Since then, the Democrats have attempted to purge themselves of antiwar  or what perhaps should be called trans-military  thinking. In doing so, theyve tied themselves to their own, and the countrys, inevitable collapse.





The views expressed in this article are the author\s own and do not necessarily reflect The Times Of Earth\s editorial policy.

The other option is transformation. This is the year it could begin.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures during the first Republican presidential debate at the Quicken Loans Arena Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

With all the craziness going on, maybe it's time to just take a deep breath, sit back and remember when things were not quite so insane - when things were more civil.

Take, for example, 1912.

Former president Teddy Roosevelt, a Republican, was just back from a hunting trip in Africa. Four years earlier he had declined to make a run for another term in the White House, preferring to hand over the reins to his vice president and friend, William Howard Taft. But back from safari, Roosevelt was horrified to learn his buddy, Taft, had switched ideologies. While Roosevelt was a progressive Republican, his former vice president had become a conservative one.

Ignoring his own advice to speak softly, Roosevelt stuck his big stick right back into the political scene, running again for president in 1912. The battle for the Republican nomination was contentious. Taft and his conservatives called Roosevelt a "dangerous radical," Taft warning that Roosevelt had become the "most dangerous man in American history."

He was dangerous, Taft said, "because of his hold upon the less intelligent voters and the discontented."

The attacks got downright nasty and brutal, with Roosevelt calling Taft a "puzzle-wit" (Gasp!) and Taft calling Roosevelt a "honeyfugler" (OMG!) Roosevelt even resorted to calling the 300-pound commander-in-chief a "fathead."

In the state primaries, Roosevelt beat Taft badly in nine out of 12 states. Taft won a lot of state caucuses. When convention time rolled around, Roosevelt went to Chicago with 411 delegates to Taft's 367, not enough for either man to win on the first ballot, i.e., a brokered convention. In a subsequent ballot, Taft won the nomination and Roosevelt cried foul, claiming Taft's wing of the party had stolen the nomination.

He was incensed.

He no doubt felt he had been honeyfugled.

Roosevelt stormed out of the convention and many of his delegates followed. They formed a third party for the presidential run, naming it the Progressive Party. It comes to us down the years by its nickname, the Bull Moose Party.

Roosevelt got his revenge on Taft, though, beating him like a rug in the general election.

But -

In doing so, he split the vote among Republicans and a Democrat - Woodrow Wilson - won the presidency.

So, maybe the good ol' days weren't really so civil.

Aren't you glad we live in a time when politics doesn't get that far down in the gutter?

Lynn Walker, the city editor, can be reached by email at lynn.walker@timesrecordnews.com.
freeimages.com Plastic eggs are being filled with candy in preparation for church Easter egg hunts.

SHARE

Beverly Drive United Methodist Church, 813 N. Beverly: The Basic Lay Speaking class will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5. The class is free and the book will be furnished. The youth group will have a fundraising lunch at noon March 6. Other events this week include a United Methodist Women meeting at 6 p.m. March 8 and the Friendly Kettle lunch at 11 a.m. March 9. Volunteers will gather at 6 p.m. March 16 to fill Easter eggs and at 9 a.m. March 19 to deliver fliers.

Bridge International, 4725 Kmart Drive: A simulcast of the Live Harvest Nation gospel concert will be presented at 5:30 p.m. March 6. Featured performers include Switchfood, Mercy Me, LeCrae and Chris Tomlin. Admission is free.

Church of the Living God, Pillar and Ground of the Truth, 1218 Gladiolus St.: Wanda Everett Smith, of Pilgrim Rest Baptist, will be the speaker for the Women In Red program at 3 p.m. March 13.

Fain Presbyterian Church, 2201 Speedway: The youth choir from First Presbyterian Church in Graham will present a musical during services March 13.

First Christian Church, 3701 Taft Blvd.: A congregational meeting to vote on the budget will be held after the 10:45 a.m. service March 6. Other events that day include a collection for the Interfaith Ministries Pantry and a Prime Timers lunch at noon. Friends of the Groom, a Christian theater group from Ohio, will perform March 19 during an evening of theater and dinner, as well as during both services March 20. Tickets for the dinner theater are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Candy donations are needed for the church Easter egg hunt at 4:30 p.m. March 20.

First Christian Church of Iowa Park, 210 E. Cash St.: The Christian Women's Fellowship will have a meeting and salad supper at 6 p.m. March 7.

First United Methodist Church, 909 10th: The annual chili cook-off will be at 11:30 a.m. March 6. Cost to eat is $5 for adults, $2 for children and $15 per family. A dessert sale at the cook-off will raise money for Early Head Start and First Step. Hot dogs will be provided for children.

Floral Heights United Methodist Church, 2214 10th: An outreach meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 8. The senior adult group will leave at 11:15 a.m. March 10 on a trip to the Wilbarger County Museum.

Friberg-Cooper United Methodist Church, 5511 Old Friberg Church Road: The United Methodist women will meet at 11:30 a.m. March 12 at Heidi's (formerly Luigi's) on Sheppard Access Road. David Holcomb will be the guest musician during the 11 a.m. service March 13.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Iowa Park, 801 N. First St.: The monthly family night and potluck dinner will be 4:30-6:30 p.m. March 6.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4605 Cypress: The Lutheran Women's Missionary League will meet at 9 a.m. March 5. March 6 will be Loose Change Sunday for Missions. Meetings during the week include the elders and the stewardship committee, both at 6:30 p.m. March 8, and Lenten services at 6:45 p.m. March 9. The junior high group will stuff Easter eggs March 13. GLOW women's Bible study will meet at 4 p.m. March 13.

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 513 Fort Worth St.: The 90th church anniversary will be celebrated March 17, 18 and 20. Pastor L.M. Golden, of Rising Star Baptist Church in Olney, will be the speaker at 7 p.m. March 17. Pastor Billy Robinson, of St. Paul Baptist Church, will speak at 7 p.m. March 18. The closing ceremony will be at 3:30 p.m. March 20, when Dr. Robert Castle, pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, will be the speaker.

Progressive Baptist Church, 203 Maple St.: The annual Speak Out for Jesus program will be at 3 p.m. March 13, featuring the Rev. Kelvin Hall, of Mount Pleasant Baptist, the Rev. Preston King, of Electra's Bethel Baptist Church, the Rev. Clarence Hightower, of Shiloh Baptist Church, and Supt. A.M. Jones, of Impact Word of Faith.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1501 Ninth St.: A Lenten reconciliation service will be at 7 p.m. March 7, with several priests available. American Heritage Girls Troop 13 will hold a pancake and sausage breakfast from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 6. Knights of Columbus Council 10998 will hold fish fries from 5:30 to 7 p.m. each Friday during Lent. Desserts will be available from the Catholic Daughters.

St. Marks United Methodist Church, 4319 McNiel: Communion will be celebrated during the 10:45 a.m. service March 6.

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 11th and Holliday: Activities March 6 include a going away breakfast at 8:30 a.m., a collection for the Interfaith Ministries pantry, and a trustees' meeting after the service. The elders will meet at 6 p.m. March 7. A Lenten light meal will be at 5:30 p.m. March 9, followed by a service. On March 10, the women's home Bible study will be at 9:30 a.m. and the church council will meet at 6:30 p.m. The Tabitha Joy Lutheran Women's Missionary League will meet at 9:15 a.m. March 12.

Shiloh Baptist Church, 2506 Sheppard Access Road: The annual Women's Day celebration will be March 13. Karen Roberts will be the speaker during the 11 a.m. service, and Michelle Castle, first lady of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, will be the speaker at 3 p.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church, 5800 Southwest Parkway: The monthly men's breakfast will be at 7:30 a.m. March 5. Communion will be celebrated during the 10:30 a.m. service on March 6, with a churchwide covered dish dinner and administrative council meeting after the service.

University United Methodist Church, 3405 Taft: The United Methodist Women program on prayer and self denial will be at 11:30 a.m. March 5. The One Great Hour of Sharing collection for missions will be March 6.

The deadline for submitting items for church briefs is 4 p.m. Wednesday. To have an item listed, mail the information to Bridget Knight, Times Record News, P.O. Box 120, Wichita Falls, Texas 76307. Please limit announcements to special events, meetings or guests. Limited space does not allow listings for regular weekly events. Items may be faxed to 940-720-3444 or emailed to bridget.knight@timesrecordnews.com. We are sorry, but church brief items cannot be taken over the phone.
Times Record News file photo Construction on part of the Wichita Falls hike/bike trail is seen in February near the Wichita Bluff Nature Area. The city is considering terminating the contract with Mega Contractors due to a claim of material breach. The project was supposed to be completed in January, but is only about half finished.

SHARE Contributed map A map of the proposed hike and bike trail project from Seymour Highway to Lucy Park. The project was expected to be complete in January. As of March 2, the contracting company, Mega Contractors had only completed 52 percent of the work.

By Claire Kowalick of the Times Record News

The city of Wichita Falls may be telling a company to take a walk after multiple delays in work on the Circle Trail.

A nearly $1.3 million bid was awarded Nov. 4, 2014, to Mega Contractors Inc., for Phase 1 work on the hike/bike trail from Seymour Highway to Lucy Park. The contract period was for one year, placing the estimated completion date at Jan. 19, 2016.

The contract expiration date was moved to Feb. 29, to account for weather delays, but as of March, only about half of the project is completed. The city council will hold a special session Tuesday morning to consider a resolution finding Mega in material breach of contract and allowing the city manager to terminate the contract.

The city staff says the company is in breach of contract because:

The contractor failed to staff the project with enough people to complete it on time.

The contractor said they did not have enough money to complete the project.

The contractor failed to make repairs to defective work in a timely manner as required by contract.

If council members choose to terminate the contract, the city will also move forward with filing a claim against the contractor's performance bond. City Attorney Kinley Hegglund said the performance bond is an agreement with a surety company to ensure the contractor can fulfill their obligation.

Hegglund said at the time the project was bid, there were no known problems between Mega and other customers and they were the lowest bidder.

Texas law states cities will bid out projects and choose the lowest bidder that meets the requirements.

Mega Contractors, formerly known as Mega Prime Contractors is based in Fort Worth and began in 1993.

Other projects Mega has completed include restoring a train depot in Mineola, Texas, in 2005, building a youth center at Dyess AFB in 2008, the Bowie Community Center in 2011 and the Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve base exchange in Fort Worth in 2011.

In 2014, city engineers estimated the project to cost about $1.4 million. The project was funded by bond revenue from the parks trail extension project and the special revenue fund.
John Zimmerman (left) talks with Jack Riddle and Robert Seabury at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport. Zimmerman installs the scale model aircraft that Riddle builds for the "Local Combat Aviation Heroes and their Airplanes" exhibit.

SHARE Photos by TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS Robert Seabury (left) and Jack Riddle look over the display of model aircraft depicting the variety of planes flow by Wichitans in the military. Riddle built and painted the 1/48th scale models which are completely authentic in design and detail. The exhibit is displayed at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport in the "Jenny To Jet" exhibit which shows the history of military aviation in Wichita Falls. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS A replica of the B-17 bomber "Memphis Belle" is one of the newest additions to the exhibit at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport. Twenty scale models built and painted by hand by Jack Riddle make up the Local Combat Aviation Heroes and their Airplanes exhibit which is adjacent to the Jenny To Jet exhibit. Sixteen Wichita Falls-area military pilots or flight crew members will be recognized through the exhibit. Organizers are seeking more names of local aviators to add to the roster. TORIN HALSEY/TIMES RECORD NEWS The F-86 Sabre was one of the earliest jet fighter aircraft used by the Air Force in the 1940s, and this scale model is one of 20 different planes displayed at the "Local Combat Aviation Heroes and their Planes" exhibit at the Wichita Falls Regional Airport.

By Judith McGinnis of the Times Record News

The history of war planes and men who flew them is taking flight with the "Local Combat Aviation Heroes and Their Airplanes" exhibit at Wichita Falls Regional Airport.

Sponsored and built by the Museum of North Texas History, the display currently has 20 scale model military aircraft that were assembled, detailed and hand painted by Wichitan Jack Riddle.

Each plane is identified alphabetically and the exhibit is accompanied by the list of local men, by rank, who were pilots and crew for them.

"We wanted to see them displayed somewhere," said Bob Seabury, a volunteer for the project. "We were able to put together a corner for the 'Jenny to Jet' exhibit."

Riddle, a retired Air Force technical sergeant who was a 6130 engineer during World War II has been crafting military airplane models for decades with more than 50 in his collection. Those on exhibit were built to a 1/48 scale.

"Some of them have seat belts in 'em," said Riddle, viewing the invisible monofilament line used to make his work look airborne. "I don't spray paint anything because I want to do a good job. It takes a very fine paint brush to do everything by hand."

"Jack's working feverishly to complete some more models," said John Zimmerman, the craftsman who collaborated with MNTH executive director Charles Campbell to design the exhibit.

The exhibit's goal is to connect each of the models with the North Texas heros (many now deceased) who flew them, crewed on them and to tell the stories of their service.

Although most were Army Air Force (which became the United States Air Force) others served in the Navy and Marines.

A B-26 Marauder was flown by then AAF Maj. Ralph Hines.

Both aboard B-24 Liberators were Robert "Bob" Priddy, an AAF Captain and navigator who has since died, and Capt. Herb Moller

F6F Hellcats were piloted by both Don Danaher, a Marine major and Cecil Monaghan, a Navy lieutenant.

Bill Thacker, another tech sergeant, was a gunner aboard a B-17 Fortress.

The list continues and while some families from Wichita Falls, Henrietta, Electra and the surrounding area may know about their father or grandfather's service, others may take the opportunity to add to the exhibit by doing some online research.

"I was able to find out more about my dad by going to Google," said Zimmerman, who's father was with the 368th Fighting Squad. "There are websites with records of every mission he went on and the bomb loads they carried. Families can learn a lot by just putting in the veteran's name and rank if it's known."

In the future, Seabury says hopes are that a panel of buttons, each keyed to the story of each aviator and his craft will be added.

Additions to the list, whether the vet is living or deceased are welcome. Anyone interested and for more information on the "Local Combat Aviation Heros and Their Airplanes" can contact Charles Campbell at 940-322-7628 or Bob Seabury at 940-696-8783.
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas speaks during a rally, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

SHARE

By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News

Republican voters in Wichita and surrounding counties bucked the national, pro-Trump trend in last week's primary, a phenomenon a local political science expert said he finds "interesting."

Instead of voting for Trump, area voters consistently showed their first choice was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. However, the same voting population also placed Trump and Marco Rubio in second and third places, respectively.

The most obvious reason Cruz won so decisively in the Wichita Falls area is due to his being from Texas, said Steve Garrison, associate professor and chair of the political science department at Midwestern State University. But another possible explanation for the victory is that Cruz's evangelical platform is more appealing to religious voters here.

Those voters just won't go for Trump, Garrison said.

"Some of it's going to be that those counties are going to have common demographics, common economic interests and ideological or religious beliefs," Garrison said. "If that's something you place a lot of emphasis on, you're going to vote for Ted Cruz."

In Wichita County, 7,008 primary votes were for Cruz - about 45 percent of votes cast in the presidential primary. Trump came in second with 4,183 votes (27 percent) and Rubio was a distant third with 2,659 votes (17 percent).

This was significantly different than the trend that played out nationally, as Trump nearly tripled the number of Cruz's delegates nationwide and Rubio pulled in about half of Cruz's number.

Religion aside, Trump's brash style of politicking didn't entirely turn off North Texas voters last week. In Archer County, Trump grabbed almost 30 percent of the vote; in Montague County he got 35 percent; and in Wilbarger County he took 31 percent.

Rubio's performance in smaller area counties generally mirrored his performance in Wichita County's primary.

"Let's be honest, the way Donald Trump attacks people seems to be working," Garrison said. "Clearly, a big appeal for Donald Trump is people who are angry at the system in Washington D.C., at the major parties. Those people have to go somewhere. I think some of Donald Trump's support is bigger than Donald Trump."

If Trump is nominated as the GOP's candidate, Garrison predicts another trend will be seen in Wichita Falls and the surrounding area - some Republicans, especially those who consider themselves staunch Christians, won't vote.

"We're probably going to see a lower turnout in places like this (if Trump's nominated)," he said.
DELMAR  A therapeutic aide from Castleton has been arrested and accused of raping and abusing a girl in his care at the Northeast Parent and Child Society.

The aide, Jarrett L. Coleman, 47, allegedly signed the girl out, stopped at a liquor store to buy alcohol for her, then took her to an Albany-area hotel where the rape and sexual acts occurred, according to the state Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs. Authorities declined to release the girl's age, but confirmed she was under 18 years old.
New company Advertisium is reaching out to the adult online industry. According to a company release, Advertisium is a self-serve ad network specializing in adult advertising. We are a new company, but not an inexperienced one. We strive to be the best and take our business very seriously.

The company statement explains, We work on a CPM basis and offer a variety of ad types and competitive prices. We're offering OS, category, browser, device, time, country and ISP targeting and a 100 percent unique fill rate. We have a bidding system which ensures that publishers always get the highest possible revenue.

According to Advertisium, it provides statistics are in real time. Publishers can track their eCPM, earnings and impressions, and advertisers can track their impressions by day, country and ad zone.

The statement added, With professional and courteous staff, we'll help you get closer to and achieve your dreams and ambitions. We are just a few clicks away. So come, join us and be a part of something more than just a business.
THE ISSUE:

The city of Ithaca wants to open a facility where opioid addicts can shoot up safely.

THE STAKES:

New York should not rule out a program that could save lives, in more ways than one.

More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse

You could call the "war on drugs" this nation's longest conflict  some 45 years, with no end in sight.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that nearly one-half of Americans over the age of 12 have used an illicit drug at least once in their lifetime.

About 2,300 New Yorkers die each year from overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Heroin use in particular is rising, and so are its casualties, spiking sharply since 2010.

So when a new strategy comes along, perhaps it's not a such good idea to dismiss it out of hand.

Which brings us to Ithaca, the central New York college town that has raised eyebrows by announcing something unheard of in this country: a facility where addicts can shoot up in a supervised setting and quickly get medical help if they overdose. Mayor Svante Myrick and others say it will also be a way to encourage addicts to seek treatment.

There is a hitch: Since it would be supervising illegal drug use, the city will need state and federal permission.

Sign up for The Knick  Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter.

It's out of the box, that's for sure. It may make you cringe. It's not a new idea in other countries  Canada, for one.

In Vancouver, a safe injection facility, Insite, has operated since 2003 in what started as a three-year experiment aimed at reducing overdoses and the spread of diseases like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis-C in one of the country's most drug-infested areas. Several dozen studies have found that it saved lives  in 1,418 overdoses at Insite through 2010, not one person died  and did not contribute to an increase in crime or perpetuate drug use. Rather, Insite has steered at least some clients into treatment, including a detox program that is part of the facility.

A second operation was approved this year for Vancouver, and five more sites are being talked about in Ontario. And, since 2014, Canada has allowed heroin prescriptions for addicts for whom traditional therapies haven't worked.

Not surprisingly, all this has been controversial in Canada, just as Ithaca's proposed experiment is here. It's understandable that some would question whether these accommodations lend an air of normalcy and approval to addiction.

Yet hasn't society, in its less myopic moments, recognized that sometimes ideology must adapt to reality? We've seen how clean needle programs help dramatically reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. And we don't just let other human beings die when we can help them. In recent days, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy announced a plan to make the heroin overdose antidote naloxone available to anyone in pharmacies in the county, while Gov. Andrew Cuomo said independent pharmacies statewide can provide naloxone without a prescription.

It is hard, we understand, to go from a mind-set of "just say no" to what sounds like "oh, go ahead." But Canada's experience suggests that, done right, this is not capitulation, but innovation. New York state and the federal government should let Ithaca be a pilot project  to see if, even in a small way, this strategy can help turn the tide in a so-far endless war.
Alessandra Tarantino

As a conservative Catholic, I have always been a strong supporter of the papacy. However, under the current tenure of Pope Francis, I have become concerned about his actions and statements. It appears as though what he has not done is as questionable as what he has done.

Discussing homosexual priests, Francis said: "If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?" If he was confining those words to the final judgement of souls, the statement was correct. Unfortunately, those words were seized by many to espouse judgements on moral issues. This obviously would undermine the papacy's teaching authority and should have been clarified.
The Best Lubricants for Sex

Water or Silicone? Flavored or Unflavored? The Options Are Endless

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

Sex isnt always as romantic or effortless or clean as it seems in our favorite blockbusters or on T.V. or on porn  in reality, it's often clumsy, awkward and messy. And that's alright. But if youre ready to go and shes not quite there, or having trouble staying lubricated during a longer session, you might need to take action. There are a couple of solutions to this problem, like using lubricated condoms, but youd be surprised at how far you can get with even a standard lubricant.

Personal lubricant is the quickest, easiest, and probably most effective preventative measure that you can take against dryness and chafing during sex. It can also help prolong love-making sessions, and make your own masturbation more enjoyable. And despite what porn might teach you, it is essential for anal intercourse.

RELATED: The Best Lubricants for Anal Sex

Even if you consider your sex life to be in pretty good shape, you should consider the advantages of introducing a personal lubricant. Quickies can actually be quick, long time love-making smooth, and you and your partner will avoid any post-sex soreness that you might have otherwise experienced from all the friction.

Heres the lowdown on different types of lube (from water-based lubricants to silicone-based lubricants), things to be mindful of, and reviews of the most popular and widely available brands. For starters, virtually all lubes on the market today fall into one of three categories  water-, silicone-, or oil-based. While each of these has their advantages and disadvantages (some specifically address vaginal dryness, while others are better for anal sex), water-based lubes are by far the most popular.

The Best Water-Based Lubricants

Water-based lubes are just that: water-based. Their main feature is that they're smooth and slick, but not sticky and messy like silicone and oil-based lubes can be. If stickiness is a turn-off, these are the best options beyond the natural lubrication of the body.

Since they're water-soluble, skin and mucous membranes will absorb them. This makes cleanup a breeze: just a little warm water, maybe some soap, and the lube will easily wash off the skin.

But its solubility also means that you might have to periodically re-apply it, depending on how long youre busy. This is one of the chief drawbacks of water-based lube, since we all know that in the heat of the moment, an interruption is probably the last thing that you want to happen.

Water-based lubes have the added advantage of being completely condom-compatible, as opposed to oil-based lubes that corrode latex (more on that later) or the old-school petroleum jelly option. One thing to watch out for, however, is that many water-based lubes contain glycerin, which can promote infections in women and make quick post-sex clean-up mandatory.

Slippery Stuff Personal Lubricant Gel

This is my far my favorite water-based lube on the market. Although it isnt as affordable and easy to find as Astroglide or other drugstore basics, Slippery Stuff is clean, smooth and the most long lasting lube on the market. With less expensive water-based lube you will find reapplication is necessary which can sometimes put a dent in your sex session, Slippery Stuff lasts forever. One pump of this sex lube and you and your girl are good to go.

$19.95 at AdamEve.com

A&E Personal Lube

This light lube is a go-to product that's good for anything from solo fun to couples play. It's totally compatible with latex condoms and all kinds of sex toys (including dildos, vibrators, butt plugs, strap-ons, penis rings and silicone toys of any design), and helps protect sensitive areas of the skin by staying slippery from start to finish.

$10.95 at AdamEve.com

YES Water-Based Organic Lubricant

This organic lubricant by YES is compatible with all types of condoms, latex and silicone sex toys. Not only that, but its super moisturizing and completely odorless and leaves absolutely no residue (some cheaper lubes will get a bit gross when in contact with the body). Plus, its made of organic materials and has flax extract and guar gum, which emulate a womans natural lubricants perfectly.

$12.45 at Amazon.com

Shibari Premium Personal Lubricant

This hypoallergenic, top-selling lube (it's a #1 Best Seller in the Sexual Lubricants category on Amazon) is water-based and non-staining. It's a premium lube that uses high-grade materials in order to deliver you a "soft, silky feel."

$8.95 at Amazon.com

Kama Sutra Love Liquid Classic Water-Based Lube

This classic water-based lube is available at most drug stores and provides the best comfort for sensitive skin. Its free of sugar and yeast and is sex-toy friendly. Extra smooth to the touch and great for beginners.

$12 at Amazon.com

Higher Nature V Gel

This super moisturizing lubricant nourishes dry skin always feeling soft. The gel also helps activate natural moisture to enhance intimacy and pleasure when being used between you and your lady. We love this lube for first timers.

$19.27 at Amazon.com

Hydra-Smooth Cream Lubricant

This lube is a classic made from glycerin, silicone and totally fragrance free, however if your girl can sometimes suffer from yeast infections post-coital this one fights against that. Great pick for sensitive ladies.

$7.69 at AllHealthCareProducts.com

The Best Silicon-Based Lubricants

Silicone-based lubes are similar to water-based lubes but are generally much greasier and last much longer, despite having a thinner texture. In fact, that's their main advantage: silicone-based lubes take ages to dry out. No muss, no fuss, no need to reapply.

What's more; theyll still work great it water. Also unlike water-based lubes, the silicone kind isnt quite as easy to clean up. Those who don't like silicone-based lubes say that using them is like having motor oil slathered on your parts, while others swear by it.

Pink

This lube is all focused on sexual pleasure. Its super smooth made from aloe vera and vitamin E with an extremely light, barely-there texture. Plus, it hypoallergenic. We love this lube for first time couples who want to add a little lube to their sex lives.

$22.95 at PinkSensuals.com

Swiss Navy Silicone-Based Lubricant

Swiss Navy comes in both a water or silicone-based formula, but this one-pump lube comes in a patented leak proof bottle so theres no risk in having that stuff squirt all over if your girl is carrying it around in her purse (you never know when you are going to need it). Swiss Navy eliminates friction perfectly and is made from the highest grade of silicone on the market. Plus, the packaging is rad.

$18.19 at Amazon.com

JO H20 Warming Lubricant

Most lubricants are designed with the female body in mind (except oil-based lubes which are almost always designated for male solo time), but System Jo H20 Warming Lubricant is the ultimate for female pleasure. Its super long-lasting, silky and 100% latex safe. It activates directly on contact and unlike most silicone lubes which can end up getting sticky or tacky with use, System Jo is totally wet and smooth.

$12.98 at Amazon.com

The Best Oil-Based Lubricants

Oil-based lubes arent as popular as the previous two kinds. First, they tend to corrode latex, so you can't use them with condoms. Second, they're usually made with ingredients that are bad for women's vaginal health. And finally, they're slimy and messy. Baby oil, Vaseline, Crisco, etc., are known for their lubricating properties, but try looking for a more natural alternative.

Boy Butter H20

More often than not, oil-based lubricants can really irritate the female body and therefore, should only be used for your solo ventures. That being said, when its private time we recommend Boy Butter H20. This sleek, smooth lube contains vitamin E, shea butter, natural oils and while its marketed as a water-based lube, it lasts as long as most oil-based formulas. Boy Butter claims to not be harsh on the female body, but every lady is different, so user beware!

$23.20 at Amazon.com

The Best Flavored Lubricants

Looking for a lube that you won't mind getting in your mouth here and there? While most lubes are at least safe to consume in small amounts, they tend not to taste great. That's where flavored lubes come in  flavored lubricants are a great option if your lovemaking tends to switch back and forth between oral and vaginal penetration (unsurprisingly, ass-to-mouth is discouraged).

ID Juicy Lube

I dont know about you, but when I was in high school there was this great rumor floating around that eating a mint before going down on a dude was supposed to send him over the edge. Only the bravest of girls tried it, but we all wondered if it was true and what I learned was for some guys, it was. I was always curious if it felt as good for a woman as it did for a guy. Sometimes mint can sting, dude! However, for those of us who are really into minty fresh sex, ID Juice Lube in Cool Mint is one of our favorite flavored lubes on the market. Its safe and mild and easy to apply. It also comes in a rainbow of flavors, so you can match your lube to your e-cig.

$11.79 at Amazon.com

There's no single lubricant that is guaranteed to please everyone equally, but we guarantee that there is a lubricant out there that meets your unique needs and preferences. With a little experimentation, you can find the brand that's right for you.

You Might Also Dig:

AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use.
The County Councils plans for next years 1916 Rising commemorations were questioned at this months meeting.

The County Councils plans for next years 1916 Rising commemorations were questioned at this months meeting.

Cllr Jim Ryan (Ind) said he hoped at least one Councillor from each area could liaise with the various bodies organising the ceremonies across the County. I strongly recommend that we have some kind of input into whats being planned.

Cllr Ger Darcy (FG) said one of the executed men - the activist, poet and revolutionary Thomas MacDonagh - came from his area near Cloughjordan. Some J10,000 had already been granted to a Cloughjordan group to commemorate the Rising. 1916 changed history, said Cllr Darcy, as far as Ireland is concerned. Cllr Michael Fitzgerald (FG) retorted that McDonagh may have come from Cloughjordan but only his native village of Golden had erected a statue in his honour. Theres no statue of him at all in Cloughjordan, said Cllr Fitzgerald.

Cllr David Doran (SF) said his party runs 1916 Rising events every year. Cllr Jackie Cahill (FF) said Fianna Fail had also been running them for a long number of years. We dont need an invitation. In 1919, the War of Independence started in Tipperary. We were the driving force behind it.

Cllr John Hogan (FF) said it was vital to support the people who commemorate it every year. When next year is over, they will be back. Its most important that the groups that always commemorate 1916 will not be ignored.

Director of Services for Community and Economic Development Ms Sinead Carr said the Council is meeting with a number of groups, including in Cloughjordan, in preparation for next year. The aim is to be as inclusive as possible.

The Co. Council will have a significant role and a Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) is being set up to drive through the Councils plans. Some J1m has been set aside for the local authority for the events along with more money from the Councils own budget, added Ms Carr.
NSSTA Lauds Virginia General Assembly for Unanimously Passing Changes to Commonwealth's Structured Settlement Protection Act

The National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA) today praised lawmakers in the Virginia General Assembly for unanimous passage of improvements to the Commonwealth's existing Structured Settlement Protection Act (SSPA). House Bill HB 52/Senate Bill 621 passed the Virginia House by a vote of 99-0 and the Virginia Senate passed SB 621 by a vote of 40-0. Both versions of the bill have been transmitted to Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

"This is a rare, but truly bipartisan effort by lawmakers to unanimously vote yes on improvements to Virginia's existing structured settlement protection act," said Eric Vaughn, Executive Director of NSSTA. "The Virginia General Assembly along with Virginia Association for Justice and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association deserve our association's praise and appreciation for working collaboratively to pass meaningful legislation that will proect Virginians and their families."







Structured settlements are a proven way for injury victims to receive compensation. A structured settlement provides a stream of future payments tailored to the injured party's needs, funded by an annuity issued by a highly rated life insurance company, and free of federal income tax.

The new law, when signed, will create more safeguards for structured settlement recipients who are considering selling their structured settlement annuity.

"We are looking forward to Gov. McAuliffe's signature of this vital legislation into law," added Vaughn.

For more information on structured settlements, visit the NSSTA website.

About National Structured Settlements Trade Association

Since 1985, the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA) has been the leading voice of the structured settlement industry, representing more than 1,200 professional structured settlement consultants, life insurance industry leaders, property and casualty company claims officials and lawyers from all across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.nssta.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160304005860/en/
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...
Leeds vs Fulham live stream and how to watch Premier League game online

The Leeds vs Fulham live stream is a must-win game for Leeds as they are now seven games without a win. Here's how to watch it live, wherever you are.
While locals are spending their kid's college fund on merch and overpriced nosebleed seats . . . Millionaire players live in palaces live in faraway places enjoying the finest things.Saturday juxtaposition for those precious few who pay attention to logic in the public discourse. Democrats blather endlessly about this topic:But then dweebs from both parties run to jump on a bandwagon and pay top dollar to fund millionaire athletes and billionaire pro-sports owners. Today's example . . .
Here's just a bit more political song and dance from the last remaining strident supporters of vacuum aspiration abortion - The most barbaric procedure of the modern era disguised a civil right. You decide: Local Head Of Planned Parenthood: Attacks Aim To Divert Attention From Kansas' Fiscal Problems
CHECK THIS NOTE INTERCEPTED BY KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS WHICH REVEALS MONEY PROBLEMS WITH KANSAS CITY ROYALS PAYMENTS AT JACKSON COUNTY!!!

RIGHT NOW JACKSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE INSIDERS ARE SEARCHING FOR MISSING AMUSEMENT LICENSE PAYMENTS AND TRYING TO SOLVE THIS LOST KANSAS CITY ROYALS CASH CRISIS!!!

We've been talking about the Kansas City Royals quite a bit this morning and right now check somereal worldwhich provides both a bombshellperspective about the ongoing need for reform in local government accounting.To wit . . .Take a look at a. . .Follow along, here's where it gets good . . .Now, clearly if Jackson County is sending out late pay notices, that are subsequently answered with payment info from the Royalsdoesn't know where the cash is . . . As of this writing . . .Furthermore . . .What this really reveals . . .While staffers and employees are doing their best to keep track of County payments . . . It's clear that there's a lot of room for cash problems at the County., a similar money counting snafus always impact a great many home owners when property tax time comes around despite claims that the County has solved these ongoing taxpayer complaints.And so . . . While our Dead Tree Media attempts to write mostly good news and explain away all the problems with Jackson County government . . . Anybody familiar with the organization knows the inner turmoil raging at both courthouses that involves quite a bit of taxpayer cash.And this is just one small part of an important story about taxpayer resources that is mostly untold except by ourDeveloping . . .
As Saudi Arabia makes plans for some of the biggest financial reforms in a generation, senior government representatives and leading bankers are set to meet for the 11th Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference at Riyadh in May.



According to experts, the kingdom is taking bold steps to manage the economic disruption caused by low oil prices and wider global financial turbulence, as it strives to diversify its economy away from dependency upon the carbon sector and towards a sustainable future.



Saudi Arabias 2016 budget has highlighted a number of crucial areas for reform, including increased privatisation, subsidy reform and greater economic diversification, all of which will create significant opportunities for an enhanced role for the private sector, they stated.



The Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference will provide an important opportunity to analyse these areas, bringing together representatives of key Saudi institutions and international financial leaders, said the event organisers.



Co-hosted with Dr Ibrahim Al-Assaf, Minister of Finance, the conference will take place from May 3 to 4 at the Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh.



Several top speakers from the kingdom including Dr Tawfig Al-Rabiah, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Dr Mufarrej Al-Haqbani, Minister of Labour, and Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Chairman, Capital Market Authority Saudi Arabia will address the gathering.



They will be joined by senior executives from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and State Street Global Advisors, as well as The World Bank and Schroders.



Richard Banks, the consulting editor of Euromoney Conferences and managing director of RMBanks & Company, said: "Decisions made in Saudi Arabia have a growing impact across the region and around the world, which is driving interest in the Euromoney Saudi Arabia Conference."



"In 2015, we marked the events tenth anniversary, and were very pleased that the quality of attendees, speakers and discussions gets better every year," noted Banks.



In 2016, with reform on the agenda and the pace of economic transformation picking up, we are sure the conference will provide valuable food for thought and insight into opportunities in the Kingdom, he stated.



"Highlights of the 2016 event will include a dedicated panel on the future of Saudi Arabias debt market, bringing together local and international experts to look at the tools and channels available for the Kingdom to raise capital," he added.



In addition, the event will host a special banking CEO roundtable, as well as examining equity markets in the Kingdom, and particularly what has changed since Qualified Foreign Investors (QFIs) were allowed to invest in the Saudi stock market in 2015.-TradeArabia News Service
Iran complained on Saturday that European banks and companies were too wary about renewing business ties following the lifting of economic sanctions and said it had asked the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ease their concerns.



In January, world powers led by the US and the European Union lifted most sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear programme.



But some US sanctions remain, and US banks remain prohibited from doing business with Iran directly or indirectly because Washington still accuses Iran of "supporting terrorism". That has deterred European institutions, which fear they could face US legal problems if they re-establish banking links.



"There is still 'Iranophobia' in the banking sector that we're trying to overcome," Hamid Tehranfar, a vice governor of Iran's central bank, was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA.



"We have asked the IMF to review our regulations so other countries' banks feel reassured. The IMF will announce its assessment in 2018," he added, without explaining why it would take two years.



As part of sanctions relief, most of Iran's banks were reconnected to the Swift international payments network last month, allowing them to resume cross-border transactions with foreign banks. But because of foreign institutions' legal fears, actual activity has remained very limited.



Alex Thursby, chief executive of National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the emirate's biggest bank, said this week that in reality, no banks could conduct transactions with Iran in US dollars under current conditions.



That is a political as well as an economic headache for the administration of President Hassan Rouhani, since his conservative parliamentary critics have complained the nuclear deal is not delivering the expected benefits to Iran.



Deputy foreign minister Majid Takhteravanchi, a negotiator of the nuclear deal, also criticised the "cautious behaviour" of European banks in resuming transactions with Iran.



"There is no legal obstacle in the way of expansion of Iran-Europe relations," IRNA quoted Takhteravanchi as telling European businessmen at a forum in Tehran on Saturday.



He also said the Iranian central bank was implementing new rules against money laundering and terrorism funding to facilitate ties with European banks.



The central bank's governor, Valiollah Seif, told the forum that Iran's market was ripe for cooperation between Iranian and European banks.



"Transparency is the prerequisite of international transactions. Iran has taken primary steps to make the financial information of Iranian banks as transparent as possible."-Reuters
Evidence mounted on Friday linking Zika to the birth defect microcephaly, and the United Nations health agency set a review of travel advice related to the outbreak of the virus while US officials planned strategy to control mosquitoes that spread it.



The virus is capable of rapidly infecting and harming developing fetal brain cells, scientists said in a study that provided insight into how the virus might cause microcephaly in fetuses.



The researchers said the study, published on Friday in the journal Cell Stem Cell, does not prove a direct causal link between Zika and microcephaly in newborns, a condition defined by unusually small heads that can result in developmental problems. But they said it does identify where the virus may be inflicting the most damage in developing fetuses.



Zika has been linked to numerous cases of microcephaly in Brazil, where the current outbreak began. The virus is spreading rapidly in Latin America and in Caribbean nations, prompting the World Health Organization last month to declare a global public health emergency.



The WHO said on Friday that there is accumulating evidence of a link between the virus and microcephaly as well as a rare disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome in which the immune system attacks part of the nervous system.



The WHO's Emergency Committee is due to meet on Tuesday to review "evolving information" and its recommendations on travel, trade and mosquito control in what is thought to be high season for transmission of the virus in the southern hemisphere.



The WHO last month advised pregnant women to consider delaying travel to areas where Zika is spreading.



Travel to Brazil has been a particular concern because the Summer Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro in August.



Dr. Bruce Aylward, WHO's executive director for outbreaks and health emergencies, said recently published studies in the Lancet medical journal on microcephaly and by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Guillain-Barre had strengthened the case that Zika is responsible.



The White House and the CDC will bring together US state and local officials on April 1 for a summit at the CDC's Atlanta headquarters to urgently craft a plan to attack the hard-to-control mosquito that spreads the virus.



The White House is inviting officials involved in mosquito control and public health to discuss how best to track and control the spread of the virus and respond when people are infected.



US federal health officials expect the first locally transmitted cases of the Zika virus in the continental United States by June or July.



"We can't say for sure that we're not going to have a major outbreak in the United States. I do not think we will, but we will be prepared for it anyway," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said at an event presented by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in collaboration with Reuters.



MICROCEPHALY OUTSIDE BRAZIL



There were fresh signs on Friday of Zika-linked microcephaly cases outside Brazil. Colombia reported its first microcephaly case linked to Zika.



In addition, doctors in Venezuela reported their first suspected Zika-linked microcephaly case in a fetus that died whose mother likely was infected with the virus.



Much remains unknown about Zika, including whether the virus actually causes microcephaly. Brazil said it has confirmed more than 640 microcephaly cases and considers most to be related to Zika infections in the mothers. Brazil is investigating more than 4,200 additional suspected microcephaly cases.



A small study published on Friday in the New England Journal of Medicine found evidence of a range of severe fetal abnormalities apparently linked to Zika virus in pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro. They included calcification of the brain, placental insufficiency with low to no amniotic fluid, fetal growth restriction and central nervous system damage, including potential blindness.



The study in Cell Stem Cell showed that Zika infects a kind of neural stem cell that gives rise to the cerebral cortex, the brain's outer layer responsible for intellectual capabilities and higher mental functions.



These cells, exposed to the virus in laboratory dishes, became infected within three days, turned into "virus factories" for viral replication and died more quickly than normal, the researchers said.



Florida State University researcher Hengli Tang, the study's lead author, said the study suggests the virus would be capable of doing the damage seen in microcephaly.



"The important thing is the data is moving in one direction. And that's the reason we've asked the Emergency Committee again next week to convene and look at these data," the WHO's Aylward said, referring to a group of independent experts chaired by David Heymann.  Reuters
A consortium of Saudi and UAE companies has expressed interest in setting up a giant industrial city in the Suez region of Egypt at an investment of $3 billion, said a report.



A request has been submitted to the Economic Commission of the Suez Canal for acquiring a 5 million sq ft area for the project, reported Arab News, citing a senior official.



The industrial city would boast of 120 industrial units and factories which will be manufacturing a wide range of products including food items and automobiles, stated the alliance's representative, Ahmed Sabri.



About $300 million has been set aside for the basic infrastructure of the project, which would also feature a business city and storage areas, he added.



The Commission's deputy chairman Major General Abdulqadir Darwish said it was striving to carve out an area in Egypt free of bureaucracy, to drive economic growth.



He said the development plan for the Suez Canal would be completed before July and that the commission would have the mandate to set up projects that would create jobs for Egyptians, it added.
Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was briefly detained for questioning on Friday in a federal investigation of a vast corruption scheme, fanning a political crisis that threatens to topple his successor, President Dilma Rousseff.



Lula's questioning in police custody was the highest profile development in a two-year-old graft probe centered on the state oil company Petrobras, which has rocked Brazil's political and business establishment and deepened the worst recession in decades in Latin America's biggest economy.



The investigation threatens to tarnish the legacy of Brazil's most powerful politician, whose humble roots and anti-poverty programs made him a folk hero, by putting a legal spotlight on how his left-leaning Workers' Party consolidated its position since rising to power 13 years ago.



Police picked up Lula at his home on the outskirts of Sao Paulo and released him after three hours of questioning.



They said evidence suggested Lula had received illicit benefits from kickbacks at the oil company, Petrobras, in the form of payments and luxury real estate.



The evidence against the former president brought the graft investigation closer to his protege Rousseff. She is already fighting off impeachment for allegedly breaking budget rules, weakening her efforts to pull the economy out of recession.



Rousseff expressed her disagreement with the police taking her mentor into custody, saying it was "unnecessary" after his voluntary testimony. But she repeated her backing for institutions investigating corruption and said the probe must continue until those responsible were punished.



News of Lula's brief detention sparked a rally in Brazilian assets as traders bet that the political upheaval could empower a more market-friendly coalition.



The real currency BRL= rose over 3 percent against the U.S. dollar before settling to a 1 percent gain. The Bovespa stock index .BVSP rose 4 percent, led by a 10 percent surge for the state oil giant Petrobras, formally known as Petroleo Brasileiro SA.



"Ex-president Lula, besides being party leader, was the one ultimately responsible for the decision on who would be the directors at Petrobras and was one of the main beneficiaries of these crimes," police said in a statement on his detention.



"There is evidence that the crimes enriched him and financed electoral campaigns and the treasury of his political group."



Lula was indignant, slamming investigators for "disrespecting democracy" and running what he called a media circus rather than a serious investigation.



He told supporters at Workers' Party headquarters he had already answered the questions that police asked him on Friday and reiterated that he was not the owner of luxury real estate that investigators have suggested he received as bribes.



Rousseff has also repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Her labor minister, Miguel Rossetto, said in a public statement that the detention was "a clear attack on what Lula represents."-Reuters
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said on Saturday that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must leave at the beginning of a political transition, not at the end.



"For us it is very clear it's at the beginning of the process, not at the end of the process, it's not going to be 18 months," Jubeir said during a visit to France.



His comments came days before the UN plans to reconvene peace talks to try to end the five-year-old civil war in Syria.



The US and other Western governments that were previously calling for Assad's early departure have quietly backed away from that demand as his position has been strengthened by Russia's military involvement in Syria since last September.



Jubeir also said Saudi Arabia will take delivery of French arms it originally ordered for Lebanon.



In February, Saudi Arabia suspended a $3 billion aid package for the Lebanese army in response to Beirut's failure to condemn attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran.



"We made the decision that we will stop the $3 billion from going to the Lebanese military and instead they will be rediverted to the Saudi military," Jubeir told journalists during a visit in Paris.



"So the contracts (with France) will be completed but the clients will be the Saudi military".-Reuters
Germany and Italy's interior ministers have written to the European Commission calling for an EU-wide system to register migrants and a harmonisation of selection procedures and rights for asylum seekers, a German newspaper reported.



In the letter seen by Sueddeutsche Zeitung, German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere and Italy's Angelino Alfano called for an "ambitious reform" of the Dublin rules - which oblige migrants to request asylum in the first EU country they enter - by means of a "newly adjusted Common European Asylum System".



The EU has been seeking to establish a Common European Asylum System since 1999 but differences between member countries have persisted despite attempts to unify asylum laws in the bloc.



Germany and Italy's interior ministers said in their letter to European Commission First Vice President Frans Timmermans and EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos that an EU-wide registration mechanism that includes security checks should be set up with the help of EU border agency Frontex.



They also called for a harmonisation of the differing conditions throughout the bloc for accepting migrants, selection procedures and rights for asylum seekers. They said the EU's Asylum Support Office (EASO) should get extra staff and funds so it could become a "real European asylum agency".



They suggested identifying people in need of protection within their countries of origin or transit countries before bringing them to Europe - the approach currently being pursued in the EU's cooperation with Turkey - and said the aim was to create an "institutionalised relocation system in the EU".



The EU's external borders need to be secured to sustainably reduce the influx and refugees should be spread around the bloc by means of set annual quotas, they said.



In the midst of the worst migration crisis in Europe since World War Two, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have been among the staunchest opponents of EU plans to transfer asylum seekers arriving in southern Europe to other EU states.



The ministers called for an EU list of safe countries of origin and said a "robust and coordinated European repatriation mechanism" was needed to send illegal economic migrants back to their countries of origin.-Reuters
You can opt out of certain types of cookies (e.g. those used in social media sharing) by choosing "I do not accept". The website will still largely function well, but with slightly less functionality in places. To manage your cookie preferences in future, visit the "Cookie Statement" link at the bottom of any page.
Welcome to Line Danci Read more [...]
An East Ridge High School student was arrested on Friday after authorities said he assaulted a teacher and then threatened to get a gun and shoot several people at the school.

The Sheriff's Office said, "On Friday, the administration of East Ridge High School and the Sheriffs Office SRO investigated an assault on a teacher by a student that occurred earlier this morning.

"Additionally, the same student was overheard making statements about possessing a gun hidden at his residence. He then proceeded to state that he would return to the school to shoot the principal, a teacher, and a student.

"Upon completion of the investigation, there was no access to a weapon to be found. The juvenile male student was arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Unit. The male juvenile will be charged with simple assault and harassing threats."

In the second incident, the Sheriff's Office said on Friday afternoon, a note was found on the floor in the hallway at Washington Alternative School.

Officials said, "The note indicated a threat to shoot the school in general, the majority of teachers, and school administrators.

"Upon completion of the investigation by the school administration and the HCSO SRO, a responsible student was identified. A juvenile male student was arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Unit. The student was charged with false reporting and simple assault/threats. Additional charges may be pending at a later date."

In the third case, a note was discovered written on a bathroom wall in a girls restroom at Ooltewah High School on Friday morning.

Officials said, "The note indicated a threat to shoot students at the campus along with a reference to the previous note found in a boys restroom last week.

"Upon completion of the investigation by the school administration and the HCSO SRO, a responsible student was identified. A juvenile female student was arrested and transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Unit. The female student was charged with false reporting, four counts of simple assault, and disorderly conduct."


State Rep. Andy Holt (R-Dresden) said he will be asking the state attorney general for an opinion on the practice of using traffic cameras to enforce citations.

This practice is so predatory its not even funny, said Rep. Holt. City officials and lawmakers know these companies are violating the law, but the almighty dollar speaks louder than the rights of Tennesseans.

At question is a specific part of Tennessee State law that mandates only POST-certified or state commissioned law enforcement officers shall be authorized to review video evidence from a traffic light signal monitoring system and make a determination as to whether or not a violation has occurred (TCA 55-8-198 B(1)). However, Rep. Holt said that is not happening.

He said, "Even though state law mandates that no one other than law enforcement may view the video evidence and determine whether or not a violation has occurred, traffic camera companies view the video footage and determine whether or not a violation has occurred well in advance of law enforcement. The companies then send the scrubbed footage back to law enforcement after they have deleted all the instances of violations where they feel the law had not been violate. Police then view this footage a second time to confirm.

Since when do non-certified, out-of-state (and sometimes out-of-country) employees have the legal authority to determine whether or not the law was violated. That would be like you or I saying, Well, I dont think I ran the red light, so Im just going to delete the evidence and not send it to police. How many times do these employees mess up? When were they given legal jurisdiction over the people of Tennessee?

Rep. Holt said that the companies "readily admit to violating this law in their own marketing material.

Their own commercials say that their employees review the footage to determine whether or not a violation has occurred before sending the footage back to police.

He said he has spoken with many legal experts, and "they all agree that the practice clearly violates state law. If Attorney General Slatery opines correctly, millions of dollars in automated traffic violations could have to be paid back to Tennesseans."

Rep. Holt said, The letter of the law is quite plain and simple. It doesnt say a traffic camera company can determine whether or not the law was broken, then forward it to local police to verify. It says definitively, Only POST-certified or state commissioned law enforcement officers have the legal authority to view this footage and determine whether or not the law was broken. Therefore, they are actually breaking the law twice. Once by even viewing the footage and again by determining whether or not the law was broken before sending it to police for verification.
A six-year-old girl was struck by a car while crossing a street to a school bus in Walker County on Friday morning.

First grader Shelby Johnson was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery.

Her mother, Heather Johnson said she has a busted spleen, a broken pelvic bone, her leg is shattered, her brain is bleeding and her neck was almost broken.

The Georgia State Patrol said no charges will be filed against the driver because the bus had not come to a stop and was still moving forward when the child started across the street.




Again, I watched with great embarrassment the Republican presidential debate on Fox.



It's was pitiful that two of the leading Republican presidential candidates felt it appropriate to discuss the size of their hands and how it related to the size of other body parts in their quest for the presidency. It's sad for the country that the leading candidates of the Republican Party have devolved into this. Middle school elections have more class and civility.



Trump is wholly unqualified for the presidency.

Instead of "making us great again," he is bringing our election process down to the lowest of the lows. The trajectory of the Republican campaign proves what Trump will do as president and others are following him down this fool-hardy path of conducting themselves in an inappropriate way for those running for the highest office in the land.Other candidates, office holders and party leaders recognize this and on the one hand will say it, but then go on to undermine their own argument against a Trump presidency when they say they will ultimately support Trump, if he wins the nomination.I won't. If one truly believes Trump is bad for the Republican Party and nation, like I do, they should never support him if he wins the nomination. In my book, the good of the nation comes before the good of the party. Republicans who truly believe this should take a strong stand and say it.If a politician of either party will ultimately sacrifice the good of the nation for the good of their own political party first, he or she has no business being in national elected office. Republican office holders need to think about that before they jump on the Trump bandwagon.Republican office holders didn't put the good of the party before the good of the nation when Nixon was in office. They shouldn't be doing it now by supporting a toxic Trump for president and as the new leader of the Republican Party.We can do much much better as a party and nation. There is still time to find an appropriate nominee more in line of actual policy, conduct and character of Ronald Reagan. Supporting Kasich staying in the race for a possibility of a brokered convention or a draft Mitt Romney movement would be a start.Tim Gobble

* * *

Mr. Gobble: You and the other Republican men can wiggle lacy fans in front of your faces and feign horror all you want, and perhaps you could just go quietly to sleep on a fainting couch while youre at it.

But after seven years of those do-nothing Republican girlie-men in the House and Senate, I say: Give Me TRUMP, big name, big jet, big hands, big mouth and anything else big he wants to take to the White House with him.





Pamela Alexander

Signal Mountain
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Developments Employment Security Administrator Linda Davis is hosting a lunch and learn to inform employers of a new system initiative  streamlining the unemployment processes.

The luncheon will be held at IBEW Local 175 at 3922 Volunteer Drive in Chattanooga, on March 17. This opportunity will provide employers easier accessibility to the Unemployment Insurance system, which will help save time and money, while promising to be user-friendly and efficient.
In the two months I have turned my attention to the Hamilton County Department of Education and its board, I would have never dreamed there would be so much to laugh about. From George Ricks bellowing to Bring momma home to David Testermans outrageous outrage over a superintendent who has clearly failed the systems 43,000 students, we could produce a sit-com to rival Cheers.

This week started out funny. When Bill Kilbride sought the Hamilton County Commissions blessing on the Chattanooga 2.0 initiative, the county fathers were quick to be unanimous but said the city had forced its share of the old school system on the county. Therefore Chattanooga 2.0 should be renamed because Chattanooga has nothing to do with education any longer. Are you kidding me?

The County Commission is jealous because Chattanooga is in the title of a renaissance program to lift our students off rock bottom in the state. I chided the name back in December, because a 2.0 average in college equates to a C, or  better put  just ordinary. But if we called it Hamilton County 2.0 everybody would get it mixed up with nine other states that have a county named for the nations first secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton.

On Thursday, after the news media gave glowing reports to retired Colonel Shaun Sadler, who at the time was the lone applicant for the interim position, school board chairman Jonathan Welch was compelled to issue a statement reminding everyone that the school board would make the decision on the interim, not the Chamber of Commerce, the 2.0 crowd or the news media. Put that on the stove, boil it down, and youll find some vain board members whose little feelings are hurt.

On Friday that was abundantly clear when Rhonda Thurman wrote a hateful letter demanding the Chamber, the 2.0 crowd and everybody else to stay in their own lane. Rhonda, who I admire, wrote, We are all traveling in the same direction headed for the same destination, and added, When we get into somebody elses lane there may be a collision. We all have a job to do and, if we all do our jobs, then everything will get done  I respectfully ask that all groups who want to do the school boards job without being elected to please step aside  I ask for everyone to stay in their own lane.

I am still laughing about the letter but, if you havent noticed, the fact the school board has not done its job is why so many outsiders are trying to help. And thats not funny, not one darn bit. I believe it is time for the school board to be held accountable and that, this August, all nine members should come up for election.

Lets face it, the third straight superintendent the school board has hired is going down in flames. Add up the previous buyouts for Jesse Register and Jim Scales, throw in the proposed buy-out for Rick Smith and Rhonda & Companys antics alone have cost us well over a half-million dollars that we aint got!

Thats right -- $150,000 to Register, $200,000 to Scales and $269,000 to Smith  all in the last 10 years plainly showz the whole lot of the board should probably be impeached. Our school system has never been worse, our facilities are inadequate (Central High has been promised an auditorium every year in the last 50), and our teachers, who should be our MVPs, have fallen prey to fear from the Good Ole Boy network and the districts vast cronyism.

The school board, despite nine people who have good intentions, is the root of Chattanoogas education woes. All $619,000 in buy-out bucks. It is unfathomable how the same nine people can pocket $1,000 every month as our school district becomes the doormat in the state. We spend more money per student than any other county in Tennessee and  what! -- have one expensive collision after another to show for it.

Smith is leaving like a rock star. Hes getting $234,000 in accrued vacation pay (the board needs to stop that Bingo!), a pension of $95,000 a year, and roughly another $6,800 in sick pay (another Bingo item.)

Talk about a multi-car pile-up! When Smith was deviously hired as the Super, he engineered it where he was not only the lone candidate but where no other applications could be submitted. You know who went along with such shenanigans and then actually approved them? The single-lane dummies!

The same school board  just over a year ago as test results were openly plummeting  gave Smith a $25,000 raise with two years remaining on his contract. But the nine dunces happily gave him a new four-year contract, saying they were afraid some other system would get him. Based on the 2.0 revelations alone, the guy couldnt get an offer in Siberia.

I am serious about this: I think the Hamilton County Commission, or the state legislature or Haslam or Obama  I dont care  should demand that this August we should elect a fresh school board. Four members are already up for election and the other five will have two years remaining. Im saying the public should open all nine seats due to just cause. The board has simply failed to perform and, in the last 10 years, has most likely cost us $619,000 in frivolous expense.

The school board should be held accountable. There are some good school board members, hard workers and sincere. By all means put every present board member on the August ballot. Oh, I suspect it to be crowded because the people of Hamilton County are incensed. They are the school boards customers and they have been horribly under-served.

I believe I could make a case that the school board has been left in the dark about a lot of things by Smiths administration, but I could make an equally-compelling argument that if just one had dared to seek out the information contained in the 2.0 report, perhaps the board wouldnt be as derelict as it now finds itself.

Smiths horrid handling of the Ooltewah rape is squarely the school boards fault. The school board  Smiths boss -- should have demanded an emergency meeting immediately and required public testimony from everyone involved save the victim. This should have never gone to courts but, because it was so badly botched, we find ourselves in a smelly swamp of money, money, money and a March without an answer. The school board should be held accountable by County Mayor Jim Coppinger or the County Commission but the foolishness has to stop.

It should be clear that the rape did not cost Smith his job. I believe his abnormal reaction was the tipping point because this was after the 2.0 report revealed the closely-held cards Smith and his faithful were hiding from his answerable body. What is puzzling is that the board knew full-and-well about the systems woeful numbers in the state. Why didnt anybody question Smith or probe into such a snake pit? That is the school boards fault, and ours for electing the nine.

Im for a totally fresh start, a new chapter in Hamilton County education. It is important that the terms over-lap so this year we vote for five four-year terms and four two-year terms to get the school board cycle back on track. A new school board, a new superintendent that the new board will select, and a total revamping of the system that someone as capable as interim candidate Shaun Sadler will provide will restore trust, transparency and pride to a school district now lacking all three.

Everybody involved must be held accountable. Every single soul. That cuts down on multi-car pile-ups.
100 Bottles Of Upscale Liquor Seized At Liquor Store Accused Of Selling Stolen Booze

By Mae Rice in News on Mar 4, 2016 10:19PM



Items police found when they searched Buy-Low Liquors (photo via Chicago Police Department)

Updated 10/12/16: The charges have been dropped against Samuel, Matthew and Isho Youkhana.

Police caught Humboldt Parks Buy-Low Liquor taking the adage buy low, sell high a smiiiidge too far. A recent multi-agency police investigation revealed that the store was fencing stolen booze, culminating on Tuesday in three arrests and seizure of more than $100,000 in cash.

Samuel, Matthew, and Isho Youkhana, all associated with the liquor store at 4301 W. North Ave., were all charged with theft, continuing criminal enterprise, and money laundering on Tuesday.

The arrests came after police obtained search warrants for thirteen locations relevant to the case, including the store and associated homes and banks. During the search, police seized the proceeds and assets of the business, $100,000 in cash, more than 100 bottles of high-end alcohol, and one illegally-possessed handgun.

The investigation started in January, when the New Lenox Police Department reached out to the Chicago Police Departments Asset Forfeiture Unit with suspicions that the store was selling liquor stolen from suburban stores, including Marianos and Jewel.

The investigation was a true joint effort, police officials said. Spearheaded by the New Lenox Police department and the Chicago Police Departments Asset Forfeiture Unit, the investigation got additional assistance from the Cook County States Attorneys Office and the Des Plaines and Northbrook Illinois Police Departments.

Because Buy-Low Liquors is just super illegal on every level, The Chicago Department of Buildings also inspected the store, which resulted in a Commissioner Closing for dangerous building code violations.


Chicago.com, A Site With Same Owner As Sun-Times And Reader, Plagiarizes Wildly

By Rachel Cromidas in News on Mar 4, 2016 7:32PM



Updated 2:50 p.m.

Chicago.com, an obscure media property with an anything but obscure name, has been caught plagiarizing from several news websites, including Chicagoist.

The website, which bills itself as a destination for those looking for stuff to do in the city, is owned by Wrapports, the local media company that owns the Sun-Times and the Chicago Reader, among other news outletsand has been pretty thoroughly derided for its bad website, bad content and bad business strategy. We are loyal Reader and Sun-Times readers, but we honestly did not know Chicago.com existed until this week (The Chicago Reader has no editorial input in Chicago.com).

The site's existence came up with the news that Michael Ferro was taking the reins at Tribune Publishing, which owns the Los Angeles Times as well as the Chicago Tribune. It was announced at the same time that Tribune has acquired LA.com in the hopes of creating a website "to celebrate Los Angeles and extend the reach of the Los Angeles Times brand." Ferro, as the Chairman of Wrapports, was the brains behind Chicago.com, whose goal, Chicago Magazine reports, was become the "to go-to Chicago commerce and content site." (Ferro just transferred his ownership of Wrapports to a charity trust to avoid the conflict of owning competing media brands in Chicago.)

Browsing Chicago.com for the first time, we noticed some things. First, its interface is way nicer than the Sun-Times', with a reasonable and not-entirely-overwhelming number of ads. Second, a seemingly endless number of its internal links redirect to an error page. And third, some of its articles sounded way more than just coincidentally familiar. And one in particular, "16 Of Our Favorite Events In Chicago This Weekend," was, quite literally, a story we originally wrote and published.

The story has since been deleted from Chicago.com, but here's a side-by-side comparison and a cached version of how it used to appear on Chicago.com.

We Tweeted about the problem Friday morning and emailed the domain controller Vujadin Milinovich, whose LinkedIn page says he is the Chicago Sun-Times' operations manager. He responded that Chicago.com had removed the article from the site.

Julian Posada, Wrapports' EVP of marketing and strategy, told Chicagoist in an email Friday afternoon that "technical issues" were involved. "We have removed the content you reference below from our site. We immediately looked into this matter and found technical issues which we are addressing," he wrote.

But as other local journalists discovered after reviewing the website Friday, we weren't the only site to find our writing copied and pasted directly to Chicago.com:



Related:

L.A. Times Reporters Had To Fight Their Bosses For Tickets To Cover Oscars
 Flash

European Council president Donald Tusk said on Friday that the European Union (EU) need to move forward in cooperation with Turkey to stem flows of refugees entering Europe.

"In my meeting with Prime Minister (Ahmet) Davutoglu in Ankara on Thursday, we agreed that there is good progress to report on a number of actions in our EU-Turkey Action Plan but that the number of illegal entries from Turkey to Greece remains far too high," Tusk wrote in his letters to EU leaders ahead of next Monday's EU-Turkey summit.

"We both believe that we can reduce the flow through large-scale and rapid return from Greece of all migrants not in need of international protection," Tusk said.

Turkey was one of the last stops of Tusk's tour to fix the refugee crisis, which took him to Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Skopje, Athens, Ankara, Istanbul and Belgrade from the 1st to the 4th of March.

Tusk sought to use the "shuttle diplomacy" to continue building a European consensus on how to handle the migration crisis and to prepare for the summit with Turkey on next Monday and the EU leaders' summit on March 17-18.

Tusk urged in the tour more and better coordination inside the EU. He called on member states of the EU to be prepared to massively step up the assistance to alleviate the humanitarian consequences of EU's decision, saying that it is the shared responsibility that Greece gets the help it needs.

Tusk also appealed to do everything to make the EU-Turkey action plan work and significantly reduce the inflow of migrants to Europe via Turkey.

At the European Council in February, European leaders agreed to organize a special meeting with Turkey to speedy implementation of the EU-Turkey action plan, in order to stem migration flows and tackle networks of traffickers and smugglers.

"Respecting the Schengen rules will not solve the migration crisis," said Tusk on Thursday during his stop in Greece.

"Excluding Greece from Schengen is neither an end nor a means in this crisis. Greece is part of Schengen, of the euro area and of the European Union and will remain so," he said.

He also noted that the countries of the Western Balkans route, which was the main entry point for migrants, are expected to agree to end "the so-called wave-through policy" at the upcoming meeting.

Also on Friday, the European Commission (EC) presented a detailed roadmap of the concrete steps needed to return order to the management of the EU's external and internal borders in a bid to restore the normal functioning of the Schengen area.

The creation of the Schengen area without internal borders has brought important benefits to European citizens and businesses alike. Yet in recent months the system has been severely tested by the refugee crisis, the EU's executive body, noted in a statement.

The EC statement said ensuring the protection of the external borders was a shared responsibility, urging the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to adopt the EC's ambitious proposal for a European border and coast guard no later than June.

Meanwhile, the statement stressed that the external border in Greece was under immense pressure and there was an immediate need to address the current shortcomings in border management.

"While the exceptional and temporary controls that are happening now in 8 countries of the Schengen zone are according to the rules, we cannot forget the objective; that they are indeed exceptional and temporary," said Dimitris Avramopoulos, Member of the EC in charge of Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship on Friday.

"The ones who wish to come over to Europe and are in need of international protection, they will have it. The others have to be returned. This process has already started. The very first 300 people were returned to Turkey because they were irregularly here," he said.

The European refugee crisis, which broke out last year as a result of wars and chaos in the Middle East and North Africa, has shown signs of deterioration after Austria started to impose daily caps on the admission of refugees earlier this year, causing a wave of border closures by the Balkan states over the past few weeks.

Some 129,455 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe by sea since the beginning of 2016, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) revealed Tuesday.
About

Enjoy all-inclusive luxury with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The fleet of all-suite, intimate, luxurious ships includes Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor. Regent Seven Seas Cruises visits nearly 350 destinations in Africa, Alaska, Asia Pacific, Canada/New England, India, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and the Tropics, with itineraries that give guests the opportunity explore and immerse themselves in fascinating ports of call. You really can have it all aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
These insect-killing chemicals spell doom for important pollinators.

Man versus insect. Its a story that has been playing out forever, at least since humans and bugs first started competing for the same plants. But when man went to the lab and created synthetic pesticides, we gained the advantage ... yet is the collateral damage worth the victory? The toxins released into the environment alone are enough to cause alarm. But the harm done to beneficial insects  namely the pollinators  is not only alarming but cause for concern. Honeybees, one of our most important allies in agriculture, our suffering from years of decline. Pesticides  these are chemicals meant to kill insects, after all  are decidedly not helping.

Without pollinators, were doomed.

"Pollinators are a critical link in our food system. More than 85 percent of earth's plant species  many of which compose some of the most nutritional parts of our diet  require pollinators to exist. Yet we continue to see alarming declines in bee numbers," said Eric Mader, assistant pollinator conservation director at the Xerces Society.

So what are we to do?

One of the best ways we can help support thriving hives and protect pollinators is to provide plentiful foraging by way of gardens that offer nectar, pollen and habitat. But just as important is that we decline the use of pesticides when we grow things, according to Beyond Pesticides, the nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. that has been fighting the fight since 1981.

The most commonly used insecticides in home gardens  and farms and school yards, parks and urban landscapes  are a class of chemicals called neonicotinoids. As the Xerces Society explains, these chemicals are used to kill sap-sucking and leaf-chewing insects; they are systemic, meaning they are absorbed by the plant tissues and expressed in all parts, including nectar and pollen. Bees, butterflies, and other flower-hopping insects are harmed by the residues; even at low doses, honey bees ability to navigate, fly and forage is affected. What is most worrisome is the, prolific inclusion of these insecticides in home garden products, notes the Xerces Society. Home garden products containing neonicotinoids can legally be applied in far greater concentrations in gardens than they can be on farms  sometimes at concentrations as much as 120 times as great which increases the risk to pollinators.

To keep your lawn and garden happy, healthy, and teeming with life for pollinators, they say, you should avoid the products that contain neonicotinoids  look for members of the neonicotinoid family on the labels: acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid, nitenpyram, nithiazine, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam.

And with that in mind, a few years ago Beyond Pesticides put together an important list of 68 common home and garden products that contain neonicotoids. Help save the bees by not using chemicals meant to kill insects in your garden! If not for their sake  which should be reason alone  then for the sake of our food supply.
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 5

The members of the All India Terrorist Victims Association gathered near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Company Bagh here to press upon the government to release a package for the families of the victims.

Association Chairman BR Hastir said they have decided to use their might to get the package released before the 2017 assembly elections in the state. Hastir said members of the victims families from the entire Majha region convened at Company Bagh today.

He said the Nanavati Commission report was presented in Parliament in 2005 after which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had announced a package for the victims of Delhi riots of 1984.

But the victims of terrorist activities in Punjab were ignored. Then in 2006, Punjab government had sent a proposal for a package of Rs 781 crore for terrorism victims which is still pending with the Finance Ministry, he said.

The association members said a delegation had met Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in January and he had assured to consider their demands sympathetically.
Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, March 4

The Supreme Court today said it would set up a larger Bench, possibly of five Judges, to go into the validity of the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE) being conducted by the Bar Council of India (BCI) for issue of license to law graduates to practise in courts.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice TS Thakur said the issue required to be thrashed out once and for all in the interest of raising the benchmark for practising advocates.This is a crucial issue for the entire profession and it is time to introspect. Let us raise the standard and change the present atmosphere of lawyers fighting, agitating and squabbling, with only a few of them arguing in courts, the CJI said.

The Bench was hearing a petition challenging AIBE.
Vrindavan, March 5

Union Minister V K Singh on Saturday targeted JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar for calling Rohith Vemula his inspiration, alleging that the Dalit scholar had organised a meeting in support of Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon.

"I read in newspapers today that a JNU student leader says that he does not draw inspiration from Afzal Guru but Rohith Vemula. I told myself that Rohith Vemula too had organised a meeting for Yakub Memon.

"Are we with those people who encourage terrorism and who abuse India?" he told a convention of BJYM, the youth wing of BJP.

At a time when the BJP has been trying to play down the row over the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad university, Singh's remarks could fuel the controversy further as the minister questioned his "support" for Memon, who was hanged for his role in Mumbai blasts.

Kumar, out on bail in a sedition case, had said on Friday that he considered Rohith an inspiration and not Afzal Guru, the Parliament attack convict in whose support slogans were allegedly raised at a JNU event prompting the police action.

Singh called upon the youth workers to spread nationalism and tell people how to take the country ahead when "fissiparous forces" are at work.

The Minister of State for External Affairs also spoke at length about the Modi government's foreign policy and said the government had succeeded in strengthening its relations with many countries, including neighbours like Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar.

Every country wants Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit it due to his popularity, he said. PTI
Bhuj (Gujarat), March 5

A BSF patrol party has impounded a Pakistani fishing boat after its occupants fled upon seeing the border security personnel in the Koteshwar creek area off the Kutch coast along the Indo-Pakistan border.

Meanwhile, a man has also been arrested in Kutch for taking pictures of the Army cantonment.

"A Pakistani fishing boat was seized yesterday from the Koteshwar creek area after its occupants fled to the Pakistani side on seeing a patrol party," BSF officials said.

Nothing suspicious was found in the boat, they said.

This is the fifth such seizure in that area by BSF in the last five months. Last month too they had seized one boat from the Koteshwar creek area.

Earlier in January, a boat was found in the Sir Creek area. In December last year, a fishing boat was found at Padala creek near Koteshwar while in November, two fishing boats were found in another area of Kutch.

Meanwhile, a man was caught by army personnel while he was allegedly clicking photos of sensitive sites in the cantonment area here in Kachchh district, which borders Pakistan, police said.

"A man was caught by army personnel as he was taking pictures of sensitive locations in the cantonment area," said Inspector of B division of Bhuj, JM Boxa.

"Army officials handed the accused over to us last night, after which we arrested him under the Official Secrets Act," he said.

The accused has been identified as Ayub Khan, a resident of Nana Dinara village of Bhuj Taluka, police said, adding that he was a truck driver.

The mobile phone on which he was clicking pictures was also seized, they said.  PTI
New Delhi, March 4

A 16-year-old Tibetan, who had allegedly set himself afire on Monday in Dehradun during a protest against Chinese rule, passed away today at Safdarjung hospital here.

Dorjee Tsering had suffered 98 per cent burns and was being treated in the ICU at the department of burns, plastics and maxillofacial surgery of the hospital, a senior doctor said.

He had set himself on fire on Monday in Dehradun. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and later referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.  PTI
Jacqui Thornton

The pictures are drawn in a childish hand, but they are visions that no child should have to witness: militia shooting captives tied to trees; army helicopters above firing on their enemy; the central African Bush in flames.

These are all artworks produced by children held in captivity after they, or their parents, were abducted by the feared Lords Resistance Army (LRA) in northern Uganda. Many of those taken spent years in the Bush, constantly on the move to evade capture, walking barefoot carrying heavy loads for the commanders and even fighting for the militia.

At the Ugandan Children of War Rehabilitation Centre in Gulu, art is used as therapy, along with other interventions, to help abductees come to terms with their horrendous past, and to cope with the stigma surrounding them on their return.

Ofono Opondo was abducted when he was 10. Now 28, he is one of the more recent returnees to Uganda, escaping from the Democratic Republic of Congo, another area where the LRA had a presence. He was forced to fight soon after his capture, and admits he may have killed in crossfire under orders.

Thinking of the past and what I have gone through and done, it still comes as a nightmare, and sometimes I find myself shivering. You keep feeling that guilt, you are not free, he says.

It is believed that around 30,000 people have been abducted since 1986 by the rebel army. This includes thousands of children  boys to become child soldiers and girls to become forced wives. More than 1,200 children are understood to have been born in captivity to these young wives.

To say they are not universally welcomed back by their own community is an understatement, with many seeing the abductees as perpetrators rather than victims, despite their being wrenched from their families at a tender age.

On his return, Ofonos father rejected him and he now sees the centre as his home. The way I was welcomed here  I wish my community would welcome me like that. You are treated like a real person, not someone from the Bush.

The centre in Gulu has welcomed 15,000 former abductees like Ofono through its doors since 1995. Although many of them have physical injuries  from gunshots, bomb splinters embedded in their bodies, brutal canings  it is the psychological damage that the centre attempts to repair. Many abductees were forced to torture people from their home villages on raids for food and cash, so it is unsurprising there is resentment when they come home.

Most of the returnees stay in the centre for between a week and three months, though a number have stayed six months, and one for 19 years. A feeling of a lack of identity is a major issue for some. Children born in captivity ask Am I Ugandan? Am I Sudanese? Am I a Bush person? The majority do not know who their father is, says Harriet Aloyo, a social worker who heads the centre, which is run by NGO World Vision.

The returnees, known as formerly abducted persons (FAPs) find it easier to socialise among themselves and often return to the centre even though it is months and years since they lived there.

One of them is Joyce Akot, now 39. She was abducted when she was 15, and was forced to be a wife to a much older soldier a week after she arrived. He was wild. He beat me unconscious twice, she says.

She bore him a daughter who suffered a brain injury from a wound to the head in an ambush when she was five. After escaping, Joyce sought support from the centre, as well as medical treatment for her daughter, now 16. When I came back I didnt know where to stay or what to do. They guided me, reconnected with my family. I still come back  its like another home.

Within the centre there is a smaller charity called Watye Ki Gen, which helps improve the womens job prospects. Its run by Angela Atim, who was abducted aged 15 from her Catholic boarding school by the LRA. Providing for family is often difficult for women returnees, and many remarry. However, a woman can face rejection if her new husband finds that his wife has Bush children. This happened to Joyce and her daughter. He said its me or her and I chose her, she says. It is issues such as this, according to Angela Atim, that mean women are still suffering.

 The Independent
Kalpana Sunder

I am in love with intricate patterns of leaves, grapes and pomegranates, rosettes and saints carved on stone. I am looking at Armenia cross stones with burnished orange lichen, called khachkars  a word formed by two Armenian roots: khach (cross) and kar (stone). The cross is the most familiar symbol of Christianity, and in Armenia, this iconography is entrenched in its culture.

Wherever you go, thousands of khachkars, or cross-stones, pervade the worlds oldest Christian nation, providing a rare glimpse into spiritual expression. Christianity is at the very core our national identity, explains guide Tatevik.

In 301, King Tiridates III, who had previously persecuted Christians and imprisoned St Gregory, the illuminator, for 12 years, finally repented. He was baptised by Gregory, and declared Christianity the new state religion.

Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The khachkar bears resemblance to other forms of Christian art, like the Celtic High Cross. This stone stele features a variety of floral, vegetative, and geometric motifs, as well as tableaus of famous biblical scenes. How this medieval stone did become so charged with the Armenian spirit? The resurrection of Jesus, however, and the persecution of the early Armenian Christians transformed the cross into an emblem of triumph. At the same time, the mountain, as a biblical location, connoted austerity, reverence, and closeness with God. For early Armenians, mountain worship evolved into a stone stela that could be conveniently erected near the home or church. The khachkar was seen as also a mediator between the Christian and the pagan, the secular and the divine. It served various functions from a gravestone, talisman, to a commemorative shrine of events.

Khachkars originated in the beginning of the 4th century right after the adoption of Christianity. Since wood was not durable, these were replaced by stone ones. The peak of the khachkar carving art was between the 12th and the 14th centuries. The art declined during the Mongol invasion at the end of the 14th century.

Armenia, with its vast mountain ranges and dormant volcanoes, has no trouble sourcing the slate and tuff stone needed to make khachkars. The central symbol of any khachkar is a growing tree or a flower, cross the symbol of new eternal life. Under the cross is a circle with the cross on it  that symbolises celebration of Christian faith. Above the cross, they usually placed common Christian faiths symbols of four evangelists  an eagle, a lion, a bull and an angel.

Khachkars were commissioned for a number of social, spiritual, or individual reasons  some were dedicated to saints. At Sevenavank Monastery, along the azure Lake Sevan, Tatevik shows us a very unique khachkar in which the anonymous artist, defying conventional composition, shows a Christ figure with Mongol features  slanted eyes, a beard, and long braided hair. This was a ploy to protect its destructions from Mongol invaders, she explains.

Using nothing but chisels and hammers, local craftsmen still continue to fashion out intricate designs in stone. Modern khachkars continue to feature ancient symbols and motifs such as the sun. Designs are carved using chisel, die, sharp pens and hammers. The carvings are then ground using fine sand. Khachkars also depict saints and biblical imagery such as the dove and the grapevine. No two khachkars are ever alike, adding to their unique character. Connecting the past and the present, the unique art form of khachkar continues to watch over the worlds oldest Christian nation.
Beijing, March 5

China will build a second railway line connecting restive and remote Tibet with others parts of the country, expanding its connectivity with the Himalayan region.

The link between Tibetan capital Lhasa and Chinas southwestern city of Chengdu will increase Chinas strategic options to rapidly move troops to the borders with India.

The railway link was announced in a draft of Chinas new five-year development plan released at the opening of the annual meeting of parliament and carried by the official Xinhua news agency. It gave no other details.

Reports said the new link will be 1,629-km and it would take about 15 hours for trains to travel between Lhasa and Chengdu.

The plan is to be implemented from this year after its approval. The new rail line is in addition to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway linking Tibet with inland regions of China.

We hope that the railway will be completed as early as possible. It will provide new momentum for our development, especially the tourism, said Wangdui, a national lawmaker and mayor of Tibets Nyingchi City, where the new railway will traverse.

Critics of the railway, including exiled Tibetans and rights groups, say it has spurred an influx of long-term migrants who threaten Tibetans cultural integrity, which rests on Buddhist beliefs and a traditional herding lifestyle.

Tibet is a sensitive region, not just because of continued opposition by many Tibetans to Chinese control, but because of the regions strategic position next to neighbours India, Nepal and Myanmar.  Agencies
Manila, March 5

The Philippines said today it had impounded a North Korean vessel in response to tough new United Nations sanctions introduced in response to Pyongyang's recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

The 6,830-tonne cargo ship Jin Teng will not be allowed to leave Subic port, northeast of the capital Manila, where it had been docked for three days and its crew will be deported, presidential spokesman Manolo Quezon said on state-run radio station Radyo ng Bayan.

It was the first reported case of the sanctions-the toughest to date, which were adopted late Wednesday by the UN Security Council-being enforced.

"The world is concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme and as a member of the UN, the Philippines has to do its part to enforce the sanctions," Quezon said. A team from the UN is expected to inspect the ship in the port, located near a former United States naval base, foreign affairs spokesman Charles Jose said

The Jin Teng was inspected for the second time today, this time using electronic weapons sensors, coastguard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said, adding the 21 crewmen were "very cooperative".

North Korea has no embassy in the Philippines. Its embassies in Thailand and Indonesia were unavailable for comment when contacted by AFP.

The Jin Teng, carrying palm kernels, arrived in Subic from Palembang, Indonesia Thursday afternoon, just hours after the latest sanctions were unanimously passed.

In response to the UN's move, Pyongyang fired six short-range missiles into the sea on Thursday, while North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered its nuclear arsenal put on standby for pre-empty use at anytime.  AFP
Istanbul, March 5

Turkish authorities were today in control of a newspaper staunchly opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after using tear gas and water cannon to seize its headquarters in a dramatic raid that raised fresh alarm over declining media freedoms.

Police fired the tear gas and water cannon just before midnight yesterday at a hundreds-strong crowd that had formed outside the headquarters of the Zaman daily in Istanbul following a court order issued earlier in the day, an AFP photographer said.

The swoop caused immediate concern in Washington and Brussels amid the intensifying worries over the climate for freedom of expression in Turkey. EU enlargement commissioner Johannes Hahn said he was "extremely worried".

Zaman, closely linked to Erdogan's arch-foe, the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen, was ordered into administration by the court on the request of Istanbul prosecutors, the state-run Anatolia news agency said. Hundreds of supporters then gathered outside its headquarters awaiting the arrival of bailiffs and security forces after the court order.

Democracy will continue and free media will not be silent, Zaman's editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici was quoted as saying by the Cihan news agency just before the police raid.

"I believe that free media will continue even if we have to write on the walls," he told Cihan, part of the Zaman media group.  AFP
TAHLEQUAH  W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah was built in 1984 to accommodate 60,000 patient visits a year.

There were nearly seven times that many visits last year at the Cherokee Nation facility.

Its been sorely undersized and overutilized for quite some time now, said Cherokee Principal Chief Bill John Baker.

A new partnership between the tribe and federal government, which could be worth more than $1.6 billion over 20-plus years, has cleared the way for a major expansion to the facility that will meet the growing needs among American Indians with a residual impact on rural health care in eastern Oklahoma.

The Cherokee Nation plans to break ground this spring on a 450,000-square-foot expansion that will house the tribes clinics, including womens health, pediatrics, dentistry and optometry.

The current 190,000-square-foot building will be used strictly as a hospital and medical school.

Its going to shorten the lines and make access much smoother, quicker and more efficient, Baker said.

Through the partnership, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Indian Health Service will provide at least $80 million a year for at least 20 years.

The Cherokee Nation is contributing more than $150 million to construction costs.

The expansion will be on land east of the current hospital, and the hope is for a sky bridge to connect the buildings.

The project also includes at least two parking garages.

Right now, people have to walk 200 yards to get into the entrance, so our people, especially our elders, will be closer to the doors, Baker said. It will be much more efficient  much more patient-friendly.

The project is expected to be complete in late 2019.

This is a long-term process, but we truly believe we will have the best health-care system in the state of Oklahoma when we get this all completed, Baker said.

The hospital and its clinics draw customers from the 14 counties of the Cherokee Nation and neighboring states, said Brian Hail, hospital CEO, adding that the expansion is much needed.

Weve known for a while that our service lines for outpatient are beyond capacity, he said. Weve been past capacity for several years.

Once finished, the expansion will create more than 1,100 new health-care jobs.

Thats a lot of health-care jobs. Thats a lot of jobs, period, Hail said, adding that the hospital currently employs about 1,000.

The tribe is working on securing a partnership with a local university to house a rural medicine program with a residency program at the hospital.

Were going to ask the doctors to stay with us for at least five years. If they go into private practice after they do their term with us, then our neighbors all over northeastern Oklahoma will be part of this growth and medical prosperity, Baker said, adding that doctors typically stay within 100 miles of where they do their residency.

Were getting ready to hit a major health-care wall with the lack of doctors all over the United States, but we have a plan to grow our own doctors right here that will not only benefit our facilities, but it will also feed into northeastern Oklahoma once they decide to go out on their own, he said.
Cathy Costello is on a campaign to help other families avoid the type of tragedy that shattered hers.

Last August, her mentally ill son, Christian, killed her husband, Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Mark Costello, in a knife attack at a Braums store in Oklahoma City.

She is partnering with Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak to educate people about mental illness, and about insurance options for people who are battling it.

They were together in Tulsa on Friday to promote public service announcements she made for the campaign.

Its hard, but its good for me, she said of the campaign. It wont bring Mark back, but it may help other families avoid what weve gone through.

Costello said she and her husband spent $150,000 over the past eight years doing everything they could to help Christian, a sacrifice many families cannot afford.

Our experience was that a lot of times, our insurance paid little or nothing, she said.

The widow said she hoped the campaign would get people talking about mental illness, and would reduce the stigma associated with it. She said mental illness is a disease of the brain and should be viewed as any other disease, like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Doak said the death of Mark Costello was personal for him because Costello was his friend.

The mental health issue is very important to Oklahomans, he said, with about a quarter of the population facing mental health problems of some kind, ranging from depression and eating disorders to substance abuse and schizophrenia.

Doak said insurance coverage for mental health treatment has improved in recent years, but insurance is a complex subject, and many people do not understand what their own insurance provides.

He said one purpose of the campaign is to let people know the Oklahoma Department of Insurance stands ready to help them. They can call 1-800-522-0071, or go to oid.ok.gov.

The PSAs will begin to be broadcast this weekend, Doak said, at the discretion of television and radio stations, and at no cost to the state.

Costello said that six months after her husbands murder, she is coping with the loss.

I cry every day. I have difficulty sleeping at night, she said. But Ive learned that a lot of people are hurting besides me. Im not alone.

She said as she has begun to share her story, she is finding that many people are in similar circumstances.

My eyes have been opened, she said.

I believe were all here for a reason. Weve been given an opportunity to make a difference in the world. Ive been given an opportunity I didnt ask for. But it brings me some comfort.

Costello said she wanted people to know that her husband was first and foremost a father and a husband who did everything in his power to help their son.

He laid down his life for his son, she said.

Christian remains in an Oklahoma City jail. She said he is staying on his medication and is like a new human being.

Hes one of the sweetest, most easy to work with inmates in the jail, she said.

I still love him. Im still brokenhearted.
SAND SPRINGS  The Sand Springs school district is considering litigation against the Oklahoma Tax Commission for the way it has handled a change in the law regarding the distribution of motor vehicle tax revenue, claiming the new method has led to a distorted allocation.

Gary Watts, chief financial officer and general counsel for Sand Springs Public Schools, said his district has lost $184,000 in motor vehicle taxes so far and could lose more depending on collections during the final months of this fiscal year.

You have some districts being big gainers and others being big losers, Watts said.

Because of the way the Tax Commission has distributed the money this year  basing it completely on a school districts student population during some months rather than on previous years allocations  more than $9 million to date has changed hands, he said.

Tulsa Public Schools has lost nearly $1.4 million in motor vehicle taxes so far this year  the most of any district in the state  according to Watts calculations based on data provided to him from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Watts shared the calculations with his colleagues across the state.

TPS did not provide a comment for this story.

The changes originate from the enactment of last years House Bill 2244, which places a cap on motor vehicle tax revenue going to entities other than the state. The portion going to school districts was capped at 36.2 percent.

Watts said that led him and his colleagues across the state to come to the assumption that the revenue would never increase from previous years but would at least be stable.

But he said he began to notice the decrease in revenue in December.

In a meeting this week with him and TPS Chief Financial Officer Trish Williams, Watts said Oklahoma Tax Commission Executive Director Tony Mastin explained that in months when there were not enough collections to give all districts the amount of money they received the previous year, Mastin made distributions based on each districts average daily membership  or student population.

HB 2244 eliminated a clause that had allowed the Tax Commission to dip into the states portion of the collections if there was not enough to hold harmless the districts compared to their collections in previous years.

Watts said he thinks Mastin should have decreased each districts portion equally, for example distributing 95 percent of the previous years collection to all districts rather than ignoring that section of the apportionment formula and moving directly to the population section.

Whats unfair is when you change the rules of the game and you base your estimates on collections under a very different mechanism, Watts said of the problem with this years distribution.

The state aid formula equalizes districts based on estimates of the previous years motor vehicle tax revenue.

The Sand Springs district is considering filing a lawsuit against the Tax Commission to ask that the agency be required to construe the law in the correct manner, Watts said.

Watts said his legal analysis is based on the argument that you cannot construe a statute in isolation of other statutes applying to the same matter.

He said the laws addressing state aid spell out how money is to be equalized among districts.

Motor vehicle tax revenue is one source of revenue that districts refer to as chargeables, or revenue outside the state aid formula, such as property taxes. Of all the chargeables districts receive, Watts said the motor vehicle tax has always been the most stable.

It has always been the least volatile and the least worrisome, he said.

For the last two fiscal years, the portion of the tax that went to school districts across the state was about $261.4 million. Sand Springs portion has been about $2.6 million, and Tulsa Public Schools portion has been about $20.3 million.

The Tax Commission had not responded to the Tulsa Worlds attempt to obtain a response from it as of Friday evening.
Lynn Schmuhl didnt have to look far to find a World War II hero to inspire her.

Her own father, Dick Biedermann, served in the war on a Navy submarine chaser.

With her dad, though, Schmuhls interest in veterans was just beginning.

In fact, he would be at her side as she took it to another level, getting behind the fledgling Oklahoma Honor Flight program  a nonprofit effort to fly groups of veterans to Washington, D.C., to see the nations World War II memorial and other sites.

Her dads service and seeing his heart for the people he served alongside was a big inspiration to Schmuhl, said her daughter, Karen Walker of Norman.

She said that Schmuhl and Biedermann made a good team in promoting the Honor Flight program. And after her father died, Schmuhls dedication only increased.

She wanted to give back to these people who had given so much for their country, Walker said.

Marilyn Frances Lynn Schmuhl died Feb. 23 at her home in Tulsa. She was 55.

A service was held Feb. 29 at Redeemer Covenant Church under the direction of Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Funeral Home.

Schmuhl was a board member of the Midwest City-based Honor Flight organization and the leader of a group of Tulsa volunteers who supported the program and its flights out of Tulsa.

With applications from state veterans declining, the Oklahoma program is set to be replaced by a new joint effort, the O&A (Oklahoma and Arkansas) Honor Flight based in Siloam Springs.

Volunteer Randy Finfrock of Tulsa said Schmuhls death is a great loss.

We definitely lost a true warrior for the cause in Lynns passing, he said. She was full of enthusiasm, a great organizer, a dynamic personality, a very good delegator. And, most of all, truly dedicated to honoring our veterans.

The Oklahoma Honor Flight program made its inaugural trip in 2010. Since then, it has sponsored close to two dozen flights and served more than 2,000 veterans.

The programs Tulsa contingent began meeting in 2011, Finfrock said. It grew to about 22 volunteers, including Schmuhl and the late Biedermann, and focused on serving participating veterans from the Tulsa area and eastern part of the state.

Saddened by the loss of their friend, Finfrock and his wife, Joni, a fellow program volunteer, are able to take comfort in one thought, he said.

Joni said, Just think of all of the World War II veterans that Lynn will be saying hello to. And I said: Can you imagine all of the veterans coming up to greet Lynn, saying, This is the lady who helped us get to see our memorials. 

When it came to honoring veterans, Finfrock added, It was all-in for Lynn.

She was always working in the background or busy making sure the small stuff was taken care of, he said. Some folks say, dont sweat the small stuff, but the small stuff was also big stuff for Schmuhl.

Finfrock said O&A flight organizers hope to recognize Schmuhl by dedicating a planned October flight out of Tulsa in her name.

Walker said her mother found a true cause in the Honor Flight program.

She saw how happy it made (the veterans) and wanted to do whatever she could to get them to Washington to see their memorial.

Schmuhls survivors include two daughters, Karen Walker and Kimberly Schmuhl; four grandchildren; and two sisters, Nancy MacLachlan and Carol Armstrong.
BY HEIDI WILIAMSON AND CLAIRE MARKHAM

March is Womens History Month, an opportunity to reflect on gender equality, the valuable roles women play throughout society, and the way women contribute to building a more just nation even in the face of incredible obstacles.

This month we will celebrate the phenomenal contributions of women like Sojourner Truth and Amelia Earhart, as well as living history makers like Lily Ledbetter, Dolores Huerta, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Wendy Davis.

While we recognize and appreciate the accomplishments by women like these, we also must acknowledge that much work needs to be done, particularly around reproductive health, rights and justice.

The ability of women to access comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion care, is becoming more and more difficult by the day.

In the last six years, nearly 300 restrictions have been passed at the state level to restrict abortion access. In 2015 alone, 17 states passed more than 50 abortion restrictions and 11 states slashed funding to Planned Parenthood. Texas  whose notorious Targeted Regulation of Abortion Provider -- TRAP -- law aims effectively to eliminate abortion care in most of the state  defunded Planned Parenthood and has yet to expand Medicaid, creating an even more precarious situation for Texan women seeking economic security.

Whats worse, these legislative actions are being taken under the guise of "protecting" womens health. In fact, the state of Texas recently defended its TRAP law before the Supreme Court in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt, arguing that fewer reproductive health clinics, fewer family planning resources and greater obstacles to reproductive health care is somehow "pro-woman."

In reality, these legislative efforts are dangerous and demeaning.

Already vulnerable women  particularly low-income women and women of color  struggle to protect their health and their families economic stability. Under the multitude of new restrictions, many of these women may now be forced to drive hundreds of miles one way, be required to endure a 72-hour waiting period or mandatory ultrasound, and even be subjected to a doctor reciting dubious medical information before they can receive abortion care.

For those living in areas where Planned Parenthoods have been defunded, they are also curtailed family planning services, including effective long-acting reversible contraception. In Texas, unintended pregnancies are on the rise.

Importantly, the ability of a woman to plan and determine when and if she will parent is key to her economic security. In fact, second-wave feminists, particularly those in the middle class, are a testament to how access to contraception and abortion care reinforce economic security: the freedom to consult with their physicians and access services such as preventive care, family planning and prenatal care allowed these women to delay child bearing, pursue educational opportunities and invest in professional careers.

Women who can pursue education and stay in the workforce increase their immediate and lifetime earnings.

Nearly one in three women in the U.S. will have an abortion  including women who are already mothers, who consider themselves religious affiliated or who are already struggling financially.

But even though comprehensive reproductive health care may be technically legal, it is practically unavailable for far too many women  and that means that, in the name of "protecting women," anti-choice legislators are stripping women of their constitutional rights and threatening their families economic security.

For all the progress women have made, womens equality is still under siege. Women continue to run for office, gain ground in businesses and excel in academia, but the security of comprehensive health care and autonomy in determining when and if a woman will have children is becoming the right of a wealthy few rather than all women, regardless of their race, class or ZIP code.

Like in the years prior to making abortion access legal in the historic Roe v. Wade, when only four states permitted abortion prior to viability of the fetus and only 13 permitted it in limited circumstances, womens lives and the opportunity to live up to their full potential are at stake.

This Womens History Month, we must recommit to defeating the very real, insidious barriers to gender equality. In the interest of truly protecting women  mothers, sisters and daughters  we must demand a womans decision to parent is made with full self-determination in every aspect of her life.

Heidi Williamson is the senior policy analyst for the Womens Health and Rights Program at the Center for American Progress. Claire Markham is the outreach and campaign manager for the Faith and Progressive Policy Initiative at the Center for American Progress. They wrote this for InsideSources.com.
The latest film written and directed by Tulsa native Tim Blake Nelson, one of the busiest creative minds in Hollywood, plays Circle Cinema and features a question-and-answer session with Nelson.

The Holland Hall graduate will answer questions via Skype with a Circle Cinema audience following a 2 p.m. Sunday showing of Anesthesia, a drama with an all-star ensemble.

The movie, shot in New York City (where Nelson lives with his wife and sons), began screening at the theater Friday.

It features a cast including Sam Waterston, Kristen Stewart, Glenn Close, Gretchen Mol, Katie Chang, Michael K. Williams and Corey Stoll.

Nelson and his wife, Lisa Benavides-Nelson, also co-star in the film.

The official synopsis: A snowy New York City night, a beloved teacher, a shocking crime: This provocative drama pieces together the puzzle of a mans life just before it changes forever.

While on his way home one evening, Walter Zarrow (Waterston), a popular Columbia University philosophy professor, is violently attacked on the street. Flash back one week, as actor-director Tim Blake Nelson traces the domino effect of events that led up to this seemingly senseless assault. Along the way, hidden connections between a seemingly disparate group of people  including a self-destructive student (Stewart), a hard-drinking suburban housewife (Mol), and a desperate junkie (K. Todd Freeman)  emerge, forming a complex, engrossing mosaic of lost souls united by tragedy.

Anesthesia is Nelsons fifth film to write and direct, following Eye of God (1997, filmed entirely in the Tulsa area); O (2001, his unique update on Shakespeares Othello); The Grey Zone (his 2002 Holocaust drama) and Leaves of Grass, his 2010 stoner comedy starring Edward Norton in a dual role.

Anesthesia has a running time of 1 hour, 30 minutes and is rated R for language, sexual content, drug use and brief violence.
It's Divali time so at TV6 over the next few days, we bring you some of the interesting aspe
1:34 p.m., March 1, 2016--Fourteen students from the University of Delawares marine studies program spent Winter Session on the island of Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. For four weeks, students resided in bungalows, dove in crystal clear waters and studied coral reef environments at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI).

The isolated islands low population, large diversity of marine organisms and marine laboratory are what made it the perfect location for exploring coral reef environments, explained Adam Marsh, a professor of marine biosciences at UDs Lewes campus, who coordinated the program along with Mark Warner, also a marine biosciences professor.

Throughout the experience, hosted by UDs College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, students took courses in scientific diving and coral reef environments, all taught in a field setting rather than a classroom. The coral reef course focused on the geology of the island, coral reef ecology and how to identify different coral species underwater.

Both Marsh and Warner, along with diving safety officer Hunter Brown, mentored the students through the diving research methods course, which focused on diving to collect data rather than for recreation. Students completed a safety training session in the fall so that they would have some background knowledge of working underwater.

You have a job to do that you have to think about and do well, so your diving comfort, familiarity with your gear and diving technique need to become second nature so you can get the science done, Warner emphasized to the students.

Ricky Rosas, a marine science major who first learned about the program during his freshman year marine science colloquium, said the trip allowed him to look ahead.

It helped me visualize a potential future spending weeks at a time conducting research disconnected from the rest of the world as a marine scientist, said Rosas.

Learning how to work underwater requires quite a bit of physical endurance, especially when lifting and moving heavy objects underwater. During their 28-day adventure, students learned how to control their buoyancy, navigate and position themselves relative to their research site, and conduct research, all while wearing a wetsuit and breathing from an air tank.

They completed survey dives, ran transect tapes to measure distances and took photographs with the photo quadrats they built themselves out of three-quarter-inch PVC pipe. The quadrats were 1-by-1 square meter at the base, had four legs and resembled large quadrapods with a GoPro camera attached to the top.

The students were required to swim and work with these large structures underwater a tiresome job, especially when considering factors like tides and currents. Back on dry land, they used photo analysis software to analyze and identify the coral species from their photographs.

The hands-on experience engaged and exposed students to the life of a scientific diver, a potential career for many marine science majors. After completing nearly thirty dives, all fourteen students became certified scientific divers through the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS).

UD junior Jennifer Riling, also a marine science major, said the diving experience helped her to feel more comfortable in the field setting, and motivated her to continue diving once she returned home.

I would greatly enjoy a career path that involved scuba diving. I recently received an offer as the diving intern at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida for the summer, Riling said.

Both Rosas and Riling recounted breathtaking experiences, including being surrounded by countless species of colorful fish and spotting an octopus during a night dive. Living and learning in this underwater laboratory, coupled with their admiration for the exotic sea life, made for quite a rewarding experience  but it was the diving experience and the ability to plunge themselves into the island culture over four weeks that set this program apart from so many others.

Instead of traveling to several countries in a short period of time, students really had an immersive experience and became part of the fabric of life on the island. Here its not breadth, but its depth, Marsh said.

Article by Laura Bilash
Despite Russias claims it is not involved in the fighting in Ukraine, it controls the actions of the separatists and must stop the violence in Donbas.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this in an interview with Reuters.

"What we've seen in the last couple of weeks is an increase in violent attacks along the line of control ... and whether that is being instigated by Russia, or acquiesced to by Russia, doesn't matter," Blinken said.

He stressed that Russians have tremendous leverage over the separatists.

"If they [Russians] want to turn it (the violence) off they can and indeed they must," he added.

Blinken added implementing the Minsk peace agreement was the only way forward and was in the interest of all sides, including the Russians who are suffering Western sanctions.

ol
BA, Fiji, 3 March 2016  Asenaca Manono took the warnings seriously. She moved her family to the evacuation centre before Tropical Cyclone Winston hit the town of Ba, joining other families sheltering from the impending storm.

It was pitch black when the winds gathered force.

One of the first families to get here was on the top floor of the school, recalls Asenaca. When the roof blew off, they quickly moved downstairs.



Shelter after the storm

Its been two weeks since the cyclone took its destructive path. For the time being, the family will stay at the centre. The morning after the storm, they went to inspect the damage. Their worst fears were realized: The storm had taken all of their possessions.

The Manono family are among the more than 45,000 people sheltering in evacuation centres in the aftermath of the cyclone. This number is expected to rise.

Right now, there are six families in this one classroom, and we are making do with what we have, says Asenaca.

Their evacuation centre is one of the few that has running water, which has made the situation more manageable for the large number of families sheltering there.



Tevita

Asenacas son Tevita is 16 years old. He uses a wheelchair. When the family moved to the shelter, says Asenaca, My husband pushed him in his wheelchair down the road in the rain. Luckily were just behind the evacuation centre.

Tevita is sensitive to loud noises and other sensory stimulation. Hes not good with change, says Asenaca. A lot of noise and new things makes him agitated.

Childrens laughter echoes around the hall of the evacuation centre. The children are pushing Tevita towards his mother after a walk. They mean well, but I need to keep an eye on him, she says.

Asenaca takes Tevita out of the wheelchair and lays him on a mat in the middle of the classroom floor, covering him with a thin blanket. He closes his eyes and covers his ears.



Support for families

UNICEF Pacific is working in partnership with the Government of Fiji to respond to the urgent needs of affected children and communities. Within 36 hours of the cyclone hitting Fiji, UNICEF was distributing pre-positioned emergency supplies to those most in need.

The emergency supplies included School-in-a-Box education supplies and tents, to support badly damaged or destroyed schools to resume classes quickly. Supporting children to return to learning is a UNICEF priority in emergencies. School, whether in a classroom or a tent, provides a safe, structured learning environment where children can learn, play, connect with friends and process their experiences. Parents can then focus on recovery efforts and support childrens emotional recovery, after distressing experiences.

Families like the Manonos have lost much, in Ba. Back in the evacuation centre, Asenaca looks at Tevita. We have nothing, she says. We need all the help we can get, something, anything.
--www.UNOPrivateers.com--

Freshmanwon the women's high jump with a leap of 1.65 meters as the University of New Orleans track and field teams opened the 2016 outdoor season at the Tulane Twilight Invitational on Friday afternoon at Tad Gormley Stadium.Chopin was one of nine Privateers to post a top five finish on the day, as was the top half of a 1-2 finish in the event as juniorfinished second with a height just shy of the winning mark. Junioralso tallied a runner-up performance with a 12.24 in the women's 100 meter dash.Other UNO women to post top five finishers were juniorand seniorwith a fourth-place showings in the 100 meters (12.48) and 1500 meters (5:09.47). On the men's side, sophomorewas third in the javelin with a throw of 50.02 meters and fifth in the hammer with a toss of 39.79 meters. Juniorwas fifth in the 400 meters at 49.96 as was freshmanin the 100 meters with an 11.09.Juniorled the UNO men in the men's 1500 meters with a time of 4:14.05 to finish sixth, as didin the women's shot put (11.07 meters) and the quartet of junior, freshman, O'Callahan and juniorin the men's 4x400 meter relay.Pine (2:00.52 in the men's 800),(36.82 meters in the women's hammer) and Lakayla LaFrance (15.68 in the women's 100 hurdles) each led UNO with eighth-place performances.paced the Privateers with a 26.07 to finish 10th in the women's 200 meter, and junior Daren Darrensburg was 11th in the men's 200 meter dash.The UNO teams will have little time to rest as the Privateers return to action on Saturday, March 5, when they travel to Mobile, Alabama to take part in the Jaguar Open. Click HERE to follow the action live from that meet.
This Site Is Under Construction and Coming Soon.

This Domain Is Registered with Network Solutions
Vance Air Force Base ushered in a new era of mission readiness when it dedicated its new, state-of-the-art air traffic control tower during a ceremony here, March 4.

The $9.5 million Inhofe Air Traffic Control Tower was named in honor of U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee senior member and a valued proponent of the project.

The new tower, which has been operating since mid-December, replaced Vances previous facility which opened in 1972. Since then, Vances pilot training mission has called for a 400 percent increase in air traffic controllers. Senior Master Sgt. Dale Drake, Vances tower chief, said that demand has made the opening of the new tower a welcomed sight.

The team was very excited to transition to this new facility and they have done a phenomenal job showing pride in their work center, he said. They have been making improvements to how we operate while using the new cab layout, equipment functionality and increased vantage points.

With components such as an in-house simulator system and numerous training spaces, at more than 6,600 square feet, Vances new air traffic control hub is approximately three times the size of its predecessor. Lt. Col. Michael Drost, the 71st Operations Support Squadron commander, who oversees air traffic controller Airmen and civilians at Vance, said these upgrades make Inhofe Tower a progressive classroom, as well as a dynamic aviation control center.

Our trainers now have room to train. They can teach our new 3-levels, as well as our incoming 5-levels and 7-levels without running into the person in the position next to them, and our supervisors have a better view of whats happening, he said. Overall it provides a distinct level of service thats higher than what weve had in the last 40 years and allows our Airmen to grow as Vance trains the next generation of pilots.

Vance is the leader in FAA-recognized credentialing across Air Education and Training Command with approximately 30 newly certified Airmen per year.

The design, construction, operation and maintenance of the new ATC nerve center, as well as the controlled demolition of the previous facility, is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) compliant with a silver rating. LEED is a prevalent green building certification program used worldwide.

Although the new towers mission capability was heralded March 4, its also an example of a safe structure. At more than nine stories tall, the new tower can sustain winds at the cab level of up to 80 mph and has a FEMA safe room at its base for up to 250 mph winds.

Inhofe has been an advocate for Vance throughout his tenure on Capitol Hill, including several rounds of Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) hearings. He said the latest investment into the Air Force at Vance is not only an investment in Airmens safety and training, but also an investment in northwest Oklahoma.

The tower is what people look for when they go by and see a great military installation. Every time you put in something new on Vance, it ensures [the bases] longevity, Inhofe said. Im proud that we were able to get this thing done.
For the second consecutive year, members of the congregation of Crossroads Church in Chippewa Falls are reaching out to one across the pond, as they say.

The Chippewa Falls church will be holding a joint prayer service at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with one north of Dublin, Ireland, in a time zone six hours away. Members of the Carrickmacross Baptist Church will participate in a video conference that means a lot to Crossroads Pastor Wade Duroe.

We will pray for each other, said Duroe, who welcomed anyone who would like to observe to join them at the church for the service.

Beginning in 2003, Duroe and his family have made three mission trips to Carrickmacross, to preach and teach for two-week stints at the church there. He said it was originally to help fill in for an American preacher.

By 2007, Duroe was heading up the Chippewa Falls church and when the one in Ireland reached out to him, he went back with his wife,Lori, and sons Jordan and Cameron for another two weeks. The couple returned again in 2011.

We have stayed in contact with many members of the congregation on Facebook, and on Skype once in a while, said Duroe, who grew close to them during his trips, which included meals at their homes. He stays in regular contact with the pastor of the Irish church as well.

When he first went to Ireland, the small church was operating out of a rented classroom. But since then they have bought land, which Duroe said is very expensive, and built a church of its own.

They continue to build on it, he said. It is a congregation of very gifted people.

By their second visit the congregation had grown significantly, from around 25 or 30 to where it is now approaching 100. Crossroads has 135 members.

Its always fun, Duroe said of the chance to reacquaint with people he developed bonds with over the years. Well see familiar faces, touch bases with them. Its exciting.
On February 22, the Zimbabwe government announced that the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Co. will take over mining and ordered shut down of all diamond-mining companies' operations. They also need to leave the premises of Marange and Chimanimani areas. This move of President Robert Mugabe is due to billions of dollars being robbed from the country because of smuggling and deceit.

"Lots of smuggling and swindling has taken place and the companies that have been mining, I want to say robbed us of our wealth," Mugabe said. "That is why we decided that this area should be a monopoly area and only the state should be able to do the mining in that area."

Mining in Zimbabwe has been the largest source of foreign exchange. The country has the largest platinum reserve in the world next to Africa and other metals such as iron ore, gold and chrome. The nation's diamond production dropped to 420,000 carats during the first five months of last year from 660,000 carats a year earlier, as reported by Bloomberg.

According to President Mugabe, no meaningful returns had been received by the government from the Chiadzwa diamond fields and stole from the State. During his interview with the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation in time for his 92nd birthday, he told Chinese President Xi Jinping during his state visit in the country that Zimbabwe government was not pleased with Anjin's operations. He also mentioned that taking over the Chiadzwa mining operations did not affect Zimbabwe-China relations, allAfrica reported.

President Mugabe's comments was announced a week after the mine's ministry asked all mining companies to stop operation and vacate the Marange diamond mine, informing that their licenses have not been renewed. Mbada Diamonds, which is the biggest diamond mine in Marange, filed lawsuit at the High Court against the government and was permitted to take control of its mining assets, according to Reuters Africa.

Because of the wealth being robbed from the nation, President Mugabe decided to take over all of the mining fields in the nation. However, there are reports that the relationship between Zimbabwe and China could be affected since Anjin was of the Chinese origin.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced on Thursday awarding the Phase 2 and 3 contracts to Aurora Flight Sciences (AFS). The $89.4 million contract is for DARPA's unmanned VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) X-Plane concept project. The program has the goal of performing flight tests within the 2018 timeframe.

DARPA aims to override the two hurdles for the warplanes- flight speed versus range and fuel efficiency versus power with the X-Plane. Its ultimate aim is to make the VTOL platform more functional on the battlefield, reports Engadget.

Four teams have been vying since the project initiated in 2013. But three of them have passed the preliminary design review phase including Aurora.
SHARE Murray Gaines Young

CAMARILLO

Semtech offers support community

Semtech Corp. has launched an online support community platform to help design engineers quickly find and share answers to their application and design questions via simple-to-use online tools.

The platform consists of communities covering LoRa RF wireless; broadcast video; power management, including wireless charging; circuit protection; and security and surveillance chipsets.

Each community has its own following and central moderator.

All communities include self-service modules such as a knowledge base, which provides FAQs, application notes, technical notes and other documents, as well as an online forum.

Camarillo-based Semtech supplies analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for high-end consumer, enterprise computing, communications and industrial equipment.

OXNARD

Investors sought for youth program

The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce is seeking investors to help shape future entrepreneurs in a "Shark Tank"-like program.

Through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, students take the stage to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for funding to launch their businesses. The investor panel judges are local business and community leaders who decide which businesses have the best chance of success and how much funding will be awarded to them.

The program offers students the opportunity to learn business principles through a yearlong project-based, hands-on entrepreneurial education. The students are taught to write a business or social action plan, make a pitch to potential investors/supporters, obtain funding and launch their enterprise.

Investor panel judges will receive logo recognition in promotional and event materials, be included in media impressions leading up to the event and be recognized as a leading supporter in entrepreneurship education in Oxnard.

Call the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce at 983-6118 for more information.

Venturan earns certification

Chris Sullivan of Carey & Hanna Tax & Wealth Planners in Oxnard has earned certified financial planner status from the CFP Board of Standards after passing the CFP exam in November.

The Ventura native has served as a financial paraplanner for Carey & Hanna for four years. Earning CFP certification recognizes a standard of excellence for competent and ethical personal financial planning.

The 2003 graduate of Buena High School earned his Bachelor of Arts in business from Brigham Young University in Utah, in 2010 with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.

Sullivan lives in Ventura with his wife, Jamie, and daughter Tatum, 2.

SIMI VALLEY

Two join board of Free Clinic

The Free Clinic of Simi Valley announced that Kelly Gaines and Dr. Tracey Young have joined the clinic's board of directors.

Gaines, homemaker and community volunteer, became aware of the clinic through her father-in-law, the late Dr. Elvin Gaines, who was a volunteer at the clinic, as well. Kelly Gaines is a member of the Rotary Club of Simi Valley (Noontime) and is finance chairwoman for the Ventura Community Leadership Council for the American Cancer Society. She has a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts from Pacific Union College. She is a native of Simi Valley who is married to Darin Gaines and has a daughter Emma, 11, and a puppy named Ella.

Young is attending physician at the clinic. She said she feels she can bring the board great insights into the most critical needs of the clinic. Young received her undergraduate degree from USC and attended medical school at George Washington University, where she applied for a rotation through UCLA, bringing her back to California. Young was a resident physician at the clinic before becoming a community medicine fellow and the current attending physician. She and her husband, Ace, live in West Los Angeles with their two cats, Moxifloxacin (Moxi) and Rocuronium (Rocky).

The clinic has provided continuous service since its establishment in 1971 as a nonprofit, volunteer-based charitable community-service organization that provides medical care, counseling, dental care and legal assistance to those in need, regardless of their ability to pay.

THOUSAND OAKS

Developer buys shopping center

A New York developer has purchased a Westlake Village-area shopping center for $40.5 million.

Tony Principe, president of Westcord Commercial Real Estate Services of Westlake Village, represented the buyer and seller in the transaction. Atlas Capital of New York acquired the Village Glen Shopping Center, 2900 Townsgate Road in Thousand Oaks from Owensmouth LLC, in the off-market sale completed last month.

Principe was the broker on the sale of the 70,000-square-foot center to Owensmouth LLC in 2004 for $24 million. The owners completed a major renovation of the property, which included architectural enhancements, new storefronts, signage and landscaping. Principe and Aaron Guerrero of Westcord handled the leasing of the property, which entailed re-tenanting about 90 percent of the businesses and brought in a variety of boutiques, salons, fitness uses and restaurants. The new owners intend to improve the center even further by completing additional renovations.

Village Glen Plaza is home to numerous boutiques, such as Soto Lifestyle and Soto Boutique, Kate & Lace, and health and beauty salons such as Regency Salon Studios, and restaurants Casa Escobar, Joi Cafe, Baskin- Robbins, Yozen Frogurt. The center is also home to an organic farmers market every Sunday morning.

Local native joins architecture firm

Thousand Oaks native Trisha Murray has joined Oklahoma City-based MA+ Architecture, the firm announced.

Murray attends the University of Oklahoma's College of Architecture and has experience working with education, worship, defense contracting and commercial projects, the company said. Murray also has experience with multiple industry state-of-the-art software including Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Lumion 3D, Photoshop, Rhino 3D, Revit, and Adobe creative design software.

"Trisha's extensive experience in the government and defense contracting will be valuable in our overall portfolio of work," said Gary Armbruster, a principal and architect for the firm. "We're pleased to have her with us."

The Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce recognized the firm in 2009, 2010 and 2013 as one of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area's fastest-growing privately owned companies.

VENTURA

The Refill Shoppe earns state honor

The Refill Shoppe in Ventura is among the recipients of the California Air Resources Board's sixth CoolCalifornia small business awards.

The awards recognize small businesses that demonstrate leadership and make notable voluntary achievements toward reducing their carbon footprint.

The 19 recipients were selected from competitive applicants, representing a variety of business sectors from across the state.

The businesses took a number of different actions to save money and improve their business operations while reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts, the board said.

Other honorees included businesses of the year Luxury Auto Body, San Diego; Surplus Service, Fremont; Wolff Vineyards, San Luis Obispo; and Affirmative Wealth Management, El Cerrito. The Refill Shoppe was among the climate leaders category, which also included Aussie Pet Mobile Sonoma County, Santa Rosa; Clean Solar, San Jose; Crown Paper Converting, Ontario; Dental Healing, Los Angeles; Elevated Fitness, South Lake Tahoe; Global Gourmet Catering, San Francisco; Granlibakken Tahoe, Tahoe City; Incredible Adventures, San Francisco; Natoma Technologies, Sacramento; New Leaf Biofuel, San Diego; Nori's Eco Salon, Encino; Santa Barbara Airbus, Goleta; SHN Engineers & Geologists, Eureka; and ShowPro, Los Angeles.

VENTURA COUNTY

Workforce board seeks nominations

The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County is seeking nominations for its annual WDB Awards.

Criteria for the honor include demonstration of extraordinary commitment to advancing workforce development in the Ventura County region.

An individual, employer, organization or partnership may be nominated in one or more of four categories:

WDB Youth Opportunity Award for providing internships or employment opportunities that will grow and strengthen Ventura County's future workforce.

WDB Collaborative Action Award for a partnership that helps to meet employer workforce needs, improves education/workforce training and/or supports business expansion/retention in Ventura County.

WDB Champion for Prosperity Award for supporting workforce development in Ventura County through job creation, job retention, business expansion or business attraction.

WDB Leadership Award for a role model whose efforts or accomplishments embody the spirit and purpose of workforce development in Ventura County.

An online nomination form is available on at http://workforceventuracounty.org. The nomination deadline is April 15.

Recipients will be recognized at the board's annual meeting June 16 at the Ventura County Office of Education, 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo.

Contact Talia Barrera at 477-5341 or talia.barrera@ventura.org for more information.
Contributed photo/Jose Alamillo County Cuba expert and CSU Channel Islands professor Stephen Clark photographed in Cuba in 2013. "Taken on the streets of Old Havana as an example of how people earn a living catering to tourists  a gentleman had his dachshunds dressed up for pictures."

SHARE Contributed photo/Jose Alamillo County Cuba expert and CSU Channel Islands professor Stephen Clark photographed in Cuba in 2013. "Taken on the streets of Old Havana as an example of how people earn a living catering to tourists  a gentleman had his dachshunds dressed up for pictures."

By the time you read this, I'll be in Cuba.

Not as a tourist, mind you. Our American government makes it mighty clear to its citizens that, if you choose to visit this previously forbidden island, casual tourism is verboten.

Despite what you've read about detente between Cuba and the U.S., it is still very much a work in progress. The tour I'm on is one of the officially sanctioned "People to People" programs where our government demands "every traveler will have a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities that will result in meaningful interaction between the travelers and individuals in Cuba."

In other words, don't plan on sneaking off to the beach.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'd be disappointed if I went to Cuba and didn't have some opportunity to talk with the locals. But this sounds like it might be just a little too orchestrated ... literally. On our first day in Cuba, our itinerary says, "enjoy interactions with an orchestra and discuss their musical careers."

Could be interesting, but are these musicians meeting with a different group from the U.S. every day? Is this going to be interesting for them or extremely redundant?

We are encouraged to bring gifts for the people we meet in these sessions and told that our tour leader will give them a financial donation.

Is that their motivation for subjecting themselves to meeting yet another group of Americans? We will be meeting with artists, students and other groups every day during the tour.

With the currently convoluted visitation rules set up by our government, the easiest and most legal way for an American to see Cuba is on one of these type of tours. Getting there is usually by means of a charter flight from Miami although as early as this fall regularly scheduled commercial nonstop flights may be available from Los Angeles. Even then, it's not likely you will be allowed to go as a mere tourist.

So what is the current situation in Cuba? And what about my trepidation about these potentially overly programmed people-to-people encounters?

To get the facts, I called on one of Ventura County's true Cuba experts, Stephen Clark, a professor at CSU Channel Islands.

With his special academic status, Clark has been traveling to Cuba since 1999. Over the years he has made five trips, including one as a tour leader for students from his university. He speaks fluent Spanish.

Yes, he says, my fears that our encounters with locals will be stage-managed are justified. He suspects that many of the selected groups I'll be meeting will be "performing" for American tourists multiple times each day.

But he tempers that critique with empathy for the Cuban citizens. He notes that most residents of this nation are paid a salary of $20 a month. Yes, that's not a typo. That's per month. It's a communist-socialist government so nearly everyone works for the state, and $20 per month is the going rate. At the same time they receive from the state free - or very inexpensive - housing, health care, utilities and the opportunity to buy food at subsidized prices. But, still, an income of less than 75 cents a day?

Clark points out that to make ends meet nearly every Cuban has to come up with a second job. Lucky ones get to work in the burgeoning tourism industry.

So it's understandable that no one is going to risk their special opportunity of engaging with "wealthy" Americans in these encounters by rocking the boat. He expects that answers to any questions I ask of them will be carefully scripted. As to the gifts our group brings and the cash honorarium that our tour operator gives them? They are surely needed to get by.

So, I'm looking forward to this experience now that I have an understanding on why tours to Cuba are set up in this somewhat artificial way. I imagine in a few years American resort vacationers from the United States will be free to book a week at the beach and cruise ships will be disgorging thousands of us for day visits.

Maybe Cuba will become a bit more democratic by then, too. Meantime, the advantage of going now is to get a last glimpse of what life in communist Cuba has been like for the past half century.

I'll report back.

David Loe was the co-owner of a travel business in Ventura County for 25 years. His column appears monthly. He welcomes your feedback at davidloe@sbcglobal.net.

Cuba 101

Background: As part of Loe's preparation for his trip to Cuba, he enjoyed a preview of an eight-session course with CSU Channel Islands professor Stephen Clark who will be teaching on Cuba later this month. "I can highly recommend him as both an informative and entertaining teacher." Clark teaches Spanish and serves as vice chairman of the Academic Senate.

What: "Cuba 101" will introduce the island country's past and present through art, literature, film, music, architecture and snapshots of daily life on the island.

Who: Adults age 50 and older

Where: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSUCI. Courses fill up very quickly so no guarantees space is still available.

Why: Especially if you are planning a trip to Cuba or just want to become more familiar with the county, it is worth a try.

When: Monday mornings, starting March 21

Cost: $75

For more: 437-2748
File photo

SHARE File photo

By Staff Reports

A Port Hueneme man has been sent back to the California Department of State Hospitals for mental health treatment after being convicted of exhibiting a deadly weapon as he escaped from the Ventura County Conditional Release Program on Feb. 27, prosecutors said Friday.

Anthony Dacayana, 59, had been receiving treatment at the county program, Ventura County prosecutors said.

He was accused of brandishing a knife at his case worker about 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the Surfside Motel in Port Hueneme, officials said. He cut off his ankle monitor and ran away from the motel but was arrested by law enforcement the next day, police said.

Dacayana was placed in the program in December after "spending significant time under the care of the California Department of State Hospitals following a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity in 2007," prosecutors said.
Gov. Scott Walker made a much more sedate appearance at this year's Conservative Political Action Conference than last year when he placed second in the presidential straw poll after comparing protesting teachers to ISIS terrorists.

After taking the stage to Metallica's "Enter Sandman," the former presidential candidate reassured the Thursday morning crowd that "the conservative movement is alive and well in states all across America."

"Some of you might be confused and dare I say even upset about whats happening in the presidential election," Walker said. "I just want to remind you that no matter what you think about whats happening in the presidential election, you cant give up. We need your help in the states. Were depending on you at the state and at the local level."

Walker, who exited the presidential election in September encouraging other candidates to coalesce against front-runner Donald Trump, didn't mention the billionaire real estate mogul and reality TV celebrity by name at CPAC. Instead he focused on how Republicans have stormed statehouses since President Barack Obama took office.

"About the only nice thing I can say about this president is hes been an incredible recruiter for conservative candidates," Walker said.

He also highlighted a long list of conservative accomplishments in Wisconsin, including a University of Wisconsin System tuition freeze, eliciting cheers from a contingent of UW-Madison College Republicans to whom Walker flashed the W hand symbol.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, also took the main CPAC stage for 15 minutes Thursday to discuss his work on poverty issues with conservative activist Carrie Sheffield.

Ryan entered to AC/DC's "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll)" which Sheffield said she didn't recognize, prompting Ryan to "date himself" by calling it the music he grew up on. Sheffield then teased Ryan about his former beard.

"You may run the party of Lincoln or be pretty high up, but you cant do the beard of Lincoln," Sheffield said.

"Im a bow-hunter, its what we do in deer season," Ryan replied.
STAR FILE PHOTO A higher sales tax is one of the options being discussed by the Santa Paula City Council on Monday as a way to generate more money for police and fire services.

SHARE

By Staff Reports

The Santa Paula City Council is set to discuss and possibly decide Monday whether to proceed in asking residents to vote on a sales tax increase in November to beef up funding for the city's police and fire departments.

The council meets at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers of City Hall, 970 E. Ventura St., Santa Paula.

In November 2014, Santa Paula voters rejected Measure F, which would have raised an estimated $1.6 million for police and fire services and street repairs. However, because it was proposed as a special tax, meaning a tax for a specific purpose, Measure F required two-thirds of voters to approve it to pass. It obtained 58 percent of the vote.

Among the many items the council must decide are whether to seek another special tax increase or whether to seek a general tax, which requires only 50 percent plus one vote for approval.

The council must also decide how much of a tax increase to seek, how the money will be divided among specified uses - police, fire and roads, for example - and whether the tax will sunset, or expire after a certain amount of time.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SIMI VALLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT

SHARE

By Staff Reports

A man wanted in connection with sex crimes out of San Diego County was arrested Thursday in Simi Valley, officials said Friday.

Christopher Thomas Harper was located and arrested about 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the 1600 block of Yosemite Avenue, Simi Valley police said.

Officers worked with the San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force to arrest Harper in connection with the warrant related to numerous felony child sex crimes, authorities said. The man was then booked into jail in San Diego County, police said.
MIKE HARRIS/THE STAR More than 100 people attended a Town Hall meeting at Simi Valley City Hall Saturday morning to oppose a planned drug detoxification house in a residential neighborhood.

SHARE MIKE HARRIS/THE STAR More than 100 people attended a Town Hall meeting at Simi Valley City Hall Saturday morning to opposed a planned drug detoxification house in a residential neighborhood.

By Mike Harris of the Ventura County Star

Assemblyman Scott Wilk and Simi Valley Mayor Bob Huber on Saturday reiterated the bad news for residents of the Texas Tract neighborhood who are opposed to a planned heroin detoxification house there.

They're essentially powerless to stop it.

Under state and federal law, as long as the house has no more than six residents, the city has no authority to regulate it, the officials told more than 100 people who attended a two-hour Town Hall meeting at Simi Valley City Hall.

It wasn't the first time opponents of the house got the sobering news since the controversy erupted in January.

"I don't have any good news for you at this point," said Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, who represents Simi Valley. "We're not going to be able to stop it."

Huber agreed.

"The city doesn't have day-to-day control," he said. "We have no power."

The for-profit detoxification house on Cisco Court on the city's east end will be run by Shawn Miller, a former heroin addict who spent nearly 24 years in prison for crimes including armed robbery and car theft before being released a few years ago.

Many Texas Tract residents are concerned that the house will deteriorate the neighborhood's quality of life, including posing a threat to children and causing property values to decrease.

Wilk left open a slight glimmer of hope for the opponents: the house has not yet gotten its permit from the state Department of Health Care Services. He said he plans to write a letter to the department conveying the audience's concerns.

Victor Alfano, 58, an opponent who lives on Cisco Court, latched onto that possibility.

"It's not a done deal" if "deficiencies" can be demonstrated, he told Wilk and Huber.

One of those deficiencies in his opinion is Miller.

"Fundamentally, we oppose a 24-hour-a-day business being placed onto our street," Alfano, an aerospace industry programmer, said in an interview. "But to compound the matter, the gentleman that is starting this has been less than two years out of Soledad State Prison and has less than two years experience working at a detox house.

"And so we have a person who can't own a gun and can't vote who could be responsible for six persons' lives at any given time," he said.

Miller, who is buying the house from Simi Valley businessman Sandy Bass, did not attend the Town Hall, but has previously said he can understand the community's concerns.

"I think most of their fears will go away after we've been there a couple of months," he said.

A few speakers on Saturday were sympathetic to the planned detoxification house, asking the audience to have more compassion for heroin addicts trying to get clean.

Cisco Court resident Michael Garcia, 69, wasn't one of them.

Garcia, who has lived there for 40 years, said he's deeply frustrated that a felon who spent more than two decades in prison can be permitted to open such a business in a residential neighborhood

"I'm so ticked off," the retired printer said in an interview. "The neighborhood is incredible. Everybody's nice. Everybody's polite. No problems. No nothing. How does this guy get the authority to do this? I don't understand this."

Wilk said the detoxification house is allowed under the federal Americans with Disabilities and Fair Housing acts.

"The ADA ended up including drug and alcohol (dependence) as disabilities and in 1988, the Fair Housing Act was amended to include that," he said.

Peter Lyons, Simi Valley's environmental services director, has said previously that under state Health and Safety Code guidelines for alcohol and drug programs, the city essentially cannot regulate "group homes" of six or less.

Wilk said there is pending legislation in Sacramento, including a bill he helped co-author, to further regulate such houses. But even if they were signed into law, the bills would not stop the planned house on Cisco Court, he said.

Simi Valley Police Cmdr. Stephanie Shannon, meanwhile, assured the audience that police are committed "to continue to monitor this facility to maintain your quality of life."

Keith Mashburn was the only other Simi Valley council member to attend the Town Hall.
STAR FILE PHOTO

SHARE STAR FILE PHOTO

By Staff Reports

The Ventura Police Department is offering a program that shows members of the public how the law enforcement agency works, officials said this week.

The department's community academy is a nine-week program that includes a ride-along with a patrol officer, a SWAT team demonstration, a simulated firearms training course and a look at the issues faced by officers in the city, police said.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live or work in Ventura, have no felony convictions and have no misdemeanor convictions within two years of applying, authorities said. A background check is required.

Classes will meet from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays starting March 22, mostly police headquarters at 1425 Dowell Drive, authorities said.

Call Ashley Bautista at 339-4317 for more information.
SHARE

To Camarillo High

A big round of applause goes out to the Ventura County mock trial competition's newest champs, the Camarillo Scorpions. They now head to Sacramento for the March 18-20 state contest, following in the footsteps of former champion La Reina High School, which won the county competition five years running and the state contest from 2011-13.

To motorists

Caltrans' proposals to make a dangerous stretch of Highway 126 between Santa Paula and Fillmore safer by adding four roundabouts should be greeted with enthusiasm. While unfamiliar in the United States before the 1990s, more than 3,000 now exist nationwide and have proved effective in slowing traffic and reducing the severity of accidents.

To Ventura

Your mayor pitched his case for a sales-tax increase during his State of the City speech Monday. Fixing an aging coastline, repairing streets and sidewalks, and funding library services and police and fire agencies were among the reasons given. Although an increase might be necessary, does it seem strange that the campaign to persuade voters to saddle themselves with the expense is costing $80,000?

To the homeless

Despite a successful fundraising effort that will allow the west county winter shelter to remain open until April 15, military operations have temporarily placed the National Guard Armory in Oxnard off limits. The shelter has been relocated to the Police Activities League building across the street. If all goes well, the shelter should return to the Oxnard armory Monday night.

To music lovers

Children are never too young to appreciate good music. This week more that 4,500 third- through fifth-graders got a chance to acquaint themselves with classical masters such as Beethoven, Mozart and Hayden, courtesy of the New West Symphony. Who knows how many budding musicians got their start from this introduction?

To spellers

Today is the Brobdingnagian event that will select one student to represent Ventura County in the Scripps National Spelling Bee to be held in May in Washington, D.C. The county bee gets underway at 9 a.m. at CSU Channel Islands in Camarillo with 126 contestants taking a written test. Up to 40 top scorers will then participate in the traditional oral spelling bee at 1 p.m., which is open to the public.

To poets

El Camino High School junior Zayan Reza was the first runner-up in the 2016 California state finals of the Poetry Out Loud competition. It is an incredible feat considering that 30,000 students in 39 California counties competed in events leading to the state finals. Reza's participation is not quite over. If the winner cannot attend the national finals in May, that honor will fall to Reza.

To pet lovers

The Ventura County Animal Shelter at the Camarillo Airport has streamlined the process for adopting pets. The shelter's new outdoor adoption center will allow residents to view videos and photographs of animals, confer with adoption counselors and fill out paperwork. The center is designed to speed up a process that has seen people standing in line for up to an hour inside the office.

To texters

It's the law: You can't text while driving. Thirty-nine people texting or talking on their cellphones while driving in Simi Valley found that out during a distracted driver operation last week. If obeying the law isn't incentive enough, consider this: Do your want your last text message to read, "OMG!"

To harbor businesses

Representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration will remain in town into next week to reach businesses eligible for disaster assistance. More than 80 businesses operate out of the Ventura Harbor. Many have been affected by the sand-clogged harbor entrance's lengthy closure. Businesses should avail themselves of this extension. You might be eligible for low-interest loans.

To strollers

The Ventura Pier remains closed after a dozen pilings were damaged during December's high surf. Just last weekend, five more pilings sustained similar damage. Repair work continues but could be halted by another round of potentially damaging waves, expected as early as Sunday night.


On Cinco de Mayo, The Commissary Kitchen by Richard Sandoval will debut its brand-new tequila collection, comprising over 100 unique and rare spirits. Chef Sandovals National Beverage Director Robert Day helped create the collection.

Day, who is also a certified tequila expert by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (The Tequila Regulatory Council), worked along with the Las Vegas team for nearly six months to perfect this collection.

Our goal is to introduce our guests to the fine art of sipping tequila, not just shooting it, says Day. This will be an incredibly eclectic collection ranging from the popular, mainstream tequilas ranging to unique flavors theyll only be able to find at The Commissary in downtown.

To celebrate the collections debut, The Commissary will feature Cinco De Mayo specials beginning Saturday, May 3. The specials will include Red Pozole or Tortilla Soup ($4); appetizers such as tacos ($1), three flautas ($5), quesadillas ($5 for cheese, $6 for chicken), brisket nachos ($5) and aqua fresco (watermelon, horchata, jamaica or cucumber).

Amongst the most expensive labels will be the Don Julio Patron Real 1942, El Mojito Mezcal and Patron Anejo Grandiose. Furthermore, every type of Patron including Blanco, Anejo and Reprezado will be available. The Commissary will also offer a new line of infused tequilas with flavors including jalapeno, tropical and coconut. Prices on this exciting list range from $7 to $95 a shot. All guests will receive a tequila menu and tasting notes in order to understand the plethora of choices available.

This tequila collection will be the only one of its kind in Las Vegas, designed to pair perfectly with Chef Sandovals culinary creations at The Commissary, concludes Day. The Commissary is where tequila aficionados will be flocking come Cinco de Mayo and beyond.


To kick off NASCAR Weekend, A.J. Allmendinger of JTG Daugherty Racing and Michael McDowell of Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing stopped by Double Barrel Roadhouse for a meet and greet and autograph signing (Photo credit: Double Barrel Roadhouse).

Photo credit: Double Barrel Roadhouse.

The two posed for pictures with excited fans before racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.


The 2012 Miss Teen USA contestants showed off their sweet side at Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas on Saturday evening. The blushing beauty queens were all smiles as they stocked up on delectable treats including Sugar Factorys signature jumbo whirly pops, gummy bears and mouthwatering milk chocolate SMores candy bars (Photo credit: Sugar Factory at Paris Las Vegas).

Showing off their playful side, the lovely ladies stopped to sign autographs and pose for photographs with admiring fans. Danielle Doty, the reigning Miss Teen USA 2011, took to Twitter Sunday afternoon exclaiming Sugar Factory, thank you so much for yesterday!
Astoria, Queens, New York - Omni Bus- Circa Late 1940's

Astoria, Queens, New York - Brodway Ave. - Circa Late 1940's

1948 Buick Super Woody Wagon - Ranch Home - Circa Late 1940's

1949 Ford Woody Station Wagon - Circa1949

Cheyenne, Wyoming - Capital - Circa 1949

Ogallala, NB - Standard Gas Sign & Pumps - Main Street Scene - Autos - Signs - Circa: 1949

1948 Buick Super Woody Wagon - Ranch Home - Beautifull Lookinhg Horse- Circa Late 1940's

1941 Cadillac - Winter Sleading Scene

1941 Chrysler Convertible - Navy NAS - Jacksonville License Plate - Circa: 1943

Shell Gas Station - Visible Gas Pump - Gas Globes - Circa: 1945

Toll Booth - State Highway - Bridge - Vintage Auto - Circa: Late 1940's

Sandy Hook, CT - Corbett Crowe Pharmacy - Coca Cola Sign - Autos - Signs - Circa: Late 1940's

1949 Oldsmobile - 1949 Ford - Eagle Gate Looking Towards Capitol - Salt Lake City, UT - Circa: 1949

Sandy Hook, CT - Corbett Crowe Pharmacy - Coca Cola Sign - Circa: Late 1940's

1948 Buick Parade Car - North Hollywood Veterans - Used Car Lot - Circa: Late 1940's

1939 Chevrolet Pick Up Truck - Taxi - Little Lady In Her Sailor Outfit - Chicago - Circa: Late 1940's

1949 Buick Woodie Wagon - Fire Truck - Rail Car - American Flag - Chicago Railroad Fair - Gas Station Attendants As Color Guard - Circa: 1949

1949 Kaiser-Frazer - Don Haynes The Marvel Man - The Stunt Man Who Had Himself Welded Into His Car - Circa: 1949

Tony's DX Gas Station - Coca Cola Sign - Marvel Cigarettes Sign - Firestone Tires Sign - Gas Pumps With Globes - Somewhere In The Mid West - Circa Late 1940's

Truck And Tractor Fair - American Flags - Feb, 1948

Actor Donald OConnor - 1946 Buick Parade Car - North Hollywood, California - Circa: 1946

Green River Wyoming - Street Scene - Vintage Autos - Signs - Circa Late 1940's

1949 Kaiser-Frazer - Don Haynes The Marvel Man - The Stunt Man Who Had Himself Welded Into His Car - Circa: 1949

1941 Lincoln - Dorothy Lamour - Atlantic City Parade - American Flags - Circa: 1941

Tydol Gas Station - Tydol Gas Pump - 1940 Ford COE - Coca-Cola Vending Machine - Circa Late 1940's

New York City - 5th Avenue - Vintage Autos -American Flag - Easter Sunday - Circa: 1946

Gov. Thomas E. Dewey - 1948 Ford Sportsman Woody - Presidential Campaign Parade Car - 1948 Utah Centennial Parade - Circa: 1948

1948 Utah Centennial Parade Horse - American Flags - Circa: 1948

1949 Buick - Mother And Son - Circa: Early 1950's

1939 Buick - 1941 Buick - Standard Gas Station - Conco Gas - Williams, AZ - Circa: 1947

Reno Nevada - Coca Cola Sign - Walgreens - Circa: 1949

Reno, Nevada - The "Reno Arch" - Woody Wagon - Vintage Autos - Circa: 1949

Reno Nevada - John Russel - Western Movies Star - Circa: 1949

Reno Nevada - Scott Bradey - Western Movies Actor - Woody Wagon - Circa: 1949

Street Scene - Chevrolet & RKO Palace Theatre NYC Billboard Signs - Circa: 1948

Street Scene - Vintage Autos - Esso Gas Billboard - Circa: 1948

Main Street Scene - Cleveland, OH - Gillsy Hotel - Doublemint Gum Billboard - Coca Cola Sign - Circa: 1939

Vintage Autos - Street Scene - Savoy Hotel - Majestic Theatre - Bridgeport, CT - Circa: 1952

Ford Delivery Truck - Castleton Brands Food Products - Circa: Late 1940's

1947 Lincoln Zepher - Horse Back Riders - Coca Cola Sign - Mobil Oil Gas Station And Sign - Circa: 1947

King Paul & Queen Frederica - Greek Royal Family - Circa: 1949

Hood's Milk Truck - Devco Van - Milkman - Circa: 1949

First National Store - Main Street Scene - Coca Cola Sign - Vintage Autos - Exeter, NH - Circa: 1949

Mobil Gas Station - Cobble Stone Street - Route 127 In Massachusetts - Vintage Autos - Packard Car - Circa: 1949

Pontiac GMC Dealership - C.J. Harmon's - Neon Sign - 1935 Dodge - Circa: 1946

I.G.A. Store - W.B. Avery - Genest's Bread Sign - West Campton, NH - Circa: 1949

"Signs, signs, everywhere there's signs..." - Two Friends Lost In A Sea Of Signs - Coca Cola - 7up - Grapette - Cafe- Julian, CA - Circa: 1949

1933 Dodge Woody Wagon - Black Horse Liquor Store - Seagram's Display - Circa; Late 1940's

Standard White Crown Gas Station - Frank's Service Station - Gas Pumps With Globes - Car Wash - Circa: 1949

1946 Pontiac - C.J. Harmon's Pontiac Dealership - Cleveland Heights, Ohio - Circa: 1946

Sunoco Gas Station - 1948 Buick Super - Wrexham & Sullivant Ave. - Columbus, OH - Circa: 1949

"A Stand Out In The Crowd" - New York City - Street Scene - 5th Ave & E 51st St - Circa: 1940's

1949 Pontiac Convertible - Brooks Hall - Allegheny College - Meadville, PA - Circa: 1949

1948 Buick Woody Wagon - Wheaton, IL - Main Street Parade Scene - Coca Cola Sign - Circa Late 1940's

1948 Buick - Atlantic City , NJ - Driveway Scene - Circa: Late 1940's

1948 Buick, Boat Dock Scene - Late 1940's

1939 Chevrolet - Lighting Cigar Under The Hood - Circa: 1947

Shell Gas Pump - Circa Late 1940's

1941 Lincoln in Parade with Army Officers.

Eskimo Pie Ice Cream Vendors Cart, Coca Cola, Mission Orange, 1949 Mercury, Unknown Location and Date.

After recovering from the crises of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, the spirit of human ingenuity and American entrepreneurship found a way to persevere in the 1940s.As the country prepared for war in the early '40s, collaboration between businesses and the American people represented a collective resourcefulness. These fabulous photos, were taken by 35mm Kodachrome film from Dave Gelinas's collection , offer a candid look at an America in transition and the changing cities that people called home.(All photos  Dave Gelinas
Alabama Supreme Court Rips SCOTUS Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage

Contact: Tom Ford, 334-220-2319



MONTGOMERY, Ala., March 4, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Alabama Supreme Court broke their nine month silence on same-sex marriage Friday and in a 9-0 Order simply dismissed all of the pending motions and petitions and refused to lift their Injunction from March 3 that upheld Alabama's Sanctity of Marriage Amendment.



"As it has done for approximately two centuries, Alabama law allows for 'marriage' between only one man and one woman. Alabama probate judges have a ministerial duty not to issue any marriage license contrary to this law. Nothing in the United States Constitution alters or overrides this duty." See Ex Parte State ex rel. Alabama Policy Institute



"Such an action from a State Supreme Court has not been seen since the days of Dred Scott," Tom Ford, spokesperson for Sanctity of Marriage Alabama said. "Just as Obergefell did nothing to alter or abolish Alabama's marriage law, today's Order did nothing to lift the Injunction from March 3rd and Alabama officials should continue to acknowledge the fact that marriage is between one man and one woman," Ford continued.



Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore wrote in his concurrence:

"Today this Court by order dismisses all pending motions and petitions and issues the certificate of judgment in this case. That action does not disturb the existing March orders in this case or the Court's holding therein that the Sanctity of Marriage Amendment, art. I,  36.03, Ala. Const. 1901, and the Alabama Marriage Protection Act,  30-1-9, Ala. Code 1975, are constitutional. Therefore, and for the reasons stated below, I concur with the order."

The simplicity of today's Order from the Court left a cracked door for Justice Greg Shaw and Justice Mike Bolin to confuse us all with curious "concurrences" that take the form of dissents and attempt to surrender God's truth, the immutable nature of marriage, our democratic voice, and the rule of law to the unconstitutional opinion from SCOTUS that was Obergefell.



Now is no time for surrender and gratefully, in the technical effect of the Order and further, in the writings of Chief Justice Moore (at 13) and Justice Parker (at 126) we find unprecedented excellence in defense of the rule of law and constitutional supremacy, as well as sound clarification of the legal reality in Alabama: the March Injunction requiring Alabama probate judges to only issue those licenses that are in accordance with Alabama's Sanctity of Marriage Amendment remains in full force and effect.



"Today, Alabama dealt a much-needed blow to judicial overreach and continues to lead the charge in restoring the fundamental principles of our constitutional republic. Today's writings will reverberate around the world for centuries and the magnum opuses from Chief Justice Moore and Justice Parker should be read and carefully considered by every American who cares about the future of this country," Ford said.



acis.alabama.gov/displaydocs.cfm?no=721120&event=4KW0LCPOJ
The fishing boat Dongkyeong 201, which carried a Korean captain along with six Vietnamese crew members, was discovered by rescuers off Japan on Thursday night, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The ship lost contact with the fisheries information control center in Pohang City, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea at around 9:30 pm on February 29, after leaving Chuksan Port.

Pohang coast guards dispatched six ships and one plane to search for the fishing vessel in an area 28km east of Wonpo Port, where marine traffic controllers last received its signal, upon being notified by the center.

The Dongkyeong 201 completely overturned when it was found in Japanese waters some 96 kilometers east of Homigot Port in Pohang, inside which the body of a deceased victim was spotted. The identity of the victim has not been revealed thus far.

However, the Pohang coast guards assumed the victim could possibly be the 47-year-old captain from South Korea.

Rescuers will continue to focus on inspecting the fishing boat as well as scouting the nearby sea area for the remaining fishers, the coast guards added.

According to a report submitted by local coast guards to Vietnamese labor management officials in South Korea, the six crew members were sent to the East Asian country for work by two Vietnamese firms, namely the International Manpower Supply and Trade Company and the Tourist, Trade and Labour Export JSC.

The Embassy of Vietnam in South Korea have been working with local authorities to stay updated on the search and rescue mission, as well as requesting the two Vietnamese companies to prepare necessary support for the families of the six.

The missing Vietnamese include Tran Xuan Long, 29, Nguyen Luong Quynh, 29, Trinh Dinh Cuong, 35, Tran Van Dai, 40, Nguyen Tien Hung, 34, and Le Nhat Vu, 40, according to theVietnam News Agency.
Taiwan (China) led the way in registered capital with US$205 million pumped into 4 projects, followed by Singapore (US$188.2 million), the Republic of Korea (US$64 million), and Japan (US$54.5 million).

Chief among these projects are a US$100-million fabric manufacturing project by Taiwan-based De Licacy Industrial Co., Ltd; and an 88-million-USD instant coffee factory by Singapores Fovoline Global Trading PTE. Ltd.

By the end of February, the province has had 2,623 operational projects with a combined investment of US$24.1 billion. Some 1,560 of the projects are operating at local industrial parks, worth US$15.75 billion or 65% of the localitys total FDI.

On the same day, the province launched the Binh Duong Foreign Service Centre at the provincial Department of Foreign Affairs to provide timely and effective support to overseas investors, so as to attract more foreign investment.

It will assist investors in obtaining visas and investment licenses as well as provide them with all necessary information regarding the local business climate and investment incentive policies.



During the opening ceremony, the centre signed deals to cooperate with business associations of Japan, the Republic of Korea and Taiwan.
Police hide behind vehicles during an exchange of gunfire with suspects hiding near a Starbucks cafe when another blast happens in Jakarta on Jan 14, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Bay Ismoyo)

JAKARTA: One of the masterminds behind a series of terror attacks that hit Jakarta on Jan 14 is a convict on death row, Iwan Kurniawan or Rois, Indonesian police told reporters on Thursday (Mar 3), adding Bali, an airport and an international school in the capital had also been considered targets.

Currently, Rois is awaiting his sentence for his role in the 2004 bombings at the Australian embassy in Jakarta.

Since the brazen assault in Thamrin business district, more than 40 suspects have been arrested; six of them are directly linked to the gunfire and bombings that killed eight people, including the four terrorists.

The network was coordinated by him from prison. The money flowed to somebody - Im not going to say who that person  to somebody out of prison, but under the control of Iwan Rois, Jakarta police chief Tito Karnavian disclosed during talks on the terrorism network in Southeast Asia at the State Islamic University in the capital.

Besides Rois, police also believe that Aman Abdurrahman, another terror convict currently in prison, had also played a part in the January attacks.

The police chief admitted one of the country's weaknesses is its prison system. "They are put together in the same prison. Then they can communicate. They can make plots for attacks. They can reorganise and regroup."

One of the terror suspects arrested had contemplated attacking the popular resort of Bali, an unidentified airport and an international school in Jakarta, according to on-going investigations.

Following the incident, the Islamic State (IS) militant group claimed responsibility for the attacks. According to terrorism expert Prof Rohan Gunaratna from S Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, the bombings are a prelude to IS's declaration of its planned caliphate in Indonesia.

However, the Philippines seems more likely to witness the first of such caliphate in Southeast Asia, the expert said.

In the Philippines, four groups came together and identified themselves as IS. So IS will make a declaration," he explained. "In the case of Indonesia, currently there is a discussion going on as to what groups will form the IS branch.

However, no broad consensus on unified support for the militant group has been reached in Indonesia. Moreover, its radical groups remain divided. About 24 of such groups have pledged their allegiance to IS while others - particularly those with former members of al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah - have rejected the IS ideology.

Still, these radical groups share the same ultimate goal, which is to create an Islamic state in the region.
A jade mine in Hpakant, Myanmar's Kachin State, pictured on October 4, 2015 AFP/Ye Aung Thu

Yangon - Two senior Myanmar officials were purged from their posts this week after an investigation over corruption in the country's multi-billion-dollar jade mining industry, authorities said Friday.

The heads of Myanmar's customs and trade departments were stripped of their positions and accused of illegally importing heavy machinery used to dig for jade in northern Kachin state, said Zaw Htay, director general of the president's office.

It was a rare government admission that officials were involved in corrupt practices in the shadowy and vastly lucrative jade industry, which feeds huge demand for the precious stone in neighbouring China.

Public outcry has intensified in recent months as ever-larger diggers claw huge swathes of the landscape in Kachin's Hpakant mining area, which has seen a string of deadly landslides.

"These two officials were involved in the import of machinery to dig for jade in Hpakant and the president's office has taken action against them," Zaw Htay said, adding that there was no indication that criminal proceedings would be taken against them.

He said other officials also accused of wrongdoing in the inquiry worked for the home affairs, commerce, finance and mining ministries and it would be up to their respective departments to decide how to deal with them.

The government inquiry into the jade industry began in December as a series of landslides in Hpakant left scores of miners dead and stoked public alarm over the notoriously opaque industry.

Local activists accuse mining firms of ramping up extraction ahead of Myanmar's delicate transition to a government led by Aung San Suu Kyi's party.

Advocacy group Global Witness has said jade mining in Myanmar could be "the biggest natural resource heist in modern history", with those raking in profits including sanctioned cronies, drug lords and military figures from the former junta regime.

Last year it estimated the value of jade produced in 2014 was around $31 billion -- far exceeding the $3.4 billion sold at Myanmar's gem emporium that year, the country's only official market for international sales of the precious stone.

The state-backed Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper in February reported that Myanmar officially earned $567 million from jade exports in the nine months to December 2015, according to the ministry of commerce.
The model of the $1.2-billion waterfront site in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area in HCM City. Singapore's Keppel Land and other three companies will develop the project. - Photo ndh.vn

The other joint-venture partners in Empire City would be Vietnamese companies Tien Phuoc Real Estate Joint Stock Company (Tien Phuoc) and Tran Thai Real Estate Co. Ltd (Tran Thai), as well as Hong Kong-based real estate private equity fund Gaw Capital Partners, Keppel Land's press release said.

These companies will jointly develop a prime $1.2-billion waterfront site in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area in HCM City.

The 14.6ha project will comprise premium residential apartments, office and retail properties as well as an 86-storey integrated mixed-use tower complex.

Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Land Ang Wee Gee said, "We are very excited to participate in the growth of the upcoming Thu Thiem New Urban Area, which is poised to become the future central business district of HCM City."

"Our planned projects will bring the best in waterfront and urban lifestyles to HCM City, as well as augment Keppel Land's quality portfolio of prime residential and commercial properties in the city," Gee said

Keppel Land, a subsidiary of Keppel Corporation Limited, is recognised for its sterling portfolio of award-winning residential developments and investment-grade commercial properties, as well as high standards of corporate governance and transparency.

In Viet Nam, Keppel Land operates 19 projects and plans about 22,000 homes in Ha Noi, HCM City, the southern Dong Nai Province and Southern Vung Tau Province.
Panic has gripped Cameroon's capital, Yaounde, after a confidential letter from the country's defense minister leaked to social media stating that Boko Haram terrorists had arrived in the city.

The letter from Joseph Beti Assomo to top military officers called for vigilance and additional deployment of troops to ministerial buildings and public areas, such as markets, churches and schools. Military officials said the leak occurred because of lapses in their information system.

In light of the information, some residents have decided to lie low. Businesswoman Belinda Tatah said that when she heard Assomo had urged the military to stop a possible terrorist attack in the capital, she decided to avoid all public places and gatherings.

"You know, if the minister of defense signs a confidential note that there are terrorists in town, any normal human being should be afraid," Tatah said. "That is why I have decided not to go out, because I am too scared."

The letter called for increased security at government buildings, army barracks, military hospitals and crowded" public places. It also called for collaboration between the public and vigilante groups.

Security staff deployed

Adrien Njoya, an official at a private security company that filters access to major hotels in Yaounde, said he deployed more of his staff when they were informed of the threats. He said that because the enemy was reportedly at work, he had asked his staff to thoroughly search everyone, even their brothers and sisters who come visiting. He said everyone visiting the hotel should be identified.

Assomo instructed the head of the brigade that protects citizens in the capital to be vigilant and to track suspects immediately. He said intelligence gathering should be intensified immediately and that economic activity, political institutions, diplomatic missions and all foreigners living in Cameroon should be protected. He said terrorism threats in Yaounde were real.

Since their insurgency spilled over into Cameroon three years ago, Boko Haram terrorists have operated only on the country's northern border with Nigeria. No attacks have been reported in the southern parts of the central African state.

Historically, large open markets, hotels, parks and sporting venues have been targeted by terrorists. Some countries have advised their citizens to maintain restrictions on travel to northern Cameroon, especially travel within 100 kilometers of the border with Nigerias Adamawa and Borno states.

Diplomatic missions, including the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, urged expatriates to exercise caution.
Cuba and the European Union are close to a deal on a new bilateral agreement, which would improve relations that have been chilly for decades.

Cuban and EU officials made the announcement Friday after two days of talks and two years of negotiations. The agreement, while not yet complete, will cover politics, commerce and aid.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno told reporters the agreement could be ready by the March 10-11 visit to Havana by the European Union's foreign policy head, Federica Mogherini.

That visit by Mogherini will immediately precede the visit to Cuba by President Barack Obama, the first U.S. president to visit the island since 1929.
On Wednesday, as the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over a law that critics say places unreasonable restrictions on abortion, filmmaker Dawn Porter premiered her new documentary, "Trapped."

The film is Porter's argument that laws like HB2  the Texas law before the Supreme Court  have little to do with women's health and are instead designed to make it harder for women to get an abortion.

Since 2011, hundreds of laws regulating abortion clinics have been passed by conservative state legislatures, particularly in the South. Supporters say the laws are designed to make abortion safer.

But critics call these restrictions Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers, or TRAP laws. They argue lawmakers are trying to restrict or eliminate access to safe abortions.

Porter and other critics also contend these laws disproportionately affect poor women and women of color, who face the closure of local clinics and don't have the means to travel and pay for a procedure.

Compliance nearly impossible

"Trapped" follows a small number of abortion clinics in the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Texas as they deal with the challenge of staying open while complying with new regulations imposed by their state.

June Ayers, the owner of one of the Alabama clinics, says conservative politicians are behind Texas' HB2 law, and many of the state's clinics find it nearly impossible to comply with its mandates.

That was the function of the bill. The function is a trap, she said.

One HB2 regulation requires abortion clinics to be ambulatory surgical centers.

In a court brief, opposition groups argued those upgrades are often prohibitively expensive. They also point out that the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists say the regulations are unnecessary, and actually put women's health at risk "by restricting access to abortion providers."

According to the documentary, the bill also requires many facilities to widen corridors to allow gurneys to pass through and include surgical equipment not used in abortion procedures.

These restrictions, says Dalton Johnson, owner of an abortion clinic in Huntsville, Alabama, are intended to chip away piecemeal at womens reproductive rights.

Ive spent close to a million dollars to meet all of their requirements and you think you are done and what are they trying to do? They are trying to pass another bill that is saying I cannot be within 2,000 feet of a school. They are treating me, the patients, the physicians, as sex offenders, he says in the film.

Speaking to VOA Wednesday outside the U.S. Supreme Court building, Elizabeth Graham, the director of Texas Right to Life, defended HB2.

Ambulatory surgical center requirements are the basic standard of care in surgery centers across America and although we do not want women to feel abortion is their only option, when they do make that tragic decision at the very least they should have the expectation that they will be cared for and that they will not be further victimized or maimed by the procedure or by substandard health conditions at the clinic, she said.

"Trapped" Director: Laws Put Women at Risk

But filmmaker Dawn Porter told VOA these laws are a pretext for eliminating the right to abortion.

"The laws are passed by politicians who say that they are for womens health but if you look at the legislative history, if you look at the states that are actually passing the laws, they are all by politicians who have vowed to make abortion, in the words of [Texas] Governor Rick Perry, a thing of the past," she said.

According to "Trapped," women, especially low-income women, pay the price of these restrictions.

Marva Sadler, a director of clinical services at a Texas clinic, says in the film, "Because of this crazy law, it is impossible to find people to work for us."

She tears up while talking about a young girl who requested an abortion.

"She is 13 years old and she is the victim of rape and she drove four hours from McAllen to San Antonio and we had to turn her away," she said. "And there was nothing I could do to save her."

The film suggests that anonymous victim is one of hundreds of thousands who may end up trying to self-abort and hurting themselves. According to the documentary, up to 240,000 women in Texas alone are estimated to have tried to end pregnancy themselves, without medical assistance.

One abortion care provider said, "I remember getting a call from a patient. She asked me 'What if I told you what I have in my kitchen cabinet and you tell me what I can do.'"

The Supreme Court's ruling on HB2 will be released later this year.
Leaders from Iran and Turkey called Saturday for cooperation in ending conflicts and sectarian violence in the region.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, speaking at a joint news conference in Tehran, said Iran and Turkey could collaborate to stop bloody fratricides.

Iranian Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri said Iran and Turkey had disagreed about how to handle the Syrian crisis, but that both sides were determined to move toward stability.

Turkey is a main backer of the rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Iran, along with Russia, support the Assad government.

Both men also said they were aiming to increase bilateral trade to $30 billion.

Trade between Turkey and Iran was reported at around $10 million in 2015, a drop from previous years.
The Philippines government says it has impounded a North Korean cargo ship in response to the new U.N. sanctions that went into effect this past week requiring inspections of all North Korean vessels in foreign ports.

The MV Jin Teng sailed into Subic Bay Thursday where inspectors said they found no suspicious cargo, but a number of safety violations that must be corrected before the ship can leave port.

The ship had come from an Indonesian port and was headed next to China. But now, Philippines presidential spokesman Manolo Quezon says the ship will not be allowed to leave port as scheduled, and the crew will be deported.

New toughest sanctions



This is the first known case of the new sanctions' impact on North Korean trade in the toughest measures instituted to date. The measures require inspections of all North Korean cargo entering or leaving the country by air or sea, and a ban on all sales or transfers of light arms or weapons to Pyongyang.

The violations aboard the 6,830-ton vessel included such items as missing or damaged equipment. Philippines authorities said there were no problems so far with the ship's cargo, which was reported as palm kernels.

On Thursday, North Korea fired six short-range missiles off its eastern coast, according to Seoul's Defense Ministry, which said the projectiles flew up to 150 kilometers before landing in the sea.

The North Korean news agency also quoted Kim on Friday threatening to carry out "a preemptive attack" on North Korea's enemies.

North Korea often threatens nuclear strikes during times of elevated tensions. But experts question whether the North has the ability to place its nuclear weapons onto long-range missiles.
A Pakistani man has received a 13-year prison sentence for allegedly posting religiously offensive material on his Facebook page, according to lawyers in the case.

Rizwan Haider, 25, was accused of publishing a post referring to the Prophet Muhammad.

An anti-terrorism court Thursday convicted Haider of three charges, including promoting sectarian hatred, Aleem Chatta, deputy public prosecutor for Punjab province, said in an interview with VOA's Urdu service.

Chatta said the case was registered against Haider, a Shi'ite Muslim, in January for posting what the prosecutor called material that was objectionable to Sunni Muslims.

The defendant was also fined 250,000 rupees ($2,500), Chatta said, adding that Haider denied the charges and had the right to appeal.

Haider's lawyer dismissed the accusations. "He only 'liked' it and did not post it on the page," Shameem Zaidi said.

Pakistan tightened its hate-crime laws as part of a campaign to combat extremism after a Taliban attack at a school in Peshawar in December 2014 killed 153 people, mostly children.

Authorities have arrested and sentenced several religious clerics, mostly from hard-line Sunni sects, for hate speech in recent months.

Haider's case, however, is one of the few in which a Shi'ite Muslim has been jailed for such a crime.

A Pakistani anti-terrorism court jailed another Shi'ite man for 13 years in November 2015 after he also posted what authorities deemed sectarian hate speech on Facebook. Rights activists condemned the ruling as "extremely concerning."

Pakistan has been gripped by sectarian violence since the 1980s, with thousands killed in clashes triggered by religious tensions.
Peru barred a presidential hopeful from next month's elections because of vote-buying allegations and also moved toward disqualifying likely runoff contender Julio Guzman in a surprise decision that could turn the race on its head.

Cesar Acuna, a wealthy former governor, and Guzman, a centrist economist, both said they would file appeals by Monday.

The National Jury of Elections can overrule the decisions made Friday by a lower electoral panel.

Guzman, seen by polls as tying front-runner Keiko Fujimori in a likely June runoff, was allowed to stay in the race Feb. 24 after he fulfilled a series of technical requirements related to his party's registration.

But those same technicalities were cited by the Special Jury of Elections, which approves presidential tickets, in accepting a citizen's petition to declare Guzman's candidacy "inadmissible" on Friday, a widely unexpected move that again threatens to upend his bid.

The possibility of throwing out two candidates weeks ahead of April 10 elections has raised questions about how free and fair the vote will be.

Guzman summoned his supporters to a rally in downtown Lima and said he would ask the courts to step in.

"This is a strike against democracy and anticipated fraud," he said on Facebook.

Acuna said he would continue campaigning until his appeal was heard. A local TV channel had broadcast footage of him promising cash to a handicapped man for medical care and to a crowd in a shantytown so they could build a levee.

He repeated that it was merely humanitarian aid. His lawyers have argued that a prohibition on donations by candidates was not in force at the time.

Guzman and Acuna had climbed in polls on the back of voter frustration with the other leading candidates, all well-known politicians who have sought the presidency at least once before, including two ex-presidents and Fujimori, the daughter of jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori.

Definitively barring either could boost lesser-known candidates who have edged up in recent polls, including leftist lawmaker Veronika Mendoza and left-leaning former Lima mayoral candidate Alfredo Barnechea.

Fujimori could potentially pick up poor and rural votes from Acuna supporters, although probably not enough to give her the 50 percent needed to win outright.

Acuna had 6 percent of voter intent in an Ipsos poll last month, down to fourth place from double-digit figures that had ranked him second before a plagiarism scandal derailed his rise.

Fujimori had 30 percent and Guzman 18 percent, and the two were virtually tied in a run-off scenario.
Afghanistan's Taliban militants are casting further doubt on prospects for peace talks with the Kabul government.

In a Pashto language statement given Saturday to VOA, the Taliban said their leadership had not yet decided to engage in talks with Kabul. They said they believed talks could not be productive until all foreign forces had left Afghanistan, sanctions on insurgent leaders had been removed and Taliban prisoners had been freed.

The statement said U.S. night raids in Afghanistan were continuing. It added that fresh American forces had been deployed to the battlefield and that Afghan forces had also intensified their operations. The Taliban said that in the light of those developments, peace talks would be meaningless.

In Washington on Saturday, the State Department urged Taliban leaders to change their minds and commit to talks.

"The Taliban have a choice  to join good-faith negotiations for peace, or continue to fight a war in which they are killing their fellow Afghans and destroying their country," a spokesman said in a statement. "If they choose the latter course, they will continue to face the combined efforts of the Afghan security forces and their international partners."

Diplomats from Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the U.S. who have organized the talks had hoped the conference would begin the first week in March.

Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, Hazrat Omer Zakhilwal, told VOA on Friday that "there is a lot happening in the background" and said he expected peace talks to start within days.

In a video conference with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Friday, President Barack Obama stressed U.S. support for a peace process that he said "reduces violence and ensures lasting stability in Afghanistan and the region."

White House officials said both presidents intended to use the July NATO summit in Warsaw to reaffirm international support for peace in Afghanistan.

Obama announced late last year that he was postponing the withdrawal of most U.S. forces in Afghanistan for one year, until he leaves office in January 2017.

U.S. troops are training Afghan forces in taking full responsibility for providing their own security against the Taliban and other militants.
The Conservative Political Action Conference in the United States is not a place to find supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, but many Republican activists appear to find her preferable to Donald Trump, their own party's front-running candidate.

"Hillary, for all of her many, many, many flaws, is a mature adult with government experience," says Brad Matthews from Brookville, Maryland. "Donald Trump has no government experience. He has no firm beliefs." Trump, in Matthews' estimation, is "too dangerous" to be president. "If it's him versus Hillary, I don't know if I'd vote. That's just honestly a choice I don't want to have to make."

John McAdams of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said he would "probably stay home" if the only choices on November's general-election ballot turn out to be Trump and Clinton. "It's hell either way," McAdams said. "I don't much like Hillary, but she's not so wildly inconsistent like Trump. At least you know what you're getting."

Trump had been scheduled to speak Saturday morning at the conservatives' CPAC conference near Washington, but his campaign organization announced abruptly late Friday that the billionaire real-estate developer instead would be campaigning in the center of the country, in Kansas.

Based on the comments of CPAC members VOA reporters interviewed, it seems Trump would have faced a difficult audience.

"I can't stand him, personally," says Arianna Smith from Morgantown, West Virginia. "I think he's insane, to be quite honest. I don't like him at all." Smith says she is repulsed at "almost every word that comes out of the man's mouth," and she sees no scenario in which she would ever vote for him. "Quite frankly, I'm going to go third party if he gets the nomination."

VIDEO - Strong opinions at conservative conference

The angry anti-Trump sentiment on display this week at the annual CPAC conference underscores the Republican Party's deep divide over Trump, the outspoken New Yorker who currently holds a strong lead in the race to win the party's presidential nomination.

Republican 'civil war'

The party split has moved far beyond the usual disagreements found early in a presidential campaign - several months of competition among several contenders that usually results in unity among party leaders in support of a single candidate. This year has been different, and many politics professionals and experts now believe it is unlikely the various Republican factions will ever come together to back Trump.

"I don't think the Republican Party will coalesce behind Donald Trump," said Mickey Edwards, a former member of the Republican leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives. "Even if he manages to win the nomination, there are going to be an awful lot of Republicans that don't support him. He may be walking around with the official title, but most of the Republicans I know aren't going to support him."

WATCH - Mitt Romney denounces Trump

Comments like that have sparked talk of a "civil war" among Republicans. Those sparks flared up this week after Mitt Romney, the party's unsuccessful presidential nominee four years ago, denounced Trump as a "phony" and "fraud" who is "playing the members of the American public for suckers." Another Republican elder, Senator John McCain, the unsuccessful presidential candidate in 2008, this week referred to Trump as "uninformed" and "dangerous."

'Least predictable' Trump

If the divide over Trump is not resolved soon, there could be a major realignment within the Republican Party, according to Edwards, who is seen as a founding father of modern conservative politics in the U.S. But he insists that would be a small price to pay to keep Trump out of the White House. "I think most of us are more concerned about the United States than we are [about] the party. The party is a political club. Our concern is about the country."

Asked how he thinks Trump would govern as president, Edwards replied: "How do I think Mickey Mouse would govern if he were president? He's completely unpredictable. He's really not smart enough to be president. Who knows where he is. He's been all over the place on almost everything. And he seems to mostly say things just to get a rise out of people. I've never known a candidate of either party who was less predictable."

Trump's unpredictability is one of the factors that led Eliot Cohen, a former top State Department official under president George W. Bush, to help come up with a strongly worded anti-Trump petition that has so far been signed by over 100 conservative foreign policy experts.

"This is the worst demagogue in the United States in my lifetime," Cohen, now a professor at Johns Hopkins University, told VOA. "I think he would be a disaster for the United States of America. I think he would be a disaster for the world. He is clearly not someone who is committed to the Constitution of the United States. It's not even clear to me that he understands it."

Broad opposition to Trump

"That's why you've seen a lot of people who come from a broad spectrum of backgrounds who are just saying look, there's no way we can ever - ever - possibly support this man or vote for him or endorse him or anything. A consensus of people who are serious about foreign policy in the Republican Party view this man as anathema."

But if a segment of Republicans is uniting against Trump, there are also many outside the party's traditional base who are attracted to him. That's because many voters admire the former reality television star not because of his policy positions, but for his bombastic personality and outsider persona.

"He in their minds is a reflection of their anger," says David Merritt of Luntz Global Partners, the communications group run by conservative pollster Frank Luntz.

"He's saying things they wish to God they could say to their senator or their member of Congress," Merritt told VOA. "It's not ideology. It's more personality, and what he represents, rather than what he is proposing."

Luntz Global Partners, which regularly brings groups of voters together to examine their political opinions, estimates that 15 to 20 percent of Trump's support comes from disaffected Democrats and independents.

"In our focus groups, we get a handful of Democrats who say Donald Trump will be their first choice and Hillary Clinton will be their second choice. Or Donald Trump will be their first choice and Bernie Sanders will be their second choice. So Trump is absolutely correct in that he is pulling in people that aren't from the traditional Republican base," Merritt said.

But does the party want to risk those potential gains, even if it means siding with a candidate who many see as explicitly racist and who has repeatedly and unapologetically offended diverse groups of people, including African-Americans, Mexicans, women and disabled people?

At this point, it isn't clear, but many are warning that the controversy could jeopardize Republicans' control of Congress.

"It could very well impact the Senate," says Merritt, pointing out that nearly two dozen Senate Republicans are up for re-election this November, compared to only 10 for the Democrats.

Many Republicans remain at least publicly optimistic, expressing confidence the party will be able to derail Trump before he clinches the nomination.

"American politics does have this slam-bang quality to it," says Cohen, the ex-State Department official. "But in the long run the United States has always come through. We always come to our senses."
A new U.N. report on labor and migration in Asia Pacific says economic gains from migration are often overlooked and is calling for policies promoting greater regional cooperation or risk heightening inequalities and human rights abuses.

Globally in 2013 there were more than 213 million migrants worldwide with over 59 million living in the Asia Pacific region, marking a growing trend since 1990.

Role of migrants

The U.N. report released this week says worldwide, over 95 million migrants came from countries in the Asia Pacific region; a rise of almost 50 percent over the past two decades. And, the report indicated, this trend is set to continue.

Hongjoo Hahm, deputy executive secretary of the U.N.s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) said the main driver propelling migration in the region is economics.

Economic gains is why migrants are on the move and we see the migrants largely moving unlike in other regions of the world. In Asia, one of the biggest and unique characterization is migration occurring from South to South except to say those going to the Gulf [oil] countries, he said.

Each year, some two million Filipinos depart for work overseas. More than half a million workers leave Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Pakistan annually.

Key destination countries for many include Brunei Darussalam, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Maldives, the Russian Federation, Singapore and Thailand.

Social and economic development

But restrictions imposed on migrant workers in some host countries impact migrant rights and limit their access to social protections. The U.N. report says such restrictions are often economically unjustified and are harmful to human rights.

UNESCAPs Hongjoo said issues such as migrants direct impact on local wages and inequality was also found to be quite small.

What we do find on the other hand is the impact on wages, on inequality and employment is mostly predominantly determined and is a function of government policies  not on migrants, stated Hongjoo. "When you provide migrants with decent work, when you treat migrants as your own, assimilate them into your economy and treat them as national labor  it really benefits your national economy.

But Phil Robertson, Asia Pacific deputy director for Human Rights Watch, said regional governments, such as Malaysia, prefer short term irregular migration, leaving many migrants in the irregular or underground economy faced with little protection.

Through all these issues is an exaggerated sense of national security that somehow these refugees and migrants constitute some sort of threat to their countries," he explained. "You see this in Thailand, where theres often reference to migrants or refugee mobs, you see this in Malaysia where theres an effort to try to continues to keep refugees out of the formal economy, not giving them the right to work.

Robertson said Southeast Asias ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) has also failed to formulate region-wide migrant work polices to mirror existing agreements covering goods and services.

U.N. economists say migrant trends in the future will also be influenced by regional demographic changes, especially in areas of an aging population, with a call for regional policies based on respect for human rights, decent work and social protection both for nationals as well as migrants.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has said he will try to restart negotiations between Western Sahara's Polisario independence movement and Morocco to resolve their conflict and allow Sahrawi refugees to return.

The dispute over the arid region in the northwest corner of Africa has festered since Morocco took most of it over in 1975 following the withdrawal of former colonial power Spain.

The Polisario Front, which says the territory belongs to ethnic Sahrawis, waged a guerrilla war until a U.N.-brokered ceasefire in 1991 that did not settle the dispute. The two sides have been deadlocked since.

The U.N. chief plans this weekend to visit refugee camps in Algeria's Tindouf area where Polisario is based.

Before leaving Mauritania on Thursday, the U.N. chief said he intended to "relaunch negotiations to resolve the conflict so that the Sahrawi refugees can return home to Western Sahara."

"The patience of the Sahrawi people has now run out. The U.N. has lost its way on Western Sahara," Polisario leader Mohammed Abdelaziz said in a statement on Friday.

"Ban's visit and his upcoming reports to the Security Council are the best opportunity in a long time to reset negotiations."

Polisario, backed by Morocco's regional rival and neighbor Algeria and a number of other African states, wants to hold a referendum promised in the ceasefire deal on the region's fate.

"We want to hear from the secretary-general in order to achieve a solution this year," Abdelaziz said.

"Allowing the stalemate to continue would have serious consequences not only for the people of Western Sahara, but also for the prospects for peace and security in a Maghreb region."

Rabat wants Western Sahara, which is rich in phosphates and possibly offshore oil and gas, to be an autonomous part of Morocco and disagrees with Polisario over who should take part in the referendum.

Ban said last year U.N. envoy Christopher Ross had intensified efforts to facilitate the entry of the parties into negotiations "without preconditions and in good faith."
Five U.S. states held primaries or caucuses Saturday to make their picks for who should represent the Democratic and Republican parties in the race to become the country's next president.

Republicans had events in four states, with party front-runner Donald Trump winning two - Louisiana and Kentucky - and Senator Ted Cruz winning the other two - Maine and Kansas. Senator Marco Rubio and Ohio Governor John Kasich trailed in all four states.

Some analysts have said Cruz performed better than Trump overall, surpassing predictions and running close in the states where he fell short. Cruz actually picked up more delegates Saturday than did Trump.

Republicans in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico will hold caucuses Sunday. Four more states make their choices on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Rubio has been pushing for victory in his home state of Florida, which has a primary on the 15th.

The Democrats had primaries or caucuses in three states Saturday. Front-runner Hillary Clinton earned victory in Louisiana, while Senator Bernie Sanders took the other two states - Kansas and Nebraska. Clinton's win in the one state earned her more delegates than Sanders.

Maine holds caucuses on Sunday. Two more states hold primaries for Democrats on Tuesday.

In the overall delegate count for Republicans, Trump still held the lead with 378, followed by Cruz with 295.

Trump called his victories Saturday an amazing night, and said he looked forward to taking on Cruz one-on-one in such states as New York, Pennsylvania and California. He congratulated the first-term Texas lawmaker on his wins Saturday, especially in Maine because its very close to Canada. Cruz was born in Canada, which Trump has suggested in the past makes the Texas lawmaker ineligible for the White House.

Trump also called on another Republican rival, Florida Senator Rubio, to drop out of the race. Rubio, who was seen as the alternative to Trump by Republican Party insiders, finished a distant third in all states except Maine, coming in fourth place behind Ohio Governor Kasich, another favorite of party insiders.

Trump boasted that his campaign is bringing a tremendous outpouring of voters to the Republican Party, and said it is time for the party to come together and stop this foolishness.

As the results were announced Saturday, Cruz, campaigning in the western state of Idaho, said he was seeing conservatives uniting behind his campaign.

Despite Sanders' victories in the Democratic contests, Clinton continued to hold a huge lead in the all-important overall delegate count, 1,121 to 479.

Clinton and Sanders will face off in a debate Sunday, their seventh, in Flint, Michigan.

Trump canceled a planned appearance at a major conservative political conference Saturday near Washington. He chose instead to hold a campaign rally in Kansas.

The Conservative Political Action Conference responded to Trump's cancellation on Twitter, saying it was "very disappointed" and that he was sending a "clear message" to conservatives.

Trump did not let up on his attacks on Cruz, his closest rival. He again called the senator a liar and told security to "throw out" several protesters at the Kansas rally.

VIDEO - Strong opinions at conservatives' conference


U.S. officials said Friday that Cubas human rights issues would be a focal point when President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry visit the island later this month.

The president is interested in lifting up the importance of universal human rights and the importance of the government not just respecting but actually taking steps to protect the expression of human rights, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

The White House and the State Department said Friday that Kerry planned to accompany Obama on his March 2122 visit to Cuba.

Last month, Kerry told Senate lawmakers that he was considering an earlier trip to Havana to have a human rights dialogue.

On Friday, the State Department and White House pushed back against news reports that said Kerry canceled plans for an earlier visit because of haggling with Cuba over which dissidents Obama would be allowed to meet. The State Department said Kerrys tentative trip was scrubbed because of logistical concerns.

Earnest said the president did intend to meet with Cuban dissidents of his choosing.

The guest list for that meeting will be determined solely by the White House, he said.

Arrests, detentions

There have been ongoing concerns about Cubas human rights record as the U.S. and Cuba move forward with efforts to normalize ties.

U.S. Representative Illeana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, raised the issue with Kerry when he testified before a House panel last month.

Ros-Lehtinen asked Kerry whether he was aware that more than 8,000 allegedly arbitrary arrests and detentions had taken place in Cuba since Obamas December 2014 announcement of plans to normalize ties.

Kerry told lawmakers the U.S. was now engaged more directly with Cuba on human rights issues because of its additional U.S. diplomatic presence in Havana.

State Department spokesman John Kirby acknowledged that despite improved relations between the U.S. and Cuba, there are still issues on which the two countries do not see eye to eye.

It is the way in which political dissent is not tolerated and the speed with which and the groundless nature with which people are arrested and detained in Cuba, said Kirby, citing examples of human rights disagreements.

The U.S. needs to continue to press Cuba on issues such as freedom of speech and freedom of association, said Marc Hanson, president of the Washington Office on Latin America.

However, he said, the U.S.-Cuba normalization process will benefit this effort.

"It is abundantly clear that a policy of isolation did not work on moving the needle on human rights or democracy in Cuba," he said.

Obama will be the first sitting president to visit Cuba since 1929. Kerry will be making his second trip as secretary of state, after attending an August ceremony to mark the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
The leader of Zambias main opposition party called on supporters this week to avoid political violence despite what the party said was extreme provocation by the ruling Patriotic Front ahead of the August 11 general election.

Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development, also urged the international community to monitor what he called human rights abuses by Zambian state institutions, like the police.

His remarks came after Geoffrey Mwamba, a leading member of the UPND, was arrested and charged Wednesday with unlawful milita training. Police spokesperson Charity Chanda said officers recovered weapons, including machetes, a spear, eight rounds of ammunition and a gun, at Mwambas premises in the capital, Lusaka.

The UPND had been accused of training militias ahead of the polls. President Edgar Lungu was recently quoted by local media as saying he had intelligence reports that the UPND was training about 250 youths to engage in violence during the elections.

But Hichilema said that by arresting Mwamba and 21 other opposition party supporters, the PF was using state institutions to harass and intimidate UPND followers. He said Lungu appeared to have been unable to stop the violence, which he said could escalate if not readily addressed.

We have done this against the brutal and suppressive behavior of the ruling party, the PF, and the president, who has taken a decision to suppress citizens and unleash the police force on harmless and armless citizens, Hichilema said.

Im aware that our citizens are in a position ... to retaliate," he said. "Thats why I called [on] them not to do that, because what President Lungu is trying to do is to instigate violence and then try to justify a call for a state of emergency, the consequence of which [is] to avoid the 11 August elections, and we dont want him to create that environment.

Hichilema, UPND criticized

PF backers dismissed Hichilemas accusation. Frank Bwalya, deputy PF spokesman, told VOA the president wants to maintain peace, and that Hichilema and his supporters should stop creating confusion that could tear at the country's social fabric.

PF supporters also said the UPND had yet to come up with measures comparable to those the government has been implementing to improve citizens' lives.

Critics said Hichilemas businesses have not been good to Zambians. Some of his employees said they have been threatened with being fired if they ask for better pay. Hichilema disagreed.

They are aware between their president and myself, that I am the better economic and business manager," he said. "They know I am a business person; they know I understand the economy. Im trained in that area, and we have demonstrated what our capabilities are. We created jobs when the president hasnt created any jobs."

The point is that if you are paying an agricultural worker, salaries [are] not the same as [for] a worker who works in an asset management business. The two are different. ... We pay much better" than the average wage, Hichilema added.

In the presidential election, Lungu will face a stiff challenge from Hichilema and Nevers Mumba of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy.

Our challenge is to have free, fair, transparent, credible elections. ... We are expecting nothing short of that. And that is what we are asking the international community to do  to pay attention to the elections in Zambia, because Zambians have decided to deliver change, Hichilema said.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has once again closed the door on the issue of who will succeed him, saying in a recent interview that Im still there.

Responding to questions during a two-hour delayed annual interview with the countrys state broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Cooperation (ZBC), Thursday, usually broadcast on the eve of his birthday, was as expected, full of jokes but also insightful on issues of national concern.

Aside from addressing the closure of the diamond mines due to non-compliance and swindling by some of the foreign mining companies, President Mugabe, who spoke between long poses, also addressed the pressing issue of succession, and his wife, Graces involvement in politics.

On succession, President Mugabe hit hard at those pressing him to select a successor, asking the interviewer jokingly, if he needed to punch someone for them to realize that hes still around, and therefore a successor not necessary at this time..

I'm still there, why do you want a successor? Do you want me to floor you with a punch for you to feel I'm still there?" President Mugabe said with a laugh, partly in Shona.

The 92-year-old president who marked his birthday at a huge bash at the Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo last Saturday, also took aim as those speculating about if he will voluntarily leave office before term, saying he did not accept his partys nomination to lead his Zanu-PF party, or represent it at the countrys 2018 elections, only to quit.

"When we went to (Zanu-PF elective) Congress in 2013 and the people said you are the candidate, he explained. I did not say I was a candidate to retireonly to retire midway. I never say that. I was candidate for the term. For the term. The term is a five-year term, isn't it? Otherwise why did I accept?"

Dismissing allegations from many, including his former vice president Joice Mujuru, who in a recent interview with the Associated Press speculated that President Mugabe was likely trying to establish a dynasty by paving way for his wife, Grace, and family to stay in power.

President Mugabe said that was ridiculous.

And it's ridiculous for that matter that others say the President wants to leave his wife in charge. Where have you ever seen that happening? Even our traditional systems do not allow that. We don't do that," Mugabe said, speaking in Shona.

As for whether or not hed encouraged his 50-year-of wife, Grace, who is the chair of Zanu-PFs powerful Womens League, to publicly attack those suspected of sabotaging the party, like Mrs. Mujuru, Mugabe explained that while he supported his wifes decision to enter politics, he does not control what she says.

Sure we welcome your decision if you come into politics', I said so to Grace. I said 'fine, yes I will support you but to come into politics the decision is entirely your own, you are free'. And so there she is, free. Her ideas are entirely her own."

President Mugabe also commented on the formation of Zimbabwe People First, Mujurus newly launched party, saying dismissively that he was not afraid of her or her party, and that they will live in the wilderness, where little ants and other biting insects are destined to live".

Mrs. Mujuru was kicked out of the Zanu-PF and government party in 2015, following allegations that she was disloyal to President Mugabe and that he had aspirations to succeed him in office.
A Zanu PF activist says targeted United States sanctions, which were renewed on Wednesday by U.S president Barack Obama are hurting Zimbabwe.

But the Movement for Democratic Change formation led by Morgan Tsvangirai argues that the sanctions are only causing sleepless nights for President Robert Mugabe and his inner circle.

The sanctions were imposed by the George Bush administration in 2003 following reports of serious human rights violations in Zimbabwe.

Zanu PF activist Gadzira Chirumanzu said the sanctions are causing havoc in the country.

It is not a secret that the United States is controlling all financial institutions in the world and they usually tell executives of those financial institutions to vote against Zimbabwe. So, at the end of the day these sanctions are very effective.

Responding to these remarks, MDC-T spokesperson Obert Gutu said the sanctions are hurting President Mugabe, his wife, Grace, and several Zanu PF officials who are no longer able to go shopping in developed nations.

 Ofcourse on a personal level they love going to Manhattan in New York to go shopping, they love to go to Disneyland, they love to spend money, ill-gotten money, in Las Vegas in the U.S and honestly on a personal level know they are very, very hurt.

Other developed nations that imposed the targeted sanctions are Britain, Australia and others.
Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti, who was in Zimbabwe's Government of National Unity (GNU), says he furnished President Robert Mugabe with all details that diamond revenue from Marange in Manicaland province was being looted but he refused to act.

The GNU was a coalition government between three major political parties in Zimbabwe formed on February 13th, 2000, after the signing of a Global Political Agreement.

The need for a coalition government arose after the 2008 parliamentary as well as presidential elections which were marred with violence and human rights violations.

In a belated 92nd birthday exclusive interview on state-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday, Mr. Mugabe said the state treasury received less than $2 billion from the controversial diamond fields.

The president said, We have not received much from the diamond industry at all. I dont think we have exceeded $2 billion, yet we think more than $15 billion has been earned.

But Biti dismissed Mr. Mugabes remarks saying, These are words and sound bites of a hypocrite and a dishonest person.

When I was in government I gave him the figures. I gave him the statistics. I gave him the secret reports produced in Brussels. I gave him the secret report produced by Kimberley Process  and the reports showed that diamond mines were producing over US$2 billion per year but we were getting nothing.

Biti said Mr. Mugabe was dismissive when he approached him with the evidence of looting. No one supported me. The reason was very simple. Zanu-PF took a deliberate decision that the diamond companies would not give money to treasury for fear that an MDC (opposition Movement for Democratic Change and coalition partner) minister would perform and make a difference. And we also knew that these diamond companies were paying rent to private individuals. And one of the things Mugabe used to say to me was, why go after diamonds, how about platinum 

In 2013, the state-owned Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC) projected that the Marange diamond fields would produce 16,9 million carats, making the project the single largest in the world in terms of carats produced annually.

In 2012, Partnership Africa Canada, a member of the Kimberley Process charged that at least US$2 billion worth of diamonds had been stolen from Zimbabwe's eastern diamond fields and had enriched President Mugabe's inner circle, international gem dealers and criminals.

Zimbabwe's Marange fields have seen "the biggest plunder of diamonds since Cecil Rhodes," the colonial magnate who exploited South Africa's Kimberley diamonds a century ago, Partnership Africa Canada said then.

But then Mines Minister Obert Mpofu dismissed the report. Mpofu told the Voice of America that the report was nonsensical and the work of detractors.

The first thing about detractors is  Who do they want to please by raising issues which are only nonsensical? They always run around to do those things. This is sponsored by their governments who imposed sanctions on us. It is real a desperate attempt by people who are criminals just to create a smokescreen.

Biti said in his 2012 budget he had been promised $600 million in diamond revenue for the national treasury to help re-finance crumbling health, education and other public services, but only one-fourth of that pledge was received.

MINING COMPANIES ORDERED TO VACATE

Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa has now ordered all the nine diamond mining companies to cease their operations and prepare to leave Manicaland in three months following disagreements on how they will constitute the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company. The companies have now dragged the government to court.

Companies mining diamonds include Anjin Investments, Diamond Mining Company, Jinan, Kusena, Marange Resources and Mbada Diamonds. The government holds 50% shareholding in all the firms and now it once to merge them and form one consolidated company.
Introduction

1. For over a century, French and British soldiers have been fighting side by side against all the threats to our security. In 2016, we commemorate the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, which symbolises an unparalleled expression of mutual solidarity. During the battle, some 400,000 British and 200,000 French soldiers were killed or injured. Our solidarity is the legacy of those terrible times.

2. We remain fully determined to face security challenges together. Our two countries, building on a common strategic culture, devote a substantial proportion of our national wealth to defence spending in order to fulfil all our responsibilities as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Our defence budgets together account for almost half of all European defence budgets.

3. It is this common resolve to face challenges and threats that is expressed in the Lancaster House treaties signed five years ago. These treaties, which have an unprecedented ambition, aim to strengthen a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship in the areas that best embody sovereignty: security and defence. They are unique and also an exceptional level of confidence in the common heritage of our two countries.

4. The results of the implementation of these treaties five years on attest to the validity of the initial project and the benefits that we have gained from them. Our bilateral defence relationship, which was already rich, has been further strengthened and is based on three robust pillars of cooperation on operational matters, capability projects and nuclear technology. In 2016, we are determined to take its development further.

Defence policy

5. Defence policies of our countries are structured around common values, responsibilities and interests, which form the bedrock of our bilateral cooperation. Our defence and security interests are converging and will be more strongly defended over the long term if they are based on joint structures and actions.

6. Since our last Summit, France has been hit twice on its territory by unprecedented terrorist attacks which targeted both our common values and citizens from some twenty countries. Since these attacks, France and the United Kingdom have reiterated their commitment to fight with determination against Daesh, both from a military standpoint, where both countries have increased their participation in the international coalition, and from an ideological and political perspective. Defence Ministers in Paris on 20 January and in Brussels on 11 February underlined the need to accelerate the pace of operations.

7. Following Frances invocation of Article 42.7 of the European Unions Treaty, members have provided increasing support to the overseas actions conducted by France. The United Kingdom stands alongside France and has provided a swift and strong response through its operational commitment in Syria, but also by proposing to increase its action to support the Mixed Multinational Force and its national components in the fight against Boko Haram. The United Kingdom is considering providing direct support to Operation Barkhane in the Sahel region, the modalities of which are still being discussed. France is grateful for this commitment and supports all its operational aspects.

8. France and the United Kingdom support work towards a more effective and global approach to Europes foreign and security policy, to ensure a common view of risks and threats that affect our continent, for the necessary continuum between the Unions different instruments  in order to strengthen the capacities of our partners (CBSD) and to support the European defence industry  as well as for the complementarity of our actions between the EU, Atlantic Alliance and United Nations.

9. The EUs missions and operations in Africa make an essential contribution to our security, particularly in Mali, Central African Republic and Somalia. France and the United Kingdom are supporting the planning work for the third mandate of the EU military mission in Mali (EUTM Mali), beyond May 2016, and for a 2-year mandate for training programmes and operational training, as well as strategic advice, for a future EU military mission in CAR (EUTM CAR), which could be launched by the summer of 2016, following the end of the transition in the Central African Republic. The three EU Missions and Operations in the Horn of Africa and off the Coast of Somalia  Operation EU NAVFOR Atalanta, EUCAP Nestor and the EU military mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) provide strong support to the Somalian authorities in the field of security and defence.France and the United Kingdom are supporting the ongoing planning work during summer 2016 for revised mandates for all three missions and operations until December 2018.

10. NATO continues to be the strongest military alliance in the world providing security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. France and the United Kingdom will work together to ensure the next Summit, which will be held in Warsaw in July, further strengthens NATO against current challenges from the East and South flanks and adapts to combat future ones. We welcome the important steps being taken towards modern deterrence and defence. We support a more focussed and prioritised approach to partnerships and to strengthening co-operation between NATO and the EU. We welcome NATOs support in dealing with the crisis in the Aegean sea and its commitment to Afghanistan.

11. France and the United Kingdom will continue to play a leading role in promoting European and transatlantic security, in ensuring sufficient level of defence investments, halting the decline in defence spending in accordance with the Wales Defence Investment Pledge and in providing mutual support at the political and operational levels in order to address the threats to peace and international security.

Combined Joint Expeditionary Force

12. The Lancaster House Treaty provides for the creation of an Anglo-French Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF). Following ambitious and demanding exercises, which implemented all the components of our two armed forces, the Griffin Strike exercise in April 2016 will allow the full validation of the concept of the CJEF. We have reached an unmatched level of interoperability between our forces. France and the United Kingdom will therefore be able to envisage the planning and conducting of a first deployment operation with the quick reaction forces of both countries. In order to increase the agility of this force, in the coming months, the French and British Ministers of Defence will build scenarios for the way in which to use this force, including in high-intensity scenarios.

13. In order to facilitate the deployment of the CJEF, France and the United Kingdom are determined to build a common architecture for information and communication systems, increase their intelligence exchanges, and more effectively coordinate the national strategic planning mechanisms. The multi-annual training programme (2017-2022) will take into account this requirement and examine the conditions for a possible opening up to other allies.

14. The French and British air forces are working together in the Levant. Our naval forces are continuing to work in close cooperation, supporting each other for carrier groups and maritime patrols in the Atlantic. There are increasingly closer ties between our land forces at all rank levels. An exchange of general officers will be established in 2016: a British Brigadier General will be appointed Deputy Commander of the French First Division in Besancon and a French Brigadier General will be appointed Deputy Commander of the British First York Division.

Defence Equipment

15. Cooperation in the field of defence capabilities and equipment is a key pillar of the Lancaster House Treaty. The 2014 Brize Norton Summit saw UK and France agree to a very substantial package of equipment and capabilities cooperation spanning across all domains, most significantly on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), on Complex Weapons and on Maritime Mine Counter Measures (MMCM). Since then we have delivered a number of significant achievements against all the key strategic objectives and we are willing to extend and deepen our equipment and capabilities cooperation.

16. Future Combat Air System. At the Brize Norton Summit in 2014, France and the United Kingdom agreed to work together in exploring future combat air systems. Our plan was to enter initially into a two-year feasibility study, which could inform a follow-on demonstration programme. The joint feasibility study, worth a total of 120M, was launched in November 2014 and has focused on defining potential concepts and technologies. We are now looking to transition to the next phase in 2017, which will prepare for the full-scale development of unmanned combat air system (UCAS) operational demonstrators by 2025. This demonstration programme, the most advanced of its kind in Europe, will be centered on a versatile UCAS platform that could serve as the basis for a future operational capability beyond 2030. We intend to invest more than 2bn on the programme, with a technical review around 2020. In addition, we will strengthen our collaboration by working together to analyse the future combat air environment including how manned and unmanned systems might operate together.

17. Complex Weapons. We are fully supporting the long term strategy to jointly deliver effective military equipment in the most efficient manner while minimising national constraints and strengthening our common defence technological and industrial base. In support of this, Defence Ministers signed in September 2015 an Inter-Governmental Agreement enabling full implementation of Centres of Excellence into MBDA, a key step towards creating inter-dependence between us around key missile technologies. We also intend to develop in 2016 a portfolio approach to strengthen our industrial links and jointly address the current and future operational requirements of our forces. In that respect, France is for instance considering Brimstone 2 for next standard of Tiger combat helicopter and the United Kingdom is considering the Aster Block 1NT for equipping its T45 Destroyers.

18. Since the last Summit, significant milestones have been reached on Collaborative weapons projects: on the Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy) / Anti Navire Leger programme, a joint contract for the 500m (600m) worth Development and Manufacturing phase was signed in March 2014 ; on the SCALP / Storm Shadow Capability Enhancement Programme, a 2-year Design Phase was launched in July 2014 ; there has also been extensive information exchanges in 2015 and building of understanding on portfolio opportunities. Besides, other key cooperative missile activities will be extended further in 2016, such as the sustainment of our Aster missiles stockpiles and the shared-studied enhancement of our SCALP / Storm Shadow capability. We signed today a SoI confirming our intent to enter into a joint concept phase for the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon (FC/ASW) programme to identify solutions for replacement of the Scalp/Storm Shadow missiles for both countries, Harpoon for the UK and Exocet for France. Any Concept Phase would seek to inform by 2020 decisions concerning a potential follow-on Assessment Phase. We are working with the objective to sign arrangement for this Concept Phase for the end of 2016, to pave the way for possible contracts by March 2017.

19. Maritime Mine Counter Measures. The MMCM project aims at developing the next generation of Maritime mine countermeasures capabilities, based on unmanned underwater vehicles to better respond to the sea-mine threat in the long-term and operate more effectively. At the Brize Norton Summit in 2014 both nations committed to funding the System Design phase and a joint contract was awarded by OCCAR to industry in March 2015. Today we confirm our intent to commit in 2016 to develop and manufacture the MMCM demonstrators/prototypes worth around 150m

20. A400M. A bilateral coordination on aircraft delivery timelines and acceptance strategy is carried on and an initial two-year bilateral support contract was signed end of 2014. We intend to expand it to other support activities and to encourage other nations to join.

21. Land domain. Our 40 mm CTA cannon has been successfully developed after years of innovative collaborative R&T effort. It will be the main weapon for hundreds of our brand new armoured vehicles JAGUAR and AJAX, for which production orders were placed in December 2014 for France and March 2015 for the UK. On-going development of new ammunitions will broaden the fighting capabilities delivered by the system, and a bilateral agreement is under preparation to ensure common configuration management and support.

22. Opportunities for cooperation are being considered on a regular basis, namely to support CJEF capabilities development.

23. Research & Technology: As key on-going programmes will continuously support major cooperation projects deliveries in the field of Complex Weapons, Air systems and UCAV, France and the UK are also deepening joint R&T innovation in the field of CBRN and emerging materials. While the joint PhD programme continues to expand, both nations have also agreed a new framework for cooperation with industry and academia through information about a Key Technology Plan. This aim at encouraging our scientists and engineers to network and fostering innovation amongst our industrial base.

Nuclear deterrence

24. France and the United Kingdom reaffirm the unique and essential role that nuclear deterrence continues to play in their respective defence strategies.

25. The French and British strategic forces have a specific role of deterrence and contribute to the global deterrence and security of the Atlantic Alliance. This contribution is made in a specific framework for each of our countries. France and the United Kingdom will work, ahead of the Warsaw Summit, for the role of nuclear deterrence in NATOs defence and deterrence posture to be fully taken into account.
Playing the role of a sovereign state, Matteo Renzis government has authorised, on a case by case basis the departure of armed US drones from Sigonella (Sicily) towards Libya and beyond. We already know that in 2011, a Predator Reaper drone, guided from Las Vegas, took off from Sigonella and attacked, in Libya, the convoy in which Mouamar el-Kadhafi was travelling, forcing him into the hands of the Misrata militia.

Italy thus takes its place on the official list of US attack drone bases under the exclusive command of the Pentagon, along with countries such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Niger, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Paolo Gentiloni, specified that the use of these bases does not require any particular communication with the Parliament, and assured us that this does not constitute a prelude to a military intervention in Libya. In reality, the intervention has already begun. Special forces from the US, the UK and France  as confirmed by the The Telegraph [1] and Le Monde [2] are already running secret operations in Libya.

C-130 transport planes (probably belonging to the United States) take off incessantly from the airport hub in Pise, close to the US base of Camp Darby, transporting military equipment to the southern bases, and perhaps also to bases in North Africa.

A number of US KC-135 planes arrived at the base in Istres, France (Bouches-du-Rhone), for the airborne supply of fuel to French hunter-fighters. The operation not only concerns Libya. Istres is the base for Operation Barkhane , the campaign that France is waging with 3,000 soldiers in Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Tchad and Burkina-Faso.

In this zone, and also in Nigeria, US special forces are now operating in concert with a drone base in Cameroon - always with the official motive of fighting Daesh and its allies. At the same time, in the Aegean Sea, NATO has deployed the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2, under German command, including AWAC radar planes (flying command centres for the management of the battle ground), with the official mission of supporting the response to the refugee crisis (which was provoked by the US and NATO wars against Libya and Syria).

To this operation we must add Dynamic Manta 2016, a NATO exercise in the Ionian Sea and the Sicilian Straits with aero-naval forces from the USA, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Turkey and also Italy, who supplied the bases of Catane, Augusta and Sigonella.

This constitutes the preparation for the peace-keeping operation under Italian control which, on the pretext of freeing them from Daesh, aims at occupying the most important economical and strategic coastal regions of Libya.

All that is lacking is the invitation, which could be issued by a ghost Libyan government. Hillary Clinton is applying pressure for the intervention in Libya. She is a candidate for the Presidency, and - writes the New York Times in a long enquiry [3] - has the most aggressive approach to international crises. It was Hillary Clinton who, in 2011, persuaded Barack Obama to stop hesitating. The President signed a secret document authorising a secret operation in Libya and the supply of arms to the rebels, while the State Department directed by Clinton recognised them as the legitimate government of Libya. The weapons, including Tow anti-tank missiles and anti-battery radars, were sent by the USA and other Western countries to Benghazi and certain airports. At the same time, NATO, under US command, carried out aero-naval attacks, dropping tens of thousands of bombs and missiles, thus destroying the Libyan state from the outside and the inside.

When, in October 2011, Mouamar el-Kadhafi was killed, Hillary Clinton screamed with joy - Wow! - and exclaimed We came, we saw, hes dead!. We dont yet know which condottiere shell be quoting for the second Libyan war. But we do know whos dragging us into it.
What does power look like in Texas? Its a clutch of rich old white ladies, sipping tea and gossiping under the supervision of Elizabeth Hale. We arrive in the middle of things, when Elizabeth is describing Frank in the most generous terms she can muster: He is a classless, graceless, shameless barbarian. Lest you think shed be this indiscreet about all Underwood matters, she lies to her coven about the state of her daughters marriage.

But no matter, the floodgates of hate are open, and these biddies are all, He doesnt deserve to be president. Elizabeth agrees, of course, and insists that these women open their checkbooks to Heather Dunbar. The grand vision: Frank loses and Claire focuses on her own career. Elizabeth is wearing pearls around her neck, wrist, and finger.

All of Claires clever machinations in this episode fall apart. At least in the short term, her careful strategies come to nothing. But she gets where she gets by her savviness; Frank can only halt her with his muscle. He cant outthink or out-maneuver her, really. He can, say, stop her from going to Texas because hes the president and the motorcade will do a 180 on his command. But thats exactly his problem: His power is borrowed from an office he doesnt deserve to hold. And yet, he seems to be operating under the delusion that his power is somehow intrinsic to his person. It is so obviously not. Frank and Claire both are evil geniuses, but with Claire, the emphasis is on genius. With Frank, the emphasis is on evil.

So Claire returns to the White House for the State of the Union, as she promised she would, calmly pacing about the Restoration Hardware chic that is the First Couples bedroom. She makes the oh-so-symbolic choice to wear ivory instead of black, even though her mother tells her to go with the darker color. Even with your figure, Elizabeth says, ivory will accentuate all the wrong places. She also makes a play for Claire to use her maiden name for her run for office, then suggests the HRC-style option of Claire Hale Underwood. Which does sound very presidential. Look, I know Elizabeth is kiiiind of a bitch, but can you say that she has been wrong about anything in the entire time weve known her? (Weve known her for 63 minutes.)

Jackie and Remy, the HoC OTP, are still meeting up for illicit trysts in a hotel. They are a great team and I am worried that theyll break up again. Later, Remy reveals that he has never actually been to D.C., because he refers to the State of the Union as the SOTU  not the initialism, but like, so-too. It is probably this gaffe, more than anything else, that alerts Leann to his ulterior motives.

Leann, by the way, is proving to be quite the mover and shaker, sniffing out Remys intentions, staking out his affair, and leaning all the way into a $1.5 million salary for an as-yet-untitled role in Claires to-be-determined campaign efforts. I love a lady with some hustle.

Frank promised to do right by Claire, but he knows shes up to something. Because his masculinity is so fragile and he is incapable of truly supporting Claire in any actual way, he sabotages her  in public, on live television, where she has to keep her poker face and cannot, as I imagine she would have loved to do in private, set his hair on fire and then light a cigarette with the flames as they flicker around his inferior brain.

Frank blows Claire a kiss on his way up to the podium, which is soooo tacky. Like, are you a human emoji? Get your shit together, Frank. I know you dont have the will of the people behind you, but for some reason that will never be totally valid even in the world of this show, you are the president of the United States. In this episodes moment of peak implausibility, Frank spends 8,000 hours of his State of the Union address detailing the relentless efforts of Doris Jones to open that cancer clinic and how its has inspired him to move land and sea and HUD to find the federal funding to make it happen. And then, putting a cherry on top of that bullshit sundae, he says he cant wait to support Celia, Doriss daughter, in her run to fill Doriss seat when she retires. Celia looks stunned but also gleeful, and I feel for her, as I feel for all pawns in the Underwood game. Claire and Frank glare at each other with death-daggers in their eyes.

Elizabeth watches the SOTU from bed  A+ choice  wearing head-to-toe black, as she implored her daughter to do. This is a woman who practices what she preaches.

Claire is supposed to head straight to Texas after the speech, but Frank has her rerouted back to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., which is some borderline-abusive stuff  controlling her movements, trapping her in a prison of his creation  because he needs to mansplain politics to her before he goes to bed. Where did that get you, looking out for yourself instead of looking out for us? he asks her, in the most condescending, patronizing tone imaginable. Claire knows how to play this, and him. She goes soft and gentle, tells him she needs time to think, and then delivers the magic words: Maybe youre right. Now that she needs space to contemplate how right Frank may be, he is happy to send her back to Dallas. He chuckles as she leaves.

The hypocrisy here is astonishing and hilarious, even for Frank. And thats saying something: The man who wanted so badly to be president that he littered his path to the Oval with corpses is telling Claire to be patient? She has waited long enough. All shes done is wait. And shes done it for Frank.

Frank breaks the fourth wall to tell us a long and winding anecdote about a boy back in Gaffney who used to run away from home. Is this an allegory for whats happening with Claire? we ask ourselves 0.03 seconds into this interminable story, and then, hours later, when he wrapped it up and said he hopes Claire comes out of her tree before I have to bring out my ax, our hunch is proven right. We will never get those minutes of our lives back, you and I. They are gone forever, like Cashew.

Claire returns to Texas. Her mother is still awake. They simultaneously admire and mock the earrings from Franks mother. (No doubt she stole them from someone, Claire says.) Claire, having just told Leann its time to think bigger than the 30th District, now needs her mom to think bigger too. Like, $1.5 million bigger. Elizabeth balks at the tab, and Claire turns into a bratty teenager: Daddy wouldve done it, no questions asked. (Not even Claire Underwood is immune from the back-in-your-childhood-home regression that plagues us all.) Then, she threatens to sell the estate out from under her mother who, in case youve forgotten, is dying of cancer. Oh, you are such a disappointment, Elizabeth sneers, before whipping off her headscarf while scream-yelping, I AM THE MOTHER.

To this, Claire smokes another cigarette  outside, in the dark, alone.

Also, that Russian dude who was maybe/definitely trying to overthrow President Petrov (remember him?) is seeking asylum. Franks advisers say that if this man is sent back to Moscow, hell be killed. Frank is like,  so the problem is what, exactly? and that would have been the end of it (it = this dudes life), but Petrov thinks Frank orchestrated the whole coup. So weve got a marginally interesting international situation on our hands. As for that Russian guy? He will now be sent to a detainment facility in America, which, considering the state of our nations prisons, might just make him wish hed been deported.
Photo: Disney

As you watch Disneys Zootopia, with its blandly dazzling 3-D computer animation, its plucky female protagonist and sleazy but destined-to-be-reformed male sidekick, its nonstop wisecracks and mildly progressive message of tolerance, you will be seeing the new exemplar of a corporate family blockbuster. It hits every one of its marks. My own grumpy cynicism  in full effect for the first frenetic half hour  melted away, partly by the charm of the voices and partly because the film had transformed into a clever, gumshoe mystery of the sort that studios once made all the time but are now seen as too modest. Thats right: What saves this big-budget cartoon behemoth is its modest, old-fashioned storytelling.

The neat idea for Zootopias universe  that in its futuristic metropolis (which looks suspiciously like Disney World), there are no longer predators and prey but animals of all species that co-exist more or less in harmony  seems at first beside the point in a genre where most animals get along, and speak to one another in English besides. But the screenplay by Jared Bush and Phil Johnston (from a story by those two guys, plus at least five other people with additional story material credit), quickly establishes that there are numerous class distinctions in the city of Zootopia.

The heroine, a plucky (I already used that adjective, but its unavoidable) bunny by the name of Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin), graduates from the police academy and becomes the first of her diminutive species to serve alongside rams, elephants, lions, rhinos, etc. Assigned to a humiliating parking detail, she falls gratefully on a dead-end missing person  or, rather, missing otter  case, which her boss (a booming British ram voiced by Idris Elba) gives her 48 hours to solve or else resign from the force.

To help her, she blackmails a savvy fox named Nick Wilde that she caught committing all kinds of crimes and misdemeanors. (Foxes are universally distrusted in Zootopia.) Nick is voiced with winning buoyancy by Jason Bateman, and Goodwin is beat-perfect, too: They understand that in a screwball whodunit, the tempo is paramount. You whiz with them around Zootopia (which has several climates, among them a frozen tundra) as they pore over surveillance tapes, search dark garages, and intimidate weaselly henchmen (among them a weasel called Duke Weaselton, voiced by Alan Tudyk), and think, Gee, this is pleasant.

The animals are fluff-bunny cuddly and highly merchandisable; the designers having presumably been told not to ruffle any human feathers. Well, there is one disconcerting character: an obese, effeminate cheetah called Officer Clawhauser (voiced by Nate Torrence) whos obsessed with donuts and a singing superstar called Gazelle. (The songs are by Shakira, and theyre big productions.) Im not sure if Clawhauser is meant to be literally gay or simply embodies the kind of fat-queen stereotype that used to be a fixture in comedy, but for grown-ups he is, as I said, disconcerting. Comedian Jenny Slate does well with the endearingly bubbly assistant mayor, a sheep, and a Canadian voice specialist named Maurice LaMarche stops the show as the crime boss Mr. Big, an arctic shrew who sounds like Brandos Don Corleone on helium.

I have no intention of spelling out the nature of the vast conspiracy at work, which turns on animals who have reverted to their more savage natures, except to say that ultrasensitive right-wing culture warriors (and certain presidential candidates) will find it the embodiment of a dangerously naive liberal tolerance in a time of threat. My own view is that its a happy corrective to all the xenophobia and demagoguery and is no more dangerous than an episode of Mister Rogers Neighborhood. But then, Im not sure that Ted Cruz and Mr. Rogers, were he alive, would have much to say to each other. Cruz would put surveillance drones in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
A dispute about the ownership of the 25th Street Theatre may make the long odds for saving the dilapidated cinema even longer.

A group called the Texas Museum of Theatre and Broadcast claims a 50 percent interest in the property. Its Waco-based leader, Trey Concilio, told the Tribune-Herald in February that he is close to lining up a major donor to help realize the dream of transforming a historic building now tagged as unsafe into a community space.

But the heirs of former nightclub operator Richard Olsen, who own 50 percent of the property, dont buy it. They questioned the validity of the museum groups ownership stake, its financial capability and its legal existence.

The Olsen estate last month withdrew plans to list the property for sale for $120,000 after Concilio objected. Family member Steven Olsen of Houston said the estate will work to get clear title and try again to find a buyer.

Olsen noted that the heirs of former co-owner Richard Keiffer deeded their 50 percent stake in the property to the Texas Museum of Theatre and Broadcast in January 2014 after Keiffers death.

Concilio, a media business owner and cinema buff, has been advocating for the renovation of the theater for more than a decade and also has bought the abandoned Texas Theater in McGregor.

Olsen said Concilio has talked to the Olsen family several times about his plans and about supposed donors for the 25th Street project.

This is about the fifth time hes said, Ive got an investor, its just a couple of weeks away,  Olsen said.

Im not questioning his motives; I dont know what Treys motives are, Olsen said. Hes a guy who has a dream, but dreams dont just happen. You have to spend money, and there is no money and there isnt going to be any money.

Concilio did not return calls during the past week seeking a phone interview for this story. In an email, he expressed hope that he could work with the Olsens to find a solution.

Yes, we aware of the Olsens concerns for our groups ability to make something happen, and we can certainly appreciate and understand their point of view and thoughts, he said. Quite frankly we would have the same concerns if the tables were turned and were in their position. We have had a long history of working together to save the old girl, and through those years our group has encountered several ups and downs.

We have had a variety of initial funding donors appearing then frustratingly disappearing then not to mention I was nearly killed in a car wreck leaving me seriously injured and out of commission for several months, he wrote.

Olsen said his familys estate has been trying to reach Concilio in the last couple of weeks through an attorney but has not been successful. The estate includes Steven Olsen and his father, 86-year-old C.E. Olsen Jr. of Clifton, who is administrator of the estate.

Steven Olsen said he doesnt see for-profit potential in renovating the old theater, but the family would be willing to sell the property for a pittance to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that has the capacity to turn it into a beneficial community asset.

But he said the Texas Museum of Theatre and Broadcast doesnt appear to fit that bill. The organization is not listed on Guidestar.org, a site that tracks IRS filings required of nonprofit entities.

Olsen said he could find no corporate entity by that name listed with the Texas Secretary of State. He said he reserved the name with the Secretary of State last week just to make a point, adding that he would give it up if Concilio can show that he has a legitimate organization.

Olsen said that if the Keiffer family in fact donated the property interest to an entity that has no legal basis, he doesnt believe the transaction was valid.

In an email to the Tribune-Herald on Friday afternoon regarding the state registration, Concilio said we did have a filing issue which has been resolved and was a misunderstanding on our part. However that has been resolved and we are moving forward.

He enclosed an attachment showing a Secretary of State certificate of filing for an assumed name for the organization, dated March 2.

Nonprofit status

In a follow-up email, Concilio said the organization was still in the process of dotting all I and T with regards to 501(c)(3). The Keiffer family was told at the time we were completing all 501(c)(3) documents and that we were simply trying to gain legal interest to the property.

Olsen said the family is still weighing its options to get clear title to the theater, but the case may end up in court.

He said even if Concilios organization is found to have the legal right to own a stake in the property, other ownership issues remain unresolved. He said the Keiffer estate has not paid taxes or made payments on a loan that his grandfather made to Richard Keiffer and Richard Olsen in the mid-1980s.

The balance of the note was $112,290 in 1995, two years after Richard Olsens death, according to probate court records. The note is now in C.E. Olsens name.

Steven Olsen said the estate could take control of the remainder of the property through foreclosure, but his father has not chosen to do so to this point.

Richard Olsen and Richard Keiffer bought the theater in 1986, four years after it ran its last movie. The theater at 1006 N. 25th St. had been known since its construction in 1945 for its first-run movies, elaborate interior murals and giant neon marquee sign that still towers over the street.

Olsen and Keiffer renovated the theater as a popular dance club and live music venue that closed in 1992. On Nov. 23, 1993, Olsen was murdered in a Dallas nightclub he owned. He died without leaving a will.

Steven Olsen, who is Richard Olsens brother, said Keiffer never responded to his familys efforts to contact him.

Our contention is that the Keiffer estate inappropriately gave it away, Olsen said.

The city of Waco has had the structure tagged as unsafe since 2001, and code enforcement officials have said the structure is beyond repair. In 2013 the city considered a nuisance abatement lawsuit against the owners to force them to fix it up or tear it down. After meeting in executive session with the Waco City Council, city legal officials said they would hold off in hopes that someone would step forward to renovate the historic property.

City Attorney Jennifer Richie this week declined to specify how long the citys forbearance would last.

The city cannot be infinitely patient waiting for this to be rehabbed, Richie said.
McGregor teachers will have the freedom to explore innovative teaching techniques next year after a $50,000 donation will make grants available through a new district education foundation.

TFNB Your Bank for Life donated the money after McGregor Independent School Districts board of trustees approved the creation of an education foundation in November, McGregor ISD Superintendent Kevin Houchin said.

District officials plan to direct the money toward innovative teaching grants, student scholarships and student enrichment activities.

Houchin said he and three trustees currently comprise the foundations board of directors, but added they will begin forming a permanent board of between 7 and 10 people that will take over to write the nonprofits bylaws and guide fundraising and spending.

Board Secretary Frank Graves said he hopes the foundation will encourage teachers to begin thinking about innovative teaching techniques that could be funded through grants.

We do feel that there will be individuals, as well as businesses and organizations, that want to invest in our students and it seems like the foundation is kind of the perfect opportunity to do that, Graves said.

The bank donated the money in honor of the McGregor High School student Rhett Hering, who died in December after an all-terrain vehicle accident.

Rhett is the son of McGregor Mayor James Hering and McGregor High School English teacher Lorna Hering, both of whom said they deeply appreciate the tribute.

As his mom and dad, we are overwhelmed by the banks generosity, James Hering said. Obviously, we think that its a wonderful gesture on behalf of our son, but more importantly, I think were grateful that its going to prove to be for the students.

TFNB President David Littlewood said the bank is heavily involved with community support and had always planned to donate to the foundation. When tragedy struck the Herings last year, bank officials decided to honor the familys work in the community and Rhetts memory by donating in his honor.

Given so much

Theyve just given so much to the community  citywise and school district-wise  that it just seemed like . . . this was the right time to do it, Littlewood said of the Herings.

Houchin said to honor Rhetts memory, the district will do its best to focus on providing service and enrichment activities for students, which meant a lot to the charismatic 15-year-old Rhett.

We want to pursue some things in . . . enriching students social aspects. In other words: student wellness, student service. We really want to press that. We want our kids to be involved in the community, Houchin said.
The McLennan County Elections Commission has called a meeting for Tuesday in light of news that 600 voters likely received the wrong ballots during the primary election.

McLennan County Judge Scott Felton, chairman of the commission, said he called the meeting to get more information about how incorrect ballots were issued at the polling center at First Assembly of God Church on Bosque Boulevard.

The group will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Commissioners Courtroom on the first floor of the McLennan County Courthouse, 501 Washington Ave.

Felton said there is no action item on the agenda, and the commissions role is to make recommendations to county commissioners. The meeting will allow Elections Administrator Kathy Van Wolfe to present what happened during the primary to cause the calamity.

Before you fix anything, you need to know how it broke, Felton said.

He said the commission needs to know if the county has a problem with equipment, personnel, training or something else before the next election.

The countys elections commission  by state statute  consists of the county judge as chair, the county clerk as vice chair, the county tax assessor-collector as secretary, and the chair of each county political party that made nominations for the primary election, the last general election or state and county officers.

Elections Commission Secretary Randy Riggs, the McLennan County tax assessor and collector, said the commissions main duties, per statute, are to hire and fire the elections administrator.

Ive had a whole term now, and this is really our first meeting and Im not going to be able to make it, Riggs said. Im disappointed Im not going to be able to be there. Its my responsibility, and I take that seriously.

Riggs said he plans on sending staff members in his place to take notes and report back to him.

County leaders have said the ballot snafu only affected the county commissioner race for Precinct 1 between Kelly Snell and Cory Priest and the Precinct 3 race between Will Jones and Ben Matus.

The Precinct 1 race was decided by a margin of 29 votes, and the Precinct 3 race was decided by a margin of 821 votes.

Both races were Republican.

Of the 39,721 people who voted, 25,120 did so on Election Day. There were 31,334 people who voted Republican and 8,387 who voted Democratic in McLennan County, representing about 30 percent of the total registered voters.

County leaders have blamed the vendor of the equipment used at polling locations and said this was the first joint primary election with vote centers since purchasing the equipment.

Since the county confirmed the mishandling of ballots, Priest, who lost the primary election by 29 votes, has retained a lawyer and plans to fight for a new election.

Before that can happen, votes from the primary election must be canvassed and then he has to request a recount. March 11 is the deadline for a recount. Priest will then work with his lawyer to file with an area judge to get a new election.

The McLennan County Commissioners Court is not scheduled to meet again until March 15.
Jon Ker has a vision of unity for the McLennan County Republican Party.

Sitting in his Hewitt law office, the incoming county GOP chairman said he has plans to move the party forward, open the doors to more parts of the community and help fuel a grass-roots effort to ease political tensions.

Ker, 68, will officially take over the position in June after being elected Tuesday with 12,426 votes, or 53 percent. Ker beat outgoing chairman Jeb Leutwyler, who received 11,077 votes, or 47 percent of the ballots cast. Leutwyler took over after Ralph Patterson resigned as chairman to run against U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan, for the District 17 U.S. House of Representatives seat. Patterson was ultimately defeated.

Ker, a retired Army colonel and attorney, said he views this new position as an extension of a life dedicated to service.

Along his office wall above a row of family pictures hangs an Iraqi flag, his name stitched in gold thread along the top.

The year 2003 is sewn in toward the bottom, a reminder of returning to active duty after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Ker returned to the 5th Special Forces Group and was then sent to Jordan, then Baghdad, Iraq. He also served with the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam as a Green Beret.

In the military I raised my hand twice to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic and I put my life twice on the line to honor that commitment, Ker said. I look at the political situation across the nation and I am very much concerned that we are moving away from our established constitutional system into something else. You can tell the Constitution seems to be under attack. The First Amendment, the Second Amendment and the 10th Amendment are all sources of controversy, which should not be. If I can quell the controversy even a little bit, then Ive done my job.

Ker said what pushed him over the edge to run for the position is that hes disgusted with whats happening to the Republican party on a national level. He said he thinks working from the grass-roots level, the county can influence leaders farther up the chain and help move the party forward. Ker said instead of complaining, he wanted to do something about it.

The party is too divided, not like it once was, he said. Just because there is a difference of opinion within the party, doesnt grant the right to begin excluding individuals, he said. The party should welcome different ideas and opinions and work to make American great for everyone, Ker said.

Be more inclusive

If we can pull together, even here in this county, if we can pull together, be more inclusive, there are a lot of folks that have conservative thoughts, smaller government, less taxes, greater opportunity, rather than, Hey, can the government feed me? kind of stuff. There are those out that people might think, Well, those are more Democrat-thinking people. Well, not necessarily.

Raised in a Democratic home, Ker said, hes voted Republican since he was 18. Ker worked on the Ronald Reagan campaign during his first presidential campaign. Ker said that work cemented him to the party.

Ker said a good leader provides clarity and motivation, and thats what he plans to bring. He said he wants to open the doors of the party to areas of the community that have long been excluded.

If we huddle in together and just say, Im of these stripes and youre not, so consequently you cant come under my tent, thats the wrong tent. What we need to do is give clarity to what we stand for, smaller government, less taxes, greater opportunity through capitalism not socialism, and inclusiveness where people work together for the common good. If I can motivate people that way and we move that way then Ive done my job, he said.

Ker works as a general civil practitioner in his office in Hewitt where hes been about 30 years. Hes been an attorney since 1976. Hes also an elder at his church, Searsville Country Church in Valley Mills and said he spends as much time as possible with his wife, three children, four grandkids and one great-grandson. He has another great-grandchild on the way.

Hanging from the wall right inside his office are two drawings, each signed Mary Grace.

Ker said the first drawing is from then 5-year-old Mary Grace, who, now 16, works for him at the law office. Ker, laughing, said when Grace  whose family he met in church  started working for him, her mother made her draw something new to show the comparison on the wall.

Hanging nearby, theres a framed photo of Ker and his best friend in the world when they first arrived in Vietnam after joining the Army the same day and then becoming bunk mates. A Walther PPK pistol  the model James Bond used  lay on Kers desk while additional service memorabilia hung on the wall, including a Bronze Star and Air Medal from serving in Vietnam. Ker joined the Army Feb. 6, 1967, and retired Sept. 6, 2006, after 39 years and seven months.

The Army made a mistake on my records, and I never told them so I just stayed, he said about his length of service.

When Ker takes his new position in June, hell be ready to hit the ground running, he said.

Service has been a big part of my life, and I see the opportunity through this position to continue to be of service, Ker said.
The op-ed piece by famed economist Ray Perryman, Closing the gap on education, job skills, in the Feb. 26 edition of the Tribune-Herald, clearly identified a future problem facing Texas: forging and maintaining a trained workforce that can meet the needs of a growing industrial base.

The destiny of Texas will require a skilled workforce which fits our economic growth needs. The Early College Program discussed by Perryman between high school and community college is certainly a growing trend. For many students, this is a beginning pathway to obtaining a four-year degree. However, not all students have the motivation suited to attend a four-year college. Students who do not always excel in the classroom but enjoy working with their hands can become skilled workers in the trade industry earning excellent wages.

Waco is in the unique position to become a leader in closing the gap in education and job skills because it is the central campus of the Texas State Technical College System. At the requests and with the support of cities across the state, half-century-old TSTC has a presence in 10 locations throughout the Texas. Each campus is committed to teaching a wide curriculum of technical skills needed by the states growing industrial base through programs designed to prepare students for good-paying jobs.

Students can attain training and receive either an associate degree or certificate in a vast host of vocations including computer science, robotics, electronics, culinary arts, dental hygiene, automotive mechanics, building trades, welding and many other skills. The costs of this training is very reasonable when compared to many four-year degrees. A large percentage of students are employed upon receiving their diplomas or certifications at graduation. And its not uncommon for a person holding a bachelors degree to enroll in TSTC and learn a skill needed in the evolving, ever-changing job market.

Texas will continue needing a trained and skilled workforce from its academic institutions and technical colleges in order to meet the continuing expansion of business and industrial growth. Waco is well positioned to play a major role in supplying these needed skills through our citys best-kept secret  the TSTC System.

John Hatchel is vice chairman of the Texas State Technical College System board of regents, which provides a statewide perspective. Appointed by the governor to six-year terms, board members meet quarterly to provide leadership and enact policies for the management and operation of all campuses. Hatchel lives in Woodway.
Elite Cafeteria

Its high time for a Waco-cafeteria comeback. The Elite Cafe is the perfect venue.

A friend and I were driving east on State Highway 6 to intersect with Interstate 35 going north when he mentioned how good it was to have all the restaurants in the vicinity of the Baylor Scott & White Medical Center and Central Texas Marketplace. But, as an afterthought, he added that the only thing missing was a cafeteria. That instantly rang true with me and we reminisced about the old Piccadilly at Richland Mall.

After church on Sundays, much of northwest Waco could be found there, waiting patiently in long lines trying to decide between that delicious carrot souffle and squash casserole, salmon croquettes, hot rolls, lemon meringue pie. If youre over 50, you remember!

The cafeteria was the place to meet up with friends and family, even business associates. Whether day or evening, for shopping or sitting alone with a book or new magazine (today it would be a smart phone or tablet) and a cup of coffee or hot tea, you could count on finding a comfortable (and quietno loud music) nook.

I miss Piccadilly like an old friend. Please, Creed Ford III (owner of the Elite building), see if you can interest a potential buyer in an Elite Cafeteria  reasonably priced, of course, so as to be accessible to all. Thats one of the complaints Id heard about the Elite  too expensive for families.

I appreciate Lubys also, but its a 20-minute-plus drive from where I live. Another cafeteria is needed on I-35 south of Waco.

Georgia Brady, Woodway

Rounding up immigrants

I want to know why so many of our white lawmakers want to secure the border. Dont these leaders of our government know that the Hispanics from Mexico who spill over the border into the United States in desperation are the ones who work all the dirty jobs here in America? A lot of Americans struggling economically would rather panhandle on our streets, even though they too are strong enough to do a fair days work.

And so here comes billionaire and presidential candidate Donald Trump, who wants to secure the border with a wall, even though his family includes those who benefited from immigration. And so many lawmakers who pretend to be pro-business and demonstrate Christian compassion ignore the fact that these immigrants power a lot of all-American businesses. For instance, a local roofing company I will not name hires a lot of Hispanics from Mexico to do all the work the rest of us wont condescend to do. Even Trumps businesses have benefited from the Hispanics he now proposes to round up and transport out of our country.

Meanwhile, a lot of white Americans wont do the very jobs that Hispanics from across the border gladly and humbly do. Even African Americans dont want to work these jobs, probably because of the very low wages.

Yes, I am Hispanic and my father became a citizen before he passed on and he deserved it. He worked as a yard man and he didnt get paid much for it, but he left clean, well-manicured lawns for a lot of white Americans who now call for the removal of those just like him.

Pearl Hernandez, Waco

Letter to GOP establishment

Establishment Republicans, have you all gone blind or what? Can you not see what the result of your actions are going to be?

Eight years ago the typical Republican voter stayed home. They didnt figure Barack Obama would ever get elected. Four years later, due largely to lackluster choices in the party, the same thing. Oh, as much as President Obama has messed up, hell never get re-elected. At least, thats what many claimed. How did that turn out for ya?

Fifty-seven percent of Republican voters today are angry  yes, angry  with the party and 43 percent are dissatisfied. You have a candidate who has thoroughly energized your constituents and so what are you doing? Trying to figure out a way to disqualify him as your candidate and talking about running an independent against him if he should happen to win the delegates needed for the nomination.

I thought you folks were supposed to be intelligent. If you continue down the path you are currently traveling, all you will accomplish is youll divide your base and we, the American people, will be stuck with four years of a president who only a fourth of the people put in office.

Instead of continuing down the divisional path youre on right now, someone in the Republican Party should step up and start trying to heal the wounds and bring your party back together. If not, you will never see the Oval Office unless Hillary opts to call you in.

Rick Bruner, Waco

Republicans embarrassing

I, like most Americans, am sickened and embarrassed by the juvenile antics of the Republican presidential candidates. It is not only sickening and embarrassing, it is shameful and disgraceful to those who served, protected and died for this nation through the centuries. We have become the laughingstock of the world.

These Republican candidates call themselves conservative Republicans. I also see that on several political signs around towns here. Well, if this is what conservative Republicans are, we certainly dont want any of them in our government. They should name themselves for what they are  juvenile radicals.

I thought I knew what a conservative and a liberal were. But when I went to the dictionary and looked up both of those words, boy, was I surprised. Everyone should look those words up in the dictionary before voting this fall.

I pray the disgrace and danger these people have heaped on our nation  one the world looks to for leadership  can be overcome by the American people this election.

Jim Denton, Gatesville

DNA speaks truth

In response to Mr. Bays recent letter declaring that birth certificates should suffice for determining gender, I would think that, with his education and experience in health care, he would be aware that appearances are not always the determining factor. Instances of mistaken gender identity at time of birth by physicians have been documented with ensuing conflict for the person and family involved.

The only true method of determination is by DNA. Appearances are judgmental, DNA is fact.

Nancy Marquis, Waco
The White House might be half a world away, but on Saturday a small group of Canberrans helped determine who its next tenant will be.

Registered Democrats living in the Australian capital cast their vote in the party's presidential primary on Saturday, helping to decide whether Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders will challenge the Republicans for the top job in November.

American Democratic Party member, Nancy Opdyke of Ainslie originally from Michigan, now living in Australia casts her vote in the presidential primaries in Canberra. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

Expatriate Americans who wanted to declare either "I'm With Her" or "Feel the Bern" had to be registered with the Democratic Party's official overseas arm, Democrats Abroad, in order to cast a ballot at the voting centre in Smith's Alternative in Civic.

The local voting centre was the first established in the ACT since Democrats Abroad opened a Canberra chapter last July.
You know the drill. Having finished reading an online newspaper article about why you should consider opening up a self-managed super fund, you're presented with a "recommended reading" list, often consisting of plugs for a range of related products.

Click on the links and you might end up reading an article about why you'd make such an excellent trader. Alternatively, it might be an article on the investing expert who has dedicated his time and skills to building a computer trading system to bring "Wall Street" expertise to the masses.

A trading strategy based on past results would be like using the Aussie rules results of the past three years to pick future results and would almost certainly be unprofitable. Credit:Getty Images

If you're reading an article about self-managed super, you're probably seeking better performance than you've been getting from your current super fund. If so, the thought of using the skills of a trading expert, via a computer program, can be alluring, even after forking out the thousands of dollars in upfront costs.

Unfortunately, it's a charade. Sure, there are some well-intentioned trading software promoters out there, as well as the usual con artists and fraudsters. However, as a general rule if you're buying one of these software programs, you're not only wasting money on purchasing it, but putting your savings at risk to boot.
A female passenger has died on Sunday afternoon from injuries received in a car rollover near Corrigin, bringing the state's long weekend road toll to seven.

Western Australia's Road Safety Commissioner urged every road user to ensure safety was a top priority.

The scene of a fatal crash in Jennapullin on Sunday. Credit:WA Police.

"We've lost seven people on our roads in one weekend and that's not acceptable," Commissioner Kim Papalia said.

"We strive to make safer roads and safer vehicles and we must seek safer driving. Every death on our roads is avoidable  zero is possible," Mr Papalia said.
A tip out policy basically pools a percentage of tips collected by waiters and distributes it to non-frontline staff who are contributing to an operation's success. If a bill came to $100, then $1.20 would go into a tip pool, regardless of whether an actual tip had been earned. A waiter who repeatedly failed to make tips would find a compounding debit and would need to earn real tips to clear it. "The pressure was always on to make tips because a waiter who couldn't tip out has their target rolled over into their next shift and the next until they can tip out," Jen said.. General manager of Jamie's Italian, Steve Taylor, confirmed the restaurant did have a gratuities practice. "Jamie's operates a tip out policy which allows for some of the customer tips to be shared among the kitchen team, bar and host team and the food runners as they all contribute to the customer's experience," he said.

"These tips are shared based on the number of hours each team member works on a given shift." Mr Taylor said wait staff tipped out 1.2 per cent of their total sales. "The rest stays with the waiter - sometimes they haven't made enough in a shift to cover that, but it runs over the full week and usually balances out," he said "We have had waiters finish the week in negative, but have never deducted any monies from them or their wages." 'Tip slips' and 'billing glitches'

Other WAtoday readers have recounted billing anomalies at the popular eatery. Kelvin said he had been to Jamie's Italian twice and claims both times the bill was incorrect. "Once a meal was costed in twice. The other time an unordered meal was added to the bill," he said. Kelvin said on both occasions it was pointed out, staff apologised for the error and fixed the bill without fuss. "But it made me wonder if it's actually policy to add random stuff to the bill?" he said

"It's hard to tell from a sample size of two, but they've been 100 per cent wrong with me." Another diner, Claire, said she'd been to Jamie's twice and had the tipping screen show up both times on the eftpos that was presented to her. "The first time, the waitress motioned towards the screen and asked if I would like to tip, then watched my every move," she said. "The second time, another waitress just stood beside me as I awkwardly pressed 'no' on the screen. Both times made me feel very uncomfortable." Claire said she felt the eftpos tip screen made her less likely to place her spare change in a tip jar.

"That's something we normally do after a nice meal and good service," she said. Boanne went to Jamie's for a special Christmas dinner special. "We very rarely get out much as we have three children. When we do, it's a real treat that we save for," she said. Boanne claimed the service was average, the food was "quite tasty", but the bill left a bad taste in their mouths. "My husband was scratching his head and said that he couldn't work out why we had been charged so much," she said

Boanne claimsthey paid via eftpos, but when the tip window came up and her husband didn't realise and mistakenly entered his PIN number. "This should have picked up by the waitress who was standing over him watching him enter the number - and she kept watching as he became confused and entered it again," she said. "The waitress didn't say anything." Boanne said they were "gutted" once they realised what had happened on the way back to the car. "It was our mistake, however, we feel she could have let us know about the tip window. We will not be going back."
The investigation threatens to tarnish the legacy of Brazil's most powerful politician, whose humble roots and anti-poverty programs made him a folk hero, by putting a legal spotlight on how his left-leaning Workers' Party consolidated its position since rising to power 13 years ago.

Brazil's former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is surrounded by the press as he walks outside the Workers Party headquarters in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Friday. Credit:AP

Lula's questioning in police custody was the highest profile development in a two-year-old graft probe centred on the state oil company Petrobras, which has rocked Brazil's political and business establishment and deepened the worst recession in decades in Latin America's biggest economy.

Sao Paulo: Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, best known simply as 'Lula', has been briefly detained for questioning in a federal investigation of a vast corruption scheme, fanning a political crisis that threatens to topple his successor, President Dilma Rousseff.

Police picked up Lula at his home on the outskirts of Sao Paulo on Friday and released him after three hours of questioning. They said evidence suggested Lula had received illicit benefits from kickbacks at the oil company, Petrobras, in the form of payments and luxury real estate.

A demonstration to support Lula da Silva in Rio on Friday. Credit:AP

The evidence against the former president brought the graft investigation closer to his protege President Rousseff. She is already fighting off impeachment for allegedly breaking budget rules, weakening her efforts to pull the economy out of recession.

Rousseff expressed her disagreement with the police taking her mentor into custody, saying it was "unnecessary" after his voluntary testimony. But she repeated her backing for institutions investigating corruption and said the probe must continue until those responsible were punished.

"Ex-president Lula, besides being party leader, was the one ultimately responsible for the decision on who would be the directors at Petrobras and was one of the main beneficiaries of these crimes," police said in a statement on his detention. "There is evidence that the crimes enriched him and financed electoral campaigns and the treasury of his political group."
by Adrian Gibson

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell has been demonstrating arrogant petulance, a disregard for divergent views and a penchant for attacking the messenger. As one who holds high public office, Mr Mitchells dismissive utterances, failure to acknowledge errors in judgment or missteps, misconceived sense of perfection and seemingly overly sensitive approach to governance leaves much to be desired.

It appears that Mr Mitchell never comprehensively addresses issues, instead choosing to adopt a jejune, fatuous and/or ill-conceived approach that either seeks to personalise a response; obfuscate in an attempt to fool listeners/readers; hang on to a particular issue or point raised that muddies the water so much so that the more substantive matters fall away or are lost in the media cycle; to deny without explanation or issue a non-denial denial; or, in my opinion, to use politically-savvy fancy talk that would either insult our collective intelligence or fluster.

No less a person than former Pindling-era Immigration minister Loftus Roker recently stated that persons in positions of power - no doubt including Mr Mitchell - seem to be more concerned with defending themselves, more so than correcting issues that could blemish the Bahamas image on the international stage.

There are three particular matters concerning Mr Mitchells conduct at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) that ought to be raised.

Reply to Mitchells statements concerning my last column

Last week, I wrote about the tragic death of Christopher Prescott Adderley (Scottie), a 34-year-old Bahamian pilot who died in a Haitian prison in October 2015. In the wake of that column, his mother has also spoken out.

Mr Mitchell claimed in a press release last week that I only used selective emails in that column. That is untrue. Every email between Mr Mitchell and Scotties mother - Sharon Rosemary Adderley - I was privy to. And, with her permission, I published and/or referenced each and every one.

In October, the MOFA issued a press release following Scotties death without having spoken to his mother and relaying condolences. I called his mother and read the release to her. She cried. One of her greatest issues was that no one called her and gave her sympathies. They instead attempted to express their so-called condolences via the press.

I then inquired about the person who was handling the matter in Nassau and I called her. I inquired about how they could issue a notice to the media and be so heartless and detached as to express condolences to her in a publicised announcement of her sons death rather than personally. I left Rosemarys number and I was told that she then received a call from that MOFA official.

I stated last week that Scotties mother - along with the father of Hughie Gray, who was incarcerated at the same time in Haiti but who returned to The Bahamas - sent monies via the MOFA to Haiti to pay lawyers fees and bribes. I stand by that and the family stands with me. The monies were sent and a Bahamian official requested and issued the bribe funds to a Haitian official known as the Commissaire (name withheld). Any monies for Scottie were sent via Western Union to a friendly prison guard or friends that Scottie had made while flying commercially as a pilot to Haiti. Today, we publish the cheques - sent via the MOFA - and an excerpt of a Whatsapp conversation between Mrs Adderley and that official.

Speaking in Grand Bahama on Friday, Mr Mitchell said: I want to say in the front of the Bahamian public that is false. We have no evidence of such a thing and the assertion by Adrian Gibson in The Tribune is irresponsible, it is false, and it is misleading, and it is important for us to defend the integrity of our institution.

He accused me of using the opportunity for political brownie points at the expense of a family who is grieving the loss of their loved one.

Mr Mitchell also explained that often when Bahamians find themselves indigent overseas they ask the Ministry to facilitate monies being passed from their families to them.

That is all we know, I am advised on this matter. I am advised no one in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was complicit in or knowledgeable of bribe money paid to anybody in Haiti, and that it is a completely irresponsible statement for that individual to make in a daily newspaper, the minister said.

Firstly, I misled no one, spoke truth and the family totally supported everything I said. Furthermore, if Mr Mitchell did his research, he would have discovered that these persons are also my relatives and, moreover, Rosemary is my former teacher from grades seven to 12.

His claim that I was intending to score political brownie points is hogwash as I am not a politician and could score no political brownie points by sharing the truth about a relatives death, with the expressed permission of his grieving mother who wanted to expose Mr Mitchells failing and dismissive approach to her and who continues to await the results of a much promised investigation.

What is irresponsible is the fact that, rather than do his job and get answers for this grieving family, Mr Mitchell seeks to issue vacuous and intemperate press releases. Please ...

As I said last week ... The Bahamas MOFA could learn a lot from the US State Department, particularly relating to the treatment and assistance of its citizens who are incarcerated in foreign jurisdictions. Where was the effort to ensure that these Bahamians were afforded due process under Haitian laws? Why were their conditions not more closely monitored? Why were they not in contact with prison officials to ensure that these men were treated according to internationally accepted standards of human rights?

Being Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration should be more than free trips across the globe on a diplomatic passport. And, certainly it should be more than the sabre rattling we see on the immigration front.

The incarceration of Cubans Lazaro Seara Marin and Carlos Pupo Mendoza

On November 12, 2015, I highlighted the plight of Cubans Lazaro Marin and Carlos Pupo who were incarcerated at the Bahamas Department of Corrections without charge for three years. Recently, I was a part of a legal team that secured their release on a writ of habeas corpus.

One day after I wrote that column, the Department of Immigration (DOI) - which falls in the ambit of Mr Mitchells ministry - issued a statement saying, in part, that: It has been determined that prima facie they do not have a claim for asylum in The Bahamas. To our knowledge, they have not in fact asserted such a claim.

Last Monday, I revealed the Minister of Immigration and Foreign Affairs, who claimed that the two Cubans who had been detained unlawfully for nearly three years and released by the Supreme Court two weeks ago were national security risks, had sought Cabinet approval for their release on parole into the Bahamian population just three months earlier.

My column was published on November 12, 2015. The DOI released the aforementioned statement that day or the day after. And, Mr Mitchell prepared a Cabinet memo, dated November 13, 2015, inviting his Cabinet colleagues to authorise the release of the two men with an Asylum Certificate or otherwise. We saw the Cabinet paper.

The Foreign Minister requested the Cabinets support in ascertaining the release of Mr Marin and Mr Mendoza into the general population with the issuance of an Asylum Seeker Certificate to each of the men.

He said: 8. It is in the view that colleagues are being asked to support the position as it may arise from time to time to identify long-detained migrants in detention in the Bahamas who satisfy security criteria to be paroled into the general population where repatriation or 3rd country settlement continues to be extant and/or barred.

9. It is therefore recommended by officials that Mr Marin and Mr Mendoza be released into the general population with the issuance to each of an Asylum Seeker Certificate in order to prevent their re-arrest.

Now, Mr Mitchell refers to these men as national security risks. Considering the inconsistencies, Fred Mitchell appears to be a ministerial flip-flopper. No doubt, he appears to be attempting to cover his political backside.

Mitchells comments about the judiciary or matters before the court

Of late, Mr Mitchell has made various comments about court rulings and/or court processes that could be perceived as overstepping boundaries and overreaching into territory that breaches the constitutional separation of powers. Recently, he has asked for an investigation then into how a court was persuaded that two people that the government believes with cogent evidence are a security risk, were released into the general population of The Bahamas. Here, he was referring to the two Cubans who were released on a writ of habeas corpus by Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs.

Prior to that, Mr Mitchell announced in Parliament that Jean-Mary Justilien - a Haitian man shot in Eleuthera by police and immmigration officers and acquitted of an illegal entry charge - was deported though he had two pending matters against the government that were before the Supreme Court. The Office of the Attorney General was served and press statements would have made all and sundry aware of those matters. Yet, with extant matters before the court, Mr Justilien was deported and Mr Mitchell announced his deportation in the House of Assembly.

And then there is the judicial review case of Widlyne Melidor, in which Mr Mitchell left his ministerial perch and, via his ministry, released a dismissive statement that Justice Rhonda Bains ruling that the government must disclose all of it relevant documents relating to its immigration policy would be appealed in what seems to be an attempt to keep such information secret.

Last Friday, Mr Mitchell - in what can only be interpreted as a put down of the court - said: It has always been assumed and it is still our view that the Immigration Department has the sole discretion as to who can land and who cant land as a visitor. Now we have a situation where it appears the court is substituting its judgment for the Department of Immigration, so this is becoming a point of some contention, and I think the Office of the Attorney General is acting on our behalf to have the matter clarified.

That said, I draw Mr Mitchells attention to Rule Nine of the Bahamas Bar (Code of Professional Conduct) Regulations which speaks to the conduct of attorneys (such as himself) whilst holding public office.

Furthermore, all attorneys - including Mr Mitchell - ought to know that scandalising the Court is any act done or writing published calculated to bring a Court or judge of the Court into contempt or to lower his authority.

In Regina v Ortland Bodie [2012] 2 BHS J No. 67, Mr Bodie was brought before the Supreme Court for comments made during his talk show Real Talk Live. During a show on June 21, 2012, Mr Bodie made the following comments with respect to Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs:

I notice the other day, I was reading the newspaper and I say well blow me down. A Mr Justice Stephen Isaacs, a very good friend of mine, I would not say how good a friend, because he dont want me to talk his business, but if he challenge me, I will talk it. Mr Justice Stephen Isaacs told a gentleman, not a gentleman, an alleged murderer, that his case would be heard next October, when this alleged murderer allegedly committed the offence over a year ago. Now three (3) years will go before he is brought before the courts. What sort of cock-eyed nonsense is that?

Senior Justice Stephen Isaacs had this to say:

And Mr Bodie expressed it quite articulately. You have invited ridicule of the Administration of Justice, at its very core, the Seat of Justice. Judges do not make public comment. I cannot answer Mr Bodie. But Judges do carry with them the power to commit to prison for contempt in its face. The present Chief Justice, just recently, found it necessary to address the Nation and to admonish all to be mindful of the roles that Judges play, and to be careful not to belittle the Court in the publics eye, after some ill-advised comments were made and directed towards judges presiding over criminal cases.

He went on to say: As Sir Burton Hall said, in the case referred to above, the Extradition of Keva and Dwight Major: The Jurisdiction of the Court in contempt proceedings is not to protect the sensibilities of a particular judge or the judiciary as a whole. It exists to preserve public confidence in the existence of an independent and impartial judiciary. And when public confidence fails, the foundation of society and social order fails.

And, of course, as I said earlier, fair comment is perfectly acceptable. Criticism of the Judge is perfectly acceptable. And when I say Criticism of the Judge Im not talking about personal character attacks and name calling. That will land you here, in the circumstances that Mr Bodie finds himself. You can criticise a judgment. You can comment on a judgment. You can write your own judgment and publish it as a Letter to the Editor. That is not offensive. That gives the Judge an opportunity to see through the eyes of someone else.

I consider the offence, in this case, as I said from the very beginning, egregious. Particularly because it was committed by a person, who was a lawyer when I was called to the Bar 30 years ago. It was broadcast to the whole world, the Senior Justice said.

Court of Appeal President Anita Allen as recently as January 29, criticised the media and certain critics for launching serious and possibly contemptuous allegations against the courts. This came after an article was published which suggested that the Judiciary was to blame for the crime problem.

Notably, President Allen stated: Indeed, the judiciary seems to become everybodys dart board. Whenever it is uncomfortable to look in the mirror throw a dart at the board, and immediately be absolved of responsibility.

No doubt Mr Mitchells press release (which immediately followed Justice Isaacs ruling) stating that he was launching an investigation into how the court could come to such a decision after all the cogent evidence presented by the Crown, appeared to be an attempt to absolve himself of any responsibility.

I leave Mr Mitchell with the words of former Chief Justice Sir Michael Barnett in a 2014 speech at the opening of the legal year in which he cautioned the government on the dictatorial impression it had created when it announced the plan to have ten criminal courts running at the same time.

At that time, he urged that it is imperative that they do not undermine public confidence in the judiciary by language and statements that leave this impression.

_________________________________________________________

First published in the The Tribune under the byline, Young Man's View, here

View Adrian Gibson's archive here

____________________________________________________

The views expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of WeblogBahamas.com (which has no corporate view) or its Authors.
ATWT's Magnussen to Guest on Tamblyn's UNUSUALS AS THE WORLD TURNS star Billy Magnussen (Casey) has taped an episode of the new Amber Tamblyn ABC series THE UNUSUALS. The episode, "...

FLASHBACK: Brenda Benet Commits Suicide (1982) Actress Brenda Benet kills self, star in soap Pittsburgh Post-Gazette April 9, 1982 Brenda Benet, a hated seductress in the DAYS OF OU...

FLASHBACK: Joan Crawford Takes Daughter's Soap Opera Role 1968 (Updated With Audio!) Joan Crawford Takes Daughter's Soap Opera Role by Robert Windeler New York Times October 23, 1968 Joan Crawford, the 60-year-old ...

Robert Horton Dead at 91 Robert Horton Actor and singer Robert Horton died on March 9 in Los Angeles. He was 91. His death was confirmed by his niece, Joan Evan...

50 Greatest Soap Opera Actresses: The Complete List Late in 2009, We Love Soaps pulled together a panel of 14 soap opera journalists and critics to come up with a list of the 50 Greatest Soa...

Dane Witherspoon Dead at 56 Original Santa Barbara cast member Dane Witherspoon has died at age 56. A Martinez, who starred as Cruz Castillo in Santa Barbara , reve...
Story Saved

You can find this story in My Bookmarks.

Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
By The Associated Press Mar. 05, 2016 | 06:52 AM | PADUCAH, KY

The rambunctious Republican race for president comes to Kentucky on Saturday with a little-publicized caucus that has some party leaders worrying about low turnout.Caucus locations open at 10 am local time across the state and close at 4 pm. Most counties have just one location, though some larger counties have multiple sites to vote. Nine smaller counties won't have a caucus location at all, sending would-be caucus-goers to neighboring counties to cast their ballots.The caucus was proposed and paid for by U.S. Senator Rand Paul, the former Republican presidential candidate who wanted to run for president and re-election at the same time without violating a state law banning candidates from appearing on the ballot twice in the same election. Paul ended his campaign after the Iowa caucuses but will still appear on the ballot.

On the Net:
By The Associated Press Mar. 04, 2016 | 10:15 AM | PADUCAH, KY





The Republican presidential candidates will compete for 46 delegates in Kentucky in the party's first presidential caucus in more than three decades.Kentucky's Republican caucus is set to take place until 4 pm today.The March 5th caucus replaces the usual Republican presidential primary in May. The caucus is the only opportunity for Kentucky Republicans to vote in the race for the GOP presidential nomination. However, primary elections for local, state and congressional races will still occur in May.Each western Kentucky county has its own caucus voting site, with one exception. Carlisle County voters will cast their ballots at Ballard Memorial High School. A list of western Kentucky caucus sites are found at the bottom of this page.To be eligible to vote in the caucus, Kentucky voters must have been registered as Republicans by Dec. 31, 2015. All 11 presidential candidates who originally filed to participate in the caucus will remain on the ballot. However, signs will be posted at caucus locations to inform voters about which candidates have dropped out of the race.Candidates are allowed to recruit volunteers to serve as their representatives at caucus sites. Those representatives can hand out campaign literature and answer voters' questions.Voting will be done by secret ballot. Once caucus goers move into the balloting area, they will present ID to a trained official, who will look up their name on the voter roster. Voters will sign in as they do during a typical election, and will be handed a ballot. After marking their selection, they will insert their ballot into a ballot box.The Republican Party of Kentucky is running this caucus. That means the Kentucky Secretary of State's office, which normally compiles and publishes election results, is not involved. While the polls close at 4 pm local time, party officials will not release the results until 7 pm EST (6 pm Paducah time). The party has partnered exclusively with The Associated Press to distribute the results. West Kentucky Star will publish the results as soon as they become available by our partners at The Associated Press.Ballard County - Ballard Memorial High School, 3561 Paducah Road, BarlowCalloway County - George Weaks Community Center, 607 Poplar Street, MurrayCaldwell County - Caldwell County Courthouse (north entrance), 105 West Court Square, PrincetonCarlisle County - Ballard Memorial High School, 3561 Paducah Road, BarlowCrittenden County - Crittenden County High School (multi-purpose room), 519 West Gum Street, MarionFulton County - The Oaks, 1107 Walnut Street, FultonGraves County - Graves County Republican Party Headquarters, 111 South 7th Street, MayfieldHickman County - Hickman County Courthouse, 110 East Clay Street, ClintonLivingston County - Central Elementary School, 115 Jim Goheen Road, BentonLyon County - Lee S. Jones Community Building, 510 State Route 93 South, EddyvilleMarshall County - Central Elementary School, 115 Jim Goheen Road, BentonMcCracken County - McCracken County High School, 6530 Old Highway 60, PaducahTrigg County - Trigg County Middle School (gym), 202 Main Street, CadizWith caucus locations now open across Kentucky, who do you think will win the Kentucky Republican Caucus today? Click on the link below to vote in the West Kentucky Star Unofficial Poll, and if you're a registered Republican, don't forget to vote in the real caucus today as well!

On the Net:
Kit Orton is soon to embark on a UK tour of Tom: the Musical in the titular role.

His previous theatre credits include Oliver! at the Watermill and the West End production of Spamalot..

We caught up with Kit and asked him: "If you were stranded on a desert island, which five showtunes could you not live without?"

1. "The Room Where It Happens" from Hamilton

I try and avoid jumping on band wagons where I can but I ran after this particular band wagon and jumped on with both feet. It's a spectacular piece of writing. As a writer myself it both inspires me and makes me think I should just give up!

This song in particular gives me tingles. I'm a big fan of 30s and 40s jazz and swing and bands like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Leslie Odom Jr gives an amazingly desperate vocal and Lin Manuel Miranda is a genius storyteller. It's addictive listening and it's on in my car every time I make a trip.

2. "The Bells of Nortredame" from The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Alan Menken at his very best. Unapologetically huge orchestrations and vocal arrangements. Simply one of the best openings to a show I've ever heard. This is a piece of music that has to be turned all the way up to 11. You can't hold back with this music. If those bells don't smash every glass and window in your house then it isn't loud enough!

3. "As Long As He Needs Me" from Oliver!

Before last summer this song wouldn't have been anywhere near my top five. In fact I have never been a huge fan of Oliver!. That was until I was cast as Bill Sikes at the Watermill Theatre during the summer of 2015. Being so immersed in the production helped me really get to grips with the piece as a whole and "As Long As He Needs Me" was definitely the standout song of the piece for me. This was in no small part down to our Nancy. Alice Fearn's rendition of this haunting number was mesmerising and wholly upsetting. I now believe that it is one of the finest musical theatre songs ever written.

4. "I Can't Recall" from A Tale of Two Cities

Perhaps not as well known as the other four songs I have selected, "I Can't Recall", was, for me, the finest moment of Jill Santoriello's short lived musical. I bought the DVD of the 2009 performance filmed in Brighton and immediately fell in love with its scale and intensity. It was James Barbour's rendition of "I Can't Recall" that made me rush to buy the sheet music as I was desperate to try singing it myself. I can't even really explain why I love it so much actually! It just hits me where it is supposed to. It may not hit others in the same place but I hope they can appreciate its power!

5. "If I Loved You" from Carousel

I'm a strong advocate of new writing but sometimes you can't deny why a classic is a classic. Anthony Warlow is quite simply, in my opinion, the finest musical theatre performer there has ever been. He is able to turn his craft to any genre and his voice is sublime. I am, in fact, desperate to write something for him to sing and when I write anything for My Land's Shore it's always with his voice in my head.

Carousel is a beautiful piece and with Warlow's effortless power at the helm it's a match made in heaven. The Rogers and Hammerstein purists may argue that he has taken a certain liberty with a particular note (listen to it and you'll know immediately which one I mean) but I can forgive him.

When I first heard it in the car the hairs on my neck went straight up and I had to pull to the side of the road for a moment. That's quite embarrassing actually. But I guess I'm grateful music can have that effect on me! I'm still searching for more moments like that! Bring on the future of musical theatre with, hopefully, less reruns and more exciting new and original work!
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The year: 1905. Isaac Bell, an operative for the Van Dorn Detective Agency, is looking into the oil business  specifically, the monopoly held by John Rockefellers Standard Oil. Stories of ruthless and illegal goings-on  intimidation and physical violence among them  are rampant. And when people who have stood up against Standard Oils ruthlessness are suddenly murdered, Bell realized hes facing his wiliest opponent yet.

The Assassin (Putnam, 406 pages, $13), by the American writing team of Clive Cussler and Justin Scott, is the seventh in the Bell series. Like its predecessors, its got a very good sense of time and place; the books early 20th-century setting feels real and vivid. Its also got, in Isaac Bell, a well-designed and compelling hero, a fellow whos comfortable fighting with his fists or his mind, whichever is appropriate to the situation. Another fine entry in this excellent series.

  

Speaking of ruthless business practises, heres Business or Blood: Mafia Boss Vito Rizzutos Last War (Vintage, 311 pages, $22), by Peter Edwards and Antonio Nicaso. The book tells the story of the final years of Montreals Vito Rizzuto, one of Canadas most powerful Mafia kingpins. He emerged from prison in 2012  incarcerated for his role in a notorious triple homicide many years earlier  with one thing in mind: to get revenge on the people who killed his son and his father while he was behind bars.

The authors second collaboration, is absolutely riveting  not just a story about a man who will do anything for revenge, but also one of organized crime in Montreal in the 1970s, 80s and 90s. For fans of crime non-fiction, its a must-read.

  

If youre a fan of The Silence of the Lambs or the TV series Criminal Minds, check out Kates Lines Crime Seen: From Patrol Cop to Profiler, My Stories from Behind the Yellow Tape (Vintage, 256 pages, $20). Lines, who lives in Ontario, is a former chief superintendent of the Ontario Provincial Police and a criminal profiler. The book takes us through her career, from patrol officer to undercover cop to graduate of the FBIs prestigious criminal-profiling program (she was the second Canadian selected for the program) and beyond.

Lines provides lively details about the cases and the people she has known. She briefly met thriller writer Patricia Cornwell, for example, and her FBI course co-ordinator solved an attempted-murder case in which he was the intended victim  at the hands of his wife and two hired hit men. Written in a conversational style, the book is a top-flight memoir.

  

The Dead Lands (Grand Central, 407 pages, $19.50), by Minnesotas Benjamin Percy, is a post-apocalyptic retelling of one of historys best-known journeys into unknown territory. The novel is set 150 years after a plague wiped out most of humanity. Downtown St. Louis, hastily walled up to protect those within, is now called Sanctuary; its a self-contained society, but its not what you would call prosperous.

When rumours of a thriving community somewhere outside the walls become too strong to ignore, an eccentric museum curator, Lewis Meriwether, and an impulsive young woman, Wilhelmina Clark, strike out for unknown territory. At stake: the survival of Sanctuary, and perhaps of the human race itself. Familiarity with the historical Lewis and Clark expedition is helpful but not required. Percys compelling story, beautifully crafted characters and elegant, sometimes poetic prose are the big selling points here.

Halifax freelancer David Pitts column appears the first weekend of every month.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 04/03/2016 (2423 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Minnedosa  A senior has been jailed for a plot in which he helped Old Order Mennonite children to run away from their foster placements in a bid to foil Child and Family Services.

CFS had apprehended dozens of the southern Manitoba communitys children due to widespread abuse, but Crown attorney Rich Lonstrup said the offender wrongly thought CFS had overreacted.

He told children to repeatedly run from placements  and in one case hid a runaway boy in Saskatchewan  in the hope that the agency would give up and let the children stay at their home community.

CFS had apprehended dozens of the southern Manitoba communitys children due to widespread abuse, but Crown attorney Rich Lonstrup said the offender wrongly thought CFS had overreacted.

This is a very serious case because it strikes at the heart of the child welfare system, Lonstrup said during sentencing in provincial court on Thursday.

But even as he faced the threat of jail, the 75-year-old farmer claimed he was concerned about living conditions at homes used to house apprehended children. The man was not a member of the community, but a former "friend" of the community who did business with it.

One home was overcrowded, he said, and in the case of the boy he hid in Saskatchewan, who had been placed in a trailer at his home community, it was too hot. During a visit to the trailer, hed witnessed a child being beaten, he claimed.

Judge Shauna Hewitt-Michta, however, described the mans actions as misguided and unlawful  hed returned vulnerable children to the scene of abuse  and his crimes should be denounced.

She rejected his request for time served with probation, and sentenced him to 12 months in jail, minus nine months credit for time he spent in presentence custody, followed by two years of probation.

It may not be a perfect system, Hewitt-Michta said of child welfare. But its a system that strives to do its best in very difficult circumstances.

The man had previously pleaded guilty to interfering with children in a CFS placement and to abducting a child under 14 years of age.

To protect the identity of the community and the young abuse victims, The Brandon Sun isnt naming the offender.

In early to mid-2013, CFS apprehended 42 of the community children from their horse-and-buggy community, which is rooted in 19th century traditions.

The child abuse committed in that community was not part of Old Order Mennonite culture, the Crown has said.

Zealous adults  who mistakenly believed that most of the children in the community had had sex with their parents and siblings  engaged in an obsessive campaign to save children from the sin of lust, prosecutors have said.

While being disciplined, or during counselling sessions in which children were brainwashed into admitting sexual acts with family members that never happened, they were strapped, punched, kicked, starved, whipped and shocked with a cattle prod.

Following the mass apprehensions, in May 2013, the man who was sentenced on Thursday picked up a 13-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl from their foster placement at a southern Manitoba town and drove them 200 kilometres back to their home community.

He told the children that the plan was to repeatedly return apprehended children until CFS gave up and let them stay.

Around that same time, he helped hide a 12-year-old boy who ran away from his foster placement of his own will.

After staying a month in one home, the man took the boy to a residence he had rented in Saskatchewan.

On Sept. 4, 2013, 101 days after he went missing, RCMP found the boy there with the offender and two adult sisters from the Old Order Mennonite community.

One of those sisters, 24, had wed the offender who was 72 years old at the time.

Lonstrup said the Old Order Mennonites were not co-operative at first in helping RCMP and CFS find the missing boy. They suddenly became cooperative after learning of the wedding. The former Old Order Mennonite woman had been betrothed to another man in the community.

The sisters have since left their home community, and the mans lawyer, Barry Sinder, said his client, his wife and her sister have now formed a family.

In November 2014, the man was held in jail for breaching his bail order by having contact with his wife and sister who were potential witnesses at the time.

Prior to his release on bail to await sentencing, his wife wrote him scores and scores of love letters, Sinder said.

She had admired him for the kindness he had shown Old Order Mennonite children during previous visits to the community, and it was she who had asked him to marry her, Sinder said.

The wife was in court for sentencing, as was her sister.

As for his clients interference with children in care, Sinder said his client had good intentions.

The man had been physically abused as a child himself, and had a poor experience while living in foster homes. He would later take in foster children to give them the positive life he didnt have.

In April 2014, the sisters each received 18-month suspended sentences with 60 hours of community service for taking part in the plot to have children run from their foster homes.

In November 2014, an Old Order Mennonite man was fined $50,000 for helping the runaway boy escape to Saskatchewan.

 ihitchen@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @IanHitchen
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The family of a Winnipeg homicide victim is demanding a judicial review into why the Crown elected not to proceed with the case against the alleged mastermind.

A letter was sent this week to Manitoba Justice Minister Gord Mackintosh on behalf of Kaila Tran, who was attacked outside her St. Vital apartment in June 2012. She was stabbed at least 31 times in what police and justice officials say was a murder-for-hire.

The family questions why Trans former boyfriend, Drake Moslenko, went free without even going to trial. He was originally charged with first-degree murder, but the charge was stayed at a preliminary hearing in June 2014. The Crown didnt reinstate the charge during the one-year period in which it could do so.

Kaila Tran

Moslenko, 30, got $50,000 in life insurance, which was taken out by Tran. He is seeking $55,000 from a second policy in a case thats currently tied up in the courts.

My sister was brutally murdered. The evidence suggests that her boyfriend had her killed. Kaila deserves justice. We ask that you take whatever steps are necessary to assist us in ensuring that justice is served, Tiffany Tran wrote in the letter to Mackintosh.

The family is calling for Mackintosh to appoint a senior prosecutor, preferably from outside the jurisdiction, to review how the department handled Moslenkos case. It wants the results made public.

Mr. Moslenko is in receipt of life insurance monies from Kailas death. He arranged to have my sister killed and now is free spending money from her murder. This is sick and cannot be allowed, Tran wrote.

Moslenko is being sued by Trans family in a rare wrongful death application filed last month, in which the standard of proof is much lower than in a criminal court. They are seeking undisclosed financial damages, including seizure of the insurance proceeds.

None of the allegations has been proven.

It would be inappropriate for the minister to speak to cases that are still before the courts. We can confirm that victim services continues to communicate with and assist the Tran family, government spokeswoman Rachel Morgan told the Free Press Friday.

The man Moslenko allegedly hired to carry out the killing, Treyvonne Willis, was found guilty of first-degree murder last year and received a life sentence with no chance of parole for at least 25 years. He admitted to ambushing and repeatedly stabbing Tran, 27, in exchange for getting off the hook from a drug debt. Willis is appealing the verdict, claiming he gave a false confession.

In their letter to Mackintosh, the Tran family claims the lead homicide detective assured them the charge against Moslenko would be reinstated after it was withdrawn at the preliminary hearing. They also say police and the Crown have told them about a second videotaped statement from Willis in which he directly implicates Moslenko in the killing. The taped statement was never used against him in court.

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service have told me that they believe that Mr. Moslenko had Kaila murdered. The Crown prosecutors in the Willis trial have also told me that they believe that Mr. Moslenko had Kaila murdered. My family and I do not understand why Mr. Moslenko is a free man when the people who are in charge of putting away murderers know that Mr. Moslenko had Kaila murdered, the letter says.

Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press Members of the Winnipeg Police Identification Unit gather evidence at a scene in the 100 block of Clayton Drive.

Although my family and I sincerely appreciate the hard work of the police and the Crown in convicting Mr. Willis, their refusal or inability to pursue charges against Mr. Moslenko is patently unjust.

Moslenkos name came up several times during the trial against Willis. Police repeatedly tried to get Willis to implicate Moslenko during a videotaped interrogation that was shown to jurors. He said he would be in danger if he started dropping names.

Police suggested Moslenko arranged the hit. Willis denied that. He also said he was never told why Tran had to be killed.

The Crowns key witness, Tremaine Sam-Kelly, testified Moslenko knew about the plot to kill Tran, who was going to be targeted because she was a snitch against her boyfriend. He said Willis was offered a way out of a drug debt if he carried out the killing. Sam-Kelly didnt say who made the offer to Willis.

In the letter to Mackintosh and in the civil lawsuit, Trans family said testimony from the trial leads to one conclusion: There is a significant amount of evidence from the Willis trial which shows that Mr. Moslenko was involved in Kailas murder.

www.mikeoncrime.com
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Conrado Santos, the first person born in the Philippines to be elected to political office in Canada, has died.

Santos died on Feb. 29. He was 81.

In a statement, Premier Greg Selinger offered his condolences to Santos family on behalf of Manitobans.

Conrad Santos

It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Dr. Santos, Selinger said on Saturday.

Dr. Santos served his adopted province and his constituency with dedication and self-sacrifice. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Coun. Mike Pagtakhan said both Santos and his uncle, former federal MP Rey Pagtakhan who was first elected in 1988, were trailblazers in the Filipino community.

He was a good man and proud of his heritage, Pagtakhan said on Saturday.

His constituents appreciated him he definitely enjoyed being a public servant. He liked to speak to people.

Public service was in his blood and he lived out his dream.

Jon Reyes, founder of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council and a current Tory MLA candidate in St. Norbert, said Santos paved the way for the Filipino community to enter Canadian politics.

Im trying to become an MLA myself. Its something we are proud of, Im proud of Dr. Conrad Santos for being the first. It takes a lot of courage and will to go into politics.

Santos graduated with a PhD in political science after attending Harvard University and the University of Michigan. He came to Winnipeg and taught at the University of Manitoba.

Santos first had a taste of political life when he ran unsuccessfully for the NDP nomination in Fort Garry in 1973, as well as city council in 1977 and 1980.

But Santos was successful when he ran for the NDP in Burrows in 1981. He was reelected in 1986, but he lost the Burrows nomination in 1988.

Santos made a comeback when he won the Broadway nomination in 1990 and not only did his constituents elect him that year, but also in 1995, as well as in 1999, and 2003 when his riding became part of the new Wellington riding.

Santos political career came to an end after leaving the NDP and running as an independent, finishing last in the 2007 election, after being accused of improperly selling party memberships. He later pleaded guilty in court, admitting he signed up as many as 100 supporters by paying their party memberships, and was fined $200 under the Elections Finances Act.

Santos was predeceased by his wife and he is survived by one daughter and two sons. His funeral is taking place at the Thomson In the Park Funeral Home on March 6 at 2 p.m.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Canada-wide warrant  along with a mug shot and surveillance footage  has led to the arrest of a man in connection with the slaying of a Peguis First Nation man outside a downtown hotel last weekend.

Winnipeg police announced Saturday Travis Chief, also known as Travis Guimond, had been arrested at Waywayseecappo First Nation near Russell by the Dakota Ojibway Police Service shortly before midnight Friday.

Chief, 23, has been turned over to the Winnipeg Police Services homicide unit.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Henry (Buddy) Kipling

Henry (Buddy) Kipling, 43, was attacked over a case of beer while waiting for a taxi outside the Northern Hotel the morning of Feb. 27.

Kipling, who had been in Winnipeg to attend a wedding social, was rushed to hospital but later died of his injuries.

Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen said Saturday Kipling was attacked by a woman inside the bar and outside, leaving him incapacitated. About 30 minutes later, Kipling was assaulted and robbed by a man.

Jenna Rose Traverse, 23, was arrested Thursday and charged with aggravated assault.

Police issued a Canada-wide warrant for manslaughter for Chief Friday.

Chief was identified by members of the public after police earlier released surveillance photos of a man and a woman walking outside.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In the coming days, the writ will be dropped, and so, too, will the gloves.

Voters will see an endless barrage of television ads, candidate brochures, news stories and maybe even a debate highlight reel as candidates take their best shots. There will be plenty of power plays, a few cheap shots and several unsportsmanlike penalties. What you wont see is the special teams behind the scenes  the strategists, mad men and policy experts. Those people matter more this election than normal. Only one leader  Premier Greg Selinger  has done this before. No party has yet to fully find its game, though the Tories may be close. The outcome April 19 is anyones guess. Heres a look at who is running each show, including the surprising number of players recruited from out-of-province.

NEW DEMOCRATS

JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The Golden Boy statue atop the Manitoba Legislature.

In past elections, finding out who was running the NDP campaign simply required a slow drive down Portage Avenue to see who was chain-smoking outside the partys headquarters. This election, following the partys implosion during the leadership battle, theres a whole new crew trying to get the NDPs puck in the net for a fifth time. And, many are imports.

Jeremy Read

Role: Campaign director

Backstory: Selingers chief of staff for the last year, he was brought in following the exodus of senior staff in the premiers office. Before that, Read was the right-hand man to former University of Winnipeg president Lloyd Axworthy and served time in provincial ministries as a policy analyst and staffer. Hes seen as capable and able to smooth over some of many lingering tensions, but he has never been a top player in past central campaigns.

Kathleen McCallum

Role: Running the target team, including the central phone bank and the rapid response door-knocking crew called the poll cats.

Backstory: A Selinger loyalist and former mid-level legislature staffer, McCallum served as the co-campaign manager for Selingers bid for re-election as leader.

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press Premier Greg Selinger Gerry Scott

Role: Senior strategist

Backstory: With deep roots in British Columbias NDP, Scott was among the key architects of the partys dramatic win next door in Alberta last year. In Alberta, he was Premier Rachel Notleys campaign director.

Rosann Wowchuk

Role: Chairwoman of election preparedness

Backstory: The former cabinet minister and Swan River MLA retired from politics last election. Tough and well-respected, but typically spent most past provincial campaigns working in her riding.

Keith Bellamy

Role: Provincial secretary

Backstory: A talented riding-level campaign manager, Bellamy managed former NDP MP Pat Martins office and ran twice for city council. This is Bellamys first time in the central war room.

Stratcom

Role: Polling and strategic communications.

Backstory: Stratcom is the lefts go-to fundraising and strategic communications firm based mostly in Toronto and Vancouver. Its also the pollster to the federal NDP and provincial parties in Alberta and British Columbia. Stratcom, a pretty hip bunch, took over polling duties after the NDP parted ways with Winnipeg-based Viewpoints, the partys longtime pollster.

MediaStyle

Role: Communications and advertising.

Backstory: The Ottawa-based firm is run by former federal NDP press secretary and pundit Ian Capstick as well as Ewald Friesen, a former speech writer for former premier Gary Doer and for the late Jack Layton. This is the first election MediaStyle has done ad work for the provincial NDP, including the new We havent always gotten it right ads.

PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVES

Jason Payne / The Vancouver Province files Gerry Scott, the NDP's Senior strategist.

Leader Brian Pallister is widely seen as a micro-manager, and his very small inner circle of key players seems to bear this out.

David McLaughlin

Role: Campaign manager

Backstory: He served as chief of staff to former prime minister Brian Mulroney and former finance minister Jim Flaherty and served as a key figure in New Brunswick politics. More recently, hes been a columnist and political strategist. Sources say he has a calming effect on Pallister.

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press Leader of the Opposition Brian Pallister. Jim Ross

Role: Operations

Backstory: Ross is a young, Toronto-based political operative, former federal political staffer and voter-contact expert.

James White

Role: Pallisters chief of staff

Backstory: White worked for several years for Conservative MP and former cabinet minister Steven Fletcher and in polling and market research.

NRG Research Group

Role: Polling firm

Backstory: The Winnipeg-based firm has long been the pollster-of-choice for Manitoba Tories.

Harris Greenaway Communications

Role: Ad firm

Backstory: Saskatchewan Premier Brad Walls favoured ad firm, run partly by his former senior adviser, Terri Harris. The firm has produced all of Pallisters ads recently, including the close-up Pallister priorities ad and a series of anti-NDP attack ads, including the one about Selingers PST hike.

LIBERAL

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick David McLaughlin, PC's campaign manager.

Unlike the other parties that have brought in heft from outside the province, the Liberals seem to be losing key players to the federal team. And, many of the people around in the 2011 election, including former provincial party president Sachit Mehra, are not actively involved this time. Leader Rana Bokhari appears to lack a provincial campaign manager, and in recent months much of the election infrastructure  the policy committee, the candidate search and vetting committee, the election-readiness committee  has essentially fizzled.

Mikaela MacKenzie/Winnipeg Free Press Liberal leader Rana Bokhari. Mike Brown

Role: Director of communications, but his influence is much wider than that.

Backstory: The former television journalist worked in former public safety minister Vic Toews regional office before moving to be Pallisters director of communications. He also ran for the PCs in 2011 in St. Vital. Last summer, Brown switched parties and became Bokharis spokesman and a key Liberal strategist. He is also known for his chippy partisanship on Twitter.

Spencer Fernando

Role: Chief of staff

Backstory: The 27-year-old was a junior staffer in the PC caucus in 2014 before being fired for a blog post in which he gently called for a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. He also managed Liberal Rebecca Chartrands campaign for city council in 2014.

Sam Dixon

Role: Field officer and training consultant, essentially acting as the point man responsible for riding-level races and candidate support.

Backstory: Dixon has been a party board member, helped with election readiness early in the process and worked regionally for the federal Liberals in last falls election.

Danais Technologies

Role: Pollster

Backstory: Owner Gerald Danais, who is involved with the federal partys Manitoba operation, does automated and voice polling and typically provides the raw data to Liberal staff for analysis.

Mike Brown, the Liberal's director of communications.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brianna Jonnie is an intelligent 14-year-old.

Shes an honour roll student, she isnt involved in drugs or alcohol, shes not a runaway, and shes not involved with Child and Family Services. She has dreams of becoming a surgeon, lawyer or a police officer.

Brianna has everything to live for. So why does she believe shes at a higher risk than her peers to go missing or be murdered? Why does she think few people would care if she went missing?

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Brianna Jonnie, 14, holds the photo of herself that she submitted to Winnipeg police Chief Devon Clunis, along with a letter about her fear of going missing.

She said its because she is indigenous. She believes there are differences between how the community, the media and the police treat cases of missing indigenous girls.

She expressed those beliefs in a two-page letter to Winnipeg Police Service Chief Devon Clunis that included instructions on what to do if she goes missing. Her letter included a colour photograph of herself.

If I go missing and the WPS has not changed the behaviours I have brought to your attention, I beg of you, do not treat me as the indigenous person I am proud to be, Jonnie wrote.

My mom needs me, and I want to have my future. And if I do go missing and my body is found, please tell my mom you are sorry. Tell her I asked to be buried in my red dress, for I will have become just another native statistic.

Brianna wrote: The colour of ones skin, their socio-economic status, or whom their legal guardian is, should not determine the level of assistance and resources put in place to find them if they are missing and yet, it does.

In an interview, Brianna said she worked on the letter last weekend, but she has been thinking about the issue for at least a couple of years. Its just what I have noticed, and it bothers me, she said.

She points to cases of people who went missing: Tina Fontaine, Thelma Krull and Cooper Nemeth.

Tina, an indigenous girl who had a history of running away, was 15 when she disappeared Aug. 9, 2014. Her body was found in the Red River about a week later.

Krull, 57, went missing last July after leaving home to go on a morning walk. She remains missing.

Seventeen-year-old Cooper went missing last month after going to a house party. His body was found a week later and a man has been charged with murder.

Brianna said while information about Krull and Cooper was made public less than 24 hours after they went missing, the first request for the publics help to look for Tina was four days after she was reported missing. In the cases of Krull and Cooper, hundreds of strangers pitched in to help search for them.

It teaches the boys and men who discard girls in rivers, beat them in back lanes and drug them at parties that indigenous girls lives dont matter  they wont be missed. No one will look for them, Brianna wrote to the chief.

It teaches me my life does not matter.

She admits shes not sure what needs to be done, but if someone goes missing, everyone, police included, should be out there the next day, she said.

I know they should just find a solution.

Brianna said she hasnt been a victim of violence, but she said she cant go anywhere without men she doesnt know either ogling her or approaching her.

She also sent copies of her letter  accompanied by her colour photograph  to others including Premier Greg Selinger and Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman.

Bowman said he will meet with Brianna next week.

It is heartbreaking a young woman feels her life is not as valuable as others in the community, but she is also hopeful in that she is trying to do things in a positive way, the mayor said.

College Jeanne Sauve student Brianna Jonnie supplied this photo of herself to police chief Clunis along with a letter about her fears of going missing like other aboriginal females.

She is challenging the community, the media, the Winnipeg Police Service. She is challenging all of us to do more and a better job. We need more Briannas in the world. Shes asking all the right questions.

Bowman said all Winnipeggers should feel they are valued and equal to each other.

I think the community has come a long way, but we have a long way to go.

Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen said the chief is away, but he knows about the letter and will meet with Brianna.

Its an incredibly compelling letter, and it brings up a lot of great questions, he said. It is quite amazing to see such a young person have passion for her community.

It also shows that maybe we need to do a better job of educating the public about why certain investigations unfold the way they do.

Michalyshen said sometimes the public is not told immediately that someone is missing because police havent been notified, the family doesnt want the information released or because the person has a history of disappearing and returning.

But if one 14-year-old girl is thinking like this, there are probably many others.

Manitoba government spokeswoman Rachel Morgan said Nahanni Fontaine, the provinces special adviser on aboriginal womens issues, will speak with Brianna.

Morgan said the province has a strategy on missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, including working directly with their families.

Its devastating to hear that this young woman is living with the fear of being targeted because she is indigenous, Morgan said. We share her concerns for young indigenous youth who need more protections and supports to stay safe.

Amanda McCormick, Briannas mother, said shes proud of her daughter and is concerned for her safety.

She definitely put her heart into this letter, she said. You dont want something to ever happen to her.

Brianna said she hopes her letter makes a difference, not just in Winnipeg, but elsewhere.

I wanted to start local, she said. I sent it to who I did because when you want change to happen, you dont think big at first, you start small.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The federal political arena is an unforgiving environment, particularly for rookies.

There is a steep learning curve for first-time MPs. To succeed, they must familiarize themselves with parliamentary tradition, party traditions and a strict hierarchy of power politics that normally requires rookies to be seen more and heard less.

Those are hard lessons being learned right now by Robert-Falcon Ouellette, the mercurial Liberal MP who knocked-off NDP heavyweight Pat Martin in last falls federal election. Since being elected, Ouellette has spent a good deal of his time swimming upstream against the current of Ottawa culture.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Robert Falcon Ouellette, Liberal MP for Winnipeg Centre, has apologized for suggesting the Speaker of the House of Commons has power to influence the prime minister.

There was his short-lived and unsuccessful campaign to be elected Speaker of the House of Commons, a position that does not normally encourage public campaigning.

More recently, Ouellette captured attention with his efforts to get the Liberal government to consider a guaranteed annual income pilot project. Ouellette said in an interview there is tremendous potential in devising a plan that would replace most, if not all, current features of the social safety net with a lump minimum income. (Its an idea that has been studied a bit in the past, including a four-year pilot project in Manitoba in the mid-1970s.)

Working within the system, Ouellette has found a modicum of traction for this idea. A member of the powerful House of Commons finance committee, Ouellette was able to get approval to bring in several social policy experts and activists to give testimony. This included a presentation by University of Manitoba health economist Evelyn Forget.

In her submission, Forget said a guaranteed $18,000 annual income would produce more positive outcomes (such as higher employment and more comprehensive education) than the current social assistance program. Her presence at the committee even prompted Families, Children and Social Development Minister Jean-Yves Duclos  a former academic who has studied guaranteed incomes  to tell the Globe and Mail he was gratified the issue was under consideration.

However, that was not the extent of Ouellettes activism on the subject.

The Winnipeg Centre MP also created an electronic petition urging the government to fund a pilot project on guaranteed incomes in this years budget. The new online system allows any citizen, not just MPs, to create an e-petition for the governments consideration.

Legislative petitions have typically been a tool used by opposition politicians to force issues onto the order paper and, whenever possible, embarrass the government of the day. It is unclear how effective they will be when created by Liberals lobbying their own government.

Although they are dominated by Tories and New Democrats, Ouellette is one of six Liberal MPs to file eight e-petitions: Bill Casey (establishing a Canadian military volunteer service medal); Nathaniel Erskine-Smith (legalizing home cultivation of cannabis; citizenship equality for foreign adoptions); Lloyd Longfield (exempt medical marijuana from sales tax); Peter Schiefke (release political prisoners and lobby to improve elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo); and Anif Virani (improved safety for railway transportation of dangerous goods).

One can imagine many of these petitions will form the basis of motions in the House of Commons or even private members bills. In Ouellettes case, he is looking for hard cash to fund a pilot project. When asked if he is concerned about the strategy backfiring on him, Ouellette is deeply unconcerned.

I think it would be foolish not to use every tool at my disposal, he said.

The broader, long-term question is whether Ouellettes boundless energy and activism will ultimately be seen as a net benefit or a net liability for the Liberals. Notwithstanding the attention his proposals have garnered, Ouellette has adopted the posture of the lifelong backbencher. These are the politicians that work constantly to get minimal exposure and profile with the knowledge they will never rise to the station of cabinet minister.

Does Ouellette have cabinet potential? The chattering classes in the national media certainly floated his name as a viable prospect last fall, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was creating his first cabinet. And although Ouellette did not make the cut, there are strong indications he could be a future minister.

Its also important to note Ouellette was appointed by his party to the influential finance committee. This is a body that not only commands the governments attention, it is one of the only parliamentary committees that gets regular media attention. Parties do not appoint dead wood to sit on finance.

Getting the finance committee to hear witnesses on the topic, and then having a minister respond directly to those submissions, is a pretty big accomplishment. So big, in fact, it makes the e-petition look like a bit of a step backward. This is consistent with what Liberal insiders believe is the yin and yang of Ouellette  a politician of tremendous potential and intellect occasionally hampered by an overactive ambition.

For Ouellette to realize his enormous potential, he will have to learn how to manage politics within his own party, certainly for as long as the Liberals are in government. That will mean ensuring he does enough to get people to consider his ideas, without undermining himself with gestures that could be interpreted as too self-serving.

For better or worse, the progress (or lack of) on the guaranteed-income file should serve as an objective measurement of just how well Ouellette has learned to survive and thrive in the Ottawa pressure cooker.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @danlett
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The animals die first is a common refrain from many Ethiopians living in Tigray and Afar, two northern states, as the country experiences its worst drought in decades. Crop production in these regions has dropped by 50 per cent or more in some areas and failed completely in others. Hundreds of thousands of domestic animals are reckoned to have perished.

The rapidly changing skylines of Ethiopias modernizing cities notwithstanding, about 80 per cent of its population still live off the land. Despite the drought, however, there are not yet scenes reminiscent of the famine of 1983-84, when as many as one million people died.

That reprieve may not last. Those working for NGOs, which are now scrabbling to raise funds for relief, point out that, in previous dry spells, hunger intensified from April onward because by then people have eaten through their last food stocks or what little was harvestable.

Aida Muluneh / The Washington Post Livestock is often the first affected by drought due to the lack of adequate grazing land.

The present situation here keeps me awake at night, said John Graham, the country director for Save the Children, a charity.

Unlike in 1983, when brutal government policies increased the number of deaths, Ethiopias present rulers have done much to mitigate the impact. Their Productive Safety Net Program provides jobs for about seven million people who work on public-infrastructure projects in return for food or cash. There are also a national food reserve and early-warning systems throughout the woredas, local-government districts. Ethiopia even managed to accelerate the building of a new railway line  the countrys only one  to bring food supplies from Djibouti on the coast of the Horn of Africa.

The countrys ability to help itself may soon reach its limit, however. Estimates of the number of people affected by drought doubled between June and October to 8.2 million, and are now pushing beyond 10 million in a total population of about 100 million. The government faces criticism for not acknowledging sooner that it needs help.

Ethiopians  both official and lay  are sensitive about their ancient, diverse countrys persistent association with misery and pestilence, while equally proud of its economic turnaround. There is also a sense the government has not been found wanting with this drought, but rather it has simply encountered events beyond its control.

The El Nino phenomenon is causing unusually heavy rains in some parts of the world and drought elsewhere.

Herein lies a challenge for Ethiopia: it is competing for international funds with other grave humanitarian crises, such as the wars in Syria and Yemen, and the international migrant emergency. Moreover, the international systems cogs started turning late, after the government initially tried to go it alone. Ethiopia also may be up against donor fatigue. The estimated US$1.4 billion needed to combat the droughts impact remains less than half funded.

Further concerns stem from the possibility that El Nino also will affect Ethiopias next rainy season. The United Nations reckons that such a situation could result in more than 15 million Ethiopians suffering food shortages, acute malnutrition or worse by mid-2016.

 Distributed by The New York Times Syndicate
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 05/03/2016 (2422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Every time one passes through certain border stations on their way into the United States, they must first deal with a static presidential gaze.

Look up, there they are: pictures of the president and his veep hanging on the border station wall in unassuming frames. They are prints of some official portrait, and toward the end of a term they tend to look incongruently optimistic. By that point, the leaders in life have grown more weathered by the office.

Lately, its fun to imagine what those portraits might look like in 18 months hence, should the most ballyhooed election result come to pass.

Carlos Osorio / The Associated Press Republican presidential candidate, businessman Donald Trump walks into the spin room to meet with reporters after a Republican presidential primary debate at Fox Theatre, Thursday, March 3, 2016, in Detroit.

Picture it: those photos, but five times bigger and encased in gold-toned neo-Victorian curlicues. Underneath, there is a neon sign that blinks: GREATEST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Inside the frame, an orange veneer, a flamboyant flouff of hair, welcoming visitors in a way that winks abandon all hope, ye who enter here.

Given the option of being stuck on the inside of this particular presidents purview, or considering it from without, Id choose the latter.

So it is with that in mind that I pen this open letter to our dear American neighbours who are contemplating fleeing to Canada in the event of a Trump.

It is suddenly a popular thought. As Super Tuesday gave way to a Woeful Wednesday hangover, Google searches for how to move to Canada spiked to a record number, surging as much as 1,500 per cent. The volume of these searches flooded the official Canadian immigration website, until it apparently struggled under the load.

By the next day, the Washington Post declared the real winner of Super Tuesday is Canada, although its not entirely clear what Canada won. Are we famous now? Will we get a reality show? Is being the object of American attention a worthy goal, in and of itself? Sure, given the overall timbre of this election, why not.

The surge itself is not surprising. Moving to Canada has long been the rhetorical eject button for restless Americans. Google data show similar blips in hopeful expatriate searches once every four years, falling like clockwork along the American election cycle. Canada is, forever, a way out of the current debacle.

There was even a brief period when a gaggle of Republicans vowed on Twitter to move to Canada after Obamacare passed. (We had some bad news for them.)

This week, though, the idea seemed to take on more life. Gawker and Vice hastily published how-to guides from Americans who had made the switch; both pieces tossed the same bucket of cold water. I realized the assumption that you can just come here at the drop of a hat is completely wrong, Vices Allison Elkin wrote.

Still, it makes sense that many of you should suddenly be more interested in trying. The current Republican front-runner is someone who, among other things, supports a database tracking Muslim citizens; has openly flirted with support from white supremacists; and has pledged to weaken press protections and sue journalists.

He is also an incorrigible fabricator. Of all the Trump statements reviewed for accuracy by the website Politifact, a full 79 per cent rate as anywhere from mostly false to pants on fire, a poor result even in the typical bluster of campaign drama.

Perhaps most alarmingly, Americans could be on the brink of electing to their highest office a guy who makes finger-guns at cameras.

In Rolling Stone this week, Matt Taibbi wrote the definitive accounting of the Trumpening at the midway point of the primaries, and it is downright depressing. Trump found the flaw in the American Death Star, Taibbi wrote. It doesnt know how to turn the cameras off, even when its filming its own demise.

But its more than that, as Taibbi aptly pointed out. Whatever Trumps flaws (and they are many), he has correctly analyzed an American populace that, wherever they find ideological refuge, is widely exhausted from being yanked around by the powerful corporate lobbies that have all but seized the American political process.

With that in mind, I cant fault any American who is ready to throw in the towel and pull up stakes for a place where exposed skin freezes in 60 seconds is sort of a seasonal version of good morning, but I hope youll reconsider, because as much as Canada appreciates the thought, we may not be the promised land you want.

See, our dear neighbours, although the idea of packing bags for Canada has long been a popular punchline, its not really Canada youre after. In some ways, Canada has become a shorthand for a place alike enough to the United States so as not to demand reckoning with cultural bias, but miraculously without its problems.

The real Canada is something else, something just as tangled by the mess of its own history. We are wrestling with a limping economy that is unusually beholden to ripping stuff out of the ground, to the point that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is now trying to sell pipelines as the gift card with which Canada can buy a green future.

Meanwhile, when certain optimistic American liberals sing the praises of Canada as polite and non-violent, all I think of is Tina Fontaine, drifting in the river. If the American hard right can be aggressively denialist about the Canadian social pacts strengths, its soft left can be fingers-in-ears ignorant to our pains.

Moving here isnt easy. Theres a lot of paperwork, and it can be pricey. If youre successful, it means swapping your troubles for slightly different but no less confounding burdens: poverty, geography and fraying safety nets. Believe me, Canada would like to be the answer to your question, but we havent yet answered our own.

Besides, someones got to stay back there and clean up the mess. If everyone frustrated by a Trump presidency rushes north, who would be left?

melissa.martin@freepress.mb.ca
ST. PAUL, Minn.  Teacher licensing in Minnesota is confusing, broken and in need of an overhaul, the Office of Legislative Auditor said Friday.

The systems problems are partly to blame for the states teacher shortage, and the fact that the work is split between the Minnesota Board of Teaching and Minnesota Department of Education makes it difficult to hold anyone accountable for decisions, according to the auditors report.

The Education Department also doesnt do enough to explain why it denies license applications and the teaching boards appeal process is not consistent with the law, the report said.

Minnesota lawmakers have been pressuring the teaching board to move faster on adopting new, streamlined rules for licensing teachers from out of state.

Legislative Auditor James Nobles is recommending teacher licensing be consolidated under one state agency. His report also notes that licensing laws change too frequently and are not clearly written.

Education Department and teaching board officials told the auditor they agree with the evaluations major recommendations. The teaching board said it is already rewriting out-of-state licensing rules in response to a law passed last spring.

Many of the reports recommendations point to the Legislature. Lawmakers are the ones who could consolidate licensure under a single agency. And restructuring the entire licensure system as the report suggests would also be a legislative action.

Sondra Erickson, who chairs the state House Education Innovation Policy Committee, said those major changes probably wont happen this session. She wants to take her time considering the reports recommendations.

The analysis has to, as I said earlier, be thoughtful and it has to involve some deep thinking, and that takes time, she said. And were moving into a campaign season when legislators think about other things than probably major changes, so I do want to go very slowly.

Erickson supports consolidating the licensing under a single agency eventually. But in the meantime, she said the Board of Teaching and the Department of Education need to finish addressing problems from many current applicants.

The board suspended an alternative form of licensing in 2012. It has since re-started that process, but is facing a lawsuit from a group of out-of-state teachers who say they were unfairly denied licenses. That lawsuit is still ongoing.
Two Leech Lake tribe members facing illegal deer hunting charges asked the Beltrami County District Court to dismiss their case Friday, arguing the state has no jurisdiction to charge them over hunting violations.

According to the legal complaint, Tony Lee Morris and Randy Gregg Finn, both of Cass Lake, Minn., were driving on a rural gravel road a few miles outside the Leech Lake Reservation on Nov. 1, when they saw a small doe. Morris stopped the car and Finn shot the animal out his window.

They followed the wounded deer onto private land, gutted it and dragged the carcass back to the road. When the landowner confronted the two men they drove away, leaving the dead deer behind.

DNR enforcement officers later located Morris and Finn, and the two men confessed according to the complaint. They were charged for killing a deer out of season, on private land.

Tribal attorney Frank Bibeau argued Friday that the case should be dismissed. He said a treaty signed in 1855 gives tribe members the right to hunt, fish and gather across most of northern Minnesota.

The state has no jurisdiction when it comes to a tribe member exercising treaty rights, he said.

This case comes as another dispute over 1855 Treaty rights moves forward in Crow Wing County District Court, to the south.

Bibeau also represents four other Ojibwe tribe members who were charged after a treaty rights protest at Hole-in-the-day Lake, south of Nisswa. Those tribe members gathered wild rice without a permit and set gill nets, which is against state law.

Those four tribe members came before a judge last month  with Bibeau arguing for dismissal there as well. Its just the first step in what could be a long court battle to clarify tribal land use rights in northern Minnesota.

Bibeau plans to ask a federal court to step in and mediate a deal between the tribes and the state. He believes a federal judge will force the state to acknowledge treaty rights.

Morris and Finns case, Bibeau said, wont be used to fight for tribal land use rights, but he said the two men will be protected if the Crow Wing case succeeds.

Both cases will go back to district court later this month.
The FBI tells us that its demand for a back door into the iPhone is all about fighting terrorism, and that it is essential to break in just this one time to find out more about the San Bernardino attack last December.

But the truth is they had long sought a way to break Apples iPhone encryption and, like 9/11 and the Patriot Act, a mass murder provided just the pretext needed. After all, they say, if we are going to be protected from terrorism we have to give up a little of our privacy and liberty. Never mind that government spying on us has not prevented one terrorist attack.

Apple has so far stood up to a federal governments demand that it force its employees to write a computer program to break into its own product. No doubt Apple CEO Tim Cook understands the damage it would do to his company for the world to know that the US government has a key to supposedly secure iPhones.

But the principles at stake are even higher. We have a fundamental right to privacy. We have a fundamental right to go about our daily life without the threat of government surveillance of our activities. We are not East Germany.

Lets not forget that this new, more secure iPhone was developed partly in response to Ed Snowdens revelations that the federal government was illegally spying on us. The federal government was caught breaking the law, but instead of ending its illegal spying its demanding that private companies make it easier for it to continue.

Last week, we also learned that Congress is planning to join the fight against Apple  and us. Members are rushing to set up yet another governmental commission to study how our privacy can be violated for false promises of security.

Of course they wont put it that way, but we can be sure that will be the result. Some in Congress are seeking to pass legislation regulating how companies can or cannot encrypt their products. This will suppress the development of new technology and will have a chilling effect on our right to be protected from an intrusive government. Any legislation Congress writes limiting encryption will likely be unconstitutional, but unfortunately Congress seldom heeds the Constitution anyway.

When FBI Director James Comey demanded a back door into the San Bernardino shooters iPhone, he promised that it was only for this one, extraordinary situation. The San Bernardino litigation isnt about trying to set a precedent or send any kind of message, he said in a statement.

However, just days later while testifying before Congress, he quickly changed course, telling the members of the House Intelligence Committee that the court order and Apples appeals, will be instructive for other courts. Does anyone really believe this will not be considered a precedent-setting case? Does anyone really believe the government will not use this technology again and again, with lower and lower thresholds?

According to press reports, Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. has 175 iPhones with passcodes that the City of New York wants to access. We can be sure that is only the beginning.

We should support Apples refusal to bow to the FBIs dangerous demands, and we should join forces to defend of our precious liberties without compromise. If the people lead, the leaders will follow.
Passion for food is everything, Portage High School students agreed as the sounds and smells of chopped bacon and seared pork filled their classroom Thursday after school.

Without passion, you wont stand a chance at the Wisconsin ProStart Invitational.

Ive wanted to be a chef since I was little. Ive been cooking since I was 10, senior Ben Mootz said.

Mootz on Tuesday in Milwaukee will, for the second straight year, compete with four classmates against 25 other high schools at the ProStart event, where teams prepare three-course meals for a half-dozen judges.

ProStart is curriculum developed by the National Restaurant Association, to bring students to restaurant industry standards. For the invitational, a team of four students will prepare a stuffed baby portabella, pan-seared pork tenderloin with a shrimp fromage, and apple crisp.

Senior and team expeditor Allysia Rounds will manage the team in Milwaukee, an event she said can be scary. Rounds, who cannot touch anything, will answer questions about time or whats going on the burner next, and if anyone falls behind, shell know how and when to rearrange the cooking order so it gets done on time.

We need to communicate well with each other and with the judges, making sure they love our bubbly smiles, said Rounds, who like Mootz is attending her second ProStart in two years.

The stress level is really high, Mootz said.

Students will be judged for many things, their mentor Mike Althen said. The chef, of Elite Catering in Baraboo, noted how floor judges  known well for their straightforward criticism  watch for everything from safety and sanitation to how students are using their knives.

Proper techniques are huge. So Im teaching them how to saute not too hot, not too cold, how to fry something, how to broil something; just the way to do it proper, so they seal the juices and end up with a really nice product.

Theyre looking for execution.

Whats the biggest challenge for students, according to a chef with 36 years in the food industry?

The nerves, Althen said. When they get in front of 4,000 people, its a little different.

A potato away

ProStart competitions are serious business, explained Jane Hemming, family and consumer science teacher at PHS.

Look only to last year for proof.

We brought a potato that wasnt regulation, Hemming said of a deduction that cost the PHS team a top-three finish. We were so close.

The potato, illegal for being pre-cooked, emphasizes how little things make big mistakes, Hemming said.

The team still finished in the top third, something PHS has accomplished in all three of its ProStart Invitationals. The top-three finishers on Tuesday will be eligible for scholarships and will advance to nationals in Dallas, Texas April 29 to May 1.

Portage students in the state competitions square off against much bigger schools, like Madison Memorial and Green Bay Preble, Hemming noted, so the schools successful track record is something to be proud of.

Its very stressful, a lot of work, Hemming said. But the kids keep coming back. Its nice to see them progress and become more confident.

Other PHS culinary team members this year include Jenna Balsiger, Samantha Harvey and Joseph Clemmons.

High interest

Student interest in the culinary arts is higher than ever, Hemming noted.

Some kids just love it. I think the Food Network shows make it (popular). I cant believe how many kids watch this.

Rounds plans to one day manage a Culvers restaurant, a career goal influenced by ProStart competitions and Hemmings classes, she said. This really helps me understand what it would mean to manage a crew. I really like the empowerment, and the sense of helping people I get from managing things.

Mootz has already applied to Madison Area Technical College-Portage, where he will study small business entrepreneurship before transferring to MATC-Madison for its culinary arts program.

I like to experiment with food, Mootz explained.

Experimentations, he added, are about tastes and textures. I like to make shepherds pie because it has different layers of flavors.

You have to get it just right so its delicious.
OK, everybody, its time. It is way, way past time. We have to stop gun violence in America. It will be painful and it will be difficult, but we can do it. I want to say we will have to bite the bullet, but thats not the right image for this piece.

Background checks will never work; too many shootings are committed by people with nothing more on their records than parking tickets. And mental health checks wont work either. Most of our potentially violent citizens have never entered our mental health system. We want those solutions to work because we do not like what we really have to do.

We have to get rid of handguns. And we have to get rid of assault weapons. Completely, except for law enforcement personnel and the military. Oh, I know, no one will like this idea. We will have to ban the sale of these weapons and we will have to buy back the handguns and assault weapons that are out there. It will take time and it will cost money. And it will make a lot of people mad.

But we have to do it. Thousands of people are dying every year because we dont have the guts to do it. If toasters or electric can openers were causing that many deaths, they would be off the shelves and their manufacturers would be in prison. If cockatiels killed people, no one would be allowed to own one.

We can defend our homes and families with our hunting rifles and shotguns, if necessary. The other weapons, the handguns and the assault weapons, are designed to kill people and they do it very well. We have no business killing people. We have no business shooting children and people eating hamburgers. We have no right to do that. And we are doing it, even if the actual weapon is in someone elses hands, because it is we who have allowed this proliferation of deadly weapons.

So we have to stop ourselves. Arming everyone, including the children in Iowa, will not make anyone safer and it will undoubtedly lead to more accidental shootings and more crimes of passion. We have a toxic love affair with guns in America. They symbolize something, power or independence or rebellion. We will just have to find other ways in which to feel powerful and independent.

And to top it off, it is the National Rifle Association that should be leading this effort. Yes, the NRA that has fought for gun rights with millions of dollars and countless hours of lobbying in Congress. The NRA needs to speak out for common sense, for responsibility and community safety. They have the authority and the respect of gun owners, so they are the perfect group to bring sense back to the world of weapons.

We have the power to make kindergarten safe again. We can make it safe to go to the community center or to the burger joint or to church again. Gun violence is increasing every day with no end in sight. There are mass shootings almost daily. Its time for it to stop. We have the power to stop it, if we can find the guts.
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.
A former prison official calls the move a "dump job."

Last October, James Holmes, the convicted killer in the 2012 Aurora, Col., theater shooting, was attacked in prison by another inmate. He has since been transferred to another prison, the location of which is being kept a secret, but which is outside of Colorado. A former federal government corrections official, Bob Hood, called it a dump job. Hood says Holmes will always be a target in prison, and the Colorado prison where he was previously housed could easily have put him in a secure setting to protect from further attacks. The transfer occurred in January.

The assault, by inmate Mark Slim Daniels, caused no injuries to Holmes. It occurred as Holmes was leaving a prison office with his case manager. Daniels squeezed through the door as another corrections officer opened it. Holmes was struck in and around his head before Daniels was pulled away. A corrections officer was also hit in the face and head in the resulting melee.

Holmes had been held in a pod by himself, where authorities closely monitored him. Steve Hager, Colorado Prisons Director, said that prison officials were not allowing Holmes to come into contact with other offenders. He says that there were many concerns that prompted the secret move, and that the attack was only one. Holmes had been at the prison for more than 5 weeks before the October attack, but prison officials were still deciding on the best way to house him.

Hager said no procedures were violated and no mistakes were made. According to the Christian Science Monitor, Hood told ABC News that he does not agree. Clearly someone dropped the ball. He says other inmates should never been allowed to make contact with Holmes, and called it a very serious breach of security.

George Brauchler, the local District Attorney who prosecuted Holmes, is displeased that he was moved out of state, saying he should be serving his sentence in Colorado. Brauchler also says that, if the sentence is not to be served in Colorado, the public deserves to know where Holmes is and why he is there. Brauchler told ABC news that there is a federal inmate locator that shows the location of all federal inmates. He considers Holmes secret move as an admission that the state prison system is not as safe as the federal system.

Although receiving letters of support, some which include money, Daniels was punished for the attack, receiving 60 days in segregation, 45 days loss of privileges, and a year in restricted housing. In a letter to Denvers Westword newspaper , Daniels writes Im so sorry that I couldnt wipe him out and sent him packing to Satans lake of fire.

Holmes is currently serving a sentence of life without parole plus 3,318 years, for skilling 12 people and injuring 70 others on July 20, 2012. He opened fire at the Century theater in Aurora during the opening-night showing of The Dark Knight Rises. Prison officials believe that inmates will continue to target Holmes due to the high-profile crimes he is convicted of.
Fears For Wrexhams BHS As Retailer Announces 87 Stores At Risk

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Mar 6th, 2016

High street retailer BHS have threatened to close 40 stores unless landlords substantially reduce rents, with a further 47 requiring rent reductions to remain viable.

The company, which has been a well-known brand on the British high street for almost 90 years, employs thousands of employees across 164 stores nationwide  including a large store in the town centre.

However concerns about the future of the company have been brewing for some time, with the cash-strapped company sold off for 1 last Spring.

In the past few days the company signed a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), a type of insolvency proceeding which allows a company with financial difficulties to reach a deal with landlords and creditors in an attempt to reduce its liabilities.

Three options have been put forward in the CVA proposal, which divided the companys store portfolio into three main categories, based on the commercial viability and strategic importance of each site.

Of the 164 stores, plans at the moment say a total of 77 will be retained at the current rents  however for the next three years, rents will be paid monthly as opposed to quarterly.

47 properties have been deemed viable only if a reduction in rent is obtained by 50-70%. The remaining 40 properties, which are at risk of closure, would need a substantial reduction in their rents to continue trading.

Wrexham has one longstanding BHS store on Henblas Street, however it has not been confirmed which of the three categories the towns store falls into.

Last night information emerged via TheGuardian.com noting the owners of BHS have taken an 8.4m loan out of the company, a move likely to rankle with landlords asked to cut rents. The article also mentions a pension deficit of 207m.

Will Wright, restructuring partner at KPMG and proposed supervisor of the CVA, said: For almost 90 years, BHS has been one of the most iconic brands on the UK high street, but in recent years has seen its profitability decline as it has sought to respond to changing customer behaviours, increased competition and the rise in omni-channel retailing.

Todays CVA proposals are one facet of a wider turnaround plan, and specifically tackle one of the business largest fixed costs, the onerous lease arrangements across its UK-wide store portfolio.

While the companys store estate is located across favourable retail locations, a number of these leases are unsustainable, predicated on terms which were originally negotiated some decades ago. With the support of its lenders, shareholders and landlords, the company will be able to reshape its debt and operational structure to a model more suited to todays multi-channel retail environment. The company needs to secure at least 75% creditor approval for these CVAs.

Brian Green, restructuring partner at KPMG and second proposed supervisor of the CVAs has said that the over the next ten months negotiations with landlords will take place in a bid to reduce rents.

Mr Green added: BHS currently has a total of 164 retail sites across the UK. Importantly, none of these stores will close on day one, and suppliers will continue to be paid on time and in full. The landlords of a total of 77 of the most viable stores will be retained at current rents which will be paid monthly as opposed to quarterly for three years. A further 47 stores have been identified as being viable at a reduced equivalent monthly rent of either 75% or 50%.

The remaining 40 stores will continue to trade for a period of a minimum of 10 months whilst negotiations with landlords are undertaken to reduce the rents substantially. Where rent reductions are achieved, these stores will remain open. It is hoped that the store closure number will be kept to a minimum.

A detailed CVA proposal document is expected to be made available to BHS creditors in the next few days. The creditors will vote on the CVA on 23 March 2016. KPMG will spend the next three weeks in talks with creditors to ensure they understand the full detail of the proposal.

It appears there will be no public comment on the status of stores until future information is released.

(Pic: BHS in Wrexham earlier today)
Prime Minister David Cameron began his campaign in favour of the June 23 referendum on the UK remaining in the European Union (EU) alongside French President Francois Hollande in Amiens, France on Thursday. He did so on an agenda of whipping up anti-immigrant prejudice.

The 34th UK-France summit was a heavily choreographed event, with Hollande siding with Cameron to state that in the event of Britains withdrawal from the EU (Brexit), I dont want to scare you, I just want to tell the truth. There will be consequences if Britain leaves the EU. These related to the single market, on the circulation of goods and people, and on relations that concern people, Hollande said, threatening that a Brexit would impact on the way we handle the situation in terms of immigration.

Hollande was responding to a question about the comments of Emmanuel Macron, the French Socialist Party economy minister, that a Brexit might end the current border agreement in place at Calais between France and the UK. Earlier that day, Macron told the Financial Times, If British voters chose to exit the EU, collective energy would be spent unwinding existing links, not creating new ones. Its not scaremongering. We have to explain how those ties would be unpicked.

He added, The day this relationship unravels, migrants will no longer be in Calais and the financial passport will work less well. Our will is not to revise the Touquet accord but it would be threatened by such a context.

The Touquet Treaty was signed in 2003 by then Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett and his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy. Under the bilateral treaty, French border police operate immigration checkpoints at the UK port of Dover, while the UK has immigration checkpoints at Calais and Dunkirk.

This has left migrants strandedunable to pass into the UK or settle in Franceand has led to the establishment of the refugee camps in Calais and Dunkirk, where thousands of people fleeing war-torn countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Pakistan, are forced to live in atrocious conditions. This week, French riot police in Calais were sent in to begin the demolition of the camp.

Last July Cameron said there was a swarm of people coming across the Mediterranean to seek a better life in Britain. Earlier this month, he claimed that a Brexit would lead to refugees decamping from Calais and setting up in Kent, southern England.

In France, Cameron said, It is very important that people should know that if they come to Calais that is not a waiting room for getting into the United Kingdom, that we have strong borders, we man those borders together in Calais, and it is very important people understand that.

Cameron announced further initiatives to clamp down on refugees and asylum seekers in France, stating that the UK would invest 17 million in priority security infrastructure in Calais to assist the work of the French police.

French Secretary of State for European Affairs Harlem Desir said the UKs financial contribution would be upped to 60 million and would see migrants evicted from Calais relocated to more than 100 centres across France.

The UK will also fund joint operations with France to return migrants not in need of protection to their home countries, Cameron said.

The Leave and Remain campaigns represent equally reactionary sections of the ruling elite, with both in favour of a more ruthless clampdown on immigration, but who differ on how closely Britain should align its trade and investment strategy with Europe.

David Davis MP, the Conservative spokesman of Grassroots Out, a right-wing cross-party alliance in favour of Leave, denounced the statements of Cameron, Hollande and Macron as bluster, adding, The simple point is that if we leave the EU, we regain control of our borders and we decide who comes in and who doesnt.

Davis warned, If the French start putting illegal immigrants on a train or ferry and send them to Britain, we will send them straight back to France.

Tory MP Bernard Jenkin said the summit proved that propaganda was being produced by other European governments at the request of the prime minister to try to scare people away from voting to leave.

He was backed by Boris Johnson, mayor of London and Camerons main rival for leadership of the Tories, who said of the prime minister, You have to wonder about the timing of this intervention. Another eurosceptic Tory MP, James Cleverley, described the summit statements over Calais as Project Fear (International Edition).

The summit demonstrates not just the reactionary agendas of the competing Remain and Leave factions of the British bourgeoisie, but also the headlong rush to the right of the major EU powers.

It was held as European Council President Donald Tusk said from Athens that all potential illegal economic migrants, wherever you are from. Do not come to Europe.  Greece, or any other European country, will no longer be a transit country.

While Cameron, Hollande and Tusk portray refugees and asylum as an intolerable burden that society cannot afford, there are limitless amounts of cash readily available for funding further military conflicts. Utilising yet again the terrorist threat, Cameron announced in Amiens that a further 1.5 billion will be invested by the UK and France in the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles [drones].

The summit received a bitterly divided response from the British newspapers, depending on which of the Leave/Remain camps they endorse.

The Conservative house organ, the Daily Telegraph, for whom Johnson is a regular columnist, editorialised that Macrons statements were an empty, self-defeating threat. It said the Le Touquet treaty is a bilateral treaty and is not conditional upon membership of the EU, adding that Project Fear, which encompasses the more hysterical arguments for Britain remaining in the EU, is getting out of hand.

The Daily Express denounced the French president stating, Hollandes threats were better suited to a low-rent gangster movie than a diplomatic summit. The newspaper commented, It cannot possibly be in our interest to continue our involvement in a political union run by leaders who exhibit such disdain for our nation.

The Financial Times, on behalf of the Remain campaign, commented that Macrons was, A welcome intervention from France over Brexit.

It continued, The Out campaign has been quick to accuse Mr Macron of scaremongering. All the French minister has done is to highlight the uncertainties over migration if Britain leaves the EU.

The author also recommends:

For an active boycott of the Brexit referendum!

[29 February 2016]
Elections in the German states of Baden-Wurttemberg, Rheinland-Palatinate and Saxony-Anhalt on March 13 are being described as a small federal election and viewed as a barometer of political sentiment. In total, 12 million voters will have an opportunity to cast a ballot.

The three states are governed by different coalitions of the main bourgeois parties. As the first Green state premier, Winfried Kretschmann in Baden-Wurttemberg heads a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD). In Rheinland-Palatinate, the relations are reversed, with Malu Dreyer (SPD) leading a coalition with the Greens. In Saxony-Anhalt, state premier Reiner Haseloff of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) heads a grand coalition with the SPD.

There are no essential points of difference between these parties. They are in full agreement on all fundamental issues and stress this at every opportunity. This coalescence into a united federal German party is a response to the deepening economic and social crisis as well as the intensification of militarism and the drive to war. The entire political apparatus is shifting further to the right and confronts the population with increased aggressiveness and hostility.

This is made very clear in Baden-Wurttemberg. Five years ago, the Greens brought 58 years of CDU rule to an end, which was celebrated as sensational and a major political turning point. Today, the Greens under Kretschmann are conducting an election campaign in the style of Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Kretschmann has evoked considerable enthusiasm in conservative voting circles. He backs Merkels refugee policy. At election campaign rallies he frequently declares that, as a practicing Catholic, he prays every day that Merkel sticks to her European solution and does not bow to critics within her own party.

This European solution to the refugee crisis is merely a euphemism for the sealing off of the borders of fortress Europe and increased deportations to so-called safe countries of origin. Kretschmann personally ensured in the Bundesrat, Germanys upper house of parliament which represents state governments directly, that several Balkan states were designated safe countries of origin, so as allow immediate deportations to them. He intends to achieve the same outcome with regards to Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

Kretschmann has also adopted a right-wing, conservative standpoint on other issues. Five years ago, the Greens won support among young voters because they backed protests against the rebuilding of Stuttgarts main train station. Immediately after the election, the Kretschmann government organised a referendum. After this produced a result in favour of the project, his administration determinedly pushed forward with the multi-billion rebuilding of the train station.

In a full-page article, Die Zeit praised the steadfastness of this Moses from Sigmaringen, as Kretschmann is affectionately called in Baden-Wurttemberg, because he had led the Greens into the promised land of the peoples parties. This was a reference to making the Greens competitive with the SPD and CSU, as they had the support of 30.5 percent in a recent state poll. Die Zeit hailed him for standing up to his former protest allies over the train station, recalling his statement, I promised a civil society and not a paradise for citizens. As a result, the weekly newspaper gushed, Winfried Kretschmann is not only the most popular state premier by far in the Republic, he is simply the better conservative, and his party the better CDU.

Although Kretschmann governs with the SPD, he is considered as someone clearing the path for Green cooperation with the CDU. He personifies the rightward evolution of an entire social layer of former petty-bourgeois radicals, who are no different today than right-wing conservative politicians.

Kretschmanns career led him from the Maoist Communist League of West Germany (KBW) to the post of official in the environment ministry of the Hesse state government led by Joschka Fischer and finally the position of state premier in Stuttgart. He maintains close ties to leading corporations, particularly Daimler and Porsche, the automakers in Baden-Wurttemberg, as well as business organisations.

Another leading Green spokesman and supporter of collaboration with the CDU is Boris Palmer, mayor of Tubingen. Under the slogan more realism in the refugee debate, he has encouraged racism and anti-immigrant sentiments. Palmer asserted that the boat was full, the capacity to accept refugees was overstretched, more countries had to be defined as safe countries of origin and more refugees quickly deported.

In addition, he argued, it was a mistake to pay money instead of benefits in kind to refugees in reception centres, because this acted as an incentive and had resulted in increased refugee numbers from the Balkans. He claimed the influx of refugees was producing a dangerously explosive social situation. The EUs borders had to be immediately closed and in emergency cases secured by fences and armed European border guards.

The SPD is of course fully involved in this all-party coalition. At the federal level, it has pushed through restrictive asylum laws. There are limits to our capacity to take in refugees, said SPD parliamentary fraction leader Thomas Oppermann. SPD leader Sigmar Gabriel spoke of practical limits to the capacities of cities and municipalities and demanded, in an interview with Der Spiegel, that refugees had to adapt to the dominant culture.

With repugnant racist undertones, Gabriel called for a social pact for the German population. It could no longer be tolerated that the impression existed that there was unlimited money for foreigners available, while for the German population there was only cuts and austerity measures.

Such right-wing, racist declarations play directly into the hands of the far-right parties, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Pegida. Gabriels interview a year ago with Stern magazine is still well remembered. In that interview, he responded to the question of whether the Islamophobic Pegida movement belonged to Germany by declaring, Of course. Whether one likes it or not, there is a democratic right to be right-wing or a German nationalist.

These deliberate efforts to legitimise fascist conceptions have been seized upon and driven by the media. Hardly a day goes by without the appearance of right-wing demagogues from Pegida or the AfD in media interviews, and they are also given prime-time slots on television to spread their racist propaganda.

As at the end of the Weimar Republic, when right-wing conservative and German nationalist politicians played a critical role in the transfer of power to Hitler, efforts are being made today to channel the growing opposition to unending social cuts, growing unemployment and poverty in a racist direction.

This is why according to projections in polls, the AfD will enter state parliaments in all three states. In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD is even ahead of the SPD with 17 percent support in the polls. The SPD is threatened with a collapse to 15 percent.

The political shift to the right looming in the March 13 election is not the result of broad right-wing sentiments in the population, as the media tirelessly proclaims. In reality, this rightward shift takes place within the political elite, while the vast majority of the population are turning their backs on the entire political apparatus in disgust. The largest party in all elections over recent years has been that of the non-voters, who could find no outlet for their opposition to all of the political parties.
On Friday at 6:00 a.m. police detained Brazils ex-president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, for questioning over his role in the Petrobras corruption investigation. After searching his home in the Sao Paulo suburb of Sao Bernardo, police escorted him to the local Congonhas Airport where he underwent four hours of interrogation. Lula was questioned over allegations that he directly participated in and enriched himself through the Operacao lava jato (Operation Car Wash) payola scandal involving Petrobras, the state-owned Oil Company.

Though he was released following the questioning, it appears that former president and leader of the ruling Workers Party (PT) will be formally charged of being one of the main beneficiaries of a conspiracy to siphon off some 10 billion reais ($2.7 billion USD) from Petrobras between 2004 and 2012. Lula was president of Brazil between 2003 and 2010.

Lulas detention was part of a broader operation codenamed Aletheia (Greek for search for the truth) involving 200 police officers and 30 auditors in the states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Bahia.

Police officials also visited the Sao Paulo home of Lulas son, Fabio Luiz da Silva.

An incensed Lula responded to the police action at a press conference later on Friday, claiming that the operation had been a media event and that he would fight whatever charges are made. Lula stated that he is guiltless. If they find one single real that betrays my conduct, declared the former president, I do not deserve to belong to this party.

In response to a request from Lulas legal team, Rosa Weber, secretary of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), refused to suspend the investigation of the ex-president.

The STF claims that two corrupt construction companies involved in the scandal, Odebrecht and OAS, channeled payoffs to Lula by remodeling and installing furniture in two residences, a luxury apartment and a country home in Guaruja and Atibaia, both in Sao Paulo state. In return, Lula allegedly used his connections to help the two firms obtain international contracts.

It has been determined that both Odebrecht and OAS were part of Lava jato. Both Odebrecht and OAS would obtain contracts with Petrobras through their political connections, inflate the costs of the work done and share the resulting excessive profits with politicians. The money was transferred to overseas bank accounts belonging to leaders of the PT and its coalition partners, the Brazilian Democratic Movement (PMDB) and the Progressive Party (PP).

Marcelo Odebrecht, CEO of the transnational company that carries his name (the largest in Latin America), is now under arrest.

Furthermore, the STF accuses Lula of having received speaking fees and donations from other firms more directly linked to the Petrobras scandal. An STF press release on Friday insisted in a republic, even the powerful and well-known are subject to judicial enquiry when there are firm suspicions of criminal activity. In this case, those suspicions are based on scores of testimonies and broad documentary evidence.

According to the STF, 60 percent of the funds of the Lula Institute, which the ex-president controls, came from five companies linked to Petrobras corruption. The same firms also contributed 47 percent of the speaking fees that Lula has received since he left office in 2011.

Lulas detention and interrogation are sure to worsen the political crisis engulfing the government of President Dilma Rousseff, also a PT leader and Lulas former protege. The Rousseff administration is fighting an impeachment effort launched last year as well as political paralysis by a hostile congress.

In his press conference, Lula announced that he would aggressively defend himself and the PT in public appearances across Brazil. What took place, had to take place, to reinvigorate the PT. We are going to start anew, declared the former president, who had widely been expected to run again for his old office.

As news of Lulas detention spread, PT leaders in Congress denounced the STF and the Federal Police for the manner in which it was carried out, nine days before a scheduled day of national protest to demand Rousseffs impeachment. Leaders of upcoming mega-demonstrations redoubled their calls for a mass attendance, hoping that the protest would surpass those that demanded Rousseffs impeachment in March 2015.

PT leaders denounced what they claimed were dark political motives behind the investigation of Lula, including to strike against the Dilma Rousseff government and the PT itself, and to force hesitating congressmen to vote for impeachment, on the grounds that Rousseff is standing in the way of the Petrobras investigation.

Compounding the political crisis is the fact that the Brazilian economy is fast spinning into a major recession. Lulas interrogation took place less than 24 hours after the Brazilian Statistics and Geography Institute (IBGE) announced that the nations economy had shrunk 3.8 percent in 2015, the worst economic performance in at least 20 years. This years forecasts signal a further decline of between 2.9 and 3.5 percent. Unemployment has risen to 10 percent, and prices are also rising by 10 percent.

Brazils financial sector reacted with euphoria to the news of Lulas detention. The Sao Paulo stock exchange shot up 5.12 percent, reaching its highest level since last November. The Brazilian real appreciated against the US dollar by 2.6 percent.

La Nacion, a Buenos Aires daily, quoted Alexandre Cabral, economics professor and financial analyst of NeoValue Investimentos, who described the markets reaction as totally against Lula and Dilma. The market believes that the world is about to implode and that a possible new government would refuel the economy.
Almost one in six people, some 15.4 percent of the German population, were registered poor in terms of income in 2014. This is the conclusion of the poverty report of the Paritatischen Gesamtverbands charity published for the first time in 2016. The reports co-authors included the organization Pro Asyl, which contributed its expertise regarding poverty among refugees. All the data refers to the period 2005-2014.

The 15.4 percent in poverty corresponds to about 12.5 million people in Germany who live in households where the [net] income is less than 60 percent of the median income of all households. Those particularly affected are the unemployed, with a poverty rate of 58 percent; single parents, with 42 percent living below the poverty line; 19 percent of children, who continue to be among the poorest, and pensioners, who, at 15.6 percent, are above the average poverty rate for the first time.

Compared to the previous year, the poverty rate decreased in 2014 by 0.1 percent. The poverty rate decreased statistically in nine of Germanys 13 states, most notably in Mecklenburg Pomerania (-2.3 percent), Berlin (-1.4) and Bremen (-0.5). Nevertheless, these states continue to head the list of those with the highest poverty rates. In comparison to southern states, the differences continue to be immense.

The slight decrease in the poverty rate, despite these better numbers from some states, can be explained by the fact that both Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, where more than 30 million people live, have recorded an increase in poverty. In Bavaria, which remains one of the states with the highest living standards, the poverty rate increased from 11.3 to 11.5 percent, while in North Rhine-Westphalia it increased to 17.5a 0.4 percent rise.

The Paritatische Gesamtverband also explicitly noted that relevant groups are left out because only people with their own household are included in the statistics. This means that an estimated 335,000 homeless and about 764,000 living in care homes, of which around half are dependent on welfare support, are not included in the statistics.

In addition, there are the more than 200,000 disabled people in inpatient facilities, about 185,000 living in student accommodation and of course the many refugees who persevere in so-called reception centers under inhumane conditions and make do with a minimum of funds, cynically referred to as pocket money.

Excluding refugees, a total of one and a half million people, or about 1.8 percent of the German population, are not included in the data used to calculate the poverty rate. This alone suggests that the minimum reduction in the overall poverty rate reported can in no way be regarded as an endpoint, let alone as a U-turn, in the almost continuously increasing poverty rate among broad social layers since 2006.

This impression is corroborated by the fact that the already very small change in poverty levels stands in flagrant contradiction to the growth of German economic output, which stands at 1.6 percent. It underscores again how wide the social divide has grown and how few have benefited from Germanys enormous economic wealth. The editors of the poverty report also emphasize that economic growth does not automatically lead to a redistribution of the additional produced resources, thereby preventing poverty. Quite the opposite, this increasing wealth can lead to a further widening of the income gap and even greater relative poverty.

It is also significant that the situation of those most affected by poverty changed little, if not worsened, between 2005 and 2014. A group where this is manifested with shocking clarity is that of pensioners: The poverty rate among pensioners today lies 46 percent higher than in 2005.

This is illustrated by a contribution by Joachim Rock titled, Poverty in old age and disability, using the example of 75-year-old Joseph H., who had worked until he was 71 years old and now has a pension of 416, and must thus rely on welfare. While the number of pensioners in receipt of welfare support was 257,734 in 2003, in 2014 the number is 512,262. This represents an increase of 99 percent, but it is already clear that the number of people affected by poverty in old age will increase significantly in the coming years.

This disturbing trend is by no means due to demographic changes or lack of economic success, but the result of a systematic policy of cutting pensions and social benefits. For example, the introduction of the so-called sustainability and Riester factors in 2003 and 2005 means pension increases lag 4.4 percent behind wage increases. By 2029, it will be a further 8 percent. For an average earner with 45 years of contributions this would correspond to a loss of 2,939 a year.

The largest group of people experiencing poverty remains the unemployed. Those who are or remain unemployed in this country are not protected from povertybut on the contrary, are particularly hard hit by poverty, writes expert Tina Hoffmann in the section unemployment and poverty. The worst affected are those who must rely on benefits from the basic provision for jobseekers, better known as Hartz IV, where the poverty rate is 84 percent.

In a European comparison, Germany leads the statistics in a negative sense. Even the most fundamental essentials of food, clothing and housing are not securely covered by the current Hartz-IV rate of 404 a month: 40 percent of Hartz IV recipients cannot [also] afford payment-liable medical treatments such as dentures or glasses.

Receipt of Hartz IV benefits also often impacts on social living standards, because recipients have to restrict their social activitiesfrom the lack of communication possibilities in the absence of the Internet and a computer, to the impossibility of going to a movie or visiting a restaurant.

This social isolation, exacerbated by the frequent breaking off of relations with former colleagues, is also reflected in the mental health of many Hartz IV recipients and increasingly reinforces a withdrawal from social life. However, it would be wrong to draw a picture of apathy and total withdrawal. Empirical evidence shows, according to the poverty report, that in particular the unemployed in East Germany increasingly get involved in voluntary service.

The overall picture that arises from this report clearly contradicts that propagated by many politicians and the bourgeois media of social improvement through higher employment. This only points ultimately to the fact that even for those in employment it is increasingly difficult to achieve a certain standard of living, because poverty has not diminished at all. While even many mainstream media must now acknowledge the widening gulf between rich and poor, the grave figures contained in the poverty report were usually dismissed in short, superficial articles.

In an editorial in Spiegel Online, under the headline Social Association: The dangerous blues from bitterly poor Germany, Guido Kleinhubbert goes so far as to say that the picture drawn by the poverty report would drive those parts of the population already unsettled by the refugee crisis into the hands of the [far right] AfD politicians, NPD scatterbrains and Pegida-brawlers. It is therefore irresponsible to create the impression that for many people in Germany it is getting worse.

This hypocritical standpoint, which simply refuses to state the facts about the standard of living of a large part of the population, reflects the growing fears of the ruling class of a radicalization of the working class. In the face of an increasing social divide, only the working class has an interest in combatting and replacing inequality with a genuinely fair, socialist economic system.
MIDWAY, Fl. (WTXL) -- Skies have slowly cleared after a cloudy start to the morning. All of that, after a cold front moved through the area late Thursday night into Friday morning. High pressure will now stay in control over the next SEVERAL days, causing a quiet pattern, but warmth will return with sunny skies and humid south winds. This will cause some temperatures to likely jump to the mid 80s by the end of the week, so some serious warmth is returning.

Overnight temperatures will be allowed to cool considerably since skies are clearing and winds are coming in from the north. Expect morning lows to reach near 40 degrees. Skies stay clear Saturday afternoon with highs rebounding to the lower 70s and Sunday is virtually the same.

Heading into the new week, high pressure is forecast to move east, causing winds to move in from the Gulf of Mexico. This will help bring mid to upper 70s back for highs with lows around 50 degrees. By the end of the week, a potent frontal system is expected to approach our area, which will increase the threat of some heavy rains.
Seattle rapper Nissim, formerly known as D. Black, last weekend fulfilled a dream he has had since converting to Judaism three years ago  making Israel his home.

Follow Ynetnews on

and

Twitter

Immediately after landing Ben Gurion International Airport, Nissim spoke of "the last piece missing to complete the puzzle of my life -- the land of Israel. . .God, Israel, and the Jewish people are one comprehensive unit, so when you have one piece without the others, it's an incomplete puzzle."

Welcome to Israel (Photo: Amy Spiro)

Nissim, his wife Adina, and their five children landed in Israel on a Nefesh BNefesh flight. Even though he had visited Israel previously, he was filled with excitement "It feels amazing to be here and finally realize the dream," he said. "It's crazy to see my children here, because the first time I was in Israel I was alone, and now sharing the experience with my family is much more important to me.

Nissim's music video for 'Chronicles'

X

Adina (formerly Jamie) was very excited about the occasion, but adimtted that she was skeptical in the beginning.

"I did not really go along with it," she said. "Two years ago my husband was here on a visit, and he wanted to move to Israel the very same day. Of course I was a bit skeptical. This is my first time in Israel, but I love it already. This is a decision we reached together, and thank God, I'm very happy with it. " He adds: "A lot of prayers were required for that."

:  '

X

He was born 28 years ago as Damian Black in the Seward Park area of Seattle, Washington, to a downtrodden African-American family. His world was, he said, full of drugs and violence. He translated his daily experiences to songs about drugs, gangs and everything in between. The music, he said, was an escape from a life of violence and crime around him, and he was doing pretty well in the rap scene, with N album that reached number 12 on Amazon's charts.

D. Black's path to Judaism was hardly a straight line. In 2008 his friend was murdered during a dispute with rivals in nightclub where he frequently performed. This trauma began a journey of a personal search for religion, faith and God.

X

Nissim, who as a boy was brought up by his grandfather as Muslim, came to religion "at various stages in his life," he says. "My grandfather was a Sunni Muslim, and he educated me when I was young. Then he was sent to prison and my friends introduced me to Christianity, but with Judaism it was different. You have to pursue it and look for it and look deep within. The other two are easy: they invite you and welcome you, like free money. But in Judaism you have to work for abundance. That is how you keep the money over time. "

Nissim  D. Black  said he chose his name with help "from above". "We had to choose a name for conversion, and I got there early (which was a miracle in itself), and I looked for a siddur. Someone offered me the name Nissim, but I debated about a different name. I talked to God, and I looked at the clock, and it was almost time for the minha prayer. So I took the prayer book and it had Nissim written on it - and that was it. "

Adina said that what her name signifies her personal goals for the future: "I strive to be gentle, that is the meaning of the name, and I aspire to be gentle every day with my kids, my husband, and simply gentle in general."

Nissim and his family plan to live in Jerusalem and continue to make music, film a new music video, and go on tour around the world. "We're going to shoot a new video clip in Safed and Tiberias for my new song 'Zman Cheiruteinu', then I have a concert with Gad Elbaz and and a concert in March at Brooklyn College, and I definitely plan to go back and tour the United States."
Arie Oshri, an Israeli drag queen residing in Berlin, is scheduled take part in the world's largest tourism fair. It is to be held in Berlin next week, and Oshri wil lbe there to promote LGBT tourism to Tel Aviv, specifically ahead of LGBT Pride Week in June.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Oshri's participation came about through a partnership with the Tel Aviv Municipality and the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, with the goal of kicking off the upcoming event.

Arie Oshri says tourism needs 'a colorful and interesting visual character'

Every year, the Ministry of Tourism brainstorms ideas for how to make an impression at the fair and make sure participants stop by the Israeli pavilion and see the various attractions Israel has to offer.

Last year, the ministry brought along two Israeli chefs who made shakshuka for the participants. This year will include "hummus beer".

Oshri told Ynet that he has worked with these organizations before and is very excited for the fair.

"I'm really proud of the choice (by the ministry) and am happy that this is finally happening. I am full of respect for the people working behind the scenes, but when it comes to marketing, they need

a colorful and interesting visual character. Tel Aviv has a lot to offer the gay crowd, and they are beginning to understand this in Israel."

What are you going to do at the fair?

"Unfortunately, there won't be anywhere to put on a show there, so what we'll do is more raising interest for the Tel Aviv booth at the Israeli pavilion, and bring color, glamor, humor, and my knowledge of my former city. I'm very involved what goes on in Tel Aviv, and will come to the pride parade in Israel this year as well, with a group of German tourists."

Does this go well with politics, calls for a boycott, and anti-Israel acts around the world?

"I'm not here to talk about politics, just topics from the LGBT world, and gay rights in Israel. I think that Israel is in a very good place, especially for the Middle East, as the only state in which it's legal to be gay. The Germans really like the political thing but that's really not my interest. I'm coming to talk about Tel Aviv, the pride parade, and that's it."

The ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Borse Berlin) tourism trade fair is set to open on Wednesday, March 9, with about 11,000 representatives from 180 countries. Roughly 180,000 people are expected to visit the fair, including workers in the tourism industry, journalists, and the public. The Israeli delegation is to include about 180 hoteliers, travel agents, Tourism Ministry employees, airlines, and the directors of tourism boards and of tourist sites in Israel.

According to Amir Halevi, director of the Tourism Ministry, the Israeli pavilion will be a compelling attraction, with street theater actors, a photo station, and portrait sketchers.

The Tel Aviv Pride Parade is set to be held on the first weekend of June and is expected to draw thousands of tourists. A senior figure in the tourism branch said that LGBT tourism is the most stable type of tourism in the world. Security and economic factors affect it less than family tourism.
We did not learn anything new this week, but again we learned something old. Its impossible to know if he is telling the truth or making things up. He may not even know. To be sure, the Prime Minister has an instrumental attitude to truth and lies. He has no moral or principled attitude toward them. He will say whatever it takes to make it through the nightly news unscathed. And that is a problem.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Unlike other leaders who loved lying and deceiving - and whose honesty needn't necessarily be checked, since we knew they would avoid the truth if they could  Netanyahu doesn't have a preference. That's why everything he says needs to be checked, going back to the source. That's especially so it he's supposedly quoting surveys or other leaders.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit (Photo: Amit Shaabi)

Just last week, the country was in an uproar when Netanyahu returned from Germany and told us that German Chancellor Merkel had said that the time is not appropriate to discuss a two-state solution. The arguments began immediately, right and left, for and against, Herzog was accused, people were disappointed by the European Union and forgot that Merkel was quoted by Netanyahu, and that everything he says need to be checked.

Three days later, it became apparent that it was nonsense. Die Welt reported that Merkel was furious at Netanyahu, who distorted her words deliberately: She and Germany support the two-state solution. Merkel even instructed her representatives at the festive joint session of the Committees of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Knesset and the Bundestag, to express her anger.

In general, Netanyahus favorite lies are those relating to the European Union. Often, after meeting with a representative of a European country, Netanyahu stands in front of the cameras and says that the representative's country was convinced not to support the marking of products made in Israeli settlements. And, of course, not even 24 hours pass and a representative of that country declares that, on the contrary, they actually do support marking said products, and with gusto.

Or, take the even bigger lie, the one that states many European entities support a boycott of Israel, while in reality the opposite is true. The vast majority oppose it vigorously, and in many cases they're position is strengthened by anti-boycott laws. All they're saying is that the occupied territories are not Israel.

Whenever something catches the eye of the media and is not in his favor, Netanyahu produces a spin that captures the publics attention. Whether it is true or false, accurate or inaccurate - that's another story.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom)

Thus, with spectacular timing, while Lieberman and Lapid hold an emergency conference to save the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netanyahu announced that a survey published in US News and World Report places Israel eighth in the world in its ranking of national power.

A brief examination on Google shows that Israel is ranked 25th, and even in the subcategory that relates to power, what hurts the country's ranking is the leader's quality score, which is the lowest possible in the report.

I think there is no point in going back over old stories, like the British policemen that young Benjamin saw, or the role the late Rehavam Zeevi played filled in his government. These anecdotes were milled again and again, but the pattern remains the same: Throw a made up story into the air and hope nobody checks it.

One person who quickly took advantage of Netanyahus fictions is Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely. When she realized that Google is the biggest foe of Netanyahu, his government, and his stories, she hurried to meet the heads of Google and YouTube and categorically demanded that they censor certain internet search results. And as the swallow, who follows the crow, she rushed to publish the statement that Google executives have agreed, and will now censor the searches.

But a few hours passed, and Google was quick to clarify that the meeting with Hotovely was one of many that they have with politicians from various countries, and the Deputy Minister has already amended the original announcement, in which she reported - erroneously  about an agreement with Google regarding a censorship mechanism. In other words: No censorship at all.

So what have we learned this week? Nothing.

An old joke says that 82 percent of those who cite polls and statistics in support of their claims invent them on the spot. Indeed, our government is beginning to resemble an old joke.

Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely. (Photo: AFP)

An un-open letter

On Wednesday, a letter Netanyahu wrote to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, asking him to approve the expulsion of families of terrorists from the West Bank to Gaza, was published. The letter found its way to the media for one simple reason: Netanyahu's office published it. The publication, and the letter's content, immediately raised two questions. The first was why Netanyahu bothered sending such a letter to the Attorney General, when he knows precisely what the his position on the matter is. Netanyahu had already heard the reasons for not taking that step, which is contrary to international law.

The second question concerns the publication. Why was it important to Netanyahu that the letter be published, especially when it's clear what Mandelblits answer will be? Ostensibly, the reason is simple: Public relations. Netanyahu wants to present the right-wing public in general and bereaved families in particular with a picture that says he would like to expel the families, but the lawyers wont let him. It is, therefore, a sarcastic ride Netanyahu is taking on the back of the Attorney General. But that's not all. You can bet that, with Netanyahu, there's a hidden story behind the facade  a political one, of course  which is much more interesting.

And so it was: On Saturday, Transport Minister Yisrael Katz appeared on Channel 2 and presented his proposal for the expulsion of terrorists' families. On Sunday morning, Netanyahu leaked the AG opinion, which denies the proposal's legality, to the press. Netanyahu thought that by doing so he would remove the topic from the agenda. But then Katz gave an interview shortly before the Cabinet meeting. When he was asked for his reaction, Katz said that the opinion of the AG refers only to the existing law, and that he intends to promote an initiative to change the law, so that the expulsion of families to Gaza will be allowed.

Minister of Transportation Israel Katz (Photo: Sasson Tiram)

Thereupon, Katz began talks with MKs from the coalition and the opposition, which certainly did not go unnoticed by the Prime Minister. On Wednesday, that same bizarre maneuver took place, with Netanyahu sending his letter to Mandelblit, in which he informs the AG that he supports the deportation of families and that this would prevent terrorism.

Katz is no sucker. He's already forgotten some of the stuff Netanyahu has not yet learned. And what Netanyahu has learned, he learned Katz. On his Facebook page, Katz wrote, "I welcome the Prime Minister's public support for the expulsion of the families of terrorists, and his appeal to the AG for the provision of an opinion paper on the subject. Next Monday, I intend to present to the Knesset, by way of other Knesset members from the coalition and the opposition, a proposal to change Israeli law in order to allow the deportation or expulsion of families of terrorists to Syria or Gaza."

Do not be impressed by Katz's "welcoming." You can be sure that he did not overlook the way another one of his initiatives becomes the PM's, how another act is credited to Netanyahu instead of him. So here's another reason for the Prime Minister's letter to the Attorney General: Taking credit for someone else's initiative. But Katz intends to challenge him: Netanyahu will now be forced to join in and support the bill Katz is authoring.

The ways in which bills reach a vote in the Knesset assembly are often strange and roundabout. (Photo: Amit Shabi)

But the question in this political story is what brings the Prime Minister to issue such a letter, which is entirely unserious and PR-centric. Who gives him his advice? What does that say about his mental condition? About his feelings of persecution, and his incessant battle over getting credit and ruling the agenda? The Prime Minister holds regular discussions with the participation of the AG and tries to promote his positions. He did not have to contact Mandelblit in writing, and certainly did not need to formulate a press release on the AG's back, when everyone already knows that he has the AG's official opinion on the matter in his hand.

And Katz? He's actually satisfied. This is the first time the PM publicly backs an initiative which is so sharply and clearly associated with him. Katz was sure that Netanyahu intended on taking credit for the initiative without promoting it, but what actually happened is that he elevated Katz as its champion. And now, Netanyahu will have a hard time preventing the initiative's advancement. So there you have it: An example for how and why controversial bills reach a vote in the Knesset Assembly.
After the last two weeks, I have come to the conclusion that before anything else, I am apparently a reservist. I am comfortable in uniform than in a suit at a formal dinner.

The rifle sling looks better on my shoulder than the shoulder strap of a laptop case, the coffee tastes better, and I meet the best people we have in the country. Even the environment is more comfortable without the kids making noise at night - just the snoring of those who sleep next to you.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Since I ended my service the age of 24, I have been in the reserves. One day, probably, I will be let go on the grounds that I am too old (as my wife says), but in the meantime I find there a sense of happiness and the essence of Israeliness.

Another thing I have in the reserves that I dont have anywhere else: the ability to speak without political correctness, the jokes that can be told through the night, the masculine environment were no one argues that it's not honorable or appropriate that there are no women in front-line units.

Erel Segal impersonating MK Stav Shaffir on Channel 20 (Photo: Channel 20)

The Israel of 2016 has more equitable relations between men and women but is also more purist. The reserves is the only place left as it was before. Behind this reality is the process of protecting women against politicians, unrestrained commanders and especially physically abusive husbands. Authority figures are not immune if they cross the line. We are in a better place, but just like always, there are side effects. In particular, blurring the definition of harming women up to the point that everything becomes fuzzy.

A female politician whom I respect explained to me this week that is a pendulum. Once, hurting women was routine. Women did not complain about anything and severe cases were covered up.

Roni Ritman, commander of Lahav 433 (Photo: Ido Erez)

Now we are on the other side of the pendulum, and it is decimating everything that moves. This is a sensitive issue that some people advised me in advance not to get into, but because it accompanies our lives with a new incident almost every week, it is impossible to ignore.

Here's what bothers me in a few examples: The first is Roni Ritman, Lahav 443s commander, who was suspended for a few weeks because he told a female officer to "move your ass." It was unwise on his part, inelegant, but not sexual assault or crossing a red line. At the end of the suspension, he was returned to office. The public security minister and chief of police could have decided differently for fear of being accused of contempt for women.

Another example was seen this week when Channel 20s Erel Segal impersonated MK Stav Shaffir (Zionist Unin). One can argue to what extent this kind of satire has to do with this kind of channe. I too have criticized the attitude of this channel towards the president or Reform Jews. It is also possible to argue to what extent it is funny -- for me, personally it was funny to see him in a red-haired wig. The content less so, but then they let the sexual genie out of the bottle.

An unsuccessful chauvinist joke spoken in the first person became sexual harassment for MK Ksenia Svetlova, who turns out to be responsible precisely for a certain committee dedicated to the freedom of expression. Stav Shaffir considered contacting the police. The compass lost its bearing. On the day on which there was discussion of whether a senior officer was suspected of rape, a joke became theoretical hrrassment. I saw the commotion in the media from afar and thanked God that all the major critics didn't hear all the reservists jokes I heard whenever we turned on the gas burner.

By the way, it's not about the political side of the map. There is also vulgar satire on the left. In the previous elections, for example, Eretz Nehederet presented Ayelet Shaked, Tzipi Livni and Miri Regev as nymphomaniacs who want to be sacrificed on the altar of the Temple. It made me laugh and still makes me laugh even today (I rewatched it to refresh my memory). If these jokes are sexual harassment, there will not be satire left in Israel, Monty Python wont be approved for screening, and modesty patrols will have a permanent place in the media.

MK Ksenia Svetlova (Photo: Gil Yochanan)

None of these jokes is my style, as they are too vulgar for my taste, but they arehumor. Whether it's Channel 2, Channel 20, or just according to the heritage of Jewish humor. I hope they don't censor satire in the name of purity from the Right or the Left. An excess of political correctness leads to a rebound with phenomena such as Donald Trump. For that not to happen here, normal people need to have their own reserves corners.

Red lines

According to the Association of Rape Crisis Centers, a small percentage of complaints about sexual abuse are determined to be spurious. Most of the complainants are telling the truth. The problem with the current trend is the unhealthy porridge that is created between permitted and forbidden. One cannot miss it when harassment happens, regardless of ones military rank or the status of the infringer. There is no need for legal knowledge, just common sense. Regarding Katsav, there were too many people who were silent. There are those who choose to ignore, but they know what they see or hear, and prefer not to pay the price. And there is a price.

On the other hand, when everything is turned into something that hurts women, it is dangerous. The struggle against harassment is too important to become political demagoguery. Every joke is not sexual harassment. Sometimes these are statements with a bad taste. Just like old times.

You can find a similar phenomenon regarding complaints from women in divorce cases in Israel. Another hot potato that nobody wants to touch it because of the pendulum theory of the relationship between men and women. In divorce cases, the percentage of false complaints is much greater. Lawyers advise women to complain about any injury, even if it did not happen. Some court hearings include restraining orders and opening police files. This does not happen on the flip side. No one believes that a woman hit her husband or her children. There are innocents whose lives are destroyed.

Women are, fortunately, better protected today, but it is not a zero sum game. A man who sexually harasses or harms a woman should be investigated and punished, no matter who he is. In the same manner, enforcement should but put in place against false complaints, regardless of their number. Red lines are not a philosophical discussion. They stand out from afar.
Omer Gur Geiger, an Israeli-born businessman who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina and owns a number of shopping mall sales kiosks, was indicted this week for bringing illegal workers into the United States, failing to report their work to the IRS, and irregularities with their payment, according to reports by NBC affiliate WRAL.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Gur was arrested on Wednesday, and was set to be brought before a judge on Friday. According to tax authorities, Gur ownes two homes in Raleigh, one of which is worth approximately $1.3 million.

Omer Gur Geiger.

Gur and nine other defendants, among them other Israelis, have worked for a company called Stanga for the past decade. Stanga operates sales kiosks and carts in North Carolina shopping malls, selling Dead Sea products (mostly beauty and skincare products derived from materials from the Dead Sea).

The 49-page indictment alleges that Stanga and other businesses managed by Gur were part of the Israeli company Rasco. The main charge in the indictment is employing illegal workers, who arrived in the US with tourist visas.

According to the WRAL report, authorities discovered that the company's total sales in the past five years reached $14 million, and that many of its workers were not permitted to work in the US. The indictment alleges that the number of said workers was around 140.

Rasco is also alleged to have promised workers compensation for travel expenses, but failing to do so in practice. It also allegedly used gift cards to pay employees, thus circumventing tax authorities.
The Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Welfare, and the Claims Conference (which represents the interests of Holocaust survivors) announced on Thursday that they have reached a principle agreement regarding the transfer of millions of shekels to organizations that support soup kitchens which serve Holocaust survivors and other seniors in need with hot meals.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Despite this, the timetable for actually transferring the funds, which is meant to aid the organizations through 2018, is still unclear. The heads of leading welfare organizations warn that if an immediate solution isn't found, they will be short on food, unable to supply thousands of people.

Many soup kitchens could soon experience shortages. (Archive Photo: Gil Yohanan)

In December, Prime Minister Netanyahu wrote on his Facebook page, "I do not accept a reality in which there are hungry Holocaust survivors in Israel."

Over two months passed, and despite the PM's declarations, the budgetary transfer of just a few million shekels has yet to take place. The Claims Conference and Welfare Ministry have yet to meet and discuss the topic.

Minister of Welfare and Social Services Haim Katz. (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

The Ministry issued a statement after the Thursday meeting, "Minister Haim Katz approved the agreement reached by the Ministry along with the Claims Conference. According to the agreement, the Claims Conference will go on subsidizing the soup kitchens for the next three years with the sums that were given up to now, until the end of 2018. The communication between the support conference and the soup kitchens will remain as it is today, while finding an oversight mechanism that will preserve the dignity of Holocaust survivors."
British newspaper The Sun's website published on Saturday an article claiming that footage from an attack inside Israel  at a checkpoint in the town of Beitar Illit  showed a Moroccan teen ISIS supporter stabbing a police officer at a railway station in Hannover, Germany. The Sun later deleted the article.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



The Hanover attack, which resulted in the 15-year-old girl's arrest, was reminiscent of attacks on security personnel and civilians in Israel.

The 15-year-old was living for some time on the border between Syria and Turkey and was trying to join her friends in the so called Islamic State according to reports. She was detained by Turkish authorities and deported back to her mother, who lives in the German city.

British Sun newspaper used stills of a terror attack in Israel to describe a terror attack in Germany

The teenager had a German passport and a criminal past, having been involved in theft and assaults.

The Sun report, which is based on a report by Breitbart UK, claimed that the teenage girl went up to a policeman in the Hannover Central Railway Station, and that "the girl can be seen fishing a giant kitchen knife out of her purse and stabbing the officer while he examined her identity documents."

Mistaken video posted by The Sun ( : )

X

The only problem was the screenshot was actually taken from security camera footage of an Israeli policeman being stabbed in Beitar Illit, not of a 15-year-old girl stabbing a German policeman inside the Hannover Central Railway Station.

The German officer in Hannover was reportedly stabbed in the neck before other police officers ended the attack.

"While the officer turned to inspect the girl's ID, with lightning speed she stabbed him," said one of the officer's colleagues to The Sun.

"He didnt have a chance to defend himself. It was a miracle he survived," the colleague continued.
An Israeli court on Thursday indicted a Palestinian man living in Ukraine for planning multiple terror attacks against Israeli targets in Ukraine and in Israel.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



The defendant, originally from the Gaza Strip, also is accused of aiding the Hamas terror organization and of planning to arm ISIS activists in Israel. The man was indicted in the Be'er Sheva District Court on charges that included espionage, conspiracy to commit a crime, and aiding an unlawful association. His name has not been released. The investigation is being directed by the Shin Bet and Israel Police.

According to the indictment, the defendant plotted several types of terror attacks in Ukraine between 2014 and 2016.

One set of attacks included a Ukrainian woman seducing a senior IDF officer into coming with her to Taba in the Sinai Peninsula, where he would be kidnapped to Gaza. Alternately, the defendant planned to kidnap and murder the officer in Ukraine if he refused to go to Sinai. His personal documents would then be sent to Gaza for bargaining purposes.

The second plot included a shooting attack at Israeli tourist buses in Ukraine or hiding a bomb inside a backpack to be put on an Israeli tourist bus. The defendant chose the city of Odessa as the site of the attack because many Israeli tourists visit the city.

The defendants third plan was to provide ISIS operatives in Israel with arms that could be used for committing suicide attacks inside Israel. He planned to contact Israeli Arab ISIS supporters living in Ukraine for help in transferring the weapons to Israel using a drone.

The defendant gathered information on Israeli tourists in Ukraine, including their use of buses. He also gathered information on drones in the country, finding they cost US$300-500 and can carry up to five kilograms

Additionally, the indictment states that during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in 2008, when the defendant lived in the Saja'iyya area of Gaza, he allowed Hamas to use his home as a shelter and gathering spot. Armed terrorists used his apartment and left it on their way to engage in battle against IDF forces.

The defendant provided food to Hamas operatives in his home several times between the years 2006 to 2010. He assisted in unloading concrete plates used by Hamas to build a tunnel that started at his home.

The Palestinian man was arrested after attempting to re-enter the Gaza Strip by faking his mothers medical condition. He requested an entry permit to Gaza, received a 30-day permit, and was arrested at the Allenby Crossing between Jordan and Israel on January 31.

Republished with permission from the Tazpit News Agency.
Iranian state TV says Turkey's prime minister has met with Iranian officials to discuss Syria, where the two nations back opposite sides in the five-year civil war.

Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter



Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu arrived Friday on a two-day visit, the first by a Turkish official since the lifting of sanctions under a landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers in January. Davutoglu acknowledged on Saturday that Iran and Turkey differ on Syria, but said cooperation between the two was necessary to end the bloodshed there.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, right, meets with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu (Photo: Associated Press)

Turkey is a leading backer of the rebels fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar Assad. Iran, along with Russia, has provided crucial support to his government. Davutoglu said Turkey and Iran hope to expand their trade to $30 billion - triple the current amount.

Turkeys prime minister also referred to the protests occurring in his home country in the aftermath of the governments seizure of the biggest national newspaper. "Turkey has the right to question those who take part in a clear coup attempt, whether economic or journalistic, against an elected government," Davutoglu said. "There is a legal process examining charges of political operations, including funneling illegal monies. We have never intervened in the legal process," he said.

Turkish police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Saturday to disperse protesters outside the country's biggest newspaper after authorities seized control of it in a crackdown on a religious group whose leader the government accuses of treason.

A court on Friday appointed an administrator to run the flagship Zaman, English-language Today's Zaman and Cihan agency, linked to US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who President Tayyip Erdogan says was plotting a coup.

Rights groups and European officials condemned the takeover, seeing it as proof that Turkey's government silences dissident views. Other media outlets affiliated with Gulen's movement were taken over in October, and companies including a bank have been seized, wiping out billions of dollars in valuations. Erdogan has repeatedly pledged to crush Gulen's conservative religious movement, which he said has infiltrated the police, judiciary and bureaucracy since his party won power in 2002. "Extremely worried about latest developments on Zaman newspaper which jeopardizes progress made by Turkey in other areas," European Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on Twitter.

Police first raided Zaman around midnight, firing tear gas and water cannon and forcing open a gate to enter the offices. Employees returned to work on Saturday under the new administrator but editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici and columnist Bulent Kenes were fired, said Sevgi Akarcesme, top editor at Today's Zaman.

"It is a dark day for Turkish democracy and a flagrant violation of the constitution," Akarcesme told Reuters, adding most media were not fully reporting the takeover for fear of similar reprisals.

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the main opposition Republican People's Party, said the court was acting as a political tool.

Zaman's editors were largely supportive of Erdogan during much of his party's rule since 2002, but they fell out over foreign policy and a move to close schools run by the Gulen movement, a source of much of its influence and income.

Then police thought to follow Gulen's teachings leaked news of a corruption investigation into Erdogan's inner circle in December 2013, which Erdogan described as a coup attempt.

The raid on Zaman and its sister publications was "nothing but a veiled move by the president to eradicate opposition media and scrutiny of government policies," said Emma Sinclair-Webb, Human Rights Watch's senior Turkey researcher.

In Berlin, ruling party lawmaker Norbert Roettgen said: "Not only the violent action against a critical newspaper, but also the fact that the government takes over the whole paper is a severe blow by the Turkish leadership against the freedom of press."
My sole motivation behind letting myself into that abominable prison house called school was the little white stick that my mother allowed me to grab and lick after the classes were over. I used to look with wishful eyes the attractive white box of ice cream walla who also had other varieties-the red tangy one that came in twenty five paisa, the slightly yellow one that came in fifty paisa and the expensive white creamy one that came in full one rupee. My mother had warned me against eating the orange one as she said it contained worms that came out if you sprinkled salt on it! So my childhood remained deprived of that one single taste that so often contented the appetite of my not-so-affluent friends. <BR><BR> When I went to college I read about globalisation, about the invasion of markets by foreign goods and of absolute wiping out of the local economy by organized production houses. But I could not understand these things till one day while crossing from near my school my eyes failed to spot that old ice cream walla whose presence had become such an inseparable part of the entire set up. It came as a rude shock to me that his place was now taken by three four colourful wheeled vans endorsing attractive logos and pictures of branded ice cream. <BR><BR> That changes are always for better or worse is like putting an emotion into plain black and white. I may have in my own personal way some attachment with the white stick ice cream or with the more expensive soapy, frothy softie of my school days but the accessibility, taste and variety that the present day ice cream industry is offering is no doubt incomparable. <BR><BR> Who would have thought barely a decade ago of eating ice creams made of real fresh fruits- a la Gelato Vittorio or a cool creamy liquid fried in hot boiling oil or what is called today the fried ice cream. <BR><BR> In India the ice cream industry took sometimes to catch the global cue because the country has an indigenous rich and well developed dessert market. What ice cream would stand in competition against Indian sweets? But no you cant say so just because you are born in the land of Kulfi. You will have the authority only when you taste Baked Alaska (an ice-cream sponge cake dish topped with meringue), Arctic roll (British dessert made of vanilla and flour), Adzuki (Japanese red bean ice cream) and Dondruma( a Turkish ice made of salep and mastic resin). <BR><BR> We Indians who generally go gaga over a handful of varieties that Baskin Robbins offers are unaware of the fact that the company actually makes 1000 flavours! What we get in India generally as branded ice cream is nothing but milk and corn flour seasoned with a few chemicals and packed in attractive cones, cups and cornettos. Our knowledge of Ice cream is so poor that we do not even know what cornetto is! Most of us think it is the name of an ice cream that Kwality offers. Update your dictionary- it is actually the registered name of an improved variety of waffle cone that does not become soggy and that was invented and patented by an Italian firm called Spica in 1960! <BR><BR> The world offers so much in shape of that delicate, cool, tender delight called ice cream that I being a lover of it feel choked with emotion at my own minisculeness and misfortune of not having tasted even a fraction of that tremendous, rich and inexhaustible treasure. What is thy life O mortal, my heart cries out, if thou hast not known the glories of the Australian Giant Sandwich Monster, the Manoco Bar, the Irish Scottish Sliders, the Argentine Helado, the Greek Kimaki and the Japanese Macha! <BR><BR> Sometimes I wonder whether there is an intricate connection between the survival of a race and its appetite for ice cream! Otherwise why would the Greeks, the Romans, the Chinese and the Persians survive the ravages of time and the Glorious Harappan civilization fade into oblivion? And let us be pragmatic and not blame some harmless ecology or innocent river for their decline. The reason I am sure was hidden in their food habits-they having failed to secure the divine blessings of the Gods. Yes, thats precisely what the ancient Greeks called ice cream! Imagine what foodies they must have been that nearly 4000 years ago they got for themselves ice houses constructed at the banks of Euphrates and as early as 5th century BC they began its marketing by selling ice cones mixed with fruit and honey. A honey flavoured cornetto.! <BR><BR> Roman emperor Nero (62 AD) was fond of fruit ice cream and hence sent his servants to fetch ice from mountains! The Falooda that we eat today is actually a Persian dish Faloodeh made from starch and has its origin around 400BC. The Chinese who claim to be the pioneers in almost everything -be it the first currency notes, the first stint with silk or the first to flood the markets of neighbours with cheap plastic goods-were not far behind in making ice cream too. They are credited to have invented a device that made quick ice using salt peter (no, it was not imported from Bihar, China had enough of it). <BR><BR> The unfortunate Charles I whom the world knows as an autocrat, a despot, a tyrant, an enemy of democracy and parliament was also a lover of ice cream! It is said that he made his chef keep the formula a secret so that it remained a royal prerogative. <BR><BR> Our great Mughals, we should not forget were the die hard lovers of food and all that is rich and luxurious in the modern Indian cuisine has a Mughal origin. So they too loved ice cream and they too enjoyed it in royal feasts and ceremonies. When they could get choicest fruits from Farghana and Samarquand and the best wines from Persia, why couldnt they send relays of horsemen to bring ice from Hindukush for their aromatic fruit sherbets? <BR><BR> But were sending horsemen to run and fetch ice or storing ice in underground icehouses near rivers, the only way of making ice creams in those days? Sadly, yes. And thats why the common man remained deprived of and unknown to its delectable taste. But lets thank Nancy Johnson of Philadelphia who first got the patent for a small hand run ice cream freezer. Gradually with the coming of electricity there also came a revolution in ice cream making. Thereafter Giant corporates like Howard Johnson, Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, Gelato Vittorio, Ben and Jerrys, Haagen Dazs and Carvel changed the concept of ice cream in the world. Soft serves, Sundaes and super premiums began to be offered by shops next door. <BR><BR> Thanks to globalisation, the world has really become a small place to live in. Today I can access any ice cream from the world over in my local confectionary shop. but among the confused tastes of multitudinous flavours I some how always try to find that one singular taste of the white stick ice-cream which trickled through my fingers and ran into my nursery uniformspoiling it but leaving an imprint on my memory which has failed to faint in all these years.
Hyderabad: Budget for 2016-17 will be the main agenda in the Andhra Pradesh Legislature session beginning here Saturday but many other contentious issues are expected to dominate the proceedings given the ongoing political fight between the ruling Telugu Desam and the Opposition YSR Congress.

For the first time, Governor ESL Narasimhan will address the joint session of the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly at 3 pm today as he will be in Chennai in the morning for personal work.

Finance and Legislative Affairs Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu will be present the General Budget on March 10 while Agriculture Minister P Pulla Rao will present his department's budget the same day.

In all, there will be 18 working days in the Budget session as the Appropriation Bill is expected to be taken up on March 29. There is no clarity yet on the government's agenda like introduction of bills during the session.

"We will have some clarity on this in a day or two," government Chief Whip Kalva Srinivasulu said.

YSRC, however, seems to have a loaded agenda on its hands as it plans to move a no-confidence motion against the government.

With eight of its 67 MLAs crossing over to the ruling party so far, YSRC's game plan is to get them disqualified using the no-confidence motion as a tool.

By moving a no-confidence motion, YSRC gets to issue a whip to its MLAs and whoever violates it will be liable for disqualification.

The year-long suspension imposed on its MLA RK Roja in the Winter Session for her use of unparliamentary and abusive language against some TDP members will also be taken up by YSRC as the special committee headed by Deputy Speaker Mandali Buddha Prasad will submit its report on the issue to the House.

YSRC is also studying relevant rules to possibly move a no-confidence motion against Speaker Kodela Sivaprasada Rao.

"We will move the motions as per the rules," YSRC Deputy Leader in the Assembly Jyothula Nehru said.

He had also said they might move a no-confidence motion if the state budget is not satisfactory.

"The TDP government so far failed to keep its promises and has been adopting anti-people policies. If the budget is not satisfactory, we will move a no-confidence motion against the government ," Nehru had said after a meeting of the YSRC Legislature Party on March 1.

Some YSRC members feel that this can build a strong legal case against its MLAs who switched over to the ruling party. By moving a no-confidence motion, YSRC gets to issue a whip to its MLAs, and whoever violates it will be liable for disqualification.

TDP and YSRC have been engaged in a war of words, with the latter alleging that ruling party leaders have purchased lands "illegally" in the capital city region of Amaravati by "misusing" power. YSRC has also sought a probe in its allegations.

YSRC also accused the TDP government of not implementing its poll promises like loan waivers for farmers, women self- help groups and doles to the unemployed youth.

TDP failed to get the promises, including special status, railway zone at Visakhapatnam, bridging the revenue deficit, made to it by the Centre during state bifurcation in 2014, the Opposition party has alleged.

Apart from this, the recent exposures in Sakshi media, owned by YSRC president YS Jaganmohan Reddy, on the alleged dubious land deals by certain ministers, legislators and leaders of TDP in the capital region Amaravati are sure to generate heat in the Assembly.

The Kapu reservation issue is another one that may come up for intense debate.
Nagaon: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is good in marketing and delivering good speeches but his speeches are often hollow.

"He (Modi) went to Bihar and made promises and assurances but did not fulfill them. He came to Assam also and made good speeches and lofty promises but those proved hollow," said Gandhi while addressing a public rally at Borghat in Assam's Nagaon district.

Ahead of the rally, he also took part in a road show walking five km with thousands of people in the district.

He said the biggest achievement of the Congress government in Assam was its success in bringing back peace to the state in the last 15 years. "We are here to serve people. However, the present government at the Centre has been trying to help only few businessmen in the country.

"They (businessmen) get everything. Thousands of crores of rupees have come to country`s exchequer after recent decline in the petrol prices. But the people of the country will not get even a single penny, all the money will go to his (Prime Minister`s) industrialist fiends," said Gandhi.

The current government at the Centre, he said, was not the government of common people, the salaried class, the workers but of the industrialists.

"Wherever I go, I raise the issues of the poor and common people. But when we ask these questions, Modiji attacks us personally," he said, obliquely referring to his recent accusations aganst the Modi government and the prime minister`s rebuttal in the Lok Sabha the following day.

"Modiji cannot answer my questions as he does not have the answers."

Rahul Gandhi also targetted the union finance minister over his budget, saying: "Arun Jaitleyji has brought a `Fair and Lovely scheme` through which all the thieves in the country can convert their black money into white."

"However, the people who work for the whole life and take salary and pension are made to pay tax on their PF (provident fund)."

"I want to assure the salaried class that Congress party will fight for you. I will pressurise the government as this government is not your government, this is not the government of farmers and employees but of industrialists only," he said.

Referring to recent incident at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he said there were about 8,000 students of which 1,000 were from the northeast.

"The BJP put JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar behind bars by filing sedition case against him. I listened to his 20-minute speech and there was not a single word against the country."

"If some people have shouted anti-Indian slogan in JNU, you punish them, put them behind bars. But why are you trying to spoil the future of 8,000 students? Why are you trying to spoil the careers of 1,000 students from northeast in JNU We are going to fight for them," said the Congress vice president.
Chandigarh: Putting behind the mindless violence unleashed during the Jat protests for job quotas, Haryana is going ahead with the `Happening Haryana Global Investors` summit to attract investment for the state.

Well-placed sources in the BJP government told IANS that Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and others involved in the March 7-8 investment exercise,, however, had their fingers crossed as the widespread violence happened just over a fortnight before the summit dates.

"With shops, businesses and other institutions targeted by mobs and the police and administration failing to control the situation, Haryana`s image as an ideal investment destination has taken a big hit," a senior Haryana bureaucrat told IANS here.

"Everyone is keeping their fingers crossed about the summit and its eventual outcome in terms of actual investment on the ground. The violence will definitely put off a lot of investors," the officer said, requesting anonymity.

Despite the nine days of unrest and violence, Japan has proposed to become a partner country in the summit. This was telephonically conveyed to chief minister, Finance and Industries Minister Abhimanyu said.

He claimed that people of the state wanted to ensure the safety of the industries even during the violence.

"When the law and order situation in the state was disturbed, people protected the industries and drove away miscreants," the minister said, trying to build confidence among future investors.

A number of Japanese and South Korean companies have invested in Haryana, especially in the Gurgaon-Manesar belt. The first big name to establish base in Haryana, Maruti-Suzuki, piloted by Japanese car maker Suzuki, was a runaway success in automobile sector.

The big names that have invested in Haryana include Honda, Canon, Yakult, Denso, Mitsubishi, Toyo, Daikin, Yokohama, Showa, Nippon, Kansai Paints, Asahi and Stanley.

Khattar has announced that 12 countries would participate in the first `Happening Haryana Global Investors` Summit 2016` being organised in Gurgaon on March 7 and 8. The summit is being organised by the Haryana government in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

China, Czech Republic, Japan, Malawi, Mauritius, New Zealand, South Korea, Peru, Poland, Spain, Britain and Tunisia are taking part as partner countries.

Khattar, who is hoping that the summit will be a "historic event", is keen that more investment comes to the state.

Besides Japan and China, which he visited in January, Khattar travelled to the US and Canada last year. He did investment road shows in Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai too in the past two months.

More than 800 entrepreneurs from India and other countries are expected to participate in the summit. Representatives of 140 foreign companies and diplomats will also attend.

"We are confident that the investment target set in the summit would be achieved," Abhimanyu said.

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will inaugurate the two-day event on March 7. A number of union ministers are expected to attend.

China`s Wanda Group has decided to invest $10 billion in Haryana, the government claimed after Khattar`s Beijing visit.

But not everyone is hopeful.

"Many investors will develop cold feet after the recent violence. The Khattar government literally abdicated its responsibility. There was no administration. It was utter lawlessness," Rajinder Saini, a businessman who suffered losses in the violence in Rohtak town, told IANS.

Trade and industry body Assocham projected the loss in the violence at around Rs 20,000-crore.

Following the violent incidents and its aftermath, the Haryana government cancelled the `Parvasi Haryana Divas` that was to be held with the summit on March 9.

Rohtak town, 70 km from Delhi, suffered the brunt of the violence blamed on Jats with scores of buildings, shops, malls, hospitals, educational institutions and vehicles set on fire and extensively damaged.

Rohtak, Sonipat, Panipat and Jhajjar districts were the worst hit by the violence. Other affected districts included Bhiwani, Hisar and Kaithal.

(Jaideep Sarin can be contacted at jaideep.s@ians.in)


Lahore: Over 120 Hindu pilgrims from India arrived here in this eastern Pakistani city on Saturday to participate in the Maha Shivratri festivities.

Saddiqul Farooq, Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) which looks after the temples and gurdwaras across Pakistan, and Pakistan Gurdwara Parbhandik Committee officials greeted the pilgrims at Wagah Border.

"125 Hindu pilgrims today arrived here from Wagah Border," Amir Hashmi, spokesperson of the ETPB, told PTI.

The pilgrims will stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore Fort before they leave for the historic Katas Raj temple in Punjab province's Chakwal distrcit, some 250 kilometres from here, on Monday to take part in the festivities.

Maha Shivratri is on March 7.

While talking to reporters, the visiting Hindu pilgrims' leader Sateesh Kumar said the authorities here extended full cooperation to them.

"We are impressed by the love of Pakistanis for us," Kumar said, adding that there should be cordial relations between both the neighbouring countries as their people wanted peace and prosperity in the region.

The pilgrims also chanted Pak-India friendship slogans at the Wagah Border.

Farooq said on the special order of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the ETPB has ensured security, transport, boarding and medical facilities to the visiting Hindus.

"We will make sure that the visiting yatrees (pilgrims) enjoy their time here," Farooq said.

He said the government would also ensure that the pilgrims would not face any visa related issues in the future.

Farooq said a special tour of old city of Lahore has been arranged for the visiting Hindus on their request.

Maha Shivratri is celebrated on the 6th night of the dark Phalgun (February or March) every year. It is believed that Lord Shiva was married to Parvati on this day.
Chandigarh: The Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday handed back a five-year-old deaf and dumb Pakistani girl to their Pakistani counterparts after she inadvertently crossed over into Indian territory in Punjab`s Abohar sector, a senior BSF official said.

"At about 10.30 am., BSF troops of border outpost Natha Singh Wala, Abohar sector, apprehended one Pakistani girl (age around five years) while she inadvertently crossed International Boundary, entered inside Indian territory and reached near border security fence," said BSF DIG RS Kataria.

"During questioning, the Pakistani girl was found deaf and dumb and could not reveal her name. She inadvertently came inside Indian territory and was apprehended by alert BSF troopers. Pakistan Rangers were contacted and the girl was handed over to them at 2 p.m. on humanitarian grounds," he said.
Ahmedabad: An abandoned Pakistani boat was seized by the BSF near Koteshwar area of Kutch district of Gujarat on Saturday morning, according to reports from ANI.

"A Pakistani fishing boat was seized yesterday from the Koteshwar creek area after its occupants fled to the Pakistani side on seeing a patrol party," BSF officials said. Nothing suspicious was found in the boat, they said.

The fresh incident is proof of increased Pakistani infiltration through water as boats of Pakistani origin are found near the border at regular intervals.

Meanwhile, a man was also arrested for taking pictures of army camp in Kutch today.

Earlier on February 26 this year, another abandoned Pakistani boat, with a gun onboard, was seized by the Border Security Force (BSF) near Harami Nala area of Kutch district of Gujarat. In January, a similar size boat was found in the Sir Creek area while in December 2015, one such fishing boat was found at Padala creek area near Koteshwar.

A 30-metre long tunnel about 10 feet below the ground from Pakistan to the Indian side was discovered by the Border Security Force (BSF) last Thursday. This was the fourth tunnel unearthed by the force in the region since 2012.
New Delhi: A delegation from Aligarh Muslim University, led by Vice Chancellor Lt Gen Zameer Uddin Shah, on Saturday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought the NDA government's support in restoring the varsity's 'minority' status, stating that this "would have a salutary effect on minorities who are agitated and apprehensive that their rights are being trampled upon".

Referring to the reported "illegal" establishment of the varsity's three off-campus centres in Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar, he asserted that they had been approved by "the highest policy making bodies of the university, the Government of India and the President of India".

Speaking to PTI after the nearly 40-minute meeting, Shah, who led the five-member delegation comprising some prominent members of the Muslim community, expressed "satisfaction" over the meeting with the Prime Minister.

The memorandum urges the NDA government to revert back to the original stand of previous UPA government of supporting the University in restoring its minority status.

"India is a secular country and the constitution confers upon the minorities a fundamental right under Article 31 to enjoy the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice," it said.

Underlining the fact that NDA's sympathetic handling of the issue would have a positive effect on Muslim youth and would "further bind them to the national mainstream", it noted that "AMU students have behaved in an exemplary manner and have not agitated over this issue".

This step of the NDA government "would have a very salutary effect on the minorities who are presently agitated and apprehensive that their rights are being trampled upon", it said.

It also recalled that BJP, when it was part of Janata Party under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani, had in its manifesto promised to "restore the minority character of the University".

The AMU Vice Chancellor told the Prime Minister, "We have full faith in your sagacity and your slogan 'Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas'."

The delegation also discussed issues related to research and education, skill development, and Ganga rejuvenation, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office.

The issue of restoration of minority character of AMU is at present pending with the Supreme Court but what has triggered off the protests is the Centre's recent decision to reverse the UPA government's stand of supporting the university in the apex court on this issue.

On January 11, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi, during the hearing of this case, had told the court that the NDA government did not support the idea of a state-funded minority institution in a secular state, sparking off a controversy.


Pathankot: There are some disturbing inputs about a terror attack in India aimed at creating the maximum media impact during the Shivratri festival and the ongoing Parliament session, a top Army commander disclosed here on Saturday with an assurance that steps have been taken to deal with it.

There are security-related problems today. You know, Maha Shivratri is coming. There are inputs which are disturbing but notwithstanding that extra care has been taken, Western Army Commander Lt Gen KJ Singh told reporters here on the sidelines of a function.

When asked to elaborate, he refused but said such events are planned to create maximum media impact.

See elaboration is neither required nor warranted. These events (terror attacks) are planned to create maximum media impact and when can you create a media impact when Parliament is in session, when a festival is taking place, so both happen to be going on.. So that is why, there are inputs but we have taken steps against that. I must assure you of that, he said.

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Western Command went on to add that such mischievous activities will not deter a great nation as the Indian Army is fully geared to meet any eventuality.

We want to tell whoever has got this mischievous intentions that nothing can deter us, one Pathankot, one Arnia, one Janglot, once more Samba, cannot deter us. This nation is too great. Indian Army is fully organised. We will take care of every situation, Lt Gen Singh said.

When asked about inputs that some Pakistan-based terrorist commanders were in touch with their Kashmiri counterparts, he said, there are certain inputs. There are certain indications. I should only tell you this much that we are fully prepared for that.

With regard to the detection of a tunnel in Jammu on the International Border with Pakistan, he said it had helped avert a major terror attack.

He added that a survey will be carried out in all the border areas to see if there are any more such tunnels, for which a team of officials of Home Ministry and other security agencies has been formed.
Balrampur: Condemning the February 9 event that took place in the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Yogi Adityanath on Saturday advised the JNU students` union president Kanhaiya Kumar to refrain from using the freedom of speech and expression to hail terrorists like Afzal Guru, who attacked the Parliament in 2001.

"Whatever is happening inside the JNU is condemnable. What is more condemnable is the fact that the teachers of the university are also involved in these activities. It is very shameful," Adityanath said.

He also advised Kanhaiya, who has targeted the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre, saying that he should not forget that he has been released on interim bail by the Delhi High Court and that too on conditions.

"The BJP is not against any individual. But the students should refrain from hailing people like Afzal Guru, who had targeted the Parliament, on the name of freedom of speech and expression," he said.

Speaking to the media a day after he was released from Tihar Jail after he was charged for sedition, Kanhaiya had yesterday thanked everyone who supported him and alleged that a conspiracy was afoot to malign the JNU campus and its students.

Asserting that the JNU students can never be anti-national, he added that he was part of the fight to not let those succeed who use the Constitution as a tool against those who raise their voices for nationalism.

Talking about Afzal Guru, he clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula.

"Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will be a Rohith Vemula in every house," Kanhaiya said.
New Delhi: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Markandey Katju on Saturday alleged that since its inception not a single creative and scientific idea has come out from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Ever since the incident of an alleged anti-national slogans on the grounds of JNU took place in the national capital, following the arrest of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar on sedition charges, many individuals have come forward to share their views.

Katju today took to twitter to express what he feels about JNU, which is according to him, nowadays being praised not only in India but even in abroad.

Here's what he wrote in a series of tweet:

Nowadays JNU is being praised all over India and even abroad as a great centre of free thinking and freedom of speech. I beg to differ ,,  Markandey Katju (@mkatju) March 5, 2016

I hv a poor opinion of JNU. Has a single creative & scientific idea come frm that institution since its inception? At least I hv nt heard so  Markandey Katju (@mkatju) March 5, 2016

Universities in USA like Harvard, Berkeley and Stanford have often half a dozen Nobel Laureates. What genuine research is done in JNU?  Markandey Katju (@mkatju) March 5, 2016

What genuine research is done in JNU ( or for that matter in most of our Universities). Most of such 'research' is worthless or plagiarism.  Markandey Katju (@mkatju) March 5, 2016

Further hitting out at Kanhaiya Kumar, Katju asked, "Do people who demand azadi from India really understand its implications?"

"Kanhaiya is a brave man but with no scientific ideas," he added.

In January, Katju had announced he was quitting Facebook, where he has nearly four lakh followers.

However, the JNU row proved too irresistible for Katju to hold back. Last month, Katju ended his prolonged break on Facebook.

"In my opinion, arrest is unnecessary in this case. If the police wish to interrogate these students they can ask the VC or Registrar of JNU to arrange for a room or hall in a building in the JNU campus where the police can come and interrogate the students without arresting them," he wrote.

Over 2,500 students and teachers gathered at the admin block of Jawaharlal Nehru University on Thursday to welcome JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar.

Kanhaiya, who has been accused of sedition, was granted a six-month interim bail by the Delhi High Court on Wednesday.

While addressing the gathering, Kanhaiya demanded that HRD minister Smriti Irani should grant their fellowships and make honest efforts to apprehend those who are responsible for 26-year-old Rohith Vemula's death.
New Delhi: Delhi Police on Saturday registered a case in connection with posters announcing a "reward" of Rs 11 lakh for anyone who "shoots down" JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.

One person was caught while he was sticking the posters on the behalf of outfit 'Purvanchal Sena' on the wall of Press Club while others accompanying him managed to flee. The matter was reported to the police.

"A case has been registered under relevant sections of law at the Parliament Street police station," said a senior police officer.

"The person fixing the posters was questioned at the police station and we are tracking others who got the posters published," he said.

"No person has been arrested so far in this connection," said Taj Hasan, Special Commissioner (Crime) and chief spokesperson of Delhi Police, without divulging any further information.

The development came on a day BJP Yuva Morcha leader Kuldeep Varshnay, who had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for cutting off JNU Students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar's tongue, was expelled from primary membership of the party for six years.

The poster stated that "whosoever shoots JNU students union president and seditionist Kanhaiya will be rewarded Rs 11 lakh on the behalf of Purvanchal Sena."

Posters outside press club &near national media centr announcing reward to anyone who kills #KanhaiyaKumar Pic V a f pic.twitter.com/71Z81Kojsc  Mohammad Ali (@hindureporter) March 5, 2016

The posters in Hindi read, Whoever shoots JNUSU president and traitor Kanhaiya Kumar will be rewarded Rs 11 lakh from the Poorvanchal Sena.

The poster carried name of one Adarsh Sharma as president of Purvanchal Sena. A mobile phone number was also mentioned on the posters but it was not reachable despite several attempts.

Kanhaiya was arrested on February 12 in connection with a sedition case over a controversial JNU event. He was granted interim bail for six months by the Delhi High Court on March 2 and was released from Tihar jail next day.
New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Saturday extended the judicial custody of Islamic State suspects Mufti Abdus Sami Qasmi and Azhar Iqbal till March 30.

Qasmi, a Delhi-based Islamic scholar, known for his fiery speeches, was arrested on February 5 from Uttar Pradesh`s Hardoi District.

The NIA has claimed that Qasmi had been `delivering provocative and inflammatory speeches and was instigating youth for anti-national activities`.

While other suspect 23-year-old Azhar Iqbal was arrested from Bhopal on February 1 by the NIA.

According to the agency, Iqbal was allegedly in the higher category of members of the group - Junoon al Khilafae-Hind, as he was tasked with finding new recruits.

It is learnt that he was in touch with Yusuf al-Hindi alias Shafi Armar, who was an Indian Mujahideen member but shifted to the IS- held areas in Syria and Iraq.Iqbal knew at least two of the four suspects arrested by the Delhi police from Uttarakhand a few weeks back.
New Delhi: As part of efforts to provide foolproof security to JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, Delhi Police has asked University authorities to inform them about the student leader's movements outside the campus and nature of his visits.

In a letter to University authorities sent after Kumar's release from jail, DCP (South) Prem Nath wrote that the SHO of Vasant Kunj (North) Police Station, which has the campus under its jurisdiction, should be informed well in time about "the movements/visits of Kumar outside the campus, including nature of visit and travel mode so that necessary security/preventive measures may be taken to prevent any untoward incident".

A police source said the move comes in view of the court's directive after the attack on Kumar at Patiala House court complex on February 17, which said police must ensure that none of the students arrested in connection with the sedition case suffer even a scratch.

The latest letter suggests that a police team will be moving around with Kumar every time he moves out of the varsity's campus.

The police also ensured full security to Kanhaiya on Thursday, when he was released from jail on conditional bail, and deployed multiple escort teams to make sure that he reaches the campus safe.

Kumar was arrested on February 12 in a case of sedition registered over an event in which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised.

The event was held on February 9 inside the JNU campus, to protest against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

The FIR was registered two days later taking suo motu cognisance of a video clip obtained from a Hindi news channel.

Around 10 days after Kumar's arrest, two more students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, who were accused in the same case, surrendered.

The duo is presently in judicial custody.
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee will on Saturday inaugurate a national conference on 'Women Legislators: Building Resurgent India' here.

The conference, which intends to hone the skills of legislators to perform their legislative and non-legislative roles with greater effectiveness, will be addressed by Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Briefing media persons here, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the two-day conference will provide women legislators a platform to interact with their counterparts from across the country as also women union ministers, chief ministers, MPs and eminent women from the judiciary and the bureaucracy.

Apart from the plenary, the conference will have three more sessions - contributing to social development, contributing to economic development, and contributing to better governance and legislation.

The conference is likely to be attended by more than 300 women members of Parliament and state legislatures and legislative councils, union ministers and chief ministers.

Mahajan said the conference will equip women legislators with latest knowledge in relevant areas and motivate and guide them in their twin roles as legislators and as agents of socio-economic progress.

Former president Pratibha Devisingh Patil will address the valedictory session.

Bangladesh National Assembly Speaker Shirin Chaudhury, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptullah will also address the conference.

Others who will participate include former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar, Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi, Human Resource Development Smriti Irani, Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel, Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimarat Kaur Badal, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, former Delhi chief minister Shiela Dikshit and Water Resources Minister Uma Bharati.

The conference proceedings on March 6 will be held in the central hall of parliament.
Patna: In an apparent variance with his party's stance over the JNU row, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday praised the speech of its students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar after his release from prison.

"Happy about the granting of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison," Sinha said in a tweet.

"Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," he said in another tweet.

The actor-turned BJP MP later told PTI he was impressed with the student leader's speech in Jawaharlal Nehru University after his release from Tihar jail.

"He was filled with energy and his body language was impressive as he was delivering speech at JNU after release from prison," Sinha, the second term BJP Lok Sabha member from Patna Sahib, said.

He said he spoke in favour of Kanhaiya because he did not find the young man speaking anything against the country and also because he was a native of Bihar.

"Bihar is my strength and Bihar is also my weakness," Sinha added.

Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on sedition charge on February 12 and released on March 3 on an interim bail, is a native of Begusarai district of Bihar.

When the row over the arrested of Kanhaiya on sedition charge was at its peak, the sidelined BJP MP had defended the JNUSU president which had caused embarrassment to his own party.

Shatrughan Sinha also presented a book "Anything but Khamoosh" written on him by Mumbai-based scribe Bharti Pradhan to Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind and invited him for its launch function at Patna tentatively in the third week of March.

"I am happy to present first copy of the book to first citizen of the state," Sinha said on presenting book to the Governor.

The BJP leader said he has already invited Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for the book launch event in Patna.

"I will also request acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court Iqbal Ahmad Ansari to come for the function," he said.

Sinha who had earlier hinted that leaders of his own party BJP from the state might not be extended invitation for the book launch function in Patna, today said "it will be a cultural function and not a party affair."

The Bollywood actor-turned-BJP Parliamentarian hailed Narendra Modi government decision to award 'Dada Saheb Phalke' award to legendary actor Manoj Kumar.

"It's a wise and timely decision to give Dada Saheb Phalke award to Manoj Kumar," Sinha, who has worked with Kumar in the film "Kranti", said.


Thiruvananthapuram: The Animal Welfare Board (AWBI) of India has asked Kerala Forest department to take action in the alleged torture of an elephant during a recent temple festival in Thrissur district.

The AWBI yesterday wrote to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests demanding necessary action on the alleged use of an elephant to block the passage of other elephants at the entrance of 'Rudhira Mahakailikavu', where the festival was held earlier this week.

The Board also asked the department to sent a report of action taken in the matter to them at the earliest.

The AWBI's action was based on the complaint by a Thrissur-based animal rights campaigner Heritage Animal Task Force (HATF).

In its complaint, the HATF said this type of abusing elephants to stand for a long time was a "real torture".

The campaigner also alleged the elephant parade held as part of the temple festival was violation of the Supreme Court Order dated August 18, 2015 which had asked the Kerala Forest Department to ensure elephant parade rules are not violated.
Nagpur: Days after a group of cotton growers of Wardha region took out a protest march to the RSS headquarters here alleging that a buyer close to the outfit defaulted on his payment for their produce, the Sangh has accused the Congress of "playing politics" over the issue while distancing itself from the concerned buyer.

While staging the protest last week, the farmers had alleged that the buyer, Sunil Prabhakar Talatu, failed to pay them their dues and that he was close to the RSS.

"The Congress is indulging in cheap politics and the RSS condemns it. In the name of Khet Mazdoor Congress, the party is supporting the protest of the farmers," said Rajesh Loya, head of Nagpur unit of RSS, in a statement here.

"It was his (Talatule's) individual deal with the cotton growers and RSS has nothing to do with it," he said.

Loya said Congress was dragging RSS' name into the issue by taking out protest march to its headquarters and burning effigies of its top leaders, which was "unjust".

"This shows the dirty mindset of the Congress," the statement added.

Last week, as many as 400 farmers had organised a protest in front of the Sangh headquarters against alleged non-payment of dues by Talatule, who is said to be close to the BJP leaders.

The farmers had accused the RSS of shielding Talatule, who they claimed has failed to make payments to farmers in Seloo at Wardha for their produce sold between November 2014 and May 2015.

Pro-Congress farmer outfit--Khet Mazdoor Congress--lent support to the demonstration.

The farmers claimed that they sold 20,000 quintals of cotton to Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Wardha, which in turn sold it to Prabhakar Talatule who owns a ginning and pressing unit.

They also claimed that they had met Union Minister Nitin Gadakari and Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungattiwar urging them to pressurise Talatule to pay them their dues.

The farmers, who were detained on February 28, when they were marching towards the RSS headquarters here were later let off. They have since then staging sit-in at the RBI square in the city.

The Maharashtra government has convened a high level meeting on March 9 in Mumbai to discuss the issue. This was conveyed to the agitating farmers by State Energy Minister and District Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

The meeting will be attended by Minister for Co-operation Chandrakant Patil, Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar and Bawankule himself along with officials, a government release had said earlier.
Mumbai: As investigators are trying to put together all the pieces of the Thane murders case, reports on Saturday emerged that the police have zeroed in on some aspects, which could throw some fresh light on the motive behind the crime.

35-year-old Hasnain Anwar Warekar, an income tax consultant by profession, killed 14 of his family members, including his parents, wife and children among whom were two infants, by slitting their throats after sedating them on February 28. After the crime, he committed suicide.

Here are the following points which the police are focussing on:

Hasnain, a commerce graduate who used to prepare Income Tax-related documents with a CA firm in Navi Mumbai, had heavily borrowed money from his relatives and was steeped in a huge debt of Rs 67 lakh.

The income tax consultant was also involved in share trading and had reportedly suffered huge loss.

Reports also say that Hasnain might have been in relationship with some woman, as some heartbreak messages were found on his Facebook account. Notably, he had taken a room on rent in the nearby Majiwada locality and none of his family members knew about it.

Investigators have also recovered some medicines pointing to psychological symptoms/illness from his house. The Police is hopeful that the drugs are likely to give some leads into Hasnain's state of mind before the macabre killings.

The Police is also trying to locate the pharmacy centre from here the medicines were procured and the doctor who prescribed them.

Officials are also burning midnight oil to explore the possibility of Hasnain suffering from a "split personality" disorder that might have drove him to slaughter his family.

Meanwhile, a report today said that the 35-year-old used to rape his mentally-challenged sister.

The startling fact about Hasnain came to the fore after the lone woman survivor, identified as his sister, Sabia Yusuf Bharmal (22) told the police that the accused used to rape his mentally-challenged younger sister.

The gory incident took place in Thane's Kasarvadavli area when assailant Warekar slit the victims' throats with a large knife one after the other after lacing their food with drugs.

Those killed were identified as: Anwar Warekar (father, 65), Asgari (mother, 56), Jabin (wife, 28), Mubatshira, 6, and Umera, three months old, both daughters, Shabina Shaukat Khan, 35, Maria Irfan Fakki, 28, and Batul, 30 (sisters), Anas Shaukat Khan, 12, Sadiya Shaukat Khan, 16, and Arsiya Yusuf Bharmal, five-month old (nieces), Alihasan Shaukat Khan, 5, Umer Irgan Fakki, 7, and Yusuf Irfan Khan (nephews).
Agartala: Altogether 35 infiltrators from neighbouring Bangladesh, including 24 women and three children, were apprehended by BSF from Raisyabari market in Dhalai district near Indo-Bangla international border.

Acting on a tip-off, a contingent of BSF raided the market on Friday evening, about 140 km from here, and apprehended the Bangladeshis, who came there to sell their produces, a senior police officer said today.

The Bangladeshis had entered into the Indian territory from Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), which shared a long border with Dhalai district.

Superintendent of Police (Police Control room), Uttam Bhowmik said the infiltrators did not carry any valid documents for crossing over the border and BSF handed them over them to police.

Police arrested 23 Bangladeshi infiltrators from Gandacherra of the same district on last Wednesday.

Tripura shares 856 km long border with the neighbouring country and about 750 km of the border was fenced so far to check infiltration, smuggling and cross border migration.
Washington: Madrasas along the Af-Pak border and tribal areas, in particular North Waziristan, had become a hub of terrorist activities, Pakistan's top diplomat has said, but blamed it on the Afghan refugees, who entered the country when the US pushed the Taliban out of power after the 9/11.

These madrasas had well-oiled terror infrastructure, beyond imagination, running bomb-making factories, terrorists training centers and those to train suicide bombers all under multi-storied basement under the mosque, Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told a group of defence writers here this week.

"In one mosque that I visited, I remember, in Miranshah, from outside we did not see anything. But under the mosque there were a 70-room basement, three stories, in which there were four-five IED factories, four-five suicide training centers, communication network, VIP room, conference rooms, amazing infrastructure," he said, giving details of the how deep rooted terror infrastructure had developed in Pakistan.

In North Waziristan, where the Pakistan Army had launched operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014, Aziz estimated there were 30-40 such mosques with similar kind of infrastructure.

Pakistan's tribal areas along the Af-Pak border has seven agencies and North Waziristan is one of them.

Aziz, who was here to attend the 6th US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, said this while giving details of the steps being taken by the Pakistani army against terrorists.

"According to our estimates, the IED factories in this particular agency if they had gone their way without disruption, they had enough IEDs for next 20 years for the scale of attacks that they were doing. Those have ended now. Communication infrastructure has been disrupted," Aziz said.

He, however, blamed the Afghan refugees for the tribal areas of Pakistan becoming a hub of terrorism.

"We inherited this problem of (terrorism), 9/11 onwards when people were pushed into our side of the border and they became a threat to us, because they lost their hold in their part of the world. Our tribal belt between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a very long belt and a very open territory. So they came and established themselves," he said.

"Initially they came to seek refuge, but they soon realised that unless they controlled territory and resources they can't survive there. So they started expanding their activities and by 2007-08, they had covered most of the tribal areas. They killed the tribal leaders, then they stared establishing their communication networks, IED factories, suicide training centers," he noted.

"It was unbelievable how quickly they expanded and trained themselves in the tribal belt. So we started getting large scale attacks in our cities, suicide attacks and bomb blasts," Aziz said, adding that in these 14 years, Pakistan lost about 60,000 people, including 10,000 security personnel.

He estimated the economic losses beyond USD 100 billion.

The toughest area infested with the terrorist was the North West Frontier Province, he said.

Out of seven agencies that the security forces have cleared, those groups, which could not survive there migrated or shifted their activities to North Waziristan.

"So North Waziristan by 2013 had become hub of many local and foreign terrorist groups. Our own Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which we call TTP, Chechen, Uzbeks, Chinese... It became a heart-bed of various (terrorist) things. Our own writ was very limited at that time, apart from military camps," Aziz said.

In June 2014, Pakistan Army stared operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said, adding that it was a very difficult operation.

"We have achieved the results that we needed because the entire infrastructure has been destroyed. So this has been a very successful operation," he said, adding that the Nawaz Sharif Government is determined to act against terrorism.

He told defense writers that the terrorist attack at an army-run school in Peshawar changed the entire narrative and created a consensus against terrorists in Pakistan.

"Before that there were pockets of support for them. But when this thing happened in December 2014, all the political parties agreed on a 20-point national action plan to take on terrorist groups," he said.

According to Aziz, once the anti-terrorism operation started in tribal belt, terrorist groups and leaders moved to the cities and urban centers.

"They all migrated to cities. They did not had a big infrastructure of FATA (federally administrated tribal areas), but around cities they could rent one or two houses, make small IED factory, suicide attacks or small bomb blast and their capacity to damage remained," he said.

The police and intelligence operation has resulted in apprehending of 25,000 terrorists across the country.

"As a result last year the total number of terrorist attacks have dropped by half and is gradually going down because their capacity to operate has come down," he said.

Aziz said the next phases of the National Action Plan is madrasas reforms and tightening of their funding sources.

These madrasas, he said, were jointly "funded, armed and created" by the US and Pakistan to train people to fight against the Russians in Afghanistan.

"We have about 75,000 unregistered madrassas," he said, where people are trained, brainwashed, and prepared for terrorist activities.

"All of the madrasas are not terrorist related but many of them are, so now those madrasas have been notified: Either close down or register yourself," he told separately at the Council on Foreign Affairs, a top American think-tank.

The Sharif Government, he said, is also working on de-radicalization, which means how do you win the minds and hearts of these people and curriculum reform.

"The whole counter-narrative for the extremist narrative, and particularly the ISIL narrative, is very powerful and very catchy for the young people. So you can't counter it by sermons from religious leaders. It requires a very different approach to identifying these messages and identifying the correct response to these," he said.

Aziz said that the plan is moving in the right direction because of the commitment of the Sharif Government to take action against terrorism without discrimination.
Washington: Amidst stiff opposition from India and top American lawmakers, the US government has formally published federal notification for the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

"This proposed sale contributes to US foreign policy objectives and national security goals by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner in South Asia," said the notification which was published by the federal register yesterday, along with a copy of the February 11 letter, which the Defense Security Cooperation Agency wrote to the House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan.

The total cost of these F-16 is estimated to be nearly USD 700 million, said the federal notification. It added that the Government of Pakistan had requested for this sale.

India has opposed the sale of F-16 to Pakistan, saying it disagree with Washington's rationale that such arms transfers help to combat terrorism.

Republican Senator Rand Paul has asked colleagues in the Senate to join him in opposing the sale of F-16s to Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told Defence Writers Group this week that Pakistan had initially requested for 18 F-16s, but because of "financing problem" it is purchasing just eight.

"In the last five years Pakistan air force has been saving US assistance to be able to finance these F-16. That is why, the administration has recommended that these should be sold because it is a very critical part of our counter terrorism operation," Aziz said.

These F-16, Aziz argued, are a critical tool in the war against terrorism.

When asked if this is to be used only in the tribal region, he did not rule out otherwise.

"This is part of our fleet. For the last two-three years they have extensively been used in tribal areas," Aziz said.

"Right now the specialised need is the counter-terrorism operation, for which we are heavily dependent of F-16."

According to notification published in the federal register, the proposed sale improves Pakistan's capability to meet current and future security threats.

"This sale will increase the number of aircraft available to the Pakistan Air Force to sustain operations, meet monthly training requirements, and support transition training for pilots new to the Block-52. Pakistan will have no difficulty absorbing these additional aircraft into its air force," the federal register said.

As per the notification, this sale involves the release of sensitive technology to Pakistan. The F-l 6C/D Block 50/52 weapon system uses the F-16 airframe and features advanced avionics and systems.

It contains the Pratt and Whitney F-100-PW-229 engine, AN/APG-68V(9) radar, digital flight control system, external electronic warfare equipment, Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF), LINK-16 datalink, and software computer programs.

As per federal notification, if a technologically advanced adversary were to obtain knowledge of the specific hardware or software source code in this proposed sale, the information could be used to develop countermeasures which might reduce weapon system effectiveness or be used in the development of systems with similar or advanced capabilities.

The benefits to be derived from this sale in the furtherance of the US foreign policy and national security objectives outweigh the potential damage that could result if the sensitive technology were revealed to unauthorized persons, the federal notification said.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed her lieutenant Mukul Roy had temporarily distanced him from her due to "pressure" and "harassment" from the BJP.

For long considered the second-in-command of Banerjee`s Trinamool and credited as the architect of its electoral successes, Roy fell out with party following his grilling by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in January last year in connection with the Saradha ponzi scam.

"BJP disturbed Mukul, we did not. This is not right. He was harassed politically," Banerjee told a television channel on Friday when quizzed about the reasons for the temporary snapping of ties between Roy and Trinamool.

However, Banerjee denied there were any major parting of ways.

"There was no parting of ways. Because of the way they mentally pressurized him, he distanced himself (from Trinamool). But there were no major differences," she told 24 Ghanta.

After the CBI summoned him for questioning, Roy had gone against the Trinamool line that the CBI was targeting the party, and said in early 2015 that he would "fully cooperate" with the probe agency.

Roy - a former railway minister - started skipping Trinamool meetings, Banerjee stripped him of all his posts, and relegated him to the Rajya Sabha back benches. There was much speculation of Roy either floating a new political outfit or join some other party particularly the Congress.

However, the mending of fences started after Roy and Banerjee exchanged pleasantries in parliament, during the chief minister`s visit to New Delhi in December 2015.

Subsequently he found his way into a Trinamool delegation that met Union Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptulla in Delhi, signalling his return to the Trinamool mainstream.

Over the past month, Roy has regained a substantial portion of his earlier clout and has been made all India vice president of the party.
Kolkata: Amid speculation that JNU Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumar would campaign for the Left parties in the five poll-bound states including West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday said it would "not have any impact" on the prospect of her party.

"Let them come. How does it matter? It is a democratic country. Anyone can come for campaigning. It will not have any impact on the prospect of TMC," the West Bengal Chief Minister said.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Friday said in Delhi that Kumar, as a Left activist, will "campaign" for the Left parties in the five states where elections are due this year.

West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will go to polls in April and May. Kumar is a leader of All India Students' Federation, the students' wing of CPI.

"Our people also fought for them in Parliament," she said referring to the the party MPs who protested against the government action on Kumar in Parliament.

"Let them think about Kerala first. I have decided to go to Kerala and expose the nexus between Congress and CPI(M)," she said.

Talks are on about a tie-up between Congress and CPI(M) for the Assembly polls in West Bengal but the two parties are rivals in Kerala which will also go to polls.
Idomeni: Some 13,000 refugees are crammed in unhygienic conditions on Greece`s border with Macedonia, officials said Saturday, with all eyes on a key EU-Turkey summit on Monday that is seen as the only viable solution to the crisis.

The huge influx of refugees and migrants has caused major tensions and divisions within the European Union, but EU President Donald Tusk on Friday struck an upbeat note about Monday`s summit in Brussels, which will include Turkey.

European leaders are expected to use the summit to press Ankara to take back more economic migrants from Greece and reduce the flow of people across the Aegean Sea.

Greece has been plunged at the heart of Europe`s greatest migration crisis in six decades after a series of border restrictions along the migrant trail, from Austria to Macedonia has caused a bottleneck on its soil.

Over 30,000 refugees and migrants have been trapped in the country, around a third of them at Idomeni border crossing, where aid groups report food and tent shortages.

"There are 13,000 people here and nearly 20,000 in this prefecture, over 60 percent of the country`s entire refugee and migrant flow," Apostolos Tzitzikostas, regional governor of Greece`s central Macedonia prefecture, told Skai television on Saturday.

"We can no longer shoulder this strain by ourselves."

Adding to the EU tensions, Bulgaria said Saturday it will send more than 400 troops and security personnel to guard its border with Greece, amid fears the migrant flow along the Balkan route will pick up with the onset of warmer weather.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel -- a key player in the drama -- meanwhile said Greece should have been quicker in preparing to host 50,000 people under an agreement with the European Union in October.

"Greece should have created 50,000 accommodation places for refugees by the end of 2015," Merkel told Bild newspaper in an interview to appear Sunday.

"This delay must be addressed as soon as possible as the Greek government must provide decent lodgings" to asylum claimants, she said.

Greece sent in the army in February to speed up the creation of open camps for migrants and refugees but has occasionally run into opposition from local authorities.The Doctors Without Borders charity on Saturday began erecting additional tents at Idomeni to shelter over 1,000 people who could not fit in the camp and have been sleeping in muddy fields and ditches, an AFP reporter said.

In past days, the mainly Syrian and Iraqi refugees have regularly held protests in front of the barbed-wire fence guarded by Macedonian riot police, demanding to be allowed through.

Hussam, a 25-year-old Syrian, says the refugees are hoping that Monday`s EU-Turkey summit will provide a breakthrough.

"We are calm now because we are hoping for a positive outcome on Monday, that they will help us pass," Hussam said. "If there isn`t one, I don`t know what will happen."

According to Greek officials, Macedonia has allowed some 2,000 people through its borders in the last two weeks. The same number of people fleeing war and poverty arrive in Greece from neighbouring Turkey in two days.

Some 200 people were allowed through between Friday and Saturday, with Macedonian police calling into question registration documents handed to refugees by Greek police at the islands.

In many cases, the documents do not carry full dates of birth, only the year, while disputes over the correct colour of a police stamp can also hold up the process for hours.

Athens is building additional facilities to house the refugees and migrants, but many prefer to go to the border in the hope of eventually getting through, and are stuck there for days and weeks.

"I haven`t bathed in 15 days," said Almuthanna, a 35-year-old Iraqi stranded at the camp with his family for eight days.

"One of my sons is ill and there`s no medicine. This is war too, only they don`t kill you with a gun, but slowly," he told AFP.

"We hope the politicians will reach a solution on Monday. Hope is all we have left. It will be disastrous if no solution is found," he said.

Greece has asked the EU for 480 million euros ($526 million) in emergency funds to help shelter 100,000 refugees. A senior UN migration official has warned that the numbers stuck in Greece will probably reach 70,000 in the coming weeks.

str/jph/pdw
United Nations: As many as 69 (rpt) allegations of sexual exploitation were received by the UN against its peacekeepers last year with no Indian personnel involved in any wrongdoing, according to the world body's new report.

Most number of peacekeepers accused of sexual abuse in 2015 were from Congo, Morocco, South Africa, Cameroon, Rwanda and Tanzania, the UN said in its latest report on special measures to protect people from crimes of sexual abuse and exploitation.

The UN report for the first time has given nationalities of the peacekeepers involved in sexual exploitation cases.

The total number of allegations recorded in 2015 was 69, up from 52 allegations recorded last year. The increase from 2014 was largely due to the number of cases reported in United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) at 22. MINUSCA was established in September 2014, and it reported no cases before 2015.

On the whole, 99 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse were uncovered by the United Nations in 2015 across the organisation. No Indians were among the peacekeepers accused of sexual abuse.

"I'm ashamed to call myself a peacekeeper on some of these days when I see cases like this," UN Under Secretary- General for Field Support Atul Khare told reporters here referring to the pregnancy of a 13-year old girl as he presented the findings of the report.

"What we need to do is not detract from the good work which is done by hundreds of thousands of peacekeepers. We need to find these culprits who bring a bad name to peacekeeping, who actually create problems within the country in which they find themselves, and most importantly who destroy young innocent lives. And we need to punish them in a certain manner that nobody else in the future will ever think of doing that," he said.

India has strongly condemned the cases of sexual exploitation carried out by peacekeepers and stressed that it has a zero tolerance policy towards such conduct.

India has 7,798 peacekeepers in 10 UN missions across the world.

India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin had told a session of the United Nations Special Committee for Peacekeeping Operations last month that "my delegation is appalled by the recent cases of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) which have surfaced in some of the UN Peacekeeping Operations."

"My delegation strongly condemns these unpardonable acts when the protector becomes the perpetrator. We have a zero tolerance policy on SEA cases and would like that there is zero tolerance on such issues across the UN too," he had said.

Last December, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon had pledged to urgently review recommendations made by an independent panel which found that the UN did not act with the "speed, care or sensitivity required" when it uncovered information about crimes committed against children by soldiers -- not under UN command -? sent to the Central African Republic (CAR) to protect civilians.
Cairo: At least 135 people were killed in areas covered by the cessation of hostilities during the first week of the truce, which came into force in some parts of Syria on February 27, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said on Saturday.

The London-based NGO said the victims included 45 people from rebel fighters and Islamist factions and 32 civilians, including seven children and seven women.

A total of 25 members of Syrian regime and National Defence forces were killed, in addition to the death of 33 combatants from the People's Protection Units, Nusra Front, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda in Syria, and other Islamist factions.

Most of the victims were killed in airstrikes and clashes during the period between February 27 and March 4 in Syrian areas where the cease-fire entered into force, including the province of Latakia, Western Ghouta and Eastern Ghouta, located on the outskirts of Damascus, and the northern province of Aleppo.
Beijing stepped up its rhetoric against Taiwanese independence on Saturday, with Premier Li Keqiang warning against "separatist activities" on the island and pledging to safeguard China`s "territorial integrity".

Li`s comments at the opening of the mainland`s National People`s Congress (NPC) parliament came weeks after Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the Beijing-sceptic Democratic People`s Party, was elected Taiwan`s next president.

Beijing will "oppose separatist activities for the independence of Taiwan" and "safeguard China`s sovereignty and territorial integrity", Li told the Communist-controlled legislature.

Both clauses were additions to the remarks he made on the issue at last year`s NPC, when the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang of current leader Ma Ying-jeou was still hoping to retain power in Taipei.

China and Taiwan split in 1949 after a civil war but Beijing still considers the self-ruled island part of its territory awaiting reunification, and has an estimated 1,500 missiles aimed at stopping Taiwan from declaring independence.

Beijing has repeatedly asserted its belief in the "1992 consensus", which says that there is only "one China", despite allowing Taiwan to make its own interpretation.

But the DPP -- which does not recognise either the "one China" principle or the "consensus" -- triumphed in the island`s January parliamentary and presidential elections as voters turned their backs on closer ties with the mainland.

Li Keqiang spoke Saturday of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait as "fellow compatriots" belonging to "one and the same family" sharing a "common destiny".

The phrasing echoed President Xi Jinping`s rhetoric from last November, when the leaders of China and Taiwan reached across decades of Cold War-era estrangement and rivalry to exchange a historic handshake in the first summit since the two sides split.

"We are brothers connected by flesh even if our bones are broken. We are a family whose blood is thicker than water," Xi said then.

Tsai will take office in May, and though she has radically toned down her party`s traditionally pro-independence platform, analysts agree a deterioration of ties is inevitable.
Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested building a new city in northern Syria to house some of the millions of refugees escaping the country`s civil war, reports said Saturday.

Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul late Friday that the new city would be located near the Turkish border and said he had even discussed the idea with US President Barack Obama.

"I am going to tell you something. What is the formula? We found a city in the north of Syria," said Erdogan, quoted by the Anatolia news agency.

He said that the city would be 4,500 square kilometres in area and its infrastructure could be built in cooperation with the international community.

Refugees from Syria could be "resettled" there, he said. Such an area would make the city comparable to some of the largest urban centres in the United States.

"We have discussed this with Mr Obama and even set the coordinates but it has not yet come to fruition," said Erdogan. He gave no timescale for how the project could be realised.

Turkey has repeatedly sought to persuade its Western allies to help create a so-called safe zone inside Syria that could house Syrian refugees.

But this appears to to be the first time that Erdogan has proposed building a permanent city in which they could be housed.

Turkey is currently home to an estimated 2.7 million Syria refugees who fled the five year civil war and has complained of the lack of international support in looking after them.
Washington: Five more states including Louisiana and Kansas have begun voting in the hotly contested White House primary race, with Republican challengers like Marco Rubio desperate to cut into Donald Trump's lead.

The contests will provide the first test of whether the Republican establishment's desperate effort to end the inevitability of his drive to the party's nomination is having any effect among voters.

The brash billionaire is ahead in the all-important delegate count for the Republicans, having won 10 of the 15 states that have voted to date in the process that determines the nominees for both parties.

Hillary Clinton is well ahead of rival Senator Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side, hoping to expand her lead as she inches closer to securing the nomination.

Clinton and Sanders do battle yesterday in Kansas, Louisiana and Nebraska, while the Republicans are contesting Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana and Maine.

The former secretary of state is expected to dominate in Louisiana, the weekend's biggest prize, because of its large African-American vote.

But Sanders could bounce back in the other two states - plus Maine, which holds its Democratic caucus today - because they have largely white populations, a demographic with which Sanders has done well.

The GOP race has been winnowed down to four candidates - the political outsider Trump, Florida's Rubio, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Governor John Kasich - with many in the Republican establishment in virtual panic over whether anyone can stop Trump's march to the nomination.

Yesterday's races are wedged between far more consequential contests: the dozen states that voted on "Super Tuesday" March 1 and the big battles on March 15, when many Republican races, including in Rubio's Florida and Kasich's Ohio, become winner-take-all affairs.

Trump made waves when he cancelled a scheduled yesterday morning appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington, opting instead to hold a rally in Wichita, Kansas.

The move angered members of the American Conservative Union which hosts CPAC.

"I think it was a big mistake for Donald Trump not to be here," ACU chairman Matt Schlapp told CNN.

Trump told the Wichita crowd that Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican nominee who on Thursday called Trump "a fraud," was a "loser" who should have defeated President Barack Obama.

"It's the establishment. The establishment is against us," Trump said.

"We're going to change things so badly and so quickly, it's going to go so fast, and you're going to be so proud."
Washington: Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton has called for the adoption of "corporate patriotism" which will enable the US corporate sector to first create jobs inside the country and not overseas.

"I'm not asking corporations to be charitable, although that's important. I'm asking corporations to realise that when Americans prosper, they prosper too. The idea of corporate patriotism might sound quaint in era of vast multinationals, but it's the right thing to do and the smart thing to do as well," she said.

Laying a vision of her economic policies, Clinton in a major policy speech also called for creation of "good paying jobs" in the country that can not be outsourced.

"Throughout this campaign, I've said that creating good-paying jobs and raising incomes is the defining economic challenge of our time, and that in order to get where I want us to go, we need growth that is strong, fair, and long-term. That's why we need a new bargain for the new economy," Clinton said in a in a major policy speech in Detroit.

Clinton, 68, who is leading in polls and all set to be the first presidential woman nominee of a major political party in the US, said that a new bargain should ensure that the jobs of the future are good-paying American jobs.

Clinton said her "new bargain" was built on three principles: corporations have to do right by their communities and our country, employers should treat workers like assets to be invested in, rather than costs to be cut and government should stop rewarding greed and special interests and instead invest in the sources of the good jobs of the future.

She specifically offered a new "clawback" proposal that would rescind tax relief and other incentives for corporations if they move overseas any jobs, facilities or production that had benefitted from the tax breaks.

The revenue raised by the clawback would be used to encourage investment in the US ? including in the communities that had seen jobs or production depart.

"Corporations benefit in so many ways from being right here in the United States. But too often, this relationship feels like a one-way street. Too many are not holding up their end of the bargain. They don't recognise that one of the biggest assets on their balance sheet in America," she said.

Clinton said many leaders in corporate America were prioritising their short-term stock price over their workers and their communities.

"We can't forget the damage caused by trickle-down economics and right-wing ideologues who believe in weakening government oversight, massive tax cuts for the rich, ripping away the safety net, and breaking the backs of unions," she said.

Sending a clear message to every board room and executive suite, Clinton warned that they would be held accountable if they cheat employees, exploit customers, pollute the environment or rip off the taxpayers.

"This country has given you so much. If you desert America, you'll pay a price. But do the right thing, invest in your workers and your country's future, and we will stand with you. And here's how it should work," she said.

"To discourage bad behaviour, we'll make companies pay for what are called inversions under the tax code, which means they pretend to sell themselves to a company overseas. And then they pretend to move their headquarters overseas," Clinton said.

"I call it a perversion, but under the tax code it's called an inversion. We will make you pay for that with a new exit tax," she said.
Bratislava: Incumbent leftist Prime Minsiter Robert Fico has won Slovakia's general election, but lost his comfortable parliamentary majority on the back of a strident anti-refugee platform.

An exit poll by the private Markiza TV station showed his Smer-Social Democrats (Smer-SD) party taking 27.3 per cent of the vote followed by the liberal Freedom and Solidarity SaS with 13.3 per cent and conservative OLANO-NOVA which took 11.2 per cent.

At least seven other parties entered parliament according to the poll, including the far-right Slovak National Party (SNS) with eight per cent, touted by analysts as a possible Fico coalition partner.

It's "a big mishmash and a huge number of political parties in parliament", Fico told reporters as he arrived at his Smer-SD party headquarters minutes ahead of the end of voting.

The extreme right nationalist LS-Nase Slovensko (Our Slovakia) led by Marian Kotleba also made it into the 150-seat parliament with 6.8 per cent, according to the Markiza poll.

Two other parties, Most-Hid (Bridge) representing the ethnic Hungarian minority took 7.30 per cent support, while the liberal Siet (The Net) party made its debut in parliament with 6.7 per cent.

Fico's strongly anti-refugee policies echo those of other hardliners in the EU's poorer ex-communist east, including Czech President Milos Zeman, Hungarian Premier Viktor Orban and Poland's Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

All have shunned refugees as Europe grapples with its worst migration and humanitarian crisis since World War II.
Washington: With Pakistan having a nuclear arsenal that could fall into wrong hands in the event of the south Asian country becoming unstable, neighbour India could act as a check, US presidential aspirant Donald Trump has asserted.

Aspirant for the Republican Party nomination for the US presidency, Trump suggested the involvement of India if Pakistan goes unstable, emphasising that the country could go rogue despite there being some semblance of sanity at the moment when compared to North Korea.

"India's the check to Pakistan. And you have to get India involved. They have their own nukes, they have a very powerful army. They seem to be the real checkmate," Trump was cited by Tolo news as having said during a presidential debate on Friday.

"They seem to be the real group, and I would start talking at that level very, very quickly," Trump asserted.

Trump also was of the view that US forces should remain in Afghanistan to protect the nuclear weapons of Pakistan.

"I think you have to stay in Afghanistan for a while, because of the fact that you are right next to Pakistan, which has nuclear weapons and we have to protect that," he said, adding that "nuclear weapons change the game".

While pointing towards the nuclear weapons that Islamabad possesses, Trump had last year also said that Pakistan was "a serious problem" if it became unstable in the future.
Sanaa: Yemeni authorities have blamed the Islamic State group for an attack on an elderly care home run by missionaries that killed 16 people and was condemned by Pope Francis as "diabolical".

Rival jihadist movement al Qaeda distanced itself from the mass shooting in the main southern city of Aden, saying it was not responsible.

Gunmen stormed the refuge operated by Mother Teresa`s Missionaries of Charity on Friday, killing a Yemeni guard before tying up and shooting 15 other employees, officials said.

Four foreign nuns working as nurses were among those killed.

The Vatican missionary news agency Fides identified the nuns as two Rwandans, a Kenyan and an Indian, adding that the mother superior managed to hide and survive while an Indian priest was missing.

Screams of elderly residents echoed from the home during the shooting rampage, witnesses said, recounting seeing the bodies of slain workers with their arms tied behind their backs scattered on the bloodstained floor as the aged residents cried out in fear.

No group has yet claimed the attack in the war-torn country, where the internationally recognised government is grappling with both an Iran-backed rebellion and a growing jihadist presence.An unnamed Yemeni presidency source in Riyadh said that those behind such "treacherous terrorist acts" are individuals who have "sold themselves to the devil," in a statement on the official sabanew.net website.

"There was no trace of these groups, which go under the name of the Islamic State or (its Arabic acronym) Daesh" when pro-government forces were battling the Huthi rebels and their allies to push them out of Aden last year, the source said, accusing them of "switching roles" with the Iran-backed rebels.

In a statement addressed to the residents of Aden, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), also known as Ansar al-Sharia, denied "any links to the attack on the elderly care home".

"These are not our operations and this is not our way of fighting," said the group, which has seized parts of southern and eastern

Qaeda has previously criticised IS for attacks on Shiite mosques in Yemen that left dozens dead.

Qaeda and IS have stepped up attacks in Aden, targeting mainly loyalists and members of a Saudi-led coalition battling the rebels since March last year.

The Huthi rebels controlled Aden for months before government loyalists pushed them out in July.

President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has declared the city to be Yemen`s temporary capital as Sanaa has been in the hands of the Huthi rebels and their allies since September 2014.

But Hadi and many senior officials spend most of their time in Riyadh.The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which backs the Yemeni government, "strongly" condemned the care home attack which it said "reveals the goals of forces which are against the return of security and stability to Yemen".

The Vatican`s Secretary of State Pietro Parolin meanwhile said that "his Holiness Pope Francis was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the killing of four Missionaries of Charity (nuns) and 12 others at a home for the elderly in Aden."

"He sends the assurance of his prayers for the dead and his spiritual closeness to their families and to all affected from this act of senseless and diabolical violence," Cardinal Parolin said in a statement.

Friday`s shooting was not the first deady attack on the Mother Teresa order in Yemen.

In 1998, three of its nuns were shot dead in western Yemen by a psychiatric patient who had volunteered to fight alongside Bosnian Muslims in 1992 before returning to the Arabian Peninsula country.

In December, suspected jihadists blew up a small deserted Catholic church in Aden dating from the 1950s when the city was a British protectorate.

Months earlier in September, masked arsonists had torched the Saint Joseph Catholic church in the central Crater neighbourhood of Aden.

Of the 22 churches that operated in Aden when the city was a British colony before 1967, only a few remain open, used rarely by foreign workers and African refugees.
The Hague: The Marshall Islands has accused India, Pakistan and Britain of failing to halt the nuclear arms race and will place the matter before the UN`s highest court next week to ensure that a lawsuit is initiated against them.

According to reports, lawyers representing the small Pacific Island nation will launch the opening salvos in the International Court of Justice, which will examine whether it is competent to hear the lawsuits against India and Pakistan.

The hearing against Britain is scheduled to take place on the coming Wednesday.

The Marshall Islands, a Pacific Ocean territory with 72,000 people, in 2014 had accused nine countries of not fulfilling their obligations with respect to the cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament, reported The Express Tribune.

The tiny island nation said that China, Britain, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia and the United States continued to breach their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), even if the treaty was not signed by India and Pakistan.

Focusing on the threat of global warming, causing the world`s oceans to rise, the Marshall Islands said it cannot ignore other major threat to its survival.

In March 2014, the Marshall Islands marked 60 years since the devastating hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll that vapourised an island.

The 15-megaton test on March 1, 1954 exposed thousands in the surrounding area to radioactive fallout and was part of the intense Cold War nuclear arms race.The explosion was 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
United Nations: The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented a total of 3,081 civilians killed in Yemen since March 26, 2015, a UN spokesman told reporters here on Friday.

In February 2016 alone, at least 168 civilians were killed and 193 injured, around two thirds of them by the Saudi-led Arab coalition airstrikes, deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq said at a daily news briefing.

"Fighting and indiscriminate shelling by members of the Popular Committees affiliated with the Houthis and allied army units loyal to former president Saleh resulted in an additional 49 civilian casualties during February, mostly in Taizz, Ibb and Al Jawf," Haq was quoted by Xinhua.

"There have also been worrying allegations, which the Human Rights Office is still working to verify, that coalition forces dropped cluster bombs on a mountainous area to the south of the Amran cement factory, where a military unit loyal to the Houthis appears to have been the target," he said.

Stephen O'Brien, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, said on Thursday that since the start of the conflict in Yemen, more than 2,000 children have been killed and injured during the fightings, including more than 90 deaths this year alone.

The Saudi-led coalition started daily air bombing on the Shiite Houthi rebels and their allied forces since March 2015, vowing to drive out the rebels and retrieve Sanaa, the capital.

Yemen has been mired in an all-out civil war since September 2014, when the Shiite Houthi group backed by forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh invaded the capital Sanaa and drove President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile. The war has killed nearly 6,000 people.
Aden: Pope Francis has slammed as "diabolical" an attack on an elderly care home in Yemen which killed at least 16 people, including four nuns, the Vatican said on Saturday.

"His Holiness Pope Francis was shocked and profoundly saddened to learn of the killing of four Missionaries of Charity and 12 others at a home for the elderly in Aden," the Vatican`s Secretary of State Pietro Parolin said.

"He sends the assurance of his prayers for the dead and his spiritual closeness to their families and to all affected from this act of senseless and diabolical violence," Cardinal Parolin said in a statement.

Four gunmen stormed the facility housing dozens in Aden`s Sheikh Othman district on Friday, killing a guard before tying up and shooting employees, security officials told AFP.

Screams of elderly residents echoed from the home during the shooting rampage, witnesses said. Among the dead were four Indian nurses, while the rest of those killed were Yemenis.

The Argentine pontiff "prays that this pointless slaughter will awaken consciences, lead to a change of heart, and inspire all parties to lay down their arms and take up the path of dialogue," Parolin said.

"He calls upon all parties in the present conflict to renounce violence, and to renew their commitment to the people of Yemen, particularly those most in need, whom the sisters and their helpers sought to serve," he added.

No group claimed responsibility for Friday`s attack, the first of its kind in Yemen, where the internationally-recognised government is grappling with an Iran-backed rebellion on one side and a growing jihadist presence on the other.

One official said the attackers were "extremists" and blamed the Islamic State group, which has been gaining ground in Aden in recent months.

The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council backing the Yemeni government "strongly" condemned the attack which it said "reveals the goals of forces which are against the return of security and stability to Yemen".

President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi has declared Aden Yemen`s temporary capital as Sanaa remains in the hands of the Huthi rebels and their allies since they seized it in September 2014.

ide/wdb
United Nations: Saudi Arabia's UN ambassador has said there was no need for a UN Security Council resolution to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is waging a military campaign.

"We don't think that a resolution is needed at this time," Ambassador Abdallah al-Mouallimi told a news conference yesterday.

His remarks came after the 15-member council expressed grave concern for the worsening situation in Yemen, where the coalition launched air strikes nearly a year ago to back Yemeni forces fighting Shiite Hutu rebels.

The council is considering a new resolution to press for more humanitarian aid deliveries and to stress the importance of protecting hospitals from attacks.

The United Nations says more than 80 per cent of the population is in dire need of food, medicine and other basic necessities and the crisis ranks as a "Level 3 emergency", the most serious in the UN system.

Mouallimi said that UN aid officials and the UN envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, agreed with him that there is no need for new action by the Security Council.

Asked about the ambassador's comments, the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said: "OCHA cannot comment on what a diplomat may say he has heard. The Security Council takes such decisions and makes such recommendations as it sees fit."

The ambassador cautioned that any new resolution could prolong the war "because the Huthis would now feel that they have a new lease on life with something other than 2216."

Adopted last year, Resolution 2216, which was drafted by Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partners, demands that the Huthis withdraw from all territory seized in their offensive.

More than 6,000 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition began its air strikes campaign in late March last year.

The United Nations is pushing for peace talks between the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, the Huthi rebels and their allies, but those efforts have been deadlocked over disagreements on a ceasefire.

Mouallimi said he hoped that talks could resume by March 15.
Kabul: The Taliban on Saturday refused to resume long-stalled peace talks with the Afghan government, reiterating their preconditions for holding dialogue, a statement said.

"We want to repeat our stance once again that until the occupation of foreign troops ends, until Taliban names are removed from international blacklists and until our detainees are released, talks will yield no results," it said.

The statement comes as direct face-to-face talks between the militant group and the Kabul government were expected to start in Islamabad this week.

"We unequivocally state that the esteemed leader of Islamic Emirate (Taliban) has not authorised anyone to participate in this meeting and neither has the Leadership Council of Islamic Emirate decided to partake in it," the statement added.

The announcement is a blow to efforts by Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the United States to restart negotiations aimed at ending the Taliban's long and bloody insurgency in Afghanistan.

Delegates from the four countries met in Kabul late February for a fourth round of talks aimed at reviving the nascent peace process, which stalled last summer.

The quartet had called for a direct dialogue between the Taliban and Kabul by this week, a deadline that analysts called "completely unrealistic".

Kabul has repeatedly called for all Taliban groups to sit at the negotiating table though President Ashraf Ghani has said his government will not make peace with those who kill civilians.

A first round of direct talks was held last summer in Pakistan, but the process quickly derailed after the announcement of the death of Taliban founder Mullah Omar.
Ankara: Turkish police have raided the offices of Zaman, the country`s biggest newspaper, hours after a court ruling placed it under state control.

Police entered the building in Istanbul late on Friday, firing tear gas at protestors who had gathered outside, BBC reported.

Zaman is closely linked to the Hizmet movement of influential US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey said Hizmet is a "terrorist" group aiming to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan`s government. Many Hizmet supporters were arrested in the raid.

Gulen was once an ally of Erdogan but the two fell out.

The government in Ankara has come under increasing international criticism over its treatment of journalists.

The court ruled on Friday that Zaman, which has a circulation of some 650,000, should now be run by administrators. No explanation was given.

Later, hundreds of Zaman supporters gathered outside the newspaper`s offices to protest the state takeover. One held a placard saying: "We will fight for a free press."

"I believe that free media will continue even if we have to write on the walls," Zaman`s editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici said shortly before the raid.

"I don`t think it is possible to silence media in the digital age," he added.

He was speaking to the Cihan news agency, which was also affected by the court order.

In a tweet, Zaman journalist Emre Soncan wrote: "Turkey`s government confiscated one of the country`s last critical voices, #Zaman Daily... The end of democracy."

His colleague Abdullah Ayasun tweeted: "An army of riot police inside Zaman. They threw me out."

The newspaper`s website was functioning on Saturday but did not carry news of the raid.

The US state department described the takeover as "the latest in a series of troubling judicial and law enforcement actions taken by the Turkish government".

The move against Zaman comes days after Turkey`s Constitutional Court ordered the release from detention of two Turkish journalists charged with revealing state secrets.

Can Dundar and Erdem Gul, from the newspaper Cumhuriyet, were detained in November over a report alleging that the Turkish government had tried to ship arms to Islamists in Syria.

The pair still face possible life sentences at their trial on 25 March.

Last year, two newspapers and two television channels were put under state administration over their alleged links with the Hizmet movement.

Turkey ranks 149th among the 180 countries in the Reporters Without Borders` World Press Freedom Index 2015.

However, the government argues that journalism in Turkey is among the most free in the world.
Damascus: Two people found guilty of "refugee smuggling" that lead to the much-publicised case of the drowning of Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi and four other refugees were sentenced to four years and two months in prison.

On Friday, a court in Turkey jailed two Syrian men, Mufawaka Alabash and Asem Alfrhad, for smuggling but acquitted them on charges of negligent homicide, CNN reported.

They had faced up to 35 years in prison had they been convicted of causing the death of five people "through deliberate negligence".

Aylan, the refugee toddler whose death prompted an outpouring of sympathy from around the world, and his relatives drowned when their boat capsized during a perilous crossing from Turkey to Greece.

Images of a rescue worker scooping up his limp body marked a turning point in the debate over how to handle the surge of people fleeing to Europe.

The boy and his family were trying to reach relatives in Canada`s Vancouver.

Alan`s mother and five-year old brother also died in the accident. They were buried in Kobani, the Syrian city they had left behind to escape the daily barrage of bombs.

Of his immediate family, his father, Abdullah Kurdi, was the only survivor. Other relatives, including an aunt and uncle, made it to Canada as refugees.

The boy`s family was among throngs of desperate men and women who are fleeing in overcrowded, sometimes deadly journeys by land and sea. Many have children in tow.

So far this year, migrant and refugee arrivals via the Mediterranean have reached almost 130,000, according to the International Organisation for Migration.

More than 400 people have died making the treacherous journey this year alone, it says.
While the railroad at Disneyland in Anaheim, California is out of service for a year and a half while the route is being changed and "The Star Wars Experience" is being built, I thought it might be fun to take you for a ride on The Western River Railroad at Tokyo Disneyland, which remains exactly the same as it was on park opening in 1983.

While the railroads at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris run around the perimeter of the parks and are a both a method of transportation as well as an attraction (the latter at some parks more than others), the railroad at Tokyo Disneyland is something else entirely.

Because of burdensome government regulations regarding railroad operation which would have prevented a typical Disney-style railroad that circled the park with multiple stations, the executives at The Oriental Land Company (a consortium of well-known Japanese corporations formed specifically to build and operate the Tokyo Disney park) and Walt Disney Imagineering cleverly decided to do something different.

Called "The Western River Railroad," the attraction has four steam powered trains: The Colorado, The Mississippi, The Missouri, and The Rio Grande. There is only one station, which sits atop the entrance to The Jungle Cruise in Adventureland. It functions solely as an attraction, and so there's a lot more to see (particularly after the subsequent construction of some major attractions after the park opened).

From the station, the train runs around the perimeter of the Jungle Cruise and then past a small scenic station called Stillwater Junction. The tracks then curve around and begin to follow the bank of the Rivers of America in Westernland (known as Frontierland at all other Disney parks). Along the way, various animals, the burning settler's cabin, Indian braves, and Indian villages can be seen. There is also a nest of bald eagle chicks with their parents, and a tribe of prairie dogs. Often the train runs parallel to the Mark Twain steamboat. It's all cleverly done so that there are gaps in the flora which allow you to see to the far side of the riverbank.

Continuing into Critter Country, the train passes The Beaver Brothers Canoes (the Davy Crockett Explorer or Indian War Canoes as they used to be known at Disneyland) and Splash Mountain. The train literally runs beside these attractions, providing great views.

Continuing to circle around the banks of The Rivers of America, the trains reenter Westernland, passing directly beside Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (trains from that attraction frequently zip by), before it heads into a tunnel for Primeval World  a duplicate of the attraction at Disneyland, which consists of many of the dinosaurs and scenes from the New York World's Fair of 1964/65.

The Western River Railroad is unique in combining both tranquility with the kinetic energy provided by multiple moving vehicles from the many attractions it closely passes. And with every one its four trains running all the time, you rarely have to wait.

Now take your own trip! (I must admit it was a bit chilly at 35 degrees, but in Tokyo the parks are packed year round.)
bobdiamond1

Reuters

Bob Diamond is arguably the best CEO Barclays ever had and the latest rumour that he's about to buy Barclays' Africa assets just cements that theory.

The Financial Times is reporting that Diamond has "held preliminary talks with global investors who he hopes will put hundreds of millions of dollars into a deal to buy Barclays African operations outside of South Africa."

As the FT highlighted, "the audacious move comes after Barclays announced plans to sell its African operations."

It's pretty sweet revenge for Diamond as the deal would mean snapping up one of his old employers' most profitable assets  returns from Barclays' Africa unit far outstrip those of the investment bank.

For example, in 2015, return on tangible equity for Barclays Africa banking was at 11.7% compared with 6% at the investment bank. Earnings also surged 11% last year.

Diamond has always had an eye for what makes a profit and how to run an investment bank and right up until a group of traders in Barclays were found to have attempted to rig LIBOR  he was one of the world's most successful banking CEOs.

The FT said Diamond's acquisition of the Africa unit could be Barclays' "nightmare scenario": "Imagine the boardroom two years hence, when news breaks that Diamond is floating the business for twice what he paid for it. The horror!"

Confusingly, Barclays Africa got in touch with me via Twitter saying the following:

Tweet Embed:

https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/705739089035857920

@LiannaBrinded Barclays Africa is financially-independent, listed independently, we aren't selling our ops in Africa pic.twitter.com/LUR5EqdXku

"Earn success every day"

Diamond left his post as Barclays' boss soon after the lender became the first bank in the world to settle with US and UK authorities after the LIBOR scandal.

Story continues

LIBOR  or the London Interbank Offered Rate  is the daily measure meant to show the rate at which banks will lend to each other and is used to set the price of hundreds of trillions of dollars worth of financial products.

bob diamond

ReutersBut up until then Barclays was directly competing with Wall Street behemoths and successfully managed to secure funding from Qatar in order to avoid a bailout from the government during the financial crisis.

He was a Wall Street man on the Square Mile. An American rock star in The City.

Diamond's motto was "earn success every day," and that was his employees' war cry. During Diamond's reign, Barclays was all about risk, high returns, and a focus on cutting-edge trading technology. Retail finance was a mere sidecar to keep consumer operations in order.

Despite not being directly implicated in the LIBOR fixing, Diamond was largely blamed for fostering the "toxic culture" that led to the bank's fixing fine.

He was then replaced by the now-fired CEO Antony Jenkins  known as the "Mr. Nice" of banking who was the bank's retail chief before his elevation. He was the exact fit for what Barclays was looking for at the time  someone to keep the public and politicians happy after the Libor crisis. His clunky motto was "helping people achieve their ambitions, the right way."

He was the antidote to Diamond. And he was fired in 2015. Barclays then hired Jes Staley who was tipped to unravel everything Jenkins had done.

However, after Staley unveiled a loss for 2015, a new structure, and his proposed sell-off of Barclays Africa  it looks like the bank is giving Diamond all the tools he needs to build his own empire.

bobdiamond1

ReutersDiamond's empire

Staley's Barclays Africa unit sell-off is incredibly myopic. The short-term gains from a sale should be outweighed by the prospects of greater returns.

But this is why and where Diamond proves his mettle. Much like his careful long-term craft of building Barclays into a globally competitive bank  he is already creating his own empire through long-term views of Africa.

When Diamond left Barclays in 2012 he quickly set up Atlas Mara in 2013 a London-listed group that provides a vehicle for investing in African banks. Basically it was formed to undertake the acquisition of target banks in Africa.

Atlas Mara is already a success. It raised $635 million (441 million) on the London Stock Exchange, has 1,600 employees, and $2.6 billion in assets.

Diamond may have set up Atlas Mara relatively quickly but the group provides a comprehensive explanation on its site and through investor presentations about how Africa may still be developing but the long-term returns could be massive.

So watch this space. Diamond may not be in The City or on Wall Street anymore but he is creating his own empire which may make Barclays kick itself for letting him walk out the door in the first place.

NOW WATCH: The days of restaurant tipping are dying

See Also:

SEE ALSO: Leaked document from the New York Fed says Barclays was 'weak' at preventing rogue traders
By Irene Klotz

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - Astronaut Scott Kelly said on Friday he returned from a record-long U.S. spaceflight with sore muscles, joint pain, over-sensitive skin and a sense he had been away for more than a year.

It seemed like I lived there forever, Kelly told reporters at the Johnson Space Center in Houston and on a conference call during his first news conference since returning from a 340-day mission aboard the International Space Station.

Kellys mission, which was about twice as long as astronauts typically serve aboard the station, was part of a pathfinder program to prepare for missions to Mars that will last more than two years.

Kelly, a veteran of three previous spaceflights, said he initially felt well after landing in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, but then fatigue and muscle soreness quickly set in.

Im kind of surprised how I do feel different physically than the last time, with regards to muscle soreness and joint pain. That was something that was kind of unexpected, Kelly said.

The 52-year-old astronaut added that he is wrestling with over-sensitive skin, which leaves him with a slight burning sensation.

Kelly and his crewmates tackled more than 450 experiments during the flight, which eclipsed the previous longest U.S. spaceflight of 215 days. Four Soviet-era cosmonauts lived in orbit even longer aboard the now-defunct Mir space station, including a mission lasting nearly 438 days that ended in March 1995.

Kelly said it was hard being away from family and friends, but that he could have stayed longer.

Whether its science or going to a certain destination, I think people rise to the occasion if youre doing something important, Kelly said. If going to Mars takes two years or two-and-a-half years, thats doable.

Like many space travelers, Kelly returned to Earth with an increased appreciation of the planet and sense of its fragility.

You can see a lot of pollution over parts of Asia that is almost continuous. You cant really see the ground very well. And those fires in California over the summer, that smoke was pretty extensive. But the predominant thing is you just notice how thin the atmosphere is, how fragile it looks. That combined with these large swabs of pollution is somewhat alarming, Kelly said.

Story continues

Kelly will continue to undergo a battery of medical, psychological and other tests for about a year so scientists can learn more about how spaceflight impacts the human body and mind.

His identical twin brother, former astronaut Mark Kelly, also is participating in studies looking at possible genetic changes from spaceflight, which may impact cancer research, said John Charles, who oversees NASAs human research program.

I am confident in saying that it will influence how we understand cancer, Charles he said.

Kelly and his twin were reunited on Wednesday. By then, the 1.5 inch (3.8 cm) increase in height he experienced as a result of his spine expanding in microgravity had reversed.

Hes squished back to normal height, Mark Kelly told reporters.

(Reporting by Irene Klotz; Editing by Tom Brown)
Pumpjacks and other infrastructure for producing oil dot fields outside of Watford City, North Dakota January 21, 2016. REUTERS/Andrew Cullen

By Libby George and Amanda Cooper

LONDON (Reuters) - As U.S. oil inventories reach all-time highs, cargoes of crude are increasingly flowing towards Europe, where higher prices and lower shipping costs have made the region an attractive hunting ground for those selling light sweet oil.

Sources told Reuters at least three cargoes of U.S. crude that are likely to cross the Atlantic from the U.S. Gulf Coast in the coming few weeks.

Others said offers of a variety of grades, particularly WTI, are coming for April and May arrival for buyers who want them.

Since the U.S. Congress late last year abolished the more than 40-year-old restriction on U.S. crude exports, Reuters data shows a number of cargoes of crude, in addition to ultra-light condensate or fuel oil, have reached Europe and the Mediterranean.

"A decent amount of U.S. crudes are now being shown into Europe  mostly light grades. Some majors are already offering," a trader said. It had the potential, the trader added, to "put some pressure on the sweet North Sea and Mediterranean."

U.S. crude oil stocks are now at a record 518 million barrels, after one of the largest weekly builds in the last year, according to the latest figures from the Energy Information Administration. [EIA/S]

The window of opportunity to sell into Europe, or arbitrage, as reflected by the premium of benchmark Brent <LCOc1> over WTI crude futures <CLc1>, is around $3 a barrel, up from a discount of around 90 cents in early January.

The more favorable price spread is driven in part by supply disruptions in Europe, including a force majeure on Nigeria's Forcados, a European refinery staple, that sources said could last until March as well as disruptions to Kurdish oil supplies.

Trading sources said Valero, P66 and Russia's Litasco were among the companies lining up tankers to take U.S. crude to Europe, although it was not immediately clear whether all these cargoes would contain crude or some would contain condensate.

Story continues

It has combined with a drop in freight rates over the last few weeks to make the economics of shipping to Europe potentially attractive.

"We're looking at what needs to come into northwest Europe instead of the Forcados cargoes from Nigeria. That may mix up the needs of northwest European or Mediterranean refiners which may be able to take some U.S. (crude) if it works," another refiner said.

In northwest Europe, differentials for physical barrels of oil have risen to around their highest since the start of the year. [CRU/E]

Meanwhile, the cost-effectiveness of running some of the more plentiful North Sea crudes, such as Forties or Ekofisk, has deteriorated sharply, in line with a drop in European gasoline refining margins and a strengthening dated Brent price.

Running Forties or Ekofisk is at its least cost-effective in almost two years, according to Reuters data, which might mean there is an incentive to try out other grades, traders said.

Most of the most recent round of offers for U.S. deliveries right now are for April or May arrival.

"More and more assays are coming into our in-boxes," another refiner said, adding they had a choice of grades.

Many European refiners face the problem of not having run a U.S. crude through their systems in living memory and, as such, are wary of doing so, even though on paper, the numbers might make economic sense.

"We don't know the crudes, so we need time," another refiner said.

(Reporting by Amanda Cooper; Editing by David Evans)
PARIS (Reuters) - French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve on Friday sought to smooth over controversial comments made by a fellow cabinet member over how thousands of migrants waiting in France could flood into Britain if it left the European Union. Emmanuel Macron, an outspoken economy minister who sometimes irritates cabinet colleagues by speaking on matters outside his brief, told the Financial Times on Thursday that "the day this relationship unravels, migrants will no longer be in Calais". The comments were not contradicted by President Francois Hollande when he was asked about them during an Anglo-French security summit the same day. They were also seized upon by UK eurosceptics as being a coordinated scare tactic on behalf of the "In" camp's campaign for Britain's upcoming EU membership referendum. "On this subject, we don't need declarations that create a buzz," Cazeneuve said on French radio on Friday. "Because if we open the border tomorrow, what will happen? The British control their own borders and can block the arrival of migrants into Britain. They would then be sent back to France ... which would worsen the humanitarian crisis," he said. British Prime Minister David Cameron has made protecting security a key argument in his campaign to keep Britain in the EU in a referendum on June 23, and has suggested that refugees living in a camp in the French town of Calais could flock to England if British voters decided to leave. (Reporting by Michel Rose and Simon Carraud; Editing by Andrew Callus)
French President Francois Hollande has warned there will be "consequences" if Britain votes to leave the EU.

Mr Hollande made the comment during a joint news conference with David Cameron at the end of a one-day Anglo-French summit in Amiens, northern France.

The summit has been overshadowed by French finance minister Emmanuel Macron's warning that the Calais 'Jungle' - home to thousands of migrants wanting to get to the UK - could be moved to Kent if Britain leaves the EU.

:: UK Cash To Be Spent Moving Calais Migrants

Mr Hollande did not repeat this warning, but left no doubt that he wants Britain to vote to stay in the EU in the June 23 referendum.

"I hope the UK remains in Europe," the French President said.

"It is in the interest of the UK, it is in the interest of Europe, but the people are always sovereign."

He added: "There will be consequences if the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

"There will consequences in lots of fields: the common market, on the financial centres, there will be consequences for the economic development between our countries.

"I'm not suggesting that it's all going to collapse, I don't want to be catastrophic, but there will be consequences."

During the news conference, Mr Cameron announced a 17m UK investment in enhanced security in Calais.

Part of the money will also be used to help relocate migrants at the 'Jungle' to other parts of France or their home countries .

"The United Kingdom has not faced anywhere near the scale of migrants coming to Europe as other countries, because we are outside Schengen and we retain control of our borders, and in Calais we have worked together with the French to strengthen security to deter migrants from trying to enter Britain," the Prime Minister said.

Mr Cameron also announced a series of ways in which Britain and France plan to work more closely together on security issues and to fight terrorism.

Earlier, Germany's finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told a conference of the British Chambers of Commerce in London that Europe would be "less stable and more volatile" without Britain in the EU.

Asked what Germany would do if Britain left the EU, Mr Schaeuble said: "We would cry. But I hope we will not."
Along with the puddles, a feeling of uncertainty is growing in northern Greece as 12,000 migrants fear their journey to the European Union is finished.

Several hundred Syrians and Iraqis were let across the border into Macedonia on Friday, but the vast majority will spend weeks - or months - in these waterlogged wheat fields.

Not surprising then, that the people-smuggling gangs stand to reap the benefit as central European countries like Macedonia tighten up their borders.

Sky News has talked to dozens of camp occupants in the Greek village of Idomeni who told us that the phone numbers of people-smuggling gangs are being distributed throughout the camp.

Abu Ali, a Syrian army deserter, gave us an insight into how the smugglers operate.

"Most people here know how it works," he said.

"We have the (phone) number but we don't know what they look like.

"The smugglers say we can't pick you up at the camp. You to have come to us in Athens."

He knows it is dangerous - hundreds of migrants died in the back of lorries last year - but he told us that deserters have few options.

The Syrian army still holds his passport and the Macedonians are unlikely to let him through without recognised documents.

Still, he told me there may be another way into the European Union.

"There is a route to Albania," said Abu Ali.

"It is dangerous and very long, through mountains and forest. It's hard but if a friend sends me some money I'll consider it."

At the local Western Union office in Idomeni, we found a dozen or so camp occupants trying to pick up cash sent by friends of relatives, including a Syrian architecture student called Hannah.

She told us that her uncle in Australia had sent her money after seeing her doing an interview on German television.

She said she thought about handing it over to a smuggler.

"I heard [it costs] 1,000, 2,000, 2,500 (euros) to get to Germany. I have thought of doing it but it is dangerous. I came (to Greece) illegally so I really want to continue it legally," she said.

Story continues

The problem is that member states of the EU cannot make a decision on how to distribute genuine asylum seekers - Syrians for example, like Hannah.

As concern mounts about the numbers of refugees arriving in Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande talked about strengthening the EU's borders on Friday.

"Germany and France are completely in agreement on the necessity of protecting exterior borders  because we need to know who is entering Europe," the German leader said.

Still, those who have fled barrel bombs and terror in Syria and Iraq are unlikely to go back to where they came from - and it seems clear that some will do anything to get to Germany or beyond.
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 Orhan Coskun and Tulay Karadeniz ANKARA (Reuters) - The first visit by a Turkish prime minister to Iran in two years is unlikely to narrow deep divisions over Syria's war, but it could boost trade ties as the lifting of sanctions on Tehran and political gains by reformists clear the way for a business boom. Turkey, the region's economic powerhouse, could be one of the major beneficiaries as President Hassan Rouhani, bolstered by reformist gains in elections last month, pursues plans to strengthen the private sector and welcome foreign investors. Trade and energy ties will be high on the agenda during Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's visit on Friday and Saturday, accompanied by his energy and development ministers, other members of the cabinet and business leaders. But differences on Syria, where Shi'ite Iran backs President Bashar al-Assad and Turkey backs the mainly Sunni Muslim opposition, will also be on the table, officials on both sides said. Iran is also concerned by Turkey's deepening ties with Saudi Arabia, with which Tehran has cut diplomatic relations. "We are in an environment of very big and deep problems with developments in the Middle East ... It wouldn't be right to expect the two countries to agree on every subject," said a senior Turkish government official, one of several to speak about the visit in advance on condition of anonymity. "We don't expect to solve everything in one meeting but it's now necessary to move our relationship forward ... Regional issues, notably Syria, increasing trade and cooperation will form the basis of the discussions." Turkish trade with Iran reached around $22 billion in 2012 before dropping off sharply to less than half that by last year as international sanctions on Tehran were tightened. Turkish Economy Minister Mustafa Elitas told Reuters last month that Ankara aims to reach $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2023. "Iran presents serious opportunities, they're extremely open to future cooperation," said a source in the Turkish automotive industry who has made several recent visits to Iran. "There's huge appetite for Turkish business. It's a neighboring country where Turkish is widely spoken, with a similar culture. It's very easy to engage with Iranian business," he said, adding there were already signs of movement on industry reforms since the Feb. 26 election. The vote ended more than a decade of conservative domination of the legislature and the Assembly of Experts, a body that oversees the Islamic republic's supreme leader. The outgoing parliament, filled with hardliners suspicious of detente with the West, had acted as a brake on Rouhani's plans to boost foreign investment and trade. "Iran is a very attractive market for Turkish businessmen and ways of developing trade will definitely be taken up during the visit," a senior Iranian official said. MUTUAL STABILITY The lifting of sanctions against Iran in January could prove a mixed blessing for Turkey, opening up access to a fast-growing, lucrative market, but one that could someday rival Ankara as an investment destination and exporter. Turkey's output of nearly $800 billion in 2014 was almost double that of Iran, which has a similar-sized population. But government incentives, a well educated workforce, and vast oil reserves that obviate the need for energy imports could help Tehran close the gap in the coming years. A second senior Turkish official said that Davutoglu's visit, during which he will meet Rouhani, comes at a critical time and that both sides understood their economic futures were dependent on containing instability in the wider region. "Turkey and Iran need to adopt a common stance on protecting their two countries, acting together and fighting Islamic State," the official said. "Syria is the most serious problem but differences of opinion must be put aside faced with a common enemy. In this sense, this meeting may be the first kernel," he said. Sinan Ulgen, head of the EDAM think-tank in Istanbul, said Turkey and Iran needed to find at least a few common denominators for a fragile cessation of hostilities in Syria to become more lasting and facilitate a political solution. "If Turkey and Iran cannot agree on these subjects, there is a pretty low prospect of the conflict in Syria being brought to an end," he said, adding that the talks in Tehran would likely touch on Assad's future and political transition in Syria. Turkey, along with Western and Arab countries, say Assad must leave power. Iran and Russia have stood by him. Turkish officials will also push for the implementation of an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration court ruling last month that Iran should discount the price of natural gas it exports to Turkey by 10-15 percent, backdated to 2011. Turkey imports 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas from Iran annually, or about a fifth of its annual needs. Tehran would like to sell it double that amount, but Turkish officials say price problems remain a sticking point. "Turkey's purchase of more gas from Iran would be a positive development but it is not realistic in the current climate," a third Turkish official said. (Additional reporting by Parisa Hafezi and Can Sezer; writing by Daren Butler and Nick Tattersall; editing by Peter Graff)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's four biggest cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, are working on steps to cool their property markets in response to recent strong housing sales and prices, state media reported on Saturday, citing the country's housing minister Chen Zhenggao.

Local governments in Tier 1 cities will strictly enforce housing purchase restrictions and increase land supply as part of stabilisation measures, Chen was quoted by the official Xinhua news agency as saying.

China's housing market bottomed out in the second half of 2015 after cooling for more than a year, but a strong rebound in prices in the biggest cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, have sparked concerns that some markets may be overheating, raising fears of a property bubble.

Prices in Shenzhen surged nearly 52 in January from a year earlier, followed by Shanghai with a near 18 percent rise.

"We are paying high attention to prices changes in Tier 1 cities and are making close communication with authorities in these four cities," Chen said.

Local administrations will also increase the supply of small- and medium-sized homes and clamp down on illegal transactions to stabilise market sentiment, he said.

While property prices in China's small cities are still falling, authorities in some big cities have already announced measures to cool the market.

Shanghai last week issued new rules to increase the supply of medium- and small-sized apartments after the recent surge in home prices in the city.

"There is not much inventory (of unsold homes) in the first tier cities. We must pay high attention to it and need to take some targeted measures," Jia Kang, told reporters at the sideline of the ongoing annual meeting of parliament.

China's home prices rose for a fourth straight month in January with big cities leading the gains, suggesting an uneven recovery in the housing market as the government's stimulus policies gain traction.

(Reporting By Xiaoyi Shao, Kevin Yao and Nicholas Heath; Editing by Kim Coghill)
RENO, Nev., Feb. 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA) today announced that the Company will host an Investor Event from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (IST) on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 in Tel-Aviv. Formal presentations will start promptly at 9:30 a.m. (IST).

Isaac Angel, Ormat's Chief Executive Officer, will lead the discussion and focus his remarks on the Company's key strategies, market opportunity and growth plans. Additional members of the companys managements team will also be in attendance.

All prepared materials used at this event will be created and distributed in English; however speakers will converse at the event in Hebrew. A live webcast of a simultaneous translation of the event in English will be available online along with the formal English-language presentation materials at www.ormat.com under the Investor Relations section and the Events & Presentations tab. A transcript will be available within a few days of the live event and an archive of the webcast simultaneous translation of the presentations will be available approximately 3 hours after the conclusion of the live event.

About Ormat Technologies

With over five decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (REG), with the objective of becoming a leading global provider of renewable energy. The company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter - a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. With 69 U.S. patents, Ormats power solutions have been refined and perfected under the most grueling environmental conditions. Ormat has 470 employees in the United States and over 600 overseas. Ormats flexible, modular solutions for geothermal power and REG are ideal for the vast range of resource characteristics. The company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed to utilities and developers worldwide, totaling over 2,000 MW of gross capacity. Ormats current generating portfolio is spread globally in the U.S., Guatemala and Kenya.

Ormats Safe Harbor Statement

Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat's plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management's current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, see "Risk Factors" as described in Ormat Technologies, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2015.

These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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
My parents went on their honeymoon in 1964 to Scandinavia. My father always loved the mid-century Scandinavian look. In Copenhagen, they bought a three-piece teak bedroom dresser set -- a tall one, a short one, and a long short one, and had it sent home to New Jersey by ship. They also bought a matching oval mirror framed in the same teak. There's no indication of the maker anywhere. I have loved it since I was a very little girl in the early 1970s. My parents took very good care of it and even now 50+ years later, it looks new. When my parents passed away a few years ago, I inherited it, and now my husband and I have it in our bedroom. Each piece of it brings me memories -- in my mind I can see my father standing at the tall dresser, putting stuff in the top shallow drawer. I remember when he used to hide those Wacky Pack trading cards from the mid-1970s up there thinking it wasn't a place my brother and I would hunt for them! When I close a drawer on the long one, and hear that unique wood-meeting-wood sound, I see in my mind my mother putting away her jewelry. Every time I touch or dust these I think of my mom and dad. I am really happy that they had such good taste and thought so highly of the pieces to spend the money to bring it home! What an excellent honeymoon present they gave themselves, and me.
HOUSTON (Reuters) - One person was burned when a unit that makes diesel ruptured on Saturday morning in a ground-shaking blast at the Pasadena, Texas, refinery owned by Brazil's national oil company Petrobras, the company said.

Petrobras said in a statement the fire, which started at about 10:15 a.m. CT, had been contained by mid-afternoon at the 100,000 barrel per day (bpd) Pasadena Refining System refinery.

"The fire has been contained and the facility is in a safe condition," the company said. "Authorities have been notified and are supporting the response. Air monitoring has been conducted by Pasadena Refining and Harris County Pollution Control, with no indications of any off-site impacts."

At one point it was believed three people had been injured, but a final accounting of personnel at the Petrobras refinery revealed only one person was hurt, sources familiar with emergency operations at the plant said.

Petrobras said a unit operator from the refinery was taken to an area hospital, but has since been released.

The explosion caused extensive damage to a 35,000 bpd light cycle oil hydrotreater, also called a hydrogen desulfurization unit, which uses hydrogen to convert the oil into diesel and remove sulfur, the sources said.

The hydrotreater adjoins the refinery's 56,000 bpd gasoline-producing fluidic catalytic cracking unit.

The sources said all other units at the refinery appeared to be unaffected by the explosion and fire.

Energy industry intelligence service Genscape said the hydrotreater stopped operating after the explosion and all other units remained in operation at the refinery.

The explosion appeared to originate in the compressor of the hydrotreater, according to the sources.

Firefighters from the Pasadena and Houston fire departments and nearby refineries were called to the Pasadena refinery to battle the blaze.

A portion of the Houston Ship Channel was reopened at 12:45 p.m. CT after being shut for about three hours due to heavy black smoke from the blaze at the refinery, which is adjacent to the waterway, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The blast shook houses near the refinery in the Houston suburb of Pasadena, Houston-area television stations reported.

(Reporting by Erwin Seba; Editing by Alan Crosby and Matthew Lewis)
By Seyhmus Cakan DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) - A car bomb and rocket attack by Kurdish militants in Turkey killed two police officers and wounded 35 people in the southeastern province of Mardin on Friday, security sources said. The bomb blast, blamed on Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants, caused significant damage to a traffic police station and neighbouring housing in the town of Nusaybin, near the Syrian border, the sources told Reuters. A clash broke out between police and militants after the explosion, which occurred around 6 a.m. (0400 GMT). Security force reinforcements, along with ambulances and fire engines, were sent to the area, the sources said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. A ceasefire between the PKK and the state collapsed last July and attacks on Turkey's security forces have since increased amid a surge in violence in the predominantly Kurdish southeast. Hundreds of people have been killed. Two soldiers were killed in a clash in the Idil district of the neighbouring province of Sirnak, which borders both Syria and Iraq and has seen some of the heaviest violence, the Dogan news agency said. It also said Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had arrived in the province for a brief visit. Violence has also increased elsewhere in Turkey. A suicide car bombing targeting military buses in Ankara killed 29 people last month. The government said that attack was carried out by a member of the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia with help from the PKK. Turkey has also become a target for Islamic State militants, who are blamed for three suicide bombings - one last year in the town of Suruc near the Syrian border and another in the capital, Ankara, and one in Istanbul in January. Those attacks killed more than 140 people. The PKK, considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, launched a separatist armed rebellion against Turkey in 1984. More than 40,000 people, mostly Kurds, have since been killed. (Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Nick Tattersall)
BEIJING  Chinas defense budget this year is likely to rise at its slowest pace since 2010, in line with the decelerating economy, by a much lower figure than had been expected, although it probably does not represent the true spending number.

Fu Ying, spokesperson for Chinas parliament, said the figure would increase by about seven to eight percent from 2015, following a nearly unbroken two-decade run of double-digit budget increases.

Fu told a news conference the actual figure would be released today, when the annual session of Chinas largely rubber-stamp legislative body opens.

It will be the first single-digit rise in spending since 2010, when the military budget logged a 7.5 percent increase.

Defense spending last year was budgeted to rise 10.1 percent to 886.9 billion yuan ($135.39 billion), which only represents about one-quarter that of the United States.

The US Defense Department budget for 2016 is $573 billion.

Chinas leaders have routinely sought to justify military modernization by linking defense spending to rapid GDP growth. But growth of 6.9 percent last year was the slowest in 25 years, and a further slowdown is widely expected in 2016.

One simple reason for the lower increase is that double digit growth is now harder to sustain, said Bonji Obara of the Tokyo Foundation think tank.

But another reason is that Chinas anti-corruption campaign means less money is being siphoned off and spending has become more efficient, he added, referring to President Xi Jinpings vigorous efforts to root out graft.

The defense budget had been widely expected in military and diplomatic circles to log another impressive increase.

Fu said the budget was based on Chinas national defense needs, the state of its economy and the performance of its fiscal revenues.

China has been repeatedly criticized for a lack of transparency in its defense spending and its intentions.

Story continues

China needs to be transparent and explain its military spending to the international community, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said in Tokyo ahead of Fus announcement.

Its crucial that China does not upset the regional balance and that it firmly contribute to international stability.

Chinas military build-up has rattled nerves around the region, particularly because China has taken an increasingly assertive stance in its territorial disputes in the East and South China Seas.  Reuters
Reuters

India's capital market regulator approved the government's proposal to convert dues of over $1.92 billion by telecom operator Vodafone Idea to equity, two senior government officials said on Thursday. Last year, India had approved a rescue package for debt-strapped telecom companies that allowed them to convert interest on deferred adjusted gross revenue owed to the government into equity. Among the country's three major telecom players, including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Industries' Jio, the government package was seen as a bailout for Vodafone Idea, which was on the verge of bankruptcy.
By Joseph Campbell and Fabian Hamacher BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) - Rappers in China and Taiwan are among the combatants squaring off in cyberspace after a landslide election win for the island's independence-leaning party fanned Beijing's fears that it could renew a push for sovereignty. Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won presidential and parliamentary polls in January, reviving China's concern that the self-ruled island might be emboldened to seek formal independence. DPP leader and president-elect Tsai Ing-wen says she wants to maintain the status quo and peace with China, but that has not deterred Chinese internet users from airing critical views on social media such as Facebook, provoking sharp responses in Taiwan. "There's only one China, HK, Taipei, they are my fellas," run the opening strains of a song by Tianfu Shibian, a rap group based in China's southwestern city of Chengdu. On its Twitter-like Weibo microblog, the group claims more than 7 million views for the music video of its song, "The Power of Red", which uses patriotic images laced with profanity to pour scorn on Tsai, her party and its independence notions. The song targets Taiwanese and foreigners unfamiliar with the complexities of Taiwan-China politics, aiming to dispel "misunderstandings," said Wang Zixin, the group's leader. "They just think us Chinese, or the mainland, are always bullying them," he added. "Through the song lyrics we want to say China is a peace-loving country, but we aren't chickens." The music video can be viewed on foreign websites such as Youtube, which is inaccessible in China, as is Facebook, but has yet to make a splash in Taiwan. In Taipei, prominent rapper Dwagie, who backs the DPP, often raps in Taiwanese Hokkien to spotlight the island's individuality, rather than using Mandarin, the official language of both sides. Chinese performers of songs such as "The Force of Red" should look to tackle the country's many social problems, from children's education to medical services for remote areas, before worrying about Taiwan, said Dwagie. "I want to know what the people who write these songs, and the netizens, are really thinking, deep down," he said. "Is there really nothing more important than whether this island belongs to you, or if Taiwan is independent or not?" China deems democratic Taiwan a breakaway province to be taken back by force, if necessary. FLOOD OF POSTS Thousands of posts flooded Tsai's Facebook page after the election win, demanding that the island be brought under China's control. China's internet users were just "exercising their freedom of speech," said DPP spokesman Yang Chia-liang. "We don't know if all more than one billion Chinese people can access the Internet and log on to Facebook, or if it is just a specific group of netizens that can access Facebook and browse Taiwan's web," Yang said. "But naturally we hope the former is the case." Tsai, hit by similar attacks in the past, put a message on Facebook last November welcoming mainland users to witness the "complete democracy, freedom and pluralism" that prevail in Taiwan. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment, but a Foreign Ministry spokesman pointed to a lack of evidence that the government directed Facebook attacks. "If we put all of our energy into commenting on completely baseless or gossipy comments, there really is no time," Lu Kang told a daily briefing in Beijing, reiterating the stance that Taiwan forms part of China. Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949, after being defeated by Chinese Communists in a civil war. The island has been self-ruled since. (Reporting by Joseph Campbell in BEIJING; Additional reporting by Fabian Hamacher and Damon Lin in TAIPEI; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray sprinted through their Davis Cup openers to edge Serbia and defending champions Great Britain closer to a dream quarter-final showdown. But their teams are still facing a weekend long battle to set-up that July duel after Kazakhstan and Japan fought back to level their respective first round ties on Friday. World number one Djokovic showed no signs of the eye infection which brought his run of 17 successive finals to an end in Dubai last week as he brushed past Kazakhstan's Aleksandr Nedovyesov 6-1, 6-2, 6-3 in Belgrade. Djokovic, who led Serbia to the 2010 Davis Cup title, required treatment on his left shoulder although it did not prevent him from securing an easy win over his 200th-ranked opponent. "The shoulder is nothing and the eye infection is behind me so I am looking forward to playing the doubles on Saturday," said Djokovic. Mikhail Kukushkin, the world 79, stunned 23rd-ranked Viktor Troicki 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 to level the tie at 1-1 as Kazakhstan kept alive their hopes of a fourth successive quarter-final appearance. On Saturday, Djokovic and Nenad Zimonjic are due to take on Andrey Golubev and Nedovyesov in the doubles. Serbia could face Great Britain in the quarter-finals and Murray did his best to keep that clash on track when he saw off Japan's world number 87 Taro Daniel 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 in just 90 minutes in Birmingham. But world number six Kei Nishikori then avenged one of the worst defeats of his career as he defeated Dan Evans 6-3, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) to bring his country level at 1-1. Nishikori suffered a miserable straight sets loss to Evans in the pair's only previous meeting in the US Open first round in 2013. Murray was playing for the first time since losing to Djokovic in last month's Australian Open final, opting instead to spend time with new daughter Sophia, born on February 7, and wife Kim Sears. "The last few weeks have been the best of my life, it's been really, really special," he told the BBC. Murray and captain Leon Smith must now decide whether he plays Saturday's doubles alongside his brother Jamie, which proved a winning combination three times last year, or whether Jamie partners Dom Inglot. - Record tie-break - Australia's Bernard Tomic fought off a challenge from American Jack Sock to level their tie 1-1 in Melbourne. Tomic looked to be heading for a comfortable victory, rolling through the opening two sets, before being forced to battle hard to win 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 on the grass surface of Kooyong. The victory, in sweltering temperatures, was crucial for Lleyton Hewitt's Australians, who lost the opening singles rubber when Sam Groth went down to world number 11 John Isner 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-2. The winner of that tie will face either last year's runners-up Belgium or 2005 champions Croatia. Former US Open champion Marin Cilic gave Croatia a winning start in Liege, seeing off Kimmer Coppejans 7-5, 6-3, 7-5, before David Goffin levelled by seeing off teenager Borna Coric 6-3, 6-2, 2-6, 3-6, 6-3. In Pesaro, Paolo Lorenzi won the longest tiebreak in Davis Cup World Group history to give Italy the lead over 2014 champions Switzerland, who are without Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka. Lorenzo defeated 34-year-old Marco Chiudinelli, ranked at a lowly 146, in five sets, 7-6 (16/14), 6-3, 4-6, 5-7, 7-5 in a rubber that last 15 minutes short of five hours. That became 2-0 when Andreas Seppi edged out Henri Laaksonen 7-5, 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-3. The winner will face either Poland or Argentina, who are playing in Gdansk. Guido Pella defeated Michal Przysiezny 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to give Argentina, runners-up three times since 2006, an early lead. Leonardo Mayer made it 2-0 when he beat world number 602 Hubert Hurkacz 6-2, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2. In Guadeloupe, Yannick Noah's first match in his second spell as France captain got off to a winning start when Gael Monfils eased past Frank Dancevic 6-3, 6-1, 6-3 and Gilles Simon beat Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 6-3, 6-3 for a 2-0 lead over Canada. The winners face either Germany or the Czech Republic, champions in 2012 and 2013, in the next round. World number 30 Philipp Kohlschreiber gave Germany the lead in Hanover with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 victory over Lukas Rosol. But Czech number one Tomas Berdych levelled with a four-hour 20-minute 7-6 (8/6), 1-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 win over 18-year-old Alexander Zverev.
The military yesterday maintained there is no direct link between Islamic State (IS) militants and homegrown extremists in the country.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said there are no verified reports that local terrorist groups are getting support from the IS.

Based on information at hand, theres no presence of Daesh in the Philippines. It has not been established. Theres no direct relation between the group here and the bigger terror group Daesh out there (Middle East), Padilla said, referring to the other name of the IS.

Padilla made the statement following reports that gunmen fighting in the name of IS are escalating attacks in Mindanao.

Rodolfo Mendoza, a senior analyst of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said the various local groups that had pledged allegiance to IS were planning big operations, like bombings, attacks or assassinations.

The Maute group, a previously obscure group discounted by the military as a small-time extortion gang, launched an assault on a remote army outpost in Mindanao.

The attack triggered a week of fighting that the military said left six soldiers and at least 12 militants dead, and forced more than 30,000 people to flee their homes.

The gunmen flew IS flags during the fighting, and bandanas with the groups insignia were found when soldiers overran their base, a two-story concrete building, according to the military.

At the same time about 100 kilometers away, soldiers were battling the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a bigger and much better known group that had previously declared allegiance to IS.

But Padilla dismissed the Maute group, saying they are known to align themselves to whoever is popular.

He said the Maute was formerly identified with the now defeated regional terror group Jemaah Islamiyah.

Our analysis remains the same. They are just trying to keep their group known by identifying themselves with the Daesh, Padilla said.

Story continues

In any event, the military is on top of the countrys security situation, Padilla said.

He said the AFP has been continuously monitoring the changes in the countrys threat board.

Padilla said the government security sector has contingencies in place in order to address all these concerns in an event the threats are verified as true.

Working on a worst-case scenario, we have the preparations attuned with this kind of security situation. Thats what we can assure the public, Padilla said.

He cited the military action against the Maute group following the attack on a remote Army outpost.

The quick military and police action was done if only to show the will and determination of the government to address any unfolding security threats around the country, he said.

We are not ringing alarm bells here. We are telling people to go with your normal lives, to live normally, to continue with commerce, economic life but with the caveat that you must continue staying alert, staying vigilant, because this is a very important participation of the community that we have been pushing all along, Padilla said.

Officials regularly said fears of growing IS influence on local terror groups are misplaced.

They said the militants like the Maute group are just criminals interested in money, and not radical Islamist jihadists.
Mourners broke into protest at a memorial service for slain Honduran indigenous activist Berta Caceres, a renowned environmentalist whose family has labeled her killing an assassination. More than 1,000 people gathered as Caceres's coffin was turned over to her family at a labor union headquarters on Friday, erupting into shouts of "Justice!" The latest protest came less than a day after demonstrators clashed with riot police in the capital Tegucigalpa following news that Caceres had been shot dead in the early hours of Thursday at her home in the western town of La Esperanza. A mother of four who would have turned 45 Friday, Caceres rose to prominence for leading the indigenous Lenca people in a struggle against a hydroelectric dam project that would have flooded large areas of native lands and cut off water supplies to hundreds. She persevered in her activism despite receiving numerous death threats, winning the 2015 Goldman Environmental Prize, considered the world's top award for grassroots environmental activism. Her killing has drawn international condemnation, including from the United Nations, the United States and many environmental activists. Washington late Friday demanded a thorough probe into Caceres's death. "The United States condemns the murder of civil society activist Berta Caceres and calls upon the Honduran government to conduct a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation and to ensure those responsible are brought to justice," a State Department release said. "We offer our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and the people of Honduras, who have lost a dedicated defender of the environment and of human rights. We offer again the full support of the United States to help bring the perpetrators to justice." Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio, an ardent environmentalist, wrote on Twitter: "Incredibly sad news out of Honduras. We should all honor the brave contributions of Caceres." A coalition of more than 40 human rights groups from across the Americas called for an "independent, impartial" investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. The activist's family has accused the authorities of trying to mask her death as a random murder, insisting that she was assassinated because of her activism against environmental destruction by large mining and hydroelectric companies. The organization founded by Caceres, the Civic Council of Indigenous and People's Organizations (COPINH), meanwhile said other members had received death threats from self-described hitmen allegedly hired by energy company DESA, whose hydroelectric project the group is fighting. "In the past six months, Berta had been the target of constant, intensifying threats, shots fired on her car, and verbal and written threats from the army, the police, the mayor (in the project site) and DESA," the organization added. Caceres's body was being transported Friday from the capital back to La Esperanza, where she was to be buried Saturday. Activist groups from seven different indigenous ethnicities said their members would march at the burial to demand justice.
By David Alexander WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Sikh Army captain has been granted a restraining order barring senior Army officials from forcing him to undergo $32,000 in testing before deciding whether he can wear a beard, uncut hair and turban as required by his religious beliefs. Captain Simratpal Singh, a West Point graduate who served in Afghanistan, had been ordered to undergo the testing before a March 31 decision on whether to grant him permanent permission to dress according to the tenets of his faith. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell, who issued the restraining order on Thursday, said "at first blush" the testing seemed reasonable to ensure that Singh could safely wear a helmet and gas mask if allowed to keep long hair and a beard. But she noted Singh had just passed a standard gas mask test with his unit. "Thousands of other soldiers are permitted to wear long hair and beards for medical or other reasons, without being subjected to such specialised and costly expert testing of their helmets and gas masks," Howell wrote in issuing the restraining order. The Army has issued more than 100,000 temporary and permanent medical exemptions since 2007 allowing soldiers to have beards. Other Sikh soldiers in the U.S. Army have been allowed to wear beards, long hair and turbans, including three who are currently serving. Howell said the context of the case raised "such significant questions about the lawfulness" of the Army's order for extensive testing that judicial intervention was required under a 1993 U.S. law to ensure religious freedoms are protected. Singh grew up an observant Sikh but felt pressured to stop wearing his beard and long hair while a West Point cadet a decade ago. He sought permission to begin grooming according to his faith last year and was granted a temporary accommodation. Singh's attorney, Amandeep Sidhu, said the case was now in a holding pattern as the captain awaited a March 31 Army decision on whether to allow him a religious accommodation. If the service denies the request, Sidhu said Singh will seek an injunction barring the Army from preventing him from serving. "The simple fact is Sikhs are fully and completely capable of serving and meeting very stringent standards," Sidhu said. "It's simply not fair, or in this case legal, for the Army to restrict a Sikh soldier's religious rights on these discriminatory bases." The Pentagon declined to comment on the judge's order, saying it was pending litigation. (Reporting by David Alexander; Editing by Sandra Maler)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian rebel fighters seized a border crossing with Iraq from Islamic State on Friday, Britain-based war monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Islamic State had controlled the al-Tanf border crossing, which is also near the Syrian-Jordanian border, since May last year after seizing it from Syrian government forces. It had been the last border crossing with Iraq that was under the control of the Syrian government. IS, which controls a swathe of territory spreading from Iraq into central Syria, still controls the Bukamal Syria-Iraq border crossing near Deir al Zour. The Observatory said the rebel fighters who took the crossing crossed into Syria from Jordan. The crossing is a 240 km (150 miles) drive from Palmyra, also known as Tadmur, which has been under IS control since the middle of last year. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington)
It is telling that Malaysias most prominent political enemies avoided many of the hard questions as they tried to convince a sceptical public that their alliance to remove Datuk Seri Najib Razak was real. Yet the answers to these hard questions will determine whether the alliance will work and whether in the end, Najib is removed only to make way for another dictator, albeit one acceptable to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the prime mover of this pact. Can they trust each other? Can the mistakes of the past, which allowed a dictatorship to emerge, be acknowledged and forgiven? Can the man who ruined Malaysias institutions guarantee that he will repair them if and once Najib is removed? Will that same man release former opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim  a key demand of the allies who recently signed up to Dr Mahathirs Citizens' Declaration? These questions hurled at Dr Mahathir and the alliance of certain Umno, PAS, PKR, DAP and civil society figures were deflected at the movements first press conference yesterday. DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang, who was imprisoned under Dr Mahathirs time in the late 1980s in a sweep of opposition politicians and activists, did not respond directly to the query whether he trusted the former prime minister over his promise to repair the institutional damage which occurred during his time. Electoral reformer Maria Chin Abdullah refused to say whether she could forgive Dr Mahathir for his past mistakes. There were some mistakes in the past and we have to correct these mistakes. We have to set aside our differences for a larger purpose, was her response. Neither did Dr Mahathir commit to releasing former deputy prime minister Anwar, whom he sacked and jailed in 1998. To this day, Dr Mahathir has refused to admit that the policies of his administration bred authoritarianism. But making sure Dr Mahathir does not renege on his pledges for institutional change was important to those willing to work with him, said political scientist Dr Wong Chin Huat of the Penang Institute. Otherwise, Najib would only be replaced for the sake of removing him, said Wong, but there would be no guarantee that his replacement would be any better. One of the signatories to the declaration, who wished to remain anonymous, admitted that there was no guarantee this would happen. It is perhaps because of this Pakatan Harapan has instituted a safety mechanism to ensure that the opposition does not get burned if and when Najib is removed. All Pakatan leaders are beholden to the presidential council and if it finds that this arrangement is straying from its promises of reform, the council will pull everyone back, said PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli. Pakatan politicians who signed on to the declaration did so in their personal capacity, said Rafizi, but they would still have to follow the councils decision. This safety valve will ensure we are not taken for a ride, said Rafizi, who signed the declaration. But analysts and observers are unsure if Dr Mahathirs movement has the best chance at succeeding where other similar ones had failed in the past. This development signifies a major shift in Malaysian politics, said Wan Saiful Wan Jan of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS). Those in power should seriously consider the demands and Najib, in particular, must not ignore the declaration, said Wan Saiful. This is because although the majority of those who signed the declaration were opposition figures, prominent Umno members were also signatories, such as suspended party deputy president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who is still Pagoh Umno division chief, vice-president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, former Kedah menteris besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid and Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, former Terengganu menteri besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said, Gua Musang MP Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Coalition of Branch Chiefs Malaysia (GKCM) chief Kamarul Azman Habibur Rahman. Rafizi said successful past movements which ousted regimes in Indonesia and the Philippines worked because they included dissident members of regime and the opposition. Yet other observers also said if there was no trust from the beginning between those involved, then how could they work together and succeed? Personally, I would not link up with Dr Mahathir, said political scientist Dr James Chin. For the simple reason is that the mess Malaysia is in now is caused by him. If we do not acknowledge the past, we will make the same mistakes.  March 5, 2016.
- Kenyan 'vampire' who confessed to mutilating, eating human flesh and drinking blood from his victims has a case to answer, Nakuru court has determined

- The suspect, Geoffrey Matheri has already served his four years jail term after he was found guilty of having murdered Miriam Wairimu on August 29, 2008

Nakuru High Court judge Maureen Odero has determined that Geoffrey Matheri has a case to answer on the counts of kidnapping that he appeared in court to answer to.

Seven years ago, Geoffrey Matheri 'Fongo', was catapulted to infamy after his gory confession that he was a serial killer. In his chilling confession, Fongo narrated of his appetite for human flesh and blood.

READ ALSO: Nairobi sex worker takes alleged customer to court over attack

Fongo was arraigned in court and charged with the murder of Miriam Wairimu on Friday, August 29, 2008.

Evaluation of the serial killer by a psychiatrist revealed that he was of sound mind and was fit to appear in court. He attended the court sessions and in November, 2011, a Naivasha court found him guilty of murder. He was convicted to four years. He has already served his term.

A Nakuru court on Friday, March 4 ruled that the self confessed vampire has a case on Kidnapping to answer. Witnesses at the court recounted how Fongo had kidnapped his victims before mutilating their bodies and drinking their blood.

If he is found guilty in subsequent hearings, he will be incarcerated yet again.

His case of trial-within-trial is a move by the court to unravel the mystery of the self-confessed serial killer. The family of his victims hope that the man will be dealt with by the law and made to pay for his crimes.

Geoffrey Matheri appearing at the Naivasha law courts on November 10, 2011. Photo: The star

READ ALSO: 200 years in jail for Kisii man who man-slaughtered his 4 kids

Fongo confesses that he was introduced to the cult a bishop from Naivasha town. The bishop had promised to pay for his studies if he would be part of a demonic cult. Faced with a struggle to get basic needs leave alone money for college, Matheri took the bait.

Every day, he would deliver to the bishop, a pint of blood from his victims. He would be paid KSh 25,000 on delivery. A tidy sum that he used to lure his victims into his lair for the satanic ritual.

image source:http://www.the-star.co.ke/

a

Source: TUKO.co.ke
By Gabriela Baczynska and Paul Taylor BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union officials voiced guarded optimism on Friday that Turkey was starting to cooperate to stem the flow of migrants to Europe, as Brussels outlined a timetable for restoring open borders across the continent by the end of the year. European Council President Donald Tusk, who will chair an emergency EU summit with Turkey on Monday, said after talks in Ankara he saw first signs that EU states were overcoming their differences to tackle the year-old crisis. He also said Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had told him Turkey was ready to take back all migrants apprehended in Turkish waters. The EU is demanding that Ankara crack down on people-smuggling and take back all illegal migrants from its shores who do not qualify for asylum in the 28-nation EU. Even Syrians "apprehended" in Turkish waters, including by NATO patrols, would be put back ashore in Turkey. "For the first time since the beginning of the migration crisis, I can see a European consensus emerging," Tusk said in a summit invitation letter to leaders. "It is a consensus around a comprehensive strategy that, if loyally implemented, can help stem the flows and tackle the crisis." The EU is trying to close its porous external borders and change the calculus of people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and beyond, offering them help if they stay put. While Tusk was holding talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the European Commission announced the first payouts from a 3 billion-euro (2.3 billion) fund to help Ankara keep some 2.5 million Syrian refugees on Turkish soil. It also said Turkey was making progress towards achieving eagerly sought visa liberalisation for its citizens in the EU. EU envoy to Turkey Hansjorg Haber told reporters in Istanbul that 400 million euros had been disbursed on humanitarian aid and schooling for migrants. After three months of mounting frustration in Europe since leaders signed a migration accord with Turkey, it was unclear what had moved Ankara to the point that an immediate reduction in flows seemed on the cards. One EU official said Turkish leaders, busy with other priorities affecting their own national security, appeared to finally understand that Europeans might withdraw their various offers if numbers did not fall quickly. Meeting in Paris, the leaders of Germany and France agreed that refugees fleeing war in Syria should stay in the region and said their common objective was to put Europe's frayed Schengen passport-free travel agreement back into operation. "Our efforts are not done yet," Chancellor Angela Merkel told a joint news conference with President Francois Hollande. "I understand that Turkey also expects Europe to deliver." Merkel pressed for Monday's summit with Davutoglu in an effort to demonstrate results before three regional elections in Germany on March 13 in which her conservatives face losses to the anti-migration Alternative for Germany party. STAMPEDE Tusk said Monday's summit would confirm the EU had closed the so-called Western Balkans route from Greece to northern Europe, which has been the main entry point for migrants. "The number of illegal entries from Turkey to Greece remains far too high," he said after his talks with Davutoglu. Some 30,000 migrants are bottled up in Greece and more are arriving at a rate of 2,000 to 3,000 a day despite still wintry seas. "We both believe that we can reduce the flow through the large-scale and rapid return from Greece of all migrants not in need of international protection," Tusk said. On a visit to Athens, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara was seeing a significant decrease in the number of refugees arriving at its borders, due to its changing visa regime. In Brussels, the Commission presented a step-by-step plan to implement agreed or already-proposed measures - including a new EU border and coastguard - to curb the influx after more than a million people arrived in an uncontrolled stampede in 2015. "We cannot have free movement internally if we cannot manage our external borders effectively," Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos told a news conference. Eight countries in the 26-nation Schengen zone have put temporary, emergency border controls in place to control the flow of migrants, putting in jeopardy one of Europe's most prized achievements. In a pre-summit report to EU leaders, the Commission estimated that a complete collapse of passport-free travel in the Schengen zone could cost the European economy up to 18 billion euros (14 billion) a year. Much of the cost would fall on cross-border commuters, transport and tourism. But investment bank JPMorgan Chase said the short-term impact of more probable selective border controls was likely to be "small in business cycle terms". More than 1.2 million people submitted asylum requests in the EU last year, including 363,000 Syrians and 178,000 Afghans, the EU statistics agency Eurostat said. Some 442,000 applications were submitted in Germany, the top destination for refugees and migrants, followed by 174,000 in Hungary, which has erected barbed-wire fences and used security forces to keep people out, and 156,000 in Sweden. Sweden, long regarded as the most generous EU state towards refugees, said it would scrap payments of daily allowances to migrants whose asylum applications had been rejected, in its latest attempt to curtail the influx. Fewer than one fifth of Germans believe the EU will agree on a common approach to the refugee crisis, according to a poll published by the daily Die Welt, and some 48 percent want Berlin to improve protection of Germany's national borders. A clear majority  56 percent  said Germany should cut its EU contributions if Monday's refugee summit fails. While Brussels and Berlin are pushing for a European response to the crisis, more and more EU states are sceptical it could work and are resorting to unilateral steps. "The Commission would never announce that Schengen is over," said one Brussels-based diplomat from an EU country. "That would be a major political blow to them, the first real setback in the whole process of European integration. It would be like the pope announcing there is no God." (Additional reporting by Alastair Macdonald and Jan Strupczewski in Brussels, Paul Carrel in Berlin, Andrew Callus in Paris and Nick Tattersall and Humeyra Pamuk in Istanbul; Editing by Andrew Roche)
BERLIN (Reuters) - A German court has fined Facebook 100,000 euros ($109,000) for refusing to follow an order to adequately inform users about how it was using their intellectual property, a consumer group said on Monday. News of the ruling followed a visit last week by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg in which he mounted a charm offensive in the face of increasing antipathy in Germany toward the world's biggest social media network prompted by fears for data protection. The Berlin regional court ruled that Facebook had not adequately changed the wording of a clause on intellectual property in its terms and conditions after a complaint was filed by the Federation of German Consumer Organisations (VZBV). "Facebook is persistently trying to evade consumer laws in Germany and Europe," VZBV head Klaus Mueller said in a statement. "Companies must implement judicial decisions and can't simply sit them out." A spokeswoman for the Berlin court confirmed the ruling. A German court originally ruled in March 2012 that Facebook's terms and conditions did not make clear the extent to which users' intellectual property - such as photos and videos - could be used by Facebook and licensed to third parties. The Berlin court concluded that while Facebook had changed the wording of the clause, the key message remained identical to the previous version. "We complied with the order to clarify a single provision in our terms concerning an IP license a while ago. The court felt we did not update our terms quickly enough and has issued a fine, which we will pay," a Facebook spokesperson said. Facebook faces concerns over a perceived cavalier approach to the privacy of users in Germany, a country reunited after the Cold War in 1990 where memories of espionage were stirred anew by Edward Snowden's 2013 revelations of prying by the state. During his visit last week, Zuckerberg said he had learned from Germany to include migrants as a class of people that needed to be protected from "hate speech" online. (Reporting by Caroline Copley; Editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea fired several short-range projectiles into the sea on Thursday, hours after the U.N. Security Council voted to impose tough new sanctions on the isolated state and the South Korean president vowed to end Pyongyang's "tyranny." The firing escalated tensions on the Korean peninsula, which have been high since North Korea recent nuclear test and long-range rocket launch, and set the South's military on a heightened alert. South Korea's Defence Ministry said it was trying to determine if the projectiles, launched at 10 a.m. (0100 GMT) from the North's east coast, were short-range missiles or artillery fire. The firing came after the U.N. Security Council passed a unanimous resolution on Wednesday dramatically expanding sanctions on North Korea following its fourth nuclear test on Jan. 6 and a long-range rocket launch on Feb. 7. Russian U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said North Korea's action showed it had not taken the proper lesson from the latest round of sanctions. A spokesman for the U.S. State Department said Pyongyang should "refrain from provocative actions that aggravate tensions and instead focus on fulfilling its international obligations," while a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said China hoped all parties could refrain from actions that escalate tension. Japan's U.N. ambassador, Motohide Yoshikawa, said the firing was North Korea's reaction to the latest sanctions and, "They may do something more." South Korean President Park Geun-hye welcomed the tougher Security Council sanctions and repeated a call for North Korea to change its behaviour. "We will cooperate with the world to make the North Korean regime abandon its reckless nuclear development and end tyranny that oppresses freedom and human rights of our brethren in the North," Park said at a Christian prayer meeting. Park has been tough in her response to the North's recent actions, moving from her earlier self-described "trustpolitik." Last month, Seoul suspended the operation of a jointly run factory project with North Korea that had been the rivals' last remaining venue for regular interaction. On Thursday, South Korea adopted a long-delayed security law to set up an anti-espionage unit and another law aimed at improving human rights in North Korea. In its latest barrage of insults against South Korea's leader, North Korea's official media carried a commentary on Wednesday likening Park to an "ugly female bat," fated to "die in the dreary cave, its body hanging down." (Additional reporting by Jessica Macy Yu in BEIJING David Brunnstrom in WASHINGTON and Michelle Nichols and Louis Charbonneau at the UNITED NATIONS; Editing by Alex Richardson and Bill Trott)
Oscar Pistorius has been denied the right to appeal against his murder conviction for the killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The 29-year-old athlete will now be sentenced for murder after South Africa's highest court dismissed his last-ditch legal challenge.

Luvuyo Mfaku, a spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority, said: "The court dismissed the application for leave to appeal because there are are no prospects of success."

Pistorius' manslaughter conviction for shooting dead his girlfriend was upgraded to murder by an appeals court in December.

The judges said he should have known that death was inevitable after he fired four times into the toilet, leaving Ms Steenkamp with "nowhere to hide".

It ruled that the original trial judge had made a "fundamentally flawed" judgement.

They also accused the appeals court of "making errors of law" and incorrectly applying the legal concept of 'dolus eventualis' - awareness of the likely outcome of one's actions.

Paralympian Pistorius is now facing a minimum of 15 years in jail and is on bail until his sentencing - a date for which could be set at a hearing on 18 April.

The 'Blade Runner' was released in October 2015 after serving less than a year of his original five-year sentence.

He has maintained he fired out of fear for his life after believing an intruder was in his property on Valentine's Day 2013.

The prosecution said he shot dead Ms Steenkamp after an argument.

Ms Steenkamp's family have said the appeal proceedings were a "delaying tactic" to keep Pistorius out of jail.
KABUL (Reuters) - The Taliban said on Saturday it would not take part in peace talks brokered by representatives of Afghanistan, Pakistan, China and the United States, casting doubt on efforts to revive negotiations. The Taliban, ousted from power in a U.S.-led military intervention in 2001, has been waging a violent insurgency to try to topple Afghanistan's Western-backed government and re-establish a fundamentalist Islamic regime. Following a meeting of the so-called Quadrilateral Coordination Group made up of representatives of the four countries in Kabul in February, officials said they expected direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban to begin in early March. But the Taliban, which calls itself the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, denied it would be participating in any upcoming talks in Islamabad. "We reject all such rumours and unequivocally state that the leader of Islamic Emirate has not authorised anyone to participate in this meeting," the group said in a statement. "(Islamic Emirate) once again reiterates that unless the occupation of Afghanistan is ended, black lists eliminated and innocent prisoners freed, such futile misleading negotiations will not bear any results," it added. The rejection follows efforts to revive talks that broke down last year following the announcement of the death of the Taliban's founder and long-time leader Mullah Mohammed Omar some two years earlier. The U.S. State Department called on the Islamist movement to come to the negotiating table, saying Afghanistan's allies would continue to back the Kabul government as it fights the insurgency. "The Taliban have a choice: to join good-faith negotiations for peace, or continue to fight a war in which they are killing their fellow Afghans and destroying their country," it said in a statement. "If they choose the latter course, they will continue to face the combined efforts of the Afghan security forces and their international partners," it said. New leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour has laid down preconditions for taking part in any talks as he struggles to overcome factional infighting, with some breakaway groups opposing any negotiations whatsoever. Heavy fighting has continued over the winter from Helmand in the south to Jowzjan province in the north, while a series of suicide attacks have been launched in the capital, underlining the difficulty of restarting the peace process. (Reporting by Josh Smith and Mushtaq Yusufzai; Editing by Jane Merriman and Helen Popper)
Turkish police have raided the premises of the country's largest newspaper, staunchly opposed to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to impose a court order placing it under state control.

Police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse hundreds of protesters who had gathered outside the Zaman paper's Istanbul headquarters before breaking down a gate and storming the building.

The court action was brought by a public prosecutor and comes amid an intensified government campaign against the moderate Islamic movement led by the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

New managers will be appointed to run the newspaper, who will be expected to transform its editorial line.

Zaman's ousted editor-in-chief Abdulhamit Bilici called the court decision a "black day for democracy" in Turkey.

The move has sparked international outrage.

Nils Muiznieks, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, said: "I see this as an extremely serious interference with media freedom which should have no place in a democratic society.

"It is the latest in a string of unacceptable and undue restrictions of media freedom in Turkey."

Reporters Without Borders accused President Erdogan of "moving from authoritarianism to all-out despotism".

Mr Gulen, who has lived in the US since 1999, was once Mr Erdogan's ally but the two fell out.

The government accuses the Gulen movement of orchestrating corruption allegations in December 2013 against ministers and people close to Mr Erdogan as a plot to overthrow it.

Authorities have since branded the movement a terrorist organisation, although it is not known to have carried out acts of violence.

Mr Gulen was placed on trial in absentia last year on charges of attempting to topple the government.
TINDOUF, Algeria (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon visited Sahrawi refugee camps in southern Algeria on Saturday as part of efforts to restart negotiations to end a dispute between the Polisario independence movement and Morocco over the Western Sahara territory. The Polisario Front, which says the territory belongs to ethnic Sahrawis, waged a guerrilla war after Morocco took over the area from colonial Spain in 1975 until a U.N.-brokered ceasefire in 1991. The two sides have been deadlocked since. Many of the Sahrawi refugees, who fled the fighting in Western Sahara, have been living in mud brick houses in the harsh Tindouf area for some 40 years. Ban has said he wants to relaunch negotiations over the desert region and allow the return of Sahrawi people from refugee camps in Algeria across the border. Algeria backed Polisario in the conflict against regional rival Morocco. "I will spare no effort to help make progress towards a just, lasting and mutually acceptable solution for Western Sahara," Ban said, according to the social media account of his spokesperson. The U.N. chief will visit refugee camps and schools in the Tindouf area and meet with the Polisario leadership there. Before Ban's arrival, Polisario leader Mohammed Abdelaziz said the U.N. had "lost its way" over Western Sahara but called Ban's visit the best opportunity in a long time to reset negotiations over a referendum for self-determination. Polisario, backed by Algeria and a number of other African states, wants to hold a long-delayed referendum promised in the U.N. ceasefire deal on the region's future. "We want to hear from the Secretary-General in order to achieve a solution this year," Abdelaziz said. But Morocco wants Western Sahara, which is rich in phosphates and possibly offshore oil and gas, to be an autonomous part of Morocco and disagrees with Polisario over who should take part in the referendum. Morocco's king late last year insisted only the autonomy plan was acceptable. Rabat invests heavily there, hoping to calm social unrest and independence claims, and in February announced a $1.85 billion investment plan for the region. Ban said last year U.N. envoy Christopher Ross had intensified efforts to facilitate the entry of the parties into negotiations without preconditions and in good faith. "We expect a lot from the secretary general's visit. We expect him to end the suffering of the Sahrawi and to settle the conflict," Ahmed Lobate, a refugee at one of the camps, told Reuters. "All of us refuse to continue any more like this." (Reporting by Abdelaziz Boumzar; Writing by Patrick Markey; Editing by Ros Russell)
On International Open Data Day, we reveal a network of knock-off companies using the CIBC, Credit Suisse and BNP brands, based in HK with subsidiaries in the UK and New Zealand. If those registries were not free and open, the deception would remain undiscovered. We call on HK Registrar Ada Chung to tear down this paywall.

Deception behind the Companies Registry paywall



In the course of investigating problems at the HK Companies Registry, Webb-site has discovered a deceptive and potentially fraudulent pattern of behaviour involving a person who often goes by the name of "KEI, Tang Wing" but whose name is probably "William TANG Wing Kei" (Mr Tang), Tang being a common HK surname while Kei is not.

The paywall on the HK Companies Registry facilitates this kind of deception by making it impossible to check documents or directorships without payment of fees, and we're not paying to find out how far this mess extends in HK, but we can tell you about the UK and New Zealand. Ironically, today, 5-Mar-2016, is International Open Data Day!

What started our investigation was a UK company registered in HK on 14-Sep-2012 under the name "CIBC FINANCE LTD", HK number F0019373. The HK registry is out of date. Looking up that name in the UK registry, which is open and free, we found that it changed its name on 15-May-2015 to "BANGKO FIRST CREDIT LTD." and again on 23-Dec-2015 to "EURO EXIM BANGKO LIMITED". We have updated our record in Webb-site Who's Who accordingly. Between those two dates, the company filed an annual return in HK without updating its name.

The UK registry shows (without payment) that the director is "Tang Wing KEI", born 4-Sep-1957, and lists his 16 directorships. Now the pattern emerges. 5 of the companies' names were changed by the UK Company Names Tribunal, after applications from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and CIBC World Markets Plc, so their names are now their respective incorporation numbers followed by the word "Limited". You can see why:

Past name Current name CIBC SAVING LTD 08149022 LTD C.I.B. CORP LTD 08208819 LTD CIB CREDIT LTD 08209545 LTD CIB CREDIT AND SAVING LTD 08209637 LTD CIBC AG LTD 08290830 LTD. CIBC SAVINGS AND CREDIT CORP LTD CI SAVINGS AND CREDIT LTD. CIBC SAVINGS AND CREDIT LTD COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL BANGKO LIMITED CIBC CREDIT N SAVING CORP LTD CREDIT & INVESTMENT BANQUE LTD. CIBC BANCORP LIMITED CREDIT AND INVESTMENT BANGKO CORP LTD. CIBC UK LTD CREDIT BONDS LTD. CREDIT BOSTON LTD CREDIT SUISSE BANCORP LTD CIBC FINANCE LTD EURO EXIM BANGKO LIMITED CIBC CREDIT CORP LTD GRAND METRO INVESTMENT INC. LTD CIBC CREDIT & FINANCE LTD POINT CREDIT AND SAVING LTD CIBC CREDIT LIMITED SUISSE CREDIT CAPITAL UK LTD

Mr Tang has also been active in New Zealand, where he registered two UK companies as overseas companies. Like the UK, the New Zealand registry is also free and open. The two companies' records are at these links: CIBC CREDIT LIMITED and BNP CREDIT & SAVING LIMITED. As shown in the table above, the first of these companies has changed its name (without telling New Zealand) to the equally misleading "SUISSE CREDIT CAPITAL UK LTD", a play on the brand of the real Swiss bank Credit Suisse, while the BNP knock-off (a play on real French bank BNP Paribas) is still under that name in the UK, although the director is named "Kei Wing TANG", so that makes 17 companies.

One of the above firms, CIBC Bancorp Ltd, was the subject of a warning of possible unauthorised activities by the UK Financial Conduct Authority on 22-Sep-2011.

Incidentally, there is also a HK company incorporated on 11-Jun-2013 called SUISSE CREDIT CAPITAL LIMITED which may or may not be related. We're not paying the registry to find out. A similar-named company, Credit & Investment Bancorp Corporation Ltd, was incorporated in HK on 3-Sep-2012. Another one, CIBC AG Finance Ltd, was incorporated in HK on the same day and changed its name to LC Services (Asia) Ltd (LCSA) on 19-Aug-2014. The "AG" is a nice touch, making it sound like a German subsidiary. There was also a HK firm called CIBC BANCORP ASIA LIMITED incorporated on 10-Nov-2011 and struck off on 14-Aug-2015.

For several of the UK knock-offs, the address of the company is in London's East End at "Office 3, 3rd Floor, 148 Cambridge Heath Road, London E1 5QJ". That address is shown on www.mailbox4u.co.uk, which says it was established in 1996 by Leonard Cosgrove. The domain is registered to "Len Mailing Address Service".

Max Vision Finance

All 17 companies were incorporated with only one shareholder, Max Vision Finance Limited (MVF), incorporated in HK on 4-Jun-2008. The shareholder and Mr Tang's address is given as "Room 905, Tung Ming Commercial Bildg, 40-42 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong". Allowing for typos, that is "Tung Ming Building".

Also at that address or the adjacent unit 906, each with a director called "William Tang" in the Trade Development Council directory, are:

There is a web site for LCSA at 68bank.wix.com/msbtrading which gives an e-mail address at cibc-bancorp.com (matching the old name of LCSA), and includes a "message from the Chairman", William Tang.

Is William Tang the same person as TANG, Wing Kei? What makes this almost certain is the discovery of an 18th UK company, SUISSE CAPITALS (UK) LTD, at the same London address, the director and only shareholder of which is "William Tang", with the same date of birth as Kei Tang Wing, and the 2014 accounts were signed by "Wing Kei Tang". This company has a web site at suisse-capitals.com, a domain registered to "Max Vision Finance". The web site appears to promote letters of credit from an address in London but with a building name and street address that belongs to an office block in Coventry that was demolished in 2014.

According to the Gazette, MVF applied for a money-lenders licence in Aug-2008. According to a list at the Companies Registry, the application was withdrawn. The list does not say when.

Ms Chung, tear down this paywall

If the UK and New Zealand registries still charged to find directors and documents, we would never have uncovered this deception. HK is the odd one out. The Companies Registry, led since 2007 by Ada Chung Lai Ling, in the year to 31-Mar-2015 booked a profit of HK$263m on turnover of HK$548m. That is an obscene, monopolistic profit margin. Of the turnover, search and copying fees were HK$73m, so it would still be hugely profitable without search fees. So Ms Chung, in the words of Ronald Reagan in Berlin, "open this gate...tear down this wall". Open the data to public scrutiny as the UK and New Zealand have done.

Government should be run for-people, not for-profit. As the Financial Secretary said in his budget last month:

"Unless justified on policy ground, all fees and charges for government services have been set in accordance with the "cost-recovery" and "user pays" principles."

Given that the most efficient way to store company records is digitally, the Companies Registry would store all the data on servers even if the register were not open to searching, so adding the online search facility is only a marginal expense, certainly far less than HK spends on things like public parks and free wi-fi. Given the public interest and the economic benefits of transparency in terms of reduced fraud and corruption and ease of business, the search fees should be abolished and the filing fees cut until the registry operates at break-even. The HK public should not have to pay the Government in order to check whether they are dealing with the "real" CIBC, Credit Suisse or BNP.

 Webb-site.com, 2016

Organisations in this story

People in this story

Topics in this story

Sign up for our free newsletter

Recommend Webb-site to a friend

Copyright & disclaimer, Privacy policy

Back to top
This Week in Palestine, March 4th, 2015 by IMEMC

Welcome to this Week in Palestine, a service of the International Middle East Media Center, http://www.imemc.org , for February 27, to March 4, 2016.

Listen now: Copy the code below to embed this audio into a web page: <audio preload="none" src="https://www.indybay.org/uploads/2016/03/04/thisweekinpalestine_09_2016.mp3" controls="controls"></audio>

As the Palestinian Authority work for an international peace conference, Israeli troops kill four Palestinian civilians this week. These stories, and more, coming up, stay tuned.





The Nonviolence Report



Lets begin our weekly report as usual with the nonviolent activities organized in the West Bank. two youth injured meanwhile scores others were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation when Israeli troops attacked nonviolent protests organized in West Bank villages. IMEMCs Majd Batjali with the details :



In Kufer Kadum in northern West Bank two civilians were lightly wounded and many residents were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation as Israeli troops attacked the weekly protest there. Troops later stormed the village and fired tear gas into residents homes,



Meanwhile in the villages of Bilin and Nilin, in central West Bank, Israeli soldiers attacked the protesters as soon as they reached the gate in the wall that separates local farmers from their lands. Many protesters suffered the effects of tear gas inhalation and were treated by field medics at both locations.



At the nearby al Nabi Saleh village, troops attacked protesters at the village entrance. Israeli soldiers fired several rounds of rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas at protesters and nearby homes. Many residents suffered effects of tear gas inhalation as a result.



Moreover, at least 400 Israeli and Palestinian peace activists marched in a nonviolent protest organized at settlers road 60, near the southern West Bank city of Bethlehem. The protest on Friday was organized by Combatants for Peace Movement, in collaboration with a number of Palestinian and Israeli NGOs.



For IMEMC News this Majd Batjali.





The Political Report



This week, the Palestinian Authority hopes for convening an international peace conference that helps push peace forward. IMEMCs Rami Al Meghari has more:



In a meeting with European members of parliament from Belgium, Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, called for convening an international peace conference that would help push the peace process forward.



The president's meeting with the parliamentarians, took place in the West Bank city of Ramallah and was described as fruitful, as the PA's president briefed the delegation on latest developments in the region including Palestinian efforts for reconciliation, underway.



In the meantime, Israel claimed that the Islamist Hamas party in Gaza has been able to recollect it's strength, since the end of last Israeli war on the territory. More recently, some analysis suggested that Israel might intend to carry out further large-scale attacks on the occupied Palestinian territories, within Israeli attempts to undermine Hamas's capabilities, including underground tunnels, which Israel accuses Hamas of rebuilding, since then.



In another news from Gaza, the Islamist Hamas party demanded the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah to press for operating an Israeli electricity line that would ensure at least 100 Mega Watt of power supply for the coastal enclave.



Hamas called on the various Palestinian factions to press for the electricity supply, which is less than 12 hours a day, across the Gaza Strip. Hamas had agreed in June 2014, to quit government for the best of a consensus government in Ramallah. Up to this moment, a consensus government, formed by Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, has not taken effect in Gaza.



On a related note, rival Hamas and Fatah parties have been recently engaged in talks, mediated by Qatar, in order to sort out obstacles, ahead of forming a unity Palestinian government.



For IMEMC News, I am Rami Almeghari in Gaza.





The West Bank and Gaza Report



Four Palestinian were killed this week by Israeli gunfire during separate attacks in the West Bank, meanwhile in Gaza a tunnel workers is killed during an accident. IMEMCs Ghassan Bannoura reports:



A Palestinian youth was killed on Tuesday at dawn by Israeli troops gunfire after the army invaded Qalandia refugee camp, near occupied Jerusalem. Eyad Sajdiyya, 22, was killed by an Israeli army sharpshooter. The slain Palestinian was a fourth-year journalism student at Al-Quds University and a member of the Qalandia Media Center.



Media sources said that dozens of Israeli military vehicles invaded the camp while military helicopters flew overhead. The invasion led to clashes between the soldiers and dozens of local youngsters, who hurled stones and empty bottles at them. An additional seven youth were injured in the clashes one critical.



Moreover, Israeli soldiers shot and killed, on Wednesday morning, two Palestinians in the Eli illegal Israeli settlement, near the northern West Bank city of Nablus, allegedly after they attempted to stab a soldier. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the two slain youthas Labeeb Azzam, and Mohammad Zaghlawan both 17, from Qaryout village, south of Nablus. The two left their homes on Tuesday evening, and never returned; their families and other villagers looked for them all night long until they heard the news of their death.



Later in the week, Israeli soldiers killed, on Friday morning, a Palestinian woman driving her car close to the Gush Etzion settlement block, on the main Bethlehem-Hebron road, south of Bethlehem. The Israeli army claimed that Amani Sabateen, 34, from Husan town west of Bethlehem, tried to ram soldiers with her car, and that one officer was mildly wounded before the army shot her dead. The wounded officer was moved to Shaare Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem. Sabateen family said that she was killed in cold blood and that she did not try to hit soldiers with her car.



Also this week, the Israeli army conducted at least 67 military invasions into Palestinian communities in the West Bank. During these invasions, Israeli troops kidnapped at least 77 Palestinian civilians, including 13 children.



In the Gaza Strip, medical sources announced that a young man was killed, on Thursday evening, after a siege-busting tunnel collapsed on him, suffocating him under the rubble.



Earlier in the week, Israeli troops stationed near the southern Gaza Israel borders opened fire at Palestinian farmers forcing them to leave their lands. Meanwhile The Israeli navy, on Monday, attacked and abducted nine Palestinian fishermen while they were on board two fishing boats offshore Gaza, according to local sources. The navy also seized the two fishing boats and dragged them to Ashdod seaport, as well. On Tuesday of this week the navy also opened fire at Palestinian fishing boats forcing them to go back to shore.



For IMEMC News this is Ghassan Bannoura.





Conclusion



And thats all for today from This Week in Palestine. This was the Weekly report for February 27, to March 4, 2016. From the Occupied Palestinian Territories. For more news and updates please visit our website at www-dot-imemc-dot-org, This weeks report has been brought to you by Maher Qasiess and me Eman Abedraboo- Bannoura.
Whats in the Water? From Flint Michigan to the Bayview: Environmental Injustices Cause

Date:

Monday, March 07, 2016

Time:

6:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Event Type:

Meeting

Organizer/Author:

Ruthie

Location Details:

Global Exchange 2017 Mission at 16th

near BART

Whats in the Water?



From Flint Michigan to the Bayview:

Environmental Injustices Cause and

Genocidal Outcomes in Communities of Color



With Steve Zeltzer and Dr. Raymond Tomkins



Lead poisoning is irreversible. Pediatricians such as Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha (who discovered the Flint water crisis) fear the Flint children who tested with elevated levels will suffer lifelong consequences. "If you were to put something in a population to keep them down for generation and generations to come, it would be lead," Hanna-Attisha said. "It's a well-known, potent neurotoxin. There's tons of evidence on what lead does to a child, and it is one of the most damning things that you can do to a population. It drops your IQ, it affects your behavior, it's been linked to criminality, it has multigenerational impacts. There is no safe level of lead in a child."



The Flint water crisis is a drinking water contamination crisis began in April 2014. After Flint changed its water source from treated Detroit Water and Sewerage Department water to the Flint River, its drinking water had a series of problems that culminated with lead contamination with extremely elevated levels of the heavy metal. In Flint, between 6,000 and 12,000 children have been exposed. Nine lawsuits have been filed against government officials on the issue, and several investigations have been opened. The city was declared to be in a state of emergency by the Governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, before Obama declared it as a federal state of emergency. Four government officialsone from the City of Flint, two from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and one from the Environmental Protection Agencyresigned over the mishandling of the crisis, and one additional MDEQ staff member was fired and another has a termination hearing pending. Governor Snyder issued an apology to citizens and promised to fix the problem.



While the local outcry about Flint water quality was growing in early 2015, Flint water officials filed papers with state regulators purporting to show that "tests at Flint's water treatment plant had detected no lead and testing in homes had registered lead at acceptable levels."[47] The documents falsely claimed that the city had tested tap water from homes with lead service lines, and therefore the highest lead-poisoning risks; in reality; the city does not know the locations of lead service lines, which city officials acknowledged in November 2015 after the Flint Journal/MLive published an article revealing the practice after obtaining documents through the Michigan Freedom of Information Act.[48]



In 2003, Bayview Hunters Point residents and community environmental justice organizations filed complaints with the US Department of Energy, charging the California Independent System Operator and PG&E with violating Title VI of the United States Civil Rights Act of 1964. By applying standards that subject Bayview Hunters Point residents, the majority of who are low-income people of color, to unnecessary levels of fossil fuels, PG&E and California Independent Systems Operator are violating civil rights, the residents and organizations said.



Two years later, residents continued to suffer a medical charts worth health problems through being exposed to pollution from two of the states oldest power plants. This is in addition to the constant bombardment theyve received of fumes and gases from sewage treatment, cement factories, a radioactive shipyard, and two highways. According to a 2003 study by the nonprofit Greenaction, residents in Southeast San Francisco are hospitalized for cognitive heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, emphysema, and asthma at three times the statewide average. The city of San Francisco has never made a commitment to the people of Bayview Hunters Point or to their health, said Dr. Raymond Tompkins, administrative lecturer at San Francisco City College.



The rate of breast cancer in African American women under the age of 50 is twice as high there as in the rest of the state, he said. The same chemicals that cause breast cancer cause testicular cancer, he cautioned, adding that the health department has not even been searching for the latter disease when collecting its statistics on Bayview Hunters Point residents. He also pointed out that while the life expectancy for a white male living in San Francisco is 78 years, for an African American male in Bayview Hunters Point, it is 58 years. Were talking about life and death here.



Please join us at OccupyForum Monday night to hear from Steve Zeltzer and Dr. Ray Tomkins about environmental genocide in communities of color; to call out the perpetrators, and to take a stand with communities against the corrupt agencies and systemic racism in the United States that allows, and perhaps encourages this, to happen.



Time will be allotted for Q&A, discussion and announcements.

Donations to Occupy Forum to cover costs are encouraged; no one turned away!
Farmworkers declare we have suffered reprisals, mass dismissals, constant threats, increased workload for the same salary, and are obligated to join corporate unions that have never represented us, in exchange for keeping our jobs, among other labor abuses.

[ Driscoll's Headquarters. 345 Westridge Drive in Watsonville, California. ]

Message from San Quintin to the United States: Boycott Driscolls

Driscoll's, with headquarters at 345 Westridge Drive in Watsonville, California, is the world's largest berry distributor and the target of an international boycott.

Besides providing fresh berries to customers around the world, Driscolls is often recognized for it's philanthropy and community involvement. However there is also a dark side to the colorful berry company.

Author and documentarian Tomas Madrigal explains that Driscoll's has a "notorious track record ... when it comes to fighting against farm worker campaigns for worker rights and dignity."

Farmworkers in Washington State who grow, harvest, and pack Driscolls lucrative berries formed a union, Familias Unidas por la Justicia (Families United for Justice), and initiated a boycott in 2013 against berries grown at Sakuma Brothers Farms in Burlington, Washington. Sakuma Brothers has been a berry grower for Driscolls for 25 years, and according to Families United for Justice the two companies have been closely intertwined over those years.

The call to boycott Driscolls was internationalized after a farmworker rebellion in the San Quintin Valley of Baja California, Mexico reached a boiling point in March 2015. The farmworkers, organized as an independent farmworker union called the Alianza de Organizaciones por la Justicia Social (Alliance of National, State and Municipal Organizations for Social Justice), released a communique that contained their grievances and a list of fourteen demands.

On April 8, 2015 the Alliance released a second communique that announced their resolve join Families United for Justices ongoing boycott against their employer, Sakuma Brothers Farms, by launching a "boycott against Driscolls and against the companies that make a profit based on the exploitation of our labor power."

On February 3, 2016, agricultural workers in San Quintin sent a message to the people of the United States. In the letter, the workers state there are "three levels of the Government in complicity with businessmen" and outline some of the ongoing labor abuses they are forced to endure "in exchange for keeping our jobs."

Farmworkers declare they have been imprisoned, as well as injured, and that "we have suffered reprisals, mass dismissals, constant threats in the fields, increased workload for the same salary, and are obligated to join corporate unions that have never represented us, in exchange for keeping our jobs, among other labor abuses."

The workers announced that a MEGA-MARCH, starting on March 17 in San Quintin, will make it's way through the Baja California towns of Maneadero, Ensenada, and Rosarito before arriving in Tijuana on March 19 for a reunion with organizations, activists, and unionists that support the struggle of farmworkers and their call to Boycott Driscoll's.

In addition to the mobilization in Baja California, called March of the two Californias, Families United for Justice will be "embarking on an historic 28-day tour of the West Coast to energize a major offensive on the boycott of Driscolls berries." The tour, which has about 17 scheduled events, begins on March 18 in Portland, Oregon, will march in Sacramento on March 26, then stop in the Bay Area, followed by southern California, including a big action at the US / Mexico Border on April 9, and conclude in the Bay Area on April 13. Families United also announced "a major action at the Driscoll's headquarters in Watsonville" on March 31.

On March 17, 2016, the first anniversary of the strike in San Quintin, farmworkers are asking their supporters "to join voices together ... in every corner of the USA to say: BOYCOTT DRISCOL's; to hold demonstrations in all Driscoll's warehouses and in supermarkets such as Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, Safeway, or any place where Driscoll's products are sold."

Message from San Quintin to the United States

San Quintin, Baja California, February 3, 2016

MESSAGE FROM SAN QUINTIN TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To the social organizations, sisters and brothers in the USA who have supported the struggle of San Quintin farmworkers, independent unions, scholars, activists, media workers:

Agricultural workers in the Valley of San Quintin, which rose in strike on March 17, 2015 to demand better working conditions invite you to support our struggle once more. We ask you to mobilize from different points of the state of California from March 17 to 20, 2016, to meet with thousands of workers conducting a MEGA-MARCH from San Quintin up to the border at Playas de Tijuana on March 20.

This MEGA-MARCH is to commemorate the first year of the start of the strike in San Quintin. To publicize that after a year from the historic work stoppage where thousands of workers left the camps and took to the streets demanding better working conditions, employers have not listened in good will to our demands and established measures to ensure our labor and human rights are respected in accordance with the law. On the contrary, we have been harshly repressed by the forces from the three levels of the Government in complicity with businessmen, we were imprisoned, injured, we have suffered reprisals, mass dismissals, constant threats in the fields, increased workload for the same salary, are obligated to join corporate unions that have never represented us, in exchange for keeping our jobs, among other labor abuses.

We ask your support for this day, March 17, to join our voices together with farmworkers of San Quintin, Mexico, in every corner of the USA to say: BOYCOTT DRISCOLL's; to hold demonstrations in all Driscoll's warehouses and in supermarkets such as Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, Safeway, or any place where these products are sold. BOYCOTT DRISCOLL's because it purchases most of the fruits which are harvested in this Valley (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries) and exploits just the same workers in the United States such as our sisters and brothers of "Familias Unidas" in Washington who have called to BOYCOTT DRISCOLL's since more than two years ago.

Support from trade unionists and activists of USA was important in a first major victory that resulted in the legal registration of our National Democratic Independent Union of Agricultural Workers (SINDJA), therefore we ask once more your support to demand corporations such as Driscoll's, and the companies that make up the Agricultural Council of Baja California as well as from each agricultural sector to sign a collective agreement with this unique union which legally represents workers of San Quintin, Mexico. United in the struggle we trust we can count on your support.

Alliance of National, State, and Municipal Organizations for Social Justice

National Democratic Independent Union of Agricultural Workers

For a better future and a new country!

* Credit to Enrique Davalos for the initial translation of the message from San Quintin to the United States.

For more information, see:

Bradley Allen is a reporter and photographer in the Monterey Bay Area, and part of the Indybay collective. Follow him on Twitter: @BradleySA.
Top Class Action Lawsuits

Theyre Taxing What?? Not that I have a bias or anything, but its about time! Yupits time to end the tampon tax! And five women in New York are just the gals to do it. The filed a tampon tax class action against the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, claiming that the 4% sales tax charged by the state on tampons and other feminine hygiene products violates the Equal Protection clauses of the United States and New York State Constitutions. The suit cites the fact that the same sales tax does not apply to medical items like Rogaine, adult diapers and dandruff shampoo. SeriouslyRogaine has a medical classification?

The ladies are seeking a permanent tax exemption for feminine hygiene products and a full tax refund for all women who have purchased tampons or pads in New York over the last two years.

According to the lawsuit, most women spend $70 on tampons and pads annually. The state of New York collects $14 million a year from taxes on tampons from 5 million New Yorkers. Thats a lot of dough, Joe.

Apparently, New York State exempts medical items from its sales tax, but excludes pads and tampons from the medical classification. According to the Department of Taxations guide for retailers, feminine hygiene products are generally used to control a normal bodily function and to maintain personal cleanliness. This differentiates them in the fine print from over-the-counter medication for a vaginal infection, which treats a specific medical condition. So, how do they define treat ? (Conveniently, it would seem. Pardon my bias).

However, the plaintiffs contend that pads and tampons are necessary for the preservation of health, especially when compared to medicated Chapstick for a coldsore, by way of example.

In February, legislation was introduced that would exempt feminine hygiene products like tampons and pads from state sales tax, calling the tax a regressive tax on women and their bodies that harkens back to a time when the laws were written by men for women.

Go getem!!!

Wage & Hour Woes for Macys Macys got hit with a proposed employment class action alleging unpaid wages and overtime and failure to pay minimum wage this week. Lost count of how many retailers have been slapped with these charges.

This suit is brought by former employee Yulie Narz, who alleged in the complaint that Macys Stores West Inc. has systemic illegal employment practices in place, enabling the retailer to not pay employees for mandatory security checks of their bags conducted before meal breaks and at the end of shifts.

Narez worked for Macys from November 2013 through July 2015, according to the lawsuit. She also alleges the retailer fails to pay employees, who work shifts of five hours or more, for a 30-minute meal break or 10-minute rest breaks for every 3.5 hours of work, as required by California labor law. This has resulted in a loss of overtime pay and generally improper wage statements, according to the complaint.

Plaintiff is informed and believes  that defendants had a consistent and uniform policy, practice and procedure of willfully failing to comply with [labor laws], Narez states. Defendants  have acted intentionally and with deliberate indifference and conscious disregard to the rights of all employees in receiving minimum wages and overtime wages for all hours worked.

The case is Narez v. Macys West Stores, Inc., number 5:16-cv-00936, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Top Settlements

Homeowners Win One. Heres a win for the good guys. A force-place insurance settlement has been reached between HSBC and the office of the Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey for $4 million, ending allegations that HSBC took illegal commissions and kickbacks for forced-place insurance policies. Niceand why not, right?

Reportedly, thousands of borrowers were allegedly improperly charged force-placed insurance premiums, however, the affiliate did not perform the traditional functions of an insurance company. HSBC allegedly received compensation tied to force-placed insurance premiums until 2012, which the AGs office believes was a conflict of interest.

The settlement will provide $2.67 million in restitution to affected Massachusetts homeowners, and $1.4 million to the state of Massachusetts.

Ok, so thats a wrap folks The sun is over the yard-arm and cocktails are in ordersee you at the Bar!
- President Buhari in a fresh interview with foreign media speaks about Nigeria's problems

- He restated that naira devaluation is against national interests

- The president claimed that he hasn't failed against Boko Haram

- Buhari addresses Biafra issue

President Muhammadu Buhari during his last visit to Qatar has given the interview to Al Jazeera.

The Nigerian president has been speaking about the challenges the country is facing now, comprising the naira devaluation, the Boko Haram, anti-corruption crusade, the Biafra issue.

Buhari is seeking support for his fight against corruption and to promote much-needed investment in his country's ailing economy.

Qatar is the actual president of Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Nigeria is Africa's largest oil producer.

The low oil prices have a destroying influence on the Nigerian economy, which has long depended on the export of oil.

READ ALSO: How President Buhari was received in Qatar

President Buhari said: "We were unable to diversify our economy, hence we are much more disadvantaged by the lower oil prices."

He tells the journalist that he values the institution of OPEC and that "Nigeria will make the necessary sacrifice to remain in OPEC."

On naira devaluation, the Nigerian leader of the nation said he would not reconsider his insistence on freezing the currency. President Buhari said as Nigeria "virtually imports everything, from rice to toothpicks", it cannot afford to devalue its currency.

"If it is against our national interest, why can't we go against the IMF advice?" Buhari asks.

Two major Buhari's promises during the election campaign last year were to eradicate corruption and end the Boko Haram insurgency.

Speaking on the Boko Haram, the president restated that none of local government areas has been occupied by the insurgents, adding that he hasn't failed against the insurgents.

READ ALSO: Buhari concludes Hajj and departs for Qatar

However, the Boko Haram remains active in many areas of Nigeria, seemingly able to strike at will.

I have not failed. When we came in Boko Haram was effectively in 14 local governments. Nigeria has 774 local governments. They hoist their flags and they said they had a certain caliphate but today they no longer to hold any local government.

They have reverted to improvised explosive devices blowing soft targets, and that will be a kind of terrorism which will be difficult to eliminate because it is technological, but they cannot hold any local government again. They are using technology but they cannot carry out organised attacks, overrun police post, attack military installations, they cannot do that now, the president stated.

President Buhari recalled that over two million lives were lost during the Nigeria civil war between 1967 to 1970 on the demand of a Biafran state.

At least two millions Nigerians were killed in the Biafra war. And for somebody to wake up may be they werent born. Looking for Biafra after two millions people were killed, they are joking with the security and Nigeria wont tolerate Biafra, he said.

Buhari said Nigeria has enlisted in the Saudi Arabia Islamic coalition fighting terrorism, clarifying that such step would help the country tackle extremism.

We are part of the Islamic coalition because we have got terrorists in Nigeria, which everybody knows and the terrorists claim to be Islamic, he said.

So, if there is an Islamic coalition to fight terrorism, we will be part of it because we are casualties of Islamic terrorism.

Boko Haram has declared loyalty to ISIS and ISIS is based in Islamic countries, and if there is a coalition to fight them why shouldnt we be part of it, particularly when those fighting the country claim to be Muslims, although what they are doing is against Islam.

When asked if non-Muslims would not feel that he is attempting to change the religious identity of the country, Buhari said: Why cant those Christians that complain fight terrorism in Nigeria or fight the militants in the south? Its Nigeria that matters, not the opinion of the religious bigots.

The declaration of the Independent Republic of Biafra in 1967 caused a civil war that resulted in the death of millions and the re-annexation of the republic to Nigeria in 1970.

The administration of President Buhari has always maintained that Nigeria's unity is a priority for the country and that while peaceful pro-Biafran protests are welcome, demanding the separation of the Biafran territories is against the constitution.

Source: Legit.ng
Thank you for reading The Cascadia Advocate, the Northwest Progressive Institutes journal of world, national, and local politics.

Founded in March of 2004, The Cascadia Advocate has been helping people throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond make sense of current events with rigorous analysis and thought-provoking commentary for more than fifteen years. The Cascadia Advocate is funded by readers like you and trusted sponsors. We dont run ads or publish content in exchange for money.

Help us keep The Cascadia Advocate editorially independent and freely available to all by becoming a member of the Northwest Progressive Institute today. Or make a donation to sustain our essential research and advocacy journalism.

Your contribution will allow us to continue bringing you features like Last Week In Congress, live coverage of events like Netroots Nation or the Democratic National Convention, and reviews of books and documentary films.

Become an NPI member Make a one-time donation
Citroen premium wing DS is at Geneva International Motor Show as it continues to strengthen the brand. With styling being an important focus area, the new DS 3 design is inspired by the DS Divine 2020 concept.

Taking on the Mini, new gen DS 3 aims to have an increased appeal so as to result in increased sales. In the past five years, sales havent improved much and remained more or less at the same range. The brand looks to redesign sales offers that have ensured steady sales and wants to focus on increased profits along with sustainable sales. The approach can only be substantiated if the car is able to ramp up its oomph factor. DS3 is a significant product for the brand. In 2015, it accounted for a notable portion of company sales.

Dassault Systemes Virtual Garage industry solution experience is being used at Geneva International Motor Show to bring out the best of DS 3 to visitors. DS presents the new DS 3 premium car at the stall without using a physical car. An HTC Vive headset and joystick lets customers revel in a virtual user experience. This includes a car walk-around, being able to sit in it, change roof and body colors, trims and interior decor, and watch opening and closing of front doors.

New DS 3 offers three million plus possible combinations to customers. DS Virtual Vision experience lets customers understand possible customizations. Geneva International Motor Show 2016 also marks the world premiere of this 3D experience.

Redesigned DS 3 is a more dynamic and sharper version with new headlight and a new front grille. Interiors are spruced up through updated connectivity tech, premium materials and improved kit options.

DS 3 dimensions remain unchanged. Standard DS 3 variants use a 1.2-litre petrol engine available in different tunes of 81, 108 and 128hp. New DS 3 diesel will see a 1.6 BlueHDi unit under the hood to return with 99 and 118hp.

In addition to these, there is also the DS 3 Performance, DS 3 Performance Cabrio and DS 3 Performance BRM, which can be seen in detail in the image gallery below. The Performance variants are powered by a 1.6-liter engine mated to a 6 speed MT with shorter gear ratios. This engine is rated at 2018 hp and 300 Nm. More info in the news release below.

DS 3  Photos

DS 3 Performance  Photos

DS 3 Performance Cabriolet  Photos

DS 3 Performance BRM  Photos

News Release

Stay tuned to Rushlane as we cover the 2016 Geneva Motor Show LIVE
The Citroen E-Mehari Courreges concept, a product of cooperation between the automaker and popular French fashion house Courreges, is greeting the 2016 Geneva Motor Show goers. The design concept is being accompanied by its production-spec sibling.

The E-Mehari is a pure electric 4-seat cabriolet which conforms to Citroens quirky design language. The model is a nod to the 1968 Mehari. The E-Mehari Courreges concept is billed as a vehicle which examines the space and functionality though the lens of liberty.

The materials and play of color focuses on Courreges signature color and symbol of light  white. Through the concept, both Citroen and Courreges express their desire to use new designs and materials to combine beauty with practicality.

The Citroen E-Mehari Courreges concept retains the regular models E-Mehari door motif and is finished in white, even the wheels. Just one petal in each wheel is finished in contrast orange and it is complemented by the incomplete orange circle on the tyres. A similar orange strip can be found on the central safety hoop as well. The rear hoop has been done away with in the interest of creating more space.

The orange and white combo has been carried over to the interior as well. The single-spoke steering wheel with black grip shouts out to the original car. The seats and door trims are upholstered in luxurious white leather.

Also read  Citroen C4 Cactus Rip Curl unveiled at 2016 Geneva Motor Show

The Citroen E-Mehari Courreges concept is powered by an electric motor which derives its juice from a Lithium Metal Polymer batter pack developed by Bellore. The car has an urban cycle range on 200 km and has a top speed of 110 kmph. Full charge takes about 8 hours on dedicated 16A charging station while it takes about 13 hours on domestic 10A wall socket.

Citroen E-Mehari Courreges Concept  Live Photos

Citroen E-Mehari  Live Photos

News Release
While the military has not tried to halt the momentous and unexpected (to them) power shift the new government was elected to do things that could hurt the military. The incoming parliament contains a majority of members elected to do something about the rampant and decades old corruption in the tribal north. That would upset some decades old scams that directly benefit many active and retired military leaders.

At the moment the corrupt businesses in the north that operate freely with (well paid) army protection dont seem alarmed. Chinese firms are proceeding to restore businesses in the north that had been shut down by rebel activity. There is an attitude of impunity in the north which means someone is going to be very disappointed and angry by the end of 2016. The attitude seems to be that the Chinese will be able to offer effective economic inducements to get their way with the new reform government. This has worked elsewhere in the region and since the Chinese have long experience with Burma even many Burmese are inclined to regard the restoration of corrupt Chinese influence as inevitable. Several neighboring countries are trying to avoid this, especially India. But so far the smart money is on the Chinese.

This attitude is encouraged by the recent (2015) completion of a new oil pipeline to China. Terminating on the northwest coast (Rakhine State) the 770 kilometer pipeline can move about 4.5 million barrels of oil a day. Back in 2013 a 2,500 kilometer natural gas pipeline from Burmese gas fields into China was completed and began operation. About a third of the pipeline is in Burma, the rest is in China. This pipeline delivers 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year. This is equivalent (in terms of energy) to 15 million barrels of oil. The Burmese gas replaces the more expensive liquefied natural gas in three provinces of southwest China as well as eliminates the need for 30 million tons of coal a year (a major source of air pollution). The success of the pipeline deal led to a January 2016 agreement that has Chinese firms investing over $9 billion to develop a SEZ (Special Economic Zone) around the pipeline terminal that will include a deep water port and a huge (1,000 hectare/2,500 acre) industrial park.

Not all the illegal operators up north seem so sure that they, along with their Chinese allies, will be able to bribe and bully their way out of any restrictions the newly elected reform government might apply. For example the outgoing government, for whatever reason, is now more active enforcing existing laws regarding the north. Thus two government officials were recently fired after being accused of illegally allowing heavy earth moving equipment to be sold and delivered to illegal jade mining operations in the north. There is panic in the illegal jade industry just now. Kachin State has been the site of three major jade mining accidents (all landslides) since November 2015. Over 150 died because the jade mining often involves removing most of the vegetation on a hillside. With the trees and shrubs gone there is nothing to hold soil together when there are heavy rains. All this has brought a lot of unwanted publicity to the jade trade. Burma is the main source of jade on the planet and is a $30 billion a year operation. Yet only about one percent of that is taxed and half of the jade is found by illegal mining operations and is quietly sold to Chinese traders. Most of the illegal jade trade is controlled by generals who have connections inside China. The rest is controlled by tribal rebels, mainly the Wa of the UWSA (United Wa State Army). Most of the jade is in the northern tribal territories and the army is constantly fighting with tribal rebels who are seeking to make some money in the jade producing areas.

The military leaders are not eager to give up the jade profits. A lot of the current fighting in Kachin State is a continuation of this decades old Jade War. Local tribes also point out that all the illegal jade and gold mining ruins many water supplies (streams and lakes) but since outsiders (military and tribal warlords) dominate and protect the illegal mining, no one cares about some bad water except a few locals.

Kachin is also where most of the illegal drug production takes place. Again the army and tribal warlords profit most from this. The drug production requires access to large quantities of industrial chemicals. The source is usually China or India and the pressure is on both countries to halt these questionable exports. Heroin production requires locally grown poppy plants treated with special chemicals. The local raw material has grown in northern Burma for thousands of years. Burma is currently the most prolific portion of the Golden Triangle (the ancient poppy growing area where the borders of China, Burma, Laos and Thailand meet) and that keeps all manner of gangster, rebel and ethnic warlords in business. In 2015 over 800 tons of opium (the raw material for heroin) were produced in the triangle, over 90 percent of it in Burma, which is also where most of the opium is processed into heroin (ten tons of opium yields one ton of heroin). Global production of opium is currently about 7,000 tons. Back in the early 1980s 2,000 tons of opium were produced a year, nearly all of it for legitimate medicinal products. There was some illegal production in the Golden Triangle but only a fraction of what it is now.

Chinese communists shut down opium production in China during the late 1940s. Some Chinese producers moved to Burma, Laos and Thailand. The Thais soon shut it down and Laos was never a big producer. Burma, run by a military dictatorship, needed the money, and didn't crack down until the 1990s, in large part to destroy the military power of Chinese drug warlords who grew strong off their heroin profits. Heroin production then picked up in Pakistan, where it was soon driven across the border to Afghanistan. The Afghan Taliban heavily taxed drug production in the late 1990s and even halted production for one year (2000) because of oversupply and falling prices. Opium has always been all about money. By 2010 military pressure on the Afghan drug gangs allowed the Golden Triangle, especially Burma, to regain more of the world heroin market. Afghanistan is still the leader, but Burma has over ten percent of the market and is gaining as is Colombia (with a much lower share). But everyone in the Golden Triangle knows that the opium industry has been suppressed many times in the past, it just takes the cooperation of the major governments up there to make it happen again. For decades Burma usually did not cooperate but the new Burmese government says it will. That might also mean a shutdown of methamphetamine production as well. Called "yaba" ("crazy drug") locally, most of it is smuggled out via Thailand. Since 2010 production of yaba tablets has soared. The meth labs are easier to conceal than poppy fields and the meth labs are believed to produce several hundred million tablets a year. But only as long as they can get the industrial chemicals required to make meth. The tribal rebels, especially ethnic Chinese tribes (like the Wa and MNDAA) use the profits to buy more weapons for their fighters, and run their rebel organizations. Recently India has agreed to shut down the illegal chemical smuggling. China is also trying to shut down the corruption that enables drug gangs to bribe chemical shipments past border security.

All this actual and predicted changes in the tribal north stem from the November 2015 national election where veteran reform advocate Aung San Suu Kyis party won 80 percent of the available seats in parliament. These were the first nationwide elections in 25 years and the first to actually take power since the 1960s. The new government is expected to take action on two issues (ethnic unrest and Chinese encroachment) the military was reluctant to tackle, as was the current elected (but still military dominated) government. The military was always in favor of getting the economy growing rapidly, something decades of military rule had prevented. But many military leaders had prospered during the dictatorship because they could be corrupt (to get rich) without fear of prosecution. The new government is under a lot of pressure to crack down hard on corruption in order to increase economic growth and reduce the widespread poverty. Such a crackdown would also cause tensions with China, which has, for over a decade, invested heavily in the tribal north via corrupt deals with the military. Unwinding all these unfair (especially to local tribes) deals will be painful for the Chinese as well as prominent Burmese military leaders and businessmen.

While the army is seen as the most dangerous armed group up north some of the tribal rebel militias turn against the people they were founded to protect. While most tribal armies seek to maintain themselves without becoming what they are supposed to be protecting their people from a growing number of these tribal rebel armies (with uniforms, officers, flags and so on) are sliding over to the dark side.

An example of this is the growing number of tribal refugees fleeing rebels who are more aggressively recruiting new fighters. In some cases the tribal militia recruiters are conscripting (kidnapping) young men and when word of that gets around many potential victims flee, often with their young wives and children. Sometimes the conscription rumors are government propaganda but all too often the rumors are true.

The main reason so many more tribal rebels have gone bad (been corrupted) up north can be tracked back to the growing (since the 1990s) Chinese influence. China has always (for thousands of years) been a major economic presence in the north but mainly as a source of goods the local tribes could not make for themselves. The tribes had little to trade so the trade was low level. In the 18th century that began to change when a booming economy in China created enough wealth for the many wealthy Chinese to buy opium from northern Burma. The sap of the poppy plant was long used as a traditional pain killer but was too expensive to produce to be a widespread recreational drug like alcohol or cannabis. The Chinese government suppressed the opium trade but then China went into two centuries of economic (and political) decline. This was reversed in the 1980s when the communist rulers of China made some extreme (for communists) reforms that caused an economic boom that is still underway. The new market economy created demands for raw materials that, it turned out, were present in northern Burma. The Chinese often found it easier to deal with corrupt generals than work out legitimate deals and that led to the many harmful (to the locals) mining and lumbering deals in the north. Many of these illegal operations were created and sustained by trial warlords. The army was bribed but the tribal warlords made most of the money. One recent example was the sudden (since 2009) appearance of a huge tin mining operation in northern Shan state that has made Burma the third largest tin producer in the world. All the ore mined is trucked across the border to China. The UWSA runs the tin operation, as well as a large chunk of the nearby illegal Jade mining operations. Unlike the jade mines, the tin operation was apparently based on rich tin deposits that have now been depleted. That and the economic slowdown in China is making the tribal tin operation a short-term thing.

Despite their involvement in many of the corrupt industries up north nearly all the tribal rebel groups agree that an end to the government corruption and constant army interference in the north would be a good thing. The tribal rebels, in anticipation of the post (since 2011) military government, have formed new coalitions to negotiate a peace deal. This was never possible with the army because the military was responsible for a lot of the corruption and illegal dealings up north. It was the generals, for example, that aided the Chinese in carrying out many large scale economic deals in the north that are now stalled by widespread tribal opposition.

February 23, 2016: In the north (Shan State) the army sent in over 2,000 troops to help out one of its tribal allies. All this began in mid-January when fighting broke out between TNLA (Taang National Liberation Army) tribal rebels and the pro-government SSA-S (Shan State Army-South). These two groups have long been at odds over a number of issues. The army is always trying to bribe tribal warlords to help protect, rather than hinder, the lucrative scams the military has long operated in the north. This usually works when it exploits existing tensions (and sometimes ancient feuds) between two tribes. This sort of thing is seen as another form of corruption up north and most of the tribal rebels openly condemn it. To make these unpopular deals work the army has to help the bought and paid for tribal allies when necessary. This is one of those situations.

February 18, 2016: The government signed an agreement with India to continue joint naval patrols along the maritime boundary in the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. This reduces smuggling because it is much more difficult to bribe patrol ships from two different countries simultaneously. The joint patrols also make it less likely that there be any international incidents over different interpretations of incidents.
Until recently, this corgi's home was a cruel and abusive puppy mill, which he shared with 294 other dogs.

This photo was taken during a puppy mill bust lead by the Arkansas division of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). He stared at the camera in his typically corgi way, with feet prepared for trotting and a face that always looks like a smile. A look into his hopeful eyes can almost make you forget that he lived in what the HSUS called "deplorable living conditions," in a statement released Thursday. "Many of the animals were living in feces and filth and did not have access to clean water or food."

Dodo Shows Adopt Me! Scared Little Dog Is So Full Of Joy Now  And Looking For A Family

Below, a few dogs look longingly at the team of unfamiliar faces, their rescuers.

This one was spotted with his head poking through an opening, where a metal door had bent.

Thankfully, the nearly 300 dogs are now being housed in temporary care with plenty of food, water and medical treatment provided by the generosity of various donors and local businesses. Of the "top ten puppy mill states," Arkansas is the only one without any regulations for commercial dog breeding, John Goodwin, the senior director of the puppy mills campaign at HSUS, told The Dodo. That's one reason the state is known as a "hotbed" for puppy mills, notorious for their harsh treatment of puppies and, especially, their mothers. The owner of the mill has been charged with two counts of animal cruelty, and, if convicted, could be forced to pay a $1,000 fee in addition to serving up to a year in prison, according to Arkansas state law. Many of the puppies were more than ready to leave.

But from here on out, they have a lot to look forward to.
What began as a near-fatal tragedy for one pit bull puppy named Jake ultimately transformed his life for the better - all thanks to the man who risked his own life to save him.

Bill Lindler

Bill Lindler, a firefighter with the Hanahan Fire Department in South Carolina, had just returned home from work one day last April when he saw flames rising up from his neighbor's freestanding garage. Naturally, he leapt into action. "I saw Mama dog and several puppies running out," Lindler told The Dodo. "I saw one puppy trying to make his way out, when a piece of the ceiling fell on top of him. He started yelping, but he wiggled himself free and backed into a corner and cowered down."

Bill Lindler

When backup arrived, Lindler entered the burning structure and found Jake hiding beneath a couch on the verge of death. "I brought him outside, and he was pretty bad," said Lindler. "He wasn't moving. He wasn't breathing. I did mouth-to-snout on him, until we could administer oxygen." Though badly burned, the little dog survived and was sent to an emergency vet clinic. A few weeks later, Lindler dropped by to check in on how Jake was doing. That's when he learned that the puppy's family failed to come claim him. So, Lindler decided to save Jake again.

"I told the vet I would like to get him. I asked how much the medical bills would cost, and the vet told us that it was fitting that I should want him, since I was the one who saved him," Lindler said. "He told me we didn't have to worry about the bills." Having suffered burns over 70 percent of his body, Jake's recovery would take several weeks. But Lindler was there to make sure it wasn't a road the puppy would have to face alone.

Dodo Shows Soulmates Growling Little Kitten Becomes Her Mom's Best Friend

Bill Lindler

As Jake grew stronger, and his burns began to heal, Lindler began bringing Jake along with him for his shifts at the fire station. He fit right in.

Bill Lindler

"Everybody was just thrilled to death," Lindler said. "He's just the cutest little thing there is. Everybody fell in love with him."

Bill Lindler

Jake, it seems, was destined for great things.

Bill Lindler

As Jake's presence among the other firefighters at the station became a regular occurance, Lindler's wife even converted an old firefighting jacket for him to complete the look. Still, his position on the force was purely unofficial - for the time being, anyway.

Bill Lindler

In his service, Jake continued to thrive, both in his own health, and in the impact he was having on others in the community. "We've taken him to local schools for education classes about fire prevention," says Lindler. "He's a big hit."

Bill Lindler

Jake's most important position, however, was that of station pet. The firefighters even made space for a little bed just for him, though he seems to hold another spot most dear. "He still prefers to lay up on daddy's bed," Lindler admits.

Bill Lindler

Just having Jake around to greet them after returning from a call has done wonders for the firefighters' morale. And for that priceless role, he soon earned some overdue recognition.

Bill Lindler

Last December, Jake was awarded two new titles from the community he serves. "Talking with my chief, and higher ups from the city, they thought it would be fitting to swear him in and make him an honorary firefighter," said Lindler. "He's also now our official mascot for the fire department."

Bill Lindler

Though not much has changed for Jake's day-to-day since earning official recognition, this may just be the beginning of what is already shaping up to be an outstanding career, says Lindler: "I'd like to see him be a therapy dog for burned children one day, so they can see that he's a survivor and that, despite the scars, they're all still beautiful. But right now though, we're working on having him be an arson detection dog."

Bill Lindler

Regardless of what lies ahead for Jake, the difficulties of his past - like the scars that mark his body - can never be erased. But all that only seems to make him stronger. "He's very happy and very healthy. I'm very proud," said Lindler. "Sometimes people ask about the scars, and when they do I tell them Jake's story. I tell them that the scars are just his badge from being a firefighter."

Bill Lindler
Back in August 2012, Alan Holyoak went to Seaside, Oregon, for his niece's wedding. He never expected that he'd come back a hero. Holyoak has a background in marine biology and teaches at Brigham Young University. Returning from an early walk one morning, he and his wife saw a person staring at an object lying just where the waves break on the beach. "I couldn't tell what it was from a distance," Holyoak told The Dodo. "It was pretty big. I didn't know if it was a juvenile dolphin or what. So we walked over and it was about a 4-foot shark in the water. It was just being rolled around in the waves."

Alan Holyoak

Holyoak identified the shark as a salmon shark - which, he said, people commonly mistake for a great white shark.

Dodo Shows Soulmates Pig Loves To Launch Himself Onto His Dad's Lap

Alan Holyoak

"If you look at photographs that show under the chin, [the shark] has kind of a rust-colored patch," Holyoak said. "That rust-colored patch is usually indicative of low oxygen. It was basically asphyxiating."

Alan Holyoak

Holyoak pulled the shark onto the beach and, when he saw that the shark exhibited faint signs of life, he quickly placed the shark's head in the water, where the waves were washing over his gills, to give him some much-needed oxygen. His wife, Kathrine, took photos as he worked.

Alan Holyoak

However, the shark still remained mostly lifeless. It wasn't until Holyoak brought the shark back onto the beach again that the animal showed more signs of movement - and so Holyoak took the shark back out to sea, this time into deeper waters.

Alan Holyoak

That was when the shark found the strength to swim off at last. "I really felt a sense of satisfaction being able to help out," Holyoak said. "It was really great ... [but] it's not the sort of thing you do casually. Even a small shark can have a nasty bite." "Nature's not Disneyland," he added. "But I knew if something wasn't done, it was definitely going to die. It was obviously in distress."

Alan Holyoak

Holyoak said beachings of juvenile salmon sharks aren't common, but they're not unusual on the Oregon coast. "Most of the time when people see them on the beach, they've already died," he said. Thankfully, he was able to get to this shark before it was too late.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly defined the probable causestandard as requiring information that would allow a reasonable person to conclude that police are more likely than not to find evidence of a crime. The Supreme Court has held that probable cause cannot be reduced to a precise definition or quantification, and requires only the kind of fair probability on which reasonable people act. It has not insisted on proof that evidence is more likely than not to be found



They came in like Rambo, Sallie Taylor, 63, recalls of the night in January 2015 when nine D.C. police officers broke through the door of her Northeast Washington apartment to search for drugs. Taylor found herself facing a shotgun. Police thought they were searching the home of a woman arrested on a drug charge the previous night, but Taylor did not know the woman. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Sallie Taylor was sitting in her apartment in Northeast Washington one evening in January 2015 watching Bible Talk when her clock fell off the wall and broke. She turned and looked up as nine D.C. police officers smashed through her door. A shotgun was pointed at her face, and she was ordered to the floor.

They came in like Rambo, said Taylor, a soft-spoken 63-year-old grandmother who was dressed in a white nightgown and said she has never had even a speeding ticket.

The heavily armed squad thought they were searching the residence of a woman arrested two miles away the previous night for carrying a half-ounce vial of PCP.

Taylor, who did not know the woman, was terrified. Trembling, she told police that the woman did not live there. Officers spent 30 minutes searching the house anyway, going through her boxes and her underwear drawer. They found no drugs and left without making an arrest.

The search warrant executed at Taylors apartment cited no evidence of criminal activity there. Instead, in an affidavit to a judge, police argued that they should be able to search for drugs there based on their training and experience investigating the drug trade. They relied on an address they found in a court-records system for the woman arrested with PCP.

A Washington Post review of 2,000 warrants served by D.C. police between January 2013 and January 2015 found that 284  about 14 percent  shared the characteristics of the one executed at Taylors apartment. In every case, after arresting someone on the street for possession of drugs or a weapon, police invoked their training and experience to justify a search of a residence without observing criminal activity there. The language of the warrants gave officers broad leeway to search for drugs and guns in areas saturated by them and to seize phones, computers and personal records.

In about 60 percent of the 284 cases, police executing the warrants found illegal items, ranging from drug paraphernalia to guns, The Post found. The amounts of drugs recovered were usually small, ranging from residue to marijuana cigarettes to rocks of cocaine. About 40 percent of the time  in 115 cases  police left empty-handed.

In a dozen instances, The Post found, officers acted on incorrect or outdated address information, subjecting such people as Taylor to the fright of their lives.

Almost all of the 284 raids occurred in black communities. In 276 warrants in which The Post could determine a suspects race, three originated with arrests of white suspects. The remaining 99 percent involved black suspects. In the District, 94 percent of people arrested in 2013 for gun or drug charges were black, according to FBI crime data.

The 284 warrants reviewed by The Post differ from the usual pattern of police warrants. D.C. police have said at public hearings that the typical raid happens only after undercover officers or confidential informants have purchased drugs or guns from inside a home or police have conducted surveillance there.

The searches are occurring at a time when public attention is highly focused on interactions between police and blacks nationwide, with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and concern about the aftereffects of the drug war. In Maryland this month, lawmakers proposed legislation that would require police to reimburse residents for damage to their property when police execute a warrant and find nothing. In Philadelphia, police were criticized in October by the executive director of the citys citizen review board for harsh treatment of residents during raids.

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches, generally requiring government agents to obtain a warrant from a judge by showing they have probable cause to think that they will find a specific item at a specific location. In recent decades, police have been given wide latitude by the courts to conduct searches aimed at removing drugs and guns from the streets.



D.C. officers return to their car after trying to find the source of a marijuana odor on Clay Terrace in Northeast Washington in April 2015. Some search warrants have been issued even when no criminal activity at the targeted location has been witnessed. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Attorney Alec Karakatsanis, of the nonprofit group D.C.-based Equal Justice Under Law, said warrants that rely on training and experience as justification for a search subject the black community to abusive police intrusion based on flimsy investigative work. In the past two years, he has filed seven civil rights lawsuits in federal court challenging D.C. polices practice of seeking search warrants based solely on an officers training and experience.

They have turned any arrest anywhere in the city into an automatic search of a home, and that simply cannot be, said Karakatsanis, who spent three years studying the issue, starting when he worked at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. It would work a fundamental change in the balance of power in our society between government agents and individual rights.

D.C. police, the U.S. Attorneys Office and the D.C. Attorney Generals Office defend the use of warrants based on police training and experience.

In a written statement to The Post, D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier did not distinguish between warrants based primarily on training and experience and those based on more-extensive investigation. She said that all of the warrants the department executed last year were constitutionally sound and that each warrant was reviewed by a police lieutenant as well as prosecutors and ultimately approved by a judge.

In the vast majority of those warrants, contraband and evidence was recovered in furtherance of criminal prosecutions, and gave MPD [the Metropolitan Police Department] the ability to bring closure to multiple victims of crimes in our city, she said. During that same time frame, MPD received very few complaints regarding the execution of those warrants.

Lanier said residents who are dissatisfied with police should speak with a supervisor at the department or the Office of Police Complaints. We remain committed to unbiased constitutional policing, she said.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said in a written statement that its prosecutors carefully review thousands of warrants each year to determine whether they meet the standards for probable cause.

Probable cause merely requires that the facts and circumstances available to the officer provide the basis for a reasonable person to conclude that evidence of a crime exists at a location, the statement said. Although no system is perfect, the law and the multiple layers of review provide safeguards to minimize the potential for errors.

Lee F. Satterfield, chief judge of the D.C. Superior Court, declined to comment, citing pending cases.

Karakatsanis studied a year of warrants in which police searched for drugs based on training and experience and found that they recovered drugs one-third of the time. In response to Karakatsanis, then-D.C. Attorney General Irvin B. Nathan argued in 2014, While Plaintiffs treat this success rate with contempt, finding drugs in one third of similar police searches is strong evidence of probable cause.

Nathan also pointed out that the Supreme Court has held that probable cause cannot be reduced to a precise definition or quantification.

In January, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg allowed the first of Karakatsaniss cases to go forward, saying that a talismanic invocation of training and experience does not automatically satisfy constitutional requirements.

The raids for which police do more investigative work appear to bring better results, The Post found. In February 2015, police searched a house in Southeast and seized an AK-47 assault rifle, two semiautomatic handguns and 100 grams of marijuana. In April 2014, police in Northwest found 25 grams of heroin, 330 grams of marijuana, a revolver and an assortment of ammunition. They also found $60,000 in cash.

Perhaps the most successful raid among the 284 identified by The Post occurred after police made a traffic stop and found a revolver and four hollow-point bullets in the glove box. A search of the suspects house turned up two shotguns, a semiautomatic handgun and an assortment of ammunition. The suspect received a 10-month suspended sentence for firearm charges and served no time in jail.

Most of the time, police find much less.

Police told a judge that their training and experience investigating drug cases led them to think that they would find evidence of a PCP-trafficking operation when they raided the house of Margaret Brown in April 2014.

Browns son had overdosed on PCP at a building across the street from her apartment in Northwest Washington. A vial containing a small amount of the drug, an eighth of an ounce, was found in his clothes. Police arrested him for possession of PCP, a felony, and he was later sentenced to four months in jail.

The evening after his arrest, police in body armor burst through Browns front door.

They slammed me to the ground, said Brown, 47, who had just returned home from her job in billing at a hospital and has never been convicted of a crime. They were fully armed  guns pointed in my face like there was a major drug deal going down.

Brown said she sat handcuffed while police went through her belongings, knocking over furniture and even opening an urn containing her mothers cremated remains.

The search turned up a partially burnt marijuana cigarette. Brown told police that it belonged to her son, who she said has a marijuana card allowing him to legally possess the drug for medical reasons.

They arrested her for misdemeanor possession, and she spent five hours in jail.

Eight weeks later, prosecutors dropped the charge against her.



People move among apartments south of East Capitol Street, just east of the Anacostia River in Southeast in April 2015. Warrants that rely on training and experience as justification for a search subject the black community to abusive police intrusion based on flimsy investigative work, says attorney Alex Karakatsanis of the group Equal Justice Under Law. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Relying on others word

The warrants The Post identified began with arrests made during traffic stops or street encounters where officers observed suspicious behavior. In all of those cases, suspects were caught with illegal guns or amounts of drugs sufficient for charges of possession with intent to distribute  usually an ounce or more of marijuana or several grams of cocaine.

During the arrests, police obtained suspects addresses by relying on the persons word, a drivers license or databases from law enforcement, schools, utilities or courts. After receiving the approval of the U.S. Attorneys Office, usually within a day, police then secured warrants by going to a Superior Court judge with a sworn affidavit making their case that they had probable cause to think they would find drugs, guns or other criminal evidence at the residences.

The warrant gives police 10 days to conduct the search and details when and how the raid is to be carried out.

The responsible judge  the duty rotates among Superior Court judges  must decide whether the information would allow a person of reasonable caution to believe he or she is likely to find evidence of a crime during the search.

Police are going to push the limit, said Eugene ODonnell, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City who is also a former NYPD officer and prosecutor and has worked as a police academy instructor. But police are not civil libertarians, and these types of warrants are counter to what the Fourth Amendment is all about.

Such warrants, ODonnell said, can easily be abused.

Its a mass-produced, search-and-recovery operation. Its an assembly line. Its not a progressive policy, and it imperils police and people alike, he said.

Academic experts said the weight of such warrants falls disproportionately on minority communities. Andrew Crespo, a law professor at Harvard, recently studied D.C. warrants and found them almost exclusively executed in black communities.

One of Karakatsaniss clients is Shandalyn Harrison.

On April 5, 2013, police pulled her ex-boyfriend over for having an obstructed license plate and found five ounces of marijuana, a misdemeanor. He had two prior misdemeanor convictions for selling marijuana. Police got an address for him in Northwest from his suspended D.C. drivers license and a utility listing from December 2012, according to the affidavit.

But the house was rented to Harrison, and she said she had previously told police that he had never lived there.

Shortly after 10 p.m. on April 18, as Harrison watched a rerun of Greys Anatomy with two of her daughters, she glanced up from the television to see a line of 20 police officers assembled on the porch of her house. She opened the door.

Everyone was running in. No one told me what was going on, Harrison, 35, later told The Post.

Harrisons 11-year-old daughter was taking a shower when an officer pushed aside the curtain and pointed a gun at her, according to the mother and daughter. Police also held Harrisons 21-year-old younger brother, Sterling, at gunpoint, Harrison and Sterling said.

What they did was not right, Harrison said. I work hard to take care of my daughters and to protect them and raise them right, but they treated us like we committed a crime.

Harrison said it took the family days to clean up after the raid. At one point, an officer told the children that their father did not care about them and said the search was happening only because he was a bad man, according to the lawsuit.

In November 2013, the ex-boyfriend pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He was sentenced to serve 20 days in jail and paid a $50 fine.

In August 2014, Harrison filed a federal lawsuit against D.C. police.

Attorneys for the District say the case should be dismissed because a judge approved the warrant.



A D.C. police officer drives along 54th Street NE, near Clay Terrace, in April 2015. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

The wrong address

Patrice Sulton, a lawyer who chairs the legislation committee for the D.C. Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, said that addresses in the D.C. court system can be unreliable. In a report in April, the departments Police Complaints Board expressed concern about the lack of verification of address information in warrants executed by MPD officers.

Failure to properly verify an address led police to the home of Patricia Dandridge on Jan. 27, 2015. She returned from work to find her apartment in Southeast ransacked. The door was beaten in and her bed frame was broken, she said. Clothes and personal papers were strewn across the floor.

I thought Id been robbed, but my neighbor told me it was the police, said Dandridge, 45.

On the kitchen counter, she found a copy of a D.C. police search warrant. Three officers had forced their way in to look for firearms. They left empty-handed.

The warrant was based on a drug complaint at a housing complex in Southeast more than five miles from Dandridges apartment, according to the affidavit police used to justify the search.

Police called to the complex had arrested a man, who fled when they arrived. After a brief struggle with the suspect, Christopher Palmer, police found a handgun nearby on the ground.

Officers told a judge that they needed to search Palmers apartment for evidence proving that the gun was his. Palmer gave his address as Apartment 102 in a building in Anacostia, according to the police affidavit. Police said they confirmed the address with a probation supervisor, Warren Leggett, who said Community Supervision Officer Melissa Shelton had visited the apartment earlier in the month.

Shelton declined to comment, referring a reporter to the general counsel of the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, who said that the agency is prohibited from releasing information to the public about people on probation.

Palmerlived down the hall with his parents in Apartment 103.

Dandridge lives in 102.

103 does not look like 102, Dandridge said. The apartments are on opposite ends of the building.

After the raid, Dandridge was furious. She said she contacted Sgt. Jaron Hickman, one of the officers who conducted the search. He told her that they had arrested a man they thought was her son and received a warrant to search for guns and ammunition, she said.

Dandridge told him that it couldnt have been her son.

My son is deceased, she said.

Hickman declined a request for an interview.

Dandridge said that for weeks, she pressed police for compensation for the damage. She said they owed her at least $1,200.

She submitted a claim to the citys Office of Risk Management. She said she ultimately received a check for $260.

D.C. prosecutors indicted Palmer on firearm charges and two counts of assault on a police officer. In December, a jury acquitted him of the firearm charges but found him guilty of the assault charges. He received a 180-day suspended sentence.

The price some pay

Among the few who succeeded in getting police to pay for damage done during an errant raid are David Cranor, a satellite engineer, and his attorney wife.

Cranor wrote about the 2009 raid of his home on Kentucky Avenue in Southeast on his blog on the Greater Greater Washington website. He said police spent 45 minutes disassembling steel bars on his back door while trying to execute the search.

The warrant was based on a traffic stop of two suspects: a female driver and her son. The young man was charged with possession of an illegal firearm, according to the warrant, and told police that he lived at the Kentucky Avenue address. Police said his mother verified the address, which was also checked in a pretrial-services database intended to monitor court appearances.

The young man had been arrested in 2004, when his family lived at the house. Cranor and his wife bought the house in 2007.

The city initially refused to pay for the damage to Cranors back door, which he said cost $3,140. In March 2010, the couple, then in their 30s, sued police. When it became evident that the case would go to trial, Cranor emailed Lanier seeking a resolution. The next morning, Lanier wrote to say she was getting involved, he said, and the city agreed the following day to pay for the repairs.

A slow, mysterious bureaucratic process is not a productive way to handle these kinds of situations, he wrote in his blog in 2011.

Marietta Robinson said that police relied on outdated information about her grandson to obtain a warrant in 2010 to search her house in Northwest. Police stopped her grandson after hearing him curse loudly while he was standing in the courtyard of a building down the street from her home. They arrested him for disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, and found 18 grams of marijuana in his pocket, a little more than half an ounce. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute.

Police said that he gave them Robinsons address, which appeared as the grandsons address in several other databases.

But Robinson, 62 at the time, said her grandson, then in his late 20s, had not lived with her since 1987.

When police arrived, Robinson put her 13-year-old shepherd-pit bull mix, Wrinkles, in a bathroom and allowed officers to conduct their search. She said that a police officer opened the bathroom door and shot the dog, and as the animal ran into the living room, several more officers opened fire, hitting the dog 13 times, according to a lawsuit she filed. Blood splattered across her artwork and photographs. Robinson said the officers threw bedsheets and clothing on the floor to soak it up. Robinson said she was forced to wait outside for four hours during the officers search.

Police did not find drugs or other contraband. Paperwork documenting the results of the search list only drug paraphernalia (empty ziploc with residue).

Last March, a federal judge dismissed Robinsons lawsuit against police, saying that the officers used reasonable force in killing an aggressive dog.

Robinson has appealed the ruling.

Outdated information also figured in the case of Rameka Waters, 24, who passed drug testing and a background check for her job as a licensed home-health aide. But a close friend has a long history of mostly misdemeanor arrests for drugs, dating back to the 1990s. Several years ago, he used her address in Northeast to receive mail from the courts.

In April 2014, police pulled over a car, in which the friend was a passenger, on a seat-belt violation. Officers said they smelled marijuana and found an ounce of the drug in a plastic bag. The man admitted that he intended to sell the drugs, and he gave his address as Waterss apartment in Northeast, the warrant states.

After he was arrested, Waters saw police sitting outside her four-unit apartment building, where she lived in a unit on the second floor. She said she told detectives that he had used her address in the past but that he did not live there anymore.

A few days later, as she was leaving to take her daughter to school, she opened the front door to her apartment building and was met by a dozen police officers. Waters said she gave them her key to open her unit.

They found nothing.

They told me I should be more careful about who I let use my address, she said.

Prosecutors eventually dropped the charges against her friend. A month after the search, police arrested him again on drug charges. They searched a home a block away from Waterss apartment and found 29 grams of marijuana and five small plastic bags of crack cocaine. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor drug charges in that case and received a 60-day suspended sentence and six months of probation.



Sallie Taylor moved into an apartment on 36th Street Northeast that was the former residence of a man whose ex-girlfriend was later charged with possession of PCP. Taylor did not know the woman, whose address D.C. police said they corroborated in a court database before searching Taylors apartment in January 2015. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

No drugs were found in Taylors apartment, but her front door was smashed in during the police raid. It was patched by a repairman, but Taylor wants officials to pay for a proper repair. I had respect for the police, she said. Its obvious they should have checked things out before they did this. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Like they didnt have rules

Sallie Taylor still cant understand how police got it wrong.

The search of Taylors apartment in January 2015 on the second floor of a four-unit building on 36th Street in Northeast began with an arrest two miles away. Tia Jackson, 34, was charged with sexual solicitation. A search of her handbag turned up a half-ounce vial of PCP, according to the affidavit police filed to obtain the warrant.

Before the raid, police said they corroborated an address for Jackson at 36th Street in the pretrial services database and unspecified law enforcement databases. In addition, Robert M. Van Dyke, the lead investigative officer in the case, stated that he had firsthand knowledge of the residence.

Your affiant has been inside of 181 36th street, NE, Van Dyke said. This area is known for prolific narcotics use, trafficking, and is responsible for habitual narcotics complaints from the community.

Van Dyke did not respond to requests for comment for this article.

The address had once belonged to Jacksons ex-boyfriend, court records show. In 2013, Jackson was charged with attacking the man there with a knife. He obtained a court order prohibiting her from coming to the residence after the assault. The charge against Jackson was later dismissed.

Jackson ended up pleading guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in her 2015 arrest.

Taylor had moved into the apartment in April 2014. Her sister remodeled it for Taylor, who was returning from taking care of her grandchildren in Colorado while her son was in the military. The apartment seemed perfect. Her daughter and grandchildren lived in a unit on the first floor.

After the raid, a repairman patched her door with a thin piece of plywood and drywall screws. Taylor and her daughters went to the 6th District police station, filed a complaint and requested that the door be repaired.

It made me sad. I had respect for the police, but it was like they didnt have any rules, she said. Its obvious they should have checked things out before they did this.

When a search based on erroneous information occurs, police rules require the department to provide an explanation and repair the damage as soon as possible.

A year later, Sallie Taylor is still waiting to hear from them.

This article was produced in partnership with the Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University. Students Mariam Baksh, Miranda Strong, Christina Animashaun, Meldon Jones, Katie Le Dain, Ke (Amber) Liu, Samantha Hogan and Kate McCormick contributed to this report.
Last June, Pat Conroy was recalling a near-death experience that motivated him to make some positive changes in his life. This led to his opening a gym with Mina Truong in Port Royal, S.C. (Alex Holt/For The Washington Post)

When I met Pat Conroy, to interview him for a story about his newfound love for exercise, he asked, Who gave you this sh---y assignment? When I told him Id assigned it to myself, he laughed.

That was Conroy: disarming and self-deprecating. As he began to work out  lifting weights and hitting a punching bag  he kept up the wry commentary between breaths. He poked fun at his weight, adding: I am a lover of animal fat in all its grotesque proportions. . . . Call 911.

The headline on my story was: Novelist Pat Conroy was dying three years ago. Heres how he got healthy. On Friday, Pat Conroy died.

[Pat Conroy obituary]

This isnt to say that the story was wrong. Conroy had faced death before his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer this year. He had struggled with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and a failing liver.

Pat Conroy, the beloved author of The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides died Friday, March 4. He was 70. This video shows Conroy giving his closing remarks at the Conroy at 70 Literary Festival, which celebrated his birthday in October. (www.Pat Conroyat70.com, University of South Carolina Beaufort)

I know I could die tomorrow, he said prophetically as we sat in the fitness studio he had recently opened in Port Royal, S.C., near his home in Beaufort. But he was feisty and angry with a doctor who had told him that he needed to go to an alcohol-treatment program. I told him, Doctor, you will never see me again.  Sadly, that turned out not to be true. Alcohol had been among Conroys greatest struggles, spurred by the demons of the childhood he brought to life in The Great Santini and other novels.

But it was killing him  and his work. He said he had given up drinking, in part, because he had a novel to finish, and he feared it would destroy him as it had other writers, Faulkner and Hemingway among them.

After his first brush with death, in 2012, he had vowed to change. He had given up drinking and adopted a healthier lifestyle. It was not always easy for him. I require someone in my face encouraging me, he said. And to that end, he had befriended a personal trainer, Mina Truong. Together, they had opened a fitness studio.

[Pat Conroy was dying three years ago. Heres how he got healthy.]

After my article came out, Conroy and I stayed in touch. Wed talked at length about his lesser-known book, the memoir The Water Is Wide, about the time he spent as a teacher on Daufuskie Island, S.C., a place where few children were literate and poverty was rampant. This powerful, mesmerizing work (the basis for the film Conrack, starring Jon Voight) offers a raw insight into race in the South of the 1960s. Through his many frustrations, Conroy nonetheless found a calling:

If I let my students leave me without altering the conditions of their existence substantially, I knew a concrete, sightless ghetto of some city without hope would devour them quickly, irretrievably, and hopelessly. I could hear some white voice coming from some collective unconscious deep within me saying, They dont know any better. They are happy this way. Yet all around me, in the grinning faces of my students, I could see a crime, so ugly that it could be interpreted as a condemnation of an entire society, a nation be damned, a history of wickedness  these children before me did not have a g------- chance of sharing the incredible wealth and affluence of the country that claimed them, a country that failed them, a country that needed but did not deserve deliverance.

Conroy and I had talked about visiting Daufuskie together for a story I wanted to write. He hadnt been back in the 40 years since he was fired from his job. My kids have tried to get me to go for years, he told me, but the ghosts and the agony of that year are still strong. One of his students had gone on to become a cookbook author. Another, he said, worked at the supermarket where Conroy bought his groceries.

Novelist Pat Conroy outside his house on Fripp Island, S.C., on Nov. 3, 2000. (Lou Krasky/AP)

Conroys email handle was Atticus. When I asked why, he said it was his daughters idea. Of course, my friends all thought I was an egomaniac for choosing such a godlike man to glorify my own fat a--, he said.

That was Pat Conroy: always striving for greatness but also recognizing his own limitations. As he said in a speech late last year, his books gave him the chance to be a complete brave man that Im not in my real life.

It was that humility  that humanity  that helped so many readers connect to him.

Krug is a Book World editor.
The tall student at the Whitney M. Young magnet high school in Chicago was serious about her grades. Her typing teacher said marks would be determined by speed. At the end of the course, her words-per-minute score was at the A level, but the teacher suddenly revealed she just did not give As.

That did not go down well with the student, whose name was Michelle Robinson, later changed to Michelle Obama. She badgered and badgered that teacher, her mother said, as reported by my former Washington Post colleague Peter Slevin in his new, vivid biography of the first lady, Michelle Obama: A Life. Her mother called the teacher and said, Michelle is not going to let this go.

I was also a grade grubber, not an uncommon affliction. During my first term of high school, I complained to my counselor that my Latin teacher had not given me the A that I fiercely believed I deserved. The teacher told the counselor that I was a millimeter bandit, which was true.

There is an argument for encouraging students who want to compete for high grades. The standard exhortation from American parents  You can be anything you want to be  includes becoming a valedictorian, a member of Phi Beta Kappa or a Rhodes Scholar.

But these days, I favor trends that are making grades less important. Many high schools no longer name a single senior as valedictorian. Instead, they recognize at graduation all of the students who earned at least a 4.0 grade-point average, which at some schools is a large group. No longer are there arguments, or lawsuits, over someone being declared No. 1 by a hundredth of a grade point.

[The new trend in validating top students: Make them all valedictorians]

I like teachers who give credit for good effort, even though that violates grading rules in many districts. Former Prince Georges County social studies teacher Ken Bernstein, who won the Posts top teacher award, said, If they do all the work I assign, pay attention and ask for help when they dont understand, they cannot get a grade lower than a C.

Schools would be better if they resisted the current obsession for test security for the classroom exams on which grades are based. Students are being told that they cant take graded exams home. Why shouldnt they be allowed to study their mistakes and show their parents where they need help?

Nationally, we are cutting back on standardized state tests, but there are always going to be some. Parents, taxpayers and voters want an independent assessment of how public schools are doing. Support also remains strong for the SAT, the ACT and Advanced Placement, because they are closely tied to getting into college.

[As SAT enters a new era this week, students say the exam has improved]

In some ways, those standardized exams are more reliable than traditional classroom grades in showing what children have, or have not, learned. If we can be more relaxed about report cards, teachers such as Bernstein can grade in ways they find useful, and students like me can devote their energies to pursuits healthier than harassing instructors.

It is hard to have a broad perspective in high school. When my daughter was a junior, she and I had a furious argument over her view that getting an A-minus rather than an A was an academic disaster. I told her then that she would be laughing about that someday. She gave me a small smile when I pointed this out 12 years later, as she graduated from law school and got a good job as a public defender.

Slevin does not reveal whether Obama ever got the A in typing. But her skills earned her much-needed income as a typist for three summers at the Chicago headquarters of the American Association of Medical Assistants.

My Latin studies improved my English vocabulary and enhanced my enjoyment of classically educated novelists such as the marvelous Patrick OBrian. That is more than enough for me. Most of us grade grubbers eventually grow up.
A Support Noahs Law button is worn during a Mothers Against Drunk Driving news conference on ignition interlock devices in Annapolis, Md., in February. (Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

Maryland House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) pulled Del. Joseph F. Vallario Jr. (D-Prince Georges), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, aside after a recent caucus meeting.

He bluntly told the chairman to stop blocking the long-sought bill that would expand the use of interlock ignitions for serious drunk drivers.

Move it, Busch said. And move it quickly.

I told him that the House of Delegates was obligated to vote on it early in the session, Busch said. He took that to heart.

Vallario, a defense lawyer, has refused since 2009 to move the same bill out of his committee. But this week, fueled by the highly publicized death of a Montgomery County police officer who was killed by a drunk driver while on DUI patrol, Maryland lawmakers are poised to approve the measure.

[Chairman of Md. House panel continues fight against harsher DUI laws]

With officer Noah Leottas parents watching, the House Judiciary Committee voted unanimously late Thursday night to expand the use of interlock ignition. Under the bill, motorists convicted of driving at or above the states legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08 percent would be required to breathe into a tube before they can try to start their vehicles. Under current law, ignition interlocks are placed on the cars of people convicted of driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.15 percent or higher.

Lawmakers and advocates said Friday that the advocacy of Leottas parents and law enforcement officials, the 2014 drunken-driving death of Thomas Palermo, a cyclist hit by an Episcopal bishop, and the increased public awareness of drunken driving appeared to be the tipping point this year for what is now dubbed Noahs Law.

I think there was a measure of understanding that this was not an issue that could just be put in a drawer at this point, Del. Benjamin F. Kramer (D-Montgomery) said, that it needed to be addressed and it needed a vote.

Kramer said the media coverage of Leottas death spurred legislative support and action. Leotta, 24, was on duty at a drunken-driving checkpoint when he was struck and fatally injured by a vehicle whose driver was intoxicated and had previous drunken-driving convictions.

I think the media spotlight on the subject has elevated the level of awareness with the public and my colleagues here in the legislature that this was the year that we had to take some action, he said.

[Driver who fatally struck Md. officer had been drinking at restaurant, police say]

Del. Kathleen M. Dumais (D-Montgomery), vice chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said the drunken-driving deaths resonated with lawmakers.

It is certainly unfortunate that tragedies move things forward, she said. The drunken-driving deaths led all of us to really take a look at this.

And yet, there were several times during the 70-minute discussion on the 42-page bill that made observers wonder if the bill actually would move.

Three delegates asked to push the vote to another day.

Im a little foggy, one delegate said.

It is late, another argued.

Vallario refused.

Weve got to go through with it, Vallario said. Alexandra Hughes, Buschs chief of staff, sat in the front row of the hearing room.

Jan Withers, the former national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving who has fought for the interlock bill in Maryland since 2009 and sat next to Leottas mother, Marcia Goldman, was stunned.

He surprised me, Withers said. But thats fine. Ill take it. Happily so, Ill take it.

For years, Withers, who lost her 15-year-old daughter, Alisa, in 1992 at the hands of a drunk driver in Prince Georges County, has left the Judiciary Committee hearing room angry in the past because Vallario repeatedly refused to allow the committee to vote on the bill.

The first year the bill was introduced, it made it out of the Senate. She said the votes were there to clear the House, but it never made it to a floor vote because it could not clear committee. The same thing happened last year, she said.

Its been very frustrating, Withers said.

On Thursday, a little after 10 p.m., she walked out in tears, elated that the measure had cleared such a significant hurdle.

Advocates on Friday were poring over the amendments made to the bill to ensure that the goals of the legislation remained intact.

Kramer said Friday that he planned to talk to Busch and some members of the committee about provisions he wants to address before the bill is brought to the House floor.

One of the amendments that trouble advocates is the removal of a provision that sought to require ignition interlocks for suspected drunk drivers who refuse to take the alcohol breath test. The removal creates a loophole that Kramer said needs to be fixed.

Meanwhile, Rich Leotta, Noahs father, praised the committee, including Vallario, for passing the bill.

I think they worked hard, Chairman Vallario worked hard, Leotta said. Its not perfect, but they acknowledged that [it] needed to be done.

Leotta said he knows his work is not done yet. He will return to Annapolis next week to testify before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. And as many times as necessary until the bill is signed into law.
A 28-year-old man wanted by Maryland authorities was arrested Friday and charged with multiple counts of human trafficking and prostitution, police said.

Nathaniel Lee Thompson was arrested in Howard County, nearly three weeks after he fled from police during an investigation into prostitution.

Howard County detectives said they were looking into an ad placed on the website Backpage, a site that has been used to promote prostitution, often of girls who are victims of trafficking. An undercover detective made an appointment to meet with the girl from the ad at a local hotel.

Police said Thompson and an accomplice, Janice Figueroa, were in a Cadillac when they dropped the girl off. They then waited in a nearby restaurant parking lot.

Once in the hotel room, police said the girl, who they later learned was 17, agreed to exchange sex for money with the undercover detective. The detective then identified himself as law enforcement.

Detectives learned that the 17-year-old girl was brought from Delaware to Maryland and Virginia by Figueroa and Thompson for the purposes of prostitution and that the suspects were taking a significant portion of any money the girl earned, according to Howard County Police.

When officers approached the Cadillac, they found Figueroa, 19, lying down in the back seat of the car. Thompson managed to flee to the restaurant and escape through a back door, according to employees.

The 17-year-old was placed with Child Protective Services to be reunited with her family.
A man broke into a College Park apartment Saturday morning and raped a woman, who had been sleeping, University of Maryland police reported.

Police said the incident occurred off campus, in the 4500 block of Fordham Lane about 5:30 a.m.

The woman told police she had been sleeping in her bed when she realized someone was on top of her.

Thinking it was her boyfriend, she said his name, but got no answer, according to a University of Maryland Police safety notice. She then reached for his hair and noticed it was not her boyfriend in the bed.

When the woman made a noise, the man fled, police said.

The Prince Georges County Police Department is investigating.

Prince Georges Police said the man was reported to be wearing a dark hoodie and khaki pants.

The department said in a news release Saturday it will canvass the neighborhood for information beginning at 4 p.m.

Those with information on the case or the possible assailant were told to call the departments Sexual Assault Unit at 301-772-4908. They could also anonymously call crime solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS, or textPGPD plus the tip to CRIMES (274537).
A 9-year-old girl, identified as Yeslin, breaks down in tears after telling a hushed crowd of supporters how she and her family feel about their incarceration at the Berks County Family Residential Center in Leesport, Pa. (Doug Kapustin/For The Washington Post)

The latest battleground in the raging national war over illegal immigration is a quiet, red-brick compound in central Pennsylvania, surrounded by woods, fields and a playground with swings and jungle gyms.

Inside are 96 women and children who fled violence-plagued Central America last year and crossed into the United States without permission. They are being held by U.S. immigration authorities while fighting to win asylum, at a time when illegal immigration has inflamed the presidential race and President Obamas attempt to shield millions from deportation is stuck in the nations highest court.

To immigrant advocates, the Berks Family Residential Facility is a prison where children and their parents are being unjustly confined. They have pressed for months to have it shut down, and celebrated last month when the state of Pennsylvania decided to revoke its license.

To federal immigration officials, who have appealed the states order, the unfenced center is both a protective environment for families and a showcase of U.S. determination to curb illegal border crossings. By keeping the families in custody, officials hope to set an example and prevent a recurrence of the 2014 border crisis, during which tens of thousands of Central American minors and families surged into the United States.

This has been an awkward dilemma for the government, said Muzaffar Chishti, an official at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute in New York. Family detention is a delicate issue, and the interplay between trying to balance immigration policy goals, social services for kids and the law has made a controversial and potent mixture.

Detainees at the the Berks County Family Residential Center in Leesport, Pa., exchange cheers with protesting supporters across the street. (Doug Kapustin/For The Washington Post)

Detention as a deterrent

The fight over how to handle the border flow has dragged on for two years, with lawsuits and court rulings, executive actions and congressional pushback.

In January, armed agents in Georgia, North Carolina and several other states swept up 121 mothers and children who were awaiting deportation, arousing a furor among Democrats in Congress and liberal advocacy groups.

Now, the spotlight has shifted to Berks, one of three U.S. facilities where the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency holds illegal immigrant families. The other two are larger compounds in Texas, originally built as military barracks or security training camps.

Rights groups have filed complaints of poor medical services, intrusive security and other problems. The American Civil Liberties Union sued on behalf of 29 detained families, saying that they were denied an adequate chance to prove that they deserve permanent asylum from violence in their homelands.

Ultimately, the state revoked the facilitys license on a technicality, finding that it had been originally built to house children but not adults. Advocates argue that newly arrived children suffer special hardship in detention and cannot legally be kept there either, based on a 1997 court ruling that was reaffirmed last summer.

The government is only keeping these families here to send a message and deter others from coming, said Carol Anne Donohoe, a lawyer for many Berks families. No child should be in detention, and every one of these families has relatives waiting to receive them.

Immigration attorney Carol Anne Donohoe stands with protesters outside of the Berks County Family Residential Center in Leesport, Pa. (Doug Kapustin/For The Washington Post)

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, said they could not comment on specific disputes involving Berks.

But they defended the practice of detaining and deporting most Central American families who are caught soon after entering the United States, calling it part of a strategy adopted in 2014 after a wave of 60,000 unaccompanied children and 26,000 families reached the border. Officials say they will keep up the pressure, carrying out the raids in January and announcing plans to open refugee processing centers in Central America.

We cannot send a message that once families with kids cross the border, they are here to stay, a senior DHS official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity as a matter of department policy. If many end up staying here indefinitely, the concern is that it will encourage further illegal immigration.

The fate of the families at Berks could hinge on a legal fight over whether special rights granted to children who reach the United States alone should also apply to a parent who comes with them.

In 2000, a law to protect smuggling victims required that many unaccompanied, undocumented minors be given shelter and a chance to seek permanent refuge. In 1997, a federal judge ruled in a lawsuit that such children may be detained only briefly and in the least-restrictive conditions.

The recent border surge, which included numerous family groups, created a legal and ethical quandary over where to keep those immigrants and what laws to apply.

Advocacy groups decried the harsh conditions of family detention centers near the border, and a federal judge ruled that the law limiting detention for illegal minors should also apply to their accompanying parents. The government appealed, and the case is now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in San Francisco.

I am not a criminal

An unusual spectacle unfolded outside Berks one recent morning. About 100 people gathered on the driveway, including church volunteers, lawyers, Latino activists and at least one relative of a family being held at the facility. The crowd chanted Libertad, libertad! and raised posters demanding that everyone inside be released.

About 20 feet away, 96 Central American women and children stood under a tree, facing the visitors. Some of the children wore signs with the number of months they had been detained.

A few uniformed police officers kept the two groups apart, but they called out to each other with increasing boldness.

I am not a criminal. I dont want to be locked up here anymore, a 9-year-old girl shouted in Spanish.

We are with you, a protester shouted back. You will be free soon.

Several days later, a Washington Post reporter returned to Berks to meet with two of the mothers, a rare visit permitted by ICE. The rooms were clean and bright, with bunk beds and piles of toys. A staff member remained within earshot during the visit.

The mothers, both from El Salvador, said their children were taking classes in math and English and had access to computers. But they also said months of confinement had taken an emotional toll. They were desperate to leave Berks and stay with relatives while waiting for their asylum claims to be reviewed.

My son is sad, and sometimes he cries at night, said one woman, 29, whose attorneys asked that she be identified only as Sarai. He keeps asking me why we are here, and I have no answer for him.

Immigration officers at Berks have been advising mothers that there is one easy escape route available. Each time one requests medical help, saying she or her children are suffering from stress or sickness, she receives a reply suggesting that she ask her attorney to withdraw the motion to suspend the familys deportation.

In that case, the reply says, arrangements can be made for your removal from the United States.
Used emergency flares are seen close to the site where three people were killed and another person was seriously hurt Feb. 27, 2016, in a car crash on River Road near Whitman High School in Bethesda. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

Maryland transportation officials have conducted at least three studies of the Bethesda intersection where a crash killed three family members last weekend and determined that the numbers did not warrant installation of a traffic signal. Theyve agreed to do a fourth study, but residents and some elected officials say its time to make an exception and put in a light even if the numbers dont add up.

Residents say previous traffic studies of the intersection of River Road and Braeburn Parkway near Walt Whitman High School are flawed, and they have increased pressure on the state since the deaths of Michael Buarque De Macedo, 52, Alessandra Buarque De Macedo, 53, and their son, Thomas, 18, a senior at Whitman.

A fourth family member, Helena, a sophomore at Whitman, was critically injured.

As of Friday, a petition for a traffic light at the intersection had more than 4,000 signatures.

[Collision in Bethesda claims lives of three family members Saturday night]

When you start seeing petitions with hundreds or thousands of signatures, thats an indication something is wrong, said David Hurwitz, an associate professor of transportation engineering at Oregon State University who studies traffic signals.

Neighborhood campaigns for speed bumps and stop signs are common in the suburbs  and they are sometimes misguided, experts say. But the efforts in Bethesda to get a traffic light on River Road, a state highway that serves as an artery for commuters traveling between the Capital Beltway and downtown Washington, are unique for their persistence and frequency over the past two decades.

According to police, on Feb. 27, Michael Buarque De Macedo was turning from River Road onto Braeburn Parkway, crossing oncoming westbound traffic, when his vehicle collided with a car driven by a 20-year-old Rockville man just before 7 p.m, about an hour after sunset.

The cause of the crash is under investigation, with results likely weeks away, but residents say they have long recognized the factors portending a major accident: Speeding on a downhill stretch of River Road, where the speed limit is 45 mph; confusing road markings at a break in the median where cars turn onto Braeburn, which is used as back entrance to Whitman; obstructed views when multiple cars are making turns in the intersection; and a glut of traffic and pedestrians coinciding with students arrival and dismissal on weekdays.

Maryland highway officials said they follow a data-driven process that relies on federal standards when considering whether to install a traffic light. Those standards have not been met in past studies, they said, to residents dismay.

Applying this cookie-cutter approach ignores the unique aspects of the intersection, said Richard D. Boltuck, who organized a 500-signature petition in 2008.

Many residents who signed the 2008 petition included written testimonials and emotional appeals.

One resident who had lived near the intersection for 15 years wrote of witnessing numerous accidents and near misses, adding insanity is the only reason the state has not put a light in place. Another wrote, Lets not wait for a fatality to act! Others told of forbidding their children to make turns at the intersection.

The state agreed to do a traffic study and decided not to install a light.

According to Montgomery County Police, there were four collisions at the intersection between 2013 and 2015. By comparison, there were 24 over the same time period at River Road and Wilson Lane, a busier intersection to the west that has a traffic light. And there were 15 in that period where River Road meets Whittier Boulevard, a major crossing to the east that also has a signal.

Whitman Principal Alan Goodwin said state officials told him the traffic light would be expensive  $250,000  and might actually result in more crashes  fender-benders. They also pointed out, Goodwin said, that there had been no fatal accidents there.

The crash involving the Buarque De Macedo family was the first in which people died.

I think it was a poor decision not to do more at that intersection, Goodwin said. I think there was enough expressed concern by the community that better steps could have been taken.

A traffic light would now cost between $150,000 and $400,000, depending on its complexity, officials said.

Campaigns to get a light at the intersection date to at least the mid-1990s, when Rose Sage, a former assistant principal at Whitman who retired in 2004, said she led an effort that resulted in a study.

They took their information back and determined there was not to be a traffic light there, Sage recalled. They said it wasnt needed, that it didnt have the traffic flow.

They reconfigured road lines, but Sage said it didnt solve the problem. Concerned parents again raised the issue in 2003. Once again, the state performed a study and declined to install a light, according to news reports at the time.

Charlie Gischlar, a spokesman for the State Highway Administration, confirmed the agency conducted studies in 2003 and 2008, but he said information about earlier studies was not readily available. He declined to release the studies because he said they are intra-agency memos that are exempt from disclosure under the states public records laws.

About 40,000 vehicles drive through that stretch of River Road each day. The 2008 study showed a heavy period of left turns onto Braeburn Parkway in the morning during a 30- to 45-minute window when students are arriving at school. But otherwise, the traffic turning at the intersection was relatively light.

State highway officials said they use the same criteria at all intersections  as laid out in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices  to determine whether a signal is warranted.

But does the agency make exceptions?

With more than 3,000 traffic signals and hundreds of other intersection types, that would be pure speculation and impossible to answer, Gischlar said.

Nine factors are considered under the manuals guidelines, including traffic and pedestrian volume and historic crash records. If the threshold is met in at least one of the categories, engineers can opt to install a traffic light, under the guidelines. If none of the criteria is met, as was the case in the 2008 study, you generally do not introduce a traffic signal as a first step, said Hurwitz, the transportation engineering professor, noting that traffic lights do not always solve problems and can sometimes create new ones.

But engineers arent at the mercy of data. Hurwitz said there is a subjective component that comes into play in atypical situations, including when there is a school nearby. In his field, they call it engineering judgment.

Its basically the totality of your professional experience, your academic training, and your interpretation of the engineering studies, Hurwitz said, and it can be used to trump the findings of any study  especially if the crash data does not illustrate the danger of the intersection because there are a lot of near misses that are not recorded. Residents say there are.

Lisa Lerman, who signed the 2008 petition, was in a crash at the intersection in 2004. She was driving westbound on River Road, turning left onto Braeburn, when a car struck the passenger side of her vehicle, where her 14-year-old daughter was sitting. She said her view was partially obstructed by a line of SUVs across from her waiting to turn onto Braeburn toward the high school. Lermans car spun, but no one was seriously injured.

People get to that intersection and they dont know what to do, she said. Cars are blocking each others view, pulling out in front of each other. Its just complete chaos.

Of the traffic engineers and local residents, she said, Its like were looking at two different pictures.

Elected officials agree that something has to happen.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D), Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) and members of the county council last week wrote to State Highway Administrator Gregory C. Johnson asking that the agency look at all safety options to make the intersection safer.

State Del. C. William Frick (D-Montgomery), who lives about a quarter-mile from the intersection, said he spoke with Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn about the need for additional safety measures. If not a traffic light, then a change in the configuration  or potentially eliminating all turns through incoming traffic at the intersection. Rahn, he said, assured him he would look into it.

I think the engineers are trying to be responsible, but my view is this is not a situation where we can just check to see if this meets normal protocols for a light, and if the answer is no, just move on, Frick said. My view is something has to change.
MARYLAND

Appeals court plans

to reconsider gun ban

A federal appeals court announced Friday that it will rehear a case involving Marylands 2013 ban on semiautomatic high-capacity assault weapons.

Last month, a divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit cast doubt on the legality of the states ban, passed after the mass shootings at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school.

The 2-to-1 decision would have sent the gun-control law back to a lower court for review.

Instead, a majority of eligible judges voted to revisit the law this spring. Oral arguments are scheduled for May 11 at the Richmond-based appeals court.

The law, which remains in effect, bans the possession or sale of more than 45 types of assault weapons.

 Ann E. Marimow

Police ID man killed

in motorcycle crash

A man killed in a motorcycle crash in Oxon Hill on Wednesday was identified by police Friday as Raymond Newman III, of Fort Washington. He was 32.

Police said he lost control on National Harbor Boulevard and struck a lightpole.

 Dana Hedgpeth

VIRGINIA

Numerous schools receive bomb threats

At least seven schools in Northern Virginia received bomb threats Friday morning, prompting some to evacuate and others to lock down.

George Mason High, in Falls Church, was evacuated after it received what school officials said was an automated bomb threat by phone shortly before noon.

Fairfax County police are investigating bomb threats that were called in to three public schools and one private school between 11:22 a.m. and noon, but authorities declined to say whether those threats were from automated phone calls, known as robo-calls.

Police determined them not to be credible, and Fairfax Public Schools officials decided to continue classes at the three high schools that received threats.

Police also are investigating threats called in to a Catholic high school in Arlington and to Stone Bridge High School in Loudoun County. Both schools were evacuated.

Similar threats were called in to schools in New Jersey and Maine on Friday, part of a pattern of increasing bomb threats at public schools.

 Moriah Balingit

and T. Rees Shapiro

Former day-care worker convicted

A second day-care teacher was convicted of child cruelty and other counts Thursday for abusive behavior toward a classroom of 2-year-olds that a prosecutor described as a baby fight club. The behavior included stepping on toes and feeding youngsters Flamin Hot Cheetos.

Kierra Spriggs, 26, of Woodbridge was convicted of four counts of felony child cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of assault and battery at a jury trial in Prince William County. Later Thursday, a jury recommended sentences of three to 12 months on the various counts.

 Associated Press

Teacher charged with touching student, 16

A teacher with Fairfax County Schools was arrested Friday and charged with misdemeanor assault and battery, county police said.

They said Eric D. Pittelkau, 64, of Springfield was arrested following an investigation that started after a 16-year-old female student was allegedly touched. She was physically unhurt.

 Clarence Williams

and Martin Weil
Ground personnel help International Space Station crew member Scott Kelly of the United States to get off the Soyuz TMA-18M space capsule after landing near the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.

March 2, 2016 Ground personnel help International Space Station crew member Scott Kelly of the United States to get off the Soyuz TMA-18M space capsule after landing near the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan. Kirill Kudryavtsev/AP

The Soyuz TMA-18M space capsule returns from space and lands near the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz TMA-18M space capsule returns from space and lands near the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.

The Soyuz TMA-18M space capsule returns from space and lands near the town of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.

After whirling through space for a year, astronaut Scott Kelly came home this week a temporarily changed man: a tad taller, with poorer eyesight and a slightly smaller heart. He also returned invigorated by the breathtaking views he photographed throughout his odyssey for the gravity-bound denizens of Earth.

Kelly called the third planet from the sun beautiful during a news conference Friday, which NASA carried live online. And the International Space Station offered a great vantage point for sharing what he saw.

Exactly 340 days after blasting a hole in the night sky over the frigid desert of Kazakhstan, Kelly fell back to Earth on Tuesday with a million-plus followers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Recapturing the attention of a public that once wearied of moon landings and space shuttles, the rocket man for the Reddit generation showed he could inspire and excite  often in 140 characters or fewer.

From 250 miles up, Kelly witnessed Category 5 Hurricane Patricia churn on to the coast of Mexico, plumes of volcanic ash streak the skies over the Aleutian Islands and the glittering clouds of the aurora borealis paint the night neon. He also tweeted about pollution riding up against the walls of the Himalayas and suffocating the space over China. It was heartbreaking, he said.

In his first interview since returning to earth, Astronaut Scott Kelly reflects on his record-breaking year-long venture aboard the International Space Station. (Reuters)

When Kelly successfully grew zinnias aboard the space station, the news flashed around the planet. And when he donned a gorilla suit and chased Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko through the space station, the video went viral.

Needed a little humor to lighten up a #YearInSpace, Kelly tweeted. Go big, or go home. I think Ill do both. #SpaceApe.

Even the photo of Kellys first dinner back on Earth garnered more than 14,000 likes on Twitter. (The 16-second video of his first swim back home in Texas, when he plunged into his pool at 4 a.m., registered 12,600 thumbs up.)

Although it may be difficult to quantify the effect of Kellys popularity on the future of the space program, its worth noting that when NASA advertised job openings for eight to 14 astronauts last December, the agency received a record 18,300 applications.

The 52-year-old Kelly, a native of New Jersey, now holds the American record for longest stay in space. He flew 144 million miles on his nearly year-long voyage, took part in three space walks and performed more than 400 scientific studies, from the macro (dark matter) to the micro (stem cells), with forays into vegetable growing.

His missions chief goal, however, was an experiment in analyzing the physical and psychological effects of long-term spaceflight in anticipation of an eventual manned mission to Mars. Kellys identical twin brother, Mark, a retired astronaut, served as a kind of control for NASA.

Scientists and doctors will look at facets as diverse as aging, which Scott is likely to have done faster than Mark, and the effects of radiation on the body without the protection of Earths ozone layer.

Astronaut Scott Kelly spent 340 days aboard the International Space Station, longer than any American astronaut. Here's a look at the year he spent in space, through his eyes above Earth. (Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

Both men took blood, fecal, saliva and urine tests during the year, and monitored their heart rate and blood pressure. An ultrasound machine installed on the space station was used to capture images of Kellys heart and eyes. Some of the samples he took himself remain in a storage freezer there; a SpaceX Dragon capsule will deliver them to NASA sometime this year.

The agency reiterated Friday that it may be years before the results of all these tests are fully analyzed and made public. In the meantime, neither Kelly nor the agencys doctors can cite any significant physiological changes that might have occurred. Because of the lack of gravity, Kelly said, his sense of touch is more sensitive right now, and his skin feels like its burning when he sits in a chair.

His sensations were immediately heightened as the hatch of the Soyuz craft opened in Kazakhstan.

The air was refreshing. It was cool and different from the air I experienced for the last 340 days, Kelly said, who was told that what he thought was the smell of a flowering plant was actually the odor of the charred Soyuz after its fiery reentry.

It had a kind of sweet smell, he said.

It may have been the small, unexpected curiosities that most endeared Kelly to the public, which learned that its hard to throw something straight in space because everything tends to loft, and that astronauts are always seen with their arms folded when interviewed in zero gravity because otherwise they just float in space in front of you.

The three things Kelly particularly missed, other than his family and friends: grass under his feet, breezes and the crunch of broccoli. Jill Biden, wife of the vice president, greeted Kelly in Houston with apple pie and beer.

Nothings more American than that, she told CNN. Thats what he said he wanted.

Kellys return to terra firma has been remarkably pedestrian. He said he has undergone a lot of physical exams and blood work, and when shooting hoops at his home a couple of days after returning, he hit nothing  including the net. But that wasnt at all unusual, he admitted.

When asked by reporters Friday whether he would miss anything about living in space, he said, Absolutely, many things. Mostly he will miss doing something difficult and being fulfilled by it when its a success.

Its like why I wanted to be a [Navy] pilot and land on aircraft carriers  because I knew it was hard, there were risks, and it was important and, therefore, for me, rewarding, Kelly said.

Perhaps thats why he also said he would never be done with space.

About the future of planet Earth, which Kelly said looked so fragile from afar, he was sanguine: I do believe we have an impact [on the environment] and the ability to change it.

As the man who has come down from the heavens now muses, If we can dream it, we can make it so.
U.S. researchers say they have discovered how the Zika virus can cause microcephaly, a rare birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and brain problems. (Florida State University)

U.S. researchers say they have discovered how the Zika virus can cause microcephaly, a rare birth defect in which babies are born with abnormally small heads and brain problems. (Florida State University)

The body of evidence linking the Zika virus to devastating health effects on women and unborn babies grew significantly stronger Friday as new studies from two continents detailed how the pathogen could attack fetal brain development as well as trigger complications at any stage of pregnancy.

In one study, a team of U.S. researchers identified a probable mechanism for how the Zika virus can cause microcephaly, in which children are born with abnormally small heads and underdeveloped brains. The rare condition has surfaced in hundreds of babies in Brazil, the epicenter of a Zika outbreak that has spread to three dozen countries and territories, primarily in the Americas.

The second study, in which U.S. and Brazilian researchers tracked 88 pregnant women at a clinic in Rio de Janeiro, found evidence of grave complications and birth defects from Zika infections. Some of the problems had not been seen previously, including damage to fetuses central nervous systems and a lack of amniotic fluid by late pregnancy.

[ A Zika breakthrough: Scientists detail how virus attacks fetal brain]

Since the World Health Organization designated the virus and its suspected complications in newborns as a public health emergency last month, scientists and officials have been racing to control Zika and halt its explosive spread. But their efforts have been hobbled by a fundamental lack of understanding of the once-obscure virus.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Zika virus and its spread across North and South America. (Daron Taylor,Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post)

While Zika causes only minor illness in most people  roughly 80 percent of those infected never show symptoms  Fridays research findings reinforce an increasing consensus that the virus can have tragic consequences for pregnant women and their fetuses.

This is truly the virus from hell, said Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine.

In the U.S. study, researchers from Johns Hopkins University, Florida State University and Emory University exposed lab-grown human stem cells to a strain of Zika. It selectively infected cells critical to development of the brains outer layer, the cortex. Its assault made those cells more likely to die and less likely to make new brain cells. Studies of fetuses and babies with the characteristic marks of microcephaly often have found cortical abnormalities.

[Why the United States is vulnerable to the alarming spread of Zika]

The findings, published in the journal Cell Stem Cell, fill in another crucial gap in what scientists know about Zika and fetal development.

It strengthens the case that Zika is a culprit behind microcephaly, said Joseph Gleeson, an investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, who was not involved in the study. Its a very important piece in the puzzle.

Researchers already have seen traces of the virus in brains of newborns who died, as well as in fluid from the placentas of infected women. But one key missing piece has been information about how it can slow or halt brain development in utero. While the results dont definitively prove Zika causes microcephaly, it strengthens the link, said Guo-li Ming, a Johns Hopkins University neurologist and a lead author of the study.

1 of 65 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  How countries are combating the Zika virus View Photos The mosquito-borne disease suspected of causing serious birth defects is expected to spread to all countries in the Americas except Canada and Chile, according to the World Health Organization. Caption The mosquito-borne disease suspected of causing serious birth defects is expected to spread to all countries in the Americas except Canada and Chile and remains a global health emergency, according to the World Health Organization. Oct. 27, 2016 A health ministry worker fumigates a house to kill mosquitoes during a campaign to prevent Zika in Managua, Nicaragua. Oswaldo Rivas/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

It did not address whether the virus can actually reach brain cells. But the findings show how much destruction the virus could cause. This virus can do a lot of damage, Florida State virologist Hengli Tang, a lead author of the study, said on a phone call with reporters.

Researchers used the original Zika strain, first discovered in Uganda in 1947. That strain is 89 percent identical to the current strain in the epidemic, he said.

[Why rise in Zika cases in Puerto Rico increases threat to United States ]

The second study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, detailed the 88 cases followed at the Rio de Janeiro clinic between September 2015 and last month. With those, 72 women tested positive for Zika in their blood, urine or both, and 42 of them chose to have ultrasounds. All 16 women who tested negative for Zika also underwent ultrasounds.

Those without infections showed normal results. But for nearly a third of those infected by Zika, the imaging detected critical issues.

The frequency was so high, said study co-author Karin Nielsen, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at UCLA, who collaborated with scientists at Fiocruz, an institution in Brazil.These abnormalities are very significant; they are not minor. These are serious, serious problems.

Unlike previous efforts that suggested a link between Zika and potential birth defects based on case reports, the U.S. and Brazilian researchers tested the women for infection in real time and followed them as their pregnancies unfolded. They said the women had no other risk factors.

[United States details 9 Zika pregnancies: 2 abortions, 2 miscarriages, 1 baby with severe microcephaly]

What they found was illuminating and also extremely concerning, according to the study.

One mother had an emergency Caesarean section after doctors realized she had no amniotic fluid in her uterus; her baby now appears to be healthy. Of six live births, two babies were small for their gestational age, while a third was born at normal weight but with severe microcephaly. Two of the infants had lesions in their eyes, which could indicate blindness.

It is a whole spectrum of conditions, Nielsen said.

The two studies may help to dispel persistent rumors that pesticides are behind the spike in birth defects in Zika-outbreak countries. These kinds of studies can help melt away all the other theories, Hotez said.

At the same time, both studies have shortcomings. The first took place in a controlled environment with lab-grown stem cells.And the study in Brazil had a limited sample size because of the relatively small number of pregnant women. Nielsen said she and her colleagues are continuing to enroll women for ongoing research and will follow their babies development.
It is here in the industrial Midwest, not in the South, where Sen. Ted Cruzs audacious theory of the 2016 race was supposed to be put to one of its most important tests. Michigans primary on Tuesday  and especially what happens that day in the Detroit suburbs that in 1980 were ground zero for a new political species, Reagan Democrats  will answer this question: Can Cruz (R-Tex.) locate and motivate legions of recently nonvoting conservatives, millions of them nationwide, especially whites without college experience, who can be pulled back into voting in numbers sufficient to determine the election in November?

But the best-laid plans of mice and men and even senators often go awry, and one problem with Cruzs plan is that it was formulated in olden days, in the world B.D.T.  Before Donald Trump. Trump, too, is courting this cohort of the disaffected, whose grievances about politicians certainly cannot this year include being ignored by them. But although Trump may bestride the political scene mastodon, Patrick Colbeck and Wendy Day are undaunted.

Colbeck, 50, was an engineer with no interest in politics until, six years ago, he did something almost unprecedented even among members of the national legislature: He read the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare. He concluded that this is about control and has nothing to do with care. Now he is a Republican state senator, the first Michigan legislator elected from the tea party, and a thorn in the side of the GOPs legislative leadership on spending and other matters. Which is to say, he is somewhat like Ted Cruz, of whose Michigan campaign Colbeck is chairman.

Day, 43, is the wife of a soldier who has a Purple Heart from two tours in the Middle East, and the mother of a 19-year-old soldier just back from his first deployment, in Kuwait. She was working with war widows before becoming state director of the Cruz campaign because hes been to Babylon and survived. Meaning hes resisted the seductive nature of Washington. Now she travels with a spreadsheet, supplied by Cruzs national campaign headquarters in Houston, detailing the expected March 8 vote in all of Michigans 4,500 precincts and the number of votes Cruz needs to get in each to win the state.

Houston projects that Cruz needs 345,000 of the 1.08 million votes the campaign expects to be cast. Day has on her phone a picture of two of those voters who, with no prompting from the campaign, set up a table outside a tractor supply store to educate voters about Cruzs enthusiasm for the Second Amendment. Other volunteers held a fundraiser at a gun range to pay for a Cruz billboard.

Yes, each such anecdote testifies to Cruzs ability to energize a passionate cadre, and, yes, as has been said, the plural of anecdote is data. Today, however, much more than when Winston Churchill said so eight decades ago, We have entered the region of mass effects. In Michigan, as in many of the Super Tuesday states, the Cruz campaign has mounted the most ambitious efforts to create telephone-and-shoe-leather get-out-the-vote operations, all of which strengthen the sinews of American democracy. In its approach to Iowa, the campaign identified 150 clusters of Iowans for special attention, including a group of 60 who signed a petition seeking legalization of the sale of fireworks in the state, a group that received a blessing from Cruz in his libertarian mode.

But todays saturation journalism about presidential politics  and especially the insatiable appetite of television for the garish sights and sounds of Trump, whose campaign consists almost entirely of feeding this appetite  can raise waves of passion and distraction that wash away more methodical ways of engaging with voters.

A Detroit News/WDIV-TV poll, taken Feb. 14 to 16, after Iowas caucuses and New Hampshires primary but before South Carolinas primary and Nevadas caucuses, presented a microcosm of the GOPs national problem: Trump led among likely Michigan GOP voters with 25.2 percent, followed by undecided 21.3, Cruz 15, Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) 11.8, Ohio Gov. John Kasich 10.5, Ben Carson 9, Jeb Bush 5.3. Trump had the highest unfavorable rating (41.3), but the combined 37.3 percent support of likely voters for the three serious Trump rivals still in the race is too fragmented to derail him. And Kasich, from contiguous Ohio, is targeting Michigan.

Michigans primary comes a week  an eternity  after Super Tuesdays 11 primaries altered the political landscape. Michigan is one of the 18 states (and the District of Columbia)  with 242 electoral votes  that Republicans have lost in six consecutive presidential elections, so attention must be paid.

Read more from George F. Wills archive or follow him on Facebook.
SECRETARY OF State John F. Kerry emerged frustrated from a meeting with Chinas foreign minister in late January after proposing new U.N. sanctions on North Korea. Beijing balked, saying it was not willing to take steps that risked destabilizing the regime of Kim Jong Un even after the regime conducted what it claimed was a hydrogen bomb test. On Wednesday, China seemingly reversed course, joining a unanimous U.N. Security Council in imposing the toughest sanctions applied to North Korea in more than a decade.

What prompted this welcome change? Mr. Kerry and his State Department team spent weeks negotiating with their Chinese counterparts  and North Koreas launch of a long-range rocket last month over Beijings objections may have spurred a U.S.-Chinese convergence. Our guess, however, is that Chinas switch had a lot to do with steps taken by South Korea and Congress.

In Seoul, the government of President Park Geun-hye, which Beijing has been courting, decided to move forward on plans for deploying a U.S. missile defense system that China regards as a threat. Meanwhile, Congress adopted new U.S. sanctions that could penalize Chinese companies and banks that do business with North Korea. In other words, the Chinese leadership finally was forced to consider tangible consequences for its coddling of the reckless and increasingly dangerous North Korean ruler.

The result is sanctions that, on paper, could have the most damaging impact in Pyongyang since the George W. Bush administration succeeded in locating and freezing the regimes foreign financial assets in 2005. The new resolution orders the inspection of all cargoes entering and leaving North Korea, bans its export of some minerals and import of arms, and mandates a shutdown of its international banking activities. It also cuts off supplies of most aviation fuels and expands the list of luxury items the elite cannot receive.

What remains to be seen is if Chinese President Xi Jingping will apply these sanctions rigorously  or whether his consent to them was merely a feint intended to head off unwanted developments such as South Korean missile defense. Its telling that Chinas U.N. ambassador brought up the missile defense system just before voting for sanctions  and that a first U.S.-South Korean meeting on the missile defense system was postponed as the resolution came together. Also revealing is a new report by a committee of U.N. experts, which found massive evasion of past U.N. sanctions against North Korea, with the connivance of Chinese companies and banks as well as regimes such as Burmas.

For China, the best-case scenario is that the new sanctions hurt just enough to prompt the Kim regime to offer to negotiate on its nuclear arsenal, something it has refused to do in recent years. That would shift the burden of containing the regime to the United States, without risking its collapse. Though the long history of such negotiations is one of repetitive failures, the Obama administration likely would embrace such an offer. On the other hand, if North Koreas regime proves intransigent, China could be tasked with overseeing a prolonged economic siege. The chances that it will do so still seem slim.
A demonstrator holds up a sign outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the day the court heard arguments in a dispute over a Texas abortion law. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg)

Christine Dinsmore is a writer and editor who lives in Woodstock, N.Y.

The assistant district attorney pressed the police officer for details. Did he ask my grandmother Maria Consolazio whether she knew she was going to die?

I did, Officer Arthur ONeill answered. She said she didnt know.

Reuben Wilson, the assistant D.A., further questioned: Had he asked her if she had any hope of recovery? ONeill did  she didnt know.

This testimony in State of New York v. Regina Michele was heard in the New York City 6th District Court of Brooklyn on Nov. 10, 1921. Michele, accused of providing an abortion, denied knowing or ever seeing my grandmother. The case was dismissed.

Maria died at age 36. She had already given birth to seven children, then ranging in age from 11 months to 10 years. An immigrant from Santa Paolina, Italy, an hour east of Naples, she spoke no English and depended on her husband, Francesco, to negotiate the world outside their Brooklyn flat. Maria, a talented seamstress, helped the family eke by, taking in clothing to repair and alter. Her oldest child, Biaggio, would lug piles of garments in need of her handiwork back and forth to tailor shops.

Marias death haunted my mother, Anna. The tears would come whenever she recounted the day she walked into the tenement kitchen and found her mother on the floor. In barely a whisper, Maria instructed her then-9-year-old daughter to run and get her aunt, her mothers closest friend, who substituted for the family Maria left behind in Italy. She recalled how later, as her mother was taken away to the hospital, a kind police officer sat her on his lap and said he would make sure her mother would be okay. Of course, he couldnt.

When Marias five surviving children would get together as adults, the conversation often veered toward life without Mama. In hushed voices, the three oldest  Biaggio, Anna and Michele  would relive that fateful day. Elena, 6 at the time, vaguely remembered. And Giuseppina, back then 2, hungered for stories of an unknown mother, hanging on to every detail as if her existence depended on the reality of a loving mother instead of the stepmother who annihilated Giuseppinas self-esteem. Raimondo and Virginia didnt survive childhood.

The consequences of my grandmothers botched abortion are innumerable. Her oldest children were whisked away and placed in separate, sex-segregated Catholic orphanages. The youngest  Virginia  was placed in foster care, where she died a short time later. The psychological issues of abandonment and trauma played out differently with each child. None was immune.

Marias grandchildren knew she had died an awful death, but the exact cause was only hinted at. I was told she died in childbirth  a stretch of the truth by any measure.

As a child, I eavesdropped on a conversation between my mother and her sister Elena. Papa says Mama is in hell, my mother said, her voice rising to a wrenched crescendo. Not true! God wouldnt condemn such a loving woman. We couldnt survive another mouth to feed, Elena said. That was my first inkling that my grandmother did something terribly wrong  at least my grandfather thought so. Why else would she be in hell?

Years later, I asked my mother if my grandmother had died of a bungled abortion. She confessed her mother took something to end her pregnancy, adding, It turned out she wasnt even pregnant. I bought that family myth until I read the courtroom transcript. Who is charged with performing an abortion on someone who was not pregnant? And after seven children, Maria surely knew whether she was pregnant. So much shame was wrapped up in that deadly afternoon. A devout Catholic family clung to the tenets of the church and was humiliated that Maria had an abortion. They couldnt dare be outraged that church dogma forced their mother to reproduce over and over. The criminal case against Regina Michele, underscoring the illegality of Marias abortion, further stigmatized the family.

Until the day she died at age 102, my mother would talk achingly about her mother. She pined for Mama, wishing she had met her own husband and four children. She re-experienced that void throughout her life, magnified with every family milestone. Ninety-three years of grief.

The court transcript detailed a young mother confronted with her imminent death. Unable to afford another child, she took a chance to save her family but lost. Moments from death and away from anyone familiar, she faced the reality that her children would become motherless. In a time when women didnt have access to safe abortions, they still happened, often with repercussions that lasted generations.

This week , another court  the countrys highest  heard the most significant abortion case in more than 20 years. I hope the justices will remember women such as Maria Consolazio as they deliberate. A pro-choice movement slogan states, If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament. For my grandmother and countless others who lived before Roe v. Wade , abortion often led to a sacrament  the last rites.
The Post showed bias in its coverage of Democratic primary results from Super Tuesday [Southern states help Clinton stretch her lead over Sanders, front page, March 2].

Rather than noting that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) came from close to zero recognition nationally to winning four Super Tuesday states and nearly tying in a fifth (Massachusetts), the headlines and articles were all about how he has lost momentum.

Coverage of the Republican primaries focused on Sens. Marco Rubio (Fla.) and Ted Cruz (Tex.) as the last, best hopes of the GOP. Yet on the Democratic side, Sanders has won more states, and more delegates, than either of them but appears sidelined by The Post.

The Posts coverage also implied that the South should decide for the rest of the United States whom the Democratic and Republican nominees would be , treating the North and the West  including California, with more than 10 percent of the U.S. population  as nothing more than afterthoughts.

Mark Roth, Silver Spring

The Feb. 25 front-page headline GOP trio must act fast to stall Trump and the two related subheadings could not make any clearer The Posts dislike of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump.

The headlines sounded like advice and guidance for Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.), Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) and Ohio Gov. John Kasich to ramp up their campaigns. They clearly belonged on the op-ed page.

Mike Parent, Rockville

Republican presidential candidates hurl personal insults, bigoted and racist epithets and irresponsible rhetoric and end up on The Posts front page, often with a photograph for good measure.

But Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton won an important landslide victory in South Carolina, and this significant event was buried on Page A10 [Clinton wins S.C.; Sanders looks to Tuesday, Campaign 2016, Feb. 28].

Where is The Posts perspective and evenhandedness?

Don D. Roose, Germantown

It was unfair to lump Donald Trump in with Vladimir Putin, Joseph Stalin and Pol Pot, as the Feb. 25 editorial The moment of truth did.

It also went against what I learned in middle school. We were taught that registered voters choose the president. The editorial sought people who understand, leaders of conscience and community leaders to stop Trump from winning the Republican nomination for president.

I dont understand who these mysterious people are and how, or why, they should override my vote in the primary and general elections. After his first term, if he is elected, then it will be fair to judge Trump a world-class despot (or not).

John T. LaFalce, Triangle, Va.
WE SHARE widespread concern over the influence of money in politics. This is a far cry, however, from believing that the system has been permanently rigged by the billionaire class. Ironically, this years presidential campaign, fueled so powerfully by such accusations of total corruption, has done much to disprove the claim.

We understand the distortion of policymaking that the symbiotic relationship between candidates and donors engenders. Those pernicious consequences are often most pronounced not at the presidential level, but in corners of our democracy where the stakes for special interest groups are high and public scrutiny is relatively low: state and local elections, Capitol Hill conference committees, regulatory agency rulemakings. This is why we favor sensible limitations on donations, coupled with maximum disclosure of where the money comes from. That is to say, we favor more regulation than the Supreme Court permitted in its 2010 Citizens United decision. We also support reforms, such as that proposed by Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), that might allow candidates to spend less time dialing for dollars and more with constituents.

But the failure of former Florida governor Jeb Bushs campaign, and the well-oiled success of the campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), suggest that tycoons cannot simply buy themselves a president. As of Feb. 20, Mr. Bush, plus independent groups of supporters, had amassed $157.6 million and spent nearly all of it in the Republican nominating battle  all for naught. Meanwhile, on the Democratic side, Mr. Sanders, a socialist, had raised more than $90 million in mostly small donations, enabling him to mount a credible populist challenge to former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

The unpredicted success of the campaigns of Mr. Sanders and Donald Trump, the self-funding billionaire who drubbed Mr. Bush, casts doubt on their own claims on the stump, to the effect that American democracy has been permanently purchased by special interests. Region, race and candidate personality play a role. Insurgents can be heard, contrary to much rhetoric. Most of all, while we disagree with many of Mr. Sanderss ideas, not to mention Mr. Trumps, the success of their campaigns show that ideas and policies still do matter in politics, sometimes more than money.

The deep irony is that their exploitation of public cynicism about politics  in different ways and with different constituencies  may be breeding more of it. A more positive result of recent events would be to encourage more skepticism among future candidates and donors about the true power of money, and, therefore, more creativity about how they raise and spend it, beyond the current campaign model, dominated as it is by donors and consultants. When this ugly campaign is finally over, there may be a place for well-designed new rules on campaign finance  and also for more realism.
Children, gather round and let me tell you about a time before candidates vouched for the size of their, um, endowments on national television.

Was it really so long ago  okay, actually, it was  that a sunglasses-wearing Bill Clinton was criticized for going on The Arsenio Hall Show to play his saxophone? Clinton coarsened the discourse, we were told. How tame that seems in retrospect. How dignified.

I blame Clinton, actually, not for the Hall performance, but for a fateful moment during his presidency, at a 1994 MTV town hall, when a young woman asked, Mr. President, the world is dying to know: Is it boxers or briefs?

Clinton stared in open-mouthed disbelief, looked down, put hand to forehead  then answered, Usually briefs. I cant believe she did that. I happened to be at the event, and I couldnt believe he responded with anything other than an admonition that surely this questioner had been taught better.

But Clintons willingness to show some leg seems positively Victorian in contrast to todays discourse.

Here are the weirdest 45 seconds from Fox News's Republican presidential debate in Detroit on March 3. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

Thanks, largely but not entirely, to one Donald J. Trump.

Recently, Trump feigned outrage at the notion that former Mexican president Vicente Fox would use a filthy, disgusting word about Trumps proposed border wall.

Really? In New Hampshire, as Trump was excoriating Ted Cruz for shying away from endorsing waterboarding, a supporter shouted out a feline profanity to describe the Texas senator.

Trump knew he wasnt supposed to repeat it. He couldnt help himself. She said  I never expect to hear that from you again! he said, in mock anger. She said hes a pussy! Thats terrible. Terrible. Terrible.

Then Marco Rubio decided to join Trump in his gutter. Rubios problem wasnt doing too little too late, it was saying too much too late. He suggested that Trump had wet his pants during a debate. He mocked Trumps spray tan.

Worst, most astonishingly, he insinuated that Trump was lacking beneath the briefs. You know what they say about men with small hands? Rubio said, smirking. You cant trust them.

Which brings us to Thursday, March 3, which will go down as the most embarrassing day in the history of U.S. presidential politics. At least lets hope this is as bad as it gets.

Trump began by summoning an unwelcome picture of Mitt Romney, his partys nominee four years ago. He was begging for my endorsement. I could have said, Mitt, drop to your knees, he would have dropped to his knees, Trump said, pointing to the floor.

This is, as Fox News host Megyn Kelly educated us oh-so-many GOP debates ago, a favorite Trump image. You dropped to your knees? Trump had once asked a contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice, laughing lasciviously. It must be a pretty picture, you dropping to your knees.

At Thursday nights Fox News debate, Trump could not leave Rubios small hands slander unrebutted. Did Trump plan it? Could he simply not restrain himself from answering the assault on his manhood? Its hard to tell which would be worse.

He hit my hands, Trump said, unprovoked, minutes into the melee, holding up his digits for viewing. Nobody has ever hit my hands. I have never heard of this. Look at those hands. Are they small hands? And he referred to my hands, if they are small, something else must be small. I guarantee you there is no problem. I guarantee.

No, fact-checkers! No! Whats next, an affidavit from the wives?

Okay, moving on, said moderator Bret Baier. If only. As I write this column, a headline on CNN.com reads, Donald Trump defends size of his penis.

This might be funny  these poor guys and their anxieties  if the stakes werent so high. Gender solidarity impels me to suggest a solution for this juvenilia: a debate stage populated by women. That would take care of the playground insults, the shouting, the constant interrupting and talking-over.

Gentlemen, gentlemen, you have got to do better than this, moderator Chris Wallace said at one point, breaking up the schoolyard fight between the candidates who referred to each other as little Marco and big Donald.

Roman emperors once placated the masses with bread and circuses. Today, no bread is required. Politics is all circus, all the time.

Read more from Ruth Marcuss archive, follow her on Twitter or subscribe to her updates on Facebook.
So it has come to this: a brokered convention or President Hillary Clinton.

These options seem to be whats left to Republicans of conscience, who are, lets face it, rather Romney-come-latelies to the pyre. Theyre based on the following evidence: It is highly unlikely that Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio or John Kasich can wrest the nomination from Donald Trump, even though most polls show each of the three beating Clinton but Clinton beating Trump.

The most Republicans can hope for now is that Kasich and Rubio win the primaries in their home states of Ohio and Florida, respectively, as Cruz did in Texas, and enough other contests to deny Trump the necessary delegates, thus paving the way for a brokered convention. This was the recommendation of former GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney, who presented a line-item, factual takedown of Trump on Thursday.

The other option, offered in the service of saving the republic, is to vote for Clinton.

There, there, now. Tis bitter fruit, indeed, for any Republican to consider voting for Clinton for reasons well-known to all sentient beings, including, for the sake of clarity, her lack of appeal to the GOPs dominant older-white-male demographic. This was the party, after all, that saw the future in former Alaska governor Sarah Palin  she of the red-heeled tundra, sparkler of fantasies and promisor of all that is ordinary.

In a speech in Salt Lake City, former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney denounced support for candidate Donald Trump, saying Trump "is playing the members of the American public for suckers." Here are key moments from that speech. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

Not surprisingly, she has endorsed Trump. Because? Because hes an outsider (like any other Ivy-educated heir-billionaire) and, perhaps for the same reason, Palin once said she dashed to see his ex-wife Ivana when she visited the cosmetics counter of an Anchorage department store: We are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture.

Nobody does glam like The Donald.

Even though few Republicans could ever vote Democratic, and certainly not for Clinton, it wouldnt be the end of the world as we know it. But voting for Trump, whom other civilized nations find abhorrent, might be.

Any hope that Trump might not really mean what he says is either delusional or a gamble too far. Which would voters prefer: The man who promises a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States, or one wholl say anything to get elected? The lunatic or the liar?

It has finally dawned on Republicans that their die is cast and Trump is about to destroy the party he relatively recently rejoined. Like a bunch of Ebenezer Scrooges, GOP leaders have begun emerging from their sleep, blinking at the horror of past misdeeds, trying to prevent a future that their actions foretold. Both House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) have publicly distanced themselves from some of Trumps positions.

Republicans may be forgiven for thinking the Trump carnival would have ended by now, but they dont deserve much slack for allowing their party to devolve from an ideas-driven counterweight to liberalism to a ragtag consortium of discontents dissociated from anything like an intellectual trust.

From William F. Buckley to Donald J. Trump in the wink of a Palin eye, the reaper is grim, indeed.

It finally has taken someone such as Romney, whose deference to duty is one of his lifes defining principles, to say the words others have been too cowardly to express: Love of country requires that Trump be stopped.

If this ultimately means a brokered convention, then Romney might be willing to step up again  even at the risk of losing a third time. Only the servant bound by duty would submit to such excruciation.

Then again, the country might be ready for an honest man such as Romney who embodies many of the qualities of the various candidates combined  a successful governor (Kasich) and businessman (Trump), a constitutionalist (Cruz), someone with respect for the rule of law without the draconian flair of a Cruz or Trump, and with compassion for the downtrodden as well as an eye for the possible over the promised (Clinton).

Still, if a last-minute audible isnt available, it may be time for some creative destruction. Should Trump become the nominee, more reasoned minds in the GOP might do well to abandon it altogether. The death of this party  of know-nothing ugliness and outright fascist rhetoric  might be a blessing, a cleansing of the palate before a resurrection of the party of limited government and individual liberty.

Until then, its hail to the chieftess.

Read more from Kathleen Parkers archive, follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook.
My single vote is a very precious thing. Men and women died to protect my right to have it. I am 85 and have voted many times, but this primary presented me with a new challenge. I have a favorite candidate. But, by voting for that person, was I neglecting an obligation to try to stop the real danger of having a bully as our president? I mulled this over for days. I discussed it with others. I prayed about it. I wept about it. And so, on Tuesday afternoon, I voted strategically. The possible dangers on the horizon were too terrible to ignore, so I voted in a way that might change the political climate, in hopes that we can keep America safe, and that, in the future, we can all vote for our favorite candidates.

Anne Jacoby, Arlington

Robert Kagans excellent analysis of the Trump phenomenon, The GOPs Frankenstein monster [Sunday Opinion, Feb. 28], was correct that Donald Trumps eminence derives from the popularity of obstructionism and denial that has been on display in recent years, not only among tea party fanatics but also in the actions of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

In President Obamas first term, Mr. McConnell declared that his reason for coming to work every day was to keep Mr. Obama from a second term. That didnt work, and now Mr. McConnell has announced that the Senate simply wont consider a Supreme Court nominee until the end of next January. Why? Because he cares more about partisan advantage than running the country. He and Mr. Trump have a lot more in common than the senator might think.

Marjorie Schulenburg, Laurel

Ive been racking my brain trying to figure out why any Christians, much less evangelical Christians, support Donald Trumps candidacy for president. I read R.R. Renos Feb. 27 op-ed, Sick of losing, evangelicals fall for Trump, with great interest, hoping it would shed light on this phenomenon. It did.

Evangelical Christians supporting Mr. Trump are not really Christians at all. Not even close. While Mr. Trumps bigotry, racism and sexism are clearly evident, it is his stance on torture that most bewilders me. It fries my brain that these same evangelicals who rail against candidates who support a womans right to choose abortion enthusiastically support a candidate who advocates torture. Anyone who supports a candidate who proudly states his desire to increase the use of torture simply cannot claim themselves to be Christlike in any way. Torture is illegal in this country, and, more important, it is morally abhorrent. Its a different world when a secular government acts with greater morality than its most religious citizens.

Tom Schrack, Fairfax

A March 3 editorial [The time is now to disavow] called for the Republican Partys leaders to disavow Donald Trump. It followed several earlier editorials that declared Mr. Trump unfit for office, or worse.

Pretty strong stuff (and no, I dont support Mr. Trump). When can we expect the editorial board to declare Hillary Clinton unfit to lead? From questionable activities involving the Clinton Foundation to deliberately using private email for sensitive government business, Ms. Clinton has a record of arrogance, recklessness, negligence and irresponsibility that should disqualify anyone from high public service.

Chuck Rushing, Vienna

Imagine telling your boss: I wont be around much for the next few months. Im looking for a bigger, more prestigious job. However, while Im away and interviewing, I expect you to continue paying me and providing excellent benefits. If I dont get the bigger job, Ill be back. Can anyone explain to me why Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), et al., are receiving full-time pay and benefits while providing little or no service to their constituents?

Peter Kaminsky, Rockville

Missing from the coverage of a Secret Service agents aggressive takedown of a Time magazine photographer [Secret Service investigating row with photographer, news, March 2] was an explanation of why the agent would be enforcing the Donald Trump campaigns rules in the first place. The agents mission, funded by taxpayer dollars, is to protect the candidate. What does a photographer staying in the press section  a rule arbitrarily set by the Trump campaign to prevent reporters mingling with the crowd  have to do with the candidates safety? It appears that the security apparatus of the state is being used to advance a political purpose. This is one of the first steps toward a fascist society  and Mr. Trump hasnt even been elected.

Kevin Welber, Bethesda
Ted Cruz secured victories in the Kansas and Maine caucuses while Marco Rubio withered with a string of third-place finishes. On the Democrats side, Bernie Sanders defeated Hillary Clinton in Kansas and Nebraska, but her dominant status remains intact.

Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump look to protect their leads and maintain momentum while their rivals seek to keep them at bay.

Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump look to protect their leads and maintain momentum while their rivals seek to keep them at bay.

At the core of Donald Trumps political success this year are the grievances of a sizable and now vocal block of disaffected voters, many of them white and working-class, and a Republican Party that has sought and benefited from their support while giving them almost nothing tangible in return.

The New York businessmans position as the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination has plunged the party into a contentious debate and raised some of the most troubling questions about its future since the Watergate scandal in 1974 or Barry Goldwaters landslide defeat a decade earlier.

Campaigning on Friday, Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), who is seeking to deny Trump the nomination, put the threat in apocalyptic terms. If Trump becomes the nominee, he said, He will split the Republican Party and it will be the end of the modern conservative movement.

Trump and so-called Trumpism represent an amalgam of long-festering economic, cultural and racial dissatisfaction among a swath of left-out Americans who do not fit easily into the ideological pigeonholes of red and blue, right and left.

James W. Ceaser, a professor in the politics department at the University of Virginia, describes the eruption behind Trump as less an ism and more a mood that has been at a near-boil for some time. But why has it hit with such force in this election? They have a leader who can articulate it, Ceaser said.

The sight of establishment Republicans recoiling at Trump strikes some analysts, particularly on the left, as ironic. These GOP critics see Trumps appeal as the logical result of decades of efforts by the GOP to discredit government and more recently of the party leaderships passive acceptance of virulent and in some cases racially tinged opposition to President Obama. Having sown the wind, the argument goes, the party now reaps the whirlwind.

Others, however, say that Trumpism, no matter how much it threatens the existence of the modern-day Republican Party, is a broader manifestation of the uneven impact of globalization on a significant segment of the population, a rejection by these voters of institutions and elites in both parties, whom they see as having failed to listen to or respond to their plight.

In reality, it is both, a problem that has had implications for both major parties over a period of years but that has become particularly acute for the Republicans at this moment because the party so badly needs those voters to win in November.

[Heres who supports Donald Trump]

One can scroll back over a half-century to find reasons or explanations for the rise of Trump. The Republican Party has long been engaged in recurring struggles between its long-dominant establishment wing and various embodiments of an anti-establishment, conservative insurgency seeking to upend the status quo.

Goldwater won that battle for the nomination in 1964 over the eastern elites, led by then-Gov. Nelson Rockefeller of New York, but split the party and went down to a crushing defeat in the general election. Out of the ashes came Ronald Reagan, who though twice elected governor of California, nonetheless was long viewed with disdain by the partys eastern elites.

Reagans challenge to then-President Gerald Ford in the 1976 primaries represented the next great antiestablishment challenge by the partys conservative wing. That battle went all the way to the national convention in Kansas City, where Ford prevailed. When Ford lost the election to Jimmy Carter, Reagan and his anti-establishment conservatism laid claim to leadership of the party and eventually to the presidency.

Republican presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Donald Trump each saw wins in two states on March 5. Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders won in two states, and his rival Hillary Clinton won in one. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

In the eyes of anti-establishment Republicans, the election of George H.W. Bush in 1988 restored the establishment wing to power. Within two years there was another revolt, this one led by then-representative Newt Gingrich when Bush abandoned his pledge not to raise taxes as part of a controversial budget deal with the Democrats.

The 1990 rebellion contributed to Bushs defeat to Bill Clinton in 1992. Two years after that, the Gingrich-led forces swept to power in the House in 1994, Gingrich became Speaker, and the balance again swung away from the establishment.

Six years later, after Gingrich and his revolution faltered and he had left the speakership, the establishment reasserted itself when Texass then-Gov. George W. Bush was elected president. We reverted to the norm and the old order came back again, Gingrich said.

[Trumps anti-Muslim rhetoric plays well with supporters but not others]

Many of these battles pitted familiar wings against one another: moderates vs. conservatives; the business wing vs. the evangelical wing; the mainstream wing vs. the populist wing. Many assumed that this years Republican contest would be a rerun of contests between the establishment and a conservative insurgency. Trumps candidacy has scrambled those assumptions and for what are now obvious reasons  the changing composition of the Republican coalition.

In the 1970s and 1980s, white working-class voters in the north fled a Democratic Party they saw as too liberal on cultural and racial issues and migrated to the Republicans. Once a linchpin of the Democratic coalition, they later were dubbed Reagan Democrats, but the migration began long before his presidency. They joined white Southern conservatives who had earlier defected from the Southern Democratic Party to become Republicans.

Many of these white, working-class voters coexisted uneasily with the party establishment and at times with the purer strains of conservatism. The white working class left the Democratic Party because it concluded that the party was committed to groups and objectives that were inimical to their economic interests, said William Galston, a Brookings Institution scholar and former White House domestic policy adviser in the Clinton administration. The Republican Party promised to do better, but it never delivered.

Trump wasnt the first to tap into this anger. Galston points to the 1992 and 1996 presidential candidacies of Patrick J. Buchanan. The conservative commentator challenged Bush in the 1992 primaries and in 1996 led a populist revolt he described as peasants with pitchfork. He ran on a platform similar to that of Trump today: anti-free trade, tough on immigration and focused on the plight of the white working-class ethnics.

Trump stood up and said in effect [to the white working class], these Republican elites, they havent done squat for you, Galston said. If you want someone who will stand up and defend your values and interests, here I am.

[Trump and the wall: policy proposal and cultural icon]

Henry Olsen, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, sees the Republican Party leaderships failure to address the conditions of the white working class as the central reason for Trumps rise.

Theyve been ignoring the economic pressures that have been placed on the native born, low-skilled person for the last 15-20 years, Olsen said. He added, Trump walks into this and says, Im an American first, Im a conservative second. . . . We need to give the people who have been shafted for the last 15 years a leg up.

The Republican Party was absorbing these voters as part of its coalition at a time when economic conditions pressed harder and harder on their financial well-being, and the gap between the wealthiest and the rest of society widened, resulting in a hollowing out of the middle and working classes.

A Pew Research Center study late last year found that the share of income accounted for by the middle class has plummeted since the 1970s. The past 15 years have been especially harmful to the economic standing of these Americans, thanks to the recession of 2001 and the financial collapse of 2008.

Meanwhile, Republican economic orthodoxy continued to prescribe tax cuts that gave the biggest benefits to the wealthiest, arguing that this was the most effective way to stimulate economic growth, which in turn would help all segments of the population.

Katherine Cramer, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, has been conducting extended conversations with people in her state since 2007 as part of her studies of public attitudes and opinions. The expressions of anger and frustration heard at Trump rallies represent the kind of resentment she has heard for years.

I think of them as folks in the middle, not devout Republicans, but people who are feeling economically pretty stressed, Cramer said. I see the Trump phenomenon coming out of rising income inequality and the leftovers of the Great Recession. They are feeling unheard and kind of disrespected by typical powers that be.

[Trump creates identity crisis for the Republican Party]

Trumps constituency is not limited to the white working class, but it is within that group that he draws his strongest support, according to exit polls from the primaries this year.

Its a sector of the electorate that is not particularly guided by the strong ideological positions as you find in Washington think tanks or as the intellectual elite like to think of the electorate, Ceaser said. The ideology is malleable. If you go for ideology, youre going to miss the phenomenon.

Trump isnt the first Republican candidate with a populist economic message. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum touched on similar themes in their campaigns. Neither, however, had Trumps style or bluntness.

Beyond economic issues, Trump has tapped fears about a changing America, a country that is increasingly diverse and culturally tolerant. These voters see the deterioration of values they believe are essential to the character of the country.

Trump also has spoken to continued worries about terrorist threats. It was perhaps no accident that, after the attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., Democratic strategists saw in their focus groups a spike in support for Trump.

It is a group of people who are uncomfortable with changes in the social order or threats from the outside world, said Marc Hetherington, a political science professor at Vanderbilt University. They favor strong leaders and aggressive tactics to snuff these threats out.

The Republican establishment has reacted with alarm at the possibility of Trump winning the nomination, with no better example than the unprecedented attack by the partys 2012 nominee, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, on the man who could lead the party into the fall campaign.

But should Republican leaders be so surprised? Or were they agents in the rise of Trump? Robert Kagan of the Brookings Institution wrote an opinion article in The Post recently in which he described Trump as a Frankenstein monster created by the GOP who now threatens to take over and possibly take down the party.

What did Trump do but pick up where they left off, tapping the well-primed gusher of popular anger, xenophobia and, yes, bigotry that the party had already unleashed? he wrote.

[GOP the loser in Thursdays Detroit debate]

Democrats in particular see a racial component in Trumps appeal, which they say has intensified since Obama was first elected. When he toyed with running in the last election, Trump played to those attitudes by questioning whether Obama was American born and a Muslim, not a Christian.

Hetherington said racial attitudes have become more polarized during Obamas presidency. Theres a distinction to be made between racism and racial resentment, he said. You can be resentful without being a racist. But he added there has been an incredibly stark movement among Republicans in the direction of greater racial resentment.

Sentiments like this are partly there, partly not there, Ceaser added. The tragedy of Trump is hes taken all these things that are embryonic and brought them to the forefront.

Some analysts have pointed to the rise of the tea party and the anti-establishment fervor it embodied as a precursor to Trumps rise  and blame the party leadership for enjoying the fruits of that movement in their midterm election successes.

Vin Weber, a former House member from Minnesota and a longtime GOP strategist, challenged that assertion. The notion that whats going on is somehow the result of misguided or nefarious leadership of the top is just a misunderstanding of whats going on, he said, noting that the GOP establishment fought the tea party in a series of Senate primaries in 2014.

Weber did find fault with his party, saying it has tried to destroy the concept of legitimate government. We should be the party of limited government, he said. But weve gone beyond that and allowed much of our rhetoric to say that government is just evil and the people working in it are evil.

Gingrich, who felt the sting of the Republican establishment in 2012 when he was challenging Romney in the GOP primaries, sees those condemning Trump and his followers as blind to the genuine anger around the country  at Obama in particular and also at the Republican leadership.

You have a party that mishandled the economic collapse, an elite leadership that failed to reform things, an attitude of arrogance to the very tea party people who wanted to change things, he said. The people in the imperial capital cannot understand why everyone in the rest of the country is offended by sending money to the imperial capital.

Gingrich said he believes Trump could become an effective ally of conservatism as a reform president. But to many in the party, Trump and his following represents what Galston called the first popularly based challenge within the Republican Party to basic conservative premises since Reagan.

Thats why so many in the party are so worried at this moment. There is nothing trivial about this, and it may result be a real rending of the party, Weber said. But I dont think it means the death of the party. If worst comes to worst, which I hope doesnt happen, I think the recovery will be faster than people think.
Sen. Ted Cruz speaks with his wife, Heidi, by his side during a primary night campaign event in Indianapolis. Cruz ended his presidential campaign, eliminating the biggest impediment to Donald Trumps march to the Republican nomination.

May 3, 2016 Sen. Ted Cruz speaks with his wife, Heidi, by his side during a primary night campaign event in Indianapolis. Cruz ended his presidential campaign, eliminating the biggest impediment to Donald Trumps march to the Republican nomination. Darron Cummings/AP

The Texas Republican, the first major presidential candidate to formally declare a bid, is one of the last three GOP candidates left in the race.

The Texas Republican, the first major presidential candidate to formally declare a bid, is one of the last three GOP candidates left in the race.

Ted Cruzs presidential campaign is moving hard into Florida, where the senator from Texas hopes to knock out rival Sen. Marco Rubio and position himself as the only last alternative to front-runner Donald Trump.

Cruzs campaign announced Friday that it is opening 10 field offices in Florida, which holds a Republican primary March 15. Trump has a big lead in the polls there, but Cruzs campaign thinks it can increase its support in the state by appealing to conservatives and positioning the candidate as an alternative to Trump.

We recognize that its an uphill battle for us, but it becomes a lot easier if we can consolidate the anti-Trump vote, said Manny Roman, the chairman of Cruzs campaign in Miami-Dade County.

Cruzs team thinks that Florida Republicans lean conservative, and the senator can swoop in as a high-minded alternative while Rubio and Trump engage in a war of insults. Cruzs campaign said it will run an aggressive ad campaign in the state.

Cruz is also expected to highlight his Cuban American heritage in Miami, where his campaign has been putting surrogates on Spanish-language television. Cruzs father, Rafael, who was born in Cuba, has campaigned and met with pastors in the state.

The Cruz campaign is taking direct aim at Rubios relatively sparse Florida operation and polls showing Rubio sharply trailing Trump, which one Cruz spokesman likened to a burning dumpster fire. Roman said Cruzs campaign wants to siphon off Rubios support  and argued that the senator should drop out of the race.

Were making the case to his supporters: We agree with you, and Marco Rubio agrees, too, that he doesnt want Donald Trump to be the nominee,  Roman said.  Save yourself the embarrassment of losing your home state and let us consolidate the anti-Trump vote. 

[Cruz campaign credits psychological data for its rising success]

In addition, the Cruz campaign is contemplating ramping up its efforts in Ohio  which also has a March 15 primary  in a bid to damage Ohio Gov. John Kasich, according to a person familiar with internal discussions. Cruzs campaign declined to comment on any plans for the state.

Together, the efforts make up a high-risk strategy to winnow the field and position Cruz as the last alternative to Trump. It is an approach that even some Cruz allies fear could backfire and aid in Trumps rise.

But Cruzs advisers say privately their modeling shows that even if Trump wins both Florida and Ohio, the senator from Texas has a better chance of securing the nomination than with Rubio and Kasich in the race. They are being bolstered by a surge of donations, including major contributions to a network of super PACs allied with his campaign.

A number of those groups consolidated into one large super PAC on Friday. The Trusted Leadership PAC will streamline a constellation of groups supporting Cruz, and they plan to raise money aggressively.

1 of 61 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Marco Rubios rise to prominence View Photos The U.S. senator from Florida is 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.

One of the groups now under the umbrella just spent $91,000 to run ads in Kansas, Kentucky and Louisiana ahead of Saturdays nominating contests in those states, and will drop another $75,000 on social media ads.

Kellyanne Conway, president of one of the super PACs that was consolidated, said the group had planned to stay out of Florida but now may go in.

On the one hand, it would be easy to stay with our original plan, which is: Dont spend a penny in Florida because its winner take all,  she said. But, she said, were starting to wonder if playing in Florida is probably a great idea because Rubio is doing so poorly there.

[Can Marco Rubio save his campaign, and his career, in Florida?]

Cruzs campaign had a clear plan since day one of the campaign: attempt to coalesce the support of conservatives and gobble up as many delegates as possible in March, including a sweep of Southern states in the Super Tuesday contests. But Cruz lost all but two of those states  Oklahoma and Texas  to Trump.

The campaign is now pivoting to states where it thinks it can do well in the next 11 days, including Kansas and Maine, which Cruz has visited recently. The two states hold caucuses, which reward superior organization, and Cruz has spent time and dispatched resources there. He also plans to campaign in Idaho on Saturday, where he has the support of Rep. Raul R. Labrador and hopes to gain the support of libertarian-minded voters.

While the map has changed, so have the dynamics of the race. The field is narrowing and winnowing down. Its a two-man race, Cruz spokeswoman Alice Stewart said. Cruz is the only one who has a chance to win.

Cruz is trying to contain Trump by uniting the Republican party and broadening his appeal to voters who want to stop Trump or are having second thoughts about voting for him.

Cruz has been making overt appeals to people who support other candidates, imploring them to support his candidacy because there is only one campaign that has repeatedly beaten Donald Trump, and there is only one campaign that can and will beat Donald Trump.

[If you want to give to Ted Cruzs super PAC, you have to figure out which one]

At the same time, Cruz is playing up his insurgent reputation, slamming Trump for saying during Thursdays debate that he plans to be flexible on policy.

 Flexible is a Washington code word that hes going to stick it to the people, Cruz said Friday in Orono, Maine.

Cruz has been striking a more populist tone in recent days as a way to appeal to Trumps supporters, bringing up a media report that Trump hired foreign workers instead of Americans and painting illegal immigration as an economic issue that will hurt lower-income Americans.

You know who isnt hurt by illegal immigration? Cruz asked in Maine. Rich people.

Unlike Rubio and Kasich, Cruz said, he does not want a brokered convention, calling the idea the pipe dream of the Washington establishment that would cause a revolt among voters.

If you want to beat Donald Trump, heres how you do it, Cruz said at the Conservative Political Action Conference in suburban Maryland on Friday. You beat Donald Trump with the voters.
Sen. Bernie Sanderss path to the Democratic nomination may be narrowing, but his record fundraising shows no sign of slowing down, ensuring that the long-shot rival to Hillary Clinton can remain in the race for months to come.

Sanderss unique success at attracting political money, combined with his powerful appeal to young voters, means that he will keep raising and spending millions of dollars across the country  forcing Clinton to spend, too, and potentially allowing him to score enough victories to drag out the nominating contest and delay what is widely seen as Clintons inevitable pivot to the general election.

On Saturday, Sanders won the Kansas and Nebraska Democratic caucuses; Clinton won the Louisiana primary.

The lasting power of the senator from Vermont has triggered concern among some Clinton allies that it will weaken her  not only because she must spend precious dollars competing against him, but also because he is criticizing her in ways that could dampen enthusiasm for her in the fall. But others note that Sanderss success has helped keep the Clinton campaign at a full tilt when fundraising otherwise might have lessened.

We planned for a competitive primary and have beaten every goal we set for ourselves, said Clinton campaign spokesman Josh Schwerin. Thanks to smart investments, we have a commanding delegate lead and, as of the last filing, a 2-to-1 cash-on-hand advantage.

Republican presidential candidates Ted Cruz and Donald Trump each saw wins in two states on March 5. Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders won in two states, and his rival Hillary Clinton won in one. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

[ Trump sexism a key target for pro-Clinton advocates, super PACs ]

Sanderss ability to raise millions from small-dollar donors  and to continue to do so despite Clintons lead in the delegate count  has allowed him to press his case that she is overly reliant on wealthy donors.

It is that sense of outsider grievance that most threatens Clinton from the left and is forcing her to spend money and political capital, even in such states as Michigan, which votes Tuesday and where she has held a comfortable lead.

As of Saturday night, Sanders was on the cusp of collecting his 5 millionth contribution  a record-breaking figure and more than double the number of donations thatClinton has received. Yet Clinton holds a formidable lead over Sanders in delegates, and her campaign argues that it will be next to impossible for him to catch up.

Sanders and his supporters argue that theres a chance he could still beat Clinton in pledged delegates. As long as he is still winning states, they say  as he did Saturday in Kansas and Nebraska and last week in Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma and Vermont  they think it is unreasonable for people to ask him to get out.

This campaign is just getting started, and Bernie is going all the way to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, said spokesman Michael Briggs.

As Secretary Clinton demonstrated in her long campaign for the nomination in 2008, a contest like that can strengthen the party, Briggs said. Its vitally important for the Democratic Party to bring in the millions of people who Bernie Sanders can get into the process by registering young people and independents who will vote for Democrats up and down the ballot in November. Its the voters who should decide this process, not the numbers crunchers and Washington pundits.

Top Clinton aides recently told a group of leading donors that they expect Sanders to remain in the race  and to win states  through the spring. Sanders is also likely to continue to raise more money than Clinton at least in the near term, aides said, according to one supporter who heard the briefing.

Democrats backing Clinton are now reckoning with the potential for a Sanders challenge to sap energy and legitimacy from her campaign without threatening her hold on the nomination.

The supporter and others spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions about Clintons strategy.

Sanders outraised Clinton again in February for the second month in a row, bringing in $42.7 million to her $30 million. On the last day of the month alone, he brought in $6 million online as the campaign used social media to egg on his backers to give, give and give again.

Clinton, meanwhile, has recently taken two valuable days off the campaign trail to raise money in California for use against Sanders now. In a one-week stretch later this month, she is scheduled to make seven fundraising stops in six states  Georgia, Tennessee, Connecticut, Virginia, Washington and California.

The Clinton campaign has not yet started soliciting donations for the general election. But she is raising big-dollar contributions for the Democratic National Committee through the Hillary Victory Fund, a joint fundraising committee between her campaign, the national party and 32 state parties. Events for the fund  such as Wednesdays Radio City Music Hall show featuring performers Katy Perry, Elton John and Andra Day  are helping stockpile the DNC with millions ahead of the fall campaign.

If he stays in, then obviously shes forced to spend cash on the primary that she could use in the general, said one Clinton backer.

The thing of concern to me of his staying in is the extent that he stays in and stays negative, the supporter said, charging that Sanders has been bending if not breaking his pledge to keep his campaign positive. The concern Ive had is that the negative drumbeat continuing through May or even later is a prelude to exactly the kind of arguments the Republicans want to make.

Clinton started spending money on ads last August, before any other candidate. She blew through more than $6 million in advertising in Iowa, where Sanders held her to an effective tie in the popular vote, and in New Hampshire, where he clobbered her by 22 percentage points.

Sanderss performance energized his fundraising even more, giving him a leg up on Clinton in advertising in states much more favorable to her. Sanders is airing TV and radio ads, or plans to, in virtually all states on the calendar between now and March 15, including some his aides concede he has little chance of winning, such as Mississippi and Florida.

He has heavily targeted Michigan, both on the air and with campaign stops, and also sees Illinois and Ohio as delegate-rich opportunities, aides said.

Clinton is campaigning more extensively in Michigan than had seemed likely just a couple of weeks ago, spending four days here ahead of Tuesdays primary. During a speech to Michigan Democrats in Detroit on Saturday night, Clinton congratulated Sanders on running a strong campaign but said she is pleased to have added to her overall delegate count.

Clinton and Sanders will debate Sunday in Flint, and Clinton has agreed to join Sanders here on Monday for a forum hosted by the Fox News Channel, the network said Friday.

Fox News had announced Thursday that Sanders would appear alone at the hour-long town hall in Detroit after Clinton declined to appear, citing a scheduling conflict.

Clinton press secretary Brian Fallon confirmed late Friday that Clinton now plans to participate.

Her campaign debuted two new high-gloss television ads in the state Saturday, focusing on manufacturing jobs.

Michigan, which has been hit hard by losses of manufacturing jobs, is a key test of the appeal for the Democratic candidates in the industrial Midwest  and also an important indicator of Democratic strength for the fall election.

Sanders hopes for a strong showing to add momentum as the contest moves onto next-door Ohio. Each state has large numbers of working-class and lower-middle-class white voters who have rallied to Sanderss message of economic justice.

Clinton is focusing more heavily here on issues of jobs and trade than she has done in recent contests, while continuing to stress her outreach to African American voters, who were crucial to establishing her lead over Sanders in the raft of Southern states that voted on Super Tuesday. She toured a black-owned restaurant Friday and met here Saturday with a group of black ministers.

The debate site in Flint was chosen to highlight the poisoned-water crisis in that majority-black, impoverished city.

I was outraged when I heard about Flint, Clinton told the ministers. This is an issue that I have worked on, that I care deeply about..

Some Clinton donors said that the extended jousting actually helps keep her supporters engaged at a time when they otherwise may have felt that the need to give was less urgent.

Resources are not a zero-sum game, said Wade Randlett, a top bundler in Californias Bay Area. The more the primary goes on, it means more people are interested. Its a positive for Hillarys fundraising. Youve got to spend money, too, but the campaign can spend both where it has to and where it wants to. If youre in a battleground state, great  it helps her organization and her brand for the general.

Sanderss remarkable financial success has also forced Clintons operation to step up its online fundraising efforts.

So far, more than 850,000 individuals have given to her campaign, compared with more than 1.5 million who have contributed to Sanders.

But large donors still have supplied a much larger share of her money to date. As of Jan. 31, contributors who gave the $2,700 maximum had provided 56 percent of the total she had raised to date, while max-out donors gave just 3 percent of the money Sanders brought in during the same period, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan Campaign Finance Institute. Sanders has many more donors he can continue to hit up because they are not close to hitting the maximum.

Rightly or wrongly, they concentrated on the max-out donors, one backer said of the Clinton operation. There are a lot of donors out there who can only give $100 or whatever, and the Sanders people have outperformed [President] Obama on that level, so unless his donors start to feel the effort is futile, hes going to have the fuel to keep doing what hes doing.

Gold reported from Washington. John Wagner in Detroit contributed.
Insult after insult flew during the Fox News GOP debate on March 3. Heres a look at some of the choice words rivals Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Donald Trump had for each other, while John Kasich stayed out of the fray. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Insult after insult flew during the Fox News GOP debate on March 3. Heres a look at some of the choice words rivals Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Donald Trump had for each other, while John Kasich stayed out of the fray. (Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)

Only a year ago, Republicans were congratulating themselves on having the strongest field of presidential candidates in a generation  diverse, highly credentialed conservatives who might be the salvation of a party that had lost the popular vote in five of the past six elections.

But now, the question is how close the Grand Old Party will come to annihilating itself and what it stands for.

Donald Trump  dismissed by GOP elders for months as an entertaining fringe figure who would self-destruct  has staged a hostile takeover and rebranded the party in his own image. What is being left by the wayside is any sense of a Republican vision for the country or a set of shared principles that could carry the party forward.

A substance-free shout-fest billed as a presidential debate Thursday night marked a new low in a campaign that has seen more than its share of them.

The increasingly prohibitive front-runner and his three remaining opponents spent nearly the entire two hours hurling insults back and forth, with Trump at one point making a reference to the size of his genitalia.

1 of 17 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Top quotes from the 11th Republican presidential debate View Photos The candidates had these thoughts during the Fox News debate in Detroit. Caption The candidates shared these comments during the Fox News GOP debate in Detroit. Wait 1 second to continue.

My party is committing suicide on national television, tweeted Jamie Johnson, an Iowa political operative who had been an adviser to former Texas governor Rick Perry, one of the dozen Republicans whose presidential campaigns have been incinerated by the Trump phenomenon. The latest, retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, formally dropped out Friday.

Also Friday, Trump clarified earlier statements that as president, he would order the U.S. military to waterboard militants and carry out other acts that violate international law.

In a statement, he said he understands that the United States is bound by laws and treaties and I will not order our military or other officials to violate those laws and will seek their advice on such matters.

In Thursdays debate, moderator Bret Baier had asked Trump what he would do if service members refused to comply with his orders for exteme measures. The candidate replied, If I say do it, theyre going to do it. Thats what leadership is all about.

Trumps musings on torture were among the many remarks that have alarmed establishment Republicans as worrisome and reckless.

Republicans in general tend to be a group of people who like to view themselves as serious, having decorum, being orderly, being thoughtful, said Roger Porter, who served as a senior policy official in the White Houses of Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush and who is now a professor at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government.

[One clear loser in Thursdays debate: The Grand Old Party]

But, he said, Thursdays debate was the culmination of a long process of the people running for president this year finding themselves drug into a maelstrom in which they look anything but serious and calm and thoughtful and responsible. Thats very distressing for most Republicans. How did we get to this situation?

More urgent, many Republicans say, is the question of how they get out of it.

Part of the decision is how to handle Trump himself.

Republican leaders are divided. Some are focusing their efforts on stopping the billionaire celebrity, even if it means overturning the will of GOP voters at the July convention in Cleveland. Others are arguing that they should coalesce behind him, so that Republicans will have their best chance this fall of beating Hillary Clinton, the Democratic front-runner, who is not without her own vulnerabilities.

Beyond that, some worry that even as Trump is bringing record numbers to the polls in the primary race, he is changing the very identity of the party. He is a new kind of Republican, one who flaunts his apostasies on conservative principles, who slings vulgar and divisive language, and who has an ostentatious disregard for the system.

All of which captures a current in the electorate. The main pendulum in American politics is no longer swinging from left to right. Its swinging between insiders and outsiders, said Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.). Its those in the political class against those who are not  thats the divide in the country, in the party.

Arthur Brooks, an independent who heads the conservative American Enterprise Institute think tank, said that this is completely predictable, given where we are in the recovery from our financial crisis.

Financial crises take 15 to 20 years to clear, as a historical matter, and after two or three years, wealthy people have recovered, but working people havent, he said. So the result is they turn to populist solutions, and thats exactly what were seeing.

[Pandemonium in the GOP: Some embrace Trump while others rush to stop him]

The GOP has always had internal tensions, but they have generally been over ideology  pitting its internationalists against its more libertarian non-interventionists on foreign policy, or its supply-siders vs. its deficit hawks on fiscal issues.

What is happening now is bigger and less remediable in part because the battles in the past were over conservatism, an actual political philosophy, Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan, a former Reagan speechwriter, wrote this week.

We are witnessing history. Something important is ending, she added.

During the debate, Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.) insisted: We are not going to turn over the conservative movement, or the party of Lincoln or Reagan, for example, to someone whose positions are not conservative. To someone who last week defended Planned Parenthood for 30 seconds [on] a debate stage. To someone, for example, that has no ideas on foreign [policy]  someone who thinks the nuclear triad is a rock band from the 1980s.

Nonetheless, Rubio said he will support Trump if the mogul is the partys nominee. So did the other two Republican candidates, Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.) and Gov. John Kasich (Ohio).

That is in part because the party put itself in handcuffs on that question in September, when its leaders were terrified that Trump would bolt and run as an independent. He signed an oath to support whoever wins the nomination.

Now, it is arguable that Republicans would be better off if Trump had launched a third-party bid. Presumably, he would have been training most of his fire on Clinton, rather than the Republicans he mocks as Little Marco and Lyin Ted.

Still, Republicans are closely divided on the impact that Trump is having on their partys image. In a December Marist poll for MSNBC and Telemundo, 43 percent of those surveyed said he is helping the GOP brand, while 40 percent said he is hurting it.

However, the numbers showed a negative trend from the same poll three months earlier, in which 48 percent said Trump was an asset to the partys image and 35 percent said he was damaging it.

Where Noonan and others see the Trump phenomenon as a sea change for the GOP, Porter predicted that it will be transitory. He noted that the party went through a somewhat parallel identity crisis in 1940, when it nominated businessman Wendell Willkie, who only a year before was a registered Democrat.

Four years later, it turned back to a conventional Republican, New York Gov. Thomas Dewey.

I dont see this as having that big of a long-term effect, because I think it is sui generis to Donald Trump, Porter said. Its very big in the short run. I dont think its very big over the long run, because people have very short memories.

Robert Costa and Emily Guskin contributed to this report.
An 11-year-old boy charged with murder has come to epitomize Australias great shame: the plight of its aboriginal citizens, who may be the most jailed people in the Western world.

The boy is one of the youngest people to be charged with murder in Australia. He was part of a gang of seven or eight  boys, teenagers and young men  who roamed the remote city of Perth late into the night on Australias national day, Jan. 26.

Equivalent to Independence Day in the United States, Australia Day has been dubbed Invasion Day by some aborigines who resent the colonization of their lands by the English starting in 1788.

About 3 a.m., the boys gang got into a fist fight with another group in the citys downtown. But some of the gang members were armed with wooden stakes, screwdrivers, glass bottles and metal fence pickets, and they chased 26-year-old Patrick Slater into an alcove of a tram stop. Slater, also an aboriginal, was left bleeding from fatal wounds to his head, chest and leg.

The 11-year-old, who cannot be named under Australian law, was arrested nine days later.

[Top Vatican cardinal grilled about clerical sex abuse that rocked Australia]

The nature of the death horrified Perth, an affluent city of 1.8 million known for its laid-back bars, balmy evenings and beautiful beaches overlooking the Indian Ocean. Beneath the surface, though, the state of Western Australia, of which Perth is the capital, has always been a tough place to grow up aboriginal.

Despite a century of mostly well-intentioned policy, experts say, more aborigines than ever are going to prison. They are the most imprisoned people in the world, said Harry Blagg, a professor of criminology at the University of Western Australia who specializes in aboriginal policy, in an interview.

Aboriginal children in Western Australia are 53 times more likely to be jailed than other Australians, according to the Change the Record Coalition, which is trying to reduce incarceration rates for aborigines. Eighty percent of children in state detention in Western Australia are aboriginal, even though aborigines make up about 4.5 percent of the states juvenile population, according to the state government.

[Ted Cruzs claim that Australian gun control spurred sexual assaults]

A high proportion of aboriginal children do poorly in school, and their truancy rates are high. Many live in squalor, in communities where alcoholism and drug taking are rife and where domestic violence occurs daily.

Parental authority has broken down in many families. Parents expectations for their childrens professional prospects are close to zero, a standard that many aboriginal children find it depressingly easy to meet, community leaders say.

If aboriginal families can be given stronger structures to provide better support, then hopefully that will be an answer, said Jackie Huggins, the co-chair of the Change the Record Coalition. Strong families is whats needed. Hopefully, we can bring this back within a generation.

Some legal experts and aboriginal leaders, including Huggins, say they think the 11-year-old is too young to be charged with a serious offense such as murder. In Australia, the age of criminal responsibility is 10.

[Did Canada commit a cultural genocide?]

That is low by international standards  the global average was calculated at 12 by criminologist Don Cipriani in 2009. In the United States, 33 states have no minimum age for criminal responsibility, according to the Child Rights International Network, an advocacy group. In the other states, the age varies from as low as 7 in North Carolina to as high as 10 in Wisconsin.

At the boys first court appearance, the prosecutor revealed that at the time of the killing, he was out on bail after being charged with threatening and robbing a man of 50 Australian dollars ($35) in October. A newspaper published a Facebook photo of him holding up a fistful of hundred-dollar bills and making what looked like a gang symbol.

Australias only aboriginal federal minister, Ken Wyatt, has known the boys family for many years and recently met with members of Slaters family. Wyatt, who is a deputy health minister, said that he thinks some of the media coverage has been inflammatory and that information could emerge in a trial that might blunt some of the public anger toward the boy.

I suspect that if he was caught up in this melee, then you could suppose . . . when you are caught up in the events that happened, then sometimes fully rational thinking doesnt prevail, Wyatt said in an interview.

The boys lawyer, Helen Prince, did not respond to an email and phone call. She told the court the boys parents were at a hospital with a dying relative and had left their son under the supervision of a sister and aunt on the day of the death. He attended school one day in four on average, she said, and his teachers had described him as a lovely young man and a gentle and sensitive boy who had a positive outlook and a genuine desire to please.

The victims family wants the boy to be tried as an adult, which could lead to a custodial sentence of decades instead of the four to five years that would be more likely if he were found guilty as a child.

At the court hearing, the two families were kept in separate rooms. Outside, members of Slaters family threatened to kill the boy. One of Slaters cousins, Vanessa Brockman, said: From one aboriginal family to another, there is no excuse.

A magistrate decided to keep the boy in jail until it becomes clearer where he would live if granted bail again.

The states prisons minister, Joe Francis, has made it his personal mission to cut the number of aboriginal children in custody by finding alternative forms of punishment and rehabilitation. During the past 21/ 2 years, the number has fallen to 130 from 220, he said in an interview, and an innovative project pays a prominent aboriginal elder if he can help young offenders stay out of trouble.

But Francis said that some children, regardless of their race, are dangerous and must be locked up. Just because you are 11 doesnt mean you cant take a life, he said.

Read more:

Jehovahs Witnesses face child sexual-abuse investigation in Australia

Meet your tour guide to Australia, the wombat

Debris washed up on island could be clue to missing Malaysia Flight 370

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Afghan security forces carry an injured man after a suicide attack on the Indian consulate in the city of Jalalabad east of Kabul, Afghanistan on Mar. 2. (Mohammad Anwar Danishyar/AP)

Taliban leaders will not participate in peace talks with the Afghan government, the insurgent group said in a statement Saturday, throwing into question a U.S.-backed plan to negotiate an end to the countrys 14-year-old war.

Face-to-face talks between Afghan officials and Taliban leaders were scheduled to take place in Pakistan this month as part of a wider bid by the United States, Pakistan and China to broker peace between the two sides. Representatives from the three countries met in Kabul last month to set conditions for the talks.

But on Saturday, the Taliban  which leads Afghanistans violent insurgency  rejected reports its leaders would be participating in the meeting. Taliban leader Akhtar Mohammad Mansour has not authorized anyone to participate, the statement said.

The statement, posted on the groups website, said that the Talibans political representatives have not been kept informed about negotiations and that its leaders would refuse such talks as long as U.S. troops are fighting the Taliban on the battlefield.

Unless the occupation of Afghanistan is ended . . . and innocent prisoners freed, such futile misleading negotiations will not bear any results, the statement said.

[Afghan government, Taliban set to resume direct peace talks next week]

On Friday, President Obama spoke with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and underscored U.S. support for a peace process that reduces violence and ensures lasting stability in Afghanistan and the region, a statement from the White House said.

During a videoconference between the two leaders, Obama noted Ghanis role in advancing the reconciliation process with the Taliban, the statement said.

Saturdays statement from the insurgent group underscored the difficulty of bringing the two sides together  and raised questions about the credibility of the countries involved in brokering a deal.

The Taliban, which ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, has waged a bloody, anti-government rebellion in recent years. Its fighters have pushed into key areas as U.S. and NATO troops withdraw from the country.

Civilian casualties hit record highs in 2015, according to the U.N. mission in Afghanistan. The Pentagon announced last month that hundreds of U.S. Army soldiers will be deployed to Afghanistans volatile Helmand province to protect U.S. Special Operations forces in the area.

Read more:

Why disaffected young Afghans are warming to a Taliban comeback

10-year-old hero who fought against Taliban assassinated on his way to school
Mr. Berg, second from right with beret, with other members of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade and Spanish drivers, kneeling, in Spain in 1938. (Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives)

Delmer Berg, who left a dishwashing job in California to join the Republican forces fighting Gen. Francisco Franco during the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s, a bloody and ultimately futile struggle of which Mr. Berg was the last known American veteran, died Feb. 28. He was 100.

Thomas Berg said that his father died at his home in Columbia, Calif., and that the cause was complications from a fall.

His death was announced by the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives, an organization that honors the 2,800 American volunteers who, despite official U.S. neutrality in the conflict, fought to defend Spains elected government against Francos fascist insurrection.

The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 and pitted Francos Nationalists, backed by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, against the Republicans, or Loyalists, supported by the Soviet Union, in a conflict that presaged World War II.

Also supporting the Republicans were 40,000 members of the International Brigades. The Americans among them, a group that included Mr. Berg, made up the unit named in honor of the 16th president.

Mr. Berg at his home in Columbia, Calif., in 2015. (Andy Alfaro/Modesto Bee via AP)

Franco defeated his outgunned opponents in 1939 and established a dictatorship that would last until his death in 1975  three decades beyond the defeat of Hitler and Mussolini. Hundreds of thousands of Spaniards, and a third of the Americans who participated in the conflict, lost their lives.

Like many of his compatriots, Mr. Berg was a communist and lifelong defender of progressive causes, including civil rights and organized labor. During the Depression, he left high school to help provide for his family as a farmworker, an experience that contributed to his sense of solidarity with the downtrodden. He once said that he became a radical early on in life.

He was employed at a hotel in Los Angeles when he noticed a billboard calling for volunteers to support the anti-fascist cause. He expressed interest and helped collect clothing for the Spanish before being selected to go to the front.

Mr. Berg took a bus to New York and then sailed to France, traversing the Pyrenees to enter Spain in early 1938. He served in field artillery and antiaircraft units, according to the brigade archives, and was credited with laying communications lines during the Battle of the Ebro River, one of the costliest engagements in the war.

In Valencia, he was wounded when a Fascist airplane mistakenly bombed the monastery where his unit was living, instead of its target, a railway station.

I didnt know I was hurt, he told the New York Times last year. Theres a lot of confusion with a bomb explosion; youre kind of disoriented. We all started climbing down a pipe that led from the dormitory to the ground floor. I was the last one, and as I hung on that pipe, it put pressure on my chest. When I got down to the ground, I noticed that I had blood all over my front.

Shrapnel had lodged permanently in his liver.

Delmer Esley Berg, a son of farmworkers, was born in Anaheim, Calif., on Dec. 20, 1915. He studied Latin in high school, an experience that would help him pick up Spanish later in life. He developed an affinity for Spanish culture by reading the Cervantes masterpiece Don Quixote, he told an interviewer with the Anderson Valley Advertiser in California.

Mr. Berg served briefly in the Army before obtaining a discharge and going to Spain, according to a son. He rejoined the military to serve in the Pacific during World War II, later returning to social activism.

In California, he supported himself by pruning trees, working in canneries and doing landscaping while organizing with the United Farm Workers. According to the brigade archive, Mr. Berg was harassed by the FBI during the anti-communist inquisitions of Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy (R-Wis.) in the 1950s.

Mr. Berg held a leadership position with the local chapter of the NAACP, the Modesto Bee reported, and participated in efforts to oppose nuclear proliferation and U.S. involvement in Central America.

I felt so strongly about the Spanish peoples struggle that when I got back to the United States, I wanted to do the same thing here, in my own way, he told the Times. I wanted to remain active in the working peoples movement.

Mr. Berg was married several times. His wife of 43 years, the former June Wilson, died in 2015. Survivors include two children from previous relationships, Thomas Berg of Cottage Grove, Ore., and Ernst Berg of Turlock, Calif.; two stepchildren, Michael Laughlin of Antioch, Calif., and Kathleen Wheat of Tuolumne County, Calif.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Decades after the Spanish Civil War, the volunteers who fought alongside the Republicans retained a certain romantic appeal, fueled in part by their depiction in works such as Ernest Hemingways novel For Whom the Bell Tolls.

As the last living veteran of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade, I feel a little isolated, but I cannot worry about that, Mr. Berg told the Times last year. I get a lot of letters from all over the country. Younger people write me  they want to know what happened. Can you tell me, they ask? You were there. All the rest of them are dead now.
An Iraqi national flag flies in front of excess gas as its being burnt off in the newly opened section of an oil refinery in the Zubair oil field southwest of Basra in southern Iraq on March 3, 2016. (Haidar Mohammed Ali/AFP/Getty Images)

Some Iraqi officials refer to it as the gap, and it is becoming as pressing a concern as the fight against the Islamic State.

Each month, Iraqs government pays out nearly $4 billion in salaries and pensions to the military and a bloated array of public-sector workers. But with more than 90 percent of government revenue coming from oil, it is bringing in only about half that as crude prices plunge.

The United States is stepping in to try to make sure the country can continue military spending while it seeks international loans and embarks on an austerity plan. Still, some Iraqi officials and analysts say the government might struggle later this year to pay the 7 million people on the public payroll, which could trigger mass unrest.

With oil prices hovering around $30 a barrel, the entire region is being forced to cut budgets, reduce state handouts and make other painful adjustments. But for Iraq, the decline comes in the midst of an already destabilizing war. There are bills for reconstructing flattened cities and assistance for 3.3 million Iraqis who have been internally displaced over the past two years, with more expected to come.

[Iraq says it is open to oil output freeze, but Iran rejects effort]





With the state facing the prospect of bankruptcy, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi is trying to address corruption and boost government income in sometimes unpopular ways.

We have to fill the gap, said Mudher Salih, an economic adviser to the prime minister. Its really severe now, the cash flow is very low and the old cash cow has no milk.

In recent weeks, Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has mobilized tens of thousands of protesters in central Baghdad to demand reform, putting pressure on Abadi.

It echoes protests in the summer, when thousands of Iraqis took to the streets to protest government corruption and a lack of electricity and other services. This year, they are being asked to pay more for those services, while government salaries have been trimmed 3 percent.

Now the corrupted government is asking the people for austerity, and because of it the fate of trillions is unknown, Sadr told the crowds on Friday, adding that the demonstrations were an effort to save Iraq from thieves.

Iraqis are facing more nominal charges every day. Hospitals, which have long treated Iraqis free of charge, have introduced nominal fees, even for those visiting sick relatives. There are plans for increased electricity charges. In the southern city of Basra, traders have protested new customs charges.

In a time of war, not the kind of thing you want to be doing, Sajad Jiyad, a research fellow at the Baghdad-based Iraqi Institute for Economic Reform, said of increased charges. Its not great for morale.

But Abadi says the government has to make money where it can. Iraq has predicted a budget deficit of about $25 billion this year, but that was based on an oil price of $45 a barrel. The shortfall could be double that, Salih said.

To cope in the short term, Iraq is dipping into its foreign reserves, saying it expects them to fall to about $43 billion this year from $59 billion in October.

Abadi has expressed confidence that the government can overcome the crisis, but some are more pessimistic.

They are burning through their reserves faster than anticipated now, which could lead to a point where it would be difficult to continue imports and run a modern state economy, a Western official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly about the issue.

Iraq is seeking more financing from the International Monetary Fund after receiving a $1.24 billion emergency loan last year. The United States is offering a $2.7 billion loan for military spending, and Germany has lent the country just over 500 million euros ($550 million) for reconstruction.

The government is also trying to issue bonds and treasury bills. But a bond issue last year was halted because of the high yields demanded by investors.

Meanwhile, Iraqis complain that their leaders steal from the country with impunity.

Mishaan Jabouri, a member of parliaments integrity committee, which is tasked with monitoring corruption, caused a stir last month when he admitted that he took millions of dollars in bribes.

Each one of us has a role in the corruption, he told al-Etijah television.

Did you take a bribe? the interviewer asked. I swear on my honor I did, he replied, adding that at least he continued his investigative work.

Abadi is trying to move against the graft. Four Iraqi officials were referred to court on corruption charges last month, but with powerful figures set to lose out and graft present at every level of government, the challenge is huge.

Its not easy to change 12 years of waste and corruption overnight, Salih said about the prime minister. Hes trying.

[Iraqi leader wins backing for reforms but walks a dangerous line]

Jiyad said he thinks the government can scrape through the year but will face extreme difficulties if oil prices remain depressed in 2017.

If it cant make payroll, there will be strikes and a breakdown in law and order, he said.

Abadi has said some positive changes will come with the crisis  a chance to make long-needed economic reforms and diversify the economy.

Industry was hobbled by years of international sanctions against Saddam Hussein, while many of the countrys factories were stripped bare in widespread looting during the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. With the country having little in the way of a private sector, Iraqis have become accustomed to state jobs, with workers productive for an average of only about 15 minutes a day, Salih said.

Everybody in Iraq seeks a free lunch, bed and breakfast, he said.

In an attempt to diversify in recent months, some of Iraqs old factories have begun to reopen to manufacture cigarettes, soft drinks and leather goods.

But even these new efforts are being complicated by political squabbling, accusations over corruption and the quality of goods.

At Sadrs demonstration in Baghdad last week, Abdullah Zubaidi, 34, stood among a sea of Iraqi flags as tens of thousands chanted for reform. He said many people of his generation have little hope for employment. Demonstrators are on the edge, he said.

This is a rich country, he said. And its the poor that are being asked to take the burden for the mistakes of the corrupt government.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the estimated Iraqi budget deficit for this year and the amount Germany has loaned to the country.

Read more:

Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Syrian insurgents were battling the Islamic State group for control of a key border post with Iraq on Saturday, a day after the U.S.-backed fighters seized the crossing, activists said.

The Tanf crossing in southeastern Syria links Homs province, including the Islamic State-held ancient city of Palmyra, to Iraqs Anbar province, where the extremist group has a large presence. The Islamic State uses border crossings to shift fighters and resources to different fronts as it seeks to defend and expand its self-styled Islamic caliphate.

While the group has had recent setbacks, it still controls large swaths of Syria and Iraq, including Iraqs second-largest city, Mosul. It has also carried out a number of large bombings in Iraq over the past week that have killed dozens of people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which relies on activists inside Syria, said the Islamic State recaptured the Tanf crossing, but the Homs Media Center, another opposition outlet, said clashes were still underway.

The fighting began Friday when U.S.-backed fighters from the Free Syrian Armys Southern Front routed Islamic State fighters at the border, killing one and wounding several others, according to the Local Coordination Committees, an opposition network in Syria.

The Observatory said the FSA fighters crossed into Syria from Jordan to launch the attack, and were supported by airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition.

The Islamic State-affiliated Aamaq News Agency denied the crossing was captured.

Meanwhile, Islamic State fighters attacked the Syrian governments supply route to the contested northern city of Aleppo, killing 15 soldiers, the Observatory said. Government forces repelled the attack and secured the road, according to the Observatory and SANA, the Syrian state news agency.
During university Orientation Week events in Australia and New Zealand over the past two weeks, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality campaigned at seven campuses in opposition to the drive to war and the related assault on the social and democratic rights of the working class.

The IYSSE fought for students to join the fight to build an international anti-war movement of the working class, based on a revolutionary socialist perspective, as the only means of preventing the descent into World War III.

Several students at each campus gave serious consideration to the issues raised by the IYSSE, and made thoughtful comments, reflecting a developing political radicalisation among workers and young people more generally.

At the University of Melbourne, Nick, a first-year science student said, A big issue facing young people is, either unemployment or, when in the workplace, you have no security. You can come into work one day and then be told that youve lost your job. Also, war has been around for a long time, but the issue of world war, a war thats more global, that is an issue. You had two world wars in the 20th century, but before then, there were none.

He spoke out about the US military build-up in the region, commenting, These US bases in Asia are all the way on the other side of the world from the United States. Theyre not worrying about protecting themselves. Theres tens of thousands of kilometres between here and the US over which they could shoot down missiles, if they really were trying to protect themselves from China. This is definitely about protecting their interests around the Straits of Malacca, controlling Chinese exports, and in the event of a war, being able to blockade.

Nick noted that the US was backing Islamist forces in Syria, in a bid to oust the Syrian regime, and commented, The US did the same thing in Afghanistan in the 1980s. The same groups, the terrorists that they arrest people for, theyre actually supporting. At first, I thought the War On Terror was about fighting the terrorists, from watching the news. But then I did some more background research, and found that Saudi Arabia was great friends with these groups, and is completely supported by the US. So I thought, hang on, theres something very fishy here.

Harsh, a civil engineering student, said, The major issue for young people I think is trying to find jobs after they finish studying. A lot of people today are overqualified. Thats what Im scared of too. Im studying Civil Engineering. Since the mining booms gone down, a lot of investment in engineering has gone down too, and Im concerned about what thatll mean.

Im scared that WWIII is going to start, involving Russia and the United States of course. I believe it could start from the events in Syria at the moment.

Im worried about the refugee crisis right now. War is responsible for that crisis. The countries that are supporting ISIS, above all the United States, are supporting war and creating war. War has created refugees. They need a place to stay, somewhere to eat; theyre humans.

I didnt know about the military build-up by the United States in this region. The United States claims itself to be a good country, and everyone supports its crimes because it has so many allies. China doesnt have those same allies. Actually it has a lot of tensions. It has a border dispute with India right now.

Thomas, a science student from the University of Newcastle, said, In Australia, but probably everywhere, young people feel disenfranchised, alienated from public institutions. They have no say.

Capitalism benefits from war. People dont matter, money does. Capitalism requires war to flourish There are geo-political conflictsoil-capitalism unregulated inevitably leads to war and conflict among nation states.

They are illegally invading smaller countries and never mind the consequences. For me it will be a great day when George Bush, Tony Blair and John Howard are hauled before some international tribunal and brought to account.

Australia as lapdog is going along with the US against China. We will suffer. The reasons are geo-political rivalry. They are trying to give people reasons to push for military intervention.

There is a real problem with military worship, of the war times. They say Australia was built in warthat there was federation in 1901 but that the nation was not forged until 1915, in this noble event. In fact, the war was a product of geo-political rivalry including between the UK and Germany. People were told it was a noble cause but they died for nothing.

At the University of New South Wales, Lisa, a mature-aged student in Fine Arts, spoke out about the assault on social spending that goes hand in hand with war. The majority of the wealth in the world is owned by a very small percentage, she said.

It seems to be that when were coming up to an election the government are always picking on the most vulnerable members of society. The other day they were talking about the dole bludgers. I personally believe theres not enough work for everyone to be employed.

TAFE is now as expensive as university and apprenticeships arent the same as they used to be either. You used to be taken on and were guaranteed to achieve the apprenticeship with one employer. Now they can get rid of you and you have to try and find someone else to take you on to finish your apprenticeship.

I have young nieces and nephews who live in the Central Coast and Newcastle and its so hard to find work. This is what makes me so angry, when the government says people are dole-bludgers.

Tristan, a 22 year-old worker who participated in the IYSSEs campaign at the University of Newcastle, commented, War is the major issue. We have conflicts happening all over the globe and that is going to draw a lot of young peoples attention to that. Young people are predominantly the people that they send into war and there is a lot of media propaganda targeted towards setting the minds of young people to drag them into these wars.

Tristan said that for the US and its allies, including Australia, the end goal would be to beat China and Russia into submission, maybe funding some kind of coup to overthrow the Chinese government, funding some sort of resistance or revolution in their country, or by all-out war. At the moment, things seem to transpiring in the direction of all-out war.

He noted that there is mass opposition to war among young people and workers. You cant have a war without soldiers, you cant have military equipment unless you have factories. Without the support of masses of people it would be incredibly difficult to go into war; if not impossible. They could use nuclear weapons, which is perhaps the way that they are looking at going, which is as simple as pressing a button. But with the building of a world socialist movement of the working class, we could stop them and overthrow these psychopathic governments that are leading us towards total annihilation.
While visiting New Delhi this week, the head of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Harry Harris, publicly pressed India to take steps that would be tantamount to making it a frontline state in the US drive to strategically isolate, encircle and prepare for war against China.

Harris called for the Indian and US navies to mount joint patrols across the Indian and Pacific Oceans and for India to join the US and its two most important Asian-Pacific military allies, Japan and Australia, in a quadrilateral security dialogue.

Later the US admiral told a press conference that this years Malabar exercise, a trilateral naval exercise involving Indian, US and Japanese warships, will take place off the Philippiness northeast coast, very close to the South China Sea.

The US has long been working to integrate India into its military-strategic offensive against China. Nevertheless, Harriss very public call for New Delhi to join the US in what is transparently an anti-China alliance is unprecedented.

The head of the US Pacific Command outlined his proposals in an address Wednesday at the Raisina Dialogue, a newly-launched annual military-security seminar sponsored by the Indian government and the Observer Research Foundation, an Indian think-tank. Several hundred political leaders, diplomats and military officials from more than 40 countries, including the US, Japan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, attended the Dialogue.

Harriss remarks were aimed at ratcheting up US-Chinese tensions and embittering relations between New Delhi and Beijing. In the week prior to Harriss Raisina Dialogue address, the Global Times, a Chinese government newspaper, twice ran articles expressing concern about news reports that the US has invited India to mount joint naval patrols including in the South China Sea. In 2007, when the possibility of a quadrilateral dialogue involving the US, Japan, Australia and India was first publicly floated, Beijing vehemently objected in official protests to all four governments.

Although the Pentagon only made it public yesterday, the US Navy, acting under Harriss command, has deployed an aircraft-carrier led strike force in the South China Sea since last Tuesday. This is part of Washingtons ongoing efforts to stoke tensions in the region by encouraging the Philippines, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian states to aggressively pursue their maritime territorial claims against China, including by providing them with arms and security guarantees.

In his Raisina address, Harris emphasized the importance the Pentagon attaches to harnessing Indiaa nuclear power with a growing blue-water navy and Asias third largest economyto its war plans.

He claimed to be a bit moonstruck  by the opportunities a strategic partnership with India represents. Combining cold-blooded calculation with flattery, he told his Indian hosts that expanded Indo-US cooperation will not only be the defining partnership for the Rebalance [Washingtons preferred name for the anti-China Pivot]. It will arguably be the defining partnership for America in the 21st Century.

Washington has long been encouraging India to take a larger role in assisting the US in policing the Indian Ocean, which has displaced the North Atlantic as the worlds most important trade route and whose sea lanes carry much of the oil and other resources that fuel Chinas economy.

The head of the US Pacific Command said he envisioned that in the not too distant future, it will become a common sight  throughout Indo-Asia-Pacific waters to see American and Indian Navy vessels steaming together.

He also suggested India should mount similar joint patrols with the USs closest allies. By being ambitious, declared Harris, India, Japan, Australia, the United States and so many other like-minded nations can aspire to patrol together anywhere international law allows.

The US admiral tried to dress up this bellicose proposal as defense of freedom of navigation. In reality, what concerns the Pentagon is upholding the US militarys right to patrol Chinas coastal waters and to position itself to rapidly seize hold of key Indian Ocean choke-points in the event of a war crisis so as to impose an economic blockade on China.

Continuing in the same vein, Harris urged the US be invited to join the Trilateral Dialogue that India, Japan and Australia launched last June. Adding the US into this dialogue, said Harris, can amplify the message that we are united behind the international rules-based order that has kept the peace and is essential to all of US.

Of course, when the US imperialist spokesmen speak of an international rules-based order they mean a US-led world order.

Harris made a pro forma claim that his proposals for closer US-Indian collaboration were directed against no nation. But apart from studiously avoiding mentioning the word China, he made no effort to disguise that Washingtons aim is to make India the southwestern pillar of an anti-China military bloc.

The admiral made repeated blatant and provocative references to China and the South China Sea dispute. He claimed some countries seek to bully smaller nations through intimidation and coercion. Later he contrasted India, which he said stands like a beacon on a hill in a potential Dark Age, with those building castles of sand [a reference to Beijings South China Sea island reclamation projects] that threaten the rules-based architecture that has served us so very well.

Harris touted India as a country committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes. In fact India, now led by the Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and buoyed by Washingtons support, is aggressively seeking to impose itself as South Asias regional hegemon. From late September to last month New Delhi imposed a five-month long economic blockade on Nepal, causing great hardship in that landlocked country. It has repeatedly threatened Pakistan with military action and it assisted the US in a regime change operation in Sri Lanka so as to bring to power a government that has distanced Colombo from Beijing.

In 2006, as the US was waging wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Indian bourgeoisie entered into a global strategic partnership with US imperialism, leading to a rapid burgeoning of military-security ties.

Under Narendra Modis BJP government, which came to power in May 2014, New Delhi has increasingly integrated itself into the USs strategic offensive against China. This has included rapidly expanding military-security collaboration with Japan and Australia as well as the US. Last October, Japan became a permanent participant in the Indo-US Malabar naval exercise. In addition to forming a trilateral military-security dialogue with Australia and Japan, India launched regular trilateral meetings last September with the US and Japan at the foreign minister level.

Also, beginning with the statement outlining a Joint Strategic Vision for Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean that Modi and US President Obama issued in January 2015, New Delhi has repeatedly employed US-authored language when referring to the South China Sea dispute.

Indian government officials did not immediately respond to Harriss provocative remarks.

Quite possibly they were taken aback by his readiness to publicly discuss proposals that had been raised in privateproposals they well know will be opposed by wide swathes of the population who rightly oppose India becoming a satrap for US imperialism.

Only on Friday did Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar rebuff the suggestion that India will mount joint navy patrols with the US and he did so in such a way that he very much left the door open to such a possibility in the future,

Our viewpoint will come, said Parrikar, if at all we consider it [Harriss proposal]. As of now, India has never taken part in any joint patrol; the question of joint patrol does not arise.

Indian and US officials are currently in intense negotiations over three agreements the Pentagon considers foundational in developing closer collaboration with the Indian military. The first, the Logistics Support Agreement, would grant the US military routine access to Indian port facilities and military bases as well as regularizing payments for fuel and other supplies. The others are aimed at fostering interoperability between US and Indian military forces and concern secure communications and the exchange of topographical, nautical and aeronautical date.

Speaking to the US Senate Armed Services Committee last week, Harris said the agreements had yet to be signed, but are close to being finalized.

Underscoring the significance of what is involved, an Indian official involved in the talks was quoted last December as saying the only hitch in giving the US access to Indian bases was What happens in the case of war?

This author also recommends:

India in talks to open ports, bases to US military

[16 January 2016]
Over the past two weeks, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), the student and youth movement of the Socialist Equality Party, has waged an extensive campaign at university Orientation Week events, which mark the beginning of the academic year, across Australia and in New Zealand. Warning students of the advanced preparations for war in the Asia-Pacific region and internationally, IYSSE members and supporters raised the urgent necessity for building an anti-war movement based on a socialist and internationalist program.

The IYSSE manned stalls at the University of New South Wales, Western Sydney University, Macquarie University and Newcastle University in New South Wales, at the University of Melbourne in Victoria, and at Griffith University in Brisbane. In New Zealand, they campaigned at the University of Wellington. In the course of the campaign, scores of students signed up as new members of the IYSSE clubs.

Thousands of copies of the IYSSE statement, A Socialist Program to fight war, austerity and dictatorship, were distributed. The statement highlights the emergence of flashpoints for a new global conflict in every corner of the world, including the imperialist intervention in Syria and the preparations for a US confrontation with Russia in Europe. It emphasises the threat of war that lies behind the US pivot to Asia, which is an all-sided military, economic and diplomatic campaign aimed against China.

The statement warns, 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.

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.

Students beginning their university studies this year, predominantly around 18 years-old, responded strongly to the IYSSEs analysis and perspective. They belong to a generation that has grown up in the shadow of the eruption of continuous criminal US-led wars, all of which have included Australian participation. (See: Australian university students denounce the drive to war and austerity).

Many were young children when the US launched its invasion in Afghanistan in 2001, following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US. For most of them, the war in Iraq, beginning in 2003, which led to an estimated one million deaths and destroyed an entire society, was a vague childhood memory. Since then, they have witnessed the ensuing humanitarian catastrophe throughout the Middle-East, and, under the fraudulent war on terror, the militarisation of society, the brutal persecution of refugees in Australia and around the world, and the ongoing glorification of war by the official political and media establishment.

These experiences have left their mark. Among the vast majority of students there is palpable anti-war sentiment. But most of those who spoke to the IYSSE were not aware of Australias central involvement in the US preparations for war against Chinaa reflection of the conspiracy of silence being maintained by the corporate media and every other political party, including the pseudo-left organisations such as Socialist Alliance and Socialist Alternative.

Students were shocked to learn that the Australian Defence White Paper, released on February 25, included proposals for military acquisitions totalling an estimated $195 billion over the next decade. They contrasted the massive funding for the military, with their own experiences of the running-down of education, healthcare and other essential social services.

At the same time, there is a broader political radicalisation of young people underway. Numbers of students said they were closely following the US presidential elections, and backing Bernie Sanders, the Democratic candidate who falsely claims to be a socialist. At Macquarie University, a group of five students approached the IYSSE stall, and immediately said that they wanted to join. At the University of New South Wales, a student said that she had been looking for the socialist club on campus and immediately signed-up to the IYSSE.

Many students recognised that the IYSSE was alone in raising the question of war. While in the past, the Greens and the pseudo-left groups postured as anti-war, they now openly support US regime-change operations in the Middle East and align themselves with the US and Australian imperialism in their war drive against China. In New South Wales, the Greens campaign centred on sensible drug law reform.

Socialist Alliance and Socialist Alternative focused almost exclusively promoting identity politics, the preoccupation of affluent sections of the middle class directed specifically against the development of socialist consciousness in the working class. Socialist Alliance also campaigned on environmental questions, in line with their orientation to the Greens. Socialist Alternative promoted the Let them stay campaign, an initiative backed by Labor, the Greens and the trade unions aimed at diverting widespread hostility to the persecution of asylum seekers back behind the very organisations responsible for Australias notorious mandatory off-shore refugee detention regime.

Following its O-week activities, the IYSSE has held introductory club meetings at each of the campuses, provoking lively discussions and questions on the causes of war; whether a nuclear conflict is likely; the nature of the nation-state system and the significance of the 1917 Russian Revolution. Over the course of the semester, the IYSSE clubs will hold major meetings on the International Committee of the Fourth Internationals historic statement, Socialism and the Fight Against War, as well as screenings of Tsar to Lenin, the unique documentary featuring archival footage of the October Revolution.
Australias main airline carrier group Qantas announced last week a 234 percent jump in its first-half profit from July to December 2015, returning $688 million across its operations. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce hailed the best half-year return in the carriers 95-year history, reversing a $2.8 billion net loss for the year to June 2014.

Qantas also unveiled a $500 million share buyback, taking to $1 billion the sum returned in less than a year to its shareholders, which are predominantly global finance houses.

While $448 million of the profit increase was attributed to savings on jet fuel, due to plunging global oil prices, the remainder was directly ripped out of the jobs and conditions of the companys workforce, with the help of the trade unions covering workers at Qantas and its low-cost subsidiary, Jetstar.

Over the past five years, first under the previous Labor government, then the current Liberal-National government, the management of the former state-owned airline has been in the forefront of the destruction of jobs and conditions.

In the first instance, the profits were reaped from the Qantas Transformation program announced in February 2014, which involved the destruction of 5,000 full-time jobs, or around or 15 percent of the workforce, an 18-month wage freeze and the slashing of working conditions.

The foundations for that assault were laid in 2011 when Qantas grounded its entire international fleet as a means of smashing workers resistance to its restructuring drive. In response, the unions worked closely with the then Labor government, which intervened via its Fair Work tribunal to outlaw all industrial action by Qantas workers. This gave the unions time to impose agreements on their members to deliver managements demands. As a result, nearly 3,000 jobs were eliminated or contracted out by 2012.

At a shareholders meeting last October, Joyce praised the commitment of the 30,000 remaining Qantas workers. They had been responsible for implementing this program of rapid and significant change.

In reality, the cost cutting was imposed on the airlines workers through a combination of outright intimidation and the collaboration of the unions, which systematically suppressed any potential opposition by their members.

Within a month of the 2014 announcement of the transformation plan, the Australian Services Union (ASU) ditched all talk of industrial action and brokered an agreement with the company to cut the number of full-time staff by one third at its Sydney airport international terminal via supposed voluntary redundancies.

This agreement was hailed by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) as a template for implementing all 5,000 job cuts. ACTU secretary Dave Oliver told the media that if Qantas could demonstrate to the unions that genuine redundancies were needed, then our expectation is that the arrangements agreed to between Qantas and the ASU could be applied consistently across the workforce.

With this assurance, Qantas was able to axe 4,000 jobs by June 2015, as planned, in engineering, catering, freight, cabin crew and airport and flight operations. Throughout last year, the unions also helped the company impose the 18-month pay freeze in work agreements covering thousands of workers.

Working closely with the company, the unions presented, as a gain, a one-off bonus equivalent to around 5 percent of each workers salary. In reality, the bonus ties annual pay increases to just 3 percent on the termination of the pay freeze, thereby saving the company millions of dollars. By the end of last year, the airline unions had imposed 24 wage freeze agreements covering more than 10,000 Qantas staff.

Last month, 350 baggage handlers, members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), employed at Jetstar overwhelmingly rejected a four-year agreement put to them directly by management. The agreement contained an 18-month pay freeze, and required workers to be available for a six-day week without overtime, while committing management to guarantee casual employees only 30 hours of work a week. Many of the baggage handlers are paid as little as $665 per week.

While TWU national secretary Tony Sheldon congratulated the Jetstar workers for standing together and rejecting this proposal, the unions only concern was that management drew up and presented the proposal without the TWUs assistance.

Jetstar has signalled it will turn to the union to impose its requirements. A company spokesman told the media: If the TWU want to meet with us again well do so, but the reality is we do not have a better offer to put forward. He added: We have been really clear that any new EBA must contain the 18-month wage freeze.

The TWUs willingness to comply was demonstrated in February last year, when the union brokered a pay freeze agreement covering 2,600 workers, including airport, catering and freight employers. This deal, the largest single enterprise agreement reached at Qantas, helped set a benchmark to be imposed across Qantass operations.

Both in 201112 and 201415, the cuts to jobs, wages and conditions at Qantas, one of the countrys largest employers, helped pave the way for similar attacks on workers across Australia. Tens of thousands of jobs have been eliminated in basic industry over the past five years, and more than 760,000 people are now looking for work, even by the deliberately under-stated official figures.

Despite the companys record profit, there is no finishing line for the assault on workers at Qantas or anywhere else. With global competition accelerating since the 2008 global meltdown, Qantas and other major transnational companies will continue to ruthlessly restructure, assisted by the unions.

Airlines worldwide are continuing to shed jobs in cut-throat battles for market share. Last month alone, Air France unveiled plans to cut 1,400 jobs, Ryanair said it will cut 600 jobs and Delta Airlines announced 120 job cuts, while Meridiana and Qatar Airways confirmed they will shed 900 jobs as part of a planned merger.

Against the betrayals of the unions, a globally-unified fight by workers is essential to stop airline workers internationally being endlessly played off against each other, resulting in a downward spiral of worsening working conditions and elimination of jobs.
Hillary Clinton has joined Bernie Sanders in Fox News upcoming Democratic town hall, set to be held next week.

The event, the first Democratic town hall held on the network this election cycle, is set to be held on Monday, March 7, one day before the primary in Michigan.

Bret Baier will moderate the event, which will air during a special edition of his program, Special Report. It will be staged at the Gem Theatre in Detroit before an audience of Michigan voters.

Also read: Hell Freezes Over: Fox News to Host Democratic Town Hall

Clinton had previously not been expected to attend due to scheduling conflicts.

This will mark Clintons first appearance on the network since her 2014 book tour, and Sanders first interview with Baier.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Fox News' GOP Debate Grabs 16.9 Million Viewers

Hell Freezes Over: Fox News to Host Democratic Town Hall
When we see records being broken and unprecedented events such as this, the onus is on those who deny any connection to climate change to prove their case. Global warming has fundamentally altered the background conditions that give rise to all weather. In the strictest sense, all weather is now connected to climate change. Kevin Trenberth HIT THE PAGE DOWN KEY TO SEE THE POSTS Now at 8,800+ articles. HIT THE PAGE DOWN KEY TO SEE THE POSTS
Playground event for Lost Creek

COLUMBUS -- Playground Palooza, a fundraising event for a community playground at Lost Creek Elementary School, will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. April 17 at Platte County Agricultural Park.

The event will include free kids games, inflatables, a silent auction, 50/50 drawing, craft show and food.

The playground will be designed to meet the unique needs of students with motor difficulties, and will serve all children in the community, regardless of ability or disability.

Admission to the fundraising event is free. Monetary donations can be made to CPS Lost Creek Inclusive Playground. Auction and raffle donations are requested by April 1.

For more information, call 402-992-1346.

Two Central CC concerts planned

COLUMBUS -- The Central Community College-Columbus music department has two upcoming concerts.

Music for the Stage and Screen is a band concert to be held 3 p.m. Sunday in the campus Fine Arts Theater.

This concert will feature the Hilltop Winds, CCC Concert Band and student soloist Cayla Cuba of Columbus. Special guests will be the Columbus Jazz Orchestra.

Afternoon on a Hill will be the theme of a choral concert 7 p.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church, 2710 14th St.

The concert will feature the CCC choirs under the direction of Jeffrey Kitson and is not recommended for children younger than 5 years old.

Both concerts are open to the public free of charge, although freewill donations are welcome.

Christ Lutheran School signup

COLUMBUS -- Christ Lutheran School will hold spring registration for grades K-8 for the 2016-17 school year from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Registration is open to all interested individuals. For more information or to request a classroom/teacher visit, call 402-564-3531.

Kindergarten Roundup will be held from 1-3:10 p.m. Thursday, and Preschool Preview will be from 12:30-3 p.m., also on Thursday. Preschool registration will begin on that day. Preschool will be held Tuesday and Thursday afternoons following Labor Day.

Those who are interested in either event, contact the school for a packet of information. If interested in registering for next year, contact Linda Dammann at 402-615-1382.

Rotary award nominees sought

COLUMBUS -- Columbus Morning Rotary is seeking individuals from the Columbus area who exemplify the spirit of community service.

Nominations are being received from the community for the clubs 18th annual Service Above Self award. This individual cannot be a Rotarian.

Anyone can nominate an individual by contacting Tonya Wemhoff at StaffCo Employment Service, 2336 23rd St. by calling 402-562-7823 or emailing tonyaw@staffco.net. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, and the award will be presented March 17.

DOT hazmat course planned

COLUMBUS -- Central Community College-Columbus will offer a Department of Transportation (DOT) hazardous materials course from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday in the Student Center, Room 176.

The workshop is designed for people who transport hazardous material, prepare shipping papers or labeling for packages to be transported, select or purchase packaging, or handle finished hazmat packages. It also will cover hazardous materials regulations and fulfill the tri-annual DOT hazmat refresher requirement.

Class size is limited, so preregistration is required to reserve a space. The cost is $175.

For more information or to preregister, contact Sue Baer at 402-562-1425; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 1425; or email sbaer@cccneb.edu.

Big Give forms are available

COLUMBUS -- Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Columbus Big Give, a 24-hour giving day benefiting nonprofit organizations in the Columbus area.

This year will be the third year of the Columbus Big Give, which is completely run by volunteers and staff members of participating nonprofits, with the goal of educating the community on the importance and fun of giving.

Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Platte and Colfax counties are invited to learn more and apply at columbusbiggive.org. Registrations are due by Friday.

For more information, contact Amanda Polacek at 402-562-6255 or columbusphilanthropy@gmail.com.

The 2016 Columbus Big Give will take place from midnight to midnight on May 19.

Elvis tribute show planned

SCHUYLER -- The Schuyler Historical Society is sponsoring a fundraiser, The Joseph Hall Rock N Remember Elvis Tribute Show at 8 p.m. Friday at the Oak Ballroom.

Hall was a finalist on America's Got Talent and performed his Elvis tribute show in Branson, Missouri, for many years.

For more information or tickets, contact Betty Brichacek at 402-615-0857.

Farm transitions play Friday

COLUMBUS -- "Map of My Kingdom," a play focused on issues surrounding farm transitions, will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Central Community College-Columbus in the West Education Center.

The play is written by Iowa Poet Laureate Mary Swander, and a panelist discussion will follow the performance.

This event is free and open to the public.

VIPS to meet at resource center

COLUMBUS -- Visually Impaired Persons Support (VIPS) will meet at 11 a.m. Friday at the Columbus Family Resource Center, 3020 18th St.

The speaker will be from East Central District Health Department to explain a program to help in case of tornado or other disaster.

Those interested in joining the group for lunch should call 402-563-4444. For other information, call Judy at 402-564-3913.
COLUMBUS  A 41-year-old Columbus man with a voluminous criminal history who led officers on a multicounty chase at speeds topping 110 mph in November was sentenced to prison for a seventh time during a hearing Friday in Platte County District Court.

Judge Robert Steinke sentenced Carlos Bejarano-Rodriguez to two years in prison for attempted possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person and operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest-willful reckless driving stemming from the Nov. 1 chase that began north of Columbus.

The high-speed chase over two counties involving three law enforcement agencies was a recipe for disaster, said Steinke after citing the defendants criminal history of six separate stints in prison while he was living in California.

Youre lucky no one was killed, the judge said after rejecting a defense request for probation based on a state law aimed at curbing prison overcrowding adopted by lawmakers in 2015.

The law, LB605, reduced the maximum sentence for Class IV felonies from five years to two and recommended probation for offenses unless there are substantial and compelling reasons why a defendant couldnt be supervised in the community.

Both of the charges Bejarano-Rodriguez pleaded no contest to earlier are Class IV felonies.

Steinke cited Bejarano-Rodriguezs voluminous criminal history, numerous failure to appear warrants (issued in 2015), risk of additional criminal acts and the risk of harm to the community resulting from the chase as the reasons for his decision not to sentence the defendant to probation.

The judge also sentenced Bejarano-Rodriguez to nine months of post-release supervision following his prison term. The defendant was also given credit for 65 days already served in the case.

A presentence report indicated Bejarano-Rodriguez, heavily involved in the gang and drug culture while growing up in California, was sentenced to prison six times before moving from the West Coast to Nebraska about a year ago.

Bejarano-Rodriguez was being sought on an outstanding fugitive from justice warrant from San Bernardino, California, at the time of the Columbus chase. The defendant also currently has pending criminal cases in Hall and Stanton counties.

People change, and I hope youre one of them, said Steinke at the conclusion of Fridays hearing.

Court records describe a chase that reached speeds in excess of 110 mph that got underway when the fugitive was spotted occupying a vehicle near Lake North during that Sunday afternoon in November.

Soon after, sheriffs deputies tried stopping Bejarano-Rodriguez near Lost Creek Parkway and 48th Avenue before he fled the area. The vehicle continued northbound to 295th Street.

The vehicle then fled at speeds of more than 110 mph on U.S. Highway 81, traveling northbound in the southbound lanes, Platte County Sheriffs Deputy Troy Higgins wrote in his probable cause arrest statement. The vehicle then turned west onto 370th Street.

Deputies pursued Bejarano-Rodriguez's vehicle on county roads at speeds as high as 90 mph before entering Nance County and later leading the chase through Genoa.

The pursuit continued out of Genoa on Highway 39 toward St. Edward, where a Nebraska State Patrol trooper used an intervention technique to stop the vehicle near the community.

According to police in-car video, the trooper intentionally nudged the vehicle's bumper, which sent the fugitive's vehicle into a spin.
The Columbus Public Library extends a big thank you to everyone that attended the Tom Bassett antique program. It was so awesome to see the huge turnout and support we received for this adult program! We had a count of 90-plus people at the start of our program and more continued to come throughout the day. We had a wonderful time with Tom and will have to bring him back again someday.

I was curious about our programming numbers after the large attendance of our antique program and looked back at last years numbers to see what they were. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that in 2015 we held 22 adult programs and that 2,115 people participated. And that number does not include the programming provided by the Friends of the Library. That tells me that people appreciate our programming efforts and would like us to continue providing programming opportunities. The Friends had a good showing for their Willa Cather speaker this last weekend, which provided two program opportunities in a row. Read further to see whats next.

Our next program is at 2 p.m. today. We are having Dr. Michael Gutzmer PhD, naturalist and principal of New Century Environmental (NCE), and his associate biologist, David Jensen, talk to us about environmental awareness in the Great Plains and the Nebraska Crane Migration. Dr. Gutzmer will overview NCE and what they do, and David Jensen will discuss crane migration and biology.

Refreshments will be provided, so please bring your family and friends. This program is a result of patron requests for a program covering crane migration. So if you have a suggestion for a class or speaker that you would like to see at the library, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.

On March 19 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., the Friends of the Library are having a one-day sale where they are giving us a last chance to get everything for a buck a bag. Everything meaning books, audio books, DVDs, VHSs and art prints in the book sale room located in the basement of the Columbus Public Library. They will be raising the prices beginning with the August sale. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Columbus Public Library.

Also on the very same day as the book sale the library is participating with the Downtown Business Association for the Easter Egg Hunt at Frankfort Square. The library will be giving away five of the BIG Easter bunnies to the lucky winners that find a bunny coupon in their eggs. The Easter egg hunt for the 1-2-year-olds will start at 12:30 p.m. and the 3-year-olds will start at 1 p.m., followed by 4-year-olds, then 5-year-olds.

There will be a photo booth on the stage for pictures with the Easter Bunny. There is a small fee for the pictures but you will receive them immediately after they are taken. In case of bad weather, Easter eggs will be handed out at Frankfort Square.

Have fun while learning at your library!
LINCOLN -- Nebraska was one of the top states for economic growth in the third quarter.

According to statistics released earlier this week by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state's gross domestic product grew 5.4 percent in the third quarter compared with the second quarter. That that was the fourth-highest rate of growth among the states and nearly three times the national average of 1.9 percent.

According to the Commerce Department, agriculture was the driving force for Nebraska's growth, contributing 4.79 percent of the 5.4 percent GDP growth.

That may seem odd, considering agriculture has been on a downward trend for a couple of years, but Creighton Economist Ernie Goss said it was simply a bump up from the worst quarter for agriculture in nearly five years.

He said the second quarter of 2015 was the worst for agriculture in Nebraska since the third quarter of 2010.

"In other words," Goss said. "Q3 2015s ag GDP number reflects the stabilization of Nebraskas ag sector."

That's good news for a sector that has been hard hit. Third-quarter ag GDP, though up considerably over the second quarter, was down almost 16 percent from the third quarter of 2014, Goss said. And since the state's ag sector hit a record annualized GDP of $11.4 billion in the first quarter of 2013, it has fallen nearly 29 percent.

He said the good news is that the ag economy likely bottomed out in the first half of 2015 and is now rebounding, although it has a long way to go to get back to 2013 levels.

Farm income likely declined in 2015 and is predicted to do so again this year before rebounding in 2017.
LINCOLN  A Nebraska state agency has reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging that it failed to process Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in a timely manner.

The settlement announced Friday comes after the Department of Health and Human Services improved its response times for applications and renewals. Federal law requires states to process the benefits in a timely manner to ensure that low-income people can buy food.

The class-action lawsuit was initially filed on behalf of Tami Leiting-Hall, a single mother in Lincoln who worked at a fast-food restaurant. Leiting-Hall applied to renew her food benefits for herself and her then-10-year-old son but ended up waiting about two months for her benefit. According to the lawsuit, one state employee suggested that she use local soup kitchens and food banks until her application was processed.

Department officials say they are now processing more benefits in a timely manner. According to the most recent federal reports, Nebraska processed more than 95 percent of its applications in a timely manner between April and September of last year.

For renewals, federal law requires states to provide benefits 30 days after the date when the household received its last allotment.

Spokesman Russ Reno said the department has taken several steps to speed up services, such as sending out renewal notices earlier so that people have more time to reapply before their benefits expire.

In addition, department workers have started picking up application papers from the post office around 2 a.m. and scanning them into the system so that case workers can start processing them right away when they arrive at their office.

"We've improved by leaps and bounds," Reno said.

An attorney for Nebraska Appleseed, one of the public-interest groups which filed the lawsuit, said she was pleased with the agreement.

"We will continue to work to ensure the public benefits system functions effectively in the future for working Nebraska families," said staff attorney Molly McCleery.
Blantyre - Criminal gangs nicknamed "albino hunters" and armed with machetes, knives and axes are striking fear into people living with albinism in Malawi, abducting and often killing their victims in broad daylight and in the dead of night, prompting police to announce a shoot-to-kill policy.

The latest victim of the brutal attacks is a nine-year old boy with albinism from Malawi's eastern district of Machinga. His mother Edna Cedrick tried to rescue her son when two attackers abducted him last Friday.

A police officer from Machinga district, Isaac Ndala, confirmed the abduction, adding that the kidnappers injured the boy's mother.

The abduction happened while her husband was away on a fishing errand at the nearby Lake Chilwa. There have been no reports of the boy being found.

The audacious kidnapping is not an isolated case, as abductions, attempted killings and brutal murders have prompted some police authorities to brand albinos an "endangered species" in Malawi.

According to the police, by now about 50 criminal offences have been committed against albinos and the number might even be higher than as some incidents may not have been reported to police.

"The latest statistics we have are of last year, 2015," Malawi police spokesperson Nicholas Gondwa told News24.

"Over 30 criminal cases were reported that included killings, abductions, and being found with bones of persons with albinism. Just imagine, there are even some daredevils who go to cemeteries to dig graves where people with albinism were buried. All that is done in the name of hunting for the body parts or bones of albinos," he said.

Police figures show that as of January this year, at least 11 people with albinism were killed while 34 others were attacked with some of them suffering body mutilations.

Besides the use of violence, the police say all sorts of tricks are used by criminals involved in a syndicate that is hunting for albino body parts in Malawi, including the use of parents and relatives to catch their prey.



The police cited an example of a 53-year-old woman with albinism, Eunice Phiri, who was found dead in Kasungu National Park in January.

According to the police Phiri was tricked by three men, including her brother, into accompanying them on a trip to the neighbouring Zambia. When they were on their way to Zambia she was killed and her body was dismembered.

Her brother was allegedly paid money to lure her.

Another incident also happened in central Malawi's district of Dedza where Collin Zulu abducted his own son, who he wanted to sell to three "human hunters". Police arrested him before the sale was concluded.

Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (Apam) executive director Boniface Massa agreed with the police that the official figures of albinos killed or abducted is an underestimate.

"Some victims are abducted or even killed without trace. Some of those who are abducted have never been seen again. Some such incidents are never reported to police," he said.

Massah blamed witchdoctors who were taking advantage of poor people's ignorance by creating the misconception that body parts of albinos are potent charms.



"There are all sorts of baseless misconceptions. They include the wrong belief that having sex with an albino will cure HIV and Aids. Some are hoodwinked into believing that our body parts can make one get rich quickly, either by using parts such as eyes to be visionary and forward-looking. Those are empty lies," he said.

Incensed by the horrors, Malawi Police chief Lexen Kachama has ordered his officers to "shoot-to-kill those caught in the act of abducting or killing albinos".



"We first heard of such horrible stories of albino abductions and killings in neighbouring Tanzania. The problem has now spilled to Malawi and hence it is important to fight against this criminality aggressively and professionally," said Kachama.



Despite continued abductions, he has vowed that the police will hunt down the perpetrators of these crimes.



"But we need members of the public to support us. The kidnappers live with us in our communities so if we join hands, we can end these horrible attacks and murders," said Kachama.
Liberty? "If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear" George Orwell , '1984'

Church of Christ The Church of Christ [the Catholic Church], therefore, is one and the same forever. Whoever leaves her departs from the will and command of Our Lord Jesus Christ; leaving the path of salvation, he enters that of perdition. Whosoever [says St. Cyprian] is separated from the Church is united to an adulteress. He has cut himself off from the promises of the Church. Whosoever leaves the Church of Christ cannot arrive at the rewards of Christ. ... Whosoever observes not this unity observes not the law of God; whosoever holds not the faith of the Father and the Son, holds not to life and salvation. - Pope Leo XIII, Satis Cognitum

Thorn "If you're not a thorn in somebody's side, you aren't doing Christianity right." Mother Angelica

Say NO to ignorance "Ignorance is no excuse when we have neglected to learn what we are obliged to know."St. Ambrose



Church Militant "We belong to the Church militant; and She is militant because on earth the powers of darkness are ever restless to encompass Her destruction." -Pius XII, AD 1953

Thank God Never forget to thank God daily for having made you a member of His indefectible Church, and grow daily in your attachment, devotion, and loyalty to the Vicar of Christ. Ubi Petrus, ibi ecclesia: Where Peter is, there the Church is. BECAUSE Because we are human, we are not strong. Because we are not strong, we pray. St. Augustine

The Golden Arrow The following prayer is from 1843, and is by Our Lord Who said: "This Golden Arrow will wound My Heart delightfully and heal the wounds inflicted by blasphemy."



'May the Most Holy, Most Sacred, Most Adorable, Most Mysterious and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in heaven, on earth and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.'

Just a thought We're in the midst of climate change--one that's getting colder and colder toward religion.

Council of Trent, on the Sacraments "If anyone says that the received and approved rites of the Catholic Church, accustomed to be used in the administration of the sacraments, may be despised or omitted by the ministers without sin and at their pleasure, or may be changed by any pastor of the churches to other new ones, let him be anathema."



Canons on the Sacraments in General, Session 7, Canon 13

DON'T BE ROADKILL!



DON'T DO IT! Never do anything against conscience, even if the state demands it (Albert Einstein) Be watchful and diligent

"Be watchful and diligent in the service of God, and think often: why have I been created? If you are faithful and fervent in the performance of your work, God will be faithful and generous in rewarding you." St. Thomas a Kempis FIGHTING LIBERALISM! Considering 'Catholic 'liberalism': "to fight...this great evil of the present time that is pretending to please God without offending the devil, or, to put it better, to serve the devil without offending God."

Cardinal Louis Billot (1846-1931), teacher of Dogmatic Theology appointed by Pope Leo XIII

St. Fidelis

ERRORS?

OBEYING? Card. Torquemada, 15th century theologian: "Were the Pope to command anything against Holy Scriptures, or the articles of Faith, or the truth of the Sacraments, or the commands of the natural of Divine Law, he ought not to be obeyed, but in such commands he is to be disregarded."



And, from Pope Innocent III(16th century): "...it is necessary to obey the Pope in all things as long as he, himself, does not go against the universal customs of the Church, but should he go against the universal customs of the Church, he need not be followed..."

Scotland's William Wallace


Do you want to have a dream wedding without going over budget? Wedding sweepstakes make your big day more affordable. Enter these wedding sweepstakes and contests for your chance to win bridal apparel, the services of a wedding consultant, a free honeymoon, or even an entirely free wedding with all the extras!

Win Your Way to an Affordable Wedding!

Do you want to have a dream wedding without going over budget? Entering wedding giveaways is a fun way to make your big day more affordable, or even free (except for the taxes you pay on sweepstakes prizes).

The exact prizes being given away will change from day to day, but some popular wedding sweepstakes prizes include designer wedding gowns, free honeymoons, engagement rings and other bridal jewelry, and more. It's even possible to win an entirely free wedding including a ceremony and a reception. What a great way to save money for your future while still having your dream wedding!

If you're new to entering sweepstakes, you might want to brush up on your skills by reading How to Enter Sweepstakes Like a Pro. You might also want to set up a sweepstakes strategy to improve your chances of winning.

There are other kinds of sweepstakes that can help you get a good start on your married life was well. You might want to enter these cash sweepstakes to win money for incidentals, as well as home and garden sweepstakes to get your home set up just right.

Be sure to check this page every day for new wedding sweepstakes to enter. Good luck!

1. Bridal Guide - July/August 2022 Little White Book Sweepstakes

Enter for your chance to win a five-night getaway for two people to Cancun.

Entry Frequency: One time per household

End Date: July 18th, 2022

Eligibility: Open to the U.S.

More Information about this Sweepstakes

Enter Sweepstakes Directly
We learned that orphans are easier to ignore before you know their names. They are easier to ignore before you see their faces. It is easier to pretend they're not real before you hold them in your arms. But once you do, everything changes. -David Platt
Grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars/ mountain lions,bobcats, wolverines, lynx, foxes, fishers and martens are the suite of carnivores that originally inhabited North America after the Pleistocene extinctions. This site invites research, commentary, point/counterpoint on that suite of native animals (predator and prey) that inhabited The Americas circa 1500-at the initial point of European exploration and subsequent colonization. Landscape ecology, journal accounts of explorers and frontiersmen, genetic evaluations of museum animals, peer reviewed 20th and 21st century research on various aspects of our "Wild America" as well as subjective commentary from expert and layman alike. All of the above being revealed and discussed with the underlying goal of one day seeing our Continent rewilded.....Where big enough swaths of open space exist with connective corridors to other large forest, meadow, mountain, valley, prairie, desert and chaparral wildlands.....Thereby enabling all of our historic fauna, including man, to live in a sustainable and healthy environment. - Blogger Rick
Via NPR's blog Goats and Soda: Nigeria Beat Ebola, But It's Having A Hard Time Vanquishing A Deadly Lassa Fever Outbreak. Excerpt from an excellent article:

In the world of public health, a lot of the media attention is focusing on the Zika outbreak in Latin America, but that's not the only disease on the rise. Nigeria is experiencing a smoldering Lassa fever outbreak. Since August 2015, almost 20 states have seen 175 confirmed and suspected cases and 101 deaths. The outbreak has poured into neighboring Benin, where 68 cases and 23 deaths have been reported.

Lassa fever, which is caused by an arenavirus, can affect multiple organs and cause bleeding in late stages. It's seen with some regularity every year in Nigeria. Since 2012, there have been 1,723 cases and 112 deaths, according to Nigeria's Center for Disease Control.

But in the current outbreak, Nigeria's ability to control the spread has been limited. There are concerns that patients are not seeking care in time either because they can't afford it, can't get to a health facility or don't recognize the symptoms as a sign of potentially serious illness. And so there is no true sense of the scope of the outbreak.

How is it possible that Nigeria, which not too long ago was widely praised for averting the Ebola outbreak, is having trouble controlling an outbreak that occurs almost seasonally? The Lassa outbreak reveals a few inherent cracks in Nigeria's system and raises good lessons in determining how a country or region can best respond to emerging infections.
Via the Majorca Daily Bulletin: Calm called for following first probable case of Zika in Majorca.

The regional health ministry today put out a message seeking to reassure the public following what has been the first probable diagnosis of the Zika virus in the Balearics. The ministry says that there is a very low risk of transmission because of comparatively low mosquito numbers and activity at this time of the year.

The National Centre for Microbiology has confirmed that the case in question is quite probably the first example of Zika coming into the Balearics, and it involves a 67-year-old woman who came from the Dominican Republic. She arrived in Palma on 20 January and went to her local health centre at the start of February with mild symptoms which nevertheless aroused concerns that these could be because of Zika. Indeed, the woman said that two days before travelling to Spain, she had a fever.

Tests were made on 3 February at Son Espases and these were sent to the National Centre for Microbiology, which is the centre for diagnosing and controlling infectious diseases. At the start of February, the IB-Salut health service in the Balearics analysed four cases, two of which were negative for Zika, one of which showed probability and a fourth for which it has yet to receive results.

The department for public health and participation has put in place an interdisciplinary committee for monitoring and controlling transmitted diseases. This committee, comprising representatives from the health service, the environment ministry, the island councils, the university and the federation of town halls, met for the first time on Thursday.

The public health department is also liaising with the national health ministry and other regions of the country in the development of a national plan for combating diseases transmitted by mosquitoes - Zika, dengue and chikungunya.
In a news-packed day, WHO has published its Zika situation report for March 4. Click or tap through to download the full report. The summary:

 Between 1 January 2007 and 3 March 2016, a total of 52 countries and territories have reported autochthonous (local) transmission or indication of transmission of Zika virus (41 since 1 January 2015). Five of these countries and territories reported a Zika virus outbreak that is now over. In addition, three countries and territories have reported locally acquired infection, probably through sexual transmission.

 Among the 52 countries and territories, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic is the latest to report autochthonous transmission of Zika virus. France, Italy and the United States of America have reported locally acquired Zika virus infection in the absence of any known mosquito vectors.

 The geographical distribution of Zika virus has steadily widened since the virus was first detected in the Americas in 2015. Autochthonous Zika virus transmission has been reported in 31 countries and territories of this region. Zika virus is likely to be transmitted and detected in other countries within the geographical range of competent mosquito vectors, especially Aedes aegypti.

 So far an increase in microcephaly cases and other neonatal malformations has only been reported in Brazil and French Polynesia, although two cases linked to a stay in Brazil were detected in the United States of America and Slovenia.

 During 2015 and 2016, 8 countries and territories have reported an increased incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and/or laboratory confirmation of a Zika virus infection among GBS cases.

 A recently published case control study in French Polynesia provides further evidence of a causal relationship between Zika virus infection and GBS.

 The global prevention and control strategy launched by WHO as a Strategic Response Framework encompasses surveillance, response activities and research, and this situation report is organized under those headings. Following consultation with partners and taking changes in caseload into account, the framework will be updated at the end of March 2016 to reflect epidemiological evidence coming to light and the evolving division of roles and responsibilities for tackling this emergency.
As a student at HACC in 1967, Larry Foote was well aware of the looming possibility of the draft.

A lot of friends were getting drafted or losing their deferments. There was a recruiting station right next to campus, and a lot of my friends were enlisting for the Navy reserves. I stayed in school, but it just wasnt as much fun with my buddies gone. And I thought Well, its just a matter of time before I get drafted, so on March 14, 1967 I enlisted in the Army for three years.

After Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, Larry was trained for communications equipment operations and repair. His first assignment was with the 8th Infantry Division in Germany. I liked the Army. I went to the NCO Academy and jump school (parachute training) in Germany.

After about a year in Germany Larry received orders for Vietnam. He was able to spend Christmas at home with his parents before shipping out. I came home for Christmas every year the three years I was in the Army, oddly enough. It just worked out that way with my assignments that I was able to be home on leave. I was pretty fortunate.

There was always the thought that maybe you wouldnt come back alive, he said about how he felt going to Vietnam. But I always felt that if you were going to spend three years in the Army, and I asked for it, I enlisted, that I probably wouldnt have felt right if I hadnt gone. At the time I felt it was my duty as a soldier. Thats what we trained for. It really didnt bother me as much as it did my mother. I didnt tell her I was going to Vietnam until the night before I left, she thought I was going back to Germany. I didnt want to mess up her Christmas. I told my father as soon as I got home. But he was a World War II infantryman, so he understood, but my mother was a different story.

Larry arrived in Vietnam in early January and was sent to Dong Ba Thin. He soon learned that Vietnam was different from Germany.

I flew in to Long Bihn. We could hear mortar rounds out on the perimeter, but Long Bihn was such a big post they had Infantry guys out there, so you didnt have to worry about it if you were in the interior. It was pretty well fortified. I went by C-123 (cargo plane) to Cam Rahn Bay, then to my base camp by helicopter. The dropped me off by this engineering unit, outside the wire from my compound. They said a Jeep or truck would be around to pick me up. And I dont have a weapon yet, just my duffle back, out in the middle of nowhere, and its starting to get dark, and Im starting to get nervous. I could hear mortar rounds and small arms fire in the distance, and the darker it gets the more nervous I get. Finally I saw headlights coming and that was a relief.

On the job

My main job was working in a communications center, Larry said. That was our link with the outside world: a bunker surrounded by sandbags because we were getting mortared all the time. We were a helicopter unit so the VC was always trying to destroy the helicopters. Mortar rounds most of the time, sometimes rockets, and a few ground attacks that were pretty easy to fend off. The bunker could take a direct hit from a mortar. We could see where the rounds hit on the packed dirt roads and youd really only see a dimple. The area around was sprayed with shrapnel though. Those sandbags on the bunker roof could take a beating. The only problem was you couldnt see what was going on outside, so you opened the door and you didnt know what you would find.

One difference from Germany was in his duties.

When I was in Germany I had a job and that was it. In Vietnam you filled in wherever you needed to fill in, and it could be something completely different from what you were used to doing. If there was a shortage of door-gunners, well you would do that. And of course when wed get hit, everyone is an infantryman all of a sudden. Youd go out to the perimeter. You waited until the mortars stopped, then you put on your flak jacket, steel pot, grab your weapon and get out there because then the ground attack would follow.

I was a sergeant, so Id get assigned as Sergeant of the Guard. Id have to supervise to test fire the machine guns and make sure the claymore mines were set up properly and have everything ready to go because once the sun went down ... between midnight and 2 oclock is when youre going to get hit. The idea was to try keep them from coming through the wire once the mortar rounds stopped. Most of the time they wanted to get our helicopters, but sometimes they were after personnel. You could tell which from where the mortar rounds were landing.

A typical day was in the bunker sending and receiving communications. We got mortared a lot so wed lose guys, so Id be working 12 hours on, 12 off. I didnt get much sleep while I was there.

Sometimes his assignments took him outside the perimeter. There was a Pathfinder unit nearby, theyd go out and set up landing zones, and sometimes theyd need a radio operator. So Id go out with them.

In the field, Larry had the opportunity to observe the effect of the war on the local population. He saw first-hand how hard it was to tell who was who.

A lot of Vietnamese, it wasnt their fault. The VC would go into a village and either the people would cooperate or theyd just start cutting hands off. If they found out the people were giving information to the Americans theyd come back the next day and kill everyone in the village. They didnt think anything of it. Those poor villagers, they either had to give them rice or let them hide their weapons in the village or theyd get killed. It wasnt their fault. Some of them were VC, but we didnt know who was who. I didnt trust anybody.

Fragging

Sometimes the danger came from within.

We had a fragging incident. There were some drugs. We called them heads, the guys who smoked. This guy by the name of Willie Sutton had been busted, so he set two claymores up, trying to kill the company commander and the first sergeant. He set one off in the wrong place and killed a warrant officer who had a wife and two kids. The other mine missed the first sergeant because he had moved where he kept his bunk, but hit the sergeant major in the legs and wounded him pretty badly. They grabbed Sutton right away. He got a court martial for murder and went to Fort Leveanworth. I recently found out he was the last Vietnam fragger released from prison.

I have a complete transcript of the trial. That dummy used me as a character witness. I have no idea why. I thought he was a crook and a thief.

The trial almost kept Larry in Vietnam past the scheduled end of his tour.

I was getting out of the Army and his court martial was coming up and they said Were going to have to extend you here in Vietnam. I said Im not just going home Im getting out of the Army. So they said maybe we can just do a deposition. I thought that was great. So I went to Nah Trang to the deposition, and right from the start I said I couldnt really care less if you take this guy out back and shoot him right now, cause hes just a worthless piece of crap. Thats when the prosecutor said to the defense attorney If you dont want to use him I will.

Sutton was convicted, sent to Leavenworth, and released in 1999 after having done additional time for a parole violation.

Larry returned to the United States and got out of the Army. The first thing he did was sleep.

I didnt get a good night sleep until the night I got home. I hadnt slept for a year and didnt know it. I thought I was sleeping, but when I got home I slept like a baby because I hadnt slept for a whole year, just a kind of half sleep.

Larry describes what it is like for someone with his experience to observe the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. When I was over there I was thinking Man these people there are sitting back in their easy chair, theyre watching the news saying Thats terrible when they had no idea. Now Im one of those guys watching Iraq and Afghanistan from my easy chair. It sort of makes you feel guilty, knowing what those guys are going through, and Im the guy in the easy chair.

Even today, Larry carries the weight of the things he saw and the friends he lost. Thats why so many of us came back with issues: you just cant get it out of your mind. It just seems like last week. But thats the price you pay.
WASHINGTON -- Donald Trump's distinctive rhetorical style -- think of a drunk with a bullhorn reading aloud James Joyce's "Finnegans Wake" under water -- poses an almost insuperable challenge to people whose painful duty is to try to extract clarity from his effusions. For example, last week, during a long stream of semi-consciousness in Fort Worth, this man who as president would nominate members of the federal judiciary vowed to "open up" libel laws to make it easier to sue -- to intimidate and punish -- people who write "negative" things. Well.

Trump, the thin-skinned tough guy, resembles a campus crybaby who has wandered out of his "safe space." It is not news that he has neither respect for nor knowledge of the Constitution, and he probably is unaware that he would have to "open up" many Supreme Court First Amendment rulings in order to achieve his aim. His obvious aim is to chill free speech, for the comfort of the political class, of which he is now a gaudy ornament.

But at least Trump has, at last, found one thing to admire from the era of America's Founding. Unfortunately, but predictably, it is one of the worst things done then -- the Sedition Act of 1798. The act made it a crime to "write, print, utter or publish, or cause it to be done, or assist in it, any false, scandalous, and malicious writing against the government of the United States, or either House of Congress, or the President, with intent to defame, or bring either into contempt or disrepute, or to excite against either the hatred of the people." Now, 215 years after the Sedition Act expired in 1801, Trump vows to use litigiousness to improve the accuracy and decorousness of public discourse.

The night before his promise to make America great again through censorship, Trump, during the Houston debate, said that his sister, a federal judge, "[signed] a certain bill" and that [Supreme Court] Justice Samuel Alito also "signed that bill." So, the leading Republican candidate, the breadth of whose ignorance is the eighth wonder of the world, actually thinks that judges "sign bills." Trump is a presidential aspirant who would flunk an eighth-grade civics exam.

More than anything Marco Rubio said about Trump in Houston, it was Rubio's laughter at Trump that galled the perhaps bogus billionaire. Like all bullies, Trump is a coward, and like all those who feel the need to boast about being strong and tough, he is neither.

Unfortunately, Rubio recognized reality and found his voice 254 days after Trump's scabrous announcement of his candidacy to rescue America from Mexican rapists. And 222 days after Trump disparaged John McCain's war service ("I like people that weren't captured"). And 95 days after Trump said that maybe a protestor at his rally "should have been roughed up." And 95 days after Trump re-tweeted that 81 percent of white murder victims are killed by blacks. (Eighty-two percent are killed by whites.) And 94 days after Trump said he supports torture "even if it doesn't work." And 79 days after Trump said he might have approved the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. And 72 days after Trump proved that he does not know the nuclear triad from the Nutcracker ballet. And 70 days after Trump, having been praised by Vladimir Putin, reciprocated by praising the Russian murderer and dictator. And so on.

Rubio's epiphany -- announcing the obvious with a sense of triumphant discovery -- about Trump being a "con man" and a "clown act" is better eight months late than never. If, however, it is too late to rescue Rubio from a Trump nomination, this will be condign punishment for him and the rest of the Republican Party's coalition of the timid.

"Once to every man and nation, comes the moment to decide,/In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side." So begins James Russell Lowell's 1845 poem protesting America's war with Mexico. The Republicans' moment is here.

We are about to learn much about Republican officeholders who are now deciding whether to come to terms with Trump, and with the shattering of their party as a vessel of conservatism. Trump's collaborators, like the remarkably plastic Chris Christie ("I don't think [Trump's] temperament is suited for [the presidency]"), will find that nothing will redeem the reputations they will ruin by placing their opportunism in the service of his demagogic cynicism and anti-constitutional authoritarianism.
Country

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 Bahamas, Commonwealth of the 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 Canada 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 Cuba, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic 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 Haiti, 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 Jamaica 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 Mexico, United Mexican States 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 US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America 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


but NOBODY vetted Barack Obama after Barack Obama politicized his own mother's cancer

for his own political gain during the 2008 democratic race, and then again in the presidential debates.

Did Barack Obama tend to his own mother in any personal way

during her last couple of years of life, when she was dying of cancer in Hawaii?





If I am wrong, or can be proven wrong about my concern, then I will stand corrected.

But until then, the timeline I have been able to put together shows that Barack Obama

chose to finish writing his book instead of being with his mother.

With apologizes to the filmmaker for politicizing his film,Or, did Barack Obama CHOOSE to fly over Hawaii, where his mother was dying of cancer,so he could go to Bali to finish writing his book about his sperm donor father?
archive October 2022 (3) September 2022 (4) August 2022 (3) July 2022 (4) June 2022 (1) May 2022 (8) April 2022 (5) March 2022 (6) February 2022 (3) January 2022 (5) December 2021 (10) November 2021 (9) October 2021 (6) September 2021 (5) August 2021 (10) July 2021 (3) June 2021 (5) May 2021 (17) April 2021 (3) March 2021 (3) February 2021 (6) January 2021 (3) December 2020 (6) November 2020 (2) October 2020 (3) September 2020 (2) August 2020 (5) July 2020 (5) June 2020 (5) May 2020 (4) April 2020 (6) March 2020 (3) February 2020 (8) January 2020 (6) December 2019 (4) October 2019 (3) September 2019 (6) August 2019 (4) July 2019 (9) June 2019 (8) May 2019 (4) April 2019 (9) March 2019 (1) February 2019 (3) January 2019 (5) December 2018 (5) November 2018 (9) October 2018 (4) September 2018 (8) August 2018 (6) July 2018 (6) June 2018 (4) May 2018 (9) April 2018 (6) March 2018 (4) February 2018 (5) January 2018 (10) December 2017 (11) November 2017 (13) October 2017 (13) September 2017 (5) August 2017 (11) July 2017 (8) June 2017 (6) May 2017 (9) April 2017 (7) March 2017 (11) February 2017 (10) January 2017 (7) December 2016 (13) November 2016 (11) October 2016 (10) September 2016 (9) August 2016 (11) July 2016 (13) June 2016 (15) May 2016 (11) April 2016 (12) March 2016 (9) February 2016 (11) January 2016 (7) December 2015 (17) November 2015 (11) October 2015 (9) September 2015 (9) August 2015 (9) July 2015 (9) June 2015 (9) May 2015 (11) April 2015 (8) March 2015 (10) February 2015 (10) January 2015 (8) December 2014 (13) November 2014 (12) October 2014 (13) September 2014 (16) August 2014 (13) July 2014 (10) June 2014 (10) May 2014 (21) April 2014 (19) March 2014 (14) February 2014 (15) January 2014 (21) December 2013 (19) November 2013 (17) October 2013 (14) September 2013 (18) August 2013 (11) July 2013 (14) June 2013 (14) May 2013 (11) April 2013 (17) March 2013 (14) February 2013 (16) January 2013 (15) December 2012 (15) November 2012 (17) October 2012 (34) September 2012 (16) August 2012 (17) July 2012 (16) June 2012 (17) May 2012 (20) April 2012 (13) March 2012 (13) February 2012 (15) January 2012 (12) December 2011 (17) November 2011 (16) October 2011 (31) September 2011 (12) August 2011 (15) July 2011 (18) June 2011 (12) May 2011 (26) April 2011 (23) March 2011 (19) February 2011 (20) January 2011 (21) December 2010 (28) November 2010 (20) October 2010 (38) September 2010 (22) August 2010 (23) July 2010 (22) June 2010 (29) May 2010 (18) April 2010 (21) March 2010 (26) February 2010 (20) January 2010 (16) December 2009 (22) November 2009 (17) October 2009 (11) September 2009 (16) August 2009 (20) July 2009 (20) June 2009 (22) May 2009 (23) April 2009 (27) March 2009 (35) February 2009 (20) January 2009 (27) December 2008 (29) November 2008 (27) October 2008 (41) September 2008 (21) August 2008 (28) July 2008 (31) June 2008 (3)
The government has drawn flak from all corners on the proposal to tax part of EPF withdrawals. (Representational image)

New Delhi: The EPFO trustees' meet later this month is likely to be a stormy affair as trade unions will raise their voice against the Budget proposal of taxing EPF withdrawals.

"We have received the notice for 212th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) on March 17. We will definitely raise the issue of taxing EPF withdrawals as proposed in the Budget by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley," All India Trade Union Congress Secretary and EPFO trustee D L Sachdev said.

"All trade unions will condemn and oppose the proposal which will directly affect the workers. The issue is not listed on agenda but we will raise it in the meeting," he said.

The government has drawn flak from all corners on the proposal to tax part of EPF withdrawals. However, the government says it is not for all subscribers of such schemes and there would be exemptions. Sachdev said the issues listed for discussion include organisational restructuring of Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Besides, the board will vet proposal for increasing the number of days for borrowing of funds from CBLO (Collateralized Borrowing and Lending Obligation) for participation in primary auctions of government securities and corporate bonds to 30 days from 15.

The trustees will also take stock of the investment in Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). EPFO has started investing in ETF in August last year. The body has planned to invest over Rs 5,000 crore in ETF in the current fiscal.

The CBT will also review CBLO borrowing transactions by the Portfolio Managers from September 19, 2015 to December 31, 2015. Jaitley in his Budget for 2016-17 had proposed that 60 per cent of the withdrawal on contribution to employee PF made after April 1 this year will be subject to tax. This would apply to super annuation funds and recognised provident funds including EPF.

EPFO has a subscribers' base of over five crore and manages a corpus of over Rs 8.5 lakh crore. Its incremental deposits are expected to touch Rs 1.15 lakh crore during the current fiscal.
New Delhi: Veteran Bollywood star Manoj Kumar, also known as Bharat Kumar for his nationalist and patriotic films based movies like Purab Aur Paschim, Upkar and Kranti, was on Friday chosen for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award, the highest official recognition in Indian cinema. The 78-year-old actor became the 47th recipient of the award, which consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs and a shawl, a government statement said.

Kumars name was unanimously recommended by a five member jury consisting Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Salim Khan, Nitin Mukesh and Anup Jalota. Best known for his films Hariyali Aur Raasta, Woh Kaun Thi?, Himalaya Ki God Mein, Do Badan, Patthar Ke Sanam, Shaheed, Roti Kapda Aur Makaan and Kranti, Kumar became popular as Bharat Kumar thanks to his patriotic dramas.

Kumar said the announcement came as a surprise and he thought it was a joke. I am very happy to receive this honour from the government. I did not expect it. I was sleeping when Ashoke Pandit called me. I couldnt believe initially, I thought he was fooling me. He asked me to watch TV so thats how I learnt about it, Kumar told agencies. I would go to Delhi to receive the award, he said. When asked whether the honour came late to him, he said, I dont want to get into this. I always believe in working hard... I dont think about the results.

The actor has been away from the limelight but he said he has been working on a movie on Aryabhatta, the renowned mathematician. Anupam Kher congratulated Kumar: Congratulations Manoj Kumar Ji for Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Your films taught us what it means to love your country. Jai Ho. Patriotism.
Police conduct enquiries at the building complex on Pantheon road where the woman was found murdered on Friday. (Photo: DC)

Chennai: A 72-year old woman staying alone at home was reportedly murdered for her valuables at her flat at Ram Mansion on Pantheon Road in Egmore, on Thursday night.

A smartphone and a pair of earrings were reported missing. Police said the deceased Sharadha, (72), a native of Thrissur, had moved to Chennai with her niece, Dhanya, 20, pursuing higher education here in a college on College road.

The aunt had called her niece at around 8.30 pm. As Dhanyas attempt to reach Sharadha over her mobile failed at about 9 pm, she rushed home from her friends place in Teynampet.

The door was, unusually, latched from outside and Dhanya let herself in only to find Sharadha dead with her throat slit and the gold earrings missing from the body.

A shattered Dhanya ran downstairs from her 3rd floor flat and alerted the police control room, besides seeking assistance from the watchman and others present.

The forensic bureau lifted fingerprints from the crime scene. A sniffer dog climbed down three flights of stairs before losing the scent of the assailant.

Sharadha, who was suffering heart problems, would take a woman sweeper, working in a photo-studio in the ground floor, along with her on hospital visits.

Their door had a magic-eye and Sharadha would never let in strangers. The deceased would take the assistance of a conservancy staff working in the photo studio to go to hospitals among other things, and she is the only person the family looks up to for assistance, said a neighbor, who wished not to be named.

Though the CCTV cameras installed in the complex by shop owners in the building would be shut down after business hours, the cops have collected all the available footage to identify the movement of strangers to the complex.

The 9-storey apartment complex, which has 72 flats, also houses a dozen business establishments. The third floor has four flats - two of them were rented by a logistics firm and the other rented by a group of star hotel staff. The logistics firm closed for the day at around 7.15 pm.

Cops have enumerated the list of all tenants and the possible visitors list to narrow down on the suspect(s). Sharadha is a widow whose two sons live in neighbouring Kerala and is an elder sister of Dhanyas father Divakar who is working in Gulf.

The body had been handed over to kin who took it to Thrissur, and Sharadhas brother Divakar is already on his way there.
As a punishment both the father and daughter were assaulted with a stick and fined Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively. (Photo: PTI)

Mumbai: The Bhuinj police in Satara district on Friday have traced and arrested six persons from a caste panchayat who repeatedly assaulted a 54-year-old man and his 14-year-old daughter.

The man was beaten up for repeatedly raping his daughter while the daughter was assaulted for not speaking up against the crime committed on her.

The matter came to light only after a citizen shot a video of the incident where an individual is seen repeatedly mercilessly hitting the 14-year-old rape victim with a stick on her back as a punishment for not speaking up against her fathers crime.

According to Bhuinj police, the video went viral late on Thursday soon after the incident took place. The police started investigating the case and nabbed the six accused till Friday night. The incident occurred on Thursday in Panchvad area of Wai taluka.

The caste panchayat learnt that the man was raping his teen daughter for the past few months. They learnt this from the victims brother. Instead of informing the police, the panch committee chose to give them their brand of punishment.

As a punishment both the father and daughter were assaulted with a stick and fined Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively for their crimes. Superintendent of Satara, Abhinav Deshmukh made a team, which within 24 hours traced the culprits seen in the video and nabbed them.

The one mercilessly hitting the girl in the video has been identified as Arun Dilip Jadhav. Rest are Shivaji Pawar, Datu Chavan, Rajaram Pawar, Jiva Pawar and Sarjerao Chavan. They will be produced in court on Saturday. They have been booked under IPC sections for causing hurt with dangerous weapon, extortion by putting a person in fear of death or grievous hurt and criminal conspiracy. The committee will be made an accused and audience will be witnesses.

The father has been booked for rape under IPC and POCSO. He is an alcoholic and has two wives. The girls mother died six months ago. She has two sisters and a brother along with four stepbrothers and a stepsister. The victim is not pregnant, as her urine test has come negative but a sonography on Saturday will be conducted to ascertain the same. She has been admitted to a hospital and is said to be out of danger. The victim is currently being counselled.
New Delhi: The messages sent by TERI chief R K Pachauri to a former colleague reveal how he troubled and stalked her for almost two years, according to a DNA report.

The Delhi police attached a copy of the messages to the chargesheet filed in a court on March 4. The messages range from creepy to disturbing and some are utter explicit.

The report states that according to a friend's statement, the "accused used to harass the victim by sending emails, calls, SMS and calling her with sexually coloured remarks and also insisted for her to respond. Emails and messages were quite disturbing as they had words like "Meri Jaan" and "I love you." He (Pachauri) went on to use explicit "words which are totally unacceptable.

The report further said that most messages started with "Dearest Meri Jaan" and one of the message read: "Well the truth is that I have never felt so overwhelmingly in love as I have been with you, and even though you gave me so much pain, I will always be your well-wisher and carry beautiful memories of the joyous moments between us, limited as they might have been."

The chargesheet running into over 1400 pages was filed in the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Shivani Chauhan who has fixed it for consideration on April 23.

Pachauri has also been accused of stalking and criminally intimidating the victim with gesture or act intended to insult her modesty.

Police has arrayed 23 prosecution witnesses, many of whom are present and former employees of The Energy Research Institute (TERI).

Pachauri has been accused of committing offences punishable under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354 A (sexual harassment), 354 D (stalking), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of IPC.

Police in its report filed in the Delhi High Court recently has said that an out-of-court settlement was proposed to the victim.

The status report was filed in the matter in which the victim has sought quashing of anticipatory bail of Pachauri granted by the trial court in the case.

Delhi police said there is "sufficient evidence" against Pachauri that he sexually harassed, stalked and threatened his former woman colleague.

Pachauri was granted an anticipatory bail in the case on March 21, last year.

On February 13, last year an FIR was registered against Pachauri on charges of sexual harassment under IPC sections 354, 354(a), 354(d) (molestation) and 506 (criminal intimidation).
Mumbai: Husnain Warekar who stabbed 14 of his family members to death and after that hung himself from a ceiling fan used Colazapine to sedate his kin before killing them. The aforementioned drug being an antidote to cure schizophrenic fits was mixed in falooda served to the family members.

Read: Thane: Man kills 14 family members, sole survivor 'clueless' about motive

Husnain, a resident of Kasarwadavali village in Thane, had invited his sisters and their children for a hearty feast at his place. The dinner table served a plethora of toothsome food items, ranging from mutton kebabs to that of samosa, chicken, bread etc. The kin was oblivious of the ill-fate that was going to befall them. The family members whom Husnain had stabbed to death included his six sisters, seven children and a man.

Though no data has been collated yet that would prove Husnains motive behind the brutal killings, police are making earnest attempts to get hold of accredited witnesses.

Read: Thane: Man allegedly kills 14 family members, then commits suicide

According to the police, Husnain was a religious man and he used to often visit the nearby Dargah along with his father. Though Husnain was prescribed some medicinal drugs, nothing concrete has been concluded out of the same. The police is still looking into the matter. Husnain might have had a psychological disorder; however, there has been no prime evidence that would prove the same.

Forensic report of the deceased is still awaited. Meanwhile, the police is going through the data on Husnain laptop and cellphone.
Hyderabad: The police has cracked techie Sanjay Junge's murder. It was not a love affair or enmity but a quarrel that took place in the car on the way from Punjagutta to Swapnalok complex that led to the brutal murder.

Police seized the vehicle and arrested four persons. Police said that after Sanjays friend dropped him at Punjagutta, some people offered him a lift to Secunderabad.

The four people in the car who were drunk got into an argument with Sanjay. Later, he got down from the car near Swapnalok and the men in the car attacked him. Police said the car owner changed its number plate from BOSS to 8055 on Friday.

The killers were identified as Mubassir, who is also accused in a rape case, driver Khireej and two others named Salman and Musharaf. Sources said the car with the number AP 15AQ 8055 was registered in Adilabad district, but a few months ago a consultant named Imroze Ali from the Old City area purchased it.

On Wednesday night Mubassir took the car on rent and along with his three friends went to Hi-tech city. While returning at around 2 am and passing through Punja-gutta they saw Sanjay and offered him a lift.

On the way, Mubassir got a call and Sanjay passed some comments. Mubassir got angry and that led to a scuffle. Sanjay and Mubassir fought. Reaching Patny they asked Sanjay to get down, but he refused and asked them to drop him near his father's shop on RP Road.

At Patny, Sanjay irritated them again and they forcibly expelled him from the car near Swapnalok and beat him up.

In turn Sanjay started clicking their pictures and that of the car. Fearing a threat from the pictures, Mubassir took out his knife and stabbed Sanjay. Later, the gang fled to Old City.

On Thursday night, they handed over the car to the owner, who saw the reports of a car with number written as BOSS on news and changed it to a normal number plate.

Based on mobile records, police arrested Musharraf and Khireej in Old City on Friday midnight. Mubassir and Salman were caught in Shamshabad on Friday evening. However, the police is yet to confirm the arrests.
Hyderabad: Stating that water shortage would be a thing of the past in TS once irrigation projects across the River Godavari are completed, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday said that every village will have enough water for drinking and agriculture.

Mr Rao held a praja darbar at Erravalli village in Medak district where he said that the first phase of the 2BHK houses would be completed by May 15 and Gruhapravesham done between May 15 and 30.You will have taps in every house and 24x7 drinking water, drainage system on the lines of Hyderabad and other facilities. The sarpanch should quit if any woman is seen carrying a water pot, he said.
Collector said that nutritious food would be supplied to mothers and children un-der the programme. (Representational image)

Kakinada: Collector H. Arunkumar said that there are 65,000 malnurished children in East Godavari and the mothers who are suffering from anemia and malnutrition are in equal number.

The collector along with Zilla Parishad Chairman Namana Rambabu launc-hed a programme Mahila Sanjeevani on nutrition in 50 anganwadi centres in the district with the help of UNICEF as a pilot project on Friday.

The collector said that nutritious food would be supplied to mothers and children under the programme. Mr Arunkumar said that anganwadi workers would create awareness on nutritious food besides taking care about pregnant wom-en.

He said that anganwadi centres would be strengthened with the combined efforts of women and child welfare, medical and health, DRDA, Panchyat, Rural Water Supply and other related departments.

UNICEF Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka states Field Office Chief Ruth Leona said that after confirmation of pregnancy, the pregnant women sho-uld take care about their health by eating nutritious food.

He said that Mahila Sanjeevani would be a role model programme for hea-lthy women and children. UNICEF nutrition specialist Dr. Lakshmi Bha-vani said that East Goda-vari should become ideal for other districts in having good nutritious mother and child.
JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar with the union Vice President Shehla Rashid addresses a news conference at the JNU campus in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The BJP Yuva Morcha leader, who had announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for cutting off JNU Students union leader Kanhaiya Kumar's tongue, was on Saturday expelled from primary membership of the party for six years.

The president of district unit of BJP, Harish Shakya, said that the party has expelled district president of BJP Yuva Morcha, Kuldeep Varshnay for six years.

Shakya told reporters that party has nothing to do with Varshnay's controversial statement.

"Varshnay's statement is his personal one and the party has nothing to do with it...he has been expelled from the primary membership of the party for giving such a statement without the consent of party office bearers," he said.

Shakya stated that a notice to remove Varshnay from the post had been issued six months ago, and Ankit Maurya was made working president in his place.

Kanhaiya has insulted our parent organisation RSS and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech at JNU campus and provoked others to raise slogans against Bharat Mata. His tongue should be chopped off. Anyone who would opt for it, I would give him 5 lakh, said Kuldeep Varshney, BJYM district president from Budaun, Uttar Pradesh.

Kanhaiya Kumar was released from Tihar jail on Thursday after the Delhi high court granted him bail following his nearly three-week-long incarceration in a case of alleged sedition.

Kanhaiya returned to Jawaharlal Nehru University campus amid loud cheers and celebrations by students and teachers. In his speech, Kanhaiya said, Modiji only says mann ki baat, but doesnt listen to it.

The BJP and the Modi government, now introspecting on how politically prudent was the move to crack down on the JNU students over the nationalism issue, chose to ignore the beginning of the rise of Mr Kanhaiya Kumar in national politics. Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu tried to dismiss him by claiming that Kumar was enjoying free publicity. Trying to ridicule the JNUSU president, Naidu said Kanhaiya Kumar should join his favourite party (Left) which does not even have single-digit representation in Parliament. Yet again playing the nationalism card, Mr Naidu dared Mr Kumar to condemn the anti-India slogans that were allegedly raised on the JNU campus. Universities are meant for education. They must study rather than getting involved in politics. If they are interested in politics, then they can leave studies and join politics, Naidu said.

Kumar represents All India Students' Federation (AISF), the students' front of Communist Party of India (CPI), which has one seat each in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
New Delhi: For the past five days, all ministers and the bureaucracy is working overtime as a follow-up to the Prime Ministers exhortation to elicit ideas on government schemes. Sources disclosed that since Monday, all deputy secretaries and above rank are meeting at the ministers residence after the end of the days Parliament session to share views on presentations that were recently given to the Prime Minister on various social sector schemes. The three-to-four-hour-long idea exchange sessions that go on till 10 ended on Friday, after which the secretaries of the ministries are expected to send a review report to the PMO.

Calling it an exercise towards team-building and for generating ideas, sources attending the sessions disclosed, The idea is to cull out and draw an action plan by involving the bureaucracy into all the core areas. Whatever emerged among the group of secretaries that presented ideas and suggestions to the PM is discussed with the minister and the whole bureaucracy these days.

The health secretary, secretary (health research) and secretary (Ayush) are giving presentations on all social sector schemes these days at Union health minister J.P. Naddas residence. The lengthy knowledge-sharing discussions over pakoras end with dinner at the ministers residence.

Sources said that during the presentations, questions are asked related to the theme of the presentation and bureaucrats are asked to give their suggestions.

The activity is more of an idea exchange and how to percolate the vision and get their ideas to improve the health of the country, sources said.

The presentations are not area-specific, which means that health ministry officials are getting presentations not only related to health but other areas as well, like education, agriculture, employment, irrigation, water etc. The vision to involve officers of all levels and to cover different subjects is felt to widen the horizon, said one official, adding that the job of a bureaucrat is not fixed to one area. They have to move to different departments, this way they are getting nuances of other ministries too.

The sessions are a follow-up to presentations held by the PM. In January, secretaries were asked to come up with ideas for a transformative change in various areas of governance, following which two groups of secretaries presented their ideas and suggestions on accelerated growth with inclusion and equity, employment generation strategies to Mr Modi.
The Centre suggested that new avenues for project funding such as the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), New Development Bank (NDB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) may also be considered.

Hyderabad: The central government has said that the state government could take financial assistance from the World Bank for the construction of APs new capital city of Amaravati under certain conditions.

The Union ministry of finances department of economic affairs said that the state government should ensure that norms and standards as well as zoning regulations were based on guidelines brought out by the ministry of urban development.

The state government wrote to the department of economic affairs on January 16, 2016, requesting its approval for its appeal for the World Banks help and to the Union ministry of urban development on February 19, 2016 on the same subject.

Ministry of urban development under secretary Naresh Kumar wrote a letter to the AP government on Thursday, saying it had no objection on the matter.

He said that the state government should ensure the implementation of Building Bye Laws to be prepared, based on Model Building Bye Laws, 2016.

Mr Kumar said that all efforts had to be made to encourage leveraging resources through land monetization to reduce the burden on the budgetary support of the state government for the development of the capital city.

The overall development of the city should also be taken into consideration, as also the objectives of the smart city and reform agenda under the AMRUT mission.

Mr Kumar said that the department had suggested that other new avenues for project funding had also opened up, such as the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), New Development Bank (NDB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) which may also be considered as suitable by the department of economic affairs for the projects funding. He said that these issues had been approved by the secretary of the urban development department.
Chennai: Breaking his silence on the letter written by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa seeking the release of the seven convicts in former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, TNCC president E.V,K.S. Elangovan on Friday, came down heavily on the move, but refrained from openly stating that the Congress is opposed to the release..

As far as the Congress is concerned, punishing the assassins of Rajiv should be left to the judiciary. The Congress is ready to accept whatever decision the court takes on the matter, he said in an obvious opposition to the intervention of the Centre.

Meanwhile, MDMK founder Vaiko hit out at both AIADMK and DMK on the issue of release of seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, charging Chief Minister Jayalalithaa with trying to get political mileage on the matter.

In a statement here, Mr Vaiko also charged DMK president M. Karunanidhi with trying to hoodwink people on the issue.

MDMK leader said Jayalalithaa has written a letter to Centre through the Chief Secretary, while the state government can release all seven of them including Nalini using Article 161 of the Constitution. People are aware that this is an attempt to gain political mileage and hoodwink (them), he said. .

Slamming DMK, which had backed the state governments decision to release the seven, Vaiko claimed that the Karunanidhi-led party never made attempts to set them free while in power.
New Delhi: Expressing happiness over the release of Kanhaiya Kumar from Tihar prison, BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday said that he hoped the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union president would prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he had been wronged.

"Happy about the grant of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya and pleased that he's been released from prison. Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged," Sinha said in a series of tweets.

<1/2>Happy about the grant of bail (although conditional) by the honourable court to Kanhaiya & pleased that he's been released from prison.  Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 4, 2016

<2/2>..Hope, wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged.  Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) March 4, 2016

The rebel BJP leader had come out in support of Kanhaiya earlier saying that he had said nothing that amounted to sedition. "Have heard transcript of speech of Kanhaiya, our Bihar boy president of JNUSU. He has said nothing anti national or against constitution. Hope wish and pray that he's release soon, sooner the better," Sinha tweeted.

Have heard transcript of speech of Kanhaiya, our Bihar boy president of JNUSU. He has said nothing anti national or against constitution.  Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) February 17, 2016

Sinha further stated that the Jawaharlal Nehru University is going through a crisis 'for reasons best known to politicians'.

JNU is going through a crisis for reasons best known to politicians. It is an institution of international repute, enviable record &history.  Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) February 17, 2016

He went on to say that the JNU is an institution of international repute, enviable record and history. "It is a seat of learning for some of India's brightest young minds & also some very respectable teachers. Save it from further embarrassment, he tweeted.

It is a seat of learning for some of India's brightest young minds & also some very respectable teachers. Save it from further embarrassment  Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) February 17, 2016

Speaking to the media yesterday after he was released from Tihar Jail after he was charged for sedition, Kanhaiya asserted that nationalism cannot be anyone's 'patented' idea while stating that he has full faith in the Indian Constitution as it was a document which can't be 'doctored'.

Talking about Afzal Guru, he clearly stated that the Parliament attack convict was not his hero and it was Hyderabad University scholar Rohith Vemula. "Afzal Guru was a citizen of this nation, he was from Jammu and Kashmir and the law punished him. He is not an icon for me, Rohith Vemula is. There will a Rohith Vemula in every house," Kanhaiya said.

Earlier, the government had warned Kanhaiya after his release that he must help the concerned authorities to see that activities similar to the February 9 event are curbed in the university rather than enjoying the publicity. However, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury earlier told ANI that Kanhaiya would campaign for the Left in Bengal.

"All students supporting Left will participate in the campaign along with Kanhaiya. For the first time, the nation can see the power of the youth of Left," Yechury said.
Vrindavan: BJP youth wing president Anurag Thakur today said it would not be proper to question the entire JNU for the few 'bad fish' who have spoilt the atmosphere at the institution.

Addressing the media on the occasion of Bharatiya Jana Yuva Morcha's National Executive meeting in Mathura on Friday, Thakur said, "It would not be right to question the entire JNU institution for the acts of some people. The need of the hour is to identify such people and address them."

Thakur was answering questions in the wake of the JNU controversy and the bail of JNU Students Union President Kanhaiya Kumar, whom the Delhi police charged with sedition.

Thakur, the Lok Sabha MP from Hamirpur, slammed the Congress for vitiating the atmosphere in the country to halt the BJP Government's march towards development.

"This national executive meeting is important because it is happening at a time when some political forces and people are vitiating the country's atmosphere and dividing people. Some political leaders are fully backing these people and their agenda," Thakur said.

"Those who have lost their relevance and mandate among people of this country are now doing all they can to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda. The youth of the country need to be apprised with all this," he said adding that the executive will debate the current political environment in the context of the raging national versus anti national debate.

He also said that poll strategy in election bound states will also be discussed apart from the strategy in UP, which he said, "Helped make PM Modi the PM by giving a huge mandate in Lok Sabha elections to the BJP".
Bengaluru: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who has become a social media sensation after his Thursday's speech following his release from jail, is expected to be in the city to attend the Lankesh-81 on March 12, organised in remembrance of late P. Lankesh, well known Kannada writer, rationalist and journalist.

Even though the details of his programme were not shared, he is likely to address a gathering in the city. With thousands of fans on social media, his possible visit to city has raised curiosity among his supporters and his detractors.

Lankeshs daughter Gauri Lankesh, the organiser of the event, has announced that an invitation has extended to Kanhaiya Kumar through her Facebook account and he has responded positively to it.

Good news to all progressive people. We have invited Kanhaiya Kumar to come and address Lankesh-81 programme on March 12 in Bengaluru. So far we have got a positive response. Shall keep you all posted in the developments, she posted on her FB page. When contacted, Gauri informed that she is waiting for final confirmation from JNU student leader over his visit.

It may be recalled that the city witnessed a series of protests by various organisations against the arrest of Kanhaiya and Central government's witch-hunt at JNU. Organisations such as Student Federation of India, All India Student Association, National Federation of Indian Women and other organisations had staged protests rallies in the city. However organisations such as Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and some ex-servicemen organisations had also carried out protest rallies against 'anti-national' activities at JNU.
New Delhi: The issue of non-payment of salary to staff of the long-defunct Kingfisher Airlines came back to haunt its chairman Vijay Mallya again with the employees, in an open letter, accusing him of damaging the image of the country, particularly the aviation industry.

The letter, which comes days after the beleaguered industrialist said that the "only regret" he has was that the carrier is not flying when the oil price has dipped so low, also accused him of having "blood"-stained hands.

The wife of a then Kingfisher airlines employee in Delhi had allegedly committed suicide, apparently depressed over financial stress due to non-payment of salary to her husband on October 4, 2012, when Mallya decided to ground the airline due to paucity of funds.

"We have been under continuous pain and agony due to your apathy towards us. However, it was particularly aggravated by your recent callous 'NO REGRET" remark about KFA. For us, KFA still exists as we are still on the payrolls although without pay as we never received any communication from you, after you promised revival, about the shutdown of the company and our fate," the employees said in the letter.

"I have no regrets as such. Perhaps the only regret is that Kingfisher Airlines is not flying today when the oil price is so low," Mallya had said recently without expressing any remorse over non-payment of salary to hundreds of his airlines employees.

"We are still not able to understand what you meant when you said I don't have money to pay your salaries while the spree continues, let it be Caribbean Premier League or luxurious yatch," the letter said.

Mallya, widely known as the 'King of Good Times' in his heydays, had to quit recently as Chairman of United Spirits - a company founded by his family in which he sold majority stake to UK-based liquor giant Diageo.

As part of the deal that also ended a year-long boardroom battle at United Spirits, Diageo has agreed to pay Mallya USD 75 million.

Once billed as the most luxurious airline, Kingfisher had to be grounded in October 2012 after it landed in a major financial crisis with huge loans and payment defaults including to oil companies and airports.

Alleging that Mallya was able go away scot free "due to the depressing fact that the whole rotten system abets people like you", the employees said "we don't know whether it's your influence in media houses or it's their callous approach towards common man that most of them chose to ignore you and paid attention to make a hero out of a person who is out on bail, portraying him as the ultimate victim and hero."

"As you don't have regrets, it's also important to highlight how much damage you have caused to the image of our country, particularly aviation industry. Because of you, upcoming airlines are finding it difficult to get aircraft on lease from leasing companies," it said.

"Mr. Mallya you have blood on your hands. We have so much to tell you but you won't have patience and time to listen to all that. Please do have regret and don't set precedents dangerous to our country and aspiring entrepreneurs," the agitated employees said in the letter.

Thirteen bankers, including SBI, have moved the Karnataka High Court seeking the arrest of Mallya for defaulting loans over Rs 7,000 crore and the court yesterday ordered issue of notice to him.
President Pranab Mukherjee said that the global community has to rededicate themselves for women empowerment. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Stating that there is a need to increase the representation of women as legislators, President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said that political parties must be committed to increase the number of women legislators in Parliament as well as State Assemblies.

Addressing a two-day National Conference on Women Legislators here, the President said that empowerment of women in the country couldn't be completely ensured until their participation is increased in every field.

The President added that the global community has to rededicate themselves for women empowerment.

He also complimented Prime Minister Modi for the initiative 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' and his firm commitment towards the true empowerment of women.

Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari stressed on political equality between women and men legislators. He said women candidates have performed well in local bodies despite several challenges.

Addressing the conference, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said the aim of the conference is to tell women legislators how more efficiently they can contribute in nation building. The conference was attended by 300 women MLAs, MLCs, MPs, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers.

The conference will equip the women legislators from across India with latest knowledge in relevant areas and provide them with the right perspective, motivation and guidance in their roles as legislators and powerful agents of socio-economic progress and change as well as good governance.
The NIA has claimed that Qasmi had been 'delivering provocative and inflammatory speeches and was instigating youth for anti-national activities' (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court on Saturday extended the judicial custody of Islamic State suspects Mufti Abdus Sami Qasmi and Azhar Iqbal till March 30.

Qasmi, a Delhi-based Islamic scholar, known for his fiery speeches, was arrested on February 5 from Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi District.

The NIA has claimed that Qasmi had been 'delivering provocative and inflammatory speeches and was instigating youth for anti-national activities'.

While other suspect 23-year-old Azhar Iqbal was arrested from Bhopal on February 1 by the NIA.

According to the agency, Iqbal was allegedly in the higher category of members of the group -Junoon al Khilafae-Hind, as he was tasked with finding new recruits.

It is learnt that he was in touch with Yusuf al-Hindi alias Shafi Armar, who was an Indian Mujahideen member but shifted to the IS- held areas in Syria and Iraq.

Iqbal knew at least two of the four suspects arrested by the Delhi police from Uttarakhand a few weeks back.
Borghat: Stepping up pressure on the Centre, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said he will continue to fight till it rolls back the proposal for levying tax on EPF withdrawals.

"This Prime Minister allows thieves to turn their black money into white under the recent budget's 'fair and lovely scheme', but taxes the life-long savings of the honest salaried class," the Congress Vice President said addressing an election rally.

Gandhi said that he would continue to fight for the salaried class and put pressure on the government which "works for a selected group of industrialists and those with black money."

"I had said in the media and also to the Prime Minister not to tax the salaried class on their honest savings and do something about it. But in his one-hour speech in Parliament on Thursday, there was not a single mention about this," he said.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the 2016-17 Budget has proposed that 60 per cent of withdrawal from contribution to EPF made after April 1 this year will be subject to tax.

The proposal has drawn flak from parties, unions and other quarters.

Attacking the Prime Minister, Gandhi accused him of playing fraud on the people by failing to fulfill his poll promises and said those who voted for him are now seeking "refund".

"I'll continue to pressurise this government as it is not the government of the honest working class...it is not the government of poor farmers, backward classes, youths, women, dalit, adivasis and minorities," he said.

The Congress Vice President, on a two-day visit to the state from yesterday, earlier undertook a six-km padayatra from Shahid Bhawan in Nagaon to Borghat.

Gandhi said that in Parliament he had asked Modi four questions on his promises of bringing back black money and depositing Rs 15 lakh in everybody's bank account, the recent budget proposal of "turning black money to white", Rohith Vemula's suicide, Kanhaiya Kumar and JNU and finally about the number of youths employed as a result of his 'Make in India' scheme.

"Have I asked anything wrong? Did I say anything personal Modiji, in his hour-long speech, instead of giving a reply to these questions, quoted former prime ministers

Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi and launched a personal attack on me," Gandhi said at the election meeting.

"The Prime Minister's post is very dignified and he should not have made personal attacks, but I did not mind. He does not give answers, but only makes promises which are hollow," he said.

On the JNU row, the Congress Vice-president said BJP cannot be allowed to play with the future of 8000 students of JNU and his party is with them.

The government slapped sedition charges on JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar and put him in jail. "But I listened to his 20-minute speech and there is not a single word against the country," he said.

Gandhi, quoting a story of a friend who had ordered a computer from an online shopping website but received a parcel with a log of wood inside, alleged that the country was also faced with a similar situation.

"People were lured by Modi's false and hollow promises and just like my friend who is now engaged in getting the amount refunded, the people of the country are also asking for a refund," he said,.

Referring to Assam, where two-phase polls will be held on April 4 and 11, he praised Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and the people of the state for bringing back peace and development in the state during the last 15 years.

"BJP under Modi believes in creating terror. In Haryana, there was peace for the last 10 years but they came to power and the state was set on fire. Wherever they go, they create

tension and make people fight," Gandhi alleged.

He said the UPA government had given Rs 5,000 crore to Assam under the special category status, but the BJP government "snatched it away along with the North East Industrial Policy".
Bengaluru: The family of a 24-year-old engineering student from the city, who has been declared brain dead in Brooklyn, New York, has given its consent for donating all his transplantable organs, except his infected lungs, which turned out to be the cause of his death.

Although the family is going through a difficult time and has not yet been able to see their son, Rajeev Naidu's body, it has done the country proud by its noble gesture of donating his organs to those in need of them in the United States. Rajeev Naidu, lovingly called Karthik by his family, was doing his Masters in Industrial Engineering at the New York University. He fell ill in the last week of February after a snowstorm in New York and was undergoing treatment at the Brooklyn Hospital Centre in Dekalb Avenue , where he had an MR imaging scan on February 27.

Doctors found that his lungs were infected. Rajeev was vomiting profusely and the vomit had gone into his windpipe and his lungs, choking him. He did not breathe for a while and the oxygen supply to his brain was disrupted, causing brain death, said Rajeevs cousin, adding that there could have been some delay in taking him to the hospital where cardio-pulmonary resuscitations (CPRs) were attempted several times before he was declared brain dead.

The entire family spoke to Rajeev on FaceTime on February 20, said the cousin, revealing that he called his mother the next morning on February 21, when he turned 24. His family was informed about his condition on Thursday and his brother-in-law, Jayanth has left for New York to bring Rajeevs body back to Bengaluru after donating his organs.

Rajeev had left for the United States on August 20, last year. He had just finished his first semester and planned to come to Bengaluru during the summer holidays, the cousin added. He did his Pre-University at the Christ Junior PU Residential College and did his engineering at PES Institute of Technology, before leaving for the USA.

NY varsity was supportive

The New York University authorities were very supportive and coordinated with Rajeev's treatment, said his family members. Rajeev's body is in the morgue of Brooklyn Hospital Centre awaiting organs donors.
New Delhi: The Purvanchali Sena on Saturday announced it would pay a reward of Rs 11 lakh to anyone who shoots Jawaharlal Nehru Students Union president Kanhayia Kumar.

The outfit has also put up posters on this in and around the national capital.

On Friday, a BJP youth wing leader, Kuldeep Varshney, announced prize money of Rs 5 lakh for anyone who cuts off Kanhaiyas tongue. The BJP expelled the leader for six years for making such a remark.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police registered a case in connection with the posters. One person was caught while he was sticking the posters on behalf of Purvanchal Sena on the wall of Delhi Press Club.
Hope wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged  Shatrughan Sinha, BJP leader

Patna: BJP senior leader and MP Shatrughan Sinha on Saturday came out in support of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar.

Through a tweet message which embarrassed his party leaders he expressed his happiness over the bail granted by honorable court and pleased that he has been released from Prison.

Adding he said, Hope wish and pray that he will prove himself worthy of the support that he received from everyone who felt that he was wronged.

Sources close to him said Mr Sinha also found Kanhaiya Kumars recent speech impressive and said that Bihar was his strength and weakness.

Kanhaiya Kumar a native of Begusarai in Bihar was released from Tihar Jail after being granted interim bail from Delhi High Court on March 3.

This is not the first time where he took a separate line from his own party earlier when Kanhaiya was sent to jail on sedition charges he had criticized the action against him and had even termed him as Bihar Boy had said that he found nothing offensive.

Dont hail Afzal, says Yogi Adityanath to Kanhaiya

Condemning the February 9 event that took place in the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Yogi Adityanath on Saturday advised the JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar to refrain from using the freedom of speech and expression to hail terrorists like Afzal Guru, who attacked the Parliament in 2001.

Whatever is happening inside the JNU is condemnable. What is more condemnable is the fact that the teachers of the university are also involved in these activities. It is very shameful, Adityanath said.
A CCTV grab of the scene shows the car and the woman walking near it.

Hyderabad: We have speeded up the investigation. If they turn up by the given time, we will proceed according to the law, said West Zone DCP A. Venkateshwar Rao.

Based on a petition from an NGO, the State Minorities Commission directed the police to file a report.

Susheel denied the charges and posted on his Facebook page that he had stopped his car to pick up a puppy that had come in the way as I am fond of pets.

He claimed that the woman saw him and started shouting after which a crowd gathered and beat them up, and alleged that it was a case of political vendetta.

This contradicted his drivers complaint to the police on Thursday saying that around 12 persons had attacked Susheel while he was relieving himself.

Minister Kishore Babu said the police investigation would clear things, and that he would not intervene. I will not accept such behaviour, whoever may be the person, he said.
New Delhi: A senior faculty member of a premier media institute resigned on Friday alleging that he was "targeted" by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for supporting the protests over Dalit student Rohith Vemula's suicide.

Amit Sengupta, an Associate Professor in the department of English Journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), quit after an order was issued transferring him to the premier media school's campus in Odisha's Dhenkanal district, which he slammed as a "political decision".

"I have been targeted because I supported the solidarity protest for Rohith Vemula in the campus, organised independently by students of IIMC in which other faculty members too participated... I have been targeted also because I supported the JNU and FTII students," Mr Sengupta wrote in his resignation letter.

Refuting allegations of politically targeting the IIMC faculty, a senior Information and Broadcasting Ministry official claimed that certain acts of Mr Sengupta suggesting "indiscipline" had come to the notice of the authorities including his attempts to "politicise" the campus through posts on social media.

However, the official also added that Mr Sengupta's services had only been "temporarily" placed in Dhenkanal in view of shortage of faculty on that campus.

Significantly, the decision to transfer Mr Sengupta came within days of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry proposing a set of institutional mechanism including a code of conduct for teachers and employees that among other things included a "ban" on political activity by the faculty on the campus. The ministry-run IIMC has been in the news in the recent past over students alleging "casteism" against their peers belonging to the Scheduled Cast and Scheduled Tribe community.

The institute conducted a probe and ordered the expulsion of a student from its hostel here for three weeks for posting "offensive and insulting" remarks on social media against students belonging to dalit community.

Another student, a Dalit and a complainant in the case, has also been expelled from the IIMC hostel for a week for allegedly using "indecent and vulgar language" against a faculty member on a Whatsapp group.
Mumbai: Education minister Vinod Tawdes tour to drought-affected Osmanabad turned dramatic when his personal assistant beat protestors of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS), an ally of BJP. Angered with this incident, SSS leader Sadabhau Khot demanded the resignation of Mr Tawde and threatened to lodge a complaint with BJP president Amit Shah. Meanwhile, when ministers were on tour, two farmers committed suicide, one in Latur and Beed district each. Another, a woman farmer also attempted suicide in the Beed district.

According to the plan, women and child welfare minister Pankaja Munde was touring the Beed district, while other ministers, including chief minister Devendra Fadnavis were in the Latur district. Sanjay Jadhav from Ujani in Latur and Raghunath Jagtap in Beed committed suicide. Minister for environment Ramdas Kadam met Jadhavs family. Archana Gawale also tried to commit suicide in the Beed district, but was saved by the villagers.

In a late update, Mr Khot, Mr Tawde and Raju Shetty had a discussion on the incident and decided to solve issue by discussion internally. They all decided to concentrate on issues in farmers interest. All ministers of the state are on tour of the three districts of the Marathwada region.

Mr Fadnavis has delegated responsibility of the 29 talukas to Cabinet ministers and ministers of state from Osmanabad, Beed and Latur districts. The ministers are expected file a ground report after the visits. Mr Tawde was touring Yedshi village in Osmanabad.

Protestors waved black flags in front of Mr Tawde and alleged that farmers were in distress as government schemes were not reaching those in need. During the protest, according to Mr Tawdes staff, a glass bottle was thrown towards the minister, which hit the wall and broke into pieces. Santosh Surve, PA to Mr Tawde caught one the protesters and hit him.

Television grabs showed Mr Surve being at the forefront of a scuffle between two groups, which eventually led to the PA resorting to blows in the presence of police officials and Mr Tawde.

One of the protestors, who was hit by PA Surve said, There has been the highest number of suicides in the district and farmers have received no help. Out of the Rs 1 lakh relief announced by the government, 70 per cent is deposited as fixed deposits and a farmer gets only 30 per cent.

While we only went there to convey our grievances to the minister, people from his entourage, along with his PA, started mercilessly hitting us. He had even picked up a stone to hit us, but we somehow saved. Eventually, Mr Tawde asked his PA to leave the tour, he added.

Reacting to the incident, Mr Tawde said, We had gone to a school to interact with children. Once we came out, one of the protesters threw a glass bottle at me, which eventually hit the school wall. Santosh Surve had only come forward to stop the protesters who made it seem like he hit them, which was not the case.

Meanwhile, angered with this episode, Sadabhau Khot, leader of SSS said that power had got into their (BJP) head. He said, We will not take this lying down. I will approach the Prime Minister and BJP chief Amit Shah and demand an immediate resignation from Mr Tawde. The BJP should not tolerate hooliganism, he added.

He further said, I have seen the whole episode. Farmers are not getting the right price for their milk and there is acute water shortage that has led to discomfort among farmers. These farmers had only gone to express their dissatisfaction to Mr Tawde carrying milk packets. One of the milk packets opened and some of it got spilled on the ministers entourage. Their reaction following this was not right, Mr Khot said.

Meanwhile, Opposition Congress claimed that ministers has begun their day-long tour of 29 talukas of drought affected district amid of the upcoming Budget Session. Pointing out that there were 244 farmland suicides in January alone, leader of Opposition in state Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil demanded a complete loan waiver and other relief measures for the farmers, in his public meetings.
Nellore district Congress president Panabaka Krishnaiah addresses a press conference in Nellore on Friday. Congress leaders P.V. Seshareddy (right) and Ch. Devakumar Reddy (left) are also seen. (Photo: DC)

Nellore: District Congress Committee president Panabaka Krishnaiah said the Railway Budget and Union Budget had disappointed the people of Andhra Pradesh in general and Nellore district in particular.

"It is sad that no new trains, no new halts, no new railway projects were announced. It is unfortunate that no new railway zone was announced," he said.

He said the Rs 5 crore announced for the Gudur-Dugarajapatnam railway line, Rs 100 crore for the Krishnapatnam Port-Obulavaripalli line and Rs 180 crore for the Nadikudi-Srikalahasti line were insufficient.

Krishnaiah said that AP was ignored in the general Budget and pointed to the absence of any mention on special status for Andhra Pradesh, financial packages for the north coastal districts and Rayalaseema.

He said that the party was making elaborate arrangements to mobilise activists to take part in a 'Chalo Delhi' programme and submit one crore signatures in favour of special status to AP.

According to Mr Krishnaiah, 300 people will be leaving for Delhi by AP Express from Vijayawada on March 12 under the leadership of APCC chief N. Raghuveera Reddy.

A poster designed for this purpose was released by Mr Krishnaiah in presence of Congress leaders, workers and well wishers. Senior Congress leaders C.V. Sesha Reddy, Chevuru Devakumar Reddy, Seelam Tirupaiah, Arunamma, Raghuram and Bhavani Nagendra Prasad were present.
Khammam: The election expenditure of various political parties in the Khammam Municipal Corporations has touched an estimated Rs 100 crore. TRS candidates are said to be spending Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh in each division, while other parties are spending Rs 20 lakh.

A section of voters that is habituated to getting money during elections believes that it is their right. Some voters staged a protest in front of a house belonging to a political leader as he did not distribute money to them.

Local voter N. Manemma alleged that the leader distributed money to the people of other neighbourhoods, but not to them. Under pressure, political parties have started fearing that the practice of giving money to voters would become a milestone around their neck.

Sattupalli MLA Sandra Venkata Veeraiah said, Voters expect money from candidates after the candidates distributed Rs 2,000 to each voter in various wards. He said that the situation has forced the other parties to follow suit.

TD, Congress and YSRC candidates are putting a lot of pressure on party leaders for cash to beat the cut-throat competition. A Congress candidate, who withdrew from the fray, demanded Rs 40 lakh from the MLA to stay in the contest.

Likewise, a YSRC candidate put pressure on party chief P. Srinivasa Reddy to give Rs 38 lakh to distribute Rs 4,000 each voter.
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, on Saturday again spoke about decisive confidence-building-measures (CBMs) to be taken by the political leadership in Delhi to ensure an environment of peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. An effective development and good governance in the State was possible only if such an ambience is created, she asserted.

Mufti who was speaking at a rally of PDP workers at Vijaypur on the outskirts of winter capital Jammu said, Peace and stability are possible only when we revive, with firm resolve and with tangible CBMs, the process of reconciliation and engagement in and around Jammu and Kashmir. She added, New Delhi shall have to reach out to J&K to end gloomy scenario of despair, alienation.

She also made a pitch for resumption of dialogue between the Centre and Kashmiri separatists and New Delhi and Islamabad to address the internal and external dimensions of the Kashmir issue.

This comes a day after the PDP chief had, after two-month suspense, dropped hints of going ahead with BJP in government formation, saying she was "not afraid" of criticism over it but wanted the Centre to send out a "signal" that it will do "everything" for the welfare of people of Jammu and Kashmir. "For us, the decision taken by my father, if that aim and that aspiration is fulfilled then I am not afraid if people blame me for going with BJP whether they feel good or bad. If people are benefitted then there is no issue," she had said while launching party's membership drive in Jammu.

At Saturdays rally, Mufti said J&K has huge stakes in peace and stability in the region, as people in its principal region-Kashmir Valley and Jammu- have to suffer enormous human and economic losses because of the hostility. While people living along the borders in Jammu region suffer and live under the constant threat of cross-border shelling, the people in Kashmir Valley are suffering because of the continued internal strife and recurrent violence, she said and added that peace along the borders in Jammu region and within the mainland in the Valley is key to development and progress as had happened between 2002 and 2005 (when PDP was ruling the State at the head of a coalition government with Congress).

There was not only peace along the borders from Kathua to Kargil, during that golden era, but the situation in Kashmir Valley had also started turning for good after witnessing a long gloomy era of death and destruction, she said. She added, Unfortunately due to the reversal of the peace and reconciliation process after 2008, uncertainty has again returned to haunt the people of the State.

She also said, We shall have to ponder over the emerging situation in the State and go deep into the reasons for mounting alienation especially among the educated youth. She was of the strong view that concrete measures ought to be taken to address the causes of alienation and cynicism and, at the same time, revive the process of intra-state and inter-state reconciliation, which, she said, was the dream of her father and former Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. Mufti Sahib wanted to take the peace and resolution process started between 2002 and 2005 to its logical conclusion, she said.

Mufti said the Kashmir issue should not be seen through the security prism alone and the country needs to invest in J&Ks peace and own and acknowledge the pain and sufferings of its people. The ordinary people of India need to participate in hand holding with Kashmiris to give them a sense of belonging, she said adding that when we talk of Jammu and Kashmir being an integral part of India, we need to go beyond the ownership of land. She cautioned, People of Jammu and Kashmir should not be given to feel that their dignity is being undermined.

The PDP chief said addressing the genuine political, economic and security concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is an issue which goes beyond power politics and requires a decisive political will at various levels. We shall have to take decisive CBMs to end the gloomy scenario of despair and alienation the State has been once again pushed into, she said and added that the most daring challenge for PDP is to be with the people and show solidarity with them. She also said that her party is committed to its resolve of working for peace, stability and development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Election Commissioner, Nasim Zaidi along with Election Commissioners O P Rawat (R) and A K Joti announces the schedule for assembly polls in five states. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Friday said it will take an "appropriate view" to ensure voters are not influenced if any reference comes to it on Tamil Nadu government's decision to remit the life sentence of killers of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

"As and when the reference comes, the Commission will take an appropriate view just to ensure that our voters are not influenced," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said at a press conference here.

He was responding to a question after announcing Assembly election schedule for Tamil Nadu along with West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

With the announcement, the model code of conduct has come into force under which state governments or the Centre are barred from taking decisions without consulting EC which can affect the level playing field of political parties.

Asked 'whether' the Ministry of Home Affairs would be approaching the poll panel on the issue as the Tamil Nadu government has sought the Centre's view on the issue, Zaidi said the Commission will "not speculate" at this point of time.

The Centre had yesterday said it will abide by Supreme Court verdict on the issue of freeing convicts, a day after Tamil Nadu government decided to remit the life sentence of all the seven killers of Rajiv Gandhi.

The Supreme Court had on December 2, 2015 held that the Centre and not State government will have the "primacy" and that states cannot exercise "suo motu" the power to decide whether persons convicted in matters of the CBI or central agency should be released or not on remission, dealing a blow to efforts by the state government to release all the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

Congress opposed the decision of the AIADMK government to remit the sentence of the convicts, calling it "very unfortunate". The state government had also sought the Centre's views on its move.

The convicts are V Sriharan alias Murugan, T Suthendraraja alias Santhan, A G Perarivalan alias Arivu, Jayakumar, Robert Payas, Ravichandran and Nalini.
Hyderabad: Union water resources minister Uma Bharathi has in principle agreed to provide financial assistance to five irrigation projects taken up by the TS government under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) and newly-launched PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

This was confirmed by TS irrigation minister T. Harish Rao who met Ms Bharathi in Delhi. He also attended the first meeting of the National Water Resources Coordination Committee constituted for the purpose of preparing a roadmap to complete pending irrigation projects identified across the country.

Mr Harish Rao said that the Indiramma Flood Flow Canal (under Sriramsagar Project), Rajiv Bheema, Jagnathpur, Komaram Bheem and Palem Vagu projects would be included under AIBP and PMKSY this year and taken up on priority basis with Central assistance.

Proposals for the execution of the five projects would be forwarded to the Centre by March 11. He said he requested Ms Bharati to increase funding under AIBP from the present 25 per cent to 60 per cent of the total cost of each project.

The Centre also agreed to release the pending Rs 112 crore to Devadula project in a weeks time. Ms Bharathi told reporters that she would soon tour TS and visit a few important irrigation projects and also the Mission Kakatiya sites for a first-hand view.

She said the Centre will not discriminate between states on allocation of funds or on clearing pending issues.

Mr Harish Rao said that the Devadula project would be completed by 2017- 18.

Allocations for the projects taken up in extremist-affected areas in Maharashtra, TS and Chhattisgarh were also discussed.

The demand to increase the limit on loans taken from NABARD for construction of the irrigation projects, and the share of the Centre and the state in the payment of loans were also discussed. The Centre would take a decision on this soon.
As I write this, my Google App which highlights search trends of the day says 100,000 plus people searched for Kanhaiya Kumar. He is second only to Jai Gangaajal, Prakash Jhas film, which is this weeks Bollywood release. Not bad for a 28-year-old pursuing a Ph.D. in African Studies at JNU. It proves once again that if you want instant fame, there is no better PR agency in the country than the ministry of human resources development.

Thanks to Smriti Irani and her dedicated team, we now know quite a bit about a Kumar called Kanhaiya. First of all, we know what he looks like  young (which he is), seemingly callow (which he is not), sincere and earnest (which he seems to be, but there are now going to be many opportunities for him to prove or disprove this). We also know what he sounds like  again, sincere and earnest, extremely articulate, with a firm leftist line of thought. We knew  at least when the story broke  that he was elected president of the JNU students union in 2015. Some of us might even have found out that he is one of the leaders of the All-India Students Federation (AISF), which is the student wing of the Communist Party of India.

His leftist leanings obviously come from his roots: He was born in a village in the Begusarai district in Bihar. His family, as TV pictures have shown us, is poor  a paralysed father who has been bed-ridden for years and a mother who works in an anganwadi for Rs 3,000 per month. He has a brother who is an army jawan. The district is a Communist Party of India stronghold and Mr Kumars family, like most families around, are CPI followers. After graduating from Patna, he joined JNU.

His hour-long speech to fellow JNU students after his release from Tihar Jail was as brilliant an oration as you are likely to hear  it was fearless, it had idealism and passion, it had wonderful lines (We are not asking for freedom from India. We are asking for freedom in India), it took digs without getting into abuse (Who is deshdrohi and who is deshbhakt the courts will decide. Smriti Irani wont decide  she is not our mother) and it was, above all, without bitterness  after all the young man had spent 21 days in jail on trumped up charges.

A little aside here: Mr Kumars trust in our judicial system is touching when you consider that the judge who released him on bail gave him a gratuitous lecture on patriotism, brought in maudlin references to the sacrifices and courage of our Army and warned him against making anti-national statements, thus proving that even the Delhi high court is now infected with the anti-national-bug. so that judges have begun to rely on rhetoric rather than applying precedents and well-established laws to the case under review. The judges order even begins with lines from a patriotic song from the film Upkar:

Rang hara Hari Singh Nalve se,

Rang laal hai Lal Bahadur se,

Rang bana basanti Bhagat Singh,

Rang aman ka veer Jawahar se,

Mere desh ki dharti sona ugle

Ugle heere moti mere desh ki dharti...

Not just that, but Justice Pratibha Rani appears to have accepted the polices view that the videos showing students shouting anti-national slogans were not doctored! Given this background, it is a foregone conclusion that Mr Kumar will forsake his African studies and become a politician. It is rumoured that the CPI already wants to rope him into campaigning in the Bengal elections. Pity that he is the right man in the wrong party. We should expect his comrades-in-arms (non-violent arms I must stress), Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya will also join politics sooner than later. If they do, they will be creations of the HRD ministry.

What ails this ministry? The answer is clear  its Ms Irani. Her fiery speech in the Lok Sabha which transported the Twitter troll community to seventh heaven (and even won over a rational mind like Rajdeep Sardesai), shows precisely where the problem lies. She is a powerful orator all right, but so is every demagogue  what separates a statesman from a demagogue is content, and while Ms Iranis oratory is rousing, it is always confrontational. In this she has learnt well from her master, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. My response to all this fire and brimstone is just this: Are we at war? Do the Prime Minister and his acolyte always have to take adversarial positions? And if they continue to do so, how will parliamentary democracy function given an already obdurate Opposition?

At some stage  and let us hope in the interests of the nation that it is very soon  Mr Modi must realise that Ms Irani is completely out of her depth in the HRD ministry. Its possible she was brought in at the behest of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh to saffronise education (as was senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi in an earlier government). But the ministrys choice of people to head institutions have been truly disastrous.

Examples: Sudershan Rao as chairman, Indian Council for Historical Research, an appointment condemned by every well-known historian and the President of Indias rejection of the HRD ministrys many moves like the sacking of the vice-chancellor of Visva Bharati University, the appointment of a V-C of JNU or, just a couple of days ago, the rejection of names suggested for a vacancy in the executive council of Aligarh Muslim University (the HRD ministry suggested two names  TV anchor Rajat Sharma, whose political affiliation is well-known and Vinay Bhatkar, president of Vijnana Bharati, an RSS-affiliated body propagating Swadeshi Science).

The ministry has also rejected AMUs request for funds to set up centres in Kerala, Bihar and Bengal. Worse, the ministry has proposed scrapping of all Ph.D. fellowships. Given all this, you begin to wonder if the term human resources development excludes education. In a sense it obviously does, because education teaches you to listen, imbibe and learn, and only then take considered action.
Union finance minister Arun Jaitleys Budget has no ray of hope for the farmers, though the media has created hype that the Budget is pro-farmer. He has said that the government aims at doubling the income of farmers by 2022, merely repeating what PM Narendra Modi told farmers in Chhattisgarh. Let me remind the readers that in his election campaign Mr Modi had repeatedly said that if he is made PM he will see to it that the farmers get minimum support price for their produce with 50 per cent profit margin on the investment. Now he doesnt speak about that promise anymore and his partymen say that it is impossible to do that, as the prices in international market are low. Mr Jaitley is mysteriously silent about how he will double the farmers income by 2022. If he is sincere, then every year from now the MSP of agriculture produce has to increase by 15-20 per cent.

If MSP is increased what steps will the government take to protect farmers from the low global prices so that the increased MSP will be maintained in the local markets? If in the free market economy that doesnt become possible will the government give direct subsidy then? This government has shown its true colours by already reducing farm subsidies that were given by the Manmohan Singh government. For example, subsidy on urea (chemical fertilisers) has come down substantially as international crude prices plunged and naphta prices crashed. The Indian farmers didnt get any benefit of that. So where did the subsidy saved go? It should have been spent in the farm sector, or allocated for the dry land farmer! But that didnt happen and therefore another reason why this so-called pro-farmer Budget is misleading.

The soil health report card scheme and the PMs crop insurance scheme has been declared and funds have been allocated also for irrigation. Thats fine. But not a single thought has been given to the dryland farmer who makes up nearly 75 per cent of farming households.

Even the crop insurance scheme, If it has to help farmers, really, then the unit of execution should be at village level and not block as at present where measurement of losses are based on the average of 100 villages which does not help farmers. The governments agricultural insurance company is prepared to do this but state governments have to ask for it. And they are lax. Mr Jaitley has said that the 7th Pay Commission will be implemented where the minimum salary will be Rs 18,000 per month or Rs 600 per day. They why not raise the wages of agricultural labour under the MGNREGS by at least Rs 400 or Rs 600 a day and simultaneously ask the Agricultural Cost and Prices Commission to recalculate the cost of production of the farmer? One expects the Modi government to do what the Manmohan government didnt do, if there is to be inclusive growth and less disparity between urban and rural India.
Did Mr Arun Jaitley really tax the super rich and high-net individuals as suggested strongly in chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanians scintillating Economic Survey? He said that the government subsidises the rich to the tune of Rs 1.03 lakh crore on just six items. It is certainly not the case of robbing Robin Hood style, from the rich to help the poor. Its not even petty theft! I am sure even the super rich do not think so. Hasmukh Adhia, secretary, department of revenue, has estimated that they would get around Rs 4,000-5,000 crore from the surcharge and the dividend tax on dividend earned above Rs 10 lakh. This is peanuts when you consider this amount against the number of ultra-rich and dollar millionaires in the country. According to the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report, there are 2,080 ultra high-net worth individuals in India with wealth of over $50 million (over Rs 335.9 crore), and the number of dollar millionaires are 2,50,00 of the top 1 per cent of global wealth holders.

Credit Suisse said: We estimate that 2,080 adults have wealth over $50 million (Rs 335.9 crore) and 940 people own more than $100 million (Rs 671.8 crore). Which means the combined wealth of these 2,080 individuals runs into hundreds and thousands of crores of rupees. Further, the report observes that while wealth has been rising strongly in India and the ranks of the middle class and wealthy have been swelling, not everyone has shared this growth and there is still a great deal of poverty. To support this point, it reveals that 95 per cent of the adult population has wealth below $10,000. At the other end of the scale, a very small proportion of the population (just 0.3 per cent) has a net worth over $100,000, it said.

And what does Mr Jaitley do? He taps this rich boys club for a measly $595.41 million-$744.26 million not even to the total wealth of two HNIs. And the media hype is that he has robbed the rich to finance his schemes for rural India which is in deep distress and agriculture. The new cesses, Krishi Kalyan and Infrastructure, and the existing Swachchh Bharat cess will give the government around Rs 8,000 crore.

His soft corner for the richie rich is in contrast to his tapping into the hard-earned provident fund earnings of the salaried class that earns above Rs 15,000 a month. He will tax 60 per cent of this at the time of withdrawal.

There is a lot of discontent among these dollar billionaires an millionaires over the tax on dividends received above Rs 10 lakhs. From reports, most companies are rushing to declare hefty dividends before the April 1, deadline when this tax comes into force. So the rich know how to get round such irritants. Amongst the high dividend receivers who are affected are Azim Premji of Wipro who gets a dividend of Rs 1,644 crore, Mukesh Ambani family (Rs 1,100 crore), Kalanithi Maran (Rs 332 crore) and others like Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and their families etc.

Mr Jaitley also taxed the lifestyles of the rich and middle class, from clothes to shoes and eating out. The service tax too has been increased by one per cent. Not all the money from the various cesses amounting to Rs 1,65,670 crore is going to the poor because most of it will be used to keep the fiscal deficit in check.
More income for farmers means more domestic demand, which would push industrial growth. This is the paradigm shift the country needs. Give farmers the right income, they will do the rest.

Two days after finance minister Arun Jaitley, while presenting Budget 2016, promised to double farmers income in the next five years, three farmers in Punjab  the food bowl of the country  committed suicide. The moment I read this news report the very first thought that came to my mind was: Oh God! Couldnt they have waited for another five years?

Read: Cess will tax aam aadmi, push up inflation

For several decades now, Indian agriculture has been in the throes of a terrible crisis. With every passing year, the agrarian crisis has been worsening. In Punjab, as per official estimates, 449 farmers had taken their own lives in 2015. In Marathwada, the spiral death dance on the farm continues unabated. With 124 suicides already recorded between January and February 15 this year, there appears to be no respite from the continuing tragedy on the farm. The grim scenario is no different elsewhere in the country.

The year that passed by  2015  was perhaps the worst as far as I can remember. The rate of farm suicides per day, which was hovering around 42 in the past five years, has now jumped to 52. Knowing the existing grim realities I was therefore hoping for a paradigm shift in economic thinking that brings a smile on the face of 600 million farmers, including their families. I waited with abated breath.

Read: Rich laugh all the way to the bank

Last year too, while presenting the 2015-16 Budget, Arun Jaitley had listed Raising Farm Incomes as his topmost challenge. And yet, farm incomes did not figure anywhere in his Budget speech. In fact, the total outlay on agriculture was later reduced to Rs 15,809 crore in the revised estimates. In reality, the Budget provisions for the year that just passed by were even less than the Rs 18,000 crore that the country spent on importing pulses. No wonder, agriculture continues to be in dire straits.

Over the years, agriculture had been systematically starved of funds. The total public sector investments in agriculture for the 12th Plan period are a modest Rs 1.5-lakh crores. In the 11th Plan, the total outlay for agriculture was around Rs 1-lakh crore. This is peanuts considering that agriculture is the biggest employer, with nearly 52 per cent population engaged in farming or related activities. Compare this with the investments made for Delhi airport alone. CAG had pointed to a Rs 1.63-lakh crore scam in Delhi airport deal. This is more than the total outlay for agriculture in the entire 12th Plan period.

Read: Another carrot for farmers

So this year, when the finance minister said: We need to think beyond food security and give farmers a sense of income security, I was certainly elated. But when he announced his intention of doubling farmers income in the next five years, I was greatly disappointed. I am sure if Arun Jaitley had carefully gone through the Economic Survey that was presented two days before the Budget, he would have known how severe the economic crisis in agriculture was. The average income of farmers from agricultural operations in 17 states was Rs 20,000 a year. In other words, with a paltry Rs 1,666 as monthly income in these 17 states, what should the farmers be doing? Wait for another five years?

Perhaps going by the Economic Survey recommendations, which makes a very good diagnosis of the existing farm crisis, but comes out with a faulty prognosis terming the central challenge of Indian agriculture as low productivity, Arun Jaitley too emphasised on raising farm productivity to enhance incomes. This is a faulty prescription. Take the case of Punjab. Farmers produce 4,500 kg/hectare of wheat and 6,000 kg/hectare of paddy in a region which has 99 per cent assured irrigation. And yet, five farmers are committing suicide every two days. Lets be therefore clear. It is not productivity or irrigation but it is the denial of a legitimate income that is killing farmers.

Nevertheless, a careful perusal of the Budget proposals for agriculture shows that there is nominal increase in the allocations. The total Budget provision of Rs 35,983 crore looks a quantum jump but when you look carefully you realise that its all a game of statistical jugglery. An amount of Rs 15,000 crore of interest subvention on the farm credit, which is part of the financial ministry allocations, has been shifted to agriculture thereby giving the impression as if a lot of public sector investment is being made in farming. Even the investment for irrigation under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojna has in reality come down.

Expanding irrigation is certainly a welcome move, but it needs more than a cosmetic infusion. According to the Economic Survey, only 33.9 per cent of the total cropped area is irrigated. Instead of investing on river-linking, which is likely to be a wasteful expenditure considering the receding glaciers and multitude of hydroelectric dams is reducing the water flow, the emphasis should be on reviving ponds, wells and investing in watersheds. I see MNREGA being utilised for this purpose, which is a positive step. But more needs to be done. Similarly, there are some right kinds of initiatives like bringing 5 lakh acres under organic farming etc. but these have hardly any possibility of doubling farm incomes.

Doubling incomes is certainly possible, and the farmers do not have to necessarily wait for five years, provided there is an economic rethinking. An increase in farm incomes will have a multiple impact on the countrys economic growth. More income in the hand of farmers means more domestic demand will be created. Increase in demand would push the wheels of industrial growth which have been stagnating for quite some time. This is the paradigm shift that the country needs for boosting economic growth. Agriculture alone has the potential to reboot the Indian economy. Give farmers the right income and they will do the rest.

Farmers have been systematically kept impoverished all these years. Let me illustrate. In 1970, the minimum support price for wheat was Rs 76 per quintal. In 2015, wheat MSP was fixed at Rs 1,450 per quintal, an increase by 19 times. In the same period, the basic salary (plus DA) of the government employees was raised by 120 to 150 times; of college/university lecturers by 150 to 170 times; of school teachers by 280 to 320 times; and of corporate employees by 300 to 1,000 times. If the farmers income (measured through MSP he gets) was also raised in the same proportion in the past 45 years, rural India would been a vibrant and progressive economy. In other words, farming has deliberately been rendered uneconomical.

A new dawn for rural India needs bold policy decisions. I have two suggestions:

1) Provide farmers with Rs 3-lakh crore economic bailout package. And dont be startled. If India Inc. can be given Rs 3-lakh crore economic packages when faced with an economic meltdown in 2008-09, agriculture too needs a similar bailout package after two consecutive back to back droughts. Lets not forget, in Punjab alone, rural indebtedness has grown 20 times in past 10 years. They cant wait for five years. They need a bailout package now.

2) Since only 6 per cent farmers get the benefit of MSP and 94 per cent are dependent on markets, which are largely exploitative, it is time to move from price support to income support for farmers. The need, therefore, is to provide a guaranteed income support to farmers, which is possible by setting up a National Farmers Income Commission. If the salaries of government employees can double every five years, I see no reason why a similar income structure cant be established for farmers.
Struggle for azaadi in India

Bipin Sebastian

On Thursday midnight, amid calls for azaadi reverberating on the campus, JNU had its tryst with Kanhaiya Kumar, the unlikely rustic youth from Bihar who has become the pivot of the Opposition to what PM Narendra Modi represents. Never before, probably since the days of Independence, has the term azaadi caught the imagination and attention of so many in the country.

Mr Kumar and his friends have just told the nation that azaadi need not always mean independence from the Indian nation state, as the bhakts would want others to believe. It also means freedom from injustice and discrimination meted out by the state, especially towards the marginalised sections of society, be it a Dalit, a woman, or someone belonging to the LGBTQ community.

Mr Modi and his bhakts have been caught on the wrong foot in unc-harted territory, ever since his government started muzzling the voice of students. From FTII in Pune to UoH to JNU, his government has failed to deal with opposition in acceptable ways.

Several student pro-tests have rocked autho-ritarian governments in many parts of the world. The first prominent challenge that the communist state of China faced was from students at the Tiananmen Square, which unfortunately led to mass massacre by the military.

Mr Modi came to power riding piggyback, in part, on a social media wave created by the BJP. For now, Mr Kumar and his campus crowd seem to be turning the tables on Mr Modi.

Mr Kumar used the opportunity during his homecoming to rebut all the allegations made against him and sounded politically correct. From the doctored video used to frame him, to accusations of being anti-national, to calling the bluff in invoking the image of the selfless jawan to spread malice against student protesters, he tore into the arguments of the rival side. Mr Kumars speech contained the voice of those who do not exactly fall within the boundaries set by the narrow narrative of an ideal nationalist citizen, mou-lded in the image of a north Indian upper-caste Hindu male. Branding someone as anti-national is turning into a manifestation of caste discrimination in a neo-casteist society. The dominant sections of society used it to fervently defend the existing power structures that are very much in their favour. No wonder they easily used it to brand and dismiss Rohit Vemula and the Ambedkarite politics as being anti-national.

UoH and JNU are different issues. Still, than-ks to Mr Kumar and his friends, azaadi has come to embody the voice of the other within the Indian state. We dont want freedom from India, we want freedom in India, said the JNUSU president.

Speech shows azaadi exists

Dr Y.L. Srinivas

Dr B.R. Ambedkars Writings and Spee-ches in its Volume III, has an interesting piece titled Buddha or Karl Marx, in which he ends the presentation with the following words. (That) society has been aiming to lay a new foundation was summarised by the French Revolution in three words, Fraternity, Liberty and Equality. We welcome the Rus-sian Revolution because it aims to produce equality. Equality will be of no value without fraternity or liberty. It seems that the three can coexist only if one follows the way of the Buddha. Communism can give one but not all.

Kanhaiya Kumars call for azaadi within India after his release from bail thus reflects the yawning gap between rhetoric and reality based on Dr Ambedkars own observations. Furthermore, Mr Kumars call for uniting the blue of Dr Ambedkar and the red of Communism is riddled with this very problem  that Comm-unism as an ideology can only go so far. In fact, Dr Ambedkar felt that humanity wants not only the economic values but also the spiritual values to be retained. The ideology of communism paid no attention to spiritual values. The idea of a nation and especially of India is one of the largest and most enduring spiritual values and the celebration of the event at JNU on February 9 was nothing but an attempt to trample on this idea. Thus the call for azaadi from hunger, capitalism and Brahmanism, that Kan-haiya made after his return from jail, was a well-crafted attempt to obfuscate discussion from the core issue.

As a student union president, Mr Kumar should have shown zero tolerance to the raising of slogans against India and the attempt to make a hero out of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat. Instead, he chose to waffle on it. In interviews, he dodged questions on Afzal Guru and the anti-India slogans, and was elusive when questions were posed on Afzal Guru. The slogans are an affront to the Constitution that has given Mr Kumar and others the right to free speech. When overt attempts are being made to destabilise the Indian Union, it is the responsibility of every individual and the JNU fraternity to condemn it rather than condone it.

The issues which Mr Kumar is seeking freedom from are not specific to India. For a nation to fight socio-economic-cultural disparities, a prerequisite is that it has to survive as a nation. We will not be able to fight disparities by lending credence to the arguments being put forth by those indulging in a proxy war against India from within and without. Freedom within India exists and Mr Kumars speech is a standing testimony to that. The imperative before us is to free universities from fissiparous tendencies.
Bihars babus have not taken election strategist Prashant Kishors ascendance in the Nitish Kumar government very well. After crafting Mr Kumars victory in last years Assembly elections, Mr Kishor stayed on as an adviser at the behest of the chief minister to oversee implementation of the governments policies.

Babus are fiercely protective of their turf and the presence of an outsider like Mr Kishor, who is neither a babu nor an elected representative, but enjoys a wide free-wheeling mandate, has created resentment among the senior babus, many of whom now have to report to him. Recently a chief secretary-rank babu S.K. Rakesh sought voluntary retirement on health grounds, but sources say that the action had more to do with

Mr Kishors overbearing presence than the babus concern for his health. There are, of course, rumours that the chief minister will push Mr Kishor for a Rajya Sabha seat, election for which is slated for June, and probably many bureaucrats are hoping for just that. Whether that comes to pass or not, the babus and even netas have little option but to try to come to terms with the emergence of a parallel power centre in Bihar.

Controversial appointment

P.K. Mohanty is the new chief secretary of Kerala, but babu circles in the state are still abuzz with the Oommen Chandy governments decision to elevate his predecessor Jiji Thomson as the chief ministers adviser, with a Cabinet rank, barely a couple of days before Mr Thomson retired.

Mr Chandy, who will lead the United Democratic Front in the upcoming Assembly elections, is under a cloud due to several scams that have rocked the state in recent months. The decision to make Mr Thomson his adviser has not gone down well with a strident Opposition, which is now demanding that the appointment be cancelled.

Mr Chandy is not likely to oblige. Sources say that Mr Mohanty was appointed as the new chief secretary only because there was some opposition to giving Mr Thomson a three-month extension as sought by the chief minister. Having been stymied by his colleagues, Mr Chandy still stuck by Mr Thomson and got his colleagues approval to make him an adviser. Mr Thomson will reportedly coordinate all major developmental initiatives of the state government.

Decisive moment

The political dissension within the Bharatiya Janata Party in Gujarat is affecting the state bureaucracy as well. Since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister he has brought many of his favourite babus to the Centre, but not K. Kailashnathan, who was his additional chief secretary for a number of years, which surprised many.

When Mr Kaliashnathan retired in 2013, he was promptly given an extension and made chief principal secretary. Reportedly, Mr Modi asked the babu to stay on in Ahmedabad to work with his successor Anandiben Patel. For a while, sources say, the arrangement worked just fine. But now the chief minister is apparently increasingly wary of the Modi-Shah faction among the babus and has quietly started sidelining

Mr Kailashnathan, since he is allegedly close to her political rival and BJP president Amit Shah. With a decision on giving further extension to the babu coming up soon, observers are wondering whether the chief minister will toe the line or strike a daringly different note!
Earlier this week in Tamil Nadu, a domestic worker, who served at a judges home, was issued a memo asking why she had refused to wash his undergarments. Degrading as this situation was, the woman concerned simply apologised  humbly, at that  saying she would do as told. She had an ailing husband and couldnt afford to do much else.

There are countless women like her being made to do demeaning work because they have sick or alcoholic husbands, who need looking after and children to feed. Domestic violence and marital rape are things countless women everywhere must deal with on a daily basis and sadly, these women have no voice in our society, largely because poverty is a universal oppressor. The economist, Amartya Sen once famously declared that about 100 million women are missing globally. They are killed before they are born or soon after, sometimes out of sheer negligence. Child marriage, dowry, prostitution, trafficking, sexual harassment and rape happen all the time, but little is done about them.

Still, we cannot assume that gender discrimination takes place only among the poor; all of us as women deal with it every day in one way or another. I like to think of myself as a relatively enlightened person, so to speak, because I see people as beings, or souls, not as men or women. I believe that life is a journey to be experienced with all that it has to offer, whether good or challenging, because all of it has its part to play in helping me develop and become a better soul.

That said, however, the very fact that I am setting out to write this piece proves that there is inequality that needs to be dealt with, for we live in a society that is inherently gendered. That women need one day in the year to be celebrated indicates that we are simply not on par with our male counterparts. And I ask, why must it be a competition? Why cant we be valued for what we have to offer as women? Instead, society strives to put us in boxes  mother, sister, wife or female working professional  that make us easier to comprehend in a completely patriarchal setup.

I consider myself privileged in many ways  in terms of the family I was born into and the opportunities to which I have always had access. Still, when I think back to my early days as a 22-year-old fresh out of college, I remember life as being a nightmare, really. I joined a Fortune 500 company at that time and among the least of my concerns was that women were paid significantly less than men. We had to work twice as hard to prove ourselves and when we did, we were called aggressive. Female staff were propositioned by colleagues and clients alike and the men in positions of power took great pride in being socially deviant.

Back then, I would call my mother and cry, desperately wanting to quit all this. She said to me, Grow up, little girl, this is the real world. It doesnt matter if youre in politics, the corporate world or the media. The names and faces of the men will be different, but thats about it. Learn how to deal with it. So I did. Im happy to say that I emerged stronger for it and I feel like I can now work with anybody, in the environment of my choice.

Can we say, then, that women are more empowered now? At least the women reading this piece are, or should be, in a position to make better choices. Right? If thats the case though, why didnt I fight the system instead of learning to deal with it? What choices must we make? Why should we make choices at all? Cant we have it all and be superwomen? I think of my mother, who became a minister in the Congress government between 1999 and 2004. Her recipe for success included dreaming big and working towards it. She married the right man and had two children early, which allowed her to focus on her work. I think I have the best parents in the world, but still, as a child, I felt my mothers absence. If you were to ask her, she would tell you that her success came at a cost.

I also have a sister, who did all the right things. She is settled, having married the love of her life, who happens to be from the same community and has two lovely sons. As for me, well, I travelled, bummed around for a couple of years, worked at Fortune 500 companies for about a decade and set up a successful school in Bengaluru. It sounds good so far, but hey, Im still single! My parents wish I had personal life and my sister, a professional one!

Much is expected of women today, no matter where they come from. We are required to have successful careers and ensure that they dont get in the way of our personal lives. We are defined by our labels daughter, sister, mother, wife, working woman  the fact that we are human too, just like men, seems to be forgotten. If we were men, however, we wouldnt be expected to become super beings, who are successful both professionally and personally.

Is this possible, really? Lets look at the number of women in leadership. Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Facebook, but she is part of a paltry 15% of women in corporate leadership positions. Only 5% of the heads of state are women and 13% occupy seats in parliaments. Is this because we arent committed or intelligent enough? No. The bottom line is simply that men continue to be perceived as breadwinners, the role society appreciates above all else. Women are homemakers, meant to take care of the family and remain submissive to the men who call the shots in their lives.

Are equality and empowerment choices that we can make? Yes, but only if we recognise the very real differences between men and women, instead of pitting them together all the time. We need to value what women have to offer and the choices we must make if we are to develop a system that allows us to take advantage of the opportunities made available to us today. We need to start by perceiving ourselves as valuable and striving towards being economically independent. Every woman needs access to quality education, as well as entrepreneurship skills and training. Women need to be given the chance to pursue a career that they are passionate about and which gives them control over their schedules. When this happens, living and working become inseparable.

Organisations should, as a norm, make sabbaticals compulsory for people every few years, value working smart rather than hard, change school hours to match work hours, offer six to 12 months paternity leave, have creches at work and use technology for things like video conferences. By having women occupy leadership positions in significant numbers, we can push for the womens reservation bill in the Lok Sabha and vote for a female candidate when the opportunity arises.

What will this mean for us? As a nation, we talk about the youth demographic dividend. Imagine the double dividend we could achieve if, like China, we unlocked the potential of our women! A quote by Mark Twain springs to mind and sums all of this up perfectly  What would men be without women? Scarce sir, mighty scarce!
G.K. Pillai, former home secretary, minces no words on former home minister

P. Chidambarams direct role in removing the reference to Ishrat Jahan being a Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) operative from the second affidavit filed by the home ministry under the UPA-2 government.

The 19-year-old was moving around with alleged Pakistani sharpshooters before they were killed in an alleged fake encounter by the Gujarat police and the Intelligence Bureau. In an exclusive interview to Namrata Biji Ahuja, Mr Pillai denies any political pressure even as he makes no bones about his Adani link.

You have been in a controversy after you distanced yourself from the previous UPA governments second affidavit in court where Ishrats link to the LeT had been omitted. Can you share what really happened?

The draft of the revised affidavit was dictated by the then home minister, P. Chidambaram, in his office. Mr Chidambaram called for the file, the junior officers from the Intelligence Bureau and home ministry were present, and he dictated the revised draft. While the officers tried to tell him that the first draft was okay, Mr Chidambaram didnt listen. He asked the officers to go and file it in the court.

When the officers brought the file to me, that was the first time I got to know that a revised draft existed. On enquiring, they told me that Mr Chidambaram had dictated and directed it to be filed.

I read the draft. While there was nothing illegal in it or beyond the competence of Mr Chidambaram, it varied from the first draft. I kept the file for Mr Chidambarams formal approval. He made some small grammatical corrections and asked for the fair copy to be shown to him. He approved the fair copy and it was filed in the high court.

It is being said that since the order went through you, the onus lies on you for clearing the file since you were the home secretary. You are being held equally responsible by Mr Chidambaram.

The onus would have been on me had Mr Chidam-baram passed an illegal order or something that was beyond his competence. However, Mr Chidambaram himself dictated the draft and there was nothing illegal in what he dictated per se. So, I simply signed the draft and put it before him.

In hindsight do you think you should have recorded your dissent?

I think I should have written in the file: The revised draft as dictated by you and ordered to be filed in the court is submitted for your approval. That would have made my position very clear. But Mr Chidambaram has admitted that the revised draft was dictated by him. So my position is clear. I dare him to deny that even one word from that draft was not dictated by him.

Why do you think the former minister is dragging you into it? Are you being made a scapegoat?

Mr Chidambaram is only taking advantage of a technicality  when the file was put before me, I did not record that it was a draft sent by him. And there will be many witnesses in the home ministry and the IB to corroborate my statement even though I was not present when the draft was made. I dont know about political compulsions, I am not getting into that. All I am saying is, it was done suo motu, dictated and finalised by him.

Was there any communication from the then Prime Ministers Office or the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council on the matter?

I am not aware of that. I have no record of it.

Fresh claims are now being made in the media about your motive in raking up this issue. Many are associating you with the Bharatiya Janata Party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by citing your current position in Adani ports.

I am an independent director on the board of a number of companies. These include five listed companies. I am the chairman of Tata International Limited, Zuari Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited where I am an independent director; a director on Berger Paints; chairman of IvyCap, a venture capital fund sponsored by the IIT alumni; then I am not a permanent employee and work as an independent director at Data Security Council of India (under NASSCOM); and the Adani ports and SEZs where, again, I am an independent director.

What was the trigger for you to speak on the Ishrat Jahan case at this point of time?

Mr Chidambaram said that the revised draft was done in consultation with the IB and MHA. As a result, questions were being asked of me. I stated what I did in response to these questions.

Wasnt the first interview given by you, instead of Mr Chidambaram, on the issue?

He had said it earlier, thats why the questions were asked.

What do you think could be the next fallout of this controversy?

I dont know. If it comes in a court of law there are enough witnesses that it was dictated in his office. I am not commenting on what was in the affidavit, that was his (ministers) prerogative which he expressed in the note, and he is fully competent as the head of the home ministry to express his opinion because he had seen the first draft and then made a second draft.

I am only saying Please admit that you made the draft. Dont hide behind the home ministry and the IB. He should say, I did it because I felt it should be corrected. This is perfectly valid. Like I am standing behind the first draft. I am not saying that my joint secretary or my joint director, the IB had put it. The first draft was cleared by me and I stand by it. Similarly, on the second draft, Mr Chidambaram should stand by his draft.

Do you think the Ishrat case demands a relook in view of the fresh claims from a number of officers, including R.S.V. Mani, the then under-secretary in MHA?

I am not commenting on that. The Central Bureau of Investigation has investigated and filed a chargesheet. It will be decided by a court of law.

Do you think Ishrat Jahans LeT connection has a bearing on the case? Will there be a need to file a supplementary report in the court?

If asked for. The alleged fake encounter is a separate issue from whether they were terrorists or not. It is for the court to decide. Both prosecution and witness have to file their submissions. The witnesses are examined and cross-examined and that process is a part of judicial proceedings.

Ishrats lawyer, Vrinda Grover, says that you can be made a prosecution witness in the case. What do you have to say?

It is not for me to decide. It is for the prosecution and court to decide whether they want me as a witness or not. If I get a court summons, I will go to the court and tell them what I know.

You still stand by the first affidavit? You think the input from the IB was convincing?

I think everybody in the IB still stands by the first affidavit. See, if an IB input says that somebody is a terrorist, it is to be believed till it is proved otherwise. We do not disbelieve it.

But the argument being given (by Mr Chidambaram) is that since it had no evidential value, it was omitted from the affidavit.

It is only an affidavit of the Union of India in the court; it is not a statement. But when you change the affidavit it gives a wrong and confusing signal to the court. In the first affidavit the IB input says they are terrorists, while the second affidavit does not mention it.

Did the court raise eyebrows to the fact that there was a change in the affidavit?

No, the court did not say anything. The court established a special investigation team to do an investigation and then the SIT itself was taken over by the CBI. They investigated the whole matter and filed a chargesheet.

So let the judicial process go ahead. I dont think either of the two affidavits are any evidence material insofar as the case that is going to be tried is concerned.

What do you think will be the fallout of this controversy?

It is not for me to say. If the government wants to conduct an inquiry let it order one. It is the governments prerogative. The case is before the court so let the court decide.

You are known for your candid views. Can you tell us whether at any stage there was any political pressure on you? Did anyone contact you from either the BJP or the Congress before or after this controversy?

There was no political pressure on me. Nobody, either from the BJP, the Congress, or any other party, contacted me.
New Delhi: Tech giant Apple has sought permission from the government to import pre-owned iPhones for sale in India, Parliament was informed today. "An application from Apple regarding import of certified pre-owned iPhones for sale in India and manufacturing certified pre-owned iPhones for sale in India has been received in the Ministry of Environment and Forests," Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

Prasad was replying to a question on whether any company has sought permission for refurbishing and selling used mobile phones in the country. The minister further said the government has not taken any decision on the matter. Apple is putting more energy in India to cash-in on the booming smartphone market in the country.

The California-based company, which saw total iPhone sales grow by 76 per cent in the country, had earlier said it will continue to invest in markets like India in the long-term. Recently, Apple has also sent an application for approval to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) for setting up retail outlets in India. India is one of the fastest growing handset markets globally and is poised to overtake the US soon.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Clinton, 68, who is leading in polls and all set to be the first presidential woman nominee of a major political party in the US. (Photo: AP)

Washington: Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton has called for the adoption of "corporate patriotism" which will enable the US corporate sector to first create jobs inside the country and not overseas.

"I'm not asking corporations to be charitable, although that's important. I'm asking corporations to realise that when Americans prosper, they prosper too. The idea of corporate patriotism might sound quaint in era of vast multinationals, but it's the right thing to do and the smart thing to do as well," she said.

Laying a vision of her economic policies, Clinton in a major policy speech also called for creation of "good paying jobs" in the country that cannot be outsourced.

"Throughout this campaign, I've said that creating good-paying jobs and raising incomes is the defining economic challenge of our time, and that in order to get where I want us to go, we need growth that is strong, fair, and long-term.

That's why we need a new bargain for the new economy," Clinton said in a in a major policy speech in Detroit.

Clinton, 68, who is leading in polls and all set to be the first presidential woman nominee of a major political party in the US, said that a new bargain should ensure that the jobs of the future are good-paying American jobs.

Clinton said her "new bargain" was built on three principles: corporations have to do right by their communities and our country, employers should treat workers like assets to be invested in, rather than costs to be cut and government should stop rewarding greed and special interests and instead invest in the sources of the good jobs of the future.

She specifically offered a new "clawback" proposal that would rescind tax relief and other incentives for corporations if they move overseas any jobs, facilities or production that had benefitted from the tax breaks.

The revenue raised by the clawback would be used to encourage investment in the US including in the communities that had seen jobs or production depart.

"Corporations benefit in so many ways from being right here in the United States. But too often, this relationship feels like a one-way street. Too many are not holding up their end of the bargain. They don't recognise that one of the biggest assets on their balance sheet in America," she said.

Clinton said many leaders in corporate America were prioritising their short-term stock price over their workers and their communities.

"We can't forget the damage caused by trickle-down economics and right-wing ideologues who believe in weakening government oversight, massive tax cuts for the rich, ripping away the safety net, and breaking the backs of unions," she said.

Sending a clear message to every board room and executive suite, Clinton warned that they would be held accountable if they cheat employees, exploit customers, pollute the environment or rip off the taxpayers.

"This country has given you so much. If you desert America, you'll pay a price. But do the right thing, invest in your workers and your country's future, and we will stand with you. And here's how it should work," she said.

"To discourage bad behaviour, we'll make companies pay for what are called inversions under the tax code, which means they pretend to sell themselves to a company overseas. And then they pretend to move their headquarters overseas," Clinton said.

"I call it a perversion, but under the tax code it's called an inversion. We will make you pay for that with a new exit tax," she said.
According to Aziz, once the anti-terrorism operation started in tribal belt, terrorist groups and leaders moved to the cities and urban centers. (Photo: AP)

Washington: Madrasas along the Af-Pak border and tribal areas, in particular North Waziristan, had become a hub of terrorist activities, Pakistan's top diplomat has said, but blamed it on the Afghan refugees, who entered the country when the US pushed the Taliban out of power after the 9/11.

These madrasas had well-oiled terror infrastructure, beyond imagination, running bomb-making factories, terrorists training centers and those to train suicide bombers all under multi-storied basement under the mosque, Pakistan Prime Minister's Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told a group of defence writers here this week.

"In one mosque that I visited, I remember, in Miranshah, from outside we did not see anything. But under the mosque there were a 70-room basement, three stories, in which there were four-five IED factories, four-five suicide training centers, communication network, VIP room, conference rooms, amazing infrastructure," he said, giving details of the how deep rooted terror infrastructure had developed in Pakistan.

In North Waziristan, where the Pakistan Army had launched operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014, Aziz estimated there were 30-40 such mosques with similar kind of infrastructure.

Pakistan's tribal areas along the Af-Pak border have seven agencies and North Waziristan is one of them. Aziz, who was here to attend the 6th US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, said this while giving details of the steps being taken by the Pakistani army against terrorists.

"According to our estimates, the IED factories in this particular agency if they had gone their way without disruption, they had enough IEDs for next 20 years for the scale of attacks that they were doing. Those have ended now.

Communication infrastructure has been disrupted," Aziz said. He, however, blamed the Afghan refugees for the tribal areas of Pakistan becoming a hub of terrorism.

"We inherited this problem of (terrorism), 9/11 onwards when people were pushed into our side of the border and they became a threat to us, because they lost their hold in their part of the world. Our tribal belt between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a very long belt and a very open territory. So they came and established themselves," he said.

"Initially they came to seek refuge, but they soon realised that unless they controlled territory and resources they can't survive there. So they started expanding their activities and by 2007-08, they had covered most of the tribal areas. They killed the tribal leaders and then they stared establishing their communication networks, IED factories, suicide training centers," he noted.

"It was unbelievable how quickly they expanded and trained themselves in the tribal belt. So we started getting large scale attacks in our cities, suicide attacks and bomb blasts," Aziz said, adding that in these 14 years, Pakistan lost about 60,000 people, including 10,000 security personnel.

He estimated the economic losses beyond USD 100 billion. The toughest area infested with the terrorist was the North West Frontier Province, he said.

Out of seven agencies that the security forces have cleared, those groups, which could not survive there migrated or shifted their activities to North Waziristan.

"So North Waziristan by 2013 had become hub of many local and foreign terrorist groups. Our own Tehrek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which we call TTP, Chechen, Uzbeks, Chinese... it became a heart-bed of various (terrorist) things. Our own writ was very limited at that time, apart from military camps," Aziz said.

In June 2014, Pakistan Army stared operation Zarb-e-Azb, he said, adding that it was a very difficult operation. "We have achieved the results that we needed because the entire infrastructure has been destroyed. So this has been a very successful operation," he said, adding that the Nawaz Sharif Government is determined to act against terrorism.

He told defense writers that the terrorist attack at an army-run school in Peshawar changed the entire narrative and created a consensus against terrorists in Pakistan.

"Before that there were pockets of support for them. But when this thing happened in December 2014, all the political parties agreed on a 20-point national action plan to take on terrorist groups," he said.

According to Aziz, once the anti-terrorism operation started in tribal belt, terrorist groups and leaders moved to the cities and urban centers.

"They all migrated to cities. They did not had a big infrastructure of FATA (federally administrated tribal areas), but around cities they could rent one or two houses, make small IED factory, suicide attacks or small bomb blast and their capacity to damage remained," he said. The police and intelligence operation has resulted in apprehending of 25,000 terrorists across the country.

"As a result last year the total number of terrorist attacks have dropped by half and is gradually going down because their capacity to operate has come down," he said.

Aziz said the next phases of the National Action Plan are madrasas reforms and tightening of their funding sources. These madrasas, he said, were jointly "funded, armed and created" by the US and Pakistan to train people to fight against the Russians in Afghanistan. "We have about 75,000 unregistered madrassas," he said, where people are trained, brainwashed, and prepared for terrorist activities.

"All of the madrasas are not terrorist related but many of them are, so now those madrasas have been notified: Either close down or register yourself," he told separately at the Council on Foreign Affairs, a top American think-tank. The Sharif Government, he said, is also working on de-radicalization, which means how you win the minds and hearts of these people and curriculum reform.

"The whole counter-narrative for the extremist narrative, and particularly the ISIL narrative, is very powerful and very catchy for the young people. So you cant counter it by sermons from religious leaders. It requires a very different approach to identifying these messages and identifying the correct response to these," he said.

Aziz said that the plan is moving in the right direction because of the commitment of the Sharif Government to take action against terrorism without discrimination.
Court papers say foot powder, adult diapers and dandruff shampoo are exempt from Tampon tax. (Photo: AP)

New York: A group of women has filed a class-action lawsuit accusing New York state's tax department of unlawfully taxing tampons and other feminine hygiene products.

The suit filed Thursday in state Supreme Court in Manhattan argues that medical items are exempt from sales tax in New Yok.

Court papers say foot powder, adult diapers and dandruff shampoo are exempt from tax. But the five women argue that some items used by women, including tampons and sanitary pads, are unlawfully taxed. Last month, legislators voted to uphold the tampon tax in Utah. It was eliminated in Pennsylvania and Minnesota.

A spokeswoman for Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he believes the tax should be repealed and will work to eliminate it.
The families are suing the carrier and the government for negligence, breach of contract, loss of financial support, bereavement, funeral expenses and unspecified damages. (Photo: AP)

Kuala Lumpur: Families of 12 passengers on board the ill-fated Flight MH370 have initiated legal proceedings against the carrier, three days ahead of the deadline for the filing of civil suits against the company before the second anniversary of the plane's disappearance.

The plaintiffs, which also included two Ukrainian families, filed their suits yesterday at the High Court civil registry, claiming the airline and the authorities had breached their obligations to provide a safe flight.

The Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, carrying 239 passengers, enroute from here to Beijing, had disappeared on March 8, 2014.

A global aviation agreement sets a two-year deadline for lawsuits by next-of-kin over air accidents. So far, 16 suits relating to the flight have been filed, with one of them settled out of the court in June, last year.

The families are suing the carrier and the government for negligence, breach of contract, loss of financial support, bereavement, funeral expenses and unspecified damages.

Malaysian Airline System Bhd (MAS) had on March 24, 2014, sent text messages to the next of kin that all evidence suggested that the plane had gone down in the southern Indian Ocean.

On January 29, last year, the DCA director-general had, on behalf of the Malaysian government, declared MH370 to be an accident and that all 239 passengers and crew on board it were presumed to have lost their lives.

Malaysia is a signatory to the 1999 Montreal Convention, under which the airline is liable for all of the plaintiffs' damages unless it proves that it was completely without fault, or that the accident was caused solely by a third party.
A team from the UN is expected to inspect the ship in the port, located near a former United States naval base. (Photo: AP)

Manila: The Philippines said on Saturday that it had impounded a North Korean vessel in response to tough new United Nations sanctions introduced in response to Pyongyang's recent nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

The 6,830-tonne cargo ship Jin Teng will not be allowed to leave Subic port, northeast of the capital Manila, where it had been docked for three days and its crew will be deported, presidential spokesman Manolo Quezon said on state-run radio station Radyo ng Bayan.

It was the first reported case of the sanctions, the toughest to date, which were adopted late Wednesday by the UN Security Council being enforced.

"The world is concerned over North Korea's nuclear weapons program and as a member of the UN, the Philippines has to do its part to enforce the sanctions," Quezon said.

A team from the UN is expected to inspect the ship in the port, located near a former United States naval base, foreign affairs spokesman Charles Jose said The Jin Teng was inspected for the second time on Saturday, this time using electronic weapons sensors, coastguard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo told AFP, adding the 21 crewmen were "very cooperative".

North Korea has no embassy in the Philippines. Its embassies in Thailand and Indonesia were unavailable for comment when contacted by AFP. There are no other North Korean ships docked in Subic, according to the coastguard.

The Jin Teng, carrying palm kernels, arrived in Subic from Palembang, Indonesia Thursday afternoon, just hours after the latest sanctions were unanimously passed.

In response to the UN's move, Pyongyang fired six short-range missiles into the sea on Thursday, while North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered its nuclear arsenal put on standby for pre-empty use at anytime.

On Friday, the European Union also tightened sanctions against North Korea by adding 16 individuals and 12 entities to a list of some 60 individuals and groups who were hit with travel bans and asset freezes.
The Hague: The tiny Marshall Islands will on Monday seek to convince the UNs highest court to take up a lawsuit against India, Pakistan and Britain which they accuse of failing to halt the nuclear arms race.

Lawyers representing the small Pacific island nation will launch the opening salvos in a David-versus-Goliath battle in which the International Court of Justice is to examine whether it is competent to hear lawsuits against India and Pakistan.

A third hearing against Britain, scheduled for Wednesday, will be devoted to preliminary objections raised by London.

In 2014, the Marshall Islands a Pacific Ocean territory with 72,000 people accused nine countries of not fulfilling their obligations with respect to the cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament.

They included China, Britain, France, India, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States.

The Marshall Islands maintained that by not stopping the nuclear arms race, the nine countries continued to breach their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) even if the treaty has not been by signed by countries such as India and Pakistan.

But the court only admitted three cases brought against Britain, India and Pakistan because they already recognised the ICJs authority.

Dire consequences

The Marshall Islands decided to sue the worlds nuclear heavyweights as it has a particular awareness of the dire consequences of nuclear weapons, it said.

Between 1946 and 1958 the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests in the Marshall Islands, Majuros representatives said in papers filed in court.

While also focusing on the threat of global warming causing the worlds oceans to rise, the Marshall Islands have come to realise that it cannot ignore the other major threat to its survival: the ongoing threat posed by the existence of large arsenals of nuclear weapons.

In March 2014, the Marshall Islands marked 60 years since the devastating hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll that vapourised an island and exposed thousands in the surrounding area to radioactive fallout.

The Marshall Islands wants a moral and judicial pronouncement that can strengthen their political campaign against nuclear weapons, said Lyal S Sunga, who heads The Hague Institute for Global Justice think-tanks Rule of Law program.

Its very interesting because international law, as part of a range of diplomatic and political tools, can be used to lend weight to the argument that nuclear testing is very dangerous and harmful not only for the Marshall Islands, but for the whole world, he told AFP.

The 15-megaton test on March 1, 1954, was part of the intense Cold War nuclear arms race and 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

Bikini Islanders have lived in exile since they were moved for the first weapons tests in 1946.

When US government scientists declared Bikini safe for resettlement, some residents were allowed to return in the early 1970s. But they were removed again in 1978 after ingesting high levels of radiation from eating local foods grown on the former test site.

Proliferation fears

Now the Marshall Islands aims to put a new spotlight on the nuclear threat.

The court case will start days after North Korean leader Kim Jong-Uns order Friday for the countrys nuclear arsenal to be readied for pre-emptive use at any time.

The case is in a very preliminary stage at this point, Olivier Ribbelink, senior researcher at the TMC Asser Institute in The Hague said.

Either way the outcome, the case has certainly sharply refocused attention on the dangers of nuclear proliferation, Ribbelink said.

Eight of the nine countries originally targeted in the lawsuits have officially admitted to possessing a nuclear weapon.

Israel has never acknowledged having one, but observers believe it is the sole nuclear-armed nation in the Middle East.
Kerry and Lavrov also reaffirmed the need for mutual cooperation to ensure the end of hostilities in Syria, the ministry said. (Photo: AP)

Moscow: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry, in a late phone conversation on Friday called for a prompt start to the next round of Syria peace talks, Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The talks, under the aegis of the United Nations were originally due to begin on March 7 in Geneva, but have been postponed until March 9, due to " logistical and technical reasons and also for the ceasefire to better settle down," the UN said.

"The two sides called to start the negotiations as soon as possible ... between the Syrian government and the whole spectrum of the opposition, during which the Syrians themselves should determine the future of their country," the ministry said in a statement.

Kerry and Lavrov also reaffirmed the need for mutual cooperation to ensure the end of hostilities in Syria, the ministry said.
Beijing is looking to create a more effective fighting force and it increases its military heft and asserts its territorial claims in the South China Sea. (Photo: AP)

Beijing: China will raise its defence spending by 7.6 percent this year, a budget report to the country's Communist-controlled parliament showed on Saturday, a smaller increase than past years as it seeks a more efficient military.

It was the "lowest defence budget increase in six years", the official news agency Xinhua said, adding it came "in the wake of rising economic headwinds and last year's massive drawdown of service people".

The comment was a reference to cut of 300,000 personnel in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), still the world's largest standing military, announced by President Xi Jinping at a giant military parade in Beijing last September to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's World War II defeat. China's total declared spending of 954 billion ($146 billion) remains far below that of the United States.

Beijing is looking to create a more effective fighting force and it increases its military heft and asserts its territorial claims in the South China Sea, raising tensions with its neighbours and with Washington. The country will seek to "strengthen the military in all respects so that it is more revolutionary, modern, and standardised", the budget report said.

At the start of the year, the Asian giant unveiled a revamped military structure, establishing a new army general command and a Rocket Force to oversee its strategic missiles.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang was to tell the opening session of the parliament: "We will strengthen in a coordinated way military preparedness on all fronts and for all scenarios, and work meticulously to ensure combat readiness and border, coastal, and air defence control.

"We should strive to forge an ever closer bond between the military and the government," the text of his speech read.

Beijing has built up artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea through which a third of the world's oil passes, and which it claims almost in its entirety. Several other littoral states have competing claims, as does Taiwan.

Satellite pictures show what US analysts say are deployments of surface to air missiles and facilities with military uses, such as runways and radar.

At the same time, Beijing is looking to increase naval strength and reach, and officials confirmed in December that its second aircraft carrier, the first to be entirely domestically designed and built was under construction. In 2015, the defence budget was increased by 10.1 percent.

Many analysts believe that China's actual military spending is significantly higher than officially publicised, a position echoed by James Char of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore.

"Xi Jinping will be determined to increase the military capabilities of the PLA in spite of the slowing growth of China's economy," he told AFP.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) had in May 2013, converted the death sentence awarded to Zaman by an additional sessions court in July 2007, into life imprisonment. (Representational Image)

Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court has upheld the life imprisonment handed down to a man convicted for murdering his daughter in an 11-year-old honour killing case, days after a filmmaker from the country won an Oscar for documenting such murders in a film.

Mohammad Zaman killed his daughter Kauser and injured his wife Husa Bibi and two other daughters Kahkashan and Komal in 2005 in Lahore.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) had in May 2013, converted the death sentence awarded to Zaman by an additional sessions court in July 2007, into life imprisonment.

A three-judge SC bench, headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed, yesterday maintained the conviction and the sentence. The court observed that Zaman had committed a heinous offence in a desperate manner by causing murder of his real daughter.

During the hearing in the trial court, Kiran had alleged in her witness account that her father, armed with a pistol and a 'tokka' (a sharp knife like weapon), had killed her sister Kauser and then fled the scene.

Explaining the motive, she said her father wanted to take into possession the money her uncle had sent from London for the wedding of Kauser, scheduled for September 2005.

Zaman in his statement said Kauser had illicit relations with a criminal, Nasir Mughal, with whose assistance she had even kidnapped a person for ransom.

According to him, his daughter again developed relations with a police constable on Rawalpindi, forcing him to shift the family to Lahore.

Later, Zaman said, his wife had agreed to marry Kauser with the police constable without his consent. The family had to again shift to another house after Mughal raised hue and cry over the marriage of Kauser with the police constable.

Zaman claimed that it was not he but Mughal who had killed his daughter and injured other members of his family, but his wife leveled allegations against him because she "harboured grudge as I used to pull up my children over bad activities which she used to defend."

Hounour-killing is a big issue in Pakistan and every year over 1,000 girls and women fall victims. Last week, Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy won an Oscar for his documentary film 'A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness'. The story is about a girl shot in the head by her father and brothers, and thrown into a river. She, however, survived to tell the award-winning story.
Camelot said: The candidates are reportedly going to avoid being seen with Brownback and Snyder before these next primaries. Of course that stiff Jindal is already gone. A wringing endorsement of Republican governance, isn't it ?



:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo: Click to expand...

I had no idea that Jindal had run Louisiana into the ground as bad as he did, until I saw that segment of the show last night.Let's be clear here. Any red state under Republican governance is a disaster zone. The only thing that keeps those failures in office are older evangelical, and minority hating voters.The easiest led dupes.This is why conservatives go out of their way to demonize teachers unions, and cut education in their states. They know that education is what will sink them.Here's the problem they'got.A whole generation of college educated young people, saddled with student loan debt, coming of age to vote by the millions, who just happen to support Bernie Sanders Democratic Socialist ideals.It's not going to be fun times for the crowd on the political right after this election, and the ones going forward.Looks like all of the retirement communities in other countries are about to get an influx of new inhabitants.
Really? I was in the Marine Corps back during the Vietnam War., served as am 0311. We were trained to kill people quite deliberately, as quickly and efficiently as possible and preferably in large numbers.

You calling my fellow Marines murderers old boy?


RELIGION, NATION, MARRIAGE: THE LOYALTIES OF MEN

PRAY, WORK, STUDY, PROTECT: THE DUTIES OF MEN




I don't know how it is with you, but for me the shocker of the week was this . Now, look at the photo. Who would be the man hanging on ...
Patty and Chucky



The DSCC deemed Iowa a lost cause this cycle, despite the fact that Obama won the state in 2008 (54-44%) and 2012 (52-46%). So they didn't both recruiting a candidate and just shrugged their shoulders and ignored the 3 progressives who jumped in, legislators Tom Fiegen , Rob Hogg and Bob Krause. But when the incumbent, 82-year old Republican Chuck Grassley chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, threw a tantrum and said he will refuse to hold hearings on any nominee who President Obama nominates, regardless of their qualifications, public opinion in Iowa started turning against him enough for the DC Dems to notice. Grassley has been in elected office since 1959 and in DC since 1975 but Chuck Schumer decided he was invincible... until the GOP contretemps over Scalia's death.





Instead of embracing one of the local candidates, Schumer big-footed in with a corporate shill more to his liking, a much-disliked former Lt. Governor, Patty Judge. Most Democratic activists consider her a DINO or a Republican with a "D" next to her name. One told me she's "pro-industrial agriculture and pro-GMO, as anti-labor as a Republican and in favor of the corporate trade agenda [like NAFTA and the TPP that Iowa Democrats hate]. She's not a climate change believer/advocate, except to promote corn ethanol and sees widely viewed by Iowans as having a very abrasive personality. As Lt. Governor, she ran the executive branch but when she ran for governor in the Democratic primary she got zero traction. Culver picked her as his running mate and she gladly took the lifeline. They spent the entire 2010 election apologizing for their arrogant (and wrong) decisions. The television commercials were all apologies. They started the race over 20 points behind and lost by a little over 10 points. Even though Terry Branstad has been a disaster, there's no love for Culvern or Judge except in the industrial ag sector. If she manages to get the signatures she'll have lots of Monsanto money and big ag money."





Clearly, Schumer and his pathetic DSCC puppet Tester are hedging their bets or think they can scare Grassley, who's probably laughing at their efforts. The effort kind of reminded me of Romney barking at Herr Trumpf yesterday, the establishment's last stand. Democrats promoting her think she can appeal to the center/right, but that's now the Republican Party in Iowa and pretty much devoted to Grassley.





One immediate challenge for her-- to qualify for the ballot Judge needs to gather more than 2,000 signatures, and get them from at least 10 different counties-- and she has two weeks to do it; deadline is March 18. Wednesday Fiegen turned in almost 10,000 signatures from every corner of the state. He's a supporter of Bernie's and endorses the economic reforms Bernie has been calling for, including campaign finance reform, breaking up the big banks, raising the minimum wage, student loan reform and Medicare for all. "I am a candidate with no super-PAC. I don't want their money. That's because I don't represent billionaire interests. I represent working Iowans. Our system has fallen far out of balance and it's time to fix it."





Fiegen is counting on support from grassroots Democrats while Judge and Hogg will be in a battle as proxies for, respectively, the DC and Des Moines establishments. She's got Schumer and Tester and whoever Schumer can round up to endorse her, while local grandees like Iowa Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronsta and Iowa Senate President Pam Jochum say their support for Hogg is solid and something to the effect of 'Schumer should go tend to the folks in New York's Southern Tier who would probably skin him alive if they ever got their hands on him,' only more colorful.
Kurt Schrader leads the Republican wing of the Democratic Party in the House, the much-depleted and defanged Blue Dogs. His constituents have long wanted to replace him with a real Democrat and Dave McTeague's late February decision to run has been widely hailed. The 5th district is considered a "swing district," although Obama won it against McCain 53-44% and against Romney 50-47%. It's centered on Salem, the state capital, and extends north as far as Milwaukie and Happy Valley south of Portland, including most of Clackamas County's population centers. The district also extends south and west, through Marion and Polk counties, over to the Oregon coast covering Tillamook and Lincoln counties. Before Schrader brought his brand of Republican-lite politics to OR-05, the district had been represented in Washington by genuine moderates, Darlene Hooley and Mike Kopetski, who tended to stick with Democratic Party progressives values, unlike Schrader, who has one of the worst voting records of any Democrat in Congress-- plus an "F" grade from ProgressivePunch-- and is always counted on by the GOP leadership to help them make their extremist legislation look "bipartisan." This session he has the 9th most anti-progressive voting record of any Democrat in the House, the same numerical score (52.48) as conservative North Carolina Republican, Walter Jones.





Recently Schrader's relations with organized labor have been severely strained over his support for the TPP and alignments around the dock issues between the ILWU and management. His League of Conservation Voters record plummeted to 57%, confirming him as the most environmentally unfriendly of Oregons Democratic delegation.





Former state Rep. Dave McTeague, an actual Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Democrat-- and a Bernie supporter-- jumped into the race a week ago, February 27. When he made his announcement, he told Oregonians that he had joined Bernie's "political revolution to address growing income inequality and the decline of the middle class." He is a long-time environmental activist and was a champion of working families for his five terms in the state legislature (1985-1994). He was a McGovern delegate to the national convention in 1972 and a Ted Kennedy delegate in 1980, same year he was elected as a Democratic National Committeeman at the state convention. He was Executive Director of the Oregon Board of Chiropractic Examiners from 1996 to 2014. He also served three terms on the Clackamas Fire District Board of Directors. While Dave lives in the part of the district that is south of Portland in the metro area; he has roots in the Salem-Keizer community where his family moved to in 1969. I asked him to write a guest post about why he decided to jump back into politics and run for the seat Schrader holds.

Why Would I Do This?

-by Dave McTeague, candidate for Congress, OR-05



After attending Congressman Kurt Schraders Oregon City Town hall meeting (2-16-2016), and hearing his support for the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal; I decided to engage in this debate. While Schrader said it was "good on the labor side," that is flatly contradicted by an AFL-CIO report just issued.



After I cited Public Citizens Trade Watch report concerning weak environmental provisions, Mr. Schrader discounted the opposition, saying they were predisposed to oppose the TPP. Schraders vote for the Fast Track approval process prevents Congress from demanding any changes in the TPP, which was negotiated in secret. The more I read about the TPP, the more concerned I get that it will fundamentally undermine our middle class more than NAFTA did.



Schraders vote with the Republicans against the Syrian refugees was the other issue key in my decision to file. This vote was a cave-in to the worst Trump-like sentiments. I believe we need to do much more to address this enormous human catastrophe, especially since it was brought on in large part by the destabilization of the region by the disastrous 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. The rest of the Oregon Democratic congressional delegation opposed this proposed law, which died in the U.S. Senate.



Three environmental issues really concern me:

 Schrader voted for the Keystone Pipeline; which would be an environmental disaster. We need to fight climate change, not deny it.



 I helped stop nuclear power in Oregon with 1978s Ballot Measure # 9. Schrader supports nuclear power development and the Oregon corporation that wants to build so-called 'new generation' nukes with federal subsidies.



 Schraders bill to drastically increase clear cut logging on public O & C lands managed by the BLM weakens environmental protections. These days a lot of voters, Democratic voters too, dont feel represented by the Washington Establishment and want real change. This is evident in the success of Sen. Sanderss insurgent presidential campaign, which I strongly support. The incumbent is the Co-Chair of the conservative Blue Dog Caucus. I would be a member of the Progressive Caucus.



I dont have any illusions about this effort. Running against an entrenched incumbent is like taking on the Death Star in Star Wars especially one with access to a million or more dollars of PAC money.



So why would I do this? Because a lot of Democratic and independent voters want real fundamental change, a political revolution, and theyre not willing to settle for politics as usual. Those Democrats and independents deserve to have a choice just as they have a choice for real change in the Presidential Primary.



My candidacys purpose is to provide Democratic primary voters a progressive alternative to the establishment incumbent. I will not accept any funding from any corporate Political Action Committees. I agree with Senator Bernie Sanders we have to overturn our current corrupt campaign finance system to make real fundamental changes.

You can find out more about Dave, his policies and his campaign at mcteagueforcongress.com and on his Facebook page

UPDATE





You can help Dave take his campaign to the voters in Oregon's 5th district by tapping the thermometer and contributing what you can. Let's help replace the head of the Blue Dogs with a real progressive Democrat.
Tom Guild is running for Congress in Oklahoma City and he was one of the very first Democratic candidates to have endorsed Bernie Sanders for president. We asked him to give us the run down of the Bernie win in his state Tuesday night. After to read his report, please consider contributing to both campaigns-- Bernie for president, Tom for Congress-- both on the same page





On March 1, 2016 the face of politics in Oklahoma changed for good. A Democratic Socialist Senator named Bernie Sanders ran roughshod over the Democratic Party Establishment that includes former governors, current legislators, a longtime national committeewoman and nearly everyone in Oklahoma Democratic politics with a title. Sanders beat the Clinton Machine in the Sooner State Democratic Primary by more than ten percent. He received a majority of the votes cast with six other candidates on the ballot.





Bernie carried 75 out of 77 counties in Oklahoma and barely missed a clean sweep. He lost two counties, Osage and Oklahoma, each one by an eyelash. Sanders received 174,054 votes, which was more than Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) received (157,941 votes) in winning the Oklahoma Republican Primary on the same day.





The fact that a Jewish man, originally from New York City, who proudly proclaims himself as a Democratic Socialist, won in Deep Red Oklahoma, is a veritable miracle. The fact that he beat Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Machine in Oklahoma is a manmade political earthquake.





It was a great team effort by the old and the young and the in between; people of all faiths and no faith tradition; Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, Vegetarians, and Republicans; people of all races and ethnic backgrounds; people of varying sexual orientations; women and men; a true coalition of what LBJ would call disaffected people outside the tent pissing in. Lyndon Johnson always said he would rather have people inside the tent pissing out. Aint it the truth!





Two Saturdays before the vote, I was part of one team of volunteers knocking doors for Bernie in Oklahoma County. More than 100 volunteers showed up to help Bernie carry the state. Clearly, Bernies message decrying a rigged economy, urging a big increase in the poverty level minimum wage, his call for radical reform of the corrupt campaign finance system, and even his opposition to fracking-- the cause for an avalanche of manmade earthquakes in Oklahoma-- recently making Oklahoma the new Earthquake Capital of the World, was resonating big time in the Sooner State.





The Sunday before the March 1 primary, Bernie spoke to a raucous rally in Oklahoma City. The excitement and connection between candidate and supporters was palpable. The official estimate of 6,200 seemed in the eyes of many seasoned observers too low. Many felt the true size of the crowd was 8,000-10,000 or more. Thousands stood in line waiting for Bernie to arrive at the Cox Convention Center for 3-4 hours. They stood another hour and fifteen minutes to hear every word Bernie had to share. As someone who has lived in Oklahoma since the age of six, I have never seen anything comparable to Bernies event.





A few members of the establishment strained to explain the Clinton Machines failure in Oklahoma on March 1. Bernie sent out more postcards Bernie had more television ads etc. The truth is Bernie lit a fuse that will burn hot for decades to come. He pulled progressives out of a rut and gave them someone and something to believe in. Earthquake, tsunami, tidal wavepick your favorite word for the miracle that hit the Sooner State. Thousands of millennials and others knocked doors, made phone calls, talked to their friends on Twitter, Facebook, and face to face to spread the word.





Underestimate Bernie Sanders and the power of his message at your own peril!





Let this hit you slowly A 74 year old Jewish Man from New York City (or Vermont if you prefer) who describes himself as a Democratic Socialist beat Hillary Clinton in Oklahoma! He beat her in one of the most conservative states in the country. That was before a wave of Bernie thunder rolled across the Oklahoma plains. Youre doing fine (now) Oklahoma! O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A! OKLAHOMA! OK!!
Dyckia sp, what does this mean? ...and what else?

Dyckia sp is the very same as Dyckia species, in fact short for Dyckia species. It refers to an unnamed Dyckia species.



A Dyckia sp can not be a hybrid Dyckia and never a Dyckia you do not know the name but a nameless Dyckia species. The fact that you do not know the plant it does not mean a nameless one.



A new Dyckia species must be published in order to have its name valid. This obligation doesnt counted on Iternet publications as The World Wide Web didnt exist and publication meant : journals, books, magazine, scientific report magazines.



Nowadays nothing is better published than in the WWW.

Publishing means getting public and there is nothing equal nor close to the WWW.



Public means everybody not just a bunch of selected guys.

These are mates, collegues, fellows not public. Here people publish new Plant species on very restricted magazine or very specialized magazines and assume as published. Publishing means everybody who is willing to know of it. Also the world doesnspeaks Portuguese, nor spanish and less than this doesnt understand old Latim ( Not even those who publishes a new species. They rely on claves and many mistakes are made.) Today publishing means WWW!!! Today it means English!! If a new species is published here in Brazil it must be in Latim as in any other place on the Earth, Portuguese and for Gods sake also in English and entirely not a sinopsis only. Publications with a very restrictec and exclusive public is out of question. Publications with on purposal omitted data is also out of question and not valid. A bunch of readers is not public. A group of readers are collegues never public!!!Public is WWW and your reader may be in Reykjavick or Auckland, Rio or Tokyo and everywhere in between. Portuguese is a lovely sounding language. It makes feel home...but who is going to undertand me in ...in...everywhere else besides people which countries speak Camoes language? English, English for Godssake.

Also there is no sense publising without precise data.

Preservation means showing, educating not hidding an less yet iluding.

What Light is for if it doesnt Brighten up high above everything? Light is to iluminate or it is not Light and if it isnt Light it isnt Science!


The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution imposing tough new sanctions on North Korea in response to its recent nuclear test and launch using ballistic missile technology. The resolution puts in place the strongest sanctions imposed by the Security Council in more than two decades.

I welcome this resolution as a firm, united, and appropriate response by the international community to the DPRK's recent provocations that flagrantly violated multiple Security Council resolutions, said President Barack Obama in a statement.

These sanctions build significantly on the Councils previous actions aimed at North Koreas nuclear and ballistic programs and add far greater costs to the North Korean leadership and military by imposing new, stronger sanctions in other areas.

The resolution subjects all cargo going in to and out of North Korea to mandatory inspection, and bans transfers of aviation fuel to the DPRK. It also limits, and in some instances bans North Koreas exports of specific natural resources, making it tougher for the regime to obtain the financial resources it needs to keep funding its illicit weapons programs. It obligates countries to shut down DPRK financial institutions in their territory and to expel North Korean representatives engaged in of abusing diplomatic privilege to conduct illicit activities.

The resolution also bans North Koreans from receiving training abroad that could further the DPRKs nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Samantha Power stressed that the resolution is not intended to punish the North Korean people who have already suffered greatly under one of the most brutal regimes in the world:

The DPRKs abysmal human rights record is another reason we have taken steps to ensure the sanctions contained in this resolution specifically target the government, which carries out these grave abuses with impunity.

For more than a decade, North Korea has continued to move toward its declared goal of developing intercontinental ballistic missiles armed with nuclear weapons.

The international community, speaking with one voice, has sent Pyongyang a simple message, said President Obama. North Korea must abandon these dangerous programs and choose a better path for its people.
some thoughts mainly on Scottish politics
HEALTHY FAMILIES SPECIALIST

Division: Vigo County Services



Program : Healthy Families



Supervised By: Healthy Families Program Manager (HF Supervisor/Manager)



Position Summary



Meet weekly with expectant and new parents in their homes to provide Healthy Families Services. Services include determining eligibility and/or community linkage, providing parenting support and child development information, assisting in strengthening parent-child relationships and reducing risks associated with abuse and neglect.



Essential Duties/Responsibilities



To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.



Establish a trusting relationship with families to complete Healthy Families assessments and gather information used to assist in determining families in need of additional supportive services.



Works with supervisory assistance to complete assessments and home visits at assigned level.



Maintain familiarity with community resources and assist with referrals for families that are appropriate for their needs.



Collaborate with families to write a Family Goal Plan with goals and objectives that respect family differences and build on family strengths.



Share information on appropriate infant/child development with families utilizing approved curricula and teaching materials.



Model appropriate interactive behaviors with young children.



Assist families in understanding and taking responsibility for the health and nutritional needs of children and themselves.



Problem solve with parents so that community services are accessed and provide transportation as necessary.



Minimum Qualifications/Requirements



High School Diploma or equivalent and experience or advanced training in working with or providing services to children, families or diverse populations. Associate Degree in a related field preferred.



Acceptance of individual differences.



Maturity and experience in successfully raising/working with infants, young children and families.



Knowledge of infant and child development.



Experience and willingness to work with culturally diverse communities/participants.



Ability to establish positive working relationships.
On February 22, 2016, James Earl Caumiant, JC, of Elko, NV passed away after complications suffered from a stroke. JC was born to James Dee and Norma Jean Caumiant on December 20, 1956 in Craig, CO. He attended Albert Lowry High School in Winnemucca, NV graduating in 1975. JC, like his father, was a lifelong member of the Operating Engineers Local Union No. 3, beginning his career in 1978 and retiring in 2014. His passions included the great outdoors, his family, and his career in the Union. He loved hunting, fishing, spending time with his children, cherished friends, and operating heavy equipment. He will be remembered for his humor, his friendship, his toughness, and his devotion to those he cared for and loved.

JC is survived by his children, Jami Caumiant (Gary Pollock) of Wells, Cody Caumiant of Orovada, and Dustin Caumiant (Amanda See) of Winnemucca; the mother of his children, Lisa Caumiant of Orovada; his sisters Julie Caumiant of Carson City, June (David) Sexton of Winnemucca; grandchildren, Mackenzie, Vaughn, Alivia, Isabelle and Dominic; nephews, Stan (Bethany) Sexton of Reno, and DJ (Angela) Sexton of Winnemucca, as well as respective extended family. JC was predeceased by his parents James Dee Caumiant and Norma Jean Caumiant.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on March 19, 2016 at 3:00 PM at The Martin Hotel, 94 W. Railroad Street, Winnemucca NV.

In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you take a moment to hug your children, grandchildren, a friend, or walk outside for a moment, an hour, or a day. Time waits for no one.
Florentino Goicoechea (Basque: Florentino Goikoextea) lived in a 24-mile stretch of land between Hernani, Gipuzkoa, Spain, and Ciboure, France. He grew up in a small farm house without electricity or plumbing, hunted antelope and big-horned sheep in the hills south of San Sebastian, and fished the Bidassoa River that traced the Spanish-French border. He knew the Pyrenees that ran like a zipper from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean with more than 50 alternating teeth peaking above 10,000 feet. He knew the sounds of night and day and the animals that growled, chirped, snarled, or hissed in the dense foliage and jagged rock along the high mountain passes. He had no formal schooling, only the knowledge afforded by these 24-miles, but it was this familiarity most of all that came to serve America and the Allies during World War II.

Florentino began to apply his knowledge and skill as a smuggler against Franco during Spains Civil War in 1936. Wearing a black beret not a helmet and carrying a walking stick or fishing pole not a gun, he crisscrossed the border to deliver secrets between commanders in the field and Basque exiles in France. If Francos soldiers, the Guardia Civil, spotted him, he smiled and passed as a harmless peasant in search of a meal; the soldiers would nod and go back to their patrol.

Despite his skullduggery, the Republic fell to Francos forces by 1939. Wary of going home, he settled in Ciboure, where he happily took up a quiet solitary life of hunting, fishing, and hiking on the French side of the Pyrenees.

Months later, his calm was shattered as it was for all Europeans when Germanys invasion of Poland sparked World War II. The effects of war did not reach him for six months, and then only as reports in newspapers filled with shocking details of massacre and tragedy. Later, when food shortages forced rationing of eggs, cheese, potatoes, and wine, he smuggled supplies for himself and neighbors.

As a Basque man from Spain, a neutral country during the war, he was never called into military service. Still he felt he had to fight. His few words on the matter suggest that opposing Germany would vindicate the earlier loss to Franco, though no one may ever know his true motivation.

After France surrendered to Germany, Florentino found his calling. He learned of a kind of underground railroad called Reseau Comete  the Comet Line  that held as its motto, Fighting Without Arms. It smuggled downed Allied pilots safely from Brussels to Paris, but once Germany occupied France, it had to escort a pilot beyond Paris, across the Pyrenees, into neutral Spain to get him home.

The first guide for this dangerous journey had been caught and arrested. Who, then, would fill the vacancy? Who would escort these American, British, Canadian, and Australian pilots over the treacherous Pyrenees and deliver them safely home? Who would dare defy these Nazis and the Guardia Civil?

Only one man had the knowledge, skill, and cunning to pick up the cause  Florentino Goicoechea.

Every day Florentino walked across a bridge that connected his new home of Ciboure with St. Jean de Luz, and then drank wine or ate a meal at the Euskalduna Hotel. A mother-daughter pair worked there whom he had known since the Spanish Civil War. He marveled still at their sneaky talents. They hovered near tables to watch, hear, absorb, and convey secrets while serving drinks or clearing dishes. As much as Florentino was master of the Pyrenees, these two were masters of subterfuge which turned the Euskalduna into a kind of central nervous system for the French resistance in the south.

Florentino did not know when the pair talked with operatives of Comet, or when a downed pilot might require escort. In truth, he knew little of a pilots difficult journey up to the point he met him.

A pilot typically traveled by train or bus from Paris to Bayonne and then pedaled a bicycle sixteen miles to the St. Jean de Luz railroad station. He waited inside a bathroom stall until nightfall and then slipped out a side-door that opened to an alley. Concealed by the shadows for about 500 feet, he entered Euskalduna where the mother and daughter whisked him to a room or another safehouse.

The next day while drinking his wine or sipping his soup, Florentino would hear a whisper, Expect a package.

He watched the Ciboure Bridge at midnight for the unmistakable signs of a foreigner, usually a nervous man all alone or two men anxiously whispering and white-knuckling the rail of the bridge. With the stealth of a cat, Florentino sneaked up and quickly drew the one or the pair off the bridge into the shadows.

With the spryness of a younger man, he led them along the N10 road and then uphill into the tall grasses and thick pine and spruce around Ciboure. It was everything I could do to keep up, said one flier from Ohio. For nearly three miles, the pace never slowed until they arrived at one of three safehouses in UrrugneTomasenea, Bidegain Berri, or Yatxu Baita.

Florentino knew the farmhouse owners. A wife of a French POW ran the first, a widow the second, and a single father with twelve children the third. Each risked all they had to help him. He alternated his visits to reduce suspicion on any one.

Already exhausted, fliers received warm milk at the farmhouse. Then each was outfitted as a Basque peasant with chord-roped espadrilles, blue workmans clothes, and a black beret. He also received a Benzedrine pill to boost his energy. As soon as the milk bowls were licked clean, Florentino handed each flier a walking stick, and then he squinted and thrust his chin, for he was a man of few words, and they returned to the night.

In complete darkness, they climbed Mont du Calvaire. It was not high, but steep, burning thighs and calves with each step. At the peak, they collapsed, but Florentino pushed them beyond their limits, up a steeper mountain that the Basque call Xoldokogaina.

They climbed for more than two hours, sometimes on all fours over sharp rock, through pines and across shallow brooks, falling into holes, stumbling over branches, scraping arms and legs. A foot or two ahead were Florentinos heels and if a flier lost sight of them and panicked, a sudden strong hand pulled him up and forward moving him on.

There was a kind of peace at the top, said one Ohio flier surveying the landscape from 5,200 feet. In the calm of this blackest night, they could hear the Bidassoa River in the distance and see the hazy glow of Fuentarabia, Irun and San Sebastian.

Yet between this high tranquility and the lights of freedom were German patrols and Francos Guardia Civil.

Florentino crouched with the pilots on Xoldokogaina to catch his breath and rest his legs and wipe sweat from his cheeks. They waited for the guards to change shifts at about 3 a.m. which opened gaps in the security. Then they descended as quickly as they could, sometimes in a slide, to the footpaths of Col des Poiriers.

Here was the most dangerous point in the journey. The terrain afforded little passable ground besides the trails, so they had to jog in the open, breathing heavily, risking exposure and capture. I was scared as hell, said a flier from Washington.

The exposure lasted only a few moments until they dipped into the winding Lantzetta Erreka creekbed that ended at San Miguel near the river separating France and Spain.

The Bidassoa River was unpredictable. In winter, it froze over for easy crossing, or froze enough that a man could hop from floe to floe. In summer, it rose in places to the knees. But in spring, it often swelled its banks, forcing Florentino and the fliers to strip and swim with clothes in a plastic bag or held over their heads as the water lapped their armpits. If they heard barking, they had to swim fully clothed.

Up the opposite bank they scrambled on to Spanish soil. By 5 a.m. a crisp dawn had cracked the horizon behind them. Lying on their bellies in the tall grasses, they listened for the Guardia Civil that had barracks only 1,200 feet downstream. Florentino expected the soldiers to be sleeping, not patrolling, and sure enough several fliers reported hearing snoring nearby.

They crept past the slumbering guards over a railroad and across the Irun-Pamplona road. It was a steep and exhausting climb to Erlaitz, wrote one flier. Every step was taken in stealth, yet every kicked pebble or snapped limb sounded like a pistol shot.

The terrain eased after Erlaitz and so, too, their anxiety. Florentino led them along old mining tracks to the Sarobe Farm, and for the first time in hours, they felt cautiously safe. The farmer served eggs and cheese, wine and bread. The fliers untied their espadrilles to air their bruised and blistered feet and soak them in salt water.

After resting an hour and pulling on new socks and shoes, they walked two hours over meadow and quiet pasture and well-kept roads.

In Renteria, Florentino bought tickets for the tram and he and the fliers boarded like ordinary commuters. None of the riders that morning knew how treacherous the last 10 hours had been for these dirty-faced, haggard strangers.

In twenty minutes, the tram stopped in Hernani, Florentinos birthplace, where he took the fliers to a safehouse owned by an old friend of the family.

Then he bid them goodbye.

He never knew their names, nor they his. His daring acts were carried out anonymously  to know a name presented undue risk. He continued escorting fliers across his 24-mile stretch of land until D-Day and the liberation of France in August 1944. He never lost a pilot nor was any pilot captured under his care.

From the Hernani safehouse, the fliers traveled easily to San Sebastian and then to the British Consulate in Bilbao. Under Allied protection, the men made their way to Gibraltar in the south for passage home.

The Comet Line saved over 700 American, British, Canadian, and Australian pilots. Of those, Florentino Goicoechea had a hand in leading 207 over the Pyrenees to safety. While some hung up their wings to enjoy the comforts of home, others returned to the fight. Even though they did not know his name, the fliers wrote thank you notes, never forgetting the kind and quiet man who guided them over the mountains.
WINNEMUCCA -- Pershing Gold Corp. hopes its flagship Relief Canyon Mine will start producing this year.

Pershing Gold said only three steps remain: the updated resource estimate, the formal, third-party preliminary economic assessment, and completion of all state and federal permit modifications to expand the mine. Pershing Gold expects all three steps to be completed in the second quarter of 2016.

Once all that is in hand, we intend to make a formal announcement on timing of production at the Relief Canyon Mine, Vice President of Investor Relations Jack Perkins said. Of course, thats what everyone is asking, When are you going to start moving fresh ore?

We can go right from the PEA to a production decision, said Perkins. We dont have to do the usual feasibility studies because we have this fantastic, fully permitted and built processing facility on site. We have no debt and we anticipate only $11 million in capital expense to get into production.

HISTORY

Perkins described the story of how Pershing Gold has come to be as well positioned as it is today.

Over 130,000 ounces of gold were produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s at Relief Canyon Mine in Pershing County. A company called Lacana first developed the property in 1984. Later, Pegasus Gold acquired and operated the project. Mining at Relief Canyon stopped after Pegasus entered bankruptcy as a result of operational issues at some of their other properties. Those issues had no relation to operations at Relief Canyon.

In 1995, a company called First Gold came in and owned the property until 2011," Perkins said. "They had the idea that they were going to reprocess the old Pegasus heaps and boot-strap their way to production. But the heap leach operation built by Lacana and Pegasus did a pretty good job, getting approximately 65 percent recoveries. There wasnt a whole lot of gold left on the heap leach pads.

First Gold had a very small land position: only 1,100 acres that included the mining claims upon which the processing facility stands and most of the open pit; but no land between the two facilities.

First Gold took on debt and built a $35-40 million new processing facility on site at Relief Canyon," Perkins said. "It is truly a Cadillac of a facility. First Gold eventually defaulted on their debt and went bankrupt. That put us in a great position in 2011 when our initial investors picked up the asset for about $20 million in a combination of cash and assumption of debt.

The primary founding investor is Barry Honig, who owns about 25 percent of Pershing Gold. He is a highly successful investor and an Internet tech millionaire. He built a company called InterCLICK Inc. which he sold to Yahoo in 2011. Perkins described Honig as an extraordinary investor who has consistently supported the company. Honig is on the board of directors for Pershing Gold.

Pershing Golds second largest investor is Dr. Phillip Frost, a biotech billionaire who is CEO and chairman of Opko Health. He owns about 13 percent of Pershing Gold.

We have very strong insider ownership, which has been very helpful since the markets for mineral companies have been so difficult over the last couple of years. It is good to have guys like that in your corner, said Perkins.

Pershing Gold, an emerging Nevada gold producer, acquired the asset in 2011.

Early in 2012, Pershing Golds CEO Stephen Alfers came on board and started building Pershing Gold as you see it and know it today. Alfers is a 30-year veteran of the mining industry. He was formerly chief of U.S. operations for Franco Nevada and he was CEO for New West Gold, which at one time had the Long Canyon project.

A very, very experienced mining executive, said Perkins of Alfers.

The first thing Alfers did was consolidate the land position. Hes been able to increase Pershing Golds land holdings from First Golds 1,100 acres to the current land position of over 25,000 acres of mining claims and private lands, most importantly controlling the land in and around the pits and the processing facility.

We no longer have any land constraints to move the project forward, said Perkins.

Since we acquired the property in August 2011 we hit the ground running and weve been working hard ever since to advance this project, said Pershing Gold senior vice president Debra Struhsacker.

RESOURCES

Back in 2012, the resource was quite small: only 155,000 ounces of inferred and indicated resource and no measured resource.

So imagine, Perkins said, a fully permitted and built large-capacity processing facility that can produce all the way through loaded carbon and a small resource. Kind of backwards, right? So our team went to work to develop that resource. The company has conducted aggressive drilling, with up to five drill rigs on site in 2015, and we have been very successful in expanding that resource over the past few years.

According to figures released by the company in July 2015, Pershing Gold has drilled a total of 304 holes and approximately 164,000 feet to expand the Relief Canyon deposit since acquisition of the property. The measured and indicated resource is 739,000 ounces of gold, according to Pershing Gold.

In January, Pershing Gold announced the drilling program completed in December 2015 added approximately 105,000 feet of drilling in 178 holes, including approximately 160 development core-holes designed to expand the Relief Canyon deposit in all directions and at depth, seven large diameter core holes for metallurgical tests of all mineral zones, and 11 exploration holes to test for satellite deposits in the northern and southern part of the district.

Pershing Gold is in the process of incorporating the results of the 2015 drilling into a new report which is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2016.

Drilling results show the ore deposit is 99 percent oxide material and metallurgical studies performed by McClelland Laboratories Inc. of Sparks, show that 78 to 91 percent recovery rates can be expected.

This leaches very, very well. We dont have any problems getting the gold out of the ore, said Perkins.

PROCESS FACILITIES

The existing leach pad is currently permitted to leach 21 million tons of ore over 72 acres. Right now only about a quarter of that, or 18 acres, is actually physically built, said Struhsacker.

Thanks to First Gold, the Relief Canyon Mine has a state-of-the-art adsorption desorption recovery processing facility. It has a capacity of 3,000 gpm and is located within the property to easily accept ore from the existing open pits as well as the satellite targets currently being explored.

Perkins explains, Its not like a normal situation where you make a discovery and then you have to wait years to develop it and see if you have enough of a discovery there to build a processing facility. As we are exploring this 25,000-acre land package, we have excess capacity at the processing facility on site to process ores from any satellite discoveries that we make.

Struhsacker said, The processing facility is ready to operate as it is right now but we are in the process of securing permits from NDEP to add the gold refinery system and the mercury abatement equipment.

The existing facility takes the process to the loaded carbon stage where gold is precipitated from the leach solution onto the activated carbon. The next steps would be to liberate the gold from that carbon and pour dore bullion.

If we wanted to, we could take that loaded carbon and make an arrangement with another mine that had a refinery for them to recover the gold. We want to have a full turn-key operation so were adding that equipment to the plant, said Struhsacker.

PLAN FOR PRODUCTION AND IMMEDIATE CASH FLOW

In September, Pershing Gold released preliminary internal economic data for Relief Canyon, however, it was not a formal preliminary economic assessment. The internal economic report was based on a September 2015 technical report prepared by Mine Development Associates of Reno, Nevada detailing the resource estimate based on drilling completed through January 2015.

A new report is currently being prepared to incorporate the results from the 2015 drilling program that was completed in December. Pershing Gold will complete a full, third party PEA for Relief Canyon Mine following completion of the new report.

Perkins explained, Before this, weve had no publicly available economics on the project. The market was clamoring for economics that could be .used to model the company and get a sense of whether or not this was going to be a profitable project. We did not do a full PEA in December because we knew we were going to have a new [report] coming out in 90 days or so.

A highlight of the current economics is that only $11 million in initial capital expense is needed to start the project.

In addition, the cash cost is as low as $695 and the all-in sustaining cost is somewhere in the range of $745.

The difference between cash and all-in sustaining costs is so small because we have such low capex Perkins explained Additionally, we anticipate these economics to get even better if we increase the resource estimate in the second quarter.

PERMITTING

The third task to be completed before a production decision can be made is to update the permits required to operate the mine.

Weve got all the permits we need to open the mine and run the process facility and have submitted permit modifications to both BLM and NDEP to expand the mining operation and add a refinery to the processing plant. Baseline studies and habitat maps show there is no habitat for the greater sage-grouse located within the mine area, which greatly simplifies our permitting process said Struhsacker.

Modifications to the federal plan of operations and the state reclamation and air quality permits are being evaluated by the BLM and NDEP. The current water pollution control permit is being renewed for an additional five-year term and includes a few modifications.

We hire top notch consultants in the mining industry to help us with our permitting, Struhsacker said. We are working with Enviroscientists on developing the environmental assessment for BLM and weve retained Schlumberger Water Services, one of the best known hydrology consulting firms in the country, to develop the hydro-geologic baseline study, conduct pump tests, and to help prepare some of the technical applications. We are also working with Knight-Piesold, which is an extremely well-known mining engineering and geotechnical firm, to prepare our water pollution control permit renewal application. So we have surrounded ourselves with state of the art expertise and it shows she added.

A decision is expected in the second quarter of 2016 for the plan of operations and reclamation permit modifications.

Referring to a new area slated for exploration that is peripheral to the existing pit, Struhsacker said, Its very prospective ground because the deposit is basically open in all directions.
Among the challenges to succeed in the mining industry is the ability to provide efficient pit-to-port infrastructure performance, which essentially means ensuring that minerals move seamlessly from the point of extraction to the facilities that can then move them to international market destinations.

To provide such efficiencies, avoid human error and facilitate automated mining functions, producers are increasingly turning to fiber optic cable suppliers for end-to-end communications and control solutions. Many such solutions include ruggedized cable and connectors that ensure survival of fiber-based DCS/PLC automation/control architectures for various types of mining operations, even in the harshest environments.

Integrating the solution

As industrial Ethernet and fiber optic cable emerges as the medium of choice in many industrial arenas, communication and control integration using the most appropriate products for a specific application is increasingly important.

This whole pit-to-port performance concept is focused on control and process automation, said Boyd McDonald, Founder and Managing Director at Datalek Systems & Electrical, Rockhampton Area, Australia. It also means bringing reliability to networks and providing the needed bandwidth. An appropriate plug & play solution is also important because it takes human error out of the equation.

Datalek Systems & Electrical, is responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of numerous fiber optic communications systems including those that involve automation, security, and access control systems for open-pit and underground mining operations.

Surviving in the Outback

McDonald said that among the more challenging factors that frequently occur at Australian mining sites, particularly in areas of the Outback, are extreme surface temperatures and severe dust conditions.

In the Outback the radiated temperature, or surface temperature, can range from below zero (C) to 60 degrees or even higher, McDonald said. Those temperature extremes plus a lot of dust can be detrimental to the service life of typical distribution cable and connectors.

As an example, McDonald cites a recent installation in the Queensland area where the cable and connectors that were initially installed were underperforming and soon required replacement.

We certainly wanted to provide a durable plug & play solution because it made sense in terms of how to best manage the operations, and communications over fiber was a major part of that, McDonald explains. So, we went to OCC (Optical Cable Corporation  www.occfiber.com) and described the requirements. They came up with a custom, ruggedized distribution cable with rodent-proof jacketing to handle the harsh weather conditions and the possibility of vermin attacking the cable. For a connector OCC provided its new MHC-III, a compact, high-density fiber optic connector that delivers high-speed, high-bandwidth communications  a more fit-to-purpose, enhanced connection.

Integrating the DIN rail enclosure

As fiber optic cable emerges as the medium of choice in many industrial arenas, the DIN rail enclosure plays an increasingly important role. Mounted to a standard DIN rail  the metal rail used to mount various electrical components (e.g., terminal blocks, motor starters, circuit breakers) in a control cabinet - a DIN rail enclosure provides a central location where external and internal wiring can be connected quickly and efficiently.

This type of enclosure is ideal for the production applications, the industrial automation side of businesses, says Stephen Porach, PE, RCDD, Manager of Business Development, Enterprise Solutions at Optical Cable Corporation (OCC), Roanoke VA. Today the mining industry is turning from highly proprietary communications systems to the more enterprise-wide prevalent Ethernet communications protocol via fiber optical cable. The appropriate DIN rail enclosure provides an optimal connection for fiber cable that can be terminated in a fixed position.

Porach explains that the Ethernet protocol allows products from various manufacturers to talk to one another, making the system less proprietary and costly. Also, fiber cable wont cause an electrical spark, another advantage that makes it ideal for many mining applications.

Porach adds that OCC has developed a new, ruggedized line of DIN rail enclosures to provide highly secure terminations within a wide variety of industrial applications even in the most adverse environmental conditions. Available for both fiber optic and copper applications, this type of enclosure is easy to install and provides simple patching for the connection of all automation components in a patch field for the industrial automation environment.

Customers can also order this enclosure as a complete assembly including connectors and fiber optic cables that are calibrated and pre-terminated at the factory. These assemblies are built according specifications that will meet the various environmental of an application  whether noise from electric motors, highly flammable conditions or extreme temperatures.

End-to-end reliability needed

With or without a DIN rail enclosure termination, fiber optic cable systems for the mining industry often include ruggedized or even military-grade cable and connectors.

This type of cable is designed specifically for extreme environmental conditions- temperature, humidity, ice, fungus, and fluid immersion. The cable contains MIL [military grade] type of fiber, which is double-jacketed and also covered with a bronze braid plus another on top. This top jacket may be a flame-retardant or a low-smoke, zero halogen jacket. This type of cable is designed to provide extra protection where heavy objects may be dropped on cables, or there is danger of the cable becoming sliced or nicked by sharp surfaces.

For applications where sensing and communications capabilities are critical, mining operations are increasingly deploying ruggedized fiber optic cable and DIN rail enclosures to interface with communications devices.

In addition to having fiber optic cable with appropriate protection, mine operators need to have cable connectors and adapters that can withstand temperature extremes and many types of stresses, enabling systems to run and data to flow regardless of the harshness of the environment.

Military-grade connectors and adapters may be required for some applications. These products feature non-optical disconnect, nickel-plated brass or stainless steel configurations that can withstand extreme temperature change, shock, vibration and corrosion.

Selecting the right fiber cable and connectors often requires a consultative process between customer and supplier, explains McDonald. In some cases that may require providing the customer with a prototype or sample for testing processes. But whatever the solution, it is vital to ensure that it is end-to-end.

For information contact: Optical Cable Corporation, 5290 Concourse Drive, Roanoke, Virginia, 24019; Phone: (800) 622-7711, Canada (800) 443-5262; FAX: 540-265-0724; Email: info@occfiber.com; Visit the web site www.occfiber.com.
ELKO  After a day and a half of testimony and a request by the defense to bind over Eduardo Estrada-Puentes, 34, on a charge of second-degree murder, he was bound over to district court Friday by Judge Mason Simons on the original charge of open murder, for allegedly strangling his estranged wife Stephanie Gonzalez.

Simons stated, because of testimony and evidence, the court has found slight or marginal evidence that Estrada-Puentes committed open murder, including first-degree murder and all lesser offenses.

Obviously Mr. Estrada has been charged with open murder  first degree murder and the lesser included offenses  as Im sure the court is well aware, even at the preliminary hearing stage theres certain things that the state has to show, at least by slight or marginal evidence, in terms of binding Mr. Estrada over on a theory of first-degree murder, said defense attorney Sherburne Macfarlan.

He said there are three specific elements to determining first-degree murder. The State must show the murder was willful, premeditated and deliberate.

What Im suggesting to this court is the State has not shown premeditation or deliberation, said Macfarlan.

He referred to the statements of those around the pair  particularly around June 24, 2011  did not see animosity regarding the relationship. Estrada-Puentes even suggested they go look for a trailer for Gonzalez.

We have absolutely no statements made by Mr. Estrada, prior to June 25, 2011, which would indicate that he had any thoughts ... as to wanting to harm Stephanie Estrada, much less kill Stephanie Estrada, Macfarlan said.

The evidence shows, according to the defense, something occurred that morning ultimately leading to the death of Gonzalez. Therefore, he asked the court to not bind over Estrada on a theory of first-degree murder, but on a theory of second-degree murder.

Premeditation is not something that must occur days or even weeks in advance, it could be just seconds or minutes before, and that statement where Kiawna recounts hearing her father say Youre dead, thats enough, the State would suggest, that he has developed that premeditation and carries that out by strangling Stephanie, said Chad Thompson, for the prosecution.

He said premeditation is also shown by the four minutes that must pass for strangulation to occur.

Basically hes committed to something that really takes a significant amount of time, said Thompson.

Concluding Testimonies

Before the State rested, testimony from the Washoe County Crime Lab, where Gonzalezs autopsy was conducted, indicated she was killed by strangulation.

The prosecution, through a video conference with the lab, spoke to Dr. Piotr Kubiczek who said his findings during Gonzalezs autopsy supported the diagnosis and mechanism of strangulation. He came to this conclusion because of the presence of abrasions and small areas of bleeding on the surface of the skin, known as petechiae.

Both of Gonzalezs cheeks showed signs of this.

David Buchler, deputy district attorney, asked with every injury named if they were recent or remote to the death. All were declared recent. Kubiczek later explained, when asked by the defense team, remote injuries would indicate evidence of healing.

Kubiczek also said, in support of his diagnosis, there was evidence of congestion of sclera, the white of the eye, and conjunctiva in both eyes. He also pointed out a hemorrhage, within the sclera, on the lower edge of the left eye.

There was also was an abrasion on Gonzalezs left shoulder, and contusions or bruising on the back of her scalp, the occipital scalp, and the left arm and elbow, which were attributed to a blunt force object, he said.

When I dissected the neck organs I found an area of hemorrhage, or bleeding, between the soft tissues of the neck on the left side, then there was bleeding within the left aspect of the larynx. I also found a subarachnoid hemorrhage on the left side of the brain said Kubiczek, explaining important, internal evidence discovered.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissue covering it, and in many cases this is the result of blunt force trauma and would relate to the bruising on the scalp.

The forensic pathologist also described the physiological process of strangulation. He said the force required to close off the jugular veins is about 4.4 pounds. Blood would still be pumping into the head through the carotid arteries causing increased blood pressure in the head and skin rupturing small vessels.

Blood and oxygen is no longer supplied to the brain with the pressure of about 11 pounds and the brain dies within approximately four minutes, he told the court.

Consciousness is lost within 10 to 15 seconds.

Additionally, the lead detective on the case in 2011, who found Gonzalezs body while executing a search warrant with other members of the city police in the trailer on Garcia Lane, testified.

Det. Kevin Blue said there was no sign anything had been taken and nothing appeared abnormal about the residence.

The team was about ready to finish its search when Blue  attributing it to a feeling  needed to move the objects that turned out to be hiding Gonzalezs body. The room had previously been searched.

Gonzalez was found on her left side between the wall and the bed in the childrens bedroom.

Blue said, upon finding the body, she was cold to the touch, there wasnt a pulse and her body was stiff, or in rigor.

His theory was the incident happened next to the childrens bathroom. This was based on the location of her personal effects.

In the course of searching for Gonzalez, officers encountered Michelle Quintero  Gonzalezs cousin and the first to testify Friday  and her husband in the Garcia Lane trailer trying desperately to find Gonzalez.

They succeeded in finding her purse, cellphone and other belongings. The couple was alerted to Gonzalezs disappearance while at the Wild Horse Reservoir with the family.

History

According to Free Press files, the amended criminal complaint on a charge of open murder was filed Sept. 27, 2011, and can include first-degree murder and all lesser included offenses.

According to NRS, sentencing for first-degree murder can include life without parole; life with a 20-year minimum for parole; or 50 years with a minimum of 20 years for parole.

Soon after the killing, Estrada-Puentes fled to Mexico.

With the help of the FBI and Mexican federal authorities, he was located and arrested in the State of Jalisco. Estrada-Puentes spent last year in custody in Mexico City, where he underwent extradition hearings.
ELKO  Gypsie Souls has been a well-established tattoo business in Salt Lake City for many years. They had so many people traveling from Elko on a regular basis that they decided to open a branch here.

We opened in November 2015, said owner and artist Brandon Mugleston. Our clients kept traveling to Salt Lake for appointments. Its easier to meet them here and we are supporting the local economy.

The tattoo artists at Gypsie Souls specialize in high quality tats. The designers get ideas from the client and then they embellish upon those with the final project in mind.

Artists are more educated these days, explained Mugleston. Equipment and ink has changed a lot. Japanese body art is popular because you can add in more shading. We push the edge.

The shop books appointments primarily off a schedule on their Facebook page. People can also get ideas of what is trending on the page. They make telephone bookings at 775-385-7043 and walk-ins are always welcome when they are in town.

Mugleston and his team drive down when they have a full list of clients. They complete all of their work and then return to the main studio.

I started going to the shop in Salt Lake City in 2014, said Vern Shipton, a 71-year-old retired crane operator. I was happy to find Brandon. The first tattoo I had in my life was on my whole chest.

Vern is a guy who is really going for it with tattoos, Mugleston said.

I like the presentation of my body, Shipton, who is also a workout enthusiast, said.

Gypsie Souls is located at 500 Fifth St. in Elko.
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
Mother Greta: Now they have their seats, and who must think of the people? (video)

On the occasion of the 57th anniversary of Sparapet Vazgen Sargsyan today his house has been full of people. A number of political and military figures visited the parents of the commander to congratulate them on the birthday of their son. Mother Greta with tears in her eyes regrets to say that they still dont live in the country her son dreamt of. In reply to the question whether Vazgen Sargsyan would be pleased with the current situation of the people, Sparapets mother replied, Of course, he wouldnt. If he was alive, the condition of people wouldnt be like this, it would be better. He had that ability and power. In 1999 it was already evident what he would do. The condition of our people is very bad. Our state, Government must think of the people, and not only of themselves. They must improve the condition of the people. It cannot continue in this way. Vazgen Sargsyan was among few people, who were behind the creation of the Armenian Army. So many people were killed for the sake of this country so that it would be fair and free so that there would be freedom of speech. Everything was done, everything must have been perfect, but October 27 and March 1 were organized. Now they have their seats, and who must think of the people? she noted. Before that in the morning Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, President of the Yerkrapah Volunteers Union, General Manvel Grigoryan and other military officials visited Mother Greta.
Having a lot of malls doesnt give anything to our countrys GDP (video)

Armenian National Congress (HAK) faction member, economist Hrant Bagratyan today attended the opening ceremony of Rossia Mall. In the interview with A1+ without underestimating the opening and prospects of this new building, he noted, Having a lot of malls doesnt give anything to our countrys GDP; very often small business is replaced with big one. Of course it doesnt mean that we shouldnt have malls. Touching upon the fact of hacker attack on our bank system, Mr Bagratyan noted, The stability of our bank system is our poverty; if we are poor, it is stable, if we want to become rich, it will display elements of instability. You know that I hate our bank management system, so you could refrain from asking that question; the answer is clear. He is also against the union of banks, By uniting the banks we enlarge the bank risk. It is a wrong policy. While speaking about the draft Electoral Code, Hrant Bagratyan highlighted that he hasnt read the final text, We havent been given; we have been given explanations, according to which, though, the Constitution tells about the proportional electoral system, we have extension of majoritarian voting system, it means that if in the past 40 out of 131 lawmakers were majoritarian, at present- about the half. To the remark that the draft Electoral Code was first published in English on the website of Venice Commission and only after that the RA political forces were informed about it, Hrant Bagratyan replied sharply, I hate Venice Commission, international financial institutions, the EAEU etc. All those are institutions, which are proud of pleasure that something bad happens in the RA. One of the problems with the draft Electoral Code is the voters lists, Nothing will be corrected here; there are more than 700 thousand passports, which owners will not participate in voting. I am deeply disappointed. I feel disappointed, when the CC President praises it, as his relatives will be given positions- one brother- deputy minister, his nephew- deputy minister, his sister deputy minister. I feel disappointed when people like Khosrov Harutyunyan praise this Constitution. We have put our and your life at serious risk. Living in such a fake atmosphere, seeing no progress in the country- one day it will be interrupted, will be interrupted with the loss of state.
Source: VNA

The agreement was inked with its United Kingdom partner on March 2

As the company contracted with Ores&Minerals UK Ltd, the export deal is worth USD1.2 billion and all shipments will be insured by Xuan Thanh Insurance Joint Stock Corporation.

Xuan Thanh Cement General Director Nguyen Xuan Thuy told Dau tu (Vietnam Investment Review) that his firm currently exports cement to Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Bangladesh and Chile.

The firm has rapidly enhanced production capacity at its facilities in northern Ha Nam province and central Quang Nam province, and will do the same in southern Binh Phuoc province in the future.

The Xuan Thanh Group, which runs both cement and insurance companies, is preparing procedures to invest in the Kaito Ha Tien cement factory in Binh Phuoc's Hon Quang district, about 90km away from Ho Chi Minh City.

The group plans to pour more than VND12 trillion (USD533.3 million) into Kaito Ha Tien, which was formerly named Minh Tam with an investment capital of roughly VND4 trillion.

The Mien Dong Joint Stock Company, a construction firm listed on the HCM City Stock Exchange began construction of Minh Tam, in late 2011, and was expected to roll out its first product in late 2013.

However, Mien Dong suffered business losses and failed to assure progress of the project. It then transferred the plant to the ThaiGroup.

In a broader context, the Ministry of Construction reported that cement businesses in Vietnam sold 9.4 million tonnes of cement in the first two months of this year, an increase of 6 percent over the same period last year.

In February alone, the cement export volume rose by 7 percent month-on-month at 0.75 million tonnes, compensating for a fall in domestic sales.

The quantity of cement sold domestically in February reached 2.27 million tonnes, less than half of January's volume, as a result of a lengthening Lunar New Year holiday.

Industry insiders said cement consumption is expected to improve in the coming months following rallies in the real estate market, and this will support the sector's goal of selling 75 million tonnes to 77 million tonnes of cement this year./.
Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan speaks at the 2nd ASEAN Women Entrepreneurs Forum. (Photo: VNA)

The two-day event is organised by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The forum involves discussions on the potential of female entrepreneurs as well as their pressures and solutions to support them and foster their contribution to the socio-economic development of their home country and ASEAN as a whole. It will also share initiatives and experience in improving womens economic power.

In her opening remarks, Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan hailed the significance of the forum for the development of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Women entrepreneurs within the region should work together to enhance competitiveness and business links in order to take full advantages of regional integration, she added.

Doan also stressed the need for businesswomen to offer practical advice to governments of ASEAN nations in policy-making.

For his part, ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh said female business players should be more active in tackling challenges and applying advanced technology. They also need to take part in more environment protection activities, he noted./.
THE CENTRAL ORGAN OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM The Voice of the party, State and Vietnamese people on the internet

Notify:

The requested content was not found or the content is invalid!


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
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has passed the text of a memorandum of cooperation to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NAB), and Kyiv is currently analyzing it, NAB Director Artem Sytnyk has said.

"As concerns cooperation with the U.S., we have communicated with FBI officials who have handed us the text of a memorandum of cooperation. We are analyzing the document. We already have their representative, his workstation, and the necessary equipment here to convert criminal cases into an electronic format. That is, the agreements reached in the U.S. have started being implemented," Sytnyk said in an interview published in the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia. Ukraine weekly publication.

Asked whether U.S. financial intelligence agencies are sharing relevant information with the NAB, Sytnyk said, "In any case, we are talking about cooperation with the FBI. If we ask them about something, they might engage financial intelligence as well."